Otis wrote:

Ah - a question that's right in my wheelhouse. I agree generally about Willie Mae's. But I've only tried the old place - pre-Katrina. I haven't been to the re-opened place. I've heard mixed reviews. But the saving of Willie Mae's is quite a story. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uVUNpkvAiA Some restaurants just aren't the same, post-Katrina. Prime example - pre-Katrina, Mother's was the best casual, "local flavor" place to eat. It was always packed - locals and tourists alike - and the food was great. http://www.mothersrestaurant.net/ But click on the Zagat's link, in that link - some people are saying bad things about it nowadays. Like, "mice and rats." That's really a shame. Personally, the place was so good that I still might take a risk at least to try the breakfast. If the reviews are accurate, however, it would be a shame, since the seafood platter at Mother's was one of the best plates of food in New Orleans. Also, pre-Katrina, everyone loved Uglesiche's. My understanding is that it was wiped out, but has since (very recently) re-opened. It's such a legend in N.O., you might seek it out and see if the new place is any good - the old place was spectacular. It was only open for lunch (until 4 pm) because the neighborhood is so scary. http://www.uglesichs.com/index.html Anyway, here's a good link by someone who has apparently ventured about, post-Katrina, and tried some of the local fare. Note the write-up on Domilise's (a great place), and the pictures of Zapp's and Nectar Soda - must-haves with your Po Boy Sammich. I'm not so sure I'd want to try the Coon Meat, however. http://offthebroiler.wordpress.com/2007/09/ I enjoy holes-in-the-wall as much as anyone. Upscale, however, you can NEVER go wrong with Commander's Palace. They require a jacket (and if I recall correctly, a tie), which is a PITA. But the food is worth it, and you can take the cable car to the garden district. The best bread pudding on the planet. www.commanderspalace.com In facct, you generally can't go wrong with any of the Brennan-owned restaurants. Even post-Katrina, the Brennans still control the town. Ralph Brennan's restaurants usually are can't miss affairs; I've eaten at Red Fish and Mr. B's, and both are great. http://www.frenchquarter.com/dining/brennans.php The Acme Oyster House is good. http://www.acmeoyster.com/ I also like Mandina's. http://www.mandinasrestaurant.com/ Finally, no trip to N.O. would be complete without a late-night stop for beignets and coffee at the legendary Cafe DuMonde. http://www.cafedumonde.com/ It's a bit touristy, but hey - you're a tourist. The locals go to Morning Call Coffee Stand, but it's in Metarie. http://www.morningcallcoffeestand.com/ I don't know where you're staying - touristy, or not, I'd go at least once to Cafe DuMonde.

He said casual but I certainly agree about Commander's Palace and the Brennan shops. I might add a late night drink at the Napolean House.
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