Friday Lunch at Galatoire’s Restaurant in New Orleans is not some closely guarded secret.  The storied restaurant has received the James Beard Award for “Outstanding Restaurant” (2005); “Best Upscale Restaurant” and “Best French Quarter Restaurant” in the Best of the Big Easy Awards by the readers of Where Y’at (2011); “Best French Quarter Restaurant” and “Best New Orleans Restaurant” in The Times-Picayune’s Reader’s Choice Awards (2011); while Friday Lunch at Galatoire’s was included on the list of “25 Greatest Meals Ever” by Saveur Magazine (2010).

Everything you’ve ever heard is true – and then some.  From the lines that begin forming before 9am, to the use of placeholders who are paid by patrons to stand in that line.  From the ladies in hats to the disproportionately large number of birthday parties being celebrated.  From the lively libation-fueled revelry to the slow turnover of tables; it’s most-assuredly true.

And while the parties at the other tables were no doubt of the high octane variety; it was all my mother, Jacob and I could do not to swoon over the parties on our plates, that Friday after Thanksgiving.  Some highlights of our meal included a wonderfully piquant bowl of Duck and Andouille Gumbo and the Chicken Bonne-Femme (grilled chicken breast, wrapped in crispy bacon, topped with a heap of caramelized onions, and surrounded by garlicky sliced potatoes).  My mother is still kvelling about her Oysters en Brochette (oysters, wrapped in bacon, covered in flour, deep-fried, skewered, and served in a butter sauce), and Jacob’s Grilled Salmon was fresh, firm and flavorful.  As for the Sweet Potato Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust, no meal at Galatoire’s is complete without it.

There are some things we do, simply for the sake of having done them.  Sometimes, the experience didn’t quite live up to expectations; but sometimes, it more than exceeds them.  Friday lunch at Galatoire’s in New Orleans falls squarely in the latter category.

Friday lunch at Galatoire’s
Click HERE for info

Get into it!