The Ruby Slipper

We had breakfast at the Ruby Slipper twice.  Both times we had to wait, but it was worth it.  They have a few tables outside and we were able to sit outside the first time.






For one breakfast, I had the special.  It had two eggs, toast and crab cakes (instead of bacon).  It wasn't offered the second time we ate there so I was glad I had it the first time.  The next time we both had the Banana's Foster French Toast with bacon.  This is more of a dessert.  We asked the waitress if it was good and she said "its really popular" so probably more of a touristy meal, but good all the same.


We never had breakfast anywhere else while we were in New Orleans.  Why bother!  Every other morning, we skipped breakfast and went right to lunch.

http://www.therubyslippercafe.net/

Muriel's - New Orleans

Muriel's is another great New Orleans restaurant.  It was our last day in New Orleans and we walked down to the Jackson Square area of the French Quarter.  We first stopped at a diner across the street and were even seated before we decided their greasy fare was not what we wanted.  We walked across the street and Muriels's was not open.  It was a little after 11 AM and they start serving lunch at 11:30.  The greeter told us we could wait in the bar, so we did and enjoyed a very nice Bloody Mary for only four dollars.

They seated us a little before 11:30 and we were served by two waiters.  The room we were in was just to the right of the entrance and decorated charming.  The windows were open and although the room was almost full when we left, the noise level was very comfortable. 

Neither of us were very hungry after a very big dinner (see Irene's Cuisine) the evening before so we decided to get salads.  We had the Seafood and Artichoke Salad, which contained jumbo lump crab, gulf shrimp, roasted redfish and artichokes, tossed with herb vinaigrette and served on romaine lettuce.  It was served cold and was delicious.  

We also had the Shrimp and Jumbo Lump Crab Salad.  Sauteed shrimp and crab were served warm over asparagus and mixed greens.  It was drizzled with a lime-mango vinaigrette.  Also outstanding!  

Our salads where in the fifteen to eighteen dollar range, so the bill was less than $40 with tip.I wish we had been hungrier because I would have liked to try some of the other dishes on their menu.  Don't hesitate to try this place.

http://www.muriels.com/index.html

Irene's Cuisine

We went to Irene's on a Monday night. We had originally intended to go to a bar down the street that was rumored to have the best jambalaya in New Orleans. We stopped in and the kitchen was closed for remodeling. 

We had passed Irene's Cuisine on the way and it looked cute, so we headed back. We were reading the menu outside when the door opened and this cute older woman waved us in without saying a word. We followed her and she led us to a table in the back of a dining room. I counted three dining rooms. We were seated in the room in the middle room. It's an old house and each dining room is about the same size holding eight to ten tables of varying sizes. The tables are very close together and it was cozy, but not cramped. It was also quite pleasant for conversation, not loud at all. There is even a piano bar in the back.

Since we were seated and what we had briefly viewed of the menu had looked good, we decided to stay. It was the best decision as it was our best meal in New Orleans and one of our top meals EVER!

When we sat, we were brought some bruschetta right away without ordering it. The wine list included a huge selection of Italian reds, which made me very happy. I don't remember which wine I ordered, but it was great. Our waitress was very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. She answered all our questions and made some great recommendations.

The food is Italian, but with a slight Creole edge, if that is possible. We started with the Calamari. It was cooked perfectly, lightly breaded and tossed with roasted almonds, garlic and lime. A small salad came with the meal. For the main course, we both chose the San Francisco. A blend of mussels, clams, shrimp, drummer fish and scallops in a wonderful tomato-based broth over homemade lasagna noodles. The seafood was outstanding and the lasagna noodles were so tender and flavorful. We finished with Banana Bread pudding which was served with whipped cream and a wedge of banana.

This meal was the highlight of our trip. The food, the atmosphere, everything simply wonderful.

Irene's Cuisine

539 St. Phillip Street

New Orleans, LA 70116

Palm Court Jazz Cafe - New Orleans

I've decided to add restaurant reviews to this blog. I'm guessing I will only be inclined to review the ones I like, so if I don't like it, I'm not going to mention it. We recently spent a long weekend in New Orleans. The food was awesome. The first place I'm going to review had very good food, but the music is what it was all about.

We went to the Palm Court Jazz Cafe on a tip from a coworker. He is very knowledgeable about jazz and has seen a lot of the greats that are still around. The Palm Court did not disappoint. The music is great and the band was enthusiastic. They obviously love what they do.

We made a reservation for a Saturday night and although the place was busy, not all the tables were full. The food is very good, but not great. We started with the Palm Court Appetizer plate, which included ginger shrimp, fried oysters, and tiny crab claws. It was good, but a little pricey. For entrees, we jambalaya. It was good, but I have had better. For desert, we had the bread pudding, which was very satisfying. There is better food to be found in New Orleans. Just remember, you are going there for the music.

The service was great, as well. Our waitress was charming and explained the menu to us.  The hostess really got the crowd going with her dancing and clapping. She is an older woman, but had a lot of moves.  She got a lot of the patrons up dancing, as well. It seemed like the crowd consisted of a lot of locals, as many seemed to know each other.

It was just a great evening. The band played three sets starting at 7:30 and ending at 10:30. It was a wonderful evening. We had so much fun! 

It's New Orleans and the music is the best. It's a more old-fashioned jazz. The musicians were talented. We had the opportunity to see Lionel Ferbos with the Palm Court Jazz Band. He is a New Orleans legend at 100 years old. He sang and played the coronet. The rest of the band was made up of local musicians, each with their own band, and very talented.

The next evening, we were in the area so we stopped in for a couple drinks after dinner hoping to get a table. A couple had just left and we got their table right next to the stage. It was a different group of musicians, but they were very good, as well. Clearly, Fridays and Saturdays are the bigger crowds, but Sunday was great, too.  On Sunday, the hostess announced that everyone had to dance, so we did.

This place is a must when in New Orleans.

http://www.palmcourtjazzcafe.com/

Sadly, Lionel Ferbos passed away in July of 2014 at the age of 103.