I've been meaning to get to the new Alligator Pear restaurant in Harvey LA for the longest time, and last week I finally made it.

If I was putting it off for any reason, I don't know why - I loved it! Just a little more upscale than neighboring Parrot Pete's (they have the same owner), Alligator Pear offers a fresh take on some local favorites with their daily lunch specials along with a delicious selection of salads, pizza, sandwiches, burgers and more.

The menu offers a few nods to well known local politicos too, with the "Harry Lee Chicken Salad" and "Sheriff Newell's Juicy Ribeye".

The set up is different than most of our New Orleans eateries - a mix of self serve and table service. When you enter, grab a menu and then place your order at the counter where you are given a numbered card that gets swiped at the table of your choice. Drinks are self serve, with free refills. When your food is ready, one of the very friendly wait staff bring it to your table. Be sure to note that a 10% tip is already included in your bill.

My selection was the Royal Palm Salad. While I was a little leery about paying $13.95 for a salad, it was worth every penny. A spring mix with red peppers, red onions and a Champagne vinaigrette was topped with a little tower of Alligator Pear dip (homemade guacamole), crab meat, tomatoes, shrimp remoulade and chopped egg and served alongside crostinis. Delicious!

With the weather starting to cool off, I'll be returning soon to dine al fresco at one of the many outdoor tables that overlook the fountains and let you do a little people watching as well. While that salad may be hard to beat, the soup of the day would be a perfect compliment for a beautiful fall day.

The Alligator Pear restaurant is located at 1901 Manhattan Blvd. in Harvey and opens at 11 am daily. For more information, you can call them at (504) 281-4472.

 Copyright 2008. Lisa Heindel and West Bank Living. All rights reserved.