Zapp’s Declares Death of Salted Pretzels, Introduces Voodoo-Spiced Pretzel Sticks

Zapp’s, Louisiana’s favorite potato chip maker, is getting into the pretzel market. The brand rolled out its new products this week in admittedly charming fashion, posting an announcement on its homepage that leads with the image of a skull atop a pretzel and reads: “Late last night, the Hard Salted Pretzel — known by all for its pleasant if not underwhelming flavor — died under mysterious circumstances. Witnesses describe a dark cloud engulfing the sky, followed by the sounds of sinister laughter and a 20-piece brass ensemble.”

The story ends with all the pretzels being replaced with Zapp’s new Sinfullfy Seasoned Pretzel Stix, available in two flavors: Voodoo and Jazzy Honey Mustard. Voodoo, a Cajun spiced-like flavor, is one of the brand’s most popular for its kettle-cooked chips; the honey mustard is a new, pretzel-specific flavor. They come in five or 16-ounce bags, and parent company Utz says they are currently on sale in stores across the U.S. and are available for purchase online.

Casa Borrega reopens for Latin American music series

The closure of Central City restaurant Casa Borrega last spring marked a sad loss for the city’s Mexican culinary, art, and music scene. Now, Gambit reports, owner Hugo Montero has reopened the restaurant for a Friday night Latin American music series, to be held on the spacious back patio alongside a full bar and succinct menu of small plates. On Friday, October 21, Rivotrio will play Brazilian music, and the restaurant will hold their annual Day of the Dead party on October 28. Follow Casa Borrega on Facebook for updates.

New Orleans City Council is one step closer to improved rules for pop-ups

After years of struggling with confusing and complicated permitting processes, New Orleans pop-ups are one step closer to achieving a more streamlined path to compliance. On October 6, New Orleans City Council passed an ordinance that lays out a clear route for permitting and sets more reasonable prices of fees: A one-time $50 application fee, a $150 annual fee for a vendor permit, and an annual $50 occupational license fee, reports Gambit. The permitting rules will go into effect depending on a November 3 vote City Council about related zoning changes.

Neal Bodenheimer kicks off Cure cocktail book tour with pre-pub party

The Garden District Book Shop is hosting a pre-release book party for Neal Bodenheimer’s new cocktail book, Cure: New Orleans Drinks and How to Mix ‘Em, on Monday, October 24. Released nationwide on Tuesday, the book tells the story of New Orleans’s iconic cocktail scene through 100 drinks, chosen to represent the city’s past, present, and future. $15 tickets which include food and beverage can be purchased here.