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 hefty dram of visual aperitifs courtesy of New Orleans-based photographer Sam Hanna. Cookbook lovers can expect approximately 120 New Orleans-style food and drink recipes with Cook’s signature presentations including chicken gizzard grillades, Creole beef daube, and spiced sweet potato beignets. Modern Creole’s release date is coming up soon on September 17th, 2024 so be sure to pre-order now to get while the getting’s good!
grisgrisnola.com/merchandise/ols/products/preorder-modern-creole-a-taste-of-new-orleans-culture-and-cuisine
A Taste of the Divine . . . Chef Julio Machado, the creative behind Tacos del Cartel and Como Arepas, has launched an new brunch destination dubbed Origen Venezuelan Bistro. Located on the corner of Congress and St. Claude, the eatery has taken shape in the Bywater building which formerly housed Luna Libre. Machado has tapped into his Venezuelan heritage with Origen’s unique menu featuring cachapas (maize flour pancakes), crispy stuffed arepitas, asado negro (round steak braised in a sweet and savory sauce) and empanadas.
3600 St. Claude Ave., (504) 381-4245, @bistro_origen
Sliced at The Market . . . The Marigny food hall St. Roch Market has a new stand Roch & Claude serving up delicatessen-style sandwiches and salads created by local chef and restaurateur Tung Nguyen. Your next lunch could be an Italian sub or turkey and Swiss, a bag of Zapp’s and a Barq’s. The deli also features some serious salads, from a Southern Caesar’s with cornbread croutons to a chopped Italian and a classic Wedge. Nguyen also owns Slow & Pho, a Vietnamese spot that’s another recent addition to the Market. At this rate, we can only hope Nguyen will keep bringing it to the Market!
2831 St. Claude Ave., roch-and-claude.square.site
Cooling the Causeway . . . Mandeville recently upped their sweet factor with the recent launch of Nostalgia Mexican Ice Cream. Located in the shiny new strip mall just across from La Carretta’s, Nostalgia is a cool creamy dream spot for summer sufferers looking to escape the heat. Madevillians (and visitors) can enjoy everything from cinnamony horchata ice cream and raspado (the Mexican version of a sno-ball) to fruit-laden agua fresca and mango paletas.
1200 W. Causeway Approach, Ste. 10, Mandeville, @nostalgia_mxice
Serving it up old-school . . . Brocato’s Kitchen, a classic New Orleans po-boy shop, recently opened on Broad Street in a location that’s seen everything from grilled cheese sandwiches to Ethiopian food. It’s a place serving up beloved local basics including homemade roast beef and hot sausage po-boys, chicken and sausage gumbo, fried catfish and shrimp baskets, and seafood stuffed bell peppers. They also offer daily lunch specials like red beans and rice with a pork chop or smoked sausage (on Mondays, of course), and spaghetti and meatballs.
422 Broad St., @brocatoskitchen_nola
Are you cereus? . . . Joaquin Rodas, the brilliance behind Bacchanal, has done it yet again with the Nightbloom Bar. The new, late-night bar located in Bywater across Clouet Street from Galaxie Tacos has transformed the old Korner Market into something a whole lot bougier. Honing in on that craft cocktail vibe, Nightbloom offers concoctions like “An Old Pal from NYC” made with rye, campari, byrrh (an aromatised, wine-based apéritif made of red wine, mistelle, and quinine), and dry vermouth. We only have one question – aren’t most New Orleans’ bars late-night, dare we say all-night, or was there a last-call law enacted when we weren’t looking?
3100 St. Claude St., @nightbloombar
*Article originally published in the July 2024 issue of Where Y’at Magazine
