The Let Them Eat Cake team recently visited the Dickie Brennan Jackson Square eatery Tableau. The restaurant, connected to the famed Le Petit Theatre, has seen centuries of New Orleanians pass by as the city changed with each passing year. The history buried in the walls are filled with stories of the New Orleans that once was, while still bringing the style and modern amenities of the 21st century.
Tableau officially opened it’s doors in May 2013, but this was not the sites first life. The original structure was built in 1789 by Hilario Boutte. Once acting as a hospital and an orphanage, among other things, part of the property was also the residence of the seventh governor of Louisiana – Don Manuel Gayoso de Lemos. The architect responsible for the majority of the structure we see today was Richard Koch, who in the ‘20s was ahead of his time with his design. Koch played on the Spanish influences that surrounded the area and the connection to Le Petit Theatre, the oldest historic playhouse in the city.
We started our tour of the location on the second floor in the Library. Though a small space, the Library wowed us immediately with its gold leafed ceiling, parquet floors and the three, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves that complemented the space. The room has a balcony parallel to the St. Louis Cathedral, with windows overlooking the courtyard on the other side. The space holds 40 for a seated event and 45 for reception style. It’s light and airy feel is a perfect pick for a bridal shower or bridal luncheon. The staff also mentioned the room can be used for rehearsal dinners.
Outside the Library is the Drawing Room. The Drawing Room has a more masculine, upscale bar vibe. It includes a dark wood bar, high-top rectangle tables, tufted couches and deep colors. Couples have the option to rent out both the Library and the Drawing Room, plus balcony, creating a space to fit 100 guests reception style.
Along with the Drawing Room and the Library, the second floor houses the Green Room. The Green Room is a larger room than the Library, with a warm feel. It’s green hued walls lend a hand to the name and complement the large dark brown and wood leather chairs. The space seats 60, with 80 reception style. There is always a bar in the room with all parties over 40 guests. The room is the perfect size for a large rehearsal dinner.
*Photo by Sara Essex
The entire second floor is available to be rented out. All three rooms – the Library, Drawing Room and Green room – plus the balcony area can hold 150 to 200 people with a dance floor option available for the Drawing Room.
Both the second floor plus balcony and first floor restaurant area plus the courtyard can all be rented out together. Both floors can accommodate 500 party goers.
Tableau’s courtyard evokes the whimsical oasis ubiquitous to French Quarter homes. The 13th-century Roman fountain in the center of the courtyard, backed by the lush green building wall complements the picturesque details around the outdoor space. Couples have the option of planning their small ceremony of about 40 people in the courtyard, rent out smaller chairs and fit up to 70 or opt for a standing soiree of 120.
The third floor, which is not available to rent out along with the other two floors, but has two rentable rooms. The Wine Room, which is not accessible by wheelchair, and the Parlor occupy the third floor. Wine rooms, we have come to think, are a specialty of the Brennan family. The Wine room is elegant and intimate. Dark wood, wine-lined wall and the long rectangular table at the center of the room gives the space the cinematic feel of Old World banquets and celebratory feasts. The capacity is small, 20 guests seated. A groomsmen dinner celebration or a small bridal party or rehearsal gathering, bachelor or bachelorette would make for great memories in the Wine Room.
Down the hall from the Wine Room is the Parlor. The Parlor overlooks the courtyard and can hold up to 24. On our tour we were told the space had been used for bridal luncheons, anniversary receptions and day after brunches. The balcony access adds that extra flair needed for any wedding festivity.
*Bottom photo by Sara Essex
Whether you cozy up to the courtyard, celebrate on the balcony outside of the Library or rent out the entire location Tableau has all the perfect details and amenities to bring to your Big Day. Plenty of outdoor space; and all around planning with flowers, food and band; lend a hand to creating a gorgeous wedding-related festivity for any couple seeking a true New Orleans experience.
