The Short List.

New Orleans is a foodie paradise.  Oh, yes.  There are so many restaurants to choose from... we could dine out - once a week - for ten years - and never go to the same eatery twice.  So the husby and I threw together an impromptu "we-must-eat-there" list.  Some of the places on this list are instantly recognizable (not just because they are famous, but because the chef is well-known) and some others are relatively obscure.  No matter where we go, I'll be sure to write up a review (similar to my most recent post about Antoine's) and let you know all the dirty details.  :0))

So, here are some of the places we're eager to eat at (in no particular order):

^^  Galatoire's

(Photo courtesy of the Galatoire's website)

Galatoire's Restaurant

209 Bourbon Street

New Orleans  70130

(504) 525-2021
Located in the French Quarter

Yet another "Grand Dame" still in business here in NOLA.  The restaurant was first established right at the turn of the century - the nineteenth century, that is (1905).  Galatoire's is mentioned in the 1952 film of adaptation of Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire".  Apparently, Williams was quite a regular there, hence why he wrote about it.  During lunch, the restaurant is pretty relaxed about attire (no shorts, tee-shirts, or flip-flops) but during the evening, it's more formal.  Coat and tie are required for men, fussy dressy outfits for the women (which is why I want to come here for lunch - it's getting too hot to be trussed-up).  

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^^  The Bier Garden at SoBou

(Photo courtesy of the SoBou website)

^^  The Apothecary at SoBou

(Photo courtesy of the SoBou website)

SoBou

310 Rue Chartres

New Orleans  70130

(504) 522-4095
Located in the French Quarter

SoBou is a newcomer to the French Quarter.  The restaurant is owned by the Brennan family who are, essentially, restaurant Gods here in New Orleans.  One of their most famous restaurants, Commander's Palace, attracts foodies and celebrities alike.  The Brennans place a large emphesis on quality food, excellent service, atmosphere, and they are known for recruiting such famous chefs as Emeril Lagasse, Jamie Shannon (who is now deceased), and Paul Prudhomme.  The name of the restaurant is quite simple... it stands for South of Bourbon.  I cannot wait to try this one out.  

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^^  Piles of fresh seafood at John Besh's Luke

(Photo courtesy of the Luke website)

^^  Pate of Louisiana rabbit
(Photo courtesy of the Luke website)

Luke
333 St. Charles Avenue
New Orleans  70130
(504) 378-2840
Located in the Garden District

John Besh is known locally for his many restaurants.  He even has a steak house in the Harrah's Casino on Canal Street (the menu there also looks mouth-watering).  The food at Luke looks deliciously French and I must admit, it would be VERY hard for me to pick just ONE appetizer, ONE entree, and ONE dessert.  I'll have to really molest the menu before I even get ready to eat there.  That way, I can make up my mind beforehand and not frustrate the waiter.  :0))

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Royal House

441 Royal Street

New Orleans  70130

(504) 528-2601

Located in the French Quarter

Apologies for not having any pictures to post (they didn't have much on their website) - but this restaurant is really near the top of my list.  Every year, at French Quarter Fest, they char grill oysters in their shells.  Oh.  My.  Gawds.  So fucking good!!  They throw in some butter, black pepper, and parmesan cheese and then grill them in their own shells.  Royal House also gives a 10% discount to all locals AND will usually have coupons for a free appetizer (with the purchase of an entree).  I'm really looking forward to trying the actual brick-and-mortar restaurant instead of eating off of a food truck!!  

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^^  Arnaud's 

(Photo courtesy of Arnaud's website)

Arnaud's Restaurant

813 Rue Bienville

New Orleans  70112

(504) 524-5433

Located in the French Quarter

Arnaud's is also a French Quarter institution.  Founded in 1918, the restaurant has a reputation of being haunted by a man in a turn-of-the-century tuxedo.  The building has been around since the 1700's, and it was an opium den before it became an eatery.  There are a variety of menus - from an a la carte to a prix fixe menu with three courses for $40.oo per person (not including libations, of course!!).  They also offer a Sunday Jazz Brunch.  Personally, I'd probably never make it to the Jazz Brunch... only because I'm really not an early riser (although I'm trying to change that).  I'd love to come and eat here on Halloween or All Saints Day.  I imagine it would be a very interesting dinner!!

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With the exception of the Royal House, the rest of these restaurants are not exactly child-friendly.  For instance, John Besh offers a mixed seafood platter (lobster, mussels, shrimp) that will set you back $125.oo.  As with many fine-dining restaurants here in New Orleans, there are NO children's menus, high chairs, or booster seats.  Dinner (depending on the courses) can take upwards of 2.5 hours - so plan accordingly.  

I cannot wait to try all these restaurants!!  Stay tuned, because I will be writing about them all.  :0))  

Happy Eating!!!

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