Ralph’s on the Park (NOLA)

??

I would have a conniption fit if that happened. I hate farm raised fish.

At least the scenery is nice and they have whiskey.

Food has always been sort of passably decent for what it is. If they are selling tilapia for redfish that’s not passable.

I’m not outright accusing them of it but it was a very slender thin piece. Maybe it’s attributable to the blackening process shriveling it up but it may have well passed for tilapia in both taste and presentation.

Only been once, and for a company party. I chalked it up to being a corporate event and some pre-fixe menu, but I wasn't impressed. Haven't bothered to go back.

Report back after Saturday and let us know if that's changed.

I had the shrimp and grits a few weeks ago and the shrimp was pulverized to mush. It was awful. Everything else with the service and apps and drinks was good though.

Bump. How was it?

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There's quite a textural difference between these two fish. It would be very easy for me to tell but someone who doesn't eat it often may not know. Redfish is a lot firmer than tilapia and the meat will flake off in much bigger pieces on a redfish.

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Incidentally I had some excellent blackened redfish elsewhere this past weekend and now feel even stronger about my comment. Of course it could have just been poorly cooked dish that left the fish shriveled up or a skimpy fillet but there was none of the white flakiness as you said. Redfish is somewhat meaty. This in the other hand was almost paper thin. Regardless of what fish it was, Ralph’s is a mediocre restaurant housed in a great location.

not sure when they changed chefs, but the last time i went (about a month ago) was noticeably better than the previous 5 or so times

it's always been inconsistent

and yes, the bar is top notch for a cocktail, ambience, view, etc

Private affair upstairs, so not sure if a true review is in order, but…

Drinks on the balcony was nice, and cocktails flowed robustly, but that was probably more about what our hosts paid.

It was a limited selection set menu. I had the blackened redfish, which was fine, but not remarkable.

Everyone at the table who had the filet raved about it. For apps, most had turtle soup. Several agreed that it was the best they ever had. I thought it was a little too tart, and would have liked more turtle.

I found the desserts to be the highlight… an excellent chocolate layered cake and very good ice cream/chocolate syrup.

They poured so much champagne, wine, Bailey’s coffee, etc., that I literally couldn’t keep up… and I’m a heavyweight drinker. Once again, that doesn’t really say anything about the quality of the cuisine.

Overall an enjoyable night. I’m sure I’ll be back, but with so many options in the city, unless someone else wants to go, there are better options.