An Uptown Breakfast Fave Expands to Fairgrounds Area

FAIRGROUNDS— Uptown breakfast/brunch fave Toast is expanding with a new location in the shortlived Big Shirley’s space (1845 Gentilly Blvd.), Ian McNulty reports. Cara and Evan Benson will open Toast Fairgrounds in October with traditional a.m. eats along with waffles, Ebelskivers, crepes and potentially booze. [Advocate]

MID CITY— Della Hasselle reports that upcoming grilled cheese snack spot Melt has received City Planning Commission approval for an outdoor patio, which will require three lots to be rezoned so it can serve food & booze. Expect a fall opening. [MidCityMessenger]

QUARTER— Mojo Coffee Bar has opened a new location inside the Saint Hotel (931 Canal Street), Helen Freud reports. [Gambit]

ST. ROCH— Pitmaster Damian Brugger, who was ousted from Black Label Icehouse this summer, is now moving his new operation Brügger's Barbecüe to St. Roch Market, Todd Price reports this week, with brisket, pulled pork, and more in the former Dirty Dishes stall starting September 16. [NOLA.com]

ELMWOOD— Jefferson Parish football-watchers hub Fox & Hound has shuttered for good, Todd Price also reports. Its Dallas-based company declared bankruptcy this summer. [NOLA.com]

NOLA— Blue crabs are becoming more difficult to find on restaurant menus (perhaps due to overfishing) but Brett Anderson divulges the best crabby dishes he’s found of late, including at August, which is now doing its crab-truffle gnocchi, stuffed crab, a curry crab salad and a fried soft-shell. [NOLA.com]