We’re heading for the finish line – make sure you look at all three write-ups because we have found some really special places for you to explore. We’ve taken ten New Orleans’ neighborhoods and looked at what each has to offer – our aim was to strive for lots of choices. The subject of “food” is pretty tricky: what one person thinks is absolutely sublime – another won’t touch with a 10 ft. pole. Ask any chef about this and I’m sure you’ll get an earful. 

SEVEN – FAUBOURG MARIGNY AND BYWATER  

The Country Club: eat, drink, socialize and go for a swim – it’s all here. Escape the bustle of the French Quarter in a bucolic setting. The Club has been in business for more than 40 years. Ever had a Truffle Mac-N-Cheese? You’ll love it. This class act is at 634 Louisa St., 504-945-0742

St. Roch Market: a stunning food hall that you will love. Southern Living magazine notes that, “St. Roch generates the nostalgia of a bygone time and place – that’s suddenly not so far away.” Seating options allow for dining, drinking or hanging out. It’s at 2381 St. Claude Ave., 504-267-0388

Bywater American Bistro: there are three menus: dinner, brunch and cocktails. Entrées for dinner include: Curried Rabbit with Coconut Rice and Peas or Half Jerk Chicken with Semolina Dumplings. There is also a COOLinary menu. The Bistro is at 2900 Chartres St., 504-605-3827

EIGHT – TAKING IN THE HISTORIC TREMÉ

Dooky Chase’s Restaurant: has been serving American/Cajun/Creole cuisine since 1941. The Tremé is the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited African-American neighborhood. This restaurant has great food served with care. You’ll find it at 2301 Orleans Ave., 504-821-0600

Gabrielle Restaurant: a family-run place with a creative menu. One reviewer says, “From the She Crab Bisque to the Traiteur Fish (seared filet served on top of a crab cake) you can’t go wrong!” Located off the beaten path at 2441 Orleans Ave., 504-603-2344. Comment: I always order the She Crab Soup at the Oyster Bar in NYC’s Grand Central – it's heavenly.

Willie Mae’s Scotch House: one of the best spots in town for fried chicken. It has “Kid’s Meals (ages 12 and under)” on the menu and, for adults – an over-the-top dessert called Turtle Cheesecake (don’t ask). There are also vegan selections on the menu. Go to 2401 St. Ann St., 504-822-9503

NINE – MARVELING AT LAKEVIEW/LAKEFRONT

Landry’s Seafood: this area is named after its stunning views of Lake Pontchartrain. Hankering for Popcorn Shrimp with Remoulade Sauce (bite-sized pieces of battered shrimp) with your drink as you watch a glorious sunset? Landry’s is at 8000 Lakeshore Dr., 504-283-1010

TEN – SAILING AWAY TO SCENIC ALGIERS

Dry Dock Café: and bar – it’s a short, scenic ferry ride away from the French Quarter. Offers a traditional American menu that includes burgers, gumbo, catfish, salads and po’boys. Dry Dock is the perfect place for lunch. This café is located at 133 Delaronde St., 504-361-8240  

CLICK HERE read our “Happy New Year To All.”

CLICK AGAIN for “Looking Ahead to January 2020” – some things may have changed – but many have not.

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? To all our guests: past, present and future, we’d just like to wish all of you the very best of the season. Do enjoy the holiday season and stay safe. We want to see all your smiling faces back in New Orleans and lodging with us in 2021.

PLEASE PHONE, USE EMAIL OR CHECK THE WEB for the current status of whatever restaurant you choose.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick