Liuzza’s   You know the feeling when you’ve eaten too much and your pants are too tight? Generally in a restaurant it would be improper to unbutton your pants to relieve the tension between your stomach and trousers but at Liuzza’s I’m sure they wouldn’t mind. Lazy, casual outfits are just the thing to be worn to make it possible to fit all of the delicious seafood that comes on one platter into your stomach. Located on the corner of Bienville Avenue and N. Telemachus in Mid-City New Orleans, it seems like an unlikely place for a restaurant, but once setting foot into the building the atmosphere is a wonderful change. The sound of music from the jukebox in the corner and the smell of smoke and beer makes one feel warm inside. An immediate greeting from the pretty, middle aged women behind the bar makes one feel welcome. It’s as if a big reunion is occurring. Small and loud, it can be quite cozy. Pictures of the history of the restaurant hang on the walls along with lovely t-shirt designs for the restaurant over the years. Good memories fill the air in this place. It may be small with little square tables on the outskirts and two long rows of tables in the center, but being so close to others is not uncomfortable at all. People smile; people laugh; it feels as if a casual party has begun. The waitresses and waiter dress in black t-shirts bearing the restaurant name with white aprons tied around their waists. With smiles they greet and talk to you like a friend, perhaps telling a small joke to make you feel right at home. “What will you have darling?” Her unique Chalmatian accent and warm lip stick smeared face asks. The choices seem endless. She is ready with her pencil and little notepad but there is no hurry. No matter how long you take to choose you will be taken care of. Beyond the friendly atmosphere the food is wonderful as well. You have the choice of a plate of hot, crispy onion rings, warm garlic bread and many more good eats as an appetizer. Drinks are unlimited and come in huge, iced mugs fit for kings and can be quite amusing to the little ones. I often enjoyed writing my name and drawing smiley faces in the frost that covers the mugs opposed to the old crayons and thin coloring sheets they provided and still do from time to time. Pizza, Cheeseburgers and Red Beans are on the menu but it is nonsense to go to a seafood restaurant and get anything else but seafood. Personally, I think they should take those items off of the menu. Seafood restaurants specialize in making seafood and usually the rest of the food turns out crappy, like their burgers; I would definitely stay away from those. But their large shrimp that come with buttered toast or oyster poor boys are delicious. Fresh ingredients and good seasoning really bring the food to life. I’m not sure about the bill, since the parents always pay for it, but whatever it is, it’s worth it. It can’t be too expensive. Liuzza’s is anything but a disappointment. When leaving you have the choice of taking a peppermint on the way out (free peppermints are always nice favors people generally can’t pass up in the end). Like a peppermint, Liuzza’s is a restaurant one should not pass. When setting foot in the lovely restaurant you are in for a treat and are always left with your stomach full and a lingering smile on your face.    For more information on the restaurant you can visit http://www.liuzzas.com/