| BY ANNETTE SISCO | Staff writer |
Happy Thursday, New Orleans food lovers! This week, we bring you news of a summer wine tasting series presented by none other than Commander's Palace. We introduce you to Gerald Gruenig, a son of Gentilly who brings his love of mom-and-pop restaurants to a wildly popular South Louisiana TikTok series. We have tips for the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience. Chinese hot pot is having a moment, and we introduce Ayu and Flour Moon Bagels, two new places we think you will love. Finally, our slow-cooker recipes let you stay cool in the kitchen. Let's dig in ... 1. A wine tour at Commander's? When restaurant sommeliers go to a professional tasting they have direct access to wine reps, tasting notes in hand, and a plan for what they’re going to buy. Through a revived summer wine tasting program, Ian McNulty reports, Commander’s Palace is making a similar experience available to everyday wine lovers. 2. 'Acadiana Eats,' baby! Gerald Gruenig grew up over his family's Koz's Po-Boy Bakery in Gentilly. Nowadays, as a newsman in Lafayette, Gruenig showcases the area's unique food culture in boisterous TIkToks, Instagrams and TV segments. Molly Reid Cleaver has the story. 3. Wait! There's more. Headed for the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience? Try these award-winning dishes. Chinese hot pot is the star as a second Dian Xin opens in the French Quarter. And, we welcome two NOLA newcomers: the bakery cafe Ayu on Frenchmen, and Flour Moon Bagels on the Lafitte Greenway. 4. Slow down. Who remembers the "slow food" fad? Simply put, it was a reaction to the constant hustle for fast, cheap eats that undermined social time, and health. Here's another reason to put on the brakes: Slow cookers keep the kitchen cool while turning out delicious, economical, healthful meals all summer. Try this mushroom and carrot pot roast from Teresa B. Day. Then top off your meal with blueberry crisp. That's it for the food newsletter, but in New Orleans the food news never stops. For more, visit us at NOLA.com. Thanks for reading, and have a great weekend! -A.S. P.S. If you aren't already subscribing to this free weekly newsletter, click here to subscribe. Want to support our award-winning journalism? Check out this great deal, just $1 for six months - for local journalism that matters! Subscribe here today. How does the New Orleans business climate impact your favorite restaurant? Sign up for NOLA Business Insider to find out: nola.com/biz. | 