The Paramount is slated to open in mid-May.
“We’re shooting for barbecue weekend,” says the new Downtown restaurant’s hospitality director Mac Edwards, who was referring to the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, which will be held May 12th to 15th in Tom Lee Park.
This is the new restaurant at 265 South Front in the space Bluff City Law occupied as the law firm in the TV series.
I have a personal interest in this place since my dad, the late Tom Donahue, worked for Paramount Pictures for decades until he retired at the age of 70 as branch manager. This was one of his offices. Paramount also was located on the old “Film Row” on Third Street, and in the 100 North Main building. The major movie companies, including Metro Goldwyn Mayer, 20th Century Fox, and Warner Brothers, also had distribution offices here before moving to New Orleans.
Edwards gave me a sneak peek of the 4,800 square foot restaurant, which he assured me was much further along than it looked.
Tony Gooch is the craftsperson responsible for the elegant look of the new place with its mahogany veneer columns and long mahogany veneer bar.
The bar, which has a black granite top, will seat 15 people, Edwards says. Tables will feature sides with a laminated photographic pattern of reeds in shades of brown. The contemporary brushed metal sconces with Edison bulbs on the wall in the bar will carry over into the dining rooms, which will include 24 tables featuring sides with a laminated photographic pattern of reeds in shades of brown.
The bar will have 24 taps. “All local beer,” Edwards says.
The color scheme of the restaurant will be the mahogany brown with a rich red. Six red fabric shades will go down the middle of the restaurant.
In keeping with the movie theme, satin brass stanchions with black rope as seen in theaters, will separate areas of the restaurant, including an open kitchen, from diners.
Executive chef/owner Dirk Meitzler’s Highway 61-themed menu, which ranges from Chicago to New Orleans cuisine, will feature locally sourced sausages, tasso ham, bacon, and deli meats.
People were filling up the already-opened restaurant, The Backlot Sandwich Shop, another part of The Paramount, when I was there. I ordered a tantalizing turkey club sandwich, which included avocado and bacon.
To top off the visit, Edwards asked me what my father liked to drink. They’re going to name a drink after him, he says. My dad liked bourbon highballs. So, get ready to raise a glass in his honor.
