Cafe Amelie, Famed for French Quarter Courtyard, Closes After 17 Years | Eater New Orleans

"I considered Café Amelie a rare combination of superb Louisiana fare served in a lush, enchanting courtyard; after serving French Quarter diners through one last Mardi Gras, the 17-year-old restaurant has closed its courtyard and doors for good, effective immediately, with patrons notified of cancellations via text. Located in the 150-year-old Princess of Monaco Courtyard and Carriage House on Royal Street, it served modern Southern American–Louisiana cuisine since 2005, opening just months before Hurricane Katrina and rebounding quickly thanks to its secluded patio. Founded by Susan Hoffman, chef Jerry Mixon, and Mixon’s partner Danny Akers, Mixon—who worked with Paul Prudhomme at K-Paul’s—helped make the restaurant a destination for Gulf shrimp and grits, brunch, and a strong wine list; Mixon and Akers ran the restaurant until 2020 before leaving to open Mid-City’s Trep’s with Sidney Torres. The restaurant faced challenges at the onset of the pandemic because of its tourist-centric, dine-in-only model but introduced takeout in spring 2020, resumed outdoor dining when allowed, and reopened in September 2020 with new chef Michael Shelton, who was later followed by Kenneth Humble. Eater requested more information and the restaurant said an announcement was forthcoming; an update on March 4, 2022 notes the building has been sold and the owners plan to relocate with a new team." - Clair Lorell