Martinique Bistro: Island in the Stream of New Orleans cuisine
Avenue Inn Favorite: Martinique Bistro, exterior view.
Restaurant Dish: Martinique Bistro
Dress code: Casual chic
Martinique is not your typical NOLA bistro; it is more like a testament to a multi-cultural food experience. But it remains a top choice among bed and breakfast Innkeepers in New Orleans. And for good reason. Originally opened by Hubert Sandot in 1994, Martinique paid homage to his French-Caribbean heritage. The Chef infused his unique cultural traditions into the menu, the atmosphere, and even the restaurant name.
Though Cristiano Raffignone purchased the bistro in 2003, Martinique has stayed true to its roots. Raffignone, who was born in Paris coincidentally, kept the name to go along with the tropical feeling of the cozy bistro. And the good news is that this little piece of Island heaven is only a streetcar and a short walk away from one of the most popular New Orleans bed and breakfast Inns in the city.
The fare can best be described as French cuisine with Caribbean accents; this can be translated to the chefs have fun with these inspired creations. Standout dishes on the menu include:
Lunch:
Scottish Smoked Salmon Club with Apple-Smoked Bacon, Tomatoes, Arugula & a Housemade Remoulade on a Croissant
Sautéed Medallions of Chairman’s Reserve Organic Pork Tenderloin, Roasted Rustin Peach-Sage Demi Glace, Vidalia onion “Jam”
Fish of the Day, Pineapple-Thyme Vinaigrette, Cucumber Slaw, Local Garden Sprouts
*Do try the lunch special. $20 gets you an appetizer, entrée and dessert.
Dinner:
Sautéed Escargot, Local Green Garlic Maitre’d Butter, Maytag Blue Cheese Gratinee
Petite Louisiana Gulf Shrimp Cake, Celeriac Remoulade, Smoked Tomato, Horseradish Vinaigrette
Louisiana Blue Crab Cobb Salad: Baby Spinach, Arugula, Apple Smoked Bacon, Avocado, Hard-Boiled Egg, Blue Cheese & a Green Goddess Dressing
Oven Roasted Steen’s Cane Syrup Cured Duck Breast & Confit Duck Leg Quarter, Ginger -Blueberry-Port Demi-Glace, Stone Ground Goat Cheese Grits
Roasted Eggplant & Creole Tomato Provencal, Chevre, Fire Roasted Peppers, Basil oil
The cross-cultural influence that can be seen in the menu can also be observed in the bistro. The casually elegant atmosphere in Martinique is carried on from the indoors to the outdoors as the space transitions from the indoor seating area to the lush courtyard. Bright colors lend an island-y feel to the interior, while aged wood and Italian sconces give the space a Mediterranean influence. Enveloped in greenery and scented with jasmine, the courtyard is quite romantic, and not surprisingly, the best seat in the house when weather permits.
When the courtyard is closed, however, Martinique loses about sixty seats, and everyone’s favorite spot becomes that much smaller. It is very important to reserve a table here ahead of time so you’re not left on the curb.
Martinique Bistro is just a short streetcar ride away from our New Orleans bed and breakfast. If you book a stay with the Avenue Inn B&B , our innkeepers will be happy to make a reservation here and do anything in our power to make the most of your time exploring the city that we are proud to call home.
While the true Martinique lies thousands of miles away surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, this Martinique seems to fit right into the Big Easy, so make a point to stop by this unique cultural haven on Magazine Street. After all, staying at a historic bed and breakfast adds charm to New Orleans lodging.
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