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Chateau Orleans
The only bad part about this little getaway is its location. Nestled back away from the street, and with almost no parking, it was by complete accident that we found this hidden treasure. After departing the French Gourmet due to an extremely ridiculous long waiting list, we trudged down the street in our vast disappointment. That is when a beam of light shone on us, as if a signal from Heaven. This is how we found the greatest cajun food west of the Mississippi. Chateau Orleans is by far one of the best restaurants in the entire county of San Diego. Whether you are on a date, celebrating an event, or just trying to find some good grub, this is a definite hot spot. I have only been there with my wife in a date setting and we have yet to be dissappointed. The tricky part of any dining experience in my family is that my wife used to be a server, so service is a definite must anywhere we go. After years of horrid service all over San Diego, we were pleasantly delighted by the outstanding wait staff here. They are quick, courteous, helpful, and just overallsome of the best in town. The excellence does not stop here though. They have some of the best cajun food I have had since I left New Orleans. The gumbo is perfect and the etoufee is to die for. It is the real thing and not some bland, leftover stew like most places slop together. The price is another delightful treat. Upon first glance, the menu does seem somewhat steep, but after you make the mistake we did, you will quickly learn. Most fine dining establishments have very small portions that would leave the smallest of appetities still hungry. Not so here. We made the error of ordering two "Holy Trinity's" (jambolaya, ettoufee, and gumbo). Doggy bags were mandatory for thatt trip. Anyone on a date there can get away fairly cheap, and chicks think it is romantic to share. One trinity is plenty for two, especially when accompanied by the "gator bites" appetizer (fried gator tail), and a dessert. While the desserts are a must only one is needed, mostly due to the fact that everyone is already stuffed from the meal. The wine list also has a wide range of prices. We were able to get a bottle of great wine for a very good price. All told, I was able to take my lady to a nice, respectable, place with a great atmosphere for under $50. Not just great food, great prices, excellent wines, and superior service, but a very relaxing and romantic atmosphere. This place is huge on the inside, so there is always privacy and seclusion available. There is also live music here on the weekends. They have some very talented local jazz and blues artists that just jam away for hours. It is the perfect setting for anyone trying to find a New Orleans getaway. This place is definitly one of the best resteraunts in SoCal and definitly the best cajun this side of the "muddy waters".— December 4, 2008 8:41 a.m.