Where culture meets commerce
The essential guide to visiting and doing business in New Orleans
Essential Essential
a publication from
JANUARY 2025 presented by
NOLAEssential 4
Welcome to New Orleans. We’re thrilled you’re here.
I’m Kevin Hall, publisher of the Times-Picayune, NOLA.com and the Essential NOLA visitors guide. For more than 180 years, we’ve chronicled the rich and vibrant culture of New Orleans.
One thing we know for certain is that New Orleanians love two things: food and football. And when food and football come together on the biggest stage like Super Bowl LIX, locals and visitors alike know they’re in for a treat.
The Essential NOLA visitors guide is just a sampling of the incredible things you can do in and around New Orleans during the Super Bowl. From our Cajun and Creole cuisine to our indelible music to our unmistakable architecture, there’s something here for everyone– and probably a lot more.
From Mardi Gras to festival season, the party never really stops here. It’s one of the reasons people love to work and play in the Big Easy. And it’s why we hope you’ll be back to visit us again in the near future. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Super Bowl week.
We’ll see you again soon.
Kevin Hall Publisher – Essential NOLA Visitors Guide
Dear Friends,
On behalf of the New Orleans hospitality industry, it is my pleasure to welcome you to New Orleans and the Caesars Superdome for Super Bowl LIX. We are thrilled to be hosting the NFL’s championship game for the 11th time, a truly remarkable milestone for those of us who call New Orleans home.
New Orleans is the most remarkable, unique and welcoming city in the world. Millions of visitors come to New Orleans for the same reasons we choose to live here, because of our welcoming people, a beautiful, vibrant culture, and the unmatched joy of life we bring to all that we do.
We are uniquely Built to Host some of the world’s most iconic events such as Mardi Gras, sports championships, festivals, and some of the most important and prominent conventions and meetings. With our unique venues, hospitality, walkability, and the way our community embraces visitors, we have all the infrastructure necessary to partner on exceptional events, but it’s our people that truly allow us to shine. There is something for people of all ages in the Crescent City. Whether your vibe is a lively music scene, our diverse museum offerings, experiences and attractions, or transformative culinary experiences with our award-winning chefs. New Orleans has it all.
New Orleans is more than just a city — she is a community marching ever forward, woven together by second lines, bands and meals shared with neighbors who become family, a place where brass bands transform ordinary moments into celebrations. Like the current of the mighty Mississippi River, our spirit is constant and strong, welcoming all who visit into a graceful embrace. Our spirit — unshakeable — like the rhythm of a drum, New Orleans continues her steadfast journey forward, carrying her cherished memories with every step. This city shines brightly and is a unique light in the minds and imaginations of people around the world — a light that can never be dimmed.
We thank you for visiting and hope you have an incredible experience.
Sincerely,
Walt Leger III President & CEO New Orleans & Company
Canal Street Entrance
30 30 30 BEST BEST Best
New Orleans restaurants in every price range, from upscale classics to hidden gems
Ian McNulty • Food Writer • The Times-Picayune
This is New Orleans. We love to eat, and we love to talk about restaurants. I’ve been covering restaurants in this city for more than 20 years, and the conversation has been endless.
We talk about which restaurants are the best and which are our favorites. These are not necessarily the same. The best can be a matter of critical scrutiny. Our favorites come through how they make us feel, a combination of the food, the personality, the expression of hospitality.
This guide combines the very best and my own favorites. With a few significant exceptions, it’s focused on the city itself, since we have a lot of company coming to town in the months ahead and I want them to experience New Orleans to the fullest.
MAKING THE LIST
My challenge to finishing this guide, as always, was cutting back to a comprehensible number (30 in this case). To get there, I asked myself two basic questions: Would I cross town for a meal, and is it a spot I’d bring someone to show why I love eating in New Orleans?
This list is what I’d put in the hands of anyone who wants to understand what makes our dining scene great, and what makes it ours. After all, New Orleans has its own food culture, one that’s vibrant, increasingly diverse and anchored by a cuisine that is our own.
Restaurants are arranged alphabetically within their categories. A price key is at the bottom.
PHOTO BY IAN MCNULTY
NOLAEssential 10
Unforgettable upscale dining experiences
Brennan’s Restaurant
417 Royal St., French Quarter, $$$$
Majestic in scale and historic elegance, imbued with history and a mighty wine list — they don’t build restaurants like Brennan’s anymore. Fortunately, restaurateur Ralph Brennan decided to resurrect this one a decade ago. Today it feels like a grand dame that has kept up with the times. Chef Ryan Hacker’s menus honor the Creole tradition here by moving it forward.
Commander’s Palace
1403 Washington Ave., Garden District, $$$$
This mansion is the flagship of modern New Orleans dining, where a bigdeal meal can also feel like a party. A hub for the local culinary community with a long history and reach, it brings the fun but is also braced by high standards held over generations. Lunch can be relatively affordable (those 25-cent martinis!) or go big with chef Meg Bickford’s playground of a menu.
Emeril’s Restaurant
800 Tchoupitoulas St., Warehouse District, $$$$$
The new Emeril’s argues that New Orleans has a place at the highest level of global gastronomy, and it succeeds. Led by the celebrity chef’s son, E.J. Lagasse, it’s now a tasting menu restaurant where every detail of the experience has been calculated for high-touch excellence. The Wine Bar at Emeril’s gives a more casual glimpse of the new era here.
3814 Magazine St., Uptown, $$$$$
Some dishes tell stories. This entire restaurant is the tale of chef Serigne Mbaye’s journey from Senegal through modern American cuisine. It’s a tasting menu restaurant where the whole dining room partakes at once, through courses that show the African roots running through Louisiana flavor. It feels simultaneously inspiring, intimate and of the moment.
PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER
PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER
PHOTO BY IAN MCNULTY
PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER
Saint-Germain
3054 St. Claude Ave., Bywater, $$$$$
Unforgettable upscale dining experiences
MaMou
942 N. Rampart St., French Quarter, $$$$
In this tiny, art nouveau jewel box of a bistro, chef Tom Branighan explores what New Orleans cuisine would be like today if the city had spent more time under the French flag. It’s intricately wrought and technically precise modern French cuisine with a Creole accent. The room is romantic, the menu is thrilling and the wine list is deep enough for a restaurant four times the size.
A bucket list-tasting menu restaurant is hiding in this humbleseeming shotgun house. The bearing is casual in the 12-seat dining room. All the intensity seems concentrated on the French bistro technique that co-chefs Blake Aguillard and Trey Smith transform with doses of fermentation, aging and unforeseen pairings. The noreservations patio is open if you just want to drink great wine outside.
Brigtsen’s Restaurant
723 Dante St., Uptown, $$$$
The onetime protege of Paul Prudhomme, chef Frank Brigtsen has godfather status in New Orleans food. His kitchen will make you a believer, from trout meuniere to luscious cochon de lait. This homey cottage feels like an expression of the extended family he and wife Marna have built over four decades.
$: under $20
$$: from $21 to $50 per person
$$$$: from $101 to $200 per person
$$$: from $51 to $100 per person
$$$$$: more than $200 per person
PHOTO BY IAN MCNULTY
PHOTO BY IAN MCNULTY
PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
Dooky Chase’s Restaurant
2301 Orleans Ave., Treme, $$$
Clancy’s Restaurant
6100 Annunciation St., Uptown, $$$$
Much younger than the old-line Creole restaurants, Clancy’s shares their DNA, trading some of the historic grandeur for a gently updated menu. Crabmeat and veal, duck and pompano are all in play, though the character of Clancy’s is a key ingredient. It’s an upscale restaurant with the soul of a neighborhood joint.
The rooms are imbued with civil rights history, the walls are a gallery of African American art, and the spirit of the late matriarch Leah Chase is palpable at this multi-generation family restaurant. Over fried chicken, gumbo, redfish court bouillon and cocktails you can watch a mosaic of New Orleans life convene in perhaps its most hospitable space.
Galatoire’s Restaurant
209 Bourbon St., French Quarter, $$$$
History and tradition anchor this French Creole classic. But what really animates it is the way regulars have made it part of their rituals and celebrations. It’s an experience more than just a meal. Devote half a day for the boozy Friday lunch; dinner gives a quieter account of its charms. (Note: Times-Picayune owner John Georges is an owner of Galatoire’s).
$: under $20 $$: from $21 to $50 per person
$$$$: from $101 to $200 per person
$$$: from $51 to $100 per person
$$$$$: more than $200 per person
PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER
PHOTO BY JOHN MCCUSKER
PHOTO BY IAN MCNULTY
30
Best
Best
30 Best 30
PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER
Li’l Dizzy’s Cafe
1500 Esplanade Ave., Treme, $
Only in New Orleans: casual traditional
High Hat Café
4500 Freret St., Uptown, $
This restaurant feels like it’s been around for much longer than its dozen years. It works a classic New Orleans template, but also gives a fresh, rejuvenated edge. Produce is seasonal, blackboard specials show chef Kat Mann’s hand and the gumbo, po-boys and fried chicken are textbook.
Sometimes I wish I could go back in time to experience the Black Creole cafes of yesteryear, like Chez Hélène or Buster Holmes. Then I remember I can just go to Li’l Dizzy’s, the next generation of a family heritage in soulful cooking going back to the 1940s. It’s counter servicecasual for a definitive Creole gumbo and composed plate lunches.
Rosedale
801 Rosedale St., Navarre, $$
Liuzza’s by the Track
1518 N. Lopez St., Mid-City, $
Here’s a corner bar near the horse track (and Jazz Fest) with a collection of neighborhood characters and a menu all about local flavor done one better with a distinctive house style. With a schooner of beer, gumbo with a fresh pop to the seafood and a garlic oyster poboy in hand, New Orleans life truly feels grand.
Few chefs command the kind of respect that Susan Spicer has earned and now her well-hidden neighborhood restaurant has been the focus of her attention. It’s a love letter to New Orleans food, with a sense of place, no pretense, many nightly specials and a bistro-worthy wine list. The lovely, leafy patio in back feels like an excursion to the country.
PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
PHOTO BY IAN MCNULTY
PHOTO BY IAN MCNULTY
NOLAEssential 16
30 Best 30 Best 30 Best
G.W. Fins
808 Bienville St., French Quarter, $$$$
Only in New Orleans: modern upscale
Coquette
2800 Magazine St., Uptown, $$$$
Always different, never predictable, what chef Michael Stoltzfus started 15 years ago remains a fresh vision for what contemporary Creole cuisine can be. Count on a house style that mixes wide-ranging culinary imagination with the plain dealing of exuberantly fresh ingredients. The long bar is one of the best for solo dining or a quick bite. For a tasting menu version of this, see Coquette’s sibling restaurant, Wild South.
The seafood variety on hand is impressive, and the ways chef Mike Nelson serves it seem boundless, including dry-aged fish and seafood charcuterie. It’s an artful, innovative, highend expression of modern Louisiana seafood, and a recent renovation gracefully aligns the setting with this identity.
Peche Seafood Grill
800 Magazine St., Warehouse District, $$$$
N7
1117 Montegut St., 9th Ward, $$$$
This garden patio feels like stepping through a portal to wine country, while the snug bar is like a tap room designed with a filmmaker’s eye. Yuki Yamaguchi’s cooking is modern French with a subtle, transformative touch of Japanese. The approach is casual, the cooking exquisite and the wine program epic.
Donald Link’s upscale/casual seafood restaurant is built around a wood-fired grill, a raw bar and a nose-to-tail approach to seafood for a fresh read on this city’s relationship to the Gulf catch. Chef de cuisine Nicole Cabrera Mills has gradually added more pan-Asian influences, to often electrifying effect.
PHOTO BY IAN MCNULTY
PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER
PHOTO BY IAN MCNULTY
PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER
NOLAEssential 18
30 Best 30 Best 30 Best
Toups’ Meatery
845 N. Carrollton Ave., Mid-City, $$$$
Only in New Orleans: modern upscale
Palm & Pine
308 N. Rampart St., French Quarter, $$$
Upscale/casual, inventive and full of personality, this is precisely the kind of restaurant the French Quarter needs. Co-chefs Amarys Koenig Herndon and Jordan Herndon draw from the Caribbean, Latin America, Texas and their own journeys through New Orleans fine dining. This restaurant feels vibrant, inclusive and attuned to its community.
Isaac Toups cooks with Cajun gusto, not Cajun cliché. If you want a taste of rural Louisiana with a chef’s lens, and maybe a cup of cracklin’ to pair with Champagne, this mural-clad clubhouse for meat lovers is your place. The restaurant family here also marshals a community feeding effort that is heroic.
Zasu
127 N. Carrollton Ave., Mid-City, $$$$
There’s a stylish, relaxed elegance that speaks softly and delivers big at chef Sue Zemanick’s tiny upscale bistro, tucked into a neighborhood full of classic joints. It manages to keep a low profile, making its discovery that much more rewarding. Her kitchen’s way with golden-crusted fish is especially masterful.
PHOTO BY MAX BECHERER
PHOTO BY IAN MCNULTY
PHOTO BY IAN MCNULTY
NOLAEssential 20
30 Best 30 Best 30 Best
Only in New Orleans: global flavors
Acamaya
3070 Dauphine St., Bywater, $$$
Ana Castro gained wide attention for the former Mexican tasting menu concept Lengua Madre. Now she and her sister Lydia run this more casual, comfortably stylish take in the Bywater. It’s the kind of seafood restaurant you might find in Mexico City, if you had the right guide. In New Orleans, it’s a mesmerizing display of what Mexican flavor can do for local seafood.
2514 Bayou Road, 7th Ward, $$
This Ethiopian restaurant is a vibrant tableau of African homeland culture, and Prince Lobo directs it with a joyful energy. Tables fill with platters of meat, seafood and vegan dishes. Eat it all with your hands and pieces of crepe-like injera. Meals feel like communal celebrations.
4938 Prytania St., Uptown, $$$
800 Louisa St., Bywater, $$
There’s been a strong Honduran presence in New Orleans for generations. Melissa Araujo gives a modern read on its flavors as casual comfort food from a chef-led kitchen at brunch and lunch. The impressive Friday dinner service goes more upscale, and evening hours will expand soon.
Whenever I look at this modern Spanish menu, I want to taste it all, and with a few people at the table that’s just about possible. Anything seared on the plancha will be fantastic. For a different pace, pull up to the long bar for a drink and snack or more casual dinner.
PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER
PHOTO BY IAN MCNULTY
PHOTO BY IAN MCNULTY
PHOTO BY IAN MCNULTY
30 Best 30 Best 30 Best
Mister Mao
4501 Tchoupitoulas St., Uptown, $$$
Only in New Orleans: global flavors
Jewel of the South
1026 St. Louis St., French Quarter, $$$$
This upscale tavern is rightly celebrated for cocktails, with Chris Hannah directing a bar that revives classics from the archives and always has new ideas. It’s also a distinctive restaurant with chef Phil Whitmarsh’s take on modern British cuisine, coaxing vegetables to new heights, elevating uncommon meats, for a pairing that always makes memorable meals.
Sophina Uong calls her restaurant a “tropical roadhouse,” which translates to fun, loose and fiercely tasty with a retro feel and globetrotting menu. Dashes of Southeast Asia, India and Latin America are in play, not as fusion so much as a gallery of big flavors. Her kitchen frequently hosts visiting chefs, bringing more into the local scene.
Saffron NOLA
4128 Magazine St., Uptown, $$$$
There’s a New Orleans influence here, obvious in the curried gumbo and the oyster roast. But really Saffron NOLA is an Indian restaurant brought to the highest level by a culinary family with a mastery of flavor and hospitality, the father-and-son duo Arvinder and Ashwin Vilkhu in the kitchen. From cocktails to raw seafood to tandoor meats, dining here is always eye-opening and a joy.
PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER
PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER
PHOTO BY IAN MCNULTY
American music is a truly global phenomenon, but its roots trace back to one place—Mississippi. Over 100 years ago, in the Mississippi Delta, the blues ignited a music revolution that would give rise to rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, country, and R&B while influencing genres from jazz to hip hop. And the story continues today. In Mississippi, you can explore the lives and legacies of icons like B.B. King, Elvis Presley, and Muddy Waters at music museums and on the Blues and Country Music Trails, or catch today’s rising stars at juke joints, music clubs, and theaters across the state. Learn more at VisitMississippi.org/Music.
TAKE A TAKE A TAKE A PICTURE PICTURE PICTURE
Create memorable images at these Instagram-worthy spots that capture New Orleans’ unmatched charm
Amanda McElfresh • Branded Content Editor • The Times-Picayune
New Orleans is an incredibly photogenic city, offering countless opportunities to capture vibrant, unique moments for your social media feeds. Whether you’re an experienced photographer with the patience to wait for just the right shot or an amateur who snaps away on your iPhone and sorts through the pics later, you’ll definitely end up with a camera roll full of images that won’t be found anywhere else in the world. Here are some top favorites.
St. Louis Cathedral
City Park
Streetcars
Café du Monde
TAKE A PICTURE TAKE A PICTURE TAKE A PICTURE NOLAEssential 25
St. Louis Cathedral
This iconic landmark was built in the late 18th century and stands as a stunning example of French Gothic Revival architecture, towering over Jackson Square with its three spires and intricate details. As the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States, it holds both historical and cultural significance. It’s hard for a photo of the cathedral to turn out poorly – breathtaking images have been captured of the building when its enveloped in eerie fog, lit up under the night sky or standing proud under bright sunshine.
Café du Monde
Since 1862, this beloved institution has been serving beignets and café au lait to local regulars and visitors from around the world. Today, it remains a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience New Orleans’ culinary culture. The iconic green-and-white striped awning above the outdoor café makes for beautiful images. But, to truly capture your visit, grab a few pics of those famous beignets dusted with powdered sugar before you dig in.
New Orleans City Park
The park’s 1,300 acres make it one of the largest urban parks in the United States and a great place to take photos of nature in all of its glorious forms. It boasts the largest grove of mature live oaks trees in the world, some of which are nearly 800 years old. The Botanical Garden is home to more than 2,000 plant varieties. The 30-acre Couturie Forest has eight distinct ecosystems. Nearly 300 bird species have been sighted in the park. Plus, the New Orleans Museum of Art and Louisiana Children’s Museum are included in the park. There are also scenic lagoons and lush landscapes dotted throughout. Set aside a few hours for a visit here to make sure you capture a wide variety of images.
The Carousel Bar
The most celebrated bar in New Orleans is still spinning inside the historic Hotel Monteleone more than 75 years after it opened as the city’s first and only rotating bar. The carousel theme and unique design can’t be found anywhere else. Guests enjoy a rotation around a world-class cocktail bar every 15 minutes. While you’re there, enjoy a classic cocktail like a Sazerac, Old Fashioned, Irish Mule or Monteleone Manhattan. Don’t forget the pic before you sip!
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
This one takes a little more planning, as the only way the public can access the cemetery is via guided walking tours. It is highly recommended to book your tour in advance. Each 45-minute tour is led by an experienced guide who explains New Orleans’ unique burial customs and provides up-close views of above-ground crypts and below-ground sites. The path continues besides the tombs of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, historic figure Homer Plessy, former New Orleans mayors and many other notable characters in the city’s history.
Streetcars
Your best bet for capturing great photos of New Orleans streetcars is to set up near the tracks and wait for them to pass by. St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street have some of the most popular and frequently-used lines. Try for photos in the early morning or late afternoon, as the softer natural light enhances the streetcars’ colors and details. Get creative with angles and experiment with shooting from street level, above the cars or at intersections. And, don’t forget to snap details like bells, tracks and other unique features.
LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN UP UP UP
Want to hear music while in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX? Start at these venues
Keith Spera • Staff Writer • The Times-Picayune
In the run-up to Super Bowl LIX, New Orleans is gridiron ground-zero. But the city also serves up some of best music and food found anywhere in the world. Football fans and anybody else who wants to sample some of New Orleans’ famed nightlife can start at these music venues.
TIPITINA’S
501 Napoleon Ave.
The flagship New Orleans music club is named for a song by the late, great piano patriarch Professor Longhair. Tip’s, which is mostly open on weekends, alternates touring acts with the top local acts. The faded gig posters lining the well-worn beams attest to the club’s storied past. Now owned by members of the band Galactic, Tipitina’s strives to offer a memorable experience for both the musicians who inhabit the storied stage and the fans who come to hear them. The banana-logo Tipitina’s T-shirts are iconic. And the Tipitina’s Record Club, which services subscribers with a new vinyl album from the archives every two months, is an especially cool spin-off business.
SNUG HARBOR JAZZ BISTRO
626 Frenchmen St.
Snug Harbor could just as well be called “Safe Harbor.” To pass through the narrow entrance passageway is to escape the cacophony that is contemporary Frenchmen Street. Beyond Snug Harbor’s dark, low-ceilinged bar – it feels like the sort of place where secrets are shared – is the music room. The 100 or so patrons it accommodates sit around small cocktail tables on the first floor or line the upstairs balcony railing, looking down on the stage. Seven nights a week, two shows a night, Snug hosts the full spectrum of jazz, from traditional New Orleans to modern, plus the occasional foray into blues. It’s a great place to sit and soak in some of the finest music played anywhere in New Orleans on a nightly basis. And the adjacent restaurant will get you started with a hearty meal.
PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER
PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER
LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN UP UP UP
Essential 27
CHICKIE WAH WAH
2828 Canal St.
Chickie Wah Wah is the go-to venue in New Orleans for Americana and other rootsy music, both local and touring acts. Funk and R&B keyboardist Jon Cleary frequently turns up for solo shows there. The cozy room was designed for sitting and listening to music. Signage salvaged from defunct local institutions cover the walls. A coalition of well-connected music industry insiders own and run the place, so Chickie Wah Wah occasionally hosts bands that would normally play much larger rooms.
MAPLE LEAF BAR
8316 Oak Street
The Maple Leaf Bar is “ramshackle” personified; the whole building seems to lean. The pressed-tin walls are imbued with decades of smoke and sweat. The cramped, low stage has no lighting to speak of. But the Leaf specializes in facilitating long, late, inhibition-releasing nights of dancing and drinking fueled by mostly local funk, brass and jam bands. George Porter Jr., the legendary bassist of the Meters, holds down a regular Monday night gig. The early Thursday evening “Booker Sessions” weekly series salutes the Leaf’s long history as a bastion of piano players. Leaf trivia: it’s where Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers discovered the Rebirth Brass Band.
PROVIDED PHOTO BY PAUL COSTELLO
PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER
NOLAEssential 28
LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN UP UP UP
BAYOU BAR
2031 St. Charles Ave.
Just off the Pontchartrain Hotel’s lobby is the tiny Bayou Bar, so named for the ancient-looking murals decorating its walls and columns. It’s very small – only a few dozen patrons can claim seats at the small tables or along the bar. But they’re rewarded with a first-class roster of jazz curated by bassist Peter Harris, who surrounds himself with some of the best modern jazz musicians in the New Orleans. Early in the week, Harris plays upright bass with mostly acoustic combos (which can still be pretty loud in such close quarters). On Friday nights, he generally switches to electric bass for funkier sets that may include a Meters standard or two.
PRESERVATION HALL
726 St. Peter St.
Since 1961, Preservation Hall has presented traditional New Orleans jazz in a building that dates back to the early 1800s. It’s right next door to Pat O’Brien’s, home of the famed Hurricane, but serves no drinks. The Hall only recently added a full-fledged HVAC system, and there is no stage. Musicians perform with their backs against the venue’s front wall; patrons sit literally at their feet. Even as the Preservation Hall creative team has fostered collaborations with contemporary artists, seeing a show there still feels like stepping back in time.
d.b.a.
618 Frenchmen St.
Equal parts watering hole and music venue, d.b.a. changed ownership after the pandemic but still presents a solid roster of mostly local, mostly roots-related music in the heart of the Frenchmen Street entertainment district. That includes regulars such as the Treme Brass Band, blues guitarist Little Freddie King, the street jazz combos Tuba Skinny and the Palmetto Bug Stompers, and trumpeter Kid Chocolate & the Free P.O.C. Most early, 6 p.m. shows are free; modest cover charges kick in for the late shows. As per its web stie, d.b.a. is open from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. every day…”mostly.”
PHOTO BY KEITH SPERA
PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER
PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER
LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN UP UP UP
THE BROADSIDE
600 N. Broad St.
Prior to the pandemic, the site of the Broadside was just a parking lot near the Broad Theatre. But the theater’s owner expanded his entertainment offerings by transforming the former parking lot into a live entertainment compound that includes the main outdoor space, a smaller indoor hall and a separate bar and the restaurant Nikkei. The whole place is feels like a New Orleans-flavored Austin, in a good way. The eclectic offerings range from roots music to avant-jazz to bounce to silent movie screenings with musicians creating a live soundtrack. It’s not open every night, so check the schedule before heading over.
ROCK ‘N’ BOWL
3016 S. Carrollton Ave.
Rock ‘n’ Bowl helped pioneer the merger of bowling and live music. These days, the music roster tends to favor cover bands pumping out everything from very loud ‘80s arena rock to brassy funk and soul. But every Thursday on Zydeco Night, the best bands from southwest Louisiana keep the dance floor full. Regardless of the music, Rock ‘n’ Bowl’s décor, hospitality and all-around vibe make for a uniquely New Orleans experience. And don’t worry if you’re not a good bowler – you can keep the guardrails up and never roll a gutter ball.
PHOTO BY IAN MCNULTY
PHOTO BY JOSH BRASTED
NOLAEssential 30
COME BACK FOR COME BACK FOR COME BACK FOR MARDI GRAS MARDI GRAS MARDI GRAS
Stevie Liccardi • Branded Content Writer • The Times-Picayune
New Orleans is no stranger to a good time, and this year is special as the exuberance of Super Bowl LIX cartwheels into the height of Mardi Gras. If you enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of New Orleans during Super Bowl weekend, come back and join in the whirlwind once again!
The Carnival season stretches from King’s Day on January 6th to Fat Tuesday, which falls on March 4th this year. Festivities reach a pinnacle the weekend leading up to Fat Tuesday when a steady stream of grandiose parades sail through the streets of New Orleans day and night. Families and friends stake out spots along the routes and soak in the effervescence of school drum lines, decked out walking groups and dance teams, and hand-crafted floats carrying thousands of krewe members who rain down beads and signature throws, such as bedazzled shoes, coconuts, and toilet plungers, to the crowds below.
There are infinite ways to enjoy a day out celebrating
Carnival, and it is best to plan ahead before making your way into Mardi Gras crowds. There are different types of parades throughout the city and suburbs, so be sure to research the parades you wish to attend. For example, parades that run through the French Quarter are mostly walking parades with small floats and themes that are adult in nature, whereas the super krewes of Endymion, Bacchus, and Orpheus boast upwards of 30 colossal floats with celebrities reigning as monarchs and marching bands drumming up school pride. Many krewes have a unique sense of humor that is evident in their themes, float artistry, costuming, and unique throws. While the French Quarter is usually a hub for New Orleans activities, the majority of Mardi Gras parades roll down St. Charles Avenue from Uptown to the Central Business District, wrapping up before reaching the French Quarter. In general, parades are family-friendly events, and all parades are free of charge.
Here are a few insider tips if you are looking to experience Mardi Gras 2025
• Download a parade tracker app.
• Determine where you want to watch the parades; If you prefer to experience the parades earlier in the day, stake out a spot closer to the start of the route. The further out from the Central Business District and French Quarter, generally the more chill the vibe.
• Have a game plan for food & water. Groups often bring ice chests filled with food and beverages.
• There are public restrooms and porta-toilets along some routes, but bathrooms can be hard to come by during parades. Restaurants and businesses
situated on parade routes often sell passes to use the restrooms, while others will allow only paying customers to use the facility.
• Dress in layers, wear good walking shoes, and bring a lightweight lawn chair.
• Apply sunscreen and wear a hat for daytime parades.
• Create a plan for transportation to and from the parade(s).
• Bring a large bag to carry your catches in.
• Have fun!
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2025 PARADE SCHEDULE 2025 PARADE SCHEDULE 2025 PARADE SCHEDULE
February 14th
• Krewe of Bohème – 7:00 PM – French Quarter
February 15th
• Krewe du Vieux – 6:30 PM – French Quarter
• krewedelusion – follows Krewe du Vieux – French Quarter
February 16th
• ‘tit Rəx – 4:30 PM – Marigny
February 21st
• Krewe of Cork – 3:00 PM – French Quarter
• Krewe of Oshun – 5:30 PM – Uptown
• Krewe of Cleopatra – follows Krewe of Oshun – Uptown
February 22nd
• Krewe of Pontchartrain – 11:30 AM – Uptown
• Legion of Mars – follows Krewe of Pontchartrain –Uptown
• Krewe of Choctaw – follows Legion of Mars – Uptown
• Krewe of Freret – follows Krew of Choctaw – Uptown
• Knights of Sparta – 5:30 PM – Uptown
• Krew of Pygmalion – 6:15 PM – Uptown
February 23rd
• The Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale – 11 AM – Uptown
• Krewe of Carrollton – 12:30 PM – Uptown
• Krewe of King Arthur – 1 PM – Uptown
February 26th
• Krewe of Druids – 6:15 PM – Uptown
• Krewe of Alla – follows Krewe of Druids – Uptown
February 27th
• Knights of Babylon – 5:30 PM – Uptown
• Knights of Chaos – follows Knights of Babylon – Uptown
• Krewe of Muses – 6:30 PM – Uptown
February 28th
• Krewe of Bosom Buddies – 11:30 AM – French Quarter
• Krewe of Hermes – 5:30 PM – Uptown
• Krewe D’Etat – 6:30 PM – Uptown
• Krewe of Morpheus – follows Krewe D’Etat – Uptown
March 1st
• Krewe of Iris – 11AM – Uptown
• Krewe of Tucks – 12 PM – Uptown
• Krewe of Endymion – 4 PM – Mid-City
March 2nd
• Krewe of Okeanos – 11 AM – Uptown
• Krewe of Mid-City – follows Krewe of Okeanos –Uptown
• Krewe of Thoth – 12 PM – Uptown
• Krewe of Bacchus – 5:15 PM – Uptown
March 3rd
• Krewe of Proteus – 5:15 PM – Uptown
• Krewe of Orpheus – 6 PM – Uptown
Fat Tuesday
• Krewe of Zulu – 8 AM – Uptown
• Krewe of Rex – 10:30 AM – Uptown
• Krewe of Elks Orleans – follows Krewe of Rex Uptown
• Krewe of Crescent City – follows Krewe of Elk Orleans Uptown
For a complete list of parades, including those in the suburbs surrounding New Orleans, visit
HOP, SKIP HOP, SKIP HOP, SKIP
and a JUMP JUMP JUMP
Things to Do in and around NOLA during Super Bowl Week
In New Orleans you’re never far from having a good time. The city is well-known across the globe for its unique history and geography, and visitors to the downtown area are conveniently never much further than a 15-minute drive from incredible landmarks and noteworthy attractions. The extraordinary qualities that make New Orleans such an interesting place also extend beyond the reaches of the city, so if you are visiting for Super Bowl LIX, consider taking a day trip.
Here are some exciting ways to experience New Orleans and surrounding areas before and after game day.
A Hop - Downtown New Orleans Events on Super Bowl Weekend
Friday, February 7 and Saturday, February 8 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Louisiana Culture Festival at the French Market will offer visitors an opportunity to delight in Louisiana’s rich cultural tapestry through live music, educational
booths, dance performances, artisan demonstrations, and storytelling. Regional food will be available for purchase at the market, and free children’s activities, such as alligator petting and Mardi Gras mask decorating, will take place. For more information, visit www.frenchmarket.org.
On Saturday, February 8, the Super Bowl Host Committee Parade will make its debut in true New Orleans fashion, promenading through the French Quarter, from 10 a.m. to noon. Raising Cane’s CEO Todd Graves will ride as the parade’s king, and local celebrities will join as the krewe for the 20-float line up. High school and college marching bands, along with popular stomping groups, will participate, bringing the authentic New Orleans Mardi Gras experience to visitors from around the world.
Also on Saturday February 8, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., The National WWII Museum will host “Taste of the NFL”, a charitable event featuring acclaimed chefs and legendary NFL players. All net proceeds will be donated to GENYOUth’s, a nonprofit committed to ending student hunger. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com.
Stevie Liccardi • Branded Content Writer • The Times-Picayune
Canal Street Entrance
NOLAEssential 34
HOP, SKIP & JUMP HOP, SKIP & JUMP HOP, SKIP & JUMP
A Skip - Places to Visit in the New Orleans Metro
Located 10 minutes from downtown New Orleans, visitors can experience the magic of City Park via walking trails or by renting a kayak, canoe, bike, or multi-person surrey. Within City Park, visitors can explore the spectacular Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, engage in some friendly competition with a round of mini-golf at City Putt, soak in the curated displays and marble atrium of the New Orleans Museum of Art, or relax beside 200-year-old moss-laden oaks while munching on beignets from the park’s Café du Monde location. Storyland and Louisiana’s Children Museum make for a fun-filled family outing, as well. For more information, visit: www.neworleanscitypark.org.
If you want to ride in a New Orleans streetcar, hop on the St. Charles line and glide through the Garden District towards Uptown. Then hop off and stroll through Audubon Park or enjoy a visit to the Audubon Zoo. For information about zoo hours and tickets, visit: www. audubonnatureinstitute.org. Day passes for the streetcar can be purchased ahead of time on the Le Pass app. For more information, visit: www.norta.com/ride-with-us/how-topay/lepass.
While the Mississippi River is an incredible sight to behold from the New Orleans downtown area, a short drive due north will bring you to an equally remarkable body of water—Lake Pontchartrain. This vast estuary is home to spectacular sunsets, seafood restaurants, and the historic New Canal Lighthouse. The lighthouse has been converted into a museum, illuminating the restoration efforts and maritime history of the New Orleans area. To learn more, visit: www.scienceforourcoast.org/lighthouse.
A Jump - Day Trips from New Orleans
If experiencing Louisiana’s natural wonders captures your imagination, there are a variety of areas to explore. The Barataria Preserve offers boardwalk trails through the park,
immersing patrons in magnificent flora and fauna. The park is approximately 25 minutes from downtown New Orleans on the other side of the Mississippi River. Visit www.nps. gov/jela/planyourvisit/barataria-preserve.htm for more information.
Local hospitality and tourism companies operate swamp boat tours and often provide shuttle services from the French Quarter to the outskirts of the New Orleans metro area. A list of tour options can be found at: www.explorelouisiana.com/ articles/louisiana-swamp-tours.
The Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain is another fantastic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Discover picturesque views of Lake Pontchartrain framed by swaying moss and sandy beaches at Fontainebleau State Park, stroll through the charming downtown streets of Mandeville, Slidell, or Covington, and unwind beside the Tchefuncte River at a waterfront restaurant in Madisonville. If you want unconventional adventures, check out Global Wildlife, a free-roaming wildlife preserve with safari style tours (www. globalwildlife.com), or the Abita Mystery House, a quirky roadside attraction filled with whimsical memorabilia (www. abitamysteryhouse.com).
One hour west of New Orleans, the Louisiana State Capitol building in Baton Rouge rises above the skyline and is the tallest capitol in all 50 states. The building and observation deck are open to visitors, free of charge. For more information, visit: www.crt.state.la.us/tourism/welcomecenters/state-capitol/index.
The Old State Capitol, also known as the Louisiana Castle, is also a sight to behold. Bask in its gothic-style architecture and panoramic vistas from atop the battlements. Tours must be arranged ahead of time, but admission is free. For information, visit: www.louisianaoldstatecapitol.org/visit/ tours.
Lastly, the LSU Rural Life Museum & Windrush Gardens is a must-see for Baton Rouge visitors. With 32 historic buildings spread throughout 25 acres and a meticulously designed garden that was the life passion of landscape architect, Steele Burden, guests are effortlessly transported back in time. Admission and hours can be found at www.lsu. edu/rurallife/visit/hours-prices.php.
Exciting Adventures Await Just Next Door to NOLA in Jefferson Parish
By Stevie Licciardi, stevie.licciardi@theadvocate.com
If you’re visiting New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX, adventure beyond the parish line and discover the mosaic of chic boutiques, seafood restaurants, and adrenaline-filled outdoor adventures that Jefferson Parish offers. Hop in an Uber in Downtown New Orleans, and within 7 to 8 minutes, you’ll find yourself enjoying the exhilarating establishments of this neighboring parish.
In south Louisiana, you are never far from the wildness of the wetlands, and Jefferson Parish provides the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique wilderness that has shaped the character of the New Orleans area. To experience the native wildlife firsthand, you can whiz through bayous on an airboat expedition or take a more relaxed approach, cruising through canopies of cypress trees on a swamp boat tour. Companies who offer tour services often arrange shuttle pickups in the French Quarter which makes travel to the boat landings a breeze. For a list of swamp and airboat tours in Jefferson Parish, visit: www.visitjeffersonparish.com/things-to-do/swamp-and-plantation-tour/.
The extensive network of boardwalks in the Barataria Preserve also enables visitors to easily capture an up-close look at birds, reptiles, and vegetation as they hike through the lush swampy environment. Admission to the preserve is free, and trails are open daily, though the Visitor Center is only open Wednesday through Sunday. For more information, visit: www.nps.gov/jela/ planyourvisit/barataria-preserve.htm.
For those who want to keep their blood pumping, NOLA Motor Sports, located on the West Bank of the Mississippi River, is sure to bring an adrenaline rush. At this complex in Avondale, guests can live out their dreams of drifting as they race friends on a stunning 30-acre go-kart track with up to 80 configurations. For more information on hours and pricing, visit: www.nolamotor. com.
Avondale is also home to the TPC Louisiana Golf Course where the PGA hosts the Zurich Classic tournament every April. The TPC course is a perfect facility for a serene morning or afternoon game of golf on its lush, expansive course (www.tpc.com/louisiana/ golf). Chateau Golf & Country Club is an ideal option for golf lovers, as well (www.chateaugcc.com).
Snagging great retail at a great price is another highlight of the Jefferson Parish experience, and at the top of the shopping list is Lakeside Shopping Center, which lays claim to being the largest and busiest mall in the New Orleans metro. However, the buzz in the area around the mall is equally worthy of note. The numerous boutiques that encircle the mall broaden the shopper’s
experience, including local industry that celebrates the culture and sense of style in south Louisiana.
In addition to the area around Lakeside, Metairie Road has been making a name for itself as the Jefferson Parish equivalent of Magazine Street. Grandfathered-in shops and eateries amongst the quaint Old Metairie neighborhood give visitors a taste of the ole’ mom-and-pop shop feel while still offering a plethora of modern boutique options.
Entering Jefferson Parish means greatly expanding your range of dining possibilities, as well. New Orleans is world-renowned for its cuisine, and when it comes to fine cooking, the parishes surrounding New Orleans follow suit. In terms of popular steakhouses and seafood restaurants, the parish is home to Desi Vega’s, Austin’s, Ruth Chris, Drago’s, and Deanie’s. There are also the well-known Italian restaurants, Vincent’s and Gendusa’s. If you want more of a neighborhood establishment with quintessential New Orleans fixings, then there’s R & O’s in Bucktown.
In the Westwego area, the large glass windows of Restaurant Des Familles grant diners a spectacular view of the bayou as they enjoy first-rate Cajun cuisine. Segnette Landing is another, more casual, Cajun joint where you can sit out on the porch and watch alligators basking on the bayou banks.
If seafood is your jam, then the Oyster Trail should be where you are headed. This foodie journey celebrates the various renditions of oyster preparations around the parish, such as Oysters Bienville, Oysters Rockefeller, fried oysters, charbroiled oysters, and so many more. As a lagniappe—a little something extra—eclectic oyster statues painted by local artists are outside each participating location, commemorating their commitment to oyster excellence! To check out participating restaurants and download the challenge app, visit: www.visitjeffersonparish.com/ restaurants/oyster-trail/
When it comes to hosting major events like the Super Bowl LIX, Jefferson Parish seeks to create an atmosphere of hospitality beyond the Orleans Parish border. Jefferson Parish has much to share with visitors in regard to retail, excursions, and top-notch dining experiences, and with over 10,000 hotel rooms and stateof-the-art practice and rehearsal facilities, the parish has also been an essential partner in the New Orleans Super Bowl plans. As the big game day arrives, Jefferson Parish looks forward to welcoming the enthusiastic fans of Super Bowl LIX with all the warmth one would expect of a New Orleans neighbor.
RAISE RAISE RAISE GLASS GLASS GLASS
to New Orleans’ famous nightlife scene, at these bars and cocktail lounges
Matthew Haines • Conributing Writer • The Times-Picayune
Nearly 20 million people visit New Orleans each year. They come for the world-famous food, the unique architecture, the lively music scene and—of course—the city’s renowned nightlife.
That nightlife will be on full display when tourists from across the globe flock to the Crescent City for Super Bowl LIX. While there are too many bars to list, there are highlights that visitors will definitely want to explore: grand hotel establishments, divey haunts, sports bars, neighborhood hangs, music clubs and more.
Most of the bars on this list center around the French Quarter, though we’ve included a few slightly outside as well.
Carousel Bar and Lounge
It’s hard to imagine a better place to begin your tour of New Orleans bars than the Carousel Bar inside the historic Hotel Monteleone. For 75 years, the unique drink spot has been charming visitors. Twenty-five hand painted carousel seats rotate around the bar, almost imperceptibly, every 15 minutes. Consider avoiding peak hours so you can snag a seat. (They open at 11 a.m.) Order the cocktail invented there, the Vieux Carré.
The Sazerac Bar
For another look at the elegance of this city’s nightlife and cocktail scenes, stop by The Sazerac Bar inside the 132-yearold Roosevelt Hotel, just a couple of blocks outside the French Quarter. Order the titular drink, the Sazerac—often considered the world’s first cocktail. It features rye whiskey,
Peychaud’s Bitters, sugar, and an anise-flavored liqueur such as Herbsaint or absinthe.
Jewel of the South
If it’s cocktails you’re after, you can’t miss Jewel of the South, located on the Quarter’s outer edge. This James Beard Award-winner was also named one of the world’s 50 best bars, so you’ll want to make a reservation to ensure a seat. The beautiful bar, tended by the renowned Chris Hannah and his team, can be found inside a charming 1835 brick building. The food is also fantastic.
Napoleon House
This is the epitome of an old-school New Orleans tavern in the heart of the French Quarter. Napoleon House is said to have been created as a refuge for the embattled 19th century French general after whom the bar was named. You can find great beers here, but the refreshing Pimm’s Cup is the drink of choice. Also, try the hot muffuletta for a local snack.
Barrel Proof
If Napoleon House is the old-school version of a neighborhood bar, Barrel Proof feels like today’s version. Located just outside the Central Business District at the edge of the city’s Lower Garden District neighborhood, Barrel Proof is gritty, dimly lit and full of locals enjoying a selection of more than 400 whiskeys and plenty of great draft beer options. Check out The Will & The Way for their French Quarter sister property.
RAISE A GLASS RAISE A GLASS RAISE A GLASS
Finn McCool’s Irish Pub
Heard there’s a big game going on while you’re in town? Finn McCool’s is packed to the brim with locals watching their favorite teams at all hours—whether that’s English Premier League soccer at 6 a.m. or our beloved Saints later in the day. With indoor and outdoor televisions and plenty of welcoming neighborhood bar atmosphere, this is a great place to watch the Super Bowl. It’s more than a walk to Mid-City, though, so prepare to take an Uber, Canal Street streetcar or a Blue Bike to get there. (Finn’s has a Blue Bike station outside its door.)
Erin Rose
Inside the French Quarter, Erin Rose is a grittier take on an Irish bar. They have fewer TVs (only two), but if you can snag a seat at the bar, it’s a great place to watch a football game with locals in the heart of downtown. The frozen Irish coffees are delicious, as are the poboys served in the back.
Vaughan’s Lounge
Another spot to watch Super LIX with locals is down in the Bywater neighborhood at Vaughan’s. The drinks are inexpensive and, though this old wooden bar looks like it’s liable to fall over at any moment, time spent at Vaughan’s is always memorable. Come on a Thursday night for amazing live jazz, and swing by a few other nearby Bywater establishments: Bacchanal Wine, J&J’s Sports Lounge and Parleaux Beer Lab to name a few.
Apple Barrel
Bars with live local music are an essential stop on any New Orleans trip. Frenchmen Street is the epicenter of that scene, with nearly a dozen live music bars to choose between. Apple Barrel is a great place to start. It’s a small, cozy bar with redcheckered tablecloths just below an Italian restaurant.
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Kermit’s Tremé Mother-in-Law Lounge
Speaking of live local music, Kermit Ruffins’ Mother-inLaw Lounge is a must-stop for music lovers. Ruffins is a New Orleans trumpet legend, and his club in the historic Tremé neighborhood, a very short Uber ride from the adjacent French Quarter, has live jazz multiple times each week. It’s also potentially a great place to watch the game if you want something laid back and super local.
Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29
It is said that the world’s first tiki bar was created by New Orleanian “Don the Beachcomber.” Today Jeff Berry carries that mantle forward in the French Quarter. Try classic drinks like a Mai Tai, Navy Grog or Missionary’s Downfall made with recipes gathered from some of the movement’s golden age of tiki bartenders.
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop
For a different kind of frozen drink, try Lafitte’s grapeflavored Voodoo Daiquiri (aka “Purple Drank”). It’s the signature beverage of what is believed to be America’s oldest structure used as a bar. You’ll find this important building— built in 1722—towards the Esplanade Avenue end of Bourbon Street near other great bars like Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub, Lafitte’s in Exile (which claims to be the oldest gay bar in the U.S.), and Cosimo’s.
Manolito
New Orleans has been described as the northernmost city in the Caribbean. It makes sense, then, that the Quarter is home to Manolito, a small Havana-inspired bar serving a lineup of frozen drinks that include a handful of delicious daiquiris. Their Cuban-influenced food will go great with your drink.
PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
PHOTO BY BRETT DUKE
PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER
THE SAZERAC BAR
CAROUSEL BAR AND LOUNGE
NAPOLEON HOUSE
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It’s a beautiful day in Monroe and all over Northeast Louisiana
Meta’s $10B data center in Northeast Louisiana expected to transform life in the region
By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com
This story is brought to you by
Monroe Chamber of Commerce
Something extraordinary is happening in Monroe and Northeast Louisiana. Known as the birthplace of Delta Airlines and the first city west of the Mississippi River to bottle Coca-Cola, Monroe has a long history of producing captains of industry. Now, Monroe continues to own its narrative by shaping their future through strategic planning, investment, and collaboration. With visionary leadership from Mayor Friday Ellis, Monroe is positioning itself as a vital hub of innovation and opportunity in a region on the brink of transformation.
Monroe stands as the economic and cultural heart of Northeast Louisiana with all the assets needed for growth. Mayor Ellis and his administration are revitalizing the city through strategic plans for downtown, parks and creation centers, critical infrastructure upgrades, and a unique music strategy, one of only two in the state, that celebrates Monroe’s rich cultural heritage. The University of Louisiana Monroe further bolsters the city’s future with innovative programs like Louisiana’s only public pharmacy school, a biomedical research park, and entrepreneurial initiatives such as the Pelican Cup. Together, these efforts are creating a thriving, vibrant community poised for sustained growth.
This proactive approach is particularly timely as Northeast Louisiana embraces transformative opportunities, including the recent announcement of a $10 billion artificial intelligence data center by Meta in neighboring Richland Parish. While this monumental project is centered 30 miles east of Monroe, the city is playing a critical role in preparing the workforce, infrastructure, and community appeal
necessary to support this and other future investments. Amanda Edge, chair of Grow NELA, said the ripple effect will extend beyond Richland Parish. “I think you’ll see a lot of small businesses open up, places like restaurants, gas stations, stores and even hotels,” Edge said. “You’ll have other types of companies that are interested in locating here. It’s going to change the fabric of our entire region.”
With 500 direct jobs, 1,000 indirect jobs, and 5,000 construction workers at its peak, the project underscores the region’s potential as a destination for business and innovation. In addition to creating thousands of jobs, Meta has committed to investing over $200 million in local infrastructure improvements, further strengthening the region’s appeal. Monroe’s strategic investments complement these efforts, ensuring the city and region are ready to support and attract additional opportunities. “The word ‘transformational’ almost feels too small to describe the impact this project will have on the region said Rob Cleveland, president and CEO of the Northeast Louisiana Economic Development Corporation.
The good news is we’re just getting started. For more information about this transforming region contact Roy Heatherly at The Monroe Chamber of Commerce or Rob Cleveland at GROWnela.
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LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center advances cancer research for a healthier Louisiana NOLAEssential 41
By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com
This story is brought to you by LSU LCMC Health Center
Collaboration in cancer research is key, as it joins researchers, clinicians, knowledge, and resources that make progress more efficient and effective. Without collaboration, cancer treatment wouldn’t be where it is today.
“The innovative research that is taking place at the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center is key to reducing the burden of cancer in the state,” said Dr. Lucio Miele, Director of the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center. “Our researchers and clinicians understand the importance of working together to improve access to cancer care and investigate the many factors contributing to health disparities.”
Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, the program allows patients to access cancer care closer to home.
Dr. Amelia Jernigan, Associate Professor and Division Director of Gynecologic Oncology at LSU Health New Orleans and Medical Director of Cancer Services at University Medical Center, New Orleans, said she is consistently inspired by Louisianians’ altruistic nature and willingness to help others by participating in clinical trials.
“Louisiana has some of the most gracious patients I’ve ever had in my life. But, they deserve more,” she said. “I can’t overstate how important it is to have access to these trials for patients in our state. The question may not be, how do I make you live forever, but, how do I help you live better? There’s a lot that goes into clinical trials beyond trying to cure more cancer.”
The Gulf South Clinical Trials Network (www.gulfsouthclinicaltrials.org), founded in 2018 and led by Dr. Ochoa, Deputy Director of the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, is a group of hospitals and providers working together to provide equitable cancer care and community outreach. The Network seeks to address critical health disparities in impoverished areas by expanding the number of available clinicians and sites, and increasing the number of people enrolled in clinical trials. With 49 sites across
Dr. Ochoa noted that more than 1,500 patients enroll in clinical trials each year through the program, with half of them identified as minority or underserved.
“We’re doing something in Louisiana not being done in other states,” he said.
Louisiana’s powerful hub of cancer research has a global reach. Dr. Charles Wood, Associate Director of Basic Research at LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, is part of a team working on research with medical teams in Zambia and Tanzania.
“Our focus is both to help and to learn,” said Dr. Wood. “We’re working to understand how HIV can affect cancer development while linking people to care and building infrastructure.”
The LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center is bringing a world focus to how patients in Louisiana can be treated. As its team discover new tools for cancer prevention, detection and treatment, they are tailoring their approach to local communities – particularly those who have been historically underserved and with the greatest need for equitable access to resources. Visit www.lsulcmchealthcancercenter.org to learn more.
Experience The National WWII Museum: New Orleans #1 Attraction
This story is brought to you by the National WWII Museum
Named by Tripadvisor as the #1 Attraction in New Orleans, The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world — why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today — so that all generations can understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn.
Whether visitors only have a couple of hours or two full days, the Museum offers memorable, meaningful experiences across its seven pavilions featuring immersive exhibits that tell the complete story of America’s road to war and the fight abroad to secure freedom. Permanent exhibits include The Arsenal of Democracy, Road to Tokyo, Road to Berlin and the newest addition, Liberation Pavilion, which explores the end of World War II, the Holocaust, the immediate postwar years and the war’s continuing impact today.
The Museum also offers two enhanced add-on experiences — Beyond All Boundaries and the Priddy Family Foundation Freedom Theater. Narrated by Tom Hanks, Beyond All Boundaries is a 4D cinematic experience featuring first-person accounts from the trenches to the Home Front read by Brad Pitt, Gary Sinise, Patricia Clarkson, Wendell Pierce and more. The Freedom Theater experience offers a multimedia production focused on what was at stake in World War II and the meaning of Allied victory in a custom-built rotating theater space.
Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as America’s National WWII Museum, more than 10 million people have visited the Museum since its opening. For more information, call 877-813-3329 or 504-528-1944 or visit nationalww2museum.org.
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LCTCS Empowers Louisiana’s Adult Learners and Strengthens Workforce Development NOLAEssential 43
By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com
This story is brought to you by the Louisiana Community and Technical College System
The 12 institutions that make up the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) are transforming the state’s workforce and economy. By providing innovative programs that remove barriers for adult learners, LCTCS is helping thousands of Louisianans gain skills, secure stable jobs, and build better lives.
Approximately 58% of Louisiana’s population is actively engaged in the workforce. However, thousands of adults who wish to work face significant challenges, including limited transportation, childcare access, and educational attainment. For many, pursuing a traditional fouryear college degree is not feasible. This is where LCTCS steps in, offering affordable and practical pathways for education and workforce training.
“Our programs are designed to adapt and reflect the unique circumstances and aspirations of our students,” said Dr. Chandler LeBoeuf, LCTCS vice president of education and executive director of the LCTCS Foundation. “From high school equivalency initiatives and short-term workforce training to associate degree pathways and transfer opportunities, we are steadfast in our commitment to delivering education that empowers students to achieve meaningful and transformative career outcomes.”
LCTCS is making substantial progress toward its ambitious goal of helping students earn 50,000 industrybased credentials annually by 2030. This year, LCTCS celebrated its largest graduating class, with 35,000 individuals earning degrees and credentials, including:
• 21,000 earning certificates, diplomas, or degrees,
• 13,000 short-term workforce training credentials and industry-based certifications, and
• More than 1,000 adult education programs completers earning industry-based certifications.
These numbers underscore LCTCS’s pivotal role in
supplying the state with the skilled workers it needs to thrive in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and energy.
“Our mission is to create opportunities for people to contribute to Louisiana’s economy and provide better lives for their families,” said Dr. LeBoeuf. “The progress we’ve made is encouraging, and the vision is clear. With additional investment and support, we can expand our impact and play an even greater role in shaping a brighter, more prosperous future for Louisiana.”
The Louisiana Community and Technical College System includes Baton Rouge Community College, Bossier Parish Community College, Central Louisiana Technical Community College, Delgado Community College, Louisiana Delta Community College, Fletcher Technical Community College, Northshore Technical Community College, Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College, Nunez Community College, River Parishes Community College, South Louisiana Community College, and SOWELA Technical Community College.
Ochsner Health is proud to be the Official Medical Provider for the New Orleans Super Bowl Host Committee. Whether you’re here to enjoy the game, the food, or the culture, our medical team is here to keep you at your best. With over 80 years of expertise, we’re committed to your health and wellness, so you can enjoy every moment of the game day experience. Welcome to New Orleans – and let the game begin!