Bienville Club

I am pretty sure that since the last review the Bienville Club has been renovated.  I believe the building is now called the Bank Trust Building as well.

I went there for the first time on New Year's Eve.  Great view, the Moonpie was suspended from the corner of the building.  They had a prix fix dinner menu that was a good value, and a nice hors d'oeuvres buffet set out after eight.  They had just hired a new bartender, and while I really can't recommend any of the wines on the list the mixed drinks were good.  He also said he was working on the wine list.  The food was okay, but the real treat is the view.  

I can see the value in belonging to the Bienville Business Club, especially given the fact that if you travel you have reciprocity with other clubs in the country.

Had dinner at the Bienville Club with a small conference group, so my review on our limited dinner menu.

I was appalled by the bartender's attitude when I asked for a taste of the Cab and then the Merlot. Of course, I forgave his attitude when I realized that the wine they serve is one step above Franzia. Alas, so much for wine with dinner.

The starter, caprese salad was light and fresh with a mix of tomato varieties...greens, reds, yellows. The cornmeal crusted grouper was served on a bed of rice with a side of peas while the filet was served on a mound of potatoes, also with a side of peas. Both proteins were good, but the best entree that evening was definitely the vegetarian plate. A rice stuffed red bell pepper with a side of grilled asparagus, zucchini and squash and a fresh lettuce salad with a light vinegarette - kudos for not serving overcooked pasta. Dessert was disappointing, but not surprisingly so since there's no good way to make bananas foster for a group larger than five.

My expectations were too high. However, the view from the top of the GM Building is quite lovely at night, when the lights twinkle and darkness covers the industrialized areas.