Since 2015, a once-vibrant space at 1041 Dumaine St. in the French Quarter has been dark. Over the years, it has been home to lively (and storied) restaurants, including Marti’s (two iterations) and Peristyle. The lights are on again under the direction of chef and owner Kimberly Cochran, aka Chef K. Cochran aims to bring her version of elevated southern fare to the long-neglected space. Which began service on New Year’s Eve. succotashnola.com
Barrio Bites
The former Church Alley space, at 4201 Canal in Mid-City, is now home to Barrio Bites. The Latin-inspired bakery and cafe is by the mother-daughter team from Covington-based Elizabeth’z Bakery and Kupcake Factory, and will serve breakfast and lunch (including breads, pastries and desserts). instagram.com/barriobitesmidcity
Deep Gras
Gather your glam gang and celebrate with Copper Vine Wine Pub & Inn’s “Mardi Gras in Bloom: A Deep Gras Lunch” Friday, Feb. 13, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The festivities include a three-course seated lunch, mimosas, burlesque and much more. For reservations visit coppervine.com/mardi-gras-in-bloom-lunch-feburary-13
Mixing It Up in Mid-City
Many know Glenn Mahiya and Warakorn “Tom” Intavichai from their beloved Central Business District Thai restaurant Dahla. Fans will be thrilled to learn the duo is bringing their skills and vision to Mid-City with a new offering, Chada. Open to the public in January, Chada is located at 3420 Bienville St. and focuses on a delectable fusion of Thai, Indian and Japanese cuisines. instagram.com/chada.nola
Kira
December also saw the soft launch of the new Downtown restaurant, Kira. With its glowing bar, DJ stand and elevated, vibey design, Kira is vying for hotspot status. The menu focuses on seafood, combining Mediterranean with elements of Japanese (omakase is in the works for later in the year). The space, at 601 Tchoupitoulas St., was most recently Mister Oso and prior to that, Barcadia. Cocktails are innovative, featuring ingredients including yogurt, according to a Nola.com report. kiranola.com
Shell Games
In December 2025, The Local Palate released the documentary “ShellBound: An Anthology of Southern Oysters.” The cinematic, three-part series — available to stream at thelocalpalate.com — dives into the “people, ecosystems and traditions that define the Southern oyster” from Virginia and North Carolina to South Louisiana. The series was produced by the Fayetteville, Arkansas-based creative studio BLK ELK, with support from the Decatur, Georgia-based nonprofit Oyster South, as part of Charleston, South Carolina-based The Local Palate’s Southern foodways coverage. Bivalve lovers, bi-valve curious and people who simply love good storytelling alike will be captivated as the series follows scientists, oyster farmers and harvesters, restaurateurs and oyster advocates. thelocalpalate.com
