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News for Restaurants in New Orleans
July 2013 Archive

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RESTAURANT NEWS

Openings

The former manager of Dante's Kitchen, Neil McClure has opened McClure's Barbecue in Uptown New Orleans. McClure, with a long history of working in fine dining, has followed his dream and opened a straightforward "smokehouse" with slow-cooked ribs, brisket, chicken, sausage and the makings for pulled pork. Meats can be ordered by the piece, or by weight. McClure's features six different sauces. Insider's Tip: The owner plans to start a Tuesday night tradition soon --- pay one price and enjoy all-you-can-eat meats and sides, family style. Lunch & Dinner, Wed.-Sun. McClure's Barbecue, 4800 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70115, 504-301-2367.
 
If there was one thing missing in the French Quarter, it was a rum bar and a tropical-themed restaurant. Enter Cane & Table, which bills itself as a craft cocktail destination, but doubles as a restaurant serving itsems such as ropa vieja, platina dumplings and whole grilled fish. The most creative drinks are all rum-based, but mixed with unexpected ingredients, such as tawny port and coconut water, or specialty liqueurs. If high-quality rums and jerk-seasoned meats sound tempting, this is your place. Dinner nightly. Cane & Table, 1113 Decatur St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504-581-1112.
 
The culinary renaissance on the edge of Lake Pontchartrain is in full swing with the recent opening of The Blue Crab Restaurant & Oyster Bar. The Blue Crab is the most recent restaurant to open along a stretch of the lakefront that was decimated during the 2005 hurricanes, wiping out a number of popular seafood houses. This one is operated by the same family that once operated Sid-Mar's, a popular restaurant that was destroyed after operating for four decades in the area. Look for mostly boiled and fried seafood at the new restaurant, although the menu also features steaks and some traditional New Orleans dishes, including red beans and rice and shrimp Creole. The restaurant is highly elevated, and eventually will feature a full dock for boaters who cross the lake to have a meal at The Blue Crab. The dock is expected to be ready by the end of this year. Lunch & Dinner, Tues.-Sun. The Blue Crab Restaurant & Oyster Bar, 7900 Lakeshore Dr., New Orleans, LA 70124, 504-284-2898.
 

News Bytes

Victory for Food Trucks
Following a long, often-contentious battle to make it easier to operate a food truck in New Orleans, the New Orleans City Council passed a new ordinance favorable to food truck owners. The new ordinance follows the failure of a highly restrictive ordinance that was vetoed by New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. The previously-proposed ordinance included heavy restrictions that would not allow trucks to be near brick-and-mortar restaurants. The newly-passed ordinance authorizes a total of 100 permits for food trucks, and allows food trucks to operate independently or as a franchise. Trucks will be allowed to serve at one location for up to four hours at a time, although there are allowances to franchised trucks to be able to operate for longer periods at designated areas.
 

Chef Shuffle

Serendipity, the eclectic mid-city restaurant, has lost its original chef, Chris Debarr, who cited "creative differences" as the reason. The new chef, Gabriel Beard, introduced an entirely new menu in an effort to lift the profile and the volume of business at the eatery. Beard's menu runs the gamut from traditional grilled Gulf fish with citrus butter to cherry-smoked chicken with tomato jam. The previous menu focused on small plates, but the owners found the concept was not profitable. Beard is known to many locals for the years he spent at The Delachaise restaurant in Uptown New Orleans. Dinner Mon.-Sat., Brunch Sun. Serendipity, 3700 Orleans Ave., New Orleans, LA 70125, 504-407-0818.
 

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.

Following highly-publicized family squabbles and mounting financial debt, the venerable Brennan's Restaurant closed its doors on June 28. The closing is locally regarded as temporary, since Ralph Brennan, a cousin of the owners, says he will reopen the property in the near future. Brennan, who has not revealed whether the restaurant will reopen with the same menu, concept and staff, is a partner in the company that purchased the property in May at a public auction. Prior to the auction there was heavy in-fighting among the family that owned the restaurant. One of them, Pip Brennan, has filed suit through Federal court to get the restaurant back or to reopen it at another location. Brennan's had been in business since 1946 and was highly regarded as a tourist destination for "Breakfast at Brennan's" and for its 35,000-bottle wine cellar. Brennan's, 417 Royal St., New Orleans, LA 70130, 504-525-9711.
 

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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