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SPRING RESTAURANT GUIDE
2003

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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THE EDGE BAR & GRILL
3400 Hessmer Ave., Metairie 780-2266
If it's a light lunch you're looking for, try the Deli Delight: a boneless, skinless chicken breast with sauteed mushrooms and onions, served over angel hair pasta with homemade tomato sauce. Or go back to basics with either the 8-ounce Edge Burger or the eggplant Parmesan, served with baked macaroni. No reservations. Lunch Monday through Friday, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

EL PATIO
3244 Georgia Ave., Kenner 443-1188
Meet the meat at El Patio and you won't be disappointed. One of the restaurant's specialties is its signature Cuban pork, which is roasted for more than six hours until it's spiced and shredded. For big appetites, the Maximilian consists of a flour tortilla stuffed with beef, chicken and shrimp, deep-fried and topped with shrimp, avocado puree and a Jack Daniel's sauce. Reservations recommended for large parties. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$

ELEVEN 79
1179 Annunciation St. 299-1179
One mark of a good Italian restaurant is whether or not it has regular customers -- and Eleven 79 most certainly does. Appetizer choices include the grilled calamari with pecorino polenta and lemon butter. Follow this with the signature paneed veal Eleven 79, served with roasted red peppers, asparagus, buffalo mozzarella and a lemon sauce. Reservations recommended. Dinner Monday through Saturday, late-night Friday and Saturday. Credit cards. $$$

ELIZABETH'S RESTAURANT
601 Gallier St. 944-9272
www.elizabeths-restaurant.com
This Bywater hideaway beckons foodies near and far with its no-nonsense motto: "Real food done real good." The South Carolina charm and culinary skills of proprietress Heidi Trull provide flavor on multiple levels. The eggs Elizabeth could make anyone turn Southern -- French bread slathered in butter, grilled and topped with ham, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Friday, breakfast, lunch and brunch Saturday. Credit cards and checks. $

THE EMBERS ORIGINAL BOURBON HOUSE
700 Bourbon St. 523-1485
www.emberssteakhouse.com
Steak lovers and seafood fans alike will find something to tickle their taste buds at this restaurant, located deep in the heart of the French Quarter. The Embers Bourbon House Special is an 8-ounce filet mignon slicked with demi-glace and served with jumbo barbecue shrimp, garlic mashed potatoes and a house salad. Reservations recommended. Lunch Saturday and Sunday, dinner daily, late-night Friday and Saturday. Credit cards. $$

EMERIL'S
800 Tchoupitoulas St. 528-9393
www.emerils.com
The flagship restaurant of Emeril Lagasse's burgeoning restaurant empire, Emeril's continues to create the kind of inspired dishes that started all the success. Sample the andouillle-crusted redfish, which is served in a Creole meuniere sauce with shoe-string potatoes. Signature items such as New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp, served with a petite rosemary biscuit, and dessert favorite banana cream pie remain. Reservations required. Lunch Monday through Friday, dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$$

EMERIL'S DELMONICO RESTAURANT
1300 St. Charles Ave. 525-4937
www.emerils.com
Chef Emeril Lagasse brings to his contemporary Creole restaurant the creative cuisine we've come to expect from the celebrity chef. At lunch, try the crab salad or the grilled steak burger with caramelized onions, apple bacon, sharp cheddar cheese and homemade Worcestershire sauce. For dinner, the broiled dry-aged prime ribeye is a top choice. Reservations recommended for lunch, required for dinner. Lunch Monday through Friday, dinner daily, jazz brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $$$

ENZO'S RISTORANTE
1648 Gentilly Blvd. 949-2284
www.enzosnola.com
Enzo's is sure to be a welcome sight for the throngs pouring out of Jazz Fest. This restaurant offers classic Italian recipes such as manicotti, fettuccine Alfredo and hearty lasagna with ground beef or vegetarian style. Calzones, salads, soups and sandwiches round out the menu. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

ERNST CAFE
600 S. Peters St. 525-8544
The Ernst Cafe is worth a visit just to see the 150-year-old building the restaurant is lodged in, where wonderful architectural features such as the pressed tin ceiling remain intact. The two menu favorites are the bayou cheeseburger and the boss chicken tenders. Of course, lots of people are fans of the two daily happy hours, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and from midnight to 3 a.m. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

ESPLANADE RESTAURANT
3443 Esplanade Ave. (Park Esplanade Apartments) 821-8939
The onion rings here are a favorite appetizer, and those looking for a light and tasty meal will love the grilled shrimp salad. A recommended dinner entree is the eggplant venison, and every Friday boasts a fresh fish selection. Ask your server for the daily specials. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Monday through Friday. Credit cards and checks. $

ESPRESSO YOURSELF CUSTOM COFFEE
3604 Delaronde Drive, Chalmette 271-0380
www.espressoyourself.net
There are plenty of ways to entertain yourself at Espresso Yourself, which features live music, video poker, Internet access and a book swap. Of course, if you get hungry or thirsty, there's a selection of coffees, espresso-based drinks, pastries and a menu featuring tasty quiches and soups, salads and sandwiches. No reservations. Breakfast daily, lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday; pastries and coffees only on Sunday. Credit cards. $

ETOILE
407 N. Columbia St., Covington (985) 892-4578
You may have stars in your eyes after a meal at this classy French bistro. The chef recommends the grilled tilapia topped with an artichoke heart, caper and tomato relish, as well as the filet with a wild mushroom marchand de vin sauce, served with haricot vert and chevre potatoes. Reservations accepted for parties of six or more. Lunch Monday through Saturday, dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$$