Some restaurants are built for a quick bite. Jacmel Inn, a white house with green shutters tucked under the live oaks at 903 E. Morris Ave. in Hammond, was built for lingering.

The restaurant has billed itself as Louisiana fine dining since 1977, when the founders opened in a former residence that dates to 1888. Old photos on the restaurant's website show opening day crowds on the front steps, a leg of lamb prepared in honor of the King Tut exhibit in New Orleans, and the rare 2008 snowfall that blanketed the porch.

A new generation at the helm

In July 2022, longtime owners Rick and Paul sold the business and property to Alfonso Flores. Flores started at Jacmel as a server and worked his way up to general manager before taking over, so the change kept the place in familiar hands.

What's on the brunch table

Sunday brunch is a good first visit. The menu leans Southern with some polish: BBQ oysters on sourdough crostini, smoked salmon deviled eggs, hog head cheese with crawfish pepper jelly, and a duck bowl with Gouda polenta and andouille sweet potato hash. Fried chicken shows up twice, over biscuits with hot honey butter and alongside buttermilk pancakes. Gulf shrimp and grits, a steak sandwich on French bread and a house burger made with ribeye and tenderloin round it out.

The bar keeps after-dinner sips in mind, with a long list of liqueurs, house limoncello and ports.

Hours and holiday parties

Dinner runs Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m., Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m. Lunch is served Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday brunch runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Planning a holiday gathering? Jacmel hosts groups upstairs, on the side porch, in the bar dining area and on a New Orleans-style patio that holds 50 to 90 guests, with full buyouts available. Custom menus need about a week's notice; call (985) 402-3127.

Book a table, grab a porch seat and let the oaks set the pace.

Photo courtesy of Jacmel Inn.