Food News
by Sara RoahenAt the Japanese Table (Chronicle Books, $16.95), by Lesley Downer, illustrates how simple it is to prepare Japanese-style noodles at home. Her Noodles in Hot Broth can be made with either soba or udon noodles; it calls for just eight ingredients, all of which can be found at Asian Gourmet supermarket (see Restaurant Review).
Grand Opening
Chef Horst and Karen Pfeifer, the couple who run Bella Luna Restaurant (914
N. Peters St., 529-1583), have expanded their romantic riverfront business.
The Foundry (333 Joseph St.) is a 19th century warehouse space located within
walking distance of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and renovated to
accommodate seated dinners for up to 700 people and open-house receptions for
1200. For more information call Rebecca Pace at 529-1583 or log on at www.bellalunarestaurant.com.
Bubbling With Excitement
A new Sunday brunch at the Grill Room (Windsor Court Hotel, 300 Gravier
St., 522-1992) features straight-up Dom Perignon Champagne. Three courses created
by Chef James Overbaugh, live jazz by the Joe Simon Trio and the champagne altogether
cost $45 per person. There's also a $35 non-champagne brunch and a la carte
options for children. Mr. John's Steakhouse (2111 St. Charles Ave., 679-7597)
is also bubbling over on the weekends, offering $10 bottomless glasses of Piper
Sonoma Champagne during both Saturday and Sunday brunches.
Back to School
This fall's Savvy Gourmet evening demonstrations, operated in conjunction
with the Jefferson Parish Parks Department, are already cooking at Mike Miley
Playground. Guest chefs for the remaining classes include Stephen Hassinger of
Cafe Degas, Corbin Evans of LuLu's, Toby Dotson of Palace Cafe, Tom Wolfe of Wolfe's
of New Orleans, Tommy Hines of Dickie Brennan's Steak House, Anne Kearney of Peristyle,
Anne Weatherford of Herbsaint and chefs from The French Table and Sugar Magnolia.
All classes cost $20. Call Barbara Scherer 736-6999, ext.114, or e-mail her at
bscherer@jeffparish.net.
Special Appearances
The $16, three-course early-bird special at Dante's Kitchen (736 Dante St.,
861-3121) is rolling through October. Head to Riverbend Monday through Wednesday
from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. to cash in. Did you know that Dante's Kitchen chef
Emanuel Loubier, Jacques-Imo's chef Jack Leonardi, Dick & Jenny's chef Richard
Benz and Clancy's chef Brian Larson crashed the James Beard House in August
to collaborate on a "Taste of N'Awlins" dinner? Will there be a repeat performance
down here? We should be so lucky.
