I was in NOLA with my boss and a co-worker for a work conference for a few days. They kindly allowed me to choose the dinner restaurants, but I knew I had a few constraints. First, they had to be in walking distance from the Sheraton; they had to allow casual dress, and they couldn't be super pricey (we had per diems and were quite willing to spend more, but high-end, fine dining was out). Also, they are a little hesitant to go too far outside the box with their food choices.

With that in mind, I decided on Domenica, Johnny Sanchez and Peche.

Reservations for Domenica were at 7:15. We arrived very early and they were slammed, so we had drinks at Sazerac, first. I had a Moscow Mule and it was perfectly delicious. Finished it just in time to head over to Domenica, where I had a Domenica Daiquiri (Ginger infused Cana Brava Rum, Zucca Rabarbaro, Demeraro syrup, lime). Did not like.

(Our server kindly took my drink off my ticket, which was very nice. I would have never asked him to do it, but he offered.)

Being a true F&DB member, I went in with a plan for what we'd order. The cauliflower was first on the list. Our server discouraged this (mostly because he was bored with it, I think), so we changed the plan. I am very happy that we started with this:

Affettati Misti - salumi & imported cheese platter with torta frita, sweet and savory treats.

It was fun and delicious. I'm so proud of my friends for digging in and trying everything!

Next up, Wild Mushroom Bruschetta

Holy deliciousness, Batman! I want some right this minute! Enough for us to have one each. I wanted it all.

Finally, a pizza. I can't really say if this was delicious or not. I was already full. I had part of one slice. It was Smoked Pork with mozz, red onion, Anaheim peppers, salsa verde.

My friends loved it.

Verdict: Loved the place. Ambiance was nice. Our server was excellent. He was friendly, informative, helpful, and he didn't rush us at all. Food brought out at a nice pace. I want to go back. We saw the cauliflower app go by and had some regret. But no regrets with what we ordered.

Thursday night, Johnny Sanchez. Our server was from Laffy, and she was happy to spend time with "her people" as she called us. We started with margaritas, because Mexican restaurant.

The guac was perfect! Chips and salsa, spot on. This is what I hate about going to a Mexican restaurant. I love chips and salsa and guac and always eat too much of them.

We missed seeing Eh-RRRRon Sanchez by a few minutes, although our server thought he'd be returning. My ordering and eating was not focused because I kept swiveling my head to see if he was there. Besh was in the house, but Aaron was in my heart. *fan girl*

Crispy Brussels Sprouts with butternut squash, cotija, jalapeno vinaigrette.

Muy bueno.

My main was Wood Grilled Hanger Steak with pumpkin mole, papas bravas, epazote-miso butter. This dish is not photogenic, but it was very good.

The meat was tender, the potatoes were crispy, the flavors were very nice. One of my friends ordered the same and the other ordered the queso fundido as her main. She thought it was too rich, but as an appetizer (which is what it is), it would have been fine.

Verdict: Would go again. Great server and service, nice ambiance. Good food. Not sure if I ordered correctly.

The last night in NOLA ... Peche!

No picture of the drinks we started with, but I had a Moscow Mule. As mules do, it kicked my arse. Strong!

We started with the seafood platter. My friends had never had raw oysters!!!!!!!!!!!!! But they were willing to give it a go. And they both liked them. Not sure they'd ever order a dozen, though.

Oysters were plump and briny and perfect. We each had two. The smoked tuna dip had not been over-hyped. We loved it! I think this was the favorite part of the platter for my friends. I enjoyed it all. There is a seafood salad with shrimp and raw tuna and avocado. Delish! There was a smoked drum salad with crispy smoked mushrooms on top. One of my friends didn't care for this, so I took up her slack. We took our time enjoying it all.

Next, we ordered small plates only. Fish sticks, hush puppies, shrimp toast, fried bread.

Fish sticks, perfection. Hush puppies - we saw green and decided that counted as our veg. Fried bread, also good, but unneccessary. Shrimp toast, I have to say was meh.

I wish we'd ordered the crab claws instead of the fried bread, but one of my friends ordered it, and how could I protest when they'd allowed me to order most everything else?

This was the only night we ordered dessert and OMG!!! I don't see it on their online menu to give a correct description, but the server called it Salted Peanut Pie with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream.

Delicious, rich, sweet, salty, yummy!(Crust was a little tough, but I didn't care.) Two of us shared this, third person was uninterested.

Verdict: Great server, great decor and ambiance, great food. Problem: I wish I could have ordered and tasted more. I am going straight to Hell for the sin of gluttony.