Update on New Orleans Restaurants

The New York Times ran a story recently, Pralines, Seasoned With Tears, on the impact of New Orleans on southern cooking. It included an update on a number of well known New Orleans restaurants, many of them have been my picks in several posts, Goin’ to New Orleans Part 1: My Restaurant Picks, and Part 2: Restaurant Picks from Harmony St. Charles. It is nice to see the restart of New Orleans cooking.

Reopened

Herbstaint referred to itself as “modern New Orleans,” with dishes like Shrimp and Green Chile Grits Cakes with Tasso Cream Sauce and Herbsaint, Tomato and Shrimp Bisque or Gumbo of the day. I have been there several times and always found it great. It is located at 701 St. Charles in the warehouse district. (504-524-4114).

Upperline was written up in the New York Times, not that Yankees know much about New Orleans cooking, and I am interested in trying it. Like Herbstaint, it is newer Creole. One of the signature dishes is fried green tomatoes. They must do it a new way.

Casamentos’ will reopen Nov. 15. It is near Tipitina’s and has great po-boys. It is located at 4300 Magazine St. (504) 895-9761

Also, Curvee and Lilette have opened. I have not been to them.

Pledges to reopen

Commander’s Place is in the Garden District and this is where we took out-of-towners for upscale in the 1950s. It is classic New Orleans Creole and the flagship of some of the Brennan family. They have pledged to reopen all their places. They have already reopened some but Commander’s need some repair. When they do open, it is better to go for lunch, its cheaper and you can see the neighborhood better. It is located at 1403 Washington St. (504) 899-8221.

Brigsten’s – I went here the last time I was in New Orleans (March 05) and it was reasonably good but I was not blown away. But kudos to them for pledging to reopen.

Galatorie’s is old style Creole and has been around forever (1905). It used to be my favorite old style place but I was disappointed alst time. Standards include: broiled pompano, trout amandine and French bread so light you have to keep it from floating off the basket. It is located at 209 Bourbon Street (504) 525-2021 – Jackets are required for dinner and all day Sunday. They are opening a Branch in Baton Rouge first, much to the distain of my NOLA chefs but it they have fallen a bit, perhaps Baton Rouge is a better place for them. They are also not keeping up their web site at the moment.

Comments

[Harmony St. Charles]

I recently learned that sadly Mr.Casamento passed away. (Just as H. Katrina hit or right after.) :(

I could really go for an oyster-loaf right now....even if it's not season yet.