[225] Magazine - July 2021 by Baton Rouge Business Report

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yO U R

FAVO R I T E

UPFRONT //

Congrats to 225’s ‘Best’ THE BEST OF 225 Awards have gotten bigger than ever. I’m so proud to share that a record-breaking 13,718 Capital Region residents cast 263,410 votes to determine this year’s awards. That’s a huge increase over last year, which was already one of our biggest years for voter turnout despite the pandemic. When we launched the awards 16 years ago, our goal was to let our readers’ voices be heard. And though we’ve tweaked our model over the years—from switching up the award categories to changing the platform we host our ballots on—the overall process remains the same. Each spring, 225 area residents write in their nominations for the city’s best restaurants, bars, people and businesses. Then, the entities with the most nominations are featured on the final ballot, and the voters take care of the rest. Our goal is always to make the BY JULIO MELARA process as transparent and as easy as possible, in order to give everyone a shot at being included on the ballot. That’s why it’s so awesome to see new voters every single year. We love knowing that the Best of 225 is reaching fresh audiences—and that more and more local businesses are campaigning and encouraging their own fans to support them. When you flip through this issue, watch for our notes marking “New category,” “Close race” and “First-time winner.” These are the areas where we spotlight how the awards are growing and changing, so you can see where we are updating award categories—with new ones for 2021 like Best Bubble Teas, Best Local Sandwiches and Best Bar at a Local Restaurant. You’ll be able to see which winners are taking home an award for the first Issue Date: June 2021 Ad proof #2 time in categories like Best Oysters, • Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions. Best Local Women’s Boutique and Best • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hours Radio Personality. We’re also marking from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.are particularly tough awards that

battles. Believe it or not, some of these categories come down to less than 50 votes. This year, Best Bar at a Local Restaurant was decided by three votes. Yes, you read that right! My point is: Every vote counts. So, a big congratulations to all of this year’s winners. This year more than ever, it was a hard-fought race to the finish line. If you don’t see one of your favorites on the list of this year’s winners and runners up, remember: You can change that. There’s always next year. Turn to page 40 to browse the Best of 225 for 2021. And a heartfelt thank you to all our readers who participated in this year’s award process!

Up the road Speaking of change, there’s one part of the city that has continued to see massive growth, even during the pandemic. Government Street has become almost unrecognizable over the past several months, as the end draws closer for the road diet construction project. Once everything has been completed later this summer, the street’s fourlane roadways will have been reduced to two lanes with a center turning lane and bike lanes. The new vision for Mid City is a pedestrian-friendly district that complements Government Street’s many restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. 225 managing editor Benjamin Leger compiled an update on all the new eateries, attractions and projects that have recently opened up in the area or are on the way later this year. I think you’ll be surprised how much has changed! Turn to page 27 to read the full story.

Center stage Shows are finally back, and I don’t just mean concerts. Baton Rouge’s performing arts groups continued to find ways to perform during the pandemic. Some,

like Red Magnolia Theatre Company, turned to outdoor venues like PointeMarie Square to put on socially distant shows. Others, such as Theatre Baton Rouge, reinvented their performance models several times in order to safely stage performances. Now, many of them are gearing up for full-capacity reopenings. Theatre Baton Rouge will produce 11 performances in the season running from this August to next July 2022. Its roster even includes musicals, which were previously restricted due to vocalists’ potentially high spread of virus particles. Organizations like Playmakers of Baton Rouge have high hopes for the fall and holiday seasons, too. “We made it through, and cannot wait to get back to normal,” says Theatre Baton Rouge creative director Jenny Ballard. Turn to page 113 for our full story on the return of theater.

Street eats After reading this year’s Best of 225 award winners, are you hungry yet? Good! Because there’s more food to check out in this issue. Baton Rouge’s Health District, another quickly growing part of town, has better food options than ever. We’ve put together a map showcasing the area’s diverse dining options, researched by 225 features writer Maggie Heyn Richardson. Whether you’re looking for authentic pho, sushi or cheese tea, or you’re in the mood for some craft cocktails, street tacos or French crepes, you’re bound to find it here. Turn to page 106 to go on a food journey with us. And don’t be afraid to tear out this magazine spread—it’s one you might want to save and keep going back to for more. Thanks for reading!

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CONTENTS //

Features

Departments

22 Where inclusive playgrounds are

16 What’s Up 27 Our City 38 I am 225 40 Cover story 87 Style 101 Taste 113 Culture 126 Calendar

34 Black men are taking more

leadership roles in local education

87 Colorful looks to wear to this

summer’s many events

113 How local theater groups are

staging a big comeback And much more …

ON THE COVER

The 2021 Best of 225 Awards Summer 2021 is coming in hot, but luckily you can cool off at this year’s Best Craft Cocktail Menu winner, Olive or Twist. For our cover shoot with staff photographer Collin Richie, the bar mixed up the Hurr-Rye-Cane, its spin on a New Orleans classic. We photographed the drink against our own textured, teal backdrop to evoke those poolside vibes. Turn to page 40 to find all of this year’s Best of 225 winners.

108 8

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AMY SHUTT

popping up

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A S K T H E S TA FF

Live music is back! What’s on your concertgoing wish list? Publisher: Julio Melara

EDITORIAL

“Locally, I’m PUMPED to see Jonathon ‘Boogie’ Long play again. Nationally, I want Haim or Leon Bridges to come back to town (among countless others).” —Mark Clements

Editorial director: Penny Font Editor: Jennifer Tormo Managing editor: Benjamin Leger Features writer: Maggie Heyn Richardson Digital content editor: Mark Clements Staff photographer: Collin Richie Contributing writers: Cynthea Corfah, Julia-Claire Evans, Brittney Forbes, Caroline Hebert, Anna Jones, Tracey Koch, Dillon Lowe, Elle Marie, Zane Piontek, Stephanie Riegel, Brooke Smith Contributing photographers: Ariana Allison, Sean Gasser, Amy Shutt

ADVERTISING

Sales director: Erin Palmintier-Pou Account executives: Manny Fajardo, André Hellickson Savoie, Jamie Hernandez, Kaitlyn Maranto, Olivia Robb Advertising coordinator: Devyn MacDonald

CORPOR ATE MEDIA

Editor: Lisa Tramontana Content strategist: Allyson Guay Multimedia strategy manager: Tim Coles Client experience coordinator, Studio E: Nicole Prunty

“

“Morgan Wallen.” —Olivia Robb

MARKETING

Brighton has helped me learn the way I need to. It’s helped me focus better; I get more accomplished, and they are helping me get the knowledge that I need to be prepared for college. LUKE R., RISING 6TH GRADER CLASS OF 2028

”

Grades K-12

Chief marketing officer: Elizabeth McCollister Hebert Marketing & events assistant: Taylor Falgout Events: Abby Hamilton Community liaison: Jeanne McCollister McNeil

ADMINISTR ATION

“The Michael Foster Project. After hearing just a few notes, you can’t help but be proud to be a Louisianian.” —Timothy Coles

Assistant business manager: Tiffany Durocher Business associate: Kirsten Milano Office coordinator: Tara Lane Receptionist: Cathy Brown

PRODUCTION/DESIGN Art director: Hoa Vu Graphic designers: Melinda Gonzalez, Emily Witt

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT

Audience development director and digital manager: James Hume Audience development coordinator: Ivana Oubre Audience development associate: Jordan Kozar

“Sting.” —Abigail Hamilton

A publication of Louisiana Business Inc. Chairman: Rolfe H. McCollister Jr. Executive assistant: Tara Broussard President and CEO: Julio Melara Executive assistant: Brooke Motto

12108 Parkmeadow Ave • Baton Rouge, LA 70816 thebrightonschool.org

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• ............

9029 Jefferson Highway, Suite 300 Baton Rouge, LA 70809 225-214-5225 • FAX 225-926-1329 225batonrouge.com ©Copyright 2021 by Louisiana Business Incorporated. All rights reserved by LBI. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. Business address: 9029 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. Telephone (225) 214-5225. 225 Magazine cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited material—manuscripts or photographs—with or without the inclusion of a stamped, self-addressed return envelope. Information in this publication is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed.

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F E E D B AC K / / W H AT ’ S O N L I N E / /

COLLIN RICHIE

EARLIER THIS YEAR, “The breakfast at Cafe Rinaldi E. Jacobs Sr. Jeanpierre is just the right sent a letter to 225 start to my day! Made-toasking why this year’s order, so it’s hot, nice-size Best of 225 Awards portions, lots of options and didn’t have a category for Best Black-owned absolutely delicious.” Restaurant. —Stephanie Allen, “We really Northgate Land Development appreciate your efforts at developing “Bayou Cafe for smoked great resources for Stewed oxtail with vegetables and brisket, Empire Wingz for restaurants in the 225. rice at Royal Taste of Jamaica Your list of Blackwings and Memphis Mac for owned restaurants has been very helpful to barbecue.” more people than you may know,” he wrote. —Rinaldi E. Jacobs Sr., Full Circle Development “However, we are curious as to why this category is not listed as part of this year’s Best “My favorite stories are seeing of 225? Many of these restaurants have lasted through the COVID crisis.” businesses like Odom’s Kitchen and While our categories for 2021 were closed Royal Taste of Jamaica grow and at that point, we asked Jacobs and other Black expand to full-on restaurants. That’s leaders on the email conversation to share everything Black Restaurant Week is some of their favorite Black-owned restaurants. about. Plus, the food is so good.” Here are some of the responses we received. Answers were edited for brevity and clarity. —Walter Geno McLaughlin Jr.,

—Paula Fabre Editor’s note: Though we didn’t feature any photos or stories specifically about coyotes in our June 2021 cover story, we did mention that they can sometimes be spotted at BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center. Browse the Nextdoor app, and you’re bound to find posts about recent coyote sightings all across the city, too. If coyotes become a nuisance to you or your pets, we’d recommend contacting Wildlife and Fisheries for a list of independent wildlife control operators who can help. wlf.louisiana.gov

“I made this last weekend and it was delicious! Thanks for the recipe!”

Black Restaurant Week (@eatblackbr)

CONNECT WITH US facebook.com/225magazine

“The June 225 about ‘Wild Baton Rouge’ omitted a significant animal … Coyotes!”

AMY SHUTT

Spotlight on Black-owned restaurants

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—Lori Spurgeon Wease, about our French 75 cocktail recipe from the May 2021 issue

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Thank you Baton Rouge

for nominating us Best Fries & Best Bread at a Local Restaurant

NEXT TIME GET YOUR CANE’S EVEN FASTER. 12

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Skip the line and order with our app or visit Order.RaisingCanes.com

19 Baton Rouge Area Restaurants Dine In • Drive Thru • Mobile Ordering

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TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL (225) 769-4044 MAIN CLINIC AND PEDIATRICS: 7373 PERKINS RD l BATON ROUGE, LA 70808

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July

Packing the

perfect picnic

ONE OF THE many lessons we learned from the pandemic was that we enjoy dining outdoors, yes, even in the Louisiana heat. Al fresco dining has soared across Baton Rouge, evidenced by the explosion of new and expanded restaurant patios. But let’s not forget about that OG of outdoor dining experiences: the picnic. Toss together a few goodies and a friend or two, and you’ve got the makings of a tasty, relaxing outing at one of the many parks and green spaces around town.

—MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON

1. By now, you know canned wines are good, it’s just a matter of narrowing your selections. Sofia sparkling wines from California are a must try, and not just because they come with a cute attached straw. Tangent makes a refreshing, crisp sauvignon blanc. 14 Hands delivers a reliable red blend, and Ava brings a go-to canned rosé to the party. Find it all at Calandro’s Supermarket. 2. Keep the bugs away with a No Natz or No Mosquitoz candle, a DEET-free bug repellent made from great smelling essential oils. Find it at Goodwood Hardware. 3. Schmear the chicken salad, or your favorite soft cheese or spread, on a slice of Wayne’s Bakery French bread, an airy tender loaf that’s baked fresh on Plank Road. Find it at Bet-R Grocery. 4. Creamy and spreadable, Calvin’s homespun chicken salad is the stuff of lazy summer days. We know it’s not light—not with all that mayo—but it seems like it anyway. Find it at Calvin’s Bocage Market. 5. Chilled, pre-sliced wedges of locally grown watermelon and whole peaches are a refreshing heat-beater. Find them at independent local supermarkets and farmers markets. 6. Elevate the flavor of fresh seasonal fruit with a few sprinkles of vanilla bean salt, which will bring it to a dessert-like level. Find it at Red Stick Spice Company. 7. Easily transportable salads that

COLLIN RICHIE

don’t wilt are a picnic must. Louisianabased Nur’s Kitchen has lots of good options, including healthy and flavorful tabbouleh and green lentil salad. Find it at Red Stick Farmers Market or Alexander’s Highland Market.

[225] July 2021 | 225batonrouge.com

W H AT ’ S U P / /

The many faces of eggrolls THAT ANCHOR OF the Chinese combo plate is also the perfect delivery device for many other ingredients, including duck, crawfish, boudin and more. You don’t have to look hard to find creative iterations of this deep-fried, dippable snack on local menus. Here are a few to get you started:

DIGITS

STOCK PHOTO

Cheese eggrolls Makers Greek & Mediterranean restaurant’s cheese eggrolls, an amalgam of feta, Monterrey Jack, cream cheese and onions, pair nicely with pepper jelly dipping sauce. makersrestaurant.com

The number of homicides recorded in East Baton Rouge Parish this year as of June 1, 2021, according to the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office. The number of homicides during the same period in 2020 (also a record year for homicides) was 47.

Boudin eggrolls Naturally, a Cajun meat market like Ronnie’s would find a way to stuff an eggroll with boudin. A crawfish variety is available, too. ronniesboudin.com

Acadiana eggrolls Mansurs on the Boulevard’s popular starter is filled with morsels of roast duck and shrimp and served with two sauces: hot mustard and bing cherry. mansursontheboulevard.com

Tex Mex eggrolls The Velvet Cactus combines chicken, black beans and cheese into a mildly spiced eggroll that’s paired with chipotle raspberry sauce. thevelvetcactus.com

Crawfish eggrolls Roul’s Deli’s napkin-worthy starter is filled with a spicy, saucy blend of crawfish tails. It’s also available Philly cheesesteakstyle. Find it on Facebook COURTESY MANSURS

Pork belly and andouille eggrolls Served with housemade chili aioli and citrus soy sauce, Cecelia Creole Bistro’s eggrolls are filled with savory, porky goodness. ceceliabr.com

“This partnership is a dream come true– I’ve always admired the Target designer collaborations in the past, and I’m excited to be a part of that legacy. I’ve had a blast working with the Target team, and I hope this collection of quality, declarative dresses helps Target guests across the country feel their most authentic.”

PH ER JO HN RO

GERS

COURTESY TARGET

—Christopher John Rogers, 2020 CFDA American Emerging Designer of the Year, about his new collection of dresses, which dropped at Target in May. The Baton Rouge native’s designs have been worn by celebrities, including Vice President Kamala Harris on Inauguration Day.

VI D

MO L

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I ST HR

COURTESY BREC

An easy summer activity One of our favorite afternoon escapes is the Botanic Gardens at BREC’s Independence Community Park, which connects neatly to the Main Library plaza. This centrally located spot is just right for taking in the beauty of native plants and enjoying a packed lunch or a bite from the freestanding Garden Café. Cap off your sojourn with a few new summer reads from the library’s vast stacks. brec.org

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W H AT ’ S U P / /

W H AT ’ S N E W

Buzz feed

Things are

By Julia-Claire Evans

Looking

Louisiana ‘cue WITH THEIR NEW pop-up, Oak & Smoke, Brandon Thomsen and Jeff Herman aim to put Louisiana on the map for barbecue. The concept began appearing at events and breweries like Gilla Brewing Company and Tin Roof Brewing Co. this spring. The owners put their own spin on barbecue, bringing knowledge from food ventures like Chow Yum Phat, where Thomsen is the operations manager, and Smokin’ Aces barbecue restaurant, which Herman previously owned when it was in Mid City. Find it on Facebook

and Seriously...

YOU SHOULD ROCK CLIMB Locally owned and operated by these dudes Lee

Robb

10505 Coursey Blvd Baton Rouge, LA 70816 UpTownClimbing.com

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Vroom vroom! Bikes are booming in BR—especially electric ones. A new e-bike shop and rental destination, Pedego Electric Bikes, opened in Mid City’s Goodwood Village shopping center this spring. It’s the first store in the state for the brand, which stocks, rents and handles repairs for 20 models of electric bikes. pedegoelectricbikes.com

Issue Date: July 2021 Ad proof #3

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MORE COOL OPENINGS

LET YOUR WARDROBE

Cards and Culture

A local future for legal marijuana?

In June, Gov. John Bel Edwards signed into law a bill decriminalizing marijuana possession. While medical use of marijuana is already legal in Louisiana, recreational marijuana still is not legal. Currently, marijuana is fully legal in 17 states. A task force will study full legalization before next year’s session.

Cards and Culture, described as an alternative asset investing platform and community destination, has set up shop in Perkins Rowe. Shoppers can invest in sports cards, memorabilia, sneakers, streetwear, art, digital art and even eGaming. cardsandculture.com

POP

Mid-City Artisans

Mid-City Artisans is open at Square 46. The shop is packed with cool gifts, statement furniture pieces, jewelry, colorful artwork and homemade baby clothes—and it’s all locally made by artists. mid-cityartisans.com

The Bumble Lane Beauty Bar

Bumble Lane owner Casey Little and local entrepreneur Guy Faulstich partnered to open this new spa concept in Perkins Rowe. Stop by for walk-in makeup, waxing and facials. Find it on Facebook

To the moon LSU will officially be the first university to put technology on the moon when NASA and SpaceX make the first U.S. trip there since 1972. LSU students, researchers and industry partners created the Tiger Eye 1, a radiation detection device that will be used to send information from space back to NASA with the ultimate goal of making space travel safer. lsu.edu

park on the way?

In case you haven’t noticed, Baton Rouge’s food truck scene has been booming. From Cou-Yon’s opening a second location to Chicky Sandos bringing Nashville hot chicken to the Capital City, we’re not short on mobile food choices. It makes sense that a food truck park has been proposed for the University Terrace subdivision. If plans move forward, the .75-acre park would be called Baton Rouge Food Truck Village and have room for at least six trucks. Follow @br_foodtruckvillage on Instagram for updates.

PHOTOS BY: ARIANA ALLISON AND STOCK

Food Moon truck Spanish

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W H AT ’ S U P / /

Pet influencers All the news that’s fit to (paw) print

From walks in the park and nighttime snuggles to snack stealing and frenzied digging, our pets’ no-limits lives make the perfect Instagram narrative. We checked in with some local pet influencers. Follow along. This is feel-good stuff.

—MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON

@thewittykitties

4. Loves water, hates baths

Cats Flowers and Maxine

@judgeydoodle

Alesia Anderson documents her duo of kooky, inquisitive kitties as they live their best lives with family members Rocky the cockatiel and Buddy the rescue dog. Flowers, named for her past life as a flower shop kitten, loves canned tuna and bouncing balls. Maxine, named for Max from Where the Wild Things Are, can’t get enough of investigating backyard produce. Anderson began the account to celebrate her late black cat Miss Kitty and bring awareness to black cat protection.

Judge the Goldendoodle

1. Double trouble

2. It’s Da-veed, thank you @heydavidthepack David the German shepherd, Ellie the golden retriever and Fern the cat With ears at full alert, white German shepherd David and his buddies Ellie and Fern are remarkably talented at posing together. Pet parent Casey Boatner says the pups love romps through parks and trails, especially Burden Botanical Gardens, and snapping pictures in front of murals in downtown Baton Rouge. Next up: training for future dog sports events, including Fast CAT agility runs.

3. A perma-grin that’s ready for fun @itsteddygrams Teddy the Shih Tzubichon frisé This ball of energy has a personality that’s somewhere between Jim Halpert and Andy Bernard from The Office, says mom Tara Schoonover. Teddy is a 6-year-old Shih Tzu-bichon frisé who loves rapid-fire digging, tail chasing and exploring Baton Rouge’s wild side. Some of his favorite activities are wandering the greenspace around the LSU AgCenter and lapping up ice water on the patio of La Carreta. He also collects stuffed raccoons. During the pandemic, Schoonover started thedogtrovert.com, a blog to share her favorite dog-friendly spots.

[225] July 2021 | 225batonrouge.com

Judge’s lawyer mom records her cute goldendoodle’s robust life, with plenty of puns along the way. The duo loves visiting BREC dog parks and spots like Istrouma Brewery in Saint Gabriel, Mid City Beer Garden and City Roots Coffee. Judge, a smart and snuggly pooch, loves doing tricks, including praying and hugging on command. And at the end of the day, you’ll find him in bed on his back, giving those long, furry legs a good stretch before dozing off.

5. A foster and her forever family @leah.thedoggo Leah the Labrador mix Maybe it was the ears that flop irresistibly in two directions, or just the sweet disposition, but this rescued pooch became a permanent member of the family after being fostered during the pandemic, says mom Hannah Bieszczat. Despite her Labrador heritage, Leah actually loathes water, favoring Baton Rouge’s terra firma instead. Find her strolling through the State Capitol grounds and along the Mississippi River levee. Despite being diagnosed with kidney disease earlier this year, Leah is up for pretty much anything.

6. Good hair day @milo_and_cullen_gsd Milo and Cullen, two longhaired German shepherds Fully grown Milo and puppy Cullen are long-haired German shepherds who enjoy goofing around with their best friend, a mini-Australian shepherd named Charley, traveling to Rosemary Beach and playing with tennis balls. Milo was named for Milo’s Tea Company, and Cullen was named for the vampire family in the Twilight series. Game of Thrones fans will appreciate that Milo can bark on command when his mom says, “dracarys,” the word for dragon fire.

Open Road Mode Lock doors. Adjust lights. Arm home security. Get outdoors. Protect. Monitor. Control. Call 844-347-2219 or visit cox.com/homelife

Cox Homelife is available to residential customers in select Cox service areas. A high-speed Internet connection is required. Cox Homelife Security service plan required for professional monitoring services for intrusion, smoke/fire and related system components. Applicable monthly service charges, installation, additional equipment, taxes, trip charges and other fees may apply. Subject to credit approval. Other restrictions may apply. Local ordinances may require an alarm user permit or external lock box. Cox Homelife Service provided by Cox Advanced Services: Arizona, LLC – Alarm Lic. #18141–0 & ROC Lic. #310876; Arkansas, LLC – Lic. #E 2014 0026 & #CMPY.0002278; California, LLC – Alarm Lic. #7196 & Contractor’s Lic. #992992; Connecticut, LLC – N/A; Florida, LLC – Lic. #EF20001232; Georgia, LLC – License: Bryan David Melancon #LVU406595; Idaho, LLC – Lic. #024933; Iowa, LLC – Lic. #C121646 & #AC268; Louisiana, LLC – Lic. #F 2006; Nebraska, LLC – Lic. #26512; Nevada, LLC dba Cox Homelife – Lic. #78331; Ohio, LLC – Lic. #5318–1671; Oklahoma, LLC – Lic. #2002; Rhode Island, LLC – Lic. #9314; Kansas, LLC – Topeka Lic. #109 & Wichita Lic. #2015–36492; Virginia, LLC – DCJS Lic. #11–7776 & DPOR Lic. # 2705164725 ©2021 Cox Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. MAG107433–0039

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KID STUFF

Play without limits Local playgrounds that are inclusive to children of all abilities By Brooke Smith

COURTESY ERI

SEAN GASSER

N LANOUX

EVERY CHILD DESERVES to experience the magic only playgrounds can create. But some families worry about their young ones being unable to enjoy park visits because of their limitations. That’s why many public play spaces in Louisiana have incorporated important aspects of inclusivity into their playground designs, so children of all abilities can interact and play together. Here are a few to explore around town.

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er rk co-found iscovery Pa Kidz Kove D ith her daughter, Alex w Er in Lanoux

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W H AT ’ S U P / /

BREC Community Parks

Zachary, Highland, and North Sherwood Forest community parks all have wheelchair-friendly access to ground elements such as multi-sensory panels and musical toys. Howell Park features multi-child swings and spin discs, where kids and their companions can sit or lay together. BREC is also designing a few new inclusive playgrounds, scheduled to open in the next year or two at Greenwood Community Park, Jackson Community Park and Independence Park. “The new playground at Jackson Community Park will be designed to have a wheelchairaccessible glider that sways and bounces,” says Reed Richard, BREC’s assistant superintendent of system planning. brec.org

events. Amanda McMorris, a member of the Pilot Club, says the playground is not only special for children but for many disabled adults and parents. “A mother with a physical disability brought her 4-yearold daughter to the grand opening,” she says, “and tearfully shared that she had never been able to play with her at a playground until that day.” kidzkornerplayland.org

Kidz Kove Discovery Park

If your child loves exploring the seven seas, shift your sails south and visit

deep blue sea. Children can feel like they are onboard a pirate ship, riding the waves when they play on the accessible equipment. There is also an exceptionally painted shipwreck backdrop by the shade-covered areas and restrooms. Erin Lanoux, co-founder of the park, loves that her daughter Alex, who has Down syndrome, now has a place to play. “This park symbolizes the acceptance she and all others deserve,” she says. gonzalesla.com/community-3/kidz-kove

Kidz Kove Discovery Park on South Francois Avenue in Gonzales. This pirate themed-park will thrill any adventurous spirit. “We wanted the park to be a destination and experience for kids, and not just make it like every other park around with the only difference being specialized equipment,” says Michael Burtula, architect of Domain Architecture. The surface of the playground is padded to cushion children’s falls. It is colored a soothing shade reminiscent of the

Kids Konnection Playground

Kidz Korner Playland

SEAN GASSER

The Pilot Club of Denham Springs designed a welcoming playground on the corner of River Road and Government Street. Kidz Korner Playland has more than just adaptive swings and activity panels. Children can work on their auditory and spatial awareness skills by playing the NEOS 360 game system, or they can cool off by running through the splash pad. There is also a large covered pavilion with accessible picnic tables, where visitors can host celebrations and family Kidz Kove Discovery Park

If you are thinking about adventuring further east, check out Kids Konnection Playground at the Tammany Trace Trailhead, located right off Interstate-12 in the Mandeville area. All activity areas are wide enough for wheelchair-bound kids to play beside others. The playground’s surface is latex-free, mindful of those with allergies. One slide is specifically made for individuals with cochlear implants, whose hearing might otherwise be disrupted by the static electricity typically generated on slides. It also has a sandpit with mechanized diggers and multi-leveled water tables. Susan McHugh has a son with a rare congenital muscle disease and is a co-founder of the playground. “I love the fact that all disabled individuals can move freely around and feel the joy of parallel play at our playground,” McHugh says.

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I N S I D E : Pennington’s ‘Obecity’ campaign / Black leaders in education / More local news

Almost done The Government Street redesign wraps up this summer, just in time to showcase all the new spots along the Mid City corridor

ARIANA ALLISON

B Y B E N JA M I N LE G E R

OUR CITY //

WITH ANY DIET, it takes time and patience to see results. The same could be said for the Government Street “road diet,” which began way back in January 2018. The $11.7 million project is set to be complete this summer, with some final elements including drainage work, railroad repairs, restriping and landscaping. Then, the state officially transfers the road over to the city, according to DOTD communications director Rodney Mallett. Anything pre-pandemic seems like ages ago, but for businesses in Mid City, this construction project especially took an extended toll after getting delayed from its original 2019 completion date. The redesign aimed to slim down the congested thoroughfare from four lanes to two with a center turning lane and bike lanes along most of its sections. It included a much-needed roundabout at Lobdell Avenue, and left-turn signals at Acadian Thruway. But while traffic flow and safety were big drivers of the project, the aim for the neighborhood was to create a more pedestrian-friendly shopping and entertainment district similar to Magazine Street in New Orleans. Mid City has always been known for its funky shops and neighborhood hangouts, but the prospect of a redesigned streetscape has attracted new developments as well as eclectic small businesses—with more on the way. All the better to experience by bike or on foot, according to Mallett, who has biked the new pavement himself and calls it “a great way to spend a Saturday.”

The area around Electric Depot has plenty of development projects on the horizon.

ARIANA ALLISON

The former Sarkis Oriental Rug store is soon to be Youth City Lab, a hub for four youth-focused nonprofit partners.

ARIANA ALLISON

“We’ve had some negative reviews, but a lot of positive reviews, too,” he says. “You can tell by the number of investments along that street and the number of businesses opening up that it’s doing quite well. The big thing is getting people used to the change.” Here’s a look at the new things you might see along Government Street on your next visit to the neighborhood.

1 4 3

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9 7

5 PARK BOULEVARD

GOVERNMENT STREET 8

DIAN THRUWAY ACA UTH SO

OUR CITY //

What’s new in Mid City 1. Gallery 14

9. BRcade

The event venue joins Dyke Nelson Architecture and advertising agency ThreeSixtyEight in revitalizing former warehouses along this stretch of 14th Street.

The vacant building near Ogden Park Shopping Center that was formerly home to Pop Shop Records is being revamped as an adult arcade and bar. Its opening date has yet to be announced.

2. Millennial Park project

10. Youth City Lab

CEO Cameron Jackson is partnering with other developers to convert a vacant lot into his second shipping container park, featuring eateries and a covered patio. “I’ve learned a lot about how to do things, like permitting, and I see this new one as being a lot bigger,” Jackson says.

The former church/Sarkis Oriental Rug store is being rehabbed by four nonprofit partners into a youth-focused facility called Youth City Lab. Once complete, Big Buddy, Humanities Amped, Line 4 Line and Front Yard Bikes will all have a presence in the 10,000-square-foot space.

3. Former Valley House Hotel Investor Anthony Kimble purchased the two-story former hotel in 2020 with an eye for redevelopment, though he has not yet disclosed plans for the historic building.

4. Electric Depot

5. Yes We Cannibal The budding arts collective has taken over an empty storefront, hosting eclectic and diverse art shows and performances.

CALEB BORQUE / COURTESY TAPPIN’ BRANDS

6. Circa 1857 complex The hub for art and antiques is now home to the monthly Mid City Makers Market. You can also grab brunch or lunch at Leola’s Cafe and Coffee House, which opened in January.

7. Former Garden District Nursery The property, which houses multiple buildings, was purchased in April by the Hammond-based Neill family, which operates several Aveda salons. No word yet on how it will be redeveloped.

8. Red Stick Reads Teresa and James Hyfield turned this Eugene Street building into a cozy neighborhood bookstore hosting pop-up shops and kid-focused events.

Bloody marys with some insane toppings at the upcoming Tap 65 in Square 46

GOVERNMENT STREET

JENN OCKEN

The large complex in a former Entergy site is still buzzing with activity despite some hiccups, with Red Stick Social hosting indoor and outdoor concerts post-pandemic. Meanwhile, Boru Ramen, Sweet Society and City Roots continue to attract crowds, and rumors swirl about which tenants might come next to the development.

The “I’ll Have it All” board at Leola’s Café and Coffee House

11. Bistro Byronz and Tap 65 The French bistro favorite is sliding down Government Street to take over the former White Star Market space at Square 46, which it will share with Tap 65, a new restaurant and bar concept from the owners of Mid Tap. Also on the ground floor of Square 46 is Mid-City Artisans, which opened in April and helps more than 60 local creators sell their work.

12. The Spoke and Hub City Group Hospitality is taking over the former Bistro Byronz space for this bicycling-themed restaurant. Owner Stephen Hightower hasn’t released much information other than the name, saying he wants it to be “a great neighborhood spot, just like it already was.”

10 11

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225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2021

OUR CITY //

Population growth

By Maggie Heyn Richardson

A new national campaign aiming to change the conversation about the disease of obesity started right here in Baton Rouge says Pennington Associate Professor side of the disease, as well as the many CHARLIE, AN ELEMENTARY school Amanda Staiano, a pediatric obesity factors that make it an intractable student, wants to be invisible. He’s researcher. “We’re a credible source. public health problem. The campaign even invented a secret identity, called We’re scientists, and we want to make was developed by the Pennington Invisiboy. sure that evidence is getting out and Biomedical Research Center, a local The kids in his class fat shame him. improving the health of people across institution lauded worldwide for its He wheezes from asthma. His desire the country and in Louisiana.” research on the connection between to lose weight is thwarted by school The web-based campaign, which nutrition and disease. lunches filled with salt and fat, and will also include billboards and radio “We recognize that we have a role no organized opportunity to exercise. and TV advertising strategies, was and a responsibility to be an advocate,” His distracted parents worry about introduced now because finances, and they save obesity has reached epimoney by buying cheaper demic status and shows but unhealthier foods. no signs of slowing Like Charlie, they have down. obesity. They can’t see how Pennington organizmuch weight he’s gained ers hope their radically over the years, or how isodifferent campaign will lated he’s become. prod policy makers, Charlie and his family health insurers, real are animated characters in estate developers and an emotionally resonant others to do more to national campaign intended tackle obesity. Moreover, to change the conversaorganizers hope everytion around obesity. Their day Americans will stories, crafted from real keep the pressure on research on the obesity Charlie, a character in the animated campaign, struggles with fat shaming decision-makers. epidemic, show the human in school and creates an alter ego to help him cope with the stress.

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to inspire her faith

A video for the Obecity, USA campaign shows how today’s generation of children might face a shorter lifespan than their parents because of the chronic diseases related to obesity.

to discover her passion

OUR CITY //

“This is new territory for us, but we really felt we had to swing for the fences with this one—go big or go home. You can’t make systemic change overnight, but you can’t do it without creating some buzz, either.”

IMAGES COURTESY OF PENNINGTON BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH CENTER

overweight or obese. Twenty percent The new webof Louisiana children have obesity. site takes users The state continues to have one of the on a virtual tour highest obesity rates in the nation. of a place called The Obecity USA campaign is Obecity USA, an attempt to encourage people to where one-third reconsider what they might think they of prime-time know about obesity, including where television comto place blame. mercials are for “We want to change the narrative junk food, where of how we talk about obesity,” Staiano 80% of children says. “There are too many myths out born to obese there, like, we think obesity is because parents will also of willpower. We really have to show have obesity, and people that obesity is a disease, and it where one in —Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation needs to be treated like a disease.” three children Executive Director Through visual storytelling and lives in neighborRebecca Schutte hard-hitting facts, the campaign hoods without demonstrates obesity’s multifactorial sidewalks. nature, and how easy it is to Charlie and his community are gain weight in America, due to fictional, but the facts are real. Obecity what Staiano calls a “tsunami” of USA is a stand-in for the United States opportunities to eat poorly coupled itself, which has reached a crisis point with a built environment that often in its failure to curb the disease. In keeps regular exercise out of reach. the mid-’60s, only 13.4% of American There are 16 fast food restaurants adults had obesity. Today, that rate has in the United States for every one shot to about 42%. In the next decade, grocery store. Portion sizes continue fully half the population will suffer to expand. A calorie-packed from it if the country remains on the restaurant meal is just a click same path. Issue Date: July 2021 Ad proof away, #1 requiring almost no physical The problem has been especially • Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions. movement. foods are not significant here in Louisiana, where • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24Healthy hours from receiptof of adults this proof.are A shorter timeframe will apply forthe tightdefault deadlines. in the United States—they two-thirds considered • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Photo: courtesy Ernest C. Withers, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture © Ernest C. Withers Trust

Stories of community, business innovation, and creative self-determination

August 21, 2021 – November 14, 2021 660 N. 4th Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 LouisianaStateMuseum.org

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OUR CITY // The young character Ezra meets a carnival performer who shows her sympathy at a weight guessing attraction and helps her explore the ways many variables contribute to her weight.

have to be dislodged from a landscape dominated by pizza, burgers, fried foods and sweets. Food deserts are also a continuing problem. High poverty areas, such as north Baton Rouge, have trouble attracting supermarkets that offer fresh, affordable foods, leaving residents who also lack transportation to purchase meals from the closest fast food chains or convenience stores. The area has also lacked sidewalks and safe greenspace for healthy activity. “We, as a community, have a role to play in improving our environment, because it has gotten so hard to eat healthy and to be physically active, and to control our weight,” Staiano plan is underway for north Baton says. “And so we really need to figure Rouge. And there have been some out how to make meaningful changes incentives for grocery stores to move to our environment to get everyone into food deserts, Staiano says. healthy.” “I also think the school breakfast Some progress has been made in and lunch program has improved Louisiana, Staiano says. tremendously over the past several Obesity rates have plateaued in years,” she adds. recent years. The state’s public schools Still, there is a long way to go. are required to provide physical Obesity, considered an epidemic, is education for at least 30 minutes a day linked to 300,000 deaths in the United for children in kindergarten through States annually. Moreover, research eighth grade. Much more attention is Issue Date: July 2021 Ad proof #2 shows that obesity puts individuals at being paid to “complete streets,” and • Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions. risk within for getting the forASmore sidewalks • AD need WILL RUN IS unless approval or for final biking revisions are received 24 hours sicker from COVID-19 fromwalking. receipt of this A shorter timeframe will apply for tight anddeadlines. other viruses, according to the and A proof. transit-centric master • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation paid for the campaign. Executive Director Rebecca Schutte says the foundation was eager to bring a fresh approach to a problem that’s been discussed for years. It worked with national media agency Rokkan (now Razorfish) to create the website, which was deliberately edgy. “This is new territory for us, but we really felt we had to swing for the fences with this one—go big or go home,” Schutte says. “You can’t make systemic change overnight, but you

can’t do it without creating some buzz, either.” The Obecity USA website welcomes visitors to the “fastest growing place in the world,” a place that’s “easy to get to, and almost impossible to leave.” Ezra, another child suffering from obesity, is shown sympathy by a carnival weight guesser, who, rather than guessing her weight, explores the many ways Ezra’s condition has been out of her control, “because she was never in control” of her diet or routine. The site couples these stories with tourism tabs that give Obecity USA the feel of a real destination. But click on a feature like “Nightlife,” for example, and discover how obesity feeds insomnia, anxiety, loneliness and binge-eating. The campaign hopes to raise additional research funds for the study of obesity and rally communities to improve policies on nutrition, physical activity and the built environment, which includes access to parks and sidewalks. The goal is to end the epidemic by 2040, which means shrinking the rate of individuals suffering from it to about 5%, Staiano says. For more on the campaign, check out the website visitobecity.org.

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OUR CITY //

A new day

By Cynthea Corfah

THE TIDES ARE turning in the Baton Rouge area. Schools and higher education institutions that were in the past primarily led by white men now have Black men in executive roles. In 2020, the Black Lives Matter movement sparked a national and global racial reckoning and conversations about representation for people of color. Entities from major corporations to large media outlets have added diversity committees, hired more Black employees and recruited people of color for top-level positions. The shift toward more inclusivity has impacted the local community, as well. In Baton Rouge, it is especially evident in the steadily increasing Black leadership in education. As of this summer, all major LSU’s new president William F. Tate at his May press conference education systems in Baton Rouge Before Tate was named president are led by Black men. This includes Baton Rouge Parish School System of the state’s flagship university, Superintendent Sito Narcisse, hired Southern University President and Issue Date: July 2021 Ad proof #2 LSU’s roster of former presidents and Chancellor Dr. Ray L. Belton; Baton earlier this year; and, most recently, • Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions. chancellors consisted only of white LSU’s new William F. Tate, Rouge • AD WILLCommunity RUN AS IS unlessCollege’s approval or Executive final revisions are received within 24 president hours from receipt of this L. proof. A shorter men. Though the latest census data whodeadlines. was selected in May 2021. Director Philip Smith Jr.;timeframe East will apply for tight • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

COURTESY LSU

More Black men are stepping into leadership roles in Baton Rouge’s education systems. What does this mean for the city? shows that Baton Rouge is 47% African American, local leaders say they didn’t see comparable Black representation in educational leadership until recently. “Black males have been underrepresented in the highest levels of the education system for a very long time,” says Brace “Trey” Godfrey, senior vice president for policy at the Baton Rouge Area Chamber and former executive director of 100 Black Men. “It’s good to see them moving into these positions now.” LSU’s newest president was selected from three finalists after a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors this spring. Tate’s career history, including a recent stint as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of South Carolina, made him the top pick. He is the first Black person to lead LSU and also the first Black head of a Southeastern Conference college in history. “For me, this position is all about

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what we can do to help students and give people access and opportunity in higher education,” Tate said in an LSU press release. “That’s really in my DNA, how do we help people regardless of their background—we find the money, get you here and give you the opportunity to live your dream.” With more Black leadership in the Baton Rouge area, the potential for change, diversity and inclusivity is clear to local leaders. Godfrey and Letrece Griffin, director of communications and public relations for the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, say they are optimistic. “When you have varied voices in the room, it opens up the avenue for representation and makes sure everyone has a voice and a seat at the table,” Griffin says.

While the change directly impacts local schools and the clout of higher education institutions, it has the potential to gradually influence other sectors, they say. They imagine a Baton Rouge where Black children see Black men and women in the highest leadership roles, giving them the confidence to pursue a variety of careers in the future without fear of not having access because of their skin color. “What young people see is what they’ll become,” Godfrey says. “Young students of color can look and see themselves represented in the very highest levels locally. It can open the minds of young people and perhaps even motivate them to strive for higher positions in education and even other areas.”

“I’d like to believe that this is going to be tremendously impactful for these institutions having different types of leaders at the helm. You can’t get new results from trying the same old methods.”

Issue Date: July Ad proof #3 “TREY” GODFREY, senior vice president —BRACE

• Please respond by e-mail or fax with your or the minorBaton revisions. for approval policy at Rouge Area Chamber • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received by the close of business today. PHOTO BY COLLIN RICHIE / COURTESY LWCC’S CHAMPIONS OF LOUISIANA • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

“When you have varied voices in the room, it opens up the avenue for representation and makes sure everyone has a voice and a seat at the table.” —LETRECE GRIFFIN, director of communications and public relations for the East Baton Rouge Parish School System

In East Baton Rouge Parish schools, the largest student demographic is Black—47% of students are Black and 43% are white, according to a 20142018 report by the National Center for Education Statistics. At LSU, diversity has steadily increased on campus, too, with the school’s trend data recording a 90% increase in Black, Hispanic and Asian student enrollment from the fall of 2010 to the fall of 2020. “As activists and community leaders, you work so hard for moments like this,” Griffin says. “I don’t think it’s just one moment. I think there has been an alignment where people and society have been more open to hearing new voices and willing to allow the access to happen.” Community leaders have worked for decades to see Black representation in leadership roles.

Now with LSU and local education systems making headlines because of Black leadership hires, it opens the door to bigger discussions, such as whether more Black women will gain access to top-level positions, as well. There’s also the question of if hiring Black men for leadership positions is a temporary trend in response to the Black Lives Matter movement—or setting a new standard? “The very bottom line of diversity is having people from different backgrounds bring different types of thought into arenas that they did not occupy in the past,” Godfrey says. “I’d like to believe that this is going to be tremendously impactful for these institutions having different types of leaders at the helm. You can’t get new results from trying the same old methods.”

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OUR CITY //

EXPLA INE R

D I GI TS

BREC breakup backtracked THE RECENT LOUISIANA legislative session featured plenty of big-ticket items, but one controversial bill brought a hyper-local Baton Rouge Greenwood Community Park near Baker provides paddling opportunities in the spring and summer. issue in front of state political leaders. State Sen. Bodi White, whose district includes and operate their own parks systems—considering their contribution to BREC in tax dollars is relatively small. The Central, proposed a bill to effectively break up BREC so bill itself did not address cost. that both Central and Zachary would have their own They also argued White had ulterior motives. He’s the independent parks systems. In a parish still fretting president of the Central Area Youth League, which uses over the potential loss of revenue if the St. George a sports park in Central that BREC spent $8.5 million to develop. breakaway succeeds, the prospect of kneecapping White created a small campaign around SB205, BREC sounded alarms for what many worried would including digital billboards attacking BREC’s spending on be a blow to a successful parks system. staff salaries and calling for reform. In the end, though, White deferred his bill—but not The bill’s performance without some caveats and a threat to bring it up again It sailed through the Senate in early May, where White in the future. Here’s what went down.

About the bill

Senate Bill 205 would create new and independent park systems for Central and Zachary separate from BREC. It would’ve stripped BREC’s $95 million annual budget of roughly $5 million, but would affect about 50 of the 180 parks in the system.

holds a powerful position as chair of the Senate Finance Committee. In the House, though, it faced opposition from many of White’s Republican colleagues before it could even get out of committee. On May 27, White opted to defer the bill.

What’s next?

Some backroom dealing led to a compromise between White and BREC Superintendent Corey Wilson. BREC About the controversy agreed to create a citizens’ advisory committee with repreWhite, who proposed a similar breakup a decade ago, sentatives from Baker, Central, Zachary, Baton Rouge and claimed it would give smaller communities in the northern the prospective city of St. George to provide feedback on part of the parish more control over how their funds BREC’s performance in each area of the parish. White said would used. BREC, Baton Ad Rouge Area Chamber IssuebeDate: July the 2021 proof #2 he would revisit the issue next year if concerns in Central and Mayor Sharon Weston Broome opposed bill, • Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minorthe revisions. joining about how • AD WILLwith RUN Central’s AS IS unlessmayor approvalover or finalconcerns revisions are received within 24 hours and Zachary weren’t addressed. —COMPILED BY BENJAMIN LEGER much moreofthose residents have pay establish from receipt this proof. A shortermight timeframe will to apply for to tight deadlines. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

FILE PHOTO

Number of years estimated as a “worstcase scenario” for work on the I-10 widening project, according to the Louisiana DOTD. The lengthy prediction has plenty of Baton Rouge businesses—especially those in the Perkins Road overpass area—concerned about the project’s long-term negative impacts.

$490

Round trip cost for a flight from Baton Rouge into Gulf Shores, Alabama, on the Southeast Beach Express, which was meant to start service in early June. The advertised air shuttles were scrapped in May because, according to air service founder Jay Taffet, there weren’t enough available car rentals or beach lodging to meet the needs of passengers. Customers seem more willing to make the fourhour drive than hop a flight.

83%

Percentage of flights the Baton Rouge Metro Airport is running in line with its 2019 schedule for May. The airport has seen air travel increase since the pandemic and expects numbers to improve this summer. “We’re getting close to a full, pre-pandemic schedule,” says airport spokesman Jim Caldwell. “What we really need is for passenger levels to continue to increase.”

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KNOWLEDGE THAT CAN BE PROFITABLE:

The Bryson Law Firm, LLC shares some helpful details on two big changes to taxes in response to COVID-19.

UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS A recent change in the law allows some taxpayers to not pay taxes on their unemployment benefits, and the IRS has been issuing automatic tax refunds to Americans who filed their 2020 return and reported unemployment compensation before tax law changes were made under the American Rescue Plan. The American Rescue Plan Act, which was enacted in March, exempts up to $10,200 of unemployment benefits received in 2020 ($20,400 for married couples filing jointly) from federal income tax for households reporting an adjusted gross income (AGI) less than $150,000 on their 2020 tax return. Keep in mind that the new tax exemption only applies to unemployment benefits received in 2020. So, if a person receives unemployment compensation in 2021 or beyond, they can expect to pay federal tax on the amount received.

CHILD TAX CREDIT The American Rescue Plan Act also provides for advance Child Tax Credits to be paid in 2021. Individuals who qualify will receive up to $3600 for each child under the age of 6, and up to $3000 for each child age 6 through 17. These will be paid in equal monthly installments from July to December. A family that qualifies for the full credit with two children ages 3 and 5 would receive a monthly payment of $600. These advance payments will be up to 50% of the Child Tax Credit that can be claimed on the 2021 income tax return filings. If a taxpayer does not want to receive the advance payment, they will have the opportunity to opt out. A taxpayer should qualify for the child tax credit expansion if their modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is up to $75,000 for single filers, or up to $150,000 for married couples. They may still qualify for a partial child tax credit of $2,000 if the MAGI is less than $200,000 per year ($400,000 for married couples). If they exceed these amounts, the credit phases out, or won’t qualify for anything. Eligibility for the new child tax credit will be based on 2019 or 2020 tax return—whichever is the most recent one filed. Even if a taxpayer did not earn any income, the IRS encourages filing a tax return to ensure the receipt of monthly child tax credit payments.

I AM 225 //

Terica Toliver

—JULIA-CLAIRE EVANS

[225] July 2021 | 225batonrouge.com

Chicly Brewed Tea owner Terica Toliver sells loose-leaf tea blends and accessories.

COLLIN RICHIE

TERICA TOLIVER WANTS you to know that tea not only has health benefits, but it’s fun to make, too. Working out of her home in Prairieville, Toliver runs Chicly Brewed Tea, an online shop selling a collection of loose-leaf teas, tea blends, teawares and more. Toliver has always liked to drink tea, and she started making her own during the pandemic. She realized that many people were only familiar with prebagged varieties, so last April she came up with the idea to start a business to change that. Chicly Brewed Tea opened in August 2020. “I’ve always been an avid tea drinker for as long as I can remember,” Toliver says, “and then I learned about tea blending a few years back.” Toliver is a psychotherapist and sometimes recommends her clients try herbs and spices that are found in loose-leaf tea blends. More and more of her family and friends were also starting to ask about the benefits, she says. “I make loose-leaf tea,” Toliver says. “You can very visibly see the difference between that and bagged tea.” Bagged tea, she says, can be full of dust and particles from processing facilities, while loose-leaf tea and loose tea blends contain whole tea leaves, herbs and spices. One of Toliver’s most popular blends, the Citrus Mint, is a dupe for a popular Starbucks drink, the Medicine Ball. It’s an herbal tea with flavors like peach and mint. Other blends include refreshing flavors like Lavender Lemon, Peach Chamomile and Chocolate Chai. Toliver mostly sources her ingredients domestically, she says, and tries to source out of ethical and sustainable tea farms. “I like using farms that are taking into consideration the environment and making sure their carbon footprint isn’t so large,” she says. “That’s very important to me.” Toliver hopes to help people feel more comfortable brewing at home. Her teas include instructions with recommended steeping temperatures and times. She sells teaware like gold spoons, infusers and strainers, as well as tea glasses and tea tumblers, which can be used to take your tea on the go or make drinks like iced tea overnight. Caffeinated drinks like coffee give you an immediate punch of energy and wear off around mid-day, but tea gives you spurts of energy throughout the day. It is also more hydrating than other popular caffeinated drinks. Drinking tea should feel like a luxury, Toliver says, like the users are taking time for themselves. “I really wanted to incorporate more self care into people’s routines,” Toliver says. “Loose-leaf tea kind of makes you enjoy the time making it.” chiclybrewed.com

“I would love to open up a tea shop in Prairieville. I’ve gotten great feedback, and people say they would love to have that here and be able to support a locally owned shop.”

CHARLES AYCOCK, MD

FRANK BREAUX, MD

JILL BADER, MD

THERESA BRIGNAC, MD

DEBRA BAEHR, MD

RANDALL BROWN, MD

BRITANI BONADONA, MD

ALLYSON BOUDREAUX, MD

REBECCA BOUDREAUX, MD

NICOLE CHAUVIN, MD

LIN DANG, MD

SARAH DAVIS, MD

RYAN DICKERSON, MD

STEVEN FEIGLEY, MD

LISA GAUTREAU, MD

WENDY HOLDEN-PARKER, MD

NICOLLE HOLLIER, MD

CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY, One Woman At A Time.

SHAWN KLEINPETER, MD

CHARLES LAWLER, MD

SHARON LEE, MD

PAMELA LEWIS,MD

JULIE MARTIN, MD

CRYSTAL NHIEU, MD

JAY PARENTON III, MD

AMANDA PEARSON, MD

MICHAEL PERNICIARO, MD

SAMANTHA PRATS, MD

KIRK ROUSSET, MD

LAUREN SANDERS, MD

MICHAEL SCHEXNAYDER, MD

CURTIS SOLAR, MD

LAURIE WHITAKER, MD

SUNSHINE WILLETT, MD

Obstetrics & Gynecology PHYSICIAN OFFICE BUILDING AT WOMAN’S HOSPITAL • 500 RUE DE LA VIE, SUITE 100 • BATON ROUGE, LA 70817 • (225) 201-2000 • www.LWHA.com F d

225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2021

C OV E R S T ORY

13,718

COLLIN RICHIE

The recordshattering number of Capital Region voters who participated in this year’s Best of 225 Awards. It marked more than a 50% increase over our 2020 numbers, which had already been our secondbiggest turnout year.

[225] July 2021 | 225batonrouge.com

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THE SCIENCE OF BEST OF 225

How were winners selected? Voting and nominations were open to all Capital Region residents during a two-part process on our website: 1. WRITE-IN NOMINATIONS: Participants nominated their favorite businesses and people on a fill-in-the-blank ballot. Nominations were open Jan. 6 to Feb. 10 this year. 2. VOTING: The entities that received the most nominations were placed on the final ballot. Voting was open March 4 to April 8.

When will 2022 nominations and voting open? Right after the new year kicks off in January! Subscribe to our newsletter, 225 Daily, for updates starting this fall.

Have more questions? You’ll find our full FAQ at 225batonrouge.com/bestof225. We love talking to readers, too—send us an email at editor@225batonrouge.com.

225 Awards

VEN AFTER 16 YEARS, the Best of 225 Awards keep growing. Capital Region residents impressed us this spring with their highest-ever voter turnout. More than 13,000 of you cast 263,410 votes on this year’s ballot at 225batonrouge.com. And it was all in an effort to support our city’s shops, restaurants, bars, events and people. This annual edition is dedicated to—and essentially produced by—Baton Rougeans. The 68 winners and runners-up on the following pages were nominated, championed and chosen by you. Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees, runners up and winners. Most of all, thank you, 225 readers, for a glimpse at how you see our city in 2021. This issue wouldn’t exist without you.

W H AT TO

WATC H FO R A KEY TO READING THE 2021 BEST OF 225 AWARDS ISSUE Some categories are tagged with special notes: CLOSE RACE: Categories that were decided by 50 votes or less. These are ones to watch next year, too— heavy campaigning could easily flip the results. FIRST-TIME WINNER: A congratulatory nod to local people and businesses who have won a Best of 225 Award for the very first time. NEW CATEGORY: We switch out a few categories every single year. These are brand-new for 2021. RUNNERS UP: Placing in the top five is an honor, too! These are rising stars—and maybe even future winners.

225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2021

HERRINGSTONE’S BATON ROUGE 7474 Corporate Blvd Ste C | 225.239.5239 | www.herringstonesboutique.com 42

[225] July 2021 | 225batonrouge.com

Best BBQ winner BRQ Seafood and

COLLIN RICHIE

Barbeque

Food & Drink

TEXT BY MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON

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225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2021

225.910.8757 FMMLA.COM

[225] July 2021 | 225batonrouge.com

C OV E R S T ORY

CLOSE R ACE

votes separated the winner from the runner up in this category.

B E S T N E W R E S TA U R A N T *

Gov ’ t Taco

18%

Years of mining the perfect street taco combos led to the November 2020 opening of Jay Ducote’s freestanding Mid City restaurant and bar. Choose from a lengthy list of well-balanced tacos, and creative sides like beet hummus and mole baked beans. govttaco.com RUNNERS UP

Drago’s Seafood Restaurant 17.4% Beausoleil Coastal Cuisine 16.8% Torchy’s Tacos 13.6% Pizza Byronz 6.4% *Editor’s Note: Nominees for this category were limited to 2020 openings. Restaurants that opened during 2021 will be eligible to be nominated for next year’s award.

B E S T O V E R A L L R E S TA U R A N T

Elsie ’ s Plate & Pie 15.7%

A vanguard of the new Mid City, Elsie’s is hip, yet unpretentious— qualities Baton Rouge diners embrace. Sweet and savory pies in many forms are joined by comfort food classics like pork chops with pepper jelly sauce and crawfish bisque. elsiepies.com RUNNERS UP

Louisiana Lagniappe 14.3% Ruth’s Chris Steak House 12.9% BLDG 5 10.5% Mansurs on the Boulevard 10%

B E S T R E S TA U R A N T PAT I O/ O U T D O O R S E AT I N G

Mid City Beer

Garden 22.3% Mid City Beer Garden not only offers a patio, it is a patio, thanks to an innovative design scheme and a variety of indoor/outdoor seating options. midcitybeergarden.com RUNNERS UP

The Velvet Cactus 16.9% BLDG 5 16% The Chimes – Highland 12.19%

COLLIN RICHIE

Superior Grill – Highland 12.17%

225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2021

2019

8 TIME

Hess Crockett General Sales Manager Nick Pentas General Manager/ Co-Owner

Best of the

Best Award

WINNER

Mercedes-Benz of Baton Rouge is proud to be the only Mercedes-Benz dealership in the state to have won the Best of the Best Dealer Recognition Award 8 times. This award from Mercedes-Benz recognizes superior customer service and management in the Mercedes-Benz community.

10949 Airline Highway • Baton Rouge (225) 424-2277 • www.mbobr.com

Facebook.com/MBBatonRouge

[225] July 2021 | 225batonrouge.com

Twitter.com/MBOBR

YouTube.com/MBofBatonRouge

Instagram.com/mb_BatonRouge

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New Category BEST BUBBLE TEAS

Teatery –

Tea & Tapioca 24.9%

We feel your feels for bubble tea. This new category reflects the local rise of Taiwanese boba, tea shaken with milk, sugar and ice and served with tapioca pearls. Teatery’s menu is a frolic through the myriad ways you can customize this buzziest of beverages. Don’t miss the delimanjoo, custard-filled sponge cakes. teaterybr.com RUNNERS UP

Boba ParTea 13.4% Sweet Society 12.9% Kung Fu Tea 10.3% Bubble Waffle & Tea 9%

BEST BAKERY

The Ambrosia Bakery 37.3% In both reliable deliciousness—and ability to snag first place in Best of 225—Ambrosia is, in a word, consistent. The trademarked Fresh Strawberry Cake is only part of this spot’s lures, which include decorators who can mimic any interest or hobby. Yes, that humidor and bourbon bottle are actually a groom’s cake. ambrosiabakery.com RUNNERS UP

Nothing Bundt Cakes 20% Baum’s Fine Pastries 11.6% Counterspace BR 8.5% Les Amis Bake Shoppe 7.7%

B E S T D E S S E R T S AT A L O C A L R E S TA U R A N T

Elsie ’ s Plate & Pie 39.5% There it is in the name itself, an upfront commitment to the possibilities of pastry. No other local eatery has built its identity around the many faces of pie, including silky chocolate cream and playful Almond Joy. elsiespies.com RUNNERS UP

Cheesecake Bistro by Copeland’s 13.3% Bistro Byronz 6.7% Mansurs on the Boulevard 6.6%

COLLIN RICHIE

Stab’s Prime Steak & Seafood 6%

225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2021

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BEST BAR*

Mid City Beer Garden 27.5%

Mid City Beer Garden has raised the bar, so to speak, on the drinks scene. A full range of craft beers, wines and stylish cocktails, a growing food menu and moveable walls that open to the night sky round out the many charms of this neighborhood haunt. midcitybeergarden.com RUNNERS UP

Bin 77 Bistro & Sidebar 17.4% The Bulldog 11.1% Mid Tap 9.4% Hayride Scandal 7.9%

FILE PHOTO BY COLLIN RICHIE

*Editor’s note: Nominees for this category were limited to businesses with a Class AG (not AR) bar permit as of spring 2021. (Nominees with an AR permit were permitted in the Best Bar at a Local Restaurant category.)

Issue Date: Feb 2021 Ad proof #1

BREC j u nio r T e n n i s

PROGR AMS! Lessons + Tournaments for Ages: 8+

City-Brooks + Forest + Highland Road + Independence Community Park Tennis Centers

HIGHEST QUALITY WITH COMPETITIVE PRICING! At Ducote’s Restaurant & Bar Equipment, we specialize in supplying the foodservice industry with a broad selection of the top-quality equipment and supplies you need to successfully run your operations and efficiently serve your customers.

4433 Florida Blvd • 225-344-4240 ducotesrestaurantsupply.com OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

[225] July 2021 | 225batonrouge.com

#38003 #AM-50-BAJ

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New Categ ory

B E S T B A R AT A L O C A L R E S TA U R A N T

The Chimes

20.6%

The Chimes’ bar wins out for being that satisfying first stop before dinner, or the place you remain for a burger or bowl of gumbo. This always lively restaurant continues to engage us with its global craft beer list, Louisiana cuisine and new rooftop terrace overlooking LSU at the Highland location. thechimes.com RUNNERS UP

Superior Grill 20.5% Olive or Twist 16.2% BLDG 5 13% Mansurs on the Boulevard 7.2%

BEST HAPPY HOUR

CLOSE R ACE

votes separated the winner from the runner up in this category.

COLLIN RICHIE

Issue Date: July 2021 Ad proof #5 • Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions. • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hours from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Superior Grill 31.9% The perfect setting to blow off work stress, Superior’s cheerful happy hour offers large, top-shelf margaritas and cocktails for the price of a small. Drop by daily between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m., and stay for the fajitas. superiorgrill.com RUNNERS UP

Olive or Twist 15.2% Mid Tap 8.9% Bistro Byronz 8.3% Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar 7%

AS CLOSE TO HOME AS IT GETS.

a m d t o n Gourmet a r G m rF o

225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2021

Jessie Jones Clark 225-928-8262

Carolyn Ray 225-928-8285

Jacqueline Ned 225-928-8215

redriverbank.net 225-928-8298

Alexandria • Baton Rouge • Lake Charles • Northshore • Shreveport

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BEST BRUNCH

Mason ’ s Grill 19.8% Brunch celebrates togetherness and the possibilities of a day yet to unfold, and Mason’s takes this concept to a tasty, comforting level. Consistent service keeps diners returning for neverfail benedicts, doozied-up breakfast burgers, bloody marys and nitro coffee. masonsgrill.com RUNNERS UP

Elsie’s Plate & Pie 13.7% Another Broken Egg Café 9.21% The Overpass Merchant 9.16% The Chimes 9%

B E S T B R E A K FA S T

Frank ’ s Restaurant 16.5%

Frank’s lumberjack lineup is piled with big flavors and portions, including multiple types of sausage, and madeto-order pancakes, benedicts, omelets and combo platters. The buttermilk biscuits come swathed in country gravy, shrimp and hollandaise or other toppings. franksrestaurantla.com RUNNERS UP

BEST COFFEE SHOP AMBIANCE

Louie’s Café 13.8%

CC ’ s Coffee House 14.6%

Another Broken Egg Café 11.3%

RUNNERS UP

Coffee Call 11.7% Brew Ha-Ha 10.9%

Issue July 2021 FrenchDate: Truck Coffee 10.4% Ad proof #3

The Ruby Slipper Café 10.5% Mason’s Grill 9.9%

FILE PHOTO BY COLLIN RICHIE

Updated colors and a rustic, cozy interior design bring new warmth and sophistication to CC’s, the homegrown coffee shop that sprang from Baton Rouge’s own Community Coffee. Multiple locations provide spots to catch up on work or sip a classic or flavored frozen Mochasippi. ccscoffee.com

• Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions. City Roots Coffee Bar 8% • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hours from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

History Happens Here.

Blu e S ta r Museu ms is a col l a bor at ion a mong t h e Nat iona l E n dow m e n t for t he A rt s, Blu e S ta r Fa m i l i e s , t h e D e pa r t m e n t of Defense, a nd museu ms across A m e r ic a of f e r i ng f r e e a dm ission t o t h e n a t ion’s a c t i v e-du t y m i l i t a ry p e r s o n n e l a n d t h e i r fa m i l i e s , i nc l u di ng Na t iona l Gua r d a n d R e se rv e .

Travel back in time and experience the lifestyle and culture of Louisiana in the 18th & 19th century. Located at Burden Museum and Gardens

4560 Essen Lane

See 32 buildings spread out over 25 acres with priceless artifacts from days gone by. 225-765-2437

LSU.EDU/RURALLIFE 225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2021

C OV E R S T ORY BEST LOC AL SANDWICHES

Anthony ’ s Italian Deli

16%

Anthony’s Italian sandwiches are the stuff of legend. The warm, pressed muffaletta is just one option amid a lineup that pairs thinly sliced Italian meats with cheeses, veggies and sauces. Or, opt for a finger-lickin’ meatball po-boy with gooey melted provolone. bestmuffaletta.com

Po-Boy Express 13.4% Maxwell’s Market 11.5% City Pork Brasserie & Bar 11% Brew-Bacher’s Grill 10.9%

or g e at New C

RUNNERS UP

BEST SAL ADS

J. Alexander ’ s 18.4% Multi-textured and drizzled with dressings that span the flavor spectrum, J. Alexander’s entrée salads are a favorite diversion for shoppers and business types. jalexandersholdings.com/jalexanders RUNNERS UP

The Salad Station 16.6% Bistro Byronz 10.8% Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux 10% BLDG 5 9.4%

BEST SUSHI

Ichiban 20.7% At the top of the heap again, Ichiban is sushi Baton Rouge-style, in a spot that’s spacious and unassuming, welcoming to groups and seemingly infinite in its choices of multi-ingredient rolls. Boisterous teppan tables round out the options at this something-for-everyone family-friendly restaurant. ichibanbr.com RUNNERS UP

Tsunami 17.4% Sushi Yama Japanese Restaurant 14.9% Geisha, Sushi with a Flair 12.5% Sushi Masa 8.8%

B E S T R E S TA U R A N T F O R V E G E TA R I A N AND VEGAN OPTIONS

BLDG 5 17.6% Vegetarian fare is expressed through a creative, often global, lens at BLDG 5, where dishes include rustic shakshuka and grilled veggie boards served with piri piri sauce, tzatziki and roasted red pepper hummus. bldg5.com CLOSE R ACE

COLLIN RICHIE

votes separated the winner from the runner up in this category.

[225] July 2021 | 225batonrouge.com

RUNNERS UP

MJ’s Café 16.5% Zoë’s Kitchen 16.3% Mestizo Louisiana Mexican Cuisine 9.8% Magpie Café 9.5%

Pediatricians the whole family will love. From active little bodies all the way up to those on the verge of adulthood, our skilled team of pediatricians at our Pediatrics at Perkins location is here to provide exceptional care through every stage of your child’s life. With 17 additional clinics across Greater Baton Rouge, and more than 45 pediatricians, we offer convenient locations and access to: • Video or in-office, same-day appointments • Online scheduling • Extended hours in the evenings and weekends Should you ever need specialty services such as pediatric orthopedics, oncology, neurology and more, choosing a pediatrician with the strength of the largest statewide network at their back can make a difference.

Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health Pediatrics at Perkins 12525 Perkins Road

Charles W. Daniel, MD

Michelle L. Flechas, MD

Gregory J. Gelpi, MD

Mandy B. Grier, MD

Jennifer M. Harris, MD

Brett A. Hutchinson, MD

Ashley A. Lucas, MD

Sandy S. Reed, MD

We’re accepting new patients! To schedule, visit ololchildrens.org/pediatrics or call (225) 374-HEAL.

Issue Date: July 2021 Ad proof #2 • Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions. • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hours from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

C OV E R S T ORY

B E S T C R AW F I S H

Tony ’ s

OVER

Seafood 32.8% The sheer volume of crawfish boiled and sold at this iconic seafood market in north Baton Rouge tells you something about its enduring popularity. During the annual Easter weekend peak, fans buy more than 100,000 pounds over two days. tonyseafood.com RUNNERS UP

Sammy’s Grill 14% Willie’s Restaurant & Bar 12% Crawfish on the Geaux 10.5% LA Boilers Seafood 8.9%

B E S T OY S T E R S

WE ARE 2ND OLDEST CONTINUOUSLY OPERATING TRACK IN U.S.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

Drago ’ s Seafood Restaurant 18.2%

Drago’s forged new culinary territory decades ago when it first introduced charbroiled oysters at its Metairie flagship. The menu at the new Baton Rouge location bears F I R S T-T I M E witness to south WINNER Louisiana’s enduring love for seafood prepared indulgently, like the fried Oysters Voisin topped with creamed spinach, bacon and Bordelaise sauce. dragosrestaurant.com RUNNERS UP

Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar 12.8% Acme Oyster House 11.6% Phil’s Oyster Bar & Seafood 10.7% Mansurs on the Boulevard 10.5%

BEST SEAFOOD DISHES

Louisiana

Lagniappe 26.1%

OPEN FOR SPECIAL EVENTS! Track Rental Available for Special Events. CHECK OUT OUR CALENDAR OF EVENTS AT

STATECAPITOLRACEWAY.COM

Fresh seafood is the trendline that runs through nearly every dish on the menu here, a spot that pledged loyalty to locally caught fish before local was cool. The fresh fish baked en papillote with lump crabmeat and shrimp stuffing fuses classic French cooking with Creole oomph. louisianalagniapperestaurant. com RUNNERS UP

11436 Highway 190 W, Port Allen, LA 225.627.4574 | 225.766.8802 |

Parrain’s Seafood Restaurant 20.9% Mike Anderson’s Seafood 14% Mansurs on the Boulevard 10.1% Beausoleil Coastal Cuisine 7.4%

[225] July 2021 | 225batonrouge.com

Issue Date: July 2021 Ad proof #2 C OV E R S T ORY

• Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions. • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hours from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Dempsey ’ s

14.1%

Dark roux is made from scratch daily at Dempsey’s, the first step in the restaurant’s sold-by-the-truckload chicken and sausage or seafood gumbos. A cup or bowl is just right with the also excellent po-boys. Find it on Facebook RUNNERS UP

The Chimes 13.4% Parrain’s Seafood Restaurant 12.1% Mike Anderson’s Seafood 9.2% Louisiana Lagniappe 8.7%

CLOSE R ACE

votes separated the winner from the runner up in this category.

Reveal your best, with the best. First wax is FREE or 50% off a Brazilian wax* Book your reservaton now!

FILE PHOTO BY JORDAN HEFLER

HIGHLAND PARK 225-228-1383

TOWNE CENTER 225-228-1373

PERKINS ROWE 225-800-3636

waxcenter.com *First Wax Free offer: First-time guests only. Valid only for select services. Additional terms may apply. Participation may vary; please visit waxcenter.com for general terms and conditions. European Wax Center locations are individually owned and operated. ©2021 EWC Franchise, LLC. All rights reserved. European Wax Center® is a registered trademark.

225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2021

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BEST BBQ

BRQ Seafood and Barbeque 20.8%

The smack-talking pit mastery taking top honors in national barbecue competitions is what Chef Justin Ferguson is going for at BRQ, where the meats are brined, then smoked low-and-slow over pecan and hickory wood to create just the right texture and bark. brqrestaurant.com RUNNERS UP

City Pork Brasserie & Bar 17.2% Hannah Q Smokehouse 15.5% Cou-Yon’s Cajun Bar-B-Q 13.9% Sonny’s BBQ 8.5%

B E S T TA C O S AT A L O C A L R E S TA U R A N T

Gov ’ t Taco 27.4% Flavorful proteins (and veggies) are matched with perfect-fit accompaniments in modern street tacos with a south Louisiana flair. govttaco.com RUNNERS UP

Superior Grill 14.6% The Velvet Cactus 10.9% Mestizo Louisiana Mexican Cuisine 10.4% La Carreta 8.1%

BEST PIZZ A

Fleur de Lis Pizza 22.7% With so much upheaval in the world, there’s something comforting about a place that never changes. And we mean never. Fleur de Lis’ thin, simply topped pies haven’t been altered in decades, nor has its absolute rejection of credit cards. fleurdelispizza.com RUNNERS UP

Lit Pizza 15.9% Red Zeppelin Pizza 13% Rocca Pizzeria 12.7% Schlittz & Giggles 6%

BEST DOWNTOWN LUNCH SPOT

Capital City Grill 17.2% Downtown lunch-goers flock to this fullservice eatery for grilled fare, shoestring fries and daily lunch specials. The vibe is right for colleagues or clients. capitalcitygrill.net RUNNERS UP

Poor Boy Lloyd’s 13.1%

Tsunami 11.1%

[225] July 2021 | 225batonrouge.com

COLLIN RICHIE

Pastime Restaurant 13% The Little Village 12.8%

What popular women’s singing group just celebrated its 60th Anniversary wowing Baton Rouge audiences?

THE BATON ROUGE CHORUS OF SWEET ADELINES, OF COURSE! The chorus has become a piece of our local history, performing at the dedication of the Centroplex (River Center), the 1984 World’s Fair in New Orleans, and even the Vietnam Veteran’s Wall Replica tour. Their harmonies have been a part of Festival of Lights, Mardi Gras balls, Fest For All, holidays at the Mall of Louisiana and Perkins Rowe and so many more events. The Baton Rouge Chorus of Sweet Adelines is a women’s chorus dedicated to the performance, education, and sharing of their love of four-part harmony, acapella barbershop music. The members of this vibrant group of talented, fun, and friendly women have ranged from their teens to well into their senior years. Whatever their age, they all share a love for music and singing.

NOW

During the month of August, The Baton Rouge Chorus of Sweet Adelines is holding a weekly Open House Rehearsal for women of all ages. If you love singing acapella harmony, come check them out! Professional experience or vocal training is not necessary.

THEN

Issue Date: July 2021 Ad proof #2 • Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions. Visit batonrougechorus.org or within call24(225) • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received hours from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Director, Elizabeth M. Wallace, Ph.D.

341-1608 for more information on visiting, joining or scheduling a performance.

Thank you, Baton Rouge!

NOMINEE Best Hotel 225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2021

Issue Date: July Ad proof #2

C OV E R S T ORY

LIMITED TIME OFFER

$300 off New System Install OR 10% off Service Repairs

FILE PHOTO BY COLLIN RICHIE

FOR VETERANS, TEACHERS, FIRST RESPONDERS, AND HEALTHCARE WORKERS

BEST BURGER

Curbside

17.2%

B E S T F R I E S AT A L O C A L R E S TA U R A N T

Burgersmith 17.9% Ketchup is so last century. Here, hand-cut fries are gilded with butter and garlic; cheese, bacon and jalapenos; or salty, spicy house seasoning. Plain is real good, too. burgersmith.com RUNNERS UP

Fat Cow Burgers & Salads 12.1% Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers 10.7% Curbside 9.9% Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux 9%

CALL & MENTION BEST OF 225 To Request Your Service Today! Certified Technicians serving Baton Rouge and the surrounding parishes

(225) 219-8925

www.buddysac.com 58

[225] July 2021 | 225batonrouge.com

B E S T P L A C E F O R A D AT E N I G H T

Tsunami 14.9% Take the elevator to the sixth floor of the Shaw Center, and stroll past the lively bar to enter a dining room awash in fly ‘fits. Is it watching the sun set over the Mississippi that makes this place so romantic, or the chance to share such gorgeous nibbles? servingsushi.com RUNNERS UP

Gino’s Italian Restaurant 12.6% Ruth’s Chris Steak House 9.6% BLDG 5 9% Stab’s Prime Steak & Seafood 8.7%

The food truck-turned-restaurant keeps wowing us not just with its precisely prepared burgers, tots and fries, but also with its sense of place. Soak up the soda shop vibe indoors, or head to the porch and grounds, which feel like your best pal’s backyard. curbside-burgers.com RUNNERS UP

Burgersmith 15.6% Dearman’s 10.5% Our Mom’s Restaurant & Bar 9.5% Five Guys 8%

B E S T B R E A D AT A L O C A L R E S TA U R A N T

The Little Village 45.7% “Don’t hate me because I’m popular,” said the Village Bread to the rest of the menu. Other dishes shouldn’t have to follow such tender, cheese-topped perfection. But life’s not fair. littlevillagebr.com RUNNERS UP

Gino’s Italian Restaurant 12.8% Raising Cane’s 10.8% Ruffino’s Restaurant 4.53% Rocca Pizzeria 4.45%

H C E E E R N B PIPE AND STEEL CO.

A WOMAN OWNED STEEL SERVICE CENTER

Happily serving our customers for over 40 years

LARGE INVENTORY OF: PLATES • ROUNDS • SHEETS • TUBING • ANGLES • PIPE • FLATS • GRATING CHANNELS • BEAMS • EXPANDED METAL • VALVES AND FITTINGS These products are available in Carbon Steel, Galvanized Carbon Steel, Aluminum and Stainless Steel.

2340 AMERICAN WAY • PORT ALLEN, LA | TOLL FREE: 1-800-247-4115 • LOCAL: 225-749-3553

BRECHEENPIPEANDSTEEL.COM 225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2021

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B E S T C R A F T C O C K TA I L M E N U

Olive or Twist 22%

It’s time you had a Spring Affair—with gin, lemon, honey and lavender. Or raise a red-hued, shimmering Hurr-Rye-Cane—with rye whiskey, pineapple rum, passion fruit liqueur, dry curaçao and tropical fruits and bitters. The suspendered barkeep is ready to fill your craft cocktail heart’s desire. oliveortwistbr.com RUNNERS UP

BLDG 5 12.2% Hayride Scandal 11.2% Bin 77 Bistro & Sidebar 10.8% Beausoleil Coastal Cuisine 8.9%

BEST CRAFT BEER MENU

Mid City Beer Garden

31%

Hoppy? Wheaty? Dark and roasty? This beer lovers’ promised land prides itself on a rotating fleet of offbeat beers that give even the snootiest of connoisseurs something to post about. Experience new selections through a beer flight, accompanied by upmarket pub grub. midcitybeergarden.com RUNNERS UP

The Chimes 23.7% The Bulldog 15% Mid Tap 10.9% Olive or Twist 4.2%

BEST LOC AL BREWERY

Tin Roof Brewing Co. 53.3%

Baton Rouge’s first local brewery produces award-winning beer at its rustic-chic Wyoming Street facility, where patrons enjoy regular happy hours, yoga on the lawn and culinary pop-up events. tinroofbeer.com RUNNERS UP

Le Chien Brewing Company 13.8% Istrouma Brewing 12.1% Rally Cap Brewing Co. 6.8%

COLLIN RICHIE

eg at wC

Cypress Coast Brewing Co. 7.3%

[225] July 2021 | 225batonrouge.com

Magnolia Ridge_225 Ad_6.21.pdf

6/10/21

3:10 PM

CMY

225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2021

Issue Date: July 2021 Ad proof #6 • Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions. • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hours from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

C OV E R S T ORY

SOHO BOUTIQUE SALON

F I R S T-T I M E WINNER

BEST VIETNAMESE

Chow Yum Phat 18.3%

CYP specializes in Asian-inspired street food that refuses to conform to geographic boundaries or culinary traditions. Bao, ramen, dumplings and shareables are reimagined with unexpected ingredients—and we’re already looking forward to the return of the restaurant’s Viet-Cajun crawfish next spring. chowyumphat.com RUNNERS UP

Ava Street Café 15.4% Bao Vietnamese Kitchen 13.4%

(225) 246-8005

[225] July 2021 | 225batonrouge.com

Pho Café 13.3% Drunken Fish 10.3%

Issue Date: July 2021 Ad2 proof #4 • Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions. • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hours from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

C OV E R S T ORY

NON-INVASIVE BODY CONTOURING

B E S T I TA L I A N

BEST MEXICAN

Gino ’ s Italian

Superior Grill 24.5%

More than a half century in business hasn’t dulled the luster of this whitetableclothed throwback, the site of countless pre-game dinners, prom nights and political deals. Don’t miss the Laurence bread or the crawfish arancini. ginosrestaurant.com RUNNERS UP

The Little Village 15.2% DiGiulio Brothers Italian Café 14.8% Monjunis 10.5% Ruffino’s Restaurant 8.5%

All your cravings for Tex-Mex are satisfied at this local institution famous for fajitas, sizzling shrimp and hardy combo platters. Regular live music at both locations adds another dimension to the fun. superiorgrill.com RUNNERS UP

Mestizo Louisiana Mexican Cuisine 15.8% The Velvet Cactus 12% La Carreta 9.23% Tio Javi’s Mexican Grill 9.21%

FILE PHOTO BY COLLIN RICHIE

Restaurant 22.7%

SERVICES OFFERED:

BEST THAI BEST MEDITERR ANEAN

Albasha Greek & Lebanese

Restaurant 41.7% Baton Rouge’s taste for Mediterranean fare seems insatiable, with more restaurants opening every year. And yet, Albasha remains a consistent favorite, thanks to dishes like roast lamb, shawarma and impossibly creamy hummus. albashabr.com

Thai Kitchen 32.4% Pad thai, larb, spring rolls and creamy curries are among the must-trys at this Baton Rouge institution. thaikitchenla. com RUNNERS UP

Chow Yum Phat 20.9% Soji: Modern Asian 16.6% Thai Pepper 9.9% Thaihey Thaifood 7.5%

Velashape • Ultrashape • Liposonix • Coolsculpting InBody Body Composition Analysis • Laser Lipo Meso Lipo • Radio Frequency Skin Tightening Ultrasonic Cavitation • RF Collagen Facial • Femi Grip Teeth Whitening • Steam Sauna Detox Vacuum Butt Enhancement IR Infrared Sauna • Wood Therapy Post Surgery Lymphatic Stimulation

RUNNERS UP

Serop’s Café 18.6% Zorba’s Greek Bistro 13% Café Phoenicia 8.1% Roman’s Cafe 7.5%

9270 Siegen Lane Suite 303 225-256-1096 hauteluxebody.com kayla@hauteluxebody.com 225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2021

[225] July 2021 | 225batonrouge.com

Best Local Radio Personality winners

COLLIN RICHIE

Murphy, Sam & Jodi

People & Entertainment

TEXT BY DILLON LOWE

C OV E R S T ORY

225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2021

Pricing & availability subject to change. New home sales offered by Keller Williams Red Stick Partners. Each office independently owned & operated.

NEW COMMUNITIES STARTING IN $300s B AT O N R O U G E

Materra NOW SELLING! Woman’s Hospital Campus Magnolia Crossing CALL FOR PRESALE INFO Staring Lane Rouzan Phase VIII CALL FOR PRESALE INFO Southdowns Water’s Edge CALL FOR PRESALE INFO In Lexington Estates ASCENSION

Riverton NOW SELLING! Darrow on Highway 22 Conway NOW SELLING! Gonzales on Highway 44 near I-10 Belle Savanne Final Phase CALL FOR PRESALE INFO Geismar

225.230.5948 LevelHomesLifestyle.com

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BEST CHEF

Chris Motto

16.5%

Whether you’ve watched him compete on Hell’s Kitchen or tasted his food during his 12 years at Mansurs on the Boulevard, chances are good you’ve developed an appreciation for Chris Motto. A native of Loreauville, the self-taught chef has been lauded for his innovative spins on Louisiana staples. Now, he’s moving on to new ventures. “It’s my plan to open smaller scale concepts where I can better focus on attention to detail while creating great work environments to further the passions of today’s young and upcoming chefs. I’m very excited for this next chapter,” he tells 225. RUNNERS UP

John Folse, Chef John Folse & Company 13.1% Jeremy Langlois, Houmas House and Gardens 10.8% Don Bergeron, Bergeron’s City Market 9.8% Justin Ferguson, BRQ Seafood & Barbeque 9%

B E S T B A R O R R E S TA U R A N T T O WAT C H S P O R T S

Walk-On ’ s Sports Bistreaux 40.7%

While Baton Rouge has its fair share of great venues for kicking back with friends and family to watch a big game, no other bar or restaurant captures the Capital City’s fanatical sports culture quite like Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux. walk-ons.com RUNNERS UP

Mid City Beer Garden 12.1% The Chimes 11.3% The Bulldog 6.8% Pluckers Wing Bar 6.6%

New Categ ory

BES T VIRTUAL E VENT OR E XPERIENCE F I R S T-T I M E WINNER

Louisiana Art & Science Museum ’ s LASM 360

virtual museum 22.2% The Louisiana Art & Science Museum’s LASM 360 is Baton Rouge’s first immersive virtual museum and planetarium tour of its kind, allowing you to explore its galleries and exhibits in HD right from the comfort of your couch. lasm.org RUNNERS UP

Bella’s Ball by Bella Bowman Foundation 14.7% Virtual Hollydays Market by Junior League of Baton Rouge 14.5%

COLLIN RICHIE

Nutcracker Sweets by Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre 12.8% BUST Breast Cancer by Foundation for Woman’s 12.5%

225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2021

Summer Hair Care TOP 3 MUST HAVES

The foundation of healthy hair starts with shampoo and conditioner. Kevin Murphy HYDRATE.ME WASH and RINSE are rich essential oils to provide heat and color protection all summer long.

No tears allowed in the summer! Allow the UN.TANGLED leave-in conditioner to do all the hard work for you.

Hair dry from the hot sun? Kevin Murphy HYDRATE.ME MASQUE delivers hydration and moisture to dry hair, or hair that’s been exposed to harsh, dry climates

*All products available at Eggie salon studio

TA K ING YOUR CONFIDENCE TO A WHOLE NE W LE V EL THANK YOU FOR NOMINATING EGGIE SALON STUDIO AS 225’S BEST HAIR SALON! 8221 GOODWOOD BLVD., STE. D | 225.328.4998

E G G I E S A LO N ST U D I O. C O M

[225] July 2021 | 225batonrouge.com

C OV E R S T ORY

B E S T P L A C E T O S P E N D A D AY WITH THE KIDS

Knock Knock Children ’ s

B E S T L O C A L I N S TA G R A M M E R

Museum 31.1%

@GeauxBatonRouge

Knock Knock Children’s Museum officially reopened its doors in June after being closed for more than a year due to COVID-19, and its staff is eager to welcome your family back to its engaging exhibits. knockknockmuseum.org

33.8%

Some of the best local art, food, photography and more can be found right in the palm of your hand—all you need to do is follow GEAUX Baton Rouge. The account, run by Dustin and Brandy Sutton, celebrates six years next month. The duo spotlights photos by local city explorers and food bloggers, as well as shares peeks inside local businesses and attractions. It’s a great way to find corners of the Capital City that you may not yet be aware of. It also regularly hosts giveaways for local businesses like restaurant gift cards or event tickets, so scrolling through its page might just net you some fun freebies, too. instagram.com/ geauxbatonrouge

RUNNERS UP

BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo 17.9% Topgolf 13.4% Barn Hill Preserve 12.1% Louisiana Art & Science Museum 8.6% BE S T PL ACE FOR A WEDDING RECEPTION

RUNNERS UP

@eat.drink.br.nola 14.3%

Houmas House and

@foodiestoforkwith 12.3%

Gardens 28.2%

@WheretoGeaux225 12.1%

From its garden’s wide array of vibrant plants to its mansion’s ornate interiors, the historic sugarcane plantation makes for a picturesque wedding backdrop. houmashouse.com

COURTESY DUSTIN & BRANDY SUTTON

@JordanHefler 8.8%

RUNNERS UP

White Oak Estate and Gardens 19.2% Capitol Park Museum 12.9%

Issue Date: July 2021 Ad proof #2

Shaw Center for the Arts 11.8%

Boudreaux’s 5.6%

Jay D’s Frito Pie Burger

A Collaboration Like No Other! A ballpark favorite turned into a burger. Jay D’s Frito Pie Burger - Our delicious blend of beef seasoned with Jay D’s Sweet & Savory Chile Rub and topped with mustard, onion, chili, shredded Cheddar cheese and Frito corn chips. Bring your appetite, we will provide the napkins. Available at all locations throughout the month of July!

best of 225, 7 years running

BEST OF

AWARDS

2014 WINNER

2015 WINNER

2016 WINNER

BEST OF

AWARDS

2020 WINNER

2019 WINNER

2018 WINNER

2017 WINNER

Burgersmith.com BATON ROUGE • BROUSSARD • DENHAM SPRINGS • LAFAYETTE 225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2021

QUALITY AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE

SERVICES

Medical • Dental • Behavioral Health • Pediatrics • WIC • & more

CALL 225.650.2000 OR VISIT CARESOUTH.ORG BATON ROUGE | ZACHARY | PLAQUEMINE | DONALDSONVILLE 70

[225] July 2021 | 225batonrouge.com

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BEST LOC AL R ADIO PERSONALIT Y

Murphy Sam & Jodi, BEST LOC AL T V NEWS PERSONALIT Y

Sylvia Weatherspoon, WBRZ

96.1 The River 27%

From their high-profile celeb interviews to their laidback, conversational tone, the trio behind the Murphy, Sam & Jodi show deliver on their promise of “real friends, real fun.” The nationally syndicated radio show has become a huge success thanks in large part to the natural chemistry of its hosts. 961theriver.iheart.com/ featured/murphy-sam-jodi RUNNERS UP

32.6%

Baton Rouge native Sylvia Weatherspoon’s passion for journalism is immediately apparent to those who tune in to watch her newscasts. And that passion has led her to become one of the Capital City’s most popular on-air presences—this year marks Weatherspoon’s fifth Best of 225 win. wbrz.com RUNNERS UP

Jay Grymes, WAFB chief meteorologist 22.2% Greg Meriwether, WAFB anchor 14.8% Liz Koh, WAFB reporter 7.6% Elizabeth Vowell, WAFB anchor 6%

Matt Moscona, After Further Review on 104.5 ESPN Radio 20.1% Jay Ducote, The Jay Ducote Show on Talk 107.3 12.4% T-Bob Hebert, Off the Bench on 104.5 ESPN Radio 11.4% Jim Engster, Talk Louisiana on WRKF 89.3 8.8%

B E S T R A D I O S TAT I O N

98.1 The Eagle 15.8% With its popular morning talk show Condon Uncensored, its LSU sports broadcasts, and its rotation of rock hits both old and new, 98.1 The Eagle has something for almost everyone. eagle981.com RUNNERS UP

102.5 WFMF 13.7% 92.7 KLove 10.72%

89.3 WRKF 10.65%

FILE PHOTO BY COLLIN RICHIE

Issue Date: July Ad proof #2

104.5 ESPN Radio 10.4%

EAT, DRINK, DANCE, & GIVE

Knock Out MS Gala AUGUST 21, 2021

7:00 pm -10:00 pm Hilton Baton Rouge Capital Center Tickets on sale at: KnockoutMSFoundation.com Follow us on: KNOCK OUT SPONSORS:

The Knock Out MS Foundation is hosting its 1st Annual Fundraising Gala to benefit those living with Multiple Sclerosis. Enjoy a fun night with dinner, drinks, a silent action and live music provided by the Carbon Copy Band! GOLD SPONSORS:

SILVER SPONSORS:

BRONZE SPONSORS:

225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2021

C OV E R S T ORY

BEST MUSEUM

Knock Knock Children ’ s Museum 28.9%

Interactivity is the name of the game for Knock Knock Children’s Museum—above all else, it seeks to make learning fun, and it has been hugely successful in that regard. knockknockmuseum.org RUNNERS UP

Louisiana Art & Science Museum 21.6% LSU Rural Life Museum 15.7% Capitol Park Museum 7.6% Louisiana’s Old State Capitol 7.4%

BEST PERFORMING ARTS GROUP

Theatre Baton Rouge 23.3%

2021 marks the 75th anniversary of Theatre Baton Rouge, a cornerstone of the local performing arts community. After finding innovative ways to keep performing safely during the pandemic, the theater is looking forward to resuming a full production schedule. For more on what TBR has been up to, turn to page 113 for our story on the future of local live theater. theatrebr.org RUNNERS UP

Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra 21.9% Playmakers of Baton Rouge 12.5% Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre 11.6% Of Moving Colors 7.9%

New Category

BE S T PL ACE TO HE A R OUTDOOR LIVE MUSIC

Perkins Rowe 27.1%

BEST LOCAL ARTIST*

Lauren Barksdale Hill 17%

COVID-19 may have dealt a heavy blow to the live music industry, but it also enabled local venues to try interesting new things—perhaps the best example was Perkins Rowe’s drive-in concert series last fall. This month, look for Back to the Rowe, an all-day, July 10 event with performances from musicians like The Michael Foster Project, MJ and the Redeemers and The Baton Rouge Concert Band, along with a mini makers market, food truck round-up and more. perkinsrowe.com

Lauren Barksdale Hill’s work seeks to capture life in Louisiana as seen through her own eyes with abstract-yetvivid depictions of local landscapes. From portrayals of serene marshes and rows of sugarcane to towering oak trees and native fauna, her passion for Louisiana scenery shines through in each of her acrylic paintings. Passing by one of her pieces hanging on your wall is a great at-home reminder of just what makes life in the Bayou State so unique. instagram.com/laurenbarksdalehillart

RUNNERS UP

Beauvoir Park 21.8%

Jacob Zumo 12.5%

Superior Grill 14%

Andrew Pullman 10%

Bin 77 Bistro & Sidebar 10.7%

Cora Barhorst 9.5%

Happy’s Irish Pub 10.5%

Ellen Ogden 8.4%

COLLIN RICHIE

*Editor’s note: Nominees for this category were limited to visual artists.

[225] July 2021 | 225batonrouge.com

IT’S A

brand new day IN EBR! With limitless amounts of untapped potential in Baton Rouge, the East Baton Rouge Parish School System is thrilled about the exciting opportunities available for every student. From

It’s a new day in EBR! Visit ebrschools.org to find the school that is right for you.

Cradle to Career, EBRPSS offers opportunities for all families with access to a high quality network of early childhood education, top-rated magnet and arts programming, and career education opportunities. Together we’re building a pathway to bright futures!

225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2021

Baton Rouge’s “Must Try” New Restaurant Featuring

1509 Government St Suite B, Baton Rouge, LA at ”The Electric Depot BR” (225) 283-1148 boruramenbr.com

Earn Rewards on every dollar spent.

"Thank you BTR for nominating and voting for us for over 10 years." 5741 Essen Lane at Perkins, Baton Rouge (225) 767-2288 ichibanbr.com

REWARDS

TEXT BY ANNA JONES

C OV E R S T ORY

Best Local Women ’ s Boutique

Shopping & Services

COLLIN RICHIE

winner, JM Boutique

225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2021

This Month [ J U L Y ]

@ BREC

THE EDGE OF NIGHT

PLUS NIGHTS

July 2 | 7:45-9:45 p.m.

July 24 | 7-10 p.m.

Highland Road Park Observatory

SOLAR VIEWING

SUMMER SLAM

July 10 | noon-2 p.m.

July 24 | noon-7 p.m.

Highland Road Park Observatory

BATON ROUGE OPEN

Santa Maria Golf Course July 10 + 11

SUNSET PADDLE

Perkins Road Extreme Sports Park

SWIM LESSONS COMMUNITY POOL FREE SWIM LESSONS

Anna T. Jordan Community Park Pool

July 6-16 | Registration opens June 22 | Ages: 5-12

Milford Wampold Memorial Park

City-Brooks Community Park Pool

FITNESS FEST

WATER EXPLORATION CLASS - FREE SWIM LESSONS

July 24 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

July 5-15 + July 19-29 | 5:45-7 p.m. Ages: 3-5

July 14 + 28 | 7-8:30 p.m.

North Sherwood Forest Community Park

July 20-30 | Registration opens June 29 | Ages: 5-12

Liberty Lagoon

BREC.ORg/thismonth BREC does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, veteran status or sexual orientation in its programs and activities.

C OV E R S T ORY

F I R S T-T I M E WINNER BEST ANTIQUE SHOP

Circa 1857

24.9%

Set aside several hours for your visit to Circa 1857—this is more than your typical shopping experience. Explore the authentic vintage items, genuine antiques and eclectic art displays packed inside this 5,000-square-foot Mid City gem. With works from more than 30 different dealers and artists, you’re bound to find something that catches the eye. Find it on Facebook RUNNERS UP

The Royal Standard 23.7% The Pink Elephant Antiques 16.2% The Rusty Rooster 12.9% Fireside Antiques 7%

BEST LOC AL SHOP FOR HOME DECOR

The Royal

Standard 32.8% The name says it all: The Royal Standard sets the bar for home decor shopping in Baton Rouge. It has a wide selection of decor, furniture, hardware and more at all price points. theroyalstandard.com RUNNERS UP

The Foyer 17.4% Lancaster House 16.3% Circa 1857 9.3% Garrett J. Kemp,

Red Onion 8.5%

COLLIN RICHIE

owner of Circa 1857

225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2021

C OV E R S T ORY

T H A N K YO U F O R N O M I N AT I N G U S: Best Overall Restaurant Best Chef - Russell Davis Best Seafood Dishes Best Gumbo Best Salads

BE S T PL ACE FOR PET SE RV ICE S

Camp Bow Wow 27.6%

There are a lot of important things to consider when choosing a pet-care company. Camp Bow Wow puts pet owners’ minds at ease with its first-aid certified counselors, spacious play yards and secure facilities. Plus, its live webcams make it possible to check in with your pup anytime via smartphone or computer. campbowwow.com RUNNERS UP

The Royal Treatment 12.2% Petz Plaza 11.7%

Best Brunch

7970 Jefferson Highway (225) 349-8895 ElizaBatonRouge.com

Highland Road Animal Hospital 11.2% PetSmart 10.4%

BEST MECHANIC

BEST BOUTIQUE FITNESS STUDIO

Chabill ’ s Tire & Auto

Body Sculpt Barre

Chabill’s motto is “we keep you rolling.” And Chabill’s has done just that since opening in 1968. Today, its auto repair assistance is offered at 17 different locations. chabillstire.com

Bye, boring workouts. Body Sculpt Barre Studio is a fun-loving atmosphere serving fresh, varied workout routines in every class. bodysculptbarrestudio.com

RUNNERS UP

Ragusa’s Automotive 19.6%

Regymen Fitness 20.6%

Gordon & Sandifer Auto Service 15.4%

Fit Body Boot Camp 11.4%

Simpson’s Service Center 9.1%

YogaStudio 90 8.5%

Service 23.4%

Wedge Kyes Motorwerks 7.13%

Studio 23.8%

TWRL Pole Fitness 9%

BEST URGENT CARE CENTER BEST HOTEL

WATERMARK

Baton Rouge 35.3% WATERMARK’s marble staircases and hand-painted murals will transport guests to the early 20th century, when this restored historic building was first constructed. What was once the Louisiana Trust & Savings Bank still has a view overlooking the Mississippi River—and old bank vaults in meeting and dining rooms. watermarkbr.com RUNNERS UP

L’Auberge Casino & Hotel 14.3%

Thank you for nominating us: Best Local Sandwiches Best Bread at a Local Restaurant Best Craft Beer Menu 672 Jefferson Highway | 225-349-8333 | jedslocal.com

[225] July 2021 | 225batonrouge.com

Houmas House and Gardens 12.5% Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel 12.2% Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center 9%

Lake Urgent Care 27.6%

With 19 locations in the Greater Baton Rouge area, Lake Urgent Care is always nearby when you need it. lakeurgentcare.com RUNNERS UP

Patient Plus Urgent Care Clinic 19.2% The Baton Rouge Clinic 18.6% Ochsner Urgent Care 9.1% STAT Care Clinic - Central and Sherwood 8.9%

C OV E R S T ORY

Camp Bow Wow

PARKVIEW BAPTIST SCHOOL

COLLIN RICHIE

EDUCATION

with an ETERNAL FOUNDATION

5750 PARKVIEW CHURCH ROAD l (225) 291-2500 EXT. 104

Parkview Baptist School admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin. 225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2021

Thoracic Surgeons Emily Cassidy, MD and Nicholas LeBlanc, MD represent a team of 18 dedicated robotic surgeons.

Surgically Superior. Robotically Advanced.

When you hear the term robotic surgery, what do you imagine? Eleven years ago, we imagined a program that would change the future for our communities. Today, our team of incredibly skilled surgeons have practiced their craft religiously and become the epicenter for robotic training in the Gulf South region, and a recent expansion of robotic surgery services at Our Lady of the Lake Ascension. The Our Lady of the Lake Robotic Surgery Institute is the result of their dedication to excellence. Our expert surgeons treat a broad range of surgical conditions — from advanced cancer treatment to hernia and gallbladder removal to surgical weight loss. Their expertise has helped train hundreds of surgeons across the nation and earned them numerous awards and recognition. But what means the most? The impact these surgeries have on the daily lives of our patients. With less scarring, shorter recovery times and less complications, robotic surgery is leading the way in caring for our communities. For more information and to view our roster of dedicated surgeons, visit ololrmc.com/robotics

C OV E R S T ORY

BEST MARKET FOR SEAFOOD

Tony ’ s Seafood

B E S T M A R K E T F O R M E AT

62.2%

Iverstine Farms Butcher 22.1%

Tony’s Seafood is a Baton Rouge staple for good reason. The wide selection of fresh seafood comes straight from the Gulf region. Purchase some farm-raised catfish, Louisiana blue crabs or sacks of oysters for your home cooking, or order plate lunches or catering from the deli menu. Tony’s delivery services go the extra mile with assistance packing food for air or car travel, so you can enjoy delicious local seafood wherever you go. Beach dinner, anyone? tonyseafood.com

Iverstine Farms’ pasture-raised beef, rib, brisket, sirloin and more are fresh from the farm in Kentwood. It even offers a Butcher Bundle monthly subscription, a curated selection of around 12 pounds of cuts delivered to your front door. iverstinefarms. com RUNNERS UP

Maxwell’s Market 16.5%

RUNNERS UP

Chris’s Specialty Foods 11.7%

LA Boilers Seafood 6.7%

Rouses Market 9.4%

Rouses Market 6.3%

Tramonte’s 8%

Randy Montalbano’s Seafood & Catering 6.1% Alexander’s Highland Market 5.8%

BEST GROCERY STORE

Rouses Market 21.8% Find everything from fresh crawfish, shrimp and oysters to produce and specialty products at this Louisianaowned and operated grocery store. If you don’t feel like leaving the house, you can now get it delivered to your door. rouses.com RUNNERS UP:

Calandro’s Supermarket 18.7% Calvin’s Bocage Market 14% Oak Point Fresh Market 12.9% Alexander’s Highland Market 11.6%

B E S T C AT E R E R

Chef Don Bergeron Enterprises 19.9%

Chef Don Bergeron’s catering menu is extensive and inventive, with hors d’oeuvres, bar packages or specialty stations suited for elaborate dinner parties, potlucks or intimate gatherings with friends. Plus, the to-go catering menu lets you bring home smaller portions of popular dishes for family dinners. chefdonb. com RUNNERS UP

City Pork Catering & Events 15.8% Chef John Folse Events 13.6% Gourmet Girls 12.6% Superior Grill 10.4%

Bradley Talbert

COLLIN RICHIE

of Tony ’ s Seafood

225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2021

C OV E R S T ORY

BEST LOC AL WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE BEST LOCAL MEN’S CLOTHING STORE

Carriages Fine

JM Boutique owner Meg

JM Boutique

Goudeau

13.4%

Clothier 21.5%

Carriages Fine Clothier’s selection of brands includes Polo Ralph Lauren, Vineyard Vines, Southern Marsh and more. Get the look for game-day, the beach or a job interview. carriagesbr.com

McLavy Ltd. 13.5%

This Denham Springs clothing shop describes itself as inspiring and trendy. Guests can enjoy the store’s colorful atmosphere while browsing the chic sundresses, designer blouses, covetable shoes and fabulous accessories. Online orders are shipped daily, so you can shop the store in person or send a DM. Find it on Facebook

Perlis 12.1%

RUNNERS UP

The Backpacker 20.4%

Tim’s Garage 8.7%

Head Over Heels 11.3% Frock Candy 10.8% Wanderlust By Abby 9.8%

BEST LOC AL SHOP FOR C H I L D R E N & I N FA N T S

Bella Bella 9.1%

F I R S T-T I M E WINNER

Oh Baby! 23.6% Dress your child in style with this Baton Rouge staple of two decades. The staff is there to assist you with picking the perfect outfit to match your little one’s personality. ohbabybr.com RUNNERS UP

Victoria’s Toy Station 19.5% Lulu & Bean 13.7%

Ad proof #2

COLLIN RICHIE

The Bee’s Knees 12.8%

Giggles & Candy 8.9% Issue Toys Date: July 2021

Chef Charles Wilford

Thanks to all for nominating Chef Charles House The Bis’treaux for 225’s Best New Restaurant

Chef Lecia Wilford

Always remember, the experience is in the creations 11522 MERCHANT DRIVE | 225.256.0502 | CHEFCHARLESHOUSE.ORG |

[225] July 2021 | 225batonrouge.com

At TRIO Eyecare, our

is YOURS “I highly recommend Trio Eyecare! Dr. Amin is very knowledgeable and friendly. She even diagnosed something that another doctor missed! Can’t say enough great things about her! Also, just ordered my very first pair of glasses from here, and they have a great selection to choose from!” – Patient Review

Services: Eye Exams Pediatrics Eyeglasses Contact Lenses Eye Disease Management

Dr. Reshma Amin

Ocular Emergencies

7673 Perkins Rd #B-3 Baton Rouge, LA 70810 225-757-0505 • trioeyecare.com

225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2021

C OV E R S T ORY

F I R S T-T I M E WINNER

BEST HAIR SALON

BEST NAIL SALON

Paris Parker Aveda

Zaza Nail Boutique 24.3%

Salon & Spa 20.8%

Baton Rouge residents don’t need to drive far for a luxury salon experience. Enjoy getting a cut, color or styling in Paris Parker’s relaxing atmosphere—or treat yourself to a massage, manicure or body wrap. parisparker.com RUNNERS UP

SOHO Boutique Salon 13.5% EGGIE Salon Studio 13.1% Salon du Sud 8% Mitchell & Co 7.2%

[225] July 2021 | 225batonrouge.com

If you’ve been missing mani-pedis during the pandemic, it might be time to indulge again at Zaza. The team of trained professionals will make sure you have a luxurious experience. The salon tailors each appointment to the clients’ individual needs. zazabatonrouge.com RUNNERS UP

Avant Tous Beauty Bar and Spa 13.6% Bichonne Nails Spa 13% Lucky Nails 10% Venetian Nail Spa Perkins Rowe 9.8%

C OV E R S T ORY

Corey Nichols, owner of Burning

COLLIN RICHIE

Lotus Tattoo

B E S T TAT T O O S H O P

Burning Lotus

Tattoo 18.6%

This Denham Springs tattoo shop has rave reviews online for its unique designs and talented artists. Tattoos are available in every different style and color you can think of. Stop by to browse its design collection, make a request or ask an artist for an original creation.

Do you have a reliable roof over your head?

RUNNERS UP

Black Torch Tattoo 16.4% High Resolution Tattoo 11.6% Leviathan Studios Custom Tattoos 9.8% Effum Underground 9.4%

New C ategor y

E S T P L A C E T O G E T A FA C I A L

BEST PL ASTIC SURGEON

Bumble Lane 32.6%

Weiler Plastic

Who doesn’t want to be treated like royalty? Pamper yourself with a facial at Bumble Lane. It’s rejuvenating. bumblelane.com

Surgery 28.6%

The Woodhouse Day Spa 18.6%

Weiler Plastic Surgery offers a range of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures to achieve the look you want. Want proof? Check its before-and-after photo gallery. weilerplasticsurgery.com

Avant Tous Beauty Bar & Spa 14.5%

RUNNERS UP

Paris Parker Salon & Spa 11.3% Aydell Lane Spa & Boutique 6.6%

Williamson Cosmetic Center & Perenack Aesthetic Surgery 22.8% Erick Sanchez Plastic Surgery 10.3% Stephens Plastic Surgery 8.3% Dr. Jenna M. Bourgeois 7.4%

WITH OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, WE ARE THE ROOFING EXPERTS. 5-YEAR LABOR WARRANTY GUARANTEED

Call to schedule a FREE estimate

225-445-1220 225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2021

THANK YOU FOR NOMINATING US FOR BEST OF 225 THIS YEAR!

Our team is ready to

serve you!

CELEBRATING 23 YEARS OF FRESH, FUN, & FESTIVE 12 LOCATIONS. 1 BIG FIESTA. Government St., Baton Rouge • Bluebonnet Blvd., Baton Rouge • Denham Springs • Hammond Covington • LaPlace • Mandeville • Ponchatoula • Amite • Houma • New Orleans • Lafayette

[225] July 2021 | 225batonrouge.com

I N S I D E : Violet Flame Jewelry Gallery / Maria Grace Delima’s beauty tips

Sweet

summertime summertime Get ready to get dressed up again

FASHION IS BACK, friends. It’s been fun wearing sweatpants and slippers over the past year. But with the summer calendar filling up with events and restaurants back at full capacity, it’s time to stash the pajamas. Traveling safely is finally possible again, and there’s so much to see and explore just a short drive from home, too. Dozens of new restaurants have opened up over the past several months, so we headed to two for this month’s style shoot: Sweet Society, where you can try Thai tea or Japanese-style taiyaki ice cream served in a fish-shaped cone; and Boru, the restaurant next door known for comforting bowls of scratch-made ramen noodles. But what to wear for this new season of back-to-everything? Easy. The brighter and bolder, the better. If you’re interested in what’s trending at Baton Rouge boutiques, you’ll find patterned sets that are like wearable art, sassy mini skirts and dresses, and details like puff sleeves and unexpected cut-outs. Double duty is king, too. Think: looks that can comfortably take you from a full day of work meetings all the way to dinner and drinks with friends. Most importantly, though: Just wear what feels good. This time last year, there was so much we couldn’t do—and so many loved ones we couldn’t see. But we made it to the other side, and that’s worth dressing up for. Here are a few summer looks we put together from local boutiques.

Photography: Ariana Allison Styling: Elle Marie Hair: Cekeisha W illiams Makeup: Shelby Harriman Model: LaToya Belin Shot on location at Sweet Society and Boru Ramen

STYLE //

L’atiste By Amy polka-dot dress, $70 From Sophisto Floral hoop earrings, $13 From Plushizeba Steve Madden leopard-print heels Stylist’s own

[225] July 2021 | 225batonrouge.com

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THANKS FOR VOTING US

BEST OVERALL RESTAURANT IN BATON ROUGE 2020!

2018 Best New Restaurant

2019 Best Overall Restau

2020 Best nt estaura ra e Ov ll R

rant

VISIT ELSIESPIES.COM FOR OUR MENU • 3145 GOVERNMENT ST • 225.636.5157 SUN-MON: 11AM-9PM • TUES-THURS: 11AM-10PM • FRI-SAT: 11AM-11PM 90

[225] July 2021 | 225batonrouge.com

STYLE //

L’atiste By Amy suit, $130 From Sophisto Star stud earrings, $10 Polka dot handbag, $15 All Time classy fedora, $45 From Plushizeba Fashion Nova clear heels Model’s own

225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2021

STYLE //

L’atiste By Amy patchwork mini dress, $70 From Mave Couture Turquoise earrings, $12 Nude Jelly handbag, $20 From Plushizeba Fashion Nova sandals Model’s own

ONLINE mavecouture.com plushizeba.com sophistostyle.com

[225] July 2021 | 225batonrouge.com

225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2021

On the Horizon...

Proudly Introducing The Lakes At Harveston

The Lakes at Harveston is on the horizon. Baton Rouge’s Premier Traditional Neighborhood, proudly announces The Lakes at Harveston, an architecturally-designed new home community, entwined within lakes, woods, parks, and biking/hiking trails. Enjoy our master-outfitted fitness center, the designer crafted swimming pool, a luxurious community center, an outdoor cabana with grill, and our astonishing Preservation Garden. Our Sales Center is now open displaying The Lakes at Harveston site plans for your personal selection and for discussing details on home planning. We cordially invite you to visit The Lakes at Harveston, where nature is your neighbor. Located on Bluebonnet Boulevard, near Nicholson, just 10 minutes from LSU.

Homes from the $550s.

Cathy Cusimano, Realtor | 225-413-9801 A Wampold/Fetzer Development

225-769-1500 94

[225] July 2021 | 225batonrouge.com

Harvestonbr.com

STYLE // S H O P TA L K

Hidden gems Unique, handmade jewelry is tucked away in a new Mid City store “We wanted to bring jewelry you couldn’t find in other jewelry stores, with different crystals and unique settings,” Jason explains. He is referring to pieces like talisman necklaces produced by Canadian brand Pyrrha. The sterling silver pendants are cast using Victorian-era wax seals. They depict images like bumblebees, mother bears and dragonflies, each piece with its own symbolic story. The store stocks gemstones ranging from emeralds and diamonds to rose quartz and amethyst, and everything in between. “My favorite gem is the iolite,” Jason says. “The dark blue stone just sings to me.” When customers enter the shop, they’re greeted by rows of antique terrarium-style cases, showcasing what Jason

fondly refers to as “all of the eye candy.” Behind the glass, rings and necklaces are displayed atop large rocks or are nestled between pebbles. Art and decorative objects accent every corner, much of which is also for sale. In the future, wind chimes, statues and other handmade items will also be added to the inventory. If there’s something a customer wants but the store doesn’t have in stock, the Coopers will try to source it for them. “Our main goal is to offer exceptional customer service,” Jason says. “Where people can come and find something unique.” And in the center of the store, two plush chairs in a rich violet hue offer a resting place for customers to sit and talk through a jewelry investment. The name “Violet Flame” is about more

than purple-colored furniture, though. It’s an homage to Molly McKenzie, the original owner of Violet Flame’s sister store on Perkins Road, Coyote Moon Crystals & Gifts. The Coopers were longtime employees of the shop before purchasing it from McKenzie. So when it came time to open their latest venture, it seemed only fitting that they’d name it after one of McKenzie’s favorite books, Violet Flame. The book is all about healing the mind, body and soul. And it’s the same comforting, spiritual energy Baton Rougeans have come to know the Coopers for at Violet Flame, Coyote Moon and beyond. Violet Flame Jewelry Gallery is at 711 Jefferson Highway, Suite 9. violetflamejewelry.com —CAROLINE HEBERT AND JENNIFER TORMO

PHOTOS BY COLLIN RICHIE

INSIDE A SMALL jewelry shop on Jefferson Highway, customers are transported all over the world. The jewelry at Violet Flame Jewelry Gallery makes its way to the store from as far as France, Russia, Canada and Germany. On a May afternoon, Jason Cooper is busy sorting through the store’s latest shipment. It is stocked with interesting bracelets, necklaces and rings from India and Mexico. Jason and his husband, Chris Cooper, opened Violet Flame last fall. After the previous owners of the Sabai Jewelry Gallery decided to retire, the Coopers moved into the Goodwood Village shopping center spot and opened Violet Flame. Today, they have made it their own, and they hand-pick each gemstone and uniquely crafted piece.

225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2021

[225] July 2021 | 225batonrouge.com

STYLE // SKIN DEEP

International beauty Local influencer and entrepreneur Maria Grace Delima shares her 10-step beauty regimen BY CYNTH E A COR FA H PHOTOS B Y COLLI N R IC H IE

FROM THE FIRST glance at Maria Grace Delima, there’s no doubt she takes care of herself. Her designer and vintage outfits are luxurious and elegant. Her shiny, rich and lively dark brown hair drapes down her back. Her accessories are timeless and minimal. Delima, originally from Indonesia, moved to Baton Rouge for her husband’s career in April 2018. Though the Baton Rouge content creator and entrepreneur likes to switch up her style and try new things, there’s one part of her outfit she will always hold to a higher standard: her skin. She has been learning about her skin since she was a teenager. In high school, she battled acne. She started seeing a dermatologist and studying what her skin needed. As she grew older, her love for healthy, glowing skin grew with her. In 2017, the 29-year-old started her blog, XMariaGrace. She wrote about travel, fashion, beauty and lifestyle. She is almost always working. Her days consist of photographing new social media content, unboxing deliveries for brand partnerships, educating others about Indonesian and global social issues, and managing her online vintage and designer clothing business, Tresoux. There’s never a dull day in her schedule. That is part of the reason why she makes time for self care. Delima doesn’t begin or end her day without treating her skin to some TLC. 225 sat down with the beauty guru to learn more about her skin care routine. Turn the page to see what she shared with us.

“Self-care teaches me about who I am.” —Maria Grace Delima

225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2021

STYLE //

Morning routine

My skin gets dehydrated, so to keep it hydrated I use multiple layers of moisturizing skin care products. I follow a 10-step Korean-style skin care routine. As soon as I wake up, I brush my teeth and do my skin care regimen right away. First, I use a light toner. Then, a facial wash followed by a more hydrating toner to make my pores appear smaller. Next, I use hyaluronic acid, which acts as an essence. Then, I apply eye cream to wake my face up and not have puffy eyes. Finally, I wrap up my routine with face moisturizer, facial oil, sunscreen and a lip balm.

Evening routine

After I get out of the shower, I start doing my evening routine. It is similar to my morning one, but with a few different products. Both routines take me about 10-15 minutes each. For nightime, I use a cleansing balm and salicylic acid gentle cleanser to remove any makeup or dirt from the day. Then, I use a toner, essence and serum. After, I apply an eye serum around my eyes, an acne cream (only when I have breakouts), a moisturizer, facial oil and lip mask.

Makeup

I love makeup. It boosts your confidence. But I don’t like wearing heavy makeup—only for special occasions. I like using minimal beauty products like Glossier’s Cloud Paint instead of blush, Chanel Les Beiges Water for foundation, and Merit’s Day Glow Highlighting Balm instead of compact highlighter.

Hair

I always air dry my hair. I don’t often use blow dryers and try to treat my hair minimally. Brands I like to use include Gisou and Ouai.

Self-care philosophy

Self-care teaches me about who I am, makes me appreciate myself more and shows me my highest self.

On the shelf

• La Mer The Eye Concentrate, $235. cremedelamer.com • La Mer The Renewal Oil, $250. cremedelamer.com • Glossier Cloud Paint, $18. glossier.com • Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Serum, $150. chanel.com • Chanel Les Beiges Eau De Teint Water-Fresh Tint, $65. chanel.com

[225] July 2021 | 225batonrouge.com

[225] Magazine - July 2021

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