What a dissapointment! We arrived in New Orleans this morning and spent most of the day looking forward to our evening at Cochon upon the recommendation of a friend. Even though the restaurant was only 1/3 filed at 8:00, the hostess was offended by our late reservation and commented that she ""might"" be able to accomodate us. No other patrons arrived after us. There was a pall in the room that was palpable. From the aloof hostess, to the arrogant and incompetent waiter, and the bored and uninterested manager, everyone with the exception of the ""water girl"" seemed depressed. The waiter delivered the signature dishes without fanfare, barely explained the dishes on the menu, and then delivered curdled cream to the table with the coffee. Without apology he removed the offensive mess and returned with two more cups and watery milk. The meal was not without merit; the mullet and crab cakes were cripsy and light and the louisana cochon was flavorful and perfect. The cornbread and okra fritter was a flour based pancake without thee flavor or texture of cornbread and delivered cold. The result was a rubbery pancake paired with a bland catsup topping. The waiter's last words were ""you're not interested in the dessert menu are you?"" At that point we weren't. He certainly seemed interested in settling our bill and inquired twice about the status of it during coffee. I was thinking of trying Herbsainte, but am now wary of substandard service paired with the menu and think I'll pass. The restaurant would be well served to spend time training their employees to create an atmosphere more in line with the New Orleans tradition of customer service. Pass on this place...\r
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