If you’re seeking a gracious restaurant that has all the history you’d expect from a trip to New Orleans, then don’t hesitate to make a reservation at The Court of Two Sisters (613 Royal Street) right in the French Quarter. It’s the perfect place to impress someone on a first date or get engaged and create a lifetime of memories as you return yearly to commemorate that day. Trust me, the place will still be there on your 50th anniversary (hopefully, we’ll be able to say the same for your date!). Luckily, the place escaped with relatively little damage caused by Hurricane Katrina and managed to re-open.
I highly recommend booking a table in the courtyard for dinner, as the setting is spectacular. An enormous wisteria tree creates a canopy that is so thick and lush that it acts as a live roof over the entire outdoor space. Even if it’s raining lightly, you won’t get wet. In the evenings, twinkling lights hanging from its twisting vines, the fountain and gas lamps create an atmosphere that is like no other in New Orleans.
The restaurant is renowned for its daily lunch buffet, where the selection is large and varied. It’s a highlight that talented local jazz musicians play while you are enjoying the delightful Eggs Benedict, which is a specialty here. This is no ordinary buffet, as offerings like jambalaya, gumbo and etouffee are also the norm. Make decisions carefully, as the quantity of choices is huge and you might easily fill up without having tried half the delectable dishes.
During dinner, do not pass up on ordering the Caesar salad. It is hands down the best I’ve ever had. The dressing is carefully made right there on the spot for you by the impeccable wait staff who have been schooled in the proper way to mix the right amounts of egg and anchovy. You will forever be ruined in terms of eating any other Caesar. The bottled stuff will seem like eggy mayo for you after this treat.
The Escargot Au Champignons (Mushroom stuffed snails) had us licking our fingers and were presented with typical French flair. We tried the Veal Oscar which was tender and well accompanied by a meaty crab lump. The seared duck breast was cooked to perfection, and the sweet potato side had me teetering. Finally, the creamy Bananas Foster flamed on our table as we sat back with a glass of port and took in the incredible surroundings. For a moment, it almost felt like we were sitting on the set of Casablanca in the 1940’s.
I suggest you dress up for your visit to The Court of Two Sisters. Despite the beer chugging that is happening right nearby, this is not a flip-flops and t-shirt joint. You come here to escape all that for even just a few hours. Also, make sure to get reservations—even for brunch—as the place is usually busy. Don’t forget to ask your waiter to tell you about the real two sisters that started a sewing shop on this very spot back in the 1800’s.
Keep in mind, too, that The Court is not cheap. Entrees will go for $20-30 dollars depending on your choice. So a complete dinner for two with a bottle of wine can easily run you several hundred dollars in a pinch.
Luckily, you’ll fee like the memories you’ll take away from the experience will be worth every cent. So save your pennies up for a visit to The Court of Two Sisters.