Jacques-Imo's Cafe - New Orleans, LA - Funky Town

Jacques-Imo's Cafe

New Orleans, LA

Dinner

June 1, 2010

The Set-Up - We had some specific requirements for my birthday dinner out. Given that we had tickets for a baseball game starting at 7:00 p.m. we needed a place that was open early and relatively near Zephyr Field, along with being special enough for a birthday dinner. Having been in the neighborhood, but never actually eating there, we took a chance on Jacques-Imo's Cafe, which got great notices on the Internet for everything but being crowded and noisy. We hoped that showing up at 5:30 p.m. on a Tuesday night would negate both problems.

The Meal - As for appetizers, the girls chose more wisely than I did. They picked mussels in tomato basil sauce, which were served sitting atop a bed of mashed potatoes. They loved every bite and I enjoyed my one sample. I picked garlic snails atop trofie pasta, which was not the best choice for my slightly unsettled stomach. Still, I ate all the snails, while sampling the pasta. Kay and Kallie also shared an entree - stuffed catfish. I soloed on grilled grouper with crabmeat imperial. They raved over the catfish. My fish was perfectly cooked, but my stomach was not quite up to the rich sauce. Entrees came with two side dishes. My mashed sweet potatoes were the highlight of my meal.

We didn't have time for a birthday dessert, but I expect they could have delivered, complete with singing.

Drinks -We didn't challenge the bartender. Kay had a glass of pinot noir while Kallie and I stuck with Coke and iced tea respectively. They did have an extensive wine list and an assortment of specialty mixed drinks.


Ambience - While Jacques-Imo's menu could be described as at least imaginative, their decorating scheme is definitely funky. Highlights are murals of swamp scenes painted on all the walls and clocks made out of old vinyl records, which are for sale. A multi-colored truck and a sign promising "bad food and poor service since 1996" greet prospective diners walking in from streetside parking. Diners sitting in the back room must walk through the kitchen to reach their table - seemingly more of an issue for the wait staff than for the diners.

Service -Service met our needs on all counts. Despite arriving 15 minutes behind our target time of 5:30 and the restaurant already being almost full (it opened at 5 rather than at 5:30 as shown on the website), we were fed and on our way to Zephyr Field by 6:40.

The Check - Sharing appetizers and entrees kept the bill to about $100 with tax and tip. Entrees were mostly in the $23-$30 range.

The Scoreboard (one-to-five scale)

Food - Four with prospects for five

Drinks - Four - no wine specials

Ambience - Four - come ready for an fun assault on the senses

Service - Four - competent but not special. Based on the website, we expected to see the chef in his shorts and sandals.

Price/Value - Four - similar food can be had for less money at less funky restaurants


Overall Assessment

Special Occasion

Favorite

Very Good - Hard to bestow "Favorite" honors based on one visit. Jacques-Imo's has the potential to be upgraded.

Good Enough

If Hungry Enough

Keep Driving and Looking


8324 Oak Street
New Orleans, LA 70118
504-861-0886

Hours:

Lunch - closed

Dinner - 5 to 10, Mon thru Thurs; 5 to 10:30 Fri and Sat

Closed on Sunday

www.jacquesimoscafe.com