813 Bienville St.
New Orleans, LA 70112
29.95576,-90.068756
The restaurant was established in 1918 by a French wine salesman by the name of Arnaud Cazenave. It has been said that Mr. Cazenave was quite a character, providing elaborate, top-quality service while making sure that his restaurant was in the most immaculate of conditions. His work ethic earned him the nickname “Count Arnaud”, although he did not descend from any royalty. The Count operated Arnaud’s until his death, when the restaurant was handed down to his daughter, Germaine Cazenave Wells. Ms. Germaine carried out her father’s legacy by running an equally-deluxe fine dining establishment. In 1978, the restaurant was then sold to Archie and Jane Casbarian and is owned by the family to this day.
Count Arnaud was so dedicated to his beloved restaurant; he supposedly still keeps a very close eye on it, even after his death. Several staff has reported seeing the apparition of an elderly man, wearing a tuxedo evident of the early 1900’s. Their descriptions of the ghostly gentleman seem to
A look into the exquisite dining area. |
Another eternal patron of the restaurant is said to be the spirit of Mr. Arnaud’s daughter, Germaine Cazenave Wells. Her ghostly apparition has been also seen wandering around the dining area but seems to concentrate in the Mardi Gras museum, located on the second floor. The museum
A sample of some of the lavish Mardi Gras costumes on display |
I’ve been fortunate enough to dine at Arnaud’s before and I highly recommend you do the same. The food is incredible and if you are lucky, you may catch a performance from one of the local performing jazz bands that regularly visit the restaurant. As you tap your foot to the snare drum and enjoy an after dinner drink (my preference of cognac), you may even be treated to a ghostly greeting from the father and daughter duo. If so, fear not, as it’s only Mr. Arnaud and his daughter making sure you have a good time. Here in Louisiana, even our ghosts offer their fair share of southern hospitality!
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