Brenda Maitland

Chef Profile: Tariq Hanna, Salon by Sucre

August 04, 2015

From a chef’s savory, culinary beginnings to a hugely successful, “sweets” streak along with a return to savory cuisine, Salon by Sucre’s virtuoso Chef Tariq Hanna displays his brilliance and resourcefulness at every turn.

Born in Nigeria and educated in England, Hariq came to the U.S. to pursue studies on track for an architectural career. However, fate had other plans. Instead, Hariq found himself in culinary school. For the next 20 years he enjoyed a thriving career in the culinary arts in Detroit before moving to New Orleans.

Fresh, French Quarter Dining!

by Brenda Maitland

August 04, 2015

Every old place is new again!

The French Quarter, made up of aged historic buildings displaying the Old World architecture from different cultures, often morph into new dining, entertainment and other venues. The exterior and even interior may be familiar, but the attraction is something new. Following are four new restaurants in historic places, each presenting new adventures in dining.

New Orleans: Showcase of the Stars

by Brenda Maitland

May 04, 2015

New Orleans is not really a show-off kind of town.

The fun here flows quite naturally. We authentically celebrate our heritage, our cultures, our cuisines, our music, our history, and our legendary local characters from every walk of life whom have passed this way.

Yet it is in this season when the town gets the urge to brag and show off just a little bit. We are truly blessed with an embarrassment of riches right now.

Chef Spotlight: Neal Swidler

by Brenda Maitland

May 04, 2015

Broussard's, one of the French Quarter's premiere French and Creole restaurants, is nearing its first centennial anniversary. With the establishment's spectacular physical renovation in 2013, Broussard's continues to offer decadent dining in sophisticated settings amid an alluring ambiance.

In command of the kitchen, Executive Chef Neal Swidler creates memorable culinary experiences for guests with the freshest, finest ingredients available and the knowledge and background acquired over a 20-year career at the executive level in some of the most acclaimed kitchens in the area.

Time Out for Brunch!

by Brenda Maitland

May 04, 2015

Dining out in New Orleans is always a treat for locals and visitors alike. A late breakfast or hearty brunch is a popular way to get the day started, whether followed by work, meetings, shopping, mild exercise or whatever. Or a long brunch, accompanied by cocktails, is also in the cards for enjoying a special event, such as "Sunday," meeting new friends, or just being in New Orleans.

If brunch is on your schedule, or even if it's not, here are some very fine places among our favorite French Quarter eateries to find a welcome repast.

Summer Rum Fun!

by Brenda Maitland

May 04, 2015

Rum! The spirit that is a seasonal favorite, no matter what the weather. In the winter, we sip rum hot toddies to keep us warm and in the summer, we have Planters Punch and Tiki drinks to refresh and cool us down!

Sutton Galleries: 100 Years and Counting

by Brenda Maitland

May 04, 2015

The premier Sutton Galleries, one of New Orleans' longest running art galleries, celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Founded in 1915 by Jack Sutton, an art lover with a vision, the gallery is now in its fourth generation of Sutton family ownership.

For more than a century, the Sutton family has offered years of experience dealing in fine art. The gallery offers original oil paintings, as well as limited editions which are hand-embellished by the artist.

Seasonal Showcase!

by Brenda Maitland

February 05, 2015

New Orleans is a community completely capable of performing several complicated but entertaining tasks simultaneously.

At this time of year, while staging the Greatest Free Show on Earth, which is the annual Carnival spectacle, the City can also present a brilliant live theatre season, set a great dinner table at any of a multitude of fine restaurants (more about that later!), host innumerable conventions, and mount a festival line-up that is the envy of cities around the world.

Chef Spotlight: Executive Chef Corey Jacobs

by Brenda Maitland

February 05, 2015

Corey Jacobs was born to cook! It may have taken the New Orleans native awhile to fully understand the power of his kitchen-calling, but once he knew, he went with it!

Now the executive chef at Desire Oyster Bar in the Royal Sonesta New Orleans, Jacobs initially got into the restaurant biz because he needed extra money for the upcoming birth of his first child. He took a second job at night as a dishwasher in a restaurant and was fascinated by the goings-on around him.

Casual Dining, at Its Best!

by Brenda Maitland

February 05, 2015

In a city where revelers engage in non-stop partying and celebrations, where one event seems to just roll event into another, guests and locals alike need to be prepared for the onslaught of wall-to-wall activities with the French Quarter acting as party-central.

After all, who wants to miss a parade, an incredible club performance, Happy Hour at a favorite watering hole, the pop-up band on the next street corner that sounds sooo good, and so many more spontaneous attractions!

Balancing Revelry with Respite

by Brenda Maitland

February 05, 2015

So, it's both Carnival and festival season in New Orleans' French Quarter. Well. Isn't it pretty much, all year 'round?! Sure feels like it: marching bands, street parades, people spilling out of bars and clubs, performers on every corner, and in everyone's hand"... a "geaux" cup!