re: Emeril's Receives 2 Stars in Michelin South Guide

Not a good effort in my opinion.

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Every once in a while, they'll do something like giving a star to a food stall in Singapore or something, but for the most part, it's an entire experience. I always like to refer to The Modern in NYC. Has two stars. The service and plating are on a completely different level. If you're sitting at a four-top at the Modern, when they serve a course, you will get four people serving your plates at the same time. It's kind of like an orchestra.

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This is generally what I always think as well, but admittedly, last time we were in Chicago we did two different starred restaurants.

One was what you'd consider "the Michelin experience", and the other was no different than sitting in a packed/trendy restaurant anywhere in the world. Food was awesome, but service was just average/normal, and we were so close to the couple next to us (bench style seating) that I know exactly why the woman was in the bathroom for 30 minutes throwing up. Because I heard every word that was spoken about it between her date and staff.

The other starred place we went to on the trip, I legit could not tell you what anyone in the place looked like, where they were sitting, how close or far they were to us, etc. The entire thing was so experience-focused that I recall nothing beyond our table.

Both had the same star level. So it does kinda back up their stance that it is only about the food, although that's never what I believed.

They were part of the recommended list

The 18 New Orleans Michelin recommended restaurants show a similarly broad range of styles and price points. The recommended restaurants are:

34 Restaurant & Bar (modern Portuguese)
Addis NOLA (Ethiopian)
Atchafalaya (contemporary Creole)
August (contemporary Creole)
Clancy’s (Creole)
Compère Lapin (modern Caribbean)
Dakar NOLA (modern Senegalese tasting menu)
Galatoire’s (French Creole)
Herbsaint (modern American/Louisiana)
Killer Po-boys (sandwiches)
The Kingsway (pan Asian tasting menu)
La Petite Grocery (contemporary Creole)
Molly’s Rise and Shine (breakfast)
Osteria Lupo (regional Italian)
Patois (contemporary Creole)
Pêche Seafood Grill (seafood)
Saffron NOLA (upscale Indian)
Willie Mae’s NOLA (Creole)


One would be just fine using this list as a dining guide

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One would be just fine using this list as a dining guide

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While I could quibble with 2-3 choices here and there, it's a very solid list of places and a good representation of some of the best restaurants across various cuisines and price points.

The Bib Gourmand listing was a bit goofy.

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There was obviously something afoot between Michelin and the varous Brennans.

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No doubt. Has to be

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Also Paladar, Commander's, Brennan's, etc not being on any of those lists is odd to me

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... Commander's and all of the Brennan family restaurants, such as Mr. B's Bistro always have had/ always will have awesome reputations. There is really no need to be put in a Michelin book. The locals love this to the max. How many times in the past has a restaurant here in New Orleans been destroyed in becoming a "tourist trap". This has happened , especially during the 80s & 90s.
Could be the family just didn't want to take the bait .

Commander's is still my all time favorite.


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Looking forward to it. Not looking forward to the cost though.

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I'm on the fence about trying it, but one thing that stands out is that the main courses section of the menu gives you an A or B option, but option B is a supplemental cost every single time.

If you do go the standard $225 route, please do let us know what you think, 'cause there's some pretty traditional dishes in there, a la boudin, trout, etc...

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Emeril’s deserved and earned 2. I think more places in New Orleans deserved one, based on criteria, but expect those numbers to grow over the years. That way Michelin can say “we helped elevate food in the American south.” Clever marketing.

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Never thought of this but this is exactly what they do

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Tasting menus with supplemental charges are infuriating. Kingsway does it. Emeril’s does it. Many of them do. I can understand if the supplement is add shaved alba truffle $60. But if only have two options for a course and one is a supplement GTFO. My only complaint with emeril’s and the like. Just charge everyone $15 more or whatever to make it work.

Emeril’s deserved and earned 2. I think more places in New Orleans deserved one, based on criteria, but expect those numbers to grow over the years. That way Michelin can say “we helped elevate food in the American south.” Clever marketing.

Commanders and maybe another Brennan’s places being left off the recommended is weird but don’t think any of them are star level.

PS the trout amandine at Emeril’s is incredible. Believe they use a rainbow trout tho.

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Did you walk out of there feeling relatively full? 'Cause not all tasting menus seem to provide that, even when spending that kinda scratch.