Patios, NOWFE and more dining news you might've missed: Monday Leftovers

Outdoor dining and drinking, the return of the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience and several new bars and restaurants opening were our major stories last week.

As the weather turns pleasant, critic Brett Anderson rounds up his favorite destinations for al fresco dining. Some of his choicesinclude Bayona, Martinique Bistro and Morton's Seafood in Madisonville.

If you're looking for a drink under the stars, David Lee Simmons' suggestions include Bayou Beer Garden, Mid-City Yacht Club and the Rusty Nail.

The New Orleans Wine and Food Experience, or NOWFE, kicks off Wednesday (May 21). The wine and food festival, now in its second decade, has a schedule that appeals to everyone from the casual sipper to the serious oenophile. The major events include the Royal Street Stroll and the Grand Tastings.

Last week, New Orleans-native Dean Baquet was named the executive editor of the New York Times. Baquet grew up in the back of Eddie's, the legendary Gentilly restaurant run by his father Eddie Baquet.

Baquet's brother Wayne still operates Li'l Dizzy's Cafe on Esplanade Avenue. When Wayne first talked about retiring from the restaurant business in 2004, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune published a look back at the Baquet's contributions to our city's culinary culture. (Dean and Wayne's brother Terry directs print operations for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune.)

New York Times drinks writer Robert Simonson has a new book on the Old Fashioned. On Tuesday (May 20), he'll give a talk at Cane & Table.

La Boca, the Argentine steakhouse, moved to a larger and more luxurious space.

Anderson is still taking suggestions for the best places to eat in Baton Rouge.

Barrel Proof, a new beer and whiskey bar from the crew behind Sylvain, opened Friday (May 16). It took over the former Bridge Lounge location.

Read the original here:
Patios, NOWFE and more dining news you might've missed: Monday Leftovers