Restaurants That Matter
This is a list of our favorite restaurants (to date). This page is an on-going project. Watch for updates.
1. Galatoires New Orleans. One of the best times we’ve ever had in a restaurant. Fabulous food, atmosphere that’s filled with hospitality, history and New Orleans flavor. We love Galatoires.
2. Commander’s Palace, New Orleans. A ride on the famous street car to tour the Garden District and then dinner at Commander’s Palace is a great culinary adventure. Hand’s down the best service we’ve ever had and memorable cuisine. Since 1880, Commander’s Palace has been a New Orleans landmark known for the award winning quality of its food and many commodious dining rooms. The history of this famous restaurant offers a glimpse into New Orleans’ ante-bellum past.
Brigtsen’s - New Orleans. A taxi ride across town to a historic home offered us a fabulous meal in a lovely atmosphere. Quite homey as our waitress had to leave for a few minutes to help her daughter get ready for prom. Another waitress stood in to make sure we were well taken care of. And that we were. Bob thought it was the best meal we had in New Orleans. He ordered a New Orleans parody on Thanksgiving Dinner. Roast duck with corn bread dressing with tart dried cherry sauce. A unique and memorable dining experience.
Nick’s Italian Cafe - Mcminville, Oregon. After a long day of wine tasting in Oregon Wine Country, one has to schedule a reservation at Nick’s Italian Cafe in McMinville. A non assuming store front, interior and atmosphere makes it a perfect days-end hide-out that serves some of the most delicious gourmet Italian inspired food that you can imagine.
Bouchon, Napa
Capital Grill, Denver. I know, I know, I can’t believe I’m including the off limits “chain” restaurant on this list. But I am. We’re not even “steak-house-people” but the service and food at Capital Grill on Historic Larimar Street can’t be ignored. Does it count if I say they make you feel like you’re not in a “Chain”. They do. They even employ Denver’s awarded “Top Waiter” You really do feel special here and the food is wonderful.
Brennans, New Orleans
Painted Lady, Dundee, Oregon
Los Olivas Cafe, Los Olivas, CA
Al-t’s, Winne Texas. A local joint that serves fabulous Crayfish Etoufee
The Bubble Room, Sanabel Island, Florida
Vesta Dipping Grill, Denver
Inn of Glen Haven 
How was Bouchon? Would also love to hear some of the food memories / dishes that blew you away from these places.
Yes, this is a work in progress and thanks for the reminder to update. Bouchon was fabulous. I’ll have to muster up the memories to make sure report just how special Bouchon is.
Julia’s Kitchen – and the museum, Copia, closed in late 2008.
Very unfortunate.
I second Bouchon as a favorite…loved it! I believe it’s owned by the same folks who run the famous French Laundry in Yountville, but don’t quote me on that.
Thanks for stopping by Nancy. I did know about the closure. I agree, very unfortunate. We had a wonderful meal and a great time at that restaurant. I still love looking at the photos.
Thanks for visiting my blog. I’m trying to get back into the blogging routine and hopefully I’ll have something posted today.
I like down-to-earth food, but about 2-3 times a year, I like to splurge on a fine dining meal. I find inspiration for my own cooking when I enjoy a meal prepared by a great chef. I love traveling and discovering new recipes or a new way of preparing a common ingredient. I find that this is a great way to relive a vacation.
My last great foodie vacation was Charleston. If you stay near the city center, there are dozens of great restaurants within walking distance.. We especially enjoyed McGrady’s, which it touted by some publications as one of the best restaurants in American. McGrady’s own/chef just opened a new restaurant in Charleston called Husk, and it’s getting rave reviews.
I look forward to reading more.
Thanks for the visit Muddy. In reading your “statement” it sounds like we’ve got alot in common … besides the Kansas thing.
We’ll need to check out the Inn in Glen Haven. We visit Estes Park about once a year, and we’re always looking for new restaurants to try.
Not only is it a gorgeous little 15 minute drive from Estes, it’s a wonderful place to dine. We’ve not eaten there for a few years but it was top notch and a memorable experience.