Another restaurant joins the roster of Magazine munchies. Despite a bubble gum pink exterior, Baie Rouge packs some serious talent.  Led by Chef Michael Capiton, former executive chef at Eleven 79 and former sous chef at Galatoire’s, the recently opened resto at 4128 Magazine St. promises gourmet quality without the white linen tablecloths.  

New Orleans' NBA team may have ditched the Hornets moniker to get their Bayou State mojo working, but the Pelicans will hope to conjure one piece of the Bees' old magic tonight at the league's annual draft lottery. A year ago, the Hornets memorably beat the odds to land the number 1 pick, sending the Brow to the Crescent City. This year, the Pelicans will have to fight off some Magic to land the top spot.

A Crescent City Farmer's Market favorite now has a permanent location Uptown. Rivista Café and Bakery (4226 Magazine) is serving up pastries full of local ingredients, including Lisa Barbato's own crawfish bread.

by Elisabeth Morgan

When was the last time you ate escargot while drinking a beer and watching live Cajun music? If it's been a while (or never), Saturday, March 23, is the day to make it happen. This weekend École Bilingue de la Nouvelle Orleans hosts its 14th annual Fête Française from its location at 821 General Pershing Street to the corner of General Pershing and Constance.

Dat Dog is moving into the Irish Channel, just in time to beef up St. Patrick's Day celebrations. The popular hot dog joint that started on Freret officially opened their second location at 3336 Magazine St. Friday afternoon. The gourmet hot dog and sausage operation will hope to rekindle the same popularity that lead them to outgrow their original Freret spot.

After 98 years of shaping the lives of students and preparing them for their future, Xavier Prep will not continue their “tradition of excellence.”  At the end of the 2012-2013 school year, the school at 5116 Magazine St. will close its doors for good. 

by Sarah Esenwein

New Orleanians can now turn the malaise of a Monday into a marvelous experience by satisfying their mind, body and soul and stomachs with the newly established Cristiano Ristorante pop-Up at Martinique Bistro (5908 Magazine St.) to look forward to. Bringing together the best of ‘both boots’, locals now have the chance to partake in polished dishes from Executive chef Lindsay Mason and Houma-based Cristiano.

Nothing cures the post Mardi Gras malaise like a box of chocolates. Whether it’s a surprise from your significant other, your best friend or your mother, everyone should indulge in a truffle or two on Valentine’s Day. While some of the less romantic lovers will try to pull off a cheap box of Russell Stovers, there’s no need to sully your V-Day sweet tooth with D-grade sweets from Walgreens when Sucre and Blue Frog are around the corner.

For those looking to be whisked away to Europe Thursday night, head over to Salu for their first of many dinners with wine pairings. Recent Massachusetts transplant Chef Dustin Brien joined Salú (3226 Magazine St.) in November and is no stranger to Wine Dinners.   

As Carnival rolls closer, one new business is offering ball-goers a convenient stop for festive fringe. Blo, a salon devoted entirely to the art of hair styling, is coming to 5530 Magazine St. on January 26. Blo Magazine, the latest installment of “North America’s Original Blow Dry Bar,” skips the cuts and colors and goes straight for the heat.