Latest Writing

What's Cooking

All posts
An Original
Dining Diary

An Original

In its original setting.

March 18, 2026

Tom's Recommendations

Featured Restaurants

All restaurants
Contemporary Creole

Metairie 3: Houma Blvd To Kenner Line

Among the most-loved restaurants are those whose customers believe that their goodness is known only to themselves. Secret restaurants, we might call them. The regular patrons are reluctant to talk about such restaurants, believing that the restaurant will become impenetrable if everybody in the world starts coming. In actual fact, that almost never happens, but the feeling is still comforting. All of the above applies to Cypress, whose location at the corner of two heavily-traveled arteries should make it better known than it is. But ssshhhh!

Sandwiches

Metairie 2: Orleans Line To Houma Blvd

Oh, how we love unassuming little cafes hidden away on side streets. Especially if the food is good and the people pleasant. That's how it is at Buddy's, a tight but cute little dinette with a classic New Orleans neighborhood menu. Plus fried chicken. My hat is off to them for using the spelling "poor boys" in their official logo.

Food Almanac

45 Years of Culinary History

Daily entries covering the food history of New Orleans — exclusively for Five Star members.

Explore the Almanac
New Orleans food neon sign

On the Air

The Food Show

Join Tom Fitzmorris weekdays from 2–4 PM on 990 AM WGSO — 32 years of recipes, restaurant news, and New Orleans food culture.

Learn More

Follow Along

@nomenu

Photos, restaurant visits, market finds, and the food life of New Orleans — on Instagram.

Follow on Instagram
Commander's Palace Restaurant

Membership

45 Years of New Orleans Food Authority

Become a Five Star member and unlock the full Food Almanac, vintage print magazines (1977–1995), premium articles, and your exclusive Ciao Number.

Become a Member