It’s not often that a classic restaurant, anywhere in the world, is successful at a similar satellite restaurant in a different location.  I’m not talking chain restaurant here; I’m talking a near replica of a specific restaurant with identical menu offerings and even interior design.  More specifically, I’m talking about Galatoire’s Bistro (www.galatoiresbistro.com) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  If you are familiar with the mecca of classic restaurants in the great city of New Orleans (Commander’s Palace, Antoine’s, Arnaud’s and the like) then you have most likely heard of Galatoire’s which is located on Bourbon Street, in the heart of the French Quarter. 

Galatoire’s, founded in 1905 by a frenchman named Jean Galatoire, is one of the most influential French-Louisiana restaurants in existence.  In its fifth generation of serving classic cocktails, incredible food and (need I say) undeniable class, this noteworthy cornerstone of culinary excitement created a satellite location named Galatoire’s Bistro in Baton Rouge shortly after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast.  This venture was proven successful in Baton Rouge and has since moved to an even newer location in a popular new shopping district just this year.

 Galatoire’s Bistro, led by its Executive Chef Kelley McCann has all of the tradition of Galatoire’s with a contemporary flair.  My family made a pilgrimage to Galatoire’s Bistro over the Thanksgiving Holiday to put its reputation to the test.  We started out with a table full of classic cocktails—everything from Bloody Mary’s, Sazeracs, Bourbon Milk Punch and French 75’s were present.  Some of the dishes we indulged in were a Fried Oyster Salad with a Creole Mustard Vinaigrette, Eggs Sardou, Barbequed Shrimp, Turtle Soup with Sherry , Pork Debris and a warm Potato-Leek Soup with Bacon.  Also on our table were the classic Galatoire’s wine pitcher and a loaf of the best crusty bread imaginable.

There is something so magical to this place—magical, traditional, and indulgent all at the same time.  Galatoire’s Bistro is a small piece of New Orleans right in my home town of Baton Rouge.  Oh yes, there will of course be a next time—perhaps out on their patio so we can enjoy the warm Louisiana air whilst enjoying the unforgettably soul-warming Louisiana cuisine.

Tagged: classic restaurant, Galatoire's, Galatoire's Bistro, Louisiana, New Orleans, restaurant