New Orleans Travel Diary
Restaurants
by Mike Clay

Commander’s Palace is the living vision of Ella Brennan for a world class restaurant. The Brennan Family has developed this superb restaurant into one of the best restaurants in the world. Both the kitchen and service staffs are sensitive to customer needs and facilitate an air of elegance for the diner.  The meal becomes a celebratory event.

Surprisingly, this is one of the great bargains in New Orleans. A four course dinner in one of the truly great restaurants in America can be had for $32, and lunch for $15. This is a dining experience well worth the expense.

The meal starts with irresistible garlic toast. I tend to eat too much toast but it is good. The shrimp remoulade, arguably the best in the world, goes well with the garlic toast.

It’s hard not to be a bit overboard about the food at Commander’s Palace. Their soup is always outstanding, especially the turtle soup which is the best in New Orleans and the Creole gumbo that sets the standard for gumbo. Their entrée menu is anchored by Lyonnaise Gulf fish and Tournedos of Beef and offers a Filet mignon Adelaide, named after Ella's sister, that is perfect. Dessert is "to die for". The bread pudding soufflé must be ordered at the beginning of your meal and I would suggest that you try it. For your second visit, test the Bananas Foster or the Chocolate fudge Sheba.

Wow! This is a great place to eat. Have you been there? If you haven’t, call and make reservations. Ask for the Garden Room. Make it an extra-special occasion place and you will anchor the memories of special events in your memory bank for life. It’s good. You’re worth it and it’s worth the price.

I’m Mike Clay with Word Pictures, a community service of Lifesongs.