‘225 Dine’: Motto takes the helm at Mansurs

There’s a new executive chef at Mansurs on the Boulevard these days. Former chef Austin Harrell, who helmed the restaurant for more than three years, returned to California to be closer to his family. Taking over is Chris Motto, former chef de cuisine, who cultivated his experience under Chef Brian Landry at Borgne, a John Besh Restaurant, as well as at Galatoire’s Bistro. “I always loved cooking family meals,” Motto says. “I enjoyed making something good that people like.” While attending LSU to earn a political science degree, the Thibodaux native worked in several restaurants and acquired a knack for the job. “I picked things up here and there and learned whatever I could from whoever was around me,” says Motto. As Mansurs’ executive chef, Motto will oversee the restaurant’s catering operations, food quality, food ordering and menu revisions, as well as organizing the many off-site charity events for which they provide food. And like the chefs who came before him, Motto will also be making his own mark on the menu, although he says with a laugh, “I want to get my feet wet before I start making any major changes.” He has already launched one new change, however: Mansurs’ famous brunch will now be served on Saturdays as well as Sundays, beginning March 31. You can check out the menu and get the scoop on Chef Motto’s future specials at the restaurant’s website here. Read the rest of this week’s 225 Dine e-newsletter here.