Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center has earned the highest level of stroke certification from The Joint Commission, a designation for hospitals that quickly and accurately treat the most complex stroke cases.
Our world-class Comprehensive Stroke Center team continues to lead in providing stroke prevention, complex treatment and recovery care.
When a stroke strikes, where you seek care matters. Learn more at ololrmc.com/stroke.
The Colonel's Club
Wrapped in a bow
IN OCTOBER, I started working my way back through my old Spotify Wrapped playlists.
Like audio time capsules, the music app’s annual soundtracks of listeners’ top songs have become something of a religious experience.
I live for my Wrapped reveal. To me, it signals the start of the holidays just as much as hearing the first notes of Mariah Carey’s Christmas classic. It’s ti-iiiime.
I am so eager for mine that I’ve been bumping past year’s editions to hold myself over. It’s led me to rediscover so many forgotten treasures from 2023, 2022 and 2021.
Like, when did I stop listening to that witty Wallice song from 2021? It made me smile to remember that one Dua Lipa bop that graced my lists in both 2022 and 2023—probably because it was my husband’s and my hype song for drives together. And I gasped when I heard the Muchacho beat that our wedding videographer chose for our video. I’d forgotten how magically she’d synced it with the clips from our day.
This flood of memories got me thinking about how we mine data about ourselves—and how technology has made it so easy to catalog our lives without even trying.
I’m a nostalgic person, the type who watches back their iPhone concert videos and who hasn’t cleared their camera roll since 2018. I simply cannot resist a year-in-review moment.
Our team aims to supply those kinds of flashbacks with this month’s cover story, which recounts the past year through food. The package is a culmination of more than 12 months worth of reporting about restaurant and bar openings, expansions and renovations.
All year long, our team slid into business owners’ DMs, hoping to maneuver our way into dozens of concepts before they opened to the public. In our 225 Daily newsletter, we published about 30 first looks inside culinary arrivals. Our writers talked with restaurateurs about the stories behind their brands. Our photographers captured all the special, meaningful design details.
It’s hard to believe that just over a year ago, most of the businesses featured in our cover story didn’t yet exist—and to think about how quickly they’ve reshaped our city. What a gift.
I hope reading this issue inspires you to reminisce. Maybe you ventured to Okki Tokki in the spring for a garlicky rice bowl on your lunch break. You might have pulled up to 1808 Sneaux for a sticky, cherry snowball with the family in the summertime. And I bet you ventured to The Colonel’s Club for a date night this fall.
We expect you’ll find new places to hit up, too. So, make a list and check it twice. And get ready—the list of openings will start all over again in 2025.
Jennifer Tormo Alvarez 225 Editor-in-Chief
How we got that shot
The Colonel’s Club recently welcomed a VIP guest: a Doberman named Marina. 225’s brilliant director of creative services, Amy Vandiver, conceptualized our cover story shoot starring the sweet dog from Franklin Dobermans. The images of Marina pay homage to the original Colonel’s Club of the 1960s and its owner Jesse Lee Sheppard, who often traveled with his Doberman. Turn to page 26 for more.
The best for last
Our team is closing out 2024 with a bang—with two of the most standout stories we’ve written all year. On page 20, 225 Features Writer Maggie Heyn Richardson sits down with Women’s Basketball great Seimone Augustus—and the LSU legend’s voice leaps off the page. Meanwhile, 225 Digital Staff Writer Olivia Deffes explores the lore behind a family’s holiday tradition that has become the stuff of local legend. Turn to page 56—and I dare you not to shed a tear while reading. Both features are the products of months of reporting and planning—and embody what this magazine is all about.
It’s showtime
225 has a filmmaker among its ranks. Multimedia Editor Oscar Tickle screens his directorial debut at the Manship Theatre on Dec. 29. The Hunt For “Swamp Cows” is a documentary about elusive wild cows that live in Louisiana’s marshes. Congrats, Oscar!
Start The New Year By Taking Your Health Personally
Publisher: Julio Melara
EDITORIAL
Chief Content Officer: Penny Font
Editor-In-Chief: Jennifer Tormo Alvarez
Managing Editor: Laura Furr Mericas
Features Writer: Maggie Heyn Richardson
Digital Staff Writer: Olivia Deffes
Multimedia Editor: Oscar Tickle
Staff Photographer: Collin Richie
Contributing Writers: Madison Cooper, Gracelyn Farrar, Tracey Koch
Contributing Photographers: Ariana Allison, Amy Shutt, Avery White
Audience Development Director and Digital Manager: James Hume
Audience Development Coordinator: Ivana Oubre
Audience Development Associate: Catherine Albano
Customer Experience Coordinator: Kathy Thomas
A publication of Melara Enterprises, LLC
Chairman: Julio Melara
Executive Assistant: Brooke Motto
Vice President-Sales: Elizabeth McCollister Hebert
Chief Content Officer: Penny Font
Chief Digital Officer: Erin Pou
Chief Operating Officer: Guy Barone
Circulation/Reprints
• email: circulation@225batonrouge.com 9029 Jefferson Highway, Suite 300, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
TOP STORIES
October 2024’s most-read articles at 225batonrouge.com
CONNECT WITH US Readers’ notes
How Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader
The Station is all dressed up for its spooky Halloween pop-up 1 2 3
Darah Haidet went from LSU Tiger Girl to one of ‘America’s Sweethearts’
231,537
The Fifolet Halloween Ball features frighteningly festive design this month
Number of Facebook plays on our behind-the-scenes video showcasing what a game day is like for The Golden Band from Tigerland. Follow us on YouTube for more episodes of 225’s Between the Lines video series.
In response to our feature about the potential impacts of Woman’s Hospital’s new $8 million Perinatal Mental Health Unit:
“I love that they have this; wish they had it about 16 years ago! Hopefully it helps new moms now ” —@heartforsuccess, via Instagram
About our story on Little Town Zachary, a fun-sized city for children:
“Literally our favorite spot! We may or may not be there weekly ” —@blushingbloomsbr, via Instagram
Comments and analytics are from Oct. 1-31, 2024. They have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.
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You’re free to live your life out loud! Because you’ve got the compassion of the cross, the security of the shield, and the comfort of Blue behind you.
DIGIT
OSCARTICKLE
Claus-itively custom
BY MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON
BY COLLIN RICHIE
PHOTOS
Local artist Laura Welch Taylor’s handmade ornaments
IN BATON ROUGE, Christmas tree styles are as unique as gumbo recipes, and it’s a sure bet no two are exactly alike. For some folks, it’s a chance to coordinate themes and color palettes. For others, it’s about hanging history and the joy of returning to meaningful pieces collected over the years.
The custom ornaments made by Louisiana artist Laura Welch Taylor straddle both worlds. Handpainted to resemble kids, pets and life moments, the made-in-Baton Rouge works feature a consistent whimsical aesthetic that makes them a stylish collectible.
Taylor, a painter and ceramicist, is a big fan of the timelessness of ceramic ornaments.
“If you read about the Titanic, all the ceramics are still perfect at the bottom of the ocean,” she says. “Of course, you can break them, but they are such a permanent thing. And to me, that’s really cool.”
Highland Road in November 2023. The shop stocks Taylor’s original paintings and ceramics, as well as home decor and gifts printed with original designs.
This time of year, it brims with handmade Christmas decorations she makes in her studio, a converted barn behind her Prairieville home. A kiln she nicknamed Goldie turns out the shop’s wildly popular ceramic ornaments.
“She’s the hardest working one on the team,” Taylor jokes.
Clients upload photos of children and pets to Taylor’s website to be featured on their ornaments, but they shouldn’t expect an exact portrayal. As an abstract impressionist, Taylor prefers keeping the images faceless, still creating remarkable likenesses through details like face shape, attire and hair color. Each specialty ornament is painted completely by hand.
including acrylic sets of the 12 Days of Christmas and six characters from The Nutcracker
Other ornaments feature Mary holding baby Jesus, Jesus as a shepherd, Santa, angels and other classic Christmas imagery.
every year, but they remain grounded in her style, awash in pastels and a vibe she calls “a soft place to land.” She has a particular fondness for the blues and whites found on Chinese ginger jars. That visual throughline makes her ornaments recognizable on a tree, she says.
Of course, ceramic ornaments can’t always escape casualty. But Taylor generally uses a flat, round shape she says reduces the breakage that often befalls Christmas balls.
“They’ll last forever,” she says. “No pressure.” laurawtaylor.com
DECK THE HALLS
Issue Date: Dec 2024 Ad proof #1
• Please respond by e-mail or phone with your approval or minor revisions.
A veteran artist, Taylor, 33, opened LWT Studios, her retail store and workshop space, on
“They’re very heirloom-y,” Taylor says.
• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hrs from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines.
She makes other ornaments, too,
• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.
“I like to keep it unique and do things that people can’t find on Amazon or somewhere else around town,” she says.
Taylor introduces new pieces
Shop Taylor’s collections at LWT Studios, 17650 Highland Road, Suite K. Custom ceramic ornaments cost $115, and acrylic ornaments start at $25. Confirm hours before visiting.
Spend the holidays with your
Holiday Brass at St. Joseph Cathedral - Thursday, Dec. 5
Holiday Brass at Hemingbough - Friday, Dec. 6
Holiday Brass at Houmas House - Sunday, Dec. 8
Home for the Holidays at the River Center Theatre - Saturday, Dec. 21
Laura Welch Taylor opened LWT Studios on Highland Road in November 2023.
BAYOU TREE SERVICE: PRESERVING BATON ROUGE’S URBAN CANOPY
Baton Rouge’s lush tree canopy is more than just a beautiful backdrop – it’s a vital part of our city’s ecosystem and quality of life. Bayou Tree Service is committed to preserving this green legacy for generations to come. While tree removal is sometimes necessary, the primary focus for Bayou Tree Service is on tree preservation and maintaining the health of our city’s urban canopy.
PREVENTATIVE CARE: THE KEY TO LONGEVITY
While there are instances when tree removal is necessary – such as when a tree is severely damaged, diseased or poses a risk to property – Bayou Tree Service believes the emphasis should be on prevention. Regular maintenance through professional services can prolong the life of our trees, ensuring they continue to thrive.
Certified arborists play a crucial role in this process by conducting thorough inspections that can identify early signs of stress or disease. By catching these issues early, Bayou Tree Service can implement targeted interventions that promote resilience and vitality.
Bayou Tree Service’s comprehensive approach includes annual pruning to remove dead or diseased branches, improve the tree’s structure and promote healthy growth. Additionally, its tree health care program consists of regular inspections, soil management and targeted treatments to prevent and address issues before they become severe.
When a tree must be removed, it’s important to consider the broader environmental implications. Trees serve as crucial components of our ecosystem, contributing to air quality, soil stability and wildlife habitats. The loss of a tree can disrupt these benefits, underscoring the importance of planting a replacement.
Bayou Tree encourages homeowners to select species that are well-suited to our local climate, such as Southern live oaks or red maples. These trees not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of properties but also combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
“By prioritizing tree preservation and responsible replacement, we are making an investment in the health of our com munity and the planet,” says licensed ar borist and branch manager Lee Rouse. “By working together to protect and nur ture our urban canopy, we can ensure that Baton Rouge remains a green, healthy and beautiful city for years to come.”
With locations in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Bayou Tree Service offers a comprehensive range of services to help unlock the full potential of your trees. Contact Bayou Tree Service today to schedule a consultation and discover the difference that proper tree care can make. For the Baton Rouge office, call 225.372.8585, or for New Orleans, call 504.837.8733.
THE IMPORTANCE OF TREE PRESERVATION
Trees are the lungs of our city, providing numerous benefits including:
• Improved air quality by filtering pollutants.
• Reduced energy costs through natural cooling & wind protection.
• Enhanced property values & aesthetic appeal.
• Stormwater management & erosion control.
• Wildlife habitat & biodiversity support.
Buzz feed
Compiled by Gracelyn Farrar
What’s poppin’?
Young entrepreneurs Bailey Galloway, 14, and Harper Galloway, 9, opened the first brick-andmortar for their gourmet popcorn business Posh Pop in the Acadian Perkins Plaza Shopping Center this fall. The sisters started selling their popcorn and other treats online and at popups and markets three years ago. With the help of their mother, Ebony McAllister, they sell 14 popcorn flavors, frozen treats, baked goods, sweets, and savory items like hot dogs and nachos from the new storefront. poshpop.shop
Green scene
Elegant new gift shop
Emerald Layne opened in Southdowns Village last month. Owner Paula O’Neal always wanted to have her own store, and she took inspiration from her grandmother’s taste to create the carefully curated shop. Shelves are stocked with charming knickknacks, decor, clothing, household wares and more for children, women and men. shopemeraldlayne.com
Years since business owners in the Perkins Road Overpass District raised over $40,000 to fund a land survey and landscape plan showing how a pedestrian and bike path could be added to improve safety and walkability in the area. CARBO Landscape Architecture presented the latest plans for the project, which were about 60% completed, to officials from the City of Baton Rouge’s MOVEBR program in the fall. Progress could begin as soon as this month, according to City of Baton Rouge Transportation and Drainage Director Fred Raiford.
Pup-grade
Locally owned pet supply store Parish Pets is moving to Government Street, in the former location of Hair Art & Company. Shop owner Nikki Kipps says she has always wanted to have a shop on the popular Mid City strip, but wanted to grow her business before investing. The new location will have double the retail space, plus a backyard. It’s expected to open in early 2025. parishpetsbr.com
SAY WHAT
“If you would’ve told me at 8 years old that I would be a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, I wouldn’t have believed you.”
–Darah Haidet, former LSU Tiger Girl who started her first season as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader this fall. Haidet was a part of the Tiger Girls when the dance team claimed national championships in 2022 and 2024. She told 225 that making the DCC team was a “dream come true.”
Breakfast champion
Vicious Biscuit opened in Gonzales’ Heritage Crossing development last month. The South Carolina-born breakfast-centric eatery offers gourmet biscuits and breakfast plates—but be sure to grab some napkins. Selfproclaimed breakfast connoisseur and franchise owner Zach Trujillo describes the brand’s biscuit creations as messy, delicious and unlike anything he’s ever tasted before. viciousbiscuit.com
ARIANA ALLISON
AVERY WHITE Emerald Layne manager Abbie Bayham and owner Paula O’Neal
Seimone Augustus, who played basketball at LSU from 2002-2006, went on to spend 14 years in the WNBA and is the only female athlete with a statue in her honor on campus.
SEIMONE’S NEXT ACT
Women’s
Basketball great enters her first season as LSU assistant coach
BY MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON // PHOTOS BY COLLIN RICHIE
Seimone Augustus’ teammates called her “Money.” Not because she was showy, but for her reliability and exceptional skill. Quiet and understated, she’s long been known for letting her talent speak for itself.
Back in May, at a press conference naming her as a new LSU Women’s Basketball assistant coach, Augustus commented on transitioning from player to college coach, and finding a new voice in the process.
Her bona fides on the court are well known—the Baton Rouge native played at LSU, spent 14 years in the pros and is a three-time Olympic gold medalist. Outside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, a bronze likeness stands in her honor, its panels inscribed with a laundry list of accomplishments.
“I don’t talk loud. I talk softly,” Augustus, 40, told reporters that day. “I don’t talk often, and so that’s something that I always thought about when I thought about coaching. ‘How is that going to sound? What does this feel like? Who is Coach Money?’”
But if it sounds like it did during a show-stopping acceptance speech at the prestigious Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony in October, her voice will come through loud, clear and completely her own.
Welcome to the new era of Seimone Augustus.
TAKING THE PODIUM in a custom lavender suit at her fourth hall of fame induction of 2024—and the most prestigious yet—Augustus started by singing a few bars from “Callin’ Baton Rouge.” It was enough to pull at the heartstrings of the gathered Tiger faithful. Then came the main course: an original ode that weaved her deep appreciation for the game of basketball with that of her home state.
“Basketball is a timeless grace. There’s a dance, a rhythmic trance, where the swamp’s sweet whispers merge with your dreams to take flight, and passions ignite,” she recited.
Friends and family teared up as Augustus performed her poem like a seasoned spoken word artist—never mind
it was her first time. Her inflections and cadence were pitch-perfect. Her expressions, spot on.
“Louisiana’s spirit thrived in the game that I played,” she continued. “So watch me soar and watch me strive. And in every play I came alive—so that my dream could survive.”
The crowd went wild.
“It was just a fearless moment for me,” she tells 225 days later from her office in the LSU Athletics Administration Building, bedecked in congratulatory flowers and balloons. “I think it was just because it was about home. It became a calming, settling moment.”
Augustus made the acceptance speech look easy. Just like her game, it was backed by intense preparation. Augustus
studied the work of poet Nikki Giovanni, writing lines of poetry over several months, and practiced with poet Charity Blackwell, who introduced her at an LGBTQ+ benefit in Washington, D.C., through the medium of spoken word earlier this year.
At the core of Augustus’ poem was profound gratitude for the sights, sounds and textures of the Bayou State—and the magic that can happen on a basketball court.
“I felt like I was speaking for so many people,” she says. “It did what it needed to do.”
Good sport
Kim and Seymore Augustus introduced their only child, Seimone, to a variety of sports in her early childhood.
“I tried soccer, volleyball, golf, softball. You name it, they were just like, ‘Find something you like,’” she says. “Then one day, my dad gave me a basketball and said, ‘This is what you got to do with it.’”
Seymore, a frequent volunteer coach, showed his daughter how to shoot and dribble.
“It felt natural,” Augustus says. “He would show me something, and I could do it without having to even think about it.”
A pivotal moment came following a pickup game at nowclosed Greenville Elementary School on North Foster Drive, where she played against her thennext-door neighbor.
“She beat me,” Augustus recalls. “I was torn up. I was so mad when I got in the car. But my dad told me, ‘You have to learn how to be a good loser before you can be a great winner.’”
Seymore then asked if she wanted to be good or great.
“I yelled, ‘I wanna be great,’ and I ran upstairs. We started training the next day,” Augustus says.
She worked out on the tripprone gravel court in her driveway, while her dad armed the yard with makeshift challenges using lawn chairs and ice chests.
Augustus worked nonstop on shooting and agility, learning to dribble with her less dominant left
hand by restricting her right arm with her dad’s belt.
Her love for the game grew, and she dreamed big.
The WNBA wouldn’t launch until 1997, when Augustus was 13. Before that, her loftiest goal was to be on the U.S. women’s basketball Olympic team. (She achieved it, winning gold medals in 2008, 2012 and 2016.)
A phenom at Capitol High School, Augustus made the cover of now-defunct Sports Illustrated for Women in 1999 with the headline, “Is She the Next Michael Jordan?” As the top high school recruit in the country, colleges nationwide pursued her.
LSU succeeded. She played for the Lady Tigers from 2002 to 2006, leading the team to three Final
Sideline style
Four appearances and bringing new crowds and enthusiasm to the PMAC. Her statue, unveiled in 2023, stands outside alongside Shaquille O’Neal, Bob Pettit and Pete Maravich—making her the only woman athlete with a statue on campus. Her jersey, No. 33, was the first worn by a female studentathlete to be retired by the school.
Bob Starkey, a longtime LSU assistant and current associate head coach for the Lady Tigers, says that Augustus’ reputation for being a hard worker is no exaggeration. Coaching her, he says, was “the absolute best.”
“You got her best every day,” Starkey says. “She’s one of those players who comes along once in a lifetime and spoils a coach. Here’s where your best player on your
Augustus’ love for off-the-court fashion was on full display with her choice of a custom lavender suit for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony in October, created by Unique Threads in Atlanta.
Her starting place was the color purple.
“I was going through the different purples, but I didn’t want to look like Barney,” she jokes. “I was like, ’It’s got to be something pretty, something soft.‘ ... I wanted it to have a ’70s feel.”
Fans likely won’t see her in suits like that this season on the sidelines, however. She says she prefers comfort and is fine ceding the spotlight. “Nobody’s topping Mulkey,” Augustus says. “I’m more of a sneakers person. I’ll probably keep it simple and play off of her.”
team is also your hardest worker.” She was also a team player.
“I had one problem with Seimone all the years I coached her—and that was we couldn’t quite get her to shoot enough,” Starkey says. “She was so unselfish. She was so concerned about involving her teammates.”
LSU teammate Ashley Johnson, now an assistant women’s basketball coach at Furman University, remembers how relentlessly Augustus, who still works out twice a day, prepared.
“I think one of my greatest takeaways was just how hard she worked,” Johnson says. “She was obviously the best player on our
Augustus was known as a leader at LSU who would always make her teammates laugh in the locker room. “What a lot of people don’t know about Seimone is how funny she is," says former teammate Ashley Johnson.
Augustus is honored at LSU in 2022 to recognize her retirement from the WNBA.
DER I CK HINGLE/ASSOCIATEDPRESS
team, but to always see her just getting in extra shots, or just how hard she went every single day in practice—that’s how you go about being a great athlete.”
Future in focus
It’s not lost on Augustus that she retired from women’s basketball a few years before the sport exploded in popularity. But she’s glad to see the change.
“It’s the open-mindedness now about things that we have been yelling and screaming about for years,” she says. “And whether they see it now as an investor, business-wise, or as a fan, it’s just a beautiful thing to finally see it taking off.”
The No. 1 WNBA draft pick in 2006, Augustus was chosen by the Minnesota Lynx, where she played for 14 seasons. Her long list of accolades includes winning four championships and being named an eight-time All-Star. The Lynx also retired her No. 33 jersey. Augustus’ parents frequently
made trips to Minneapolis-St. Paul to watch her play, frying fish in her apartment for her teammates and neighbors.
Bringing Augustus back to Baton Rouge was a few years in the making. She retired from the sport in 2021 and says she took some time for introspection. She went on to serve as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Sparks and as a facilitator in the players-led Athletes Unlimited league before LSU Women’s Basketball Head Coach Kim Mulkey coaxed Augustus back to the Tigers.
Mulkey first reached out regarding the position about three years ago, but Augustus says the timing wasn’t right. Mulkey tried again this year after the retirement of assistant coach Johnny Derrick.
This time, the answer was yes.
“It’s no better place to be,” says Augustus, who joked that she sometimes can’t keep her friends and family away from her new office during the workday.
“I thought about all the growth that I had from my time entering here in high school as a player, four years of growth to get ready for the pros,” she continues. “And I feel like my transition was probably one of the smoothest transitions as a player. If that happens again as a coach, where I have the opportunity to grow and then transition into a head coaching position, that would be so amazing.”
Coaching college athletes is different from anything Augustus has done before, but Mulkey says her background as an LSU alumna and a WNBA veteran gives her a unique perspective. And while it takes time to learn the coaching ropes, she says Augustus is already contributing.
“She just knows the game,” Mulkey says. “She’s already comfortable in making suggestions. I’m not sure how much I’m going to teach her. She may teach me more than I’ll ever teach her.”
So money.
33’s picks
The Capital City has changed a lot since Augustus left for Minnesota in 2006.
“I’m learning Baton Rouge all over again,” she says.
Here are a few of her current favorite stops.
Dr. FeelGood Organic Wellness
“Acai bowls are my current guilty pleasure.”
Tony’s Seafood
“It’s always been a staple.”
Louisiana Lagniappe
“Great for local seafood.”
Rock-n-Sake Bar & Sushi “Mmm-hmm.”
Drunken Fish
“That’s my favorite pho spot.”
Elsie’s Plate & Pie
“The Hot Crawfish Melt with roasted tomato soup. Change your life.”
Britt Parnell
CARNITAS BURRITO BOWLS, vodka sauce over rigatoni with braised chicken thighs, and Japanese curry. No, this isn’t the lineup at a hot local restaurant. It’s what local food content creator Britt Parnell is cooking up to stock Baton Rouge’s community fridges.
What started as a social media challenge has turned into a new passion for Parnell, who whips up 50 meals a week for fridges in Mid City.
Parnell says he wishes he knew about local community fridges when he was unemployed and living in a hotel. He hopes by posting videos of his prep he can inspire others while also letting those in need know of this valuable resource.
“I just don’t like thinking about people eating how I ate,” he says. “I would put salt and red pepper flakes on ice cubes and call it dinner, and I could’ve popped down the street and grabbed a can of beans.”
Parnell started the project this fall with a simple task to make a number of meals based on how many shares his videos received. Over 8,000 shares later, Parnell committed to donating 50 meals a week for a calendar year, though he says he will probably keep the project going for longer.
“I’m having so much more fun filming this sort of content than I was with recipe content,” he says.
Prep starts Sunday morning. With limited kitchen and counter space, Parnell crams his bulk mealmaking stations across all available surfaces. His partner, Holly Liner, assists in the assembly line.
After the meals are boxed up with plastic cutlery attached, Parnell and Liner deposit them in the fridges outside The Red Shoes and Yes We Cannibal.
Parnell tries to make the dishes a little elevated, by adding components like a homemade blackberry lime sauce to his parfaits, and thinks of recipes that focus on nutrients and protein. He even takes the weather into consideration: soups and comforting curries for colder nights and refreshing yogurts for warmer days.
Parnell discovered his love for cooking about four years ago while in rehab, where he prepared meals for the other men he lived with.
Inspired by Liner and a gifted ring light, Parnell started posting recipe content on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube about two years ago, amassing over 35,000 followers.
Today, every dollar he makes as a content creator is put into making meals for the fridges. And he wants to keep giving back as his following, engagement and brand partnerships grow.
Parnell hopes his efforts will help launch more fridges in Louisiana. And he aims to one day turn his project into a nonprofit that creates community fridges all over the country. www.brittyskitchen.com –OLIVIA DEFFES
“(This
project) is snowballing and becoming a pretty big thing. … I really think this can be a movement and make a huge impact.”
The year
in food:
50+ fresh concepts and expansions across the Capital Region
Coming in Coming in Hot Hot
LOT CAN CHANGE in 12 months.
How many of your dinner reservations and happy hours lately have been at venues that didn’t exist this time last year? There’s been much to get excited about in greater Baton Rouge’s current culinary season, from competitionstyle barbecue to stylish fare served in vibey interiors.
A few patterns have emerged, including a surge of casual concepts with smaller, more economical footprints.
Food trucks are still having a moment, with some translating their popularity into brick-and-mortar locations. Pop-ups are popping off, seducing diners with sourdough cinnamon rolls and Japanese stuffed rice balls. Longstanding restaurants are increasingly investing in glow-ups, remixing their menus and interiors.
Oh, and we still aren’t quite over the Keith Lee effect. The TikTokker fueled fresh interest in the Baton Rouge restaurant scene, but his visit also offered residents a reminder of what we already know: There’s plenty worth lining up for here.
Let’s go.
Editor’s note: Openings are listed chronologically and fell between Oct. 1, 2023, and Oct. 31, 2024. Did we miss a restaurant? Give us a shout at editor@225batonrouge.com.
By Maggie Heyn Richardson
Photos by Collin Richie and Ariana Allison
SO FETCH!
The stylish new Colonel’s Club is an ode to the original Colonel’s Club, a storied speakeasy and live music venue that operated in the same building in the 1960s. Then-owner Jesse Lee Sheppard—known around town as “The Colonel”— was a local pilot and entrepreneur whose Doberman often flew with him. Today, the image of a handsome dog is featured across the restaurant’s logo and design. Marina, a local pet from Franklin Dobermans, poses inside the Colonel’s Lounge.
Bars & drinks Restaurants
Firehaus Rooftop Bar
1700 Government St.
Opened: October 2023
Developed by Cornelius Quarels of Main Lobby fame, Firehaus is a meticulously designed cashless wine bar in Mid City with a lounge and rooftop patio. firehausbr.com
The Tipsy Librarian
7450 Jefferson Highway
Opened: November 2023
Learn to make adult restoratives with the flair of a trained mixologist at this concept specializing in cocktail lessons. thetipsylibrarian.com
Somewhere Neighborhood Bar
214 Third St., Suite 1B
Opened: March 2024
Shoot pool and raise a glass at this downtown bar housed in the spot previously occupied by Boudreaux & Thibodeaux’s. Its moody-but-chill vibe is accented by lighted signs, graffiti-inspired art, dark furniture and industrial details. somewherebr.com
Galvez Rum
1848 Charter St., Jackson, La.
Opened: April 2024
Taste premium rum imported from Cuba and finished at Galvez’s production facility in downtown Jackson. The bar and tasting room shakes up craft cocktails prepared with Galvez spirits. galvezrum.com
Louisiana Daiquiri Factory
5725 Essen Lane, Suite A
Opened: May 2024
Sip frozen bevs a’plenty at this homegrown daiquiri bar, specializing in craft concoctions like Strawberry Hennessy and Peach D’Ussé. louisianadaiquirifactory.com
Second Story + Violet Nightclub
214 Third St., Suites 2A + 1A
Opened: July + October 2024
At Second Story, sip a spritz on the upstairs terrace overlooking Third Street. Or bar-hop downstairs to its sister club, Violet, set off in plum hues and serving quick-service drinks, VIP options and high-energy music. Find it on Instagram at @secondstorybar; violetnightclub.com
The
Plantry Café
5454 Bluebonnet Blvd., Suite B
Opened: October 2023
An all-vegan menu created by physician founder Katie Crifasi is served in a dreamy, storybook setting that is open Wednesday through Friday. Reserve a spot at occasional high teas. plantrycafe.com
Passé
All Day Café
Inside the Origin Hotel, 101 Saint Ferdinand St.
Opened: January 2024
Set in a stylish new downtown hotel, Passé’s menu features rotating dishes like the Pork Tender with black-eyed pea cassoulet and spiced apples, and fingerlickin’ Crawfish Bread made with loaves from the famed Leidenheimer Baking Co. passebatonrouge.com
The
Pink Agave
4001 Nicholson Drive, Suite B
Opened: March 2024
Zany cocktails served in novelty glasses shaped like glass purses, IV bags and plastic tubs are must-trys at this Ponchatoula-born concept, known for a trendy, high-energy vibe and $1 Taco Tuesday specials. pinkagavetaqueria.com
Big River Pizza Co.
5725 N. Commerce St., St. Francisville
Opened: April 2024
Enjoy wood-fired Italian pies and shareable apps at this casual eatery situated in a newly revitalized stretch of downtown St. Francisville. A contemporary speakeasy, Proud Mary’s, hides toward the rear of the family-friendly restaurant. bigriverpizzacompany.com
Okki Tokki
549 Main St.
Opened: April 2024
Build your own bowl with customizable Korean ingredients at this downtown eatery, situated in the storefront once occupied by The Jambalaya Shoppe. Find it on Instagram at @eatokkitokki
Arceneaux’s on the River 9438 La. Highway 75, Geismar
Opened: April 2024
Opened by husband-and-wife duo and caterers Brett and Suzanne Arceneaux, this Ascension Parish spot serves homey breakfast plates and daily lunch specials. arceneauxs.com
The Proud Mary’s speakeasy is tucked inside Big River Pizza Co. in St. Francisville.
The Patio Tex-Mex Fusion
7655 Old Hammond Highway
Opened: June 2024
The latest concept by Magnolia Restaurant Group (behind Umami Japanese Bistro and Geisha, Sushi With a Flair) brings Asian-influenced Tex-Mex to the old Velvet Cactus digs. thepatiotexmexfusion.com
Big Cheezy
144 W. Chimes St. Opened: May 2024
Impossibly gooey grilled cheese sandwiches, made famous by the brand’s food trucks, are now available at a permanent location on Chimes Street. bigcheezybr.com
Chicken Wagon
1955 Staring Lane, Suite A
Opened: May 2024
Sink your teeth into Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches and tenders at this Baton Rouge-born fast-food concept that’s sure to spread. chickenwagon.us
KEY
Counter-service or fast-casual dining
Full-service restaurant
Chicky
Sandos
7930 Jefferson Highway
Opened: May 2024
The popular food truck specializing in hot chicken sandwiches with scratch-made sauce leapfrogged to a permanent location in the
Jefferson Highway spot once occupied by The Kolache Kitchen. Next up: another location, due soon on Airline Highway. chickysandos. com
Offset Smoker BBQ
5335 Government St. Opened: June 2024
Order authentic competitionstyle brisket and other barbecue at this must-try on Government Street, the first permanent location for the former food truck. offsetsmokerbbqbr.com
Street Food Munchies
Inside the Mall of Louisiana
Opened: June 2024
The Zachary-born concept now runs a mall kiosk slinging signature dishes like seafood-draped flatbreads and nachos. Find it on Facebook
Hot Stuff Restaurant
244 Lafayette St.
Opened: July 2024
Savor down-home breakfast specials and homey lunch baskets heaped with burgers and fried seafood at this downtown eatery. Find it on Facebook
An Okki Tokki bowl with garlic fried rice and Korean fried chicken bites
* HABANEROS
Habaneros
10155 Perkins Rowe, Suite 110
Opened: May 2024
Perkins Rowe’s Mexico Cityinspired restaurant, a fastgrowing brand originally launched by Omar and Dulce Lugo in Covington in 2014, is an ode to street food flavors. habaneroscuisine.com
Little Kitchen
940 O’Neal Lane
Opened: June 2024
Sample Filipino cuisine from this family-run food truck, including pork adobo, sweet and sour fish, lumpia spring rolls and pork belly skewers. Find it on Facebook
Mustard Seed Creamery
111 N. Range Ave., Denham Springs
Opened: July 2024
The new Denham Springs Antique District eatery and boutique serves ice cream, Southern small plates, wine, coffee and socially conscious retail items from brands that benefit vulnerable women. Find it on Facebook
Prima Après
4225 Nicholson Drive
Opened: July 2024
Order customizable pasta dishes and elegant pavlova desserts by the owners of Sucre. It feels like fine dining repackaged for counterservice. primaapres.com
Red Bird Fried Chicken
2660 Sac Au Lait Lane, Denham Springs
Opened: July 2024
The south Louisiana chicken concept serves two- and three-piece specials, wings, tenders and more, marinated for 24 hours, seasoned and deep-fried. givethemtheredbird.com
restaurant
COCKTAIL ACAPULCO
DULCE
CAROLINE’S COOKIES
10001 Perkins Rowe
Opened: December 2023
The much-anticipated brainchild of a Lafayette entrepreneur opened last year right in time for Christmas in Perkins Rowe, bringing chunky, gooey cookies. It was followed less than a year later with the announcement of a second location in Bocage, slated to open last month. eatcarolinescookies.com
THE PEACH COBBLER FACTORY
7514 Bluebonnet Blvd.
Opened: November 2023
A former East Baton Rouge Parish School System math teacher opened the first Baton Rouge location of this Nashville chain, which stocks a dozen different cobbler flavors, and ice cream and cookies, too. peachcobblerfactory.com
Desserts
1808 SNEAUX
1808 Perkins Road
Opened: May 2024
One of the city’s newest snoball stands revived an abandoned corner in the Garden District, where more than 30 flavors of snoballs are served from a repurposed horse trailer. Find it on Instagram at @1808perkins
AWAY DOWN SOUTH
5725 N. Commerce St., St. Francisville
Opened: April 2024
Enjoy fresh creamy scoops, frozen desserts and nostalgia candy at this St. Francisville sweets shop, which reopened this year in a new location following a pandemic closure. Find it on Facebook
Kevin Torralba, bar manager at Habaneros
Habaneros inside Perkins Rowe
* THE COLONEL’S CLUB
Var’s Pizza
3030 Perkins Road
Opened: July 2024
A local riff on New York-style pizza is made with dough from St. Bruno Bread Co. in the location once occupied by Unleaded BBQ. Kiddos can own the playground while parents chow down. varspizza.com
Uchi Sushi
5454 Bluebonnet Blvd.
Opened: August 2024
Fresh fish is maneuvered into a variety of rolls and shapes at this recently opened sushi eatery, also home to a hibachi grill. Find it on Instagram at @uchisushi.br
The Colonel’s Club
2857 Perkins Road
Opened: September 2024
Restaurateur Jordan Piazza invested $2 million in this statement project, which combines a Gilded Age travel-inspired design with an accessible, globally influenced menu. thecolonelsclub.com
Hikari Ramen
7474 Corporate Blvd., Suites 106-107
Opened: September 2024
Baton Rouge’s embrace of ramen continues with Hikari, where the broth is simmered for 14 hours. Enjoy several varieties of the beloved bowls, along with rice burgers, milk teas and lots more. hikariramen.com
LOBSTER GNOCCHI
AHI TUNA TAR-TAR ROASTED CAULIFLOWER
New locations & expansions
CounterspaceBR
5621 Government St.
Opened: January 2024
The new Mid City store offers dine-in seating and breakfast, coffee and peanut-free baked goods in the former Gov’t Taco location. Don’t skimp on the famed salted chocolate chip cookies and cinnamon rolls. counterspacebr.com
Sammy’s Grill
37306 Perkins Road, Prairieville
Opened: February 2024
Known for boiled crawfish, heaping piles of fried seafood and juicy burgers, Sammy’s expanded to Prairieville. sammy-s-grill.com
Basel’s Market
5951 N. Commerce St., St. Francisville
Opened: March 2024
The former Highland Road cafe reopened this year in a larger location. Find it on Facebook
New York Bagel
4350 Highland Road
Opened: March 2024
After closing its Lee Drive eatery, NYB welcomed new digs on Highland Road with a fresh design and adult bevs. nybla.com
Tsunami Highland
1 Smart Way, Suite 100
Opened: April 2024
Fans of the sushi concept now have a splashy option at Highland and Bluebonnet featuring a waveinspired design by Tiek Byday. highland.servingsushi.com
Chris’s Specialty Foods
18135 E. Petroleum Drive, Suite J
Opened: June 2024
The fourth location of the Louisiana meat market debuted with a fresh amenity: fast-casual lunch featuring plate specials, sandwiches and more. Wagyu hotdog, anyone? chrisspecialtyfoods.com
Golden Vegan
Inside the LSU Student Union and the Smith-Brown Memorial Union at Southern University
Opened: LSU - March 2024; Southern - September 2024
After debuting in Zachary in 2022,
Golden Vegan spread this year to student unions at LSU and Southern, bringing Boom Boom Shrooms, Garden Veggie Wraps, vegan burgers and more to local college students and faculty. goldenveganbr.com
Tre’s Street Kitchen
Inside the Smith-Brown Memorial Union at Southern University and Baton Rouge Community College's Bienvenue Student Center
Opened: August 2024
The food truck and LSU Tiger Stadium vendor opened its first brick-and-mortar locations at BRCC and Southern in time for the new school year, bringing Street Burgers doused in sweet-sticky Street Sauce to a new generation of fans. tresstreetkitchen.com
Posh Pop
3217 Perkins Road, Suite 1F
Opened: October 2024
Kid-preneurs and sisters Bailey Galloway and Harper Galloway leveled up their specialty popcorn business with a storefront at Perkins Road and Acadian Thruway. Choose from 14 flavors of sweet and savory popcorn, plus other upmarket carnival fare. poshpop.shop
The Colonel’s Club creator Jordan Piazza A cocktail at The Colonel’s Club
Hikari Ramen
How many new spots have you tried? Check 'em off here.
1. Galvez Rum
2. Basel’s Market
3. Away Down South
4. Big River Pizza Co.
5. Golden Vegan + Tre's Street Kitchen (Southern locations)
6. Little Kitchen
7. Mustard Seed Creamery
8. Red Bird Fried Chicken
9. Okki Tokki
10. Hot Stuff Restaurant
11. Passé All Day Café
12. Second Story
13. Violet Nightclub
14. Somewhere Neighborhood Bar
15. Firehaus Rooftop Bar
16. House Brew
17. Tre’s Street Kitchen (BRCC location)
18. Offset Smoker BBQ
19. CounterspaceBR Mid City
20. 1808 Sneaux
21. The Colonel’s Club
22. Var’s Pizza
Disclaimer: This map is intended for illustrative purposes only. It is not a to-scale depiction of the Capital Region. Distances are approximate and may vary.
23. Posh Pop
24. The Tipsy Librarian
25. The Patio Tex-Mex Fusion
26. Chicky Sandos
27. Hikari Ramen
28. Big Cheezy
29. Golden Vegan (LSU location)
30. New York Bagel
31. The Pink Agave
32. Prima Après
33. Louisiana Daiquiri Factory
34. Chicken Wagon
35. Uchi Sushi
36. The Plantry Café
37. Street Food Munchies
38. Caroline’s Cookies (Perkins Rowe)
39. Peach Cobbler Factory
40. Habaneros
41. Chris’s Specialty Foods
42. Tsunami Highland
43. Sammy’s Grill
44. Arceneaux’s on the River
Pop-ups
SUSHI IKU
Locations vary Opened: October 2023
Rewriting the rules on sushi, Sushi Iku serves detailed hand rolls and other finely crafted sushi in a pop-up format. Baton Rouge breweries and bars have been a frequent stop for the popular Lafayette vendor. Find it on Instagram at @sushi.ikubiz
MID CITY BAKERY
Locations vary Opened: January 2024
Made-from-scratch pastries are the mainstay of this boutique bakery pop-up, now supplying House Brew inside Pelican to Mars. Find it on Instagram at @midcitybakery
HOUSE BREW
2678 Government St.
Opened: July 2024
Open daily in the Pelican to Mars entrance, House Brew serves small-batch specialty coffee and tea drinks and local baked goods. Find it on Instagram at @housebrew225
AND DOUGH
Locations vary
Opened: January 2024
Pick up orders directly from founder Melanie Hyatt’s front porch or at her regular appearances at Beaver’s Abundance Native Plant Nursery. All items are sourdough-based, from cinnamon rolls to bread. Find it on Facebook
ONI ONIGIRI
Locations vary Opened: February 2024
Friends and former Chow Yum line cooks created a pop-up specializing in onigiri, Japanese stuffed rice balls. The mobile business appears at festivals, bars and breweries in Baton Rouge and beyond. Find it on Instagram at @oni_225
MLEM MLEM
Locations vary Opened: February 2024
Sink your teeth into boutique Asian desserts like pandan tres leches cake and ube cookies at this south Louisiana vendor serving Baton Rouge and Lafayette. Find it on Instagram at @mlemmlem.llc
Tsunami Highland
Take
As more design-driven concepts enter the market, local institutions are renovating to keep their legacies alive
LONGTIME MID CITY restaurant Bistro Byronz closed briefly in September for a long-planned renovation. When it reopened a few weeks later, the casual spot was transformed into a rebranded concept: Brasserie Byronz. Outfitted in amber globe lighting, a pressed tin ceiling and brick-red banquettes, the eatery also introduced a fresh menu and cocktail program.
Response has been overwhelmingly positive, says Byronz Restaurant Family CEO Emelie Alton.
“Customers walk in and say, ‘I feel like I’m not in Baton Rouge. I feel like I’m in Paris,’” Alton says. “I tell them what we were attempting to create in terms of the feel of a brasserie in New York, and they’re like, ‘You definitely nailed it.’”
Bistro Byronz opened as a full-service restaurant in 2006 on the east end of Government Street, moving to a more modern spot a few blocks west in 2021. But Alton and her partners knew the move wasn’t enough to keep pace with Baton Rouge’s evolving restaurant market, where customer expectations about atmosphere and experience are higher than ever.
Design-forward openings like The Supper Club in 2022 and Tsunami Highland and The Colonel’s Club this year have placed a premium on state-
Bistro Byronz reinvented its Mid City location into a new concept called Brasserie Byronz this year.
“We need to remain relevant and be able to provide the kind of experience we want to.”
—Zippy’s owner Neal Hendrick on its $1.7 million expansion, completed this spring
ment-making interiors that set the mood and tell a story. Existing concepts like Bistro Byronz have answered the demand for design with a flurry of renovations. The investments have been intended to help restaurants retain customers and attract more patrons to the more lucrative dinner service.
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Jubans is a classic example. After closing during COVID, it reopened in 2022 with a new menu and head chef—and a massive renovation that brought a fresh theme and color palette to each of the establishment’s many separate dining rooms. It was an attempt to lure back longtime fans and attract younger diners, its partners told 225 at the time.
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Numerous casual eateries have also redesigned to stay competitive. Last month, popular brunch spot Mason’s Grill completed a $500,000 gut job that opened the restaurant’s floor plan and added new tables, chairs, lighting and Louisiana artwork. Owner Rober Alamirie bought the business in 2022 with his wife and business partner, Christina, a designer. The two saw renovating as key to staying top of mind in a tough local restaurant market.
“To be honest, you’ve got to keep up with what’s going on in town,” Alamirie says. “There’s a lot of competition with new restaurants popping up all the time.”
Zippy’s, the Tex-Mex restaurant and bar on Perkins Road, also took on a major update this spring. Owner Neal Hendrick invested more than $1.7 million in an expansion that doubled the eatery’s size.
“It was time to do it,” Hendrick told 225. “We’ve been here 23 years, and we love the area, but we need to remain relevant and be able to provide the kind of experience we want to.”
Other recent reinventions
JED’s Local 672 Jefferson Highway Renovation completed: November 2023
A three-month reno brought a swankier vibe to this po-boy shop, now with a broader wine list, ontrend decor and menu updates. jedslocal.com
Curbside Burgers 4158 Government St. Renovation completed: March 2024
The Mid City burger establishment zhuzhed its patio with additional shade features, fans and TVs. curbside-burgers.com
KIMCHI ONIGIRI from Oni Onigiri
JD NASH PIZZA
(with Nashvilleinspired fried chicken skins, hot pickles and hot sauce) from Var’s Pizza
DUBAI CHOCOLATE BAR from Chocolate Bijoux
Feed worthy
BEFORE WE BID adieu to 2024, let’s take time to reflect. Or in this case, digest. From TikTok-viral snacks you don’t have to travel for to food-forward events literally popping up everywhere, here’s a handful of the trends that dominated culinary concepts this year in greater Baton Rouge.
OLIVIA DEFFES
JULIO PIZZA (with salsa, ground meat and more taco toppings) from Var’s Pizza
Breaking down the year’s biggest culinary trends in the Capital Region
Food trucks going brick-and-mortar Mobile concepts are on the move—to permanent locations, that is. Big Cheezy, Offset Smoker BBQ and Chicky Sandos opened storefronts this year. Street Food Munchies also found a less-mobile spot in the Mall of Louisiana, and Tre’s Street Kitchen began serving BRCC and Southern.
Food-centered events
We’re used to chowing and sipping during festival season, but 2024 proved hungry attendees have room for more.
Ticketed events like Laura Siu-Nguyen’s Table Story and Eat the Boot’s blind dinners sold out over and over. Meanwhile, Night Market vendors like Oni Onigiri drew such long lines that the event’s next edition will move to a larger location.
Mashups
Local chefs have long channeled their creativity into fabulously Frankensteined dishes. Think: Elsie’s Red Bean
Hummus or SoLou’s Shrimp Corn Dogs. And in 2024, we’ve seen new spots like Var’s Pizza dream up taco pizzas and The Patio meld Asian and Mexican flavors in tuna tostadas.
Viral dupes
One viral social post can propel a dish to stardom overnight. But, there’s nothing worse than seeing a mouthwatering clip and finding out it’s from an eatery cities, states or countries away. Luckily, local businesses are duping viral foods quicker than ever. Chocolate Bijoux has mastered the crispy pistachio filling of its Dubai Chocolate Bar, and CounterspaceBR occasionally serves cookie dough-stuffed croissants.
Build-your-own ____________
Forget CAVA, Chipotle and Subway. Okki Tokki, Prima Après and Crafted Nibbles opened this year with fully stocked bars where customers can build savory bowls, pasta boxes, desserts and charcuterie boards. Pickers can be choosy.
AS WE CELEBRATE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, WE WOULD LIKE TO OFFER OUR SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS FOR THE CONTINUED TRUST AND SUPPORT FOR OVER 75 YEARS.
l FOR ALL
PEDAL TO
the medal
What’s the temperature on the restaurant industry from inside local kitchens? A conversation with culinary entrepreneurs on the rise
WHAT DO A bakery, a modern Indian eatery and an Asian street foodinspired restaurant have in common? All three won awards for their plates at this year’s Fête Rouge.
At the annual food and wine tasting supporting the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society, cooks strive to plate dishes that are both crowd-pleasing and unique enough to impress the judges. This year, Madelyn Schmidt Burr of Eloise Market and Cakery, Needhi Patel of Tap 65 and Jordan Ramirez of Chow Yum were among those who donned medals at the end of the night.
Burr stepped out of the box and put up a pecan praline cream cheese king cake for the dessert category, earning her a shiny silver medal. Patel’s Tuna Bhel snagged the second place spot in the seafood category, while Ramirez’s Shrimp Aguachile Dumplings took both the top seafood spot and the event’s Best in Show title.
We caught up with the award winners to talk about how they push limits in the kitchen and what’s next for our region’s culinary landscape. Here’s a taste.
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OLIVIA DEFFES
How do you come up with new dishes?
Patel: I will experiment with flavors and techniques. That’s how we came up with a dish like the Tuna Bhel (from Fête Rouge). That was a completely different creation made from mixing some things together and turning it into a dish that won competitions.
Ramirez: Discovering new ingredients—or following trends from restaurants in other cities and evolving them to see what makes sense here.
What do you think is the best dish you’ve ever created?
Patel: The Tuna Bhel.
Burr: The Wedding Cake Cookie. It’s an almond cake cookie with condensed-milk cream cheese. I came up with the recipe because I was just thinking about how much my mom loves a wedding cake snoball.
Ramirez: My favorite menu item is probably our Crispy Pig Ears. … Off the menu, probably my dish from the 2023 Fête Rouge. We did a curry version of a cioppino, a San Francisco-born seafood stew. I thought it was one of the best dishes I’ve ever made.
Quotes have been edited for clarity and brevity. Read an extended version of this interview at 225batonrouge.com.
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Talk to us about mentorship. Who do you look up to in the culinary world?
Patel: My mom. When I was young, I used to cook with her and learn new things. To this day, if I don’t know something, my first call is to my mom.
Ramirez: When I started coming up in Baton Rouge there really wasn’t as big of a culinary scene. So for me, it was my mom and my sister, who went to culinary school in Austin. They would send me cookbooks.
Burr: I was inspired by Yvette Bonanno (of Bonanno’s Fine Catering and president of the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society).
What advice would you offer young culinary stars who are just starting out and dream of being where you are right now?
Burr: Just start. It’s OK to be at the bottom of the totem pole.
Ramirez: Be smart about your decision to open a restaurant. Just take your time. Ask lots of people. Get a good feel of what you’re trying to do, where it’s going to be and the culture around it.
What’s a hot take you have about the restaurant industry right now?
Ramirez: I think there’s been a void of young talent in Baton Rouge for a while. I feel like we’re hopefully on the edge of something like that happening again.
Patel: I just started, but I have noticed that it’s a very challenging industry, especially when you are competing with chefs who have been in the kitchen for 20 or 30 years. Then, when you try to work with them, you get that you don’t know what you are doing, or you just got here. I wish they were more welcoming with open doors for everybody.
Burr: I feel like a lot of culinary concepts around here are focused on the experience. And while that is important, they don’t focus on the quality or being personable.
Jordan Ramirez of Chow Yum, Madelyn Schmidt Burr of Eloise Market and Cakery, and Needhi Patel of Tap 65 all claimed awards at Fête Rouge, which showcases culinary creations from across the region.
Lightup
A new candle brand is dazzling its way to shelves—and homes—across the Capital Region
BY JENNIFER TORMO ALVAREZ
PHOTOS BY COLLIN RICHIE
THERE’S A GIANT nose in David Montgomery John’s garage.
It’s 3 feet tall and made of papier-mâché, and he’s dreaming up how to use it in a future storefront display. He imagines it suspended in front of silk chartreuse curtains, illuminated by stage lighting. Maybe he’ll install a smoke machine behind it, billowing fumes in front of the window.
And underneath the nostrils, he’ll bestow candles from his new luxury line, DMJ Home Fragrance.
Made with coconut wax and sturdy cotton wicks, the candles are hand-poured into recycled glass jars and stamped with elegant matte black or gold foil labels.
The current lineup of 14 scents leans earthy and moody, evoking a woodsy stroll, pine needles crunching beneath your boots.
The brand launched in September and was swiftly swooped up by local stockists like The Queen Bee and March by Shane Griffin Designs.
During pop-up events this fall at boutiques like The Keeping Room, John built Anthropologie-level displays bejeweled with florals, vintage mirrors and floating candle boxes.
He spent about six months conducting market research and tinkering with wicks and waxes, working from a makeshift
“Fragrance is meant to evoke memories and feelings.”
—David Montgomery John, founder of DMJ Home Fragrance
laboratory he built in his garage.
“I’m very surprised that my nose is not numb,” he says with a laugh.
“There was a lot of trial and error.”
John finally landed on a concoction of toxin-free ingredients he says burns for around 80 hours.
THAT’S A WRAP
“I left a secure career field to come do this,” John says.
Seated today in his Capital Heights kitchen, he breathes in Velvet No. 43, a candle in a whiskey-colored vessel with notes of black tea, cardamom and fig. He thinks of how his life has changed so much so quickly.
“This lit a different fire in me. I have never known this level of work ethic in myself,” he says.
As his operation has grown, he’s shifted production to an office he commutes to in his hometown of Lafayette. There, he’ll develop new fragrances and plot future releases like soaps and room sprays.
John has also started booking private label clients, collaborating with businesses like Gourmet Girls, Cypress Tents & Events and Lafayette’s Swoon Boutique to launch bespoke candle collections.
His intimate knowledge of chemistry guided him. Up until March, the 30-year-old was studying to become a physician’s assistant. But after nearly six years in medical school, he decided to pursue entrepreneurship instead.
DMJ Home Fragrance prices start at $68 for a 12-ounce candle. Shop the line at The Queen Bee, March by Shane Griffin Designs or dmjhomefragrance.com.
A selfproclaimed theater kid, he injects just as much drama and meaning into his candles as he does his store displays. Each one is tastefully packaged in a color-coded, letterpresslabeled box.
He’s quick to avoid cliche gourmand flavors or perfumey florals.
His answer to a pumpkin candle is the Sweet Pepper 42, infused with hints of vanilla. The Earl Grey No. 14 offers a whiff of jasmine with notes of black tea and bergamot.
Reviewers on his website insist Signature 94’s zesty bergamot aroma is a dupe for cult-favorite Baccarat Rouge 540.
“Fragrance is meant to evoke memories and feelings,” John says. “You get to decide the mood and the vibe of your home—and that’s where I want to contribute.” dmjhomefragrance.com
LONGEVITY AND LOYALTY SHINE AT MERCEDES-BENZ OF BATON ROUGE
As the holiday season approaches, MercedesBenz of Baton Rouge is reflecting on the dedication of its team members. In an industry often marked by high turnover, MBOBR’s employees have proven that commitment and passion for their work can last for decades. This commitment is a testament to the company’s supportive culture and the strong relationships built within the team.
Leading the way is Allen Misher, a sales consultant who’s been with MBOBR for an astonishing 40 years. “I love the company, the people and the opportunities for growth,” he says. His passion extends beyond work – Allen visits a local nursing home each week and encourages his six children to do their best in everything they do.
Holiday EditionQA &
Then, there’s Kyle Talbert, dealership and brand ambassador, who’s been with the company for 31 years. He shares that his dedication is rooted in the people he works with. “I’ve been blessed to work with great people, and because of that, I love coming to work each day.”
For Ayanna Cook, a service advisor for seven years, MBOBR isn’t just a place of work; it’s a support system and a family. She’s grateful for the company’s help and looks forward to going back to school to finish her engineering degree in 2025.
Brandon Whisenhunt, service manager for 21 years, shares a similar sentiment. “The people and the atmosphere” are what have kept him at MBOBR for more than two decades. Even as the company has grown, he says the culture has remained
SPONSORED BY:
strong, with every employee feeling valued and appreciated. Why do so many stay for decades?
Lynn Whitty, a sales consultant with 28. 5 years of experience, says that the clients are what keep her coming back. “My clients are unbelievable – they keep me happy and young,” she says, a sentiment that perfectly captures the joy and passion Lynn brings to her role every day.
Looking ahead to 2025, these dedicated team members are excited about the future. And with such an experienced and passionate team, there’s no doubt that Mercedes-Benz of Baton Rouge will continue to thrive for many years to come. Here’s to many more years of success and collaboration!
Learn more about Mercedes-Benz of Baton Rouge com or stop by the showroom
FAMILY HOLIDAY TRADITION?
Getting together on Christmas and watching tapes of my 6 kids growing up.
Large family dinners. This Christmas and Thanksgiving, we are starting a hot wing challenge.
Praying as a family over the food before eating.
Dinner with my family on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
We go to the Roosevelt Hotel the first weekend of December for the lighting of the lobby and spend the weekend in New Orleans. We’ve been doing this with my grandson Kendal since he was 1 – he’s now 10
DO YOU WANT TO SPEND THE HOLIDAYS WITH YOUR IN-LAWS OR KEEP IT SMALL?
Keep it small
The bigger the better
Keep it small
Most of my family lives in town or not too far away, so most holidays involve both. Love, love, love keeping it small with immediate family.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE
WHAT IS THE BEST HOLIDAY GIFT YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
A track & field watch that I won in 1974. I gave it away, and 30 years later that person gave it back and never took it out of the box!
Smoked turkey, dressing, Brussels sprouts
Roast, spaghetti & cheese, green beans, and BBQ
My mother makes this great turkey and dressing that she and my grandmother have been making for years. I absolutely love turkey dressing and homemade cranberry sauce.
An outdoor fire pit
A diamond bracelet with my daughter’s date of birth.
Honestly, I’m not terribly big on gifts. Most of the time, we focus on the kids and my wife gives me smaller personal things. As she would say, I buy most everything I want or need before she can .
Anything I have ever received is great – I’m a giver, not a receiver.
Fried Chicken
KYLE TALBERT
AYANNA COOK
BRANDON WHISENHUNT
LYNN WHITTY
ALLEN MISHER
BY MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON PHOTOS BY COLLIN RICHIE
IT’S LATE AFTERNOON, and the patio at Bin 77 Bistro in Perkins Rowe is a hive of activity. Diners munch on shareable flatbreads and charcuterie boards while sipping wine in the balmy Louisiana fall.
Ordinarily, this would seem like a happy hour crowd, meeting before the dinner rush for discounted drinks and snacks. But no, this is the dinner rush–or at least the beginning of it.
Like the rest of the country, Baton Rouge restaurants are seeing dinner service start an hour or two earlier. It’s a nationwide trend that’s taken root since the pandemic.
“In 2021, we found that by 9 p.m., especially during the week, things were pretty much over,” says Brian Dykes, owner of Bin 77 and Solera. “Dining is definitely earlier at both our restaurants.”
That shift in consumer behavior prompted Dykes and his team to begin shutting down Solera at 9 p.m. on weeknights, rather than its original closing time of 10 p.m. Bin 77’s hours haven’t changed because its live music and bar scene draw patrons throughout the evening, but things get started earlier than they used to, Dykes says.
“I was like, ‘Man, what are all these people doing here so early?’”
Peter Sclafani, partner at Making Raving Fans Hospitality Group
Peter Sclafani, partner at Making Raving Fans Hospitality Group, has also seen an increase in earlier dining across his company’s brands, including SoLou and Portobello’s Grill.
“I’ve noticed that everything’s shifted earlier, even to 4:30 p.m. and 5 o’clock,” Sclafani says. “I was like, ‘Man, what are all these people doing here so early?’ But we’ve seen it more and more, with less and less people eating late, like at 8 o’clock.”
Numerous national news stories have pointed out the postpandemic trend, even in larger cities where early dining has been considered the playground of senior citizens. A 2022 article on the online reservation platform Resy featured the headline “5 p.m. is the New 8 p.m. at New York Restaurants—and I Couldn’t Be Happier About It,” with internal data showing the platform’s increase in earlier reservations. The 5:30 p.m. timeslot had climbed to
and weight loss, he says.) Some blame the pull of Netflix and the explosion of streaming services— people want to get home with time to spare to binge their shows. Others point to growing family demands and the pressure to check the dinner box early because of near-constant obligations.
“I just see how busy parents are who have multiple kids,” Stephen Hightower, City Group Hospitality's longtime managing partner, told 225 earlier this fall. “Being able to step in early to get dinner out of the way, that’s helpful.”
Like many local eateries, City Group’s restaurants, including City Pork and Rouj Creole, stay open throughout the afternoon rather than closing between lunch and dinner. That’s deliberate, according to Hightower. It helps capture growing sales in what used to be a slow, in-between period.
The trend has changed the way restaurants staff operations, too. More employees may work in the late afternoon and early evening, with fewer needed as the night progresses. Sclafani says the increased interest in earlier dining has made him think about his restaurant’s closing time.
claim more than 8% of reservations in New York through Resy at the time, while 8 p.m. had fallen in popularity. Other stories across the country have showcased the near nullification of late-night dining’s cool factor. People of all ages are happy to opt for an early supper, observers say.
Locally, before the pandemic, the most popular time for dinner reservations was around 7–7:30 p.m. Now, it’s 6–6:30 p.m., operators say. And the trend cuts across generational lines, says Russell Davis, owner of Eliza Restaurant & Bar and JED’s Local.
“We’ve always had kind of an earlier crowd at Eliza,” Davis says. “But at JED’s, it’s a younger demographic, and we’re definitely doing business earlier there than we used to.”
There’s no one reason why, but some speculate the change is for health reasons. (Sclafani has personally shifted to eating earlier as he’s focused more on his health
“I’ve noticed other restaurants are closing earlier,” Sclafani says “We haven’t acted on it yet, but we’re talking about it. I keep thinking it’ll change, but it looks like it’s not changing.”
But while sales are softer later at night, Hightower says another dining trend in Baton Rouge has buoyed the bottom line: the rise in brunch sales. Brunch enthusiasts start arriving as soon as doors open and continue throughout the day.
“It’s been that trade-off day,” Hightower says. “You’re picking up on a Sunday, and sometimes it’s your best day with sales all day. There’s no timetable on it.”
DIGIT
6-6:30 p.m
The most popular reservation time in Baton Rouge in recent years—about an hour earlier than before the pandemic, according to area restaurateurs
Bin 77’s patio gets busy for live music in the evenings, and owner Brian Dykes says the crowd forms earlier today than before the pandemic.
DINING IN Cookie swap!
Cookie swap!
BY TRACY KOCH // PHOTOS BY AMY SHUTT
IT IS HARD not to feel nostalgic during the holiday season, and nothing will put you in the spirit more than listening to Christmas music and baking a batch of cookies. Whether it’s Grandma’s gingerbread or Aunt So-and-So’s thumbprint treats, baking cookies is a big part of our festive family traditions, especially since so many of our recipes have been passed down for generations.
With cookie cravings top of mind, I remembered one of my favorite types of holiday
parties: a cookie swap. At these fun events, guests are encouraged to bring a batch of their favorite holiday cookies to share. Then everyone gets to sample and take home a taste.
This month, we conducted our own cookie swap of sorts. We asked 225 readers to send in their favorite holiday cookie recipes, and narrowed the list down to three that are full of classic holiday flavors, including one from my daughter, Maggie.
Each could be the star at your next cookie swap with friends—or add a sprinkle of joy to your home this season.
Recipes by Teresa Daniel, Lilly Howell and Maggie Koch
THE SPIRIT OF GIVING
The Baton Rouge chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals marks its 35th National Philanthropy Day Celebration by recognizing the 2024 AFP Award recipients on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at noon at the Crowne Plaza. These individuals, families, and businesses have improved the quality of life for many in our community.
GIVING GUIDE
240 chapters in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education, and certification programs.
DAY HONOREES
Outstanding Leadership in Corporate Philanthropy.............................................Baton Rouge Clinic
FACES of PHILANTHROPY
Outstanding Philanthropist........................................................................................J.H. “Jay” Campbell, Jr.
STAY ON TOP OF PHILANTHROPIC OPPORTUNITIES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR WITH BUSINESS REPORT AND INREGISTER MAGAZINE’S ANNUAL GIVING GUIDE MAGAZINE TO GIVE BACK, GET INVOLVED, AND FIND YOUR CAUSE TODAY!
Outstanding Philanthropic Service Organization......................Bourbon Society of Baton Rouge
Outstanding Professional Fundraiser.......................................................................... Danny Fields, CFRE
SOME PEOPLE HAVE A UNIQUE STORY, BACKGROUND OR EXPERIENCE THAT LEADS THEM TO A LIFE OF HELPING OTHERS.
Spirit of Giving Award......................................................................................................................G. Lee Griffin* *Awarded posthumously
Scan to gain access to organizations in our community that are making a lasting impact
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
—DREW WALKER Communications and Marketing Manager McMains Children’s Developmental Center
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Greater Baton Rouge was named a 2023 Ten Star GOLD Chapter, offering members the opportunity to connect with colleagues, engage in creative thinking, network with new friends and achieve great results in their work.
The Baton Rouge chapter meets the second Tuesday of each month at Juban's Restaurant in Baton Rouge. Networking takes place from 11:30-11:45 a.m. The luncheon program begins at 11:45 a.m. For more information, visit the website at afpglobal.org, follow the group on Facebook, or contact Tammy Abshire, CFRE, at 337.501.5696 or at afpbatonrouge@gmail.com.
Special Santa memories Arts and music events
Turning the page
Baton Rouge’s popular rendition of The Nutcracker returns under new leadership
BY MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON
FOR BATON ROUGE Ballet Theatre’s recently named co-artistic directors, Rebecca Acosta and Jonna Cox, the “Spanish Dance” in The Nutcracker - A Tale from the Bayou has special meaning.
The two performed it together multiple times as BRBT company members, bringing to life a piece beloved by local audiences for its melodious tempo, swishing scarletand-black tutus, and folding fans, which the ballerinas dramatically flick open throughout the dance. It’s one of The Nutcracker’s most popular divertissements, the lively, often nationalistic, numbers in the second act known as “The Land of the Sweets.”
The duo has also performed other pieces together over the course of lengthy tenures with BRBT.
“We had great chemistry on stage,” recalls Acosta, 49. “There was always a healthy competition. We would push each other in a good way.”
Now, Acosta and Cox are pushing each other again as they take over the arts organization’s reins following the retirement of longtime leaders Molly Buchmann and Sharon Mathews in June.
The NutcrackerA Tale from the Bayou Dec. 14-15, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. River Center Theatre for the Performing Arts For tickets and more information, visit batonrougeballet.org
More than it’s cracked up to be
Collectible ’crackers
Many spectators purchase the commemorative nutcracker sold annually in the lobby of the River Center Theatre. Each year brings a different style. The 2024 nutcracker is caped in a pale purple and gold costume, giving LSU vibes.
Sign here, please
The inside of the hot air balloon basket, a key prop in Act Two, features the signatures of the ballerinas who have danced the role of Clara.
(Dry) ice, ice baby
About 1,800 pounds of dry ice are used in dress rehearsals and performances to create the dreamy swamp fog for the production's bayou scenes.
That’s my kid!
Each mouse costume has a different color badge so friends and family can identify performers. Their faces are hidden by enormous headpieces.
Attention to detail
The show’s stunning sets were designed by LSU School of Theatre professor emeritus F. Nels Anderson, while many of its lavish costumes were made by Denham Springs resident and former ExxonMobil electrical engineer Polly Normand.
Leading the organization, at least the performance side, is nothing new to Acosta and Cox. Following years of dancing with the company, the pair began teaching dance classes, and more recently, became co-associate artistic directors.
Running the rehearsals for The Nutcracker and the organization’s other performances and national competitions has been a big part of their jobs. That continues while they also step into BRBT’s administrative leadership.
This time of year, they’re focused squarely on The Nutcracker – A Tale from the Bayou. Buchmann and Mathews created and choreographed the show, first staging it in Baton Rouge in 1992.
Bringing the well-known ballet to the Capital Region was an important move for BRBT. Prior to its arrival, fans had to travel to New Orleans or Houston to experience the tale, in which a young girl named Clara receives a wooden nutcracker from her mercurial Uncle Drosselmeyer. His gift triggers a dream sequence where the now-life-size nutcracker defeats threatening mice and ushers Clara to safety inside The Land of the Sweets.
Buchmann and Mathews famously added local elements
that situate their version in Louisiana. Custom set pieces show Clara growing up on the bayou, and later feature a stately Louisiana mansion and the stained glass interior of the Old State Capitol.
As usual for the show, Acosta and Cox cast more than 100 dancers to perform this year. The youngest dancers fill roles like lambs and cherubs, while seasoned performers handle complex pieces that comprise the divertissement, including the “Spanish Dance.”
Acosta and Cox know what the dancing journey is like. Both began as young children.
Acosta—Mathews’ daughter— routinely accompanied her mother to the studio from a young age. And while she says she tried other pastimes growing up, she always returned to dance. She studied dance at New York City’s Joffrey Ballet School and with the Eglevsky Ballet in Long Island, New York. Currently, she’s also director of dance at Baton Rouge Magnet High School.
Cox, a Corpus Christi native, began ballet lessons at age 3.
“I was a ham as a kid, always dancing and walking around on my toes. My grandmother said, ‘We
gotta get that girl in ballet,’” says Cox, 55. “So I started ballet and have done it my whole life.”
Cox graduated from Texas Christian University with a degree in ballet, and danced professionally with the Dayton Ballet in Ohio. There, she says she met her husband, a Baton Rouge native, at a singles bible study.
The couple married and moved to the Capital City. A year after their daughter was born, Cox returned to dancing at BRBT. She started with adult classes to get back into shape, then quickly became an instructor and choreographer. The rest is history, she says.
“It’s just who I am,” Cox says. “It’s my heartbeat.”
New co-artistic directors
Jonna Cox and Rebecca Acosta will lead Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre’s productions of The Nutcracker - A Tale from the Bayou this holiday season.
From the BRBT archives:
Directing this year’s Nutcracker shows, Cox and Acosta will draw on their experiences performing together many times as BRBT company members.
COURTESY BATON ROUGE BALLET THEATRE
Piano man
BY OLIVIA DEFFES // PHOTOS BY COLLIN RICHIE
In one Baton Rouge neighborhood, a father is remembered for his secret Santa side gig
WHAT DOES SANTA do when he’s not eating cookies and checking that list twice? Those who grew up in the Sherwood Forest area might argue ole St. Nick played the piano in his spare time.
Since the ’70s, the house at 780 Sherwood Forest Blvd. has been a sight to behold during the holidays. The late C. Farrell “Benny” Frugé studded his yard with a slew of homemade decor crafted in his backyard shop. But out of all the quirky lawn ornaments, one piece is most remembered: the lifesize Kris Kringle who sat at the ivories.
Last year, a snap of the festive home was uploaded to a Facebook group about Baton Rouge history. The post flooded with comments.
“We passed this house going to my grandparents’ located on Archery Drive,” Christine Nicole Sedotal wrote. “It was the magic of Christmas for me.”
But the Frugé siblings are the ones with the fondest memories of their father.
“We were all sitting here reading the comments,” Scott Frugé, Benny’s son, says today. “It was emotionally crazy because you don’t realize the impact that something like that has had on people for all these years generationally.”
C. Farrell Frugé Jr. says he could tell any Baton Rougean where he lived, and they’d immediately remember the piano-playing Santa.
The Frugés would go full Griswold before their yearly Thanksgiving meal. They’d carry plywood displays outside and climb the roof to string up lights.
For years, Benny used old pianos, replacing them each time the keys swelled from the outdoor elements. Eventually, he built a faux one for a lighter setup. He ran wires through the house to make his creations come to life. He used an old washing machine to give Santa movements and rigged his pieces to play tunes from a record player. A rotation of Bing Crosby, Brenda Lee and Perry
A collection of mementos the Frugé family has saved from their dad’s time as Santa, including cassette tape recordings of some of the cute conversations he’d have with kids and their families, handwritten letters of appreciation from parents and scribbled wish lists from children.
Como echoed through the yard.
One year, days before Christmas, he suited up and switched spots with his dummy. What started as a prank by a jokester dad turned into a wholesome yearly must.
On the same night as the Frugés’ annual holiday bash, Benny would slip away to put on his suit and sneak outside.
He always made sure his grandchildren and other little ones were distracted before he made the switcheroo. Donning his jolly disguise, Benny would turn around and give a wave at the line of passersby. Kiddos would gasp, bursting through car doors to meet him.
family says Mary made the perfect Mrs. Claus, prepping holiday dinners and party spreads for their guests, while Benny played Santa.
he still had some piano playing left in him. He would sit at the living room piano to lead the crowd in some tunes.
in their family’s living room today, the
siblings
annual
of dressing
Benny had many talents and roles throughout his 83 years.
touched. She wishes he could’ve read the now 400-plus comments on that Facebook post.
After his 2016 death, Benny’s family continued to put up his nearly 50-year-old decorations. As time passed, an eager group of grandchildren joined the setup crew.
After the Frugés lost their mother earlier this year, they decided to deck their childhood home for just one more season—for all the believers.
“I still believe in the spirit of Santa Claus,” Farrell says.
“He would look forward to it months in advance,” Scott says.
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Benny would pose for photos and listen to all the wants and wishes. When the crowd died down, he’d change clothes and slink back to the party. He was done playing Santa for the year, but
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Benny’s annual Santa gig continued for 40-plus years. His daughter Teri Frugé Huff recalls a single mom’s gratitude for photos she couldn’t afford at the mall.
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He was a piano player and tuner, and a music shop owner. But the hat he liked wearing the best just happened to be the red velvet one with the white furry trim.
Huff says Benny never knew just how many people his decorations
No one ever took over the live Santa role. Benny's boots were too big to fill. But that decorative Kris Kringle will sit at the piano again this year on that same lawn in front of that same house—before taking a final bow.
Siblings C. Farrell Frugé Jr., Debbie Frugé Meade, Scott Frugé and Teri Frugé Huff with their late father, C. Farrell “Benny” Frugé, and their late mother, Mary Maude Babin Frugé. The
Sitting
Frugé
remember their father’s
holiday tradition
as Santa. “My dad was just the happiest person ever,” Huff says. “He just loved it.”
LEARN | CONNECT | GROW
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THE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY WAS A GREAT opportunity for me to learn not only about myself and how I can better myself as a leader, but also to learn from other talented young professionals that represented many different industries in the Baton Rouge area.The instructors were interactive, impactful, and relevant with case studies we discussed in class and thorough with their explanations.”
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EACH CLASS HAD PRACTICAL INFORMATION that I could immediately take back to the office and apply. I also enjoyed being surrounded by incredible classmates that led to great discussions and sharing of perspectives. I have many pages of notes that I know I will reference for many years to come.
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ARTS
agenda
DEC. 3 + 4
This month’s biggest art and music events
Compiled by Olivia Deffes
Hear a festive mix of jazzy holiday classics and new arrangements at Cool Winter Nights & Hot Jazz at Manship Theatre. This annual concert promises two evenings of smooth music performed by local musicians and a jazz ensemble. manshiptheatre.org
DEC. 6
DEC. 5
LSU Museum of Art is hosting a Public Exhibition Celebration to show off two of its newest exhibits: “In a New Light: American Impressionism 1870–1940, Works from the Bank of America Collection” and “Rembrandt, Goya, and Dürer: The Marvel of Old Masters.” See the famous works, hear gallery discussions and enjoy refreshments at the free event. lsumoa.org
Didn’t get to see the Piano Man during his Madison Square Garden residency? It’s OK—the sweet sounds of Billy Joel will be bumping at L’Auberge Casino Hotel this month courtesy of tribute band Turnstiles. Hear all of Joel’s greatest hits like “Uptown Girl,” “Vienna” and “Just the Way You Are.” lbatonrouge.com
DEC. 6-8 + 13-15
Watch the work of local creatives and filmmakers at the third annual Listening Room Film Festival held at Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room. Music videos, short films, documentaries and features will be shown, with panel discussions to follow. Find it on Facebook
DEC. 17
The queen of New Orleans bounce music is bringing an energetic show to Chelsea’s Live. Big Freedia’s Christmas with the Queen Diva tour is making a stop in Baton Rouge for a festive show featuring special guest Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph. chelseaslive.com
DEC. 18
The traveling cast of Chicago the Musical is ready to bring some razzle-dazzle and a shimmy-filled story of two murderesses vying for fame and fortune to Baton Rouge. Watch the feud between Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart play out to the musical’s hits like “All That Jazz” and “Cell Block Tango.” raisingcanesrivercenter.com
DEC. 21
Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra and its chorus will prepare a medley of carols and holiday movie songs for its annual performance, Home for the Holidays. Sing along to festive hits and hear the melodies that play in the background of classics like The Polar Express, Home Alone and more. brso.org
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COURTESY CHELSEA SLIVE
Compiled by Olivia Deffes
All month
HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS
Kris Kringle is taking a break from his North Pole duties to spend some time at Perkins Rowe. Families can find jolly St. Nick in front of the Cinemark Theatre throughout December. To welcome the festive guests, Perkins Rowe will also host themed events like Pet Night with Santa, Purple and Gold Night with Santa, Jingle Barre with Santa and more. perkinsrowe.com
All month
LET IT SHINE
Both BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo and Baton Rouge General are shimmering with their annual holiday light displays this season. Have a wild time at Zoo Lights, or head over to Picardy Avenue for a dazzling stroll through the hospital’s free Holiday Lights. brzoo.org and brgeneral.org
HOLIDAY KICKOFF
Get into a festive mood at the Festival of Lights, an annual event that rings in the holiday season downtown. Put together by the Downtown Development District and the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, this display includes a tree lighting, a fireworks show and a visit from Santa. Downtown businesses also get into the holiday spirit by staying open for the event and offering specials. downtownbatonrouge.org
8
CHRISTMAS PASTS
Step back into the 19th century and celebrate the holidays at A Rural Life Christmas. Hosted by the LSU Rural Life Museum, this event is full of historically accurate activities complete with artisans, storytellers and reenactors. As the sun sets, guests are invited to take a stroll through the Windrush Gardens, which have been lit up for the new Louisiana Lights display. lsu.edu/rurallife
ALSO THIS MONTH
DEC. 6
There are plenty of spots around town to spot Mr. Claus this season, and one of them is the senate chamber in Louisiana’s Old State Capitol. Head over to the historic downtown castle for Santa in the Senate, an event with activities and, of course, photo ops. louisianaoldstate capitol.org
DEC. 8 + 15
What does Santa eat for brunch? Find out by dining with the big man himself at Santa’s Jingle Bell Brunch hosted at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center. The tasty spread includes hot cocoa, mimosas, brunch items, sugar cookies and more. hilton.com
DEC. 14 + 15
Need to check off some names on your holiday gift list? Head to Tanger Outlets in Gonzales for Baton Rouge Winter Wonderland Craft & Vendor Market. Enjoy holiday treats while shopping from local vendors to find stocking stuffers and presents for under the tree. hometownvendor market.com
DEC. 27
Grab the magnifying glass and put on your detective hat for Clue Night at downtown’s speakeasy, The Tunnel. Solve puzzles and uncover secrets while enjoying a cocktail or two. thetunnelbr.com
MORE EVENTS
Subscribe to our newsletter 225 Daily for our twiceweekly roundups of events. 225batonrouge. com/225daily
DEC. 6-8 + 13-15: An Acadiana Christmas Carol, citedesarts.org/shows
In every issue of 225, you’ll find a free print on this page. FRAMED celebrates life and art in Baton Rouge, each one featuring a local photographer, place or graphic designer. Cut it out to hang in your cubicle, or frame it for your home gallery wall. Show us where you hang them by tagging them on social media with #225prints.
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