The bottom line is that
Upperline is a top
New Orleans restaurant

By Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady
 

When I visit a city, I keep a list of all the places I want to go back to. When I visited New Orleans seven years ago, Upperline was at the top of that must-return-to list. And on my recent return visit, it did not disappoint. In fact, everything was just as I remembered it, only better.

The secret ingredient at this popular restaurant is owner JoAnn Clevenger whose presence is always felt, whose taste is always seen in the colorful art collection on the walls, and whose warm spirit pervades the restaurant.

Going to Upperline is a bit like having dinner at the charming home of a good friend. Locals consider it the special occasion place to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and other significant milestones. The evening I was there, it was the birthday celebration for one local man, and the anniversary of a New York couple. The man, a barbershop quartet performer, so enjoyed his dinner that he burst in to song, much to the delight of the other patrons. The artist wife of the anniversary couple presented JoAnn with a pin she had made because she was so pleased with being able to get into the popular restaurant.

I watched all this, noting that it was as if people were making offerings to the high priestess of dining in this food-focused city.

The High Priestess of Dining in New Orleans.

JoAnn just seems to do everything right, year after year. For 22 years. In 1995 she won The Wine Spectator Award and has gotten it every year since.

For all the accolades and praise from locals, it is hard to believe this highly regarded restaurant has only 85 chairs.

Upperline offers two types of prix fix. The Taste of New Orleans ($38.50) includes seven favorites served in three courses. The only choice you have to make is dessert.

First course: Duck etouffe over corn cakes, turtle soup and andouille gumbo

Second course: Fried Green Tomato with Shrimp Remoulade, Spicy shrimp with jalapeno cornbread and Roast duck with ginger peach sauce.

Third Course: Warm Bread Pudding with Toffee Sauce or Upperline Pecan Pie.

If you are hungrier than that, I’d recommend the Thomas Jefferson Louisiana Purchases Dinner. The four course dinner is $40 and allows you to choose almost any of the signature dishes. With a four wine selection it is $65.

For details on the special dinners see www.upperline.com.

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