A highlight of our annual New Orleans Food, History and Culture tours is a lunch-visit to the legendary Commander’s Palace Restaurant.
As described online: “Commander’s Palace, nestled in the middle of the tree-lined Garden District, has been a New Orleans landmark since 1893. Known for the award-winning quality of its food and its convivial atmosphere, the history of this famous restaurant offers a glimpse into New Orleans’ storied past and has been the go-to destination for Haute Creole cuisine and whimsical Louisiana charm. The winner of seven James Beard Foundation Awards, Commander’s Palace has evolved into a culinary legend.
When Ella, Dottie, Dick and John Brennan took over personal supervision of the restaurant in 1974, they began to give the splendid old landmark a new look both inside and out including painting the outside the iconic “Commander’s Blue.”
Now under the watchful eye of co-proprietors Ti Adelaide Martin and Lally Brennan, the Brennan family’s dedication to perfection has never wavered. A steady parade of renowned chefs – Emeril Lagasse, Paul Prudhomme, Jamie Shannon, Tory McPhail, and now Meg Bickford – have made Commander’s Palace the world-class restaurant what it is today and its leading-edge Haute Creole cuisine reflects the best of the city.”
The three-martini lunch was a common occasion during from the 1940’s through the 1960’s. A 30-year-decline, led to a resurgence in the late 90’s at a number of New Orleans establishments, including Antoine’s, Café Adelaide and the Swizzle Stick Bar and Commander’s Palace. The Palace offers four different martinis on their lunch menu: the gin (or vodka) and vermouth-based classic; the cranberry-colored Cosmo; their signature, blue-hued Commander’s Palace martini and the Ray’s Melon martini, named for a beloved employee, Ray Brinkman.
We invite you to travel with us in 2022 and take part in this extraordinary culinary experience – and share some $25 martinis with us!
