Commander's Palace

The maitre d' is impeccable--few mistakes are made. Couples and small groups chat over crisp white tablecloths. Through an elegant green and mahogany dining room, then upstairs through a red antebellum-style room is a gorgeous, white lattice-walled space with watercolor flower prints. The waitstaff silently mills about freshening water or wine glasses under the supervision of a near-psychic headwaiter who seems to know what you want before you do.

Weekend jazz brunch, lunch or dinner--every sitting is outstanding. Start brunch with the bloody mary eye-opener. Eggs Sardou is the specialty--a perfectly poached egg on creamed spinach and fresh artichoke with hollandaise sauce. Lunch features rich soups, salads, entrees and 25 cent martinis. For dinner, close your eyes and pick at random. Turtle soup au sherry, grilled gulf fish and bread pudding souffle is just one delightful combination.

Commander's Palace, nestled in the middle of the tree-lined Garden District, has been a New Orleans landmark since 1893. Known for the award-winning quality of its food and its convivial atmosphere, the history of this famous restaurant offers a glimpse i