Soup dreams: The French Onion soup at Tonti's Hand French Bistro
Tonti's Hand French Bistro
Review by Marielle Songy
As a Westbank resident (Gretna), it always delights me when I hear that a new restaurant is opening in my neck of the woods, especially when it's a more upscale place. As much as I've come to appreciate 'edge of the big city' living, this side of the river is sorely lacking in nicer restaurants. Tonti’s Hand French Bistro, 323 Verret St in Algiers Point, looks set to change that.
The restaurant is the creation of Chef Freddy Augustin and A.J. McAlear. Augustin is a self-trained chef who previously cooked at Atchafalaya. McAlear is the former general manager and sommelier of Antoine’s. With thirty-five years of experience in fine dining under his belt, McAlear jumped at the chance to open a restaurant in Algiers Point; this is his neighborhood.
Casual but nicer-than-usual dining is right up my alley. I should mention that I've never been to a proper French bistro; I've never had the pleasure of traveling to France and noshing on escargot and crusty bread with views of the Eiffel Tower. However, Tonti's Hand does a fabulous job of delivering a soupçon of the French experience. The place was bustling on a Saturday evening, and I was thankful that they had recently opened reservations (when they first opened, it was walk-ins only).
The menu here pays respect to la Ville-Lumière. Starters include Escargot Bourgogne served in a sauce of butter, garlic, shallots, parsley, and white wine with a grilled baguette, and Saffron Mussels in white wine, saffron, garlic, and herbs. The French Onion Soup caught my eye. I love the stuff, and their version looked delectable, made with caramelized red and yellow onions, dry sherry, a baguette, and topped with melted Gruyère. The soup's hearty stock is made by simmering roasted beef bones for two days. The onions add sweetness, and the cheese is thick and melty, twisting around the spoon into a sticky web with the perfect amount of pull. One of the essential parts of the soup is butter, which kicks up the richness. French restaurants should NEVER skimp on the butter! I could easily see myself pairing the French Onion Soup with the restaurant’s Lentil Salad (balance is important) and calling it a meal.
The entrées are reassuringly approachable. Nothing here is unfamiliar; the dishes are simply presented with a French flavor which makes everything a bit better. Selections include Croque Madame, a Smash Burger made with double meat and double cheese, Ratatouille (vegan), and Mushroom Bourguignon (vegetarian). I opted for the Trout Almondine (gluten-free), rainbow trout with sherry brown butter, thyme, and topped with almonds. It comes with a side of pomme frites and green beans cooked in butter. Again, with the butter. Julia Child was right.
I was ready to put this meal right over the top, and finished with an order of one of the most delicious Crème Brûlées that I’ve ever had in my life - decadent custard topped with a thick shell of perfectly-hardened caramelized sugar. If I ever come back and have the soup and salad combo, I’m adding this Crème Brûlée.
I’d be remiss to not mention the cocktail menu, with its twist on classics. Their Maple Vanilla Old Fashioned is made with bourbon, vanilla-infused maple syrup, and orange bitters. I enjoyed La Vie en Rose, a cocktail made with French gin, Cassis Noir de Bourgogne, lime juice, and sparkling rosé and served in a coupe with a sugared rim. Tonti's signature drink is Confetti Park, named after the park just down the street, made with white rum, dry curacao, lemon juice, and a splash of sparkling brut and served in a lavender sugar-rimmed glass (a dollar from each Confetti Park sold goes toward the park.) Cocktails are affordable, with a $10 to $12 price point in addition to wine by the glass or bottle and French beer. For French dining in an impeccable atmosphere take the trip to Tonti’s Hand and treat yourself.
Tonti’s Hand is open Thursday through Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Tonti's Hand Instagram
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Review by Marielle Songy
As a Westbank resident (Gretna), it always delights me when I hear that a new restaurant is opening in my neck of the woods, especially when it's a more upscale place. As much as I've come to appreciate 'edge of the big city' living, this side of the river is sorely lacking in nicer restaurants. Tonti’s Hand French Bistro, 323 Verret St in Algiers Point, looks set to change that.
The restaurant is the creation of Chef Freddy Augustin and A.J. McAlear. Augustin is a self-trained chef who previously cooked at Atchafalaya. McAlear is the former general manager and sommelier of Antoine’s. With thirty-five years of experience in fine dining under his belt, McAlear jumped at the chance to open a restaurant in Algiers Point; this is his neighborhood.
Casual but nicer-than-usual dining is right up my alley. I should mention that I've never been to a proper French bistro; I've never had the pleasure of traveling to France and noshing on escargot and crusty bread with views of the Eiffel Tower. However, Tonti's Hand does a fabulous job of delivering a soupçon of the French experience. The place was bustling on a Saturday evening, and I was thankful that they had recently opened reservations (when they first opened, it was walk-ins only).
The menu here pays respect to la Ville-Lumière. Starters include Escargot Bourgogne served in a sauce of butter, garlic, shallots, parsley, and white wine with a grilled baguette, and Saffron Mussels in white wine, saffron, garlic, and herbs. The French Onion Soup caught my eye. I love the stuff, and their version looked delectable, made with caramelized red and yellow onions, dry sherry, a baguette, and topped with melted Gruyère. The soup's hearty stock is made by simmering roasted beef bones for two days. The onions add sweetness, and the cheese is thick and melty, twisting around the spoon into a sticky web with the perfect amount of pull. One of the essential parts of the soup is butter, which kicks up the richness. French restaurants should NEVER skimp on the butter! I could easily see myself pairing the French Onion Soup with the restaurant’s Lentil Salad (balance is important) and calling it a meal.
The entrées are reassuringly approachable. Nothing here is unfamiliar; the dishes are simply presented with a French flavor which makes everything a bit better. Selections include Croque Madame, a Smash Burger made with double meat and double cheese, Ratatouille (vegan), and Mushroom Bourguignon (vegetarian). I opted for the Trout Almondine (gluten-free), rainbow trout with sherry brown butter, thyme, and topped with almonds. It comes with a side of pomme frites and green beans cooked in butter. Again, with the butter. Julia Child was right.
I was ready to put this meal right over the top, and finished with an order of one of the most delicious Crème Brûlées that I’ve ever had in my life - decadent custard topped with a thick shell of perfectly-hardened caramelized sugar. If I ever come back and have the soup and salad combo, I’m adding this Crème Brûlée.
I’d be remiss to not mention the cocktail menu, with its twist on classics. Their Maple Vanilla Old Fashioned is made with bourbon, vanilla-infused maple syrup, and orange bitters. I enjoyed La Vie en Rose, a cocktail made with French gin, Cassis Noir de Bourgogne, lime juice, and sparkling rosé and served in a coupe with a sugared rim. Tonti's signature drink is Confetti Park, named after the park just down the street, made with white rum, dry curacao, lemon juice, and a splash of sparkling brut and served in a lavender sugar-rimmed glass (a dollar from each Confetti Park sold goes toward the park.) Cocktails are affordable, with a $10 to $12 price point in addition to wine by the glass or bottle and French beer. For French dining in an impeccable atmosphere take the trip to Tonti’s Hand and treat yourself.
Tonti’s Hand is open Thursday through Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Tonti's Hand Instagram
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