The Grill Room at The Windsor Court is now offering discounted plate lunches for $28. Choose one main dish (such as beef short ribs, pan-seared salmon, crispy chicken or Gulf shrimp) and three side dishes (such as chicken and andouille gumbo, crispy Brussels sprouts with spiced honey or fingerling potatoes with caramelized onions and chives). The special also includes complimentary valet parking, $5 cocktails (including Windsor Martinis, Cosmopolitans and lemon drops) and a sommelier’s choice of wine for $8. Additionally, Le Salon at The Windsor Court is hosting a number of themed afternoon teas. Upcoming events include Swift Tea: The Eras Pour on Oct. 11, 12 and 13; Halloween Tea on Oct. 26 and 27; and Holiday Tea Nov. 29-Dec. 31. Each afternoon tea takes place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and includes loose-leaf variety brews; English tea sandwiches; house-made seasonal scones served with raspberry preserves, Devonshire crème, lemon curd and vanilla bean whipped cream; and sweets like the chocolate-covered strawberry and truffle, miniature cake and tartlet. 300 Gravier St., 504-522-1994, thewindsorcourt.com
Meanwhile, Chef Michael Gulotta has launched lunch service at TANA, his new upscale Italian restaurant in the heart of Old Metairie, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Fridays through Sundays. Menu highlights include a blue crab, Creole tomato and grilled peach salad with saffron vinaigrette and stracchino cheese; Gulf shrimp paccheri with pistachio, tomato and cream; and red snapper alla piastra with basil aïoli, pesto trapanese and chili oil. 2919 Metairie Road, 504-533-8262, tanaitalian.com
Best of the Best
The James Beard Foundation is returning to New Orleans with its Taste America culinary series Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Sazerac House. Chef Serigne Mbaye of Dakar NOLA (winner of the 2024 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant and a 2024-2025 TasteTwenty chef) is serving as the culinary committee chair. The walk-around tasting will also feature more than 10 food stations helmed by other local guest chefs (including Chef Martha Wiggins of Café Reconcile, Chef Charly Pierre of Fritai, Chef Sophina Uong of Mister Mao and Chef EJ Lagasse of Emeril’s, among others), plus specialty cocktails, and sponsor and partner activations. Tickets ($150-$225) are available at jamesbeard.org/tasteamerica. 101 Magazine St., 504-910-0100, sazerachouse.com
A Big Welcome
Virgin Hotels New Orleans has appointed Jesse Carr as director of food and beverage. In his new role, Carr will oversee the hotel’s signature restaurant, Commons Club, and the popular rooftop spot, The Pool Club. Carr previously served as general manager at Jewel of the South, food and beverage director for QED Hospitality and Pontchartrain Hotel, and director of food and beverage at The Eliza Jane. 550 Baronne St., 504-603-8000, virginhotels.com
Sliders and More
Michigan-based Savvy Sliders has expanded into Louisiana, recently opening its first restaurant in Metairie. In addition to sliders made with certified Angus beef, English cod, chicken and even a falafel vegetarian option, Savvy Sliders also offers hand-breaded chicken fingers and hand-spun custard shakes. 2565 Metairie Road, 504-345-2182, savvysliders.com
Vietnamese Lagniappe
Chef, instructor, “Top Chef“ contestant and native New Orleanian Nini Nguyen has released a new cookbook, “Dac Biet: An Extra-Special Vietnamese Cookbook.” In Vietnamese culture, to be dac biet is to be special and luxurious, or, as Nguyen interprets it — to add a little something extra (like salty caviar on top of squid-stuffed pork). The cookbook blends Vietnamese heritage with Louisiana influence and includes a collection of contemporary Vietnamese recipes such as Hanoi-style vermicelli with grilled pork, three variations of phở, Southeast Asian jambalaya and sticky fried shrimp bánh mì.
