Photo via Marla Meridith
On Sunday we had brunch at Commander’s Palace in New Orleans. This place — oh how wonderful. Where do I even start! The food, the people, and our one-of-a-kind jazz dining experience left everyone buzzing with excitement over Commander’s Palace. This place just radiates old-fashioned charm, southern hospitality, and flawless style, not to mention fine creole cuisine.
My mom would’ve killed me if I didn’t take a photo of my brunch dress! The shoes and dress the are from — guess where! — Ann Taylor Loft, my life.
Grabbed a quick photo with sweet Maggy and Jenny at the hotel before leaving for Commander’s Palace.
Photo via Jenny
We were seated on the second floor overlooking the patio below with a breathtaking view of the trees and gardens.
How festive were these balloons! The guys from the jazz band came to our table and played for us. They were having so much fun, it was easy to see they loved what they were doing.
Photos via Jenny
And the food — as delicious as it was gorgeous!
But let’s talk about dessert. This is the Chocolate Cookie Dough Bread Pudding, a chocolate cake filled with decadent cookie dough.
Photo via Jenny
Beautiful Praline Parfait.
And perhaps my favorite, the Peach and Blackberry coffee cake.
Photo via Marla Meridith
Everything about Commander’s Palace was just exquisite.
One of the most memorable highlights of Commander’s Palace was our pre-brunch “mocktail”. It was their signature Brandy Milk Punch, but minus the brandy. It was absolute heaven, it tasted just like a sweet vanilla milkshake. We loved it so much, Commander’s Palace was kind enough to provide me with the recipe to share. So simple, but completely knocked my socks off. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Commander’s Palace Milk Punch Recipe
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup milk
Freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish
In a medium saucepan combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar has dissolved to make a simple syrup. Allow to cool. Combine syrup, vanilla, and milk and stir vigorously to combine. Pour into 4 shot glasses and garnish with a light dusting of of freshly grated nutmeg. Serve immediately.
I love your brunch outfit! My sister and I just hit up Anne Taylor LOFT for their 4th of July sales and fell in love with everything in the store. They’re definitely my favorite for cute dresses now!
Oh how fun and you all look so pretty!
Yes, the food and ambiance are beautiful – but they are no match for you!
Looks like so much fun!!
Loved looking through you NO posts. One of my favorite places ever! Commanders is soooo good. I had to quickly go through your crawfish and oysters pics because I was getting jealous!!
That looks like such a fantastic and amazing event!! And you are GORGEOUS in your dress and fab shoes! :)
I, too, love Ann Taylor Loft, and that dress is super cute. And Chocolate Cookie Dough Bread Pudding? I think I’m going to have to attempt that. Right after I get done with the red white and blue cake my mom and I are making this weekend.
I love your dress and shoes, the pearls, the color–everything! I ate at Commander’s Palace 20 years ago & only remember the oysters Rockefeller and bread pudding. That chocolate cookie dough bread pudding looks wonderful.
I’m a little jealous… I soooo miss New Orleans! I grew up an hour away from there, but now I’m just so far! And I’m a little envious of all that cajun cuisine and that darling dress! Love IT!
Everything looks amazing – except for the little lobster – he is a bit creepy looking, haha. I am glad I stumbled upon your blog.
Oh you live such an interesting life! I never know what I’m going to find when I come here. I love all your amazing photos. That food looks absolutely amazing!
I’ve loved living vicariously through you, but really, I sort of need you to bring me here to taste it all for myself. ;) I know you won’t mind a trip back.
I’m definitely making that punch. . .but. . .ummmm. . .. with the brandy.
Amanda, Love the dress and shoes! You looked like a Southern belle!
You look beautiful. I love how you put every outfit together. It’s great to see all the amazing places you go to. As a stay at home mom with two boys, you are my getaway for a few minutes. I have been following you for close to three years now and I think you are smart, pretty and fun. Awesome job! Gracias.
Hi Amanda, I’m a first time commenter. I read and enjoy your blog all the time. Mu daughter went to Tulane University. Graduation night we took her and her boyfriend to Commander’s Palace for dinner. What a wonderful time we had! Great food and service. During her four years in New Orleans, we had many great meals at terrific places. We purposely saved CP for the most special event. It was truly worth the wait!
Yay!! So FUN to relive this great fun, happy time :) Miss u girl!
I just had to tell you how much I love your photos. That next to the last one with the lady in the purple dress in the background is just superb.
The recipe looks pretty good, too. THANKS!!
You look so beautiful! That place looks so fun! I have always wanted to go to the South! I think Brunch would be so fun! What were the dishes you guys had? And of course, which was your favorite?
You guys look so stylish in those dresses!
How fun!!
Two friends and I went to NOLA for a girls trip last summer…we ate dinner at Commander’s Palace one night and felt so faaahhncy. We each had 3 course meals and cocktails beforehand…it was fabulous!! Such a fun place :)
That praline parfait looks like it’d be dangerously addictive!
Loved your site, loved your photos and (unfortunately) loved your recipes! lol!
What a fantastic brunch! Love that picture of you, Jenny and Maggy.
Looks like the perfect brunch spot!
3/4 c milk to 1/2 c sugar…yeah, I’d say it was probably pretty good :)
I love the pics of you and Jenny and also your brunch dress. I was thinking as I was reading it, she has got to be an Ann Taylor girl…and then BAM, you said that ATLoft is your go-to.
You look beautiful, Amanda :)
Brunch dress = adorable! Everything looks yummy! Chocolate chip cookie dough bread pudding!?! Duh-roooool!
These pictures are beautiful. I’ll have to give this milk punch a try!
First of all you looked beautiful! Thanks for sharing your photos and I think I would kill for the Chocolate Cookie Dough Bread Pudding…kidding of course!
I so love Commander’s Palace. I used to work around the corner from there and just loved that place! Thank you so much for sharing your pics as it makes me reminisce.
Wow that looks like so much fun. I will have to try that out this summer when I am in the Big Easy.!
I love Ann Taylor Loft. They’re the only place I find clothes for going out and work that I like. I’ve just started following your blog, and it’s great so far!
Thank you, welcome Kristin! :)