The most extraordinary dining experience ever! I had been looking forward to visiting Commanders palace forever, and when the opportunity arose to visit NOLA on my birthday, I picked up the phone and immediately made a reservation. The 7 hour plane flight was worth it. Upon checking in for our reservation, we were accompanied right through the kitchen (so cool!), to the garden room/bar area to wait for a table. We only waited 5 minutes or so, and I did not mind a bit because of the show going on in the kitchen. The well orchestrated chaos that was putting out these beautiful plates was amazing to watch.
The beautiful (albeit a bit extravagant) dining room was festively set with bouquets of fresh flowers, and balloons. Beautiful chandeliers and brocaded wallpaper accented the Garden District restaurant. The strolling jazz musicians were awesome; not annoying like some places can be.
We started with their Ice Block bloody marys. Such a neat concept! They bring the drink to your table virgin style, and then bring the giant bottle of vodka frozen in an ice block to finish it off table side. They were delicious, and I think we had two each.
The service was amazing! Everyone was working as a team to see to your every need. I mean seriously, I inquired as to where the ladies room was and was escorted to the door. Nothing like service with a smile! They think of everything, the tables were set with white napkins, but as we were both wearing black that day, they switched out black napkins, so as to keep our clothes from wearing white lint.
Brunch is a three course affair, with a set price based on your entrée. We were having a hard time deciding, so they let us add on a salad in addition to our appetizers.
The food:
Me:
Shrimp and Tasso Henican
Wild Louisiana white shrimp stuffed with spicy Cajun ham tossed in Crystal hot sauce with pickled okra
and five pepper jelly
(Additional $3.50)
Him:
Commander's Creole Gumbo
Rich stock slow cooked with regional ingredients spiked with
toasted garlic and Creole seasoning
Share:
The Commander's Salad
Hearts of romaine, Parmesan, pressed egg,
housemade bacon, French bread croutons,
grated Gruyère & creamy black pepper dressing
Both of us:
Pecan Crusted Gulf Fish
A Commander's Palace classic with
crushed corn cream, spiced pecans, petite herbs
and Prosecco poached Louisiana blue crab
Me:
Creole Bread Pudding Soufflé
"The Queen of Creole Desserts"
~ Warm whiskey sauce added tableside
(Must be ordered 20 minutes in advance
and is an additional $3 for a complete meal
Him
Lally's Praline Parfait
Handcrafted ice cream, a honey tuile, candied pecans,
Chantilly cream and sticky praline syrup
~ Lally Brennan's favorite dessert
Reservations are a must! It is not inexpensive, but the chance of a lifetime dining experience. Just do it!
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