My report:
NOLA: we went there for my birthday dinner before the VT Sugar Bowl in 1995. It was a special occasion place then and everything about that night was spectacular. For nostalgia, we went back for my birthday dinner before this Sugar Bowl. They overhauled the restaurant in 2017. It's much more casual now with pizza and global small plates. We sat on the third floor, essentially in a storage room. Food was pretty good (best dish was roasted octupus with "Elotes" style corn). Service was very good. Fun people at the adjoining 2 tops made for a enjoyable night.
Cochon: spectacularly disappointing. I had never been. Based on the reviews, awards, etc, my expectations were sky high. Maybe it was an off night, but just about everything went wrong. Every dish came out lukewarm / room temp. Wrong dishes were served. Wrong wine was served (partially our fault for not paying attention). Awkwardly long ass gaps between courses. Signature cochon dish was an inedible salt bomb. We didn't complain but, to their credit, they could sense that things were not right. Same thing was happening at the table next to us (they did complain and sent several things back). Manager apologized halfway through the meal and they ended up comping us a few items. Not sure I will return.
Couvant. Opposite of Cochon. I had no expectations. It was a last minute table on New Year's Eve. We loved it. Service was great. French bistro food, done really well. Terrific oysters with a mignonette that had a nice crunchy bite to it were my favorite. Skate was buttery and rich. Good place.
Antoine's. Still perfect. My favorite meal. Our server, Sterling, has been there for 52 years. He had quite a bit to say about the "young ones" that don't listen to him. The oysters rockefeller and pommes souffle were as great as always. And the fish dishes look simple, but are just right. The Ramos gin fizzes to end the meal were perfect. I can't wait to go back.
Marigny Brasserie. Good find on Frenchman for lunch. Sat at the bar and watched the Saints, with good gumbo and po boys. Not a dive, but casual and good.