On a recent visit to New Orleans my husband and I ran into a great creole restaurant: Olivier’s. It is at 204 Decatur Street, in the French Quarter (tel 504-525-7734), just off Canal. The atmosphere is charming (clubby and warm), the people are extra-friendly (the owner stopped by our table a few times just to chat), and the food is tremendous. AND THE PRICES ARE REASONABLE. We started with the Oysters Rockefeller and the Creole Gumbo Sampler which has three types of gumbo in it: creole, file and okra. We especially liked the sampler. These were gumbos done by someone who cares. Each had their own distinctive spin and flavor. The warm rolls were great. A house salad had an excellent dressing and was a nice touch in a town that seems to feature only ala carte items (sticking it to the tourists...). A good example of the friendly atmosphere of the restaurant. Next we tried the Creole Rabbit and the Shrimp Scampi. Both were excellent. The rabbit was moist, the gravy flavorful and it was served with a sage and oyster dressing. Papa Armand stopped by to point out that this dinner is his favorite, his mother having served it to him on Sundays. The Shrimp Scampi was tremendous with too many shrimp to count and a subtle wine, garlic and parmesan sauce that made you want to lick the plate. Dessert choices included a homemade bread pudding (wonderful) and Papa Armand’s Peach Cobbler. We didn’t try that but wish we had had room for it, too. Other items on the menu include Pecan Breaded Oysters, Crab Cakes, Crawfish Etouffe, Poulet au Fromage, Stuffed Lobster, Pork Medallions and Broiled Catfish. You will not be disappointed at Olivier’s. We recommend it highly.
New Orleans, LA