Muriel’s is one of those places that seems like it should be really kitschy, but it’s not at all. Locals and visitors to New Orleans rave about it in equal measure. Hell, even the no longer living enjoy visiting this place sometimes. Not sure what I mean? Keep reading to find out.
A Plus for Aesthetics.
I went to Muriel’s for a bachelorette dinner, and it was the perfect place for such an event. Muriels’s describes itself as “casual fine dining” and this short description could not be more fitting. The restaurant’s ambiance practically drips of elegance, but in a sexy and chic way rather than being haughty and uncomfortable. Deep red walls with white trim are decorated with golden framed paintings and golden embroidered curtains in one private room. In another, light brick is draped over deep green walls which hearken to the bayous which are ever present in Louisiana. Much of the decor is reminiscent, to me at least, of the balls which were held in the south during the Antebellum period.
The Occult as Sex Appeal.
The more time you spend in Muriel’s, the more you’ll pick up on a gorgeous, smoldering, ethereal vibe. Chandeliers and candles dimly light the restaurant for dinner to create an upscale Bohemian vibe. With shades of red and gold and canopied drapes — Muriel’s seems almost fit for a seance to accompany dinner. Actually – if that is what you are into, Muriel’s does in fact boast a seance lounge which is decorated in furnishings that are reminiscent of a Gypsy carriage. It “bordello” aesthetic hearkens back to a time when Storyville, the city’s red light district was still vivacious.
A Hit Among the Non Living.
There is more than one resident ghost at Muriel’s in Jackson Square. Some are quite rowdy. Staff at the restaurant have seen glasses go flying and break, silverware moving throughout the restaurant, and paranormal investigators have captured audio recordings of voices on the property.
There is a chair set out for one infamous ghost in particular who frequents the seance lounge often — a Mr. Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan. Read this story and learn about the history of the other spirits who visit the restaurant on their website here.
An Elevated Take on Creole Cuisine.
During my first visit to Muriel’s I arrived early and began with soaking up the ambiance by having gorgeous drinks at the bar. To sit in such a lush and attractive environment drinking the evening away would have been satisfying enough. The unique cuisine of Muriel’s raises the bar that much more.
You won’t find the version of “shrimp and grits” or “red beans and rice” that are advertised in every eatery in the city. Muriel’s does serve Creole and Southern cuisine, but in a refined manner that feels very luxurious. The dishes are all as decadent as the decor.
One of the finest dishes I’ve had the pleasure to taste is Muriel’s savory Gorgonzola cheesecake. This is offered as an appetizer and is ingenious. It holds the shape and style of an actual cheesecake with savory, sweet, and even tart flavors. Muriel’s menu describes the dish as, a “Gorgonzola prosciutto terrine, honeyed pecans, crispy prosciutto and slices of tart green apple.”
Another knock out option is the crawfish and goat cheese crepes. These are creamy and warm the bones, soul, and stomach with their richness. It’s a great example of using one of New Orleans most popular ingredients in an ingenious and sumptuous manner. For dinner, I went with a classic and ordered the shrimp and grits. What can I say? The grits were fluffy and savory — truly the perfect texture and the shrimp could not have been more perfectly cooked and fresh.
Looking forward to returning here soon!
Nearly all of the photographs are courtesy of Muriel’s Jackson Square from their website. Please do visit them and make reservations through their website here.
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