Ariaane, replacement for La Casita on Julia St

I went to La Casita all the time for happy hour. Looks like they are doing some things (happy hour, taco Tuesday) the same but the menu is most definitely different.

"Stick with what works. That was Ariaane's strategy when it took over Warehouse District spot that used to be the original La Casita, a Mexican restaurant. (La Casita still has its second location on Oak Street.)

Ariaane, a tight canteen serving lunch and dinner, has tacos and margaritas. But even though the menu is small, it reaches beyond standard Mexican fare with arepas, empanadas and big entree-sized salads.

The same team behind Ariaane also recently opened the Picayune Social House, a restaurant with an international menu in the building that ages ago was the newsroom of The Daily Picayune.

Opened: Aug. 10

On the menu: Pork pasteles ($5); beef brisket tacos with chimichurri ($5); beef tenderloin salad with avocado and roasted red peppers ($12)

Need to know: The name is a variation on the French word "ariane," which is a space rocket used by Europe.

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Ariaane: 634 Julia St., New Orleans, 504.510.5222"

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