Mr. Bubbles Heads to Canal; Tal's Hummus Plans Uptown Vegetarian Hub

A new hummus hotspot is coming to the former McClure's Barbecue at 4800 Magazine, Helen Freund reports this week.  Doris Metropolitan alum Tal Sharon will open Tal's Hummus in mid-May and promises 'a paradise for vegetarians.' That means ninety-percent of the menu will be veggie-based with a focus on Mediterranean and Israeli dishes including "stuffed-pastries called burekas."

This isn't Sharon's first restaurant rodeo either. He reportedly owned two spots in Costa Rica, where he originally met Doris Rebi Chia (Doris Metropolitan has a location there) before relocating to New Orleans.

Freund also reports that another Mediterranean restaurant Shaharazad Cafe will also open in a former barber shop at 4739 Magazine, so may the Uptown pita battle begin. The menu reportedly promises vegetarian dishes and even breakfast.

Meanwhile on the edge of the Quarter and the medical district, Ian McNulty reports that beloved Hong Kong Market eatery Mr. Bubbles is expanding with a second location on the ground floor of the New Orleans BioInnovation Center (1441 Canal). Owners Brian Smith and Thao Nguyen promise to build on the original banh mi and bubble tea menu with spring rolls, Dong Phong pastries and even a crab boil hot sausage banh mi. Expect a late May opening.