Nicky Lew’s Beach Bistro
GRAND ISLE | nickylewssouthernspecialties.com | @nickylewssouthernspecialties
Open since June in Grand Isle’s former Lighthouse Restaurant space, Nicky Lew’s Beach Bistro—an extension of Nicky Lew’s Southern Specialties—brings fresh waterfront dining to the coast. The menu highlights flavors of the Gulf with mainstays like Crab Cake Pasta, Classic BBQ Shrimp, and stuffed flash-fried Louisiana soft-shell crab. Specials like speckled trout with a Cajun cream sauce, shrimp dip with house-made chips, and Sweet & Spicy Salmon over saffron rice up the ante. Its house-made desserts and pastries are crowd favorites, too, from lemon bars to orange creamsicle cupcakes.
Kira
NEW ORLEANS | kiranola.com | @kira_nola
In August, Chef Yoshi Okai brought his love of sushi and his punk-rock spirit to Kira, an intimate omakase experience in New Orleans’ Warehouse District. Guests at the 12-seat counter will experience a meticulously composed, deeply personal 20-course tasting menu, blending regional ingredients from the Gulf with premier seafood from Japan, drawing inspiration from Yoshi’s hometown of Kyoto. The restaurant’s moody sunset-inspired hues resonate with the playful playlist of jazz, rock, and dark wave music heard in the background and curated by Yoshi himself. Paired with a beverage program led by sake sommelier Dusten Cook (formerly at Otoko), it’s one of the most exciting experiences to hit the Crescent City.
Joelle’s Soul & Savour
BATON ROUGE | eatjoelles.com | @eatjoelles
The Capital City food scene welcomed an exciting new addition in September. Joelle’s Soul & Savour on Westfork Drive puts a soulful spin on Southern classics, serving up plenty of comfort food alongside handcrafted cocktails and live entertainment. With its welcoming environment, familiar flavors, and gracious hospitality, it’s the perfect place to gather and celebrate, no matter the occasion.
