Genius In The Face Of A Snail Shortage
In 1840, Martin Van Buren, the “little magician” was president of the United States. Florida had yet to become a state. In New Orleans, then America’s third largest city, a recent immigrant from Marseille opened a restaurant. Named Antoine’s for its founder, Antoine Alciatore, it was a great success, serving fine French food to a sophisticated clientele. It became and remains a gastronomic institution. Antoine’s is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the country.
In 1889, Jules Alciatore, son of the founder, faced a shortage of escargot. He decided to replace snails with oysters from the Gulf. He tinkered with the sauce and, happy with the result, placed Oysters A La Rockefeller on the menu. Truly delicious, the dish was an immediate favorite. Oysters Rockefeller is on the menu to this day. If you’re fortunate enough to visit NOLA and to make your way to Antoine’s, order it. You reward, above and beyond great tastes and a bit of history, includes a post card.
Life can be short. Since one must eat, why not eat well? Hope to see you in the Crescent City.
Bon appetite!
David Potash