Issue 5 / Volume 76
Out on the Town
Nightlife: the Sequel
LOYOLA’S FAVORITES| P3 LOCAL DEALS | P6 5 RECORD STORES TO VISIT | P7
Editor’s Note
Wolf magazine
T
ell me, O Muse, of the night of many shenanigans, where we set forth into the city after a tumultuous week of classes... Do you ever wonder what Homer would say about a night out if he was a college student? Would he talk about the eternal quest to find the perfect ice cream flavor? Or a feast of crawfish at the end of a harsh winter? I bet there’d be an elaborate story of the battle of finals, where we came out victorious and celebrated at the local bar. Maybe it’s my inner classicist, but if Homer told a tale of New Orleans, I think we’d have a new epic to marvel. Truth be told, we all have our stories of the nightlife we’ve experienced, and they’re stories we’ll go on to tell for years to come. New Orleans is always lively, but something special happens when the sun goes down. On page 4, you’ll hear the stories of student performers and how they manage a music career with classes. On page 7, you’ll see suggestions for record stores for every personality. And on the page over, you’ll see the things that we at Loyola love and are willing to call our favorites. Before the year ends, take a look at what we’ve collected in these pages, and have an adventure of epic proportions to tell.
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STAFF
Wolf Editor PAULINA PICCIANO Editor-in-Chief SIDNEY HOLMES Managing Editor for Print PAULINA PICCIANO Managing Editor for Electronic Properties ERIN SNODGRASS Maroon Minute Executive Producer AMY NGO Photo Editor OSAMA AYYAD Copy Editor ROSE WAGNER Design Chief HAYLEY HYNES Contributor KAYLIE SAIDIN Contributor CALEB BECK Contributor CLAIRE ANDERSON Contributor VANESSA ALVARADO Contributor JACOB MEYER Contributor CRISTIAN ORELLANA Distribution Manager ANDRES FUENTES Advertising Art Director HAYLEY HYNES Faculty Adviser MICHAEL GIUSTI
ABOUT US
Wolf Magazine is a publication by Loyola University New Orleans Student Media and does not necessarily reflect the views of Loyola’s administration. Unless otherwise noted, all content is copyright to the Wolf Magazine. The first copy is free to students, faculty and staff. Every additional copy is $1.00.
CONTACT US
Paulina Picciano Wolf Editor
Visit Wolf Magazine online at loyolamaroon.com/ category/the-wolf/ or follow us on our Facebook or Instagram at @loynowolfmag
COVER PHOTO by Cristian Orellana
Loyola’s Favorites Based on student answers, we curated a list of Loyola’s favorites places around the city By Paulina Picciano and Claire Anderson
PAULINA PICCIANO/ The Maroon.
PAULINA PICCIANO/ The Maroon.
PAULINA PICCIANO/ The Maroon.
FAVORITE CAMPUS FOOD OPTION
FAVORITE ICE CREAM PLACE
FAVORITE PLACE TO STUDY
Subway
Creole Creamery
Monroe Library
Subway let’s us have it our way at any time of the day, especially late at night when we need a study snack.
From classic flavors to ones you never thought you’d see, like thai mint and magnolia, Creole Creamery always makes us smile.
Second floor near the windows, a study room, in the quietness of the third floor... wherever the spot, as long as it’s in the library, we’re studying there.
ARCHIVE/ The Maroon.
PAULINA PICCIANO/ The Maroon.
FAVORITE LOCAL FOOD
FAVORITE BAR
Seafood
Bruno’s
With crawfish season kicking in, it’s no surprise we love seafood so much. In between pinching tails, don’t forget about other favorites like shrimp etouffee.
We’re choosing Bruno’s for more than just their Wine Wednesday special. The sports bar offers a laidback vibe perfect for grabbing a drink with friends.
ARCHIVE/ The Maroon.
FAVORITE PLACE TO GET SPOILED BY YOUR PARENTS Commander’s Palace Because what’s better than dressing up and going to a fancy meal with your family? 3 | The Wolf Magazine
Making it BIG
Derek Taylor and Skylar Allen tell us what it’s like to manage growing music careers while being students By Vanessa Alvarado Derek Taylor and Skylar Allen are two student performers making a name for themselves, both as separate artists and collaborators, outside the Loyola sphere. Growing up on different sides of the country, the friends met at Loyola and have quickly made their own fan bases and gotten a taste of what it’s like to live their dreams making their names as performers. Taylor, who’s also known as DJ Dii Tii, is from St. Louis, Missouri. A music industry sophomore, he aspires to one day become a household name. Taylor has been DJing since he was fourteen and does not see the grind stopping anytime soon. “It doesn’t really seem too much different between then and now,” Taylor said. “The only thing that changed was the location in which I’m operating and the crowds. In general, the crowds are getting much bigger and I take that as a step in the right direction.” While he is busy with performing, at the end of the day, Taylor is still a student. However, he doesn’t find it difficult to balance performing and academics. “That kind of time pretty much separates itself because there’s usually only certain blocks of time that I devote to performing throughout the week, and usually I devote it to the weekend, of course. On top of that, it’s about prioritizing what kind of studies have to be done,” Taylor said. Taylor did admit he sometimes leaves homework up until the day it’s due. His advice for those starting out now is to give it your all and find connections. “I don’t want to be cliché, but telling people to go hard is what you have to do. It’s what you are supposed to do with pretty much with everything,” Taylor said. “(Get) yourself in a room with the people who are doing the same thing as you. Get in there, shake some hands, make sure they know your name and make sure they know what you do. You just have to deliver every time you show up and things will fall into place.” Taylor has had many shows throughout his career and surprisingly still cannot choose a favorite. Although, one of his favorites was when he performed with his friends Skylar Allen and Max Taylor. Allen got his start at Loyola and he never thought he would be where he is now at his age. Hailing from a very small town called Sandwich, New Hampshire, Allen considers himself a New Orleans-based rapper. While Allen is also a well-known performer in the Loyola community, school comes first because of his scholarships.
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Derek Taylor, who performs as DJ Dii Tii (pronounced ‘D-J-D-T’), keeps the mix hot behind the table at Republic NOLA. JACOB MEYER / The Maroon.
“Sometimes it’s kind of hard to balance, especially this semester because I’ve had a ton of classes, but really it’s just about portioning your schedule out. Don’t say this time is open because it’s not,” Allen said. While Allen doesn’t consider himself a “Soundcloud rapper,” he does believe Soundcloud has been the most effective platform for pushing his music out compared to other streaming sites. Allen uses Soundcloud primarily to push his music since it’s not only free but easier to connect to other people on. His favorite show was opening for Ghoste Mane on Nov. 28, 2017 at the Hi-Ho Lounge. However, Allen never got to meet Ghost Mane when he was there. “His audience rings with ours, and every song was really receptive to us, which was cool. It was sold out,” Allan said. The crowd of 250 people cheering along to every song Allen performed was one of his favorite memories to date. “When I first started, I came from a town where there was a lot of people doing music, but not a lot of people applied themselves as much as they could,” Allen said. His advice for those starting out is to “listen to a lot of stuff, work with people who push you and find a group of people who push each other.”
Even late in a set, Skylar Allen is not one to back down from the intensity required to put on a show.. JACOB MEYER / The Maroon.
Similar to Taylor, Allen’s advice for newcomers is to make connections. He finds it crucial to be surrounded by people who want the same thing as him because it motivates him to work harder. “Listen to a lot of stuff, work with people who push you and find a group of people who push each other,” Allen said.
Brunch-able The perfect rememdy for both a night out and a long week, brunch is the meal time that’s there to get us back on our feet
By Paulina Picciano Brunch is the key to happiness. And for those of you who think I’m exaggerating, take a second and think about it. Brunch, more so than any other meal time, is dedicated to slowing down for just a moment to really be mindful and think about the week we’ve had, eat an amazing meal and enjoy good company. Brunch lets us breathe, maybe for the first and only time all week, and allows us a couple hours to recover — whether it be from whatever weekend antics we might have participated in or the bundle of stress we accumulated over the week — and prepare for the week ahead. In celebration of brunch, here’s a list of our favorite spots:
Toast
Toast is where it’s at, and the extensive wait time that develops on weekends seems to be evidence enough of that. The restaurant itself is small, but their outside seating option helps keep the space from feeling claustrophobic. The set menu features options like the classic avocado toast, biscuits and gravy, ableskivers and a variety of omelettes. Before you make a decision, ask what the specials are; there’s almost always something exciting and new.
Riccobono’s Panola Street Cafe
When you walk into the plant-laden cafe, you almost feel like you’re home. Riccobono’s is very cozy, and while their menu offers the usual breakfast options, it’s hard to be disappointed by whatever you order. Better yet, the dining experience is very affordable, especially if you’ve spent most of the weekend out. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the huevos rancheros or the crabcake benedict.
Satsuma
It’s hard not to include Satsuma on a brunch or breakfast list, as the restaurant seems to be everyone’s favorite place to go. Located on Maple Street, they offer fresh juices and organic and local food. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, fear not, you have options to choose from. If the weather is nice, try to nab a table outside after ordering at the counter.
Ruby Slipper
With five locations in New Orleans alone, Ruby Slipper has been serving food and cocktails since 2008. You can’t go wrong ordering any of their signature items, like the eggs blackstone or the bananas foster pain perdu. Newcomers take note, though, they don’t take reservations and the wait time can reach up to a couple hours long, so be sure to get there early, if you can.
Brennan’s
Brennan’s is our treat yourself option. Whether you want to celebrate a special occasion or just want to splurge on a nice brunch, you can’t go wrong with Brennan’s. Sitting tight in the French Quarter, the restaurant has been a New Orleans staple for over 70 years now. Their drinks are absolutely fabulous and pair well with classic dishes like eggs sardou and turtle soup. Before you leave, order the bananas foster for dessert, which gets made right at your table.
PAULINA PICCIANO/ The Maroon.
5 | The Wolf Magazine
Deals for every day of the week By Kaylie Saidin To say that New Orleans is known for its food and drinks is an understatement. Living here is a never-ending journey of trying new local restaurants and brews. But, like all things extravagant and awesome, eating and drinking out every night takes a toll on your wallet. So rather than compiling an exhaustive list of every bar and happy hour in the city (which would take up the entire magazine), here are some of the best happy hours and theme nights the city has to offer for a broke college student. If you’re trying to experience real New Orleans food and drinking every night of the week, look no further than this handy guide.
Monday Samuel’s Blind Pelican Located in the Lower Garden District on St. Charles Street, this local spot is only a streetcar away from Uptown. It’s easy to say the Blind Pelican is nautical themed – a fishing net and a pelican sculpture decorate the two-story restaurant – and they serve high quality seafood. The patio and balcony seating is perfect for sitting on a warm evening with friends. •Monday happy hour: 4-8 p.m. •25 cent oysters, $10/dozen chargrilled oysters, 2 for 1 mixed well drinks. •Recommendation: 25 cent oysters and boiled crawfish when it’s in season
Tuesday Tacos & Beer Take it from a former hostess/server – their Mexican food is authentic. This restaurant is on St. Charles in the Lower Garden district. With a fully-stocked bar, blaring music and a lively patio, Tacos & Beer is a spot for many locals and college students. Every Tuesday is Taco Tuesday, where their street-style tacos are $1 each all day. •Hours: taco deals all day Tuesday •$1 tacos •Recommendation: the house margaritas are inexpensive and delicious
Wednesday The Bulldog The Bulldog is a local favorite and a fully-fledged craft beer bar. They have an extensive selection on tap, quality bar food and a younger crowd with a relaxed atmosphere. The lights in the trees on the patio make for a cozy feel. •Wednesday happy hour: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. •$1 off pitchers, $3.50 house wines and double mixed drinks for the price of a single. Also, on Wednesday, you get to keep the glass from your pint, or you can donate it back and they’ll put money towards animal rescue.
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•Recommendation: A pint (or pitcher) of Urban South Holy Roller on tap Bruno’s Tavern If you’re a college student or an Uptown resident, you may already know about Bruno’s on a Wednesday. But I’ll spell it out for you: Wednesday is wine night, meaning all bottles of wine are $5 each until they run out. The place is packed with college students and young locals enjoying the jukebox, comfy booths and pool table. Bruno’s has been around since the days of prohibition. •Wednesday hours: 12 p.m. – 3 a.m. •$5 bottles of wine on Wednesdays •Recommendation: You get half off on food with a college ID. If you check in on Facebook, you can get a free shot of fireball. Make sure to tip your bartenders
Thursday TJ Quills If you don’t mind a crowd and dancing to hits from the early 2000s, TJ Quills is the best bang for your buck on a Thursday. This bar is right across the street from Bruno’s and has a patio and a pool table often used for beer pong in the back. It’s 18+, so younger students can attend with a college ID to enjoy the festivities. Every Thursday night is Penny Pitchers, where they charge a $5 cover for three full pitchers of beer. Can you drink 3 pitchers of beer by yourself? There’s only one way to find out. •Thursday hours: 8:00 p.m. – 3:30 a.m. •$5 cover for 3 pitchers of Budweiser •Recommendation: Bring friends to help you drink all your beer
winter. The bar feels like a lively campfire hangout and is perfect for hanging out with friends on a Saturday night (until it closes, in which case, you can follow your heart and go down the street to fumps) •Saturday hours: 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. •You can get a huge ice-cold margarita in an 18oz schooner for only $9 •Recommendation: quesadillas, cheeseburgers and cheese fries are all high quality
Sunday Cure NOLA Cure is a classy urban spot close to campus on Freret Street. With an extensive wine menu and bar eats, this cocktail bar is the perfect brunch spot to end your week with your friends. •Sunday happy hour: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. •Discounts on classic cocktails •Recommendation: any of the cocktails and the bruschetta
For more deals, check out loyolamaroon. com.
Friday Balcony Bar & Café This traditional spot on the corner boasts cozy dining rooms and a covered second floor balcony overlooking Magazine Street. They have more than 50 beer options in their bar and a great selection of local drafts. The real allure of Balcony Bar, though, is their affordable food – especially pizza and wings. Although they don’t have a themed deal night on Fridays, this is a great place to sit down after a long week of work and watch a sports game. •Friday hours: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m. •Free jukebox upstairs, balcony seating, quality and affordable food under $10 •Recommendation: Spicy buffalo wings
Saturday The Tchoup Yard Tchoup Yard is the classy older brother of F&M Patio Bar. It’s huge, expansive space with gravel paving and multiple bars and patios. They have tons of seating and outdoor fire heaters for the
Sitting on the St. Charles streetcar line, Tacos and Beer is open for business. The restaurant offers a deal for $1 tacos every Tuesday. CRISTIAN ORELLANA / The Maroon.
Sisters in Christ is an independent record store on Magazine Street. The store specializes in punk and metal records, local art prints and anarchist literature. JACOB MEYER / The Maroon.
5 out-of-the-way record stores to visit At the end of a long night, you might see it fit to unwind with the crackling warmth of a record. Here are our favorite vendors for your vinyl needs
By Caleb Beck
While I don’t have the funds for buying records like I did in high school, I live for the rare day when I can scrape two coins together (or ignore a meal) and get my hands on a new LP. Thankfully, the Crescent City is quite a haven for cratediggers and, even more opportune, there are SOME shops that won’t charge you $40 for a new record just to capitalize on vinyl’s popularity and offset their rent. Here are five of them. Skully’z Recordz - 907 Bourbon St. Don’t turn your nose up at this pint-sized shop just because of the street it’s on. While it’s tough to navigate the small space, its got an impressive selection to compensate, with plenty of hard-to-find LPs and boxed sets. Skully’z is especially kind to fans of metal and electronic music, but there’s a fair selection of Motown and blues to keep the range diverse. Scott, the owner, is remarkably friendly and knowledgeable.
not a stop for traditional blues or Zydeco, it’s an elegant shop with plenty of surprises. Rating: 4/5 Euclid Records - 3301 Chartres St. This independent Bywater jewel is so much fun to explore. While unassuming on the outside, its two floors have just about anything you can imagine. From bins of $1 dance 45s to the newest indie rock LP’s and an immense jazz selection upstairs, it’s the closest I think any New Orleans shop comes to the experience of getting lost in an Amoeba Records on the West Coast. While slightly more expensive, this place doesn’t price gouge its selection, which is a blessing because you’re going to find far more than what you came for. Rating: 5/5 Louisiana Music Factory - 421 Frenchmen St.
Rating: 4/5 Sisters in Christ Records - 5206 Magazine St. Darkness! This newer location on Magazine Street trifles playfully with the occult and is THE shop for hardcore punk, metal and goth music in the city. The DIY ethos runs deep, from the promotion of local bands to the purposefully low price tags. We’re talking from $8 to $15 for new LP’s, list prices not at all concerned with turning a profit. While it’s
Deep cuts you say? Look no further. This place is the stop for jazz, blues, zydeco and funk music, new and used. More often than not, you can listen to free jazz shows here, a cozier space than the freewheeling roulette of the Frenchmen venues outside. Grab your Thelonious Monk reissues, say hey to Snooks the cat and explore this classic Louisiana record store. Rating: 5/5
Snooks may be considered the unofficial ‘mascot’ of Louisiana Music Factory, although maybe Snooks is just in it for the tunes. Either way, Snooks prefers pictures to be candids. JACOB MEYER / The Maroon.
Domino Record Shack - 2557 Bayou Rd. This Seventh Ward stop seems to get left out of this conversation far too often, and I’m going to come right out and say that it’s got the most painstakingly curated selection of all these shops. The shop’s got a ridiculous selection of garage rock and punk albums, a treasure trove of quality jazz and R&B 45s and the best selection of world music and fun stuff to throw on your turntable, all at fantastically low prices. The cozy location looks more like a house than a shop, and the bizarre range of stuff you can find there is more than worth the trip. Be advised: cash only. Rating: 4/5
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