Le Fleur de Lis

Scored groupon and went for the Jazz brunch.

First, I expected a live jazz band, it was only streaming music playing, but it was entertaining and we enjoyed the tunes.

Second, expected some good New Orleans fare, but there were only a few native Nawlins dishes, the others go under "southern food" category. The red beans is on the vegetarian menu, but was informed it's cooked with turkey meat "we take the turkey out"...lol, that's not vegetarian sir!  With the exception of the cabbage, which I had several helpings off, some of the food lacked flavor and seasoning. Mac was good, but bland.

Complimentary mimosas was great and the staff members are very handsome. I'm looking forward to trying the regular menu, hope it's more flavorful and has more Nawlins fare.

Tempered expectations due to some of the reviews here, but it looks like there haven't been too many in 2012.

We went on a random Saturday night and had a great time. If you're with the right people who have the right attitude, you're pretty set. Here's what you should expect:

1. Friendly staff. (esp. Cy Young)
2. Really good food. It may not be exactly NOLA, but it's definitely Southern Louisiana.

We tried lots:
Fried Green Tomatoes: ***
Red Beans and Rice: ***
Gumbo: **** (may have been okra based, not a lot of file powder)
Jambalaya: ****
Blackened Catfish w/MacNCheese & Dirty Rice: *****
Chicken and Waffles: *** (solid, but expected chicken pieces, not wings)
Sweet Potato Pie: ****
Cheesecake: ***

3. A little pricey for the neighborhood, but good food is good food.
4. Wasn't super packed, but the kitchen was slow. That said we were just hanging out enjoying the band and DJ. Our waiter, Cy, informed us a few times they were a little backed up and just kept us in the loop. A bit long, but proactive info is good.
5. Plenty of street parking.

Personally, I could care less if the place is empty as long as the food and service are good. Food good. Service good. Kitchen slow.

So, we'll def be back again w/the same expectations. Always need multiple stops to really know if we hit it on a high or low note. Maybe will try on a weekday night and see if the kitchen is faster when they're less busy.

Wow. This ended up longer than I thought. Must mean I hope they make it. Keep pushing to get better Fleur de Lis.

I went to Le Fleur de Lis where apparently the 's' is silent. Who knew (well, other than a bunch of native New Orleanians). Anyway, so overall I really enjoyed myself.  The neighborhood is sporadically sketchy, but I can't rate a restaurant on what's happening a block away, plus hell, I live in Humboldt Park - who am I to judge?

I ordered the blackened catfish with spinach and mac & cheese and it was really awesome. The macaroni and cheese was a little bit spicy, but not overpowering (trust me - not only am I a mac & cheese snob, but I HATE spic food) so it gave it a deliciousness that set it apart from everywhere else.  

I ate at the bar which could be better stocked, but my bartender was just like I like 'em - attentive without being overbearing and she had a heavy hand.

I'm eager to try their Sunday brunch, but I have to force myself to get out of bed on Sundays first