SMITHFIELD -- Bob Bryant is bringing the tastes, sounds and sights of New Orleans to South Third Street.

On Jan. 3, Bryant will open the Big Easy Bistro in the former Cafe Monet space. Bryant decided to open the bistro after retiring from Plantation Golf Club. Although he has experience managing barbecue and seafood restaurants, Bryant thought a New Orleans-style eatery would bring something different to Johnston County.

"I thought it's the perfect place to do what I want to do and that would be to come in at night, walk around and talk to my friends that I have worked with over the years," he said. "I want to give them a place not to just eat out, but a place to have a memorable evening out."

On the first floor, wrought-iron balconies front upper windows covered in awnings and curtains. Wrought-iron lamps that date back more than 90 years sit near dining tables covered in white cloths. Masquerade masks with glitter, sparkles and feathers hang on the walls. On a higher shelf, women mannequins draped in beads, fancy dresses and tiaras sit on lounge chairs with drinks in their hands. Bryant's wife, Patricia, was a key player in the restaurant's design.

"She is so talented," said Bryant. "She knows colors and symmetry as well as anybody I have ever known. It was quite a plus to have her on board to help me."

The second floor, to be used for private functions, is adorned in murals by Tonya Barefoot. At the request of Bryant's wife, Barefoot painted their black and white cat sitting in a windowsill overlooking Bob's Bistro. Barefoot also painted scenes familiar to the Bryants because they have traveled to New Orleans so many times -- the St. Louis Cathedral, the French Quarter and the waterways of New Orleans.

"That was [Barefoot's] proudest work, and she said that to me," Bryant said. "I was lucky to get somebody who is as talented as her, so it did turn out to meet my strongest expectations."

The Big Easy will offer a variety of authentic New Orleans foods. For lunch, diners can savor Po-boy sandwiches stuffed with beef brisket, fried oysters or fried shrimp and Creole sauce, peppers, lettuce and tomatoes. Other options include andouille sausage, jambalaya, soups, salads, bisques and Tobacco Road smoked barbecue. Red beans and rice are served with all sandwiches.

At night, the Big Easy will offer such items as etouffe -- chicken or shrimp covered in a special sauce and celery, onions and bell peppers. Also, the eatery will offer crawfish, gumbo, Cornish hen, smoked brisket, steaks and side items such as creamed corn, okra, tomatoes, turnips and baked potato. A live band will play jazz music during the evenings.

Perhaps the most interesting dinner entree will be one folks can't find anywhere else locally, Bryant said. "I will have alligator meat," he said. "The tail of an alligator is better than any chicken you will ever have. It is succulent."

On Sundays, the Big Easy will serve brunch. "I will have a special champagne brunch with some quiche items, rice or grits and something you don't get every day," Bryant said.

Besides bringing a new taste to Smithfield, Bryant hopes to begin new traditions, such as a Mardi Gras in February, similar to the celebration in New Orleans. "Everybody seems to think it would be a good boost to the downtown," he said.