Having dinner at Monmouth Plantation, an antebellum mansion in Natchez, Mississippi is like taking a romantic step back in time.

Edward F. Nesta and I stayed at the elegant Monmouth Plantation, a National Historic Landmark, and a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, in July 2007 and had a memorable dinner at the mansion.

Monmouth Plantation built in 1818 as a red brick Federal Style home, had a complete metamorphosis to a Greek Revival style when General John A. Quitman purchased the home for his family in 1826 and covered the brick façade with stucco scored to resemble stone and added columns. Today, Monmouth Plantation is owned by Ron and Lani Riches who not only restored the mansion, but continue to expand the exquisite beauty of this historic property.

We began our evening in the Lounge where Roosevelt, Monmouth Plantation's personable bartender, was pouring wine and creating his special Mint Juleps served in silver cups for guests. We ordered a glass of wine, and then explored the Quitman Study located next door to the Lounge, where there was a lovely selection of complimentary hors d'oeuvres on the interesting antique carved wood sideboard. The mansion is beautifully furnished with period antiques many from the Quitman family, and the Quitman Study proudly displays the Quitman family bible open on General Quitman's desk, his handkerchief that he used during the Mexican War framed on a wall, black of white photographs of Monmouth Plantation taken in the 1880s by photographer Henry C. Norman, a letter from General Quitman to General Robert E. Lee, and a very romantic love letter from General Quitman to his wife, Eliza, where he writes, "You are my polar star and my heart ever points to you."

Moving into the mansion for dinner, I admired the framed sword presented to General Quitman by President Polk in an alcove, the Waterford gasoliers still run by gas illuminating the men's and ladies parlors, the piano and harp in the ladies parlor, and an unusual beaded "face saver" hanging on a swinging arm from the mantle of the fireplace to protect a ladies face from the heat of the fire, and a handsome Duncan Phyfe sideboard with leaded wine cellarette for 12 wines proudly displayed in the dining room.

Dinner at the mansion is all about gracious hospitality and attention to the small details including silver angel napkin rings holding pristine white linen napkins on the dining room table, butter molded into the shape of roses, attractive floral arrangements, and an inviting and romantic ambience.

Chef Lanny Brasher began our gourmet dining experience with his five-course menu, which began with a delectable Southern delicacy as our starter, Warm Crayfish Tart. Succulent crayfish with a rich drizzle of cream sauce enhanced this very tasty course.

We continued with a Mansion Salad, perfect on a warm a summer's evening, made with mixed greens and thinly sliced apples and pineapple, followed by a refreshing berry Granita as a palate cleanser.

Although there were three intriguing entrees listed on the menu for the night of July 22, 2007, which included Fresh Grilled Louisiana Redfish with Crabmeat and Lemon Beurre Meuniere; Prime Filet of Black Angus Beef with Sundried Tomato Demi-Glace and Gorgonzola Cheese; and Ashley Farms Free Range Breast of Chicken served with Fresh Pecan-Mint Pesto and Olive Tapenade; Edward and I decided to have the Louisiana Redfish. This course was attractively presented as a large filet of grilled redfish on a bed of green beans and savory mashed potatoes, topped with an abundance of crabmeat, garnished with blanched scallions and drizzled with Lemon Beurre Meuniere.

Dessert was a classic Southern favorite, and a favorite of ours as well, Bananas Foster, which is a purely indulgent creation of sautéed bananas, butter, and brown sugar, flambéed with brandy, and served warm with vanilla ice cream, ending the evening on a decidedly sweet note.

The restaurant at Monmouth Plantation is open for dinner for guests as well as for the public. Dinner reservations are required.

Read on Natchez, Mississippi in the Destinations section.

Read other articles on Monmouth Plantation in the Hotels and Resorts section, and also in the Chefs' Recipes section where Chef Lanny Brasher shares a few of his recipes.

Monmouth Plantation
36 Melrose Avenue at the John Quitman Parkway
Natchez, Mississippi 39120
United States
Telephone:     +1-601-442-5852
Toll Free:        +1-800-828-4531
Fax:                +1-601-446-7762
Email:             This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it    
www.MonmouthPlantation.com  

© August 2007. Luxury Experience. www.LuxuryExperience.com All rights reserved.