Osteria Lupo, the new northern Italian restaurant under the direction of Chef Brian Burns and Reno De Ranieri, has introduced a four-course family-style tasting menu ($60 per person, full table participation required) featuring seasonal antipasti, pastas and desserts. The restaurant also has launched weekend lunch (with a rotating selection of lunch specials) and dinner seven nights per week. 4609 Magazine St., 504-273-1268, osterialupo.com
Sweet Success
New Orleans native and entrepreneur Mignon François, who previously had no business experience, turned her family’s $5 weekly dinner budget into a multimillion-dollar bakery brand. Since its founding in 2008, The Cupcake Collection has sold more than 5 million cupcakes. Now, in addition to celebrating 15 years in business, François has released a new book, “Made from Scratch: Finding Success Without a Recipe” (R.H. Boyd Publishing, $25). In the book, Mignon shows readers how to find purpose without a blueprint by sharing her journey from a life of scarcity to building a baking empire. Available at the Cupcake Collection, 2917 Magazine St., Ste. 102, 504-383-9322, thecupcakecollection.com
Sweet & Savory
Charlotte McGehee and Charles Mary IV (Debbie Does Doberge and Bakery Bar) have introduced an all-day menu at their third eatery, Debbie on the Levee. The menu features early morning breakfast items, lunchtime sandwiches and whimsical cocktails. Popular items include the breakfast sandwich, Bananas Foster French toast and the BLT (bacon, lettuce and tomato). 2118 Reverend Richard Wilson Dr., Kenner, 504-210-8519, debbieonthelevee.com
And All Things Nice
Popping up since 2020, Chef Vishal Kotagiri—a graduate of the Culinary Academy of India—has opened a new food stall at St. Roch Market. Everything Spice offers everything from breads and snacks to curries and desserts, all featuring a multi-regional approach to Indian cuisine. In addition to mainstay menu items, the team offers special dishes each week. 2381 St. Claude Ave., 504-267-0388, everythingspice504.square.site
Sunday Drag Brunch
Saint John Restaurant has launched weekly Sunday drag brunch from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Enjoy bottomless bubbles, a tasty brunch menu (with items like oysters Saint John, gumbo du jour and pain perdu), and entertainment featuring Debbie with a D, Laveau Contraire and additional special guests each week. For those not interested in the drag brunch, Saint John also will host regular Sunday brunch on the balcony and second floor of the restaurant. 1117 Decatur St., 504-581-8120, saintjohnnola.com
Teaming Up
Commander’s Palace is hosting the final installment of its third annual Chef Meg & Company Dinner Series Sept. 12 from 6:15-9:15 pm. For the dinner, executive chef Meg Bickford will combine forces with Martha Wiggins, executive chef of Cafe Reconcile, to create a five-course tasting menu with an emphasis on local and seasonally inspired ingredients. Every course also will include wine pairings from the restaurant’s own “Wine Guy” (and James Beard nominee) Dan Davis, who helms the restaurant’s 11-time “Wine Spectator” Grand Award-winning wine program. 1403 Washington Ave., 504-899-8221, commanderspalace.com
Fit for Sharing
Head to Ralph’s on the Park’s this month for the restaurant’s “3 Appetizers and a Glass of Wine” special ($38). Taking place through Sept. 30, the special includes small plates such as shrimp Skully (tempura fried Gulf shrimp, smoked almonds, Skully’s Crystal and pepper jelly reduction, and a soy-ginger cream), beef debris tartine (beef tips braised in veal stock, Gruyère cheese, marinated cherry tomatoes and shaved red onion served atop Leidenheimer toast) and cornmeal-fried oysters topped with a bourbon-tomato-bacon jam. Pair it all with a glass of hand-picked wine such as Veuve du Vernay, Brut, France; Kettmeir, Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige, Italy, 2021; Villa Viva, Rosé, Cotes du Thau, France, 2022; and Alta Vista Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2020. 900 City Park Ave., 504-488-1000, ralphsonthepark.com
