When even chef Emeril Lagasse says the summer’s been tough, it’s been a real monster. “One of the toughest we’ve experienced in a long, long time,” said the James Beard award-winning celebrity chef. Even so, he sees hope. “We are still having restaurant growth,” said the chef. “Maybe not so much fine dining, but restaurants are opening.”
An Emeril alum brings seafood boils and bourbon to Lakeview
Boil and Barrel will open soon in the old Outpost 45/Mondo space in Lakeview at 900 Harrison Avenue. David McCelvey, once a chef with Lagasse’s company, is a partner in the business. McCelvey ran the Uptown seafood spot Frankie & Johnny’s for the past decade. Besides the boiled seafood, as the name implies, there will be fried seafood and po’ boys, raw oysters, chilled seafood, and grilled fish and meats. And, of course, a burger. The barrel offers a vast selection of bourbon, alongside a variety of beer on tap and in cans. If the stars align, look for an opening by the end of the month.
Poolside bites from chef Sophina Uong
Chef-owner Sophina Uong brings Mister Mao’s unapologetically inauthentic roadhouse flavors to the pool menu at the Maidstone New Orleans. She’s an operating partner in the business at 3522 Tulane Avenue, which includes 18 renovated rooms and suites, a sparkling saltwater pool, a bar brimming with tropical cocktails and poolside bites like the Cambodian pork tostada with fish sauce, a little gem salad with peanuts, coconut, and hot chili — and even the swanky option of caviar, crème fraiche and Zapp’s. Regular DJs, live music, and themed parties complete the scene.
Two Middle Eastern restaurants are new to the scene, with one already open and the other coming later this month. The Pita Paradise Mediterranean Grill is new at 4701 Freret Street, taking over the Kolache Kitchen corner. Kababs, shawarma, gyro, and all the usual homemade spreads and dips anchor the menu.
Café Levant, from the family behind Mona’s Café, is hoping for a late August opening in Mid-City at 4641 South Carrollton Avenue. The menu includes items like fatayer, a Lebanese-style savory hand pie filled with spinach, cheese, or meat.
The pizza trend continues
If it seems like New Orleans pizza has been creating a buzz lately, it’s true. Now, Il Suprema in Old Metairie joins heavy hitters like Zee’s Pizzeria, St. Pizza, and Nighthawk Napoletana in upping the pie game. Hufft Marchand Hospitality is behind the pizzeria, the latest in a portfolio that includes Junior’s on Harrison, Barcar, and Gail’s Fine Ice Cream; and Overpass Merchant and Curbside Burgers in Baton Rouge. Located at 619 Pink Street, the company’s office and commissary kitchen, Il Suprema was Nick Huft’s passion project. What started as a Sunday pop-up is now open Wednesday through Sunday, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. There’s pasta too, besides the likes of pies like the Showbiz Kid, lashed with stracciatella and spreadable ’nduja for added spice.
Jamaican Jerk House expands
More good news in Metairie. Jamaican Jerk House is expanding from its original location in Bywater to Metairie. Owners Jackie Diaz and chef Richard Rose are readying a second location across from Target in Metairie, planning to open later this month. The couple brings two inspirations to the plate. Rose was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and is known for his brilliant jerk seasoning and slow and low roasted oxtails in gravy. His first-generation Cuban American wife is a natural cook and radiates hospitality.
Brown Butter Southern Kitchen and Bar served its brand of Southern comfort fare in Mid-City from 2015 to 2023. Simon Beck, one of the original partners, recently reopened the business as Brown Butter Depot at the station in Old Gretna, across from the Saturday farmer’s market. Lauren Clayton, a day-one employee in Mid-City, is now a co-owner. Chef Devin Alvarado oversees a menu focused on burgers and sandwiches, with weekend brunch items coming into the mix later this month.
An eclectic spot in Mid-City
Finally, the former Fharmacy space at 2540 Bank Street has new life with Hot & Soul, an eclectic spot bringing an international fusion menu to Mid-City. Think a loose meat burger with chili sauce, veggie curry, pork lumpia, and beef stroganoff. For those still missing Fharmacy, the adored Fharmacy burger lives on from chef Nhat Nguyen at his brother’s restaurant Pho Parish in Chalmette.
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