Latest Issue: Summer Restaurant Guide—June 2021 by Where Y'at Magazine

June 2021

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SUMMER RESTAURANT GUIDE

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Features

June 2021

Creative Director: Robert Witkowski Executive Editor: Burke Bischoff

Building Momentum: Chef Emeril Lagasse Give It a Twist: 5 Trends Adapted by NOLA

Summer Restaurant Guide

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Whatcha Eatin'? Classic NOLA-Creole Summer Menu

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

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All Types of Dads …and the Gifts to give Them.

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Tastin’ Some Chalmation Food News

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Letter from the Publisher BAM! Enjoy this Summer Restaurant Guide that profiles the hottest restaurants, as well as Kim Ranjbar sitting down with New Orleans’s celebrity chef who only needs one name: Emeril. The food fun starts with Steve Melendez’s look at some of Chalmette’s best restaurants to visit. It continues as Michelle Nicholson shares ways to cook and places to go for Creole cuisine. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there; don’t miss Julie Mitchell’s entertaining take on types of dads and the appropriate gifts to get them. Finally, if summer travel is in your plans, check out Robert Witkowski’s Nomadland look at travelling Airbnb’s via RV. Or Kimmie Tubre’s piece on local bike tours. It’s the perfect time for hitting the road! –Josh Danzig, Publisher

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PHOTOS, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: ADOBE STOCK; COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. PICTURES AND LEGENDARY PICTURES; COURTESY MERIL/EMERIL LAGASSE; ANDREW PACHECO / CONFEDERACY OF CRUISERS BIKE TOURS; WHERE Y'AT PHOTO

CONTENTS

WhereYat.com | November June 2021 2020

ROMNEY CARUSO

Summer Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

BUILDING MOMENTUM: LAGASSE

Even for someone like celebrity chef and restaurateur Emeril Lagasse, reopening for business, both safely and successfully in the wake of the pandemic, is almost like starting from scratch.

By Kim Ranjbar

Unless your existence has been limited to the underside of a rock for the past several decades, it's likely you're familiar with Emeril Lagasse. In fact, like other single-named superstars such as Beyonce or Sting, all one needs is to utter his first name and instantly you know who we're talking about. Even if you set aside dozens of television shows, including the eponymous and well-known Emeril and Emeril Live, he is a man of many accomplishments. Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, Emeril derived his passion for food from his mother, Hilda, and was so enamored of cooking, he passed up a full ride to the New England Conservatory of Music to pursue his dream. After earning his culinary degree from Johnson and Wales University, he traveled to Paris and Lyon, France to learn the classic techniques of French cuisine, and then returned to the states to hone his culinary skills at fine dining restaurants in cities such as New York and Boston. When he was still in his early 20s, Emeril was offered a job at the iconic Commander's Palace Restaurant in New Orleans where he succeeded beloved local chef Paul Prudhomme and reigned supreme for almost eight years before opening his flagship eatery Emeril's in the Warehouse District. Over the past 30 years, Emeril has opened 16 different restaurants across the country, published well over a dozen best-selling cookbooks, and has received numerous prestigious awards, including Best Southeast Regional Chef in 1991 and Humanitarian of the Year in 2013 from the James Beard Foundation. Emeril has even had a cameo appearance in the HBO drama Treme and also performed the voice of a minor villain, Marlon the Gator, in Disney's Princess and the Frog. In 2002, Emeril established the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, a non-profit organization devoted to supporting children's culinary-based educational programs,

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which has donated over $15 million since it was launched. Under the foundation's umbrella, Emeril has also been involved in award-winning, charity-based festivals and events like Carnivale du Vin, which was ranked among Wine Spectator magazine's top ten charity wine auctions in the country. He also launched the immensely popular food and music festival Bourbon, Boudin & Beer, and though the November event was canceled last year, there are talks that a smaller, more truncated

forced to shut down his restaurants last year due to the pandemic. In the past few months, with easing restrictions and widespread vaccinations, the famed chef has been working gradually to reopen his establishments one by one and is slowly building momentum. In mid-July last year, his popular, new concept Meril reopened in the Warehouse District for limited dinein and takeout. In the meantime, he also reopened Emeril's Coastal Italian in Destin, Florida, as well as his two restaurants—

Meril in the Warehouse District

Chef Emeril Lagasse's newest New Orleans eatery is dazzling locals, as well as visitors, with its elegant ambiance, open-kitchen dining room, and the innovatiove cuisine for which he is so well known. version may be in the works for 2021. Like so many other entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry, Emeril was

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New Orleans Fish House and Delmonico's Steakhouse—in Las Vegas. Emeril's next goal is to finally reopen his flagship restaurant on Tchoupitoulas Street, but like many other restaurateurs in the industry, the chef's biggest obstacle is staffing. “Staffing is an issue, a major issue,” Emeril said. “I just read an article this morning about how America is struggling in the restaurant industry and hospitality industry, trying to get staffed,

COURTESY EMERIL LAGASSE

Name of Place

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Florida where we don't have to, we're still practicing all of those safety precautions for the pandemic.” Though the hiring process for all of his restaurants has been an uphill struggle, Emeril remains upbeat about future openings. He's begun interviewing key staff positions for Emeril's, his flagship, and looks forward to bringing back employees who have stuck by him for decades. “I feel optimistic that when we do it, we're going to do it right, but it's a matter of timing,” Emeril said. Considering the response when Meril reopened, the chef is hopeful that with the return of travel and support

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from the local community, things will once again return to a new normal. When reflecting on the struggles of the past year, the famed chef admits there's a silver lining to it all. He was able to reunite with his family and do more things as a family, especially at the table. “Besides family, what comes to mind really is who your friends are,” Emeril said. “Who's real and who's not.” Professionally, he's tightened up operations, remastered recipes, and greatly improved relationships with his suppliers, local farmers, and fisherman upon whom his restaurants have always relied. “We're getting better

Emeril through the years…

(From left) Emeril's reputation preceded him when he arrived in New Orleans as Head Chef at Commander's Palace in the 1980s; opening Emeril's soon after; chef still passionate about cooking, even at home. products and our food is better than ever,” Emeril boasted. “I really don't even hesitate saying that. I truly believe that our food is better than ever, and I'm really proud of what we're doing right now.” For longtime fans of Emeril's restaurants, it's a little hard to believe that it could get any better...but we sure can't wait to taste it.

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COURTESY EMERIL LAGASSE

and I think some of it has to do with the stimulus money.” The chef has former employees confessing a reluctance to return to the workplace when they're essentially getting paid to stay home. Another possible reason for staffing shortages might also be fear, fear of returning to work only to catch COVID-19 and face missed work (and subsequent pay), hospitalization, or worse. “I think there's a little bit of uncertainty about the virus,” Emeril admitted. “Although our organization has a [safety] manual about COVID, we're still social distancing. We're still wearing masks. Even in the state of

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Summer Restaurant Guide many tropical cocktails or sakes on offer. 527 Julia St., 504-875-4132, cafecarmo.com

Annunciation is the perfect place to relax and enjoy Cajun and Creole specialities after a long day at the office. If you like oysters, then Annunciation has you covered with multiple dishes such as Oysters Rockerfeller, fried oysters, Oysters en Brochette, and oyster and artichoke soup. You can also enjoy craft cocktails like the Catherine the Great or the Southern Smash. 1016 Annunciation St., 504-568-0245, annunciationrestaurant.com

Josephine Estelle is a magnificent osteria run by award winning chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman. The restaurant primarily specializes in Italian favorites such as veal, arancini, and many different types of pasta like ravioli, rigatoni, and malfatti. Come in for brunch, lunch, dinner, or even Aperitivo “Happy” Hour and enjoy what this spot has to offer. 600 Carondelet St., 504-930-3070, josephineestelle.com

Maypop brings the rich flavors of Southeast Asia to New Orleans. Established by Chef Michael Gulotta, the menu features interesting Asian fusion dishes like crawfish etouffee curry, spicy cumin lamb with sweet potato spaghetti, and smoked duck ham with cashew butter sticky rice. You can also order craft cocktails like the Bangkok Mule and the Sazerac Du Roi. 611 O’Keefe Ave., 504-518-6345, maypoprestaurant.com

Legacy Kitchen Craft Tavern prides itself on its refined American cuisine. From breakfast classics like roasted chicken and crawfish queso to roast beef po-boys and pecan smoked chicken wings, you are guaranteed to find your next favorite meal on the menu. You can also enjoy daily brunches with items like fried chicken and waffles, as well as crawfish and egg beignets. 700 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-613-2350, legacykitchen.com

Meril is Chef Emril Lagasse’s newest restaurant in New Orleans and is also named after his daughter. Showcasing some of Lagasse’s favorite dishes that he likes to eat, you can pick from different types of flatbread, pastas, and other entrees like the Korean beef short ribs. Make sure to save room for sorbet or the chocolate chip skillet cake. 424 Girod St., 504526-3745, emerilsrestaurants. com/meril

Manning’s Sports Bar & Grill is the place to be with your friends for the next big game. Manning’s will absolutely put you in the mood for football with over 30 flat screen TVs, unique sports memorabilia, and over 20 different beers on tap. Make sure to come hungry and order the fried oysters, chili cheese

Mother’s Restaurant started out in 1938 as a local hangout for Marines and has since blossomed into a New Orleans favorite. Not only does Mother’s have the “world’s best baked ham,” the restaurant is also proudly known for its red beans and rice, fried chicken, bread pudding, and so much more.

Briquette is housed in the former Rodd Brothers Molasses Refinery, which dates from the 1800s. The restaurant is best known for its 18-foot long seafood display. Choose from a multitude of seafood specialties like Caramelized Sea Scallops and Lump Crabmeat Napoleon to Halibut Fillet and Redfish on the Half Shell. 701 S. Peters St., 504-302-7496, briquette-nola.com Carmo is a unique gem that mixes international elements from Southeast Asia, West Africa, the Caribbean, and South America to create its one of a kind dishes. Some of the choices on offer include ceviche, trifongo, broken noodle salad, tiradito, and a wide arrangement of seafood dishes as well. Make sure to also order one of the

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dogs, or the St. Louis-style spare ribs. 519 Fulton St., 504-593-8118, caesars.com

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Stumpy's Hatchet House is where you want to be if you want to hone your axe throwing skills. Stumpy’s is the perfect unique place to bring your friends or even have your next bachelorette or corporate parties. You can also enjoy cold drinks and bites such as hot dogs and nachos at Stump’s inhouse dining area. 1200 Poydras St., 504-5772937, stumpyshh.com/ neworleansla

French Quarter

Trenasse is the passion project of owner and chef Jim Richard, who’s originally from Lafayette. Open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, Trenasse will impress you with its menu selections like Louisiana crawfish pie,

Jimmy J’s Cafe is one of the funkiest little cafes New Orleans has to offer. You can enjoy any of the restaurant’s all day breakfast items such as omelettes, French toast, eggs benedict, and more. Not in the mood for breakfast? Then order some of the house specialties like the cochon de lait po-boy, the blackened pork chop, or the homemade chicken noodle soup. 115 Chartres St., 504-309-9360, jimmyjscafe.com

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Mother's Restaurant

The Jimani has been one of New Orleans’s favorite sports bars for over 40 years. Order from a selection of over 100 different beers and enjoy watching UFC fights on 10 huge TV screens. A wide array of burgers, po-boys,

Mother’s is so good, it might even be better than your mother’s cooking. 401 Poydras St., 504-523-9656, mothersrestaurant. net Peacock Room is a self described luxurious yet lighthearted cocktail bar on Tchoupitoulas Street. This is definitely the place to go to and spend time with friends while enjoying refreshing cocktails like Sazeracs and Sherry Cobblers, as well as the numerous available wines and beers. Make sure to grab some gumbo, oysters, or a burger while you’re there! 501 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-5711818, peacockroomnola.com Seaworthy, as the name suggests, is all about providing New Orleans with quality seafood. Mussels, scallops, gulf shrimp, and oysters from the Gulf, East, and West Coasts are only some of the many different options available. Make sure to save room for a chocolate ricotta cheesecake or an apple hand pie for dessert. 630 Carondelet St., 504-9303071, seaworthynola.com The Steakhouse at Harrah’s is the perfect place to unwind when you need a break from the slots. You can’t go wrong with delicious steaks and wine—enjoy filet mignon, ribeye, or prime New York strip. The pan seared crab cakes, charred oysters, and the BBQ shrimp are also not to be missed. 8 Canal St., 504-533-6111, caesars.com

Evangeline is known for serving the French Quarter some of the finest cuisines in NOLA. Taking its name from the famous poem about the Expulsion of the Acadians, Evangeline is sure to please with scratch-cooked Cajun/Creole goodies like crawfish etouffee, red beans and rice, gumbo, crawfish and grits, jambalaya, fresh oysters and more. Take advantage of the restaurant’s courtyard dining area, as well as its list of local beers. 329 Decatur St., 504-3734852, evangelineneworleans.com

sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, Chicago dogs, and more are available for your pleasure. 141 Chartres St., 504-524-0493, thejimani.com MRB Bar & Kitchen is a great place to grab a bite while you’re out enjoying the French Quarter. MRB hosts live music almost daily in their courtyard and the smell of chargrilled oysters is sure to make you hungry. Check out their signature cocktails, frozen drinks, wine, and over 100+ local and craft beers. Sip these fantastic drinks while biting into some sandwiches, appetizers, or MRB’s famous grits bowls. 515 St. Philip St., 504-524-2558, mrbnola.com New Orleans Creole Cookery is another successful restaurant launched by New Orleans’s famous Tusa culinary family. You can find all kinds of speciality Creole favorites that are sure to leave you completely satisfied. Order the Creole pasta, crawfish etouffee, the pecan crusted redfish, or the chargrilled oysters for a true taste of New Orleans. 510 Toulouse St., 504-524-9632, neworleanscreolecookery.com New Orleans Vampire Cafe is absolutely worth risking your neck for. Make sure to “stake” out the Dracula Burger, which is half brisket and ground beef topped with arugula, blue cheese, chilli pepper sauce, and onion/bacon jam. The cafe also serves breakfast with items like shrimp and grits, as well as Sunday brunches with bottomless mimosas. 801 Royal St., 504-581-0801, nolavampirecafe.com

Peacock Room fried brie burger, and duck confit lettuce wraps. The restaurant also has oysters “all days, all ways,” and you can choose from raw oysters or many different types of chargrilled oysters. 444 St. Charles Ave., 504-680-7000, trenasse.com Vitascope Hall, inside the Hyatt Regency Hotel, is a perfect gathering spot to enjoy drinks, snacks, and sports on one of many big-screen TVs. Vitascope Hall serves fresh Louisiana seafood and sushi, along with an array of options that include burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, soups, and salads. 601 Loyola Ave., 504-561-1234, neworleans.regency.hyatt.com Willa Jean really is the definition of Southern comfort. Using fresh, local ingredients, the restaurant/bakery is best known for its absolutely delicious biscuits, which you can get with fried chicken, sausage gravy, seasonal jam, or bacon, egg, and cheese. Toasts and sandwiches are also available, as well as many different brews of coffee. 611 O’Keefe Ave., 504-509-7334, willajean.com

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feel like you’ve been transported to Naples or Sicily. Save room for some mouth watering desserts like cannolis, tiramisu, Italian almond cake, and now gelato! 206 W. Harrison Ave., 504-766-7914, thecrazyitalianpizzeria. com

The Crazy Italian Pizzeria Orleans Grapevine is where locals dine when they’re looking for a quality wine bar. Housed in an early 1800s two story building, enjoy sipping on a glass of wine while dining on small plates like baked brie, angus medallions, shrimp remoulade, or a finely assorted cheese board. Ahi tuna and filet steaks are also available as entrees. 720 Orleans Ave., 504-523-1930, orleansgrapevine.com

Elle-J’s prides itself with bringing the Lakeview area quality Italian cuisine, seafood, and steaks with the help of its friendly staff. Some of the specialty Italian dishes on offer include oysters signorelli, lasagna, and veal or chicken parmigiana, marsala, and picatta. You also can’t go wrong with the Fresh Fish Basilico or the Drum on the Halfshell. 900 Harrison Ave., 504-4592262, ellejslakeview. com

Lakeview Harbor has a truly extensive menu, so you’re bound to find that you’ll absolutely love while over there. Home of Lakeview’s original burger, which is what the restaurant is famous for, you also can pick from a wide variety of breakfast items, seafood dishes, appetizers, salads, po-boys, and wraps. Come hungry and leave full and satisfied. 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., 504-486-4887, lakeviewharbor.us

Rivershack Tavern is located adjacent to the Mississippi River and is truly a sight to behold. From the tacky ashtrays to the funky bar stools, Rivershack just oozes with personality. You can enjoy a multitude of different burgers, po-boys, and deli sandwiches, as well as appetizers like alligator sausage and garbage fries. 3449 River Rd., 504-834-4938, rivershacktavern.com

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The Crazy Italian Pizzeria has classic Italian fare that is crazy delicious. From fried ravioli and caprese salad to calzones and bolognese pasta, you’ll

Lakeview Harbor

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Jefferson

Home of the Boogie Bird Wings, Famous Fish Bites, & Watermelon Punch!

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Over 80 Flavors of Wings Voted #1 in New Orleans BoogieBird.com 3400 S. Clairborne Ave. 504-894-4596 1700 Franklin Ave. 504-407-3201 2010 Williams Blvd. 504-667-3680

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award winning seafood gumbo, which contains crabmeat, crawfish, shrimp, tomato, and okra. While you’re there, also make sure to get the fried shrimp po-boy, boudin balls, fried green tomatoes, and the oyster platter. 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., 504-835-2022, gumbostop.com

Serving New Orleans For Over 100 Years!

The Galley Seafood is Metairie’s one stop shop for quality seafood. The restaurant’s main claims to fame are its soft-shell crab po-boy and the catfish filet po-boy, which have been served at Jazz Fest since 1977. Other po-boy options include grilled shrimp and roast beef. Catch a live concert on their multiple TVs via DVD from their collection while enjoying great boiled seafood. 2535 Metairie Rd., 504-8320955, thegalleyseafood.net

Nephew's Ristorante Marigny Bywater Bywater Brew Pub is a recent addition to the Bywater culinary scene, but it’s already making waves! This full-scale brewery and restaurant mixes Cajun, Vietnamese, and Gastropub flavors into one unique package. The yaka mein, Phởritto, and the Bánh Mì Burger will really knock your socks off. Save room for the ube bread pudding ice cream sundae cause it’s truly to die for. 3000 Royal St. 504-766-8118, bywaterbrewpub.com

Short Stop Poboys has been providing po-boys to Metairites since 1966. If you are hungry for some po-boys, then Short Stop has you covered with over 30 different kinds of po-boys you can choose from. You can also order a multitude of sides like gumbo, jambalaya, sweet potato fries, and a bunch of different flavored potato chips. 119 Transcontinental Dr., 504-885-4572, shortstoppoboysno.com

Metairie 5216 Table & Tap is the place to be when looking for some bar time fun in Metairie. Not only does it have a bunch of local and national beers on tap, you can also order craft cocktails like the Chai Old Fashioned, the Jalapoloma, and the Ponchatoula Cooler. Sandwiches, burgers, and street tacos are also available. 5216 Veterans Blvd., 504-766-1417, 5216tableandtap.com Chef Ron’s Gumbo Shop has some of the best comfort food that you’ll find in Louisiana. When you go, you have to get the restaurant’s

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Spudley's

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4330 Magazine Street 504-895-9761

Nephew’s Ristorante continues NOLA’s tradition of providing delicious Italian and Sicilian cuisine to its citizens. Founded by Chef Frank Catalanotto, some of the traditional dishes on the menu include pasta bordelaise, veal parmigiana, grilled rosemary chicken, and spiedini. Leave some room for a spumone and cappuccino! 4445 W. Metairie Ave., 504-533-9998, nephewsristorante.com

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Crescent City Steaks Spudly’s Super Spuds is the place to be for all of your baked potato needs. Serving its “meal in a baked potato” for over 40 years, any one of the restaurant’s super spuds will fill you solid. You can get a traditional potato with cheese, sour cream, chives, and bacon bits, or branch out and try the unique Pizza Spud, Fajita Spud, Bucking Bronco, or their famous Super Duper Seafood Potato! 2609 Harvard Ave., 504-455-3250, spudlys.com We All Asked For You BBQ & Catering is owned by Lisa Tanet and has been catering to South Louisiana for over 30 years. The restaurant’s entrees, which include Southern favorites like etouffee, grits, mirliton, and gumbo, are delicious. They can also cater for your next brunch or seafood boil! Catch some live music at their sister spot The Kamp while enjoying their BBQ. 2321 Hickory Ave., Harahan, 504-800-4265, weallasked4u.com

3271, crescentcitysteaks.com Mandina’s Restaurant serves large portions of Italian and homestyle Creole seafood dishes. Some of the seafood entrees include fried shrimp with fries, fried oysters with fries, and grilled catfish with boiled potatoes and string beans. From the Italian Specials submenu, there are meatballs and spaghetti, Italian sausage and spaghetti, veal parmesan and spaghetti, and chicken parmesan and spaghetti. 3800 Canal St., 504-4829179, mandinasrestaurant.com MoPho is a trendy Asian fusion spot for Vietnamese dishes, such as pho, with a heavy Creole influence. The pho is served in several options: the veggie bowl, beef broth, or fowl broth. A separate submenu is dedicated to po-boys such as: fried shrimp po-boy with chisesi ham, sloppy

Cafe Degas is a true NOLA gem and, since 1986, is the longest running French bistro in the city. Live the Parisian life and order exquisite dishes like broiled escargots, seared hanger steak, quiche, and a cheese and fruit plate. If you’re thirsty, Cafe Degas offers $5 mimosa and sparkling wine on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. 3127 Esplanade Ave., 504-945-5635, cafedegas.com Crescent City Steaks has been serving sizzling butter steaks and other traditional chophouse fare since 1934. As the oldest family-owned steakhouse in Louisiana, it invented the “New Orleans style” of cooking steak by sizzling it in butter. You have a wide variety to choose from: rib eye, filet wrapped in bacon, strip sirloin, T-bone, cowboy ribeye, and more. 1001 N. Broad St., 504-821-

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Mandina's

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Mid City

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Multiple Locations Bearcat Café is a daytime café with an eclectic variety of comfort food, artisanal coffee, and teas. You can have the crab croquette with crawfish, tasso, and green onion remoulade; the hot chicken sandwich with pimento; the BBQ pasta with shrimp, portobello, tomato, and corn; or the pork chops with bacon jam, sweet potato, and mushroom. Multiple Locations, bearcatcafe.com Bud’s Broiler is a local chain of burger joints that have served charcoal-broiled burgers and shakes in New Orleans ever since its founding in 1952. Its classic menu features a variety of hamburgers and cheeseburgers as well as hot dogs, chicken, and specialty po-boys. If you’re not in the mood for sandwiches, a separate seafood menu features shrimp, catfish, and combo plates. Multiple Locations, budsbroiler.com Caffe Caffe is a café and coffeehouse that serves gourmet coffee, pastries, and a variety of breakfast and lunch food. One of its many specialty breakfasts include a breakfast platter of scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage with grits, biscuits, and bacon. You can also get salads and soups, as well as sandwiches like grilled chicken, shrimp remoulade, ham club, or turkey club. Multiple Locations, caffecaffe.com

Mid City Pizza

Neyow’s Creole Café is a tasty joint that specializes in Creole and other Southern-inspired cuisine and cocktails. The restaurant serves a variety of entrees like fried chicken, pork chops, and shrimp creole. With even more pastas, seafood, and po-boys also available, the options at Neyow’s make it more than worth your visit. 3332 Bienville St., 504-827-5474, neyows.com Rum & the Lash, which is located inside Mick’s Irish Pub, offers a menu of bar food with Southern flavors. For appetizers, order either the fries, curry fries, or wings. For entrees, order either the burger, veggie burger, chicken sandwich, buffalo wrap, breakfast burrito, or R&L salad. You won’t leave disappointed! 4801 Bienville St., 504482-9113, rumandthelash.com Venezia is a family friendly establishment that has served classic, old-school Italian fare with a New Orleans flare since opening in 1957. Some of the house specialties include: spaghetti with Italian sausage, lasagna with three cheeses, and fresh fish almondine. Aside from the specialties, the restaurant also has several types of pizza. At Venezia, there truly is something for everyone. 134 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-4887991, venezianeworleans.net

Summer Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

Carreta’s Grill is a casual Mexican restaurant that serves burritos, taco salads, and jumbo margaritas in a truly festive setting. You can order from a selection of dishes like the “El Pepito” with carne asada or grilled chicken with rice, beans, and pico de gallo or the “Los Rancheros” with two over easy eggs and a strip of carne asada, a corn tortilla, rice, beans, and pico de gallo. Multiple Locations, carretasgrillrestaurant. com Chicken & Watermelon serves over 80 flavors of chicken wings, as well as refreshing watermelon punch. Some of its best flavors include BBQ, Yaka-mein, Cajun Ranch, Teriyaki, Garlic Parmesan, and Lemon Pepper. If you’re not in the mood for chicken wings, there is also a separate smaller menu for seafood, which includes the fish combo, fish bites, tuna sandwich, or tuna combo. Multiple Locations, boogiebird.com Daisy Dukes serves seafood and Cajun comfort food in a warm setting with a relaxed atmosphere. Entrees include the Cajun spicy gumbo with shrimp, hot sausage, rice, and a biscuit, as well as the blackened alligator platter

KAYLA CONNER/ WHERE Y'AT MAGAZINE

roast duck po-boy with banana barbecue sauce, and fried P&J oyster po-boy. 514 City Park Ave., 504-482-6845, mophonola.com

with a cup of gumbo, red beans, fried green tomatoes, and a side of remoulade. Multiple Locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar is where you need to go to get excellently done oysters. Not only can you get them raw or chargrilled, you can also order Buffalo Oysters, Oysters Rockafeller, Oysters du Jour, and Oysters Bienville. If you’re not craving oysters, then make sure to get some other dishes like the turtle soup, the BBQ shrimp with potatoes, the fried soft shell crab platter, or the hamburger steak. Multiple Locations, felixs.com Mid City Pizza is the perfect place to grab some pizza during the summer. A number of different types of pizza are available for purchase, such as Hawaiian, T-Bird Special, and the Mid City Meat Monster. There are also a multitude of toppings available if you want to customize your own pizza. Appetizers, salads, and build-your-own calzones are also available. Multiple Locations, midcitypizza.com Spahr’s Seafood, where catfish is king, is known for its Cajun and Creole Italian dishes. Choose from Spahr’s certified authentic Louisiana wild seafood options like catfish chips, softshell crabs, and the shrimp platter, as well many different types of po-boys and pastas. With locations in Des Allemands, Thibodaux, and Galliano, you’re bound to get truly great flavors from Spahr’s Cajun comfort food. Multiple Locations, spahrsseafood.com

ROBERT WITKOWSKI

Willie Mae’s Scotch House is a really famous family-owned spot that has served fried chicken and soul food in New Orleans since it first opened in 1957. The entrees include the classic fried chicken, baked chicken, and the Willie Mae chicken

sandwich with pickles, honey, slaw sauce, and purple cabbage. Make sure to keep an eye out for Willie Mae’s the next time you visit the Pythian Market. Multiple Locations, williemaesnola.com

Uptown Bayou Hot Wings is aptly named because its wings, while delicious, can get real hot! You can order your wings with mild sauces like Teriyaki Glaze and Garlic Parmesan Butter or test yourself with flavors like Korean BBQ and Bayou Hotboy. If you’re really brave, enter the Bayou Beast Challenge, where you will have to eat 10 of the restaurant’s hottest wings in under five minutes. 6221 S. Claiborne Ave., 504-865-9464, bayouhotwings.com Casamento’s Restaurant, having been in the city since 1919, is a truly classic New Orleans restaurant. Serving only the finest New Orleans-style seafood, Casamento’s offers a wide array of dinner platters like oysters, catfish, trout, and other mouthwatering seafood. You can also get seafood sandwiches and appetizers like oyster stew, crab claws, and fried calamari. 4330 Magazine St., 504-895-9761, casamentosrestaurant.com Green Tea is a family-owned Chinese restaurant that prides itself on diet conscious and great tasting cuisine. Choose your favorite type of protein and pick from a sizable selection of flavors and styles like szechuan, hunan, kung po, and more. Then, choose from different types of rice or lo mein to go with your main dish, as well appetizers like egg rolls, crab rangoon, and egg drop soup. 3001 Napoleon Ave., 504-899-8005, greenteanola.com Lebanon’s Cafe is one of NOLA’s top spots for great tasting Mediterranean/Middle Eastern cuisine. Run by chef and owner Hussain Sheereef, Lebanon’s has some of the best hummus, kabobs, and shawarma around. The menu is extensive with appetizers like falafel, tabouleh, and kibby to tasty entrees like lamb shank and gyro. Come out and experience the great flavors of the Levant. 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-8626200, lebanonscafe.com

Willie Mae's Scotch House

Mahony’s Po-Boys & Seafood is a great place to unwind with some quality gulf seafood and NOLA classics. Sink your teeth into different types of po-boys like roast beef, hot sausage, fried oyster, French fries, and more. In terms of seafood, make sure to grab the BBQ shrimp pasta, speckled

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restaurant specializes in traditional New Orleans plates like gumbo, seafood platters, and red beans and rice. However, Please U is just as well known for its all day breakfast menu, which includes different types of meat and eggs, French toast, Belgian waffles, and a variety of omelets like Greek, Mexican, and Western. 1751 St. Charles Ave., 504-525-9131, pleaseunola.com Red Gravy serves delicious East Coast-style Italian fare in a really cozy setting right on Magazine Street. Select from the bruschetta, coteletta bolognese, and mussels. Red Gravy also offers different types of NYC bagels for brunch, all served with a side of seasoned greens, as well as delicious desserts like the Cannoli Skillet Cake and the Brulee French Toast. 4206 Magazine St., 504561-8844, redgravycafe.com

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Summer Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

Rendon Inn has been Uptown’s favorite neighborhood bar since 1933. Select from a wide range of bourbon, rum, tequila, scotch, and craft cocktails like Old Fashioned, Sazerac, French 75, and Manhattan. While you’re sipping, bite into some of Rendon Inn’s boudin, fried onion strings, and different sandwiches and po-boys. 4501 Eve St., 504-218-7106, rendoninn.com

MISA trout on the half shell, or the blackened catfish. 3454 Magazine St., 504-8993374, facebook.com/mahonyspoboys Mikimoto has been providing the Uptown area with authentic Japanese food for more than 20 years. If you’re a fan of sushi rolls, then Mikimoto has you absolutely covered with more than 50 different kinds of rolls that you can choose from. Grab your chopsticks and dig into different kinds of teriyaki, udon dishes, and an assortment of appetizers like gyoza and edamame. 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-488-1881, mikimotosushi.com MISA is on a mission to bring some chic, sophisticated coolness into the New Orleans restaurant scene. With a menu that pulls together flavors from Italy, North Africa, the Middle East, India, and more, this restaurant is truly one-of-a-kind. Choose from small plates like Eggplant Shabich and Avocado Bruschetta to main courses like the Morrocan Fish and Royal Indian Lambshank Stew. 4734 Magazine St., 504-510-2791, misanola.com Pascal’s Manale has been in New Orleans for over 100 years and for good reason! Not only is all of the food incredible, Pascal’s Manale is also the birthplace of the now world-renowned New Orleans BBQ Shrimp. With all kinds of Creole/Italian dishes like oysters, pastas, turtle soup, and crab cakes, you’ll know exactly why Pascal’s Manale has survived for so long. 1838 Napoleon Ave., 504-895 4877, pascalsmanale.com Please U Restaurant has been pleasing Uptown with its food since 1946. The

Saj is the place to be for truly modern Middle Eastern food in the Big Easy. Saj’s food is served family style and includes wonderful selections like kufta, baba ganouj, and mashawi wood fire grilled lamb chops and gulf shrimp. The restaurant is also BYOB, so bring over some drinks and have an excellent dinner at Saj with your family and friends! 4126 Magazine St., 504-766-0049, sajnola.com Tal’s Hummus serves tasty Israeli fare using only the freshest ingredients. The restaurant’s hummus is made in house and can come served with different options like mushrooms, beef kabobs, babaganoush, and shaksuka. The pita sandwiches are also delicious and can come stuffed with chicken shawarma, falafel, schnitzel, or

MONWELL FRAZIER/ WHERE Y'AT MAGAZINE

6307 S. Miro St. at Clairborne 509-6224

stewed lamb shank. 4800 Magazine St., 504-267-7357, ordertalsonline.com Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco is the place to be if you are looking for something unique and flavorful. Specializing in Peruvian cuisine, start with any of Tito’s fresh ceviches, but the culinary adventure continues. With appetizers like grilled octopus and entrees like Lomo Saltado, it will momentarily transport you to the beautiful beaches and mountains of Peru. 5015 Magazine St., 504-267-7612, titoscevichepisco.com The Vintage is a great place to relax and socialize with your loved ones. Order some coffee and beignets and enjoy the time honored tradition of people watching. If you’re feeling like some lunch, you can order some parmesan truffle fries, alligator poppers, and a cheese board, as well as a large drink menu with wine, cocktails, and more. 3121 Magazine St., 504-324-7144, thevintagenola.com

themed sign. In addition to its famous Da Wabbit Burger, the restaurant also serves delicious and unique dishes like crabmeat stuffed fish, smothered liver and onions, and bacon wrapped pork medallions, as well as weekly specials like rabbit and white beans. 615 Kepler St., Gretna, 504-365-1225, cafe615.com Gattuso’s Neighborhood Restaurant is located in beautiful and historic Old Gretna. In addition to a well stocked bar and live music nights, Gattuso’s menu contains a lot of mouthwatering bar type food. Order anything from po-boys and wraps to filet mignon and grilled salmon or tuna. 435 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna,

504-368-1114, gattusos.net Legacy Kitchen Steak & Chop has prided itself on providing fine dining to its loyal customers on the Westbank. You can order different cuts of steak, appetizers like crawfish cornbread and chargrilled oysters, or build your own burgers. Don’t miss out on ordering the chicken and waffles with pepper jelly. 91 Westbank Expy #51, Gretna, 504513-2606, legacykitchen.com Mosca’s Restaurant was the brainchild of Provino Mosca, who immigrated from Italy to America in 1913. This James Beard Award winning restaurant has

been serving Westwego for over 60 years and is showing no signs of slowing down. All of Mosca’s dishes, from the pasta to the chicken and oysters, are served al la carte and family-style, so come hungry! 4137 US-90 W., Westwego, 504-4368950, moscasrestaurant.com Tavolino Pizza & Lounge is a casual Italian restaurant located right on Algiers Point. Come for the 13 inch, thin crust pizzas and stay for the fried gorgonzola stuffed olives. Tavolino’s caprese salad with burrata cheese, as well as the chicken liver pate, shouldn’t be passed up on. 141 Delaronde St., Algiers, 504-605-3365, instagram.com/tavolinonola

Westbank

KAYLA CONNER/ WHERE Y'AT MAGAZINE

Cafe 615 (Home of Da Wabbit) has been a hit in Gretna since it first opened up in 1948 with its iconic Bugs Bunny

Saj WhereYat.com | June 2021

Just Grab a Spoon By Kim Ranjbar

Most everyone has childhood memories of going to the ice cream parlor on a bright summer Saturday, pressing your nose to the glass, waffling about which flavor you'll choose, though you know you'll eventually settle on a tried-and-true favorite. It's hard to forget that singular moment when the girl behind the counter reaches over the glass to hand you the cone, your eyes widen as you grasp the top heavy (one scoop or two?) confection, delicately taking your first glorious lick.

Lucy Boone Ice Cream cone

Summer Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

and “half-baked” brownies; “Salt, Crackle, Pop,” a salted caramel custard with a salted caramel swirl and salted rice crispy treats; “Spring Time,” a lavender ice cream with Meyer lemon bars; and “Salty Monkeys,” banana custard with blonde Oreos and a slightly salty dulce de leche. Follow him on Instagram @laozi.ice.cream if you need your daily drool, but you should visit his website if you're looking to order. His quarts move pretty darn fast though, so you'll have to be diligent. Former pastry sous chef Jillian Duran was working at Maypop Restaurant in the South Market District, but found herself out of work and, more importantly, bored when the pandemic hit. With over 12 years of baking and pastry experience, and another half dozen in wholesale ice cream production, Duran was more than ready to strike out on her own. Last year in late June, she launched Rahm Haus (@rahmhaus_ icecream), a name that means “cream house” in German. She opted to make the kind of ice cream one would typically find in a high-end restaurant, highlighting local, seasonal produce, as well as collaborating with other small businesses like Piety & Desire Chocolates or local coffee roasters. Interested ice cream aficionados can preorder pints on her website and pick them up on the weekends at Courtyard Brewery, a locale where folks can also try scoops of her unique, and to some perhaps daunting, flavors. Previous options include “Cookies & Dreams,” a brown butter white miso ice cream with rye miso chocolate chip cookies; “Ducky Luck,” a butterscotch ice cream with duck fat caramel; “Tropical Heat,” toasted coconut and rum ice cream with Thai chili, mango, and pineapple pepper jelly; and “Salted Egg Yolk,” egg cream custards with pieces of Hong Kong-style egg tart. Duran says she owes her current success to Chef Michael Gulotta (owner of Maypop and MoPho), who allowed her the use of Maypop's kitchen while the restaurant was closed. Plans are in the works to open a shop, but until then order up! Born and raised in New Orleans, Barrett Jacocks, the founder of @vicecreamnola, believes that everyone has their own vices, whether it's drinking, smoking, gambling, or...ice cream! Though he formerly worked in the event industry, Barrett lost his job due to the pandemic (once again), forcing him to consider another direction. After a lifealtering taste of a popcorn butter ice cream he discovered in Austin, Texas, he returned to town ready to try his hand at making playful, delicious, and beautiful ice cream. Though Barrett has plans to infuse his ice cream with all kinds of delightful vices, for now he's sticking to foodstuffs with flavors like “Cinnabash,” cinnamon cereal ice cream with homemade cinnamon buns, pecans, and cream cheese frosting swirls; “Caked Out,” almond vanilla ice cream with ooey gooey buttercake and unicorn sprinkles; “Wedding Crasher,” strawberry almond ice cream with strawberry cake, condensed milk, and toasted almonds; and “Heavenly Hashed,” chocolate almond custard with toasted almonds and a Stracciatella chocolate drizzle. Are you still wasting time or are you just going to grab a spoon?

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Though we often choose to relive these moments when we're on vacation or spending a special day out, most of the time when you choose to indulge in this sweet creamy treat, are you honestly breaking out the scooper and cones? Or do you just grab a spoon and take the whole pint to the couch? Regardless of how you choose to enjoy it, ice cream is arguably one of the most excellent desserts around. Not only is it creamy, cool, and delicious, it's ubiquitous. You can find it in any grocery store, and practically every restaurant in town will have a scoop of something or other on the menu. Even better, over the past year or so, New Orleans has seen a huge increase in local options. Of course, there's always Creole Creamery, but if you're looking for a change, you might just want to hop onto Instagram and see what you can scoop up. Abby Boone and her husband Aaron came on the local scene last April when everyone was out of work, scrambling to make ends meet. Abby, a former pastry chef, had been considering getting into the ice cream business for years and it seemed like the perfect time to try. Naming the business after her newborn daughter, Lucy began selling her house made pints on Instagram @lucybooneicecream and things just took off. They began doing pop-ups at spots like the now-defunct Avery's on Tulane and Thalia, and they have yet to slow their roll. Currently, they have a regular gig at Here Today on Constance Street Fridays through Sundays with rotating, seasonal flavors. Scoops to note include North Shore Honey with crisp honeycomb, strawberry cheesecake, s'mores, and banana dulce de leche. In the same vein of making lemons into lemonade, Sam Caruso got his troubled life on track when he started making ice cream. Dubbed Laozi Ice Cream, it's pronounced “lousy,” though it's anything but. Initially, he was slinging a few quarts out of Monkey Monkey Coffee & Tea on S. Carrollton, but now he's working in a bigger space on Canal Street out of Blue Dot Donuts. His offerings change depending upon that day's inspiration, but past flavors of his creamy, cool custards include “S'mo Brownies,” a chocolate custard with a roasted marshmallow graham cracker swirl

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4800 Magazine St. | 267-7357 @talshummus OrderTalsOnline.com

Summer Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

Summer Menu By Michelle A Nicholson

Many of the mainstays of Creole cuisine are based on our warm-weather crops: bell peppers, tomatoes, okra, and eggplant. Deep fried or panéed, roasted, stuffed, or sauteed— you can prepare them any number of ways. Feature any of these as side dishes (because they do deserve all that attention) or try them in various combinations. Together, they serve as a satisfying base for vegetarian entrees, and they also pair well with shrimp and redfish—New Orleans’s summer-season proteins. ONLY THE FRESHEST INGREDIENTS When the French colonized present-day New Orleans, they brought with them their cuisine, including mirepoix, or a mixture of two parts onion, one part carrots, and one part celery, which serves as a base for many dishes. Carrots don’t grow so well in our swampy clay. Bell peppers, a New World plant that is resistant to humidity and heat, stepped into carrots’ place to form the Cajun (and later, the Creole) Trinity. From gumbos and shrimp creoles to stuffing and red gravy, bell peppers find their way into Creole food all year round, nearly every day. The tomato is another indigenous American fruit that found its way into Creole cuisine indirectly. Spanish conquistadors brought both peppers and tomatoes from Central America to Europe, and then to New Orleans when they took reign. The tomato is a member of the nightshade family, which means its leaves, roots, and stems can be deadly. Unlike NOLA Creoles, colonists in the Northeast were afraid to eat the fruit and grew it only as an ornamental, until it was cultivated at Monticello by Thomas Jefferson. The inclusion of tomatoes distinguishes a Creole from a Cajun (i.e. strictly Acadian French) dish. Creole green beans always include tomatoes; tomatoes differentiate a shrimp creole from a shrimp etouffee. Eggplant is another member of the deadly nightshade family. However, unlike peppers and tomatoes—native American plants—eggplants came from Africa and have been cultivated in India, Asia, and the Middle East for thousands of years. Moors brought the eggplant to Italy, and then Sicilian immigrants brought it to New Orleans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Eggplant parmesan may be served around the country, but only in New Orleans will it come with baked mac swimming in red gravy. Eggplant also serves as an excellent platform for buttery French-Creole seafood sauces. Last, but not least, in our list of NOLA’s seasonal summer fruits is okra. Okra holds a special place in New Orleans’s cuisine, since gumbo came to us from African Bantus—their word for okra (ochinggômbo or ki ngombo) and their cooking techniques. Okra, when heated, releases a slimy substance, which works as a thickening agent. This mucilage becomes less viscous when sautéed and cooked with an acid, like tomatoes, which makes okra and tomato a perfect pair. Okra is part of the mallow family (like marsh-mallow), so it grows easily here. When companion planted, tall okra plants provide tomatoes with shade from the late summer’s scorching heat. SO MANY WAYS TO DISH UP DELICIOUS Macque choux (pronounced mock-shoe) is a quintessentially New Orleans blend of Creole and Native American cultures. The base is formed by sautéing onion and bell pepper, first, and then kernels of corn and chopped fresh tomatoes. However, there are endless varieties. Use bacon fat, butter, or olive oil. Throw in some thyme or basil. Kick up the

EATIN’?

"Adding The Pope" Louisiana's Holy Trinity of cooking: bell peppers, celery, and onions Shrimp and Corn Macque Choux

BRUNCH SAT & SUN N 10am – 2pm DINNER WED – SAT AT 5pm – 9pm

RedGravyCafe.com

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FROM TOP: HEIRONYMOUS ROWE / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS; COURTESY COPELAND'S OF NEW ORLEANS

4206 Magazine St.

spice with cayenne pepper. Thicken it with heavy cream—or okra. If you want to get super-local, go to a farmers’ market and get a giant cucuzza squash to add to the mix (or sub this ingredient with zucchini). Make it an entrée with shrimp and serve it over rice or with French bread. New Orleans’s summer seasonal entrées include stuffed bell peppers, stacked and stuffed eggplant, and grilled or blackened redfish. A local spin on stuffed peppers is sometimes adding shrimp and always adding the Trinity. Usually, rice is replaced with Italian breadcrumbs or day-old French bread—which, when added to sauteed Trinity, is also the base of our seafood stuffings. One popular dish in restaurants around New Orleans is Eggplant Napoleon: medallions of crumb-crusted and pan-fried (aka panéed) eggplant, stacked in alternating layers with seafood stuffing (remember, in June, the freshest is shrimp!), and topped with a spicy butter or cream sauce. These sauces often also feature seafood and are often served slathered on a fillet of redfish. To highlight the fresh flavors of our summer produce, bake your own redfish under a layer of sliced tomatoes, or oven-roast your eggplant, sans sauce and stuffing—and don’t forget the macque choux. Stewing up a pot of Creole seafood and okra gumbo takes hours, but shrimp creole is a solid summer NOLA Creole dinner that can be on your table in little time. While it simmers, roast a pan of eggplant or okra as a side. Even less time? These dishes appear on menus around town. Macque choux is not so commonly found in restaurants, but Briquette on South Peters Street, in the Warehouse District, features it alongside Lump Crabmeat Napoleon—and its redfish is among the best. Creole Cookery, on Toulouse Street in the French Quarter, also serves a Napoleon, as well as shrimp creole and creole green beans. A visit to Charlie’s, on St. Bernard Highway in Violet, is definitely worth the drive. Start with an order of fried okra and Charlie’s award-winning seafood gumbo. Finish with eggplant—Napoleon, parmesan, or panéed.

Every Strand Made By Hand

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WhereYat.com | June 2021

Restaurants to Try in Chalmette Steven Melendez

Cafe Aquarius

SECRET THAI, 9212 W. Judge Perez Dr. 504-345-2487, secretthaichalmette.com Across from a pawn shop in an easy-to-miss strip mall with a bizarrely laid out parking lot, this restaurant has won over Thai food fans from across the New Orleans area with its deliciously flavorful entrées. Whether you prefer vegetarian items like the eggplant basil and various tofu dishes or some of the Thai curries, rice, or noodle dishes, you’ll find the portions to be almost comically large for the very reasonable prices. Seafood dishes are laden with fresh portions of shellfish or fish, and the Ghost Gate Pad Thai—one of the house specialties—is deliciously mixed with egg and a more subtle peanut flavor than is found at some other restaurants. Think seriously about your capsaicin capacity when deciding what spice level you want to order. There are tables to dine in, but no outdoor dining. CAFE AQUARIUS, 2101 Paris Rd. 504-510-3080 A 90s vision of the 60s is alive and well at this cozy cafe and restaurant, where each dine-in table is decorated with a different astrological sign, the stereo system unapologetically plays vintage folk tunes, and posters for Woodstock-era music acts line the walls. Unsurprisingly, there’s a great selection of veggie-oriented items— the fried cauliflower gets rave reviews from picky eaters—as well as healthy dishes like salmon and tuna bowls with extremely generous and tasty portions of fish and veggies. But there are also classics like hamburgers and Cuban sandwiches on the menu, as well as a “Louisiana cheesecake” made with shrimp and alligator and served with toast points or pork rinds (if you prefer to keep it keto). There are tables available to dine in or out.

Burritos Grill

Secret Thai 28

PEREZ LATIN GROCERY, 9212 W. Judge Perez Dr. 504-475-5545 Secret Thai isn’t the only well-kept secret in this suburban strip of stores. Perez Latin Grocery is, as the name implies, a full-service grocery store with well-priced items imported from Honduras, Mexico, and other Latin American countries. There’s also a barber shop and a liquor store within the business. But, critically for our purposes, there’s a restaurant counter within the store where you can get items like tacos, tortas, pupusas, and breakfast and lunch plates with deliciously seasoned portions of chicken, beef, or pork. Do some grocery shopping while you wait, then take your meal to go or eat it at one of a handful of tables right in the store. TODAY’S KETCH SEAFOOD AND RESTAURANT 2110 E. Judge Perez Dr. 504-279-6639, todaysketch.com You can stop by this cozy seafood spot for fresh or boiled shellfish, including seasonal crawfish, shrimp, and crab, with standard boil fixins like garlic, potatoes, mushroom, and sausage. You can also get amazing items like slightly spicy seafood-stuffed crabs and bell peppers, crawfish fettuccini, along with sides like jambalaya, a creamy macaroni and cheese, or potato salad. It looks like every glass-enclosed seafood shop in the metro area, but it’s better than most. There are tables to dine in, and take out is also a common choice, especially for those taking home big orders of boiled crawfish.

Summer Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

BURRITOS GRILL, 2800 Paris Rd. 504-407-3106 burritosgrillchalmette.com If you’re looking for classic Mexican takeout-style food served in a friendly place, come to this cozy roadside spot, which serves up amply stuffed burritos, enchiladas, flautas, and other Mexican entrees along with beans, rice, chips, and salsa. Given that we’re in Southeast Louisiana, it’s not surprising that there are plenty of seafood items on the menu, including red snapper, shrimp, and tilapia. The restaurant offers indoor and relaxing outdoor dining (it’s overlooking not-so-scenic Paris Road, but there’s a nice roof overhead), as well as takeout. ROCKY AND CARLO’S RESTAURANT & BAR 613 W. St. Bernard Hwy. 504-279-8323, rockyandcarlosrestaurant.com This longstanding and long-acclaimed Italian spot around the corner from the Chalmette courthouse offers po-boys, steak and chicken dinners, and yummy red gravy style entrees like veal parmesan, lasagna, and spaghetti and meatballs. The restaurant is just as well known for its side dishes, including fried eggplant sticks and a baked macaroni and cheese that’s almost a meal in and of itself. Like many restaurants in this Eastern suburb, Rocky and Carlo’s dishes are easily big enough for two meals, so expect to have plenty of leftovers whether you dine in or take out. PARISH DINER, 2401 Paris Rd. 504-301-1861 The Parish Diner raises the question, like many other diners, of whether you want to try all-day breakfast, or go with a lunch or dinner plate. Luckily, both options are good: punnily named and heavily stuffed omelets like the Sheik of Arabi and the Big Cheesy take up an entire plate, and the pancakes and Belgian waffles are cheap and tasty with the usual array of topping options. Boudin is available as a breakfast sausage side for a Louisiana twist. Sandwiches and platters include options like fried catfish, chicken parm, po-boys and deli-style options. You can sit in a classic diner booth or at the counter, or take your order to go. STELLA MARIS CAFE & GROCERY, 7555 W. Judge Perez Dr. 504-267-7137 A confession: this delicious Middle Eastern spot, which also includes a grocery store with hard-to-find items, might technically be in Arabi, not Chalmette. But it’s just a couple of blocks from the Chalmette Walmart, and it’s one of the best places around for items like shish kabob, chicken shawarma, and delicious hummus plates. Don’t overlook the appetizers: the fried eggplant with Turkish salad and baba ganuj are also excellent. It’s also one of the few places in the area to get knafeh, the dessert made with phyllo dough and cheese. There’s indoor and outdoor dining, as well as takeout options.

FROM TOP: CAFE AQUARIUS; BURRITOS GRILL; SECRET THAI

TASTIN’ SOME CHALMATION

In some cities, heading to the suburbs in search of a good restaurant meal is simply a terrible idea. Not so in New Orleans. While there’s obviously no shortage of good places to dine in Orleans Parish itself, many of the surrounding communities have their own unique and delicious places to eat, including Chalmette, just east of New Orleans in neighboring St. Bernard Parish. Here are some of the restaurants in Chalmette that are worth the surprisingly short trek from New Orleans proper.

VOTE!

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By Kim Ranjbar

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Is there a pandemic going on, which has resulted in an economic downturn, or not? It sure doesn't seem like it! Folks in the industry are forging ahead, tossing their fortunes into the air and letting them blow on the winds of chance with a literal slew of openings all across the Greater New Orleans Area, and we're in awe of their unswerving optimism. May all of these brave entrepreneurs enjoy the possibilities on the horizon due to increased vaccination rates, looser restrictions, and decreased unemployment! SWEET SPIRITS … Approximately two years ago, the newly renovated Mercantile Hotel opened up on S. Peter Street, only a couple of blocks from the Convention Center. Just recently, The Mercantile not only reopened its doors and rooms to travelers, it also launched the Confectionery Cocktail Bar as a sweet nod to the building's origins, it was originally built in 1907 as the Henderson Sugar Refinery. Touted as the home of the bright blue “Cotton Candy Cocktail,” the new bar offers concoctions both old and new, along with great bar grub like giant soft pretzels and personal pizzas. 727 S. Peter St., (504) 558-1914, themercantilehotelneworleans.com STEPPING AWAY FROM THE CAFE … If you're seeking a new way to caffeinate, why not try Follow Tea? It's a brand new beverage spot serving boba, or bubble teas, and fruit teas on Severn Avenue in Metairie. Explore delicious options like the brûlée boba milk tea with brown sugar and custard, a refreshing pineapple tea with a cream cheese cap, passion fruit tea with tapioca pearls, strawberry yogurt bobo slushie made with Louisiana strawberries, and its “Very Lemon Tea” made from a floral oolong tea and fresh lemon juice. Follow them on Instagram @followteanola. 3334 Severn Ave., Metairie, (504) 381-4361 YES MA'AM! … Brand new bar and live music venue Madam Vic's recently opened in the 7th Ward on Elysian Fields Avenue. Renovated from a gorgeous Second Empire mansion by Scott Veazey, a well-known local personality, aesthetician, and lover of local architecture. Veazey has renovated and resurrected innumerable homes throughout the city. Madam Vic's is one of his latest and, unlike many of his creative restorations which are typically private residences, it's open to the public! 1502 Elysian Fields Ave., madamvics.com

504-524-2558•515 St. Philip in the French Quarter 30

Summer Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

FOOD

IT'S A BEAUTIFUL MORNING! … Ever since its Fat City location closed two years ago, folks have been pining for Morning Call Coffee Stand. As one of the oldest establishments in New Orleans serving those famed cafe au laits and beignets (since 1870), it has long been a fast Name Placethe well-known favorite, oftenof topping Cafe du Monde in the hearts and minds

of locals. When they closed in 2018, the owners vowed to return, holding pop-ups around town in the interim. At long last, and to local's gushing delight, Morning Call returned with a brand new location on the corner of Canal Boulevard and City Park Avenue. Along with coffee and beignets, the restaurant serves jambalaya and red beans and rice, as well as plans to be open 24/7 when all the restrictions have been lifted, just like the old days. 5101 Canal Blvd., facebook.com/ leroyquigly A REVERSE PAIRING … Pluck, a wine bar first and a restaurant second, recently opened in the Warehouse District. Located just around the corner from Herbsaint on Girod Street, this new concept is the brainchild of New Jersey-born sommelier Skye LaTorre, who's love of vino began right here in New Orleans during a stint at Emeril's Delmonico. Featuring a “world-class” collection in a welcoming environment, Pluck's wines are carefully curated by Skye herself and are paired with vino-inspired cuisine created by Executive Chef Heathcliffe Hailey from the now closed Mimi's in the Marigny. Dishes include fig wood-smoked nuts, a grilled wild mushroom and goat gouda sandwich, flash fried frog legs, and grilled Argentine dark chocolate crostini. 722 Girod St., pluckwines.com SEAFOOD BY THE SACKFUL … Burgeoning entrepreneurs and partners in life Steven and Chelsea Boulet have taken over the old Metairie location of Bevi Seafood and made it their own! Dubbed Bon Temps Boulet's Seafood, this bustling little, crawfish-red shack is offering Steven's secret recipe for what he (and many of their fans) consider

Eat Well Vietnamese cuisine

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: COURTESY VALERIE COLSTON / MERCANTILE; KAYLA CONNOR / WHERE Y'AT MAGAZINE (2)

the best boil around, and it doesn't stop there. In addition to fresh caught Louisiana seafood (from crawfish and blue crab to shrimp and oysters), Bon Temps Boulet's also features an array of po-boys served on buttered and toasted Leidenheimer French bread and some serious bread pudding. 4701 Airline Hwy., (504) 885-5003, bontempsboulets.com IT'S THE WORD(Y) … Located in the chic Framework complex on Magazine Street, Birdy's Behind the Bower is a brand new breakfast, brunch, and lunch cafe that is seamlessly merged with the neighboring wine bar The Bower, both under the helm of Chef Marcus Woodham. Sporting tons of covered patio space, the restaurant opened in mid-March, just in time for New Orleans's notoriously beautiful spring weather. Among lots of other choices, Birdy's menu offers dishes such as cannoli French toast with ricotta and pistachios, chocolate chip cookie cereal, beet hummus toast, and a pastrami-laden “Butcher's Bowl” if you're not in the mood for a sandwich. They also offer specialty coffee drinks, juices, and smoothies, as well as plenty of adult-oriented beverages like beer, wine, and cocktails. 1320 Magazine St., (504) 302-2992, birdysnola.com OPEN HOUSE … If you missed out on their pop-ups, FOMO no more for Yakuza House has opened its very own digs on Veterans Boulevard in Metairie. Located in the space that formerly housed Saigon Bistro, this new restaurant offers select convenience dishes from Japanese cuisine, particularly donburi (rice) bowls and sandos. Enjoy a katsu pork “mando” with cabbage, truffle mayo, and katsu sauce on milk bread, “gyu”

Main Squeeze or sirloin strip and shoyu egg yolk rice bowl with sauteed mushrooms, or snow crab salad with avocado and masago. Yakuza House is offering take out and dine-in with reservations only. 1325 Veterans Blvd., Ste. A, Metairie, (504) 345-2031, yakuzahouse.com GET JUICED! … Louisiana-based juice company Main Squeeze has opened yet another location in town on Magazine Street, just a couple blocks up from Whole Foods. In its never-ending mission to make it easier to consume healthful, plant-based foods, Main Squeeze offers bottled cleanses, juices, shots, and “mylks”—house-flavored and crafted almond milks—in addition to bowls, toasts, and smoothies. There's also a wide array of lattes, both cold and hot, with added, energy boosting ingredients like MCT oil, cacao, coconut butter, spirulina, and matcha. 5808 Magazine St., (504) 766-6588, mainsqueezejuiceco.com THAT GIRL … Chef Marcus Jacobs and Caitlin Carney, the duo behind the ubersuccessful Broad Street spot Marjie's Grill, launched their second restaurant, Seafood Sally's (formerly a pop-up), just recently. The house-turned-restaurant on the corner of Cambronne and Oak has seen many incarnations over the years, such as La Casita Taqueria and Squeal BBQ, but this time promises to be different. Seafood Sally's offers both indoor and outdoor seating and the menu features a seafood extravaganza, everything from raw oysters to boiled and fried seafood, plus a dazzling array of cocktails. 8400 Oak St., instagram.com/ seafoodsallys

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WhereYat.com | June 2021

One might say that our city is often last in the list of nationwide cities to get chain restaurants, popular clothing stores, and new movie releases, and you have to respect our desire to keep our businesses small and at home. However, the last year has really changed the way that we’ve had to do business. More and more people have been forced to shop online as opposed to supporting their local brick-and-mortars due to COVID concerns. What that means is that New Orleanians who had once not gone any farther than Magazine Street are now shopping online at outlets all over the world. And while many still tried to support small businesses (i.e., not Amazon or Walmart), they found that there are actually some pretty cool things out there in other places. Suddenly, there are more things created and perfected elsewhere being recreated here. Not only that, but they are being recreated with a New Orleans twist, of course! Here are my top five New Orleans recreated trends:

Summer Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

The Broadside Hot Chocolate Bombs/Bananas Foster Bombs – When it started to get cold last year, everyone wanted hot chocolate. People’s minds were blown when they realized that two half circles of chocolate could be melted together with hot cocoa and marshmallows on the inside, a luxurious dessertdrink that melted once you poured piping hot milk over it. Videos on social media created a craze, and when local bakeries and artisans began making the “hot chocolate bombs,” they started to add liquor and local flavors, creating “Boozy Bourbon Bombs” and “Bananas Foster Bombs. To order local Ninja Bombs and Treats, email Lahimmaugh@gmail.com. Stuff on a Stick/King Cake on a Stick – We focus most of our energy on Jazz Fest instead of a County or State Fair, so we often miss out on fried twinkies or various desserts or foods served on a stick. Fortunately during last Mardi Gras, Sugar Love Bakery in Slidell improvised by skewering our favorite Carnival food and creating King Cake on a Stick. Other NOLA classics on a stick will follow, I hope! You can see all of the bakery’s products at sugarloveslidell.com. Spiked Seltzers – Spiked Seltzers became all the rage in 2020, partially because of the pandemic and partially because of people looking for lower calorie alcoholic beverage options. While Truly, White Claw, and even Bud Light put out a ton of various flavors, none were sweeter than some local versions–Urban South’s Paradise Park Rocket Pop, Zony Mash’s Zony Pop, and Abita’s Spring Loaded Spiked Seltzer, all of which can be viewed and ordered on their various websites. Drive-In Movies – Trivia tidbit: did you know that at one point, Louisiana was the only state in the contiguous 48 that did not have a drive-in movie theatre of any kind? That has fortunately changed now with drive-in movies popping up at JPAS, Loyola University, and even at Stor All Storage on

Urban South joins the Hard Seltzer craze.

Instagrammable Backgrounds – A new trend popping up in cities like L.A., NYC, and even in Mobile is to offer a location with beautiful backgrounds for photography. Whether seated in a chair swing hanging from a tree surrounded by flowers or standing in front of a life-sized popsicle, these “photo pop up shops” have become a fun place to celebrate birthdays, bachelorettes, or just to have non-standard headshots for your business website or social media pages. JamNOLA recently opened and is a celebration of art and culture, but also has some pretty sweet photo ops with NOLA flavor. My favorite is a giant crawfish pot that you can pose inside of with your best “don’t boil me” expression. Make sure to get your tickets through jamnola.com! New Orleans will always be extremely original and authentic. While I might not want us to have chain restaurants on every corner, I do think it’s fun that we’ve been able to adopt some of these trends and make them our own!

PHOTOS, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: SUGAR LOVE BAKERY; COURTESY THE BROADSIDE / THE BROAD THEATER; COURTESY EMILY HINGLE: PARADISE PARK ROCKET POP COURTESY OF URBAN SOUTH BREWERY

There are definitely things that originated in New Orleans that have been imitated elsewhere. Sno-balls, muffalettas, po-boys, and even gumbo are a few of our delicacies that people craving the Big Easy have tried to master elsewhere. While New Orleans is definitely a trendsetter, admittedly, there are some things we have adopted from other places too.

Become Naturally New Orleans

Five Nationwide Trends That Have Been Modified To

GIVE IT A TWIST:

By Rebecca Fox

Tchoupitoulas. The Broad Theatre has also debuted The Broadside, an outdoor space for movies and outdoor concerts. These makeshift theatres are electing to show movies that have something to do with New Orleans. For example, King Creole, Elvis’s favorite movie that also happened to be shot here, aired April 17 at The Tchoupitoulas Picture Show at StorAll (tickets are free, but you are able to donate if you wish). Speaking of, make sure to search for The Tchoupitoulas Picture Show on Facebook or call 504-899-2222 for more info.

Join us at the Sazerac House for a week-long celebration of the ofﬁcial cocktail of New Orleans beneﬁting the New Orleans Musicians' Assistance Foundation.

JUNE 25-27

Mark your calendar for the return of the first live festival event featuring Louisiana and national music artists. Watch for the release of a star-studded lineup that will rock the coast. townofjeanlafitte.com | 504.689.2208 Lafitte Grounds & Auditorium

Summer Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

WhereYat.com | June 2021

BIG EASY BIKING TOURS …That You Won't Forget

By Kimmie Tubre

Minus a plethora of potholes, the city is actually a great place for riding a bicycle. Why? Well New Orleans is a place where just about every point can be accessed by ground. This makes it pretty ideal for maneuvering by bike. While transplants did not invent biking here, it could be said that they have caused it to intensify. Today there are more people biking around the city than ever before. Tour companies are certainly taking advantage of the city’s biking layout, as well as the influx of bikers and biking culture. Several amazing biking tours have sprung up over the years, showing tourists and locals some of the best parts of the Big Easy. You can find French Quarter biking tours, Garden District biking tours, tours of the Marigny, and more. But some of the coolest tours pop up in the most unexpected ways. CRAFTED BEER AND TACOS TOUR Paved Paradise Bike Tours New Orleans Everybody loves tacos and beer, but who would've thought to make a bike tour just for that? Paved Paradise Bike Tours New Orleans is a fairly new tour company that rose in popularity after giving dynamic tours of the house floats during this year's COVID friendly Mardi Gras. The company, which started from a group of local tour guides, offers several tours including a NOLA Culture and Distillery Bike Tour. The Crafted Beer and Tacos Tour is a concept that includes: tacos from Avo Taco and beer from Port Orleans Brewery.

Summer Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

ANDREW PACHECO / CONFEDERACY OF CRUISERS BIKE TOURS

Believe it or not, new comers did not invent biking around New Orleans. In fact, bike riding has been a part of the culture from as early as bike riding existed. In a world before the creation of ride sharing, teens often hopped on their bikes to visit their friends. From the streets to the parks, you could always find people on bikes. Whether they were simply enjoying life, riding with friends, or getting from one place to another, biking has always been a part of the culture.

Cutting Edge Theatre

IT’S THE CLASSIC...

767 Robert Blvd. Slidell, LA 70458 985-649-3727 cuttingedgetheater.com

June 17 - 27

Friday & Saturday at 8 pm Sunday Matinee at 2 pm Please check web for Sunday matinee

Text 985-285-6666 to buy tickets We are adhering to all covid guidelines

MAY 21 THRU JUNE 21 MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY 504-891-4494

Art & Ey&s 3708 MAGAZINE STREET ArtAndEyesNewOrleansLA.com WhereYat.com | June 2021

TAKEO & INDOOURT DINING! GELATO IS HERE!

AUTHENTIC NEW YORK PIZZA 504-766-7914 | 206 W harrison Ave. Suite C thecrazyitalianpizzeria.com

Ninth Ward Rebirth Bike Tours CREOLE ORLEANS ELECTRIC BIKE TOUR Buzz NOLA Bike Tours and Rentals Dedicated to sharing the Creole culture and history of New Orleans, this 12-milelong electric bike tour will have you feeling relaxed and educated at the same time. Buzz Nola Bike Tours and Rentals are pretty popular in the city for giving fantastic tours, but this one is pretty unique. Using electric bikes, the tourists get away from the French Quarter, visiting areas such as the Bywater, City Park, and Esplanade Avenue. CELEBRATING LIFE POST KATRINA Ninth Ward Rebirth Bike Tours As stated on its website, this tour is certainly “an inspiring bike tour through a neighborhood’s revival”. Ninth Ward

Summer Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

Eco-educational recovery on Ninth Ward Rebirth Bike Tours Rebirth Tours offer a tour that goes deep into the recovery of the Lower Ninth Ward neighborhood after Hurricane Katrina. This tour not only gives a history of the process and progress, but also involves the locals of the neighborhood, including their homes, museums, and culture. TUESDAY NIGHT LIGHTS SOCIAL RIDE Get Up N Ride NOLA On Tuesday evenings, you may notice a large group of brightly lit bikes rolling around the downtown area. The large group of night time bikers are usually jamming to music as they move about the city. This group of people are riding with the social biking tour company Get Up N Ride. This company started with two guys and expanded to hundreds in just a

FROM TOP: ANDREW PACHECO / CONFEDERACY OF CRUISERS BIKE TOURS; ANDREW PACHECO / NINTH WARD REBIRTH BIKE TOURS (2)

Rolling through the French Quarter with Confederacy of Cruisers Bicycle Tour of New Orleans

T C E T O R P YOUR ! R O B H NEIG

“GET VACCINATED!” –Big Freedia

MHSDLA. MHSDLA.org org MHSDLA.org MHSDLA. org

WhereYat.com | June 2021

DON’T MISS THE

BEST OF THE BIG EASY ISSUE

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

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

matter of weeks. While they started out biking on Tuesday evenings, they have expanded to biking tours and rentals from day to night. Get Up N Ride credits themselves as not only a company, but more of a community of people who simply enjoy biking. COSMIC BIKE TOURS Nola City Lights If bikes, nights, and lights are your thing,

then Nola City Lights also offers bikes with lights for a night life experience like none other. This cosmic nightlife adventure tours from Armstrong Park through the downtown areas of the city. What started as one man's fitness journey has expanded to several riders from all over the world being guided around the city. Whether you're visiting or simply having a girls’ night out, this unique night ride experience is worthwhile.

DEADLINE: JUNE 22 | STREET DATE: JUNE 27

Call [504] 891-0144 to Advertise!

Offering Luxury Furniture & Home Decor

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Fats Domino's home in the Lower Ninth Ward tour.

Open One Weekend a Month

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421 9th Street near Tchoupitoulas New Orleans

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Summer Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

Ruby Bridges Mural featured on Confederacy of Cruisers tour.

FROM TOP: ANDREW PACHECO / NINTH WARD REBIRTH BIKE TOURS (TOP) & CONFEDERACY OF CRUISERS BICYCLE TOUR OF NEW ORLEANS (BOTTOM)

Off Retail

Free Wheelin' at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar

Dressing for the occasion touring Esplanade Ave.

Free Wheelin’ Bike Tours offer meals on wheels with food tours.

TOP IMAGES: FREE WHEELIN’ BIKE TOURS (3)

‘BITE THE BIG EASY’ FOOD TOUR Free Wheelin’ Bike Tours The Big Easy is known for its food tours and cooking classes. It’s easy to visit and leave with a few extra pounds on your body. This tour may have a cure for that. Free Wheelin’ Bike Tours offer a tour where you can taste all the delicious foods of the Big Easy while biking the calories off along the way. Yes, this is a low impact riding experience, but it is much more active than simply sitting and eating. COCKTAILS IN NEW ORLEANS BIKE TOUR Confederacy of Cruisers Bicycle Tour of New Orleans Of course it wouldn't be a New Orleans bike tour without a little taste of the city’s favorite beverage: alcohol. Guided by a mixologist, this particular Confederacy of Cruisers tour offers a cocktail tour unlike any other. Yup, that’s right, it includes booze and bikes. Known for taking tours off the beaten path, you will get an in depth look and taste into the cocktail and mixology history of the city. CREOLE ODYSSEY MID-CITY BIKE TOUR Flambeaux Bicycle Tours If you want to see the part of the city less travelled by tourists, then this may be the tour for you. Mid-City is the heart of New Orleans and a gem. While Flambeaux Bicycle Tours offer a number of amazing tours, this particular bike tour is the most local of them all. The tour will have you venturing through famous cemeteries, the stunning City Park, and the breathtaking Bayou St. John area.

WhereYat.com | June 2021

NOLALAND

Residents and businesses in the Big Easy are finding alternative revenue streams by welcoming adventurers taking their social distancing on the open road.

New apps for unusual camping sites has bolstered RV visitors

Businesses in the New Orleans area like Faubourg Brewing Co. are able to offer unconventional sites for the overnight-RV crowd.

Since the pandemic began over a year ago, many have opted to not to quarantine at home, using this once-in-alifetime opportunity to travel in motor homes, RVs, and camping trailers, many finding their way to the Crescent City. But these COVID nomads prefer social distancing and avoid crowded urban RV resorts under the interstate in Treme or traditional KOA campground. Instead, they are using swiftly evolving technologies and apps, allowing New Orleanians to welcome a new breed of tourist. 40

Summer Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

HOME IS WHERE THE PARKING IS “I’ve never been to Louisiana before—this is my 14th state I’ve stayed during my trip,” Amy Geren, 49, of Portland, Maine said as she maneuvered her 2020 Airstream Bambi 16RB into the corner spot at Houmas House in Darrow during Easter weekend. “I was at the Southern Forest Heritage Museum in Longleaf last night, and now I finally get to explore New Orleans—and excited have my first beignet!” Leaving Maine Thanksgiving Day at the height of the pandemic, Geren’s nomadic lifestyle has taken her across 25 states before her cross-country trek led her to New Orleans. Although her job requires her to be on site, the pandemic has allowed her to work remotely. “I thought this was a perfect time to travel the country!” Taking to the open road in a self-contained house on wheels allows for the comforts of home while being able to socially distance and, for many like Geren, to

ROBERT WITKOWSKI

By Robert Witkowski

329 DECATUR STREET • 504-373-4852 evangelineneworleans.com

@evangelineneworleans

evangline.nola

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keep working. And she’s not alone. The demand from a sudden market comprised of roaming professionals, families home schooling their children on the road, and retirees avoiding crowds have all sent shock waves through the RV industry. According to the Spring 2021 RV RoadSigns Quarterly Forecast, 2021 is on track to be the best year ever for RV sales. In the past year, they report RV purchases have jumped almost 25 percent, with 430,000 wholesale units sold at the end of 2020 and with continued growth in 2021 projected to be more than 530,000 units. And the manufacturers cannot keep up; Airstream has close to a one-year wait list. Geren herself bought the very last 2020 Airstream Bambi trailer off the lot for $42,000—the backlogged 2021 model is retailing for $51,400—from the profit made selling her condo in downtown Portland. Similarly, Christian Thompson of Minneapolis, Minnesota, began his pandemicinspired RV life around the same time as Geren. “I got my Forest River Salem FSX 170SS specifically because it was COVID,” he said. "It hit me that home could be anywhere with an internet connection—I immediately gave my month notice. At the end of the month, I hit the road.” “I can say without a doubt that it is far busier than it’s ever been. Almost 100 percent of the resorts I’ve stayed at are raising their prices due to the influx of customers.” And while he travels all over, he has a soft spot for the Crescent City. “I’m a big foodie, I love the culture—I feel as it’s my second home.”

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RV Life in Louisiana–Redefined: (Clockwise from top left) Interior of a Forest

River Salem FSX 170SS; Live music at Faubourg Brewing Co. is an attraction for Harvest Host guests; Amy Geren takes one of her first steps into Louisiana for the first time; Southern Forest Heritage Museum is another unlikely place for RVs to camp; Interior of an Airstream Bambi; Houmas House welcomes travelers overnight; an AIRMEDIA Touring Coach can easily find an off-the-beaten-path place to stay down south.

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT With tourism lagging, astute non-RV Louisiana businesses are embracing innovative ways to attract these roaming professionals. “I found these places on the apps harvesthosts. com, but there are others,” Geren said. “I’m not looking to stay at a crowded campground or ‘self-camp’ by illegally parking for free somewhere, so I use apps.” But RV-relevant apps differ in cost and functionality. “There isn’t one that has quite provided everything,” Thomson acknowledged. “I usually look between a couple to plan out my next steps.”

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: COURTESY RIVER FOREST INC.; ROBERT WITKOWSKI (2); COURTTESY AIRSTREAM

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

“Hipcamp is a non-member site that interfaces like Airbnb,” Geren said. “You can sort by amenities—New Orleans has a couple places. It could be someone’s backyard, a driveway, or maybe a full RV park. And as a woman traveling alone, I look for safety, cleanliness, proximity to where I’m going, and how far do I want to drive that day. “I’ve had good luck with RV Parky,” Geren said. “It saved me [in February] with a free ‘city park’ after my spot canceled because of all the snow in Texas.” Thompson goes between directories RV Parky and ParkAdvisor “to validate information” but generally stays away from paid apps. “I just can’t justify the price for how much I would use them.” Geren shares similar concerns but points to Harvest Hosts. “It’s membership based, requiring an annual fee currently $79—which I got with an online deal for 20 percent off! Campers don’t pay for spots; it’s included in their membership.” A significant savings compared to full-service RV resort rates in the New Orleans area, averaging $75-$105 per night, with monthly rates as high as $2400. “Campers are generally expected to make some kind of purchase—food, drink, bottle of wine, alpaca yarn, whatever—where they stay, but it’s not required,” Geren said. And while her ”favorite part” was biking along the Mississippi River’s levy trail, in the spirit of her stay, she also contributed to the local economy with different purchases such as Cafe Du Monde’s powdered-sugar treat, dinner in Café Amelie’s French Quarter courtyard, gifts for friends at the French Market, enjoying live music in the Marigny, and Easter brunch with friends at The Columns in Uptown.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: ROBERT WITKOWSKI; COURTESY SOUTHERN FOREST HERITAGE MUSEUM; VOURTESY AIRSTREAM

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STRANGE BREW Faubourg Brewing Co. in New Orleans East is another non-RV-centric business in the area adapting its marketing efforts early to lure these modern-day nomads through harvesthosts.com. General Manager Jim Birch embraces this cultural shift in visitors by welcoming pre-reserved RV overnight stays. As the only area brewery listed, “it’s taken on a life of its own, and COVID made it even more popular,” Birch said. “We planned to begin March 1, but some asked to come a few days early. Now we average almost 10 per night.” The site is comprised of almost 15 acres, and Birch’s vision filled the empty parking lot quickly with motor homes and camping trailers in the first month. The brewing facility doesn’t bring in revenue renting the spots, but “the value is in having them be here to enjoy the tours, shop in the souvenir store, eat at our restaurant, and—of course—drink the beer.” Faubourg has a one-night limit, “but we may allow extra nights if we have the space and they would be willing to make a donation to a local charity, but we’re still exploring that.”

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never been to a rodeo before, it was so fun!” Birch is confident in the appeal of Faubourg’s pastoral urban oasis only six-anda-half miles from the French Quarter. “It’s kind of a neat spot. People like the novelty of staying at a brewery, while enjoying the large open space and live music.” And while he admitted “we’re still getting our feet wet,” if Faubourg’s newfound popularity among the RV culture continues, Birch noted the facility has expansive grounds to grow. “We could host hundreds—no problem. It could almost be a separate business.” He is quick to note, “We might consider hookups in the future, but not dumping. I don’t want to deal with the Water Board!”

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Amy Geren identifies with a French Quarter spot

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APP GLAMPING If more amenities are desired close to the Crescent City, hipcamp.com lists the Lower 9th Wardermelon Camp, which offers electricity and running water, along with kitchen, shower, and laundry facilities for $25 per night. The property offers a limited number of large sites that can accommodate up to 14 people each. It also allows pets, campfires, boats to borrow, and a vacation rental if travelers are in need of a change from the close quarters of RV living. Another option listed nearby is Big Easy Campsite. For $40 per night, it boasts being “two blocks from Lake Pontchartrain” and having “ADA access.” But unique and interesting spots also pop up as choices for consideration, including historic sites, public land, and although “museums have been closed, they have made good parking areas. I found the rodeo in Santa Fe, and although I had

Nomadland vs. NOLAland

Frances McDormand’s lifestyle depicted in this year's Best Picture differs from that of Geren and Thomson.

IS IT AN OSCAR-WORTHY LIFESTYLE? But as working professionals, road warriors Geren and Thompson conceded that they don’t associate as closely with Frances McDormand’s character in the Oscarwinning film Nomadland. “I have seen Nomadland and, fortunately, I have not been in those kinds of dire straits,” Thomson said. “Honestly, there is maybe one percent of that movie that I can relate to or I have seen on the road.” But the one thing he does relate to all too well is how “things break occasionally, so everybody seems to be pretty good at knowing how to fix them.” Geren agreed, saying, “Friends [who’ve seen the movie] think I live like that. I had no idea what to expect. But the film is an extreme example of people with limited choices, needing to find free places to park or camp…I’m able to pay for where I stay. But some people I’ve met that need to live like that are just awesome. I’ve been warned I should not travel without a pistol—that was very much Nomadland— but everyone’s been so wonderful, I’ve had no reason to have a gun.” Geren added another notable difference between her and McDomand’s depiction: “I’ve not had to use a bucket to go to the bathroom…yet.”

FROM LEFT: ROBERT WITKOWSKI; SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES

@ the

BOONDOCK SAINTS Not having campground amenities combined with being in an industrial area is not deterring travelers from calling the site home for a night. “We don’t have any [electrical] hookups or [sanitation] dumping,” Birch explained. “People that stay here are self-sufficient in those ways— it’s called ‘boondocking.’” “Boondocking is easy,” Geren said. “I love staying at state and national parks—it’s kind of a treat—but they don’t have facilities, I’m good for a week. Then I dump at a station when I leave. After that, I can boondock for a while.” While she admitted to using Campendium and iOverlander as resource apps for all kinds of camping amenities, including where to find dump stations and fill propane tanks, she discovered that “they aren’t as accurate as I would like,” and relies more on Google maps. “I would much prefer to do more boondocking,” Thompson agreed. “Unfortunately, I’m limited because of work requirements, one of them being electricity in order to power my gear.”

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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

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CAN’T FIND TIME TO WORK OUT? Just Do It at the Office

By Celeste Turner

Whether you work at home or in an office, people are spending a lot more time sitting at a desk or in front of a computer. What if you could actually work out at work? While you shouldn't give up on your home or gym exercise routine, you can certainly increase your activity with exercises done at your desk. As a matter of fact, exercising just 15 minutes a day can increase your lifespan by as much as three years, according to a Harvard study published in December 2013. Here are a few strength moves you can try while seated at your desk:

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UPPER BODY: Tricep Dips–Sit on the edge of a stationary (non-wheeled) chair, with both hands facing forward. Bend your elbows as you lower yourself down off the chair, keeping your knees at a right angle. Lower your body then straighten your arms without locking your elbows. Complete 20 dips. Desk Push-Ups–First, make sure your desk is solid enough to support your weight. Stand and put your hands on the desk. Walk backwards, then with your body at an angle, drop your chest down and push away from the desk. Repeat 15 times. You can also perform push-ups against the wall or drop down to the floor for the classic military-style push-up.

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Standing Arm Circles–while standing in front of your desk, raise your arms straight out to the side and circle clockwise for 20 times. Reverse the motion and circle the arms counterclockwise 20 times. Repeat at least 3 more times. Try a Chair Lift to Work Your Chest and Shoulders–Place both hands on your chair arms and slowly lift your bottom off the chair. Lower yourself back down but stop short of the seat, hold for a few seconds. Do 15 times.

to add time (2 minutes or 3 minutes) for an extra challenge. CORE EXERCISES: Seated Bicycles–While seated in your desk chair, scoot your bottom close to the edge of the seat, slightly lean back and position your hands behind your head. Lift one knee to the opposite elbow, twisting your body. Then return to the seated straight-back position. Make sure you are trying to do an abdominal crunch by bringing your opposite elbow to your knee. Complete 25 reps on each side (total 50 reps). V-Ups–While seated in your desk chair, lean back and hold the sides of the chair as you lift your knees together to touch your chest. If you have a break and can find an empty conference room or office, take a few minutes to shadow box or do some football drills like karaoke or jumping jacks. Instead of walking through the hallways,

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LOWER BODY EXERCISES: Chair Squats–Using a stationary chair, stand in front with feet hip width apart. Then squat over the chair, sitting on your heels, barely sit on the chair, then lift your body to return to a standing position. Complete 20 reps. Standing Rear Leg Lifts–Hold the edge of a desk or table lightly with one hand and lift one leg, pressing it back. Keep lifting the leg behind you, tightening the hamstring and buttocks for 30 times. Then switch legs and complete two sets on each leg. Standing Lunges–Stand holding the edge of a desk or table for support, and step one leg back into a lunge. With your weight on your front leg, drop the back knee towards the floor and hold for 15 pulses, then switch legs. Make sure the front knee does not overextend the front foot. Wall Sit–Take a seat against the wall with your knees at a 90-degree angle and feet planted directly in front of you. Then set a timer for 1 minute and hold your squat pressed against the wall. You can continue

do walking lunges down the hall for lower body conditioning. Staying active at your desk or incorporating exercise around the home/ office will help increase blood flow and build strength. Other healthy options to keep you moving include sitting on an exercise ball instead of a chair. The exercise ball will strengthen your abs and back, while working on your posture. Use your phone to set an alarm as a reminder to stand up, stretch, and move around. You will feel more alert even if you just get up and take a deep breath. Also, track your steps by using your phone’s activity monitor or Fitbit device. You want to strive for at least 6,000 to 10,000 steps per day. Beyond your desk at the office, you can exercise in between clients or meetings by running the stairs rather than using the elevator. For a more difficult cardiovascular workout, try to do two steps at a time. But most importantly, remember that any physical exercise is better than none. Even while you are at work, short bouts of exercise throughout the day will help you burn more calories and reduce stress.

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EST. 2017

WhereYat.com | June 2021

ALL TYPES OF DADS …and the Gifts to Get Them

By Julie Mitchell

Father’s Day is coming up, and how annoying is it when you’re trying to think of a good gift and all you can find are lists recommending whiskey stones? There’s so many "gifts for dad" articles, but their idea of a dad is if Paul Bunyan was in I Love Lucy. Comically masculine yet weirdly stoic? What folks need to understand is that there are TYPES of dads, easily identifiable categories, and they all want very different things. This is a comprehensive list GUARANTEED to have a category for your dad (or your money back!), so let’s take a moment to tour through (and find a perfect gift!) for all the types of dads. SPORTS DAD Very popular in Disney Channel original movies and, honestly, most movies, this dad is a coach both on and off the field. He’s athletic and a little demanding, potentially played sports before or just way too into teamwork. These dads are always there to cheer you on no matter what you’re doing (let’s hope!) and will do it in style. Some great gifts for a sports dad: a whistle, new sneakers, golden retriever puppy, camping equipment, a DVD copy of Groundhog Day, lemonade mix, Applebee’s gift card, and tickets to “the big game.” Have fun!!

HIPPIE DAD This is a dad that has definitely done more drugs than he’s told you about and has at least one guitar, even though you’ve never seen him play (or he plays all the time; interestingly there’s no middle ground it’s one or the other). A hippie dad mostly wears sweatpants and t-shirts of bands that broke up years ago and has a lot of random Asian inspired decorations. Hippie dads have a huge record collection that they are constantly pulling out to tell you facts about. Some great gifts for a hippie dad: tie-dye kit, hacky sack, book about meditating, robe made from hemp, a gift card to Applebee’s, edibles, beaded curtains, mancala board, blacklight bulbs, and organic pasta. Stay groovy!

SUBURBAN DAD Suburban dads have the minivan, the full-time job that makes them wear a blazer everyday, and the farm house sink. What they don’t have is class consciousness and a skincare routine, but hopefully they’re working on it. Suburban dads can help with the SAT because they read the Wall Street Journal and can help with salads because they have a cherry tomato garden out back. With a full freezer in the garage filled with off brand sodas, is there anything they can’t do? Potential gifts for a suburban dad: themed Monopoly set, “funny” ties, golf pencils, fishing memorabilia, something related to the show Cheers, seasonal M&M’S, books about JFK, a gift card to Applebee’s, socks, and a lampshade shaped like a boat. Keep truckin’!

There are obviously more specific subcategories (for example a World War II dad), but they all fit under one of the broader categories above (a World War II dad is a type of literary dad). I hope this list is helpful to you in your quest to find your dad the perfect gift for Father’s Day that lets him know, “I love you, but you should still pay for my therapy.” In this crazy world and in these crazy times, everyone is different and that’s beautiful, but there are also things we all share, like loving Apple bee’s. Happy Father’s Day!!

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LITERARY DAD A literary dad maybe used to be a professor, or writes plays, or loves maps. He is gentle and knowledgeable. He probably never built you a treehouse, but he will happily tell you about all the stars. You can often find a literary dad reading in a chair by the fire or jotting something down in a notebook he keeps in his back pocket. A hit at sleepovers and during the teenage years in general, literary dads are usually very lax about rules because a.) they trust you and because b.) they’re thinking about something else. Some great gifts for a literary dad: anything from Barnes & Noble, expensive pens, slippers, a small bonsai tree, Applebee’s gift card, new glasses, chocolate from another country, and stamps. Enjoy!

DEAD DAD Sometimes our dads die, and this doesn’t stop Father’s Day from happening. This is okay because you can still get a gift, it’s just for you instead of him. Maybe your dad died before you were old enough to remember, or recently after a long relationship, or you just met him and he died, or you never knew him and you heard that he died. However it happened, he’s not here, but you are, and it’s okay to get yourself a gift on Father’s Day because your dad is one of the reasons you exist and, sometimes, that deserves a gift. Gifts for yourself on Father’s Day are easier because you know yourself, so you can just get something you would like, but I’m happy to provide some examples if you don’t have any good ideas. Gifts for you can include: Applebee’s gift card, pedicure (if you don’t want color, you can get clear; it just feels nice), DVD copy of Trading Places, spicy cashews, jigsaw puzzle, whole pizza, new shower curtain, journal, fancy phone case, flowers, tattoo, or expensive moisturizer (side note: these also work if your dad isn’t dead but isn’t in your life, or he is but he’s bad at it). Live it up!

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ANOTHER CHANCE AT NINE LIVES:

Cat Adoption During COVID-19 By Burke Bischoff

Since people have been stuck in their homes for an entire year, they are more willing to adopt or foster a shelter pet in order to keep themselves company. However, which has been a trend in America, dogs are at a better chance of getting adopted out of a shelter than cats. According to an article by Inverse, more Americans prefer dogs to cats because dogs are easier to control and, in the eyes of a majority of pets owners, are easier to form a noticeable bond with than the more “independent” minded cats. Samantha Martin, “chief human” and trainer for the Amazing Acro Cats (which is a performing cat circus act that tours the entire country while adopting out kittens along the way) and founder of Rock Cats Rescue in Georgia, stated that cats are also more likely to get returned to shelters than dogs. “More cats end up in shelters than dogs do,” Martin said. “People are just like, ‘Oh, the cat will be fine on its own. It didn’t really care about me anyway. As long as I had out a bowl of food, it was fine.’” When a cat does get adopted from a shelter, some breeds or personalities are more likely to get adopted than others.

According to Michelle Ingram, executive director of Zeus’ Rescues in New Orleans, fur color, age, and whether or not they have a disability are major determining factors for cat adoption. “I’d say like an 80/20 split of people want younger cats, but we do, luckily, have people who want an older cat,” Ingram said. “If it’s white or grey, or has anything wrong with it, any kind of deformity like missing an eye, missing a leg, short tail, those tend to go first. I don’t know if it’s just because they stand out a little bit more. All of our black cats, bless their hearts, hardly ever get adopted. It’s called, actually, ‘Black Dog Syndrome,’ where as black dogs and black cats are usually the last ones to get adopted in a shelter environment. Those are the least adopted, but are usually the most adoptable pets.” While in some ways it’s comforting that adoption rates are still on the rise during the pandemic, on the flip side, a large amount of people in the country have had to give up their pets or return them to shelters because they can’t financially take care of the animals any more. The pandemic has also forced organizations like Zeus’ Rescue and Rock Cats Rescue to

change how they would normally adopt out their cats. Rock Cats Rescue, in particular, has been hit hard since Martin and her Amazing Acro Cats circus group can’t tour the country like they used to, while dealing with personal medical problems, cats getting sick or passing away, and being scammed by a friend that put the Acro Cat tour bus out of commission. “We haven’t toured since February of 2020 and that was just a very short tour. We were already in a financial bind when the pandemic hit because of the scam. So then the pandemic hit and it was like nothing until May. Luckily, we have enthusiastic fans and followers that donated and continue to donate to get us through. But we’re in pretty dire financial straits because it’s going to cost another $50,000 to get the bus back up to par. I’ve got 18 cats to support, a lot of them seniors, and we’ve been relying on our merchandise sales and Zoom parties. It just doesn’t transfer the same. A beautiful part of the show is the interaction. And we don’t know when that’s going to be able to happen again.” Zeus’ Rescue has had to limit the amount of people coming into its establishment, while also dealing with being at capacity everyday because it is a no kill facility. “We are privately funded, 100 percent,” Ingram said. “So everything that we get is either coming from private donations, which have shriveled to near nothing over the last year. I am constantly “I’d say like an 80/20 split of writing grants and people want younger cats…" looking for grants that –Michelle Ingram, executive director are out there. We’re still running like COVID never of Zeus’ Rescues in New Orleans

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hit, so our bills are still there no matter what. But with the funding dropping, it’s been an interesting juggling act for sure.” If you are serious about adopting a cat, both Martin and Ingram have tips that you should follow to ensure that it is responsibly taken care of, including spaying/neutering, getting it vaccinated, getting a litter box, and keeping the cat stimulated. “Clicker training can build confidence in cats and a cat that was once shy will just blossom into a very friendly cat really quickly just by using clicker training, which is a communication tool that gives the cat kind of a way of communicating with you and for you to communicate with the cat,” Martin said. “Any age cat can be trained. We try to work with other shelters to get their less adoptable cats adopted through clicker training.” “We highly recommend that you don’t let cats outside in the city," Ingram said. "Since COVID, we’ve had an uptick of coyotes, especially Uptown, that have been attacking and killing a lot of cats, plus the traffic. It’s just not really safe for a cat on the streets, so we try to keep cats indoors as much as we can. Some cats just want to be outdoors, and we get that, and we try to put them in a house that’s maybe not near a busy street. Just do as much research as you can. If you’re not sure if you’re allergic or not, go to PetSmart or Petco or wherever has cats for adoption and rub on them and touch your face and see if you have a reaction before you end up taking a cat home and realizing, ‘Oh man, my eyes are so swollen shut, I can’t do it.’” If you want adopt a cat while supporting Zeus’ Rescue and Rock Cats Rescue, consider donating directly through both organizations’ websites and make appointments with them. Not only will you be helping keep these businesses alive, you can also give a loving cat a muchneeded home if you are ready for the unique responsibilities that come with it. “It’s all about saving as many cats as possible and spreading the word that cats aren’t disposable animals that don’t care about you,” Martin said. “You just have to work a little bit harder at the relationship.”

FROM TOP: AMAZING ACRO-CATS BY SHERRY RAYN BARNETT; JARI HYTONEN / UNSPLASH

The COVID-19 Pandemic, which has locked down the country since March 2020, has created an interesting situation where more and more animals are actually getting adopted.

WhereYat.com | June 2021

CLASSICS FOR THE COUCH: Renamed and Revisited by Jeff Boudreaux

From Top:

King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962)

The King got top billing, but the God won the box office as the most profitable of all Godzilla movies—a remake was as inevitable as their battle.

Godzilla vs. King Kong (2021)

The names have changed but the Battle of the Titans remains the same.

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First up is the monster smackdown that inspired the first true blockbuster of the COVID-era box office (Godzilla vs. Kong), 1962’s epic first meeting known as King Kong vs. Godzilla. Top billing in the early Sixties went to the towering simian, even though he hadn’t actually appeared in cinemas since 1933. Godzilla, on the other hand, was introduced to American audiences just eight years prior in Godzilla, King of the Monsters alongside Raymond Burr (Perry Mason). I admit it may seem weird to watch two obvious men in costumes do battle after being weaned on CGI for so long, but this is good stuff…trust me. Featuring King Kong throwing rocks and showing off his grappling skills against Godzilla’s trademark screech (which has sadly been missing from the Warner Bros/Legendary films) and his deadly atomic heat ray, this is the movie that got the Showa era Gojira films off the ground after a seven-year hiatus. See it in vibrant technicolor and Tohoscope! You say you can’t wait until Marvel’s Black Widow descends upon cinemas (fingers crossed) in July? Well, why not feast on a classic film noir that more deservingly shares its name with the deadly spider queen–1954’s Black Widow. Director/Producer/Screenwriter Nunnally Johnson crafted a thrilling whodunit with a Broadway backdrop that boasts generous portions of blackmail, illicit sex, and, of course, murder. Screen heavyweights Ginger Rogers, Gene Tierney, Van Heflin, and George Raft act opposite then-newcomer Peggy Ann Garner, the latter as a seemingly innocent writer who just happens to turn up dead from an apparent “suicide.” Detective Lt. Bruce (Raft) soon suspects foul play, with the list of suspects growing larger by the day. With no shortage of panache, Black Widow is worth watching if only to see Ginger Rogers hamming it up to Norma Desmond-levels as an aging, yet unrelenting Broadway star. Despite popular belief, this film also proves that a film noir doesn’t have to be shot in B&W and 4:3 ratio. Available on virtually every streaming service for less than $4. Not to be outdone by the MCU (although they probably will), a sequel/reboot straight out of the DCEU the following month is James Gunn’s highly-anticipated The Suicide Squad, its very name a chest puff-out along the lines of “(The) Ohio State University” and owing more than its salt to Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. But enough about that film,

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What makes a film a classic? I once posited that it was any theatrical film released before the 1970’s, but I later realized that such an absolute edict as this would exclude timeless films such as The Godfather, Dirty Harry, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Today, I believe that a “classic” film is whatever you want it to be. Perhaps it is one that keeps you coming back to it, or in this case, an old movie that deserves rediscovery simply because it lent its name to a 2021 movie release. Here are four such films that are just begging to be unearthed:

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Suicide Squad(1935 vs. 2021)

The plot remains (generally) similar, so the original and newest DC Comics' version share some resemblance.

Black Window (1954 vs. 2021)

The murderous lead has no connection at all with the MCU superhero, but it's fun to try!

here lies a Poverty Row studio production from 1935 titled Suicide Squad. Billed as “a picture of 1000 thrills,” these titular superheroes are a specialty team of firefighters who place their lives on the line in the most dangerous of blazes. Starring the unheralded actor, yet future prolific television director Norman Foster as a taxi-driver turned

rescue patrol-leader! If you can remain composed through the hokey 1930’s cast introduction, a foreword promises these daredevils “fight through bombings, riots, [and] prison breaks,” among other deadly settings. Lead actor Foster was probably better known at this time as the husband of Claudette Colbert–the two shared a seven-year marriage which ended the year this film was released. Despite that rather “itchy” tenure, this was also the year that she had won her Best Actress Oscar for Frank Capra’s delightful It Happened One Night, so not really a surprise. For a fun comparison, try watching these two movies back-toback and you’ll quickly discern the difference between grade A and B pictures made within the same year, and also

recognize the pitfalls of spouses acting on vastly different levels. Regardless, this movie will take up only 58 minutes of your time and can be viewed on YouTube for free. Lastly, we were treated to yet another religious-themed horror movie in April titled The Unholy, about a demon named Mary posing as the Blessed Virgin. While that alone may rile some people’s feathers, as New Orleanians, we should certainly revisit its namesake film from 1988. We all know how many great actors we lost over the past year, two of which appear in our film. Ben Cross (Chariots of Fire) stars as a hip New Orleans priest who is forced into battle with a Satanic female entity, which was obviously inspired by Sigourney Weaver’s Zuul from Ghostbusters. If anything, this film proved that 80s excess was alive and well on the precipice of a new decade. Co-starring the late Hal Holbrook as a manipulative archbishop, Ned Beatty as a cop who doesn’t squeal (ha), and the last screen appearance of the great British actor Trevor Howard, The Unholy is available to watch free of charge on Tubi TV. Well, there you have it, four originally-titled movies from the previous century that are just as entertaining as anything being released nowadays, all available to watch from the comfort of your couch. But who am I kidding? You can already do that because of the pandemic. So whether on a big screen or your smartphone, these films have stood the test of time and are well worth yours. See you next time!

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TALES FROM THE QUARTER By Debbie Lindsey

Make Every Day Count

une is that month which signals the beginning of summer, hurricane season, outdoor activities, and, with our extreme heat in mind, indoor activities. Before The COVID placed us in an alternate world of “wait and see,” we could comfortably plan for our usual wealth of summer festivals. Our Louisiana June calendar of events would (and perhaps still will) dazzle us with much to choose from. Here in Louisiana, every species of critter knows to run for its life as we have entire food/cooking/music/ dance/craft festivals celebrating (and eating) such creatures. Crawfish (bless ‘em) reign supreme in springtime yet will grace us into June. Shrimp, gator, fish, and an array of warmblooded animals are also at risk for our culinary celebrations. And if you fancy a vegetarian-friendly style of festing, you are in luck as just about anything grown in Louisiana soil is revered and relished—Peach, Corn, Strawberry, and Watermelon Festivals are throughout our summer months. Did I forget Okra? Our region also offers garden/flower, waterways, trails, architecture, and history tours. Events abound. Obviously there’s music, always music, either as an entrée or a side dish! I’m exhausted already! But wait, there’s more! In cruising Mr. Google for things to celebrate and or participate in without diving into a crowd of people, just in case The COVID continues to wage war, I found a fabulous list of meaningful and/or very stupid things to at least acknowledge, if not actually celebrate. Did you know that there is a calendar for each month with little known treasures (and crap) marking each day? I limited myself to June as it alone had over 100 “things” of interest (or not) to be recognized, respected, or even ridiculed, like National Jerky Day on June 12. In this case, I prefer to tweak it to National Jerk Day as we all know a person that fits this billing and why not give ‘em a special day! The COVID’s disruption of festivities normally requiring group participation led to the reconfiguration of events. And nowhere has proven to be a better “good sport” about re-imagining and re-imaging celebrations than NOLA. Even before there was a health threat to contend with, we knew how to spin disappointments and disaster into a party, albeit with dark over-tones. Remember No Bowl and its “Blackout and Gold Second-Line Parade,” our answer to a Super Bowl that was stolen from us in 2019? How about Sink-hole de Mayo? Come on, nobody celebrates sinkholes with such aplomb. And Mardi Gras 2006

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took the tragedy of Katrina and gave us a cathartic way to defy it, to laugh through our tears. During this pandemic, we’ve became Virtual Vibe and Verve Virtuosos. This Mardi Gras, we gave our streets a rest and took to our porches, allowing everyone their own float and krewe. WWOZ gifted us Festing in Place to celebrate and honor Jazz Festival. Plague or no plague, we will party here, and hopefully, with respect for the safety of others. I segued from June’s calendar of events for a moment to sneak in proud shout-outs to my city’s delightful propensity to be innovative. But even in a region such as ours that is flush with so much to celebrate, there’s still room for additional reasons to greet each day as unique and crown it with its own party hat. Let’s start with Flip a Coin Day, which holds court on June 1 (there’re several to choose from). It gave me permission to “flip a coin” as to what to pencil in on my calendar. Yes, they still make paper calendars you can hang on your wall. Mine has ridiculously cute kittens as pin-ups for each month and, unlike my phone, there is no annoying ding each day to remind me of too many things to forget to do. And frankly, how do you say “no” to kittens as they remind you of that dental appointment? Even though Flip a Coin Day helped me narrow down my daily celebrations to one-a-day, there are still 29 obligations/commitments/quirky “special days” left in June to tend to. And all are reasons to bounce out of bed and brush those teeth (with masking ending you might as well resume that good habit now). And who wouldn’t jump for joy on National Bubba Day or take a spin on World Bicycle Day or toast your cat with a can of Fancy Feast on Hug Your Cat Day? And ya gotta love Get Out and Exercise with Your Plants Day (what the Hell?) and this will get you fit for National Weed Your Garden Day (shorten it to National Weed Day if you’re not into exercise). I have personalized this monthly list of events and dedicated June 7 and June 9 to celebrate, respectively, my sister Susan’s B-Day and (if I could have a brother, he would be mine) Paul’s Birthday. And National Phil Lindsey Day is already included in Father’s Day on June 20. June 22 is National Columnist Day, and my editors are welcome to send gifts of cash to me or just continue to let me write for them. There’s an array special days that my word count has exceeded. I will pick one more, however—National Hug Day on June 29. This was stolen from me by The COVID and I want it back. So, point of this column is: there are many things to do and celebrate, so get busy!.

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PO-BOY VIEWS By Phil LaMancusa

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as additional clandestine revelers immuned with absinthe and other liquid spirits enjoying the relative coolness of the after dark. Vampires hum ancient mesmerizing melodies luring you in for a nibble, as do all manner of insects that inhabit our tropic clime: mosquitoes buzzing, cicadas singing, and those gigantic roaches that we call Palmetto Bugs that can take wing and fly into your face, sometimes stinging, going clickity clacking around the walls and ceiling fans. Welcome to New Orleans, with stinging caterpillars, spiders, and all manner of nocturnal, sometimes marsupial in nature, critters; summer is not for the faint of heart. And the breeze whispers, “Stella!” June is when the specter of storms past herald storms in your near future and smart money starts thinking about tempest preparedness; it’s our simultaneous eyes in the rear view and on the road ahead weather outlook. We tune in regularly to watch our favorite climate forecasters, judging their level of excitement when a blower in the gulf looks like it’s gonna eat our lunch. It’s a real Russian roulette of doom and gloom, and each spaghetti model will always include a direct hit. Good luck, this goes on until November; don’t let it affect your blood pressure. Check your battery supplies, eat what’s in your freezer, and get the car tuned and gassed.

June is also when we take stock of water to immerse ourselves in; whether it’s a weekend getaway to the gulf, across the lake, or sussing who will give us “pool privileges.” The city provides free swimming pools and the hip get to enjoy moments of aquaculture gratis. Smart money always knows someone that can sneak them into a hotel for a couple of hours poolside (women are great at this), and you’ll learn sooner than later that you’d better be on your best behavior or you’ll be back on the street with the rest of the melting masses. So this June when you turn on the cold water tap and get luke warm, ask yourself: “Who is this Luke person anyway? Was he moderately warm, tepid? Lacking convictions, half hearted? This faucet says cold. What am I to believe? Who can I believe? Who can I trust? Oh hell, I’m going back to the bathroom and lie naked on the cool tile floor!”

ASH DOWIE / UNSPLASH

urprise, it’s June, named for the Roman goddess Juno, the goddess of marriage and the wife of the big guy Jupiter. And, at this point, the year is either half empty or half full depending how you look at it, and, in New Orleans, it’s the start of a long hot summer. Crock Pot hot; sidewalk egg frying, wet blanket, steam room, Swamp Ass Hot. Now, you readers that were lured here from Northern climes may still have the biorhythms of a race of bipeds that have been conditioned to four distinct and separate seasons; not so here. Autumn is like a drunk on a park bench that wakes up only to doze again; winter, like a guerilla, forays in to strike when we least expect; zephyrlike spring makes cameo appearances in April and May, while the Dire Wolf of Summer, after butt dialing us in those months, appears, for true, in June to nestle its 600 pounds of sin into our otherwise fun-loving auras. Besides that, our seasons are shrimp, crawfish, gumbo, and football. In June, the heat and humidity are amplified by the street stupidity as if folks here have not realized that, again, any clothing is too much clothing, you should avoid getting drunk by daylight, and if you’re not using hot sauce for anything else, you use it to cool yourself down. That’s right, it’s time for tee shirts and shorts, stick to one (maybe two) beer with that barbecued shrimp po-boy, and smother everything you eat in Crystal Hot Sauce; ergo, the weather will bow down to you. Dig your capsicum high and don’t forget your SPF 50 sunscreen. You really want cool (?), go to a movie. I’ve spent many summers street level in the French Quarter; June is when people start wishing to go back to May, better yet February or maybe December. June is when brains start melting, psyches explode and peoples’ hair catches fire; June is when the reality of summer sets in. June is when Louisiana’s Mother Nature says, “Tant pis pour toi, Chere. Summer’s returned, I’ve turned up the thermostat, and I’m coming for you with my unique heat and humidity can of Whup Ass (ready or not); relax and flow into it or draw the shades and live in that space under the air conditioner in your bedroom with cool condensation dripping on your heated brow. You complained about it being cold last winter? Suck it up, Chuck. It’s only gonna get hotter!” June is when ghosts come out because it’s too warm to stay inside wherever they’ve put you when you die. Madame Delphine LaLaurie comes strolling up Royal Street with her daughters, Tite Poulette is meeting her lover Kristian Koppig on Dumaine Street, Bill Faulkner is having a game of chess with Lyle Saxton in Jackson Square, and the infamous Raspberry Mahogany is back chain smoking his Camel straights. The lovers, the muggers, and thieves are out, as well

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Latest Issue: Summer Restaurant Guide—June 2021

Articles inside

Po-Boy Views

Food News

Can’t Find Time to Work Out? Just Do It At the Office

Another Chance at Nine Lives: Cat Adoption

Classics for the Couch: Films Renamed & Revisited

All Types of Dads …and the Gifts to give Them

Give It a Twist: 5 Trends Adapted by NOLA