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News for Restaurants in New Orleans
August 2014 Archive

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RESTAURANT NEWS

Openings

For much of last year, French Quarter residents battled over whether restaurant developer Sean Meenan should be allowed to renovate an abandoned building and open a high-profile restaurant and bar. The building anchors one full corner of the French Quarter, and has been vacant for more than 30 years. Meenan operates Cafe Habana restaurants in Brooklyn, Malibu and and New York City, and wanted to make New Orleans his fourth location. Neighbors balked at potential traffic and noise problems since the building is located in a residential area. Meenan finally withdrew his proposal to develop the building. Now, Meenan has come back with a scaled-down version of his original build-out plan, in hopes that the City Council and local residents will approve the compromise, which calls for fewer seats and a smaller venue. Cafe Habana is known for authentic Cuban cuisine. Cafe Habana, 1310 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, no phone.
 

News Bytes

Del Fuego Taqueria Adds Lunch Service
Following a successful opening just a few months ago, Del Fuego Taqueria is now open for lunch. Previously a dinner-only Mexican restaurant, Del Fuego Taqueria will offer the same menu at lunch and dinner. Already known for its high energy, fun atmosphere, Del Fuego features indoor and outdoor patio seating, and Mexican fare such as duck enchiladas, carne asada, tacos and a variety of margaritas. Del Fuego Taqueria, 4518 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70115, 504-309-5797.
 
Le Foret Debuts Lunch Service
Le Foret, the elegant fine dining spot in the heart of the Central Business District, is now open for lunch on Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Until now, the restaurant has offered only dinner service. Look for appetizers including fried truffle mac and cheese squares and pulled pork sliders. Entrées will include such dishes as seared beef tenderloin and Parmesan-crusted oyster salad. Chef Brandon Felder will also offer a three-course prix-fixe menu for $27. Le Foret, 129 Camp St., New Orleans, LA 70130, 504-553-6738.
 
Bombay Club On the Move
After decades of doing business in the Prince Conti Hotel in the French Quarter, Bombay Club is moving to a new location in the Chateau LeMoyne Hotel, just blocks away. The new space is bigger and will have a private entrance so guests will not have to go through the hotel to access the dining room. The Bombay Club is known for its extensive martini menu (including the signature "Skinny Chocolate Mocha-tini") as well as for great local jazz. The new space has the same softly lit, clubby atmosphere as the original. Dinner nightly. Bombay Club, Prince Conti Hotel, 830 Conti St., New Orleans, LA 70112, 504-586-0972.
 
We Live to Eat Restaurant Week Returns September 8-14
The fourth annual We Live to Eat Restaurant Week in New Orleans will feature two-course, prix-fixe lunches (under $20) and three-course, prix-fixe dinners (under $39) at participating restaurants. For more information, visit www.welivetoeatnola.com/restaurant-week-2014/
 
Coolinary New Orleans Returns August 1-31
Once again this year, the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau has announced August to be "Coolinary New Orleans" month. Throughout the month of August, local restaurants will offer two- or three-course lunches for $20 and three-course dinners for $35. Among the participants this year are Brigtsen's, Muriel's Jackson Square, Restaurant R'evolution and many more. Reservations are advised, especially on weekends. For more information, visit www.coolinaryneworleans.com
 

Chef Shuffle

Any time Adolfo Garcia opens a new restaurant in New Orleans, it is big news to local citizens. Garcia, who counts the long-running, but recently shuttered, Rio Mar and La Boca among his collection of restaurants will reportedly open a new place in central city at 1800 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. The neighborhood, long underdeveloped and not terribly safe, is in the middle of a commercial renaissance, including the Southern Food and Beverage Museum. Garcia has not released details of his new restaurant concept or a projected opening date. La Boca, 870 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans, LA 70130, 504-525-8205.
 

Closings

CLOSED FOR GOOD
Take your taste buds on a walk down memory lane! Check out our exclusive closed restaurant database for New Orleans to virtually visit your favorite dining spots from the past. Dominique's, R.I.P.

Crescent Pie & Sausage, a favorite mid-city casual dining spot, has closed. Although the restaurant did a respectable volume of business, the owners have decided to concentrate their efforts in another part of town. The Tulane Avenue corridor, home to the massive new LSU Medical Complex, is ripe for casual eateries, and owner Jeff Baron intends to take full advantage of the impending groundswell of business. Baron and his chef Bart Bell will open Crescent Plate, serving lunch only. With construction on the new hospital complex moving rapidly, the long stretch of Tulane Avenue is expected to become a high-traffic area in the coming months. The pair will operate a catering company out of the same location. Crescent Pie & Sausage, 4400 Banks St., New Orleans, LA 70119, no phone.
 

CULINARY EVENTS
Want to learn to cook
? Try new dishes? Meet a foodie friend for fun? Check out our compilation of culinary events in your area.


View our calendar of Wine Dinners & Tastings in New Orleans

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