Pascale's Manale Restaurant

Description

From decor to menu, Pascal's nostalgically trades on its past. Steady tourist traffic and neighborhood regulars keep the aging dining rooms (formal, casual and private) bustling. For old-schoolers, the restaurant's worn vibe proves comforting; to newcomers, it feels like a borrowed family tradition. Universally considered the birthplace of New Orleans barbecue shrimp, Pascal's still delivers a serviceable version of this butter-rich sauteed (not smoked) dish. About a dozen super-jumbo barbecue shrimp arrive in a plain white bowl and float in an inch of butter spiked with garlic and black pepper. The rest of the Italian steakhouse menu is heavy on fried and cheesy classics. A promising oyster, shrimp and crab "pan roast" arrives light on the seafood and heavy on creamy bread-crumb binder. Tender scallops of veal parmigiana are smothered under a thick layer of rubbery mozzarella. Rich, tangy Key lime pie is the sweet list standout.