Guess it!

Disclaimer: ValueNola does not support the value of any of the photos featured below. But please let me know what each dish is & where these dishes are from:

Photo #1 clues - this was my first time to this most famous of chef's restaurants. Located right across from Louisiana's own - Louisiana Fast!

Photo #2 Clues - Another first trip for me. The flavors were amazing, but the value was beyond terrible.

Photo #3 Clues: Same spot as photo #2. Very interesting dish with huge chunks of the sea. Again, flavors were amazing but value was two thumbs down.

Photo #4 Clues - Worst value of my life. All in, this dish costed over $150 (tax & tip included).

Please note that none of the dishes above even qualify for Splurges of the week due to their abismal value.

I'm getting sick - over & out.

Guess that Dish - 7th Ward Style

Congrats to Scott Kushner. Last weeks lucky winner. What a man!

Random thought of the day: I am constantly over eating and eating too fast...and I think, how can I slow myself down? I have the solution: miniature silverware...I ate a meal the other night with a lobster fork & it really helped. Chop sticks also help slow me down.

Last week's featured restaurant was Sylvain which is truly something special. It can be done with Value in mind but can get out of control fast. Unbelievable atmosphere. BIG FAN!

This week is all about guessing both the restaurants and dishes featured. And, we're off....

Clues for Photo #1 - I bet you didn't know this uptown restaurant does brunch on Sundays... Oh and did I mention they do Happy Hour all day Sunday. Frozen mimosas (made with orange sherbet) are amazing.

Clues for Photo #2 - Same spot. Photo gives away the restaurant, but can you GTD?

Clues for Photo #3 - New french quarter restaurant to the NOLA scene. Value is not associated with this place, but can you say SPLURGE OF THE WEEK. Unbelievably cool and progressive atmosphere.

Ok - bring it on! And for bonus points, email me what ward each restaurant is located in...

Guess that Restaurant

Welcome to the 3rd edition of Guess that Restaurant. Keep in mind all clues for this edition are for same place.

General Clues: This popular uptown restaurant does a great upscale brunch. Definitely not the best value, but a logical place to be your SPLURGE OF THE WEEK!



Description: Heirloom tomato salad



Description: Best portion of the day! Steak Tartar. The capers ruined it for me. ($12)



Description: A beautiful Cobb salad that comes without any protein. With protein, the salad will run you $20 pre-tax and tip.



Description: This was the real winner - Paneed Chicken with a fried egg on top & 1/4 waffle below ($18)



Description: Black Drum fish in what can only be described as a bistro portion. No value here, but great if you are on a diet...minus the cream corn sauce.

Any ideas of where these photos were taken? Guess away!

Splurge of the Week: Apolline Restaurant

Happy Friday New Orleans!

I had a wonderful meal last night uptown on Magazine Street. Apolline is a new restaurant located at 4729 Magazine Street - occupying the space formerly known as Dominique's. Apolline Restaurant has a beautiful interior with a well rounded menu.

Specialty cocktails are $9 and entrees range from $24-$33. The portions are decent - good. Apolline, to me, qualifies as a bistro. I wouldn't say this place is a great value, but Apolline definitely qualifies as a Splurge of the Week!



Pictured above is the crispy confit duck leg entree ($25) served with potato and andouille hash, zucchini, and a quail egg. This dish is accompanied by an amazing duck gravy. Be sure to request cornbread to dip into the gravy. I am a big fan of this crowd favorite. My only complaint was the portion. Have you ever tried a quail egg?



Pictured above is the ponzu glazed salmon entree ($25) served with parsnip puree and shitake mushrooms on top. A very healthy portion of salmon with a very creative take on parnsip that serves as a interest & healthy alternative to mashed potatoes. The shitake mushrooms were the best mushrooms I've had in my entire life. Big fan!

All in all, I was really pleased with my first visit to Apolline and endorse this spot as a Splurge of the Week. Former lawyer and owner Keith Andrews seems to be working really hard to achieve a great guest experience. Keep up the good work!

New Restaurant in the Warehouse District: Foodies on Julia

New Orleans meet Foodies! A new healthy spot to grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner. A very attractive interior and super amazing courtyard in the back comprise this tiny quaint cafe. The interior of the restaurant could be no larger than 1,500 square feet.

So, how is the value at Foodies? Unfortunately, not great. But in their defense, the warehouse district does not demand good value. My thai chicken wrap was $8.25 = $9 with tax. I asked for extra meat because the pressed wraps / paninis looked small for a growing boy. They forgot my extra chicken and the wrap was in fact small. This place could qualify as a chick flick, but strangely enough, I will be back.

Check out the menu above. Great variety and unlike the rest of food in New Orleans, light and healthy. The juice and smoothies looked great! They also have muffins and breakfast sandwiches for the early morning crowd. Below is a photo of my thai chicken salad wrap. The highlight was the cucumber, grape, goat cheese, yogurt based salad that accompanied my wrap.

As with all new restaurants, Foodies has a lot of kinks to work out (mainly timing), but the concept and potential is there.

I look forward to my second experience, but may have to order triple meat & let it be my splurge of the week!