Lighthouse Bar & Grill Is a Fun Hideaway; 'Exceptional' Rue 127 Still Delivers

This week Helen Freund heads off the beaten path (or at least to Gentilly) to waterfront RV park, marina, and luxury houseboat enclave Pontchartrain Landing, where 'unique' eatery Lighthouse Bar & Grill serves up barbecue and more.  Pulled pork is the "best bet" barbecue-wise, but the restaurant turns out great Nola classics including red beans, seafood gumbo, an "over the top" mac and cheese.  Add in a deck, a front porch with rocking chairs, cocktails, live music, and even a pool/hot tub, and this spot "feels a world away from New Orleans." [Gambit]

Tom Fitzmorris revisits Rue 127, finding that the little Mid City gem still 'delivers full on its promises' since his last review of the restaurant four year years ago: Chef Ray Gruezke "cooks groceries of unimpeachable fineness," T-Fitz fitzes. Such fineness has led Fitzmorris to create a new "!" rating to denote all the "exceptional" dishes— maybe to make up for the long lost star rating system?—including Rue 127's "steamed mussels!," a "double cut porkchop!," "fresh cut barbecued season french fries!" and a "roasted chicken half!" Also of note: +2 hipness points, a "sharp young staff," legit food and cocktails, but a "more powerful air conditioning system would be a big bonus." [CityBiz, sub req]