Eat, the current occupant of the space long known as the Quarter Scene Restaurant, was a chance destination last week. We had been meaning to try it, six months after an uninspired brunch. We used to eat at Quarter Scene once a month or so, particularly for breakfast, but our first visit had not inspired confidence. But you never know, things might have improved!
Sorry, they didn’t. It was a Friday lunch, with the back half of the restaurant closed off and only five tables. It still took us an hour and 15 minutes to get through our meal. Fast food it was not.
We waited five minutes for the waiter to come and take our orders for water and iced tea, another five minute for their delivery, and then we had to beg for menus. I ordered the plat de jour, a meatloaf, but with a salad instead of the macaroni and cheese and baked beans sides. My companion ordered the fish sandwich (it’s Friday in New Orleans).
We waited interminably trying to figure out how a fried fish sandwich and the meatloaf off the steam table could take so long.
Finally the fish sandwich arrived, baked instead of fried. Not worth eating, but less writing home about. The meatloaf? Not bad, but the mac and beans still made their appearance.
On the whole a 2 out of 10.
As for the decor? Perhaps South Beach needs another tired restaurant with semi-modern green and white decor. But you can’t eat decor, and the old Quarter Scene had a certain charm.
My real beef is the lack of breakfast. This restaurant has been a staple of breakfast in the French Quarter for years. It was the best food of the day, not cheap, but not expensive, and the Quarter Scene had developed a loyal following of locals and tourists. Why give up this solid business?
Base line: 2/10 for food, 2/10 for service.
The bill, including tip, ran about $22 for two for lunch.
