New Orleans Spotlight: Arnaud’s New Orleans

Arnaud’s Restaurant is a revered landmark in the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana, celebrated for its classic Creole cuisine and timeless elegance.¹

History

Founded in 1918 by French wine salesman Arnaud Cazenave (known as “Count” Arnaud), the restaurant quickly established itself with a commitment to quality Creole dining.² After his death in 1948, his colorful and gregarious daughter, Germaine Cazenave Wells, took over, maintaining the restaurant’s traditions.³

In 1978, the restaurant was acquired by Archie and Jane Casbarian, who, over time, meticulously restored the property to its original grandeur and revitalized the menu.⁴ They expanded the complex to cover nearly an entire French Quarter block, encompassing 11 buildings.⁵ Today, Arnaud’s continues to operate under the second generation of the Casbarian family, carrying on its rich legacy.⁶

What Makes It Unique

• Creole Culinary Institution: Arnaud’s is one of New Orleans’ oldest and most famous restaurants, serving authentic French Creole cuisine for over a century, offering a fine dining experience steeped in tradition.⁷

   

• Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum: The restaurant houses a fascinating museum dedicated to the daughter of the founder.⁸ Germaine Wells reigned as queen of over 22 Mardi Gras balls, more than any other woman in Carnival history.⁹ The museum displays a priceless collection of her lavish Mardi Gras costumes and memorabilia.¹⁰

   

• The French 75 Bar: A sophisticated, smaller bar adjacent to the main dining room, which has received widespread acclaim, including a James Beard Foundation Award for “Outstanding Bar Program.”¹¹ The original, more traditional bar is known as the Richelieu Bar.

   

• Atmosphere and Ambiance: The main dining room, with its crystal chandeliers, mosaic-tiled floors, and stately columns, exudes the grace and hospitality of a bygone era.¹² The complex boasts 17 dining rooms that can accommodate large parties.¹³

   

• Sunday Jazz Brunch: Arnaud’s offers a popular Sunday Jazz Brunch, complete with live music from The Gumbo Trio.¹⁴

   

Highlight Menu Items

Arnaud’s menu features classic Creole dishes, many of which are signatures of the restaurant:¹⁵

• Shrimp Arnaud: The restaurant’s signature appetizer, featuring Gulf shrimp marinated in their famous tangy Creole Remoulade Sauce.¹⁶

   

• Oysters Bienville: An Arnaud’s original baked oyster dish.¹⁷

   

• Soufflé Potatoes: Lighter-than-air potato puffs, often served with a dipping sauce.¹⁸

   

• Oysters Arnaud: A sampling of their various baked oyster preparations, including Bienville, Kathryn, Ohan, Rockefeller, and Suzette.¹⁹

   

• Fish Preparations: Dishes like the Gulf Fish Pontchartrain (sautéed fillet topped with fresh Louisiana crabmeat) are staples.²⁰

   

• Desserts: Classics like Bananas Foster (flamed tableside) and Strawberries Arnaud (fresh strawberries marinated in a Port Wine Sauce).²¹

   

• Café Brûlot: Flamed tableside, offering a dramatic finish to the meal.²²

   

Customer Feedback

Arnaud’s is consistently praised for its timeless elegance, exceptional service, and commitment to classic Creole recipes.²³ Diners frequently commend the luxurious atmosphere, the nostalgia of the historic dining rooms, and the quality of the traditional dishes. The French 75 Bar is often highlighted as a top spot for classic New Orleans cocktails.²⁴

Significant Events

• 1918: Opened by Arnaud Cazenave.²⁵

   

• 1956: Proprietor Germaine Wells began leading the French Quarter Easter parade, and The New York Times published Arnaud’s recipe for Oysters Bienville.²⁶

   

• 1978: Acquired by the Casbarian family, beginning a significant restoration and modernization of the building and menu.²⁷

   

• 1983: The Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum was opened within the restaurant.²⁸

   

• 2005: Arnaud’s was one of the first major New Orleans restaurants to reopen after Hurricane Katrina.²⁹

   

• 2017: The French 75 Bar won the James Beard Foundation Award for “Outstanding Bar Program.”³⁰

   

• 2018: The restaurant celebrated its 100th Anniversary.³¹

   

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