Five Things In New Orleans Not to Miss This Month
- Puttin’ on the Dog: The team behind Pigeon and Whale recently opened The Husky, a stunner across Freret Street focusing on steaks. Starters include tuna crudo, roasted bone marrow, and French onion soup. The elegant bar aims for a Gatsby vibe with martinis and old fashioneds as house specialties. The dining room has a lodge feel, with cozy booths and brass-trimmed tables. And of course we have more new arrivals; New on Resy will keep you current.
- Now Open: Celebrated New Orleans burlesque performer Bella Blue and partners recently opened Pulcinella! in the Seventh Ward. Here, Blue serves as “Headmistress of Hospitality,” and runs the upstairs Original Nite Cap Speakeasy for drinks and performances. Chef Matty Hayes explores his Sicilian heritage downstairs with classic dishes like meatballs with red gravy and whipped ricotta, and seafood cannelloni. Pole and burlesque classes will soon be offered at the Nite Cap. The first floor is family friendly, the second floor, not so much.
- Muffaletta Joy Resumes: In 2021, Central Grocery, which has been around since 1906 and claims to be the originator of the muffaletta, was forced to close following a Hurricane Ida roof collapse. The closure sent shudders through a populace addicted to this most fulfilling of sandwiches. Fret no more; it reopened to long lines last month.
- King of Cakes Reigns Again: NOCCA recently launched its annual king cake program, featuring two classics and a rotating series of limited-edition flavors, all made by NOCCA Culinary Arts students and faculty. The king cakes are priced from $25 and are available to pre-order now at NOCCAMarketplace.com with U.S. shipping available). Proceeds from the program support the school’s Culinary Arts department. Cakes are available for pickup from January 6 – March 2 at NOCCA and select local retailers, including King Cake Hub. The season’s flavors include cinnamon (gluten-free), satsuma almond, salted caramel, and a special Valentine’s Day edition.
- Going Once, Going Twice: Galatoire’s Restaurant and the Galatoire Foundation has postponed their annual Mardi Gras Table Auction, auctioning seats in the downstairs main dining room for the Friday before Mardi Gras (February 28). Proceeds benefit the Galatoire Foundation and eight local non-profits, including STEM NOLA and Volunteers of America of Southeast Louisiana, as well as six micro-grant recipients: Edible Schoolyard, Ignatian Volunteer Corps New Orleans, NOCHI, Son of a Saint, The Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, and The Bright School. We’ll bring you more when we know the new date.
New to the Hit List (Jan. 2025)
The Bell, Carousel Bar & Lounge, Fritai, Manolito.
