AFTER INTRODUCING NEW ORLEANS TO their food as the Old Portage, a pop-up located in the popular French Quarter Black Penny bar, Amarys Koenig-Herndon and Jordan Herndon opened Palm&Pine in 2019. The vibrant, open space complements their thoughtful dishes that, instead of focusing on classic Creole cuisine, celebrate “the South and south of that.”
Diners at the Rampart Street restaurant, which is almost cattycorner to the Saenger Theatre, are treated to bold Southern and Caribbean flavors ranging from Corner Store Crudo (which comes with a fish sauce condiment that’s been infused with New Orleans-favorite Big Shot soda) and Crispy Pig Ears to Crispy Fish Meunière and Cornmeal Fried Texas Quail.
During Carnival season, Amarys and Jordan have a front-row seat to the city’s signature parades, but like many locals, they prefer the more low-key Lundi Gras festivities to Mardi Gras Day itself.
“It’s a celebration of our city,” says Amarys. “And it’s a reset after one busy season and before the beginning of another.
