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News for Restaurants in New Orleans
April 2010 Archive

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RESTAURANT NEWS

Openings

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News Bytes

Chef Emeril Lagasse as Talk Show Host? Only on the ION Network
New Orleanians are all abuzz about Emeril Lagasse’s new television program, “The Emeril Lagasse Show,” on the ION network. Lagasse, who is no stranger to television, and whose charisma and skill has kept him on TV for years, debuted his new show recently with his first guest, business partner Martha Stewart. The new show features a live band, Dave Koz and the Kozmos. The format that combines food show and variety show, with musical numbers, sports figures, and some of the best chefs in the world. Scheduled guests over the coming weeks include actor Bryan Batt (a New Orleans native who recently left AMC’s “Mad Men”), New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (also a New Orleanian), Food Network Chef Mario Batali, actress Jennie Garth, Project Runway’s Tim Gunn and American Idol Bo Bice. Every show will have a theme, according to the network. Say it with us now: “BAM! Emeril's, 800 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans, LA 70130, 504-528-9393.
 
Domenica Honors Post-tax Day Pocketbooks with Half-price Specials
Now that tax day has passed, Domenica is offering cash-strapped diners a real break. Every day, from 3 p.m.- 5 p.m., all pizzas, cocktails, wine of the day and Prosecco (Italian sparkling wine) are offered at half price.  Since opening its doors in New Orleans, Domenica has become known citywide for its pizzas, particularly the Pizze Calabresa, with olives, spicy salami, mozzarella and capers. Other pizzas include the meatless Margherita, with tomato, basil and fresh mozzarella, and the spicy lamb meatball pizza with ricotta and mint. The unique Gorgonzola pizza features figs and pecans. All pizzas are baked in a special wood-burning oven. Domenica, The Roosevelt New Orleans, 123 Baronne St., New Orleans, LA 70112, 504-648-6020.
 
New Spring menu at Vega Tapas Cafe
Chef Glen Hogh of Vega Tapas Café has done it again. Hogh’s new spring menu just came out, featuring an assortment of tapas and raciones (full portions). The new collection is Hogh’s largest menu ever, featuring such delights as Apilado de Langosta, butter-poached lobster stacked with avocado and Creole tomato. Also on the new menu: slow-roasted Moroccan ribs, and carne de vaca – rare grilled beef over sun-dried tomato cous cous. Vegans will enjoy the new espárragos a la plancha, grilled asparagus with roasted peppers. For his shrimp dishes, Hogh uses jumbo gulf shrimp – the gambas en el buñuelo is the most full-flavored of these dishes, featuring shrimp with tomatoes and garlic in caper basil cream. Vega Tapas Café still features half-price bottles of wine on Mon., and on Wed., all wines by the glass are priced at $5 all evening. On Tues., the restaurant features its Tapas Twos-days special, with a selection of tapas for just $2 each. Vega Tapas Cafe, 2051 Metairie Rd., Metairie, LA 70005, 504-836-2007.
 
Muriel's Debuts Pre-Theatre Menu
Muriel’s Jackson Square debuted its pre-theatre menu in April and it is quite a deal. The new pre-theatre menu caters to patrons who are attending performances at Le Petite Theatre du Vieux Carré just across the street, The Mahalia Jackson Center for the Performing Arts, adjacent to the French Quarter, the nearby Southern Repertory Theatre, and Le Chat Noir, New Orleans' popular cabaret in the Central Business District. The table d’hôte menu, attractively priced at $24.95, includes choice of appetizers, entrées and desserts. For those who regularly patronize Muriel’s, rest assured Chef Gus Martin’s wood grilled pork chop with Louisiana sugar cane apple glaze is on the menu, as is the locally beloved pain perdu bread pudding with rum sauce. Mark your calendars for May: “Grey Gardens” is on the main stage at Le Petite May 6–23. And Southern Rep presents “The Piano Teacher,” May 9–30. Sounds like a delicious month. Muriel's Jackson Square, 801 Chartres St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504-568-1885.
 
Chef John Besh to Premiere his Own Cooking Show
Chef John Besh (Restaurant August, Luke, The Besh Steak House at Harrah's, etc.) has been taping a 26-episode cooking series, “Chef John Besh’s New Orleans.” The series will be shown on New Orleans’ WYES-TV next year, and then on national public television stations. Each half-hour episode will draw from Chef Besh’s recently published cookbook, “My New Orleans: 200 of My Favorite Recipes and Stories from My Hometown.” Look for insights on Besh’s unique interpretations of regional fare, his cooking techniques and personal memories from a glorious childhood in Southern Louisiana. This is one of the most elegantly produced New Orleans cookbooks to hit the shelves in a very long time. Besh’s recipes are designed for home cooks, as well as for the pampered guests who frequent his restaurants. The lush color photos truly capture the spirit of the city and the outlying areas. Watch this space for updates about premiere dates for the show. Restaurant August, 301 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans, LA 70130, 504-299-9777.
 

Chef Shuffle

Last year’s news that longtime Cuvée chef Bob Iacovone was stepping down to focus more on his family and the nearby Spanish restaurant, Rambla, came as a shock to many New Orleanians. Iacovone was one of the first chefs to begin feeding the masses just weeks after the 2005 hurricanes. Kristen Olsen, who took Iacovone’s place recently decided to move on to new opportunities, and Cuvee has announced the appointment of Isaac Toups as the new executive chef. Toups is a veteran of the Emeril’s restaurant group, having worked for years at Emeril’s and Emeril’s Delmonico. At those high profile restaurants, Toups became known for his subtle use of seasonings and sauces, a talent he has brought with him to Cuvee. CuvĂ©e, St. James Hotel, 322 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 71030, 504-587-9001.
 

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.

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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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