Jennifer Lawrence Dined at Pêche on Saturday

CELEBRITIES — Actress Jennifer Lawrence dined at Donald Link’s Pêche restaurant this past Saturday. Celebrity gawker rag, OK magazine, has a story about a smoke break she took out back. [OK]

OPENING ALERT — Shahrazed Cafe has opened its doors on Magazine Street just a stone’s throw from Tal’s Hummus, bringing more Lebanese and Mediterranean food Uptown. The new spot has been in the works from owner Jamal Ismail since 2015, but was delayed because of permitting. [GAMBIT]

EATER IDK — For a truly wild Mardi Gras experience, get married at Tableau restaurant on Ash Wednesday, which is also Valentine’s Day. The Dickie Brennan-owned, French Quarter restaurant is marrying diners for free on Valentine’s Day, complete with an officiant and a photographer. Reservations are necessary. [press release]

CARNIVAL WIRE — Meanwhile, Galatoire’s had some celebrity guests of its own. The king and queen of Barkus, a “cream-colored golden retriever” and a “darling border collie”, dined on lamb chops in anticipation of Sunday’s dog parade during their annual lunch at Galatoire’s in the French Quarter on Sunday. [NOLA.COM]

CRAWFISH WIRE — The cold weather hasn’t helped the price of mudbugs this season. Here’s the scoop on what to expect to pay. [FOX8]

CONTROVERSIES — The Washington Post considers how critics approach reviewing a restaurant whose chef has been accused of assault. [WaPo]

THE CHAINS — Olive Garden is serving Italian pasta nachos and Taco Bell gets into the French fry game. [E]

KING CAKE WIRE — Blake Pontchartrain has the history behind McKenzie’s, as well as the answers to important questions surrounding the beloved sweet shop like, When did it get into the chicken-in-a-box business? and How did Tastee end up with McKenzie’s recipes? [GAMBIT]

THE CHAINS — Like it or not, Chipotle is coming to Magazine Street. [UPTOWN MESSENGER]

NEWS — People are already lobbying the New Orleans Opera for an extension of the hilarious Tabasco opera. [SOUTHERN FOODWAYS]

THE CHAINS — The parent company of Popeyes may have had a few pitfalls lately, but it’s possible that the world is about to see a lot more Popeyes locations. Here’s why. [MOTLEY FOOL]

CONTROVERSIES — Love Kreme, a dubiously named ice cream shop planned for the Irish Channel, did not get approval for the controversial zoning change it requested. [UPTOWN MESSENGER]

CONTROVERSIES — Top New Orleans chefs are asking Congress to shoot down bills that would change fisheries management, which they believe could increase overfishing. Nina Compton of Compere Lapin; Justin Devillier of Balise and La Petite Grocery; Kristen Essig and Michael Stoltzfus of Coquette; and Stephen Stryjewski of Cochon and Cochon Butcher; Brian Burns and Ryan Prewett of Peche; Dickie Brennan of Dickie Brennan and Co.; Ernest Prejean of Prejean’s in Lafayette; Ryan Schantz of Calla in Lake Charles; and Mark Alleman of Hook and Boil in Lafayette all signed the letter, which was made public. [SEATTLEPI]

MORE READING

All EaterWire Coverage [ENOLA]

All Restaurant Opening Coverage [ENOLA]

All EventWire Coverage [ENOLA]