Ralph’s on the Park is offering its annual “Three Appetizers and Glass of Wine” special for $33 through Sept. 30. The á la carte dinner promotion includes small plates from the extensive appetizer menu from executive chef Knut Mjelde, such as tomato and Burrata (with basil-pistachio pesto, olive oil, leché crisp and arugula), oyster artichoke gratin (with oyster liquor Béchamel, bacon and crostini leeks) and marinated crab (with Nuoc Cham vinaigrette, cucumber, daikon radish, carrot, cilantro, mint and basil). Grab a seat by the windows overlooking historic City Park, and enjoy your appetizer with a meticulously matched glass of wine. 900 City Park Ave., 488-1000, ralphsonthepark.com
Build-Your-Own
A new build-your-own calzone shop, DP Dough, has opened on Freret Street, allowing guests to choose from more than 30 ingredients – such as proteins, fresh veggies, cheese and sauce – stuffed inside fresh-baked bread. Other menu items include staple calzone recipes, like the “BBQ Chicken Zone” (breaded chicken, bacon, cheddar and barbecue sauce), the “Cheeseburg Zone” (hamburger, bacon, mozzarella and cheddar) and the “Combat Zone” (pepperoni, sausage, green peppers, mushrooms, mozzarella and spices), along with wings, tater tots and breadsticks. The franchise location (there are more than 40 locations nationwide) stays open until 4 a.m., catering to the college crowd and others who want a late-night meal. 5010 Freret St., 544-9400, dpdough.com
Pizza Pie
Paulie Gee’s Crescent City Slice Shop opened in May in the heart of the Warehouse District, offering traditional slices and whole pizzas. Owner Paulie Gee says that he loves New Orleans and has had his eye on opening a location here for a long time. When an opportunity presented itself that was too good to pass up, Paulie Gee jumped at the chance. Best-selling items include the “Hellboy” (a pepperoni pie with Mike’s Hot Honey) and the “Freddy Prinze“ (made with fresh mozzarella, slow-cooked tomato sauce, Pecorino Romano and a sesame-seed base). Vegan options also are available. The pizza shop, which pays homage to the slice shops of the 1960’s and ’70’s – both in its offerings and its decor (think Mid-Century slice shop with a Spicoli checkerboard tiled floor, orange booths, and New Orleans sports and music figures on the walls) – boasts “foreground” music that ranges from pop, rock and soul from the era (played at a very audible volume). 726 Julia St., pauliegee.com/crescent-city
Hotel Hospitality
The new Hotel Saint Vincent, located in a landmark 1861 building in the Lower Garden District is now home to 75 newly-designed guest rooms, lush public spaces, dining and bars. A pool bar offers cocktails and dining. Inside, the Paradise Lounge is a bright and airy, sun-drenched bar offering cocktails and small bites. The custom mosaic tiled floors have been inspired by the original floors found in the building, and New Orleans artist Anne Marie Auricchio has hand-painted the bar’s walls with a flora and fauna motif. Meanwhile, The Chapel Club is a hotel guest-only bar and late-night lounge reminiscent of classic grand hotel salons. Restaurant options include Elizabeth Street Café, a brightly-colored French/Vietnamese-style café and bakery serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. The hotel’s signature restaurant, San Lorenzo (named after the patron saint of cooks), features coastal Italian cuisine with regional New Orleans influences. Try the lobster spaghetti arrabiata and languish in the glow given off by the modern red chandeliers. 1507 Magazine St., 350-2450, saintvincentnola.com
