The intimate dining room
The Bistro Maison de Ville, is a restaurant you may have walked by a hundred times. Tucked away on Toulouse, the tiny restaurant offers a quiet and romantic escape from the sounds of Journey, which pour out seemingly without ending from the open doors of the nearby Bourbon Street bar scene. The Bistro, which opened in 1986, is run by executive chef Greg Picolo and has earned an outstanding reputation not only in New Orleans, but also around the world. And for good reason.
Alfresco dining in the courtyard
As soon as you step inside the intimate candlelit room, the loud and boisterous sounds of Bourbon Street disappear and you feel as if you are worlds away. Maître d’ Joe Plavetsky, the most friendly and accommodating man I’ve ever met, is eager to seat you at the table of your choice. I highly suggest choosing a table along the maroon, leather banquet, which is both cozy and luxurious. The twelve tables in the restaurant are close together and by the end of the night don’t be surprised if you are not only bumping knees with your neighbors, but also leaving with them to grab a cocktail, for the Bistro is a place new friends are quickly made. For a very romantic evening, request a table in the courtyard, where owners Michael and Jaydine Maimone were married.
The Bistro boasts an impressive wine selection
With an extensive wine list offering everything from the best imported blends to classic Burgundies and domestic varietals, there is something for every wine enthusiast here. If you have any difficulties in deciding, the wait staff will be more than happy to help you choose.
Now to the best part of the Bistro, the creative cuisine! Deciding on the right entrée will no doubt be a difficult decision; however, you cannot go wrong, for the menu boasts only the best of what the culinary world has to offer. A delicious combination of French Creole-inspired dishes are always fresh and made to order by Chef Picolo, who is assisted only by his Sous-Chef Obie Chisholm.
The foie gras, a traditional French delicacy, is divine and, in my opinion, the mussels and hand-cut fries are the best in the city. The poached pear and spinach salad is light but full-flavored, topped with crispy pieces of applewood-smoked bacon and blue cheese crumbles; it’s a true taste-sensation!
The entrees offer something for everyone from Louisiana Gulf Fish to Duck Cassoulet and Bouillabaisse, one of Chef Picolo’s famous specialties and a true “Bistro Classic”. Chef Picolo also offers daily specials and has recently been featuring oyster appetizers such as the Creole Tomato Oyster Napoleon, a delicious summer treat. Make sure to save room for the selection of homemade desserts including a traditional crème brûlée and the perennial New Orleans favorite — bread pudding.
Appetizer: Oyster Napoleon
Entrée: Bouillabaisse
Dessert: Crème Brûlée
It is places such as the Bistro which make New Orleans such a distinct and beautiful city. Whether you are a food critic with a discerning palate, a visitor to this fair city, or just a local in search of a delicious New Orleans meal, The Bistro is an excellent choice. It won’t long remain a “best kept secret” when your exceptional experience here has you rushing home to tell your friends!
Bistro Maison de Ville
733 Toulouse Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 528-9206
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