Zasu is the creation of chef/owner Sue Zemanick, who knew early on that she wanted to be a chef.  After graduating at the top of her class for the Culinary Institute of America in NY she moved to New Orleans and in 2005 was named Executive Chef at Gautreau’s where she won the Best Chef South by the James Beard Foundation in 2013.  In addition to other awards she has served as a judge on several seasons of Top Chef Masters.  It’s a small-medium size place in an older home with a few outdoor tables in addition to 2 rows of small bare wood tables running the length of the place and a row of booths on the other side.  Three large paintings cover much of the walls and are the same hue as the walls.  According to our server they are art as well as sound dampening in function.  Interesting plant-like chandeliers hang from the sound-paneled ceiling opposite the wide plank wood floors. It’s comfortable but minimal environment with wonderful intensely flavored food.  I highly recommend it. Continue reading →