A
New Orleans Icon Finds Recipe for Success in Destin  It's
an historic icon, cherished landmark and the very heart and soul of New Orleans.
It's the Crescent City's prized possession - Commander's Palace. Since 1880, the
famous restaurant, located in the heart of the Garden District, has successfully
reflected the best of the city with both Creole and American heritages, as well
as some of its own culinary creations. Today, it is with great excitement that
Destin developer, Legendary, Inc., announces that this priceless dining experience
will soon be part of the Destin Harbor and HarborWalk Village.
History
Of Commander's Palace
Since 1880, Commander's Palace has been
a New Orleans landmark known for the award-winning quality of its food, service
and commodious dining rooms. The history of this famous restaurant offers a glimpse
into New Orleans' antebellum past. In the early 1800's when Louisiana officially
joined the nation, eager young Anglo-Saxons flocked to this promising territory
to make their fortunes. Since the Vieux Carre was the stronghold of the proud
Creoles, these "Americans" (as they were defined by the Creoles) sought
a residential section of their own. Thus was born the Garden District, with its
stately Greek Renaissance homes and quiet, tree-lined streets.
Here
in the Garden District, George W. Cable entertained Mark Twain; here Jefferson
Davis spent his last days. Also here, in 1880, Emile Commander established the
only restaurant patronized by the distinguished neighborhood families. He chose
the corner of Washington Avenue and Coliseum Street, as site that had been in
turn part of the J.F.E. Livaudais Plantation and the faubourg of Lafayette. In
1854, it was engulfed by the city of New Orleans, and by 1900, Commander's Palace
was attracting gourmets from all over the world. Under
different management in the twenties, Commander's reputation was somewhat spicier.
Riverboat captains frequented it and sporting gentlemen met with beautiful women
for a rendezvous in the private dining rooms upstairs. However, the main dining
room downstairs, with its separate entrance, was maintained in impeccable respectability
for family meals after church and family gatherings of all sorts.
In
1944, Frank and Elinor Moran bought Commander's Palace, refurbished it and carried
on its tradition of excellence, offering an expanded menu including many recipes
that are still used today.  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. It was decided
to design rooms and settings indoors which complemented and enhanced the lovely
outdoor setting; thus the décor was planned for a bright, casual airiness.
Walls were torn out and replaced with walls of glass; trellises were handcrafted
for the garden room to complement and accent its distinctive color and design.
Particular
attention was paid to the heart and soul of the restaurant - the kitchen and the
dishes created there. Commander's cuisine reflects the best of the city and both
Creole and American heritages, as well as dishes of Commander's own creating.
Seafood, meats, vegetables, and all other ingredients are as fresh as can be. Every
Saturday and Sunday, Commander's Palace is transformed by Commander's Jazz Brunch,
originally conceived by Dick Brennan. Brightly colored balloons and muted jazz
played by Joe Simon and his ensemble set the mood for the special brunch menu. The
Commander's atmosphere is like a well-run party given by old friends…flowers,
conviviality, and most important of all, the splendid food and wines one expects
from a world-class dining experience - one with the unique spirit, culinary integrity
and joie de vivre that have made Commander's Palace a legend over the decades. Awards
& Honors
Fine
Dining Award
DiRoNA Lifetime
Ivy Award
Restaurants & Institutions Lifetime
Fine Dining Hall of Fame
Nation's Restaurant News Most
Popular Restaurant (15th Straight Year)
Zagat Survey/New Orleans, 1988-2002 Reader's
Choice Award, #1 Restaurant in America
Food & Wine, 2001, 1997 &
1995 Tory
McPhail - Rising Star Chef of the Year Award Nomination
James
Beard Foundation, 2003 Chosen
#2 Chef in the World
Robb Report, 1999 Jamie
Shannon - Best Chef/Southeast Region
James Beard Foundation, 1999 Reader's
Choice Awards, #1 City Restaurant
Southern Living Magazine, 1997 Reader's
Top Table Award, Tops for Special Occasions
Gourmet, 1997 Chef
of the Year
New Orleans Magazine, 1996 Critics
Choice in 14 Cities
Wine Spectator, 1995 Reader's
Choice Award, Favorite Restaurant in New Orleans
Food & Wine, 1995
Outstanding
Restaurant Award
Outstanding Service Award
Who's Who of Food & Beverage
Award
Commander's Kitchen Cookbook - nominated
James Beard
Foundation | 
