Who dat? Are you ready for some football? Fans are hoping for a successful season featuring an improved record. Andrew Alexander shares his thoughts in his Saints preview.
Tryann Mathieu is one of New Orleans’ greatest football players. The St. Aug alum flourished at LSU and the NFL while winning a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs. Andrew Alexander interviews the Honey Badger about his career highlights, as well as giving back to the community.
Celeste Turner profiles the brilliant brass band who parades around the Dome during Saints games, and Kimmie Tubré breaks down ways for children to enjoy the excitement of Saints football.
This issue also features one of the final interviews with New Orleans native and pop sensation Richard Simmons. Enjoy Emily Hingle’s dialogue that occurred just before Simmons’ untimely passing.
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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, Donald Rickert, Andrew Alexander
Cover: Tyrann Mathieu by Romney Caruso
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A NEW ORLEANS SAINT ON THE FIELD AND OFF
Tyrann Mathieu’s Quest to Serve New Orleans
By Andrew Alexander Portrait Photography by Romney Caruso
On Sundays every fall, the hard-hitting, playmaking safety known as the “Honey Badger” serves as a defensive leader of the New Orleans Saints. His interceptions, forced fumbles, and hard hits electrify the crowd, swinging the momentum of games as he strikes fear into opposing offenses.
What fans of the Black and Gold do not see is the New Orleans native’s tireless efforts to give back to his community.
Inspired by his grandmother, affectionately known as “Big Momma,” Mathieu embarked on a philanthropic quest heading into his third NFL season with the Arizona Cardinals in 2015. He established the Tyrann Mathieu Foundation with the goal of impacting the lives of financially disadvantaged children and youth through encouragement, opportunities, and resources to achieve their dreams.
“I watched her serve,” Mathieu said. “She didn’t have much, but what she did have, she was always willing to give it, whether that be to strangers or family. She was the security blanket for us.”
Although created in Phoenix, Mathieu’s foundation migrated with him as his playing career took him to Houston, Kansas City, and eventually back to his hometown of New Orleans.
Ranging from football camps to Christmas celebrations, the Tyrann Mathieu Foundation organizes several events each year. While the football camps are always a huge hit, Mathieu admits the annual Tyrann’s Christmas Blessing event is especially meaningful to him.
“Seeing the kids, I give them the option to pick what they want, but to see the looks on their faces because they don’t really think they’re going to get an iPad. That’s cool, man,” Mathieu said. “I’ve seen a lot of moms cry because they weren’t able to do that for their kids. Those kinds of moments—that’s why I do it.”
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mathieu used to host a kickball tournament. Recently, he’s created Jamboree Day, a summer event to help local kids beat the heat and burn off some energy.
“It’s a mixture of football, water guns, and water balloons,” Mathieu explained. “We set up in a park and let the kids run wild. The kids get really excited about that, especially in New Orleans. There’s not many of those places where kids can go and be safe.”
Whether it’s handing out turkeys at Thanksgiving or partnering with Chase Bank to help folks pay their rent during hard times, Mathieu aspires to live out the advice he received from former Arizona teammate Larry Fitzgerald, who told the young safety to try and see himself in people.
“It’s kind of hard to do,” Mathieu admitted. “We’ve been making money for so long that we don’t necessarily remember those moments when mom or dad couldn’t do it.”
Mathieu does not want his legacy to be that of a football star. His vision is to be remembered as a pillar of the community, a man who never forgot his New Orleans roots, and someone who used his success and platform to help the next generation.
His ultimate goal for the foundation is to create a community center to benefit the city that helped mold him into the man he’s become.
“I want to bring a community center to New Orleans and give these kids a safe place to grow, to learn, to be themselves, and then
offer them all the things they don’t have, like swimming lessons and maybe teach a kid how to operate a computer,” Mathieu said. “I want that to be the space that I leave for them.”
From serving his community to playing for his hometown team, the former St. Augustine High School graduate has relished his return to New Orleans the past two seasons and has enjoyed the food that he has missed.
“I love my sister and them cooking for me and always having that home cooked meal,” Mathieu said. “I love being around family. I’d been gone for 10 years, and there were a lot of things I missed: graduations, holidays, and family functions. Things that you really want to be a part of that keep your spirits up.”
As he enters his third season with the Saints, Mathieu yearns to restore his beloved hometown team to its former glory. He remembers growing up, watching legendary quarterback Drew Brees sling touchdowns each week, the Saints winning, and the positive vibes it brought his younger self and the entire city of New Orleans.
“I want to be a part of a team that’s able to bring that feeling back to the city,” Mathieu said.
Mathieu believes this year’s squad has what it takes to be a playoff team yet again, but it needs to regain the confidence it lost over the past few lackluster seasons.
“We’ve got a good team,” Mathieu said. “It’s always a matter of health guys being healthy and being available at the right time. If we can just keep our spirits up and just keep working, I think we’ve got everything we need. It’s a matter of staying healthy and finishing strong. I think we did a horrible job finishing games [last year].”
A New Orleanian through and through, Mathieu is the personification of his hometown: resilient in the face of adversity, hospitable to all, and inspiring to millions on the gridiron and in the community.
The next time Saints fans inevitably witness Mathieu streaking down the sideline after intercepting an opposing quarterback, remember that the Honey Badger gives far more than he ever takes.
For more information about how to get involved with the Tyrann Mathieu Foundation, visit TyrannMathieu.org.
Dennis Allen’s second season as head coach of the New Orleans Saints started in similar fashion as his first, with a one-point victory over a mediocre opponent who would ultimately not make the playoffs. The Saints even managed to start 2-0, with a three-point victory the next week over a Carolina Panthers team that would go on to win only two games last season.
Alvin Kamara
Coach Dennis Allen
Then, reality set in the following week as the Saints would lose four of the next five games en route to an average 9-8 season. Only one of their nine wins was against a playoff team, the 9-8 Tampa Bay Buccaneers that won the NFC South over New Orleans. The team was 1-5 against the six playoff teams they faced. They didn’t beat any team that won more than nine games in the regular season.
Allen won two more games than his first season in New Orleans, and the team finished strong, winning four of the last five games, but the result was the same—the Saints missed the playoffs for the third straight season. The Saints lost six games by eight points or less last season. If just one of those games swung their way, they would have made the playoffs. However, that is the main issue with this regime. Spectators are haggling over a field goal or touchdown in one game, against one team who may or may not even make the playoffs. The Saints are becoming an afterthought to the nation, a team who recently lost their legendary quarterback and coach and is still struggling to discover its new identity.
OFFENSE
Enter Klint Kubiak. The son of former NFL head coach Gary Kubiak joined the Saints staff as the new offensive coordinator this offseason, replacing longtime Sean Payton disciple Pete Carmichael. Kubiak served as the passing game coordinator for a San Francisco 49ers team that almost won the Super Bowl. He’s served in numerous offensive coaching roles the last eight years with a stint as the offensive coordinator in Minnesota in 2021, in which quarterback Kirk Cousins (now a Falcon) had one of his best seasons. Kubiak will be tasked with improving the Saints’ abysmal run game from last year, alleviating some of the pressure of Carr having to carry the offensive load via the passing game.
Mercurial wide receiver Michael Thomas is gone, but he hadn’t been impactful in nearly half a decade. Taking over the number one WR, with over 1,000 receiving yards in his first two seasons, is Chris Olave, who is a star in the making. Rashid Shaheed and A.T. Perry were, at times, spark plugs last season, but the emergence of a secondary receiver alongside Olave remains a key question heading into the season.
Speaking of mysteries, what is going on with Alvin Kamara? One of the greatest offensive players in franchise history recorded his worst professional season last year. Injury, offensive schematics, or lack of a stout offensive line are possible reasons, but the man who owns, or is about to own, several franchise records is an enigma. How reliable is he entering his eighth season?
He led the Saints in rushing with just 694 yards and five touchdowns, which is indicative of the overall offensive struggles the team faced. New Orleans’ “Swiss Army knife,” back-up quarterback Taysom Hill, was the second leading rusher with 401 yards. That’s not a good sign.
Whether it’s passing or rushing, one of Saints biggest issues last season was offensive line protection. Former first round left tackle Trevor Penning was essentially benched less than half-way through the season. All-Pro right tackle Ryan Ramczyk has been less effective because of a lingering knee injury. The unit lacked cohesion last year. New Orleans drafted Oregon State tackle Taliese
The Saints were a top 10 scoring offense in 2023, and the talent is clearly there, but they managed to only win nine games last season. Kubiak’s new voice is the key to pushing this unit to the next level.
DEFENSE
For the fourth straight season, the Saints’ defensive unit was a top 10 scoring defense, were fourth in the NFL with 29 takeaways, and were top five in third-down defense.
The defense, however, was inept at rushing the passer. The 118 pressures and 34 sacks the unit produced ranked among the lowest in the league last season. Couple that with a diminished run-defense that slid to the lower half of NFL teams last year, and that causes a problem.
The Saints signed 25-year-old defensive end Chase Young in the offseason in hopes of resolving those issues. Young recorded 7.5 sacks for Washington and San Francisco last year, his highest output since his 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year campaign. His injury history is concerning, but the upside is huge for the former number two overall draft pick.
The strength of last year’s unit was the secondary, ranking in the top 10 in passing defense despite losing Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore to a season-ending ankle injury in Week 10. The combination of Lattimore and Paulson Adebo in the defensive backfield is potentially lethal. Along with the addition of second-round draft pick Kool-Aid McKinstry at cornerback, the Saints should once again boast a fearsome secondary.
PREDICTION
Despite all the Saints’ shortcomings last year, they still reside in one of the softest divisions in the NFL. The Buccaneers won the NFC South with nine wins last year and they won it the year before with only eight wins. The division is there for the taking, and it’s up to Allen and the Saints to finally exert some dominance and snatch it back.
The Saints have the pieces to make the playoffs, but will they?
New Orleans: 10-7, NFC South Champion, NFC Wild Card Game
Taysom Hill
Derek Carr
Chris Olave
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10
ARIZONA CARDINALS 7 PM, FOX
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
CAROLINA PANTHERS
12 PM, FOX
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
DALLAS COWBOYS
12 PM, FOX
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 12 PM, FOX
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 ATLANTA FALCONS 12 PM, FOX
MONDAY, OCTOBER 7
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 7:15 PM, ESPN
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
12 PM, FOX
SAINTS 2024 SEASON SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 7:00 PM, FOX
REGULAR SEASON
THURSDAY OCTOBER 17 DENVER BRONCOS 7:15 PM, PRIME VIDEO
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 LOS ANGELES CHARGERS 3:05 PM, FOX
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3
PANTHERS
PM, CBS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10
FALCONS 12 PM, FOX SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17
BROWNS
SUNDAY, AUGUST 25
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 LOS ANGELES RAMS 3:05 PM, FOX
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 NEW YORK GIANTS 12 PM, FOX
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 WASHINGTON COMMANDERS 12 PM, FOX
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23 GREEN BAY PACKERS 7:15 PM, ESPN
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29 LAS VEGAS RAIDERS 12 PM, FOX
SUNDAY, JANUARY 5 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS TBD
11:30am - 4:00am
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THUNDER DOME
Football fun begins with the walking Storyville Jazz Band at every Saints home game and more.
By Celeste Turner
If you have ever attended a Saints home game, you have probably heard the contagious sounds of traditional New Orleans jazz music echoing through the stratosphere of the Superdome.
Recognized as a local favorite, the Storyville Jazz Band has been roaming the Dome for more than 30 years, entertaining Saints fans from the terrace seats to the ground level and club suites.
Although the founder Bruce Hirstius, 96, retired about three years ago, the eight-member band continues the tradition, marching into their 38th season with the Saints.
Name of Place
“Originally, my two uncles started the band, but they have retired,” noted Stacey Hirstius, a long-standing member and snare drummer in the Storyville Jazz Band. “They started as a jazz band marching in the parades as a walking brass band and backing up different dance teams in the late 1960s. Then, in 1987, we got the opportunity to play in the Dome.”
Although both Donald and Bruce Hirstius had formed the band, Saints fans particularly remember Bruce leading the band with his pocket trumpet and unique “jiggy” style of dance.
“Everyone knows Bruce. People may not know the name of the band but they remember Bruce,” said Gregg Paretti, a saxophone and clarinet player who started with the Storyville Jazz Band in ninth grade. “He is a funny guy who loves to play music. He instilled in us the tradition and history of jazz.”
When Paretti left the band in 1985 to join the military, Bruce would often call him when they
needed a clarinet player. “I played two Saints games when I was on break from the Air Force,” Parettti, who returned to the band full-time in 2010, added. Through the years, only a handful of the original band members, including Hirstius and Paretti, have stayed together.
“Originally, we had six members, including myself,” Chris Bonura said, the co-manager and tuba player for the Storyville Jazz Band since his senior year at Grace King High School. “Now we have eight band members. We added another trumpet player and brought in someone new to replace the original trombone player, Alex Holmes.”
Even so, to this day, fans of all ages are mesmerized by the upbeat sounds of this heartland jazz and brass band when they play at all Saints home games, pregame events, and other local gigs including weddings, birthday parties, and conventions.
Old-timers and New Orleans-natives include Stacey Hirstius, Bonura, and Paretti, who also co-manages the band, as well as Gary Gueldner, who has been playing trumpet with the band since high school. Some of the more recent additions are bass drummer Dane Schlindler (2017), trumpeter Mark Levron (2021), and trombonist Jimmy Brinkman (2021), all of whom were born and raised in the New Orleans area. Only one band member who joined last year, trombone player Greg Hicks, was the only one not born in New Orleans.
“The songs get the people excited and dancing,” Bonura observed. “Last year, we played one hour outside the Dome before the game. We would second line through the crowd until our on-screen performance playing ‘When the Saints Go Marching In’ for the pregame pep rally.”
Following this performance, the Storyville Jazz Band usually heads up to the terrace level to begin their stroll around the Superdome. “We make it halfway around the Dome before the end of the first quarter,” Hirstius said. “We don’t get to see much of the game, but we keep
everyone moving.”
By the third quarter, the band has reached the Club level, which includes the private suites, pumping up the party with 30 to 60 second spots of each song. Tunes including “I’m Walkin',” “Bourbon Street Blues,” and “Mardi Gras in New Orleans” ring out through the concourse, prompting those fans to sing and get out of their seats.
“I would say we walk more than 10,000 steps at each game,” Bonura noted. “We are making it around the Superdome at least two or three times. The Club and Terrace levels are hit the most. We get full coverage and entertain the people from the top to the bottom.”
Besides spreading their Dixieland jazz fervor to Saints fans in the Dome, the Storyville Jazz Band has traveled with the team to London in 1990 and to Japan in 1993 to play their same repertoire. “We were like the house band on the sidelines at Wembley Stadium in London,” Bonura said. “In Japan, when we walked around the stadium, they actually stopped watching the game, turned around in their seats to watch us.”
Other previous gigs included various Saints activities such as the Fan Day Crawfish Boil at Saints Camp on Airline Highway and the annual preseason fun run. They also played as the background band for the ESPN Gameday Broadcast outside Jackson Brewery during the Super Bowl XLVII (42) and numerous other pregame broadcasts. According to Hirstius and Bonura, the Storyville Jazz Band has set their sights on showcasing their talents at the upcoming Super Bowl in New Orleans. “It is on our bucket list to be able to play at the next Super Bowl scheduled in 2025,” Bonura confessed.
In the meantime, the Storyville Jazz Band is looking forward to kicking off the Saints season with their jazz vibe no matter if the Saints win or lose. “The good thing is if the Saints are winning, the crowd wants us to play,” Bonura said. “And when the team is losing, they want us to play even more.”
630 Carondelet Street, New Orleans,
GO SAINTS
LITTLE WHO DATS
for MiniSaints Fans
By Kimmie Tubré
It’s that time of year again. It’s time for the Who Dat Nation to rise up, come together, and support our beloved New Orleans Saints.
There’s no fan quite like a Saints fan: dedicated, passionate, and always ready for a good time. Game days are nothing short of a festival, with fans proudly donning their black and gold attire and everyone, including the little ones, joining in the excitement. Being a Saints fan goes beyond cheering for a football team. It’s about community, and fans share their love for the team with their children. From tailgate parties to filling the seats at the Caesars Superdome, families enjoy the festivities together. But there’s even more for young fans to get involved in. Here are some kid-friendly Saints activities for the mini fans to enjoy and show their team spirit.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS KIDS CLUB
If your young fans range from 5 to 12, consider signing them up for the New Orleans Saints Kids Club. For an annual fee of about $50, members receive a Kids Club kit filled with exciting goodies and Saints paraphernalia shipped to their homes. Club members are also invited to various events throughout the year, including holiday parties and sponsored activities at the training facilities. Memberships can be purchased online or at specific events: training camp, Saints Kickoff Run, and some preseason games. Parents and guardians of active members will receive email reminders to renew their memberships each year.
THE SAINTS EXPERIENCE
Bringing your mini fan to a home game? Be sure to take them to the Gate C bridge of the Superdome to enjoy the Saints Experience. The interactive inflatable activities are filled with “inflated fun” for kids of all ages. Here, kids can test their speed against others in Gumbo’s Playhouse or see if they have the leg strength to get a field goal in the Field Goal Challenge. Other activities include the Quarterback Challenge and the Saints Trivia Game Show, where they can test their knowledge of the team and the game. Happening before every home game, kids can enjoy the festivities while the parents can enjoy listening to live music from the Champions Square Stage. The Saints Experience is also available for parties and conventions.
NFL Flag
Saints Kids Fun Run
THE SAINTS FUN RUN
If your little tyke is filled with energy, then you may want them to experience the Kids Fun Run. This fitness event is a fun time where kiddos can lace up their shoes for a 1/2 mile run or walk. The event typically takes place in September, starting at Champions Square and finishing at the 50-yard line of the Caesars Superdome.
NFL YOUTH PROGRAM
If your little one enjoys playing football, consider the NFL FLAG program hosted by the NFL Youth Program. NFL FLAG is the National Football League’s premier youth football program for kids aged 6-14. Available nationwide, including in all 32 NFL markets, NFL FLAG is a community-based, turnkey program that allows all youth to play in an organized, noncontact NFL league.
THE SAINTS’ BIRTHDAY EXPERIENCE
Speaking of parties, did you know that you can rent a Saints mascot to surprise your little one for their birthday? The famous football team allows patrons to rent a mascot for $150 for a 30-minute visit. Whether you pick Sir Saint or Gumbo, the fun-loving dog, your mini fan will undoubtedly be excited to see the mascot of their favorite team.
SAINTS TRAINING CAMP
Yes, the Saints trained out west this year at the University of California Irvine due to renovations at the local training facilities. Fortunately, this is only a temporary move. Next year, the Saints will be back in their facility, and when that happens, you should take your little sports enthusiast to the training camp.
While this event is free, you are advised to get tickets early as space is limited. When there, your family will enjoy getting up close and personal with the players while grabbing a few photos and autographs. There’s also food and activities for everyone to enjoy.
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All participants receive an official short sleeve Saints Kids Fun Run t-shirt, a race number bib, and a kids finisher medal. These little Saints fans are the perfect krewe to help kick off the season.
Along with the NFL Flag Program, the Saints Girls High School Flag Football marks a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and diversity in athletics. Aiming
for the Louisiana High School Athletic Association to recognize Girls Flag Football as a sanctioned sport officially, the Saints are leading the charge to pave the way for future generations of female athletes. New Orleans offers a wealth of kid-friendly activities for Saints fans, blending the excitement of football with the community. Whether touring the Superdome, attending a game, running a marathon, or enjoying the Saints training facilities, young fans can create lasting memories while experiencing the best of what their favorite team has to offer.
A New Breed of Fun!
SCHOOL SHOPPING, NEW ORLEANS STYLE
10 local resources to help find all the supplies for a successful return to school
By Frances Deese
With the dog days of summer beginning to wind down, the time will be upon us for a return to school or more regular work routines post summer travels.
With the excitement of a new season also comes a list of to-dos for necessary supplies in order to be well equipped for the work ahead. In person shopping offers a chance to check off everything on your list while getting a better feel for what products suit you best.
A great in town resource for new and used books is Blue Cypress Books. They offer a large selection of many modern books for both children and young adults, as well as offer works by New Orleans writers and about NOLA subjects. They create a welcoming space as a woman-owned and local indie bookstore. Help further a love for reading with new finds and stock up to have your reading list set to escape from the monotony of everyday life.
As kids head back to school, it’s important they’re stocked with good books for the classroom and at home to further their reading endeavors. Home Malone New Orleans offers a great selection of children’s reads, along with New Orleans and Louisiana-specific themed books to spark imagination and adventure.
With many schools requiring uniforms for students, it’s essential you have the right in-town place to shop at in order to serve your uniform needs. Porees Embroidery is a go-to, offering plentiful options for custom embroidery. They also have designs for Greek life and plenty of Saints merch to roll out for game day fun. Dress to impress never rang so true.
Write it out, take notes, or get in the work zone in style at Papier Plume New Orleans. With fine writing instruments, office pen holders, stationary, bottled ink, wax and seals, and great desk accessories, you can be sure the days of pen to paper note taking still hold value. Open since 2001, their knowledgeable staff, dedication to quality, and exceptional customer service means with their products, you are certain to “add a touch of elegance and tradition to their hand written message or correspondence,” as according to their mission statement. Their collections offer creative expressions for an outlet outside of obligations.
Packing a vibrant punch, Lionheart Prints takes after its namesake with bold and fun styles of personalized stationery, cards, pens and pencils, and desk accessories. In their desk accessories section, they provide notepads and journals, planners, pen and pencil pouches, and fun stickers to accessorize with. With a number of fun and pop art inspired prints, this can be a great way to bring new decor to an at home office or study station. Their inspirational and whimsical designs bring joy to the everyday and serve as a way to look forward to work. Who said homework and 9 to 5 work items had to be organized in a boring manner?
When it comes to quality goods, Haase’s Shoe Store and Young Folks Shop’s proof is in their legacy, having been in business since 1921. Parents in town know this is a go-to for high quality shoes, clothing, and accessories. They also have a dedicated section for school uniform shoes. In addition, they carry helpful supplies such as learning mats for subjects including math, animals, planets, and fun educational games. This shop ensures that your student is fully outfitted for the start of a new school year.
Getting set up with the right art supplies can spark creativity for the whole year ahead and Mo’s Art Supply & Framing has that need covered. Their store, housed in a midcentury church with stained glass, transports you as you shop around to find that next spark of inspiration. Their team’s mission statement shares on shopping in-person, “It should involve other human beings, shared information, lots of hands-on interaction with the merchandise, and ideally some great atmosphere. And when it’s all said and done, the experience should leave you with a deeper sense of connection to your community.” This connection to the community and hands-on experience is more authentic than other options, while serving as a way to gain ideas while browsing through their goods.
In the digital age, having the right tech to keep up with workloads and homework makes all the difference. A great option to cross off the shopping to-do list is quality headphones. Southern Electronics provides just those, and their expert staff can help you find other necessary tech supplies to get you set up for success.
Good gear makes all the difference when trekking back through the halls of your school or work. School backpacks can be a black hole of clutter and mess, but Massey’s Professional Outfitters provides great quality in-town backpacks that are meant to last. With fun colors and styles to choose from, you can know there’ll be some excitement gearing up for shuffling off to school and work.
If your home office or home study room needs a revamp, look no further than Orleans Furniture. Their full collection of at home office furniture includes stylish desks and comfortable chairs. Additions from their collection include bookcases, filing cabinets, and cube organizers to help you stay nice and tidy. Everyone knows a good organizational system helps your space stay on track. They also offer packages and bundles to group together for helping design visions come to life.
A last interview with Richard Simmons
By Emily Hingle
Saddened at learning about the sudden passing of New Orleans-native Richard Simmons on Saturday, July 13—the day after his 76th birthday—Where Y’at is proud to present his last interview with Emily Hingle, conducted May 8, 2024 between 2:30-3:04 p.m. (CT).
RICHARD SIMMONS’ EARLY LIFE IN NEW ORLEANS
A beacon of joy, positivity, and health, fitness guru Richard Simmons has inspired people to get up and exercise with his illustrious style.
Milton Teagle “Richard” Simmons was born in New Orleans on July 12, 1948. He was raised in the colorful, lively French Quarter, which he remembers fondly, but he established his legendary lifestyle brand in Los Angeles and conquered his dreams from there.
Simmons’ big personality may have been passed to him by his parents. Discussing his father Leonard, Simmons reiterated his belief that “all he wanted in life was to be in show business—it just wasn’t in the cards. This was crushing to my father.”
Simmons’ beloved mother Shirley was a dancer. Leonard and Shirley found each other and married, then they moved to New Orleans for work and to start a family—in an unconventional way at the time. “My mom and my dad had an arrangement,” Simmons shared on Facebook.
“He would stay at home with us, and my mother would go to work. I did not know any other families that did this.”
Shirley found a hostess job at the fancy 500 Club. “People came from all over the country to see Lily Christine the Cat Girl,” Simmons continued. “She was dressed as a little cat and danced on the limbs of a tree.”
“I also drove them a little crazy,” Simmons said. “My father was very conservative. And my mother had a very big personality, so I inherited a little of both.”
FRENCH QUARTER CLASS
“My parents treated me to an art class a couple blocks from my house on St. Louis Street. Oh! did I adore these art classes.” Beyond fostering his creativity, Simmons’ parents rewarded their sons with movie theater outings, including City Park trips and other cultural experiences throughout the Crescent City.
“There were very few kids in the French Quarter— very few. And, remember, back then, my school was all white children.” Simmons remembered.
“They bussed the African Americans to a different school, which I had a very hard time with. I didn’t understand that.”
He was fascinated by the rich Catholic culture around him and explained, “Four blocks away from my house was a Catholic school. I saw these women, and they were called nuns. Right there, I decided I was going to love nuns.” He went home to announce to his parents that he wanted to become Catholic. “They told me when I was 15, I could make that decision for myself.”
“JoAnn, my best friend, is Italian,” Simmons recalled. “I went to school with a lot of Italian people. Some of them still write me.”
Baptized and confirmed at 15, Simmons and his brother Lenny were able to attend an “elite” Catholic high school Cor Jesu (now Brother Martin) in Gentilly.
“The school was expensive, and my parents really could not afford it. They made a deal with the school that Lenny and I could attend if we did a
few jobs.” Simmons remembered. “I would have to pick up the trash and empty all the trash cans. The other kids snickered, but I did not care. I was getting a good education.”
Another job he had was helping “Brother Roland correct tests in his office.” Simmons admitted, “When Brother Roland took a break, I would change some of the scores. No one ever knew.”
RAGIN’ CAJUN BECOMES A SEMINOLE Simmons enrolled closer to home at University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL, now UL) in
Lafayette. Simmons wrote, “I had a very rich uncle… my Uncle Milton. I was named after him. He lived in Sarasota, Florida. I liked USL. But I wanted more.”
Simmons called his uncle asking him to send him to a better college, choosing Florida State University. “Before you knew it, he sent me the money.” Simmons never regretted his defection, “I got to do that—I graduated from FSU.”
He returned to New Orleans in 1973 after graduating to talk to his parents about his future plans.
“I let my parents know that I was going
to Los Angeles to find fame and fortune. They both rolled their eyes,” he recounted. “My father said, ‘Be careful. That city will eat you up and spit you out.’”
“I told them one day that I was going to give them something really special [when I made it].” Simmons said, “And when that happened, I gave them everything in the world, not that they ever asked.”
“Oh, I did have [a very supportive family],” said Simmons, who cherishes his family. “I have a conservative brother who I love very much. And he’s married to a conservative woman who I love very much.”
After a stint working at Derek’s Restaurant in Beverly Hills, Simmons opened Slimmons in 1974, which he operated for more than 40 years.
Flamboyantly fun, his larger-than-life personality represented his home town like no other. Richard Simmons’ positivityfocused health regimens—most famous for his Sweatin’ to the Oldies exercise video series, frequent appearances on Oprah, and syndicated exercise television shows— garnered him massive media attention and cemented his status as the health and wellness icon spanning several decades.
“HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY, AND A BEIGNET FOR ME”
His lifestyle is much quieter now as Simmons embraces his home in New Orleans. “Besides my family, [my life is] sitting here and writing emails.”
But his life work goes on, as does his impact on people and their health concerns.
“If you were sitting next to me, and you read the emails, I think you would start crying and have to excuse yourself,” he said. “Most of these letters I get are from people that are overweight, obese, morbidly obese, dying of different kinds of diseases. And they just want some inspiration from me. So that’s why I do what I do.”
“My parents taught me to love unconditionally,” Simmons shared. “Make everyone feel special. Make everyone feel happy. That’s how I still live my life.”
Simmons' yearbook photo
Father Leonard Simmons
Mother Shirley Simmons
NOLA GETS ITSELF IN A PICKLE
NOLA's UltimatePickleball Party
By Brooke Adams
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center | August 7–11
When you hear about a pickle fest, your immediate thoughts may run to vinegar and vegetables. However, this Pickle Fest involves more of the pop of pickleballs being hit across the court and less of the crunch of a juicy pickled cucumber.
If you haven’t heard of pickleball yet, you’re in for a treat. This sport is sweeping the nation, and now, our city is hosting its second annual Pickle Fest. This festival promises to be a weekend of fierce competition, friendly faces, and all things pickleball.
SO WHAT EXACTLY IS PICKLEBALL?
Pickleball might sound quirky, but it’s a serious blast. Imagine a game that mixes the best parts of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. You play it on a court about the size of a badminton court with a net slightly lower than a tennis net. The game uses paddles (think oversized ping-pong paddles) and a light, perforated plastic ball. It’s easy to pick up, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned athletes alike.
The rules are straightforward: serves are underhand, the ball has to bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed, and games are played to 11 points. The first player (or team) to win by two points takes the match. Simple, right? But don’t let that fool you— there’s plenty of strategy and skill involved.
WHY IS PICKLEBALL SUDDENLY EVERYWHERE?
Pickleball has taken the sports world by storm, growing from a little-known pastime to a beloved national sport with over 3.3 million players in the U.S. alone. Here’s why:
It’s Super
Accessible
You can set up a pickleball court almost anywhere: parks, community centers, even converted tennis courts. And the gear is pretty affordable, making it easy to start playing. On the low end, you can grab a set of paddles and balls for less than $30. But just like any popular sport, if you are a serious player, you can get bougie and spend upwards of $200 for a paddle.
It’s Social
The doubles format of pickleball means you’re always playing with and against others, fostering a sense of community. You can also join pickleball leagues, clubs, and Facebook groups. Many players say the best part of the game is the socializing that comes with it.
It’s
Great for Your Health
There is a reason why pickleball is popular in senior communities. Pickleball offers a fantastic cardio workout, boosts your balance and coordination, and is gentle on the joints. It’s a great way to stay active without the intense strain of high-impact sports.
Anyone Can Play
One of the coolest things about pickleball is its appeal across all age groups. You’ll often see grandparents and grandkids playing together, making it a perfect family activity. One of the best ways to get active and meet new friends is to play a sport, but the idea of picking up a new sport can be intimidating to many. Pickleball is easy to learn and is welcoming to all levels of activity.
GET READY FOR PICKLE FEST
Pickle Fest isn’t just any pickleball tournament—it’s a full-blown festival celebrating the sport and the community around it. General admission is only a $10 donation to the Brees Dream Foundation. Here’s what you can expect:
Celebrity Match
One of the highlights of Pickle Fest is the celebrity exhibition match. This is the event not to miss for the festival. Last year’s match between Drew Brees and tennis great John McEnroe was unforgettable. This year’s match will surely be one to remember as well.
Exciting Competition
The heart of Pickle Fest is, of course, the tournaments. Whether you’re playing singles or doubles, are a newbie or a seasoned pro, there’s a spot for you. The energy will be high, and the cheers even higher, as players compete for the top spots and some sweet prizes.
Fun for the Whole Family
Pickle Fest is designed to be fun for everyone. The festival hosts a kids clinic, and the tournament is welcoming to ages 9 and up. Live music and entertainment will keep the festive vibes going all weekend long.
Supporting the Drew Brees Foundation
The best part of this fun fest? Proceeds from the festival go to support the Brees Dream Foundation. Feel good about feeling good while enjoying the festival. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for cancer patients, as well as provide care, education, and opportunities for children and families in need.
JOIN THE PICKLEBALL PARTY
The second annual Pickle Fest is more than just a tournament—it’s a celebration of the pickleball community and the unique spirit of New Orleans. Whether you’re a die-hard player, a curious newcomer, or just looking for a fun weekend activity, Pickle Fest has something for everyone. Drop by the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for an unforgettable event filled with excitement, laughter, and plenty of pickleball action.
As this sport continues to grow, events like Pickle Fest are perfect for bringing people together, promoting fitness, and celebrating community spirit. Don’t miss out on this chance to dive into the pickleball craze and experience the joy of this dynamic and inclusive sport. See you on the court.
NOLA'S H-W RD
H
is for HurricAnxiety—as well as Hell, Humidity, Hope, and How Not to Worry About
Hurricanes
It’s been called the “season of nothing” because it’s not Mardi Gras, football, or festival season. But it is far from nothing. With incentives created to keep the wheels turning on our primary economic engine, the tourism industry, there are plenty of summertime festivals, dining and hotel incentives, and no shortage of options inside and outside.
This allows us to keep on enjoying life in NOLA and remain distracted during the h-season, as well as invites visitors to take advantage of lower prices. We locals smugly laugh and say, “You have no idea how beautiful it is here October through April. You should come back then.” They often don’t, and we are fine with that.
Behind all this smugness and cynicism, a swirling shadow hangs. Once a storm in the Atlantic turns into a proper noun, we perk up. But those of us who have lived here long enough recognize, in the words of Atticus Finch, that it’s usually “not time to worry yet.”
And still some worry for nearly six months straight, consciously or subconsciously. Locals swap stories of past hurricanes, express their dread, and complain that they still have repairs pending from the prior hurricane. Some conclude that they can’t do it anymore and move to places where a hurricane alert is as rare as a boudin ball. It’s impossible to not comment on social media about a storm and not receive at least one comment such as, “Glad I don’t have to deal with that anymore.”
Yet there are plenty of people from the pre and post-Katrina era who have created their own survival skills and live in NOLA despite the several logical reasons not to. It’s no secret that to live in New Orleans, you must keep your joie de vivre balanced with your readiness. As messy as your house may get during Mardi Gras, you know, come June, you better have your bins organized, including a few filled with the important things that might have to travel with you.
Here are some philosophical and practical suggestions for surviving HurricAnxiety:
By Amy Kirk Duvoisin PERSPECTIVES
“I’ve realized that you have to have one family member who is freaking out and one who is super organized and focused.” —Ashley Merlin Gold
“Having been through too many hurricane seasons since the big hurricane of 1947, it is something that is always at the back of your mind but never more so than beginning August 1.” —Coleen Perilloux Landr y
“This might sound strange, but it’s comforting to know that there is a community aspect in preparing for hurricane season. It doesn’t matter who you are, if you live in the southern coastal areas, we’re all in it together. It is a bonding moment in time and my experience is people really do look after each other.” —Erin Regan MacInnes, MSW, LCSW
“Hurricane season is just different here. I grew up an hour north of Baton Rouge. We are notorious for thinking outside of the box. The ingenuity derived from that way of thinking is a key factor in recovery. We have the best food, the best volunteers, the most resilient people.” —Windy Zito
“How I handle it is to not worry or stress. We always have plenty of warning about impending hurricanes.” —Ann Bower Herren
“I don’t say the ‘h-word’ out loud this time of year.” —Kate Gegenheimer
HEALTHY SARCASM
“Move.” —Eric Pollard
“I make intricate markings on my driveway to convince the storms to pass us by.” —Alexis Braud “I look at old photos of us shoveling five feet of snow off the roof in Boston.” —Jaymie Stuart Wolfe “I sit on the seawall and have a beer.” —Edward Branley “Hip boots.” —Michael Devonshire
TRIED AND TRUE TIPS
“Start eating out of your freezer now.” —Lorelei Dicky Cropley “Buy alcohol you don’t mind drinking at room temperature. I recommend Peach Crown.” —Michelle Lesslie “Definitely have a destination/family/friends/hotel in mind.” —David Johnson
“Have a stash of cash somewhere for when power and credit card machines go down.” —Kimberly Kaye “Have plenty of fluids on-hand: coffee, adult beverages, and gasoline.” —Emily Federer
WHAT IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST RODEO?
Well you’ll have plenty of mentors to follow. At this point, there are three generations of people to go to for advice who have experienced hurricanes of all shapes and sizes since Hurricane Betsy. Assign yourself a hurricane buddy older and younger than yourself if it helps calm your nerves. Of course, tell them you’ve selected them for this role. They can be the person you text for advice first before you begin to embarrass yourself on social media.
WHAT IF THE METEOROLOGISTS TELL US THAT ALL SIGNS POINT TO A BUSY HURRICANE SEASON?
Wait for details. It’s just like those in the medical industry tell you—worrying as you await test results changes nothing. Waiting and worrying about hurricane possibilities is a total waste of time. If getting your hurricane stuff together and putting it in a corner in the closet makes you feel more ready, then do it. Then, move on with your life. Meteorologists get paid to lose sleep over this and to get excited about any possible storm. You don’t.
SHOULD I GET THE NEW FENCE, DRIVEWAY, COUNTERTOP, OR ROOF BEFORE OR AFTER HURRICANE SEASON?
Now that is a question you must ask the palm readers on Jackson Square.
MUSIC CALENDAR
MONDAY, JULY 29
21st Amendment Coyote Anderson Duo
BJ’s Lounge Alex McMurray, Rod Hodges
Bourbon O Bar Kenny Brown, Kid Merv
Carrollton Station Meryl Zimmerman
D.B.A. Jump Hounds, Secret Six
Da Jump Off Big 6 Brass Band
Dos Jefes John Fohl
Fritzel’s Richard Scott, Tin Men
Hi Ho Lounge Tucker Baker
Houston’s Hansen’s Garden District
Kermit’s Kermit Ruffins
Lakeshore Library Music Mondays
Mahogany Jazz Hall Original Tuxedo, Tom Hook
Maple Leaf Slugger
Polo Club Stefan Moll
Poorboys Decompression Mondays
Royal Frenchmen Jazz Vipers
Snug Harbor Charmaine Neville, Dave Easley Quartet
Spotted Cat The Alchemy
St. Roch Tavern Max Bien Kahn, Ryan Sambol
The Maison Danny Rubio, Jack Pritchett
Toulouse Theatre Preservation Brass
Treme Hideaway Tucker Baker
Tropical Isle Dave Ferrato, Dave James
TUESDAY, JULY 30
21st Amendment Dirty People
Bacchanal Trey Boudreaux
Bamboula’s Caitie B.
Bayou Bar The O.G.’s, Peter Harris
Bourbon O Ingrid Luccia, Kid Merv
Bourbon Orleans Hotel Ingrid Lucia
Buffa’s Alex McMurray
Capulet Layla Musselwhite
D.B.A. Paradise Jazz Band
Dos Jefes Tom Hook
Fillmore Lucki
Fritzel’s Jamil Sharif, Richard Scott
Hi Ho Lounge Sporty’s Brass Band
Holy Diver The Amazing Henrietta
Houston’s Hansen’s Garden District
Jazz National Historical Park Arrowhead
Jazz Band, Jamil Sharif
Kermit’s Kermit Ruffins, J Batiste
Mahogany Joe Lastie, Gregg Stafford
Maison Bourbon Danny Rubio, Catahoula Music Company
National WWII Museum Stage Door Idol
Polo Club Stefan Moll
Rabbit Hole Rebirth
Royal Frenchmen Trumpet Mafia
Snug Harbor Charmaine Neville, Chris
Thomas King
Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Smoking Time
The Maison Connor Stewart, Gene’s Music Machine
Treme Hideaway Sporty’s Brass Band
Tropical Isle Dave Ferrato, Dave James
WEDNESDAY, JULY 31
B Mac’s Desert Nudes
BMC Balcony Next Level
Bacchanal Steve Lands
Blue Nile New Breed Brass Band
Bourbon O Ingrid Luccia, Serabee
Buffa’s Margie in the Middle
Cafe Negril Colin Davis
Café Degas Double Whisky
Capulet Hanna Mignano Trio
D.B.A. Lagniappe Brass Band, Tin Men
Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport
Fritzel’s All Star Band, Richard Scott
Houston’s Hansen’s Garden District
Jazz Playhouse Pennsylvania Wolfe Johns
Mahogany Jazz Hall Mahogany Hall Jazz Band, Paul Longstreth
Marigny Brasserie Jon Roniger
Orpheum Theater Iron and Wine
Picnic Provisions Mikayla Braun
Polo Club Stefan Moll
Public Service Restaurant Matt Lemmler
Royal Frenchmen Gene Black, Miles Berry
Snug Harbor Chris Thomas King, Delfeayo
Marsalis
Spotted Cat Chris Christy
The Maison Leroy Marshall
Tropical Isle Dave Ferrato, Dave James
Vaughan’s Lounge Robin Rapuzzi
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1
Bourbon O Serabee
City Park Pavilion of the Two Sisters
Philip Melancon
Favela Chic Feral House Cats
Mid City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Curley
Taylor, Zydeco Trouble
Peacock Room Robin Barnes, Pat Casey
Snug Harbor Delfeayo Marsalis
Southport Hall Entheos
Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Jumbo Shrimp
Steamboat Natchez Steamboat Stomper, Dukes of Dixieland
The Howlin Wolf Matt Walden, Zack Couron
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2
Bacchanal David Sigler, Willie Green
Fillmore Scott Bradlee
Le Bon Temps Roule Funky Lampshades
Donald Harrison, Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Pour House Freudian Slips
Ruby’s Mo’Jelly
Santos Bar Sub-division, The Siouxsies
Spotted Cat Panorama
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7
Apple Barrel Big
Soul
Café Degas
Double
Steamboat Natchez Steamboat Stomper, Dukes of Dixieland
The AllWays Lounge High Society
Tipitina’s IKO Allstars
SUNDAY, AUGUST 4
Bacchanal Noah Young
Constantinople Stage Robbie Smith Duo
Dew Drop Inn Lexis D’Ville
King Brasserie New Orleans Classical & Jazz Co.
New Orleans Jazz Museum Brass-AHolics, Kermit Ruffins
Siberia Inter Arma
Southport Hall Black Stone Cherry, Nonpoint
Steamboat Natchez Steamboat Stompers, Dukes of Dixieland
The Maison Rug Cutters
Tipitina’s Fais Do-Do, Bruce Daigrepont
MONDAY, AUGUST 5
Marigny Brasserie
Caitie B.
Mid City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl The Topcats
Public Service Restaurant Matt Lemmler
Santos Bar Dayglo Abortions, The Pallbearers
Siberia Zao, No/Mas
Southport Hall Fallujah
Spotted Cat Paradise Jazz Band, Vegas
Cola
Steamboat Natchez Steamboat Stomper, Dukes of Dixieland
Tipitina’s New Orleans Suspects
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3
Bacchanal Miles Berry
Chickie Wah Wah Ben Alleman
House of Blues Nai Palm
Kermit’s Kermit Ruffins
King Brasserie New Orleans Classical & Jazz Co.
Le Bon Temps Roulé Grits & Greens
Marigny Brasserie Caitie B.
Mid City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Bag of Donuts
New Orleans Jazz Museum Big Chief
Apple Barrel Mark Appleford
Fillmore Joshua Bassett, Thomas Day
Hotel Peter & Paul New Orleans Choir
Connection
Kermit’s Kermit Ruffins
Lakeshore Library Music Mondays
Poorboys Decompression Mondays
Siberia Dad Bod, Oruã
Steamboat Natchez Steamboat Stompers, Dukes of Dixieland
TUESDAY, AUGUST 6
Bacchanal Trey Boudreaux
Bamboula’s Caitie B.
Deutsches Haus John Rankin, Clarence Johnson III
East Bank Regional Library Sal Liberto
Faux Meaux Marsh Fire
Kermit’s Kermit Ruffins, J Batiste, Irvin
Mayfield
Siberia Abyecta, No Knock
Spotted Cat Chris Christy
Steamboat Natchez Steamboat Stompers, Dukes of Dixieland
Whisky
Cafe Istanbul Give Power to the People, Cole Williams, Chuck Perkins
Marigny Brasserie Jon Roniger
Picnic Provisions & Whiskey Mikayla
Braun
Public Service Restaurant Matt Lemmler
Sibera Snõõper, Steef
Spotted Cat Chris Christy
Steamboat Natchez Steamboat Stompers, Dukes of Dixieland
THURSDAY, AUGUST 8
Apple Barrel Johnny Mastro
Capulet Meccanotes
City Park Pavilion of the Two Sisters Bon Operatit
D.B.A. John Lisi
Le Bon Temps Roule Soul Rebels
Mid City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Geno Deafose
Peacock Room Robin Barnes, Pat Casey
Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Jumbo Shrimp
Steamboat Natchez Steamboat Stompers, Dukes of Dixieland
The Howlin Wolf Kirkland Green, BreAnna Tipitina’s Charles Wesley Godwin
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9
Bacchanal David Sigler, Willie Green
Capulet Bruno Elisabetsky
Hard Rock Cafe John Lisi
Le Petit Theatre Tom’s Elton Tribute
Marigny Brasserie Caitie B.
Pour House Tiffany Pollack
Public Service Restaurant Matt Lemmler
Saturn Bar La Tran-K
Southport Hall Stevie B
Spotted Cat Paradise Jazz Band
The Howlin Wolf Third Seven, Kris Russ Tipitina’s Soul Project NOLA
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10
Bacchanal Noah Young, KC Jones
Kermit’s Kermit Ruffins
King Brasserie New Orleans Classical & Jazz Co.
Mid City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Beastie Goys
Pour House Treblemakers
Spotted Cat James Martin, Shake’em Up
Steamboat Natchez Steamboat Stompers, Dukes of Dixieland
The Howlin Wolf Third Seven, Kris Russ
SUNDAY, AUGUST 11
100 Men Hall Josh Garrett
Bamboula’s Johnny Mastro
Capulet Coyote Anderson
Dew Drop Inn Lexis D’Ville
Hard Rock Cafe John Lisi
King Brasserie New Orleans Classical & Jazz Co.
Mid City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Paul Varisco
Old Arabi Lighthouse Records & Books
Frenchie Moe
Steamboat Natchez Steamboat
Stompers, Dukes of Dixieland
The Maison Rug Cutters
MONDAY, AUGUST 12
Bacchanal Byron Asher
BJ’s Lounge Johnny Sansone, Johnny Mastro
Fillmore Hawthorne Heights, I See Stars, Anberlin
Kermit’s Kermit Ruffins
TUESDAY, AUGUST 13
Bacchanal Trey Boudreaux
Bamboula’s Caitie B.
MUSIC CALENDAR
Deutsches Haus
IKS BigBand of Russelsheim
Fillmore
Christopher Cross
Kermit’s Irvin
Mayfield, Kermit
Ruffins, J Batiste
Spotted Cat
Chris Christy
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14
Cafe Istanbul
Cole Williams, Chuck Perkins
Café Degas
Double Whisky
Picnic
Provisions
Mikayla Braun
Public Service
Restaurant Matt Lemmler
Spotted Cat
Chris Christy
Steamboat Natchez
Steamboat Stompers, Dukes of Dixieland
CHRISTOPHER CROSS AT THE FILLMORE
Grammy Award winner and Texas icon Christopher Cross is stopping in New Orleans during his national tour.
Best known for hits including “Sailing,” “Arthur’s Theme (Best that You Can Do),” and “Ride Like the Wind,” Cross is often included in the “yacht rock” category.
August 13, 7 p.m., $90-$458, livenation.com
The AllWays Lounge Rhinestone Cowpoke, Jeez Loueez
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15
Apple Barrel Johnny Mastro
Capulet T Marie, Bayou Juju City Park Pavilion of the Two Sisters
Audrey LeCrone
Deutsches Haus Liederkranz
Le Bon Temps Roulé Soul Rebels
Mid City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Chubby Carrier
Peacock Room Da Lovebirds
Saturn Bar Dusky Waters, Kelly Love Jones
Spotted Cat Chris Christy
Steamboat Natchez Steamboat Stompers, Dukes of Dixieland
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16
Bacchanal David Sigler, Willie Green
Capulet Teena May
Spotted Cat Panorama Jazz Band
Tipitina’s Jon Cleary, Absolute Monster Gentlemen
Westwego Civic Association All White Event, Shaun Ward Experience
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18
Bacchanal Noah Young
King Brasserie New Orleans Classical & Jazz Co.
Southport Hall REHAB
Steamboat Natchez Steamboat Stompers, Dukes of Dixieland
MONDAY, AUGUST 19
House of Blues Cults
Le Bon Temps Roule Soul Rebels
Peacock Room Da Lovebirds, Robin Barnes
Poorboys Bar
Decompression
Mondays
Santos Bar IV and the Strange, Holy Locust
Siberia J.R.C.G.
Southport Hall King 810
Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Jumbo Shrimp
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23
Bacchanal David Sigler, Willie Green
Bombay Club T Marie, Bayou Juju
Capulet Washboard Chaz
Fillmore Ski Mask The Slump God
Le Bon Temps Roule Organami
Marigny Brasserie Caitie B.
Public Service Restaurant Matt Lemmler
Siberia McCloud, Not Exotic
Southport Hall Black Flag
Spotted Cat Paradise Jazz Band
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
Bacchanal Miles Berry
Bookoo Lounge Leon The God
Capulet Willie Green III
Fillmore Legends of the Old School
Hi Ho Lounge HUSTLE, DJ Soul Sister
House of Blues Robert Neary
Kermit’s Kermit Ruffins
King Brasserie New Orleans Classical & Jazz Co.
Le Bon Temps Roule Lee Yankie
Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl Eagles vs. Fleetwood Mac
Pour House Jamey St. Pierre
Santos Bar Heavy Temple, Valley of the Sun
Siberia Punk Black
Spotted Cat Shake’em Up
Tipitina’s Raw Deal
Siberia Street Fever,
Presentation
The Stallion Bar That’s My Jam
TUESDAY, AUGUST 27
Bacchanal Trey Boudreaux
Bamboula’s Caitie B.
Kermit’s Irvin Mayfield, Kermit Ruffins
Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Smoking Time
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28
Apple Barrel Big Soul
Café Degas Double Whisky
Public Service Restaurant Matt Lemmler
Spotted Cat Chris Christy
THURSDAY, AUGUST 29
Peacock Room Robin Barnes
Saenger Theatre Los Angeles Azules
Siberia Zen Hander, Nail Club
Spotted Cat Chris Christy
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30
Bacchanal David Sigler, Willie Green
Boomtown Casino DJ Poppa, Capt. Charles
Capulet Layla Musselwhite
Fillmore Charley Crockett
House of Blues Alyssa Edwards
Joy Theater Bearracuda
Marigny Brasserie Caitie B.
Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl LA ROXX
Pour House Funhouse
Public Service Restaurant Matt Lemmler
Southport Hall Molly Ringwalds
Spotted Cat Paradise Jazz Band
Tipitina’s The Quickening
Apple Barrel bar Mark Appleford
Broadside Ghost Town Steppers
Capulet T Marie, Bayou Juju
Hotel Peter & Paul New Orleans Choir Connection
Kermit’s Kermit Ruffins
The Broadside Ghost Town Steppas
The Stallion Bar That’s My Jam
Chickie Wah Wah Mountain Grass Unit
Marigny Brasserie Caitie B.
Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl Bucktown
Allstars
Pour House Johnny Angel
Public Service Restaurant Matt Lemmler
Southport Hall Hugo Miranda, Few Blue
Spotted Cat Big Fun Brass Band, Paradise Jazz Band
Steamboat Natchez Steamboat Stompers, Dukes of Dixieland
Tipitina’s Billy Iuso, Pocket Chocolate
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17
Bacchanal Miles Berry
Capulet Brian Quezergue
Constantinople Stage (OUTDOORS)
Mollie Pate, The LPO Hornsound
Fillmore Lucky Daye, Fana Hues
House of Blues Homixide Gang, 5 Activity
Kermit’s Kermit Ruffins
King Brasserie New Orleans Classical & Jazz Co.
Le Bon Temps Roule Anna Q, The Unmentionables
Marigny Brasserie Caitie B.
Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Rock
Show NOLA: An Evening of Journey
National WWII Museum Dine & Dance with the Victory Swing Orchestra
Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Javier Olondo, AsheSon
Smoothie King Center Future, Metro Boomin
Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Smoking Time
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21
Apple Barrel Big Soul Band
Cafe Istanbul Give Power To The People, Cole Williams
Café Degas Double Whisky
Chickie Wah Wah Aaron Lee Tasjan
Deutsches Haus John Rankin
National WWII Museum Victory Belles
Public Service Restaurant Matt Lemmler
Spotted Cat Chris Christy
Tipitina’s Russell Crowe
THURSDAY, AUGUST 22
Capulet Belinda Moody
City Park Pavilion of the Two Sisters
Pfister Sisters
D.B.A. John Lisi, Delta Funk
FUTURE
& METRO
BOOMIN’
AT SMOOTHIE
KING CENTER
Rap industry leaders Future and Metro Boomin’ are set to perform their charttopping and feud-igniting albums We Don’t Trust You and We Still Don’t Trust You during their coveted “We Trust You” North America tour. August 20, 8 p.m., $85-$544.50, smoothiekingcenter.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 25
Bacchanal Noah Young Trio
Capulet Coyote Anderson
Fillmore Jane’s Addiction, Love and Rockets
Hard Rock Cafe John Lisi, Delta Funk
King Brasserie New Orleans Classical & Jazz Co.
Orpheum Theatre Lalah Hathaway
Saenger Theatre The Australian Pink Floyd
Show
Tipitina’s David Cross
MONDAY, AUGUST 26
Kermit’s Kermit Ruffins
SATURDAY, AUGUST 31
Bacchanal Miles Berry
Carrollton Station Sunpie Barnes, T Marie Capulet Hanna Mignano
Jefferson Performing Arts Center Al Stewart
Kermit’s Kermit Ruffins
King Brasserie New Orleans Classical & Jazz Co.
Marigny Brasserie Caitie B.
Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl Mojeaux
Southport Hall Still Standing
Spotted Cat Panorama Jazz
LAKESIDE2RIVERSIDE
WHITE LINEN NIGHT
August 3 | artsdistrictneworleans.com/events
Get ready to put on your finest white linens and take on Julia Street for an unforgettable night of art, food, and music. Hosted by Arts District New Orleans, more than 20 participating art galleries will be stationed throughout the 300–600 blocks of Julia Street, along with over two dozen local restaurants and bars, live music, and art installations. Though the free and open-to-thepublic event takes place from 5 to 10 p.m., White Linen Night will host a multitude of special events throughout the day that you won’t want to miss.
RED DRESS RUN
August 10 | noh3.com
The New Orleans Hash House Harriers, a local “drinking club with a running problem,” is gearing up for the annual Red Dress Run, a mad, drunken, and red dash throughout the French Quarter. Registration for the two-mile run from Crescent Park to the Bywater is highly encouraged and all proceeds go to local charities. Lunch for hungry runners will be served at 11:30 a.m., along with live music. For those who’d rather watch than run, red dress festivities will occur all day on Bourbon Street and surrounding areas. Whatever you choose to do, just make sure you wear red.
COOLINARY
August 1–September 15 | neworleans.com/coolinary
Looking to feast on fine-dining meals without breaking the bank? This summer, over 35 local restaurants are participating in COOLinary, offering top-notch deals for diners. Each restaurant will offer at least one dining deal such as a three-course brunch or dinner menu for $58 or less or a two to three-course lunch menu for $28 or less. The COOLinary program is designed by New Orleans & Co. to entice locals to dine at celebrated restaurants during the slow summer season. Don’t let the summer heat keep you in. Grab a table at a participating restaurant and savor the flavors of New Orleans.
DIRTY LINEN NIGHT
August 19 | dirtylinen.org
Born as a satirical play on White Linen Night, Dirty Linen Night offers participants an evening of art, culture, and music that revels in the gritty charm of the French Quarter. Celebrating its 21st year, Dirty Linen Night lights up galleries, restaurants, and bars along the 300 to 1100 blocks of Royal Street from 6 to 9 p.m. Wristbands are available online for $20 and raffle tickets can be purchased for $10 each. Dive into the raw, unpolished soul of New Orleans at Dirty Linen Night and stroll the storied streets of the French Quarter with some of the city’s finest artists.
SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR
By Emily Hingle
New Orleans' Larry Morrow
It would be difficult to not find something to do on any given night in New Orleans.
From huge names at the biggest venues and restaurants teeming with patrons to bars hosting events every night of the week, there’s always something you can get into. All of that entertainment creates competition for customers. Being able to persuade party-seekers to go to certain events seemed to come naturally to Larry Morrow when he started promoting parties in his early 20s.
After years of building up a loyal fanbase, Morrow
switched gears into being an owner of his very own brick-and-mortar businesses. His successes have done so well here in his hometown that his sights are set on even larger areas in the near future.
Morrow began his impressive entrepreneurship by promoting heartpumping nightlife events and bringing in throngs of paying customers, eventually starting his own company called Larry Morrow Events. Just having that name stamped on an event held the promise of an exciting night that you would definitely regret missing. “It became easier when I built a reputation for throwing some of the hottest parties in the South,” Morrow quipped.
Though Morrow ventured into creating clubs of his own, including Treehouse off of Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard and Hide/Seek on Decatur Street in the French Quarter, he’s heavily invested in an evergrowing roster of restaurants that span culinary styles just as much as they span the city.
His first foray into the realm of restaurants was the aptly named Morrow’s on St. Claude Avenue in the Bywater/Marigny, which opened in 2018. With his mother Lenora Chong taking on the kitchen, Morrow was able to work his magic elsewhere. He noted, “My mom being the chef and focusing on the back of house and me focusing on drawing people into the building and focusing on aesthetics is the recipe for
Larry Morrow and Chef Lenora Chong
what’s been built so far.”
This recipe has worked for Morrow’s and a string of other successful restaurants, including Monday Restaurant + Bar in Mid-City, Sun Chong in the French Quarter, and Morrow Steak in the Warehouse District. Opening later in 2024 is Spicy Mango, a vegan-forward Caribbean restaurant in the Marigny Triangle.
While the menus vary greatly between Morrow Hospitality’s eateries,
The emphasis that Morrow and his team places upon providing the utmost hospitality is purposeful. He explained, “We focus on the hospitality because when everything is strictly based upon the food, people go to your location just for food. And you have an off day, people may not give you another opportunity. But if you focus on not just the food but the hospitality, the vibe, the cocktails, people are willing to give you another chance because they’re not just going
each one has a distinct focus on excellent service and exquisite aesthetics. “I think Morrow Hospitality is redefining what it is to party in New Orleans and what it is to dine. Dining across the world has become a lot different. It’s about the vibe, the aesthetics, the sex appeal. Making everything sexy, beautifying everything. It is refreshing to bring new vibes and new energy to a city that is known for its tradition,” Morrow said.
there for the food. Try to think of it like hospitality. We like to lead with hospitality first. We’re very hospitality driven.”
Morrow keeps a close eye on how his customers react to the restaurants’ successes and failures, and his team will implement change straight away in order to maintain that high level of quality to keep them coming back. “We suffer challenges all the time, but I think
Morrow
Monday
what makes us unique is a willingness to pivot when we need to,” he explained. “Whenever we have issues that we come across, we don’t wait for a week to address it. I’m so passionate and my team is so passionate that when we do come across an issue, we handle it right on the spot. We’ll be quick to call a meeting and adjust. It takes a lot of work, but not being afraid to call a different play when you need it.”
Morrow recognizes that his business
I wouldn’t be here without the support of the community, my friends, my family, and everybody who’s contributed along the way.”
While New Orleans has provided Morrow and his brands a great platform to learn, pivot, and prosper, he wants to break out and lend his services to other cities. His hospitality will extend farther than clubs and restaurants. He said, “Our future plans are to expand outside of Louisiana to Houston, Atlanta, Miami,
success may have been helped along by the same people that flocked to the parties that he promoted when he first started out. They’ve grown together from late night/early morning events to fine dining in high-class surroundings. “The community has played a huge role in me and Morrow Hospitality,” he observed. “I get a lot of support from the community since my early days of event promotion.
and New York. I want to get into the hotel industry. Our goal is to be one of the largest Black hospitality groups in the industry, open up different locations, and hire some of the best help from all over the world to assist us in this journey. I want to thank everybody for the support. Morrow Hospitality would not be Morrow Hospitality without every individual’s support in what we do.”
Morrow Steak
Sun Chong
THERE’S SNO PLACE LIKE HOME
Hansen’s Sno-Bliz has had cool customers and full hearts in NOLA since 1939
By Cynthea Corfah
Before Hansen’s Sno-Bliz became a bustling Uptown snoball stand with a line of people wrapped around the corner, it was a small business started by a friendly, warm-hearted Italian grandmother. She made homemade sno-balls for her family, adored children, and believed food was love.
“My great grandma had a fruit stand,” Ashley Hansen, owner of Hansen’s Sno-Bliz, recalled. “My grandma grew up in the Irish Channel and learned from her mother to give the best quality. She made her syrups fresh daily and we still do that today.”
Ashley’s grandmother, Mary Gemelli Hansen, transferred her talents from working at her mother’s fruit stand to making fruit-based syrups for sno-balls using sugar, spring water, and fruit juice. Her signature frozen concoctions led to the birth of Hansen’s Sno-Bliz in 1939.
While the sno-ball stand was undeniably Mary’s idea and business, she didn’t do it alone. Behind every powerhouse woman is a supportive partner helping her get across the finish line. Oprah has Stedmund, Beyoncé has Jay-Z, and Mary had her master machinist husband Ernest. Ernest was a Danish immigrant with a knack for problemsolving. When he noticed the sno-balls his son was getting from a street vendor were being hand shaved by the vendor’s dirty hands, he designed the Sno-Bliz, what his granddaughter Ashley Hansen believes is the first mechanized electric ice shaver, in 1934.
Mary thought her husband’s invention was too good just to be used by the family and neighborhood children. She believed the block ice shaving machine and her homemade syrups needed to be shared with the city. Ernest retired at 65 and joined his wife serving the community at the sno-ball stand. Fast forward 85 years later and Hansen’s inventions and legacy live on.
“There’s no happier place than this stand to me,” Ashley said. “There’s this feeling of cherished memories.”
Ernest and Mary lived until their mid-90s and died in 2005 and 2006. Hurricane Katrina had just washed over the city, and as businesses slowly reopened and life returned to the Big Easy, Ashley couldn’t imagine her hometown without her beloved home base. In spring 2006, she reopened the doors of Hansen’s SnoBliz, this time as the owner.
The 50-year-old New Orleans native grew up in the snug, nostalgic, grandma-chic snoball stand. She has albums full of vintage photos to prove it.
Amongst the collage of images plastered on the walls inside Hansen’s Sno-Bliz is a baby photo of Ashley and her twin sister, Allison, sitting in empty sno-ball buckets. This dessert spot has been her family’s happy place for generations. Even Ashely’s children have baby photos crawling on the shop’s hard floors.
After spending her summers working at the sno-ball stand and helping her grandparents since she was 15, she is honored to treat the city by using the same recipes her grandmother created and the same machines her grandfather built many years ago.
Today, Hansen’s Sno-Bliz carries over 40 flavors to pour atop mounds of fluffy, delicately shaved, below-freezing ice. The flavor options are like a wine list. Depending on the notes and flavor profile you’re looking for, you may lean toward their classic flavors including wild cherry, coconut, root beer or chocolate. If you want to go outside the box and try something not sold at every sno-ball stand, their “fancy flavors” include fragrant and layered tastes such as hibiscus, honey lavender, Thai tea, fresh watermelon, ginger, and fresh coconut milk. Speaking of milk, the creamy flavors are just as worthy of praise as the others. Try multiple cream flavors at once in the “creambow” sno-ball. This colorful and milky treat is made with cream of strawberry, cream of blueberry, and cream of ice cream. Most people order their sno-balls in one of the sno-ball stand’s reusable plastic cups, but if you’re having a party (or just love sno-balls that much), you can order enough flavored ice to fill a three-gallon bucket. Don’t worry about hoarding all of the shop’s ice. During their peak seasons (spring and summer), the sno-ball stand goes through more than two tons of ice weekly. The cups are like collectibles for locals, right up there next to Mardi Gras cup throws. Ashley partners with local women artists to design her cups. This year, they were created by local artist Margie Tillman Ayres to commemorate 85 years of business. The design features the smiling snoball matriarch Mary cranking out a mountain of ice for a pair of joyous children and an alligator eating rainbow-colored sno-balls. The children are inspired by real regular customers Wes and Kaitlyn.
“The sno-ball stand is such a backdrop to New Orleans,” Ashley said. And she is right. Snoballs have been a part of New Orleans culture for decades. They are more than a sweet frozen treat enjoyed during the summer. Sno-ball stands are like small sanctuaries. Amidst the city’s history of deadly hurricanes, high crime rates, and poverty, sno-balls create a moment of pause and the opportunity to savor a cup of sweet relief until it melts. In addition to crawfish, daiquiris, and oysters, they are the one of many signature Louisiana food staples guaranteed to bring people together.
Mary and Ernest Hansen may not have realized it then, but their little shop on the corner of Tchoupitoulas and Bordeaux streets would not only provide air conditioning for people’s tummies (as Ernest Hansen liked to say) but also warm the hearts and nourish the souls of everyone who has walked through their doors.
FOOD NEWS
By Kim Ranjbar
One stop shop? … Just as more people were turning on to the hungerhealing eats at Fharmacy (will we ever taste mussels like that again?), the tiny Banks Street spot suddenly closed up shop, leaving fans sad and hangry for nearly two years. But just recently, the little yellow shotgun opened its doors again, this time as Cause and the Cure. Launched by Robert Corroza (owner of High Grace NOLA in the French Quarter), Cause and the Cure features a cornucopia of cultural cuisine, from the Big Apple bodega-born chopped cheese “sammich,” with cheese-laden ground beef and sauteed cabbage, to Korean-style corn dogs rolled in toppings such as potato chips or seasoned uncooked ramen. The cause for these reputed hangover cures can be inflicted while seated on the same bar stool with cocktails including the bourbonbased Banks St. Mulberry Smash or St. Peter’s Punch—their version of a Hurricane. The only thing missing at Cause and the Cure is a crash couch. 2540 Banks St., causeandthecurenola.com
“Sittin’ here eatin’ my heart out waitin’” … Speaking of parties, consummate chef and wacky weed-lover Mason Hereford has done it yet again, teaming up with Nathan Barfield (the now former chef de cuisine at Turkey and the Wolf) to launch Hot Stuff on Maple Street. Built out like a meat and three inside the old brick building that once housed Favori Deli, Hot Stuff is serving up plates of stewed chicken, Mississippi pot roast, and chicken fried steak. Sides include collard greens and black-eyed peas, but diners should expect a twist or two on the old formula. So far, dishes such as miso green beans, chili-crisp marinated cucumbers, brown butter sage rolls, and smoked chicken wings with pineapple habanero BBQ sauce have made it to the board, but, at this point, it seems anything is possible. 7507 Maple St., hotstuffneworleans.com
Brew on the Avenue … Yet another craft beer brewery recently opened its doors, this time on St. Charles Avenue right next to the city’s ultimate brew purveyor, Avenue Pub. Located inside the space that long housed Pralines by Jean, Care Forgot Beercraft is the brainchild of NOLA-native Connor Martinez, a booking-agent who became a home brewer run amok. Beers featured at the recent grand opening included Poboy Bread (an American wheat), Shoebox Parade (a session IPA), and a golden ale dubbed Yat Accent. Kicking it at Care Forgot for a brew or two, guests can also avail themselves of a margherita pie while appreciating a colorful wall mural by local artist Anna Schnitzler (@ sassybananadesignco), as well as a beer-utiful, stained-glass art piece by Devin Balara (@solid_space_glass) hanging in the window. 1728 St. Charles Ave., careforgotbeer.com
A cut-out for caffeine … Algiers Point’s Lower Coast Coffee has at last found a home inside NOLA Boards on Magazine Street. Cottage coffee roaster Patrick Kelly has recently launched his roasts inside another business (a la Cherry Coffee/Whatever Coffee-style), selling and pulling his unique blends. Buy New Orleans Coffee & Chicory, French Breakfast, and Southern Pecan by the pound or grab a shot of Bulbancha Espresso (a blend of beans from Central and South America, East Africa, and Indonesia). The new board bar also features goodies from Bellegarde Bakery, including sweet tidbits such as tahini thumbprint cookies and almond croissants. 4228 Magazine St., lowercoastcoffee.com
“The lights are much brighter there” … The Caro Mata Group, ie. beloved New Orleans chef Edgar Caro and his partner Antonio Mata, recently launched the second location of their Metry-born hit Brasa South American Steakhouse downtown on Canal Street. The restaurant group completely remodeled the Canal Place space (formerly occupied by Morton’s Steak House) to evoke the romantic aura of a South American locale with “lush, raised tropical gardens of foliage and plants designed by Luna Botanicals,” plus rattan and wicker furnishings, abstract paintings by Tina Hall, and unique sculptures made by Hernan Caro (Chef Caro’s uncle). Chef Caro has crafted a menu featuring many of the same dishes found at the first location on Metairie Road, including oysters a la Brasa and empanadas. The stars are the unique cuts of meat including 30-day aged Creekstone Farm black Angus hanger steak, Sakura Farm Wagyu picanha with fat cap, and Heritage Green Circle smoked chicken, as well as Linz Farm prime black Angus rib eye and Creekstone Farm prime black Angus strip loin, both aged in-house for 30 days. 365 Canal St. Ste. 220, (504) 371-5553, brasasteak.com
It’s too damn hot … Seasonal closures in the New Orleans restaurant industry are nothing new— think Casamento’s annual shutdowns in June, July, and August—but it seems more spots are taking a page out of the old-school oyster house’s playbook. Tchoupitoulas Street restaurant Wonderland + Sea is on a summer vacation and Bon Temps Boulet’s Seafood is only open during crawfish season (who buys crawfish out of season, anyhow?), but Decatur Street restaurant Saint John was the most recent shocker.
After opening during the pandemic, a recent (and ongoing) tussle with Entergy, and the business-killing summer doldrums, chef/owner Eric Cook has decided to close Saint John. The bad news is the killer turkey necks and guzzle-by-the-quart gumbo will likely never grace the French Quarter again. The good news? Saint John has relocated to 715 St. Charles Ave. and will reopen this fall.
Brasa South American Steakhouse
Care Forgot Beercraft
Lower Coast Coffee
Celebrating 66 Years!
NOW OPEN ON THE WEST BANK! 1915 PRATT ST., GRETNA
Original Location: 134 N. Carrollton Av., 488–7991 Mon, Wed–Sat: 4–10 pm • Sun Noon–9 pm
RESTAURANT GUIDE
AMERICAN
Bearcat Café is a top brunch spot, serving vegan huevos rancheros and gluten-free mushroom soft scramble. Whether you’re in the mood for a short stack, savory breakfast potatoes, or eggs served any way, Bearcat Café has you covered. Multiple Locations, bearcatcafe.com
Cause and the Cure NOLA is a new restaurant serving smash burgers, NYC-style chopped cheese sandwiches, and Korean-style corn dogs served with a variety of house-made sauces including their chimi sauce. 2540 Banks St., instagram.com/causeandthecurenola
Crescent City Steaks, New Orleans’ oldest family-owned steakhouse since 1934, boasts a true old-school vibe. Their New Orleansstyle steak, cooked perfection, 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. Multiple Locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com
Gattuso’s Neighborhood Restaurant & Bar is all about friendly service and offers plentiful outdoor seating. An extensive menu, featuring burgers, sandwiches, clubs, and more, ensures there’s something for everyone. 435 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, (504) 368-1114, gattusos.net
Jimmy J’s Café is a quaint New Orleans joint, perfect for a show-stopping breakfast or ending the night with a signature cocktail. Its intimate ambiance includes vibrant stained-glass walls—a prelude to the flavorful fare within. 115 Chartres St., (504) 309-9360, jimmyjscafe.com
Larder Gourmet Market + Eatery serves breakfast at any time of day, so try their French toast casserole and Bananas Foster pancakes. Grab a baked good or settle in with friends for a leisurely meal. 3005 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 766-6157, lardereatery.com
Legacy Kitchen’s Steak and Chop lures diners in with lunch specials and a happy hour. The Southern steakhouse boasts generous servings, friendly staff, and a selection of meats. Order their crawfish bread to start. 91 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 delicious French, German, and Creole blended cuisine will keep you coming back. 333 St. Charles Ave., (504) 378-2840, lukeneworleans.com
New Orleans Vampire Café is a fang-tastic spot in the French Quarter. The café specializes in NOLA cuisine and vampire-themed dishes. Try their “blood-bag drinks,” which are 8 oz. medical blood bags filled with vampire fangria. 801 Royal St., (504) 581-0801, nolavampirecafe.com
NOLA Steak, the classic and delicious steakhouse located in Boomtown Casino, is a carnivore’s dream. For a hearty meal, order the baked potato, filled 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 known for its stand-out potatoes. The Spud comes served in countless ways, so your starchy base can include crab meat, shrimp, cheese, bacon— really, whatever you can dream up. 2609 Harvard Ave., Metairie, (504) 455-3250, spudlys.com
The Country Club, in the Bywater, has an elegant landscape, a beautiful pool, and impressive mixology. This unique spot hosts drag brunches every weekend, perfectly complemented by a Creole-American menu. 634 Louisa St., (504) 945-0742, thecountryclubneworleans.com
The Rendon is a classic dive bar with bites to accompany the exciting atmosphere. With classic bar bites, including chips and dip, loaded nachos, fries almost any way, po-boys, pasta, steaks, and pizzas, you will eat well while there. 4501 Eve St., (504) 218-7106, therendon504.com
Vampire Apothecary Restaurant and Bar is a whimsical spot where the menu will transport you to another realm. Enjoy their fanciful plating and twists on well-loved classics, and make sure to visit their in-house psychics. 725 St. Peter St., (504) 766-8179, vampireapothecary.com
Voodoo Chicken and Daiquiris is a quintessentially New Orleanian stop-in spot. The joint boasts crispy chicken alongside a rainbow of fresh fruit daiquiris, best suited for cooling your taste buds after the heat. Multiple Locations, voodoochickenanddaiquirisnola.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. 4132 Peters Rd., Harvey, (504) 364-8812, boomtownneworleans.com
Mikimoto Restaurant in Mid-City serves delicious Japanese flavors, including generous sushi rolls, 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. For those itching for a phở fix, head to this spot, with its wide selection of flavors and delicious broth. 1028 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, (504) 302-1727, tdseafoodphohouse.com
Thai’d Up, a spot serving authentic and colorful dishes made from scratch, will transport you straight to Thailand. Every dish is colorfully seasoned, cooked to perfection, and will make your stomach satisfied. 1839 Gentilly Blvd., (504) 354-8202, thaidupla.com
BARS WITH GREAT FOOD
Backspace Bar & Kitchen is a great place to hang out with friends while enjoying tasty bar bites and refreshing drinks. Enjoy delicious appetizers including boudin balls, popcorn chicken, and bacon cheese fries. 139 Chartres St., (504) 322-2245, facebook.com/ backspacenola
Bamboula’s is a Frenchman Street stable equipped with great food and amazing live music. The interior is timeless and their classic Southern bar bites with flair are guaranteed to give you comfort and good vibes. 516 Frenchmen St., (504) 346-8300, bamboulasmusic.com
Buffa’s Bar and Restaurant is a classic neighborhood bar that has been transforming visitors into bar rats since 1939. Live music coupled with dark red paneled walls provides Buffa’s with good music and great vibes. 1001 Esplanade Ave., (504) 949-0038, buffasbar.com
JB’s Fuel Dock, in the scenic Lakefront neighborhood near Lake Pontchartrain, is the go-to spot for boaters and foodies alike. Offering great sandwiches, pizzas, and an unbeatable view, it’s the perfect place to fuel up your
soul. 126 S. Roadway St., (504) 510-2260, jbsfueldock.com
Le Bon Temps Roule is an Uptown bar steeped in tradition, as well as local culture and experiences. Famous for live music and Bloody Marys, each night is a celebration and a great excuse to order a drink or two. 4801 Magazine St., (504) 897-3448, lbtrnola.com
Stumpy’s Hatchet House is every fun-lover’s dream. 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. 1200 Poydras St., (504) 577-2937, stumpyshh.com/neworleansla
Le Bon Temps Roule
The Garage is the perfect escape for nightlife and music lovers alike. Indulge in a generously sized concoction with their iconic fishbowls. The Garage also hosts karaoke nights every Wednesday and Thursday. 810 Conti St., (504) 603-6343, facebook.com/ thegaragemusicclub
The Jimani is a famous New Orleans sports bar that encompasses 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. 141 Chartres St., (504) 524-0493, thejimani.com
CAFÉ
Café Amelie, inside one of New Orleans’ most iconic facades, is perfect for brunch, which is served Thursday through Sunday. In light of the history it honors, the café serves New Orleans classics including gumbo and muffalettas. 900 Royal St., (504) 412-8065, cafeamelie.com
Carmo specializes in tropical, healthy cuisine with influences from Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Every Friday and Saturday, they host live music for an experience as rich as the flavors on your plate. 527 Julia St., (504) 875-4132, cafecarmo.com
Crack’D has an interior that resembles your stylish grandmother’s house, as well as hearty and delicious cuisine. Their menu offers brunch classics with New Orleans twists that are served on pretty and dainty plates. 1901 Sophie Wright Pl., (504) 381-4678, crackdbrunch.com
Surrey’s Café & Juice Bar serves breakfast and has artwork of shotgun houses lining the blue and pink colored walls. The Bananas Foster French
Toast, with cream cheese blend on the inside, is a must-have item. 1418 Magazine St., (504) 524-3828, surreysnola.com
The Vintage, loved for its beignets, is a delicious spot to grab brunch or indulge in a sweet happy hour. The nostalgic atmosphere boasts white honeycomb tiles and industrial bars serving liquor and coffee separately. 3121 Magazine St., (504) 608-1008, thevintagenola.com
Willa Jean is a hipster café that serves an expansive coffee menu, as well as a plethora of pastries from cakes to cookies. Their prepared menu is just as enticing, filled with flavorful morning cravings. 611 O’Keefe Ave., (504) 509-7334, willajean.com
CARIBBEAN
Palm & Pine offers a daring menu with fusion food inspired by the South and the Caribbean. Their menu, which changes seasonally, features plates from coconut-blackened Gulf fish to Texas BBQ shrimp. 308 N. Rampart St., (504) 8146200, palmandpinenola.com
Jamaican Jerk House brings true Jamaican flavor and authenticity to New Orleans. The canary yellow building with bright green accents embodies the bright flavors of its Caribbean dishes. 4017 St. Claude Ave., (504) 441-8905, facebook. com/p/Jamaican-Jerk-House
FRENCH
King Brasserie and Bar offers a modern atmosphere paired with creative coastal cuisine. The menu boasts sea favorites along with an impressive wine menu and draft beer from across the nation. 521 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 3243000, kingbrasserieandbar.com
Restaurant August boasts a French-Creole design to match the cultural origins of the cuisine. This spot serves extravagant plates, including their mouth-watering barbecue escargot and panseared striped bass. 301 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 299-9777, restaurantaugust.com
ITALIAN
Domenica is an 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 is clear. 123 Baronne St., (504)-648-6020, domenicarestaurant. com
Mosca’s Restaurant offers the kind of hospitality that brings back memories of eating at grandma’s table. They prepare every authentic dish to order and have options to share family style. 4137 US Highway 90 W., Westwego, (504) 436-8950, moscasrestaurant.com
Pizza Domenica, with a rustic interior, boasts a casual and fun atmosphere that is the perfect crowd-pleaser. The menu features 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 traditions. U Pizza serves reasonably priced, light, and airy pizzas that are perfect for take-out or a quick and comforting family lunch. 1513 St. Charles Ave., (504) 381-4232, upizzanola.com
Venezia has a menu that features the classics you crave: succulent seafood, sizzling steaks, delightful pasta, and authentic pizzas. Their red and white tablecloths are stylish, and their wine list is worth checking out. 134 N. Carrollton Ave., (504) 488-7991, venezianeworleans.com
RESTAURANT GUIDE
Brasa South American Steakhouse
LATIN
Alma Café serves modern Honduran cuisine with a casual atmosphere. Their interior gives homage to its Latin roots, setting the scene for the extravagant flair and impressive diversity found within the menu. 800 Louisa St., (504) 381-5877, eatalmanola.com
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 open-fire cooking and a dry-aging process. Multiple Locations, brasasteak.com
Tapas e Vino offers authentic cuisine that will transport you to a terrace in Spain. The menu boasts Spanish staples, including wine and small shareables. The bar brings a unique flair with an emphasis on live jazz music. 516 Frenchmen St., (504) 346-8300, tapasevino.com
MEXICAN
El Gato Negro offers authentic and delicious Mexican cuisine in both New Orleans and Gretna. The restaurant has a long list of high quality tequila to enjoy, and their margaritas are made with freshly squeezed fruit juice. Multiple Locations, elgatonegronola.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. 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 emphasizes authentic flair. 4213 Magazine St., (504) 891-4213, shayarestaurant.com
NEW ORLEANS CUISINE
Annunciation Restaurant specializes in newage Creole and Southern cuisine, complemented by an atmosphere that invites celebration and conversation. Their menu provides refined comfort food to all who enter. 1016 Annunciation St., (504) 568-0245, annunciationrestaurant.com
Apolline Restaurant is a Magazine Street favorite restaurant that specializes in local ingredients. Situated in a renovated double shotgun cottage, the spot has the perfect ambiance for elegant NOLA cuisine. 4729 Magazine St., (504) 894-8881, apollinerestaurant.com
Café Normandie specializes in New Orleansinspired French cuisine. Every chair is adorned with a fleur de lis, perfectly capturing the essence of the establishment. Their perfected classics will entice you. 1000 Magazine St., (504) 528-
1941, higginshotelnola. com
Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop serves cozy Louisiana cuisine to visitors and locals alike. Critically acclaimed Chef Ron spotlights tradition and New Orleans roots with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, (504) 8352022, gumbostop.com
Crescent City Brewhouse offers a modern twist on Louisiana classics. This restaurant has fresh and delicate dishes that are top notch. With gorgeous balcony seating overlooking downtown, expect good vibes there. 527 Decatur St., (504) 522-0571, crescentcitybrewhouse.com
Desire Oyster Bar, conveniently located on Bourbon Street, is the perfect kick-start to your New Orleans night. The interior will transport you to a different era all while enjoying Cajun and Creole classics. 300 Bourbon St., (504) 5532281, sonesta.com
Evangeline is a social spot to enjoy authentic New Orleans cuisine. The spot is divey, with conversation and drinks at every corner. Emphasizing fresh ingredients and local flavors, their dishes are cooked to perfection. 329 Decatur St., (504) 373-4852, evangelineneworleans.com
Headquarters by Nice Guys Nola, new to the Warehouse District, caters to New Orleans’ lively culture. A fusion of a bar and an event space, it offers a unique menu, cocktails, and a vibrant ambiance that locals will love. 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. 225 Decatur St., (504) 310-4999, houseofblues.com/neworleans
Kingfish emphasizes true New Orleans tradition in both their hospitality and cuisine. The interior boasts a wrap-around bar, where conversation, cocktails, and good food meet. Try their Louisiana crab cakes. 337 Chartres St., (504) 5985005, kingfishneworleans.com
Lakeview Harbor serves up classic comfort food right on the harbor for a homey feel near Lake Pontchartrain. The seafood eatery specializes in big portions and fried indulgences for all your comfort food craving needs. 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., (504) 486-4887, lakeviewharbor.us
Li’l Dizzy’s Café brings unmatched familyowned hospitality to Creole soul cuisine, perfecting their recipes through four generations of Creole cooking. 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 renowned for all things sweet, delicious, and nutty, with founder Loretta Harrison celebrated as the “Queen of Pralines.” One specialty is their chewy cookie with a dollop of sweet potato filling. 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. 3800 Canal St., (504) 482-9179, mandinasrestaurant.com
RESTAURANT GUIDE
Melba’s, coined Louisiana’s busiest po-boy shop, offers a bustling, casual, and fun take on the typical po-boy restaurant. They even have a laundromat attached to the restaurant and offer free book giveaways and signings. 1525 Elysian
school, eclectic feel where conversations and drinks blend seamlessly. The spot serves many po-boys, such as fried Creole BBQ shrimp, surf and turf, and a homemade roast beef with gravy. 538 Hagan Ave., (504) 482-3047,
kitchen ambiance, where diners can watch chefs prepare their fresh cuisine. 701 S. Peters St., (504) 302-7496, briquette-nola.com
Drago’s Seafood Restaurant is famed for its
Hanging Out at Hangout Ramen
By Emily Hingle
Hangout Ramen is a pretty place to enjoy a meal before the sun sets while you watch the passers by and streetcars roll down tree-lined Carrollton Avenue.
Hangout Ramenʼs number of options is unparalleled and none of them will disappoint. The first thing you notice is their immense number of choices. The extensive menu boasts ramen, sushi, rice and noodle bowls, salads, and hibachi. Thereʼs so much that you can eat here dozens of times and never have the same thing twice. The chef is also inventing specials, adding even more menu items and making it fun to choose.
STREET FOOD & NOODLES
You should start off with a dirty brown sugar milk tea with boba. The sweet drink hits the spot, especially during the summer heat, and enhances the sumptuous food items.
The shrimp dumplings are warm, bouncy balls of goodness nearly bursting with pureed shrimp that still hold together between bites.
Tofu fans should try the salt and pepper tofu, which exceeds expectations and may entice a repeat visit. The squares of tofu are almost like perfect French fries—just crispy outside, steaming and soft inside, and dusted with salty seasoning. The fresh veggies cut through the salt with a burst of moisture and sneaky heat.
Hangout Ramenʼs seaweed salad is delightful. Entangled vines provide crunch and a light flavor that cleanses the palate.
Bar Guide
Backspace Bar & Kitchen
139 Chartres St. 504-522-2216
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
RAMEN
& SUSHI BAR
Hangoutʼs curry ramen blends Japanese cuisine with Indian flavors in a way most people have never experienced. While the grilled shrimp on a skewer is a nod to New Orleans itself, the steaming brothʼs curry flavor doesnʼt overpower the dish. Large amount of fish cake, bamboo shoots, corn, green onions, and bean sprouts mix when the noodles at the bottom become embed with these veggies when picking up through the broth. The tantamen ramen has ground beef, but the addition of bean sprouts, corn, bamboo shoots, seaweed, and egg make it extremely filling. The pork-based broth creates a rich flavor coating the mouth and lingers. Even if it canʼt be finished, it makes a fantastic office lunch the next day, making it a great value.
To go along with the savory flavor of ground beef in pork broth, bet on a complement of lightly-smoked salmon sushi, retaining the salmonʼs delicate flavor. Just two pieces is the perfect amount for one not to get FOMO over the other menu options not chosen.
This part of Uptown needs more of Hangout Ranmenʼs natural light and outdoor vistas, of which this welcoming restaurant affords, but it is also a great find for night owls. Hangout Ramen stays open until 10 p.m. on most evenings (closed Tuesday and Thursday), but also as late as 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday so that late-night eaters can get their fill, too.
So, head Uptown by foot, car, or streetcar to hangout with some tasty ramen at Hangout Ramen at 1340 S. Carrollton Ave. (504-571-5024) in New Orleans
Located in the French Quarter, Backspace Bar & Kitchen is a casual, late-night dive bar offering comfort food dishes, cold drinks, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
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 949 N. Rendon St. 504-488-7257
Rick’s Cabaret 315 Bourbon St. 504-524-4222
Rooftop at The Barnett 600 Carondelet St. 504-900-1180
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
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
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.
Rick’s Cabaret is a three-story strip club adorned with entertainers, cocktails, and a burlesque-inspired VIP room, perfect for a celebratory evening or a private dance.
The CBD's newest rooftop perch is a chic pool bar. Elevate your New Orleans experience with a dip or indulge in small plates and seasonal handcrafted cocktails while taking in the panorama of city views.
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.
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.
FILM REVIEWS
Twisters
Full disclosure: The original 1996 Twister is not a classic. Sure, it has cool visual effects, but the story is dumb, the situations ridiculous, and the characters dull. The same thing can be said about the new Twisters, which is a remake of sorts. It’s definitely not a direct sequel, but it is a rehash of what we saw back in ‘96.
Twisters opens with a young set of storm chasers. These people are supposed to be inexperienced storm chasers, but did they have to write them and play them like obnoxious fraternity kids on a party bus? Most of them get wiped out by a vicious tornado. Only two survive: Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Javi (Anthony Ramos).
Haunted by the tragic event, Kate quits chasing storms and gets an office job in New York. Five years later, Javi pulls Kate back into storm chasing by telling her that there is now better technology to help study or even disrupt tornadoes, which could save lives.
So it’s back to chasing tornadoes for Kate, but what she didn’t anticipate was a rival gang of storm chasers. These yahoos from Arkansas are led by “Tornado Wrangler” Tyler Owens (Glen Powell). He is a reckless daredevil and everything that Kate is against, but—oh my God—she thinks she loves him. Edgar-Jones and Powell have an easy chemistry together, and they both clearly are movie stars, but they deserve to
Longlegs
The buzz is that the new horror thriller Longlegs is scary as hell, which is great.
A good fright fest is always appreciated. Well, don’t completely buy into the hype because this film is underwhelming.
The story kicks off with green FBI Agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe in an effectively understated performance) being assigned to an unsolved case involving a serial killer known as Longlegs (Nicolas Cage). During her investigation, Lee discovers ties to the occult and that she has a personal attachment to the killer. Of course, she needs to stop him before he strikes again.
Drawing inspiration from serial killer classics such as Manhunter (1986), Seven (1995), and Silence of the Lambs (1991), writer/director Ozgood Perkins (The Blackcoat’s Daughter, Gretel & Hansel) manages to make a movie that is its own entity and not a rip-off. The way he frames interior shots, teasing us with out of focus doorways in the background, for example, is well done. It’s a little unnerving because you would totally expect a shadowy figure to pass by one of those door frames.
The first part of Longlegs is quiet and chilling. And, yes, it’s kind of scary. During these early
By David Vicari & Fritz Esker
be to seen together in a better movie. Twisters spends so little time showing the tragic aftermath of a deadly tornado that it barely registers that a community of people have lost everything. It’s insincere and even offensive because it seems like the filmmakers are just itching to get back to the scenes of tornadoes causing carnage. These special effects scenes aren’t thrilling because there is nothing to care about. The characters are obnoxious and the story is stupid—just like in the original. —David
Vicari
scenes, we never get a good look at Cage’s Satan-worshiping serial killer. He is either in shadows, there is a quick cut before his face comes into view, or he is concealed by the angle of the shot. When we finally do get to see him at about the midway point, the movie ceases to be scary. We get several classic Nicholas Cage freak outs, and, with the supernatural element really kicking in at this point, it all just gets kind of goofy.
A plot twist is revealed in the final act, but it is easy to figure out since it is sloppily telegraphed too early in the film.
Longlegs is fairly engaging, with good supporting performances from Blair Underwood and Alicia Witt, but, ultimately, it is a letdown. —David Vicari
Despicable Me 4
Box office numbers in the 2020s have been wildly inconsistent, but one genre that still reliably packs seats is the family/kids’ movie. So it’s no surprise Hollywood brought back reformed supervillain Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) in Despicable Me 4
Gru, his wife (voiced by Kristen Wiig), and kids must move to a new town after Maxime, a half-man/half-cockroach supervillain with a grudge (voiced by Will Ferrell), escapes from prison and vows revenge on Gru’s family. A neighbor tween (voiced by Joey King) with villainous aspirations of her own recognizes Gru and blackmails him into helping her with a heist. And, yes, the minions are involved, too.
Fly
Me to the Moon
That’s about it for the plot, which exists mainly as a loosely connected series of events to provide opportunities for the slapstick silliness the franchise is known for. Some of that silliness is funny, including a bit with a minion refereeing a tennis game. But while something like Inside Out 2 has enough emotional heft to have cross-generational appeal, the Despicable Me franchise is clearly tailored to children around 10 and under, and there’s nothing with wrong with that.
Moviegoers with young children can take them to see Despicable Me 4 and feel confident the kids will leave the theater happy. It won’t be painful for the adults, but it’s not something to see if you don’t have small kids.
—Fritz Esker
The romantic comedy genre was on life support but received a renewed lease on life with December 2023’s surprise hit Anyone But You. The new Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum "Space Race" romance Fly Me to the Moon hopes to keep the genre’s momentum going, and it’s a mostly pleasant outing at the movies.
Tatum plays Cole Davis, a leader in NASA’s race to get to the moon before the Soviets. It’s 1969 and morale is low. Due to a fatal accident that killed three astronauts, plus domestic turmoil and the Vietnam War, popular and government support for space exploration is waning. So a shady
government operative (Woody Harrelson) recruits marketing whiz Kelly Jones (Johansson) to launch a PR blitz to drum up support for the program. This includes being prepared to film a staged moon landing if the real astronauts don’t succeed or their camera equipment fails during the mission.
It’s a romantic comedy, so of course Kelly and Cole butt heads at first but they clearly have a chemistry together and like each other. Romantic comedies depend heavily on whether or not you like the two leads and are rooting for them to end up together. Johansson and Tatum pass that test here. Jim Rash also gets a lot of laughs in a supporting role as the diva director Kelly hires to film the staged version.
At 132 minutes, the film runs a little long for a romantic comedy and the pacing does sag a bit at times but not enough to derail the film. It’s a fun break for anyone looking to escape New Orleans’ oppressive summer heat. —Fritz Esker
TALES FROM THE QUARTER
By Debbie Lindsey
Rabbit Holes and Internet Travel
Watch your step. Thanks to Mr. Google, we are privy to an abundance of information—some useless or opinionated, some essential and fact-based. It seems that today’s devices, such as computers, smarty pants phones, and even dumb phones (mine), consume time—your time.
We know that data, minutes, and battery power are depleted when using today’s technology, but time actually does fly when our fingers hit the keyboards and our eyes focus on a screen. If you doubt this, just check your clock and watch your life speed up or Google this theory. I assume that someone out there in the cyber world will concur. See what I mean? Get my drift? Anything can be had via Mr. Google—even suspect notions and ideas (although I stand by my belief/fact: time is eaten quickly as you enter the internet).
Want information now? No waiting, no trip to the library, no “real” reading?
Then book a ride with Mr. Google (Mr. G) and cruise along the infinite information landscape. But beware—sources of misinformation are the potholes of this ride. And then, even more treacherous are the rabbit holes. Talk about time consumption.
Take, for example, my research foray into seltzer water. I thought I would garner a few health tidbits for an article on hydration. A simple query into a popular hydration-in-a-can sensation revealed an endless array of health pros and cons, lawsuits, and a list of chemical “things” I regret discovering. Now I know the world is teaming with boogie men named ethyl butanoate, limonene, and linalool, to name a few. And forever chemicals, aka PFAS, are lurking in my refreshing sparkling water. This quickie search cost me an hour once inside the cyber rabbit hole.
Even cyber rabbit holes, like the ones found in nature, are porous with their own burrows. Beware the warrens that are interconnected burrows. I simply went hunting for the proper definition and usage of this fissure of diversion and info, and bingo, there I was reading about rabbits and tunnels, which lead me to Hamas and underground terrorist cells and then back to ads for bunny feed.
Socially and emotionally, I suspect we were all a bit saner and calmer before we tapped into the wonderful, wacky, wonky World Wide Web and thus began to travel upon the Internet Highway. Call me oldfashioned (how dare you, you little mother trucker) but I am (I can call myself that).
Just as I appreciate the efficiency of driving the interstate, I really prefer a softer and more relaxed cruise along scenic highways. And certainly research is phenomenally quicker and more in-depth via my computer than my dictionary, thesaurus, or stack of outdated encyclopedias. Nevertheless, I always feel a sense of “cheating.”
I used to peruse through my thesaurus
and learn new words and uses and felt scholarly, like a good student. Now, I receive needed info so quickly with a few taps of the keyboard that I feel like I just looked over Nelda’s shoulder in grade school and copied her test answers. Furthermore, I quickly made four visits to Mr. G for terminologies, usage correctness, and clicked on five words for spell-correct rather than open my dictionary or simply take the time to use grade-school phonetics to sound-out proper spelling. I just dummied-down my brain for the sake of convenience.
Speaking of convenience, how many of you can even remember your best friend’s phone number or, for that matter, your family’s numbers? I still effortlessly recall my childhood phone number. Yet, I’m hard pressed to recall without fits and starts anyone that I call and text currently. Some are numbers shared via cellphone, not once really looked at—merely speed-dialed by name—and those numbers previously dialed manually are forgotten almost as quickly as they enter my cellphone’s data. My childhood telephone number was never a part of this cyberish world and therefore was not destined to be forgotten in the name of speed and ease. A friend told me his story of a routine traffic stop that escalated (without cause or merit) into an overnight sleepover at our lovely jail. His phone was left in the car, and he could only remember his employer’s number to get him out, which is a wee bit embarrassing despite the charges being dropped the next morning as a case of mistaken identity by a rash rookie cop.
Do I really want to go back to the days of banging away at my typewriter? Did I enjoy using “white-out” for typos and mistakes? How about those carbon paper copies? I collect and display as table-topart my assortment of vintage typewriters and wax poetically/nostalgically of their contribution to great literature; however, I admit a preference to never have to rely on them for this column.
Oops! A wind and lightning hiccup of Mother Nature just occurred. The result? A power outage. Fortunately, it was brief this time, and miraculously, I had saved my writing. All was intact and the microwave lunch resumed its nuking, but this was a reminder of past disappearances of columns and documents that were forever lost in cyberspace. Decades ago when I used floppy disks to store my writings, something happened and a year’s worth of work was gone. Even a friend working at MIT couldn’t retrieve the data. Wouldn’t have happened with a typewriter.
Like it or not, I am fully stuck in this cyber/tech world. While some of it I enjoy and benefit from, much of it terrifies me (artificial intelligence). I beg you to not become a slave to it. Use your mind and memory, as they are your very best tools.
Home of the Crabmeat Beignet
YBy Phil LaMancusa
Hail Mary or Uncomfortably Numb
ay, football season, yay. What I don’t know about the sport could fill a stadium. My original perspective on the game was curiosity as to why the “teams” were fighting over one ball when they could have easily gotten two and separated to their prospective sidelines, slapped each other’s asses, maybe drank a few cold ones, and fired up the Weber.
But no, they (mostly refrigerator-sized gladiators) gotta get out on a field marked with lines and throw, fight, pass, tackle, and protect their mates to get that pig’s bladder-shaped lead balloon (do they really use pig skin?) over to an imaginary goal line. Then they jump up and down over the fallen bodies of their opponents, slapping asses and high fiving each other while thousands of screaming “fans” yell, “Kill them!” That doesn’t seem odd to you?
it. They play this game for hours, and there are people that actually watch it. As usual, the winner gets a trophy, a green jacket, and choice of the next annual dinner’s menu—or something.
“Perseverance. Adversity. Triumph. Defeat. We see it all left on the field, as football season is officially upon us.”
– Mandy Antoniacci
“Football is a game of controlled anger. It’s a game of retribution. It’s about will,” —Brian Dawkins
It’s not like baseball where the teams (as it was explained to me) “hit the ball with a stick and run in a circle” while the “fans sit in the sun, talk, and drink beer.” That I can understand, as long as they don’t choose me to be on a “team” (I prefer to play a position called “Left Out”).
Tennis, I get. Two players with “racquets” try to kill each other with a yellow striped fuzzy ball while sweating and showing off their legs. If you miss badly enough, the other person gets a point and the most points win so that the loser can jump over the net to congratulate the opposing wouldbe assassin. There’s a lot of sweat.
Games and contests of adversity and brutality go back thousands of years—some interesting twists occur when the losing Mayan team gets literally executed. Also in ancient Rome, the games may have had scores like, “Lions: Three; Christians: Zero.”
The Spanish like to go one-on-one with a bull that is systematically made to suffer a hundred cuts and worn down until it is exhausted and finished off by some guy in tight pants who receives the dead animal’s testicles or ears—I can’t remember which. Interesting enough, the crowd constantly yells, “Olé,” which I think means something of a sexual nature. At times, these wild and crazy Spaniards let the bulls chase them in the streets in somewhere called Pamplona, I believe. Go figure.
Now golf is anybody’s guess. Folks even watch this on television. Everybody’s got to be quiet while players, who have commandeered huge swatches of real estate (that I could have had a picnic on with my dog), hit this teeniest hail-sized ball with long sticks called “irons” hundreds of yards to go into a teacup that has a flag sticking out of
Now, an American football team has 53 players, not counting coaches, but only 22 of them get to be on the field at any one time (and only 11 in the altercation itself). There’s also kids with towels and drinks (“energy” drinks, I suppose) and “referees” that throw yellow rags if one or more players misbehaves. The part that I hate (aside from not knowing what the heck is going on) is that they have magnificent “halftime” shows that they never show on TV (exception being Super Bowl), which is the only place I ever get to be subjected to this melee. That and they have these animated, long legged, sparsely dressed women, known as “cheerleaders,” that go through synchronized acrobatics that I suppose are to goad the players into exerting more masculine energy into their physical prowess, mental toughness, and myopic focus in order to vigorously annihilate the challenging group of 11 that have their own aerobic cheerleaders charged with the same task. That, I never get to see either.
Sports such as badminton, croquet, and even volleyball are “no care who wins; it’s all about the form and fashion.” These are the types of activities that I can relate to. Throwing darts and axes seems too dangerous to be done indoors, while archery seems like a “something could seriously go wrong” thing. Bowling, I suck at. Chess appears a bit too cerebral, while checkers is best on a porch with a “straw hat, a suit of overalls, and a worn out pair of shoes,” as Shirley Temple once quipped. Basketball is just that—tall guys in short sweats faking each other out to pitch a ball into a basket (there’s an awful lot of running back and forth). Horseshoes, I understand.
In football, as I vaguely understand, you draw lines 10 yards apart and you get three or four tries to move the ball across that line. If you do, you get three or four more tries to do it again (and again) or you can throw, pass, or hand off the ball. If anyone gets in your way, you can knock them down or you can ass whup anyone/everyone on the other team that tries to move that one ball away from you. It’s kind of like West Side Story without the weapons and catchy singing. All in all, competitive sports are not high enough on the testosterone level for my lionhearted masculinity. I go for the real thing: the stuff that makes your blood boil, the stuff that continues to amaze you with its brutality, shiftiness, viciousness, and sadistic no-holds-barred ferocity—the evening news.
