Fire it up: Galatoire’s today announced the promotion of Baton Rouge native Kelley McCann to executive chef of the new Galatoire’s Bistro, under development at Perkins Road and Acadian Thruway. The restaurant, which recently broke ground in Acadian Village, is slated to open its doors in December. McCann was part of the original Galatoire’s staff, beginning his career as a back waiter and working his way to sous chef, a position he has held for three years. He currently serves as sous chef at Galatoire’s Restaurant in New Orleans.
Building blocks: The Slidell City Council voted on Wednesday to create an economic development district encompassing the new Camellia Square retail and hotel development. The creation of the district at the 8.5-acre tract near Interstate 10 allows the council to consider collecting an additional 1% sales tax and/or 2% hotel tax on consumer transactions conducted on the site to support any infrastructure improvements or to recover a percentage of construction costs. The Times-Picayune has the full story here.
Our Guy: Bluesman Buddy Guy, who got his start in Baton Rouge “before the guitar was electrified” and picked his way to worldwide legendary status, is among seven artists who will receive this year’s Kennedy Center Honors. In a phone interview with The Washington Post, Guy says: “This is exciting for me. I’m very emotional. I’m probably going to sit there and keep a handkerchief right there. I don’t have a high school education, and it’s a long way from pickin’ cotton and pickin’ a guitar.” Read the full story here.
