Archived Article By Tom Fitzmorris Originally published September 8, 2008 Most Restaurants Reopen Since Gustav To make a long story short, if you're thinking of going out to dinner tonight, tomorrow, or next week, just call the restaurant. It will probably be open. During the past twenty-four hours, I've received dozens of e-mail messages from restaurants around town with news that they're back in business after Hurricane Gustav. Although I'll bet there is some storm damage here and there, and that some restaurants are still waiting for their staffs (and owners, in some cases) to come back to town, most restaurants appear to be open today and forward. The worst problem being encountered by restaurateurs appears to be in Jefferson Parish, particularly on the West Bank. Power outages persist in substantial areas there. Nevertheless, many restaurants have reopened. The Peppermill, for example, returned for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Thursday. Although they'll get the greatest amount of attention, it's not just the major restaurants that have reopened. One of the first I heard about was Stein's Deli, the raffish sandwich shop on Magazine Street. So we're back to work. And--perhaps more important--we're back to pleasure. The faster we get back to normal, the better. © 2008 Tom Fitzmorris. All rights reserved. news@nomenu.com