Reviews For Meauxbar, Del Fuego, & Ignatius

This week Ian McNulty finds familiar comfort at Meauxbar in the Quarter, thanks to chef Kristen Essig's "modern, seasonal" bistro menu and a sleek transformation of the space: "The chef is working a highly distinctive style of her own, and that's what really puts a place on the map." Also: "There's a permanent afterhours vibe," with a more convivial, contemporary feel than the former Meauxbar, making this a must visit destination, especially if taking in a show nearby. [Advocate]

Sarah Baird hits up Del Fuego, noting that yes, it has vastly improved the city's Mexican dining options thanks to owner/chef David Wright's housemade tortillas, a killer 'agave-centric' drinks list, and epic duck enchiladas: "The mole negro at Del Fuego possesses the molasses color, syrupy thickness and toasted, subtly sweet layers of flavor that make it one of the top-tier moles in the city." [Gambit]

Tom Fitzmorris doles out THREE WHOLE STARS to Magazine denizen Ignatius this week, finding "a subtle, tasty parody of the classic old French Creole restaurants in the Quarter." It looks like "Galatoire's, Arnaud's, Antoine's or Tujague's but done on the cheap" and serves classic New Orleans fare— like #1 Essential Dish shrimp remoulade— of monstrous proportions, and the service ain't the "quickest moving in town." But T-Fitz really likes it, deeming +1 hipness points, even though the menu "could use about 10 percent more diversity" ie. where da calamari at? [CityBusiness, sub req]

· The name is the same, but a French Quarter bistro has been transformed by a new team [Advocate]
· Review: Del Fuego Taqueria [Gambit]
· Ignatius offers tasty parody of old New Orleans [CityBusiness, subscription required]
Inside Meauxbar [Photo: Brasted]