Table 10

Description:

• The natural conclusion to draw about celebrity chefs with multiple restaurants is that they are spreading themselves too thin. That may or may not be true as a whole, but this latest venture by New Orleans-based and TV-ubiquitous Emeril belies conventional wisdom. Not a copy of another holding in the Emeril empire (as are the excellent Delmonico and the hit-and-miss Emeril's Seafood) but a new endeavor with its own personality -- albeit one that clearly benefits from its Emeril origins. Named after a special seating spot in Emeril's flagship New Orleans restaurant, the food at this locale hits a high note on a level with that standout eatery. Further, at this writing, while not cheap, meals here come off as a bargain in comparison to comparable fine-dining options in town. (As is often the case, you may want to consider dropping by for an even more affordable lunch.) The menu will likely change regularly, but look for appetizers such as oyster fritters with Rockefeller sauce and Bibb salad with housemade bacon, and entrees such as tender roasted lamb with black truffle reduction, and sides including a sumptuous lobster macaroni and cheese. Desserts are clever, while standout is the malassadas, deep-fried dough balls filled with white chocolate.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010