1. The "All That Jazz" po-boy at Verti Marte- Verti Marte's website claims that they are the "Best Kept Secret in the French Quarter," and they might be right. This is almost strictly a local's place, and their po-boys are exceptional. The one that the locals go nuts for is the "All That Jazz". It is a medley of grilled ham, turkey & shrimp, swiss & american cheese accompanied by grilled mushrooms, tomatoes, on grilled french bread with our original "Wow Sauce". Now it sounds a bit extreme, and it is, but there is nothing like it on this planet. I treated my wife to one of these and a bottle of white wine while dining across Decatur from Jackson Square as the sun went down, and it was magical.
2. Anything fried at Jacques-imo's- Jacques-imo's is the funkiest restaurant in New Orleans. The food varies from fried chicken to tuna with brie in a champagne sauce. Be sure to order something fried while there, even if it is simply an appetizer. The fried recipes come from the world's most famous fry chef Austin Leslie. There are no reservations, unless you have a party of five or more, and you better make them 30 days in advance. For those of us who do not have three or four other friends to drag out to dinner, I suggest getting to the restaurant when it opens at 5:30pm, because the line will wind around the block. 
3. Barbecued Oysters at Ralph Brennan's Red Fish Grill: The Brennan's family is synonymous with great dining, and though most locals don't dine at the Brennan's restaurants too often (seeing as they are packed with tourists), I do send many friends to the hectic and crowded Red Fish Grill on Bourbon Street to sample the very different Barbecue Oysters. Of course, barbecue in New Orleans is totally different then anywhere else in the world, and these little nuggets stretch the definition even further. They are actually fried oysters tossed in the local favorite hot sauce, Crystal's (which has more vinegar and flavor than it does spice) then topped with bleu cheese crumbles and drizzled bleu cheese dressing. Sit at the bar and take down two dozen of these babies. They are so good, I convinced the owners of Paulette's here in Memphis to put them on the menu. We ran them as a special for a couple of weeks, and the demand was so high, they are a permanent fixture. At a Louisiana Restaurant Association Trade Show, I met Ralph Brennan, and I expressed my love for the recipe. He said thank you and said, "You know what else would be good... Frying the oysters and rolling them in a worcestershire glaze and topping them with cream cheese." My eyes got big and I told him he was a genius. He laughed and said the recipe was mine to use if I wanted to. 
4. Domilise's- Speaking of oysters, the best oyster po-boy in town has to be at the neighborhood Uptown hole-in-the-wall called Domilise's (5240 Annunciation St.). A place you probably wouldn't normally go into for its rough exterior, Domilise's interior is a quintessential New Orleans neighborhood bar and eatery. All of the po-boys are great, but the oyster po-boy is spectacular. And the atmosphere is unbeatable.5. Hansen's- An overlooked aspect of New Orleans cuisine is the sno-ball. Almost a staple to life in a climate that doesn't see weather dip to below 60 degrees all too often, sno-ball (called sno-cones by us Yankees) stands can be found in many New Orleans neighborhoods, but the best of the best is Hansen's (4801 Tchoupitoulas St). Hansen's is in the same neighborhood as Domilise's and makes for a perfect dessert. The family has been making sno-balls since 1939 and it is the most beloved sno-ball stand in all of New Orleans. The family faced tragedy during Katrina, but lucky for us, they reopened.
6. La Crepe Nanou- In a town full of cajun, creole, and other influences, sometimes the original French influence of the city can be overlooked. Not at Crepe Nanou. Located in Uptown, Crepe Nanou offers authentic French bistro fare in an exquisite atmosphere. The food is phenomenal and the dining room is beautiful. Forget the bustle at Commander's Palace. Go to Crepe Nanou for a cozy, relaxing night out.
7. Port of Call- On the edge of the French Quarter sits the best burger joint in town. Port of Call is a one-of-a-kind place, that serves up award winning hamburgers that go down so well with a cold draft beer. Get a spot at the bar and enjoy the nautical decor as you chomp down an enormous patty cooked perfectly. On Saturdays, the place is bursting at the seams as a Port of Call burger and Bloody Mary seem to be a popular hangover cure-all.
8. Lola's- I hate to mention this place. I hate it because in my opinion it is the best restaurant in town, and the word is getting out, and the wait is already too long, but I love this place so much, I cannot keep it from you. Lola's is located on beautiful Esplanade Avenue. It seats maybe thirty people, and it does not take reservations. The fare is Spanish, and you won't find more reasonable prices for what you get anywhere (not just in New Orleans, anywhere in the world). The food is perfectly prepared with great ingredients and it is ridiculously inexpensive. They do not take checks or credit cards, and they do not serve wine (bring your own). Lola's is the best kept secret in the entire city, and you should definitely go.
9. Camelia Grill- Now this place you may have heard of, but I will include it anyway. I feel like no Saturday morning would be complete without a 6-mile trolley ride down St. Charles Avenue to Carrollton to enjoy breakfast at the Camelia Grill. The Camelia Grill is a greasy-spoon place with no-frills yet seriously sincere service. Order a chocolate freeze as you sit at the counter watching the organized chaos in the kitchen unfold.10. Southern Candymakers- And if you are looking for pralines, search no further. Southern Candymakers on Decatur Street in the French Quarter is the place to go. They have the most delectable pralines in the entire city, and no trip to New Orleans is complete without a great praline.
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