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A new speakeasy

Huey P’s Speakeasy, a jazz and wine club with a twist, is in the works on Lafayette Street across from the Hilton Capitol Center. Huey P’s will feature a ground-floor jazz club with plush sofas, cigars and fine wine tastings, while a second-floor room will offer live music in a speakeasy atmosphere. “This project will provide something totally different for downtown,” says co-owner Vincent Marcello. His partners are Benn Azar and big-band crooner Ned Fasullo, who will perform regularly at Huey P’s and book the bands. Trios and quartets will play downstairs, while upstairs will feature lively big-band, Latin and dance music. A kitchen will serve light appetizers and dessert. Huey P’s is expected to open by summer.

Vegas to B.R.

Glenn Brown, who worked as a chef for Treasure Island Casino in Las Vegas, has returned home to open a new restaurant with his brother, Everett Brown Sr. The Grand is a full-service restaurant on Greenwell Springs Road that offers a soul food lunch buffet and a full dinner menu. The restaurant is open Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until 2 a.m., with live jazz and appetizers in the bar.

Isabella’s Pizzeria to open

A popular North Shore pizza chain, Isabella’s Pizzeria, has opened its doors in Baton Rouge—the first location outside the North Shore area. Owners scoped out Slidell before finding a home in Baton Rouge on George O’Neal Road near the Grand Cinema. The family-friendly gourmet pie restaurant uses pizza and sandwich dough made fresh daily. Isabella’s is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Another favorite from the other side of Lake Pontchartrain, Reginelli’s Pizzeria of New Orleans, is expanding its reach to Baton Rouge; look for it at the north gates of LSU this summer.