Latest Issue: Halloween Issue—2021 by Where Y'at Magazine

Halloween 2021

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DINING • MUSIC • ENTERTAINMENT • NIGHTLIFE

Halloween | Where Y'at Magazine

FROM THE HIGHLANDS OF

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CONTENTS

Halloween Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Josh Danzig

Food & Drink

Features

Creative Director: Robert Witkowski Executive Editor: Burke Bischoff

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Krewe of Boo Rides Again Unique Halloween Celebrations History of NOLA Cemeteries Frightening Film Favorites End of Summer Around the World Ghost Hinter Stormy Daniels is a Spooky Babe

Oktoberfest Louisiana Style

NOLA's Neighborhoods and How They Got This Way

36 40 44 48 51

Ranking Halloween Candy

Movie Editors: David Vicari, Fritz Esker

The Big Easy's Coffee Oases

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

Haunted Restaurants $20 & Under Restaurant Guide Bar Guide

Cover Photo: Courtesy Krewe of Boo! Parade float passing Jackson Square. Director of Sales: Stephen Romero Photographers and Designers: Gus Escanelle, Kimmie Tubre, Emily Hingle, Kathy Bradshaw, Robert Witkowski

Extras

Interns: Kayla Connor, Monwell Frazier, Shayla Baker, Olivia Longoria, Jordana Comiter, Re'gine Smith

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Po-Boy Views

Letter from the Publisher Nowhere does Halloween like New Orleans, and what better way to kick things off than with the Krewe of Boo parade. It’s the return of the first largescale parade since Rex last rolled 20 months ago. New Orleans is full of vampires and ghosts, and Kathy Bradshaw shows us where to find them in some of the city’s creepy cemeteries. It’s not even safe to dine out in the Big Easy, as Greg Roques explores our haunted restaurants. For those who would rather stay in, Kimmie Tubre offers unique ways to enjoy Halloween from the comforts of home. What’s Halloween without scary movies? Jeff Boudreaux and the Where Y’at staff share their favorite new and old fright night flicks. And Julie Mitchell’s ranking of Halloween candy will make you laugh out loud without getting a toothache. Please remember to wear a mask (not just a Halloween mask), or better yet, make $100 by getting vaccinated so that we can have Carnival! –Josh Danzig, Publisher

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WhereYat.com | Halloween 2021

LET THE

BOO TIMES ROLL

At This Year’s Krewe of Boo Parade By Burke Bischoff

Dubbed New Orleans’ official Halloween parade, the Krewe of Boo will officially roll this year on Saturday, October 23 at 6:30 p.m. The parade will assemble and begin at Elysian Fields Avenue, go through Decatur, Canal, and Tchoupitoulas Streets, and end up finishing on Andrew Higgins Drive. The parade is free to attend, family-friendly, and everyone is encouraged to dress up in their spookiest attire. The fun isn’t over once the parade ends! Starting at 8 p.m., there will be a post-parade costume party “Monster Mash” at Generations Hall. This 21 and over afterparty will feature music from The Topcats, DJ Taf, and DJ WIXX, a cash bar, and an eerily fun costume contest. General admission is $25, while a VIP ticket, which includes a balcony access, an open bar, and complimentary appetizers, costs $100. Brian Kern, captain and “chief spookster” of Krewe of Boo, said the idea of the parade was originally conceived by his father, Mr. Mardi Gras himself, Blain Kern, Sr. “He wanted to make New Orleans the premier destination for Halloween and do a big parade,” Kern said. “And the idea for the parade was first started, that was right after Katrina, to help the first responders and generate some money for them. It rolled for a few years; it didn’t roll in 2011 and 2012. I resurrected it in 2013 and my idea behind it was because I thought it was a good idea and I also wanted it to be like a greener parade than the Mardi Gras parades. I wanted to throw more locally produced items, consumables, and things that were made here and not plastic beads that were made overseas.” According to Kern, the parade has seen a steady growth since its inception. “My first few years of the parade, I rode with less than 200 riders. We now have over 400 riders, close to 500, riders in the parade,” Kern said. “We’ve got all of the great marching krewes. That’s another thing that has changed

Halloween | Where Y'at Magazine

since Katrina are all of these marching krewes that have been formed by people that didn’t live in New Orleans but now do and want to be part of Carnival, the formation of like the 610 Stompers, the Camel Toes, the Pussyfooters, Disco Amigos; all those krewes. That has been a great addition and we showcase a lot of those marching krewes in our parade.” While Kern believes that people will be excited for New Orleans’ first parade since March 2020 and encourages people to come and have fun, he’s asking that people attending the parade and afterparty follow all CDC and local COVID regulations, which include masks (for COVID, not just Halloween) and proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test. Additionally, Kern says the Louisiana Film Channel is live streaming the parade on TV this year for those who don’t want to physically come out. “Not that I would have done anything different from what the mayor did, but we’ve gotta get back to what we do best here and that’s music, food, cultural events, all of our festivals,” Kern said. “All of that stuff needs to happen again and I think that we can do it now, and that’s what this parade is going to prove. All of our riders, we’re requiring them to be vaccinated or have a negative PCR test. We’re doing everything we can do to make it safe and get things moving again cause this is going to be a trail run for Mardi Gras 2022. Kern says that with all of the hardships with COVID, lockdowns, and Ida, New Orleanians need something to get their festive spirits back and he hopes the Krewe of Boo parade is just the thing to pick the city back up. “We need a lot of fun, man,” Kern said. “People are just kinda in the doldrums. I’m hoping the parade can kinda ignite a fire to get things moving again.” For more information about the parade, the afterparty, and more events by Krewe of Boo, visit kreweofboo.com kreweofboo.com..

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY KREWE OF BOO!

With the recent trials and tribulations brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Ida, New Orleans has been feeling the wrong kind of dread. Luckily, NOLA’s favorite paranormal parade is back and ready to bring us a scary good time once again.

WhereYat.com | Halloween 2021

A SPOOKTACULAR AFFAIR

From festive virtual fun and quirky gatherings to creative-creepy crafting, Halloween can be celebrated in a variety of ways. While some may continue with the typical traditions, others may want to take an unconventional route. If you’re reading this, we can only assume that the unconventional person is you. Guess what? You’re in the right place. Whether celebrating with kids, adults, or both, here are some unique and, of course, spooky ideas that will make this year's Halloween one to remember.

Spookiest Bakeoff

Ghosts, goblins, spooky scenes—pumpkins and all things in between. It’s that time of year again. Yep, it’s Halloween, a holiday of costume wearing, trick or treating, haunted houses, and partying with family and friends. While all of these things make up the celebration of Halloween, they aren’t the only ways to celebrate the spooktacular holiday. 8

Halloween | Where Y'at Magazine

THE GHOST STORY EXCHANGE Nothing says Halloween like telling ghost stories and, fortunately, this can be done virtually or in person. But first, put on a costume. Halloween should always include some sort of costuming, and what better way to tell your story than to dress the part? You can make it a contest or simply a share out. Either way, gather your crew, enjoy, and tell some horrifying stories together. HISTORY BEYOND THE GRAVEYARD This Halloween graveyard adventure has an educational twist. During this graveyard visit, you will learn some history about those who have crossed

By Kimmie Tubre

over to the other side. One way is to go with no agenda and read different tombstones. You can fantasize and create scenarios about the life they once lived. Another way is to go with an agenda. Look up some of the more famous people of that cemetery, visit their grave, and read their story. New Orleans has plenty of beautiful cemeteries to visit! THE CREEPY CAMPOUT Got a tent? Then what better time to use it! From the campfire lighting the dark night to the mysterious animal noises under the full moon; admit it, camping is a bit creepy. This Halloween, grab your tent and head to the wilderness at one of Louisiana’s campgrounds, or simply in your backyard. Be sure to decorate your tent, have a cool creepy theme, and dress up if possible. Don't forget to tell a few good ghost stories around the fire. THE SPOOKIEST COOKOFF OR BAKEOFF This creepy cookoff will fill your Halloween with competitive fun while also filling your belly. Whether you decide to bake sweet treats or cook up savory dishes, make sure that it is a spooktastic dish. One

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Unique Ways to Celebrate Halloween

dig into your most morbid creative cocktail juices and conjure up some delicious spirits. After creating those spooktacular drinks, have a taste test and crown your ghostly winner. With all those hair-raising cocktail options, there’s sure to be one that is to die for! CREEPY CRAFTING From the variety of things to craft to the variety of creepy decorations, Halloween is the perfect time to practice your crafting skills. You can craft just about anything. Pumpkin decorating, Halloween jewelry, ghost sock puppets, and even bedroom door decorating; crafting comes in a variety of forms and would definitely be an awesome Halloween event.

THE HARMLESS PUMPKIN/ SCAVENGER HUNT While egg hunts are exclusive to Easter, small pumpkins make the perfect substitute for a Halloween hunt adventure. Go ahead, hide pumpkins all around and watch the kids and adults scatter to find them. Another fun hunt that would certainly be a hit is a spooky Halloween scavenger hunt. From hunting horror movie quotes online to driving around looking for various spooky things, a Halloween scavenger hunt comes in many forms and is fun for all ages. ALL THINGS HALLOWEEN GAME NIGHT From “pumpkin pinatas” to “pin the witch on the broom,” Cards Against Humanity

isn't the only game worthy of game night. During Halloween, you can put a spooky twist on just about any game around. You can even raise the stakes by gambling some of that trick or treat candy. The best part about a game night is that it can be added to just about any Halloween celebration you decide to indulge in because everyone loves a good game on Halloween. Deciding what to do on Halloween night can be an exciting task and taking the unconventional route can make it even more enjoyable. With whatever you decide to do, be sure to dress the part and take advantage of the festive yet creepily spooktacular holiday.

may bake up a dozen witch cookies while another cooks up a plate of frightful brain spaghetti. This cookoff should embody all things Halloween, so grab your ingredients and get your creative juices flowing. A DINNER PARTY THAT’S TO DIE FOR Dinner parties are always great gatherings filled with good wine, food, and table talks. At your Halloween dinner party, be sure to enjoy all of these things while dressed in costume. A fun but spooky theme will also get guests in the spirit. From a murder mystery dinner to a true blood theme, there are so many directions you can take when it comes to your deadly dinner party event. A GHOSTLY COCKTAIL CONTEST FILLED WITH SPIRITS Every Halloween event deserves a signature cocktail, and what better way to choose this year's cocktail Ghostly than a cocktail contest? You and Cocktail your guests can

WhereYat.com | Halloween 2021

DEAD END: New Orleanians’ Final Resting Places By Kathy Bradshaw

There’s just something intriguing about a cemetery, in all its creepy splendor, that feeds into the human fascination with the unknown and our attraction to the macabre.

But while the usual U.S. cemetery, with its typical tombstone-covered rolling green lawns and underground tombs, has simply been done to death, there is something unusual and unique about New Orleans cemeteries. Above-ground tombs, decorative statues, ornamental mausoleums, and white limestone vaulted walls help give these iconic “Cities of the Dead” their drop-dead gorgeous appearance. Because of this, local cemeteries, as well as the tombs of certain people buried in them—such as Marie Laveau, Ernie K-Doe, and Danny Barker—are a huge draw for tourists. The New Orleans Marketing Corporation reported that 42% of out-of-towners are dead-set on checking out one of the over 30 historic cemeteries when they’re in town.

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St. Louis No. 1 cemetery outside the French Quarter and CBD

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HALLOWEEN PARTY OCT. 29 - 31 1 PM - MIDNIGHT

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cemetery, but by 1804, they began to realize that above-ground tombs were a solution for the groundwater problem, keeping corpses relatively bone-dry by comparison. These tombs also followed the burial customs prevalent in Southern France and Spain, where many early New Orleanians hailed from. Fancily decorated above-ground tombs soon became a symbol of wealth and a way for well-to-do New Orleans residents to show off their social standing. So while the rich were dying to get into cemeteries such as St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, they wouldn’t be caught dead in some of the mass graves and “potter’s fields” where the bodies of the less fortunate where dumped. CLOWN CARS OF THE DEAD In any one of these New Orleans graves, there could be many people resting within— perhaps dozens or, in larger tombs, even hundreds. The way that they manage to stuff so many dead folks into such a small space is through a long-standing and elaborate burial process that is still used today. The grave is opened, and the casket is slid into the vault. To make room for the newcomer, the casket containing the previously departed is removed and whatever scraps remain of that body

OVER THEIR DEAD BODIES! The surplus of yellow-feverstricken dead bodies was too much for the overcrowded St. Peter Cemetery to handle. St. Roch's Cemetery Sanitation became an issue among the decaying of the stricken, and many locals were scared to (usually just bones) are dumped into a death that the dead were still contagious hole in the floor. This corpse-compacting to the living and that the air around these ritual continues for multiple burials until corpses was infected. Yet no one agreed maximum capacity is reached. All fellow on an appropriate method of disposal. tomb-mates are connected by blood or by Finding a place to stash these remains common interest—either family members was becoming something of a bone of or members of a particular social group, contention. club, or organization. St. Peter Cemetery was officially closed It is a requirement that no tomb be in 1800, and the city was built up directly opened between burials for at least a year atop those grave sites. In fact, in a fairly and one day, to allow time for the restingwell-known recent incident, 15 coffins were in-peace to properly decompose before a dug up in 2011 when a man living on that new resident moves in. The tombs are also same block of the French Quarter decided not air-tight, allowing air to get in and speed to put in an in-ground swimming pool in his up the decaying process. If anyone else backyard. related to, or otherwise affiliated with, the deceased should die during the prerequisite A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH year-and-a-day waiting period, he or she It was enforced by law that all new will be temporarily deferred and stored in a cemeteries would be built outside the city holding crypt elsewhere, until Uncle Frank proper, as most residents didn’t much care or Cousin Louie finish decomposing and free for living near death’s door. In 1789, St. up a spot in the tomb. Louis Cemetery No. 1 opened just beyond the French Quarter on Basin Street, where GRAVE DANGER it remains today. And speaking of remains, Burial in these community crypts could this cemetery comprises of more than be risky business. In some instances, a 600 tombs and monuments, as well as family would have to pay rent for a space the human leftovers found within them. in a tomb to store a dead relation. If they St. Louis No. 1 is the oldest still-existing defaulted on the rent, they risked having cemetery in New Orleans, as well as the their half-decayed loved ones abruptly most frequented (by the living), bringing in removed from their resting places. For thousands of visitors each year. impoverished families who had no other At first, people continued to bury options, being stuck with a homeless the dead underground even in the new carcass was a fate worse than death.

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DEAD IN THE WATER When New Orleans was first settled in 1718, life here was rough. There was disease and difficulty, storms and starvation, and one thing was dead certain: people were going to die. Likely very many of them. And those they left behind needed a place to dispose of the bodies. The first cemetery in the city was built in approximately 1725, dead-center in the middle of the French Quarter, along St. Peter Street, and dead bodies were buried there underground. There were several reasons why anyone who thought this was a good plan was dead wrong. First, the water table in New Orleans is so high, especially back in those days, that digging down even a few feet usually meant striking water. Coffins buried in these watery graves tended to get soaked to death, and the water pressure was strong enough to literally raise the dead—often forcing the coffins right up out of the ground again. Some funerary experts tried using rocks in the pine boxes as dead weight, but it wasn’t enough to keep them down. As New Orleans was developed, real estate began to be as much of a hot commodity then as it is today. Not only did people want to use the land where St. Peter Cemetery lay to build stores and residences, but when the yellow fever epidemic of 1788 killed thousands, it became clear that a much bigger cemetery was needed.

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GIVE US THOSE OLD TIME HALLOWEEN SCARES (or Escape from 2021)

Boris Karloff in "The Black Cat"

If life within a pandemic for a year-and-a-half or the stress stemming from the aftermath of the most devastating hurricane in the last 15 years isn’t horrific enough for you, then it is at least time to add some entertainment value to your scares, just in time for Halloween. 14

Halloween | Where Y'at Magazine

Yes, it’s that time of the year again, the chance to soak in all things scary, wicked, and evil…as long as it’s on the other side of our television screens! From bona fide classics of the genre to thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat, simply grab some candy and adult beverages (you deserve it) and check out our staff picks for the films that will make the most of your frightful holiday: The Black Cat (1934) – One of eight classics which teamed horror

UNIVERSAL PICTURES

By Jeff Boudreaux

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icons Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi, this loose but terrifying adaptation of Poe’s short story was released at the tailend of Hollywood’s “Pre-Code” era. It truly is fascinating to see the adult themes that director Edgar G. Ulmer was able to get away with, such as the first depiction of a The Devil vs. "The Exorcist" Satanic cult onscreen, heavily-implied release, the film was not only panned by necrophilia, genocide, critics for its graphic depictions of violence and even a man being skinned alive! A true and rape, but some horrified audience masterpiece of psychological horror, The members also demanded theaters destroy Black Cat would become Universal’s biggest the film, with a few going so far as to box office hit of 1934. (Jeff Boudreaux) steal it themselves! Anyone interested in viewing this truly horrifying and disturbing Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein film should be prepared for the raw (1948) – A film that excels at both horror brutality it depicts. (Kim Ranjbar) and comedy, pitting the “Who’s-onFirst?” team against Universal’s classic The Exorcist (1973) – A perfect storm of monsters, including Bela Lugosi’s Dracula, creepiness, I first became hooked on this Lon Chaney’s Wolfman, Ben Strange as film’s horror when I was in high school, as Frankenstein’s monster, and even an the idea of demonic possession awakened uncredited “cameo” by Vincent Price as the my darker curiosities. But the head-rotating, Invisible Man. When Chaney warns the duo crab-walking, pea-soup-puking, levitating that “the moon will rise and I will turn into main character Regan is frightening in so a wolf,” Costello’s eye-roll response: “You, many other ways. Add in that incessant and 20 million other guys!” still cracks me and eerie musical jingle, a priest thrown up. (Robert Witkowski) down about 100 steps, and the condition of Regan’s face, and you won’t sleep for days. Last House on the Left (1972) – An Of course, some of the more humorously “exploitation” horror film, which was naughty exclamations of the demon and written and directed by Wes Craven, it what she does with that crucifix somewhat explores the concept of evil, suggesting lighten the mood. (Kathy Bradshaw) a monster lives inside all of us. Upon

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"Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein" (and Dracula, and the Wolfman, and…)

House (1977) – Not to be confused with the 1986 American movie of the same name, the best way I can describe this Japanese horror film is that it’s like a mix of a Scooby Doo episode, a drug-induced hallucination, and a farcical comedy sketch all tied up in a spooky bow. I dare not give a ton of details away, because you need to go into this movie as blind as possible (as well as with plenty of booze and friends). Creepy, dumbfounding, and highly entertaining, House is a haunted house movie that’s anything but boring. (Burke Bischoff) Dawn of the Dead (1978) – George A. Romero's high energy sequel to his groundbreaking ghoulish classic Night of the Living Dead has a group of survivors escaping the zombie horde by holding up in a shopping mall. The movie has welldrawn characters, a driving score by the Italian progressive rock group Goblin, and is chock full of ripping flesh, spewing guts, and exploding heads courtesy of practical effects master Tom Savini. Remade in 2004, the original Dawn of the Dead is a fun zombie flick that even injects social commentary about consumerism into the gory mix. (David Vicari)

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The Thing (1982) – A universal human fear is the thought that we can never truly know the people we’re surrounded by. Director John Carpenter plays on that fear brilliantly in this sci-fi/horror masterpiece, a remake of 1951’s The Thing from Another World. Here, the staffers at an Antarctica research station learn they have been infiltrated by an alien life form that kills human beings and perfectly imitates them. They then find themselves both terrified of the alien and each other. Carpenter establishes a sense of dread, paranoia, and loneliness that builds throughout the film as the

"American Psycho" redefines making a killing on Wall St.

men realize they are helpless and can trust no one. Critics were put off by the film’s extreme gore, and it wasn’t a hit at the box office. Thankfully, audiences did embrace The Thing over time, and it’s now widely acknowledged as a classic. (Fritz Esker) Cape Fear (1991) – A remake of the 1962 film, Cape Fear focuses on Max Cady (Robert DeNiro), a convicted rapist and psychopath. After his release from jail, he begins to terrorize his attorney, Sam Bowden (Nick Nolte), and his family. The plot thickens when Cady targets Bowden’s 16-year-old daughter, causing the lawyer to take the law into his own hands. Bernard Herrmann’s score and Martin Scorsese’s unique camera angles really add to this suspenseful thriller. It's a must-see for the director’s fans. (Celeste Turner) Scream (1996) – Scream is a time capsule. It encompasses its era perfectly, pays homage to classic slasher films, and has inspired countless copycat franchises. But no other horror film has nailed the biting cynicism of 90s teens like Scream. Or the real fear of a faceless murderer stalking you while you’re home alone. As a character in one of Scream’s sequels says, compared to ghosts and monsters, “there’s something real and scary about a guy, with a knife, who just snaps.” (Andrew Marin) American Psycho (2000) – As hilarious as it is shocking, this prescient portrait of a prototypical 80s-era yuppie with a thirst for blood will be familiar to modern viewers for its protagonist’s pre-influencer obsession with trends, brand-association, and mass approval. Even more horrifying is his incessant idol worship of then yuppie standard-bearer—and fellow sociopath—Donald Trump. (Greg Roques)

"Hausu" (House) is an iconic Japanese horror film

John Carpenter's remake of "The Thing" brought the genre to new levels WhereYat.com | Halloween 2021

A WORLDWIDE CELEBRATION of the End of Summer By Michelle Nicholson

Besides Mardi Gras, Halloween may be New Orleans’s most favorite holiday. Much like the relationship between Mardi Gras and Ash Wednesday, Halloween is observed the night before the Roman Catholic All Saints Day on November 1.

Also like Mardi Gras, it is more deeply rooted in older pagan or nature/Earth-based seasonal rituals. In the case of Halloween, or Samhain (which translates to “summer’s end” in Irish), its Celtic roots were never really erased. But the fact is that Halloween is just one of the many similar ways that people everywhere observe the end of summer, or the light part of the year. One common belief around the planet is that the separation between the realms of the living and dead is thinned or dissolved during this time of year. In Mexico, the Day of the Dead is a celebration of reunion with loved ones who have passed, when the gates of heaven open up on November 1 and 2. In India, people visit with and honor their past three generations of dead during Pitru Paksha, or “the fortnight of the ancestors.” In China, hungry ghosts roam the streets on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month each year. Among the Igbo of northern Nigeria, ancestors visit every two years, for as long as six months—from sometime in late September or early August until April. Dishing out candy to kiddies who appear at your door dressed like ghouls and phantasms is a popular iteration of offering treats that appears in our local Halloween tradition, and the Day of the Dead is also known for its offering of cakes, cookies, and candies. But historically—and in most cultures—the group of people knocking on doors first offers a gift of song. And yes, in the most ancient of versions, “tricks” were doled out as a penalty for not rewarding the carolers with gifts. Feasting and offerings of food are a nearly universal element of end-of-summer festivals and sweet treats seem to be a particular favorite. A Samhain celebration might feature mulled wine, cider, or mead. Austrians set out bread and water for visiting deceased. Even Catholics in Italy set a place at the table for their dead on All Saints Day. In the Philippines for All Saints Day, the folk tradition pangangaluluwa includes practitioners’ offering songs as prayers for those in Purgatory and a supplication for sweet potatoes, purple yams, and sticky rice cakes. Rice is a favorite offering made in most Hindu and Buddhist end-of-summer ancestor offerings. Along with other vegetarian dishes, sweet rice and milk is fed to cows, dogs, and crows as proxies for ancestors during Pitru Paksha in India. Sticky rice is also

Halloween | Where Y'at Magazine

offered to as many as seven generations of visiting ancestors (see “hungry ghosts” in Buddhist China above) each year in Cambodia, during Pchum Ben—when the gates of hell open each year on the 15th day of the 10th month of the Khmer calendar (late September to early October). Food also plays an important role in the divination rituals that are popular during this time of year. Bobbing for apples as a way of divining who would be married the following year was introduced to the Celtic Samhain by Roman colonizers (who were pagans carrying on the tradition of Pomona, goddess of plenty). An Irish Samhain tradition is for young single women to go blindfolded into the kitchen garden to harvest a cabbage. The cabbage is used to prepare colcannon and a ring is hidden in the pot. Whichever woman finds the ring is foretold to be married in the coming year. The Irish barmbrack (a raisin-filled quick bread) is also used in a divination game on Halloween, with symbolic objects—such as peas, coins, and beans—popping up like king Pchum Ben cake babies in slices to portend fortunes. Fire of some sort is another common offering in celebrations equivalent to Halloween around the world. In Ireland, turnips and fodder beets were hollowed and carved with grotesque faces to use as lanterns, to ward off evil spirits—a tradition that has become the American jack-o'-lantern. But most versions are more traditional offerings, often alongside flowers (and, of course, fruit and other sweet treats), such as in Mexico and India. In Poland, during Dzien Zaduszny in early November, candles are lit at family graves. In Italy, the preferred flower is the chrysanthemum and a lit red candle in a window honors the dead on All Saints Day. The Czech people leave an empty chair at the hearth that night. Perhaps the most fantastic offerings of fire takes place during Hong Kong’s Hungry Ghost Festival (referred to as the Yulan Festival by Buddhists and the Zhongyuan Festival by Taoists) when practitioners burn joss paper, hell money, and origami figures—paper folded into symbolic gifts like designer clothes. And the pageantry doesn’t stop there. Local operas hold special performances, reserving the front row for visiting ghosts. The Hungry Ghost Festival also features costuming and street performances, much like the culmination of Awuru Odo in Nigeria. But only Hong Kong hosts a high stakes costume contest and parade that parallels New Orleans.

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Imitation paper money and yuanbao burnt at ancestors' graves around the time of the Ghost Festival (Jiangsu Province)

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THE SPOOKY WORLD of Stormy Daniels

By Emily Hingle

Former adultfilm star Stormy Daniels and rocker Justin Loupe find new life as paranormal investigators in a ghost-hunting reality show, "Spooky Babes"

Halloween | Where Y'at Magazine

Stormy moved into a home in the Lower Garden District and quickly started noticing things weren’t right. It’s like the house “didn’t make sense.” “I always had unexplainable things happen to me, but it just took off when I moved in,” Stormy said. “That house was next level. Living there combined with COVID: there’s a collective energy of people freaked out that creates a ‘thinning of the veil.’ You start to notice things you may not be paying attention to if you were on-the-go. Put all of that together and, pardon the pun, but it was a perfect storm.” Over the 10 months that she lived there with her now ex-boyfriend, several people reported strange substances dripping down the walls, water flowing from light sockets, and sudden panic attacks. “A guitar was smashed in half, we’ve caught things walking on camera, and scratching. I moved out of that house almost two years ago, and the four people who’ve lived there after me left on a stretcher.” After the couple moved out, Stormy’s ex didn’t believe that the creepy incidents were real. The denial made Stormy determined to understand her experience, so she sought out experts in the supernatural. She said, “Once I knew I wasn’t crazy, once I had been validated by people who saw stuff, once I had physical evidence, then I just wanted to figure out what is this? How do you deal with it? So I reached out to a bunch of paranormal investigators from TV shows. I got no response.” As fate would have it, Stormy had recently made friends with local horror-rock musician Justin Loupe of Deadsled Funeral Co. With his kindred passion for the paranormal, the duo decided to gear up and start contacting spirits on their own. Spooky Babes was born. The Spooky Babes Paranormal Investigation team began honing their craft in the innocent era just before COVID came to the U.S. Justin explained, “We started dipping our toes in the water just going to locations when Stormy did public appearances. Then once COVID hit, we had all the free time to do all of the places.” The Spooky Babes booked investigations at infamous haunted venues like Lizzie Borden’s House, Sallie House, The Myrtles, and The Conjuring House, and they brought along a film crew to capture what they experience. Stormy said, “I really thought it was just going to be a couple of locations. I was just going to meet a couple of people and get the answers I was looking for. I didn’t have any idea that it was going to become our job. I didn’t know I had gifts. I didn’t know I was truly a medium, but it makes sense. That’s why everything was always happening to me.” She has developed her natural gifts enough to offer oracle card readings and mediumship. Before entering a potentially haunted house, Stormy waits outside while the rest

DESEIGN BY ROBERT WITKOWSKI FROM PHOTOS COURTESY SPOOKY BABES, BACKGROUND IMAGE: CALEB GEORGE/UNSPLASH

Yes, that Stormy Daniels. Actress, model, and mom: Stormy Daniels is now a bonafide ghostbuster. Along with her crew, she’s storming across the country, seeking out the dead among us and collecting proof of their existence. Her unusual path to this vocation is full of twists, turns, and even terror.

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Stormy and Justin encourage you not to be afraid, but you should be aware about how to deal with the dead. Stormy instructed, “You should treat spirits the same way you would treat a living person. Mind your manners and be respectful. They’re not all bad, they’re not all good, just like the living. Some are funny, some are feisty, some are scared, some are trapped. Different languages, beliefs, religions, ethnicities. Some of them are confused; they don’t know where they are or how they got there. And don’t piss them off!”

Lizzie Borden’s house in Fall River, Mass.

concurred, “People living and dead tend to gravitate towards Justin. Spirits, ghosts, entities that might not be willing to approach others feel comfortable with him.” Spooky Babes is unique in that it is a full-service paranormal business; the job doesn’t end once evidence has been collected. The living may require long-term therapy. “Even if we debunk everything, someone’s been living in so much fear for so long that they’re going to have lingering issues. On our team, we have a yoga instructor, an equine therapist, and Justin is a reiki master. I’m a big proponent of alternative medicine, so we have our own CBD line called Perfect Stormy (perfectstormy. com). We want to have these alternatives because it’s a long-term commitment to the client, both living and dead.” If you think you might not be alone in your home,

Follow @spookybabesshow on Instagram for details on Spooky Babes Paranormal Show.

The McNutt House may be the most haunted place in Vicksburg, Miss. CLOCKWISE FROM FROM TOP LEFT: DKEGY/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS; THE BURNS ARCHIVE /PUBLIC DOMAIN; RENELIBRARY/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

of the crew enters. She uses her skills to understand the home on a psychic level. Once she enters this state, she may blackout and take off running through the house. “They call it remote viewing. I go to a location, and I’ve never been inside before. I know what the inside looks like and where stuff is at. I black out and take off running, and Justin has to chase me.” Justin has different specialties that allows the paranormal pair to function as a team. He said, “I’ve recently started tapping into the empath stuff. I don’t see things, but I have emotions. The emotions that I feel aren’t even attached to the stories I hear about the place. It’s usually other things that are trying to reach out and probably don’t get that much attention at these locations because people don’t know about these spirits. It’s like the underdogs of the location. Children spirits love me.” Stormy

Lizzie Borden’s murdered father, who may haunt the family home

You can catch Stormy Daniels on VH1’s Surreal Life this fall.

Halloween | Where Y'at Magazine

May We Entice You With a Treat?

The Night Cap with Crystal Head Vodka

A smooth, rich, and indulgent way to end your evening. Don’t forget to freshly grate dark chocolate on top to add an extra layer of depth. Sit back and enjoy!

INGREDIENTS • 2 oz. Crystal Head Vodka • 1 oz. Chilled Espresso • 1/2 oz. Coffee Liqueur • 1/4 oz. Simple Syrup

EQUIPMENT • Cocktail Shaker • Martini Glass GARNISHES • Grated Dark Chocolate • Espresso Beans

METHOD Add Crystal Head Vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously over ice for 10-15 seconds. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with grated dark chocolate and three espresso beans.

WhereYat.com | Halloween 2021

SIMPLY DAS FEST: The History of Oktoberfest in New Orleans

By Rebecca Fox

Oktoberfest started as a celebration for the Bavarian crown prince’s wedding in Munich in 1810. Despite the name, the original event started in September, ironically, and ran two weeks through the first Sunday in October. Although now over 200 years old, the history of Oktoberfest in New Orleans as we know it only goes back as far as around the midto-late 1970s. The Deutsches Haus, located then at their original home on S. Galvez, was happy to host both the Oktoberfest event as well as Volks Fest (traditionally held around May-June) to celebrate their German heritage. There was even an Oktoberfest Parade that started in the French Quarter, went down Canal Street, and ended at the South Galvez Haus location, according to Former Deutsches Haus President Keith Oldendorf, who now serves on the Board of Directors. I’m told by several of the older members that many years ago, they used to pull a pretzel oven down the parade route so that they could hand out hot and fresh pretzels to the crowds to drum up interest.

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FROM LEFT: DEUTSCHES HAUS NOLA (3); THE HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION, GIFT OF KEITH OLDENDORF, 2008.0125.4

Where can you find beer, pretzels, polka music, German food, and a giant dancing chicken? All are staples of New Orleans Oktoberfest, hosted by the Deutsches Haus, the local German organization with the slogan “The German Presence of the Gulf South.” Held for the last few years at the brand new Haus on Moss Street in New Orleans (across from City Park), the Oktoberfest event has relocated a few times in recent history. The event has been affected by hurricanes, hospitals, and even by World’s Fairs—and is almost as rich in heritage locally as the original version overseas.

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When the World’s Fair came to New Orleans in 1984, that additional marketing was no longer needed—because among the other things learned from the World’s Fair, an important lesson New Orleanians took away was that biergartens are great. When the Fair was finished, folks now in love with the biergarten concept sought out a local opportunity to have German bier (beer) year-round and the Deutsches Haus was eager to show off their heritage. That’s when the Oktoberfest event really started blossoming, through the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. When the S. Galvez location (established in the 1920s) was wrecked during Hurricane Katrina, members rallied to rebuild the house in time to reopen less than two months later for Oktoberfest. There was a countdown clock hung up on the wall and everyone watched it closely, chipping in to work and putting their own home rebuilding aside to make Oktoberfest a reality. That 2005 Oktoberfest was the biggest event seen to-date, but also the most bittersweet, as the Haus would soon be losing their beautifully restored building and land due to the new footprint of the new LSU/VA Hospital. There’s an extremely touching documentary by Justin Nystrom and produced by Loyola University called This Haus of Memories, which highlights the rebuild and the last days of the Haus. It’s currently available on Vimeo. The Deutsches Haus was eventually able to secure new land on Moss Street, near Bayou St. John, and for the next few

s ’ r ne g Wa

e i D

years while involved in new construction, the Haus temporarily relocated to a Metairie rental location between their Mid-City spot and the new build. They affectionately called this the “Halfway Haus.” The Oktoberfest event was moved to Kenner, in this time period, and it was then that the event changed from a five-

re ü k al W e on t c a

weekend long event to a much shorter two-weekend offering, mostly because of the effort required to transport the setup from Metairie to Kenner, according to Oldendorf. In 2018, the Moss Street location was able to host Oktoberfest in the parking lot and had its grand opening the following

year on the Deutsches Haus’s 91st anniversary. Since then, Oktoberfest has increased in both crowd-size and nostalgic elements were reintroduced, until of course the recent pandemic forced everything closed in 2020. Just like in 2005, everything was rebuilt from the ground up just to be shut down again. This year is not without its challenges, but the Haus hopes to stick to the theme of their last 90+ years: perseverance. As of the printing of this story, the 2021 Oktoberfest event is on and is scheduled for the last two weekends of October and the first two weekends of November, going back to the original longer format at long last. The Fest will be held at the Deutsches Haus, at 1700 Moss St. For more information and timely updates, visit deutscheshaus.org. It’s important to note that even though Oktoberfest is the largest event at the Haus offered by far, they have year-round events, including weekly German language classes, movies, choir and club gettogethers, and cultural events. Hopefully you can go to the festival and experience gemütlichkeit. The English definition for this German word is hard to verbalize, but it’s basically the warm, happy feeling you get when you are with friends. If that doesn’t describe Oktoberfest, I don’t know what else does. New Orleanians and Louisianians rebuild continuously because this is our home, and our history and traditions are worth celebrating. The Deutsches Haus’ Oktoberfest is no exception.

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HALLOWEEN CANDY RANKED A Definitive Guide By Julie Mitchell

Before Halloween was about drinking and trying to have sex with someone dressed like a plant, it was about candy. Costumes?? You might argue. But if you slap on a bandana and an eye patch and say “aarg,” people will SHOWER you with treats big and small until your heart explodes (aside from a very few “grumps,” who we refuse to acknowledge as fit members of society). But WHAT candy you get is a different subject. There’s a huge range from “its own currency” to “trash.” Here is a painstakingly assembled guide to items you might get in your plastic bucket (pillowcase if you’re serious) on Halloween night. Enjoy and remember to trick responsibly!! CHOCOLATE Reeses—Better than actual peanut butter, and I say that lovingly because whatever is in the middle of these is not 100% food. I don’t like holiday shapes (pumpkins/eggs/trees) but one of the few candies where it doesn’t matter if they have melted and reformed. Twix—D1 Milky Way—Palate cleanser that can make you physically ill. They have “nougat,” which no one really understands, but also the decency to be miniature often, which forces some portion control on an otherwise lawless night. The designated driver—a little lame but facilitating everyone else to be great (no offense to designated drivers—the backbones of society). Snickers—Their commercials and name are TERRIBLE but all is forgiven on Halloween. If you meet someone who doesn’t like Snickers (for non-allergy reasons), know that you can’t trust them. 100 Grand—Don’t have name recognition, probably because the caramel has the structural integrity of weak glue. But the week after Halloween when you’ve gone through all your good candy and you’re working your way through these babies, it’s not bad. In a pinch, could use as grout if needed.

Butterfingers—You will hallucinate if you eat too many; was endorsed by Bart Simpson. A+. M&M’s (peanut or regular)—Scientifically, the colors don’t taste different, but to me? They do. Heath—Who needs teeth? Three Musketeers—If you don’t have anything nice to say,

Halloween | Where Y'at Magazine

COTTONBRO/PEXELS

Hershey’s—Sometimes you’re sick of finding things in your chocolate. Hershey’s bars/kisses are a moment of calm in the midst of a raging candy storm.

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don’t say anything at all. Symphony Bar—Toffee, almonds, chocolate. A Hershey product but gets its own category because it was made to shine. York Peppermint Patties—Tastes like toothpaste, but maybe that’s your thing. Kit Kat—Boring but not bad. If your dad remarried and she was nice.

Mentos—Rare instance (unprecedented?) where all colors are good.

Nestle Crunch—Cereal but worse. GUMMIES Sour Patch Kids—Classic, tropical, or mystery flavor, these little guys are a league all their own. Once, I ate most of a Costco size bag during a movie and my tongue started to bleed. Blending that kind of pleasure and pain? They are the only S&M candy and they are children?? Sour Patch Kids are experimental art forcing us to recognize the hypocrisies in our own humanity. A+. Bears—Bright colors and they’re made of horse hooves? They are a reminder that death comes for us all.

Jolly Ranchers—A delicious speedbump.

Sweet Tarts—Sour chalk, somehow good.

candy? To remind me Hell is hot?

Fruit by the Foot/Fruit Rollups— Superstars.

Fun Dip—Why don’t I just do heroin?

GROSS BUT NEEDED Tootsie Rolls—Not enough chocolate to be chocolate, not enough ingredients to be anything else. Odd little tube. But a Halloween without them? Unthinkable, blasphemous. Candy Corn—Controversial! Candy corn has existed for over 100 years and will be here when you are but a memory. Lemon Heads—Unsure who they’re for but clearly someone who needs it.

Blowpops/Tootsie Roll Pops—OWL for a mascot? Art.

NOT CANDY BUT A PART OF THIS Apple—I always get one (across states) and they are a source of comfort.

Dum Dums/Other Lollipops— Disappointment to their families.

Yogurt Pretzels—Yoga moms who make muffins with zucchini and take bread out of places where bread is supposed to be. But we can’t blame that on yogurt pretzels, which are delicious despite their flawed origins.

Mike & Ike’s—Yes. Dots—Unnatural in the non-cinema world. Jellybeans—Always good. Airheads—Yes. Fruit Snacks—Huge range of quality depending on brand. Ultimately positive (s/o Gushers, the highest-level fruit snack).

Sour Belt/Straw—Doing the work. Swedish Fish—Love these guys.

Starburst—Pink and red? Amazing. Orange and yellow? If we must.

Good & Plenty—My mom likes these.

Haribo—Not a fan but they have a cult following, so I won’t touch. Worms—Fine.

would give you water, green Skittles would rub your back, purple Skittles would try to change the tire even though that isn’t what’s wrong, orange Skittles would call your mom and make it worse, and blue Skittles would play Rihanna on their phone on the side of the road. A team and everyone plays an important role.

Oreos/Nutter Butters—Cookies. HELL TIER Circus Peanuts—A message from God you have failed and need to atone.

Skittles—If your car broke down, the red Skittles would call AAA, yellow Skittles

Nerds—Closest a child can come to taking shots.

Twizzlers—Chocolate ones are a medical experiment gone awry, but black and red are positive contributions to society. Pull aparts should be banned.

featuring

Box of Raisins—Dried fruit in cardboard? Must draw the line somewhere.

Whoppers/Malted—Not in the Bible. Bit-O-Honey—Am I a bug? Hearts with Words—Outside Valentine’s Day, bad luck. Brach’s Brand Anything—Wood sap and chemicals. If you can’t spend one more dollar to get the real stuff, perhaps you are not meant to give this year. COCONUT NUT CARAMEL PRETZEL CONTINGENCY Mounds/Almond Joy—One goes a long way. PayDay—Baseball? Rollos—Mom purse chocolate. Decadent, small, hard to open.

presents

Baby Ruth—Discontinued. So like the real Babe Ruth, dead to us. Milk Duds—Going to solve an international crisis, just not sure how or when. Mr. Goodbar—Trying too hard.

Now & Laters—NOW you have a filling and LATER you won’t!

Okay that’s it! If you get anything not on this list, it’s officially not candy! Have fun being a disco mermaid ghost!

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RAW SUGAR Smarties—I didn’t take Adderall as a child, but once I ate nine rolls of Smarties in an hour, so did I?

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Jawbreaker/Hard Balls—Choking hazard disguised as dessert.

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THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD: By Kathy Bradshaw

By some counts, New Orleans has as many as 72 neighborhoods and everyone has their favorite. Yes, which of these countless neighborhoods is the best or most appealing—whether for its dining, people, location, price, or scenery—is as hotly debated as dog vs. cat, if bread pudding should have raisins or not, and whether Miller Lite tastes great or is less filling. And in much the same way that people sometimes start to look like their pets, residents often begin to take on characteristics of the neighborhoods they call home. But why is that? Why do certain people gravitate toward certain parts of New Orleans, who lives where and why, and how did these neighborhoods come to be? While we can’t delve into all 72, here is some background on some of the most popular neighborhoods around town. Point of Vieux: The French Quarter For better or for worse, the French Quarter is the bestknown part of the city, the neighborhood most often associated with New Orleans itself. It is also the original and

oldest neighborhood and, in the early days, encompassed the entirety of the city. Founded in 1718 by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, New Orleans (and the French Quarter) were built where the ground was slightly higher, the river was deep and bendy, and the lake wasn’t far away. The French constructed their buildings in a simple grid pattern around a central square, the Places d’Armes, which is today Jackson Square. The Old Ursuline Convent, built in 1751, is the only remaining building from this period. The Spanish controlled the city from 1763 until 1802

(during which they greatly influenced the architecture and layout of the neighborhood), and the Americans took over immediately afterwards, in 1803, following the Louisiana Purchase. The Quarter has worn many hats, from its time as a major port and financial hub to its days of prosperity, then poverty, and now to its current party persona—and in a real historic twist, Bourbon Street used to be the most elegant street in the neighborhood. The French Quarter has survived two major fires, several yellow fever epidemics, floods and hurricanes, rats and termites, bad drainage and bad politics—and still remains the most visited neighborhood in town. Life in the ‘Burbs: The Marigny The neighborhood that neighbors the French Quarter, the Marigny was built beginning in 1806 when Bernard de Marigny started partitioning off his plantation and selling it as lots, thus forming one of New Orleans’s original suburbs. These lots were popular due to their reasonable price tag and prime location, especially once the Pontchartrain Railroad was built in 1830 and made the area even more accessible. Elysian Fields Avenue, modeled after the Parisian Champs-Elysées, was the five-mile-long main thoroughfare of the neighborhood, making a beeline from the river up to Lake Pontchartrain—the first street in the city to do so. The Marigny went through many phases, from its original affluence and acclaim to a period of deterioration and crime in the mid-1900s when things were so bad that the area temporarily took

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on the name “Little Angola,” named after the prison. Decades later, it made a big comeback and is today an area of hip restaurants, music venues, bars, and charming architecture, retaining many remnants of its initial splendor—though all of the Marigny’s original street names have long since been replaced by present-day equivalents. Getting Down to Business: The CBD (Central Business District) When Louisiana was sold to the United States with the Louisiana Purchase, Americans began flocking to their newly acquired land. Many settled just uptown from the French Quarter on land that was once home to New Orleans first resident, Bienville. Canal Street was the dividing line between these two neighborhoods, with one lane of the street considered a part of the French Quarter and the other belonging to what was now being called the American Sector. The Americans didn’t always get along with their Spanish, French, and Creole neighbors who lived nearby in the Vieux Carré and disagreements were common. But one place that was deemed a bicker-free zone was on the median of Canal Street, the frontier between the two warring neighborhoods, as this was considered “neutral ground”— and New Orleans medians have been sonamed ever since. In the 1820s and 1830s, the American Sector, otherwise known as the Central Business District or CBD, began to be increasingly built up. Businesses devoted to the cotton and shipping industries sprang up on Carondelet Street, gas lighting and public transportation appeared, and Canal Street became a shopping and entertainment thoroughfare lined with department stores and movie theaters. By the end of the 19th century, the asphalt-paved CBD was filled with skyscrapers, electric lighting, and streetcars. And All That Jazz: The Tremé The Tremé was first developed around

Halloween | Where Y'at Magazine

1810 and is one of the oldest neighborhoods in New Orleans—and one of the oldest Black neighborhoods in the country. What began as the Morand Plantation was bought, divided up, and sold to the city by Claude Tremé, for whom the neighborhood was named. Many free people of color soon moved in, bringing music, culture, and life to the area. Shortly thereafter, Congo Square, which is now part of modern-day Armstrong Park, was developed. It was a town square that became a place for Blacks—both enslaved and free—to gather, dance, sing, and barter on Sundays. In fact, in 1806, a law was passed that slaves must have Sundays off to allow for such leisure activities. In its earlier days, North Claiborne Avenue was a lovely tree-lined street boasting homes and businesses—until the I-10 overpass wiped out much of its charm. The Tremé is also the previous site of Storyville, the famous district of jazz and vice that attracted people to enjoy its prostitution and piano music. Miles of Mansions: The Garden District In the 19th century, New Orleans experienced something of a boom. Not only was it continuing to develop and expand far beyond the French Quarter, but it also underwent a period of opulence. Well-to-do outsiders flocked to the city and built luxurious mansions in a district upriver from the CBD. The area was previously the Livaudais Plantation, which was divvied up and sold in plots to rich folks, then annexed as a neighborhood by the city in 1852. The area was originally laid out by architect and urban planner Barthelemy Lafon, with only one or two ritzy houses on each block—and with most of the land being devoted to substantial gardens, for which the neighborhood was named. Today, the Garden District is renowned as “one of the best-preserved collections of historic mansions in the Southern U.S.” and has National Historic Landmark status.

JARRITOS MEXICAN SODA/UNSPLASH

RICKEY SMILEY

Clubs and cafés throughout the Marigny reinforces the fabric of its community

FROM LEFT: KATHY BRADSHAW (3); ROBERT WITKOWSKI

Double Shotgun houses dominate the cityscape By the Way: Bywater Perhaps best-known today for its trendy bars and restaurants, artsy residents, and charming architecture, the Bywater is yet another former plantation, which was then converted to a mixed-use neighborhood known as Faubourg Washington. In its early days, riverside industrial buildings catering to river-based businesses mingled with farmland and homes housing a variety of inhabitants, ranging from free people of color to Haitian and German immigrants. This neighborhood is also where Homer Plessy, of Plessy v. Ferguson repute, was forcefully extracted from a train car based on Jim Crow laws. The name Bywater, which may have been chosen from suggestions by local kids during a contest, originates from the obvious connection to the neighborhood’s position near the water—both the Mississippi River and the Industrial Canal. Changing the Channel: The Irish Channel In the early 1800s, there was a large influx of Irish immigrants to New Orleans, many coming in search of jobs digging the New Basin Canal. At one point, in fact, there were more Irish folks in New Orleans than anywhere else in the South. Many of them settled along the river in poor, modest homes that some believe were early versions of today’s shotgun houses. How the

Uptown homes take holidays seriously name came about is disputed. The Irish connection is obvious, but the “Channel” apparently could refer to the way in which the Irish “channeled” into the neighborhood or the fact that pools of water often collected there, forming a “channel” in another sense. These days, things have changed. No longer a blue-collar, poverty-stricken ‘hood, the Irish Channel is now a popular area best associated with St. Patrick’s Day fun. What’s Up?: Uptown What exactly constitutes Uptown New Orleans depends on who you ask. By some definitions, Uptown is anything upriver from Canal Street, constituting nearly a third of the city. Others refer to the much smaller area bordered by Jefferson and St. Charles Avenues. For most people, it’s somewhere in between. The Uptown neighborhood was formerly several separate cities, including Jefferson and Carrollton, that were later swallowed up by New Orleans. Much of the land used to be founding father Bienville’s veggie garden. Throughout history, parts of Uptown have been devoted to everything from iron to tobacco, slaughterhouses to sugar refineries, and certain areas along the river uptown tended toward seediness and sin. One of the preferred forms of indulgence during this period was cigars. New Orleans was once the cigar capital of the country, with as much as 80 percent of

the male population considered to be cigarsmokers. To connect the various parts of early Uptown, which began as cities spread out miles apart and separated by rural stretches, a train was built on Nayades Street (later St. Charles Avenue), which was the precursor to the streetcar. Caught in the Middle: Mid-City The neighborhood known as Mid-City is actually a conglomerate of many smaller ‘hoods, such as Bayou St. John and the Fairgrounds. The area could first be inhabited after the screw pump was invented in 1913, which allowed developers to drain what had previously been mostly just unlivable swampland. The Mid-City moniker likely comes from the very simple fact that this area really was the geographic middle of the city until New Orleans East was developed in the second half of the 20th century, effectively nudging the neighborhood off-center. The many above-ground cemeteries that this part of town is famous for were built sometime in the 1800s, as was the 1,300-acre City Park. Developed on land that used to be devoted to dairy cows and vegetable gardens, this park is one of the country’s largest. In 1871, a major flood struck the neighborhood. There was so much water that many residents ripped the doors off their houses and used them as rafts.

WhereYat.com | Halloween 2021

BEST CAFÉS

For a Fall Season Boost By Camille Barnett

The COVID-19 pandemic yanked most of us out of our daily routines and forced us to adjust to a remote lifestyle. After months of quarantine and restrictions, vaccination rates are increasing, COVID cases are somewhat decreasing despite recent surges, and the country is returning to some normalcy.

Caffeine Town

This page (clockwise from top right): Whole coffee beans to start the day; Mammoth Espresso; a remote coffee break; The Bean Gallery Page 38 (clockwise from top right): HiVolt Coffee; New Orleans Coffee & Begneit Co.; owner Alonzo Knox in front of his Backatown Coffee Parlour; La Vie En Rose Cafe; Coffee Science

Halloween | Where Y'at Magazine

UPTOWN New Orleans Coffee and Beignet Co. 4141 St. Charles Ave. 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily You may know of New Orleans Hamburger and Seafood Co. on St. Charles Avenue, but have you ever been to the attached cafe? Not only will you find frozen, iced, and gourmet coffee options, but you can also start your day with an order of hot and fresh beignets. Worried they may weigh you down for the work day ahead? Opt for an order of the minis!

HiVolt Coffee 1829 Sophie Wright Pl. Sunday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. HiVolt is a swank and modern coffee shop that prides itself on using fresh, high-quality, local, and natural ingredients, which is deliciously reflected in its gourmet coffees. Contrary to beignets, its menu offers lots of vegan and vegetarian breakfast items to start your day with a health kick!

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: THE BEAN GALLERY; MAMMOTH ESPRESSO; CAMILLE BARNETT

With that said, people are still really hesitant to get out and enjoy themselves like they used to, especially after Hurricane Ida. Fall is in the air and people shouldn't miss out on sipping on some caffeine in the cooling weather. Luckily, New Orleans is filled with hip and unique cafes where you can stop to get just the right caffeine or sweet fix needed to put a pep to your step this fall season.

MARCH

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cream, or affogato, an Italian dessert usually made with gelato and a shot of espresso. Is ice cream before lunch not your thing? Other caffeine options are offered like cold brew, Vietnamese iced coffee, lattes, and Americanos. Mammoth Espresso , 821 Baronne St. Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attention espresso lovers: here’s your spot! If not a giveaway from the name, one thing this shop’s serious about is, of course, its espresso, which is described as high-quality and meticulously crafted. Teas and pastries are also offered in this bright and modern space. MID-CITY Coffee Science, 410 S. Broad Ave. 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily You can feel good grabbing a coffee from here, because all offered are sustainably farmed, ethically sourced, and roasted with zero emissions. Not to mention the irresistible seasonal blends like the Blueberry Matcha Latte! The Bean Gallery, 637 N. Carrollton Ave. Sunday-Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 12 a.m.; FridaySaturday, 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. In search for some good Turkish coffee (a style of coffee made with finely ground coffee beans without filtering)? Swing by this hip, indie cafe for a cup! If you have enough time before your shift, consider grabbing a breakfast panini too; you won’t regret it. GENTILLY

Pontilly Coffee Shop, 4000 Chef Menteur Hwy. 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., daily Pontilly, which is named after two New Orleans neighborhoods, Pontchartrain Park and Gentilly Terrace, is an absolute gem of a coffee shop. Not only is it a cafe with fresh roasted coffee and comforting breakfast dishes and pastries, but it’s also a business that’s dedicated to donating proceeds to local substance abuse treatment programs for men and women. WESTBANK

CENTRAL CITY La Vie En Rose Cafe 1618 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Walking into this colorful, neon-decorated cafe will perk up your day even before the caffeine does! Owner Kirby Jones’s passion for coffee began at age 2 across from sugar fields in Lutcher, LA, when her grandmother first introduced it to her. Her Creole family has been in New Orleans for over 300 years and she describes coffee as a part of her culture, which she strives to share with customers through authentic recipes. Pro tip: make sure you check out the Rose Cold Brew, made with rose cane syrup.

Halloween | Where Y'at Magazine

Backatown Coffee Parlour, 301 Basin St., STE 1 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., daily This serene, jazz-infused cafe is the perfect breath of fresh air before you head into the office. You’ll find premium coffee and espresso drinks, loose leaf teas, juice, fresh baked pastries, desserts, and light fare meals. But further, you’ll find yourself stepping into a piece of history, as the parlor is located at the exact site of old Storyville. DOWNTOWN/CBD Drip Affogato Bar, 703 Carondelet St. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily You know what could help even more than coffee with getting your work day started? Coffee combined with ice

Le Cafe Eblouir 2112 Belle Chasse Hwy., STE 1, Gretna Monday & Wednesday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Not only can you start your day with an affordable and delicious cup of coffee from here, but you should also plan to start your day off with a sweet kick too! Local pastry chef Hyemin Torroll, previously a pastry chef at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, the Hotel Monteleone, the Ritz Carlton, and the Hyatt, takes advantage of her experience at her new shop by offering decadent pastries you won’t want to pass up. Congregation Coffee 240 Pelican Ave., Algiers 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., daily Consider trying out this hidden gem in the historic Algiers Point neighborhood. At Congregation Coffee, a shop name that embraces the city’s bayou roots (a group of alligators are called a congregation), coffee beans are house-roasted to surely make for a great cup of brew.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: CAMILLE BARNETT (3); MICHELLE NICHOLSON; COURTESY LA VIE EN ROSE CAFE

Park Island Brew Coffee, 1688 Gentilly Blvd. Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Park Island Brew is known for their espresso coffee drinks, variety of teas like chai latte and matcha latte, and colorful specialty drinks. If you’re up to try something new, consider asking for a Blue Jasmine Tea and Matcha!

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BITES & POLTERGEISTS Ghosts, like people, may dwell in a place past their checkout date for any number of recurring reasons: longing, retribution, unfinished business. One city-specific deal closer for both the living and living dead when selecting a forever home to drape their seersuckers though is the food. Below are four historic French Quarter staples to indulge in sustenance and superstitions this Halloween. By Greg Roques

Wine and bread await the return of their ghost host every day at " Mr. Jourdan's table." 40

Halloween | Where Y'at Magazine

Muriel’s Jackson Square 801 Chartres St. muriels.com The first stop on our gastronomical ghost tour is Muriel’s. Humbly bookending St. Louis Cathedral on the postcard-prevalent periphery of Jackson Square, its landmarkheavy locale is a prime attraction for human and spectral sightseers alike. However, the renowned restaurant has a few ghosts of its own: most notably Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, who, after rebuilding the property into his dream home following the Great New Orleans Fire of 1788, lost it to a gambling debt. Riddled with regret, Jourdan took his life on the second floor where Muriel’s Inner Séance Lounge now resides. Paranormal investigations have uncovered supernatural contact all throughout the property, but nowhere as strong as in the Séance Lounges. These period-themed parlors submerge visitors in the sensual splendor of New Orleans Storyville age—its seductive magenta tones and plump-pillowed seating make it the perfect setting to sink down with a drink while Jourdan looks on unexposed, vicariously reminiscing on his best years. In recognition of its endless guest, Muriel’s keeps a table permanently reserved for Mr. Jourdan. The Jimani 141 Chartres St. thejimani.com Walk off your delicious meal from Muriel’s with a stroll down Chartres for a nightcap at The Jimani. The Jimani is well known for its extensive beer selection; less known is the heartbreaking history of the building housing this late-night haunt, stocking more spirits than those found behind the bar. Though the site likely began booking its supernatural vacancies more than a century ago, its most horrifying act of terror occurred less than 50 years ago. On June 24, 1973, the second-floor, silently housing a gay bar known as the Upstairs Lounge, was firebombed: 32 patrons died in what was then the country’s largest recorded LGBTQ+ targeted mass murder. Homophobia was commonplace then, keeping reporting of the hate-crime to a whis-

COURTESY MURIEL'S ON JACKSON SQUARE

Haunted Restaurants in New Orleans

WhereYat.com | Halloween 2021

Paul Morphy may still be a regular in Brennan's Morphy Room is commonly seen gallivanting through the restaurant’s Mardi Gras Museum. Housing more than a dozen of the 22time Mardi Gras ball queen’s dresses, the renowned exhibition space bearing her name is no doubt Well’s own personal heaven on earth.

Count Arnaud Cazenave is believed to wander his namesake Arnaud's per; however, a plaque memorializing the deceased was eventually installed in the adjoining sidewalk on the fire’s 30th anniversary. Inside, the building’s third floor remains unused and still bears burn marks on its window frames and back stairwell. In October 2014, Where Y’at participated in a paranormal investigation led by Down South Paranormal’s Kevin Betzer in this unoccupied third floor space. Prior to the investigation, Betzer reported his team had previously interacted with numerous spirits there. These included Eddy, a young boy who responded to nursery rhymes, as well as a woman named Mary who consistently left guests shaken in an area since referred to as “Mary’s Room.” Betzer theorized these ghosts could date back to a polio outbreak in the early 1900s…they also may have died somewhere else. He believes the building’s horrific past made it a spiritual gateway “from one end of the block to another”—think the Gozer tower from the original Ghostbusters. Using a light-metered response device (also featured in Ghostbusters) and ghost box to communicate with the deceased, I spoke with a young man trying to reach out, as well as an older gentleman trying to silence him.

Brennan’s Restaurant 417 Royal St. brennansneworleans.com Brennan’s, like Arnaud’s, remains under Arnaud’s Restaurant 813 Rue Bienville arnaudsrestaurant.com A perfectionist’s work is never done—so far-be-it from death to unclench Count Arnaud Cazenave’s iron grasp on his namesake’s enduring four-star rating. The count continues to meticulously govern his staff, commanding nothing less than peak performance nearly threequarters of a century after his passing. In her book The Haunting of Louisiana, Barbara Sillery recounts several instances of busboys frozen in their tracks by a frigid presence jolting them from the shadows; likewise, the main dining room balcony is said to be occasioned by a tuxedo-clad gentleman bearing an arresting resemblance to a self-portrait of the count in the same room. Another spirited apparition believed to be Germaine Wells, the count’s daughter and successor,

Halloween | Where Y'at Magazine

Is there a presence from The Jimani's past?

the observant afterlife eyes of its most esteemed kitchen staff. Chef Paul Blangé, creator of Brennan’s famous Bananas Foster, and sommelier Herman Funk are believed to be heard after hours banging utensils and clinking bottles, signaling the night’s end. Funk’s persistent influence is evident, as Brennan’s was named Wine Spectator’s 2021 Grand Award winner. A less benevolent spirit may still dwell in a second-floor parlor once referred to as The Red Room. It’s blood-red walls and bygone moniker aren’t the only things reminiscent of The Shining: the property’s 18th century homeowner, Monsieur LeFleur, murdered his family before hanging himself from the room’s chandelier. Once the site of abundant eerie activity, the space was the (uneventful) focus of an August 2005 episode of Ghost Hunters. It has since been rebranded the Morphy Room—named for former resident and chess prodigy Paul Morphy—following renovations this past decade. While spiritual sightings are less frequent on the second floor following the remodeling, staff still trade stories of the odd apparitional appearance. “A lot of the other servers used to talk about the resident ghost,” Kathy Bradshaw, a former Brennan’s server, said. “They claimed to frequently hear weird noises or discover an occasional missing or misplaced object.” Bradshaw recalls serving a guest one evening who, upon returning from the bathroom, appeared pale, as if she had just seen a ghost…and she had. The patron told Bradshaw that a man was waiting for her when she came out of the bathroom. After a brief conversation, she followed him to the Morphy room, where he just…disappeared.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: MURIEL'S ON JACKSON SQUARE; ROBERT WITKOWSKI COMPOSITE (PAUL MORPHY: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS; MORPHY ROOM: COURTESY OF BRENNAN'S); DEISENBE/WIKIMEDIA COMMON; PUBLIC DOMAIN/CC; ARNAUD'S

The Seance Room at Muriel's on Jackson Square

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$20 & UNDER Bubbles or Bust By Kim Ranjbar

From left: VIVI Bubble Tea Plushie; Boba Boba NOLA

Halloween | Where Y'at Magazine

Is there a large concentration of trypophobic folks in Orleans Parish? Perhaps there's an underlying mental aversion to tapioca? One theory might be that there's a distinct line drawn between food and drink here, but what of our love for top-heavy, food-laden Bloody Marys? Whatever the reason, it's something of a challenge to get boba in New Orleans proper, though bubble tea shops are popping up like wildflowers after a rain in the surrounding burbs. There's specialty coffee spots wherever you look, but getting a good boba tea requires cruising out of town, either towards the Crescent City Connection

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Boba Boba NOLA

Follow Tea

Coco Taro

ALL IMAGES: KIM RANJBAR

Have Your Next Party In The Backyard

headed for the Westbank or hopping on I-10 W into Metairie and, eventually, Kenner (brah). Seeing as bubble tea is a food trend which began on the West Coast way back in the 90s (it was first sold in Taiwan in the early 80s), you'd think New Orleans would've gotten the memo by now, but it just hasn't taken hold. If you're craving a tall, cold cup of tea with those sweet, chewy, filling pearls of tapioca, it's worth it to make the short trip beyond the boundaries of Orleans Parish. It seems our suburban neighbors are hipper to the bubble, as it were. Just take the New Yorkbased Kung Fu Tea, which opened in Metairie a few years ago. This franchise on W. Esplanade has got this drink boom down so well, they've got an ordering app! Not only do they offer a selection of tasty teas—from jujube and honey to basic black, green, and oolong— they also feature fresh fruit juices mixed with yogurt and unique flavors like mango creamsicle and sesame slush. Since we're talking bubbles here, Kung Fu certainly has that covered...and then some. In addition to the “traditional” honeysteeped tapioca pearls, they've got mango, grape, and coffee “popping” bubbles, jellies like oolong and aloe, pudding and milk caps, and sweet red beans. The appropriately named Sharetea, which is sharing the former Morning Call space on 17th Street with Wishing Town Bakery, is another fairly recent addition to the boba tea craze. Launched in the long, locked-down summer of 2020, this tea franchise originated in the early 90s in Taipei, Taiwan. Since that time, it has spread into a worldwide phenomenon with over 300 stores in 16 different countries. Sharetea's signature drink is a virgin mojito (strawberry and peach), but the menu is filled with fruit and milk teas, along with fresh milks blended with ingredients like cocoa, winter melon, and matcha. With each beverage, you can adjust your ice level, sweetness level and, of course, add toppings such as the beautiful boba (or pearls, both regular and mini-sized), ice cream, pudding, and flavors like aiyu jelly, which is made from creeping fig seeds. Right across from the mall on Severn Avenue next to Jeff's Haberdashery, there's another boba spot dubbed VIVI Bubble Tea, opened in May 2020, which also serves Taiwanese and Japanese snacks like popcorn chicken with pepper salt or curry, takoyaki (octopus balls), or BBQ sausage. In addition to the regular milk teas, VIVI offers some unique flavors ranging from taro and honeydew to Logan date and tiramisu. They also

Follow Tea

Kung Fu Tea

Boba Boba NOLA

feature a wide range of flavored teas with jasmine, kumquat, and passion fruit. Along with those bountiful tapioca bubbles, VIVI also features toppings like tea jelly, chia seeds, yogurt “popping” bubbles, and an Oreo milk cap. It seems the area surrounding Lakeside Mall is a hotspot for bobalovers because yet another shop, locally-owned and operated Follow Tea, opened just this past April on Severn. Follow Tea's specialtea (couldn't resist) is the addition of cheese. Yes, you can now have cheese in your tea. We're not talking about a slice of Swiss or a blue cheese crumbles, cheese mousse tea consists of milk, whipping cream, and sweet or salty cream cheese, and it totally works! If you can't imagine the flavors in your tongue's memory banks, get on down to "Metry" for a cherry, lychee rose, or pink peach cheese tea, and be sure to add the boba! Along with the commonly-seen black and or golden tapioca pearls, Follow Tea also offers the crystal variety which are more tender (not so chewy) and readily infusable with flavor. If we travel just a little bit farther into Kenner, you'll discover Boba Boba NOLA inches from W. Esplanade on Williams Boulevard. That lock down year seems to have launched a boba boom, because this spot also opened in late spring of 2020, touting more tapioca-loaded teas. Along with it's cool sumo logo, Boba Boba is unique in its offerings with flavors like the purple-hued coco taro (a blend of taro tea and coconut milk) and fruity infusions such as rose strawberry, green apple, and red guava. Toppings include tapioca, both black and crystal options, plus the popping, or as they call it “bursting,” bubbles like pomegranate, passion fruit, and even chili! Unlike us, sitting here in the middle with little or no boba to be found, the Westbank has gotten into the bubble tea game with Ding Tea NOLA, which opened several months ago in late July. Similar to the other boba shops, this Lapalco Boulevard gem features a menu full to the brim with milk teas, flavored teas, fruit juices, and “yakult” or tea and yogurt blends. But at Ding Tea, their shtick is an offering of tea “lattes,” featuring steamed milk paired with flavors like Thai (chai), hot cocoa, taro, and matcha. In the realm of toppings, Ding Tea has golden, crystal, and monster boba (aka brown sugar), cheese mousse, and “sea cream” (salted cream), plus a far wider range of jellies from coconut and grass to star fruit. To be totally fair, the elusive Orleans boba have popped up at spots like Le's Baguette Banh Mi Cafe, MoPho, and Mr. Bubbles Cafe, but when will we have a boba trap of our very own?

WhereYat.com | Halloween 2021

RESTAURANT GUIDE Bayou Hot Wings has 10 different flavors and spice ranges for all wing lovers, ensuring you leave with messy hands and full bellies. They are known for their hot wings, but in the Bayou, it's never just wings. You can also enjoy Cajun favorites such as gator bites. 6221 S. Claiborne Ave., 504-8659464, bayouhotwings.com Bub’s NOLA started as a pop-up concept in 2020 and has since taken NOLA by storm. Bub’s burgers are legendary and all come served on toasted brioche buns. Grilled cheese and hot sausage sandwiches are also available, as well as different types of fries. 4413 Banks St., bubsnola.com

Legacy Kitchen Steak + Chop is a steakhouse that serves a variety of filet’s, fresh seafood, and crafted cocktails. It’s a great choice for your next romantic date night or special occasion. While you’re there, don’t miss out on their 22oz Cowboy Ribeye. 91 Westbank Expy. #51, Gretna, 504513-2606, legacykitchen.com Luke, located in the Central Business District, specializes in Creole inspired, Gulf seafood. In addition to their truly eclectic menu of appetizers, soups, and entrees, Luke is also known for its raw bar, which serves anything from oysters, shrimps, and more. 333 St. Charles Ave., 504-3782840, lukeneworleans.com

ASIAN Mikimoto has all of the freshest sushi that you can find in New Orleans, coming in a variety of different tasty styles. Mikimoto offers drive-through sushi! For the sushi lovers who want a quick bite togo, forget the table and get it straight from the convenience of your car. 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-488-1881, mikimotosushi.com

BARS WITH GREAT FOOD Curio takes its name from a famous “curio” shop from the late 1800s, where people could experience curiosity’s from around the world. From

Bywater Brew Pub is a full-scale brewery steps away from the Mississippi River. Their Viet-Cajun menu, including many vegan options, offers many exciting dishes to enjoy with your house brewed beer or cocktail. You’ll be blown away by The Phoritto. 3000 Royal St., 504-766-8118, bywaterbrewpub.com

Daisy Dukes creates that perfect Southern atmosphere for enjoying Cajun cuisine. With multiple locations around the city, there are many opportunities for you to go and try their classic dishes. Some locations are open 24 hours. Multiple Locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com Gattuso’s Neighborhood Restaurant has a variety of sandwiches, burgers, po-boys, and wraps to please everyone in your party. Their stocked-up bar and outdoor patio are perfect for a drink after work with friends or for hosting your next private event. 435 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, 504-368-1114, gattusos.net

Annunciation Manning’s Sports Bar & Grill has a menu inspired by classic game-day cravings and has some of the best wings in New Orleans. With over 30 flat screen TVs, two 13-foot megascreens, and so much more, you’ll catch the best view of the game from wherever you’re sitting. 519 Fulton St., 504-593-8118, caesars.com New Orleans Vampire Café is the perfect place to spot a vampire. Their brunch menu has all of the NOLA favorites including Shrimp & Grits, which can be accompanied by Bottomless Mimosas or Bloody Mary’s. Make sure to grab the Dracula Burger. 801 Royal St., 504-5810801, nolavampirecafe.com

Houmas House & Gardens houses three different restaurants in a beautiful Greek-revival style mansion and plantation. The Carriage House offers Louisiana-inspired fare like turtle soup. The Dixie Cafe also offers local-style cafe food, while Latil’s Landing provides a more fine dining experience. 401336 LA-942, Darrow, 225-4739380, houmashouse.com

The Ruby Slipper Cafe started in 2008 and has now expanded to 11 other locations across the Gulf South region. Choose from a number of classics like omelets, French toast, and more. In particular, the Pumpkin Praline French Toast with applewood smoked bacon is a must. Multiple Locations, therubyslippercafe.net

Jimmy J’s Café is a local gem in the heart of downtown NOLA that embraces the funky spirit of the city. Their menu offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, as well as weekly specials, giving ample opportunities to experience the fresh cuisine of this beloved local café. 115 Chartres St., 504309-9360, jimmyjscafe.com

Spudly’s Super Spuds has been feeding Metairie their “meals in baked potatoes” for over 40 years. Anything you could possibly want in a baked potato is sure to be on Spudly’s menu. Not only that, the restaurant also serves soups, salads, and burgers. 2609 Harvard Ave., Metairie, 504-455-3250, spudlys.com

Legacy Kitchen Craft Tavern knows that beignets should be eaten all around the clock. Check out their eccentric brunch menu which includes Crawfish + Egg Beignets. Come out for their happy hour and stay for some of their dinner classics including charbroiled oysters! 700 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-613-2350, legacykitchen.com

The Steakhouse at Harrah’s, located steps away from your favorite slot machines, offers gourmet steakhouse classics inspired by the flavors of New Orleans. Check out their 16oz prime ribeye, twice loaded baked potatoes, or just order their mouthwatering desserts for dinner! 8 Canal St., 504-533-6111, caesars.com

CAFE Bearcat Café is every breakfast lover’s dream. Check out their “Good Cat” menu for their vegan and savory options such as the Mushroom Soft Scramble or indulge in their “Bad Cat” items and devour a stack of Chai pancakes. Make sure to also go for the Cat Daddy Biscuit. Multiple Locations, bearcatcafe.com Café Amelie offers a brunch and dinner menu perfect for a romantic date night or a Sunday brunch. The location and ambiance are great for a special occasion or private event. For the true Amelie experience, try their signature Short Ribs & Johnny Cakes dish. 912 Royal St., 504-4128965, cafeamelie.com Caffe! Caffe! started in 1992 and has since won a number of awards for their quality food. Come in early for some delicious breakfast items or go during lunch and get some refreshing salads. There are also a large number of sandwiches to select from. Multiple Locations, caffecaffe.com

Chicken & Watermelon has been serving quality meals in the Big Easy since 2013. Their menu has a ton of different flavored chicken wings and you can get them dry, wet, or with mixed and matched flavors. Make sure to get a side of watermelon! 3400 S. Claiborne Ave., 504-896-4596, boogiebird.com Crescent City Steaks has been serving New Orleans quality steaks for over 85 years. In addition to their fabulous steaks, they also offer dishes like broiled salmon and broiled lobster tail. Grab some bread pudding too! 1001 N. Broad St., 504-821-3271, crescentcitysteaks.com

friends, order some food, and get throwing at Stumpy’s! 1200 Poydras St., 504-577-2937, stumpyshh.com/neworleansla

Halloween | Where Y'at Magazine

New Orleans favorites like crawfish etouffee and red beans and rice to po-boys and platter, you’ll truly taste New Orleans at Curio. 301 Royal St., 504-717-4198, curionola.com Down The Hatch Bar & Grill serves delicious and reasonably priced cuisine in the Garden District. In addition to satisfying drinks, they offer wings, sandwiches, burgers, platters, and more. Save room for the homemade bread pudding or the New York cheesecake. 1921 Sophie Wright Pl., 504522-0909, downthehatchnola.com Ernest Cafe is the oldest continuously operating bar in the Warehouse District. With how good their hearty dishes are, you’ll believe how they’ve been able to stick around for so long! Enjoy tasty local fare like jambalaya and gumbo, as well as pub grub like burgers and apps. 600 S. Peters St., 504525-8544, ernstcafe.com Flamingo A-Go-Go is a chill and funky spot that is custom made for friends looking to hang out. Sit at the outdoor patio and enjoy all kinds of sandwiches, Southern inspired entrees, and mouthwatering breakfast items. Choose from the many different “flocktails.” 869 Magazine St., 504-577-2202, flamingonola.com The Peacock Room, located in the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, describes itself as an “elevated” cocktail bar. Their cocktail menu, as well as their food menu, will leave you satisfied. The Peacock Burger with bacon-boursin cheese and tomato jam is particularly delicious. 501 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-324-3073, peacockroomnola.com Stumpy's Hatchet House was the first indoor hatchet venue to open in the United States. It brings back some old school recreation and offers an alternative option for a night out. Grab some

Carmo is a tropical cafe and bar serving healthy, sustainable, and affordable dishes. Whether you order one of the fish like the Tiradito Peruvian-style Fish Sashimi or one of the many breakfast options, the detailed presentation of each dish is certainly Instagram-ready. 527 Julia St., 504-875-4132, cafecarmo.com The Vintage is home to charcuterie boards, sparkling wines, and the most extravagant of beignet flavors. Keep it classy and traditional, try out the S’mores flavor, or taste them all with the Fancy Beignet Flight! Whichever dessert you choose, it's sure to cater to your sweet tooth. 3121 Magazine St., 504-324-7144, thevintagenola.com

FRENCH Cafe Degas gives a taste of the French spirit of NOLA by serving authentic French cuisine. Duck Confit and Veal Liver are just a few of the many adventurous dishes that you can explore for dinner. Whatever you choose, it's simply délicieuse! 3127 Esplanade Ave., 504-945-5635, cafedegas. com

GERMAN Bratz Y’all will make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into Munich. The owner, being from Germany, provides New Orleanians with fresh baked German pretzels and authentic German food. Sip on many kinds of German draft beers while sitting outside in Bratz Y’all’s biergarten. 617-B Piety St., 504-301-3222, bratzyall.com

ITALIAN A Tavola Restaurant & Wine Bar prides itself on its modern Italian cuisine with a New Orleans twist. The Neapolitan-style pizza, as well as the many different antipasti, primi, and secondi dishes, are terrific. The restaurant’s wine selection is extensive. 3413 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 504-577-2235, atavo.la The Crazy Italian Pizzeria gives you New York Style Pizza without having to leave the city. With all of your favorite classic Italian dishes such as

ROBERT WITKOWSKI

AMERICAN

BUB’S BIZZARO BUB’S meatballs and garlic knots leaving you very full, you’ll feel like you’ve just walked the streets of Rome. 206 W. Harrison Ave., 504-766-7914, thecrazyitalianpizzeria.com Josephine Estelle puts a NOLA touch on Italian cuisine. Try some of the freshest Louisiana seafood in your pasta, keep it traditional with the Cacio e Pepe, or go fancy with many of their other delicious fusion dishes! The Instagram worthy dishes will leave you feeling happy! 600 Carondelet St., 504-930-3070, josephineestelle.com Mid-City Pizza is bound to have your favorite type of pizza! Whether it be Margherita or Shrimp Remoulade, or even build-your-own, Mid-City Pizza will definitely cater to your tastes. The calzones with mozzarella and ricotta cheese are also great. Multiple Locations, midcitypizza.com

Saj, located in the middle of Magazine Street, offers a cozy spot for enjoying fresh Mediterranean cuisine. You can also bring your own wine. With endless dips to choose from, as well as a delicious baked feta dish, you’ll want to keep the saj bread coming! 4126 Magazine St., 504-766-0049, sajnola.com

NEW ORLEANS CUISINE Akasia’s Café redefines customer satisfaction. Want something special for your next party? They will help plan a custom-tailored menu that reflects the desires of the client. Or you can choose one of the mouthwatering dishes from their premade cafe menu. 5600 Westbank Expy., Marrero, 504345-2563, letuscaterforyou.org

Pascal’s Manale, home of the original BBQ Shrimp, has created a name for itself in the city of New Orleans. With a raw oyster bar, traditional Italian and Creole cuisines, and many editions of their famous shrimp, there's something new to try each time you return. 1838 Napoleon Ave., 504-895 4877, pascalsmanale.com

Annunciation offers specialty Creole dishes that are great for adventurous eaters. The ambiance is perfect for special occasions. While the grilled lamb chops are certainly spectacular, there's sure to be something on the menu to impress everyone in your party. 1016 Annunciation St., 504-5680245, annunciationrestaurant.com

Red Gravy is an uptown Italian bistro serving Sunday brunch, dinner, and, of course, great classic Italian cuisine. With passed down homemade recipes and dishes named after influential people in the founder’s life, you’re sure to feel the comfort and love in every dish. 4206 Magazine St., 504-561-8844, redgravycafe.com

Cafe 615 (Home of Da Wabbit) started out as a Westbank drive-in and has transformed into a beloved café. The fresh seafood platter, pasta dishes, and the famous Da Wabbit Burger will leave you stuffed and appreciative of NOLA cuisine. 615 Kepler St., Gretna, 504-365-1225, cafe615.com

Venezia has been emptying plates and filling bellies since 1957. In addition to their long list of homestyle Italian dishes that make you feel like you’re on a trip to Italy or right at home, they also serve a mind-blowing muffuletta. Venezia is a great spot for date night. 134 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-488-7991, venezianeworleans.net

MEXICAN Carreta’s Grill has been serving affordable, authentic Mexican cuisine across the city for over 20 years. With burritos, quesadillas, margaritas, and more, it's the perfect spot for your next fiesta! Be sure to save room for their churros and fried ice cream for dessert. Multiple Locations, carretasgrillrestaurant.com Mr. Tequila Bar & Grill, owned and operated by three brothers originally from Mexico, serves authentic Mexican cuisine, as well as Tex-Mex. From nachos to tacos, Mr. Tequila’s food is so good, your taste buds will be having a party in Mexico City. Their churros are also perfect. 5018 Freret St., 504-766-9660, mrtequilanola.com

FEATURING:

Lebanon’s Café has large platters, specialty hummuses, and a variety of kabobs to fill your plate. As a BYOB restaurant, it serves as a casual and affordable option for dining with friends and has become an Uptown neighborhood favorite. 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-862-6200, lebanonscafe.com

Nephew’s Ristorante has a long history of preparing Sicilian and Italian-Creole food for Metairie's residents. All of their delicious entrees, with meats such as veal, duck, rabbit, clams, and Louisiana Gulf shrimp, are all served with pasta. 4445 W. Metairie Ave., Metairie, 504-5339998, nephewsristorante.com

Tavolino Pizza & Lounge is a neighborhood pizza joint worth crossing the river for. Located steps away from the Algiers ferry terminal, you can start a romantic date night off with a ferry ride and end with delicious thin-crust pizza and cocktails at Tavolino’s! 141 Delaronde St., Algiers, 504605-3365, instagram.com/tavolinonola

MONDAY OCT 25TH 5PM–TIL

MIDDLE EASTERN

Chef Ron’s Gumbo Shop takes New Orleans classic gumbo to a whole new level. Their menu offers a ton of different gumbo options. The loaded po-boys are the perfect NOLA comfort dishes and have led the restaurant to receive many awards. 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., 504-835-2022, gumbostop.com Evangeline has that charming French Quarter atmosphere that is perfect for special occasions and large gatherings. With golden fried okra, tomatoes, and alligator for appetizers, you’re sure to taste the authenticity of the city of New Orleans. 329 Decatur St., 504-373-4852, evangelineneworleans.com

• BIZZARO MENU • COSTUME CONTEST • VHS SCREENINGS • ART, & MUSIC NEXT DOOR!

4413 Banks St.

Order at BubsNola.com

LEBANON’S CAFE

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

Lunch & Dinner Daily (Closed on Tuesdays)

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

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

1500 S. CARROLLTON √ UPTOWN TELEPHONE: 862-6200/862-0768

6307 S. Miro St. at Clairborne 509-6224

4400 Banks St. 483-8609

Order Online Now! MidCityPizza.com •

House of Blues New Orleans provides the best live music and great food for anyone looking for a fun night on the town. Their menu is Southerninspired and is filled with many scrumptious treats. Make sure to order the Yardbird. 225 Decatur St., 504-310-4999, houseofblues.com/ neworleans Mandina’s Restaurant in Mid City offers some of the best Italian and Creole dishes in the city. With Italian specials and a long list of fried and fresh seafood options, it’ll be hard to pick your favorite. Whatever you’re craving, Mandina’s will fry it to be golden and delicious. 3800 Canal St., 504-4829179, mandinasrestaurant.com Melba’s Poboys was established after Hurricane Katrina and is now a New Orleans staple. Their poboys, like roast beef, French fry, and hot sausage,

4400 Banks Street | BanksStreetBarNola.com | WhereYat.com | Halloween 2021

RESTAURANT GUIDE are second to none. They’re also right next door to Wash World, so you can get your laundry done while you eat! 1525 Elysian Fields Ave., 504-267-7765, melbas.com Mother’s Restaurant is a must-go for those wanting to experience NOLA cuisine and homestyle cooking. If you’re looking for the city’s staple meals including po-boys, jambalaya, gumbo, and fried seafood, this is the place for you! 401 Poydras St., 504-523-9656, mothersrestaurant.net MRB Bar & Kitchen has all your favorite NOLA classics, plus specialty drinks including Hurricanes and King Cake Martinis! With live music and art to accompany your meal, each dining experience will truly be different from the last. 515 St. Philip St., 504-524-2558, mrbnola.com

7AM – 8PM Fri & Sat 9PM

New Orleans Creole Cookery has a good kind of Category 5 Hurricane. Get a taste of the city here with signature cocktails and authentic Creole cuisine that celebrates NOLA’s spirit. Get their signature pecan crusted redfish while sitting in their charming courtyard. 510 Toulouse St., 504-524-9632, neworleanscreolecookery.com

Willie Mae’s Scotch House has what you need for a good meal. Fried chicken? Mac and cheese? Willie Mae’s got it! Customers have been loving their authentic chicken since 1957, and they have many awards to attest to their service and cuisine. Multiple Locations, williemaesnola.com

SEAFOOD Briquette combines fine dining with New Orleans funk by serving contemporary coastal cuisine. Their award-winning caramelized sea scallops appetizer will have you blown away before your main course arrives. Relish in all of this while enjoying a wine from their stellar drink list. 701 S. Peters St., 504-302-7496, briquette-nola.com Casamento’s Restaurant has been serving some of the finest Louisiana seafood since 1919. Casamento’s makes for a perfect casual night out in the neighborhood. They will not disappoint you with any of their great seafood. 4330 Magazine St., 504-895-9761, casamentosrestaurant. com Charlie’s Restaurant & Catering has one of the largest menus around! With breakfast sandwiches, omelets, salads, po-boys, clubs, seafood platters, pastas, potatoes, desserts, and more, Charlie’s will leave you truly stuffed. 6129 E. St. Bernard Hwy., Violet, 504-682-9057, facebook.com/Charlies-Restaurant-Catering

House of Blues

Orleans Grapevine allows you to experience fine Southern dining while maintaining the casual spirit of the French Quarter. Pair your wine with any of the delicious dishes listed on the menu. If you’re looking to trade in Bourbon Street booze for a glass of wine, this place is for you! 720 Orleans Ave., 504-523-1930, orleansgrapevine.com Roux Bistro, located inside the Sheraton Hotel, specializes in contemporary Creole and Cajun classics. Come in for breakfast and enjoy items such as the Gulf shrimp with grits and a poached egg. Grab a café au lait for a true New Orleans after meal treat. 500 Canal St., 504-525-2500 ext. 5795, marriott.com Short Stop Po-boys can make just about anything into a po-boy. Choose your bread, toppings, condiments, and add-ons to create one just to your liking, or try one of the many signature options from their assortment of meat and seafood po-boys! 119 Transcontinental Dr., 504-885-4572, shortstoppoboysno.com Trenasse serves Gulf Coast cuisine with Southern Louisiana style and flare. Whether you’re there for dinner, happy hour, or simply to devour some oysters, each dish is sure to go above and beyond. The smoky braised short ribs are highly recommended. 444 St. Charles Ave., 504-6807000, trenasse.com

Halloween | Where Y'at Magazine

Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar has a long list of Cajun and seafood classics for tourists exploring NOLA cuisine or locals craving authenticity. Felix’s oysters are world famous. At the Lakefront location, you can get the true seafood experience by dining right along the water. Multiple Locations, felixs.com Legacy Kitchen’s Tacklebox takes New Orleans style breakfast to a whole new level. Whether it's the Crawfish and Eggs Beignets or the Bananas Foster Waffles, each dish is as exciting as the next. You can also check out their variety of oysters from their famous oyster bar. 817 Common St., 504-827-1651, legacykitchen.com Seaworthy is the perfect spot for seafood lovers. Their oysters are fantastic. Try something from their long list of exciting cocktails to accompany your full plate of fresh and delicious seafood, which includes mussels, grouper, scallops, and more! 630 Carondelet St., 504-930-3071, seaworthynola.com Spahr’s Seafood is committed to serving their customers an authentic Cajun experience. As home to “The Original” catfish chips, Spahr’s is an essential visit if you’re looking for a classic Louisiana meal. Check them out in Des Allemands, Thibodaux, or Galliano. Multiple Locations, spahrsseafood.com Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco allows you to take a trip abroad while staying right here in NOLA. At Tito’s, their mouthwatering, authentic Peruvian cuisine is equally delicious and beautiful. Whether you’re there for the classic ceviche or entrees, each dish is better than the next. 5015 Magazine St., 504267-7612, titoscevichepisco.com

STAFF/PROVIDED PHOTO

Neyow’s Creole Café is home to some of the best gumbo and red beans around. Their large servings are perfect for sharing meals with friends, or you may find it so good you want it all to yourself. Neyow’s chargrilled oysters, crawfish balls, and crab claws are always top notch. 3332 Bienville St., 504-827-5474, neyows.com

Bar Guide Alto (Ace Hotel) 600 Carondelet St. 504-900-1180

Enjoy an amazing view of the city of New Orleans when you visit this rooftop garden, pool, and bar. You can snack on small plates with seasonal cocktails all day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Banks Street Bar 4401 Banks St. 504-486-0258

Live music, art, and refreshing drinks attract many to this Mid-City bar and grill. Their food menu features some New Orleans classics, including gumbo, red beans, and po-boys.

Bar Marilou 544 Carondelet St. 504-814-7711

Previously a library, Bar Marilou has a fun ambiance with specialty cocktails and small plates. The bar is also the perfect place to catch some live music or performances.

Bar Tonique 820 N. Rampart St. 504-324-6045

Bar Tonique offers $5 daily drink specials that highlight a popular hand-crafted cocktail. These drinks include a Pimm’s Cup, Moscow Mule, and Mai Tai.

The Basin Lakeview 152 W. Harrison Ave. 504-482-6066

This charming neighborhood bar is one of Lakeview’s favorites. Relax and enjoy its low-key atmosphere, as well as its Monday to Friday happy hour.

The Bulldog Various Locations 504-891-1516

With two locations in the New Orleans area, The Bulldog is a great place to try nearly 50 beers on-tap whether you’re Uptown or in Mid-City.

Down the Hatch 1921 Sophie Wright Pl. 504-522-0909

This bar and grill is a special spot in the Garden District for delicious and reasonably priced food and drinks. The Hell’s Kitchen Wings are delicious, as well as the many different starters, sandwiches, and burgers.

House of Blues 225 Decatur St. 310-4999

In addition to live music, this venue serves mouth-watering food and drinks. You can have just about any drink you can think of and a wide array of tasty treats.

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

Jazz Daiquiris and Lounge has delicious specialty daiquiri flavors, including chicken and watermelon, fruit loop, and cotton candy. You can also enjoy their sports-themed daiquiris, some of which honor the LSU Tigers and Tulane Green Wave.

Jimani 141 Chartres St. 504-524-0493

Catch any sports game you desire at Jimani with over 100 beers, an expansive food menu, and 10 flat-screen televisions.

Lots A Luck Tavern 203 Homedale St. 504-483-0978

This casual Lakeview bar has all you could ask for. Their outdoor patio space is great for you to bring a pet, utilize their mini-golf course, and enjoy a few beers!

Manning’s 519 Fulton St. 504-593-8118

Located in the Warehouse District, this sports bar and grill provides patrons with a casual dining and drinking experience that is steps away from Harrah’s Casino.

Martine’s Lounge 2347 Metairie Rd. 504-831-8637

Indulge in pizza and snacks when visiting Martine’s Lounge. The cocktail bar offers happy hour daily from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Mercantile 727 S. Peters St. 504-558-1914

Home of the Cotton Candy Cocktail, The Mercantile Hotel has a craft cocktail bar for all guests and local New Orleanians to enjoy.

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

The Pelican Bar (Sheraton) 500 Canal St. 504-525-2500

In addition to having delicious cocktails, Pal’s Lounge frequently hosts a variety of food trucks. You can grab a drink at the indoor bar before seeing which food truck is cooking up grub that day. Within walking distance of City Park, Parley’s has been a local favorite drinking hole for over 25 years. The local spot also boasts one of the longest bars in Orleans Parish at 60 feet in length. Inside the Sheraton Hotel, The Pelican Bar offers some delicious craft cocktails. The popular bar is just a few blocks from Jackson Square and is perfect for enjoying a drink during lunch or dinner.

The Pool Club 550 Baronne St. 833-791-7700

Located inside the Virgin Hotel in Downtown New Orleans, this bar is one of the best rooftop spots in the city. Enjoy great food, drinks, and amazing views of the CBD.

Rendon Inn 4501 Eve St. 504-218-7106 Rivershack Tavern 3449 River Rd. 504-834-4938

This neighborhood bar provides craft beer, cocktails, and Cajun cuisine for patrons to enjoy. Their daily specials, including Tequila & Tacos Tuesday, Welfare Wednesday, and Trivia Thursday, keep customers excited to return. Order some food from the kitchen while bartenders make you any drink you can think of at Rivershack Tavern. Besides regular cocktails, you can also try their specialty Riveritas, such as the Razzirita or Poncharita.

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

This award-winning bar, inside the Royal Frenchmen Hotel, is a popular destination for martinis. To try out their signature drink, the bar offers a daily $5 Martini Happy Hour from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Shenanigan’s 4612 Quincy St. 504-605-3299

Found in the heart of Metairie, Shenanigan’s has a full-service kitchen and bar. This is the perfect place to engage in shenanigans of your own by playing pool and throwing darts.

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

Axe throwing at Stumpy’s Hatchet House will make any night more exciting! All groups can reserve their own private throwing pit, which makes this a great spot for parties and events. While walking along Bourbon Street, stop by one of the five Tropical Isle locations to order a famous Hand Grenade. Take your drink to-go or enjoy the live entertainment that is offered daily.

Parlay’s 870 Harrison Ave. 504-304-6338

COURTESY SKYY VODKA

Drink Food Specials

Tropical Isle Various Locations 504-529-4109

Dancing

Live Music

Billards

THIS MONTH AT ACE HOTEL This Month at the

Three Keys @ Ace Hotel AUG 1

SUN

Float, Alto, 12pm, house | Extended Layover with Felice Gee, Lobby, 12pm, eclectic, soul, electronic

AUG 3

TUE

Hack Night - Tech Tuesday, Three Keys, 7pm, tech night

AUG 5

THU

Helen Gillet, Three Keys, 8pm,

Oct. 15 FRI AUG 6

Oct. 16

Marcus Machado

9pm

ÍFÉ

9pm

Them Productions presents Them People + ANTWIGADEE! , Three Keys, 8pm, hip hop, electronic, R&B | Them Productions presents Them People + ANTWIGADEE! , Lobby, 10pm, hip hop, electronic, R&B

AUG 7

SAT

Big Easy Brawlers, Three Keys, 8pm, brass | DJ Wop, Lobby, 10pm, hip hop & R&B & soul

AUG 8

SUN

Float, Alto, 12pm, DJ | Extended Layover with Jaek, Lobby, 12pm, eclectic, soul, electronic

AUG 10 TUE Oct. 17 AUG 12

THU

FRI AUG 13 21 Oct.

AUG 14

SAT

Oct. SUN AUG 15 22

Erica Falls and the Soul Rebels

Hack Night - Tech Tuesday, Three Keys, 7pm, tech night

Green House w/ Kelly Green

AfroXotica with Andrea Peoples, Three Keys, 8pm, afrobeat

glbl wrmng

9pm

Float, Alto, 12pm, DJ | Extended Layover with Felice Gee, Lobby, 12pm, eclectic, soul, electronic

TUE

Hack Night - Tech Tuesday, Three Keys, 7pm, tech night

AUG 18

WED

SONO presents Shape of Jazz to Come, Three Keys, 8pm, jazz

Oct. 28 AUG 19

THU

AUG 20 FRI SUN AUG 22 29 Oct.

AUG 24 TUE

7pm

Khris Royal & Dark Matter, Three Keys, 8pm, funk, jazz | DJ G, Lobby, 10pm, funk, pop, eclectic

AUG 17

Oct. 23

8pm

Four Five Times Swing Night, Three Keys, 8pm, swing/dance

Jodeci Juice Joint

9pm

Four Five Times Swing Night

8pm

Grooves with Jevon Tate, Lobby, 7pm, vinyl, funk, boogie, soul

Water Seed, Three Keys, 8pm | DJ Raj Smoove, Lobby, 10pm, funk, soul

Troy Sawyer

Float, Alto, 12pm, DJ | Extended Layover with Jaek, Lobby, 12pm, eclectic, soul, electronic

9pm

Hack Night - Tech Tuesday, Three Keys, 7pm, tech night

Oct. Moses 10:30pm House with Kelly Green, Lobby,9pm, 7pm, house,DJ disco,RQ funk Away THU GreenTeedra AUG 26 30 Radio presents Garden with AlexeyHappy Marti + C’est Funk, Three Keys, 8pm, international funk, disco, dance | Radio Garden Feelins AUG 27 FRI with Alexey Marti + C’est Funk, Lobby, 10pm, international funk, disco, dance AUG 28 SAT

Oct. 31 AUG 29 SUN AUG 31

TUE

La Noche Caliente with Muevelo!, Three Keys, 8pm, latin

DJ Soul Sister’s Haunted B-Movie Marathon

2pm

Float, Alto, 12pm, DJ | Extended Layover with Felice Gee, Lobby, 12pm, eclectic, soul, electronic Hack Night - Tech Tuesday, Three Keys, 7pm, tech night

Join our A-List to stay abreast of Ace happenings. acehotel.com/alist

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WhereYat.com | Halloween 2021

TALES FROM THE QUARTER By Debbie Lindsey

Rituals of Respect

DON’T MISS THE

SPIRITS GUIDE NOVEMBER ISSUE DEADLINE: OCT 25 | STREET DATE: NOV 5

Call [504] 891-0144 to Advertise!

Halloween | Where Y'at Magazine

ugust 8th, The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival had to make the difficult decision to cancel the October Jazz Fest. I believe this was a wise move but painful for so many. Jazz Fest generates approximately $400 million dollars for our economy in New Orleans. And there is no price tag to place upon the magic this festival conjures up. Jazz Fest is my everything happy. It takes all that is New Orleanian and dear to me—her music, funk, food, culture, cuisine, literature, photography, and her people—then spreads it all out like a picnic for me to enjoy as I pay tribute to it. This festival invites and indulges the talents of our guest stars, performers, and artists along with the thousands of Jazz Festers from around the world. And somehow this amalgamation of elements ignites magic. Enchantment, pure and simple. To say there is something for everybody at this festival is an understatement. For me, it is the Holy Land, where funk is divine. October 2021 was to be my 32nd Jazz Fest, with not a year missed. But a monster named Delta has decided that my attendance this month will not be inside my favorite tents within the Fair Grounds aka Holy Land. I have celebrated Jazz Fest during the pandemic thus far, as did many others who know that it is a state of mind first and foremost—and we will “Fest” this October. Just as we celebrated in absentia the Jazz Fest for the past two springs of 2020 and 2021, via archived performances broadcasted by WWOZ, we New Orleanians’, with our defiance of anything that comes between us and a celebration, will keep the magic alive. This October would have given me two in-person/boots-on-the-ground Jazz and Heritage events within six months of each other. Husband and I prepaid October’s JF and made clear to understanding employers that we would be Festing (not working). Ditto for spring. Personally, I am fine with waiting until April 2022 to be there in that number, as it just felt a little odd to have it in October. Think of Christmas in July—might be tons of fun but just not ringing true. Heck, just call me a traditionalist when it comes to JF. And traditions abound for me when partaking of Jazz Fest. I have rituals, routines, and rhythms for my participation in this glorious escapism. For two weekends, and even the days surrounding them, I escape the hard side of New Orleans and focus only on what this town is capable of creating. An environment of camaraderie and creativity is gifted to me even before I enter the gates at the Sauvage entrance (my go-to-every-year entrance). Routines for Festing are as sacred as a Saints fan’s adherence to donning his lucky jersey. Early morning porch stooping

(similar to pre-game tailgating) to greet everyone who walks past is required if you are blessed to live within shouting distance of Jazz Fest. Then the walk around the corner to Canseco’s for liters of water to take into the Fair Grounds, aka Holy Land; back to let the little dog Scout outside to pee (Scout has permission to pee to her heart’s content on yesterday’s NYT paper until we return). Then it is on your mark, get set, and walk out the door towards sheer joy. But not so fast—handshakes and hugs at our corner with the policeman who directs foot traffic towards the Fest. This gregarious man is the embodiment of community policing with his greetings to every single person who intersects at Maurepas and N. Lopez. Then we wait patiently in line on Fortin Street until the gates open! Once inside, I stop to pay my respects to the Gospel Tent; then cruise quickly alongside the glorious arts and crafts venues (peruse more later); short cut through the Blues Tent; stroll past various food and drink vendors to plot my refreshments for later; wave at Mo the bathroom attendant outside the airconditioned trailer/toilets; and then enter my “home away from home,” my WWOZ/ Zatarain’s sponsored Jazz Tent. Once inside this tent, I stroll to my seat. Yes, my seat. The one I have sat in for some years now (you can easily and politely get the seat of your choice if you get there for the first performance of the day). And I will save the seat next to me for my Jazz Fest friend Cathy, who will sit there in spirit only. The year she was not waiting there for our annual reunion, gracing her favorite chair, was explained as her best friend walked up with tears in her eyes. Friendships are formed with out-oftown festers. You might see them only at Jazz Fest, yet a bond is made over a love and respect for music. Through the past decades, I have followed the lives of the many regulars in “my tent.” Every stage, tent, venue throughout the Fair Grounds has its loyal regulars that you count on seeing. Acura is peppered with personalized flags distinguishing favored spots, just as The Economy Hall’s dancing loyalists spin and twirl the same turf yearly. I have watched Festers grow, change, and age over the years, witnessed their stages of life from young single to married, pregnant, menopausal, sometimes cancer baldness, and the return of a curly crown of optimism the following year. And I’ve seen too many empty seats, like Cathy’s—yet the torch will be passed to new guardians of the magic, and this is how Jazz Fest traditions remain honored. And I will honor all the missing-in-action festers when I return this spring with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on the sacred floor of my Jazz Tent and a toast with my café au lait. Cheers, Cathy.

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Halloween | Where Y'at Magazine

ure, like many folks, I was going to go to The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (Jazz Fest 2021); in fact, we purchased every-day-tickets months and months before and wouldn’t have missed it for all the tea in Humboldt County. But, first, I had to take a trip to the real Sin City. I was gonna take the beginning of the first week (pre-Fest), board a giant silver bird at an ungodly morning hour, and land in Las Vegas when the sun is blazing over Death Valley and the neon lights were shining just as bright. It’s to be a gathering of myself and my four siblings to celebrate my sister’s birthday in the manner in which she wishes: gambling, drinking, and king crab legs from some hotel all-you-can-eat buffet line. Jazz Fest is off; the trip is still on. Vegas will not be an Ocean’s Eleven hit and split; more like five geezers rolling into town with an 11 o’clock curfew in madras shorts and Birkenstocks with socks affair. The days of partying like it’s 1999 were over, well, in 1999, which we relive only in memories, fantasies, and arthritis; oh, the party is still on. It’s just toned down to a dull roar. Their mother (we all refer to her as “your mother” and not as our own) had five kids and they all carry a part of her whether they like it or not; all of us together make up one of the women that we called Mom. The birthday girl is the Gambler; my brother, (the non-Italian) the Musician; the oldest girl, the Actress; the youngest, the Poet; and I am the Cook. When we get together (whether we want to or not) we talk about her, the woman that was Big Red. At least four of us have different fathers. Once upon a time, I worked in Las Vegas. I hitchhiked into town broke, busted, and with a woman and young child. I got a job cooking biscuits and gravy for truckers, dug myself out of a hole and, eventually, eventually made it back to New Orleans. Another story/time. I’ll take a deep psychic breath as I leave here and will only exhale when upon my return. I count New Orleans as my home, physically, mentally, and spiritually; attending Jazz Fest is my equivalent of church. Jazz Fest would’ve been my reward for completing a calling of the clan; my heaven/haven. I picture myself at Jazz Fest: my head is clear, I’m palpably brighter, and my smile cherubic; there’ll be glide in my slide and gut in my strut. I’ll be waving a handkerchief, chewing a praline filled beignet, buck jumpin’, and havin’ fun! Nothing,

nothing compares with Jazz Fest. Nothing. I’m fortunate in that I only live two blocks from the gate; from the construction to the breaking down, and every minute of show time, the sounds coming from the racetrack form the soundtrack of my life. My senses are tuned to the energy and activity that’s going on within me and without me. My neighborhood becomes a hive with the comings and goings before, during, and after the gates open; a veritable county fair affair. Not this year though. What can I say about Jazz Fest that hasn’t been said before? How about this (?): it’s crowded, hot, rainy, expensive, restrictive, and a tasteless sensory overload. I think that’s true for someone who has never been, doesn’t go, or is there for the first time and leaves before the Kool-Aid takes effect. I attend with every fiber of my being and all the love in my heart. You see, Jazz Fest to me is like a drug that I am addicted to and can never get enough of: “Hello, my name is Phil and I am a JazzFestaholic” (hello, Phil!). Many of my friends are JazzFestaholics as well; I run with a dangerous crowd. We’re packing sun screen, performance programs, a little something to sit on, and plenty of cash. We know the lay of the land. We peer over peoples’ shoulders to see what they’ve been eating; we talk to strangers, take snap shots; we stand in long lines; we tip. We’re so addicted that we show up early (every day) to be in the gate as soon as we can and we don’t ever want to go home. Some folks will say that we’ll never grow up and we don’t dispute them. The worst day at Jazz Fest is better than the best day anywhere else. Not this year (or last); I’m going through withdrawals and a trip to Las Vegas isn’t going to help. Las Vegas was very good to me, as was Santa Fe, San Francisco, Denver, Saint Louis, New York City, San Diego, or a dozen other places that I’ve lived; but they’re not New Orleans. Attending concerts and festivals in those places are good, but they’re not New Orleans. New Orleans is where women call me “Honey” and men call me “Baby,” and we have the Saints football team, gumbo, humidity, mosquitoes, feral chickens, second lines, and folks stooping in the shade asking “How y’all doin’?” as you pass by on your way to get a cold one from a shadow street vendor heading for the Jazz Fest gates of your mind. Be patient. Next year, we’ll meet again.

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