Justine – the French Quarter brasserie from husband-and-wife duo Justin and Mia Devillier – is now offering select daily brunch specials from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Choose from dishes like the Salad Maison with toasted pecans, grana and Champagne vinaigrette; a chevre tart with Kalamata olives and caramelized onions; baked crab mac with brie; or the Justine burger topped with Gruyère, arugula and sauce au poivre. 225 Chartres St., 504-218-8533, justinenola.com
Meanwhile, Beggars Banquet boasts weekend brunch with tasty menu items. Try the pear toast with sweet ricotta, roasted pears, hot honey and pecans; the Crabby Benny (poached eggs, fresh Gulf crabmeat and remoulade atop an English muffin with hollandaise sauce and potato hash); or the stuffed French toast with cream cheese and fresh strawberries. For something savory, try the kale Caesar salad with crispy chickpeas, chili-artichoke tapenade, parmesan, boquerones and cured egg yolk or the crispy chicken on grilled ciabatta with Key lime aioli, hot honey and Boston lettuce. 1330 Prytania St., 504-766-6711, beggarsbanquetneworleans.com
For those looking to wind down the week, visit The Bower in the Lower Garden District during the restaurant’s new lunch service on Fridays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Choose from a variety of small plates (like spicy scallop arancini with red vinegar cucumbers and lemon crème fraîche), house-made pasta (like pappardelle Bolognese with pork, beef, parmesan, aged balsamic and truffle cultured cream) and entrées (like the chili fried soft shell crab sandwich with marinated tomato, hula pickle aioli, green onion and cilantro on a brioche bun). 1320 Magazine St., 504-582-9738, thebowernola.com
Sizzling Steakhouse
Chef Edgar Caro and partner Antonio Mata of the Caro Mata Group have opened Brasa South American Steakhouse in Canal Place. Open for lunch and dinner seven days per week, Brasa showcases dry-aged meats and the open-fire traditions of Colombia, Brazil and Argentina. Appetizers include oysters a la Brasa, boquerones (marinated white anchovies), empanadas, short rib mac and cheese, and chorizo, plus caviar service and a seafood platter. Entrees include a 30-day aged Creekstone Farms black Angus hanger steak, Sakura Farms Wagyu picanha with fat cap and Heritage Green Circle smoked chicken. For larger parties, try the gaucho cut (a 30-day aged Coastal Plains 36-ounce Louisiana Wagyu Tomahawk steak). 365 Canal St., 504-371-5553, brasasteak.com
Renovating a Classic
In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Copeland’s of New Orleans recently rebranded and renovated its Kenner location. The $1.3 million renovation on the 6,800-square-foot building included everything from restaurant aesthetics to culinary presentation with every surface being completely reworked. As part of the revitalization, Copeland’s Kenner also added two new private dining rooms with flexible layouts and screens for presentations. The restaurant also expanded its back-of-house kitchen to ensure seamless catering and dining services. 1319 W. Esplanade Ave., 504-617-9146, copelandsofneworleans.com/kenner-la
Alfresco Dining
Rosella, a new casual eatery in Mid-City helmed by Chef Tal Jones, offers small plates (such as a corn dog with Creole mustard, boudin balls and andouille croquettes), cheese and charcuterie boards, salads and entrees (like meatloaf and lasagna). Grab a spot on the patio and enjoy the selection of organic and biodynamic wines from small family producers across the globe. 139 S. Cortez St., 504-766-6642, rosellamidcity.com
National Spotlight
Ayu Bakehouse, which recently received national recognition by Bon Appétit and TODAY, has released the Ayu Tasting Box for nationwide shipping. The inaugural box includes tasty pastries like coconut pandan custard-filled Kaya Buns, jalapeño cornbread cookies, coconut blueberry Ayu granola and the new cherry- and walnut-studded zucchini bread loaf (but contents will evolve seasonally). 801 Frenchmen St., 504-302-7985, ayubakehouse.com
Workforce Development
Reconcile New Orleans has received a $4 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. The single-largest gift in the nonprofit’s history will allow Reconcile to expand its youth-focused workforce development programming for local 16- to 24-year-olds who are seeking connection to educational and workforce opportunities. cafereconcile.org
Women in Hospitality
Les Dames d’Escoffier International New Orleans has awarded Sinnidra Taylor, founder of Codey’s Nola commissary kitchen and incubator, and Thuy Pham, owner of Nola Nite Market, with the 2024 Leading from the Heart Awards. The award honors women who have made a positive impact in hospitality, sustainability, food justice and/or public health. lesdamesnola.org
