Balise Is a Modern Creole Stunner; Lahpet Is A Must For Lunch

Helen Freund reviews Faubourg St. John newcomer Bayou Breakfast this week: It's a "casual and comfortable neighborhood spot" that's kid-friendly, but does come with a few "hits or misses." Stick to the omelets, including the The Nola fo'Sho with "mild and hot pork sausage, chopped bacon and two thick layers of melted cheddar and American cheese," and the fried cinnamon rolls. [Gambit]

Tom Fitzmorris discovers forgotten recipes at chef Justin Devillier's Warehouse District gem Balise: An arduous trek to the upstairs dining room doesn't deter T-Fitz from enjoying his meal at Balise, a restaurant still in its "honeymoon period" with a menu that "makes feints in the direction of rural home-style, Creole cookery" and shows Deviller "has done a lot of homework." Notable Dishes include crispy veal sweetbreads, fried smoked oysters and apple fritters. +2 Hipness Points even though "the restrooms are sub-optimal" and "at some time in the future, a new floor and a less rigorous climb to the second floor should be added." [CityBiz, sub req]

Ian McNulty tries Burmese pop-up Lahpet in Mid City: Open inside Filipino restaurant Milkfish for weekday lunch, Lahpet offers a short and cheap menu "with most dishes ringing in under $10" including everything from samosas to "Mohinga, a catfish and chickpea chowder." Along with Milkfish, Lahpet is "bringing tastes of the exotic and something new to the table." [Advocate]

Elsewhere: Kristine Froeba seeks out authentic Mexican cuisine at Del Fuego Taqueria and Rosa Mezcal for Uptown Messenger. Another look at Lahpet from New Orleans Magazine's Robert Peyton verifies that this is one of the best lunch deals in town.