Emeril's

CitcnLori wrote:
>
> I'm hearing some disturbing comments lately that Emeril's is falling
> downhill.  Heard that the service is extremely poor and the food not quite
> what it used to be... haven't been to NOLA in a while... anyone have the
> pleasure recently who would like to comment?
>
> Lori

Haven't been to Emeril's but was disappointed in NOLA's in March.  Went to Bayonna's (sp?) the same week and it was awesome.  Also enjoyed the oysters at the Acme Oyster Bar.

Joyce>
> Richard: "Oh God, I hate Mondays.
> Caroline:  "Its Tuesday Richard."
> Richard:  "I know, I'm still trying to get over yesterday."
> "Caroline in the City"
>
> -------------------------------------------------
>
> "These seconds when I'm shaking leave me shuddering for days."
> Anna Begins -- A.D.

Mike wrote:
>
> Anyone been to Emeril's in New Orleans?  Ill be going in July, and I
> wanted to hear your thoughts

This guy is smoke and mirrors.  If you want to play like you are the lead character in the story of the Emperor's New Clothes, go for it! Most people i know in NO (they KNOW food) also think the place is a joke.  High prices for mediocre food---oh, yeah, the presentation is great, guess that's what it is...  this is one of the only places I've ever eaten where I had to send the food back it was so bad!  And they were very snotty about it...and it was my birthday!   Worst dining experience I've ever had.

Later (3-4 years) I wanted to give him a second chance, so my son (a good judge of food) went to Emeril's new place, NOLA.  We both agreed it was mediocre at best and not worth waiting for.  But, hey, tourists flock to the place.

for much better NO food at much better prices go to Uglesich's in the 1200 block of Barrone.  That's where Aaron Neville eats, and all the other native notables.  Anthony Uglesich runs one of the best kept secrets in town (secret as far as tourists are concerned).  He is only open from 10-4 M-F (the neighborhood is rough), but well worth scheduling around.  You will want to have lunch there every day!  Best raw oysters in town, best shrimp and oyster poboys, best grilled fish and shrimp, incredible apps, incredible entrees, incredible atmosphere (real NO funk, no smoke, only one mirror!).  Everyone I've recommended this place to wants to make multiple visits during a stay. You will too.

Talk to Anthony.  He will steer you toward the good stuff.  He loves fresh garlic and lots of peppers!  Get a Barqs root beer or an Abita Amber and drop $20-30 bucks on food that will beat Emeril any day.

Anthony also recommends a place called Brigtsen's if you must have white tablecloths.  It is really good. Frank used to cook at Commmander's and K-Pauls with you-know-who...great food.  Try the boneless roasted duck with pecan sauce, or the paneed rabbit (my son loved it).  the peanut butter mousse on homemade chocolate cookies is to die for.  Nothing in this town can match it, including Jeffery's or the Four Seasons. Nothing.  (Same goes for Uglesich's.  Nothing.)

Here is a web site in NO with restaurant listings and mini-reviews: http://www.bestofneworleans.com/frames/cuisMain.html

And their bit on Brigtsen's:

Brigsten's
   723 Dante St.
   New Orleans, La 70118
   (504)861-7610

                                        Cuisine: Creole
                                        Area: Uptown
                                        Price Range: $$$
                                        Hours:
                                        Accepts: * Major
                                        Cards
                                        Features:
   Nestled among the charming old buildings in the
   Carrollton area, this small, upscale restaurant has
   won a plethora of awards from the national dining
   press for its outstanding presentations of South
   Louisiana specialties. Frank Brigtsen — a finalist for
   the James Beard Foundation’s best chef honor —
   produces an unforgettable roster of favorites from
   his tiny kitchen in this tastefully restored Creole
   cottage. Butternut shrimp bisque is a recommended
   starter. Brigtsen also draws raves for crisply roasted
   duck served with cornbread dressing and pecan
   gravy. Be sure not to miss the gratin of oysters with
   spinach, Italian sausage and Romano cheese. For
   dessert, try cafe au lait creme brulee, a combination
   of quintessential New Orleans flavors. Brigtsen’s
   offers an early-bird prix fixe menu for diners who
   arrive before 6:30 p.m.

For the local favorite poboy, try Domalisse's (sp?) on Annunciation Street, up past Tipatina's.  They are famous for the shrimp poboy and roast beef.  NO tourists here!  Hard to find, but that web site can show you a map.

Another famous poboy (roast beef) is Parasol, in the Garden District (Irish Channel actually) more or less, but I can't remember the address.  Weird hours, call first. I think there is a listing on that web site.

Bayona also sucks.  Way overrated.

For NO Italian, go to Moscas on the Westbank.  It is 20 minutes from downtown, but a real experience.  Make a reservation (make one at Brigtsens also, 2 weeks in advance if you can!)  Go with 4-6 friends and order family style (it all comes that way anyway). Not cheap, not great, but it will stick with you.  Last time I was there I ran into Anthony Uglesich!  He said, "you really know the best places to eat!"  Indeed.

One I've heard raves about, but not gone to is Jacques-A-Mo (SP) uptown, I think.  (Might be Jok-A-Mo, hell I don't know).  They are on that web site.  A musician (successful) recommended it so it must be good!  Near the Maple Leaf bar.  Many good comments.

There are tons of better places than Emerils.  Eat two good meals at Uglesich's for the price of a bad one at Emerils.  Really.

Have fun.

And don't forget Mother's for great roast beef and ham poboys, shrimp poboys etc.  A Classic, but lots of tourists---good anyway!

mq