Chef D’z Café
Chef Donald “Chef D” Smith closed his eponymous restaurant Chef D’z Café on Broad Street last year, but re-opened at the start of Carnival season in a new location. You’ll find the same classic New Orleans comfort food that earned Smith a devoted following, and the new location also has a liquor license. Chef D’z Café, 1535 Basin St., 827-1785, Monday-Wednesday 8 to 8, Thursday-Saturday 8 to 9, and Sunday 11 to 5. Facebook.com/chefdzcafe/.
Gyu-Kaku
Last month, a location of Gyu-Kaku, a chain of Japanese “yakiniku” restaurants, opened in the CBD. The restaurant’s angle is, similar to some Korean restaurants, that diners prepare much of the meal on charcoal grills built into each table. There’s an emphasis on well-marbled cuts of beef, but pork, poultry, seafood and vegetarian options are available as well. Gyu-Kaku, 400 Lafayette St., Ste. 101, 507-8800, Sunday-Thursday 5 to 10, Friday and Saturday 5 to 11. Gyu-kaku.com/new-orleans/.
Barrow’s Catfish
Some restaurants specialize in a particular dish and do it so well that nobody complains about the lack of options. Barrow’s Catfish is one of those restaurants, and after a long Katrina-related hiatus, Barrow’s has reopened serving fried catfish (and a few other things) not far from its original Hollygrove location. Fried catfish poor boys are one of life’s treasures, so get one at Barrow’s. Barrow’s Catfish, 8300 Earhart Blvd., Ste. 103, 265-8995, Monday-Thursday 11 to 9, Friday-Saturday 11 to 10. Barrowscatfish.com.
