President and Mrs. Bush Dine at BACCOAfter a day of Katrina-related business at Belle Chasse Naval Air Station, President Bush, joined First Lady Laura Bush, General Honeré, Vice Admiral Thad Allen, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin and the Mayor’s seventeen person Bring Back New Orleans Commission for a working dinner at BACCO in the New Orleans French Quarter.
The 7:00 PM three course dinner for twenty-five was served in the Creole-Italian restaurant’s Skylight Dining Room which boasts a hand-painted vaulted ceiling with two inlaid oval shaped skylights. An elaborately carved 18th century French Compass Point, affixed to the buttery golden west wall of the Skylight room, served as a backdrop to the table. (A photo of the Skylight Dining Room is available at http://www.neworleans-food.com/media_bacco.php)
BACCO Executive Chef Chris Montero served the President and his party’s dinner from the very same post-Katrina menu dished up to everyday BACCO patrons, albeit using china, glass and silver in lieu of the plastic plates, cups and cutlery that have become de rigueur even in white tablecloth restaurants in the wake of the Hurricane.
President Bush dined on Caesar Salad, Hickory Grilled Ribeye Steak topped with garlic butter and served with Creole roasted new potatoes and seasonal grilled vegetables, and Praline Bread Pudding. The First Lady enjoyed a Caesar Salad and Gumbo Ya Ya.
Serving the Presidential Party were three BACCO staffers (Liza Vallese, Annette Schiro and Anthony Mackie). Prior to Hurricane Katrina, BACCO employed 70 people. As of today, only 22 staffers have returned. It is estimated that over 70% of the homes of BACCO’s former staff were totally or severely damaged by the storm.
Greeting the President on behalf of the restaurant were owner / operator Ralph Brennan, BACCO General Manager Roy Barre and Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group Executive Vice President Charlee Williamson. Mr. Barre and Mrs. Williamson both lost their homes to the post-Katrina flooding.
“The President and his team are working hard on behalf of Louisiana. It is an honor to showcase for him the bold flavors and gracious hospitality for which New Orleans is internationally known,” said Brennan.
BACCO opened December 2, 1991, and is located at 310 Chartres Street, adjacent to the W Hotel in the French Quarter. (504-522-2426 / www.bacco.com). BACCO is part of the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group which also includes Red Fish Grill and Ralph's on the Park in New Orleans and the Jazz Kitchen at the Disneyland® Resort in southern California.
