10 Most Improved Restaurants In 2010
More exciting to me than seeing a new restaurant open is watching an old one get noticeably better. If that didn't happen, the restaurant scene would be like a movie theater: nobody would go except for the new pictures. These restaurants have moved up gratifyingly during the past year--at least to my sensitivities. I invite your additions, subtractions, and other comments on our messageboard.
To view the full reviews for any of these, click on the names.
1. Windsor Court Grill Room. CBD: 300 Gravier. 504-522-1994. Chef Drew Dzejak has moved on to his second original menu iteration, and the beautiful, sleek hotel dining rooms strides forward to equal its glory years. Not there yet, but getting closer every day.
2. Mike's On The Avenue. CBD: 628 St Charles Ave. 504-523-7600. After experimenting with a truly bizarre menu for its first few months, Mike's reverted to the food it made a name with back in the 1990s. It was ahead if its time then; now it's right on the money.
3. La Petite Grocery. Uptown: 4238 Magazine. 504-891-3377. Now that Chef Justin Devillier owns the place, he's allowed the menu to get more interesting.
4. La Provence. Lacombe: 25020 US 190. 985-626-7662. The current kitchen regime--the fourth since John Besh took over in 2006--has returned to the cooking the spirit of founder Chris Kerageorgiou. Not exactly the same--but it wouldn't be the same under Chris, either. Just good and consistent.
5. Patois. Uptown: 6078 Laurel. 504-895-9441. Chef Aaron Burgau passed his sophomore year with flying colors. The cooking that made the place one of the best new restaurants of 2008 has become even better.
6. Domenica. CBD: 123 Baronne (Roosevelt Hotel). 504-648-6020. The early crowds have gone, but so have the puzzling experimental dishes. They've been replaced by ever-more-appealing new food. It's just as original, but touches the palate more accurately. Still the city's best pizza.
7. Sesame Inn. Mandeville: 408 N Causeway Blvd. 985-951-8888. While most Chinese restaurants in the New Orleans area have drifted in the direction of cheap boredom, this sparkling little cafe keeps whipping out very interesting daily specials and a regular menu far better than average.
8. Peppermill. Metairie: 3524 Severn Ave. 504-455-2266. The challenge here remains how to reach beyond the safe longtime clientele and bring in younger customers. That's still a mystery, but the food is definitely in place and better than it's ever been.
9. Lüke. CBD: 333 St Charles Ave. 504-378-2840. It started out as more of a concept than a restaurant, but now the ensemble is complete and the food has been surprisingly excellent. A touch of rustic Alsace in the CBD, with a great breakfast too.
10. Bosco's. Mandeville: 2040 La Hwy 59. 985-624-5066. When he moved his Italian trattoria from its teeny original quarters to a bigger place, Tony Bosco took his time expanding the menu. Now there seems to be something new on every visit, and it's all good.
Tomorrow: Best Ethnic Restaurants Of 2010.
