Have they started doing the chef's table service again yet?
I was invited to go dine there on the Friday night before the official Sunday opening for their first dry run(they did 2 overall). The rear bar was not yet finished when I took a tour of the newly renovated grounds. And I asked my friend who works there (assistant to Ti Martin and Lally Brennan) if the chef's table was open yet and she said not for a couple weeks. So there is a good chance that the table is available now that some time has gone by. The decor has changed completely both upstairs and downstairs and was personally done by Lally(for blame or praise, lol). The menu has several new dishes and chef Torre Mcphail(sp?) has returned. Now, I have not been the biggest fan of this place for quite some time, but I'll give them a couple more tries in a few weeks and hope that they work out any post-Katrina kinks. And everyone I know who works there is very professional, so the chances are high!
Had lunch there a couple years ago. It was divine! The only low point--I didn't really care for the decor, it reminded me of a gaudy funeral home or something. There were many highlights but I particularly enjoyed the turtle soup and the .25 cent martinis. I'd eat there again for sure.
The decor is completely different now because they had a lot of damage from Katrina and had to essentially started from scratch. I personally don't care for it but it isn't drab like it was previously.
Ate there earlier tonight with Joe Moch, Tracy, and Charlie. Service was MUCH improved and very tight. Sat in the garden room and the dishes were delicious all around. I had the Oysters Racca(if you like baked oysters this is a great dish that is new to the restaurant) followed by the Pecan Crusted Drum(covered in lump crabmeat). Very difficult to improve on the quality we saw tonight and the place had lots of people. And this is coming from someone who hasn't been Commander's biggest fan over the years. Was very happy to see them back in top form The back bar is now open but when we walked through the kitchen. On the way I noticed that the chef's table was covered with various trays of supplies. But maybe the table is available on Friday and Saturday nights. I'll find out tomorrow from Josie if and when the chef's table will be available and I will try to post that info here. Enjoyed it guys! A very pleasant time. Arg, must sleep. Oh, one more thing. You won't see the "Commander's Salad" listed on the menu anymore. It has been renamed the "Romain Salad" for those interested.
