NOLA, New Orleans

Went for lunch on a Jan. 19, around one. Hostess was aloof, bordering on unfriendly, the waiter was indifferent, the food was blah, and the service was horrible, with the exception of the bus people. Got our food before the wine menu, which we had already asked for twice. We used to love this place.......what happened?

We heard so much about Emeril's restaurants, we had to experience for ourselves. The waitress (rhymes with Molly) did not explain any part of the menu choices like she did for the other tables and seemed to have an attitude with us (no apparent reason, we were nice and are not profiled as "bad tippers"). Food came, and although was okay, not worth the bill. The preparation was good, but the flavors were not. For the four of us, I'd expect to pay in the $60-80 range for this meal. Not the $200-220. For that kind of money, we'll go to Palace Cafe. For seafood, we'll go to Deanie's in Bucktown.

a bit worried it might be overhyped...boy was I wrong. The food and service were 5 star from start to finish. tried 6 starters between 3 of us and each had an entree--try the red fish, or the crab cakes, or the pork chops, or the shrimp....you can not go wrong! Walking distance from the heart of bourbon street, canal, etc.

I took my sister on a surprise trip to NO for her 50th birthday that culminated in a fantastic meal at NOLA. The appetizers were very good--I had a mostly crab-crabcake, she had a fabulous salad but the best part of the meals were the entrees. Her shrimp and grits rated at one of the top meals she had ever eaten, and my tenderloin was terrific. Dessert was a homey gingerbread muffin with carmel sugar and it was good the next day, as I was too full to eat it that night. A memorable evening. Highly recommend this place--and Travis, our waiter, was a hoot.

We were 6pm walk-ins so the kitchen wasn't slammed. The ambiance and restaurant are very nice. The usual fine dining with people walking in with shorts and go cups scene. Our waiter was good but the support staff was terrible. They didn't clear the dishes and the food runner toppled and slid my food across my plate when he slammed it down in front of me. We liked the apps. Miriam had a ceasar and I had the fried duck livers with greens, both were terrific. The entrees failed terribly. I ordered the garlic crusted drum. It was soggy and greasy. I noticed food sitting under domes on their line forever. Very poor execution of a cleaver dish as it was served over mushrooms, bacon, potatoes and green beans (skimpy). Miriam had the fish of the day and it was ok but underseasoned to be sure and a real snore. The pesto was more like mowed lawn. Both fishes were cooked perfectly. They bought our drum dish because I protested it a bit. For desert we had banana layer cake and chocolate bread pudding. Skip them. The banana layer cake was ok but the chocolate bread pudding wasn't good at all. I would not bother with this restaurant until they step it up a bit.

The best of Emeril's restaurants. The food is always creative and good.

Phenominal gumbo, very nice service

Nola needs work. Service can be inattentive. Once seated the server seemed to take forever to make it to our table. Was not that busy. Food that should have been hot was just lukewarm. Will go with friends off and on, but it seems to be more off than on lately.

Nola was great. The ambiance is superb and the menu has a great variety of creole and new Orleans inspired cuisine.

Wow, what a great surprise. We have been to other Emril restaurants and thought they were good, but this is much better. Fantastic service as well.