The Columns Hotel

Built in 1883, the Columns gorgeous Italianate setting and stellar bar (order a Ramos gin fizz) has a new owner and a new chef and the place is better than ever. Jason Seidman bought the mansion with the idea of sprucing up the old gal, not making dramatic changes. Stoltzfus, who worked at Restaurant August before opening Coquette in 2008, brings his fine dining chops and trademark attention to detail to Columns' new menu. Working with chef de cuisine Paul Terrebonne, the emphasis is on shareable plates and lighter options.Flash fried speckled trout is moist and flakey, served with cauliflower and a turnip tartar on the side. Orders of French fries fly out of the kitchen, hot and fried to order, a ketchup and a dijonnaise dipping sauce on the side. Tuna crudo is stellar, adorned with Louisiana citrus. Really everything is great and the whole experience is wonderful.