The Backyard is Summertime Magic; Atchafalaya Still a Brunch Powerhouse

This week Helen Freund reviews casual, family-friendly Lakeview newcomer The Backyard: Burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches abound, but a "smoker provides inspiration for daily specials" like a "smoked tuna dip accompanied by dark-golden potato chips thick" that comes "creamy and deeply smoky with just a touch of brine." Add in beers, cocktails and a big backyard (with fans, umbrellas and a playground) and this place just screams "summertime." [Gambit]

Tom Fitzmorris rolls out +2 hipness points and mystery stars (where have the stars all gone, Tom?) to Irish Channel brunch staple Atchafalaya this week. Harken back to ancient times because "the restaurant's long history has bequeathed rare premises," and back to modern times when "the raw groceries are of fine intrinsic goodness." If you can't speak Old English, this simply means "Atchafalaya cooks so much better than it looks." Chef Chris Lynch prepares the best shrimp and grits T-Fitz has ever had, plus a slew of other insane brunch items, like #1 Essential Dish the boudin cake extravaganza known as Eggs Treme. Make reservations and get your drink on at the "unexpectedly sophisticated" bar and ponder if the 1920s digs are truly "in need of thorough renovation." [CityBusiness, sub req]