Image credit: La Louisiane
A late-night basement brasserie with French fare, live jazz and martinis until 2am has opened at 89 King William Street in Adelaide’s CBD. Since the grand opening of La Louisiane last weekend, the underground Parisian spectacle immersing people into the heart of France has been a major hit.
The pop-up that will run between July and December is a collaboration between two major Adelaide hospitality names, Big Easy Group (who run Nola, House Of George and more) and Gonzo Group who are late night aficionados (owning Shotgun Willies, Memphis Slim’s House of Blues and Cry Baby).
According to Big Easy Group co-founder Oliver Brown, La Louisiane is a passion project that seeks to create something uniquely different for South Australia.
“We want people to be transported back to 1930s France, with a distinctly modern twist. This temporary restaurant activation is all about the details, and the cocktail and wine list are no exception,” Brown explains.
“We’ve put as much love and romance into the wine list as we have into the entire La Louisiane experience! France’s rich wine history offers a benchmark comparison for some of our favourite Australian producers. We’re excited to showcase world-class wines alongside world-class moments,” Jack Booker, Big Easy Group Operations Manager, adds.
To put together the menu, Head Chef Alexis Besseau, formerly of Sydney’s renowned Restaurant Hubert, was head hunted. Besseau’s culinary journey began at the young age of 13 when he enrolled in culinary school in France. From there, he honed his skills at prestigious establishments such as l’Arpège in Paris before working in kitchens across London, Switzerland, and Brazil.
Now, Besseau is bringing his expertise to Adelaide, following stints at renowned restaurants like Bathers Pavilion and Franca in Sydney.
“When I came last year to do a collaboration dinner at Yiasou George, I spoke with guests who expressed a desire for more French restaurant options in Adelaide. After many chats with Oliver Brown, who shares the same love for hospitality as I do, we decided it would be great to work together and open a French restaurant here in Adelaide,” Besseau says.
The menu at La Louisiane will feature classic French brasserie dishes with a local twist. From beef tartare and pâté en croûte to snails and steak frites, guests can expect a delectable array of flavours. Besseau emphasises the use of local produce, while also incorporating imported French products like snails and foie gras.
Complementing the cuisine is La Louisiane’s meticulously crafted cocktail menu, designed to pair flavours much like a culinary experience. The bar team has gone to great lengths to ensure that every drink on the menu offers complexity and encourages conversation.
From classic cocktails to unique signatures, such as Le Lou’s Martini, guests can explore a range of enticing options.
To top it off, there will be live jazz music on Fridays and Saturdays, with a mix of favourites including Nick & Tyler with the sax, guitar and vocals, Emile with the sax and piano and Andrew and Dave on vocals and piano. You can find the full lineup on the La Louisiane website.
The underground brasserie is no doubt poised to become a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner or a night out with friends, La Louisiane promises an unforgettable experience – but remember, it’s walk-in only!
La Louisiane
Where: 89 King William Street, Adelaide 5000.
When: pop-up July until December ’23
Open times: (no bookings – walk ins only)
Wednesday: 5pm – 12am
Thursday: 12pm – 3pm – 5pm – 12am
Friday: 12pm – 3pm – 5pm – 2am
Saturday: 5pm – 2am
Live music lineup for July: Every Friday and Saturday night from 7-10pm – Click here
Instagram: @lalouisianeadl
More info: Click here
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