NOLA folks - a dining question

[merekc]

No flames please, budget friends.

We are going to NOLA and were thinking of eating at Delmonico. My husband really enjoyed the one in Vegas, but said his bill (work paid) for two people was $250.

He couldn't remember the basics, does anyone know what is reasonable to expect to spend per person here? We can obviously, cut out the drinking.

$125 per person is not OK with me!

Do you have a different recommendation for a GREAT meal for maybe half that per person?

We do have reservations at K-Pauls.

Any other recommendation is great as well. Thanks.

 

[lurkernj]

DH and I were in NOLA right before Katrina hit. I had the best fish IN MY LIFE at the Red Fish Grill. It was one of those meals that I will remember always. Incidentally, the fish I ate was the special...the grilled red fish. It had a sauce on it that was to die for.

It was not a fancy restaurant, so I know it wasn't very expensive and reservations weren't necessary.

And of course you have to go to Cafe du Monde for some of their chickory coffee and beignets.

There are tons of restaurants there, so you will have lots of great choices (but only this one stands out in my mind).

 

[merekc]

I also just saw Louisiana Bistro on Trip advisor. Reviews were favorable and I was intrigued that they had a Chef's choice dinner where the chef does his own thing if you let him. This sounds right up our alley. Anyone tried this?

 

[NotUrsula]

Here you go. The dinner menu, with prices: http://www.emerils.com/restaurants/pdf-menus/emerils-delmonico-dinner.pdf

I would recommend Restaurant August http://www.restaurantaugust.com/pdf/sample_menu.pdf
or Brigsten's http://www.brigtsens.com/menu.html

For a more casual experience, the hot new place is Cochon, which is truly a Cajun restaurant, *not* Creole. http://www.cochonrestaurant.com/html/menu.html

Here is the Times-Picayune's most recent top-ten list, from a month ago: http://blog.nola.com/lagniappe/category_bretts_top_ten/

 

[sylvenmaid]

I personally love to eat at Mulate's on Julia St. It's on a corner. The food is fantastic and affordable. Most platters are $15-18 and I love the music and atmosphere.

The menu is here: http://www.mulates.com/08_menu.html

 

[seeking pixie dust]

The Gumbo Shop is great...right in Jackson Square. You can make reservations!

 

[TallyTutter]

The Gumbo Shop is great...right in Jackson Square. You can make reservations!

LOVE the Gumbo Shop!

 

[Bbbethei]

I must admit that I'm not a fan of New Orleans. I've been there twice on business and it's just not my thing. However, I have been to Delmonico in Vegas, Emeril's in New Orleans, K-Paul's, and NOLA in New Orleans. All were very good but I think my favorite was NOLA. The atmosphere was a little more casual than the rest, but the food was outstanding. I'm getting hungry just thinking about all those meals!

 

[LaLinda]

I am also a fan of the Gumbo Shop. They have the best bread pudding, it is to die for!

 

[prncess674]

If you are going during the Christmas season be sure to check out the Revellion dinners. They are a steal and are at some great New Orleans restaurants. I grew up in NOLA and it is a tradition to go the Saturday before Christmas for a family dinner.

http://neworleansonline.com/christmas/

 

[MoniqueU]

We eat at Oceana Grille everytime we go, sometimes more then once. You can also get gift certificates off restaurant.com. They have a downstairs more casual area and upstairs is more upscale. I get the shrimp scampi which is not on the menu but they always make it for me. Everyone that has ever eaten there with me loves the place. It's on Conti right off bourbon.

 

[prncess674]

We eat at Oceana Grille everytime we go, sometimes more then once. You can also get gift certificates off restaurant.com. They have a downstairs more casual area and upstairs is more upscale. I get the shrimp scampi which is not on the menu but they always make it for me. Everyone that has ever eaten there with me loves the place. It's on Conti right off bourbon.

The OP was looking for a special night out with her DH not a dive bar that people happen upon at midnight. If large plates or fried food are your thing then go for it, but Oceana doesn't say special night out in a town known for gourmet french food.