Gambit: August 25, 2020

August 25-31, 2020 Volume 41 // Number 32

BULLETIN BOARD

G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M > AU G U S T 2 5 - 3 1 > 2 0 2 0

2

Lane Lacoy Historic Home Specialist

Asociate Broker/Realtor®

1020 ESPLANADE AVE. #301

FRENCH QUARTER PENTHOUSE $589,000 SALE • $2,400/MO LEASE Cool 2-level condo, 2 BR, 1.5 BA, LR/DR, Den, PRIVATE BALCONY & TERRACE, in-ground pool, lushly landscaped brick patio area, gated off-street parking.

Why remove your old bathroom and kitchen fixtures?

RE-GLAZE THEM!

CERAMIC TILE FORMICA CAST IRON C U LT U R E D M A R B L E FIBERGLASS

504-957-5116 • 504-948-3011 840 Elysian Fields Ave N.O., LA 70117

www.lanelacoy.com - ljlacoy@latterblum.com

CLEANING SERVICE

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL AFTER CONSTRUCTION CLEANING SANITIZING/DISINFECTING LIGHT/GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING HEAVY DUTY CLEANING

Susana Palma

lakeviewcleaningllc@yahoo.com Fully Insured & Bonded

504-250-0884 504-309-6662

504-348-1770

MJ’s Fall Flare NOW

Lakeview

Locally owned & serving the New Orleans area for over 30 years

NOW OFFERING MILITARY, VETERAN, FIRST RESPONDER AND SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNTS

-5 & Sat. 10-3 OPEN Mon.- Fri. 10

Fall Masks $8.99 ea.

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

MOST JOBS DONE IN HOURS

708 BARATARIA BLVD. |

southernrefinishing.com

CERTIFIED FIBERGLASS TECHNICIAN

Immigration. Criminal Law. Traffic Tickets

ONLINE ONLY AUCTION SEPTEMBER 29-30 Fall Flags $15.99

MJ’s 1513 Metairie Rd. 835-6099

METAIRIE SHOPPING CENTER MJSMETAIRIE • mjsofmetairie.com

Cristina’s

Family owned and operated since 1996

Cleaning Service

135+ STRUCTURES & RESIDENTIAL LOTS THROUGHOUT NEW ORLEANS

ALL PROPERTIES WILL SELL SUBJECT TO MINIMUM BIDS STARTING AT $4,000!

Don’t go to court without an Attorney Call Eugene Redmann 504.834.6430 Se Habla Espanol www.redmannlawnola.com

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

GARDEN DISTRICT BIDDING BEGINS: Tues., Sept. 29 at 8:00 a.m. (CST) BIDDING CONCLUDES: Wed., Sept. 30 Between 12:00 (noon) & 7:00 p.m. (CST)

Fernando Palacios, 504.233.0063 HilcoRealEstate.com/NORA Hilco Real Estate, LLC, in cooperation with Paul A. Lynn, CCIM Broker, Lic. #76068-ACT; Paul A. Lynn, LA Auctioneer, Lic. #2027.

1/2 BLOCK TO MAGAZINE

1 & 2 bedrooms available in ideal location and ROOMS BY THE MONTH with PRIVATE BATH. All utilities included monthly. Call 504-202-0381 for appointment.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

MISSISSIPPI WATERFRONT LOT, 5 ACRES CLEARED, New Arbor Lake Community, Poplarville, MS. Restrictive covenants. Includes a large perch pond. 50 min from Slidell and Covington. ajsavoie99@gmail.com 504-908-2315.

to place your ad in the

Let our crew help you with all your cleaning needs!

• Disinfecting/Sanitation Services Available • • General House Cleaning • • After Construction Cleaning • Residential & Commercial • Licensed & Bonded

504-232-5554 cristinascleaningnola@gmail.com

GAMBIT EXCHANGE

call 486-5900

3 G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M > Au g u st 2 5 - 3 1 > 2 0 2 0

FRESHEST CATCH

THE FOR THE ULTIMATE SUMMER DISH

CHOOSE FROM A LARGE SELECTION OF FRESH FISH & SHRIMP TO MAKE A LIGHT, REFRESHING CEVICHE. 1 pound fresh, local fish, diced 1 pound fresh, local shrimp, poached & diced 1 cup lime juice 1/3 cup orange juice 1 tablespoon honey 1 pound tomatoes, diced 1 sweet onion, diced 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped 1 -2 jalapeno peppers, seeded & finely chopped 1–2 avocados, diced 1 tablespoons olive oil Salt to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

Whisk together lime juice, orange juice & honey.

Place fish & shrimp in large bowl. Pour mixture over seafood. Cover & refrigerate for about 4 hours.

GARDEN DISTRICT

METAIRIE

RIVER RIDGE

CHALMETTE

www.breauxmart.com

In a separate bowl, combine tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, cilantro & olive oil. Stir in marinated seafood & add salt to taste. Gently stir in diced avocado before serving. Serve with tortilla chips.

G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M > Au g u st 2 5 - 3 1 > 2 02 0

4

CONTENTS

AUG. 25 — 31, 2020 VOLUME 41 | NUMBER 32 NEWS

OPENING GAMBIT

6

COMMENTARY 8 BLAKE PONTCHARTRAIN 8 CLANCY DUBOS

ROSES $8 / DOZEN

FEATURES

CASH CASH & & CARRY CARRY

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 5 EAT + DRINK

BACK TO SCHOOL SC OO

GOING OUT

EXCHANGE 35

CURBSIDE, DELIVERY, & OUTDOOR SEATING Tues- Sun Lunch 11:30am-2:30pm Dinner 4:30pm - 9pm

@The_Gambit @gambitneworleans

Order at LotusBistroNOLA.com Or Call (504) 533-9879

@GambitNewOrleans

203 W. HARRISON AVE.

11

MAMA MIA

4445 W. METAIRIE AVE. (504) 533-9998

NEAR CLEARVIEW PKWY

Publisher | JEANNE EXNICIOS FOSTER

EDITORIAL

OPEN FOR DINNER TUES - SAT • 5:30PM - 10PM VALET AVAILABLE

Advertising Inquiries (504) 483-3150

Editor | JOHN STANTON

Advertising Director | SANDY STEIN BRONDUM

Political Editor | CLANCY DUBOS Arts & Entertainment Editor | WILL COVIELLO Contributing Writers | IAN MCNULTY

MATH MADE EASY!

40% OFF

ALL Shoes + HALF of the store!

Use code BACKTOSCHOOL at nolaboo.com

FOLLOW US!

517 METAIRIE RD. OLD METAIRIE | 504-510-4655 | nolaboo.com

ADVERTISING

(504) 483-3105// response@gambitweekly.com

Staff Writers | JAKE CLAPP, SARAH RAVITS

Back to School Sale!

COVER PHOTO BY JAMES CULLEN COVER DESIGN

BY DORA SISON

In the kitchen or on the mic, Mia Young, aka rapper Mia X, is a star.

STAFF Sicilian • Creole Italian

26

PUZZLES 27

A JAPANESE RESTAURANT & SUSHI BAR

OWNER/CHEF FRANK CATALANOTTO

21

MUSIC 25

ROLL CALL!

THE SAM-DAN ROLL

9

PRODUCTION

(504) 483-3150 [sstein@gambitweekly.com]

Senior Sales Representative JILL GIEGER (504) 483-3131

[jgieger@gambitweekly.com]

Creative Services Director | DORA SISON Pre-Press Coordinator | JASON WHITTAKER

Sales Representatives

Web & Classifieds Designer | MARIA BOUÉ

KATIE BISHOP

Graphic Designers | CATHERINE FLOTTE,

(504) 262-9519

EMMA VEITH, TIANA WATTS

[kbishop@gambitweekly.com]

BUSINESS & OPERATIONS

KELLY SONNIER

Billing Inquiries 1 (225) 388-0185

(504) 483-3143

Administrative Assistant | LINDA LACHIN

[ksonnier@gambitweekly.com]

Gambit (ISSN 1089-3520) is published weekly by Capital City Press, LLC, 840 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130. (504) 4865900. We cannot be held responsible for the return of unsolicited manuscripts even if accompanied by a SASE. All material published in Gambit is copyrighted: Copyright 2020 Capital City Press, LLC. All rights reserved.

No Quarter

The Yatty PI IN RICKY GRAHAM’S AGATHA CHRISTIE-INSPIRED RADIO PLAY SERIES, Marie Macalusa writes her own crime tales with thick yatty accents. In this installment of MeeMaw Mystery Theatre, detective Hercules Pirogue tries to solve “The Case of the Jambalaya Liar.” Rebecca Taliancich, Gary Rucker, Graham, Kyle Daigrepont, Tracey Collins and others perform with live musical accompaniment in the physically distanced space at Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts. At 7:30 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Novel ‘Beyond Bourbon Street’ tells intimate story of birth, trauma and recovery 15 years after Katrina

BY JAKE CLAPP NIKESHA ELISE WILLIAMS OPENS HER NOVEL “Beyond Bourbon Street” with

Mardi Gras and an argument. Graigh, a New Orleanian, and Joy, her close friend visiting for Carnival, duck off Bourbon Street and, with a wave of her hand, Graigh makes it clear how she feels about the French Quarter revelry: “This is the type of shit I hate,” she says.

It’s not that she actually hates Carnival or the party happening outside of Joy’s hotel. She holds a frustration that’s common to locals in a city dominated by tourism and vacationers looking for Huge Ass Beers on Bourbon Street or some spot featured in a scene in a movie filmed here. There’s complex, everyday life happening in New Orleans, but who knows how many people stay a night in the city and never seriously consider the culture.

Graigh also is pregnant and it takes some coaxing from Joy for her to acknowledge her anxiety.

“The city that I knew as New Orleans and the neighborhood I knew, something for me to go back to, didn’t exist anymore” after Hurricane Katrina, Williams says. “That was kind of my own rant, mixed with Graigh’s trauma of her past and the solidness of her and Joy’s friendship.”

The argument sets “Beyond Bourbon Street,” which will be released Aug. 29, on multiple tracks. Graigh and her husband, Bombei, nervously prepare for the birth of their first child in their present-day 9th Ward home.

As Graigh’s pregnancy progresses, they each confront past trauma and lingering pain that threaten their relationship.

Flashbacks reveal more about the characters. The couple met the year after Hurricane Katrina and the federal levee failures destroyed both of their homes. Their life together runs parallel to New Orleans’ recovery and, although the story stays intimate to Graigh and Bombei, the city can be felt constantly. Issues of race, gender and what equity means in New Orleans subtly show themselves throughout the novel.

“I wanted this to be more of a personal book about the husband and

Crossing borders

wife and their relationship,” Williams says. “But I wanted to show that even despite everything that has happened, there’s still life happening in these neighborhoods.”

Williams, who lives in Jacksonville, Florida, grew up with New Orleans as a second home. Both of her parents are New Orleans natives and her mother’s family lived in the Lower 9th Ward — her grandmother’s house is on the front cover of “Beyond Bourbon Street,” and the now-empty lot where it once stood is on the back. Her father’s family lived in Algiers.

“Beyond Bourbon Street” is the fifth novel for Williams, a self-publishing author and news producer. Williams’ previous books, especially her 2015 release “Four Women,” have been praised in DIY literary scenes.

Katrina hit while Williams was attending Florida State University.

Her maternal grandmother, who was 75 at the time, and her family evacuated to rural Mississippi. The loss of her grandmother’s home and the terror of losing touch with her family during the storm stayed with Williams, and she later wrote a short novella about reconstruction in New Orleans set in her grandmother’s house and its white living room. Part of the novella, including the character of Graigh, formed the basis for “Beyond Bourbon Street.”

“There is still life happening in this neighborhood, and despite whatever trauma has happened, there has been growth and regeneration and rebirth and people actively choosing to live life where they’ve always known it,” Williams says.

P R OV I D E D P H OTO B Y J A M E S H U N G E R

Writer Nikesha Elise Williams’ new book ‘Beyond Bourbon Street’ will be released Aug. 29.

BOOKS MARKING THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF HURRICANE KATRINA “Beyond Bourbon Street” by Nikesha Elise Williams, novelist and news producer. Published by NEW Reads.

“Katrina: A History, 1915-2015” by Andy Horowitz, assistant professor of history at Tulane University. Published

by Harvard University Press. Horowitz looks back into New Orleans’ history to better explain the devastation caused by the levee failures and the paths taken during the city’s recovery. Atlantic editor Vann R. Newkirk II discusses the book with Horowitz in a Zoom event at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Visit the website of the New Orleans Center for the Gulf South at Tulane University for information.

“Knee Deep” by Karol Ann Hoeffner, a screenwriter and young adult novelist.

Published by Regal House Publishing.

A mystical young adult novel about a rebellious 16-year-old girl who searches for her neighbor after he goes missing in Hurricane Katrina.

“Words Whispered in Water: Why the Levees Broke in Hurricane Katrina” by Sandy Rosenthal, activist and levees. org founder. Published by Mango Media.

Rosenthal tells her story of battling the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the wake of Katrina in order to bring to light the failure of the levee system.

PERFORMANCE ARTIST AND POET JOSE TORRES-TAMA leads an observance of the 15th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina under the banner of his Teatro Sin Fronteras / Theater Without Borders. Torres-Tama launched Taco Truck Theater and the show “Aliens, Immigrants & Evildoers,” which address treatment of immigrants, especially in post-Katrina New Orleans. He’s joined by singers Margie Perez and Fermin Ceballos, poet and singer Roberto Carrillo, musicians Yulene Velazquez and Gauchos Del Tago, poet and activist Michael “Quess?”

Moore, performer Jennifer Pagan and Tango Negros from Argentina.

Performances will be broadcasted 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday on Facebook Live. Visit torrestama. com/teatro-sin-fronteras.html for more information.

Ozzy ANDERS OSBORNE AND HIS BAND ARE UP NEXT in the Tipitina’s TV series. The show is pre-recorded at the club and will broadcast on nugs. net at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Mold time’s sake STAGED READINGS OF JOHN BIGUENET’S Hurricane Katrina trilogy conclude with his 2013 drama, “Mold.” Jessie Terrebonne Thompson and Nick Thompson play a couple who evacuated to Texas and are trying to rebuild and return to their flooded home a year after the storm. The reading also features Troi Bechet and Randy Maggiore.

The reading streams 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31, via the NOLA Theatre Folk Facebook page.

G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M > Au g u st 2 5 - 3 1 > 2 0 2 0

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

5

G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M > Au g u st 2 5 - 3 1 > 2 02 0

6

OPENING GAMBIT N E W

O R L E A N S

N E W S

+

V I E W S

City Council deals with racism, judicial inequality and sexism ... Earth still spinning

# The Count

Thumbs Up/ Thumbs Down

1

The percentage of Louisianans who voted absentee for COVID-19-related reasons in July’s election who were experiencing symptoms, according to state data.

The New Orleans Museum of Art will permanently install

a large-scale mural created by renowned artist Enrique Alferez that once filled the lobby of the now-demolished Times-Picayune building on Howard Avenue. The bas relief artwork features alphabets and symbols from numerous cultures along with Morse code and Braille. Born in Mexico, Alferez spent most of his life in New Orleans and many of his sculptures appear around the city. The mural will be on display in January in NOMA’s renovated auditorium.

P H OTO P R OV I D E D B Y N E W O R L E A N S C I T Y C O U N C I L

Prioritizing equality, the New Orleans City Council made several progressive decisions during its meeting August 20. Pictured, from top left: Jared Brossett, Jason Williams, Joseph Giarrusso III, Jay Banks. Seated, from left: Helena Moreno, Cyndi Nguyen and Kristin Gisleson Palmer.

JEFFERSON DAVIS PARKWAY WILL BE RENAMED FOR DR. NORMAN FRANCIS JEFFERSON DAVIS PARKWAY WILL SOON BE SHEDDING ITS CONFEDERATE MONIKER. The City Council voted unanimously on Aug. 20

Slice Pizzeria and Shawarma on the Go are offering “pay it forward” programs where customers can pre-pay for food for a future patron in need. At Slice, people can order an extra slice, represented by a receipt displayed on the counter and redeemed no-questions-asked by a future patron. Shawarma on the Go offers a similar system for pre-paid Middle Eastern dishes.

The Archdiocese of New Orleans reopened some of

its schools beginning Aug. 6, weeks before Jefferson Parish Schools and NOLA Public Schools planned to reopen amid a surge in new coronavirus cases. On Wednesday, the Superintendent of Catholic Schools reported that about 150 students, faculty and staff were currently being quarantined due to possible exposure to COVID-19. The school system has confirmed at least 20 cases in 16 area Catholic schools.

to rename the busy thoroughfare Dr. Norman C. Francis Parkway, a prominent civil rights leader who served as president of Xavier University for 47 years.

The decision comes three years after a beleaguered monument to Davis on the boulevard’s neutral ground was removed under the direction of then-Mayor Mitch Landrieu.

Activists have since called upon elected officials to finish the job and eliminate other tributes to Confederates and white supremacists in the form of street names, parks and monuments. The push to remove emblems of white supremacy was renewed during a summer of nationwide protests against systemic racism.

The council’s decision is a step forward, says Mark Raymond Jr., an RTA commissioner and president of the A.P. Tureaud Legacy Committee — named for his great-grandfather, a civil rights attorney.

In June, Raymond circulated a petition and suggested renaming the street, which borders the historically Black college that Francis led for nearly a half-century, for the long-time educator and civic leader.

“I don’t want any more children growing up, driving down streets named after people who want to see them in chains,” he told Gambit at the time. “I don’t think that is indicative to who we are as a people today, nor should that be the representation of the city of New Orleans in 2020 and moving forward.”

Raymond’s petition garnered national support and caught the attention of City Council Vice President Helena Moreno, who authored the ordinance.

“Jefferson Davis, your time is up,” Moreno said at the council meeting.

“Honoring someone who has a demonstrated history of believing in humanity, I think is a far better and noble effort than honoring someone who was intent on keeping a certain population enslaved and in horrible conditions,” said District B Councilman Jay Banks, whose district includes the Xavier campus and Jefferson Davis Parkway. “The time is now for action and change.”

Council president Jason Williams said the removal of Davis’ name sends a message: “The current power structure recognizes

11% of people who voted absentee for COVID-19 reasons were caretakers. 74% were considered high-risk. But under new mail-in ballot rules devised by Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin, the only people eligible for COVID-19 related absentee ballots are those with a diagnosis of the virus, or those who are hospitalized. Gov. John Bel Edwards called Ardoin’s plan “woefully inadequate” and said he refuses to sign it. This could lead to intervention from federal courts. “Designing a voting plan to serve solely those with a positive test makes no sense,” said Jeff Asher, a local data analyst.

C’est What

?

Has your water bill recently gone up?

49.6%

IT HAS MORE THAN DOUBLED

10% I GOT HIT BY A $1,000+ BILL

22% NOPE, IT HAS BEEN OK

18.4% I’M DONE. TIME TO MOVE TO JEFFERSON PARISH

Vote on “C’est What?” at www.bestofneworleans.com

Public defenders receive funding parity with prosecutors The chronically underfunded Orleans Parish Public Defenders office will receive a serious fiscal boost after the City Council voted to tighten the funding gap between that office and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s office.

The parity ordinance, written by Council President and DA candidate Jason Williams, requires future city budgets to fund the public defenders office at least 85% of what the budget gives the DA’s office. Public defenders represent approximately 85% of criminal defendants in Orleans Parish, but a lack of resources has long impaired their efforts on behalf of people who cannot afford to pay for a criminal defense lawyer.

The city’s current budget appropriates $2.3 million to the public defenders office, compared to roughly $7 million for the DA. In addition to the city’s allocation, the public defenders office also receives funding from the state and through court and traffic ticket fees. The fees constitute a user-pay system that puts a financial burden on defendants and sometimes puts public defenders’ operations at risk — such as when there are fewer cases being tried or when courts close entirely, as they did this spring due to COVID-19.

“We have been arguing for more than a decade about our user-pay criminal legal system and how it’s inadequate, unreliable and inequitable,” Chief Public Defender Derwyn Bunton said. “One of the ways to mitigate it is to have parity between

7

OPENING GAMBIT the different actors in the criminal legal system. That doesn’t mean being equal, it means being able to do the job that we’re called upon to do within the bounds of all sorts of professional, ethical and constitutional guidelines.” — JAKE CLAPP

Menstrual products and diapers will be cheaper in New Orleans starting Oct. 1 Tampons, pads, menstrual cups and diapers should be a few cents cheaper in New Orleans beginning Oct. 1 in the wake of the City Council’s unanimous vote Aug. 20 to remove a “pink tax” on such products.

Lift Louisiana, an advocacy organization that works to undo policies that harm women, says the change could collectively save women and families in New Orleans up to $1.5 million annually. It would particularly help those struggling financially amid the pandemic.

Council Vice President Helena Moreno, who proposed the ordinance, said the tax is an unnecessary load only worsened by the pandemic. She also clarified that the 5% sales tax would not be completely eliminated from purchasing these products, but the city can reduce it to 2.5%. The other 2.5% goes to the Regional Transit Authority and to New Orleans Public Schools.

“To tax these products is discriminatory,” Moreno said Aug. 20. “Every penny and every dollar counts for so many New Orleans families.”

Advocates who have championed the tax removal argue that menstrual products and diapers are necessities — not luxuries. Other necessities, such as groceries, prescription medications and utilities are exempt from sales tax.

Previous legislative efforts to remove the tax at the state level have failed. A year ago, then-Sen. J.P. Morrell, D-New Orleans, authored a bill that would have eliminated the state sales tax on feminine hygiene products and diapers. But the predominantly conservative, male Legislature voted against it — despite their generous offerings of tax breaks to corporations and business leaders who don’t face the same vulnerabilities as Louisiana’s impoverished families and women.

This year, Rep. Aimee Freeman, D-New Orleans, found a strategic way to put the power in the hands of city leaders. She drafted legislation to allow municipalities to decide for themselves whether to remove the tax. It passed and was signed into law Aug. 1.

The council, Freeman and women’s advocates hope other municipalities will follow New Orleans’ example and continue a push to get legislation passed at the state level. Twenty U.S. states have voted to eliminate the tax. — SARAH RAVITS

COOLINARY 2020 MONDAY - SATURDAY ONLY LUNCH MENU 2 COURSES: $20

DINNER MENU 4 COURSES: $33.95

1ST COURSE

1ST COURSE

CUP OF GUMBO OR 1/2 HOUSE SALAD

CUP OF GUMBO OR 1/2 HOUSE SALAD

2ND COURSE CHOICE OF: CRAWFISH BEIGNET KATIE’S CLASSIC BURGER & FRIES BOUDREAUX PIZZA FRIED SHRIMP POBOY & FRIES GRILLED CHICKEN SALAD

2ND COURSE CHOICE OF:

FRIED SEAFOOD RAVIOLI W/ SEAFOOD CREAM SHRIMP REMOULADE & 3RD COURSE CHOICE OF: FRIED GREEN TOMATO BLACKENED CATCH OF THE DAY KATIE’S TOPPED W/ HERBED BUTTER CRABCAKE FRIED SHRIMP & 4TH COURSE DESSERT: CATFISH PLATTER WHITE CHOCOLATE CRAWFISH BEIGNET BREAD PUDDING PANEED CHICKEN MARSALA

3701 IBERVILLE ST• NOLA 70119• 504.488.6582 • katiesinmidcity.com

G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M > Au g u st 2 5 - 3 1 > 2 0 2 0

and will no longer tolerate the complete disregard for the humanity of Black people,” he said.

Raymond called Francis a “true pioneer and leader who built bridges of learning and opportunity. These bedrock beliefs should be reflected in the everyday: our streets, statues and parks. When we demonstrate these outwardly and publicly, they begin to take hold of us inwardly, battling fear and hatred. This is a movement and it starts today.”

He echoed the sentiment of vice presidential candidate, Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., who also expressed support for the local initiative.

“People of New Orleans deserve the opportunity to learn about this leader,” Harris said in a statement read aloud by Moreno.

“There’s no cure for racism,” said Raymond. But, “it’s up to us collectively to promote values of inclusivity and equity.”

The street will likely not officially get its new name until January 2021, due to concerns about changing addresses in the middle of the Census and in advance of the upcoming election. The Council’s appointed Street Renaming Commission also continues to identify public spaces named for historical figures who upheld white supremacist beliefs. — SARAH RAVITS

G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M > Au g u st 2 5 - 3 1 > 2 02 0

8

BLAKE PONTCHARTRAIN™

COMMENTARY

Katrina 15 years

later: government still hasn’t learned

@GambitBlake | askblake@gambitweekly.com

Hey Blake, What’s the history of the Milneburg neighborhood?

I often pass the sign for it on my way to UNO, where there’s also a Milneburg Hall. What can you tell me about it?

Dear reader,

P H OTO B Y K AT H Y A N D E R S O N

Dave Pariser walks through his house on 38th Street near the 17th Street Canal levee break in New Orleans Oct. 12, 2005. The house was destroyed by the surge from Hurricane Katrina.

THIS WEEK MARKS THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY of Hurricane Katrina.

While national news outlets and politicians will invoke the storm and its aftermath, solemnly marking the one time a year the nation recalls we are more than a fun place to visit, most New Orleanians who lived through it simply want to move on. Fate, unfortunately, has other ideas.

Two tropical disturbances were expected to enter the Gulf this week, literally bracketing New Orleans and menacing the entire Gulf Coast.

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to haunt us, leaving death and economic devastation in its wake.

The pandemic has already demonstrated what the citizens of our city learned after Katrina: Nobody is coming to help us very quickly, if at all. History tells us that it will always be up to us to protect ourselves, our neighbors and our community.

At the start of the pandemic, New Orleans was on track to be one of the hardest hit areas in the world.

We lost too many of our friends, family members and culture bearers in those first few weeks of the pandemic. As with Katrina, we will never get back those lost lives and loves.

In the aftermath of Katrina, when it became clear just how impotent our federal government was in the face of widespread devastation, we did what was necessary ourselves.

The same is true of the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve worn our masks and made enormous economic sacrifices. We’ve gone against our very nature as New Orleanians, keeping our distance and not dancing in the

streets. So far, it has worked. After an initial spike, we got the number of cases and deaths under control.

The percentage of positive tests for the virus has steadily dropped; compared not only to other parts of the state but also to the rest of the country, we’re doing better than anybody had expected in April and May. This isn’t a feel-good narrative, however. Whether it was Katrina 15 years ago, the pandemic today, or whatever tragedy befalls us in the future, it shouldn’t be up to us to save ourselves. After an initially strong response that included shutting down much of the city and state to halt the virus’ spread, state and local officials are now stalled in the face of COVID-19’s long-term devastation. Bold action to put the city in lockdown has given way to buck passing as mass evictions and bankruptcies loom, and nobody offers a safe plan to educate our children this school year.

This is the most fundamental lesson of our past: disasters will happen; their effects will be long lasting; and we will desperately need help.

We will always do what we can for ourselves and each other, of course; but there are some things only government can do — such as providing relief from evictions, offering quick and reliable testing, ensuring schools are ready to teach our children (even if they do it remotely), and providing a safety net to the people who make New Orleans culture what it is.

Fifteen years later, and in the midst of another crisis, government still needs to learn that lesson.

Milneburg takes its name from Scottish businessman Alexander Milne. In his 1922 book “History of New Orleans,” John Smith Kendall called Milne an “eccentric Scottish millionaire.” He moved here from his native Scotland in 1776, purchasing land and establishing a brick-making company. When he died in 1838, his will left money to establish the Milne Asylum for Destitute Boys and Girls.

The arrival of a railroad line in the 1830s led to the creation of Milneburg. According to Tulane University historian and geographer Richard Campanella, Pontchartrain Railroad Company’s tracks ran along Elysian Fields Avenue and ended at a spot along Lake Pontchartrain called Port Pontchartrain. The Smokey Mary, a popular steam locomotive, brought people to a train station and dock at Port Pontchartrain. The legendary locomotive is now depicted each year by a tandem float in the Krewe of Orpheus parade.

Milne, who owned much of the land near Port Pontchartrain, drew up plans for a subdivision. Also called Lake End, it became a hot spot for recreation, with several hotels, restaurants, saloons and

P H OTO B Y K A N DAC E P O W E R G R AV E S

This lighthouse on the UNO campus once sat in Lake Pontchartrain, 3,000 feet from land.

bathhouses. Campanella explains that New Orleanians of the time went to Milneburg the way their descendants would later visit Grand Isle or the Gulf Coast for a day trip or weekend getaway. A lighthouse erected in 1855 (now part of the University of New Orleans campus) became a landmark.

A 1915 hurricane caused significant damage to the area. When construction began on the lake seawall in the 1920s, many residents had to relocate. The Pontchartrain Railroad folded in 1932, hastening Milneburg’s decline.

The city defines the modern boundaries of Milneburg as Leon C. Simon Drive, Filmore Avenue, Elysian Fields Avenue and Peoples Avenue.

BLAKEVIEW WE CONCLUDE OUR LOOK at the city’s starring role in movies by revisiting films made in Hollywood South since 2002. That’s when the state Legislature enacted tax incentives that led to a production boom.

“Runaway Jury,” the legal thriller starring Dustin Hoffman, Gene Hackman, John Cusack and Rachel Weisz, was the first to take advantage of the tax breaks in 2002.

Jamie Foxx won an Academy Award for his starring role as Ray Charles in the 2004 biopic “Ray,” which was shot on location here. It also earned nominations for Best Picture and Best Director for Taylor Hackford.

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, earned 13 Academy Award nominations, though it won just two. The film, released in 2008, is based on an F. Scott Fitzgerald short story about a man aging in reverse.

In 2009, Disney took notice of the city’s charms with the animated film, “The Princess and the Frog.” Animators said their main character, Princess Tiana, was based in part on Chef Leah Chase.

In 2012, two locally shot films earned Oscar nods for Best Picture: “Beasts of

the Southern Wild” and Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained.” The following year, “Dallas Buyers Club” won Oscars for Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto, while also earning a nomination for Best Picture.

The 2013 film “12 Years a Slave,” based on Solomon Northup’s 1853 memoir, was shot on four Louisiana plantations: Felicity, Bocage, Destrehan and Magnolia. The film, directed by Steve McQueen, earned nine Oscar nominations and won three: Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress for Lupita Nyong’o.

9

CLANCY DUBOS

G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M > Au g u st 2 5 - 3 1 > 2 0 2 0

@clancygambit

casual in

Cantrell’s State of the City address offers hope, but few specifics on property tax plan IN HER STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS, Mayor LaToya

Cantrell on Aug. 20 sought to inspire New Orleanians to remain hopeful about our city’s future in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic — but she offered no specifics about her proposal to reshuffle property tax millages that expire next year. Her plan would significantly cut funding for the city’s libraries.

“We are no strangers in our city to trauma or to disruption,” Cantrell said, noting that Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans 15 years ago next week. “We are all well-versed in the unwavering focus, the hope, and the strength it takes to rebuild from what can seem like disaster. I’m here to deliver a message of hope and point the way forward to our future beyond this pandemic.”

Cantrell said New Orleans’ current difficulties “can feel and seem like a unique and unimaginable challenge.

But within the 300-year history of our city, it is not without precedent.” The mayor cited the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1853 and other disasters, each of which challenged New Orleans in unprecedented ways, but the city recovered each time because citizens rose to the challenge.

“The parallels are startling,” she said. “But they can also be an inspiration.”

The mayor recited a list of initiatives her administration has launched to address COVID-related challenges, including a rental assistance program, an emergency housing program for the homeless, legal assistance to residents facing eviction, and the Mayor’s Fund, which provides diapers and formula to families and assists immigrant families seeking government aid.

However, on the same day that the mayor offered words of hope, her top administrators convinced the City Council to put forth a property tax reshuffling plan that, if approved by voters Dec. 5, would redirect at least $12 million a year from the city’s public libraries to streets, housing, public day care and economic development programs.

The mayor’s plan combines five existing “millages” — all of which expire next year — into four new

denim $108 t-shirts $28 sunglasses $14

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell gives her first State of the City speech from Gallier Hall on St. Charles Ave. Aug. 20. The speech was high on hope but with few specifics about library budget cuts.

ones. The city’s overall millage rate would remain unchanged — but millions would be redirected to infrastructure and maintenance, housing, the city’s early childhood program and economic development efforts.

In her address, Cantrell made only oblique reference to the plan, which already has stirred heated opposition.

The council received 900 written comments about the plan during its virtual meeting, but Cantrell’s Chief Administrative Officer Gilbert Montano assured council members that the library system would not face closures, reduced hours or layoffs if voters approve the proposal.

“The numbers do not lie,” Montano said. “The budget for the library is healthy … It is almost five times the amount of the needed fund balance necessary.” Montano noted that the library system has a fund balance of more than $11 million, adding it has not spent all that its two existing millages have generated in recent years.

Those arguments satisfied the council, but Cantrell will have a taller order convincing voters to cut library funding.

In addition to offering “a message of hope,” the mayor’s State of the City address also presented an opportunity to explain her property tax plan. She passed on it, which is a shame. She could have given voters much more than a pep talk.

pandemic hours mon - sat 10 - 5:30 7732 m a p l e 865 . 9625

OPEN DAILY 7AM - 8PM

Validated Parking

 Dine In  Takeout  Delivery

(504)523-9656  MothersRestaurant.net  401 Poydras St

G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M > Au g u st 2 5 - 3 1 > 2 02 0

10

VOTE FOR US! BEST NEW RESTAURANT BEST HAPPY HOUR

7 DAYS A WEEK 11AM-10PM 898 Baronne St. New Orleans l 504.302.1302 l nolacaye

Big Shipment!

Be M y Forever

KEEP IT CHILL K WITH CAN COOLERS & INSULATED MARTINI GLASSES!

Mon-Fri 10am-5pm | Sat 10am-4pm Curbside & Delivery Still Available!

5101 W. ESPLANADE at Chastant • Metairie

504.407.3532

WE OPE’RE N!

www.nolagiftsanddecoronline.com @nolagiftsanddecor

SHOP ONLINE AT WWW. FISHERSONSJEWELERS.COM (504) 885 -4956 • INFO@FISHERSONSJEWELERS.COM TUES-THURS 10AM-4PM | FRI 10AM-5:30PM | SAT 10AM-3PM CURBSIDE PICKUP AVAILABLE 5101 W. ESPLANADE AVE. | 1 BLOCK OFF TRANSCONTINENTAL

11 G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M > Au g u st 2 5 - 3 1 > 2 0 2 0

RICE IS A SERIOUS BUSINESS FOR MIA YOUNG. Wrapped in her crisp white chef jacket, Young is a whirlwind in the compact kitchen of Tiger’s Creole Cuisine, deftly preparing rice five ways, samples of the new line of rice mixes she’s preparing to debut this week. The compact, cozy space is quickly filled with a combination of Young’s outsized personality and the smell of her delicious mixes.

Like nearly everything she’s ever done, the Mama Mia Foods rice mixes are born out of her deep roots in New Orleans, a precision blend of flavors perfected over years of life and work. There’s Wild Yellow Rice, Jazzed Up Jasmine Rice, Tasty Brown Rice, and Good Ole Dirty Rice. The Fiya Jambalaya gets set aside for Tiger and one of his cooks partly as thanks for letting us borrow the kitchen, and partly because Young was worried they might have hungry children at home. Cause when Mia is whippin’ dem pots, nobody is going hungry.

But don’t let the soft voice and nurturing nature lull you to sleep.

For most of her life, Young has been known as the one and only Mia X, one of the fiercest MCs not only to come out of New Orleans, but in the entirety of hip-hop. Before Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, before Lil’ Kim, there was Mia X, turning the misogynistic tropes of early ’90s gangster rap on their heads and eviscerating male ego and anatomy from the West Bank to West Hollywood, with the ease of a master chef stirring her pot.

Asked about Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s song “WAP,” Young’s eyes quickly narrow, like a fighter sizing up an unworthy opponent. “I made ‘Payback.’ People be looking for me to say something and I’m like ‘Say What? I made ‘Payback.’ ” If you didn’t know Young was a groundbreaking hip-hop artist, and you’d never heard of Mia X, it could be easily assumed she was a lifelong professional chef. Such is her ease about the kitchen, and her knowledge of cooking techniques, ingredients and food culture.

PAGE 12

G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M > Au g u st 2 5 - 3 1 > 2 02 0

12

COVER STORY |

MAMA MIA

PAGE 11

“SHE ALWAYS SAID SHE WAS GOING TO GET ME. BUT I LOVED HIP-HOP SO MUCH I HAD MY RAPS READY.” anti-inflammatories and aid in metabolizing blood sugar. “What I’m trying to do with these rices is not only make them good, but also have some useful properties,” she explains.

Young has spent the last few weeks in the final testing phases of her rice mixes, sending samples to friends and fans, and so far they have been well received. Expected to be available to the general public by the end of August, she says it’s been gratifying to her to see young people who don’t know their way around the kitchen discovering the simple pleasures of cooking for themselves.

“For most of them it’s the first time they ever cooked,” Young says. “And you know for somebody who never cooked before to be able to make in 30 minutes a pot of jambalaya, dirty rice, brown rice — 30 minutes and it’s on your table.”

Of course, that belies the effort that goes into making the seasonings and rice blends, which has been an arduous task. “I got a big grinder and I’m grinding like every day of the week,” Young says of the process. “I grind everything first and then start to mix it. I do everything. I put it in the package. I try to do 100 a day.”

Young is a relentless perfectionist, and she’s spent most of her life on the grind, making her own way through the world.

For Young, nourishing people comes second nature, as does cooking. She’s been in the kitchen since she was old enough to stand next to her mother and grandmother, honing her skills; and she is every bit as good at the stove as she is on the mic — maybe better.

“Cooking is just me from a little girl. At 5, I was on toast. I was the best toast maker and toast butterer in the world,” she says.

“And then by 7, I was an egg cracker. Then I was boiling eggs. By the time I was 8, I graduated to frying chicken.”

Chicken proved a bit more demanding than toast. Young pointed to a scar on her arm where the oil got her and reminisced about how her grandmother scolded her for having the fire too high. After that day she “never burned herself again.” She is a quick study in everything she does.

Young comes by her talents in the kitchen

naturally, a birthright of the 7th Ward family she grew up in. “I come from a huge New Orleans family — the Julukes — there’s millions of us,” Young laughs. “And the Julukes are known for food. The Julukes are also beautiful. They’re really nice looking people.

But food. Barrooms. Gambling shacks. The Julukes are known for good-timing. We’re a good time family.”

And in addition to her culinary prowess, Young got the good time genes. She is disarmingly funny and describes herself as “goofy.” She cracked herself (and me) up when I asked her what made her For Whatever seasoning special, coyly responding “because you can use it for whatever.”

But rice is serious business, and there are serious ambitions behind the rice mixes. Young, a uterine cancer survivor, knows that food is medicine, and many of the herbs and spices she uses are natural

Mia Young wants to clear up some misconceptions about Mia X. “Everyone thinks that Master P was the saving grace of my poor little funky ghetto ass,” she says with a laugh. It isn’t a jovial laugh though, as much as an exclamation point. Neither Mia X’s or Mia Young’s story started with No Limit Records. It started in 1979.

“My parents bought me a component set,” Young says of when she first became interested in music. Like a lot of hip-hop heads of a certain age, she credits Sugar Hill Gang’s groundbreaking record “Rapper’s Delight” with making her fall in love with rap. But it was “Funk You Up” by The Sequence, also released in ’79, that made her want to get in on the act. “Angie Stone was in that group, and her name was Angie B. She was a rapper then. Listening to all of their records — that let me know I could do it,” she says.

At 9 years old, Young could see her future laid out before her. And those close to her seemed to know she was destined for greatness. “Mia had the most vivid imagination,” her cousin Jay “Bunny” Young says. “She PAGE 15

G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M > Au g u st 2 5 - 3 1 > 2 02 0

14

SAINTS 2020 NEW ORLEANS

! y a D e n i W d e R l a n Natio AUGUST 28

ANDREW WILL RED WINE TWO BLONDES VINEYARD 2012

$44.99

750 ML

BROADSIDE BLACKLETTER

CABERNET SAUVIGNON PASO ROBLES

$49.99

750 ML

SALVESTRIN

NFL PREVIEW ISSUE

CABERNET SAUVIGNON DR. CRANE VINEYARD

$69.99 750 ML

ANDREW WILL

CABERNET SAUVIGNON COLUMBIA VALLEY 2016

$39.99 750 ML

PROM OTE YOU R

ELIZABETH SPENCER

CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA VALLEY

$44.99 750 ML

CAVUS

CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA VALLEY STAGS LEAP DISTRICT

$125.00 750 ML

710 VETERANS MEMORIAL BLVD. | METAIRIE | DORIGNACS.COM SENIOR SHOPPING HOURS: Monday & Thursday 7am - 8am (504) 834-8216

Open 8am-7pm Everyday

Black + Gold Merchandise Game Day Food + Drink Specials Your Who Dat Spirit AD SPACE AUGUST 28 ISSUE DATE SEPTEMBER 8

To advertise call Sandy Stein at 504.483.3150 or email sandys@gambitweekly.com

MAMA MIA |

COVER STORY

G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M > Au g u st 2 5 - 3 1 > 2 0 2 0

PAGE 12

could always tell stories. My grandparents had tapes of her from the ’70s telling stories, pretending. Make believe. Her imagination is unparalleled.”

It was this imagination that allowed her to create characters and establish herself in the male-dominated world of hip-hop. By age 14, she was Polo B, a member of the rap group New York Incorporated, founded by Denny D and featuring his cousin, DJ Wop and Mannie Fresh. Denny, who was from Queens, was a huge early influence on Young.

“I feel my art of songwriting was influenced by Denny D’s emceeing,” Young says.

“Because Denny D knew how to keep the crowd participating with him from the time he grabbed the mic to the time he got off the stage. That was one of the things I studied from him. How he was able to control the crowd.”

In addition to stage presence, Mia was gaining a reputation as an assassin on the mic. Her cousin Bunny recalled a time when Young reduced a girl named Tonya to tears at a rap battle. Mia Young was 14 at the time.

“She (Tonya) wanted to be a rapper,” Young explains. “She was a year older than me. We knew each other kind of from rapping. She always said she was going to get me. But I loved hip-hop so much I had my raps ready.”

No one knows if Tonya ever rapped again, but Young did. New York Incorporated became local legends, playing venues from Showbiz Pizza to the Superdome, and opening for some of rap’s biggest names, including Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Run-DMC, all while still in high school.

After New York Incorporated disbanded, Young attended Stevenson’s Academy of Hair Design, where she graduated in 1991 as a top student. And for a while it seemed that Young was going to follow a different path. But that all changed in 1992, with “Da Payback” and the creation of Mia X. The bounce beat made “Payback” an instant classic in New Orleans and got the attention of a young rap impresario named Percy Miller, who under the pseudonym of Master P, was forming a label called No Limit Records.

“I was under the hair dryer, and he came to my house,” Mia Young says, remembering their first meeting. At the time Miller was still living in California full-time, and No Limit was more of a concept than a label.

But Young saw potential in the idea and went to California where she helped shape the signature sound that would become No Limit South.

Young signed to No Limit Records in 1994, and dropped her first album, “Good Girl Gone Bad” in 1995. The album did not chart, but it was well-received by fans, and her subsequent albums, “Unladylike,” released in 1997, and “Mama Drama,” released in 1998, went gold and platinum respectively.

And while Young’s contributions on the mic were a driving force behind No Limit’s success, it was her presence behind the scenes as a writer, talent scout, and calming presence that helped the label thrive.

“Mia’s involvement was as important as the lights staying on — the electricity working,”

15

“COOKING IS JUST ME FROM A LIT TLE GIRL. AT 5, I WAS ON TOAST. I WAS THE BEST TOAST MAKER AND TOAST BUT T ERER IN THE WORLD ... BY THE TIME I WAS EIGHT, I GRADUAT ED TO FRYING CHICKEN.” Young’s labelmate, Ricky “Fiend” Jones says.

“She was just as important as the production. The beats. But at the same time she had this motherly and sisterly presence that balanced everybody out. Because that’s how everybody saw her… Mia was everything over there.”

And Young isn’t shy about her role in No Limits’ success.

“His whole crew, they were all from the West Coast,” Young says. “I didn’t know any of them. It was a different sound. And I was like, for me, I like a certain tempo, a certain amount of bottom in a record, so for me to continue to work with you, we gotta revamp the sound. So we revamped the sound. No Limit South is my little baby. No Limit South is the reason the world even knows who Master P is.”

At the height of her success, Mia X walked away from the rap game to become Mia Young again. After losing her own mother, she wanted to focus on raising her children, and despite her love affair with hip-hop, family was always first. She is surprisingly unsentimental about her departure from the rap world. In truth, she never really left, as she continues to write for herself and others.

In 2019, No Limit also reunited, and although the tour was met with mixed reactions, Young was a consistent bright spot, who

could still control the crowd the way she learned from Denny D all those years ago.

She is also getting to relive the No Limit years through the BET series “The No Limit Chronicles.” But when asked if she liked her representation, Young demurred. “I think P showed the whole world exactly what he wanted them to see,” Young says. “And ultimately, if anyone is going to tell your story it should be you. And so he decided he was gonna be the one to tell his story.”

These days Young is all smiles and gratitude.

Her uterine cancer is in remission. Her birthday giveback, where she feeds the hungry in the community, fed 500 people this year.

And she has not one, but two new careers. In addition to her food products and her memoir/cookbook, “Things My Grandma Told Me, Things My Grandma Showed Me,” she is a professor of hip-hop in the Loyola University School of Music Industry. For Young, hip-hop is serious art. And despite the disruption of COVID-19, Young has prepared a vigorous online curriculum for 2020, and is eagerly looking forward to a return to normalcy.

But it’s in the kitchen where she’s the happiest and feels most at home, and it’s where her creative talents are shining most brightly these days. “Food is just who I am,” she says simply.

& ADVERTISER

FOR SUPPORTING » Aaron Frumin » Alan Borne

» Angelique Carter » Anna Clayton Bullock

» Alexandra Reisner » Alicia LaRose » Alisha Reed » Alix Tarnowsky » Allison Dandry » Allison McCarroll

» Anna Hugel » Annie Johnson » Antha Hugel » Anthony Bentley » April Babin » April Sanchez

» Allison Tierney

» Aran Donovan

» Amanda Maggio

» Ashley Rice

» Amanda Schroeder

» Avery Penman

» Bonnie Buras » Brenda Mickol » Brent Meche » Brian Sands » Bridget Hellmers » Bruce Hoffman » Buddy King » Bushra Ahmad » Caire Restaurant Supply » Carol Senft » Caroline Ross

» Amy Dailey

» Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital

» Amy Exnicios

» Barbara Poche

» Cecile Castello

» Anastasia Roberts

» Beth Hall

» Celeste Gauthier

» Beth Utterback

» Chad Wallace

» Beverli Turner

» Chanel Salzer

» Beverly Watts

» Charles Chester, MD

» Andrea Blumenstein » Andrew Hancock-Shaw

» Bill Bass

» Cassie Lentz

» Andrew Ravits

» Blaine Lindsey

» Charmaine Caccioppi

» Angel Serigne

» Blaine Stanga

» Chelsea Rourke

LOVE

OUR READERS & ADVERTISERS

AND LOCAL JOURNALISM » Cherie Thompson

» Denise Templeton

» Cherry Fisher May

» Diana Shaw

» Cheryl Manley » Clara Gould » Clark Tiffiny » Claud Clark » Corinna Weir » Cynthia Morse » Cynthia Phillips » Cyril Vetter » Dan Askin » Dan Bess » Dana Reynolds » Dawn Carl » Dawn Ofodile » Dayna Ann GesslerPoitevent » Deborah Augustine Elam » Demetric Mercadel

» Diane Killeen

» Erica Hirsch » Erin Fitch » Erin Luetkemeier

» Donna DeHoog

» Ernestine WashingtonHarris

» Donna Svenson

» Everett Bonner

» Dina Zeevi

» Doug Weisz

» Flynn Zaiger

» Ed Walters

» Frenchie Kessler

» Eileen Minahan » Elise Dabezies » Elizabeth Glassell and John Foster » Elizabeth Hyde » Elizabeth Jee

» Fritz Westenberger » Gail Richardson » George Kulman » Georgie and Roger Smith

» Ellen Byron

» Giancarlo Caratini

» Ellie Avegno

» Gina Aalvatore

» Ellie Rand

» Gretchen Caillouet

» Elliott Bauman » Emma Fleckman

» Harry Shearer

» Eric Mund

» Heather Trumble

» Erica Cardosi

» Hether Smiroldo

» Holli Hamilton Lindsey » Howard Turoff » Howard Zimmerman

» Jennifer Herbert

» Juan Barreto

» Kim Janowski

» Lindsay Manco

» Jennifer Lloyd

» Juli Miller Hart

» Kim Sport

» Lisa Chmiola

» Jennifer Marusak

» Julia Barecki

» Kipp Rhoads

» Lisa Snyder

» Julie Gernhauser

» Kris Shull

» Lisa Williford

» Kristen Schorp

» Lucy Riess

» Julius Cain

» Kristina Teran

» Karen Abell

» Kristy Saunders

» Luis, Erin & Nadia Salcedo

» Katherine Stuke

» Krystan Hosking

» Kathleen Edmundson

» Kyuwon Kim

» Jennifer Osburn

» Hugh Stiel » Jackie Shreves

» Jennifer Schuyler

» Jaime Loebner

» Jess Carter

» Jake Clapp

» Jesse Hemeter

» James Cook

» Jessica Hawkins

» James Jang

» Jessica Mason

» James Morris » James Robertson » JamesFurlow

» Jill Dryden

» Kathleen Mazure

» Jill Wagner

» Kathleen Padian

» Jo-Ann Ledger

» Kathryn Hobgood

» Joe Giarrusso

» Jamiles Lartey

» John Exnicios

» Jason Richards » Jason Whittaker » Jeanne Exnicios Foster

» John Mclachlan » John Stolf » Jonah Seligman

NO NEWS IS BAD NEWS

Gambit reports on the city we love, connects you to New Orleans, and covers the issues that matter —all for free.

By becoming a Gambit Member, you are showing your support for local journalism and helping us continue our mission (you will receive some great perks too!)

BESTOFNEWORLEANS.COM/MEMBER

Volume 41 // Number

» Laney Blakemore » Laren Holzer » Laura Rochon » Laurel Clausen

» Lynnette Judge » Malain Collins » Malia Hamilton » Margo and Clancy DuBos » Margo Moss » Marie Rousselle » Marie-Claire Serou

» Pat Macaluso

» Renny Martyn

» Scott Schick

» Patricia Podell

» Richard Fumosa

» Mary McCarthy

» Patricia Ravits

» Rita Amedee

» Serena Williamson

» Maxwell Rieman

» Patrick Carson

» Robert Billiot

» McGready Richeson

» Patrick Landry

» Robert Gramenz

» Paul Clement

» Robert Lecher

» Shenea Mathews

» Timothy Ruppert

» Paul Tamburello

» Robert Levy

» Sherrie Sherrin

» Paul Waldman

» Robert Monk

» Sidney Levin

» Tom & Deborah Cole

» Paula Harrelson

» Robin Johnstone

» Sonia Gasparini

» Tom Perrault

» Stephanie Kleehammer

» Tony Laska

» Melanie Bray » Melanie Turner » Melissa Bacino » Melissa Gnibus » Michael Tisserand » Michelle Hansen

» Pierre Champagne

» Mindy Milam, LCSW

» Katie Bishop

» Lawrence Centola

» Marisa Naquin » Mark Burlet

» Natalie Robinson

» Leigh Thorpe

» Mark Romig

» Nick Mauer

» Leigh Wall

» Marlane Drake

» Liliane bavister

» Keith Thompson » Kelly Sonnier

» Jonathan Martin

» Jennifer Adams

» Joy Braud Sims

» Kevin O’Shaughnessy

» Jennifer Cuddihy

» Juan Aguirre

» Killian Jordan

for fo rty ty T W EN T Y T W EN TY

» Quentin Stewart

» Roger & Barbara Stetter » Rose Dobrez » Ryan Smith » Sallie Shafto » Sally Duplantier

» Shannon Corrigan

» Stephanie McShane » Sue Southon

» Tiara Washington Konate » Tiffany Campo » Tiffany French

» Tracey Collins » Tracy Centanni » Tracy Jenkins

» Suri Duitch

» Vasy McCoy

» Susan Bledsoe

» Veronica Bird

» Tara Hernandez

» Walter Leger, Jr.

» Teagan Connors

» Wanda Jenkins

» Teddy Lopez

» Will McCrary

» Terry Ryder

» William King

» Therese Duke

» William Triplett

» Rachel Kellogg

» Samantha Hanks

» Rahlyn Gossen

» Samantha Yrle

» Nicole Boyer

» Rebecca Friedman

» Sandra Albert

» Mary Adams

» Norah Friar

» Rebekka Veith

» Sandy Rosenthal

» Linda Lachin

» Mary F Bergeron

» Pamela Theriot

» Regina Cairns

» Sandy Stein

» Thomas Braly

» Zac Zelazny

» Lindsay Hannah

» Mary Friley

» Pat Galloway

» Renee Rothman

» Scott D’Aunoy

» Tiana Watts

» Zaccai Free

opt-Ad A

PRESENTED BY

29

4 0er undder un

» Penny Dufrene

» Michelle Bushey

» Lauren Morel

» Katie Welsh

» Paula Mangum

» Philip Wolfe

» Kathy Vicari

» Jeanne McGlory

Augus t 18-2 4, 2020 // Volum e 41 // Numbe r 31

August 4-10, 2020

» Julie Graybill

» Mary Matalin and James Carville

For more information visit

BESTOFNEWORLEANS.COM/SHOPSMALL *PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CHARITABLE DONATION AND DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR A TAX DEDUCTION.

From Magazine Street to Metairie Road, independently-owned shops and restaurants help our region thrive. As we all face the economic disruptions wrought by COVID-19, we at Gambit want to do our part by offering a new way to support local businesses.

“Adopt A Small Business” is an initiative designed to promote locally-owned businesses AND support local journalism.

Help your favorite local businesses advertise — in Gambit at very reduced rates — so they can let customers know they’re open.

O RIG

E

VOTE NOW

L

L

D

P O

L

E R S ’

L

R S ’

A

L

E

R E

D

A

TH

T

I OR I GIN

AL

E

N

H

A R E

G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M > Au g u st 2 5 - 3 1 > 2 02 0

18

P

O

B E S T O F NE WO R L E A N S.C O M /2020 Since 1986, Gambit readers have voted for the things they think make the New Orleans area special and unique. And every year we celebrate their choices in our Best of New Orleans® issue. But this year is different from others. The pandemic, the stay-at-home orders, the slow reopening phases may mean it has been a while since you’ve seen some of your favorite New Orleans people, places and things.

Despite these uncertain times, our mission will be to continue to support local organizations and businesses through this beloved edition and continue to honor the people and places that you think make our city so great. So even if it’s been a few months since your neighborhood bar has been open or you’ve stepped foot into a restaurant, we still want to hear about those places. Stay healthy, socially distance and cast your votes online for your local favorites. Vote now at bestofneworleans.com/2020

• • • • •

• • • •

FOOD AND DRINK •

• • • • • •

• • • • •

Best new restaurant (opened October 2019 or later) Best place for curbside pickup Best Kenner restaurant Best Metairie Restaurant Best New Orleans restaurant Best Northshore restaurant Best St. Bernard Parish restaurant Best West Bank restaurant Best bakery Best barbecue restaurant Best burger restaurant Best Chinese restaurant

• • • • • •

• •

•

• •

• •

Best doughnut Best food hall Best French restaurant Best Indian restaurant Best Italian restaurant Best Japanese/sushi restaurant Best Latin American restaurant Best locally owned coffee house Best Louisiana-made food product Best Mexican restaurant Best Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean restaurant Best pizza restaurant Best restaurant for vegetarians/vegans

Vote for us for

Best Place to Buy a Gift!

• • • •

• • •

• • • •

•

• •

Best seafood restaurant Best sno-ball stand Best steakhouse Best Thai restaurant Best traditional Louisiana restaurant Best Vietnamese restaurant Best chef Best gumbo Best fried chicken Best king cake Best outdoor dining Best place for desserts Best place to get frozen desserts Best place to get a po-boy Best place to get boiled seafood Best place to get breakfast/ brunch Best place to get poke Best place to get a sandwich Best place to get tacos Best restaurant for romantic dining Best balcony for dining and drinking Best bar for cocktails Best bar for day drinking

•

Best beer selection Best casino Best distillery Best dive bar Best dog-friendly bar Best LGBT bar Best gentlemen’s/strip club Best happy hour Best hotel bar Best local brewery Best neighborhood bar Best place to get a bloody mary Best place to get a glass of wine Best place to get a margarita Best place to get a martini Best place to get a traditional Louisiana cocktail Best rooftop bar

•

Best sports bar

• • • • • • • • • • • •

•

• • •

LOCAL LIFE • • • •

Best nursery/preschool Best grammar school Best high school Best local college/university

Fr ozensIucree is Nice!

Try our Seasonal Flavors Cantaloupe ice & Watermelon ice

OPEN TUESDAY - SUNDAY LIMITED SEATING TAKE-OUT AVAILABLE 214 N. CARROLLTON IN MID CITY 5523 Magazine Street • NOLA 70115

ONLINE ORDERING AVAIL ABLE

ANGELOBROCATOICECRE AM .COM OR CALL 5 0 4 • 4 8 6 •1 4 6 5

19

B E S T O F NE WO R L E A N S.C O M /2020 •

• • • • • • • • •

•

• • • •

Best assisted living / retirement community Best art gallery Best golf course Best high school band Best marching group Best Mardi Gras parade Best museum Best nonprofit Best place to get married Best summer camp (virtual or IRL) Best virtual concert or event during COVID-19 Best live music venue Best music artist / band Best theater company Best movie theater

POLITICS •

•

•

•

• • • • • •

Best local investigative reporter Best local radio personality Best local TV news anchor Best local TV station Best local TV sportscaster Best local TV weathercaster Best radio station

Best Congress member from Louisiana Best New Orleans City Council member Best Jefferson Parish Council member Best member of the Louisiana Legislature

GOODS AND SERVICES •

•

•

•

MEDIA •

•

• • • • • • • •

Best new retail store (opened October 2019 or later) Best Jefferson neighborhood grocery Best New Orleans neighborhood grocery Best Northshore neighborhood grocery Best antiques store Best bank/credit union Best barbershop Best bicycle shop Best car dealership Best costume store Best day spa Best dry cleaner

Blend of

• • • • • • • • • • •

•

•

•

• • • •

•

•

Best florist Best garden store Best hair salon Best health club/fitness studio Best hospital Best hotel Best law firm Best liquor store Best local shop to buy lingerie Best locally owned bookstore Best locally owned bridal shop Best locally owned children’s store Best locally owned jewelry store Best locally owned kitchen design store Best locally owned men’s clothing store Best locally owned music store Best locally owned pharmacy Best locally owned shoe store Best locally owned women’s boutique Best pet boarding/day care business Best pet grooming business

VOTE FOR US!

Best place to buy adult toys Best place to buy CBD oil products

•

Best place to buy eyewear

•

Best place to buy a gift

•

•

•

•

• •

Best locally owned store for home decor / accents Best locally owned furniture store Best place to buy vintage / consignment furniture Best store for vintage / consignment clothing Best place to buy wine Best place to get a manicure/ pedicure

•

Best place to get a massage

•

Best place to get waxed

•

Best real estate office

•

Best smoke shop

•

Best tattoo/piercing parlor

•

Best thrift store

•

Best vape shop

•

Best veterinary/animal clinic

•

Best yoga studio

Vote for us

Best Margaritas & Best Place to get Tacos Open for Dinner: wed - sun Breakfast Tacos: Sat & Sun

- Ian McNulty

OPEN FOR DINE IN & TAKE OUT

134 N CARROLLTON • 488-7991 • VENEZIANEWORLEANS.NET NS.NET

•

patio seating

Sicilian tradition & New Orleans flavor WED - FRI 11AM - 10PM SAT 12PM - 10PM SUN 12PM - 9PM

•

Home of the Flaming Margarita ™

Take-out & limited Delivery Order at www.lunalibrenola.com or call (504) 237-1284 Ark-La-Tex Mex Cuisine

3600 St Claude Ave | (504) 237-1284 |

G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M > Au g u st 2 5 - 3 1 > 2 0 2 0

BEST of NEW ORLEANS 2020

Beat the

HEAT COOL with these

DEALS Aug 11 - Sept 13

COOLINARY 3 COURSE MENU

ONE $39 FOR PERSON FOR A FAMILY $95 SIZED MEAL

Order online at www.BrownButterRestaurant.com or call (504) 609-3871

231 N Carrollton Ave. Suite C • 504-609-3871

Open for Take-out & Limited Delivery Tuesday - Saturday 12pm - 7pm

! o s o i Deliz OP

PARKWAY HAS A NEW

R DINNE & H NC EN LU

CALL-IN KITCHEN AND IS AVAILABLE FOR

PARKING LOT PICKUP!

CALL AHEAD FROM OUR LOT TO PLACE ORDER AND WE WILL DELIVER TO YOUR CAR. LIMITED PATIO, BAR, AND RESTAURANT SEATING IS AVAILABLE

Open Wednesaday - Sunday 10am-4pm Closed Monday & Tuesday

Dine In • Take Out • Delivery 4411 Chastant St | Metairie (504) 885-2984 7839 St. Charles Ave | NOLA (504) 866-9313 www.vincentsitaliancuisine.com

FOR U S TE

!

VO

G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M > Au g u st 2 5 - 3 1 > 2 02 0

20

504.482.3047 Voted BEST PLACE TO GET A POBOY in 2019 in Gambit’s Best of New Orleans

538 Hagan Avenue | Parkwaypoorboys.com

On the side

Gravy train

SIDECAR NOLA PATIO & OYSTER BAR

opened Aug. 12 at 1102 Constance St. in the Warehouse District.

Sidecar shares owners and a large patio with the adjacent Rusty Nail bar.

The Sidecar space also has a deck and two indoor dining spaces, which currently are closed due to concerns about the pandemic.

The current menu includes several sandwiches and burgers with toppings including bacon and blue cheese or manchego, mushrooms and onions.

There also are several versions of loaded french fries and appetizers such as Gulf fish ceviche, tuna tartare, chicken and andouille gumbo and

Red Gravy moves to Uptown

BY B E T H D ’A D D O N O COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS HAVE PROMPTED MANY RESTAURANTS

to close temporarily and some to shutter. Roseann Rostoker and Lou Lombardo split the difference — in a way that gives their restaurant Red Gravy a fresh start in a space on Magazine Street, which opens Sept. 2.

The couple ran their homey Italian joint just off Canal Street from 2010 until this past March. Rostoker, who hails from northern New Jersey, and Lombardo, originally from south Philadelphia, fell in love with New Orleans while on vacation here. They sold their house and used the money to move and open a restaurant serving a northeastern U.S. take on Italian cooking.

Although Rostoker had worked in hospitality, Red Gravy was her first restaurant. But thanks to Rostoker’s minimalist approach to regional Italian cuisine — al dente handmade pasta, three-ingredient red gravy, feather light ricotta gnocchi — the cheery breakfast and lunch spot thrived in the CBD. It drew a mix of tourists, who’d wander in from the nearby hotels, and locals, who worked in office buildings within strolling distance.

“When we shut down March 16, we tried everything,” Rostoker says.

“First we did take out, but there was literally nobody ordering. Then it was family meals — a half-dozen meatballs, handmade pasta, a jar of sauce, which I’d often bring Uptown to my house, because people didn’t want to come downtown to pick it up.”

In Phase 2, takeout fizzled. And there were no customers in the CBD. “Dinner wasn’t an option — it’s too dark around there; there’s really no reason to walk around.”

Rostoker took another leap of faith — “but this time there was no house to sell” — and decided to use pandemic relief money to move the restaurant. “We’d been debt free, but this was about survival.”

Lombardo is an attorney who helps

his wife in the business, and they started looking for a new location in May. Red Gravy will open Sept. 2 at its new 2,200-square-foot location at 4206 Magazine St., a space formerly home to The Standard.

“I loved the spot, we just had to make it our own,” Rostoker says.

Adding kitsch, color and funky lighting, the effect is what she calls “farmhouse circus.”

“Think ‘the circus is in town’ and they serve meatballs,” she says.

With a layout suited to physical distancing, there is room for 24 diners inside and another 38 seats outside.

There are 12 seats at the bar that won’t be used until the pandemic subsides.

Rostoker’s grandmother taught her to cook simple, flavorful meals of traditional southern Italian dishes made in a few cast iron skillets and old stainless steel saucepans.

“We rarely went out, we ate at home, or at my grandmother’s or one of the aunts,” she says. “They all cooked the same.”

Unlike local Creole-Italian cooking, sauces and melted cheese are used sparingly, and seafood and cheese don’t mix.

“I don’t criticize how other people make their gravy — that can get ugly,” Rostoker says. “But I’m a purist.

There’s no onions, peppers, mushrooms in mine.”

P H OTO B Y C H E R Y L G E R B E R

Roseann Rostoker moved her Red Gravy restaurant to Uptown.

That Italian-by-way-of-theNortheast approach informs her menu from appetizers to dessert.

Small plates include hand-rolled meatballs with fresh ricotta and red gravy, airy gnocchi with wild boar ragu, and arancini, a Sicilian specialty of stuffed rice balls served with red gravy. Mussels match their briny goodness to garlicky white wine or tomato sauce.

Hand-made pasta is a specialty of the house, from simple rigatoni with pomodoro or Bolognese sauce to spaghetti with clams. Chicken parmigiana, pork chop Milanese and monkfish picatta are a few of the entrees on the menu. Dessert includes her lemon-lavender olive oil cake, housemade cannoli, panna cotta and tira misu. For brunch, there are bacon-cinnamon rolls and dishes like the NYC pushcart, with bacon, eggs, potatoes and a Manhattan-style soft pretzel.

Salumi and cheese boards give her a chance to show off a new prized possession, a gleaming red and stainless manual Omcan meat slicer.

“I’ve always wanted one,” she says.

“So I figured, if not now, when?”

?

WHAT

Red Gravy

Email dining@gambitweekly.com

WHERE

Opens Sept. 2 at 4206 Magazine St., (504) 561-8844; redgravycafe.com

WHEN

Dinner 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

Wed.-Sat.; brunch 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sun.

CHECK IT OUT

Northeastern-style Italian cooking

P R OV I D E D B Y S I D E C A R PAT I O OY S T E R B A R

Sidecar Patio Oyster Bar serves burgers, sandwiches, loaded fries and more.

roasted beet lettuce wraps. The oyster bar will open sometime in September and will offer a selection of oysters from Louisiana waters and elsewhere.

The drinks menu has a mai tai and a tropical cocktail theme.

Rusty Nail is owned by David Brown and Ivan Burgess and other partners.

Together with Rusty Nail bartenders Jeff O’Brien and Lee Gold and others, they bought Cooter Brown’s Tavern in 2015. Brown, Burgess and others are partners in Sidecar.

Sidecar is open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday.

— WILL COVIELLO

Rosalita come out tonight JUST WHAT LAURIE CASEBONNE AND IAN SCHNOEBELEN would do after

selling their popular Italian eatery Mariza in 2018 was a question they were in no hurry to answer. They were ready for a break from restaurant life.

The couple started a pop-up called Rosalita’s Backyard Tacos that became a fixture for their Bywater neighbors. Now, they plan to turn Rosalita’s into a full-fledged restaurant, albeit one that sticks pretty close to its pop-up roots.

PAGE 22

21 G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M > Au g u st 2 5 - 3 1 > 2 0 2 0

EATDRINK

FORK CENTER

G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M > Au g u st 2 5 - 3 1 > 2 02 0

22

Now Open!

Daily

SPECIALS

Monday

Corned Beef & Cabbage • Hamburger Steak White Beans w/Pork Chops

Tuesday Veal Cutlet • Lamb Shank Reuben Sandwich w/French Fries

Wednesday Beef Brisket • Stuffed Bell Pepper Chicken Cordon Bleu

Thursday Meatloaf w/Mac & Cheese • Chicken Fried Steak w/Mac & Cheese • Oven Roasted Turkey

Friday

COME VISIT US IN THE BEAUTIFUL FRENCH QUARTER OPEN DAILY 12-9PM

Creole Jambalaya • Catfish Tacos Shrimp & Mushroom Fettuccine

628 Toulouse Street

Take out orders call (504) 891-0997

www.abbottscustard.com

EAT+DRINK PAGE 21

Last week, they bought the former home of Shake Sugary at 3304 St. Claude Ave. That bakery and cafe, known for its king cake and maple bacon sweet potato biscuits, closed in July.

Rosalita’s Backyard Tacos is slated to open in November, pending a renovation and permits. They plan to run the taco stand with regular hours until the new restaurant opens.

“We’re throwing our hat back into the ring,” Casebonne says. “If we were going to keep doing this we needed to take a step up.”

The new Rosalita’s will be a counter-service operation. To begin, all orders will be for takeout or to eat in the rear patio, which they plan to build out with both covered and open-air areas.

They’re planning the restaurant for current social distancing measures, but if restrictions loosen, they might add a few tables inside.

The menu will start with the tacos Rosalita’s now serves — including al pastor pork, grilled chicken adobo and fried fish with crema — a style

New Orleans 70130 504.345.2524

3001 Magazine Street | JoeyKsRestaurant.com DONATED BY TOM PERRAULT AND SAL GIAMBANCO

P H OTO B Y I A N M C N U LT Y/ T H E T I M E S - P I C AY U N E | T H E N E W O R L E A N S A DVO C AT E

AVAILABLE FOR DINE IN & TAKEOUT HAPPY HOUR 5PM - 7PM DAILY TUES - SAT • 5 PM - 10 PM SUN & MON CLOSED 2600 DAUPHINE ST. NEW ORLEANS 70117 504-267-0640 THEFRANKLINNOLA.COM

With Lori Molinary & Rickie Luke Limited Seating Staffed Buffet

$49 Buffet $35 Dessert Only

Carol Cline on Piano Jon Mannino on Bass William Crawford on Drums CAFE’ LUKE DINNER THEATRE

153 Robert Street in Olde Towne Slidell

Reservations: (985) 707-1597

that’s a nod to Schnoebelen’s roots in San Diego. At the restaurant, they’ll expand with more plates and salads.

They are applying for a liquor license.

Casebonne and Schnoebelen opened their first restaurant, Iris, right after Hurricane Katrina, and it became one of the first poststorm restaurant success stories. In 2007, Food+Wine Magazine named Schnoebelen to its annual list of top new chefs.

Iris later relocated, and by the time it closed in 2014, Schnoebelen and Casebonne had cultivated a loyal following at Mariza in Bywater.

That restaurant was still going strong when they got an offer to sell the business. The buyers turned out to be chef Nina Compton and Larry Miller of Compere Lapin, who opened Bywater American Bistro here in 2018.

Rosalita’s grew out of an earlier side hustle Casebonne and Schnoebelen started on weekends.

It became a three-day-a-week

standard for tacos and ad hoc neighborhood get-togethers in the Bywater. Rosalita’s also now supplies breakfast tacos to the cafe Petite Clouet, nearby at 3100 Royal St. There are several new places to get tacos in the neighborhood, including Galaxie Tacos, Luna Libre and the taco trailer La Coyota, which often sets up at 3200 St. Claude Ave. Still, Casebonne said the track record at Rosalita’s shows demand is still there.

“We have a lot of regular customers, that’s why we think this will work,” she said.

Rosalita’s Backyard Tacos is at 3319 Rosalie Alley. It’s open 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. — IAN McNULTY/THE TIMES-PICAYUNE | THE NEW ORLEANS ADVOCATE

Service station TWO VALUABLE THINGS FOR RESTAURANTS RIGHT NOW are space for

outdoor seating, where coronavirus restrictions are looser, and a local clientele, who, unlike tourists, are still here.

Trep’s, a restaurant preparing to open in Mid-City at 4327 Bienville St., is designed around the former and aiming to get the latter.

Slated to debut in mid-September, it will be a family-friendly, petfriendly patio restaurant with a menu of sandwiches, tacos, snacks, salads and raw or grilled oysters. Most seating is around a trellised patio, with TVs everywhere.

Trep’s has been taking shape for months on property that was once an auto garage of the same name. As it’s progressed, speculation about the plan here has swirled, thanks to one high-profile partner in the project: Sidney Torres IV, the local celebrity entrepreneur and reality-TV star.

He’s also an owner, through a different partnership, of Wrong Iron, a sprawling indoor/outdoor bar about a mile away. With their landscaped patios, newly planted oaks and many TV screens, the two businesses look similar.

Torres says Trep’s was conceived as a very different venture. This will be a restaurant, open to all ages, and with a restaurant’s earlier operating hours. The design is a factor of building outdoor capacity into the operation from the start.

“I think you’ll see more places getting developed like this. That outside space is key,” Torres said.

“What we learned from Wrong Iron is that people are looking for that, they seek it out. Since COVID, that’s only increased. People want a place where they can feel like they’re in their own backyard.”

Working with this kind of outdoor space is familiar turf for the two other partners Torres brought in to run Trep’s day to day.

Jerry Mixon and Danny Akers are a local couple who for the past 15 years worked as chef and general manager (respectively) at Cafe Amelie, a French Quarter restaurant where the lush courtyard is the centerpiece.

EAT+DRINK

23

While the restaurant is built around a small service station, the property also includes a much larger adjacent warehouse, stretching through the middle of the block. Mixon says this is slated to become a second phase of the overall project, with its own kitchen and room for private events and regular service.

“It will be the indoor version of what we have next door,” he says. — IAN McNULTY/THE TIMES-PICAYUNE | THE NEW ORLEANS ADVOCATE

Kevin C. Astugue, D.D.S. 100 Robert E. Lee Blvd ( corner of West End & Robert E. Lee ) Call 504-286-3880 • Text 504-298-8470 • astuguefamilydentistry.com

Short term rental

2429 MARENGO ST., NEW ORLEANS

THE CHLOE, A NEW HOTEL AND RESTAURANT taking shape in a St.

Kay Randels Realtor, Latter & Blum, 504 451-8537 (cell) 504 866-2785 (ofc)

Uptown Office 200 Broadway, Suite 147 • New Orleans, Louisiana 70118

krandels@latterblum.com Kayrandels.latter-blum.com

Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission

FOR US TE

!

Clusters of fans rigged with misting sprays are fixed to every other corner, and gas-fired heaters are already installed for colder weather.

Some lessons of courtyard dining go beyond logistics.

From many seating areas, guests can look into the kitchen, which is built inside a shipping container, air-conditioned and prepped for the weather. It was a workaround to add restaurant facilities while keeping the vintage contours of the old service station, which is now dedicated to bar space.

For Mixon, the wide-open kitchen is part of the thrill of cooking for a local crowd.

“We loved the French Quarter, but this is a different neighborhood,” he says. “We want to have our regulars, and we want them to see us here. It’s all part of building your clientele.”

Torres said Trep’s has to appeal to a neighborhood crowd. He owns properties around the French Quarter and Marigny, and he’s concerned about how long it will take the tourism that sustains so many businesses there to return.

“In the neighborhoods, the business is still there,” Torres says. “You always see the neighborhood restaurants come back first after a disaster.”

The preliminary menu for Trep’s includes burgers (beef, turkey and vegetarian), Asian-style tacos on roti bread, steamed mussels, shrimp and grits, raw tuna nachos on wonton chips, salads, grain bowls, wings and fries and dips. Trep’s will have an oyster bar with its own grill.

Torres bought the property last year and work began on the new restaurant before the pandemic.

CUTE COTTAGE! 3B/2B 1841 Sq Ft in Fantastic Neighborhood by Freret St Restaurants/Shopping!

MODERN FLOOR PLAN, Living/Dining Rooms Open to Kitchen. ORIGINAL HARDWOOD FLOORS! Master Bedroom w/Seating Area, En Suite Bath, His & Her Walk-In Closets. LIBRARY/PLAY AREA has Built-in Shelving/Storage! Cute Rear Yard!

Move Right In! $485,000

VO

P H OTO B Y I A N M C N U LT Y/ T H E T I M E S - P I C AY U N E | T H E N E W O R L E A N S A DVO C AT E

Charles Avenue mansion, has been pitched as an expression of modern New Orleans hospitality in a classic framework. As it prepares to open, it’s devised a way to preview that concept tailored to these rapidly changing times.

Executive chef Todd Pulsinelli is taking preview versions of his menu direct to customers, cooking multicourse meals from the Chloe in their homes.

People can book four- or sixcourse meals for groups of six and 10 diners, to be held at their home.

There are optional add-ons of wine pairings, tableware and flowers, cocktails and even music playlists.

The Chloe is being developed inside a historic Queen Anne-style mansion at 4125 St. Charles Ave. It will be a 14-room hotel with an array of public spaces between the bar, patio and restaurant. From the start, the Chloe has been conceived as a draw for locals coming by for a meal or a drink as much as for travelers staying the night.

Long in the works, it was approaching completion last spring when the pandemic arrived. It’s now slated to open in the fall.

The hotel and restaurant is the latest from LeBlanc + Smith, the local company behind Sylvain, Cavan, Meauxbar, Longway Tavern and Barrel Proof.

Pulsinelli made his name in contemporary Creole cuisine as chef at Restaurant August, before opening the Uptown restaurant Warbucks. His Chloe preview menus feature snapper crudo, gumbo z’herbes, agnolotti with grilled chanterelles and harissa, roast chicken with popcorn grits, tomato roux and okra and pandan churros with spiced chocolate.

The Chloe’s at-home preview dinners continue through Sept. 13.

Visit thechloenola.com/the-chloeat-home for information. — IAN McNULTY/THE TIMES-PICAYUNE | THE NEW ORLEANS ADVOCATE

FINE ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES KRATOM • CBD 3137 CALHOUN ST. MON - SAT 11-7

BEST VAPE SHOP

•

504-309-4717

CALHOUNTRADINGCO.COM

DONATED BY EVERETT BONNER

“

WE THANK YOU ALL FOR THE TRUST, LOVE, LOYALTY AND SUPPORT AT THIS TIME. THANK YOU TO THE TIRELESS EFFORTS OF OUR AMAZING TEAM. WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS, TOGETHER. LOVE, THE VILKHUS

”

To go Hours 4pm-8pm Tue-Sat Dine In (Limited Reservations) Tue-Sat 5pm-9pm Book on Resy for reservations PHONE LINES OPEN AT 1PM | ORDER ONLINE TO - GO/CURBSIDE DELIVERY 4128 MAGAZINE ST NEW ORLEANS

G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M > Au g u st 2 5 - 3 1 > 2 0 2 0

They left Cafe Amelie this year to develop Trep’s with Torres and their fourth business partner in the venture, local builder David Carimi.

Creating outdoor dining spaces isn’t easy in New Orleans.

“There’s the rain, there’s the heat, the humidity, the critters, the storms,” Mixon says. “You can’t just put out tables and umbrellas and hope for the best.”

Those lessons have been built into Trep’s design and structure. The trellis system around the patio is made from heavy beams. Steel cords hold shade canvases in place, so there are no umbrellas to go flying off.

The TVs are in stout wooden boxes.

OUT EAT TO

G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M > Au g u st 2 5 - 3 1 > 2 02 0

24

Contact Will Coviello wcoviello@gambitweekly.com 504-483-3106 | FAX: 504-483-3159

METAIRIE

C O M P L E T E L I S T I N G S AT W W W. B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M Out 2 Eat is an index of Gambit contract advertisers. Unless noted, addresses are in New Orleans and all accept credit cards. Updates: email willc@gambitweekly.com or call (504) 483-3106.

Notice: Due to COVID-19, dining at restaurants is impacted, with limited indoor seating and other recommended restrictions. All information is subject to change.

Contact the restaurant to confirm service options.

BYWATER Luna Libre — 3600 St. Claude Ave., (504) 237-1284 — Roasted chicken enchiladas verde are filled with cheese, hand-rolled and served with special house-made cheese dip. The menu combines TexMex and dishes from Louisiana and Arkansas. Curbside pickup is available.

B Sat-Sun, D Wed-Sun. $

CBD 14 Parishes — Pythian Market, 234 Loyola Ave.; www.14parishes.com — Jamaican-style jerk chicken is served with two sides such as plantains, jasmine rice, cabbage or rice and peas. Delivery available. Curbside pickup and delivery available. L and D daily. $$ Eat Well — Pythian Market, 234 Loyola Ave.; www.pythianmarket.com — Phoritto is a spinach tortilla filled with brisket, chicken or tofu, plus bean sprouts, jalapenos, onions and basil and is served with a cup of broth. Curbside pickup and delivery available. L and D daily. $ Kais — Pythian Market, 234 Loyola Ave., (941) 481-9599; www.pythianmarket.com — A Sunshine bowl includes salmon, corn, mango, green onions, edamame, pickled ginger, ponzu spicy mayonnaise, cilantro, masago and nori strips. Curbside pickup and delivery available. L and D daily. $$ La Cocinita — Pythian Market, 234 Loyola Ave., (504) 309-5344; www.lacochinitafoodtruck.com — La Llanera is an arepa stuffed with carne asada, guasacasa, pico de gallo, grilled queso fresco and salsa verde. Curbside pickup and delivery available. B, L and D daily. $ Meribo Pizza — Pythian Market, 234 Loyola Ave., (504) 481-9599; www.meribopizza.com — A Meridionale pie is topped with pulled pork, chilies, ricotta, mozzarella, collard greens and red sauce. Delivery available. L and D daily. $$ Willie Mae’s — Pythian Market, 234 Loyola Ave.; www.williemaesnola.com — The Creole soul food restaurant is known for its fried chicken, red beans and more. Takeout available. L and D Mon-Sat. $

CARROLLTON/UNIVERSITY NEIGHBORHOODS Mikimoto — 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 488-1881; www.mikimotosushi.com — Sushi choices include new and old

B — breakfast L — lunch D — dinner late — late 24H — 24 hours

nola.com — A Mineko Iwasaki roll includes spicy snow crab, tuna, avocado and cucumber topped with salmon, chef’s sauce, masago, green onion and tempura crunchy flakes. The menu also includes bento box lunches, teriyaki dishes, fried rice and more. Takeout and delivery are available. L and D Tue-Sun. $$

$ — average dinner entrée under $10 $$ — $11 to $20 $$$ — $21 or more

favorites, both raw and cooked.

The South Carrollton roll includes tuna tataki, avocado and snow crab. Takeout and delivery available. L Sun-Fri, D daily. $$ Pyramids Cafe — 3151 Calhoun St., (504) 861-9602 — Diners will find Mediterranean cuisine featuring such favorites as shawarma prepared on a rotisserie. Takeout and delivery available. L, D daily. $$

CITYWIDE Breaux Mart — Citywide; www. breauxmart.com — The deli counter’s changing specials include dishes such as baked catfish and red beans and rice.

L, D daily. $

FAUBOURG MARIGNY Kebab — 2315 St. Claude Ave., (504) 383-4328; www.kebabnola.com — The sandwich shop offers doner kebabs and Belgian fries. A falafel sandwich comes with pickled cucumbers, arugula, spinach, red onions, beets, hummus and Spanish garlic sauce. No reservations.

Takeout and delivery available Thu-Mon. $

HARAHAN/JEFFERSON/ RIVER RIDGE The Rivershack Tavern — 3449 River Road, (504) 834-4938; www.therivershacktavern.com — This bar and music spot offers a menu of burgers, sandwiches and changing lunch specials.

Curbside pickup and delivery available.

L, D daily. $ Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza — 1212 S. Clearview Parkway, Elmwood, (504) 7333803; www.theospizza.com — There is a wide variety of specialty pies and diners can build their own from the selection of more than two-dozen toppings. The menu also includes salads and sandwiches. Curbside pickup and delivery available. L, D Tue-Sat. $

LAKEVIEW Lakeview Brew Coffee Cafe — 5606 Canal Blvd., (504) 483-7001; www.lakeviewbrew.com — This casual cafe offers gourmet coffees and a wide range of pastries and desserts baked in house, plus a menu of specialty sandwiches and salads. For breakfast, an omelet is filled with marinated mushrooms, bacon, spinach and goat cheese.

Tuna salad or chicken salad avocado melts are topped with melted Monterey Jack and shredded Parmesan cheeses.

Takeout, curbside pickup and delivery are available. B, L daily. $ Lotus Bistro — 203 W. Harrison Ave., (504) 533-9879; www.lotusbistro-

Andrea’s Restaurant — 3100 N. 19th St., Metairie, (504) 834-8583; www.andreasrestaurant.com — Chef/owner Andrea Apuzzo’s specialties include speckled trout royale which is topped with lump crabmeat and lemon-cream sauce.

Capelli D’Andrea combines house-made angel hair pasta and smoked salmon in light cream sauce. Curbside pickup and delivery are available. L, D daily, brunch Sun. $$$ Kosher Cajun New York Deli & Grocery — 3519 Severn Ave., Metairie, (504) 8882010; www.koshercajun.com — This New York-style deli specializes in sandwiches, including corned beef and pastrami that come from the Bronx. Takeout available.

L Sun-Thu, D Mon-Thu. $ Mark Twain’s Pizza Landing — 2035 Metairie Road, Metairie, (504) 832-8032; www.marktwainpizza.com — Mark Twain’s serves salads, po-boys and pies like the Italian pizza with salami, tomato, artichoke, sausage and basil. Takeout and curbside pickup are available. L TueSat, D Tue-Sun. $ Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza — 2125 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 510-4282; www.theospizza.com — See Harahan/Jefferson section for restaurant description. $

MID-CITY/TREME Angelo Brocato’s — 214 N. Carrollton Ave., (504) 486-1465; www.angelobrocatoicecream.com — This sweet shop serves its own gelato, spumoni, Italian ice, cannolis, fig cookies and other treats. Window and curbside pickup.

L, D Tue-Sun. $ Brown Butter Southern Kitchen & Bar — 231 N. Carrollton Ave., Suite C, (504) 609-3871; www.brownbutterrestaurant. com — Sample items have included smoked brisket served with smoked apple barbecue sauce, Alabama white barbecue sauce, smoked heirloom beans and vinegar slaw. A Brunch burger features a brisket and short rib patty topped with bacon, brie, a fried egg, onion jam and arugula on a brioche bun. Takeout, curbside pickup and delivery are available. $$ Doson Noodle House — 135 N. Carrollton Ave., (504) 309-7283; www.facebook. com/dosonnoodlehouse — Bun thit is Vietnamese-style grilled pork with cucumber, onions, lettuce, mint, cilantro and fish sauce served over rice or vermicelli. The menu includes rice and vermicelli dishes, pho, spring rolls and more.

Takeout, curbside pickup and delivery are available. $$ Five Happiness — 3511 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 482-3935; www.fivehappiness.com — The large menu at Five Happiness offers a range of dishes from wonton soup to sizzling seafood combinations served on a hot plate to sizzling Go-Ba to lo mein dishes. Takeout and delivery available. $$ Katie’s Restaurant — 3701 Iberville St., (504) 488-6582; www.katiesinmidcity.com — Favorites at this Mid-City restaurant include the Cajun Cuban with roasted pork, grilled ham, cheese and pickles pressed on buttered bread. The Boudreaux pizza is topped with cochon de lait, spinach, red onions, roasted garlic, scallions and olive oil. There also are salads, burgers and Italian dishes.

Takeout, curbside pickup and delivery available. L and D Tue-Sun. $$

Nonna Mia — 3125 Esplanade Ave., (504) 948-1717; www.nonnamianola.com — A Divine Portobello appetizer includes chicken breast, spinach in creamy red pepper sauce and crostini.

The menu also includes salads, sandwiches, pasta, pizza and more. Curbside pickup and delivery are available. Service daily. $$ Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza — 4024 Canal St., (504) 302-1133; www.theospizza.com — See Harahan/ Jefferson section for restaurant description. $ Willie Mae’s Scotch House — 2401 St. Ann St., (504) 822-9503; www.williemaesnola.com — This neighborhood restaurant is known for its wet-battered fried chicken. Green beans come with rice and gravy. There’s bread pudding for dessert. No reservations.

L Mon-Fri. $$

NORTHSHORE Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza — 70488 Highway 21, Covington, (985) 234-9420; www.theospizza.com — See Harahan/ Jefferson section for restaurant description. $

UPTOWN Joey K’s — 3001 Magazine St., (504) 891-0997; www.joeyksrestaurant.com ­— This casual eatery serves fried seafood platters, salads, sandwiches and Creole favorites such as red beans and rice.

Sauteed trout Tchoupitoulas is topped with shrimp and crabmeat and served with vegetables and potatoes. Takeout and delivery available. $$ Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza — 4218 Magazine St., (504) 894-8554; www.theospizza.com — See Harahan/ Jefferson section for restaurant description. $

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT Carmo — 527 Julia St., (504) 875-4132; www.cafecarmo.com — Carmo salad includes smoked ham, avocado, pineapple, almonds, cashews, raisins, cucumber, green pepper, rice, lettuce, cilantro and citrus mango vinaigrette. The menu includes dishes inspired by many tropical cuisines. Takeout and delivery are available. Mon-Sat. $$ Provisions Grab-n-Go Marketplace — Higgins Hotel, 500 Andrew Higgins Blvd., (504) 528-1941; www.higgingshotelnola. com — The coffeeshop serves salads, sandwiches, pastries and more. Takeout available. Service daily. $

WEST BANK Mosca’s — 4137 Hwy. 90 W., Westwego, (504) 436-8950; www.moscasrestaurant.com — This family-style eatery has changed little since opening in 1946. Popular dishes include shrimp Mosca, chicken a la grande and baked oysters Mosca, made with breadcrumps and Italian seasonings.

Curbside pickup available. D Wed-Sat. Cash only. $$$ Specialty Italian Bistro — 2330 Belle Chasse Hwy., Gretna, (504) 391-1090; www.specialtyitalianbistro.com — The menu combines Old World Italian favorites and pizza. Chicken piccata is a paneed chicken breast topped with lemon-caper piccata sauce served with angel hair pasta, salad and garlic cheese bread. Takeout and delivery available.

Service daily. $$

MUSIC

BY WILL COVIELLO

HOT PASTRAMI & CORNED BEEF FALAFEL • CHOPPED LIVER MATZOH BALL SOUP

BUY 1 SANDWICH & GET FREE FRENCH FRIES! Expires 10/25/2020.

MONDAY — THURSDAY

NOW HIRING!

Direct Support Professionals

10AM-7PM

FRIDAY & SUNDAY 10AM-3PM

SATURDAY CLOSED

• $10-$11/hr, Plus BONUS OPPORTUNITY! THE RELEASE THIS WEEK of “Gospel According to PJ” shouldn’t come as a surprise to PJ Morton’s fans.

“I get asked to do a gospel album every year,” Morton says. “People might be surprised that I finally did it.”

Morton has been on top of the R&B world, drawing Grammy nominations for best R&B album the last three years in a row. After winning his second Grammy In January, for the song “Say So,” he released stripped down versions of mostly R&B songs on “The Piano Album.” And although he’s working on a new Maroon 5 record — as he marks his 10th year with the group — he turned his attention to the gospel project. But he’s never been far from the world of sacred music.

“Even during the first year with Maroon 5, I was playing in my dad’s church in Atlanta,” Morton says. “I played in church during college — always as a side gig, even if I was producing, even after I had mainstream records placed.”

His father, Bishop Paul S. Morton, asked him to start playing during the main Sunday services at New Orleans’ Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church starting when PJ was 14. It wasn’t long before he started writing gospel music. The first song that made an impact was “Don’t Lose Your Candlestick,” recorded by Men of Standard for the album “Feels like Rain.”

It resulted in his first real paycheck from music writing, but he had to take a CD to St. Augustine High School to prove to his friends that his song had been professionally recorded.

“Gospel According to PJ” shows his connections to several generations of gospel singers, though it sticks mainly to contemporary styles.

Many tracks are new versions with different artists, and a few songs are entirely new releases. The vocalists

• Flexible schedules

P H OTO B Y D O M I N I C S C OT T

on the album include Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Kim Burrell, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Le’Andria Johnson, Mary Mary and others. He originally wrote “Repay” for local singer Chanel and “Gotta Have You” for Jonathan McReynolds. “Don’t Let Go” was on the charts for more than a year.

“Part of making this album is showing my journey through gospel music,” Morton says.

The album also shows his family connections. His father grew up in Windsor, Canada, and his grandfather also was a pastor. Morton’s aunt was a backup singer for Detroit’s Clark Sisters. “Here He Comes Again” was originally written for Le’Andria Johnson but wasn’t included on her last album. Since Johnson sings in the same vein as Dorinda Clark-Cole, Morton asked The Clark Sisters to record it, and the track has a joyous, throwback feel.

Morton started working on the album before the pandemic, but it was altered by the shutdowns — some of that for the better, he says. He originally planned to travel to recording sessions with the vocalists, but he had to switch to a remote presence. “So in Love” was supposed to be recorded

by The Walls Group in Houston. But only Darryl Walls was available, so Morton called Zacardi Cortez and asked if he could make it to the studio that day. Morton wound up with two top vocalists on the track.

While recording during the pandemic didn’t follow his original plan, he’s glad the album is arriving now.

“Growing up in gospel music, it’s definitely the music that inspires and gives hope,” he says. “I started to feel like, ‘let me finish it now,’ because I think people can use this message of love now more than ever.”

• Gratifying work

“Best New York Deli in New Orleans” 3519 SEVERN 888-2010

If you are ready to make a difference, please visit: voasela.org/careers to apply today!

WWW.KOSHERCAJUN.COM

EEO/AAP/DRUG FREE

New Orleans H O M E

+ STYLE + DESIGN

New Orleans

N + DESIG STYLE HOME + 020 AU G US T 2

ROSES IN STOCK COLORS

7.99

$

ONE DOZEN

inside

EXPR ESSI

TS V E ACCEN

ER’S A PULITZ P. 4 // A LEX

M A LONE P. 12 // HOME // R ATTA N HOME P. 8

TIPS P. 18 P. 16 // DECOR

Gambit Details showcases how New Orleanians love to intersect classic style with the eclectic, while introducing our readers to some of our city’s unique retailers, designers and creators.

I S S U E DAT E

SEPT 1

CALL NOW CALL FOR SPECIAL OFFER Ad Director Sandy Stein 504.483.3150 or sstein@gambitweekly.com *SCARBOROUGH CUME RESEARCH: NEW ORLEANS, LA 2019 RELEASE 2 (AU G 201 8 -S EPTEM B ER 201 9)

Cash and carry only.

Expires September 5, 2020.

METAIRIE

750 MARTIN BEHRMAN AVE (504) 833-3716

COVINGTON

1415 N. HWY 190 (985) 809-9101 VILLERESFLORIST.COM

G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M > Au g u st 2 5 - 3 1 > 2 0 2 0

Here He Comes Again

25

SPECIALIZING IN

FILM

G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M > Au g u st 2 5 - 3 1 > 2 02 0

26

Road kill

BY WILL COVIELLO

“UNHINGED” TURNS A ROAD RAGE INCIDENT INTO A ROLLING VENDETTA that leaves car wrecks and

2020

SCHOOL

OPEN HOUSE

CALENDAR RUNNING IN THE SEPTEMBER 15 ISSUE

SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE A GAMBIT ADVERTISER DIRECTORY

For additional information on these School Open Houses – or available tours – see ads in this issue of Gambit & contact schools directly.

OCTOBER 4 11 11 16 16 17 18 23 25 25 25 26 30 30 NOVEMBER 6 13 13 13 15 JANUARY 8

TIME 4-7pm 5:50-8pm 3-7pm 8:30-10am 5-7pm 5-7pm 6-8pm 8:30-10am 4:30-6:30pm 5pm

8:30-10am 9:30am TIME 8:30-10am 6pm 9am 1pm 9am + 7pm TIME 8:30-10am

GRADES High School High School High School 1yo-4th K-12th 5th-12th 9th-12th 1yo-4th 18 months-8th High School High School 2yo-7th 1yo-4th Nursery & PreK GRADES 1yo-4th High School Babies-7th 8th & 9th PK1-7th GRADES 1yo-4th

SCHOOL Cabrini High School Ben Franklin High School Mount Carmel Academy Academy of the Sacred Heart Holy Rosary School Academy of the Sacred Heart Lutheran High School Academy of the Sacred Heart Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle Orléans International High School of New Orleans Ursuline Academy Ursuline Academy Academy of the Sacred Heart New Orleans JCC - Uptown SCHOOL Academy of the Sacred Heart Archbishop Rummel High School Arden Cahill Academy Arden Cahill Academy St. Edward the Confessor SCHOOL Academy of the Sacred Heart

AD SPACE

CALL THE SCHOOL einsteincharter.org einsteincharter.org einsteincharter.org einsteincharter.org lusherschool.org universityview.academy 504.347.4409 504.865.1659

GRADES High School 6th-8th PK-5th PK-5th K-12th K-12th Infants-7th 2-6yo

SCHOOL Einstein Charter High Einstein Charter Middle Sherwood Forest Village de L’Est Lusher Charter School University View Academy Immaculate Conception School University Montessori School

ANY INFORMATION LEFT BLANK WAS NOT SPECIFIED IN ADS.

ISSUE DATE: OCTOBER 16

RESERVE AD SPACE BY OCT. 5

SCHOOLS 2018 ANNUAL GUIDE TO

A H A N DY R E S O U R C E G U I D E

Pre-school, elementary, high schools and colleges in the greater New Orleans area.

SEP

4

F RE FOR A E L I S T I NG DV E R T ISER S

ISSUE DATE

SEP

15

To advertise call Sandy Stein at 504.483.3150 or sstein@gambitweekly.com

blood across New Orleans, where it was filmed. Russell Crowe plays an enraged man who feels justified in lashing out violently at innocent people, and while the actor can’t improve the flawed scheme, he keeps the action thriller from being too cartoonish.

Though he’s been cast in diverse roles, including the math prodigy in “A Beautiful Mind,” Crowe has stood out playing brutes, from the skinhead gang leader in 1992’s “Romper Stomper” to the Roman general who ends up fighting for his life in Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator.”

The unnamed man in “Unhinged” is hooked on prescription medication and angry that his wife left him.

The film begins with him waiting outside a home at 4 a.m. to ambush its occupants.

Rachel (Caren Pistorius) is struggling to get back on her feet, coping with a contentious divorce, housing her younger brother and his girlfriend, losing business clients and trying to get her son to school on time. While stuck in traffic, she gets into an otherwise trivial altercation with Crowe’s angry man. Easily triggered, he sets out to “teach her a lesson.” The depraved drama that follows is a close-toreal-time gamut of his attempts to psychologically torture her by harming people she loves, knows or who get in his way.

Screenwriter Carl Ellsworth said he wanted to explore what a person might do when he has nothing to lose, but this goes well beyond that.

There are some clever twists in the pursuit, prolonging the game of catand-mouse as the man pursues her friends and family. But the film also defies credulity as Rachel seems to give-up on seeking help from the police in favor of battling the monster herself. Terrorizing women victims is a horror movie trope, but this film turns up the misogyny, which seems like a more conspicuously

P H OTO B Y S K I P B O L E N P R OV I D E D B Y S O L S T I C E S T U D I O S

disappointing choice in the wake of Hollywood’s Me Too problems.

The opening credits feature a montage of caught-on-video violence in the streets, but director Derrick Borte overplays his setup with the addition of voice-overs about the lack of enough police to keep order, which seems like an excuse for coming plot deficiencies.

The film is in concept about road rage, but the elaborate scheming of the man cannot be written off as a tense moment gone wrong or a society of people living with too much stress.

With its chases, fights and wellstaged crashes, the film moves at a good clip for most of its 90 minutes. But it also belabors its early setup with slow conversations and needless exposition of stop-and-go traffic. It was filmed in New Orleans, but the city doesn’t figure into the story, and there are no goofy accents. The cast is small, but recognizable faces from local stages and film include Samantha Beaulieu, Devyn Tyler and Lucy Faust.

The coronavirus disrupted the summer movie business. Major studios delayed releases of anticipated movies, including Disney’s “Mulan,” “Unhinged” and “Tenet.” “Unhinged” actually bounced around the calendar, originally planned for late summer, then moved up and then pushed back when theaters shuttered. It now has the distinction of being the first big nationwide summer release, hitting theaters as some major chains reopen. It is screening at local AMC Theatres, Regal Cinemas and The Prytania.

How enthusiastic audiences are about going to socially distanced multiplexes remains to be seen. But at a time when some people can’t handle being asked to wear a mask, “Unhinged” unfortunately asks audiences to indulge one person’s rage. It’s less thrilling and more a sense of relief when it ends.

UPTOWN BEAUTY

1723-25 COLUMBUS STREET

4934 CONSTANCE STREET

UPSCALE NEWLY BUILT DUPLEX! Downstairs 3 Beds/2 Baths as well as a 1 Bed/1 Bath MIL suite.

Upstairs is a 3 Bed/2 Bath unit + large loft & 2 Car Parking.

Beautiful Pine Hardwood oors thru out & high end bathrooms. Kitchens include Gorgeous granite counters & ss appls.

Upstairs unit has lrg Wrap Around Balcony.

Downstairs includes a large backyard. $699,000

Well maintained property includes a 3BR/3BA unit, which could be an Owners unit with Original Hardwood Floors, High Ceilings & Old World charm. Lots of potential for increased revenue. Fully rented with some long term tenants.

Includes recently renovated rear building/studio apartment. MAGAZINE ST. - Restaurants, Coffee Shops, Boutiques, and More!!! $875,000

TOP PRODUCER

(504) 895-4663

GARDEN DISTRICT OFFICE 2016 & 2017

ABR, CRS, GRI, SFR, SRS

NFL MIX-UP

By Frank A. Longo

" !

! " ! $ ! !

!

# $

65 Pre-takeoff abbr.

66 Biblical “ark-itect�

67 NFL team whose logo is a Lipitor pill?

72 Gillette razor 75 Rhinoplasty doc 76 Nix from Nixon, say 77 Like most slasher films 81 NFL team whose logo is a sword?

85 Diving seabird 86 Wood chopper 87 Venus — (Louvre statue) 88 Brian of electronica 89 Super-close buds 91 Where a goatee grows

92 Just-OK mark 93 NFL team whose logo is a cheese curd?

98 Old film critic James 99 Justice Kagan 100 Oscar winner Witherspoon 101 NFL team whose logo is an amoeba?

108 Arkin of film 109 San —, Italy 110 L-P link 111 Final Four org.

115 “Honor Thy Father� author Gay 117 NFL team whose logo is a perfume bottle?

123 Lounging 124 Board, as a train 125 Slabs 126 Alleviate 127 Half a school year 128 Really vexed

Mom March, for short 46 What the weary have, in a saying 47 Little cave 48 Chachi player Scott 49 Volcano in Sicily 50 Light meal 55 “Who ya — call?�

57 Colorado tribe 58 Affront, informally 59 Pupil, in Paris 60 Suffragist — B. Wells 62 “My Two Dads� actress Keanan 63 Karate teacher 64 Former name of Kazakhstan’s capital 68 Prefix with 101-Down 69 Ending for auction 70 Bridge beam 71 Rile 72 “Moneytalks� rock band 73 You, quaintly 74 “The — of the DOWN Ancient Mariner�

1 Baby cow 78 Western lake 2 Smell 79 Leaves 3 Be defeated 80 Concentrated 4 “St. Elmo’s Fire� bunch 82 Put straight 5 Longing 83 Taken eco-friendly 6 Kind of wheat measures 7 Lucky charm 8 “— done it!�

9 Fleur-de- — 10 “A Nightmare on — Street�

11 Carrere of “True Lies�

12 Illuminator on a dime 13 Advent 14 President on a dime 15 Choose 16 Floral parts 17 Nonsensical 18 Pond wrigglers 19 Lawn stuff 24 Catch on to 29 Baseballer Hershiser 32 Tyrant Amin 33 Light meal 34 Prefix with cycle 35 Burglarize 36 Actor Hugh 37 Artist’s stand 38 Amtrak train 39 Fathered 40 Sarcastic 44 Ladies’ club policy 45 Target of the Million

84 Like fillets 85 Movie-archiving org.

89 U2 vocalist 90 Apartment sharer, to a Brit 91 Neat and wholesome 94 Nixing mark 95 High peak 96 For every 97 Old PC screen 98 Trojan hero 101 Birth-related 102 Thrill 103 Swansea locale 104 Stockpile 105 Opposite of day, in Italy 106 Soon to receive, as a treat 107 Fa follower 112 Traffic marker 113 Singer Paul 114 Office helper: Abbr.

116 Iceland-toIreland dir.

118 NASA lander 119 Chimp, e.g.

120 Denials 121 Blast creator 122 “Eureka!�

ANSWERS FOR LAST ISSUE’S PUZZLE: P 2

PUZZLES

41 Small-time 42 Actresses Longoria and Mendes 43 NFL team whose logo is a bracelet?

48 Poet Jonson 51 Estrada of “CHiPs�

52 D-Day invasion river 53 Here-there link 54 Opposite of staccato 56 Headed up 57 Thurman of “Robin Hood�

58 NFL team whose logo is a steak?

61 “— Fideles� (yule carol) 63 Go by ship

&"!% %$!'( !* '%! &(

%35,0 )+3/%0 7)06) )5%,3,)

%'+ &31-)3%*) ,0()2)0()05.9 180)( %0( 12)3%5)( ,')04)( ,0 16,4,%0%

PREMIER CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Cheddar-like cheese 6 Pointy heel 14 Catching with a lariat 20 Love to bits 21 Decorative park shelter 22 Intro 23 NFL team whose logo is a red planet?

25 Canadian metropolis 26 Guitar ridge 27 Manning of the Giants 28 Co. kingpins 30 Cookout raiders 31 NFL team whose logo is a prairie?

38 President of Syria

27

) # #

G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M > AU G U S T 2 5 - 3 1 > 2 0 2 0

HISTORICAL 7TH WARD

! !

" ! " "

&" % 0 ! "

- -

! %"! !&! $ % % $( $ "!! , , +)&/2.)

-+

$ '# $ "$

.

- -

%4%2 .3 "+6$ %4 )2)%

>/523 /. 4 - 0 5.$ : - 0

#"& , +)&/2.)

-+

)6%2 2*%40+ #%

-! 33 $/2 , 9%2: *8: & :%44%

>/523 /. 4 - 0 5.$ : - 0

$ * "$ '( !"! ! %8 % + .$ -+

) + $ /; !4+3

% "% ! " -+

) )

) /

/4 + ).% /2% )3 ./4 2%30/.3)!+% &/2 4:0/'2 0()# + /2 (5- . %22/2 /2 3500+)%2 02)#% ).#2% 3%3 2/$5#43 8()+% 3500+)%3 + 34 4 )3 )++%' + 4/ 3%++ +#/(/+ !%+/8 #/34 ). 4(% 4 4% /& /5)3) . . 4(% %6%.4 /& 02)#% %22/2 /2 02)#% - 4#( #534/-%2 3 4)3& #4)/.3 # ../4 '/ !%+/8 /52 052#( 3% #/34 % 2%3%26% 4(% 2)'(4 4/ +)-)4 15 .4)4)%3 /4 + ).% /2% )3 2%')34%2%$ 42 $%- 2* /& %4 )+ %26)#%3 :34%-3 .# ++ 2)'(43 2%3%26%$ +% 3% $2).* 2%30/.3)!+: 3% $%3)'. 4%$ $2)6%2

& ' -% !% %# $ !

! "% <2 .#% -+

$ ! "'& 0" , " $ /; # .3

= " 7

"% $% $! & '( !"! , +)&/2.)

-+