Chiba Opens on Oak, Muses Hold 'Emily Gras' & More

CARROLLTON? Brett Anderson at the Times-Pic reports that Chiba is a new Japanese restaurant that opened last week on Oak Street. Owned by Keith Dusko and with the culinary team of chef Steven Ferdinand and sushi chef James Cooke, Anderson calls it a "modern Japanese restaurant," while Dusko says, "There are no gimmicks. There is no Buddha." [TP]

MARDI GRAS WORLD? After a group of drunk, college-aged kids verbally abused an autistic girl whose mother is a contributor to the blog NOLA Femmes, the Krewe of Muses decided to help save the girl's Mardi Gras. This morning they opened their den and threw a party for her, in conjunction with the 610 Stompers and Rolling Elvii. [NOLA Femmes, WWL]

GULFPORT, MS? The Gulfport location of The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint is holding a Junkadelic Benefit Party to benefit the original Shed, which burned down earlier this month. There'll be live music most of the afternoon, plus food and drink specials. But most importantly, they're looking for people to bring junk to contribute to the new original Shed. [EaterWire]

CITYWIDE? Since today is the first Friday of Lent (read: ain't nobody in NOLA eating meat today), NoDef profiles 3 restaurants where observers of the liturgical season can get fish. Their picks: Casamento's, Drago's, Frankie & Johnny's. [NoDef]

[Photo of Casamento's: flickr / miamism]