A tribute to the history and present-day charm that has made the restaurant in New Orleans famous throughout the world. In New Orleans, Sunday brunch is synonymous with The Court of Two Sisters, which is known for the best Creole dining in the Crescent City. Joe Fein, Jr., the man who restored the building to its former glory in the 1960s, claims that their secret to success is a flavorful mix of mouthwatering food, history, romance, and good service. The site of Louisiana's governor's mansion in 1732, the Court-as locals call it-is now famous for its more recent owners, Emma and Bertha, the two sisters of the restaurant's name. From its tranquil courtyard gazebo to the elegant dining rooms, The Court of Two Sisters is filled with stories of food and history. With The Court of Two Sisters Cookbook, you can re-create the feeling of the Court in your own home and sample the same recipes that have long been the favorites of both locals and visitors. Learn to create local staples such as Jambalaya and Shrimp Creole as well as more exotic dishes such as Oysters Bienville and Ceviche, and bring the elegance and romance of New Orleans into your home. This volume also offers a comprehensive history of the city, the restaurant, the foods, and the two sisters. Mel Leavitt's reputation as a journalist and historian earned him numerous awards and titles in New Orleans, including "the city's unofficial historian." He was a charter inductee into the Greater New Orleans Broadcasters Hall of Fame. His enlightening introduction and the exciting cuisine are just the recipe for showing how the marriage of food, history, and romance makes The Court of Two Sisters a cornerstone of Louisiana food and culture. A place with an unusual past is set in what was once known as "Governor's Row" on Royal Street. It has been the home of many people, from foreign dignitaries to governors of the colonial period to two Creole sisters who opened a clothing boutique downstairs during the days of Reconstruction. Now a landmark of fine dining, the building known as The Court of Two Sisters is an integral part of the storied New Orleans atmosphere and home to treasured Creole delicacies. The history, menu, and locale have a special flavor that gives the restaurant a heritage of its own. In this classic collection, you'll find a full menu of recipes and more than three hundred years of history awaiting you. Create the famous dishes in the comfort of your home, from Oysters Rockefeller to Crabmeat St. Peter to Roast Duck with Cumberland Sauce, or maybe just simmer a pot of gumbo. Cooking Creole cuisine becomes simple and fun thanks to these easy, classic recipes. Mel Leavitt's insightful discussion of the restaurant, its famous two sisters, and the heritage of New Orleans will whet your appetite. Whether you are a local or a visitor, The Court of Two Sisters Cookbook should satisfy your craving for the taste of New Orleans. Front-jacket illustration from a painting by Clarence Millet Brothers Joseph and Jerome Fein paved the way for their children, cousins Jason and Alex Fein, to operate The Court of Two Sisters restaurant. With degrees in hotel, restaurant, and tourism administration and finance respectively, Jason and Alex carry on the traditions established by their fathers while bringing this old dame into the twenty-first century. Considered one of New Orleans' leading historians and foremost television and radio personalities, Mel Leavitt offers a fascinating look at the history of this unique restaurant. In his prefatory text, he attempts to "mute the fabulists, and let history speak quite eloquently for itself."