Gambit Digital Edition: August 26, 2024

Page 1


August 26 -September 1

Southern Decadence2024

Beyondthe‘LavendarLine’: southernDecadencestretchesitslegsthroughoutthe FrenchQuarterandbeyond

STAFF

EDITORIAL

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editor | JOHN sTANTON

politicaleditor | CLANCYDuBOs

Arts &entertainment editor | WILL COVIeLLO

staffWriters | JAKe CLApp, KAYLee pOCHe, sArAHrAVITs

Contributing Writer | IANMCNuLTY

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PHOTOBY JULIA KUMARI DRAPKIN

ARTS +ENTERTAINMENT

Creativecalling

Kr3wcialpresents‘BreakingBoundaries’atNOMA

NEWORLEANSHIP-HOPARTIST

KR3WCIALDOESN’TUSUALLYHAVEA

PROBLEMkeepinganaudienceengaged

Hehasacharismaticpresenceanda dynamiclyricalstyleonstage,whether solo,withtheglblwrmngcollectiveor guestingwithaband,likefunkoutfit Waterseed.Anoccasional,gruffcalland-responseshoutof“Kr3wcial!” helpsmakesurethepeopleinthecrowd arestillwithhim.

Thelastfewyears,though,Kr3wcial hasbeenthinkingmoreabouttheartisticnatureofhip-hop,thedeeproots andculturalmeaningsofthegenre.He’s beenseekingoutvenueswherehecan guidetheaudiencetoslowdownand engagewiththemusicinnewways.

It’sabout“moreinterpretingand reflectionthancallandresponse,” Kr3wcialsays,sittingoutsideofthe CafeduMondeinCitypark.Notfar awayistheNewOrleansMuseumofArt (NOMA),whereforjustshyofayear Kr3wcialhastakenpartintheorganization’sCreativeAssemblyprogram. eachyear,NOMAselectsacohortof NewOrleans-basedartists,musicians, dancers,educatorsandothercreatives tocollaboratewiththeinstitutionon specialprojects.Kr3wcialgotstarted lastseptember,almostimmediately afterfinishinganotherresidencyatA studiointheWoods

“BeforeIgotbothoftheseresidencies,[Isaid]Iwanttobeinmorespaces wheretheworkcanbeappreciated asartinsteadofentertainment,” Kr3wcialsays.“entertainmentissuch ademandingfieldrightnow,because peoplehavepartieseveryday,people have(brand)activations,andsponsors arewantingpeopletohavefunanddo thingsthey’reusedtodoingsothey cankeepthebusinessgoing.sotheart spaceisnewtome.”

OnWednesday,Aug.28,Kr3wcialwill present“BreakingBoundaries:TheArt ofHip-Hop,”hissecondeventaspartof theCreativeAssembly,inNOMA’sLapis CenterfortheArts.

Kr3wcialwillscreenthenewvideo forhissong“CarryMe”andparticipateinapaneldiscussionwiththe video’sdirectors,DexterWilliams,aka Dexstr8Dope,andJovanHernandez, abouthiswork.N’DiaDugue,asocial mediaproduceratBeT,willmoderate thediscussion.

“BreakingBoundaries”follows Kr3wcial’s“urbanMosaics,”which connectedhip-hoptotheculturalsignificanceofNewOrleans’

neighborhoods.Forthatmusic-driven show,Kr3wcialcollaboratedwith vocalistandperformanceartistCharm Taylor,whoalsoispartofthisyear’s CreativeAssembly.

“Iwantedtobringhip-hoptoNOMA inawaywhereitwouldbedifferent fromhowitmightbereceivedinany othersocialsetting,”Kr3wcialsays. “Thisisanartform,sowe’regonnasit down.Youdon’tgotorapshowsand seechairsunlessyou’reatastadium.”

Thevideofor“CarryMe,”which premieredlastmonthattheNew OrleansAfricanAmericanMuseum, wasshotinsideNOMA’satriumand featuresKr3wcialrappingthepatient songalongsideharpistCassieWatson FrancillonandflautistCineseLove. ThesongalsoincludesbassistJemila DunhamandLaurenFulleronkeys. Inspiredbythemovie“Chevalier,” about18thcenturyFrenchcomposerJosephBologne,Chevalierde saint-Georges—afreemanofcolor whosemusicgainedacclaimacross

europe—Kr3wcial playswiththehighbrowmuseumsetting bywearingaperiod-inspiredcoatin contrastwithoveralls designedandpainted byNewOrlansartist JacquesFrancois.

“Iwantedtomake thislooklikesomethingthathasn’t beenseenbefore, inawayithasn’t beenseenbefore,” Kr3wcialsays Kr3wcialgrewup ontheWestBank withafatherand brotherwhoalsoare musiciansandbegan releasinghisown songsin2012.He’s alsoaproducer,and inrecentyearshas releasedahandfulof captivatingepsand collaborativealbums alongwithhiswork withthehip-hop collectiveglblwrmng, scoringabighitwith thesong“504.”

InDecember,hisresidencyatA studiointheWoodsledtotheep“Bon sol:excerptsfromtheWoods,”and “CarryMe”willultimatelybeapartofa largerprojecthe’scalling“GodisWith us,”hesays

After“BreakingBoundaries,” Kr3wcialnextperformsinNew Orleansonsaturday,sept.14,atthe VirginHotelsaspartoftheintimate concertseriesCouches.GhaziGamali andDJMadspinnzalsoperform. Kr3wcialwillthenflytoFrancefora seriesofshows.

“Maybeawarenesscomesinwaves, andonceyoubecomeawarethatyou’re morethanjustacommodity,thenthat willmakeyoufeellike‘Nah,Ineedto beappreciatedasanartist,’”Kr3wcial says.“evenifIwalkintothemuseum rightnow,Idon’tknowhalfthepeople whomadehalfthepiecesinthere.But theappreciationofartwillneverchange ifit’streatedassuch.”

“BreakingBoundaries”startsat 5:30p.m.,andadmissionisfree Findmoreinfoatnoma.org.

LosAngelesAzules

HailingfromMexicoCity,LosAngeles Azulesareknownformodernizing cumbiamusicwiththeadditionof synthesizersandaccordion.Theband gainedpopularityinthe1980sand hasbuiltafollowingthroughoutNorth andsouthAmerica,withseveralofits songscompilingmorethanabillion streams.At8p.m.Thursday,Aug.29, atsaengerTheatre.Tickets$39and upviasaengernola.com.

CultureCollision

Morethan50localperforming groups,artsinstitutionsandcultural groupspreviewtheirfallseasons, events,membershipandvolunteer opportunitiesatCultureCollision. Thehappyhoureventhasacashbar andfoodtrucks.Thelineupincludes localtheateranddancecompanies, radiostations,festivals,classical artsorganizations,culturalsocieties, museums,galleries,theNewOrleans Filmsociety,parishpubliclibraries andmore.From5:30to8:30p.m. Wednesday,Aug.28,atJefferson performingArtsCenter.Visitculturenola.comforinformation.

AnnualHurricaneKatrina MarchandSecondLine

Ahealingceremony,secondline andrallyonSaturday,Aug.31,will commemoratethe19thanniversary ofHurricaneKatrinaandthefederal leveefailuresandrememberthelives lostin2005.OrganizedbytheNew OrleansKatrinaCommemoration FoundationandtheHip-HopCaucus, theceremonystartsatnoonatthe leveeatN.GalvezstreetandJourdan Avenue.Amarchandsecondlinewill followandendsatHunter’sFieldat N.Claiborneandst.Bernardavenues witharallyfeaturingspeakers, vendorsandperformancesbyGhetto Twiinz,FlagboyGiz,Ms.Tee,Lady redandmore.Findmoreinformation atthink100climate.com

FILEPHOTO
Hip-hopartistKr3wcial PROVIDED PHOTOBY KHAELYNJACKSON

THUMBS UP/ THUMBS DOWN

FamilyConnects,aNewOrleans HealthDepartmentinitiative providingin-homenursevisitsto newmomsandbabies,hasshown promisingresultsafteritsfirstyear, TheTimes-picayunereported. preliminarydatafromaTulane universityevaluationshowsthere havebeenmorethan300visits madetofamiliesinOrleansparish, leadingtoreducedMedicaidcosts, feweremergencyroomvisitsand lowerratesofhospitalstays.

OPENING GAMBIT

NewvotingcenteropensinNewOrleans’ CentralCityfor2024presidentialelection

LEADERSOFNONPROFITSWOMEN

WITHAVISIONANDTHEPOWER

BlueBikes,recentlyexpanded itsbikeshareprogramtoinclude XavieruniversityofLouisiana. It’stheprogram’sfirstexpansion sinceitre-launchedin2021. XavierpresidentreynoldVerret welcomedtheexpansionandsaid thepartnershipwouldfurtherthe university’smissiontopromote sustainable,environmentally friendlytransportationoptions oncampus.

COALITIONonMondaystartedthe weekbycuttingtheribbononabrandnewvoterengagementcenterinNew Orleans’CentralCityneighborhood.

Thecenter,nextdoortoWWAV’s office,hasfourroundtableswithpurpleandgreenvelvetchairs,aswellas plushwindowseatingandcountertop spaceinfrontofawallofgreenery. Thenonprofitsplantousethespaceto haveopenofficehours,wherepeople canstopbyandaskanyquestionsthey mayhaveaboutvotingthisfall

Italsowillbeaplacethatgroups andresidentscanusetohostvoting events,evenifthat’sjustsome friendsgettingtogether

oftheNov.5presidentialelection becausesheandleadersconsiderit “probablyoneofthemostimportant electionsofourtime.”

shesaiditalsoisawaytobe“part ofthesolution”andencourage peopletovote,followinglowturnout inrecentelectionsandseveralvoting restrictionsLouisianalawmakers passedthisyear,includingsomeon absenteeballotsandassistingpeople withballots.

“AllthestateofLouisianahasdone withtheseparticularlawsismoreof thesame,whichistodiscouragepeoplefromvoting,tomakeitmoredifficultforpeopletovote,”shesaid.“This iswhythisspaceissoimportant.”

OchsnerHealth,UndueMedical DebtandtheCityCouncilhave madeadealtoeraseabout$59 millioninunpaidhealthcarebills for66,000patientsinthecity. Theeffortbeganafterthecouncil in2023dedicated$1.3millionin federalpandemicreliefmoney tohelpwipeoutmedicaldebtfor low-incomeresidents.Thecity thenworkedwiththeNewYorkbasednonprofitundueMedical DebtandOchsnertomake thathappen.

“Therearesomanymisconceptionsaboutwhocanvote,whenyou vote,whattodotovoteandhowto getengaged,andsomepeoplefeel alotofshameaboutnotknowing that,”WWAVexecutiveDirector DeonHaywoodtoldGambit.“We justwantedtocreateaspacewhere peoplefeltliketheycangetanything theyneededaroundvoting.”

Thecenterwillbeopenoutsideof WWAV’straditionalhoursof10a.m. to5p.m.,includingintheevenings andontheweekends.Long-term thenewbuildingwillbeadedicated spacefortheYoungWomenwitha Visionteam,ledbytwowomenin theirearlytwenties.

Haywoodsaidtheydecidedto usethespaceasavotinghubahead

Theget-out-the-voteeffortwill focusonthecommunitiesWWAV hasworkedwithforthelast35years —includingpoorpeople,peopleof color,sexworkersandpeoplewhose liveshavebeenaffectedbythe criminallegalsystem—withaspecial emphasisonyoungpeople.

TheYoungWomenwithaVision teamwillhelphosteventsgeared towardyoungpeople,includinga saturdaymorningbrunch.Haywood saidtheyalsowanttoincludeinthe conversationteenagerswhoaren’t abletovoteyettogettheminterestedinvotingatanearlyage shealsowantstoreachpeople whomayhavevotedbeforebuthave becomedisillusionedwiththepolitical processandmayfeelliketheirvote doesn’tmatter.—KayleePoche

THEAPPROXIMATENUMBER OFCOUNTERFEITDOCUMENTS, INCLUDINGFORGED MOTORVEHICLEINSPECTION CERTIFICATES,SEIZEDINST. BERNARDPARISHAUGUST20.

Thest.Bernardparishsheriff’sOfficehas alsoarrestedthreepeopleoncountsof forgery.OfficersdiscoveredLouisianaand Texasmotorvehicleinspectioncertifications, licenseplateregistrationstickersandblank licenseplates–allduringanunrelatedinvestigation.Thearrestscomeaslawenforcementagenciesintheregionsaythere’sbeena surgeinfaketemporaryplates.

C’EST WHAT ?

WhatNewOrleanseventareyoulooking forwardtotherestofthissummer?

COMMENTARY

NewOrleans’SouthernDecadence isajoyouscelebrationofqueerlife

MANYTHOUSANDSOFPEOPLEwillcometoNew OrleansthisweekforsouthernDecadencetoimbibe, danceandcelebrate.Whatbegan52yearsagoasa movingpartybyagroupoffriendsfromtheTremeto theQuarterquicklybecameaniconiccelebrationof gaycultureandlife.

Inthedecadessince,Decadencehasbecomeoneof NewOrleans’signatureannualevents,drawinglocals andpeoplefromaroundtheworldwhoinjectmillions ofdollarsintotheeconomyduringtheheightofthe summertourismslump

Ithasgrownbeyondacelebrationlargelyforandby gaymentoembracethebroaderLGBTQworld.This year’sDecadenceincludespartiesandcelebrations unitingthediverseelementsofthequeercommunity unlikeprideMonthevents,Decadencehasremained largelyanindependentandlesscommercialcelebration oftheLGBTQcommunity.Whilecorporateallyshipisa welcomechangeofhistoricalpace,thereissomething particularlypowerfulaboutthefactthatsouthern Decadenceremainsof,byandforqueerpeople

Asacity,NewOrleansholdsthedistincthonorof hostingsouthernDecadence.Queerpeoplehavealways beenanintegralpartofNewOrleans’civicandcultural life.Whilethestruggletofullyandopenlyembrace

thatheritagecontinues, ourcity’sembraceof Decadenceisjustoneof thewaysinwhichNew Orleansremainsabeacon ofinclusion,particularly inthesouth.

sadly,thisyear’scelebrationcomesatanuncertaintimeforNewOrleans andthequeercommunity inLouisiana.underGov.

JeffLandry,republican lawmakersthisyearaggressivelyattackedtheLGBTQ community,passingaregressiveanti-trans“bathroom bill,”ameasurebarringstudentsandteachersfromdiscussingqueeridentityandsexuality,andalawforcing teacherstousetransstudents’deadnamesunlessthe students’parentsprovidewrittenpermission. Legislatorsalsopassedameasuretowaterdownthe qualificationsforlibraryadministratorsinthestate,a thinlydisguisedefforttomakeiteasierforbook-ban supporterstoinstallanti-LGBTQzealots.severalother measures,includingthosetargetingLGBTQbooks, ultimatelyfailedbutwilllikelyresurfacenextyear.

TheClownfish, whosebrotherisgay, hasmadeitclearhe doesn’trespectthe dignityandsanctity ofqueerlivesand hasevengonesofar astoexplicitlytell theLGBTQcommunitythattheyshould leavethestateifthey don’tlikehispolicies.

ThatdarkbackdropmakestheloudlyproudsouthernDecadence celebrationallthemoresignificantthisyear.Theevent shinesabrightlightonqueerpeople’smorallybankrupt adversarieswhoconstantlythreatentheircivilrights Thatlightgiveshopetousall,particularlytoqueerkids incommunitiesacrossLouisianaandthebroadersouth whofaceincessantthreatsandintimidation.

Bullies’greatestfearisbeingstooduptoand exposedforbeingmuchsmallerthantheyclaimtobe. Wecan’timagineabetterwayofstandinguptobigots inpowerthanabig,braveandin-your-faceeventlike southernDecadence.

PHOTOBYSCOTT THRELKELD/ THETIMES-PICAYUNE

ButterPecan COLD BREW WITH SWEETCOLD FOAM ButterPecan VELVETICE limited timeonly time onlylimited time only

20 different sports

36 AP &DEclasses

since 1957

40+ electives

50+ clubs

Presidentialelectionenthusiasm maynarrowgapbetweenparties inLouisiana

NOWTHATTHETWOPRESIDEN-

TIALNOMINATINGCONVENTIONSAREOVER,leadersand operativesinbothpartieswill begintherealworkofginningup turnoutinkeystatesacrossthe country—andeveninnon-battlegroundstateslikeLouisiana LocalsupportersofVice presidentKamalaHarrisand formerpresidentDonaldTrump wanttohelptheirrespective candidatesgetthelargest possiblenationalvotetotal, eventhoughthevotesthatreally countwillbethosecastbythe antiquatedelectoralCollege

“Theenergylevelamong DemocratspickedupdramaticallyafterJoeBidendropped out,replacingtheatrophied optimismthathadprevailed beforethen,”sayspollsterand Xavieruniversitysociology professorsilasLee,whohaspolled fortheBiden/Harristeamsince2020 “KamalaHarrishasgivenDemocrats’ energylevelashotofadrenaline.Ithas evenelevatedexcitementandenthusiasmamongindependents.”

againthisyear,buttheimpactonlocal electionswillbeminimal—astarkcontrasttothelastpresidentialcontest.

Leeattributesthistoseveralfactors, particularlyadesireamongvoters everywhereforanalternativetoa rematchbetweenTrumpandBiden.

“Whatweseehappeningnationally we’llalsoseelocally,”Leeadded. “Democratsareseeinganorganic movement.sororities,fraternities, civicgroupsandotherdisparateentitiesarecomingtogetherforHarris, whichwedidn’tseeforBiden.Black women,whitewomen,Blackmenand whitedudeshaveallcometogether forHarris.”

eventhoughLouisianais“notin play”onNov.5,LeesaystheDems’ higherlevelofenthusiasmcould“narrowthegap”betweenDemocratsand republicansintheBayoustate

“InsteadofTrumpgetting58%or 59%,ashedidthelasttwotimes, Democratshopetokeephimto53%or 55%,”Leesaid

Ofcourse,republicanswillbe workinghardtogiveTrumpand otherrepublicansontheballot acrossthisruby-redstatethehighest possiblemargins

Historically,presidentialelections produceLouisiana’shighestvoter turnouts.Thatwilllikelybethecase

Fouryearsago,NewOrleanshad hotlycontestedracesfordistrict attorneyandmorethanadozen judgeshipsalongsidetheTrump-Biden showdown.Highvoterturnoutfor thepresidentialelectionmadeahuge differenceinlocalraces

Bycontrast,theNov.5ballothas nocontestedparish-wideelectionsin eitherOrleansorJeffersonparishes Ahandfulofjudicialcontestsinboth parisheswerealldecidedwhenno onechallengedthelonequalifiers lastmonth.

Inaddition,neitherofLouisiana’s twou.s.senatorsareupforre-electionthisyear—anothercontrastto 2020.Fouryearsago,sen.BillCassidy andlocalu.s.reps.TroyCarter, D-NewOrleans,andstevescalise, r-Metairie,easilywonre-election. scaliseandCartereachdrewfour opponentsthisyear,butbothareheavy favorites—andbothareexpectedto wagefull-throttledcampaigns. OrleansparishschoolBoardraces alwaysappearonthesameballotas presidentialcontests.In2020,allseven boardseatswerecontested;thisyear, onlyboardDistricts2and4(representingGentillyandAlgiers,respectively) willseecontestedelections.

PHOTOBYSARAH RAVITS /GAMBIT

BLAKE PONTCHARTRAIN™

@GambitBlake|askblake@gambitweekly.com

HeyBlake, Whilewalkingthroughthe FrenchQuarterrecently,we passedtheRoyalPharmacy. It’sbeenclosedforawhile, butIhavefondmemoriesof thestoreanditsvintagesoda fountain.Whatcanyoutellus aboutitshistory?

Dearreader,

ALTHOUGHITISNOLONGEROPERATINGASAPHARMACYandthebuilding isforsale,thepropertyatroyaland ursulineswashometoadrugstore completewithasodafountain—for morethanacentury.Astapleofthe neighborhoodthatservedgenerationsofFrenchQuarterresidentsand visitors,thedrugstoreoperatedonthe groundfloorofthethree-storybuilding constructedin1831. royalpharmacy,alsoknownover theyearsasroyalCutratepharmacy, openedsometimearound1917. pharmacistLouisCastillonsr.andhis familylivedabovethepharmacy.His 1938obituaryinTheNewOrleansItem calledhim“oneofthebestknownfiguresoftheVieuxCarreformorethan 40years[who]operatedtheroyalCut ratepharmacy…fornearlyaquarter ofacentury”and“wasthedruggistfor alargenumberofItalian,Frenchand otherbenevolentorganizations.”

Theyearbeforehisdeath,Castillon soldthepropertyandthebusiness toCharlesTusa.Tusaandhisfamily operatedthedrugstoreforthenext

RoyalPharmacycirca1978

75years.That’swhenthepharmacy’s sodafountainanditsfamiliaroutdoor signadvertisingCoca-Colawere added.Accordingtoa1981Timespicayune/states-Itemfeature,the storealsofeaturedpinballmachines andacirculatinglibrary.

“Touristscomeinandgetallexcited aboutthetinceilings,thetilefloors, theceilingfans,thewoodenfixtures,” pharmacistandownerKevinTusa saidatthetime.“Ineverthoughtit wasanythingspecial.Ijustthought itwasacornerpharmacyinanold neighborhood.”

Asyounoted,thepharmacyisnow closed,andthebuilding,withitswraparoundbalconyand5,400square-feet oflivingspace,isforsale.Thelisting pricefromFrenchQuarterrealtyis $2.1million.

THISYEARMARKSTHE90THANNIVERSARYofaCrescentCityculinaryclassic: CrescentCitysteaks.Thecity’soldestfamily-ownedsteakhouse,locatedat1001 NorthBroadstreet,wasopenedbyJohnVojkovichin1934.

Accordingtotherestaurant’swebsite,VojkovichemigratedtoNewOrleansfrom hisnativeCroatiain1923attheageof15.Hehopedtoattendschool,butinstead hisfathersenthimtoworkwithhisfellowCroatianimmigrantsonanoysterboatin plaqueminesparish,hopingtoearnenoughmoneytobringhismotherandsisters toAmerica.

HelastedjusttwomonthsbeforecomingbacktoNewOrleansandtakingjobsin localrestaurantsasadishwasher,busboyandwaiter

HeopenedhisownrestaurantonNorthrampartstreetbeforeestablishing CrescentCitysteaksatitsexistinglocationonBroadstreet,knownforitsceramic tilefloorsandcurtainedprivatebooths.

“Ourmottoistoalwaysservethebesttosatisfyourpatrons,”Vojkovichsaidin a1948Times-picayunearticle.“Thepopulareatingplaceservesalacarteand shortorders.supplementingtheirchoicemeat-cutsareseafoodssuchastroutand oysters,”thenewspaperadded

Vojkovichalsobecameknownforservinghissteaksonplatessizzlingwithhot butter,atechniquelaterpopularizedinthecitybyruth’sChrissteakHouse,which spreadtheconceptaroundtheworld.

JohnVojkovichdiedin1990,buttherestaurant—anditsiconicneonsign—isstill ownedandoperatedbyhisfamily.

BLAKEVIEW

beyond

THE ‘LAVENDER

MikeMarinaattheSouthern Decadenceparadein2022

PHOTOBYSCOTT THRELKELD/ THETIMES-PICAYUNE

LINE’

Southern Decadence stretches itslegs throughout the French Quarter andbeyond

OVERITS52

YEARS,Southern Decadencehas grownfroma groupoffriends havingahousepartyinTreme toaqueermega-celebrationof indulgencethatbringsouthundredsofthousandsofpeoplein NewOrleansoverLabor Dayweekend.

Alongtheway,thescenehas shiftedtimeandtimeagain.In the1980sandearly’90s,the costumeanddragparadewas attheheartofthecelebrations. Theriseoftheinternetthen broughtatourismboom,and morebarsandvenuesseizedthe opportunitytoparticipateasthe scantilycladcrowdsswelled Today,therearepop-uppartiesgalore,talentfromaround thecountry,andqueerevents atmajordowntownvenuesand clubsaroundthecity.AndalthoughDecadencestillprimarily attractsgaymen,thereareafew

women-andfemme-centered eventsinthemix

Inmanyways,thechangesin Decadencemirrorthechanges inhowdifferentpartsofthe LGBTQcommunityinteractwith eachother

“Itjustgotbiggerandmore funwheneverybodystarted beingincluded,”saysdrag queenVanessaCarr-Kennedy, agrandmarshalofthisyear’s Decadenceparade.

Thepartyhasreboundedsince thepandemic,whichwipedout in-persondragperformancesfor awhile—thoughsomeperformers haven’tgottenbackonstagesince.

Addsomeeventproducer dramaintothemix,and“it’s almostacompletelydifferent sceneinsomeregards,”says QuinnBishop,ownerofNew OrleansQueerUnderground Tours,whichhastoursavailable Decadenceweekend

Forexample,accordingto Bishop,theNewOrleansdrag

GrrlSpothashadwomencenteredDecadenceevents since2011

PHOTOBYMAURA LINDSEY

communitybeforethepandemic wasmorefragmentedbetween FrenchQuarterandBywater performersaswellasbetween moretraditionalperformersand thoseexperimentingwithnew formsofdrag.

Now,there’smuchmore crossoveratbarsandvenues “Ithinkourentirecommunity, alotofthingsthatusedtoseem reallysignificantintermsofthat kindofstuffjustreallyhasfaded

away,”Bishopsays.“Everyone hereisjusthappytoseeeach otheragain.”

POP-UP PARTIES INCREASINGLY POPULAR

DECADENCEHASEXPANDEDwellbeyondthe“Lavender Line,”thenicknamegiventothe

stretchofgaybarsatSt.Ann andBourbonstreets,andthe surroundinggaybars

Whiletheparade,barevents andblockpartiesintheareaare stillcentraltoDecadence,popuppartiesatdifferentvenues havebecomeincreasinglypopularoverthelastdecadeorso JennaArd,founderoflesbian pop-upGrrlSpot,sayswhenshe movedtoNewOrleansin1999, therewasn’tmuchtodobesides

“gotoBourbonandSt.Ann, butnowit’skindofalloverthe placeindifferentvenues.”

Ardhasbeenproducinga GrrlSpotDecadenceparty, morefocusedonqueerwomen andfemmes,since2011.The partiesnowaveragearound 500people,Ardsays.

Thisyear’seventwilltake placeatToulouseTheatre onSaturday,Aug.31,and featuresNorthshore-turnedLosAngeles-basedDJCristy Lawrence,localDJShanLi, burlesqueandgo-godancers andaprojectionist

There’salsoBearracuda’s FridaynightpartyattheJoy Theater,cateringtothebear communitycharacterizedby burlinessandfacialandbody hair,andLondon-bornHorse MeatDisco’sraveatTheFillmoreSaturdaynight,whichfirst cametoDecadencein2009. AlsoonSaturdayisFurball,a furrydancepartyatSantos.

HitItisthrowingpartiesboth FridayandSaturdaynights, withdarkroomsandaclothes check.Fornication,aSunday nightplayparty,isalready soldout.

‘FOR THE GIRLS’

TRADITIONALLY,Decadencehaslargelyattractedgay

men,butafeweventshave emergedspecificallyforqueer womenandfemmes

“Obviously,therearealot morewomenthatcomenow thantherewerebefore,Ithink becausewejuststartedcreatingthingsforwomentodo,” Ardsays.“Ithinkit’sone ofthose,‘Ifyoubuildit,they willcome.’”

GrrlSpotpartiesrunupahefty bartab,accordingtoArd. “Ithinkthewaytogo dbetohavemoreeyes women’sevents,what ’redoing,moreattention dmorerecognitionthat eeventsareasvaluable emen’sevents,” ays.

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY

VanessaCarr-Kennedysays therehavebeentwogaybarsin Mississippi,SippsandTheJust UsLounge,thathavebeen likesisterbarstotheNew Orleansclubs.

Paradeorganizershave hostedfundraisersatthese twovenuesandhavebussed peopleinfromNewOrleansto attendthoseevents.Theowner ofSipps,JeffreyMayeux,was evennamedasaparadegrand marshalthisyear “It’sincreasedthefootprint (ofDecadence),”Carr-Kennedy says.“Alotoftheentertainers comebackandforth.”

frolicking,”Carr-Kennedysays “Weraiseagoodbitofmoney thatgoestocharities.” Decadence,whichbrings morethanaquarterofamillion peopletothearea,isalsoa lifesaverfortheLGBTQbars, performersandserviceindustry workerswhooftenstruggleto stayafloatinthetoughsummer monthswhentourismslows Infact,it’sabigboostforthe broadertourismandhospitality industryasawhole

InadditiontoArd’sGrrlSpot, KellyBoyetthelpedstartHer HausEventswithAmandaYessoandBrookeBarriosduring Decadencein2022tocreate morewomen-andfemmecenteredevents

“Wewantedtocreatea destinationeventforpeople,” Boyettsays.“Welookedat thewholepicture.Wewere like,weliveinNewOrleans, itshouldbeadestinationfor womenwhowanttofeelsafe.”

Thisyear,HerHausishosting “DecadenceFortheGirls,” marketedas“theSouthern Decadenceweekendevent forqueerfemmes.”OnSaturdayevening,LizOwenisDJing atBourbonPub&Parade, andonSunday,HerHaus hostsaparadeafterpartyat BourbonHeat.

“Wewelcomeanyone,it’s all-inclusive,”Boyettsays.“We justsay,‘femmestothefront.’”

SandySachs,ownerof BourbonPub&Parade,puton lesbianeventsforthousands ofpeopleinL.A.fordecades She’sbeenworkingwithHer Haus,whichhostsmonthly eventsatherbar,andsays she’sexcitedabouttheevents they’reproducing “Theyremindmeofme30 yearsago,”shesays.

WhileArdunderstandsthe tendencytoappealtogay men,whospendalotofmoney duringDecadence,shebelieves women’seventsareoften underestimated.Afterall, DragqueenVanessaCarr-Kennedy

SOMEVENUESALSOare rampingupforthelongweekendofdebaucherybybringing intalentfromoutofstate TonyAward-winningperformerBillyPorterismaking anappearanceatBourbonPub &ParadeonSaturday,and thereareseveraleventswith RuPaul’sDragRacestars.

TheAllWaysLoungeand Cabaret,meanwhile,ishosting aslateofTexas-baseddrag performers,includingBrigitte Bandit,theself-titled“Texas dragqueenRepublicansloveto hate”forthevenue’s“Chaotic Erotic”showonThursday.

Producerandco-hostStanleyRoysaysBandithasbeen textinghimallweekabouthow excitedtheyare.“They’relike, let’sjustquitourjobsandgo toNewOrleansnow,”hesays withalaugh.

Roysaystheshowwillbe “darker,morecomedicand edgier”thantypicaldrag shows.“They’reveryweirdand wild,andtwisted,”hesays.

Royhimselfisperformingin ashowcalled“LustFilth”on ThursdayandFriday,which hesaysembracesdepravity withdepictionsofobsceneand pervertedacts.

AllWaysalsohostsamore tongue-in-cheekeventcalled theChurchofDaddy,aSaturdaynightvarietyshowwith localdragartists.Ofcourse, it’sbasicallytheinverseofyour grandmother’sSundaymorning church,thoughitwillfeature anopening“prayer”andthe opportunityforspectatorsto take“communion”whichmay ormaynotinvolveglitter Mississippialsowillbe solidlyrepresentedatthis year’sDecadence.

MORETHANJUST A BIG,SEXYPARTY

ALLYEARLONG,parade organizersthrowfundraising eventstohelppayforputting ontheSundayparade,whichis gettingincreasinglyexpensive Betweenpermits,trash pickup,securityandinsurance, Carr-Kennedyestimatestheparadecosts$18,000-$20,000 toputon,andtheorganizers heldmorethan20fundraisers tocomeupwiththemoney.

Themoneyalsogoesto variouscharities.Thisyear they’refocusingtheireffortson theNewOrleansAdvocatesfor LGBTQ+Elders,akaNOAGE, anonprofitthathelpseldersin thecommunityaccesshealth careandresourcesastheyage, alongwithhostingcoffeemeetups,potlucksandbookclubs

Paradeorganizersalsoare raisingmoneytoreplacethe plaquerememberingthe victimsofthe1973UpStairs Loungefire,anarsonattackon agaybarthatkilled32people. TheplaqueonIbervilleStreet wasstolenearlierthisyear. Therearealsoother charitableDecadenceevents, likeAlliesAgainstCanceron Thursday,whichraisesmoney tolowercancerratesamong LGBTQpeople.Thiswillbethe event’sthirdyear,bringingdrag performerslikeDragRace’s Jujubeeandlocalqueenslike DebbiewithaDandLaveau ContrairetoGeneration’sHall. “It’snotjustusflailingaround nakedonthestreetsand

“Intheserviceindustry,summeriskindofhell,”Bishopsays. “EspeciallyforAugust,youhave tokindofhangonwithnothing untilwegettoDecadence.”

Bishop says she’shoping to book up her toursthat weekend.

“IknowthatIandmostof myfriendsaredependingon SouthernDecadencetomake surethatwepayourrent,” Bishopsays.

‘OASIS OF ACCEPTANCE’

THOUGHDECADENCE CONTINUESTOEVOLVE, theheartofitremainsthe same.It’sstillanover-the-top, only-in-New-Orleansevent wherequeerpeoplecanbe unabashedlythemselves.

“We’renotsofteningor takingpartsofourselvesaway justbecauseitmakesother peopleuncomfortable,”Roy says.“Decadenceisinclusive, foralltypesofbodies,alltypes ofexperiences,alltypesof fetishes,allthethings—apupu platter,ifyouwill.”

AsLouisianalawmakers keeppassinganti-LGBTQ legislationandthestateoften makesnationalheadlinesforits far-rightpolicies,Bishopsays it’simportantfortherestofthe countrytoseesuchanunapologeticanduniquecelebration ofqueerpeopleintheSouth. SheconsidersNewOrleansto bea“separate,beautifuloasis ofacceptance.”

“Ifindittobeoneoftheleast homophobicandtransphobic citiesinthecountry,”Bishop says,“justbecausethere’s alwayssomebodyweirder thanyou.”

SOUTHERNDECADENCE 2024

sevents

NSOFPARTIES,DR NERALDEBA Decade

S, FUN icks .Ozwill al ugust29through th nstars.Thesame go iconicspotshave weekendpassesavailableontheirwebsites

Andofcourse,there’sthePhoenixwhichhaslongbeen oneofthemainhubsforpartyingduringtheweekend. Althoughatpresstimeitdidn’tappearthey’dbehosting theirannualblockparty,themainbarwillbeopen24 hoursaday,withperformers,specialmixersandevents throughouttheweekend,includingtheannual“Bear Breakfast”Sunday.Plus,theEaglewillopeneveryday duringthefestivitiesat9p.m

Here’salistofevenmoreeventshappeningaroundNew OrleansforDecadence.

WEDNESDAY,AUG.28

THEPHOENIX

SouthernDecadenceKickOffWet UnderwearContest,10:30p.m

THURSDAY,AUG.29

ALLWAYSLOUNGE& CABARET LustFilth,10p.m.

TheChaoticEroticTour!ASouthern DecadenceDragVarietyShow,7p.m

OZ

D!ckinaCup,featuringDJAdamJoseph,JenniferWarnerandLexisRedd D’Ville,11:30p.m

AUG. 29 –SEPT. 2

CAFE LAFITTEINEXILE WalkingwiththeGayGhostsofNew Orleanswalkingtour,varioustimes Seeeventbrite.comfordetails.

FRIDAY,AUG.30

ALLWAYSLOUNGE& CABARET

MountingOlympus:Decadent Myths,7p.m

BurningHellBurlesquepresents: 7thCircle—ADecadentandDebaucherousNight,10:30p.m.

TOULOUSE THEATER ClubCloset,9:30p.m.

VIRGIN HOTEL

Bling-It-Ondragshow,6p.m

SATURDAY, AUG. 31

ALLWAYSLOUNGE& CABARET

ChurchofDaddy!ASouthern DecadenceCelebrationofthe Daddy!10:30p.m

QueerbaitASouthernDecadence Drag-stravaganza,7:30p.m.

STAFFPHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER/ THETIMES-PICAYUNE

GROWERSGUILD

COFFEE

SUN. SEPT. 1

ALLWAYS LOUNGE & CABARET

JockstrapLubeWrestling:DecadenceBrawl,10p.m.

THE BOURBON PUB

HerHaus’DecadencefortheGirls, 4-9p.m.

CREOLE QUEEN RIVERBOAT DragBrunchRiverCruise,10a.m.

THE CROSSING

FlamboyancedelaDecadence, 12p.m.

THE DOMINO

burlesque&dancepartyandit’s thesamebutit’sdecadencesoit’s not,10p.m.

FILLMORE

HorsemeatDisco,w/Honchointhe darkroom,9p.m.

JOY THEATER Bearracuda,9p.m.

POOR BOYS

SetDeFlowithLSDXOXO,10p.m.

SANTOS

Furrball:NewOrleans,10p.m.

SIBERIA

Mr.LouisianaLeatherContest, 6p.m.

TOULOUSE THEATER

GRRL:SouthernDecadenceGirl Party,7p.m.

BOURBON HEAT

HerHaus’paradeafterparty,3p.m.

CAFE NEGRIL

SalutetoDecadenceCostumeContestfeaturingTheLoveMuscles, 5:30p.m.

ELYSIAN BAR

SpilltheTeaDragBrunch,10:30am

MADAM VIC’S FornicationParty,8p.m.

VIRGIN HOTEL FruitSaladpoolparty,12p.m.

MONDAY, SEPT. 2

ALLWAYS LOUNGE & CABARET

DecadentAftercarefeaturing “soundbath,NADAacupuncture, massage,tarot,reiki”andfood. 12:30to4p.m.

Cocky’sDecadentCock-tails “spiritsinspiredDragandBurlesque show,”7:30p.m.

VIRGIN HOTEL

LaborDayBash:SymoneatStrut SouthernDecadencefeaturing poolsideteadanceparty,DJs,drag performances,silentauctionand more,12p.m.

PHOTO BY KATHLEEN FLYNN / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

DRINKS

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Best bounceartist

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GOODS

& SERVICES

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neighborhood grocery

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Best place to buy agift

Best place to buy CBD and THC products

Best place to buy consignment clothing

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Best smoke shop

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Best veterinary/animal clinic

Best woman-owned small business PERSONALCARE +WELLNESS

Best barbershop

Best day spa

Best dentist

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Best hair salon

Best health club/fitnessstudio

Best hospital

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Best place to buy adulttoys

Best place to get a manicure/pedicure

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LOCAL LIFE

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Best place to get married

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Best real estate agent

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Best summer camp

VISITOR RECOMMENDATIONS

Best 24 hour bar

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MEDIA

Best local food social media account

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Best local investigative reporter

Best local radiopersonality

Best local TV news anchor

Best local TV sportscaster

Best local TV station

Best local TV weathercaster

Best radiostation

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Bub’s NOLA

4413 Banks St, NewOrleans, LA 70119 (504)581-8054, bubsnola.com

Bub’s NOLA specializesinfine smash burgers, frenchfries, andmore. Guests can enjoyaburgerbeforethe game or have them caterthe next game dayparty.They areexpanding, with Bub’s Grab andGoset to open Uptown on Freret St.this fall!

Erin Rose

811Conti St, NewOrleans, LA 70112 (504)522-3573,erinrosebar.com

$14.00 -$16.00, gae-tana’s,7732 MapleSt, NewOrleans, LA 70118, (504)865-9625

This FrenchQuarter bar is known forits welcoming atmosphere, deliciousBloody Marys, famousfrozen Irish Coffees, andgreat music. Home to the renowned KillerPoboys and open 21 hours aday,itoffers cocktails, casual bites, andsportsonTV—makingitthe ideal spottocheer foryourteamwith aFrozen Irish CoffeeorBloody Mary.

KatiesRestaurant &Bar

3701 Iberville St, NOLA (504)488-6582, katiesinmidcity.com

Although bright, shiny, andnew inside and out, the heartand soul of Katie’s Restaurant and Bar as an old-school, family-operated neighborhood restaurant,stillechoesthe visionsoffounder Mr.Leo Leininger.Katies is theplace to be forgamedayswith our brand-new TV’s and$5drinkspecials Monday-Friday!

Lots aLuck Tavern

203Homedale St., NOLA,(504) 483-0978

Voted#2DiveBar by Gambit readers, Lots a Luck’sindoor andoutdoor seatingmakes it a greatplace to watchthe games or celebrate awin.Everydayspecials include:$5shots of JamesonorFireball& MillerHigh Life. Monday-$1offDraft Pints. Tuesday- $3 Titos till 7pm.Wednesday-$3Jameson till7pm.

NiceGuysNOLA

7910 EarhartBlvd, NewOrleans, LA 70125 (504)302-2404, niceguysnola.com

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PHOTO BY GAE-TAN

EAT+DRINK

Mexicanevolution

byBethD’Addono |

CHEFANACASTROHASAVERY

BUSYMIND.

AtAcamaya,thenewBywater restaurantsheownswithhersister LydiaCastro,sheseespurposeineach elementontheplateandeverydesign detail.Althoughhighlycollaborative bynature,Castroisalsoavisualistand athinker.AndwiththeJuneopening ofAcamaya,shesayssheisfeeling happy,energizedandmoreconfident thanshe’sfeltinyears.

“Idon’tthinkIcouldhaveopened thisrestaurantanywhereelse,”says Castro,36.“Becauseoftheseafood wegethereandbecauseofthecommunityofpeoplewhoarediners,bon vivantswholovetogotorestaurants. NewOrleansisspecialinthatway Acamayaisn’tareplicableconcept. LenguaMadrewouldbe,butnotthis place,whichfitsexactlywhereIamin mylife.It’sflexibleandit’sfun.”

Althoughthechef’srootsarein MexicoCity,Acamaya,whichmeans crawfishinspanish,isn’tbasedona particularconceptthere.

“TherearecontemporaryMexican restaurantsinMexicoCity,”shesays. “That’swhatwehaveincommon.”

BeingaMexicanwomanmaking foodthatrelatestoherheritageis everythingtoCastro.sheseesvery fewMexicanrestaurantsinNew Orleans,andinthesouth,thatare ownedbyMexicans.

“placeslikeChicago,philly,L.A., thereareabunchofMexicansinthose places,”shesays.“Thosefamiliesown restaurants,fromfancytochill.That’s nottheusualhere.”

CastrolandedinNewOrleanstobe closetohersister.Herculinarycareer isbuiltonafoundationthatincludes experienceinNewYorkandworking intheMichelin-starredrestaurant relæ,inCopenhagen.Here,she foundcommunityandthekindof connectionsshe’dbeenmissinginher life.shewenttoworkforchefMichael stoltzfusatThalia,whichthenbecame herrestaurant,LenguaMadre Thebuzzwasimmediate,including beingnamedoneoftheBestNewChefs of2022byFood&Winemagazine.

“Accoladesaregreat,somethingto besharedwithmyteam,withmycity, buttheyaren’tmyNorthstar,”Castro says.“They’realagniappe.”

WithAcamaya,shedidn’twant anothertastingmenurestaurant. Havingasettastingmenu,shefelt, wastoorestrictive.

“Byitsnature,atastingmenuis structured,”shesays.“It’seasier toexecutebecauseyou’recooking thesamething.ButIt’sverydifficult togetmyteaminvolvedincreating dishes.Theparametersarestricter, whichdoesn’tallowforflexibility andcreativity.”

AtAcamaya,Castroandherteam thinkoutsidethebox.Thetuna tostado,forexample,isanything buttraditional.Afree-formroundof crunchytortillaislayeredwithslabsof raw,seasonedtunaandtoppedwith sliversofnoriandascatteringofsmall Japanesepeanutsforcrunch Caviarserviceincorporatesgorditas,smalldisksofmasainsteadof blinis,andisservedwithmashedayocotebeansandcrema.Basscevicheis madewithchamoy,apickledMexican condimentmadewithchiliesandfruit, inthiscasethelastoftheseason’s rainiercherries.

FORK +CENTER

Emaildining@gambitweekly.com

Themenuincludesa glossaryoftermsthat aremostlyunfamiliar toeventhemost seasoneddiner.

“Contemporary MexicaniswhatI do,”shesays.“Our seafoodcocktail, ouraguachile,isvery traditional.Butalotof thesedishesareriffs onthingsI’veeatenor comeupwith.They areMexicanonly becauseIam.”

Castroisseeing 90%ofguests samplingmostof themenu’ssmall plates,maybesharinganentréeor two.There’sawholerainbowtrout, carneasadaandblackenedflounder Veracruzstyle.

At$40,thearroznegroisthe priciestdish,andthehuitlacocheisto blame.Therarefungusgrowsnaturallyoncorn,givingkernelsanearthy umamithatmightbecomparedto trufflesbutismuchmoresubtle.

“It’sshippedfromCaliforniaby plane,”Castrosays.“It’smoreexpensivethansteak.”

Fornow,she’sservingdinnerand drinksThursdaythroughMonday,but planstoexpandwithweekendlunch servicenextmonthandstayopen sevendaysaweekbyyear’send

Therestaurantfeelsnew,andnot justbecausethestorefrontspace wasbuiltinthepastsixmonths.The ideasarefresh.Alltheplates,the lightfixturesandthebreezeblock weresourcedinMexico.Graphicsare inspiredbythemodernpaintingsof JosefAlbers,whointurnwasinspired byhistravelsinMexico

ForCastro,controllingthekitchen isn’therendgame.

“I’msurroundedbytalented people,”shesays.“I’mgoingto takeapagefromchefDonaldLink’s book.Iwanttohelpmypeoplegrow anddotheirownthing.Acamaya allowsforthat.”

JohnBeshreemerges

ANEWRIVERFRONTRESTAURANTNOW TAKINGSHAPEINDOWNTOWNNew Orleansissignalingamorepublicrole forthechefbehindit,JohnBesh, nearlysevenyearsafterasexualmisconductscandalsawhimvanishfrom publicview

BeshwaswidelyregardedastheleadingchefinNewOrleansbeforesexual harassmentcomplaintsrockedhiscompanyin2017.Heswiftlysteppeddown fromoperatingthebusiness,partofa raftofchangesfortherestaurantgroup, whichwasrenamedBrGHospitalityat thattime

ButnowBeshisbecomingamorevisiblepresenceastheenterpriseembarks onamajorproject,aLouisianaseafood restaurantinspanishplazatobecalled DelacroixFishCamp&Bar.

WhileBeshhaskeptalowprofile since2017,hehasremainedapartner inBrG,whichheco-foundedasBesh restaurantGroupwithOctavioMantilla in2005.

kitchenatLukein2015.

Withthenewriverfrontrestaurantin theworks,heisspeakingpubliclyabout hisrole.

“rightnow,Iwanttocontinuetopursueteachingandinspiringyoungchefs andmanagersinhospitality,”Beshsaid inaninterview.“ThisiswhatIwant tofocusoninthisnewchapter,that’s wheremytalentsandpassionlie.”

Askedifhewouldcallhislatestmove arunatacomeback,Beshinsteadcharacterizeditaswhatheneedstodoathis companytorecoverfromthepandemic. “really,allIwanttodoisputmyhead downandwork,andpushforwardwith whatwe’vealwaysdone,andmakea differenceinthislittlepartoftheworld weliveinhere,”hesaid.

ChefJohnBeshcooksinthe
AnaCastroopensAcamayainBywater
ChefAnaCastrofocuseson seafoodatAcamaya. PHOTOBYCHERYLGERBER/ GAMBIT

Besh,a56-year-oldmarriedfather offour,isaslidellnativewhosestar beganrisingthroughthe1990s, andwiththeopeningofhisupscale flagshiprestaurantAugustin2001 HeandMantillabeganexpandingin thepost-Katrinarebuildingera,and theircompanyemergedasaleading voiceformodernNewOrleansfood andhospitality

Beshtookahigh-profilerolein themedia,fromcookbooksto cookingshowsandFoodNetwork appearances.Beshrestaurantsand theirchefsbecamemagnetsfor JamesBeardAwardrecognition andotheraccolades.

Then,inOctober2017,TheTimespicayunepublishedastorybyformer restaurantwriterBrettAnderson allegingsexualharassmentwithin thecompany,theresultofaneightmonthinvestigation.Womenquoted inthereportdescribedatoxicwork environmentwhereharassmentwent unchecked,andtherewereallegations againstBeshhimself

Theissuescompelledanumber ofwomentoleavetheirjobs,and severalfiledcomplaintswiththeequal employmentOpportunityCommission. Twodaysafterthestorybroke, Beshsteppeddownastheheadof hiscompany.Heissuedastatement expressingregretforhisactionsand saidheaimedtorebuildhismarriage andapologizetoanyone“whohas workedformewhofoundmybehavior asunacceptableasIdo.”

BrGpromotedoneofitsmanagers, shannonWhite,tobeCeO, andusheredinnewhumanresources systemsandtraining.Theinvestigationrevealedthatwhiletherestaurant companyhadgrowntomorethan 1,000employees,itdidnothave ahumanresourcesdepartment untilshortlybeforethereport waspublished.

Theinvestigationprovokedwidespreaddiscussionaboutsexismand sexualharassmentintherestaurant businessatatimewhenthe#MeToo movementwasbringingtheissueto theforefrontinmanyindustries.Besh wasanearlyandprominentexample ofapublicfigurewhohadallegations madeagainsthimandsteppedaway frompubliclife

Othersfromthattimehave attemptedcomebacks,notably MarioBatali,thecelebritychef. Batalieventuallysoldhisrestaurants andremainedoutofview,thoughlate lastyearhebeganpostingcooking videosandothercontenttohis Instagramaccount.

someofthepeopleclosesttothe issueraisedin2017didnotwelcome thenewsofBesh’sreturn.

FORK &CENTER

“AmIsurprisedbyJohnBeshtrying tocreepbackintothepubliceyeand dohisredemptiontour?sadlyno. Moredisgustedanddisappointed,” saidLindseyreynolds,aformerBesh restaurantGroupemployee.

sheseesitasanefforttosweepbad behaviorundertherug,andblamed “theNewOrleansgoodole’boysclub” andthelocalmediaforitscoverageof BrGrestaurants

AtBrG,WhiteremainsCeOand continuestoruntheday-to-dayoperations,whileBeshhasbecomemore engagedattherestaurants.

Foraboutayearnow,hehasworked primarilywithculinarystaffbehind thescenes,especiallyatLukeand restaurantAugust.Hesaysthisiswhat thecompanyneedsasnewprojects arise,likeDelacroix.Hesaysheisnot seekingtoregainthespotlight.

MantillasaidBesh’smainroletoday is“toteachandinspire.”

“Wehaveaverygoodteamthat’s beenwithussincethecompany started.Theystillfightthedailybattles withus,”Manillasaid.“That’swhy we’redoingthis,tomakeopportunities forpeopleonourteam.Wearehitting therestaurants,talkingwithteam membersaboutthevision,andgetting themonboard.”

Followingthesexualharassment report,Beshsteak,insidewhatwas thenHarrah’sCasino,closedimmediately.Otherswerespunoffasdifferent partnersformednewcompaniesto buyoutBrG,includingtheMexican restaurantJohnnysanchezandBesh’s one-timehotelrestaurantdivision.

Themosthigh-profilechange cameinthesplitfromAlonshaya, thechefwhocametofameatBrG’s ItalianrestaurantDomenicaand thenatthemodernIsraelirestaurantshaya.Beshandshayalanded infederalcourtinafightoverthat restaurant’sname.ThecasewassettledwithBrGkeepingthename.Alon shayawentontoformhisowncompanyandopenrestaurantsincluding sabaandMissriverinNewOrleans BrGcontinuedtoopenrestaurants, startingwiththeCajunrestaurant euniceinHoustonin2018.InNew Orleans,twonewrestaurants, WarbucksandChoThai,opened andclosed.

Thecompanyhasbeengrowingmore recently,openingaLakeviewlocation ofitspizzaDomenicaconceptin2022, andTavi,asiblingrestauranttoshaya, whichopenedinCovingtonin2023. ThatsameyearitacquiredtheLarder deliinMetairie.

BrGnowruns10restaurants andhasanotherCovingtonrestaurant intheworks.—IanMcNulty/ TheTimes-Picayune

leTropical Isle 435 BOUR

TropicalIsle Original 600 BOURBON

TropicalIsle’s Bayou Club 610BOURBON

TropicalIsle 721 BOURBON

Littl RBON
HonkyTonk727 Bourbon

WINE OF T HE WEEK

SophinaUong

Earthquake Zinfandel

This rich, burlyZinfandel offers overthe top concentration and intensity thatwillleave your tastebuds trembling! Opening with luscious redfruitand brown sugar aromas, this fullbodied Zin overflows with strawberry jam, molasses and vanilla bean flavors carried through by afruit laced finish that lingers until the next quake.

DISTRIBUTEDBY

ATMISTERMAO,CHEFSOPHINAUONG DRAWSFROMCUISINESaroundthe globe,andsheandhusbandWilliam Greenwelldubtheirrestauranta “tropicalroadhouse.”OnMondays duringsummer,amixofguestchefs haveofferedtakesonbarbecueand othercuisines.OnMonday,Aug.26, uongturnstohernativeCambodia Herfamilyimmigratedfromphnom penhtosouthernCaliforniawhen shewasyoung,andtheyeventually ownedseveraldoughnutshops. uongbecameaprofessionalchef andworkedatrestaurantsinthesan FranciscoBayAreaandMinneapolis beforemovingtoNewOrleans.For “MamasanMonday,”sheoffersa shortmenuofKhmer-inspired dishesaswellastheregularmenu. Fordetailsorreservations,go tomistermaonola.com.

Howwouldyou describeCambodianfood?

SOPHINAUONG: Ihavespenttime recentlygoinghometovisitmydadin California.There’sahugeCambodian communityinLongBeach.Ihavespent alotmoretimeinthepastcoupleof yearseatingCambodianfoodand realizingit’sreallyhardtofindoutside ofLongBeach.

Cambodianfoodiskindofalost cuisine,atleastitishere.Weusealot ofsmallingredientstogetcomplex flavor.Weusemorefieryhotpeppers andherbsandspices.It’shardin southeastAsiatoclaimwhatisThai andwhatisCambodian.Laabis Cambodian,butit’sclosetotheThai borderandit’sclaimedthere.

WesharetheborderwithThailand andVietnam.BothThailandand Vietnamhavenorthernandsouthern regions,butCambodian(food)ispretty consistent.Vietnamesefoodisalittle lighter.It’sfastertocook.It’sbrighter withlimeandfreshherbs.Likewith fishsauce,theyusesaltmorethanthe Thaido.

Thetraditionofmakinglightercurries—withcoconutorlightbonebroths —andheaviermeatstewsandcurries withanarm’slengthlistofingredients todice,chop,pound,grind,shred andminceismoresharedbetween CambodiaandThailand.

Thereiscrossoverbetweenthe CambodianandLaotianfoodbecause oftheHmongpeople.Ifeelthatmy

Hmongfriendsliketheirfoodalot morefunkythanIpreferit.We’re talkingfishpasteandshrimppaste andcrabpaste. Wehavealwayshadariceflour saladthatleansintoCambodianor Laotiancuisine

Whatareyoudoing forthe“Mamasan Monday”menu?

U: Icookalotbytastememory. IcanmimicalotofthecuisinesI havehadgrowingupinsouthern CaliforniaandlivingintheBay Areafor30years AllthesoutheastAsiancountries eatnoodlesforbreakfast.Oneof thedishesthatwe’redoingistraditionallyeatenforbreakfast,butit’s moreofacelebratorynoodledish, becauseit’ssuchapainintheassto make.soit’snotmadeoften.It’s weird.It’shumble,butittakesawhile tomakethebroth.It’sinbetweena soupandnotasoup.It’scallednom banhchok.It’slemongrassy.We’re probablygoingtousedrum.You poundthefishwiththelemongrass, freshturmericandchiliesandstuff. It’sveryaromatic. Grilledlemongrassbeefisatraditionalpartyfood.It’sbeefskewers withlemongrass,fishsauceandpicklesontheside.It’sprettycommon. Youcanmakeawrapoutofitoreatit withrice.It’slikethebatmitzvahfood forCambodians.

Wehaveputthelemongrassbeef skewersorvariationsofitonthemenu (atMisterMao).rightnow,wehavea cryingtigersteakonthemenu.Wetry nottolabelwhatcountryit’sfrom.We areriffingonit.

We’remakingasavoryshrimppancakethattheVietnamesecallbanh khot.It’satinycoconut,turmericcrepe It’slikebanhxeo.It’sacrepewithbean sproutsinitandshrimporpork.

Aretheremore adventurousorunique Cambodiandishes?

U: Ifoundsomeingredientsonatrip (toLongBeach)acoupleweeksago. Ibroughtthembacktomessaround with.Ibroughtprahok.It’safishpaste madefromariverfish.It’seither saltedandchunkylikeanchovies,or it’spureed.usually,youputhotwater overitlikeit’satea,andyouwantitto disintegrateandthenyoustrainit.It’s superfunky.It’snotforeveryone. We’redoingaprahokktis,whichis groundpork,peanutsandfishpaste It’sagroundporkcurry,butyoueat itwithrawvegetables.It’slikeadip Iamdebatinghowassertivetomake it.CookingforAmericans,Itendto temperthingsdown Wemightbemakingahard-boiled eggdish.Wedothatwhenwegoto festivals.It’saCambodian-Laotian dish.It’sbarbecuedeggs.Youtake theeggandhollowitout.Youmix theeggswithfishsauceandblack pepper,andthenyouputitback intotheeggandsteamit.Then,you throwitonthegrill.Youpeelitand eatitwithagarlicky,hot,peppery shrimppaste.

Withcooking,nomatterwhatthe cuisineis,youhavetoreadyour audience.Iwantthingstobefunky andspicy,butalotofpeoplecan’t handlethat.Youhavetomakeit palatablesopeoplewilltryit

PHOTOBYCHRIS GRANGER/ THETIMES-PICAYUNE

OuttoeatisanindexofGambitcontractadvertisers.unlessnoted,addressesareforNewOrleans andallacceptcreditcards.updates:email willc@gambitweekly.comorcall(504)483-3106

AngeloBrocato’s—214N.CarrolltonAve., (504)486-1465;angelobrocatoicecream. com—ThisMid-Citysweetshopservesits owngelato,spumoni,Italianices,cannolis, biscotti,figcookies,tiramisu,macaroons andmore.Therealsoarecoffeedrinks. Noreservations.Lunchanddinner Tue.-sun $

Annunciation 1016AnnunciationSt., (504)568-0245;annunciationrestaurant. com—GulfDrumYvonneisservedwith brownbuttersaucewithmushroomsand artichokehearts.Therealsoareseafood pastadishes,steaks,lambchopsandmore. reservationsrecommended.Dinner Thu.-Mon.$$$

Bamboula’s—514FrenchmenSt.;bamboulasmusic.com—Thelivemusicvenue’s kitchenoffersamenuoftraditionalandcreativeCreoledishes,suchasCreolecrawfish crepeswithgoatcheeseandchardonnay sauce.reservationsaccepted.Lunch, dinnerandlate-nightdaily $$

TheBlueCrabRestaurantandOyster Bar—118HarborViewCourt,Slidell,(985) 315-7001;7900LakeshoreDrive,(504) 284-2898;thebluecrabnola.com Basin barbecueshrimpareservedwithrosemary garlicbuttersauceovercheesegritswitha cheesebiscuit.Themenuincludespo-poys, friedseafoodplatters,rawandchar-grilled oysters,boiledseafoodinseason,andmore. Outdoorseatingavailable.Noreservations. Lakeview:LunchanddinnerTue.-sun slidell:LunchWed.-Fri.,dinnerWed.-sun., brunchsat.-sun $$

Broussard’s—819ContiSt.,(504)5813866;broussards.com—rainbowtrout amandineisservedwithtassoandcorn macquechouxandCreolemeunieresauce BrunchincludesBenedicts,chickenand wafflesandmore.reservationsrecommended.Outdoorseatingavailable.Dinner Wed.-sat.,brunchsun.$$$ CafeNormandie—HigginsHotel,480 AndrewHigginsBlvd.,(504)528-1941;higginshotelnola.com/dining ThemenucombinesclassicFrenchdishesandLouisiana itemslikecrabbeignetswithherbaioli sandwichesincludepo-boys,amuffuletta onflatbreadandaburger.Noreservations. Breakfastandlunchdaily $$ TheCommissary—634OrangeSt.,(504) 274-1850;thecommissarynola.com A smokedturkeysandwichisservedwith bacon,tomatojam,herbedcreamcheese, arugulaandherbvinaigretteonhoneyoat bread.Themenuincludesdips,salads, sandwiches,boudinballs,friedoystersand more.Noreservations.Outdoorseating available.LunchTue.-sat.$$ Curio—301RoyalSt.,(504)717-4198; curionola.com—ThecreativeCreolemenu includesblackenedGulfshrimpservedwith chickenandandouillejambalaya.Therealso arecrabcakes,shrimpandgrits,crawfish etouffee,po-boysandmore.reservations accepted.Lunchanddinnerdaily.$$ Dahla—611O’KeefeAve.,(504)766-6602; dahlarestaurant.com—Themenuincludes popularThaidisheslikepadthai,drunken noodles,curriesandfriedrice.Crispy skinnedduckbasilispreparedwithvegetablesandThaibasil.Deliveryavailable

$—averagedinnerentréeunder$10

$$—$11-$20

$$$—$20-up

reservationsaccepted.Lunchanddinner Mon.-sat $$

DesireOysterBar—RoyalSonestaNew Orleans,300BourbonSt.,(504)586-0300; sonesta.com/desireoysterbar—Amenufull ofGulfseafoodincludeschar-grilledoysters toppedwithparmesanandherbs.Themenu alsoincludespo-boys,po-boys,gumbo, blackenedfish,friedseafoodplatters andmore.reservationsrecommended. Breakfast,lunchanddinnerdaily.$$ DickieBrennan’sBourbonHouse— 144BourbonSt.,(504)522-0111;bourbonhouse.com There’saseafoodraw barwithrawandchar-broiledoysters,fish dip,crabfingers,shrimpandmore.redfish ontheHalf-shelliscookedskin-onand servedwithcrab-boiledpotatoes,frisee andlemonbuerreblanc.reservations accepted.Lunchanddinnerdaily $$$

DickieBrennan’sSteakhouse—716 IbervilleSt.,(504)522-2467;dickiebrennanssteakhouse.com Themenuincludes avarietyofsteaks,plussearedGulffish, lobsterpasta,barbecueshrimpandmore. A6-ouncefiletmignonisservedwithfried oysters,creamedspinach,potatoesand bearnaise.reservationsrecommended DinnerMon.-sat $$$ ElPavoReal 4401S.BroadAve.,(504) 266-2022;elpavorealnola.com—Themenu includestacos,enchiladas,quesadillas, ceviche.tamalesandmore.pescadoVera CruzfeaturessauteedGulffishtoppedwith tomatoes,olives,onionandcapers,served withriceandstringbeans.Outdoorseating available.Noreservations.Lunchandearly dinnerTue.-sat $$

Juan’sFlyingBurrito 515BaronneSt., (504)529-5825;2018MagazineSt., (504)569-0000;4724S.CarrolltonAve., (504)486-9950;8140OakSt.,(504) 897-4800;juansflyingburrito.com—The FlyingBurritoincludessteak,shrimp, chicken,cheddarjackcheese,blackbeans, rice,guacamoleandsalsa.Themenualso includestacos,quesadillas,enchiladas, fajitas,nachos,saladsandmore.Outdoor seatingavailable.Noreservations.Lunch anddinnerThu.-Tue $$

Katie’sRestaurant—3701IbervilleSt., (504)488-6582;katiesinmidcity.com—The CajunCubanwithroastedpork,ham,cheese andpickles.Theeclecticmenualsoincludes char-grilledoysters,sandwiches,burgers, pizza,friedseafoodplatters,pasta,salads andmore.Deliveryavailable.reservations acceptedforlargeparties.Lunchanddinner Tue.-sun $$

Kilroy’sBar—HigginsHotel,480Andrew HigginsBlvd.,(504)528-1941;higginshotelnola.com/dining Thebarmenuincludes sandwiches,saladsandflatbreads,including onetoppedwithpeach,prosciutto,stracciatellacheese,arugulaandpecans. Noreservations.DinnerWed.-sat.$$ LegacyKitchen’sCraftTavern—700 TchoupitoulasSt.,(504)613-2350; legacykitchen.com Themenuincludes oysters,flatbreads,burgers,sandwiches, saladsandaNOLAstyleGritsBowltopped withbacon,cheddarandapoachedegg. reservationsaccepted.Breakfast,lunch anddinnerdaily $$

LegacyKitchenSteak&Chop—91 WestbankExpressway,Gretna,(504) 513-2606;legacykitchen.com Themenu includesfiletsmignonsandbone-inribeyes,aswellasburgers,saladsandseafood dishes.reservationsaccepted.Outdoor seatingavailable.Lunchanddinner Mon.-sat $$ LuzianneCafe—481GirodSt.,(504)2651972;luziannecafe.com—BoudinBenedict featurestwopoachedeggsoverboudinand anenglishmuffin,servedwithgreentomato chowchowandhollandaise.Noreservations.Deliveryavailable.Breakfastand lunchWed.-sun.$$ Mikimoto 3301S.CarrolltonAve.,(504) 488-1881;mikimotosushi.com Thesouth Carrolltonrollincludestunatataki,avocado andsnowcrab.Themenualsohasnoodle dishes,teriyakiandmore.reservations accepted.Deliveryavailable.Lunchsun.Fri.,dinnerdaily $$ Mosca’s—4137Highway90West, Westwego,(504)436-8950;moscasrestaurant.com Thisfamily-styleeateryserves Italiandishesandspecialtiesincluding chickenalagrande,shrimpMosca,baked oystersMoscaandchickencacciatore reservationsaccepted.DinnerWed.-sat Cashonly $$$

Mother’sRestaurant 401PoydrasSt., (504)523-9656;mothersrestaurant.net— Thiscounter-servicespotservespo-boys dressedwithslicedcabbageandCreole favoriteslikejambalaya,crawfishetouffee, redbeansandriceandmore.Breakfast isavailableallday.Deliveryavailable. Noreservations.Breakfast,lunchand dinnerdaily.$$

Neyow’sCreoleCafe—3332BienvilleSt., (504)827-5474;neyows.com Themenu includesredbeansandricewithfried chickenorporkchops,aswellasshrimp Creole,seafoodplatters,po-boys,chargrilledandrawoysters,saladsandmore. sideitemsincludecarrotsouffle,macand cheese,cornbreaddressing,sweetpotato totsandmore.Noreservations.Lunchdaily, dinnerMon.-sat.,brunchsun.$$ NiceGuysBar&Grill—7910EarhartBlvd., (504)302-2404;niceguysbarandgrillnola. com—Char-grilledoystersaretopped withcheeseandgarlicbutter,andother optionsincludeoystersrockefellerand loadedoysters.Thecreativemenualso includesseafoodbread,aCajun-lobster potato,wings,quesadillas,burgers,salads, sandwiches,seafoodpasta,loadedfriesand more.Noreservations.Lunchdaily,dinner Mon.-sat $$$

OrleansGrapevineWineBar&Bistro— 720OrleansAve.,(504)523-1930;orleansgrapevine.com—Thewinebaroffers cheeseboardsandappetizerstonoshwith wines.ThemenuincludesCreolepasta withshrimpandandouilleintomatocream sauce.reservationsacceptedforlarge parties.Outdoorseatingavailable.Dinner Thu.-sun $$

PalaceCafe 605CanalSt.,(504)5231661;palacecafe.com—ThecontemporaryCreolemenuincludescrabmeat cheesecakewithmushroomsandCreole meunieresauce.Outdoorseatingavailable. reservationsrecommended.Breakfastand lunchWed.-Fri.,dinnerWed.-sun.,brunch sat.-sun $$$

ParishGrill—4650W.EsplanadeAve.,Suite 100,Metairie,(504)345-2878;parishgrill

com—Themenuincludesburgers,sandwiches,pizzaandsauteedandouillewith figdip,bluecheeseandtoastpoints. reservationsaccepted.Lunchanddinner Mon.-sat $$

PeacockRoom—KimptonHotelFontenot, 501TchoupitoulasSt.,(504)324-3073; peacockroomnola.com—Atbrunch,braised shortribgrilladesareservedovergritswith mushrooms,apoachedeggandshaved truffle.reservationsaccepted.Dinner Wed.-Mon.,brunchsun.$$ Rosie’sontheRoof HigginsHotel, 480AndrewHigginsBlvd.,(504)5281941;higginshotelnola.com/dining The rooftopbarhasamenuofsandwiches, burgersandsmallplates.Crabbeignetsare madewithGulfcrabmeatandmascarpone andservedwithherbaioli.Noreservations.Dinnerdaily.$$ Tableau 616St.PeterSt.,(504)9343463;tableaufrenchquarter.com—The menufeaturestraditionalandcreative Creoledishes.pastabouillabaissefeatures squidinkmafaldine,littleneckclams,Gulf shrimp,squid,seafoodbroth,rouilleand herbedbreadcrumbs.Outdoorseating availableonthebalcony.reservations recommended.DinnerWed.-sun., brunchThu.-sun $$$ Tacklebox—817CommonSt.,(504) 827-1651;legacykitchen.com Themenu includesrawandchar-broiledoysters, seafoodplatters,po-boys,friedchicken, crabandcornbisqueandmore.redfishst Charlesisservedwithgarlic-herbbutter, asparagus,mushroomsandcrawfishcornbread.reservationsaccepted.Breakfast, lunchanddinnerdaily.$$

Theo’sNeighborhoodPizza—1212S. ClearviewParkway,Elmwood,(504) 733-3803;2125VeteransMemorial Blvd.,Metairie,(504)510-4282;4024 CanalSt.,(504)302-1133;4218Magazine St.,(504)894-8554;70488Highway21, Covington,(985)234-9420;theospizza. com—AMarilynnpotasupremepieis toppedwithmozzarella,pepperoni, sausage,hamburger,mushrooms,bell peppersandonions.Therealsoaresalads, sandwiches,wings,breadsticksandmore. Deliveryavailable.Lunchanddinner Tue.-sat $

Tito’sCeviche&Pisco—1433St.Charles Ave.,(504)354-1342;5015Magazine St.,(504)267-7612;titoscevichepisco.com

Theperuvianmenuincludesseveral typesofceviche,aswellassteakand seafooddishes.Traditionallomosaltado featuressauteedbeeftenderlointips, onions,tomatoes,soysauceandpisco, servedwithpotatoesandrice.Outdoor seatingavailableonMagazinestreet. Deliveryavailable.reservations accepted.LunchanddinnerMon.-sat., brunchsun.$$$

TheVintage—3121MagazineSt.,(504) 324-7144;thevintagenola.com—There’sa fullcoffeedrinksmenuandbakedgoodsand beignets,aswellasafullbar.Themenuhas flatbreads,cheeseboards,smallplatesand apressedveggiesandwichwithavocado, onions,arugula,redpepperandpepper jackcheese.Noreservations.Deliveryand outdoorseatingavailable.Breakfast,lunch anddinnerdaily.$$

Love of the orF CoffeeCoffee Crawl

AUGUST19-SEPTEMBER2

Getready forabrew-tifultwo-week adventureatyourown pace with ourCoffee Crawl! ExploreNOLA’slocal coffeeshops from August19toSeptember2 andindulge in your favorite brews forachanceto WIN!

HOWTOPARTICIPATE:

1. Visitthe participatingcoffee shopslistedinour guide.

2. Snap aphoto whileyou’rethere! Whetherit’saselfie with your cuporapicture of your coffee with theshopinview, make it fun!

3. Submit your photos by emailing them to vip@gambitweekly.com

OR sharethemonInstagram, tagging@gambitneworleans by Monday,September2,2024.

Complete allthe stopsonthe crawlfor achancetowin our GrandPrize: theMoccamaster KBGVSelectmodelhome brewingsystem, plus FREE VIPentry foryou andaguest to theNOLACoffee Festival on September27-28!

Participants whotakepartinthe crawlbut don’tfinish allthe stops will stillbeeligiblefor additional prizes.These includeaticketto theNOLACoffee Festival,gift cardsfromparticipating coffee shops, andmore! Your prizes will depend on howmanyshops you visitand thephotosyou submit So,the more youdiscover, the higher your chancesofwinning

Questions?Email vip@gambitweekly.com

EvolveCoffee+Matcha

400HARRISONAVE., NEWORLEANS,LA70124

3304WESPLANADE AVENSTE B7, METAIRIE,LA70002

EVOLVECOFFEENOLA.COM

Evolve Coffee+Matcha, locatedinLakeview andMetairie, offerspremium ceremonial gradematchaand sustainablysourced coffeefromMojoCoffee

CurrentCrop

3931MAGAZINE ST., NEWORLEANS,LA70115

CURRENTCROPROASTING.COM

Coffeeloverscan explorehands-onworkshops rangingfrombrewing basics androasting techniques to coffeecocktails andpastrypairings.

CaféBonAmi

822PERDIDO ST.,UNIT E NEWORLEANS,LA70112

CAFEBONAMI.COM

LocatedinNew Orleans’ CBD, Café BonAmi offersexpertlybrewedcoffee,locally made pastries,and deliciousdishesin amodernatmospherefor meetingfriends

FORTHE LOVE OF COFFEECRAWL

TwelfthNightCoffee

628N RAMPARTST., NEWORLEANS,LA70112

TWELFTHNIGHTCOFFEE.COM

TwelfthNight Coffeeisacozy, French Quartercaféhighlightingespresso, matcha andpastrieswhile celebrating itsNew Orleansheritage. Tryarich Café au Lait or refreshing NewOrleans Iced Coffeewithchicory!

LowerCoastCoffee

4228MAGAZINE ST, NEWORLEANS,LA70115

LOWERCOASTCOFFEE.COM

LowerCoastCoffeeoffersthevibrant flavorsofNewOrleanswithcrafted espressodrinks,coldbrew,matcha,and flavoredtea.Thecaféisopendailyfrom 7a.m.to5:30p.m.andhostsChildren’s StoryTimeeverySaturdayat9:30a.m.

NOLABeans

762HARRISONAVE., NEWORLEANS,LA70124

NOLABEANS.COM

NolaBeans,inLakeview,isnowunder newownership.NewownerAllisonis enhancingthemenu,drinkselections, andservicequality.NolaBeans embodiesaloveforreading,localart, andgeekyhobbies,servingasasafe andwelcomingspace.

Hey!Cafe

4300SDERBIGNYST., NEWORLEANS,LA70125

HEYCAFE.BIZ

Hey! Cafe,located in Historic Broadmoor, hasactivelysupported NewOrleans’creativeculture by facilitating aspiritedhospitality setting andhosting artand musichappenings.

TheCoffeehouse

3700PARISRD., CHALMETTE,LA70043

THECOFFEEHOUSEARABI.COM

TheCoffeehousecreates awelcoming environment forall customers. Visitors canenjoy avariety of hot, iced, or blendeddrinks, alongwith signaturecoldbrews andteas. The Coffeehouse offersdine-in drive-thru, mobile orders

TrumpetandDrum

3642MAGAZINE ST, NEWORLEANS,LA70115

@TRUMPETANDDRUM

TrumpetandDrumCoffeeoffersunique menuitemslikethePB&JLatte,Blackberry CreamColdBrew,BlueberryMatcha, &more!Thecaféalsocultivatesasense ofcommunity,withavarietyofseating options,cozyrooms,andacharming gardenpatiointheback

UndergrowthCoffee

4332MAGAZINE ST, NEWORLEANS,LA70115

UNDERGROWTHCOFFEE.COM

UndergrowthCoffee Shop and Roasterieisone of NewOrleans premierLGBTQ-operatedcafeand restaurants. Trythe 100% vegan CoconutNectarlatte,madewith house-recipecoconut milk

LuzianneCafe

481GIROD ST., NEWORLEANS,LA,7013O LUZIANNECAFE.COM

At Luzianne Café,inthe heartof theWarehouse District,savor their signaturecoffee andtea,refreshing mimosas, andother delightful drinks alongsideall-day breakfastand lunchfavorites

PirateKingCoffee

320EXCHANGEPL, NEWORLEANS,LA70130

@PIRATEKINGCOFFEE

Travelbacktoasimplertime,theearly 1800’sFrenchQuarter~NewOrleans. Closeyoureyes,smellthericharoma, takeasipandexploreoneofour perfectlybalanced,Frenchroastcoffee blends .Çac’estbon!

GospelCoffee

501TCHOUPITOULAS ST., NEWORLEANS,LA70130

GOSPELCOFFEENOLA.COM

Locatedinthe KimptonHotel Fontenot in theCBD,GospelCoffee andBoozy Treats is aplayful cafe with some heart andsoul. It’s aplace forgood coffee alongsidecheekytreatslikeboozeinfusedshakesand frozencustard with allthe fixings

PJ’sCoffee

PJSCOFFEE.COM

Awarmcup of PJ’s Coffee, located in NewOrleans,offers avariety of hotdrinks, organicteas, andiced beveragesmadewithoriginalcold brew.PJ’sservesonlythe top1% of specialtyArabica beansfor a gourmetcoffee experience

CharleyCrockett

AmericanamusicianCharleyCrockett isanirrepressiblesongwriter.He’s releasedmorethanadozenfull-length albumssince2015,including“$10 Cowboy”anditssequel“Visionsof Dallas”justinthelastfewmonths. Andwhilehe’sbeenaforcebubblingincountrymusic’sinnercircles, Crockett’srecentreleaseshavestarted togivehimmorespotlight.Heplaysa mixofclassiccountry,bluesandsoul hecalls“Gulf&Western,”influenced bythesoundsheheardgrowingupin southTexas,DallasandNewOrleans, wherehespentsummersbuskingin theFrenchQuarter.Crockettreturnsto NewOrleansat7:30p.m.Friday,Aug 30,atTheFillmore.Ticketsare$47.50 viafillmorenola.com.

JamesSingleton, PhilDegruy&Sasha

ElliahnaDurta

NewOrleansbassistJamesSingleton andguitaristPhilDeGruyresurrect theirunpredictableduocollaboration foranuncommonshowat8p.m. Wednesday,Aug.28,atZeitgeist Theatre&Lounge.Theconcertwill alsofeatureup-and-comingvocalistsashaelliahnaDurta,aNOCCA alumandmusicaltheaterstudentat Northwesternuniversity,singingin duoswithbothsingletonandDeGruy Admissionisfree.Findmoreinfo atzeitgeistnola.org.

BigCouchBinge

NewOrleansimprovcomedygroup

BigCouchcelebratesitsfirstyear initsphysicalspaceonDesirestreet withatwo-nightbingeofimprovisationalcomedy,stand-up,sketches, plays,filmandmore.Theshowwill changeevery30minutestoshowcase bothnewworksandpiecesthathave beenperformedoverthelastyear. TheBigCouchBingetakesplaceat6 p.m.Friday,Aug.30,andsaturday, Aug.31.Ticketsare$25pernight or$40forboth.Findmoreinfo atlinktr.ee/bigcouchnola.

TheQuickening

NewOrleans’funky,cosmicrock bandTheQuickeningclosesout Tipitina’sFreeFridayssummerseries onAug.30.Brass-fueledfunksters AllThatopenat9p.m.Findmore infoattipitinas.com.

AnaisSt.John

ChanteuseAnaisSt.Johnhaslent hervoicetoeverythingfromjazzand bluestoopera.Theactressisalso

ARTS &ENTERTAINMENT

knownfortributescelebratingpopular divas.sheperformsmusicbyTina Turner,including“proudMary”and “What’sLoveGottoDowithIt,”on Friday,Aug.30,attheDoubleDealer, theloungeattheOrpheumTheater. Andshereturnswithafive-pieceband torevisitthediscoandsoulsoundsof Donnasummeronsaturday,Aug.31 showsareat8p.m.Tickets$20 viaeventbrite.com.

ProjectDiscovery

Organizedbytheglblwrmng collective,ProjectDiscoverybrings togetherNewOrleansDJstoplay mixesfeaturingnewmusicbylocal artists.Thenexteditionofproject DiscoveryfeaturespellowTalk (hip-hopartistpell’sDJproject), DJMadspinnz,DJrQAwayanda surpriseguestperformance.At8p.m. Friday,Aug.30,attheDewDropInn. AdmissionisfreewithrsVp viadewdropinnnola.com.

AlStewart

Scottishsinger-songwriterAl Stewartwaspartofthefolkrevival intheu.K.inthe1960sand’70s Hissoftrockhit“TheYearofthe Cat”tookitsnamefromareference totheVietnamesezodiac,though itwasreleasedin1976,ayearof thedragon.stewartmovedtoLos Angelesafteritsreleaseandfollowed upwiththepopularalbum“Time passages.”Currently,heoften performswiththeemptypockets. Forthisshow,he’sjoinedbyacouple ofemptypocketsmembersandsaxophonist/flutistChaseHuna.At7:30 p.m.saturday,Aug.31,atJefferson performingArtsCenter.Ticketsstart at$45viaticketmaster.com

ShakeDat

DJsKellyGreenandRustyLazer curateanightofbounce,hip-hop, Afrobeatandothersounds.At10p.m. sunday,sept.1,attherabbitHole. Ticketsare$5viarabbitholenola.com and$10atthedoor.

RosieTran

ComedianRosieTranhadherown specialinanNBCstand-upseries andstarredintheshortseries “ABrandNewYay!”shealsohosts aninterviewpodcast(“Outofthe Box”)aswellaspodcastsaboutsex edandcrypto.she’sjoinedbyryan rogersandMarkCaesarforashow at7p.m.Thursday,Aug.29,at ComedyHouse.Tickets$20via comedyhousenola.com.

Baked Chicken glazed with chunky sweetjalapeño peach sauceand yellow rice

Smoked Brisketwith Blackberry JalapeñoBbq Sauce smotheredgreen beans andbaked macaroni BraisedShort Ribs with au gratin potatoes andsmotheredgreen beans

Sesame CrustedTunaAppetizer served overgarlicchilli sauceand thin sliced cucumbersdrizzledwith eel sauce FriedFishTacos with fireroasted jalapeñocitrus salsaservedwith yellowrice

Salmon toppedwith fire roasted jalapeñocitrussalsa served with yellow rice andsmotheredgreen beans

FOrCOMpLeTe MusIC LIsTINGs ANDMOreeVeNTsTAKING pLACe IN THe NeWOrLeANs AreA, VIsIT CALENDAR.GAMBITWEEKLY.COM

Tolearnmoreaboutaddingyourevent tothemusiccalendar,pleaseemail listingsedit@gambitweekly.com

MONDAY26

BAMBOULAS JonronierBand,5:30 pm;LesGetrexandCreoleCooking,9pm

BJ'SLOUNGEBYWATER—Alex McMurray&GlenHartman,9pm

BOURBONOBAR—rickBerthod,8pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZCLUB MatineeAllstarBand,1pm;TinMen, 5pm;richard"piano"scottand Friends,8pm

TUESDAY27

BAMBOULAS—J.J.andtheA-OKs, 5:30pm;CaitieB.andTheHandMe Downs,9pm

BOURBONOBAR—IngridLuccia,8pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZCLUB— richard“piano”scott,1pm;BlueHorn JazzBand,5pm;FritzelsAllstarBandw/ Jamilsharif,8pm

THERABBITHOLE—rebirthBrass Band,8pm

WEDNESDAY28

BAMBOULAS—CalebNelsonandHis Hot5,5:30pm;TheQueenand Friendz,9pm

BLUENILE—NewBreedBrass Band,9:30pm

BOURBONOBAR—streetLyfe Band,8pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZCLUB— richard“piano”scott,1pm;Bourbon streetstars,5pm;FritzelsAllstarBand w/KevinrayClark,8pm

PRYTANIATHEATRESATCANALPLACE philipMelancon,7pm

THEGOAT—VisceraTrail,Ancient entities,Teratoma,Konstricted,9pm

THURSDAY29

BAMBOULAS—ChristinaKaminisand TheMix,5:30pm;WolfeJohn'sBlues Band,9pm

BLUENILE—WhereY'atBrass Band,9pm

BOURBONOBAR—Xcitement Band,8pm

DEUTSCHESHAUS—Jefferson CommunityBandConcert,7pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZCLUB

richard“piano”scott,12:30pm;Doyle CooperBand,2:30pm;Johnsaavedra Band,6pm;FritzelsAllstarBandw/ KevinrayClark,8pm

PEACOCKROOM,HOTELFONTENOT—

DaLovebirdswithrobinBarnesandpat Casey,8pm

ROCK'N'BOWL LeroyThomas&the Zydecoroadrunners,8pm

FRIDAY30

BAMBOULAS—FelipeAntonioQuinteto, 1:15pm;LesGetrexandCreoleCooking, 6:30pm;Bettisand3rdDegreeBrass Band,10pm

BJ'SLOUNGEBYWATER—eggYolk Jubilee+ConcreteConfetti,9pm

BLUENILE TheCaesarBrothers FunkBox,8pm;Kermitruffinsandthe Barbecueswingers,11pm

BOURBONOBAR—ellensmith&April spain,4pm

CARROLLTONSTATION—Mia Borders,7pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZCLUB

—richard"piano"scott,12:30pm; MatineeAllstarBandw/rossHoppe,

DwayneBurns,2:30pm;FritzelsAllstar Bandw/KevinrayClark,9pm

NOLABREWING Marcstone,Marilyn Barbarin,sunpie,KeikoKomaki,7pm

ROCK'N'BOWL—L.A.roxx,8:30pm

SANTOS Healthgoth,Nuddie piper,9pm

SATURDAY31

BAMBOULAS—TheJaywalkers,1:15pm; paggyprineandsouthernsoul,10pm

BLUENILE—GeorgeBrownBand,8pm

BOURBONOBAR—TiffanyHallAnd TheJazzMasters,4pm;TheBlues Masters,8pm

COURTYARDBREWERY—sariyah Idan,7pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZCLUB— MatineeAllstarBand,1pm;steve DetroyBand,2:30pm;Bourbon MatineeAllstarBandw/Chuck Brackman,6pm;FritzelsAllstarBand w/Jamilsharif,9pm

EggYolkJubileeplays BJ’sAug.30.

PHOTOBYMATTHEW PERSCHALL / THETIMES-PICAYUNE

NOLABREWING NoahYoungTriofeat. MahmoudChouki,7pm

PRYTANIATHEATRESATCANAL PLACE—philipMelancon,7pm

ROCK'N'BOWL—Mojeaux,8:30pm SATURNBAR—Daria&theHipDrops withsweetMagnolia,10pm

SUNDAY1

BJ'SLOUNGEBYWATER— JamesMcClaskeyandtherhythm Band,9pm

Adoseofhumor

STEVENGILLESPIEWORKED

INTECHBEFOREHEQUITtodo comedyfulltime.Butsome techseemstostillbeonhis mind.Inaclippostedonhis Instagrampage,hewarnsthe audienceabouttheconsequencesofhumansmaking sexrobots.

“Whentherobotstakeover, doyouthinkthey’regoingto forgetallaboutthat?”hesays “Doyouthinkthey’rejustgoing toletthatgo?”

Therobotsaregoingtoflip thescriptandturnpeopleinto sexhumans,hewarns.You’ll findyourselfsittinginthecornerofabedroomwhilearobot coupleargues.Inacomically retroimpressionofstiff-armed robotsdroninginearlycomputervoice-simulationtones, heconjuresadomesticsquabblebetweentwoandroids fightingoverwhytheygotasex humaninthefirstplace.

nightinadifferentpartofthevenue

“Youneverletmebehappy,”one robotbleeps.“I’mgoingtoactivate self-destruction.”

“Youalwaysthreatentoactivate self-destruction,”theothersays.“You don’thavethecircuitboards.Justlike yourfather.”

GillespieiscomingtoNewOrleans thisweekfortwoshowsatJunk Draweronsunday,sept.1.There’s alittlebitoftechinvolved,butit’san installmentofhisnewmind-opening projectofDoseshows

Doseshowssetthemoodforloversof psychedeliaandtrippyvibes

GillespieisbringingaDJfromDenver, andthey’llbejoinedbylocalcomics BenjaminHoffman,Kamaristevens, MichaelGlavianoandMary-Devon Dupuy.Theenvironmentisapsychedelic-friendlycrashpad,completewith tie-dyetapestries,lightandsound effectsandmore.TheDJwillplaymusic foranhourbeforethecomediansstart, offeringsoundscapesthroughout.

“Idoalotofriffingoffthecuff,improvisationalstuff,especiallywiththeDJ,” Gillespiesays.“There’safairamountof materialthatisinmyregularstand-up shows,andthere’smaterialthatworks inthatsetting.everynightisdifferent, andwetrytobeinthemomentwithit.”

Gillespiecreatedtheserieslastyear inhishomebaseofDenver.sincethen, he’sdoneDoseshowsfromseattleto pittsburgh.Inseattle,theshowwasin themusicvenuetheCrocodile,where therewasaravegoingonthesame

Gillespiewasdrawntocomedywhen hewasgrowingupinMinnesota,listeningtoeverythingfromGeorgeCarlin’s sharphumortoBrianregan’sclean comedytoGallagher’ssilliness.He startedmoonlightingatlocalcomedy clubswhileworkingadayjobandthen switchedtocomedyfulltime.

AfternineyearshemovedtoLos Angelestojumpintothestand-up scenethere.Hehasperformedonlate nightTVshowsandhasreleasedthree albums,includingthemostrecent one,2021’s“LiminalBliss”onHelium Comedyrecords.

Onstage,Gillespieoftenlooksabit disheveled,withtousledhairandashort beard.Hishumorisoftenself-deprecating.“LiminalBliss”includesjokes abouthisgirlfriendcallinghimabeta maleinthemiddleofaminorcrisis.

“shecalledmethattomyface,”he says,withmocksurprise.“Buttobefair, that’sexactlyhowyou’dtellsomebody they’reabetamale.”

Gillespieandhisgirlfriendmovedto Denverduringthepandemic.Hewas alreadyestablishedtherefromtouring, anditbecameafriendlyenvironment tolaunchhisDoseshows,particularly withthestate’snumerousdispensaries. psychedelicsaren’tdistributedthere, buttheyaredecriminalizedinColorado. StevenGillespieperformsat7& 9p.m.Sunday,Sept.1,atJunk Drawer.Ticketsare$25viaeventbrite. com.Formoreinformation,goto @comicgillespieonInstagram

PHOTOPROVIDEDBYSTEVE GILLESPIE
879HICKORY AVE| HarahanLA

Californiaqueen

INHER2022COMEDYSPECIAL“HAM MOUTH,”AMYMILLERBRINGSUPthe frustrationsofthepandemic. shesaysshetoowasstuckinsidewith a“littleone.”

ButMillerisn’ttalkingaboutchildren. shejusthadareallyyoungboyfriend atthetime.Heeventuallywentoffto college,orsothejokegoes.

she’scurrentlyworkingonmaterial foranewspecial,andshe’sinNew Orleansthisweekfortwonightsof showsatJunkDraweronAug.30-31 Milleroftenjokesaboutkidsandher daysasateacher.In“HamMouth,”she tellsastoryaboutbeingmessedwithby ayoungboywhileshewasflirtingwitha substituteteacherintheclassroom.

AftergrowingupinOakland, California,Millerstudiedsocialwork andendedupteaching “Iwassupposedtobeasocial worker,”shesays,“Theskillsets overlapforsure.sometimestalking toaroomofdrunkadultsfeelslikea kindergartenclass.They’rechemically

unsettled,can’tfocusandhaveno respectforyou.”

shegotalatestartinstand-up, shesays,notreallygettingonstage untilshewas30.shealmostdidn’t doitatall.

“Ihadafriendwhowantedtotryit,” Millersays.“shepeerpressuredmeinto tryingitwithher.Wewerehavingfun withtheprocessofwritingjokeswith eachother.Itwentprettywell.she’s nowaprincipalinCincinnati.”

Millerbecamearegularatplaceslike sanFrancisco’sBrainWash,alaundromatwithabarandstand-up.she decidedtopursuecomedy,butshe knewshewasn’treadyforLosAngeles. shewantedtobeinacitywithabigger comedyscenewhereshecouldgeton stagealot,andsheendedupchoosing portland,Oregon.

shequicklybecameoneofthecity’s favoritecomics,twicebeingnamed topcomicbythearea’sweeklypaper. There’sstillapaintedportraitofherin thecomedyclubHelium.

Thoughshethinks ofherselfasaBay Areacomic,many associateherwith portland,inpart becausethatwas identifiedasher homeduringher timeonthefinalseasonofNBC’s“LastComicstanding.”

ButMilleronlylivedinportland forthreeyears.shejumpedintoLos Angeles’comedyscenein2016. shefoundherwayonstageattop clubsandadjustedtoLosAngelesand tellingjokestoentertainmentfiguresof allsortsatplacesliketheComedystore.

“Therewasaguyfrom‘90Day Fiance’inthefrontrow,”shesays.“It wasafunnymomentofaskingabouthis relationshipandthenbeinglike‘Oh,I actuallyknowagreatdealaboutit.’It’s alwaysfunnyseeingsomeoneandbeing like,‘Whatareyoudoinghere?’”

Thepandemicinterruptedthings, butshealsousedthetimetodevelop

someofthematerialfor hertwo2022projects,“HamMouth”for ComedyCentralandthe album“CaliforniaKing.” shetravelstoNew Yorkasoftenaspossible toperformatComedy Cellarvenues,andshe toursregularly.ButshealsoistargetingtheopportunitiesavailableinLos Angeles,especiallyonTVwhetherit’s acting,voiceoverorwritingprojects. Andevenwiththeworkatclubs,living intheentertainmentmeccarequires plentyofhustle

“It’sprettywildhowmuchunpaid workwedoinaweek,”shesays.“It’s like,‘Ididn’ttechnicallymakeany moneythisweek,butIdidfourpodcastsformyfriends.’”

AmyMillerperformsat7&9p.m.Friday, Aug.30,andSaturday,Aug.31,atJunk Drawer.Ticketsare$25viaeventbrite. com.ForinformationaboutMiller,visit amymillercomedy.com

Children'sPrograms

Sprouts: Childrenunder 5and their parents/ caretakersmeetinour interactiveDiscovery Garden forearly childhood enrichment.

VueCrew: Kids ages 5to10learn gardening techniques, makenature-based art, and exploretheirconnectiontothe naturalworld.

PREMIER CROSSWORD PUZZLE

FLAVOR NOT TO SAVOR

ACROSS

1Film blooper compilation

8Illinois and Iowa’s trees

12“Bali --”

15Bushy hairdos, for short

19“Stephen,” in Paris

20Cookie often twisted apart

21Boat mover

22Engrossed

23Start of a riddle

26Concerning

27Mil title

28Lysol target

29D.C. insider

30Contribute one’s share

32Kitchen pests

34Starts litigation

39Stop on

40Riddle, part 2

44“ Misérables”

45Taking way too much, in brief

46Loud weather events, for short

47Inner city, informally

50Leopard markings

53“Eso --” (Paul Anka song)

54Riddle, part 3

64Cave effect

65Bovine beast

66Celebrity astrologer

Sydney

67Omit, as a vowel

68College head

69Acrobats’ springy apparatuses

733/15, e.g.

74Map book

76Artist Dufy or film director Walsh

77Critical hosp. area

78Lock lips

79Riddle, part 4

84Tiny charged things

85“It wouldn’t first time”

86Poppa

3BR,2BAHomeon QuietBlock.Enter intoaLovelySun Room.Architectural FeaturesincldOrig WoodFloors& PictureMoulding inLivingAreas& Bdrms.LargeDenw/BuiltinBookshelves&Lotsof NaturalLight.HugeBdrmon2ndFloor.Driveway& Carport.LrgBackyardw/Patio&HotTub.Location provideseasyaccesstoUptown,Downtown&1-10 $465,000

87Intraparty rifts

91Vast South American plain

95Football coach Parseghian

97End of the riddle

104 Awaken

105 Arizona waterway with the Roosevelt Dam

106 Vikings’ tale, perhaps

107 Novelist Hemingway

109 Original “King Kong” studio

110 Cast forth

113 Moose’s kin

114 Art gallery in London

115 Riddle’s answer

121 Drummer Burke or pitcher Labine

122 Iraq export

123 Full of zeal

124 Before now

125 The lady’s

126 Norm: Abbr.

127 Sort

128 Lutz or axel performers

DOWN

1Showy trinket

2Wisdom deity

3Behemoths

4On Soc. Security, e.g.

5Prefix with skeleton

6Writer Blyton

7Made the first move

8“Impressive!”

9Consist of

10Pub barrel

11“The meal is ready!”

12“-- at the Moon” (1951 Hank Williams song)

13Partner of 8-Down

14 -Z (‘80s Camaro)

15“Yep, alas”

16More hoarse

17Ideal condition

18High-minded sorts?

24Duet plus one

25Juvenile

31Must exist

33Longtime NBC show inits.

35Unconfined

36“77 Sunset Strip” actor Byrnes

Entertainer’s

3BD/2.5BA,2-Story, HomeisCraftedfrom 8WeldedContainers w/aSteelL-beam Framing&MetalRoof Floor-to-CeilingGlass Windows&Porcelain Floors.OpenConcept, MeticulouslyDesigned CustomKitchen. PlentyofNat’lLight.SlidingDoorsOpentoEntertainer’s Bkyd.LotsofEnergyEfficiencyUpgrades.Everydetail exudeselegance&functionality.GatedDrivewayfor2 cars!LocationprovideseasyaccesstoUptown,CBD,Fr Quarter,I-10&WestBank $549,000

37Biol. or anat.

38Schlepped

41Composer/pianist John

42Facet

43Actress Rae of “Vengeance”

47Employed for the purpose of

48Head for very quickly

49So as to be 50% less

51 about (around)

52Hinders

53Detective Phil Fish’s wife on “Fish”

55Achieved victory in

56Sitting on the world

57Love, in Paris

58“ER” actor Eriq La 59Prefix with cycle or state

60“This pleases me!”

61Cleaned a little, with “up”

62Texas or Ukraine city

63Owned (up)

70Actress West

71Genuine, in Germany

72Of a similar kind to 75Rustling sounds

80Place to live

81Tech. schools

82Channel for hoops fans

83Zeus’ wife

87Elongate

88Hymn with harmonies

89Poltergeist, e.g.

90“Evidently ...”

91Oompah band music

92Coin-op cafeteria

93Bus. bigwig

94Letter after upsilon

96Reactions to cute babies

98Maude’s partner in a 1971 film

99Intrusive plant

100 Military forces

101 Edmund Spenser’s “The Queene”

102 More hideous

103 Los Angeles hoops team

108 “Terrible” time for tots

111 Writer Dinesen

112 Reid of “Sharknado”

116 #1 song, e.g.

117 Climbing vine

118 Pointer

119 Lofty poem

120 Diner sandwich, for short

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