Serious eating with a toddler in tow

[nolagirl]

Suzy and Jeeves, I appreciate your support. And I'd like to point out to everyone else that I didn't ask for fine dining establishments, romantic restaurants, or $150/night places. I asked for possible ideas for both "casual and nicer" places. And I gave some suggestions of places that I enjoy and would take them to if kids were not an issue, just so folks might have an idea of my tastes, and what I consider "serious" eating -- as in the title of my thread. But . . . .um . . . thanks, everyone. (I did get some awesome suggestions on Tom's board, as Suzy says, and that was really helpful. Luckily I cross-posted!)

[jodyrah]

Glad you were able to get some suggestions, albeit on a board that is "Edited and distilled to concentrate the flavors".

[LauraMc]

Middendorfs, Deanie's at the Lake front, Casamento's, La Madeline and any place that has outdoor dining would be good with the weather this week. If you go to dinner earlier than the 7p.m crowd, it's not so crowded. My husband and I are early diners so we run into lots of families and old people. We try to sit near the old people. Some of the places in the quarter are good for sandwiches you can get and then go sit near Jackson Square or the French Market and people watch.
Don't go to Drago's. My last two trips there were ruined by parents who thought it was okay to give their children silverware to bang on the plate with. I thought I was going to grab the fork from the last kid and stab the father with it but he paid attention to my glare and put the silverware away. You can also take the toddler to the zoo & aquarium and wear him/her out.

[Jeeves]

Middendorfs.......

Chef Horst and Karen just opened the deck overlooking Pass Manchac. Volleyball court, sand, lounge chairs, hammocks, stuff for kids to play in the sand with, etc. http://www.middendorfsrestaurant.com/deck.html