In the April issue, we reported that Evolve Coffee + Matcha founded in 2020 by New Orleans native Yvonne Pichoff, was expanding to the Northshore. The new location officially opened in June at 2891 Highway 190 in The Village Shopping Center, bringing its elevated matcha drinks, locally roasted Mojo Coffee, and a calm, open aesthetic to the area’s growing corridor. Standouts include the Rose Matcha Latte and The Frozen Evolution — a matcha-espresso blend. evolvecoffeenola.com
The Best Eats in North America
In May, New Orleans (naturally) made a strong showing on the latest installment of North America’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The event was hosted right here in the Crescent City and brought with it a convergence of rock star chefs and restaurateurs from across the country. Dakar NOLA nabbed the No. 4 spot and earned the additional distinction of Best Restaurant in the South USA; Emeril’s came in at No. 20; and Acamaya claimed No. 30. Emeril Lagasse also received the Icon Award at the gala ceremony. Note: Dakar NOLA is now operating from a new location at 937 Leonides St., with an official opening slated for June 2 (as of press) and a patio a la carte concept slated for July. theworlds50best.com
Say It Ain’t So, Casamento’s!
One of New Orleans’ most beloved institutions may be serving its last season and we’re not ready to say goodbye. Third-generation owner C.J. Gerdes, who turns 70 next year and has worked at the Magazine Street oyster house since age 14, confirmed he is weighing a permanent closure after this fall. Gerdes hasn’t ruled out a sale or transitioning to catering and private dining, but the future remains uncertain for the legendary tile-lined dining room his grandfather built just after World War I. casamentosrestaurant.com
Stock the Bread Box
Attention bread-lovers: Bellegarde Bakery has launched a subscription box. Bellegarde’s new, monthly subscription brings members a rotating selection of naturally leavened sourdough, whole-grain breads, seasonal pastries and hand-made provisions. (You’ll still have to go to the bakery for your pizza dough, sorry.) Everything is crafted with stone-milled flour from the James Beard-nominated team’s bakery. Three tiers are available: the Bakery Box ($55), the Bakery Box + Provisions ($75) and a Flour Kit Add-On ($12) for home bakers. Pickup is at The Commissary Market + Kitchen in the Lower Garden District. bellegardebakery.com
Fresh CatchÂ
Gulf Coast seafood is the star of the show at the Crustacean Club, a new upscale concept from married chefs Brenna Sanders and Evan Ingram, who previously helmed the kitchen at the late Effervescence. The latter of which is a loss the champagne-loving community is still mourning. According to NOLA.com, the duo is reviving the beloved wine bar’s former home at 1036 N. Rampart St. with refined preparations showcasing local catch. Think elegant, locally-rooted dishes with a heavy dose of the festive fun we all came to know and love from Effervescence, brought to us by two talents who clearly know the region. thecrustaceanclub.com
