Let The Good Times Roll In The Square

Maybe you don't know what it means to miss New Orleans. But once you sample the Po' Boys, Jambalaya and Red Beans and Rice at NOLA On The Square, you'll understand why Louis Armstrong sang the homesick blues about the Big Easy. Looking to spice up the Square with a taste of the Crescent City, owner Yves Carreau — who just happens to own the Sonoma Grille and Serviche on Penn Avenue — calls the French accented fare at NOLA "Nouveau Creole." Even if you don't parlez francais, NOLA will leave you saying "oo la la."  

Happily housed in the old 1902 Building, next to Nicholas Coffee, NOLA paints a colorful new face on the old structure.  Once you step inside, every day seems like Fat Tuesday. On the walls, trompe l'oiel murals capture the spirit of Mardi Gras with bejeweled masked ladies, floats and jesters marching down Bourbon Street as revelers gaze down from balconies. And the festive art throughout sets the tone for the real reason for coming — music, drinks and, of course, food!

Now if you trust your nose, follow the aroma to the open kitchen at the back of the building. Sure, it's okay to stop along the way at the bar to sample a Voodoo Doll, Hurricane, Le Bon Temps Roule or any of the other Bourbon Street inspired cocktails. Once your thirst is satisfied, check out executive chef Andrew Hebson and his culinary krewe in action as they whip up Pasta Pontchartrain, Poulet Frites et Salade Verte, Shrimp and Grits and other New-Orleans infused specialities. If you're searching for entertainment in the Square, the food prep action at NOLA is just the start.

We're pleased to say that NOLA is bringing back the sound of music to the Square with live bands performing at least two nights a week. Of course, the emphasis will be on jazz, blues and other tunes connected to the city that sits along the banks of the mighty Mississippi. Be there for the first live performance tomorrow night, Wednesday, March 23rd at 8pm or or check their events calendar for upcoming performances.  If you need a little bit more of a nudge to join the saints as they go marching in the Square, we should mention that diners can drop off their autos at no charge thanks to NOLA's complimentary valet service. Which means it won't cost you a pocketful of quarters to enjoy French Quarter cuisine.

As Market Square burnishes its already glowing reputation as one of the city's hottest meet, greet and eat dining destinations, NOLA turns up the heat. And speaking of heat, NOLA will provide outdoor cafe style seating as the weather warms in the weeks ahead, adding another entree to the city's Paris to Pittsburgh menu of al fresco dining. But why wait for summer? Roll on in to the Square and laissez le bons temps rouler at NOLA.