Latest Issue: Mothers Day & Graduation–May 2021 by Where Y'at Magazine

May 2021

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DINING • MUSIC • ENTERTAINMENT • NIGHTLIFE

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CONTENTS

May 2021

Outsider's Guide to Bourbon St. and Beyond…

14 18 22 28 30

Locals' Airbnb Experiences

34 36

Creative Director: Robert Witkowski Executive Editor: Burke Bischoff

$20 & Under

Movie Editors: David Vicari, Fritz Esker

Restaurant Guide

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

Nursing The Pandemic Kayaking NOLA in 2021 Mothers Day Around the Globe

Cover: The French Quarter Returns by Ron Domingue

Mothers-to-Be Fitness Tips

Director of Sales: Stephen Romero Photographers and Designers: Gus Escanelle, Kimmie Tubre, Emily Hingle, Robert Witkowski, Kathy Bradshaw, Genni Nicholson, Lucia Hughes, Burke Bischoff

Extras

Interns: Laurel Shimasaski, Lucia Hughes, Kala Hathorn, Adrienne Snider, Genni Nicholson, Kelie Arevalo, Akadya Thompson, Valeria Vivas, Brando Mena

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Po-Boy Views

Letter from the Publisher Bourbon Street is back! If you haven’t been downtown since the start of the pandemic, you’ll be pleased to find the return of tourists. Kathy Bradshaw looks at what it means to miss New Orleans, as well as truly know New Orleans. With all of the great Cinco de Mayo parties around town, many people don’t realize that Nurses Week is also in May. Sabrina Stone profiles some local nurses and explores why this occupation is often underappreciated. Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms! This issue is full of ways to celebrate mom, with takes on motherhood fitness, how Mother’s Day is observed around the world, and places to bring mom on her special day. Finally, for all the folks graduating this spring, don’t miss Rebecca Fox’s article on how to live like a tourist while still being a local. It’ll make you want to be a New Orleanian forever. –Josh Danzig, Publisher

Mother's Day / Graduation | Where Y'at Magazine

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Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Josh Danzig

Food & Drink

Features

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DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT MEANS TO KNOW NEW ORLEANS? By Kathy Bradshaw

New Orleans is a city with a reputation: funloving, friendly, maybe a little crazy, and definitely slightly boozy. Our weather is as hot and humid as our gumbo— and about as inconsistent as our pothole-battered streets. We’re known for our food, our jazz, our cocktails, Mardi Gras, and Bourbon Street. And we’re known for our tourists.

I always think of NOLA as a party city full of men in horns and women in beads. —Grace Kozak from Silver Lake, Ohio

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The Outsiders’ Perspectives of the Big Easy, Bourbon Street, and Beyond…

Before the pandemic, New Orleans was one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, with some 18.5 million people coming to town every year. But what is it that appeals to visitors so much? And what exactly do they expect to find when they get here? Everyone tends to come to New Orleans for a very specific reason, and most show up with expectations—whether it’s the alcohol or the architecture, the music or the muffalettas, non-New Orleanians usually have a preconceived idea of what’s in store for them as they land at MSY or meander into the French Quarter. They might not know what a shotgun double is, how to peel a crawfish, or how to spell Tchoupitoulas, but they know what New Orleans has to offer. Or, at least, they think that they do. And as things continue to reopen around town, Bourbon Street is filled once again with tourists carrying fishbowls full of fruity cocktails, singing karaoke, and taking pictures of silver-painted street performers.

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We talked to several outsiders about what they feel New Orleans is all about—some have been here to experience it firsthand, and others got their impressions from outside sources of varying reliability. Here is what New Orleans looks like to those who don’t live here. The accuracy of their observations is left up to you to decide.

visiting. So many out-of-towners look at their time in New Orleans as an excuse to cut loose and overindulge—to step away from reality and do what they might not dare to do (or overdo) when leading their ordinary lives. Unfortunately, many tourists tend to go to extremes, which is why, pre-COVID, Bourbon Street was so often littered with empty Huge Ass Beer cups and

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WE REALLY LIKE TO PARTY! New Orleans is known for its party-centric atmosphere. The outside world sees us as a group of heavy-drinking, hard-partying, merry-making sorts. “Definitely drunks,” Alysse Parris from Chattanooga, Tennessee, said. “With spicy foods,” she added. Anna Hill, who grew up in Huntsville, Alabama, admits that the first time she came to New Orleans, she found the city a little shocking. “I grew up pretty sheltered, so I was mystified by all the walk-up booze places, the Red Dress Run, and how loud the streets were, even on weeknights,” Hill said. “I couldn’t believe that they sell hard liquor at the Walmart there!” Christina Cannon of Calhoun, Georgia, added. “I was like, ‘I want a Smartwater,’ and they said, ‘No, you don’t; you want alcohol.’” But while some might be quick to judge us for our go-cup-toting ways, they’re also quick to join in on the fun while they’re

regurgitated beignets and hurricanes. “My mom lives on a farm and doesn’t get out much,” Cannon explained. “So, when we were in New Orleans, she decided to really cut loose. We couldn’t keep track of her because she kept wandering off down Bourbon Street.” WE LIVE NEAR BOURBON STREET. Yes, tourists and Bourbon Street often go hand in hand. If you ask most outsiders what they know about New Orleans, the number one answer is likely to be “Bourbon Street.” It’s a bucket-list destination, and many come to town just to experience it. As the saying goes, nothing in life is certain, except death, taxes, and tourists on Bourbon Street. But what do tourists really think of this liquor-laden thoroughfare? The general consensus seems to be that Bourbon Street does not smell like a field of poppies after a spring rain, to put it delicately, and that the crowds have a combined blood-alcohol level equal to the

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population of Metairie. “The first time I stepped on Bourbon Street, a stumbling lush almost knocked me down the moment I came around the corner,” Mike Wells of Brooklyn, New York, said. “The draw of New Orleans was Bourbon Street, but then I got down there and I realized that Bourbon Street was probably about the last place that I wanted to end up, and, if I did, it meant that I had partied way too long and I should be going to bed,” Scott Moore of Ooltewah, Tennessee, said. “The sun comes up and the sweeper trucks come through, and you’re like, ‘I should be at home. There’s no way that I should be down here in this. I must have done something wrong.’” “Every other place you walk by is a strip

Michigan, said. “A bit disappointing in cosmetic appearance, but fabulous in ambience and cocktail selection,” Susan Benson of Ft. Myers, Florida, said. WE’RE VERY NICE. Most visitors are struck by how friendly and welcoming we are—offering good ol’ Southern hospitality by the go-cupful. Edie Pischl of Stow, Ohio, says that New Orleans is the sort of place where the president of Tulane University gives out his personal cell phone number to students, just in case they need anything. She saw it firsthand when she brought her son there his freshman year. Fredrickson added that people are so friendly that they’ll yell at you from across

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club. It’s just bar, karaoke, strip club. Bar, karaoke, strip club. Maybe some sort of country bar in there,” Johanna Fredrickson, who is originally from Cortland, New York, said. “Don’t look anyone in the eye when on Bourbon Street. Except for the strippers.” So, then, why do they come? Why do the tourists, bead-clad and daiquiri-carrying, flock to New Orleans’s most world-famous, yet controversial, several blocks? For some, it’s the jazz music. It’s the novelty factor. It’s the camaraderie of strangers. Bourbon Street is a place that everyone is familiar with, even if they’ve never been. It’s a spot that someone, somewhere, told them that they had to see, and they believed them. Bourbon Street is the best and the worst part of New Orleans. It’s lost inhibitions and lost wallets, pizza joints and—well, just joints. “Alcohol, people-watching, and a good time,” Gioia Albi of Virginia said. “And Hand Grenades.” “Bourbon Street: a place of amazing music, mystery, mayhem, mischief, and more,” Micki Sigmon of Allendale,

Beignet in Place at Café Du Monde the street just to say hello. “My mom knows everyone who works at the Walmart, and they all know her,” she said. “She was gone from New Orleans for like four or five years and then came back and went to Walmart, and everyone still knew her name.” WE SURE KNOW HOW TO EAT. World-renowned for our cooking, New Orleans is a foodie’s haven. Countless people come to New Orleans with the express purpose of gorging themselves on our fine cuisine, usually with a checklist of places to eat (Brennan’s, Commander’s Palace, Jacques-Imo’s, Café du Monde) and foods to try (gumbo, beignets, grits, pralines, po-boys…). In fact, outsiders sometimes have a very narrow impression of just what our diets consist of here. “Jambalaya!” Francois Marin said, who’s from Normandy, France, and has never been to New Orleans but has heard gossip of its deliciousness and wants to come try it for himself. “But I can’t tell you what else there is to eat there.” “I do think about the corn muffins I

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OUR CITY IS OLD. Another big draw for sightseers is our oldworld charm. From the wrought iron fences to the 150-year-old houses, New Orleans architecture is its own tourist attraction. “Walking the city, I found it a bit old and worn,” Benson said. “But I loved the architecture and balconies that one always associates with NOLA. Loved the old mansions.” “I like the architecture and how they reappropriate the old buildings,” Gentry said. “And I really liked the hotel lobbies.” WE’VE GOT MUSIC AND CULTURE. In pre-pandemic days, New Orleans would bring in throngs of music-loving tourists who came for the colorful culture, the countless festivals, and the vibrant liveentertainment scene. In 2019, for example, 475,000 turned out for Jazz Fest alone. “I love New Orleans because of the music,” Moore said. “There’s live music on every corner, and you can walk up and hear it down alleys and streets. It’s a city that’s alive. It’s got a real heartbeat.” “We loved all the street performers and stopped to watch each one,” Pischl said. “They were truly amazing.” “There’s so much art,” Moore added. “Cool art and just artistic people.” Sometimes, however, outsiders’ perspectives might be a little off-base: “Arriving in NOLA, I was surprised to see a regular city,” Benson said. “I’m not sure what I was actually expecting.” “I was at the Cleveland airport one time when a plane returning from New Orleans was arriving after Mardi Gras,” Grace Kozak from Silver Lake, Ohio, said. “The men got off wearing horns and the women, beads. So now I always think of NOLA as a party city full of men in horns and women in beads.”

“Where can I get a sugar-free frozen daiquiri?” Sykes asked. “I’ve always heard that people in New Orleans don’t wear clothing,” Kozak added. But the majority of people know better. New Orleans is such a well-known place that, usually, even those who have never been here still have a clue about it. And they come here to see if the rumors are true. Lauren Sawczyn, who is just 14, and her 12-year-old sister Macy from Ft. Myers are getting ready for their first trip to the Big Easy. When asked what she expects, Lauren responded, “When I’m in New Orleans, I expect to see a lot of jazz music and really cool architecture on old buildings. People say that there’s really good food and restaurants, so I’m excited to see if that’s true.” Marin learned about Louisiana through old documentaries in France. But he still has unanswered questions and wants to come visit to satisfy his curiosity. “What do all those men do in those bayous? Are they

The city just had its TriCentennial

Music is part of NOLA's mystique hunting alligators? Fishing for crawfish? I don’t even really understand what a bayou is. We don’t have bayous in France!” Whatever it is that people have heard about New Orleans and for whatever reason they come, they are rarely disappointed. New Orleans meets their expectations, and, almost across the board, people find something to love here. “I found parks and festivals and places to listen to jazz and places to get frozen Irish coffee. It was a constant source of surprises,” Sykes said. “It definitely lived up to the hype and probably surpassed it in a lot of ways,” Moore said. “You can get lost down there. The place is a fairy tale. It’s a fantasy. And fun.” “I love New Orleans, and it is a crazy place,” Cannon agreed.

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had there once. A lot,” Hill said. “And one of my friends who was with me ate way too much fried chicken at Willie Mae’s, but she had no regrets.” Yes, in much the same way that visitors tend to over-drink themselves, when it comes to food, they quite frequently bite off way more than they can chew. “Our first time there, of course we had to try all the famous eateries. But I’m not used to eating all that heavy, rich stuff,” Jennie Gentry from Chattanooga said. “Walking out of Commander’s Palace, I remember being so stuffed that I looked over at the cemetery next door and thought, ‘Man, I should be in there!’” “You can always spot the tourists because they are covered with powdered sugar from their beignets,” Terry Sykes of Michigan said.

WhereYat.com | May 2021

AIRBNB EXPERIENCES

A New Way for Locals to Experience New Orleans Like a Tourist

By Rebecca Fox

Life imitates art

When you hear the mention of the tech startup Airbnb, you probably immediately picture the homes and apartments you can rent as temporary lodging all over the world. Airbnb pairs people seeking accommodations with those seeking to monetize their own empty or partially vacant homes. And while the model has drawn a lot of disdain, especially in markets like New Orleans where some locals are getting chased out of their neighborhoods by rising rental prices (in favor of several temporary tourists whose vacation dollars add up to far more than a regular monthly rental rate), there is one thing that can’t be overlooked about Airbnb: the experiences. 14

Mother's Day / Graduation | Where Y'at Magazine

In many cases when you book an Airbnb, the owner or rental manager won’t be there at all, and you’ll have the place to yourself, just grabbing keys out of a lock box or using a keyless entry to let your party in. Sometimes the owner is present, but stays out of your way, providing a separate kitchen, bathroom, or entrance. But still other times, the owner is present and may provide valuable information on local dive bars, restaurants, and outings–things only a local might know. Airbnb realized that, sometimes, the experiences that people had when exploring towns through the eyes and guidance of a local were more valuable than just square footage and number of beds, and it immediately hatched a new concept—Airbnb Experiences, where a variety of locals or transplants can put their own spin on experiences they enjoy in the cities they love. Airbnb Experiences started in beta testing and was only open to select cities, but New Orleans has been on that list for a better part of a year now. There are currently 56 active experiences, and a quick search will find you experiences ranging from private rum tastings to writing lessons to tours of your guide’s favorite local haunts. You can go on a crab boat and pull up crab traps with your own two hands or visit all of the Banksy murals around town for an amazing photo op. You can even take bike or walking tours, visiting everything from local music spots to some of the best drag queen performances. I’m a huge scavenger hunt fan, and I was elated to see a local NUTTY NOLA hunt offered by Alley Kat Adventures. You can choose to have a large or small group and elect to have an in-person guide or have someone text you for a more intimate experience with your group

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A Magic Leprechaun enchants a tour (as well as a more socially distanced one from strangers). I went on the tour with my buddy Nick, and we started at the Ignatius statue on Canal Street and saw the entire Quarter from North Rampart to Decatur. We were given a three-page list of tasks we had to accomplish: everything from acting things out on video to answering trivia questions to taking fun pictures of local landmarks (there were even bonus points for eating a beignet!). This tour would be perfect for locals or tourists, and there were a few things that even I learned that I wasn’t aware of as a lifelong local. Extra challenges are added depending on your occasion (birthdays, bachelorette, business, or just visiting), and there are plenty of opportunities to earn points. You can even extend your hunt at the end, opting to play a long course instead of a short course, and there’s a nationwide leaderboard on their website to see how you stacked up. There are also both driving and walking options available. The theme of the experience was “Bold Playful Fun,” as well as to develop a greater appreciation for New Orleans, and all of those things held true. My next adventure was billed as a “Roux Cooking Class,” which ended up being at the Mardi Gras School of Cooking on Wilkinson Street. Don’t let the title fool you, you’ll not only learn how to make a roux, both light and dark, but also how to prepare three dishes from start to finish: gumbo, shrimp etouffee, and Bananas Foster. We also learned a myriad of knife and cutting board techniques. I wasn’t expecting to have my mind blown from this class (again, as a lifelong local), but there are some things I learned that shocked me. Did you know that the “holy trinity” isn’t considered as such if the bell peppers aren’t green? And that if you add garlic, it’s known as “the holy pope?” We also learned that everything I’ve ever known about how to cut a bell pepper and onion is just plain wrong. Our little class of five truly bonded, and it was amazing to sit at the dinner table and eat our delicious food together at the end of the experience. I was amazed at how hands on the course was and how we truly were responsible for the physical preparation of the dish. Chef Connor was a fantastic instructor and was super patient with us. Another Connor, Connor O’Carraig, is a local entertainer known for touring renaissance festivals all over the nation dressed as a leprechaun and offers an experience called “Going Drinking with a Magic Leprechaun.” I was lucky enough

last year to be one of the first guests on his experience, which took you around to his favorite French Quarter bars for specialty drinks while he did some of his breathtaking magic tricks at every stop. Along the way, he pointed out some local lore as well. It was definitely one of the more interesting $30 experiences I’ve ever had, and I’d highly recommend it. Sadly, COVID-19 put a damper on O’Carraig’s experience, popping up shortly after his 15th booking, and he’s done little business since last year, but is hoping to resume as soon as he’s allowed. Many photographers have lost out on their wedding and concert business, so some have taken to Airbnb Experiences to offer private photography sessions. I was able to shoot with Iuliia Makoveeva and her assistant, and they made me feel like a celebrity as we traveled all over, taking pictures at some of Iuliia’s favorite spots—St. Louis Cathedral, Pirates Alley, and, of course, Bourbon Street. Certainly you can book a photographer any time you need headshots or engagement photos, but there’s just something really fun about booking a photographer just because. I had a great time living in the moment, and we took some truly fun shots. Along the way, we took pictures with local artists and street musicians (tipping, of course) and it was a really fun, organic experience how the whole experience came together. It was the kind of New Orleans day you watch in movies. It’s important to note that none of these tours are technically allowed to be called “tours” as they aren’t governed by the same rules that apply to our vigorously trained (and permitted) local tour guides. And while Airbnb does vet these performers and has a strict reviewing process, there’s still a chance that you may get someone purporting to be an expert at hamburgers who might try to take you to Burger King. The beauty of these, however, is that they’re one-on-ones with people who are extremely passionate about whatever they’re showing you, so it’s refreshing to see a city through someone else’s eyes. Because of this, it’s also understandable how COVID-19 has put a damper on some of the ones that involve audience participation like O’Carraigs. There are still a variety of virtual experiences available as well, including trivia, visual tours, and even twerk dance classes. These are available not only to those in our immediate area, but to people looking for a little New Orleans flavor all over the country.

COURTESY CONNOR O’CARRAIG / GOING DRINKING WITH A MAGIC LEPRECHAUN

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Our Hard-Working Local Nurses! By Sabrina Stone

Healthcare is not for the faint of heart. On the best of days, performing the duties of a practitioner is difficult. On the worst of days, frontline workers witness more tragedy than any of us should have to. They work diligently. They work tirelessly. They stay positive, for us! I spoke to several nurses from hospitals and clinics around New Orleans, to get their perspective on the pandemic, to learn about their daily lives, to hear about their hopes for the future, and to ask them what we can do to best support them in an ongoing way.

Rebecca Songy

Rebecca Songy, ICU RN “The best way to take care of nurses right now is by taking care of you, so that we don’t have to. Make your baseline healthy. Quit smoking. Thank us from afar! I think people now are so much more aware of their health and more receptive than they’ve ever been. That’s a huge thing for us, as nurses, reaching people at that preventative stage because once you get to the treatment stage, the damage has already been done. I love so many aspects of my job. I love how much I have to think. I love how interconnected the body systems are. I change one medicine and it changes a symptom, and then I have to change another medicine. My favorite part of my job is my coworkers. They’re some of the strongest, smartest people I know. When the world locked down, we weren't able to rely on our normal support system of family and friends. We were spending hours and hours every day together. We relied on each other. We leaned on each other in every way. We became a family.” Brandon Brown, BS MN CRNA “I do anesthesia, so my job is a matter of meeting someone who’s about to have surgery—nine out of 10 times, that person is nervous. I make them feel comfortable, let them know they can trust me. We do the procedure, wake them up, and make it feel effortless. The most rewarding thing is when I bring them to recovery and they say, “When are we going to do the surgery?” and I get to say, “It’s already done.” As chief of my department, I have to lead my team into battle, to keep in mind how every individual is doing physically and emotionally, navigate what happens when someone tests positive or their family member does. For encouragement, I put N95 masks in brown paper bags with memes that said, “We ride at dawn!” The

Mother's Day / Graduation | Where Y'at Magazine

My wife Laterrica is a nurse, too. She works around the city, but we do get to see each other at work…on Mondays. —Brandon Brown, Chief CRNA, Touro Infirmary

Brandon Brown,

(with thoughts of his wife, Laterrica Antoine Brown, MN CRNA)

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mental health aspect of this past year has taken a toll on me, so I know it has for others. It has also allowed me to push the reset button and reprioritize what I care about the most. I accept that you can’t stop time, so we have to make the most of it. Take precautions. Be more selfless than selfish. We’ve come a long way and it can be done. We just have to see the overall picture.”

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Sanjay Raman, BSN, RN, CPEN Emergency Dept. “I worked for New Orleans EMS for years—becoming a pediatric nurse was a calling. The kids make it enjoyable to go to work every day. A lot of emergency nurses, and nurses in general, questioned if this was the profession for them with all the added stress of this past year, but pretty much everyone I know still responded with a resounding, “Yes!” My population of kids, they weren’t in school, they had all this time, so they’ve been getting into all this trouble and we’ve had a lot more traumas coming in. As a kid, I also frequented Children’s Hospital for stitches. I was the first clinician at LCMC to get the vaccine. I was super stoked. As soon as you are eligible to get the vaccine, please do! I don’t want to see any more small babies coming into the hospital with COVID. I don’t want to see more kids with multi-system inflammatory symptoms from the aftermath of the disease. I have a son, William, who’s 3 years old. He’s still at risk. When you get vaccinated, you help protect our kids. I’m super hopeful that these whole COVID days of danger will soon be in the past. This was gonna be my first year riding in Orpheus. Hopefully, next year, I’ll be up there throwing beads at everybody!”

Brittany Brimmer, FNP “I enjoy being able to educate, empower, and engage patients in their healthcare. I’m hoping that the pandemic comes to an end and that we can come back to some normalcy overall; my other hope is that everyone gets serious about their health. I find there’s a lack of knowledge about the system and that’s where some of the fear and discomfort comes from that makes people avoid healthcare in general. It’s best to find a provider that you feel comfortable with. I always tell my patients, 'This is a collaboration. We’re gonna sit down and come up with a plan that works best for you.' I think if people can look at it a little more like that, we can shift away from the disparities and Brittany find a way to include everyone. If I get tired, if I give Brimmer up, we won’t make any progress. When I leave work, I have conversations about health with family and friends. Healthcare providers carry this on our backs, but it’s what we signed up for. Nursing is not pretty. It’s not about dressing up and wearing scrubs every day. It’s about helping people. And in helping people, things can get ugly, but you see a reward in it, positive outcomes—there’s nothing like seeing a patient recover or thanking you for listening to them. That’s what keeps me going.”

Mother's Day / Graduation | Where Y'at Magazine

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Healthy eating

Laiken Bourgeois, RN “There are five or six nurses in my family, including my mom. It’s a great career. You see nurses coming home exhausted, but they make it seem worth it and it is. I work in the operating room but was switched back to bedside critical care when everyone was needed there for a while. I didn’t mind the crazy hours because there was hazard pay and all the amazing Feed the Frontline food. I have two boys. They’re 8 and 11 years old. They like to do their own thing, so when everything first shut down, even though I was working a lot, I enjoyed my family all being stuck at home with me. There’s no groundbreaking news about taking care of yourself: Don’t smoke. Eat healthy. Exercise. Drink a lot of water. It’s basic things that will keep you going and keep you feeling good. Everybody wants an immediate cure and it’s not always like that. When you feel bad, it can just be because you aren’t exercising or eating what you’re supposed to eat.”

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Mother's Day / Graduation | Where Y'at Magazine

COURTESY KAYAK-ITI-YAT / RANDY P SCHMIDT

By Emily Hingle

As the world resumes a more normal pace, you may find yourself wanting to get out into nature with your friends and enjoying quality time together. Kayaking is a leisure sport for water masters and novices alike; all you need is a kayak, paddle, and an adventurous spirit. Our corner of Louisiana offers beautiful and diverse locations to set your kayak in the water for a day of paddling. WhereYat.com | May 2021

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CTA goes up a creek …with paddles First thing’s first: get a kayak. For those ready to make the leap to owning a kayak, it’s best to choose a vessel based on your specific needs. Locally-based company KYSEK is a manufacturer of high-end sporting goods, including coolers, koozies, and dry bags, and they’ve ventured into creating water crafts. The flagship KYSEK K12 Kayak is the Cadillac of kayaks as it is made to be so stable that you can paddle all day long, fish, and even hunt from it. It also comes loaded with accessories. KYSEK owner John Gutierrez explained, “This kayak comes with a dry bag with a built-in solar panel, which is made to fit into the bow. This bag also turns into a backpack. The kayak has got a rail system so you can put in whatever accessories you want. Dry storage, gun port, ergonomic big boy seat, rod holders with leashes, and a 25-liter ice chest that you can stand up on. The kayak is foam-filled and includes a carbon graphite paddle. You can cut this kayak in half, and it still floats. The cockpit is selfbaling; so as water comes in, it goes back out. It’s an ocean kayak.”

Bayou Paddlesports welcome pets John said that he started manufacturing the K12 Kayak because he could not find a kayak on the market that was comparable to KYSEK’s sporting goods. “We only build Ferrari-type products. We’re not a commodity-based company; we build the best product that you can build, whether it’s an ice chest or if it’s a backpack or cup or paddle. We won’t build anything with money involved. We build the best product first and worry about the money later.” In the spirit of Louisiana traditions, KYSEK recently added a pirogue to its stable. The 58-pound pirogue is made of fiber glass and also boasts incredible stability. “The kayak and pirogue are a natural fit for KYSEK because our deal is outdoor solutions. We couldn’t find some on the marketplace that we liked, so we built them,” John concluded. Campers and light packers will enjoy learning about Oru Kayaks, which makes light, foldable kayaks made for traveling. Oru offers several single and double seat models that are easy enough for beginners and tough enough for experts. I tried out Oru Kayak’s Inlet model, which

PHOTOS, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: COURTESY BAYOU PADDLESPORTS / RHONDA ARDOIN; COURTESY KAYAK-ITI-YAT / MATTHEW WHITE; COURTESY BAYOU PADDLESPORTS / RHONDA ARDOIN; CANOE AND TRAIL ADVENTURES (CTA) (2)

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Encountering alligators excites paddlers. is its smallest, lightest model yet. The Inlet is designed for one person, and it weighs about 20 pounds. It even comes packed into its own backpack, which makes it so that even those who aren’t that fits can carry it by themselves. The kayak in its bag fit very easily into the backseat of my convertible. After a handful of minutes unfolding it and setting it up, the Inlet came out to be about 10 feet long. I found it to be easy to maneuver and turn, even as a novice to kayaks, and it cut through the water with ease. At the end of the day, you just unlatch the straps, fold it, then put it back in the backpack to throw in the car. The Inlet is made for calmer waters, but Oru’s Coast XT and Haven models can withstand choppier water and high wind, as well as activities like fishing. Of Oru’s five models, the Haven is the largest with a length of 16 feet and is made for two people. This boat, astoundingly, only weighs 40 pounds. Now that you’ve gotten a great kayak, it’s time to set it out on the water. Inside of New Orleans, Bayou St. John is the most popular spot for paddling around for a while. You just need to be cautious of the bridges that crossover the bayou at some points. If the water is high, you’re going to get very close to the bottom of the bridge. Bayou Paddlesports rents kayaks Thursdays through Mondays from 9 a.m. to

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Mother's Day / Graduation | Where Y'at Magazine

Paddlers relaing on Bayou St. John with Kayak-iti-Yat.

7 p.m. at 1101 Florida Avenue along Bayou St. John. They have a whole fleet of kayaks for kids, single and tandem kayaks, and paddle boards. You can even buy a season pass to enjoy their vessels. Kayak-iti-Yat offers guided kayak tours of Bayou St. John, which is perfect for visitors and those on a staycation. The tours last from two to four hours and explores the history of the city from the view of the bayou. The Northshore offers many scenic rivers that are lined with lush vegetation and perfect for kayaking. Canoe and Trail Adventures offers kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals from the Chimes Restaurant in Covington, which lies along the sandy-bottom Bogue Falaya River. Most everyone is familiar with tubing the Bogue Chitto River near Bogalusa, but Bogue Chitto Tubing also offers kayaks and canoes for those wanting a more active experience. Other places to spend some time on the water include Fort Proctor, Bayou Sauvage, Manchac, Cane Bayou, Bayou Bienvenue, and Jean Lafitte National Park. Just make sure to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated while you’re outside for extended periods of time. Make this the year of going outdoors and getting active! You may discover that you love it.

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CELEBRATING MOTHERS AROUND THE GLOBE

FEASTING WITH FAMILY Spending time together to break (metaphorical) bread is another way to pamper and give back to our mothers. In France, the giving of flowers and treats combine into a local tradition of eating a flower-shaped cake on Mother’s Day. In Italy, the traditional cake takes the shape of a heart. In the UK, the preferred cake is a simnel, a special kind of fruitcake featuring two layers of marzipan—one on top and one in the middle. While these cakes may be complicated to make or expensive to order from a bakery, it is easy to whip up or purchase ready-made cupcakes to decorate. Simply fill a plastic sandwich bag with colored icing, snip off the corner, and pipe the floral design of your choice on top of each. Or arrange a collection of cupcakes in two colors (one for the middle and one for the petals), in the shape of a flower, on a table or tray. In some countries, including India, entire meals or all-day feasts are part of Mother’s Day celebrations. In Ethiopia, three days of feasting and celebrating are devoted to mothers each year. Ethiopians may not cook for their mothers during this holiday, but children return home with the daughters bringing veggies and cheese and the sons bringing meat. Their family’s matriarch then makes a delicious hash with these ingredients for the whole family to share. This dish is not only a representation of how each member contributes to the family; it is a demonstration of how it is their mother— her hands and hard work—that unites the family. Spending an entire day, much less Mother's Day around the three days, in celebration may not fit world is as different as the into our lifestyles, but hosting a meal or bringing a potluck to Mom’s house is an mothers we celebrate. inexpensive and intimate alternative to brunch at a local restaurant. However, if dining out is the most reasonable, and convenient, way to honor Mom this year, FLOWERS be sure to make your reservations in advance. More people At Anna Jarvis’s first Mother’s Day celebration, mothers eat in restaurants in the United States on Mother’s Day than were given a single white carnation to wear, like a any other day of the year! corsage. Thus, the white carnation was established as the official flower of Mother’s Day in the United WORDS OF LOVE AND GRATITUDE States—a practice that has been picked up by Japan. Directly expressing love and gratitude to mothers is the Red or pink carnations are displayed at home or at main theme of Mother’s Day celebrations and there is cemeteries to honor mothers who have passed. In no better way in doing that than to express it directly in Thailand, jasmine is the official flower of Mother’s Day. words. In Mexico, mothers are treated to a traditional Flowers are a nearly universal element of Mother’s Day serenade—sometime even to the accompaniment of celebrations around the globe. mariachis—as well as breakfast in bed, while Argentinians Carnations are one of the most affordable flowers and gift their mothers with poems. Similarly, in France and are often sold at grocery stores, making them a widely the United States, cards have become another hallmark accessible and convenient gift. While white, pink, and red Mother’s Day gift and are a great option for busy grownare traditional colors, you can get whatever colors your up children. mother likes best. For mothers with gardens, you might This year, you might consider making personalized cards consider getting her a live gift at a local nursery, such as for your mothers. The materials you use are less important Harold’s Plants on Press Street. Any flowering plant will than the content of the message. Take a stab at writing your be a happy reminder to Mama of your appreciation of how own poem or do a search online for one that resonates with much she has done to help you grow and bloom. your thoughts and feelings about your mother the most. If you decide to purchase an arrangement, remember If poetry isn’t your or your mama’s jam, then write her a that Mother’s Day is the busiest day for florists in the simple note sharing some of your most important memories United States. Order well ahead of time! You might try of her. You might even collaborate with your siblings, if you making a floral arrangement of your own. Purchase two or have any, by putting together a little chapbook or photo three types of flowers and a filler, such as baby’s breath album of stories and meaningful moments. or eucalyptus, from a local florist or grocer—or harvest Short on time? Even a phone call can mean a whole lot them from your own garden, leaves and all. Mix them up to Mom. In fact, Mother’s Day is the busiest day of the year with some whimsy and wrap them in a cone of decorative for phone calls all over the world! tissue paper or place them in a vase.

By Michelle A. Nicholson

Not a single one of us entered this world without a mother, and few of us have survived and thrived without the love, guidance, and support of women who are—or who are like—our mothers. Mother’s Day in the United States began in 1908, but recorded communal celebrations of motherhood date back to the Ancient Greeks. Nowadays, people all around the world set aside time each year to devote to showing gratitude for the sacrifices and contributions our mothers make. 28

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Fitness Tips for Mothers-to-Be By Celeste Turner

Women often worry that exercise can be harmful during pregnancy, but obstetricians agree that it can work wonders for a mother and her baby. During pregnancy, exercise can help mothers stay in shape, as well as prepare for labor and delivery.

Mother's Day / Graduation | Where Y'at Magazine

”The benefits of exercising in each trimester of pregnancy is significant,” Stephen Champlin, MD, who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology at the East Jefferson Women’s Center in Metairie, said. “Exercise throughout pregnancy tends to speed up the labor process and slightly lowers the risk of cesarean section deliveries. Exercise throughout pregnancy helps regulate insulin levels and lessened or lowers the effects of diabetes.” Expecting mothers can minimize the common symptoms of pregnancy, like bloating, swelling, back aches, and leg pain, with the recommended 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise almost every day. “I have always been someone who needs to exercise to sleep well and feel my best, so I typically start out my pregnancies trying to exercise four to five days a week,'' Elizabeth C. Perez, D.D.S., who is currently more than 23 weeks pregnant, said. ”However, I get very sick for the first 18 weeks of my pregnancies, so it is usually hard to do anything rigorous like a HIIT workout. I have found that even the slightest bit of exercise helps to quell the nausea in the beginning. When I felt most sick, a 15-minute walk could help reset me.” Perez, a native of New Orleans, is awaiting the arrival of her third child. She and her husband, Paul, jointly own a dental practice in New Orleans while raising their two boys, ages 3 and 5. “I try to do two strength training days, two cardio days, and one HIIT day a week,” Perez said. “Although most of these workouts are only 20 minutes, I feel so much better after I am done. I have worked out through all my three pregnancies.” Before beginning an exercise program, it is important to check with your healthcare provider. Depending on your fitness level, you should be aware of your limitations and pace yourself. According to Dr. Champlin, certain exercises should be avoided at the 20-week mark during pregnancy. “Before 20 weeks, patients are free to do sit ups, crunches, and other ab workouts without restraint,” Dr. Champlin said. “However, after 20 weeks, we asked patients not to do any abdominal exercises, which would require more than a 30-degree bend at the waist.” Dr. Champlin also indicated that “most exercises are safe as long as patients have the proper form and do not attempt to do any exercises with a heavy strain on their body while lifting.” “Running and jogging are safe throughout pregnancy,” Dr. Champlin said. “However, we ask patients not to do any exercise which would take the heart rate above 160 bpm for longer than 20 minutes.” While doing cardiovascular exercise, Perez admitted that breathing can be difficult during pregnancy. “The one thing that always catches me off guard is how labored my breathing gets during the course of my pregnancy. Your diaphragm and lungs do not have the room to expand like they normally do. I have to remind myself that this does not mean I am out of breath because I am not fit, but because my body is going through amazing physiological changes,” Perez stated.

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Consider these guidelines: • If you have not exercised in a while, start with as little as 10 minutes of physical activity, and then try to build up to 30 minutes. Suggested physical activities like walking, swimming, low-impact aerobics, strength training, and cycling are acceptable as moderate aerobic and strength conditioning with minimal stress on joints. • Another key point to remember is that intense exercise increases oxygen and blood flow to the muscles and away from the uterus. While you are exercising, you should be able to carry on a normal conversation. If it is tough to talk while you’re working out, you’re pushing yourself beyond your limits. • Always warm up, stretch, and cool down before and after your workout. • Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid overheating when you are working out. • After the first trimester, avoid any exercises that force you to lie on your back. • Do not participate in these activities, which can pose high risk for pregnant women: 1. Scuba diving, which could put your baby at risk of decompression sickness. 2. Contact sports like hockey, basketball, soccer, and volleyball. 3. Sports that may involve falling like downhill skiing, gymnastics, and horseback riding. 4. Other sports, which may put you at risk to hit the water with a great amount of force, like water skiing, diving, and surfing. 5. Activities that may cause you to overheat like hot yoga and hot Pilates. 6. Another significant consideration noted by Dr. Champlin for mothers-to-be is that a woman’s center of balance does change throughout the pregnancy. He recommended that any exercise or strength training should be done slow and deliberate with attention to balance, particularly if the person is standing.

Expecting mothers can enjoy the benefits of a modified prenatal yoga or prenatal Pilates that accommodate a pregnant woman’s shifting balance. These classes can reduce stress, improve flexibility, and encourage stretching and focused breathing. Again, be mindful to avoid poses that require you to be still or lie on your back for long periods. For Perez, the strength training sessions with her personal trainer and the pre-natal yoga classes help to relieve her lower back pain and maintain her weight. “I have had a personal trainer for the past 11 years that I go to for one hour one time a week. I try to keep my weight gain to 25-35 pounds a pregnancy. I must say that with each child, it does get harder to maintain the weight,” Perez admitted. “And you do lose a lot of core strength, which can lead to lower back pain and discomfort. I find that prenatal yoga really helps when I am feeling a loss of strength or balance.” So, if you are an experienced runner, avid cyclist, or workout fanatic, you may be able to keep doing these activities during pregnancy. Listen to your body and watch for the following warning signs when you exercise. If you have any of these, stop and call your obstetrician: • Bleeding • Feeling dizzy or fainting • Shortness of breath before starting exercise • Chest pain • Headache • Muscle weakness • Calf pain or swelling • Regular, painful contractions With these fitness tips in mind, you and your baby can expect to reap the benefits of exercise for years to come.

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a Piece of the Pie By Kim Ranjbar

@onlypanspizza

Nostalgia aside, pizza is also an extremely affordable, moneymaking menu option for the restaurateur or chef, something the industry needs in times like these. Sure, you need stand-out dough and sauce recipes, good cheese, and the appropriate equipment, but once those elements are in place, there's nothing stopping a savvy eatery or cook from putting out the perfect pie. While there are some folks out there that can easily eat a large pizza all to themselves, most people would be through after two or three slices, depending upon the thickness and style of pie. Luckily, quite a few of the pizza purveyors who are popping up these days offer personal pies, which are not only affordable, but the perfect meal for one, or perhaps two if you add a big salad. Ernest Quiambao of @onlypanspizza has worked in the restaurant industry his entire life. After hosting at-home pizza parties for friends and family, people encouraged him to open his own pizzeria. His typical response was, “Hell no! I’ve spent enough time with chefs to know their lives are awful!” Despite his reluctance, a good friend finally convinced him to give it a go. The dough is made with high-gluten flour, salt, and yeast and is cold fermented for two days. After much trial and error, Quiambao's pies resulted in a thicker,

chewier crust (rather than thin crust or Neapolitan-style), reflecting his own pizza preferences. While he hopes to open a brick and mortar when he “wins the next Powerball,” until then, @onlypanspizza is popping up on Thursdays at Henry's Uptown Bar and Saturdays at The Domino on St. Claude. The prices range between $13 and $15 for a personal-sized, 12” pie. The Ball brothers, Chris and Michael, are popping up again (when did they ever stop?), but, this time, they're making pies with Chef Todd Bourgeois. Known on Instagram as @doughlimit, the guys are using two portable propane ovens to cook Neapolitanstyle pizzas at their regular pop-up spot, the Okay Bar on Port Street. Two special pies are on offer during each pop-up, and their “OG” Margherita always makes an appearance. Unusual specials include a “Frito” pie; pistachio, pesto, and mortadella; Gulf oyster; fig and arugula; and spicy meatball. Stretched by hand, @doughlimit's pizzas are approximately 10-12 inches and range from $14 to $16 each. If you don't want to stalk an Instagram account to discover the latest pop-up, you can always swing by The Pizza Box at the Pythian Market. Order online or swing by Monday through Saturday for 12” personalsized pizzas created by Chef Emma Sanchez.

Mother's Day / Graduation | Where Y'at Magazine

Along with a $10 Margherita, other options include the French Funghi with mushrooms and gouda ($12); the Carnival Carnivore featuring coppa and prosciutto ($13); and a Riverbend Ricotta with grana padano and preserved lemon ($12). If you're feeling extra saucy, you can also order a Pizza Party Kit that comes with blanched or raw dough, sauce, cheese and four toppings, all of which makes two personal pizzas for $24. For some spots, pizza seems like a natural fit. Take for instance Bellegarde Bakery. Located in Hollygrove, Bellegarde is the creation of artisanal miller and baker Graison Gill. Known for its stone milling, in-house whole grain flours and its slow fermentation processes, which preserves the dietary quality of the whole grains, it seems only natural that Bellegarde would produce a superior pizza. The dough, which is made with fresh, stone-milled flour, Avery Island Salt, and Arbequina extra virgin olive oil from San Antonio, goes through a 48-hour fermentation process and the pies are cooked in the bakery’s bread oven (electric deck oven) at 600 degrees. Since mid-March, Bellegarde has been offering four different pies—Margherita,

Soppressata, Prosciutto, and Marinara—every other Thursday night. None rise over the $20 mark, though tipping and extra sauce will definitely push you over budget. Especially if you can't resist grabbing some freshly baked bread or pastries on your way out. Generally, most pizza spots offer pies that fall way outside the $20 limit. Even Bywater's popular Pizza Delicious charges $21 for an 18” Margherita, though it does offer plain cheese and pepperoni by the slice. If you have a friend or two, you can check out the pizzas blowing through Mayhew Bakery. Offering 18”, thin-crust and Sicilian pan-style pizzas with sourdough-based doughs, some of Mayhew's specials include an arugula and walnut pesto, as well as a three-cheese with ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan. Another new-ish spot that requires company to stay under budget is NOLA Pizza Co., which lives inside the NOLA Brewing Tap Room on Tchoupitoulas. Touting New York-style pies (both round and square), even the 18” cheese pie will set you back $18. But if you bring a friend and split, say, the meatball, peppers, and vodka sauce pie, you'll each have enough dough left over for an ice-cold brew.

@doughlimit

ALL PHOTOS: KIM RANJBAR

In this brave new world of food, where dishes that withstand the rigors of takeout and delivery rule, it's really no surprise that so many local purveyors have jumped on the pizza bandwagon. Even pre-pandemic, pizza has always been the perfect take-home or order-in kind of item. Who remembers going to the pizza parlor with mom to pick up dinner, riding home in the car with the huge, hot pizza box on your lap, aromas rising into your face, making you salivate long before you reach the front door? Even ice cold, leftover pizza from the fridge is a more-than-worthy option for breakfast.

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TAKE-OUT & OFFICE LUNCHES AVAILABLE! 2321 Hickory Ave., Harahan 307-7811 | WeAllAsked4U.com Lunch & Dinner: Thurs–Sun WhereYat.com | May 2021

RESTAURANT GUIDE AMERICAN Bayou Hot Wings offers delicious chicken wings, as well as sandwiches and salads, made from scratch with your choice of sauce or flavor. Enter the "Bayou Beast Challenge" and eat 10 extra spicy wings in under five minutes for the chance to win a free t-shirt. 6221 S. Claiborne Ave., 504-865-9464, bayouhotwings.com Bud’s Broiler is home to New Orleans’s original charcoal broiled burger. Along with its famous burgers, Bud’s also provides hot dogs, seafood po-boys, and chicken sandwiches, as well as homemade pies. Go to one of Bud’s many locations to get some of the best burgers around. Multiple Locations, budsbroiler.com Crescent City Steaks has been serving USDA prime beef for more than 87 years and is known for its signature "New Orleans style" of cooking steaks, which involves sizzling the meat in butter. Some delicious steak cuts to choose from include filet wrapped in bacon, T-bone, and cowboy ribeye. 1001 N. Broad St., 504-8213271, crescentcitysteaks.com Daisy Dukes serves breakfast, lunch, and

go wrong with ordering the chicken and waffles for breakfast or raw, charbroiled, or fried oysters. 700 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-613-2350, legacykitchen.com Legacy Kitchen's Steak & Chop is the perfect place to go to in Gretna. Be sure to consider the crawfish cornbread, salmon, mac and cheese, and the many cuts of steak. Just as the name suggests, the food, service, and ambiance will have a lasting legacy on your dining experience. 91 Westbank Expy., Gretna, 504-513-2606, legacykitchen.com Manning's Sports Bar & Grill, located in the Warehouse District, is the perfect spot to catch all the games. Two 13-ft mega screens, 30+ TVs, courtyard game-viewing, 24 draft beers, plus award winning burgers & wings help make Manning's a prime game-viewing destination in NOLA. 519 Fulton St., 504-593-8118, caesars.com MISA features beautiful outdoor seating with heaters and a covered patio right on Magazine Street. A great date spot, some of MISA's dishes include Moroccan Fish and Royal Indian Lambshank Stew. MISA also features a wonderful

Legacy Kitchen's Steak & Chop

Gattuso's is a neighborhood restaurant that has a beautifully landscaped patio for outdoor dining and is the perfect place to enjoy live music with friends and family. Gattuso's has a daily happy hour from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. with over 14 different beers on tap. 435 Huey P Long Ave., Gretna, 504-3681114, gattusos.net Jimmy J's Cafe is a hidden gem located right in the French Quarter. In addition to its regular menu, Jimmy J's offers special chef creations and new item promotions weekly. Serving breakfast all day, some favorites include the blueberry brandy glazed French toast and smoked salmon bagel. 115 Chartres St., 504-3099360, jimmyjscafe.com Lakeview Harbor has a very extensive menu that you can choose from. Whether you are in the mood for burgers, pizza, seafood, or pasta, you will absolutely not leave without a full stomach. Lakeview Harbor also has specialty items like the Surf and Turf Burger and the Margherita Chicken Sandwich. 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., 504-486-4887, lakeviewharbor.us Legacy Kitchen's Craft Tavern has an artistic ambience and a wonderful selection of craft beers for happy hour, which can be enjoyed with small plates, soups, and salads. You can't

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brunch menu that includes fantastic cocktails and its delicious shakshouka. 4734 Magazine St., 504-510-2791, misanola.com New Orleans Vampire Cafe has a menu that vampires would happily serve to their mortal guests. Opportunities to have a tea leaf reading or meeting with a tarot reader are also available. You can also come in for bottomless mimosa brunches on Saturdays or Sundays. 801 Royal St., 504-581-0801, nolavampirecafe.com Spudly's Super Spuds is home to the famous "meal in a baked potato." You can choose from over 18 different types of baked potatoes, ranging from spud skins to super spuds. Serving baked potatoes for over 35 years, Spudly's has expanded its menu to soups, salads, sandwiches, and burgers. 2609 Harvard St., Metairie, 504-455-3250, spudlys.com The Steakhouse at Harrah's is a traditional steakhouse reinvented; located in New Orleans' favorite casino. The sleek ambiance sets the mood for sophisticated cocktails and delicious wine. BBQ shrimp or fried oyster deviled eggs are popular starters. Plan to indulge by adding a lobster tail to your steak or another "surf" option. 8 Canal St., 504-533-6111, caesars.com

ASIAN Green Tea is a Chinese restaurant that originated in New York City before moving to New Orleans in 2008. There are plenty of lo mein, moo shu, and soup dishes to choose from. Check out the family dinner specials, which can feed anywhere from

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dinner all day to satisfy any and all of your food cravings. Daisy Dukes dishes out Southern comfort food with great Southern hospitality. It prides itself on its award-winning Cajun Bloody Mary. You can find Daisy Dukes all over the Greater New Orleans area. Multiple locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com

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LEBANON’S CAFE RESTAURANT GUIDE

MIDDLE EAST CUISINE √ A HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE Great Selection Of Vegetarian Dishes

Lunch & Dinner 7 Days A Week

APPETIZERS Humus √ Falafel √ Bathenjan Dip (Roasted Eggplant w/ Garlic) √ Vegetarian Grape Leaves

DINNERS Shish Kabob (Chicken, Lamb or Beef ) √ Lula Kabob (Lamb) √ Humus w/ Lamb Meat √ Rosemary Lamb Chops

two to nine people. 3001 Napoleon Ave., 504-899-8005, greenteanola.com

Mikimoto is a locally owned restaurant that has been serving authentic Japanese cuisine since 1999. Whether you are craving sushi, noodles, or fried rice, Mikimoto's menu has it all. It even has a drive-thru pick-up window to quickly grab your online orders. 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-488-1881, mikimotosushi.com

Café Amelie is named after the mother of Princess Alice, the first American Princess of Monaco. This cafe provides a romantic atmosphere for guests to enjoy either for brunch or dinner. Relax and enjoy the lamb sirloin or ahi tuna, with some chocolate melting cake for dessert. 912 Royal St., 504-4128965, cafeamelie.com

Caffe Caffe is an excellent choice for a quick breakfast or lunch to start your day. The cafe is the perfect place to grab some coffee, wraps,

1500 S. CARROLLTON √ 862-6200 Order Online at LebanonsCafe.com

I NDULGENCE BEGINS IN THE VINEYARD.

Mikimoto 5216 Table & Tap is a sports bar with tons of TVs, a dance floor, and a friendly staff. Enjoy a great selection of craft cocktails, beer, and wine to pair with mouth-watering burgers. It has the perfect pub fare atmosphere to enjoy a sports game with friends or family. 5216 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, 504-766-1417, 5216tableandtap.com The Jimani has been New Orleans's favorite sports bar for over 40 years. It has multiple TVs, 100 different types of beer, a jukebox, and food all through the night. The bar is located in the same space as the former UpStairs Lounge, which was the site of an arson attack in 1973. 141 Chartres St., 504-524-0493, thejimani.com

Rivershack Tavern is a combination of a sports bar, live music hub on Fridays, and restaurant right on the Mississippi River. It is also the "home of the tacky ashtray." Menu items include an alligator po-boy, the Club Samich, and boiled crawfish on Wednesday, Friday, and Sundays. 3449 River Rd., Jefferson, 504-834-4938, rivershacktavern.com

SIX CONSECUTIVE

+ POINTS

W I N E E N TH U S I AS T

LA PETITE GRACE PINOT NOIR 2013 – 2018

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Stumpy's Hatchet House is a unique bar venue that offers the newest up and coming social activity, axe-throwing. You can host parties and other events while playing fun axe-throwing games that will burn calories and improve your coordination. Stumpy's is a super spot for a date night. 1200 Poydras St., 504-577-2937, stumpyshh.com

CAFÉ Bearcat Cafe allows you to indulge in breakfast or lunch with a variety gluten free, vegan, paleo, and vegetarian options. In addition to the food, Bearcat also has coffee from Equator Coffee Co., loose-leaf teas, and over 20 delicious house-made bottled beverages. Multiple locations, bearcatcafe.com

and a salad. More than just delicious food, Caffe Caffe has a friendly environment for any kind of meeting or social gathering. Multiple locations, caffecaffe.com Carmo is a cafe and bar that serves cuisine inspired from all around the world. Carmo's curries perfectly represent the diverse menu and fresh ingredients used in its cooking. If you are on the go, order one of Carmo's discounted boxed meals. 527 Julia St., 504-875-4132, cafecarmo.com The Vintage is focused on serving as a social setting for you to meet a friend or enjoy some time alone. The cozy dining atmosphere, inside and outside, gives people a chance to enjoy coffee, beignets, wines, bubbles, quick bites, and different choices of flatbread and pressed sandwiches. 3121 Magazine St., 504-324-7144, thevintagenola.com

FRENCH Vyoone's presents upscale French cuisine in the Warehouse District. It was founded by Vyoone Segue Lewis, a dedicated member of the New Orleans community who has served on the board of directors for several medical organizations. Visit Vyoone's for brunch, dinner, or happy hour, and dine in its secluded courtyard. 412 Girod St., 504-518-6007, vyoone.com

ITALIAN Elle-J's Lakeview serves hearty Italian dishes, as well as seafood and steak. Enjoy mushrooms stuffed with Louisiana blue crab meat, eggplant parmesan, or the fresh catch of the day. After you clear your plate, enjoy the tiramisu or chocolate and vanilla tartufo off the dessert menu. 900 Harrison Ave., 504-459-2262, ellejslakeview.com

WHERE Y'AT STAFF / PROVIDED PHOTO

BARS WITH GREAT FOOD

Josephine Estelle is located in the Ace Hotel right in the Warehouse District. In 2020, Josephine Estelle won the award of excellence for its Italian cuisine with a hint of Southern flavor. You can't go wrong ordering any of the pasta dishes, specifically the canestri cacio e pepe. 600 Carondelet St., 504-930-3070, josephineestelle.com Mosca's Restaurant has been Westwego's favorite Italian spot for over 60 years. All of Mosca's made from scratch dishes are served family-style and al la carte. Spaghetti and meatballs, chicken cacciatore, and filet mignon are just a few of the items you can enjoy at this charming spot. 4137 US-90 W., Westwego, 504-436-8950, moscasrestaurant.com Nephew's Ristorante opened as a tribute to chef and owner Frank Catalanotto's family and their history of providing Sicilian and Italian Creole cuisine. Some signature entrees include veal parmigiana, grilled duck breast, and braised rabbit with tomatoes. You can also get soft shell crab and frog legs a la carte. 4445 W. Metairie Ave., Metairie, 504-533-9998, nephewsristorante.com Nor Joe Import Co. prides itself on selling fine Italian imports to not only Metairie, but also the Greater New Orleans Area. Along with wine, cheese, and baked goods, Nor Joe's also serves a number of different freshly made lunch items like sandwiches, stuffed artichokes, and cannolis. 505 Frisco Ave., Metairie, 504-833-9240, facebook.com/norjoeimport Pascal's Manale has been thriving in New Orleans for over 100 years. It’s also the originator of the NOLA famous BBQ shrimp dish, which was first made in the 1950s. The restaurant is also famous for its raw oyster bar and dishes like veal marsala, frutta del mare, and chicken bordelaise. 1838 Napoleon Ave., 504-895-4877, pascalsmanale.com

MIDDLE EASTERN Lebanon's Cafe has earned the reputation as a top Middle Eastern dining spot in New Orleans. The indoor dining space gives an authentic atmosphere with intricate hand painted murals on the wall. Lebanon's also has patio dining and allows BYOB, so bring your favorite beer or wine. 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-862-6200, lebanonscafe.com Tal's Hummus is a quick service restaurant offering healthy Israeli inspired food made from the freshest ingredients. You can order pita wraps, hummus, salads, kabobs, or falafel with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. Located uptown, enjoy a tasty meal at Tal's Hummus for a dine-in or dine-out experience. 4800 Magazine St., 504-267-7357, ordertalsonline.com

NEW ORLEANS CUISINE Annunciation Restaurant, located on Annunciation Street, is mostly known for its assortment of contemporary and classic Creole dishes. Order anything from fried oysters and gumbo to grilled pompano and shrimp etouffee. The restaurant also serves specialty cocktails, like an Old Fashioned and a Blueberry Sazerac. 1016 Annunciation St., 504-568-0245, annunciationrestaurant.com Cafe 615 Home of Da Wabbit serves New Orleans inspired cuisine ranging from sandwiches to seafood platters. They also can cater your next crawfish boil! Founded in 1948, Cafe 615 was a hit for its iconic Bugs Bunny LED sign, which still stands today. 615 Kepler St., Gretna, 504-365-1225, cafe615.com

Red Gravy is an Italian bistro that has been serving brunch for the past 10 years, but now you can come in for dinner to try handmade pasta, ravioli, lasagna, and gnocchi. Red Gravy created an intimate dining atmosphere to "mangiere, ridere, amare," which means eat, laugh, love. 4206 Magazine St., 504-561-8844, redgravycafe.com Tavolino Pizza and Lounge serves crispy thin crusts with unconventional specialty pizzas such as a funghi pizza with mushroom fonduta sauce, fresh mushrooms, fontina cheese, truffle oil, and arugula. There is even a back bar lounge that is the perfect place to have a romantic date without the kids. 141 Delaronde St., 504-605-3365, instagram.com/ tavolinonola Venezia Restaurant has been serving Italian dishes with New Orleans flare since 1957 and is dedicated to providing the uppermost dining experience to all guests. Enjoy daily specials and hand tossed pizzas. You will be leaving your dinner or lunch with a clear plate and a happy belly. 134 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-488-7991, venezianeworleans.net

MEXICAN Carreta's Grill treats all guests like family while providing fresh authentic Mexican cuisine at an affordable price. The menu includes burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, wraps, and salads. Carreta's world famous margaritas come with your choice of tequila and flavor in a size small, medium, or large. Multiple Locations, carretasgrillrestaurant.com

Red Gravy Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop opened in 2012 when Ron Iafrate followed his dreams of opening his very own restaurant. Located in a small strip mall on Causeway Boulevard, Ron’s serves some of the best Southern comfort food. While the menu and specials may change, the award-winning gumbo is always available. 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, 504-835-2022, gumbostop.com Copeland's prides itself on catering to local appetites with made from scratch New Orleans classics for over 36 years. The menu includes favorites like Cajun Gumbo Ya-Ya, Butterflied Shrimp Creole, and the Copeland Burger with special Tiger Sauce, as well as healthy dishes like Crab & Avocado Stack or Garden Chicken. Multiple locations, copelandsofneworleans.com Evangeline Restaurant offers some of the freshest Cajun cuisine in the French Quarter. Some of the dishes patrons can choose from include Acadia Crawfish and Grits, Pasta Evangeline, and a fried catfish and alligator platter. A selection of local craft beers are also available. 329 Decatur St., 504-373-4852, evangelineneworleans.com

Eat, Drink and Relax at Apolline

Now Serving Brunch and Dinner Wednesday - Sunday!

4729 Magazine Street • (504) 894-8881 • www.ApollineRestaurant.com

WhereYat.com | May 2021

RESTAURANT GUIDE New Orleans Creole Cookery serves many Creole favorites including Gumbo Ya-Ya, charbroiled oysters, jambalaya, pecan-crusted redfish, and Crab Cake Napoleon. Enjoy craft cocktails like the New Orleans Hurricanes, which range from a category one to a category five with different types of rum. 508 Toulouse St., 504-524-9632, neworleanscreolecookery.com

May 5th

with Cuisine by:

Margarita Specials! Tequila Tastings! Live Music! 11:30 am: DJ Javi Reyes (all day) 4:00 pm-close: FermÍn & su banda 40

Mother's Day / Graduation | Where Y'at Magazine

Neyow's Creole Cafe is a casual spot to enjoy traditional Creole and Southern fried cooking. There are weekly specials with different meals offered every day. Popular items on the menu include chargrilled oysters, crab claws, and crawfish balls. Neyow's is dedicated to providing amazing food in a hospitable environment. 3332 Bienville St., 504-827-5474, neyows.com Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro is home to one of the largest wine selections in the French Quarter. The building, established in 1808, was home to the first Creole restaurant in New Orleans. The bistro has delicious entreés, as well as petit fare like a cheese board and boudin sausage links. 720 Orleans St., 504-523-1930, orleansgrapevine. com Please-URestaurant is a long-established diner with booth and counter seating. It's famously known for serving breakfast all day with omelettes, French toast, and chicken and waffles. Please-U also has hot lunches with well-priced seafood po-boys. Please-U is all about making sure you leave happy and full. 1751 St. Charles Ave., 504-525-9131, pleaseunola.com

SEAFOOD Bon Temps Boulet's Seafood has a passion for food that makes its boiled seafood, smoked BBQ, and po-boys something special. The crawfish are juicy, flavorful, and spiced to clean your sinuses without burning your tongue. Smoked fried wings and wagyu brisket are also available. 4701 Airline Dr., Metairie, 504-885-5003, facebook.com/BonTempsBoulets Briquette is a classy restaurant serving contemporary coastal cuisine. There is an 18-foot-long display of fresh salmon, halibut, and other whole fish over ice. The open floor plan, community tables, and bar create a friendly and spacious dining experience. Attire is business casual, so dress appropriately. 701 S. Peters St., 504-302-7496, briquette-nola.com Casamento's was founded back in 1919 and is a tribute to Southern cuisine and Louisiana oysters. Beyond oysters, Casamento's serves fresh gumbo, the Big Easy platter, and fried soft-shell crab. Celebrities such as Peyton Manning, Guy Fieri, and Bradley Cooper have all eaten there, and you should too. 4330 Magazine St., 504-895-9761, casamentosrestaurant.com Charlie's Restaurant and Catering has been serving St. Bernard Parish since 1992. With the "largest menu in St. Bernard Parish," choose from over 300 dishes like steaks, pastas, seafood platters, stuffed potatoes, and much, much more. Charlie's also caters for any occasion you might have. 6129 E. St. Bernard Hwy., Violet, 504-6829057, facebook.com/ Charlies-RestaurantCatering

New Orleans Creole Cookery

Poppa's Seafood & Deli has no seating, but your mouth will be watering from the smell of your to-go box. The deli might be small, but the food is packed with flavor. Stop by Poppa's for any of your Southern food cravings. 3311 N. Galvez St., 504-947-3373

Short Stop Poboys offers over 30 different types of po-boys. Short Stop is also known for having some of the best gumbo in the New Orleans area. You can also order sandwich trays for your upcoming event, which can be picked up via the stop's drive-through window. 119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie, 504-885-4572, shortstoppoboysno.com Willie Mae's Scotch House has perfected its fried chicken recipe by making it buttery, flakey, and crispy all in one bite. Visit Willie Mae's second location in the Pythian Market, where the fried chicken can be enjoyed with classic Southern sides such as corn bread, red beans and rice, and mac and cheese. Multiple locations, williemaesnola.com

The Galley Seafood got its start in 1977 by serving soft shell crab po-boys at Jazz Fest. It also offers dishes like shrimp and grits, crawfish etouffee, and blackened or grilled redfish. Make sure to grab a cocktail and enjoy live concert DVDs for dinner and a show. 2535 Metairie Rd., Metairie, 504832-0955, thegalleyseafood.net

Jazzy Pete's serves some of the best seafood, pastas, and po-boys in Uptown. Join Jazzy Pete's for happy hour and get $5 drinks and discounts on oysters and appetizers. The Saltwater Cocktail is the latest feature with vodka, grapefruit, lime, peppercorn syrup, basil pink, and pamplemousse liqueur. 8201 Oak St., 504-345-2490, jazzypetes.com Seaworthy is set in a Creole cottage and retains a rustic, cozy atmosphere. Seaworthy offers tons of different oysters from the East, West, and Gulf Coasts, as well as locally caught fish. The Southern hospitality and chic atmosphere makes for the perfect date night or evening out with friends. 630 Carondelet St., 504-930-3071, seaworthynola.com Tito's Ceviche & Pisco combines Peruvian and Asian cuisine with seafood for delectable starters and entreés. Enjoy bottomless mimosas and ceviche at brunch or tiraditos and platos del mar for dinner. The service, staff, courtyard dining, and authentic cuisine will leave you dreaming about returning again and again. 5015 Magazine St., 504-267-7612, titocevichepisco.com

WHERE Y'AT STAFF / PROVIDED PHOTO

Mandina's has been combining homestyle seafood and Italian cooking since 1932. Some items on the menu have been staples of the restaurant for over 80 years. Mandina's has a piece of New Orleans history to its food and an ambience that you can't find at a lot of other places. 3800 Canal St., 504-482-9179, mandinasrestaurant.com

WhereYat.com | May 2021

TALES FROM THE QUARTER

PO-BOY VIEWS

Music, Sweet Music

Birds Do It or Mother’s Day

By Phil LaMancusa

By Debbie Lindsey

t’s been said, many times and in many ways, that music heals and lifts us up. Music can lift me from the grip of lethargy or depression; it’s Adderall for my focus, an analgesic for my arthritis, and an endless fountain of youth. Take the other day—my feet were almost immobile with Mrs. Arthur-itis. I mean, them dogs were barkin’ after hours of working. And I still had a ways to walk before returning home. So I tuned in Jon Batiste’s latest "I Need You" on my phone and I literally started to dance down the sidewalk—I was my very own second line. Screw drugs, give me some rhythm and blues and I’ll create my own Soul Train as I vacuum the house or rake the yard. I’ve always loved music. Can’t play any instrument other than a radio or turntable, and I certainly cannot sing worth a flip, but left alone with Billy Holiday and my chops are transformed. I’m grateful to wear my mask when walking the sidewalks of my neighborhood because I can sing along with my transistor radio or smarty-pants phone. No earbuds for me—I want the world to hear my tunes. Plus, they drown out my vocals! While music has been my companion since I was a kid, I have gone through spells without it. But like a dear friend not seen for a bit of time, it’s there waiting for me, and I wonder how, even why, I ever started my day without the magic. Like today, I simply couldn’t quite “get on the good foot” as they say, so I turned on WWOZ and, bingo, it was like someone shouted, “Lights, Camera, Action,” and the doldrums slipped away. WWOZ is due a big shout-out from me (and, of course, that includes donations) for being an educator and music appreciation mentor for me. My listener repertoire has grown and expanded thanks to the varied music presentations and programs that this radio station provides my ears with. Genres of music that I used to overlook have been presented to me via the airwaves. The truly dedicated DJs use their various air-time slots to showcase specific genres of tunes: blues, modern jazz, traditional, R&B, world music, gospel, folk, New Orleans brass, and more. During these generally two-hour slots, I’m immersed in different worlds of sound and learn to appreciate styles and musicians I might never have sought out if left to my own devices. Thanks, WWOZ, for my music appreciation, education, and expansion. OZ is not the only radio station to introduce me to music. My love of jazz began when I was around 18 years old by way of a yellow portable radio and a station I have long forgotten. Until that day, I had only heard “My Favorite Things” performed within the confines of my beloved musical The Sound of Music. Well, this was no Julie Andrews. In fact, no vocals at all; just John Coltrane’s saxophone crooning. I fell in love with modern jazz that day. I often wonder

if my ears would have taken to it had the introduction not been made with the familiarity of a show tune I so loved. It was a moment that proves to me that all music is intertwined and connected somehow. Movies and theater have always gifted me with treasures that remind me of how lucky I am to possess the sense of hearing. Musicals, show tunes, and soundtracks were my first intro to the pleasures of listening. I was absolutely heartbroken when it became clear to me that I could not sing worth a damn—but it didn’t stop me from belting out Broadway numbers in the privacy of my home. And movie soundtracks always caught my ear. My favorite to this day is Elmer Bernstein’s To Kill a Mockingbird. I would check-out this movie soundtrack from the public library over and over until I am sure I wore it out. Every time I listened to it, I relived every moment of this movie and the book by Harper Lee that inspired it. Broadway has taken me from tap dancing tunes to the rap and hip hop of Hamilton. In recent years, television has lifted itself to the heavens in terms of quality and, as it has soared, it has taken many a musician or composer along for the flight. Just take HBO’s Treme, which showcased New Orleans musical artists—performers that, while beloved here, might never have achieved the attention of the world stage. Another HBO masterpiece was The Wire and its theme song “Way Down in the Hole,” written by Tom Waits, renewed my appreciation for him and the other artists, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Neville Brothers, DoMaJe and Steve Earl, who each performed Waits’ captivating and haunting song for the show’s various seasons. Other television series such as Deadwood and Justified spiked my interest in modern country, bluesy hillbilly, and bluegrass merged with rap. These were genres of music I had forgotten or overlooked, and I am so grateful to have them in my personal musical obit now. These are crazy times, often lonely, sometimes stressful, and always challenging. For me, music has been the most potent source of comfort and motivation. Having a bad day? Then change your playlist…and turn it up loud. R&B puts that needed gut in my strut; Nina Simon tweaks the radical in me; the Hamilton soundtrack activates activism; jazz cools my soul and allows me to take a deep breath. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all our musicians and performers, festival organizers, and those who have offered their business spaces as venues to our struggling artists during this pandemic. Bless each and every radio station and all the music/record stores. And may I shout out a truly heartfelt “thank you” to WWOZ for its “Festing in Place” series and the sponsors who made it possible. Magic does exist and I hear it every day.

Mother's Day / Graduation | Where Y'at Magazine

he story goes: Boy meets Girl meets Girl meets Boy and they fall in love. Girl loses Boy loses Girl (a misunderstanding, infidelity, unforeseeable distancing, or that old saw “I need more space”). Then—viola! Boy and Girl get back together; there’s romance, adventure, mystery. And the next thing, Girl’s in a white dress with bridesmaids; Boy’s in a tux with groomsmen. They say “I do” and go on a honeymoon; settle down, have beautiful and gifted children, and live happily ever after. The End. What’s generally left out of the story is that somewhere in that story, there’s some steamy hot monkey love going on that creates those babies. Yes, somewhere along the way, Girl goes from virginal to vaginal and the result is—surprise—YOU (reminder: call your mother and wish her Happy Mother’s Day, if you can)! Way back, when we were wee bairn growing, dealing with our own selfish wants, needs, impulses, appetites, and egos, our moms and dads, while ‘sleeping late’ on Saturdays—as we boggled our wee minds with cartoons on the telly—were actually doin’ the mambo boudoir upstairs, and the next thing you know, the stork has dropped Brother Clem down our chimney. What chimney you ask? Why, the same one that Santa uses! Simple. Or maybe mom went to the cabbage patch (where the Easter Bunny lives) and picked out Sister Sue. What did we know? We rarely thought of our moms as sexual beings with the same drives and lusts that we come to think of as specifically unique to ourselves and our peer groups. We surmised that we had actually invented sex. Well, surprise again; whatever your parents didn’t tell you about procreation, they were practicing (and sometimes perfecting). In fact, they were up to their stars and garters indulging in it! Upstairs! Behind your backs! While you were watching Elmer Fudd “twacking wabbits!” And having just as much fun as you do now, once you got the hang of it. Yes, as eventually our hungers and hormones kicked in and we learned about sex from our friends and in the street; let it be known that mom (and dad) knew about it all along, unless she was in one of those relationships where “she cries alone at night too often/he smokes and drinks and don’t come home at all,” (“Only Women Bleed,” Alice Cooper, 1975) and amazingly, even then, offspring often occurred. Speaking of moms (and who isn’t?), in most families I know, sex and procreation are hardly a dinner table conversation; I mean, how would mom bring up that subject? “Hey, Son, let’s have a little talk about orifices.” Or “Lois, did I tell you what I saw while visiting Uncle Sid’s sheep farm?” All the while, she knew all about it, but couldn’t bring herself to explain it to you; she probably couldn’t picture

Grandma getting it on with grandpa either. Don’t fret, it runs in the family. But we’re not here to talk about the birds and the bees and your parent’s sexual escapades. We’re here to talk about Mother’s Day and May and margaritas and mischief and all the mayhem that you’re expected to bring into your life this month. It’s springtime and your mind should be focused on pagan hedonistic tendencies and not your mama’s uterus. However, let’s get back to serious Mother’s Day madness. Anyone who has a mother knows that they come with a toolbox; the tool most apparent is her presence. Then comes nurturing, discipline, inspiration, critiquing, loving, spoiling, guilt tripping, educating, encouraging, sarcasm, and perfecting the look that says: “You’re working my last nerve, Little Missy,” and/or, “You’re not leaving the house wearing THAT!” In most cases, Mom was also there to wake you in the morning and offer you your Cheerios with milk and a pair of clean drawers to go with your clean clothes. She’ll get you to school or wherever and go about her day, either going to work herself and/or planning the groceries, cleaning, laundry, appointments for the dentist, PTA (do they still have that?), staying in touch with family and friends, and seeing to your health, well-being, and soccer practice. She may want you to take music, dance, or diction lessons. She did all those things until she didn’t. She wanted you to have better than she did. It’s not so simple. She was not perfect. She wiped your bottom, your nose and your tears; she wrought you and she warped you. It’s the Universal Mother Syndrome (UMS). This Mother’s Day, you’ll beg for a brunch reservation at Chez Wha. She’ll arrive dressed in Scarlett O’Hara taffeta; she’ll be given a complimentary mimosa, a single rose, and a cramped table by the kitchen where she will stoically avoid telling you that she’d rather you had done a crawfish boil where she could relax in her festival chair and her Saints sweats, drink beer until she got stupid, and fall into an afternoon nap. So, what do you really want to say to your mother on Mother’s Day, who either: 1., scarfed down champagne and a candlelight dinner at Mario’s Bistro; 2., role played The Sailor and The Slutty Barmaid while her roommate was on vacation; or 3., simply knocked off a piece for the hell of it on a Saturday morning, got “in the family way,” and gave you life? How about: “Mom, I’m sure I was no piece of cake. But, all things considered, you really didn’t do such a bad job of raising me. I wouldn’t be here without you. Thanks.” Note: sometimes your Dad filled the role of your Mom. Thank him, and Happy Mother’s Day to ALL you mothers.

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