NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Laurel Oak, a Southern Brasserie & cocktail bar concept developed by Magnolia Hotels and award-winning consulting Chef Troy Guard, opens its doors to New Orleans in January, 2020 in the newly imagined Magnolia New Orleans Hotel. The brand new restaurant concept, located in the bustling Central Business District, just steps from the French Quarter, is deeply rooted in Southern hospitality, and will feature mindfully sourced proteins and elevated Southern fare. It is designed for locals but will offer a dynamic table experience that will appeal to hotel guests, locals and visitors looking for an authentic New Orleans experience.
“New Orleans is known for its tremendous food scene, so we were very careful to incorporate this vast culinary history into the menu, design and service experience,” said Chef Troy Guard. “Laurel Oak is a restaurant for those with pure food indulgence in mind. We pay homage to local New Orleans ingredients while celebrating the city’s deeply ingrained food & beverage community.”
Stout Street Hospitality and Magnolia brought on prolific Chef and Restaurateur Troy Guard as a consultant, known for his eight restaurant concepts spanning across 13 locations in Denver and Houston, to create the concept and menu at Laurel Oak. Chef Guard has created a menu of dishes using the finest ingredients from the region and taking inspiration from local flavor and tradition, by incorporating a vast array of seasonal produce, whole animals and fish into the menu.
This will be Chef Guard’s first foray into New Orleans, and is working closely with Executive Chef Wesley Rabalais, a rising New Orleans culinary star, to bring the local flavors to life. Chef Rabalais will serve up three meals a day from homemade biscuits to Chicken and Sausage Gumbo with Creole Potato Salad to Smoked Redfish Dip with House made Salt & Vinegar Chips. For the whole table, guests can share Pont Neuf Potato Croquette and Crispy P&J Oysters. The culinary experience will be further elevated through an exemplary beverage program, designed to enhance the French-American cuisine. The Crescent City classic Brandy Crusta is crafted using Remy Martin 1738, Luxardo maraschino, and bubbles from Champagne, France, creating a true Jewel of the South. For the unabashed cocktail connoisseurs, the namesake Laurel Oak showcases Maker’s rye, sherry, and green chartreuse. The beer menu continues the attention on local legendary, offering a special release of Nola Brewery’s Muses, named after the famed Krewe of Muses and only available during Mardi Gras season.
“I am humbled to have the opportunity to work with Chef Troy Guard and serve as the Executive Chef of Laurel Oak, bringing this phenomenal menu to the people of New Orleans,” said Chef Rabalais. “It is the perfect location, vision and culinary experience for this beloved City.”
The name Laurel Oak refers to the famous Louisiana trees that are native to the area. This emphasis on nature has been brought into the design of the space through public art. The restaurant team brought in two local New Orleans artists to create a mural that brings to life the vibrancy of the New Orleans art scene and Louisiana’s natural beauty. Local artists Betty + Miss Hein created a floor to ceiling mural inspired by Louisiana’s native landscape.
“First and foremost, we believe in luxurious public art. The theme for this mural is inspired by the Louisiana Master Gardener program, a community course we completed this past summer,” said Justin Montrie, AKA Betty. “With an explicit focus on nature, it is a source of pride that this piece is visible along historic Camp Street.”
Laurel Oak is located in the brand new Magnolia New Orleans Hotel, in the heart of the Central Business District. Just steps away from the French Quarter’s world-renowned nightlife and distinguished architecture. Guests can stroll Bourbon Street as the sounds of famed jazz clubs, scents of Cajun cuisine and local cocktails tempt the senses. Built in 1863, Magnolia New Orleans was completely re-imagined in 2019. Find a vivid reflection of the charm and mystery of New Orleans with premium amenities and the flawless service of a professional, courteous staff that knows how to take care of everything. Laurel Oak will be open daily from 7:00am to11:00pm, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and providing room service to Hotel guests.