A TASTE OF THE TOWN W
e see no slowing in the growth of New Orleans’ restaurant scene. Taste and cuisine diversity is seeing a fascinating uptick, as diners clamor for more of the same and something different. Here’s what’s new on the table. Lorin Gaudin
Just off Magazine Street, this new spot has a casual vibe and simple-yet-sophisticated food. Try the “cheese salad” of creamy burrata with pesto and grape slices and the stunning gemelli pasta
THE DAILY BEET This mostly vegetarian restaurant was once a burger joint. Ironic, no? In addition to popular smoothies, toasts and bowls, dive into fabulous Banana Oatmeal Pancakes with strawberry crema or a Beet Benedict with avocado mash and miso-beet Hollandaise. 3300 Magazine St., 504.766.0377
BONCI Imagine a large case filled by giant rectangular pizzas
with a variety of toppings. Imagine paying by weight and that pay means “no cash.” That’s Bonci, the third U.S. outlet of this Roman-born “pizzarium,” and it’s delicious fun. 726 Julia St., 504.766.6071
LONG CHIM Tucked in the Auction House Market, this Thai cuisine stall has many dishes worth trying, both meaty and plant-based. Start with the Green Papaya salad, any/all of the dumplings, deep and soothing Kao Soi soup, a noodle dish and definitely get dessert…or maybe start with dessert and work backward. 801 Magazine St., 504.372.4321
(CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) ©ISABELLI MEDIA RELATIONS/BONCI; ©LONG CHIM; ©RUSH JAGOE/THE DAILY BEET; ©LORIN GAUDIN
THALIA
Bolognese topped with cool ricotta. For dessert, order the airy meringueand-crème anglaise Floating Island. 1245 Constance St., 504.655.1338
(CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) BONCI, LONG CHIM, THE DAILY BEET AND THALIA
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