New Orleans is already acknowledged as a food Mecca for regional Creole and Cajun food. Three restaurants stand out as not only supporting those traditions, but endeavoring to push the envelop further and make bold and creative dishes.
 

Upperline Restaurant at 1413 Uperline Street is hosted by Joann Clevenger who provides wonderful warmth and welcome to her customers and friends. Upperline offers the "traditional New Orleans fare" with may creative twists that make the dinning experience an exciting one.

Her "Garlic Menu" uses garlic in every course throughout the meal and provides "adventure in dinning." The "New Orleans Sampler Menu" allows one to taste traditional dishes done with flair. Items included are fried green tomatoes with shrimp Remoulade, spicy shrimp with jalapeno corn bread, and duck etouffee. In addition Upperline's pepper jelly is delicious and unusual. Ask Joann for a guided tour of her colorful collection of local art. Upperline is a good place to bring friends to start your culinary tour of New Orleans.

Upperline Restaurant
1413 Uperline St.
New Orleans
504-891-9822

The Palace Cafe at 605 Canal Street has been managed under the watchful eyes of the Brennan family for a number of years now. Traditional dishes again, are brought to a creative new level of excellence. The Palace Cafe's food goes way beyond bistro or cafe food and should be considered fine dining at its best. The staff creates a friendly, informal, and endearing atmosphere.

The Palace Cafe specializes in the freshest Louisiana seafood. A number of the seafood dishes are made with a light, healthful broth, rather than the use of cream or butter. Taste and the flavors of Creole and Cajun food are not sacrificed in the process. The classic white chocolate bread pudding soufflé scattered with dark chocolate shavings is so good that one does not worry about the calories.

Palace Cafe
605 Canal St.
New Orleans
504-523-1661

Commander's Palace at 1403 Washington Ave. is considered by many New Orleans finest dining experience. Commander's has won so many awards the management can barely fit them on the front flap of the menu. The place continues to turn out satisfying, though pricey meals. Favorites include boned Mississippi quail stuffed with Creole crawfish sausage in a Port wine glaze, pecan-crusted Gulf fish enriched with a lemony brown butter sauce, shrimp Remoulade, pan-seared foie grad with fresh citrus fruits, sherried turtle soup, and grilled homemade bread. There is also a vegetarian item on the menu. There is a wonderful outside courtyard and a light bright garden-themed dinning room creating the warmth of an elegant private home.

The service is thoroughly professional and done in "the grand style" complete with silver entrée dishes. All in all, Commander's Palace has a lot to offer the discriminating dinner. Dishes are creative in their conception, and rely on many of the flavors of traditional Creole and Cajun classics. The blending of the old and the new results in a satisfying dining experience.

Commander's Palace
1403 Washington Ave.
New Orleans
504-899-8221
 
 

These three restaurants--Upperline Restaurant, The Palace Cafe, and Commander's Palace are indeed three modern classics, ones that respect tradition, yet have wonderful creative treatment of the classics. All are worth the visit. Go try and enjoy!