Homegrown Haven
Inspired by New Orleans’ rich culture, Chamblee’s Lagarde American Eatery is a neighborhood spot that’s deeply rooted in flavor and family
Camellia beans and Crystal Hot Sauce are telltale signs of cajun cuisine, and thanks to Chamblee’s newest resident, Lagarde American Eatery, you won’t have to travel far to get a taste.
A partnership between co-owners Leonardo Moura and Jamie Adams (who also own Sandy Spring’s il Giallo Osteria & Bar), Lagarde’s New Orleans-inspired menu is an homage to Adams’ parents and the recipes he grew up on. “My mom was a great cook and my dad loved to eat. As the youngest of five, I ate well too,” says Adams. “I’ve wanted to open a restaurant like this for many years.”
Ingredients like Leidenheimer bread and freshly shucked oysters shine on a menu that a native New Orleanian would enjoy. Indulge on pork belly with chow chow and a sunny-side up egg, or for a true classic, the Gumbo File with andouille and shrimp is not to be overlooked. “Mom made great gumbo, so that addition was a no-brainer,” Adams explains.
Complementing the savory menu is the eclectic interior, which was designed by Vivien Leigh Interiors. Warm hues offer a clean backdrop for a wall-to-wall graffiti mural by Lotus Eaters Club—featuring caricatures of both Adams and Moura in a Louisiana landscape. When the weather allows, retractable glass walls open for a wave of fresh air while dining.
A neighborhood gathering place, Lagarde not only captures the flavors of New Orleans, but also the essence of Adams’ upbringing: food tastes better when it’s created with passion and shared with loved ones.