Dining

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.

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.

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!

Lodgings... with Libations

by Brenda Maitland

October 27, 2014

New Orleans has been named one of the best bar cities in the U.S., and why not?! Just in the past few months (October 2, 2014) the Washington Post's cocktail columnist, M. Carrie Allan, described New Orleans as "one of the finest cities in America to drink in."

In addition to the city's "top dining destination" declaration by numerous internationally circulated publications, the Big Easy is on the radar of country-hopping travel writers who are always looking for the best experiences to share with readers.

Reveillon Revival

by Brenda Maitland

October 27, 2014

Reflecting New Orleans' Culinary Heritage

New Orleans, always noted for dining-and-wining revelry, peaks during the holiday season, and especially when coinciding with major events such as New Year's Eve, Sugar Bowl festivities, Mardi Gras and other exciting occasions.

Chef Spotlight: Chef Nick Gile

by Brenda Maitland

October 27, 2014

Chef Nathan "Nick" Gile is likely the only chef in New Orleans to begin his culinary career in Portland, Maine, and at age 14. So on two counts this guy knew very early what he was put on this earth to do.

Chef Spotlight: Chris Lusk, Chef De Cuisine At Restaurant R'evolution

by Cheryl Lemoine

July 28, 2014

Chris Lusk's career has spanned an eclectic range of culinary experiences - from an externship in an Irish hotel and time as a sous chef cooking Tex" Mex under Stephen Pyles at Star Canyon in Dallas, to creating Asian cuisine in Florida and Italian under Mario Batali at Otto Enoteca in New York.

Tastefully Done

by Cheryl Lemoine

July 28, 2014

In a city that relishes its relics and shuns change (even minute modifications are often met with disdain!), the New Orleans food culture continues to undergo a metamorphosis, much like that of other great food destinations. While many of the grande dames of the Quarter, such as Antoine's, Galatoire's and Arnaud's, continue to maintain their noble stature, others are handing over the reigns, while others are simply calling it quits. Fortunately, the old adage "when one door closes, another door opens" holds true for the culinary industry, too.