The New Orleans Cafe in Mandarin

They don't have a website, however, their myspace has upcoming events and their menu posted!

I won't give a full-fledged review on this spot, but went there last night and was pleasantly surprised. Things are starting to cool off in Jax (the 80s) so we sat outside and listened to live music while chowing down on some delicious Creole food. We had fried craw fish tails to start (big, tasty and light, crunchy breading). I had fried shrimp with sauteed veggies and hush puppies. My husband had the Indecision Medley which included gumbo, sausage, jambalaya, red beans & rice and garlic bread. Everything was just wonderful and we would totally go back. Service was a bit slow, but the top deck along the river was packed full of people, a bunch who I bet are regulars. It was their "open-mic" night and they had several different people singing cover songs and playing guitar. It really was a nice night-out. I would go back here with out a doubt and it was nice to find a place in Mandarin that has some flavor and charm to it. The crowd itself was mixed and seems like a place most people would be comfortable at.

The prices are moderate and the portions are generous. We saw several monsters of a po-boy being delivered - next time!

FUSION art wine jazz bar

View Website

FUSION art wine and jazz bar is having their grand opening tonight! Go check it out. After my first visit, I'll be sure to report back with details.

The interior shots of the place are georgous, definitely my kind of place!

They are located on Pearl Street (in between 8th and 9th) in Springfield.