Best of the Big Easy (July 2018) by Where Y'at Magazine

July 2018

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MUMFORD & SONS ‡ CHILDISH GAMBINO ‡ ARCTIC MONKEYS ODESZA ‡ MARTIN GARRIX ‡ A PERFECT CIRCLE ‡ MODEST MOUSE marilyn manson ‡ the revivalists ‡ 21 savage ‡ janelle monÁe zeds dead ‡ tipper ‡ third eye blind ‡ rÜfÜs du sol ‡ awolnation Ty Dolla $ign ‡ rainbow kitten surprise ‡ gryffin ‡ highly suspect ajr ‡ hippie sabotage ‡ goldlink ‡ tom misch ‡ troyboi ‡ lettuce tinashe ‡ elle king ‡ kayzo ‡ boogie t.rio (live band) ‡ lizzo ‡ sofi tukker ravyn lenae ‡ albert hammond jr ‡ shiba san ‡ poppy ‡ claptone The suffers ‡ space jesus ‡ big thief ‡ white reaper ‡ frenship ‡ wallows dorothy ‡ anna lunoe ‡ sunflower bean ‡ nora en pure ‡ droeloe ‡ mt. joy clozee ‡ starcrawler ‡ eprom ‡ thunderpussy ‡ the coronas ‡ caamp loudpvck ‡ brother sundance ‡ gg magree ‡ motel radio ‡ cray ‡ jack harlow the o’my’s ‡ young bombs ‡ dirtwire (dj set) ‡ swayló ‡ carmine p. filthy ‡ unicorn fukr ‡ otto

4 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

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CONTENTS 8 12

Best of the Big Easy Writers' Picks Best of the Big Easy Readers' Picks

Features 26 30 32 34 48 52 54 56 57

NOLA Swim Spots Tales of the Cocktail "Staycation"-ing in NOLA Beach Camping Tricentennial Series: Cocktails Local's Life: Wine Connoisseurs

Summer Skincare Your Favorite Summer Food & You

Brunch Culture in NOLA

Events & Nightlife 38 Essence Festival 40 Music Calendar 46 Lakeside 2 Riverside

Food & Drink 60 62 64 68

Food News $20 and Under Restaurant Guide Bar Guide

Extras 70 72 74 76 78

Film Reviews Columns Around the Web Where Ya Been? Where Y'at Chat

July 2018 Vol. 21 No. 12 Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Josh Danzig Creative Director: Michael Fulkerson Assistant Editor: Kathy Bradshaw Movie Editors: David Vicari & Fritz Esker Copy Editor: Michelle Nicholson Contributing Writers: Emily Hingle, Kathy Bradshaw, Phil LaMancusa, Debbie Lindsey, Kim Ranjbar, Landon Murray, Leigh Wright, Emil Flemmon, Greg Roques, Steven Melendez, Andrew Alexander, Noah StokesRaab, Kimmie Tubre Director of Sales: Stephen Romero Cover Photo by @jovannig - stock. adobe.com Photographers & Designers: Gus Escanelle, Jason Hall, Steve Hatley, Romney Caruso, Jorge Menes, Kathy Bradshaw, Greg Roques, James Macaluso Interns: Marissa Williams, Ian Cogswell, Cody Downey, Brianna McManus, Becki Brown, Reed Darcey, Raven West, Hannah Rote, Leland Johnson, Victoria Crouch, Rachel Zinsel, Hannah Robideaux, Elise Dalton, Rosha'e Gibson Subscribe: Receive 1 year (14 issues) for $30 and get a FREE Where Y’at CD. Subscribe today at WhereYat.com. Logo © 2018 All rights reserved Bruce Betzer, Legal Counsel: (504) 304-9952 Where Y’at Magazine 5500 Prytania St., #133 New Orleans, LA 70115 (504) 891-0144 info@whereyat.com | WhereYat.com

You, the readers of Where Y’at Magazine, have spoken. After a record number of votes submitted to WhereYat.com, the results are in. Enjoy this issue that announces your choices of the best that New Orleans has to offer, and don’t miss the “Writers’ Picks” for some unique Crescent City favorites. Prepare for summertime with this July edition filled with useful articles. Hot? Don’t miss our Summer Swim Guide. But before you head to the pool, read our Summer Skincare article. Can’t afford to travel? Our Staycation article has fantastic suggestions to enjoy summer without leaving town. If you’re in New Orleans over the Fourth of the July weekend, don’t miss Essence Fest, held in the comfy confines of the Superdome. Whether you are a fan of classic R&B from Janet Jackson, hip hop a la Snoop Dog, or contemporary tunes from Miguel, check out this fantastic festival—and be sure to dress to the nines! Tales of the Cocktail returns for its 16th year in mid-July, and this year’s conference features new leadership, new initiatives, and new events, but still with the same great offerings. Don’t miss Andrew Marin’s chat with Executive Director Caroline Rosen to preview this year’s Tales. Enjoy the Best of the Big Easy, and stay cool and dry! –Josh Danzig, Publisher

6 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

WhereYat.com | July 2018 | 7

BEST OF THE BIG EASY

2018 Best Place to Remember New Orleans’s French Roots: Gem de France 729 Royal St., (504) 571-6304 gemdefrance.com Some might disagree, but New Orleans is a French city. It was, after all, a Frenchman who, exactly 300 years ago, claimed a patch of swampland and called it Nouvelle-Orléans. Gem de France is a French Quarter shop that pays tribute to our French heritage with all sorts of original French merchandise. One special item of note: a commemorative tablecloth that honors both New Orleans’s tricentennial and the city’s connection to the motherland. It resists all spills and stains— even those from a good French red wine. –Kathy Bradshaw Best Place to Take Tourists for “New Orleans Food”: Deanie’s 841 Iberville St., (504) 581-1316 deanies.com Your out-of-town guests are probably going to want to spend a considerable amount of time in the French Quarter, and they’re going to ask you where to eat traditional New Orleans cuisine. Though you may prefer that they dine at the hottest new fusion restaurants in town, they want to know what all of this gumbo, jambalaya, and crawﬁsh etouﬀée is about. So, send them over to Deanie’s, which is perfectly placed far enough away from Bourbon Street, yet still close to the action. –Emily Hingle Best Reason to Drag Your Butt Outta Bed in the Morning: Aebelskivers from Toast 5433 Laurel St., (504) 267-3260; and 1845

WRITERS' PICKS

Best of the Big Easy Winners: Writers' Picks Gentilly Blvd., (504) 351-3664 Best Place to Sweat Away a Summer toastneworleans. Afternoon: The Drifter Hotel com 3522 Tulane Ave., (504) 605-4644 They say that thedrifterhotel.com breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and he hippest place to be seen these if breakfast comes days is the Drifter. Located in a from Toast, you’d renovated motel on Tulane Avenue, the be hard-pressed to Drifter Hotel has a laid-back pool early in disagree. Don’t let the the day that gradually amps up (as does odd name dissuade the music volume) into a nightlife club you: aebelskivers are atmosphere. No one wants to sit around little round, doughy sweating all summer, so pay the $5 cover balls of pancake bliss, and drink $3 Tecates all day long. The vibe and more closely is a blend of bohemian, yuppie, serviceresemble a pancakeindustry, and millennial travelers. Stop donut hybrid. They hating on hipsters—you won’t hate your are served warm with time there. –Leigh Wright powdered sugar, and come with your choice of sauce, from ducks (the roosters can chocolate and caramel to old-school maple get a little ornery, though). What else could syrup. “Flat as a pancake” has become so you want from a park? –Fritz Esker cliché; Toast gives pancakes a new dimension. –Kathy Bradshaw Best Place In Metairie For Your Inner

Best Park in the Burbs: Lafreniere Park 3000 Downs Blvd., (504) 838-4389 lafrenierepark.org Just off Veterans Boulevard is one of Greater New Orleans’s hidden gems: Lafreniere Park. It has a walking track, lagoons, disc golf, plentiful soccer fields, a man-made hill, and a diverse crowd (you’ll often hear multiple languages spoken in the park). You'll find a Plum Street Snoballs stand for refreshments and an array of birds and

Flower Child To Eat: Hippie Kitchen 3741 Jefferson Hwy., 444-4113 khnola.com Jeﬀerson Parish is an unlikely place for hippies to have invaded, but their conquest is your culinary gain. With colorful psychedelic murals and an outdoor herb garden, Hippie Kitchen boasts seasonal, farmfresh ingredients and a diverse menu with everything from pizza, wraps, and po-boys, to pasta, specialty drinks, and salads—all with

Best Place to Get Drunk on ‘90s Pop Culture: Turkey & The Wolf 739 Jackson Ave., (504) 218-7428 turkeyandthewolf.com

lthough Turkey & The Wolf’s whimsical sandwiches and long lines get all the attention, their ever-changing cocktail list also deserves a look. Vintage glassware includes ET and Smurfette designs. Drink names play on Street Fighter II and other nostalgia. My personal favorite was “When I Was 10, I Went to School as a Dead Cheerleader for Halloween.” Yes, that was the drink’s name. Oﬀbeat ingredients like coconut milk and Ovaltine make the drinks soar or sink, so choose wisely and be rewarded. –Andrew Marin

8 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

an emphasis on healthy eating. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, HK offers unique flavor profiles that pander to meat-eaters, vegetarians, vegans, and beyond. –Mike Perry Best Rooftop Bar for Selfie-Taking: Hot Tin at the Pontchartrain Hotel 2031 St. Charles Ave, (504) 206-3114 thepontchartrainhotel.com We all know that you plan out your selfies before you even walk out the door. Who doesn’t want their ex seeing how hot they look now? If you need to take the best selfie ever, head over to the Pontchartrain Hotel’s openair rooftop bar Hot Tin and pucker up for the camera. The nearly 360-degree views of the city will provide a gorgeous backdrop, and the signature cocktails will look great in your hand. Your ex will be so jealous. –Emily Hingle Best Place to Drink Craft Beer While Watching A Movie: Wayward Owl Brewing Co. 3940 Thalia St., (504) 827-1646 waywardowlbrewing.com While New Orleans is definitely not short on breweries, Wayward Owl stands out by honoring the Southern tradition of community. Nestled in the historic Gem Theater in Central City, WO is the perfect place to enjoy a pint of delicious beer with friends and family (even well-behaved dogs!). Be sure to stop by on Wednesdays for movie night and enjoy a glass of my personal favorite ale, Family Tree Kristallweizen. –Michael Fulkerson

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BEST OF THE BIG EASY Most Authentic Pizza: Oak Oven Pizza 6625 Jefferson Hwy., (504) 305-4039 oakovenrestaurant.com You’ll have to take a trip out to Jefferson in order to taste the best pizza in the entire New Orleans metro area. These pizza-makers create their menu offerings from scratch daily, including their mozzarella cheese. The pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven fueled by Louisiana oak. Try a traditional Margherita Pizza; a Fumo Pizza with smoked, locally sourced pork and bacon; or a Salsiccia Pizza with fennel sausage, roasted peppers, and capers. They also offer amazing Italian entrees. –Emily Hingle Best Summer All-Day Cocktail: Aperol Spritz Summer isn’t meant to sleep through, so don’t fill up on heavy, booze-laden cocktails. Chill out and cool down with an Aperol spritz, a drink meant and marketed since its conception as a social cocktail for the fitness-minded. Aperol is a fruity, herbaceous concoction that is added to Prosecco and soda water and typically garnished with an orange. Or, try Peychaud’s Aperitivo instead of Aperol for a deeper, more Campari-like flavor. –Leigh Wright

The Best Yet Most Confusing French Quarter Landmark: Joanie on the Pony (Jeanne d’Arc) Four flag poles, two cannons, and a 13foot, gilded, equestrian-ly elegant statue of a woman who had little to do with New Orleans, living almost 300 years before our founding; underwritten as a gift from France by Charles de Gaulle in 1964, she sits at the intersection of Decatur, North Peters, and St. Philip Streets. With 2,700 pounds of fierce beauty, she proudly waves our fleur de lys flag. She’s once, twice, three times a lady, and we love her. –Phil LaMancusa Best Vegan Hot Dog: Dat Dog Multiple Locations datdog.com For the love of hot dogs—vegan, that is. If you're a hot dog-lover, but just so happen to be a vegan, you want choices, right? Well, Dat Dog is the place for you. Victoria VerHagen, director of marketing for the popular chain, recommended the Spicy Chipotle Sausage on a vegan bun. She said, “You barely notice it’s vegan, because it tastes so good.” However, if you still enjoy the taste of meat, check out the Crawfish Sausage. Yes, with actual crawfish on top. –Emil Flemmon Best Bipolar Breakfast: Bearcat Cafe 2521 Jena St., (504) 3099011 bearcatcafe.com Bearcat serves the city’s best breakfast, regardless of whether you are in the mood to diet or devour. Their menu has two categories: Good Cat (low-cal, vegan, and paleo options) and Bad Cat (zero f’s about healthiness). If I’ve gotten my steps in, I’ll go with the (Bad) Bearcat Breakfast with bison sausage and a side of the fluffiest pancakes you’ll ever have. And don’t miss the

coffee—the Ecuadorian brand they brew is so good that even the decaf is delicious. –Greg Roques Best Place to Start the Work Day: Laurel Street Bakery 2701 S. Broad Ave., (504) 897-0576 laurelstreetbakery.com One of the most inviting aspects of this city is its abundance of neighborhood bakeries, bars, and restaurants. One such establishment is Broadmoor’s Laurel Street Bakery. Breakfast and lunch are served in the form of fresh bagels, tasty paninis, lush salads, and, of course, a fine selection of pastries and sweets. They also serve many highquality coffees and teas to cheerful patrons at this friendly community bakery. Be sure to try the chicken salad sandwich with an amazing side salad and a hot chai tea. –Clay Curry

iki is in again, and I couldn’t be happier. I’m going to grab a few friends and climb the stairs above Felipe’s in the French Quarter to get to Tiki Tolteca. They oﬀer a cocktail that was meant to be drunk by three to four people (two if you don’t have any other drinks that night). The Scorpion bowl comes in a single large tiki bowl with multiple straws, and the little volcano in the middle is on ﬁre. –Emily Hingle

10 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

o down into the French Market and bear witness to the folks who keep the visitors coming back: merchants of muﬀulettas, crepes, healthy foods, and adult beverages; oysters, roasted corn, sangria, and bottled water; oranges and hot sauce. Purveying with patience, friendliness, and personality, our vendors are all there, every day, to make a buck and keep the New Orleans vibe going strong. I pass through many days a month and applaud their attitude of commerce with respect, especially that of Eliza Doolittle. –Phil LaMancusa

Best Hidden Treasure in the Warehouse District: Crescent City Books 124 Baronne St., (504) 524-4997 crescentcitybooks.com Crescent City Books sits, nondescript, among the historic majesty and millennial modernity of the Warehouse District, like a mystic shop in a children’s fantasy just waiting to be found. The anachronistic aroma of an old library simmering oﬀ the aging pages housed in this used, out-of-print, and rare bookshop reminisces a time when readers hunted and gathered books among a labyrinth of shelves—a soon-extinct experience brought to

Best Place to Be Indecisive: Pythian Market 234 Loyola Ave., (504) 605-0414 pythianmarket.com

Best Group Cocktail: Scorpion Bowl at Tiki Tolteca 301 N. Peters St., (504) 288-8226 tikitolteca.com

The Best Face of New Orleans Hospitality: French Market Workers frenchmarket.org

robably one of life’s toughest questions: What’s for dinner (or lunch)? The newly opened Pythian Market can help solve this dilemma. Like a deluxe food court, the market oﬀers several tasty counter-service restaurants under one roof, such as Frencheeze, Poulet, Central City BBQ, and Cru. Can’t make up your mind? Get pho from Eatwell and a smoothie from Squeezed. Or pizza from Meribo and arepas from La Cocinita. Mix and match, get one of each, or come back every day and try something else. Here, indecision is as good as the food. –Kathy Bradshaw

you by Amazon. Visit this hidden gem and lose yourself in its eclectic collection. –Greg Roques Best Place to Pretend You're Connor McGregor: Mid City Martial Arts & Fitness Academy 4910 Banks St., (504) 309-7018 midcitymma.com MMA (mixed martial arts) has really taken oﬀ in the ﬁghting world, but is now positioning itself in the mainstream

WRITERS' PICKS fitness arena as well. Mid City Martial Arts combines wrestling, Brazillian Jiu Jitsu, nogi wrestling, and striking to pull together a powerhouse curriculum of intense learning and combative practice. Shawn Gayton, the owner and lead instructor, is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and also coach to local pro MMA fighter Macy Chiasson. –Leigh Wright Best Italian Imports: CIBO 1114 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 592-7797 cibonola.com Offering New York bagels so good that customers buy them pre-cooked in order to freeze at home, CIBO is a fair-priced Italian staple in the Carrollton neighborhood. Meatballs? On point. Cannolis? Filled to order. Best Italian sandwich? The Imports Combo? It's a charcuterie platter between two slices of perfect Italian bread. Think ingredients such as prosciutto and its salty cousins, as well as fresh mozzarella and roasted red peppers. CIBO is located Uptown along the streetcar line. –Cassandra Damascus Best Jewelry Store in the French Quarter: Porter Lyons 631 Toulouse St, (504) 518-4945 porterlyons.com A lot is changing in the French Quarter right now; if you haven’t walked the streets for a while, now is the time to get back down there. There are plenty of brand-new, locally owned, high-end boutiques that are a far cry from t-shirt shops and daiquiri bars. Porter Lyons is a luxurious, yet personable jewelry boutique, featuring designs made by Ashley Porter. Stop by to shop and maybe get some local kombucha on tap or take a yoga class. –Emily Hingle Best Underrated Section of New Orleans: New Orleans East New Orleans East gets a bad rap most of the time, but if you venture out there, you will be rewarded. Bayou Sauvage’s tranquil scenery and ease of access to nature makes it a great place for a family or day trip. On your way to or from a hike, swing by the now-famous Dong Phuong Bakery for lunch, with treats like almond buns and moon cakes. If you want more of Louisiana nature, definitely see Audubon’s newly opened Audubon Louisiana Nature Center. –Leigh Wright Best and Most Eye-Catching Local Artist: Brent Houzenga Houzenga.com Maybe you have seen his kaleidoscopically colored cars decorated with vintage Batman characters cruising around Mid-City. Or perhaps his similarly stylized stencil portraits have caught your eye, adorning the walls of Slice Pizzeria or Juan’s Flying Burrito. These vibrant prisms of pastels are the works of New Orleans’s own Brent Houzenga. Houzenga’s pop-meets-street art aesthetic brings to mind Lichenstein, Warhol, and Banksy. Follow his steady flow of creations on Facebook (@brent.houzenga) and Instagram (@houzenga). –Greg Roques

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WhereYat.com | July 2018 | 11

BEST OF THE BIG EASY

2018

READERS' PICKS

Best of the Big Easy Winners: Readers' Picks Best Happy Hour 1. The Columns Hotel: 3811 St. Charles Ave., thecolumns.com Feel elegant and classy while sipping on a drink and watching the streetcars pass by at the historic Columns Hotel on St. Charles Avenue.

Best Dance Club 1. The Metropolitan: 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd., themetronola.com 2. Ohm Lounge: 601 Tchoupitoulas St., ohm-lounge.com 3. Republic New Orleans: 828 S. Peters St., republicnola.com Best Dive Bar 1. Snake & Jake’s Christmas Club Lounge: 7612 Oak St., snakeandjakes. com Nothing beats the cheap beer, bar dog, and red Christmas lights at Snake and Jake’s, an eclectic microcosm of its own. 2. The Club Ms. Mae’s: 4336 Magazine St., facebook.com/msmaesNOLA 3. The Saint Bar & Lounge: 961 St. Mary St., thesaintneworleans.com

2. Barcadia New Orleans: 601 Tchoupitoulas St., barcadianeworleans.com 3. The Rusty Nail: 1102 Constance St., rustynailnola.com

Best Late-Night Bar 1. Ohm Lounge: 601 Tchoupitoulas St., ohm-lounge.com 2. Snake and Jake’s Christmas Club Lounge: 7612 Oak St., snakeandjakes. com 3. Republic New Orleans: 828 S. Peters St., republicnola.com Best Place to See and Be Seen 1. Ace Hotel New Orleans: 600 Carondelet St., acehotel.com/ neworleans Socialize, dine, and listen to music at the buzzworthy Ace Hotel, situated in a

renovated Art Deco building. 2. Hot Tin (Pontchartrain Hotel): 2031 St. Charles Ave., hottinbar.com 3. The Tchoup Yard Patio Bar: 405 Third St., tchoupyard.com Best Sports Bar 1. The Bulldog: 5135 Canal Blvd. and 3236 Magazine St., draftfreak.com What’s not to like about a dog-friendly bar with a tap fountain, large beer selection, and huge TVs? Visit The Bulldog’s patio with your furry friend next gameday. 2. Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar: Multiple

Best Bar for Handcrafted Cocktails 1. Bar Tonique: 820 N. Rampart St., bartonique.com Prepare to learn the difference between sours, slings, coolers, punches, and succulents as you drink your way through Bar Tonique’s “handcrafted cocktails without the pretense.” 2. Cure: 4905 Freret St., curenola.com 3. Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29: 321 N. Peters St., latitude29nola.com

12 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

Locations, walk-ons.com 3. Cooter Brown’s Tavern and Oyster Bar: 509 S. Carrollton Ave., cooterbrowns.com Best Upscale Bar 1. Hot Tin: 2031 St. Charles Ave., hottinbar.com Enjoy a romantic date with a cocktail in hand as you view the city from the Pontchartrain Hotel’s intimate rooftop bar. 2. Cure: 4905 Freret St., curenola.com 3. Arnaud’s French 75 Bar: 813 Bienville St., arnaudsrestaurant.com/bars/ french-75 Best Hotel Bar 1. The Carousel Bar & Lounge, Hotel Monteleone: 214 Royal St., hotelmonteleone.com/entertainment/ carousel-bar Yes, a carousel for adults does exist. Only in New Orleans can you spin and drink at the aptly named Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone. 2. The Sazerac Bar, The Roosevelt Hotel: 130 Roosevelt Way, therooseveltneworleans.com/dining/ the-sazerac-bar.html 3. Royal Frenchmen Bar, Royal Frenchmen Hotel: 700 Frenchmen St., royalfrenchmenhotel.com/royal-bar Best New Bar/Club 1. La Habana Hemingway Cigar Bar: 3560 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie,

WhereYat.com | July 2018 | 13

BEST OF THE BIG EASY

READERS' PICKS

Best Beer Selection 1. Deuce McAllister’s Ole Saint Kitchen and Tap: 132 Royal St., olesaint.com Flat-screen TVs, over 50 beers, and Saints memorabilia from Deuce McAllister will grab the attention of any football and beer connoisseur at Ole Saint. 2. Cooter Brown’s Tavern and Oyster Bar: 509 S. Carrollton Ave., cooterbrowns.com 3. World of Beer: 300 Julia St., worldofbeer. com/Locations/WarehouseDistrict

cigarbarneworleans.com 2. Loft18: 3128 Metairie Rd., Metairie, loft18.com 3. Portside Lounge: 3000 Dryades St., portsidenola.com Best LGBTQ Bar 1. Oz New Orleans: 800 Bourbon St., ozneworleans.com Out partying, drinking, and having fun on Bourbon Street? Hit up Oz, the #1 gay dance club in the city, on your night out. 2. The Golden Lantern: 1239 Royal St., facebook.com/pages/The-GoldenLantern/299283850168317 3. Good Friends Bar & Queens Head Pub: 740 Dauphine St., goodfriendsbar. com Best College Bar 1. The Boot Bar and Grill: 1039 Broadway St., thebootnola.com With liquor deals and late-night hours you can’t beat, no wonder The Boot is

popular with college kids on a budget. 2. TJ Quills: 7600 Maple St., tjquills.com 3. Bruno’s Tavern: 7538 Maple St., brunostavern.com Best Bar Patio 1. Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant: 200 Poydras St., gordonbiersch.com/ locations/new-orleans 2. Pat O’Briens Bar: 718 St. Peters St., patobriens.com/patobriens/ neworleans/default.asp 3. The Tchoup Yard Patio Bar: 405 Third St., tchoupyard.com Best Gentlemen’s Club 1. Rick’s Cabaret: 315 Bourbon St., rickscabaretnola.com 2. The Penthouse Club: 727 Iberville St., penthouseclubneworleans.com 3. Larry Flynt’s Hustler Club: 225 Bourbon St., neworleanshustlerclub.com Best Irish Pub 1. Finn McCool’s Irish Pub: 3701 Banks

St., finnmccools.com 2. Mick’s Irish Pub: 4801 Bienville Ave., facebook.com/Micks-IrishPub-76730787479 3. Kerry Irish Pub: 331 Decatur St., facebook.com/Kerry-IrishPub-163926209622 Best Place to Get a Bloody Mary 1. Daisy Dukes Restaurant: Multiple Locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com Drink an award-winning Bloody Mary to your heart’s content, with free refills (with the purchase of a meal), at one of Daisy Duke’s five locations in the city. 2. The Ruby Slipper Café: Multiple Locations, therubyslippercafe.net 3. Atchafalaya Restaurant: 901 Louisiana Ave., atchafalayarestaurant. com Best Place to Get a Margarita 1. El Gato Negro: Multiple Locations, elgatonegronola.com

Best Bar (Marigny/Bywater) 1. The Country Club: 634 Louisa St., thecountryclubneworleans.com Enter the bohemian paradise known as The Country Club to enjoy swimming, fine dining, and upscale drinking. 2. Mimi's in the Marigny: 2601 Royal St., mimismarigny.com 3. Kajun's Pub: 2256 St. Claude Ave., kajunpub.com

14 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

2. Juan’s Flying Burrito: Multiple Locations, juansflyingburrito.com 3. Superior Grill: 3636 St. Charles Ave., neworleans.superiorgrill.com Best Place to Get a Mojito 1. St. Joe’s Bar: 5535 Magazine St., stjoesbar.com Cool down with a blueberry mojito at St. Joe’s Bar, a homey destination with saintly religious decor. 2. The Rum House Caribbean Taqueria: 3128 Magazine St., therumhouse.com 3. Cane & Table: 1113 Decatur St., caneandtablenola.com Best Place to Drink Wine 1. Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits: 600 Poland Ave., bacchanalwine.com Grab a bottle of wine to share or have a glass from their upstairs bar, and enjoy it with a cheese plate or other bites while listening to live jazz outdoors in their giant courtyard. 2. Bayou Wine Garden: 315 N. Rendon St., bayouwinegarden.com 3. Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro: 720 Orleans St., orleansgrapevine.com Best Place to Drink Brewed Beer 1. Crescent City Brewhouse: 527 Decatur St., crescentcitybrewhouse.com 2. Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant: 200 Poydras St., gordonbiersch.com/ locations/new-orleans 3. Port Orleans Brewing Co.: 4124 Tchoupitoulas St., portorleansbrewingco.com Best Jazz Club 1. Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro: 626 Frenchmen St., snugjazz.com Creole cuisine and New Orleans’s famous jazz music are the perfect duet at Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro in the Marigny. 2. The Spotted Cat Music Club: 623 Frenchmen St., spottedcatmusicclub.com 3. The Jazz Playhouse: 300 Bourbon St., sonesta.com/us/louisiana/neworleans/royal-sonesta-new-orleans/ jazzplayhouse

BEST OF THE BIG EASY

READERS' PICKS

Best Music Club 1. House of Blues: 225 Decatur St., houseofblues.com/neworleans Jazz and blues may be our thing, but visit the House of Blues to hear upand-coming and renowned artists of all different genres. 2. Tipitina’s: 501 Napoleon Ave., facebook.com/tipitinasnola 3. The Howlin’ Wolf Music Club & The Den: 907 S. Peters St., thehowlinwolf.com

Best Bar (Westbank) 1. Gattuso’s Neighborhood Restaurant: 435 Huey P. Long Ave., gattusos.net Make your trip to the Westbank even better by stopping by Gattuso’s for a pint, live music, and, of course, trivia night.

Best Place to Play Bar Games 1. Shamrock: 4133 S. Carrollton Ave., shamrockparty.com 2. Barcadia New Orleans: 601 Tchoupitoulas St., barcadianeworleans. com 3. Dave & Buster’s: 1200 Poydras St. #601, daveandbusters.com/locations/ new-orleans Best Bar (Uptown) 1. Le Bon Temps Roule: 4801 Magazine St., lbtrnola.com 2. Tchoup Yard Patio Bar: 405 Third St., tchoupyard.com 3. St. Joe’s Bar: 5535 Magazine St., stjoesbar.com Best Bar (French Quarter) 1. Tropical Isle: 435, 600, 610, and 721 Bourbon St., tropicalisle.com 2. Pat O’Briens Bar: 718 St. Peters St.,

2. Rivershack Gretna: 714 1st St., rivershackgretna.com 3. The Crown & Anchor English Pub: 200 Pelican Ave., Algiers Point, crownandanchor.pub patobriens.com 3. Old Absinthe House: 240 Bourbon St., ruebourbon.com/old-absinthe-house Best Bar (CBD/Warehouse District) 1. Barcadia New Orleans: 601 Tchoupitoulas St., barcadianeworleans. com If “eat, drink, play” doesn’t say it all, then we don’t know what will. Check out Barcadia to see for yourself. 2. Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant: 701 Tchoupitoulas St.,

lucysretiredsurfers.com 3. The Rusty Nail: 1102 Constance St., rustynailnola.com Best Bar (Mid-City) 1. Pal’s Lounge: 949 N. Rendon St., palslounge.com 2. The Bulldog Mid-City: 5135 Canal St., bulldog-midcity.draftfreak.com 3. Mid City Yacht Club: 440 S. St. Patrick St., midcityyachtclub.com

Best Bar (Metairie) 1. Lager’s International Ale House: 3501 Veterans Memorial Blvd., lagersmetairie.draftfreak.com Shopped till you dropped at Lakeside Mall? Get your energy back up at nearby Lager’s with a well-deserved drink. 2. Oscar’s: 2027 Metairie Rd., oscarsoldmetairie.com 3. Swamp Room Bar & Grill: 5216 Veterans Memorial Blvd., swamproombarandgrill.com

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BEST OF THE BIG EASY Best Brewery 1. Abita Brewing Company: 166 Barbee Rd., Covington, abita.com 2. NOLA Brewing Company: 3001 Tchoupitoulas St., nolabrewing.com 3. Port Orleans Brewing Company: 4124 Tchoupitoulas St., portorleansbrewingco.com

READERS' PICKS 3. Iron Horse Clothier: 523 Metairie Rd., Metairie, ironhorsenola.com Best Women’s Clothing 1. Hemline: Multiple Locations, shophemline.com 2. Trashy Diva Clothing Boutique: Multiple Locations, trashydiva.com 3. Blink Boutique: Multiple Locations, shopblinkboutique.com Best Adult Novelty Store 1. Mr. Binky’s Boutique: 107 Chartres St., mrbinkys.com 2. Hustler Hollywood: 111 Bourbon St., hustlerhollywoodstores.com 3. Paradise Adult Video & Books: 5608 Heebe St., facebook.com/ paradiseadultvideoelmwood Best Costume Shop 1. Uptown Costume & Dancewear: 4326 Magazine St., facebook.com/ uptowncostumeanddancewear 2. New Orleans Party & Costume: 705 Camp St., facebook.com/nolacostume 3. Southern Costume Company: 951 Lafayette St., sccnola.com

Best Bike Shop 1. G.N.O. Cyclery: 1426 S. Carrollton Ave., facebook.com/GNOcyclery Need your bike fixed or want a new ride? Stop by G.N.O. Cyclery for outstanding service and quality products. G.N.O. has everything for both bikes and cyclists, from equipment to apparel. 2. Bayou Bicycles: 3530 Toulouse St., bayoubicycles.com 3. Rouler: 601 Baronne St., Suite C1, rouler.cc

Best Record Store 1. Mushroom New Orleans: 1037 Broadway St., mushroomneworleans. com 2. Louisiana Music Factory: 421 Frenchmen St., louisianamusicfactory. com 3. Peaches Records: 4318 Magazine St., peachesrecordsandtapes.com

Best Men’s Clothing 1. Perlis Clothing: Multiple Locations, perlis.com Does the man in your life need a style upgrade? NOLA-themed Perlis Clothing is the place to go to up his game. 2. Rubensteins: 102 St. Charles Ave., rubensteinsneworleans.com

Best Supermarket 1. Dorignac’s Food Center: 710 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, dorignacs.com Dorignac’s has got dat, dat, and dat. Check out this local family-owned grocery for all of your food needs. 2. Rouses Market: Multiple Locations, rouses.com

Best Vintage Clothing Store 1. Buffalo Exchange: 4119 Magazine St., buffaloexchange.com Need to jump on that hipster trend? Look no further than second-hand mavens Buffalo Exchange for your trendy, ‘90s-inspired looks. 2. Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana: Multiple Locations, goodwillno.org 3. Funky Monkey: 3127 Magazine St., funkymonkeynola.com

16 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

BEST OF THE BIG EASY Best Vape Store 1. Calhoun Vapor: 3137 Calhoun St., calhounvapor.com Blow some clouds with a variety of locally inspired and traditional e-liquid flavors at vape boutique Calhoun Vapor. 2. Crescent City Vape: Multiple Locations, crescentcityvape.com 3. Smokecignals Electronic Cigarettes: 8129 Oleander St., smokecignals.com Best Pet Store 1. Jefferson Feed: Multiple Locations, jeffersonfeed.com Treat your furry, fluff y, or scaly friends to some tasty treats, supplies, or an assortment of toys from local favorite Jefferson Feed. 2. Petco: Multiple Locations, petco.com 3. Zeus’ Place: 4601 Freret St., zeusplace. com Best Wedding Venue 1. Royal Palm: 1901 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, royalpalmfpc.com 2. New Orleans City Park: 1 Palm Dr., neworleanscitypark.com/rentals-andcatering/weddings 3. Race & Religious: 510 Race St., raceandreligious.com Best Eyeglass Shop 1. Art & Eyes: 3708 Magazine St., artandeyesneworleansla.com Looking for some stylish reading frames or summer shades? Look no further than Art & Eyes for some fashionable accessories. 2. St. Charles Vision: Multiple Locations, stcharlesvision.com 3. KREWE: 809 Royal St., krewe.com Best Spa 1. The Woodhouse Day Spa: 4030 Canal St., neworleans.woodhousespas.com 2. Earthsavers Spa and Store: Multiple Locations, earthsaversonline.com 3. Belladonna Day Spa: 2900 Magazine St., belladonnadayspa.com Best Thrift Store 1. Goodwill Industries of Southeastern

READERS' PICKS Louisiana: Multiple Locations, goodwillno.org With unbeatable prices on clothing, accessories, and home decor, Goodwill is the place to visit to find a steal of a deal. 2. Red White & Blue Thrift Store: 5728 Jeﬀerson Hwy. in Harahan and 605 La Palco Blvd. in Gretna, redwhiteandbluethriftstore.com 3. Bloomin’ Deals Thrift Shop: 4645 Freret St., bloomindeals.org/shop/ bloomindeals

Best Kids' Spot 1. Audubon Zoo: 6500 Magazine St., audubonnatureinstitute.org Nothing beats a day at Audubon Zoo—riding the carousel, seeing exotic animals, and, of course, being scared by the iconic Loup Garou figurine. 2. Louisiana Children’s Museum: 420 Julia St., lcm.org 3. Adventure Quest Laser Tag: 1200 S. Clearview Pkwy., Suite #1106, Harahan, lasertagnola. com

Best New Restaurant 1. Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco: 5015 Magazine St., titoscevichepisco.com 2. Saffron NOLA: 4128 Magazine St., saffronnola.com 3. Flamingo A-Go-Go: 869 Magazine St., flamingonola.com Best Daily Specials 1. Mandina’s Restaurant: 3800 Canal St., mandinasrestaurant.com Mandina’s, a seafood and Italian hotspot, keeps the deals coming with their Monday through Friday drink and food specials that you’re sure to enjoy. 2. Joey K’s Restaurant & Bar: 3001 Magazine St., joeyksrestaurant.com 3. Katie’s Restaurant: 3701 Iberville St., katiesinmidcitycom Best Restaurant (French Quarter)

St., antoines.com 2. Galatoire’s Restaurant: 209 Bourbon St., galatoires.com 3. Mr. B’s Bistro: 201 Royal St., mrbsbistro.com Best Restaurant (Marigny/Bywater) 1. Mimi’s in the Marigny: 2601 Royal St., mimismarigny.com With two eclectic bars featuring vintage decor, Mimi’s in the Marigny caters to tapas-craving herbivores and carnivores alike. 2. The Country Club: 634 Louisa St., thecountryclubneworleans.com 3. Feelings Marigny Cafe: 535 Franklin Ave., feelingscafebar.com Best Restaurant (Uptown) 1. Pascal’s Manale: 1838 Napoleon Ave., pascalsmanale.com 2. Jacques-Imo’s Cafe: 8324 Oak St., jacques-imos.com 3. Atchafalaya Restaurant: 901 Louisiana Ave., atchafalayarestaurant. com

1. Antoine’s Restaurant: 713 St. Louis

Best Athletic Club 1. New Orleans JCC: 5342 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans and 3747 W. Esplanade Ave. in Metairie, nojcc.org There’s something for the whole family at the JCC, from camp for the kids to a state-of-the-art gym for Mom, Dad, or the fitness buff in your life. 2. Ochsner Fitness Center Harahan: 1200 S. Clearview Pkwy., Suite 1200, in Elmwood Plaza Shopping Center, ochsnerfitness.com 3. Downtown Fitness Center: Canal Place, 333 Canal St., 3rd Fl. and 2372 St. Claude Ave., 2nd Fl., downtownfitnesscenter.com

18 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

Best Restaurant (CBD/Warehouse District) 1. Compère Lapin: 535 Tchoupitoulas St., comperelapin.com Prepare your taste buds for an adventure at Compère Lapin, a hip eatery blending Creole, Italian, and Caribbean flavors. 2. Pêche Seafood Grill: 800 Magazine St., pecherestaurant.com 3. Tsunami Sushi: 601 Poydras St., Suite B, servingsushi.com/neworleans Best Restaurant (Mid-City) 1. Mandina’s Restaurant: 3800 Canal St., mandinasrestaurant.com 2. Venezia Restaurant: 134 N. Carrollton Ave., venezianeworleans.net 3. Café Degas: 3127 Esplanade Ave., cafedegas.com Best Restaurant (Lakeview) 1. The Velvet Cactus Restaurant: 6300 Argonne Blvd., thevelvetcactus.com Chill at no-frills Velvet Cactus this Taco Tuesday (or any day of the week) for some great Mexican food, and margaritas made with cane sugar.

s ' t e e r t S n o b r u o B

424 Bourbon St. | 504-309-1574 | Pier424SeafoodMarket.com WhereYat.com | July 2018 | 19

BEST OF THE BIG EASY 2. The Blue Crab Restaurant & Oyster Bar: 7900 Lakeshore Dr., thebluecrabnola.com 3. Chef Susan Spicer’s Mondo: 900 Harrison Ave., mondoneworleans.com Best Restaurant (Westbank) 1. Cafe 615 Home of Da Wabbit: 615 Kepler St., Gretna, dawabbit.net 2. Nine Roses Restaurant: 1100 Stephens St., Gretna, ninerosesrestaurant.com 3. Mosca’s Restaurant: 4137 US-90, Westwego, moscasrestaurant.com Best Restaurant (Metairie) 1. Impastato’s Restaurant: 3400 16th St., impastatos.com 2. Drago’s Seafood Restaurant: 3232 N. Arnoult Rd., dragosrestaurant.com 3. Vincent’s Italian Cuisine: 7839 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans and 4411 Chastant St. in Metairie, vincentsitaliancuisine.com Best Upscale Restaurant 1. Commander’s Palace: 1403 Washington Ave., commanderspalace. com Living up to its impeccable reputation, Commander’s Palace is the crown jewel of traditional New Orleans cuisine and fine dining. 2. Antoine’s Restaurant: 713 St. Louis St., antoines.com 3. Galatoire’s Restaurant: 209 Bourbon St., galatoires.com Best Fast Casual Restaurant 1. The Halal Guys: Multiple Locations, thehalalguys.com 2. Dat Dog: Multiple Locations, datdog. com 3. Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria: Multiple Locations, felipestaqueria.com Best Bakery 1. Maple Street Patisserie: 7638 Maple

READERS' PICKS St., cargocollective.com/ maplestreetpatisserie Stop by European-inspired Maple Street Patisserie for fresh-baked breads, mouth-watering smells, and delicious pastries for a breakfast treat. 2. La Boulangerie: 4600 Magazine St., laboulangerienola.com 3. Gracious Bakery: Multiple Locations, graciousbakery. com Best Deli 1. Martin Wine Cellar: 3827 Baronne St. in New Orleans and 714 Elmeer Ave. in Metairie, martinwine.com 2. Stein’s Market & Deli: 2207 Magazine St., steinsdeli.com 3. St. James Cheese Company: 5004 Prytania St. and 641 Tchoupitoulas St., stjamescheese.com

Best Budget Eats 1. Liberty Cheesesteaks: 5041 Freret St., libertycheesesteaks. com Craving some Philly-inspired dogs with a NOLA twist? Liberty Cheesesteaks has got your back with an assortment of sandwiches and fries. 2. Dat Dog: Multiple Locations, datdog.com 3. Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria: Multiple Locations, felipestaqueria.com

started on the bread pudding. 2. Emeril’s New Orleans: 800 Tchoupitoulas St., emerilsrestaurants. com/emerils-new-orleans 3. Willa Jean: 611 O’Keefe Ave., willajean. com

Best Place to Get a Salad 1. St. James Cheese Company: 5004 Prytania St. and 641 Tchoupitoulas St., stjamescheese.com St. James Cheese Company will have you rethinking the idea of salad as boring with their fresh and bold leafy offerings. 2. Green Goddess: 307 Exchange Pl., greengoddessrestaurant.com 3. Carmo: 527 Julia St., cafecarmo.com

Best Outdoor Dining 1. Cafe Amelie: 912 Royal St., cafeamelie. com 2. Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits: 600 Poland Ave., bacchanalwine.com 3. The Velvet Cactus Restaurant: 6300 Argonne Blvd., thevelvetcactus.com

Best Restaurant for Dessert 1. Commander’s Palace: 1403 Washington Ave., commanderspalace. com Not only is Commander’s the best upscale eatery, but they’ve also got the best desserts in town. Don’t get us

Best Romantic Date Spot 1. Café Degas: 3127 Esplanade Ave., cafedegas.com What’s more romantic than a date at a French restaurant? Café Degas has historic charm and great food that are sure to woo anyone.

Best Café 1. Caffe! Caffe!: 4301 Clearview Pkwy. and 3547 N. Hullen St. in Metairie, caffecaffe.com Brewing since 1992, Caffe! Caffe! whips up delicious food and coffee in a super casual and inviting atmosphere. 2. Satsuma Cafe: 3218 Dauphine St. and 7901 Maple St., satsumacafe.com 3. High Hat Cafe: 4500 Freret St., highhatcafe.com

20 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

2. The Bombay Club: 830 Conti St., bombayclubneworleans.com 3. Restaurant R’evolution: 777 Bienville St., revolutionnola.com Best Breakfast Spot 1. Another Broken Egg Café: 2917 Magazine St. and 607 Harrison Ave., anotherbrokenegg.com 2. The Ruby Slipper Café: Multiple Locations, therubyslippercafe.net 3. Surrey’s Café and Juice Bar: 1418 and 4807 Magazine St., surreysnola.com Best Brunch Spot 1. The Ruby Slipper Café: Multiple Locations, therubyslippercafe.net Feast on New Orleans-inspired brunch dishes, paired with a mimosa or two, at this popular breakfast and brunch hotspot. 2. Apolline Restaurant: 4729 Magazine St., apollinerestaurant.com 3. Atchafalaya Restaurant: 901 Louisiana Ave., atchafalayarestaurant. com Best Diner 1. City Diner: 3116 S. I-10 Service Rd., Metairie, citydiner.biz 2. Camellia Grill: 626 S. Carrollton Ave., facebook.com/pages/CamelliaGrill/104113072958918 3. Dot’s Diner: Multiple Locations, dotsdiner.com Best Chinese Restaurant 1. Five Happiness Chinese Restaurant: 3605 S. Carrollton Ave., fivehappiness. com Five Happiness will surely put a smile on your face with their extensive menu of Chinese classics and fortune-cookie wisdom. 2. Red’s Chinese: 3048 St. Claude Ave., redschinese.com 3. China Doll Restaurant: 830

BEST OF THE BIG EASY Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, chinadoll. restaurant Best Japanese Restaurant 1. Rock-n-Sake Bar & Sushi: 823 Fulton St. in New Orleans and 2913 Metairie Rd. in Metairie, rocknsake.com 2. Miyako Hibachi & Sushi Bar: 1403 St. Charles Ave., japanesebistro.com 3. Shogun Restaurant: 2325 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, shogunneworleans.com Best Thai Restaurant 1. La Thai Uptown: 4938 Prytania St., lathaiuptown.com Visit chic Uptown restaurant La Thai to savor their New Orleans twists on classic Southeast Asian cuisine. 2. SukhoThai: 4519 Magazine St. and 2200 Royal St., sukhothai-nola.com 3. Banana Blossom Thai Restaurant: 500 9th St., Gretna, bananablossom504. com Best Vietnamese Restaurant 1. Magasin Kitchen: 611 O’Keefe Ave., facebook.com/pages/MagasinKitchen/150776865274492 Slurp your way through some delicious pho or try a Vietnamese-inspired poboy at cozy eatery Magasin Kitchen. 2. Lilly's Café: 1813 Magazine St., facebook.com/lillyscafe 3. Pho Orchid: 3117 Houma Blvd. and 1401 Airline Dr. in Metairie, pho-orchid.com Best BBQ Restaurant 1. Blue Oak BBQ: 900 N. Carrollton Ave., blueoakbbq.com If Dad doesn’t feel like barbecuing this weekend, go to Blue Oak BBQ to try their smoky, mouth-watering ribs, pulled pork, and cracklins. 2. Central City BBQ: 1201 S. Rampart St., centralcitybbq.com 3. Frey Smoked Meat Co.: 4141 Bienville

READERS' PICKS St., Suite 110, freysmokedmeat.com Best Italian Restaurant 1. Vincent’s Italian Cuisine: 7839 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans and 4411 Chastant St. in Metairie, vincentsitaliancuisine.com Vincent’s, a homey Italian eatery with a cozy vibe, will surely satisfy your cravings for rich pasta, fine wine, and delicious meats. 2. Venezia Restaurant: 134 N. Carrollton Ave., venezianeworleans.net 3. Mosca’s Restaurant: 4137 US-90, Westwego, moscasrestaurant.com Best Cajun Restaurant 1. Mulate's: 201 Julia St., mulates.com 2. Jacques-Imo’s Cafe: 8324 Oak St., jacques-imos.com 3. Bobby Hebert's Cajun Cannon Restaurant & Bar: 4101 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, bobbyheberts. com Best African Restaurant 1. Bennachin Restaurant: 1212 Royal St., facebook.com/BennachinRestaurant-328082390006 While out in the Quarter, make sure to stop by the quaint and colorful Bennachin, which serves up generous portions of traditional African fare. 2. Jamila’s Cafe: 7808 Maple St., jamilascafe.com 3. Cafe Abyssinia: 3511 Magazine St., cafeabyssinianola.com Best Indian Restaurant 1. Nirvana Indian Cuisine: 4308 Magazine St., insidenirvana.com Hungry for some curry, vindaloo, korma, or tandoori dishes? Enjoy Nirvana’s vast selection of traditional Indian fare. 2. Saffron NOLA: 4128 Magazine St., saffronnola.com

Thank you for voting Antoine’s Restaurant the “Best French Quarter Restaurant!”

Best Mexican Restaurant 1. Carreta’s Grill: Multiple locations, carretasgrillrestaurant. com It’s a fiesta every day at Carreta’s, which offers traditional Mexican fare to satisfy your palate. 2. El Gato Negro: Multiple locations, elgatonegronola.com 3. El Pavo Real: 4401 S. Broad Ave., elpavorealnola.com

www.antoines.com | 504-581-4422

713 Rue Saint Louis New Orleans, LA 70130

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BEST OF THE BIG EASY

READERS' PICKS

3. Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant: 923 Metairie Rd., Metairie, tajnola.com Best Middle Eastern Restaurant 1. Lebanon's Café: 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., lebanonscafe.com Falafel and hummus gourmands alike are welcomed into a beautiful, muralfilled dining room at Lebanon’s Café to savor traditional Middle Eastern fare. 2. Mona’s Cafe and Deli: Multiple Locations, monascafeanddeli.com 3. Pyramids Cafe Mediterranean Cuisine: 3149 Calhoun St., pyramidscafeonline.com Best Seafood Restaurant 1. Deanie's Seafood Restaurant: Multiple Locations., deanies.com Since Deanie’s has been recognized as a New Orleans favorite since 1961, you know their seafood is to die for, especially their seafood platter. 2. Acme Oyster House: Multiple Locations, acmeoyster.com 3. Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar: 739 Iberville St., felixs.com Best Restaurant for Boiled Seafood 1. The Galley Seafood: 2535 Metairie Rd., Metairie, thegalleyseafood.net 2. Deanie's Seafood Restaurant: Multiple Locations, deanies.com 3. Salvo’s Seafood: 7742 Hwy. 23, Belle Chasse, salvosseafood.com Best Steakhouse 1. Mr. John’s Steakhouse: 2111 St. Charles Ave., mrjohnssteakhouse.com Mr. John’s is a carnivore’s paradise, with steaks seared to perfection and topped with butter. You’ll surely be in heaven. 2. Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse: 525 Fulton St. (inside Harrah’s Hotel) in New Orleans and 3633 Veterans Blvd. in Metairie, ruthschris.com 3. Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse:

Best Vegan Menu 1. Seed: 1330 Prytania St., seedyourhealth.com Seed has vegans raving about its delicious offerings and is even blowing the minds of carnivorous stalwarts with its convincing flavors. 2. Sneaky Pickle: 4017 St. Claude Ave., yousneakypickle.com 3. Superfood Bar: 4113 Magazine St., sfbcuisine.com

614 Canal St., fogodechao.com/ location/new-orleans

facebook.com/maisarepas 3. Barú Bistro & Tapas Restaurant: 3700 Magazine St., barutapas.com

Best Creole Restaurant 1. Neyow's Creole Café: 3332 Bienville St., neyows.com 2. Dooky Chase’s Restaurant: 2301 Orleans Ave., dookychaserestaurant. com 3. Dunbar's Famous Creole Cuisine: 7834 Earhart Blvd., facebook. com/pages/Dunbars-CreoleCuisine/1197021177025328

Best Bar Food 1. Buffa’s Bar and Restaurant: 1001 Esplanade Ave., buffasbar.com 2. Barcadia New Orleans: 601 Tchoupitoulas St., barcadianeworleans. com 3. Backspace Bar & Kitchen: 139 Chartres St., backspacenola.com

Best Latin American Restaurant 1. The Rum House Caribbean Taqueria: 3128 Magazine St., therumhouse.com No wonder the Rum House on Magazine Street is always packed if it’s the best stop for jerk fish, tacos, and Latin-inspired fare. 2. Maïs Arepas: 1200 Carondelet St.,

Best Coffee Shop 1. PJ’s Coffee: Multiple Locations, pjscoffee.com Didn’t have time to make coffee at home? Stop by PJ’s, a local favorite, for your morning cup of joe and a pastry to go. 2. CC’s Coffee House: Multiple Locations, ccscoffee.com

Best Oyster Po-Boy 1. Parkway Bakery & Tavern: 538 Hagan Ave., parkwaypoorboys. com Serving up po-boys for 100 years, Parkway Bakery sure knows what they’re doing when it comes to making the best oyster po-boy in the city. 2. Domilise's Po-Boy & Bar: 5240 Annunciation St., domilisespoboys.com 3. Acme Oyster House: Multiple Locations, acmeoyster.com

22 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

3. French Truck Coffee: Multiple Locations, frenchtruckcoffee.com Best Vegetarian Menu 1. Carmo: 527 Julia St., cafecarmo.com 2. Seed: 1330 Prytania St., seedyourhealth.com 3. Green Goddess: 307 Exchange Pl., greengoddessrestaurant.com Best Roast Beef Po-Boy 1. Tracey's Original Irish Channel Bar: 2604 Magazine St., traceysnola.com Come for the delicious eight-inch poboy and stay for the drinks at this St. Patrick’s Day-loving bar. 2. Parasol’s Bar and Restaurant: 2533 Constance St., facebook.com/ ParasolsNOLA 3. Parran's Po-Boys & Restaurant: Multiple Locations, parranspoboys.com Best Shrimp Po-Boy 1. Short Stop Poboys: 119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie, shortstoppoboysno.com 2. Parkway Bakery & Tavern: 538 Hagan Ave., parkwaypoorboys.com 3. Guy's Po-Boys: 5259 Magazine St., facebook.com/guyspoboysnola Best Wings 1. WOW Café American Grill and Wingery: Multiple Locations, wowcafe. com 2. Bayou Hot Wings: 6221 S. Claiborne Ave., bayouhotwings.com 3. MOPHO: 514 City Park Ave., mophonola.com Best Hamburger 1. Port of Call: 838 Esplanade Ave., portofcallnola.com 2. The Company Burger: 4600 Freret St. and 611 O'Keefe Ave. #C7, thecompanyburger.com 3. Desi Vega’s Prime Burgers &

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BEST OF THE BIG EASY

READERS' PICKS

Best Fried Chicken 1. Willie Mae's Scotch House: 2401 St. Ann St., williemaesnola.com Fried chicken is Willie Mae’s specialty. If you don’t agree that the chicken here is America’s best, then we don’t know what to say. 2. The Original Fiorella’s Cafe: 5325 Franklin Ave., originalfiorellas.com 3. Dooky Chase’s Restaurant: 2301 Orleans Ave., dookychaserestaurant. com

Shakes: 1640 Hickory Ave., Harahan, desivegaburgers.com Best Pasta 1. Venezia Restaurant: 134 N. Carrollton Ave., venezianeworleans.net With a large selection of delicious and saucy pasta dishes, Venezia is sure to please pasta- and spaghetti-lovers with their Italian offerings. 2. Vincent’s Italian Cuisine: 7839 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans and 4411 Chastant St. in Metairie, vincentsitaliancuisine.com 3. Semolina: 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 37, Metairie, semolina.com Best Sushi 1. Mikimoto: 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., mikimotosushi.com Serving NOLA-themed sushi rolls, mouth-watering sashimi, and a link “straight to the sushi” on their website, Mikimoto doesn’t play around. 2. Sake Cafe Uptown: 2830 Magazine St., sakecafeonmagazine.com 3. Tsunami Sushi: 601 Poydras St., Suite B, servingsushi.com/neworleans Best Taco/Burrito 1. Juan’s Flying Burrito: Multiple Locations, juansflyingburrito.com Start with the guac and stay for the giant stuffed burrito at Juan’s Flying Burrito, a neighborhood favorite among the young and old. 2. Izzo’s Illegal Burrito: Multiple Locations, izzos.com 3. Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria: Multiple Locations, felipestaqueria.com Best Pizza 1. Reginelli’s Pizzeria: Multiple Locations, reginellis.com 2. Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza: Multiple Locations, theospizza.com 3. Pizza Delicious: 617 Piety St.,

pizzadelicious.com Best Ice Cream/Gelato 1. Angelo Brocato Italian Ice Cream and Pastry: 214 N. Carrollton Ave., angelobrocatoicecream.com It’s hard to leave Angelo Brocato’s with only a creamy gelato in hand. The tantalizing cannoli and pastries will get you, too. 2. The Creole Creamery: 4924 Prytania St. and 6260 Vicksburg St., creolecreamery.com 3. Freezy Street Rolled Ice Cream: 2633 St. Claude Ave., freezystreetnola.com Best Sno-Ball 1. Hansen’s Sno-Bliz: 4801 Tchoupitoulas St., snobliz.com With 79 years of making flavored iced delights to cool you down in the summer heat, Hansen’s has got sno-ball-making down to a science. 2. Plum St. Snoballs: 1300 Burdette St. in New Orleans and 3000 Downing Blvd. in Metairie, facebook. com/Plum-StreetSnoballs-46126897621 3. Sal’s Sno-Balls: 1823 Metairie Ave., Metairie, facebook.com/pg/SalsSno-Balls-95703951200 Best Donut 1. District: Donuts. Sliders.Brew: Multiple Locations, districtdonuts.com If you follow District Donuts’s Instagram account, then you know these donut purveyors always

24 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

have exciting new flavors and warm smiles at all of their locations. 2. Blue Dot Donuts: 4301 Canal St., bluedotdonuts.com 3. City Donuts & Café: 3301 S. Claiborne Ave. Best King Cake 1. Haydel’s Bakery: 4037 Jeﬀerson Hwy., haydelbakery.com The Mardi Gras spirit is alive and well at Haydel’s Bakery, which offers holiday-themed king cakes all year round. 2. Manny Randazzo King Cakes: 3515 N. Hullen St., Metairie, randazzokingcake. com 3. Dong Phuong Bakeshop: 14207 Chef Menteur Hwy., dpbakeshop.com

Best Theater Venue 1. Saenger Theatre: 1111 Canal St., saengernola.com 2. Orpheum Theater: 129 Roosevelt Way, orpheumnola.com 3. Joy Theater: 1200 Canal St., thejoytheater.com Best Local Artist 1. James Michalopoulos: 617 Bienville St., michalopoulos.com 2. Frenchy (Randy Leo Frechette): 8314 Oak St., frenchylive.com 3. Ashley Longshore: 4537 Magazine St., ashleylongshore.com Best Museum 1. The National WWII Museum: 945 Magazine St., nationalww2museum.org History buffs and curious visitors are sure to love the WWII Museum, with its interactive exhibits, movies, artifacts, and captivating stories about the world’s most tragic war. 2. New Orleans Museum of Art: 1 Collins Diboll Cir., noma.org 3. Ogden Museum of Southern Art: 925 Camp St., ogdenmuseum.org

Best Art Gallery 1. Frenchy Gallery: 8314 Oak St., frenchylive.com Frenchy has made a name for himself by live-painting events and places around the Crescent City. 2. Gallery B. Fos: 2138 Magazine St., beckyfos. com 3. Terrance Osborne Gallery: 3029 Magazine St., terranceosborne.com

WhereYat.com | July 2018 | 25

New Orleans's Summer Swimming Guide By Brett Thorne

Le Meridien

emember when your grandmother told you to wait 30 minutes after eating before jumping in the pool? And you wondered why she had just made you eat every last bite of that sauerkraut and liver sandwich if she was just going to make you wait to jump

in the pool? Yeah, well, those rules are out the window this summer. This list of the best summer swim spots in New Orleans features hotels with poolside eateries, state parks perfect for a weekend getaway, and public watering holes where New Orleans’s unique culture is put on full display.

26 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

PAY-TO-PLAY Ace Hotel Remember Birdman’s 2002 hit “Do That” and the accompanying video? The video features one of the most lit pool parties I’ve ever seen, and the pool at Ace Hotel is kind of like that (minus P. Diddy riding a jet ski). Beautiful people, expensive drinks, and lots of water. I’ve got bad news for you, though: entry to the pool is free, but you have to spend at least $20 at the hotel’s restaurant or bar to gain entry to the pool. I’m sorry, did I say bad news? Because I meant great news. You finally have a reason to spend your hard-earned Andrew Jacksons on $15 mimosas! The pool is first-come, first-served, and priority is given to hotel guests, so non-guests should arrive early in the day to ensure entry. Location: 600 Carondelet St. Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cost: $20 minimum drink or food purchase. Contact: 504-900-1180; acehotel.com/neworleans Don’t miss: After taking a dip in the pool, stick around for an evening music performance at the hotel’s venue, 3 Keys. The Roosevelt Hotel >> The Roosevelt is known for its Sazerac Bar, but just a few floors up from the legendary bar sits the hotel’s rooftop pool. The hotel offers cabana reservations for up to six guests, and that grants access to the pool, a whirlpool tub, and the rooftop sundeck. The hotel’s rooftop bar also serves pool guests everything from

cocktails to short rib hot dogs, whatever those are. Location: 130 Roosevelt Way Hours: Thursday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: $75 (weekday rooftop private terrace rental), $150 (weekend private terrace rental), $175 (weekday cabana rental for six), $360 (weekend cabana rental for six) Contact: 504-648-1200; therooseveltneworleans.com Don’t miss: Post-pool drinks at the Sazerac Bar and a bite to eat at Domenica, the hotel’s Italian restaurant that fuses classic and modern ﬂavors in a decidedly contemporary space. << Le Meridien Options abound at Le Meridien’s rooftop pool. Splash around in the pool or chill in a lounge chair with a cocktail by your side. If you’ve got a big party or just want some semblance of privacy during your visit, you can rent a cabana for $350 per day that can accommodate up to six people. Each cabana is equipped with a television and can be upgraded to include a bottle of liquor, mixers, fresh fruit, chips, and salsa.

WhereYat.com | July 2018 | 27

Location: 333 Poydras St. Cost: $10 (Monday-Thursday), $15 (FridaySunday), $350 (cabana rental) Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact: 504-525-9444; lemeridienneworleanshotel.com Don’t miss: Le Meridien is in the middle of all the action that most locals pass over— Harrah’s Casino, the Audubon Aquarium, and other attractions—but if you’re looking for a touristy day or day-long staycation, check out some of the nearby attractions.

The Country Club ^^ For $15, guests at the Country Club get access to the restaurant’s pool, hot tub, and sauna. Get ready to show your ID, though: the Country Club’s pool is reserved for drinkingage adults. Happy Hour runs each day from 4 to 7 p.m., when all well drinks are $3. Cheap cocktails and a pool? What could go wrong? Towels and lockers are available to rent for $2 each. Location: 634 Louisa St. Cost: $15 Hours: Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Contact: 504-945-0742;

thecountryclubneworleans.com Don’t miss: Check out brunch at Elizabeth’s Restaurant, three blocks away on Gallier Street. The restaurant’s duck waﬄe is the stuﬀ of comfort food legends.

donation-based poolside yoga, are typically complemented by $3 mimosas and free entry to the pool. Check the hotel’s website or Facebook page for details on upcoming events.

Omni Royal Orleans >> The Omni Royal Orleans oﬀers year-long pool memberships for $1,200. That gets members access to the heated outdoor rooftop pool as well as showers and lockers. Is this the kind of spot where you can turn a pool noodle into a beer bong? We probably would advise against it, but for a little more than $3 per day over the course of the year, the Omni Royal Orleans is a great option for those looking to ﬁt some pool time into their schedule. Location: 621 St. Louis St. Cost: $1,200 (annual membership) Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday Contact: 504-529-7023; omnihotels.com/ hotels/new-orleans-royal-orleans Don’t miss: The hotel’s Riviera poolside bar is open on weekends in March, daily April thru October, and as weather permits the rest of the year. Cozy up with a post-dip cocktail while taking in the view that looks out over the French Quarter.

Hilton Riverside The Hilton Riverside offers a variety of membership packages for as little as $85 per month. These memberships grant access to the pool and fitness area, or, for a higher rate, the racket club. The hotel features a riverside pool overlooking the Mississippi River, as well as an indoor pool. Members can also access the hotel’s dry sauna for a steam after your soak. If you’ve got a spouse and children in tow, family memberships are available starting at $125. Location: 2 Poydras St. Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. (Riverside pool), and 8 a.m.-8 p.m. (indoor pool) Cost: $85-$155 (varies, based on membership package) Contact: 504-561-0500 Don’t miss: Catch the sunset on the Mississippi River at the Riverside pool, and when you’ve finished swimming, change out of your swim gear and head down to Public Belt, the hotel’s upscale cocktail bar.

Windsor Court Hotel Okay, so entry to the Windsor Court Hotel pool is $75. Are you still with me? If you haven’t skipped down to ﬁnd a cheaper entry on this list, here’s the good news: that fee covers access to the pool, steam room, sauna, ﬁtness center, and spa. If you’re in need of a treatyoself day, this may be just the spot for you.

28 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

Restaurant and bar service is also available to guests at the pool. Those interested are encouraged to call ahead to conﬁrm availability. Location: 300 Gravier St. Cost: $75 per person, per day Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Contact: 504-596-4736, windsorcourthotel.com Don’t miss: Before your dip, check out brunch and live jazz in the Grill Room every Sunday. The Drifter Hotel A short drive on I-10 from the French Quarter will bring you to Mid-City’s oasis of cocktails, highly curated décor, and general hipness: The Drifter Hotel. The Drifter advertises itself as “an action and reaction to our culture to harbor the contemporary traveler and the disruptive innovator.” Location: 3522 Tulane Ave. Cost: $5 (Sunday-Thursday), $10 (FridaySaturday) Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (Sunday-Friday), 11 a.m.-midnight (Saturday) Contact: 504-605-4644; thedrifterhotel.com Don’t miss: Weekly events, such as

FREE (OR CLOSE TO FREE) If paying $350 for a poolside cabana would require you to skip rent next month, have no fear. New Orleans also has swimming options that will not break your bank. This list features city-operated pools as well as ﬁtness clubs and

weekend getaways that will have you splashing through the great outdoors in no time.

Whitney Young Pool ^^ If catching some rays by the pool with a cocktail in hand is not your scene, try the more family-friendly and affordable (read: free) Whitney Young Pool on Magazine Street. The facility is pretty straightforward: none of the fancy bells or whistles available at Ace Hotel, the Roosevelt, or elsewhere, but New Orleans’s public pools offer a communal and diverse feel you’re not likely to find at a swimming spot charging $20 for entry. Check out the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission for a full listing of public pools. Location: 6500 Tea Room Dr. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday 2-6 p.m. Cost: Free Contact: 504-864-1416; nordc.org/parks/whitneyyoung Don’t miss: The Audubon Zoo is located across the street, so when you’re done swimming, check out the internationally renowned zoo’s exhibits, or grab a meal at the nearby restaurants on Magazine Street. Silver Creek If you were lucky enough to venture to Silver Creek in mid-June, you had the opportunity to witness (or participate in) the Redneck Cajun Olympics. They’re held every Father’s Day weekend in June and might be the only place in Louisiana where you can enjoy toilet racing, lawn mower racing, live crawfish-bobbing, and toilet-lid discus-throwing. In addition to the Olympics, Silver Creek is home to a man-made pool, natural pond, and creek. Renee Britt, who helps manage the family-owned and -operated park, said guests should call ahead to make reservations at Silver Creek. Location: 37323 LA-1055, Mt. Hermon Hours: Open year-round Cost: $7 per person per day (day entry); $25 (overnight tent camping without electricity or water for up to four people), $30 (overnight tent camping with electricity and water for up to four people). RV camping and cabins also available. Cash only. Contact: 985-877-4256; silvercreekcamp.com Don’t miss: The Redneck Cajun Olympics. Duh.

Dryades YMCA ^^ The Dryades YMCA features a six-lane, 75-foot-long pool for lap swimming, water

aerobics, and other activities, but it comes loaded with all kinds of perks. Entrance to the pool costs $10 for a day pass, and also grants access to the facility’s state-of-the-art fitness equipment. Location: 2220 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.noon, 1-4 p.m., closed Sunday. Cost: $10 (day pass), memberships range from $10-$49 Contact: 504-522-8811; dryadesymca.org Don’t miss: Water aerobics classes. If lazing by the pool with some fruity drink is not your idea of a fun aquatic activity, maybe you’d prefer water-based endurance, cardio, and flexibility training. In that case, the Dryades Y has you covered. Bogue Chitto Bogue Chitto features a water playground that is open from April 1 until October 31. The water features at the park offer the perfect escape from the Louisiana heat and humidity. Tube, kayak, and canoe rentals are also available for $15 to $35, depending on the size of the craft. For those seeking a nonaquatic adventure, the park also features 14 miles of equestrian trails, a seven-mile nature trail, and disc golf course. Location: 17049 State Park Blvd., Franklinton Hours: Tue.-Sun. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. (water playground) Cost: Free (seniors and children 3 and younger), $3 (day entry, ages 4-65) Contact: 985-839-5707; crt.state.la.us/louisiana-state-parks/parks/ bogue-chitto-state-park Don’t miss: The seven-mile nature trail can be a great precursor to a dip in one of the park’s water features. Bogue Chitto features a variety of landscapes, including cypress tupelo swamps and hardwood and upland

forests. UNO Aquatic Center ^^ Seeing as Lake Pontchartrain is, shall we say, not ﬁt for human recreation, the University of New Orleans’s Aquatic Center is a great lakeside alternative. The facility features a 50-meter-long heated indoor pool with eight lanes and a 25-meter-long heated outdoor pool with six lanes. Location: 6801 Franklin Ave. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.5 p.m. Cost: $10 (day passes), $15 (monthly membership), $200-$250 (party rental) Contact: 504-454-3934 Don’t miss: If you time it just right, you can swim the entire day at the aquatic center and take a stroll down Lakeshore Drive to watch the sun set over Lake Pontchartrain.

WhereYat.com | July 2018 | 29

spirit brands pair up with local restaurants] are the best introduction to Tales. “This year we’re going to have Spirited Dinners every night of the week. The participant list will be out soon. I’m interested to see all the new takes. We’ll even do a Spirited Dinner without spirits.” Some of our industry colleagues don’t drink anymore. It’s important to have non-alcoholic options available in general. “It’s 2018. There’s a need for [all of] us to have this conversation, and Tales is a great opportunity for us to have it.” Anything else you’d like to say, Caroline? “The cocktail industry has grown up, and I think Tales is growing up, too.”

Tales of the Cocktail 2018 Celebrating Its 16th Year with a Rebirth By Andrew Marin

ifteen years. Hundreds of brands. Thousands of events. Tales of the Cocktail is celebrating its 16th year with a rebirth of sorts. The ultimate mix of convention and festival draws thousands of attendees. This year, Tales is embracing its nonprofit-organization status and adding new twists to its already-successful schedule. When I interview Caroline Rosen, the new executive director of Tales, she is breathless. She apologizes for being late from another meeting, and I tell her it’s okay. For the next few weeks, she’s going to be one of the busiest people in New Orleans. Neal Bodenheimer (co-founder of Cure and Cane & Table) and Gary Solomon (president of the Solomon Group) bought the Tales of the Cocktail organization and made it nonproﬁt earlier this year. Prior to this job, Rosen ran the Besh Foundation, another nonproﬁt, as their executive director. The following is an excerpt from our conversation:

What’s it been like working with Neal and Gary? “They are absolutely wonderful to work with. We all have our different strengths. And [the experience has] been nothing but good things. They’re so invested in New Orleans. Our hospitality community is one of the best in the world, and they’re making sure it continues to be. We’re fired up to see what we can do.” Nonprofit. What’s that going to be like? “We have our three pillars: to educate, to support, and to advance. We’re kicking off by giving back: $250,000 of grant money will be given back to the community after we review the letters of intent. We’d love to grow and give back more.” Any things that I can assure readers will be the same? “It’s the same structure we’ve grown and always loved: The Toast to Tales, Tasting Rooms, the CAPS [Cocktail Apprentice Program], the Spirited Awards, and, of course, the Spirited Dinners.” To me, the Spirited Dinners [where

30 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

Tales, while fun, is an industry event for professionals and professional consumers. Its seminars cover a broad range of topics: how to open your own bar, how a speciﬁc liquor is historically important or how to use it today, how to use rare or unique ingredients, how to be a socially and environmentally responsible bartender, how to mix the perfect _________. Get your tickets ASAP, because most of the seminars sell out. Purchase $150 or more in seminar/ event tickets, and you receive a wristband to the famous Tasting Rooms—ballrooms set up with samples and representatives from all sorts of brands and distributors. The Tasting Rooms are an unparalleled way

to taste different varieties of liquor without committing to the purchase of an entire bottle. The Toast to Tales, which opens the festival annually, is always a great starting point. The grant recipients will be announced, as well as the winner of this year’s cocktail competition. The aforementioned Spirited Dinners (and Brunches) are where restaurants team up with a spirit brand and do a tasting menu with cocktails to match. Usually the chef and a distiller or rep from the brand are there to introduce the courses. The Dynamic Duos are similar, but they involve a bartender from another city teaming up with a local bartender at a bar, combining their talents to serve drinks focused on a specific liquor. If you really want to go oldschool, sign up for the New Orleans Cocktail Tour. This bar crawl was the beginning of the entire organization. Back then, the small group could actually fit inside Carousel Bar, within Tales’s home base, the Hotel Monteleone. And, of course, if you can score a ticket to any of the nighttime parties hosted by major spirit brands, make sure to attend. These invitations are going to be given out by the brands themselves or their PR companies. They can’t be bought, so if you have industry connections, use them. Tales kicks off July 17. For the full schedule of events and more information on Tales, visit talesofthecocktail.org.

WhereYat.com | July 2018 | 31

There’s No Place Like Home: A Vacation By Any Other Name—Even “Staycation”—Is Still a Vacation By Greg Roques

f you had asked me one year ago, I would have scoffed at the idea of a “staycation.” Why would I pay $300-plus to stay somewhere five miles from home for a night, when I already pay $1,500 a month for an apartment? Until recently, I didn’t even think it was a real word, just some truncated millennial gibberish. (Fun fact: the first known use of the word appeared in 1944 as part of a national travel campaign; this was also the year the terms “dead presidents,” “fan fiction,” “perv,” and “vegan” entered the modern lexicon.) Earlier this spring, mounting deadlines and a drought of vacation days left my wife and me scrambling to book a weekend trip as we neared our one-year wedding anniversary. With the prospect of extensive travel eating into our limited hourly budget, I warmed to the compromise of a getaway in our own backyard. The idea was to recreate our matrimonial weekend in the French Quarter, sans the inundation of social constraints. Ch ate a What I learned from this u experience is that a vacation is a vacation, no matter how close to home you are: what matters is that you are mentally and literally unplugged from your everyday grind and are indulging in experiences you would typically pass on during a normal weekend. While this account recollects destinations from our two-day departure, my goal is not to provide

32 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

a paint-by-numbers outing for the reader; rather, it is to impress how a hometown holiday can open new doors of exploration down roads often traveled. Even Off-Season is In-Season in New Orleans The first thing you will want to do is book your hotel: nothing unplugs the ongoing treadmill of responsibility quite like a luxurious change of surroundings where someone else vacuums, cleans the bathroom, and fluffs your pillow. However, as our—and I’d imagine many others’— staycation was ad hoc, we discovered, to our dismay, that nearly every hotel and Airbnb was booked. There were no festivals, no Mardi Gras, and no conventions in site—simply put, every day is a good day to visit New Orleans. Sure, there were rooms available for $500 or more, but that’s a bit out of our price range, even for international room-and-board, much less somewhere I can jog to from my doorstep in under 30 minutes. Thankfully, the internet e n y has a few Hail Mary throws o Le M in its playbook for you. Hotel Tonight (HotelTonight.com) is a mobile app available to iPhone and Android users that lets you find discounted hotel rooms made available up to seven days in advance. While this program offers some amazing deals, the prospect of waiting until a week out seemed a bit risky to us. Enter Hotwire. Hotwire.com offers unsold hotel rooms (as

well as airline tickets, rental cars, and more) as with hotels, the struggle is real to get at steeply discounted prices, oftentimes in a reservations for either, no matter when you roulette style format. Here’s how it works: for go. Folks are less likely to take the time to a fixed price, you are guaranteed a luxury cancel reservations as they aren’t required room at one of four hotels all within a few to pre-pay, so expect fewer last-minute seats blocks of each other in a specified part of to appear on Open Table than with the hotel town. Personally, I found the unpredictability apps. to be a rush, particularly since all of the Fortunately, we were able to book lodging possibilities were exceptional. Taking reservations at Brennan’s (417 Royal St.), the pressure of choice out of the equation the same place we held our wedding and already makes you feel like you are on reception. On top of being one of the city’s vacation. finest dining experiences, Brennan’s Ultimately, we booked a room lovingly welcomes you into at the same hotel where we their extended family spent our wedding night: following your special day Chateau LeMoyne at their establishment. (301 Dauphine St.). We regularly The hotel has an receive invitations, authentic French anniversary cards, Quarter feel; our and holiday room was complete ornaments with brick walls and throughout the wood furnishings for year, all of which a vintage vibe that whisk us back to our perfectly placed us in wedding night. To a distant state of mind. be honest, the main The first thing we did reason we wanted to after checking in was to revisit Brennan’s was enjoy Happy Hour just to order their famous B ri LC Bananas Foster and bread ck s down the street at Salon L & B o ar d s by Sucré (622 Conti St.). pudding—neither of which we The second-floor balcony offers a got to enjoy on our wedding night gorgeous view of the French Quarter on a amidst the maelstrom of excitement. On our clear Saturday afternoon, and what goes way back to the hotel, we stopped at May better with a glass of wine than chocolate? Bailey’s (415 Dauphine St.) for a nightcap. From there, we wandered down Royal Housed in a once-famous bordello built Street, visiting various galleries before nearly 200 years ago, the bar is filled with perusing the artwork in Jackson Square. historic relics from its erotic yesteryears, We usually only venture into the French as well as homages to its haunted history, Quarter for festivals and other organized recollected on most city ghost tours. It is the social gatherings. It was delightful getting kind of charmingly low-key find we would to leisurely explore without being rushed only explore while wandering the streets by having to go somewhere. It’s also with no agenda. inspiring to observe just how many—and After sleeping in the next morning, we how talented—the artists and musicians enjoyed Irish Coffees, pancakes covered in in our city are. I recommend buying a vanilla ice cream and syrup, and Bananas souvenir, if even just a postcard to put on Foster French Toast at Stanley Restaurant your refrigerator, to remember your trip. (547 St. Ann St.), overlooking Jackson If you’d like something unique Square—because calories and quirky, check out Bricks don’t count when you’re on & Boards LLC, located staycation. at the Secondline One of the brilliant Arts and Antiques things about a oneCourtyard Markets night getaway is that (1209 Decatur St.), you can pack light. I fit to commission a my change of clothes personalized Lego in a small book sculpture. bag, making it easy From Jackson to carry this with Square, we took a me as we explored carriage ride back the Quarter for the through the French remainder of the day, Quarter. The last time after checking out and I took a carriage ride before Ubering back was probably about home. the last time I took a Everyone who loves Brennan's streetcar—which is to say, I living in New Orleans should can’t remember. However, when staycation Downtown at least you are on holiday with nowhere to be, once; you can book a trip any time of it is as charmingly rustic as it is romantic. year, and proximity is never a deterrent. Slowly riding through the streets, you truly We’d love to hear about your staycation appreciate the vibrance and beauty of New adventures in NOLA: share your tips, go-to Orleans’s architecture as the setting sun destinations, and pictures with us on social fades out between rooftops. media by tagging us @WhereYatNOLA or via The most important meals of the day on #WhereYatNOLA. Enjoy. any vacation are brunch and dinner, and

WhereYat.com | July 2018 | 33

Getting Campy: Beach Campsites for Summer By Leigh Wright

he elements of a summertime favorite cocktail, the margarita, are simple: tequila, salt, lime, Cointreau. So, too, are the elements of summer’s favorite camping environment, the beach: salt, water, sand, sun. When the outdoors is seemingly the very last place you want to be, don’t be afraid to branch out and hit the beach. Instead of a simple afternoon nap on the sand, beach camping is made for some wellrounded R&R. The crash of the waves is a welcome sound for those brave enough to be without A/C. Weekend getaways or week-long trips are both ideal if you find the right place. Below are three great spots to get outside and stay cool this summer.

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St. Joseph Peninsula Campground Location: Port St. Joe, Florida (The middle of the Florida Panhandle). Accessibility: The drive is a little mundane, and you need to be paying attention to notice the sign on the right side of the road to turn into the park. Type of Camping: Tent/RV/cabin. Best Local Restaurant: Indian Pass Raw

34 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

Bar. Unique Unknowns: The secluded beach yields water on all sides of the tent sites, but most are tucked into the woods away from the view. One Thing to Remember: You have to hike in your firewood and water. Try and get the campsites closest to the parking lot or you will have to pack in lots of weight over soft, white sand for one to three miles. This location is perfect for a long weekend away from responsibilities, jobs, and technology. The beaches and water surrounding the peninsula are the best that the region, which is typically known for its brackish environment only suitable for fishing and oysters, L has to offer. The hike in is Joe, F a bit rough since it is on loose sand, but once you set foot off the parking lot and onto the path, you enter a timeless world. Campsites are equipped with tent locations and a fire pit but little else. Each campsite has a mildly different feel to it: either right on the path, set far away under sprawling trees, or at the very end where you can drive a boat ashore. Make sure you stop by the Indian

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Pass Raw Bar on the way out of town. This restaurant is run on an “honor system” where you write down your order and grab as many beers as you like or ﬁll up your pint glass as many times as you’d like. The “salt of the earth” feel is one seldom seen anymore, even on the Panhandle. Grand Isle State Park Location: Grand Isle, Louisiana (The southern tip of Louisiana). Accessibility: Easily accessible from New Orleans via a picturesque drive, much like going to Key West. Type of Camping: RV/car/tent, either in a green parking area or right on the beach. Best Local Restaurants: Starﬁsh and Pirate Daiquiris. Unique Unknowns: The Gulf water is the color of Guinness. One Thing to Remember: Don’t forget about the $3.75 toll bridge charge on the way onto the island.

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The drive to Grand Isle includes beautiful expanses of water and bayous, locals fishing off the side of the two-lane highway, and local seafood markets at every intersection, similar to Key West. It is a town relatively well-known to outsiders, yet seldom visited outside of a charter-fishing excursion. If you are an outsider, you will stand out immediately to the 1,500 inhabitants when you enter the town. The state park takes up the eastern point and Gulf-side of the island. The camp sites are very wellkempt and have a picnic table and fire pit at each one. The beach camping is by far the best, with a view directly outside your tent. If you stay in an RV or at the electrical/water hook-ups, you will be in a typical parking lot-style set-up. The town is right there, so it’s easy to leave and go buy fresh or boiled seafood and a daiquiri and then hit the beach again.

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36 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

Buy your seafood from Dean Blanchard on Oak Street for the freshest seafood straight from the boat. Just remember that a majority of places have an abundance of live shrimp, but not much else. Dauphin Island Park and Beach Board Location: Dauphin Island, Alabama (A quick drive along the coast and onto the barrier island). Accessibility: Easily accessible via highway over Mobile Bay. Type of Camping: Tent/RV in a wooded area set away from the beach. Friendly campers, but cramped layout. Best Local Restaurants: Dority’s Bar and Grill and Miguel’s Beach’n Baja. Unique Unknowns: The company oﬀers a lot of activities, such as line-dancing, bingo, yoga, art shows, craft fairs, and potlucks. So, it’s great for retirees. One thing to remember: The island has a host of sites to visit, from Audubon Bird

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Sanctuary to Ft. Gaines to the Mobile Bay Ferry. This campground is highly traﬃcked, but with good cause. It’s this junction at Mobile Bay where the shores of the Gulf of Mexico turn sugar white, and the water begins to take on a majestic teal color. Retirees settle here in their RVs and campers, and the maximum stay is between four and six months. There are lots of places of interest on and around the island, including the famous Dauphin Island Sea Labs Estuarium, the USS Alabama, and Fort Morgan. Expect a traditional Southern feel on the island with fried seafood and cold beer everywhere. This may not be a well-kept-secret kind of place, but that’s for a reason. The cool breeze and scenic views have kept generations of outdoor enthusiasts coming back for more.

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Music, Art, Culture: Previewing Essence Festival 2018 By Kimmie Tubre

came on the scene in 2016, releasing her debut album H.E.R. and “Ladies First,” Queen Latifah created feministic hits that fter grabbing its spot on the festival season train, the Vol. 1. Now with a hit song titled “Focus,” H.E.R. has been a defied the norms of the time. Essence Festival has arrived. regular on the festival circuit for the past year. For more than 20 years, Essence Fest has graced OLD-SCHOOL Jussie Smollett (Superlounge, Saturday) the city of New Orleans, bringing a cool breath Known for his role as Jamal Lyon on the of fresh air during one of the hottest award-winning show Empire, the singer/ Wreckx-N-Effect (Mainstage, Sunday) months of the year, and serving up actor/activist created Billboard Famously known for their hit song some of the best music, art, and Chart-topping hits that “Rump Shaker,” Wreckx-N-Effect culture around. Every year, Essence led to the release of faced a tumultuous rise to fame, has a star-studded lineup of his anticipated 2018 tragically losing two of their musicians and actors, as well as album, Sum of My members along the way. As celebrities simply here to enjoy Music. a duo, the group went on to the festivities. Fantasia create a chart-topping album The 2018 Essence Fest is four (Mainstage, with a single that has become a days long and will include artists Sunday) timeless hit. such as Janet Jackson, The Roots, The American SWV (Mainstage, Sunday) Jill Scott, Snoop Dogg, and Erykah Idol star stole our When it comes to soul music, Badu, along with festival regular hearts, creating songs Sisters With Voices (SWV) came Mary J Blige and many more. While about heartbreak and to the music world creating love many artists are in such high demand self-empowerment with her songs and heartbreak anthems that that they return for their Essence fans unique sound. Four albums and people are still singing today. Whether each year, there are so many other a plethora of Grammys later, you’re “weak in the knees” or have love Jan e Sno o artists new and old to see. Fantasia still knows how to set a raining down on you, SWV has a song for t Ja ck s on p Dog g Here’s a list of some of our 2018 faves: stage on fire. us all.

ICONS Janet Jackson (Mainstage, Sunday) Without a doubt, this year’s biggest star to see is the one and only Ms. Jackson. With the 2018 Billboard Music Icon Award under her belt, it’s no secret that Janet Jackson, “Ms. Jackson if you’re nasty,” is one of the most anticipated artists featured at this year’s Essence Festival. While Janet performed at the New Orleans Arena during her 2015 world tour, the tour was short-lived due to her pregnancy, leaving many of her fans disappointed. After viewing her recent performance, it is clear that Janet is back in full swing. For sure, the “Pleasure Principle” singer is ready to hit the stage.

HIP HOP

CAN’T MISS IT

Snoop Dogg (Mainstage, Friday) The Roots, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott (Mainstage, Friday) With his unmistakable voice and smooth lyrical melodies, Backed by The Roots’s iconic hip-hop and instrumental Snoop came to the scene with much controversy, yet ended stylings, Jill Scott and Erykah Badu will hit the stage for a up becoming somewhat of the Uncle of Hip Hop. An icon in Friday-night Essence Fest performance like none other. his own right, Snoop is an award-winning, multiple GrammyWhile this isn’t the first time these musical geniuses have nominated artist who not only delves into a multitude of hit the stage together, it will still be nothing short genres, but also delivers. of an iconic performance. Erykah and Jill Big Freedia (Superlounge, Sunday) are both Grammy Award-winning soul From Fuse TV to tracks singers with strong, outstanding, recorded with Beyoncé and and unique voices. The Roots, also Drake, New Orleans’s Grammy Award-winning artists, are very own Big Freedia known for bringing jazzy, electrichas made a real funky music with an occasional name for herself, rhythmically lyrical flare. The and is now set to Roots are also modernly known hit the Superlounge as the house band of The Tonight stage with a Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. R&B AND SOUL highly energetic, booty-bouncing There it is. Essence Festival Miguel (Mainstage, Friday) performance. Recently continues to bring amazing Eccentric, creative, and soulful, releasing the hit song “Rent,” musicians to the night shows each Miguel is a chart-topping, GrammyFreedia is also known for classics year. But the festival is more than the Sc nominated artist who knows how like “Gin in My System” and “Azz du concerts. Throughout the day, you ot t a Everywhere.” can visit the Convention Center, where to make personal music that sells. , B T h e Ro o t s & Mig uel Jumping on the scene with hits like “Sure Queen Latifah (Mainstage, you’ll find several vendors of health care, Thing,” Miguel never shied away from simply Saturday) beauty, retail, food, and arts. The festival is being himself. Before this queen was the phenomenal actor she is also famous for its variety of seminars, including speakers H.E.R. (Superlounge, Friday) today, she was a rhyming rap-tress from Newark, New such as Angela Rye, Iyanla Vanzant, Vivica Fox, and many The breakout star, who’s known for covering her face, Jersey. Delighting her fans with lyrical hits such as “U.N.I.T.Y” more.

38 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

WhereYat.com | July 2018 | 39

MUSICCALENDAR

HallAndOatesWithTrain The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees and multi-platinum-awarded duo Hall & Oates will combine their Philly soul and pop grooves with the Grammy Award-winning pop-rock band Train for a high-spirited night of great music. Thurs., June 28, 7:00 p.m., $25 - $126+. Smoothie King Center, smoothiekingcenter.com Monday, June 25 21st Amendment - John Zarsky Buffa’s - Antoine Del Trio Black Duck Bar (Palace Cafe) - The Rum Runners BMC - Paggy Prine & Southern Soul, Lil Red & Big Bad Bombay Club - David Boeddinghaus Bourbon O Bar - Chance Bushman Quartet, Shake It Break It Band Cafe Negril - In Business, Noggin Chickie Wah Wah - Alex McMurray, Justin Molaison Circle Bar - Dem Roach Boyz Columns Hotel - David Doucet Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a. - Lil’ Glenn & Backatown Dos Jefes - John Fohl Dragon’s Den - DJ Ill Medina Dragon’s Den (Upstairs) - Andy Reid’s Imagination Council Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Chuck Brackman and Richard Scott Hi Ho Lounge - Knuckles & Bunny House of Blues Restaurant - Sly Theard, Jake Landry Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Jazz Playhouse - Gerald French & the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band Kermit’s Treme Mother-in-Law Lounge - Kermit Ruffins, Irvin Mayfield Live Oak Cafe - Brittney Purdy and Marc Stone, Charles Farmer Mahogany Jazz Hall - Gary Brown, Stuart McNair Maison - Sierra Green & the Soul Machine Maison Bourbon Jazz Club - Leroy Marshall Band Maple Leaf - George Porter Jr. Trio Neutral Ground Coffeehouse- The Genial Orleanians One Eyed Jacks - Blind Texas Marlin, Dazed on Toulouse Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars ft. Mark Braud Ralph’s - Joe Krown SideBar Nola - The Self-Righteous Brothers Snug Harbor - Charmaine Neville Band Spotted Cat - Jazz Vipers, Royal Street Windin’ Boys Superb Pearl - Guitar Slim Jr. Starlight - Joshua Benitez Band The Tigermen Den - Anna Pardenik + Free Feral and Cassie Watson Three Muses - Washboard Rodeo Vaso - Righteous Wrong Reggae Band Tuesday, June 26 21st Amendment - Shake It Break It Band B.B. King’s Blues Club - Joy Orleans Bamboula’s - Damn Gina Banks Street Bar - Monster Strut + Pool Kids + Static Masks Black Duck Bar (Palace Cafe) - The Rum Runners Blue Nile - Waterseed BMC - Bywater Skanks, Dapper Dandies, Sweet Magnolia Bombay Club - Matt Lemmler Bourbon O Bar - John Zarsky Quartet, Marty Peters Quartet Buffa’s - Vanessa Carr Cafe Negril - John Lisi & Delta Funk, 4 Sidemen of the Apocalypse Checkpoint Charlie - Jamie Lynn Vessels Chickie Wah Wah - Sarah Quintana Circle Bar - Navy Gangs & more Columns Hotel - John Fohl and John Rankin Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a.- Treme Brass Band, Dinosaurchestra Dos Jefes - Tom Hook and Wendell Brunious

Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Tom Fischer and Richard Scott Gasa Gasa - Quiet Hollers + Nice Dog + Mikey Duran House of Blues (Foundation Room) - Kelcy Mae Wilburn, Xeno Moonflower Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Jazz Playhouse - The James Rivers Movement Kerry Irish Pub - Jason Bishop Little Gem Saloon - NOLA Dukes Live Oak Cafe - Katarina Boudreaux’s Family Band Jam Mahogany Jazz Hall - Carl LeBlanc, Stuart McNair Maison - B Miller Zone, Gregory Agid Quartet Maple Leaf - Rebirth Brass Band Morning Call - Clyde & Iggy Neutral Ground Coffeehouse - Willow New Orleans Jazz Museum - Down on Their Luck Orchestra New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park - Richard Scott Old Arabi Bar - Open Mic Old U.S. Mint - Down on Their Luck Poor Boys - Otonana Trio + Crush Diamond & more Preservation Hall - Preservation All Stars ft. Charlie Gabriel Prime Example Jazz Club - Sidemen + 1 Ralph’s - Joe Krown Ray’s - Bobby Love & Friends Siberia - Dr. Otis SideBar Nola - Palindromes ft. Matt Booth, Brad Walker & more Snug Harbor - Oscar Rossignoli Trio Spotted Cat - Smokin’ Time Jazz Club, Little Big Horns Starlight - DJ Fayard, Joe Welnick Three Muses - Esther Rose Trinity Episcopal Church - Organ & Labyrinth, Albinas Prizgintas Vaso - Funk It All Wednesday, June 27 21st Amendment - Dr. Sick & The Late Greats Autocrat Social Club - TBC Brass Band Bacchanal - Jesse Morrow Trio Bamboula’s - Bamboula’s Hot Trio ft. Giselle Anguizola, Mem Shannon Banks Street Bar - Major Bacon Black Duck Bar (Palace Cafe) - The Rum Runners Blue Nile - New Breed Brass Band, Where Y’at Brass Band BMC - Funk It All, Hyperphlyy, Nicole & the Tempted Bombay Club - Josh Paxton Bourbon O Bar - Shynola Jazz Band Buffa’s - Open Mic ft. Nattie Sanchez Cafe Negril - Another Day In Paradise, Maid of Orleans Carousel Lounge (Hotel Monteleone) - Professor Craig Adams & The Sound of New Orleans Checkpoint Charlie - T Bone Stone & the Happy Monsters Chickie Wah Wah - Alvin Youngblood Hart Circle Bar - DJ Trippingcorpse & WindowsMediaPlaya + Steez Bros Columns Hotel - Andy Rogers Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a. - Walter Wolfman Washington & the Roadmasters, Tin Men Davenport Lounge - Jeremy Davenport Dmac’s Bar & Grill - Spogga: Brother Hash Dos Jefes - The George French Band Dragon’s Den - Graffiti Sounds Dragon’s Den (Downstairs) - Reggae Night w/ DJ T-Roy Frenchmen Hotel Rooftop Bar - Evan Oberla & The Tasty Sapiens

40 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

Be sure to check out our new interactive concert calendar at WhereYat.com! Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Chuck Brackman and Barry Foulon House of Blues (Foundation Room) - Michael Liuzza House of Blues (The Parish) - Jet Lounge House of Blues Restaurant - Jake Landry Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Jazz Playhouse - Mario Abney Kerry Irish Pub - Beth Patterson Little Gem Saloon - Anais St. John & Cole Williams Live Oak Cafe - Charles Farmer Mahogany Jazz Hall - Lips & the Trips Maison - RnR Music Group, New Orleans Jazz Vipers Maple Leaf - Jonathan Boogie Long Marigny Brasserie - Grayson Brockamp & the New Orleans Wildlife Band Neutral Ground Coffeehouse - Jonathan Tankel, Poet Tree One Eyed Jacks - New Madrid + David Barbe & Inward Ebb Dream Poor Boys - Caveman Cult + Abysmal Lord Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars ft. Charlie Gabriel Prime Example Jazz Club - Jesse McBride & the Next Generation Ralph’s - Jeff Pounds Roosevelt Hotel (Fountain Lounge) - Tom Hook & Wendell Brunious Santos Bar- Russell Welch Quartet Siberia - Chris Acker & His So Called Friends SideBar Nola - The Lisbon/Dallas Humanization 4-tet Snug Harbor - John Mahoney Big Band, Uptown Jazz Orchestra Southport Hall - The Black Dahlia Murder + Whitechapel Spotted Cat - Antoine Diel & the New Orleans Misfit Power Starlight - Lynn Drury, Natalie Mae Tapps II - Kevin Morris & Uptown Productions Three Muses - Mia Borders, Leslie Martin Vaso - Joshua Kagler Thursday, June 28 21 Amendment - Ed Wills & Blues 4 Sale Apple Barrel - Slick Skillet Serenaders B.B. King’s Blues Club - Joy Orleans Bamboula’s - Kala Chandra Banks Street Bar - Lucas Gibson & Friends Bar Redux - JD Hill & The Jammers Black Duck Bar (Palace Cafe) - The Rum Runners Blue Nile - DJ T-Roy, Micah McKee & Little Maker BMC - Andre Lovett Band, Casme’, Ashley Matich & the Broken Blues Bombay Club - Kris Tokarski and Nahum Zydbel Bourbon O Bar - Chance Bushman & The Ibervillianaires, The Luneta Jazz Band Buffa’s - Tom McDermott & Doyle Cooper Bullet’s - Kermit Ruffins Cafe Negril - Soul Project NOLA, Claude Bryant & the AllStars Carousel Lounge (Hotel Monteleone) - Antoine Diel Quartet Checkpoint Charlie - Peggy Prine & Southern Soul Chickie Wah Wah - Jason Ricci, Phil Degruy Circle Bar - Dark Lounge ft. Rik Slave City Park (Botanical Garden) - Rocky’s Hot Fox Trot Orchestra Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a. - Papo y son Mondeo Davenport Lounge - Jeremy Davenport Dos Jefes - Tangiers Combo Dragon’s Den - Rapbaum + Harbinger Project Fountaine Palace - ChiNola Soul Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Tom Fischer and Richard Scott Gazebo Cafe - Les Getrex ‘n’ Creole Cookin’ Gravier Street Social - DJ Musa Hey Cafe - Dowsing - Dikembe + Pope & more House of Blues (The Parish) - Hobo Johnson Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Jazz Playhouse - Brass-A-Holics Kerry Irish Pub - Chip Wilson Little Gem Saloon - Vivaz Trio Live Oak Cafe - The Tangiers Combo ft. Carl Keith Mahogany Jazz Hall - The Blue Blowers Maison - Dysfunktional Bone, Good For Nothin’ Band Maison Bourbon Jazz Club - The Leroy Marshall Band Maple Leaf - Johnny V, June Yamagishi & Joe Ashlar Morning Call - Clyde & Iggy Neutral Ground Coffeehouse - King Ferdinand, Dave Easley New Orleans Jazz Museum - Fred Kasten Ogden Museum of Southern Art - Andrew Duhon Old Arabi Bar - Strange Roux Old Point Bar - Born Toulouse Poor Boys - Sleeping Pills & more Portside Lounge - Kikimora Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars ft.Louis Ford Roosevelt Hotel (Fountain Lounge) - Amanda Ducorbier Santos Bar - Mortuary Drape + Volahn Siberia - Klezervation Hall SideBar Nola - Mike Dillon, James Singleton & Brian Haas Sidneys Saloon - Shark Attack!! Snug Harbor - Darrian Douglas & The Session Southport Hall - Smile Empty Soul + Flaw + Talia Spotted Cat - Jumbo Shrimp, Miss Sophie Lee, Eight Dice

Cloth Starlight - Sam Friend Band Superb Pearl - 19th Street Red’s Bluesonics Sweet Lorraine’s - Mario Abney Sextet The Well - Stooges Brass Band + DJ Illy Three Muses - Tom McDermott Vaso - Jason Neville Funky Soul Band Vaughan’s Lounge - DJ Black Pearl, Corey Henry’s Treme Funktet Friday, June 29 21st Amendment - Juju Child Blues Band Bacchanal - The Tangiers Combo Bamboula’s - Chance Bushman’s Rhythm Stompers Banks Street Bar - Three-Brained Robot Bar Redux - DJ Shane Love BJ’s Lounge - Little Freddie King Black Duck Bar (Palace Cafe) - The Rum Runners Blue Nile - Kermit Ruffins & the BBQ Swingers Blue Nile (Balcony Room) - DJ Black Pearl, Brass Flavor BMC - La Tran K, Hyperphlyy, Lifesavers Bombay Club - Joe Krown Bourbon O Bar - Doyle Cooper Jazz Band Buffa’s - Cricket & the 219, Cole Williams Bullet’s - The Pinettes Brass Band Cafe Negril - Higher Heights, Dana Abbott Casa Borrega - Javier Gutiérrez Duo Checkpoint Charlie - Slow Coyote Chickie Wah Wah - Michael Pearce Circle Bar - Pink Mass + Cranial Exsanguination + Confined Space Creole Gardens Hotel - DJ Black Queen Anne Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a. - Funk Monkey, Smoking Time Jazz Club Davenport Lounge - Jeremy Davenport Deutsches Haus - The Beer Choir Dos Jefes - Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots Dragon’s Den - DJ RQ Away, Aaron Lopez Barrantes Dragon’s Den (Downstairs) - Buena Vista Social Latin Dance Night Fountaine Palace - House Soul Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Kevin Ray Clark and Collin Myers Fulton Street - Scott’s Acoustic Duo Gasa Gasa - Debauche + Bon Bon Vivant Gazebo Cafe - Les Getrex ‘n’ Creole Cookin’ House of Blues (Foundation Room) - Jake Landry & the Right Lane Bandits House of Blues Restaurant - Jon Roniger Trio Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Jazz Playhouse - Romy Kaye, Professor Craig Adams Band Le Bon Temps Roule - Tom Worrell Little Gem Saloon - Nayo Jones Experience, Lilli Lewis Live Oak Cafe - Gary Washington Mahogany Jazz Hall - The Sounds of Spring Maison - Ashton Hines & the Big Easy Brawlers, Soul Project Maison Bourbon Jazz Club - The Leroy Marshall Band Maple Leaf - In Business Neutral Ground Coffeehouse - Troi Atkinson, Richard Bienvenu New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park - Ranger Duo New Orleans Museum of Art - Alfred Banks Oak Wine Bar - Tom Leggett Old Point Bar - Jamie Lynn Vessels, Rick Trolsen One Eyed Jacks - Island Snacks Poor Boys - DJ XIVIX & more Portside Lounge - Mike Dillon and Delta Revelry Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars ft. Will Smith Roosevelt Hotel (Fountain Lounge) - Amanda Ducorbier, Sam Kuslan Siberia - Randy Olinger + The Unnaturals + Trash Night SideBar Nola - Rod Hodges & the Micro-Iguanas Snug Harbor - Ellis Marsalis Quintet Southport Hall - Angel Vivaldi + Hyvmine and Day of Reckoning Special Venue - Todd Lemoine @ Retro Music Co. Spotted Cat - Sierra Green & The Soul Machine, Andy Forest Starlight - Afrodiziac’s Jazz, Epic Proportions The Standard - Phil Melancon The Well - DJ Rabbit, Patrice Three Muses - Dr. Sick, Kelcy Mae Tipitina’s - Brassaholics + Cool Nasty Twist of Lime - Akadia + Traded Moments + Paracosm Vaso - Gumbo Funk, Ed Wills & Blues 4 Sale Saturday, June 30 21st Amendment - Chance Bushman & The Ibervillianaires Bacchanal - The Tangiers Combo Banks Street Bar - Bob Worth & The Annunciators Blue Nile - Flow Tribe, Washboard Chaz Blues Trio Blue Nile (Balcony Room) - DJ Black Pearl, Marigny Street Brass Band BMC - All For One Brass Band, Jam Brass Band Bombay Club - Banu Gibson Bourbon O Bar - Marty Peters & The Party Meters Buffa’s - Marina Orchestra, Marc Stone Cafe Negril - Soul Project, Big Al & The Heavyweights Casa Borrega - Martin Moretto

Thanks For Your Continued Support! Friday Live Piano at 7PM with Tom Worrell Friday 29th: Russell Batiste and Friends 11PM

Saturday 30th: Gypsy Elise and Royal Blues

Check our website for music updates featuring Gal Holiday, The Clark Gang, Crazy Whisky, Mainline Brass Band and more of your local favorites and bands to be your new favorites!

Soul Rebels & Brass Every Thurs. Night Live Piano with Joe Krown & Free Oysters Every Fri. Night @ 7 PM Every Tuesday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Compete for Super Trivia Entry

WhereYat.com | July 2018 | 41

Checkpoint Charlie - J Monque’D Blues Band Chickie Wah Wah - Fortifiers Circle Bar - DJ Matty & Kristen Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a. - Dave Jordan & the NIA + Roadside Glorious Dos Jefes - Sansonne, Krown, & Fohl Dragon’s Den - DJ Legatron Prime, Kala Chandra Quartet Dragon’s Den (Upstairs) - Sexy Dex, Delores Galore, and Respected Deamon Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Mike Fulton and Dave Ruffner Fulton Street - Darcy Malone, Mike Doussan & Jamey St. Pierre Gasa Gasa - Corey Henry & The Treme Funktet Gazebo Cafe - Les Getrex ‘n’ Creole Cookin’ House of Blues (Foundation Room) - Tim Laughlin House of Blues Restaurant - Gypsy Elise, Marcos & Crescent Citizen Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Jazz Playhouse - The Nayo Jones Experience Kerry Irish Pub - Patrick Cooper, Beth Pattterson Little Gem Saloon - Kermit Ruffins & the BBQ Swingers Live Oak Cafe - Jenna McSwain Trio Mahogany Jazz Hall - Louise Cappi, Brian Wingard Maison - The Breed, Reid Poole’s Boppin 5 Maison Bourbon Jazz Club - The Leroy Marshall Band Maple Leaf - Catahoulas Marigny Brasserie - Cole Williams Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl - Mixed Nuts Neutral Ground Coffeehouse - Gallivant Burwell & the Predatory Drifters New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park - Reynold Kinsale Oak Wine Bar - Jordan Anderson Band Old Arabi Bar - Mike Darby & The House of Cards Old Point Bar - Marshland Portside Lounge - Sun Buzzed + Jack & The Jack Rabbits and Midriff Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars ft. Rickie Monie Roosevelt Hotel (Fountain Lounge) - Amanda Ducorbier Siberia - Cauche Mar + F. Trump + Passive Aggression SideBar Nola - The Lisbon/Dallas Humanization 4tet Snug Harbor - Topsy Chapman & Solid Harmony Southport Hall - Throwing Silk Spotted Cat - Vegas Cola, Panorama Jazz Band Starlight - Derrick Freeman Quartet, Shawan Rice The Well - DJ Square Three Muses - Shotgun Jazz Band, Chris Christy Tipitina’s - Tony Hall Allstars Band + Debauche and The Low End Theory Players Twist of Lime - War Ensemble + Intrepid Basta Vaso - Higher Heights, The Budz Sunday, July 1 AllWays Lounge - The Ibervillianaires Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits - The Tangiers Combo Blue Nile - Street Legends Brass Band, Mykia Jovan Bombay Club - Larry Scala Trio Buffa’s - Steve Pistorius Quartet Checkpoint Charlie - Open Mic ft. Jim Smith Circle Bar - The Lovebirds + Planchettes Columns Hotel - Chip Wilson Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat Fountaine Palace - Nappy Hour Gazebo Cafe - Les Getrex ‘n’ Creole Cookin’ Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Live Oak Cafe - Charles Farmer One Eyed Jacks - Zoe K., Lilli Lewis and Kathryn Rose Wood Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars ft. Wendell Brunious Ralph’s - Joe Krown Snug Harbor - Grayson Brockamp & the New Orleans Wildlife Band Starlight - Handmade Moments Superior Seafood - The Superior Jazz Trio

Three Keys (Ace Hotel) - Blues Night w/ Mem Shannon Trinity Episcopal Church - The Marine Corps Concert Band + Ellis Marsalis Monday, July 2 Bombay Club - David Boeddinghaus BMC - Lil Red & Big Bad, Paggy Prine & Southern Soul Bourbon O Bar - Shake It Break It Band Buffa’s - A2D2 w/ Arsene DeLay and Antoine Diel Cafe Negril - In Business, Noggin Chickie Wah Wah - Justin Molaison Circle Bar - Dem Roach Boyz Columns Hotel - David Doucet Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes - John Fohl Dragon’s Den (Upstairs) - Audiodope w/ DJ Ill Medina Fountaine Palace - Louie’s Do the Bar Lounge Hi Ho Lounge - The Red Clay Strays Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Jazz Playhouse - Gerald French & the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band Kermit’s Treme Mother-in-Law Lounge - Kermit Ruffins, Irvin Mayfield Live Oak Cafe - Charles Farmer Maple Leaf - George Porter Jr. Trio One Eyed Jacks - Blind Texas Marlin, Dazed on Toulouse Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars, Preservation Jazz Masters Spotted Cat - Royal Street Windin’ Boys, Dominick Grillo Three Keys (Ace Hotel) - Alligator Chomp Chomp, DJ Pasta + DJ Mitch Tuesday, July 3 Bamboula’s - Damn Gina Blue Nile - Water Seed BMC - Dapper Dandies Bombay Club - John Royen, Matt Lemmler Bourbon O Bar - Marty Peters Quartet Buffa’s - Tacos, Tequila and Tiaras w/ Vanessa Carr Cafe Negril - 4 Sidemen of the Apocalypse Checkpoint Charlie - Jamie Lynn Vessels Circle Bar - Norco Lapalco + The Pierres + Ex Vicus Columns Hotel - John Rankin Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a. - Dinosaurchestra, Treme Brass Band Dos Jefes - Mark Coleman & Todd Duke Fountaine Palace - Soul Rotisserie Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Kerry Irish Pub - Jason Bishop Maple Leaf - Rebirth Brass Band Morning Call - Clyde & Iggy New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park - Richard Scott Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars Prime Example Jazz Club - Sidemen + 1 Ralph’s - Joe Krown Ray’s - Bobby Love & Friends Siberia - Valerie Sassyfras Spotted Cat - Smoking Time Jazz Club, Andy Forest Trinity Episcopal Church - Albinas Prizgintas Wednesday, July 4 Autocrat Social Club - TBC Brass Band Bamboula’s - Bamboula’s Hot Trio ft. Giselle Anguizola, Mem Shannon Banks Street Bar - Major Bacon Blue Nile - Where Y’at Brass Band, New Breed Brass Band BMC - Funk It All Bombay Club - Josh Paxton Bourbon O Bar - Shynola Jazz Band Buffa’s - World’s Open Mic Night w/ Nattie Sanchez Cafe Negril - Maid of Orleans, Another Day in Paradise Checkpoint Charlie - T Bone Stone & the Happy Monsters Circle Bar - The Iguanas

ParamoreWithFosterThePeople Grammy Award-winning rock band Paramore is bringing their After Laughter Summer Tour to Bold Sphere Music at Champions Square. With chart-topping indie pop band Foster the People as special guests, a summer night at the amphitheater sounds like the perfect event. Tues., July 10, 6:30 p.m., $20 - $85+. Champions Square, champions-square.com

42 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

SamSmith With 13 million records sold worldwide and four Grammys—the most for a U.K. debut album—the world-renowned vocal powerhouse Sam Smith will be in New Orleans to perform The Lonely Hour album. Don’t miss out on hearing this groundbreaking artist in person. Tues., July 17, 8:00 p.m., $32 - $122+. Smoothie King Center, smoothiekingcenter.com Columns Hotel - Andy Rogers Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a. - Walter Wolfman Washington & the Roadmasters, Tin Men Davenport Lounge - Jeremy Davenport Dos Jefes - The George French Band Dragon’s Den (Downstairs) - Reggae Night w/ DJ T-Roy Fountaine Palace - Day Party House of Blues (The Parish) - Jet Lounge Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Live Oak Cafe - Charles Farmer Marigny Brasserie - Grayson Brockamp & the New Orleans Wildlife Band Neutral Ground - Poet Tree Preservation Hall - Preservation All Stars ft. Mark Braud Prime Example Jazz Club - Jesse McBride & the Next Generation Ralph’s - Joe Krown Roosevelt Hotel (Fountain Lounge) - Tom Hook & Wendell Brunious Snug Harbor - Uptown Jazz Orchestra Spotted Cat - Antoine Diel & the Misfit Power, Chris Christy’s Band Three Keys (Ace Hotel) - MAAFA: Michaela Harrison & Friends Three Muses - Leslie Martin Thursday, July 5 Bamboula’s - Kala Chandra Blue Nile - Micah McKee & Little Maker, Higher Heights and DJ T-Roy BMC - Casme, Andre Lovett Band Bombay Club - Kris Tokarski and Duke Heitger Bourbon O Bar - The Luneta Jazz Band Buffa’s - Tom McDermott and Chloe Feoranzo Bullet’s - Kermit Ruffins Cafe Negril - Claude Bryant & the All-Stars, Soul Project Checkpoint Charlie - Cricket & the 219 Chickie Wah Wah - Phil DeGruy Circle Bar - Dark Lounge ft. Rik Slave City Park (Botanical Garden) - Bobby Cure & The Poppa Stoppas Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a. - MainLine Davenport Lounge - Jeremy Davenport Gazebo Cafe - Les Getrex ‘n’ Creole Cookin’ Gravier Street Social - DJ Musa Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Le Bon Temps Roule - Soul Rebels Maple Leaf - The Trio ft. Johnny Vidacovich Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl - Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band Morning Call - Clyde & Iggy New Orleans Jazz Museum - Robin Barnes Ogden Museum of Southern Art - David L. Harris Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars ft. Lucien Barbarin Ralph’s - Joe Krown Roosevelt Hotel (Fountain Lounge) - Amanda Ducorbier Spotted Cat - Miss Sophie Lee, Jumbo Shrimp Three Keys (Ace Hotel) - Three Keys Vaughan’s Lounge - Corey Henry’s Treme Funktet Friday, July 6 Bamboula’s - Chance Bushman’s Rhythm Stompers BMC - Lifesavers Bombay Club - Banu Gibson Bourbon O Bar - Doyle Cooper Jazz Band

Buffa’s - Freddie Blue and the Friendship Circle Bullet’s - The Pinettes Brass Band Cafe Negril - Dana Abbott Band Checkpoint Charlie - The Ubaka Brothers, Louisiana Hellbenders Chickie Wah Wah - Michael Pearce Circle Bar - Natalie Mae Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat Davenport Lounge - Jeremy Davenport Dragon’s Den (Downstairs) - Buena Vista Social Latin Dance Night Gazebo Cafe - Les Getrex ‘n’ Creole Cookin’ Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl - Karma New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park -Bichini Bia, Johnette Downing New Orleans Museum of Art - Baron Ahmon Old Point Bar - Rick Trolsen Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars ft. Will Smith Roosevelt Hotel (Fountain Lounge) - Amanda Ducorbier, Sam Kuslan Siberia - Marigny Brass Band + Big Chief Juan Pardo Southport Hall - Shark Attack!! + Champagne Girl Spotted Cat - Andy Forest The Standard - Phil Melancon Three Keys (Ace Hotel) - ESSENTIALS ft. Chinua Tipitina’s - DJ Questlove, Dj Soul Sister Vaso - Bobby Love & Friends ft. Joe Cullen Saturday, July 7 Bombay Club - Larry Scala Buffa’s - Mark Carroll and Ed Wise Checkpoint Charlie - The Ubaka Brothers, Swamp Motel Circle Bar - Chives + Solid Freex + Glisteners Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat Fountaine Palace - Essence Day Party & Shop Gazebo Cafe - Les Getrex ‘n’ Creole Cookin’ Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl - The Boogie Men Neutral Ground Coffeehouse - Crazy Whisky New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park - Reynold Kinsale Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars ft. Rickie Monie Roosevelt Hotel (Fountain Lounge) - Amanda Ducorbier Three Keys (Ace Hotel) - ESSENTIALS ft. The Groove with Wally Sparks Sunday, July 8 AllWays Lounge - G & The Swingin’ Gypsies Bombay Club - Kris Tokarski Trio ft. Tim Laughlin Buffa’s - Steve Pistorius Quartet, Jasmine Batiste Checkpoint Charlie - Open Mic ft. Jim Smith Circle Bar - Sacred Owls + Coffins Collective Columns Hotel - Chip Wilson Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat Fountaine Palace - Nappy Hour Gazebo Cafe - Les Getrex ‘n’ Creole Cookin’ Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Live Oak Cafe - Charles Farmer Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars ft. Wendell Brunious Ralph’s - Joe Krown Superior Seafood - The Superior Jazz Trio Monday, July 9 Bombay Club - David Boeddinghaus BMC - Lil Red & Big Bad, Paggy Prine & Southern Soul Bourbon O Bar - Shake It Break It Band

Buffa’s - A2D2 w/ Arsene DeLay and Antoine Diel Cafe Negril - In Business, Noggin Chickie Wah Wah - Justin Molaison Circle Bar - Big Huge + Bride, Dem Roach Boyz Columns Hotel - David Doucet Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes - John Fohl Dragon’s Den (Upstairs) - Audiodope w/ DJ Ill Medina Fountaine Palace - Louie’s Do the Bar Lounge Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Jazz Playhouse - Gerald French & the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band Kermit’s Treme Mother-in-Law Lounge - Kermit Ruffins, Irvin Mayfield Live Oak Cafe - Charles Farmer Maple Leaf - George Porter Jr. Trio One Eyed Jacks - Blind Texas Marlin, Dazed on Toulouse Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars, Preservation Jazz Masters Spotted Cat - Royal Street Windin’ Boys, Dominick Grillo Tuesday, July 10 Bamboula’s - Damn Gina Blue Nile - Water Seed BMC - Dapper Dandies Bombay Club - Tom Hook, Matt Lemmler Bourbon O Bar - Marty Peters Quartet Buffa’s - Tacos, Tequila and Tiaras w/ Vanessa Carr Cafe Negril - 4 Sidemen of the Apocalypse Checkpoint Charlie - Jamie Lynn Vessels Columns Hotel - John Rankin Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a. - Dinosaurchestra, Treme Brass Band Dos Jefes - Mark Coleman & Todd Duke Ellis Marsalis Center for Music - Nikia Russell & Family Fountaine Palace - Soul Rotisserie Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Maple Leaf - Rebirth Brass Band Morning Call - Clyde & Iggy New Orleans Jazz Museum - Charlie Denard New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park - Richard Scott Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars Prime Example Jazz Club - Sidemen + 1 Ralph’s - Joe Krown Ray’s - Bobby Love & Friends Spotted Cat - Smoking Time Jazz Club, Andy Forest Three Keys (Ace Hotel) -Think Less, Hear More Trinity Episcopal Church - Albinas Prizgintas Wednesday, July 11 Autocrat Social Club - TBC Brass Band Bamboula’s - Bamboula’s Hot Trio ft. Giselle Anguizola, Mem Shannon Banks Street Bar - Major Bacon Blue Nile - Where Y’at Brass Band, New Breed Brass Band BMC - Funk It All Bombay Club - Kris Tokarski Bourbon O Bar - Shynola Jazz Band Buffa’s - World’s Most Open Mic w/ Nattie Sanchez Cafe Negril - Maid of Orleans, Another Day in Paradise Checkpoint Charlie - T Bone Stone & the Happy Monsters Circle Bar - The Iguanas Columns Hotel - Andy Rogers Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a. - Walter Wolfman Washington & the Roadmasters, Tin Men Dos Jefes - The George French Band Davenport Lounge - Jeremy Davenport Dragon’s Den (Downstairs) - Reggae Night w/ DJ T-Roy House of Blues (The Parish) - Jet Lounge Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Live Oak Cafe - Charles Farmer Marigny Brasserie - Grayson Brockamp & the New Orleans Wildlife Band Neutral Ground - Poet Tree Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars ft. Mark Braud Prime Example Jazz Club - Jesse McBride & the Next Generation Ralph’s - Joe Krown

Republic New Orleans - Unknown Mortal Orchestra Roosevelt Hotel (Fountain Lounge) - Tom Hook & Wendell Brunious Snug Harbor - Uptown Jazz Orchestra Spotted Cat - Antoine Diel & the Misfit Power, Chris Christy’s Band Three Keys (Ace Hotel) - Quinn Deveaux Three Muses - Leslie Martin Thursday, July 12 Bamboula’s - Kala Chandra Blue Nile - Micah McKee & Little Maker, Higher Heights and DJ T-Roy BMC - Casme, Andre Lovett Band Bombay Club - Kris Tokarski and Meryl Zimmerman Bourbon O Bar - The Luneta Jazz Band Buffa’s - Piano Nights w/ Joe Krown, Rebecca Zoe Leigh Bullet’s - Kermit Ruffins Cafe Istanbul - A’oleon Broomfield, Lilli Lewis & Joy Clark Cafe Negril - Claude Bryant & the All-Stars, Soul Project Checkpoint Charlie - Steve Mignano Chickie Wah Wah - Phil DeGruy Circle Bar - The Sickness + Die Rotzz + Trampoline Team City Park (Botanical Garden) - Klezmer All-Stars Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a. - MainLine Davenport Lounge - Jeremy Davenport Gazebo Cafe - Les Getrex ‘n’ Creole Cookin’ Gravier Street Social - DJ Musa Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band

Maple Leaf - The Trio ft. Johnny Vidacovich Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl - Geno Delafose & French Rockin Boogie Morning Call - Clyde & Iggy New Orleans Jazz Museum - Charlie Denard Ogden Museum of Southern Art - Little Freddie King One Eyed Jacks - Fleetmac Wood Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars ft. Lucien Barbarin Ralph’s - Joe Krown Roosevelt Hotel (Fountain Lounge) - Amanda Ducorbier Spotted Cat - Miss Sophie Lee, Jumbo Shrimp Three Keys (Ace Hotel) - Little Cosmicana ft. Jack Sledge & Doug Funnie Vaughan’s Lounge - Corey Henry’s Treme Funktet Friday, July 13 Bamboula’s - Chance Bushman’s Rhythm Stompers BMC - Lifesavers Bombay Club - Todd Duke Bourbon O Bar - Doyle Cooper Jazz Band Buﬀa’s - Nyk Synder “Just a Dab” Vinyl Release Party Bullet’s - The Pinettes Brass Band Cafe Istanbul - Spogga: Brother Hash Cafe Negril - Dana Abbott Band Checkpoint Charlie - Back Porch Review, The Hubcap Kings Chickie Wah Wah - Michael Pearce Circle Bar - Witchsister + Emily Davis & The Murder Police Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat Davenport Lounge - Jeremy Davenport

Dragon’s Den (Downstairs) - Buena Vista Social Latin Dance Night Gazebo Cafe - Les Getrex ‘n’ Creole Cookin’ Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Howlin’ Wolf (The Den) - Valerie Sassyfras Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl - Groovy 7 New Orleans Jazz Museum - Kyle Roussel New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park - Ranger Duo Old Point Bar - Rick Trolsen One Eyed Jacks - DJ Soul Sister Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars ft. Will Smith Republic New Orleans - YehMe2 Roosevelt Hotel (Fountain Lounge) - Amanda Ducorbier, Sam Kuslan Saenger Theatre - Alison Krauss + Dee White Spotted Cat - Andy Forest The Standard - Phil Melancon Three Keys (Ace Hotel) - Where Y’acht Tipitina’s - Corey Henry’s Treme Funktet + Erica Falls Vaso - Bobby Love & Friends ft. Joe Cullen Saturday, July 14 Bombay Club - Tap Room Four Buﬀa’s - Marc Stone, The Royal Rounders Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a. - Soul Rebels Gazebo Cafe - Les Getrex ‘n’ Creole Cookin’ Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl - Supercharger

QUALIFICATIONS Single Subject Music Credential Required Marching Band Director Experience

BENEFITS & COMPENSATION Competitive Salary 100% Paid Benefits for Employee & Family Teacher Induction Program Paid for by Fortune School 403 (b) Retirement Plan

LOCATIONS OF SCHOOL SITES Hardy Brown College Prep (San Bernardino)

Looking for a dynamic, experienced marching band director to build a program for Middle and High school students in sunny California.

Fortune School (Sacramento)

William Lee College Prep

Fortune School is a network of tuition-free public charter schools focused on closing the African American achievement gap while preparing students for college.

(Sacramento)

Ephraim Williams College Prep

(Sacramento) Hazel Mahone College Prep (Sacramento)

Our mission is to graduate high achieving students of good character prepared for college and citizenship in a democratic society.

For further inquiries, please contact Human Resources at humanresources@fortuneschool.us or 916.924.8633

Alan Rowe College Prep (Elk Grove)

Early College High School

(Elk Grove)

w w w.fortuneschool.us/careers/ to learn more and apply

WhereYat.com | July 2018 | 43

New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park - Seguenon Kone Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars ft. Rickie Monie Roosevelt Hotel (Fountain Lounge) - Amanda Ducorbier Ruby’s Roadhouse - Bottom’s Up Three Keys (Ace Hotel) - NOJO 7 Sunday, July 15 AllWays Lounge - Vivacity Jazz Band Bombay Club - Kris Tokarski Trio ft. Duke Heitger Buffa’s - Steve Pistorius Quartet Checkpoint Charlie - Open Mic ft. Jim Smith Circle Bar - Micah -n- Marlin Columns Hotel - Chip Wilson Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat Fountaine Palace - Nappy Hour Gazebo Cafe - Les Getrex ‘n’ Creole Cookin’ Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Live Oak Cafe - Charles Farmer One Eyed Jacks - Marina Orchestra Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars ft. Wendell Brunious Ralph’s - Joe Krown Santos Bar - Jesika von Rabbit and Spindrift Superior Seafood - The Superior Jazz Trio Three Keys (Ace Hotel) - Blues Night w/ Mem Shannon Monday, July 16 Bombay Club - David Boeddinghaus BMC - Lil Red & Big Bad, Paggy Prine & Southern Soul Bourbon O Bar - Shake It Break It Band Buffa’s - A2D2 w/ Arsene DeLay and Antoine Diel Cafe Negril - In Business, Noggin Chickie Wah Wah - Justin Molaison Circle Bar - Dem Roach Boyz Columns Hotel - David Doucet Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes - John Fohl Dragon’s Den - Renard Boissiere Dragon’s Den (Upstairs) - The Messy Cookers, Audiodope w/ DJ Ill Medina Fountaine Palace - Louie’s Do the Bar Lounge Gasa Gasa - Starbenders + Rosegarden Funeral Party + Trashlight & more Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Jazz Playhouse - Gerald French & the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band Kermit’s Treme Mother-in-Law Lounge - Kermit Ruffins, Irvin Mayfield Live Oak Cafe - Charles Farmer Maple Leaf - George Porter Jr. Trio One Eyed Jacks - Blind Texas Marlin, Dazed on Toulouse Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars ft. Charlie Gabriel

Spotted Cat - Royal Street Windin’ Boys, Dominick Grillo Tuesday, July 17 Bamboula’s - Damn Gina Blue Nile - Water Seed BMC - Dapper Dandies Bombay Club - Matt Lemmler Bourbon O Bar - Marty Peters Quartet Buﬀa’s - Tacos, Tequila and Tiaras w/ Vanessa Carr Cafe Negril - 4 Sidemen of the Apocalypse Checkpoint Charlie - Jamie Lynn Vessels Columns Hotel - John Rankin Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a. - Dinosaurchestra, Treme Brass Band Dos Jefes - Mark Coleman & Todd Duke Fountaine Palace - Soul Rotisserie Gasa Gasa - The Spencer Lee Band Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Kerry Irish Pub - Jason Bishop Maple Leaf - Rebirth Brass Band Morning Call - Clyde & Iggy New Orleans Jazz Museum - Charlie Denard New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park - Richard Scott One Eyed Jacks - Kaisoku Tokyo + Peelander Yellow Preservation Hall - Preservation All-STars ft. Rickie Monie Prime Example Jazz Club - Sidemen + 1 Ralph’s - Joe Krown Ray’s - Bobby Love & Friends Spotted Cat - Smoking Time Jazz Club, Andy Forest Trinity Episcopal Church - Albinas Prizgintas Wednesday, July 18 Autocrat Social Club - TBC Brass Band Bamboula’s - Bamboula’s Hot Trio ft. Giselle Anguizola, Mem Shannon Banks Street Bar - Major Bacon Blue Nile - Where Y’at Brass Band, New Breed Brass Band BMC - Funk It All Bombay Club - John Royen Bourbon O Bar - Shynola Jazz Band Buﬀa’s - World’s Most Open Night w/ Nattie Sanchez Cafe Negril - Maid of Orleans, Another Day in Paradise Checkpoint Charlie - T Bone Stone & the Happy Monsters Circle Bar - The Iguanas Columns Hotel - Andy Rogers Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a. - Walter Wolfman Washington & the Roadmasters, Tin Men Davenport Lounge - Jeremy Davenport Dos Jefes - The George French Band Dragon’s Den (Downstairs) - Reggae Night w/ DJ T-Roy House of Blues (Foundation Room) - Lyrica Baroque

CheapTrick This fun-loving rock band and iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Famers will be in the city to perform hits songs like “I Want You to Want Me” and “Surrender.” The band’s unpredictable and mischievously humorous songs are sure to be a nostalgic delight. Sat., July 21, 8:00 p.m., $39 $59+. Saenger Theatre, saengernola.com House of Blues (The Parish) - Jet Lounge Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Live Oak Cafe - Charles Farmer Marigny Brasserie - Grayson Brockamp & the New Orleans Wildlife Band Neutral Ground - Poet Tree Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars ft. Charlie Gabriel Prime Example Jazz Club - Jesse McBride & the Next Generation Ralph’s - Joe Krown Roosevelt Hotel (Fountain Lounge) - Tom Hook & Wendell Brunious Snug Harbor - Uptown Jazz Orchestra

Spotted Cat - Antoine Diel & the Misﬁt Power, Chris Christy’s Band Three Keys (Ace Hotel) - Maggie Belle Band Three Muses - Leslie Martin Thursday, July 19 30/90 - Colin Davis & Night People Bamboula’s - Kala Chandra Blue Nile - Micah McKee & Little Maker, Higher Heights and DJ T-Roy BMC - Casme, Andre Lovett Band Bombay Club - Kris Tokarski and Clint Baker Bourbon O Bar - The Luneta Jazz Band

THANKS WHERE Y’AT READERS FOR VOTING US BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE!

Step into Spotlights with us prior to the event and enjoy our exclusive lounge with private entry, complimentary premium bar and light hors d’ourves. Tickets for Spotlights can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or at the Box Office.

June 30................................................................................ Big Easy Rollergirls July 6.......................................................................... Copeland’s Chicken Jam July 14....... Championship Boxing feat. Regis Prograis vs Juan Jose Velasco July 21................................................................................. Big Easy Rollergirls October 3................ The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill 20th Anniversary Tour October 19-21...................................... PAW Patrol Live! Race To The Rescue December 7-8.................................................Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party! Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com, Lakefront Arena Box Office, or charge by phone at 800-745-3000.

44 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

Buffa’s - Piano Night w/ Tom Worell, Gumbo Cabaret Bullet’s - Kermit Ruffins Cafe Negril - Claude Bryant & the All-Stars, Soul Project Checkpoint Charlie - Pucolipps Chickie Wah Wah - Phil DeGruy Circle Bar - Dark Lounge ft. Rik Slave City Park (Botanical Garden) - Tim Laughlin Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat Davenport Lounge - Jeremy Davenport Gazebo Cafe - Les Getrex ‘n’ Creole Cookin’ Gravier Street Social - DJ Musa Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Maple Leaf - The Trio ft. Johnny Vidacovich Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl - L’il Nathan & the Zydeco Big Tymers Morning Call - Clyde & Iggy New Orleans Jazz Museum - Charlie Denard Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars ft. Lucie Barbarin Ralph’s - Joe Krown Roosevelt Hotel (Fountain Lounge) - Amanda Ducorbier Spotted Cat - Miss Sophie Lee, Jumbo Shrimp Three Keys (Ace Hotel) - Ivan Neville’s Nola Nites Vaughan’s Lounge - Corey Henry’s Treme Funktet Friday, July 20 Bamboula’s - Chance Bushman’s Rhythm Stompers BMC - Lifesavers Bombay Club - Bombay All-Stars ft. Clint Baker, Tim Laughlin, & more Bourbon O Bar - Doyle Cooper Jazz Band Buffa’s - Marina Orchestra Bullet’s - The Pinettes Brass Band Cafe Negril - Dana Abbott Band Checkpoint Charlie - AR15 + Engage the Threat Chickie Wah Wah - Michael Pearce Circle Bar - DJ Swamp Boogie, Natalie Mae Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat Davenport Lounge - Jeremy Davenport Dragon’s Den (Downstairs) - Buena Vista Social Latin Dance Night Gasa Gasa - The Body + Thou + Lingua Ignota & more Gazebo Cafe - Les Getrex ‘n’ Creole Cookin’ Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl - Ryan Foret & Foret Tradition New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park - Ranger Duo New Orleans Museum of Art - Abita Stumps Old Point Bar - Rick Trolsen Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars ft. Will Smith Roosevelt Hotel (Fountain Lounge) - Amanda Ducorbier, Sam Kuslan Spotted Cat - Andy Forest The Standard - Phil Melancon

Three Keys (Ace Hotel) - Super Doppler w/ Coyotes & Midriff Tipitina’s - Gravity A + Video Age + Spencer Whatever Vaso - Bobby Love & Friends ft. Joe Cullen Saturday, July 21 30/90 - Big Easy Brawlers Bombay Club - On The Levee Jazz Club Buffa’s - Asylum Chorus, Arsene DeLay and Charlie Wooten Checkpoint Charlie - Aiden Paul, Ron Hotstream & the Mid City Drifters Circle Bar - Cryptic Void + Apocalyptic Noise Syndicate Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat Fountaine Palace - Brunch Event & Day Party Gasa Gasa - The Rememberables + Blackstage Gazebo Cafe - Les Getrex ‘n’ Creole Cookin’ Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl - Mojeaux New Orleans Jazz Museum - Steve Pistorius Quartet New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park - Reynold Kinsale One Eyed Jacks - Kirasu Preservation Hall - Preservation All-STars ft. Rickie Monie Roosevelt Hotel (Fountain Lounge) - Amanda Ducorbier Saenger Theatre - Cheap Trick Southport Hall - Egyptian Lover Three Keys (Ace Hotel) - La Noche Caliente w/ Muevelo! Tipitina’s - Deacon John & The Ivories Sunday, July 22 30/90 - T’Canaille, Revival AllWays Lounge - Albanie Falletta & the Southern Gentlemen Bombay Club - Kris Tokarski Trio ft. Tim Laughlin Buffa’s - Steve Pistorius Quartet Checkpoint Charlie - Open Mic ft. Jim Smith Circle Bar - Micah -n- Marlin Columns Hotel - Chip Wilson Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat Fountaine Palace - Nappy Hour Gazebo Cafe - Les Getrex ‘n’ Creole Cookin’ Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Kerry Irish Pub - Patrick Cooper Live Oak Cafe - Charles Farmer Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars ft. Wendell Brunious Ralph’s - Joe Krown Southport Hall - The Anchor + Black Kreole and Brief History Superior Seafood - The Superior Jazz Trio The Orpheum Theater - Blind Boys of Alabama + Cyril Neville Three Keys (Ace Hotel) - Blues Night w/ Mem Shannon Monday, July 23 30/90 - Super Jam, Dapper Dandies

Bombay Club - David Boeddinghaus BMC - Lil Red & Big Bad, Paggy Prine & Southern Soul Bourbon O Bar - Shake It Break It Band Buffa’s - A2D2 w/ Arsene DeLay and Antoine Diel Cafe Negril - In Business, Noggin Chickie Wah Wah - Justin Molaison Circle Bar - Dem Roach Boyz Columns Hotel - David Doucet Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes - John Fohl Dragon’s Den - Dinosaurchestra, Nanci Zee Dragon’s Den (Upstairs) - Audiodope w/ DJ Ill Medina Fountaine Palace - Louie’s Do the Bar Lounge Gasa Gasa - Mourn + Chastity Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Jazz Playhouse - Gerald French & the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band Kermit’s Treme Mother-in-Law Lounge - Kermit Ruffins, Irvin Mayfield Live Oak Cafe - Charles Farmer Maple Leaf - George Porter Jr. Trio One Eyed Jacks - Blind Texas Marlin, Dazed on Toulouse Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars ft. Charlie Gabriel Spotted Cat - Royal Street Windin’ Boys, Dominick Grillo Tuesday, July 24 30/90 - Ed Wills & Blues 4 Sale, Bayou Saints Bamboula’s - Damn Gina Blue Nile - Water Seed BMC - Dapper Dandies Bombay Club - Matt Lemmler Bourbon O Bar - Marty Peters Quartet Buffa’s - Tacos, Tequila and Tiaras w/ Vanessa Carr Cafe Negril - 4 Sidemen of the Apocalypse Checkpoint Charlie - Jamie Lynn Vessels Circle Bar - Dem Roach Boyz Columns Hotel - John Rankin Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a. - Dinosaurchestra, Treme Brass Band Dos Jefes - Mark Coleman & Todd Duke Fountaine Palace - Soul Rotisserie Gasa Gasa - I Set My Friends On Fire + Annisokay Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Kerry Irish Pub - Jason Bishop Maple Leaf - Rebirth Brass Band Morning Call - Clyde & Iggy New Orleans Jazz Museum - Charlie Denard New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park - Arrowhead Duo Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars ft. Rickie Monie Prime Example Jazz Club - Sidemen + 1 Ralph’s - Joe Krown Ray’s - Bobby Love & Friends

Spotted Cat - Smoking Time Jazz Club, Andy Forest Trinity Episcopal Church - Albinas Prizgintas Wednesday, July 25 30/90 - Jamey St. Pierre & The Honeycreepers Autocrat Social Club - TBC Brass Band Bamboula’s - Bamboula’s Hot Trio ft. Giselle Anguizola, Mem Shannon Banks Street Bar - Major Bacon Blue Nile - Where Y’at Brass Band, New Breed Brass Band BMC - Funk It All Bombay Club - Josh Paxton Bourbon O Bar - Shynola Jazz Band Buﬀa’s - World’s Most Open Mic Night w/ Nattie Sanchez Cafe Istanbul - Spogga: Brother Hash Cafe Negril - Maid of Orleans, Another Day in Paradise Checkpoint Charlie - T Bone Stone & the Happy Monsters Circle Bar - The Iguanas Columns Hotel - Andy Rogers Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a. - Walter Wolfman Washington & the Roadmasters, Tin Men Davenport Lounge - Jeremy Davenport Dos Jefes - The George French Band Dragon’s Den (Downstairs) - Reggae Night w/ DJ T-Roy House of Blues (The Parish) - Jet Lounge Houston’s - David Hansen’s Garden District Band Live Oak Cafe - Charles Farmer Marigny Brasserie - Grayson Brockamp & New Orleans Wildlife Band Neutral Ground - Poet Tree New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park - Jonatan Sanabria Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars ft. Mark Braud Prime Example Jazz Club - Jesse McBride & the Next Generation Ralph’s - Joe Krown Roosevelt Hotel (Fountain Lounge) - Tom Hook & Wendell Brunious Snug Harbor - Uptown Jazz Orchestra Southport Hall - The Faceless + Dyscarnate Spotted Cat - Antoine Diel & the Misﬁt Power, Chris Christy’s Band Three Keys (Ace Hotel) - SONO presents The Shape of Jazz to Come Three Muses - Leslie Martin Thursday, July 26 30/90 - Smoke N Bones, Andy J Forest Bamboula’s - Kala Chandra Blue Nile - Micah McKee & Little Maker, Higher Heights and DJ T-Roy BMC - Casme, Andre Lovett Band Bombay Club - Kris Tokarski and Dan Levinson

WhereYat.com | July 2018 | 45

Lakeside2Riverside U P C O M I N G F E S T I VA L S & E V E N T S

West Bank Beer Fest 11075 Nicolle Blvd. Saturday, July 7: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. facebook.com/WestBankBeerFest Brew up a good time at the third annual West Bank Beer Fest. Hosted at NOLA Motorsports Park, this all-ages event provides fun for both adults and kids. Kids can enjoy karting and VR activities. Adults get the chance to drive cars, such as Ferraris and Lamborghinis, on the track and enjoy beer from a wide variety of vendors (not at the same time, obviously). Tickets online range from $20 to $60, with on-site tickets at $40.

ENTERTAINMENT Sublime Boudoir: Seduction of Senses Lakefront Airport: 6001 Stars and Stripes Blvd. #219 Friday, July 27: 7 p.m. Saturday, July 28: 7 p.m. sublime-boudoir.com Mark your calendar for Sublime Boudoir, an immersive burlesque experience that dares to change your perception of what burlesque really is. The annual travelling event promises an out-of-this-world experience with cabaret performances, cuisine, and music revolving around the theme of Art Deco. A ticket will run you $85 (21+ only), which includes complimentary food and beverage and free onsite parking.

Beauregard Watermelon Festival June 29-30

FESTIVALS Beauregard Watermelon Festival 204 W. 1st St., DeRidder Friday, June 29: 4 p.m. - 12 a.m. Saturday, June 30: 10 a.m. - 12 a.m. beauregardwatermelonfestival.com Have a taste of something sweet and enjoy entertainment that can’t be beat at the Beauregard Watermelon Festival. This two-day event offers activities for the entire family to have a fun weekend. Featuring everything from musical performances from artists like Dustin Sonnier and the Wanted and Richard LeBouef to frozen t-shirt contests, this festival is sure to have something for even the casual watermelon fan. 4th Fest in Crescent Park 1008 N. Peters St. Wednesday, July 4: 4:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. frenchmarket.org Get your independence on at 4th Fest in Crescent Park! At this family-friendly event, listen to performances from the WWII Museum’s Victory Belles and Bag of Donuts and watch the Mississippi River Dueling Barges Fireworks Show. The festival will also offer food, drinks, and a firework photography workshop. Entrance is free and open to the public.

Light Night: A White Wine Affair Martin Wine Cellar (New Orleans, Metairie, Mandeville, and Baton Rouge locations) Friday, July 27: 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (Mandeville) Saturday, July 28: 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (New Orleans, Metairie, and Baton Rouge) martinwine.com Join Martin Wine Cellar as they cool down with the summer’s most refreshing wines for their fourth annual Light Night. You’ll have the chance to taste and sample over 20 white and sparkling wines and to pair them with an enormous selection of cheeses and hors d’oeuvres from Martin’s very own deli and catering menu. Tickets are only $20, so get yours today and enjoy!

MUSIC Crystal Method Live at The Metro The Metropolitan Nightclub: 310 Andrew Higgins Dr. Saturday, June 30: 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1649690 If electronic music is your thing, watch Crystal Method perform at The Metropolitan Nightclub. Pioneer of the big-beat genre, Crystal Method is bringing its tour to New Orleans. The now-solo act has released singles such as “Name of the Game” and “Busy Child.” Tickets range from $15 to $25. Marine Forces Reserve Band Live! In Concert Trinity Episcopal Church: 1329 Jackson Ave. Sunday, July 1: 3 p.m. The Great Lawn at City Park: 1 Palm Dr. Tuesday, July 3 - 7 p.m. marforres.marines.mil/General-Special-Staff/MarineForces-Reserve-Band Pump up your patriotism at the Marine Forces Reserve Band’s Independence Day concerts. The band has performed at events ranging from military ceremonies to Mardi Gras parades. Enjoy these free performances that are open to the public and are the perfect way to kick off your 4th of July celebration.

FUNDRAISERS

WestBank Beer Fest July 7 San Fermin in Nueva Orleans: The Running of the Bulls Downtown New Orleans Friday, July 13: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday, July 14: 7:15 a.m. Sunday, July 15: 11 a.m. - 12 a.m. nolabulls.com Inspired by Encierro of Pamplona in Spain, San Fermin in Nueva Orleans takes The Running of the Bulls down South. However, instead of real bulls, this event has participants being chased by the Big Easy Rollergirls and other skaters. Come run along or just watch as over 18,000 runners run away from 400 “RollerBulls” wielding plastic bats. Tickets range in price from $25 to $80—from basic participation to VIP tickets with food and drinks—and much of the money goes to charity.

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Crystal Method June 30

St. Anselm’s 11th Annual Gala and Auction Castine Center: 63350 Pelican Dr. Saturday, July 21: 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. 501auctions.com/stanselm Head over to the St. Anselm Catholic Church’s 11th Annual Gala and Auction and place your bids. The gala will oﬀer both a silent and live auction during the evening. Participants can enter the car raﬄe for the chance of winning a 2018 GMC Terrain Denali, valued at $42,000. The event will also have over 50 restaurants participating and music provided by Groovy 7. You can buy tickets online for $50 per person until July 20; then ticket sales will continue at the gala.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BASTILLE DAY EVENTS, VISIT FRENCHMARKET.ORG WhereYat.com | July 2018 | 47

Tricentennial Tipples New Orleans Tricentennial Series: Cocktails By Kathy Bradshaw

hree hundred years ago, when JeanBaptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville, discovered New Orleans and decided to make it the capital of the French colony of Louisiane, we’re pretty sure that he and his countrymen must have toasted the new settlement with a celebratory drink or two. Then, when they all realized that this new land was prone to flooding, hurricanes, yellow fever, and drainage problems, they most likely comforted themselves with another drink or two. And, when New Orleans suffered from political corruption, fires, racial conflict, and crime, it’s likely that many local citizens probably drank to forget. Or drank to deal with it. Or just drank. We all know that, historically, much of what New Orleans is known for is somehow connected to the boozy stuﬀ. The invention of jazz music? It mainly developed in Storyville bars. The Saints? Around 18,000 drinks served in the Superdome every game. Our many culinary delicacies? They taste even better with a cocktail. Bourbon Street, Mardi Gras, festivals? Duh. But what is it that New Orleanians have been drinking since the beginning of time, and why? Here is a look at 300 years of cocktails in New Orleans. The Good Ol’ Boys Were Drinking Whiskey and Rye New Orleans is credited with the invention of America’s ﬁrst cocktail. They say that back in 1838, a man named Antoine Amedie Peychaud owned a little apothecary on Royal Street. He was best-known for

creating a special cure-all bitters from a Haitian family recipe. When customers came to see him with a variety of ailments, he would offer them his famous bitters as an antidote, often mixing it with a bit of his favorite Cognac (Sazerac de Forge et Fils brand) and a splash of absinthe. This became the very first cocktail, known as a Sazerac (pictured in circle), and was just the beginning of a long trend of New Orleansoriginated cocktails to come. The Cognac in the drink was soon replaced by cheaper and more accessible American rye whiskey, just as the ailing patients drinking the elixir were soon replaced by thirsty patrons and cocktail connoisseurs of all sorts. Allegedly, as cocktails became more sophisticated and complicated, many folks harkened back to the early days of the classic simplicity of drinks such as the Sazerac. Therefore, they began nostalgically requesting “Old Fashioned” cocktails, and so the drink by that name also came into being. In 2008, the Sazerac was named New Orleans’s official cocktail. It is made with rye whiskey, bitters, a spritz of absinthe (often Herbsaint) on the glass, and a lemon peel garnish. Peychaud’s Bitters is still a popular cocktail ingredient today, and the Sazerac can still help cure whatever ails you. Shake It Up You know that “how dare you?” sort of look you got when you asked your mom for a pony as a kid, or that you still get whenever you ask Joe in Accounting to lend you 20 bucks or your boss for a day off? Well, try not to be offended when you get that same sort of death-wish glare from the bartender

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when you order a Ramos Gin Fizz (pictured left) at most places. There’s a very good reason for that. Originally called a New Orleans Fizz, the Ramos Gin Fizz was created by Henry C. Ramos at the Imperial Cabinet Saloon on Gravier Street back in 1888. With a flavor just like liquid key lime pie, the cocktail tastes similar to what it might be like to sip Florida itself. It contains gin, heavy cream, lemon juice, lime juice, orange flower water, simple syrup, egg whites, and a splash of club soda. Yet this extensive list of ingredients is not the least of what makes this cocktail so labor-intensive, complicated, and bartenderinfuriating. It’s what happens after the ingredients are painstakingly dumped oneby-one into the cocktail shaker, and the overall time involved in its preparation. In order to get the cocktail to take on the proper consistency—which involves the egg white foaming up into a sort of meringue—it must be shaken for a minimum of two minutes, and, back in Ramos’s day, for as many as 12 minutes. In fact, the Imperial kept 20 bartenders on staff at any given time (32 during Mardi Gras of 1915) who were employed exclusively as professional Ramos Gin Fizz mixers and shakers. This sort of consistent, long-term shaking is painful, exhausting, and time-consuming. While in some bars, the brawn and brute upper body strength of these bartenders has been replaced by mechanical shaking machines (some places even resort to using

commercial paint-mixers for the drink), more bars still rely on the manual labor (and patience) of their mixologists. Bartenders refer to this drink as everything from “the Achilles heel of bartending” to “a bartender’s worst nightmare,” and one bartender said of making it, point blank, “It’s a bitch!” But it’s not even so much the arm workout required as it is the time investment. When you’re working a busy bar with a lot of drinks to make quickly and people waiting for you to do so, and you need to drop everything for 10 minutes to make someone a cursed Ramos Gin Fizz, “it really interrupts your flow and throws you off your game,” this same bartender explained. Former Louisiana governor Huey P. Long loved his Gin Fizzes so much, he brought a New Orleans bartender up to the New Yorker Hotel with him to instruct folks there how to make a proper one, so that Huey could enjoy his favorite cocktail during his frequent visits to New York City. In 1935, the Roosevelt Hotel (called the Hotel Grunewald at the time) trademarked the Ramos Gin Fizz, and their Sazerac Bar still shakes up many of these cocktails daily. But at $18 a drink, your bar tab might have you a little shaken up as well. Burnin’ for You Popularized at Antoine’s Restaurant during Prohibition, Café Brulot (pictured below) was allegedly first endorsed as a cover for the hooch hidden within it. It was meant to front as an ordinary, kid-

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gallivanting around on his pirate ships during various pirating missions, Lafitte would supposedly gather the necessary ingredients for the drink, including Caribbean spices and scurvy-fighting citrus. Back on dry land, he would then flambée the drink for a crowd of onlookers, who were so preoccupied with the fiery spectacle before them that they would fall easy victim to pickpocketing—a source of revenue that was right up Lafitte’s alley. Pirate’s Alley, that is, where this all is rumored to have occurred. They even say that Voodoo priestess Marie Laveau weighed in on the cocktail recipe, insisting that Lafitte add cloves to the orange peel, because, she said, when the flames caused these cloves to glow, it was really “the eyes to the spirit world watching.” Whether a Voodoo cocktail or a Prohibition fake-out, this is one cocktail whose fame will never burn out.

friendly, virgin coffee drink, all the while being secretly spiked. Nowadays, there’s no question about what you’re getting if you order a Café Brulot, and not only are you anticipating it to come with a little brandy kick, but also with a live show. Flambéed tableside before your awe-struck eyes, the cocktail is made with Cognac or brandy, cinnamon, cloves, orange and lemon peels, and some nice, dark coffee. Its preparation involves, in short, a metal bowl of liquid fire

being ladled over a ﬂaming orange peel. There seem to be two very distinct theories as to the origins of the famous Café Brulot cocktail of Antoine’s fame, and both trace back to New Orleans. One version of the tale directly credits Jules Alciatore, the son of the original Antoine who was the restaurant’s founder, with coming up with the drink in the 1890s. Another legend claims that the Brulot originator was really the infamous pirate Jean Laﬁtte. While

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Green, Green, 40 Shades of Green Tujague’s is the second-oldest restaurant in New Orleans, after Antoine’s, and is responsible for the inception of the fourtholdest cocktail on our list. The Grasshopper (pictured left) dates at least as far back as 1919 and was developed by the owner of Tujague’s at the time, Philibert Guichet. Guichet was participating in a cocktail competition in New York City when he decided to combine green crème de methe, white crème de cacao, and cream, and name the Astroturf-green, minty concoction after the insect of the same color. Though his Grasshopper only won him the second-place ribbon, Guichet found quite an audience

for it when he brought it back home to New Orleans. The drink has the complexion of Kermit the Frog with the ﬂavor and consistency of a McDonald’s Shamrock Shake, a really creamy mouthwash, or a mint chocolate chip ice cream cone after about three minutes in the New Orleans heat. Extending far beyond the cocktail realm, the Grasshopper has also become a common variety of cookie and other dessert. It is one of those drinks often associated with ﬂapper girls of the Roaring Twenties and the high-society upper crust of the 1940s and 1950s (or the little old ladies nostalgic for that period), but like certain trends of those decades, Grasshoppers have a way of frequently coming back into style. Today, Tujague’s still sells hundreds of the cocktails weekly, both to those who enjoy its cool, retro vibe, and those who want a sip of history. She Cried More, More, More In 1938, William Bergeron, the head bartender of the 360-degree, spinning Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone, put a new spin on an old cocktail, and came up with the Vieux Carré (pictured in circle). A New Orleans version of the Old Fashioned, the cocktail is composed of several ingredients, which are meant to represent some of the many cultures that have helped make New Orleans great. Just like the city itself, the drink has a mix of French (Cognac and Benedictine), Italian (sweet vermouth), American (rye whiskey), African (Angostura

Bitters), and Creole (Peychaud’s Bitters) inﬂuences. Then, in the 1940s, Pat O’Brien, founder of the famous bar he named after himself, came up with the Hurricane cocktail (pictured bottom). As it was during World War II, many things were rationed, and this included whiskey. Rum, however—for some strange reason—was readily available. In fact, rum was so plentiful that it became a bargaining chip. Liquor salesmen would only sell a single case of whiskey to those bar- and restaurantowners desperate enough to purchase 50 cases of rum as part of the same deal. Mr. O’Brien had to ﬁnd a way to use up his sudden and overwhelming stash of rum, so he mixed it with fruit juices and grenadine, poured it into a glass shaped like a hurricane lamp, and sold it to thirsty soldiers. They liked the drink so much, no one even missed the whiskey, and the Hurricane (in both its forms) has become an integral part of New Orleans history. It wasn’t until the '80s that the Hand Grenade came around, but this cocktail has been blowing up the Bourbon Street bar scene ever since. The potent neon-green drink was created during the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition as the signature cocktail of the newly established Tropical Isle bar, and is only available today at one of the Tropical Isle locations or the Funky Pirate bar, all Bourbon Street establishments. The exact contents of the Hand Grenade are a carefully guarded secret, but the folks at

Tropical Isle do own up to the fact that it has a “wonderful melon flavor” with “lots of liqueurs and other secret ingredients.” The drink has become emblematic of the French Quarter. You can’t miss its iconic green plastic, hand-grenade-shaped “yard glass,” walking up and down the street in the grasp of drunken Bourbon Street revelers, or discarded in the gutters afterwards. From its easy-drinking taste to its high-alcohol punch, the Hand Grenade is the bomb. These few cocktails are really just the tip of the ice sphere. There are so many other drinks that were developed in New Orleans, or that were brought here from elsewhere, but adopted as our own, such as the Brandy Milk Punch, the French 75, and the Pimm’s Cup. And we really shouldn’t overlook our affection for tasty frozen concoctions, either. The cocktail scene here continues to develop and transform. There are new drinks continuously popping up on cocktail menus everywhere. Someone is always experimenting with new techniques and ingredients, inventing original cocktails, or bringing back the old—shrubs, tinctures, bitters, Pop Rocks, dry ice, edible flowers, flashing lights, candy straws. While we embrace the classics, we also want to drink what’s modern and trendy as well and, especially, what’s never been done before. In New Orleans, we have a very vivid cocktail history, but the future also looks bright. And very boozy.

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A Local's Life Wine for the Rest of Us

most prominent sommeliers, we can learn how to hold our own with wine—at least, in conversation. Melissa Rogers, General Manager at Doris Metropolitan, Certified Sommelier via Court of Master Sommeliers Melissa ﬁts into the vein of renowned New Orleanian females frequently spotlighted in these articles. She cultivates a homestyle

By Leigh Wright

e all wish we knew more about certain topics. We wish we were suave like James Bond and had a running knowledge to infiltrate any conversation. Life, however, has separated us into two categories: those who “know”—and I mean REALLY know—wine, and the rest of us. Most of us are completely “new” to wine, but are good sports about learning more about it. We are dads taking our daughters to winetasting classes for their birthdays, young professionals taking the next steps beyond college-centric wine (Barefoot) so we can host dinners, or older individuals looking to expand our knowledge and impress friends at lunch or dinner. You get the point. This article is for us: those who aren’t as comfortable talking about what we smell and see in wine, but are still interested in learning more, choosing better wines, and, of course, drinking. Through two of New Orleans’s

Melissa Rogers

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hospitality feel in her restaurant—a place where everything is taken care of before you can even ask. New Orleans has the right vibe for Melissa. “I am a huge history geek, and when I made the decision to stay working in food and beverage after college, I was looking for my place in this massive industry,” she says. “Wine seemed like a natural fit. Exploring different regions inevitably leads you into the history of the area, the people, and the wine.” For someone who isn’t accustomed to talking wine, “the tricky part is that we use a completely different vocabulary in the wine world than anywhere else,” Melissa says. “Part of my job is taking what a guest says and breaking down what they actually mean based on the vocabulary that I have.” But if you are looking to start somewhere, she recommends a red that is lighter in body. “Pinot Noir is a great place to start, specifically from Oregon,” she suggests. “For white, I recommend something easy-drinking, like Sauvignon Blanc, specifically from the Loire Valley.” Bringing booze to parties is never a bad idea, especially in New Orleans. For a gift idea, Melissa says, “I am a sucker for bubbles, and I think it just makes a great gift. It’s celebratory and fun.” Her wedding gift go-to is a bottle of champagne from the year the couple met. “Keife & Co. and Pearl Wine Co. are two of my favorite places to shop. Everyone who works there is passionate about wine and spirits. They really know their stuff.” Okay, the real question: should people smell the cork?

“The smell of the cork is much less important than the feel,” Melissa explains. “I almost never smell the cork. Most cork smells like cork. More important is whether or not the cork is dry. The best way to get to know the wine is to taste it.” So, why is everyone swirling and smelling their glasses? “Although guests mistakenly equate smelling and tasting wine to be about personal preference, you are smelling and tasting to see if the wine is flawed in any way,” she says. “If you are uncomfortable with the tasting process, opt to let the sommelier take over. When you order the wine, ask them to taste for soundness—a.k.a., is the wine flawed in any way? Your guests will think you really know your stuff, and it takes all the awkwardness out of the situation.” There are numerous restaurants and bars at which to sip, but Melissa suggests “picking up a good bottle of wine from a wine shop and enjoying it at home with good friends. It’s less embarrassing to wax philosophically about soil types and flavor profiles and sound like a complete ass with those who have already accepted your quirks.” It’s inevitable you will be asked what you think about wine, so here is a little lingo to pad your conversational contributions, according to Melissa: “Sweet: this is a big one. In the wine world, it is speaking solely about residual sugar. If there is residual sugar in the wine, it is offdry or sweet; if not, it is dry. Tons of people equate fruit with sweet. Fruit-forward: just like it sounds, it is a wine dominated by fruit flavors and smells; think California Cabernet

or Argentinian Malbec. Earth- or MineralDriven: the wine is dominated by secondary ﬂavors, both organic (dirt, mushrooms) and inorganic earth (limestone, slate).” While helping guests in one of the Quarter’s most popular restaurants, Melissa encounters new people and stories every night. “I had a guest who was overwhelmed by the wine list. When I went over to speak with him, right oﬀ the bat

John Mitchell

he told me he didn’t really know a lot,” she recalls. “I recommended a few Pinot Noirs from California and then told him about a Trousseau we had from California as well. We talked about the grape and its origins. I geeked out just a little bit. He decided to go with the Trousseau, but seemed a little unsure. I opened the wine for him and poured a taste. The minute he tasted it, I could just tell that he loved it. To this day, it is one of my favorite wine experiences. Watching people enjoy a bottle of wine they truly love is an amazing feeling, especially when you helped them get there.” John Mitchell, Certified Sommelier, Purveyor of Fine Wines John has roamed New Orleans’s downtown districts as a well-loved and respected sommelier. From the Windsor Court to Stella! and now as a wine purveyor, he drinks, talks, laughs, and eats his job. Drinking wine with him is unpretentious, fun, and always a treat to see what he brings to a party. “I’m from a small town: Travelers Rest, South Carolina,” John says. “Since I grew up in a city devoid of worldly knowledge, wine was a way for me to travel to a place and get a feeling of culture by way of smell and taste.” His interest in wine isn’t all about the romance, though. “Originally, wine was a way to make more money,” he admits. “The more you knew about wines, especially the expensive wines, the more you could tell the story and help better sell them. After a few years of selling wine, wine became more of a passion. Having never traveled to a foreign

country, opening a bottle of wine was like being transported to a place and getting a sense of the culture and what they were able to produce.” When you ask John how to start approaching wine or new wines, he meets it with a gentle chuckle: “Hey, it’s grape juice!” he jokes. “No, but seriously, there are generalities you can discuss with someone who wants to know what they would like to drink. I cut my teeth on California wines and in the style that bigger was better,” he says. “The wines had so much alcohol and fruit that they were easy to relate to. Almost like drinking Coca-Cola and eating ketchup. Who doesn’t love those two? So much sugar and sweetness. That was the way my palate was calibrated. I have since found wines that ride the lines of being opulent and balanced: Cliff Lede, Stags' Leap, Napa Valley Cabernet. Trefethen, Napa Valley Chardonnay. German Rieslings from the Mosel.” John share’s Melissa’s idea of what a real winning gift is. “Champagne is always a winner. It doesn’t even matter the type,” he says. “People love the idea of champagne; it makes you feel special and festive.” Should people smell the cork? “Ugh ... I mean, I do, but it truly takes someone who knows what they are looking for in this case,” he says. “I would say no, unless the cork looks like it is in bad condition. And if that is the case, look for a wet cardboard smell.” How should people smell wine? Is it really necessary? “Wine, at its very basic level, is grape juice

that has been fermented, hence the reason you see people swirling the glass,” John explains. “Swirling the glass releases the esters and aromas in the wine. Swirling is also really fun, and practice makes perfect. Swirl clockwise for a few seconds and then smell. Smelling is actually more important than tasting. About 90 percent of tasting is smelling. If a wine is great wine, sometimes I will just smell it for a while—really enjoying it before drinking it.” One of the best ways to approach wine is with John. He’s the guy who will respond to any outrageous wine comment, such as, “This one smells like mustard,” with, “Okay. I can see that.” Again, leave the pretentiousness outside. “Have fun with what you smell and taste by being honest,” John suggests. “The majority of wine drinkers don’t give themselves enough credit for what they smell in the wines. I love tasting with people who aren’t in the business. I always learn from what they experience.” Where do you go to buy wine? “Spirit Wine, Keife & Co., Faubourg Wines, Hopper’s Carte des Vins, and Swirl.” Where do you drink wine? “Emeril’s has an incredible list of old wines from California, Burgundy, Rhône Valley. Clancy’s has some really old bottles that are reasonably priced.” New Orleans is a drinking town, yes, but that doesn’t mean we only drink cocktails at bars or beer at boils. Wine is a great way to enjoy food and friends. Remember, the most important thing is to drink what you like.

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Skincare For Summertime By Emily Hingle

nyone who has spent more than a few minutes outside in the Louisiana sun in the summer knows how extremely hot it can get. Sunburns seem to come on within minutes, and you don’t know how burned you are until you look in a mirror. Your crawfish-colored skin isn’t just painful and embarrassing, it can harm you for years to come. When the sunrays start touching your skin this summer, you’ve got to protect yourself. Sunburns occur when the DNA in your skin cells gets damaged by UVA and UVB radiation from direct sunlight. Getting sunburned just once every two years can increase the risk of DNA damage that can lead to cells growing uncontrollably. This condition is known as melanoma cancer. Even slightly burned skin is considered to be damaged. New Orleans lies in a humid, subtropical climate and receives more UV radiation than most other southern cities. New Orleans has 20 percent more UVB rays than Atlanta, for example. Shockingly, the rates of melanoma cancer in Louisiana are lower than the national average. According to Louisiana Cancer Prevention, from 2009 to 2013, 2.3 Louisiana citizens per 100,000 passed away from melanoma cancer, while 2.7 other American citizens per 100,000 died from it. Despite having a lower melanoma rate, Louisianans should take precautions to avoid sunburns. African American men and women are less at risk of developing melanoma, but they are less likely to survive than other ethnicities if they are diagnosed with it. The melanoma may be more diﬃcult to ﬁnd on people with dark skin tones, and diagnoses tend to happen in the more advanced stages of cancer. The famed reggae singer Bob Marley, a native of Jamaica, succumbed to acral lentiginous melanoma when he was 36 years old. People of all ethnicities are advised to wear sunscreen and have regular skin screenings by a dermatologist for suspicious moles. When choosing a sunscreen, take into consideration your level of activity. Sunscreens and sunblocks may not protect you against everything you’re going to encounter that day. For example, if you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors in the sun and are likely to sweat, a sunblock containing physical UV ray-blockers like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide would provide you with more protection. The product’s SPF (sun-protection factor) refers to how well it blocks UVB rays, but it doesn’t measure how it protects against UVA rays. Sunscreens and sunblocks that are labeled broad-spectrum should have more robust

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protection. Apply sunblock half an hour before going outside, and reapply it every two hours or after heavy sweating and swimming. In 2017, state lawmakers introduced a bill to allow school children to bring sunscreen to school, and Governor Jon Bell Edwards passed the bill into law. The bill was passed with help from people who are passionate about spreading the word about melanoma prevention. One of those people was Sarah Lomax Gray, who co-founded the Lauren Savoy Olinde Foundation. Gray says that the bill is “common sense legislation for kids” who are at risk of sun exposure on their unshaded school playgrounds. Sarah’s best friend, Lauren Savoy Olinde, passed away from skin cancer when she was just 27 years old. Lauren wore sunscreen regularly and never tanned in a tanning bed, yet she was diagnosed with stage III melanoma when she was in her mid-20s. Although she went into remission a year later, the cancer still eventually returned. She passed away in 2011 from stage IV melanoma after it metastasized to her vital organs. Sarah created the foundation to bring awareness to the masses about protecting their skin from the sun and getting checked for abnormal moles regularly. “I hate that we have Lauren’s story, but we have it for a reason. It brings home the fact that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and we have to start protecting and preventing sun damage to our skin now, not when we are 60 or even 30 … now, in our teens, and in our 20s,” she states on the LSO Foundation’s website. In addition to sunscreen, certain clothing is designed to block harmful UV rays from your skin. All clothing can block some rays, but clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 15 to 50 is best. Darker clothing with tighter weaves blocks more sunrays. It is advisable to wear sunscreen under your clothes for added protection. Coolibar Clothing is specifically designed with a high UPF. Large-brimmed hats and sunglasses with high UPFs can help you stay safe from the sun’s damaging rays as well. Your eyes can develop cataracts and macular degeneration if exposed to strong UV rays for years. Many of Krewe’s sunglasses, even lighter-colored ones, offer 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Babies should also be protected from the sun with hats, sunglasses, and lots of shade. Children over the age of six months can use sunblock specifically made for children. Let this be the summer when you take such good care of your skin that you don’t get sunburned at all.

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What Does Your Favorite Summer Food Say About You? By Julie Mitchell

ummer is here, and that means many fun outdoor get-togethers, barbeques, picnics, grill-outs, luaus, etc. It’s always fun to bring a classic summer dish, but as soon as you set it down on the table, there’s that familiar worry: what is the dish you bring saying about you? Anyone can pick up a mesh bag of popsicles from the grocery store, but it takes time and effort to make a fun dish or drink to share, and as we all know, the more energy you put into something, the more it tells about you. When you plop down a plate of lime-chili tacos at a work potluck, what personal secrets are you betraying to those people? Luckily, we have put together a handy guide of some classic summer fare and what these dishes/drinks communicate to those around you. Prepare carefully! Grilled Steak Kebabs: You like to savor the process of things. Life’s not so much about the destination, but the journey for you. You value spending time with family and get pleasure in the little things. But sometimes you try to do too much and stretch yourself too thin. Focus on what you can control and let go of the rest. Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos: You own a lot of hats. Too many even. But you’re so cool that no one cares. You’re the life of the party, and you rely on your friendships for a lot. Often you worry that people don’t like you as much as you think. They do! Gazpacho: You’re very concerned with what other people think of you and are always trying to be perfect. You often succeed, but at what personal cost? Let your hair down sometimes; you’ll be surprised how fun it is. Watermelon, Ricotta, and Basil Salad: You’re my mom! Caprese Salad: You simple, perfect bitch. Eﬀortless and casual, always in the right place

56 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

at the right time. Sometimes you can be a little sour, but it’s always what the situation calls for, and you never cross the line. Ice Cream: You’re a little controlling and you need conditions to be perfect for you to thrive, but once they are, wow. You are very good at karaoke, but will only sing a third of the time, because often places don’t have the songs you want. That kind of thing. Lemon Cake: You have a great relationship with your dad, but you should be a little more empathetic to your mom. Lavender Lemonade: You have a very high opinion of yourself, but you also have a very high opinion of all your friends, so it balances out. You’re a very good mix of highand low-maintenance, and you laugh at the SNL sketches that are too weird to air. Frosé: You’re always down, and people love that about you. Sometimes you disappoint the people in your life, but who doesn’t? A Baked Potato: You have a complex about being forgotten, but you shouldn’t, because everyone loves you. There! Now you can eat and drink your favorites with conﬁdence (or quietly in secret), knowing that as soon as you make your choice, everyone will instantly know a plethora of psychological and personal facts about you as a person, and many of your ﬂaws. Enjoy!

Breakfast and Lunch Equals Brunch:

A Look into New Orleans Brunch Culture By Kimmie Tubre

BIGGER & BETTER Y

ou patiently sit at an Atlanta brunch spot waiting to be seated. Let’s just say that it is one of the top brunch spots in the city. It’s Sunday, and you’re living your best life, so that mimosa is on your mind. But there’s one BIG problem. It’s only 10 a.m., and alcohol isn’t allowed to be served until after noon. Rage consumes you, but then you quickly realize that you are no longer Big Easy-living. You aren’t in a city where drinking at 9 a.m. on the weekend is completely acceptable. Yes, other cities may be exciting in their own ways, but New Orleans knows the key to enjoying life and all its guilty pleasures. This ties into how people eat, drink, dance, and mingle, and brunching here is no different. The one-ofa-kind brunch culture is a thriving business

in the city, and the most amazing part is that there is a place and a space for all brunching types.

I N

T H E

B I G

E A S Y

The Jazz Brunch One of the most traditional ways to brunch in New Orleans is to jazz and dine. Tourists and locals alike take part in the several oﬀerings of jazz brunches around the city. From Mr. B’s to Muriel’s, jazz music topped with hollandaise is the perfect way to start your Sunday Funday festivities. Most jazz brunches are fancy aﬀairs where dressy casual is the proper attire. Restaurants like Commander’s Palace have strict dresscode rules that fall in line with the more traditional brunch style of the city, while others take a more unique approach to the jazz-brunch tradition. The Court of Two

NEW LOCATION IN THE FRENCH QUARTER

N OW O P E N

FRENCH QUARTER 620 Decatur St. at Jackson Square

LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN 8000 Lakeshore Dr. on the Lake

L A N D RY S S E A F O O D . C O M @LandrysSeafoodHouse

@LandrysSeafoodHouse

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Sisters offers a daily jazz-brunch buffet that includes a carving station, egg stations, and more. If you’re ever feeling torn between church and Sunday brunch, the House of Blues offers a gospel brunch filled with delicious bites and soulful hymns. Brunching in Bloomers It’s easy to let the city’s night festivities defeat you. Any place where debauchery can last for 24 hours is a place where hangover cures need to be in abundance. For those who are feeling last night’s events a little bit more than they’d like to today, “brunching in bloomers” is the kind of brunch that’s calling your name. No, there isn’t a real place where you can really eat brunch in your undies or jammies (except, perhaps, your own kitchen at home), but there are many very casual and delicious brunch spots that will hit the spot. Restaurants like Elizabeth’s, Café Navarre, and Dante’s Kitchen have very casual vibes. Casual brunching in New Orleans is a newer phenomenon and quite pleasant when you just want to informally enjoy a hardy brunch with your friends and family. Booze for Breakfast Alcohol is a big part of brunch culture, not to mention that it’s also a big part of everyday life here. Some of the more popular beverages include the Bloody

58 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

Mary, the Pimm’s Cup, and the mimosa, but many restaurants have their own twist on traditional brunch favorites—like Ruby Slipper, where they sprinkle a little pomegranate juice into their mimosas, or Brennan’s, where you can enjoy a Sparkling Watermelon (sparkling wine with Louisiana watermelon puree) and two different types of milk punches. Some places really let you indulge. At Katie’s of Mid-City, the bottomless mimosas are always a fanfavorite. If you need a quick “wake me up,” an Irish Coffee may be the perfect fix. Just know, brunch without booze is simply a late breakfast. An All-Day Affair There is a certain level of patience required when it comes to brunching in the Big Easy. The more popular locations usually include long lines and hour-long waits. But clearing out your day for brunch isn’t only about the long waits. Brunch in New Orleans is generally an all-day affair where people tend to enjoy and take their time. From bottomless mimosas to heavy and rich foods, local “brunchers” use brunch as a time to be social and indulge a bit. Usually the events continue on to another location that can include anything from a bar to a festival, day party, or even another restaurant. Really, there’s no reason to rush in a city called the Big Easy.

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WhereYat.com | July 2018 | 59

Food News By Kim Ranjbar

10 Foot Pizza

60 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

How long? … Get your late-night slice, liquor, and art at the new 10 Foot Pizza that recently opened on Rampart Street. Located in the spot that used to house Dreamy Weenies, this unique pizzeria is the brainchild of Nic Reddy and Noah Antieau, who, according to The Gambit, ran Lonesome Pizza in Oregon. They also own Red Truck Gallery (also in the French Quarter), which explains the interior's eclectic design. The pies are 18-inch or by the slice and resemble the New York style, but some of the toppings are anything but, like alligator sausage and pork jowl on the “Meat” pie, and roasted corn crema and lime zest on the “Elote.” They also offer vegan toppings from Nashville's The BE-Hive. 10 Foot Pizza is open daily, Sunday through Thursday, from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Friday and Saturday, from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. 740 N. Rampart St., (504) 407-3484, 10footpizza.com Part three … Deanie's Seafood just opened its third location in the building that once housed Charcoal's Gourmet Burger Bar, which closed last year. The new location is offering all of the old favorites, like their boiled shrimp, crawfish, and crab, plus poboys, seafood platters, and yes, even their brisket burger. Deanie's opened its original restaurant in Bucktown (Metry) in 1960, and the second French Quarter location opened in 2002. The new Deanie's in the Irish Channel is open for lunch and dinner. 2200 Magazine St., (504) 962-7760, deanies.com

Back into the groove … Chef Chris DeBarr, who launched the popularity of restaurants like The Delachaise and Green Goddess, is now in the kitchen at Revel Cafe & Bar on N. Carrollton Avenue. He recently left Bywater Bakery, the overnight sensation created by baker Chaya Conrad. At Revel, owner Chris McMillian is giving DeBarr the freedom he desires to create his own unique seasonal menu to pair with McMillian's spectacular cocktails. 133 N. Carrollton Ave., (504) 309-6122, revelcafeandbar.com Its own digs … Former pop-up Trilly Cheesesteaks is open in its own brick and mortar space that was recently vacated by Clesi's Seafood. Located on Banks Street, Trilly offers an interesting concept where every meat-filled sandwich also has its own vegan counterpart. For example, the traditional Philly Cheesesteak with American, provolone, and cheddar whiz sauce is also made with steak seitan (wheat gluten) and vegan cheddar. Trilly Cheesesteaks also offers versions with barbecue chicken, Buffalo chicken, or chicken with ginger and soy sauce—each having a vegan rendition of the same sandwich. 4413 Banks St., (504) 784-8169, facebook. com/trilly.cheesesteaks Take the longway … The partners behind Barrel Proof, Liam Deegan and Robert LeBlanc, have recently opened Longway Tavern in the French Quarter. Located in a building that's over two centuries old,

Deanie's Seafood

Longway offers a cocktail menu crafted by Deegan and food from chef John Sinclair, formerly of Herbsaint and Coquette. Open daily from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., the tavern offers dishes like “Bread & Butter,” a French baguette with whipped lardo and fermented tomato; home fries with pork belly, crème fraiche, and caviar; succotash with chickpeas and tofu; and salmon confit with smashed cucumber, dill, and yogurt. 719 Toulouse St., longwaytavern.com So sad to see you go … There's been a ton of restaurant closures over the past month or so, events that speak to the increasing competition in the industry. How can so many places feed so few? Brisbi's Lakefront Restaurant & Bar, which opened in 2013, closed at the end of May. But seafood-lovers need not despair, as Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar will take over the space as its second location. La Provence, the prominent Northshore restaurant in Lacombe, has shuttered its doors. Chef and co-owner Eric Hunter purchased the restaurant from chef John Besh about a year ago, but was unable to garner enough business to keep it going. But there's good news for affluent entrepreneurs looking to take over the space: it's currently on the market for a cool million. Opened in 2001, the flashy Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro on St. Charles Avenue closed late in May. According to Nola. com, Al Copeland Investments is “reevaluating the market” and may possibly launch a new concept. Smokehouse Grill, the BBQ spot in Bucktown that opened less than a year ago, recently announced on its Facebook page that it has closed. Though no one is sure why it had to close, Smokehouse Grill's

fans will certainly miss it. After almost 30 years in business, Magazine Po-Boy & Sandwich Shop closed. According to The Advocate, owner Ray Movahed is gladly retiring after so long in the sandwich biz. Yet things are looking up at the LGD location, as Mason Hereford, chef and owner of Turkey & the Wolf, has taken over the lease, and the rumor is he's turning it into a breakfast spot dubbed Molly's Rise & Shine. Admired by cheese-lovers all over the GNO, The Melting Pot on St. Charles Avenue has closed its doors. A national chain based in Tampa, the restaurant had been in business for 13 years. We bid it a fondue farewell! Just across St. Claude Avenue from St. Roch Market, Spotted Cat Food & Spirits closed in the beginning of June after less than a year in business. The Spotted Cat club on Frenchmen Street remains open. Finally, the modern American bistro Rue 127, launched eight years ago on N. Carrollton Avenue, recently served its last meal. Chef and owner Ray Gruezke oﬀered his thanks to loyal customers on the restaurant's website. But you will still ﬁnd him serving his best at Frey Smoked Meat Co. just down the avenue.

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El Pavo Real's Chilaquilles

20 and Under

Eating the Broad Way...

ot typically known as a dining mecca, the thoroughfare from South Broad Avenue to North Broad Street is gradually picking up the pace. Community efforts towards the area's commercial and residential revitalization are happening slowly, but surely, and restaurateurs have already taken advantage of the forward momentum. Almost three years ago, Lindsey McLellan opened El Pavo Real, where Fontainebleau, Napoleon, and South Broad meet, in a historic corner building that used to be a convenience store. After many years as chef of the Spanish restaurant Lola's on Esplanade, McLellan now offers Mexican cuisine (her husband's heritage) in a casual, family-friendly spot. The authentic cuisine has driven fans from all over the city to indulge, whether it's at breakfast for huevos rancheros and chilaquilles, or lunch for a heady plate of her roasted chicken mole poblano or mouthwatering tender carnitas. Nothing on El Pavo Real's menu is over $18, making this a delicious and highly affordable option. Just down the road a piece is the Laurel Street Bakery. Owner and baker Hillary Guttman opened this location back in 2013 (a second before Toast took over the first location Uptown), and the bakery has been going strong ever since, offering both breakfast and lunch. In the morning, you'll feast on homemade bagels and spreads—try a marble rye with sundried tomato cream cheese or a cinnamon raisin with dates and honey—

62 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

By Kim Ranjbar

or bagel breakfast sandwiches with eggs, cheese, and bacon, or Nutella and fresh sliced strawberries. There are also plenty of pastries, from muffins and croissants to turnovers and scones. At lunch, all of the sandwiches are only $9, whether you want it on a croissant or sourdough, from The Gene with smoked turkey and avocado to the roast beef and Gouda melt. Though it wouldn't make an entire meal, you can always walk next door to chocolatiers Piety & Desire for a truffle or two and enjoy a quaff at Broad Street Cider & Ale, two new Broad Avenue spots that opened only last year. Cross the Broad Street bridge that hops over I-10 to Tulane Avenue, and less than two blocks from the courthouse, you'll find Marjie's Grill. A little over a year ago, Marcus Jacobs and Caitlin Carney, a couple of Herbsaint alums, launched this hip little joint, serving Southeast Asian-inspired barbecue. Easily as fabulous as other popular spots that opened at the same time, Marjie's offers a menu that changes with the seasons (and possibly the chef's whims), serving dishes like slow-grilled pork spare ribs grilled over hardwood, charcoal-grilled Gulf shrimp “slathered” in a chili lime sauce, and the everpopular coal-roasted sweet potatoes with cane syrup and sea salt. One meat dish with one side will only set you back $12, so you may like to add another, like grilled summer squash or smashed cucumbers with mint, sesame seeds, and chilis. The Ruby Slipper Café, a local chain

Marjie's Grill's Coal-Roasted Sweet Potatoes with several locations (including in Alabama and Florida), moved their ﬂagship Mid-City restaurant from its original spot on S. Cortez to a newly refurbished building right across the street from Marjie's Grill. Specializing in breakfast and brunch, the menu is ﬁlled to the brim with dishes like Bananas Foster Pain Perdu, Eggs Cochon with slow-cooked pork debris and buttermilk biscuits, BBQ Shrimp & Grits, and Bacon Praline Pancakes. You'll also want to avail yourself of their “eye-opening” cocktails, like the award-winning Bloody Marys and a Big Easy Mimosa. It would be a mistake to walk away from Broad Street without mentioning the tasty

and affordable eats to be had at Liberty's Kitchen. Located in the same strip as Whole Foods Market, this non-profit cafe's mission is to “provide pathways for New Orleans youth to create and achieve their vision of success through workforce training, leadership development, and to support healthy lifestyles.” Help support this noble effort while enjoying delicious dishes for breakfast and lunch, like breakfast tacos with roasted potatoes and refried beans, a Garden Sandwich with egg and avocado mash, a house-made black bean burger with cilantrolime mayo, or a grilled chicken sandwich on a toasted brioche bun.

Liberty Kitchen's Black Bean Burger

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Spudly’s Super Spuds has a baked potato to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Choose from toppings like crabmeat, crawﬁsh, roast beef, or cheese. Enjoy great appetizers, soups, and salads, too. 2609 Harvard Ave., Metairie | 455-3250 | spudlys.com

RestaurantGuide African

Stein’s Market & Deli is a quaint Jewish-Italian market known for its specialty meats, cheeses, and sandwiches. Try their deli classics like the Reuben and great bagel sandwiches. 2207 Magazine St. | 5270771 | steinsdeli.com

Bennachin oﬀers African cuisine with a New Orleans twist. Those familiar with their Jazz Fest fare, such as Poulet Fricassee and Jama-Jama, can imagine the wonders emanating from their kitchen. 1212 Royal St. | 522-1230 | bennachinrestaurant.com

Ted’s Frostop has a lot on oﬀer, but they’re bestknown for their Lot-O Burgers, root beer ﬂoats, and hot plate lunches. They have plenty of daily specials, and breakfast is available all day. Don’t miss their allyou-can-eat pancakes for just $5.95! 3100 Calhoun St. | 861-3615 | tedsfrostop.com

American Apolline celebrates the best in local ingredients and offers unforgettable bottomless booze brunches. Try their outstanding seafood entrees, like the seared scallops with Gulf shrimp and black drum. 4729 Magazine St. | 894-8881 | apollinerestaurant.com Bayou Hot Wings aims to please wing fanatics with 13 different sauces, from the mild Bayou Sweet to the intense Bayou Beast. Also try their burgers, wraps, salads, and famous fries. 6221 S. Claiborne Ave. | 662-9933 | bayouhotwings.com City Diner serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner 24/7. Enjoy classics like country fried steak, shrimp and grits, and po-boys. And don’t forget about their giant pancakes that are as big as a hubcap. 3116 S. I-10 Service Road E., Metairie | 831-1030 | citydiner.biz City Donuts & Café is the newest NOLA donut stop. They’re open 24/7 with a convenient drive-thru window, so you can grab a few dozen donuts or try the classics—from shrimp and grits to po-boys—anytime, day or night. 3301 S Claiborne Ave. | 372-5811 The Country Club specializes in distinctively modern Creole cuisine. Their divine Sweet Corn and Blue Crab Bisque and Duck Fat Roasted Chicken make us glad we live in New Orleans. 634 Louisa St. | 945-0742 | thecountryclubneworleans.com Daisy Dukes has four locations, and they pride themselves on offering food that isn’t fancy, but just plain good and reasonably priced. The French Quarter location is open 24/7 and serves breakfast around the clock. Try one of their famous Bloody Marys. Multiple locations | daisydukesrestaurant.com

Gattuso's Gattuso’s Neighborhood Restaurant epitomizes the neighborhood eatery where you can eat out but feel at home. Boasting impressive appetizers, mouthwatering burgers, and sandwiches, Gattuso’s also sells salads and seafood. 435 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna | 368-1114 | gattusos.net Gordon Biersch is a brewery and restaurant that truly masters both. Enjoy their handcrafted beers on the patio and a menu featuring elegant entrees like steak or salmon and casual fare like burgers. Brewery tours are available. 200 Poydras St. | 522-2739 | gordonbiersch.com Lakeview Harbor has reopened at a new location and their delicious food followed them. Try their thick, juicy cheeseburger, or pair the Harbor Wings with a frosty draft beer. 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd. | 4864887 | lakeviewharbor.us Liberty Cheesesteaks brings authentic Philly cheesesteaks to New Orleans, along with several other options. In a town where po-boys dominate, Liberty oﬀers “outsider” sandwiches that hold their own. 5039 Freret St. | 875-4447 | libertycheesesteaks.com

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Willie Mae’s Scotch House is an award-winning destination for fried chicken and a New Orleans landmark. You’ll understand why when you delve into the late Willie Mae Seaton’s 50-year-old recipe. 2401 St. Ann St. | 822-9503 | williemaesnola.com WOW Café Doubletree is everything you love about WOW Cafe & Wingery and more. Their breakfast buﬀet includes delicious create-your-own omelettes, and their brunch showcases fresh Louisiana seafood. 300 Canal St. | 212-3250 | wowcafe.com/stores/ double-tree-new-orleans

Asian Bao & Noodle is a Marigny/Bywater gem. The cuisine begins with amazing, hand-pulled noodles and steamed buns, and flourishes from there. Staples include slow-cooked pork and braised lamb. 2700 Chartres St. | 272-0004 | baoandnoodle.com Five Happiness is a local staple that has served New Orleans for over 30 years. Their repertoire includes succulent meat platters, Crispy Ginger Shrimp, and Stuffed Chinese Eggplant. 3605 S. Carrollton Ave. | 482-3935 | fivehappiness.com Green Tea offers decadent Chinese food. The Seafood Delight features lobster, jumbo shrimp, and scallops, and the Dragon and Phoenix combo combines General Tso’s Chicken and shrimp. 3001 Napoleon Ave. | 899-8005 | greenteanola.com Kyoto 2 is the premier spot for sushi and sashimi in

Elmwood. Try one of their popular chef's creations, incluidng the amazing No-Name Roll with tuna, eel, salmon, and snow crab.. 5608 Citrus Blvd. | Harahan | 818-0228 Mikimoto knows sushi and many other forms of Japanese cuisine. Start with Crabstick Tempura or delicious shrimp. Their extensive sushi menu includes creative specialty rolls. 3301 S. Carrollton Ave. | 4881881 | mikimotosushi.com Miyako Hibachi & Sushi Bar is known for its entertaining hibachi chefs and ample seating and is a great spot for large groups. Their sushi menu has many great options, like the Spicy Crawﬁsh Roll. 1403 St. Charles Ave. | 410-997 | miyakonola.com Origami is proud of their three sushi chefs, and why not? Must-try’s include the Burning Man and the Funky Margarita. They have a vast appetizer menu as well. 5130 Freret St. | 899-6532 | sushinola.com

Bars with Great Food Backspace Bar & Kitchen is a fantastic French Quarter spot. Dive into the literary-themed sandwiches, like the Hemingway Cuban or the Whitman Roast Beef, and you’ll understand why. 139 Chartres St. | 322-2245 | backspacenola.com Buffa’s Bar & Restaurant has an impressive food menu and is open 24/7. Come for breakfast and one of their awesome omelettes, or for bar staples like chicken wings and burgers. 1001 Esplanade Ave. | 949-0038 | buffasbar.com Flamingo A-Go-Go to the Warehouse District for food, fun, and the largest open-air patio in New Orleans. They serve lunch and dinner daily, brunch every weekend, and Happy Hour weekdays from 4-7 p.m. Pets welcome! 869 Magazine St. | 577-2202 | flamingonola.com The Jimani has everything: big-screen TVs, trivia, a 100+ beer selection, and an outstanding menu. Start with a plate of nachos and follow it with po-boys, burgers, sandwiches, or ribs. 141 Chartres St. | 5240493 | thejimani.com Mimi’s in the Marigny features two bars and a first-rate tapas menu, including vegetarian options. Try the croquettes or sample the “Trust Me” menu; fresh Louisiana produce and herbs are abundant. 2601

Royal St. | 872-9868 | mimismarigny.com NOSH rocks the small-plates craze with options like Lobster-Shrimp Tacos, Truffled Mac and Cheese, and Beef Short Rib Poutine. They also have a seafood bar, so slurp some Gulf oysters. 752 Tchoupitoulas St. | 581-7101 | noshneworleans.com Ole Saint, product of Saints legend Deuce McAllister, features Southern coastal cuisine with offerings like the Fried Oysters and Catfish with White Beans and Shrimp. Try the burgers, too. 132 Royal St. | 309-4797 | olesaint.com Orleans Grapevine proves fine food is best paired with wine, with more than 375 varieties available. The Filet and Lobster Tail Surf and Turf is amazing. Also try the Scallops and Oysters Orleans. 720 Orleans Ave. | 523-1930 | orleansgrapevine.com

selections like cochon de lait and Crawfish Linguine. 912 Royal St. | 412-8965 | cafeamelie.com Café Carmo is an innovative, vegan-friendly restaurant that strives to bring tropical foodways from other countries and infuse them with local ingrediants and flavors. 527 Julia St. | 875-4132 | cafecarmo.com Caffe! Caffe!’s two locations serve soups, salads, sandwiches, and wraps to die for. Try their brandnew items, like their Creamy Mac, a must for mac and cheese fanatics. Two Metairie Locations | caffecaffe.com Jimmy J’s Café offers some of the French Quarter’s tastiest fare. Try the Eggs Lafitte with andouille sausage, hollandaise sauce, and ratatouille. Chartres St. | 309-9360 | jimmyjscafe.com

Poppy’s Time Out Sports Bar loves its sports fans and oﬀers 21 TVs, over 20 beers on tap, and Hurricanes ranging from Category 1 to 5. Enjoy Gator Bites, Shrimp Queso, wings, and more. 500 Port of New Orleans Pl. | 247-9265 | poppystimeoutsportsbar.com

Petite Amelie is an extension of Café Amelie, serving salads, sandwiches, coﬀee, take-home entrees, and more. They also have a marketplace selection of fresh olives, cheeses, sandwiches, and juices. 900 Royal St. | 412-8065 | petiteamelienola. wordpress.com

Shamrock Bar and Grill, with 32 televisions and 23 pool tables, is the perfect place to watch sports. Enjoy drink specials and a reasonably priced menu, including a shrimp platter and a 12-ounce ribeye. 4133 S. Carrollton Ave. | 301-0938 | shamrockparty.com

French

Café Another Broken Egg Café is not just another brunch spot. Their extensive menu boasts succulent omelettes, or try one of their “Sweet Temptations,” like the Bananas Foster Belgian Waﬄe. Uptown | Lakeview | 301-2771 | anotherbrokeneggcafe.com Café 615 Home of Da Wabbit is arguably the most aﬀordable restaurant in Gretna, and one of the best. Just $18 for seared duck breast? Yes, please. They have salads, seafood, sandwiches, and exotic appetizers, too. 615 Kepler St. | 365-1225 | dawabbit.net Café Amelie resides in the Princess of Monaco Courtyard and Carriage House for an unforgettable dining experience. The food is memorable, too, with

slice of their pizza, or try local favorites like red beans and rice and corned beef. 2706 Royal St. | 947-8787 | mardigraszone.com Mosca’s Restaurant has been cooking up Italian specialties for 60+ years. From familiar staples like spaghetti and meatballs to signatures like Oysters Mosca, every dish is prepared with care. 4137 U.S. Highway 90 West | Westwego | 436-8950 | moscasrestaurant.com Pascal’s Manale turns 105 this year, and they still serve the best BBQ shrimp you’ve ever had. With seafood, juicy steaks, and great Italian dishes, this Uptown eatery does it right. 1838 Napoleon Ave. | 895-4877 | pascalsmanale.com Venezia has been serving homestyle Italian cooking with a New Orleans twist since 1957. Their house specialties, Fresh Fish Cynthia and Eggplant Vatican, are both culinary dreams come true. 134 N. Carrollton Ave. | 488-7991 | venezianeworleans. net

Mexican Carreta’s Grill has been cooking quality Mexican cuisine since 1999. From signature appetizers, like Mariachi Fries and Popeye Dip, to the sizzling carnitas and carne asada, you’ll love it all. Multiple Locations | carretasgrillrestaurant.com Juan’s Flying Burrito is a true success story with locations all over town. The food impresses, time after time. Try their signature burritos or vegetarian options. Multiple Locations | juansﬂyingburrito. com

Middle Eastern The Halal Guys is a hit, serving the tastiest Middle Eastern/Mediterranean fare. Whether it’s beef, chicken, or falafel you crave, you can get any of them as either a sandwich or a platter. Multiple Locations | thehalalguys.com

Café Degas provides the experience of dining in the French countryside. Le Plateau de Fromage is an excellent appetizer, followed by a crab salad, lamb merguez, or other French classics. 3127 Esplanade Ave. | 945-5635 | cafedegas.com Vyoone’s brings French fare to the Warehouse District. Try their chicken roulade with a refreshing cocktail in their courtyard, or enjoy savory French entrees and a long wine list for dinner. 412 Girod St. | 518-6007 | vyoone.com

Italian Josephine Estelle is reimagining Italian cuisine. Duck breast, speckled trout, and veal accompany their wide range of pastas. They also offer weekend brunch and a Happy Hour with small-plate offerings on weekdays. 600 Carondelet St. | 930-3070 | josephineestelle.com Mardi Gras Zone offers both delicious food and products concerning its namesake holiday. Pick up a

AnotherBrokenEggCafé

Japanese Restaurant, Sushi & Such Mon – Thur 11:30 am – 10 pm Fri & Sat 11:30 am – 11 pm Sun 5 – 9 pm SushiNOLA.com | @NolaSushi 899-6532| 5130 Freret St.

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Lebanon’s Café is known for delicious cuisine and a gorgeous dining room. Enjoy amazing shawarma and kebabs along with plates, such as the lamb chops and tuna steak. 1500 S. Carrollton Ave. | 862-6200 | lebanonscafe.com Pyramid’s Café is a favorite of both Tulane and Loyola students with their reasonable prices. Perfectly marinated meat means great options, like the Chicken Lula or Kafta Kabab. 3149 Calhoun St. | 861-9602 | pyramidscafeonline.com

New Orleans Cuisine Antoine’s Restaurant has embodied FrenchCreole dining since 1840. Home of the world-famous Oysters Rockefeller, Antoine’s oﬀers other signature dishes, like the Filet de Gulf Poisson Amandine and Chateaubriand. 713 St. Louis St. | 581-4422 | antoines.com Broussard's has been serving New Orleans classics in the French Quarter for 98 years. From brunch to dinner, dine in the majestic dining room or in the palatial courtyard. 819 Conti St. | 581-3866 | broussards.com Columns Hotel oﬀers elegant dining overlooking historic St. Charles Avenue. Guests can enjoy a southern breakfast every morning, Sunday jazz brunch, and daily Happy Hour from 5–7 p.m. 3811 St. Charles Ave. | 861-9602 | thecolumns.com/dining Crescent City Brewhouse is a microbrewery in the French Quarter with a great menu. Pair freshly shucked oysters with a beer and dine on their Decatur Street balcony for a wonderful experience. 527 Decatur St. | 522-0571 | crescentcitybrewhouse. com

New Orleans Cajun Cookery suits the heartiest of appetites as well as those who prefer small plates. Located next to sister establishment Briquette, Cajun Cookery serves breakfast, lunch, and tapas. You’ll love the Stuffed Breads and Egg Scramblers. 701 S. Peters St. | 985-778-2529 New Orleans Creole Cookery knows great food and music go together, so you can always enjoy the sounds of live jazz while sipping a Hurricane and feasting upon their spectacular seafood. 508 Toulouse St. | 524-9632 | neworleanscreolecookery.com The Original Fiorella’s Café has figured out how to impress with their delicious fried chicken. Winner of the “Best Fried Chicken” award from the National Fried Chicken Festival, Fiorella’s is worth a visit. 5325 Franklin Ave. | 309-0352 | originalfiorellas.com The Praline Connection offers more than confections. Sure, they have amazing pralines, but also check out their soul food classics, like stuffed bell peppers, fried chicken livers, and crowder peas. 542 Frenchmen St. | 943-3934 | pralineconnection.com

Seed

Public Service (NOPSI Hotel) serves the public with delectable dishes and live entertainment. Appetizers like braised pork belly and blue crab dip precede great entrees like short ribs. 311 Baronne St. | 962-6527 | publicservicenola.com

Briquette oﬀers contemporary coastal cuisine and has a stylishly chic dining room and open-air kitchen. Pork with a bleu cheese crust and steelhead salmon are just a couple of menu features. 701 S. Peters St. | 302-7496 | briquette-nola.com

Short Stop PoBoys has been proudly serving sandwich-lovers for years. Their soft-shell crab po-boy must be seen to be believed. Enjoy it with some of their award-winning seafood gumbo. 119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie | 885-4572 | shortstoppoboysno.com

Crazy Lobster Bar & Grill shows that nothing beats New Orleans seafood in the comfort of Spanish Plaza. They oﬀer a stuﬀed lobster with crabmeat dressing and a jambalaya to die for. 500 Port of Orleans Pl. | 569-3380 | thecrazylobster.com

Seafood

Crossroads at House of Blues celebrates Southern cuisine in all its spectacular forms. Fried chicken, baby back ribs, and shrimp and grits adorn the menu. 225 Decatur St. | 310-4999 | houseofblues.com/ neworleans/menu

Acme Oyster House has been specializing in the mollusk fan-favorite since 1910. You can have them shucked, in a shot glass, or chargrilled. The Fish Pontchartrain is also great! Multiple Locations | acmeoyster.com

The Governor Restaurant and Seafood Bar features Louisiana-inspired cuisine, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy old classics, like Shrimp Clemenceau, and new creations, like their andouille and ﬁg casserole. 301 Chartres St. | 291-1860 | governorrestaurant.com

Art & Vicki’s The Dock Slidell knows that exceptional seafood goes well with a beautiful dockside experience. Catﬁsh served over cheesy mashed potatoes with their crawﬁsh sauce is a highlight. 118 Harbor View Ct. | Slidell | 985-3268882 | facebook.com/TheDockSlidell

Jack Dempsey’s Restaurant is the spot to enjoy the satisfying crunch of fried seafood in New Orleans. Try the Half and Half Platter and add oysters, crawﬁsh, or frog legs for $3 or less! 738 Poland Ave. | 943-9914 | jackdempseys.net Jaeger’s Seafood specializes in seafood dinners. Try the King’s Platter, which includes Maine lobster, snow crabs, boiled shrimp, potatoes, corn, jambalaya, house salad, and garlic bread. 901 S. Clearview Pkwy., Metairie | 818-2200 | jaegersseafood.com Landry’s Seafood is where to get the specialty ﬁsh dinners you always crave—speckled trout, grouper, amberjack, and more—cooked all ways. They feature

house specialties like Smoked Bacon-Crusted Scallops. Multiple Locations | landrysseafood.com Seaworthy has a full menu-page dedicated to the 43 varieties of oysters they shuck. Also, try redfish on the half-shell with chili butter. Dining in a Creole cottage built in 1832 ties it together. 630 Carondelet St. | 930-3071 | seaworthynola.com The Catch Seafood Restaurant offers fresh Louisiana seafood served the way you want it. Located between Veterans Boulevard and I-10, The Catch also serves po-boys and great blackened catfish. 310 Cleary Ave., Metairie | 407-3316 Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco specializes in authentic Peruvian cuisine for a culinary journey in the comfort of Uptown. Try one of their signature ceviches or a great lamb shank with cilantro sauce. 5015 Magazine St. | 267-7612 | titoscevichepisco.com

Vegetarian Seed demonstrates that vegan cuisine doesn’t need to sacriﬁce New Orleans ﬂavor. The proof is in their eggplant po-boy and Creole zucchini wraps, which are comfort foods that will please anyone. 1330 Prytania St. | 302-2599 | seedyourhealth.com

BEST WINGS Thank You to the Where Y’at readers for voting us

8 Straight Years!

SALADS • WRAPS • BURGERS • WINGS & MORE!

wowcafe.com 66 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

CHALMETTE • DOUBLETREE NEW ORLEANS • TULANE UNIVERSITY

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BarGuide Above the Grid (NOPSI Hotel) NOPSI's dynamic rooftop pool and bar, Above the Grid, is a peaceful oasis for hotel guests, visitors, and locals to 317 Baronne St. savor chilled drinks and dine on creative, healthy fare. 844-439-1463

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

Relax poolside at Ace Hotel's rooftop garden, Alto, while snacking on small plates, sipping seasonal cocktails, and enjoying panoramic views of the city.

Backspace Bar 139 Chartres St. 322-2245

Stimulate your mind (and taste buds) at this literarythemed haunt that, while specializing in classic cocktails and comfort food, is also known for its milk and cookies.

Bar Tonique 820 N. Rampart St. 324-6045

This joint is the embodiment of the craft cocktail movement, and their impressive cocktail list is only rivaled by the extensive knowledge of their bartenders.

Buffa’s Bar & Restaurant 1001 Esplanade Ave. 949-0038

This neighborhood gem has been “on the border of the Quarter since 1939,” with 24/7 full service at an affordable price and a live music backroom.

Crescent City Brewhouse Opened in 1991, this microbrewery in the heart of the Quarter became the first brewpub in New Orleans and 527 Decatur St. Louisiana, so grab a pint—prost! 522-3901

68 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

Fontaine Palace 218 S. Robertson St. 525-3277

This newly opened bar offers great food, live music, and great daily drink specials in a convenient location in the heart of Downtown.

Gattuso’s 435 Huey P. Long Ave. 368-1114

Head to Gretna’s Historic District for this Westbank gem, with 14 beers on tap and a full menu stocked with New Orleans favorites, like crawfish dip.

Golden Lantern 1239 Royal St. 529-2860

Famous not only for the founding of Southern Decadence, the Golden Lantern is also reputed to have one of the best Bloody Marys in the city.

Hermes Bar at Antoine's 725 St. Louis St. 581-4422

Featuring encased Mardi Gras memorabilia, the Hermes Bar is about as Old New Orleans as it gets. Try their takes on the Sazerac or Ramos Gin Fizz.

Hot Tin 2031 St. Charles Ave. 323-1500

This penthouse-turned-bar on the rooftop of The Pontchartrain Hotel offers a 270-degree view of Downtown, the Mississippi River, and St. Charles Avenue.

House of Blues 225 Decatur St. 310-4999

This well-established concert venue also houses its own bar and restaurant with a menu featuring regional dishes, from Nashville hot wings to Voodoo Shrimp.

Jimani 141 Chartres St. 524-0493

If you’re looking for somewhere to end your late-night (or early-morning) adventures, Jimani is the French Quarter spot. Be sure to try their Bacon Bloody Mary.

Kerry Irish Pub 331 Decatur St. 527-5954

With no cover charge, Kerry's offers live music almost nightly. They are also rumored to pour the best Guinness in town, so have a pint or two today.

Martine's Lounge 2347 Metairie Rd. 831-8637

This Metairie neighborhood hideout does Happy Hour right—every day from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Come grab a domestic beer for only $2 or try a seasonal cocktail.

MOXY Hotel Bar 210 O'Keefe Ave. 525-6800

This handcrafted-cocktail bar serves as your check-in desk as well as a coffee house in the a.m. and the perfect place for a quick bite at night.

Pal's Lounge 949 N. Rendon St. 488-7257

Located in a nondescript house in Mid-City, Pal’s Lounge will make you feel right at home with affordable drinks, plenty of pool tables, and food pop-ups.

Rick’s Cabaret 315 Bourbon St. 524-4222

Rick’s Cabaret sets itself apart from the rest of Bourbon Street with over 18,000 square feet and two floors, so stop in for a drink and stay for the show.

Rick's Sporting Saloon 522 Bourbon St. 552-2510

Rick’s has all the amenities of a sports bar and gentlemen’s club. Drinks are half-price every day until 7 p.m., making it well worth the stop on Bourbon Street.

Rivershack Tavern 3449 River Rd. 834-4938

Only in New Orleans is there a bar with a barter system involving free drinks for tacky ashtrays. Rivershack Tavern is off the beaten path, but it is worth the visit.

Shamrock Bar & Grill 4133 S. Carrollton Ave. 307-4350

A great spot for groups of friends, this neighborhood bar has 16,000 square feet of fun, including 23 pool tables and dozens of games, such as ping-pong and shuffleboard.

The Country Club 634 Louisa St. 945-0742

A Bywater hotspot for over 40 years, this fully renovated restaurant and bar is an absolute tropical oasis for dining in or drinking with friends.

The Starlight Lounge 817 St. Louis St. 827-1655

Come lounge in the French Quarter at Starlight, a livemusic haven with plenty of great food bites and specialty cocktails housed inside a refurbished New Orleans home.

Tropical Isle Multiple Locations 529-1702

There is arguably nothing more definitively Bourbon Street than the Hand Grenade, “New Orleans’s most powerful drink,” and it is 100 percent the brainchild of Tropical Isle.

WhereYat.com | July 2018 | 69

FilmReviews

Catch all of Where Y'at's film reviews by Movie Editor David Vicari and Critic Fritz Esker at WhereYat.com.

Incredibles 2 By Fritz Esker After a 14-year wait, writer/director Brad Bird brings back Pixar’s family of superheroes in Incredibles 2, an enjoyable sequel. Mr. Incredible (voiced by Craig T. Nelson) is faced with returning to work in a dreary office job because superheroes are now illegal. But a telecommunications mogul (voiced by Bob Odenkirk) wants to start a publicity campaign to bring superheroes back into the public’s good graces. The catch is that he thinks the best face for the campaign is Elastigirl (voiced by Holly Hunter). So, Mr. Incredible is left to look after the children— Violet, Dash, and baby Jack Jack—while Elastigirl works as a superhero. Of course, a new super villain emerges that the heroes must fight. Like the original film, the biggest flaw here is that the story takes a little long to get going (it runs 118 minutes, including a cute but forgettable short film). But once it does, there’s plenty of fun to be had. The movie gets a lot of comic mileage with Jack Jack’s indiscriminate use of his wide array of superpowers. There are also some creative action scenes and striking visuals. Incredibles 2 won’t join the pantheon of Pixar’s classics, but it’s a fun afternoon at the movies for the whole family.

Tag By David Vicari Tag is an amiable comedy about a group of 40-something male friends who still play the schoolyard game of tag. They actually go to great lengths to tag one another. For instance, the film opens with Hogan “Hoagie” Malloy (Ed Helms) getting a janitorial job at the company where his friend Bob Callahan (Jon Hamm) is the CEO, just so he can tag Callahan. The plot is that the one friend who has never been tagged, Jerry Pierce (Jeremy Renner), is about to get married, yet the bride-to-be (Leslie Bibb) has a strict policy of no tagging during the ceremony. Malloy, Callahan, and their other friends, Randy “Chilli” Cilliano (Jake Johnson) and Kevin Sable (Hannibal Buress), have to figure out when they can attempt to tag Pierce around prewedding events. Tag is very loosely based on a true story, which is chronicled in the Wall Street Journal article entitled "It Takes Planning, Caution to Avoid Being It" by Russell Adams. In the film, Annabelle Wallis plays a journalist who follows the gang to the wedding so that she can get the scoop on this absurd story. Unfortunately, Wallis has little to do other than be a screenwriting device. Buress has the smallest role of the group, but his quips are often the funniest. He should have had more screen time. Isla Fisher scores a lot of laughs as Hoagie's intense wife Anna. The weakest part of Tag is the tagging scenes themselves. Every time a character lunges at Pierce to tag him, the filmmakers employ slow-motion and digital trickery in the vein of The Matrix. That's overkill. The best parts of the movie are when the guys are trying to figure out a plan to tag their friend. In the end, Tag has a nice little message about staying young at heart.

70 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

Hereditary

First Reformed

By David Vicari

By Fritz Esker

It seems that every year there is one independently made horror film that becomes a film festival darling and is over-hyped as the savior of horror. Past examples include It Follows (2014) and The Witch (2015). This year, it's Hereditary, an effective chiller that is very unsettling, but it also has its flaws and isn't the be-all and end-all of horror. This melancholy tale focuses on Annie (Toni Collette), who is an artist, has a supportive husband, Steve (Gabriel Byrne), and is the mother of two moody teens, stoner Peter (Alex Wolff) and weird Charlie (Milly Shapiro). Charlie draws grotesque pictures of people and cuts the heads off of dead pigeons. Annie is mourning the recent death of her estranged mother, but a more horrific tragedy awaits. Eventually, dark family secrets are revealed. Not to give too much away, but ghosts and the occult play significant roles in the story. This is the first feature from writer/director Ari Aster and, while well-made, it's a real downer. It's hopeless from the beginning and, at times, truly upsetting. It's also a little too self-important, and at two hours and seven minutes, it is a bit too long. However, the director, along with top-notch performances from the cast, keep you engrossed. The feeling of dread that Aster's movie projects undeniably gets under your skin. The scene in which we see a character slowly go into shock after a horrifying accident isn't easy to shake. Sometimes the line between reality and nightmare blurs and becomes a little confusing, but I think that makes the movie durable for repeat viewings, so you can go back and put all of the pieces together. Plus, near the end, Hereditary has a great, perfectly timed jump scare.

Writer/director Paul Schrader (most famous for writing the screenplay for Taxi Driver) has been mostly quiet in the 21st century. He makes a nice return to form with First Reformed, a film about a reverend’s crisis of faith that in some ways recalls the works of legendary filmmaker Ingmar Bergman (The Seventh Seal). Ethan Hawke plays the pastor of a historic church with a dwindling congregation. He’s reeling from the death of his son in Iraq and is destroying his health with functional alcoholism. When a young parishioner (Amanda Seyfried) confides in him that she’s scared of her husband’s association with environmental radicals, Hawke is forced to examine his own beliefs. It’s rare to see a movie address issues of faith and belief as thoughtfully as First Reformed does. More often than not, movies either ignore these topics entirely, or, if they do focus on them, they do it in a way designed to make church groups feel better about the world. First Reformed takes a long look at issues like how a loving God can allow terrible things to happen, and what God would say about the terrible things humans have done to the world. It doesn’t provide easy answers, nor does it dismiss the idea of belief entirely. Since First Reformed is primarily a character study, it would not work without a strong lead performance. Hawke is up to the challenge, portraying with compassion and intelligence a man whose fundamental decency is slowly eroding under life’s crushing load. The ending is a bit abrupt, but First Reformed is good counter-programming amidst the summer blockbuster season.

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Unique Tropical Cocktails!!! Full Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free and kids menus!

Ceviches

Local farm-fresh produce, certiﬁed sustainable seafood and humanely-raised meats

WhereYat.com | July 2018 | 71

TalesFromTheQuarter By Debbie Lindsey

Move It On Over

oving is not for the faint of heart, or back, or knees, or anyone with budgetary restrictions. And believe me, hindsight is 20/20. Sure, we made mistakes that were unavoidable and understandable due to the bum’s rush our now-former landlord gave us. When we were given—out of the blue—two months’ notice, we thought he was truly a man with a mission to right the wrongs that the termites were inflicting upon the house by the minute, and that he had no choice but to get in there, gut, replace, and repair with haste. We rushed our search for a new forever-home—and our business suffered as a result—not to mention a gazillion other things and people that were put on hold, so we could pack ‘round the clock. Then it sat empty for a month and counting, as termites continued to feast. So, this is a cautionary tale to those who rent or are looking to rent, and to all houseowners: termites are your number-one enemy. But with this said, the remainder of this missive is “Learn From Our Haste,” or “How to Apartment Hunt and Move Your Shit into It.” Stay within your budget. Yes, rents have soared and will continue to, yet there are affordable ones to be had if you do not restrict yourself. And do not assume that No Pets means No Way. I have had some good luck in the past with talking my way into a change of heart from potential landlords. Letters of recommendation from a former landlord and/ or your veterinarian and the offer to pay an extra deposit just might sway the landlord. Also, we were lucky in requesting a rent reduction for the first year—not a lot, but it was encouraging to see that our new landlord was open to working with us and happy to have us at a reduced rent over other applicants. Is it still more than we can afford? Yeah. But it is in our neighborhood (emphasis on the word neighbor) that we have come to love over the past 10 years, and this made moving a little less painful. We lost our home, but not our neighbors. The following are my tips for packing. And it is a given that every individual, circumstance, and timetable makes it difficult to give a blanket blueprint for disassembling and reassembling your life. First, do not buy boxes. Go to Rouses or Winn-Dixie and ask the produce man if/when you can have his empty banana boxes (he will be happy not to have to break ‘em down—he saves time; you, money). Theses boxes, with lids and built-in handles, are the

72 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

strongest ones you can get and just the right size (any larger and you’ll overpack and break your back). Check them for roaches before using—the good news is that out of the 400 we’ve gotten (free) for business- and house-moving, only one had the fruit-hungry buggers in it. If time allows, wash, dust, and spit-polish your possessions before packing. Use newspaper, bubble wrap (most businesses toss it and don’t mind saving some for you), and pillows/ blankets (to cushion glass-framed art). Label your boxes on all four sides. Downsize whatever you can bear to part with. This was extremely painful for Boyfriend and me. Between us, we had decades of collected art, antiques, family memories, letters, photos—personal treasures. Sitting on the porch with the recycling and trash bins, culling the herd of old love letters, birthday cards from parents, and photographs—this ain’t purging; it’s hemorrhaging memories. Of course, by the last day, with the U-Haul due back and the deadline to be “out” eight hours away, you start tossing shit everywhere—still finding clothes under the car seat and prescriptions packed inside shoes. Any hoot, this brings me to the U-Haul recommendation. Great prices and pretty great customer service at Tulane Avenue—call and reserve, then confirm by phone twice to make sure all your ducks are in a row. The biggest thing to deal with is finding that house or apartment. We began packing as soon as we got the boot, but where to move those boxes to was the most important thing. If you are like us and tend to make your rented house your home, you really need to try and find something that you will feel good about, because you can’t—at least, we couldn’t—afford to up and move again. So, when you go searching, have a list of deal-breakers with you and set your goals in advance. Do not be wowed by granite countertops (wine glasses commit suicide upon them), Jacuzzi tubs (they malfunction), or ceramic-tiled floors (those pristine white tiles will never be white again and your feet and knees will hate you); be cautious of laminated wood flooring (some have formaldehyde issues), and google signs of Chinese drywall (which was a big safety and health issue after Katrina). Okay, it looks pretty good: the price is within your budget, the landlord is pet-friendly (and make sure his dog is not cat/dog-aggressive), and he/she is cool with any gardening or painting you might wish to do on your dime. Now, check out the neighborhood both in the mornings and evenings to see if you like the vibe. Flush the toilets and make sure the water pressure in the shower, sinks, washer, etc., is what you want. Try out the air-conditioning system. Give special attention to the refrigerator and stove. AND, measure your rooms— not just the floor space, but the height (we were so mistaken about how much room or lack thereof our new place had. We would have still taken the house, but with less “buyer’s remorse” had we paid better attention). My word count is running out, and I still have 50 boxes to unload, so I will say, “Good luck, and make that house a home.”

Po-BoyViews By Phil LaMancusa

Fire and Rain OR Hell and High Water

eady to beat a dead horse? Yes? Well, you’re now in hurricane season. You can either be prepared to go or to stay, or you can ignore it all until your only option when/if one hits is to assume the position and kiss your assets goodbye. How do I know that we should talk about this? Consider me a “been there, done that” kind of guy who was virtually asleep at the wheel when it came to hurricane preparedness, when I got caught in a whopper of a blow (Katrina) for six days—me, two other bipeds, and seven critters that I became responsible for. A couple of things to note: first, the people who predict the weather are no different than you and me; the only difference between them and us is that they get paid to get things wrong. Whatever they say is not only up for debate, but subject to change from day to day. They also get paid to keep us tuning back in for updates on the weather that they, having every conceivable electro-whatsis at their disposal (VIPIR, radar, StormTracker, Exact-Cast and friggin’ spaghetti models, for Chrissakes) have no specific clue as to what Mother Nature is actually going to do. BUT, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t watch. Second, our blessed city has been flooding in mere rainstorms in the past year; what is gonna happen if a real storm comes our way? If we get sustained rain, wind, mini-tornadoes, and quite possibly a hurricane (or even tropical depression) … we are screwed. So, what’re our options? We know that hurricane season is going to be here, every year, for the foreseeable future, or until New Orleans sinks into the Gulf of Mexico (which IS in our foreseeable future). What, given those guidelines, are my (your) contingency options? Move away from the area, spend summers elsewhere, or continue to stay and be prepared? Remember, we will never know for sure when/if or what degree of nature’s wrath is in store for us. Just suppose, for the sake of debate, that we take door number three and decide to stay and be prepared for the worst and pray for the least; how do we do that? Well, first we decide whether we take one of two other options: be ready to stay through whatever is thrown at us, or to be able to evacuate when we’ve decided that it’s gonna be rougher than we can/have prepared for. How do we tell the difference between a game plan and a lame plan? Well, if you need to get ready to evacuate, then you need to be ready to evacuate. Remember, when the big one blew, traffic was backed up for hours that ranged into the double-digits. Can your vehicle stand to stand in heat for hours and hours? Do you have nourishment, bladder control, and patience to

be on a roadway that’s moving so slowly, it’s lookin’ like a parking lot? The following words are the gist of the situation as voiced by folks who have been there: “Contraflow, my ass!” The view from those roaming TV helicopters of the jam that everyone found themselves in is enough to make a sane person decide to tough it out at home. And don’t think that services provided to get you out (busses and such) will fare any better than your neighbors in their SUV. When you’re stuck, you’re stuck; if you didn’t bring water, you’ll be drinking your own saliva. My advice is that if you’ve a mind to get out of Dodge, get out a week prior to any occurrence, if possible. However, my experience with that scenario is that when we evacuated for a storm that did not come, it cost a couple of thousand dollars and loss of employment time. So, you’re staying? I’m staying for a Cat 3 or less; so, what would I do to get prepared? First off, clean out the fridge of all nonessentials (stuff that will spoil before you can gobble it up. Leave about three days of food in your freezer). Next, for criminy's sake, do not put off supply-shopping until the last minute; like, start shopping now! Get batteries, flashlights, water, plastic garbage bags, and duct tape, and have some idea what windows and/or doors you’ll need to cover with hard stuff, like plywood. It doesn’t hurt to be ready. Remember, it’s gonna be the “season” until November. Next, try to figure out what you would eat and drink for three to five days. How you will take care of your hygiene needs when facilities become an issue (be prepared to be able to have water for flushing, brushing, and drinking). Got pets? See to their needs better than you do yours; that means being ready for feeding and any meds. Are your critters micro-chipped? Do you have a first aid kit? None of this is rocket surgery and most of this stuff you’ll use, eventually, so it doesn’t hurt to have stuff like that on hand. Consider a generator. Maybe if you’re really a survivalist, get a boat. C’mon! My biggest concern, after all that other stuff is taken care of, is do I have enough adult beverages, can I keep them at a comfortable temperature, and do I have enough to read? Remember, there was no TV or even cell service during the last one (banks and post offices will be closed). The grand majority of us cannot afford to leave town for the summer. Heck, most of us are only a few paychecks from homelessness as it stands, and, dig this—your landlord is going to expect the rent and there will be no utility forgiveness. (Consider your water bill’s excess when we had that pipe-busting freeze last year.) So, want to beat a dead horse? Welcome to the season of the witch.

WhereYat.com | July 2018 | 73

YaGram

Below are our staff's favorite #NOLA hashtags on Instagram for June. Tag us @WhereYatNola or #WhereYatNola to be featured in an upcoming issue.

NewsAroundTheWeb

Updated Daily at WhereYat.com

LouisianaEconomyWorstInTheNation

@blum.jeremy

@doggosofnola

@morrowsnola

WalletHub, a personal ﬁnance website, examined the economic growth of all the states, looking at start-up activity and invention of new products. This study put Louisiana dead last. It also found Louisiana to be near the bottom in the number of jobs in the high-tech industry and in independent inventor patents. On the other hand, Louisiana tied with North Dakota, Texas, and Washington for ﬁrst in number of exports.

CaféDuMondeToReplaceMorningCall @fattiretours

@elopetnola

@scottfsills

@the_solicitude

@thechubbychild

@alezzendaryadventure

TweetBites

Below are our staff's New Orleans hashtag picks from Twitter for June. Tag us @WhereYatNola or #WhereYatNola to be featured in an upcoming issue.

@YuanV_:: New Orleans potholes crazy but Algiers will split your car in half smh

Known for gardens, art, and nature, City Park houses the Casino Building, which is no longer home to Morning Call; Café du Monde is moving in. City Park requested that a beignet restaurant occupy the building, and three businesses proposed: Morning Call, Café du Monde, and Café Beignet. The future of Morning Call, a nearly 150-year-old establishment, is uncertain, as it currently has no other locations.

Domino'sOﬀeringToFixPotholesInU.S.Cities New Orleans’s roads are detrimental to “at-risk” pizzas, as hitting a pothole when driving with a carry-out pizza in your vehicle could potentially damage your dinner. But never fear, because Domino’s Pizza aims to sort it out. “Paving for Pizza” is Domino’s new program that allows customers to nominate their town for pothole repairs. The company’s mission has already been carried out in cities like Athens, Georgia, and Burbank, California. Visit PavingforPizza.com and enter your zip code to nominate New Orleans.

@crowdmoverco: New Orleans people, I love that we all got degrees but imma need y’all to start putting your high school in your bios again cause that’s the info I really need. @wyyldstang: One year in Nola and it’s time for a brake/suspension job! Saw a pothole today that had a shopping cart sticking halfway out to warn drivers! #nolalife #NOLA @_90sgang: Everytime it rain in New Orleans people compare it to Katrina @_ _smithlll: Houston cool til ya remember they don’t sell liquor in the corner stores. New Orleans I love you… @BoomBoomBetty: In New Orleans they keep things pretty simple. Your blood type is either gumbo positive or gumbo negative.

74 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

BikeEasyReceivesGrantPromotingLowerFares A $55,000 grant from the Better Bike Share Partnership will go to funding the “Blue Bikes for All” campaign, which will focus on introducing hospitality-industry workers to the bike-sharing program and also on rolling out a new Reduced Fare plan ($20 a year). The plan will be based on income and will encourage healthy living and an environmentally friendly lifestyle. To sign up for a Reduced Fare, Monthly, or Pay-AsYou-Go Blue Bikes membership, visit bluebikesnola.com.

Eat,Drink Drinkand and Relax Relax at at Apolline Apolline Eat,

Exquisite cuisine, accessibly priced wines and handcrafted cocktails Exquisite cuisine, accessibly priced wines and handcrafted cocktails in the relaxed charm of our Uptown double-shotgun cottage. in the relaxed charm of our Uptown double-shotgun cottage. Thank You to the readers of Where Y’at Magazine for voting us Join us for Dinner or Brunch Tuesday - Sunday One of the Best Brunches in the city! Bottomless Mimosas/Bloody Marys during Brunch

4729 Magazine Street • (504) 894-8881 • www.ApollineRestaurant.com 4729 Magazine Street • (504) 894-8881 • www.ApollineRestaurant.com

WhereYat.com | July 2018 | 75

Where Ya Been?

76 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

5 3

3 2

The Ogden Museum of Southern Art’s Magnolia Ball featured fantastic cocktails and great food.

Chelsea Chiasson of Felix’s Oyster Bar was crowned the winner of the Absolut Best Bloody Mary contest.

Republic National Distributing Company’s Paul Riley and Brandon Richard enjoyed the Absolut Best Bloody Mary Finals at Marché.

The Absolut Best Bloody Mary Finals were judged by Bourbon Fest’s Tracy Napolitano, Top Taco’s Shane Finkelstein, Shawn Williams, and WGNO’s Carla Pesono.

Brustman Carrino’s Anabel Mendez celebrated the grand opening of Pythian Market with Marketing Director Alessandra Madrid.

Abita was the featured beer at the Roosevelt Hotel’s new “Fried Chicken Mondays.”

Everyone had a great time at the 610 Stompers Bar Crawl.

The National Kidney Foundation’s Big Easy Brunch was a huge success.

The Pythian Market opened with a bang.

10. “Hawaii 610” was the theme for this year’s 610 Stompers Bar Crawl.

WhereYat.com | July 2018 | 77

Vyonne's was born with the idea of bringing unique, fresh French fare to the Warehouse District. It started with two dynamic women from diﬀerent backgrounds and with kindred spirits. Serving lunch and dinner with Happy Hour from 4 to 6 p.m. and weekend brunch from 9 to 3 p.m. Vyoones'—with its beautiful courtyard, private rooms and exceptional fare—awaits you.

Chat NIKKI REYES with

<< Spud McConnell Co-Producer/Host, The Spudcast, WLAE 14

<< Vyoone Segue Owner, Vyoone’s Restaurant 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Partying and drinking! Drink more. Up on da river. My booty-licious butt! Hibiscus.

<< Zohreh Khaleghi Owner, Vyoone’s Restaurant 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Our people. Being with your hungover friends. A NOLA elevator! Lips. Cucumbers!

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Eclectic! I haven't had one in so long. It WAS in a carriage at Celebration in the Oaks. Spewing various ﬂavors of bulls**t! CACTUS. My penance!

Where Y’at Chat Questions: 1. It's Where Y'at's BEST OF THE BIG EASY issue! What's the best thing about living in NOLA? 2. What's the BEST way to cure a hangover? 3. Where is the BEST place in NOLA to go "necking"? 4. What is your BEST physical attribute? 5. July hosts "Nude Recreation Week.” You are gardening in the nude. What are you planting?

<< Lanay Stockstill Marketing Director, Vyoone’s Restaurant

<< Chris Franklin Meteorologist, WWL Channel 4

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Waving at each other. Pedialyte. Cosimo’s. My smile. Basil—of Spain!

2. 3. 4. 5.

<< Scott Touchton Sales and Marketing Director, NOLA Motorsports Park 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

The food and the people. Start drinking again. At the "Submarine Races," Lakefront. My wife! Succulents.

There's always something to celebrate! What's a hangover? The privacy of my own home. My weather pointer. Green screen. Where the sun don’t shine!

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

My family! Another drink. The Moonwalk. Attribute? NEVER. Give up! Birds of Paradise.

<< Dan Stein Owner, Stein’s Market and Deli

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

78 | Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Everything! Keep drinking. The Butterﬂy. But, now, today? The Fly. My palate. Watermelons.

<< Christopher L. Roberts Executive Producer, Phat Phat N All That

<< Timmy Doe COO, Pierre Thomas’s “I Can Foundation” 24-hour drinking! Watermelon. The base of the Crescent City Connection. My deformations: dimples. Nice! Cantaloupes.

^^ Michael Paz Music Producer, The Paz Group, LLC

The people and the pace of life. Ibuprofen and SLEEP! Wherever I am at the time. My eyelashes. Basil.

S U G N I T O V R O F N U S F K THAN # 1 IN YOUR

ALWAYS SOMETHING A LITTLE CHEEKY CABARET

315 BOURBON ST.