DINING • MUSIC • ENTERTAINMENT • NIGHTLIFE
BAR GUIDE
Cheers! There’s no city in the world that adores cocktails more than New Orleans. Enjoy this November Bar Guide, which highlights the hottest bars and nightclubs in town.
The Sazerac is the official cocktail of New Orleans, and the Sazerac House museum is one of the city’s top attractions. Jeff Boudreaux explores the history of this original creation.
If you have ever wanted to slide a beer down the length of a bar, make sure that you have plenty of runway. Emily Hingle explores the city’s longest bars, some of which span almost 60 feet.
November features
Frances
And with
and the
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Josh Danzig
Creative Director: Robert Witkowski
Executive Editor: Burke Bischoff
Assistant Editor: Donald Rickert
Movie Editors: David Vicari, Fritz Esker
Contributing Writers: Phil LaMancusa, Debbie Lindsey, Kim Ranjbar, Burke Bischoff, Julie Mitchell, Sabrina Stone, Kimmie Tubré, Emily Hingle, Celeste Turner, Joey Cirilo, Jeff Boudreaux, Cynthea Corfah, Brooke Adams, Frances Deese, Arielle Gonzales, Amy Kirk Duvoisin, Michelle Nicholson, Donald Rickert, Andrew Alexander
Cover: Toast of the Town photographed by Robert Witkowski
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Photographers and Designers: Gus Escanelle, Emily Hingle, Robert Witkowski, Kim Ranjbar, Ed Shedlock, Emma Harlan
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NewOrleans bar2024 guide
CBD / WAREHOUSE DISTRICT
Fillmore New Orleans is on the second floor of the Caesars New Orleans Hotel & Casino and hosts big and small named musical artists, as well as full-service private productions with custom drink menus and mixologists. Keep an eye on their entertainment schedule for your favorite artists. 6 Canal St., (504) 881-1555, thefillmorenola.com
Headquarters by Nice Guys Nola is a sister establishment to Nice Guys Nola with its own unique menu and atmosphere. This trendy spot has wine, beer, and specialty drinks curated for its location. Join them for live music or DJ nights, and try their cocktails such as the Blueberry Drop Martini or the French 75. 445 S. Rampart St., (504) 217-6851, headquartersnola.com
Public Belt is a piano bar inside the Hilton New Orleans Riverside and is named after the city’s historic railroad. Serving up classic, vintage, and NOLA-inspired cocktails, along with a variety of wines and seasonal options, this bar is comfort and quality all in one. Join them every other Thursday for bourbon tastings. 2 Poydras St., (504) 561-0500, hilton.com
Sazerac House is a distillery and museum depicting the legacy of one of New Orleans’ most famous cocktails—the Sazerac. Guests can experience the distillery, a tasting area, and a museum of New Orleans’ 20th century cocktail culture. Try the iconic Sazerac or the many other spirits made in-house. 101 Magazine St., (504) 9100100, sazerachouse.com
The Metropolitan is the place for topnotch nightclub lovers. Three rooms equipped with smoke machines and premier lighting effects make them the ideal place to see your favorite DJ and party all night. With 11 bar stations throughout the building, there are plenty of drinks to go around at The Metro. 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd., (504) 568-1702, themetronola. com
FRENCH QUARTER
Boot Scootin’ Rodeo is the place to and get your country fix while in the Big Easy. Featuring a full bar, a mechanical bull, and Americana decor, this novelty bar is no joke. Put on your cowboy hat and boots and order the Cowboy Punch, which is their signature 27 oz. drink. 522 Bourbon St., (504) 552-2510, bootscootinnola.com
Rosie’s on the Roof is located on the roof of the Higgins Hotel, has full bar service, and provides an incomparable view of the city. Themed around the iconic Rosie the Riveter, Rosie’s combines familiarity with high-quality service. Bring a friend and order their cocktail made for two—the Riveter. 1000 Magazine St., (504) 5281941, higginshotelnola.com
Bourbon “O” Bar is a break from the hustle and bustle of Bourbon Street with a cozy and laid-back atmosphere. Experience live music while enjoying cocktails inspired by the flavors and history of New Orleans. Order one of their specialty cocktails including the French Quarter Float or the Leave of Absinthe. 717 Orleans St., (855) 771-5214, bourbonorleans.com
Bourbon Street Honky Tonk is owned by Tropical Isle, the originators of the (in)famous Hand Grenade drink. This bar specializes in live blues and country performers but still offers the iconic tropical drinks served at other Tropical Isle locations. This location also, of course, serves the Hand Grenade. 727 Bourbon St., (504) 523-1927, tropicalisle.com
Saddle Bar is the only place in New Orleans where you can find a mechanical, rideable rooster. Take a seat on a saddle stool and order one of their Western-inspired cocktails including the Ranch Water and the Bunkhouse. Stop by the Saddle Bar for some square dancing and retro signature shots. 715 Bienville St., (504) 313-1113, saddlebarneworleans.com
Fétiche NOLA is a daringly sexy bar located just steps away from Bourbon Street. With a slogan like “Cocktails and Kink,” the bar breaks the mold with its sensual cocktail bar, sultry decor, and shibari performances. They serve specialty cocktails, beer, and wine, and they have happy hour daily from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. 817 St. Louis St., fetichenola.com
The Jazz Playhouse is located on the lobby level of the Royal Sonesta. This bar combines the rich history of jazz with the continuing music culture in New Orleans through its vintage interior and contemporary jazz artists. Order a jazz-inspired signature drink including Ella Fitzgerald’s Pearflower Martini. 300 Bourbon St., (504) 553-2299, thejazzplayhouse.com
High Grace NOLA relishes a perfect and literal oxymoron by calling itself an “upscale dive bar.” This bar is open 24/7 and serves specialty cocktails around the clock. Order from their large bar or get one of their three signature drinks: Trial by Fire, Caribbean Port City, and Lavender Lemonade. 733 St. Peter St., (504) 218-5649, highgracenola.com
House of Blues New Orleans can be enjoyed as both a restaurant and a music venue. Hosting both small performances outside in their Voodoo Garden and inside of their concert venue, it’s hard to be bored here. Order one of their specialty cocktails including the Beast of Bourbon and Strawberry Fields. 225 Decatur St., (504) 310-4999, houseofblues.com/ neworleans
The Jimani is a family-owned bar that has been operating in the city since 1971. With an impressively extensive food menu, over 100 beers (both local and international), and a door that stays open from 11:30 a.m. to 4 a.m., this is a tried-and-true sports bar for every crowd. They even have jello shots. 141 Chartres St., (504) 524-0493, thejimani.com
Vampire Apothecary serves drinks focused on positive physical effects. Guests can order collagen-boosting teas and coffees or one of the Apothecary’s “prescription” cocktails. Get a Bloodiest Mary for a hangover cure or calm your nerves with a Relax Renfield Bourbon Milk Punch. 725 Saint Peter St., (504) 766-8179, vampireapothecary.com
Rick’s Cabaret is a burlesque/strip venue with an exclusive craft cocktail menu available to their VIP members. Non-VIP members can order from a selection of beers, spirits, and wines, but VIP members can order cocktails including the Stunner and Unrigged. Visit for happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. 315 Bourbon St., (504) 5244222, rickscabaretneworleans.com
JEFFERSON
Rivershack Tavern is a restaurant and bar with live music and eclectic decor located on River Road. In addition to the usual drink options and tavern food, Rivershack serves Riveritas in flavors including the Poncharita. Bring a tacky ashtray and you’ll get a cocktail of your choice in exchange. 3449 River Rd., (504) 834-4938, rivershacktavern.com
LAKEVIEW
Lots a Luck Tavern is a true locals bar and is worth a try for fans of down-to-earth dive bars. Go by yourself to catch a game with some fellow fans or bring a group to enjoy affordable, refreshing drinks and a game of pool. This is a no-frills place, but, sometimes, less is more. 203 Homedale St., (504) 483-0978, facebook.com/ LotsaLuckNOLA
MARIGNY/BYWATER
Buffa’s Bar & Restaurant is on the border of the French Quarter and is well known for its impressive bar food and a casual but welcoming atmosphere with live music every day. Fans of local beer will be glad to know that Buffa’s carries a handful of local and microbrew beers to enjoy. 1001 Esplanade Ave., (504) 949-0038, buffasbar.com
METAIRIE
Martine’s Lounge is a classic neighborhood bar with darts, video poker, and happy hour every day. Join them on Wednesdays for trivia, and order a cocktail of your choosing or one of their specialty cocktails of the day. Their specialities change often, so visit frequently to get a taste of everything they’ve got. 2347 Metairie Rd., (504) 831-8637, facebook.com/ martineslounge
MID-CITY
Neyow’s Creole Café is a casual Creole restaurant with a large food and drink menu. Order a specialty drink including the Bow Wow Fruit Punch or order from the many martinis, cocktails, mimosas, and margaritas Neyow’s serves. Dining with a large group? Get a margarita tower for 100 oz. of your favorite margarita. 3332 Bienville St., (504) 827-5474, neworleans.neyows.com
Nice Guys Nola is a fun and entertaining restaurant with food and a full bar. Order one of their house cocktails including the Nice Guys Madness or the Nicest Margarita to go with your meal. Large parties can even order bottle service for the table and brunch parties can ask about drink towers. 7910 Earhart Blvd., (504) 302-2404, niceguysnola.com
Pal’s Lounge is a great hangout spot with creative specialty cocktails, beers, and shots. No matter your preference, Pal’s is sure to have a drink for you. From Honey Lavender Rose Sangria to their House Salad, a vodka based drink with cucumber, lime, and basil, these one-of-a-kind drinks are hard to beat. 949 N. Rendon St., facebook.com/ PalsLounge
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Tropical Isle is the home of the Hand Grenade, a drink now synonymous with Bourbon Street. The multiple Tropical Isle locations are spread across Bourbon Street, all with differing themes and varying live music schedules, but all serve their iconic drinks including the Hand Grenade, the Tropical Itch, and more. Multiple Locations, tropicalisle.com
UPTOWN
Le Bon Temps Roule is proud to serve classic bar food and some of the best Bloody Marys in town. Their grill-heavy menu can be enjoyed with a mixed drink from their bar or with one of the many canned beer options they provide. Go to enjoy a game of pool or see a live concert. 4801 Magazine St., (504) 897-3448, lbtrnola.com
The Vintage is a chic café with coffee, pastries, cocktails, wine, and more. Get an order of their beignets and one of their crafted cocktails including the Espresso Yourself and Tia’s Can Can. This is a great place for a small bite to eat and is a cute backdrop for drinks with friends. 3121 Magazine St., (504) 608-1008, thevintagenola.com
WESTBANK
Gattuso’s Neighborhood Restaurant, Bar, & Catering is a Gretna restaurant with a full-service bar. Pick from a full page of draft and bottled beer or order one of their many cocktail options. Alongside typical mixed drinks, Gattuso’s also serves frozen drinks including the Pralines and Cream. 435 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, (504) 338-1114, gattusos.net
OLD WORLD MEETS NEW
By Jeff Boudreaux
Surely, as a prime New Orleanian, you’ve undoubtedly indulged in one—or two, or God forbid more—of these? Forget the Old Fashioned or Manhattan. Those iconic drinks have a time and place (far away) where they can, and will, be properly celebrated. But to drink a Sazerac is to combine the centuries-spanning experiences of French culture with that of our legendary downtown Quarter.
Legend has it that a French-Creole apothecary by the name of Antoine Peychaud concocted a marriage of Cognac and (his soon-to-be famous) bitters in the confines of an egg cup, or coquetier, in 1838 New Orleans. While those events are possibly true—he most certainly created the bitters that bear his name—it is doubtful that he was the originator of said cocktail. However, he probably did coin its name, fashioned after the Sazerac de Forge et Fils brand of Cognac that was originally used. According to an article in The Daily Picayune from February 1843, it seemed that just about every ingredient that we know and love was confirmed to be a part of this cocktail, along with the presence of “brandy, sugar, absinthe, bitters, and ice.” Now, that’s more like it.
History of the Sazerac Cocktail
If you’re a person who happens to enjoy a delightful, relaxing alcoholic beverage upon retiring from a hard day’s work, and, obviously, that encompasses a large percentage of us, sit back and learn about the official cocktail of the city of New Orleans—designated in 2008.
At some point in the late 1800s, Cognac, or brandy in general, became a scarcity in the United States due to an epidemic of phylloxera, which destroyed countless vineyards throughout France. It was during this time that a good old American whiskey, specifically that of rye, began to substitute itself into the annals of this cocktail. Throughout the city, bars and coffee houses would serve up many a Sazerac, which had nearly always included the addition of absinthe, to take Peychaud’s cocktail to the next level. Enter Thomas Handy, the proprietor of the historic Sazerac House, who went mainstream throughout the city by selling
pre-mixed bottles of the delicious elixir. Life was good in the city of New Orleans—until around 1912, when our country banned absinthe.
Yes, absinthe—the infamous “green fairy.” For so long, this anise-flavored liquor had been demonized among the masses. It was accused of driving people insane with the wormwood herb supposedly causing psychosis for the imbibers, as if it were one of those much-touted, actual worms in RFK Jr.’s brain. No, friends, the perceived dangers of the ingestion of absinthe amounts to that of an old wives’ tal—a scapegoat by the Carrie Nations of the world. You see, this scary-sounding herb contains a chemical named thujone, which can have psychoactive properties—in extremely large doses. So the good news is, you’d most certainly die of alcohol poisoning long before you ever reached that level. Unfortunately, at the time that this necessary component of the Sazerac was outlawed, the country soon entered a complete ban on the sale of alcohol—Prohibition—for 13 long years due to the ratification of the 18th Amendment. Talk about a slippery slope.
However, not to keep a good man down (or, better yet, two of them), WWI vets J. Marion Legendre and Reginald Parker developed an absinthe-substitute named Herbsaint only one year after the repeal of Prohibition. Gone were the dark days of no Sazeracs in the city of New Orleans. That’s right, just as rye whiskey had replaced the Cognac in this beloved recipe, a legal anise liqueur had taken the reins from absinthe. People were enjoying the Sazerac once again, and that libation continues to this very day. Of course, the production of absinthe was legalized once again in 2007, and it’s your choice which direction you want to go.
Which leads us to the recipe itself. How do you actually make a Sazerac? In case you’re anxious to try this classic cocktail in the privacy of your own home, it’s really all about choices and decisions. Should you use rye or Cognac, absinthe or Herbsaint, a sugar cube or simple syrup? Honestly, the only component that is universally agreed upon is that of Peychaud’s bitters. No one would blame you if you simply called the whole thing off (credit to George Gershwin) and ordered one up at the Sazerac Bar or some other local purveyor of fine cocktails. They would sure be glad that you did, but, for full disclosure’s sake, here are the ingredients of a Sazerac that would make St. Louis IX, King of France proud (even though he never even dreamed of such a thing):
• Chill a rocks glass, rinse it with absinthe, and discard the leftover spirit (yeah right).
• In another glass, muddle a sugar cube with some bitters, then add a jigger of rye.
• Mix well with ice, and strain into your absintherinsed glass.
• Express a lemon peel and enjoy.
Ta-da! This is a prime example of the groundbreaking cocktail that launched a namesake beverage distribution company, several bars (including the current famed one located in the Roosevelt Hotel) and a must-visit museum dedicated to its history. Whether you would like to make one yourself or have someone else do it for you, you simply cannot go wrong with a drink that promises to transport you nearly 200 years into the past with every sip.
SIZE MATTERS
New Orleans Longest Bars ...in Inches
By Emily Hingle
LONGEST LINEAR BARS
(BARS WHERE MOST OF THE BAR IS ONE STRAIGHT LINE)
Parlay’s - 692” (Fourth Longest Overall)
Finn McCools - 662” (Fifth Longest Overall)
Barrel Proof - 608” (Sixth Longest Overall)
Coyote Ugly - 588”
The John - 576”
Cosimo’s - 550”
Markey’s - 534”
Vic’s - 499”
Evangeline Lounge - 446”
Basin - 420”
Brothers 3 - 349”
There are so many ways to categorize the ample bars in New Orleans. One could group them by the neighborhood that they’re in or by whether they are “neighborhood” bars. One could distinguish between the types of drinks that are served or what spirits they specialize in.
LONGEST SHAPED BARS (COMPLETE SQUARE, RECTANGLE, OR CIRCLE)
Rendon Inn - 973” (Longest Overall)
BMAC'S - 771” (Second Longest overall)
Bombay Club - 746” (Third Longest overall)
LONGEST ANGULAR BARS (INCOMPLETE SHAPES OR LINEAR WITH SEVERAL ANGLES OR CURVES)
District Lounge - 591” (Seventh Longest Overall)
Beach Corner - 556”
Wit’s Inn - 492”
Schooner Saloon - 475”
Cooter Brown’s - 471”
Santos - 455”
We will list bars not by age, area, or drink but by the literal length of the bar tops. The measurements of the following bar tops excluded walk-through areas and obstructions including columns and food service areas.
Parlay’s in Lakeview is often uttered by locals when asked what they believe to be the longest bar in New Orleans. The 40-year-old neighborhood gem is the longest linear bar on this list with an overall length of 692 inches. Most of the bar stools are taken up by dedicated regulars who have frequented Parlay’s for at least part of the bar’s 40 year history, and one must pass by all of them to get into the back part of the building. “I don’t think anyone’s ever alone here. Some of the regular customers won’t give you space to be alone. I’ve been here for 18 years. I’ve gotten to know so many people and made so many friends. Everybody makes friends with everybody. It’s a fun place to come and meet people,” Bar Manager Brenna Hoppmeyer said.
Hoppmeyer recalled several instances of people meeting for the first time at Parlay’s and going on to marry and start families, leading to multiple generations of customers. “Having worked here for almost 20 years, one thing I have noticed is the generations of people that come in. The parents are regulars, and their kids are regulars. A lot of people met here, but they don’t come in much anymore because they got married and had kids. But we see them every so often.”
Parlay’s bar was not always a linear shape. Unnatural and natural disasters have reshaped it into what it is now. “Before I started working here, the bar was wavy. Supposedly, it was completely lifted up and floated away during Hurricane Katrina. The bar burned down in 2020, and they rebuilt this bar top with wood from Rock ‘n’ Bowl’s lanes, and they added a few more feet. After the fire, when they were tearing everything down, you could see the different layers of wallpaper and paint. Some of the wallpaper had cocktail glasses on them,” Hoppmeyer explained. Photos of the flood and the fire are posted at the ends of the bar.
Finn McCool’s in Mid-City is not far behind Parlay’s for linear bars with a length of 662 inches. Whiskey-drinkers love the stately 608-inch bar of Barrel Proof in the Garden District. Long linear bars then move to the French Quarter and Marigny with the following contenders: Coyote Ugly (588 inches), The John (576 inches), Cosimo’s (550 inches).
A bar top can be very long if it forms a complete shape like a rectangle or circle, and the building that houses it doesn’t need to be very large. The longest shaped bars surpassed the lengths of the longest linear bars because of this. The Rendon Inn in Broadmoor is the longest bar top overall with an impressive length of 973 inches. It wasn’t until 2005 when the Rendon Inn could boast of this length. “Rendon Inn opened right after Prohibition, and it’s been here ever since. The bar used to be
The Rendon Inn 973-foot bar
linear until Hurricane Katrina. After Katrina, the remodel is what turned it into a center bar with patio access,” explained Jeff Rizzo, who purchased the Rendon Inn and the adjoined event space The Hangar in 2021.
Rendon Inn is a “hidden Uptown gem” that has become more of a restaurant thanks to Rizzo’s enticing menu, which mirrors that of his Metairie bar Shenanigan’s. Back in the 1980s, the patrons were not focused on elevated bar food. Rizzo said, “Back in its heyday, the Rendon Inn was a very popular place with their biggest nights being Wednesdays, and it was called Drinkin’ with Lincoln. It was $5 to get in for all you can drink all night.”
Two French Quarter bars hold the spot of second and third longest bars overall, as well as being the second and third longest shaped bars. The local-loved watering hole BMAC'S French Quarter Bar and Courtyard bar is 771 inches, and the hidden away high-end cocktail bar Bombay Club is 746 inches, and the hidden away. Bombay Club’s bar top is merely 4.5 feet longer than Parlay’s bar.
Not to be outperformed, some bars are neither mostly a straight line nor are they a complete shape. These angular bars are quite interesting to look at and may be more conducive to conversation than other bar shapes as you can choose where to sit along it and how to face people near and far. The District in the Warehouse District has an L-shaped bar top of 591 inches. The Beach Corner’s bar top in Mid-City recently received a brand new 556 inch bar top that accentuates the V-shape of the bar with some rounded spots.
Wit’s Inn’s bar top in Mid-City is hard to describe with so many ins and outs, but it all adds up to 492 inches of seating space. The Schooner Saloon in the French Quarter has an aptly-shaped bar that resembles a hook that is a total of 475 inches.
It’s not the length of the bar that makes a bar special. The people that frequent it, the bartenders that welcome you in, and the conversations that are had between all of them is where the true magic is.
Cooter Brown’s
BMAC'S
Barrel Proof
CRAFTING IN THE CRESCENT CITY
By Janay Major
New Orleans is not a virgin to craft cocktails—unless
you take your drinks that way.
The Sazerac—along with two of the ingredients included in the cocktail, Herbsaint and Peychaud bitters—were created in New Orleans. The Ramos Gin Fizz and Absinthe Frappé recipes are also native to New Orleans. The art of making cocktails had time to develop and flourish due to New Orleans’ laissez-faire temperament. It was only a matter of time before more stand alone craft cocktail bars emerged in the city.
Being notable for its free spirited nature, spirits in other dimensions, and spirits in liquid form, New Orleans prompted an industry with idiosyncrasies that are just as unique and quirky as the city to emerge and expand: craft cocktail bars.
HISTORY
New Orleans has a committed yet complicated relationship with liquor; however, the immersive experience that is paired with enjoying a New Orleans cocktail is just as remarkable as the drink. Each ingredient single-handedly plucked from around the world and brought to New Orleans details a story of combining flavors and embracing the complexities of them.
Stanley Clisby Arthur, author of Famous New Orleans Drinks and How to Mix ‘Em, wrote, “Oldtimers will tell you the three outstanding drinks of New Orleans in the memory of living men were the dripped Absinthe Frappé of the Old Absinthe House, the Ramos Gin Fizz, and the Sazerac cocktail.”
Starting with the Ramos Gin Fizz, the drink did not get introduced to the city until 1888 when Henry C. Ramos moved to New Orleans from Baton Rouge after purchasing the Imperial Cabinet. The original recipe included powdered sugar, lemon and lime juice, egg whites, milk, gin, seltzer water, and vanilla bean extract (optional). This show stopping drink was so popular upon introduction that during the 1915 Carnival season, Henry C. Ramos hired 35 shaker boys just to make gin fizzes, and they were still struggling to keep up with the demand.
The Sazerac’s story begins with an exclusive Cognac only imported to New Orleans called Sazerac-de-Forge et fils from Limoges, France. John B. Schiller opened a bar named Sazerac Coffeehouse and was the only person in the city with that specific cognac. Although Schiller’s business was successful, Thomas H. Handy became the new proprietor—changing the name to Sazerac House, replacing Cognac with rye whiskey in the Sazeracs, and adding a touch of absinthe to the recipe. Absinthe, interestingly enough,
originated in Algeria and was popular among French soldiers. When it eventually found its way to New Orleans, Cateyano Ferrér, an immigrant from Barcelona, opened the Absinthe Room in 1874. Cayetano found fame through the popularity of the green drink, and business was successful until the building was padlocked due to Prohibition. Following Prohibition, Pierre Cazeboone purchased antiques from the Absinthe Room, and it reopened as The Old Absinthe House with one of Cayetano’s sons, Jacinto Ferrér, as the bartender.
RELATIONSHIP
New Orleans’ relationship with alcohol may seem a little unorthodox to those who don’t live here, just like any other culture that has not been experienced first hand. However, just like every other culture, all it takes is a group of people to establish meaning, tradition, and community to turn the unorthodox to conventional.
Following the Louisiana Purchase, New Orleans’ already diverse population increased significantly. Flowing out of the melting pot came a new variety of people, food, and alcohol. Although public drinking was legal throughout the U.S., New Orleans always seemed to leave a bad taste in a few visitors’ mouths. Henry B. Whipple, who eventually became the Episcopal Bishop of Minnesota, visited New Orleans in 1844. In his diary, he wrote, “Drinking is an awful vice here.”
Whipple may have been alluding to New Orleans being a lush city due to the wide variety of spirits available at the time. Perhaps the idea of having an excessive amount of alcohol would lead to salacious behavior. While that can be very true, what did emerge from this copious amount of liquor was experiments, enterprise, and camaraderie.
An Italian immigrant named Joseph Santini opened a coffeehouse called Jewel of the South in 1833. His experiments with cocktails revolutionized the drinking culture in New Orleans by simply adding citrus into cocktails. His inclusion of citrus jump started the creation of citrus forward cocktails like the Sidecar and margarita.
CONCLUSION
New Orleans has always fought to continue and maintain her relationship with alcohol. Our love for booze transitioned into culture, community, business ventures, and good times. New Orleans may be a little slow presently with economic progression; however, the city has been able to uphold her identity and traditions throughout centuries. The craft cocktail bars we know and love today would not have been embraced had it not been for New Orleans doubling down on the favorability of alcohol.
Craft cocktail bars are able to flourish in New Orleans because the buying, selling, and consumption of alcohol are socioeconomically woven into the fabric of the city. To locals, alcohol is not about getting drunk. It’s about enhancing the social experience and reconnecting with people. Plus, you deserve to have a drink that tastes just as exquisite as your food.
TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT
By Joey Cirilo
Local Irish Bars to Visit for Beer & Shot Specials
New Orleans, a city overflowing with enigmatic charm, has long been a haven for revelers and raconteurs alike. Its 300-year plus history is etched in the facades of its storied bars and pubs that dot the streets of their respective neighborhoods dating back to the early 19th century.
From the age of the palatial Creole mansions to the rise of the French Quarter’s lively and idiosyncratic nightlife, New Orleans bars have evolved from simple taverns serving locals and the occasional ill-meaning passerby to iconic, storied establishments. They draw in crowds from around the world yearning to spend their hard-earned dollars at a destination that is perhaps a bit too eager at times to willingly accept every penny.
Amidst this spirited backdrop, a particular breed of bar has made its unmistakable imprint—the Irish pub. One could, with conviction, state that the Irish pub is the debased yet charming cousin of the classic New Orleans tavern—less about illustrious fare and jazz trios and more about the perfect pour on a hearty pint, as well as the proper joint to catch a fútbol (soccer) match. Irish pubs in New Orleans have carved out their own niche, offering a blend of the Emerald Isle’s familiar ambiance with a touch of Crescent City flair. Dark-stained wood with a polished finish and dim lighting meets New Orleans accents and flashing Abita beer signage hanging loosely from a fixture above the bar. A world in which an Irish folk tune and a jazz standard intermingling wouldn’t cause a patron to bat an eye.
While the city has its share of these vigorous hubs of drunken social interaction at a far more than reasonable cost, surprisingly, only a small handful of them offer up a distinctive affordable pairing sure to foster a sense of celebration and camaraderie—the beer and a shot special.
Here are the Irish pubs in New Orleans pridefully inviting you in for a beer and a shot.
ERIN ROSE
A bar where locals and visitors put aside their geographical differences to raise a pint in unison (a rarity), Erin Rose is beloved by all. If one were to tell you otherwise, heed it as a warning—they are not to be trusted.
Those who have experienced Erin Rose acknowledge the palpable magic contained within its walls. Or perhaps that is merely the Frozen Irish Coffees speaking? Nonetheless, it’s a can’t miss. Every Monday through Wednesday from 6 p.m. through close, their service industry special takes care of those who take care of us—$6 PBR or Miller High Life with a shot.
FINN McCOOL’S IRISH PUB
A.K.A. “Finn’s,” the Mid-City counterpart to The Holy Ground. Or is it the other way around? Semantics. Finn’s operates on a pillar of three simple yet vital principles: Irish whiskey, beer, and sports. It is not up for debate, this is the premiere viewing destination for sports in New Orleans, particularly international matches. Additionally, their trivia night is a sure-fire good time and their bar menu is second to none.
A small yet mighty window in the back dishes out piping-hot classics from fish and chips to corned beef and sauerkraut, Scotch eggs, and more. Start your weekend early on a Thursday, where you can purchase a PBR with a shot of well whiskey for $5.
MOLLY’S AT THE MARKET
On the fringes of the French Quarter on Decatur Street, you will find, or just maybe—if you’re lucky—stumble into, Molly’s at the Market. Molly’s offers the quintessential warm, beguiling Irish pub environment with a dash of New Orleans quirkiness.
Both well-known and hard to find local beers are made available. The photobooth, tucked away in plain sight in the back corner, is an inebriated go-to. And daily—with no substitutes allowed—you are gifted a Miller High Life with a shot of Jameson for $6.50. RIP, Mr. Wu.
PARASOL’S
You know the bar is good when its “website” is a redirect to its Facebook page. Welcome to Parasol’s, nestled smack-dab in the heart of the Irish Channel (fitting). The bar features a diverse selection of beers and spirits, creating a perfect spot for enjoying a casual drink (or 10).
Their firecracker shrimp po-boy may just very well be the most underrated po-boy in the entire city. A friendly staff, cozy atmosphere, cheap drinks, and an open door. What more can one ask for? Daily, a Miller High Life with a shot of Jameson or Tully is yours for $7. That’s 5.30 in pound sterling.
THE CHANNEL
What once served as Tracey’s at the intersection of Magazine and Third Street is now home to The Channel, Parasol’s sister bar. A more modern Irish establishment with a nod to classic pub aesthetics, a soft launch took place in August while management got their feet underneath them. But make no mistake, The Channel is open for business.
A large, sleek bar with comfortable seating greets you upon entering. A diverse selection of craft beers and cocktails accompanied with a full menu will have you planted longer than you initially anticipated. Their beer and a shot offering mirrors Parasol’s—Miller High Life with a shot of Jameson or Tully for $7. Order their potato skins.
THE HOLY GROUND IRISH PUB
Planted firmly on the corner of Canal Street and Norman C Francis Parkay lies The Holy Ground, an Irish pub adored by locals and largely unknown to tourists. For an aptly named Irish watering hole, there certainly seems to be a good bit of sinning taking place on the premises. Once inside, $6 imperial pints of Guinness are made available at all hours and 30+ high-end whiskeys and bourbons are prominently displayed. Best of all is their shot and a beer special.
Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. through—insert shrug emoji—and for only $6.50, one can thirstily throw back a 16 oz. Modelo, Coors Banquet, Busch, or PBR to chase a brimming shot of Tully (Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey) Sláinte!
AIRPORT BAR GU DE
Bar Sazerac
Concourse B
Near Gate B2
Bar Sazerac is named after what many consider the world's first mixed cocktail. This spot gracefully embodies the grand history of drinking and socializing in New Orleans and serves food from Dook's.
Leah’s Kitchen
Outside Concourse B
Wit h the help of grandson Edgar
Leah's Kitchen pays homage to the late "Queen of Creole Cuisine", Leah Chase. Passengers can enjoy Southern staples and great drinks.
Cure
Concourse B
Near Gate 6
Cure, by Neal Bodenheimer and Kirk
Estinopal is a 2018 James Beard Award Winner for Outstanding Cocktail Program, is a sophisticated New Orleans cocktail bar rooted in providing guests an experience that is both healthful and enjoyable.
The Club MSY
Outside Concourse A
A sanctuary past security control, guests will fly fully restored from the stresses of traveling to the airport after a visit to this lounge. Guests can unwind and relax taking advantage of light refreshments, drinks and newspapers.
Vino Volo
Outside Concourse A
Vino Volo is a great spot for wine and cocktail lovers alike. Passengers can try a variety of wines with a tasting flight and enjoy delicious food from local eateries.
Emeril’s Table
Concourse B
Near Gate B10
Emeril's Table is where to go to dine in style at MSY with mouthwatering appetizers, satisfying main plates, and an extensive wine list.
By Amy Kirk Duvoisin
Louisiana is not a huge brewery state compared to the likes of Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, or Colorado, all of which have impressive per capita brewery stats. But not everything NOLA does well has to be as big as, say, our Mardi Gras parades or our potholes. We do plenty of amazing things on a smaller scale, and these things always have a unique New Orleans flair and flavor that set us apart from your standard American statistics.
In New Orleans, we have about a dozen active breweries, give or take a few per year. According to a 2022 Biz New Orleans article, Louisiana has the second fewest breweries per capita in the country. A big reason for our smaller numbers is simply our laws. “Look at any state that has low breweries per capita and you’ll find laws that hinder growth,” said Jeremy Labadie, co-author of New Orleans Beer: A Hoppy History of Big Easy Brewing
According to Meagen Moreland, co-owner of the recently closed Happy Raptor Distilling, “The cost of entry into the market, combined with shipping, legal, and distribution restrictions, is exorbitant. There is simply not the cash flow, resources, or support for small business in the state to support an emerging market in this industry. Without the resources to ship or distribute, local businesses have to rely on the more traditional tourism and hospitality avenues, which took a sharp nosedive during and after the pandemic.”
“They struggle from many of the same issues that small independent restaurants struggle with,” said Senior VP of Communications for the Louisiana Restaurant Association Wendy Waren. “The first is a lack of adequate working capital to cover their expenses when business slows in the summer. Second is the lack of ability to borrow additional capital due to operating out of a leased property. Third is that, due to the first two, it is difficult to build a brand other than through word of mouth.”
Natural disasters don’t help us either. Happy Raptor Distilling closed in 2024, and Hurricane Ida was one of the reasons. “We lost more in hard costs and potential revenue in Ida than I could have predicted, but many craft beer establishments were even more greatly impacted,” Moreland said.
But on a “hoppier” note, despite all these obstacles, “New Orleans and Louisiana have a culture that is so vastly different than anywhere else in America that our beer matches our amazing cuisine, our hodge-podge of cultures, and our propensity to socialize,” according to Labadie.
As Edward Branley, aka New Orleans History Guy, whose blog of the same name includes a comprehensive history of local beer brewing, also pointed out, “There’s more to a ‘beer culture’ than number of breweries. We live in a hot and humid climate, and cold beer is a cure for that. Long before folks sat in a beer garden, having a local artisanal IPA, they sat on the front porch, drinking a cold Falstaff. Beer is the main staple at a crawfish boil, a church
parish fair, or a bunch of folks sitting in the den watching the Saints.”
And while we may be more of a cocktail and cuisine town than a beer town, “cocktails don’t work for washing down a plate of red beans on a Monday,” Branley noted.
But why do tourists come for our cocktails more than our beer?
According to Labadie, this likely has to do with New Orleans’ history. “If you look at countries like France and Spain, neither country is really known for their brewing. But cocktails and wine? Definitely.”
However, Labadie noted, in our earlier days, German immigration changed not just New Orleans but the entire US beer landscape. In 1907, German immigrant George Dixie opened Dixie Brewery. It operated nearly one century until Hurricane Katrina destroyed its Tulane Avenue brewery. Despite making a comeback thanks to Tom and Gayle Benson, the plant closed at the end of 2023. Many other breweries opened by German immigrants in the 1870s and 1880s closed due to Prohibition. Eventually, New Orleans’ growing tourism industry and reputation for fine cuisine caused beer demands to lessen even more.
“Tourists didn’t come for beer. They came for the ‘exotic, European’ charm of the city. That wasn’t German lager. They sought out the Sazerac, Absinthe Frappe, or the Ramos Gin Fizz—even the French 75. They came for the restaurants rather than bars,” Branley said.
The craft beer movement of the 1980s and 1990s impacted New Orleans, but not as much as other cities. Abita Brewery opened in 1986, and Crescent City Brewhouse opened in the French Quarter in 1991. It wasn’t until a few years after Katrina that our craft brewery scene fully emerged, and it continues to evolve creatively. Here are the additional New Orleansbased breweries still in operation post-Katrina, post-Ida, and post-pandemic:
• NOLA Brewing (2008)
• Courtyard Brewery (2014)
• Second Line Brewery (2015)
• Urban South (2016)
• Brieux Carré (2017)
• Parleaux Beer Lab (2017)
• Port Orleans Brewing Co. (2017)
• Miel Taproom (2018)
• Zony Mash Beer Project (2019)
• Oak Street Brewery (2021)
• Skeeta Hawk Brewing (2022)
• Brewery Saint X (2023)
• Care Forgot Beer Craft (Humid Beer) (2023)
• Ecology Beer Creative (2023)
It is encouraging to see that new breweries are opening in NOLA each year, but they will require even more resilience. The war between Russia and Ukraine is having an impact on the price of barley, and with rising costs of aluminum, everyone in the brewing world is feeling the stress. It’s enough to drive beer fans to drink, which is exactly what you should do. The dollars you spend on your relaxation can help keep these local beer crafts afloat.
MUSIC CALENDAR
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3
AllWays Lounge Lucy Grant
Bacchanal Wine Noah Young, Stephen Menold
Broadside T Marie
Buffa’s Some Like It Hot!, The Pfister Sisters, Sunny Duval
Cafe Negril Next Level Band, Paggy Prine
Chickie Wah Wah Distillation, Noa Jamir
Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans
Streetbeat Band
Howlin Wolf DJ Rob Swift, Hot 8 Brass Band, GLTTRAVE
Jazz National Historical Park Johnette
Downing Joy Theater iDKHOW
Mahogany Jazz Hall Charu Suri
Marigny Opera House Versipel
St. Pat’s Irish Coffeehouse Celtic Music Session
The Jazz Playhouse Richard “Piano” Scott
Tipitina’s George Porter
Trattoria Barnett Or Shovaly Plus
Treme Hideaway Big 6 Brass Band
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4
AllWays Lounge
Balcony Music Club
Buffa’s
Cafe Negril
Crescent City Brewhouse
Streetbeat Band
Hi Ho Lounge
Howlin Wolf
New Orleans Jazz Museum
Masterclass Series
Poorboys Bar Siberia
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5
AllWays Lounge Lucy Grant
Bacchanal Wine Amari Ansari
Bar Métier Or Shovaly Plus
Bayou Bar at the Pontchartrain Cryptic, Peter Harris
Buffa’s Alex McMurray
Cafe Negril Next Level Band, Paggy Prine
Chickie Wah Wah Gabe Lee, King Margo
Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans
Streetbeat Band
Hi Ho Lounge Sporty’s Brass Band
House of Blues Wale
Howlin Wolf Sariyah Idan
Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl DJ Maynor
Spotted Cat Music Club Smoking Time Jazz Club
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Algiers Music & Artists Studio Betty Shirley
AllWays Lounge Lucy Grant
Buffa’s Jelly Biscuit
Café Degas Double Whisky
Cafe Negril Next Level Band, Paggy Prine
Chickie Wah Wah Jesse Roper
Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans
Streetbeat Band
Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport
Okay Bar Night Medicine, Hard Fun, Daymares
Siberia Easy Honey
Snug Harbor The Dewdrops
The Howlin Wolf
Bevels, Lyle Hutchins
The Jazz Playhouse
University of New Orleans
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7
Another Bar Apple Barrel Bar
Beanlandia
Buffa’s
Cafe Negril
Carousel Lounge
Chickie Wah Wah
Crescent City Brewhouse
Streetbeat Band
Hilton New Orleans Riverside Louisiana
American Choral Directors
House of Blues Fab Four
Joy Theater Cavetown
Le Bon Temps Roule Soul Rebels
Marigny Opera House Desire Path
Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl Horace Trahan, Ossun Express
Okay Bar Rattlesnake Milk, Andrew Jobin
Orpheum Theater Felipe Esparza
Peacock Room Da Lovebirds
Saenger Theatre Avett Brothers
Siberia Ando San, Felix Martin
Spanish Plaza 2nd Lion Band, Hector
Gallardo, Cuban All Stars
The Broadside Louisiana Philharmonic
Orchestra
University of New Orleans Musical
Excursions, Trio Castus
Vaughan’s Lounge Corey Henry, Treme Funktet
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8
Bacchanal Wine Willie Green
Broadside Soul Brass Band, DJ Derrick
Smoker
Buffa’s Adam Rogers, Beth Patterson
Cafe Negril Next Level Band, Paggy Prine
Chickie Wah Wah BeauSoleil, Michael Doucet
Constantinople Stage Helen Gillet
Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans
Beatstreet Band
Dew Drop Inn Hotel & Lounge LOVERS & FRIENDS
Fillmore New Orleans David
Kushner
Hilton New Orleans
Riverside Louisiana American
Choral Directors
House of Blues Daphne
Parker Powell
Howlin Wolf Solomon Fox, Noa Jamir
Le Bon Temps Roulé Lynn
Drury, Kyle Sharamitaro
Mahalia Jackson Theater
New Orleans Opera
Maple Leaf Bar South Austin
Moonlighters
Marigny Opera House
Geovane Santos
New Orleans Jazz Museum
AsheSon
Orpheum Theater Tipping
Point
Saenger Theatre Bonnie Raitt
Santos Bar TASSEL
Spotted Cat Music Club
Paradise Jazz Band
The Maison Feral House Cats
Tipitina’s Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Trinity Episcopal Church Chip Wilson, Paul Weber
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9
Armstrong Park Brass-A-
Tipitina’s Papa Plays The Nite Tripper
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Armstrong Park Soul Rebels, Charmaine
Neville Band, Naydja CoJoe
BK House & Gardens Teena May
Buffa’s Meryl Zimmerman Quartet
Cafe Negril Next Level Band, Paggy Prine
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13
Balcony Music
Club Daphne Parker
Powell
Buffa’s Chris
Chickie Wah Wah Fimone, Lynn Drury, Stella
Prince
Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans
Streetbeat Band
Crescent City Farmers Market Frenchie Moe, Scott Perro
House of Blues Majid Jordan
Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band
Mahalia Jackson Theater New Orleans Opera
Old Point Bar Jon Sheckler
Orpheum Theater EmmyLou Harris, Grace
Potter, Jon Cleary
Saenger Theatre Intocable
Saturn Bar Tobias Lund, Amethyst Starr
St. Pat’s Irish Coffeehouse Celtic Music
Session
The Jazz Playhouse Arsène DeLay
Treme Hideaway Big 6 Brass Band
TIPPING POINT AT ORPHEUM
Holics, Tonya Boyd-Cannon, Treme Brass Band
Bacchanal Wine Amari Ansari
Buffa’s Freddie Blue & The Friendship Circle
Cafe Negril Bon Bon Vivant, Next Level Band, Paggy Prine
Chickie Wah Wah Louis Michot
Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans
Streetbeat Band
Dew Drop Inn Hotel & Lounge Mikhala
Iverson
Henry Guidry Memorial Park Dustin Sonnier, Geno Delafose
Hi Ho Lounge Soul Sister
Hilton New Orleans Riverside Louisiana
American Choral Directors
Hyatt Centric French Quarter New Orleans
Jamey St. Pierre
Joy Theater Local Natives
Le Bon Temps Roulé James Jordan and The Situation, The Tanglers
Metropolitan MitiS
Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl Wiseguys
Okay Bar Chris Acker, Rowan Newby, Alejandro Skalany, Roy’s Orb
Roosevelt Hotel Leslie Martin
Siberia Spiter, Diabolus, Cemetery Frost
Spotted Cat Music Club Soul Brass Band
The Howlin Wolf Cousin Tiera, Vibe Doctors
The Jazz Playhouse Richard “Piano” Scott
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Buffa’s Doyle Cooper, Yoshitaka “Z2” Tsuji
Cafe Negril Next Level Band, Paggy Prine
Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans
Streetbeat Band
Hi Ho Lounge Bluegrass Pickin’ Party
The National WWII Museum Victory Belles
Vignette
Tigerman Den Jolie Holland, Anna Moss
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Bacchanal Wine Amari Ansari
Buffa’s Alex McMurray
Cafe Negril Next Level Band, Paggy Prine
Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans
Streetbeat Band
Destrehan Plantation Les Bons-Riens, Ryan
Foret and Foret Tradition
Hi Ho Lounge Sporty’s Brass Band
House of Blues Queensrÿche
Jefferson Perf Arts Center Judy Collins
Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl Latin Night with DJ Maynor
Siberia Toxhards
Spotted Cat Music Club Smoking Time Jazz Club
Beroes-Haigis, Jennie Brent, Gabrielle Fischler
Café Degas Double Whisky
Cafe Negril The Next Level Band, Paggy Prine
Chickie Wah Wah Jon Cleary Solo
Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans
Streetbeat Band
Destrehan Plantation Kayla Woodson, Bad Habit
Okay Bar Clare Doyle, Michael Gay, Jojo Pepp
Orpheum Theater Esperanza Spalding
Saturn Bar Little Lizard, Stove, Code Black
The Broadside Alfred Banks
The Howlin Wolf Geoffrey Asmus, Rootbeer
Richie, Reveille
The Jazz Playhouse Big Sam University of New Orleans Adi Meyerson
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Apple Barrel Bar Bubbles Brown
Beanlandia Treme Brass Band
Buffa’s Tom McDermott, Tim Laughlin
Cafe Negril Next Level Band, Paggy Prine
Carousel Lounge Leslie Martin
Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans
Streetbeat Band
Hi Ho Lounge Grateful Dead, Phish Nerd Band
Jefferson Perf Arts Center Amy Grant
Le Bon Temps Roule Captain Buckles
Le Petit Theatre Big Easy Beat
Loyola University New Orleans Loyola Jazz Ensemble
Peacock Room Da Lovebirds
Spanish Plaza Minos the Saint, Joy Clark Vaughan’s Lounge Corey Henry, Treme Funktet
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Bacchanal Wine Willie Green
Buffa’s Adam Rogers
Cafe Negril Next Level Band, Paggy Prine Carrollton Station Night Kitchen, Sweet Magnolia
Chickie Wah Wah Song Dogs, Kaspar ‘Berry’ Rapkin, Swamp Dogs
Tipitina’s Greensky Bluegrass
MUSIC CALENDAR
Siberia Rav, Kill Bill
Spotted Cat Music Club Big Fun Brass Band
The Howlin Wolf Dante Rusciolelli, Rebekah Kochan
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16
AllWays Lounge Betsy Propane
ARORA JoJo & Tinzo
Brookshire Grocery Arena Creed
Cafe Negril Next Level Band, Paggy Prine
Chickie Wah Wah Wolves Of Glendale
Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans
Streetbeat Band
Balcony Music Club Lil Red & Big Bad
Buffa’s Doyle Cooper, Yoshitaka “Z2” Tsuji
Cafe Negril Next Level Band, Paggy Prine
Capulet T Marie, Bayou Juju
Orleans Streetbeat Band
Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport
Fillmore New Orleans Polo G
New Orleans Jazz Museum U.S. Army Field
Cafe Negril The Next Level Band, Paggy Prine
Chickie Wah Wah Jenn Howard
City Park Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Amanda Shaw and the Cute Guys
Constantinople Stage Mike Doussan Duo
Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans
Streetbeat Band
Dew Drop Inn Hotel & Lounge
Mikhala Iverson
Festival Grounds Beignet Fest Jon
Cleary, Big Sam, Amanda Shaw
Front Art Gallery Greazy Alice, Slow Motion Cowboys
House of Blues Or Shovaly Plus
Hyatt Centric French Quarter New Orleans Mark Brooks Trio
Jefferson Perf Arts Center New Orleans Smooth Jazz Jam
Joy Theater Currents The Plot In You
Le Bon Temps Roule Float Like A Buffalo, Pocket Chocolate
Le Petit Theatre Big Easy Beat
Loyola University New Orleans
Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra
PJ’s Coffeehouse Valerie Sassyfras
Roosevelt Hotel Leslie Martin
The Boot DJ PRESS PLAY
Tipitina’s Jagged Little Pill
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17
Buffa’s Some Like It Hot!, Steve Pistorius & His Porch Pals
Mardi Gras World King Gizzard & The Lizard
Wizard
New Orleans Jazz Market T-Ray & The Trendsetters
St. Pat’s Irish Coffeehouse The Celtic Music
Session
The Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band
The Jazz Playhouse Richard “Piano” Scott
Tipitina’s The Iceman Special Treme Hideaway Big 6 Brass Band
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18
ZEBRA AT FILLMORE
Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans
Streetbeat Band
Hi Ho Lounge Bluegrass Pickin’ Party
Poorboys Bar Decompression Mondays
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19
Buffa’s Alex McMurray
Bar Métier Salvador Avila
Cafe Negril Next Level Band, Paggy Prine
Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans
Streetbeat Band
Hi Ho Lounge Sporty’s Brass Band Loyola University
New Orleans hard rock band Zebra will visit the Fillmore as a part of their 2024 Tour. The band is in the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame and has many popular songs, including “Who’s Behind The Door,” “Bears,” and “Tell Me What You Want.” November 22-23, 8 p.m., $67 to $162, livenation.com
New Orleans Loyola
Jazz Workshop & Training Bands
Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl DJ Maynor
Paradigm Gardens
Cactus Thief
Spotted Cat Music Club Smoking Time Jazz Club The Howlin Wolf
Band Jazz Ambassadors
Orpheum Theater Kristin Chenoweth
The Jazz Playhouse Big Sam University of New Orleans Jamison Ross
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21
Another Bar Fox Robinson Apple Barrel Bar Bubbles Brown
Beanlandia Treme Brass Band
Buffa’s Tom McDermott, Antoine Diel
Cafe Negril Next Level Band, Paggy Prine Carousel Lounge Leslie Martin Chickie Wah
Bryan Bielanski, Tashi Delay
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20
Buffa’s Joe Krown Café Degas Double Whisky Cafe Negril Next Level Band, Paggy Prine
Crescent City Brewhouse New
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22
Bacchanal
Buffa’s
Pop superstar Justin Timberlake’s “Forget Tomorrow” World Tour will take
Monday,
LAKESIDE2RIVERSIDE
LOUISIANA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
November 2 to December 8 | larf2023.org
Over the course of six weekends, from 9:45 a.m. until 5 p.m., the Louisiana Renaissance Festival will present the English village of Albright, embodying and demonstrating key features and aspects of life during the 16th century. Celebrating the culture, art, and broad history of the Renaissance period, the festival will feature delicious themed-food with flavors from around the world, exciting entertainment, and shopping. Each weekend, the festival will embody a different theme, from vikings to pirates and more. Tickets, which are required and should be purchased online, start at $24 for adults and $12 for children.
JEFFERSON PARISH
LOUISIANA
OYSTER TRAIL
November 3-9 | visitjeffersonparish.com
From November 3 through 9, restaurants across Jefferson Parish invite you to enjoy fresh Louisiana oysters at a discounted price. Explore their culinary achievements and the authentic local flavors during the Jefferson Parish Oyster Trail Week. Participating restaurants include: Acme Oyster House, Don’s Seafood, Short Stop Poboys, and many more. Each participating restaurant will boast a three-foot-tall oyster sculpture, created and designed by a multitude of local artists. Experience one of the state’s best delicacies and visit over 17 restaurants serving up tasty fresh oysters at a discounted price.
NEW ORLEANS OPERA PRESENTS "SAMSON AND DELILAH"
November 8 & 10 | neworleansopera.org
A tale of love, betrayal, and passion, Samson and Delilah is a romantic, biblical drama that has been loved for decades. The New Orleans Opera will host the Grammy Awardwinning Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra performing alongside talented soloists including Limmie Pulliam, Raehann Bryce-Davis, and Alfred Walker to present this beloved drama. On Friday, November 8 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, November 10, at 2:30 p.m., the Mahalia Jackson Theater invites guests to embark on this fierce journey and enjoy the theatrical masterpiece that is Samson and Delilah Tickets start at $10 and range in price.
TREMÉ CREOLE GUMBO FESTIVAL
November 9 & 10 | jazzandheritage.org
A weekend celebration of music, food, and culture, the Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival is a free event that will return on Saturday, November 9 through Sunday, November 10 at Louis Armstrong Park. Featuring an extensive live music schedule, the fest will include performances by Kelly Love Jones, Brass-A-Holics, Charmaine Neville Band, and more. Local chefs will serve up a diverse and authentic selection of gumbo, as well as other New Orleans festival food. The two full days of festivities will run from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. All are invited, and no tickets are required for entry.
THREE RIVERS ART FESTIVAL
November 9 & 10 | covingtonthreeriversartfestival.com
Hosting over 200 artists and spanning across several city blocks in downtown Covington, the Three Rivers Arts Festival is a celebration of local arts and culture. Featuring live music, a multitude of art sold by local artists, and delicious food and drinks by Hocus Smokus, Tacos Y Birria, Rue 435, and more. The Three Rivers Arts Festival is a familyfriendly event that will include a children’s area, children’s performances, and a student art competition. Visit downtown Covington on Saturday, November 9 and Sunday, November 10 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and explore local art.
CRESCENT CITY
MOONLIGHT MARKET
November 14 | marketumbrella.org
The Crescent City Moonlight Market is a fundraising event that will celebrate local farms and farmers that help to feed and nourish the Greater New Orleans community. It will feature pop-ups—including popular local restaurants Saba, Paella Nola, and Mr. Mao—specialty cocktails, craft beer, live music, and raffles. This fundraiser will benefit Market Umbrella and the Crescent City Farmers Market, which are on a mission to connect buyers with their farmers, fisherman, and food makers broadly. The event will take place on November 14 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at The Station on the Lafitte Greenway.
VIRTUAL AUTHOR TALKS Celebrating
Thursday, November 7, 6pm
The Paranormal Ranger: A Navajo Investigator’s Search for the Unexplained by Stanley Milford, Jr.
nolalibrary.co/paranormal-ranger
Wednesday, November 20, 6pm
nolalibrary.co/council-dolls A Council of Dolls by Mona Susan Power
Registration required. Register using the url or QR code for each event.
METAL IN METAIRIE
The ’80s Still Has a Faint Heartbeat
There
are some locations that you can visit and, for a brief moment, wonder if you’ve stepped into an anomaly in the space-time continuum. For a second or two, you may question reality
or your own sanity.
By Donald Rickert
Here in the Greater New Orleans area, maybe you, too, can experience an occasional evening of stepping back in time to the era of ‘80s metal, almost as if you’re a low-tech Marty McFly.
Before COVID, these events were more regular than the occasional occurrence that they are now. Back then, it wasn’t unusual to roll into Hurricanes Sports Bar, for example, or some other bar and feel as though you were suddenly in the mid-80s, including the hairstyles and fashion. Some of them even had that haze of cigarette smoke, since smoking in bars in Jefferson Parish still seems to be a thing.
Why is this genre seemingly the standard in Metairie? “Metairie has always kind of had a continuum of your old school rockers. That kind of was the place they accumulated,” Steve Blaze, guitarist and founding member of one of the biggest rock bands to come out of New Orleans, Lillian Axe, observed.
Derrick LeFevre, who sings and fronts Rock Show NOLA, Phaze V NOLA, Contraflow, Floodline, and others (he was also the singer for Lillian Axe in the early aughts), joked, “I’m from this area, so I’m trying to stick close to home.” He also noted that “these people grew up on this stuff just like I did, so they gotta go hang out somewhere
to hear it still. So that’s why we still exist.”
So much has changed since the ’80s, when ’80s metal was in its heyday. Blaze noted, “The biggest difference is the lack of venue. There are not as many venues. Back in the early days, every city, from Shack Bay to Larose, to Thibodaux, to Houma, to the Lights Fantastic in Cutoff, Louisiana—Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Monroe, Metairie, Chalmette—every city had rock clubs. We’d play Hammond on a Wednesday night for four or five hundred people. We’d go to Lafayette on a Wednesday night and do the same thing.”
Some of the old venues just don’t exist any more. A lot of factors could be at hand: changing times, Katrina, COVID, etc. Blaze recalled some other old venues he used to play with Lillian Axe as they were starting to make their way, and he mentioned, “Stan’s Hard Rock out at the Lakefront. I could probably write a hundred different venues just down in Louisiana that we played over the years. There were a lot of them but very few right now.”
LeFevre recollected, “There seemed like there was a club on every block in Fat City: the Quarter Note, the Show Boat. You could probably play every night of the week if you wanted to. But Fat City pretty much got shut down once Cynthia Lee Sheng took office. I think they
kind of wanted to revamp that entire area, so a lot of those places don’t exist anymore.” He also added, “There are really not a whole lot of clubs left like they used to be. COVID killed a lot. It changed the environment.” Granted, music goes through changes, and tastes and opinions vary with the times. “Music seems like it always works in cycles,” LeFevre observed. “It’s like you’ll go through a cycle of this thing. It seems like the classic rock and stuff was in for a little bit. Now, it’s starting to seem like the ’90s stuff is coming back again, so it’s constantly changing.”
Blaze had a similar remark, “Rock ‘n’ roll music is always going to be around. It’s always going to take punches. It’s going to go in cycles. With everything, it’s going to go in cycles.”
Take, for example, one of these changes that both musicians are currently a part of—acoustic duos. Both Blaze and LaFevre play in their own acoustic duo. Blaze said, “We play everywhere, from the Tap Room—we got hired for a bridal shower, if you can imagine that—to St. Ann Wine Bar.”
“I kind of break it up between different bands, so I get a little taste of everything,” LaFevre noted when talking about his various bands. With his acoustic duo, he said, “We’ve been doing some gigs over at DBC, and then we also got some gigs coming up at Moonshine Bar and Grill.”
That acoustic switch-up isn’t the only avenue that both musicians explore. “I’ve got another side project called Maiden LA. It’s an Iron Maiden tribute,” Blaze mentioned. “We’ll play at Southport Hall.”
Rock Show NOLA, one of LeFevre’s bands, does regular tributes to various bands from the ‘80s, including Journey, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, and Styx. He also mentioned playing Southport Hall occasionally and Rock ‘N’ Bowl, as well.
His other bands play around, too. “The main places that we play around Metairie are Whiskey Cowboy Saloon on Causeway, Moonshine Bar and Grill, which is on Rye Street right across from where Clearview Mall is. And then there’s Hurricanes.”
While both musicians are busy playing, it’s not the same as it once was. “I don’t know if it’s because the crowd is changing or there’s so many other places around,” LeFevre observed. Blaze ventured that the major difference is a lack of “hiring bands and putting on live music. They don’t pay. It’s sad because it used to not be like that.”
While you can definitely still go out and venture into the ‘80s on occasion, the local Greater New Orleans scene isn’t as happening and populated as it once was. The cutting edge has phased into nostalgia. Blaze wistfully mused, “I wish it could return to having a thriving, local music scene again.”
11/7 11pm Soul Rebels
11/8 9pm Lynn Drury 11pm Kyle Sharamitaro
11/9 9pm Tanglers String Band 11pm James Jordan and The Situation
11/14 11pm Captain Buckles
11/15 9pm Read the Room 11pm Signature Dish
11/16 9 pm Pocket Chocolate 11 pm Float Like a Buffalo
11/21 11pm Soul Rebels
11/22 11pm Jason Daniels Band
11/23 9pm Paul Faith & the Barstool Prophets 11pm Grits & Greens
11/27 9pm Cardboard Cowboy
11/28 11pm Soul Rebels
11/29 9pm Retrofit 11pm Caleb Tokarska
11/30 11pm Beach Angel
BEYOND WORDS
Words & Music Festival
By Michelle Nicholson
Born by the Pirate’s Alley
Faulkner Society in 1997, Words & Music Festival has become one of New Orleans’ cornerstone events of the fall.
Much anticipated by lovers, scholars, and makers of literary art from here and abroad, the festival is now orchestrated by One Book One New Orleans (OBONO), a local nonprofit dedicated to building community and creating opportunities that support literacy and the arts. This November, the festival returns to the gorgeous André Callioux Center and promises to enlighten, entertain, and inspire everyone involved.
In an interview this summer, OBONO’s executive director Megan Holt proclaimed her excitement over this year’s lineup. Some events offer insights, as well as practical support and guidance, to professional writers. In particular, Holt said, “We’re also excited about a workshop, ‘Know Your (Copy) Rights,’ facilitated by attorney Bri Whetstone and author Alysha Rooks. Authors will learn more about what to expect regarding ownership of their work, things to look out for in the age of digital publishing, and more.”
Holt was especially stoked that this year’s Words & Music Festival will offer an extra-special visit with an international artist. “Amanda McIntyre, a scholar from Trinidad who focuses on the tradition of masking as baby dolls in her country, will be in dialogue with Dr. Kim Vaz-Deville, a scholar on the New Orleans baby doll masking tradition,” Holt said. “Two culture bearers who currently mask as baby dolls—one from each country—will join them as well. I cannot wait to learn more about how New Orleans and Trinidad are connected through this tradition.”
Once-in-a-lifetime experiences abound at Words & Music, the fruit of these and other creative collaborations among artists across many genres, all connected through New Orleans and by OBONO. “For the past few years, we have highlighted the work of the Historic New Orleans Collection at one festival session, and this year is going to be incredible,” Holt said. “Louisiana Poet Laureate Alison Pelegrin has commissioned a group of poets to write pieces in response to the HNOC’s exhibit Captive State: Louisiana and the Making of Mass Incarceration. Words & Music gets to host the debut reading of this work.”
Many of the events Holt herself looks forward to the most are Words & Music rituals. “Every year I look forward to two of our signature readings, a tribute reading curated by Kelly Harris-DeBerry and Po’Boys & Poets curated by Stacey Balkun,” Holt disclosed. “These two have been with the festival since 2018, and watching their vision come to life each year is nothing short of magic.” With past tributes dedicated to the likes of Prince and Tina Turner, including poetry and performances by local and visiting poets, patrons return each year and are guaranteed to make memories.
In fact, one standout experience, one of Holt’s treasured memories, was made at the 2019 tribute reading to Ernest Gaines in the second year of Words & Music Festival under OBONO’s leadership. She explained, “He [Ernest
NOVEMBER 20-23 ANDRÉ CALLIOUX CENTER 2541 BAYOU RD.
Gaines] transitioned shortly before the festival, and because he was the author of the first OBONO selection, we wanted to honor him in a big way. Even though it was a last-minute addition to the festival program, so many authors showed up to give Mr. Gaines his flowers. Hearing the emotion in Dr. Jerry Ward’s voice as he read his favorite Gaines passage is a moment that will stay with me forever.”
The origin story of OBONO and their relationship with the festival is an inspiration itself. Holt shared that OBONO is “thrilled to celebrate 20 years of bringing the community together through reading this year.” In 2023 alone, OBONO put 3,221 books in the hands of readers in New Orleans. What started in 2004 as a six-week project with the Young Leadership Council—through which Gaines’ A Lesson Before Dying was selected and distributed to readers in New Orleans free of charge—has become an indispensable philanthropic network of individuals, businesses, and organizations.
OBONO has become an on going and ever-expanding endeavor in this regard, year-round, as they are constantly expanding their reach, diversifying their offerings, and expanding their initiatives through partnerships in the community. From casual events such as Sip & Social at Ralph’s on the Park and listening parties at Garden District Book Shop to book drives at breweries for their lauded Books 2 Prisoners program, OBONO is growing, with no signs of slowing down. Holt remarked on “the community’s outpouring of support for our book club inside Orleans Parish Jail” and went on to say, “We have high hopes to hold even more book club meetings in 2025.”
Holt also celebrated OBONO’s newest collaborations: “Our newest partnership is with LNML, a nonprofit literary and arts organization. We’re working together to co-administer the Patty Friedmann Writing Competition, and it’s been a joy every step of the way. We’re also really excited about our new partnership with UNO’s College of Liberal Arts, Education, and Human Development. Students and faculty will be reading our 2024 selection, Black Creole Chronicles by Mona Lisa Saloy, together, and we will work with the college to host programming focused on the book. Students will also, of course, be invited to attend our free events throughout the city.”
Providing resources and creating experiences that support and connect artists, scholars, and lovers of literature and the arts is not only typical of Words & Music Festival, it is a hallmark of OBONO’s programming and an extension of its core values and mission to increase accessibility and foster community. Even the relocation of the festival to its new home at the André Callioux Center is part of this mission. “It really feels like the right home for Words & Music, in terms of ADA accessibility, the ease of parking, and the sheer beauty of the space itself,” Holt expressed. “Plus, festival attendees get to enjoy shopping at all the locally owned businesses along Bayou Road.”
BEING THANKFUL
A New OrleansInspired Gratitude List
Gratitude provides benefits to practice year round, and New Orleans, as a city, offers many ideas of reasons to love and be thankful for living here.
When November rolls around, the topic of gratitude becomes more relevant with Thanksgiving and year end reflections right around the corner. This isn’t just in vain as practicing gratitude can provide mental and physical benefits, including overall improved mental health from lowering stress to helping to foster and improve relationships.
Gratitude is not about ignoring reality but to reflect on the good things in your life and visualizing the bigger picture. It’s recommended to practice gratitude daily. While that may seem a huge undertaking, this can manifest in many smaller ways. The holidays can be a great time of stress or sadness for many so beginning a gratitude practice now may serve as buoy during that time. Allow the many gems that make New Orleans home serve as inspiration to begin your journey.
A community of great socializers: There’s the known saying that people in the South are friendlier, but the sentiment is even stronger in this city. A place where strangers can come together as friends, from parades to Saint’s games and welcome each other like neighbors. Consider connecting further with your community by joining common interest groups, going to see live music events, and check out the calendar on our website for updated events to get out in the community.
Never being bored by the food or drinks scene: While you can’t deny the impact of Creole and Cajun cuisine here, the city is also home to a vast culture of diverse and fusion cuisines. There’s always a new spot to try. Another item of gratitude to add to the culinary scene here is that there is a meal
for someone at any price point. In honor of the holiday, consider donating to a local food bank or even invite neighbors or friends over for a meal.
A rich artistic culture: There’s no lack of creativity in the city due to the many artists and their mediums here. Find yourself immersed in these sources of inspiration by visiting galleries and shops to support local artists. Taking this time out of your schedule can also be a way to reduce stress and appreciate a more mindful and relaxed pace.
The Warehouse/Arts District is a great starting point, including Julia Street’s many galleries.
A sense of humor amongst the city’s residents: While the city has long been full of ambitious, hard workers, there is also the overarching attitude to not worry too much and appreciate the joys of life. This is a place that
By Frances Deese
doesn’t see as much rigidity or stiffness as other places. A great way to appreciate this is by attending a local comedy show, such as at The Howlin Wolf, or partaking in your own improv class such as at Big Couch, which also offers free comedy jams for improvisers.
A rich history and its sense of nostalgia: There’s a good reason there are so many museums in town, including NOMA, Ogden, and more. There’s a segment of the history here that can be of interest to anyone, and there is always something new waiting to be discovered, while also honoring the traditions that have helped craft a legacy.
Flora and fauna: New Orleans offers a distinct city feel while also including accessible connections to the outdoors and rich biodiversity. Being adjacent to the Mississippi River, Lake Pontchartrain, and countless other swampy areas, this allows for an appreciation of the other creatures that make up our vast Earth. Native plants and flowers help bring a distinct, vibrant touch. For a differing approach for holiday shopping, consider any of the three Crescent City Farmers Market locations (City Park, Uptown, or Mid-City) for local based produce and goods.
Unique architecture:
There’s a feast for the eyes here thanks to the many architectural styles that always give the eyes something new to appreciate. Consider
bringing a camera along one day to spot out your favorite buildings or book a tour with New Orleans Architecture Tours to explore more.
Nice weather days: While a given, the overall climate here means there’s many more hours in the year to be able to spend time outside, whether that involves being active, al fresco dining at a favorite restaurant or bar, or just relaxing at home on a porch. It also means a greater appreciation during times of hardship from catastrophic weather and storms, as well as a supportive community that bands together after such events.
Chicory coffee and café au laits: We all love our caffeine, and the coffee shops in this city bring a fun wow factor. The well deservingly popular chicory coffee is another bonus of this city. To honor them, try bringing a journal to your favorite establishment or a new cafe and crafting your own gratitude list.
Having enticing local events to always look forward to: New Orleans is one of the festival capitals of the world. If you’ve thought of it, there’s probably a festival for it. Jokes aside, the city’s calendar means the only way you’ll experience boredom is if you choose to.
Bonus: Knowing you live in one of the most unique and charming cities in the world, there is much to be said for a sense of contentment. While it is easy to wonder or daydream how life may be different in another place, New Orleans offers a rich life in a way that would make for a novel of a gratitude list.
A FLAVORFUL TWIST ON TRADITION A
Holiday Dishes in Louisiana
Out of all the things one can say about this city, the fact that we live by the beat of our own drum is likely the truest of truths.
Just like the state we reside in, our history and cultural background creates a place where we love to do things a bit differently than others from the music we create to the way we dance, not to mention the variety of distinct accents and the dishes that were created and cherished in Louisiana. Most things about this region of the world is as authentic as authentic gets.
The way we celebrate holidays is no different. During the holidays, families around the U.S. have their traditional favorites that are pretty true wherever you go. Dishes such as ham, turkey, stuffing, casseroles, pumpkin, and sweet potato pie are all very common and are served across the country. While houses across Louisiana cook many of the same popular dishes, we also like to often put a twist on traditional holiday dishes, blending Southern flavors with Creole and Cajun influences.
Spending the holidays with a Louisiana family, you might find a classic turkey seasoned with a spicy Creole rub or deep-fried for extra crispiness. Instead of the typical stuffing, locals often enjoy oyster dressing and sweet potato casserole may come with a pecan praline topping. Some households drift far from the traditional thanksgiving path, serving up dishes including etouffees, dirty rice, jambalaya, pralines, bread pudding with bourbon sauce, and so much more.
With so many local holiday favorites to choose from, here are some traditional favorites:
Cajun Fried Turkey
While this dish has taken the country by storm, the world can credit Louisiana for this phenomenal style of cooking turkey. From coast to coast, oven-roasted turkey is by far the most popular. But in the Deep South, where people love to fry things, deep-fried turkey has become a beloved tradition. This method became popular in the 1970s with the arrival of portable propane cookers. By the early '80s, a new and arguably tastier way of deep-frying turkey emerged. Marinade with Cajun seasonings, Cajun fried turkey displays a juicer turkey wrapped in crispy skin.
While it started in this great state, today, Cajun fried turkey is rather popular across the country, with many other states putting their regional twist on the dish.
Louisiana Creole Gumbo
Yes, it’s a fact that there are other locations that eat gumbo during the holidays. But like fried turkey, we know exactly who the originators are, and, of course, no one does Creole gumbo like Louisiana.
Louisiana Creole gumbo is a staple dish for many locals during the holidays. Growing up in the Crescent City, it was and still is one of the top dishes cooked during the cooler months, giving us a warmth of comfort from the delectable comfort dish.
Gumbo originates from the West African word for okra, which was brought over during slavery and eventually used by slaves to create what we know as the gumbo of today. Here in the Southeast, there are a variety of ways to cook gumbo. Some prefer okra and seafood gumbo, while others enjoy theirs with chicken and andouille sausage.
Stuffed Mirliton and Mirliton Casserole
Whether you like it stuffed like a bell pepper or enjoy it as a casserole, when you mention this dish around the country, many have no idea what a mirliton is, let alone the dishes we have created from the vegetable.
Why do we love it so much here? Mirliton, also known as chayote, is likely popular in Louisiana due to its adaptability to the climate of this region.
Originally introduced by early French and Spanish settlers, the vegetable quickly found a place in the local culinary arena. The exotic texture of mirliton makes it a rather versatile ingredient to include in a number of dishes.
Oyster Dressing
Across the country, it is incredibly common to see cornbread dressing on the table during the holidays. While that is also a popular dish here, many locals prefer the seafood taste of oyster dressing instead. Oyster dressing not only has roots here in Louisiana but also in New England. Yet, once again, you know who does it best? We do.
By Kimmie Tubré
The savory dish combines bread, herbs, spices, and oysters, and its origins can be traced back to the early colonial period when European settlers incorporated local oysters into their traditional bread-based stuffing recipes.
Oyster dressing gained particular popularity in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, where fresh oysters were readily available and became a staple in Creole and Cajun cooking.
Mac and Cheese with Spaghetti Noodles
Whether you call it baked macaroni or macaroni casserole, down in this part of the world, we put a spaghetti twist to the dish. While traditionally made with elbow macaroni noodles, the areas along the southeast regions of Louisiana prefer to cook this dish with spaghetti noodles, leading to its nickname “baked spaghetti.”
This dish has cultural ties in the region’s African American community, but there is little known history as to why baked macaroni is cooked this way. What is known is that for many families, this is a tradition that dates back to the family’s origin of making the dish.
Culinary historians have made claims that Thomas Jefferson’s enslaved chef, James Hemmings, created the traditional baked macaroni. However, the history behind New Orleans’ unique version of mac and cheese isn’t quite as clear. It’s possible that it was influenced by the influx of Italian immigrants to New Orleans in the early 20th century, particularly in an area nicknamed the “Spaghetti District.” But, so far, there isn’t much proof to this speculation.
With this state being rich in culture and tradition, there is no wonder why we have put our own flavorful twist on the traditional holiday dish.
FOOD NEWS
Changing hands? ... Algiers Point restaurant Tonti’s Cocktail Bar & Bistro (formerly Tonti’s Hand) has tapped a new head chef. Chet Henderson recently moved to the Point from Colorado where he worked as the corporate executive chef of the Culinary Creative Group, a hospitality company responsible for restaurants such as Aviano, Bar Dough, and Mister Oso. Everyone in the neighborhood (and beyond) is excited about the dishes Henderson is bringing to the table, which are still French but just made by different hands, from le poulet rôti (a fried buttermilk-battered chicken on a toasted potato bun with remoulade) to duck confit
By Kim Ranjbar
Omar Jamhour, and his father Chef Ayoub Jamhour recently opened Moshiko Falafel & Shawarma in the Bywater. Located next door to Wagner’s Meat on St. Claude Avenue, Moshiko is billed as a “fast casual restaurant” with Ayoub manning the rotisserie and crispy, fried, handmade, chickpea-based falafel. Moshiko is open daily for lunch and dinner. 3200 St. Claude Ave., @moshiko_nola
He’s flipped ... Uptown Mediterranean restaurant MISA has had a total menu makeover and is now a new burger spot dubbed Son of a Bun. Owner Tal Sharon, the mastermind behind Tal’s Hummus just across
with rosemary sweet potatoes and mustard sauce.
323 Verret St., (504) 264-7973, tontisbistro.com
Tutto bene! ... Folks in Gretna were crying in their cacciatore when Tony Mandina’s closed after serving Creole Italian cuisine to Westbank denizens for 40+ years, but all was not lost. Shortly after their closure, longtime Mid-City Italian joint Venezia’s (open since 1957) purchased the property and reopened to much pomp and circumstance. The new Venezia’s on Westbank Expressway has the same menu as their Carrollton Avenue location, along with the addition of tableside caesar salad service. Guests can load up on fried calamari, Gulf shrimp scampi linguine in a lemon, garlic, and butter sauce, and piles of buttery garlic bread while raising a glass to the memory of Mandina’s.
1915 Pratt St., Gretna, (504) 910-6302, venezianeworleans.com
You just can’t beat halal meat? … Three Palestinian entrepreneurs Hasan Ayyad,
rebranded the Magazine Street restaurant and is now slinging burgers, sandwiches, and fries, but the menu is not without touches of Israeliinspired cuisine including eggplant fries with tahini date sauce, crispy halloumi with lemon garlic aioli, and a veggie burger made with falafel patties.
4734 Magazine St., sonofabunburgerbar.com
La comida es vida ... Chef Maria Ruhl and her son James Ortiz recently launched a Cuban restaurant in the French Quarter called Havana 1961. In a mission to “bring the vibrant flavors and rich culture of Cuba to New Orleans,” the mother/son duo offer a menu with a wide variety of traditional Cuban dishes, including ham croquetas and papa rellenas (fried potato balls stuffed with bell pepper, onion, and ground beef), as well
as classics including ropa vieja (with stewed beef, tomatoes, and sofrito) and lechón asado (a sort of Cuban version of cochon de lait). Havana 1961 also features a wide variety of Cuban-inspired cocktails intended to “transport guests to the streets of Havana,” accented with a Santeria and Vodú twist.
239 Decatur St. @havana1961.nola
On the rise ... Popular Uptown spot Levee Baking Co., just off Magazine Street, recently expanded into the space next door, which has allowed for a larger kitchen in order to produce more amazing breads and pastries. Plus, they’ve launched a more robust breakfast and lunch menu—because who can get enough of their croissant twists with prosciutto and Gruyere? They’re also now able to host more baking workshops, so go learn how to sourdough with some of the best bakers in New Orleans.
3138 Magazine St., Ste. D, (504) 3548708, leveebakingco.com
An ambitious dish ... The uber-plushy, New York-born sushi chain Nobu just opened a location inside the now completed Caesars New Orleans. A “universally celebrated restaurant” recognized for pioneering a new style of Japanese cuisine, the menu features signature dishes created by Chef Nobu Matsushisa including black cod miso and rock shrimp tempura. Don your finest garb and don’t forget your platinum chopsticks for $9 plates of edamame and a $21 plate of oysters (three). You may have to take out a second mortgage on your house to dine there, but perhaps you can win it back in the casino afterwards?
8 Canal St., noburestaurants.com
Branching out ... Sachin Darade, Aman Kota, and Sarthak Samantray, the dream team behind the downtown Indian restaurant LUFU NOLA (Let Us Feed U), are in their stride with the mid-summer opening of a Taiwanese bubble tea shop Dingtea Downtown. Only two blocks away from LUFU, Dingtea is located on Baronne Street inside a former beauty salon and serves up boba teas, “soufflé slushes,” milk tea or tea lattés, and yogurt (Japanese probiotic Yakult) drinks. It also features sweet and savory croffles (a mashup of croissants and waffles), just in case you want a takoyaki croffle with your roasted wintermelon latté.
337 Baronne St., dingteadowntown.com
The trio has also opened Cajun Flames, a New Orleans-style seafood restaurant inside the Decatur Street building that formerly housed Saint John (now open on St. Charles Avenue in the Le Chat Noir space) and, before that, the never-to-be-replaced Maximo’s. Diners at Cajun Flames can expect an oyster bar with both raw and grilled Gulf oysters, plus a plethora of fried seafood platters from shrimp and catfish to—you guessed it—Gulf oysters.
1117 Decatur St., @cajun_flames
RESTAURANT GUIDE
AMERICAN
Bearcat Cafe offers a flexible menu that seeks to accommodate everyone’s dietary needs. Carrying vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, they serve lighter, as well as heartier, dishes. Try the blackberry pistachio pancakes with breakfast potatoes. Multiple Locations, bearcatcafe.com
Crescent City Steaks is the perfect establishment for steak night. One of the oldest family-owned steakhouses in the city, they do their steaks the traditional New Orleans way. The filet mignon is a classic, goto staple. 1001 N. Broad St., (504) 8213271, crescentcitysteaks.com
Daisy Dukes Restaurant offers a relaxed Southern dining experience and has a menu that is delicious. Daisy Duke’s has great reviews and won Traveller’s Choice in 2023 by Tripadvisor. The strawberry French toast is a perfect brunch choice. Multiple Locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com
Eats Inc. is a cozy neighborhood spot offering comfort food with a modern twist. With hearty brunch options and creative sandwiches, Eats Inc. is perfect for casual dining or a quick bite. Don't miss their signature avocado toast or the indulgent chicken and waffles. 7716 Maple St., (504) 372-3289
Gattuso’s Neighborhood Restaurant, Bar, & Catering has a fresh Louisiana strawberry salad that is delightful and goes great with some beer. Their menu is full of New Orleans flavor. At Gattuso’s, you can enjoy daily specials and happy hour deals. Huey P Long Ave., Gretna, (504) 3681114, gattusos.net
Jimmy J’s Café will make you a divine breakfast or a tasty sandwich right from scratch. This is a funky and fresh mom and pop café. The Three Little Pigs sandwich with French fries is a must try dish, so get some friends together and enjoy. 115 Chartres St., (504) 309-9360, jimmyjscafe.com
Legacy Kitchen’s Steak + Chop blends seafood, New American, and steakhouse cuisine. It has a mouth watering whole filet mignon that you can pair with craft cocktails. You won’t be let down with their outdoor seating and daily happy hour. 91 Westbank Expy. #51, Grenta, (504) 6086082, legacykitchen.com
and is highly acclaimed by people who visit. Try their jazz brunch buffet or their sizzling grilled salmon entree. Head over and enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday evening. 4132 Peters Rd., Harvey, (855) 805-5596, boomtownneworleans.com
Vampire Apothecary Restaurant & Bar is a boutique restaurant, event space, and tarot reading magic shop that can only be found in New Orleans. They serve seafood, steaks, and unique classy drinks. Try their crab toast for an evening snack. 725 St. Peter St., (504) 766-8179, vampireapothecary.com
Voodoo Chicken & Daiquiris has heavenly fried chicken and fruity drinks. You can grab-and-go their fresh frozen daiquiris in collectable skull cups. If you are looking for a fun New Orleans experience, Voodoo Chicken & Daiquiris is the spot for you. Multiple Locations, voodoochickenanddaiquirisnola.com
ASIAN
Asia serves crab rangoon, delicious phở, lo mein noodles, General Tso’s chicken, and other Chinese and Vietnamese classics. Located in Boomtown Casino & Hotel on the Westbank, it’s perfect for those who are hungry after winning big. 4132 Peters Rd., Harvey, (504) 3648812, boomtownneworleans.com
Mikimoto Restaurant is a creative Japanese restaurant with New Orleans inspired sushi rolls. Try their Deluxe Roll, which is filled with snow crab, tuna, and salmon. Locals agree that Mikimoto has some of the best sushi in
New Orleans Vampire Café
BARS WITH GREAT FOOD
Buffa’s Bar & Restaurant is a comfortable and casual restaurant with entertaining live music and a delicious menu. Serving sandwiches, wings, and delicious burgers, this is a great hangout joint to experience the local jazz and ragtime scene. 1001 Esplanade Ave., (504) 949-0038, buffasbar.com
JB’s Fuel Dock is a bar and restaurant overlooking Lake Pontchartrain that serves up a delicious menu of pizzas, calzones, and fun appetizers. Their Supreme Pizza, loaded with meat and vegetables, is a satisfying must-try and is great for sharing. 128 S. Roadway St., (504) 510-2260, jbsfueldock.com
Peacock Room is an alluring spot that’s perfect for intimate dinners. Their cocktail list has varied options, from the classic Sazerac to the adventurous Jade Dragon. Try their crushed avocado croissant with arugula, local tomato, and parmesan. 501 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 324-3073, peacockroomnola.com
The Jimani is the perfect place to watch any sports game. A sports bar that serves a multitude of beers, they have a lot to order and enjoy. Be sure to try their Jimmy J’s Big Ass Nachos, which are perfect for sharing with friends during a fun night out. 141 Chartres St., (504) 524-0493, thejimani.com
CAFÉ
Crack’D offers a brunch experience like no other. Blending seafood and classic American breakfast, try their crazy good crab cake Benedict with warm Creole corn salsa. Crack’D is sure to crack your current brunch standards. 1901 Sophie Wright Pl., (504) 3814678, crackdbrunch.com
New Orleans Vampire Café is bloody genius with their Vampire Blood Bag, filled with sangria “fangria” and pomegranate vodka lemonade, which sends tourists into a frenzy. Their breakfast classics and Southern favorites are fantastic, and try their grilled pork chop. 801 Royal St., (504) 5810801, nolavampirecafe.com
NOLA Steak is located in Boomtown Casino
town. 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 4881881, mikimotosushi.com
TD Seafood & Phở House has delicious fried rice, vermicelli bowls, egg rolls, and so much more. Their dishes are picture perfect and jam packed with flavor. Get their TD Seafood & Phở Combination for a little taste of everything. 1028 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, (504) 302-1727, tdseafoodphohouse.com
cuisine. 4017 St. Claude Ave., (504) 7777799, instagram.com/bestjerkhouse
FRENCH
King Brasserie & Bar is a magnetic restaurant that embodies the Riviera. Their tasty menu boasts choices including grilled Spanish octopus and sea urchin carbonara This trendy spot is a fantastic choice for any occasion. 521 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 324-3000, kingbrasserieandbar.com
Restaurant August promises a fashionable and unique dining experience, serving classy and fancy Creole food. The restaurant’s romantic character couples perfectly with its menu. Try the delicious grilled royal red shrimp. 301 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 2999777, restaurantaugust.com
ITALIAN
Domenica is an upscale Italian restaurant with a family atmosphere. Their bucatini all’amatriciana is delicious and comes with bacon and pecorino romano. Serving dishes that come from the heart, they create delicious, authentic food. 123 Baronne St., (504) 6486020, domenicarestaurant.com
Mosca’s Restaurant has great Italian food and is a family-run business that people have been flocking to for decades. Their chicken cacciatore is an authentic dish that can satisfy your craving for Italian cuisine. 4137 US-90 West, Westwego, (504) 4368950, moscasrestaurant.com
The Vintage Restaurant is a fun café with mirror filled walls, leather chairs, outdoor seating, and lots of cocktails to sip on. It’s a great place to study, eat pastries and cheese boards, and sip on a coffee or wine. Try their special Fancy Beignet Flight. 3121 Magazine St., (504) 6081008, thevintagenola.com
Willa Jean is a Southern café that combines a bakery, restaurant, and cocktail bar together with perfect results. Locally sourced and prepared creatively, their food is fantastic. Try their Hangover Bowl or cheesy grits for some great Southern flavors. 611 O’Keefe Ave., (504) 509-7334, willajean.com
CARIBBEAN
Jamaican Jerk House brings a taste of Kingston to New Orleans. Your taste buds will sail overseas with their curry shrimp and lovely vegan options. Try their delicious jerk beef ribs for some authentic Jamaican
Pizza Domenica has a great Muffaletta Pizza that is perfect for splitting with friends or close family members. Pizza Domenica is known for their wood-fired pizza and open kitchen layout, so you can see your mouthwatering pizza being made fresh. Multiple Locations, pizzadomenica.com
Venezia is a great place for families to enjoy traditional Italian cuisine and has been a go-to for New Orleanians since 1957. Eat a pizza pie and some angel hair pasta at their original Mid-City location or at their brand new Westbank location in Gretna. Multiple Locations, venezianeworleans.com
LATIN
Alma Cafe is a trendy Honduran restaurant that’s the best for aguas frescas and offers tasty breakfast and lunch dishes. The restaurant has a great contemporary vibe. Make sure to try out the aguachile negro with scallops and Gulf shrimp. 800 Louisa St., (504) 381-5877, eatalmanola.com
Empanola is the perfect place to grab a quick, inexpensive bite, serving a variety of empanadas that can satisfy any craving. Get the “I am Hangry Combo,” which gives you a choice of three delicious empanadas, including Beef Argentina and Chorizo Mexicana. Multiple Locations, empanolaempanadas. com
RESTAURANT GUIDE
MEXICAN
El Gato Negro is a great Mexican restaurant that has multiple locations in both New Orleans and Gretna. Offering family-recipes, they have freshly made margaritas and plenty of authentic dishes including the Los Cabos San Lucas seared salmon salad. Multiple Locations, elgatonegronola.com
MIDDLE
EASTERN
Lebanon’s Cafe is one of the best Mediterranean restaurants in NOLA. Their falafel platter, pomegranate cauliflower hummus, and Lebanese teas are fan favorites. For those who want to be more classic, the chicken shawarma is a fun option. 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 8626200, lebanonscafe.com
Shaya has an eclectic take on modern Israeli cuisine. They have their own woodfired oven that creates airy homemade pita bread, which is perfect for sharing. Try their delectable fried chicken hummus and the sorbet with coconut cotton candy for dessert. 4213 Magazine St., (504) 8914213, shayarestaurant.com
NEW
ORLEANS CUISINE
Expires 12/31/2024
well. 527 Decatur St., (504) 5220571, crescentcitybrewhouse.com
Desire Oyster Bar offers authentic Louisiana cuisine, as well as fresh Gulf seafood. Located in the Royal Sonesta Hotel, the bar offers fried Gulf oysters with Herbsaint aioli, which is a perfect lunch and comes with sweet peppers. Save some room for their bread pudding. 300 Bourbon St., (504) 553-2281, sonesta.com
Headquarters by Nice Guys is a restaurant, bar, and entertainment space all-in-one. Enjoy craft cocktails and delicious dishes, including crispy gator bites and po-boys. Check out Headquarters’ website for upcoming events, as well as game day specials. 445 S. Rampart St., (504) 2176851, headquartersnola.com
House of Blues Restaurant & Bar is a rockin’ ‘n’ rollin’ restaurant and entertainment venue. They serve Southern cuisine and host some bangin’ live music concerts, so make sure to check their website for upcoming shows. Try the FDR Burger with a sunny side up egg. 225 Decatur St., (504) 3104999, houseofblues.com
Lakeview Harbor has po-boys and a great Typhoon cocktail in a marine-yacht themed spot in Lakeview. Try the cheeseburger with a baked potato and sail away with a filled and satisfied stomach. It’s truly great for families and friends. 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., (504) 486-4887, lakeviewharbor.us
Café Normandie serves New Orleans and French cuisine in an elegant space inside of the Higgins Hotel. Their French dishes are perfect, so be sure to try the beef tartare. Stop by for breakfast, brunch, and lunch for great salads and desserts. 1000 Magazine St., (504) 528-1941, higginshotelnola.com
Cajun Flames features handcrafted cocktails and a fresh Louisiana-style oyster bar. Located in the French Quarter and serving up all the New Orleans classics, try their popular crawfish, shrimp, and andouille gumbo, as well as their fried shrimp poboys. 1117 Decatur St., (504) 354-1214
Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop is a popular spot for yummy Cajun-Creole dishes and locally-certified gumbo. Chef Ron values fresh local ingredients and it shows in his dishes. Try their special “stuffed gumbos,” including the Mumbo and Yumbo Gumbo. 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, (504) 8352022, gumbostop.com
Lil’ Dizzy’s Cafe serves some of New Orleans’ best Creole cuisine and is located in the heart of the Tremé neighborhood. Try their hot sausage po-boy, as well as delicious gumbo and fried chicken. They will fill your stomach and your soul. 1500 Esplanade Ave., (504) 7668687, lildizzyscafe.net
Loretta’s Authentic Pralines is NOLA’s go-to place for pralines. “Prah-leens” aren’t the only option as there’s also an array of other treats to choose from. Their selection of sweet and savory beignets are a great way to get to know the city’s beloved delicacy. Multiple Locations, lorettaspralines.com
Mandina’s Restaurant is a local favorite and is well known for its great steak, fresh seafood, and tasty pasta. This Creole-Italian eatery has been delighting diners for nearly 100 years. Their Gulf fish amandine with fries is a must-try. 3800 Canal St., (504) 4829179, mandinasrestaurant.com
Crescent City Brewhouse is a polished and hip microbrewery, one of the only ones in New Orleans. Be sure to try their unique crabmeat stuffed shrimp if you are a seafood lover. Don’t forget to enjoy a local brew or two, as
Melba’s is a New Orleans joint that serves po-boys, breakfast all-day, classic wings, and so much more. Their shrimp po-boy is a classic and is an essential choice for any
Café Normandie
seafood foodie. Dine in at this fun spot, which also has another location on Tulane Avenue. 1525 Elysian Fields Ave., (504) 267-7765, melbas.com
Meril has a jubilant and sleek atmosphere. It serves contemporary American platters, cocktails, and local beers. Be sure to try their stuffed chicken wings, which put a fun twist on an American classic. A quality dining experience, it’s casual yet fancy. 424 Girod St., (504) 526-3745, bemeril.com
Mother’s Restaurant is immensely popular with both locals and tourists alike. Opened in 1938, they are a delicious, and truly local, staple. Try their famous rice and beans plate with smoked sausage, cabbage with ham, and cheese grits. 401 Poydras St., (504) 523-
9656, mothersrestaurant.net
New Orleans Creole Cookery prepares beautiful New Orleans Creole cuisine and has a stunning courtyard patio. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, visit and try their chargrilled oysters, which is a classic New Orleans dish. 510 Toulouse St., (504) 5249632, neworleanscreolecookery.com
Neyow’s Creole Café is a true delight. This Creole, Black-owned business serves yummy Southern dishes such as wings, chargrilled oysters, crab claws, crawfish, and so much more. Celebrate New Orleans culture and cuisine at Neyow’s. 3332 Bienville St., (504) 827-5474, neworleans.neyows.com
Neyow’s XL is a fine dining and larger than life restaurant and steakhouse. Every bite from their amazing upscale menu is a fantastic treat. Regulars swear by their pork chops and red snapper. Be sure to also order one of their craft cocktails. 3336 Bienville St., (504) 503-1081, xl.neyows.com
Nice Guys Nola combines New Orleans’ culinary traditions with exciting twists that impress all who visit. Enjoy plenty of mouthwatering dishes including seafood bread, tacos, and quesadillas. Try their delicious praline chicken & waffles for a sweet treat. 7910 Earhart Blvd., (504) 3022404, niceguysnola.com
Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro serves delicious Creole cuisine and wine by the glass. The classic New Orleansstyle building is a relaxed gourmet dining destination. A must try is their risotto—a delicious, buttery, classic. 720 Orleans Ave., (504) 523-1930, orleansgrapevine.com
Short Stop Poboys has over 30 kinds of po-boys and is a must-try spot for those who are seasoned lovers, as well as newcomers, to the po-boy scene. Try their classic New Orleans roast beef poboy and experience a local favorite. 119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie, (504) 885-4572, shortstoppoboysno.com
SEAFOOD
Blue Bayou Restaurant and Oyster Bar has everything from po-boys to pastas galore, as well as a delicious Cajun redfish dish. Their vibe and atmosphere is friendly and inviting. They also host fantastic live music performances. 717 Canal St., (504) 517-2653, bluebayourestaurantnola.com
Briquette Restaurant is an industrialchic seafood restaurant that serves coastal dishes, including Louisiana redfish and half shell oysters. The crispy skin Faroe Island salmon is served with Gulf shrimp, jasmine rice, and sweet chili glazed butter. 701 S. Peters St., (504) 302-7496, briquettenola.com
Drago’s Seafood Restaurant serves quality seafood at a good price, along with a lovely ambiance. Their lobsters are cooked to perfection, so order the Lobster Marco, which is stuffed with shrimp and mushrooms over a creamy angel hair pasta. Multiple Locations, dragosrestaurant.com
Legacy Kitchen’s Craft Tavern is a Southern seafood restaurant with a vast menu that has to be explored. With good vibes and an inviting atmosphere, you can get great brunch, po-boys, and gumbo. They have a lot of different craft breakfast dishes to enjoy. 700 Tchoupitoulas St. (504) 613-2350, legacykitchen.com
Legacy Kitchen’s Tacklebox offers awesome seafood cuisine, including a divine charbroiled oyster dish. Their award-winning beignets are no joke and their $3 lunch only beers can’t be passed up. They are great for both tourists and locals. 817 Common St., (504) 8271651, legacykitchen.com
The Galley Seafood offers expertly prepared seafood dishes as an ode to Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage. They’re known for their superb soft-shell crab and fried catfish filet po-boys, which are both served at Jazz Fest. 2535 Metairie Rd., Metairie, (504) 832-0955
WHAT’S THE STIR ABOUT?
Juice Cleanses
By Celeste Turner
Get the “juicy” details when juice cleansing for your holiday hangover.
In New Orleans, holiday celebrations often lead to overindulgence in food and drink, as many of us embrace the “eat, drink, and be merry” tradition. While there’s no quick fix for a holiday hangover, many people turn to juice cleanses to detox and restore their digestive systems.
Juice cleansing or fasting is a type of diet consuming only juices from fruit and vegetables for a specific period of time. This diet can be a popular remedy for holiday hangovers, offering both benefits and drawbacks. On the positive side, juice cleanses can help rehydrate the body, provide essential vitamins and minerals, as well as give the digestive system a break from fatty foods. However, the downsides include potential nutrient imbalances from low protein and fiber, which can lead to fatigue. It’s important to weigh these factors and opt for a balanced approach to recovery.
“Our juice cleanses are designed to aid in removing toxins from the organs, which results in a reset for your gut health and decreases inflammation in the body,” said Stephanie Kern, owner of the Green Fork, which is a juice and smoothie bar located at 1400 Prytania St. in New Orleans. “Juice cleanses are like an IV of nutrients for the body.”
cleanse at the Green Fork is about $175, plus tax. For a three-day cleanse at the Antidote Juice, Buran prepares 15 juices at a cost of $52 per day. This cleanse encompasses five juices per day, including a wellness shot of ginger, two ounces of lemon juice, and a shot of apple cider vinegar.
Regarded as a nutrient boost, juice cleansing can provide a concentrated dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Many juice cleanses can last one day or up to two weeks, involving exclusively the consumption of juice.
“Basically, you drink juice for one, two, three, or more days and take a break from anything to chew,” said Erin Buran, co-owner of The Antidote Juice at 734 Union St. “We recommend a juice cleanse to get a healthier lifestyle and use them to cleanse the digestive system.”
Although juicing can play a role in a balanced diet, it can also give the gastrointestinal system a rest from digesting fiber. This may help those individuals who have certain health conditions or who receive certain medical treatments.
Danielle Paciera, a licensed, registered, board-certified integrative nutritionist, highlighted both the advantages and disadvantages of using juice cleanses. “With a juice cleanse, a person can get high concentrated doses of phytochemicals and nutrients. This is a way to pound these nutrients into the body, especially for individuals like cancer patients, people with inflammatory bowel disease, or similar conditions. But when you juice something, you strip away the fiber. So these juice cleanses need to be customtailored to the individual needs.”
Personalized juice cleanses are sold at the Green Fork and the Antidote Juice. For example, a three-day juice
“Everything we sell here has no added sugar,” said Buran, who has a master’s degree in public health from Tulane University. “We can curate a cleanse for someone if they give us a call ahead. Some people lose weight by lessening their calories, but it is better to start a healthier lifestyle and set your mind right. With a juice cleanse, you can adjust your palate and your mind.”
Sometimes seen as a dietary fad, some people use juice cleanses for quick weight loss. “Some of my customers cleanse for weight loss as a main goal,” said India Evans, RSW, CJT, AC, owner and founder of Natural Drinks Health Foods. “Some customers consider cleansing to detox from alcohol and sugar. It has been proven that supplementing our meals with raw vegetables and fruits juices is the quickest and most permanent way to replenish the body with elements it lacks.”
According to Evans, who’s also the author of The Juice Fasting Bible: How to make Juice Fasting a Lifestyle, juice cleansing may not be suitable for everyone. “Juice cleansing is not recommended for those who are pregnant, nursing, young children, as well as those who have severe underlying health issues,” Evans said. “But I would recommend a juice cleanse to individuals who are interested in improving their overall health.” Evans suggested cleansing four times per year at the start of each
season for a max of 14 days.
Although juice cleanses can be helpful for people who have trouble eating fruits and vegetables, eliminating food groups for long periods of time can lead to several health risks. As a take-home message, Blythe Peters, a registered dietitian/ nutritionist and owner of Competitive Nutrition Education, LLC, stressed the importance of sticking to a well-balanced diet containing a variety of fruits and vegetables.
“You need to know what you are buying,” Peters said. “When using a juice cleanse as a meal replacement or in weight loss, variety is very important. If you plan to juice for more than a day, you should contact your doctor and consult with a registered dietitian/nutritionist.”
Whether you are considering a juice cleanse as a way to lose weight or detoxify your body, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of this short but restrictive diet. Juice cleanses can be useful to reset your mind and body as you start a new health journey.
Nevertheless, Peters suggested that juice cleanses can be utilized as a supplementation to your daily meals. She added, “Juice cleanses are helpful as a convenient way to add the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables to attain a balanced approach to nutrition.”
FILM REVIEWS
By David Vicari & Fritz Esker
Conclave
The 35th New Orleans Film Festival closed in fine fashion on October 22 with Conclave, a thriller centered around the secretive process Catholic cardinals use to select a new pope.
Directed by Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front, as well as the excellent Sundance TV show Deutschland 83) and based on Robert Harris’ 2016 novel of the same name, Conclave opens with the death of the pope. Ralph Fiennes plays Lawrence, the cardinal tasked with organizing and running the conclave to choose his replacement. All voters must be completely sequestered from the outside world.
A lot of political maneuvering follows, with a reform-minded cardinal (Stanley Tucci) vying against a conservative (Sergio Castellitto) and a slick politically-minded cardinal (John Lithgow), among others. There’s also the last-minute appearance of an
otherwise unknown cardinal (Carlos Diehz) who had been stationed in Afghanistan. There is very little violence in Conclave, but it has the feel of a political thriller as Lawrence tries to do the right thing while dealing with his own crisis of faith. Many of the cardinals are not exactly what they present themselves to be, and he must make hard choices about how to deal with their pasts. The final twist is likely one audiences will not see coming.
While Conclave may not quite be “best list” material, it is a movie made solely for adults and that’s always refreshing to see in the superhero blockbuster era.
Fritz Esker
Venom: The Last Dance
Venom: The Last Dance is the concluding chapter in the Venom trilogy, which began with this Marvel comic book character in 2018’s appropriately titled Venom and then continued with 2021’s Venom: Let There Be Carnage. This final installment runs hot and cold, and it’s a good thing that this is the last one.
Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) and his alien
Ejiofor), as well as a scientist (Juno Temple) who wants to study the symbiote.
symbiote pal Venom are hiding out in Mexico because Eddie is wanted for the murder of a New York cop. Unbeknownst to them, Eddie and Venom are being stalked by a Xenophage, a creature from Venom’s home world. The boys are also being pursued by an aggressive military man (Chiwetel
There’s always a spark when Hardy is on screen, because he is obviously having a good time with the character and isn’t just phoning it in. Sure there is some eye-rolling goofiness in some scenes with Brock and Venom, but there are occasional laugh out loud moments between the two. One of the best moments is when the duo find themselves in a Volkswagen bus with a family of hippies performing a sing-a-long to David Bowie’s “Space Oddity.” What drags Kelly Marcel’s movie down are the serious scenes with the soldier and the scientist, because these uninteresting characters and their long scenes of dull exposition are the cinematic equivalent of flat cola.
The Venom films are nowhere near the worst comic book adaptations. In fact, the first one has a quirky charm to it; however, this third one just peters out.
—David Vicari
TALES FROM THE QUARTER
By Debbie Lindsey
Thankful
hanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday despite my white guilt, vegetarian preferences, and inability to succumb to prayer or watch football without worry for the players’ head injuries. Why then is this fourth Thursday of every November such a pleasure for me? Because it has always been a simple, no-strings-attached holiday for me. No gift giving required; no, “Oh my! You really shouldn’t have,” moments like during Christmas when you have nothing with a bow on it for the unexpected gift giver (that sweet neighbor whose name you don’t remember). While some folks have family nightmare dinners with more drama than wine can dilute, my parents always kept the guest list down to our immediate family—simple, sweet, and sane.
Unlike Christmas with its long build-up of anticipation, Thanksgiving for me has always been that one slightly festive “day off.” No big lead up with an anticlimactic let down followed by the approaching dreaded days of de-trimming a tree, taking down decorations, and facing that pile of “must return or re-gift presents” or trying to honor a friend’s well-intentioned gift, like that god-awful ugly Wayfair wall art that you hide under the couch until they come to visit. My Thanksgiving might involve a sink full of dirty dishes and lots of Tupperwared left-overs, but it’s not a big production. We even give ourselves the
was a real treat to have those rare quiet times. Back then, tourism was weak on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas season, and summer.
On that fourth Thursday of November, I would get up early, go for a walk, and just be one with the Quarter—it felt like it was all mine—my neighborhood Next, my ritual was to meet a dear friend, Russell, at La Madeleine at Jackson Square for coffee. His Thanksgiving family chore was to fetch loaves of French bread for his family’s lunch gathering and to be my “family” for an hour.
After Husband (then Boyfriend) entered my life, we created our own Thanksgiving feast with everything but the turkey. The menu was a bounty of beige (root veggies, mashed potatoes, gravy, tofu, and dressing) with highlights of color provided by greens, asparagus casserole, and cranberry sauces. We agree that canned cranberries are a must—both types, jellied and whole berries. This was an obscene abundance of food and, therefore, leftovers dominated the fridge until they turned to science projects and met their final purpose in the composter. Excellent as our feast was, only an occasional friend cared to give up the turkey dinner invitations to dine on our “everything but” feast. No problem for us. We just stayed in our pajamas and chilled all day. As mentioned, pizza or po-boys often give our kitchen the day off.
in the hospitality/tourism industry, it
As I sat writing this light hearted column about Thanksgiving, there was an elephant disguised as a turkey in the room that interrupted my thoughts. Rather than a respectful and happy dining experience between pilgrims and Indians to celebrate a harvest and freedom, this holiday’s history is cloaked in genocide, colonialism, and has repeatedly been a PR attempt to paint a picture of harmony. Furthermore, turkeys (once up for the title of National Bird) are not too thrilled with marketing them as a culinary centerpiece. So there is a bitter pill to swallow if remotely interested in the truths behind the false narrative presented to us since childhood and classrooms. This holiday, this tradition, is not the only thing to have deep roots into a past no one should be proud of. Nevertheless, with much repurposing, we now celebrate this holiday as a positive time for family, food, football, and fun. We must know our histories, but we also can “own” newer traditions and festivities that serve us and those around us with joy. I will take a side of guilt with my Thanksgiving meal but follow with a toast that gives thanks for all that is fine and good. There is no harm in setting aside a day for family and friends. And there can never be too much gratitude and appreciation for the good things in our lives—giving thanks is healthy and humbling.
Lafcadio Hearn said of New Orleans in 1789: “Its condition is so bad that when I write about it, as I intend to do soon, nobody will believe I am telling the truth. But it is better to live here in sackcloth and ashes than to own the whole state of Ohio.”
That is poetry. Poetry inspires feelings, patience, and verbal skills. Poetry asks/teaches us to make sense of words. Poetry invites us to listen and learn. Poetry will speak to us if we listen; it will resonate and amaze. “We’ve all walked into the bar of a joke we’ll never get,” begins a poem by Dobby Gibson.
“There are strange things done in the midnight sun by the men who moil for gold / The Arctic trails have their secret tales that would make your blood run cold,” is the beginning of a poetic tale by Robert W. Service. He began another with, “A bunch of the boys were whooping it up in the Malamute Saloon.” That’s the stuff that resonates and amazes a reader.
You could say that the reading of poetry is coming back with somewhere between 20-25% of the population reading it, according to Quora, or you can say it has never gone away—that poetry has always been with us or that poetry is stuff that other people read and why they appreciate it is a mystery. After all, poets kill themselves, don’t they? Nobody knows why— just that a large bunch do.
Poetrysoup.com
popular and best famous poets who committed suicide if you care to read some less than relative to your life information. They’re (poets) a weird bunch and who knows what the heck goes on in their mind/lives to want to express their thoughts/feelings only to have no other recourse but to end their lives for their own reasons, which nobody knew because we were busy trying to find some obscure meanings, justifications, and possibly lessons that in some fever had them put thoughts on paper for the world to ponder. I wonder if Elizabeth Bishop’s brain aneurysm wasn’t some kind of force of nature euthanasia.
Some of your favorite songs are merely poetry put to music, some pieces of music are merely pure poetry. Poetry has rhythmic qualities of a myriad of forms from limericks to sonnets, Hallmark cards to haikus, little ditties to profound empirical discourses, odes to enjambment. Oddly enough, you don’t spy many folks carrying a book of poetry with them as they make their daily rounds. In fact, you rarely see anyone carrying books of any kind as they make their daily rounds (Kindle excluded). You will occasionally spy a newspaper reader, but I don’t think that’s what we’re talking about here (bless them anyway). I personally think that carrying a book of poetry around with you would be a pretty cool thing to do (although I haven’t done that, yet).
Rarely do I hear anyone start a conversation with “as Garcia Lorca (or Pablo Neruda, Silvia Plath, Emily Dickenson, and/or Henry
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