In an effort to celebrate and appreciate foods special to New
Orleans, many prominent restaurants participate in COOLinary New Orleans from August 1 until
September 13. These restaurants offer a selection of their dishes at discounted
prices, with prix-fixe menus offering select options. Depending on the
restaurant, COOLinary is available for lunch, dinner, and/or brunch, and the
most you'll have to pay is $39 for three courses.
COOLinary offers NOLA residents the opportunity to delve into
the most traditional, culture-filled cuisines at affordable prices. This year,
due to the coronavirus, customers can choose between dine-in, takeout, and
delivery.
Apolline Restaurant
Apolline Restaurant is led by Chef
Michael Shelton and General Manager Frank Phillips. Brunch is offered Tuesday
through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and also on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.
to 2 p.m. For a discounted rate of $30, Apolline Restaurant is offering a three-course brunch that consists of a panzanella
salad or sweet potato bisque, crispy chicken confit and French toast or johnnycake
carnites, and, finally, a choice between cappuccino panna cotta or a housemade
lemon bar. 4729 Magazine St., (504)
894-8881, apollinerestaurant.com
Backatown Coffee
Parlor
Located in the part of town known to locals as Old Storyville,
where the famed Storyville neighborhood once was, Backatown Coffee Parlor aims to revive the
appreciation of jazz for which this area was famous. Backatown prides itself on
not belonging Uptown, nor Downtown—hence the name Backatown. This coffee shop offers
free WiFi, has tables outdoors in a self-proclaimed "jazz-infused setting," and
is open for brunch from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Their full five-course brunch (click here to see the options)
offers classic NOLA cuisine, such as BBQ crawfish and grits, French toast with
a side of bacon, and limoncello mascarpone cake—all for just $26.95. 301 Basin St., Suite 1, (504) 372-4442, backatownnola.com
NOLA Caye
Open for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, NOLA Caye serves food that has
been inspired by Caribbean dishes; according to their website, even the
restaurant's name translates to "New Orleans Island" or "Isle of New Orleans."
They offer a three-course COOLinary Brunch for
$39. The second courses offered are either Soft-Shell Crab Benedict, duck and eggs,
or huevos rancheros, all of which are combinations of influences from both NOLA
and Caribbean cuisines. 898 Baronne St.,
(504) 302-1302, nolacaye.com
Ralph's on the Park
Ralph's on the Park serves brunch on
Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and brunch is currently only
available for dine-in. This restaurant is located among the vibrant and culturally
rich houses in Mid-City right by City Park. The second (and main) course of
their three-course brunch is a choice between
BBQ shrimp and grits, Steak and Eggs Hussarde, and a mushroom omelet. This
discounted brunch is $39 in total—an excellent price from this highly acclaimed
restaurant. 900 City Park Ave., (504)
488-1000, ralphsonthepark.com
Toups' Meatery
Toups' Meatery is dedicated to
serving Cajun-based food that encourages us to reflect on Louisiana's roots.
They are open for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Their
website shows an impressive list of accolades, which include
Southern Living's "Best Restaurants in New Orleans" and The Wall
Street Journal's "20 Great Modern Meateries." The third course of their $35
four-course brunch offers a choice
between BBQ shrimp and grits, beef XO chilaquiles, and Fried Mississippi
Catfish Benedict. 845 N. Carrollton
Ave., (504) 252-4999, toupsmeatery.com
