Did someone say cake? … Haydel's Bakery, a source for king cakes and more for almost 60 years on Jefferson Highway, has expanded its operations to the Garden District. Spearheaded by Ryan Haydel (grandson of Lloyd Haydel, the original founder), Haydel's Bake Shop recently opened on Magazine Street, offering all of the beloved favorites and a few new items made especially for this location, like mini-wedding cakes, petits fours, brownies, and six-inch cakes—mini-doberge, anyone? The new bake shop is also a coffee shop featuring French Market Coffee in the form of frozen coffee drinks and specialty espresso brews.
3117 Magazine St., 800-442-1342, haydelbakery.com
Holy bar food! … Hotel Peter & Paul, the Marigny's newest (and possibly only) luxury boutique hotel, opened just over a month ago, and recently, they launched The Elysian Bar, located inside the former church's rectory. The team behind Bacchanal developed the new bar, including a wine list curated by locally well-known sommelier Joe Briand. Much to the satisfaction of Angeline fans, chef Alex Harrell has been tapped to head the kitchen, which is open from 10:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. Can we get an amen?
2317 Burgundy St., (504) 357-6769, theelysianbar.com
Little red coffee shop … Petite Rouge, one of a few vintage Citroën trucks serving coffee around town, now has its own digs. Owner Julie Pieri recently launched the Petite Rouge café on Calhoun Street, serving specialty espressos and drip and cold-brewed coffee using locally roasted French Truck Coffee. For those who are wondering, the little red truck will still be rolling, and a second, baby-blue truck will soon join the family.
3146 Calhoun St., (504) 520-9688, petiterougecoffeetruck.com
Let's taco 'bout it! … NOLA Cantina opened on the corner of Esplanade Avenue and Frenchmen Street, dishing out tacos and tequila with reckless abandon. The Gambit reported word of the new launch by husband-and-wife team Chloe and Robert Watters, the proprietors of Backspace Bar & Kitchen and Boot Scootin Rodeo. Chef Octavio Ycaza is consulting on the cantina's menu, which offers new taco variations like the “Gringas” with American cheese, al pastor pork, and charred pineapple. They also offer tequila and mezcal sangria.
437 Esplanade Ave., (504) 266-2848, nolacantina.com
Squash and apples and figs, oh my! … Commander's Palace and SoBou invite diners to savor the season with new additions to their menus. At Commander's Palace, Chef Tory McPhail has added dishes like Roasted Pumpkin Gnocchi with brown butter, sage, and parmesan, Smoked Joyce Farms Chicken with grilled oyster mushrooms, and Candy Apple-Lacquered Quail stuffed with fire-roasted chili boudin.
Over at SoBou, Chef Juan Carlos has incorporated the fabulous fig into the menu, with items like Croquettes of Duck Confit with fig and bacon jam and a Brown Fig & Pickled Grape salad with citrus-infused mascarpone. Carlos is also playing up the candy apple with his Andouille Sausage & Caramel Apple Beignets with sugarcane, rum, and chicory coffee ganache.
1403 Washington Ave., (504) 899-8221, commanderspalace.com
310 Chartres St., (504) 522-4095, sobounola.com
They've got an app for that! … The Crescent City Farmers Market recently launched their own app, making it easier to shop! Market Umbrella, the organization that operates the Crescent City Farmers Markets, partnered with Rhode Island-based food technology company Crave Food Systems to create this custom eCommerce marketplace. They've created a virtual farmers market that allows customers to see what farmers and other vendors are bringing to the market and to order what they like for pick-up. Additionally, first-time users of the app have a one-time opportunity to receive 25 percent off their first order, using the coupon code “FIRSTORDER.” Vendors include A&K Citrus, Hot Plants, Gonsoulin Land & Cattle, Our Family Farm, Poche Family Farm, and more. Pre-ordering and paying in advance guarantees that customers receive the products they want without fear of them selling out before they get to market and alleviates the vendor’s concern that a product will go unsold. The Crescent City Farmers Market app is a free download for iOS and Android devices.
So sad to see you go ...
Warehouse District restaurant Sac-a-Lait shuttered its doors. Dynamic duo chefs Samantha and Cody Carroll opened the restaurant over three years ago, offering a bold take on Louisiana cooking. According to The Advocate, the couple does have future plans in the works. We certainly can't wait to see what they come up with next.
John Michael Wade, owner of La Casita restaurants, recently announced the decision to close the Warehouse District location, La Casita on the Patio. “We would not have enjoyed years of success in the Warehouse District without the community, many of whom are now friends, and we recognize we would not have made it this far without the support of our valued guests and vendors,” said Wade. Thankfully, the Oak Street location still remains.
