 | By ANNETTE SISCO | Staff writer |
Happy Wednesday, food lovers! This week in epic dining feats, Ian McNulty tried all 18 new dishes at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival — and he has opinions. Surrounded by love, Mandina's Restaurant reopens after a deadly shooting at its doorstep. The new cashless payment system at the Jazz Festival improved after a bumpy first day. No matter what, we shall return to the fest for these 12 classic food favorites. Speaking of classics, La Crepe Nanou celebrates its 40th anniversary. Finally, Teresa B. Day has a way with fresh homemade pesto. 1. Marvelous or just...meh? Jazz Fest offers a menu of favorite foods every year, often with few changes. In 2023, visitors can try a surprising 18 new dishes, and Ian McNulty rates the result. 2. Show of support. A fatal shooting outside Mandina's Restaurant Friday left the community shaken. That didn't stop regulars from lining up to show support on Monday, when the beloved Mid-City institution reopened for business. 3. Wait! There's more. Cashless pay got off to a slow start at the Jazz Festival, with long lines and frustrating delays at the counters. But things are improving, so we'll return for these 12 classic dishes at the festival. And a very specific dinner at Uptown landmark La Crepe Nanou brings back memories of a life lesson. 4. Presto! It's pesto! With fresh spinach and basil tempting her at the farmer's market, Teresa B. Day whips up delicious sauces for healthy meals. Try her basil and pecan pesto, carrot greens chimichurri sauce and a pesto squash pasta for bright spring flavor. That's it for the food newsletter, but in New Orleans, the food news never stops. Keep up with all the inside info at Where NOLA Eats. P.S.: Want to support local journalism that matters? Subscribe here. It's our best deal! | 
