A Few Hot Dining Deals to Beat The Damned Heat

 

An enthusiastic cook at heart, as August rolls around I want nothing to do with the heat boiling in my kitchen. These days I am prone to skipping meals altogether or I might just pick them up at Made (aka Simone’s) Market (8201 Oak St., Suite 2), a hyper local market with plenty of area produce,  an extensive selection of grab and go meals, a well curated wine selection, and a changing roster of on-site events to engage customers.  Every Thursday brings a different pop-up. Tonight it’s dinner and dessert from 5-7 p.m. when the store will offer free samples of new wines including Fable Chardonnay, L’Oliveto Rose of Pinot Noir, Chateau Croix de Reverdi Haut-Medoc 2015, Rive Droite Cotes du Rhone 2017, and Laurent Perrachon Beaujolais Blanc. Tuesdays bring taco and beer specials and Wednesdays from 12-3 hot lunch specials are offered from noon-3 p.m.

In enthusiastic response to having been included in Forbes’ recent article “18 Ways to Enjoy Oysters,” last night Saffron (4128 Magazine St., 323.2626, saffronnola.com) kicked off  a new summer “Oyster Hour” that will continue daily from 5-6 p.m. when a trio of the restaurant’s unique take on char-grilled oysters can be had for $7 along with their signature Old Fashioned cocktails for the same low price. The special is offered only at the bar.

I am giving advance notice on some hot dining events that are certain to sell out quickly. Next Saturday, Aug. 17, Copper Vine’s (1001 Poydras St., 504-208-5958, coppervine.com) “Between the Vines” wine dinner series will resume with a Rosé Soirée, a celebration of rosé, seemingly everyone’s favorite summer libation. In-house sommelier Lydia Kurkoski has chosen wines from around the world  to pair with a menu crafted by Executive Chef Mike Brewer and Chef Amy Mehrtens. Ten percent of event ticket sales will benefit Dress for Success New Orleans to support local women in their journey to economic independence. In addition Copper Vine is donating 10 percent of all tap rosé sales for the month of August to Dress for Success. Priced at $55 per person (including tax and gratuity), next weekend’s dinner seems like a bargain:

- Advertisement -

To Start
Char grilled oysters, fennel butter, Tabasco pulp gremolata
Pairing: Reserve de Bertrards Elegance

Bites

Grilled whole prawn skewers, cane & habañero glaze, tropical jackfruit chutney
Pairing: Vino Rosé
&
Grilled melon, lime kosho, smoked sabayon, toasted dry chili
Pairing: Loz Vascos

Main Course

- Partner Content -

The Sounds of Pensacola: Foo Foo Festival 2024

Pensacola, Florida is world-renowned for its white sand and warm summer sun. But have you ever considered what Pensacola sounds like? The cry of...

Bone-in beef rib, Sungold tomato jam, shiso chimichurri, crispy shallot rings
Pairing: La Nerthe

 

If you are feeling it for Beyoncé, head to Arnaud’s (813 Bienville St., 523-5433, arnaudsrestaurant.com) on Sept. 1 for a celebration of her birthday. In continuation of its spirited summer celebrations, the restaurant will pay tribute to Queen Bey’s Big Day with a specially-themed brunch, with seatings from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to the restaurant’s a la carte brunch menu, guests can enjoy a special, four-course menu, as well as themed cocktail selections. The spirited affair will be further accentuated with performances by some of New Orleans famed drag queens, including: Laveau Contraire, Debbie with a ‘D’ and Coca Mesa. The Bey Day Brunch menu, $36, inclusive, includes:

- Advertisement -

 

Amuse-Bouche

“Back to Business” Buttermilk Biscuit

 

Appetizers (choice of)

“Crazy in” Lettuce

Butter lettuce with spiced walnuts, Roquefort cheese and champagne vinaigrette

OR

Seafood Gumbo

Served with a “Halo” of rice

OR

Tomato Pie, “Boy Bye”

Served room temperature with a petite salade

 

Entrées (choice of)

Shrimp and Grits

Louisiana shrimp flash-fried and served with creamy stone ground grits and

Garlic Meunière Butter “Love on Top”

OR

Poached Eggs

Fried green tomatoes, smothered greens and a Tabasco Choron “Ring the Alarm” Sauce

OR

Pork Tenderloin

Seared pork tenderloin with jalapeño polenta, butter beans, tomato confit and

“Irreplaceable” Creole Mustard Glace

 

Desserts (choice of)

Lemon Poppy Seed “Cake by the Pound”

Lemonade glaze

OR

Bey-Hive Baked Alaska

Praline ice cream

OR

Let’s Get “Chocolate Wasted”

Flourless chocolate truffle torte

 

Have a great weekend, everyone. Use it to celebrate the people and the community you love.

 

Get Our Email Newsletters

The best in New Orleans dining, shopping, events and more delivered to your inbox.

Digital Sponsors

Become a MyNewOrleans.com sponsor ...

Give the gift of a subscription ... exclusive 50% off

Limited time offer. New subscribers only.

Give the Gift!

Save 50% on all our publications for an exclusive holiday special!

Limited time offer. New subscribers only.