I have worked and sometimes even lived in the CBD since the 1970s, and have a feel for the neighborhood. I notice anything that takes it up or down. Lately, I can't help but notice the large number of young professionals who move up and down on Lafayette Street and its parallels. Lots of sidewalk tables filled with friends. Many musical events. New restaurants springing up. So here's something new in the last few months. Borgne--John Besh's excellent, mostly-seafood restaurant in the Hyatt Hotel next to the Superdome--has long offered a nice happy hour. A few weeks ago they extended this until seven on Tuesdays, with five-dollar tapas selections, pitchers of sangria for $7, half-price wines by the glass, and two-buck beers from a selection of over seventy. Borgne is Besh's most interesting restaurant other than his flagship. The food is New Orleans in style, but with a strong hint of the Islenos culture from St. Bernard Parish. The chef is Brian Landry, formerly of Galatoire's and a few other gigs. He's Besh's fastest-rising star, I'd say.
Borgne
CBD: 601 Loyola Ave (Hyatt Regency Hotel). 504-613-3860. www.borgnerestaurant.com.
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