The Best Dining Within Walking Distance of Essence Fest

CBD— Where to eat within walking distance of Essence Fest? Try Balise, Cochon, Marcello's, Herbsaint, and more courtesy of Todd Price.  [NOLA.com]

MID CITY— Plans for a massive mixed-use development heading to a stretch of land that extends from behind Rouse's on Carrollton to Bayou St. John, include a cafe and fire pits on the bayou. The developer behind it? NOLA garbage czar Sidney V. Torres IV. [MidCityMessenger]

ARNAUDVILLE— Bayou Teche Brewing releases its brand new 31 Stout—a memorial milk stout made in honor of the 31 American service members killed in action in Afghanistan on August 6, 2011 with proceeds benefiting the heroes' families—with a July 4 bash featuring the Lost Bayou Ramblers, barbecue, and lots of brews from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. [Eaterwire]

NOLA— Behold 12 great new bars in New Orleans perfect for your weekend boozing. [NOLA.com]