Keen food lovers might have come across the quarterly glossy Culinary Concierge magazine when it debuted last spring (I bought my first one during a binge at Cuccia Chocolate Cafe at 622 Royal St. in the Collins Gensler, it's worth a look; most of the editions French Quarter). Published by native New Orleanian Kendall published thus far have been worth the $5 charge. Some of the most interesting pieces come from food writer Gene Bourg, who reviewed restaurants for The Times-Picayune for nine years, including this winter's story, "The Romance of Champagne." Other sections of the magazine seem like advertisements for the higher-end restaurants around town than pure objective information -- like the "a la carte chalkboard" -- but are fun food for thought nonetheless. A "Vintage Vogue" advertisement spread in this winter's edition melds food and fashion with a shot of models sporting lambs wool and Donna Karan jackets and a pony hair handbag that rests directly next to a plate of country style pate on Restaurant Cuvee's bar. The handbag never looked so good. Be on the lookout for the new spring issue coming soon to foodie hangouts like Martin's Wine Cellars (3827 Baronne St., 896-7380; 714 Elmeer Ave., Metairie, 896-7350), New Harvest Market (7457 St. Charles Ave., 314-9400) and Chez Nous Charcouterie (5701 Magazine St., 899-7303), and other area businesses.

A few French Quarter restaurant openings to note: GW Fins (808 Bienville St., 581-FINS/3467), a concept developed by Gary Wollerman and Tenney Flynn, is slated to open March 9. The duo formerly acted as chief operating officer and director of culinary operations, respectively, of Ruth's Chris Steak House Corporation. Holding onto the Ruth's Chris spirit but shifting from prime steaks to fresh seafood, Wollerman and Tenney call GW Fins a "prime seafood restaurant." The changing menu will feature seafood shipped in from all over the world, including top-quality fish for the six-seat sushi bar. Later on in the month, watch for Muriel's Jackson Square (801 Chartres St., 568-1855), in the space that formerly held the Chart House. The $2 million restoration project resulted in a classic Vieux Carré facade and four distinct dining areas inside. Also in the French Quarter, the Mardi Gras Club (Jax Brewery, 620 Decatur St., 587-7705) recently took over where Planet Hollywood left off. The Carnival-themed restaurant offers New Orleans cuisine like shrimp Creole, blackened prime rib with meuniere sauce and po-boys as well as American favorites such as jalapeno poppers, Caesar salads and burgers.Check out the Crescent City Farmer's Market at noon Tuesday (March 6) for a cooking demonstration by the chefs of Nautical, and at 10 a.m. Saturday (March 10) for a demo by Chef Adolfo Garcia of Rio Mar. Each week, the Tuesday Market is located at 700 Magazine St. and is open from 8 a.m. to 12 noon; the Tuesday Market is located at 200 Broadway St. and is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Got a tip for "A La Carte"? Email me at sara_roahen@yahoo.com.

Other Stories This Week in Cuisine:

Restaurant Review
Guy's Po-Boys