The Scene recently caught up with Vasquez to talk about how his first few months are going and some additional plans he has in store for the space. North of NOLA is his first restaurant as owner. That’s a passion that’s been instilled in me since I was a baby.” Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Vasquez said, his family moved to Washington State for a time before ultimately returning to the Seacoast, where Cassy is from. “They work hard for their money and they deserve a great meal. “I opened these doors because I believe in feeding people and giving them an experience that they deserve,” he said. Vasquez, whose wife Cassy has owned and operated Ginger & Clove with her sister Angelica on Lafayette Road in Hampton since 2021, said creating North of NOLA’s concept was simple - a community space centered around delicious, home-cooked food. Just off the intersection of D Street and Ocean Boulevard, the eatery is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, boasting a menu of items like shrimp and grits, gumbo, jambalaya, po’ boys, burgers, scrambles and more. Bringing authentic flavors of New Orleans to Hampton Beach, North of NOLA Restaurant & Bayou Bar (3 D St., Hampton, 601-8612, find them on Facebook) features the culinary prowess of owner and chef Sonny Vasquez, himself born and raised in the Big Easy.
