Latest Issue: June 2024 – Summer Restaurant Guide

DINING

SUMMER RESTAURANT GUIDE

Hungry? This Summer Restaurant Guide includes tasty features on where and what to eat.

Frances Deese explores locales serving fermented fare that’s worth exploring, while Emily Hingle interviews Liberty Kitchen’s Chef Syrena Johnson.

Does alligator taste like chicken?

Kim Ranjbar explores restaurants who are serving this surly reptile in creative dishes, including within a hot dog.

June is Pride Month. Brooke Adams explores local Queerowned restaurants while Jeff Boudreaux presents Pride-friendly films with a New Orleans connection.

June also brings Juneteenth and Arielle Gonzales shares ways to observe around town.

Log onto WhereYat.com to vote in our Best of the Big Easy contest. Share your picks for the best that New Orleans has to offer in shopping, dining, and more. Results will

June 2024

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Josh Danzig

Creative Director: Robert Witkowski

Executive Editor: Burke Bischoff

Copy Editor: Donald Rickert

Movie Editors: David Vicari, Fritz Esker

Contributing Writers: Phil LaMancusa, Debbie Lindsey, Kim Ranjbar, Burke Bischoff, Julie Mitchell, Sabrina Stone, Kimmie Tubré, Emily Hingle, Celeste Turner, Joey Cirilo, Jeff Boudreaux, Cynthea Corfah, Brooke Adams, Frances Deese, Arielle Gonzales, Amy Kirk Duvoisin, Michelle Nicholson

Cover: Whole alligator as prepared by a customer, courtesy Alligator Inc.

Director of Sales: Jim Sylve

Photographers and Designers: Gus Escanelle, Kim Ranjbar, Emily Hingle, Robert Witkowski, Burke Bischoff, Lauren Walker

Interns: Lauren Walker, Eliana SarfatiMagill, Janay Major, Audrey Campisi, Gabriella Bonura, Lily Goldberger, Dustin Godbey, Mathilde Hebert, Lily Foster, Violet Bucaro

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POKÉMON IS COMING

New Orleans’ dining scene sizzles with alligator dishes—mouthwatering bites that capture the essence of Louisiana’s culinary tradition.

New Orleans’ dining scene sizzles with alligator dishes—mouthwatering bites that capture the essence of Louisiana’s culinary tradition. Poydras & Peters'

A

LLURE OF LLIGATOR From

LLURE OF LLIGATOR

Swamp (to Farm)

to Table A

From Swamp (to Farm) to Table

The American alligator, fondly referred to as a “gator,” is a large reptile native to the southeast United States. Their dark gray or greenish black skin is armored in bony plates, and a gator’s large, powerful jaw, filled with sharp teeth, has a measured bite force of 2,000 pounds per square inch. On average, adult alligators grow to about 14 feet long and weigh about 500 lbs. They first appeared in the Cretaceous period, about 145-66 million years ago, and managed to survive a meteoric extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs.

Alligators can be found as far west as Texas and eastward to North Carolina, but Louisiana and Florida have the largest populations, with more than a million wild gators per state. Their numbers haven’t always been this robust, though. In 1967, the American alligator was listed under the Endangered Species Act after being hunted to near extinction. Luckily, gators made a dramatic recovery and were removed from the list in 1987. In fact, gator repopulation has been so successful, wild Louisiana alligators can now be hunted, but only by licensed residents lucky enough to win the lottery for alligator harvest during the twomonth-long seasons, strictly regulated by the state wildlife agency.

For centuries, people have been hunting and

By Kim Ranjbar

eating American alligators, from Native American tribes such as the Chitimacha, who lived in Louisiana around Grand Lake, to the Acadians/Cajuns, who migrated to the area in the mid-1700s. Alligator meat is high in protein and very low in fat—lower than chicken, beef, or pork. Though the choicest cuts come from their powerful tails and jaws, the tougher meat on the body and legs can also be good eats. It just requires a little extra preparation.

Unless you’re eating wild-caught gator gumbo in Boudreaux’s kitchen, most of the alligator meat on the market or prepared in restaurants is farm-raised. Though certain animal rights groups believe it to be inhumane, it’s hard to ignore facts pointing to alligator farming’s sustainability as it is easier and measurably safer for the environment than raising pork or cattle. Gator farms also have direct, positive effects on conservation. The luxury goods industry gets a reliable stream of product, which reduces illegal poaching, and juvenile alligators are regularly released into the wild to support a steady population. Because of its low-fat, high-protein appeal, alligator meat has become more popular than ever before. It is an industry that brings in more than $10 million per year to Louisiana alone. If you’ve never eaten alligator meat, the old cliché “it tastes like chicken” actually fits, as it has a mild flavor that’s

Cochon's Fried Gator

Immerse Yourself In The Magic Of The

just slightly fishy and a little bit more chewy, texture-wise. Gator can be prepared in a multitude of different recipes, but it’s frequently minced and mixed with pork to make sausage or seasoned and stuffed into casings with cooked rice to make boudin.

If you’re visiting New Orleans and want to get your first bite, there are restaurants all across the city with their own unique gator dishes to try. One of the most common preparations are fried alligator bites—kind of like chicken nuggets with an array of different sauces from remoulade to ranch dressing.

At Cochon Restaurant, on Tchoupitoulas Street in the Warehouse District, James Beard Award-winning chef and co-owner Steven Stryjewski created his own version of this Cajun classic. Alligator tenderloin is cut into chunks, seasoned with salt and pepper, and repeatedly coated in flour and cornstarch after being dipped in buttermilk. The chunks are then deep fried, seasoned with chopped mint and parsley, and tossed in a chili garlic mayo.

In the historic French Quarter at the Original Pierre Maspero’s on Chartres Street, you can also get a taste of fried gator, only they serve it in strips with mirliton slaw and “gator sauce.” Might we also recommend breakfast? Along with chicken and , diners can enjoy a Cajun, three-egg omelet with alligator sausage, grilled onions, and bell peppers, and smothered in a Tabasco hollandaise.

June 8 & 9, 2024

Join Us For Live Music, Creole Tomato Cuisine, Bloody Marys, And Free Family Activities.

On the other side of Jackson Square from Maspero’s, located in a Creole townhouse on St. Philip Street, MRB Bar & Kitchen has taken gator to glorious new heights. Along with chargrilled oysters and a cooling Pimm’s Cup, this chill watering hole with live music in an enclosed courtyard offers a chicken fried alligator sandwich with crisp coleslaw and Thai chili sauce on a soft, ciabatta bun.

Over in Bayou St. John, the uber-popular, century-old Parkway Bakery & Tavern offers its own taste of gator. As is only right, the neighborhood spot features a smoked alligator sausage po-boy on soft, Leidenheimer bread. We suggest you get your gator po-boy fully dressed, i.e., with lettuce, tomato, mayo, and pickles, with a side of house made red potato salad or a bag of Zapp’s Spicy Cajun Crawtator potato chips.

Poydras & Peters, an upscale restaurant inside the Loews Hotel, has their own unique dish of our beloved swamp dinosaur. Chef Jason Schwartz has created a delicate appetizer of blackened alligator, served with sun-dried tomato pesto atop a still pool of buttery hollandaise. Along with an entrée of herb-crusted drum and pillowy beignets for dessert, it promises to be a most memorable meal.

Regardless of which location you visit, gator is good at Dat Dog, New Orleans’ most colorful wiener joint. Dat Dog specializes in sausages of all kinds, from all-beef Vienna and crawfish to smoked and vegan bratwurst, but do not miss their Rajun’ Rougarou. It’s a massive dog made of alligator sausage and loaded with grilled onions, jalapeños, tomatoes, Creole mustard, barbecue sauce, and, of course, bacon. If the Rougarou doesn’t get you, you can create your own gator dog—just be sure to add an order of tater tots on the side and be sure to smother it in crawfish étouffée.

Finally, one of the easiest ways to snap up a taste of alligator is while shopping at the French Market. For over two centuries, this district has been a center of commerce, one that’s been destroyed and rebuilt many times over. While browsing for unique souvenirs—everything from hot sauce and seasonings to jewelry, apparel, and art—be World Famous N’awlins Cafe & Spice Emporium for a spicy alligator sausage “kabob” on a stick.

Dat Dog's Rougarou

2024 SUMMER RESTAURANT GUIDE

AMERICAN

Cause and the Cure NOLA is a new restaurant serving Caribbean-influenced smashburgers, NYC-style chopped cheese sandwiches, and Korean-style corn dogs served with a variety of house-made sauces including their crowd-favorite chimi sauce. Wash it all down with one of their signature cocktails. 2540 Banks St., instagram.com/ causeandthecurenola

Crescent City Steaks, New Orleans’ oldest family-owned steakhouse since 1934, boasts quaint and quiet dining, making for an ambiance that is personal and lending to the true old-school vibe. Their perfectly tender, bacon-wrapped sirloin, paired with hand-cut steak fries, epitomizes New Orleans-style steak perfection and is generously doused with butter, spice, and everything nice. 1001 N. Broad St., (504) 821-3271, crescentcitysteaks.com

Daisy Dukes is a must-visit Southern spot offering all-day breakfast, delicious drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere. They boast awardwinning Cajun Bloody Marys, voted the best of

its kind four years in a row. With plenty of New Orleans classics to choose from, order their red beans and rice, alligator sausage, and, of course, their cup of gumbo. Multiple Locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com

Gaia Steakhouse is a high-quality steakhouse located in the Garden District. Uniquely, all of their steaks are grilled over charcoal and finished in a hot wood-fired oven.

The dining room is large, with intimate lighting, gorgeous booths, and an overall romantic feel. Their cocktails are mastered, and their wine list is extensive, earning the restaurant great accolades. 1820 St. Charles Ave., (337) 443-7967, gaiasteakhouse.com

Gattuso’s Neighborhood Restaurant & Bar, in the heart of Gretna, is all about friendly service and good times, enhanced by their charming and plentiful outdoor seating. An extensive menu, featuring burgers, sandwiches, clubs, and more, ensures there’s something delicious for everyone. Don’t miss out on their cocktail hour from 2 to 6 p.m. every day. 435 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, (504) 368-1114, gattusos.net

Jimmy J’s Café is a go-to quaint New Orleans joint, perfect for a show-stopping

breakfast or ending the night with a signature cocktail.

Le Bon Temps Roule

The intimate ambiance meets vibrant stainedglass walls, a prelude to the flavorful fare within. Do not miss the Benedict trio, featuring three delectable variations that certainly will jumpstart your day. 115 Chartres St., (504) 309-9360, jimmyjscafe.com

Larder Gourmet Market + Eatery boasts an airy interior and bright ambiance. As the ideal eatery to savor breakfast at any time of day, indulge in their enticing French toast casserole and Bananas Foster pancakes. Whether you’re dropping by to grab a baked good or settling in for a leisurely meal, Larder caters to every palate. 3005 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 766-6157, lardereatery. com

Legacy Kitchen’s Steak and Chop lures diners with lunch specials and a happy hour from 2 to 6 p.m., featuring $5 wine, $7 wells, and $3 drafts. The essential Southern steakhouse boasts generous servings, friendly staff, and a robust selection of meats. Can’t decide? Opt for some shareables such as

seafood gumbo, drum ceviche, or crawfish

Westbank Expy., Gretna, (504) 513-2606, legacykitchen.com

Luke boasts top-notch service, a decadent dining room, and worldly cuisine that will make every diner feel like a true Creole king. Their convenient location pulls you in, but their delicious French, German, and Creole blended cuisine will keep you coming back. Try their escargot and bone marrow dish, herb roasted chicken, or seafood gumbo à la Creole. 333 St. Charles Ave., (504) 378-2840, lukeneworleans.com

Luzianne Café, conveniently situated in the Warehouse District, boasts an elevated breakfast all day, complimented by their New Orleans-casual lunch menu. Luzianne Café is perfect for a family lunch, hangover brunch with daring friends, or any occasion with an excuse for delicious Southern comfort. Head over for a good value breakfast that tastes like

Blue Bayou

mom’s cooking. 481 Girod St., (504) 2651972, luziannecafe.com

New Orleans Vampire Café is a fangtastic spot in the French Quarter, perfect for a light-hearted birthday dinner or an offbeat brunch with a group of girls. The café specializes in New Orleans cuisine and vampire-themed dishes. Try their “blood-bag drinks,” an 8 oz. medical blood bag filled with vampire fangria, or their blood orange crème brûlé. 801 Royal St., (504) 581-0801, nolavampirecafe.com

NOLA Steak, the spacious and classic steakhouse based in Boomtown Casino, is a carnivore’s dream. They serve many Southern delicacies, including bronze Gulf redfish, BBQ shrimp, and chicken and waffles. For a hearty meal, order the baked potato, filled to the brim with generous, delicious toppings, and an 8 oz. filet as its pair. 4132 Peters Rd., Harvey, (885) 805-5596, boomtownneworleans.com

Spudly’s Super Spuds, is a restaurant that boasts custom and perfected tradition in every bite. Founded in 1980, the restaurant is known for its stand-out potatoes, which are touted as “a meal in a baked potato.” The Spud comes served in countless ways, so your starchy base can come with crab

meat, shrimp, cheese, bacon—really whatever you can dream up. 2609 Harvard Ave., Metairie, (504) 4553250, spudlys.com

The Country Club is located in the Bywater and has an elegant landscape, a beautiful pool, and impressive mixology. This unique spot hosts a delightfully entertaining drag brunch every weekend, perfectly complemented with a quintessentially Creole American menu. Beat the heat with their daily pool passes and indulge in poolside snacks, meals, and drinks. 634 Louisa St., (504) 945-0742, thecountryclubneworleans.com

Vampire Apothecary Restaurant and Bar is a whimsical spot with a witchy and botanical interior. Their menu will transport you to another realm with fanciful plating and unique twists on well-loved classics. In addition to their cocktails and bites, they offer psychic services with their in-house psychics, so you and your partner can peek into the mystical side. 725 St. Peter St., (504) 766-8179, vampireapothecary.com

Voodoo Chicken and Daiquiris is a quintessentially New Orleanian stop-in spot, perfect for a quick fried chicken and a cold drink. The joint boasts crispy chicken alongside a rainbow of fresh fruit daiquiris, suited for cooling your taste buds after the heat. With many locations across downtown, this is the perfect end (or start) to a long bar crawl. Multiple Locations, voodoochickenanddaiquirisnola. com

Wonderland + Sea just might be the healthiest fried chicken place in New Orleans. With an emphasis on high-quality ingredients, the restaurant boasts humanely raised chicken, wild-caught Gulf fish, and locally sourced produce. The restaurant is a refined American diner with plating on checkered tissue and trays, transporting you back in time. 4842 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 766-6520, eatatwonderland.com

ASIAN

Asia, located in Boomtown Casino, can be your delicious break from the slot machines. With many classic soups, noodles, and fried dishes, their simple menu includes only perfected Chinese and Vietnamese classics. The quaint atmosphere of the restaurant is a perfect contrast to the bustling casino, with select seating and an intimate interior. 4132 Peters Rd., Harvey, (504) 364-8812, boomtownneworleans.com

Mikimoto Restaurant, located in MidCity, brings delicious Japanese flavors with a touch of New Orleans flair. Since 1999, they’ve been serving generous sushi rolls and various cooked dishes such as udon noodles in their cozy space. They even have a convenient drive-thru window for your late-night sushi take-out endeavors. 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 488-1881, mikimotosushi.com

TD Seafood and Phở House is a stand-out Vietnamese restaurant that is worth crossing into the Westbank for. Serving vermicelli bowls, chicken wings, and boiled crawfish, the menu is perfectly eclectic. For those itching for a phở fix, definitely head to this spot, with its wide selection of flavors and hearty, delicious broth. 1028 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, (504) 302-1727, tdseafoodphohouse.com

BARS WITH GREAT FOOD

Bar Marilou is an intimate bar that will immediately become your favorite pregame or date night venue. The lounge is filled with velvet, plush seating, bright colors, patterned decor, and intimate mixology. The menu boasts perfected bar bites to compliment your crafted cocktail, including Brussels sprouts, frog legs, toasts, and scallops to twist your arm. 544 Carondelet St., (504) 814-7711, barmarilou.com

Buffa’s Bar and Restaurant, situated on the edge of the Quarter since 1939, is a classic New Orleans-style neighborhood bar that transforms visitors into bar rats. Live music coupled with dark red paneled walls creates an intimate environment where good music and conversation thrive. Compliment your icecold beer with the shrimp Creole or the Buffa Burger. 1001 Esplanade Ave., (504) 9490038, buffasbar.com

JB’s Fuel Dock, in the scenic Lakefront neighborhood near Lake Pontchartrain, is not just a marina. Since its establishment, it has been the go-to spot for boaters and food enthusiasts alike. Offering great sandwiches, mouth-watering pizzas, cold drinks, and an unbeatable view, it’s the perfect place to fuel up your boat and your soul. 126 S. Roadway St., (504) 510-2260, jbsfueldock.com

Le Bon Temps Roule is a classic Uptown bar steeped in tradition and local culture, bringing an experience to frequenters and out-of-towners alike. Famous for its 24/7 open doors and vibrant live music from jazz to blues and more, each night is a celebration and a great excuse to order a drink. Try their Bloody Marys—they’re some of the best in all of New Orleans. 4801 Magazine St., (504) 8973448, lbtrnola.com

Rivershack Tavern emits an eclectic dive bar vibe and a playful tone, all while serving delicious and hearty cuisine. Drink, dance, and indulge in great American bar fare, including burgers, po-boys, sandwiches, and so much more. Enjoy live music Friday and Saturday nights, and make sure to choose from their extensive list of beers on tap. 3449 River Rd., Jefferson, (504) 834-4938, rivershacktavern.com

Stumpy’s Hatchet House is every lighthearted, fun-loving bar rat’s dream, conveniently located downtown. With a plethora of games from hatchet throwing to massive Jenga, release your anger and indulge in some friendly competition over their full bar menu. If you work up an appetite, do not worry because they serve classic bar snacks and meals. 1200 Poydras St., (504) 577-2937, stumpyshh.com/ neworleansla

The Jimani is a famous New Orleans sports bar, encompassing everything one would want in a dive bar: a building with a storied past, cold beer, great music, sports on the TV, and mouthwatering bar eats. Don’t miss their fried pickles or jalapeño poppers. Their signature cocktail is their world-famous Bacon Bloody Mary, a Bloody Mary with a meaty twist. 141 Chartres St., (504) 5240493, thejimani.com

CAFÉ

Café Amelie, inside one of New Orleans’ most iconic facades, is named after the first American Princess of Monaco’s mother. With a decadent interior and intimate, green-lined courtyard, the spot is perfect for brunch, which is served Thursday through Sunday. In light of the history it honors, the café serves New Orleans classics, including a tantalizing gumbo and muffaletta. 900 Royal St., (504) 412-8065, cafeamelie.com

Crack’D is a lighthearted, summery brunch spot with an interior that will resemble your stylish grandmother’s house with hearty delicious cuisine that will mimic your grandmother’s cooking. Served on dainty plates, the menu offers brunch classics with New Orleans twists. Stand-out dishes include their bacon tower and fried chicken topped with a waffle cone. 1901 Sophie Wright Pl., (504) 381-4678, crackdbrunch.com

Surrey’s Café & Juice Bar is an eclectic spot serving perfected and hearty breakfasts in the Lower Garden District. The restaurant’s atmosphere is heartwarming, with artwork of shotgun houses lining the blue and pink colored walls. The Bananas Foster French Toast is a must-have breakfast item—crunchy on the outside and with a cream cheese blend on the inside. 1418 Magazine St., (504) 524-3828, surreysnola.com

The Vintage, adorned by locals for their beignets, is a delicious spot to grab brunch or indulge in a sweet happy hour. Baked to order, the restaurant’s tasty beignets are offered in unique flavors including matcha, raspberry, and cannoli. The interior brings a nostalgic feel, with white honeycomb tiles and two industrial bars serving liquor and coffee separately. 3121 Magazine St., (504) 6081008, thevintagenola.com

Willa Jean, is an enticing hipster café that serves an expansive coffee menu, as well as a plethora of pastries from cakes to cookies and the delicious Everything Cruffin. Their prepared menu is just as enticing, with flavorful classics everyone craves in the morning such as the hangover bowl, avocado toast, Tabasco honey fried chicken, and croque madame 611 O’Keefe Ave., (504) 509-7334, willajean.com

CARIBBEAN

Jamaican Jerk House, located in the Bywater, brings true Jamaican flavor and authenticity to New Orleans. The canary yellow building with bright green accents embodies the bright flavors awaiting inside. Dishes including jerk chicken and oxtail pasta are perfected by the fun-loving and passionate couple who founded the business. 4017 St.

JB's Fuel Dock

TD Pho

Claude Ave., (504) 441-8905, facebook. com/p/Jamaican-Jerk-House

Palm & Pine offers a daring menu with fusion food inspired by the South and the Caribbean. Their menu changes seasonally and often, always staying fresh and experimental. They serve an incredible range of plates from coconut blackened Gulf fish to Texas BBQ shrimp. With events often, Palm & Pine’s atmosphere is as playful as the food they serve. 308 N. Rampart St., (504) 8146200, palmandpinenola.com

Orleans spot located in the Central Business District, boasting elegance and French-Creole design to match the cultural origins of the cuisine. This luxurious spot serves extravagant plates including their mouth-watering barbecue escargot and pan-seared striped bass. For a truly divine occasion, try the chef’s tasting menu. 301 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 299-9777, restaurantaugust.com

ITALIAN

Alto Rooftop Bar boasts an enticing atmosphere, a panoramic view of the skyline, and bar eats. Enjoy their golden hour delight

compliment the airy and colorful atmosphere, enjoy a light sandwich such as the BTLA, Italian-inspired wraps, or grain bowls. 600 Carondelet St., (504) 900-1180, acehotel.com/new-orleans

Domenica is a quintessential upscale restaurant that boasts tradition and innovation. With a name translating to Sunday in Italian, the day of the week when cooking is most valued in Italian tradition, the restaurant’s commitment to Italy is clear. The grandiose dining room serves as the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a flavorful pizza or pasta dish. 123 Baronne St., (504)-648-6020, domenicarestaurant.com

Josephine Estelle blends Italian classics with Southern charm. This upscale restaurant boasts a spacious art-deco interior, bathed in warm light from its window-lined walls. Their brunch offers familiar favorites, while lunch and dinner showcase unique pasta creations. Liven up your Sundays with their jazz brunch, featuring live music alongside your favorite brunch dishes. 600 Carondelet St., (504) 930-3070, josephineestelle.com

Mosca’s Restaurant brings the warmth of family with its rustic Italian setting. They prepare every dish to order and have options to share family-style. Savor classics such as spaghetti and meatballs or indulge in their signature Oysters Mosca. Mosca’s offers the kind of hospitality and rich flavors that bring back memories of eating at grandma’s table. 4137 US Highway 90 W., Westwego, (504) 436-8950, moscasrestaurant.com

Pizza Domenica is a fresh and friendly spot, perfect for a family dinner or a big celebration with friends. With ample seating and a rustic interior, the restaurant’s casual and fun atmosphere is the perfect crowd pleaser. The menu boasts a wide array of daring pizzas, from tutto carne to funghe e salsiccia with mushrooms, salami, egg, and mozzarella. Multiple Locations, pizzadomenica.com

U Pizza is a hip pizza spot celebrating a modern twist on Italian tradition. U Pizza serves reasonably priced, light, and airy pizzas that are perfect for take-out or a quick and comforting family lunch. Start with their jalapeño cheese breadsticks or macaroni and cheese bites, then explore their daring pizzas, including the StreetcarPpizza. 1513 St. Charles Ave., (504) 381-4232, upizzanola.com

Venezia brings the warmth of Italian traditions to New Orleans. The menu features the classics you crave: succulent seafood, sizzling steaks, delightful pasta, and authentic pizzas. Don’t miss out on their signature cannelloni or eggplant Vatican dishes. The red and white tablecloths topped with authentic cuisine will implore you to check out their wine list. 134 N. Carrollton Ave., (504) 4887991, venezianeworleans.com

LATIN

Alma Café serves modern Honduran cuisine with a casual, upscale atmosphere. Their interior gives homage to its Latin roots, setting the scene for the extravagant flair of the

600 Carondelet St, New Orleans, Louisiana

Daily happy hour, weekly Jazz brunch, monthly pasta-making & wine tasting classes.

630 Carondelet Street, New Orleans,

Crescent City Steaks

menu. Said menu is diverse with breakfast plates ranging from a ratatouille omelet and lemon ricotta pancakes to campechano breakfast and the Lola Gray fried chicken thigh. 800 Louisa St., (504) 381-5877, eatalmanola.com/home-hunter

Brasa South American Steakhouse is an Old Metairie favorite with a brand-new location in Downtown New Orleans. Under the expertise of Colombian-born Chef Edgar Caro, Brasa honors tradition with openfire cooking and a dry-aging process with Himalayan salt. Order the entraña, the lomo fino, or the picanha cuts to get a real refined steakhouse experience. Multiple Locations, brasasteak.com

MIDDLE EASTERN

Lebanon’s Café is a quaint Uptown restaurant with some of the best-rated Middle Eastern food in the city. The casual spot specializes in its homemade hummus and chicken shawarma, along with other classic dishes. They serve several daring hummus varieties, including their fried cauliflower and pomegranate sauce hummus, to pair with more traditional dishes. 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 862-6200, lebanonscafe.com

Shaya encompasses true New Orleans charm and hospitality while serving up Israeli staples. The Uptown-based restaurant’s interior resembles a bright and airy home, while their cuisine, mastered by a skilled Lebanon-born Chef Fariz Choumali, emphasizes authentic flair. A stand-out dish is their perfectly balanced and succulent chicken leg and thigh. 4213 Magazine St., (504) 891-4213, shayarestaurant.com

NEW ORLEANS CUISINE

Café Normandie specializes in New Orleansinspired French cuisine and has an intimate dining room. Every chair is adorned with a fleur de lis, perfectly capturing the essence of the establishment. Stop by for their brunch, served every Sunday, or for lunch. Perfected classics will entice you including the chicken and jambalaya and their Gulf trout almondine. 1000 Magazine St., (504) 528-1941, higginshotelnola.com

Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop, located in Metairie, serves cozy, comfortable Louisiana cuisine to visitors and locals alike. Critically acclaimed Chef Ron spotlights tradition and New Orleans

roots with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. The Stuffed Gumbo, which is a Mambo Gumbo with fried catfish, is awardwinning and always available. 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, (504) 8352022, gumbostop.com

Crescent City Brewhouse offers a modern twist on classic Louisiana cuisine. This restaurant emphasizes nouvelle cuisine with fresh and delicate dishes at the center of their menu. With gorgeous balcony seating with a French Quarter view and an intimate courtyard, expect an inviting bistro atmosphere. Check out live jazz music from Thursday through Monday. 527 Decatur St., (504) 522-0571, crescentcitybrewhouse.com

Crescent City Brewhouse

Desire Oyster Bar, conveniently located on Bourbon Street, is the perfect kick-start to your quintessentially New Orleanian night. The interior will transport you to a different era with classic tiled floors, elegant light fixtures, and expansive bar seating. The menu boasts Cajun and Creole classics from shrimp ‘n’ grits to jambalaya and chicken and waffles. 300 Bourbon St., (504) 5532281, sonesta.com

Evangeline, specializing in fresh ingredients, is a relaxed yet social spot to enjoy authentic New Orleanian cuisine. The interior resembles a dive bar, with conversation and drinks at every corner. With an emphasis on fresh ingredients and local flavors, their gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice—all classics—are cooked to perfection. 329 Decatur St., (504) 373-4852, evangelineneworleans.com

Headquarters by Nice Guys Nola, a brand-new addition to the Warehouse District, caters to New Orleans’ tastes with a Southern twist. A fusion of a bar and an event space, it offers a unique menu, cocktails, and vibrant ambiance. Serving small plates and drinks, it hosts regular events, including live music and DJ sets, for a refined take on the Nice Guys Nola experience. 445 S. Rampart St., (504) 217-6851

House of Blues New Orleans is one of the most happening restaurants and bars in the city. The spot offers cozy eats, creative cocktails, and live music with an emphasis on local musicians and big names alike. New

Breakfast & Lunch

Served All Day

Orleans classics fill the menu, including American staples fried chicken, sandwiches, and burgers—just what you need on a fun night. 225 Decatur St., (504) 310-4999, houseofblues.com/neworleans

Lakeview Harbor serves up classic comfort food right on the harbor for a uniquely relaxing and homey feel. The eatery specializes in big portions and fried indulgence. Try the fried pickles or fried mushrooms as a starter. For the main, choose one of their many steak, pork, or seafood dishes. Multiple Locations, (504) 4864887, lakeviewharbor. us

Li’l Dizzy’s Café brings unmatched family-owned hospitality to Creole soul cuisine, perfecting their recipes through four generations of Creole cooking. Always filled with loyal customers and lined with family memorabilia, this spot is not only authentic but also personal. For some of the best fried chicken in New Orleans, head to Li’l Dizzy’s. 1500 Esplanade Ave., (504) 766-8687, lildizzyscafe.net

Loretta’s Authentic Pralines is well renowned for all things sweet, delicious, and nutty, with founder Loretta Harrison celebrated as the “Queen of Pralines.” One of their specialties is a chewy cookie with a generous dollop of sweet potato filling. On top of this, they serve a plethora of flavored pralines, including chocolate, peanut butter, coconut, rum, and more. Multiple Locations, lorettaspralines.com

Mandina’s Restaurant, family-owned for four generations, was opened by Anthony and Frank Mandina in 1932. The New Orleans influence on the restaurant is clear as Mandina’s specializes in Creole Italian fusion dishes. The menu boasts fried chicken, potatoes, string beans, and more, along with Italian dishes including chicken Parmesan. 3800 Canal St., (504) 482-9179, mandinasrestaurant.com

Melba’s, coined Louisiana’s busiest po-boy shop, offers a bustling, casual, and fun take on the typical po-boy restaurant. Their MidCity location boasts adorable rooftop dining lined with picnic tables and umbrellas, making the casual eatery truly magical. They have breakfast sandwiches, many New Orleanian plates, and, of course, lots of po-boy options. Multiple Locations, melbas.com

Mother’s Restaurant, serving the city’s best-baked ham, is where fresh New Orleans cuisine meets comfort and casual dining. The spot boasts a comforting breakfast with omelets and grits served all day. They serve perfected Creole classics including jambalaya, shrapollineimp Creole, and delicious poboys that are beloved by locals and visitors alike. 401 Poydras St., (504) 523-9656, mothersrestaurant.net

New Orleans Creole Cookery, located in the beautiful French Quarter, specializes in traditional Creole cuisine. The spot boasts a beautiful courtyard with greenery and a true Southern charm—the perfect complement to their classic cuisine. Try their Taste of New Orleans entrée, featuring jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, Shrimp Creole, and red beans and rice. 510 Toulouse St., (504) 524-9632, neworleanscreolecookery.com

Neyow’s Creole Café has a charming atmosphere with an expansive bar and delicious Creole-style comfort food. The spot boasts true hospitality and traditional New Orleans cuisine. Pair your oyster gumbo or fried wings with their delicious Bow Wow Punch to get your party started. Save room for fantastic desserts including beignet sticks. 3332 Bienville St., (504) 827-5474, neworleans.neyows.com

Neyow’s XL is a true fun-loving spot specializing in fresh seafood and fine dining. Their drink special, the XL French, features a giant-sized champagne glass, perfectly capturing the essence of this spot. The interior is lined with eclectic New Orleans memorabilia, massive art pieces, and high-end seating. The menu boasts seafood classics and perfected steaks and chops. 3336 Bienville St., (504) 503-1081, xl.neyows.com

WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY | 7AM-3PM

Meril offers fun and good food in Downtown New Orleans. Specializing in New American cuisine, their dishes range from crispy rock shrimp tacos, grilled octopus, tuna poke nachos, crawfish flatbread, and more. The interior is modern and elevated, perfect for a celebration. Make sure to order from Meril’s extensive wine list. 424 Girod St., (504) 526-3745, emerilsrestaurants.com/meril

Nice Guys NOLA is a spot for good drinks, great conversations with friends, and even better Louisiana and bar comfort food. With a massive sign in the dining room reading “Nice Guys, Bad Girls,” the restaurant presents a playful atmosphere. Perfect for a celebration, the dining room is filled with lively servers, good music, and plenty of dancing. 7910 Earhart Blvd., (504) 302-2404, niceguysnola.com

Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro is housed in the building that once housed

New Orleans’ first Creole restaurant. Soak in the spot’s history and indulge in their authentic Creole cuisine, all while pairing your meal with one of Orleans Grapevine’s delicious wines. The spot also features one of the city's largest selections of wines by the glass. 720 Orleans Ave., (504) 523-1930, orleansgrapevine.com

Parkway Bakery and Tavern is for relaxing with a cold beer, meeting close friends, or making new ones. The spot boasts many poboys such as fried Creole BBQ shrimp, surf and turf, and a home-made roast beef with gravy. The tavern offers an old-school, eclectic feel where conversations and drinks blend seamlessly. 538 Hagan Ave., (504) 4823047, parkwaypoorboys.com

Please-U-Restaurant is a sweet spot with a small-town feel, serving delicious New Orleans breakfasts and hot lunches with a Greek twist. The menu is inspired by the Greek entrepreneurs who founded the establishment in 1946. The breakfast menu, which includes French toast, Belgian waffles, and numerous omelets, is perfect for a hungry family.

1751 St. Charles Ave., (504) 525-9131, pleaseunola.com

Short Stop Poboys, located off of Airline Highway, is exactly as the name implies. Walk up to the counter to order and sit down to eat—perfect for groups on the go or a casual afternoon bite. They feature po-boys, jambalaya, gumbo, and more. Perfecting fast dining, it’s the perfect place for casual New Orleans cuisine. 119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie, (504) 885-4572, shortstoppoboysno.com

Briquette brings a refined and lively atmosphere to the Warehouse District with a contemporary approach to seafood-centric dining. The spot features an open-kitchen ambiance, where diners can watch chefs prepare specialties including whole fish dishes, perfectly paired with their vast wine selection. Both intimate dinners and large gatherings are perfect for this establishment. 701 S. Peters St., (504) 302-7496, briquette-nola.com

Drago’s Seafood Restaurant is famed for its original charbroiled oysters and extensive menu, promising well-loved classics. With multiple locations, each visit promises a lively atmosphere and robust flavors that embody New Orleans’ culinary spirit. Family-owned since 1969, Drago’s continues to deliver favorites including seafood pasta, gumbo, and stuffed lobster. Multiple Locations, dragosrestaurant.com

and Oyster Bar offers a refined ambiance and New Orleans seafood. The bar is exposed, making for a social and exciting interaction between the kitchen and customers. The spot boasts New Orleanian classics from oysters chargrilled, charbroiled, or raw to crawfish étouffée. Try their delicious desserts, including their praline brownie. 717 Canal St., (504) 517-2653, bluebayourestaurantnola.com

Bon Temps Boulet’s Seafood brings New Orleanians a true seafood oasis, and their great food will not disappoint. The spot boasts numerous delicious po-boys and fresh seafood, from boiled crawfish and shrimp to blue crab. Make sure to order their crawdaddy platter if you can’t decide what to order. Head to Bon Temps Boulet’s to dig in, make a mess, and enjoy. 4701 Airline Dr., Metairie, (504) 885-5003, bontempsboulets.com

Legacy Kitchen’s Tacklebox serves up American seafood dishes with a twist. The interior is nautical and light-hearted, offering a beautifully refined atmosphere to complement their seafood delicacies. This New Orleans eatery offers a uniquely modern experience. Enjoy crafted cocktails, social plates, classic soups, po-boys, Southern comfort plates, and more. 817 Common St., (504) 827-1651, legacykitchen.com

Seaworthy is an intimately charming oyster bar located in the heart of the French Quarter. The refined nautical interior perfectly complements its delectable and fresh cuisine. The drink menu is as enticing as its seafood, with crafted cocktails, a unique selection of beers, and many wines by the glass. Don’t miss their happy hour every day from 4-6 p.m. 630 Carondelet St., (504) 930-3071, seaworthynola.com

The Galley Seafood offers maritime delights with an array of expertly prepared seafood dishes as an ode to Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage. Known for its superb soft-shell crab and fried catfish filet po-boys served at Jazz Fest, enjoy their delicacies any time of year at this spot in Metairie. Savor the authentic and homey feel at this establishment. 2535 Metairie Rd., Metairie, (504) 832-0955

Drago's

Short Stop Poboys

CHEF SYRENA JOHNSON A Culinary Journey

By Emily Hingle

For Chef Syrena Johnson, the role of food services director at Liberty’s Kitchen delivers something more than any other title she’s garnered.

“Something about working with the youth, something about telling them my story so that they can see that they’re capable of doing it. That’s rewarding for me. That’s why I always gravitate back to it. It’s something that’s in me that I need to be doing,” she relayed as she beamed with enthusiasm. From being one of the first Liberty’s Kitchen graduates to running the kitchen and teaching new generations, Chef Johnson has found her spot in the “puzzle that we call food here in New Orleans.”

In 2010, 20-year-old Syrena Johnson was looking for some direction in her life as the city of New Orleans was still adjusting to a postKatrina identity. She had jobs in fast food and small restaurants and took a chance on delving further into food as a career. “A friend told me Liberty’s Kitchen was a cooking school. I went over there, and they were like, ‘It’s a program, it’s not a cooking school. We do some cooking here, and we train people for the hospitality industry.’ I was still working and not doing anything else with my time, so I figured I would do it as an alternative to what I was already doing. I was already two years out

of high school—just a kid trying to stay busy and work. I went through the program, and I excelled fairly fast. It was a 12 week program. I think I finished in seven or eight weeks.”

Johnson performed so well in her short time as a Liberty’s Kitchen student that Program Director Omar Buckner helped to fast-track her career. Johnson confided, “They didn’t want me to be bored. They wanted me to be enthused about everything, so they excelled me fast. Omar Buckner told me about a scholarship that was going on and said, ‘I think you’d be the perfect fit.’ Everybody on the team helped me. They made sure my résumé was good and helped me go through the application process. I won that and went to school at the French Culinary Institute in New York, and I stayed in New York for nine months. I came back and just circumnavigated the whole cooking scene in New Orleans, trying to find my way—trying to find what’s good for me and where I fit in.”

While Johnson has worked in the kitchens of high-end local chefs, received training from internationally-renowned chefs, and made meals as a private chef, she feels like she fits in perfectly back at Liberty’s Kitchen. “This has been a full circle moment. When the customers see me running the café, and I say, ‘I was the trainee and came through this program 15 years ago,’ they can say, ‘They’re really serious about their mission.’ Executive Director Mrs. Bernadette Lucas gives me full freedom to do whatever I need to do, whether it’s make a $3,000 purchase for a piece of equipment that went out or create the menu, price the menu, and display it to the public. It’s because she trusted me that I have the best in mind for what we’re doing at Liberty’s Kitchen.”

Not only does she have independence as a chef, she is able to give back to the very program that brought her all over the culinary world in a unique way. She excitedly related, “I can tell the trainees things about what they’re going through because I went through it too. If you’re well rounded, if you follow through with everything, you have a chance to actually do this. It wasn’t overnight. I didn’t do it as soon as I graduated [from] the program or as soon as I came from culinary school. This is years after. I had to work to get to that point. It sounds better from someone who went through the program.”

Chef Johnson loves to pass along knowledge about cooking, as well as keeping the kitchen immaculately clean and organized. “I pride myself on cleanliness, and we try to relay that to the students. You can take these skills wherever. If you’re together and organized, it’s a little bit better. You can see clearly.”

Chef Johnson enjoys her culinary creative freedom and ability to teach trainees so much that she feels that returning to a standard high-intensity dinner service role would not be worth becoming a huge name in fine dining. She explained that her work in such kitchens was far too consuming. “I’m all about work/life balance. I don’t have to go in the kitchen and slave all night and work crazy long hours. I want to work. I want to do what I need to do and cut it off at some point and go on vacation. I want to live my life.”

As a parting thought, Chef Johnson said that she aspires to be thought of like an inspiring school teacher who is remembered by a student for the rest of their life. “Teachers don’t get the credit that they should. Who lives in somebody’s head all that time? I don’t want to be known for ‘I cooked this.’ I want to be known for ‘this person taught me how to do this, they got me an opportunity, or they showed me how to get opportunities for myself.’ I think that’s more rewarding than anything I could put on a plate.”

SoFAB IS SO FAB

Explore the History of Southern Cuisine at the Southern Food & Beverage Museum

By Celeste Turner

Ever wonder how Popeyes’ chicken and biscuits got started or the history behind the famous Sazerac cocktail?

It is easy to step back in time and learn about these New Orleans’ favorites when you visit the Southern Food & Beverage Museum, an iconic home to such Louisiana artifacts as the vintage McKenzie’s sign and the actual Brunnings’ Restaurant bar of yesteryear. Located in the historic Dryades Market building at 1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. in New Orleans, the Southern Food & Beverage Museum is a nonprofit institution showcasing a collection of informative and historical exhibits that cover everything from beignets to barbeque, crawfish to

po-boys, and more.

Founded in 2004 by Elizabeth Williams, a New Orleans native, attorney, and published author, the Southern Food & Beverage Museum (abbreviated SoFAB) appeals to both locals and tourists by having them travel through time with each exhibit. Set up as a self-guided tour, the SoFAB museum explores the roots of Southern food and drinks, including an extensive gallery of food traditions unique to each of the Southern states, a Sign Gallery with restored artifacts including

the old Barq’s Root Beer and Commander’s Palace signs, the Museum of the American Cocktail, an old-time Absinthe exhibit, and the legendary Leah Chase Louisiana Gallery. The museum also offers two state of the art kitchens that host community cooking classes, special events, and summer culinary camp for kids aged 7-13 years old.

“We are a food-obsessed city,” Williams said. “And the museum gives us a place where people do not lose sight of how

site culinary library and archive located at the Nunez Community College in St. Bernard Parish. This includes thousands of volumes of cookbooks, food and cocktail menus, magazines, pamphlets, and ephemera collected and donated to the SoFAB Museum.

“From the beginning in 2004, people gave us cookbooks, so we focused on developing an in-house library for our own internal research,” stated Constance

important food is in our culture.”

Additionally, Williams mentioned that the SoFAB Museum has an outdoor exhibit called the Gumbo Garden, in which the plant beds represent three regions (the United States, Europe, and Africa) and the foods that are produced in those regions.

The museum also offers an unique educational experience for those interested in researching the role of food and beverages in society with their off-

Jackson, interim CEO of the Southern Food & Beverage Museum since July 2023. “As it grew, we opened the research center in 2012. We now have menus of defunct restaurants and chefs’ papers and notes— more than 40,000 items.”

Both Jackson and Williams agree that the library and archive expansion has enriched and increased the understanding of the culinary history in the South.

“Our library and archive is an enormous

resource,” Williams added. “You can research everything from nutrition and development of agriculture to books on how to start a restaurant or a bar, as well as thousands of menus from around the world. We are constantly growing and continue to evolve.”

Since its inception, locals and tourists have appreciated the flavorful and diverse exhibits of the Southern Food & Beverage Museum. Originally, the museum began with pop-ups around New Orleans. Its first official exhibit, “Toast of New Orleans,” showcased the history and influences of beverages in the city. Over time, more donations of family artifacts were collected,

Southern cuisine remains center stage at the Southern Food & Beverage Museum. Just within the last four years, Williams had established a podcast network called Nitty Grits, which is made up of a number of curated podcasts. Williams also hosts the podcast called Tip of the Tongue, which is free and posted on Mondays. Another online source of information is the free newsletter, which is posted on Sundays and features a behind-the-scenes look at what is going on at the SoFAB Museum and the Research Center at the Nunez Community College, as well as other projects.

“Anyone who grows up in New Orleans has a passion for food,” Williams, who has

which added to the exhibits and provided so much more to see. Finally, in 2014, the SoFAB Museum was established in their present and spacious 15,000 square feet location. “Our building is the original location of the Dryades Market [that] dated back to 1849,” Williams said. “It was an open-air market with a canopy cover. You can still see the marks of where the aisles were on the floor.”

Today, the exhibits are both historical and modern. As Jackson pointed out, the museum was shifting to more virtual programming with their cooking classes, podcasts, and blogs. “It becomes another way to tell our unique story to potential visitors who are not in New Orleans or who are local but unable to attend,” Jackson observed.

authored her sixth book, put forth. “My most recent book is the SoFAB Cookbook, which is coming out in the summer to celebrate our 20th anniversary.”

So if you are a die-hard foodie or someone who just enjoys learning about the history of Southern food culture, check out the Southern Food & Beverage Museum, which is open Thursdays through Mondays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $12 per adult, $9 for seniors/ students, and free for children 10 years old and younger. Everyone who loves food will want to visit the Southern Food & Beverage Museum and get a taste of everything the museum has to offer. For more information, please check out their website, southernfood.org, or call (504) 569-0405.

PREMIUM COCKTAILS. SUMMER READY.

BARTENDER CREATED FOR SUN-KISSED MOMENTS

Every year, thousands gather in the Big Easy to celebrate Pride with parades, bar crawls, and events galore. As we gear up to celebrate Pride in New Orleans, it is important to remember that Pride Month falls on the anniversary of the Stonewall riots, and, while a celebration of love, it also draws attention to the ongoing struggle for equal rights and visibility.

Supporting LBGTQ+ businesses during Pride is crucial as it not only celebrates the community’s resilience but also fosters economic empowerment and creates spaces where individuals can authentically express themselves without fear of discrimination. One of the simplest ways to support queer businesses during Pride is to simply enjoy a good meal out. We’ve compiled a list of 10 restaurants within New Orleans city limits you should consider visiting this Pride.

SAVOR THE RAINBOW

Slather on your glitter and wear your best outfit but leave

By Brooke Adams

AMERICAN TOWNHOUSE

1012 N. Rampart St., atnola.com

Situated in the vibrant Marigny neighborhood, American Townhouse is a cozy bistro blending contemporary flair with Southern charm. Its intimate ambiance and eclectic decor create an inviting atmosphere for diners seeking modern comfort food with a twist. From inventive brunch offerings to artisanal cocktails, each dish is crafted with locally sourced ingredients, reflecting the culinary diversity of the city.

CLOVER GRILL

900 Bourbon St., clovergrill.com

Situated in the heart of the French Quarter’s gay district, Clover Grill is an iconic diner renowned for its classic American fare and retro ambiance. With its chrome-lined counter and cozy booths, it exudes old-school charm. Clover Grill opened its doors in 1939 and, since then, has become home to some of the best breakfasts and burgers on Bourbon Street.

CROSSING NOLA

439 Dauphine St., crossing-nola.com

Crossing is a bar and restaurant located in the historic Vieux Carré and is renowned for its soulful ambiance, blending rich culinary traditions with modern flair. The menu offers classic bar lunch and dinner options with an eclectic drink selection. Crossing boasts a large TV, perfect for hosting RuPaul watch parties, karaoke nights, and watching the game with your friends.

HI-BALLZ

4901 Canal St., hi-ballz.com

Hi-Ballz offers a unique (and healthy) twist on the classic New Orleans café menu. Their all vegan menu includes soups, salads, sandwiches, sweets, and more. They are committed to creating experiences with plants that delight, as well as strengthen our relationship with the planet. The psychedelic colors and mesmerizing artwork create a vibe unlike any other. However, what makes Hi-Ballz special is their commitment to the community. Hi-Ballz advocates for living wages, zero waste, localized food sourcing, accessible pricing, and more.

Hi-Ballz

ITALIAN BARREL

1240 Decatur St., theitalianbarrel.com

With its rustic charm and modern sophistication, Italian Barrel offers a wonderfully inviting fine dining experience. Located near the historic French Market, Italian Barrel exudes a warm ambiance, offering an authentic Italian dining experience surrounded by exposed brick walls. From handcrafted pastas to savory wood-fired pizzas, each dish is a testament to the chef’s dedication to quality and tradition. They also boast an extensive wine selection to complement the flavors. Italian Barrel is the perfect place to savor the essence of Italy in the vibrant atmosphere of the Quarter.

LOUISIANA PIZZA KITCHEN UPTOWN

615 Carrollton Ave., louisianapizzakitchenuptown.com

Louisiana Pizza Kitchen Uptown, a cozy eatery in the Riverbend, specializes in gourmet pizzas and Italian-inspired dishes. They offer a relaxed ambiance perfect for enjoying artisanal pies topped with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, alongside a selection of delicious appetizers and salads.

MONA LISA

1212 Royal St., monalisaneworleans.com

Tucked away in the heart of the French Quarter, Mona Lisa has a name that reflects its fun decor, which is covered head to toe with different versions of Mona Lisa. With its charming courtyard and cozy interior adorned with vibrant artwork, the ambiance is as inviting as the menu. Mona Lisa is a culinary gem, offering a delightful fusion of Italian and Creole cuisines. From traditional pasta dishes to flavorful seafood creations, every bite at Mona Lisa is a delicious journey through the rich flavors of New Orleans’ culinary heritage.

TRILLY CHEESESTEAKS

3735 Ulloa St., trillycheesesteaks.com

While Philadelphia is the city known for cheesesteaks, Trilly Cheesteaks has established that New Orleans does everything well. Starting out as a pop-up at Banks Street Bar, they now have a permanent space in Mid-City with a great patio and even better food. Trilly Cheesesteaks is passionate about creating a welcoming space that accommodates all diets by offering vegan versions of all their options.

UNDERGROWTH COFFEE

4332 Magazine St., undergrowthcoffee.com

Undergrowth Coffee, a hidden gem on the bustling Magazine Street, offers a cozy retreat for coffee lovers. Their breakfast and lunch offerings are sure to satisfy cravings for any diet. Undergrowth is passionate about offering delicious delights, while also staunchly supporting the community. They champion living wages, and their business model is ecologically focused and sustainably sourced.

UP&ADAM EATS

3903 Canal St., getupandadam.com

Starting out as a local coffee brand, Up&Adam recently opened Up&Adam Eats in Mid-City, serving mouthwatering breakfast and brunch delights with a creative twist. From gourmet breakfast sandwiches to fluffy pancakes topped with local fruits, each dish bursts with flavor and freshness, making it a go-to spot for morning cravings. Up&Adam Eats also offers a full bar, which is essential for any good brunch. With their welcoming environment, tasty food, and great coffee, Up&Adam has quickly become a local brunch favorite.

Louisiana Pizza Kitchen Uptown

Trilly Cheesesteaks

BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH

FUSS & FERMENT

Top Local Businesses for Fermented Delights

by Frances Deese

Consuming fermented foods provides diversity to the palette and can be a more fun and natural option than a vitamin pill.

With much conversation over probiotics, gut health, and fermented food, there’s speculation over how worth it is to venture down this trendy terrain. It’s easy to question if this is just another fad, as well as where to turn to if you want to explore options and incorporate it into your everyday routine. With summer here, now is the time to add additional zest to your diet and fermented foods bring additional health benefits to boot.

In a 2022 LSU AgCenter educational resource by Nutrition Specialist and Assistant Professor Elizabeth Gollub and Graduate Assistant Jordan Losavio of the School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, the team examined the definition and effects of probiotics on health. They explain that probiotics are “among a group of beneficial microorganisms naturally found in the body.” Their resource examines how these microorganisms typically are found in the large intestine and make up a gut microbiome. Their findings also say, “The benefits of a healthy gut go beyond digestion and the gastrointestinal tract. Probiotics appear to promote cardiovascular health, improve symptoms of depression, and reduce severity of some allergies. Gut bacteria also produce

most of the serotonin, a neurotransmitter known for boosting mood and promoting healthy sleep, that circulates in the blood.”

They additionally share that while the health benefits of fermented foods were discovered only in the 20th century, they’ve been in use by humans dating back to 6000 B.C. The old saying “trust your gut” is now scientifically backed, so now is the time to take the green light and dive into new ideas for bringing more vibrancy to everyday cuisine.

Gingerbooch is a local business and a quarantine passion project of Luke Sirinides, a Crescent City Farmers Market vendor. His idea combines two power forces of kombucha and ginger beer, packing a punch with the bite and sweetness of ginger beer and with the kicker of kombucha. They also offer probiotic lemonade and small-batch yogurt flavored with seasonal fruits for more inspiration of what fermentation can look like.

When diving into the world of fermentations, strict culinary connotations can be cast aside. As such, Pepper and Salt provides refreshing and revitalizing takes on soup and broths even past the winter doldrums. Pepper and Salt features rotating weekly menus. One such dish of theirs this past spring was a miso tofu soup with vegetables and nori rice noodle parcel. Having soups and sipping broths stocked in your kitchen can boost creativity in the kitchen or aid in rounding out leftovers. They additionally offer sipping broths that are simmered for 48-72 hours, which enhances flavors and health benefits.

Carb lovers, do a dance. An additional carb option that can provide healthy fuel is sourdough and focaccia, which can be slowly fermented. Since sourdough and focaccia are made from wheat, consuming them can fuel the production of good bacteria in your gut. It contains vitamins and nutrients, so don’t be afraid to indulge in sandwiches, morning toasts, and other ideas. Leo’s Bread is a great local resource for sourdough loaves, and their sandwiches are all served on semolina focaccia. Their focaccia sandwiches include one with avocado, carrots, dill cilantro, and chili crunch; one with roasted red peppers, basil, and mozzarella; and one with country ham, cheddar, greens, and mustard.

Fermented foods allow for kicking up flavor profiles due to the time needed to produce strong flavors. As such, local resource Louisiana Pepper Exchange offers a variety of pepper purees and spreads in differing heat degrees. They’re one of the state’s largest pepper mash importers and can be found all around as well due to their line of restaurant ready items. Luckily, since 2020, their naturally fermented delights are consumer available and can elevate dishes, so be certain to check out the recipe section of

their website.

If you may not be ready to fully stroll down the lane of fermenting, an easy way to test your tastebuds is at Bratz Y’all Bistro. After they opened at a food festival offering creative takes on bratwurst sausage sandwiches, they’ve only rightfully grown in popularity. Many of their traditional German dishes feature sauerkraut, such as the Drunk Pig, offering a fun way to incorporate fermented foods.

Rounding out excitement for gut health comes Big Easy Bucha. For their namesake, they offer a multitude of kombucha flavors but have also introduced organic probiotic wellness shots and tepache. That drink originates from Mexican cuisine and is fermented and made using the peel and rind of pineapples, as well as seasoned with sugar. Big Easy Bucha is on a mission to bring “big benefits and easy enjoyment.” They’re inviting and fun flavors can offer an afternoon pick me up or be an inspiration for at home mixology or mocktails.

For further fermenting ideas, a great in town resource is Brewstock Homebrew Supplies. They provide a range of guidance, supplies, recipes, and additional supportive materials for crafting your home brews, whether it be beer, wine, mead, or more.

As the only homebrew supply store in New Orleans, you can rest assured that their knowledgeable staff can provide guidance in this vast arena. If you’ve found a recipe you’d like to try, you can even bring it in to have their staff share their guidance.

MUSIC CALENDAR

MONDAY, MAY 27

Bamboula’s Jon Roniger, New Orleans Rug Cutters

Bourbon Orleans Hotel Jerry Dugger, Kid Merv

Buffa’s Doyle Cooper Jazz

Cafe Negril Jelly Roll Stompers

Capulet Washboard Chaz

Da Jump Off Lounge Big 6 Brass Band

Hi Ho Lounge Tucker Baker

Polo Club Lounge Stefan Moll

Preservation Hall Preservation Brass

Santos Bar Hickoids

Siberia Ascended Dead

Snug Harbor Masakowski Family Band, New Orleans Nightcrawlers

Spotted Cat Dominick Grillo, Frenchmen Street All-Stars

The Howlin Wolf Bryan Bielanski, illicitizen

The Maison Danny Rubio, Jack Pritchett

TUESDAY, MAY 28

Bamboula’s Caitie B., The Hand Me Downs Bayou Bar Peter Harris, Tony Dagradi

Bourbon Orleans Hotel Dr Zach, Ingrid

Lucia

Buffa’s Alex McMurray

Dos Jefes Mark Coleman

Hi Ho Lounge Sporty’s Brass Band

TYE TRIBBETT AT THE SAENGER THEATRE

Gospel singer Tye Tribbett is heading to NOLA for his “Only One Night Tho” 2024 Tour. Tribbett won the 2024 Best Gospel Album Grammy for All Things New: Live in Orlando. With his award-winning music, it’s no surprise millions of global streamers listen to him.

Saturday, June 1, 7:30 p.m., $39.50-$249.50, saengernola.com

Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Smoking Time Jazz Club

The Howlin Wolf Bryan Bielanski, illicitizen

The Maison Danny Rubio, Gene’s Music Machine

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29

Bamboula’s Boardwalker, 3 Finger Swingers

Blue Nile New Breed Brass Band

Bourbon Orleans Hotel Gary Brown, Serabee

Buffa’s Elijah Hartman

Café Degas Double Whisky

Cafe Negril Colin Davis, Night People

Capulet Nell Simmons

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

House of Blues Vision Video

Polo Club John Royen

Preservation Hall Preservation All-Stars, Wendell Brunious

Siberia Kontusion, Grand Scheme

Snug Harbor Delfeayo Marsalis, Uptown Jazz Orchestra

Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band

The Howlin Wolf Sky Choice Band, Paul Faith

The Maison Danny Rubio, Catahoula Music Company

The Press Room Les Getrex

Vaughan’s Lounge Corey Henry, Treme Funktet

FRIDAY, MAY 31

Bamboula’s Felipe Antonio Quinteto, Les Getrex

Bayou Bar Oh Yeah!, Wes “Warmdaddy” Anderson

Blue Nile Caesar Brothers, Kermit Ruffins

Bourbon Orleans Hotel Ellen Smith, Mem Shannon

Brass Hall New Orleans Sporty’s Brass Band

Buffa’s Adam Rogers, Margie in the Middle

Santos Bar Noogy, Pallbearers

The Howlin Wolf Hot

8 Brass Band

MONDAY, JUNE 3

Buffa’s Doyle Cooper, Yoshitaka Z2 Tsuji

Cafe Negril Jelly Roll Stompers

Don Jefes John Fohl

Hi Ho Lounge The Silver Lining Serenaders

Silk Road No Quarter Shanty Krewe

Spotted Cat Dominick Grillo, Frenchmen

Street All-Stars

The Howlin Wolf Sariyah Idan

TUESDAY, JUNE 4

Buffa’s Alex McMurray

National WWII Museum Victory Belles

Okay Bar The Human Band, Tashi Delay

The Rabbit Hole Rebirth Brass Band

Santos Bar Arms Aloft, Jen Pop

Siberia Glimmers, Thomas Nicholas Band

Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Smoking Time Jazz Club

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5

Buffa’s Jelly Biscuit

Cafe Negril Higher Heights, Jamey St Pierre, The Villains

Chickie Wah Wah David Doucet

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

D.B.A. Soul Rebels

French Market Cristina Kaminis

Hard Rock Cafe Casey Saba, Mikey Duran

House of Blues Thievery Corporation

Hilton Riverside Philip Melancon

Jazz & Heritage Center Sheryl Cormier, Jourdan Thibodea

Joy Theater Vaudeville Revival

Le Bon Temps Roule Jason Daniels, Pocket

Chocolate

Marigny Brasserie Caitie B., Secret Bandwagon

Café Degas Double Whisky

Cafe Negril Colin Davis, Night People

Chickie Wah Wah Adeem The Artist, Alicia Blue

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Shotgun Jazz Band

THURSDAY, JUNE 6

Apple Barrel Bubbles Brown

BK House & Gardens Rhythm & Rose

Blue Nile T-Roy

Cafe Negril Piano Man ‘G’, Sierra Green

Chickie Wah Wah Mahmoud Chouki, Oscar Rossignoli

Le Bon Temp Roule The Soul Rebels

National WWII Museum Victory Belles

Okay Bar Lauren Fuller, Felice Gee

Jazz Playhouse Big Sam Williams

Marigny Brasserie Jon Roniger, Good For Nothin’ Band

National Park Service French Quarter

Bruno Elisabetsky, Saskia Walker Brazilian Quartet

Polo Club Lounge Stefan Moll

Preservation Hall Preservation All-Stars, Branden Lewis

Public Service Restaurant Matt Lemmler

Santos Bar ACE MONROE, ZITA

Siberia Stabbing, Decoy

New Orleans Jazz Museum Arrowhead Jazz Band

Old US Mint Jason Neville

Polo Club Lounge Stefan Moll

Snug Harbor Masakowski Family Band, Stanton Moore

Snug Harbor Delfeayo Marsalis, Uptown Jazz Orchestra

Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Shotgun Jazz Band

The Howlin Wolf Paul Faith, Barstool Prophets

THURSDAY, MAY 30

Apple Barrel Johnny Mastro, Blue Midnight

Bamboula’s Cristina Kaminis, The Mix

Bar Marilou Silver Lining Serenaders

Bayou Bar Double Bird, David Torkanowsky

Blue Nile Where Ya At Brass Band

Bourbon Orleans Hotel Amanda Pruitt, Kimchisoop

Buffa’s Harry Marrone, Kathleen Moore, Tom McDermott, James Evans

Bullet’s Sports Bar MC White

Cafe Negril Piano Man ‘G’, Sierra Green

Capulet Susanne Ortner

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Hard Rock Cafe Jamie Lynn Vessels, Sariyah

Idan

Jazz Playhouse Brass-A-Holics

Le Bon Temps Roule Soul Rebels

Marigny Brasserie Slick Skillet Serenaders

Mid-City Lanes Rock 'n' Bowl Chubby

Carrier, Bayou Swamp

Peacock Room Da Lovebirds

NOLA Brewing & Pizza Co. Grayson Capps, Corky Hughes

NOPSI Hotel Matt Lemmler

New Orleans Jazz Museum Gerald French, Polo Club David Boeddinghaus, Stefan Moll

Preservation Hall Preservation All-Stars, Mark Braud

Smoothie King Center Cody Johnson

Snug Harbor Mahmoud Chouki

Southport Hall Oceano

Spotted Cat Paradise Jazz Band

The Howlin Wolf Noble Apes, FITH

The Maison Shotgun Jazz Band, Sporty’s Brass Band

The Press Room Dr. Michael Torregano

Tipitina’s Flow Tribe

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

Apple Barrel Smoky Greenwell Band

BJ’s Lounge Lulu & The Broadsides

Boomtown Crescent Kings

Buffa’s Johnny Sansone, John Fohl

Cafe Negril Jason Neville, John Lisi

Le Bon Temps Roule Dr. Lo Faber, Strange Roux

Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl Boogie Men

Jazz & Heritage Center Rockin’ Dopsie Jr.,

Geno Delafose

Saenger Tye Tribbett

Spotted Cat Panorama Jazz Band

SUNDAY, JUNE 2

Bacchanal Wine Noah Young

Buffa’s Some Like It Hot, Pfister Sisters

Cafe Negril VEGAS COLA

Chickie Wah Wah Cyril Neville

Dos Jefes Harry Hardin & Grabel Storm

Josephine Estelle Or Shovaly Plus

NOLA Brewing Reggae Roots, Riddim

Sundays

Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band

FRIDAY, JUNE 7

Apple Barrel Bubbles Brown

Abita Spring Opry Greg Barnhill, Tiffany Pollack

Cafe Negril Higher Heights, Villains

Hard Rock Cafe Casey Saba

Kerry Irish Pub Patrick Cooper

Le Bon Temps Roule Robbie Wallace

Quintet, Sam Korn

Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl The Topcats

Southport Hall Flow Tribe

Spotted Cat Paradise Jazz Band

Tipitina’s Mike Dillon, New F Yeahs

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Apple Barrel Smoky Greenwell Band

Boomtown Tyler Kinchen

Buffa’s Freddie Blue, Friendship Circle Band

Cafe Negril Jason Neville, John Lisi Fillmore New Orleans Tesla, Kurt Deimer New Orleans Jazz Market Adonis Rose

Republic NOLA Wreckno

Santos Bar LustSickPuppy, Uniity

Southport Hall KYPER

Spotted Cat Shake’em Up Jazz Band

The Broadside Partners-N-Crime, Hotboy

Ronald

Tipitina’s DJ Soul Sister

SUNDAY, JUNE 9

100 Men Hall D.K. Harrell

Bacchanal Wine Noah Young Trio

Bayou Bar Peter Harris, Quartet GEO

Buffa’s Some Like It Hot, Steve Pistorius

Cafe Negril VEGAS COLA

Chickie Wah Wah Certainly So, Alexis &

MUSIC CALENDAR

Josephine Estelle Or Shovaly Plus

The Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band

MONDAY, JUNE 10

Mark Appleford

Doyle Cooper, Yoshitaka Z2 Tsuji

Jelly Roll Stompers

Chickie Wah Wah Carolyn Wonderland

Cafe Negril Jamey St Pierre, THC

Fillmore New Orleans Boney James

Hard Rock Cafe Casey Saba

House of Blues Karen Waldrup

Smoothie King Center GloRilla, Megan Thee

Spotted Cat Music Club Dominick Grillo, Frenchmen Street All-Stars

TUESDAY, JUNE 11

Alex McMurray

Super-Most-Fantastic-Blues-N-

Spotted Cat Music Club Chris Christy Band, Smoking Time Jazz Club Rebirth

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12

Mark Carroll Colin Davis

Double Whisky

Chickie Wah Wah Joystick, Diplocrats

Smoothie King Center Luis Miguel

Spotted Cat Music Club Chris Christy, Shotgun Jazz Band

THURSDAY, JUNE 13

Bubbles Brown

T-Roy Piano Man ‘G’, Sierra Green

Fillmore New Orleans Idles

Jared Freid

Le Bon Temps Roule The Soul Rebels

Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Geno

Republic NOLA Chase & Status

Smoothie King Center Luis Miguel Chris Christy, Jumbo Shrimp

FRIDAY, JUNE 14

Bubbles Brown

Tuba Skinny

Le Bon Temps Roule Evan Oberla & the Grow, The 850

New Orleans Jazz Museum David Buchbinder

Spotted Cat Paradise Jazz Band

Tipitina’s Brass-A-Holics

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

Apple Barrel Smoky Greenwell

Boomtown Contraflow

Buffa’s Davis Rogan

Cafe Negril Jason Neville, John Lisi

House of Blues Allen Stone

King Brasserie Sasha Masakowski

Le Bon Temps Roule Funk Griot, Reverend Rob B. Mortimer

Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Neutral Band

Pirogue’s Whiskey Bayou The Stacks

The Rabbit Hole The Freudian Slips, Sweet Crude

Smoothie King Center Rob49

Spotted Cat Panorama Jazz Band

SUNDAY, JUNE 16

Bacchanal Noah Young Trio

Buffa’s Some Like It Hot, Clint Maedgen

Cafe Negril VEGAS COLA

Chickie Wah Wah Creek Crosby

Civic Theatre Drive-By Truckers

House of Blues Bodysnatcher & Spite

Josephine Estelle Or Shovaly Plus

Joy Theater RYAN ADAMS

Santos Bar Necrot, Bat, Street Tombs

The Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band

MONDAY, JUNE 17

Buffa’s Doyle Cooper, Yoshitaka Z2 Tsuji

Cafe Negril Jelly Roll Stompers

Spotted Cat Dominick Grillo, Frenchmen Street All-Stars

TUESDAY, JUNE 18

Buffa’s Alex McMurray

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

TESLA AT THE FILLMORE

Rock and heavy metal lovers, go check out Tesla. Formed in the ‘80s in Sacramento, California, the band is still rocking and rolling decades later. Many of their songs have been in the top hits during the ‘80s and ‘90s, including “Modern Day Cowboy,” “Little Suzi,” and their cover of “Signs.” Saturday, June 8, 8 p.m., $25-$241+, teslatheband.com/tour

Such Jam

Deutsches Haus Kulturabend

The Rabbit Hole Rebirth Brass Band

Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Smoking Time Jazz Club

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19

Cafe Negril Colin Davis, Night People

Café Degas Double Whisky

Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Shotgun Jazz Band

THURSDAY, JUNE

20

Apple Barrel

Bubbles Brown

Buffa’s Harry Mayronne, Elise North

Cafe Negril Piano Man ‘G’, Sierra Green

Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band

FRIDAY, JUNE 21

Apple Barrel

Bubbles Brown

Cafe Negril Higher Heights, Jamey St Pierre, THC, The Villains

Fillmore New Orleans MJ Of Nola, Dangerous Crew House of Blues

Street All-Stars

TUESDAY, JUNE 25

Buffa’s Alex McMurray

Cafe Negril The SuperMost-Fantastic-Blues-N-Such Jam

Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Smoking Time Jazz Club

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26

Cafe Negril Colin Davis, Night People

Café Degas

Guess Who Le Bon Temps

Roule Poisson

Rouge, Jon Sheckler

Okay Bar Clare Doyle, Molly Taylor

Spotted Cat Music Club Paradise Jazz Band

The Howlin Wolf Will Carter, Born & Bread

Tipitina’s Good Enough For Good Times

SATURDAY, JUNE

22

Apple Barrel

Smoky Greenwell

ROB49 AT SMOOTHIE KING

New Orleans rapper Rob49 is making an appearance in his hometown to perform at the Smoothie King Center. He has hits with other top rappers including Travis Scott and 21 Savage.

Rob49’s most popular hits and features include “Vulture Island,” “Topia Twins,” and “Bussin.”

Saturday, June 15, 8 p.m., $25-$94+, smoothiekingcenter.com

Boomtown 90 Degrees West

Buffa’s NOTJC Lagniappe Night

Cafe Negril Jason Neville, John Lisi Delta Funk

House of Blues One Night in Memphis

Le Bon Temps Roule Float Like a Buffalo Old US Mint Little Stomper Family Class

Spotted Cat Shake’em Up Jazz Band

The Howlin Wolf Red Radio Starlets, Burnin Redd

Tipitina’s Leo Nocentelli, Papa Mali

SUNDAY, JUNE 23

Bacchanal Wine Noah Young Trio

Buffa’s Some Like It Hot, Steve Pistorius

Cafe Negril VEGAS COLA

Chickie Wah Wah Cyril Neville

House of Blues Clan of Xymox

Josephine Estelle Or Shovaly Plus

Double Whisky

Smoothie

King Center

Peso Pluma

Spotted Cat

Chris Christy, Shotgun Jazz Band

THURSDAY, JUNE 27

Apple Barrel

Bubbles Brown

Cafe Negril

Piano Man ‘G’, Sierra Green

Joy Theater

Old Gods of Appalachia

Le Bon Temps

Roule The Soul

Rebels

Spotted Cat

Chris Christy, Jumbo Shrimp

Jazz Band

FRIDAY, JUNE

28

Apple Barrel

Bubbles Brown

Buffa’s

Washboard

Chaz Blues Trio

Cafe Negril

New Orleans Jazz Museum Baby Artsplay

The Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band

MONDAY, JUNE 24

Apple Barrel Mark Appleford

Buffa’s Doyle Cooper, Yoshitaka Z2 Tsuji

Cafe Negril Jelly Roll Stompers

Spotted Cat Dominick Grillo, Frenchmen

Southport Hall Com Truise

Higher Heights, The Villains

Le Bon Temps

Roule Cast

Iron Cactus

Marigny

Opera House

That Bad, Cazayoux

Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Clay Cormier & The Highway Boys

Spotted Cat Paradise Jazz Band

The Howlin Wolf Juan Villareal

Tipitina’s Papa Mali Trio

SATURDAY, JUNE 29

Apple Barrel Smoky Greenwell

Boomtown Junior & Sumtin Sneaky

Cafe Negril Jason Neville, John Lisi

House of Blues Hobo Johnson, The Lovemakers

Le Bon Temps Roule Saint Social, Magenta

Sunshine

Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Mixed Nuts

Spotted Cat Panorama Jazz Band

The Broadside BOMBINO, Louis Michot

SUNDAY, JUNE 30

Bacchanal Wine Noah Young Trio

Buffa’s Some Like It Hot

Cafe Negril VEGAS COLA

Chickie Wah Wah Cyril Neville

Josephine Estelle Or Shovaly Plus

New Orleans Jazz Museum Baby Artsplay

The Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band

LAKESIDE2RIVERSIDE

NEW ORLEANS PRIDE

June 1-8 | neworleanspride.org/events

New Orleans Pride is here and queer, so get used to it. Save the date for New Orleans’ most extravagant and colorful LGBT Pride experience. There will be events scheduled from June 1-8, all filled with great times and community while celebrating and uplifting queer New Orleanians. On June 1, a pride gala will be held at the Labranche House starting at 7 p.m. The Black Queer Legacy Summit will be on June 7 at the New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District. PrideFest and Black Queer Community Fest will be on June 8, and NOLA Pride will end with a parade that night through the Marigny and French Quarter.

NEW ORLEANS PUBLIC LIBRARY’S SUMMER OF FUN

June 1-July 31 | nolalibrary.org/in-the-library/ summer-fun

New Orleans Public Library’s Summer of Fun event is returning, and if you need motivation to get back into the world of books, now is the time. To participate, simply fill out a form at your local library location, register online, or download the Beanstack tracker. The Beanstack helps with tracking your reading progress from your phone or tablet. After you have signed up, read and complete your reading activities while making sure you keep track of your progress. Once you have read 800 minutes worth of books reading materials, visit the New Orleans Public Library for a special prize.

NEW ORLEANS WINE AND FOOD EXPERIENCE

June 5-9 | nowfe.com

The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience will host their 32nd annual food showcasing event from June 5-9. The festival features different main stage events, a wine competition, and more. Attendees are able to purchase a ticket for each event and have the opportunity to try innovative dishes created by chefs from New Orleans and all over the world. Events include Vinola; Tournament of Rosés; the Grand Tasting; Burlesque, Bubbly, and Brunch; and much more, so make sure to purchase a ticket for the event you would like to attend. Proceeds go to nonprofits throughout New Orleans.

CREOLE TOMATO FESTIVAL

June 8-9 | frenchmarket.org/creoletomatofest

The Creole Tomato Fest is coming back June 8 and 9 for its 38th year. The festival will feature live music at the French Market and Dutch Alley, food vendors, and activities for the whole family. Local farmers will have fresh Creole tomatoes on sale. Merchandise will also be available for purchase. Two food vendors, Alberto’s Cheese and Wine Bistro and Holy Crepes!, will be featuring Creole tomato dishes for attendees to try. Alberto’s will have a Creole tomate gazpacho and Creole tomate mener, while Holy Crepes! will have a Creole tomato salad crepe. Grab your family and celebrate Louisiana’s bountiful tomatoes.

2ND ANNUAL JUNETEENTH FREEDOM FESTIVAL

June 15 | whitneyplantation.org

The 2nd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival will be taking place at the Whitney Plantation on June 15 in Edgard, Louisiana. This festival is an exciting learning opportunity for people of all ages to participate in different workshops and learn the steps towards healing and reconciliation via confronting triggers and trauma. Vendors will also be there to sell jewelry, artwork, food, arts and crafts, and apparel. The best part about this event is that it is completely free. The entrance fee into the plantation will also be waived. Come out to learn and celebrate freedom.

JAMMIN’ FOR JUSTICE

June 22 | all4energy.org/jamwithus.html

Jammin’ for Justice is a collaborative concert created by the Alliance for Affordable Energy and Tipitina’s to raise money for equitable and affordable energy for all Louisianaians. The concert will be on June 22, doors will open at 6 p.m., and the show will begin at 7 p.m. Performers will include Leo Nocentelli of The Meters, Papa Mali of Papa Mali’s Brand New Bag, Alvin Youngblood Hart, and Corey Glover of Living Colour. Tickets are $40 and are available on Tipitina’s website. Buy your ticket, enjoy your food and drinks, and support the environment.

32 Years at the New Orleans Wine

Food Experience

By Joey Cirilo

One could proudly and accurately proclaim that while, yes, as frustratingly beautiful as this city may be, she sure as hell does not skimp out on any opportunity to demonstrate her overarching excellence and proclivity for one-of-a-kind victuals. As the late Anthony Bourdain once stated, “There might be better gastronomic destinations than New Orleans, but there is no place more uniquely wonderful.”

And while there are few things in life that provide such unbridled joy to those who zealously partake, the only thing better than caving into these primal indulgences is caving into these primal indulgences for a good cause. Here enters the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (or

NOWFE), which is running from June 5 to 9 this year.

For 32 years, the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience has transformed the city of New Orleans into the ultimate wine and food destination. Oenophiles and cuisine connoisseurs both near and far flock to the city for their annual pilgrimage. The soon-to-be attendees remain perpetually slack-jawed, subconsciously rubbing their stomachs in eager anticipation for the week’s festivities, which are centered around an abundance of food and drink. Industry leaders in the hospitality scene, renowned chefs, and worldly winemakers congregate in a unified effort to, yes, display their unmistakable talents but also further educate participants, compete in culinary competitions, and raise funds for local nonprofit organizations that offer food-centric programming.

The kickoff celebration begins with Brennan’s and Folio Fine Wines, where guests are greeted with a glass of Brennan’s Private Label Piper-Heidsieck Essential and a champagne sabering, followed by a meticulously curated champagneinspired menu by none other than Executive Chef Ryan Hacker. From there, an assortment of experiences, labs, dinners, and main stage events strategically occupy the five days between June 5 through 9.

Have you ever dreamed of embarking on a wine tasting tour through the Bordeaux region of France but life and its constraints have prevented you from doing so? Drink French Fluently on June 8 allows one to do just that. Swirl, sniff, and sip your way through France with veteran Sommelier Marika Vida at the New Orleans Marriott in the Warehouse District. Craving a bit more of a party atmosphere with a New Orleans twist? Burlesque, Bubbly, & Brunch at the Omni Royal Hotel on June 9 features a plated brunch, compliments of the chefs at the famous French Quarter hotel. It is partnered with bottomless sparkling wine provided by Luc Belaire, burlesque performances, and a glitter bar.

Interested in coffee cupping (tasting)? Make your way over to 3931 Magazine St. on June 8 to properly assess the aroma and flavor profiles with Current Crop Roasting Shop. Beginners and season veterans alike are welcome, complete with a pastry pairing. Love an old fashioned? June 7 has Picnic, Provisions, & Whiskey offering attendees a hands-on demonstration on how to make the perfect Old Fashioned and will end with a family-style picnic featuring their crawfish boil fried chicken and campfire s’mores.

The coup de grâce is the appropriately titled Grand Tasting, making its return to the New Orleans Convention Center. Held on Saturday June 8, the Grand Tasting will highlight 1,000 wines from 175 vineyards located throughout the world, as well as 75 local and regional chefs, ranging from novice to established, dishing out plate clearing, finger licking eats to those in attendance.

From introductory cupping and roasting coffee classes, pizza making accompanied with wine pairings, limited production tempranillo and tapas, and more, there truly is something for everyone at New Orleans Wine & Food Experience. Additionally, a variety of ticketing packages provides tiered options, allowing purchasers to comfortably and safely navigate the event whether it’s your first year or you are a seasoned professional.

Since its inception, NOWFE has raised over $1.5 million dollars in funding for local nonprofits. This year’s recipients include the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF), Delgado Community College’s Culinary Arts Program, and FirstLine School’s Edible Schoolyard Program.

The LRAEF’s core purpose is to amplify the hospitality industry’s service to the public via community engagement, education, and career opportunities. Delgado’s Culinary Arts Program, at 103 years old and running, is the one of the college’s longest-tenured and premiere programs, providing students the opportunity to earn a Culinary Arts Association Degree as a Professional Culinarian or with a concentrated focus in the Baking and Pastry Arts. FirstLine’s Edible Schoolyard Program brings hands-on garden and kitchen experiences into the classroom. The objective of this signature program is to provide core academic learning, coupled with social and emotional developmental skills, to children who might otherwise never have the opportunity. By doing so, FirstLine curates the long-term well being and success of its students, families, and school communities with positive foodrelated curricula in the classroom and beyond. All three of this year’s beneficiaries perfectly align with NOWFE’s mission.

What NOWFE has done is signified that they understand the significance behind the reality that if you love New Orleans, she will in fact love you right back. The festival is about many different things. An eating and drinking extravaganza all culminating around repaying the very community in which a large majority of the chefs participating in it hail from. A group of hard-working, dedicated professionals that represent the backbone of New Orleans. An industry that is the lifeblood to the very city in which it operates. A talent showcase with entertainment and inspiration at its forefront, with a myriad of events available that are capable of satisfying just about anyone’s palette. Cheers to 32 years and many more.

$20 & UNDER

Wallow in the wide, wide world of New Orleans pork chop plates.

Breaded, grilled, smothered, or fried, there’s no bad way to enjoy a juicy pork chop. It’s a staple at neighborhood restaurants across the country and, for many, holds memories of home. Did mom marinate them in garlic and soy sauce and throw them on the grill or was it dad’s recipe for breaded, pan-fried chops with potato salad that remains on your regular rotation?

In the ‘80s, pork was getting a bad rap because it’s high in fat, and, at the time, the latest diet fads stressed that everything—everything be fat-free But fat is getting its comeuppance, and now when foodstuffs are more expensive than they’ve been in decades, it’s a small comfort to know you can usually afford a plate of pork chops, sometimes easily stretching into two meals, at mom ‘n’ pops all over Greater New Orleans.

Cafe 615, or more affectionately known as “Da Wabbit” on Keppler Street in Gretna, has been known for big portions and affordable prices and has been a Westbank staple since time immemorial (ie. 1948). Lunchtime is always a busy time at Da Wabbit, with customers companionably crammed into small tables in a brick building with low ceilings and even lower lights. Most folks rave about their crispy fried chicken or eggplant Napoleon, swimming in crawfish “au gratin” sauce, but the next time you’re on that side of the river, try a goldenfried (or grilled) pork chop sandwich on pillowy, New Orleans French bread for only $15. And make those fries sweet potato (for $1.50 more), the way nature intended.

Staying on the Westbank, cruise down Manhattan

Hog Heaven: NOLA Pork Chop Plates

By Kim Ranjbar

Boulevard and (after a strenuous morning shopping trip at Target) stop at Home Cooking Cafe. A little mom ‘n’ pop shop inside a strip mall, it’s a place that’ll surely make your day, whether it’s genuine smiles from the waitstaff or a large crispy fried (or grilled) pork chop. For only $13, you can feast on a chop so big they have to bring out your two (count ‘em two) sides on separate plates. If a saucer of fried pork with roasted corn grits or mashed potatoes isn’t enough, you can add a second chop for $7—a price that’ll bring you right up to the edge. But maybe you should opt for a slice of Brenda’s cheesecake instead?

Heading back across the river, preferably by ferry, on a route that will quickly bring you right where you need to be, there’s a little joint called Jimmy J’s Cafe on Chartres Street. It’s a funky little joint featuring French doors with multi-hued glass panes and corrugated tin wainscoting in the dining room. It’s a golden greasy spoon kind of spot specializing in breakfast all-day and is a balm for the belly after having too much fun on Bourbon Street. This brings us to their Benedict. The familiar poached-egg phenom takes on a whole new life there (some might say it doesn’t qualify the name). Nonetheless, Jimmy J’s Eggs

“Benedict” features poached eggs (and that’s where the similarity stops) atop a crispy, fried pork chop on French toast, smothered in a garlic-pepper cream sauce and Parmesan. Served with home fries, this gluttonous amalgamation will only set you back $13—might as well add a Bloody Mary?

A popular “no-frills” tavern since it opened in the early ‘80s, Coop’s Place is yet another spot that’ll have you squealing like a swine in clover. Located near the end of Decatur Street, just a few blocks from Esplanade, Coop’s is a quintessential French Quarter joint with exposed brick walls and wood-beamed ceilings, the kind of place where you want to grab a seat at the bar and get ready to dig in. Over the years, Coop’s has built something of a reputation for its Cajun fried chicken, but don’t be afraid to change things up with one of their juicy, grilled pork chops. Served with Creole green beans in bacon sauce (can you ever have enough pork?) and steamed rice, this 8 oz. chop will only set you back $15.95.

Finally, head out to the wild, wild suburbs for lunch at Guillory’s Deli & Tamales. Just a couple of blocks off Airline on Derbigny Street, this little neighborhood lunch spot touts “the best homemade hot tamales in town,” and its customers can’t get enough of Guillory’s big portions at little prices. Among other specials like half shrimp or meatball po-boys with fries and a drink, the 50+ year-old establishment also regularly features a breaded and pan-fried pork chop special with a mound of baked macaroni for only $12.45. At that price, you can add a couple of crispy boudin egg rolls filled with melty mozzarella and score a meal fit for two.

FOOD

By Kim Ranjbar

Gobbling gluten-free ... Local chefs and restaurateurs Cara and Evan Benson recently hatched another restaurant in Gretna dubbed the Hen House. Located on Hancock Street, the cinder block space once was the home of Donewar’s Superette, a corner market slinging home made sausages and hot plates since the mid-1950s, but the storefront has been vacant for several years. The Bensons purchased the property last year with the intention of using it as base of operations for they’re booming king cake business (they shipped out 7,000 last year). However, Cara decided to open it up as a café in the off-season, and the Hen House was born. The new café and bakery offers bagels, quiche, sandwiches, soups, and salads, much like her Uptown restaurant Tartine. What makes the Hen House really chic(k) is the fact that nearly every item has the option of going gluten-free, from the ham and cheddar on sourdough and the chicken salad slathered on a French baguette to cranberry scones and cinnamon rolls. 938 Hancock St., Gretna, (504) 255-5097, henhousegretna.com

Crankin’ up the Wank ... Coffee lovers in Gretna have a sweet, new way to celebrate the almighty bean at Cherry Coffee Roasters on Lafayette Street (a.k.a. LA 23). Owner Lauren Fink’s roasting operations outgrew their Uptown digs, and they decided to stretch out across the river into what was previously the Living Room Café. Fink got her start over seven years ago, pulling her precise blends in a pop-up at Stein’s Deli on Magazine Street. Cherry Coffee is a curated brew—coffee that’s women-grown and women-owned—with specific attention paid to the gourmet, wine-like flavor profiles that the different brews, beans, and roasts contain. 401 Lafayette St. (LA 23), Gretna, cherrycoffeeroasters.com

Designing a better cup ... Trumpet & Drum recently opened Uptown inside what was formerly Scairono Martinez Architects’ offices on Magazine Street. The new café offers specialty coffee blends and drinks from Orleans Coffee, as well as pastries from tM Bakery downtown. The new café is owned by Nicholas G. Pejic, a New Orleans psychiatrist whose practice is right next door. 3642 Magazine St., @ trumpetanddrum

Northshore nosh ... Mash-up Italian entrées with French dessert and you get Prima Après, the latest fast-casual concept to open in Mandeville and Baton Rouge. Attorneyturned-chef Abney Harper recently launched the Northshore restaurant offering inhouse made pastas and pavlovas (meringue) with choose-your-own toppings. Contrary to their Instagram posts, you don’t have to be #hotpeopleeatingpasta, but, if you’re not, don’t count on appearing in their grid, even though #uglypeopleeatpastatoo. 2180 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, (985) 807-1144, @primaapres

On the Avenue ... Lucky visitors staying at the new Henrietta Hotel from Sandstone Hospitality (the Frenchmen, the Drifter, Hotel Saint Vincent) are jumping over the moon for Flour Moon Bagels, which has its own installation inside the hotel. Though the menu is limited compared to the original next to the Lafitte Greenway, both Uptowners and visitors are happy to have them in the ‘hood. The by-the-each bagels, tartines, and coffees are better than good. 3500 St. Charles Ave., @flourmoonbagels, hotelhenrietta.com

Prima Après

BIKING TO BREWS BIKING TO BREWS

Bicycle Brewery Tour Through New Orleans

By Joey Cirilo

While many activities are enticing during the summer in the city of New Orleans to make one’s head spin, let us not skimp over the bustling brewery scene.

From Uptown to the Bywater and every neighborhood in between, the Crescent City is dotted with them. The majority of them are so close in proximity, you could easily and safely ditch your motorized vehicle and opt to enjoy the weather on a self-guided biking tour along the Mississippi River. Think of the beer as your carrot, the reward awaiting your parched lips after a not so arduous journey.

In the words of Freddie Mercury, “I want to ride my bicycle,” so let us ride and, for those 21 and over, let us drink responsibly. Here is your springtime selfguided, bicycle riding, beer chugging brewery tour.

PORT ORLEANS BREWING COMPANY

Port Orleans opened its doors in 2017, courtesy of Richard Thomas, avid home brewer and owner of Blue Runner Foods. Mr. Thomas tapped (get it, “tapped?”) into a select group of investors to turn his dream into reality, including former New Orleans Saints offensive tackle and Super Bowl champion Zach Strief (no big deal). The quality of the food is on par with the quality of their beer, and if you happen to pedal through on a Thursday night, you’ll arrive just in time for trivia.

NOLA BREWING & PIZZA COMPANY

Located exactly one mile down Tchoupitoulas awaits your next destination, NOLA Brewing & Pizza Co.

The only thing better than drinking local beer is supporting a local brewery that also happens to operate a NYC-style pizza shop. Live music and events are a staple of NOLA Brewing, and few beers can extinguish your thirst on a warm day like a NOLA Blonde can. Oh, and they just celebrated their 15 year anniversary in March 2024.

MIEL BREWERY & TAPROOM

You’ve successfully traversed Uptown and made it to Miel Brewery in the Irish Channel, an independent brewery, taproom, and beer garden. Congratulations. Your reward? Another beer, of course. If you need to slow it down a tad, even their non-alcoholic options, such as Key Lime Pie, are superb. Miel provides arguably the most innovative beers, seltzers, slushies, and nitro coffees in New Orleans, utilizing as many local ingredients as possible.

URBAN SOUTH

BREWERY

At stop number four, your jokes are seemingly funnier and people are looking more attractive. Founder and President Jacob Landry spent time in Europe sampling everything from German lagers to English ales and had an epiphany that South Louisiana was drastically lacking in its beer quality and optionality. Fast forward to 2016 and Urban South Brewery is born, combining the heritage and traditions of European beer with the contemporary brashness of American-style beer. By God, he’s done it. And their space is remarkable, too.

CRESCENT CITY BREWHOUSE

Crescent City Brewhouse is Louisiana’s first brewpub and the French Quarter’s oldest microbrewery. At this point, you can still count the number of brews you’ve had on one hand but things are at a tipping point. Fortunately for you, you easily blend in with just about everyone else meandering the Quarter (an inebriated ghillie suit). You’ve now been promoted to the Special Forces of alcohol consumption. Grab a pilsner and some local fare from this 17 barrel state of the art brewery.

BRIEUX CARRÉ BREWING COMPANY

With 12 rotating taps and a small but dedicated team bringing new recipes to the taproom each week, this Marigny microbrewery is a can’t miss. Not to be a downer here, but unfortunately the forced COVID-19 shutdown is still negatively impacting business to present day, and they are operating on fumes at this point. So don’t just pull up and enjoy a cold one—enjoy a cold one for a cause. They even have a GoFundMe called “Keep Brieux Carre Open As Long As Possible.”

BYWATER BREW PUB

If you haven’t had a bite to eat by now, odds are you’re in a weird place. As luck would have it, Bywater Brew Pub offers an upscale food menu along with curated craft beers brewed on-site. If you biked here on a Wednesday, you’re in luck. Milkfish, a food pop-up dishing signature Filipino soul food, can be found inside. Steak night, bingo night, any night is as good a reason as any to stop on by.

PARLEAUX BEER LAB

You’ve made it, assuming you haven’t wrecked your bike into a bush or stumbled out of a brewery only to find it stripped and sold for parts, of course. Welcome to Parleaux Beer Lab, a destination Bywater neighborhood hang where the only thing even remotely up to the standards of their imaginative beers is their merchandise. Seriously, they even have dog collars. Bring your good boy (or girl), grab a Runaway American Dream, and snag some beer-to-go on the way out.

Port Orleans

Crescent City Brewhouse

Miel

Urban South

Brieux Carré

Bar Guide

Marilou

544 Carondelet St.

504-814-7711

Boot Scootin’ Rodeo

522 Bourbon St.

504-552-2510

Bourbon “O” Bar

730 Bourbon St.

504-523-2222

Buffa’s

1001 Esplanade Ave.

504-949-0038

Club 38

4132 Peters Rd.

504-366-7711

Crescent City Brewhouse

527 Decatur St.

504-522-0571

Evangeline

329 Decatur St.

504-373-4852

Fillmore New Orleans

6 Canal St.

504-881-1555

High Grace NOLA

733 St. Peter St.

504-218-5649

House of Blues

225 Decatur St.

504-310-4999

Jazz Playhouse

300 Bourbon St.

504-553-2299

Lots a Luck Tavern

203 Homedale St.

504-483-0978

Martine’s Lounge 2347 Metairie Rd.

504-831-8637

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

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

Saddle Bar 715 Bienville St. 504-313-1113

Sazerac House 101 Magazine St. 504-910-0100

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

The Garage 810 Conti St.

The Jimani 141 Chartres St. 504-524-0493

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

The Vintage 3121 Magazine St. 504-324-7144

Tropical Isle Multiple Locations 504-523-1927

Located inside an old library, Bar Marilou is a French bar bursting with character. Funky furniture and creative cocktails such as the Bungalow Mystery and Little Birds transport you to another world.

Boot Scootin’ Rodeo brings honky-tonk fun to the French Quarter. Square dance on one of the largest oak dancefloors on Bourbon Street and order a 27 oz. mug of spiked sweet tea.

The Bourbon “O” Bar is the perfect French Quarter spot, right on Bourbon Street, offering great live music options every night as well as an excellent menu of fresh cocktails.

Since 1939, Buffa’s has served authentic New Orleans fare, spirits, and live music. Feast on Buffa’s award-winning bratwurst jambalaya. Open from 11 – 2 a.m. every day, with local music Wednesday through Monday.

Club 38 provides VIP treatment upon entry as part of their “Owners Club” to guests and elite members. Gamblers can relax with complimentary food and wine with the bar while in Boomtown Casino.

Enjoy live jazz performances, signature craft brews, and traditional Louisiana bites in the only microbrewery in the French Quarter. Crescent City Brewhouse offers courtyard and balcony dining.

Evangeline specializes in Cajun cuisine including fried alligator. They have craft beers by local breweries and fantastic cocktails, and their outdoor courtyard is the perfect place to sit back and relax.

The Fillmore is a 22,000 square foot space above Harrah’s Casino. The area hosts artists from all over the world, full-service productions, customizable menus, and creative cocktail packages.

High Grace NOLA is an upscale dive bar located in the heart of the French Quarter. The bar is open 24/7 and stocked with beers, wines, and seltzers. You can even enjoy beer/cocktail towers.

The House of Blues is a great hangout spot that hosts a variety of live music. The bar is rock and blues-themed and serves up delicious Southern dishes such as jambalaya and po-boys.

Located in the Royal Sonesta New Orleans hotel, The Jazz Playhouse offers an authentic NOLA jazz club experience. Enjoy small Creole bites, beer, wine, and lots of creative and delicious cocktails.

Lots a Luck is a laid-back neighborhood dive bar with bar games galore. They also often have special offers and events such as crawfish boils and trivia nights.

Fiendly service, fun vibes, and, of course, great drinks—there’s always something going on from trivia night to holiday celebrations. Enjoy a Bloody Mary, Irish coffee, and more out on their patio.

Pal’s Lounge is a Mid-City dive bar that has been taken care of by the neighborhood since 2002. Pal’s is perfect for late nights as they stay open until 3 a.m. serving drinks and bites from food trucks.

Located atop the Higgins Hotel, Rosie’s on the Roof offers a full service bar, small bites, and an unmatched view of the city. Elegance meets comfort in this WWII Americana-themed rooftop lounge.

Saddle Bar is a country bar that has two stories, premium whiskies, a dance floor, and much more. Instead of a mechanical bull, guests can take a ride on Randy, the biggest "cock" in NOLA.

The Sazerac House is the quintessential place to experience one of New Orleans’ most famous cocktails—the Sazerac. This museum offers tours that educate guests about the cocktail’s history.

Stumpy’s is not your average bar. It’s the perfect place to gather with friends, family, or to go out for a date and enjoy taking part in a unique activity—hatchet throwing.

Located just steps off Bourbon Street, the Garage has live music, food, a funky atmosphere, and a dance floor. Play a game of shuffleboard or pool or show off your best dance moves.

The Jimani is a great late-night spot for food, drinks, and hanging out during a big sports event. In addition to many different beers, the kitchen is open till 4 a.m.

The Metro is the spot for premier nightlife in New Orleans. This two-story nightclub offers great DJ performances, multiple bars, and convenient VIP service. Escape the stress of reality and dance the night away.

Indulge in the best of New Orleans’ bubbles and bites at The Vintage with a menu of gourmet beignets, bar bites, coffee, wine, and signature cocktails, Try a mix of sips with a Bitter Good Morning, a boozy cold brew, or Espresso Yourself.

Tropical Isle is a bar chain beloved by locals and tourists alike. They have a fun atmosphere and great music, but their drinks are incredible too. Try a famous Hand Grenade or a Shark Attack.

GOTTA CATCH ’EM ALL

Pokémon in Grand Old New Orleans

By Kevin Credo

When the Pokémon Company goes below sea-level this June, they won’t be using “HM Dive.” The largest entertainment franchise in the world has chosen the Crescent City for its main North American event this year.

With over 25 years of continuous content spanning video games, anime, trading cards, and films, a massive “Pokémania” in the late 1990s, and an equallyunforgettable mania following the release of the augmented-reality spinoff mobile game Pokémon GO in the summer of 2016, to call the Japanese series Pokémon a major player in pop culture would be an understatement. In fact, with an estimated total of over $88 billion in revenue since 1996, it’s widely considered the highestgrossing media franchise on Earth. That’s over $40 billion higher than the estimated total for Star Wars and $35 billion than the estimated total for Mickey Mouse.

Centered around collecting and battling over 1000 different species of Pokémon—or “pocket monsters”— the franchise has continued to capture the hearts and imaginations of millions of worldwide fans towards the aim of its most iconic slogan, which is still printed on the back of each and every Pokémon card to this day: “Gotta catch ‘em all!” The largest North American event for this series, its leg of the Pokémon International Championships Series could’ve gone anywhere from New York to Los Angeles with aplomb. But, instead, Pokémon Company International looked to grand old New Orleans and muttered its second most iconic slogan, “I choose you.” Fate was sealed, and the festivities are live from June 7-9 at the Morial Convention Center.

The first Pokémon games’ Red and Green versions—stylized in the US as Red and Blue versions—on the Game Boy in 1996 were instant hits, equally incapable of staying off store shelves and recess playgrounds. Divided into nine different “generations,” and currently eagerly awaiting its 10th, of games, Pokémon has in turn meant a lot to several real-life generations’ worth of fans. And though many people associate the franchise with its initial worldwide phenom, things haven’t lost steam. In 2022, the release of the most recent mainline Pokémon games, Scarlet and Violet, marked the best-selling single weekend launch of any Nintendo video game ever.

But The Pokémon Company didn’t just come to town to reminisce about the series and its legacy. This event is a competition, a competitive battling gauntlet extending from Pokémon’s main video games, card games, and Pokémon GO. While there’ll certainly be a lot for more casual fans to enjoy, the main event is a real-life, registrationonly competition with a combined prize pool of over half a million dollars. Playground hit or not, this isn’t child’s play.

In order to get battle ready for an event like this, competitive players of the mainline

Pokémon games prepare specialized competitive teams of six Pokémon. These take full advantage of mathematically-optimized Pokémon, which are competitively bred in-game to maximize their maximum possible stat distribution. It’s a process that takes countless hours, a process that only really begins after the main storyline of the game has already been beaten and the player has received the honor of being a Pokémon Master. Some parents whose children watched the Pokémon anime series may remember this same title being sought after by the protagonist, Ash Ketchum. For those curious, Ash finally won the title of World Champion in 2022, in episode 132 of season 23, which was the 1219th episode produced of the series. It took time.

Once the teams have all been prepared and registered into the championships, the battles begin on Convention Center Blvd. The Pokémon video games operate as a turn-based RPG, in which each of a team’s six Pokémon have a moveset of four usable actions, with both Pokémon and their moves being divided into 18 different “types”—a set of checks-and-balances that use different sources of energy, whether that be “Fire,” “Water,” “Fairy,” or even just plain old “Normal” to name a few. It gets a lot more complicated than that.

It’s worth noting the impact that an event like this has on the summer tourism season. Previous competitive Pokémon events have gone well into five-figure attendee counts in venues ranging from Yokohama and Hawaii to Rio de Janeiro and London. An event like this comes right at the time where the Morial Convention Center continues its progress towards a half-billion dollar renovation, the most visible renovation in the Central Business District since 2005 and, arguably, since the New Orleans World’s Fair in 1984.

Hopefully, without wearing out the tens of thousands of die-hard fans who now find themselves checking in across the Crescent City on the weekend of the event, the growth and resilience of New Orleans might even resonate with the world of Pokémon In the climax of Pokémon Sapphire, the player races to potentially stop a raging flood that threatens to submerge the player’s home and world. For some evacuating from Hurricane Katrina and seeing footage of all of South Louisiana and New Orleans drenched under several feet of floodwater, the world of Pokémon gave them something to latch onto. Now, almost 19 years later, it comes full-circle.

The registration is locked, the prize pool is live, and the battles are underway. It’s time to see who’s the very best, like no one ever was, here in the City That Care Forgot.

10 New Orleans Experiences for Juneteenth

EMBRACING FREEDOM DAY

Commemorate the ending of slavery in America while in the United States’ most celebratory city.

By Arielle Gonzales

New Orleans offers many ideal locations and events to recognize and celebrate Juneteenth. From music festivals to food tastings and historical lectures, there is plenty to do while reminding us of both progress and the work that still needs to be done in the fight for equality in America. Here’s a list of these events and things to do for this joyous celebration, which has finally been recognized in history.

DANCE AT THE MIZIZI JUNETEENTH WEEKENDER

June 14 to 16, events.sbkzevents.com/e/mizizi-juneteenth-dance-weekender-2

Experience cultural celebration at Dance A Lot’s Mizizi: Juneteenth Dance Weekender on Bourbon Street. The event features an all-Black lineup of DJs and artists honoring African roots, with three nights of social dancing, an Afrobeat party, and a Juneteenth cookout. Visit Dance A Lot’s website for the artist lineup and pass availability. Dance enthusiasts can expect an exciting weekend of cultural celebration at the third edition of the event. Mizizi, meaning “roots” in Swahili, will honor and respect the African origins of the music that will be danced to at the event.

VISIT THE JUNETEENTH FREEDOM FESTIVAL AT WHITNEY PLANTATION

Saturday, June 15, eventbrite.com

Don’t miss out on the second annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival at the Whitney Plantation in Edgard, Louisiana. Celebrate, learn, and reflect with your whole family for free. Explore the museum, attend a seminar by Holley Willis, and dance with Avery Tate during a workshop. Shop for unique jewelry, crafts, and artwork, and taste delicious food and drinks from local vendors. Come from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and honor freedom while remembering the past.

CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH ON THE CREOLE QUEEN

Saturday, June 15, eventbrite.com

Get a group together for a Juneteenth celebration onboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen. Boarding begins at 6 p.m. and the ship is located at 1 Poydras St. The sailing time will be from 7–9 p.m. This is a super popular event, so be sure to lock in your tickets as soon as possible. The recommended attire is all black, but it is not required. Please note that this is a 21+ event with live entertainment and bars. Ticket prices start at $50.

CHECK OUT AFRO FREEDOM AFRO FEAST

Sunday, June 16, afrofreedomafrofeast.com

The third annual Juneteenth celebration called “Afro Freedom Afro Feast” is happening at the Grow Dat Youth Farm from 3–8 p.m. You can enjoy delicious food cooked by seven renowned New Orleans chefs, including Nina Compton and Sergine Mbaye, along with great music and a warm atmosphere. Come and celebrate the African diaspora’s rich heritage and culinary artistry while connecting with their roots.

ENJOY THIS YEAR’S NOLA JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL

Wednesday, June 19, nolajuneteenthfestival.org

The Nola Juneteenth Festival is an annual event hosted by the Louisiana AfroIndigenous Society. This vibrant celebration takes place from 1–7 p.m. in Congo Square and commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The free festival offers a variety of activities including live music, art displays, food vendors, and educational workshops that honor the rich history and contributions of African Americans. There will also be a Juneteenth Freedom Gala on June 16. Keep an eye out for more information on this exciting festival.

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF CONGO SQUARE IN ARMSTRONG PARK

835 N. Rampart St.

Congo Square, located in Armstrong Park, was a historic meeting point for enslaved and free people of color during colonial Louisiana. It also played a significant role in the development of jazz music. Today, the square is a spiritual sanctuary for Voodoo practitioners and a great destination for history buffs and music lovers. A visit offers a unique opportunity to explore the Tremé neighborhood, as well as experience the palpable energy and historical significance of the place.

TOUR THE FRENCH QUARTER WITH THE NEW ORLEANS SLAVE TRADE MARKER APP neworleansslavetrade.org/new-page

Explore a dark period in New Orleans’ history with the New Orleans Slave Trade Marker App. This app, which was created by the New Orleans Tricentennial Commission, provides a free audio guide for an immersive self-guided tour of significant sites during New Orleans’ domestic slave trade. The tour of the French Quarter includes historical overviews, examinations of intersecting themes, and first-person accounts of enslaved individuals. You can download the app today and reflect on the city’s past at your own pace.

SCHEDULE AN ARTSY VISIT AT STUDIOBE

2941 Royal St., studiobenola.com

StudioBE is a 36,000 sq. ft. gallery in New Orleans’ Marigny/Bywater area. It was established in 2016 by artist Brandan Odums and showcases captivating artwork that brings to life the stories of New Orleans’ revolutionaries, heroes, and everyday people. Visitors can choose guided or independent tours and can buy original works and pieces from the collection at the in-house merchandise shop. Keep an eye out for events and private art shows by talented local artists.

DRIVE BY TULANE TO SEE THE AMISTAD RESEARCH CENTER

6823 St. Charles Ave., amistadresearchcenter.org

Tulane University houses the oldest and most comprehensive collection of African American and ethnic minority histories in the U.S. The collection includes papers of artists, educators, authors, business leaders, clergy, lawyers, factory workers, farmers, and musicians, as well as around 250,000 photographs dating back to 1859. It also features literary manuscripts from writers and poets of the Harlem Renaissance, as well as 400 works of African and African American art. Check out their website for more information.

EXPLORE AND SUPPORT THE NEW OLREANS AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM 1417-1418 Governor Nicholls St., noaam.org

The New Orleans African American Museum, founded in 1996 with the support of the city’s Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development, is located in Tremé. Its mission is to preserve the history and culture of African Americans in New Orleans and the diaspora. The museum offers immersive exhibitions and public programs that explore the contributions of African Americans to the culture of New Orleans and America. The museum is open Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., so make sure to schedule a visit to check out the exhibits.

LIFT EVERY

Nonprofits that liberate Black people in New Orleans

By Cynthea Corfah

For Black people in America, freedom has not been treated like a birthright.

Since Africans were forcibly brought to the United States through the slave trade, African Americans have created crucial organizations, global movements, and significant centers to educate and empower one another while battling systemic oppression.

Today, Black leaders and Black allies in New Orleans are spearheading organizations that uplift Black people and combat the effects of racial injustice in all areas of life including education, housing, economic development, safe childbirth, and access to the arts and mentorships. In commemoration of Juneteenth on June 19, get to know these local organizations liberating Black New Orleanians one program at a time.

ASHÉ CULTURAL ARTS CENTER ashenola.org

With a whopping 10,000 square feet of gallery space and 20,000 square feet of performance space, this established nonprofit produces over 350 music, theater, dance, spoken word, drum circles, and multi-disciplinary events annually. It creates programming and services that support and celebrate the African diaspora including event art therapy, Mardi Gras celebrations under the bridge on Claiborne and Orleans avenues, and fitness classes.

BLACK EDUCATION FOR NEW ORLEANS blackedunola.org

This organization supports Black educators and schools to ensure Black children in New Orleans get a better education and opportunities to build a flourishing Black community. It leads a virtual and in-person speaker series about Black brilliance and hosts an annual Black is Brilliant Summit. It also created the Black is Brilliant Institute, a six-month paid fellowship that provides holistic support for Black educators.

DAUGHTERS BEYOND INCARCERATION dbinola.org

When parents are incarcerated, it affects the whole family. This organization creates a safe haven for girls with a parent who is or was formerly incarcerated. It provides afterschool programs for girls ages 8-18 in areas like ACT prep, cosmetology skills, positive coping skills, gardening, and kickboxing. It also educates the fellows on how to advocate for the needs of children with incarcerated parents to lawmakers.

ETERNAL SEEDS | eternalseeds.com

Even if you don’t know their name, you probably have seen this organization’s murals adding splashes of vibrancy to the streets of New Orleans. This nonprofit, founded by Brandan "BMike" Odums and the StudioBE team, allows teens and adults to create public art installations and join artist roundtable discussions. Teens can also take summer sessions for art and digital media production and join a youth-led creative network.

VOICE

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS CREATING CHANGE FOR THE BLACK COMMUNITY

100 BLACK MEN OF METRO NEW ORLEANS | 100blackmennola.org

BIRTHMARK DOULA COLLECTIVE | birthmarkdoulas.com

BLACK MAN RISING | blackmanrisingmovement.org

CAREER IMMERSION & LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE | internshiptalent.org

ELLIS MARSALIS CENTER FOR MUSIC | ellismarsaliscenter.org

THE FIRST 72+ | first72plus.org

GO.BE. | gobe.org

GROW DAT YOUTH FARM | growdatyouthfarm.org

JUNEBUG PRODUCTIONS | junebugproductions.org

POWER COALITION FOR EQUITY & JUSTICE | powercoalition.org

SANKOFA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORP. | sankofanola.org

THE 1881 INSTITUTE | the1881institute.org

THRIVE NEW ORLEANS | thrivenola.org

TRAININGGROUNDS, INC. | mytraininggrounds.org

TURNING TABLES | turningtablesnola.org

UJAMAA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP. | ujamaaedc.org

URBAN LEAGUE OF LOUISIANA | urbanleaguela.org

MATERIAL INSTITUTE | materialinstitute.org

This lush and innovative nonprofit arts center in New Orleans’ Ninth Ward provides an inclusive and diverse learning environment for creative experimentation and expression in areas including fashion, music, and community gardening. It hosts regular events, workshops, classes, and artist residencies. Educational offerings include plant medicine-making days, crafting with recyclables classes, natural dye workshops, and beading and embellishment workshops.

NEW ORLEANS AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM | noaam.org

The New Orleans African American Museum preserves history and elevates African Americans’ art, culture, and contributions both in New Orleans and to the African diaspora. Programs include artist talks, weekly music performances, open discussions, annual music and arts festivals, and powerful art exhibitions. The museum’s signature event Saturdays at NOAAM

features live performances by local Black artists from all genres.

NO DREAM DEFERRED NOLA

nodreamdeferrednola.com

Let Black people tell Black stories. No Dream Deferred NOLA is an artistic home for local theater-makers of color to authentically tell their stories. This organization offers playwriting, acting, and Equity and Justice for Institutional Change courses. Previous plays have included Back in the Day by Harold Ellis Clark and Sons of Liberty, written by Cris Eli Blak and directed by John “Ray” Proctor.

NOVAC | novacvideo.org

New Orleans is a growing hub for filmmakers. This organization is the grounding force behind some of the city’s emerging talent in film. It offers youth programs including summer camps, digital media training, and workshops. For adults, it has programs, including indie filmmaker classes and community filmmaking cohorts, for new and emerging filmmakers. It also loans equipment, facilities, and editing suite rentals.

SON OF A SAINT | sonofasaint.org

Boys with absent fathers don’t have to grow up alone. Son of a Saint provides mentorship, education, recreation, camaraderie, cultural enrichment, and emotional support to their mentees. The organization offers academic support including tutoring and homework assistance, immersive travel experiences, mental health support with licensed counselors, and nutritional resources and education.

THE BLACK SCHOOL | theblack.school

This forward-thinking and progressive organization is a Black creative’s dream. It offers educational workshops, wellness programs, and hosts the Black Love Festival, an art and music festival. In 2025, it plans to open a cutting-edge community center in the Seventh Ward. The initial plans for the future schoolhouse are made with recycled shipping containers, metallic copper paint, reclaimed wood shutters, a community chalkboard wall, an announcement marquee, a solar roof, and a community garden.

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LOUISIANA'S NATIVES

The Tale of Louisiana’s Chitimacha Tribe

By Emily Hingle

Chitimacha comes from the term "Pantch Pinankanc" meaning "warrior."

The town of Charenton is special as it is the home of the Chitimacha Tribe, who live on a reservation that nearly became lost to unethical land-grabbing tactics and unfair taxation. Though the current size of the reservation is a fraction of what they once called home, the Chitimacha are happy to share their past and present with others on their land.

The Sovereign Nation of the Chitimacha is one of the oldest indigenous communities in Louisiana, dating back millenia, and the Chitimacha Tribe is the only federally-recognized tribe in the state out of four to still occupy part of their aboriginal land. The area that the Chitimacha used to occupy includes the entire Atchafalaya Basin going from the Lafayette area, to the Gulf of Mexico, to just east of New Orleans.

Knowledge about pre-colonial life that was passed down through the generations explains that the Chitimacha were grouped into clans based on matrilineal descent: Wolf, Bear, Dog, and Lion. The bounty of southern Louisiana included wild game such as deer and alligator, and they supplemented meat with vegetables including maize and potatoes.

The Chitimacha believe that a deity taught them the art of basket weaving thousands of years ago, and the art of weaving is still done today. Using local river cane that had naturally-vibrant red, black, and yellow hues, weavers would create single or double-woven baskets and bowls so well that some could even hold water.

As with Native American communities across the continent, colonialism completely changed how the Chitimacha lived.

Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville, hailing from Montréal, was tasked with finding the elusive mouth of the Mississippi River in late 1698 by Louis Phelypeaux (Lake Pontchartrain’s namesake) as Rene-Robert Cavelier,

Charenton sits between Morgan City and New Iberia, just off of Highway 90, and is nestled among winding waterways including the Atchafalaya River and West Cote Blanche Bay.

was unable to find it on his expeditions. After sailing around Florida and along the Gulf Coast, Iberville sailed into the Mississippi River Delta in March 1699. It was along the river that the Chitimacha first met the explorer as Iberville and his men explored the region and built Fort Maurepas.

Relations between the Chitimacha and the explorers were tense as the settlers made a habit of raiding tribes for slaves. War broke out in 1706 when a group of Chitimacha men killed Quebecois missionary JeanFrançois Buisson de Saint-Cosme and his group while they camped along the Mississippi River. Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, younger brother of Iberville, battled with the Chitimacha for years, even convincing other indigenous tribes to join his ranks. The war was fraught with brutal slayings and enslavement—it is said that most of the Chitimacha were killed or captured during this time.

Bienville officially founded New Orleans in Spring 1718, and the young city was visited by Chitimacha members a few months later. They were seeking to put an end to the war and signed a treaty with Bienville. Because of the vastly reduced numbers of Chitimacha, the population moved west away from New Orleans.

Though the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 was supposed to preserve Native American population centers via the Indian Nonintercourse Act, the next century held great loss of land for the tribe. The Chitimacha claimed 80 arpents (about 5,440 acres) around Bayou Teche in 1826. By 1846, the tribe sued the federal government to confirm title to the land, but they were only able to secure title for just over 1,000 acres, a loss of over 4,000 acres. Chieftess Eugenia Soulier Rouge sold more than half of the land in lieu of state taxes owed and judgments against the tribe. By

1903, there were 261.54 acres remaining, and it was sold off to pay legal fees in 1905. Land loss wasn’t the only blow to the community during this period. Yellow fever took a massive toll on their people in the mid-1800s. The 1900 census listed 55 total Chitimacha people across six families.

Having no legal recourse and no funds to fight injustice, members of the tribe called on someone outside the tribe for help. Sara Avery McIlhenny, daughter of Tabasco Pepper Sauce creator Edmund McIlhenny, was a friend to the Chitimacha basket weavers and helped facilitate the sale of baskets in markets. When the last piece of land went to Sheriff’s Sale in 1915, McIlhenny purchased it and immediately ceded it to the federal government for the purpose of putting the land into a trust for the Chitimacha. By 1917, the tribe regained that small portion of land in a trust and became federally recognized.

Through revenue-generating businesses, the Chitimacha have purchased more land than the trust granted them, bringing the reservation up to about 1,000 acres today. The reserve is a thriving community unto itself with a health clinic, police force, tribal court, housing authority, fire department, and more for the approximately 1,300 members.

The Tribal Historic Preservation Office has worked to engage current tribe members with their own history. One project is the development of a Chitimacha language program with the assistance of Rosetta Stone to revive their language. The last two native speakers of the tribe’s complex language, Chief Benjamin Paul and Mrs. Delphine Decloux Stouff, passed away in 1932 and 1940, respectively. In their final years, they recorded over 200 hours of speech with prolific linguist Morris Swadesh on wax cylinders and took extensive notes in order to preserve the language.

The Chitimacha welcome visitors to the land in Charenton. Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel is a hotspot for gaming, dining, and live entertainment, and the Chitimacha Museum offers a look into the history of the tenacious tribe.

Sieur de la Salle

Chitimacha double basket

TAKING PRIDE IN FILM

By Jeff Boudreaux

A NOLA Pride Movie Guide

Here we are, halfway through 2024, with June taking its firm place as Pride month for the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide.

As summer beckons, we are fortunate to live in a country where each of our brothers and sisters can love who they choose and be who they are. What a great feeling. As you get ready to attend the multiple events that the city of New Orleans has planned to celebrate all things Pride, there are times when you will just want to kick back and watch a movie that best represents your identity and interests—and that entertain the hell out of us to boot. Check out this film guide for some recommended viewing for our city’s gay community and their allies.

To fully appreciate how far we have come into acceptance and equal rights, we must reflect on the past and its less-than-ideal society for the inclusion of marginalized groups, not the least of which is the LGBTQ community. Playwright Tennessee Williams knew this all too well. As an openly gay man (in a time of severe prejudice), he created some of the greatest Southern literary characters in history, several of whose lives are unmistakably intertwined with that of homosexual men.

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (1951)

This fantastic film from Director Elia Kazan is perhaps best remembered for Marlon Brando’s crackling performance as the brutish Stanley Kowalski (“Stella!” anyone?) and Vivien Leigh’s second Oscar win for Best Actress as Blanche DuBois (this legendary British actress mastered the portrayal of the archetypical Southern Belle with her first Oscar win from her iconic performance as Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind). What the average person may not remember is Blanche’s backstory as a schoolteacher and Allan—the boy she loved and married.

However, Allan’s eyes aren’t only fixated on Blanche. The gay subplot of this film reminds us of the double lives that homosexuals were once forced to inhabit, with Blanche’s husband’s suicide directly the result of her shaming him when he is discovered having sex with another man. This, in turn, resulted in the immense guilt she has borne ever since. Of course, the described events happen before the film even starts, so no spoilers for classic movie fans. The spicier director’s cut of this groundbreaking film is available to stream.

SUDDENLY, LAST SUMMER (1959)

Insanity, sex, and cannibalism are on display in another Williams adaptation, this time with screen heavyweights Elizabeth Taylor and Katharine Hepburn. Catherine Holly (Taylor) is institutionalized following the events of the film’s title, with an aunt from Hell—New Orleans matriarch Violet Venable (Hepburn)— who seeks to have her niece lobotomized by Doctor Cukrowicz (Montgomery Clift).

Why, you may ask? Well, perhaps it’s because both Catherine and Violet have pasts that involve their statuses as a “beard” for their family member Sebastian and exist only to attract handsome young men into his life. All sorts of sordid happenings were occuring in 1930s New Orleans. When you think about it, Tennessee Williams sure made it a point to subject his female characters to mental illness and penitence on the backs of his offscreen homosexuals.

INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE (1994)

Keeping with the gay subtext, it is quite obvious that Lestat (Tom Cruise) and Louis (Brad Pitt) are having a physical relationship, even though Hollywood in the 1990s would rarely “pull the trigger” on a same-sex love scene. This adaptation of Anne Rice’s novel is no exception (with the book being much more explicit as it pertains to sexuality). The two vampires even share parental rights of cute little bloodsucker Claudia (Kirsten Dunst) before Lestat’s behavior drives the two to partake in drastic measures.

The movie also co-stars Christian Slater as the interviewer and Antonio Banderas as Armand, head of Paris’ vampiric theatrical troupe, who obviously loves Louis but not so much Claudia. We horror fans recognize a legend when we see them, so nary a list like this goes by without including something from the late, great Anne Rice. But beware, watch the terrible 2002 sequel (Queen of the Damned) at your own risk. As for this ’90s classic, you can check it out online for a nominal fee.

UPSTAIRS INFERNO (2015)

This gripping documentary concerning New Orleans’ 1973 UpStairs Lounge fire that killed 32 people is both heartbreaking and enlightening. It gives viewers the chance to see the survivors of what was once the deadliest mass murder of gay people in our nation’s history, which would unfortunately be eclipsed the following year after this film debuted.

The men who perished in the fire were fathers, sons, brothers, and friends. Some were parishioners of the Metropolitan Community Church, which, for a while, congregated in that very lounge. Men who were able to enter into same-sex unions under the guidance of Reverend Troy Perry, long before our nation’s laws were rightfully updated by the U.S. Supreme Court—the exact year this film came out. We learn that the patrons of the UpStairs Lounge had gathered for their weekly “Beer Bust” event, shortly before their lives were tragically ended by someone with a vendetta. However, the denouement of Director Robert Camina’s film is one of healing and longoverdue recognition. Available to stream, free of charge, through apps such as Tubi.

FILM REVIEWS

By David Vicari & Fritz Esker

Back to Black IF

Singer Amy Winehouse died at the height of her fame from a combination of alcohol poisoning and bulimia at the age of 27. Director Sam Taylor-Johnson tells the story of her music career in the dreary biopic Back to Black Winehouse (Marisa Abela) was a working-class London girl who became a sensation in England and, eventually, America. But she also had alcohol and drug problems (her biggest hit was “Rehab”), as well as dysfunctional relationships with her father (Eddie Marsan) and her husband (Jack O’Connell).

While biopics are certainly a popular genre these days, the problem is not every famous person or talented artist has a life story that makes for compelling cinema. Winehouse’s story is essentially a gifted, but self-destructive, person drinking themselves to death. The 2015 documentary Amy received a lot of praise from critics but suffered from the same problems. Do you want to spend two hours watching someone kill themselves in slow motion?

This kind of problem happens in other biopics, too. The second half of Elvis is often a slog because it’s Elvis destroying himself. That film, however, still had Baz Luhrmann’s filmmaking pizzazz to liven things up. Here, the directing and the storytelling are very rote and by-the-numbers. No new insights are offered on Winehouse’s psychology.

The best part of the film is Lesley Manville’s performance as Winehouse’s grandmother, the one person Winehouse had something resembling a healthy relationship with. Those scenes have a depth and humanity to them that the rest of the film lacks.

—Fritz Esker

IF is a change of pace for writer, producer, and director John Krasinski after the effective horror pictures A Quiet Place 1 and 2. This is a moderately charming fantasy-comedy about a young girl helping people reunite with their “IFs,” or imaginary friends.

12-year-old Bea (Cailey Fleming), still grieving the death of her mother from cancer, temporarily moves in with her grandmother (Fiona Shaw) while her dad (Krasinski) undergoes heart surgery. While exploring her grandmother’s apartment building, she spots a few strange creatures and a grumpy human named Cal (Ryan Reynolds). It’s Cal’s job to place imaginary friends with new children after their original kids have grown out of them. Bea decides to help Cal in his work, and her first assignment is helping a big, purple, furry creature named Blue (voiced by Steve Carell) find a new child.

hospital, finding the identity of the grandmother’s IF, and the mystery of who Cal really is, and several more story threads. There are also three musical numbers/ interludes wedged in that feel like filler. Maybe this should have been an actual musical.

IF explored the same themes as the Toy Story films, especially Toy Story 2, but not quite as well. The screenplay to IF feels like an early draft as it is kind of scattershot and clunky. There are too many tangents—Blue attempting to reunite with his now grown child, the wise but lonely old teddy bear (voice of Louis Gossett Jr.) who longs for the days of old, finding an IF for a sick boy (Alan S. Kim) in the

The character of Bea doesn’t really make sense. She is dealing with these heavy burdens and doesn’t want to be treated like a kid, but, throughout the film, she acts like a kid who is imaginative and believes in the magical.

The performances are good and there are laughs, but what saves the movie in the end is its emotional core. As crazy as it sounds, IF is able to pull itself together for a deeply emotional final act.

—David Vicari

New Orleans Sports Radio

TALES FROM THE QUARTER

By Debbie Lindsey

Good Company

Research and scientific studies have yielded a wealth of facts to support the profound importance and benefits of having an animal for a companion. I personally resist the term “pet owner.” It just sounds so superior, and I see no reason why we humans are considered “all that important” just because we are reasonably hairless and walk upright. We certainly prove our species inferior, what with our wars, pollution, and poor fashion choices. You will never see a cat sporting yoga pants or puffy princess sleeves (a dog might tolerate it long enough for a treat but then shred it). Sharing your life with a critter can bring you a long list of benefits.

When you look into your dog’s eyes, levels of oxytocin, which is known as the “love hormone,” will increase in you both (Science Magazine). Studies have also shown that an animal is capable of elevating levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calms and relaxes.

The interaction between animals and children with autism has shown great benefits, especially with horses. Nursing homes and children’s hospitals have long known the benefits of having approved pets visit them.

concerned about providing a forever home to a pet that may outlive them, there are programs that pair senior folks with senior cats or dogs. Check with your local Humane Society or cat rescue organizations for such pairings. Or simply adopt an older cat that is in desperate need of a loving home to live out their final years in peace.

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”

—Anatole France

When animals such as dogs, cats, or horses are introduced into a prison environment, the inmates develop their sense of self esteem and empathy, while taking on responsibilities and learning how to be needed. They receive unconditional love. Just Google “pets and prisoners” and an array of feature articles will pop up about various prisons world-wide that have found a way to rehabilitate, while providing a much needed program for rescue animals.

Perhaps you are not allowed a pet where you live or you travel too much to give an animal a proper full-time home. Well, there are many other options to get that cat or dog “fur fix.” One of my best friendships developed over my shop’s dogs and cats. Ms. Pat stumbled upon my book store one day and fell in love with my cat and then my dogs. She would visit them on a regular basis. During this time, we formed our own friendship that grew and grew. Animals bring people together. For anyone out there that feels lonely, just walk your dog. If you don’t have a dog, then volunteer to walk your neighbor’s dog. I guarantee if you are reasonably friendly and have a sociable dog at the end of that leash, you are gonna meet neighbors and make new friends.

There are many folks that want more than a fur fix at a bookshop or the loaning of a friend’s dog for walking. Yet for any number of reasons, they can not commit to a long term relationship with a dog or a cat. Impediments might include frequent job relocations, limited funds for veterinary care, or age. For an elder

Too many wonderful dogs and cats are overlooked for adoption because they are old, blind, or handicapped. A blind animal may sit in a shelter cage for what will seem like an eternity to them only to end up facing euthanasia (many animal shelters are “killfree” but not all). Our little dog Rosie became blind, and, frankly, there was little change in the care she required. She never ceased to enjoy companionship, and her appetite never abated—not one bit. Her sense of smell and sound guided her. I would toss her snacks across the lawn, and she would follow her nose and get exercise and some freedom to roam with abandon. The point is: Never judge an animal (or a human) by their age or disability. Fostering a dog or cat (or even a opossum, bird, or whatever critter is in a rehab program) is a crucial way to give love and a safe haven to one of the many animals awaiting placement in that “forever home.” You get to make a difference and enjoy the companionship without a longterm commitment (many foster programs will pay for veterinary care during this period). If your landlord doesn’t allow pets, or a family member/roommate has allergies or simply is not comfortable with pets, then volunteer with the SPCA or any number of rescue organizations. One of my absolute favorite cat rescue and TNR organizations is Trap Dat Cat (visit trapdatcat.org).

Recently, I have become totally enamored of crows. For some reason, perhaps because when I moved to my new neighborhood and was lonely for social interaction, I decided to befriend the crows with peanuts. I can depend upon them as reliable and consistently good company. The more I feed them and watch them, the more I want to learn about this highly intelligent animal. Crows (and ravens) are some of the smartest animals in the world, equal in intelligence to chimpanzees. I find I walk my dog Scout a lot more now (she delights in this) so that we can feed the crows along the way. They have incredible facial recognition capabilities and I fancy that, if not now then very soon, they will come to know me. I have begun to carry unsalted roasted peanuts in the shell everywhere I go. You should hear me caw. It’s kinda weird but they know peanuts are coming and nobody messes with me, the crazy bird lady.

So do yourself a favor and adopt, foster, befriend, and enjoy the magnificent world of creatures in our midst.

PO-BOY VIEWS

By Phil LaMancusa

Oh Thrill or Kitchen Brigades

"What a thrill—my thumb instead of an onion. The top quite gone except for a sort of hinge of skin, a flap like a hat. Dead white. Then that red plush.” —Sylvia Plath, “Cut”

Ah, yes. The slip of a knife whilst working. An everyday possibility in any cook’s life, albeit a day-to-day occupational occurrence to avoid for the professional culinarian living the “cook’s life.” The (professional) cook’s life is another one of those hard-working dog occupations in the USA (and around the globe) that trajectories toward the reward of a glorious culmination of years of dedication, talent, ambition and loyalty—namely a “chef’s life” (there are 936,526 cooks and 285,785 chefs in the USA according to census.gov).

The chef’s life—another one of those hard-working dog occupations in the U.S.A. heading for that glorious culmination of simply getting things done right for a number of years and retiring to Costa Rica (on the beach, of course). Neither occupation is a terribly lucrative job, unless you become famous and then you become something else. You may become a restaurant owner and/or celebrity, and that’s really another shade of steed. You’re no longer a cook or chef and possibly not even prosperous, celebrated, wealthy, and/ or even well liked.

Ah, yes (he said again). Here comes the Summer Restaurant Guide Issue, where we get to tell you who is doing what to tickle your taste buds and stroke your fancy while extracting your hardearned money with a smile. Your dining experience might be 19th century high society Paris; however, I’m telling you, behind those swinging kitchen doors, the atmosphere is solar systems away.

The professional kitchen may be a strict military like atmosphere, an archaic mental asylum, a street fight free for all, a garage band on major hallucinogens, or an armed forces drill team. Whichever variation (or combinations) of those scenarios it might be, you can be sure that there are “the cooks” (all of them) and there is “the chef” (the one).

The good cook is one who gladly (sometimes reluctantly) “wakes up, gets up, suits up, shows up, and shuts up.” There is not an over-abundance of good cooks. It’s hard work, hot work, exacting work, dangerous work, demanding work, and, oftentimes, thankless work. Mostly, even after some formal schooling, it’s an ever learning, sometimes overly repetitious, often temper testing, and, most times, a competitive profession.

Many drop out. Few stick it out. Some become addicted and develop a passion for the work. A few will rise to be in charge of this controlled mayhem. A number will be brought down by inner demons: sex, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll, and/or scandal.

Cuts, bruises, burns, spills, and falls are

not uncommon. Family life is not conducive and neither is every day, 9 to 5, Monday through Friday schedules. Kitchen work includes weekends, holidays, and the everunpopular Sunday brunch shift. The health plan is generally “don’t get sick.” Meals are eaten standing up and breaks are not part of the equation. Why would anyone choose this as a life?

Okay, c’mon. Yeah, I’m talking old school pirate ship, bedlam, dinosaur, locker room mentality stuff, right? Surely no profession that expects a 5% growth rate (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) over the next 10 years can exist in the so, so unromantically vulgar extreme. Or can they?

The current situation with Human Resource oriented eateries will have us believe that the environment in the service industry as a whole includes fair pay, sane hours, paid breaks, and a non-combative kumbaya brotherhood of disciplined and simplistic charismatic Trappist monks, as well as insinuates that, professionally speaking, we have entered into a 21st century career nirvana with open arms and left behind the Theodoric the Great mentality of a bloody invasion of psychic insanity, complete with paranoia, immaturity, delusions of adequacy, and contests of wills.

The famous Anthony Bourdain’s love letter/memoir/horror show confessional Kitchen Confidential should be required reading to everyone who ever feels the urge to take employment or even patronize an eating establishment.

Yes, while customers (and rightly so) might believe and act like they are the last vestiges of pampered royalty when they eat out (having someone opening doors, pulling out chairs, cooking for, serving, and cleaning up after them) and believing (and rightly so) that they are responsible for judging the value of goods and services that are being rendered, the staffs of eating establishments views those “clients” through another lens.

To the management, the client is a “guest” in their house. To the servers, that guest is asking to be treated (and rightly so) with respect and deference to the point of being spoiled by the dining “experience.” To that chef, that patron’s happiness can make or break a career. But to the cook in the kitchen, that faceless customer, known only as the order that has been placed for them, represents their challenge to get the job done with professional accuracy and as efficiently as humanly possible so that they can get through the shift and go get a beer; and to the dishwasher, it’s just another dirty plate.

Next time, let me tell you about the insanity surrounding being a $2.13 an hour (Department of Labor, dol.gov) waiter or being a minimum wage dishwasher working two jobs to support a family in an upscale, fancy pants eatery. Bon appétit.

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Monte Cristo French Toast

shaved ham, American cheese, bacon & home fries

Cochon Panini

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

Shrimp and Grits

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

Crab Cake Benedict

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

Steak Burrito

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

Dirty South Bowl

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

Surf and Turf Burrito

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

Eggs Ranchero

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

Cajun Cuban

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

Hangover

Po Boy

Fried eggs, bacon, hot sausage, American cheese

Bananas Foster French Toast

Served with bacon or sausage, sprinkled with

Shrimp Po Boy

Pork Chop Benedict Tomatoes Benedict