Restaurants began reopening in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina with valiant speed under extraordinary circumstances. And they kept on returning, often bringing the first businesses and new life back to flood-ravaged neighborhoods. For some of the journey would take years.

When New Orleans was at its lowest post Katrina, here's how restaurants lifted our spirits

It was a dinner I’ll never forget because part of me couldn’t believe it was happening.

But as time went on, it was clear that Katrina had claimed many restaurants that could not return. Some restaurant owners retired or moved on; losses were sometimes too great; insurance never came through for others.

At the 20-year mark, here are memorable restaurants lost to Katrina. In a few cases, I've managed to track down where som

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