Where Y'at Magazine – Holiday Dining Guide – Dec 2020 by Where Y'at Magazine

December 2020

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DINING • MUSIC • ENTERTAINMENT • NIGHTLIFE

Holiday Dining Guide

RED BEANS AND RICE p. 6

Now Open! 8201 Oak Street

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WhereYat.com | November December 2020

CONTENTS December 2020 Food & Drink

Features

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Josh Danzig Creative Director: Robert Witkowski Executive Editor: Kathy Bradshaw

Red Beans Forever

Holiday Dining Guide

Movie Editors: David Vicari, Fritz Esker

Christmas Characters From Around the World

Dear Santa, If I Knew You Were Coming, I Would Have Baked a Cake…

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

Holiday Activities Around Louisiana

Jazz’s Influence on Modern Music

42 46

Outdoor Fat Burning Holiday Quiz

28 30 32

$20 & Under Food News Have a Seat at the Counter

48 49

Director of Sales: Stephen Romero Photographers and Designers: Gus Escanelle, Kimmie Tubre, Emily Hingle, Annabel Morrison, Kathy Bradshaw Interns: Melanie Hucklebridge, Lawrence Bourgeois, Brhea Washington, Abbey Hebert, Blake Anderson, Amanda Gomez, Olivia G Wimberly

Extras

Cover Photo: Farrah Ross Appleman, Mother's Red Beans and Rice

Tales From the Quarter

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Po-Boy Views

Letter from the Publisher Enjoy our Holiday Dining Guide listicle of five unique things about each of some of the hottest restaurants in town. Pick one that you haven’t been to, and responsibly visit with your family. Mother’s Restaurant has been serving some of the best red beans and rice for over 80 years. This local institution is known for its lines and “World’s Best Baked Ham.” Enjoy Kim Ranjibar’s profile on this local legend. This issue also includes holiday features on Christmas characters from around the world, ways to stay healthy through outdoor exercise, and a Christmas quiz of “What Christmas Item Are You?” Have a safe and happy holiday season from Where Y’at! –Josh Danzig, Publisher

Holiday Dining Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

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PHOTOS, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: WALMART; PHOTO BY KEVIN BARRACO, SMART MEDIA/ COURTESY CAMELLIA GRILL; SABRINA STONE; KALASANGHAM FILMS; WHERE Y'AT HOTO

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WhereYat.com | November 2020

RED BEANS FOREVER Hammin' It Up at Mother's By Kim Ranjbar

Queen B instas Mother's

Holiday Dining Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

Arguably one of our city's most iconic dishes, red beans and rice is traditionally served on Monday night and is made using the extra bits and bones leftover from Sunday evening's ham (yet another traditional meal). Carrying over from the Victorian era was the notion that Mondays were wash days, and since laundry was a horribly arduous task, it left little time to get dinner on the table. Red beans and rice were a delicious solution, a dish that not only used up the leftover ham, but also something that could (and should) cook low-and-slow for several hours, leaving time for moms and maw-maws to get the clothes clean. Though for most, doing wash on one particular weekday has become a thing of the past, the habit of enjoying red beans on Monday nights is still going strong, whether you get it from your grandmother's stove top or grab a bowl from a neighborhood restaurant. For over 80 years, Mother's Restaurant has been slinging red beans and other classic Creole fare from an old brick building on the corner of Tchoupitoulas and Poydras Streets in the Warehouse District. It stands to reason that Mother’s, known for its “world's best

baked ham,” would have some of the best red beans in the city. Sourced from Chisesi Brothers, another century-old New Orleans institution, the hams are trimmed of fat and roasted with Mother's own secret blend of spices, sliced and used in nearly half the dishes on their menu, from omelets and turnip greens to their “Famous Ferdi Special” po-boy with ham, roast beef, and debris with au jus gravy. Like many other Mother's favorites, their red beans are magicked using those precious, rendered ham-fat trimmings, along with meaty ham bones, resulting in a dish that is like what Mama used to make, a dish that reminds folks of home. The Warehouse District restaurant was born in the late 1930s when Simon Landry purchased what was formerly a small Greek sandwich shop for his wife Mary, who loved to cook. Later, their sons Eddie and Jack took over the family business and, since it was their mother's business from the getgo, it only seemed fitting that they name it accordingly. In the mid-80s, brothers Jerry and John Amato purchased Mother's from the Landrys, and it has stayed in their family ever since. When the Amatos took over, they

PHOTOS, FROM TOP: FARRAH ROSS APPLEMAN; COURTESY MOTHER'S RESTAURANT/BEYONCE INSTAGRAM

The dishes we eat and how and when we eat them are as varied as the ingredients that make them up. The dining habits of rich and poor alike become time-honored cultural traditions that every community on this earth can lay claim to, and New Orleans is no exception. The practice of celebrating Epiphany by eating king cake traveled from the Old World along with our ancestors' steamer trunks, but in the Crescent City, we made it our own with a brioche-like cinnamon roll decked out in purple, green, and gold—and woe to those who eat king cake at any other time of the year, as it's widely known to cause bad luck. Though its origin is debated, many believe the po-boy came about because a sympathetic restaurant owner gave French bread stuffed with meat scraps and gravy to the “poor boys” who were on a four-year strike against the streetcar company in the 1920s. And then there are red beans . . .

Spread the Spirit of Holiday and Personalize Your Favorite Holiday Spirits! Throughout the months of November and December, we will celebrate the holiday season by offering a custom engraving experience on select high-end bottles purchased.

STAR GAS & GROCERY Kenner / Dec. 4, 5 – 7 pm

BREAUX MART River Ridge / Dec. 22, 4:30 – 6:30 pm

MARTIN WINE CELLAR Metairie / Dec. 5 & 19, 1 – 3 pm CBD / Dec. 5 & 19, 3:30 – 5:30 pm

AQUISTAPACE Mandeville / Dec. 23, 1:30 – 3:30 pm

DISCOUNT DEPOT Marrero / Dec. 11, 4 – 6 pm DORIGNAC’S Metairie / Dec. 12 & 20, 12 – 2 pm ECONOMICAL SUPER MARKET Metairie / Dec. 12 & 20, 3 – 5 pm

COVINGTON SUPERMARKET Mandeville / Dec. 23, 4:30- 6:30 pm BALESTRAS FOOD CENTER Belle Chasse / Dec. 24, 2 – 4 pm STAR CONVENIENCE Gretna / Dec. 24, 5 – 7 pm

SUNNY TIME Pearl River / Dec. 18, 4 – 6 pm LANGENSTEIN’S Metairie / Dec. 20, 6 – 8 pm River Ridge / Dec. 22, 2 – 4 pm

Complimentary branded gift bags and tissue will be available while supplies last.

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Adams Liquor Handbook 2018; National Retail Federation; FullSix/Pernod Ricard Global Web Index Study, 2016; 12yo REASONS FOR purchase, 2020 Mintel Winter Holiday Shopping 2019; Mintel Holiday Shopping 2019 Holiday 2020: Sell in Holiday 2020

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made it a point to maintain the Landrys’ enduring recipes, sprinkling a few of their own additions into the mix. Part of Mother's undeniable magic is that people who've enjoyed their meals can come back years later and enjoy them again, exactly the way they remember them. The restaurant touts that they are the “proud keepers of tradition,” and patrons know that the red beans and rice they eat today will taste the same as they did 20 years ago. Another significant reason for the restaurant's consistency is because most of their staff has been employed there for decades—people

Mother's in the 1930s

Like so many other restaurants and businesses, Mother's has suffered its own losses and setbacks due to COVID-19. Perhaps it was because they had already survived for almost a century or because patrons still clamored for their dishes even when it was mandatory that they close, or perhaps the hard-working folks who have spent a large part of their lives to make this quintessential New Orleans restaurant a name known the world over weren't willing to give up, even during a global pandemic, but Mother's still remains and is going strong. Though the line down Poydras Street has all but disappeared these days, Mother's has adjusted with the times, offering both takeout and delivery, plus dine-in at 75-percent capacity. They have

600 FULTON ST 504.882.3024 | FULTONALLEY.COM

Holiday Dining Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

who have been a part of Mother's for so long that they've become family. The story of Roland Swazy, Mother's head chef, is the perfect case in point. New Orleans born-and-bred and a graduate of Walker L. Cohen High School, Swazy began working for the Amatos as a dishwasher in 1987 and, in the local restaurant tradition, worked his way up the ranks to head chef. While simmering a huge vat of jambalaya, Swazy related the secrets of Mother's incredible red beans and rice, from the ham-fat trimmings and the addition of their roast beef au jus to using Creole Country smoked sausage and Camellia Brand red beans, which, by the way, are never presoaked. Shirley Levy, another longtime cook at Mother's, can whip up a batch of fried chicken that is so mouthwateringly good that it gives the famed Willie Mae's a run for its money.

adopted social-distancing policies, with tables spaced six feet apart and diners required to don masks for entry. And, for the first time in 83 years, Mother's now offers table service, as the previous set-up, with steam tables and ordering lines, is no longer viable. Though steeped in tradition, Mother's continues to make whatever changes are needed to ensure that “everybody gets fed” and “everyone keeps coming back.” In fact, soon fans from all over the country won't need to fear current travel risks to get a taste of Mother's, as the restaurant is poised to start shipping nationally with Goldbelly.com. Can you imagine red beans and rice delivered on a Monday, right to your door? The future is looking bright indeed. Mother’s: 401 Poydras St., (504) 523-9656, mothersrestaurant.net

PHOTOS, FROM TOP: COURTESY MOTHER'S RESTAURANT

Martha Stewart visits.

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BAYOU HOT WINGS 1.

Chef Allen Nguyen, who has been in the restaurant business for 14+ years, graduated from the Delgado Culinary Apprenticeship at the top of his class and was the recipient of the Young Professional Award by the Academie de Gastronomie Brillat-Savarin.

Daisy Dukes provides a truly Southern experience, serving Cajun-based cuisine and providing customers the classic Southern hospitality that New Orleans is known for.

Bayou Hot Wings serves tasty and homemade sides, such as house-made slaw, tater salad, fried pickles, and many more.

The French Quarter location, which is the first and original location, is open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

This restaurant’s menu features wraps with a choice of a tomato, white, or wheat wrap. Their Hotboy Chicken Wrap is served with Hotboy sauce, blue cheese dressing, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.

There are multiple locations all around the city, including one in Metairie, Kenner, and Mandeville, so you don’t have to travel all the way to the Quarter to get a good meal.

Aside from being a wing restaurant, they also offer burgers, such as the Bayou ½ lb Burger and the Western Chipotle BBQ with Bacon Burger, all served with fries on the side.

Their breakfast menu, which is available all day, seven days a week, offers classic meals such as shrimp and grits. It also features special Cajun dishes, such as an alligator omelet, Cajun omelet, and seafood omelet.

COPPER VINE WINE PUB

DAISY DUKES

Chef Kyle Makepeace, who entered the restaurant industry at age 15, has a plethora of experiences as a chef that range from working at Ralph’s on the Park to travelling around Vancouver to cook for fine establishments.

6221 S. Claiborne Ave., (504) 865-9464, bayouhotwings.com

1001 Poydras St., (504) 208-9535, coppervinewine.com

Kyle Brechtel founded Copper Vine because no other restaurant or bar in the area fulfilled his vision for a neighborhood spot where he would enjoy spending his time. Copper Vine’s building is on the National Register of Historic Places and was home to the restaurant Maylie’s, which opened in 1876, nearly 150 years before Copper Vine. The original bar from Maylie’s was restored and remains inside the restaurant.

Daisy Dukes always offers free refills on Bloody Marys with the purchase of a meal, so drink up!

Multiple locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com THE DUKE 1.

The Duke claims that its legend is in the food, and once you indulge in their mouthwatering burgers, pasta, or fried desserts, you’ll see for yourself that everything you eat there really is memorable. The Duke’s appetizers will make your stomach growl. From fried pickles to fried mac and cheese to the Supreme Ruler Nachos, all of your cravings will be satisfied.

Copper Vine offers 30 wines on tap and was the recipient of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for 2020.

The outdoor courtyard filled with greenery is a beautiful spot to enjoy their delicious appetizers, such as crab deviled eggs, black truffle fries, and a fig and goat cheese flatbread with fig preserves

A burger crucial to the morning after a wild night out is The Hangover, a burger patty served with scrambled eggs, bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese, all covered in gravy.

Copper Vine has a Happy Hour Monday

They offer a plethora of sweets that you

The eponymous The Duke burger is a menu highlight and is the most popular and craved burger from this restaurant.

Holiday Dining Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

don’t want to miss, including their “Epic Ice Cream,” fried Oreos, fried bread pudding, and Ice Cream Bubba. 2740 Severn Ave., Metairie, (504) 353-4227, thedukemetairie.com GATTUSO’S 1.

Gattuso’s, a restaurant that has been serving the community for 20 years, creates a welcoming and lively atmosphere for your even your pet. family

This restaurant’s Happy Hour occurs Monday through Friday, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., with half-priced appetizers, $1.25 off all beers, and $2 off well liquors.

115 Chartres St., (504) 309-9360, jimmyjscafe.com LAKEVIEW HARBOR 1.

You can build your own pizza at Lakeview Harbor by choosing the size, the meats, the cheeses, the veggies, and any speciality items, including artichokes, chicken, hot sausage, and shrimp.

They offer delectable steaks, such as a 10-ounce smoked prime rib with grilled asparagus and loaded potato croquettes, a 12-ounce ribeye with grilled asparagus and rosemary roasted new potatoes, and an 8-ounce filet mignon.

For chips and dip, they have a delicious crawfish queso dip and their homemade guacamole. They also feature two soups: chicken and sausage gumbo and a soup of the day.

Lakeview Harbor has an expansive po-boy selection, including shrimp, oyster, catfish, and roast beef versions, all of which are served dressed with a side of fries.

Gattuso’s is located right next to the levee, so after your meal, you can go for a stroll and enjoy the view of New Orleans from afar.

Lakeview Harbor also offers delicious specialty items, such as their margarita chicken sandwich, Surf & Turf Burger, and pulled pork sandwich.

Their pasta dishes, all of which are served with your choice of either a side salad or a side Caesar salad, include shrimp scampi pasta, chicken alfredo, and seafood pasta.

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Gattuso’s menu has a list of featured cocktails, including the Velvety Kiss Martini, the Pumpkin Spice White Russian, and the Blackberry Sage Margarita. Aside from these featured beverages, they also offer a wide range of other cocktails and beer.

435 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, (504) 368-1114, gattusos.net JIMMY J’S CAFÉ 1.

This restaurant has a wide variety of French toast, such as their Blueberry Brandy Glazed, Bananas Foster, Cap’n Crunch, and Cinnamon Spiced varieties.

Jimmy J’s Café makes everything from scratch with the freshest ingredients, and their staff prides themselves on knowing how to cook and serve good food.

Jimmy J’s offers weekly chef’s specialties, with the goal of making their food as affordable as possible, so that their customers can enjoy carefully and thoughtfully made cuisine at excellent prices.

They serve breakfast all day!

They offer tasty items on a section of their menu entitled Jimmy J’s Favorites, which includes their Eggs Lafitte, as well as the blackened pork chop, served on a bed of fries and garnished with arugula salad.

8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., (504) 486-4887, lakeviewharbor.us MISA 1.

Tal Sharon, the owner of Tal’s Hummus, also created this delicious restaurant and named it Misa, after Tal’s Libyan grandmother.

Misa focuses on serving global cuisine with authentic Mediterranean influences, which goes wonderfully with their impressive wine list.

At this restaurant, there is patio seating with a mural of a fish on the wall. Customers can sit outside and have an intimate view of busy Magazine Street.

Their ravioli with pumpkin and garlic butter sauce is standout, especially for fall.

FROM TOP: WHERE Y'AT STAFF IMAGE COMPOSIT IMAGE; ANNABEL MORRISON

through Friday, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and brunch on weekends.

AMERICAN

Their desserts, which are a perfect way to end an already-perfect meal, include a chocolate tart with fruit and sour cream, as well as fruit salad with tapioca and coconut.

4734 Magazine St., (504) 510-2791, misanola.com

crabmeat, shrimp, and crawfish and is topped with cheese sauce, cheddar, and chives.

ASIAN

Spudley’s offers delicious appetizers, such as fried mozzarella cheese sticks, chicken fingers, and fried mushrooms.

The Pizza Spud never disappoints and comes with sliced pepperoni, mozzarella, and chives.

Spudly’s has 20 varieties of creatively topped “Super Spuds,” with toppings that range from fried chicken breast and fajita-style chicken to meatballs and chipped beef to broccoli and cauliflower.

SALA RESTAURANT 1.

Sala Restaurant is owned by the Riccobono family, who also own Peppermill, Riccobono’s Panola St. Café, and Café Navarre. Their Happy Hour is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., from Tuesday to Friday, and includes $5 glasses of house wine, $6 classic cocktails and mixed well drinks, $7 crawfish beignets, and more.

Sala has a wide range of house specialty cocktails that never disappoint, such as the Whiskey Smash, strawberry mojito, and Diamante Margarita.

If you’re craving something from the sea, Sala features Golden Fried Fish Almondine, with lemon butter sauce and toasted almonds and topped with crabmeat.

Sala also offers a brunch menu every Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with bottomless mimosas on Saturday!

2609 Harvard Ave., Metairie, (504) 455-3250, spudlys.com

of dish, a side (rice or lo mein), and an appetizer or soup.

GREEN TEA

Green Tea prepares their dishes with vegetable oils and unsaturated fat, as they wish to provide healthy Chinese cuisine. They use local ingredients and are vegan-friendly. Their pu pu platter, which serves two people, comes with two orders of spare ribs, two egg rolls, two chicken wings, two fried dumplings, two pieces of teriyaki chicken, two fried shrimp, and two crab rangoons.

They offer large portions of family meals, which can serve from two people to nine.

You can customize your meal with Green Tea’s special combo plates, which are served all day and come with your choice

124 Lake Marina Ave., (504) 513-2670, salanola.com

Spudley’s originally opened in 1980 and only served baked potatoes; however, the menu has grown and been modified to now also offer soups, salads, burgers, and sandwiches. One of their best menu items is the Super Duper Baked Potato, which is loaded with

If you love fortune cookies, this is a great place for you. They sell them in groups of four.

3001 Napoleon Ave., (504) 899-8005, greenteanola.com MIKIMOTO 1.

Mikimoto creates a modern and tidy atmosphere with dim lighting and modern decor, a perfect setting for a relaxing meal of sushi, edamame, baked yellowtail neck, or whatever else you’re in the mood for.

This restaurant offers delicious Japanese soups that everyone loves, such as miso soup, clear soup, clam soup, and seafood soup, and the last two of these soups serve two.

Mikimoto has a drive-thru, so if you don’t want to dine in, it’s easy to get your favorite sushi roll, sushi box, or udon to go, without even having to park or get out of your car.

They offer their original Who Dat Popper, which consists of deep-fried jalapeños with snow crab, spicy salmon, and cream cheese.

To end your meal, Mikimoto has some delicious desserts, such as banana tempura, tempura cheesecake, and mochi, in green tea, red bean, vanilla, or mango flavors.

3301 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 488-1881, mikimotosushi.com

SPUDLY’S SUPER SPUDS 1.

MOPHO

Misa

This restaurant was started by two waiters who were complaining that they had to drive to the Westbank to indulge in pho—until they decided to start their own restaurant.

Support Local Restaurants this Holiday Season. Get chef-made meals delivered to your door.

ANNABEL MORRISON

dliverynola.com

WhereYat.com | December 2020

MoPho features don’t-miss daily specials, such as red beans and rice on Monday, hot chicken vindaloo on Tuesday, and smoky pork pho on Wednesday. MoPho offers comfortable and shady outdoor seating, excellent customer service, and an exceptional cocktail menu. They serve a wide range of dishes, from classic New Orleans shrimp and grits to beef pho to Burmese pork curry. Their delicious appetizers, such as the crispy chicken bites, roasted butternut squash, and spicy sesame cucumbers, will make you and your taste buds happy.

514 City Park Ave., (504) 482-6845, mophonola.com TSUNAMI 1.

Tsunami has multiple locations: one in New Orleans, which opened in 2017; one in Lafayette, which opened in 1999; and one in Baton Rouge, which opened in 2005.

They feature an impressive array of sake to accompany their impressive cocktail list.

Tsunami offers daily deals (times vary, depending on the day). On Monday, they offer 25 percent off all rolls $9 and under, $0.99 select nigiri, and half off their Luscious Lemonfish, Smoked Salt Escolar, Yuzu Albacore, and Truffle Salmon.

This restaurant features a sushi roll called the Big Easy, which contains crawfish, snow crab, crab stick, crunchy shrimp, cucumber, and scallions; it is also soy-wrapped, panko-fried, and topped with crunchies, cilantro, and tsurai and sriracha sauces. Always wanted to learn how to make your own sushi? Tsunami now offers home sushi kits.

601 Poydras St., (504) 608-3474, servingsushi.com

BARS WITH GREAT FOOD 5216 TABLE & TAP 1.

Enjoy their daily Happy Hour is every day from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., with half-priced wings, $2 domestic beers, and $4 well drinks.

At this restaurant, you can make sure that your burger is specific to your liking by building your own. Their juicy Angus burger can be topped with cheese, bacon, fried egg, avocado, smoked BBQ, lettuce, tomato, pickles, or jalapeños.

drinks served to you and your friends. 4.

Bowling is even more fun with an order of their Loaded Baked Potato Tots, which are oversized tater tots complete with cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions.

Fulton Alley offers flatbreads, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and bar food such as wings and Southwest eggrolls.

600 Fulton St., (504) 208-5569, fultonalley.com RIVERSHACK TAVERN 1.

Rivershack Tavern, which calls itself the most unusual bar in New Orleans, has fantastic dinner specials that include Steak Night on Tuesday, Rib Night on Wednesday, and $2 tacos and margaritas on Thursday.

The Rivershack Tavern’s various incarnations have been as a former grocery store, a bar, a restaurant, a package liquor store, and a pharmacy.

Their famous “Bar Legs” bar stools showcase a wide array of people, including, most notably, the Golfer, the Cowboy, and the Shrimper.

The 100-year-old tavern became especially well-known once shingles were removed from the sides of the building to reveal vibrant and hand-painted advertisements from the 1940s.

Rivershack Tavern has an extensive selection of beers and a variety of foods, from po-boys to deli sandwiches to seafood to chicken to burgers.

3449 River Rd., Jefferson, (504) 834-4938, rivershacktavern.com RUM AND THE LASH 1.

Rum and the Lash is the restaurant inside of Mick’s Irish Pub that offers delicious food to go with your beers.

This is a great place to get a basket of fries— either plain, with cheese, loaded, or with curry sauce.

Their noteworthy burger comes with two beef patties, dressed and with a side of spicy mayo, and they also offer a veggie burger with all the same fixings.

Even if you’re here late at night, there’s no bad time for a breakfast burrito, and Rum and the Lash has ‘em—with bacon, egg, cheese, and sriracha.

Rum and the Lash has an ever-changing list of weekend specials and rotating menu items, which they announce on their Facebook page. Some of the more recent specials include a pork sandwich and a pimento cheese and collard melt.

5216 Table & Tap’s specialty burgers include the Southern Drawl, which is loaded up with a fried green tomato, pimento cheese, and bacon.

They offer a good selection of cocktails, such as the Ponchatoula Cooler, which has rum, champagne, and strawberry, or the Redheaded Stepson, which has whiskey, ginger, fresh sour, and cabernet.

4801 Bienville St., (504) 482-9113, rumandthelash.com

Their appetizers will make you hungry immediately. Their avocado fritas, garlic parmesan fries, pork rings, and wings will make you want to plan a dinner here with your family tonight.

Stumpy’s Hatchet House provides customers a very unusual and fun experience: throwing a hatchet at a target! Employees offer you pointers on how to do it, so even axethrowing newbies can play.

The idea of Stumpy’s was conceived when two couples started throwing the axe that they had been using to chop firewood at makeshift targets and quickly realized how fun and bonding the experience was.

5216 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, (504) 766-1417, 5216tableandtap.com

STUMPY’S HATCHET HOUSE

FULTON ALLEY

Holiday Dining Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

Fulton Alley isn’t only a bar, it is also a bowling alley, so you can spend the evening here drinking and scoring spares.

Stumpy’s has a convenient location near the Superdome with plenty of safe off-street parking.

Fulton Alley, which calls itself a “charming and luxurious gaming parlour” with a Prohibition-era vibe, aims to promote the companionship of playing games, especially bowling.

Stumpy’s features a great selection of bar bites to snack on while hatchet-throwing; favorites include their delicious hot dogs and cheesy nachos.

So that you can spend gameday in style, Fulton Alley offers private Saints watch parties, which include a private “pod” with a TV, three hours of bowling, and food and

Stumpy’s is the first place to offer indoor axethrowing in the entire country.

1200 Poydras St., (504) 577-2937, stumpyshh.com/neworleansla

Enjoy...

Please Drink Responsibly

CAFES BEARCAT CAFE 1.

Bearcat Cafe focuses on serving high-quality dishes for breakfast and lunch, as well as sustainable coffees from Equator Coffee Co., loose-leaf teas, and house-made bottled beverages. The menu is divided into two sections: the Good Cat section for lighter dishes and the Bad Cat Section for indulgent dishes. Vegetarian, vegan, paleo, and gluten-free choices are scattered throughout the two sections. The Good Cat section has the Vegan Bearcat, a tofu scramble with black bean sausage, and the Mushroom Soft Scramble, served with oyster, beech, and chanterelle mushrooms.

The Bad Cat section has the Bearcat Breakfast, which comes with two eggs, crisp potatoes, and bacon or bison sausage, and the Crab Scramble, which comes with Louisiana blue crab, soft eggs, and potatoes.

Bearcat Cafe offers a whole selection of creative lattes, including chai latte, matcha latte, butterfly matcha latte, lavender honey latte, and more.

THE VINTAGE 1.

The Vintage features one of the most impressive sparkling wine menus in town, making it the perfect spot for a bubbly brunch any day of the week.

Their beignets and pastries are served all day, and they offer classic beignet bites, which are often raved about by customers.

The Vintage Breakfast is deliciously allencompassing; it comes with grits, bacon, cheese, and a poached egg.

One of their most popular flatbreads is The Vintage, with marinara, pepperoni, mozzarella, and basilâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a filling meal at an affordable price.

The Vintage also offers pressed sandwiches, a favorite being the Caprese with tomato, mozzarella, and basil.

3121 Magazine St., (504) 324-7144, thevintagenola.com

Multiple Locations, bearcatcafe.com CAFFE! CAFFE! Caffe! Caffe! opened in 1992 as a designated spot for social gatherings and tasty gourmet desserts, which are old family recipes with a twist.

The exclamation points in the name are there for excitement and emphasis, as Gerard and Lisa Beck, the owners, wanted the name of the cafĂŠ to emulate its essence and bustling atmosphere.

Caffe! Caffe! offers delicious breakfast meal options, such as the egg, cheese, and bacon (or sausage) wrap; the Breakfast Platter, which comes with scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, and grits; and the Belt Sandwich, a BLT with scrambled eggs on sourdough.

The owners of this restaurant noticed how gourmet coffee businesses were picking up and decided to create one that would also offer creative desserts. They tweaked some of their family recipes, and voilĂ !

Holiday Dining Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

NOLA CAYE NOLA Caye creates not only great food, but a great environment and atmosphere, where you can enjoy their Caribbean cuisine indoors or out.

Multiple Locations, caffecaffe.com

Happy Hour is from Monday through Friday, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., when cocktails and wine are $6 and beer is $4.

CARMO

Customers at NOLA Caye often recommend the house salad, which is deliciously filled with mangoes, pineapples, avocado, and tomatoes.

NOLA Caye offers beloved appetizers, such as the crispy chicken wings and jalapenoqueso dip.

Their brunch specials, offered Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., include the avocado toast with poached eggs and the NOLA Caye Breakfast, which comes with eggs, grits, bacon, potatoes, and an English muffin.

CARIBBEAN 1.

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Caffe! Caffe! has locations in Metairie, one on Clearview Parkway and one on North Hullen Street, so you can find one close to you to enjoy their delicious food and beverages.

Dana and Christina Honn founded Carmo in 2010 to provide vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores healthy and delicious dishes at affordable prices. They utilize local ingredients and emulate flavors from across the world.

Carmo prepares fish in unique ways, such as shima sashimi, a Japanese way of preparing fish raw and flash-cured, and tiradito, a Peruvian version of shima sashimi with the addition of aji amarillo pepper sauce.

Carmo offers cooking classes with their chefs. Current class options are their Market Class, Tropical Foodways, Sushi/Sashimi, and A Deeper Look at New Orleans Cuisine.

898 Baronne St., (504) 302-1302, nolacaye.com

Carmo is the only restaurant in Louisiana to be certified by SeafoodWatch, a program that focuses on seafood sustainability.

ITALIAN

On the lunch menu, they offer a different daily featured vegetable curry each day, served with rice, house-made roti, and chutney. There is an option to add chicken, shrimp, or organic tofu.

Chef Andrea Apuzzo, who was born and raised on the Isle of Capri in Italy, came to the United States in 1975 and opened his own restaurant, Andreaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, in 1985.

Chef Apuzzo has prepared meals for popular celebrities, such as Queen Elizabeth, Clint

527 Julia St., (504) 875-4132, cafecarmo.com

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WhereYat.com | December 2020

Eastwood, President Jimmy Carter, and others.

facebook.com/norjoeimport

Andrea’s offers delicious and affordable Italian dishes, such as their veal scaloppine parmigiana, which is white veal breaded and baked with eggplant, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese.

PASCAL’S MANALE 1.

Andrea’s Happy Hour at the Capri Blu Bar runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, with $5 house wines and $3 house martinis.

Pascal’s Manale has been in New Orleans since 1913, serving delicious and authentic Creole and Italian dishes.

They offer a delectable grilled filet of salmon fiorentina; this grilled salmon filet with white wine, sauteed spinach, and light lemon herb sauce will blow you away.

Pascal’s Manale features multiple private rooms that are perfect for small gatherings with friends and family during the holiday season.

Their website offers the recipe for their beloved bread pudding, so you can try baking your favorite Pascal’s dessert at home.

Pascal’s Manale’s biggest claim to fame is being the creators of the original BBQ shrimp, which is prepared in a spicy and tangy sauce.

Pascal’s Manale also offers a wide variety of specialty cocktails, such as Pascal’s Old Fashioned with Woodford Reserve and the French 75 with Hendrick’s Gin.

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

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

3100 19th St., Metairie, (504) 834-8583, andreasrestaurant.com ELLE-J’S 1.

This Lakeview restaurant combines authentic Italian and seafood entrees with experimental cocktails.

They serve a variety of pizzas, such as the margherita pizza, with fresh mozzarella and basil; the napoletana, with mozzarella, mushrooms, black olives, and anchovies; and the lasagna pizza, with pork and beef daube and ricotta, mozzarella, and Romano cheeses.

Need to feed the little ones? Part of their menu, entitled “For the Bambini,” lists plates for the kids in the family, including chicken fingers, a mini pizza, spaghetti and meatballs, and macaroni and cheese.

Nor-Joe Imports 4.

4137 US-90 West, Westwego, (504) 4368950, moscasrestaurant.com

Elle-J’s has a great Happy Hour Tuesday through Saturday, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Newphew’s Ristorante creates genuine and authentic Italian Creole and Sicilian food, including an extensive selection of pastas, such as the Pasta Ascuitta, the Pasta Bordelaise, and the Pasta Vacca for two.

This restaurant was opened by Chef Frank Catalanotto, a former chef from Metairie’s beloved former Italian restaurant Tony Angello’s.

Nephew’s is so-named because Catalanotto is the nephew of Tony Angello himself. Chef Catalanotto keeps the legacy of his family alive by using the recipes and business savvy that they passed down to him.

JOSEPHINE ESTELLE

Josephine Estelle gets its name from the daughters of chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman, who cook a rare combination of Italian and South American cuisines, sometimes using recipes from their maw maws. This restaurant was the recipient of both a Diner’s Choice Award 2020 and Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence 2020. The restaurant serves a variety of food, from meatballs to pasta to steak. There is also a kid’s menu available, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all members of the family. Josephine Estelle offers a variety of meatballs, such as lamb meatballs, duck meatballs, and veal meatballs. They offer a wonderful selection of pasta, such as their canestri, rigatoni, and tortellini. Other notable dishes include the flatiron steak, duck breast, and redfish.

600 Carondelet St., (504) 930-3070, josephineestelle.com MOSCA’S 1.

This restaurant has an extensive wine list, with vintages from Tuscany to California to Oregon.

Their Italian specialities are addictive and include classic spaghetti and meatballs, classic lasagna, eggplant parmesan, veal or chicken parmesan, and veal or chicken piccata.

Provino Mosca immigrated to America from San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy, in 1913. He and his wife Lisa originally built Mosca’s in Chicago Heights, Illinois. Eventually, Mosca fell in love with the culture and seafood of New Orleans, after his daughter Mary married a fisherman here, and he decided that this city would be a perfect spot for his restaurant. In 1999, Mosca’s was the recipient of the James Beard Award in the America’s Regional Classics category, a coveted and prestigious award.

Holiday Dining Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

RED GRAVY 1.

Red Gravy, which has been listed in Open Table’s Top 100 Best Brunches in America, is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

On the brunch menu, this restaurant features cannoli pancakes, which are thin pancakes with cannoli, pistachio, chocolate, and cream—you don’t want to miss this Italian twist on brunch.

Red Gravy offers small plates on their dinner menu, such as zucchini fritters with lemon and roasted garlic and mussels fra diavolo, with tomato, wine, basil, and red pepper.

They slice salami to order, using their red flywheel slicer; you can be confident in the fact that your meat will be thinly sliced to provide maximum flavor.

Red Gravy will be serving their amazing Feast of the Seven Fishes holiday dinner on December 18, and this dinner is sure to get booked up quickly.

NEPHEW'S RISTORANTE

900 Harrison Ave., (504) 459-2262, ellejslakeview.com

On their website, Mosca’s shares their classic and delicious recipes for customers to try making on their own. These easy-to-follow recipes include that of their Shrimp Mosca, and Chicken a La Grande.

1838 Napoleon Ave., (504) 895-4877, pascalsmanale.com

4206 Magazine St., (504) 561-8844, redgravycafe.com TAVOLINO 1.

Tavolino is a restaurant and lounge with a focus on exceeding its guests' expectations.

While the restaurant provides a warm finedining experience, the lounge creates an upbeat ambiance, perfect for cocktail hour with friends or a date.

If you're staying home, their to-go pizzas are a great way to end your day.

4445 W. Metairie Ave., Metairie, (504) 5339998, nephewsristorante.com

With a menu that focuses on Nouvelle cuisine-meets-homestyle cooking, guests are sure to experience the rich flavors and decadent roux that New Orleans is known for.

NOR-JOE IMPORTS CO.

Their patio makes for a fun, relaxing meal with friends outdoors.

They offer a varied collection of entrees, ranging from veal parmigiana to grilled fresh salmon to braised rabbit to Mama’s Eggplant. If you want to go big, the “Dinner Menus” are combos that include soup, salad, seafood, and an entree. And the best way to end your meal is with a cannoli, ice box pie, or spumone for dessert.

Nor-Joe Imports offers “cheese wheel pasta,” made by putting hot pasta and cheese into a hollowed-out bowl. Making pasta this way is referred to as dalla forma and is a technique used in Italy.

The portions at Nor-Joe Imports are truly Italian, so expect a lot of food. Bring a group of friends or family to share a meal here.

They offer offers delicious entrees, such as the creamy carbonara pasta served with fresh garlic bread and a side salad.

141 Delaronde Street., (504) 605-3365, facebook.com/tavolinolounge VENEZIA RESTAURANT 1.

This restaurant has been creating authentic Italian dishes and handmade pizza in their original stone oven since 1957.

You should save room for dessert, because they offer delicious cheesecake brownies that are to die for.

With the goal of treating their guests like family, Venezia places an emphasis on customer service that is accommodating and friendly.

Check out Muffuletta Mondays, when you can purchase a quarter muffuletta, a bag of Zapp’s, and a drink, all for one amazing price.

Take advantage of Venezia’s 3-4-5 Deal, which features $3 domestic beers, $4 craft beers, and $5 glasses of wine.

Venezia’s celebrates $5 Tuesday, when buying one 14-inch large pizza at regular

505 Frisco Ave., Metairie, (504) 833-9240,

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WhereYat.com | December 2020

price gets you an additional 14-inch large pizza for just $5. 5.

After visiting nearby City Park’s Celebration in the Oaks, it’s an excellent time to swing by Venezia for their unforgettable pizza or eggplant sticks.

134 N. Carrollton Ave., (504) 488-7991, venezianeworleans.net

MEXICAN CARRETA’S GRILL 1.

6 historic blocks of shopping & dining Open daily

Carreta’s Grill has been serving authentic Mexican food since 1999. They pride themselves on making their customers feel at home and comfortable in their restaurant. Their lunch menu, which is served Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., offers affordable and delicious dishes, such as the Carreta’s Special, which comes with a beef burrito, a chalupa, and a ground beef enchilada. A new item on the lunch menu is Carreta’s Classic Burger, an eight-ounce Angus patty on a brioche bun, dressed with Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onions and served with fries.

TAL’S HUMMUS 1.

Tal’s Hummus serves Israeli-inspired food: hummus, pita sandwiches, kebabs, and more, all using the freshest ingredients.

Tal’s offers a pledge of hospitality to their customers, promising to treat you not like a customer, but like family.

You can get hummus any way you like it, whether it’s on its own or served with ground beef kebabs, chicken, or falafel.

Tal’s Hummus, because of its Uptown location, overlooks Magazine Street, notable for its New Orleans liveliness.

This restaurant creates large servings for catered events. The party platter feeds eight to 10 people and comes with hummus with a choice of five sides.

4800 Magazine St., (504 )267-7357, ordertalsonline.com

NEW ORLEANS CUISINE BRIQUETTE 1.

Briquette is located in the former Rodd Brothers Molasses Refinery from the 1800s. It gets its name from the technique of cooking fresh fish over hot stone-like “briquettes” with flavored oil.

It’s hard to resist their delicious desserts, which include flan, churros, fried ice cream, tres leches, and sopapillas.

They have locations in Metairie, Covington, Harahan, and Slidell, so you can find a location all around the city whenever you crave their homemade Mexican food.

This restaurant is popular for its iconic open kitchen, which features an 18-foot display of fish, including halibut, salmon, Louisiana redfish, branzino, and others.

DS IEL NF SIA ELY

Multiple locations, carretasgrillrestaurant.com

Briquette was the recipient of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence in 2020.

MIDDLE EASTERN

Their blackened redfish, a signature menu item, has grilled shrimp, fried green tomatoes, fresh arugula, and butter.

The New Orleans Catfish Platter is a musttry, and it comes with crispy Des Allemands catfish, rosemary fries, slaw, and housemade tartar sauce.

LEBANON’S CAFÉ 1.

ESPLANADE

This restaurant offers authentic Middle Eastern cuisine with a focus on customer service, meaning that you will be pleased with not only the food, but the experience.

701 S. Peters St., (504) 302-7496, briquette-nola.com

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home decor children's toys unique gifts souvenirs and more!

shop listings and more @ frenchmarket.org 18

Holiday Dining Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop 2.

Lebanon’s creates an exciting and colorful atmosphere, with hand-painted murals and views of the streetcar on South Carrollton Avenue.

Guests come here for the kabobs, the chicken shawarma, and the rosemary lamb chops.

Lebanon’s was voted Best Middle Eastern Restaurant by the readers of Where Y’at Magazine.

This restaurant offers a wide variety of hummus, including their original hummus, hummus with fried cauliflower, and Hummus Masabacha.

1500 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 862-6200, lebanonscafe.com

CAFÉ 615 (HOME OF DA WABBIT) 1.

Opened in 1948 in downtown Gretna, Café 615 was originally called Da Wabbit and featured an iconic Bugs Bunny sign that brought a local following.

Café 615 was voted “Best Restaurant, Westbank” by Where Y’at Magazine readers.

This restaurant offers large portions of authentic Creole cuisine and an extensive list of beer, wine, and cocktails—just the way we New Orleanians like it

Café 615 serves Bugs Bunny-themed cocktails, such as the Chocolate Bunny, with 360 Vodka, creme de cacao, and Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup, and the Jack

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Wabbit Juice, with Jack Daniels, sour mix, and orange, pineapple, and cherry juices. 5.

They offer endless options, from appetizers and salads to entrees, pasta, and sandwiches, whether you want steak, seafood, chicken, or vegetarian meals.

615 Kepler St., Gretna, (504) 365-1225, cafe615.com

MELBA’S 1.

3. CHEF RON’S GUMBO STOP 1.

In order to ensure the best-tasting and most genuine New Orleans gumbo and other specialty dishes, Chef Ron Iafrate insists on solely local ingredients. Chef Iafrate became infatuated with cooking when he helped his Italian mother make their old family recipes, and his love for Cajun cooking came from when he worked with chef Fred Faria in Acadia, Rhode Island.

Iafrate was the recipient of the 2010 Chef of the Year award from the American Culinary Federation, and two years later in 2012, he opened up Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop.

Chef Ron’s offers a variety of gumbo, such as their classic seafood gumbo; Gumbo Monceaux, with a poached egg and topped with potato salad; and Freckled Gumbo, with fried oysters on top.

Aside from gumbo, they also serve other classic New Orleans dishes, including crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, shrimp creole, red beans and rice, and more.

next door, so you can eat a plate lunch or drink a frozen daiquiri while your last load is in the dryer.

Melba’s was founded after Hurricane Katrina at the intersection of North Claiborne and Elysian Fields Avenues, not far from the French Quarter.

1525 Elysian Fields Ave., (504) 267-7765, melbas.com

Melba’s pleases customers with genuine and authentic Creole flavor and a casual urban atmosphere.

MOTHER’S

This restaurant is a proud partner of The Vine Community Outreach Center, which was started by Pastor Corey Hicks to support New Orleans’s troubled youth. If you’d like to donate to this charity, you can round up your bill. They are open 24/7, so you can stop by anytime that you crave delicious po-boys, chicken wings, and classic New Orleans dishes, such as shrimp and grits and red beans and rice. WhereYat-Dec ad.pdf

11/16/20

Melba’s is connected to a laundromat right

a.m. to 9 a.m. 4.

Some of their most popular items include Mae’s filé gumbo, red beans and rice, Jerry’s Jambalaya, and crawfish etouffée.

Mother’s offers the “World’s Best Baked Ham Dinner,” which comes with your choice of ham (fried, baked, or blackened) and three side dishes.

Opened in 1938 by Simon and Mary Landry, Mother’s lives in Poydras Street’s Restaurant Row, which is located between the waterfront and the courthouse.

401 Poydras St., (504) 523-9656, mothersrestaurant.net

Once Jerry and John Amato bought Mother’s from Landry’s sons Jacques and Eddie, more New Orleans-style dishes were added, but nothing was removed from the original menu.

NEYOW’S CREOLE CAFE

Mother’s serves breakfast all day, but the Early Bird Special, which includes scrambled eggs, smoked sausage, regular grits, a 11:25 AM biscuit, and coffee or a small orange juice, is only served Monday through Friday, from 7

Neyow’s authentic Creole cuisine is endorsed by local Uber drivers and hotel concierges.

They offer daily specials, such as red beans and jambalaya on Mondays, and white beans, BBQ chicken, spaghetti and meatballs, and po-boys on Tuesdays.

Neyow’s dishes are derived from the owners’

2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, (504) 835-2022, gumbostop.com THE CREOLE COOKERY 1.

A.J. and Anna Tusa, owners of Briquette, also launched this restaurant.

The Creole Cookery is in the perfect location: a few blocks away from the beloved Mississippi River, a three-minute walk from Jackson Square, and a few blocks from both Canal and Bourbon Streets.

They offer a delicious list of appetizers, such as gator bites, hushpuppies, fried pickles, and Cajun calamari. These Southern-based appetizers will make you fall in love with New Orleans all over again.

The Creole Cookery is known for its tasty and strong Hurricane cocktails, such as the Category One made with light rum, the Category Two made with gold rum, and the Category Three made with dark rum.

The Creole Favorites section of the menu features meals such as jambalaya, shrimp creole, Creole red beans and rice, and shrimp and grits.

508 Toulouse St., (504) 524-9631, neworleanscreolecookery.com MANDINA’S RESTAURANT 1.

Mandina’s was founded as a grocery store when Sebastian Mandina came to New Orleans from Palermo, Italy, in 1898.

When Mandina’s two sons, Anthony and Frank, took over the grocery store, it became a pool hall and then, finally, a restaurant in 1932.

This restaurant features numerous daily specials every day. For instance, on Tuesday, you can choose from beef stew, corned beef and cabbage, and stuffed chicken breast.

Mandina’s Happy Hour is Monday through Friday, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m., featuring $1 off beer, $2 off cocktails, and $2 off wines by the glass.

Mandina’s offers a wide variety of salads, from their tossed greens salad to their Italian salad garnished with anchovies to a grilled shrimp salad.

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3800 Canal St., (504) 482-9179, mandinasrestaurant.com

WhereYat.com | December 2020

served with shrimp, oysters, crab cakes, and fish, will surely satisfy. 5.

Their pastas, like the chicken parmigiana and veal parmigiana, are another tasty and filling way to go.

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

grandmother’s recipes, so the recipes for these dishes have been passed down and perfected.

They serve delicious, homemade, and New Orleans-inspired desserts, such as their homemade bread pudding with cinnamon cream sauce and their beignet sticks. Big appetite? Neyow’s features the Neyow’s Extravaganza Dinner for two, which includes two cups of gumbo, two house salads, fish, shrimp, oysters, stuffed crab, stuffed shrimp, one steak, two sides, and two desserts.

3331 Bienville St., (504) 827-5474, neyows.com ORLEANS GRAPEVINE 1.

Orleans Grapevine serves high-quality cuisine and fine wine, and they have been doing so for many years.

Their po-boys come in 6-inch, 9-inch, and king-size 14-inch options, and you can even get whole wheat po-boy bread.

In addition to po-boys, this restaurant also serves delicious and New Orleans-centric special extras, such as gumbo, jambalaya, stuffed crab, and stuffed artichokes.

Short Stop’s menu features notable desserts, such as cheesecake, peanut butter pie, lemon meringue pie, Roman Candy, and white chocolate bread pudding.

POPPA’S SEAFOOD & DELI

Mother's 4.

and go half-and-half on several of their options, such as a half-oyster, half-catfish po-boy.

especially the Grapevine Black Angus house filet, an eight-ounce filet that comes with your choice of crawfish demi-glaze or a cream sauce. 5.

Desserts are made in-house and from scratch, including the French vanilla and white chocolate bread pudding, the honey goat cheese cheesecake, or the traditional Florida key lime pie. There’s even a sugarfree dessert option.

Poppa’s Seafood & Deli serves breakfast from 7:30 a.m. until 10 a.m., featuring breakfast po-boys, such as the ham and egg po-boy and the smoked sausage and egg poboy, and breakfast plates.

The gumbo comes highly recommended, since this restaurant cooks the classic New Orleans staple perfectly.

Poppa’s has gotten good reviews for its atmosphere, service, and portion size, in addition to the excellent feedback on the food.

This deli offers a range of fried chicken deals. There’s a meal which includes six wings with fries or dirty rice; a meal with two wings and fries, salad, and toast; and a meal which comes with three chicken tenders with fries.

720 Orleans St., (504) 523-1930, orleansgrapevine.com PLEASE-U RESTAURANT 1.

Local Greek entrepreneurs Nick and Helen created Please-U in 1946 to serve delicious breakfast all day and traditional New Orleans dishes.

The Orleans Grapevine building was built by Antoine Angue in 1808, making this twostory building over 200 years old. It has kept its original dirt floors from the 19th century.

Not too hungry? If you want just a bite and a glass of wine, they offer a Petit Fare section of the menu, featuring such small plates as crab cakes, cheese boards, and New Orleans BBQ shrimp.

If you’re feeling more like lunch, there are plenty of delicious po-boys, including a salami po-boy, double-egg po-boy, and classic shrimp po-boy, so you can’t go wrong.

Their entrees will not leave you disappointed,

If you can’t decide which seafood platter to get, no worries. The mixed seafood platter,

Please-U’s Greek omelet, Gulf shrimp omelet, and oyster omelet are just a few of their wide range of omelets, which are all served with hash browns or grits and toast or a biscuit.

Not just on Mondays here, Poppa’s offers red beans and rice daily, served with smoked sausage, chicken, or pork chops.

3311 N. Galvez St., (504) 947-3373, poppasseafood-deli.edan.io

119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie, (504) 885-4572, shortstoppoboysno.com WILLIE MAE’S 1.

In 1958, Willie Mae’s moved to its current location on St. Ann Street and opened with a bar, a barbershop, and a beauty salon, which closed in the early 1970s.

Willie Mae’s was the recipient of the James Beard Award for America’s Classic Restaurant for the Southern Region and the Food Network and Travel Channel title of America’s Best Fried Chicken.

Willie Mae’s is offering holiday meals to go via their website, at either the Pythian Market location or the original St. Ann location.

The most popular meal includes three pieces of America’s Best Fried Chicken—white or dark—with one side (such as butter beans, green beans, macaroni and cheese, or french fries or sweet potato fries).

Willie Mae’s serves delicious desserts on the Sweet Tooth portion of the menu, which includes bread pudding, turtle cheesecake, strawberry cheesecake, and white chocolate cheesecake.

SHORT STOP POBOYS 1.

This restaurant offers 30 different types of po-boys in total, including roast beef, hot sausage link, Italian sausage, cheeseburger, meatball, oyster, catfish, and soft-shell crab, among many others..

If you can’t decide what type of po-boy you want, Short Stop will let you mix and match

Multiple Locations, williemaesnola.com

2740 SEVERN AVE., METAIRIE, LA • 504.353.4227 WWW.THEDUKERESTAURANT.COM 20

Holiday Dining Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

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WhereYat.com | December 2020

SEAFOOD FELIX’S 1.

Felix’s was opened in the 1940s with the goal of making New Orleans oyster bars crucial to the New Orleanian culture.

Felix wants you to ask your paw-paw, grandma, poppy, or auntie what restaurant they went to for oysters and says that it’s a near-guarantee that the answer will be Felix’s.

The oysters that Felix’s uses spend no time in a warehouse; they’re taken directly from oyster beds, refrigerated on the way to the restaurant, and put into the oyster bar.

Felix’s provides a wide variety of oyster preparations, such as on the half-shell, chargrilled, buffalo oysters, Oysters Rockefeller, Oysters Bienville, and oysters du jour.

Felix’s has multiple locations, including in the French Quarter, Mandeville, Gulfport, and Lakeview, spreading the New Orleans influence throughout the area.

Multiple Locations, felixs.com THE GALLEY

4206 Magazine St.

www.REDGRAVY.com

504 - 561 - 8844

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The Galley has served their iconic soft-shell crab and catfish filet po-boys at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival since 1977.

There’s just something about the way that The Galley does their boiled crawfish, crabs, and shrimp—the boil seasoning adds a special taste.

If you want a healthier meal, The Galley doesn’t slack on salads. They offer an acclaimed spinach crabmeat salad with walnuts, cranberries, and ginger dressing, as well as a Greek shrimp salad with black olives, feta cheese, and peeled boiled shrimp.

Their house specials include blackened or grilled redfish topped with shrimp and crabmeat, served with potatoes and veggies, and veal parmesan with angel hair pasta.

For something you’d jump at the chance to try, The Galley even has frog legs on their appetizer list! Other appetizers include crawfish hushpuppies, maple leaf duck strips, and cheese and crabmeat jalapeños.

New restaurant alert! Be sure to swing by the new location of Jazzy Pete's, Uptown on Oak Street.

Jazzy Pete’s signature item is the Jazzy Pete Poboy, which comes with grilled hot sausage, American cheese, fried shrimp, pickles, greens, and Jazzy sauce, in either a large 12inch or half-sized 7-inch variety.

This restaurant touts their devotion to serving “wild-caught and sustainably harvested oysters from American waters,” including the Gulf, so you know their seafood is fresh.

Seaworthy offers a deal on their mahi mahi ceviche, tuna poke, Gulf shrimp aguachile, and cobia tiradito: 1 for $11, or any 3 for $28.

They do shrimp right, with their fried Gulf shrimp, seasoned with lemon and pepper remoulade, or their rock shrimp roll, which has Louisiana shrimp, celery, and mayo french fries.

Though the Jazzy Pete Poboy is their most popular, they also offer many other po-boys, stuffed with everything from a burger and bacon to soft-shell crab and fried green tomatoes to BBQ pulled pork.

630 Carondelet St., (504) 930-3071, seaworthynola.com TITO’S CEVICHE & PISCO 1.

This restaurant’s atmosphere is vibrant, with upbeat music, art scattered throughout the restaurant, and an energetic and knowledgeable staff.

Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco offers the Pulpo a la Parilla, or grilled octopus with potatoes, as an appetizer, and the Pescado a lo Macho, which includes pan-seared fish, mixed seafood, and an Aji cream sauce over rice, as an entree.

8201 Oak St., (504) 766-0420, acebook.com/jazzypetesnola

If you want a little lagniappe, you can opt for one of their delectable sides, such as white rice, Peruvian beans, fried yuca, quinoa, or tostones.

SEAWORTHY 1.

Holiday Dining Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

JAZZY PETE’S

p.m., and a second, late-night Happy Hour from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.

2535 Metairie Rd., Metairie, (504) 832-0955, thegalleyseafood.net

NOW OPEN UPTOWN

Jazzy Pete's

Besides po-boys, Jazzy Pete’s also serves other traditional New Orleans dishes, such as crawfish etouffée, red beans and rice, and BBQ shrimp pasta. If you like pasta, they serve it in many ways, such as chicken fettuccine, seafood pasta, BBQ shrimp pasta, and smoked crab alfredo.

Seaworthy is located in a Creole cottage from 1832 and finds inspiration in the tradition of Southern hospitality, the vibrance of New Orleans and New Orleanian culture, and the Gulf waterways.

A crowd favorite is the Arroz con Pato—duck confit with a beer glaze, cilantro rice, and salsa criolla.

Their Happy Hour, which goes from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, features $1 off all beers and $6 classic pisco sours.

Seaworthy is open from Wednesday through Sunday, with a Happy Hour from 4 p.m. to 6

5015 Magazine St., (504) 267-7612, titoscevichepisco.com

COURTESY JAZZY PETE'S

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

Mediterranean Food by Israeli Chef Tal Sharon In-Room Dining, Take-out & Delivery, and Catering Available

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

WhereYat.com | December 2020

DEAR SANTA, IF I KNEW YOU WERE COMING, I WOULD HAVE BAKED A CAKE… Baking a Southern Red Velvet Holiday Cake

By Sabrina Stone

The holidays are about many things: music, family, reindeer, snowmen, parties, time off from work, eggnog, sparkly lights, surviving another year, finding fortitude for the next. But let’s be honest. The holidays are mostly about one thing: eating. If spring is the time to work on your summer body, winter is the time to make sure that you’ve got enough extra layers of insulation to keep you warm. This multi-tiered Southern red velvet cake should do the trick. Admittance, I’m not a frequent baker. My patience in the kitchen usually taps out around half an hour, so I enlisted help from Tory, a kitchen alchemist, and Elizabeth, our lovely magician’s assistant, to make our cake.

What You’ll Need to Stock Your Kitchen ➽ ➽ ➽ ➽ ➽ ➽ ➽ ➽ ➽ ➽ ➽ ➽ ➽

3 large eggs 1½ sticks of (unsalted) butter 1 cup buttermilk ½ cup sour cream 2½ cups flour 1 tsp baking soda 1½ cups confectioners’ sugar 2 tsp red food coloring (optional)

FOR THE WHITE CHOCOLATE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

➽ ➽

➽ ➽ ➽

1/2 lbs. cream cheese 1 stick (unsalted) butter (both cream cheese and butter should be at room temperature) 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted) 6 oz white chocolate 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 tsp cocoa powder 1 tsp salt ½ cup vegetable oil 2 tsp pure vanilla extract 1 tsp white vinegar (yes, vinegar!)

Holiday Dining Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

SOUNDTRACK

PREPARATION

Everyone’s got their winter favorites. My mom and I always stick to jazz versions of holiday classics. It’s hard to go wrong with:

First thing’s first:

₧ ₧ ₧ ₧

Oscar Peterson

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

✔

Cut parchment paper to size and place it in the bottom of the pans. (If you don’t have parchment paper, don’t sweat it. Using it will make the cake layers easier to remove and the pans slightly easier to clean, but using it or not using it won’t affect the recipe.)

Wynton Maralis Eddie Higgins …or the definitive, A Charlie Brown Christmas.

But, no judgment here. You could also throw on your:

₧ ₧ ₧

✔ ✔

Kenny G Michael Bublé or Harry Connick Jr.

The important thing is, without the music, the cake won’t be as smooth!

Lightly oil three round cake pans. (This recipe can be done with three thin layers, but I only had two cake pans at hand, so I opted for two super-fluffy ones.)

ALL PHOTOS: SABRINA STONE

FOR THE RED VELVET CAKE

MAKING THE CAKE

✔

Beat 1½ sticks of butter, ½ cup vegetable oil, and 1½ cups confectioners’ sugar together until fluffy. Add the 3 eggs, one at a time, and mix. Set aside. Whisk together 1 cup buttermilk (regular milk is an acceptable substitute), ½ cup sour cream, 2 tsp vanilla, and 1 tsp vinegar (apple cider, if you’ve got it). Sift together 2½ cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt, and 2 tsp cocoa powder in another bowl. Get your helper to slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients while you mix them with the electric mixers. Add 2 tsp red food coloring and stir. (Again, food coloring is optional and merely makes the red velvet appear redder). The powers of cocoa powder, buttermilk, and vinegar combined should actually give the cake a natural reddish tint as the cocoa powder has its organic pH reaction to the acid. Pour the cake batter into the pans (try to distribute equally). Put the pans in the oven and bake them at 350 degrees for approximately 30 minutes, rotating the pans at the 15-minute marker. (Stick a fork or a toothpick in one of the cake layers. If it comes out clean and batterless, you’ve done the job.)

✔

Delicately remove the cakes from the pans and let them cool entirely before frosting them. While they’re cooling, make your frosting.

MAKING THE FROSTING

➽

Warm the 1/2 lb. of cream cheese.

➽

Warm the 6 oz of white chocolate. Stir them together.

➽

Allow the mixture to cool. Use an electric hand mixer to whip 1 stick of (unsalted) butter until it is fluffy.

➽

Slowly add in 2 cups of confectioners’ sugar (sifted).

SNOWY CUPCAKES

➽ ➽

Add the 1 tsp vanilla.

➽

Set to cool, then frost each top of your cake layers, stack them on top of one another, and frost the sides.

Mix all components together with the mixer set to medium-low, then ramp it up to medium-high.

DECORATING THE CAKE I topped my cake with pomegranate seeds and marzipan that I shaped into leaves and dyed green with a squeeze of food coloring. The crunch and the fresh bitterness of the seeds was a nice contrast to the sweetness of the frosting. But feel free to decorate however you’re feeling inspired to.

Since we made our red velvet cake with two layers instead of three, we ended up with a lot of extra batter—and that became cupcakes. We did eat all the frosting, though, and I’m aware that cream cheese frosting, while classic for a red velvet cake, isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. So, here’s a recipe for a simple, classic vanilla frosting. VANILLA FROSTING SUBSTITUTE Use an electric hand mixer to whip a (room-temperature) stick of butter until it’s fluffy and smooth. Add in ¼ cup of whole milk (also at room temperature), 3 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 tsp of pure vanilla extract. Beat until you’ve got your frosting. DECORATING THE CUPCAKES There are so many options for cupcake decorations. Edible letters (pre-made or hand-drawn with icing) are great for spelling out a greeting across the tray or making custom cupcakes for each eater. Edible snowflakes are also available for the season. Any embellishment is a nice touch. I love coconut, so, after frosting the cupcakes, I simply dusted them and the plate with coconut shreds, which came out looking like snow.

Happy Holiday Baking! WhereYat.com | December 2020

$20 AND UNDER Thai Up in a Bow By Kim Ranjbar

Though I grumbled about it—my belly was geared towards a “super” grilled chicken burrito with extra cheese and pickled jalapenos—I cried uncle. And it was easily one of the sweetest surrenders of my life. Excited to introduce my mom and me to a cuisine we’d never enjoyed, my brotherin-law ordered dish after dish for us all to share. As the plates poured out of the kitchen, I was as overwhelmed as our tiny table, which could barely hold our bounty. Every dish we tasted was like nothing I’d ever eaten before, an endless variety of tangy, spicy, salty, and sweet, supported by a dense, sticky rice and washed down with that wonder of wonders: “cha yen,” or Thai iced tea. While New Orleans has its own fabulous cuisine, a culinary dialect unlike anywhere else in the country, I must admit I lamented the lack of global flavors—something I was used to in the Bay Area. But over the last decade, this small Southern city has grown by gastronomic leaps and bounds, including a hefty infusion of Thai restaurants. Probably the most recognized Thai spot in the area would have to be Banana Blossom. Opened over a decade ago inside a strip mall on Belle Chasse Highway, the Gretna restaurant launched by owner Jimmy Cho has been a Thai go-to ever since. Along with moving operations a few years ago (Banana Blossom is still in Gretna, just closer to the river on 9th Street), Cho recently joined forces with BRG Hospitality to open Cho Thai on Magazine Street. Featuring many of the same dishes, such as their spicy clams and Shrimp Tom Yum, Cho Thai is an Uptown version of the Westbank favorite. Though it’s slightly more affordable on the other side of the Mississippi, it would be a mistake to miss their spicy drunken noodles with chicken, wide rice noodles, and eggplant, for $18. It’s more than worth the road trip out to Chalmette to enjoy what is indisputably the most authentic in the Greater New Orleans Area: Secret Thai Restaurant. Not only are the prices ridiculously reasonable (likely due to their locale), but the flavors will keep you coming back, especially if you can stand the heat. Thai curry dishes, my personal favorite, are extremely spicy, and like many other Eastern cuisines, the flavors are often tamed for the Western palate—but not at Secret Thai. Of course, they recommend new diners try dishes at their lowest level of heat, but if you’re brave, you can always try kicking it up a notch. I’m all over their green curry with hefty chunks

Holiday Dining Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

Budsi's Authentic Thai

of eggplant and bell peppers ($12.95), but if you’ve never enjoyed Thai cuisine before, you might want to opt for the Pad Ga Pow or basil stir fry, with your choice of meat (pork, beef, chicken, or shrimp), cooked with green beans and carrots and served with aromatic jasmine rice topped with a fried egg ($11.95). What began as a hobby blossomed into a business after folks got a taste of May Mananya’s home-cooking. Mananya and partner Kirk Cohen’s pop-up dinners quickly gained a following, and, in 2019, the duo opened a stand at the Warehouse District food hall Auction House Market. But early this year, they stretched out into their own brickand-mortar, opening up Long Chim in the spot that formerly housed the Superfood Bar on Magazine Street. Touting the Thai street food, the tiny locale offers a small menu of favorites, from chicken satay (turmeric- and coconut milk-marinated chicken baked and served on skewers, with peanut sauce, for $10)—to their khao soi noodle, a coconut curry with pickled mustard greens, which ranges from $14 to $16, depending upon your choice of topping: baked tofu and mushrooms, chicken drumstick, or shrimp. Giving Banana Blossom a run for its money, Thai D-Jing opened on the Westbank only a few blocks away this August, against all odds during the pandemic. Chef Suda Ounin and her husband Jeerasak Boonlert, both natives of Thailand, started out on their own venture, selling dishes from their food truck at the Gretna Farmers Market. Now in a bright pink house-turned-restaurant on 5th Street, the couple is slinging everything from their signature chicken curry puffs ($7) to the classic pad thai with rice noodles, egg, red and green onion, and D-Jing’s special sauce. Finally, while there are a few other Thai spots around town, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a popular Pal’s Lounge pop-up (soon to be brick-and-mortar in the Marigny): Budsi Authentic Thai. Chef Budsaba Mason and her husband Jared plan to offer counter service with late-night meals in the offing, when they launch their N. Rampart location, but for now, they’re popping three nights a week—Friday, Sunday, and Tuesday—offering pick-up and delivery, with their offerings posted regularly to Facebook and Instagram (@budsiauthenticthai). As of writing this article, recent dishes include “gaeng om issan” soup with chicken, dill, yu choy (Chinese leafy greens), green papaya, and fermented fish sauce; pork dumplings; and that simple yet spectacular Thai dessert: mango sticky rice.

COURTESY BUDSI'S AUTHENTIC THAI

The first time I tried Thai food, I was craving a burrito. It was a lazy summer Saturday at my parents' house, and my sister and her husband were over, just hanging out till dinnertime rolled around. After only a little discussion, everyone agreed on that typical, Northern California fast-food fallback: the Mission burrito. We drove to a particularly good taqueria we all frequented, only to find the tiny restaurant was closed that day due to an illness in the family. My brother-in-law, who has always preferred eating sooner rather than later, suggested we all go to the Thai restaurant only a few doors down, one that both he and my sister highly recommended.

WhereYat.com | December 2020

Aloo Chaat from Plume Algiers

FOOD NEWS

By Kim Ranjbar

It’s been a minute, but “Food News” is back! While it seemed like the pandemic put a damper on just about everything for a spell, determined food-loving folks kept forging ahead, despite the obvious obstacles. COVID-19 certainly took its toll on the local food scene, with the soul-crushing closures of restaurants such as Cake Café & Bakery, K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen, DTB, and Namese, to name a few. But for this, the first article back, the focus is on the positive and what devotees of New Orleans and its cuisine can look forward to devouring right now. Please pardon us while we play a little 2020 catch-up. Over this crazy year’s summer and fall, our city saw a lot of against-the-odds openings, with restaurateurs plowing ahead with previously laid plans, symbolically flipping the bird at successive hurricanes and an inexorable second wave of the virus. When New Orleans entered Phase Two, many eateries jumped at the chance to be back in business once again, but what truly had us bewildered was the launch of brand-new spots, taking their chances, crossing their fingers, and hoping for the best response from locals, considering a staggering slow-down in tourism. Have you, my fellow Crescent City diners, stepped up? But where did we leave off? The last column before this one was in April, and not a whole lot happened until Uptown’s version of the Westbank’s beloved Banana Blossom opened in the beginning of July. In collaboration with BRG Hospitality, Jimmy Cho (proprietor of Banana Blossom) launched Cho Thai, featuring familiar dishes—from the crisp roti to those irresistible Thai BBQ clams. But there are also a few dishes that are different, such as shrimp dumplings in a pork broth with mushroom soy, tamarind pork belly, and Louisiana crab fried rice with garlic-chili fish sauce—not to mention a comprehensive bar program. 3218 Magazine St., chothairestaurant.com Pop-up Plume Algiers went brick-and-mortar that same month. Carrollton Market alums Tyler Stuart and Merritt Coscia started window service from their house-turned-restaurant on Teche Street, offering a small but delightful menu inspired by regional Indian cuisine and using local ingredients. Dishes are always changing at Plume, but regardless of what you order, the food is religious conversion-level good—beginning with their blistered garlic naan and addiction-forming appam (fermented coconut bread) to the fried chicken with chili chutney and roasted pumpkin chaat. 1113 Teche St., plumealgiers.com

Gonzalez brothers Jonathan, Leonel, and Raul opened Mr. Tequila late this July in the space that formerly housed Freret Street Beer Room. Originally from Guadalajara, Jalisco, the trio have brought their family’s cuisine and love for great tequila to New Orleans. Like any respectable taqueria, Mr. Tequila features a menu filled with tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and fajitas, with fun twists such as a Freret Burrito filled with beans and rice, a.k.a. Mission-style, but served with a side of fries, or the “Speedy Gonzalez": hardshelled beef tacos served with rice and beans. They also offer desserts, including fried ice cream, churros, and sopapillas, plus giant frozen margaritas made with a variety of juices and, of course, tequilas. 5018 Freret St., mrtequilanola.com

Holiday Dining Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

KIM RANJBAR

In the same vein as its predecessor, Middle Eastern restaurant Saj opened this July in the old Mona’s on Magazine Street, offering family-style foodstuffs in the form of hummus, baba ganouj, kababs, shawarma, and fried halloumi. There do seem to be a few standouts, though, such as baked feta drizzled with honey and olive oil, beetroot tahini, and “jebna,” or house-made cheese crumbled with fresh basil and thyme, bell pepper, green olives, and sumac. 4126 Magazine St., @sajnola

Chef Nhat “Nate” Nguyen opened the highly-anticipated Union Ramen with business partner Jeff Gapultos in the Lower Garden District over the summer. After earning his chops in local restaurants like Bayona, Meauxbar (now closed), and Kin, Nguyen struck out on his own. Union Ramen features a modest menu of salads, small plates, and several different types of ramen, from the “Original Tori” with a poultry broth, roasted pork, and bamboo shoots to a “Slap-Ya-Kimchi Mazeman,” which is broth-less ramen with blackened chicken, kimchi, nori flakes, and a poached egg. Additionally, all versions offer a variety of different protein options, such as confit oyster mushrooms, blackened chicken, and ground beef and tasso. 1837 Magazine St., unionramen.com Chef Suda Ounin and her husband Jeerasak Boonlert are parked at long last after translating their successful Thai D-Jing food truck into a permanent location this August. Inside the bright pink house-turned-restaurant on 5th Street in Gretna, there’s more to their menu, but you could also fulfill a fond foodie dream of stuffing yourself silly on those excellent chicken curry puffs and stuffed chicken wings, finishing it off with their house-made coconut ice cream. Does anyone else have that fantasy? 93 5th St., Gretna, thaidjing.com Featuring classic cars, a restored Airstream, American folklore, homemade tortillas, and Mexican street food, taco joint El Cucuy hit Tchoupitoulas Street early this September. Their large shaded deck has proven to be a blessing, considering current mandates regarding the pandemic, allowing diners an outdoor space to enjoy mixed drinks and eloté in relative socially distanced comfort. Tacos and tortas, featuring their trompo al pastor or carne asada, are the feature, with chips, salsa roja, and queso, but they also have ceviche and a Mexican sandwich or pambazo, made with bread fried in a red guajillo pepper sauce and filled with potatoes with (or without) chorizo. 3507 Tchoupitoulas St., elcucuynola.com Inside the former Babylon Café, a building that hasn’t been able to hold onto a tenant since they left, Middle Eastern restaurant Green Olives Café opened late September, determined to try their luck. According to Nola.com, Hilmi Abdeljalil is the man behind this latest incarnation, the same who formerly owned and operated Pyramids Cafe on Calhoun. Kibbeh, stuffed grape leaves, hummus, shawarma and gyro, oh my! Everything one needs from that special space on Maple Street. 7724 Maple St., greenolivescafenola.com Early in October, chef and owner Melissa Arujo launched Alma, “a modern Honduran eatery” in the Bywater. Located in the space that was formerly Café Henri and Booty’s Street Food (among others), Alma features the same indoor layout, with the addition of outdoor tables, and a menu offering both breakfast and lunch items that swing from Honduras to the American South and back again. Huevos rancheros and spicy migas are in good company with “Louisa Toast” topped with lump blue crab, soft scrambled eggs, and mushrooms, or the farmhouse biscuit with sausage, bacon, egg, and tomato jam. Don’t forget to try some agua fresca or the eponymous coffee. 800 Louisa St., eatalmanola.com From the same folks who brought you Bakery Bar on Annunciation Street comes Debbie on the Levee, a sweet spot for cocktails and dessert in Rivertown, Kenner. In addition to entire classic lemon and chocolate doberge cakes, Debbie on the Levee also has the popular slices and “dobites” in many different flavors and a well-curated cocktail list that is sure to be seasonal. A little new to Debbie’s regular scene are other offerings, including their “colossal” cookie and flavored milk “Happy Hour,” funfetti muffins, chocolate-topped peanut butter fudge, and apple curry hand pies. 2118 Reverend Richard Wilson Dr., debbieonthelevee.com Speaking of sweets, longtime catering and wholesale duo Marielle Dupré and Nicole Eiden have opened their long-awaited Windowsill Pies, a café featuring their stellar pies and tarts, on Freret Street. For now, the shop has truncated their expected menu, with pies, hand pies, and coffee offered only for takeout, but it’s still well worth stopping by for a croque madame hand pie or a sumptuous slice of their vanilla bean bourbon pecan pie. Pro tip: Christmas dinner would not go amiss with their amaretto pear and dried cherry pie for dessert. 4714 Freret St., windowsillpiesnola.com Although they closed their French Quarter restaurant Meauxbar, LeBlanc + Smith were able to launch The Chloe, a 19th-century mansion now a 14-room boutique hotel on St. Charles Avenue. The hotel’s restaurant is headed by Todd Pulsenelli, a chef known locally for his work at the Warehouse District’s Restaurant August and Warbucks on Magazine Street. Featuring creative takes on local cuisine and Pulsenelli’s own flair for fun, the menu offers dishes such as the Royal Red shrimp roll, a mushroom melt dip with Mornay, a chicken katsu sandwich with bacon-onion ranch “marmalade,” and his already-iconic praline crunch cookie with brown-butter ice cream sandwich. 4125 St. Charles Ave., thechloenola.com For those who have made the trek all the way out to a Hammond gas station for Punjabi Dhaba, said to be the best Indian food in the entire state of Louisiana, you can save both time and gas money now and just head to Mantra Indian Cuisine. Opened by chef Bonsi Lal, or “Chef Neeta” (the man who put Punjabi Dhaba on the map), and his partners, Mantra is the answer to our fervent prayers for more Indian food. In the space that formerly housed City Diner, Mantra offers a huge menu that couldn’t possibly be fully explored in one visit, let alone a dozen, with samosas, aloo tiki, pakora, masalas, kormas, tandoori, and curries, just to name a few. 3116 S. 1-10 Service Rd. E, mantra-indiancuisine.business.site Though we’re feeling all caught up, we likely missed a few, but for now, we leave you here till next time. But you should keep an eye out this month for the relaunch of high-end pastry shop Sucré on Magazine Street—as reported by Nola.com—featuring a new look, a new owner, and executive chef Ashley McMillan in the kitchen, making those exquisite sweets we’ve all so desperately missed.

Available now at

TheSipThatSlaps.com WhereYat.com | December 2020

HAVE A SEAT AT THE COUNTER: Diner Dining

The diner is an iconic American eating establishment that evokes images of friendly counter service, strong morning coffee, and after-party meals. Though New Orleans is famous for fine dining and world-class service, the humble diner has a place of its own in the annals of local cuisine. For the early birds to the night owls, diners may be more popular than ever.

Camellia Grill

Slim Goodies' The Jewish Coonass

Slim Goodies 32

Holiday Dining Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

For this rundown, diners need to be explained and defined. Diners as we know them today began life as a single repurposed horse-pulled wagon designed by Rhode Islander and entrepreneur Walter Scott in 1872. This quaint eatery served coffee, sandwiches, and eggs to late-night customers, particularly employees of The Providence Journal newspaper. In 1887, businessman Thomas Buckley opened The Worcester Lunch Car Company in Worcester, Massachusetts. Another businessman named Charles Palmer received the first diner patent in 1893, which was for his “Night-Lunch Wagons.” Over the next few years, other players in the diner game began pre-fabricating diners that were shipped to towns all over the country. Jerry O’Mahoney and his company The O’Mahoney Diner Company made thousands of pre-fab diners from the 1910s to the 1950s, about 20 of which still stand today. There was a surge in diners after WWII as they moved into the suburbs along with a new generation of young families. During this time, the look of the diner transformed from train cars to streamlined modern restaurants with white Formica counters, steel exteriors, and neon lights. A typical diner these days boasts a large, wide-ranging menu, counter seating and a dining area, and a casual atmosphere. Please-U-Restaurant has been serving hungry people at 1751 St. Charles Ave. since 1946. The hotcakes are always a hot menu item, but many swear by the omelets and plate specials. What you’ll find at this diner that many diners elsewhere don’t offer is a range of po-boys, seafood platters, and pasta dishes. Don’t forget the milkshake! Tic-Toc Café opened in 1999 at the crux of I-10 and Causeway Boulevard. The reference to time in the diner’s name comes from the fact that they’re open 24 hours. You will always see a joke on their roadside sign that pulls you in just as much as the food. Tic Toc Café has classic diner favorites, including omelets, corned beef hash, and liver and onions, all of which you can get with two eggs, girts or hash browns, and toast or a biscuit. The fried cheese curds with marinara sauce and Kitchen Sink Hash Browns (ham, onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, mushrooms, green peppers, gravy, and cheese) are a hit with the 2 a.m. crowd. No article about diners would be complete without Camellia Grill, still serving since

PHOTOS, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: KEVIN BARRACO, SMART MEDIA - @KEVINBARRACO / COURTESY CAMELLIA GRILL; ROBERT WITKOWSKI; SLIM GOODIES DINER

By Emily Hingle

A New Orleans Tradition Since 1913 A part of the Ray and Jessica Brandt Family since 2019.

BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY WITH US! Private Rooms and Off-Street Parking

Closed Sun. & Mon. Tues. Dinner Open at 4 Wed. through Fri. Lunch & Dinner Open at 11:30 Saturday Dinner Open at 4 1838 Napoleon Av. Raw Oyster Bar 895-4877 PascalsManale.com

THE holiday season begins at

nor joe imports!

unique gift IDEAS imported wine & spirits

PANETTONE BREADS party trays and event catering cannoli cakes

505 FRISCO AVE. METAIRIE

Mon-Sat 10am-6pm | Sun 11am-3pm | (504) 833-9240 WhereYat.com | December 2020

1946 at 626 South Carrollton Ave. The picturesque diner was recently renovated during the pandemic closure, but it retains all of its charm. Part of that charm comes from the happy, endearing staff; several employees have spent decades working behind the counter from which they serve

you. Harry Tervalon worked from opening day on December 19, 1946, until his retirement in 1995, and Wildred Batiste worked at Camellia Grill for 50 years. You can get a taste of history with the Word Special, named for beloved late employee Marvin “Word” Day. His sandwich is double

Slimchili, bacon, eggs, and cheese, with toast or a biscuit.” The Jewish Coonass is a mashup of New York and New Orleans (two potato latkes over grilled spinach, eggs, and crawfish etouffée). A neon-lit overfilled mug of root beer greets customers at Ted’s Frostop on South Claiborne Avenue and Calhoun Street. The original owner of this longstanding diner, Ted Sternberg, owned 15 Frostop franchises in this area and some in other states in his day. Ted’s Frostop still serves root beer in frosted mugs to go along with your Lot-O-Burger served dressed on po-boy bread. This location is open seven days a week, but they close in the afternoon. There’s also a Frostop on Clearview Parkway in Metairie that stays open for dinner hours. If you’ve been here for a while, you’ve probably heard the line “I’m not your mama, but you’re always at home at Dot’s Diner” at least a few times. Dot’s Diner has several locations in Jefferson Parish, most of which are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The kitschy kitchen cranks out oversized breakfast combos, pancakes available in a wide variety of flavors (banana nut!), and hot plate specials. The Crawfish Creole Queen Breakfast Platter has an open-face grilled biscuit covered in eggs, Crawfish Julie sauce, and melty Swiss cheese, with hash browns and toast. They also have burgers, loaded salads, and around-the-clock specials, including country fried steak and pork chops. Pick your spot at the counter and saddle up for a great meal.

BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY NOW! 5 Party Rooms Plenty of Space

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Quality & Tradition

3100 19TH ST. AT RIDGELAKE & CAUSEWAY • 834-8583

601 POYDRAS | 504-608-FISH (3474) PAN AM BLDG

Northern Italian Seafood Restaurant & Catering

SERVINGSUSHI.COM

Holiday Dining Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

Open Daily for Lunch & Dinner Join Us for Sunday Brunch w/ $12 Bottomless Mimosas! Banquet Facilities Available • www.andreasrestaurant.com

PHOTO BY KEVIN BARRACO, SMART MEDIA - @KEVINBARRACO / COURTESY CAMELLIA GRILL

Camellia Grill

hot sausage on a special roll with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise, served with fries. You can also try out the Whole Meal Sandwiches like the Doc Brinker’s Special (doublemeat cheeseburger with melted American and Swiss cheese and grilled onions on toasted rye, with coleslaw and chili). Don’t forget the grill-warmed pecan pie at the end of your meal. Clover Grill at 900 Bourbon St. is where you go when you’ve had too much fun and need to sober up. The small diner opened in 1939 and sits just between the bars and the residential area, serving residents and revelers alike. The Clover Weenie has a quarter pound of “pure beef pleasure,” but you can build your own burgers and omelets if you want something custom. They just ask that you don’t sleep at the counter. Slim Goodies is a hip diner that opened in 2002 at 3322 Magazine St. This diner is only open until 3 p.m., but you can get breakfast up until closing time. The first thing that you’ll notice about the menu is the interesting names for the dishes. For example, The Contractor’s Combo comes with two eggs, hash browns, grits, bacon, sausage, and a pancake, piled high on the plate. Slim Goodies’s Slammers are a mishmash of your favorite breakfast foods. The Orleans Slammer (not OPP) is “a hurricane of hash browns,

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SANTA’S LITTLE HELPERS: Christmas Characters Around the World By Burke Bischoff

Father Frost of Belarus

Belovezhskaya Pushcha, in winter

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Krampus

This German ledgend is the companion of St. Nicholas. Half-goat, half-demon, Krampus punishes misbehaving children at Christmastime.

Throughout the centuries, Christmas characters, mainly originating from all over Europe, have come about from the combination of pagan deity worship and Christian teachings. Arguably, the best-known and widest-spread type of these characters is the personification of Christmas itself. One of the most recognizable examples of a reallife person being associated with Christmas (at least to most of the Western world) is St. Nicholas. A 3rd-century Greek bishop from Myra (in what is now Turkey), St. Nicholas is known now by his charitable reputation as a gift-giver to poor families. The story goes that a wealthy man lost his fortune and couldn’t afford dowries for his three daughters. St. Nicholas heard this and, either too shy to approach them or not wanting to embarrass the family in public, threw purses of gold coins for each daughter through an open window in their house in the middle of the night. Whether or not this story is actually historically accurate, this image of a kind gift-giver secretly visiting families at night was forever cemented in pop culture. While St. Nicholas is a Christmas icon for most, some countries actually associate the season with different saints. For Greece, St. Basil of Caesarea, a 4th-century bishop again from modern-day Turkey, is said to have been born into wealth and given all of his possessions to those in need. He’s rumored to have brought children gifts every January 1, and Greek families traditionally eat vasilopita (baked bread with a coin inside) as a way of commemorating him. Interestingly, some countries in Central Europe celebrate a “version” of St. Nicholas that aligns more with their culture. In Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, Nicholas becomes “Mikulás” and brings gifts, vegetables, or coal to kids on December 6 (Hungarian children are supposed to leave a boot on their windowsill so Mikulás can fill it). Another rendition of St. Nicholas is Sinterklaas, who is popular in the Netherlands, among the Flemish population of

PHOTOS FROM TOP: UNIVERSAL PICTURES; WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/YOGI555

In 1947, then Maison Blanche employee Emile Alline conceived of a snowman with an ice cream cone hat and holly wings to serve as mascot for the store during the holiday season. Since his creation, Mr. Bingle has gone on to become a part of New Orleans Christmas folklore, serving as an assistant to Santa Claus. This is just one example of the tendency of various cultures to create a Christmas character to help make the holiday season more identifiable to people. Whether it be their own version of Santa or a brand-new spirit only recognized by a certain group, the world has produced multitudes of characters to make the season more festive in their homelands.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Belgium, and in some of the other Dutch-speaking character named Belsnickel who has a bag of sweets parts of the world. for good kids and a switch for bad ones. The other famous type of Christmas personification Just as interesting as the many variations of is that of the Americanized version of Santa Claus, St. Nicholas and Santa Claus are the characters which had a profound effect on how other countries that were created to serve as companion figures, viewed their particular gift-giving, folkloric figures. All like the elves who build toys in the North Pole. One throughout Europe, there are different incarnations particularly famous and demented icon is Krampus, who share some similar aspects with what we perceive who is known in Central European countries such as Santa. In France and other French-speaking areas, as Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. He is a Père Noël, or Papa Noël, visits children on Christmas goat demon with a long tongue who accompanies St. Eve (Cajuns typically have Papa Noël on a boat pulled Nicholas in order to stuff naughty children into his by alligators). Father Christmas appeared as a separate large bag to either eat later or bring to hell. In the character in England after the English Civil War in Netherlands, Sinterklaas is usually accompanied by a 1652, until he started adopting traits of Santa in the character named Zwarte Piet, who’s supposed to be late-Victorian 1800s. Russia has a character named a black Moor from Spain who gives out candy to kids Ded Moroz (literally, Grandfather Frost) who originally for the Feast of St. Nicholas. This character is often started out as a demon or a wizard, but eventually a source of controversy because he was traditionally became a white-bearded man in a long fur coat and (and sometimes still is) portrayed by people wearing felt boots, carrying a magic wand. blackface. In Russia, Ded Moroz is usually joined by There are also other gift-giving characters who his granddaughter Snegurochka (whose name means are completely separated from both St. Nicholas and Snow Maiden). Santa Claus. When the Protestant Reformation swept There are too many Christmas folklore characters through Europe in the 16th century, many Germanto count, each weirder and more unique than the Nikolaus and Krampus in Austria speaking countries started to adopt a figure called last, such as the Icelandic Yule Cat who eats people Newspaper illustration from 1896 the Christkind (who’s symbolic of Jesus as a child) as when they don’t get new clothes before Christmas a way of giving the season a more Christian leaning. Eve, or Caganer, a Catalan figurine character whose In Italy, children are visited on Epiphany by an old witch named Befana who comes only purpose is to poop on the ground in a nativity scene. No matter how differently in through the chimney, leaves candy and gifts, and then sweeps up the floor with or similarly we may picture Christmas, it’s just nice to know that we’re all around to the broomstick she rides on. Southern Germany has a crabby, dirty-looking old man celebrate it together in this big, crazy world.

WhereYat.com | December 2020

HEAUX HEAUX HEAUX Where to Get Holiday Cheer Along the Gulf By Michelle Nicholson

St. Bernard Parish kicks off the holiday season in a very family-friendly fashion at Torres Park (3338 Jean Lafitte Pkwy.) on Wednesday, December 2, between 5:30 and 8 p.m., with the Wind-Down With Christmas at the Complex concert series, when visitors will be delighted with live music by Harvey Jesus and Fire and a special guest (Santa!). The entire complex is decorated for the holiday season, and the event also features caroling, craft vendors, a photo booth, and a tree lighting at 6 p.m. The annual Los Isleños Christmas Event and Bonfire (1357 Bayou Rd.) takes place this week as well, on December 5, at 6 p.m. The historic 18th- and 19th-century buildings at the Los Isleños Museum and Village are also beautifully decorated for the season. Both locations will remain lit after 6 p.m. each day, through January 6, 2021, so there’s plenty of time to drive by, stopping at some of the boutiques and restaurants on Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette along the way. If taking a holiday drive is part of your itinerary, St. Tammany Parish has a calendar packed with festive activities. Take the Causeway to the west side of the parish, where the season kicks off with Christmas in the Country on Lee Lane and throughout Historic Downtown Covington, beginning on November 28 and ending on December 19. Between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., stroll through streets, galleries, and boutiques decked out for the occasion. Enjoy door prizes, live music, and refreshments, while shopping for vintage and antique items, original fine art, home furnishings, and couture fashion for your special someone. Maybe even treat yourself to a stop at one of the spas or salons in the area. Visit the nearby Abita Brew Pub & Gift Shop for live music, tasty brews, and a delectable lunch, or make reservations for a fine-dining experience that evening. Christmas in the Country’s special Holiday Art Market will be held on Lee Lane from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 5. Olde Towne will also host the Slidell Art Market (2238 First St.) from 4-9 p.m. on Saturday, December 12. St. Tammany also has special events for families to enjoy. Every Friday and Saturday during the holiday season—between 6 and 9 p.m., beginning on December 4—families flock to Slidell’s Olde Towne for Christmas Under the Stars (333 Erlanger St.), an enchanted evening of Christmas songs and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus among the twinkling lights, Christmas Cottages, and Parade of Trees in Griffith Park. Plan for a full day of fun in St. Tammany on Saturday, December 5, beginning with the Camellia City Farmers Market (also at Griffith Park), a weekly event held from 8 a.m. until noon, featuring live music and booths filled by local farmers, chefs, and artisans. Stock up on locally grown produce, grass-fed beef, and small-batch coffee beans, jerkies, jellies, and goatmilk cheeses. Afterwards, check out the restaurants and boutiques in this quaint preservation district. Then, catch the Slidell Community Christmas

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Parade, beginning at 4:30 at City Hall (2055 2nd St.) and ending at Griffith Park—or bring your little ones to the annual Deck the Rails at the Covington Trailhead (419 N. New Hampshire St.), which features Christmas craft activities, holiday entertainment, and a visit by Santa from 4-7 p.m. The following weekend also offers many family-friendly events in St. Tammany, such as Candlelight Caroling at the Covington Trailhead, on Friday, December 11, between 7 and 8:30 p.m. On Saturday, December 12, the Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge hosts their annual Cajun Christmas at Big Branch (61389 Highway 434), with storytelling, cookies, and hot cocoa from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and free pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 2-4 p.m. The Christmas Past Market, a premier St. Tammany holiday event, will also take place on December 12, at the Girod Street shops and restaurants in Old Mandeville, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to don costumes and festive holiday attire for this event, which boasts the theme “Christmas Past Classics.” Christmas characters will roam among booths filled by local artists, merchants, and food vendors. There will be arts and crafts activities for children and performances by a trio from the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. End the day with a bang at Coquille Parks and Recreation (13505 Highway 1085) with the 3rd Annual Deck the Park with Pyrotechnics—including food trucks, arts and craft vendors, kids’ games and inflatables, a petting zoo, train rides, and more. The event begins at 3 p.m., with the grand finale scheduled for 7 p.m. Finally, if a more chill, scenic escape is what you want this holiday season, plan to cruise Coastal Mississippi. Spend some time at the Gulfport Premium Outlet Shopping Center (10000 Factory Shop Blvd.) before ending your day at the Annual Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival at Jones Park (Highway 49 and Highway 90). For a more vintage experience, pass by 35 Days of Christmas and Trains at the Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum (504 Pass Rd., Gulfport) before heading over to Antiques & More (10345A Auto Mall Pkwy., D’Iberville), where 68 vendors showcase 13,000 square feet of collectibles for sale. However, if fine arts are more your style, keep driving to Downtown Ocean Springs (Washington and Government Streets). This sleepy little arts and crafts village features enough boutiques, museums, galleries, niche shops, and restaurants to fill an entire weekend with sharing and spreading the love of the arts—just as this holiday season’s calendar of events promises to spread cheer, far and wide, as we bring 2020 to a close.

FROM TOP: PHOTO COURTESY LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM; MICHELLE NICHOLSON

Donna Plaia at Christmas Past, Mandeville LA

Although 2020 has been anything but usual, the holiday season promises plenty of chances to celebrate and give thanks, nevertheless. Whether you are looking for a unique shopping opportunity, family fun, or sophisticated and relaxing getaways with loved ones (or just yourself!), we’ve scoped out local calendars of events to make sharing the cheer even easier this year.

vice From biscuits to bourbon. Orversa. Refresh yourself in Natchez. From coffee and beignets to dinner and

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WhereYat.com | December November 2020

Icons of jazz still inspire New Orleans musicians today 40

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FROM JAZZ TO MODERN MUSIC: The Big Easy’s Musical Roots By Kimmie Tubre

IMAGE, OPPOSITE PAGE: COMPOSIT IMAGE FROM TOP: MI JANINE ROBINSON ON UNSPLASH; ROBSON HATSUKAMI MORGAN ON UNSPLASH

Hard-hitting drumbeats intertwine with mellow piano harmonies. A rhythmic bass keeps the tempo, and funky horns blare as loud as they can, as if they are not only in competition with the other horns, but also competing with the noise of the patrons who fill the room. This is New Orleans, a place where live music is readily available and a part of everyday living. Here, all children learn an instrument, and local bands are deeply admired. In New Orleans, music is one of the most powerful expressions of art. It is not only the universal language, but it is a part of our history. It connects us, panders to our emotions, and can bring memories to those who have lost their own sense of reality. It can make us extremely happy or extremely sad. Most importantly, it is an endless source of entertainment, with many choices and genres. Modern musical genres include R&B, rock, and hip hop, and it is likely that none of them would exist without the music that influenced them all: New Orleans jazz music. The History Some credit Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, while others may say that jazz originated with the Original Dixieland Jazz Band. As for Ferdinand “Jelly Roll” Morton, he once claimed, "It is evidently known, beyond contradiction, that New Orleans is the cradle of jazz, and I, myself, happen to be the inventor, in the year 1902." While all of these people have influenced jazz, there is no real way to know exactly when jazz was founded. But there is one thing that is certain: It was popularized right here in the Big Easy. With the sad sounds of blues being the soundtrack of the Deep South, jazz was a more upbeat, free-spirited, uplifting, and, at times, controversial genre that took off sometime in the early 20th century. At the time, New Orleans was a diverse city, with influences from a multitude of cultures. The culture that was most musically prevalent during that era was the African American community, who took the brass-band marching music of the inner city and mixed it with a bit of blues and ragtime, creating a smooth yet ironically wild sound. Also referred to as Dixieland music, traditional jazz was dancing music, and it broke all of the rules of what people knew to be contemporary music of the time. While jazz was popularized in the early 1900s, as with most of our modern music, it certainly got much of its influence from the African rhythms and percussion patterns of rituals performed in Congo Square. As time progressed, so did jazz. From swing to bebop to cool and smooth jazz, jazz music went on to become an American treasure and has influenced much of the music and culture of today. Jazz and the Music it Has Influenced Funk, rock, disco, country, hip hop, and R&B—most modern music has had some sort of impact from jazz. While the influences are undeniable across the board, there are three genres that were most heavily influenced: rock, hip hop, and rhythm and blues (R&B).

Let us star t with rock, which gained popularity in the mid-20th centur y. It is likely that without jazz, rock music would have never existed. Coming from the jazz and rhythm-and-blues era, pioneers like Little Richie and Chuck Berr y used elements of jazz to per form what is now considered “rock n roll.” While they both had their time in the spotlight, their impact went on to influence the famous rock stars who consumed the spotlight over time. Famous musicians such as Elvis Presley and bands such as Led Zeppelin have obviously been heavily influenced by the jazz and rock musicians who came before them. David Bowie once said, “Jazz was a music that seriously paralleled rock music for me when I was young. I really felt at home with modern jazz. I wanted to understand how it worked.” The Beatles were another band that famously credited jazz as their biggest influence and inspiration. Those improvisational moments that were shown to us by jazz are still often reflected in rock-n-roll performances. Next on the list is hip hop. Who would have ever thought that what started as the gritty street rhymes of New York would become today’s most popular genre? Like jazz, hip hop began as a music of expression and freedom and was also quite controversial. In fact, it still is. Taking notes form the jazz tunes before it, hip hop was a genre developed for people who needed to speak about the things that they were experiencing and their communities and who were of ten quieted by the masses. Many of the themes of hip hop are similar to those of the earliest jazz. Things like activism, oppression, freedom of speech, social justice, love, and heartbreak can all be heard in today’s most famous hip-hop songs. Finally, influenced by both jazz and blues, R&B is a popular genre, famous for its soul and in-depth lyricism. Like jazz, R&B shares the essence of storytelling through song, using rich lyrics to touch on sensitive topics. New Orleans brought the world jazz, and jazz has brought us so much more. While it is an American treasure, it is also appreciated all around the world among jazz-lovers from Japan to Germany. Jazz continues to influence the music and culture of today. Without jazz, we would not have many of the genres that we have today. And without the influence of New Orleans, it’s possible that jazz would have never existed.

WhereYat.com | December 2020

BRINGING YOUR WORKOUT OUT: Exercising Outdoors

By Celeste Turner

We are all aware of the mental and physical benefits of exercise, but did you realize that there are additional advantages to exercising in the great outdoors? Below are five amazing benefits of outdoor exercise:

You will improve your immune system and reduce depression. Exercising in the outdoor natural environment can increase your hormone levels of serotonin and dopamine, while giving you an adrenaline rush of endorphins.

You will burn more calories and tend to work harder. Such climate conditions as temperature, various terrain, and wind resistance may force you to push harder in your exercise routine.

Outdoor exercise provides a low-cost solution for fitness enthusiasts of all ages. While local gyms and health clubs may be expensive and restrictive, outdoor venues such as parks and neighborhoods offer free space for families to enjoy and exercise together.

Without the additional travel time, crowded gyms, or scheduling constraints, going outside to exercise may be the best alternative for a quick workout and safe environment.

You will get a burst of vitamin D while exercising outside. Exposure to sunlight elevates your vitamin D production, which may help boost your self-esteem and mood.

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One of the simplest ways to exercise in the outdoors is to take a walk. With its flat landscape and year-round warm weather, New Orleans is a great place to enjoy exercising outdoors. Read on to find out where you and your family can create your own workouts for exercising outside, from the many local parks to the outdoor recreational spaces across town. Nestled in the heart of the city, New Orleans City Park, a colossal and pristine park with 1,300 acres of workout possibilities and recreation, offers endless fitness opportunities for all ages. “We see people walking, running, jogging, dancing, walking their dog, and exercising,” said Amanda Frentz, the director of public relations at New Orleans City Park. “City Park is proud to be able to remain open during this difficult time—to be

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Crescent City Yoga at City Park

Nicknamed the “Big Easy,” New Orleans is known for its round-the-clock nightlife, live music scene, and spicy, succulent cuisine. However, since the pandemic, many of us have focused on other activities, particularly moving the body and getting outdoors.

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there for the people of New Orleans.” Frentz mentioned several places to exercise at City Park, including the long and winding Marconi Bike Path and the Peristyle, a Grecian-style open-air pavilion that overlooks Bayou Metairie. A Zumba class is held there each Saturday for group fitness. Also, families can explore the nature of the Couturie Forest, which, combined with Scout Island, is a 60acre park filled with native trees, scenic waterways, and fascinating wildlife. Everyone is welcome to participate in yoga classes at City Park, hosted by Crescent City Yoga on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and Fridays at 5:30 p.m., near the Great Lawn, under the stadium light by City Putt. “We started Crescent Yoga in August 2020 after noticing that people were starting to get tired of Zoom classes, and many studios were not offering in-person classes,” said Lee Lemond, co-founder of Crescent City Yoga, a donation-based outdoor yoga community. “All of our classes are for all levels, all bodies, all ages, and by donation, with no minimum donation or requirement to pay. We average about 15 to 25 people and recommend that you bring a yoga mat and any other props you

RE DISCOVER

air walker, sit-up bench, and more. Check out FitLot.org/use for sample circuit-training workouts, instructional movement charts, and a library of instructional videos. “As city-wide restrictions have eased and parks and playgrounds have opened back up, more people have been utilizing the outdoor fitness parks as a safer option to get outside and exercise,” said Adam Mejerson, founding executive director of FitLot, a New Orleans-based organization that is dedicated to helping communities throughout the country build outdoor fitness parks. “Staying strong and healthy, both physically and mentally, is a major priority for many people right now, and we are glad that FitLot can serve as a tool and resource for the neighborhood.” Explore Audubon Park with its open green space, multiple playgrounds, and workout equipment. This is a favorite spot for families to gather and exercise amid the series of live oak trees. It features a 1.8-mile jogging path, tennis courts, soccer fields, expansive golf course, and pool. In Metairie, you can visit Pontiff Playground, with its winding trail around the park and running track for public access. Or try the two-mile jogging trail,

HOLIDAY SPIRIT

City Park is a pandemic paradise for socially distanced yoga stetches The winter season in Baton Rouge is nothing short of magical.

use for your practice. However, props are not required.” Another hidden treasure for fitness enthusiasts in New Orleans is Crescent Park, a 1.4-mile, 20-acre urban park that is located along the riverfront just beyond the French Quarter. This public recreational space provides native landscaping, bike paths, a dog run, and picnic areas for all to enjoy. Located at the Sojourner Truth Neighborhood Center on North Galvez and at the Joe Brown Park in New Orleans East, the FitLot outdoor free fitness parks offer a mix of cardio and strength-training equipment designed for all ages and abilities to use. These community athletic parks are fun for the entire family and resemble an outdoor circuit gym with four chin-up bars, seated rowing machine,

Although our celebrations might seem different this year, we’re still full of holiday spirit. From local shops perfect for gift-giving to delicious food made with seasonal ingredients, Louisiana’s Capital City knows how to celebrate all season long. Head to visitbatonrouge.com/ holiday to make the most of the holiday season in Baton Rouge.

VBR20-03r Where Y'at 1/3 pg_PRELIM3.indd 1

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11/12/20 4:47 PM

for some cardiovascular exercise, at Lafreniere Park. Young and old, athletic and recreational, everyone can enjoy the open green space, family picnic areas, landscaped gardens, championship Frisbee golf course, carousel, and sports fields. Finally, Lakeshore Drive is a New Orleans favorite outdoor spot to exercise. Take a breathtaking bike ride along Lake Pontchartrain. Or create your own marathon by running from West End to Gentilly Boulevard while taking in the beauty of the lake and the enormous houses nearby. Whatever you choose to do, New Orleans provides an oasis of endless exercise options for you and your family. Now that you are aware of our city’s spectacular workout spots, get out there and move your body!

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Now offering telehealth services. Visit DePaulCommunityHealthCenters.org or call 504.207.3060.

WhereYat.com | December 2020

CHRISTMAS QUIZ: What Christmas Item Are You? By Julie Mitchell

1. It’s Christmas Eve, what are you wearing? A. All black. B. Crushed velvet or a bow. C. Sequins, bitch. Who’s asking? D. Something with a little sweater, in case it gets cold. E. Red Ryder BB gun.

9. Which cousin are you? A. The one who picks the movie. B. The youngest, who’s always in a play. C. The one who has drugs. D. The one whose boyfriend is the same age as his/her dad. E. The one with glasses.

10. What is your Christmas wish? A. Peace on Earth. B. Babe 3. C. Good coke. D. Amazon going under. E. My eye back.

Are your parents divorced? A. Yes, but they’re still friends. B. I never knew them. C. Yes, because of me. D. No, they’re both professors. E. No, but they’re not happy.

3. Seasonal drink? A. Manischewitz. B. Something with pineapple. C. Double martini. D. Hot whiskey with lemon and rosemary. E. Soap. 4.

If you got mostly A’s, congratulations, you’re: Chinese food! Congratulations, you’re Jewish! Christmas to you is about pretty lights, drinking kosher wine, and watching Uncut Gems for the third time because it’s less stressful than CNN. You set a beautiful table and invited a highly curated group of friends over. Who’s going to get drunk and make out, then find each other on LinkedIn at competing nonprofits? Only time will tell. Mazel tov, you beautiful bitch! If you got mostly B’s, congratulations, you’re: A glazed ham! You are a ham. Not only do you love pig puns, but you’re the one keeping everyone waiting. We simply cannot have the day without you. A little spoiled, a little shy, you’re a Christmas gift to us all, and you don’t let us forget it. You love to dress up and down at the same time, somehow. How are you doing that? But if there’s one thing we can say for sure, it’s that you look beautiful, and you’re making some people uncomfortable. Kisses! If you got mostly C’s, congratulations, you’re: The tree topper! You are already drunk, and it’s December 1! You are simply the life of the party, even after everyone else has gone to sleep. Flashy and fun, you’re the one who tells someone when they’re drunk that they should text something mean to their coworker they hate. You give terrible advice, but we keep coming back, because your hair’s so shiny, and that’s distracting. Please keep spiking the eggnog; it’s boring without you!

What’s your favorite ornament? A. Star of David. B. Peppa Pig. C. The Smirnoff promotional ones. D. The white whale from Moby Dick. E. Lamp that is a leg.

5. How are you in a crisis? A. I think about this all the time. B. Ham-fisted. C. I cry. D. Is it economic in nature? Otherwise, bad. E. Great! 6.

If you got mostly D’s, congratulations, you’re: A Barnes & Noble gift card! People sleep on you, but you’re such a staple of the holiday season! A gift that’s not really a gift? Go off, Queen! You are the potential of the new year—maybe we’ll start reading, maybe not, but now, we have $25 to spend. Yes, we’re going to get magnets of dogs from France with berets on them, but we have the choice to get a book, and that’s what matters. You always come prepared, and we need that now, more than ever.

What are your New Year’s resolutions? A. Learn an instrument. B. Lose weight. C. Meet Liza (Minnelli). D. Journal more. E. See a boob.

7. What do the holidays mean to you? A. Sales. B. Good food. C. Karaoke. D. Cashmere. E. Family. 8. Do you believe in life after love? A. Yes, I actually prefer it. B. Well, I sure hope so, after this year! C. I can feel something inside myself. I really don’t think I’m strong enough, no. D. Do I believe in love? Let’s start there. E. With the right pole, yes.

Holiday Dining Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

Name of Place

If you got mostly E’s, congratulations, you’re: A DVD of A Christmas Story! You’re a DVD copy of A Christmas Story. Funny, timeless, essential—it’s all you! You are both the sexual energy of a single leg that lights up, but also the stranded child with his tongue stuck to a pole. You’re so many things all at once, and that’s what Christmas is all about. You remind people of the nostalgic beauty of the past, then quickly snap them to the painful relatability of the present. And you want a gun! That’s half the American population right there.

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As the weather turns cold and lights go up in storefronts, we are all asking ourselves the same question: If my entire essence was distilled down into one seasonal (Christmas) item, what would it be? Who am I? How do I appear to others? Can I be drunk in this Walgreens? Here is a quiz that will answer those questions, and probably give you new ones to ponder, while you gnaw on a cinnamon stick in the bath. Self-care!

WhereYat.com | December 2020

TALES FROM THE QUARTER By Debbie Lindsey

Have a Slightly Different Merry Christmas

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Holiday Dining Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

t goes without saying that this will be a slightly different Christmas. I’m writing this on October 23, and our world is rapidly changing—so fast that I hesitate to write of any upcoming event, date, or season with confidence of my accuracy. Yet regardless of who will be taking up residency at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in January or when an effective vaccine will become available, I think I can say that things will be different this holiday season. Public health must be our priority. No festivity or family reunion is worth the risk of infecting or being infected by this virus. With that said, with that understood, there is no reason not to celebrate, indulge, and participate in this celebratory season. I will tend to reference “Christmas,” as this is my go-to holiday, but many folks will honor Hanukkah, Kwanza, Solstice, and an array of other beloved traditions. And it’s my hope that our desire to celebrate (we’re certainly overdue for some joy) will take on a purpose and elevate our economy, bring hope to families, renew friendships, and lighten the stress and loneliness felt by all. Gift-giving this year has potential to go beyond frivolous commercialism—perhaps rescue a small business. Our economy is in dire straits and has affected everyone. Our city of New Orleans, like all communities, has witnessed the loss of jobs and beloved businesses. Mom-and-pop restaurants, bars, and shops are closing, along with larger and formerly more solvent enterprises. So shop with a purpose and use the holidays as an excuse to spend a little green. Maybe your budget is fragile, and you feel that your few dollars couldn’t possibly make a difference. Not so. Every dollar spent becomes part of an effort and has the potential to gain momentum. Spread the word, encourage friends and family to shop with an eye towards struggling businesses. And since we’re all in this together, also support shopping beyond our city limits. Those who know me have heard me through the years beg folks to shop local, to help grow locally owned commerce. But our entire country is suffering, and what with the need to play it safe, shopping online or by phone can work to everyone’s advantage. Purchases made via your computer or device don’t necessarily mean empowering Amazon. Example: You want to send flowers to that out-of-town family member; just google florists in their town and telephone them directly. You get a more personal touch this way, and perhaps the shop is able to bypass their online fees or FTD surcharges. As a former small-business owner, I relished walk-in customers. The camaraderie, human interaction, and making new friends is great for a business, but also nourishing to the soul. However, money still spends via websites and phones. And during this pandemic, it might be more than a convenience—virtual shopping plays an important role in protecting folks from the risks of COVID-19.

Giving the gift of food or live music is easy. Almost any eatery will happily sell you a gift certificate. This way, the person you gift can choose when, where, and how to enjoy dining—they have the option to redeem later when circumstances are safer or opt for carry-out/delivery. If you wish to make certain that the restaurant staff is properly tipped, then ask about adding a tip when purchasing the card. With so many virtual music venues and theater productions available, consider purchasing tickets as a gift. Is your out-of-town friend longing for some New Orleans right now? Send them a paid subscription to a local magazine/newspaper or a gift certificate to, for example, Louisiana Music Factory, or make a donation to WWOZ.org in their name. Use your imagination. Gift-giving used to strike me as frivolous and wasteful—well, I was wrong. It needn’t drain your wallet or make you feel a part of some greedy corporate commercialism. Homemade crafts, foods, a basket of herbs from your garden, thrift-store goodies, and repurposed/recycled treasures from your home (books, CDs, art) are excellent ways to spread some cheer. And if you are blessed with enough money to purchase goodies, now is the time to make a difference, add compassion to capitalism, and be a conscientious consumer. Like I said earlier, use your dollars to support struggling businesses (especially small and independent ones). Pick five fabulous and deserving businesses or venues in need of support and promote them through your social media. In addition to “paying it forward” to assist our faltering economy, be an informed consumer. Take time to read those labels on toiletries and fragrances, foods and chocolates. Do you really want to give the gift of destruction? Yep, that palm oil in the ingredient list most likely destroys habitats for endangered creatures (orangutans, for one). And did you know that most chocolate involves slave labor—not just exploited labor, I am talking slave labor often involving children. However, with some thoughtful research, you can find caring companies and do the right thing. For instance, Tony’s Chocolonely is slave-free and damn delicious (available at Whole Foods). So, you get my drift—support cruelty-free, fair-trade, leadfree, environmentally kind products. This has been a cruel year, yet during this relentless beating, there have been triumphs attesting to the spirit and generosity of people. Let this holiday season inspire even more acts of kindness. Never forget the value of time—the gift of time has power not found inside your wallet. Give the gift of your energy. Be that shoulder to cry on or that safely distanced voice on the phone or words in a letter. Volunteer to feed those without resources or donate time to help a small shop owner who has no money for payroll. Just give yourself—we all have something within us to share. Be that amazing gift that you are.

PO-BOY VIEWS By Phil LaMancusa

Spectrophobia or Accessible Codes

friend of mine made fashionable cloth facial coverings for the plague and was selling them online. Mentioning them on Facebook, she said that they were available online, but if we were in the neighborhood, we could pick them up less expensively. Cool, I thought, and tried messengering her back about info on where to pick them up. Picking up my cell, I received the instructions: “Please sign into your Facebook account, username and password.” Me: “Hell, I don’t know. I’ll do this later.” Later, I couldn’t remember where I saw the darn info on the Facebook, so I looked on Instagram. Didn’t find it there, so I went to her Instagram page to send her a message. I received similar admonitions, precluding the preceding of my proceeding: “Sorry. That message is not sent. Please sign into Instagram using your … username and password.” Please enter your special pin number if you want to use your debit card, pay a bill online, get technical support for your computer, get a bank balance over the phone, or log onto your web address. “Please punch in your social security number and pass code.” Can’t remember your username or password? “Reset by clicking here. Enter the email and phone number associated with this account, and we’ll send you a one-time passcode of six numbers. Enter them below to reset your password. Your password should be 8-16 characters, at least one uppercase and one or more symbols, i.e. !#$%&*.” Periodically, a seemingly innocent message is sent to my phone, advising me to open an attachment sent by a “friend” (“I think I saw you in this; tell me what you think! Click here to open attachment.”) Open it, and I’m hacked! I need to change all my passwords. Where do I start? I have three bank accounts (savings, checking, and credit card). I have two debit card numbers to remember. I have three email addresses. I have Facebook, Instagram, PayPal, eBay, different websites that I purchase things from (yes, even that one). I have my cell phone password, a keypad front door, and a username and password to file for unemployment and to contact my healthcare provider, open my laptop, check with my auto insurance company, and check the status of my COVID-19 tests. I log on to stream shows. I use three different remote-control thingies for three different screens. I identify myself by license, passport, voter registration. I need to show my ID when I buy beer at Winn Dixie and enter and leave Costco. I punch a keypad at Walgreens, Petco, CVS, and AutoZone, and I’ve got to punch in my zip code when I buy gas. I never wanted this. Then there are the keys. I have two keys for my car, one each for front door, back door, side yard, back yard,

and I have the neighbors’ in case they lose theirs. Instead of leading a simple life, I’m a frickin’ hostage! I foresee a possible future when I have a microchip imprinted in my left palm, a barcode tattooed on my right wrist, an MP3 implanted behind my right ear, and my cell phone attached to my medulla oblongata. Implanted behind my left breast nipple is an Alexa-like device connected to my ocular lenses. I’ll buy beer with the wave of my wrist and pump gas with abandon. Alexa will make and break my appointments and direct my deposits and automatically withdraw my expenses, all to the soundtrack of my life pumping into my cerebral cortex. The guesswork will be taken out of an exercise routine. I’ll learn to speak Italian and play the piano. Life will simply be a matter of whatever I wish. I’ll be free to evolve spiritually: “Alexa, book a yoga class for me with my guru and a reservation for a vegan late lunch, block out some time for a nap, and have a bottle of Châteauneufdu-Pape 2015 delivered. Oh, and remind me that the dog’s been promised a long walk this afternoon. Thank you.” Naturally, Alexa will answer, “No problem, Boss.” (Or Master, Biatch, Honey, or whatever I might be calling myself that day.) I’ll get up in the morning, and coffee will be made, the paper delivered, and the thermostat set on a lovely 78 degrees. The laundry service will have come and gone, and I’ll be free to take my sketchpad to the park (with pup in tow) and capture nature as it’s intended, pausing just long enough to apply some sunblock to my solar-paneled bald head. If I’m approached by a friend, Alexa will remind me of their name and where I know them from. I’ll invite them for tea; we’ll wear tiaras. Oh, I will sing the body electronic. The only challenge is that that would be too perfect. You see, objectively speaking, for every stress that I‘ve created, there is a compensation, and each compensation comes with a responsibility to accept or not. Some stresses I create; others just come with the turf. That’s the beauty of it—that’s the gift of the Magi, the Christmas miracle. Life is what you make it or make of it. Within you, without you. I have a friend who, when confronted by another’s less-than-perfect condition (weakness), usually counters with cutting sarcasm. I’m sure that if he reads this, he’ll make fun of my complaints and my complaining. It’s okay, I know his heart; we both listen to Tim Buckley. I’ll think of him when I edit, do a word count, go to email my editor, write a brief note, attach the article, and push the “send” button. I’ll stop counting the ways that I dwell on paying attention to annoying minor insignificant details in my life and focus on counting the blessings that I have with the people around me who have my username and pass code. It’s simply: “Where y’at Phil!”

WhereYat.com | December 2020

Holiday Dining Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

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