sHTo P aLK
BY MARGUERITE LUCAS
SHOPPING NEWS BY MEGAN BRADEN-PERRY WALMART (citywide; www.walmart.-
Neighborhood Charm im Rivas, chef and owner of Braxton’s Restaurant & Lounge (636 Franklin Ave, Gretna, 301-3166; www.braxtonsnola.com) knew he wanted to work on the West Bank as soon as he saw the light gray building with its wraparound porch that now houses his restaurant. “I fell in love with this building,” Rivas says. “Some people have tables on sidewalks. We’re sitting on a porch … it’s romantic.” Rivas renovated the building and opened his restaurant last April, offering a sophisticated dining and bar experience at an affordable price. Braxton’s has a formal dining room, stage and bar. Rivas says he wants the feel of the French Quarter, but with prices more suited to a neighborhood restaurant. “I wanted to give the restaurant a French/Italian feel that incorporates live music,” Rivas says. “I look at this space as a music venue. People can rent it for office parties or birthday parties or come here with their families.” Featuring pale green walls and linen tablecloths, the dining room provides a fast lunch for those on the go or a more leisurely dining experience at night. The bar’s granite tops, leather stools and wood paneling create a laid-back atmosphere for enjoying a glass of wine, beer or a cocktail. The light from lamps hanging over the bar morphs Karen Bolar, director of special into different colors, providing a jazzy ambience. Drink prices begin at $2 for domestic beers, events and sales, and Jim Rivas, $4 for well drinks and $7 for premium liquor. owner, relax on Braxton’s wrapThe menu offers staples like gumbo, fried seafood platters, pasta, po-boys, T-bone steaks, around porch. and daily specials like red beans and rice. Every menu item is under $20. PHOTO BY CHERYL GERBER “(We’re) not going for gourmet food. We’re not going for pretentious, but for comfort,” Rivas says. “My goal is for Braxton’s to feel like a neighborhood joint.” Starting this month, Rivas hopes to have live entertainment featuring blues, R&B, jazz and gospel every night with a gospel/jazz brunch on Sundays. A Chicago native, Rivas began working in French Quarter restaurants when he moved to New Orleans 20 years ago, and formerly worked as chef and general manager of The Original Pierre Maspero’s. “My first love is always cooking,” Rivas says.
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TUE MICHIGAN VS VIRGINIA TECH 1/3
VIEWING PARTY
GAME STARTS 7:30PM
WED BRASS-A-HOLICS 9PM 1/4
BECOMING A NEW ORLEANS TRADITION
NATIONAL TITLE GAME MON 1/9
SPRUCE ECO-STUDIO (2043 Magazine
St., 265-0946; www.sprucenola.com) recently celebrated its third anniversary and features a new bridal and gift registry, along with more modular and do-it-yourself products and expanded bedding lines.
LUSH (407 Decatur St., 525-0730;
Lakeside Shopping Center, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 841-0640; www.lush.com) holds a buy-one-get-one free sale on all holiday products, including gift sets and selected soaps, while supplies last. Lush New Orleans also celebrates its eighth birthday later this month with a special sales event to be announced later.
A CASUAL CONTEMPORARY CREOLE BISTRO WITH EXCITING FOOD & SPIRITS. - GaMBiT Cuisine Review 2010
BON APPETIT Y’ALL
GAME STARTS AT 8:30PM
COME WATCH THE RIVALRY BETWEEN LSU & ALABAMA ERUPT!!!
LUNCH:
TUE-FRI 11AM-2PM DINNER:
1/2 PRICED WELLS, DRAFT & SELECT BEERS
MON-THUR 5:30-10PM FRI & SAT 5:30-10:30PM
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Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > january 03 > 2012
YOUR BOWL GAME HEADQUARTERS
com) opens in eastern New Orleans in fall 2013. The 180,000-square-foot store will be housed at 6000 Bullard Ave. in the former site of Lakeland Medical Center and will provide 300 jobs, according to a press release from Walmart.
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