Court of Two Sisters’ Chef Penedo
Executive Chef Chad Penedo of the Court of Two Sisters is a New Orleans native who’s been with the restaurant for over a year. Penedo says that when he started at the restaurant he read “every old menu that this place has,” and decided to bring back some old classics such as Trout Almandine, with some new twists. “I like the daily challenges,” he says. “Every day is different” and innovation is key. Chef Penedo says he often gets special requests from customers who are drawn to the restaurant for its reputation, spacious courtyard and daily jazz brunches. (The restaurant also serves a dinner menu.) Penedo’s innovation is evident in the buffet that’s situated adjacent to the courtyard; he also creates specialty entrées such as Chicken Oscar (Oscar refers to the topping of lump crabmeat and tasso hollandaise sauce). Penedo says the restaurant draws both locals and visitors. He says he looks forward to staying at the restaurant, practicing his culinary skills and satisfying the palates of each and every customer.
Information, 613 Royal St., 522-7261, www.courtoftwosisters.com.
“Bacco-nal” summer specials
Restaurant Bacco has been a mainstay in the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group’s success story. According to Charlee Williamson, executive vice president of the restaurant group, “A large influx of Sicilians arrived in New Orleans at the near the end of the 19th century.” They brought with them a “rich bounty of knowledge and appreciation for authentic Southern Italian cuisine.” Among the immigrants was the Brennans’ maternal grandmother, who gave her grandchildren fond memories of culinary gatherings.
At Bacco, (named for Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and merriment), the Brennans serve a fusion of Creole and Italian cuisine with an emphasis on local ingredients and seafood, created by Executive Chef Chris Montero.
This summer, look for the “Ciao Down at Sundown” menu which is only $25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. “It’s a great way to experience Bacco,” says Williamson. The restaurant is also known for its 10-cent martinis at lunch. Featuring four elegant dining rooms, a courtyard and private meeting rooms, “Locals and visitors alike appreciate that Bacco offers a unique twist on traditional New Orleans fare,” she says.
Information, 522-2426. 310 Chartres St., www.bacco.com.
Andrea’s Capri Blue Bar
Andrea’s Italian restaurant has opened the new Capri Blue bar, which is situated in the front of the restaurant. The bar offers an “elegant yet casual” atmosphere, says Tia Sommerville, director of sales for Andrea’s. “I wanted to give Jefferson Parish patrons an upscale piano lounge where they can enjoy beverages and snacks and be proud to be here,” she explains. “People don’t have to go downtown or even out of town for this kind of elegance.”
Happy Hour at Capri Blue takes place Monday through Friday, 4-7 p.m. Thursday is Ladies Night (two for the price of one) and on the weekends, the bar serves $3 Bloody Marys and mimosas all day long.
She continues, “Chef Andrea [Apuzzo] welcomes everyone. He loves making people happy.” The restaurant, serving old favorites such as fresh pasta, veal, seafood and filet of beef tenderloin, is also adding some new things to the menu. A summer special includes three appetizers and a beverage for $25.
Information, 3100 19th St., Metairie, 834-8583.