Times Like These

While everyone laments the plight of restaurants trying to stay open, one of the more challenging—and under-reported—effects of this economy involves upcoming restaurants trying to get proper funding. But some are getting creative in their fundraising. Take, for example, Russell Jackson, who is trying to get construction started at Lafitte by selling t-shirts on eBay that have been signed by local celebrity chefs like Craig Stoll, Elizabeth Falkner, and even Duchess Waters. The pricetag is a bit steep, but you've gotta love the chef solidarity. [eBay]