Gris Gris
The space that the recently-opened restaurant occupies was once Square Root, and chef Eric Cook has kept the open kitchen on the first floor. The food is quite different – Cook’s menu features sophisticated Southern food rather than molecular gastronomy, but it’s delicious and every bit as interesting to watch Cook and his staff prepare it. Gris Gris, 1800 Magazine St., 272-0241, Mon. – Sat.,11 to 10; until 9 on Sun. GrisGrisNola.com.
Saint-Germain
Parisian-inspired bistro Saint-Germain opened in the Marigny in late October. Drew DeLaughter, Trey Smith and Blake Aguillard, all of whom have worked locally with chef Michael Gulotta, are behind the spot. There is a wine bar with a small food menu and a separate dining room with frequently-changing menus as well as a beautiful back patio. Saint-Germain Wine Bar 3057 St. Claude Ave., 218-8729, Sun. – Thurs., noon to midnight, and until 2:00 a.m. on Fri.and Sat. SaintGermainNola.com.
Longway Tavern
Longway Tavern aims to be a neighborhood restaurant in a part of town that many folks don’t see as a neighborhood – the French Quarter. Longway pairs chef John Sinclair’s upscale comfort food with a beverage program overseen by Liam Deegan. Sinclair’s experience in local kitchens includes stints at Herbsaint and Coquette, and Deegan was the bar director at Sylvain before opening Barrel Proof as managing partner. Longway Tavern, 719 Toulouse St., 962-9696, Mon. – Thurs., 4 to midnight; Fri. – Sun. 11:30 – midnight. LongwayTavern.com.
