21 October 2025
There were more restaurant openings than closings in October, but two still stand out.
Chinese eatery close to Bourbon closes after 25 years
Thai Hang Vu and her family have been feeding hungry late-night revelers at their restaurant China Moon Wok, a block off Bourbon Street, for 25 years. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Vu thanked her many longtime customers when she announced the October 5 closure. Patrons at nearby bars, such as Lafitte’s on Exile and Good Friends, were regular customers who would order take-out dishes like egg rolls, sesame chicken, and fried rice, then eat back at the bar in the middle of the action. Vu took over the restaurant from her uncle after Katrina, with her children and late mother helping in the business. “But really, thank you to the best and loyal customers in the world,” Vu said. “Because of y’all, these last 25 years have truly been a blessing.”
Mister Mao is no more at Maidstone
All good things must come to an end. Chef Sophina Uong’s stint with the Maidstone is done with the summer season. The twice James Beard-nominated chef created Mister Mao Swim Club for the boutique hotel’s opening summer, offering an innovative pool menu of surprising small plates and brilliant bar offerings. Uong said the residency has come to an end. “We are excited to see the Maidstone continue to grow and flourish,” said Uong. Thankfully, fans of her sassy roadhouse cuisine, lumpia, and fiery pani puri can eat their fill at the original Mister Mao Uptown on Tchoup.