My Jacques-Imo’s virginity was broken last night and I can’t wait to go back for more!!! If ever an atmosphere screamed “New Orleans, fun and eclectic,” this place is it all rolled into one. There is amazing artwork for sale on the walls and the lights, well, they were the ones made of Mardi Gras beads that I just featured on a KMG post. The bar counter has Mardi Gras dubloons and confetti embedded in it. There is so much to look at on the walls and ceiling that you could never get bored sitting there and waiting. Jacque’s diploma is even on the wall as is some reminders that he was a a Coast Guard guy. Let’s face it…I’m in love with the decor and atmosphere of this place!!! As for the patrons, well, I could people watch all night there too…quite the mixed bunch.

Me & Chef Jacques Leonardi

Our dinner gang

dinner at Jacques-Imos

We had reservations for 8:30 and met our party at 8:00, belly up to the bar where our party sipped on fine wine, homemade Mojitos, Abita Resoration Ale and Rum & Diet Coke (me). People are waiting outside and inside as this place is famous for long waits. According to their website, reservations are only taken for parties of 5 or more for up to 30 days in advance. Good thing we were with regulars who knew what they were doing and had reservations! We ended up at the cool corner table in the front room near the bar. After dinner, Jacques was kind enough to walk me through the kitchen (you have to walk through there to get to the main restaurant) and show me the rest of his place. He introduced me to the staff as “blogger coming through.” Not my first time at a restaurant in my life, but walking through the kitchen is as unique as everything else about this place.

Then there was the food, everyone ordered appetizers to share. There was calamari (which blew my favorite San Francisco restaurant’s away), alligator sausage cheesecake, chicken and then there is the muffins…I could sit there and eat those all night – Yum!

As for the main course, well the menu is HUGE!!! Too many decisions for the Princess of Positive. Let’s put it this way, I don’t eat anything that walked and have an oyster allergy, and was still overwhelmed with choices! I asked our server and he recommended the Sushi grade Tuna that was prepared in the most unique way. Each dish came with 2 sides and I ended up with corn and beets. Bummer no room for dessert.

Jacques hung out at our table quite a bit, heck, that guy was everywhere having a great time and making sure his patrons had a great time too. Hubby told me that the painted truck parked in front has a table put in it for additional seating (during warm weather), how unique. Then again, this place was the most unique place I think I have ever had the honor of dining at! Thanks Jacques!

(this post can be enjoyed at NOLA.com & my personal blog, now with new improved colors)

5 Replies to “Greta Does Jacques-IMO’S”

  1. Okay, I LOVE LOVE LOVE Jaques-IMO’s. Its my favorite. Last time I was in town we waited two hours — happily — for a seat in the (freezing cold) back of the restaurant. The food was unbelievable…especially the alligator cheesecake. That is the single greatest food I have ever tasted.

  2. I am a study-er. I love local color, so to find the obscure stuff and brave it. I’ve found some amazing food that way. Have you been to Juan’s Flying Burrito on Magazine? Great stuff — very hipster — but great stuff. 🙂

    If you think thats hilarious, you should see me in Disney World. I am an absolute expert. Also, Chicago…

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