Swanky James Beard Affair at La Petite Grocery; Flex Some Mussels at Salu

UPTOWN—The New Orleans Friends of James Beard Benefit Dinner is being held at La Petite Grocery on August 4 at 6pm, with local chefs Justin Devillier and Bronwen Wyatt from LPG, Aaron Burgau (Patois), and Michael Stoltzfus (Coquette) all participating in the James Beard Foundation fundraiser. Tickets are $175 (which includes wine pairings for all five courses, and courses include: Sweet Corn with Celeste Figs, Chanterelles, and Oats; Spiced Duck Fat–Poached Swordfish with Georgia Peaches, Pickled Summer Vegetables, Crispy Ham, and Basil; and Gâteau Basque with Toasted Almonds, Roasted Peaches, and Coriander Ice Cream. Call LPG at (504) 891-3377. [JamesBeard.org]

NEW ORLEANS—Ian McNulty heralds the return of Coolinary Month, which takes place every August to lure locals out to eat during the traditional summer tourist slump. Close to 60 restaurants will be serving special two- or three-course lunch menus for $20 or less and three-course dinner menus for $35 or less, including Antoine's, the Fountain Lounge, and Marti's Restaurant. [The Advocate]

IRISH CHANNEL—August is also Mussel Fest at Salu Bistro and Bar on Magazine Street, known for its many mussel preparations all year long. Throughout the month, a special menu that will be available that includes smoked mussel and tomato bisque, spicy mussels with a saffron cream, baked mussels and linguine, and cioppino. [Eater Wire]

LOWER GARDEN DISTRICT—In summer vacation news, NOLA Smokehouse will be closed from August 3-13. [NOLA Smokehouse Twitter]

Mussels [Photo courtesy of Salu]