If you missed The Elysian Bar’s fall menu drop, you’re in luck. The Hotel Peter & Paul’s restaurant and bar will continue its autumnal offerings through December. We’re here for the pumpkin everything, including pumpkin soup with vermouth foam and pepitas; fettuccine with pumpkin cream sauce and lump crab; and venison and pumpkin carpaccio with pickled shallots and crème fraîche. There’s also talk of puff pastry escargo with beef fat and a leek puree among other delights. Clearly, we need to move closer to the Marigny. ash.world/dining/the-elysian-bar
Sweet Victory
This year, the Saints are, well, in need of our thoughts and prayers, which is why we are ever grateful to Martha Gilreath, owner and head baker of Nolita Bakery in Mid-City, for her soul-soothing, black-and-gold “Who Dat treats” (available through the end of the season). The pro-baker is a case study in triumphant underdog stories: She won sobriety after 16 years of addiction and homelessness, enrolled at New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute and the rest is sweet victory. Some major Saints victories would also be sweet, but at least Gilreath’s delectable creations are a sure thing. Pro-tip: Get ahead on your holiday pies and rolls by letting Gireath do the baking for you. Touchdown! Check for the bakery’s holiday-themed markets this month. nolitanola.com
Stars are Born
Since an April release announcing the forthcoming MICHELIN Guide American South, New Orleans chefs, restaurateurs and culinarians have been on high alert. In a little armchair foodie inside baseball, hours ahead of its long-awaited November ceremony to reveal which lucky restaurants would be graced with the coveted stars, MICHELIN pulled the trigger on its press release, causing quite the social media and web-first news scramble. When the dust settled, three New Orleans restaurants had a little extra sparkle next to their names. Downtown’s Emeril’s is the only restaurant in the American South to nab two of the storied stars. “The young E.J. Lagasse, son of the indomitable namesake, now oversees a remarkable dining room that has celebrated Creole cuisine for more than three decades,” read the press release. “His determination is palpable as he charts a new course, bringing contemporary refinement and vibrant originality to the fore.” One star each was awarded to the innovative Saint-Germain in Bywater, helmed by Chefs Blake Aguillard and Trey Smith, and the elegant Zazu in Mid-City, the brainchild of chef and owner Chef Sue Zemanick.
Gay Parée
Speaking of sweets, at the end of October, the Omni Royal Orleans in the French Quarter announced the opening of its new coffee shop, Fifi Parée. According to a press release, Fifi Parée is named after the first cat to cross the English Channel by airplane. The cozy shop’s design is inspired by a French flower shop, awash in that certain shade of muted green found throughout France, and decorated with hand-painted floral murals and black-and-white marble flooring. Expect top-notch coffee beverages from Congregation Coffee, sinful baked goods from Ayu Bakehouse, cafe fare — including wine, beer and seltzers — as well as grab-and-go sandwiches and salads. omnihotels.com/hotels/new-orleans-royal-orleans/dining/fifi-paree.
Charmed, I’m sure
The former MoPho Mid-City location near City Park is getting a makeover and a new life. Veteran hospitality husband-and-wife team Chris and Bonnie Borges are filling the space with European charm via Charmant (French for charming, captivating or lovely, depending on who you ask). Some will know Chris Borges from his time as chef at Josephine Estelle and the Virgin Hotel, respectively. Bonnie Borges’ background is in management, and as a sommelier, she will serve as general manager. Hello, #dreamteam. Go to Charmant for European-style classics, like Croque Madame, with New Orleans flair and flavors. Graze brunch and lunch menus by day and, by night, wine and small plates. charmantnola.com
