Le Moyne Bistro, a modern neighborhood bistro from executive chef Farrell Harrison and Brian Weisnicht of Plates Restaurant & Bar, and Maria’s Oyster & Wine Bar, recently opened at 746 Tchoupitoulas St. Le Moyne Bistro is located next door to Maria’s Oyster & Wine Bar, which opened at the beginning of the year, and the two establishments are connected by a passage. opened at the beginning of the year. The restaurant’s general manager, Tim Armstead, and executive chef, Christian Hurst, round out the team.
Harrison and Weisnicht were drawn to the opportunity of opening a restaurant in the spot that once housed Tommy’s Cuisine and Wine Bar. After the success of Plates, the pair developed a strong bond with the Warehouse District neighborhood and their vision was to create a restaurant and bar that would be a comfortable and inviting space for people to unwind after work or enjoy a delicious meal.
Named after Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, the French explorer known as the “Father of Louisiana,” Le Moyne Bistro celebrates the deep connection between French and Louisiana cuisine.
When constructing the menu, the team was inspired by the rich and diverse culture of Louisiana. They aimed to create a menu that not only pays homage to the local culture but also offers approachable and delicious dishes that everyone can enjoy.
“The chefs started with their favorite bistro dishes and dishes they perfected at fine dining restaurants and then took those dishes and refined them and modernized them,” Weisnicht says. “They construct dishes from what’s available and in season and put together a classic menu.”
Menu highlights include Chicken au Riesling with grilled airline breast, house bacon, petite veg, and creme fraiche; Gulf Tuna Niçoise with farm egg, haricot verts, olives, and fingerlings; Onion Soup with gruyere, sourdough, cognac, and veal stock; Beef Tartare with chili oil, aioli, capers, and sunchoke chips; and Gulf Shrimp Bisque with croutons, brandy, and cream.
Desserts and breads are courtesy of Chef Ryan McDougall, who runs Le Moyne Bistro’s pastry program, which includes daily fresh-baked sourdough, Lavender Crème Brûlée, and Lemon Posset.
Beverage manager Lindsay Dukes leads the cocktail and wine programs at both Maria’s and Le Moyne Bistro. Like the food, the menu encapsulates classics made modern, with a focus on French liquors. While the wine list at Maria’s focuses on natural wine selection, at Le Moyne Bistro, the list offers a selection of wine from classic French regions that complement the food.
Cocktail highlights include La Louisiane, rye, benedictine, carpano antica, absinthe, and bitters; Cocktail Marseillais, pastis, rum, orgeat, ginger, mint, and lime; and Agave En Fleur, blanco tequila, cassis, elderflower, lime, cardamom, and rosewater.
Maria’s has a daily happy hour from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., during which you can enjoy $1.50 oysters—a perfect start before enjoying dinner at Le Moyne.
Le Moyne Bistro is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
