Petite Auberge Celebrates 40 Years of Family Business

Forty years is a long time for any restaurant to be in business, particularly in the same location and run by the same family of original owners. Petite Auberge Restaurant and Catering celebrated such an achievement this August. To mark their major milestone, Petite Auberge—opened in 1974 by Wolfgang Gropp and now run by his sons Michael and Anthony—hosted a 1974 Party last week, featuring original menu items at 1974 prices.

All decked out in their celebratory best, Michael and Anthony greeted guests such as Senator Max Cleland (D-GA); Alana and Harold Shepherd, founders of the non-profit Shepherd Center hospital; renowned flame worked glass artist Hans Godo Fräbel; Catarina and Geri Angerami, owners of the dinner theatre “Agatha’s a Taste of Mystery”; Katerina Taylor, interim president of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce; Jane Garvey, of the Atlanta Wine School; and Tom Walker, former Atlanta Journal-Constitution writer.

These guests and many others dined on items like French Onion Soup for $1.20, Escargots Provencale for $1.80, Pate Maison for $1.50, Chicken Cordon Bleu for $4.95, Filet of Beef Wellington for $7.95, Veal Viennese for $7.95, Chocolate Mousse for $1 and the restaurant’s award-winning New Orleans Bread Pudding for a mere $1.30. In fact, some tables enjoyed the entire menu for just over $50 total! In addition to fine French specialties, the event featured live music by Berne Poliakoff—a solo songstress, The Music Class teacher and woman behind the alter ego “Frenchy” of the band Cowboy Envy. Guests also visited the Petite Auberge Olive Oil and Vinegar Boutique where they purchased premium extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars, specially priced for the 40th anniversary at $30 for two medium (375 ml) bottles.

More About Petite Auberge

In 1974, Wolfgang Gropp opened Petite Auberge after receiving training in the culinary arts as an apprentice and chef at some of the finest hotels and restaurants in Europe. Upon immigrating to the Untied States, Chef Gropp and his wife Ilse, along with Ilse’s brother Helmut Bittl as maitre d’, poured their hearts and souls into making Petite Auberge a favorite of generation after generation of Atlanta’s diverse population. In anticipation of retirement, Chef Gropp passed his knowledge, experience and love for creating great classical dishes down to his sons Michael and Anthony. Now, Michael serves as General Manager, while Anthony works as Head Chef.

As second-generation restaurateurs, Michael and Anthony believed that the future of Petite Auberge was in the incorporation of olive oil into their already delectable dishes. Starting with the launch of their retail, in-house Olive Oil and Vinegar Boutique, Michael and Anthony have incorporated olive oils into many of the dishes their customers have come to know and love. For the past year, visitors to Petite Auberge have been able to purchase these olive oils and vinegars for use at home or to give as gifts.

With special menus like Mediterranean Entree Week, Cajun Creole, Wild Game Nights and Oktoberfest, as well as special events such as Dinner and a Diva, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, Petite Auberge’s guests have had many ways to enjoy a special meal with family or friends. Furthermore, Michael’s personal love of wine has allowed Petite Auberge to assemble a spectacular wine list, boasting varietals from some of the finest wine regions from all over the world.

Petite Auberge has two banquet rooms located just past its fully stocked bar. In its distinctive and classically decorated banquet rooms, the Petite Auberge family has proudly served people celebrating anniversaries, wedding rehearsals, wedding receptions and all manners of life achievement. Petite Auberge also offers event catering, corporate employee dining and craft services. For more information and complete menus, visit www.petiteauberge.com or call 404-634-6268.