THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Martinique Bistro

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Martinique Bistro Restaurant Review:

Reflecting the legacy of its founding French-Caribbean chef-owner, Hubert Sandot, who established the restaurant in 1994, Martinique Bistro is one of the city’s real finds. Bright paint, Italian wall sconces and well-worn wood define the décor. Current owner Cristiano Raffignone is of Italian descent but was reared in Paris. Chef Eric LaBouchère works in a more traditional French and New American style with Caribbean accents. The kitchen is adept with fish and seafood preparations, best exemplified by the sautéed Gulf shrimp with crawfish and Cognac, and the seared salmon filet. Specific dishes vary from season to season, but you'll likely find classics such as coq au vin or sautéed sweetbreads with lemon caper beurre blanc. The wine list covers all the bases, with many by-the-glass offerings. Oenophiles will tip their hat to the restaurant for its inclusion of intense reds, such as Dominus, and hard-to-find whites, although more moderately priced selections also are proposed. Desserts can be as light as traditional profiteroles or as substantial as baked Alaska. Romantic note: More marriage proposals happen on Martinique Bistro’s elegant courtyard than perhaps at any other location in New Orleans.