Bistro at Hotel Maison de Ville and the Audubon Cottages Reopens

New Orleans, LA (PRWeb) May 18, 2007 -- New Orleans tourists, upscale diners and those in search of Nouvelle Creole food all have reason to be delighted this spring as The Bistro at Hotel Maison de Ville will reopen on Thursday, May 24, 2007 under the direction of prior long-term chef Greg Picolo who survived being stranded during Hurricane Katrina and emerged determined to reopen his beloved restaurant.

The restaurant will be reopening right before the weekend of the New Orleans Food and Wine Experience in order to coincide with the event that brings foodies and wine aficionados to New Orleans. Though The Bistro is not a participating restaurant, the restaurant will be hosting a “Welcome Back to The Bistro” open house from 6pm – 8 pm on Thursday, May 24.

Chef Picolo’s signature Creole style cuisine will still be the type of food served at the restaurant, but the menus will be updated and revitalized. The new menus include tried and true Bistro favorites, as well as new ever-evolving ideas and a more casual menu for Lunch.

The Bistro is a small Parisian style restaurant that seats approximately forty guests. In addition to unique, upscale cuisine, diners enjoy a cozy, romantic ambiance. During their Bistro experience, diners will walk across a natural wood floor, sit at red leather banquettes, stare at beveled-glass mirrors and Impressionist-style paintings and eat from tables dressed with pressed white linens. The wait staff takes extra care to recommend appropriate food and wine pairings and selections suited to diners’ tastes. Weather permitting, al-fresco dining is also available in the courtyard.

Previously, The Bistro was owned by Hotel Maison de Ville and thus the establishments share the same charm and commitment to making guests feel at home. After Hurricane Katrina, the hotel could no longer sustain the restaurant but is delighted that Chef Picolo has taken over the business along with a partner.

Picolo, a native of New Orleans was executive chef at The Bistro for 12 years, during which time the Bistro earned international acclaim, received distinction as a Gourmet magazine top table and honors from Zagat and The James Beard Foundation.

After Hurricane Katrina, Picolo was stranded in his home for almost a week as his home was surrounded by six feet of water. He and a neighbor survived by rationing their water supply and keeping their spirits up by creating gourmet meals and dipping into Picolo’s wine supply. Because they feared looters, they did not even light candles during this time. Heavily armed police offices and firemen who came finally rescued the pair via boats and jet skis.

Picolo temporarily relocated and worked in a hotel in Louisville but dreamed of returning to New Orleans and The Bistro. The only people who may be more excited about the reopening than Greg are loyal diners and the staff at Hotel Maison de Ville who realize how important the Bistro is to many guests’ experiences at the property.

In celebration of the reopening, Hotel Maison de Ville has created corresponding packages so that hotel guests can go just next door in order to enjoy one of the best dining options in the city. These packages include overnight stays at the historic property with the option to have either lunch or dinner at The Bistro. For the guest on the go, The Bistro can also prepare a picnic lunch for guests to enjoy while seeing the sight of the city.

The Bistro is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday and for dinner from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Entrée prices typically range from $13-$20 for lunch and $24-$32 for dinner. For reservations, please call 504.528.9206 or email chef@hotelmaisondeville.com.

Hotel Maison de Ville is located in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter. The main building ia located at 727 Rue Toulouse and includes the reception room, parlor, concierge, and nine guest quarters. Additional luxury accommodations are offered in other historic buildings, including the Audubon Cottages. The Maison de Ville also is home to one of the finest restaurants in New Orleans, The Bistro, which features Nouvelle Creole Cuisine. Please see www.hotelmaisondeville.com for more information.