07/17/07

Great value, incredible atmosphere, staff.... and food!

by gks

Do most people not know of this place? A few I spoke to (who were well-versed in the New Orleans restaurant scene) had never heard of it, and the cab driver who took us there claimed he only got locals going there and couldn't believe we knew about it. Maybe it's that it actually involves a drive, but it's not too far from the French Quarter (is actually a nice drive and a good chance to see more of the city) and is completely and utterly worth it. Amazing, mouth-watering food. Incredible, romantic and unique (an old Victorian cottage) atmosphere. A staff that was friendly and lacked any kind of snobbery. And the price... what a great value! Out of our group of 8, our favorite dish was the veal and oysters...and for the dessert, the strawberries with tres leches cake couldn't be beat (though the double chocolate cake did come in a close second). All in all it was a GREAT experience, and is tied with Stella! for our favorite restaurant in the city. Yum!

06/05/07

Worth the Drive...It's Illegal to be this GOOD

by contempler

I am speechless. This might be the find of the year. We (my wife and I) ate there in early June (soft shell crab season) and I was overwhelmed with chief Frank Brigtsen preparation...a sauce of worchester sause, crab stock, butter, garlic and pecans. My wife ordered the panees Rabbit with sesame Crust & Creole Mustard Sauce...and is still taking about it, four days later. Brigtsen also offers a Seafood (tasting) Platter which included Baked Oyster LeRuth with Shrimp & Crawfish, and Stuffed Piquillo Pepper with Crawfish Con Queso...be still my heart. I can't imagine a trip to New Orleans without returning to this restaurant.

02/25/07

great service and great use of regional food products

by 1643318

I took a group there recently, all from out of town, and they were duely impressed! The place was packed, but they accommodated my last minute reservations for 7 quite easily and gave us exceptional food and service. The food was excellent at representing local food products, those grown and raised here, such as local seafood and local strawberries, greens, and more! A fantastic restaurant, they lived up to their reputation for my group!

• Pros: great ambience and atmosphere and fabulous food!
• Cons: tight seating space

03/20/06

Where "New Cajun" and American regional classics are intrepreted with finesse.

by Contributor

In Short
A likeable crew of attentive waitstaff work the restaurant's three small rooms to create a lively yet intimate atmosphere. Regulars pack the tables, especially during the early midweek seatings.Chef Frank Brigtsen puts modern, upscale twists on classic dishes from Cajun, Creole and American cuisine. The menu changes daily, but expect to find everything from rabbit tenderloin in a tangy Creole mustard sauce to broiled Gulf fish in a rich crust of crabmeat and Parmesan cheese.

08/13/05

Very good, but a little let down...

by schmoopy13

I've heard fantastic things about Brightsen's, so I was expecting a lot. It was definitely a very pleasant experience. The service was stellar, the ambiance was nice - quiet and pleasing. But the food was only good. It wasn't the best food I've ever had, which is the reputation Brightsen's has around these parts. Granted a lot of attention is paid to the prep and flavoring of each dish. But it just didn't taste that distinct from other fine restaurants I've tried. It's definitely worth a trip - just don't get your hopes up too high.

05/19/05

One of the best in NO, if not the US!

by synman

We love Brigtsen's...and our last visit might've been the very best. My seafood platter was extraordinary...the crawfish pesto sauce and sea scallop stuffed with asparagus flan were particular standouts. We always have the shrimp remoulade appetizer to start the juices flowing, and this time we had the catfish appy, on stone ground jalapeno cheese grits with a sauce picante and black bean relish. Superb!

• Pros: Awesome food, Unpretentious service, Excellent value
• Cons: Out of the way, A bit cramped

01/23/05

The best

by gmccann

Having eaten in most of the finest restaurants in New ORleans, I find that Brigsten's is my favorite! Frank, the chef, is friendly and a genius with food, whether it is duck, sweetbreads, fish, or bread pudding.

• Pros: superb food, intimate, friendly service

10/27/03

VERY IMPRESSED

by hockeygod

Went to Brigtsen's for the early bird special. Three courses for under 20$. Unfortunately I had to have his famous rabbit and this was not a choice on the special menu. I was not dissappointed one bit. The preparation was simple yet the flavors were fantastic. I really like the less pretentious food at Brigtsen's. You get a well cooked meal and really enjoy some of the best New Orleans cooking has to offer. My wife's fish off the special menu was wonderful as well and the banana bread pudding was the best I have ever had.

• Pros: Food, Price
• Cons: A bit out of the way

09/03/03

Superlative cuisine!

by dwperkins

One of the top ten meals I have ever had, intense flavors based on regional cuisine, has great integrity, the Chef still cooks there after all these years. Don't miss this wonderful restaurant.

• Pros: Chef actually cooks!, Intense flavor, Fresh quality ingred.

08/29/03

One of the best

by nelliestnel

Inviting from the start... the owners, Marna and Frank Brigtsen, welcome you into their restaurant with inviting arms. The menu changes with the seasons and is strictly dependent upon what is available fresh in the area. A great selection of wines... very romantic, yet also perfect for business entertainment. I wish the food was this good in Minneapolis...