For starters, Dr. Vyonne Lewis (yes, a real scientist) refers to herself as a "working owner." That self-effacing description belies the fact that Vyonne's is an expression of culinary and hospitality creativity that comes completely from her heart. This beautiful, relaxing space shares her belief that welcome and activism can work hand in hand to create a unique dining experience. It starts with the entry into this former warehouse, one of the hundreds that give this part of the Crescent City its name. What was once a dark, dank passage is now an inspirational tunnel of light that promises a warm only-at-Vyonne's reception and has become such a focal point that the now-required social media photos of any high quality restaurant experience are (in Vyonne's case) taken there. The tunnel of light opens into the very large courtyard which was the place to be on a sensually warm New Orleans spring evening. Dr. Vyonne gave my companion and I a tour of the restaurant's two levels and while the interior design was French-influenced, her deepest inspiration is women rising throughout the world as so much of the art on Vyonne's walls celebrates women from the culture bearers of the New Orleans to Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado whose Oslo ceremony Dr. Vyonne attended. Vyonne's makes social, cultural, and political advocacy grown and sexy! We sat inside to be among the decor and decided it was time to partake in the establishment's faire. Drinks commenced with stunningly beautiful cocktails: an espresso martini for her and a strawberry-infused lemon drop for me.. Our server (so sorry I forgot her name but she was absolutely lovely and as convivial as our host) was also our mixologist and our drinks were perfectly proportioned, masterfully blended, and properly chilled. We then opened with the crawfish begniets. Now these are not the traditional begnets drenched in powdered sugar with which one would associate with New Orleans. This was a somewhat denser, more savory pastry that paired well with the crawfish sauce ladled atop. Very flavorful and filling. The begniets paired with the Cheux de Bruxelles: Fried Brussel Sprouts with goat cheese and drizzled with bacon-infused vinegrette. Their being fried actually made Brussel sprouts appealing to me and I can't say no to goat cheese. Another hit for Vyonne's. We proceeded to our respective main courses: for her a pasta dish with Broccoli rabe that just carried so many subtle flavors of grain, vegetable, oils and seasonings but is not currently on the menu. I had the Crevette, les pates, and ecrevisse: Shrimp and Crawfish over fresh pappardelle pasta topped with butter cream sauce, garlic, leeks and finished with aged white cheddar cheese and basil. My eyes were bigger than my stomach and I should have kept it at the appetizers but it was quite a decadent dish on which one should splurge when visiting Vyonne's, and I had promised myself I would take a real swing at the menu. Thankfully I was able to bring the food home with me and it travelled very well even with my having to attend a television taping and held up even better the next morning.
Of course, we posed for our own photos in the tunnel.
New Orleans is place known for legendary eateries that have operated for decades and even over a century. Commander's , Antoine's, Galatoire's, Muriel's, Herbsaint, August, the list is endless. It's why people come to New Orleans. It will take some time, but I believe Vyonne's can join that list of legendary New Orleans places for which people will hop aircraft to experience. And Dr. Vyonne will be there ready to welcome you as she welcomed me. Vyonne's is where you come as a customer and leave as family. As I cannot wait to return to my spiritual home of New Orleans, I can't wait to visit Dr. Vyonne again and keep working my way through the menu.
Go see the doc and she will take great care of you. Vyonne's is a must. read more