Wow what a building Broussard’s is. This isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a living piece of New Orleans history. Right here on Conti Street stands a place steeped in culinary tradition and family legacy.
Broussard’s opened its doors in 1920. Chef Joseph Broussard and his wife Rosalie Borrello moved into her family mansion. That mansion became Broussard’s. They lived upstairs. The restaurant was downstairs. For forty years they ran the restaurant together. They died only a month apart in 1966.
The building itself is fascinating. The main dining room dates back to 1920. But did you know the other rooms are even older? They were built in 1831. They were once stables and slave quarters for the nearby Hermann-Grima House. Today you can visit that historic house museum. The Broussard’s building has been renovated several times. A major renovation took place in the early 1970s. Another happened in 2013. That renovation was overseen by Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts. They bought Broussard’s from the Preuss family who owned it since 1984.
Broussard’s isn’t just any restaurant. It’s one of New Orleans’ four Grand Dames. That means it’s considered one of the city’s most classic and prestigious Creole restaurants. Along with Galatoire’s Antoine’s and Arnaud’s it holds a special place in the city’s culinary landscape.
Joseph Broussard was a renowned chef. He trained in Paris. He claimed to have invented over eighty-five dishes. Some were even named “a la Broussard.” He loved Napoleon brandy. He had a waiter ring a bell when someone ordered it. A waiter would salute a statue of Napoleon in the courtyard. That tradition stopped after his death.
Today Broussard’s continues its legacy. Executive Chef Jimi Setchim keeps the culinary traditions alive. The restaurant offers a modern Creole menu. It features lighter sauces and Caribbean influences. There’s a delightful jazz brunch on Sundays. You can try classics like Fried Oysters Rockefeller. There’s also a special degustation menu. It showcases Chef Swidler’s unique techniques.
Broussard’s is more than just a meal. It’s a journey. A journey through time. A journey through generations. It’s a taste of history in every bite. So savor the moment. Savor the flavor. Savor Broussard’s.