Antebellum mansions along St Charles between Jackson and Louisiana Avenues. Commander's Palace, Coquette, Atchafalaya, Stein's Deli, the St Charles streetcar at the door.
Commander's Palace in New Orleans is the 1893 Garden District grande dame on Washington Avenue, the Brennan family flag with turtle soup, jacket-required brunch and quarter martinis.
Signature: Turtle soup, Pecan-crusted Gulf fish
Order: The turtle soup with sherry tableside. It has been on the menu since the dining room opened in 1893.
Tip: Book the upstairs Garden Room for the live courtyard view; the dress code requires collared shirts at dinner.
Coquette in New Orleans is the Magazine and Washington corner restaurant from Michael Stoltzfus, a 2008 modern-Southern room with rotating tasting menus and a long Louisiana wine list.
Signature: Tasting menu, Charcuterie board
Order: Whatever the Blind Faith tasting menu is running that week. Trust the kitchen.
Tip: Sit upstairs for the corner-window view; downstairs runs faster and louder.
Atchafalaya in New Orleans is the Louisiana Avenue Creole room on the edge of the Garden District, known for a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar and the duck hash that draws the weekend brunch queue.
Signature: Duck hash, Shrimp and grits
Order: The duck hash with sunny eggs, then build a Bloody Mary at the bar.
Tip: Brunch runs Saturday and Sunday with live music; arrive at 09:30 or hold for the 13:00 turn.
Atchafalaya in New Orleans is the Louisiana Avenue Creole room on the Garden District edge, known for a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar and the duck hash that draws weekend brunch.
Signature: Duck hash, Build-your-own Bloody Mary
Order: The duck hash with sunny eggs; build a Bloody Mary at the bar.
Tip: Saturday and Sunday brunch with live music; arrive 09:30 or hold for the 13:00 turn.