 Chef Nicole Cabrera Mills of New Orleans' Pêche Seafood Grill has been named one of Food & Wine's Best New Chefs of 2024. The honor recognizes Chef Mills as one of the most talented up-and-coming chefs in the country. Food & Wine's Best New Chefs class has shaped the future of American cuisine for some 36 years.
After closing doors at Saint John on Decatur Street in May, Executive Chef and Owner Eric Cook will reopen with an updated lunch and dinner menu, featuring many of the restaurant’s previous top-selling dishes, along with an enhanced daily happy hour. Leading the charge in the kitchen under Cook will be Chef de Cuisine Darren Chabert, who has worked alongside Cook for the last two years, overseeing culinary operations at Gris-Gris, Gris-Gris to Go Go and Saint John. The new location is at 715, St. Charles Avenue. Saint John website
 Chef Alon Shaya and the Shaya Barnett Foundation will host the second benefit dinner for the New Orleans Career Center (NOCC), the city’s hub for career and technical education (CTE). This cause is especially dear to Chef Alon, whose own CTE teacher, Donna Barnett, inspired and encouraged him to discover his passion for cooking, and ultimately inspired the creation of the Shaya Barnett Foundation and their support for NOCC.
The first benefit dinner held in the fall of 2022 raised over $100,000 to equip NOCC’s new Culinary Lab with state-of-the-art kitchen tools and appliances. Funds raised at this year’s event will provide ongoing support for NOCC’s Culinary Arts programming, ensuring that the center can continue to provide valuable training without financial barriers for students. The event will take place at Saba on Monday, September 23 at 6pm, with a four-course family-style menu curated by Chef Alon and NOCC culinary arts students, who developed the dessert course. There will also be signature cocktails and wine pairings. Tickets are $250, and can be purchased on Eventbrite HERE. First Course:
GAME DAY FUN AT VIRGIN HOTELS NEW ORLEANS:BRASS BRUNCH, THEMED COCKTAILS & POST-GAME PARTIES9/3/2024
 Football season is here, and Virgin Hotels New Orleans has a new lineup of events at Commons Club and The Pool Club. Locals and visitors are invited to enjoy delicious food, football-themed cocktails, and entertainment.
Fuel Up at Commons Club In celebration of the first home game, indulge in a spirited Brass Brunch on Sunday, September 8th, with live entertainment. In addition to the regular a la carte menu, Executive Chef Chris Borges has dreamt up a variety of Game Day specials, including: $29 all-you-can-eat Slider Bar (available 9AM – Noon) $45 Bloody Mary Bar $39 Bottomless Mimosa $79 Bottomless Veuve Mimosa $30 Beer Bucket Guests who purchase the all-you-can-eat Slider Bar, will receive a $10 discount on all of the above drink packages. In addition to the bottomless offerings, Lead Bartender Heather Blanchard has crafted a specialty Saints-inspired cocktail menu for the season. Sip on the Hail Mary with Svedka and a house-made bloody mary mix; Halftime Margarita with Sauza, orange liqueur, lime, and agave; Espresso Martini with Svedka, praline and pecan liqueur, and cold brew (contains nuts); the Rookie with Aperol, St. Germain, lemon, and sparkling wine; Touchdown Tea with Russell's Reserve, peach, green tea, and lemon; and the Wild Card — Bartender’s choice of cocktail. During every Sunday home game, Commons Club will also feature DJ entertainment. Post-Game Parties at The Pool Club With a scenic skyline view, The Pool Club is the perfect oasis on the 13th floor, offering killer cocktails, comfortable seating, and light bites. Every home game Sunday, enjoy DJ entertainment from 3PM-7PM and half-off wings. Imbibe in the Malaysian Getaway (frozen) with Henricks, rose, strawberry and lychee, or sip on a Saints-inspired cocktail; the Blitzspresso Martini with Svedka, Borghetti Espresso liqueur, praline and pecan liqueur, and cold brew (contains nuts); or one of the other festive libations. Those looking for a surprise should ask for the Wild Card — Bartender’s choice of cocktail. For further game-day information, click here. Steak house Medium Rare has reopened. The one-choice prix-fixe sizzling Steak Frites experience has reopened. Located at 5538 Magazine Street, near Tulane University, Medium Rare serves its signature menu of award-winning Culotte Steak and Fresh-cut Fries generously drizzled with the restaurant’s Secret Sauce, a mixed green side salad and artisanal bread for $29.95. Second servings on the steak and fries are complimentary.
For the brunch crowd, Medium Rare’s all-inclusive $34.95 Brunch includes bottomless Bloody Marys, Screwdrivers, Mimosas, coffee, sodas and fresh orange juice! You also get a starter of their oven-fresh rustic bread with a choice of a yogurt parfait, farm-fresh fruit salad, or a mixed green salad. Entree choices include their Steak Frites dinner, Medium Rare’s Famous Benedict (steak and portobello mushroom hash, perfect poached eggs, secret sauce hollandaise and fries), The Ultimate American Breakfast Sandwich (steak and choice of eggs, fries, artisanal chorizo sausage served on a French baguette with Medium Rare Secret Sauce and hollandaise); Steak and Eggs, and the house brunch speciality - French Toast and Artisanal Sausage made with their 24-hour soaked French toast recipe! Medium Rare will be open Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday 2:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 2:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday Brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The James Beard Foundation, brings its Taste America culinary series to New Orleans with a walk-around tasting on October 10th, 2024 at 6:30 pm at Sazerac House. The New Orleans walk-around tasting will feature chef Serigne Mbaye from DAKAR NOLA, winner on behalf of the 2024 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant, also recognized as one of the industry’s finest culinary talents and changemakers, as part of the Foundation’s annual class of TasteTwenty chefs. The New Orleans tasting will feature over ten food stations, speciality cocktails, sponsor and partner activations. Participating chefs include:
● Chef Serigne Mbaye of James Beard Award Winner DAKAR NOLA ● Chef Martha Wiggins of Café Reconcile, James Beard Award Semifinalist ● Chef Charly Pierre of Fritai, James Beard Award Semifinalist ● Chef Sophina Uong of Mister Mao, James Beard Award Semifinalist, and James Beard Foundation Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Program and Chef Bootcamp for Policy and Change alumnae ● Chef EJ Lagasse of Emeril’s, James Beard Award Semifinalist ● Chef Nikki Mills of James Beard Award Winner Pêche ● Chef Marlon Williams of Chicken’s Kitchen, James Beard Award Semifinalist ● Chef Tom Branighan of Mamou ● Chef Edgar Caro of Brasa ● Chef Kaitlin Guerin of Lagniappe Baking Co. Proceeds from Taste America events benefit the James Beard Foundation’s national impact programming in support of equity, sustainability, women’s leadership, and a future where all can thrive in the culinary industry and beyond. Tickets for the Taste America New Orleans event are now on sale. For more information, visit jamesbeard.org/tasteamerica. FRIDAY, AUGUST 30 - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
Gear up for the largest LGBTQ party in New Orleans when Southern Decadence descends upon the Crescent City this Labor Day Weekend. From festive date night dinners at queer-owned restaurants to Burlesque Brunches, visitors will have no shortage of great dining and entertainment all weekend long. Decadence Date Night at Queer-Owned Alma Café Located in the Bywater neighborhood just a stone’s throw from the French Quarter, Alma Cafe is a must-visit restaurant during Southern Decadence. Owned and operated by the talented and queer James Beard semi-finalist Chef Melissa Araujo, the menu at Alma Cafe highlights Chef Melissa’s culinary prowess and celebrates the diverse flavors of Honduras. Visitors can enjoy hearty dishes like Baleadas, Pollo Chuco, Carne Asada, Platano Maduro, Pupusas, and Marmahon. Alma has its roots deeply entrenched in Honduran tradition and celebrates the Central American culture, food, and music Araujo grew up with. Alma Cafe also offers a creative cocktail and coffee program. Just in time for Southern Decadence, Alma will begin Friday Night Dinner, making it the perfect perch for a decadent date night. Alma Cafe is located at 800 Louisa Street, New Orleans, LA 70117. https://eatalmanola.com/ Tujagues Tujague’s is the place to fuel up before the Southern Decadence parade! The second-oldest restaurant in New Orleans and the birthplace of brunch and the Grasshopper cocktail, Tujague’s offers modern Creole cuisine and innovative libations served up in a four-story space complete with private dining rooms and courtyard seating in the French Quarter. While celebrating Southern Decadence, enjoy creative and classic dishes under the direction of Executive Chef Gus Martin like the Shrimp Crêpes — two crêpes filled with herb goat cheese, with Gulf shrimp in a rich béchamel sauce; Gulf Fish Almandine with citrus butter sauce, haricot vert, and toasted almonds; and Shrimp and Grits — pan-seared Gulf shrimp, New Orleans-style BBQ sauce, and stone ground grits. Tujague’s is located at 429 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA 70130. https://tujaguesrestaurant.com/ Virgin Hotels New Orleans Virgin Hotels New Orleans — the lifestyle and boutique hotel is celebrating Southern Decadence with an array of weekend activities: Friday, August 30th Bling it On with Halloween New Orleans Virgin Hotels New Orleans is teaming up with Halloween New Orleans for an ultimate Southern Decadence party — Bling it On. On Friday, August 30th, visitors are invited to slay the night away inside Dreamboat from 6PM-10PM. Delight in perfectly crafted cocktails with Skyy Vodka while turning up the volume with beats by a local DJ. You can watch, but you can't touch, as the Drag Queens dazzle up the rooftop with electrifying performances by Debbie with a D and Wontonya Dumpling. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite. Saturday, August 31st I Beg Your Parton Drag & Burlesque Brunch Put on your dancing boots and head to Commons Club for its Dolly Parton drag and burlesque brunch by Trixie Minx Productions. Enjoy a two-course boozy brunch by Executive Chef Chris Borges for $40 per person from 10AM - 2PM. The queens aren't the only ones serving, so bring your appetite and indulge in delicious brunch bites at Commons Club. Show times are 10:30 AM and 1PM. Reservations can be made on OpenTable. Saturday, August 31st Bootstraps and Buckles Giddy up and enjoy the best day time pool party with live entertainment and specialty cocktails at The Pool Club from 12PM- 6PM. Whether you're heading to Caesars Superdome to catch Eric Church, or just along to enjoy the vibes - you're going to want to round up the krewe for this one. Admission is free without pool access, and $60 with pool pass inclusion. Tickets can be purchased on SevenRooms. Sunday, September 1st Fruit Salad Party Sashay your way to The Pool Club after the Southern Decadence parade for a Sunday splash at Fruit Salad, a LGBTQIA+ pool party with the hottest DJ turning to the juiciest beats from 12PM - 6PM. Admission is free without pool access, and $60 with pool pass inclusion. Tickets can be purchased on SevenRooms. Monday, September 2nd Strut Southern Decadence Tea Dance Deryck Todd is bringing The Big Apple to Crescent City! Visitors can enjoy incredible DJs, live entertainment, and mesmerizing burlesque that will ignite your spirit. The party will be hosted by Dylan Joel and Mint Fuel with London Manchester as the MC. Groove to the beats of Tristan Dufrene while enjoying spectacular shows by Beaujangless, Qween Quan, Siren, Brigitte Bandit, Otto Von Blotto, and Tarah Cards. Headlining the show will be Ru Paul's Drag race season 13 winner SYMONE. Ticket prices range from $25-$55 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. For more information on all Southern Decadence happening at Virgin Hotels New Orleans, visit https://virginhotels.com/new-orleans/southern-decadence/. Virgin Hotels is located at 550 Baronne Street, New Orleans, LA 70113. https://virginhotels.com Tujague's, the second oldest restaurant in New Orleans, is excited to celebrate the summer season with an elegant rosè themed three-course lunch. Visitors can indulge in classic Creole cuisine while sipping on specially priced sparkling or still rosè. The curated rosè menu will feature sparkling bottle options like NV Schramsberg Vineyard "Mirabelle" Brut Rosè, Bouvet Rose Excellence Brut Saumur, and Mumm Brut Rose, along with still varietals which include VillaViva Cotes de Thau Carignon, G.D. Vajra "Rosa Bella" Vino Rosato, Murgo Etna Rosato DOC, Castello di Ama "Purple Rose," and Division Winemaking Company/Division-Villages "L'Avoiron." Purchasing by-the-glass is also available for $12.
Thoughtfully crafted, the lunch menu will offer guests classic dishes along with seasonal favorites. Priced at $48 per person (excluding beverages); the menu follows: First Course (choice of..) Chicken & Andouille Sausage Gumbo,. Compressed Watermelon Salad Second Course (choice of..) Gulf Fish Almandine, BBQ Shrimp & Grits, Grilled Hanger Steak, Pan-roasted Chicken Breast Third Course (choice of..) Bread pudding or Crème Brûlée, Strawberry Rosé Sabayon Guests are encouraged to dress the part and "think pink" for this fantastic celebration! WHEN/WHERE: Tujague’s Rosè All Day Lunch will take place on Friday, August 23rd, from 11AM to 2:30PM. Reservations can be made on OpenTable or by calling (504) 525-8676. Tujague’s is located in the French Quarter at 429 Decatur Street.  Porgy’s seafood classes are back for a second semester! Their classes are educational and packed with fun for locals + visitors alike to learn everything from knife work to preparing raw dishes with a variety of seafood. Classes are from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm and tickets (book here) include beer, wine, and class-related snacks.
 In honor of National Oyster Day on Monday, August 5th, two NOLA gems are showcasing phenomenal oyster offerings during the seafood holiday— Alma Cafe and Osteria Lupo.
ALMA CAFE: Head to the Bywater neighborhood and savor Ostras Magnolia at Alma Cafe. Helmed by Executive Chef/Owner Melissa Araujo, who was recently named a semifinalist for James Beard: Best Chef South 2024, the Ostras Magnolia features Mississippi Oysters served with Alma Cafe’s famed tropical vignette. Whether you’re a longtime oyster lover or a curious foodie, Alma Cafe promises an unforgettable dining experience. OSTERIA LUPO: In honor of National Oyster Day, Osteria Lupo, the wildly popular Italian restaurant by Chef Brian Burns and Reno De Ranieri, will highlight the Wood-Fired Oysters with Calabrian chili, garlic, and focaccia. The restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity ensures that each bite is one to delight the palate. |
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