Chef Isaac Toups Talks Top Chef and James Beard Nomination

MID CITY— This week Isaac Toups talks lessons learned from Top Chef insanity: "I have this calmness now. When I go to these off-site (events), I am like, 'OK, we have four hours to feed 300 people.' I am like, I did that by myself in 20 minutes on Top Chef." [Gambit]

NOLA— Tonight, March 22, is the Oyster Festival's first annual Dine Out night with proceeds from  Acme, Bourbon House, Cafe Hope, Creole House, Desire Oyster Bar, Le Bayou, Red Fish Grill and Royal House Oyster Bar benefiting the fest and its efforts. More info here. [Eaterwire]

MID CITY— Here's what's up with that highly-controversial Taco Bell proposed for Broad and Bienville, including the fact that the area is reportedly only zoned for drive-through pharmacies. City Planning has deferred its decision about the development. [MidCityMessenger]