An annual tradition celebrating New Orleans dining, COOLinary New Orleans is set for one of its most robust offerings when it returns to the Big Easy this summer.
Usually spanning about a month, COOLinary will expand to run July 14-September 5 this year.
Created to boost the city’s restaurants during the slow summer months, the festival has done that and then some according to Chef Frank Brigtsen, owner of the popular Brigtsen’s Restaurant.
“We love it at Brigtsen’s,” Brigtsen told WWL Radio. “What used to be our worst month of the year turned into our best month of the year, all because of COOLinary.”
Brigtsen said business is already on an upswing with the lifting of the Covid-related restrictions that forced a number of restaurants to shutter over the past year.
“We have been so blessed the last two months,” Brigtsen said. “People are getting vaccinated, as you know, and they’re coming out to eat. They supported us with take-out last year, which was so helpful. But people are walking in… and we are bustling every night. And we’re hoping that COOLinary will continue that momentum.”
As part of the festival, patrons can enjoy two- or three-course lunches for $25 or less and three-course dinners and brunches for $45 or less. And continuing a trend introduced during last year’s lockdowns, take-out will be available as part of the celebration.
Those interested and hungry can visit the festival’s website, www.neworleans.com/coolinary, for the full list of 68 restaurants participating.
“You’ll find such a diversity of restaurants available,” Brigtsen said. “And that’s really the beauty of food and the beauty of life is its diversity.”
