On the anniversary of Katrina, two hurricane evacuees from New Orleans bring the “Big Easy” cuisine to Chattanooga. Michael and Cherita Adams, owners of Mo Gumbo, are teaming up with Papa’s Restaurant owners Beth and Charlie Meyer to form Blue Orleans Creole Restaurant located at 3208 Amnicola Highway.
Michael Adams and his family (New Orleans natives) evacuated to Chattanooga in avoidance of the oncoming destruction of Hurricane Katrina. As proprietors of New Orleans cuisine, their food distribution company, Mo Gumbo, which sold frozen food items at Louis Armstrong International Airport, was destroyed along with their home.
“Chattanoogans like Beth and Charlie warmly embraced me and my family, welcoming us into the city,” said Michael Adams, creator and co-chef of Blue Orleans Creole Restaurant. “We instantly fell in love with our new hometown when we discovered the wonders Chattanooga has to offer: great schools, beautiful views, business opportunities and, of course, the friendly people.”
Blue Orleans Creole Restaurant will afford diners a genuine taste of the Big Easy, with mouth-watering offerings, created by co-owner Michael Adams and distinguished chef Andrew Heck, such as shrimp, crawfish and oyster po-boy sandwiches – served on authentic New Orleans French bread, crawfish etouffee, shrimp Creole, red beans and rice topped with andouille sausage and warm, moist bread pudding covered in praline rum sauce and beignets.
“Our local customers are extremely excited about the changes being made to not only the menu, but to the look and feel of the restaurant,” said Beth Meyer, owner of Papa’s Restaurant. “Many come to share their New Orleans experiences, both good and bad, over a wonderful New Orleans-style meal.”
The grand opening will be Tuesday at 10 a.m.