Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Gabrielle in Purgatory


The plight of Mary and Greg Sonnier has been well documented in the press, on this blog, and throughout message boards across the web. Since August 2005, the Sonniers have been chefs without a home for their beloved Gabrielle Restaurant. Months after the flood waters of Katrina devastated their Mid-City location, the Sonniers purchased The Uptowner, a building at 438 Henry Clay where they hoped to re-open Gabrielle. Unfortunately, unbeknowst to the Sonniers, discrepancies in the city permitting process would require a zoning change to operate a restaurant in this location. After numerous hearings in the front of the City Planning Commission and opposition from neighbors, two weeks ago the New Orleans City Council denied the Sonniers' request for a zoning change. The Sonniers have reluctantly admitted that the fight for Gabrielle may be over for good.

But the ultimate fate of Gabrielle has not yet been decided. In essence, Gabrielle is in a state of purgatory. While we all await final judgment of this beloved restaurant, a lucky few will have the opportunity to taste just exactly what all the fuss is about.


Vintage Orleans is proud to present "Gabrielle in Purgatory" at The Uptowner on Thursday February 24th at 7:00pm. The five course menu will resurrect several of Gabrielle's signature dishes, and each course will be paired with wines to match.

The cost of the dinner is $85 per person inclusive of food, wines, tax, and tip. Seating is limited, and reservations are required. Email VintageOrleans@gmail.com to reserve your seat today, as this dinner is sure to sell out quickly.

GABRIELLE IN PURGATORY

What: Wine Dinner featuring the Best of Gabrielle
Where: The Uptowner, 438 Henry Clay Ave.
Date: Thursday February 24th
Time: 7:00pm
Cost: $85 per person (inclusive of wines, tax, and tip)

First Course
Oysters Gabbie
A Pair of Oysters on the Half Shell Baked
With Chef Greg's Signature Artichoke Topping

Second Course
Mixed Sausage Kabob
Rabbit & Andouille Sausages with Honey-Lavendar Mustard Sauce

Third Course
Petit BBQ Shrimp Pie
Mashed Sweet Potatoes in a Tart Shell, Topped with BBQ Shrimp

Fourth Course
Slow Roasted Duck
Roasted Red Peppers, Mushrooms, & Orange Sherry Sauce
Over Shoestring Fried Potatoes

Dessert
Ponchatoula Strawberry Shortcake
With Fresh Whipped Cream

We hope to see you at this dinner to relive Gabrielle. Gone for now but not forgotten.

1 comment:

I'maNolaGirl said...

When life hands you lemons, host a five course dinner! I was so sad to hear about the city council's decision, but I was happy to see the Sonnier's making the best of it.