Clover Grill (#182, 10/8/2011)
We had some issues making it to Gretna Fest (trouble getting moving, ferry issues, etc.), but no problem wandering around Bourbon Street (except it was very crowded for some reason). Finally settled on Clover Grill for dinner and based on the sign (“Hamburgers, World’s Best), I had a cheeseburger. Definitely a good stop, fun staff and good food – breakfast 24 hours a day. Always a good thing.
Gautreau’s (#181, 10/1/2011)
An outstanding addition to my list. I was a little caught off guard by the formality of it. I am definitely more of a casual fine dining person, so this place was a little stuffy for my liking. However, the food was amazing. One of the best meals I’ve had in a long time. I went with the filet, which probably could have been cut with a fork. Everybody loved their food (think we had a duck, a grouper and another filet – the other filet was heartily eaten by a vegetarian, if that says anything about the quality). And we even met Chef Sue Zemanick and she was very fun and friendly.
Fellini Café* (#180, 9/30/2011)
Fellini’s is…not bad, just a casual place. I had a chicken caesar wrap and it was ok. I guess, since it is New Orleans, I would say, if you’re really hungry and don’t have a car and you’re in this neighborhood, you can get a bite here. But I really don’t see any reason you would plan to go here.
EDIT: It was located in Midcity, corner of Carrollton and Dumaine.
De La Chaise (#179, 9/24/2011)
I had been here before but always just thought of it as a wine bar and not a place for dinner, but I had the Cuban twice-cooked pork and it was outstanding. Definitely a good place to drop in at for a couple of glasses of wine and an appetizer, but now I know it’s worthwhile for a full meal as well.
Green Goddess* (#178, 9/23/2011)
A favorite place of Fletcher Mackel. Great atmosphere here, but be prepared, it’s outside seating. Fun manager/servers, very casual. The food is…interesting. I had not heard of much of anything on the menu (which is one page of food, three of drinks), so we went with a tasting menu. Best thing were the stuffed figs (terrible looking); worst were the pork bellies. Seared tuna was also good. That’s food; best item I had was the “See Rock City!” Mint Julep. Outstanding drink. Would go back just for that, and would probably sample other appetizers. Full meal might be a bit much. (Was located on Exchange Place in the Quarter).
Courtyard Grill* (#177, 9/22/2011)
I’m still not a big Mediterranean Food guy, but this was a good place. Very low key, friendly service – though we were a bit late, so they kind of rushed us (“Thank you for coming; good night!”…”Um, we just got here”…”Oh, I will take your order now, yes”…”Um, can we see a menu?”). The hummus was good (I wonder what 15-year old me would think of now-me liking hummus?) and for the main course I had the Koobideh (beef kabob, no, I don’t know how to say that word). I did not have any babaganush, but I do really like to say that word.
La Macarena (#176, 9/11/2011)
La Macarena Pupuseria and Latin Cafe on Hampson Street, hmm. I had never had a pupusa, but it was pretty good; I think you need to make an effort to try a wide variety. Had the Central American Breakfast once and a pupusa combo plate, all interesting, but the plantains were the best part. Definitely worth it when factoring in how friendly the people were there. Very good tropical tea drinks also – the mango was great and the tamarind (no clue what that might be) was unique and tasty.
Midway Pizza (#175, 9/6/2011)
If you’re looking for pizza, specifically Chicago-style deep dish pizza, then get to Midway – it’s the best, not to mention great service, a solid bar with plenty of tv’s and a funky old building. A good variety of pizzas, checked out their specialty pizzas and all of them looked good. I went for the Don Flamenco (named for the Mike Tyson’s Punchout character). Another great Freret Street stop – by the way, the lunch special is crazy, all you can eat for $8.95! Get it while you can, guessing that will have to go away.
Fat Hen Grill* (#173, 8/28/2011)
I hate to give this place a bad review; I just ordered a club sandwich and a salad to go, but it took forever and wasn’t that good. I’m thinking it needs a repeat visit to actually sit there and eat and try some specialties – like some sort of pig product.