Harahan’s Hillbilly Bar-B-Q Dumps the Dining Room

SWITCHEROOS — The 18-year old Hillbilly Bar B Q in Harahan is moving to a new location and dumping the dining room to focus on carry-out and catering (the biggest part of its business). It’ll open in its new space at 2312 Hickory Avenue in late March with picnic tables out back for those who just can’t wait until they get home. [NOLA.COM]

CHEF SHUFFLES — In a surprise move, Bar Frances fired chef Mimi Assad today. According to NOLA.COM, Assad had no idea the pink slip was coming, and owner Mark Latter (of Tujague’s and Bar Frances) confirmed that there was no advance notice. No word yet on who will replace Assad, who has a strong pedigree of working at top New Orleans restaurants like Angeline and Josephine Estelle. [NOLA.COM]

EVENTWIRE — Liberty’s Kitchen is now (for the first time) selling season tickets to its Guest Chef Night Series. For $360, attendees are guaranteed a seat for the remaining eight events for the year, with the following guest chefs at the wheel: Marcus Jacobs of Marjie’s Grill, John Bel of Meauxbar, Kristen Essig of Coquette, Nathan Richard of Cavan, Syrena Johnson (“Chopped” Champion & LK Graduate), and Isaac Toups of Toups South. The 10% discount ends March 15. Tickets here. [press release]

FARMING REPORT — Cultivated Gulf oysters sometimes run $3 a piece. Here’s why. [NOLA.COM]

Meanwhile, dairy prices are low for the fourth straight year. Farmers are depressed — and suicides are on the rise. [NPR]

LOOKING BACK — Nola.com takes a look back at long-shuttered House of Lee in Metairie, which was owned by the family of famed New Orleans sheriff Harry Lee. [NOLA.COM]

CELEBRITIES — Tom Hanks dined at the Velvet Cactus in Baton Rouge while in town filming a movie. [ADVOCATE]

FESTIVAL SEASON — Take a look at the Pontchatoula Strawberry Fest line-up. [Fox8]

EXPANSIONS — Eat Fit NOLA, the healthy eating initiative from nutritionist Molly Kimball and Ochsner, is expanding to cover the entire state of Louisiana. [press release]

Speaking of Molly Kimball, she has a recipe for a virgin fire tonic bloody Mary to sip during Lent for those going alcohol-free. [NOLA.COM]

FYI — Legendary chef Leah Chase, of Dooky Chase restaurant, has no idea where the nickname “Dooky” came from. [WGNO]

POP-UPS — Nigerian chef and writer Tunde Wey is examining racial income disparity in his provocative Roux Carre pop-up through Sunday, March 4. [NOLA.COM]

SWITCHEROOS — Pizza Hut is replacing Papa John’s as the official NFL pizza sponsor. The agreement between Papa John’s and the NFL was cut three years before the contract ended in a mutual decision. Four months ago, CEO John Schnatter blamed NFL protests during the national anthem for declining sales. Schnatter resigned from his role of CEO at the end of 2017. [E]

OPENING ALERT — Where Y’at has a list of sno-ball stands opening soon. [WHERE Y’AT]

MAKIN’ GROCERIES — Grocery delivery service, Instacart, launches in New Orleans on March 8. [GAMBIT]

• All EaterWire Coverage [ENOLA]