Archived Article By Tom Fitzmorris Originally published June 13, 2006 Click here for the current edition Ralph's On The Park Opens For Friday Lunch They have a new early-evening menu, too The paucity of first-class restaurants open for lunch has been eased a little with the opening this week of Friday lunches at Ralph's on the Park. Before the storm, Ralph's did a brisk business every day at lunch. As how could they not, with the magnificent setting of City Park outside its big windows. But staffing shortages--the plague of the restaurant business--have kept Ralph Brennan from getting lunch going again, until now. The Friday lunch, always the most popular everywhere in New Orleans, is the starting point, with lunch spreading throughout the rest of the week as it becomes possible to do so. Even on Fridays, however, it's hard to find a substantial lunch restaurant, particularly outside the French Quarter. Ralph's good luck in being on the unflooded Metairie Ridge has allowed him to be the only major restaurant open for miles in any direction. Early-dining specials also have been slow to come back since the storm, but now that the late sunset has taken its bite into the dinner hour, a few of them are beginning to return. This one is from a special menu at Ralph Brennan's engaging bistro across from City Park. It begins at  5:30, and you (and everyone with you) must be in your chair by 6:45. That done, you get an appetizer, entree, dessert, and a glass of wine for $30. The menu changes frequently, but the one I saw offered some of the best dishes in the house, particularly among the appetizers. It's available Tuesdays through Saturdays; I'd get a reservation if I were you. 900 City Park Ave., 488-1000. © 2006 Tom Fitzmorris. All rights reserved. news@nomenu.com