Latest Issue: January 2023–New Year's Eve / LSU & Tulane Bowl Games

Roll Wave! Tulane has had its best season since 1998, capping it off with an appearance in the Cotton Bowl. Andrew Alexander looks at the Green Wave as well as the LSU Tigers as they prepare for their own game in The Citrus Bowl.

If you’re planning on going out to commemorate the arrival of 2023, check out Emily Hingle’s look at affordable New Year’s fashion. And if you are staying home for the night, don’t miss Jeff Boudreaux’s movie picks!

Finally, Carnival season kicks off with Twelfth Night. Kathy Bradshaw profiles the fantastic Phunny Phorty Phellows as they kick off everyone’s favorite time of year. This issue also features maps for early parades, such as Krewe du Vieux, with up-to-date info on WhereYat.com.

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Cover Photos (from left):

Tulane's Tyjae Spears by Parker Water / courtesy Tulane University Athletic Dept.

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From a wild opening season loss to Florida State in New Orleans, to a berth in the SEC Championship, Brian Kelly’s inaugural season in Baton Rouge has shown his program is both still a work in progress but also poised for tremendous success in the future.

The SEC title game on December 3, which saw the Tigers fall to Georgia 50-30, is a prime example of both how impressive Kelly’s team has been this year and how there is still a gap to close in order to truly compete with the elite teams in college football.

“The divide is not huge, but we’ve got work to do,” Kelly said following his team’s SEC Championship loss. “This foundation is really strong, and we’ll be able to continue to build on it. But I don’t believe that the gap is something that we can’t continue to close and get back here again next year. That’ll be our goal, to get back here and to win it.”

LSU was picked to finish fifth in the SEC West in the preseason. Thanks to an exhilarating overtime win against Alabama the first weekend of November, LSU had clinched the division by November 12. Very few fans or college football pundits would have predicted that was possible in the preseason, let alone after Tennessee dismantled the Tigers in Death Valley 40-13, leaving the Tigers sitting at 4-2 heading into mid-October.

Instead, Kelly and the Tigers battled. Players began to gel within Kelly’s new system, freshmen stepped up and played key roles on both sides of the ball, and LSU’s transfer quarterback Jayden Daniels became a dynamic playmaker who willed his team to five straight victories following the team’s second loss.

In our LSU preseason preview, I

By Andrew Alexander

predicted the Tigers to finish 9-4 (including a bowl win), writing: “Kelly’s building a new culture, and laying the foundation could be rocky in year one. Depth is a concern as the team gets further into the SEC grind. The Tigers will win some games no one expects, but they likely will also suffer a couple of unexpected losses. Either way, the #BKTakeover begins this September. Given his predecessors’ success, there are lofty expectations to live up to, but I wouldn’t be shocked if Kelly exceeds them all.”

Kelly has successfully laid a foundation for sustained success in year one at the helm of LSU football. He inherited a team that finished last in the SEC West in 2021, dressed less than 40 players for last year’s bowl game and had to start a wide receiver at quarterback, and the Tigers made it to Atlanta in one of the most notable oneyear turnarounds in league history.

The last time LSU was in a true rebuild mode was 2000, when a relatively unknown coach named Nick Saban arrived and changed the culture of football in Baton Rouge. Saban finished the regular season 7-4, with some electrifying wins in Death Valley (Tennessee, Mississippi State, and Alabama), and some frustrating losses (UAB and at Arkansas). Saban’s first team capped off the season with a bowl win and ushered in the modern Golden Era of LSU football.

The story of Kelly’s first campaign in Baton Rouge has one chapter left, a date with Purdue in the Citrus Bowl this January, and a chance to earn the Tigers’ tenth victory of the season and avoid a seasonending three-game losing streak. Kelly’s first team has responded well to adversity all season, and a win in Orlando would be a

Jayden Daniels

Coach Brian Kelly

By Andrew Alexander

The No. 16 Green Wave (11-2) are the champions of the American Athletic Conference after topping Central Florida 45-28 in Yulman Stadium on December 3, avenging their loss to the Knights from earlier this season. The win marks Tulane’s first conference championship since 1998, when the Green Wave went undefeated, and sends Fritz’s squad to the Cotton Bowl to face No. 10 Southern California for the program’s first New Year’s Six Bowl since the 1940 Sugar Bowl.

Fritz’s seventh season at Tulane has been a complete 180 from the disastrous 2021 campaign, in which Tulane finished 2-10 and lost five games by one score or less. Led by the dynamic duo of junior quarterback Michael Pratt and running back Tyjae Spears, the Green Wave have pulled off a season for ages.

Pratt threw for a career-high 394 yards and four touchdowns in the AAC championship game and was named as the game’s MVP. Spears season-best 199 rushing yards were highlighted by a 60-yard touchdown run where he seemingly avoided every defender en route to the endzone. The pair’s big-time performances propelled the Green Wave to 648 yards of offense and a piece of Tulane history as champions.

Tulane raised some eyebrows when they defeated Kansas State in Manhattan, Kansas during the third week of the season. The Wildcats would go on to win the Big 12 Championship. After a disappointing close loss to Southern Miss, the Green Wave would rattle off five straight victories, including a tough overtime win at Houston. The Green Wave lost their first matchup against Central Florida in mid-November, but finished the season strong, trouncing

SMU then beating Cincinnati on the road, 27-24, to clinch home field for the AAC Championship.

In our Tulane preseason preview, I predicted the Green Wave to finish 7-6, writing: “Was last season a fluke? That is what Fritz and his team have to answer heading into this season. An improved defense, veteran quarterback and cutting down costly mistakes in toss-up games will go a long way in helping Tulane reach a bowl game once again, and even surprise some opponents along the way.”

The Green Wave certainly surprised plenty of opponents, fans, and college football media members this season with their accomplishments.

Tulane now turns its eyes towards a Cotton Bowl showdown with Southern Cal. The Trojans (11-2) are coming off a loss in the Pac12 Championship game to Utah, who defeated USC twice this season.

A significant injury to monitor is USC’s star quarterback Caleb Williams, who suffered a hamstring injury against Utah. Williams, a sophomore who’s been garnering lots of Heisman Trophy buzz in the second half of the season, has dazzled for USC, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 37 touchdowns, while rushing for nearly 400 yards and 10 touchdowns. Williams is a special player, and if he’s unavailable, the Trojan offense could be in trouble.

Regardless of how the Cotton Bowl turns out for the Green Wave, this season is already one of the best in program history, the culmination of Fritz’ plan to transform Tulane into a winner. A win over a college football blueblood like USC would vault the season into another stratosphere of significance.

QB Michael Pratt leads the Green Wave to the Cotton Bowl

Coach Willie Fritz

Tyjae Spears celebrates

NEW YEAR’S STYLE ON A DIME

Where to Shop for a New Year’s Look for Under $100

By Emily Hingle

New Year’s Eve 2023 is set to be a big one. Things have mostly returned to normal, and everyone is ready to welcome a new year that brings a fresh start. As you start shopping for that perfect New Year’s ensemble, you may realize that inflation is still among us.

You don’t worry about going over your budget to look stunning, though. In addition to hacking your closet and jewelry box for a luxe look, there are many local stores that can style you for under $100.

The first step of building the perfect outfit is to pick your statement piece. This piece can be your main garment, such as a gown or dress shirt, but it can also be a necklace, tie, or shoes. Let’s start building this look around a garment. New Year’s looks have historically included sparkle and shine; the glittering garments symbolize the joy of new possibilities. Silky metallics are very in right now, and they also offer a lovely sheen and are easy to accessorize. Because silky and satiny clothes are trendy, they are widely available at local stores.

Swoon Boutique (130 Harrison Avenue) and Hemline (3310 Magazine Street, 609 Chartres Street, and 605 Metairie Road) offer a ton of trendy clothing options for ladies, and both of their websites have sections highlighting products that are $100 or under. Browsing the website or visiting them in the store will give you plenty of options for shimmering dresses and jumpsuits.

Wildflower (2700 Metairie Road)

is another boutique with several garments available for $100 and under, and you’ll be blown away by the gorgeous jumpsuits and rompers.

Monomin (2104 Magazine Street) has got you if you’re shopping on a budget. Their slogan is “Looking expensive doesn’t have to be.” Just walk into their store or shop their website to see the wide array of dresses, skirts, and jumpsuits that will fit your budget.

You’ve found the perfect dress to welcome the new year and it was under $100. Congrats. But that was your whole outfit budget. Now it’s time to head home, raid your closet, and get creative. Adding accessories that you already own can really make your outfit shine.

An eye-catching belt may be good to use to break up a monotone garment. Belts with a chain detail or metal embellishment would be perfect especially if you can match that color or detail to your shoes, purse, and/ or necklace. For the gentlemen, a statement bowtie or necktie from Perlis or Iron Horse Clothier could be the accessory that sets you apart

from the crowd. A tie that has an understated, yet intriguing pattern will be noticed. Try finding a tie with an icon pattern like crawfish to show off your love of local things or stars to symbolize the holiday season.

You may also come across something new to you at a vintage store.

If you feel the need to get brand new shoes because you don’t have any colors that match this new outfit, I would like to recommend taking an old pair of heels, nice flats, or even boots that you already own and transforming them. Add some glitter to the toes and/or the heels to make them look shiny and new. Clean off the shoe, paint the areas you intend to glitter with a thin layer of Mod Podge, then sprinkle some glitter. If you need more coverage, you can add a second layer once the first is dry. If you’re really into this task, break out the glue gun and add even more creative details like charms, chains, and cute designs.

The following is an example of a

full New Year’s outfit for a woman. You go out to a local boutique and find a gorgeous, sophisticated satin dark blue jumpsuit. You’ve got a fashion belt with silver chain details hanging in your closet that you can wear around your waist to break up the solid jumpsuit. You take some chunky silver jewelry out of your jewelry box to balance out the belt, and you have that old small purse with a silver chain strap. You don’t have any silvercolored shoes—yet. But that old pair of pumps you haven’t worn in two years can be sacrificed for the night.

You can take that Mardi Gras Mod Podge in the craft cabinet and some silver glitter to totally transform the heels of the shoes so that they catch the light as you walk across the room. Voilàut—your outfit is complete.

You have so much at your disposal to look like a million bucks for less than $100 this New Year’s. A little creativity and research are all you need to impress those around you.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: COURTESY MONOMIN; COURTESY HEMLINE(3)

Amanda Uprichard Aubrianna Dress from Hemline

Shar Mesh

Convertible Bag

Amy Midi Dress from Hemline

Sierra Mini Dress from Monomin will dazzle at New Years soirées

NEW YEAR’S EVE OUTFITS

Full-Day Edition

By Julie Mitchell

Sometimes you get one of those guides in a magazine in a doctor’s waiting room that’s like, “New Year’s Eve Fashion” and it’s just seven sparkly mini dresses in silver and gold and glasses where you can’t even see because your eyes are covered with twos. But who is this really for? A child? As adults, not only do we know how to dress ourselves, we have different demands on New Year’s Eve besides drinking vodka out of a water bottle in the back of a Toyota Camry with someone named Blake. We have families now, children, grandmas. It’s New Year’s Eve for them too. What are they—nothing? That’s why we’ve compiled a New Year’s outfit guide, not just for the eve but for the whole day, and a little bit of the next day too. We got you covered with a drink and outfit suggestion.

10:00 A.M. TO 1:00 P.M.: HANGOVER BRUNCH

Whether you haven’t gone to sleep yet or stayed on a friend’s couch because you lost your keys, connecting with people the night after New Year’s is crucial. It’s the first day of the New Year. You have off of work. Participate in some superstitions: make blackeyed peas, carry an empty suitcase, make a lot of noise. Then find your keys, feed your dog, and cross off any resolutions that have to do with your body, and replace them with something scary but exciting. Confess to a crush? Try to learn a song on guitar? Give yourself a tattoo? All great goals. Congratulations—you did it. It’s the New Year.

12:00 P.M.

TO 3:00 P.M.: OLD PEOPLE/FAMILIES

11:00 P.M. TO 1:00 A.M.:

THE MAIN EVENT

Going out on New Year’s Eve is about two things: feeling alive and glitter. You need to have some glitter, a little on your eyes, a beautiful pin, some sprinkled on your hair or person, resin jewelry featuring some kind of bug, a platform shoe originally designed for a child, nail polish, something. That’s the first part.

Then, just sheer wonder at the universe and being alive. This can be achieved chemically or spiritually but whatever you need to do to get yourself to a point where you’re staring at a tree going, “Nature is so beautiful,” that’s what you need to do. This is a time to remember that the only goal is to live in the present and be kind and make the world a better place for those around you and give as much love to yourself and others as you can. And if you make out with a stranger, even better. It’s a new year. No one’s ever lived this before and never will again.

Have fun. The drinks should be champagne, champagne, and more champagne, maybe a few fun cocktails and one shot of Fireball, or something equally disgusting, just to get all the juices flowing.

6:00 P.M. TO 9:00 P.M.:

DINNER WITH FRIENDS

The people who celebrate New year’s Eve at noon on December 31st are anyone over 65 and anyone younger than seven. Your mean grandma has dementia and your nice grandma is dead (blessings to her), your sister just had her second kid and is breastfeeding, so she has two hours tops. This is the time for a little family gathering—inside because it’s cold—but with the energy of a cookout. You get everyone together with silver and gold paper plates from Walmart, eat some chicken, grill something, let everyone run around, and only one thing gets broken. The goal, clothing-wise, is comfortable, but a little celebratory and also on guard.

Your mean grandma is going to ask about resolutions, and she’s going to be a little judgy, then tell you how she wishes she were already dead. The goal here is to get a little tipsy, laugh with your cousins, and make it out without any more emotional trauma than you came in with. The outfit needs to be comfortable but not sloppy. Leggings, but a solid color and the tight thicker material. A soft sweater that’s a little sparkly but not gaudy—Nordstrom instead of Forever 21.

The New Year’s Eve dinner is a lovely time to reflect on the past year, think about what’s to come, and take stock of your entire life. How do you feel? Are you happy? Who is in your life? Where is your life going? What could you be doing better or more of? Is this the year to learn your mother’s recipes? How’s her heart doing? Should you call her more? That kind of thing.

This is a beautiful time but also a stressful time, and that’s why before the shenanigans of the evening and potential regrets of the next day, it’s important to have a nice meal with your friends, the people who love you just as you are and are going through the exact same thing. If you have a friend who has their entire life together, everything’s going great, they just got engaged, got a house, and a puppy that cost thousands of dollars, this isn’t the meal for them. Let them have a perfect plan with someone else.

The New Year’s Eve dinner is for feeling supported and seen and safe. It can be out or at home—the most important ingredient is the people and how you feel. The outfit should be completely monochromatic. Again, this is for both men and women. Pick a color, any color, and just go head to toe with it. Black? Classy, elegant. Burgundy? Daring, bold. Denim? A trendsetter—potentially Canadian—mysterious. Pink? Romantic, setting intentions for love in the new year, sweet. Whatever you want just make sure everything in your outfit is that color. It’s going to be head-turning in the best way.

The drinks at dinner should be nice wine and maybe one glass of champagne for a beautiful toast where everyone shares their Hulu passwords or a regret (if you have a Hulu password and you’re not letting at least one friend use it, what kind of person even are you?).

You might be thinking, “Okay, this is for women, what do I, a man, wear?” This is for you too. Nice sweats—comfy, maybe fleece lined—no writing— and a thick sweater that has a little something. Maybe a cable knit or a small zip down but the same general idea. The drinks for this should be low ABV beer, whiskey in hot cider, or two shots with your uncle—his choice.

A CINEMATIC TOAST

To Ring In the New Year

By Jeff Boudreaux

In the meantime, grab some good snacks and make way for the adult beverages. You can even invite your friends and allow them to learn firsthand why classic movies are some of the best movies.

SHOW BOAT (1951) — Let me let you in on a secret: This is classic Hollywood at its finest. From the Golden Age of MGM musicals, producer Arthur Freed brings you the third (and best) film adaptation of Kern and Hammerstein’s stage show, which was itself based on Edna Ferber’s 1926 novel. Starring Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson as Gaylord and Magnolia, star-crossed lovers aboard a turn-of-the-century riverboat, this lavish Technicolor musical was the second-highest grossing film of 1951. The talent in this cast is endless: mega-dancers Marge and Gower Champion, Agnes Moorehead, and comic legend Joe E. Brown as Cap’n Andy, a man who bestows the greatest “Happy New Year” greeting in cinema history. Featuring William Warfield’s chill-inducing rendition of “Ol’ Man River” and a timely performance by screen siren Ava Gardner as Julie, the half-Black beauty whose life is upended when her heritage is revealed.

AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER (1957) – Screen legends Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr co-star in this enchanting, romantic drama, about two already-engaged people who share a kiss on New Year’s Eve, then agree to meet again in six months at the top of the Empire State building. This classic love story was a remake of 1939’s Love Affair, was remade again in 1993 as Sleepless in Seattle, and was parodied many times in between. Nominated for four Academy Awards, be sure to have some tissues and pink champagne on hand—you’ll need them both.

THE APARTMENT (1960) – Directed by the great Billy Wilder, this Oscar winner for Best Picture follows the plight of C.C. Baxter, a.k.a. “Buddy Boy” (Jack Lemmon) and the key to his apartment (one of the greatest MacGuffins in motion picture history). You see, he’s been climbing the corporate ladder after lending the use of his personal abode to executives at his company for their evening “trysts.” But when he falls in love with nice elevator girl Miss Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine), who unbeknownst to Baxter is having an affair with company head Mr. Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray), Baxter must make a choice between his heart and his career. Featuring a hoot of a scene on New Year’s Eve with the delightful Hope Holiday, you’ll never think about Communist dictator Fidel Castro the same way again. Ocean’s 11 You may be thinking, George Clooney and pals in 1960? Of course not, this is the Rat Pack classic that the modern film series was based on: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop, and their plan is to simultaneously rob five Las Vegas casinos on New Year’s Eve. Dean and Sammy sing (at this point in

his career Sinatra kept his acting and singing separate), laughs abound, and your TV may actually crack due to the absolute coolness onscreen. Featuring a great supporting cast: Angie Dickinson, Richard Conte, Cesar Romero, and the recentlydeparted Henry Silva. Oh, and it also boasts one of the greatest twist endings in 1960’s film.

TRADING PLACES (1983) –Remember when Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy were two of the funniest guys on the planet? Oh, you’re too young? Well, settle in for a Christmas/New Year’s comedy classic that pulls absolutely no punches (different time, different place). Louis Winthorpe (Aykroyd) has a respected position at commodities brokerage firm Duke & Duke, his very own butler, and a beautiful fiancé. Billy Ray Valentine (Murphy) is a street hustler who pretends to be a paraplegic Vietnam veteran. The devious Duke brothers (classic film stars Ralph Bellamy and Don Ameche) decide, on a whim, to wager one another that they can switch our two stars’ places, and they do. Hilarity ensues. Co-starring Jamie Lee Curtis as Ophelia, the proverbial hooker with a heart of gold (this was her first non-horror leading role). Featuring a riotous New Year’s Eve celebration aboard an Amtrak train with future Blues Brother Jim Belushi and SNL veterans Al Franken and Tom Davis as two clueless porters.

WHEN HARRY MET SALLY (1989) – One of the last, great romantic comedies, Director Rob Reiner brings together the talents of Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan as the title characters, and their chemistry is off the charts. This film attempts to address whether or not men and women can remain as friends only (once again, it’s from a different era). Harry and Sally ask themselves this very question many times across a 12-year span, with a special emphasis on not one, but two New Year’s Eve encounters. Co-starring Carrie Fisher, and featuring the most famous fake orgasm in movie history, this film’s dynamic soundtrack was responsible for a resurgence in Big Band/Swing music, by—you guessed it—one of New Orleans’s favorite sons, Harry Connick Jr.

*Most films listed are available to watch free on streaming services with a subscription or for under five dollars.

The last of the major holidays is upon us, and the first for the (fingers crossed) bright New Year. We know it has been a rocky ride but, hey, at least we can party like it’s 2023. If you are looking for a fun but very safe way to celebrate the holiday, check out this list of classic New Year’s Eve films that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home.*

LOUISIANA LEISURE

By Frances Deese

Cabin at Poverty Point State Park

Residents of New Orleans know that the quote “there’s no place like home,” rings true in an entirely different way. While there is a great deal to love about the city, everyone needs to get away now and then. Now is the season to challenge the notion that you have to plan a vacation solely during summers or travel across the country to find new adventures and time for relaxation.

While living in New Orleans is a rewarding experience, you are also a resident of the great state of Louisiana. Not only is it one of the most culturally unique states in the country, but it also boasts a unique vegetation life. This makes for a great outdoors experience, and, even during the winter months, the access to outdoor recreation and open state parks is plentiful. In discussing tourism in the state, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser brought up a key reminder of a huge perk of Louisiana—milder winters.

Even though the state doesn’t experience the Nor'easters, it is easy to find yourself in the doldrums during this time of year, and it is essential to combat this as much as possible. When asked about his favorite

winter activities the lieutenant governor says, “We have so many unique things to do all over the state from our many parades for different festivals to the many events we hold at our state parks. I also love Mardi Gras. Of course, as Lieutenant Governor for the great state of Louisiana, I get to promote Mardi Gras from one end of the state to the other. I always say, there is something to ‘feed your soul’ no matter where you live or visit here in Louisiana.”

His unique perspective offers up a great point. While New Orleans certainly does Mardi Gras unlike any other place in the world, celebrations around the state can offer a new approach to the holiday. We’ve rounded up a list of cozy getaways all within Louisiana to step outside your comfort zone of the city this winter season.

First on our list is Delhi, home to Poverty Point Reservoir State Park. Just four hours from the city, once at the park, you’re only twenty minutes away from a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Poverty Point World Heritage Site). The World Heritage site is home to earthworks built over a period of twenty five generations, and features a museum where you can learn more.

Where Italy meets the South. The unlikely marriage between classic Italian recipes and the bright and mystifying flavors of the American South.

There are many getaways within your own state with rental and activity options that you may have never considered.

Continue your education of the area by visiting the Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors have the option for traditional campsites rentals through the state park, but also cabins with even deluxe options that include TVs, waterfront views, and fireplaces to make for a true winter ambiance. Learn more at louisianatravel.com/ state-park/poverty-point-reservoir-state-park. Next up is an option that is only an hour and a half from New Orleans, between the city and Lafayette. Morgan City is home to the International Petroleum Museum & Exposition, Inc. It is a non-profit that is the only place in the world where you can tour an authentic offshore drilling rig. After taking a tour through this excursion, continue with the nautical Cajun theme by visiting the Southwest Reef Lighthouse, stopping in a Lake End Park, or a swamp tour for more adventure. For overnight stays, the Cypress Lake Resort offers RV rentals as an alternative to accommodate the winter climate, more information can be found on their site at cypresslakeresort.com and reservations can be made by calling (985) 3995981.

In Franklinton, you’ll find Bogue Chitto State Park, another closer option that is only an hour and a half from New Orleans. According to the Louisiana State Parks site, it is a “1,786-acre site [that] includes small streams, cypress-tupelo swamps, a hardwood forest, upland forests, and a rolling landscape.” There are options through the state parks site for glamping, among more traditional camping options. For a taste of the local scene, there are multiple vintage and flea markets, the Varnado Grocery Store Museum, and even horse rentals through Bogue Chitto Horse Rentals. To learn more about horse rentals visit,

boguechittohorserentals.com and lastateparks. com/parks-preserves/bogue-chitto-state-park for lodging rentals.

The numerous state parks offer differing terrains to help you connect to that unique biosphere of Louisiana. In Chatham, you’ll find Jimmie Davis State Park. NOLA residents can expect about a four-and-a-half hour car ride, but the distance means you can explore the northern hills of Louisiana through a more forested area. The park sits upon Caney Lake, and the tranquility of the water is not the only draw, with glamping tent rentals being offered through the state parks. After some time in nature, you’re only a twenty minute drive from the Landry Vineyards, and the Ruston Farmers Market. Peruse the rental options at lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/jimmiedavis-state-park.

There is something quite soothing about the beach in wintertime. Luckily, Grand Isle offers just that. New Orleans residents can delight that this is an option that is only a two hour car ride. There is fishing and an active boating community. Additionally, take a walk along The Grand Isle Birding Trail, and after a day in the winter sun, you’ve got plenty of options for a great seafood meal. The Grand Isle Marina offers lodging with queen beds, two bedroom suites, and bunk rooms for those with children. You can learn more at thegrandislemarina.com

Local excursions are not only more budget friendly options, but also offer a way to invest back into the local economy and to get to better know the state in which you live. It offers a step outside your comfort zone and routines, and when the blues of winter seem inescapable, these options provide fresh air, both physically and mentally.

Cabin at Jimmie Davis State Park

Mardi Gras Parade Maps

Joan of Arc

Fri., January 6, 7:00 p.m.

The Joan of Arc Parade offers he perfect blend of history, feminism, and culture in a medieval-style procession with a sword blessing at St. Louis Cathedral.

Phunny Phorty Phellows

Fri., January 6, 7:00 p.m.

The Phunny Phorty Phellows performs an exciting rolling streetcar costume party all along the venerable St. Charles Ave. line.

Funky Uptown Krewe

Fri., January 6, 7:05 p.m.

Société

Des Champs Elysée

Fri., January 6, 7:30 p.m.

Riding the St. Claude streetcar line for their first parade since 2019, this festive folly threads the Marigny, French Quarter, Treme, and CBD as they travel from Elysian Fields to Union Passenger Terminal and back.

Chewbacchus

Sat., January 28, 7:00 p.m.

The Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus mixes sci-fi fandoms and New Orleans spirit with some traditional Big Easy tunes.

Krewe Bohème

Fri., February 3, 7:00 p.m.

Each year, this all-female parade goes all out on a fun and festive theme, and is honored as one of the first New Orleans’ parades of carnival season.

Krewe du Vieux

Sat., February 4, 6:30 p.m.

The parade also includes up to seventeen sub-krewes that each display their own interpretation of the parade’s irreverent theme

Supporting local businesses, this streetcar parade's throws are hand-decorated, bedazzled vinyl records, beads, and cups. ST. CLAUDE AVE. .

Société Des Champs Elysée Continues (See Inset, right)

Krewe du Vieux krewedelusion Continues (See Inset, right)

krewedelusion

Sat., February 4, 7:00 p.m.,

The krewe includes nine sub-krewes or “innerkrewes” which all represent krewedelusion’s slogan that “Organization is Delusion.”

'tit Rex

Sun., February 5, 4:30 p.m. February 5

The annual ‘tit Rex parade was inspired by major Mardi Gras parades and groups, such as the Krewe of Bacchus.

Inset: Krewe du Vieux krewedelusion Société Des Champs Elysée (Cont. from French Quarter)

TCHOUPITOULAS ST.

Parade schedules

WHAT’S SO PHUNNY?

The Phunny Phorty Phellows are Riding the Town on a Rail

By Kathy Bradshaw

When the King Cake Hub reopens, when you pull your costume box out from under the bed, and when the motley krewe known as the Phunny Phorty Phellows takes their famous Twelfth Night ride in a purple, green, and gold-bedecked streetcar, Carnival season has officially begun.

“We're considered the heralds of Carnival, and we’re announcing to one and all that it's Carnival time,” says the Phunny Phorty Phellows’ captain, Peggy Scott Laborde. “And for those who are very religious about not eating king cake before it's time, we’re also announcing that it's now that time.”

It’s PPP protocol that all streetcar riders must be costumed and masked. Costumes range from the beautiful and phancy to the phunny or downright silly. And where there’s humor, it’s often a “satirical phlair” on a hot-button topic of the day, Laborde explains.

Barring any major construction, the krewe rides the entire St. Charles Avenue streetcar route, known by locals as “the Belt,” from the Willow Street streetcar barn all the way to Canal Street and back.

And while they ride, the Phellows dance to the jazz of the Storyville Stompers, toast their admirers at stops along St. Charles Avenue, and eat king cake. In fact, the krewe uses the old-fashioned king-cake method to select their royalty for the following year. PPP nobility consists of a queen, along with a “boss,” where a king would normally be. The two members who find a baby in their slice of king cake are crowned during the ride and celebrated in a coronation ceremony immediately afterwards.

The Phunny Phorty Phellows date back to 1878. For 20 years, they paraded right behind Rex, poking fun of the phollies of life, until they eventually went their separate ways in 1898. After nearly a century-long hiatus, the krewe picked up where they left off, reuniting in 1981.

They jumped back on the parading bandwagon, marching with mockery as a witty precursor to Krewe du Vieux—until they determined that the streetcar was a much better bandwagon to ride.

These days, the Phunny Phorty Phellows name is a misnomer. They’re not just phellows anymore—both ladies and men ride now. And they are many more than phorty— there are as many as 70 members, yet not all of them can comfortably squeeze onto the streetcar at once.

Technically, maximum capacity on the streetcar is 75, according to the RTA. But cramming that many costumed revelers into a single streetcar makes for a clown-car situation. And clowns, when cramped, simply stop being phunny.

If cuts must be made, the spots on the streetcar usually go to those with the most seniority or the most intense yearning to ride.

“We try to be phair,” says Laborde.

Over the years, the PPP have built up quite a phan phollowing, and people come out to see them off at the car barn and gather along the streetcar route. The krewe even has something of a gang of groupies, known as the Mystery Maskers, who faithfully show up year after year toting cleverly satirical signs.

During the ride, the Phunny Phorty Phellows pass out little phavors for their circle of phans—things such as fridge magnets, aluminum bracelets, plush owls (this bird is their official symbol), and conventional beads.

For the sake of safety, PPP rules require that any goodies must be carefully handed off directly to bystanders, rather than thrown.

“We’re not a parade,” says Laborde. “We're on a streetcar, not a float.”

But while they might miss out on the phun of flinging throws, they make up for it with “lots of eye contact and

cherished smiles from our repeat revelers,” says two-time PPP queen Julie Holman.

And why the streetcar?

Because it’s as historic as the Phunny Phorty Phellows themselves. Because it’s a unique place to party. Because “it’s better than a horse and carriage,” says Holman.

To be more precise, the idea for a streetcar shindig came about many years ago when Laborde and her husband Errol were invited to a birthday party on a streetcar. After learning that it was possible to rent a streetcar for private events, they were inspired to make that the PPP’s new thing. And they decided that it should be done on Twelfth Night.

Yet even though it’s Carnival, and they’re in full party mode, no phunny business is allowed on the streetcar.

“We’re really appreciative of the RTA and the fact that we can do this,” says Laborde. “We know that we are a guest in their streetcar, and we're having fun, but our members have to behave.”

Adhering to RTA regulations means that no one is allowed to get off the streetcar during the entire ride, explains Holman. And as any streetcar commuter knows, there are no bathroom facilities onboard. “So we have to be very mindful of our bladders,” she says, “even as we sip our beverages of choice.”

The Phunny Phorty Phellows have been called the “dessert of Carnival”—presumably because their humor and satire provide a little lagniappe, a decadent indulgence, the icing on the king cake.

But seeing as they kick off the season, they really seem to be more of a tasty hors d’oeuvre, a Carnival canapé. They’re an amuse-bouche, amusing us with their clever phrivolity and whetting our appetite for the festivities to come.

“We're small but mighty,” says Laborde. “We do what we can.”

COURTESY JUDI BOTTONI / PHUNNY PHORTY PHELLOWS

PPP Parade begins and ends at the Oak Street Streetcar Barn

NEW SOUNDS FOR THE NEW YEAR

10 New Orleans musicians to check out in 2023

By Cynthea Corfah

New Orleans is known for birthing some of the most notable musicians and creatives in the world. From jazz singers to rappers, up-and-coming local artists are making a name for themselves and taking up space in the saturated music scene.

Switch it up this year and listen to someone different or discover someone you’ve never heard before. Here are 10 local music artists to see perform around town and listen to online.

KR3WCIAL (@IKR3WCIAL)

This thoughtful and poetic hip hop and rap artist makes music for the lyric lovers. You may have heard his song “504” made with the music group glbl wrmng and local artist Pell. The music video has more than 166,000 views on YouTube. He was also the Krewe of Boo’s Grand Marshall in 2022. His down-to-earth sound is genuine and relatable with a Louisiana flair.

BLU (@HONEYBLUCLUE)

There’s no sound quite like Blu. This alternative, R&B and soul singer is in her own lane. Her echoey and trippy music and ethereal, feminine voice are the ideal soundtrack for a relaxing night drive through the city, a yoga or study session, or a slow and sensual dance break in the mirror. Blu’s latest album Blu Dream is the kind of music you have to feel. It is dreamy, peaceful, and timeless. She has been featured on multiple songs with rapper Curren$y and continues to expand her music and visual catalog with curated music and art events.

MIKAYLA BRAUN

(@MIKAYLABRAUNMUSIC)

Mikayla Braun is the type of singer you hope to hear when stumbling into a bar or lounge in New Orleans. This soulful, singer-songwriter sings covers and original songs all over town. She has played at venues like Commons Club at the Virgin Hotel, Oak Wine Bar, Bar Marilou, Paradigm Gardens, and the Broadside. The multi-talented artist is a powerhouse. She plays the piano and ukulele to accompany her resounding, classic, and jazzy voice.

504ICYGRL (@504icygrl)

Blu performs in 2023

This independent rap artist is hard to forget. Her decadedefying style, confident lyrics, and heavy trap beats stand out from the traditional New Orleans rap sound. Her explicit lyrics

COURTESY ALFRED COLEMAN III

and music videos are the hype anthems for women getting ready for a wild girl’s night out. 504ICYGRL has partnered with Nike and has performed at festivals including Fete du Void, BUKU Music + Art Project, and BUKU Planet B.

Stone Cold Jzzle (@jzzleonline)

Some artists make songs, while others make hits. Stone Cold Jzzle is a hip hop and rap artist that knows how to get the party jumping. Some of his hit songs include “Yup,” “V’s,” and “Water.” He’s an all-around entertainer. His charisma and big personality shine through his creative music videos and high energy performances. He has a knack for making memorable hit songs. His bassheavy beats and catchy lyrics get stuck in your head, encouraging you to listen to his songs on repeat.

Jason Marsalis (@jasonmarsalis)

Jason Marsalis is no music newbie. He comes from a renowned family of jazz musicians and has inherited their diverse musical talent. The multiskilled musician typically plays the drums or xylophone. He has performed locally at places including Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro, Hotel Saint Vincent, and Spyre. He has also performed on PBS with Sesame Street characters on “A Swingin’ Sesame Street Celebration” concert at the Lincoln Center.

Satya (@satsatmusic)

This soothing, free-spirited and fresh artist is bringing easy-listening soul music back. Her latest EP Deep Blue feels like a cozy hug on a rainy day. It is heartfelt, nostalgic, and soulful. The music video for her song “Checker Print Kitchen” was awarded first place at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art’s annual juried exhibition Louisiana

Contemporary in 2022. Satya also opened up for the legendary Smokey Robinson at the Mountain Winery in California.

$leazy EZ (@sleazyez)

$leazy EZ is easy to love. The alternative hip hop artist makes humorous, engaging music videos, captivating songs, and pulls in the whole crowd when they take the stage. The nonbinary artist fosters community around their music by posting candid videos paired to their songs on TikTok and Instagram. They have performed locally at venues such as Gasa Gasa, Cafe Istanbul, One Eyed Jacks, and festivals including BUKU Music + Art Project and Fresh Mint Fest.

Wino Willy (@winowilly)

Beat makers are musicians too. Wino Willy is a reminder of that. This New Jerseyborn, New Orleans-living beat maker, producer, and DJ takes music appreciation to another level. He produces music on the spot, layering on dark sounds, jazzy music, and East Coast beats. He has performed locally at places such as Hotel Saint Vincent and Selina Catahoula Rooftop.

People Museum (@peoplemuseumband)

This band is on its own wavelength. It embraces haunting, otherworldly, and angelic vocals woven with alternative beats and techy sounds. The band has been making national waves with a social media spotlight from NPR Tiny Desk as a #DeskoftheDay feature where NPR highlights bands that submitted Contest. The band also opened for music artist Thundercat at the Orpheum Theater in September 2022.

Keep up with these artists on Instagram by searching their handles.

504ICYGRL

MUSIC CALENDAR

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20

21st Amendment Ed Barrett

AllWays Lounge Night of 1000 Mois

Bayou Bar Peter Harris Trio

Bourbon O Bar Dr. Zach, Kimchisoop

Capulet Bruno Elisabetsky

Deutsches Haus Kulturabend

Dos Jefes Tom Hook, Wendell Brunious

Fritzel’s Colin Myers Band, Richard “Piano” Scott

Gasa Gasa Heights & Hollows, Kevin Comarda

Irene’s Monty Banks

Kitchen Table Cafe Christien Bold, Max Bronstein

Le Petit Theatre The Skivvies

Mahogany Jazz Hall Gregg Stafford

New Orleans Jazz Museum Arrowhead Jazz Band, Troy Sawyer

Polo Club Lounge David Boeddinghaus

Royal Frenchmen Hotel & Bar Trumpet Mafia

Saturn Bar Anna Laura Quinn

Silk Road Anuraag Pendyal

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Smoking Time Jazz

The Maison Danny Rubio, Giselle Anguizola

The Rabbit Hole Rebirth Brass Band

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21

21st Amendment Dominick Grillo

Banks St. Bar Marc Stone 3, Keiko and Donald Bamboula’s Roulé & The Queen, John Saavedra Banks Street Bar & Grill Marc Stone

Bayou Bar Peter Harris Quartet

Blue Nile New Breed Brass Band

Bombay Club Harry Mayronne and Nanci Zee

Bourbon O Bar Les Getrex, The Wiz

Bratz Y’all Dick Deluxe, Thomas Johnson

Cafe Negril Colin Davis, Lynn Drury Band

Carousel Lounge James Martin Band

D.B.A. New Orleans Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone

DMACS Aiden Paul Trio

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Deutsches Haus American Legion

Dos Jefes Kris Tokarski

Fritzel’s Jazz Pub Richard “Piano” Scott

Gasa Gasa Kelcy Mae, Stoo Odom

Hideout Bar Jamie Lynn Vessels

House of Blues Home for the Holidays

Irene’s Monty Banks

Kermit’s Tremé Mother-in-Law Lounge Kiva

Holiday Le Petit Theatre The Skivvies

Madame Vic’s Midnight Magnolia

Mahogany Jazz Hall Kevin Louis

Maple Leaf Shantytown Underground

NOCCA Irma Thomas, John Boutté, Rebirth

New Orleans Jazz Museum Nancy Burtchaell

Polo Club Lounge David Boeddinghaus

Pour House at Jefferson Jam Night with Huey C

Preservation Hall Branden Lewis

Rock n Bowl DJ Twigg

Santos Bar Russell Welch

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Shotgun Jazz Band

The Jazz Playhouse Big Sam

Tropical Isle Bourbon Dave Ferrato

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22

21st Amendment Big Joe Kennedy

3rd Block Depot Kitchen & Bar Dr. Sick

Apple Barrel Bubbles Brown

Bamboula’s Kala Chandra Jazz Quartet

Bayou Bar Peter Harris Quartet

Bistro Orleans Santi “Harmonica” Garcia

Blue Nile Where Y’at Brass Band

Bratz Y’all Tiffany Pollack & Ed Barrett

Buffa’s Bar Aurora Nealand, Kermit Ruffins

Cafe Negril Piano Man ‘G’, Sierra Green

Carousel Lounge Lena Prima

Carrollton Station Meryl Zimmerman

D.B.A. Bon Bon Vivant

DMACS Pizza Man’s Fam Jam, Paggy Prine

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Dos Jefes Bryce Eastwood’s Jazz Christmas

Fritzel’s John Saavedra, Richard “Piano” Scott

Gasa Gasa Taylor Mroski, Issy

House of Blues Or Shovaly Plus

Irene’s Monty Banks

Kitchen Table Dr Mark St Cyr

MRB Clint Johnson

Madame Vic’s Valerie Sassyfras

Mahogany Jazz Hall Jamil Shariff, Catahoulas Trio

Maple Leaf Bar Keiko Komaki

Old Point Bar Dale Hunter

Peacock Room Da Lovebirds

Polo Club Lounge John Royen

Preservation Hall Wendell Brunious

Ray’s On The Ave Stooges Brass Band

Silk Road Eric Miller’s Uptown Soul

Snug Harbor The Bridge Trio

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Jumbo Shrimp Jazz

St. Anna’s Episcopal Church YAT Quartet Celtic

Sweet Lorraine’s Chucky C

The Dragon’s Den Ha Sizzle

The Jazz Playhouse Brass-A-Holics

The Maison Rug Cutters, Rosalynn De Roos Trio

The Neutral Ground Jodie Jean Marston

The Riverwalk Outlets Holiday Choir

The Tigermen Den Nicholas Edward Williams, Sam Doores

Treme Hideaway TBC Brass Band

Vaughan’s Lounge Corey Henry, Treme Funktet

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23

21st Amendment Dominick Grillo, Marty Peters

Apple Barrel Mark Appleford

Bacchanal Wine Willie Green

Bamboula’s Les Getrex, Robert Snow

Bayou Bar Peter Harris Trio

Blue Nile Kermit Ruffins, Trumpet Slim

Bourbon O Bar Assunta Dukes, Dr. Zach Bourrée Kevin Murphy

Bratz Y’all Washboard Chaz, Jerry Dugger

Buffa’s Bar Jelly Biscuit’s Blue Christmas

Bullet’s Sports Bar Sporty’s Brass Band

Cafe Negril Paradise Jazz Band, Sweetie & the Boys

Carousel Lounge Nayo Jones, Steve Masakowski

Carrollton Station Notel Motels

D.B.A. Dwayne Dopsie

DMACS J.A.M. Brass Band

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Dos Jefes Ashley Beach

Fritzel’s Richard “Piano” Scott, Sam Friend

Hotel Monteleone Nayo Jones

Irene’s Monty Banks

Mahogany Jazz Hall Smoking Time Jazz Club Trio

Maple Leaf Bar The Bah Humbug Ball

May Baily’s Place Giselle Anguizola

NOLA Brewing LOTAGRFD

NOPSI Hotel Matt Lemmler

Oak Wine Bar Daphne Powell

Orpheum Theater Swinging G’s

Polo Club Lounge John Royen, Robin Barnes

Pour House at District John Fohl

Pour House at Jefferson Sharpened Spurs Band

Preservation Hall Branden Lewis

Mahogany Jazz Hall Gerald French Trio, Kevin Louis

Old Point Bar Dale Hunter

Preservation Hall Shannon Powell

Roosevelt Hotel Leslie Martin

Silk Road KatieCat & Cain

Spotted Cat Shake’em Up Jazz Band

The Maison Danny Rubio

Three Keys Oscar Rossignoli, Paul Robertson

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25

Bacchanal Wine Tangiers Combo

Blue Nile Street Legends Brass Band

Cafe Negril John Lisi, Vegas Cola

Fritzel’s Lee Floyd

Mahogany Jazz Hall Roderick Paulin

Rock n Bowl Benny Grunch

The Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band

Treme Hideaway Big 6 Brass Band

MONDAY, DECEMBER 26

21st Amendment Jackie Blair

Bourbon O Bar Jelly Roll Stompers, Jelly Roll Trio

Buffa’s Bar Doyle Cooper Trio

Cafe Negril Cristina Kaminis, The Love Muscles

D.B.A. Charlie & The Tropicales, Secret Six Jazz Band

DMACS Monday Blues Jam

Dos Jefes John Fohl

Fillmore New Orleans George Porter Jr.

Fritzel’s Jazz Pub Lee Floyd, Richard Scott & Friends

Hi Ho Lounge Bluegrass Pickin’ Party

Hideout Bar Jamie Lynn Vessels

MRB Ben Buchbinder

Polo Club Lounge John Royen

Preservation Hall Preservation Brass

Sidney’s Saloon DarkLounge Ministries

The Maison Danny Rubio

Tropical Isle Original Dave Ferrato & Friends

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27

Bayou Bar Peter Harris Trio

Bourbon O Bar Dr. Zach

Dos Jefes Tom Hook, Wendell Brunious

Fritzel’s Colin Myers Band, Richard “Piano” Scott

Irene’s Monty Banks

Kitchen Table Meryl Zimmerman, Max Bronstein

DMACS Chris Zonada

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Dos Jefes Joe Krown

Fritzel’s Richard “Piano” Scott

Hideout Bar Jamie Lynn Vessels

Irene’s Monty Banks

Madame Vic’s Anna Bernard

Mahogany Jazz Hall Tom Fischer

Maple Leaf Bar Omari Neville

Music Box Village Corey Ledet, Ashleé Michot

Original Nite Cap Joe “Honey Dripper” Landry

Polo Club Lounge David Boeddinghaus

Pour House at Jefferson Huey C

Preservation Hall Branden Lewis

Rock n Bowl DJ Twigg

Santos Bar Russell Welch

Spotted Cat Club Chris Christy Band, Shotgun Jazz Tropical Isle Bourbon Dave Ferrato

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29

21st Amendment Big Joe Kennedy

3rd Block Depot Dr. Sick

Apple Barrel Mark Appleford

Bamboula’s Tiffany Pollock, Wolfe John’s Blues

Bayou Bar Peter Harris Quartet

Bistro Orleans Santi “Harmonica” Garcia

Blue Nile Where Y’at Brass Band

Bourbon O Bar The Music Man

Bratz Y’all Sean Riley, Dean Zucchero

Bullet’s Sports Bar Kermit Ruffins

Cafe Negril Piano Man ‘G’, Sierra Green

Carousel Lounge Lena Prima

Carrollton Station Woodenhead, Jimmy Robinson

Chickie Wah Wah Craig Klein, Gerald French

D.B.A. 79ers Gang, John Boutté

DMACS Paggy Prine

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Dos Jefes Mark Coleman Trio

Fillmore New Orleans Liquid Blue

Fritzel’s John Saavedra, Richard “Piano” Scott

Irene’s Monty Banks

Kitchen Table Cafe Dr Mark St Cyr

MRB Clint Johnson

Madame Vic’s Washboard Chaz

Mahogany Jazz Hall Jamil Shariff, Catahoulas Trio

Maple Leaf Bar Brad Walker, Tom Worrell

Old Point Bar Romy Kaye

Peacock Room Da Lovebirds

Polo Club Lounge John Royen

Preservation Hall PWendell Brunious

Ray’s On The Ave Stooges Brass Band

Santos Bar DJ Shane Love

Silk Road Eric Miller’s Uptown Soul

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Jumbo Shrimp Jazz

Sweet Lorraine’s Chucky C

The Dragon’s Den Ha Sizzle

The Jazz Playhouse Brass-A-Holics

The Maison Danny Rubio, Rug Cutters

The Neutral Ground Bill Pop Solo

The Roosevelt Jon Sheckler

Treme Hideaway TBC Brass Band

Vaughan’s Lounge Corey Henry

Wetlands Sake Live Music Series

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30

21st Amendment Big Joe Kennedy

Apple Barrel Mark Appleford

BJ’s Lounge Valerie Sassyfras

BMC Balcony Music Club Lil Red

Bacchanal Wine Willie Green

Bamboula’s Boardwalker, The 3 Finger Swingers

Bayou Bar Peter Harris Trio

Blue Nile Kermit Ruffins, Trumpet Slim

Bourbon O Bar Assunta Dukes, Dr. Zach

Bratz Y’all Papa Mali, Dean Zucchero

Bullet’s Sports Bar Sporty’s Brass Band

Cafe Negril Higher Heights, Paradise Jazz Band

Republic

Rock n Bowl Bag of Donuts

Silk Road Shan Kennar

Skeeta Hawk Brewing Leslie Cooper, Harry Mayrone

Snug Harbor Victor Goines Quartet

Southport Hall Marc Broussard

Spotted Cat Chris Johnson Band

The Maison Shotgun Jazz Band, Swingin’ Gypsies

The Neutral Ground Will Hemmings

The Upper Quarter Jamie Lynn Vessels

Three Keys Water Seed’s Wild Nights

Tipitina’s Johnny Sketch

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24

Bamboula’s Johnny Mastro Blues

Bayou Bar Jordan Anderson

Cafe Negril New Orleans Rug Cutters, Sierra Green

D.B.A. Aurora Nealand, New Orleans Klezmer Allstars

DMACS Duane Bartels Band

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Fritzel’s Lee Floyd

Mahogany

Music

Polo

Royal

Silk Road Anuraag Pendyal

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Smoking Time Jazz

The Maison Danny Rubio

The Rabbit Hole Rebirth Brass Band

The Riverwalk Outlets Riverwalk Jazz Band

WEDNESDAY,

DECEMBER 28

21st Amendment Dominick Grillo

Banks St Bar Marc Stone 3, Keiko and Donald

Bamboula’s The Jaywalkers, Roulé

Bayou Bar Peter Harris Quartet

Blue Nile New Breed Brass Band

Bourbon O Bar Kevin Hayes, Les Getrex

Bratz Y’all Kenny Brown, Dean Zucchero

Cafe Negril The Budz, Colin Davis

Carousel Lounge Martin Band

D.B.A. Johnny Sansone Band

Carousel Lounge Nayo Jones Experience, Steve Masakowski Trio

Carrollton Station Shark Attack!!

Chickie Wah Wah Alexis and the Samurai

D.B.A. HollyRock

DMACS Greg Afek

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Dos Jefes Maude Caillat Quartet

Fritzel’s Jazz Pub Richard “Piano” Scott, Sam Friend Band

Hi Ho Lounge Gitkin

Hotel Monteleone Nayo Jones

Irene’s Monty Banks

Lakefront Arena Billy Strings

Madame Vic’s Poisson Rouge

Mahogany Jazz Hall Mike Fulton, Smoking Time Jazz Club Trio

Maple Leaf Nell & Bel, Sage Against The Machine

May Baily’s Place Ellis & The Shambles, Neil Todton

NOPSI Hotel Matt Lemmler

Old Point Bar Old Barstools

NOLA Ahee, Toadface

Jazz Hall Leroy Jones

Box Village Kings of Brass

Club Lounge David Boeddinghaus

Frenchmen Trumpet Mafia

For up-to-date listings visit WhereYat.com

Original Nite Cap The Keiko

June Donald Trio

Orpheum Theater The

Revivalists

Polo Club Lounge John Royen, Robin Barnes

Pour House at District Ted Hefko Duo

Republic NOLA Deadsled

Funeral Company

Rock n Bowl Bucktown

Allstars

Silk Road Shan Kennar

Skeeta Hawk Robert Eustis, Elliot Kamenintz

Snug Harbor Davell Crawford

Spotted Cat Chris Johnson Band, James Martin

Sweet Lorraine’s Donald Harrison Jr.

The Howlin Wolf Junko Beat Band, Shape Shifters

The Maison James

McClaskey, Kid Merv

The Neutral Ground Sky

Choice, Rayshaughn

Tipitina’s Samantha Fish, Jesse Dayton

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31

21st Amendment Dominick

Grillo, Jelly Roll Stompers

Bamboula’s Johnny Mastro, The New Orleans Swinging Gypsies

Bayou Bar Jordan Anderson

Blue Nile George Brown Band, Marigny Street Brass Band

Bratz Y’all Mark Pentone, Dean Zucchero

Cafe Negril New Orleans Rug Cutters, Sierra Green

Carousel Lounge Lena Prima

Chickie Wah Wah Flow Tribe

Civic Theatre DJ Soul Sister

D.B.A. The Original Pinettes Brass Band

DMACS Pocket Chocolate

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Dos Jefes Sunpie & The Louisiana Sunspots

Favela Chic The New Orleans Rug Cutters

Fritzel’s Jazz Pub JLee Floyd, Richard “Piano” Scott

House of Blues Dumpstaphunk, Dirty Dozen Brass

Band, Live Nation Club Pass

Joy Theater Mersiv

MRB And Then Came Humans

Mahogany Jazz Hall Gerald French Trio, Kevin Louis Maple Leaf Bar Sexual Thunder

Mardi Gras World Big Freedia

May Baily’s Place Buku Do Choro

Metropolitan Nightclub Sickick

Ohm Lounge Rhiannon Roze

Old Point Bar Yakamaniacsf

Orpheum Theater The Iceman Special, Revivalists

Preservation Hall Shannon Powell, Wendell Brunious

Republic NOLA Flux Pavilion

Riverboat City of New Orleans Lil Red

Rock ‘n’ Bowl

The Boogie Men

Silk Road Blake Amos

Snug Harbor Mahmoud Chouki New World Ensemble

Spotted Cat Secret Six Jazz Band, Panorama Jazz Band

Sweet Lorraine’s Donald Harrison Jr

The Ace Hotel Five-O, Sweet Crude

The Jazz Playhouse Big Sam’s Funky Nation

The Maison Danny Rubio, The Soul Rebels

Three Muses Monty Banks New Years Trio

Tipitina’s The Pimps of Joytime, Galactic

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1

Bacchanal Wine Noah Young Trio, Tangiers Combo

Cafe Negril John Lisi, Delta Funk, Vegas Cola

Silk Road Monty Banks, Rosalynn De Roos

Snug Harbor Herlin Riley Quartet

The AllWays Swing Night

The Howlin Wolf Smoakland, Raaket

The Jazz Playhouse Christmas Bar at The Jazz

Playhouse

Treme Hideaway Big 6 Brass Band

MONDAY, JANUARY 2

Cafe Negril Cristina Kaminis

DMACS Monday Blues Jam

Gasa Gasa Live Band Karaoke!

TUESDAY, JANUARY 3

AllWays Lounge Local Queer Music, Sw33theartbreak

Maple Leaf Bar Johnny & The Mongrels

Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Smoking Time Jazz Club

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4

Cafe Negril The Budz, Colin Davis

DMACS Chris Zonata

Gasa Gasa Byron Daniel, Old Barstools

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Shotgun Jazz Band

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5

Cafe Negril Piano Man ‘G’, Sierra Green

DMACS Paggy

Prine, Pizza Man’s

Fam Jam

Gasa Gasa LPO

NOLA Brewing

Electric Yat Quartet

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Treme Hideaway TBC Brass Band

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6

Cafe Istanbul Gitkin Live

Cafe Negril HIgher Heights, Paradise Jazz Band

DMACS John Krupa, Sierra Green

Deutsches Haus Damenchor Deutsches HausLadies Choir, Saengerchor Deutsches Haus - Men’s

Choir

Gasa Gasa Palomino Blond, Will Roesner

NOLA Brewing Cardboard Cowboy

Sheraton New Sidney’s Saloon Margie Perez, Catie Rogers

Spotted Cat Chris Johnson Band

The Howlin Wolf The Dead Bolts

Tipitina’s Amanda Shaw

Toulouse Theatre DistinctMotive, ONHELL

SATURDAY, JANUARY

7

BJ’s Lounge Sweet Magnolia, Magnetic Ear

Cafe Negril New Orleans Rug Cutters, Sierra Green

DMACS Pocket Chocolate

NOLA Brewing Jamie Bernstein

Oak Wine Bar Caleb Tokarska

Roussel Hall, Loyola University LPO

Santos Bar Transient

Spotted Cat Soul Brass Band

Tipitina’s Dave Bartholomew, Troy Sawyer

SUNDAY, JANUARY 8

AllWays Lounge After Hours Local Musician Jam

Bacchanal Wine Noah Young Trio, Tangiers Combo

Cafe Negril John Lisi, Vegas Cola

DMACS Eli Nordstrom

Loyola University New Orleans LPO Family Concert

For up-to-date listings visit WhereYat.com

Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl Chubby Carrier, Bayou

Swamp Band

Ohm Lounge Joe Maz

Treme Hideaway Big 6 Brass Band

MONDAY, JANUARY 9

Cafe Negril Cristina Kaminis

DMACS Monday Blues Jam

Gasa Gasa Live Band Karaoke

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10

Gasa Gasa Makeshift Tapedeck, River Dragon Santos Bar Koffin Kats

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Smoking Time Jazz

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11

AllWays Lounge Nola Dukes Band

Cafe Negril The Budz, Colin Davis

Hard Rock Cafe Max Muscato

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Shotgun Jazz Band St. Paul’s UCC Church Erika Torres Trio

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12

Cafe Negril Piano Man ‘G’, Sierra Green

Civic Theatre Chris Distefano

DMACS Paggy Prine, Pizza Man’s Fam Jam

Gasa Gasa Sean Kenneally

NOLA Brewing Electric Yat Quartet

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20

Cafe Negril Dana Abbott Band, Paradise Jazz Band, Sweetie and the Boys

DMACS Concrete Confetti, Joey Houck

Deutsches Haus Damenchor Deutsches Haus, Saengerchor Deutsches Haus

Hi Ho Lounge Blue Tang People, Junko Beat House of Blues The Mixed Nuts

NOLA Brewing Desert Nudes

Oak Wine Bar Or Shovaly

Saenger Theatre The Temptations, Four Tops

Spotted Cat Chris Johnson Band

Tipitina’s Rebirth

THE TEMPTATIONS & THE FOUR TOPS AT THE SAENGER

Billboard's “No. 1 R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of All Time” are celebrating their 60th-year anniversary of taking America’s musical landscape by storm. They plan on releasing a new album and performing across the country (and the UK!).

Friday, January 20, 8 p.m.

Tickets start at $49.50, ticketmaster.com

Orpheum Theater The Louisiana Philharmonic Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Tipitina’s The Radiators

Treme Hideaway TBC Brass Band

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13

Cafe Negril HIgher Heights, Paradise Jazz Band

DMACS Jamey St. Pierre

House of Blues That Arena Rock Show

Le Bon Temps Roulé Jon Sheckler

NOLA Brewing Riverbenders

Oak Wine Bar Daphne Powell Spotted Cat Big Fun Brass Band, Chris Johnson Band Tipitina’s The Radiators

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14

Cafe Negril New Orleans Rug Cutters, Sierra Show

DMACS Sean Hobbes

Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar Big Al NOLA Brewing When We Were Hipsters

Oak Wine Bar Miles Cabecerious Republic NOLA Barely Alive, Hi i’m ghost Spotted Cat Panorama Jazz Band

The Howlin Wolf Neil Hamburger Tipitina’s The Radiators

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15

Bacchanal Wine Noah Young Trio, Tangiers Combo

Cafe Negril John Lisi, Vegas Cola

DMACS Matthew CALUDA

Orpheum Theater Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, The Lost Bayou Ramblers

Santos Bar The Delta Bombers

Saturn Bar Big Gorgeous Tipitina’s The Figs of Wrath, Dave Malone

Treme Hideaway Big 6 Brass Band

MONDAY, JANUARY 16

Cafe Negril Cristina Kaminis

Gasa Gasa Shmoo, New Holland

Joy Theater Tommy Emmanuel, Gareth Pearson

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17

Cafe Negril Super-Most-Fantastic-Blues-N-Such Jam

DMACS Karaoke

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Smoking Time Jazz

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18

Cafe Negril The Budz, Colin Davis

Joy Theater Sam Morri

New Orleans Jazz Museum Harmony Street Society

Saturn Bar Chris Acker, Growing Boys

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Shotgun Jazz Band

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19

Cafe Negril Piano Man ‘G’, Sierra Green

DMACS Paggy Prine, Pizza Man’s Fam Jam

NOLA Brewing Electric Yat Quartet

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Jumbo Shrimp Jazz

The Broadside Valerie Sassyfras

Treme Hideaway TBC Brass Band

SATURDAY, JANUARY

21

Cafe Negril Rug Cutters, Sierra Green

DMACS LYON

Gasa Gasa Quaalords, and Floral Distortion

Joy Theater Angel Olsen

NOLA Brewing Shawan Rice

Oak Wine Bar Renée Gros

Spotted Cat James Martin Band

The Howlin Wolf Dusty Slay

The National WWII Museum Victory Swing

Orchestra

Toulouse Theatre Kevin James Thornton

Trinity Episcopal Church Canta, Violino!

SUNDAY,

JANUARY 22

Bacchanal Wine Noah Young Trio, Tangiers Combo

Cafe Negril John Lisi & Delta Funk, Vegas Cola

DMACS Greg Afek

Spotted Cat Songbird Sundays

Treme Hideaway Big 6 Brass Band

MONDAY, JANUARY

23

Cafe Negril Cristina Kaminis

Capulet Jon Sheckler

TUESDAY,

JANUARY 24

Cafe Negril The Super-Most-Fantastic-Blues-N-Such

Jam

House of Blues Moon Hooch, Balkan Bump

Saturn Bar Anna Laura Quinn

Siberia City of Caterpillar

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Smoking Time Jazz

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25

Cafe Negril The Budz, Colin Davis

DMACS Chris Zonada

Gasa Gasa Hey Magnolia Grove, Modern Bodies

Saturn Bar Blue Tang People Siberia Surfwax

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Shotgun Jazz Band

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26

Cafe Negril Piano Man ‘G’, Sierra Green

DMACS Paggy Prine, Pizza Man’s Fam Jam

NOLA Brewing Electric Yat Quartet

Orpheum Theater LPO

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Jumbo Shrimp Jazz

Treme Hideaway TBC Brass Band

FRIDAY, JANUARY

27

Cafe Negril Higher Heights, Paradise Jazz Band

Chickie Wah Wah Paul Sanchez

DMACS Grits & Greens

House of Blues That 1 Guy

Maple Leaf Bar Dave Jordan

NOLA Brewing Slugger

New Orleans Jazz Museum Marcia Ball

Oak Wine Bar Daphne Powell

Orpheum Theater Dita Von Teese

Saturn Bar The Deslondes,Lostines

Southport Hall The Molly Ringwalds

Spotted Cat Chris Johnson Band

LAKESIDE2

NOLA CHRISTMAS FEST AT MORIAL CONVENTION CENTER

December 21-30 nolachristmasfest.com

NOLA Christmas Fest is one of the most highly-anticipated events of the holiday season in New Orleans. The festival will be held from December 21-30 in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and includes attractions such as carnival rides, impressive Christmas decorations, and even an indoor ice skating rink. Tickets are now on sale on the NOLA Christmas Fest websit e.

ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL NYE PARADE

December 30 allstatesugarbowl.org

The Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year’s Parade is a fun and exciting Mardi Gras style parade held every year prior to the Allstate Sugar Bowl. The event features parade floats, bands, and even includes the opportunity for fans to purchase a slot to be a part of the parade themselves. The parade is set to start at 2:30 p.m. at the intersection of Elysian Fields Ave. and Decatur St. and will wrap up on Canal St. Additionally, a live online broadcast of the parade will be available on WDSU for anyone who may be out of town but still wants to join the New Orleans New Year’s fun.

The Metropolitan on 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd is hosting a New Year’s Eve extravaganza full of music, food, and fun. There will be three rooms of music, a champagne taste at midnight, and a balloon drop. The event will begin at 9 p.m. and will go until 5:30 a.m. This holiday extravaganza is perfect for anyone looking for a lively way to kick off their new year.

FAN EXPO NEW ORLEANS AT MORIAL CONVENTION CENTER

January 6-8 | fanexpohq.com

Fan Expo provides the perfect opportunity for anyone interested in comics, anime, or gaming to learn more about their favorite creators and gather

Christina Ricci at Fan Expo. Originating Wednesday Addams on film, she now plays Marilyn Thornhill in Netflix's Wednesday

FROM TOP: GUS ESCANELLE (2); COURTESY S!CK!CK; COURTESY MICHAEL RUPSS; PARAMOUNT PICTURES; NETFLIX

NOEL MILLER AT THE FILLMORE January 15 | livenation.com

The immensely popular Youtube personality Noel Miller is coming to the Fillmore New Orleans on Sunday, Jan. 15 as part of his Everything is F#&ked comedy show tour. Having made a name for himself through his widely successful Youtube channel, Noel Miller has made himself a household name and securely established himself in the world of millennial internet personalities. Doors for the event open at 7 p.m., and tickets can be purchased on the Live Nation website.

After years of pandemic-related restrictions, Mardi Gras in New Orleans is finally back in full swing. This year’s carnival lineup includes the Joan of Arc parade, a perfect blend of history, feminism, and culture in honor of the patron Saint of New Orleans. It also includes the Phunny Phorty Phellows, a rolling costume party

held in the iconic St. Charles street car, the Funky Uptown Krewe, which will give away hand-decorated, vinyl record albums, and the Société Des Champs Elysée. Don’t miss the chance to see any one of these fascinating attractions this carnival season.

EXOTIC ANIMAL RACING AT THE FAIRGROUNDS

January 28 | fairgroundsracecourse.com

Exotic animal racing is returning to Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots this year after its Covid-19 required hiatus. The race features a heated competition between exotic animals such as camels, ostriches, and zebras.This event has become a fan favorite among the people of New Orleans, and will take place in 2023 on January 28, with doors opening at noon and post time taking place at 1:05 p.m.

NEW

BETTER THAN BEEF

Going Meatless

By Celeste Turner

Those who make the eco-friendly decision to eat strictly plant-based foods are often referred to as vegan or vegetarian. However, a vegan diet is entirely plantbased, whereas a vegetarian's menu may include dairy and eggs.

After years of committing to a raw food diet with the exception of eating chicken and eggs, Carol Anthony, a 56-year-old international bodybuilding and powerlifting athlete, decided to go vegan just days before a regional powerlifting tournament and has never looked back. Now, Anthony only eats plant-based foods. “I became strictly vegan about 5 years ago in 2017,” said Anthony, a lifestyle coach, nutritionist and personal trainer who has competed in bodybuilding for 16 years and powerlifting for six. “I had been committed to a raw food diet for a long time, but just didn’t seem able to make the transition to vegan. One day, just a few days out from Powerlifting Regionals, I was watching a documentary on chicken farming. At that moment, I knew that I could never eat chicken again.”

For Anthony, the benefits of going meatless has positively impacted her

strength, weight, and overall health. “As a strength athlete, I can honestly say that I never feel compromised strength-wise. At 56, I am still making strength gains and hitting PR’s,” said Anthony, who presently lives in Johannesburg, South Africa. “Shortly before becoming plant-based, I went through menopause and managed to ward off typical menopause weight gain.”

As a matter of fact, Anthony admitted that she has gained a little muscle mass and lowered her cholesterol while following a vegan diet. “Since going plant-based, my cholesterol has come right down into the normal range,” said Anthony.

Eating plant-forward meals as indicated by the American Heart Association has been noted to decrease the risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, and many cancers. And, since meat is often loaded with cholesterol and saturated fat, going meatless can also reduce your intake of saturated fat, according to Molly Kimball, R.D. C.S.S.D., a local registered dietitian with Ochsner Eat Fit.

“Choosing to remove meat from your diet,” said Kimball, “doesn’t mean swapping the meat for a starch or a processed vegetarian replacement. Meatless options like ‘Beyond Beef’ are considered manufactured food. These products

FROM TOP:FAL AFEL KIN; COURTESY CAROL ANTHONY

may

Whether you're a lifelong vegan or a curious omnivore, you can eliminate meat from your diet, even if it’s for one day. While going meatless is not for everyone, a small reduction in your meat consumption for a specific day like "Meatless Mondays" can prove to be beneficial to your health and the planet.

Carol Anthony

CHEF TRACI'S EASY VEGAN FALAFEL

10-ingredient, vegan falafel made with canned chickpeas to save time, and packed with flavor from parsley, cumin, and garlic. A simple, flavorful approach to restaurant-quality falafel.

PREP TIME: 2 hours | COOK TIME: 10 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 2 hours 10 minutes

Servings: 12 (falafel)

Course: Entree

Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Mediterranean-Inspired, Middle Eastern-Inspired, Vegan Freezer Friendly: 1 month

How long will it keep? 4-5 Days

Ingredients: FALAFEL

● 1 15-ounce can chickpeas (rinsed, drained and patted dry)

● 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley (or sub cilantro)

● 4 cloves garlic, minced

● 2 medium shallots (minced / 2 shallots yield ~ 3/4 cup or 65 g / or sub white onion)

● 2 Tbsp raw sesame seeds (or sub finely chopped nuts, such as pecans)

● 1 1/2 tsp cumin (more to taste)

● 1/4 tsp each sea salt and black pepper (more to taste)

● 1 healthy pinch each cardamom and coriander (optional)

● 3-4 Tbsp all-purpose flour (or sub oat flour or gluten-free blend with varied results)

● 3-4 Tbsp avocado oil for cooking (or sub any neutral oil with a high smoke point)

● Panko bread crumbs for coating (optional / see instructions / gluten-free as needed)

Instructions

1. Add chickpeas, parsley, shallot, garlic, sesame seeds, cumin, salt, pepper (and coriander and cardamom if using) to a food processor or blender, and mix/pulse to combine, scraping down sides as needed until thoroughly combined. You’re looking for a crumbly dough, not a paste.

2. Add flour 1 Tbsp (~8 g) at a time and pulse/ mix to combine until no longer wet and you can mold the dough into a ball without it sticking to your hands - I used 4 Tbsp (amount as original recipe is written / adjust if altering batch size).

3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I added a bit more salt, pepper, and a dash of cardamom and coriander. You want the flavor to be pretty bold, so don’t be shy.

4. Transfer to a mixing bowl, cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to firm up. If you’re in a hurry, you can chill in the freezer for 45 minutes or skip this step - but they will be a little more fragile when cooking. Once chilled, scoop out rounded tablespoon amounts (~30 g in weight) and gently form into 11-12 small discs.

6. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to generously coat the pan—about 2 Tbsp (30 ml). Swirl to coat.

7. NOTE: If not cooking all of the falafel right away, FREEZE uncooked falafel between layers of parchment paper and store in a container in the freezer for up to 1 month. Then just thaw and cook as instructed!

8. Once the oil is hot, add only as many falafel as will fit very comfortably in the pan at a time— about 5-7.

9. Cook for a total of 4-5 minutes, flipping when the underside is deep golden brown. Repeat until all falafel are browned - the deeper golden brown they are, the crispier they'll be. They will also firm up more once slightly cooled.

11 Serve warm with garlic dill sauce, or hummus, inside a pita or naan, with desired toppings or atop a bed of greens.

12. Best when fresh, though leftovers will keep in the refrigerator covered for 4-5 days. Freeze after that to keep fresh for up to 1 month. From thawed, reheat in a 350 degree F (176 C) oven for 15 minutes or until hot.

mimic the texture and contain protein, but they are generally higher in calories and sodium.”

Kimball also emphasized that choosing foods with high levels of vitamin B12 and iron is essential when following a strict plantbased diet. “There is a food called Nutritional Yeast, a high source of B12, which you can sprinkle on vegetables, toast and oatmeal,” said Kimball. “And you can eat vegetables rich in iron like spinach or beans.” For other non-meat protein sources, Kimball suggested foods like eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, beans, and pea protein.

Although Anthony has seen great success as a plant-based athlete, she acknowledged that this type of eating may be difficult, particularly when she is trying to drop weight for a contest. “I lift in the 52kg (114 lbs) weight class. I don’t weigh that all year round, so I have to reduce to compete,” said Anthony. Her most recent competition was held on October 14, 2022, in which Anthony placed 2nd in the IPF Master Powerlifting World Championships with a 295 kg PR and broke an African deadlift record.“I can highly recommend it for improved health and performance but even as a nutritionist, it’s not always easy but for me, definitely worthwhile.”

So whether you’re considering eating less meat or giving it up entirely, Chef Traci Vincent Druilhet, an Executive Chef and Proprietor of TVA Consulting, LLC, has recommended experimenting with such foods as beans, whole grains, leafy greens, seeds, nuts,and marinated tofu. “One of my favorite meatless meals is chickpea tacos,” said Chef Traci who is also the Community Impact Director with the American Heart Association. “I get canned organic chickpeas and drain them completely before sautéing them with taco spices such as cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika. I warm my tortillas and have homemade guacamole, and pico de gallo ready to build my delicious plant-based meal.”

Other meatless meal tips from Chef Traci include:

● Try marinating and seasoning (minimizing the use of salts) for your vegetarian and vegan cooking. Grill, roast, or broil for the best flavor outcome. Also, add more fresh veggies, spices and toast for added texture

● Add smoked spices. “Smoked versions of spices such as paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of smoked salt really adds flavor that you would miss from meat protein seasoning,” said Chef Traci

● A healthy meatless swap is mushrooms. “They really have that umami or meaty flavor,” said Chef Traci.

● Cauliflower is a fantastic option because Chef Traci said that it is versatile and has a neutral flavor to take on any seasoning and marinade flavor.

● “I would recommend tofu,” said Chef Traci. “With its neutral flavor, you can add whatever seasoning or marinade. And it can be grilled, baked, air fried and used in soups and on sandwiches and wraps.”

While its origins are a topic of much debate (just Google “falafel kerfuffle”), most food-focused folks believe the falafel was born in Egypt sometime in the 1800s, and, over the years, its popularity spread to other countries, including Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Turkey, Iraq, and Bahrain. Regardless of its birthplace, the fabulous falafel made its way west and interestingly enough, given its purely vegan ingredients, is beloved by most everyone.

Though it's true people rarely flock to our city to enjoy falafel, the Arabic and Israeli communities in New Orleans is certainly not negligible, as is evidenced by the proliferation of Middle Eastern restaurants. One would not be stretching to estimate at least one Middle Eastern restaurant, and as many as five or more, exist in each and every neighborhood.

Just take, for instance, Mona's, a 33-year-old Lebanese restaurant and grocery in Mid-City, which was formerly a local chain dotting the entire area. Now down to one location, Mona's is a true New Orleans staple and a goto for legions of local denizens craving falafel. At only $6 per plate ($7 for the sandwich), the ground chickpea and herb-fried patty meal is a tasty steal.

Over in Bayou St. John, restaurateurs Theresa Galli and Gavin Cady have only been flinging falafel for a decade, but their brick-and-mortar restaurant 1000 Figs has quickly become a local favorite. Located just off Esplanade Avenue, on Ponce de Leon, the tiny, communal-

style spot offers a menu that feels both wholesome and comforting with lactofermented veggies, brilliant Brussels sprouts, kale and cabbage salad, and roasted seasonal vegetables, but the star of their show will always be the falafel. The dark crisp exterior gives way to an almost delicate, bright green-hued interior made with ground chickpeas, parsley, fresh coriander, and garlic. A plate of four falafel served with nutty tahini, tangy zhoug, and garlicky toum will only set you back $5. A sandwich with cucumber salad and pickled veggies (with all three sauces) is only $7.50, and an entire platter with salad and fresh bread is a mere $13.

How could we talk about falafel and not mention Falafel King? With locations in Kenner and Metairie, Falafel King is a relative newcomer to the scene, opening their first shop in 2016. Among the plates of kebab, kufta, and shawarma are the restaurant's namesake, deep fried spheres of ground chickpea-based falafel, a platter of which (with rice, pita, baba ghanouj, and hummus) rings in at $14.99. Or, if you like, you can opt for their version of a falafel sandwich wrapped in flatbread with tahini, tomato, and lettuce (add fries and a drink) for only $10.99.

Though the James Beard Awardwinning restaurant Shaya is on the higher end of the affordability spectrum, it's still entirely possible to enjoy their falafel and stay under budget. Featuring Israeli cuisine which draws “influence and inspiration

$20 AND UNDER

$20 AND UNDER

Falafel Fan

By Kim Ranjbar

Crispy on the outside, soft and savory on the inside—served with a side of tahini or wrapped in pita and devoured with bright, fresh veggies—falafel is one of those rare foods that are equally satisfying, healthful, and indulgent all at the same time. It's a Middle Eastern “street food” chock full of protein, fiber, calcium, and magnesium, all rolled up in a fabulous fried ball.

FROM TOP: COURTESY SHAYA; FALAFE LKING

Shaya

Falafel King

from North Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Turkey and Greece,” the Uptown restaurant offers a plate with four chickpea falafel, pickled cabbage, tahini, and harissa for $14.50 or you can opt for a falafel sandwich wrapped inside their oft-raved about, house-made pita for $17.50.

Located in a space that has a history of housing Middle Eastern restaurants, the Green Olives Cafe on Maple Street in the Riverbend is the latest and greatest incarnation. The restaurant was launched in September 2020 by owner Hilmi Abdeljalil, a veteran in the New Orleans restaurant industry who worked at Mona's and once owned the now-defunct Pyramids Cafe. Though their chef, Hilmi, was unwilling to divulge his falafel recipe, a family secret from his relative who is known for making some of the best falafel in Jerusalem, we do know it is made from chickpeas and fresh herbs with no additives or fillers, but the true secret is in the spices. Their chickpeabased falafel sandwich which comes with a choice of salad, French fries, baba ganuj, or labneh is only $8.99, and the platter is $16.99 and comes with two sides like basmati rice, hummus, or baba ganuj.

In the search for affordable, takeaway falafel options, Tal's Hummus should not be overlooked. Located on the corner of Magazine and Bordeaux, right across the street

from Le Bon Temps, the cozy Israeli street food cafe offers crisp, glutenfree, “green” falafel hand-made from ground chickpeas, garlic, herbs, and “special spices,” which is cooked to order. Hungry patrons can opt for a green falafel pita sandwich with hummus, salad, s'rug (a coriander hot sauce), tahini, and pickles for $13, or you can go in a slightly different direction and drop $11 on the falafel burger, which includes a large falafel patty. Either way, you still have enough left over for a side of their hand cut fries.

As previously indicated, there are many, many more falafel purveyors around town, but we're finishing this round-up with one honorable mention. Though it will not always be on the menu, seeing as that is left up to the caprices of Chef Pete Vazquez, the Appetite Repair Shop in Algiers Point will frequently offer “Emir's Middle Eastern Platter,” which features hand-made, Egyptian-style falafel (i.e. made with fava or broad beans as opposed to chickpeas), hummus, eggplant salad, fresh cucumbers and tomatoes, olives, flatbread, and hot pepper sauce. The platter will always come in under budget (around $15) and it is a falafel feast fit for a king. Interestingly enough, it is the only fava bean falafel we've discovered, but surely there's more out there somewhere.

Appetite Repair Shop

Green Olives Cafe

1000 Figs Open New Year’s Eve & January 1 Open New Year’s Eve & January 1

RESTAURANT GUIDE

AMERICAN

Crescent City Steakhouse has been taking steaks to a whole new level for four generations. The restaurant is known for sizzling its steaks in butter. They also have hearty options such as lobster tails and gratin. 1001 N. Broad St., | (504) 821-3271 | crescentcitysteaks.com

Daisy Duke’s is a great place for some of the best Southern cooking in NOLA. They serve lunch and dinner options such as po-boys and gumbo. Don’t forget to order Daisy Duke’s award-winning Cajun Bloody Mary. Multiple Locations | daisydukesrestaurant.com

Gattuso’s serves New Orleans’ and bar favorites in Gretna’s historic district. Their bar is always fully stocked. They also have happy hour all day Tuesdays and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday. 435 Huey P Long Ave., Gretna | (504) 368-1114 | gattusos.net

Houmas House hosts five different restaurants within its grounds. Each restaurant offers fresh farm-to-table Louisiana cuisine. Be sure to try The Carriage House’s Louisiana ribs and the rabbit gumbo at Latil’s. 40136 LA-942, Darrow | (225) 473-9380 | houmashouse.com

JB’s Fuel Dock serves up mouth-watering pizzas and rotating specials to satisfy guests’ appetites. The restaurant overlooks Lake Pontchartrain. Guests can meet new friends over cocktails and JB’s supreme pizza. 126 S. Roadway St. | (504) 510-2260 | jbsfueldock.com

Legacy Kitchen’s Steak + Chop offers top Southern comfort food. Delicious sandwiches and prime steaks are available. The restaurant also has a strong emphasis on cocktails as well as a quality wine service. 91 Westbank Expy. #5, Gretna | (504) 513-2606 | legacykitchen.com

Luke is a Creole-influenced brasserie in the CBD. A vibrant ambiance surrounds a raw bar providing fresh seafood and oysters from the Gulf of Mexico. Try the jumbo Louisiana shrimp or the pork schnitzel. 333 St. Charles Ave. | (504) 3782840 | lukeneworleans.com

Lakeview Harbor has been serving Typhoon cocktails for the past 30 years. The juicy cheeseburger is the perfect thing to enjoy while you’re there. The restaurant also has a long list of beer to try. 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd. | (504) 486-4887 | lakeviewharbor.us

Manning’s Sports Bar & Grill is the perfect setting to spend time with friends and family. Manning’s features over 30 flat-screen TVs, leather recliners, and classic pub food. Try their traditional wings and nachos. 519 Fulton St. | (504) 593-8118 | caesars.com

New Orleans Vampire Café is perfect for those who go bump in the night. Feast on exquisite dishes such as grilled portobello with tofu. Get replenished with the café’s Blood Bag Cocktails. 801 Royal St. | (504) 581-0801 | nolavampirecafe.com

NOLA Steak is located in Boomtown Casino and is the perfect place to take a break from the blackjack tables. Go for the 18-ounce cowboy steak. NOLA Steak is open Thursday through Saturday for dinner. 4132 Peters Rd., Harvey | (504) 366-7711 | boomtownneworleans. com

Spudly’s Super Spuds has served locals “meals in baked potatoes” for over 40 years. Treat yourself to the “Shrimply Put Potato”. Spudly’s serves their potatoes, burgers, salads, and poboys in a modest, no-fuss setting. 2609 Harvard Ave. | (504) 455-3250 | spudlys.com

Steakhouse at Harrah’s is a place where guests can enjoy delicious steakhouse classics. Try the ribeye steak, which is delivered with a loaded baked potato. Order classic cocktails like a Sazerac

or a French 75. 228 Poydras St. | (504) 5336111 | caesars.com

Ugly Dog Saloon offers some of the best BBQ around. Here’s the spot to satisfy your cravings while watching your favorite sports team. Try the Lafitte Pig and enjoy Ugly Dog’s outdoor seating. 401 Andrew Higgins Blvd. | (504) 569-8459 | theuglydogsaloon.com

Voodoo Chicken and Daiquiris is an all-new experience serving up the best fried chicken and fresh fruit daiquiris in town. Be sure to try some of their famous wings and signature cocktails all in

traditional jazz brunches. 1001 Esplanade Ave. | (504) 949-0038 | buffasbar.com

Down the Hatch Bar and Grill offers pub fare in a casual, lively bar setting in the Garden District. Try the alligator po-boy or fried catfish platter. You can even order Mediterranean plates. 1921 Sophie Wright Pl. | (504) 522-0909 | downthehatchnola.com

JINX Bar & Grill offers good food right in the heart of the Quarter. Enjoy tasty sandwiches and burgers like the Big Kahuna. The bar also has tasty shareable plates like the JINX Wings and

collection of entrees and cocktails. The restaurant also regularly hosts karaoke nights The Marsh Room serves specialty 75 cent wings on Sundays. 4740 Rye St., Metairie | (504) 571-5733 | facebook.com/marshroom

Tracey's Original Irish Channel Bar is one of the city’s best sports bars. Classic dishes like burgers and red beans and rice are available. It’s a great place to catch up with some friends over some oysters, po-boys, and beer. 2604 Magazine St. | (504) 897-5413 | traceysnola.com

CAFÉ

Carmo is a tropical-based restaurant with flavors from the Caribbean to Southeast Asia. Try their Burmese tea leaf salad and tiradito smothered in aji Amarillo pepper sauce. Their menu also has healthy options for vegans and vegetarians. 527 Julia St. | (504) 875-4132 | cafecarmo.com

The Vintage is perfect for dates because of its Instagram-worthy décor. There are so many unique sandwiches and cocktails to choose from. Make sure to stop by for different flavored beignets. 3121 Magazine St. | (504) 3247144 | thevintagenola.com

Willa Jean is a retro-chic café that has Southern fixings and mouth watering desserts. Regulars love the infamous WJ Milk and Cookies. Willa Jean was voted as the No. 2 Best Bakery by Southern Living Magazine. 611 O'Keefe Ave. | (504) 509-7334 | willajean.com

FRENCH

Latil's Landing at Houmas House

a fun, fresh atmosphere...and yes, the kitchen is open late. 629 Canal St. 504-345-2222 voodoochickenanddaiquirisnola.com

ASIAN

Asia is one of the many quality restaurants located in Boomtown Casino. The restaurant serves Chinese and Vietnamese dishes like General Tso’s chicken. Fried rice and tofu vegetables are also available. 4132 Peters Rd., Harvey | (504) 366-7711 | boomtownneworleans.com

Cho Thai will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a classic joint straight from Bangkok. Enjoy ka pao chicken and shrimp pad thai. Order creative cocktails like the Overnight Train or the Drunk on Lemongrass. 3218 Magazine St. | (504) 3814264 | chothairestaurant.com

Mikimoto has been NOLA’s destination for authentic Japanese fare for the past 20 years. Guests can expect delicious sushi in a cozy environment. Try the Geaux Saints Maki Roll or the Sex in the City Roll. 3301 S. Carrollton Ave. | (504) 488-1881 | mikimotosushi.com

Thai'd Up offers modern Thai street food right in the Fairgrounds area. Try the restaurant’s homemade beef jerky or butter Thai shrimp. Stay refreshed and order the restaurant’s Thai tea or jasmine tea. 1839 Gentilly Blvd. | (504) 3548202 | thaidupla.com

BARS WITH GREAT FOOD

Alto Rooftop Bar, located on top of the Ace Hotel, is the best hangout spot for swimming, drinking, and eating. Try the lettuce wrap with Gulf shrimp. Be sure to come during happy hour for $8 specialty drinks. 600 Carondelet St. | (504) 900-1180 | acehotel.com

Buffa's Bar & Restaurant is known as “the best place you’ve never been.” The restaurant has been serving the Marigny neighborhood since 1939. Stop by for a Reuben and visit during Buffa’s

Foghorn Fingers. 91 French Market Pl. | (504) 510-2797 | jinxnola.com

Le Bon Temps Roule is an iconic neighborhood bar in Uptown. This bar is known for being open 24/7 and for offering live music. It has one of the best Bloody Marys in the city and the pimiento bacon burger can’t be beat. 4801 Magazine St. | (504)-897-3448 | lbtrnola.com

Peacock Room is a beautiful, upscale bar in the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot. The bar serves luxury spirits and creatively-made cocktails. The Peacock Burger with truffle fries and a secret sauce is not to be missed.

501 Tchoupitoulas St. | (504) 324-3073 peacockroomnola.com

Stumpy’s Hatchet House provides a safe environment for guests to throw hatchets. It’s the perfect place to blow off some steam. Stumpy’s offers a snack area where guests can enjoy hot dogs and popcorn. 1200 Poydras St. | (504) 577-2937 | stumpyshh.com/neworleansla

The Country Club New Orleans features a beautiful interior with a cabana lounge and a pool. It serves food influenced by ItalianFrench and Creole-Southern heritages. Come for weekend brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 634 Louisa St. | (504) 945-0742 | thecountryclubneworleans.com

The Garage is a great place to enjoy live music and tasty food. The club regularly has open mic nights, so get out there and sing your heart out. Be sure to try The Garage’s fried okra and other Southern classics. 810 Conti St. | thegaragemusicclub.com

The Jimani offers upwards of 100 beers, pub cuisine, and several TVs. Customers can start off with an appetizer such as fried pickle spears. Classic entrées include Mama’s chicken club and the Hangover Burger. 141 Chartres St. | (504) 524-0493 | thejimani.com

The Marsh Room Patio Bar and Grill has a nice

Bar Marilou is nestled next to the Maison de la Luz hotel. The drink menu includes signature cocktails such as the Blind Serpent and the Tokyo Record. Try Bar Marilou’s frogs’ legs and crispy potatoes with caviar. 544 Carondelet St. | (504) 814-7711 | barmarilou.com

Cafe Degas serves traditional French cuisine with slight Creole influences. The restaurant is the longest running French bistro in New Orleans. Café Degas provides ample outdoor seating, as well as the option for curbside pickup. 3127 Esplanade Ave. | (504) 945-5635 | cafedegas.com

Café Normandie is located in the Higgins Hotel, which is the official hotel of the National WWII Museum. The menu has options such as eggs benedict and signature flat breads. Bring a friend and split a charcuterie board. 1000 Magazine St. | (504) 528-1941 | higginshotelnola.com

ITALIAN

Domenica, inside the Roosevelt Hotel, combines local ingredients with sacred cooking techniques to create delicious dishes. Choose from a variety of uniquely crafted pasta. Try their pork ragu lasagna. 123 Baronne St. | (504) 648-6020 | domenicarestaurant.com

Josephine Estelle, located inside the Ace Hotel, is an elaborately decorated osteria. The menu blends Italian cuisine with flavors from the American South. You’ll be sure to love Josephine Estelle’s rigatoni. 600 Carondelet St. | (504) 930-3070 | josephineestelle.com

Mosca’s has served some of Louisiana’s best Creole-Italian food for over 60 years. Sample the famous Shrimp Mosca. From friendly staff to family-style portions, Mosca’s will make you feel right at home. 4137 US-90 West, Westwego | (504) 436-8950 | moscasrestaurant.com

Nephew’s Ristorante has fantastic Sicilian and Italian-Creole cuisine, as well as excellent customer service. The restaurant is a legacy of Frank Catalanotto’s family. Try their fresh mussels and clams. 4445 W. Metairie Ave., Metairie | (504) 533-9998 | nephewsristorante.com

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Pascal’s Manale has been serving the New Orleans community for 109 years. Their menu consists of unique Creole-Italian dishes. They invented the signature BBQ shrimp that’s loved by residents and tourists. 1838 Napoleon Ave. | (504) 895-4877 | pascalsmanale.com

Pizza Domenica offers friendly service, upscale pizza, and craft entrées. All pizzas are cooked in ovens that were custom-made and shipped from Italy. Their tangy, cheesy Calabrese pizza is one of the best on the menu, so be sure to try it. Multiple Locations | pizzadomenica.com

Tavolino offers authentic Italian cuisine in historic Algiers Point. Tavolino is known for their delicious, thin crust pizzas. Their drinks menu features signature cocktails, wines, and a selection of different beers. 141 Delaronde St., Algiers | (504) 605-3365 | tavolinonola.com

Venezia has been serving Mid-City since 1957 and specializes in pizzas cooked in a stone oven. Grab a seat at the bar for a super cocktail before ordering. Make sure to get the chicken parmigiana. 134 N. Carrollton Ave. | (504) 488-7991 | venezianeworleans.net

MEXICAN

Empanola has the best empanadas in the city. They make unique empanadas such as Beef Argentina, chorizo Mexicana, and gumbo. They

flavors from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and more. Don’t leave without trying the lamb ragú hummus. 4123 Magazine St. (504) 891-4213 | shayarestaurant.com

Tal’s Hummus serves delicious Israeli street food. Their most popular dishes include falafel, pita sandwiches, and so much more. They offer a wide array of drink options, from iced coffee to their avocado smoothie. 4800 Magazine St. | (504) 267-7357 | talshummus.com

NEW ORLEANS CUISINE

Annunciation is a white-tablecloth eatery that serves both classic and contemporary Creole and Cajun dishes. Their grilled lamb chops are very popular. For a refreshing beverage, try their blood orange martini. 1016 Annunciation St. | (504) 568-0245 | annunciationrestaurant.com

Apolline is a cozy-chic dining spot on Magazine Street. Their delicious dishes range from roasted Gulf fish couvillion and seared diver scallops to panéed veal medallions. Apolline offers reasonably priced wines.

4729 Magazine St. | (504) 894-8881 apollinerestaurant.com

Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop is home to the original stuffed gumbo. They’ve also got jambalaya and crawfish étouffée. Try the mumbo g umbo, which includes fried oysters, potato salad, and Louisianafried catfish. 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie | (504) 835-2022 | gumbostop.com

Common Interest, located in the Hotel Indigo, features delicious dishes that reflect New Orleans’ rich culture. A fan favorite are the Creole shrimp and grits. The friendly staff will make guests feel right at home. 705 Common St. | (504) 5955605 | commoninterestnola.com

Commons Club New Orleans, located in the Virgin Hotels New Orleans, offers plenty of upscale dishes. The Wagyu smash burger awaits you. Come out for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 550 Baronne St. | virginhotels.com

Crescent City Brewhouse is a state-of-the-art brewpub. Visitors should try their freshly-shucked oysters, steak, and hot wings. Ask for balcony seating to get breathtaking views of the French Quarter. 527 Decatur St. | (504) 522-0571 crescentcitybrewhouse. com

Desire Oyster Bar, located in the Royal Sonesta Hotel, features many delicious NOLA classics. Their oysters are outstanding, especially during happy hour. Nothing screams old-school charm like chandeliers and blackand-white tiles 300 Bourbon St. | (504) 553-2281 sonesta.com

Evangeline offers some of New Orleans’ best Cajun cuisine. Enjoy your meal while in their spacious French Quarter courtyard. Guests can’t go wrong with the grilled redfish with crawfish pesto pasta. 329 Decatur St.(504) 373-4852 evangelineneworleans.com

House of Blues offers lip-smacking Southern cuisine with great live music. Definitely try the spicy Voodoo Shrimp. The House of Blues also has a VIP lounge, private dining areas, and a covered courtyard. 225 Decatur St. (504) 310-4999 | houseofblues.com

Mandina’s evolved from an Italian grocery store

to a restaurant in 1932. Feast on Creole-Italian cooking like turtle soup and veal parmesan. Come during the week and try their daily specials such as Creole eggplant on Fridays. 3800 Canal St. | (504) 482-9179 | mandinasrestaurant.com

Melba’s Old School Poboys is a busy shop that specializes in traditional New Orleans fare cuisine. Try their delicious po-boys and many different daiquiris flavors all day long. Visit their new location on Tulane Avenue for the same great pricing. Multiple locations | melbas.com

Short Stop Poboys has been serving Metairie since 1966. They have a huge selection of traditional po-boys. Pair your po-boy with stuffed artichokes or Short Stop’s house-made gumbo. 119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie | (504) 885-4572 | shortstoppoboysno.com

Trenasse

Mother’s Restaurant has served classic cafeteria-style plates since 1938. We can’t get enough of the famous Ferdi Special and Mother’s amazing baked ham. We also recommend ordering their crispy fried chicken. 401 Poydras St. | (504) 5239656 | mothersrestaurant.net

New Orleans Creole Cookery is where old school Creole cuisine meets new school service. Order the pecan crusted redfish with green beans and potatoes. Make sure to come during Oyster Happy Hour. 508 Toulouse St. | (504) 5249632 | neworleanscreolecookery.com

Neyow’s Creole Café has a huge selection of Southern eats and sweets. You’ll love the restaurant’s filé gumbo and crawfish balls. Order Neyow’s fruit punch or strawberry lemonade, to quench your thirst. 3332 Bienville St. | (504) 827-5472 | neyows.com

Neyow’s XL provides fine New Orleans cuisine with a focus on seafood and steak. Try the whole fried red snapper, served with lemon and a butter sauce. The restaurant serves Sunday brunches from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 3336 Bienville St. | (504) 503-1081 xl.neyows.com

Nice Guys Bar and Grill serves Creole and Cajun cuisine with a twist. The restaurant also offers brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Enjoy the Lambo stuffed potato, featuring grilled lamb chops and BBQ shrimp. 7910 Earhart Blvd. (504) 302-2402 | niceguysnola.com

Nonno’s whips up authentic New Orleans meals with homemade pastries. Breakfast is served all day, so you can enjoy eggs and grits at any time. You’ll fall in love with their Southern shrimp and grits. 1940 Dauphine St. | (504) 354-1364 | nonnoscajuncuisineandpastries.com

Nola’s Wings and Things is perfect for lunch or supper, seven days a week. Their wings come in 10 different preparations and flavors. The restaurant also features dishes like steak and salads. 7906 Earhart Blvd. | (504) 435-8117 | facebook.com/nolaswingsandthings

Orleans Grapevine has been specializing in fine dining since the 19th century. The brick walls and 200-year-old cast iron pillars make this place perfect for a date. Their hand grenade martini comes in a souvenir martini glass. 720 Orleans St. | (504) 523-1930 | orleansgrapevine.com

Parkway Bakery & Tavern first opened as a bakery in 191. The menu features a variety of poboys like shrimp and roast beef. Watch the Saints game at Parkway’s large outdoor patio, which has two 65-inch TVs. 538 Hagan Ave. | (504) 4823047 | parkwaypoorboys.com

Trenasse, located in the Intercontinental Hotel, pays homage to Louisiana fishers and hunters. The smoky braised short ribs, as well as the oysters, are strong recommendations. Make sure to try the Out of the Blue martini. 444 St. Charles Ave. | (504) 680-7000 trenasse.com

Willie Mae’s Scotch House makes the best fried chicken in all of the United States. The owner, Ms. Willie Mae Seaton, even won the coveted James Beard award. Try the crispy fried chicken with butter beans and mac ‘n’ cheese. Multiple Locations | williemaesnola.com

SEAFOOD

Briquette prides itself on its contemporary dining space and open kitchen. The restaurant has an 18-inch display filled with fresh seafood. Try the Snapper Pontchartrain with lump crabmeat, hollandaise, and heirloom tomatoes. 701 S. Peters St. | (504) 302-7496 | briquette-nola.com

Casamento’s was established in 1919 and serves traditional New Orleans-style seafood. The restaurant is known best for its locally sourced and freshly served oysters. Their fried soft-shell crabs are very popular. 4330 Magazine St. | (504) 895-9761 | casementosrestaurant.com

Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar’s tasty oysters have gained a cult following around the world. Their Lakeshore Drive location is best for watching beautiful sunsets. Be sure to enjoy other classic dishes like gumbo and jambalaya. Multiple Locations | felixs.com

Legacy Kitchen’s Tacklebox features refined American fare cuisine. Try their famous chargrilled oysters, which are soaked in a garlic parmesan butter. Challenge your taste buds with the Bloody Mary Oyster Shooters. 817 Common St. | (504) 827-1651 | legacykitchen.com

Seaworthy is located in a Creole cottage that was built in 1832. It was opened by the Ace Hotel with help from Grand Banks. Seaworthy is available for private dining for groups of 16-20 people. 630 Carondelet St. | (504) 930-3071 | seaworthynola.com

Tito’s Ceviche and Pisco is devoted to serving high-quality Peruvian cuisine. Their menu has a variety of ceviches and piscos. Stop by for happy hour every weekday from 3-6 p.m. or Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Multiple Locations | titoscevichepisco.com

By Reine Dugas

The sober curious movement is starting to shake things up. Whether you’re doing Dry January, Sober October, an alcohol-free (AF) challenge, a Lenten abstention, or making a New Year’s Resolution, giving up drinking may be on your radar. Today, more than ever, people are exploring sober living. And it’s never been easier or tastier to skip the alcohol at home or out and about.

WHAT IS “SOBER CURIOUS?”

Sober curious is exploring what it means to reduce your alcohol consumption or stop drinking altogether. You can drink less, not drink certain days or specific months, or not drink alcohol at all. It’s about stepping away from alcohol, finding joy in all of the activities you used to just without the booze. As people make their sober journey, they discover significant changes to their body, mind, and relationships. There are short term benefits including clearer skin, better sleep, weight loss, and more energy, and long-term benefits such as better brain and liver function, reduced stress, longer life expectancy, and the list goes on.

THE PROBLEM WITH DRINKING

Alcohol causes damage to our bodies and can be highly addictive. Because alcohol is legal, accessible, socially acceptable, and can be inexpensive, regular drinking has become part of many people’s lifestyle. While some may claim that drinking is only a problem if it’s a “problem,” the fact is that even moderate alcohol intake can have negative side effects such as addiction, liver damage, weight gain, and skin damage, according to the CDC. Over time, alcohol use can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, memory problems, and more (CDC).

PEOPLE ARE DRINKING MORE

People drink for a lot of reasons; however, there’s been an uptick in recent years, partly due to advertising. The portrayal of drinking alcohol as sexy is reminiscent of the tobacco industry’s campaign to make smoking popular. All of the swag (Wine Wednesday! dishtowels), beer

Hot Tin's off-the-menu mocktail looks equally elegant and sips like the real thing

Natural herbs and bitters infuse lively aromas and tastes into mocktails

commercials, and celebrity spirits to name a few are boosting the consumption of alcohol. It’s hard to resist. Another suspected cause for the increase in drinking is the pandemic. When the pandemic first hit in 2020, and people were stuck in their homes, alcohol consumption increased 21%, according to MassGeneral. org. Avianna, who works at Dream House, New Orleans’ black-owned, first sober bar, said she believes the increased pandemic drinking played a role in the growing alcohol-free (AF) movement.

SOBER FUN

In recent years, there have been more communal, fun opportunities for people to jump into the sober lane. Dry January and Sober October are months dedicated to people abstaining from alcohol, often with friends or other like-minded people. There are also AF challenges and happy hours, including the one at Rabbit’s Foot on Fridays from 3-7 p.m. People are posting their progress on social media and sharing recipes for spirit-free drinks to replace their nightly boozy cocktail. It doesn’t have to be an organized event. Have fun like usual just skip the booze.

CHANGING AF SCENE

The AF scene isn’t what it used to be. Before, your options were limited: soda with lime, a Shirley Temple, or Virgin Mary were it. Today, there are lots of tasty choices. Most New Orleans’ restaurants and bars have spirit-free drinks on the menu and if not, bartenders are happy to make something for you. Businesses have gotten on board too and created lines of zero-proof beer and AF spirits. From traditional brands like Heineken that now carry non-alcoholic beer to some you may not know, like Athletic Run Wild IPA or Bravus Oatmeal Stout, the choices are many—for wine too. There are also AF spirits such as Seedlip gin, Spiritless Kentucky 74, and mocktails like the Curious line and New Orleans’ own Mockly.

Skipping the alcohol in a city like New Orleans may seem difficult, but it’s definitely getting easier, with places like Dream house, so many accommodating restaurants and bars, spirit-free drinks at Tales of the Cocktail, and events like the Sober Festival last November.

If you’re at home entertaining or craving an AF drink, a quick internet search will turn up thousands of recipes. There are great books on the subject too, including Craft: The Eat Fit Guide to Zero Proof Cocktails, written by Ochsner Eat Fit’s Molly Kimball, R.D. C.S.S.D. There are fantastic sober communities as well. Executive Editor of Craft and lifestyle magazine editor, Melanie Warner Spencer,

founded the Drink Fit Club, which she says is a “community about sober curiosity for people who are thinking about taking a break, are on a break, or are interested in what it’s all about. There’s motivation, wellness information, a little bit of silliness too. You can see what the life of someone who doesn’t drink but loves cocktails looks like.”

WHERE TO BEGIN

IF YOU’RE SOBER CURIOUS

Start small. You don’t have to go cold turkey overnight—or go for it, if that’s your style. You can take it slow and not drink alcohol during the week. Join some friends and abstain for Dry January or meet up for spirit-free drinks once a week. At home, experiment with different spirit-free drinks.

Take a mental inventory of why and when you drink. Is it a habit? Do you want something cold and sweet? Is it to relieve stress? Explore that through journaling or talking about it.

Spencer suggests, “A good place to start is by deciding on a time frame. For some people, it might be two days. For others, it might be a week. Pick a time frame that isn’t overwhelming. Set yourself up for success. If you need a distraction at the usual time you want a drink, then have a treat, take a walk, or plan something for that witching hour.”

After dinner, instead of pouring yourself a cocktail, have a flavored seltzer, an herbal tea, or a cozy chai. Get your shaker out, add fruit juices, AF bitters, and pour your decadent concoction into a fancy glass and enjoy. The options are endless. The benefits are too.

Cheers.

*Consult your physician before decreasing or stopping drinking if you believe you are physically addicted to alcohol.

Ghost 'Rita is Sweet + Spicy and non-alcaholic

Alto (Ace Hotel)

600 Carondelet St. 504-900-1180

Babylon Sports Bar

2917 Harvard Ave., Suite A 504-324-9961

Bar Marilou

544 Carondelet St. 504-814-7711

Club 38 4132 Peters Rd. 504-366-7711

Evangeline

329 Decatur St.  504-373-4852

Fillmore New Orleans

6 Canal St. 504-881-1555

House of Blues

225 Decatur St. 504-310-4999

Jinx Bar and Grill

91 French Market Pl., 504-510-2797

Lots A Luck Tavern 203 Homedale St. 504-483-0978

Martine’s Lounge 2347 Metairie Rd. 504-831-8637

Pal’s Lounge 949 N. Rendon St. 504-488-7257

Rosie’s on the Roof 1000 Magazine St. 504-528-1941

Stained Glass Winehouse 201 Huey P Long Ave. 504-812-0930

Stumpy’s Hatchet House 1200 Poydras St., Suite C 504-577-2937

The Garage 810 Conti St.

The Jazz Playhouse 300 Bourbon St. 504-553-2299

The Marsh Room Patio Bar & Grill 4740 Rye St. 504-571-5733

The Metropolitan 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd. 504-568-1702

The Rabbit Hole 1228 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. 504-354-9709

The Royal Frenchmen Remedy Bar 700 Frenchmen St. 504-619-9660

Tracey’s Original Irish Channel Bar 2604 Magazine St. 504-897-5413

Treme Hideaway 1234 Claiborne Ave. 504-301-4441

Tropical Isle Multiple Locations 504-523-1927

Ugly Dog Saloon & BBQ 401 Andrew Higgins Blvd. 504-569-8459

Located on top of the Ace Hotel, Alto is a chill spot to hang out with your friends. You can cool down with some of the bar’s signature cocktails like Calypso and Turkish Royale.

Babylon is a great place to watch football and listen to live music in Metairie. The bar also provides a homey atmosphere with reasonable prices on all of their drinks.

Bar Marilou has a sophisticated French-style atmosphere in a very beautiful location alongside the Maison de la Luz hotel. The bar offers plenty of wine, beer, and craft cocktails.

Located inside Boomtown Casino & Hotel in Harvey, Club 38 is the perfect VIP experience. Available through Boomtown’s mychoice® loyalty program, guests can enjoy complimentary food and drinks after signing up.

Evangeline provides some of the best Cajun food that can be found in the French Quarter. Enjoy local craft beers and other drinks the restaurant offers like the strawberry blonde or the rum punch.

The Fillmore is a beautiful, state-of-the-art 22,000 square-foot entertainment space above Harrah’s Casino. While there for a night of live music, make sure to grab a cocktail in BG’s Lounge.

The House of Blues offers one of the best nightlife experiences in all of NOLA. Choose from a long list of beers, wines, and more and jam out to one of the venue’s many live music events.

Located right next to the French Market, JINX has an extensive beer list and top-notch cocktails such as the Decatur Mule, El Guapo, and Blue Milk. It offers hookahs with different flavors to choose from.

Lots A Luck Tavern is one of the best places in New Orleans to play bar games. Watch the next big football game while enjoying some cold beer or some of the bar’s other refreshments.

Cold beer and other specialty drinks including frozen Irish coffee, cherry limeade, and frozen sangria await at Martine’s Lounge. Pop-ups are frequently are on-site to offer food.

Open from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m., Pal’s Lounge is one of New Orleans’ perfect late-night spots. Some of Pal’s most popular, and affordable, drinks include the gingerita, the watermelon mojito, and the bacon Bloody Mary.

Located atop of the Higgins Hotel, Rosie’s surrounds guests with World War II-era Americana. Cold beer and delicious small plates like fries loaded with brisket and bacon cheese curds are available.

Stained Glass is Gretna’s premiere self-serve wine bar. This upscale, unpretentious bar offers over 300 wine bottles and 24 self-serve wine taps, as well as spirits, draft beer, and cocktails.

Stumpy’s Hatchet House gives patrons the perfect opportunity to test their hatchet-throwing skills. Light snacks and refreshing drinks from Stumpy’s fully-stocked bar are available for a quick pick-me-up.

Enjoy all sorts of entertainment like live music and open mic nights at The Garage. In addition to a fully stocked bar, the venue offers tasty NOLA favorites such as gumbo and spicy beef yaka mein.

Both upscale and retro, The Jazz Playhouse, located in the Royal Sonesta Hotel, is a great place to see NOLA’s best jazz acts. Make sure to grab a signature cocktail like a Sazerac or a Hurricane.

The Marsh Room is one of the best establishments to hang out at in Metairie. While sipping on your favorite drink, grab some bites such as cheese curds, steak, and the bar’s “Marsh burger.”

The Metropolitan is one of New Orleans’ premiere nightclubs. While partying with your friends, make sure to visit the multiple different bars located all around the large, two-story club.

The Rabbit Hole is a truly eclectic club that always provides a great night of fun. Enjoy the venue’s outdoor and indoor stages for live music, as well as The Rabbit Hole’s downstairs bar.

The Royal Frenchmen Hotel is a cozy spot to stay to be close to the Frenchmen Street action. It also features a great bar in the lobby with a fantastic Happy Hour and live music on the weekends.

Beer lovers will be happy when they see Tracey’s six draught taps and over 100 bottles of different brands to choose from. The bar also serves delicious oysters, poboys, and more.

Treme Hideaway is one of New Orleans’ best kept secrets. Tucked away in the historic Treme neighborhood, locals can flock to this night club for R&B music, DJ sounds, and hot food.

Tropical is a Bourbon Street staple that is beloved by both tourists and locals. The bar is best known for being the birthplace of the “hand grenade,” aka New Orleans’ most powerful drink.

Complete with beer, 15 TVs, and an outdoor patio, Ugly Dog Saloon is the perfect spot to watch the Saints game. Enjoy delicious, smoky BBQ classics such as Buffalo fried ribs and smoked pulled pork.

BEST BLOODY MARY MIX-OFF WINNER heath from beachcorner

FILM REVIEWS

Empire of Light Spoiler Alert

Director Sam Mendes’ love letter to the moviegoing experience, Empire of Light, has some beautiful moments, but sadly falls short of excellence.

Set in a seaside English town in the early 1980s, Olivia Colman plays Hilary, a middle-aged employee at a fading old-school movie palace. She strikes up an unlikely friendship that turns into romance with Stephen, a Black usher in his early 20s. Empire of Light is at its best when dealing with the ins and outs of working in a movie theater. The moments and conversations in these scenes feel authentic. Theater employees definitely do talk about things such as "What was the weirdest thing you ever found cleaning an auditorium?" Mendes is a skilled visual filmmaker, and he is once again working with cinematographer Roger Deakins, a top pick for the best living cinematographer (Mendes and Deakins most recently collaborated on 1917). As a result, Empire of Light is often quite beautiful to look at.

But for the film to fully work, the central romance/relationship between Hilary and Stephen needs to viscerally connect with audiences and it failed to do so for me. Sometimes it's easy as a critic to point out why a film didn't work—the dialogue's bad, the ending's inappropriate, the

performances are off key, the tone is all over the place, there are massive plot holes. Here, the failing isn't mechanical, it's visceral/ emotional, and it's a lot harder to understand why a film comes up short for a viewer in that regard.

Steven Spielberg's new film The Fabelmans worked simultaneously as a love letter to moviemaking/moviegoing and as a touching examination of familial love. Empire of Light gets the love letter to movies/movie theaters part right, but whiffs on the central romance.

It's hard to understand why so many people seem so content to never leave their homes, especially since the early weeks of the pandemic clearly illustrated for me how miserable life is when you stay home all the time. So Empire of Light can only manage a mixed review. –Fritz Esker

Spoiler Alert is a romantic drama about a gay couple who, after being together though various ups and downs for 13 years, are truly tested when one of them is diagnosed with cancer. You may be thinking, "Oh no, another 'dying' movie." Well, yes, it is, but it's not artificial and dreary like, say, Autumn in New York, Dying Young or Sweet November. No, Spoiler Alert is a movie that is often funny and smart, and has characters and situations that feel real.

The film opens on Michael Ausiello (Jim Parsons), a writer for TV Guide, who has always been addicted to television shows, and who is also a workaholic. A co-worker coaxes Michael into going out to a club, and that is where Michael meets the man of his dreams, Kit Cowan (Ben Aldridge). They approach their relationship slow and cautiously, and Michael's lifelong obsession with Smurfs almost derails it. However, they do become a couple and move in together, but 13 years on, they are having problems, and are spending time apart. Then, everything turns upside down when Kit is diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. Michael then becomes Kit's main caregiver.

The acting is uniformly good here. Parsons, who portrayed one of the great sitcom characters of the 2000s—Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory, delivers a quiet and emotional performance in this film. Aldridge is powerful as a character going through the fear, anger, frustration, and ultimately acceptance of dying. Then we have Sally Field and Bill Irwin, who are just terrific as Kit's parents. They love their son, and don't care one bit that he is gay. In fact, their only irritation with Kit is that he was scared to tell them about his sexual orientation.

The movie is based on Michael Ausiello's memoir Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies, and has a sharp screenplay by David Marshall Grant and Dan Savage. Handling the directing chores is Michael Showalter (The Big Sick, The Eyes of Tammy Faye), and he knows when to go in for those emotional close ups, and also when to pull back. When Kit decides to tell his parents that he is sick, that scene takes place at the dinner table. As he begins to tell them, Showalter cuts to a shot just outside the dining room window, because a son telling his parents that he has terminal cancer is an incredibly painful moment, so the director backs off and gives us some momentary relief, because the worst is still to come.

Spoiler Alert is a tearjerker for sure, but it is honest and not at all schmaltzy.

–David Vicari

By David Vicari & Fritz Esker

TALES FROM THE QUARTER

By Debbie Lindsey

New Year, New Goals

The ancient Babylonians have been credited as the first folks to make New Year’s resolutions. Of course every culture likes to lay claim as the first to do this and that. But let’s just agree that making resolutions is not a new idea, and lord knows, it has been exhausted over and over every year.

We make grandiose plans for self improvement at the end of the calendar year and with great earnestness, implement them on the first day of January—unless of course, one is too hung over from the New Year’s Eve party hours earlier. So we nurse our party wounds, watch some football, eat black-eyed peas and cabbage, and begin the next day with vim and vigor. This is a common game plan and a good one, except we often aim too high.

Often I have set rather lofty goals deemed important and then, if I can’t reach them, I give up, feel the need to berate myself, and there I am with a new obstacle to overcome—low self-esteem.

Last month, I wrote of empathy and have been seasoning my resolution ideas with this ingredient. I am going to suggest that instead of the usual “self improvement” goals (i.e. weight loss, exercise, less drinking, more yoga, etc.) we focus on improving someone or something else’s world. And, most importantly (in my humble assessment), start small—make what you pick to improve doable and even easy. Yes, easy.

There is no shame in striving for improvements that are attainable and easily accomplished. Remember, most New Year’s Resolutions (NYR) fail because they do not fit into our everyday routine, budget, or interest. Find a project, person, or a bit of nature that you have the ability to help.

Are you computer/tech/web savvy? Then donate an hour a week to fund raising or campaigning. Help a struggling entrepreneur build his website. If you are a “people person,” consider reaching out to that shut-in/house-bound neighbor, who might be terribly lonely and visit them or offer to run an errand for them, even dropping them a greeting card with a few kind words every day. I have a friend in a nursing home that I have totally allowed to drift to my mental back-burner. He doesn’t live here but mail is still a treat to receive. Letters, a box of sweets, a phone call are all easy habits I plan to make a part of my routine. Procrastination is my problem. I think I will sit one day and address a month’s worth of envelopes and have them stamped and ready to pop in the mail. It’s so easy but developing a routine is what will make it happen.

We face many problems within our community and often these issues

are above our pay grade, meaning we don’t have the means as individuals to fix the city’s infrastructure (streets, powerlines, sewers and water systems). Don’t get me started on our town’s politics, and lack of social and environmental policies and services. However we—you and I— have the ability to make a huge difference in quality of life just outside our front door. The removal of litter is within our means. Litter truly impacts the quality of our lives. It encourages all forms of neighborhood and community disrespect, even crime. A littered street shows a lack of oversight and sends a message that anything goes. A little trash becomes more trash and then vandalism and graffiti are given the green light to move in, and graffiti should not be confused with murals, as fabulous muralists have added much beauty and creativity to our New Orleans’ cityscape.

If your resolution list includes litter abatement, pick an area that is small. Be consistent, and bite your tongue when overcome with the urge to curse someone out for not helping or for littering. You will never recruit neighbors to assist if you shame them. Encourage others by example and compliments. Sounds corny? Maybe. But alienating folks never wins. For example, instead of scolding a dog walker for not pooper-scooping, just offer them a bag with a simple comment such as, “Don’t ya just hate it when you forget your bags? Here’s one for you.” Of course your inside voice may scream with abandon, “You lazy lard ass. Pick up your shit and stop embarrassing your poor dog.” The same goes for litter. Be proactive and encourage folks to want to help by being a good neighbor. And, again, don’t try to clean an entire block—start with the street/sidewalk in front of your home or place of business.

If you feel passionate about a cause, yet unable to write a check or grow your credit card debt, then give your time. Just a few hours a week at a food bank, nursing home, grass roots politics, and/or animal shelter. If you are a cat lover, then helping community cats (feral/homeless) by volunteering with a group or a neighbor can be very rewarding. Contact the SPCA, local veterinary hospitals, and animal welfare activists for information.

The bottom line is to find an attainable goal and make it about something other than you. Inadvertently, in doing so, you actually will be giving yourself a boost, karmic brownie points, and a better sense of worth. And that’s a good thing because the better we are, the more we have to contribute to others

VIEWS

By Phil LaMancusa

Hope Fiend or I Don’t Get It

Breaking away to the other side.

I wanna make sense of why we live and die. I don't get it. I don't get it.

–Cowboy Junkies, “I Don’t Get It

When I hear that, my mind also wails, twenty-two percent of the time or 4.5%.

We’ve become a society of facts, figures, and statistics adrift, seeking to find a foothold in our collective semi-conscious mental states of ennui: 45 million people affected by a cold front; 50% chance of an earthquake; Senator Fancy Pants has an approval rating of 42%; the interest rate has gone up again ¾ of a point; Aaron Judge (Jersey #99) hits home run number 62 this season (making 220 career) and makes history, but Barry Bonds (#s 24, 25) still holds the record of 762; the Dow Jones has slipped; the S&P has fallen; “and the race is on and here comes pride on the outside.”

Somalia car bomb kills 100, wounds 400; Seoul, Korea stampede kills 150 injures hundreds; a bridge collapses in India and kills 141; the Palestinians fight the Jews—16 dead; Ukraine staves off another invasion and people are dying by the thousands; a gunman opens fire in an elementary school

and slaughters in double digits; millions are starving in Africa; and hurricane Ian is the hardest to hit Florida since 1935.

And we head into 2023 with the same hope as 2022: “Dear Lord, please make this a better year,” as the Devil chuckles.

The Book of Revelations lists the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse as Conquest, War, Famine, and Death. It seems that there is a Fifth Horseman. It is us, and, for no apparent reason, we still hope for better times. Sometimes it makes me want to throw up. The odds are against us—eight to five and climbing.

Buddha’s brain wants us to practice the science of happiness, peace, and wisdom, and still we raise animals to slaughter. We poison our bodies, minds, and environment. We send our children into harm’s way and for no apparent reason, we hope for the best in our lives and for our loved ones. I don’t get it.

We believe and follow leaders that only serve themselves, and the highest bidders keep them in office by voting for the loudest voice, or someone who talks as smooth as cream cheese on a bagel. We know the names of the players on our local football team better than those of our representatives in congress. Our attention span and reading levels are—what was I

gonna say?

Oh! just this: We’re acting like we’re stupid, and we know it.

Renouncing ego seems the way to go; however, in this dog-eat-dog rat race, where we work like beavers just to keep our head above water, when we’re up to our asses in alligators, it’s hard to remember that our goal was to join in the Peace River Freedom Swim.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot? What’s to keep us from going emotionally comatose when it all seems to be an uphill battle? How are we to maintain a positive outlook on life? Hope.

Hope—the way we view life, the universe, and everything; not taking our quality of life for granted is how. Realizing that everything is relative like the sun, the moon, and the stars, and how we react to a beautiful sunset or the tiniest of flowers could possibly bring about world peace.

Some wise guy said, “I will tell you the truth. Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven,” implying that the way that we’re living should not be our default state. Chew on that for a moment.

Here’s the point: In the quest to relieve the adverse effects that bring about disappointment, disillusionment, heartache, misery, and soul-sucking pain in our lives because of greed and ego, we collectively are advised to follow these three simple steps to achieve a happy and forever existence: right thought, right speech, and right action (a practical guideline for ethical and mental development designed to free us from attachments and delusions).

Think about it: If you don’t have

anything good to say, shut the pie hole, swallow that negativity, and, eventually, you’ll begin to stop your negative thoughts (not as simple as it sounds, and it takes a lot of practice). Once you’ve gone beyond keeping your mouth shut and follow up with thinking pleasanter thoughts, you’ll find your outlook on life changing and indeed—your very life and actions.

Listen, you don’t just wake up with a hangover, in a strange bed, with a threelegged dog, an empty bourbon bottle, and a mouth that tastes like a garbage truck has emptied itself on you with your tongue asleep, itchy teeth, and remembering that, not only are you still living with your mother, but you vaguely recall calling up your employer last night and telling them to stick your job and salary where the sun don’t shine. When that happens to you, you may want to consider the concept of cause and effect.

You don’t just happen to wake up naked across the hood of your car with the ignition key stuck in your butt without it. These situations start somewhere. The exact wrong decision that you’ve made before but refused to learn from because you didn’t think, thought that it was gonna be fun, or this time you hoped the outcome would be different.

You don’t get it, do you? Hope is not enough. It’s 2023, folks. It’s time to wake ourselves, and the world, up and get our act together. Because this world, with you in it, is going to hell in a handbasket, and no one can save it but you (and you, and you, and me). Get it? Got it? Good.

Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year’s Parade

The Allstate Sugar Bowl Parade, a Mardi Gras-style parade on Friday, December 30, features sponsored and themed floats, high school and university bands and entertainment for fans of all ages. The free-to-thepublic event is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. on Elysian Fields Avenue and will roll past Jackson Square and up Decatur Street.

Allstate Sugar Bowl Tailgate Town

Get to the Dome early for a first-rate tailgate party at Champions Square. The party begins at 9 a.m. and lasts until the game begins. Tailgate Town features food, interactive games and entertainment, including special appearances by both schools’ bands and cheerleading squads. Fans must have a game ticket to access Tailgate Town.