What's the deal with Brandt's Maisonette?

I'd eat there often if I didn't live 2,000 miles away, and I've never been there. All I know is that Greg Brandt is one of the best chefs in Baton Rouge. I worked for him 10 years ago when he and his wife ran Brandt's on Jefferson in the corner of that shopping village next to Government.

Everything Brandt does is perfect. I'll never forget those lamb chops with caramelized garlic or the liver plates with onions and apples that had the senior citizens knocking on the door at 4:30.

Brandt was also the craziest chef/restaurant owner I ever worked for. If you go there on a busy night you'll likely hear him yelling and cussing from the kitchen, but it would be a rare occurrence if you saw him chasing kitchen help out the door with a knife. But it happens.

Maybe Brandt has gained some control over the past decade. He ran Brandt's into the ground because he literally turned away business all the time. I'll never forget him locking the doors at five to 10 on a slow weekday night before some regulars who were drunk but spend loads of money there could come through the door.

I've got better stories, but I wouldn't want to deter you from trying the restaurant. (Brandt's also had two appetizers -- Oysters Bienville and escargot, which were among the best I ever had -- and outstanding soup of the days.)

Excellent food. Worth the price.

Shhhh dont tell people that BR actually has quality restuarants and not just chains..