Gabrielle Restaurant Gives Up

Greg and Mary Sonnier have given up their effort to open Gabrielle Restaurant, their acclaimed Mid-City restaurant, Uptown on Henry Clay. Everyone has a different version of what transpired, with various players blaming the Sonniers, Shelley Midura, Eddie Sapir, Clancy's, Monkey Hill and Jay Batt. The Sonniers fault Shelley Midura and Eddie Sapir. Ashley blames the Sonniers, rips Jay Batt and defends Shelley Midura. Ernie, who lives right next to the Uptowner/Gabrielle, has the best coverage, and make sure to read the comments to his post also.

Pizza Hut Helps NOPD

Larry Lundy, the owner and operator of more than 50 Pizza Hut franchises in the state, donated 3,600 square feet of corporate office space, and in less than 45 days it was transformed from a former dentist's office to a spotless New Orleans Police Department district police station. The former station -- home to 75 officers -- was comprised of one-room FEMA trailers. Space was limited, supplies were scant, and morale was tested, officers said. They shared one bathroom, which didn't have a sink.

Blanco's $5 Billion Arithmetic Error

The tab for Governor Kathleen Blanco's incompetence in funding the Road Home program continues to spiral out of control. The latest estimates is that the program is underfunded by $5 billion, with a B, not an M.

Fred Thompson Plans to Run for President

Politician-turned-actor Fred Thompson plans an unconventional campaign for president using blogs, video posts and other Internet innovations to reach voters repelled by politics-as-usual in both parties, he told USA Today. Thompson, a former U.S. Senator from Tennessee, has been coy about his intentions with audiences, but made clear in an interview that he plans to run. Story here.

Hurricane Season Tips from Mr. Bill

Mr. Bill's Top Ten Hurricane Season Tips.

State of the City: Blame Everyone But Nagin

Mayor Ray Nagin gave his State of the City address and blamed everybody on the planet except for himself for the City's sluggish recovery. The full text of his remarks are here.

"It's not our fault that the levees breached that the federal government built," he said, launching into the speech's singular moment of unscripted oratory and rousing the night's only standing ovation. "It's not our fault that we were stranded and left. It's not our fault that the Road Home program has issued only 12 percent of the grants after almost two years. It's not our fault that our water system is leaking today. It's not our fault."

To see local bloggers who disliked the speech, see Moldy City, Library Chronicles, et al. For bloggers who liked the speech, see here: .

Back from Vacation

Sorry for the light posting lately. I'm back and will be posting more soon.

Good Crawfish Season

This has been a good crawfish season, with big crawfish and lower prices. Apparently, there's an inverse correlation between crawfish and rice.

New Orleans Wine and Food Experience

The New Orleans Wine and Food Experience (NOWFE) is this weekend. The event includes vintner dinners hosted at restaurants around town, the Royal Street Stroll street-wide block party, grand tastings with samples from winemakers and local chefs, seminars and other wine-oriented events. The NOWFE website is here.

Ralph Brennan Bans Trans Fats

The Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group has banned trans fats from its dishes served at Ralph's on the Park, Red Fish Grill and Bacco.

Elliot's Gun Shop Shut Down

ATF agent wearing bubble wrap around her head busts Elliot's.

Do You Agree With Judge Hunter?

Rent To Own FEMA Trailers

Good news, New Orleans! For the rock bottom price of $13,000, you can buy your FEMA trailer from the government. All sales are "as is," so make sure to kick the tires before you rent to own.

Text of Judge Hunter's Ruling

Here is the text of Judge Hunter's ruling suspending the prosecutions of 98 criminals. Page after page about criminals' rights, but no mention of victims' rights.

Rock N' Bowl Renovation

Developers plan to spend $5 million renovating the shopping center on South Carrollton where Rock N' Bowl is.

He Needs Them

Headline: Nagin Demands State Provide Mental Health Services.

Judge Hunter Frees 98 More Criminals

Judge Arthur Hunter has freed 98 more criminals. Concerned about a growing number of poor defendants who are without attorneys and cannot be adequately represented by the city's indigent defenders office, a criminal court judge on Monday suspended their prosecution and ordered those still in jail released. Judge Hunter did not express any concern for victim's rights.

Louisiana for Fred Thompson Website

Link here.

Teachers' Union Protests Shut Down Schools

On Wednesday, Louisiana's teachers unions had their teachers play hooky to protest for higher pay. Putting the unions' interests ahead of the students forced schools to shut down for the day. This is an annual event in Louisiana.

Blanco Fails to Fund Road Home

The State has funded the Road Home program with $7.5 billion in federal taxpayer money, but based on present statistics, Bobby Jindal points out that the giveaway program is $2 billion short. Governor Blanco admits that the program is underfunded, but I am shocked to report that she blames someone else for the problem and wants Washington to bail her out by giving the State more money.