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.)

It's a small place with some of the best food in Baton Rouge. They're only open Wed-Sat, and do a lot of private parties, so definitely make a reservation. One of my favorites. Lobster bisque is the best I've had anywhere.

I would have charged you that much just for bringing kids that age into a place like that.

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I was a big fan until a few months ago. My parents took me there for my birthday and had some family too. They charged $15 per person for my 10 month old nephew, and three cousins that were all under 6. They said there was a $15 minimum. Don't think we will go back there. ETA: None of the kids ordered anything so it was $60 wasted. They did not tell us they just put it on the bill.

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hint hint

They don't want kids there

Excellent food. Worth the price.

I love the place. He rotates his menu. He serves sweetbreads.

was thinking about making a post about this place. been passing by it a good bit recently, and was curious about it. havent seen much about it on here, glad this was started. gonna have to try it out!

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but i certainly wouldn't have brought kids that age there

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Really?

We took my child to that restaurant when he was around 1. Did just fine. Would take him back too. Too bad we live in GA now; that place was always good.