A restaurant I enjoyed during past travels, Bacco in the French Quarter in New Orleans, closed in early January as it was reported they chose not to renew its lease. It remains shuttered, but according to the website, “we continue to pursue the perfect location to house an updated Bacco.”
Opened in 1991 by the expansive Brennan family and now operated by the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group, the restaurant was consciously Creole-Italian. If not really serving the “northern Italian” fare as advertised or often reported, it was different than the neighborhood Italian restaurants in New Orleans. Though both were heavily influenced by the dominant Creole culture, it was more ambitious and followed trends in contemporary Italian and Italian-American restaurants.
It also featured signature Brennan quality, a beautiful design, impeccable seafood, and a delightful richness with sauces that played well with the homemade pastas. I really enjoyed my visits. Bacco helped raise the bar for area Italian-themed establishments in New Orleans.
Along with many restaurant-goers, I look forward to its hopeful reopening.
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