Southern Indiana Living

JUL-AUG 2012

Southern Indiana Living magazine is the exclusive publication of the region, offering readers a wide range of coverage on the people, places and events that make our area unlike any other. In SIL readers will find beautiful photography, encouraging s

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"You can only open a French restaurant if you are French. Period." -Louis Retailleau looking to build on his success, Retail- leau purchased a historic mansion in Crowne Pointe, Ind., and transformed it into a new restaurant, Louis' Bon Appé- tit. With more than 10,000 square feet and seats for 120, it was quite an upgrade. "It was really my dream come true," Retailleau said. He operated the restaurant with great success for 27 years before selling it and enjoying a semi-retirement with his son Sascha in San Francisco and daughter Natalie in Crowne Pointe. Looking to escape the harsh winters of the north, Retailleau was traveling to Florida but stopped in Louisville to visit with a friend who encouraged him to consider a move to the area. He began looking around, found a storefront for sale in downtown New Albany, and de- cided to relocate. After a massive renovation, the chef opened Louis Le Français and has been charming guests for almost six months. So far Retailleau loves the area and the people. 7KH FKHI DQG KLV VPDOO VWDff LQFOXG- ing hostess Betty Weber, will make you feel right at home from the moment you walk through the front doors. Retailleau Some of Loius Retailleau's specialties include French classics like escargot (top), ratatouille (center), and the menu also includes lighter fare like soup (bottom.) regularly takes time to walk from table to table interacting with guests. In fact, he has plans to put a table in the kitchen so some lucky patrons can be right in the middle of the action. Business has been good in the short time the restaurant has been open, and Re- tailleau is quick to emphasize that he does not want people to be intimidated by the perceived "fanciness" of French dining. VLOLYLQJPDJ FRP •

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