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This week Helen Freund heads off the beaten path (or at least to Gentilly) to waterfront RV park, marina, and luxury houseboat enclave Pontchartrain Landing, where 'unique' eatery Lighthouse Bar & Grill serves up barbecue and more. Pulled pork is the "best bet" barbecue-wise, but the restaurant turns out great Nola classics including red beans, seafood gumbo, an "over the top" mac and cheese. Add in a deck, a front porch with rocking chairs, cocktails, live music, and even a pool/hot tub, and this spot "feels a world away from New Orleans." [Gambit]
Tom Fitzmorris revisits Rue 127, finding that the little Mid City gem still 'delivers full on its promises' since his last review of the restaurant four year years ago: Chef Ray Gruezke "cooks groceries of unimpeachable fineness," T-Fitz fitzes. Such fineness has led Fitzmorris to create a new "!" rating to denote all the "exceptional" dishes— maybe to make up for the long lost star rating system?—including Rue 127's "steamed mussels!," a "double cut porkchop!," "fresh cut barbecued season french fries!" and a "roasted chicken half!" Also of note: +2 hipness points, a "sharp young staff," legit food and cocktails, but a "more powerful air conditioning system would be a big bonus." [CityBiz, sub req]