PRESS
In the kitchen with Chef Tory at Picnic Provisions & Whiskey
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ABOUT
Open Wednesday – Sunday
\’pik-(,)nik\ – 1. Derived from pique-nique in France in 1692, a jolly meal together in an idyllic spot (away from distractions and demands, often outdoors) a meal to which everyone contributes something and everyone is welcome; associated with card playing, drinking and conversation; evolved by New Orleanians into crawfish boils and Saints tailgating damn near anywhere; from poboys for 2 at The Fly to family reunions in City Park and elegant tented affairs on the banks of Bayou St. John; attended by people who have a strong affinity for gingham and are likely to “skinny dip at night.”
MEET OUR TEAM
TORY McPHAILowner & co-founder
TORY McPHAIL
owner & co-founder
After graduating high school in Seattle, aspiring chef Tory McPhail arrived in New Orleans where he learned the industry from the ground up. He gained additional cooking experience in Florida, the Virgin Islands and London before the venerable Commander’s Palace hired him to cook at its new property in Las Vegas. In 2002, he was named executive chef of the original Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, following in the footsteps of celebrity chefs Emeril Lagasse, Paul Prudhomme and Jamie Shannon. Tory, who has led the Commander’s Palace kitchen for 16 years, is also a partner in SoBou and founder of McPhail Foods, which produces a line of marinades and New Orleans rum vinegar sold in grocery stores throughout the South. He has earned a James Beard Award, as well as honors from the Culinary Institute of America and Wine Spectator magazine.
CLOSETI MARTINowner & co-founder
TI MARTIN
owner & co-founder
Restaurateur, entrepreneur, author and sought-after speaker Ti Adelaide Martin is an outspoken champion for true hospitality in business, for her city and for the many causes she devotes herself to. Ti and her cousin Lally Brennan lead The Commander's Family of Restaurants that includes Commander’s Palace and SoBou in New Orleans, as well as Brennan’s of Houston. Ti also serves as Board Chair and Co-Founder for the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI). In 2016 she released a book and produced a documentary film about her mother. Commanding the Table: The Ella Brennan Story can be found on Netflix.
CLOSEDARRYL REGINELLIowner & co-founder
DARRYL REGINELLI
owner & co-founder
Darryl Reginelli co-founded one of New Orleans’ most popular pizzerias 20 years ago, with 10 locations scattered throughout the city, as well as Baton Rouge and Houston. Because Darryl has a background in fine dining, Reginelli’s is known for showcasing premium ingredients and respecting classical traditions. But with the founder’s penchant for fun, Darryl’s menus also exhibit a creative use of Louisiana ingredients. He has learned over the years how important it is for a restaurant to build an emotional connection to its neighborhood.
CLOSEWhen the three founders of Picnic Provisions & Whiskey set out to celebrate the joyful American picnic, they sprinkled it with the culinary magic of New Orleans. Picnic Provisions & Whiskey is designed to create new memories for guests by offering them a warm, inviting place to picnic, share and laugh.
Our team also believes in giving back to the New Orleans community we all love. Picnic Provisions & Whiskey committed to fund at least one culinary/hospitality scholarship every year and we’re strong proponents of mentorship—in our kitchen, dining room and beyond. If you’re a mentor in your own industry, have an iced tea on us!
The team at Picnic Provisions & Whiskey is inspired by the five powerful words painted on the dining room wall:
Picnic. This is the essence of our culinary and hospitality philosophy.
Share. Without sharing, any meal—whether it be a picnic or elaborate tasting menu—is less memorable.
Laugh. Life can be serious, and some restaurants take their food too seriously, but a meal without laughter is a missed opportunity.
Yummy. Need we say more?
Purpose. Purpose fuels one’s soul, and the hospitality we provide our guests is our purpose in life.
CONTACT US
741 State Street
New Orleans, LA 70118
11am – 9pm Wednesday – Sunday
Closed Monday & Tuesday
Click Here to read our Picnic Promise to Our Guests
contact info@nolapicnic.com
media inquiries lelia@commanderspalace.com
careers and development lelia@commanderspalace.com
