Finger lickin’ chicken . . . Adolfo “Fito” Garcia and Sophia Petrou, a couple of new, New Orleans restaurateurs from old New Orleans restaurant families recently launched Chi Chi’s Chicken & Beer on Freret Street. Working out of the tiny space once home to (the much-missed) Windowsill Pies, the duo […]
New Orleans Food News: September 2024
As dreamers do … The long-awaited Étoile opened this past summer finally filling the stunning historic mansion left vacant after the closing of Cavan in 2021. Originally from New Orleans, Chef Chris Dupont (of Dupont’s Restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama) returned to his hometown to open Étoile, a “farm-to-table” fine-dining restaurant […]
Marsh House Rum: For More Than a Mojito
The folks at Marsh House Rum, a relatively new Louisiana distillery out on Avery Island, sent me a “sample” of their product. Now when I say sample, I mean a fifth of their signature rum and a fifth of their barrel aged rum. Both are smooth rums with notes of […]
Sophie’s Got a Yellow Citroën
Like anyone, I have ups and downs. Some days are sheer torture while others put an ear-to-ear smile on my face. I’m glad to say, today is one of the latter, and it’s not over yet! This morning I drove out to Gert Town to visit a most talented baker, […]
The Porch: U.S. Representing at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale
Every day (dare I say every hour?) my inbox is flooded with press releases, mostly from local firms touting their clients restaurants proclaiming new menus, wine dinners, summer dishes et al. I also receive PR from national and international companies, again, mostly talking about food or dining trends or, most […]
New Orleans Food News: August 2024
One stop shop? . . . Just as more people were turning on to the hunger-healing eats at Fharmacy (will we ever taste mussels like that again?) the tiny Banks Street spot suddenly closed up shop leaving fans sad and hangry for nearly two years. But just recently, the little […]
Lunch in the Golden Courtyard: The Café at the Collection
A revamped café at the Historic New Orleans Collection offers light fare by favorite local bakeries and eateries – in one of New Orleans’ most beloved courtyards. For those who find themselves unabashedly peering through iron fences to get a glimpse of a private, French Quarter courtyard, several historic buildings […]
New Orleans Food News: July 2024
Cook’s book! . . . Chef Eric Cook has penned his first cookbook, Modern Creole: A Taste of New Orleans Culture and Cuisine published by Gibbs Smith. The book offers a ton of Cook’s signature “Southern, Cajun, and Creole recipes” served with a “side of New Orleans culture” and a […]
Geaux Green
Fresh green salads in New Orleans “guaranteed” to be a better alternative to the dreaded spring mix. Sweltering season is upon us in the Big Easy and the only way to survive involves sno-balls, frequent showers, taking shelter in well-air-conditioned spaces, and eating lots and lots of salads. Getting in […]
Hog Heaven: NOLA Pork Chop Plates
Wallow in the wide, wide world of New Orleans pork chop plates. Breaded, grilled, smothered or fried, there’s no bad way to enjoy a juicy pork chop. It’s a staple at neighborhood restaurants across the country, and for many holds memories of home. Did mom marinate them in garlic and […]
New Orleans Food News – June 2024
Gobbling gluten-free . . . Local chefs and restaurateurs Cara and Evan Benson recently hatched another restaurant in Gretna dubbed the Hen House. Located on Hancock Street, the cinder block space once was the home of Donewar’s Superette, a corner market slinging home made sausages and hot plates since the […]
The Allure of Alligator: From Swamp (to Farm) to Table
The New Orleans’ dining scene sizzles with alligator dishes, mouthwatering bites that capture the essence of Louisiana’s culinary tradition. The American alligator, fondly referred to as a “gator”, is a large reptile native to the southeast United States. Their dark gray or greenish black skin is armored in bony plates, […]