Articles

WED, JAN 2 3:07PM by Elizabeth Rose

From the Heart — for the Heart

A personal chef’s epiphany leads to a health-conscious business plan.

TUE, DEC 1 9:00PM by Mary Tutwiler

Nidal Balbeisi conquers downtown

With the acquisition of Stan’s, Balbeisi is building a restaurant empire in old Lafayette

Nidal Balbeisi is attempting to conquer the world the way all great tacticians do, through its belly. First he seduces you at Zeus, his Mid-Eastern flagship restaurant, with delectable baba ghanoush. Then he makes his shwarma sandwiches as quick and convenient as the ubiquitous burger at the multiple locations of his Zeus Express drive thru. Next, he brainwashes you with mind-bending margaritas at his Mexican cantina, Agave. Now, he’s planning the coup de gras with his newest culinary adventure — Italian fusion — at Trynd Café and Night Club. The location? Last week, Balbeisi bought Stanley Lerille’s laid back lunch and high octane disco, located in the former Masonic temple on Vermilion Street downtown.

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