My favourite restaurant in the US has to be Commander's Palace in New Orleans.
It is literally across the street from the Lafayette Cemetery (Ann Rice, Easy Rider).
The lunch specials are very affordable.Be aware that there is a dress code.
But I have seen the occasional Euro-trash tourist in shorts & t-shirts. But only at
lunch.
Commander's Palace
It's a classy place to take a date and treat her to Bananas Foster prepared at your table on a
little cart. Then impress the lady by preparing it for her at home :)