Alas, Charlie's has been closed since Katrina. I heard a rumor this past summer that they will be opening back up soon. No confirmation on that. The bbq shrimp at Pascal's Manale is second to none. Mom has their secret recipe thanks to my grandfather being good friends with the proprietor. The Old Absinthe House is a staple, though I've only been there once.
If you get out to Metairie, I'll tell you that you've got to get yourself to Fat City and get to Drago's. The place is an old Croatian restaurant that has gone a bit yuppity with their prices and decor. Still the food is second to none. The char-grilled oysters are what I would have for my last meal.
Don't forget Deanie's Seafood in Bucktown for an awesome seafood platter.
Kenny is dead on with the Napoleon House too. It's RUSTIC, but the muffeletta there is as good as the one at Mother's or the Central Grocery and it's cheaper. I'd go for a Pimm's Cup there.
There's so much to suggest and write, I could go on for a long time, but my Saints just lost and it's past my bed time.
