Eat.Love.BR.

When Chef Kelley McCann begins talking about his new endeavor as Executive Chef of Kalurah Street Grill, you can feel the passion resonate from within him. He loves what he does and you can see that love in every plate that leaves his kitchen. Clearly this is what co-owners Brad Watts and Chad Hughes were drawn to as well when they handpicked Chef Kelley to lead their latest venture.

In this new, vibrant space, formerly home to the iconic Chelsea’s Cafe, Watts and Hughes knew that significant changes had to be made to be successful. Today, there is little left that would remind you of what once was. Kalurah Street Grill is here to stay. When you walk through the doors you will be blown away at the beauty of the entire space. It’s soft and comfortable, yet elegant and sophisticated at the same time. They have created a space that welcomes patrons of all ages and backgrounds, and their menu has been developed in the same, unique way.

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Though Chef Kelley has never had formal training, his hard work and dedication to his craft is what brought him success. He began working as a server assistant in the original Galatoire’s Bistro where he held every job as he worked his way up to Executive Chef. When he joined the team at K. Street, he used those years of real life training to develop his self-described Modern American Menu. He knew that he wanted to bring something fresh and unique to the community he has been a part of his entire life. Born and raised in the Garden District, Chef Kelley knows the importance of giving back and building relationships with his customers, “[Being relational] with guests is what makes a city great. Showing you care makes them care. We want to see the community prosper.”

Being relational and providing quality service. This is a principle that everyone, from the top down, believes in. Not only will you be welcomed into a warm space, have remarkable food from a gifted chef and his staff, but you will be blown away at the level of service they offer. Watts and Hughes know that these three aspects must come together to create an amazing experience. And an experience is what you will have when you visit Kalurah Street Grill.

Check out the video from Louisiana Weekend! A Look at Kalurah Street Grill

food, Restaurants

Eliza is your home away from home

February 6, 2017 eatlovebr

If you haven’t tried Eliza Restaurant and Bar yet, you’re missing out on what has proven to be an immediate neighborhood favorite!

When you arrive, you will most likely be warmly greeted by a member of the Davis family. Every hand-crafted table in the house is prime seating and not one person is overlooked. Instrumentals of classic NOLA music fills the room with a fun, but refreshing vibe. This place feels like home. That’s because it’s personal for owners, Russell and Sally. After all, their latest endeavor is named after their daughter, Eliza.

Russell and Sally met while working at Commander’s Palace, a New Orleans staple. Russell, who is originally from Boston, relocated to NOLA specifically to train with the Brennan Family. In his 25 years of experience, Russell has had almost every job in the industry. While working with Ralph Brennan, he was eventually was put in charge of opening multiple restaurants in the French Quarter.

In 2004 Russell and Sally had an opportunity to open their own restaurant in New Orleans, the popular Saltwater Grill. Russell was finally able to get in the kitchen and hone his skills as Chef. Saltwater Grill proved resilient as they survived historic Katrina, but in 2010 the Davis’ had the opportunity to fulfill another dream. They moved back to Russell’s hometown of Boston where they spent several years opening various restaurant concepts all over the Northeast.

After enduring several years of bitter winters, the Davis’ decided it was time to return to the South and get back in the kitchen. What they have created is a cozy place, welcoming young and old alike. Eliza’s food is fresh and almost everything is made in-house daily. Their menu boasts a variety of foods including vegan and vegetarian options, not to mention it won’t break the bank.

bbq, Restaurants

What do Egg Rolls & BBQ have in common?

February 6, 2017 eatlovebr

Herb Fong is the man behind the Pulled Pork and Pepper Jack Egg Rolls. He is the Executive Chef and Owner of Hannah Q Smokehouse and Jasmine’s on the Bayou. Two amazing local spots; two totally different concepts.

Take a drive to south Baton Rouge and you will find Jasmine’s, his first culinary baby, tucked away in a small shopping center, in the middle of a construction zone on Jones Creek Road. Jasmine’s features traditional southern Louisiana dishes such as poboys, fried seafood and specialty burgers.

A little further south in Prairieville on Airline Highway you will find his latest endeavor, Hannah Q Smokehouse. Hannah Q serves up exceptional BBQ with a little twist. He features traditional BBQ dishes while also mixing it up a bit with items like his Boudin Egg Rolls and Smoked Gouda Mac Bites.

Both locations are small, but their extensive menus boast items that are sure to make you drool a lil’ bit. Here’s an up-close look at the man behind the magic.

Chef Herb grew up right here in Baton Rouge in a family full of cooks! He got his love of food from his father, who was also a chef and brought a unique culinary experience into their home. “I admire my father. I am still learning from him every day and consider him an expert in his profession.”

One of his favorite memories is centered around food as well. “For my birthdays my parents would literally cook so much delicious food and everybody would be too full to play afterwards! My parents definitely took it to a different level.”

It’s this lifelong passion of food and family that has brought Chef Herb success. Jasmine’s on the Bayou has been a south Baton Rouge staple for many years and has led him to recently open his second restaurant in Prairieville, Hannah Q Smokehouse.

Make plans to visit Chef Herb at either of his locations and use this coupon through the month of January! Be sure to try Jasmine’s homemade chargrilled burgers and anything with their signature Rocket Shrimp! And topping my list at Hannah Q’s is their Pulled Pork and Pepper Jack Egg Rolls.

Visit Jasmine’s or Hannah Q online to see their full menus.