Latest Issue: January 2025 – New Years Eve / Sugar Bowl

DINING

KING CAKE

For those looking to make New Year’s resolutions, Frances Deese shares New Orleans-based businesses that match perfectly for 2025 aspirations such as healthy eating. And Jeff Boudreaux shares words of New Year’s wisdom.

Geaux Dawgs. Celeste Turner explores the importance of the Allstate Sugar Bowl to the economy of New Orleans. This famous college football game has made a difference for over 90 years.

Finally, January kicks off the start of

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Josh Danzig

Creative Director: Robert Witkowski

Executive Editor: Burke Bischoff

Assistant Editor: Donald Rickert

Movie Editors: David Vicari, Fritz Esker

Contributing Writers: Burke Bischoff, Jeff Boudreaux, Frances Deese, Shane Finkelstein, Arielle Gonzales, Emily Hingle, Amy Kirk Duvoisin, Phil LaMancusa, Debbie Lindsey, Kim Ranjbar, Sabrina Stone, Celeste Turner

Cover: King Cake from Tartine by Randy Schmidt

Director of Sales: Jim Sylve

Photographers and Designers: Gus Escanelle, Robert Witkowski, Kim Ranjbar, Emma Harlan, Sydney Chatelain

Interns: Grace Carmody, Marigny Beter, Emma Harlan, Sydney Chatelain, Ayanna Lovelady, Charles Blanchard

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ROYAL INSIGHTS

By Burke Bischoff

What You Didn’t Know About King Cake

More than just a delicious slice of purple, green, and gold, king cakes have many interesting facts and theories surrounding them.

Despite not being the first organized site of Mardi Gras in North America, New Orleans’ version of “Fat Tuesday” remains as one of the world’s most well-known Carnival celebrations. In addition to the fun parades, decorative floats, and thematic throws, one of the most iconic symbols of NOLA’s Mardi Gras is the ever-popular king cake.

A cake of twisted dough and topped with icing/sugar and the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold, the king cake is emblematic of the Crescent City’s most famous holiday and is a go-to sweet for locals and visitors to the city. While most may know about certain traditions surrounding it—including that it’s not “supposed” to be eaten outside of Carnival season, and that the cutting knife stays in the cake box—there are other aspects of the festive sweet that people may not realize. For a cake so synonymous with New Orleans, the king cake has aspects surrounding it that both go back in time and stretch far beyond its borders.

Three Kings honor baby Jesus

King Cakes, clockwise from top: French King Cake; Roscón de Reyes from Madrid, Spain; Brioche des Rois from Toulon, France; Portuguese Bolo Rei

MOTHER OF MARY!

DR A GOSRES T A URAN T . CO M

CHRISTIAN MEANINGS BUT OLDER ROOTS

While the holiday has the stereotype of a free-forall party, Mardi Gras has a lot of Christian meaning behind its celebrations, what with it being one last fête before Ash Wednesday and the 40-day Lenten season. King cake similarly has Christianity associated with it, specifically the Twelfth Night after Christmas on January 6 and the Epiphany, which commemorates the Three Wise Men bringing gifts to Jesus after his birth. In fact, some European versions of king cake, such as roscón de Reyes, are also called “three kings’ cake,” in reference to the Three Wise Men, or, rather, the Three Kings.

expected to follow. There would also be a cake with a bean hidden inside of it, and anyone who ended up receiving said bean would be “king for the day.” As is the case with Christmas and Easter, it would seem that king cakes have pagan roots and were given a different interpretation once Christianity became the dominant religion in Europe.

WHO’S,

OR WHAT’S, DA BABY?

However, according to “Traditions Surrounding the King Cake” on Manny Randazzo Original King Cakes’ website, king cake predates Christianity all together and was a traditional element to the ancient Roman holiday Saturnalia. Taking place in mid-December, the holiday honored Saturn, the Roman god of harvest, and the celebrating Romans would drink, dress in costumes, and ignore the basic society etiquette they were

Just like the cake itself, what is hidden inside the king cake has also been given Christian symbolism. It is a common interpretation that the plastic babies are the baby Jesus. Following the same custom as in Saturnalia, whoever finds the baby inside the cake is considered “king” or “queen” and is tasked with hosting a future Mardi Gras gathering and providing the next king cake. While that makes sense considering the cake has the Epiphany association, it’s still a bit particular to have a baby inside of a cake at all. Of course, before the baby, king cakes, like the Saturnalia cakes, would be filled with beans— most likely fava beans. In fact, according to Atlus Obscura’s “The Weird, Wonderful World of Collecting French Cake Figurines,” fève is the French word used to refer to a small trinket inside a king cake, and the word originally meant “fava bean.”

There’s also a legend that connects the king cake baby to the late Donald Entringer, who was a baker and owner of the

now defunct McKenzie’s bakeries. The story goes that in either the 1930s or 1940s, a traveling salesman had offered Entringer little porcelain dolls, who in turn used said dolls within his king cakes. The porcelain dolls were eventually switched out to the plastic version that New Orleanians are now familiar with. Some online sources say this was due to Entringer running out of the dolls, while others say it was because people were complaining about getting their teeth chipped.

MORE WIDESPREAD THAN YOU’D THINK

Given that New Orleans is a city that is so in touch with its French roots, it would make sense that the king cake would have an equivalent in France. In fact, it has two French counter parts: galette des rois and gâteau des rois. The galette is more of a puff pastry that does not have a hole in the middle of it and it is typically not topped with anything. It was traditionally filled with a sweet almond custard called frangipane, but, just like New Orleans king cakes, it can be filled with whatever is desired. It also has a fève hidden inside and comes with a paper crown. The gâteau is a not as widespread variety made with brioche, topped with coarse sugar and candied fruit, is mainly found in the Provence region of southeast France, and looks a bit closer to the NOLA-style king cake.

Different versions of “Epiphany cake” can also be found in other countries. Roscón de Reyes, enjoyed in Spain, Mexico, and other Latin American countries, is a sweet brioche-style bread in a ring shape and can be decorated with all sorts of different candied fruits, cherries, peels, and more. Other king cake variations that can be found in the world include bolo rei in Portugal and Brazil, dreikönigskuchen—which is more like sweet rolls made to look like a wreath—in Switzerland, and Twelfth Night cake—which is more like a fruit cake—in the United Kingdom.

So while king cake is more than familiar to many New Orleanians, there is still a lot of interesting intrigue surrounding it. The next time you pick some cake up for your friends, family, or even just yourself, know that New Orleans’ favorite festive treat is more storied than you might have realized.

Finish strong start smart.

The King's Tart

Monte Cristo French Toast

shaved ham, American cheese, bacon & home fries

Cochon Panini

slow-roasted pulled pork, Provolone, bell peppers, bacon jam, fried egg on a pressed panini

Shrimp and Grits

shrimp sautéed in a cream of garlic sauce over grits & served with white toast

Crab Cake Benedict

2 poached eggs, 2 sautéed crab cakes, hollandaise on a toasted English muffin

Shrimp Po Boy

Steak Burrito

steak, home fries, eggs, Cheddar cheese, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, jalapeños, Chipotle Southwest sauce wrapped in a spinach tortilla

Dirty South Bowl

shrimp, andouille sausage, garlic cream sauce over breakfast potatoes topped with Parmesan cheese

Surf and Turf Burrito

Shrimp, steak, onions, bell peppers, eggs, jalapeños, cheddar cheese, Southwest Sauce & avocado crème

Eggs Ranchero

2 fried eggs, Cheddar cheese, crispy tortilla, black beans, red & green salsa, avocado crème

Cajun Cuban

Slow-roasted pork, onions, bell peppers, pickles, served on Ciabatta

Hangover Po Boy

Fried eggs, bacon, hot sausage,American cheese

Bananas Foster French Toast

Served with bacon or sausage, sprinkled with powdered sugar

NEW YEAR NEW ORLEANS NEW YOU

Big Easy-Inspired Ideas for Resolutions in 2025

By Frances Deese

Baldwin & Co.

Find inspiration in New Orleans for enjoyable twists on New Year’s resolutions and aspirations. The new year is not about changing yourself but adding to the positive qualities that make up your unique self.

While technically just a change on the calendar, a new year can bring in stress about perfection and strict resolutions. Instead, use this season to lean into an aspiration mindset. Knowing that it can be about the small habits that lead to substantial change, give yourself grace and find what works best for you. Take away dreadful pressures and don’t forget the fun.

A new year can be a time to honor a different custom. The Southern tradition of black-eyed peas and collards isn’t going anywhere, so cook up a batch of black-eyed pea gumbo or gumbo z’herbes. Not just for during the season of Lent, these warming recipes are said to bring additional good fortunes of new friends per green used. To find ingredient inspiration, combine this with a trip to the Crescent City Farmers Market, which is open year round and offers three locations and times throughout the week for unexpected winter finds.

Dream House Lounge is an in-town retreat from the chaos of everyday life while

focusing on the intersection of community, mental, and holistic health. They help to break stigmas through their many events including Dry January happy hours, Wellness Wednesdays, and Therapeutic Thursdays, which are partnerships with NOLA Black Mental Health Matters and Brightside Therapy Collective. Using these and grounding practices, they focus on incorporating wellness into everyday life.

New Orleans is a city full of adventurous and ethereal energy. As such, in comes a fourth generation owned tea and psychic shop, open since 1929, called Bottom of the Cup Tea Room. While the history of this shop is inviting enough, their offerings for tarot cards, tea leaves, and palm readings can bring affirmation for the year ahead. Business owner Jeanne Powers advises those who may be new to such readings to be fully present and that the more you give to the reading, the more you will receive. Their sister company, the New Orleans Tea Company, has a vast selection of tea to use to create soothing rituals.

With a motto that everybody is welcome

Move Ya Brass

and made to move, as well as tapping into the celebratory nature of the city, Move Ya Brass brings excitement to exercise. As a community and lifestyle fitness group, many of their classes and events are free, as supported by the New Orleans Recreation and Culture Fund. They also honor the New Orleans New Year for those who may need a reboot before Mardi Gras celebrations.

Focusing on skincare is a small but powerful way to build self care into your routines. This is a way to take time for mindfulness and relaxation and is especially necessary during the colder months, which are rough on skin. Utilizing natural and local ingredients such as “sun kissed satsumas,” Essentially NOLA provides artisan soaps, bath bombs, skincare, candles, and gift set bundles, as well as New Orleans-inspired products to leave skin feeling nourished.

The new year can be a helpful time to pursue decreasing substance consumption, and Dry January has grown more and more each year. Greater findings about the benefits of reduced alcohol consumption include better quality sleep and increased cognitive functions. The founders behind Mockly saw a need for this and have taken inspiration from how New Orleans knows how to have a good time and the decadent flavors of the cuisine here. They have elevated and complex options, creating the perfect opportunity for you to try an indulgent mocktail.

In such a heavy screen based environment, books are a great way to incorporate in your own digital detox. For a curated selection, look to Baldwin & Co. Coffee and Bookstore. Their owner, DJ Johnson, shared that starting with a reading goal of just 10 minutes a day adds up quickly. The shop offers specific book lists for varied

“Metairie’s Best Happy Hour”

-Brittany H

topics, author talks, and events all as part of their mission to help readers achieve a growth mindset and to reach new endeavors. They also house a nonprofit, which provides free foods, books, and community service outreach. With a goal to empower and inform as a way to fight for justice, know you are supporting a great cause while searching for a new find there.

There are many findings on the benefits of having plants. Not only do they bring a cheerful and vibrant ambiance to your interior decor and particularly during winter, but being reminded to care for a plant can be a subtle reminder to care for yourself. The Plant Gallery is a lively stop for a vast variety of plants and garden supplies. Visit their boutique for garden and home decor and accessories for further inspiration.

Located on Prytania Street in the former Scandinavian Jazz Church, the Spyre Center invites all, and their setting brings an instant sense of ease and healing. Founded by sisters Diana Fisher, Deborah Peters, and Kendall Winingder, their group of on-site and independently-run licensed professionals offer increased mental wellness and classes for physical health, including many styles of yoga, HIIT classes, movement dance, and aqua aerobics.

Eating healthier is consistently one of the top New Year’s resolutions each year, yet can feel like an uphill battle knowing where to begin. Luckily, locally and family-owned Green Fork comes in as a saving grace, providing healthy, dietary specific, and flavorsome creations, along with plenty of items that can make meal planning a breeze. Their full kitchen includes an organic blend bar, salads and bowls, breakfasts, and desserts. No one said health had to be boring.

Dream House Lounge Essentially NOLA

EXOTIC ANIMAL RACES

FAMILY DAY • SATURDAY, JANUARY 11

POST TIME: 12:45PM

COLLEGE DAY • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1

POST TIME: 12:45PM

GENERAL ADMISSION: $10

ROAD TO THE DERBY DAY

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18 • POST TIME: 12PM

GENERAL ADMISSION: $10

SWEET SOUND OF SUCCESS

NOLA Savors the Sweetness

By Celeste Turner

Catch the top college football talent at

Allstate Sugar Bowl, a premier bowl game that has thrilled fans and supported

Widely regarded as the pinnacle of collegiate bowl games, the legendary Allstate Sugar Bowl has electrified college football fans and kicked off the new year with unforgettable moments for over 90 years.

“We are here every year,” said Jeff Hundley, chief executive officer of the Allstate Sugar Bowl. “The Sugar Bowl shines a national spotlight on the city and all the good the city has to offer. We introduce people to the city and we would like to think they will come back.”

According to Hundley, the economic impact of the Sugar Bowl for the Crescent City has climbed to $2.5 billion over the last decade.

“The high level economic impact for New Orleans equates to real tax dollars for the city and the state,” commented Hundley. With national television coverage, the Allstate Sugar Bowl has drawn over six million fans, bringing around 100,000 visitors each year to New Orleans and significantly boosting its tourism economy.

However, Hundley expects this year’s Sugar Bowl game to attract

more attention and competition due to the 2024 expansion of the College Football Playoffs from four to 12 teams. “This year and next year, the Allstate Sugar Bowl hosts a quarter final game,” said Hundley. “We are so excited about the opportunity because now the spotlight gets brighter and the games will matter on an annual basis. You will not see players opt out for the playoffs.”

Since January 1, 1935, the iconic Sugar Bowl Classic has captivated large crowds, initially taking place at the Tulane Stadium before moving to the Superdome in 1975. Charles C. Zatarin III, a Sugar Bowl Committee member since 1971 and direct descendant of an original committee member, recalls his first college football bowl experience on January 1, 1957, at Tulane Stadium.

“I was 8 years old when I went to my first Sugar Bowl game,” said Zatarin, whose grandfather, Charles “Charlie” Zatarin Sr., was one of the founding members. “I can remember the exciting atmosphere at kick off. Tulane Stadium was loud, with the bands

playing and the crowds cheering on both sides. This year, it’s my 69th consecutive Sugar Bowl game. And every year I go, I feel like an 8-year-old kid all over again.”

Even the inaugural Sugar Bowl, which featured a matchup between Tulane and Temple universities, was a resounding success, attracting approximately 24,000 spectators. Zatarin gives credit for the idea of a New Year’s Day annual football game to local businessman Warren Miller and sports editor Fred Digby. Digby coined the term “Sugar Bowl” for the game, reflecting Louisiana’s sugar industry and Tulane’s history as a former sugar cane plantation.

“Warren Miller and Fred Digby were known as the founding fathers of the Sugar Bowl.” said Zatarin. “And actually, the name ‘Sugar Bowl’ was derived from the agricultural products of the region.”

Since it began, the Sugar Bowl and New Orleans have been closely associated with the highest level of college football

exposure to the city of New Orleans.

“We want to bring as many fans to New Orleans as we can,” observed Zatarin. “Our objective is to make it a major bowl game to enjoy and remember.”

Alongside its mission to host an elite college bowl game, the Sugar Bowl Committee invests over $1 million annually in the community through sporting events, awards, scholarships, and clinics. Through their efforts, they have sponsored about 500 events in the local community over the past decade, while supporting and honoring thousands of student-athletes each year.

“The Sugar Bowl Committee does a lot more than football. We are a year-round volunteer effort,” said Zatarin. “This year, we have given 19 scholarships to high school scholar athletes.”

competition in the country. A landmark event in Sugar Bowl history was Bobby Grier becoming the first Black college football player to participate in an integrated game in the Deep South in January 1956.

Though Zatarin missed Grier’s historic game by a year, he particularly remembers the 1973 Sugar Bowl. “The most monumental Sugar Bowl game was on New Year’s Eve in 1973 when Notre Dame played Alabama for the first time in the history of football at each school,” said Zatarin.

For Zatarin, this fierce matchup at Tulane’s stadium drew over 85,000 fans and became the highest-rated Sugar Bowl in history when televised by ABC.

Another impactful game for Zatarin was the return of the Sugar Bowl game to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2007, when Allstate became the official sponsor. “Atlanta had opened their arms to us, bringing the Sugar Bowl to the Georgia Dome,” noted Zatarin.

As the third most senior member of the Sugar Bowl Committee, Zatarin attributes the organization’s achievements to the dedication of its volunteer members. The Sugar Bowl Committee, a nonprofit with 130 members, aims to attract fans and increase

While emphasizing community work, Zatarin and Hundley agree that the Allstate Sugar Bowl continues to highlight memorable performances and talented athletes in college football. As a premier bowl game, the Sugar Bowl has featured eight national champions, 107 Hall of Fame players, 52 Hall of Fame coaches, and 21 Heisman Trophy winners.

Moreover, Sugar Bowl fans revel each year in the thrilling tradition of recordbreaking football and a week packed with exciting activities, including the spectacular Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year’s Eve Parade. “The city of New Orleans is ideal for the Sugar Bowl,” said Hundley. “You can’t beat the vibe and electricity of the city. Hotel rooms and restaurants are within walking distance of the Superdome. It’s a great experience for Sugar Bowl fans.”

First Sugar Bowl at Tulane Stadium, 1935 1948

WELCOME TO

A New Year’s Resolution for the People of New Orleans

By Jeff Boudreaux

Here we are once again, ushering in a new year full of uncertainties, dreams fulfilled, and times to share with friends and family.

After an extremely tumultuous presidential race, there will undoubtedly be many people who will seem bitter, dejected, and even, perhaps, fearful of what lies ahead in our country. Adversely, there are those of us who are excited and fulfilled about the future. It is with hope this article can help ease the burden for whoever needs it, even ever so slightly, and lift them up to create in themselves the best 2025 that they can possibly have. Here is a list of promising New Year’s resolutions for us, the citizens of New Orleans, but also, most importantly, that of the United States of America.

First off, more than likely, we all want to achieve optimal health for ourselves, so it comes as no surprise that the most popular resolution year after year is that of

losing weight. As we delve into the second quarter of our century, why not let this be the year to make a fresh start? No one will care that you didn’t follow through with all of those bygone New Year’s resolutions. 2025 will be the year to put a little extra effort in, whether it be preparing more healthy meals, eating less fast food, or beginning an exercise routine. We owe it to ourselves to feel good about ourselves, and if that involves embarking on a regimen of good health, then—in the words of Sir Paul McCartney—by all means, “let it be.” Maybe you’ll also be inclined to participate in Dry January, the annual liver reset of which millions of people participate worldwide. Just remember that alcohol and calories are intertwined. You can follow down both

paths symbiotically for ideal results. With diets and lifestyle changes out of the way, we can also make it a point to truly see what our beautiful, historic city has to offer. Maybe you’re not as young as you used to be. Perhaps you have arrived at a place where you are content to stay home more. The COVID-19 pandemic is undoubtedly responsible for a tremendous surge in us dreaded “homebodies” who never really venture out much anymore, even though all of that mess is long over. Don’t get discouraged. There is absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying days or nights at home; however, when you no longer want to grab dinner or drinks with friends, it can have negative consequences on your mental health. For some suggested baby steps—go out to

2025

dinner once every week or two, or take in a show, concert, or one of those exciting festivals that you always wanted to check out but never did.

How about taking our wonderful NOLA attractions back from the tourists? It can be incredibly exhilarating to spend a day in the French Quarter, visiting shops, museums— including maybe the Museum of Death—and even a jazz club. Taste some real New Orleans cuisine. If you’re a sports fan, then you can show some local spirit by seeing the Pelicans and the Saints play in person. If you’re religious, consider visiting a place of worship. If you’re simply spiritual, take some extra time to meditate. These just may be the changes you are looking for.

Do you like to read? Although a book has rarely been picked up anymore, there was a time where several novels were read by some while sitting on a neighbor’s shaded carport in the two weeks following Hurricane Katrina— with the absence of television due to the extended power outage.

At present, it is very easy to get into a rut when the only reading you do is on a smartphone. A personal recommendation that is being put into practice: order a few books and plan on intellectually devouring them after the first of the year. It will be a great opportunity to put the cellphones on silent, go to a quiet area of the house, and discover the pleasure of a good book and, perhaps, a glass of wine. You can even take reading further by joining a book club at a library or a coffeehouse, where you can interact with people who are interested in the same things as you—namely whatever recommended book that is being discussed. Joining and being a member of a book club is one possible way to meet some people who could end up being very dear friends.

Lastly, let’s make 2025 the year that we spend less time within the toxicity of social media and more time in person with the people we love, à la learning from Harry Chapin’s “Cat’s in the Cradle.” If you’re unhappy where you work, now is the time to apply for that better job. Most importantly, make a resolution to do whatever makes you happy. In the words of one of those ancient soap operas, we only have “one life to live,” so it’s best to make it count. Happy New Year.

Mockly Game Night

Spyre Center

TUMBLEDOWN NOLA

State Palace Theater

By Kim Ranjbar

Distracted by opulent Garden District mansions and dressed fried shrimp po-boys, it was a few months before I realized New Orleans is a neglected city. When journeyed beyond self-delineated safety zones, I became spellbound by the crumbling buildings, graffiti tags, and trailing vines competing to conceal grand facades and curtain broken windows.

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, a metropolis with virtually no space left unsung, I found the abandoned structures in New Orleans both gloomy and alluring. Who built them? Why have they been forsaken? Will they ever be revived? This is a personal exploration of the abandoned and neglected public structures in New Orleans. This is Tumbledown NOLA.

Casey and Brandon were the first people I met when I moved here over 20 years ago. Being a decade older didn’t stop the young couple from welcoming me into their city. With their guidance, I sucked and pinched my way through my first crawfish boil, spent late nights couch-bound, burning endless blunts in the Hi-Ho’s backroom and early mornings gulping greasy spoon breakfasts at the Trolley Stop Cafe.

While never brave enough to accompany them, Casey and Brandon regaled me with stories of the raves they attended at State Palace, a crumbling theater on Canal Street. Though I’d enjoyed numerous beach raves in the Bay Area, I was more than a little afraid in what was still, to me, an unknown city. But their stories, and the building itself, fascinated me.

Opened nearly a century ago in 1926 with its distinctive Spanish Colonial Revival-inspired façade, The Palace was one of many Loew’s Theaters popping up across the country. The Devil’s Circus, starring Norma Shearer, was the first film listed on the marquee on opening night, and Marcus Loew himself appeared on stage with silent film stars Buster Keaton and

Lew Cody, among others, heralding the Canal Street venue.

The Palace was designed by prominent, Scottish-born architect Thomas W. Lamb, known for the plush “movie palaces” he created for Fox, Keith Albee (RKO), and the Loews theater chains. The cinema he designed for the corner of Canal and Basin streets boasted a seating capacity for 3,335 people and a 3/13 Robert Morton pipe organ. Unfortunately, the organ fell into disuse after the early ’30s with the advent of “talkies” and was later destroyed in a flood.

In the mid-70s, the theater was expanded to become a triplex, partitioned to feature two screens on the main floor while the balcony offered the third. Less than a decade later, the theater was sold to Wilson P. Abraham, a developer who planned to raze The Palace and build condominiums in its place—a plan that never came to fruition.

Rene Brunet Jr., beloved local owner of the Prytania Theater (among others) with the cinema in his blood, leased The Palace from Abraham in the late 1980s. In an attempt to bring the cinema back to its former glory, Brunet removed the partitions and opened up the balcony, uncovered the marble walls in the lobby, returned the single large screen to the

main floor, and renamed the building the State Palace Theater. Along with showing classic films and television shows, the space became a live music venue, featuring performances by A-listers such as Stone Temple Pilots, Phish, and Green Day.

In the mid-90s (arguably the building’s most fascinating era), the State Palace became the premier venue for raves, gaining national notoriety for its epic, wildly-themed EDM concerts featuring DJs from across the country. The late night performances were organized by local event producer James D. Estopinal Jr., aka Disco Donnie, star of the 2004 documentary film Rise: The Story of Rave Outlaw Disco Donnie. State Palace raves in their heyday included performances by drum and bass phenom Danny the Wildchild, hip hop DJ Q-Bert, Baltimore-based Charles Feelgood, and California’s Bassbin Twins.

investigation into raves and the drug culture that surrounded them. Undercover agents were sold ecstasy and LSD by attendees during several performances, but when they raided the theater, there was no evidence of drugs, just cases of water bottles, pacifiers, and glowsticks.

After Hurricane Katrina, the State Palace’s basement flooded, leading to its closure. It briefly reopened in 2006, hosting its final “Zoolu” event the day before Mardi Gras, before shutting down permanently in 2008 due to fire code violations. Efforts to revive the theater began in 2014 when developer Gregor Fox purchased it, envisioning a restoration akin to successes at the nearby Saenger and Joy theaters. However, the estimated $50 million renovation price tag proved insurmountable and conflicting visions among investors stalled progress.

rave scene, recalled a State Palace concert featuring Rabbit in the Moon, a group whose style drew from house, trance, and breakbeat, and who were one of the first to mix theatrical stage performances into their acts. “I remember [State Palace] would get so packed that the walls would sweat. We wore those big-ass JNCO pants, and they would have six inches of nasty raver funk on the bottom.” She also emphasized a sense of inclusivity. “No one cared at all about sexual orientation or race. Everyone was there participating together.”

During the late-night raves, State Palace was split into three separate “rooms of sound.” The main floor housed featured acts, the upstairs “jungle room” (an EDM genre dubbed jungle bass), and a side space they called the “chill room.”

“Sometimes you could go out on the roof,” recalled Sander. “I watched the sun rise from that roof multiple times.” She also recalled the artistic event posters— collectible prints similar to the psychedelic, ‘60s era flyers for shows at the Fillmore in San Francisco.

In 1998, a 17-year-old girl attending a State Palace rave suffered convulsions from drug complications, went into a coma, and died. Estopinal and State Palace Theater became part of a nationwide federal

transform it into a hotel with ground-floor retail space. However, external setbacks like the Hard Rock Hotel collapse in 2019, rising interest rates, and COVID-19 delays halted these ambitions. Key proposals were also denied by the city’s Historic District Landmarks Commission, further complicating the project.

As of July 2023, the State Palace is back on the market for $7.2 million. Whether this historic landmark will find new life remains uncertain. All we can do is wait and see.

LETTING THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

Disability inclusion ensures Mardi Gras Fun for All Y'all

Some krewes and local organizations have made strides to ensure that people with disabilities can also les bon temps rouler, but there is still significant work to be done.

Our historic streets, the crowd density of Mardi Gras, and overall limited viewing space— not to mention the territorial nature of the ironically named neutral ground—all contribute to the difficulties of disabled citizens enjoying Mardi Gras. However, there are some viable options for both viewing and participating, thanks to some local organizations trying to make it work.

VIEWING ACCESSIBILITY

There are very limited occasions for people with disabilities to enjoy a separate designated area for watching parades, and those few options require research and planning. You can purchase viewing stand tickets that may offer accessible seating for wheelchairs, but there is no guarantee and it is first come, first served. It is difficult to find accurate, updated information for this, so the best thing to do is to call one of the vendors who sell the grandstand seats along St. Charles Avenue to discuss accessibility options.

One of the few clearly designated and openly promoted options for accessible viewing is through Touro Synagogue, who hosts the Krewe of VIPs, a community initiative that offers free, wheelchair-accessible parade stands for children and adults with disabilities.

Their St. Charles Avenue VIP Balcony is an accessible balcony provided free of charge to children, and sometimes adults, with disabilities and their families during some Mardi Gras parades. To sign up to help or to reserve a spot for a child, contact the Touro Synagogue office at 504-895-4843.

According to former TV Chief Meteorologist Carl Arredondo, two of the best examples of accessible viewing accommodations are not at Mardi Gras parades but can serve as models for what he hopes may someday be a normal part of the season. While escorting a visually impaired tourist to Jazz Fest—an event he had avoided for years—he learned of their well-organized, high-quality accessibility options, from viewing areas near the VIP stage sections to high quality high functioning bathrooms designed to support every impairment.

The other positive experience he had was with the Krewe of Krampus, which holds its annual Krampus parade each December. During the pandemic, he learned they were producing a stationary parade, enabling parade viewers to drive by the parade and experience it from the safety of their vehicles. This idea appealed to Arredondo, who, at the time, was working with Lighthouse for the Blind and WRBH, Reading Radio for the Blind and Visually Impaired. After talking with Krampus founders Michael and Diana Esordi, he was asked to be their narrator for the visually impaired

By Amy Kirk Duvoisin

By Amy Kirk Duvoisin

Mardi Gras brings people from all walks of life together for a shared sense of festivity, tradition, and community. But people with disabilities face significant barriers that prevent them from experiencing the joy and inclusivity that Mardi Gras promises.

Mardi Gras brings people from all walks of life together for a shared sense of festivity, tradition, and community. But people with disabilities face significant barriers that prevent them from experiencing the joy and inclusivity that Mardi Gras promises.

audience portion of the parade. He is now one of their biggest fans and promoters of Krewe of Krampus’ Accessibility Row, a two-block section along the parade route designated for people with limited mobility, which also includes a host providing audio descriptions of the parade, an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, and a “Quiet Zone” for children with sensory processing needs. They even created a “No Throws” graphic for parade goers to print and use if they would rather not have this interaction.

“There’s just no feeling like when you realize someone has thought of your situation and is figuring out a way to help you out,” said Arredondo, now a certified CrossFit L1 coach (COMS, AIT, CF-L1) who, among other ventures, coaches adaptive athletes.

Like the Krampus pivot during COVID, the Floats in the Oaks in City Park, as well as the inventive house floats and “Yardi Gras,” created new accessible options. But once COVID ended, so did the ability for many of our disabled friends to join in the “Greatest Free Show on Earth.”

The countless emails that Krampus organizers received from grateful parade goers after their stationary parades inspired them to find a way to continue to be inclusive. Krampus co-founder Diana Esordi, who earned a certificate from the University of Michigan in Disability Inclusion and Accessible Design and is pursuing a Disability Studies

and Inclusion Certificate from City University of New York (CUNY), astutely pointed out that the accommodations they are making for parade viewers are equally important for parade participants. “We are all getting older, and we want to continue to find creative ways for ourselves and our members to participate, despite limited mobility or other disabilities.”

Speaking of inclusive parade participation, here are a few hopeful signs:

• Since 2020, the Krewe of Tucks has included a wheelchair-accessible float for members and their families with special needs.

• The Krewe of King Arthur modifies floats by adding platforms, reinforcements, and security straps for riders who use wheelchairs. They have several visually impaired members who have recruited others, assuring them that the krewe is supportive of members with disabilities.

• Walking parades, by their very nature, are more accessible for those with mobility or other issues. They are often slower moving, cover smaller distances, and have more flexibility. Many of these parades focus on creativity and community involvement, and they welcome participants of all abilities, finding innovative ways to accommodate and celebrate everyone involved.

Krewe of Tucks ADA Float

Touro Synagogue

ALL THAT AZZ

Rock Drums

By Sabrina Stone

A running joke in bands is that drummers are the “loose” members. It’s not rare for a drummer to play in three bands at any given time.

Jazz drummers, especially, who play in multiple musical groups are pretty common. That’s because, while there are thousands of songs in the genre, a lot of underlying principles rule them all, so the amount of jazz variations in the world are finite. Part of what we expect from a great jazz drummer is their fluidity and ability to sit in as a “session” musician, regardless of what the set list is. Drummers of other genres are a bit different. There’s tens of thousands of “standard” rock songs to memorize, so playing a pop/rock setlist for a wedding or an afternoon cover show can easily require learning two dozen new songs each time. Those are the instrumentalists we’re focusing on.

The quality of New Orleans' working musicians is of such a high caliber, and the compensation is so inconsistent, that “gigging musicians” do varied performances all the time, and the best drummer you’ve ever seen could be playing backup for a karaoke band, sitting in as a ringer with a funk tribute band, or shaking percussion behind a guitar-weilding singersongwriter.

Jazz-adjacent drummers that were tempting to feature: Alfred Jordan; Thomas Glass; Simon Lott alone performs with Context Killer, Very Cherry, Jumbo Shrimp, Trixie Minx, Betty Shirley, Mike Fulton, Miss Sophie Lee, Amber Rachelle, Good Enough for Good Times, but it was hard to draw the line of which gigs were practically improvised, because they’re all such masters of the genre. Benny Divine performs with the rock bands Natural Child, Sick Thoughts, Schizos, Morbid Torment, Fat Savage, Soviet, Doom III, Gary Wrong Group, but he plays multiple instruments, so he isn’t drumming in all of them, and indie-rock darling Dreaux Gerard of Painted Hands, Butte, Kelly Duplex, Amelia Neville, Juno Dunes is also a talented singer/songwriter and frontman.

So while each one of those artists deserves recognition for the ridiculous amounts of bands they’re in, the three drummers we’ve chosen for this article—Trenton O’Neal, Ana de Ferreira, and Rob Lovell—are unique because they can play many genres, mainly on drums, have been in dozens of bands, are currently each in more than five, and most of the bands they perform with have original songs, which means that they have either been the writers and original creators of the parts they play or are learning the whole back catalogs of each band, which somehow live in their heads along with the hundreds upon hundreds of standard rock songs that also occupy space. Without further ado, here are three of the hardest working and hardest hitting drummers in New Orleans.

ANA DE FERREIRA

Ever since Ana de Ferreira moved to New Orleans in 2018 from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, she has been playing on every single stage that needs a drummer, including stages as big as Tipitina’s, Maple Leaf Bar, and the Toulouse Theater. She started playing drums as a teenager and, basically, never stopped. In Rio, she recorded with bands Indiscipline and Melyra, who opened for large International touring artists including Arch Enemy. Ferreira plays snare in the marching group Skinz n Bonez and sits in or regularly performs with dozens of bands, usually on a full kit but sometimes on the cajon and percussion. Growing up in Brazil, American music was something she discovered and fell in love with over time, so she’s game to play it all. As well as performing in cover bands for rock, country, blues, and all sorts of genres, Ferreira is in four original rock bands: Strange Roux, Jamie Lynn Vessels, High Black River, and WAR BUNNIES.

ROB LOVELL

Unless Lovell is sleeping in his home, you can pretty much always find him in the rock scene. Born and raised in Everett, Washington, just north of Seattle, he’s been playing bass since he was 16 years old and drums since he was 18 years old. He has been performing for 20+ years in 40+ bands. Lovell has been living in New Orleans since 2011 and, in that 13 year tenure, has played with over a dozen local bands, including Fat Camp, Ossacrux, Glut, Wishful Thinking, Level Head, Torture Garden, Romasa, Witch Burial, GOREgeous, Paprika, Dracula, Big Smile, Wizard Dick, STFAH, and UT/EX—many of which are still on the scene and he is the primary or second call drummer for. Until its recent demise, you could see him collecting tickets at the door of Gasa Gasa. These days, he’s often in the back of Siberia, helping out with the Que Pasta Latin Street Food pop up that has now made a more permanent home there, with the addition of a glow-in-thedark encephalopod mural by Lillian Aguinaga. When not at Siberia or onstage, Lovell is also a recording engineer in Mid-City at High Tower Recording.

TRENTON O’NEAL

Trenton O’Neal was introduced to music in the Southern Baptist Church, but it didn’t take him long to break free into the rhythm-filled streets of New Orleans. He’s been marching in parades since elementary school. In college, he played with Loyola University’s wind ensemble. He’s earned his way all the way up to a Grammy nomination in recent years. O’Neal is the main drummer for the high-energy Mardi Gras Indian fronted funk project The Rumble, featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr. He also formed experimental side-project Kapow!, travels to Ecuador and all over the United States with funk-rockblues outfit Deltaphonic, and backs up soul queen Quianna Lynell and famed trombonist Stephen Walker. O’Neal also goes by the artist name The Parayd for a solo project, which is, more accurately, a “collaborations project” with wild promise and features a bunch of New Orleans greats.

Trenton O’Neal

Ana de Ferreira

Rob Lovell

MUSIC CALENDAR

MONDAY, DECEMBER 23

21st Amendment Coyote Anderson Duo

Apple Barrel Bar Decaturadio

Bacchanal Wine Byron Asher

Bamboula’s Jon Roniger Band, The Rug Cutters

Carrollton Station Meryl Zimmerman

Columns Hotel Stanton Moore Trio

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

Da Jump Off Lounge Big 6 Brass Band

Fritzel’s Jazz Pub Matinee All Stars Band, Richard Scott

Kermit’s Tremé Mother-in-Law Lounge

Kermit Ruffins, Irvin Mayfield

Mid-City Lanes Rock N’ Bowl Geno Delafose

No Dice Bluegrass Pickin’ Party

Snug Harbor Charmaine Neville

The Maison Gene’s Music Machine

The Polo Club David Boeddinghaus

Three Muses Monty Banks

Tropical Isle Original Dave Ferrato

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24

21st Amendment Coyote Anderson Duo Apple Barrel NOLA Groove Collective

Bamboula’s Caitie B. & The Hand Me Downs, Giselle Anguizola Quartet

Bar Métier Salvador Avila

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band, Sweetie Pies of New Orleans

Fritzel’s Jazz Pub Colin Myers Orchestra, Richard “Piano” Scott

Holy Diver The Amazing Henrietta

Irene’s Monty Banks

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

Dos Jefes The Afrodiziac’s Jazz

Favela Chic The New Orleans Rug Cutters

Fritzel’s Jazz Pub Richard “Piano” Scott, Woodis/Lange Band

Hotel St. Vincent Or Shovaly Plus

House of Blues Bone Thugs-N-Harmony

Iberville Cuisine Yver Sorród

Irene’s Monty Banks

Le Bon Temps Roule Hash Cabbage

May Baily’s Place Giselle Anguizola

Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Bag of Donuts

Orpheum Theater Gary Owen and Lavell

Crawford

Polo Club David Boeddinghaus, Nell Simmons

Bradley

Privacy Ultra Lounge Tidal Wave Brass Band

Republic NOLA AC Slater

Rivershack Gretna Tease Me Band

Snug Harbor Jason Marsalis, Victor Goines

Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band

Jazz It Up Bar Young Pinstripes Brass Band

Lakefront Arena Billy Strings

Le Bon Temps Roule Hash Cabbage

Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Topcats

Polo Club David Boeddinghaus

Snug Harbor Kevin Louis, Palm Court Jazz Band

The Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band

The Polo Club David Boeddinghaus

Tipitina’s Jon Cleary

Treme Hideaway Big 6 Brass Band

Tropical Isle Bourbon Rhythm & Rain Trio

MONDAY, DECEMBER 30

21st Amendment Sam Price & Friends

Apple Barrel Bar Decaturadio, Mark Appleford

Bacchanal Wine Byron Asher

Bamboula’s Jon Roniger Band, The Rug Cutters

Bayou Bar Peter Harris Quintet

Blue Nile Mike Dillon, Brian Haas

Buffa’s Doyle Cooper

Lakefront Arena Billy Strings

Le Bon Temps Roule Cardboard Cowboy

May Baily’s Place Giselle Anguizola

Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Boogie Men

Republic NOLA Levity

Saenger Theatre Juvenile & Mannie Fresh And

The 400 Degreez Band

Snug Harbor Ashlin Parker, Gabrielle Cavassa

Spotted Cat Smoking Time Jazz Club

The Jazz Playhouse Big Sam

The Maison Eight Dice Cloth, New Breed Brass Band

The Polo Club John Royen

Tipitina’s Galactic

Tropical Isle Original Cass Faulconer, Charles Brewer

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1

Buffa’s Jelly Biscuit

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans Streetbeat Band

Quintet

The Maison Shotgun Jazz, John Saavedra

The Polo Club David Boedding

Tipitina’s Lost Bayou Ramblers

Tropical Isle Bourbon Rhythm & Rain Trio

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28

100 Men Hall Meryl Zimmerman

Bacchanal Wine Amari Ansari, Pete Olynciw

Bamboula’s Boardwalker & The 3 Finger

Swingers, Johnny Mastro Blues

Bayou Bar Jordan Anderson

Blue Nile Afrobeat NOLA, George Brown Band

Kermit’s Tremé Mother-in-Law Lounge Irvin

Mayfield, Kermit Ruffins & J Batiste

Spotted Cat Smoking Time Jazz Club, Sweetie Pies of New Orleans

The Polo Club John Royen

The Rabbit Hole Rebirth Brass Band

Tropical Isle Original Dave Ferrato

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25

Bamboula’s Boardwalker & The 3 Finger Swingers, J.J. & The A-OK’s

Cafe Nola Ms. Tee, Cheeky Blakk, Lady Red Davenport Lounge Chris Coreil

Fritzel’s Jazz Pub Richard “Piano” Scott Jazz Playhouse Chucky C & Friends

Tropical Isle Bourbon Dave Ferrato

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26

Apple Barrel Bar Bubbles Brown

Bacchanal Wine Boma Bango, Willie Green

Bamboula’s Caleb Nelson & His Hot 5

Bayou Bar Double Bird, Ashlin Parker, David Torkanowsky

Blue Nile Irvin Mayfield

Buffa’s Adam Rogers

Carousel Lounge Leslie Martin

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

Fritzel’s Jazz Pub John Saavedra, Richard “Piano” Scott

Iberville Cuisine Yver Sorród

Irene’s Monty Banks

Le Bon Temps Roule Soul Rebels

Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl French Rockin’ Boogie

Peacock Room Da Lovebirds

Privacy Ultra Lounge Tidal Wave Brass Band

Snug Harbor Jason Marsalis

The Polo Club John Royen

Vaughan’s Lounge Corey Henry

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27

21st Amendment Marty Peters & The Party Meters

Apple Barrel Bar Bubbles Brown

Cafe Negril Jason Neville

Chickie Wah Wah John “Papa” Gros

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

Favela Chic The New Orleans Rug Cutters

Fountain Lounge Leslie Martin

Fritzel’s Jazz Pub Bourbon Matinee Jazz Band, Steve DeTroy Band

House of Blues And Then Came Humans

Polo Club John Royen

Republic NOLA ATLiens

Rivershack Gretna Dead End

Roosevelt Hotel Leslie Martin

Santos Bar Svb Division, Clockwork Elvis, The Violent Pixies

Smoothie King Center Jubu Smith, Anthony

Hamilton

Snug Harbor Herlin Riley Quartet, Victor Goines

Quintet

The Maison Gene’s Music Machine

The Polo Club John Royen, Bean N’ The Boys

Tipitina’s Gimme Gimme Disco

Tropical Isle Bourbon Rhythm & Rain Trio

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29

21st

Amendment

Dominick Grillo, Marty Peters & The Party Meters

Bacchanal Wine

Noah Young

Bamboula’s

Carrollton Station Meryl Zimmerman

Chickie Wah Wah Sicard Hollow

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

Da Jump Off Lounge Big 6 Brass Band

Fritzel’s Jazz Pub Richard Scott

Joy Theater Sound Tribe Sector 9

Lakefront Arena Billy Strings

Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Bucktown

Allstars

No Dice Tucker Baker

Snug Harbor Charmaine Neville, Kevin Louis

The Maison Aurora Nealand, Gene’s Music

Machine

The Metropolitan Cash Cash, Sabai

The National WWII Museum Victory Belles

The Polo Club David Boeddinghaus

Tipitina’s Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31

21st Amendment Amber Rachelle

Bamboula’s Giselle Anguizola Quartet, The Villains

Bayou Bar Peter Harris, Ed Perkins, Nayo Jones

BJ’s Lounge Gal Holiday

Blue Nile Flow Tribe, Kermit Ruffins

Chickie Wah Wah Anders Osborne, Dave

Jordan Trio

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

Dos Jefes Sunpie & The Louisiana Sunspots

Fillmore New Orleans Yung Joc, Trina Fritzel’s Jazz Pub Colin Myers Orchestra, Richard “Piano” Scott

Holy Diver The Amazing Henrietta

Joy Theater Sound Tribe Sector 9 - STS9

Kermit’s Tremé Mother-in-Law Lounge Irvin

Mayfield, Kermit Ruffins & J Batiste

Preservation Hall Preservation All Stars

Snug Harbor Delfeayo Marsalis

Spotted Cat Pat Casey, Jelly Roll Stompers

THURSDAY, JANUARY 2

Buffa’s Tom McDermott, Aurora Nealand

Carousel Lounge Leslie Martin

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park

Johnette Downing

Spotted Cat Amber Rachelle Jenavieve Cooke

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3

Bacchanal Wine David Sigler, Willie Green

Buffa’s Adam Rogers, Cole Williams

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Deutsches Haus Damenchor, Saengerchor

Le Bon Temps Roule Degenerate Picnik

Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl The Good Dudes

Spotted Cat Sweetie Pies of New Orleans, Smoking Time Jazz Club

The Broadside Cyril Neville, Shamarr Allen

SATURDAY, JANUARY 4

Bacchanal Wine Amari Ansari

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport Fountain Lounge Leslie Martin

New Orleans Jazz Market Louisiana

Philharmonic Orchestra

Spotted Cat Shotgun Jazz, Chris Christy

SUNDAY, JANUARY 5

Bacchanal Wine Noah Young

Buffa’s Pfister Sisters, Some Like it Hot!

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

Preservation Hall Preservation All Stars

FRANKIE BEVERLY TRIBUTE AT SMOOTHIE KING CENTER

Spotted Cat Jenavieve & The Winding Boys, Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band

The Eurodam Marcia Ball, John “Papa” Gros

Bacchanal Wine Willie Green, The Rug Cutters, David Sigler

Bamboula’s The Rug Cutters, Les Getrex and Creole Cookin’

Bayou Bar YYRP, John Michael Bradford, John “Juantigre” Maestas

Blue Nile The Caesar Brothers’ FunkBox, Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers

Chickie Wah Wah Paul Cebar, Charlie Halloran & The Tropicales

Aaron Levinson & Friends, Youse

Blue Nile The Baked Potatoes, Street Legends

Brass Band

Buffa’s Some Like It Hot!

Cafe Istanbul

Superdome Bodhi

Chickie Wah

Wah Sicard

Hollow

Crescent City

Brewhouse New

Orleans Streetbeat Band

D.B.A. New

Orleans Treme

Brass Band

Fritzel’s Jazz

Pub Mike Fulton

Frankie Beverly, founder of the legendary soul band Maze, was a talented musician. In honor of his passing, the Smoothie King Center will host the “Frankie Beverly Tribute,” featuring singers Anthony Hamilton, Tank, and more.

Saturday, December 28, 7:30 p.m., $55 to $250, smoothiekingcenter.com

The Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band

MONDAY, JANUARY 6

Apple Barrel Bar Mark Appleford

Buffa’s Davis Rogan

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

Spotted Cat New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings, Paradise Jazz Band

The Eurodam John Boutté, Anders Osborne

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7

Buffa’s Alex McMurray

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

Spotted Cat Panorama Jazz Band, Power Hour

Brass Band

The Eurodam Chambers DesLauriers, Erica Falls

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8

Café Degas Double Whisky

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

For up-to-date listings visit WhereYat.com

Streetbeat Band

New Marigny Theatre Louisiana

Philharmonic Orchestra

Orpheum Theater Pink Martini

Spotted Cat Jelly Roll Stompers, Secret Six

The Eurodam Jon Cleary, Tab Benoit

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9

Buffa’s Tom McDermott, Aurora

Nealand

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans Streetbeat Band

House of Blues Chris Travis

Jefferson Performing Arts Center

The Black Jacket Symphony

Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl

Chubby Carrier & Bayou Swamp Band

Spotted Cat Amber Rachelle & The Sweet Potatoes, Dominick Grillo & The Frenchmen Street All-Stars

The Eurodam Soul Rebels, Tin Men

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10

Bacchanal Wine David Sigler, Willie Green

Broadmoor Community Church

Listeso String Quartet

Buffa’s T Marie, Bayou Juju

Chickie Wah Wah Louisiana

Philharmonic Orchestra

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans Streetbeat Band

House of Blues Strutter

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Sweetie Pies of New Orleans

The Eurodam St. Paul & The Broken Bones, John Boutté

YUNG JOC AT BIG NIGHT NEW ORLEANS NYE AT FILLMORE

Creator of popular albums New Joc City and Hustlenomics, Yung Joc is a lively and energetic rapper. Set to perform at the Fillmore, Yung Joc is best known for his 2006 hit single “It’s Goin’ Down.”

Tuesday, December 31, 9 p.m., $77, livenation.com

The George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center Mark Braud’s New Orleans Jazz Giants

Tipitina’s Jelly Joseph, Big Chief Juan Pardo’s Tribal Gold

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11

Bacchanal Wine Amari Ansari

Chickie Wah Wah The Iguanas

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

House of Blues Tutti Talent

Loyola University New Orleans Louisiana

Philharmonic Orchestra

New Orleans Jazz Museum Baby Dolls

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Shotgun Jazz Band

The Eurodam Louis Michot & Swamp Magic, Sierra Green and The Giants

The George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center Victor Campbell

The Howlin Wolf Voix De Femmes

SUNDAY, JANUARY 12

Bacchanal Wine Noah Young

Buffa’s Some Like it Hot!

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

Dew Drop Inn Amina Scott

Siberia Tolliver

Spotted Cat Miss Sophie Lee, Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band

The Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band

The Jazz Playhouse Nancy Hays, Lush Life

Tipitina’s Bruce Daigrepont

MONDAY, JANUARY 13

Apple Barrel Bar Mark Appleford

Buffa’s David Doucet

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

Spotted Cat New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings, Vegas Cola

TUESDAY, JANUARY 14

Buffa’s Alex McMurray

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

Spotted Cat Soul Brass Band, Shake’em Up Jazz Band

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15

Buffa’s Mark Carroll

Café Degas Double Whisky

Chickie Wah Wah Jon Cleary Solo

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Spotted Cat Secret Six, Pat Casey & The New Sound

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16

Buffa’s Tom McDermott, Aurora Nealand

Carousel Lounge Leslie Martin

Chickie Wah Wah Chuck Prophet

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Orpheum Theater LPO

Tipitina’s The Radiators

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17

ARORA Super Future

Bacchanal Wine David Sigler, Willie Green

Buffa’s Adam Rogers

Chickie Wah Wah James McMurtry, BettySoo

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

Deutsches Haus Damenchor, Saengerchor

Fillmore New Orleans Dweezil Zappa

New Orleans Jazz Market Adonis Rose, NOJO

The George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage

Center Mikhala “Jazz Muffin” Iverson

Tipitina’s The Radiators

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18

Bacchanal Wine Amari Ansari

Buffa’s Joe Krown, Papa Mali

Chickie Wah Wah James McMurtry, BettySoo

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

Dew Drop Inn Sweet Southern Heat

Orpheum Theater Louisiana Philharmonic

Orchestra

Spotted Cat Soul Brass Band

The George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage

Center Jason Marsalis

The Howlin Wolf Joanna Serenko

Tipitina’s The Radiators

MUSIC CALENDAR

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19

Bacchanal Wine Noah Young

Buffa’s Meryl Zimmerman, Some Like it Hot!

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

Davenport Lounge

Jeremy Davenport

Spotted Cat Dominick

House of Blues Jon McLaughlin, Eric Hutchinson

Marigny Opera House Luke Palmer

Orpheum Theater Highly Suspect

Siberia Slothrust, Weakened Friends

The Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band, Joanna Serenko

Tipitina’s Raw Oyster Cult

MONDAY, JANUARY 20

Buffa’s David Doucet

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

Spotted Cat New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings, The JumpHounds

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21

Buffa’s Alex McMurray

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans Streetbeat Band

Hideout Bar Kid Merv

Spotted Cat Panorama Jazz Band, Twerk Thomson Band

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22

Buffa’s Jeremy Joyce

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Fillmore New Orleans Trampled By Turtles

Spotted Cat Secret Six, Pat Casey & The New Sound

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23

Buffa’s Tom McDermott, Suzanne Ortner Carousel Lounge Leslie Martin

Grillo, Amber Rachelle

St. Louis Cathedral LPO

The Howlin Wolf Under High Street

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24

Bacchanal Wine David

Sigler, Willie Green

Buffa’s Adam Rogers, Washboard Chaz

Crescent City

Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

Davenport Lounge

Jeremy Davenport

New Orleans Jazz Museum Marcia Ball

Spotted Cat Sweetie Pies of New Orleans, Smoking Time Jazz Club

The George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage

Center The Pfister Sisters

Tipitina’s The George Porter, Jr.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25

Bacchanal Wine Amari Ansari

Broadmoor Community Church Listeso String Quartet

Buffa’s The Freudian Slips

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

House of Blues Molchat Doma

The George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage

Center Jason Stewart Quintet

The Howlin Wolf Young C Favorite, Chad Mikael

“The Dragon” Tipitina’s Kyle Roussel’s

HIGHLY SUSPECT AT ORPHEUM THEATER

Gold-certified and Grammy Awardnominated, Highly Suspect is a unique rock band that combines genres and sounds to create distinctive music. With millions of streams, Highly Suspect is known for their song “My Name is Human.”

Sunday, January 19, 8 p.m., $35 to $75, orpheumnola.com

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26

Bacchanal Wine Noah Young

Buffa’s Steve Pistorius, Some Like it Hot!

Chickie Wah Wah Bella’s Bartok

City Park Frenchie Moe, Scott Perro

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

The Howlin Wolf The Hot 8 Brass Band

MONDAY, JANUARY 27

Apple Barrel bar Mark Appleford

Buffa’s David Doucet

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

House of Blues Phantogram

Spotted Cat The New Orleans Night Mayors, Paradise Jazz Band

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28

Buffa’s Alex McMurray

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans Streetbeat Band

House of Blues

Michigander

Saenger Theatre

The Temptations & The Four Tops

Spotted Cat Dominick Grillo, Popcorn

Tipitina’s Too Many Zooz, Moon Hooch

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29

Buffa’s Signature Dish

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans Streetbeat Band

House of Blues Michigander

Orpheum Theater Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

Spotted Cat Jelly Roll Stompers, Secret Six

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30

Buffa’s Tom McDermott, Suzanne Ortner

Carousel Lounge Leslie Martin

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Spotted Cat Jenavieve Cooke, Amber Rachelle

Tipitina’s Nick Shoulders, Sabine McCalla

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31

Bacchanal Wine David Sigler, Willie Green

Buffa’s Adam Rogers

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat Band

Spotted Cat Amber Rachelle & The Sweet

Potatoes, Jenavieve Cooke & The Winding Boys

The George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage

Center Panorama Brass Band

Tipitina’s Sierra Green, Tab Benoit

LAKESIDE2RIVERSIDE

EXOTIC ANIMALS RACE DAY AT FAIR GROUNDS

January 11 | fairgroundsracecourse.com

The Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots’ fan favorite “Exotic Animal Racing” will return on Saturday, January 11. Featuring races with camels, ostriches, and zebras, the event is a fantastic way to see unique animals. The exotic races held on January 11 are family focused, so make sure to bring your kids along for the fun. The races will begin at 12:45 p.m., and guests are invited to purchase their tickets online in advance for $7 to $35 depending on the seat. Including food trucks and other pop-ups, the Exotic Animals Race Day is a special event for all.

ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL NYE PARADE

December 31 | allstatesugarbowl.org

Take part in this year’s New Year Parade in celebration of the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Featuring Mardi Gras inspired floats, marching bands, and more, the parade will begin at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31. The parade will kick off at the intersection of Elysian Fields Avenue and Decatur Street and will roll through the French Quarter, alongside the Mississippi River, pass by Cafe Du Monde and the Old U.S. Mint, before finally ending at Canal Street. Fans of all ages are invited to enjoy the festivities as New Orleans prepares to host the 2024 Sugar Bowl.

METRO’S NEW YEAR’S EVE EXTRAVAGANZA

December 31 | themetronola.com

A night of celebration, fantastic music, and champagne, the Metropolitan will host their annual New Year’s Eve Extravaganza on Tuesday, December 31. Including three rooms of music—featuring artists DJ trio Cash Cash and SABAI—the Metro will also have a champagne toast at midnight, a balloon drop, and VIP service offering drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Guests are invited to party into the New Year from 9 p.m. until 12 a.m. Guests must be 18 years or older to attend, and tickets, starting at $30 for general admission, range in prices.

NOTCF GALA | January 11 | notcf.com

Returning for the third year in a row, the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund Honors Gala is a tasteful event that focuses on promoting inclusiveness, celebrating local artists, and enriching New Orleans’ culture. Mardi Gras World will host the gala on Saturday, January 11, where select artists will receive awards from the following categories: Emerging Artist, Established Artist, and Lifetime Achievement. A decadent event with live music, fantastic food, unique performers, and more, the gala will run from 7 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. Tickets start at $150, and guests are invited to dress their best.

The Cathy and Morris Bart

JEWISH CULTURAL ARTS SERIES

SPRING 2025

Film Screening & Talk Session: Bunchi

Thursday, January 23, 2025 | 6:30-8:30 PM | Uptown JCC

Experience Bunchi, a powerful short film by Bamah Arts Artist in Residence, Esti Wexler. The film explores themes of identity, resilience, and cultural heritage. Following the screening, Esti Wexler will lead a discussion on her own immigration journey from Ethiopia to Israel, sharing reflections on spirituality, motherhood, and mother-daughter relationships. A Q&A session with the audience will conclude this deeply moving program.

Football Panel: Inside the NFL - Super Bowl Week

Monday, February 3 | 6:30-8:30 PM | Uptown JCC

Get an insider’s view of the NFL with Gabe Feldman and Martin Fischman as they lead an engaging panel discussion on the future of the NFL, exploring the league’s evolving landscape, upcoming trends, and challenges. Panelists will include NFL experts, players, and commentators, with several sharing a connection to the Jewish faith. New Orleans JCC Chef Jeff McLennan will also provide classic football snacks to round out this exciting evening.

Film Screening: Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round

by Director Ilana Trachtman

Wednesday, February 12, 2025 | 6:30-8:30 PM | Uptown JCC

In honor of Black History Month, join us as Dr. Roberts of Xavier University leads a discussion for Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round, a film exploring the 1960 interracial civil rights protest at Glen Echo Amusement Park. Discover how Howard University students and local Jewish residents united in courage and solidarity to defy segregation and ignite the Civil Rights Movement.

Comedy Night: Comedy for Peace

Saturday, March 22, 2025 | 7:00-9:00 PM | Uptown JCC

Prepare for a night of laughter with “Comedy for Peace,” featuring comedians from diverse backgrounds who use humor to promote unity and understanding. Co-hosted with J NOLA, the evening includes a post-show Q&A to discuss the unique power of comedy to bridge cultural divides.

Discussion & Exhibit: Lessons of a Cookbook with Alon Shaya

Thursday, April 10, 2025 | 6:30-8:30 PM | Uptown JCC

Join award-winning local Chef Alon Shaya for “Lessons of a Cookbook.” Taste a featured recipe, hear powerful stories and traditions behind each dish, and engage in a Q&A with Loyola University students in Holocaust studies. An accompanying Holocaust exhibit provides a further look into the legacy of survival and remembrance.

Lecture: Understanding the Middle East with Avi Melamed

Thursday, May 15, 2025 | 6:30-8:30 PM | Uptown JCC

Join Middle East expert Avi Melamed for an in-depth lecture offering insights into the complexities of the region. Delve into a deeper discussion about this hotly debated area as Avi answers questions from the audience, providing expert analysis and helping to unravel the complexities of current affairs, history, and geopolitical dynamics. This lecture promises a compelling and informative experience for those looking to better understand the Middle East.

Mardi Gras Parade Maps

Monday, January 6, 7 p.m.

Rampart/St. Claude Avenue streetcar.

The Phunny Phorty Phellows, with their satiric costumes and classic throws, host a Carnival countdown and then ride the St. Charles streetcar line.

The Funky Uptown Krewe rides on a streetcar with live music inside behind the Phunny Phorty Phellows and tosses throws that include hand-decorated vinyls.

Krewe of Joan of Arc is a walking parade celebrating St. Joan of Arc’s birthday and Twelfth Night. This year’s parade will roll on a revised route, as well as at a later start time.

MID-CITY TREMÉ LAKEVIEW MISS

FRENCH QUARTER

MARIGNY

Parade schedules and routes are subject to change. Check WhereYat.com for updates.

RESTAURANT GUIDE

AMERICAN

Crescent City Steaks, open since 1934, is a landmark New Orleans restaurant created by Croatian immigrant John Vojkovich. Known for its timeless menu and “New Orleans-style” steak served in sizzling butter, it offers classic cuisine while updating its wine list over the years. 1001 N. Broad St., (504) 821-3271, crescentcitysteaks.com

Daisy Dukes offers Louisiana-inspired dishes for breakfast and lunch. Highlights include fluffy waffles, chicken & waffles, fried green tomatoes, po-boys, shrimp dishes, and banana bread French toast. Their awardwinning Cajun Bloody Mary is bottomless with an entree. Multiple Locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com

Jimmy J’s Café is a small, walk-up eatery that’s been open since 2011. Known for breakfast nachos and Tuscan-style poached eggs, it also offers unique French toast variations such as Captain Crunch and Bananas Foster. The menu also includes sandwiches, po-boys, and burritos.

115 Chartres St., (504) 309-9360, jimmyjscafe.com

Legacy Kitchen’s Craft Tavern is located in the Renaissance New Orleans Warehouse District Hotel. Enjoy all-day beignets, signature Bloody Marys, and breakfast dishes including NOLA-style grits. Contact them for special accommodations when planning events.

700 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 613-2350, legacykitchen.com

805-5596, boomtownneworleans.com

The Blackbird Hotel is a boutique hotel located in the picturesque Garden District. Besides tempting happy hour options at a fully stocked bar, their in-house restaurant offers fun variations on classics including boudin hot dog, mini crawfish pies, gumbo served with beignets, and more. 1612 Pyrtania St., (504) 383-7500, theblackbirdnola.com

Vacca Steakhouse offers diverse menus, handcrafted cocktails, and an extensive wine selection. Start with crab cakes before enjoying prime cuts including ribeye or seafood options such as Chilean sea bass. Don’t miss their signature dessert—the giant carrot cake. 3524 Severn Ave., Metairie, (504) 318-3808, vaccasteakhouse.com

Voodoo Chicken & Daiquiris offers a perfect blend of fried chicken and fruitflavored daiquiris in a vibrant atmosphere. With four locations, including a new spot on Canal Street, they serve delicious NOLA fare such as po-boys and crab cakes alongside their signature chicken and drinks. Multiple Locations, voodoochickenanddaiquirisnola.com

Willie Mae’s NOLA, a New Orleans icon since 1957, is known for Southern cuisine. With a new location at 898 Baronne St., it offers various chicken dishes, sides, and fried seafood. Don’t miss their bread pudding with white chocolate and rum sauce for dessert. 898 Baronne St., williemaesnola.com

ASIAN

Legacy Kitchen’s Steak + Chop offers delicious steaks such as Delmonico ribeye and tomahawk. The menu includes seafood, poultry, pork dishes, and daily hot plate specials. Don’t miss their signature desserts and happy hour from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., featuring food specials. 91 Westbank Expy. #51, Gretna, (504) 513-2606, legacykitchen.com

Luke is a Creole-inspired restaurant on St. Charles Avenue, offering fresh Gulf seafood and oysters. This Franco-German brasseriestyle spot serves diverse meat and seafood dishes, including the Luke Burger. Happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. and features drink and oyster specials. 333 St. Charles Ave., (504) 3782840, lukeneworleans.com

New Orleans Vampire Café is a unique dining experience for humans and “vampires” alike. Chef Chris Dunn’s menu features lavish twists such as “stake” tartare and blood orange creme brûlée. Enjoy special “blood type” cocktails, gold utensils, and tea leaf readings. 801 Royal St., (504) 581-0801, nolavampirecafe.com

NOLA Steak at Boomtown Casino & Hotel offers different steak varieties with delicious sides. Enjoy happy hour Thursdays and Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m., all-you-can-eat boiled shrimp on Thursdays for $29.99, and a jazz brunch buffet on Sundays from 11 p.m. to 2 p.m. 4132 Peters Rd., Harvey, (855)

Asia, nestled in Boomtown Casino, offers a unique mix of Chinese and Vietnamese dishes. Enjoy Vietnamese rice noodle soup and lo mein noodles, as well as the Asia Sampler, which features pork potstickers, signature wings, imperial eggroll, and crab rangoon. 4132 Peters Rd., Harvey, (504) 364-8812, boomtownneworleans.com

BARS WITH GREAT FOOD

Buffa’s Bar & Restaurant, a beloved “French Quarter border” establishment since 1939, offers nightly live music and entertainment. With its charming theatrical interior and a fullystocked bar, they’re famous for mouthwatering crawfish étouffée and red beans & rice. 1001 Esplanade Ave., (504) 949-0038, buffasbar.com

JB’s Fuel Dock is a converted fuel dock turned restaurant and bar with a welcoming atmosphere and a fully-stocked bar. Known for their delicious pizzas and beignet bites, they offer a simple but satisfying menu that's perfect for any craving. 126 S. Roadway St., (504) 510-2260, jbsfueldock.com

Peacock Room at Kimpton Hotel Fontenot offers elevated cocktails and Southern specialties in an elegant setting. The refined menu includes shrimp & grits and gumbo, while special events and performances add entertainment value to the dining experience. 501 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 324-3073, peacockroomnola.com

The Channel is an Irish pub that has taken over the building that had once housed Tracey’s. Their name is derived from the NOLA neighborhood it is located in—the Irish Channel. The bar’s warm, inviting atmosphere is perfect for a chill night out and watching the game. 2604 Magazine St.

The Jimani has been a beloved Chartres Street institution since 1971. It serves over 200 beer varieties, provides great music and sports programming, and cooks up delicious bar favorites including burgers and crawfish pasta in its historic French Quarter building. Chartres St., (504) 524-0493, thejimani. com

CAFÉS

and memorable desserts, especially the banana cake, complete the experience. 123 Baronne St., (504) 648-6020, domenicarestaurant.com

Crack’D offers refined brunch and breakfast with specialty egg dishes such as shakshuka with baked eggs, goat cheese, and sourdough. It’s open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays, closes at 3 p.m. on weekends, and serves includes shrimp & grits and bronzed Gulf catch. 1901 Sophie Wright Pl., (504) 381-4678, crackdbrunch.com

The Vintage Restaurant serves unique coffee blends, sweet and savory beignets, and a full bar menu with cocktails and sparkling wines. Their “Bites & Provisions” include local favorites such as boudin balls and alligator poppers, with late-night options on weekends. 3121 Magazine St., (504) 608-1008, thevintagenola.com

Willa Jean, located in the CBD, serves elevated Southern comfort food. Known for chicken & waffles, flaky biscuits, and freshbrewed beverages, it offers breakfast, lunch, and brunch in a cozy, sophisticated setting. Try some of their freshly brewed coffee, tea, and cocktails. 611 O’Keefe Ave., (504) 5097334, willajean.com

CARIBBEAN

Jamaican Jerk House delivers authentic Jamaican cuisine by jerk master Richard Rose. Located in a vibrant building on St. Claude, the menu features favorites including jerk chicken, oxtail, and shrimp dishes, with outdoor seating and delivery available. 4017 St. Claude Ave., (504) 441-8905, jamaicanjerkhouse.com

FRENCH

King Brasserie & Bar at the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot artfully blends Louisiana and Mediterranean seafood traditions with French techniques. Their menu features delectable options including savory crawfish beignets, sea urchin carbonara, and crafted cocktails. 521 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 324-3000, kingbrasserieandbar.com

Pizza Domenica serves artisanal pizzas, antipasti, and Italian favorites at their Uptown and Lakeview locations. Happy hour (3-5 p.m., Monday to Friday) offers half-price pizza, drinks, and wines. They also have creative dipping sauces including whipped feta and spicy honey. Multiple Locations, pizzadomenica.com

U Pizza offers late-night dining until midnight daily and until 2 a.m. on weekends. This casual spot with a full bar serves fresh pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and burgers in a relaxed atmosphere, making it perfect for dining in or taking out. 1513 St. Charles Ave., (504) 381-4232, upizzanola.com

Venezia is a family-owned Italian restaurant with locations in New Orleans and Gretna. While their pizzas are popular for takeout, their cozy dining room atmosphere and specialties including chicken parmesan and seafood dishes encourage people to dine in. Multiple Locations, venezianeworleans.com

LATIN

34 Restaurant & Bar is Chef Emeril Lagasse’s newest venture and features shared plates inspired by his Portuguese heritage. The menu highlights dishes such as clams in vinho verde and arroz de pato, complemented by Portuguese wines and craft cocktails. 714 Baronne St., (504) 498-3434, 34restaurantandbar.com

El Gato Negro serves authentic Mexican cuisine at three locations across New Orleans and Gretna. The restaurant specializes in fresh tableside ceviche and creative cocktails, including their signature Blood of the Devil margarita featuring spicy serranoinfused tequila. Multiple Locations, elgatonegronola.com

RESTAURANT GUIDE

MIDDLE EASTERN

Lebanon’s Cafe has served authentic Middle Eastern cuisine since 2000, featuring traditional favorites such as chicken kabobs, hummus, shawarma, and lamb in a warm, inviting atmosphere. The chef’s special includes hummus, baba ganoush, labna, tabouleh, falafel, and more. 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 862-6200, lebanonscafe.com

Shaya blends Lebanese, Israeli, and North African cuisines under Executive Chef Fariz Choumali. Known for wood-fired pita bread, they also serve diverse options from chicken schnitzel sandwiches to slow-cooked lamb shank, plus unique desserts including ghazal banat. 4213 Magazine St., (504) 891-4213, shayarestaurant.com

NEW ORLEANS CUISINE

Cajun Flames Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar serves authentic New Orleans cuisine featuring unique seafood dishes including grilled octopus and catfish poboys. The menu highlights Louisiana classics including BBQ shrimp & grits and seafood gumbo. 1117 Decatur St., (504) 354-1214, cajunflames.com

Crescent City Brewhouse is the French Quarter’s first historic microbrewery restaurant, located on Decatur Street. Offering craft beers, New Orleans cuisine including

Jambalaya Orleans, and nightly jazz musicians, it also features monthly art exhibits in a festive atmosphere. 527 Decatur St., (504) 5220571, crescentcitybrewhouse.com

Desire Oyster Bar welcomes guests with a Broadway-style marquis on Bourbon Street. Guests can enjoy freshly shucked oysters at Desire’s raw bar, as well as Gulf seafood, po-boys, and award-winning gumbo across breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 300 Bourbon St., (504) 553-2281, sonesta.com/royalsonesta/la/new-orleans

Headquarters by Nice Guys NOLA provides Creole cuisine and entertainment along with scheduled events including karaoke. The venue offers diverse drink options and popular brunch items including their Big Easy omelet, all in a high-spirited atmosphere perfect for group dining. 445 S. Rampart St., (504) 217-6851, headquartersnola.com

House of Blues combines live music and dining in the French Quarter. The venue serves American favorites such as loaded fries and brisket nachos alongside Louisiana classics including po-boys, jambalaya, and Voodoo Shrimp. Try a creative cocktail including their Beast of Bourbon. 225 Decatur St., (504) 310-4999, houseofblues.com/neworleans

Lakeview Harbor offers daily and weekly seafood specials near Lake Pontchartrain.

Start with chicken tenders or mozzarella sticks before enjoying Louisiana classics such as gumbo and po-boys. Their “Typhoon Mobile” food truck provides a condensed menu. 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., (504) 4864887, lakeviewharbor.us

Lil’ Dizzy’s Café serves authentic CreoleSoul cuisine and was founded by Wayne Baquet Sr. Known for their iconic fried chicken, gumbo, and bread pudding, they offer private events, catering, and signature cocktails including the Da Dizzy vodka lemonade. 1500 Esplanade Ave., (504) 766-8687, lildizzyscafe.net

Loretta’s Authentic Pralines brings NOLA’s classic sweet treat to the French Market and Rampart Street locations. Founded by Loretta Harrison, the first African American woman to successfully operate a praline company in New Orleans, it serves pralines and more. Multiple Locations, lorettaspralines.com

Mandina’s Restaurant has served CreoleItalian cuisine since 1932, evolving from a grocery store to a beloved Mid-City institution. Known for gumbo, fried platters, po-boys, and more, they offer daily specials including their famous turtle soup au sherry. 3800 Canal St., (504) 482-9179, mandinasrestaurant.com

Melba’s offers classic New Orleans fare and was born from Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath. The restaurant is known for its po-boys (including breakfast varieties from 4 to 11 a.m.), award-winning fried chicken wings, homestyle bread pudding, and daiquiris. 1525 Elysian Fields Ave., (504) 267-7765, melbas.com

Meril is a contemporary American restaurant named after Emeril Lagasse’s daughter. The menu features global influences such as Korean fried chicken wings and local boudin balls, with happy hour specials Monday to Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. and Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. 424 Girod St., (504) 526-3745, bemeril.com

Mother’s Restaurant has been serving authentic New Orleans homestyle cooking since 1938. Known for their famous roast beef debris po-boy and chicken & sausage gumbo, they also serve generous portions of classic breakfast items including biscuits, eggs, and pancakes. 401 Poydras St., (504) 5239656, mothersrestaurant.net

New Orleans Creole Cookery serves traditional Creole cuisine in the French Quarter and has a beautiful outdoor patio. This Tusa family restaurant offers classics such as shrimp Creole, gumbo, and red beans & rice, as well as weekend brunch and weekday happy hour specials. 508 Toulouse St., (504) 5249632, neworleanscreolecookery.com

Neyow’s Creole Café offers delicious Creole cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Known for their filé gumbo, red beans & rice, and Southern fried chicken, they feature weekly specials and cocktails, including their signature Neyow Fruit Punch. 3332 Bienville St., (504) 827-5474, neyows.com

Neyow’s XL offers an upscale dining experience focusing on steaks including filet mignon and tomahawk. The menu includes Creole favorites such as gumbo and corn & crab bisque. Their brunch features steak & eggs, and groups can share the XL French cocktail. 3336 Bienville St., (504) 5031081, xl.neyows.com

Nice Guys NOLA offers a welcoming atmosphere created by founders Glenn and Allison Charles. The menu blends local traditions with creative twists, featuring stuffed potato dishes, pasta, and local seafood. You can also enjoy classics including loaded fries and nachos. 7910 Earhart Blvd., (504) 3022404, niceguysnola.com

Crabmeatthe

Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro occupies an 1809 historic building that once housed New Orleans’ first Creole restaurant. Now a cozy wine bar and bistro, it offers an extensive wine selection alongside specialties such as double cut pork chop and surf & turf. 720 Orleans Ave., (504) 523-1930, orleansgrapevine.com

Please-U-Restaurant has been serving New Orleans since 1946. Owners Mr. Nick and Ms. Helen bring over 44 years of experience, offering all-day breakfast and favorites including red beans & rice, gumbo, and many different diverse omelets. 1751 St. Charles Ave., (504) 525-9131, pleaseunola.com

Restaurant August serves Creole cuisine in a historic 19th century building in the CBD. They offer an elegant tasting menu with wine pairings, as well as signature dishes. The interior preserves original architectural details while delivering refined modern dining.

301 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 299-9777, restaurantaugust.com

Short Stop Poboys offers over 30 varieties of New Orleans’ favorite sandwich—the poboy. Local favorites include roast beef and shrimp po-boys, and classic sides such as onion rings are offered. Their menu also features jambalaya, gumbo, and more. 119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie, (504) 8854572, shortstoppoboysno.com

SEAFOOD

Blue Bayou Restaurant & Oyster Bar serves fresh seafood and Southern classics in a unique setting featuring a 30-foot faux oak tree with Spanish moss. They are known for their Louisiana crab cakes, jambalaya, and signature cocktails including the Category 5 Hurricane. 717 Canal St., (504) 291-3788, bluebayourestaurantnola.com

Briquette features contemporary coastal cuisine in a historic 1800s molasses refinery. The casual space showcases an open kitchen and 18-foot seafood display with fresh fish. Signature dishes on offer include Snapper Pontchartrain and prime ribeye. 701 S. Peters St., (504) 302-7496, briquettenola.com

hushpuppies, and fries. 817 Common St., (504) 827-1651, legacykitchen.com

Drago’s Seafood Restaurant pioneered New Orleans’ charbroiled oysters in 1993. Known for their signature oysters prepared with garlic butter and cheese, they also serve seafood pasta and fried gator. Drago’s has various locations across Louisiana and Mississippi. Multiple Locations, dragosrestaurant.com

Legacy Kitchen’s Tacklebox offers seafood specialties and daily brunch until 2 p.m. Known for their crawfish & eggs beignets and in-house oyster bar, they also have a Fried Tacklebox Platter with crawfish, oysters, shrimp, alligator

Seaworthy in downtown NOLA serves creative cocktails and fresh oysters. Their raw bar features unique dishes such as tuna tartare and crab salad, while their impressive seafood tower includes Maine lobster, oysters, and chilled shrimp. 630 Carondelet St., (504) 930-307, seaworthynola.com

The Galley Seafood is a fantastic boiled seafood restaurant located in Metairie. In addition to their seafood, they are also famous for their po-boys and sandwiches. The restaurant has an exciting interior packed with nautical decor, making it a warm and charming spot to visit. 2535 Metairie Rd., (504) 832-0955

So we have ventured into the world of fast food restaurants to see what you can get for under $10. The last time some of us ate fast food was under the last Trump presidency, shortly after the launch of the now-famous Popeyes spicy chicken sandwich. How would it hold up against the other national brands and some of our best local fast food fried chicken options? Let’s take a look and see.

SHOWBIRD

930 Poydras St., showbirdnola.com

This little chicken shop on Poydras, brought to you by the folks at Johnny Sanchez, has “future chain” written all over it with its sleek, modern interior and affordable menu options. Showbird specializes in breakfast and lunch with five different chicken sandwiches to choose from. Our goal was to sample apples to apples—or in this case, spicy to spicy—with a side of signature fries. Showbird’s spicy chicken sandwich comes loaded with slaw, seasoned with Creole spices, garnished with dill pickles, and served on a brioche bun. The quality of the chicken stood out with its melt-in-yourmouth texture and well-seasoned crunchy exterior. The waffle fries were cooked perfectly and had the same spicy seasoning, making it the perfect complement to the delicious chicken sandwich. The creamy coleslaw really elevated the sandwich into something wonderful.

Spicy Showbird: $9.50; Waffle Fries: $4.00; Soda: $2.50, $3.50, $4.50

POPEYES

3100 S. Carrollton Ave., popeyes.com What can you say about the Popeyes chicken sandwich that hasn’t already been said? It’s top-notch and a great deal at only $4.99. The spicy chicken sandwich comes

marinated in Popeyes’ signature seasoning with a hand-battered buttermilk exterior sandwiched between toasted brioche buns and topped with thick barrel-cured pickle slices and spicy mayo. Popeyes’ signature battered fries come crispy and seasoned with spicy Cajun seasoning. What was most impressive about this location was the service and the new ordering system.

Rebuilt last year after a major fire, Popeyes’ Carrollton location boasts kiosks on the wall for ordering before you visit the counter. The interior has a modern design with vinyl wood flooring and comfortable booths, and the food was served with a smile after a worker came out to help walk us through the ordering system.

Spicy Chicken Sandwich: $4.99; Cajun Fries: $3.09; Soda: $2.69, $2.99, $3.09; Combo Meal: $8.59

SOUTHERNS

4620 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie southernsfood.com

Southerns became well-known for its pop-ups that started in 2019, as well as its red food trucks that garnered plenty of attention at local festivals and events.

Owners Anthony Cruz and Gene Colley have opened their first brick-and-mortar in a high-traffic location near the corner of Veterans and Clearview. It’s designed as a typical fast food joint, but the first thing you notice is the atypical service with the owners and family members at the counter greeting you with Southern charm. The Nashville-style signature chicken sandwich is the cornerstone of the menu, and it doesn’t disappoint with its red-hot wet marinade dipped in batter and deep fried to perfection. The huge piece of boneless chicken thigh is busting out of the bun and topped with yuzu aioli, slaw, and

FAST FOOD FIGHT

Battle of the Chicken Sandwich

By Shane Finkelstein

As evidenced by the recent election, the economy is in the s***ter. Inflation has pinched our collective purses, and caused us to reevaluate how we spend our hard earned dollars.

housemade pickles. A white meat tender version is also available. Seasoned crinkle cut fries can be ordered with queso or one of their signature sauces: burger sauce, creamy Crystal, Evan’s honey mustard, Phuket sauce, or roasted tomato aioli.

Chicken Sandwich: $10.99; Seasoned Fries: $4.99; Soda: $2.95

WONDERLAND + SEA

4842 Tchoupitoulas St., eatatwonderland.com

Blink and you’ll miss this fast food joint on Tchoupitoulas between Napoleon and Jefferson. Inside, you’ll find a warm and inviting space where you order at the counter, take a number, and choose a seat in the dining room or extensive side patio. The menu features fried chicken, fish, and award-winning chickpea sandwiches, plus salads, unique sides, and a bar menu that includes frozen drinks. The fried chicken was a little smaller than some of the others that were tried, but what separates this sandwich from its contemporaries is the restaurant’s commitment to using humanely raised chicken and wild caught Gulf fish, which they call “food served with intention.”

The lightly-battered chicken thigh tasted perfect, accompanied with a colorful slaw and housemade pickles. Get the Heat Level

Three for a nice spicy finish. The huge portion of perfectly-fried hand cut fries was tossed in parsley flakes, which needed a little salt or Cajun seasoning. The price point was a little high, but the quality was there to support it.

Chicken Sandwich: $12.00; Fries: $5.00; Drink: $3.00

CHICK-FIL-A

1200 Poydras St., chick-fil-a.com

Just down the block from Showbird is a

Downtown location of this popular chicken chain. Bustling with activity on a quiet Saturday afternoon, the food took much longer than expected, the trash can was overflowing, and the counter service came without the usual smile you get from an owner-operated Chick-Fil-A. What we were served could only be described as careless and fell far short of the other sandwiches on this list. Opening the bun, we found one pickle and a tiny spread of spicy mayonnaise on top of a bland fried chicken breast. The waffle fries were underwhelming, as well. We know Chick-Fil-A has millions of fans, but, down here in Louisiana, you’d be crazy to choose this over a Popeyes chicken sandwich and Cajun fries.

Chicken Sandwich: $5.25; Medium Fries: $2.59; Medium Coke: $2.39; Combo Meal: $9.65

CHICKEN & WATERMELON

3400 Claiborne Ave., facebook.com/ ChickenandWatermelon

With 16,000 Instagram followers and a line out the door, we expected this no-frills counter-service joint to be off-the-charts. However, it left us underwhelmed. Similar to the Chick-Fil-A sandwich, it’s a fried boneless breast, fileted, and seasoned with a generous amount of Cajun seasoning, two pickles, topped with the recommended ranch dressing on a plain white bun. The accompanying thick-cut fries were overseasoned and way too salty. The problem here was the chicken was chewy and tasted like it was originally frozen, not fresh. Maybe Chicken & Watermelon is better known for its wings, as they have over 30 different sauces to choose from. Or maybe it’s the ridiculously cheap price points that keep fans coming back for take-out.

Chicken Sandwich Combo: $6.95

FOOD NEWS

Taco ‘bout sushi ... The dream team behind the Nori Guys pop-up, home of the sushi taco, have opened a brick and mortar restaurant in Mid-City called Hibachi Grill. Owners Kenny Truong and Nigel Pais recently opened their new digs on the corner of S. Broad and Banks—formerly home to Las Delicias de Honduras—serving sushi tacos, fried wonton nachos, and hibachi plates. Pop in for a miso-glazed salmon sushi, with seaweed salad and mint aioli wrapped up in a battered and deep fried sheet of nori, or go all the way with a chili garlic oxtail hibachi plate.

400 S. Broad St., @hibachigrillnola

The kitchen is open ... For over a year, Uptowners have been anxiously awaiting for someone to fill the vacancy left on Prytania Street when Parran’s Po-boys split the scene, and, at long last, the time has come. Longtime local food truck La Cocinita has taken over the space with their very first brick and mortar, aside from a stint vending at South Market District food hall Pythian Market. Husband and wife team Benoit and Rachel Angulo are offering a menu featuring Venezuelan-inspired street food: tacos, empanadas, arepeas, and more.

4920 Prytania St., @lacocinita

Ring-a-ding-dong ... Charleston-based industry gaffer Brooks Reitz opened his first concept in New Orleans this fall in the space which formerly housed Nonna Mia and, briefly, The Post. The spruced-up digs on Esplanade is now The Bell, a selfproclaimed “neighborhood joint with an English accent.” The pub-like tavern and bar serves Guinness on tap and frozen gin and tonics, offering drinkers and diners seating, inside and out, with a large patio on the avenue. Food offerings include crudités with dill and fennel yogurt, broiled Gulf oysters with Neal’s Yard cheddar (a UK cheese maker), and Fishmonger’s Pie (smoked fish and cheesy potatoes). Also, on the flip side of many local New Orleans establishments, The Bell does not accept cash, so be sure to have your plastic in hand.

3125 Esplanade Ave., (504) 381-4399, thebellnola.com

All together now ... Both OMBU restaurants, straddling the Westbank’s 88 Farmers Market on Lapalco Boulevard in Marrero, are finally open. OMBU Buffet has been in operation for about a year now, but folks have been anxiously awaiting the opening of the other OMBU serving Korean BBQ. At long last, our dreams have come true. Serving both Korean BBQ and Chinese hotpot, OMBU has covered two food cultures in one blow. Each table is outfitted with its own grill and diners can opt for proteins from pork belly and thinly-sliced beef to seafood. They also feature a build-your-own bibimbap buffet and Korean fried chicken, all for shockingly reasonable prices. 5990 Lapalco Blvd., Ste. B, @ombu_hotpotkoreanbbq

By Kim Ranjbar

Brutally delicious ... Mount Pleasant, South Carolina-born breakfast spot Vicious Biscuit is expanding its reach into Louisiana with an outpost landing in Gonzales, of all places. The fast-casual breakfast concept’s local franchisee Zach Trujillo, who also owns and operates Crumbl Cookies in the Baton Rouge area, said, “We are thrilled to officially open our doors to Gonzales, pushing the boundaries of brunch in this market. Baton Rouge, and Southeast Louisiana as a whole, are craving more quality breakfast and brunch options, and we knew Vicious Biscuit would be the perfect fit.” Diners can expect foodstuffs like cinnamon cream cheese-filled beignets, fried green “‘maters” with pimento cheese and bacon jam, and their namesake “The Vicious” cheddar jalapeno biscuit sandwich with fried chicken, maple sausage gravy, cowboy candy (candied jalapenos), and maple syrup.

333 Saint Christopher St., Gonzales, (225) 208-2570, viciousbiscuit.com

Everything’s waiting for you The fourth location of Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concept’s Boulevard American Bistro has left the burbs for a downtown location in the Warehouse District. Launched in the former food hall Auction House Market, just across from Peche Restaurant on Magazine Street, the “everyday” type spot offers all-American food with a Louisiana twist. The menu includes butternut lobster bisque, duck dirty rice, and Creole shrimp piquant, as well as burgers, pork chops, and prime rib. 801 Magazine St., (504) 581-7103, boulevardbistro.com

Mush ... John Michael Rowland, restaurateur and owner of the recently opened Pigeon & Whale, has launched another restaurant right across Freret Street dubbed The Husky. Housed in the space formerly occupied by Acropolis and Wayfare, The Husky wants diners to feel like their huddling by the fire while the (nonexistent) snow is falling outside. All the while, they’ll be munching on juicy burgers, steaks, and pasta. Grab your parkas, jump on the sled, and head to Freret.

4510 Freret St., (504) 766-7159, thehuskynola.com

Dirty little lift ... Zony Mash Brewing and Dirty Coast Press have teamed up to create Float, a new low-calorie, lifted seltzer with 5mg THC and 5mg of CBD. Their first flavors are the seasonally appropriate mimosa made with satsuma and orange, as well as Watermelon Margarita. You can either order them online or pick them up at Dirty Coast (either location), Elio’s Wine Warehouse, and Stein’s Deli. floatseltzer.com

La Cocinita

La Cocinita

Vicious Biscuit

Vicious Biscuit

Boulevard

Hibachi Grill

NYE BY LEAPS & LOUNGES

There’s just something so refreshing and exciting about a new year starting.

By Emily Hingle

Who knows what the next 12 months will bring, but you have a feeling that it will be just a little bit better than the past year. You kept the holiday pounds at bay, and your New Year’s outfit is fierce. The big question is where should you go so that everyone will be looking at you instead of watching the ball drop.

New Orleans has many hip bars and lounges that are the perfect backdrop for your glamorous New Year’s celebration pictures. All you have to worry about is showing up and standing out.

Jolie sits in an inconspicuous space at 324 Julia St. in the Warehouse District, just close enough to the pumping action of the French Quarter but far enough away to be in your own little world. Jolie features mostly lounge seating in plush furnishings with low tables so they won’t block the view of your outfit. The beautifully-lit bar protrudes away from the wall so that you can steal glances at your fellow patrons across it. There’s also plenty of room around the bar seats to approach that mystery person and make an introduction before the ball drops. Reservations are highly recommended for a table.

Those wanting to stay far away from the downtown crowds may prefer the location of MAZE Cocktail Lounge at 5123 Canal Blvd. in Mid-City. This is a cozy and intimate spot that is great for small groups of friends and singles. MAZE regularly hosts singles mixers, so this is a great spot to meet someone new—who actually lives here. The Bulldog is just steps away if you want to bounce between two

Fétiche

different vibes.

Every French Quarter bar will be hosting a New Year’s soiree, but one somewhat hidden lounge will be open for those with otherworldly taste. Potions Lounge is located at 733 Bourbon St. but knowing the address may not help you get in. There’s a secret phrase to be uttered for entrance that cannot be revealed in this article. The good people at Boutique du Vampyre may be able to help you, though. The patrons at this lounge overlooking the throngs of Bourbon Street have probably seen many New Year’s celebrations throughout the last few centuries.

If you want high-energy all night long, Ohm Lounge is the place to be and has

to walk to for those living in the Marigny/ Bywater and easy enough to drive to. This spot is perfect for couples who want to take up a spot at a two-seat table to have deep conversations while people watching over dinner. A slice of red velvet cake is a great way to start 2025.

Just across the street from Minted Lounge is a late-night cocktail spot lit with deep red/orange lights that make everyone look sexy. NightBloom has a tropical, almost vaporwave aesthetic. The large rectangle bar top allows you to check out people from across the room with ease. Order that potentially-special new someone a signature cocktail while making eye-contact. The bar closes at 2 a.m., so you have plenty of time to chat

been since it opened in 2013. It may be small, but that just means there’s plenty of fun to be had with everyone. Club music will be pumping while you enjoy dancing under the sexy red lights. This place can really fill up, so be prepared to get up close and personal with everyone there.

A beautifully-restored building at 2401 St. Claude Ave. houses Minted Lounge, which holds booze, food, and burlesque shows. It’s an upscale spot that is easy

them up.

Monkey Hill Bar is an Uptown hangout sitting on the corner of 6100 Magazine St. that has won Where Y’at Magazine’s Best Upscale Bar award several times. Blame it on the many types of martinis they serve. The luxurious leather couches are so comfortable that you won’t realize how quickly time is passing. Don’t worry, someone will be watching the clock wind down, so you won’t miss the big moment.

Night Bloom

Monkey Hill

Jolie

Monkey Hill Bar is a local haven that is best for those wanting to stay out of the madness of downtown.

You’ve got the new ‘fit, and you want to show it off. The deep red walls, animal-print carpet and bar stools, and false bookcase wall of Bar Métier at 544 Carondelet St. will be a wonderful backdrop for you. Take some time to peruse the extensive and well-appointed cocktail menu to get the perfect drink to go along with your dress. This bar is perfectly positioned to allow you to cruise through the French Quarter before retiring there for a more intimate midnight celebration.

If 2025 is going to be your sexiest year yet, Fétiche, right off of Bourbon Street at 817 St. Louis St., is a hot ticket. This

fetish-themed bar is a good photo spot with pink lighting, fun furniture, and chains just begging to wrap around you. Live shibari performances will tantalize, and the humansized cage hanging from the ceiling entices. You and your lover may get some ideas to try out in the new year.

If your New Year’s resolution is to get out and meet some people, or to get to know each other better than ever, these luxe lounges are happy to start your 2025 off right.

Bar Métier

THE FLAVORS Savor

Unveiling Some of NOLA’s Unique Bars & Lounges

Embark on a spirited journey through the rich tapestry of New Orleans, where history, culture, and innovation come together in the city’s bars and lounges.

By Arielle Gonzales

Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado, a music lover, or just looking for a cozy spot to unwind, New Orleans has something for everyone. Here, we showcase distinctive bars and lounges in the city of New Orleans, renowned for their unique charm, exceptional cocktails between $10-$20, and vibrant atmospheres. Keep in mind that there are numerous other fantastic bars and lounges in New Orleans, each with its own special offerings. We encourage you to venture beyond our list to discover more hidden gems and unique experiences.

BAR MÉTIER | 544 Carondelet St.

Sun.-Thurs.: 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Fri. & Sat.: 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Formerly known as Bar Marilou, this French-style luxurious and eclectic bar is located in a former library and maintains a bookish charm with its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. The rich red hues and velvet seating add to its opulent allure. Cocktails are priced between $16 and $18, and there’s no cover charge. The bar’s signature feature is a private “speakeasy within a speakeasy,” available by reservation only, where patrons can enjoy an even more exclusive experience.

HOT TIN | 2031 St. Charles Ave.

Sun.-Thurs.: 2 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Fri. & Sat.: 2 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Located on top of the Pontchartrain Hotel, Hot Tin has beautiful views of New Orleans’ skyline. The atmosphere is elegant and relaxed with a chic, 1940s-inspired interior. The bar serves cocktails priced between $14 and $16. The venue is only open to guests 21 and older, and there’s no cover charge unless there’s a special event. The main attraction of Hot Tin is the stunning view, especially at sunset. It’s a great place for a romantic evening or a sophisticated night out.

JOLIE | 324 Julia St.

Mon. & Wed.: 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Thurs.: 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Fri. & Sat.: 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Sun.: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Jolie exudes a sultry, exclusive vibe with low lighting, plush seating, and art deco accents. Expect to pay $15 to $19 for a well-crafted cocktail, as well as $11 to $13 for mocktails. Entry is free with online reservations through Resy. The kitchen is open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday (closed on Tuesdays) and 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Enjoy their creative cocktail menu featuring seasonal ingredients and local flavors. They also switch out cocktails for each season and also host brunch and special entertainment on certain Wednesdays nights.

JUSTINI’S | 3162 Dauphine St.

Tues.-Thurs.: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Fri.: 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., Sat.: 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.; Sun.: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Nestled in the eclectic vibe of New Orleans’ Bywater neighborhood, this bar offers stylish yet relaxed ambiance and serves fancy cocktails priced from $12 to $16. The simple menu resonates with the local neighborhood, complementing the beautiful interior and exterior, which is complete with an inviting outdoor courtyard. Its unique fusion food items provide casual and flavorful dining options, perfect for date nights or casual meetups.

MAZE LOUNGE | 5123 Canal Blvd.

Fri. & Sat.: 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Sun., Tue., Wed., & Thu.: 5 p.m. to 12 p.m.

This revamped, trendy lounge is known for its unique style layout and vibrant atmosphere with outside seating, all of which are Instagrammable. Drinks range from $16 to $20, and RSVP is required for entry. Their signature features are special cocktail nights almost every night, as well as frequent live DJ performances, making it a hotspot for nightlife enthusiasts looking to dance the night away.

NIGHTBLOOM | 3100 St. Claude Ave.

Daily: 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Discover a new local hotspot, renowned for its vibrant cocktail bar atmosphere and exuding tranquility and cool style. This unpretentious, charming minimalist bar features dusty pink and muted teal decor, along with simple furnishings and grandma-chic curtains. The turquoisepainted walls are adorned with bulkhead-style light sconces, mirrors, art, and plants, creating an inviting ambiance. On any given evening, the dim interior dances with the light of votive candles and resonates with a soundtrack of neo-soul and eclectic mashups by DJs, offering instant relaxation, especially during vinyl nights. Indulge in a range of cocktails priced between $10 to $15, perfect for pre-dinner drinks or twilight night caps.

PARADISE LOUNGE | 1507 Magazine St.

Sun.-Thurs.: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Fri. & Sat.: 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.

The Hotel Saint Vincent’s Paradise Lounge is a tropical oasis in the heart of Uptown. The lounge features lush greenery, bamboo accents, and tiki torches, creating an island escape within the city. There’s no cover charge, and cocktails range from $14 to $20. The lounge is known for its wide selection of rum and signature cocktails, all enjoyed in a vibrant atmosphere.

VESSEL NOLA | 3835 Iberville St.

Mon.-Thurs.: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri.: 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Sat.: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun.: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Looking for a one-of-a-kind dining and drinking experience in Mid-City? Look no further than Vessel, nestled in a historic (and perhaps haunted) 1914 church. Just a block away from the Canal Streetcar, Vessel offers a menu that highlights locally-sourced, fresh seasonal ingredients in true New Orleans fashion. Head to brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., or go in whenever they’re open to experience $12-$15 cocktails. Whether you’re seeking an intimate dinner both inside or on their outdoor patio, or just a drink at their bar, Vessel has something for everyone.

Bar Guide

Boot Scootin’ Rodeo

522 Bourbon St. 504-552-2510

Bourbon “O” Bar

730 Bourbon St.

504-523-2222

Bourbon Street Honky Tonk

727 Bourbon St.

504-523-1927

Fillmore 6 Canal St.

504-881-1555

Gattuso’s Restaurant

435 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna 504-338-1114

Ghost Bar

606 Iberville St.

504-910-2010

Headquarters by Nice Guys

445 S. Rampart St.

504-217-6851

House of Blues

225 Decatur St.

504-310-4999

Lots a Luck Tavern

203 Homedale St.

504-483-0978

Martine’s Lounge 2347 Metairie Rd., Metairie

504-831-8637

NOLA Hookah Lounge

3219 Tulane Ave. Ste. 201

504-335-9622

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

Public Belt 2 Poydras St. 504-561-0500

Rick’s Cabaret

315 Bourbon St.

504-524-4222

Saddle Bar 715 Bienville St. 504-313-1113

Sazerac House 101 Magazine St. 504-910-0100

Swamp Room

5400 Veterans Blvd., Metairie

504-888-5254

Featuring a full bar, a mechanical bull, and Americana decor, this novelty bar is no joke. Wear your cowboy hat and order the Cowboy Punch, their signature 27 oz. drink.

Bourbon “O” Bar is a break from Bourbon Street. Experience live music while enjoying one of their specialty cocktails including the French Quarter Float or the Leave of Absinthe.

Owned by Tropical Isle, the originators of the (in)famous Hand Grenade drink, this bar specializes in live blues and country performers while serving the Hand Grenade drink you love.

The Fillmore is on the second floor of Caesars New Orleans Hotel & Casino and hosts big and small named musical artists, as well as full-service private productions with custom drink menus and mixologists.

Gattuso’s is a Gretna restaurant with a full-service bar. Pick from a full page of draft and bottled beer or order one of many cocktail options, including a Pralines and Cream.

A fun spin on usual bar fare, this “spooky” spot offers plenty of themed cocktails, is open until very early in the morning, and offers plenty of delicious food options including pizza.

Headquarters is a sister establishment of Nice Guys Nola. This trendy spot has DJ nights, wine, beer, and specialty drinks, including a Blueberry Drop Martini.

The House of Blues can be enjoyed as both a restaurant and a music venue. Order one of their specialty cocktails including the Beast of Bourbon and Strawberry Fields.

The Blackbird Hotel 1612 Prytania St. 504-383-7500

The Channel 2604 Magazine St.

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

The Jimani 141 Chartres St. 504-524-0493

The Metropolitan 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd.

504-568-1702

The Vintage 3121 Magazine St. 504-324-7144

Tropical Isle Multiple Locations 504-523-1927

Lots a Luck Tavern is a true laid-back, locals bar. Go by yourself to catch a game with some fellow fans or bring a group to enjoy affordable drinks and a game of pool.

Martine’s Lounge is a classic neighborhood bar with darts, video poker, and happy hour every day. Wednesdays are for trivia, and order a cocktail from one of their daily specialty cocktails.

NOLA Hookah Lounge provides a relaxed atmosphere perfect for socializing. Choose from a variety of flavored tobacco options or enjoy their selection of cocktails and beverages.

Pal’s Lounge is a great hangout spot with creative specialty cocktails, beers, and shots. Order their Honey Lavender Rose Sangria or their “House Salad” drink.

Public Belt is a piano bar named after the city’s historic railroad. Enjoy vintage and NOLA-inspired cocktails and join them every other Thursday for bourbon tastings.

Rick’s Cabaret is one of New Orleans’ finest gentlemen’s clubs. With two floors of entertainment, three bars, and a friendly staff, you can’t go wrong.

The only place in New Orleans where you can find a mechanical, rideable rooster, saddle up to Saddle Bar and order one of their Western-inspired cocktails, including the Ranch Water.

Sazerac House is a distillery and museum honoring the legacy of one of New Orleans’ most famous cocktails—the Sazerac. Guests can experience a special tasting area.

Home of the famous 10 oz. Swamp Burger and many more hearty options including steak and wings, the Swamp Room is a perfect spot to dine, drink, and watch the big game while in Metairie.

The Blackbird Hotel boasts a dramatic interior, including a fullservice bar that locals and visitors adore. Their vast drink menu serves draft beer, fine wine, and unique cocktails.

The Channel is a cozy, Irish pub that serves craft beer, wine, and delicious eats—including a decadent cheeseburger. Their New Orleans-style bar food menu and refreshing drinks make it a great place to watch the big game.

The Jazz Playhouse is located in the lobby of Royal Sonesta. Enjoy some local jazz music while ordering a jazz-inspired signature drink, including Ella Fitzgerald’s Pearflower Martini.

Family-owned and opened in 1971, the Jimani has an impressive food menu, over 100 beers, and a door that stays open until 4 a.m. They even have jello shots.

The Metro is a top-notch nightclub with three rooms featuring smoke machines and lighting effects. With 11 bar stations, it’s the ideal place to party all night and enjoy plenty of drinks.

The Vintage is a chic café with coffee, pastries, cocktails, wine, and more. Order their beignets and one of their crafted cocktails, including the Espresso Yourself and Tia’s Can Can.

Home of the Hand Grenade, a drink synonymous with Bourbon Street, Tropical Isle has multiple locations across Bourbon Street. They also have other iconic drinks including the Tropical Itch.

By David Vicari & Fritz Esker

Kraven the Hunter

IIn an oddly quiet mid-December for film, the R-rated Sony movie Kraven the Hunter landed with a thud.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson plays Kraven. As a boy, Kraven was mauled by a lion and then given a magical serum by a young girl when he was apparently dying. The combination grants him superpowers, but the movie is a bit hazy on the specifics and the rules of his existence.

Marvel movies, as well as Marvel associated movies, including this one, have often struggled with villain problems, and Kraven the Hunter’s main boss, the Rhino (Alessandro Nivola), is a dud. Another hitman villain belatedly appears over an hour into the 127-minute film. Neither make much of an impression, which is a shame because action movies often rise to the level of their villain.

Aside from some stomach-churning R-rated gore in a Marvel associated movie, there’s nothing particularly new here. Comic book movies can be art, but this one feels very perfunctory with lots of expository dialogue and ho-hum action scenes. Shockingly, it was directed by J.C. Chandor, who has helmed three strong adult dramas in his career (Margin Call, All Is Lost, and A Most Violent Year).

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim

An animated prequel to Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings movie trilogy done in the Japanese anime style sounds pretty cool, but The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim comes off as a slapdash effort. The reason this film was made was so that New Line Cinema wouldn’t lose the film rights to adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels, so The War of the Rohirrim was fast-tracked into production.

Set 183 years before the events of Jackson’s trilogy, the story concerns Helm Hammerhand, king of Rohan (voice of Brian Cox), and his family as they attempt to protect their kingdom from Dunlending lord Freca (Shaun Dooley) and his son, Wulf (Luca Pasqualino). The aggressive Wulf has eyes for

Helm’s daughter, Héra (Gaia Wise), but Héra is an accomplished warrior and isn’t going to submit to Wulf.

But it’s not like Kraven fares much better. He has a troubled relationship with his abusive Russian oligarch father (Russell Crowe) and is protective of his weaker younger brother Dimitri (Fred Hechinger). He doesn’t have much of a personality, though.

Oscar-winner Ariana DeBose (West ) plays the adult version of the

The War of the Rohirrim is directed by Kenji Kamiyama (Napping Princess, Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade) with a screenplay credited to four writers and loosely based on details in Tolkien’s appendices for Lord of the Rings. In the appendices, Héra was a minor character with no name, so her character was greatly fleshed out to become the main character of this movie. She’s an okay protagonist, but the character is written pretty thin. There are also some confusing points in the script, such as when a character who is near death inexplicably sports superhuman powers and can literally tear men apart limb from limb. Late in the film is an extended sequence in a snowstorm that is action-packed and visually exciting. Other times, though, the animation looks cheap with choppy movement of the characters, and, like something out of a Hanna-Barbera cartoon, we often see the background action on a repeating loop. This movie is too bland to resonate like Jackson’s live-action films. Hell, even Ralph Bakshi’s 1978 animated Lord of the Rings is far better than The War of the Rohirrim.

—David Vicari

young girl who gave Kraven his magical serum. Sadly, she has very little to work with in the film.

New Resolutions TALES FROM THE QUARTER

By Debbie Lindsey

TNatchez is the home of modern southern hospitality. Here you’ll find a diverse, vibrant town with doors open wide and treasures around every corner.

VISITNATCHEZ.ORG

he “Blue Mellies” is my term for bouts of melancholy. I used to call them the “Blue Meanies” but later realized that folks thought I was indulging in psychedelic mushrooms and wanted me to share them. Why someone would want to feel depressed or down in the dumps was beyond me. Talk about not being on the same page. So I tweaked my nickname for blah moods.

When I get the Blue Mellies, I shake ‘em off in various ways. One of my favorite ways is to visit my community swimming pool— the Tremé Community Center. If you haven’t discovered this center, I recommend it for your New Year’s Resolutions list.

Everyone knows the benefits of exercise to lift not only your mood but also your sagging muscles. Additionally, I’ve found that visiting my neighborhood Tremé center is an immersion into my community. Social interactions lead to friendships/relationships with neighbors. Recently, my pool was closed for maintenance, but I walked over anyway just to see the staff that greets you when you walk in. I caught up on neighborhood news, got a hug, and a laugh. While there, I visited the fitness room and hit the treadmill. I left there feeling connected, socialized, and a bit less saggy.

This world is a stressful place, and life, for me, seems more worrisome with age. Is age and anxiety a thing? I think so. So perhaps this is why I value more than ever moments of upbeat joy. Maybe this is the flip-side of the Blue Mellies—that I appreciate people more and even thrive on their company. Getting out of yourself; taking a break from the rabbit hole that worry or the blahs can lead you down. This makes returning to yourself more grounded and positive. I can walk into where I work with a crap load of stress riding my back, but after I dive into customer conversations, I feel lifted up. I am reminded that I still have it. That I can make folks laugh and feel good, and they in turn make me feel like I made a difference, even if only to pass a good time.

don’t really know and even “like.” Take that curmudgeon that just can’t crack a smile or be forthcoming with a “hello.” Sometimes, they need an unwavering continued outreach. Nothing pushy, just a continued greeting or kindness towards them. Sometimes, they will crack under the unrelenting onslaught of “nice to see ya.” And that day when they give you a smile and seem to finally trust you is a truly fine moment. Sure, I wanted them to feel good but I think I actually got more from it. It just felt right to connect.

For the benefits—received from companionship, friendship, or neighborly relationships—to have real meaning, they must be deserved. One must give to receive. I fear I fall short in this area, but that doesn’t mean I can’t try harder. We are a selfish species, or so I believe. Yet, alongside that trait, that self-preservation and self-serving gene, is empathy. Most folks have this empathetic quality; however, I believe empathy must be nurtured. The old adage “put yourself in someone else’s shoes” really works to create an understanding of another’s suffering, hardships, or even just to bridge the gap of differences. Reading is a known tool for developing empathy. A book can ease you into cultures and lifestyles that might be different from yours—not in your comfort zone—but after connecting with a story’s character, you might rethink preconceived notions and become more open minded.

Of course, I benefit most from people I have shared interests with and that are reasonably kind. If they are also funny, then I win the jackpot. I am blessed with many wonderful friends, co-workers, and customers. They all have lifted me up when I desperately needed it. One friend in particular may never truly know how she, just by meeting me for coffee and conversation, got me through the misery of first-time home ownership. She would tell me how she bought a lottery ticket, with me in mind, hoping to rescue me from the shackles of a mortgage. The ticket never won but she had my back and that lifting of my spirits was worth millions. I have hit the jackpot a zillion times with amazing people willing to share friendships with me.

And, actually, sometimes I (anyone) can benefit enormously from those you

The point is: Consider a resolution to make yourself and those around you feel better. Become involved with your community, whether it’s at your community center/gym, church, tavern, or coffee shop. Find your niche with volunteer work. Take a few minutes to say hello to people. A simple “good morning” to those you pass on the sidewalk can lift spirits. Be sure to check on that neighbor who’s been sick. Text or mail a letter/ postcard to an old friend. Compliment someone, thank your postal person for their work, let a manager know how much you enjoyed their employee’s service. Thank a tourist for supporting our town. And here’s a final resolution: Hurricane ravaged communities will need our continued support of their recoveries for a long time. We in the media need to be their voice, and everyone needs to hold our feet to the fire to not let them fade from the spotlight. If press coverage diminishes, then contact that newspaper or news station and request more light on the subject. Our recovery from Katrina was enhanced greatly by the media coverage, which brought us so many volunteers, shoppers, and tourists with a purpose. They supported us. That much needed publicity aided our musicians and artisans. Rally around these storm victims with loud voices, and open our wallets to support the small businesses from Florida to Tennessee.

The verse actually begins with: “On Sundays, the bulls get so bored / When they are asked to drop dead for us.” It’s a satirical song about bull fighting and the mentality of the crowd seen from the bull’s perspective.

I saw a woman reprimand/admonish her toddler for stomping ants. In other news, a mother, in an argument, directs her 14-year-old son to shoot and kill a man. The other day, I saw a woman feeding peanuts to crows. The other day, I read about over 42,000 civilians being bombed indiscriminately, retaliating for the killing of 1,200 other civilians and the capturing of 250.

I read where, in the USA, we kill 245,000,000 turkeys a year, 8,127,632,113 chickens, 124,061,094 pigs, and that 733,000,000 people in the world are suffering, and dying, from hunger, starvation, or living in famine-like circumstances mostly due to poverty, conflict, climate change, food waste, and gender inequality.

If we’re killing billions of animals a year, and millions of people are dying of hunger, you would think that there might be something halfbaked in human mentality/morality/sensitivity/ evolution, especially when an estimated 526,000 people die each year due to armed conflict. It’s absurd—the human condition. So lemme get this straight? We are evolved from a bunch of ape-like humanoids that came down from the trees and set about taking over the planet by killing everything that challenged them because part of that mutation/evolution hinges on testosterone, greed, and blood lust. And then, about 5,000 years ago, the monkeys threw religion into the mix, which

PO-BOY VIEWS

By Phil LaMancusa

Tamerlane (War) or Ashoka (Peace)

gave us subjective concepts of good and evil—torturing and killing 195,035,000 with great sincerity, alacrity, and brutality anyone who doesn’t worship like specific sect monkeys, including but not limited to crucifixion and immolation. We also assassinate anyone who advocates for peace and brotherhood.

“The sword will plunge down and the mob will drool / The blood will pour down and turn the sand to mud.”

—Jacques Brel, “The Bulls”

I have a theory about monkey #1, who came down from the trees and never went back up. He was an alpha badass mutation of the ones who inhabit trees, and we’ll call him Adam. No monkey messed with Adam. Placid monkeys resolved conflict by merely moving to another tree; however, Adam took whatever tree anyone else had, and when he peeped the ground, he sussed and thought, “Wow! Cool beans. I’m gonna make it all mine.”

And when another ground animal thought that Adam might make a tasty meal, Adam learned to kill “for his own protection.”

Soon Adam got real comfortable, ground-wise, and thought it might be best to make himself Emperor of the World, establish some perimeters/parameters, and perhaps launch some preemptive strikes just in case any of the other woodland creatures might think of breaching “his territory” that he fittingly named Eden.

would forage on the forest floor for fallen ripe fruit, look around, find it nicer back in the trees, and go back after grabbing some goodies. One of them, a female (Eve), took a look at Adam in his fortified territory—bravely, arrogantly, and with great license guarding it from no monkey in particular—and decided to give him a piece of fruit (and maybe some nookie). You see where I’m goin’ with this?

Eve’s people who act for peace, encourage the arts, and believe in kindness toward all of god’s creatures—whichever god you may happen to believe in. These include poets, environmentalists, artists, vegetarians, burlesque dancers, ukulele players, teachers, and nurses.

On the other hand, you’ve got the Adam mentality: bullies, con artists, misogynists, injury lawyers, the inconsiderate, many politicians, and the Three Stooges. In everyone, there exist both of these qualities. Yes, we’re all imbued with percentages of the qualities that, in fact, make us all unique and individual. Neither all good nor all bad—just a kaleidoscopic character pie charts of absurdity, and we get to choose the colors.

A perfect example is our ability to love dogs, eat pigs, wear cows, and kill neighbors. It’s not really okay, but it is what it is. The saving grace is that there is all those people that advocate for peace, kindness, and fair treatment in our world, because, if the alpha ape-sh*t crazy meanies had their ways, they would surely have exterminated us all and there would be no people, no planet, no harmless pleasures like skinny dipping in the moonlight or ice cream of any flavor. What kind of world would/wouldn’t that be? Hmmm.

Happy 2025. Will the new year bring peace, love, and recycling? I doubt it. Look around you, those sons of Adam are hell bent on destroying the world, the weirdoes dressed as warriors sending their young and ignorant off to kill and die. Haven’t we gone through this before and when is enough enough? All major religions are against killing, and this is what we have? Stop the world. I wanna get off.

This was the time when other monkeys

They have kids. Some take after the mother and are mild mannered—Abel was a shepherd—while some are more like the father: tough, mean, and privileged—Cain became a farmer. Wouldn’t you know it, the meanies get the upper hand and the gentle ones get their asses kicked, killed, or thrown under the bus. Thus, this accounts for the state of affairs in the world today. I find no evidence to support this theory but noticing that 24,849 people are murdered in this country per year. I blame that damn monkey who should have found some calming herb and stayed up that tree. Actually, there’s nothing really wrong with the human mentality. It’s just that we’re hard-wired in conflicting tendencies. We’re all descendents of that first couple that are responsible for the beauty and brutality of our world today. On one side, you have

CARRIGAN CHAUVIN

Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year’s Parade •

The official Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year's Parade presented by Louisiana Tourism, a Mardi Gras-style parade with floats, bands and other participants, entertains fans of all ages prior to the Allstate Sugar Bowl. The parade, which is scheduled for the afternoon of December 31, 2024 (scheduled for a 2 p.m. start), will begin at the intersection of Elysian Fields Avenue and Decatur Street. It will travel through the French Quarter up Decatur Street along the Mississippi River, passing iconic landmarks such as The Old US Mint, the French Market, Cafe du Monde and Jackson Square. The Parade

will wrap up at Canal Street. Check www.AllstateSugarBowl.org for final route details and times.

The Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year’s Parade presented by Louisiana Tourism will be broadcast live on Nola38CW (WNOL-TV) in New Orleans. The official broadcast, presented by Sunshine Quality Solutions, will include a live online broadcast that can be found by visiting wgno.com. In addition, the parade will be rebroadcast on WGNO-TV ABC 26 on New Year’s Day starting at 9 a.m.