New Orleans-native and graduate of Delgado’s Culinary Arts Program, Chef Adam Korbel took over as executive chef in the kitchens at the NOPSI Hotel’s Public Service and Above the Grid restaurants in May. In an August press release, the NOPSI, located in the CBD, announced changes to the eatery’s menus, describing the revamped offerings as “regional ingredients and Southern soul with refined presentation.” Public Service’s crabmeat-stuffed flounder over dirty rice cakes and an oyster BLT with pork belly and smoked tomato jam piqued our interest. At the Above the Grid pool and bar, look for boudin fritters with creole mustard aioli and Natchitoches mini meat pies. Both menus are available for in-room dining. nopsihotel.com
Get Smoked in Houston
If you are game for a culinary road trip, Houston is not only lovely this time of year, it also is home to the Southern Smoke Festival. Bonus: At least four New Orleans chefs and restaurateurs will be there, too. The Crescent City contingent includes Ana Castro of Acamaya, Neal Bodenheimer of Cure, Mason Hereford of Turkey & The Wolf and Joaquin Rodas of Bacchanal. The annual festival started in 2015 and 100 percent of the proceeds go to the Southern Smoke Foundation’s Emergency Relief Fund, which “supports food and beverage workers in crises nationwide, and Behind You, the program offering no-cost mental health counseling to industry professionals in several states, including Louisiana.” southernsmoke.org
Mimosas and Magick
Last Halloween, we noticed our most enchanting friends cackling over wickedly lavish feasts at local haunts. So we cast a spell not to miss out this year — and it worked. At least four New Orleans restaurants are conjuring three-course “witches’ brunches” this month. Hop on your broom and fly to Gris-Gris in the Lower Garden District or St. John in the Central Business District Oct. 24 and Oct. 31 for spirited concoctions and potions, as well as devilishly inspired takes on each restaurant’s fare, such as Gris-Gris’ “Nadja’s Bloody Slice” chocolate torte with strawberry coulis spatter and the “Vampiric Nightmare” salad at St. John. At the famously haunted Muriel’s Jackson Square in the French Quarter on Oct. 24 and Oct. 31, fuel yourself for the witching hours with seasonal favorites like pumpkin bisque or shrimp and goat cheese crepes, a wood-grilled filet and a choice of dessert. Also in the Quarter, Tujague’s is offering only one chance to gather your coven, so naturally it’s on Oct. 31. The menu hasn’t yet been revealed, but we are confident it will be magical. Reservations are required for the brunches, and donning your witchy best is encouraged.
Hot Dish 2025
On Oct. 22, join Les Dames d’Escoffier New Orleans chapter for its Hot Dish 2025 event. The philanthropic organization is comprised of “women leaders in the fields of food, fine beverage and hospitality.” This year the annual fundraising event is at Paradigm Gardens, located at 1131 S. Rampart Street. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit the organization. The patron party kicks off at 5:30 p.m. and the reception begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets to the poolside soiree include a raffle, auction, drinks and bites from local chefs. lesdamesnola.org/hot-dish-2025
Bagel Mania
In August, New Orleanians flocked to the newest installment of Dallas, Texas-based Shug’s Bagels. The original Shug’s opened in 2020 and is the brainchild of New York native Justin Shugrue, who also has an Austin, Texas location in the works. The Uptown bagelry is at 7505 Maple St., next door to Chef Mason Hereford’s meat and three joint, Hot Stuff. Those who swear by New York-style kettle-boiled bagels are in for a treat with options ranging from plain and everything to jalapeno cheddar and French toast. Get them with spreads like cream cheese, peanut butter or lox spread, or as the bread for a sandwich. Rolls and wraps are also available for breakfast or lunch sandwiches. Shug’s is open daily 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. shugsbagels.com
