Charmant in New Orleans
Executive Chef Chris Borges (formerly of Virgin Hotel's Commons Club) and his wife Bonnie welcomed newcomers into newly-opened neighborhood bistro Charmant. The enterprising, ambitious pair created this venture in the former home of MoPho. In fact, they pay homage to MoPho's spirit with the PhoMo: star anise-braised short rib grillades over rice grits topped with an egg.
The dark woodiness has been changed to an elegant, regal blue scheme and white bar top that refreshes the cozy space. Chef Borges brings his deep European cuisine knowledge and intertwines it with his roots in Louisiana seafood, shine through in Mom's Crab Dip served with crackers and pumpernickel melba toast. The Chicken Meatball was a favorite with just a strip of sunflower tahini to mingle the otherwise Italian flavor. As Bonnie poured glasses of the bubbly she selected, she explained how she chose the wines for Charmant; she is a certified sommelier, as well as the restaurant's general manager.
I can't wait to return to try more dishes. The best part of that is Charmant is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. six days a week. There's a huge range of time to visit!
