MaMou
942 North Rampart Street
Client: Chef Tom Branighan
Scope: Historic Renovation and Interior Design
Status: 2022
Size: 1,700 sq. ft.
Budget: $500,000
Collaborators: Kemper Construction, Schrenck Endom & Flanagan, Synergy Consulting Engineers
A French restaurant that proves that innovation is still possible
Although opening a French-inspired restaurant in New Orleans sounds like something that’s been done many times before, we accepted the challenge to design something amazing with the familiar. Chef Tom Branighan and Sommelier Molly Wismeier selected Studio West to design, MaMou, a Parisian-inspired new restaurant to showcase their passion for French technique and creole South Louisiana inspired food. MaMou has received many awards including Bon Appetit’s Best New Restaurants 2023 and New York Times The Restaurant List 2023. It’s easy to understand how it is a favorite of Studio West designers, French Quarter neighbors, and visitors alike.
Modern French Brasserie with Art Nouveau influences
Nestled at the edge of the Lower French Quarter, at the corner of Rampart and St. Phillip Streets, the building has for many years been a neighborhood restaurant. The team was sensitive to maintaining the neighborhood appeal while creating a transformative experience that feels like you stepped into a French Bistro. The building had been neglected, the original structure was termite infested and functionally the existing kitchen and bar were inefficient and too small. To execute the level of cuisine, the space lacked sufficient prep, storage and finishing spaces in the kitchen. With a few structural modifications and a new code compliant stair the kitchen was expanded and transformed into an executive kitchen. The bar received a striking new custom designed and fabricated brass wine glass and storage rack to support the beverage program and provide separation from the kitchen pass.
Just like the cuisine and wine, every design detail was thoughtfully considered. Parisian Art Nouveau-inspired details suffuse the space. From the rich jewel tones, generous florals, velvet banquette, and Sapele wood mirrors, hand-woven screens, and vintage brass accents sourced from around the world, the design supports the technical expertise and seductive whimsy of MaMou.
