"Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez" - Let the Good Times Roll

New Orleans it known for it's history, music and food. There's no place like it when it come to delicious food. Dining here is an experience in itself, and it's worth a trip just to enjoy the taste of the Crescent City. You'll plan a trip to return to eat at the restaurants you weren't able to visit the first time. The choices are unlimited here from spicy seafood, gumbo, blackened redfish, shrimp remoulade, Po' Boys, Cajun delicacies, pralines, beignets, cafe au lait and fried or grilled alligator...be prepared!

Bon appetit!


Olivier's Creole Restaurant
204 Decatur Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
504-525-7734
www.olivierscreole.com/

I'm a major fan of this treasure in the French Quarter. Olivier's Restaurant is owned and operated in New Orleans by Armand Olivier Jr. and the Olivier Family since 1979; as soon as you walk in you know you are in for a treat from a family that knows a thing or two about a true dining experience. Your initial encounter begins with a welcoming greeting at the door and served by a friendly and helpful staff. Our server recommended what is now my favorite dish there, we'll get to that in a bit. The decor is a refection of elegant Fine Dining all while maintaining the warm comfort of casual atmosphere over looking Decatur Street.

Many of the recipes represent five generations of Creole tradition now known all over the world as the very essence of the Crescent City. Here you will find innovative recipes and ideas in the tradition of Creole culture in all of its richness. If you are having a hard time deciding there are two platters that I would suggest; the New Orleans Classic Trio - Blackened Redfish, Shrimp & Andouille Jambalaya, and Crawfish Étouffée or the Taster's Platter - battered and deep-fried fish, shrimp, Crab & Salmon Cake, and Creole gumbo. Oh! The cornbread (moment of silence) made my eyes roll to the back of my head and I'm not a huge fan of cornbread, but I could eat third, fourth or fifth helpings of this moist, sweet and buttery golden yumminess drizzled with honey.  My ultimate favorite is the Eggplant Olivier. I went with friends for dinner and one of them swore that they didn't like eggplant...the dish changed his mind.

Eggplant Olivier

Cornbread

Mushroom Ragut

Garlic Roasted Chicken

Creole Gumbo

To sum it all up in their exact words "Olivier's is where Creole Tradition meets The Art of Dining and The Science of Cooking". I couldn't have said it better.  The combination of great food in a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere should not be missed in the Quarter.

Deanie's Seafood
841 Iberville St. (at Dauphine St.)

New Orleans, Louisiana 70122
504-581-1316

www.deanies.com

This is a local favorite in the heart of the French Quarter. Located just a block off Bourbon and Canal streets. Deanie's Seafood is a New Orleans destination in itself.  You will know this is all about seafood when you see the glass aquarium representing Louisiana’s gulf coast. The 4-foot-by-5-foot aquarium sculpture is a permanent installation at the French Quarter location and serves as a reminder of Deanie's love for and commitment to Louisiana’s unique culture, environment and the people that sustain our local economy.

The portions here are ridiculous. My cousin and I had dinner here one night and each ordered the Half Seafood Platter - fresh shrimp, catfish, oysters, softshell crabs and crawfish dressing ball, with a large side of onion rings. Our server looked at us and suggested we get one half platter and small side of onion rings to share. Now, we were both raised only children and sharing is really a foreign concept with us so we told her, "no, we want two half platters and a large side of onion rings" and thanked her for her concern. No sooner did the plates at the table next to us come out and we saw the platters, with seafood and their side of onion rings both stacked like pyramids, "Uh! Excuse me. You can bring what you suggested and THANK YOU!!!!" We still talk about that one LOL!

Crawfish Boil

Seafood Platter and Large Side of Onion Rings

Half Seafood Platter

New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp

Court of Two Sisters
613 Royal St.

New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

504-522-7261 

www.courtoftwosisters.com/

Dining in this historic picturesque old-world courtyard with its original gas lights and flowing fountains add to the unique history of this French Quarter building. 


The Court of Two Sisters changed hands many times since the two sisters, Emma and Bertha Camors first opened what we would consider now a boutique, back in the late 1800's. Ironically two brothers, Joseph and Jerome Fein now own and operate the restaurant (non relation to Emma and Bertha), which was passed down from their father.

This is New Orleans so we have to get into mystics and spirits for a minute. Waiting for you at the entrance of the Court of Two Sisters are ‘charm gates’, given to the two sisters by Queen Isabella of Spain in 1832. These gates were blessed with magic and are reported to be lucky. It is said that if you touch them, you will be the recipient of their charms. Begin by touching the charmed gate and then enter the enchanting courtyard where the elements await your presence, ready to delight all of your senses and provide you with a romantic atmosphere to remember for a lifetime. Can you imagine all of the women that touched this gate since the 1800's hoping and wishing for true love? It ain't that easy ladies, but why risk good fortune.

The Jazz Brunch at Court of Two Sisters is the perfect break from an evening spent on Bourbon Street and the strolling jazz trio lifts the heart and will relax the mind. This is my go-to with my out of town guest and best part is the brunch is also available everyday of the week. I posted a video below, as well as pictures to give you an idea of what to expect.   It's an authentic New Orleans experience that will make you feel like you stepped back in time.  If it is festival season I would highly recommend making reservations and reserving a table on the patio. You'll never know; you might see fairies and spirits dancing around the fountain.  ;-)