This “Fixin’ to Eat” story is sponsored by Ochsner LSU Health
This Shreveport restaurant, owned by the Palmisano family, has been serving steaks, seafood and Italian dishes for nearly 75 years.
My husband, mother and I had dinner at Ernest’s Orleans Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge on a recent Saturday night.
Ernest’s Supper Club was first opened downtown near the riverfront in 1947 but closed after the owner and chef Ernest Palmisano Sr. died in 1983.
Ernest Palmisano Jr. opened Ernest’s Orleans Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge in its current location in 1988.
Upon entering Ernest’s you find a wall covered in memorabilia. “Many accolades and signed photos of movie stars and dignitaries are presented in the foyer telling the tales of many years of excellence in ‘The Finest’ cuisine,” according to the history section of the menu.
Ernest’s is known for its steaks, Italian dishes, and seafood. The restaurant was full when we arrived. I will make a reservation in the future.
But we got lucky and there were seats at the full-service bar in the lounge and we sat on a corner, perfect for a party of three. This is the room I always prefer anyway – they have several tables and live music on the weekends. There is also a main dining room and a smaller one past that.
Marinated crab claws at Ernest’s Orleans Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge in Shreveport, La.
By ELIZABETH DEAL | Staff writer
When I think of Ernest’s, the marinated crab claws are always top of mind and I always order them. Labeled on the menu as Ernest’s Famous Marinated Crab Claws, they are delicious fresh crab claws in Chef Ernest’s secret marinade.
For appetizers, we ordered crab claws and the fried shrimp, which are deep-fried jumbo fantailed shrimp served with the chef’s recipe remoulade, and both were fantastic. We liked the sound of the sautéed mushrooms and fried mushrooms on the appetizer menu too.
In the past, I have ordered and enjoyed the Wedge Salad, a wedge of iceberg lettuce topped with dressing of your choice, which for me is bleu cheese. My mother likes their Turtle Soup, something I’ve never tried before.
Veal Marsala at Ernest’s Orleans Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge in Shreveport, La.
By ELIZABETH DEAL | Staff writer
For dinner we ordered three entrees and they brought us some cheesy bread and a side of Chef Ernest’s famous Sicilian marinara red gravy for dipping. My husband was a big fan of the bread and sauce, which is on the sweet side.
My mother ordered Veal Marsala which was sauteed in Marsala wine, butter and mushroom sauce and served with Fettuccine Alfredo. This is my favorite Italian dish and I loved what I tasted. I finished off the delicious fettucini also.
Some of the other Italian dishes include Chicken Parmesan, Real Italian Sausage with Spaghetti, Penne Pasta Carbonara, and Crabmeat Au Gratin.
Broiled Red Snapper at Ernest’s Orleans Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge in Shreveport, La.
By ELIZABETH DEAL | Staff writer
I ordered the Broiled Red Snapper, which is fresh caught red snapper topped with a lemon butter sauce. It came with whole artichoke hearts and a big baked potato. There are a few red snapper options on the menu and next time I think I will try Snapper Shreve, described as ”The Finest” filet of red snapper with lump crabmeat, shrimp and mushrooms in a lemon butter wine sauce. They had me at lump crabmeat.
For something light, they also serve Shrimp Ernie, jumbo shrimp sautéed in olive oil, garlic and Italian spices.
Shish-Ka-Bob Uncle Nick at Ernest’s Orleans Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge in Shreveport, La.
By ELIZABETH DEAL | Staff writer
My husband ordered Shish-Ka-Bob Uncle Nick, filet tenders served with bell peppers, onions and mushrooms with rice and Greek cheese, which he said was terrific. Also on the menu are Filet Mignon, Strip Sirloin New York Cut, and a hand-cut Ribeye Steak.
We all enjoyed our meals, the live music, the lively ambience and the friendly bartender and staff.
Ernest’s Orleans Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge is located at 1610 Spring St., Shreveport.
Dining and Cooking