The Three Muses

Most Interesting Dishes

Tom, I was wondering if you knew about this brand new place (just got an announcement about it today) to add to your list. Regards, Pat Schoen Cocodrie, LA http://www.thethreemuses.com/ Daniel Esses Chef Daniel Esses, a graduate of the Natural Gourmet Cookery School in New York, brings together his culinary experiences to create innovative, enticing dishes that are deceivingly straightforward and simple, while carefully unmasking and enhancing the natural flavors of his hand-selected ingredients. Esses, who says he has had a “life-long love affair with food,” has worked in the kitchens of some of the most exclusive restaurants and spas on the west coast and in France, including the Wine Spectator at Greystone in Napa Valley, Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, the Chateau De Masillan in Provence, and the Three Michelin-rated Le Grand Vefour in Paris, France. In his native New York City, Esses cooked at the renowned Buddakan NYC in the heart of the Meat Packing District. Locally, Esses has worked for Anne Kearney at Peristyle and John Besh at Restaurant August, as sous-chef at the popular Café Degas, as the opening chef at The Bank Café, and Executive Chef of Frenchmen Street’s Marigny Brasserie. Sophie Lee Musician and hospitality specialist, Sophie Lee has a deep appreciation of New Orleans music and culinary culture with a strong desire to help her adopted hometown continue to recover and flourish. Lee offers 18 years of restaurant and bar experience in Chicago, Mississippi and New Orleans, including work at Belle Fourche, The Spotted Cat, Stella, the Marigny Brasserie and others. With her sultry blend of jazz and swing, reminiscent of crooners Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, Lee maintains a presence on the local music scene. She has appeared at clubs on Frenchmen Street, and at French Quarter Festival, Jazz Fest, and others. Lee and her husband, also a musician, have two children and live in the Marigny neighborhood of New Orleans. Christopher Starnes With almost 20 years experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry, Christopher Starnes brings experience from both sides of the house to his management style. A consummate bartender, Starnes’ signature cocktails consistently win awards and mentions from media. He managed top Zagat-rated Jarnac in New York’s West Village, turning the small bistro into a notable destination in one of the United States toughest cities for restaurants. After Hurricane Katrina , Starnes worked as General Manager for Frenchmen Street’s Marigny Brasserie, where he rebuilt the business from the ground up. As proprietor of Coffea Café in New Orleans, Starnes infused his signature brand of playful sophistication to create a restaurant that was, within the year, voted “Top Breakfast Destination” by Travel and Leisure Magazine. Starnes continues to reinvent himself while working at Boucherie’s bar, and now as partner and General Manager of Three Muses.