Ooooh, New Orleans talk!
Copelandses are turning into "steak houses" all over the place, I wonder if that's what was meant? As far as I can tell, it's just an added menu. Copeland's Cheesecake Factory is a whole other thing that replaced Strayas.
Taxis from to/from the airport have gone up to $28 flat fare. Limo prices depend on how many people are in it and in some cases are cheaper than taxis. I can find the details if necessary.
For my money, the best Middle Eastern place is Lebanon's on Carrollton, which recently moved next door into the space that used to be an Italian restaurant, I forget the name. There's also Mona's and Byblos and Cafe Beirut. And Casablanca's, but that's in Metairie.
But what I came in here to say, is, I can help do any leg work that needs doing, information gathering and so forth. I am unemployed at the moment, so I have plenty of time to call around or go visit places or whatever, if that should be helpful.
Also, I just had my wedding reception at Embassy Suites in the Arts District, and they were super nice and very reasonably priced. Depending on how far in advance we signed the contract, rooms would probably be $100-150.
Oh, and the new streetcar line runs out to the cemetaries/City Park. Buses are air conditioned, streetcars are not.
I still haven't been to O'Flaherty's as I am a loyal denizen of the Kerry Irish Pub, proud home of the best pour of Guinness in the city, with live music every night, or just about.
And, judging by this year, which is totally unscientific, but still, the weekend of May 22 is technically off-season, but the weather was very pleasant indeed. Not sweltering at all.
(ETA: I don't know if this has been mentioned (I'm slowly catching up on all the discussion), but the French Quarter is not particularly wheelchair accessible, many curbs are rampless and sidewalks are far from smooth. Neither are streetcars, though buses are. Attractions and hotels generally are.)
(editing some more as I progress through previous discussion: there is an open container law on the books, I have not seen it enforced, but it could be at any time. otoh, it only applies when you are in a car. walking around with a plastic cup full of booze is actively encouraged)
