Arnaud's Remoulade in New Orleans
Remoulade Offers Authentic Creole Cuisine in a Casual Atmosphere
Sep 18, 2009
Arnaud’s Restaurant, open since 1918, has long been symbolic of the New Orleans dining philosophy; its menus still reflect the original owner’s advice to “relax completely, and dine leisurely and well,” as often as possible. But for visitors to the French Quarter who find themselves without time to dine leisurely, or even worse, no reservations, there is another option: Arnaud’s Remoulade. At Remoulade, diners can sample the white-linen-napkin cuisine of Arnaud’s in a fun, paper-napkins-on-the-table atmosphere.
History
After founder “Count” Arnaud Cazenave died in 1948, the running of his original restaurant passed to his daughter, Germaine Wells. Although passionate about the family business, Germaine, on the verge of financial ruin, eventually had no choice but to find someone else to take over her father’s legacy. So it came to pass that Archie Casbarian leased both the Arnaud’s property and name in 1978, opening a refurbished Arnaud’s in 1979.
Archie and his wife, Jane, continued to grow the business through Arnaud’s 75th anniversary in 1993. At that time, they were already planning a casual offshoot of the restaurant, to be named Remoulade, in honor of one Arnaud’s most famous dishes. In 1994, Remoulade opened, offering some of Arnaud’s favorites in an atmosphere designed to appeal to both locals and visitors walking through the French Quarter.
Menu
One of the most famous items on the menu at Remoulade is, of course, its namesake, the famous Shrimp Arnaud. Diners who have eaten shrimp remoulade elsewhere may be in for a bit of a surprise when trying this dish. The menu description of “boiled gulf shrimp marinated in Arnaud’s famous remoulade sauce” could be misleading to those who have experienced remoulade as nothing more than a tame, pink-tinged tartar sauce. The sauce on the Shrimp Arnaud is, in face, the farthest thing possible from tame — while absolutely delicious, the unmistakable tang of horseradish could easily catch an unsuspecting customer off guard. Fortunately, Remoulade provides sufficient crusty French bread and butter to take the edge off. Listed on the menu as a “Starter”, the Shrimp Arnaud makes a great appetizer to share, for only $6.95.
In addition to seafood, Remoulade serves a wide variety of local creole favorites. The best way to try as many of these dishes as possible is their “Taster” platters. For $15.95, these plates include several creole dishes together. “A Taste of the Bayou” provides jambalaya, crawfish pie, and file gumbo. Alternatively, the gumbo is served with red beans and rice and stuffed crab for “A Taste of New Orleans”, and the truly adventurous can take on the turtle soup (a long-time Arnaud’s specialty), Natchitoches meat pies, and crawfish etoufée for “A Taste of Louisiana.” Whether sampling a taster or choosing individual dishes, though, the gumbo is not to be missed. Made with a dark roux, its beautiful chocolate color and rich, smoky taste make for some of the best gumbo in the Quarter.
Aside from the creole dishes, Remoulade offers an oyster bar, traditional po-boys and muffalettas, and handmade pizzas. Hot dogs and hamburgers are also available, both with remoulade sauce as an option. Prices range from around $6-14 for sandwiches, up to $11-20 for entrées. Also interesting are the less expensive “Nibblers”, which include interesting Cajun egg rolls that definitely deliver on their promised “added zip”, at a price of three for $5.
Desserts are also available for those that make it that far, including ice cream cones made with Angelo Brocato’s famous Italian ice cream. Full bar service is offered, and diners should be aware that, as in many New Orleans eateries, there are no free refills on soft drinks.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Remoulade can best be described as part turn-of-the century, part bar-and-grill, and all Bourbon Street. The late Archie Casbarian was successful in providing a fun, casual alternative to Arnaud’s — while diners will find a somewhat quieter oasis away from the madness of Bourbon street, the atmosphere is still lively and upbeat. The décor is very French Quarter, with exposed bricks, granite tabletops, and large mirrors.
Also decorating the dining area and welcoming customers are the mascots of Remoulade, “The Almost All-Crustacean Pick-Up Band,” perhaps the only cartoon jazz band in the world consisting of a shrimp, crawfish, crab, oyster, catfish, hot dog, and hamburger. (T-shirts and posters of the band are available for sale.) The staff are equally friendly and welcoming and the restrooms are exceptionally clean, making for a great overall experience.
Information
309 Bourbon Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 523-0377
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