The Dish: Seafood, Cookbooks and Summer Menus

Beggars Banquet, which New Jersey native chef Mike Dilonno quietly opened with his wife Patty and daughter Kat, has redesigned the 65-seat space to include a cool bar, a two-tiered dining area and funky elements throughout. Lush greenery offsets dark woods and a stained-glass window, while a martini-drinking alligator logo, banquettes upholstered in a vintage face collage and a mural by local tattoo artist Vivian Hava add a whimsical touch. Named after the Rolling Stones’ famous album, Beggars Banquet offers cocktails, dinner and weekend brunch—all with a focus on contemporary New American fare with Italian, French and Asian nuances. 1330 Prytania St., 504-766-6711, beggarsbanquetneworleans.com

Seafood, Please!

Porgy’s Seafood Market is offering a new Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. with case-price oysters on the half shell, chargrilled oysters and an assortment of bar snacks. Porgy’s also is offering summer classes (6:30 p.m. on Thursdays through June 13), where guests can learn how to prepare seafood. There’s also the Taste the Rainbow master class (6:30 p.m. June 27), where guests can enjoy a multi-course dinner paired with cocktails. Also check out Monday Suppers (no reservation required)—a weekly family-style meal showcasing suppliers and different types of seafood. 236 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-429-3474, porgysseafood.com

The Dish: Seafood, Cookbooks and Summer Menus

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Cooking with Chef Cook

Along with Jyl Benson, Chef Eric Cook of Gris-Gris and Saint John Restaurant has released his first cookbook: Modern Creole: A Taste of New Orleans Culture and Cuisine, with photography by Sam Hanna and a foreword by Gordon Ramsay. The book features nearly 120 food and cocktail recipes—that are both accessible and straightforward enough for an everyday meal, yet impressive enough for company or the holiday table—spanning Southern, Cajun and Creole genres. The book is available for preorder at grisgrisnola.com/modern-creole.

Summer Menu

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Boulevard French Quarter has unveiled a new lunch and dinner menu with dishes that are perfect for the summer. Appetizers include Alligator Tacos with an Abita Beer batter, chipotle slaw, spicy remoulade and pickled onions; and Louisiana Crawfish Bread with artichoke, grana Padano and Monterrey Jack. Entrees include Gulf Shrimp & Grits with a peppery butter sauce and creamy stone-ground grits; Louisiana Crawfish Étouffée with a rich Cajun gravy and popcorn rice; and Crab Cake & Shrimp Alfredo. Boulevard also hosts Prime Rib Tuesday, from open to close, and $8 martinis daily. 534 St. Louis St., 504-522-6652, boulevardbistro.com

The Dish: Seafood, Cookbooks and Summer Menus

Afro Freedom Afro Feast

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In homage to Juneteenth (commemorating the day when the last African American slaves were freed in 1865), chef Serigne Mbaye and business partner Effie Richardson of Dakar NOLA are presenting the 3rd annual Afro Freedom Afro Feast at Grow Dat Youth Farm in New Orleans City Park on June 16, from 3-8 p.m. The celebration gathers award-winning chefs (such as Nina Compton, Charly Pierre, Martha Wiggins, Prince Lobo, Shonda Cross and Mbaye) cooking over an open flame reminiscent of African American ancestors, to create a communal feast. 150 Zachary Taylor Drive, 504-300-1132, growdatyouthfarm.org, afrofreedomafrofeast.com

The Dish: Seafood, Cookbooks and Summer Menus

Pasta and More

Chef Michael Gulotta, of MoPho and Maypop, has opened TANA on Metairie Road. Drawing on Gulotta’s New Orleans Sicilian upbringing and his training in Italy’s Liguria region, the menu showcases house-made pasta (with a new custom-built cart for table-side pasta alla ruota) and reimagined classics like veal marsala or lobster with a barbecue shrimp treatment. The restaurant features plush jewel-toned booths lining the lounge and two distinctive dining spaces inspired by classic Italian design. 2919 Metairie Road, Metairie, 504-533-8262, tanaitalian.com

The Dish: Seafood, Cookbooks and Summer Menus

Alfresco Dining

The Bower and Birdy’s Behind The Bower have reopened their outdoor patio space, now transformed into a beautiful open-air dining experience. The temporary tents have been removed, and, in their place, stands a covered structure with a sleek metal roof that complements the Framework buildings’ modern aesthetic. The restaurants also have added infrared heaters, high-powered fans and charming string bistro lights. Additionally, Birdy’s has added a new banquette structure, offering additional seating and a uniform look that complements the existing banquette near Bower Bar. The outdoor area now boasts over 150 seats, making it one of the largest outdoor dining areas in the city. 1320 Magazine St., 504-582-9738, thebowernola.com; 504-302-2992, birdysnola.com

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