CHRISTOPHER BYRNE
Chris is a 30-plus-year veteran of the toy industry, and is considered one of the leading experts on the business in the U.S. In addition to his consultancy, Byrne Communications, Inc., he is a partner in aNb Media and content director for TTPM (TimetoPlayMag.com).
He has intimate knowledge of all major toy companies, entertainment properties and products, as well as products and retail for these sectors. He is regularly sourced by the investment community for insights into all aspects of the toy and children's products industries. He speaks at trade shows and for corporate events on the effective integration of play into creative management.
Chris is widely published on the topic of toys and family life and in addition to his work with Time to Play he is editor-at-large for the trade publications Toys & Family Entertainment and Royalties.
His latest book, "Toy Time" was published by the Three Rivers imprint of Random House in 2013, 2013. "Serious Fun: An Introduction to the U.S. Toy Industry" was published by Business Experts Press in early 2014, and his next book “Funny Business,” a study on how the concepts of play can foster innovation in business, is due out from Career Press in 2015.
In addition, Chris is widely quoted in the media and appears regularly on local and national television commenting on toys and demonstrating new products. His media appearances reached more than 120 million consumers in 2014 in just a three-month period (October through December). He has appeared on Live! With Kelly & Michael, Oprah, Soap Talk, Today, Good Morning America, The CBS Evening News, ABC Nightly News, FOX News, CBS This Morning, Good Day New York, CNBC, CNN, MSNBC, ABC, The Motley Fool, National Public Radio, Bloomberg Television and Radio, and on countless other national and local market business and consumer programs around the country and internationally.
Check out Chris' website at:
TTPM.COM
Chris is a 30-plus-year veteran of the toy industry, and is considered one of the leading experts on the business in the U.S. In addition to his consultancy, Byrne Communications, Inc., he is a partner in aNb Media and content director for TTPM (TimetoPlayMag.com).
He has intimate knowledge of all major toy companies, entertainment properties and products, as well as products and retail for these sectors. He is regularly sourced by the investment community for insights into all aspects of the toy and children's products industries. He speaks at trade shows and for corporate events on the effective integration of play into creative management.
Chris is widely published on the topic of toys and family life and in addition to his work with Time to Play he is editor-at-large for the trade publications Toys & Family Entertainment and Royalties.
His latest book, "Toy Time" was published by the Three Rivers imprint of Random House in 2013, 2013. "Serious Fun: An Introduction to the U.S. Toy Industry" was published by Business Experts Press in early 2014, and his next book “Funny Business,” a study on how the concepts of play can foster innovation in business, is due out from Career Press in 2015.
In addition, Chris is widely quoted in the media and appears regularly on local and national television commenting on toys and demonstrating new products. His media appearances reached more than 120 million consumers in 2014 in just a three-month period (October through December). He has appeared on Live! With Kelly & Michael, Oprah, Soap Talk, Today, Good Morning America, The CBS Evening News, ABC Nightly News, FOX News, CBS This Morning, Good Day New York, CNBC, CNN, MSNBC, ABC, The Motley Fool, National Public Radio, Bloomberg Television and Radio, and on countless other national and local market business and consumer programs around the country and internationally.
Check out Chris' website at:
TTPM.COM
MURIEL'S JACKSON SQUARE BISTRO...
New Orleans and, in particular the French Quarter, are known destinations for food. Recently, on a business trip, we tried out Muriel’s, a classic staple, in the French Quarter. Right at the tip of Jackson Square, in a classic building that dates from the 18th Century, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you step through the doors. The gorgeous, lush décor recalls the elegance of the Quarter. The restaurant underwent a massive restoration in 2001, and today it’s been restored to its mid-19th Century elegance.
The menu, however, is very much up-to-date. Inspired by classic creole and New Orleans cooking, which includes fried seafood, jambalya, lots of heavy cream and, of course, quantities of alcohol, the diverse menu under the direction of executive chef Erik Veney has been designed to appeal to contemporary tastes and palates. Lots of sophisticated spices, careful cooking, outstanding ingredients and meticulous presentation, all at prices that are surprisingly reasonable, with even the most elaborate entrée priced at $30. (Maybe I’m used to Manhattan prices, but for a super-elegant meal out or a special occasion, that seems pretty good to me.)
New Orleans and, in particular the French Quarter, are known destinations for food. Recently, on a business trip, we tried out Muriel’s, a classic staple, in the French Quarter. Right at the tip of Jackson Square, in a classic building that dates from the 18th Century, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you step through the doors. The gorgeous, lush décor recalls the elegance of the Quarter. The restaurant underwent a massive restoration in 2001, and today it’s been restored to its mid-19th Century elegance.
The menu, however, is very much up-to-date. Inspired by classic creole and New Orleans cooking, which includes fried seafood, jambalya, lots of heavy cream and, of course, quantities of alcohol, the diverse menu under the direction of executive chef Erik Veney has been designed to appeal to contemporary tastes and palates. Lots of sophisticated spices, careful cooking, outstanding ingredients and meticulous presentation, all at prices that are surprisingly reasonable, with even the most elaborate entrée priced at $30. (Maybe I’m used to Manhattan prices, but for a super-elegant meal out or a special occasion, that seems pretty good to me.)
 Muriel's Interior |  Beautiful place setting |
Muriel’s also does a really outstanding job of catering to special diets. There’s a full gluten-free menu, and I’m a vegetarian. Very often, one feels like the poor relation at a fancy restaurant (Not so much, I’ve noticed in the last couple of years where most upscale restaurants try to have at least one vegetarian entrée.), relegated to cobbling together a meal from salads and side plates. Muriel’s, however, has vegetarian offerings that would be worth a trip back to New Orleans to try again.
 Eggplant Roulade |  Roast Vegetable Curry |
Eggplant roulade as an appetizer was light and tasty with a gentle mix of ricotta and other cheeses in a homemade tomato sauce—a nice break from the usual salad I often have. The entrée, though, was where the chef really shone. Roasted winter vegetable curry arrived in a large ceramic cup with rice on top, a cucumber side and probably the best, hot, spiced pita bread I’ve ever had. The curry was a great mix of winter vegetables in a sauce that had a surprising mix of Creole and Indian notes. It was truly unlike any curry I’ve ever had. The best part about it was that it felt like a very special meal, consistent with the rest of the menu. My companion for the evening had salmon, which was also well done and full of the flavors of the region, but light enough not to be overwhelming.
Salmon
Service was attentive and friendly without being overbearing, and the whole experience a pleasure on every level. Oh, and as a special bonus, given that parking in the Quarter is difficult and expensive, you can park next door for free, with validation. We had no trouble getting a reservation on opentable.com for a Wednesday night, but in the higher season—or nicer weather—you may want to reserve well in advance.
- Chris Byrne
- Chris Byrne
For more on Muriel’s, visit their website at www.muriels.com.
801 Chartres Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70116
Phone: 504.568.1885
Fax: 504.568.9795
Email: info@muriels.com
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