[Barry]

Check back a week or 2, there's a couple of threads that discuss poker in NOLA.

Regarding food, NOLA is one of the great cities for food. If you're looking for something upscale any of the Emril's places are good as is Commander's Palace. Middle of the road is the Red Fish Grill on Bourbon, right off Canal.

If you want great NOLA food in a very casual setting and are willing to wait a bit and take a ride uptown, Jacque's-Imo on Oak is my favorite. Try the Eggplant Jacque-Imo and Fried Green Tomatoes for appetizers, and any fish, with any sauce for an entree. The cornbread is out of this world. I can't tell you about dessert, as I'm always too full to think about eating dessert.