The food scene in the Big Easy has changed dramatically in recent years, as the city continues to draw in culinary talent from all over the world. Almost every neighborhood can boast exciting new restaurants and chefs constantly experimenting with bold flavors while harnessing the spirit of traditional New Orleans cooking. Even iconic dishes like gumbo and the classic po-boy have been deliciously reinvented. As visitors flock to the city for big summer events like July’s Essence Festival, now is the perfect time to take a tasting tour of classic New Orleans dishes, as re-envisioned by both new and established chefs. Here are our favorite modern twists: GRILLED CRAWFISH BREAD Willa Jean, 611

In New Orleans, old homes are architectural treasures. Take a leisurely walk through one of the city's unique neighborhoods and find a myriad of styles, including: Creole Cottage 1790-1850. Found mainly in the French Quarter and surrounding area. Cottages are single story, set at ground level. Steeply pitched roof. Symmetrical four-opening facade wall, set close to front property line. Made of stucco or wood exterior. American Townhouse 1820-1850. Found in the Central Business District or Lower Garden District. A narrow three-story structure set near ground level. Facade wall on property line. Asymmetrical arrangement of facade openings, balcony on second floor. Exterior made of brick or stu

The Esplanade mall in Kenner is expected to change hands later this month. Ahead of the sale, a new management team has been brought in to run the shopping center, and the city's leader expects it will help shape the future of the site. Acting Kenner Mayor Michael Sigur said Simon Property Group is moving toward a sale of the expansive commercial property, and Pacific Retail Capital Partners has been retained as mall manager. Najla Kayyem, who heads marketing for Pacific Retail, confirmed that a transaction was in the works but would not disclose any specifics. The Esplanade has languished in recent years under the ownership of Simon Property Group, the country largest real estate investment

Residential property values in Jefferson Parish have increased nearly 3 percent since 2012 when the last quadrennial reassessment was conducted, Assessor Tom Capella said. Some homeowners, particularly those in "hot spots" such as Old Metairie and Bucktown, may see increases of 6 or 7 percent, he said. Overall, the parish's total taxable property value is $3.57 billion, up 7 percent since 2012 when it was $3.33 billion. "The numbers show a good growth in some places, moderate in some others, flat in some others," Capella said " But overall everything's up a little bit which is good news for the parish." Every four years, the law requires that all property in the parish be assessed -- or valu