For such a geographically compact area, the French Quarter of New Orleans offers much to delight its many visitors. Beyond the obvious architectural, culinary, and musical experiences there is, of course, the shopping.
I have known about Lucullus Antiques since reading Patrick Dunne's book The Epicurean Collector which I received as a Christmas present shortly after its publication in 2002. As you might have already guessed from its title, the book explores the world of culinary antiques. It focuses primarily on the accoutrements and traditions of the French and English kitchen and dining room. It is also sumptuously photographed and makes for a splendidly informative read. Put another way, it is a book right down one's alley.
As well as being the author of The Epicurean Collector, Mr. Dunne happens to be the proprietor of Lucullus Antiques. In fact, many of the props appearing in the book's photographs were items available for sale at Mr. Dunne's shop. Eager to visit, I made a beeline for Lucullus Antiques on the morning of my first full day in New Orleans.
As I stepped across the threshold of the wine red-painted store front, a magical world presented itself. Too lost in the moment to snap any worthy photograph that will do justice to this marvelous shop, I stumbled about from room to room in a stupor, absorbed in the dazzling displays of gleaming silver, sparkling glassware, fine porcelain, and polished copper.
Every conceivable kitchen and dining room convenience of yesteryear is artfully arranged and whimsically displayed within the various rooms of the nineteenth century building that Lucullus Antiques occupies. Walking from the formal dining room settings, found towards the the front of the shop, and into the more rustic atmosphere of the back end of the building, one finds a convincing interpretation of a working country kitchen.
Circling back to one of the silver cabinets piled with silver items, Ms. Michele was most helpful when it came time to make my purchase. Wouldn't you just know it, in a shop stocked primarily with French antiques, it was an English piece that had caught my eye.
I was leaving Lucullus Antiques not only a delighted customer, but one that will recall her visit with fondness whenever her new old ladle is pressed into service. And, just as Mr. Moody bid me adieu, I spied a copy of the very book that inspired my visit, The Epicurean Collector, perched upon a small writing desk waiting to be discovered.
Please do yourself a favor and pay a visit to Lucullus Antiques the next time you are in the French Quarter of New Orleans. There's really no other place quite like it. And, if you can't get there in person any time soon, crack open the cover of Patrick Dunne's marvelous and informative book, The Epicurean Collector, for a fascinating read on food history and culinary traditions.
I do leave you with a few words of warning however: You may just be inspired to begin a new collection of something you had no idea ever existed before thumbing through the pages of this book. Absinthe spoons, anyone?
Lucullus Antiques
610 Chartres Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Tel: 1 (504) 528-9620
Nota bene: I am neither paid nor do I receive recompense in exchange for applauding products or services within my blog. I do so because I enjoy them. If you are a kindred spirit, you too enjoy recommending nice things to fellow good eggs.
Lucullus Antiques
Photo: Chronica Domus
I have known about Lucullus Antiques since reading Patrick Dunne's book The Epicurean Collector which I received as a Christmas present shortly after its publication in 2002. As you might have already guessed from its title, the book explores the world of culinary antiques. It focuses primarily on the accoutrements and traditions of the French and English kitchen and dining room. It is also sumptuously photographed and makes for a splendidly informative read. Put another way, it is a book right down one's alley.
As well as being the author of The Epicurean Collector, Mr. Dunne happens to be the proprietor of Lucullus Antiques. In fact, many of the props appearing in the book's photographs were items available for sale at Mr. Dunne's shop. Eager to visit, I made a beeline for Lucullus Antiques on the morning of my first full day in New Orleans.
As I stepped across the threshold of the wine red-painted store front, a magical world presented itself. Too lost in the moment to snap any worthy photograph that will do justice to this marvelous shop, I stumbled about from room to room in a stupor, absorbed in the dazzling displays of gleaming silver, sparkling glassware, fine porcelain, and polished copper.
The stacks of Paris porcelain dishes and early nineteenth century
champagne flutes reminded me of preparing for my own dinner parties at home
Photo: Chronica Domus
champagne flutes reminded me of preparing for my own dinner parties at home
Photo: Chronica Domus
Anglo-Irish cut-glass sweetmeat dishes, silver candelabra, and more Paris porcelain to
tempt and delight Lucullus' patrons
Photo: Chronica Domus
tempt and delight Lucullus' patrons
Photo: Chronica Domus
Polished copper pots and pans to satisfy the best of cooks
Photo: Chronica Domus
Photo: Chronica Domus
An autumnal display of early-nineteenth century covered jars, or bonbonnieres as
they are known at Lucullus Antiques
Photo: Chronica Domus
they are known at Lucullus Antiques
Photo: Chronica Domus
Every conceivable kitchen and dining room convenience of yesteryear is artfully arranged and whimsically displayed within the various rooms of the nineteenth century building that Lucullus Antiques occupies. Walking from the formal dining room settings, found towards the the front of the shop, and into the more rustic atmosphere of the back end of the building, one finds a convincing interpretation of a working country kitchen.
A charming and inviting rustic kitchen setting
Photo: Chronica Domus
Beautiful and functional French kitchen antiques, and even a stuffed hen, are found
in the back kitchen space of Lucullus Antiques
in the back kitchen space of Lucullus Antiques
Photo: Chronica Domus
If all the beautiful objects become a little too overwhelming, one can easily step outside into the welcoming courtyard where - you guessed it - even more antiques await, casually displayed within their lush setting.
French café tables and chairs are set about the lush and tranquil courtyard
Photo: Chronica Domus
Photo: Chronica Domus
Heading back inside, I could not help but to look around in disbelief that
I was still in The United States of America and not in a village house in
southernEurope or the West Indies
Photo: Chronica Domus
I was still in The United States of America and not in a village house in
southernEurope or the West Indies
Photo: Chronica Domus
Of course, a souvenir of my visit was most certainly in order and as Mr. Dunne was presently on a buying trip in France, his capable and gracious staff was on hand to assist.
The playful Mr. Kerry Moody was all too happy to ham it up for the
camera, with an appropriate prop, of course
Photo: Chronica Domus
Circling back to one of the silver cabinets piled with silver items, Ms. Michele was most helpful when it came time to make my purchase. Wouldn't you just know it, in a shop stocked primarily with French antiques, it was an English piece that had caught my eye.
A sterling silver ladle with crest by London silversmith Henry Sardet
circa 1804 was going home with me
Photo: Chronica Domus
circa 1804 was going home with me
Photo: Chronica Domus
I was leaving Lucullus Antiques not only a delighted customer, but one that will recall her visit with fondness whenever her new old ladle is pressed into service. And, just as Mr. Moody bid me adieu, I spied a copy of the very book that inspired my visit, The Epicurean Collector, perched upon a small writing desk waiting to be discovered.
Photo: Chronica Domus
Please do yourself a favor and pay a visit to Lucullus Antiques the next time you are in the French Quarter of New Orleans. There's really no other place quite like it. And, if you can't get there in person any time soon, crack open the cover of Patrick Dunne's marvelous and informative book, The Epicurean Collector, for a fascinating read on food history and culinary traditions.
I do leave you with a few words of warning however: You may just be inspired to begin a new collection of something you had no idea ever existed before thumbing through the pages of this book. Absinthe spoons, anyone?
Lucullus Antiques
610 Chartres Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Tel: 1 (504) 528-9620
Nota bene: I am neither paid nor do I receive recompense in exchange for applauding products or services within my blog. I do so because I enjoy them. If you are a kindred spirit, you too enjoy recommending nice things to fellow good eggs.
A retail soulmate, it seems:). I find New Orleans to be the most different of all the places I've visited in the United States. It does feel almost like a different country.
ReplyDeleteHello Lisa,
DeleteAlthough I'm not a big shopper (i.e. not a mall rat!), I do tend to favor independent, locally owned businesses and enjoy discovering and patronizing those whenever I travel. It is all part of the fun I think.
Oh, what an Aladdin's Cave of treasures! I do like an antique shop dedicated to the Art of Food & Wine and Lucullus Antiques looks top shelf in anyone's book. You were very lucky to visit - or was it more of a pilgrimage? - and to come home with a delightful souvenir. While I am not really in need of another gorgeous book about covetable stuff, I may discretely put their book on my wish list!
ReplyDeleteHello Pipi,
DeleteYes, indeed, Lucullus is certainly an 'Aladdin's cave' of sorts. I've not seen another shop quite like it other than, perhaps, one that was located in San Francisco's Ferry Building years ago for a brief period of time. That came close, but no cigar as they say over here. I knew it the day I spotted an item described as a late-19th century glass ice bucket. I had two sitting in my own home. Recently purchased for my dogs to use as water bowls, there were probably 10 more like it on the shelf of the home goods shop I purchased them from that day. Such a grave error would never be seen in Lucullus I can tell you!
Do please add The Epicurian Collector to your wish list. Mr. Dunne writes with knowledge, wit, and humor, and even manages to make such things as a humble salt cellar an absorbing and interesting read.
Haha! Such decadence for your dogs!
DeleteHello CD, Lucullus--another place to put on my must-visit list. I am sure that we could go many rounds of "mystery object" with the contents of that store. You picked out a very handsome ladle to take with you, just in time for pressing into service on Thanksgiving.
ReplyDelete--Jim
Hello Jim,
DeleteLucullus is indeed a fine store to play the "mystery object" game. I had no idea what Absinthe spoons were, for example, until I read about them in The Epicurian Collector. Mr. Dunne certainly has an eye for the beautiful and the unusual and Lucullus is certainly a reflection of that.
Oh, and yes, that ladle will be very handy in a few weeks at the Thanksgiving table. Nothing better than combining a beautiful antique with practicality.
Dear CD, Isn't it time for another dinner party and another post about it? So nice to hear about Lucullus!
ReplyDeleteStephanie
Well, yes, of course! Dinner parties are always a good idea. We do have Thanksgiving, of course, and that's just around the corner. Come to think of it, I still haven't used my lovely creamware dishes I recently won at auction. Hmmm....
DeleteGreat idea! Post with lots of pictures, please!
DeleteDear CD,
ReplyDeleteWe just had our first snowstorm of the season (6 inches) so your photos of balmy New Orleans and gently swaying fan palms make me quite envious.
What an elegant silver ladle. Your travel treasure is just in time for holiday entertaining. That turkey gravy or creme Anglaise will be accessorized perfectly.
Wishing you and yours a splendid Thanksgiving and I do hope you are nowhere near those devastating fires.
Best,
KL Gaylin
Hello Karen,
DeleteGosh, what a diverse country we live in! On one end it is snowing, on the other it is burning. I am afraid the air quality here in the Bay Area is terrible, all smoke-filled skies and red morning sunrises (the air is so thick one can literally stare into the morning sun without being blinded). Schools here are closed today (and we live four hours away from the Camp Fire which should give you an idea of how bad things have become). I feel just terrible for all the people and animals who are dealing with the fallout of these tragic fires. My heart goes out to them.
On a more cheery note, I too miss New Orleans and its balmy weather. Last night was the first night we needed a winter blanket on the bed as there was a definite chill in the air.