Jacques-Imo's Cafe

The restaurant isone of the hottest food tickets in town, known for its eclectic mix of Creole and Cajun specialties, at reasonable prices — its irrepressible owner/chef, Jacques Leonardi, who holds court each night dressed in a white chef's jacket, shorts and Birkenstock clogs. The place is decorated like a kaleidoscopic dream of Southeast Louisiana: a blue marlin arches over the entrance and a boar's head noshes on a Barbie Doll while Mardi Gras beads and Christmas lights glisten from the overhead light fixtures. A poster from "Southpark" here, a picture of the "Blessed Mother" there and, everywhere, paintings of local musicians. Reservations are only taken for parties of five or more up to 30 days in advance.