The team behind beloved Mid City hangout Bayou Beer Garden—Fiona Delargy, Dean DiSalvo, David Demarest, and Virginia Demarest—will debut the brand new, adjacent Bayou Wine Garden this Saturday, January 23, at 4 p.m. The casual yet refined spot is set to become one of the hottest openings this year for wine lovers and al fresco addicts.
The courtyard alone has its own bar with 16 wines on tap, a gurgling fountain, heaters and huge umbrellas. Inside, another 8 wines are on tap, and bottles are also available for purchase at the rustic bar.
But the new wine garden isn't only focused on vino. Co-owner David Demarest tells Eater that the bar will do cocktails after they get settled in, with a focus on wine drinks including a sherry margaritas and more. But don't expect bartenders in uniforms. This is a more casual affair, where the staff will wear what they feel comfortable in.
Chef Virginia Demarest has created a menu built around cheese pairings, gourmet sandwiches, and loads of house cured charcuterie that will also be offered at lunch time as well. The kitchen is partially open to the bar, so customers can talk to the chef about potential pairings or recommendations. Orders will be placed at the bar, and brought out to the table by the kitchen (a la Delachaise).
With this opening, the Bayou empire expands to well over 50 employees, and a full fledged compound, with the courtyard does opening up to the beer garden. Customers can sit where they please. The entry to Bayou Wine Garden is on N. Rendon between Bienville and Conti, and there is some parking. Stay tuned for the menu.
At a glance, here's what to expect:
- Indoor and outdoor seating, with televisions for games/events.
- A large private booth (with its own television) can be reserved inside.
- 16 wines on tap at the courtyard bar.
- 8 wines on tap inside.
- Wines by the glass in the $7-$11 range (wines also available by carafe).
- Wines by the bottle in the $17 to $120+ range with a majority under $30.
- Cocktail list will have a wine-focus including a sherry margarita, and drinks with wine-toppers.
- Menu features cheese, sandwiches, and house-cured meats from coppa to beef tongue. A picnic selection will include chef's choice of cheese, meat and carafes of wine.
- Lunch service debuts on Sunday, January 24.
- 2 Girls One Shuck will pop-up with raw oysters in the courtyard in the coming weeks.
- Happy hour will launch after Mardi Gras, and the bar plans to host wine tastings as well.
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