Celebrating the people, passion, and stories behind great hospitality with Tock 10.
Commander's Palace
New Orleans, LA
Origin
Few places serve up Southern hospitality like Commander’s Palace. Opened in 1893 in a sprawling (and allegedly haunted) Garden District mansion, Commander’s Palace quickly became a destination for sophisticated Creole dining. Originally Emile Commander’s Palace Saloon, it attracted discerning diners from around the world with its haute Creole cuisine.
The Brennan family, led by the legendary Ella Brennan, took over in 1974, painting the staid beige exterior its now-iconic aqua blue with white shutters. The restaurant introduced the 25¢ martini lunch (still available on select days) and the famous jazz brunch, while launching careers of celebrated chefs including Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse. Then Tory McPhail helmed the kitchen before handing the reins to current chef, Meg Bickford, following in a long line of women to continue the celebration started by Miss Ella, the grande dame of New Orleans.
Commander’s maintains its commitment of “from dirt to plate within 100 miles,” as approximately 90% of ingredients come from within 100 miles of the restaurant. This sustainable philosophy ensures classic dishes like turtle soup finished tableside with sherry, Creole gumbo, and bread pudding soufflé showcase the best of Louisiana’s farming community while preserving authentic Creole traditions.
Photo by Denny Culbert
Photo by Denny Culbert
Photo by Denny Culbert
Mosquito Supper Club
New Orleans, LA
The concept
What started over a decade ago as a family-style supper club celebrating Cajun fare has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, complete with a James Beard Award®, two cookbooks, and countless crawfish. With an emphasis on sustainability, Chef/Owner Melissa Martin procures the best possible ingredients from Louisiana fishermen, crabbers, shrimpers, and farmers.
Designed for those who are socially and culinarily adventurous, Mosquito Supper Club is likened to an old-fashioned house party. Come prepared not only to eat well, but also to make new friends. True extroverts arrive early to sit in the courtyard for a refreshing cocktail and a dozen ice-cold oysters on the half shell—both mandatory for staying cool in New Orleans’ tropical climate.
The bayou mindset extends beyond the food on the plate. By choosing to dine at Mosquito Supper Club, guests are supporting the preservation of local foodways and keeping the Gulf Coast wild. Martin has also been a leader in hurricane relief efforts by setting up stations to cook hot meals during recovery and establishing a “Bayou Fund,” which raised more than $665,500 to help affected communities.