Restaurant Reviews Part IX (Red Fish Grill, Bourbon House, Acme Oyster House)

1) Red Fish Grill (French Quarter)
Stats: Genre - Seafood, Price - $$, Ranking - 4 stars

Ralph Brennan's Red Fish Grill is a great seafood restaurant with an even better location on Bourbon St. Arguably the most casual of the Brennan family group of restaurants, Red Fish Grill has a laid back ambience that is inviting to tourists and locals alike. Metal fish sculptures adorn the ceilings and walls, and even the tables are decorated with creatures from the sea. However, while the food quality is excellent, the service is slow and somewhat hit or miss, disappointing for a Brennan's restaurant.

On my most recent trip to the restaurant, my party was seated promptly, and drink and appetizer orders were taken at once. The service went downhill from that point on, and our server seemed to be in a perpetual state of confusion. Nevertheless, the food was excellent.

The BBQ oysters were a good choice for starter as they were lightly fried and packed with flavor. The blackened redfish burger and BBQ shrimp po-boy were great. I was not expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised by the huge serving size and flavor of the seafood. As for main entrees, I also recommend the hickory grilled redfish and corn crusted gulf fish, the latter having a citrus finish that complements the texture of the fish.

Finally, for dessert we ordered the double chocolate bread pudding, and I have to say that this is one dessert that gives Commander's Palace bread pudding souffle a run for its money. Decadent and rich, this dessert is hard to beat.

Unfortunately, the entrees and dessert took too long to be delivered to our table, especially considering the restaurant was only half full. I hope the management deals with these service issues, as the restaurant is capable of a lot more.

Overall, Red Fish Grill is a good choice for the diner that wants the Brennan quality without the extra price.

2) Bourbon House (French Quarter)
Stats: Genre - Seafood, Price - $$-$$$, Ranking - 3 stars

Dickie Brennan's Bourbon House, along with Red Fish Grill, is the most casual of the Brennan family of restaurants. Nevertheless, the decor and atmosphere of Bourbon House gives it an old-world charm not present at its counterpart across the street. However, though most of the food is tasty, the menu does have its share of problems, and the service can be unnecessarily slow at times.

The restaurant itself is beautiful with tall ceilings, glass blown chandeliers, and a mezzanine balcony overlooking the main dining area. The oyster bar is also impressive. But, Bourbon House is unpretentious. Located on Bourbon St, the restaurant will accept all, from the suited and booted to the late night drunken masses. It makes for an interesting dining and people-watching experience!

The menu consists of many seafood preparations. The raw oysters were wonderful. While I normally stay away from fried food, the fried calamari appetizer was light and tasty. For the main entrees, I would suggest the fish preparations, as they combine great Creole flavors. I would stay away from the fried platter and the BBQ shrimp. While the shrimp was served traditionally in the shell, the sauce was sweet and not spicy or tangy as true New Orleans style BBQ shrimp should be. The desserts were also a disappointment, and the bread pudding was mediocre compared to Red Fish Grill.

Overall, Bourbon House is a good restaurant for those looking to add a touch of class to their Bourbon St experience!

3) Acme Oyster House (Metairie)
Stats: Genre - Seafood, Price - $$, Ranking - 2.5 stars

In a city that prides itself on good seafood, Acme Oyster House is a popular French Quarter favorite. For this reason, I was looking forward to trying the Metairie branch to see if I enjoyed it as much as the Quarter spot, but ultimately I was disappointed. The ambience is really what gives Acme its extra kick, and while the Metairie branch was crowded, the restaurant was noticeably subdued in comparison, though I suppose you can't really compete with the Quarter.

As for the service, my party was seated immediately near the oyster bar, and food was served in a prompt, efficient manner. For appetizers, we ordered the chargrilled oysters, and while they were good, the oysters can't compete with the chargrilled ones at Drago's. We also ordered the peacemaker po-boy, which was tasty but was only 8", definitely overpriced for a po-boy. My favorite dish of the afternoon was the grilled shrimp, light and tangy in a sweet sauce.

While I had an enjoyable lunch, it was not amazing, and I've definitely had better seafood at many other restaurants in the city. I think from now I'll stick with the French Quarter branch of Acme Oyster House, as the ambience really sells the food!

Restaurant Reviews Part VIII (Fresco, Coop's Place, Zea's Restaurant, One Restaurant and Lounge, Cafe East, Rio Mar)

1) Fresco (Uptown)
Stats: Genre - Mediterranean, Price - $-$$, Ranking - 3 stars

Diners looking for healthier quick bites don't have as many options to choose from in New Orleans, where the ubiquitous po-boy and muffuletta, albeit tasty, are not the healthiest choices. Thankfully, the influx of Mediterranean style eateries into the city has provided alternative, healthy choices, and Fresco is no exception.

Located on the busy hub of Maple St near Tulane University, Fresco is a great little gem with an even better menu. Diners have the choice of sitting inside or outside on the patio, which on breezy, sunny days is the better bet - perfect for people-watching! Parking is available in a lot adjacent to the restaurant or off the many side streets in this residential Uptown neighborhood.

The food at Fresco is reasonably priced and comes in large servings. The Mediterranean spicy tomato dip is an excellent start, thick and creamy with a spicy kick. For entrees, I'm partial to the wraps, rolls and sandwiches, but the pizzas and strombolies are good options, too. In fact, Fresco is one of few places that offers to make the food using whole wheat dough and bread - a refreshing change from the white bread loaves that pervade the city. The chicken portabella roll and shrimp pesto wrap and excellent choices; the salads are also large and filling.

Overall, I'd highly recommend Fresco, if for nothing else, to add a little new, healthy and fresh to your diet.

2) Coop's Place (French Quarter)
Stats: Genre - Cajun/Creole, Price - $-$$, Ranking - 3 stars

Coop's is that perfect place for a late night after-partying craving or a chill, no-frills lunch in the French Quarter. It's a small, casual, bar-style restaurant that serves down-home New Orleans style classics at a reasonable price than what you would find elsewhere in the Quarter. Most dishes are under $10.

Coop's is located on Decatur St, just a stone's throw from the French Market, so it's right in the heart of the French Quarter. Parking is available on the street or in nearby lots. The restaurant is not very large, and there are only a few tables/benches inside, aside from the bar in the back. It can get crowded, so be prepared to wait during peak times, though thankfully, the restaurant is not as overrun by tourists as other French Quarter hotspots.

Surprisingly, Coop's has a pretty extensive menu, with ranging from po-boys to jambalaya to etouffee. Almost everything at Coop's is try-worthy, but Coop's is known especially for their jambalaya, gumbo and Cajun fried chicken. I also enjoyed the shrimp creole and crawfish etouffee, which both had a great combination of spices, though the etouffee was too oily for my taste.

Overall, Coop's is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter and enjoy a quality meal at the same time!

3) Zea's Restaurant (Garden District)
Stats: Genre - Cajun/Creole/Soul, Price - $$, Ranking - 3 stars

This review pertains to the St. Charles Ave branch of Zea's. Zea's is an upscale-casual restaurant that serves an extensive array of barbecue, grilled and rotisserie meats, along with several New Orleans classics. Located on St. Charles Ave right off the streetcar line, Zea's makes a perfect spot for a lunch meeting or get-together with friends. Zea's offers complimentary valet, and street parking is also available.

Zea's has great ambience, and the formal, pristine decor evokes many of New Orleans' finest restaurants, which was unexpected surprise for a more casual eatery. The service was also top-notch, and we received our food in a timely, efficient manner.

Zea's has a great selection of lunch specials, which include an entree and one-two side dishes. Most are priced under $15, which is a great deal for the quality of food and serving size. Zea's definitely serves large portions, so you'll get a filling meal at a great price.

My favorite dishes on the menu are the Asian tuna salad and grilled rainbow trout for entrees, and the roasted corn grits for the side dish. The burgers and sandwiches are pretty good too. For diners that don't mind getting a little messy, the ribs are a good bet and come prepared in a variety of ways to your liking.

Overall, I am not a big fan of chain restaurants, but for Zea's, I'll definitely make an exception.

4) One (Riverbend)
Stats: Genre - Mediterranean/fusion, Price - $$$, Ranking - 3.5 stars

I stumbled upon One Restaurant and Lounge by accident one Friday evening, after the wait time at my party's original destination - a popular Uptown restaurant - exceeded two hours. One is an upscale Riverbend eatery that is the perfect choice for a romantic dinner out or a classy evening away from the tourist hordes. In fact, I got the impression that the majority of diners in the restaurant were regulars.

The restaurant itself is not very large, so diners are treated to a more intimate setting. The decor is sleek, modern and minimalist, and the dim lighting sets the mood. Once we arrived at One, we were seated immediately. Throughout the dinner, the service was consistent and efficient. The food is pricey, and the bill came out to around $30-40 per person.

For appetizers, I ordered the pepper-seared scallops atop roasted acorn squash and the tuna carpaccio with sliced avocado and citrus ponzu sauce. Both of these dishes were outstanding. The scallops had just the right amount of flavor, and the pepper was not overpowering. The tuna selection was my favorite dish of the night! The combination of rare ahi tuna and avocado with a citrus sauce was unbelievable - definitely worth the price!

I am giving One three stars instead of four because after such great appetizers, I was ultimately dissatisfied with the main entree. I ordered the pan fried rainbow trout, which unfortunately, was bland and had no flavor. It even tasted a bit fishy, which is NOT a good sign for a fish dish. However, the other members of my party enjoyed the stewed country rib and grilled beef tenderloin main entrees.

Overall, if you're looking to try a classy restaurant with good ambience, then One is the place to go! One Restaurant is located on Hampson Street at the Riverbend. There is plenty of street parking/parking lots nearby.

5) Cafe East (Metairie)
Stats: Genre - Asian fusion, Price - $$, Ranking - 3 stars

With the explosion of Asian restaurants in the New Orleans area comes the introduction of modern Asian fusion restaurants into the mix. Cafe East is a high quality addition to this genre; the restaurant is operated by the owners of Sake Cafe Uptown (a high gloss yet low substance Japanese restaurant on Magazine St). Thankfully, Cafe East is a better alternative.

Cafe East is located in Metairie, right near the Clearview Mall. Parking is available in lots on either side of the restaurant. The decor of Cafe East is decidedly modern, a mix between art deco and contemporary stylings. Combined with the dim lighting, the ambience adds a touch of class to the restaurant.

As for the food, the menu can best be described as Asian fusion, with elements from Pacific rim and French cuisines. The food is reasonable priced, with most entrees under $20; the portions are also quite large. The crawfish spring roll and Mu Shu wraps were excellent starters. I was also impressed by the selection of various sauces that Cafe East offers; different sauces to go with the different cuisines I suppose.

For the main entrees, the Thai red snapper and Samba Delight were excellent - their respective sauces really made the dishes work. I was disappointed with the Ahi tuna, as it tasted very frozen and lacked much flavor. The creme brulee trio was a nice finish to the meal, especially the mango.

Overall, I'd recommend Cafe East for diners looking for a different take on Asian fusion.

6) Rio Mar (Warehouse District)
Stats: Genre - Spanish/South American, Price - $$-$$$, Ranking - 4 stars

In a city devoid of much Spanish or South American cuisine, Rio Mar is a saving grace and provides a much needed alternative to the fried seafood that pervades the city.

Located in the Warehouse District, Rio Mar is only two blocks from the Convention Center. There is plenty of street parking surrounding the restaurant, and validated parking is available for a fee in the Embassy Suites parking garage.

The decor of Rio Mar is simple, with warm tones and basic wooden tables, giving the restaurant a cozy ambience. Rio Mar is first and foremost a seafood restaurant but has a good selection of non-seafood items as well. The head chef and owner of Rio Mar has trained in Spain, so there is a strong Spanish influence pervading the restaurant, as well as some South American delicacies. Dinner at Rio Mar is a more upscale, fine dining experience with larger portions of many of the tapas dishes.

The tapas lunch is a great value because you get to sample small plates from some of the best items off the menu, so you get to try a little bit of everything. My favorite dishes include: the Mixto ceviche (citrusy with a hint of pepper - this dish really hit the palate), Bacalaitos or salt cod fritters (the right combo of salt/fish and a great sauce), octopus Galician style (smoky and tender meat), and the oysters "al ajillo” (garlic goodness). For dessert, the flan was decadent and creamy.

Lastly, the service at Rio Mar was outstanding. With many upscale restaurants in the New Orleans area undergoing service issues, I was pleasantly surprised by the friendliness and efficiency of the waitstaff. Very impressive.

Overall, Rio Mar is an excellent choice for those diners craving a different type of seafood restaurant in New Orleans.

Restaurant Reviews Part VII (Slice Pizzeria, Deanie's Seafood, Jaeger's Seafood Beer Garden, Domilise's Po-Boys, The Store Restaurant)

1) Slice Pizzeria (Uptown)
Stats: Genre - Pizza, Price - $-$$, Ranking - 2 stars

The best things Slice Pizzeria has going for itself are the price and location. In a post-Katrina climate, prices for food (and housing!) have greatly increased, so it was nice to have dinner on St Charles Avenue and not be grossly overcharged.

When I first heard about Slice, I thought it would be a hole in the wall, but the decor surprised me and is reminiscent of some neighborhood pizzerias in New York or even Chicago.

Unfortunately, the food was not up to par with that of pizzerias in New York or Chicago. I ordered the caprese salad as a starter. While the dish had nice presentation, the mozzarella tasted as if it had just been defrosted, though the sauce was a nice touch.

Unlike most pizzerias in the city, Slice actually serves pizza by the slice and offers an array of toppings. However, the slices I ordered came to my table cold, as if they were made hours ago (I suspect they were!). The paninis were better. Also, unlike previous reviewers, I did NOT have a problem with the service. It was functional and efficient, and we were in and out within less than an hour.

For great pizza in New Orleans, I would hit up Reginelli's, Italian Pie, or even LA Pizza Kitchen. But, if you're on a budget and looking for a decent meal, then Slice Pizzeria will work out fine!

2) Deanie's Seafood (French Quarter)
Stats: Genre - Seafood, Price - $$-$$$, Ranking - 3 stars

While many French Quarter restaurants are grossly overpriced, it's refreshing to find a restaurant that serves simple seafood dishes at a reasonable price. Deanie's Seafood French Quarter location is a relatively new addition to the growing list of quality French Quarter restaurants. It's Bucktown location has been charming locals for years.

NOTE - I want to clarify that Deanie's is reasonably priced for the FRENCH QUARTER. At Deanie's, $7.95 for a pound of crawfish and $3.50 per crab is NOT cheap - it's double what you would pay at other places outside the Quarter. You can definitely find better and cheaper seafood at many other locations across the city.

As previous reviewers have mentioned, Deanie's is a large, clean restaurant; it's not a hole in the wall seafood joint. The service is also fairly efficient. My party arrived there at 7pm on a Friday night, and we were immediately seated.

The dishes at Deanie's are not fancy, and visitors should not expect complexity in the flavors. Rather, Deanie's menu focuses on fried and boiled seafood, as well as some New Orleans classics like crawfish etouffe, charbroiled oysters and BBQ shrimp. Of all the dishes I've tried at Deanie's, I find the BBQ shrimp, charbroiled oysters and boiled shrimp/crawfish to be the most satisfying. The portions are a good size too.

I would avoid the fried seafood - it's bland and tasteless (thankfully there is a bottle of hot sauce kept by your table) and frankly, not all that good for you. The boiled shrimp and crawfish have good flavor, though the seasoning was a bit salty.

The charboiled oysters were tasty, but the BBQ shrimp was my favorite dish. Served in a saucepan with a mixture of oil, butter and spices, this is definitely a dish that sticks to your ribs. Prepare to get your hands dirty because this is a messy dish (lobster bibs are available on request!) While I enjoyed the dish, it would have been even better if they greatly cut back on the oil and butter - the spices alone are what sells it.

I would definitely recommend Deanie's to those visitors in the French Quarter, who want to experience New Orleans seafood without paying outrageous prices.

3) Jaeger's Seafood Beer Garden (Elmwood)
Stats: Genre - Seafood, Price - $$, Ranking - 3.5 stars

After Katrina, New Orleans suffered heavy losses to the Bucktown area, including the destruction of several well-known restaurants. Thankfully, the popular Jaeger's Seafood and Beer Garden has re-opened on Clearview Parkway near Elmwood.

If you're looking for a fancy seafood restaurant, Jaeger's is not for you. But if you are in the mood for good, fresh Louisiana seafood at an even better price, then Jaeger's is the perfect spot to take family and friends.

On my most recent visit, my friends and I had a major crawfish craving and took advantage of Jaeger's great boiled seafood options. We ordered 4 pounds of boiled crawfish (less than $15 total), boiled shrimp and crabs, and heaps of potatoes, mushrooms and corn - the makings of a fine crawfish boil! The charbroiled oysters are commendable, and the lobster bisque should not be missed. I would avoid the fried seafood, though it is passable.

The service was also great, and I'd expect nothing more from this family run restaurant. Plus, our waitress kept bringing us free refills of all our drinks (the menu made it clear that the drinks we ordered did NOT come with refills!)

Overall, Jaeger's is a great place to visit for good New Orleans seafood without shelling out too much from your pocketbook.

4) Domilise's Po-Boys (Uptown)
Stats: Genre - Po-boys, Price -$-$$, Ranking - 4 stars

Ostensibly, po-boys are simple creations: cut loaves of French bread, filled with meat or fried seafood, and dressed with lettuce/cabbage, pickles and your condiments of choice. Yet, not all po-boys are created equal, and in a city where many restaurants serve po-boys, it's hard to find the best one. Domilise's certainly is a welcome home for this challenge and offers some of the best po-boys in New Orleans!

The restaurant is not much to look at. In fact, it blends with many of the other homes on Annunciation, and if not for the massive line waiting outside its doors, you might miss it when driving by. This is a no-frills po-boy shop. As soon as you get inside, you'll only see the small kitchen, where po-boys are being made at the speed of light, a smattering of tables and a bar, where regulars are chatting up the bartender. So when you come inside, take a number and wait your turn. During the lunch time rush hour, wait times can range anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, so it's best to come early.

As for the food, never did something so simple taste so good. My favorite po-boy to order at Domilise's is the shrimp po-boy, which comes dressed on Leidenheimer bread, along with a special ketchup mixture. The shrimp are light and flaky, and the sauce adds an extra kick of flavor.

All menu prices include tax for dressed po-boys. Domilise's is cash only, but there is a small ATM in the back of the restaurant by the bar. Overall, if you're looking for a great po-boy out of the mix of mediocrity, then look no further.

5) The Store Restaurant (CBD)
Stats: Genre - Sandwiches/salads, Price -$-$$, Ranking - 2 stars

Downtown New Orleans contains an eclectic mix of high end restaurants, fast-food chains and hole in the wall sandwich shops. I was surprised to come across The Store, tucked in between several high rise buildings. Finally, I had found a lunch dive that was clean, with nice ambience and dim lighting. It's simple name is contrasted with an extensive menu of sandwiches and salads.

On my most recent venture, I veered away from the sandwich menu and ordered a special, the crawfish risotto. Unfortunately, the risotto was bland and lacked any seasoning (or salt for that matter!) The sandwiches are a better bet, though some are still hit or miss. The Store has a good alternative selection of sides, such as green onion potato salad and sweet potato fries, a nice change from greasy french fries.

The Store also has a good selection of breakfast items, from eggs to pastries and beignets; I actually prefer The Store's breakfast items to the lunch ones. Overall, The Store is a nice alternative to greasy lunches found at other CBD hotspots. When the kitchen fixes its inconsistency in seasoning and flavor, it'll be even better!

List of Restaurant Reviews

Acme Oyster House (Metairie)
Bourbon House
Red Fish Grill
Rio Mar
Cafe East
One Restaurant and Lounge
Zea's Restaurant
Coop's Place
Fresco
Domilise's Po-Boys
The Store Restaurant
Jaeger's Seafood Beer Garden
Deanie's Seafood
Slice Pizzeria
Singha Thai Cafe
Ignatius Eatery
Little Tokyo (Carrollton)
Crabby Jack's
Drago's
Shogun
Commander's Palace
Mother's
Sake Cafe II
Reginelli's Pizzeria
Juan's Flying Burrito
Nine Roses
Kim Son
Jacques-Imo's
Elizabeth's
Five Happiness
Hookah Cafe
Kyoto
Ninja

Restaurant Reviews Part VI (Drago's, Crabby Jack's, Little Tokyo, Ignatius Eatery, Singha Thai Cafe)

1) Drago's Seafood (Downtown)
Stats: Genre - Seafood, Price - $$-$$$, Ranking - 4 stars

Drago's, a popular Metairie seafood hotspot with a storied past, recently opened a branch last year in the Hilton Riverside Hotel, a bustling location chock full of tourists. The restaurant does not take reservations, but most patrons don't mind waiting in the crowded bar/lounge. It's the excitement of the food to come that's on everyone's mind rather than the wait time.

I most recently visited Drago's with a large group. While they did not give us a reservation, we were able to call ahead and put our name on the waiting list, so our wait time was minimal (20 min). The dining room itself is spacious with modern decor, several seating areas and sky-high ceilings. A highlight is walking past the open kitchen where a multitude of charbroiled oysters await hungry customers.

For appetizers, my group ordered the shrimp and corn bisque soup and charbroiled oysters. The soup hit the right combination of flavors and was quite good, but the highlight of the entire meal was the charbroiled oysters! Quite possibly one of the best oyster preparations in the city, the charbroiled oysters had a great garlic and butter taste. Even some of my friends who usually "hate" oysters enjoyed these.

NOTE - while the restaurant serves fried seafood, please please PLEASE stay away from the fried seafood and try many of the other wonderful dishes!

For the main course, I ordered the stuffed lobster. Many of the lobster dishes are reasonably priced. In fact, Drago's is one of the few restaurants here where most lobster dinners are under $25; a regular lobster dinner is under $20! The stuffed lobster came with a generous serving of crabmeat, and while it was a little too oily for my liking, I still enjoyed the succulent lobster meat. One of my friends ordered the "stud" lobster, which was probably the largest lobster I have ever seen in my life.

Overall, Drago's is a great place for locals, tourists, large groups, and general lovers of all things seafood. I would definitely try to stay away from the fried seafood that pervades much of this city, and enjoy the great flavors present at Drago's!

2) Crabby Jack's (Jefferson)
Stats: Genre - Po-boys/Cajun/Creole, Price - $-$$, Ranking - 3.5 stars

If you love po-boys and have a huge appetite, then you will love Crabby Jack's, the sister lunch restaurant to the renowned Jacques-Imos. Located about 5-10 minutes from Uptown on Jefferson Highway, Crabby Jack's is a real treat for those looking for a quick bite and above average lunch fare.

I most recently visited Crabby Jack's on a weekday around 11:30 am and had absolutely no wait. I ordered a regular shrimp and oyster po-boy for $10 + tax. Just like Jacques-Imos, the serving sizes at Crabby Jack's are huge. I could barely finish half my po-boy, which was overstuffed with delicately fried shrimps and oysters. I poured on some Tabasco and was in a food coma shortly thereafter.

The menu at Crabby Jack's has a lot more to offer than po-boys and has some great New Orleans classics, such as stuffed mirliton, grilled fish, shrimp creole, and jambalaya to name a few. Crabby Jack's isn't very big, but there are a bunch of tables and a nice, long counter against the window where you can sit and enjoy your meal.

If you come by during the peak lunch hour from 12-1pm, then be prepared to wait, but the line moves fairly quickly, and the food is worth the wait. Besides, most diners have a calm temperament, since as far as Crabby Jack's motto goes: "be nice or leave."

3) Little Tokyo (Mid-city)
Stats: Genre - Japanese, Price - $$-$$$, Ranking - 3.5 stars

This review pertains to the N. Carrollton branch of Little Tokyo.

New Orleans has experienced an explosion in the growth of Asian-themed restaurants, and Japanese food is now ubiquitous across the city. Little Tokyo continues New Orleans' trend of good quality Japanese restaurants with a great selection of offerings from hibachi dinners to tempura and sushi.

The look of Little Tokyo has been updated with a modern, Asian-zen feel to the decor. With high ceilings and dim lighting (courtesy of fun, fish-shaped lights), a classy and upscale ambience is set. On my most recent visit, I took advantage of the hibachi room. While there were some initial problems with the slow heating of the hibachi grille, we still had a great time (our chef Yugi made the experience all the more memorable!)

For appetizers, I have to recommend the Agedashi tofu - it's by far my most favorite preparation of this tofu dish in the city. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and soaked in a wonderful spicy sauce, the tofu really hit the spot.

As for the hibachi dinners - they are quite filling. At around $20 a piece, they come with soup, salad, a grilled vegetable medley of zucchini and mushrooms, your choice of meat/seafood, rice and noodles. A great deal! I have to recommend both the tuna teriyaki and scallop dinners. Tuna is a great, meaty fish with lots of flavor, and the scallops were grilled to perfection. The drum and salmon were mediocre.

Finally, I have to comment on the service - the waitstaff was attentive. Even though we had to wait a while for the hibachi to get started, we were not ignored as we sat.

While it's no Benihana, Little Tokyo nevertheless makes a strong impression.

4) Ignatius Eatery (Uptown)
Stats: Genre - Cajun/Creole, Price - $-$$, Ranking - 3 stars

Although it's a small restaurant, Ignatius Eatery, nevertheless, packs in a lot of Louisiana flavor. Known for using local, homegrown ingredients, Ignatius' limited menu sticks to the classics like crawfish etouffee and roast beef po-boys, yet does them quite well.

The unique decor adds to the ambience of Ignatius. The restaurant is decorated like an old-time Louisiana grocery store, with bottles of hot sauce, Abita beer and Barq's lining the walls. Cold drinks are served in bottles, and beer is served in a paper bag; albeit a little gimmicky, it's still refreshing to drink Barq's right out of the bottle. Ignatius Eatery is run by the owners of the local Rue de la Course coffeeshops, so I wasn't surprised that the clientele was mostly locals, and predominantly young, hipsters.

The shrimp remoulade po-boy was my favorite selection of the night. Although the dish is usually served cold, a hot remoulade po-boy really hit the spot. The portions are large, and the prices are kept reasonable. You can get a pretty filling dinner for under $12. Definitely a great place to meet up with friends, catch up for a few hours and enjoy a good dinner!

5) Singha Thai Cafe (Downtown)
Stats: Genre - Thai, Price - $-$$, Ranking - 3 stars

I often bemoan the lack of excellent thai food in the New Orleans area, so I was skeptical about trying Singha Thai Cafe for lunch. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised.

As you enter the restaurant, you walk past the kitchen and into a series of dining rooms. The back dining room is an oasis of calm amidst the hustle and bustle of the busy downtown streets, especially during the lunch hour. With plants and greenery under a canopy, the ambience makes the dining experience all the more intimate.

As a rule of thumb, I always try the pad thai first when trying a new restaurant, and I wasn't disappointed. The portions were quite large and the dish had good flavor; added thai hot sauce gave it an extra kick. Per request, the kitchen will also add spices to taste. At under $10 per person, including tax and tip, this was a great lunch deal.

The salads were also nice, and I'm excited to try some of the seafood entrees and soup on my next visit! While it's not the best thai food I've ever had, Singha nevertheless serves quality ingredients and big portions.

Restaurant Reviews Part V (Mother's, Commander's Palace, Shogun)

1) Mother's Restaurant (Downtown)
Stats: Genre - New Orleans/Po-boys, Price - $-$$, Ranking - 3 stars

Mother's Restaurant is a New Orleans institution, serving po-boys and homestyle New Orleans cuisine for generations. The atmosphere is very laid back, and you'll find the restaurant home to businesspeople and tourists alike. Once you enter the restaurant, you will be handed a menu and ushered to the counter to order. It's no frills service, but you can tell the atmosphere is rich in history. The restaurant is actually larger than it looks, and there is a large dining room towards the side. The trick is to arrive early. The lunchtime crowd settles in around 11:45am, so unless you want to wait outside in line and hazard the conditions, arrive between 11 and 11:30.

As for the food, the po-boys are a sure bet, especially the roast beef and debris. During my latest outing, the po-boys were good, BUT certainly not the best po-boys I've ever eaten in the city, by any stretch. I like how they offer grilled alternatives, instead of the ubiquitous fried food. My grilled shrimp po-boy consisted of a heaping of flavored, grilled shrimp on a bed of cabbage on french bread. It was good, but I felt something was missing; perhaps, more fixins' aside from just cabbage. I just couldn't put my finger on it. For breakfast (or any time for that matter), the omelettes are great. The crawfish omelette is fabulous and comes with grits and a biscuit.

Parking can be a hassle, since the restaurant is located on a busy downtown street (Poydras), but there is street parking and a pay lot nearby. If you go early enough, you might be lucky to find a spot (or two!) right outside the front door, which I have down on occasion.

2) Commander's Palace (Garden District)
Stats: Genre - Creole/Fine Dining, Price - $$$-$$$$, Ranking - 3.5 stars

Commander's Palace is arguably the grand dame of New Orleans cuisine. One of the most famous restaurants under the Brennan family (proprietors of some of the best restaurants in the city), Commander's has developed a reputation over the years as a status symbol, a place to see and be seen in, whether for a business meeting, family brunch, or romantic dinner. Therefore, the majority of what you pay goes toward maintaining the status quo.

The restaurant is split into several rooms, including a courtyard patio, replete with fountains. On my latest outing, a had lunch in the patio room. What I like about Commander's is that they offer prix fix lunches and dinners, along with lunch specials, which include appetizer, entree and dessert. For lunch, they offer 25 cent martinis too (which my friends loved!). The food itself is good, not great. As I mentioned above, you pay for the ambience. I had a grilled flounder on top of a bed of beans and lentils. Unfortunately, the fish was bland, and I was hoping for the sauce to stand out, which it didn't. Thankfully, a little Tabasco spiced things up.

Dessert is the best thing at Commander's Palace. The Creole bread pudding souffle is to die for! Light and fluffy, I could seriously eat one every day. The pecan pie a la mode was also tasty, but the bread pudding souffle is NOT TO BE MISSED!

Unfortunately, the service has gotten slack in recent times. In fact, I had to flag down other members of the waitstaff for my Tabasco as well as the bill. For the amount you are paying and the reputation of the restaurant, I expect service to be crisper and more attentive.

Parking is not a problem. The restaurant has complimentary valet. Plus, there is usually enough street parking.

3) Shogun (Metairie)
Stats: Genre - Japanese, Price - $$-$$$, Ranking - 2.5 star

Shogun is one of the few Japanese restaurants in the New Orleans area where patrons can choose between a normal sit down dinner and a hibachi dinner. Unfortunately, the restaurant does not take reservations, even for large groups, so be prepared to wait a while, especially on peak nights. I ran into this problem most recently when I was out on a birthday dinner with a big group of friends. We originally waited for the hibachi, but after an hour of a two hour wait!, we decided to opt for the table. The prices at Shogun are fairly reasonable for a Japanese restaurant dinner. I ordered the Chirashi dinner, which was under $15. Though the amount of food is not large, it was still filling. In fact, most entrees we ordered were around $20. The food itself is decent, not the best Japanese food in the area, but not the worst either. The hibachi is definitely the way to go if you decide to eat at Shogun. There are much better Japanese restaurants in the area, but few with hibachi tables. Parking is not a problem, as there are lots in front and in back of the restaurant.

Restaurant Reviews Part IV (Jacques-Imo's, Kim Son, Nine Roses. Juan's Flying Burrito)

1) Jacques-Imo's (Uptown)
Stats: Genre - Cajun/Creole, Price - $$-$$$, Ranking - 4 stars

Jacques-Imo's is a quintessential New Orleans favorite, among locals and tourists alike, so it's no surprise that the restaurant ranks among my personal favorites for New Orleans cuisine. I recently went there with a large group (10+ people), and we had made reservations well in advance. The restaurant only accepts reservations for groups of 5 or more, so you should expect to wait for a table, especially Friday and Saturday nights. Oak St. can get pretty lively, and since it's mostly frequented by locals and college students, it has a more authentic flare.

The homestyle atmosphere and great food of Jacques-Imo's are its two best selling points. The colorful tablecloths, funky decor and down to earth staff make the culinary experience even more enjoyable. As for the food, you can't go wrong with seafood, especially in New Orleans. For appetizers, we had the stuffed shrimp and fried calamari, both excellent choices. My friends had the shrimp and alligator sausage cheesecake, which they claim was the best appetizer of the night. As for the main entrees, as a group, we ordered almost every one on the menu, so we all got to sample what Jacques-Imo's had to offer. The Stuffed Catfish Des Allemands and Cajun Bouillibaisse were my two favorite entrees, since they had such great flavor, and you could tell the seafood was fresh aka no fishy taste. The blackened redfish was also very nice. Since, we were a lively and appreciative group, Jacques-Imo's even threw in dessert for FREE! Truly a wonderful experience that must be repeated!

2) Kim Son (Westbank)
Stats: Genre - Vietnamese/Chinese, Price - $$, Ranking - 2.5 stars

Though it may come as a surprise for some, New Orleans is a premier destination for authentic Vietnamese food, thanks to its large Vietnamese population. And the Westbank is one of the best places to find great Vietnamese food. Kim Son is one of the more popular restaurants and has a more mainstream Chinese as well as authentic Vietnamese menu. The Chinese food is ordinary at best, but the real pleasure lies in the Vietnamese selections. My favorites are the Vietnamese spring rolls for appetizers - the cilantro and other fresh vegetables are very refreshing - and the salt braised crab and charcoal shrimp over vermicelli as entrees. In fact, any of the salt braised or clay pot options are winners. The prices are kept reasonable with seafood entrees under $15. Additionally, the lunch specials are quite popular. Parking is not a problem as there is a parking lot in front of the restaurant, easily accessible from the Westbank expressway.

3) Nine Roses (Westbank)
Stats: Genre - Vietnamese/Chinese, Price - $$, Ranking - 3 stars

Nine Roses is one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in the New Orleans area. Although not the best location for pho, Nine Roses, nevertheless, has tasty entrees and is a great option for family dinners and other get-togethers. The staff is friendly and accessible and is was willing to make changes to the menu to suit our needs. For example, with many of the dishes that included pork, the kitchen substituted another ingredient in its place. Many local restaurants are unwillingness to do this, so it was a refreshing change. Again, I went with a large group and we were able to sample many dishes, but my favorite was the catfish clay pot; the fish was so tender, and the sauce was just fabulous. This restaurant is also pretty easy to find, right off the Westbank expressway, and there is a large parking lot right in front of the main entrance.

4) Juan's Flying Burrito (Garden District)
Stats: Genre - Mexican fusion, Price - $-$$, Ranking - 2.5 star

Juan's Flying Burrito is a fun, grungy locale on Magazine St. that serves good burritos at an even better price. I recently went there with friends for drinks and a quick bite to eat, and we ended up spending less than $10 per person, including tips. What's great about the place is that the menu is really amenable to change. In fact, it's hard to find that many Vegan options in the New Orleans area. The super burritos are quite tasty and large; I had a shrimp one, and it was very filling. The staff is also courteous, friendly and down to earth. Parking can be a hassle, depending on the time of day, but there's usually always side street parking. Good times, good times.