Boudin makes a handy breakfast at Ayu Bakehouse (801 Frenchmen St.) wrapped in delicate sheets of pastry for the "boudin boy." The muffuletta sticks manage to contain all the olive salad and salumi goodness from the monstrous full sandwich in snack form. And at the holidays, Ayu's cheery “challahgator” loaves become table centerpieces, picked apart almost reluctantly because they’re so darn cute.

These are some of the hallmarks of this Frenchmen Street bakery cafe, with a fun, creative approach to combining family tradition, different culinary influences and local flavor. It swiftly won a local following. Now its co-founder has picked up a high-profile national accolade.

Kelly Jacques was named by Food & Wine to its 2025 class of “Best New Chefs,” an annual national honor she shar

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