Chef D’z Already Has Its Comeback Plan in Place

In the quickest of comebacks, Donald “Chef D” Smith plans to reopen his critically-praised restaurant, Chef D’z, by mid-October in a new spot on the corner of Basin and South Robertson, Todd Price reports.

Known for generous and affordable plates like a $2 breakfast and a $10 red beans and rice lunch with fried chicken, vegetables, and sweet cornbread, Chef D’z closed on South Broad in the middle of September.

Located in a former club from Kermit Ruffins, the new location will also include live music. Smith will also add a few new menu items, like crab claws.

Smith grew up on the West Bank, attended culinary school, and eventually opened a restaurant serving New Orleans-style food in Oakland, California. After returning to New Orleans a few years ago, he and his mother, Doris (Mama D) opened and closed restaurants in Gretna and Gentilly before landing on Broad Street last September.

He anticipates opening the next Chef D’z in mid-October.

• Chef D’z Cafe will reopen on Basin Street [ENOLA]
• Chef D’z Cafe Closes After Almost a Year on Broad Street [ENOLA]A Small Place With Big Plates: Opening Alert for Chef D’z Cafe [NOLA.COM]
• Review: As New Orleans Food Changes, Chef D’z on Broad Street Shows Why Roots Matter[ADVOCATE]