Latest Issue: March 2022–Spring Restaurant Guide by Where Y'at Magazine

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March 2022

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LOUISIANA: IT’S THE BERRIES! p. 6

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WhereYat.com | March 2022

CONTENTS 30 Features

March 2022 Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Josh Danzig

Food & Drink

Creative Director: Robert Witkowski Executive Editor: Burke Bischoff

Louisiana: It’s the Berries Get into the Greek (Food) Local Cereal Brands Raise a Glass to Mocktails The Flip Side of Pancakes

Entertainment & Nightlife 62 66 74

Lakeside2Riverside Film Reviews: Oscar Edition Where Y'Been

10 44 46 52 54 58 68

Copy Editor: Donald Rickert

Spring Restaurant Guide

Movie Editors: David Vicari, Fritz Esker

Flavorful Gluten-Free Food in NOLA Craft Cocktails at Home The Hunt for Gluten-Free Fries $20 & Under Food News

Cover Photo: Strawberry Shortcake at Brigtsen's Restaurant by Randy Schmidt

Bar Guide

Director of Sales: Jim Sylve Photographers and Designers: Gus Escanelle, Kimmie Tubre, Emily Hingle, Kathy Bradshaw, Robert Witkowski

Extras 60 70 72

Interns: Monwell Frazier, Frances Deese, Gracie Wise, Mathilde Camus, Jariah Johnson, Enrique Monzon, Jr., Owen Sears

Parade Listings Tales From the Quarter Po-Boy Views

Subscribe: Receive 1 year (14 issues) for $30 and get a FREE Where Y’at phone credit card holder. Subscribe today at WhereYat.com. Logo ©2022 All rights reserved Bruce Betzer, Legal Counsel: (504) 304-9952

Letter from the Publisher Let’s eat! Enjoy our Spring Restaurant Guide issue that profiles the hottest restaurants in town. This entire issue is filled with great information on things like eating gluten free at area restaurants, new local breakfast cereal options, and more. Spring means berry season, especially strawberries. Don’t miss Kim Ranjbar’s sensational piece on strawberries from Ponchatoula and where to find them in local restaurants. Do you enjoy hand-crafted cocktails? Camille Barnett teaches you how to mix refreshing drinks at home. Or if you are giving up alcohol for Lent, Celeste Turner’s look at mocktails is for you. Sláinte! This issue previews all of the great St. Patrick’s Day parades and events around town…as well as St. Joseph’s Day and Super Sunday. And if you’re looking for some good corned beef to get you into the spirit, Kim Ranjbar has you covered on that as well. –Josh Danzig, Publisher

Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

Contributing Writers: Kathy Bradshaw, Phil LaMancusa, Debbie Lindsey, Kim Ranjbar, Burke Bischoff, Julie Mitchell, Greg Roques, Eliana Blum, Leigh Wright, Steve Melendez, Michelle Nicholson, Sabrina Stone, Kimmie Tubre, Emily Hingle, Camille Barnett, Celeste Turner

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It's the Berries By Kim Ranjbar

From Watsonville, California to Stilwell, Oklahoma, there are quite a few cities whose claim to fame is the “Strawberry Capital of the World,” but for folks around here that title will forever and always belong to Ponchatoula.

Brigtsen's Strawberry Shortcake

Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

RANDY SCHMIDT

For almost two centuries, farmers in and around Tangipahoa Parish have been growing ruby-red, sweet, juicy strawberries. Louisiana farms currently in operation in the “Berry Belt” are less than one-tenth of what existed in the area's heyday in the 1920s when over 14,000 acres were devoted to the sweet fruit. But locals still clamor, and are willing to pay top dollar, for what they consider to be the berry best. Ponchatoula's fame in the strawberry game can be attributed to two important factors. First, the prodigious pine forests in Tangipahoa Parish provided the much-needed pine straw mulch that raises the acidity of soil as it decomposes, protects against crop-destroying pests like slugs, and can effectively insulate overwintering plants from the cold. Secondly, Ponchatoula's humble beginnings as a train depot in the mid-1800s played a significant part in the sustainability and economy of the area. In 1863 during the Civil War, Union troops looted the burgeoning town and destroyed the depot, but it was rebuilt in 1895 and, with

OVER THE ••• ••• DISC

SHOPPING • RESTAURANTS • EVENTS

KIM RANJBAR

Fresh Louisiana strawberries the advent of refrigerated railway cars, strawberry farmers would come to Ponchatoula from all around Tangipahoa and Livingston Parishes to ship their sweet cargo to New Orleans and away north into cities like Memphis and Chicago. The decline in family-run farms can be seen all across the country. Though any enterprise can involve a certain level of risk, a farmer's success depends upon many elements working together, several of which are difficult, if not impossible, to control. From natural growth processes like weather and disease to wildly fluctuating market prices and government regulation, farming is not for the faint of heart, and in every succeeding generation, we see fewer and fewer people willing to put their livelihood on the line for such a risky business. The strawberry farmers in Ponchatoula are no exception, though there are still a good number of folks who have either inherited the family business or taken over crops from older farmers who've hung up their hats. Farmers still active in the area include Eric Morrow and his brother-in-law William Fletcher, whose fields lie close to one another on the east side of Ponchatoula. Heather and Dale Robertson run Johndale Farm, also in Ponchatoula, a farm New Orleanians have become increasingly familiar with as their berries are typically the first to hit the local farmers markets. In the town of Springfield in nearby Livingston Parish, you'll find Landry-Poché Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated farm established in 1926. Also in Springfield, crawfish restaurateur Trey Harris took over a retired farmer's field just five years ago. Though new to the game, he has already earned recognition for his beautiful berries at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival and is now supplying Rouses Markets all over southeast Louisiana. Though the number of strawberry farmers in the area has declined, people from all over the state, and country, still come to Ponchatoula to celebrate the blushing berry every spring at the annual Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival (lastrawberryfestival.com). This year, the festival is celebrating its 50th anniversary, a boon to strawberry-lovers across the state after two long years of inactivity due to the pandemic. “We're expecting record crowds,” Donald Lanier, Ponchatoula native and longtime festival board member, said. “We know people are ready to come out, and if the crop's good, which we think it's gonna be, we're going to have record crowds and we're going to roll with it, make some people happy for a change.” Drawing more than 250,000 visitors each year, the 2022 Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival will span three days, April 8-10, and will include a full midway with over 20 rides for adults and children, live music on two stages, arts and crafts vendors, and tons of food vendors, featuring (of course) Louisiana strawberries. “We have a farmers area called Farmers' Row

SIX HISTORIC BLOCKS OPEN DAILY! Visit our boutique shops and farmers & flea markets for clothing, jewelry, confections, arts and crafts, home decor, children’s toys, unique gifts, souvenirs, and more! Shops, restaurants, and daily vendors are operating in accordance with City and State Covid-19 guidelines.

French Market New Orleans

FrenchMktNOLA

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The Place to Go For Those Who Know Whether you’re out in the Quarter or enjoying the sunshine at the Lakefront, make Felix’s your go to destination this Spring! With daily food and cocktail specials, come enjoy great New Orleans food at the best New Orleans locations. No reservations required

Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

Executive Pastry Chef Maggie Scales of the Link Restaurant Group often uses Ponchatoula strawberries in her berry laden-creations. At Cochon, she flaunts a homey strawberry crisp topped with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of strawberry balsamic reduction, and at their uptown bakery, La Boulangerie, she often offers strawberry turnovers and pies. This year during Carnival Season, they even offered a strawberry almond king cake all dressed up in purple, green, and gold. Amid all of this berry-baloo, you may wonder, are Louisiana strawberries really that good? Even better than the competition shipped in from places like California and Florida? “Certain times during the year, ours are so sweet, it's unbelievable, and they're just not even comparable in flavor and texture.” Lanier said. “They are absolutely better; you can taste that yourself.”

Gracious Bakery's Strawberry Danish

FROM TOP: COURTESY SEAFOOD SALLY'S; GRACIOUS BAKERY

French Quarter & Lakefront

right by the grounds,” Lanier said. “They'll come there with their trucks and set up their fresh berries. They're also allowed to sell anything made with their berries like jam, jellies, and breads.” Although no for-profit vendors are allowed within the festival grounds, the organizers do allow Ponchatoula's nonprofit community organizations, schools, and churches to sell foodstuffs like chocolate-covered strawberries, fried strawberries, strawberry pie, strawberry funnel cake, and even strawberry daiquiris. “If I actually had to pick my favorite dish, it would be strawberry shortcake,” Lanier admitted. On Saturday and Sunday, the festival will also feature a strawberry-eating contest. “Tons of people enter it. All they gotta do is eat a pint of strawberries, but you gotta eat the stems and all.” Lanier warned, relating his own experience. “I tried it one year. The first stem that gets caught in the back of your throat, you wanna just die then, but people love to do it, just to say they did it.” During peak strawberry season, mid-March to early May, New Orleans' chefs take full advantage of the local harvest. Beloved local chef and restaurateur Frank Brigsten has long been wowing us with his berry-licious creations at his eponymous Riverbend restaurant. As soon as our local strawberries make an appearance at the farmer's markets around town (sometimes as early as January), Brigtsen will add Strawberry Shortcake to the menu, a dessert almost as popular as his pecan pie or white chocolate bread pudding. A warm, house-baked biscuit is topped with fresh, sliced Ponchatoula strawberries from Johndale Farms, handwhipped cream, and served atop a glorious pool of strawberry sauce and crème fraîche. Bakester Megan Forman over in Gert Town, who’s also the chef and owner of the wildly successful Gracious Bakery, is regularly whipping out strawberryladen pastries with berries from Fletcher Farms. It's difficult to resist her flaky, powdered sugar-dusted strawberry danish, crisp strawberry turnovers, and strawberry jellySeafood Sally's Ponchatoula filled donuts, especially Strawberry Mimosa with three Gracious Bakery locations in town.

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SPRING RESTAURANT GUIDE Bub’s NOLA is the best place in the city to get some fine smash burgers. The standard Bub Burger is an easy choice, but customers who want to expand their palates can also go for more creative choices like the Peanut Bubber or the Rodeo Adobo. They also offer grilled cheese and hot sausage sandwiches. Make sure to try the unique Gumbo Fries. 4413 Banks St., bubsnola.com

Bud’s Broiler is a true New Orleans gem that locals flock to in droves. The chain is known far and wide for their amazing broiled, charcoal burgers and finger licking hickory smoke sauce. Whether you choose to go to Covington, Metairie, City Park, Kenner, or Jefferson Highway, you are bound to get some of the best burgers in the city. Multiple Locations, facebook. com/Buds-Broiler-City-Park

Chicken & Watermelon is, without a doubt, one of the best places to get chicken wings in New Orleans. The restaurant’s goal is to serve quality meals at affordable prices. There are all kinds of different and delicious wing flavors to choose from like Caribbean BBQ, Yaka-mein, Honey Mustard, and more. Don’t forget the slice of watermelon on the side. Multiple Locations, boogiebird.com

Common Interest inside the Hotel Indigo features delicious Southern cuisine with a New Orleans twist. Featuring a friendly staff, modern décor, and wonderful cocktails, menu highlights include the Riverbend Griddled Butt’ah Burger, Cajun Queso appetizer, and Debris & Grits. The restaurant is open until midnight and thus a great option before a night in the French Quarter. 705 Common St., 504-595-5605

Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

The Country Club is one of the Bywater’s best kept, and most elegant, secrets. Not only do they offer exquisite food and quality cocktails, The Country Club also has a separate pool area. Enjoy dishes like the black angus hamburger or the grilled Norwegian salmon. Make sure not to miss out on their weekend drag brunches. 634 Louisa St., 504-9450742, thecountryclubneworleans.com

Crescent City Steaks is Louisiana’s oldest family-owned steakhouse, and it has stuck around for a reason. Their New Orleansstyle steaks, which they sizzle in butter, are out of this world. Anything on their award-winning menu is fantastic, from the broiled lobster tail and shrimp cocktail to the stuffed mushrooms and bread pudding. 1001 N. Broad St., 504-821-3271, crescentcitysteaks.com

Daisy Dukes’ motto is, “Nuttin’ fancy, just great Southern eatin’.” This attitude perfectly encapsulates the restaurant’s menu, which is full of simple, but great tasting Southern classics. A particular favorite is the Blackened Alligator Platter, which comes with gumbo, red beans, fried green tomatoes, remoulade, and a biscuit. Their po-boys are also great. Multiple Locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com

Gattuso’s Neighborhood Restaurant is a go-to spot for tasty eats and great drinks in the heart of Old Gretna. With a beautiful and spacious courtyard, it’s the perfect place to take your entire family to, as well as your four-legged friend. Gattuso’s offers a ton of different sandwiches like a Rueben, Triple Decker Club, and Sloppy Roast Beef Po-boys. 435 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, 504-368-1114, gattusos.net

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American

House of Blues New Orleans has all of the drinks and live entertainment needed for a fun night out. You’ll definitely be satisfied after you try the food from the House of Blues’ Southern-inspired menu. Choose from the shrimp and grits or go for one of the restaurant’s amazing burgers. If you still have room, get the bread pudding. 225 Decatur St., 504-310-4999, houseofblues.com/neworleans

New Orleans Vampire Cafe is the favorite hangout for ghouls and goblins in the heart of the French Quarter. Open for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the café is just a short 2-minute walk from St. Louis Cathedral. Sink your fangs into their shrimp and grits, fried deviled eggs, and even the Dracula Burger, which is half beef, half brisket, and all delicious. 801 Royal St., 504-581-0801, nolavampirecafe.com

Jimmy J’s Café is the funkiest place in New Orleans for all day breakfast. Their Beignet Sticks, Crab Cake Benedict, and French Toast Monte Cristo are perfect for brunch or supper. If you’re not in the mood for breakfast, then definitely make sure to order their Cochon Panini. They also offer weekly food and drink specials like fried green tomatoes and Irish coffee. 115 Chartres St., 504-3099360, jimmyjscafe.com

Spudly’s Super Spuds is easily the best restaurant in the entire Greater New Orleans Area for baked potatoes. Spudly’s has been serving Metairie their “meals in baked potatoes” for over 40 years. Anything from crawfish, chicken, chili, pepperoni, cauliflower, corned beef, and even veal is found in their potatoes. They also offer specialty sandwiches. 2609 Harvard Ave., Metairie, 504-4553250, spudlys.com

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Legacy Kitchen Craft Tavern is known best for its refined American cuisine and creatively crafted cocktails. Their menu even has a few gluten free options, such as the Legacy Crab & Corn Bisque, Shrimp Louie Wedge Salad, and raw oysters. The Honey Old Fashioned and Louisiana Mule are particularly great for sipping. 700 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-6132350, legacykitchen.com

Legacy Kitchen Steak + Chop offers some of the best steaks on the entire Westbank. Whether you order the sirloin, tomahawk, or even the Legacy Surf and Turf, you will be eating a great cut of meat. Steak + Chop’s other entrees are not to be missed, including the chicken and waffles and the Build Your Own Legacy Burger. 91 Westbank Expy. #51, Gretna, 504-5132606, legacykitchen.com

Manning’s Sports Bar & Grill is just the place for lovers of sports and great food. Given the name, the restaurant is themed around the sports careers of New Orleans’ favorite player—Archie Manning. Some of the fan favorite, shareable plates on the menu include jalapeno poppers, fried catfish fingers, and, of course, nachos. Grab a beer and enjoy. 519 Fulton St., 504-593-8118, caesars.com

The Steakhouse at Harrah’s pays tribute to the classic flavors of New Orleans while also offering unforgettable steaks. In addition to steaks, the restaurant has plenty of starters such as the chef’s cheese plate, charred Gulf oysters, and Louisiana BBQ shrimp. Pair your meal with any of their fantastic wines from the extensive and award-winning wine list. 8 Canal St., 504-533-6111, caesars.com

Asian

Cho Thai serves some of the best Thai food you’ll find in New Orleans. The restaurant is owned by Chef Jimmy Cho, who’s a native of Thailand and also owns the massively popular Thai restaurant Banana Blossom in Gretna. The menu, which features classics like pad thai, pork laab, and short rib khao soi noodle soup, is authentic and incredible. 3218 Magazine St., 504-381-4264, chothairestaurant.com

Bars With Great Food

Bar Marilou is a stylish French-style bar that perfectly fits into the New Orleans drinking scene. Relax and sip on Bar Marilou’s creative cocktails, wine, or even their virgin cocktails. Enjoy a selection of small plates such as seared scallops and foie gras, or go extra fancy with some of the bar’s different caviar choices like kaluga royal or trout roe. 544 Carondelet St., 504-814-7711, barmarilou.com

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Ernst Café has the distinction of being the oldest continually operating bar in the Warehouse District. Having been providing hearty local cuisine to New Orleanians since 1902, the restaurant offers tasty dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, and all kinds of different po-boys, burgers, and other sandwiches. Sip on craft cocktails like the Fulton 75 or the Ernst Cup. 600 S. Peters St., 504-525-8544, ernstcafe.com

Peacock Room, located in the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, has everything needed for a romantic night out. The interior is beautiful, the food is delicious, and the drinks are very well-crafted. Pick on some elevated bar food like Crawtator Crushed Oysters and Cheewee Fries. You can also sip on many craft cocktails such as the Sazerac. 501 Tchoupitoulas St., 504571-1818, peacockroomnola.com

Flamingo A-Go-Go is New Orleans’ goto destination for outdoor day drinking, puppy play dates, and more. Snack on one or two of their tasty appetizers like the galic chicken parmesan bites or the pepperjack boudin bombers. Cool off with some of the bar’s on tap “flocktails” like Blue Drank, Sweet Business, and Good Juju. 869 Magazine St., 504-577-2202, flamingonola.com

Stumpy's Hatchet House has the perfect combination for a fun evening out: food and hatchets. Practice your throwing arm at the different private throwing pits Stumpy’s offers, while also socializing with your friends, family, and even your coworkers. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab some hot dogs, nachos, or beer at the snack bar. 1200 Poydras St., 504-577-2937, stumpyshh.com/ neworleansla

Down The Hatch Bar & Grill is one of the best bars and grills to visit in the Garden District. Wings, salads, po-boys, burgers, and even Mediterranean dishes like shawarma and gyro with hummus, pita, and basmati rice are available to be enjoyed. Save some room and finish your meal with their classic homemade bread pudding. 1921 Sophie Wright Pl., 504522-0909, downthehatchnola.com

Tracey’s Original Irish Channel Bar is the best place to hang out for St. Patrick’s Day, as well as any other day. The bar has lots of different beer bottles on offer, so you’re bound to find your favorite there. Pair your beer with one of Tracey’s specialty po-boys like Surf & Turf, Fried Catfish, Roast Beef, Alligator Sausage, and French Fry. 2604 Magazine St., 504-897-5413, traceysnola.com

The Jimani is a great late-night haunt for all things food, drinks, and sports. They have all of the Direct TV Packages, including UFC, on 10 huge TV screens for patrons to enjoy. Not only do they have over 100 different beers, they also make some great Chicago-style hot dogs, as well as pizza. They also have some of the French Quarter’s strongest Jello shots. 141 Chartres St., 504-5240493, thejimani.com

Le Bon Temps Roule is where the good times roll in Uptown. Not only does this iconic New Orleans bar feature live music and some of the best Bloody Marys in the city, but Le Bon Temps Roule also hosts private parties. The bar is also featuring a menu of an array of hamburgers, sandwiches, and satisfying sides. 4801 Magazine St., 504-897-3448, lbtrnola. com

Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

Cafe

Café Amelie has the perfect outdoor courtyard to have a romantic date out with your boyfriend or girlfriend. Whether you go for brunch or dinner, you’re bound to have a magical meal. Consider starting out with Pepper Glaze Shrimp or the Country Poutine before enjoying their Beef Braised Short Ribs. There are also plenty of creatively crafted cocktails to savor. 912 Royal St., 504-412-8965, cafeamelie.com

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Curio is the best place in the French Quarter to experience Louisiana cuisine with a Creole twist. Order New Orleans favorites like the shrimp and grits or get creative with the crawfish cavatappi pasta. Choose from Curio’s many different wines and beers that they offer, try a creative cocktail like the Hurricane or the Papa Old Fashion. 301 Royal St., 504-717-4198, curionola.com

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Carmo is a unique café and bar that blends flavors from the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and beyond. The café is also great for vegetarian and vegan customers, offering selections like vegan ceviche and Burmese tea leaf salad. They also have delicious baked bread like maqaquito, which comes with bananas with cinnamon and sugar, havarti cheese, or vegan cheese.527 Julia St., 504-875-4132, cafecarmo.com

The Ruby Slipper Cafe is noteworthy for their New Orleans twists on breakfast and brunch classics. Some of their amazing signature items include fried green tomatoes, stuffed French toast, white chocolate bread pudding, and Bananas Foster pain perdu. Start your morning off right with the Big Easy Mimosa or their award-winning Bloody Mary. Multiple Locations, therubyslippercafe.net

The Vintage is one of the best places on Magazine Street to grab a coffee and just people watch. Nibble on some of their traditional beignets, or wrap your hands around either their Italian, caprese, veggie, or BBQ chicken pressed sandwiches. If you don’t feel like getting coffee, sip on a glass of red, white, or sparkling wine instead. 3121 Magazine St., 504-324-7144, thevintagenola.com

Willa Jean is the purest definition of “retro-chic.” Not only does the café serve coffee and all kinds of different alcohol, Willa Jean’s has a number of different Southern-inspired, breakfast items to enjoy. Pick up something from their biscuit station or bite into their avocado toast with tomato, labneh, serrano, shallots, arugula, and poached egg. 611 O’Keefe Ave., 504-509-7334, willajean.com

Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

French

Café Degas is New Orleans’ longest running French bistro—for good reason. Over the past 10 years, their menu has received a multitude of accolades and awards. Café Degas’ lunch and dinner menus contain classic French dishes like frog legs, scallops, escargots, quiche, and much more. They also have Belgian waffles on their Brunch menu. 3127 Esplanade Ave., 504-945-5635, cafedegas.com

Italian

The Crazy Italian Pizzeria has everything one would love in a classic pizzeria. Not only do they serve authentic New York style pizza like Margherita and Hawaiian, they also have delicious pasta and paninis. The Spicy Fried Ravioli appetizer dish is absolutely not to be missed. Make sure to also order the cannoli. 206 W. Harrison Ave., 504-7667914, thecrazyitalianpizzeria.com

Josephine Estelle focuses on seasonal ingredients that help blend classic Italian recipes with Southern flavors. Come and enjoy this interesting mix for either breakfast, brunch, or dinner. The seared scallops and the 48-hour braised beef short ribs are absolutely to die for. The restaurant also has a multitude of drinks to savor such as the Amalfi 75. 600 Carondelet St., 504-930-3070, josephineestelle.com

Mid City Pizza is New Orleans’ go-to establishment for quality pizzas. Pick from classic options or be daring and go for the more creative pizzas that are on offer, such as the Shrimp Remoulade, Mid City Meat Monster, and the Herbivore with your choice of seven veggies. You can also customize your own calzone or enjoy their wings and dips. Multiple Locations, midcitypizza.com

Mosca’s Restaurant is perhaps the best-known Italian restaurant in the entire Westbank and has been a favorite for over 60 years. All of Mosca’s entrée dishes are made-from-scratch, hugely proportioned, and are absolutely delicious. Go for their signature Oysters Mosca or try some of the other amazing plates like the Chicken Cacciatore. 4137 US-90 W., Westwego, 504-436-8950, moscasrestaurant.com

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Caffe! Caffe! is known for having a friendly atmosphere and serving quick and tasty lunches. Some of the refreshing lunch dishes that you can pick up include the Grilled Caesar Pita, the Greek Chicken Wrap, and even their very own muffuletta. Come in early to enjoy the café’s breakfast items, including creamy grits, croissants, and different kinds of bagels. Multiple Locations, caffecaffe.com

EXPLORE OUR l i a r T r e t s Oy A CULINA

RY A D V E

N JEFFE NTURE I

RSON!

Art and cuisine meet when you dine along the Jefferson Parish Louisiana Oyster Trail. Featuring over two dozen eateries you can indulge in this delicacy in a variety of ways. Look for the life size hand-painted oyster sculpture unique to each restaurant along the trail. Come enjoy a meal that came out of its shell just for you.

COMMITTED TO YOUR HEALTH & SAFETY

www.louisianaoystertrail.com

JEFFERSON CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU, INC. W W W. LO U I S I A N AOYS T E RT R A I L .CO M

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AWARD BLOOD WINNING Y MARY S

Nephew’s Ristorante has been serving New Orleans quality and authentic Sicilian dishes for many years. The menu is really large and filled with tasty entrees like veal with peppers and mushrooms, eggplant parmigiana, and grilled rosemary chicken. They’ve even got frog legs, stuffed shrimp, and soft-shell crabs. 4445 W. Metairie Ave., Metairie, 504-5339998, nephewsristorante.com

Pascal’s Manale can accurately be considered a true New Orleans tradition. The restaurant’s biggest claim to fame is being the birthplace of the now worldfamous BBQ shrimp, prepared in the shell with a tangy and spicy sauce. Other quality menu items include crabmeat and scallops and chicken bordelaise. They also have terrific steak dishes. 1838 Napoleon Ave., 504-895 4877, pascalsmanale.com

Come visit any of our 7 locations: Daisy Dukes 121 Chartres St. French Quarter

Daisy Dukes Cafe 308 St. Charles Ave. CBD

Daisy Mae’s 902 Poydras St. Warehouse District

Daisy Dukes 1200 W. Approach Mandeville

Daisy Dukes Express 123 Carondelet St. CBD

Daisy Dukes 2244 Veterans Blvd. Kenner

Daisy Dukes 5209 W. Napoleon Ave. Metairie

Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

Red Gravy serves rustic Italian cuisine from recipes that have been passed down for generations. Some of Red Gravy’s small plates are really unique like arancini, or stuffed rice balls, and the zucchini fritters. The restaurant also does Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., so go enjoy some breakfast spaghetti or shrimp and grits. 4206 Magazine St., 504-561-8844, redgravycafe.com

Tavolino Pizza & Lounge is definitely worth crossing the Crescent City Connection or taking the ferry to the Westbank. Located in picturesque Algiers Point, Tavolino specializes in authentic thin crust pizzas, with specialties such as the Behrman Hwy, Red Goat, and That’s a Spicy Meatball. Grab some wine and enjoy the tastes of the Westbank. 141 Delaronde St., Algiers, 504-605-3365, tavolinonola.com

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Pizza Domenica is the best place to be in order to enjoy Italian classics in a casual, fun, and lively atmosphere. All of their specialty, gourmet pizzas are amazing and cooked in a custom-made oven that was shipped straight from Italy. Start off with the garlic knots or the burrata caprese and finish up with the lemon pound cake or the banana Nutella stromboli. Multiple Locations, pizzadomenica.com

Tommy’s Cuisine is where you need to be if you’re craving quality Creole Italian cuisine in the Warehouse District. Expect amazing pasta dishes like baked lasagna, fettuccini alfredo, shrimp fra diavalo, and spaghetti and meatballs. Wash down all of Tommy’s delicious dishes with a glass of champagne or a glass of red, white, or sparkling wine. 746 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-581-1103, tommyscuisine.com

Venezia specializes in home-style Italian cooking with a New Orleans flair. They have pizzas that are cooked in an original stone oven, as well other authentic cuisine such as lasagna, chicken marsala, and stuffed artichoke. Grab a seat at their cozy bar if dining alone or waiting to catch the big game. 134 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-488-7991, venezianeworleans.net

Mexican

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Carreta’s Grill offers some of the highest quality tasting Mexican dishes in the Crescent City. Carreta’s Classic Burger, the Chimichanga Dinner, and the Tamales Locos are some of the best items on the menu. They even offer authentic traditional dishes such as carne asada and carnitas. Wash all of that food down with some of their amazing margaritas. Multiple Locations, carretasgrillrestaurant.com

A spirited sanctuary in the heart of New Orleans. You’re invited Open 7 Days a Week 544 Carondelet St barmarilou.com @barmarilou

Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria is home to some of the best margaritas and tacos in the Crescent City. Not only do they have three locations in New Orleans, you can also find Felipe’s over in Florida. If you want great tacos, choose from either the Mexico City Tacos, Baja Style, or the Gringos Tacos. They also have a build your own entrée option. Multiple Locations, felipestaqueria.com

Middle Eastern

Lebanon’s Café has a strong reputation for being one of the top Middle Eastern restaurants in the entire city. You should expect to see, and enjoy, traditional Lebanese classics like tabouleh salad, kibby meat pies, and so much more. A perfect meal would have to be the chicken shawarma with Lebanese iced tea and baklava for dessert. 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-862-6200, lebanonscafe.com

WhereYat.com | March 2022

Saj offers creatively contemporary Middle Eastern classics that are as tasty as they are pretty. Consider getting one of their mashawi wood-fire grilled items, such as their lamb chops or the tenderloin kabab. All of the lunch platters come with the restaurant’s namesake saj bread, which is Middle Eastern roti. Saj is also BYOB with no corkage fee. 4126 Magazine St., 504-766-0049, sajnola.com

Shaya is a James Beard Award winning restaurant serving modern Israeli cuisine right in scenic Uptown. Try Shaya’s amazing hummus with your choice of cauliflower, octopus, lamb ragú, tahini, or fried chicken. Make sure to sip on some of their craft cocktails or quality wines imported straight from Israel and Lebanon. 4213 Magazine St., 504-891-4213, shayarestaurant.com

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Annunciation has a really excellent and extensive wine selection that goes great with any of the restaurant’s modern Creole and Southern dishes. Enjoy a number of high-quality entrees such as filet mignon, roasted duck, and veal marsala. If you’re with your date, consider ordering fried green tomatoes or pommes frites as appetizers. 1016 Annunciation St., 504568-0245, annunciationrestaurant.com

Cafe 615 (Home of Da Wabbit) is Gretna’s favorite restaurant for fantastic Creole food. All of Da Wabbit’s lunch specials are out of this world, including the stuffed bell peppers and the smothered rabbit with white beans and rice. They also have one of the best fried chicken plates you’ll find in the Greater New Orleans Area. 615 Kepler St., Gretna, 504-365-1225, cafe615.com

$1 BEERS • OUTDOOR DINING • PRIVATE EVENTS 600 S. PETERS ST. | ERNSTCAFE.COM | ÚERNSTCAFE 18

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Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop, owned and operated by Chef Ron Iafrate, is truly NOLA’s one-stop-shop for great gumbo. You can get your gumbo with fried catfish, fried oysters, crabmeat, and so much more. Make sure to order some tasty sides to go with your gumbo such as cheesy mac, crab balls, mustard greens, and potato salad. 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., 504-835-2022, gumbostop.com

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Evangeline is one of the French Quarter’s finest restaurants while offering a true taste of Louisiana. New Orleans classics like gumbo, jambalaya, and etouffee are all offered on the menu. If you go for weekend brunch, then you’ll find interesting dishes such as fried alligator and waffles, crawfish and grits, and crab cake benedict. 329 Decatur St., 504373-4852, evangelineneworleans.com

Houmas House & Gardens contains three different restaurants that cater to your specific tastes and price range. Perhaps you’d like to take the family to The Carriage House and enjoy some Louisiana ribs, turtle soup, or lasagna with New Orleans style red gravy? Or maybe you want to be fancy and visit Latil’s Landing or the Wine Cellars? 401336 LA-942, Darrow, 225-4739380, houmashouse.com

Le Chat Noir is a brand-new New Orleans restaurant looking to make a splash. Housed in a former cabaret, the restaurant will have you dancing with its many different drink selections from wine, beer, and craft cocktails such as Sazeracs and much more. Whether you order an entrée or something from their oyster bar, you will be satisfied. 715 St. Charles Ave., 504381-0045, lechatnoirnola.com

Uptown | French Quarter | Mid City @felipesnola www.felipestaqueria.com 20

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Mandina’s Restaurant is a New Orleans favorite for both Italian classics and sumptuous seafood. Go for a special occasion and either get the filet mignon or the ribeye with fries and string beans. Along with plenty of fried seafood, you can also order shrimp remoulade, crab fingers in wine sauce, and Gulf fish amandine with fries. 3800 Canal St., 504-482-9179, mandinasrestaurant.com

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Sushi & Raw Bar Vegan & Gluten-free Friendly Traditional & Original Cocktails Exotic Tropical Juices Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner! Live Music, Films, Readings HAPP HAPPY HOUR 3-6 PM!!

Crescent City Brewhouse is unique in that it provides quality craft beers right in the French Quarter. Order a flight to enjoy samples of their pilsner, wheat beer, Red Stallion, and Black Forest brews. Make sure to slurp down a dozen of their Louisiana raw oysters too. They also host live jazz performances every Friday to Sunday. 527 Decatur St., 504-5220571, crescentcitybrewhouse.com

Melba’s Poboys offers much more than just po-boys, although they are very delicious. There are many different entrée plates to choose from such as fish, as well as shrimp and grits, and some of the city's best boiled crawfish. Speaking of sides, Melba’s offers a lot like gumbo, baked macaroni, stuffed bell pepper, and jambalaya. 1525 Elysian Fields Ave., 504-267-7765, melbas.com

Mother’s Restaurant not only has the best baked ham in the world, but also some of the best red beans and rice in the Big Easy. Some of Mother’s favorites, including filé gumbo, are really out of this world. They also have all day breakfast, so make sure to enjoy the crawfish étouffée omelet, the shrimp creole omelette, and grits with debris. 401 Poydras St., 504-5239656, mothersrestaurant.net

NOLA,s Foodie Freaks

MRB Bar & Kitchen is a laid-backed bar that really makes you feel right at home. Along with their sandwiches and handshucked oysters, MRB’s Ostrich Chili and Jumbo Chicken Wings with your choice of sauce are excellent. Their happy hour is round the clock, so make sure to enjoy their Cat 5 Hurricane, Pimm’s Cup, and frozen daiquiris. 515 St. Philip St., 504524-2558, mrbnola.com

Great Specials Such As Taco Tuesday, Seafood Fridays, and Secret Saturday Specials!

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AUTHENTIC NEW ORLEANS FOOD W/ A TWIST!

New Orleans Creole Cookery offers one of the most beautiful spaces, both inside and outdoor, in the entire French Quarter. If you want to try something you won’t get anywhere else, consider ordering the massive Seafood Tower. This dish comes with crab maison, shrimp cocktail, and shrimp remoulade, as well as oysters, clams, and mussels. 510 Toulouse St., 504-5249632, neworleanscreolecookery.com

Neyow’s Creole Café is an informal spot that is known best for its Creole and Southern inspired dishes. Go for some of their New Orleans classics such as chargrilled oysters, hot sausage po-boy, and BBQ shrimp. Keep an eye out for their weekly specials and consider heading over for Sunday brunch to enjoy their Creole omelette with grits. 3332 Bienville St., 504-827-5474, neyows.com

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Neyow’s XL offers even more Neyow’s flavors, but in a more fine dining atmosphere. Some of the restaurant’s authentic Creole dishes include corn and crab bisque, jumbo crab cakes, and a whole red snapper. If you’re really in the mood for some drinking, consider ordering the XL Hurricane, which is seven shots of Captain Morgan with different fruit juices. 3336 Bienville St., xl.neyows.com

Nice Guys Bar & Grill truly serves up quality that you can taste. There are a ton of different dishes on Nice Guys’ menu that offer creative spins on classic cuisine. The different wings that you can order are really popular choices, such as the Drunkin’ Wings coated with alcohol infused sauces and the candy-coated Praline Wings. 7910 Earhart Blvd., 504-302-2404, niceguysbarandgrillnola.com

401 Poydras • MothersRestaurant.net • (504) 523-9656

Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro offers casual fine dining and an intimate atmosphere that is perfect for a date night. Double cut pork chop and black angus house filet are some of the wonderful dishes on offer. The restaurant has one of the largest bottled wine selections in the French Quarter, so pour yourself a glass and enjoy. 720 Orleans Ave., 504-5231930, orleansgrapevine.com

Please U Restaurant will surely leave you pleased after you try some of their delicious food. The restaurant’s po-boy selection is absolutely massive with choices such as veal parmigiana, French fries and gravy, chicken fried steak, and more. They also offer all day breakfast, so you can enjoy Please U’s specialty omelettes whenever you feel like it. 1751 St. Charles Ave., 504-525-9131, pleaseunola.com

Short Stop Poboys has been dishing out tasty po-boys in Metairie since 1966. The restaurant has over 30 po-boys that customers can decide from such as roast beef, turkey breast, hot sausage links, catfish, and so much more. All of these po-boys come with your choice of a side from potato chips or even gumbo. 119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie 504885-4572, shortstoppoboysno.com

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7AM – 9PM Fri & Sat 10PM

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Willie Mae’s Scotch House found its start in 1957 and has been going strong with its New Orleans fried chicken ever since. Whether you get it fried, baked, or in a sandwich, Willie Mae’s chicken is some of the best in the city. Compliment that chicken with a multitude of different sides like sweet potato fries, candied yams, fried okra, and sweet peas. Multiple Locations, williemaesnola.com

Seafood

Bon Temps Boulet Seafood has a passion for not only boiled seafood, but also mouthwatering BBQ. If you want to get great tasting and plentiful boiled crawfish, then this is the place for you. For something absolutely amazing, order the 16-Hour Wagyu Brisket Po-boy, which comes with your choice of caviar ranch or horseradish sauce. 4701 Airline Dr., Metairie, 504-885-5003, bontempsboulets.com

Briquette is known for providing contemporary coastal cuisine in the French Quarter. The restaurant’s main attraction is their 18-foot seafood display, showcasing a number of different fresh fish. Enjoy from a wide selection of dishes like the caramelized sea scallops. Whether off the grill or out of the pan, Briquette’s fish are second to none. 701 S. Peters St., 504-3027496, briquette-nola.com

Casamento’s Restaurant has been serving some of the best New Orleans style seafood since 1919. Known best for their oysters, other fabulous menu items include crab claws and fried catfish. Casamento’s is so popular, the restaurant has been featured on numerous different TV shows, including Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. 4330 Magazine St., 504-8959761, casamentosrestaurant.com

4330 Magazine Street Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar has 504-895-9761 been a true French Quarter staple for more

than 70 years now. Their oysters, prepared a multitude of different ways, are the restaurant’s main draw, but Felix’s also has delicious turtle soup, crawfish etouffee, and so much more. Their Lakefront, Gulfport, and Mandeville locations also feature live music every week. Multiple Locations, felixs.com

Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

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Serving New Orleans For Over 100 Years!

The Galley Seafood gained its fame at Jazz Fest 1977 and hasn’t slowed down since. A number of different appetizers, such as crawfish hushpuppies, fried calamari, and frog legs, are available for your whole party to enjoy. Try some of the house specials like blackened or grilled redfish, panned veal, and white beans and rice. 2535 Metairie Rd., Metairie, 504-832-0955, thegalleyseafood.net

Legacy Kitchen’s Tacklebox not only has a great oyster bar, but also provides quality Southern comfort food. For a taste of the city, order the NOLA Classic Trio, which is gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice with toasted French bread. They also offer a daily brunch with items such as Crawfish + Egg Beignets and a Bananas Foster Waffle. 817 Common St., 504-827-1651, legacykitchen.com

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Seaworthy is the perfect place to relax and enjoy quality, hand-crafted cocktails with fresh oysters. All of Seaworthy’s catches come from American waters and you can absolutely taste the difference. Mussels, crabmeat dip, and fried Gulf shrimp are just a few of the dishes on offer. Make sure to also get the banana bread pudding for dessert. 630 Carondelet St., 504-930-3071, seaworthynola.com

Spahr’s Seafood serves some of the most authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine in all of Louisiana. All of their seafood is wild caught in-state, especially their ever-popular catfish dishes. Along with that, you’ll also find crab, shrimp, oysters, and crawfish on the menu. Try the Swamp Platter, which comes with alligator sausage, duck strips, and crawfish pies. Multiple Locations, spahrsseafood.com

Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco will make you feel like you’ve been transported to the beautiful cities of Lima or Cusco. All of their Peruvian specialties are amazing, especially the ceviches, which come with proteins like tuna, shrimp, and octopus. Try their classic pisco sour or one of the many different beers from South America and Spain. 5015 Magazine St., 504-267-7612, titoscevichepisco.com

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GET INTO THE GREEK

Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet

By Celeste Turner

What if you could find a diet that lowers your cholesterol, blood pressure, and risk of heart disease, while at the same time helps you to lose weight? Why, it’s the Mediterranean diet, a plant-forward healthy eating pattern that is based on the traditional cuisines of Greece, Italy, and other countries which border the Mediterranean Sea.

SLASHIO PHOTOGRAPHY / UNSPLASH

Although there is no structured diet plan, the Mediterranean style of eating puts plants in the center of the plate and limits the consumption of animal foods. “Any diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables may play a role in prevention and treatment of certain diseases,” said Amber Parkonin MS, RD LMNT, who is an award-winning nutritional educator, personal chef, and podcaster located in Lincoln, Nebraska. “The Mediterranean diet specifically encourages fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, seafood, and healthy fat sources. Many of these foods are high in antioxidants, fiber, and heart healthy fats, which can play a role in cancer prevention, digestive health, brain health, and heart health.” Interest in the Mediterranean diet began in the 1950s, when numerous studies confirmed that the percentage of heart disease was lower in the Mediterranean countries as compared in the U.S. Since then, more research has shown that

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20t Ann h ual

those who follow the Mediterranean diet are less likely to develop high blood pressure, kidney disease, and breast cancer, as well as lower their risk of a major heart attack, stroke, or death. While it is considered a heart-healthy diet, the Mediterranean way of eating also hosts a number of other rewarding benefits, including brain health, cancer prevention, as well as diabetes control and prevention. “I like the Mediterranean diet for many reasons,” said Danielle Paciera, LDN, RN, CCN, a local board-certified registered and licensed integrative dietitian and nutritionist who has been in private practice and has consulted with industry leaders for over 20 years. “I love that it is whole-foods based and pushes fish and seafood as the healthier protein sources. Also, the researched benefits can’t be ignored. The Mediterranean diet can lower risk of death and chronic diseases, is anti-inflammatory, offers improvements in

has become more attractive because it is versatile, attainable, and realistic to follow when trying to watch your waistline. “I do think the Mediterranean diet is easier to follow because it offers a lot of options and it doesn't eliminate any food groups,” said Parkonin, who has been named the 2021 Outstanding Dietitian of the Year by the Nebraska Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “Yes, I do recommend this diet to my audience for several reasons. It offers a lot of great nutrition and many of the recommended foods can easily be found in your local grocery store.” Contrary to other diet plans, wine is included in the Mediterranean diet. For Paciera, eliminating alcohol can be a game-changer for many local people. “The Mediterranean diet has a realistic inclusion of alcohol, which many popular diets omit,” Paciera said. “In NOLA, [no alcohol] usually is one of the obstacles that leads people to

Pesto Dip

INGREDIENTS: 1 tsp salt 2 oz spinach 2 oz basil, fresh

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS: Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Chill before serving.

brain function, academic performance, and decreased risk of and progression of diseases of cognitive decline like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Additional benefits are shown in mood, optical health, and immune health— including allergies and more.” With its diverse flavor, the Mediterranean diet emphasizes nutrientdense foods and healthy fats, particularly extra virgin olive oil. Considered as the primary source of added fat in the Mediterranean style of eating, olive oil provides monounsaturated fat which lowers the total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or the “bad” cholesterol levels. The addition of berries, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans, and legumes are considered brain foods for the Mediterranean-style diet. This Mediterranean style of eating

abandon the diet in times like Carnival or holidays. And this diet also gives weight to enjoying foods, which is enabled by eating locally and eating foods in their freshest states to maximize flavors. Finally, it includes regular physical activity.” So if you’re looking to start the Mediterranean diet or have already begun your dieting journey, you could get started with making small changes in your eating patterns, which can make a big difference. Eating like a Mediterranean is more than a diet, indicated Paciera. “It is more than food. It can be seen as a way of life. Of course when a person stops eating all of those processed foods and learns to take fresh vital whole foods again, the person usually feels so good.” Try this simple pesto dip recipe shared by Amber Pankonin MS, RD, LMNT.

1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 pine nuts, toasted

Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

COURTESY AMBER PANKONIN MS, RD, LMNT

2 cloves garlic

WhereYat.com | March 2022

LOCAL CEREAL BRANDS To Add to Your Pantry By Camille Barnett

Sweet, crunchy, filling, quick, and convenient for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—I truly stand firmly behind the belief that cereal is of the greatest gifts to humanity. In addition to its handiness and satisfying taste, do you know what can make you feel even better about enjoying a bowl of cereal? Enjoying a bowl sourced from a New Orleans-based brand.

Kamara's King Crunch Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints running back who has set multiple NFL records, is sort of a local football hero. However, did you know that he also has his own brand of cereal? Kamara’s King Crunch, which launched

in August of last year, is a honey oat and flakes breakfast cereal that comes in a unique collectible box inspired by New Orleans culture, with Mardi Gras colors, drawings of French Quarter representations, Kamara featured as NOLA royalty, and fun facts about the

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star himself. According to Ryder Ballou, a representative from PLB Sports & Entertainment, the company that helped create and launch the cereal, the idea came from Kamara’s eagerness to expand his brand in New Orleans while simultaneously

Master P’s Master Crunch New Orleans native Percy Rober Miller, better known as Master P, has established a legendary footprint here in the city. He’s a former basketball player, rapper, record executive, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and another celebrity with his own cereal brand—Master Crunch, which launched in November 2021. It’s a honey-nut toasted oat cereal that is also available online, as well as at your local Rouses and other select stores. Ballou explained that the collaboration for this cereal brand with Miller was a product of the PLB Sports & Entertainment team wanting to branch out to work within the music and entertainment business. “The project was inspired by Percy’s legendary work ethic and entrepreneurship,” Ballou said. Proceeds from Master Crunch boxes are donated to Master P’s already-established charity, Team Hope Foundation, which is also highlighted on a section of the

FROM TOP: COURTESY KAMARA CEREAL; COURTESY TREVOR DOCHERTY / CEREAL LLC

giving back to the community. Furthermore, Kamara wanted to showcase his personality, as well as New Orleans’ personality, on the box art rather than using a football-themed design. A portion of proceeds from cereal sales is donated to the Children's Bureau of New Orleans, a nonprofit organization that strives to improve the lives of children and families in New Orleans through programming and mental health services. The collectible cereal boxes also feature a side panel that highlights the nonprofit. You can purchase boxes online or inperson at Rouses and other select stores throughout Louisiana. Online, select from a two-pack box option, a two-box back with two collectible stickers, and even an autographed collectible box. Because it is a limited-edition cereal, once Rouses sells out, in stores and online, it will no longer be available, so consider grabbing multiple boxes while you can.

WhereYat.com | March 2022

a Delicious

SWEETBREADS cereal boxes. The Team Hope Foundation supports inner-city youth and elderly through education enrichment and life-advancement opportunities. Online, you can purchase an “Icon Bundle,” which is a two-pack of the collectible boxes that feature photos of Master P. According to Ballou, one box features Percy the athlete, and the other features Percy the business man. Master Crunch is also a limited-edition cereal, but it will be available through 2022, so you have plenty of time to get your hands on a box. Cereal Geaux Cereal Geaux offers healthy, handcrafted cereal options made with organic and fresh ingredients. Priding itself on being “mobile friendly,” cereals are sold by bowl in both a snack-sized, 8-ounce bowl and a meal-sized, 16-ounce bowl. Each comes fully dressed with fresh toppings such as fresh fruits, dark chocolate chips, and organic peanut butter, along with 5.5 ounces of milk served on the side, to add an amount of your liking. The cereal brand came to fruition in August of 2020 during peak COVID lockdown, also the period of founder Rich Simmerman’s final senior semester at Loyola University. He recalled avoiding grocery shopping and, instead, eating two to three bowls of what he thought was “healthy” cereal a day. He quickly noticed a direct weight gain effect. Simmerman explained that, for decades, the cereal industry has used predatory marketing techniques to manipulate consumers and distract from the fact that most cereals on grocery shelves are unhealthy. Furthermore, the industry is slow to adjust to the wants of younger generations. On the contrary, all product development for Cereal Geaux has been research-based. In surveying students at surrounding campuses, Simmerman found that Generation Z cares more about health risks and benefits from digested foods than previous generations. Surveys have also been used to highlight cereal preferences. “When it comes to menu development, it's usually almost entirely driven by the opinions of our target customers,” Simmerman said. Some of Cereal Geaux’s creative and delicious flavors include Bywater Berry Superfood (organic vanilla almond and flaxseed cereal with blueberries, goji berries, chia seeds, and acai powder), Audubon Apple Pie (organic vanilla almond and flaxseed cereal with fresh apple slices, cinnamon dust, and pie spice), and Mid City Mocha Latte (organic chocolate crisp cereal with coffee drizzle, dark chocolate chips, and no-sugar NOLA cold brew blended in). For now, Cereal Geaux products are exclusively available at pop-up events. Although some products will be on Loyola’s campus, they will be open to the general public. Keep up with their website and Instagram account to be notified of upcoming dates. You can also book Cereal Geaux for an event of any size. For example, some Mardi Gras krewe members will be staying fueled with bowls along the routes this year. Simmerman added that the company has been in communication with local bars and establishments about pop ups outside of college campuses. He also looks forward to expanding into grocery markets and making cereals available for online sale in the future. “The ultimate plan is to develop what would be a first of its time, private label, quick service, cereal restaurant for college campuses,” Simmerman explained. He envisions the restaurant to follow in the footsteps of Insomnia Cookies. And as cereal is appropriate for all times of day, there will be an emphasis on both breakfast and late-night dining up until 1 a.m.

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FROM TOP: COURTESY MASTER P CEREAL

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RAISE YOUR GLASSES To Mocktails this Spring By Celeste Turner

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HIBISCUS MIMOSA (Citronola) Ingredients 4 oz Citronola cinnamon and anise tea 1 oz Citronola hibiscus and clove tea Sparkling water Candied orange slice for garnish Preparation Mix Citronola teas into a glass over fresh ice. Add a splash of sparkling water. Garnish with candied orange slice.

community initiatives, it starts on Ash Wednesday when their labs are drawn and then, six weeks later, these measurements are taken again. We encourage participants to challenge themselves to be alcohol free and see how this affects their bodies.” According to Kimball, “Alcohol Free for 40” has opened up the mocktail possibilities and their health benefits. Based on the data collected from the lab work included in the annual challenge,

FROM TOP: PEXELS / ENERGEPICCOM; PROVIDED BY CLAUDIA BENEVENTO OF CITRONOLA

Ringing in the new year with an alcoholfree resolution doesn’t mean you’re stuck drinking plain club soda, thanks to the innovative non-alcoholic drinks available. Any other time your body needs a break from booze, these healthy “mocktails” are diverse and delicious.

“Most people realize that they need an annual reset button after drinking over the holidays,” Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD, a local registered dietitian with Ochsner Health and Founder of Ochsner Eat Fit, said. “In New Orleans, it is such a part of our culture. It is helpful to have other options with zero sugar and without alcohol.” Since 2016, Kimball and her Eat Fit team of dieticians have encouraged participants to give up alcohol for the duration of Lent in the “Alcohol Free For 40” challenge. In this 40-day self-experiment, participants begin their detox with lab work and monitor their body’s responses during the challenge. Anyone interested in the “Alcohol Free for 40” challenge can sign up online and obtain their Eat Fit “Zero Proof Cocktail” recipes, a list of participating restaurants, and events offered in six regions of the state: New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Northshore, Acadiana, Shreveport, and Monroe. “We have seen tremendous growth in our light-hearted challenge ‘Alcohol Free for 40,’” Kimball said. “As one of our

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Kimball reported that participants who maintained a sober lifestyle did see an improvement in their complexion, sleep patterns, and weight loss. Providing healthy alcohol-free options has been the mission of Claudia Benevento, owner of Citronola, a catering beverage company in the New Orleans and surrounding areas. “Back in 2017, I was one month into my sober curious life when I realized that there aren’t many healthy alcohol-free options at parties or restaurants,” Benevento said. “There was soda with lime or unsweetened ice tea. There were other options, but many were very high in sugar. Citronola was born to fill this need.” Originally from Guatemala, Benevento

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referencing the flavorful alcohol-free recipes in her upcoming book, entitled Craft: The Eat Fit Guide to Zero Proof Cocktails. “Our recipes for zero proof spirits rework the alcoholic drink with zero sugar and no alcohol.” Kimball suggested alcohol-free alternatives made with Seedlip, Ritual Zero Proof, or Lyre’s can replace spirits like vodka, whiskey, or gin. “You can use herbal teas, sparkling water, and even bitters to up your game for an alcohol-free drink,” Kimball said. Call me old fashioned, but you may only think that mocktails appeal primarily to people who need to avoid alcohol like diabetics or pregnant women. However, there is a growing awareness in the

FRENCH 75 (Eat Fit Zero Proof Cocktail) The French 75 was named after the French 75-millimeter field gun celebrated for its rapid-fire power. The original, made with cognac—and even its lighter gin-based sister—is a wickedly powerful concoction. This zero-proof version maintains the respect of the original’s potency without knocking you out. Ingredients Makes 1 serving 1 oz. zero proof gin 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon simple syrup (Eat Fit Simple Syrup works well) 4 oz. zero proof sparkling wine Lemon swath, expressed, for garnish Preparation Combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a small shaker tin filled with ice. Shake and double strain into a tall champagne flute. Top with zero proof sparkling wine and garnish with expressed lemon swath.

offers a variety of teas that are Ochsner Eat Fit approved. “I wanted to bring the flavors of hibiscus flower and citrus from Guatemala to New Orleans,” Beveneto said. She indicated that Citronola tea drinks are unsweetened, with 100% natural ingredients, and caffeine free. Citronola has supplied these natural and healthy refreshments with the participants of “Alcohol Free for 40” for the past four years. Benevento added, “The teas are particularly good for people with diabetes, people looking to limit calories, or those who want to follow a low sugar diet such as keto, paleo, and AIP (Auto-Immune Protocol) diet.” The actual term, mock cocktails, surfaced in the early 1900s and was looked upon as festive, non-alcoholic party drinks. Today, the emerging trend of “mocktails” trades your typical alcoholic beverage for one without alcohol. “We use mixers like hibiscus tea, kombucha, simple syrups, and coconut milk for creamy cocktails,” Kimball said,

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general public of the potential health issues associated with excessive drinking. Research has shown that excessive alcohol consumption can cause intestinal inflammation and possibly lead to organ damage. “I think the pandemic has helped people focus on their health and habits,” Benevento, a mother of three daughters and a triathlete, said. “I can talk from my experience. I decided to remove sugar from my diet, and that means alcohol. Being sober gave me more energy for exercise. I could see the difference in my running.” Benevento also found support and camaraderie in the global networking of Facebook and other social media. “There is a big community of sober curious on Instagram sharing their stories and mocktails,” Benevento said. “It is fun to connect and share recipes.” So let’s drink about it and try out a few of these tasty mocktail recipes for a healthier version of you, no matter what month it is.

PROVIDED FROM: FRENCH 75 CRAFT THE EAT FIT GUIDE TO ZERO PROOF COCKTAIL, HOPE FRUGE

Pro Tip: The lemon juice really fizzes up the sparkling wine. Tilt the champagne flute as you pour the sparkling wine to keep it from overflowing.

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ON THE FLIP SIDE: The Flat-Out Truth About Pancakes

By Kathy Bradshaw

VISUAL STORIES / MICHEILE ODF / UNSPLASH

Whoever said that the Earth is flat may have been viewing the world with a pancake perspective. These flat yet puffy delicacies are indeed a global phenomenon. Whether it’s French crepes, Russian blinis, or German potato latkes, pancakes in both sweet and savory varieties are popular around the world. They don’t call it the “International” House of Pancakes for nothing.

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verses about them. Shakespeare wrote pancakes into his plays. In 1999, a man ran an entire marathon while flipping a pancake the whole time. Thomas Jefferson was known to have an affinity for them, but then so does Kylie Jenner, as well as 93% of the entire American population. As a matter of fact, approximately 25% of Americans eat pancakes weekly, and overall, 700,000 pancakes are consumed around the world every year. Baking soda was invented in 1846. Before that, many people allegedly used snow to make pancakes rise. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that pancake recipes called for milk or cream. Up until that point, pancakes were made with brandy or wine instead. Around the same time, maple syrup became the go-to accompaniment for pancakes, IHOP Cupcake Pancakes and by 2014, the U.S. was producing 3.17 million gallons of the sticky pancake topper (enough to fill the Audubon Aquarium’s main tank eight And here in the U.S., pancakes are a breakfast staple, times). Another crucial moment in hotcake history although they also seem to be doing increasingly well as revolutionized the pancake forever: Bisquick was a lunch or dinner option, drunken late-night snack, or an invented in 1931, and pancakes would never be the anytime treat. Pancakes can be made with everything from same again. buttermilk to blueberries to Bisquick, then topped with the It’s a tradition to prepare and eat pancakes classic butter and maple syrup, or more creative ingredients on Mardi Gras Day, to use up all the decadent such as pecans, chocolate chips, and bananas. ingredients in the kitchen before the restrictions of Here's a look at the history of this vertically challenged Lent make you forego such indulgences. Fat Tuesday cake, along with several places around town to get pancakes is therefore also sometimes known as Pancake Day, that really stack up. You too will be seeing the world through but National Pancake Day is officially held on March pancake-colored glasses in no time flat. Ruby Slipper Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes 1 and again on September 26. Step aside, king cake. Also known as hotcakes, flapjacks, johnnycakes, and Not just a flash in the pan, these pancakes will and White Chocolate Bread Pudding griddle cakes, pancakes date back thousands of years. In fact, go down in the annals of pancake-dom: The largest there’s possible evidence of them as early as 30,000 years pancake ever was made in England in 1994. It was ago, and one of the first pancakes ever made was found in the 49 feet, 3 inches in diameter (about the length of gut of Otzi the Iceman, a 5,300-year-old mummy pulled from a glacier in the Alps. a semi-truck), weighed 6,614 pounds (the approximate weight of a baby blue whale), The term pancake itself first came into common usage in the 1400s, and the Oxford and required a crane to flip it. The tallest stack of pancakes was a 3-foot, 4-inch pile of English Dictionary reports that the expression “flat as a pancake” has been describing 200 teetering cakes, and the highest pancake ever flipped flew to over 31 feet in the air. smooth, level, or uninteresting people and things since as far back as 1611. Batter up! Pancakes have held a prominent place throughout history. Ancient Greek poets wrote

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HOT SPOTS FOR HOTCAKES Here’s a list of some of the best pancakes around New Orleans that you’re sure to flip for. These flat beauties won’t leave you flat. Stack the odds of finding your favorite stack by checking out every one of these places. Try one pancake or several—go on, take the cakes. Perhaps some of the most popular pancakes in New Orleans, Paladar 511’s lemon ricotta pancakes sell like hotcakes. Served only during weekend brunch, these light and lemony pancakes have almost a custard-like texture and come with whipped butter, warm maple syrup, and a side of house-made blueberry compote. People simply rave about them, giving them descriptors such as “pillowy,” “as big as your head,” and “the best pancakes in the world.” It’s all in the name. Betsy’s Pancake House naturally knows pancakes, and theirs are flat-out delicious. They’re soft and fluffy and come in a variety of flavors, such as pecan or banana Æbleskivers at Toast pecan, chocolate chip, and buckwheat. Betsy’s also offers pigs in a blanket. Their fruity options include blueberry, strawberry, and apple, and those all come rolled up, stuffed with fruit, and topped Both of the Bearcat Café with Cool Whip. If you prefer your pancakes in smaller doses, Betsy’s also offers silver locations offer regular, vegan, dollar pancakes, or you can order a single cake for just two bucks. and gluten-free (aka “paleo”) Betsy's Ruby Slipper is bringing New Orleans-style breakfast far beyond the Big Easy with pancakes, but if you want Chocolate locations throughout the Gulf South and even as far away as Chattanooga, Charleston, a pancake that you’ll never Chip and and Charlotte. They offer so many pancake varieties here that finding cakes everyone forget, try the chai. Offered can love is a piece of cake. Options include classic buttermilk with cane syrup butter, Banana Nut only at their Uptown locale, bacon praline, cinnamon swirl, and white chocolate bread pudding pancakes, as well Pancakes Bearcat’s chai pancakes “have as a “pancake of the day,” of which blueberry seems to be the regular. Their pancakes all the toasty spice flavor are decadent and gooey and chock full of all kinds of deliciousness. Who needs syrup of a chai latte with sweet when you can have cream cheese icing, white chocolate whiskey sauce, or melty white hints of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and ginger,” Where Y’at food writer and pancake chocolate chips adorning your cakes? connoisseur Kim Ranjbar explained. The candied pecans and pumpkin cream cheese on New Orleanians tend to hate a chain restaurant, but when it comes to pancakes, top complete the pancakes’ fall-like flavor profile, which still tastes good all year round. it’s hard to leave out IHOP. This iconic pancake institution has a plethora of pancakes, Toast serves the one pancake on this list that isn’t flat as a pancake. In fact, their including cupcake pancakes, cheesecake pancakes, chocolate chocolate chip pancakes, æbelskivers aren’t flat at all. These little round balls of pancakey goodness are like the and tres leches pancakes. They even have gluten-free pancakes. Don’t dismiss this place donut holes of the pancake world. Æbelskivers are Danish in origin, and Toast serves just because it’s not an exclusively local joint. We swear on a stack of pancakes that it’s theirs with a sprinkling of powdered sugar and your choice of sauce, such as lemon curd, worth the trip. caramel, or Nutella. If flat falls flat for you, go round.

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GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS IN NEW ORLEANS Full of Flavor By Sabrina Stone

Nowadays, being gluten-free isn’t an impediment to eating deliciously, especially in the Crescent City. There are so many naturally gluten free foods here, as well as restaurants that are happy to make accommodations and substitutions. In fact, there is such an array of tantalizing options that I’ve had to leave some out, brush past a few quickly, and group the others into “bite-sized” categories. It is worth noting that while every place mentioned has scrumptious gluten-free dishes for people with gluten sensitivities, those plates are not necessarily prepared in gluten-free kitchens, and if your allergy is severe, please call the establishments directly for details.

Theo's Neighborhood Pizza – With four locations throughout the city, Theo’s has amazing salads (Caesar, Caprese, Rebo’s Super Soaked with artichoke hearts, Greek, and Sweet Spinach) in addition to its buildyour-own pizzas and vegetarian and vegan specialty pizzas, all available with glutenfree crust. Slice Pizzeria – Slice, on Saint Charles Avenue, has a seemingly endless list of cauliflower crust pizza options and entirely crustless pizza bowls. Choose from Cheese, White, D-Luxe, Meat Lover, Veggie, BBQ Chicken, Margherita, Flying Hawaiian, and Wicked Garden, just to name a few. G’s Tasty Pizza – G’s has an incredible selection of gourmet pizzas with gluten-free crust options for everyone. The Bienville Supreme, Cajun Shrimp, Greek Gyro, Meathead, Green Roots, Pesto, Rainbow, Big Cheesy, Narcissist—it’s hard to decide which one to order. CAJUN/CREOLE While New Orleanians are known for our decadence when it comes to cuisine, we actually offer quite a few gluten-free options at some of our most beloved Cajun and Creole restaurants. Mother’s – Established way back in 1938, Mother’s has developed with the times.

Realizing that gluten wasn’t necessary in many of their staple dishes, they now have an entirely gluten-free designated menu, which includes major favorites like calamari, fried catfish, corned beef, dirty rice, French fries, jambalaya, potato salad, and grilled oysters. Don’s Seafood – All of the gluten free items on Don’s menu are clearly marked, and there’s an abundance of them: broiled gulf shrimp with bacon, jalapeños and pepper jack cheese, blackened alligator, charbroiled oysters with garlic butter and Romano cheese, several salads, boiled shrimp, grilled salmon, blackened redfish, marinated chicken, and even a hearty 12 oz. aged ribeye with a salad and stuffed potato. Etouffée – On their website, right at the top, Etoufée has the most glorious phrase: “Any [menu] item can be fried with Gluten Free Fish Fry.” There was a time when a statement like that would have been unheard of, but nowadays a world of possibilities has opened up to people with gluten intolerance. You can order to your heart’s content. Fried soft-shell crab, golden fried shrimp, thin fried catfish, hushpuppies, fried bacon wrapped shrimp, fried stuffed shrimp. The world is your gluten free fried oyster. ASIAN There are so many gluten-free items in Asian cuisine that it’s hard to go wrong going that route. Between pho, bun, sushi, spring rolls, flat rice noodles, and poke, I always know I'll have options at a Japanese, Vietnamese, or Thai restaurant. There are far too many wonderful places in the city to include, but here are a few of my favorites.

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Sake Cafe – At this sushi restaurant on Magazine Street, the edamame, chicken spring rolls, seaweed salad, and sushi without snow crab or soy sauce are all gluten free. LemonShark Poke – This chain, where you build your bowls one ingredient at a time, can easily accommodate most dietary restrictions. Everything except the wontons, soba noodles, surimi salad, and the sauces are gluten free. Pho Noi Viet – This family run place is delicious. The majority of their menu is diet appropriate. Select from their pho, bun, pad thai, or rice dish sections, all with a plethora of toppings. Secret Thai – It’s worth the drive out to Chalmette for Secret Thai’s Drunken Noodles and Pad See Ew alone. Their food is consistently yummy and their portions are enormous. SEAFOOD Deanie’s Seafood Kitchen – With multiple locations and catering options throughout the city, Deanie’s has a comprehensive, designated gluten-free menu that includes broiled crawfish tails and crab claws, boiled crawfish, crabs, and shrimp, raw oysters on the half shell, shrimp and crab remoulade, several salads, and other lunch and dinner entrees. Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar – Superior has a full-length gluten-free menu that includes flourless chocolate cake and creme brûlée to top off your happy hour oysters. With blackened, grilled, and pan seared fish,

chicken, steak and bacon wrapped shrimp, risotto, salads, and ceviche, no one in your party will go hungry. Casamento’s – When Casamento’s opened in 1919, it’s unlikely that they served glutenfree beer in mason jars, but they do now, and all of their seafood is proudly fried in cornmeal. This is a menu where you truly don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health. BRUNCH Red Gravy – Breakfast Spaghetti might not be a regular brunch staple but when the gluten free noodles are handmade and smothered in sausage, ricotta, and sunny side-up eggs, it should be. In addition to that, Red Gravy’s Tuscan style shrimp and polenta, as well as the shrimp and grits with sausage, peas, cream, meatball omelet, and ricotta, makes this menu richly irresistible. HiVolt – HiVolt is a Lower Garden Gem. Their deliciously strong coffee drinks are best paired with their Cobb, Curry Chicken, or Mean Greens salads, as well as their polenta squares, roasted warm vegetable garden mix, Ozzy Eggs Benedict, and quinoa breakfast bowl. Bearcat Cafe – With their “Good Cat” and “Bad Cat” menus, Bearcat’s Freret and CBD locations have a creative take on gluten-free dishes. House made yogurt and chia puddings, crisp potatoes with gluten free mornay sauce, paleo pancakes, tofu scrambles, and corn tortilla burritos are some plates to look forward to.

FOX

PIZZA Yes, gluten-free pizza is finally something you can enjoy when you’re out at dinner with friends, and it’s nearly as satisfying as the real thing.

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REFRESHING COCKTAILS To Mix at Home this Spring Season

Whenever I go out for a cocktail and ask the bartender for a drink recommendation, I usually ask for the same type: “Do you have anything on the lighter and floral side?”

Even in the dead of fall and winter, I request the same. With that said, I absolutely love springtime because I don’t feel so “offseason” enjoying my favorite flavors. I may not always have the energy or budget to get up and out to a bar, but I’m always up for a refreshing cocktail. In those moments, I opt to mix one (or a few) up in the comfort of my own home. I’d recommend investing in some pretty edible flowers to feel even closer to being at a real deal craft cocktail bar, such as the flowers by Jo Jo’s Garden, which is owned by Jo LaRocca. Many of the recipes below call for pretty specific syrups. Although local liquor stores (my go-to is Martin’s Wine Cellar) sell specialty syrups that may be more convenient, making your own syrup at home can be easy and just as fun and rewarding as making the cocktail itself. As shown in the lavender simple syrup recipe below, only three ingredients are required: water, sugar, and edible flower, fruit, or herb.

Boozy Spring Mimosas 46

If you’re like me, you may love the sweetness that juice brings to a mimosa but may not necessarily love having to sacrifice a fourth to a half a glass of champagne to make room for juice. My solution: syrup instead of juice. You get the same yummy

Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

sweetness but get to retain close to a full glass of bubbly. It’s a win-win. Depending on sweetness preference, simply add anywhere from a quarter to a full ounce of your favorite fruity or floral syrup or liquor to a close-tofull glass of champagne, and voila.

CAMILLE BARNETT

By Camille Barnett

WhereYat.com | March 2022

Violette 75 Take everyone’s favorite, the French 75, and add a hint of crème de violette for beautiful color and floral flavor. INGREDIENTS: • 1.5 ounces of gin • 1 ounce of lemon juice • ½ ounce of crème de violette • ¼ ounce of simple syrup • Brut champagne • Lemon twist for garnish

Lavender Simple Syrup

INGREDIENTS: • 1 cup of water • 1 cup of white sugar • 1 tablespoon of fresh lavender blossoms

329 DECATUR STREET • 504-373-4852 Cajun Cookin Makes You Good Lookin’! Lookin’ evangelineneworleans.com

@evangelineneworleans

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evangline.nola

DIRECTIONS: • Combine water, sugar, and lavender blossoms in a small saucepan. • Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar dissolves. • Simmer for one minute. • Remove from heat and let the syrup steep for about 30 minutes. • To remove lavender blossoms, strain the syrup into a glass container and save.

Lavender Lemon Drop Lemon drops are always a personal favorite when I’m craving something both boozy and refreshing. A hint of lavender adds just the perfect springtime flare. INGREDIENTS: 2 ounces of vodka 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 ounce of lavender syrup Lavender or lemon peel for garnish DIRECTIONS: • Place all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until cold. • Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. • Garnish with a fresh lavender spring or lemon peel.

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DIRECTIONS: • Combine all ingredients (gin, crème de violette, and lemon juice), excluding the champagne, in a shaker. Shake until cold. • Strain into a champagne flute and top with champagne. • Add a twist of lemon to garnish.

Chamomile Tea Cocktail This one requires some well-worth-it prep for chamomile-infused vodka. Consider using the leftovers to experiment with other cocktails. INGREDIENTS: • Chamomile-infused Vodka Ingredients: • 250 ml vodka • 3-4 chamomile tea bags (or 3 tablespoons of loose Chamomile if available) COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS: • 2 ounces of chamomile-infused vodka • 1 ounce of lemon juice • 1 tablespoon of honey (2 tablespoons for a sweeter cocktail) • Lemon peel or loose chamomile for garnish DIRECTIONS: For vodka: • Combine vodka and loose tea in a glass container and cover tightly.

• • • • •

Shake occasionally and steep for 12 hours. Get rid of chamomile remains by straining the infused vodka into a separate container for saving. For cocktail: Pour all ingredients (vodka, lemon juice, and honey) over ice and stir thoroughly. Garnish with loose chamomile and/or lemon slices.

Hibiscus Jalapeno Margarita

PRESENTS THE

46th Annual

ALL IMAGES: CAMILLE BARNETT

DEPRESSION GLASS AND VINTAGE COLLECTABLES SHOW AND SALE Sweet and floral meets spicy with this delicious margarita. Consider strawberry or watermelon syrups for a fruity-spicy combination too. INGREDIENTS: • 2 ounces of tequila • 1 ounce of triple sec • 1 ounce of lime juice • 1 ounce of hibiscus syrup • 1 jalapeno, sliced • Salt for rim (optional)

LENTEN MENU AVAILABLE AS WELL AS VEGETARIAN, VEGAN, AND GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS

March 12 - 13

DIRECTIONS: • Combine tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and hibiscus syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until cold (tip: for even more of kick, muddle a few jalapeno slices at the bottom of the shaker before adding ice and ingredients). • Salt margarita glass rim. • Pour from shaker, over ice, and top with jalapeno slices.

Admission is $8 Good for BOTH DAYS! $1.00 off with Ad Pontchartrain Center on Williams Blvd. CrescentCityGlass.org

715 St. Charles Ave. • 381-0045 LeChatNoirNola.com • Resy

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Grapefruit Mint Mojito Mojitos are light, fizzy, and refreshing. Add some extra freshness with a hint of grapefruit for a perfect spring cocktail. INGREDIENTS: • 6 fresh mint leaves • 1 tablespoon of lime juice • 1 tablespoon of simple syrup • 2 ounces of white rum • 3 ounces of grapefruit juice • 2 ounces of club soda • Grapefruit wedge for garnish

Rose Paloma Have a try at this light, simple, and refreshing spin on a paloma. Nothing screams spring quite like the flavor of rose. INGREDIENTS: • 2 ounces of silver tequila • 2 ounces of grapefruit juice • 1 ounce of rose syrup • 2 ounces of ginger ale • 1 ounce of lime juice • Dried rose petals and/or lime wedge for garnish

• • •

DIRECTIONS: In a shaker, combine tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and rose syrup. Shake with ice until cool. Pour over ice and top with sparkling water. Garnish with a lime wedge and/or rose petals.

DIRECTIONS: • In a cocktail shaker, muddle mint leaves, simple syrup, and lime juice together. • Pour grapefruit juice and white rum into the shaker. • Add ice and shake until cold. • Strain into an ice-filled serving glass and top with club soda. • Garnish with grapefruit wedges and/or any remaining mint leaves.

EST. 2017

MON - THU 11:30 AM TO 9 PM FRI - SAT 11:30 AM TO 10 PM SUN 10:30 AM TO 3 PM HAPPY HOUR, MON - FRI 3 TO 6 PM

5015 Magazine Street | 504-267-7612 | TitosCevichePisco.com

COME TRY

Pie!

Now Serving Wine & Beer!

4714 Freret St. ✺ windowsillpiesnola.com ✺ 504-381-4953 50

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ALL IMAGES: CAMILLE BARNETT

OUR

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By Michelle Nicholson

Salty, crispy, fluffy—and with all that soul-satisfying starch—a perfectly fried potato is perhaps one of life’s universal pleasures. It’s probably why they appear on menus everywhere, from diners and fast-food chains to the white linen tabletops of Antoine’s.

THE GREAT HUNT

But anyone who has a gluten sensitivity knows that few restaurants offer perfectly gluten-free fried potatoes, thanks to cross-contamination. In fact, in the New Orleans metro area, there is exactly five venues serving up truly gluten-free French fries. 5. SUPERIOR SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR Located on the corner of St. Charles and Napoleon, Superior Seafood and Oyster Bar is the closest location for anyone in or around the Uptown area to scarf down some gluten-free French fries. Hand-cut and served bistro-style with a saucière full of ketchup, a side order of French fries here will set you back $7. 4. DEANIE’S SEAFOOD A local legacy, Deanie’s Seafood has held down its corner of Bucktown, in Metairie, for over 40 years. Now, they have locations in the French Quarter and the Garden District. Deanie’s fries are standard fare—the frozen fries we have come to love and expect from every diner across the U.S. All of Deanie’s seafood plates and platters come served on a mound of their gluten-free French fries, and a side of fries costs a mere $4. 3. THE CATCH A hidden gem in the metro area, The Catch is located in Cleary Village—and only open for lunch, Tuesday-Saturday. However, making special plans to make a special trip to catch them while they're open is highly recommended. At $3.25 an order, their crinkle cut fries are the most affordable and possibly the best you’ll ever have—extra crispy and beautifully golden. And they pair outstandingly with the lemon butter sauce that comes with their blackened fish dishes.

For Truly Gluten-Free French Fries 52

Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

1. FIVE GUYS Five Guys takes their French fry game so seriously, they prominently display the origin of “Today’s Potatoes” next to the register each day. Five Guys’ French fries are prepared the old-fashioned way: freshly hand-cut, soaked to remove the excess starch, and dipped in dedicated fryers full of peanut oil. Theirs is the quintessential French fry. Orders of “Five Guys Style” fries come lightly salted, while their “Cajun Style” fries come coated in a tasty seasoned salt—not too picante, but certainly spicy with paprika, garlic, and celery seed. Five Guys is also the most economical place to get gluten-free French fries around town. A large order (practically a mountain of French fries) only costs $6. And with locations in Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Tammany Parishes, Five Guys may be the most convenient place to scoop up gluten-free fries as well.

JAY GAJJAR / UNSPLASH

2. CAPULET Nestled quietly away on Dauphine Street in the Bywater, Capulet offers something special in the way of glutenfree French fries. For $4, patrons can choose between four different flavors of shoestring fries: traditional salt & pepper, cheesy nutritional yeast, lip-smacking salt & vinegar, and umami-popping furikake. And since French fries are not only perfect on their own and also serve as the perfect platform for all sorts of condiments, Capulet’s serves three housemade aiolis for their fries, including a traditional garlic, spicy ranch, and funky gochujang. How could Capulet’s offering of French fries get even better? Try them out for Happy Hour, Monday-Thursday between 4 and 6 p.m., when heaping plates full are only $1 each.

CELE

BRAT

ING

YEAR

Thank You For Your Continued Support!

This historic estate offers a glimpse into life in the 1800’s through the guided tour and the original artwork and artifacts throughout the mansion. 38 acres of the South’s most beautiful gardens surround the estate offering brightly colored florals year round. Restaurants and a boutique Inn are also available for spending the day or night at Houmas House. Save time to visit The Great River Road Museum which explores life along the Mississippi River in the 1800's. 40136 Hwy 942 | Darrow, LA 70725 www.HoumasHouse.com

705 Common St | 504.595.5605 | hotelindigo.com/frenchquarter

3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.17 3.18 3.19 3.20 3.24 3.25 3.26 3.27 3.31 4.1

Book Your Next Private Party Here! LIVE MUSIC

10pm - The Soul Rebels 11pm - The Talismen (jam/rock) 11pm - Grits & Greens (blues/rock) 8pm - Dr. Lo Faber (country/blues) 10pm - The Soul Rebels 11pm - Sheephead (Jay Dufour–jam/rock) 12am - Funk Band 8pm - Dr. Lo Faber (country/blues) 10pm - The Soul Rebels 10pm - Smoker’s World (funk/soul) TBA 8pm - Dr. Lo Faber (country/blues) 10pm - Magnetic Ear Brass Band TBA TBA 8pm - Dr. Lo Faber (country/blues) 10pm - Magnetic Ear Brass Band 11pm - Slugger (fusion/neo soul)

KITCHEN OPEN 11 AM – 10 PM DAILY Join Us for Great Burgers, Sandwiches, & Sides!

WhereYat.com | March 2022

$20 AND UNDER

Way back in the day, Ireland had plenty of cattle, but they were valued for their milk production and strength for farming, pulling wagons, etc. Beef was only on the menu when the cattle became too old or were injured, not only because beef was ridiculously expensive, but because the Irish (back then) saw cows as a symbol of wealth and prosperity, and the Celtic druids considered them to be sacred. Both before and after the Potato Famine of 1845, over a million Irish emigrated to America in order to find a better life, and even though their situations improved somewhat, they were still relegated to living among the poorer (ie. Italian and Jewish) communities in the States. Interestingly enough, it was this unique combination of cultures that led to the St. Paddy's Day custom we know and love today. Due to its similarity in flavor to bacon, the Irish began purchasing corned beef or salt beef from their Jewish neighborhood butcher shops, and thus the Irish American tradition began. As anyone who has experienced St. Patrick's Day in New Orleans can attest, the Irish American culture is alive and well. Folks down here are as enthusiastic about the many St. Paddy's parades and celebrations as they are about Mardi Gras and that includes the copious consumption of corned beef. If you're looking for a place to enjoy a corned beef sandwich, or perhaps seeking a corned beef brisket to take home and prepare with all of the fixings you caught at the parade, there's plenty to choose from.

Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

Feeding an Irish-American Tradition: Corned Beef By Kim Ranjbar

Probably the most ubiquitous of corned beef preparations is the Reuben sandwich, and Buffa's Bar & Restaurant is an excellent (though lesser known) spot to score one. Found on the edge of the French Quarter, Buffa's has been on the corner of Esplanade and Burgundy for over 80 years. Along with live, local music and affordable libations, Buffa's has a great menu featuring everything from fried green beans and alligator meatballs to chicken wings and their special bratwurst jambalaya. As you may have guessed, they also offer an incredible Reuben. Their own house made corned beef is thinly sliced and piled onto grilled rye bread with sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, and melty Swiss. Over in the Lower Garden District on Magazine Street, Stein's Market & Deli has not been around as long as Buffa's, but is widely known to serve a killer sandwich. Philadelphia native and owner Dan Stein has been slinging sandwiches (and a whole lot more) in New Orleans since 2007. His Jewish/Italian deli orders cured meats, cheeses, and other products from all over the world, resulting in the creation of lunchtime specialties to rave about. Along with New York bagels loaded with cream cheese and lox, tuna melts, and caprese hoagies, Stein's offers several corned beef sandwiches, including the famed Reuben. The beef, shipped in from State National or Old World, is thinly sliced and grilled, and piled high on rye with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing for $13.99. The deli also offers a regular corned beef sandwich (add pastrami if you'd like) with cheese

KIM RAMJBAR

Digging into food origins can tell you a lot about history, including revealing some of our widely-held misconceptions. Take for example the belief that for centuries, the Irish have celebrated St. Patrick's Day by devouring plates of corned beef and cabbage. Like most customs, the truth is far more convoluted and more interesting.

WhereYat.com | March 2022

ALL PHOTOS: KIM RANJBAR

Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

of your choice, and a corned beef special is available on Wednesdays where the raw corned beef is steamed in house that morning. You can also purchase corned beef from the deli case if you're looking to take some home for your own creations.

While Parkway Bakery is known for their po-boys, it's also a great spot to score a stellar corned beef sandwich. Located on the Bayou St. John, this old-school, neighborhood restaurant has been around since 1911, and now (thanks to Goldbelly)

you can enjoy their goods all over the country. Parkway orders raw corned brisket from the Vienna Beef Company in Chicago, which is steamed, sliced, and served with sauerkraut and Swiss on thick cut rye bread with Thousand Island dressing. In Mid-City, just a block from Norman C. Francis Parkway, Piece of Meat is a relatively new meatery owned and operated by Leighann Smith and Daniel Jackson. Working closely with farmers dedicated to treating their animals humanely, the duo offers a nose-to-tail butcher shop with high quality meats. The fact that they feature a menu that includes sandwiches, rib plates, and charcuterie is just the marbling on the beef—so to speak. Not only can you purchase house-cured corned beef by the pound, Piece of Meat also has a killer sandwich dubbed “The Reverend,” made with thickly sliced corned beef, spicy brown mustard, and pickled cabbage on rye. They've also been known to offer specials such as a corned beef loaded bagel and corned beef hash. Wrapping things up, the famous Warehouse District restaurant Mother's deserves an honorable mention. Though they have removed their corned beef from the regular menu, Mother's still offers corned beef specials twice a year–corned beef and black-eyed peas during New Year's and corned beef with cabbage on St. Patrick's Day. The restaurant orders their beef already “corned” and it is then cooked and sliced in house. While many cooks steam their corned beef, Mother's braises theirs low and slow in a pan with onions, garlic, black peppercorns, thyme, and whole cloves.

WhereYat.com | March 2022

FOOD NEWS

By Kim Ranjbar

THAT'S SLAPPIN' … Michigan-born newcomer Chad Barlow has just recently begun sizzling beef at Marie's Bar in the Marigny, launching a pop-up or kitchen installment dubbed Slap Burger. Barlow is offering his version of the all-popular smash-style burger with a crisply-seared ground beef patty, thick-cut dill pickles, sauteed onions, American cheese, and his secret “slap sauce” on a buttered and toasted brioche bun. Burgers and sandwiches (he also offers a killer grilled cheese) come with a side of potato chips and Barlow's late grandfather's fire cream cheese dip. 2483 Burgundy St., @originalslapburger

Uptown. He's also apparently spreading it all the way to the West Coast with another opening on the way in Portland, Oregon. All of your favorites from Metairie are available at the Uptown locale with banh mi, or Vietnamese po-boys, made with ham, pork belly, lemongrass Gulf shrimp, honey sriracha shrimp, chicken katsu, and an amazing steak and egg combo with caramelized onions and pork pâté. 3244 Magazine St., @banh.mi.boys.uptown

FEELIN' FRUITY? … Coming all the way from the Jersey Shore, super-food concept Playa Bowls just opened a location in Metairie. With over 120 locations nationwide, DOUBLING DOWN … Chef/owner Than “Lin” Regules and this acai and pitaya bowl restaurant has finally made its her husband Alex, the masterminds behind the Burmese way to the GNO (there's even one in Baton Rouge). Along and Malaysian-food stall Laksa NOLA, are now doubling with smoothies, coffees, and even poke, Playa Bowls your dining pleasure with the launch of Lin Sushi & Poke at feature healthful bowls loaded with fruits, nuts, and coconut St. Roch Market. Not only does the new spot offer sushi, flakes atop pure acai purees, oatmeal, and pitaya, a.k.a. sashimi, and poke (obviously), you can also score Tonkatsu dragon fruit. While they will likely never beat out the need Ramen and “Sushirritos,” or sushi burritos—a sheet of nori for a po-boy, it's certainly a healthier option and one stuffed with rice, cucumber, avocado, fried onion, and a that could be a real winner, especially when the weather choice of salmon, crab, tuna, or shrimp—perfect for a grab- heats up this spring. 730 Veterans Memorial Blvd., @ n-go lunch. 2381 St. Claude Ave., @linsushiandpoke @ playabowlsmetairie st.rochmarket MAKING MIDNIGHT COOL AGAIN … Just recently, a MI OH MY! … A new Vietnamese restaurant recently new craft cocktail bar Midnight Revival blossomed inside opened up inside University Medical Center dubbed Bao Mi. the renovated and re-imagined Frenchmen Hotel. The Though pho is not on the menu, almost everything else is, bar menu features both classic and tropical libations and from spring rolls and banh mi to vermicelli bowls and bao. live, local music. “The spirit of this city makes you feel like They also feature street food items such as bulgogi fries the night is always young, and we want everyone—from and something they call “C-Asian Street Corn”—crab-boil first-time visitors to seasoned revelers—to manifest that corn-on-the-cob with lime mayo, Chinese sausage, and Thai magic each time they raise a glass in Midnight Revival,” chilies. Bao Mi is open Monday through Friday from 10:30 said Robert Thompson, founder and CEO of Angevin & Co., a.m. to 7 p.m. 2000 Tulane Ave., @baomi_nola which purchased The Frenchmen Hotel in June 2021. 417 Frenchmen St., @midnightrevivalnola SPEAKIN’ OF BANH MI … New Orleans native Chef Peter Nguyen is spreading the banh mi love with the launch SIPPIN' IN THE SHADE … Mark Latter, founder of Latter of Banh Mi Boys’ second location on Magazine Street in Hospitality Group, has recently transformed the space that

Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

☘

D O W N T H E H AT C H

☘

BAR AND GRILL

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: ST. ROCH MARKET ; KIM RAMNJBAR; COURTESY LE CHAT NOIR

DELIV E AVAIL RY ABLE

formerly housed the Claret Wine & Cocktail Bar into—wait for it—another bar. Appropriately dubbed the Bower Bar, the space has the same “lush look and feel of the Bower with living green walls and plants from locally-owned landscape architects Luna Botanicals.” Under the direction of Beverage Director Mickey Mullins, the cocktail program features “field-to-glass” cocktails like the “Bower Sour” with bourbon, hibiscus syrup, and aquafaba or the “51 Problems,” a beet infused mezcal combined with passion fruit, lime, demarara sugar, and smoked salt. Guests of the Bower Bar can also enjoy dining from The Bower's menu, created by talented chef Marcus Woodham. 1320 Magazine St., @bowerbarnola MARKET TO MARKET … Talented chef Manish Patel has left Auction House Market to open Tava NOLA inside his own brick and mortar in the South Market District. Located in the space that formerly housed Aglio on O'Keefe Avenue, fans of Patel's cuisine cannot get enough of his killer kati

rolls, flavorful dosa, and that incredible Bombay Sandwich made with masala potatoes, cheese, and tamarind and mint chutney. 611 O'Keefe Ave., @tavanola CROSSING YOUR PATH … Le Chat Noir was once a super cool, cabaret theater. Only a few doors down from Herbsaint, the theater was converted into Marcello’s Wine Bar & Restaurant in 2013, but closed after the recent shutdowns and relocated to the Northshore. Just recently, Le Chat Noir came to life once again, but this time the black cat is a Bearcat. James Reuter, the founder of the incredibly stellar Bearcat restaurants, has launched what will likely be another winner with Lake Charles-born chef Seth Temple at the helm. Though veggiefocused, farm-to-table dishes like roasted carrots with ricotta and Hakurei turnips with candied Meyerquats have us rubbing our hands together with glee, we're equally excited about the Crabfat Agnolotti and Seth’s Secret Pudding with fernet caramel and fresh-baked madeleine. 715 St. Charles Ave., @lechatnoirnola

1921 SOPHIE WRIGHT PL. DOG FRIENDLY PATIO SEATING (504) 522-0909 • DownTheHatchNola.com WhereYat.com | March 2022

DE CA TU R

Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

.. ST E ZIN GA A M

IR ISH C HANNEL MISSISSIPPI R I VER

RIVERSHACK'S ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARTY

PAT O'BRIEN'S ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARTY

GATTUSO'S ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARTY

ST. JOSEPH'S DAY CELEBRATION

3449 River Rd., New Orleans Thu., March 17; 11 a.m. – 12 a.m. 435 Huey P Long Ave., Gretna Thu., March 17; 11 a.m. – ‘til

718 St Peter, New Orleans Thu., March 17; 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.

French Market, 700-1010 Decatur St. Sat., March 19; 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

ITALIAN-AMERICAN ST. JOSEPH'S PARADE IN THE FRENCH QUARTER Convention Center Blvd. & Girod St. Sat., March 19; 6 p.m.

LOUISIANA IRISH-ITALIAN PARADE (METAIRIE) Starts at Veterans & Houma Blvd. Sun., March 20; Noon

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

SUPER SUNDAY

A.L. Davis Park (at Washington and LaSalle) Sun., March 20; Noon

MAPS: STAFF ILLUSTRATIONS

HILTON NEW ORLEANS

MISSISSIPPI R I VER

TCHOUPITOULAS ST. .

ST ..

RO YA LS T. .

CH AR TR ES ST ..

BO UR BO N

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BA SIN N. RA ST. . MP AR TS T. . 60

JACKSON SQUARE

AQUARIUM OF THE AMERICAS

JULIA ST.

.. AVE

CA NA LS T. . TUL AN EA VE ..

LAFAYETTE CEMETERY NO. 1

NA ISIA LOU

OR LE AN SS T. .

Starts at Burgundy & Piety Streets Fri, March 11; 6:30 p.m.

E. AV

3701 Banks St., New Orleans, LA 70119 Thu., March 17; 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

DOWNTOWN IRISH CLUB PARADE

N SO CK JA

FINN McCOOL'S ST. PATRICK'S DAY BLOCK PARTY

.. AVE

1107 Decatur St., New Orleans Fri., March 11; 6p.m.

NA ISIA LOU

MOLLY'S AT THE MARKET IRISH PARADE

Starts at 1901 Severn Ave., Metairie Sun., March 13; Noon

MAGA ZINE ST.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE ON METAIRIE ROAD

2604 Magazine St., New Orleans Sat., March 12; 11 a.m. – ‘til

POYD RAS S T.

AV E. .

Corner of Magazine & Felicity Streets Sat., March 12; 2 p.m.

TRACEY'S BLOCK PARTY

BI EN VIL LE ST ..

T. . ES L L SA LA

IRISH CHANNEL PARADE

2533 Constance St., New Orleans Sat., March 12; 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

ST .C HA RL ES

PARASOL'S BLOCK PARTY

LAKESIDE2RIVERSIDE

UPCOMING FESTIVALS & EVENTS

NEW ORLEANS HOME & GARDEN SHOW March 11-13 | Caesars Superdome neworleanshomeshows.com

The 65th New Orleans Home & Garden Show will be hosted at the Caesars Superdome. More than 160 exhibitors will be there to showcase bedding, lumber, floors, glass, furniture, pools, etc. It is a good event to learn more about homecare, as well as gardening. Experts will answer any questions you may have from roofs to flooring with your home or apartment. It will start at 12 p.m. on March 11 and 10 a.m. on the other two days. Tickets will be available at the Caesars Superdome box office, which is located to the right of the entrance on Poydras Street and Sugar Bowl Drive.

BALLET HISPÁNICO

The Ballet Hispánico is a lovely dance group that celebrates Latino culture and brings the community together. Not only is the group celebrating its 50th anniversary, Ballet Hispánico is coming to New Orleans to present its newest ballet Doña Perón: The Rise and Fall of a Diva. The ballet explores the life and legacy of feminist and activist Eva “Evita” Perón, who served as the First Lady of Argentina during the military dictatorship of her husband Juan Perón. The performance is for 8 p.m. and tickets can be purchased at the New Orleans Ballet Association’s website.

NEW ORLEANS AIR SHOW

March 19-20 | Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans | neworleansairshow.com The New Orleans Air Show is a performance, done by professional pilots, that’s not to be missed. Multiple engines will be flying to show the public how powerful and impressive aircrafts can be. The demonstration will include torque rolls, deafening noise, speed, colorful airplane schemes, etc. The super talented U.S. Navy Blue Angels will be performing at the show, as well as renowned pilot Jesse Panzer. Panzer started flying when she was 18 years old and earned her aeronautical science degree at EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ. Both parking and admission to the show are free.

LA CRAWFISH FESTIVAL

March 17-20 | Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center louisianacrawfishfestival.com Who doesn’t want to try crawfish? When it comes to visiting New Orleans, crawfish is a must try and this festival is your best occasion. The festival is located in St. Bernard Parish and there will be live music, tons of food, handmade crafts, amusement rides, and more. Tickets can be purchased online or at the doors of the Sigur Civic Center. All funds raised from the festival will go back into the community in different capacities. Oh, and, by the way, leave your dog at home. No pets are allowed except for approved service animals.

Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

BOURBON FEST

March 23-26 | Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans Marriott Canal Street neworleansbourbonfestival.com The Bourbon Festival is here to celebrate all things whiskey. The festival is engaged in the community by giving back to benefit the welfare of children. Bourbon Fest is an occasion to try a good quality whiskey and just spend some good time with your friends and family–or by yourself. During these couple of days, you will be able to learn more about distilleries, as well as highlight the accomplishments of women in the bourbon industry. Judges will

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: OFFICIAL NAVY PAGE FROM UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / JOSHUA T. RODRIGUEZ/U.S. NAVY; BOURBON FESTIVAL; LOUISIANA CRAWFISH FESTIVAL

March 12 | Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts nobadance.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 26TH FREE ENTRY

SAINT JOSEPHINE PRESENTS

CRESCENT PARK 100 MANDEVILLE ST. DOORS OPEN AT 11AM

WELCOME PARADE BY FLAG BOY DOOGIE & FRIENDS

SCAN TO RSVP OR VISIT NOLAZYDECOFEST.COM TO SKIP THE LINE + VIP TICKETS

WhereYat.com | March 2022

LAKESIDE2RIVERSIDE all of its aspects. The Tremé Creole Gumbo and Congo Square Rhythms Fests are for the whole family. They are also both free with food, music, and dancing.

LA CRAWFISH BOIL CHAMPIONSHIPS

March 26 | Immaculate Conception School icschargers.org This championship is a good opportunity to eat a lot of crawfish. The 20th annual LA Crawfish Boil Championship will be taking place at Immaculate Conception School in Marrero on the Westbank. Parents and kids are more than welcome to join. You will also be able to enjoy music, food, and some fun, of course. There will be over 40,000 pounds of crawfish for you to take care of. There will also be the Louisiana Championship Belt, a title for the best tasting boiled crawfish in the state, as well as cash prizes at stake.

TREMÉ CREOLE GUMBO/ CONGO SQUARE RHYTHMS FESTIVAL

March 26-27 | Louis Armstrong Park in Congo Square jazzandheritage.org The Tremé Creole Gumbo and Congo Square Rhythms Fests are both presented by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation. They honor enslaved African people that gathered on Sunday afternoons to practice their ancestral tradition. The mission of the foundation is to perpetuate and encourage the youngest generation to remain involved in the past and their ancestors through music, food, culture, education, etc. It is important to make sure that New Orleans is celebrated in

Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

GATESFEST (ARTS & MUSIC FESTIVAL)

March 27 | Congregation Gates of Prayer gatesfest.org GatesFest is a music and arts festival that celebrates singers and artists from not only New Orleans, but all over the United States. It also involves NOLA’s local Jewish community by giving back and supporting the Jewish Children Regional Services. General admission starts at $54. Tickets are available on GatesFest’s website, and children under 12 years old do not require a ticket for entry. It is located in Metairie. To give you a heads-up, a well-known act on the music lineup is X Ambassadors. You are welcome to bring food and blankets in order to be comfortable during the entire show.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: CONGO SQUARE RHYTHMS FEST / ERIC SIMON; LA CARWFISH FESTIVAL; WIKIMEDIA COMMONS / ROSIER

also be there to determine the best bourbon and give some quality advice about exceptional bourbons. You will also have access to great food, music, and some culture.

Joe’s Ready When You Are!

March 11 .................................................... 14th Annual Big Easy Blues Festival March 25 .....................The Fabulously Funny Comedy Festival with Mike Epps April 1-2............................................................................... Hogs For The Cause April 3.......................................................................... HBCU All-Star Basketball April 7..................... KEM & Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds – The Full Circle Tour April 13....................................................................................All Elite Wrestling April 21-24 ................................................... Disney On Ice presents Dream Big

NEED HELP THROWING YOUR FESTIVAL?

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WhereYat.com | March 2022

FIL M REVIEWS Oscar Picks By David Vicaris

Best Picture BELFAST

Filmmaker Kenneth Branagh (Dead Again, Hamlet [1996], Thor) channels his youth living in Northern Ireland during the turmoil of the late 1960s in this wonderfully lowkey picture chronicling childhood fears, first love, and the passion for art.

EVENT

DATE

SPRING PILGRIMAGE NATCHEZ POWWOW NATCHEZ BICYCLE CLASSIC

MARCH 12 - APRIL 12 MARCH 26 APRIL 30

VISITNATCHEZ.ORG

Best Actor

BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH, POWER OF THE DOG

Cumberbatch delivers a multi-layered performance as a Montana rancher in 1925 who, on the surface, is a cruel bully. Eventually, we see the character's personal torment.

Best Actress

JESSICA CHASTAIN, THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE

Chastain so completely embodies the Christian televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker that it is almost frightening. More than just mimicry and make-up, this is a sincere performance.

Best Supporting Actor

the world's ﬁrst outdoor travel festival for women 12-13 MARCH 2022

This is a “wow” performance. DeBose dazzles in both the musical sequences and the dramatic scenes.

Best Supporting Actress

ARIANA DEBOSE, WEST SIDE STORY

SPANISH PLAZA NEW ORLEANS

Best Director

KENNETH BRANAGH, BELFAST

Branagh directs the hell out of this personal story, both visually (black and white with some startling color sequences) and emotionally (the dramatic tone with droplets of humor is perfect throughout).

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Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

Picks I Predict Will Win • • • • • •

Belfast for Best Picture Denzel Washington for Best Actor Jessica Chastain for Best Actress J.K. Simmons for Supporting Actor Ariana DeBose for Supporting Actress Kenneth Branagh for Best Director

FROM TOP: ROB YOUNGSON/FOCUS FEATURES; NETFLIX; SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES

CIARAN HINDS, BELFAST

This is a warm and wonderful performance. The scene of Hinds' character giving his grandson advice on love is worth the price of admission.

We Think Should Win By Fritz Esker

Best Picture

Cutting Edge Theater

BELFAST

Kenneth Branagh’s semi-autobiographical film about growing up in Belfast at the start of the Troubles is a lovely, understated film.

Best Actor

JAVIER BARDEM, BEING THE RICARDOS

Bardem puts his considerable charisma to good use in Aaron Sorkin’s excellent film about the classic sitcom I Love Lucy. Bardem never shies away from showing Desi Arnaz’s flaws, but you root for him in spite of them, and that’s a testament to Bardem. No complaints if Will Smith wins for King Richard, though.

March 11- April 2 Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm

To purchase tickets,

767 Robert Blvd // Slidell, LA 70458

text 985.285.6666 or call 985.649.3727

985-649-3727

or visit cuttingedgetheater.com

cuttingedgetheater.com

Best Actress

NICOLE KIDMAN, BEING THE RICARDOS

Nicole Kidman has been doing interesting work for so long that I think people still underestimate how good of an actress she is. She captures the fierce intelligence, charm, and soul of Lucille Ball.

Best Supporting Actor CIARAN HINDS, BELFAST

Hinds has been a solid and dependable character actor for decades. As the grandpa in Belfast, he’s funny, gruff, and compassionate. It’s a joy to watch him go back-and-forth with Judi Dench as his wife. Actually, it’s a joy to watch him whenever he’s on screen in the film.

Best Supporting Actress

ARIANA DEBOSE, WEST SIDE STORY

This was the toughest call for me as I could also go for Dench. But it’s always a pleasure as a moviegoer when you watch someone on screen and you just wonder “Who is that?” in a good way. Debose is terrific as the feisty Anita, and I suspect we’ll be seeing much more of her.

Best Director

KENNETH BRANAGH, BELFAST

Branagh’s had an all-over-the-place career, but he’s a talented director and this is the crowning achievement of his career.

AMAZON STUDIOS

Picks I Predict Will Win • • • • • •

Belfast for Best Picture Will Smith for Best Actor Nicole Kidman for Best Actress Ciaran Hinds for Best Supporting Actor Ariana Debose for Best Supporting Actress Jane Campion for Best Director

me è h o b a

s ’ i n i Pucc

Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts 1419 Basin Street, New Orleans, LA 70116 Friday, April 1, 2022 | 7:30pm Sunday April 3, 2022 | 2:30pm neworleansopera.org BOX OFFICE: (504) 529-3000 ADMINISTRATION: (504) 529-2278

WhereYat.com | March 2022

Bar Guide

Fillmore New Orleans 6 Canal St. 504-881-1555

Alto offers some truly great views of New Orleans. After you’re done chilling in the rooftop pool, order yourself some thirst-quenching cocktails like the Paloma or the Great Ulysses. Banks Street Bar is a true neighborhood bar in Mid-City. While enjoying their beer, chow down on the different traditional Louisiana dishes that they provide like po-boys, gumbo, and oysters. Not only is Bar Marilou very trendy, the food and drinks on offer are fantastic. There are all kinds of fancy sounding drinks to choose from, such as the Jardin De Mémé and the Heloïse. Providing an upscale experience, Blue Ruin offers beers on tap, craft cocktails, and a great wine list, as well as seasonal craft cocktail and martini menus. Happy hour is on Mondays thru Thursdays. This bar and grill is a special spot in the Garden District for delicious and reasonably priced food and drinks. The Hell’s Kitchen Wings are delicious, as well as the many different starters, sandwiches, and burgers. Evangeline’s courtyard is perfect for sipping on some of the locally craft beers they offer. The Rum Punch and Strawberry Blonde cocktails are also fruity and delicious. Happy hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. daily. The Fillmore prides itself in providing legendary experiences to its patrons. Not only is it the perfect setting for live entertainment, the creative food, signature cocktails, and craft beer are all great.

House of Blues 225 Decatur St. 504-310-4999

Not only is the live entertainment at House of Blues great, the Southern-inspired food and refreshing drinks are fantastic as well! You can enjoy plenty of the different beer and cocktails.

Jazz Daiquiris 3400 S. Claiborne Ave., # A 504-899-8761

Jazz Daiquiris & Lounge’s claim to fame are their specialty daiquiris. Choose from a variety of flavors like Pina Colada, Jungle Juice, Blue Magic, Triple Threat, and more.

Jimani 141 Chartres St. 504-524-0493

If you want to see all of the hottest sports action, then you need to go the Jimani. A New Orleans favorite for over 40 years, the bar has over 100 beers that you can choose from! Lots A Luck Tavern was recently voted as the #1 spot for bar games in New Orleans by Where Y’at Magazine’s readers. Try your hand at mini golf or cornhole or sip a refreshing drink at their outdoor seating area. If you’d like to see the next Saints or LSU game on over 30 flat screens, then you have to go to Manning’s Sports Bar. Get into a local sports mood by ordering the Manning’s Mardi Gras Punch. Martine’s provides a very friendly and comfortable atmosphere in Old Metairie. Not only is there darts and video poker, they serve up great wines, tasty cocktails, and a large selection of beer. Located in Generations Hall, the Metropolitan is a great venue option for anyone looking to party the night away. The space offers two-stories filled with dancefloors, spaces for DJs, and multiple bars. Pal’s Lounge is the perfect place to be if you feel like having a drink at “witching hour.” Stay awake with their house cocktails, beers, and many other different kinds of brews.

Alto (Ace Hotel) 600 Carondelet St. 504-900-1180 Banks Street Bar 4401 Banks St. 504-486-0258 Bar Marilou 544 Carondelet St. 504-814-7711

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! Stumpy’s is Having a SociallyDistanced Throwdown! MAY THE LUCK OF THE IRISH KEEP US ALL HEALTHY & MAY BEERS AND BULLSEYES RAIN UPON US SOON!

120 0 Po yd ra s S t. S u i te 1 0 3 | 5 0 4 -5 7 7 -2 9 3 7 | s t u m p y s hh. c o m / n e w orl ean sl a

Drink Food Specials

Blue Ruin Speakeasy 3224 Metairie Rd. 504-835-3335 Down the Hatch 1921 Sophie Wright Pl. 504-522-0909 Evangeline 329 Decatur St. 504-373-4852

Lots A Luck Tavern 203 Homedale St. 504-483-0978 Manning’s 519 Fulton St. 504-593-8118 Martine’s Lounge 2347 Metairie Rd. 504-831-8637 The Metropolitan 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd. 504-568-1702, Pal’s Lounge 949 N. Rendon St. 504-488-7257 Peacock Room 501 Tchoupitoulas St. 504-324-3073 The Pelican Bar (Sheraton) 500 Canal St. 504-525-2500

Offering an elevated cocktail bar experience, The Peacock Room’s large drink menu has anything you could want. Perhaps you’d like one of the “Old Birds” like a Sazerac or the Washouko Mary. You’ll get a real taste of New Orleans charm while sipping on the Pelican Bar’s specialty cocktails. Grab a bite to eat and make sure to order some red, white, or sparkling wines.

Not only does the Pool Club offer great views of the city, you can also relax in their pool or jam to the sounds provided by their resident DJ. Grab an umbrella drink and enjoy! This eclectic venue has all of the amenities needed for a The Rabbit Hole perfect night out. Listen to brass bands and electronic DJs at 1228 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. The Rabbit Hole's downstairs bar and stage or get some fresh 504-354-9709 air at their outdoor stage area. Rendon Inn has been providing the food, drinks, and good Rendon Inn company in Mid-City for over 85 years. Grab some food while 4501 Eve St. enjoying different domestic and draft beers, as well as wine 504-218-7106 and specialty drinks. The Pool Club 550 Baronne St. 833-791-7700

Trivia Night every Thurs. 7pm

GAMES ON TV • GAMES ON THE GREEN

‘‘Good Food at Good Prices” – SINCE 1946 -

1751 St. Charles Avenue [504] 525-9131 PleaseuNOLA.com

WEEKLY DRINK SPECIALS • OPEN TILL 2AM

♣ 203 HOMEDALE ST., LAKEVIEW ♣ (504) 483-0978 68

Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

Royal Frenchmen Hotel 700 Frenchmen St., #1614 504-619-9660

This award-winning bar in the Royal Frenchmen Hotel has a stylish ambiance, live entertainment, and a beautiful courtyard. The delicious specialty cocktails are truly amazing.

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

Stumpy’s is the best place in NOLA to try your hand at throwing a hatchet. After you work up a sweat, you can grab some food and drinks while there. Have a day out with your friends! Tracey’s is a fantastic place to hang out at and not just for St. Patrick’s Day! Their extensive beer catalog includes hundreds of different bottles and six draught taps.

Tracey’s Irish Channel Bar 2604 Magazine St. 504-897-5413 Tropical Isle Multiple Locations 504-523-1927

Tropical Isle helps make Bourbon Street so internationally famous. Everyone knows that if you go to Tropical Isle, you gotta get a Hand Grenade, aka New Orleans’ "most powerful drink."

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THE ORIGINAL MARGARITA

WHISKEY PUNCH ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO

WIN A HOMEGATING KIT FROM BLEACHER REPORT ACTUAL PRODUCT MAY VARY FROM PHOTO SHOWN

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*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Sweepstakes begins at 12:00 PM ET on 12/31/21 and ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on 3/27/22. Includes 10 entry periods. Open only to legal residents of 50 US/DC, 21+ years of age. For Official Rules, including how to enter, odds, prize details and restrictions, visit https://cointreaugameday.com. Void where prohibited. Msg&data rates may apply. Sponsors: Bleacher Report, Inc., 1633 Broadway, NewYork, NY 10019 and | March 2022 Rémy Cointreau USA, INC.,1290 6th Ave 14th floor,New York, NY 10104. An entrant cannot participate solely byWhereYat.com scanning the QR code. © 2021 Cointreau Corp., Cointreau® Liqueur, 40% Alc./Vol., Imported by Rémy Cointreau USA, Inc., New York, NY. Cointreau Bottle Design®. Cointreau Label Design®. Please Drink Responsibly.

TALES FROM THE QUARTER By Debbie Lindsey

Spring Fest

Bookit! March 10|11|12 2022

THE NEW ORLEANS BOOK FESTIVAL will bring the world’s leading authors to TULANE UNIVERSITY’S uptown campus for a multi-day celebration! This FREE festival will provide an opportunity for authors and readers to interact with each other in one of the most vibrant and culturally diverse cities in the world. Be sure to join us for FAMILY DAY at the fest on SATURDAY, MARCH 12! Visit bookfest. tulane.edu for the full 2022 author lineup and updates!

bookfest.tulane.edu 70

@nolabookfest

Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

pringtime means many things to many people. For us folks living in Louisiana, and especially in New Orleans, it means festivals, festivals, and more festivals. The pandemic has tried to disrupt our festivals but we still persist in celebrating in the name of such events. And we have done this with verve and imagination and will continue this form of improvisation when and where needed. And while much attention is focused on our various galas that honor, exploit, observe, and rejoice in the arts, music, and the foods of this region, there is one thing that is constant regardless of epidemics and economics—Nature. Springtime is Nature’s big event—her giant festival of the year. This is when things really start popping. Fish and flora kick up their heels and truly swing. And it’s my time to attempt to really bond with Nature and, if I take just a wee bit of energy and patience, I can be present for the magic show she presents. Everyone can attend this festival and most anyone can co-host this celebration. To co-host, we must first show respect. Think of Nature as the Madam President. To serve at her pleasure, you take it seriously. If this analogy doesn’t suit, then just remember Mother Nature is truly your mom, and you darn well better behave. So as you prepare to make your yard a delight for all to see, you had best educate yourself first. Tending to Nature requires thoughtfulness and a bit of research (actually, it is quite easy). To begin, remove all gasoline powered tools. Yes, that leaf blower is downright deadly. The side effects of a gasolinepowered leaf blower are carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, hydrocarbon—all contribute to cancer and the climate warming. Another thing about gasoline-powered leaf blowers: They emit 80 to 85 decibels with some models up to 112 decibels and those producing 100-plus equal the same noise as a plane taking off (levels that could cause tinnitus and hearing loss over time). Another issue is the dust, debris, and detritus (animal feces, chemicals, mold, etc.) that becomes airborne when in use. So why not just get off your lard-ass and sweep or rake? I know my lard-ass could use the exercise. Pesticides and herbicides are poisons— need I say more? Yes, that’s right. That popular (meaning almost everybody uses it) chemical glyphosate (used in weed killers) is linked to cancer and research shows it is an endocrine disruptor. So if Little Johnny grows two heads, Little Suzy begins puberty at age four, and you develop the Big C, maybe it’s time to simply pull those weeds by hand or just let ‘em grow and do their job attracting butterflies and bees. And we already know pesticides kill bugs and harm everything in their path. Get out that fly swatter and consider it a muscle

building arm workout. Mitigate mosquitoes by making sure standing water in your yard is addressed and wearing natural organic repellents. When mowing and trimming your lawn, use electric mowers or rechargeable battery powered weed whackers and, if doable, try a push-mower for zero negative impact and for exercise. Also, do not set your blades too low on mowers as those blades become guillotines for small critters like lizards, turtles, and snakes. Before I weed-whack, I take a broom or rake and gently sweep the area before I begin grass cutting as this gives those small critters a chance to move to safety. Want to create an environment that nurtures bees and butterflies? Just take a moment to research native plants and flowers that attract and feed these incredible creatures that are crucial to our lives. And before spending a lot of money and time on purchasing flora, take a moment to observe those so-called weeds in your yard. I was constantly pulling and land-filling (composting is excellent but not always an option) a “weed” by the name of Virginia Creeper when I realized it was a habitat for bees. The butterflies and lizards also enjoyed darting about them. Frankly it was my cat peering for hours on end through the window at the vines that drew my attention to this bee haven. Of course some plants, be them native wildflowers, greenery, or the fancy store bought varieties, can be poisonous to pets and folks so do a little research and wear gardening gloves when in doubt. Let’s face it, we humans have totally screwed with all that is natural and Mother Nature is some kinda pissed. It seems she is trying to shake us off like a bad tick—can ya blame her? Floridian manatees are dying in record numbers as you read this because of human interference with their habitat. Pollution has destroyed much of the sea grass crucial to their diet. They are starving. And this is just one of the many things we have done and are still doing. There are not enough pages in this magazine for me to list the abuses our planet is enduring right now from us. So let’s start in our own backyards by limiting groundwater pollution: pet feces, fertilizer, pesticides, and run-off. Let’s make every plot of land or patio plant a nurturing station for bees and butterflies. Plant some milkweed for those monarchs. If I can only give a safe haven to my dog, cats (also some community cats hungry for food and love), and the creatures that fly and burrow in my yard while striving to become a more eco-friendly and educated consumer, then I can at least enjoy this Festival of Nature with a slightly clearer conscience. Celebrate spring and Nature’s bounty—splendor surrounds us, be it in a patio garden, a park, or a bayou. Tread lightly and open your eyes extra wide as there is magic everywhere.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation Presents

Two Festivals, One Weekend

+ Cyril Neville ft. Omari Neville & the Fuel Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & the Golden Eagles Caesar Brothers Funk Box Bamboula 2000

James Andrews

Kings of Brass

Margie & Sula Present the Wanderfuls

Rebirth Brass Band

Hot 8 Brass Band

Original Pinettes Brass Band

Stooges Brass Band

Cha Wa

Erica Falls

Tonya Boyd-Cannon

Charmaine Neville

Tremé Brass Band

Gerald French & the Original Tuxedo Brass Band

Paulin Brothers Brass Band

N’Kafu

Culu

Casmé

Kinfolk Brass Band

N’Fungola Sibo

Tekrema

Ci Plus: African Drum Circle and the Annual Mardi Gras Indian Battle

March 26 & 27 at Louis Armstrong Park local arts market local food vendors And Much More! www.jazzandheritage.org

GatesFest 2022

SLIDELL HISTORICAL ANTIQUE ASSOCIATION’S 41st ANNUAL SPRING

ANTIQUES & CRAFTS STREET FAIR MARCH 26 & 27 • 10AM - 5PM

age

First, Second & Erlanger Streets Olde Towne, Slidell

St Main

Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen Sweet Crude - The New Orleans Klezmer Allstars Big Sam's Funky Nation - John Boutté - Javier Olondo & AsheSon - Greg Hicks & Friends - Ben Kessler Electric Yat String Quartet - Tiffany Pollack and Company - A Sondheim Tribute

March 27

www.GatesFest.org

VINTAGE • ANTIQUES COLLECTIBLES • ART JEWELRY • CRAFTS AMAZING FOOD FAMILY FUN!

PO-BOY VIEWS By Phil LaMancusa

A White Sport Coat or A Pink Crustacean

f the restaurant business isn’t dead, then it certainly is on life support, in the ICU, with a less than favorable prognosis. That’s right, you heard it voiced first here (out loud and clear), what you’ve been avoiding thinking about but known all along. Your future of dining out will consist of samples on the food aisles of Costco. And it’s our own damn fault. Food and Wine Magazine predicts that restaurants will be cutting hours of operation and days of service because, basically, we’ve driven our service workers crazy and burned them out by not giving them any reason to believe that they’re not being driven like sled dogs and taken advantage of on every level. In short, service workers have left the business. We allowed this to happen. There are a significant percentage of pre-COVID/pre-hurricane restaurants that have bitten the big one and shut down; some of them were our favorites, some of them we hadn’t yet been to. All of them were someone’s livelihood and dream and are now someone’s heartbreak. It’s long been known that the service industry is run on a placid servant/entitled customer basis. The whole tipping structure shows that if a server is not servant enough, they will get punished by not getting rewarded

with gratuity and, conversely, if they are proficient (and “servant enough”) at their service, they will reap monetary largess. Also—considering the kitchen—the back of the house is run for the most part under a unique plantation—like atmosphere and attitude. Workers are expected to accept being driven hard for low wages in a stressful, sometimes combative, environment without the benefit of basic health and welfare compensations. Oh there are some forward thinking managers and chefs that are caring and compassionate. However, there are far too many that are not, have not been, and are not planning to. The classic kitchen philosophy is basically: In order to exceed, you must excel. If you’re going to get ahead, you first have to pay dues, do more, accept less, work at pleasing the person in charge, commiserate with your equals, and demean those under you. Don’t make waves and you will get ahead—rinse and repeat. Are you familiar with the Bob Dylan song “Maggie’s Farm?” That’s the reality for most back of the house workers where the health plan has always been “don’t get sick.” So what did we do to cause and exacerbate this state of gloom and doom? Well, we created a culture of entitlement and greed. We made it normal for service workers

to feel like second class citizens and for us to consider folks working in service not to have a “real job” in an employment atmosphere that stresses the importance of profit at the expense of people. As we’ve done with much of blue-collar work, we’ve pictured cooks and waiters having dead end jobs while chefs, owners, even managers are considered career individuals. But dishwashers, porters, bussers, and maids—well, they must not be able to find other “meaningful work.” And that’s the attitude that we’ve shown them when we seek their service. And then guess what? The pandemic came, the businesses shut down, the workers lost their jobs, went on meager unemployment, and then Uncle Sam stepped in and gave everybody an extra six hundred bucks a week. In many cases, that boon was more than what they were making by working. Surprise, surprise, many service workers realizing that they really did not like their job situations said, “Screw it!” and found other “meaningful” things to do with their time even when pay doubled or, Miss Thing found that she no longer needed to work two jobs and could spend more time with her family. Bye, bye, Miss American Pie. Owners and managers, feeling betrayed, are faced with supply shortages, mandates, shut downs, hurricanes, a raging pandemic, and now a cook that was always on call has decided that he likes working the Farmers Market selling the honey he gets from the bee hives that he bought (with that gravy train money) rather than cooking another thankless brunch shift. Besides, he’s got a

new baby to play with. He’s come to grips with his mortality. Okay, none of that is true; I made it all up. Everything is fine. It’s all a dream. It’s all a dream, and you are Cinderella. The pandemic will not, in the near future, reach a million lives lost. We have wonderful infrastructure, gas prices have not risen, groceries will get less expensive, and lawmakers will stop being partisan. I’m your fairy godmother, and that mole on the back of your neck is nothing to worry about. There’s no such thing as global warming. If you’re waiting for optimism here, all you’ll get is an apology. I am really sorry that the last two years have not only not been a piece of gateau. The fact is, for many of us, the last two years have been scary, bordering on our feeling like the person in Edvard Munch’s famous painting. The challenging thing is that it’s not looking like we’re on the Yellow Brick Road to recovery. Just take the state of our service industry’s condition—it is the canary in the coal mine. So we have to step up to the plate. It starts first by acknowledging that service work is meaningful, essential, and honorable; treating servers like senators, cooks like congressmen (and vice versa). It starts by being grateful, thankful, and kind to all that is around you. Remember these things: restaurants are temples and need attendance, pay no attention to that man behind the curtain, and if you lose your party shoe at midnight, you’re not a princess—you’re probably inebriated.

THE 46TH A N N UA L M A R C H 12 - 13 , 2 0 2 2

SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2022

SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2022

Opening Ceremony Isleño Heritage Program Javier Gutierrez & Vivaz Cypress Pop Trio Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters

Opening Ceremony Filipino La. Heritage Performance Javier Orlando & AsheSon Junior and Sumtin’ Sneaky Category 6

11:00 - 11:15 AM 1:15 AM - 12:00 PM 12:30 - 3:00 PM 3:30 - 6:30 PM 7:00 - 10:00 PM

1357 Bayou Road * St. Bernard, LA 70085 * Tickets $3 * Kids 12 & Under Free www.visitstbernard.com • facebook.com/losislenossociety 72

Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

11:00 - 11:15 AM 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM 12:30 - 3:00 PM 3:30 - 6:30 PM 7:00 - 10:00 PM

BROOKE LAIZER

TAMICA LEE

SEFENECH HENOK

WHERE Y'BEEN

OUT & ABOUT WITH

KREWE DU VIEUX

THE RABBIT HOLE GRAND OPENING

TBD

SOFAB–DEELIGHTFUL ROUX SCHOOL

610 STOMPERS BALL, A SPACE ODYSSEY

PUSSYFOOTERS BLUSH BALL INTERGALACTIC KREWE OF CHEWBACCHUS

ALL PHOTOS BY GUSTAVO ESCANELLE & EMILY HINGLE

VEUVE CLICQUOT LUNCHEON AT FOUR SEASONS HOTEL

Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

WhereYat.com | March 2022

(504) 831-8637 • 2347 Metairie Road Thank you to the readers for voting us

ONE OF THE BEST BARS IN METAIRIE!

ENJOY OUR NEW PATIO

HAPPY HOUR DAILY UNTIL 7PM

(504) 831-8637 • 2347 Metairie Road

ENJOY OUR NEW PATIO

HAPPY HOUR DAILY UNTIL 7PM

Thank You to the Readers of Where Y’at for Voting Pal’s Lounge the Best Bar in Mid City!

Latest Issue: March 2022–Spring Restaurant Guide

Articles inside

Tales From the Quarter

Po-Boy Views

Bar Guide

Food News

Film Reviews: Oscar Edition

Get into the Greek (Food

The Hunt for Gluten-Free Fries

$20 & Under

Lakeside2Riverside

Flavorful Gluten-Free Food in NOLA

Raise a Glass to Mocktails