Empire - New Orleans

We walked in after the restaurant I picked was full. Comfortable, pretty, just off loud Bourbon Street, almost an oasis of tranquility.. lots of space, but we like to eat at the bar. I ordered the pork chop, perfect and very juicy. I admit, I'm not an adventurous eater, so the apple glaze had on the side, was perfectly spiced and didn't need it. My partner got the redfish and I tried. The man next to me ordered it and it ate everything, we joked he should have put the lemon in the togo box.. it was a nice experience beautiful bartender and great atmosphere.

Let me start... I'm 40 years old. While I might look younger... I could pull 35 at most. The man at the bar knew me. First card I got in 10 bars. Oddly enough that I left my ID in the hotel. This man wouldn't serve me. I had pictures of my ID and passport. No. While these have worked for me in the past at the airport, it did not work here. That wouldn't be so much of a peeve if other people at the bar wouldn't get a bad ID right next to me. The drinks were good and the other bartender apologised, but come on.

For appetizers, we ordered Duck and Andouille Gumbo and Deviled Eggs, both of which were beautifully presented. My husband chose the Croque Madame Rosalie, while I went for the Satsuma Creamsicle Pain Perdu, and both dishes were absolutely divine. The atmosphere was wonderful, enhanced by a jazz band that serenaded us and other tables with special songs. For dessert, we indulged in Grand Marnier Crème Brûlée and Café Brulot Diabolique, both of which were exquisitely presented. Our servers, Lindsey and Selena, provided impeccable service throughout our visit. Overall, it was an exceptional experience, and we will definitely be returning!

The food was enjoyable overall, with the Tuck Gnocchi, fish, and steak standing out, although the tofu was the weakest of the four dishes. The Brie appetizer was rather bland and not accompanied by anything to scoop it with, like crackers or bread. The Bananas dish was fun but quite pricey at $24 for just eight halves. Overall, I’m glad we gave this place a try.

We are in our 6th year here in New Orleans, Covid is a little bit behind us (or we are learning to cope with it) and have decided it 's time to try iconic restaurants we have not yet enjoyed. One word about Broussards- NO! I am giving one star for the fact that our greeters were nice and our waiter was very professional. The food was the worst we have eaten in New Orleans, seriously. The wilted salad tasted as if it had been plated before lunch, the pumpkin bisque was thicker than a vegetable puree (though it tasted fine). The main courses, the duck my husband could not find except that piece of gristle in a think glop in the bowl was inedible and seriously unappetizing to look at and the tofu I had was just almost ok. Desserts were a bust- the crumble had been doused with vinegar (not joking- did someone grab a wrong bottle) and the cake was meh. We have had some terrific food here in town- Lisette and Achafayala are favorites and Shaya 's restaurant is fabulous. El Pavo is a terrific Mexican restaurant.Susan Spicer is an amazing chef. Commanders is OK and Upperline was good when it was open. So I guess we will do better research before our next outing! Here is to good dining in NOLA.