VIRGIN HOTELS NEW ORLEANS DEBUTS NEW MENUS AND THANKSGIVING OFFERINGS UNDER EXECUTIVE CHEF MARIE DOUROUX
Newly introduced menus across the property and an abundant holiday spread showcase Douroux's fresh take on New Orleans flavors and traditions.
Virgin Hotels New Orleans is ushering in a fresh chapter for its culinary program with newly developed menus across its dining concepts and a special Thanksgiving celebration, all led by Executive Chef Marie Douroux. Drawing on her experience in some of the city's most celebrated kitchens, Douroux is bringing new energy and perspective to the hotel's dining experiences through thoughtfully reimagined menus, seasonal ingredients, and a creative approach to New Orleans' rich culinary traditions. For Thanksgiving, she is putting her own spin on the holiday feast with an abundant buffet that blends classic favorites, Southern comfort dishes, and distinctly New Orleans-inspired flavors.
Overseeing the culinary vision and kitchen operations for Commons Club and The Pool Club, as well as banquets, private events, catering, and in-room dining, Douroux focuses on creating distinctive experiences across every outlet while maintaining a cohesive culinary identity throughout the property. Her role encompasses menu development, culinary standards, food quality, presentation, and seasonal programming to ensure each experience reflects the property's personality and commitment to thoughtful service.
Already making her mark on the program, Douroux has developed entirely new menus for the hotel's various culinary concepts, introducing dishes that balance refined technique with approachable, flavor-forward execution. At Commons Club, the refreshed menu highlights seasonal ingredients and locally inspired flavors, with standout offerings such as Gnocchetti Sardi with creamy Pecorino sauce, jumbo lump crab, Louisiana shrimp, and herby breadcrumbs; Short Rib served with cauliflower and parsnip purée, fish sauce gastrique, and roasted carrots; and a seasonal Pumpkin Panzanella with arugula, pickled red onion, focaccia, and herb vinaigrette, which will also be featured on the Thanksgiving menu. Together, the selections reflect a culinary philosophy that embraces the character of New Orleans while bringing a fresh perspective to familiar ingredients and dining traditions.
“New Orleans has such an incredible culinary identity, and there's always something new to discover and draw inspiration from,” said Douroux. “My goal is to create menus that feel thoughtful, exciting, and connected to this city while giving each of our dining concepts its own personality. Most importantly, I want every experience to feel welcoming and memorable, whether guests are joining us for dinner, enjoying a day at the pool, or celebrating a special occasion.”
The Big Thanksgiving Spread at Virgin Hotels New Orleans
That spirit of creativity and tradition will take center stage during the hotel's Thanksgiving celebration. Giving the traditional holiday feast her own interpretation, Douroux has curated an abundant buffet that brings together classic Thanksgiving favorites, Southern comfort dishes, and distinctly New Orleans-inspired flavors. Guests can enjoy a carving station featuring Cajun-spiced turkey, glazed pork roast, and smoked salmon, alongside an impressive selection of sides, including oyster and artichoke dressing, cornbread stuffing, fried Brussels sprouts, candied sweet potatoes, and chicken and sausage jambalaya. A build-your-own mashed potato bar with smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, scallions, and gravy adds a customizable touch, while seasonal salads such as pumpkin panzanella and kale with apples, hazelnuts, and pomegranate offer a fresh complement to the spread.
The holiday celebration continues with an indulgent dessert selection featuring pumpkin pie with cardamom whipped cream, Southern buttermilk pie, sweet potato and marshmallow pie, mini bourbon pecan pies, and apple and pear crisp, among other seasonal favorites. The Thanksgiving buffet will be served from 12 PM to 7 PM, with pricing at $67++ per adult and $32++ per child under 12. Reservations are available through OpenTable.
A graduate of the University of New Orleans, Douroux holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Business and completed her Pastry & Savory Culinary Certification at Le Cordon Bleu Paris. Her culinary career spans restaurant management, pastry, savory cuisine, restaurant ownership, and catering, with experience at notable New Orleans establishments including Stella!, Root, Square Root, Bayona, Yo Nashi, and Birdy's Behind the Bower. Most recently, she served as Chef de Cuisine at Saba. She also holds a WSET Level 2 certification, further complementing her understanding of the relationship between food, wine, and hospitality.
With a renewed culinary vision taking shape across the property, Virgin Hotels New Orleans continues to build on the city's celebrated food culture, offering guests and locals alike new reasons to gather, explore, and experience New Orleans through food.
Virgin Hotels New Orleans is located at 550 Baronne Street. For reservations and additional information, visit https://virginhotels.com/new-orleans/. Stay up to date on Instagram & Facebook.
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About Virgin Hotels New Orleans
Named the Best Hotel in New Orleans by Condé Nast Traveler in 2024, Virgin Hotels New Orleans is part of the luxury lifestyle hospitality brand known for combining heartfelt service, straightforward value, and a seamless, personalized hotel experience—built on a legacy of innovation and smart disruption pioneered by Sir Richard Branson’s global Virgin Group for over 50 years. Located in New Orleans' lively Warehouse District, the property mixes a passion for food and beverage with music and culture that fuses with the Crescent City's unique personality, providing an inclusive environment for travelers and locals alike. The hotel features 238 Chambers (guestrooms) and two penthouse suites. An array of dining and drinking outlets offers something for everyone and includes Commons Club, the brand's flagship restaurant, bar, and lounge; the 13th-floor rooftop venue – The Pool Club and Funny Library Coffee Shop.