In the early 1880’s when Louisiana became a U.S. territory many Americans moved to New Orleans in hopes of making their fortunes. These new German, Irish etc. settlers where not welcomed by the established French Creoles that lived in New Orleans’ French Quarter.
So these new snubbed residents established their own neighborhood, which quickly evolved into New Orleans’ beautiful Garden District. Its stately tree-lined streets showcase Greek revival homes and mansions that are surrounded by fragrant gardens.
These gardens were planted not only for their esthetic appeal but to also mask the occasional odors that drifted across from the riverfront area where cattle pens and slaughterhouses were located.
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| Renovated Commander’s Palace |
In the heart of the Garden District in 1880 Emile Commander built his restaurant, Commander’s Palace across the street from Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. This restaurant became popular among the district’s wealthiest families.
Part of the Palaces success is attributed to the fact that families would dine after they visited loved ones graves across the street.
During the Roaring Twenties gamblers and prostitutes used the Palace’s second floor. Gentlemen who wined and dined their mistresses reserved private rooms on this floor. These upstairs activities had a separate entrance.
In contrast, the first floor’s main dinning room had an “impeccable reputation.” Families often stopped in after church to eat at the restaurant.
Today the multi-award winning Commander’s Palace is considered one of the finest dinning experiences in New Orleans–actually in the entire South. Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme are just two of its famous alumni Executive chefs.
The Drinking Ghost
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| Emile Commander |
Many people believe that Emile Commander’s ghost still lingers at his beloved restaurant.
The Palace today has an eclectic wine list that includes bottles priced from $20 up to $2500. Regulars at the restaurant believe that the Commander has a fondness for alcohol. He is been known to sip guest’s unattended drinks or even drink the entire content in their glasses.
Other activity that has been noticed includes lights going on and off and footsteps echoing without apparent cause. Dishes and silverware are found moved or just disappears.
A young girl ghost has been seen on the staircase near the main dining room downstairs. Various other sightings are believed to be spirits that have come from the nearby cemetery. Others feel this activity is a result of the more nefarious activities that occurred in the restaurant in the 1920s.
Unlike many other restaurants in the New Orleans, Commander’s Palace does not officially acknowledge their ghosts. But often the wait staff will.