Have you heard about Jacques Imo's Restaurant on Oak Street?

No one minds the wait as Jacques bounces from adulating connoisseurs of New Orleans cuisine to slack mouth tourist. This New Orleans restaurant is operated by Jacques Leonardi whose emblematic hot pepper boxer shorts have become a symbol of nouveau cuisine at the river’s bend. The no reservations, three drink wait is expected and made more carefree by Jacques’ 1960’s pew dancing maneuvers. There are two large church pews used as a waiting line to the left of the ever opened door across from the bar. Guest may sit and follow the bouncing Jacques floor show.

There’s a smiling team of prep cooks frying the savory seasoned fried oysters that top all of the complementary house salads that every guest is served. This is just one of the many delicacies springing from the mind of this creative chef. Reading Jacques’ menu is as much fun as sampling the food. One of the summer favorites is “Fried Green Tomatoes meets Godzilla.” Godzilla is a large fried soft shell crab, battered and cooked claws extended in an Edvard Munch “Scream” posture.

Jacques returns from his rounds, visiting all of his guests, a little more somber. One of his many gifts is a fond appreciation for his customers. He remembers all, and offers a little Cajun lagniappe to everyone: a drink here, a dessert there. He is a humble, gentle man who thoroughly enjoys life and his customers. 

I highly recommend a visit to this New Orleans delight.