Food News
by Sara RoahenSince January, Rocky & Carlo's (613 W. St. Bernard Hwy., Chalmette, 279-8323), ground zero for hungry-man portions of red gravy and baked macaroni, has been host to The Altos, a dinner-theater spoof on The Sopranos. When audience members enter the restaurant's Sicilian Room (renamed the Ba Da Bang Lounge for the occasion), they become guests at mob boss Tony Alto's funeral. The musical murder-mystery produced by Shine Productions demands audience participation and includes a classic Rocky & Carlo's dinner of veal Parmesan, baked macaroni, green beans, stuffed peppers, Wop Salad and cannoli from Angelo Brocato. Wear black and check your weapons at the door. Tickets are $25 and will sell out quickly for summer performances on Saturday, June 5; Sunday, June 6; Saturday, July 17; and Sunday, July 18. Call 277-7469 for tickets, or visit www.shinepresents.com.
Now for NOWFE
Now is also the time to purchase advance tickets to the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience (NOWFE), to be held Wednesday, May 26, through Sunday, May 30. Call 529-WINE (9463) or visit www.nowfe.com for detailed information on the organized seminars, tastings and vintner dinners. Thursday evening's Royal Street Stroll is a ball, but tickets disappear faster than cell phone minutes.
For Your Consideration
Consider attending Big Top Dreams, a charity event sponsored by the New Orleans Chapter of the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) to benefit Kids Kicking Cancer (KKC), to take place from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. this Thursday at the Foundry (333 Joseph St.). Circus performers and musicians will provide entertainment, while local restaurants including Ruth's Chris Steakhouse and K-Paul's Louisiana Kitchen will contribute food. NACE provides education and training in the fields of food, beverage and catering management. KKC is a nonprofit organization that hosts events and programs for families with a child afflicted with cancer. Tickets are $45 and may be purchased at the door or by calling 415-6476.
Uglesich's Summer Break
Uglesich's (1238 Baronne St., 523-8571), which closes for an annual summer hiatus at the end of June, will reopen in October in order to promote an upcoming cookbook, says Gail Uglesich. The restaurant's future is otherwise unknown. Gail and her husband, Anthony, put belly-aching fear into their devotees when they began talking about retirement more than a year ago. But they're holding on for now. "[Anthony] would miss it, believe me when I tell you that," says Gail. "I would miss the people.""
