Latest Issue: November 2022–Bar Guide

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Josh Danzig

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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, Camille Barnett, Celeste Turner, Cynthea Corfah

Cover Photo: Bartender Abigail Gullo at Loa, photo by Romney Caruso

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Cheers! Enjoy our annual Bar Guide

highlights the hottest bars in town, just as Thanksgiving and the holiday season approach.

Women make up over 50% of our bartenders, and many of the city’s top mixologists are of the female persuasion. Kimmie Tubre profiles some of NOLA’s top women bartenders and shares where to find them.

New Orleans is one of the oldest cities in the United States, and our first brewery dates back to 1723. Emily Hingle looks back at the past 300 years of breweries in the Crescent City, leading up to present-day craft beer offerings.

Turkey Day is near. If football isn’t your thing for Thanksgiving, don’t miss Jeff Boudreaux’s Thanksgiving Film Guide. From comedies to cartoons and everything in between, you’ll find something to keep you entertained after your feast.

Also, save the date of December 12 for the Absolut Bloody Mary Mix-off Finals at the Tchoup Yard.

–Josh Danzig, Publisher

The Bobbie Gentry cocktail, Abigail Gullo's Ode to Billie Joe, made with scotch, apple brandy, and some smoke.

WOMEN RAISING THE BAR

Cheers to the City’s Most Popular Female Bartenders

By Kimmie Tubre Portrait photography by Romney Caruso

There are bar leads, spirit influencers, cocktail mavens, and more. Did you know that women are currently dominating the field of bartending? Contrary to popular belief, women make up over 50% of today’s bartending community. But this hasn't always been the case.

In an industry that is usually represented by men, there is no secret that women were not always welcome. In fact, many female bartenders continue to feel undermined even though they are generally the face of a bar and usually the best mixologists around.

This unfortunate lack of respect towards female bartenders is due to a long history of an industry that has not been very kind to women. Throughout history, women were rarely seen behind the bar. At one point, many places banned women from becoming bartenders. For centuries, it was considered taboo for women to serve spirits, and that mindset seemed to be standard until the 1960s and 70s. Of course, there were always rebel women like Ada “Coley” Coleman, “England’s most famous barmaid,” but she was an anomaly.

The vast majority of people still believe that men make up the bulk of an industry where women have become experts. While some cities continue to lack female bartenders, New Orleans, a city known for its hospitality, has embraced them and has become a place where female bartenders can thrive. With the city’s love of alcohol and history of famous cocktails, women from all over the world come here to tend bars.

Here are a few of the city’s best women bartenders:

ABIGAIL GULLO

Loa Bar-International House Hotel

This New York native has been tending bars in the Big Easy since 2012. When she’s not slinging cocktails at Loa Bar in the International House Hotel, she’s recording her podcast, Drink and Learn. Abigail is a mentor in this industry and an expert in her craft. She got her start as the family bartender. She says, “As one of 48 grandkids, I learned quickly that making my grandpa's favorite cocktail would help me stick out from the rest.”

Mastering that cocktail, the Manhattan, opened the door to her success as a mixologist. Since then, she has become famous for her popular cocktails such as her New York–New Orleans inspired drink, Taylor and Bird Sazerac and the Charbonneau Way, a rye-whiskey cocktail influenced by all of the strong women in her family. Starting over 15 years ago at a small Brooklyn cafe, Abigail has worked at several locations throughout her career, even contributing to the opening of the Commander’s Palace family restaurant, Sobou.

KIMBERLY PATTON-BRAGG

Bar Director at Palm & Pine

From a New York toy store buyer to a renowned bartender, this mixologist is a veteran in the industry. Starting her bartending career in New York, she made the spontaneous decision to move to New Orleans. She says, “My husband and I visited one weekend and decided within hours that we would stay.” Originally from Florida, Kimberly is no “little lady” when she’s not behind the bar—she’s busy competing as a fencer.

With almost 20 years in the game, her résumé speaks for itself. She has worked at many of the city’s favorite venues from Beachbum Berry's Latitude 29 to Three Muses. Now Bar Director at Palm & Pine, Kimberly is responsible for drinks including “the knowing glance” (a take on the Manhattan) and the spicy margarita, which is a bar favorite.

J’NAI ANGELLE @jnai.angelle

Cocktail and spirits influencer, J’Nai is the city’s favorite virtual bartender. While she can be seen serving drinks in person, she has mostly made her name in the virtual world. Born in the East neighborhood of New Orleans, J’Nai got her bartending start while in college at LSU. With over ten years in the industry, she's worked everywhere from King Fish, to Compère Lapin, to Bakery Bar and more.

After being laid off during Covid, J’Nai began to make videos. “I would just record myself mixing cocktails while listening to my favorite hip-hop songs,” she says. Quickly gaining a buzz, she began to use her platform to highlight other female bartenders while also educating people on the contents of their favorite cocktails. J’Nai’s recognition has

gained her several sponsorships from liquor brands and companies. She also hosts small group bartending classes and events spreading her mixology knowledge around the city.

BROOKE FLAHERTY

Erin Rose

This Chicago native made her way to Nola by way of Aspen, Colorado in 2009, and the rest is history. Receiving her degree in Hospitality Business, she spent three years trying the corporate world but quickly realized that being behind the bar and with the people was a much better fit. Brooke began bartending in 2013 and has been making drinks at Erin Rose since 2016 where she is known to make one of the city’s best Sazeracs.

While Brooke is often creating drinks behind the bar at Erin Rose, she has also made a name for herself in the virtual world. When Covid shut down many of the city’s bars, she decided to continue a popular bar night, “flipping Tuesday,” virtually. Known as the bartender's Mardi Gras, she says, “I virtually opened my home to the world by simply making drinks and conversing with others through the computer screen.”

CHRISTINA RAMIREZ Sobou

Born and raised in the 3rd ward of New Orleans, Christina is an amazing force in the bartending world. When she’s not behind the bar at Sobou, she’s competing in bartending competitions across the country. While she started bartending in 2009, she didn't make it her full-time career until 2015 after being inspired during “Tales of A Cocktail.” “It was then when I realized that I could take my skills on the road,” she says, which propelled her to

become a competitive bartender.

Since then, Christina has competed globally winning a number of competitions including recently winning the Johnny Walker Black Keep Walking Cocktail Competition. While Christina has worked and competed all over the country, she honed her craft as the first female behind the bar at Beachbum Berry's Latitude 29. Now at Sobou, she also has a mixology tutelage, “Murcie Mixology,” where she teaches lessons on elaborate garnishing, tiki influences, and more.

ASHLEY ALENA CARSWELL

Bar Tonique & Cosimo’s Bar Moving to New Orleans in the summer of 2006, this expert martini maker started her bartending career at the French Quarter neighborhood bar Cosimo’s. Now dividing her time between Cosimo’s and Bar Tonique, Ashley has a steady flow of regulars who often request her services. Originally from Fort Walton Beach, Florida, she learned the craft from a friend by starting off with simple drinks and expanding to the more complicated cocktails through trial and error.

Today, she is known for making a mean “martini,” along with mastering one of the city’s most famous yet difficult cocktails, the Ramos Gin Fizz. While Ashley has plans to continue her academic education and move into other fields, she admits, “I also plan to expand my learnings in the bartending world. I'm exploring ways to incorporate both worlds.”

Being a city rooted in hospitality and cocktail culture, the list of female bartenders in New Orleans is extensive. From legendary veterans such as Rhiannon Enlil, Lu Brow, and Laura MacMillian to the newcomers in the game who continue to make space in the industry for future women to come. It is their time to receive kudos for their immense talent and expertise. Cheers.

GUIDE

/ WAREHOUSE DISTRICT

Alto Rooftop Bar, located on top of the Ace Hotel, is a chill spot to hang out with your friends. Beat the Louisiana heat by relaxing in Alto’s pool. You can also cool down with some of the bar’s signature cocktails like Calypso and Turkish Royale. Alto offers pizzas and paninis too. 600 Carondelet St., (504) 900-1180, acehotel.com

Rosie’s on the Roof, located in the Higgins Hotel, surrounds guests with World War II-era Americana. The rooftop bar not only offers sweeping views of New Orleans, but also delicious small plates like crab beignets and riveter fries loaded with brisket and bacon cheese curds. Grab a cold beer and enjoy. 1000 Magazine St., (504) 528-1941, higginshotelnola.com

Bar Marilou has a sophisticated Frenchstyle atmosphere in a very beautiful location. Located along the side of the Maison de la Luz hotel, the bar offers plenty of wine, beer, and craft cocktails like Tokyo Record and Monarca. Get fancy and enjoy Bar Marilou’s small plates like frogs’ legs and moules frites. 544 Carondelet St., (504) 814-7711, barmarilou.com

Stumpy’s Hatchet House gives patrons the perfect opportunity to test their hatchet throwing skills. When you’re all out of axes to toss, head over to Stumpy’s fully stocked bar for a welldeserved refreshment. Light snacks are also available including hot dogs, pizza, popcorn, nachos, and chips. 1200 Poydras St. Suite C, (504) 577-2937, stumpyshh.com

Fillmore New Orleans is in a beautiful, state-of-the-art 22,000 square-foot space above Harrah’s Casino. Top artists such as Jack White, Lukas Nelson, and Chevelle have performed there recently. Arrive early to grab a cocktail in BG’s Lounge, and check out The Fillmore’s social media pages for upcoming shows. 6 Canal St., (504) 881-1555, livenation.com

The Metropolitan is one of New Orleans’ premiere nightclubs and provides some of the best services in the city. While partying with your friends, make sure to visit the multiple different bars located all around the large, two-story club. Make sure to check the Metro’s event page to see who’s coming to perform. 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd., (504) 5681702, themetronola.com

Peacock Room offers guests an elevated cocktail bar experience in the Kimpton Hotel. In addition to a large selection of beers, seltzers, wine, and spirits, the bar also offers both “Old Bird” and “Pride of the Flock” cocktails. Sip your drinks while nibbling on Peacock Room’s well-crafted snack board. 501 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 324-3073, peacockroomnola.com

The Rabbit Hole is a truly eclectic club that always provides a great night of fun. The venue’s outdoor stage is the perfect spot to enjoy anything from electronics acts to funky brass bands. The Rabbit Hole also offers an indoor stage and a downstairs bar. 1228 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., (504) 354-9709, rabbitholenola.com

FINALS PARTY

Ugly Dog Saloon & BBQ is more than just a saloon—it’s also a BBQ party! Enjoy delicious, smoky BBQ classics such as buffalo fried ribs, the all-American hot dog, and smoked pulled pork. You’ll especially love the Lafitte Pig, which has pulled pork and real Canadian bacon topped with Ugly Dog’s famous coleslaw. Complete with beer, 15 TVs, and an outdoor patio, it’s the perfect spot to watch the Saints game.

401 Andrew Higgins Blvd., (504) 569-8459, uglydogsaloon.com

FRENCH QUARTER

Bourbon Street Honky Tonk offers everything that is needed for a boot scootin’ good time. Not only are there plenty of drinks to enjoy, you may even see a live country or blues performance while there. Don’t miss out on one of the best honky tonks in the city.

727 Bourbon St., (504) 523-1960 tropicalisle.com

Evangeline provides some of the best Cajun food that can be found in the French Quarter. Come for the Acadia crawfish & grits, Southern fried okra, and crawfish etouffee. Stay for the local craft beers and other drinks the restaurant offers including the strawberry blonde or the rum punch. 329 Decatur St., (504) 373-4852, evangelineneworleans.com

House of Blues offers one of the best nightlife experiences in all of New Orleans. Choose from a long list of beers, wines, and more and jam out to one of the many live music events that goes on there. For an elevated night of fun with premium cocktails and more, consider the House of Blues’ Foundation Room.

225 Decatur St., (504) 310-4999, houseofblues.com

JINX Bar & Grill, located right next to the French Market, is a love letter to all things pop culture. Not only does the restaurant have an extensive beer list, its cocktails are top notch such as the Decatur mule, el guapo, and even blue milk. JINX even offers hookahs with different flavors to choose from. 91 French Market Pl., (504) 510-2797, jinxnola.com

The Garage is a great music club to bring your friends to for a fun night out. Enjoy all sorts of entertainment like live music, open mic nights, and so much more. In addition to a fully stocked bar, The Garage offers tasty NOLA favorites such as red beans, gumbo, and even spicy beef yaka mein. 810 Conti St., thegaragemusicclub.com

The Jazz Playhouse, located inside the Royal Sonesta Hotel, is one of the best jazz clubs in NOLA. Both upscale and retro, this is a great place to see some of New Orleans’ best jazz musicians performing. Make sure to grab a signature cocktail such as a Sazerac or a Hurricane. 300 Bourbon St., (504) 553-2299, facebook.com/JazzPlayhouse

The Penthouse Club is one of New Orleans’ largest gentlemen’s clubs. The club has three separate state-of-theart stages where professional dancers get to showcase their talents. Tableside bottle service with your choice of wine, champagne, and more is also available. 727 Iberville St., (504) 524-4354, neworleans.penthouseclub.com

GARDEN DISTRICT

Down the Hatch Bar & Grill is great for reasonably-priced, delicious cuisine. The restaurant offers great tasting sandwiches, burgers, and even Mediterranean dishes such as gyro and chicken or beef shawarma. Order a cold beer and dig into Down the Hatch’s fantastic chicken wings. 1921 Sophie Wright Pl., (504) 522-0909, downthehatchnola.com

Tracey’s Original Irish Channel Bar is the best place to be for St. Patrick’s Day or really any day. Beer lovers will be happy when they see Tracey’s six draught taps and over 100 bottles of different brands to choose from. The bar also serves delicious oysters, po-boys, and more. 2604 Magazine St., (504) 8975413, traceysnola.com

Wetlands Sake is a great spot to enjoy your pick of saké. Located in the Lower Garden District, they have handcrafted sakes, including nine on tap. There are traditional sakés, saké cocktails, and sparkling sakés, to name a few. Wetlands crafts all of their sakés on-site. Come try a sake flight of four different sakés and discover which one is your favorite. 634 Orange St., (504) 442-0432, wetlandssake.com

LAKEVIEW

Lots A Luck Tavern is one of the best places in New Orleans to play bar games. There is plenty to do there like pool, cornhole, foosball, darts, and even trivia nights. Watch the next big football game while enjoying some cold beer or some of the bar’s other refreshments. 203 Homedale St., (504) 483-0978, facebook.com/LotsaLuckNOLA

MARIGNY/BYWATER

Emporium Arcade Bar is New Orleans’ newest bar and is also one of the most fun in the city. This bar has games on the brain with arcade games, pinball, pool tables, skeeball, foosball, and so much more. Don’t forget to check out Emporium’s huge drink list of spirits, beer, and cocktails. 2231 St. Claude Ave., emporiumarcadebar.com

The Royal Frenchmen’s Remedy Bar is a must for anyone staying in or visiting the Royal Frenchmen Hotel. Stop by and experience Remedy’s many craft cocktails including the “tell-tale heart” or the “kiss from a rose.” The bar also offers $5 martini happy hours daily from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. 700 Frenchmen St. #1614, (504) 6199660, royalfrenchmenhotel.com

METAIRIE

Babylon Sports Bar not only is a great place to watch football in Metairie, but also live music. The bar also provides a homey atmosphere with reasonable prices on all of their drinks. Babylon’s accommodating staff will make sure you have an enjoyable experience.

2917 Harvard Ave. Suite A, (504) 324-9961, facebook.com/ BabylonSportsBar

Martine’s Lounge is a fantastic spot to hang with old friends, as well as make some new ones, especially if you dig playing darts. Cold beer and other specialty drinks including frozen Irish coffee, cherry limeade, and frozen sangria await you. Pop-ups also offers snack food.

2347 Metairie Rd., (504) 831-8637, facebook.com/martineslounge

The Marsh Room Patio Bar & Grill is one of the best establishments in Metairie to see great live music. In addition, the bar regularly hosts dart tournaments, karaoke nights, and more. While sipping on your favorite drink, grab some bites such as cheese curds, steak, and the bar’s “Marsh burger.” 4740 Rye St., (504) 571-5733, facebook.com/ themarshroom

MID-CITY

Pal’s Lounge, which stays open from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m., is one of New Orleans’ perfect late night spots. The bar regularly hosts local pop-ups serving all kinds of different food. Some of Pal’s most popular, and affordable, drinks include the gingerita, the watermelon mojito, and the bacon Bloody Mary. 949 N. Rendon St., (504) 488-7257, instagram.com/ palsloungenola

Rendon Inn has been the Broadmoor neighborhood’s go-to bar since it was established in 1933. The wide selection of beers pairs well with any of the restaurant’s dishes including burgers, poboys, and steaks. Head out on a Sunday for bottomless mimosas from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 4501 Eve St., (504) 218-7106, therendon504.com

Wrong Iron on The Greenway is a huge NOLA-style beer garden that is perfect for bringing all of your friends to. The drink menu is absolutely extensive, so there’s plenty of beer, wine, cocktails, and frozen drinks to pick from. Wrong Iron also regularly hosts different pop ups and food trucks. 3532 Toulouse St., (504) 302-1503, wrongiron.com

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

Tropical Isle is a Bourbon Street staple that is beloved by both tourists and locals. The bar is known far and wide for being the birthplace of the “hand grenade,” aka New Orleans’ most powerful drink. While there, make sure to also try Tropical Isle’s horny gator and/or tropical itch. Multiple Locations, tropicalisle.com

TREMÉ

Treme Hideaway is one of New Orleans’s best kept secrets. It’s a fun place to hang out and enjoy music and drinks. Tucked away in the historic Tremé neighborhood, locals can flock to Treme Hideaway for R&B music, DJ sounds, and hot food. A vibrant meeting place, this venue is the place to be. 1234 Claiborne Ave., (504) 301-4441

UPTOWN

Gasa Gasa is Uptown’s premiere music venue and regularly hosts talented acts from all over the United States. Patrons can also enjoy art exhibits and film screenings in the venue. Gasa Gasa also has drinks to enjoy and offers happy hour daily from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. 4920 Freret St., (504) 571-5522, facebook.com/ gasagasaonfreret

Le Bon Temps Roule is one of the most iconic 24-hour bars in the Uptown neighborhood. Housed in a beautiful historic building, Le Bon Temps Roule serves as the official home of NOLA’s the Soul Rebels. The bar has some of the best Bloody Marys in the entire city. 4801 Magazine St., (504) 897-3448, lbtrnola.com

St. Joe’s Bar is back and better than ever after being shut down because of Hurricane Ida. Beer fanatics will have a lot to choose from including local brands, imports, micro brands, drafts, and even ciders. Weekly specials include happy hour, as well as a cocktail and whiskey of the week. 5535 Magazine St., (504) 899-3744, stjoesbar.com

The Vintage is just the place for anyone who loves beignets, bubbles, and bites. This chic, Paris-style cafe has a very large sip menu for customers to savor like different kinds of wine, Prohibitionera cocktails, and more. Save room for the beignets or small savory plates. 3121 Magazine St., (504) 324-7144, thevintagenola.com

WESTBANK

Club 38, located inside Boomtown Casino & Hotel in Harvey, is the perfect VIP experience. Club 38 is available to all Owners Club, Elite, and Preferred Members and their guests through Boomtown’s mychoice® loyalty program. Members can enjoy complimentary food and drinks while there. 4132 Peters Rd., Harvey, (504) 366-7711, boomtownneworleans.com

Gattuso’s Neighborhood Restaurant & Bar is one of the best hang out spots in historic Old Gretna. Along with its delicious comfort food, Gattuso’s offers plenty of beer, wine, margaritas, martinis, shots, and cocktails. Customers can also enjoy an all-day-long happy hour every Tuesday. 435 Huey P Long Ave., Gretna, (504) 368-1114, gattusos.net

Stained Glass Winehouse is Gretna’s premiere self-serve wine bar. This upscale, unpretentious bar offers over 300 wine bottles and 24 self-serve wine taps, as well as spirits, draft beer, and cocktails. Pair your wine with Stained Glass’ beautiful charcuterie and dessert boards. 201 Huey P Long Ave., Gretna, (504) 812-0930, stainedglasswinehouse.com

THE HISTORY OF BIG EASY BEER

By Emily Hingle

Beer has been exploding in popularity the world over. The 2010s saw an unprecedented boom in craft breweries, much to the delight of beer lovers everywhere. New Orleans and the surrounding areas have several breweries and even a few cideries, with ever-evolving menus of libations. From Parleaux Beer Lab in the Bywater to Port Orleans in Uptown to Second Line Brewing in Mid-City to Oak Street Brewery in the Riverbend, there’s hardly a corner of the city without a brewery on it.

Jax Brewery is now a shopping center in the French Quarter

Jax Brewery , 1973

It may appear that locally-made beer is more popular than ever in New Orleans, but that’s actually not the case. Before Prohibition ravaged the spirits and beer industries across the country, breweries were quite plentiful in the New Orleans area. Because of the ports and river access, New Orleans was one of the biggest producers of beer in the south.

The very first brewery founded in New Orleans was La Brasserie in 1723 by Pierre Dreux. Over one hundred years later, starting in the 1850s, there was a brewery boom in New Orleans and across the state in which dozens of breweries opened, but typically closed within just a few years.

One of the few breweries to open in the 1800s and continue into the 20th Century was Jax Brewery that was originally named Jackson Brewing Company when it started business in 1890. Lawrence Fabacher opened Jackson Brewing Company on Decatur Street, and he named his product after the nearby Jackson Square.

Jacksonville Brewing Company in Florida took issue with the name of the increasingly

popular beer because both beer makers referred to their brand as “Jax Beer.” To appease both parties, Jacksonville Brewing Company only sold their beer in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, and Jackson Brewing Company sold their beer to places west of those states. Jackson Brewing Company grew larger than ever despite the lag from Prohibition. In 1954, Jackson Brewing Company bought the right to use Jax Beer from Jacksonville Brewing Company, which had ceased operation. Jax Brewing Company had several good years in business before being sold in 1974 to Texas-based Pearl Brewing Company. Pearl Brewing Company produced Jax Beer until the 1980s when Pearl Brewing changed ownership and eventually ceased operations.

Dixie Brewing Company’s story starts before it became a brewery of its own. In the mid to late 1800s, New Orleans was a beer-making powerhouse with dozens of breweries making beer that could be enjoyed at nearby bars, but they weren’t able to be shipped far due to a lack of refrigeration. But, then, Brewmeister George

Merz stepped onto the scene and pioneered the use of artificial refrigeration which changed the beer-making industry in such a hot city. He opened some coffeehouses and breweries starting in 1865 including the Old Canal Steam Brewery, and his fledgling air-conditioning and ice-making technologies allowed for beer to be shipped outside the city on steamboats and sailing vessels.

Merz’s businesses and other local breweries, owned mostly by German immigrants, were thriving locally and expanding regionally, and it caught the attention of national competitors. Six breweries merged to form the New Orleans Brewing Company in 1890, creating a strong alliance and avoiding selling out. Southern Brewing Company, Crescent City Brewing, Weckerling Brewery, Pelican Brewery, Lafayette Brewing, and Louisiana Brewery operated under this new company.

In 1907, George’s son Valentine built Dixie Brewery at 2401 Tulane Avenue in 1907, where it stood for over 100 years. Dixie Brewery was a beloved institution for decades. It was eventually sold to Coy International in 1983, then to Joseph and Kendra Elliott Bruno in 1985. They filed for bankruptcy in 1989 but reorganized in 1992 with new beers, including Blackened Voodoo and Crimson Voodoo. The brewery on Tulane Avenue was flooded and looted after Hurricane Katrina, and Dixie Brewery’s beer was brewed out of Wisconsin in order to keep the business going. Eventually, most of the brewery was torn down except for the iconic brick tower, which was incorporated into the Department of Veterans Affairs Hospital.

In 2017, Tom Benson bought the majority stake from the Brunos and decided to bring Dixie Beer back to New Orleans. Tom’s wife Gayle took ownership of Dixie after his passing, and she spearheaded the brand’s change to Faubourg Brewing Company in 2020. Faubourg Brewing’s massive New Orleans East Campus, where it currently lives, features sprawling, grassy seating areas, a packed roster of live music, yard games, and even festivals.

Many people remember Falstaff Beer, but it was not actually a local brand. Falstaff Brewing was founded in St. Louis, Missouri, and Falstaff purchased the National Brewing Company of New Orleans in 1937, as well as many other prominent breweries across the country to become the third-largest brewer in America in the 1960s. The New Orleansbased Falstaff brewery was closed in 1979.

Local beer production by the 1980s was down to a trickle compared to the raging flow of 100 years prior until Abita Brewing opened in 1986, followed by Crescent City Brewhouse in 1991. Abita Brewing was the first brewery to open in Louisiana in 39 years, only producing 1,500 barrels in its first year. They currently produce more than 125,000 barrels of beer annually and ship beer across the U.S. Crescent City Brewhouse was the first brewery to open in the city of New Orleans in at least five decades. The next locally-owned brewery to open in the city was N.O.L.A. Brewing on Tchoupitoulas Street in 2009. The rest is craft beer history.

Drinkers of traditional beers and wacky new brews alike can appreciate our storied history while also championing our present.

Dixie Beer, 1907

Faubourg replicates

Dixie's iconic downtown tower

Chicago World's Fair New Orleans Brewing Association Exhibit, 1893

Abita's original location

Abita's larger facility in Covington

TEQUILA &

brand ambassador

By Andrew Marin

Chatting with

Where Y’at (WYA): How long have you been with Tequila Herradura, and how did you first get involved?

Ruben Aceves (RA): December will be 22 years for me with Herradura. They invited me in December 2000. My grandmother was related to the original family that ran the Herradura hacienda. At home, the only spirit we enjoyed was Tequila Herradura. I had the chance to visit the hacienda very often when I was a boy. I learned everything about the history and process. Years later, the family asked me to help due to my passion for tequila and those years of knowledge.

WYA: To work somewhere so long says a lot about the culture and community.

RA: The majority of people involved in production have been there as long as I have. It's been a long journey—a very nice one, an exciting one.

WYA: So what brings you to New Orleans?

RA: We want to educate people about this magnificent brand: interviews with media, meeting with local mixologists, with local consumers, and, of course, always running a sales training with Brown-Forman. My emphasis is enjoying tequila in different ways and still honoring the tradition.

WYA: You’re probably pleasantly surprised that in recent years more local consumers have learned to sip on, rather than shoot, tequila, especially the good stuff.

RA: That’s wonderful. For Herradura, it's important that we're not just another tequila. We've been around for 152 years. Most brands can't say that. Some can’t say they’ve been around a decade. There's maybe only one tequila distillery that can say they're older.

WYA: What else makes Herradura distinctive from other brands?

RA: There are 165 tequila distilleries in Mexico, and there are 1,700 tequilas. A lot of those brands buy bulk tequila from

distilleries. This happens with whiskey and wine as well. Our tequila is 100% natural agave. We make our own tequila, with our own people, in our own distillery, and with our own master distiller. The industry began in 1521. We were making blanco tequila. The first was Herradura in 1974. We made our first ultra-aged in 1995. With all due respect to all tequila brands, they're always looking at what we're doing. Herradura is the crown jewel of tequila.

WYA: Can you tell us more about Herradura’s history and process?

RA: It's a very old brand. When we started making tequila, we never thought about selling tequila. It was intended for the inhabitants of the hacienda, as vino mezcal. It was a lifestyle. It wasn’t intended for mass consumption. It’s okay to make money, but the philosophy behind the way we produce Herradura, even though we distribute it—we’ve never compromised that philosophy. We started selling it because people asked us to sell it. And it turned into a beautiful business. We grow our agave the right amount of time, seven years, which is better than five. Like a ripe fruit, the right maturity of agave makes a difference. So does growing it in the right place, the right soil, the process of cooking the agave, not using chemicals for fermentation, the distillation and aging, the barrels, the harvest time.

WYA: Have you noticed any trends in the tequila industry?

RA: The majority of consumers are moving away from mixed tequila and coming over to 100% agave. And over the past years, the cristalino tequilas. It’s reposado or añejo that you filter off the color. It tastes like reposado or añejo but looks like a blanco. Herradura Ultra is

Herradura

Extraordinary Awaits Party

November 10 from 8-10 p.m. at 2001 St. Charles Ave. There will be

our version. It’s helped bring back consumers who swore off tequila because of bad quality or shots and helped bring new ones who always wanted to enjoy tequila but haven't had the right one.

WYA: Any suggestions for how to incorporate Herradura into holiday drinks?

RA: I’m not a bartender, but I’ll get you a recipe. I always drink it neat; room temperature. For tequila in general, each expression can make amazing cocktails. The cocktail universe is unlimited, especially in places like New Orleans or New York or Miami. “Ultra Tonic” is popular in Mexico. It’s Herradura Ultra, a big wine glass, rocks, a couple of cranberries, tonic, and a piece of grapefruit skin.

WYA: Last question. Do you have any personal preferences among the eight expressions of Herradura?

RA: Depending on time and place, I enjoy all of them. My preferred one is blanco—high proof blanco, as it’s intended. The reposado is amazing, and the añejo is beautiful. But I've been drinking the blanco every day for the last 47 years. Blanco is my thing.

THE BITTERS TRUTH

By Celeste Turner

“Bitters are well established in the American cocktail scene,” said Mark Bitterman, culinary salt expert and renowned author of the 2015 book entitled Bitterman’s Field Guide to Bitters and Amari. “A Manhattan cocktail is not good without bitters. When you add citrus or orange bitters, for example, you now have a drink with aromatic complexity, and a flavorful combination.”

What are bitters, you ask? They’re only the most commonly used ingredient in cocktails and vital to modern mixology. These small bottles of spirits are infused with botanicals such as spices, bark, fruit, flowers, leaves, and herbs. Bitterman suggested that generally, bitters are concentrated flavor enhancers that amplify, accentuate, and add an extra kick to the cocktail mix.

“Bitters are to cocktails as salt is to food,” said Bitterman, owner of the Meadow, a bitters, salt, and chocolate emporium with locations in Oregon and New York. “With food, you add salt to increase the flavor and complexity. Using bitters, you can make the most of your drink by increasing the focus of the flavor in your mouth and the sensation in your nose.”

Amanda Thomas, a professional bartender and experienced team leader at the Sazerac House on Magazine Street in New Orleans agreed. “Bitters are essential behind the bar. You literally can’t make an old-fashioned, Manhattan, or proper martini without them.”

She also commented that bitters act like salt and pepper. “If you have a drink that’s dull or a little flat, adding bitters can balance the sweetness, add new flavors, or really perk up the ones that are already there. So naturally, adding a few drops of bitters to a drink makes your tongue really pay attention.”

Although bitters were popular back in the 1800s, many bitter companies closed during the American Prohibition era, except for Angostura, one of the oldest and most well-known bitter companies. “In the 1800’s, thousands of bitters were sold as snake potions and various lotions,” said Bitterman. “But Prohibition wiped out a bunch. Back then, bitters were drunk as alcoholic beverages.”

On the average, a bottle of cocktail bitters is about 35-45% alcohol. Since most bitters are only used by dashes or in drops, the amount of alcohol content is minimal. However, bitters are concentrated and not meant to be drunk alone, unless it is a bitter called Amaro. These full-sized bottles of liquor called amari (plural for amaro), which means bitter in Italian, can be drunk straight out of the bottle or used as a mixer. A few examples of amari are Campari, Fernet Branca, Pimm’s No 1, and Cynar.

“Amari is designed to be drunk as a beverage,” said Bitterman. “Whereas bitters are more concentrated and not intended to be drunk.”

While the bitters market is emerging with new brands and exotic flavors, these three major bitter brands comprise the bartender’s tool kit in order to make the following classic cocktails:

• The Angostura Bitters Cocktails - old fashioned, Manhattan, whiskey sour, Trinidad Especial, Brooklyn’s Finest

• Peychaud’s Bitters Cocktails - Sazerac, Vieux Carre, Seelbach, Cocktail a la Louisiane, Queen’s Park Swizzle

• Orange Bitters Cocktails - negroni, adonis, the opera cocktail, the revolver, apple cider cocktails

“You can make 90% of the classics with just three bitters: Angostura, Peychaud’s, and Regan’s Orange Bitters,” said Thomas. “You absolutely can’t make a proper Sazerac or Vieux Carre without Peychaud’s Bitters. You need orange bitters, like Regan’s, for the Manhattan and martini. You need Angostura for quite a few classics, including the Champagne cocktail, Pisco Sour, and an old fashioned.”

It’s important to note that these tiny bottles of bitters last for many years. “Bitters never really go bad, per se,” stated Thomas, “but like spices in your cabinet, their flavors will fade over time—usually in the neighborhood of 5 years before you should get another bottle.”

However, aspiring bartenders may opt to make their own bitters to fine tune the ingredient ratios and create the perfect complement to their cocktail menu.

Thomas added, “The entry for making bitters is pretty easy—if you can get your hands on spices and enough grain neutral alcohol, anyone can make them. Because of that, we’ve seen a flood of new bitters since the cocktail renaissance was kickstarted almost 20 years ago.”

So before you mix up that unique cocktail, stock up your home bar with a good line up of aromatic and citrus bitters, par ticularly if you’re recreating a Manhattan. “Orange bitters play very well in the Manhattan, giving it a powerful flavor with no acidity,” said Bitterman. “You can try any classic recipe and swap out the bitters for a flavor combination that is incredibly successful.”

Mark Bitterman

In addition, certain bitters can serve as a digestive aid. “Bitters were bought back in the 19th century with the intention of settling your stomach,” Bitterman said. “These compounds have a medicinal background. They were and are still used to soothe your stomach.”

Today, Bitterman indicated that there are hundreds of different bitters with countless different uses. The most popular types of bitters are the Angostura aromatic bitters, Peychaud’s bitters, and citrus bitters. Although the aromatic and citrus bitters are used often, there is an extensive selection of new flavors like celery, grapefruit, lavender, and chocolate. “Everybody at home will have aromatic bitters,” said Bitterman. “Home and professional bartenders are finding a whole variety of aromatic bitters, bringing in lavender and floral bitters.”

—MarkBitterman

Can bitters inspire better cocktails? Yes, just a few drops of these little boozy extracts add flavor to classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or create a brand-new drink.

A Burst of Flavor for your Cocktail

MOCKTAILS MOCKTAILS

Not to Be Mocked

to Be Mocked

By Michelle Nicholson

With Halloween officially behind us, the holiday season is now before us. Even for those of us who are very social, the steady onslaught of celebratory engagements and necessary winddowns is both a blessing and challenge.

Home-crafted mocktails are one way to keep up with that pace, treat yourself and feel great, accommodate a packed party schedule, and enjoy “unpacking” in peace on evenings and weekends. Fall and winter offer the opportunity to sip on hot beverages, and undoubtedly the seasons have signature drinks. Hot Buttered Rum Day isn’t until January, but it doesn't need to be frigid outside and your cup doesn’t have to be liquored up to enjoy a hot buttered “rum” whenever you like. Channel cold-weather vibes with a taste

like an invitation to hunker down, snuggle up, and enjoy longer nights. For two servings, set 1 cup of water (or half water, half apple juice) to boil over medium heat. Whip together 1/4 cup softened butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp. (alcohol-free) rum extract. A dash or two of nutmeg and/or cardamom makes a nice addition, as well as a pinch of clove. Add the spicy butter mixture and 1/2 cup cream to the boiling water and simmer for 5 minutes, covered, before serving.

To make teetotally eggnog rather than a buttered “rum,” replace the butter with one egg plus one egg yolk, beaten; replace the sugar with 3 tablespoons maple syrup and a pinch of salt. Feel free to throw in 1/4 cup pumpkin puree. Prefer a vegan or dairyfree mocktail? Substitute the water and cream in either recipe for the non-dairy milk of your choice—keeping in mind that creamier options like coconut or cashew will have a more similar finish to the dairy version. Run the mixture in a blender until smooth. Then, simmer on low until the mixture leaves a coating on the back of a spoon. Making the vegan version? Feel free to skip the heating process; chill for 3-4 hours before serving instead.

Not all classic cool-weather drinks are so rich. A mock-hot toddy is perfect for breakfast, breaks, and nighttime rituals. Add 1-2 Tbsp. honey and 1-2 tsp. lemon juice or (for a more assertive tang) apple cider vinegar to a mug. Optional spices include a star anise garnish, a stick or 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, and up to 1/8 tsp. clove and nutmeg. Some people like to add 1-2 Tbsp. orange juice; others, a bag of green or black tea. Fill up the mug with hot water and let the tea steep, if applicable. Stir, sit back, and enjoy.

Looking for a pick-up rather than to wind down? One mocktail boasting a more sophisticated texture and flavor— light, fuzzy, frothy, and a little bitter—is the undeniably refreshing sparkling coffee frappe. Add a couple spoonfuls of coffee powder (and 2-4 teaspoons of caramel syrup, if you like it sweet) to a shaker and enough sparkling water to dilute the powder when stirred. Add one cup of ice and shake vigorously until a foam appears on the ice. Top with 4-6 oz sparkling water; serve in a pint glass. If you have a blender, add the powder, syrup, and all water to the blender; give it a whir until foamy. Pour over ice in a pint glass. Without sweetener, it is a little reminiscent of something like a porter (or, with all that frothy head, a stout), though there are folks who argue this is a breakfast drink.

Fall is a time for spicy beverages, for imbibing earthtones. Mocktails like the cinnamon-ginger “cosmo” pack a powerful combination of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories to boost up and ward off seasonal slumps. Make a simple syrup by simmering 1 cup water and one cup sweetener (sugar, honey) with 2 cinnamon sticks (and 6-7 slices of fresh ginger root, if you have it), for

five minutes. Let steep for up to 20 minutes before straining and storing in a sealed container in the fridge. Add 4 oz unsweetened cranberry juice, 1-3 Tbsp. syrup, and ice to a shaker and give it a go. Strain into a martini glass, garnish with an orange peel, and toast to your good health.

Beautifying your mocktails with aromatics really does make them taste better. This fall, try a sharply fragrant and ever-so-sweet rosemary-infused cranberry-apple sour. Prep this drink exactly like the cinnamon-ginger “cosmo,” but replace the cinnamon and ginger with 2-3 sprigs of rosemary and add 2 oz of lemon or lime juice and 2 oz of apple juice or cider to the mix. Serve over ice in a whiskey tumbler, with a fresh sprig of rosemary tucked neatly inside. And don’t forget that mild fall weather in New Orleans makes enjoying tangy fall flavors in cold spritzy concoctions of all sorts. Serve any of these “straight-up” mocktails on the rocks or topped with club soda or seltzer.

The apple ginger fizz may have been created especially for fall weekend brunches. Into the shaker go 4 oz apple cider, 2 oz lime juice, 1-2 tsp. apple cider vinegar, a pinch (or as much as 1/8 tsp.) of cinnamon powder, and a few mint leaves. Toss those around with ice for a half minute, strain into a glass over ice, and top with 4 oz ginger ale. Finish with a slice or wedge of fresh citrus or mint leaves in a highball or Collins glass—even a cinnamon stick works in a tumbler. Missing some of those spicy ingredients? Non-alcoholic ginger beer, apple cider, and lime juice make for a dark and (not-so-) stormy in a pinch or on the go.

Crafting mocktails at home can be just that easy. To make an easy “tequila” sunset, stir together orange juice and lime juice, mix with an equal portion of sparkling water or ginger ale, and pour over ice in a highball/ Collins glass. Top with grenadine; pop in a maraschino cherry, stem and all, if you have one. Or replace the orange juice with grapefruit juice for a virgin paloma. Substitute or add to the lime juice in any of these recipes with apple cider vinegar (1 oz sour citrus – 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar). Get crazy and top them with a splash of coconut milk.

Having a party? It’s easy enough to mix together large quantities of most of these—sans the sodas and seltzers— ahead of time. Serve your party mocktails over ice in pitchers or straightup in a punch bowl. Or assemble a “build-your-own” mocktail buffet, including bases (fruit juices, hot water, fuzzy water, tea bags), flavors (syrups and sweeteners, creamers, apple cider vinegar), and garnishes (sugar, salt, and spice plates for rims, fresh herbs and citrus). Certainly, booze can be added to the table. Put together ingredients for a variety of preferences: sweet and salty; sour and spicy; bitter and rich. No shaker? Use lidded mason jars. And don’t forget to keep plenty of ice on hand.

Where Italy meets the South. The unlikely marriage between classic Italian recipes and the bright and mystifying flavors of the American South.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 31

AllWays Lounge Betsy Propane’s Smoke Show

Bamboula’s The Swingin’ Gypsies, Conjunto Tierra Linda Salsa

Blue Nile Strange Roux, Where Y’at Brass Band

Cafe Istanbul JuJu Beats, Mantra Sounds Cafe Negril Capulet d.b.a.

The Dickson Cousins Dos Jefes

Fritzel’s Gasa Gasa House of Blues

Kerry Irish Pub

MRB Mahogany Jazz Hall Band

Maple Leaf Bar

Houston, Chris Adkins

Orpheum Theater Amos Lee

Santos Bar DJ Shane Love

Sidney’s Saloon The Amazing Henrietta, DarkLounge Ministries

Spotted Cat Dominick Grillo, Michael Watson

The Maison Danny Rubio, Eight Dice Cloth

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1

AllWays Lounge Sw33theartbreak

Cafe Negril The Super-Most-Fantastic-Blues-NSuch Jam

Capulet Jelani Bauman

Dos Jefes Toom Hook, Wendell Brunious Fillmore Demi Lovato

Gasa Gasa The Legendary Pink Dots, Orbit Service

Maple Leaf Bar TBC Brass Band

Siberia Chew, Suzie True, Secret Cowboy

Smoothie King Center Greta Van Fleet Spotted Cat Meschiya Lake, Smoking Time Jazz Club

The Maison Danny Rubio, The Catahoula Music Company

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2

Blue Nile Cafe Negril Capulet DMACS

Gasa Gasa House of Blues

Cilker

Longue Vue House and Gardens

Maple Leaf Bar

MRB

New Orleans Jazz Market

Philharmonic Orchestra

New Orleans Jazz Museum Kevin & The Blues Groovers

Palm Court Jazz Cafe Lars Edegran

Santos Bar Child Bite, Wizard Dick, TOTEM

Spotted Cat Shotgun Jazz Band, Martin Peters & The Party Meters

The Sandbar Jowee Omicil

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3

Bistro Orleans Santi “Harmonica” Garcia

Blue Nile REGGAE NIGHT WITH DJ T-ROY (Balcony Room), Where Y’at Brass Band

Bombay Club Shawan Rice

Cafe Negril Piano Man ‘G,’ Sierra Green Capulet Sasha Masakowski

DMACS Paggy Prine

Le Bon Temps Roulé The Soul Rebels

Maple Leaf Bar Ross Hoppe

MRB Clint Johnson

Octavia Books Tyler Bridges

Palm Court Jazz Cafe Leroy Jones & Katja

Toivola with Crescent City Joymakers

Peacock Room Da Lovebirds: Robin Barnes & Pat Casey

Polo Club Lounge John Royen Snug Harbor Jowee Omicil

Southport Hall Josey Scott

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, The Winding

Boys, Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band

The Broadside Andre Bohren & The Electric Yat Quartet: Rach & Roll

The Dragon’s Den Ha Sizzle

The Howlin Wolf Comedy Gumbeaux

The Maison Danny Rubio & The Catahoula Music Company

Tipitina’s Jess Williamson & MJ Lenderman & Plains & Waxahatchee

Treme Hideaway Brass Band Thursdays University of New Orleans John “Papa” Gros

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4

Blue Nile The Caesar Brothers’ Funk Box, Trumpet Slim & Brass Flavor

Cafe Negril Paradise Jazz Band, Sweetie and The Boys, Higher Heights Constantinople Stage The Tanglers d.b.a. The Soul Rebels

DMACS The Old Barstools, Sierra Green & the Soul Machine, Spider Murphy Deutsches Haus Ladies Choir, Men’s Choir Gasa Gasa Mia Day, Lyla DiPaul

Joy Theater Captain Charles, Rude Jude, Shirley Murdock

Kerry Irish Pub Patrick Cooper

Le Bon Temps Roule Grits & Greens Mahalia Jackson LPO

NOPSI Hotel Matt Lemmler

Orpheum Theater Tyrus Live

Polo Club Lounge John Royen, Robin Barnes Republic NOLA A Hundred Drums & Wreckno & HerShe

Riverbend Music Room Adrian+Meredith Siberia Timothy Eerie

Spotted Cat Chris Johnson Band, New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings, The Catahoulas Tipitina’s Leo Nocentelli Troubadour Hotel Or Shovaly

Zony Mash Beer Project Lost Bayou Ramblers

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

AllWays Lounge The New Orleans High Society

Banks St. Bar Marina Orchestra Bacchanal Wine Jasen Weaver

Blue Nile George Brown Band, The Marigny Street Brass Band Bourrée Patrick Cooper

Cafe Negril The New Orleans Rug Cutters, Jamey St. Pierre, The Sierra Green Show Carrollton Station Grayson Capps d.b.a. Tuba Skinny

Panorama Jazz Band, Khris Royal & Friends

The Howlin Wolf Kyanté & The Drifters, Never Ending Fall (NEF)

The Maison Danny Rubio & The Catahoula Music Company

The Neutral Ground Frenchie Moe & Family Toulouse Theatre Jon Cleary Troubadour Hotel Or Shovaly

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

AllWays Lounge Swing Night, After Hours Local Musician Jam Bacchanal Wine Noah Young Trio, Tangiers Combo

Blue Nile The Baked Potatoes, Street Legends Brass Band

Buffa’s Bar Traditional Jazz Brunch with Some Like It Hot!

Cafe Negril John Lisi & Delta Funk, Vegas Cola d.b.a. Palmetto Bug Stompers

DMACS George Elizondo

Gasa Gasa Bystander, Inferious, Bottomfeeders, Wasted Creation, Ox One Eyed Jacks Cult of Lilith & Eyehategod & Ringworm & Venom Inc Orpheum Theater Myriam Hernandez Smoothie King Center Carrie Underwood, Jimmie Allen

Southport Hall Black Flag, The Dickies, Total Chaos

Spotted Cat Robin Barnes + FIYA Birds, Pat Casey & The New Sound

The Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band, Tenth Mountain Division, Kendall Street Company Tipitina’s Shovels & Rope Treme Hideaway

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7

AllWays Lounge Betsy Propane’s Smoke Show Cafe Negril Capulet

Gasa Gasa Foco, Secret Cowboy, We Are Not Musicians House of Blues MRB

Spotted Cat The Maison

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8

AllWays Lounge Sincerely, Fantasy Double Feature

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

Such Jam

Capulet Susanne Ortner

Dos Jefes Tom Hook & Wendell Brunious Fillmore Yung Gravy, bbno$

House of Blues Blitzkid - Escape the Graveyard Tour

Maple Leaf Bar TBC Brass Band

New Orleans Jazz Museum Arrowhead Jazz Band

Siberia Marina Orchestra

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Meschiya Lake & The Little Big Horns, Smoking Time Jazz Club

The Maison Danny Rubio & The Catahoula Music Company

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9

Blue Nile New Brass Band

Cafe Negril Colin Davis and Night People, The Budz

Capulet Brian Quezergue & Friends

Carousel Lounge James Martin Band

DMACS Chris Zonata, Justin Molaison, Michael Brown

Gasa Gasa Peel Dream Magazine, New Fools, Modern Bodies

House of Blues XTC’s Terry Chambers

Joy Theater Mac DeMarco

Maple Leaf Bar Skeptic Moon

MRB Lynn Drury

New Orleans Jazz Museum Charmaine Neville Palm Court Jazz Cafe Lars Edegran

Santos Bar Daisychain, Lisbon Girls, Dusty Santamaria

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Shotgun Jazz Band, Martin Peters & The Party Meters

The Howlin Wolf Ten Bulls

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10

Bacchanal Wine Jasen Weaver

Bistro Orleans Santi “Harmonica” Garcia Blue Nile Reggae Night with DJ T-Roy, Where Y’at Brass Band

Bombay Club Shawan Rice

Cafe Negril Piano Man ‘G’, Sierra Green Capulet Meschiya Lake

Civic Theatre Mat Kearney Club Istanbul Jay Rick$

DMACS Paggy Prine, Pizza Man’s Fam Jam

Gasa Gasa Ethan Tucker, Thrive, Shanin Blake House of Blues The Wrecks

Mahalia Jackson Theater Tauren Wells Maple Leaf Bar Steve Detroy

Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl Chubby Carrier & Bayou Swamp Band

MRB Clint Johnson

One Eyed Jacks Jon Cleary, The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Bo Dollis, Jr.

Peacock Room Robin Barnes, Pat Casey Polo Club Lounge John Royen

Santos Bar The Supersuckers, Volk, Green Gasoline

Siberia Eagle Claw

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band

The Howlin Wolf Galvezton

The Maison Danny Rubio & The Catahoula Music Company, Tuba Skinny Treme Hideaway Brass Band

University of New Orleans George Porter Jr., Runnin’ Pardners

Wetlands Sake Colin Davis

Zony Mash Beer Project Mac Sabbath

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Bacchanal Wine Jasen Weaver Quartet Balcony Music Club L.Y.O.N.

Blue Nile The Caesar Brothers’ Funk Box, Trumpet Slim & Brass Flavor

Cafe Negril Paradise Jazz Band, Bon Bon Vivant, Higher Heights

DMACS Jamey St. Pierre

Gasa Gasa Kay Weathers, Amelia Neville, Butte Kerry Irish Pub Patrick Cooper

Maple Leaf Bar New Orleans Suspects

NOPSI Hotel Matt Lemmler

DMACS Pocket Chocolate Gasa Gasa The Unlikely Candidates, Nox Holloway, Kenzo Cregan House of Blues Shutterdog, Gipsy Kings, Nicolas Reyes Joy Theater Joe Mr. D Dombrowski Longue Vue House Mia Borders Mahalia Jackson Theater Bonnie Raitt One Eyed Jacks Julie Odell, Ocean Boyfriend Pirogue’s Whiskey Bayou Happy Talk Band

Orpheum Theater Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

Polo Club Lounge John Royen, Robin Barnes Pour House Saloon Lynn Drury Eleven Eleven Party

Republic NOLA Player Dave, Tsuruda Smoothie King Center R&B Music Experience Southport Hall Mothership Spotted Cat Chris Johnson Band, James Martin Band

The Dragon’s Den Louis Katz The Upper Quarter Jamie Lynn Vessels Three Keys LeTrainiump Tipitina’s Connor Kelly & The Time Warp Troubadour Hotel Or Shovaly

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12

Blue Nile The Rumble., George Brown Band, The Marigny Street Brass Band

Cafe Negril New Orleans Rug Cutters, Jamey St. Pierre, The Sierra Green Show d.b.a. Tuba Skinny

DMACS Sean Hobbes and the Hi Res Faubourg Brewing Co. The Soul Rebels Gasa Gasa Lingua Ignota, Silver Godling House of Blues Manchester Orchestra Kerry Irish Pub Patrick Cooper Maple Leaf Bar 101 Runners

Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl Kermit Ruffins Music Box Village Les Paul “House of Sound” New Orleans Lager & Ale (NOLA) Brewing Boukou Groove

Polo Club Lounge John Royen, Robin Barnes Siberia First Days of Humanity, Severed Mass, Sh*tload

Sidney’s Saloon Minka Smoothie King Center Monica/Bobby Brown/112

Spotted Cat Shake’em Up Jazz Band, Soul Brass Band

The Howlin Wolf Brasshearts Brass Band The Maison Danny Rubio & The Catahoula Music Company

The National WWII Museum United States Navy Band Performance Troubadour Hotel Or Shovaly Zony Mash Beer Project Jenn Howard Music

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13

AllWays Lounge Swing Night, After Hours Local Musician Jam Bacchanal Wine Noah Young Trio, Tangiers Combo

Blue Nile The Baked Potatoes, Street Legends Brass Band

Cafe Negril Renée Gros, John Lisi & Delta Funk, VEGAS COLA d.b.a. Palmetto Bug Stompers

DMACS James Beaumont & Friends Pajama Jam Gasa Gasa Okapi, Organelle, Maris House of Blues The Drag House Party Brunch: Musicals

Joy Theater Charley Crockett, Greyhounds One Eyed Jacks Bad Clown Productions

MUSIC

MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA AT HOUSE OF BLUES

MADE FROM THE FINEST LOUISIANA SUGARCANE. TASTE THE DIFFERENCE.

SINCE 1859, our family estate has raised sugarcane on the banks of an ancient Mis sis sippi River oxbow in Pointe Coupée, Louisiana. This sharp bend in the river has made for fertile land, sweet sugarcane and enchanting rum. Generations have farmed this land. This estate rum is a tribute to them.

Made from 100% Grade A sugarcane molas ses, these fine sipping rums embody the es sence of Louisiana’s sugarcane harvest. Unfiltered and distilled in small batches, Oxbow Rum has no sweeteners or additives. Experience the bright, smooth taste of sugarcane in every sip

Jesse Beaman, Christopher

Cafe Negril Colin Davis and Night People, The Budz

Capulet Brian Quezergue & Friends

Carousel Lounge James Martin Band

DMACS JunkoBeat

Gasa Gasa Whitmer Thomas, Al Menne Joy Theater Duane Betts

MRB Lynn Drury

Maple Leaf Bar Zoomst

One Eyed Jacks The Soft Moon

Palm Court Jazz Cafe Lars Edegran & Palm Court Jazz Band

Santos Bar The Soft Moon, MSPAINT Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Shotgun Jazz Band

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17

Bistro Orleans Santi “Harmonica” Garcia

Blue Nile Reggae Night with DJ T-Roy, Where Y’at Brass Band

Cafe Negril Piano Man ‘G’, Sierra Green

Capulet DJ C’est Funk

Carrollton Station Hash Cabbage d.b.a. Eric Johanson

DMACS Paggy Prine, Pizza Fam Jam Band

Gasa Gasa Gold Connections, Will Roesner, Maddy Kirgo

House of Blues Leonid & Friends

Maple Leaf Bar Joe Krown

Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas

MRB Clint Johnson

Ogden Museum Justin Hiltner

Peacock Room Robin Barnes, Pat Casey

Polo Club Lounge John Royen

Southport Hall Smile Empty Soul, SUNVOLUME Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band

St. Anna’s Episcopal Church Silver Swan Ragtime Interpreters

The Maison Danny Rubio & The Catahoula Music Company

Tipitina’s Penny & Sparrow University of New Orleans Amphitheater Muevelo

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18

Blue Nile The Caesar Brothers’ Funk Box, Trumpet Slim & Brass Flavor (Balcony Room)

Cafe Negril Paradise Jazz Band, Jason Neville’s Funky Soul Band, Higher Heights d.b.a. Cha Wa & Scott Kettner

DMACS Craig Caffall Band

Deutsches Haus Ladies Choir, Men’s Choir

Gasa Gasa Anareta, Guts Club, Big Garden House of Blues Amigo The Devil Metropolitan Nightclub Steve Aoki NOPSI Hotel Matt Lemmler

Parish House Amigo the Devil Polo Club John Royen, Robin Barnes Pour House at District Jamie Lynn Vessels Republic NOLA Jon Casey, Mr. Carmack Rivershack Tavern Casey Saba Saturn Bar Conjunto Tierra Linda Southport Hall Drowning Pool Spotted Cat Chris Johnson Band

The Howlin Wolf Deuce & Heeter Three Keys Them People

Tipitina’s Seratones & Sweet Crude Tropical Isle Bourbon Rhythm & Rain Trio Troubadour Hotel Or Shovaly

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

Blue Nile George Brown Band, The Marigny Street Brass Band

Cafe Negril New Orleans Rug Cutters, Jamey St. Pierre and THC, The Sierra Green Show Carnaval Lounge Caleb Caudle d.b.a. Little Freddie King, Tuba Skinny

DMACS Craig Cafall & Friends

Gasa Gasa Valient Thorr, He Is Legend with Them Ol’ Ghosts, Psydonia Hi Ho Lounge Hustle with Soul Sister Maple Leaf Bar Jamie Bernstein, Dave Easley Pirogue’s Whiskey Bayou Washboard Rodeo Polo Club Lounge John Royen, Robin Barnes Republic NOLA Ship Wrek, b2b Disco Lines, Sidepiece

Rosy’s Jazz Hall Water Seed Santos Bar Killer Whale, Slow Motion Cowboys, Rose Vaughn Siberia Caleb Caudle, Gal Holiday, The Honky Tonk Revue

Smoothie King Center Eagles Spotted Cat Panorama Jazz

The Howlin Wolf Thee Phantom & The Illharmonic Orchestra, Wait, What? The Maison Danny Rubio & The Catahoula Music Company

Tipitina’s An Evening With Lettuce Tropical Isle Bourbon Rhythm & Rain Trio Troubadour Hotel Or Shovaly

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20

AllWays Lounge Swing Night, After Hours Local Musician Jam Bacchanal Wine Noah Young Trio, Tangiers Combo

Blue Nile The Baked Potatoes, Street Legends Brass Band

Cafe Negril John Lisi & Delta Funk, VEGAS COLA d.b.a. Palmetto Bug Stompers

DMACS Robert Cline, Jr. Lakefront Arena Maverick City Music, Kirk Franklin Smoothie King Center Eagles

The Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band Tropical Isle Bourbon Rhythm & Rain Trio

Treme Hideaway Big 6 Brass Band

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21

AllWays Lounge Betsy Propane’s Smoke Show Cafe Negril Cristina Kaminis, Roccadille

Capulet Queer Bingo, Siren Gasa Gasa George Spits, Llama Beats Maple Leaf Bar George Porter Jr. Trio

MRB Ben Buchbinder

The Maison Danny Rubio

ABITA FALL FEST

November 4 – 5, abitafallfest.com

Abita Beer Company will be having the annual Abita Fall Fest. With daiquiris, beer, wine, live music, great food, and an array of local artisans selling their products, there will be something for everyone. The festival is also put on as a non-profit to raise money for different causes each year. This year, the Fall Fest will support the Youth Service Bureau which helps young people struggling with addiction, victims of abuse in childhood, and more. Tickets are available on the Abita Fall Fest website and go towards a great cause.

LOUISIANA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

November 5 – December 11

larf2022.org

The Louisiana Renaissance Fair started in 2000 and provides a space that allows visitors to experience a different time period, watch great plays, learn about history, try amazing food and more. The festival will have different themes over the course of its six-week run including Romance and Masquerade, Vikings, Celtics, Myth and Magic, Pirates, and the firework finale. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 same day for adults, $15 in advance or $20 same day for children under 13, and children under five years old get free admission. There is also a $5 preferred parking pass available.

PO-BOY FEST

November 6

The Oak Street Po-Boy Festival is back. The festival will have great food including the classic shrimp, catfish, roast beef, and ham po-boys from more than 40 food and beverage vendors. There will even be signature Poboy Festival beer made by Urban South Brewery. There will also be live music from George Porter Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners, The New Orleans Nightcrawlers, Naughty Professor, and more. Entry to the festival is free, but to access vendors you will need to buy a $5 wristband. Come to Oak Street off of Carrollton Avenue to visit the Po’ Boy Festival.

JEFFERSON PARISH OYSTER TRAIL

November 8-13

visitjeffersonparish.com/restaurants/oyster-trail

The Louisiana Oyster Trail is putting on the Taste of Louisiana Oyster Trail to promote Louisiana restaurants offering Louisiana oysters. Those attending will get to try delicious food as well as enjoying beautiful art by local artist Ramona Guidry. The culinary event will offer discounted menus from local Jefferson establishments while raising money for the Autism Society of Greater New Orleans. Mark your calendar for a great time and great food!

THE ROOTS OF MUSIC GALA

November 11

therootsofmusic.org

The Roots of Music will be having its Big 15 Gala at the Sazerac House. They are known for offering music education, academic help, and hot meals to countless New Orleans youths. The gala will have live music from the Roots Studio Academy, The Roots of Music Marching Crusaders, The Nayo Jones Experience, and finally a Second Line being led by the Re-Creations Brass Band that features current Roots of Music students as well as alumni. There will also be a silent auction, food, and drinks. The Gala starts at 8 p.m.; however, patrons are invited to an earlier party starting at 7 p.m.

LAKESIDE2RIVERSIDE

TOUCH A TRUCK

November 12, jlno.org/touch-a-truck

The Junior League of New Orleans will be hosting the Touch a Truck event. This event gives young kids the opportunity to get a close-up experience with their favorite “big trucks” as well as getting to see new, unique trucks they may not be familiar with. The event is being held to raise money for the Junior Leagues mission of providing more opportunities for women in the community. Tickets start at $12 and go towards an important cause.

THREE RIVERS ART FESTIVAL

November 12-13 www.facebook.com/Threeriversart

The 26th Annual Three Rivers Art Festival will be taking place November 12 and 13 in Downtown Covington. The festival offers art from local and national artists, and includes an area including photography, painting, ceramics, drawings, sculptures, and more. The festival also encourages the pursuit of art for children through live demonstrations by visiting artists, story tellers, and more entertainment opportunities so that children can get involved and interested in the creative process. The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and is free to attend.

HANSEL AND GRETEL

November 18, 20 mahaliajacksontheater.com/ shows

This November, the Mahalia Jackson Center for the Performing Arts will be putting on a performance of Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel Opera. It is a fun, family friendly performance with beautiful, lush melodies and a talented engaging creative team. It will be taking place on November 18th at 7:30 p.m. and on the 20th at 2:30 pm and tickets start at $32.

November

COUNTRY

SICK TO DEATH The Many Deadly Plagues of New Orleans

By Kathy Bradshaw

Today, New Orleans is still reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 18,000 people died in the state of Louisiana, and the disease forever changed the way we do business, entertain ourselves, and interact with each other. Yet this is nothing new.

Throughout its 300-plus-year history, New Orleans has been plagued by countless plagues, accounting for millions of sick and deceased. People have tried everything— from poisoning dogs to performing enemas—in hopes of warding off a range of ailments. Some even believed that wearing woolen underwear and socks, as well as how many tomatoes they ate, could influence the onset of disease.

Hoping to fight the different epidemics overtaking New Orleans, a group of physicians founded Tulane University, which began as the Medical College of Louisiana in 1834.

Here’s a look at some of the many diseases that, throughout history, everyone wanted to avoid like the plague.

THE BUMPY HISTORY OF SMALLPOX

One of the worst diseases to ever contaminate New Orleans was smallpox, so-named because its characteristic pox were smaller than those brought about by syphilis—also running rampant at the time.

Smallpox was caused by the variola virus, which

could live outside its human host for many years and still cause infection. The virus caused a rash, starting in the mouth and quickly morphing into open sores and pus-filled bumps, or pox, all over the body. These pox left permanent, hideous scars.

Around a third of those with smallpox didn’t survive. At its worst, the disease brought a poxcovered demise to about 1 in 11 people, for a total of hundreds of millions of victims throughout its deadly history. Between 1863 and 1882, smallpox killed approximately 6,450 New Orleanians.

The first vaccine ever was against smallpox, eventually wiping out the disease entirely. The last confirmed case of smallpox was as recent as 1977.

MOSQUITOES BITE. MALARIA SUCKS.

With all the swamps and humidity in the area, mosquitoes have become as much an unfortunate part of New Orleans culture as hurricanes and potholes. Some jokingly call them the official state insect of Louisiana (which is really the honeybee).

While the buzzing, itchy ways of mosquitoes are as annoying as many winged insects, they no longer have mass quantities of New Orleanians dropping like flies.

Malaria is caused by one of several parasites of the Plasmodium family that are carried by mosquitoes.

When the female Anopheles mosquito feeds on human

The Big Easy hasn’t always been easy. The city also has a darker side and a sinister past, fraught with flooding, pestilence, and death—all of which can really make us laissez les bons temps rouler just a little bit less. It’s all fun and games until someone gets a highly contagious rash.

Death Takes a Bride 1878 Yellow fever cartoon when a New Orleans visitor became the bride of the "saffron spectre"—also the corpse.

Yellow Fever cases in New Orleans, 1905

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blood (only female mosquitoes bite, by the way), they transmit the parasite into the bloodstream, causing illness.

The disease causes flu-like symptoms, from fever to fatigue. Serious cases can lead to seizures, kidney failure, brain issues, ultimately a coma, and possibly death.

Malaria was a major problem in New Orleans back in the day because the area provided an ideal climate for mosquitoes to thrive. It killed as many as 1 in 556 people in the city during its peak.

occurred here in the 1800s, including perhaps the worst, in 1832, when 3,000 New Orleanians died in two months. Later, in 1848-1849, the unpleasant disease claimed the lives of another 739 locals in 17 days, ultimately killing thousands in approximately three weeks.

IT ALL BOILS DOWN TO THE BUBONIC PLAGUE

No list of plagues would be complete without the plague itself. The gruesome bubonic plague is caused by Yersinia pestis bacteria transmitted by rat fleas. Someone bitten by an infected flea will develop painful bumps known as “buboes” (thus, bubonic), which are sometimes as large as eggs.

Often, these giant, swollen buboes broke open and oozed pus, forming characteristic

NOT-SO-MELLOW YELLOW FEVER

Another mosquito-borne disease, yellow fever—aka “yellow jack” or “the saffron scourge”—is probably the most terrible, deadliest disease in New Orleans’s history. It was a grisly disease marked by scenes of horror: one victim dying every five minutes; blood pouring out of people’s nose, eyes, and ears and their screams before they died; bodies piled three-high in the graveyards, rotting in the sun.

Characteristic symptoms were yellowing of the skin and eyes, or jaundice, for which the ailment was named, as well as its telltale “black vomit,” when victims would regurgitate partially clotted blood due to internal bleeding in the stomach.

Yellow fever is caused by a deadly virus carried by the female Aedes aegypti mosquito—also the vector for the Zika virus.

Between 1796 and 1905, Louisiana was repeatedly ravaged by multiple yellow fever epidemics, taking more than 100,000 lives throughout the state and 40,000 within New Orleans.

The New Orleans yellow fever epidemic of 1853 is considered the worst single disease epidemic to befall a major U.S. city. An estimated 11,000 people died that morbid summer, wiping around 10 percent of the total population of New Orleans. That year, Louisiana had the highest death toll of any state during all of the 19th century.

CHOLERA: RUNS OF BAD LUCK

Cholera is a horrible disease that causes its victims to have such bad diarrhea that they quickly die of major dehydration. The rapid loss of fluids can lead to kidney failure, shock, coma, and death in a matter of hours.

Caused by an infection of Vibrio cholerae bacteria in the small intestine, cholera is spread through contact with contaminated food or drinking water. Questionable sanitation levels of 19th-century New Orleans made it a major concern.

Several major cholera outbreaks

boils. If accompanied by internal bleeding that coagulated under the skin, the boils were black. This is where the name “Black Death” came from, which killed at least 25 million people in 14th-century Europe.

New Orleans has always been as welcoming to rats as it has been to tourists from around the world. When rats from Europe visited on cargo ships in 1914, they brought with them plague-infested fleas.

Through mass clean-up and rat-proofing efforts, city officials were able to contain and eradicate the disease by eliminating over half a million rodents. Their efforts were not without consequences, however. They threw the rat out with the bathwater by burning people’s possessions and knocking down hundreds of buildings, managing to destroy rats, fleas, bacteria, and historic architecture in one go.

Rat catchers to stop Black Death

Funeral processions for Yellow Fever victims in 1850s New Orleans

Member of Howard Society treating a yellow fever victim

$20 AND UNDER

One Heck of a Wingding!

By Kim Ranjbar

Our weather has gotten cooler, the holidays are right around the corner, and footballs are soaring—all setting the tone for one hell of a party. Sure, we're all getting ready to feast for Thanksgiving, sing Christmas celebrations, and ring in the New Year (and Mardi Gras), but take a break from your busy shopping schedule to enjoy the autumnal breezes and a backyard wing fest.

Whether you prefer flats or drums, New Orleans is a town touting a veritable smorgasbord of wings where you can find every flavor under the sun, including sweet and savory bites, the likes of which you never dreamed. Just swing by the grocery for a six pack (or a case) of your favorite local brews and get ready to give wing to one of the tastiest celebrations you'll have all season.

Put your dancing shoes on for the wowfactor wings at Bourrée Cajun Smokehouse on S. Carrollton Avenue. Another exceptional creation of local chef Nathanial Zimet (Boucherie), Bourrée is a smokehouse and (more recently) an incubator, hosting popups from all over the country, most recently Colombian street food vendor @Waska_NOLA and Connecticut-born, Joel Griffin, with @ joelslobsterrolls. But weren't we talking about wings? All of Bourrée's wings are smoked, fried, and then tossed in incredible sauces like sweet mango BBQ, kimchi, and lemongrass. Sit down to an order of wings, add some fries or a 12-oz freshfruit daiquiri, and you've got a meal that'll set your toes a-tappin'.

While Theo's Neighborhood Pizza is mostly known for their thin-crust pies, it would be a mistake to dismiss their incredible wings. In all five locations across the GNO, you'll discover a respectable wing menu, with crisply-fried wings served hot with sauces like BBQ, Thai, and spicy Buffalo, but keep an eye out for specials like their recent fall feature, garlic butter and Parmesan. All wings are served with Theo's signature creamy Italian dressing for dipping and at only $14 per dozen, sharing is completely optional.

One of the most legendary wing spots lives on S. Claiborne Avenue, right across from Tulane's Turchin Stadium. The brainchild of seasoned, local chefs Allen Nguyen and Kyle Makepeace, Bayou Hot Wings has been wingin' it in the Crescent City now since 2011 and the dynamic duo has never looked back. For only $16.99, you can score 15 wings in a multitude of flavors, from the milder Steen's Cane Honey BBQ and lemon pepper to Korean BBQ, chipotle, and the notorious “Bayou Beast”—a flavor which requires a signed waiver because the sauce – made from ghost peppers rated at more than one million SHU's—is just that hot. Bayou Hot Wings also features their own delicious dipping sauces including bleu cheese and remoulade, and a slew of great sides, a few of which we're particularly partial including their “tater salad” and fried pickles.

Over in Gentilly right near UNO, Chef Jordan Ruiz is kicking out great eats once again at his latest location for the Munch Factory. Now living on Congress Street, this eclectic spot features comfort food galore such as herbed grits with cheese

Munch Factory

Theo's Neighborhood Pizzas

and shredded, juicy roast beef, fried pork ribs with sweet and spicy chili sauce, Aunt Irma's Hawaiian salad and a hot sausage patty melt pressed with onions and gooey cheese. Among all this homestyle goodness are a smattering of crispy-fried chicken wings, the likes of which can be enjoyed plain or tossed in Buffalo or sweet and spicy Asian-style sauce. A six-piece order is only $9, so add a bowl of gumbo, why don't ya?

Totally new to the wing scene, there's a food truck dubbed Street Eats that's now rollin' about town, a family business that was long discussed and now launched and owned by Raymond and Jovan Harris. With Chef Jaron Julian (of Julian's Street Cuisine)

“behind the wheel,” Street Eats officially opened just this past August and is frequently found on the corner of Loyola and Perdido during Saints home games (follow them @streeteats. llc on Instagram). Most of the town's talk about their wings centers on their signature pineapple jerk, but they also offer spicy jerk, lemon pepper, and ginger teriyaki. To top it all off, it's only $15 for 10 wings with fries.

It's all in a name and over on Earhart, less than a block from Carrollton, NOLA's Wings & Things are exactly what they say they are. Their menu starts out straight-forward and to-the-point featuring mostly fried wings and grilled boneless “nuggets,” though they have a second page of plates or full meals like pork chops, blackened catfish, or grilled steak. But we're focused on wings. NOLA's Wings & Things has lots of fried wings which come with both “wet” and “dry” seasonings, from a four-star on the spicy scale “dat fire” to milder taco and crab boil flavors. At approximately a buck a wing, a dozen will only set you back $11.99, so you might as well grab a side of their Velveeta mac 'n' cheese, or some Rotel dip and chips for only $3.99 more.

Banh Mi Boys is a local restaurant created by Chef Peter Ngyuen and located Uptown on Magazine, in Metairie, and soon also in Portland, Oregon. The Metry, gas station-born eatery is now well-established around town as a go-to for inspired banh mi (ahem, Bulgogi Beef Banh Mi anyone?), but did you know they also have amazing wings? All served with a side of fries, Banh Mi Boys' wings come in a wide array of sauces from Cajun-style and Buffalo to honey sriracha and garlic Parmesan, but the most unique would have to be “pho.” How does one blend the rich, brothy goodness of pho with a fried chicken wing? All we can say is, you have to grab an order for yourself to find out.

Finally, out on St. Claude Avenue only a few blocks before the bridge to Holy Cross, lies a little taste of Kingston in Bywater dubbed the Jamaican Jerk House. Naturally, most of the menu is filled with jerk-spiced and grilled meats from chicken, pork chops, and shrimp to vegan burgers, salmon, and pasta, not to mention some curry and brown stew, but how about dem wings? It's only expected they'd serve jerk wings, but an 8-piece order will only set you back $12.50 to which you should definitely add some “coco corn” ie. jerked corn-on-the-cob served in coconut milk for only $5 more.

Street Wings Jamaican Jerk House

Bourrée Cajun Smokehouse

Banh Mi Boys Bayou Hot Wings

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: STREET WINGS; JAMAICAN JERK HOUSE; KAT KIMBALL; BANH MI BOYS; KIM RANJBAR

RESTAURANT

AMERICAN Crescent City Steakhouse takes steak to a new level with the tastiest sizzling steaks that don’t disappoint. This old-fashioned steakhouse has

same recipe for four generations. They also have options such as lobster tails, gratin, and Krasna’s creole cream cheesecake. 1001 N. Broad St., (504) 821-3271, crescentcitysteaks.com

Daisy Duke’s is the best stop for real southern cooking, all for a good price. They serve breakfast all day and lunch and dinner options such as po-boys, gumbo, and red beans and rice. Order yourself a Cajun Bloody Mary and their delight breakfast sandwich. Multiple Locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com

Gattuso’s Neighborhood Restaurant, Bar, and Catering serves New Orleans’ favorites in Gretna’s historic district. There is a happy hour daily from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. with half-price drink and appetizer specials. Gattuso’s most famous dish is the tasty firecracker shrimp salad. 435 Huey P Long Ave., Gretna, (504) 368-1114, gattusos.net

Houmas House hosts five restaurants: Latil’s Landing Restaurant, Café Burnside, the Carriage House Restaurant, the Wine “Cellars” of Houmas House, and Sunday Brunch. Each restaurant offers fresh farmto-table Louisiana cuisine. 40136 LA-942, Darrow, (225) 473-9380, houmashouse.com

eager for all to have a bite at their restaurant and feast on their exquisite dishes, including their grilled portobello. 801 Royal St., (504) 581-0801, nolavampirecafe.com

Nola Steak, located in Boomtown Casino, is the perfect place to take a break from the blackjack tables. Open Thursday through Saturday for dinner and Sunday for brunch, this place is a winner. 4132 Peters Road, (504) 366-7711, boomtownneworleans.com

Spudly’s provides “a meal in a baked potato.” They deliver potatoes, burgers, salads, and po-boys in a modest, no-fuss setting. Treat yourself to the “shrimply put potato,” which comes with shrimp, cheese sauce, cheese, and chives. 2609 Harvard Ave., (504) 455-3250, spudlys.com

The Ruby Slipper has over ten locations across the Gulf South and provides a cozy environment and an expansive cocktail menu for all-day brunch. The Ruby Slipper uses local, fresh ingredients. Try the Ruby Benny when you go—you won’t be sorry. Multiple Locations, therubyslippercafe.net

Spudly's Super Spuds

Ugly Dog Saloon offers the Warehouse District’s best barbeque, with barbeque platters you just can’t beat. Here’s the spot to satisfy your cravings while watching a game. Try the Lafitte pig, which includes pulled pork and Canadian bacon. 401 Andrew Higgins Blvd., (504) 569-8459, theuglydogsaloon.com

JB’s Fuel Dock serves up mouthwatering pizzas, rotating specials, and is located on the waterfront. JB’s Fuel Dock’s open kitchen and bar layout is the perfect opportunity for intimate staff and customer interactions. Take in the pleasant waterfront scene and their tasty supreme pizza. 126 S. Roadway St., (504) 510-2260, jbsfueldock.com

Legacy Kitchen’s Steak + Chop offers delicious sandwiches, southern comfort food, salads, and prime steaks and chops, with a strong emphasis on cocktail and wine service. Be sure to try Legacy Kitchen’s 22-ounce cowboy bone-in ribeye, which comes with a loaded baked potato. 91 Westbank Expressway #5, Gretna, (504) 513-2606, legacykitchen.com

Luke is in New Orleans’ Central Business District and is a Creole-influenced brasserie. A vibrant ambiance includes a raw bar providing fresh seafood and oysters. Be sure to try their truffle glazed roast chicken while you’re there. 333 St. Charles Ave., (504) 378-2840 lukeneworleans.com

Lakeview Harbor has been serving burgers, poboys, and typhoon cocktails for the past 30 years. They also host lively events on holidays and their juicy cheeseburger is the perfect thing to enjoy while you’re there. 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., (504) 486-4887, lakeviewharbor.us

New Orleans Vampire Café offers lavish cuisine right in the heart of the French Quarter. This café is

ASIAN

Asia, in the Boomtown Casino, serves Chinese and Vietnamese options, including pork potstickers, rice noodle soup, and General Tso’s chicken. Stop by Fridays through Sundays from 4:00 p.m. to midnight for fried rice, sweet and sour chicken, tofu vegetables, or shaking beef. 4132 Peters Rd., Harvey, (504) 366-7711, boomtownneworleans.com

Cho Thai will make you feel like you’re walking through the streets of Thailand. Chef Jimmy Cho’s menu consists of dishes such as ka pao chicken, shrimp pad Thai, seafood green curry, shrimp dumplings, and mango and sticky rice. 3218 Magazine St., (504) 381- 4264, chothairestaurant.com

Mikimoto has been known as the premier destination for authentic Japanese fare in New Orleans for the past 20 years. Some unique rolls on their menu include the “Geaux Saints maki roll” and the “Sex in the City roll.” 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 488-1881, mikimotosushi.com

Thai’d Up offers modern Thai street food right in the Fairgrounds area. This new restaurant offers dishes including homemade beef jerky, roti in curry dipping sauce, and butter-Thai shrimp, to name a few. 1839 Gentilly Blvd, (504) 354-8202, thaidupla.com

BARS WITH GREAT FOOD

Alto Rooftop Bar is the best hangout for swimming, drinking, and eating, even if you aren’t staying at the Ace Hotel. Be sure to come during happy hour for specialty drinks and try pizza, chicken wings, or their tasty lettuce wrap. 600 Carondelet St., (504) 900-1180, acehotel.com

Buffa’s is unofficially known as “the best place you’ve never been.” Since 1939, Buffa’s has delivered classic American and Cajun cuisine, cocktails, and live music. Stop by for a Reuben with corned beef and sauerkraut. 1001 Esplanade Ave., (504) 949-0038, buffasbar.com

Down the Hatch Bar and Grill offers pub fare in a casual, lively bar setting situated in the Garden District. They have an outdoor bar and patio seating. Be sure to try the alligator po-boy, fried catfish platter, or the Texan burger with caramelized onions. 1921 Sophie Wright Pl., (504) 522-0909, downthehatchnola.com

JINX Bar & Grill offers good food and entertainment right in the heart of the Quarter. Come for brunch, happy hour, or a comedy show. They have shareable plates like JINX wings or pig pen poppers along with tasty sandwiches and burgers. 91 French Market Place, (504) 5102797, jinxnola.com

Peacock Room, an upscale cocktail bar with live music, serves luxury spirits with an eccentric interior design and shareable plates. Be sure to try a craft cocktail and their peacock burger made with fried shallots, American cheese, and served with truffle fries. 501 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 324-3073, peacockroomnola.com

Stumpy’s Hatchet House offers a space to blow off steam and bond with coworkers. They provide a controlled, safe environment for guests to throw hatchets at targets while snacking on hot dogs, popcorn, or nachos. 1200 Poydras St., (504) 577-2937, stumpyshh.com/neworleansla

The Garage is a great spot to enjoy live music, hot DJ’s, and great food. It is a spacious place that regularly features open mic time, local bands, and has lots of room to dance. The food will satisfy any appetite—be sure to try their Cajun gumbo. 810 Conti St., thegaragemusicclub.com

The Jimani offers upwards of 100 beers, trivia, a jukebox, pub cuisine, and several TVs. Start off with fried pickle spears or broccoli bites, and continue with a classic entree like Nikki’s ooey gooey grilled cheese or Mama’s chicken club. 141 Chartres St., (504) 524-0493, thejimani.com

CAFÉ

Cafe Amelie boasts a romantic courtyard in addition to a delicious menu with dishes ranging from cochon poutine to black truffle pasta primavera. They continue to deliver premier service and are known for their braised beef short ribs, served over sour cream mash. 900 Royal St., (504) 412-8065, cafeamelie.com

Carmo offers you the chance to taste the tropical flavors of Southeast Asia, West Africa, South America, the Caribbean, and the Gulf Coast. They have a selection of fresh, wholesome meals that’ll satisfy vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike. 527 Julia St., (504) 875-4132, cafecarmo.com

The Vintage on Magazine Street is perfect for any occasion: coffee, brunch, happy hour, or wine night. There’s no better place to pass the hours, catch up with a friend, or simply take in all this restaurant has to offer. Be sure to try their fancy

beignet flight while you’re there. 3121 Magazine St., (504) 324-7144, thevintagenola.com

Willa Jean is New Orleans’ quintessential Southern café. Located in the Central Business District, this chic spot is an enclave of cool coziness. Favorites are the griddled banana bread and the fried chicken sandwich with spicy pickles on a Hawaiian roll. 611 O’Keefe Ave., (504) 509-7334, willajean.com

FRENCH

Bar Marilou is nestled in a cute library near the Maison de la Luz. Their drink menu includes wine, beer, and spirits, but they also have signature cocktails and you can’t leave without trying their moules and frites 544 Carondelet St., (504) 814-7711, barmarilou.com

Café Normandie offers cuisine inspired from French recipes and is located in the Higgins Hotel. Their menu has options such as eggs benedict, breaded Kurobuta pork chops, and signature flat breads. The café is not too far from the museum, so stop by after lunch. 1000 Magazine St., (504) 528-1941, higginshotelnola.com

ITALIAN

Domenica, located in the Roosevelt New Orleans, offers a cozy atmosphere and an extensive wine list. All pizzas and pastas are unique and delicious. Enjoy some of the restaurant’s mouth-watering antipasti including grilled octopus or roasted cauliflower. 123 Baronne St., (504) 648-6020, domenicarestaurant.com

Josephine Estelle’s Southern-inspired Italian food is as delicious as the space itself is beautiful. Some stand-out dishes include ricotta mousse with foie gras tortellini, maque choux, and speck-corn brodo. 600 Carondelet St., (504) 930-3070, josephineestelle.com

Mosca’s has served delicious Louisiana Creole Italian fare for 60 years. Enjoy Italian classics such as spaghetti and meatballs, or sample one of their specialties such as the shrimp Mosca, featuring shrimp in-shell seared with white wine and Italian seasonings. 4137 US-90 West, Westwego, (504) 436-8950, moscasrestaurant.com

Nephew’s Ristorante is a testament to Frank Catalanotto’s family and their fantastic cuisine and excellent customer service. Some notable dishes on the menu include the fresh mussels, clams, Louisiana gulf shrimp, with white wine, garlic, fresh basil, and fresh tomatoes. 4445 W. Metairie Ave., Metairie, (504) 533-9998, nephewsristorante. com

Pascal’s Manale is known for many dishes, its stand-up raw oyster bar, and traditional Italian cuisine. However, they are most famous for the perfection of their BBQ shrimp that brings visitors from all around the world. 1838 Napoleon Ave., (504) 895-4877, pascalsmanale.com

Pizza Domenica offers friendly service, relaxation, and upscale pizza, antipasti, and craft entrees anytime you dine with them. They have innovative flavors and offer an inventive spin on American pizza. Their Calabrese pizza is one of their best. Multiple Locations, pizzadomenica.com

Tavolino offers some of the West Bank’s best casual Italian dining in addition to an adults-only lounge in the back of the restaurant. Be sure to try the Behrman Highway pizza, with Vietnamese caramel, jalapenos, fresh herbs, nuoc cham, and citrus braised pork belly. 141 Delaronde St., (504) 605-3365, tavolinonola.com

Venezia has been serving New Orleans some of the best classic Italian in town since 1957. While pizza is the house specialty—as advertised by the iconic sign hanging above the door, our personal favorite is the restaurant’s to-die-for veal Pontchartrain. 134 N. Carrollton Ave, (504) 488-7991, venezianeworleans.net

MEXICAN

Empanola serves delicious Louisiana-inspired, Latin-influenced empanadas to New Orleans residents. They also cater to local parties, formal events, weddings, and brunches. Their empanadas are not to be missed. Multiple

Locations, empanolaempanadas.com Mr. Tequila puts a Tex-Mex twist on authentic Mexican fare. A popular option is the 88-ounce margarita which guests (hopefully) share among themselves. Try the black and gold burrito while you’re there. 5018 Freret St., (504) 7669660, mrtequilanola.com

MIDDLE EASTERN

Gita Pita offers fast-paced, fan-favorite food. With all the best in terms of shawarma, falafel, and pita, this new spot is sure to have you coming back again. You can order online, pickup, or take-out and enjoy your Gita Pita from anywhere in the city. 2530 Canal St, (504)

RESTAURANT

766-6519, facebook.com/GitaPitaCanal

Lebanon’s Café offers sumptuous dishes ranging from rich, homemade hummus to kabobs, to chicken shawarma. Feel free to bring your own beer or wine and enjoy no corkage fee. Lebanon’s is best known for its rosemary lamb chops, served atop grilled vegetables. 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 862-6200, lebanonscafe.com

Shaya features a mélange of Israeli classics with Southern flavors and contemporary culinary techniques while also incorporating locally-sourced ingredients. Shaya’s dishes include flavors from North Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Greece, and Turkey. 4123 Magazine St., (504) 891-4213, shayarestaurant.com

NEW ORLEANS CUISINE

Annunciation serves up a menu of classic and contemporary Creole and Cajun dishes and is located in a rehabilitated turn-of-the-century warehouse. Executive Chef Milton Prudence serves dishes like grilled lamb chops with garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, and lamb sauce. 1016 Annunciation St., (504) 568-0245, annunciationrestaurant.com

Apolline is located in a beautifully renovated double shotgun cottage on Magazine Street. They offer an impressive menu with dishes ranging from roasted gulf fish couvillion to paneed veal medallions in addition to an expansive menu of wine and cocktails. 4729 Magazine St., (504) 894-8881, apollinerestaurant.com

Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop’s award-winning gumbo

with crawfish, shrimp, crabmeat, and okra is a Louisiana gumbo not to be missed. They’ve also got Creole-Cajun classics including jambalaya, red beans and rice, and crawfish étouffée. 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, (504) 835-2022, gumbostop.com

Common Interest, located in the Hotel Indigo, has delicious dishes that reflect New Orleans’ rich culture. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, they offer Nola favorites such as shrimp and grits, gumbo, jambalaya, as well as classics like steak n’ frites. 705 Common St., (504) 595-5605, commoninterestnola.com

Crescent City Brewhouse is the French Quarter’s

sole microbrewery and a spot where you can listen to live jazz performances by local musicians while enjoying “brewtails,” a cocktail that puts a twist on brewed beer, or their rich shrimp and grits. 527 Decatur St., (504) 522-0571, crescentcitybrewhouse.com

Desire Oyster Bar, in the Royal Sonesta New Orleans hotel, offers some of the best seafood in the city. Their oysters are top notch and can be ordered on the half shell, chargrilled, and even as a chargrilled Rockefeller. Try their Louisiana crab cakes or Cajun fried alligator. 300 Bourbon St., (504) 553-2281, sonesta.com

Evangeline provides seasonal, fresh cuisine sourced from local fishermen and serves a wide selection of microbrews. They are most known for their crawfish and grits dish, featuring garlicsauteed crawfish served over a bowl of Creole grits. 329 Decatur St., (504) 373-4852, evangelineneworleans.com

House of Blues is a blues and rock-themed restaurant featuring southern fare such as jambalaya and po-boys and live music events. Check out their legendary Sunday Gospel Brunch or make a dinner reservation before the big show and receive special entry. 225 Decatur St., (504) 310-4999, houseofblues.com

Mandina’s, also known as “the pink house” by the neighborhood, offers a blend of Cajun-Creole and Italian seafood, pastas, and steaks. Arrive early to avoid the wait, and be sure to sample the gulf fish almandine. 3800 Canal St., (504) 482-9179, mandinasrestaurant.com

Melba’s Old School Po-boys offers a comfortable, friendly atmosphere and is also home to Wash World next door. Melba’s serves up poboys and chicken wings in addition to daiquiris, which can be purchased 24/7. 1525 Elysian Fields Ave., (504) 267-7765, melbas.com

Mother’s Restaurant features classic New Orleans dishes including “the world’s best ham” and fantastic homemade pies. Mother’s is known for their po-boys, hot plates, and fried seafood dishes. 401 Poydras St., (504) 523-9656, mothersrestaurant.net

New Orleans Creole Cookery combines a traditional-style menu with a new-generation aesthetic and energy. Be sure ty try their pecan crusted redfish, fried and topped with a Creole green beans and heirloom potatoes. 508 Toulouse St., (504) 524-9632, neworleanscreolecookery.com

Neyow’s Creole Café impresses its customers with their friendly servers and perfect southernstyle dishes. While being an informal establishment, the flavors are extraordinary, especially their chargrilled oysters, filled with butter, cheese, and savory oysters. 3332 Bienville St., (504) 8275472, neyows.com

Neyow’s XL serves you a memorable experience and authentic New Orleans cuisine, including fresh seafood and well-seasoned steaks. Do yourself a favor and order the red snapper while you’re there. 3336 Bienville St., (504) 503-1081, xl.neyows.com

Nice Guys Bar and Grill is a casual restaurant that serves delicious Creole and Cajun cuisine with

their own nice twist. Join them for brunch, lunch, or dinner and be sure to try their Lambo stuffed potato, featuring grilled lamb chops and barbeque shrimp. 7910 Earhart Blvd., (504) 302-2402, niceguysnola.com

Nola’s Wings and Things provides comfort and community and when it comes to wings, they offer over ten different preparations and flavors, along with traditional dishes such as jumbo shrimp or homemade. 7906 Earhart Blvd., (504) 4358117, facebook.com/nolaswingsandthings

Orleans Grapevine is known for its romantic courtyard dining. Try wines by the glass from their extensive collection and small plates to go along with your wine. Be sure to get their signature Cajun surf and turf for the best of both worlds. 720 Orleans St., (504) 523-1930, orleansgrapevine.com

Parkway Bakery & Tavern has been an iconic spot since 1911 and is best-known for their poboys. Don’t miss their homemade roast beef and gravy or their delicious surf and turf po-boy and some gravy fries. 538 Hagan Ave., (504) 4823047, parkwaypoorboys.com

Short Stop Po Boy is a well-loved restaurant with scrumptious po-boys and sides such as chicken fries, stuffed artichokes, and their signature gumbo. Try a cup of their chicken andouille or seafood gumbo and a roast beef po-boy. 119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie, (504) 8854572, shortstoppoboysno.com

Trenasse, in the Intercontinental Hotel, has an extensive food menu including brunch, lunch,

happy hour, and dinner. We recommend the smokey braised short ribs, or the oysters—always, a perfect choice. 444 St. Charles Ave., (504) 680-7000, trenasse.com

Willie Mae’s Scotch House embodies New Orleans cuisine. This fan-favorite spot has been serving up the city’s best since 1957. Don’t miss out on the fried chicken, butter beans, and macaroni and cheese. Multiple Locations, williemaesnola.com

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

Felix’s is a locally-owned restaurant and oyster bar with oysters sourced from the best Louisiana oyster beds. They are best known for their fresh, top-tier charbroiled oysters. Multiple Locations, felixs.com

Legacy Kitchen’s Tacklebox provides upscale casual Southern fare in the Renaissance Pere Marquette Hotel. Guests can start off their meal with alligator poppers or loaded pimento cheese, and finish with their famous chargrilled oysters. 817 Common St., (504) 827-1651, legacykitchen.com

Seaworthy is where guests can enjoy locallysourced seafood as well as sustainablygathered oysters. Be sure to try one of Seaworthy’s signature dishes: mussels soaked in white wine and garnished with cilantro. 630 Carondelet St., (504) 930-3071, seaworthynola.com

Tito’s Ceviche and Pisco is a Magazine Street staple bringing Peruvian flavor and happy hour deals every weekday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Our recommendation? The tasty stuffed avocado with seafood salad with a pisco sour cocktail. Multiple Locations, (504) 267-7612, titoscevichepisco.com

Parkway Bakery

SEAFOOD

Briquette’s contemporary dining room offers customers the chance to watch as seafood is grilled on red-hot briquettes and tossed in seasoning and flavor. First-timers should try the Snapper Pontchartrain with scallops and a glass of bubbly.

OF THE

A THANKSGIVING FILM GUIDE

FILM GUIDE

By Jeff Boudreaux

Yes, you would normally have to search a little harder for films that are focused on the holiday in-between Halloween and Christmas, but the legwork has been taken out of all of that. Here is the crème de la crème, the movies that will place you firmly in the spirit for turkey, its trimmings, and the overload of carbs that will undoubtedly put you down for the count. And just to be clear, these holiday classics come in all shapes and sizes, so you can plan your entertainment and your naps accordingly.

Jerky Turkey (1945) – From the twisted mind of Tex Avery, the man who gave us Bugs Bunny, Droopy Dog, Screwy Squirrel (there's a theme here) and Red Hot Riding Hood, comes a zany, irreverent take on the first settlers at Plymouth Rock. This includes a hungry pilgrim who looks like the love child of Elmer Fudd and Alice the Goon and a scrawny turkey that talks like Jimmy Durante. A master of the sight gag—Avery throws in WWII and 1940’s pop culture references at a fast and furious pace—there’s also a running gag where a certain walking advertisement is beckoning them to put aside their natural differences and “Eat at Joe’s.” You can enjoy this classic cartoon on Facebook Watch or YouTube

Alice’s Restaurant (1969) – From three-time Oscar nominee Arthur Penn (The Miracle Worker, Bonnie and Clyde) comes a real product of its time. If you can get past the nearly two hours of hippies communing in a deconsecrated church, know that there are some real gems here. For one, the score is composed of star Arlo Guthrie’s awesome guitar pickings and contains an abridged version of his 18-minute 1968 Thanksgiving staple, “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree.” It also features a performance by legendary folk singer Pete Seeger serenading an actor playing a dying Woody Guthrie lying on his deathbed. In truth, this is the greatest film ever made concerning the disposal of post-holiday trash and the consequences thereof. Overlooking the rampant hate directed at “longhairs” in 1969 (Easy Rider anyone?), it is awfully entertaining seeing Guthrie getting thrown through a plate glass window while minding his own business eating pizza. Catch this film in its entirety on YouTube.

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973) – After watching this you will truly be thankful that you don’t have to eat popcorn, toast, or jelly beans for Thanksgiving. But, as Jamie Kennedy famously quipped, don’t be hatin’, Charlie Brown is doing the best he can after watching his parents leave for Grandma’s house without him. You think Macauley Culkin had it bad, this ersatz Thanksgiving dinner is actually cooked by Snoopy and Woodstock. I don’t even want to dwell on the unsanitary nature of such a meal, but he even winds up inviting the whole Peanuts gang over (while Peppermint Patty invites herself). And you just know man-child Linus will place the dinner in context historically. Which begs the question – were all these kids left behind by their offscreen parents? Don’t feel too bad for the most depressing kid in pop culture history—there is most certainly a happy ending for everyone involved. Featuring a timeless score by the great Vince Guaraldi, you can stream this holiday classic on Apple TV

Alice's Restaurant

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

to work things out with her husband Elliot (Michael Caine), as he is busy trying to start an affair with her sister Lee (Barbara Hershey). Meanwhile Holly (Dianne Weist) gets involved with hypochondriac Mickey (Woody Allen) who was once married to Hannah and is convinced he’s going deaf. Or is it a brain tumor? Winner of three Academy Awards (Original Screenplay, Supporting Actor, and Actress) and boasting a fine jazz score by the likes of Harry James and Count Basie, it won’t be hard to understand why this is one of Allen’s most critically acclaimed films. Also, this is probably the film that least resembles a “Thanksgiving” movie on this list, but you probably won’t mind since it’s extremely entertaining. The film is available on nearly every streaming service.

Pieces of April (2003) – The last true Thanksgiving classic, Pieces of April is a hilarious comedy-drama focusing on a young woman (Katie Holmes) and her attempts to cook a Thanksgiving dinner for her estranged yet visiting family—at least we hope they will follow through with it. You see, her mom Joy (Oscar-nominee, Patricia

April

Clarkson) has breast cancer and must stop every couple of hours to vomit her guts out from the debilitating chemo. Meanwhile father Jim (Oliver Platt) is trying desperately to remember one pleasant memory from April’s childhood. Yeah, we know. Still, April is scrounging around her apartment building, begging her neighbors for a working oven just so she can finish cooking her turkey. At only 80 minutes, this delightful romp will be over before you know it—and you’ll certainly laugh and probably even cry a couple of times. Co-starring Sean Hayes as a rather peculiar neighbor (aren’t they all?), Pieces of

Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) – This was controversial filmmaker Woody Allen’s biggest hit at the box office, a star-studded comedy-drama about three sisters’ lives and loves, occurring within three Thanksgiving holidays. Hannah (Mia Farrow) is trying

Hannah and Her Sisters

Ticket to ParadiseBlack Adam

Black Adam is the latest DC Comics property to get the lavish big screen treatment. It is also a spin-off of 2019's wildly entertaining Shazam!

Black Adam opens in ancient Kahndaq, and Teth-Adam (Dwayne Johnson) is bequeathed the powers of Shazam by the Council of Wizards which he then uses for vengeance. Because he gets out of control with his mighty powers, Teth-Adam is encased in a prison tomb. Cut to the oppressed present day Kahndaq. Just about everyone–bad and good–are searching for the powerful Crown of Sabbac. Archaeologist Adrianna Tomaz (Sarah Shahi) does find the crown, but is pursued by the deadly organized crime syndicate known as the Intergang. Needing help, Adrianna reads an incantation that reawakens Teth-Adam, who basically goes on a killing spree.

The JSA (Justice Society of America) is called in to capture Teth-Adam, a feat that won't be easy. Leading the JSA is Dr. Fate (Pierce Brosnan), and his crew consist of Hawkman (Aldis Hodge), Atom Smasher (Noah Centineo) and Cyclone (Quintessa Swindell).

Black Adam had great potential to be an excellent superhero—or anti-hero—movie, but it's so cluttered with action scenes that it's exhausting. If only director Jaume

ColletSerra (Jungle Cruise, NonStop, The Shallows) paced the movie

better, building up to the action instead of throwing in flashy shots of super punches and blasts of thunderbolts every few minutes. The screenplay, credited to Adam Sztykiel, Rory Haines, and Sohrab Noshirvani, could have taken just a little bit of time to set up and clarify plot points. It seems that the filmmakers didn't have faith that the audience could follow an engaging story and characters.

Still, Black Adam is a lot better than Green Lantern (2011), but what isn't?

Admittedly, some of the action scenes in Black Adam are exciting. Occasionally, there is some snappy dialog, and the film's saving grace is that it was smart sense of humor. It was funny just about every time Black Adam would casually and creatively murder henchmen.

Black Adam isn't a total loss. It is mildly entertaining, but it could have been great.

–David Vicari

The popularity of individual genres waxes and wanes over time. Westerns were wildly popular, then they faded, and then became popular again after Unforgiven. Murder mysteries were a thing of the past until Kenneth Branagh’s Murder on the Orient Express and Knives Out made them seem cool again. Romantic comedies, a dominant force at the box office in the 1980s and 1990s, have been on the downswing of late. Streaming aficionados will say Netflix makes romantic comedies, but when was the last time a romantic comedy came out (in streaming or in theaters) that it felt like most people had seen, a la Pretty Woman or Notting Hill, or When Harry Met Sally? Director Ol Parker’s new film, Ticket to Paradise, aims to bring the rom-com back with two old-school movie stars, George Clooney and Julia Roberts. Rom-coms are, at their heart, escapist, so it makes sense to set them in beautiful locations like Ticket to Paradise’s Bali. Clooney and Roberts play two feuding divorcees who briefly make a truce when their daughter (Kaitlyn Dever) tells them she is marrying a local man (Maxime Bouttier) she met while vacationing in Bali after her law school graduation.

So, just like Roberts did in My Best Friend’s Wedding, her objective (and Clooney’s) here is to break up a wedding. They are afraid their daughter is going to make the same mistakes they did. A lot of what follows is sitcommy (for better and for worse), but Clooney and Roberts make the one-liners zing and the two stars have good chemistry together.

A naysayer might argue that the film coasts a bit on the star power of both Clooney and Roberts, and they’d have a point, but the fact remains the two of them are stars for a reason. They make audiences like them and root for them.

There’s a scene late in the film where Clooney and Roberts simply beam at each other. On paper, this sounds like nothing much. But on the screen, it’s affecting because they’re stars and they can make an extended bit of smiling seem enchanting for a moment.

Ticket to Paradise breaks no new ground, but it is a pleasant, enjoyable piece of escapism in a genre that should return to the big screen. Based on the 2020s so far, we could all use a little more escapist fun in our lives.

–Fritz Esker

By David Vicari & Fritz Esker

BROOKE LAIZER

SEFENECH HENOKTAMICA LEE

TALES FROM THE QUARTER

By Debbie Lindsey

Faded Memories

Sometimes

My French Quarter is slowly disappearing. This, of course, is how long-time Quarterites must have felt back in 1989, when I first moved here. I accepted their observations and knew it to be true that much was gone. Memories remained but the actual businesses and dwellers they had known for so long were dying off or being priced out. All the love in the world for this historic and quirky neighborhood could not tether the soul and life of its inhabitants securely. However, not having had to say goodbye to what had been there before my U-Haul pulled into my new home was wickedly weird and wonderful. Bohemia still held a strong foothold in the Vieux Carré. And I suspect even the oldtimers would have agreed then that it was still possible to live there on the cheap

My first apartment reflected the “new” that was to come—gutted and remodeled, with a real-estate company as the face of ownership. Affordable, unlike gentrified apartments today (but kinda high for those days) and I was grateful; yet, I later realized this was a glimpse to the future of rentals. However, it was 1989 and for the next twenty plus years, the Quarter was affordable. In fact, the city was affordable. After four years, I found a truly inexpensive French Quarter apartment with solid landlords, nice folks—not a corporate manager. In 2008, my renter’s good luck held as Husband and I segued out of the Quarters down the road to Bayou St. John.

I suspect we were a city undiscovered—a romantic and strange place to visit but not to actually move to. Oh sure, there were many, like myself, who knew “home” when we saw it. Those that fell in love with her moved here but somehow this town was still off the radar. Exactly why, I don’t pretend to know. Much of my observations are felt rather than researched. The historians and urban planners can walk you through the economics and such, but I simply know that things began to change in earnest after Katrina.

The world watched as an American city drowned, as waters raged and slowly receded. This was before catastrophic unnatural disasters and failing infrastructures became a daily occurrence world-wide. We were the heartbreaker, the canary in the mine, and folks gave money and came to rescue us. Humanity stood up for humanity and many of those volunteers fell in love while here and pledged their hearts to New Orleans. Those newbies were invaluable to us here. But greed sniffed them out and often empowered slum lords to lure them into higher rents than we locals would ever have considered. And then the opportunistic carpet-bagger-developers joined in.

Tourism slowly grew as the city dried out and steadily increased. With it, came visitors who were willing to look beyond Bourbon Street and take in the music, food, and

culture. We were the darling of the media— the Comeback Kids. And I personally feel indebted to the media for its continued focus on our struggle to rebuild and the loving attention it gave to our creative verve and uniqueness. Young (and older) entrepreneurs moved here and brought fresh energy into the city. They supported our culture, music, opened micro-breweries, bakeries, cafes, and brought an element of environmental activism into the mix. I applaud these urban pioneers and the tourist dollars spent with purpose and devotion. But fame has its price and we became too popular and rents began to edge up and up. Soon it became hard to differentiate between heart-felt immersion into our various neighborhoods and gentrification.

In thinking about my former life as a resident/Quarterite/Quarter-Rat of the French Quarter, I zoomed out over the entire city. Please allow me to refocus on the Quarter. Lately (for me), it resembles a faded photograph pulled from a dusty scrapbook. I took a long hiatus from my former haunts and upon return (I’m blessed with a lovely job in the Quarter), my daily walks from the bus stop to work are akin to a stroll through a cemetery. Businesses, apartments, and most of my old haunts have truly become haunts. The demise of a business or the condo-fication of former apartments hurts me to the bone. Passing a locals’ watering-hole where the barstools were once occupied by now deceased friends is something I take personally. There is a malaise that has settled, like dust, over much of the Quarter. The Pandemic and economy take blame for much. But time, age, and death take its toll, and the replacement troops have not fully arrived.

Perhaps I have just been living outside the French Quarter so long that its lack of trees and grass, birds and squirrels, and brightly painted exteriors have dimmed my view of it. Yet, there is a disrepair and sadness to the sidewalks and streets. And too many buildings are occupied by foot massage businesses where once a uniquely New Orleans shop thrived. Look closely, and you can see that way too many restaurants are owned by the same corporations. The once illegal t-shirt shops that plagued the Quarter thirty years back are now gussied up as gift shops—but all the same company. Uniqueness has been on life-support for some time now.

The other morning as I walked to work, feeling out of place and regretting the passing of familiar days, someone I hadn’t seen in years popped up on the sidewalk. We hugged, talked, and we were the same folks we had been. And after that much needed trip down memory lane I realized there was still a lane, a sidewalk, just waiting for me to create new memories. Funny how the Quarter looked a bit brighter after that, and a bit of color seemed to flush forth

By Phil LaMancusa

Disambiguation or Unfulfilled Closure

This is not about that 1993 film that starred Bill Murray entitled Groundhog Day, in which he relived the same day over and over and over again. It is about platitudes and the Kleine-Levin Syndrome.

“Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick and pull yourself together,” Elizabeth Taylor once advised.

Is it telling that we cremate loved ones and put them up on shelves instead of burying them? “So there’s good ol’ whatshisname (in the box/jar/urn), up there next to the San Marzano canned tomatoes.” Or maybe the ashes are “over by the window (the better for them to enjoy the sunrise/ set) atop their copy of Kahil Gibran’s The Prophet,” or perhaps they have their own shelf—an altar, if you will. Possibly, it has a battery-operated, perpetual candle, a bell, a book, maybe some plastic flowers, seashells—a chance for us to grieve in little increments as we get on with our busy life. A chance for us to look back and then a chance to back away and say, “What’s done is done.”

The alternative, of course, would have been a hole in the ground or an upper berth in a corner mausoleum where we could’ve wailed, tore our hair, wrent at our clothing, and maybe thrown ourselves despondently on top of the casket before it was lowered (or raised). A visit now and then would be in order. A chat, perhaps some freshening of the site, throw pillows, more flowers, saying, “Boohoo, I miss you,” as time marches on.

Face it, nobody’s perfect. We’re somnambulating through most of our lives and are roused by reminders of what we missed, times we had, and situations we have left unresolved. There are also some that we have buried (or left unburied). And then hellishly, we try to catch up. We wake to find that time has passed, years maybe. The kids have grown, we’re no longer young, it was just there the other day, and suddenly, “it ain’t dere no more.” Who knows where the time goes?

As Harry Chapin once lamented, “The cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon / little boy blue and the man in the moon.” We can only do what we can do.

Gurus tell you to “be here now,” an alcoholic says, “One day at a time,” yogis recommend “meditation and repetition of your mantra,” your bartender will tell you to “have another one,” your shrink asks, “How you feel about it?” and your family will pose, “What the hell is wrong with you?” Grandma offers cookies. Your BFF takes you to lunch. Meher Baba says, “Don’t worry, be happy."

We are so ahead of ourselves that ourselves are the ones left behind. We sometimes meet ourselves coming back from where we were going and may become momentarily discombobulated, flummoxed, and impulse in full power—boomeranged and deranged. I’m so confused that “[t]here’s someone in my head but it’s not me” makes too much sense (Brain Damage 1973).

Are we asleep at the wheel as life passes us by? Not quite. It’s more like we’re paying so much attention to the bumps, potholes, road debris, reckless drivers, stop signs, and school zones that it’s all detours on our life’s highways. So much to do, so little of it getting done and there it all is in the rear view mirror. I’m coming up on things that I need to do now. I’m overloaded, and I need a nap.

Okay, so now let’s examine the KleineLevin Syndrome, sometimes called the Sleeping Beauty Sickness. It’s not common enough to be in our faces, except that it can appear in varying functional degrees.

Sleeping 20-22 hours a day—sometimes for weeks, months, and, in some cases, up to a year—getting up to gorge, exercise bodily functions (such as bowel movements and/ or increased sexual impulses), while suffering from confusion, befuddlement, anxiousness, sometimes exhibiting violent behavior, and then going back to sleep. At times having to be told what went on in the world and life while unconscious. I posit that there is a distinct possibility that we all have it in some measure.

You close your eyes for a moment. Perhaps you feel like napping in the afternoon. You fall asleep on a bus, in a car, at a movie, and time marches on. Where did you go when the world went on without you? Away? Where is “away,” anyway?

When one door closes…

I often think that if I wasn’t reminded by the environment and familiarity of people present when I wake in the morning that I wouldn’t know who I am, where I am, and what the hell I was doing in this place. Then I rouse, recognize some stuff, and I’m back to being who I am in this reality.

“If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow why can’t I?” Dorothy once asked.

Where do I go in my daydreams, in my nightmares? And there I am remembering that I’m late with a bill or birthday card. As Alice once noted, it’s “[c]uriouser and curiouser.”

The fact that you don’t get to use the limitless potential of your brain and intelligence doesn’t mean that it doesn’t strive to be used; that goes for your emotions, feelings, and spiritual development. Your brain goes into overdrive and for no apparent reason, you’re drained of energy. It’s a call to digress, digest, regroup, recharge, relax, but you say, “There’s so much more that needs to get done.”

I say to go easy on yourself. Sometimes you have to “[d]rink some coffee, put on some gangster rap, and handle it,” as Martina Simonova observed. Other times, though, just sit back and let things work themselves out. Remember, this ain’t no contest; you’re doing better than you think, literally.

“Long you live and high you fly / Smiles you’ll give and tears you’ll cry / And all you touch and all you see is all your life will ever be” was put forth in the Pink Floyd song “Breathe (in the Air).”

Keep doin’ whatcha doin’. You got this.