Walking into the French Quarter Café, you could as easily be stepping off Bourbon Street as the parking lot. Cheerfully decorated with red and yellow accents, prints of smiling jazz musicians, three-sided fireplace and the open-to-view kitchen provide an effect owner Michael Raso calls New Orleans ‘electric’. Michael’s love affair with Cajun and Creole cuisine began 17 years ago with his first trip to Louisiana and he’s been back every year since to pick up new ideas. Exotic spices are key to Michael’s inspired offerings, although foods are not too hot (but hot sauce is available).
- Breakfasts with a Cajun twist like ‘Eggs Bourbon Street’ on crab cakes with shrimp Creole sauce and Cajun spiced potatoes and ‘Cajun Corned Beef Hash’
- Lunch Po’boys: favourite New Orleans sandwiches
- N’awlins Seafood Gumbo: catfish, snapper and shrimp
- Appetizer and main course sampler platters
- Blackened Red Snapper: Michael’s own spice blend
- Louisiana Shrimp Creole: served on a bed of rice
- Pecan Crusted Catfish: roasted pepper-pecan relish
- Cajun Jambalaya: rice with spicy andouille sausage, smoked ham, chicken and a medley of seafood; garnished with Louisiana shrimp Creole
- Sweet Potato Crusted Breast of Chicken: with a light Chardonnay cream and braised spinach and veggies
- Steak Neptune N’awlins: beef tenderloin with sautéed garlic crawfish tails and Béarnaise sauce
- Daily Specials: Michael’s inspirations
- Louisiana Bread Pudding: with whiskey sauce
- Cajun Cooking Classes every 2nd Tuesday: reserve
- Private Classes available: with meal and cocktail
- Live Jazz Evenings: call for dates and showtimes
OMG If you’re ever in Canmore, you HAVE to try dining at the French Quarter Restaurant. The artwork and inside make you feel like you’re in Nawlins (I hope I’m saying that right) and the food is unlike anything else Ive had in the area. Waitresses are really friendly. Kudos to Michael for doing such a FANTASTIC job!