Gravy
LAFAYETTE | gravylafayette.com
Lafayette’s newest plate lunch destination, Gravy, by Liz and Andrew Payne, the team behind Pamplona Tapas Bar, opened in mid-April. Housed in the former Pat’s Downtown space, it’s open Monday through Friday and brings that downtown plate lunch feel in a more refreshed and elevated format. Think plates of Sticky Chicken, Shrimp & Egg Stew, and Crawfish Etouffee with your choice of two sides, such as Corn Maque Choux and Dirty Rice. The menu rounds things out with various fried seafood platters, sandwiches, and some lighter offerings.
Feliciana
COVINGTON | felicianarestaurant.com
Classic French techniques mixed with high-quality, hyper-local ingredients is what diners can expect to enjoy at Feliciana, the latest hot spot to hit Covington. Dishes like Ragoût de Duck aux Cèpes, Blue Crab Beignets, and Gratin Dauphinois are sure to wow your taste buds while curated vintage details and spaces inspired by Walker Percy pique your curiosity. Settle in for a cocktail upstairs or an elegant dinner downstairs, neither of which will disappoint.
Kenji Kazoku
METAIRIE | kenjikazoku.com
A new upscale sushi and seafood restaurant opened at end of April in Metairie. The name, Kenji Kazoku, is a nod to the loose Japanese translation of “doing business with friends who feel like family,” which is fitting considering it’s Malachi Dupre and Matthew Nguyen’s third concept together. (They also co-own the well-received Kenji Omakase.) The restaurant’s modern, minimalistic aesthetic is just as striking as its boxes of artfully arranged fish on display, with a little over 75% of it sourced directly from Japan. Standout dishes include Crab Fried Rice with local blue crab, a special tableside omakase experience, and a host of craft cocktails and sake selections.
