10 Places That Shaped Xavier Donnelly’s Taste

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‘The Places That Shaped My Taste’ is TQE’s take on a city guide. Yes, we’re interested in the new restaurant that’s surprisingly worth the hype – but we’re also asking local tastemakers to dish on the decades-old strip mall joint they’ve frequented since high school, the crystal shop that got them through their rough patch, and the barber who defined their style.

TQE’s Editor in Chief Scott Silver has great taste. And as soon as he hears anyone so much as mention New Orl- he jumps in to recommend a stay at Hotel Peter and Paul. Naturally, we figured whoever is behind HPP has really great taste – and a strong grasp on New Orleans’ best. 

Xavier Donnelly is that guy. A designer, artist, and creative director, Donnelly leads the creative world behind current and forthcoming Ash properties and projects, as well as its accompanying retail line Souvenirs. Donnelly is also known for his award-winning hospitality projects: Stissing House in Hudson Valley; Deux Chats and Le Dive in New York; the artwork for the restaurant of The Carlyle and the Bemelmans pop-up in Aspen; and collaborations with brands such as Backdrop and Nordic Knots.

Below, 10 of the New Orleans places that shaped Donnelly’s singular taste. 

Gautreau's Restaurant

I send every New Orleans first-timer straight to this elegant, intimate restaurant tucked away on a quiet Uptown street. It’s the perfect introduction to the magic of this city; a sophisticated, frozen-in-time bistro with incredible painted trompe-l’oeil walls.

Old Arabi Marketplace

New Orleans has excellent antiques shopping, and while I love an afternoon perusing the well trodden stretch of Magazine Street, there are treasures in store for those who venture a bit further afield.  A favorite shop of mine is the Old Arabi Marketplace, which is filled to the brim with covetable furniture and decor at (in my opinion) very reasonable prices.

Casamento's Restaurant

Lunch at the perfectly preserved Casamento’s is fried crab claws and fresh oysters, presented as they are in a beautifully honest and simple way. It’s worth the wait (there will be a wait) and cash only.

Saint Claire

It’s a bit of a trek out to this once-grand estate still shaded by enormous live oaks, but a restaurant as transporting as this one can only be a destination.  The food is exquisite, and the warm southern service makes you feel like a guest in someone’s very chic home.

N7

N7’s lush, overgrown garden is the perfect setting for a warm Louisiana evening to slowly unfold.  This restaurant feels like a very well kept secret, hidden from the street and offering a tight French menu and a killer wine list.

Galatoires

Something New Orleans does very well is preserving its old-school, historic restaurants in a way that keeps them feeling continuously fresh and relevant without ever changing a thing.  Galatoires is a prime example, others include the famous Arnaud’s, Brennan’s, and Clancy’s.  As with a number of these joints, Galatoires requires jackets for men - so come prepared!

Dop Antiques

Another slightly out of the way emporium for antiquities, Dop’s huge inventory never disappoints, stocking everything you’d need to furnish your dream house in the Garden District.  

Commander’s Palace

The Garden District’s landmark turquoise palace has been serving refined locals since 1880, and lunch at this institution remains a mandatory stop on any trip to the big easy.  A table here is in high demand so book in advance, dress up, order a bottle of Sancerre, and you’ll fit right in.

Frenchmen Street

Music is everywhere in New Orleans.  Melodies spill out of doorways and drift through the iron lace balconies.  It’s easy to engage, just stroll down Frenchmen street and let your ears pull you from one jazz club to another.

Hotel Peter and Paul

New Orleans is truly beguiling.  It’s elegant, overgrown, stately, decaying, and mysterious.  Our hotel here is located in the Marigny neighborhood, a bohemian enclave that benefits from the stunning architecture and historic feel of the French Quarter without all the intoxicated tourists.  It’s an enchanting campus consisting of an old school, rectory, church, and convent, and it will soon have a chic courtyard pool and pool bar clad in fabulous marble mosaics.  

Interested in keeping up with Xavier’s latest picks? Follow him @funwindow, plus his work @ash.world, and the latest happenings at @hotelpeterandpaul.