Luxe Beat Magazine JUNE 2015 | Page 61

Epicure The Last Room or Tabasco Room is the last named room at Antoine’s. It is an intimate space with just one table and was recently renamed after one of Antoine’s most distinguished customers, community leader Paul McIlhenny of the famous Tabasco family. The room is appropriately painted “Tabasco” Red and is rumored to be the location of most engagements in New Orleans. If you’re in New Orleans, make a stop in Antoine’s and create your own history. Be sure to ask your waiter for a tour. dining rooms has a unique history and charm. The Mystery Room acquired its name due to Prohibition, the 18th Amendment prohibiting the sale of alcoholic drinks (from 1919 until 1933). During this time, some would go through a door in the ladies’ restroom to a secret room. The thinking was that the Feds were not be brave enough to ever go into the ladies room during a raid; and Roy Alciatore was right. Patrons would sneak in and fill coffee cups with liquor to bring back to their tables. If ever asked where it came from, the standard response was: “It’s a mystery to me!” The name stuck and to this day, it’s still the Mystery Room. The Japanese Room was originally designed with Oriental motifs popular at the turn of the century. All of the decorations, down to the hand-painted walls and ceilings, spoke of things Japanese. Many large banquets were held there until December 7, 1941, when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor to usher the United States into World War II. Roy Alciatore then closed the room and it remained closed for 43 years. It was reopened in 1984. Recently the room has been refreshed with a new updated look that included the preservation of the hand painted ceiling. A selection of appetizers at Antoine’s Antoine’s Restaurant 713 Saint Louis Street New Orleans, Louisiana 70130 www.Antoines.com By tradition, Antoine’s is closed to the general public on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Mardi Gras. The restaurant can be reserved for private parties on these “Closed Days.” 61