13 March 2025
Bodega reinvents a corner store, Patula unveils a hidden courtyard, Dr. Jones ups the game in Metairie, and Here Today Rotisserie gets creative with chicken
Spring brings a flurry of new restaurant openings around town, one with an inviting outdoor space. Here are the latest additions to the scene this month.
Bodega reinvents a corner po-boy shop
Barcia’s Grocery commanded the corner at 3633 Annunciation Street for decades, a corner store with a brisk po’ boy business. When the owners opted for retirement, Jaryd Kase saw an opportunity for his inventive lunch cafe, Bodega. Open Wednesday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the rotating menu includes sandwiches like seared yellowfin tuna BLT on Bellegarde ciabatta, cobb salad, and cola-braised chicken tacos. A grab-and-go case offers prepared meals, which might include yassa (Senegalese braised chicken), eggplant parm, and meatloaf. Kase announces daily specials on Instagram.
Patula’s hidden courtyard on Royal Street
Chef Rob Tabone brings an eclectic array of coffee, Ayu bread and pastries, boutique wine, and global plates to Patula, a hidden courtyard and small dining room at 619 Royal Street in the French Quarter. Enter from the street or through the Krewe flagship boutique next door (the local luxury eyeglass company is his landlord). The lush courtyard setting is a balm, the perfect place to sip Florez King of Orange viognier, nibble on one of the best Caesars in town, ideally shared and paired with a hefty serving of tenderloin au poivre. Tabone, a Jacksonville native who worked for the Link Restaurant Group, had his own Wood Duck pop-up at Anna’s during the pandemic. Patula has precedence — the space was home to a turn of the 20th century restaurant called Marigold.
Dr. Jones ups the ante in Metairie
Plan to order and consume the entire (compact) menu at Dr. Jones, the new restaurant from friends David Rouse and Billy Jones, both alums of the Link Restaurant Group. They left LRG, Rouse to cater and Jones to open the Chinese American restaurant Blue Giant, which closed in 2023. Both were ready for a new project. The name is a combination of Rouse’s initials with Jones’ surname. The affordable Southern inspired menu, made more so by the BYO option, is deceivingly straightforward, yet shot through with umami flavors. The addition of djon djon, a Haitian black mushroom, to the chicken and andouille gumbo brings an earthy depth to every spoonful. Ethiopian berber spice adds flavor to barbecued shrimp and nuoc cham and cilantro inspire blackened eggplant. Open for lunch on Wednesday through Saturday and dinner on Saturday night. A monthly chef’s dinner series debuts Friday, March 28.
Gautreau’s opens Avegno Uptown
Gautreau’s, a swank dining destination Uptown since 1982, finally makes up for its missing bar with the opening of Avegno lounge next door. The elegant space, oozing understated luxury, offers a heavily French wine list and a menu of Gallic small plates and snacks from the shared kitchen. Options include local cultivated raw oysters, charcuterie, fondue, and the outstanding macaroni au gratin rich with Swiss, cheddar, and cream. Like Gautreau’s, the lounge has no sign out front, but enter 1723 Soniat Street and plan on drinks, wine, and shareable nibbles. Gautreau’s manager Katie Adams handles front of the house, her partner chef Rob Mistry commands the kitchen for both.
A LGD closing brings a newcomer Here Today Rotisserie
Here Today Rotisserie is the latest from James Beard Award-nominated chef Mike Stoltzfus, who also owns longtime Garden District favorite Coquette. Situated in the former Wild South space, this neighborhood spot brings rotisserie chicken to a whole new level. Served with lemon, celery hot sauce, and garlic mayo, the juicy birds come half or whole, with sides like chicken fat rice and collard greens. Add more sauces on the side — try the sesame chili oil or tangy barbecue. There’s also a revolving door of prepared foods like pimento cheese and bargain-priced wines by the bottle.