Reply #2: Brigtsen's

[Amelie]

Yummmmmm.

http://www.brigtsens.com/

It's out of the French Quarter, so you'll probably have to catch a taxi, but that's my favorite place to eat in the city. When the chef (Frank Brigtsen) first started the place, he would go to the French Market, buy the best and freshest stuff, and hand-write his menu for the night. He still changes his menu daily.

Often overlooked, but I've always been happy there, is The Upperline (also out of the Quarter). The owner will often make the rounds and chat with diners. We went to August recently (a John Besh place), and enjoyed. Emeril's is pretty good. There's plenty of fine dining around, but I usually avoid the old places like Court of Two Sisters, Brennans, Galatois, etc.

For more casual dining, there's Mandina's or Liuzza's (get a draft beer at Liuzza's). IMO, the best shrimp poboy is at a total dive called The Please-U Restaurant. Not many people know about it, and the more traditional answer for where to get a poboy would be Domillise's because it's got a real New Orleans experience; but Please-U is my favorite based on the sandwich. They use the right kind of bread. Go to Domillise's if you want to see the flavor of New Orleans.

For soul food, go to Mother's or Dookie Chase.

If you have time to wait in line, or if you can make it during the week when the crowds aren't too bad, or if you don't mind waiting a couple of hours, Jaques-Imo's is a hip and funky New Orleans place. http://www.jacquesimoscafe.com/ The chef has always been there the times I've gone. If you schmooze him a little, he'll do a shot with you. Excellent chow.

Run by Snug Harbor and Preservation Hall for a drink and some tunes. I'd probably check out Napoleon House and have a Pimm's Cup (it's supposedly where Napoleon was supposed to live after the local loyalists skirted him off of Elba). Go to Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop (oldest building in the city; legend has it Jean Lafitte really had his blacksmith business there) for a drink. Go to Pat O'Brien's just to say you did.

It'll be hot, but ride the streetcar. Walk down Royal Street. Of course, go down Bourbon. Whatever you do, please stay out of Harrah's Casino.

Have fun. Anything is legal in New Orleans, except mouthing off to cops. We're the only city that never closes (even NYC has last call), so watch the sun come up in a bar with windows. I recommend The Avenue Pub. Be sure you ask for go cups at all the bars, so you can walk around with a drink in your hand.

If you want an expert's advice, there's a guy named Tom Fitzmorris who is on the radio every day for three hours talking about nothing but food and restaurants. You can get his number from his website: http://www.nomenu.com/ and call him when ever he's on air, or just shoot him an email.

Oh, and if you want to do something besides eating and drinking, read through this: http://www.inetours.com/New_Orleans/French_Quarter_History.html

And if you have the chance, drive around town and see how we're doing. Go to the Lower Ninth Ward. Check out Lakeview. See what's happening in Broadmoor.

Sorry I got carried away. It's just that there are so many choices. I love this town so much, and it has so much to offer. New Orleans really is a gem.