Arnaud’s during Prohibition

As New Orleans reveled in the Roaring Twenties, Arnaud’s was doing very well. Then the National Prohibition Act was passed. Many Orleanians didn’t even nod in acknowledgement and continued on their rollicking way.

Throughout the 1920’s liquor continued to be freely poured at Arnaud’s, but rather carefully under the cover of locked private rooms, disappearing back bars and in china coffee cups.

Though the Count was repeatedly fined for selling alcohol, his cavalier attitude remained intact. His mansion was even raided at one point.

Nevertheless, he was finally tossed into jail and the restaurant briefly padlocked. Ultimately, he won over the jury with an impassioned explanation of his philosophy. He was acquitted as Prohibition ended and the Count turned his infamy into promotion for his restaurant.

Excerpt from Arnaud’s Restaurant Cookbook, by Kit Wohl