The revitalization of Freret Street truly began post-Katrina, when a few prescient entrepreneurs recognized the possibilities offered by its central location and prior history as a thriving commercial hub for local businesses. Neal Bodenheimer was the first to take the plunge with Cure, an upscale bar which singlehandedly helped to spark the national craft cocktail revolution. Adam Biederman’s Company Burger followed soon after. A wave of other places appeared in short order and the Freret Corridor was reborn.
Fast-forward to 2021. The first clutch of businesses has since been reinforced by a slew of newcomers. Several are owned by Tulane and LSU alum who, after graduating, have brought the things they missed most from their hometowns back to New Orleans. The result is a sampling of tastes from all over, and our restaurant scene is richer for it.
Chicago-style deep dish pizza can be found at The Midway. The Kolache Kitchen, featuring its uniquely Americanized namesake pastry, provides student friendly meals that will fit in one hand and can be munched on the go. Other purveyors of baked goodness include Windowsill Pies (covered elsewhere in this issue) and Humble Bagel, which turns out a galaxy of enormous, schmear-friendly bagels.
Val’s (also Bodenheimer) is a casual contemporary Mexican stunner whose al fresco premise provided a silver lining to pandemic dining. Good Bird offers artisan sandwiches, grain bowls and smoothies aimed at the college market. The nearby outpost of City Greens provides similarly health-conscious fare supported by its ecologically minded supply chain.
For dessert, not one but two outposts scoop up frozen treats – Piccolo Gelateria has some of the best gelato you will find anywhere (try the Amarena Cherry) and Ice Cream 504’s Michael Southall dreams up creative, small-batch flavors in a homey atmosphere.
Notably, a pocket-sized Rouses Market just added a much-needed neighborhood amenity to balance the runaway revitalization, helping to keep the residential surrounding area livable. The problem now isn’t finding something good to eat. Rather, it is finding a place to park while avoiding the traffic cameras. Success does have its price.
@curenola
@companyburger
@midwaypizzanola
@thekolachekitchen
@windowsillpiesnola
@humblebagel
@valsnola
@_goodbird
@eatcitygreens
@piccolagelateria
@icecream504nola
