What can I say about Nola? The word "spectacular" comes to mind for our dinner at the establishment of FoodTV icon Emeril Lagasse. Nola is expensive, but worth every penny. My girlfriend Chris said it all at the end of our dinner when she joked, "Every meal from now on is going to suck in comparison."
After arriving for our 8:15 reservation, we selected a bottle of wine from the bar and waited for our table. After a brief wait, we were led to the elevator(!) in the center of the restaurant and to our table upstairs. I ordered the must-have Louisiana crab cake appetizer ($11) and the double-cut pork chop ($28); Chris had the gumbo for an appetizer ($6) and the cedar panel roasted redfish ($2
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After arriving for our 8:15 reservation, we selected a bottle of wine from the bar and waited for our table. After a brief wait, we were led to the elevator(!) in the center of the restaurant and to our table upstairs. I ordered the must-have Louisiana crab cake appetizer ($11) and the double-cut pork chop ($28); Chris had the gumbo for an appetizer ($6) and the cedar panel roasted redfish ($26). For dessert we split a fried apple pie-like creation with cinnamon ice cream ($6). The portions are large; we ordered appetizers and dessert only because we knew everything would be superb, not because we were worried about having enough to eat. Everything was spectacular. I don't know how they make the crab cakes, but they are so good they should probably be illegal. The service is outstanding, but for me, almost a bit intrusive. Don't get me wrong, I like my water and wine glasses filled now and then, but every two minutes borders on overkill!
Our dinner, which included two appetizers, two entrees (expect to pay $24-$32 for an entree), one dessert and a modestly-priced bottle of wine ran $150 including tip. We had no problem calling a few days ahead for a Thursday night reservation. More advanced planning is probably required for a prime weekend slot. The only potential drawback: if you're seeking a quiet, romantic dinner spot this probably isn't it; Nola simply draws too big a crowd.
Our 1-10 ratings:
Ken: Food - 10 Service - 9 Atmosphere - 8
Chris: Food - 10 Service - 10 Atmosphere - 8
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