Spring Festivals Guide 2018

April 2018

WhereYat.com

Spring s F est i v a l Guide FrenchMarketHistory

FrenchQuarterFest

Easter

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CONTENTS Cover Story 6 300 Years: The French Market

Features 8 16 18 22 24 26

Spring Festivals Guide French Quarter Fest Preview Crawfish: From Pond to Pot

Al Scramuzza Mixology Classes in NOLA History of Chicory Coffee

Events & Nightlife

By James Beard Award nominees Chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman.

600 Carondelet Street josephineestelle.com

504 930 3070 @josephineestelle

30 34 35 37

Music Calendar Lakeside 2 Riverside John Cleese Derek Smalls

Food & Drink 38 40 42 45

Food News $20 and Under Restaurant Guide Bar Guide

Extras 46 48 50 52 54

Film Reviews Columns Around the Web Where Ya Been?

Where Y'at Chat

April 2018 Vol. 21 No. 8 Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Josh Danzig Creative Director: Michael Fulkerson Assistant Editor: Kathy Bradshaw Movie Editors: David Vicari & Fritz Esker Copy Editor: Burke Bischoff Contributing Writers: Emily Hingle, Kathy Bradshaw, Phil LaMancusa, Debbie Lindsey, Kim Ranjbar, Landon Murray, Krystral Christen, Leigh Wright, Emil Flemmon, Greg Roques, Carolyn Heneghan, Steven Melendez, Anthony O'Donnell, Andrew Alexander, Noah Stokes-Raab, Christopher Romaguera, Kimmie Tubre Director of Sales: Stephen Romero Cover Photo of the French Market in 1910 by Vintagraph Prints Photographers & Designers: Gus Escanelle, Jason Hall, Steve Hatley, Romney Caruso, Jorge Menes, Kathy Bradshaw, Greg Roques, Finn Turnbull, James Macaluso Interns: Marissa Williams, Jeff Boudreaux, Alexis Shook, Crystal Morgan, Becca Miller, Sammy Odell, Eddy Guttierrez III Subscribe: Receive 1 year (14 issues) for $30 and get a FREE Where Y’at CD. Subscribe today at WhereYat.com.

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There’s nowhere that I’d rather be than New Orleans in the spring.

April in the Crescent City means festivals and crawfish, and this issue is filled with both! Our Spring Festivals Guide shares the great events of Louisiana that celebrate food, music, and everything in between.

The largest free festival in the South is near, with over 500,000 people heading to the Vieux Carré for French Quarter Festival. Don’t miss our great preview as well as our look at the history of the French Market by Kimmie Tubre.

Crawfish lovers will want to pinch the tail and suck the head after reading our interview with Crawfish King Al Scramuzza, and Kathy Bradshaw’s piece on crawfish farming will educate you on some of the finer points of producing those delicious mudbugs.

This issue also features an interview by Emily Hingle with Spinal Tap bassist Derek Smalls, aka local New Orleanian Harry Shearer. It goes to 11! We also speak to Monty Python founder John Cleese before his April 6th show at the Saenger Theatre. Keep an eye out for our special Jazz Fest Weekend I issue coming out soon … happy spring! –Josh Danzig, Publisher

4 | Spring Festivals Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

WhereYat.com | April 2018 | 5

Le Vieux Marché New Orleans Tricentennial Series: The French Market

By Kimmie Tubre

3

00 years ago in 1718, Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville, arrived in a foreign land and settled on its highest point. That highest point, now Jackson Square, would soon become the city of New Orleans. From that moment, the city faced fires, hurricanes, battles, slavery, and a number of other lows. Despite the many lows, somehow, someway, New Orleans has managed to become one of the most uniquely cultured places in the world. In fact, in 2018, the year of its 300th birthday, New Orleans was named the number one place to visit.

During these past 300 years, the city has created some of the best cuisine, most influential music, and most sensational artists and artwork, and has forced the world to embrace its one-of-a-kind Creole and Cajun cultures. New Orleans has become a city filled with people who not

only have pride in themselves, but also have pride in their city.

One New Orleans staple encompasses all that NOLA represents, and that place is the French Market. Filled with so much history, progression, and culture, it is only fair to mention it during a year of celebrating New Orleans.

Here’s to 300 years of the French Market.

It’s true, the French Market isn’t exactly 300 years old. In fact, the market has resided in the same location since 1791, leaving it 73 years shy of the tricentennial mark. So why are we celebrating the French Market?

While in recent years, the French Market has become more of a tourist attraction filled with diverse vendors and fun souvenirs, the French Market, being America’s oldest public market, has a rich history that is closely connected to the city

6 | Spring Festivals Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

and how it has thrived and progressed over the last 300 years.

Beginning as a Native American trading post, the French Market faced its own personal struggles in its earliest years. The same fires, hurricanes, and political issues that plagued the city also heavily affected the French Market, as did the many years of rocky rulings and battles between French and Spanish for dominance.

After the Louisiana Purchase, the market became a trading destination for ships traveling in from around the world.

One of those traded goods grew into an important staple in the French Market. That staple was coffee. There were many things sold and traded at the market: meats, jewels, beads, vegetables, herbs, spices, handmade crafts, and rice. But the coffee sold by the African American and Creole women of the market became a go-to item, especially for the workers in the area. It is said that coffee “played a central role in the life of the market.”

By the late 1800s, the market began to grow and expand. One of the expansions came in 1870, when architect Joseph Abeilard built a structure called the Bazaar Market. This market featured a butcher’s market, a fruit and vegetable market, and a fish market, along with many other goods for sale.

It was during this time when immigrants of Sicilian roots migrated to New Orleans.

Upon their entrance, they made a name for themselves in the vegetable markets of the French Market. Many of those merchants of Italian heritage maintain

their spot in the French Market today.

After the devastating 1915 hurricane, the Bazaar Market was destroyed and wasn’t restored until 1930. Originally, the market was restored for the sale of foods and produce, but since the 70s, that space has been the home to many retail vendors selling everything from souvenirs to art, candles, jewelry, and clothing. In 1978, Mayor Ernest N. Dutch Morial decided to be a part of the French Market’s growing improvements. Several of his enhancements not only expanded the market, but also brought it closer to the river and opened a gate for more attractions.

He is best remembered for opening up the pedestrian plaza known as Dutch Alley to more commerce and events.

The market continues to be one of the biggest tourist attractions in New Orleans. Its long pathway starts at the world-famous Café Du Monde and ends near Esplanade Avenue at the foot of Elysian Fields.

In recent years, the market has become far more than a retail space. The French Market corporation is dedicated to keeping the market’s history alive by educating and entertaining millions each year.

Why would one include the French Market in the tricentennial celebration?

Well, it is a vital part of our history and culture, and a celebration of 300 years of surviving in a location surrounded by water and swamps. It is living proof of the endurance and pride of the city. It is a place where you can see history right in front of your eyes. Most importantly, it is as naturally New Orleans as you can get.

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Street, facebook.com/Freret-StreetFestival-179334215436484 This festival, which extends for several blocks along Freret Street between Napoleon Avenue and Valmont Street, features live music, food, artwork, handicrafts, and fun activities for all ages—especially the kids. In recent years, the events and activities have included a kids' activity area with inflatables, a petting zoo, arts and crafts, clowns, parades, second lines, and African stilt walkers.

SPRING FESTIVAL

GUIDE

2018

April 7 Asian Heritage Festival, Audubon Zoo, apasnola.com Sponsored by the Asian/Pacific American Society, this promises to be a cultural experience you won’t want to miss. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature music indigenous to the individual nations accompanied by dancers in kimonos, along with ethnic foods and imaginative handicrafts.

This year's theme is "Flowers of Asia."

- MARCH March 30 Lao New Year Celebration, Wat Thammarattanaram Temple, Broussard, iberiatravel.com/events/lao-new-yearcelebration Celebrate the Lao New Year on Easter weekend with a three-day festival that includes live music, a beauty pageant, parades, sand castle building, kids’ activities, and several vendors selling clothes, jewelry, music, and food from Southeast Asia. The festival offers free entry and runs from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

March 30 - April 8 NOLA Pyrate Week, French Quarter, nolapyrateweek.com The 10th edition of this annual festival sees “pyrates” from across the city and state come together to celebrate 10 days of swashbuckling, art, music, food, and volunteerism. This festival strives to combine the best elements of volunteerism, fundraising, New Orleans and Louisiana culture, and, of course, pyrates!

March 31 Crescent City Classic, Starts at Poydras Street and Loyola Avenue, ccc10k.com The region’s premier 10K road race, the Classic is one of the oldest 10K races in the nation and the preeminent fitness event in Louisiana. The course (6.2 miles) begins in Downtown New Orleans in front of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and runs participants through the French Quarter and all the way up to New Orleans City Park.

- APRIL April 1 French Quarter Easter Parade,French Quarter, frenchquartereasterparade.com Contests, auctions, and other events at the Omni Royal Orleans start the day and precede Chris Owens’s 35th reign as the French Quarter

April 7-8 Kite Fest Louisiane, WBR Soccer Complex, Port Allen, westbatonrouge.net/kite-festlouisiane/247 Named "Festival of the Year" by the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association, Kite Fest Louisiane brings professional kite-fliers and hobbyists to West Baton Rouge Parish, where the skies are filled with kites of all sizes and shapes. Bring the entire family and some lawn chairs, and enjoy a day of food, fun, and indoor flying performed by kite champions.

Easter Parade’s grand duchess. The parade will begin at the corner of St. Louis and Royal Streets, continue to Canal Street and back to St. Phillip Street again, and conclude at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel.

April 5-15 Songs on the Bayou Songwriters Festival, Morgan City, songsonthebayou.com An exciting 10-day event of music, culture, and entertainment, this Morgan City-based version of the original in Baton Rouge highlights the unique Bayou experience to songwriters and music-lovers across the country. The event includes Bayou Sunset Pickin’ parties, a fais dodo, workshops, conferences, swamp tours, and multiple featured songwriter shows all across Morgan City and surrounding areas.

April 7-8 Ebb & Flow Festival, Riverfront, Baton Rouge, ebbandflowbr.org The mission of this weekend-long event is to celebrate Baton Rouge, Brazilian culture, and aquatic ecology, and to increase cultural awareness of Baton Rouge across major domestic and international markets.

Programming will span live music; dance; dramatic, culinary, and visual arts; film; interactive children’s programming; and an international juried arts fair.

April 7-8 Spring Garden Show, New Orleans Botanical Garden, City Park, neworleanscitypark.com/events/springgarden-show This annual event invites visitors to explore the beautiful Botanical Garden and more than 50 horticultural exhibits, and to enjoy familyfriendly activities and educational lectures. The festival includes plant sales, garden product

sales, a plant health clinic, a children’s discovery zone, and live music on the Haspel Outdoor Stage.

April 11 - 15 A Taste of Covington, Covington, atasteofcovington.com A Taste of Covington is an annual fiveday food, wine, music, and art event revolving around the St. Tammany Art Association's "Spring for Art" in historic Downtown Covington. The festival includes multiple dinners from the Northshore’s best restaurants, wine tastings, and an art show, and concludes with a champagne jazz brunch.

April 11 - 15 Road to 3rd Street Songwriters Festival, Morgan City, roadto3rdstreet.com This Morgan City version of the traditional Baton Rouge Festival highlights a unique bayou experience to songwriters and music-lovers nationwide. The festival is one unlike any other with five days of Cajun music, dancing, contests, and much more.

April 12-14 Louisiana Railroad Days Festival, DeQuincy Railroad Museum Fairgrounds, DeQuincy, larailroaddaysfestival.com This family-friendly festival is a celebration of the railroad industry and the impact it had on the city of DeQuincy. It includes a number of parades, contests, pageants, and many food vendors. Musical guests include country music superstar Collin Raye, performing at 8 p.m. on Saturday night. Admission is free, and alcohol is prohibited.

April 12-15 French Quarter Festival, French Quarter, fqfi.org The 34th edition of French Quarter Festival takes over the Vieux Carré with non-stop live music and local food choices to enjoy all weekend long. Performers include New Orleans soul queen Irma Thomas, Bag of Donuts, and Lisa Amos. Delicious food from local vendors comes from such greats as Antoine’s, Galatoire’s, and Jacques-Imo’s Cafe.

April 13-15 Downtown Lake Charles Crawfish Festival, Civic Center, Lake Charles, downtowncrawfest.com Held each year in April at the Lake Charles Civic Center, the DTLC Crawfish Festival promotes awareness of the crawfish season, the history of it, and how the seafood industry has benefited Louisiana in the past 200 years.

Attendees pay an admission-only fee to enter

April 6-7 Delgado Music Festival, Delgado Community College, dcc.edu/music-fest Sponsored by Delgado’s music department in collaboration with Cutting Edge CE Conferences and Events, this free festival will feature performances by artists such as Ellis Marsalis, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Brass-AHolics, Honey Island Swamp Band, Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots, and more. All proceeds will go toward music scholarships and program enhancements.

April 6-8 Denham Springs Fair, Denham Springs, facebook.com/denhamspringsfair Take a trip to Denham Springs for a classic carnival experience including rides, live entertainment, food, games, and family fun. The festival is located in South Park, and admission is free. Wristbands for the carnival rides can be purchased for $25 on Friday and Saturday, or $20 on Sunday. Musical guests include Chase Tyler and the Orphan Annie Band.

April 7 Freret Street Festival, Freret Street between Napoleon Avenue and Valmont

8 | Spring Festivals Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

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the festival, which includes carnival and midway games, music, food, and live entertainment.

April 13-15 Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, Ponchatoula, lastrawberryfestival.com The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is a free family-friendly outdoor festival filled with lots of great food, games, entertainment, and fun for people of all ages to enjoy. Entertainment will include a strawberry-eating contest, an egg toss, and musical acts like Louisiana’s LeRoux and Bag of Donuts.There is also a strawberry bake-off and jambalaya cook-off.

April 13-15 Great Louisiana BirdFest, Northlake Nature Center, Mandeville, northlakenature.org/ birdfest This event is held each year in the spring when many species are migrating north through Louisiana from Mexico and South America. BirdFest includes birding trips through the swamps, wetlands, pine savanna, and hardwoods of southeast Louisiana, and you can also participate in workshops or enjoy some Southern food and hospitality.

April 14 Spring For Art, Downtown Covington, sttammanyartassociation.org/spring-for-art Presented by the St. Tammany Art Association, this festival showcases new work by dozens of artists from across Southeast Louisiana, featuring live music, gallery openings, demonstrations, shopping, and fine dining throughout Downtown Covington. It’s a great community event that is free to attend and offers something for everyone to enjoy.

April 14 St. Francis Xavier Old Metairie Fest, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and School, Metairie, school.stfrancisxavier.com The 92nd edition of this annual festival will feature family-friendly games and entertainment and a wide variety of food from local vendors and restaurants. It serves as a fundraiser to help supplement the costs of running St. Francis Xavier School that tuition doesn’t fully cover. This year’s theme celebrates New Orleans’s tricentennial.

April 14-15 Baton Rouge Blues Festival, Downtown Baton Rouge, batonrougebluesfestival.org Originating in 1981, the Baton Rouge Blues Festival is one of the oldest blues festivals

in America. The free-to-the-public, familyfriendly festival will feature arts and crafts, food vendors, and the internationally recognized performers and local blues legends you’d expect. Performers include Mavis Staples, Kenny Neal & the Neal Family Band, The James Hunter Six, and Samantha Fish.

April 19-22 Louisiana International Film Festival, Cinemark Perkins Rowe, Baton Rouge, lifilmfest.org LIFF provides an outlet for filmmakers and musicians from across the globe to meet and interact, as well as to screen some excellent films for everyone. This event brings a spirited and eclectic mix of world-class moviemaking, from acclaimed independent narratives and documentaries, to big-budget studio pictures, and the best in international film.

April 19-25 NOLA Navy Week & Tall Ships, New Orleans Riverfront, tallshipsnola2018.com U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships will mix with ships from Canada and Great Britain, and they’re all arriving in New Orleans for this nautical event. Vessels will arrive along the riverfront from the Port of New Orleans to the Nicholls Street Wharf on Thursday and will be open to the public for tours on Friday.

April 20-May 18 Music and Market, every Friday, Le Vieux Village/Farmers Market Pavilion, Opelousas, cityofopelousas.com Music & Market takes place in historic Opelousas and continues every Friday through May 18. The outdoor music series spotlights some of Louisiana’s best musical artists, while fresh, homegrown vegetables will be available for purchase directly from local farmers. The event opens at 5:30 p.m., with music beginning at 6 p.m.

April 20-22 Cajun Festival, Visitation of Our Lady Catholic Church, Marrero, vol.org/cajunfest The third weekend in April brings thousands of visitors to the Visitation of Our Lady school grounds for great music, delicious food, and more fun than your weekend should allow!

Proceeds fund the school’s new multipurpose building, which provides gym, meeting, and classroom facilities for the school. Musical acts include the Chee-Weez and Amanda Shaw.

April 20-22 Festa Italiana, 400 Block of Williams Boulevard, Kenner, italianheritagefestival.com Kenner’s Italian Heritage Festival is a funfilled family event offering live music, food, rides, games, and crafts. There is free street parking all around the festival grounds, and Williams Boulevard will be closed from Kenner Avenue to Reverend Richard Wilson Drive.

Admission is $5 for adults, while children 12 years and under get in free.

April 20-22 New Orleans Poetry Festival, New Orleans Healing Center, Marigny, nolapoetry.com Come to the New Orleans Poetry Fest to participate in three days and nights of poetry readings and performances, panel discussions, fiction events, a book sale, musical acts, slam events, walking tours, open mic at the famous Maple Leaf Bar, and much more. Visit the festival’s website for ticket purchases and a complete listing of events.

April 20-22 Third Street Songwriter’s Festival, Baton Rouge, thirdstreetsongwritersfestival.com An annual event in Downtown Baton Rouge, this festival features local, regional, and national songwriters, along with an industry panel of music publishing professionals from Nashville. Participating songwriters will be able to perform and have their songs critiqued by the panel. After receiving their critiques, songwriters can showcase their music in venues along Third Street.

April 21 Bursting With Speed, Mardi Gras Fountain, New Orleans Lakefront, runnotc.org/ races/2018/burst.shtml The 4th annual Bursting With Speed 5K and half-mile races award $6,500 in prizes to winners in numerous race categories. The race honors dedicated runner and family man Benny Burst, who lost his battle with Leukemia in late 2013. The money raised for the race is donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

April 21 Music Fest 2018, Lafreniere Park, Metairie, casajefferson.org/music-fest-2018 This free family event takes place in the Al Copeland Concert Meadow at Lafreniere Park and features live music by Just Right Band, Gravity A, Khris Royal and Dark Matter, and DJ Mattik. Kids can showcase their video game skills in the gaming tent, enjoy face painting and bounce houses, and compete against each other in soccer.

April 21 New Orleans Mini Maker Faire, Orleans Avenue and Victory Drive, neworleans. makerfaire.com This festival is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do, from engineers and artists to scientists and crafters. Maker Faire is the perfect venue to accentuate their hobbies, experiments, and projects. Over the five years this festival has been around, participation has grown over 400 percent.

April 21 Tulane University Crawfest, LBC and Newcomb Quads on Tulane’s Uptown Campus, crawfest.tulane.edu An annual music, food, and arts festival located on Tulane’s Uptown campus, Crawfest brings together students and the community to enjoy music from bands on two stages, 20,000+ pounds of crawfish, and dozens of local food and art vendors. The festival includes unlimited crawfish and soft drinks, and is free to all current Tulane students and children under 12.

April 21-22 Angola Spring Prison Rodeo, Louisiana State Penitentiary, Angola, louisianatravel. com/la-events/angola-prison-spring-rodeocraft-show This is an all-day, full-blown arts and crafts festival, complete with entertainment, food galore, and, of course, a rodeo. The arts and crafts festival begins at 9 a.m. and continues through the rodeo, which begins at 2 p.m. each Sunday in October. Not a rodeo fan? Many folks come just for the arts and crafts.

April 21-26 Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week, Vermilionville Living History Museum and Folklife Park, Lafayette, lafolkroots.org/ events/balfa-week Incorporating intensive classes on fiddle, guitar, and accordion; participatory teaching sessions on Cajun and Creole vocals; instructor-coached band labs; and nightly dances with fantastic Cajun and Creole artists, Balfa Week bills itself as “The Greatest Week of Cajun and Creole Culture on the Planet!”

Some of the instructors include Gina Forsyth, Courtney Granger, and David Greely.

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April 22 Pinchapalooza, Deanie’s Seafood Restaurant, Bucktown, pinchapalooza.com Located in the adjacent lot next door to Deanie’s Seafood in Bucktown, this fun-filled free event features delicious crawfish dishes

Baton Rouge Blues Festival April 14-15

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the impromptu jam sessions, or buy lunch, dinner, beverages, or snacks at the concession stand. No alcohol is allowed on the premises.

May 3-6 Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair, Thibodaux Fire Department Fairgrounds, Thibodaux, firemensfair.com The Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department invites you and your family to join them at the 133rd annual Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair, Southeast Louisiana’s largest and hottest fundraising fair. Come support volunteer firefighters while enjoying delicious food, cold drinks, plenty of games and rides, and live music from 90 Degrees West, Dylan Scott, and others.

Angola Spring Prison Rodeo April 21-22 from Deanie’s kitchen, crawfish-eating contests, and crawfish races for the kids. Oh, and there’s a terrific live music lineup with performances

by Cowboy Mouth, the Topcats, the Bucktown All-Stars, and Vince Vance and the Valiants.

April 25 Heritage Day, Destrehan Plantation, Destrehan, destrehanplantation.org Attendees will experience what life was like for both free people of color and slaves who worked on plantations in the 18th and 19th centuries. Attendees can enjoy Colonial-period music, candle making, blacksmithing, and more. Student, teacher, and chaperone tickets are $7, but for every 25 students, a teacher gains free admission.

April 25-29 Festival International de Louisiane, Downtown Lafayette, festivalinternational. org/event/festival-international-de-louisiane The 32nd annual festival celebrates the French history and culture integral to South Louisiana, featuring free music by a variety of performers and numerous options for food and fun. Come out and experience music from the Czech Republic, Gambia, Iran, Mali, and elsewhere. Don’t worry about using Porta Potties, because this event offers clean restrooms with air conditioning.

April 27 Zoo-To-Do for Kids, Audubon Zoo, audubonnatureinstitute.org/ztdk The 30th annual Zoo-To-Do for Kids will feature live entertainment (music and dance), games, crafts, inflatables, face painting, and food from vendors such as Biscuits & Buns on Banks and Slice Pizzeria. Audubon staff will be onsite to provide interactions with hand-held animals and bugs, and to provide learning experiences for the kids.

April 27-29 Etouffée Festival, St. John Francis Regis Church, Arnaudville, louisiana. kitchenandculture.com/event/arnaudvilleetouffee-festival The annual Etouffée Festival in Arnaudville is a great event for the entire family. Festivities include carnival rides, award-winning bands, bingo, an auto show, and plenty of étouffée.

Come and get a taste of the competition at the Mayor's Cook-Off, including crawfish, seafood, vegetables, and even wild game. This festival is held the fourth weekend of April every year.

May 3-18 Louisiana Pirate Festival, Lake Charles Civic Center, Lake Charles, visitlakecharles. org/events-festivals/louisiana-pirate-festival Unique to Lake Charles, this festival celebrates the legend of pirate Jean Lafitte, who allegedly buried his treasure somewhere along the lake. Pirates of all ages are encouraged to come out during the twoweek-long festival, which features carnival rides, games, entertainment, and live music on multiple stages. The festival closes with a spectacular fireworks display over beautiful Lake Charles.

April 27-29/May 3-6 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Fair Grounds Race Course, nojazzfest.com Jazz Fest is the celebration of the unique culture and heritage of New Orleans. Featuring an endless amount of music, succulent local and regional delicacies, one-of-a-kind handmade arts and crafts, second lines, and daiquiris, there is something for everyone at Jazz Fest. This year’s headliners include Aerosmith, Sting, LL Cool J, and Jimmy Buffett.

May 4 Whitney Zoo-To-Do, Audubon Zoo, audubonnatureinstitute.org/ztd Attend one of the most chic galas the Audubon Zoo has to offer, the Whitney Zooto-Do. Held annually the first Friday of May, Zoo-to-Do is an adult-only, black-tie fundraiser benefiting the Audubon Institute. Dance under the oaks while enjoying fine dining from over 70 restaurants, premium cocktails from more than 30 bars, and amazing auction prizes.

April 29 Louisiana Earth Day, LSU Campus, Baton Rouge, laearthday.org One of the nation’s largest environmental festivals will take place Sunday, April 17, in Downtown Baton Rouge. The festival features hands-on educational activities for all ages and live entertainment on several stages. Regional music and food remind us to enjoy and celebrate the unique culture and beauty of our state, while Earth Day helps us to preserve it.

May 4-5 Mayfest, Vernon Parish Courthouse, Leesville, vernonparish.org/mayfest Mayfest, winner of the Louey Award 2012 Festival of the Year, is an annual event held in historic Downtown Leesville the first weekend in May. Bring your lawn chairs and sit out on the courthouse lawn while enjoying two free days of family fun with live music, artists, vendors, plenty of food, and children's activities.

April 30 Instruments A Comin’, Tipitina’s, tipitinas. com/events This uniquely New Orleans celebration begins with an outdoor festival, silent auction, a battle of the marching bands, and a performance by Tipitina’s interns. An indoor concert follows with proceeds used to support New Orleans public school band programs.

This festival has now placed more than $3.2 million worth of musical instruments in over 100 Louisiana schools.

May 4-6 Alex River Fête, Downtown Alexandria, cityofalexandriala.com Take a trip to downtown Alexandria

April 30-May 2 NOLA Crawfish Festival, Central City BBQ, nolacrawfishfest.com The NOLA Crawfish Festival is one of a kind in New Orleans, with three days of music, beer, and hot boiled crawfish from NOLA Crawfish King. Local breweries such as Port Orleans will be on hand with their flagship brews for the perfect accompaniment to the mounds of mudbugs and fixings you’ll be consuming.

- MAY May 3-5 Bluegrass Festival, Deville, bluegrassdog.com Creole and Zydeco aren't the only types of music in the Pelican State. For 39 years, the small town of Deville has hosted the Hickory Grove Bluegrass Festival, featuring bluegrass and gospel music. Bring your instruments to

12 | Spring Festivals Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

and celebrate the Alex River Fête. Arts organizations and programs have teamed up with the city of Alexandria to make this a fun event that everyone can enjoy. The three-day festivities include live music, food, boat races, and an art walk. Some of the bands include Mike Tam, Nayo Jones, and Hoochie Digs.

May 4-6 Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, Parc Hardy, Breaux Bridge, bbcrawfest.com The world famous Crawfish Festival began in 1960 after Breaux Bridge was named the Crawfish Capital of the World in 1959. The festival includes crawfish in many forms, from food to races to crawfish-themed crafts and novelties, and has also become one of the largest gatherings of world-famous Cajun musicians, with 30 bands performing.

May 4-6 Our Lady of Prompt Succor Tomato Festival, Chalmette, olpsschool.org Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church and School invites St. Bernard Parish residents and visitors to celebrate a local delicacy and kick off the Creole tomato season with delicious food, live local entertainment, games, and rides.

The annual Tomato Queen Pageant is held on Saturday, and a 5K race and fun run takes place before the festival.

May 5 Jammin’ on Julia, 300-700 blocks of Julia Street, artsdistrictneworleans.com This annual festival benefits the nonprofit Arts District New Orleans. The event features 16 contemporary art galleries, three world-class museums presenting visual and performance arts, and numerous bars and restaurants all working together to reinforce the unique qualities of the Arts District. There will be art, refreshments, and music on the street, as well as inside the galleries.

May 5 Herb and Garden Festival, Marie Street, Sunset, sunsetherbfestival.com Held the first Saturday in May, this event features everything for the garden enthusiast: plants, herbal products, pottery, garden art, and informative presentations. Get there early to attend the Master Gardener presentations.

There will also be food and crafts for sale.

Children are welcome to attend. Bring your wagon to load up, but no pets or ice chests allowed.

Tulane University Crawfest April 21

WhereYat.com | April 2018 | 13

May 5 Louisiana Dragon Boat Races, Alexandria Museum of Art, Alexandria, themuseum.org/ ldbr Experience authentic dragon boat racing down Bayou Teche. These boats are powered by 20 paddlers while one drummer keeps the beat. In addition to the races on the river, the event will feature art and food vendors, entertainment, and interactive art exhibitions.

There are even contests for most team spirit and the best-dressed drummer.

Hosted by the East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity, this festival provides an opportunity for families and friends to celebrate our veterans and thank them for their service.

The Louisiana Veterans Festival will offer a car show; high-level entertainment, including the WWII Museum Victory Belles; unique arts and crafts; food and beverages,; and children’s activities.

May 23-27 New Orleans Food & Wine Experience, New Orleans, nowfe.com NOWFE is one of the premier events in the Big Easy, showcasing what the city does best.

In its 26th anniversary year, the festival has become one of the most incredible culinary events in the nation, attracting over 7,000 gourmands and connoisseurs, as well as artand music- lovers, to enjoy wine pairings and food tastings.

May 11 Jazz In The Park Crab Festival, Armstrong Park, pufap.org People United for Armstrong Park (PUfAP), the proud presenters of Jazz in the Park, partner with Budweiser to present the 2nd Annual Jazz in the Park Crab Festival in Armstrong Park, with music by Michael Franks & Loose Ends. This festival features the crustacean in dishes that range from dips and mac and cheese to soft-shell and boiled crabs.

May 12 Old Metairie Crawfish Festival and CookOff, St. Catherine of Siena Church and School, Metairie, gadamiii28.wixsite.com/ scsmensclub/old-metairie-cookoff Come out for plenty of crawfish-themed fun at this sixth annual crawfish celebration.

Celebrity judges vote for the best crawfish recipe, and winners will get an engraved crawfish pot! Festival guests can enjoy endless amounts of crawfish, hot dogs, and jambalaya.

The festival also features live music, beer, and entertainment for the children.

May 12 Crawfish Mambo, University Center, University of New Orleans Campus, crawfishmambo.com It’s the peak of the crawfish season, and this all-you-can-eat crawfish cook-off might be the

Louisiana Pirate Festival May 3-18 best way to celebrate it. In addition to copious amounts of mudbugs, the event will feature local artists selling their work, as well as many live music acts. Mambo is family-friendly, and children seven and under are free.

May 18-20 Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo, 500 N. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, thebayouboogaloo.com Bayou Boogaloo features music, food, arts and handicrafts, and other sensory delights.

Fest-goers can leisurely stroll about, grab some great New Orleans food items and a cold drink, and go sit by the waterside and enjoy it, while listening to the music of some of the city's top bands. The entire festival is free and open to the public.

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May 18-20 Plaquemines Parish Seafood and Heritage Festival, Belle Chasse, plaqueminesparishfestival.com Come celebrate the rich heritage of the people of Plaquemines Parish. Visitors will enjoy great local seafood and other food specialties.The festival offers continuous live music from popular local bands including traditional Cajun music, as well as crafts from local artisans, carnival rides, sandbagging contests, the Seafood Queen Pageant, and helicopter rides over the Mississippi River.

May 19 Louisiana Veterans Festival, Slidell, laveteransfestival.com

May 25-27 New Orleans Greek Fest, Bayou St. John, greekfestnola.com It’s that time of the year again: lamb gyros, baklava sundaes, and Hellenic dancing— Tricentennial edition! Enjoy authentic Greek food and music and take a tour of the oldest Greek Orthodox cathedral in America. Peruse the outdoor marketplace for jewelry, clothing, and festival wear. There’s even an Athenian playground for the kids. Opa! May 26 Slidell Jazz and Blues Festival, Heritage Park, slidelljazzandblues.com Benefitting Notes for Education Northshore, the 4th Annual Slidell Jazz and Blues Festival showcases the hottest up-and-coming area musicians and will feature a headlining performance by the Free Agents Brass Band.

Be sure to bring the entire family for a day of music, food, and sno-balls! Blankets and chairs are encouraged.

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WhereYat.com | April 2018 | 15

French Quarter Fest Visit WhereYat.com for Complete FQF Schedule

By Eddy Guttierrez III

A

s the French Quarter Festival enters its 35th year, the event continues its evolution from a small, neighborhoodfocused event to the largest celebration of Louisiana music, food, art, and culture in the world. Featuring over 300 musical acts on 23 stages, ranging from traditional jazz to hip-hop brass; more than 60 food vendors, featuring local culinary institutions like Antoine’s, Tujague’s, and the Court of Two Sisters; and events and stages throughout the Vieux Carre, the festival will add new elements for patrons to enjoy.

New to this year’s festival is the NOLA. com Fest Family Experience, located in the Jax Brewery parking lot. For $375, those looking for a more comfortable festival experience can enjoy a raised viewing platform adjacent to the Abita Beer Stage, private bars with free beer and cocktails, complimentary water and snacks, air conditioning, and shaded areas. The

Photos by Gus Escanelle admission price covers all four days of the festival and also includes insider perks, like a laminated credential, official merchandise, merchandise discounts, and more.

The festival began in 1983 to support French Quarter businesses disrupted by sidewalk and street construction during the 1984 World’s Fair. This year, the event’s new Gateway to Bourbon Street Stage helps the fest to continue fulfilling its founding purpose by bringing patrons back to the newly reopened 100 block of Bourbon Street, where recent street reconstruction has slowed business and foot traffic to a crawl.

Another new addition to this year’s festival, Ernie’s Schoolhouse Stage, features up-and-coming local student musicians such as the Landry-Walker High School band, the Martin Luther King High School Brass Band, and the NOCCA Jazz Ensemble, giving these young artists the chance to not only perform at the festival, but to gain the vital marketing and

16 | Spring Festivals Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

business skills needed to promote their careers. In addition to these new stages, a record-breaking 33 musical acts, including performers such as Rechell Cook and the Regeneration Band, Deltaphonic, and The Quickening, will be making their French Quarter Festival debuts in 2018, joining favorites like Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Irma Thomas, Jon Cleary, and Partners-N-Crime.

In a city renowned around the world for its unique traditional cuisine, French Quarter Festival delivers a wide array of options. There are both classic New Orleans restaurants that have participated in the festival since its inaugural year, like Pat O’Brien’s, Vaucresson Sausage, and Desire Oyster Bar, as well as vendors like The Company Burger, Café Dauphine, and SoBou, entering their first year at the event. In addition to the numerous food options available at the festival, there will be some new beverage choices as well.

Abita Brewing Company will be running a beer garden for the first time this year, featuring 13 lesser-known brews, such as Shotgun Double, Maison Blanc, and Old Fashioned Pale Ale, as well as old favorites like Purple Haze and Amber.

In addition to the boozy offerings, Pepsi will be launching Bubly, a zero-calorie flavored sparkling water, at all booths serving soft drinks.

Those looking for savory treats like beignets, fried seafood, or cochon de lait can find those in abundance, but this year, attendees looking for lighter fare or those with special dietary needs will find some new additions that suit them just fine as well.

One new vendor, The Daily Beet, will feature vegetarian fare, such as mango spring rolls with a peanut ginger dipping sauce and avocado toast. Kingfish Kitchen and Cocktails

will present a pickled, blackened shrimp dish over cabbage slaw with honey mustard dressing, and The Company Burger will offer a turkey burger. The festival’s website, frenchquarterfest.org, will also designate food items as gluten-free, sugar-free, or vegetarian on the event’s culinary lineup.

As French Quarter Festival celebrates its 35th birthday, the city of New Orleans celebrates its 300th. Among the numerous events and ceremonies honoring the city’s tricentennial this year, the festival will also offer ways for attendees to wish the city a happy birthday. The New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation will sponsor the Tricentennial Homecoming Pavilion, which will showcase exhibits featuring famous New Orleanians throughout history, a hospitality lounge, and a story booth featuring the One Time in NOLA tourism slogan. The festival’s main stage in Jackson Square will be named the Hilton Tricentennial Stage for this year’s festival, and will feature artists such as John Boutte and Ellis Marsalis.

A fireworks show over the Mississippi River will take place Saturday, April 14, immediately after the music ends on the Abita Beer Stage around 9 p.m.

Voted by locals to be one of the city’s favorite festivals, French Quarter Festival is sure to deliver a wide variety of local Louisiana food and music that all people can enjoy. Featuring a number of new musical acts and food vendors, including a number of food items for people with special dietary needs, the festival is stronger than ever in its 35th year, and like New Orleans in her 300th, promises to keep getting better.

Be sure to visit whereyat.com for the complete French Quarter Festival lineup and more information on the festival.

WhereYat.com | April 2018 | 17

From Pond to Pot: Crawfishing in Louisiana

By Kathy Bradshaw

P

eel. Pinch. Suck. Eat. Most of us know how to get the crawfish from the plate (or tray) to our mouths. Or from the bucket to the boiling pot. And that is, after all, the crucial part. But have you ever stopped to think about how the crawfish got to your supermarket, favorite restaurant, or annual backyard boil in the first place?

I interviewed two crawfish farmers to find what exactly is involved in bringing those tasty mudbugs from “pond to pot,” as they say it.

Dave and Patsy Durio are a husband-and-wife crawfish couple who have been in the business for about nine years. They have around 60 acres of crawfish ponds just north of Henderson, Louisiana, which contain a total of approximately 1,400 crawfish traps. Each trap is about two feet tall and a foot and a half wide, and usually holds at least 45 crawfish, or around three pounds (more in warmer weather). This means that during what Patsy considers an average year (their season goes from January through May), they bring in somewhere around 12,000 pounds of the savory crustaceans.

And while that would provide ample crawfish at a boil for around 3,000 of your closest friends

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(or 10 minutes’ worth of crawfish for 1,846 worldchampion competitive crawfish eaters), that is actually a relatively small yield. The AgCenter at LSU says that the state of Louisiana produces as much as 150 million pounds of crawfish each year. So, what the Durios manage to cultivate from their ponds is indeed small potatoes (not unlike the spicy kind you mix in with your corn and crawfish). It’s a real familyrun business. Dave and sons Joey, Jason, and Lee are the only ones who do the fishing, weighing, grading, and bagging, while Patsy drives around to local businesses to sell their alive-and-pinching product and also makes a mean etouffée.

Therefore, the Durios definitely can’t keep up with the big-wig crawfish farmers, who use their crawfish clout to control the market and set the going rate one can get for the critters. But that’s okay, because Dave and Patsy are all about quality over quantity.

“Our ponds are not the best producers,” Patsy explains. “But what we get are awesome crawfish. We get big, beautiful crawfish because we’re so close to the [Atchafalaya] Basin. We have pretty crawfish.”

I visited the Durios’ crawfish farm and not only got to see them in action, but also got to take part in the crawfishing process myself.

We drove out to the ponds in something that

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looked like a cross between a tractor and a golf cart, and was the ideal machine to deal with all that mud. Then, decked out in tall, waterproof boots and rubber gloves, we started the work of harvesting the crawfish traps. The traps had been baited the day before with huge blocks of dry crawfish food that all the crawfish scamper to devour. Branching out from just kitty chow, Purina actually produces this crawfish bait, which they call “Southern Pride Crawfish Food.”

The Durios own two boats, known as crawfish harvesters or combines.

The boats are small, with just enough room in them for a few people and a few baskets of crawfish (humans are severely outnumbered). The crawfish regularly escape the baskets in the boat and squirm around underfoot. I was constantly worried about squishing them with my heavy, clunky fishing boots. Death by crushing somehow seemed to up the cruelty factor over boiling them alive.

One person drives the boat while another pulls a trap from the water, dumps the crawfish into a basket beside them, replaces

the empty trap in the water again, and moves on to the next trap. The whole process is flowing and seamless: the boat is constantly moving while the traps are pulled, dumped, and replaced—one by one—along a long row of traps that run the length of the pond. Every pond has multiple rows of crawfish traps—just how many rows depends on the size of the pond.

On a good day, you’ll fill up several baskets of crawfish.

On a bad day, you’ll end your fishing excursion with half-empty baskets, after having dumped rows of halfempty traps.

But either way, after fishing, it’s time to grade and weigh your catch. This involves dumping the baskets of crawfish onto a table covered with pipes, called a grading table.

The table helps separate the crawfish by size, as only the small ones fall through the spaces between the pipes. If a crawfish remains on top of the grading table, on the other hand, it can be considered good-sized, good quality, and sellable. The crappy little undergrown ones that slip through the cracks are called “peelers.”

Peelers are the runts of the litter, the tiny, less-than-a-mouthful crawfish—the ones where the effort of peeling them isn’t even balanced out by the meat produced. And unfortunately, a lot of crawfish farmers try to sell these sloppy seconds as if they were the real deal. In other words, peelers are the day-old baked goods, knock-off purses, or refurbished electronics of the crawfish world that they try to pass off as equally good.

So, the next time you are served a plate full of peelers, don’t jump to the conclusion that it’s a lousy crawfish season.

Those might just be lousy crawfish.

Patsy gets upset that people are forced to pay the same price per pound whether they’re getting big, hearty crawfish like theirs or the itsy bitsy peelers.

“I’ll go in seafood places sometimes just to see what the crawfish look like,” she says, “and I can’t believe they’re selling that at that price. It’s really not fair when we take such good care of our product.” The Durios sell their small peelers at a highly discounted price to peeling plants or their neighbors, who use the meat for etouffee and other dishes.

Following the grading process, the crawfish are dumped into sacks that are tied, weighed on a hand-held scale, recorded, stacked, and loaded into a truck for delivery.

Dave and Patsy bring their crawfish to their clients quicker than you can say “etouffee,” in order to guarantee the freshest, healthiest crawfish. Just how fast do they get them there?

“Maybe about an hour and a half or two hours after they’re out of the pond, unless there’s traffic,” Patsy says.

“Nobody else does that.” She goes on to explain that many crawfish farmers keep their catch in coolers for four or five days—or Fed-Ex them overnight to New York City—so that by the time they get to the buyer, not all of the critters have pulled through. And nothing says “less than fresh” (or less than appetizing) like a bunch of dead crawfish mixed in with the survivors.

The Durios sell to various restaurants, private customers, and supermarkets such as Winn-Dixie. “That’s an experience, going to the Winn-Dixie parking lot and unloading those crawfish,” Dave explains. “Going through the store, you must get asked about 10 to 12

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different questions: ‘Where’d you catch those?’

‘Are you selling those?’ ‘How much are you selling them for?’ “Can I have one?’ ‘When is the free day?’…”

At the end of every season, the Durios and other crawfish farmers slowly drain their ponds, forcing the remaining crawfish to burrow into the mud. Usually having already spawned before burrowing, the aptly named mudbugs chill out in their burrows from around June through October, keeping themselves busy hibernating and watching their eggs grow. The first babies start to appear in November and, Patsy explains, are about the size of a tater tot.

But by the end of January, they’ve already developed into adults and the harvesting begins.

Crawfish are much more sophisticated and elaborate creatures than we give them credit for. For instance, crawfish molt. That means that when they outgrow their exoskeletons, they shed them and grow new ones (a slightly gruesome process that leaves a layer of orange scum on top of the ponds when it occurs). But according to Patsy, the molting schedule of

crawfish is based on the cycles of the moon and other such complicated factors.

When I visited the Durios’ crawfish farm, I came home with a new pet. She was a young, probably two-month old female crawfish who I named Monica, after the Jazz Fest delight, Crawfish Monica. She lives in an aquarium in my room and entertains me with her crawfish shenanigans. When I am asked how I can bear to keep a pet crawfish and still eat her cousins over rice, I justify it by explaining that I merely do as the crawfish do.

They kill and eat each other, too.

Though crawfish are usually found in large groups, they are not so very neighborly after all. They normally burrow alone or, at most, as a malefemale pair. And when I abducted Monica from the ponds, I wanted to bring home a friend for her as well. But Dave and Patsy assured me that a second crawfish would not provide good company, but rather a good game of “survival of the fittest.”

Yes, crawfish are tough critters. They say that the crawfish is the only animal that will stand its ground—with arms raised in a

defensive stance—against a speeding freight train barreling down on it. And there’s nothing meaner than a hungry crawfish. “At the beginning of the season, the snakes go into the traps to eat the crawfish. At the end of the season, it’s just the opposite,” Dave says. “The snakes go in the traps and the crawfish eat them.”

“And once, a bird stuck his head in the trap at the end of the season. When we picked up that trap, there was nothing left of the bird’s head but bones,” he adds. “The crawfish had actually grabbed and pulled him into the trap.”

Even on their small scale, the Durios devote a lot of time and effort to their profession.

They brave alligators and snakes in the ponds.

And Dave and his son Joey both already have full-time jobs working in IT, and have to manage to fit about 30 hours a week of crawfish farming into their busy schedules.

Juggling both crawfish and computers can get a little hectic. Dave explains, “I’ll work my computer job from 6:00 in the morning until 3:30 in the afternoon. I get to the ponds at 4:30 and I meet Joey, who’s got the same kind of IT schedule as I do. We’re fishing by 5:00; we’re getting out of the ponds by around 7:30.

By about 9:30, we’re dropping off our orders to customers that Patsy has contacted. I’m home for 10:00 and in bed for 11:00.” And the next day, he does it all over again. “And I’m 62 years old,” he adds.

Despite the hard work and potential danger involved, both Dave and Patsy really enjoy their crawfish universe. Dave loves his day job, but he’s really a crawfisherman at heart. “I mean, it’s such a different part of my life from the

computer stuff. I’m in the cubicle all week, and that actually makes me more tired than doing the hard labor that I do back in the ponds,” Dave says. “I’m pulling traps, I’m steering this boat. If I get stuck, I’ve got to get out; I’ve got to push the boat. I’m picking up 35-pound sacks of crawfish—last week I did 40 sacks, and I’m not nearly as tired as when I do the computer thing.”

“It takes all your life, but it’s been an experience. I enjoy it back there in the ponds,” Patsy agrees. “It’s a time to dump the brain and just be in nature.”

Dave plans to retire in about five years, and he and Patsy will move to their house outside Henderson to live year-round, rather than only during crawfish season. He even wants to get extra lights on his boat to be able to fish at night. “Or maybe night vision glasses,” Dave jokes. “Then I’ll fish more to sell more. I’m looking forward to that.”

A tip from the experts: Dave and Patsy swear by Zatarain’s Pro Boil for their boiled crawfish. Patsy says to add one and a half containers of the seasoning per sack of crawfish. No salt. After removing them from the boiling water, immediately add a bag of ice and let them soak for 35 to 45 minutes. Juicy crawfish guaranteed!

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VACATIONEXPRESS.COM | 800.309.4717 *Price based on travel 5/18. Advertised prices available for bookings made electronically through your travel agent or on vacationexpress.com; small service fee of $10 applies when booking through Vacation Express Call Center. Packages with airfare prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Above offers are only valid for new bookings. For full terms and conditions, hotel and description of all services, please refer to the Vacation Express 2018 brochure or call for details. Some upgrades are subject to availability upon check-in. Packages are limited and subject to change without prior notice. Vacation Express public charter flights operated by Sunwing Airlines or Swift Air, LLC. Mandatory $10 Tourist Card must be purchased upon arrival to Punta Cana and is not included in above package prices. Book by 4/20/18. Not responsible for errors or omissions. Registered Florida seller of travel no. St 38441. State of California Seller of Travel Certificate of Registration #2107538-40.

WhereYat.com | April 2018 | 21

Al Scramuzza Still Reigns As the Crawfish King

By Emily Hingle

H

zz Ward ANDERSON EAST The Soul Rebels / The New Respects / The Main Squeeze

Mo Lowda & the Humble / The Vegabonds / 79rs Gang Mardi Gras Indian Band / Cenla Brass Band

DINNER ON THE BRICKS / ART FÊTE / MOSAIC DISTRICT / LIVE MUSIC Louisiana Dragon Boat Races TM / INDIE VILLAGE / CLASSIC CAR FÊTE KIDS FÊTE / STREET PERFORMERS / FOOD / LOCAL TALENT

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22 | Spring Festivals Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

e sits with an air of pride at my side. “I was the guy that brought crawfish to the city of New Orleans,” Al Scramuzza stated proudly. “I opened my business in 1949, and in 1950, I brought crawfish to New Orleans.”

Al, the proprietor of the long-running, much beloved restaurant Seafood City, has been boiling crawfish before most New Orleanians even knew what they were. From very humble beginnings, Al worked his way up to become a cultural icon, as well as a hero to anyone who loves eating pounds of delicious, flavorful crawfish every season.

New Orleanians were eating crawfish before Al opened Seafood City; however, it was considered to be a meal that only poor people would eat when they had no other choice. “A lot of people ask me, ‘How did you know about boiling crawfish when nobody else knew about it?’” he said. Al grew up in poverty and regularly supplemented his meals with crawfish, as well as anything else he could come by.

Al’s father left his wife and six children

behind in the early 1930s, right at the beginning of the Great Depression. The eldest of his mother’s children became a nun, and his other older siblings were sent to Hope Haven Orphanage. Only Al and one other sibling remained at the family home. The poor family relied on food stamps to get by. He recounted, “We really, really had to hold on to that food because it wasn’t much. I was a low man.”

To try and keep his family from starving, young Al worked as much as he could and found food in strange places. “[Being barefoot all the time], I used to shine shoes during the daytime, sell newspapers at night, and try to go to school the next day.

A lot of days, I would skip school and get some crabs and shrimp at the French Market,” Al explained. He wouldn’t buy the seafood, though. He would grab whatever creatures fell through the slats of the wooden planks of the docks when the seafood was being transported.

He continued, “I’d get underneath that doggone truck with my bucket, and I’d get all those shrimp up, man, and put them in the bucket.” He claimed that he would get

about five pounds of shrimp and a dozen crabs that way.

Al knew that he also had to pick up some vegetables for dinner, so he would walk around the produce section of the market, reach his hand into trucks loaded with okra, tomatoes, and potatoes, and steal the vegetables.

His mother took his pilfered groceries and made “a gumbo that was out of this world.”

He would also take discarded beignets from the car-side service at Morning Call (now Café Du Monde) that young lovers would never finish because they were too busy necking to eat their treats.

Eventually, when Al turned nine years old, he was sent to the orphanage, too. It was during this time that he learned how to boil crawfish on his own. He and the neighbors would go out crawfish hunting and take them back to the neighborhood to boil them. Al explained, “In those days, crawfish was a poor man’s food. In Louisiana, it was considered as a trash food. People did not eat it. But we ate it.

Folks would go out in the neighborhood into the swamps and catch six sacks of crawfish and they’d bring them. We’d make a concoction of seasonings, peppers, and spices—whatever we wanted to put together. We’d boil the crawfish, and the aroma would be all over the neighborhood. People would come from blocks and blocks away with their pots and pans, and they’d bring some home.”

Still, crawfish didn’t catch on as a delicacy until after Al opened his first business. He was released from the orphanage in his mid-teens, and he eventually went into the military.

After being discharged in his early 20s, Al opened Broadview Seafood where he sold boiled seafood.

Crawfish, his childhood staple, wasn’t on the menu just yet.

One fateful Friday morning, Al was approached by a Cajun man who was trying to sell crawfish to the restaurant. Al remembered, “This Cajun came by with an old vegetable truck with about 30 sacks of crawfish. He pulled right up and said, ‘You look like you have a pretty good location to sell these things.’ He came from out in the country; people in New Orleans

didn’t know about it, but he did have a few customers.”

Al bought the man’s crawfish, not knowing how people would take to them.

But after learning from Al how to boil, season, and eat the creatures, his customers were hooked. The man kept returning to Al to sell him however much he could, but the Cajun man couldn’t provide Al with the dozens of sacks he needed every day. Al decided to find out where the guy was sourcing his crawfish, so he followed him down to Cajun country one day to find the fisherman.

Al spotted the Cajun man speaking to a fisherman, and he walked up to the fisherman and offered a better deal than the Cajun man was giving him. He also asked the man to provide him with the names of other fishermen he could use, and Al finally had more crawfish than he could handle. Al moved his business to the corner of Broad Street and St. Bernard Avenue and renamed it Seafood City.

He advertised the new food by paying kids to dangle crawfish from fishing rods for passing cars to see. People were intrigued by crawfish, but had no clue how to cook them. He said, “I started running a rigorous campaign teaching people how to eat crawfish, how to peel crawfish, how to boil crawfish. Notwithstanding, I was still getting rid of all these crawfish, and a lot of people still didn’t know what to do with them.” For decades he taught the citizens of New Orleans every aspect of crawfish cuisine with his campaign for decades, through TV morning shows and public appearances.

At his 90th birthday party at Melba’s Restaurant, Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser presented him with the inaugural Seafood Champion Award. Nungesser said of Al’s contribution to New Orleans cuisine, “Al Scramuzza was and still is a staple in the Greater New Orleans area for fresh, local Louisiana seafood. His dedication to promoting and championing Louisiana seafood since he opened Seafood City is insurmountable.”

Al still won’t divulge his secret recipe for his famous boil, but his spirit lies in every single batch of crawfish that gets cooked.

Celebrate Easter 2018!

35th Annual Chris Owens’ Easter Sunday Celebration April 1st

Join Us at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel at 11 am Hat Contest w/ Prizes & More!

Easter Parade Participants: Cocktail Party at Chris Owens’ Club Saturday, March 31 Complimentary hors d’oeuvres, champagne and wine, followed

by Chris Owens’ Easter show.

Parade Starts at 1 pm at the Omni Royal Orleans For tickets to all events, call:

Kitsy Adams 504-495-8383

WhereYat.com | April 2018 | 23

fundamental bartending skills and other industry secrets that’ll impress your friends at your next get-together. Want to test your mixologist’s palate? New Orleans Drink Lab also offers two-hour master-tasting classes for wine, bourbon, and whiskey. Call or visit New Orleans Drink Lab’s website to check schedules and register for classes. 343 Baronne St., 504-522-8664, drinklabnola.com

Shaken, Not Stirred 101 Mixology Classes in New Orleans

By Carolyn Heneghan

L

ove it or leave it, it’s no secret that New Orleans culture and lifestyle often coexist with—if not revolve around— drinking and nightlife. From soaring dancefloor highs to Bourbon Street puddle lows, the city’s earned its reputation among the uninitiated as a “wasted wonderland.”

But for those of us who know better, the Big Easy’s ties to booze have lush, historical roots, like any other aspect of the area’s cultural heritage.

Sipping locally made craft cocktails or even knowing which cocktail recipes originated in the city is a good start. But the next level of understanding and appreciation for New Orleans’s cocktail culture comes from a local mixology class. Mixology classes can vary by length, format, and amenities. But in general, picture a typical New Orleans cooking class and swap in cocktails instead of cuisine.

“Most people, tourists and locals alike, know that the Hurricane and Sazerac are classic New Orleans drinks, but they don’t know why,” Lindsay Oliver, general manager at The Maison, said. “Learning where these cocktails fit into the historical context of New Orleans and how they’re made gives a deeper understanding of how this city has contributed to the thriving cocktail culture around the world.”

Not all these experiences are meant to be accredited bartending courses, so don’t necessarily expect to have “learned to make ‘em all on the rocks with a twist.” But what all these New Orleans mixology classes do offer is a deeper dive into the city’s contributions to and relationship with cocktails. And some even go a step further and offer you real, employment-worthy bartending skills.

New Orleans Drink Lab Master bartender and Victory bar founder Daniel Victory launched New Orleans Drink Lab next door to his Downtown bar in October 2015. He aimed to help continue the city’s exploration of craft cocktail culture, which Victory himself helped pioneer. He and his team of master bartenders offer two, two-hour mixology classes, which also include a small lunch to help absorb the effects of frequent cocktail-sipping.

The Classic New Orleans Cocktails class focuses on famous local cocktails and their preparation, such as the Ramos Gin Fizz and original Hurricane. The Makings of Mixology class offers a rundown of

24 | Spring Festivals Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

The Maison The New Orleans Mixology Class at The Maison on Frenchmen Street is a weekly, Thursday-evening class where participants learn to make four cocktails. Each of the cocktails is quintessential to New Orleans’s drinking culture: the Sazerac, Pimm's Cup, Hurricane, and Vieux Carre. The instructor prepares each cocktail during the class, so attendees can imbibe the flavors, aromas, and other intoxicating effects of the cocktails themselves.

But all the while, students also learn the history and flavor profiles of each cocktail.

That includes each beverage’s list of unique ingredients, particularly in the context of local culture and history. And having one too many or early senility aside, you won’t have to remember every detail of the day’s lesson—Maison’s mixology experts will send you home with a handy informational packet to flip through later. 508 Frenchmen St., 504-371-5543, maisonfrenchmen.com/neworleans-mixology-class-at-the-maison Mixology Classes US – New Orleans The national brand Mixology Classes US operates in several major cities across the country, so it should come as no surprise that New Orleans is included on that list.

The company specializes in hosting private mixology classes at local cocktail bars, particularly for couples, bachelorette parties, team-building seminars, and other special events. Visit their website for class details and reservations.

This experience may not be as locally focused as other classes offered in the area, but if fun, basic cocktail-making classes are what you seek, this company has you covered. mixologyclassesus.com

Revel Café & Bar What most distinguishes the mixology classes at Revel in Mid-City is undoubtedly the master level of expertise offered by lead instructor Chris McMillian, one of the city’s most written-about bartenders. Imbibe Magazine named McMillian among the 25 most influential cocktail personalities in the past 100 years. He’s also won a James Beard Award for best bar program and was a founding member of the Museum of the American Cocktail. Need any more convincing that McMillian knows his way around a stiff drink?

That expertise and comfort behind the bar comes through in Revel’s hands-on mixology classes, usually consisting of about 10 to 15 participants. The classes may focus on a range of classic New Orleans cocktails, as well as various genres of libations, from gin and bourbon to the Tiki drinks trend that continues to emerge citywide. Classes usually last anywhere from 90 minutes to two hours, and you can now book classes online as opposed to personal bookings, which were formerly Revel’s exclusive mixology-class offering. 133 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-309-6122, revelcafeandbar.com Crescent School of Gaming & Bartending Want to take your mixology skills up a notch—maybe even to a pro level? Crescent School of Gaming & Bartending offers threeweek bartending courses and 12-week beverage management courses for those looking to turn their mixology hobby into a more lucrative career. Through rigorous hands-on training, Crescent will arm you with everything you need to feel confident working behind a bar, whether it be at your next house party or your next job. 209 N. Broad St., 504-822-3362, crescent.edu Drinking is an often loudly celebrated aspect of NOLA life. But that endless party vibe tends to drown out the more compelling nuances and historical context of local cocktail culture. If you’re looking for a more interactive and engaging way to enjoy cocktails in New Orleans, mixology classes could shake up your normal Happy Hour routine.

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WhereYat.com | April 2018 | 25

Why Is There Chicory in My Coffee?

The History of a Local Favorite

By Kimmie Tubre

I

t’s morning, and you’re preparing to enjoy a nice lazy day of leisure. Part of that process is heading over to your favorite local coffee house or breakfast spot around town. It’s there where you will grab a cup of joe. Whether it’s medium roast, dark, or a café au lait, you’ve already made up your mind that chicory will be a part of the equation. As you sit there, lazily sipping on that cup of coffee, you think to yourself, “Self, what the heck is chicory?”

We All Love Chicory We love to love that bitterly sweet taste, and we aren’t the only ones.

When tourists visit, they are eager to stand in incredibly long lines at Café Du Monde. Famously known for its powdered sugarcovered fried dough (beignets) and live street jazz nearby, this popular French Quarter café offers more than just beignets.

26 | Spring Festivals Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

Photos by Sammy O'Dell

After jotting down that double order of beignets, servers will ask the guest about their choice of beverage. If they choose the local classic, café au lait, rest assured that it will include chicory. In fact, several locally grown coffee shops do the same, rarely asking if you would like chicory coffee or not.

“This is a part of the culture,” a local barista mentioned. “If you order a café au lait, I automatically use the chicory blend.”

When it comes to the tradition, chicory is a familiar and sometimes essential part of everyday coffee.

But the bigger question is, why?

After taking a poll throughout the French Quarter, it became clear that many people indulge in the bitter-flavored coffee with chicory without knowing what it is or where it comes from.

What is Chicory?

Chicory is actually a wild-growing flowering plant of the dandelion family, similar to the endive and

typically with blue flowers. While the exact origins of the plant aren’t concrete, it’s been said that the plant originated in the Mediterranean regions of the world, with a history that dates back to ancient Egypt.

Chicory has been cultivated for a variety of different reasons. From China to North America, it has a history that expands across the seas. Egyptians used the plant for medicinal purposes, while Greeks, Turks, and Romans used the leaves of the plant as a vegetable for their salads and some main dishes.

Being that the plant holds a bitter taste, most cultures used it for other purposes, including animal feed, stimulators, and, of course, a mixture to substitute for or include with coffee grounds.

After a life span of more than 5,000 years, chicory eventually made its way to the southern regions of North America, specifically making a lasting impression on the Big Easy. But,

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NOLA wasn’t the first region to blend chicory with coffee beans.

Chicory Coffee: The Beginning Chicory became a huge export for Europe around the turn of the 19th century. It was such a popular substance that it spread throughout the continent, from Holland to Belgium, Denmark, and Germany. While it had become a daily product for German women, France seemed to have the strongest love for it.

Taking the root of the plant, coffee makers would ground and roast the chicory to be brewed with coffee.

With New Orleans being France’s largest trading port in North America at the time, coffee had already become a major part of New Orleans culture. The region was filled with coffee plantations, and it wasn’t uncommon for workers to grab a warm cup of coffee from Creole maidens selling it in the French Quarter. By 1840, the port of New Orleans was the second largest importer of coffee in the United States.

For two decades, New Orleans dominated the coffee industry. That all changed during the Civil War, when New Orleans was cut off from ships delivering to the port.

Desperate for coffee that they could not obtain, locals began to experiment with

several natural products to create the taste they'd grown to love. Following the lead of their French ancestors, they eventually adapted chicory as an almost perfect substitute for coffee.

Over the years, chicory would be used during times of economic struggle and when coffee was sparse. That struggle for coffee led chicory to become a major staple and the ingredient that has made the coffee of New Orleans uniquely defined.

Is Chicory Good for You? When you ask a local about chicory, they will tell you that it’s a part of the culture and tradition of the city. They will tell you that they like the taste and how wonderfully unique it is. But, what they won’t tell you, and maybe they simply don’t know, is that chicory actually has several health benefits.

With Egyptians using the plant as medicine and Indians blending it into teas, it’s said that chicory can help save organs and fight against several ailments, including gout, jaundice, and even arthritis.

While there’s no word of the plant being healthy inside of your café au lait, you can be sure that you are drinking a drink that is a part of a very unique culture of people. And, it tastes pretty darn good!

Kevin Belton facebook.com/acfno

daniel bonnot

jean-luc albin

@acfno

American Culinary Federation of New Orleans

Introducing the new $20.18 Spring Lunch Special at Antoine’s Restaurant!

Available Monday through Saturday

www.antoines.com | 504-581-4422 713 Rue Saint Louis New Orleans, LA 70130 WhereYat.com | April 2018 | 27

28 | Spring Festivals Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

WhereYat.com | April 2018 | 29

MUSICCALENDAR

Be sure to check out our new interactive concert calendar at WhereYat.com!

Little Tropical Isle - Mark Parsons Maison – Jazz Vipers Maple Leaf - Cole Williams Band and Trapper Keaper Marigny Brasserie - Grayson Brockamp Morning Call - Krewe du Two Mulate’s - Lee Benoit New Orleans Jazz Museum - Esther Rose Old U.S. Mint - Jenna McSwain Palm Court Jazz Cafe - Lars Edegran Polo Club Lounge - David Boeddinghaus Preservation Hall - Rickie Monie Roosevelt Hotel - Tom Hook Siberia - LaMifa SideBar NOLA - Phil DeGruy and James Singleton Snug Harbor - Uptown Jazz Orchestra Spotted Cat - Chris Christy Three Keys (Ace Hotel)- Nutria Trio Tropical Isle Bayou Club - The Troubadour Tropical Isle Bourbon - Debi and The Deacons Tropical Isle Original - Debi and The Deacons

WillHoge Nashville singer-songwriter Will Hoge stops by Gasa Gasa in support of his debut album Anchors. Fri., March 30, $20, $15 adv., 10 p.m., Gasa Gasa, gasagasa.com Monday, March 26 Bacchanal - Helen Gillet Bamboulas - Co. and Co. Travelin?

Bourbon O Bar - Shake It Break It Buffa’s - Antoine Diel Cafe Negril - In Business Crazy Lobster - The Insta-Gators Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat D.b.a - Big Sam, John Boutte Dos Jefes - John Fohl Dragon’s Den - Monday Night Swing Fat Catz - Ka-Nection Band Fontaine Palace - Louie's Do The Bar Lounge Funky Pirate - Willie Lockett Band Hi-Ho Lounge - Bluegrass Pickin’ Party Jazz Playhouse - Gerald French Kerry Irish Pub - Patrick Cooper Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop - Lucky Lee Little Tropical Isle - Reed Lightfoot Maison - Chicken and Waffles Maple Leaf - George Porter Morning Call - Valerie Sassyfras Mulate’s - La Touche Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars SideBar NOLA - Masakowski Family Band Snug Harbor - Charmaine Neville Band Spotted Cat - Jazz Vipers Three Keys (Ace Hotel) - Moonshine Taste Three Muses - Washboard Radio Tropical Isle Bayou Club - Cajun Drifters Tropical Isle Bourbon - F.A.S.T. Tropical Isle Original - Trop Rock Express Tuesday, March 27 Bacchanal - Raphael Bas Bamboulas - Eight Dice Cloth Bistreaux - Aaron Lopez-Barrantes Bourbon O Bar - Marty Peters Quartet Buffa’s - Tacos and Tequila and Tiaras with Vanessa Carr Café Beignet - Steamboat Willie Jazz Band Cafe Negril - 4 Sidemen Chophouse - Amanda Walker Circle Bar - Alex McMurray Columns Hotel - Jimmy Robinson Crazy Lobster - AC and the Heat Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a. - Dinosaurchestra Dos Jefes - Tom Hook Dragon’s Den - Dish Country Jamboree Fat Catz - Ka-Nection Band Fontaine Palace - Soul Rotisserie Funky Pirate - Blues Masters House of Blues - Songwriter Sessions

Howlin’ Wolf - Comedy Beast Jazz National Historical Park - Courtney Bryan Jazz Playhouse - James Rivers Movement Kerry Irish Pub - Jason Bishop Krewe Lounge - Open Mic Night Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop - Lucky Lee Little Gem Saloon - NOLA Dukes Little Tropical Isle - Frank Fairbanks Maison Bourbon - Mark Wayne Rhythm Maple Leaf - ReBirth Brass Band Mulate’s - Lee Benoit Old U.S. Mint - Down on their Luck Orchestra Polo Club Lounge - David Boeddinghaus Preservation Hall - Wendell Brunious Siberia - Alexandra Scott SideBar NOLA - Johhny Vidacovich Snug Harbor - Matt Perrine Quartet Spotted Cat - Andy J. Forest Trinity Episcopal Church - Organ and Labyrinth Tropical Isle Bayou Club - Cajun Drifters Tropical Isle Bourbon - Wild Card Tropical Isle Original - F.A.S.T. Wednesday, March 28 Bacchanal - Raphael Bas Bamboulas - Eight Dice Cloth Bistreaux - Aaron Lopez-Barrantes Bombay Club - John Royen Bourbon O Bar - Shynola Jazz Band Buffa’s - Nattie Sanchez Cafe Beignet - Steamboat Willie Jazz Band Café Negril - Maid of Orleans Candlelight Lounge - Andrews Brass Band Celebration Hall - TBC Brass Band Chophouse - Amanda Walker Circle Bar - The Iguanas Crazy Lobster - Ken Swartz Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a. - Tin Men Davenport Lounge - Jeremy Davenport Dos Jefes - George French Trio Dragon’s Den - Groove Therapy Fat Catz - Ka-Nection Band Fontaine Palace - Marigny Brass Band Funky Pirate - Blues Masters Hi-Ho Lounge - Delta Revues House of Blues - Brian Fallon Houston’s Restaurant - Garden District Trio Jazz Playhouse - James Williams Jazz Joy Theater - Broken Social Scene Kerry Irish Pub - Tim Robertson Lafayette Square - Marc Broussard, Helen Gillet Little Gem Saloon - Anais St. John

30 | Spring Festivals Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

Thursday, March 29 Bacchanal - Raphael Bas Bamboulas - Ben Fox, Kala Chandra Bistreaux - Aaron Lopez-Barrantes Bombay Club - Peter Harris Duo Bourbon O Bar - Luneta Jazz Band Buffa’s - Gumbo Cabaret Bullet’s - Kermit Ruffins Cafe Beignet - Steamboat Willie Jazz Band Café Negril - Revival Chophouse - Amanda Walker Circle Bar - Dark Lounge feat. Rik Slave Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a. - Dayna Kurtz Davenport Lounge - Jeremy Davenport Dragon’s Den - Crescent Fresh Comedy Fat Catz - Ka-Nection Band Fontaine Palace - Ambush Reggae Band Four Points Sheraton - Debbie Davis Funky Pirate - Blues Masters Hi Ho Lounge - River Dragon House of Blues - Jake Landry Houston’s Restaurant - Garden District Trio Jazz National Historical Park - 12th Street Jazz Connection Jazz Playhouse - Brass-A-Holics Kerry Irish Pub - Patrick Cooper Little Gem Saloon - Madeline Ford Little Tropical Isle - Allen Hebert Maison - Tuba Skinny Maple Leaf - CR Groover Mulate’s - La Touche Palm Court Jazz Cafe - Ben Polcer Polo Club Lounge - John Royen Preservation Hall - Louis Ford Rock ‘n’ Bowl - The Zydeco Cha Chas Roosevelt Hotel - Amanda Ducorbier Santa Fe Restaurant - Mark Coleman Trio Siberia - Eastern Bloc Party Three Keys - The Chevrettes Friday, March 30 Bistreaux - Aaron Lopez-Barrantes Bombay Club - Leroy Jones Bourbon O Bar - Doyle Cooper Jazz Band Buffa’s - Dayna Kurtz Bullet’s - Original Pinettes Cafe Negril - Higher Heights Chophouse - Amanda Walker Circle Bar - Natalie Mae and Gina Leslie Club Caribbean - Reggae Invasion Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a. - Tuba Skinny Davenport Lounge - Jeremy Davenport Dos Jefes - Sunpie Dragon’s Den - Latin Night Fiorella’s - Eh La Bas Trio Fontaine Palace - Steve Mignano Band Four Points Sheraton – Debbie Davis Funky Pirate - Blues Masters Gasa Gasa - Will Hoge Golden Lantern - Nighthawk

House of Blues - DJ Printz and Jabari Houston’s Restaurant - Garden District Trio Jazz Playhouse - Romy Kaye Joy Theater - Lebowski Jam Kermit’s Mother-in-Law Lounge - Guitar Slim Jr. Kerry Irish Pub - Chip Wilson Little Gem Saloon - Naydja Cojoe Little Tropical Isle - Styk Maison - Gumbo Funk Maple Leaf - Smoke N Bones Mulate’s - La Touche Old Point Bar - One Percent Nation Palm Court Jazz Café - Kevin Louis Polo Club Lounge - John Royen Preservation Hall – Will Smith Roosevelt Hotel - Sam Kuslan Siberia - Sarah Quintana SideBar NOLA - Aurora Nealand Snug Harbor - Ellis Marsalis Quintet Southport Hall - Leafdrinker Spotted Cat - Cottonmouth Kings Three Muses - Doro Wat Jazz Band Tropical Isle Bayou Club - T’Canaille Tropical Isle Bourbon - Debi and The Deacons Tropical Isle Original - The Hangovers W XYZ Bar - Kathryn Rose Wood Saturday, March 31 Bacchanal - The Tangiers Combo Bamboulas - Kala Chandra Batch Bar - Yisrael Trio Bistreaux - Aaron Lopez-Barrantes Blue Nile - Washboard Chaz Bourbon O Bar - Marty Peters Buffa’s - Carolyn Broussard, Doyle Cooper Cafe Beignet - Steamboat Willie Jazz Band Café Negril - Jamey St. Pierre Chophouse - Jim Lockwood Club Caribbean - Dancehall Explosion Crazy Lobster - Poppy’s Poppin’ Creole Cookery - Trad Stars Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a. - Lost Bayou Ramblers d.b.a. - Meschiya Lake Davenport Lounge - Jeremy Davenport Dragon’s Den - Samba SoulMe Fat Catz - Ka-Nection Band Fiorella’s - Eh La Bas Trio Fontaine Palace - Louie Fontaine and His Band Four Points Sheraton - Desantis Duo Funky Pirate - Blues Masters Green Zebra Bar - The Deft Funk Hi-Ho Lounge - Pink Room Project House of Blues - Bon Bon Vivant Houston’s Restaurant - Garden District Trio Howlin’ Wolf - WellRed Jazz Playhouse - Nayo Jones Experience Joy Theater - Cut Copy Kermit’s Mother-in-Law - Neisha Ruffins Kerry Irish Pub - Lynn Drury Krewe Lounge - Karaoke Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop - Lucky Lee Lighthouse Bar and Grill - Hot Sauce Band Little Gem Saloon - Kermit Ruffins Little Tropical Isle - Reed Lightfoot, Styk Maison - Chance Bushman Maple Leaf - Jeff Watkins’ Hip Pocket Marigny Brasserie - The Key Sound Mulate’s - Bayou Deville Music Box Village - Aurora Nealand NOLA Comedy Theater - ComedySportz Old Point Bar - Revival One Eyed Jacks - Fleur de Tease Palm Court Jazz Cafe - Tom Sancton Polo Club Lounge - John Royen Preservation Hall - Rickie Monie Red Gravy Cafe - Spider Murphy Republic - Black Tiger Sex Machine Rock ‘n’ Bowl - John “Papa” Gros Roosevelt Hotel - Amanda Ducorbier Siberia - Yes Ma’am SideBar NOLA - Spencer Bohren Snug Harbor - Herlin Riley

Southport Hall - The Molly Ringwalds Spotted Cat - Jazz Band Ballers Three Muses - Shotgun Jazz Band Tickler’s - Yisrael Trio Time Out - Andre Bouvier Tropical Isle Bayou Club - Faubourg Ramblers, T’Canaille Tropical Isle Bourbon - Debi, Rhythm and Rain Tropical Isle Original - Late as Usual UNO Lakefront Arena - Katt Williams Sunday, April 1 30/90 - Revival, Ted Hefko AllWays Lounge - Tuba Skinny Bacchanal - John Zarsky Bamboula’s - Gina & Lindsay Blue Nile - Mykia Jovan Bombay Club - Larry Scala Trio Bullet’s - The Wizz Circle Bar - Micah McKee Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Glen David Andrews Dragon’s Den - Church Fontaine Palace -Nappy Hour House of Blues - Lil Skies Howlin Wolf - Will Dickerson Jazz Playhouse - Germaine Bazzle Kerry Irish Pub - Will Dickerson Maison - NOLA Jitterbugs Old Point Bar - Luna Mora Three Keys - Juju Child Monday, April 2 30/90 - Super Jam Bamboula’s - Saint Louis Slim Bombay Club - David Boeddinghaus Circle Bar - Dem Roach Boyz Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Soul Brass Band Dos Jefes - John Fohl Dragon’s Den - Fantasy Non-Fiction Fontaine Palace - Louie's Do The Bar Lounge Gasa Gasa - Timber Timbre House of Blues - Tim Riley House of Blues (The Parish) - Taylor Bennett Jazz Playhouse - Gerald French

Kerry Irish Pub - Kim Carson Maison - The Royal Roses Three Keys - Alex Massa Tuesday, April 3 30/90 - Bayou Saints Bamboula’s - Jan Marie BMC - Captain Green Bombay Club - Matt Lemmler Circle Bar - Alex McMurray Columns Hotel - John Rankin Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Treme Brass Band Dos Jefes - Tom Hook Dragon’s Den - Dish Country Jamboree Ellis Marsalis - Mark Chatter Fontaine Palace - Soul Rotisserie Gasa Gasa - Rostam House of Blues - Jim McCormick Jazz Playhouse - The James River Movement Kerry Irish Pub - Jason Bishop Maison - Jasper Smitty New Orleans Jazz Museum - Down on Their Luck Prime Example - The Sidemen Wednesday, April 4 30/90 - In Business Bamboula’s - Eight Dice Cloth Bombay Club - Josh Paxton Circle Bar - The Iguanas Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Tin Men Dos Jefes - George French Band Dragon’s Den - Irie Collective Jam Session Fontaine Palace - Marigny Brass Band House of Blues - Michael Liuzza Jazz Playhouse - Nayo Jones Experience Joy Theatre - Circa Survive Kerry Irish Pub - Beth Patterson Lafayette Square - Travers Geoffray Maison - Samantha Pearl, One Percent Marigny Brasserie - Grayson Brockamp Republic - Turnover Tapps II - Kevin Morris Three Keys - Helen Gillet

KattWilliams Veteran comedian, actor, rapper, and social activist Katt Williams will visit the UNO Lakefront Arena as part of his 2018 national comedy tour Katt Williams: 11:11. Sat., March 31, $52-125, 8 p.m., UNO Lakefront Arena, arena.uno.edu Twist of Lime - Dauzat St. Marie Thursday, April 5 30/90 - Andy J Forrest Bamboula’s - Kala Chandra Bombay Club - Peter Harris Duo Bullet’s - Kermit Ruffins Circle Bar - Dark Lounge Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Forest Beutel Dos Jefes - The Todd Duke Trio Dragon’s Den - Trishes Green Zebra Bar - 21st Century

y Ma 3-6

House of Blues - Jake Landry Howlin Wolf - AR-15 Jazz Playhouse - Bass-A-Holics Kerry Irish Pub - Maggie Havens Le Bon Temps Roule - Soul Rebels Maison - Good For Nothin’ Rock N’ Bowl - Geno Delafose New Orleans Jazz Museum - John Royen NOSH - Dj Torx Ogden Museum of Art - Jamaican Me Breakfast Old Point Bar - Lakeshore Drivers Pearl Wine Company - Anna Mangiardi & Co. Puccini Bar - Debbie Davis

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.

March 30.................................................. 11th Annual Big Easy Blues Festival March 31....................................................................................... Katt Williams April 7................ Ring Of Honor Wrestling presents Supercard Of Honor XII May 3 - 6............................................ Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream May 20........................................................KEM w/ Special Guest Johnny Gill June 1-3.......................................................65th Annual Symphony Book Fair OR CHARGE BY PHONE AT 800-745-3000

Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com, Lakefront Arena Box Office, or charge by phone at 800-745-3000.

WhereYat.com | April 2018 | 31

Bamboula’s - Eight Cloth Dice Bombay Club - Josh Paxton Circle Bar - The Iguanas Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a - Tin Men Dragon’s Den - Irie Collective Jam Session Fontaine Palace - Marigny Brass Band House of Blues - Big K.R.I.T. Howlin Wolf - Beth Patterson Jazz Playhouse - Nayo Jones Experience Lafayette Square - Flow Tribe Maison - Roccadile Marigny Brasserie - Grayson Brockamp Tapps II - Kevin Morris

JohnCleese Don’t miss this unforgettable evening with John Cleese when he will be live on stage sharing stories of his life and career and conducting an audience Q&A. Before John silly-walks his way on to the stage, the audience will get to see Monty Python and the Holy Grail on the big screen. Fri., April 6, $59-250+, 8 p.m., Saenger Theatre, saengernola.com The Well - Stooges Brass Band Three Keys - Roland Guerin Tulane University - Peter Martin Vaughan’s Lounge - Dj Black Pearl Friday, April 6 30/90 - Jon Roniger Bamboula’s - Smoky Greenwell Bombay Club - Los Tres Amigos Bullet’s - The Pinettes Circle Bar - Natalie Mae Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Smoking Time Dos Jefes - Panorama Band Dragon’s Den - Dj RQ Away Fontaine Palace - Curley Taylor Zydeco Trouble Gasa Gasa -Thelma & the Sleaze House of Blues - Jake Landry Howlin Wolf - Good Tiger Jazz Playhouse - Joe Krown Kerry Irish Pub - Patrick Cooper Le Bon Temps Roule - Gal Holiday Maison - Soul Project Rock N’ Bowl - The Wiseguys New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park - Grace Christian School New Orleans Museum of Art - Josh Paxton NOSH - Dj Torx Oak Wine Bar - Keith Burnstein Old Point Bar - Rick Trolsen Orpheum Theatre - Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Puccini Bar - Debbie Davis The Willow - Jank Setup Tipitina’s - Nigel Hall Saturday, April 7 30/90 - Revival Buffa’s - Freddie Blue Bamboula’s - Johnny Mastro Bombay Club - Leroy Jones Circle Bar - Dj BuyItNow Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Tuba Skinny Dew Drop Social - Mark Mullins Dragon’s Den - Dj Jeremy Phipps Fontaine Palace - Vick LeCar House of Blues - Geovane Santos Howlin Wolf - Jake Roberts Jazz Playhouse - Tom Hook Maison - Leah Rucker Marigny Opera House - Dustin Louque Rock N’ Bowl - New Leviathan Oriental Foxtrot NOSH - Dj CruchT Velvet Oak Wine Bar - Jenn Howard Glass Old Point Bar - Jamie Lynn Vessels One Eyed Jacks - ROAR! Peaches Records - Jamal Batiste Band Three Muses - Debbie Davis Tipitina’s - Jojo’s Slim

Sunday, April 8 30/90 - Andy J Forest AllWays Lounge - Frog & Henry Band Bacchanal - John Zarsky Bamboula’s - Carl LeBlanc Bombay Club - Tom Laughlin Trio Bullet’s - Big Frank and Lil Frank Circle Bar - Preening Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a - New Orleans Swamp Donkeys Dragon’s Den - Church Fontaine Palace - Nappy Hour House of Blues - Jon Roniger Howlin Wolf - Patrick Cooper Jazz Playhouse - Germaine Bazzle Maison - Higher Heights Marigny Brasserie - Higher Heights Old Point Bar - Tres Bien Rock N’ Bowl - Harvey Jesus Three Keys - Juju Child Tipitina’s - Jojo’s Slim Wednesday Monday, April 9 30/90 - Margie Perez Bamboula’s - Saint Louis Slim Bombay Club - David Boeddinghaus Circle Bar - Dem Roach Boyz Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - John Boutte Dragon’s Den - Nanci Zee Fontaine Palace - Louie's Do The Bar Lounge House of Blues - Sean Riley Howlin Wolf - 2 Sheets to the Wind Jazz Playhouse - Gerald French Maison - Sierra Green One Eyed Jacks - Blind Texas Marlin Civic Theatre - Orchestral Manoeuvres Tulane University - Mahmoud “Mood” Chouki Tuesday, April 10 30/90 - Mem Shannon Bamboula’s Christopher Johnson BMC - Captain Green Bombay Club - Matt Lemmler Circle Bar - Alex McMurray Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a - Dinosaurchestra Dragon’s Den - Dish Country Jamboree Fontaine Palace - Soul Rotisserie House of Blues - Carolena House of Blues (The Parish) - The Oh Hellos Howlin Wolf - Jason Bishop Jazz Playhouse - James Rivers Movement Maison - Gene’s Music Machine New Orleans Jazz Museum - Down on Their Luck Prime Example - The Sidemen Wednesday, April 11 30/90 - R&R Music Group

32 | Spring Festivals Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

Thursday, April 12 30/90 - Raw Deal Bamboula’s - Bon Bon Vivant Bombay Club - Kris Tokarski Circle Bar - Lena Fjortoft Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a - Alexis & the Samurai Fontaine Palace - Louie Fontaine & the Beat Machine Green Zebra Bar - 21st Century Hi-Ho Lounge - Desert Dwellers House of Blues - Yat Pack Howlin Wolf - Patrick Cooper Jazz Playhouse - Ashlin Parker Trio Le Bon Temps Roule - Gal Holiday Maison - Dysfunktional Bone NOSH - Dj Torx Ogden Museum of Southern Art - Maggie Belle Old Point Bar - The Two’s Orpheum Theatre - Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Puccini Bar - Debbie Davis Prime Example - Grayson Brockamp Rock N’ Bowl - Curley Taylor Southport Hall - Thy Art is Murder The Well - Stooges Brass Band Three Keys - Connor Donohue Vaughan’s Lounge - Corey Henry Friday, April 13 30/90 - Organami, Soul Project Bamboula’s - Chance Bushman, Guitar Slim Jr. Bombay Club - On the Levee Bullet’s - The Pinettes Circle Bar - Natalie Mae Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a - Dwayne Dopsie Dragon’s Den - Max & McKenna Fontaine Palace - The Quaalords Album Release Party House of Blues - Who’s Bad Howlin Wolf - Van Hudson Jazz Playhouse - Mario Abney Maison - Catie Rogers NOSH - Dj Abibas Oak Wine Bar - Jon Roniger Old Point Bar - Chris Klein One Eyed Jacks - Dj Soul Sister Puccini Bar - Debbie Davis Rock N’ Bowl - The Topcats Southport Hall - Akadia Tigerman Den - Aaron Lopez-Barrantes Saturday, April 14 30/90 - Fraulein France Bamboula’s - Crawdaddy T Bombay Club - Don Vappie Circle Bar - Belladonna Lovers Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a - Morning 40 Generation Dragon’s Den - Dj Jeremy Phipps Fontaine Palace - Louie Fontaine & the Beat Machine Gasa Gasa - Dude Ranch House of Blues - Darcy Malone Howlin Wolf - Mark Hessler Jazz Playhouse - Professor George Adams Maison - Big Easy Brawlers Music Box Village - Valerie Sassyfras NOSH - Dj CrushT Velvet Oak Wine Bar - Jordan Anderson Band Old Point Bar - Dick Deluxe One Eyed Jacks - Mad Dogs Palm Court Jazz Cafe - Debbie Davis Rock N’ Bowl - Karma Saenger Theatre - Derek Smalls Sunday, April 15 30/90 - Revival

AllWays Lounge - Sabertooth Swingers Bacchanal - John Zarsky Bamboula’s - New Orleans Ragweeds Bombay Club - Kris Torkarski Bullet’s - Teresa B Circle B - Micah McKee Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Palmetto Bug Stompers Dragon’s Den - Church House of Blues - Stone Rabbits Howlin Wolf - Beth Patterson Jazz Playhouse - Michael Watson Maison - Leah Rucker, The Function Marigny Brasserie - Debbie Davis Old Point Bar - Shawan Rice Southport Hall - Thank You Scientist Three Keys - Juju Child Monday, April 16 30/90 - Dapper Dandies, Super Jam Bamboula’s - G-Volt & the Hurts, G & the Swinging Gypsies Bombay Club - Joe Krown Buffa’s - Arsene DeLay, Antoine Diel Circle Bar - Dem Roach Boyz, Dusty Santamaria + Moira Ichiban & more Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a - Funk Monkey Dragon’s Den - Neela, DJ Ill Medina Dragon’s Den “Upstairs” - Tuba Skinny Gasa Gasa - Palm Daze, The Halfways House of Blues Restaurant - Sean Riley The Jazz Playhouse - Gerald French & the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band The Maison - Sierra Green & the Soul Machine, The Royal Roses Maple Leaf Bar - George Porter Jr. Trio feat. Terrence Houston and Mike Lemmler One Eyed Jacks - Blind Texas Marlin Tipitina’s - Loyola All Stars Uptown Throwdown Tuesday, April 17 30/90 - Bayou Saints, Ed Wills & Blues 4 Sale Three Keys (Ace Hotel) - Elephant in the Room: A Night with Noruz Bamboula’s - Damn Gina Trio, Mofongo BMC - Captain Green Bombay Club - John Royen Buffa’s - Tacos, Tequila and Tiaras with Vanessa Carr Circle Bar - Alex McMurray & His Band Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a - Dinosaurchestra, Treme Brass Band Dragon’s Den “Upstairs” - The All-Star Covered-Dish Country Jamboree House of Blues (Foundation Room) - Margie Perez, David Thomas, Bill Robison & more House of Blues Restaurant - Michael Liuzza The Jazz Playhouse - The James Rivers Movement The Maison - Beetle, Gregory Agid Quartet Maple Leaf Bar - Rebirth Brass Band New Orleans Jazz Museum - Down on Their Luck Orchestra The Prime Example - The Sidemen + 1 Jazz Quintet (8 & 10 PM) Southport Hall - Powerman 5000 + Trick Bag + Cerebral Drama Three Keys (Ace Hotel) - Noruz Wednesday, April 18 30/90 - Justin Donovan Trio, In Business Bamboula’s - Sunshine Brass Band, Mem Shannon Bombay Club - Josh Paxton Buffa’s - World’s Most Open Mic Night w/Nattie Circle Bar - The Iguanas Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Tin Men, Walter Wolfman Washington & the Roadmasters Dragon’s Den - Irie Collective Jam Session Gasa Gasa - Fool House, Lowerline House of Blues - Less Than Jake + Face to Face House of Blues Restaurant - Cary Hudson The Jazz Playhouse - The Nayo Jones Experience Lafayette Square - Wayne Toups and Darcy Malone The Maison - New Orleans Jazz Vipers, Rue Fiya Maple Leaf Bar - The OG’s w/Big D, Jellybean Alexander & Cornell Williams Marigny Brasserie - Grayson Brockamp & the New Orleans Wildlife Band New Orleans Jazz Museum - Evan Christopher’s Clarinet Road Tapps II - Kevin Morris & Uptown Production The Civic Theatre - The Wailers + DJ Green Thumb Three Keys (Ace Hotel) - Sono Presents The Shape of Jazz

ON SALE NOW GET TIX AT BOWERYSOUTH.COM

MONDAY, APRIL 9 AT CIVIC THEATRE OMD (ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18 AT CIVIC THEATRE THE WAILERS W/ DJ GREEN THUMB

FRIDAY, APRIL 20 AT CIVIC THEATRE

THE BLACK ANGELS & BLACK LIPS

MONDAY, APRIL 30 AT CIVIC THEATRE MOND THE DARKNESS “TOUR DE PRANCE TOUR” W/ DIARRHEA PLANET TUESDAY, MAY 1 AT CIVIC THEATRE

BEACH HOUSE

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2 AT CIVIC THEATRE

THE AFGHAN WHIGS & BUILT TO SPILL

W/ ED HARCOURT

FRIDAY, MAY 4 AT CIVIC THEATRE TANK & THE BANGAS W/ MAGGIE KOERNER, NAUGHTY PROFESSOR

FRIDAY, JUNE 8 AT CIVIC THEATRE PURPLE TAKEOVER “A PRINCE CELEBRATION WITH DJ SOUL SISTER” MONDAY, JUNE 11 AT CIVIC THEATRE W/ MEN I TRUST

BELLE & SEBASTIAN

THURSDAY, JUNE 28 AT CIVIC THEATRE “FUNNY GAMES TOUR”

ANTHONLY JESELNIK

WhereYat.com | April 2018 | 33

Lakeside2Riverside

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

The Best Chefs of Louisiana April 10

PARADES Krewe Du Fool April Fools' Day Parade Mimi’s in the Marigny: 2601 Royal St. Sunday, April 1; 6 p.m. (5 p.m. for revelers) krewedufool.com Feel like acting a fool on Easter? Well, look no further than the Krewe Du Fool parade, where you can dress like a fool, act foolish, and have a smashing good time. This year’s theme is Fool’s Gold. Wear a costume or come as you are and just be prepared to have fun and celebrate the combined holiday like you’ve never done before. The parade starts at the corner of Franklin Avenue and Royal Street and ventures down to Frenchmen Street for a designated fun stop. Come watch the festivities or become a Krewe member. It’s only $50 to join and it includes a signature throw and a token for a free drink at R Bar. For more information, email Don at dnaldlevy@gmail.com.

FOOD/ENTERTAINMENT Vinyl Vibrations Paradigm Gardens: 1131 S. Rampart St. Sunday, April 1 - Sunday, April 22; 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. paradigmgardensnola.com/vinyl-vibrations Paradigm Gardens usually has a weeks-long waiting list to get in, but you can bypass the wait by attending Vinyl Vibrations. Every Sunday, enjoy an evening of great food and music, featuring a-la-carte menus from the hottest local chefs and pop-ups, art displays, and, as the name indicates, some very funky vinyl courtesy of DJ Doug Funnie. As with every other event at Paradigm Gardens, Vinyl Vibrations is BYOB, so bring as much bottled cheer as you can carry! The entrance fee is $10, and food will be available for purchase

(cash only) from the weekly vendors. This just may be the start of a new weekly tradition.

The Best Chefs of Louisiana New Orleans Lakefront Airport: 6001 Stars and Stripes Blvd. #219 Tuesday, April 10; 6 - 10:30 p.m. acfno.org The 8th annual Best Chefs of Louisiana, hosted by the New Orleans chapter of the American Culinary Federation, will, as always, honor the outstanding names in New Orleans cuisine. Honorees include Jean-Luc Albin (Maurice’s French Pastries), Andrea Apuzzo (Andrea’s), Kevin Belton (star of New Orleans Cooking with Kevin Belton on WYES), French culinary legend Daniel Bonnot, and Joann Clevenger of Upperline. This year’s event will celebrate the career of Frank Brigsten, who studied under Paul Prudhomme and has revitalized Creole/Acadiana cooking at the restaurant that bears his name. It will also pay tribute to one of New Orleans’s true culinary icons—the incomparable Frank Davis, who passed away in 2013. A special appearance will be made by Chef Tory McPhail of Commander’s Palace. This event will feature amazing food by the chefs in attendance, live entertainment, live and silent auctions, and an open bar.

Best Chefs benefits the ACFNO Culinary Scholarship Fund, and admission is $100 with tickets available online.

Wrestlemania Axxess April 5 - 8

Wrestlemania Axxess Ernest N. Morial Convention Center: 900 Convention Center Blvd.

Thursday, April 5 - Sunday, April 8 wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/article/wrestlemaniaaxxess-tickets WWE’s biggest event of the year brings with it the biggest fan event of the year: Wrestlemania Herman Leonard: Documenting the Giants Axxess! As the WWE, in all its glory, of Jazz converges upon New Orleans for New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Wrestlemania 34, join wrestling fans Old U.S. Mint: 400 Esplanade Ave. Thursday, April 5 - Tuesday, from all over the world for the May 15 ultimate WWE fan experience. nolajazzmuseum.org Main event headliners Roman Jazz fans rejoice, because Reigns, WWE Champion the New Orleans Jazz Museum A.J. Styles, and Shinsuke is joining forces with the Nakamura will be on hand Grammy Museum in Los for meet-and-greets, Angeles to unveil the photo along with U.S. Champion exhibition Herman Leonard: Randy Orton, Seth Rollins, Documenting the Giants Smackdown Women’s of Jazz. The showcase will Champion Charlotte Flair, feature more than 30 of the Asuka, Finn Bálor, 2018 Hall of late, legendary photographer’s Fame inductee Goldberg, and portraits from performances, others. Wrestlemania Axxess rehearsals, recording sessions, and also includes Q&A sessions with backstage gatherings. It includes rare WWE Legends, Superstars, and and iconic photographs of jazz greats Divas; exclusive live matches, and, He 5 of course, tons of WWE memorabilia such as Duke Ellington, Etta James, 1 rm y Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, Quincy for purchase. General admission is an Ma L e on Jones, Trombone Shorty, and many more.

5 $55 a day, with $125 VIP tickets and ard April Leonard, who passed away in 2010, had a deep $190 Premium VIP tickets; children two and passion for jazz and even developed friendships with the under are admitted free. Tickets are available at likes of Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and several others. ticketmaster.com.

He was remembered by President Clinton as “the greatest

ENTERTAINMENT

Chris Owens French Quarter Easter Parade Omni Royal Orleans Hotel: 621 St. Louis St. Sunday, April 1; 11 a.m. frenchquartereasterparade.com Get ready to write a sonnet and wear that Easter bonnet, because the French Quarter’s own legendary entertainer Chris Owens will be hosting her 35th annual Easter Parade, and oh, what a party it’s going to be! Of course, you’d expect nothing less from the Burlesque Queen of New Orleans, who’s been delighting audiences for over 60 years. The festivities begin with a hat contest and silent auction, with riders then proceeding to hop on their floats and journey throughout the French Quarter, starting at the corner of St. Louis and Royal Streets. This year’s theme will highlight many of Chris’s fellow New Orleans musical legends. When the parade arrives back at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel, revelers will partake in a champagne brunch and dance to music by the Yat Pack. So hurry, the deadline for registration is March 27.

34 | Spring Festivals Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

jazz photographer in history.” Admission to the Old U.S. Mint is $6 for adults; $5 for students, senior citizens, and active military. Children six and under get in free. The museum is open Tuesday thru Sunday, 10 a.m. till 4:30 p.m.

The Holiest of Grails Monty Python’s John Cleese Returns on April 6

J

By Fritz Esker

ohn Cleese of the legendary comedy troupe Monty Python is presenting the 1975 cult classic film Monty Python & the Holy Grail live at the Saenger Theatre on April 6, with a Q&A to follow.

This will be the second time in New Orleans in a little over a year for Cleese, who put on a show with fellow Monty Python member Eric Idle in December 2016. Even though that tour lasted for several months, Cleese was happy to hit the road again for a Holy Grail roadshow.

“The travel is the only tiring bit; the rest of it is fun,” Cleese said.

The 78-year-old Cleese still enjoys the feeling of performing live and interacting with an audience. He encourages attendees to ask silly and outlandish questions. His favorite fan query came at a show in Florida, when a woman asked him if the queen killed Princess Diana. The audience was horrified, but Cleese thought it was hilarious.

“That’s what I love about it,” Cleese said. “You don’t know what is going to happen.”

Monty Python & the Holy Grail was the first movie made by the Pythons after the group developed a devoted following in Great

Britain and America for their sketch comedy show Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Switching from writing sketches to a feature film was a challenge for the Pythons.

“We didn’t really know how to tell a story,” Cleese said. “We stitched skits together.”

Cleese is fond of Holy Grail, and the film frequently appears on lists of the greatest comedies of all time, but he feels the movie’s first half is very good and the second half is uneven.

“I watch the ending and get progressively more annoyed because I don’t think it’s good enough,” Cleese said with a laugh.

Because of these frustrations, Cleese even re-edited the ending of the film. He sometimes shows the new version of the ending alongside the theatrical version to his live audiences and asks them what they think.

“Some of them prefer the old one, but an awful lot like the new one,” Cleese said.

While the Holy Grail viewings are mostly fun for Cleese, there’s also a bittersweet side to them: seeing himself and his friends and collaborators as young men. Fellow Pythons Michael Palin, Eric Idle, and Terry Gilliam are still alive and working in film and on stage, but

WhereYat.com | April 2018 | 35

Cleese live on stage during his current tour Graham Chapman, who played King Arthur in Holy Grail, died in 1989 of throat cancer.

Python member Terry Jones is currently battling dementia.

The late Chapman also played the lead in 1979’s religious and political satire Monty Python’s the Life of Brian, a film Cleese feels is the Pythons’ best movie. When asked what made them select Chapman for leadingman duties, Cleese said that the Pythons instinctively knew who was best for each role when writing their skits and films.

“We never even had to think about it,” Cleese said. “There was no debate. I don’t think any of us could have done it as well.”

Cleese has noted that Americans tend to

prefer Holy Grail, while British fans prefer Life of Brian. He suspects that one of the reasons is that America is a more religious country than Great Britain. As a result, Americans are more likely to be offended by Brian, even though Cleese is quick to remind people that the film does not actually make fun of Jesus Christ or his teachings. He would one day like to do a screening of Life of Brian in front of a fundamentalist audience and hear their reactions to it. He also said childhood attachments might be part of the reason Americans love Holy Grail. While a few of its jokes might sail over a child’s head, young people can watch the film and still enjoy the slapstick and silliness. Life of Brian’s satire

Cleese in Monty Python & the Holy Grail requires a little more life experience to fully appreciate.

The Pythons found financing for Holy Grail with a little help from the music industry.

Cleese said that shortly before they shot the movie, Britain passed a law allowing film investors to write off the investment on their taxes. So, the accountants for bands like Pink Floyd, Genesis, and Led Zeppelin told them investing in the film would be a good idea. For Life of Brian, George Harrison of the Beatles went even further and mortgaged his house to finance the movie, just because he wanted to see it.

Cleese, who was born in Somerset, England, has family ties to New Orleans. His grandson

is in his last year at Tulane University. While Cleese hasn’t visited the city enough to have favorite restaurants, he said he loves not just the food, but the friendly, relaxed atmosphere in many local eateries.

“The cuisine is the most fattening in the world, but it is superb,” Cleese said before sending some love to the city as a whole.

“New Orleans is absolutely one of the most interesting cities in America because of its culture.”

John Cleese and the live showing of Monty Python & the Holy Grail will be Friday, April 6, at 8 p.m. at the Saenger Theatre. For more information or to buy tickets, go to saengernola.com.

949 N RENDON ST.

New Orleans, LA 70119

504-488-PALS 36 | Spring Festivals Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

WYAT: What did you want to do with this album that would differ musically?

Derek: Spinal Tap was basically a hard rock/metal-like band, and we loved that presentation. But this was more, as the subtitle says, a meditation upon aging. I wanted to craft a broader musical landscape that had all these orchestral textures. We never used any sort of orchestral textures in Tap; it was almost an anathema to what we were doing. It's embracing a much wider spectrum of a palette in my musical taste. And just to dig a bit deeper, to reach a bit higher, and, at the same time, to reach a bit lower.

WYAT: That might be good advice for life in general.

Derek: I think everything is good advice for life in general.

If you take an individual piece of advice about something specific and just apply it to life itself, it usually works. Driving: slow down, pay attention. It’s good for life itself.

Spinal Tap Goes Solo Derek Smalls, Bassist for Spinal Tap, Set to Release His First Solo Album

Y

By Emily Hingle

Photo by Rob Shanahan

ou may know Derek Smalls as the bassist of the ill-fated heavy metal band Spinal Tap, but he’s ready to make his mark on music all by himself, accompanied by his best friends. Derek is releasing his first solo album Smalls Change (Meditations Upon Ageing) on April 13, and he will start off his Lukewarm Water Live: An Adventure in Loud Music Tour on April 14 at the Saenger Theatre, with the able assistance of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Derek took time out of his busy music-making schedule to speak with us about his meditations, his view on the music business today, and why he felt it was time to leave the world of rock.

WYAT: You and your band Spinal Tap were chronicled in the 1984 rockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, which you called "The Hatchet Job." Why don’t you like it, even though it’s popular with your fans?

Derek: Well, we didn't end up looking very accomplished and successful as a result of what that so-called documentarian chose to put in the film and what he chose to leave out, just as an example. I'm sure you understand that most of the time that we were doing our tour, we found our way to the stage straight away. You didn't see that in the film, did you? I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm glad it brought enjoyment to you. I'm not a big documentary fan unless it involves animals—four-legged ones, not winged ones.

WYAT: So what’s been going on with Spinal Tap for the last 34 years?

Derek: How long have you got? We've broken up and gotten back together so often that I've lost count. Last time we played were two shows in the London area: one was at Wembley Arena in July of 2009. And right before it, we played this amazing festival called Glastonbury Festival, which is located about two hours west of London. We played on a stage where 130,000 people were trapped, watching us. Trapped in the sense that they were there for the day. Then we just sort of drifted apart. Before that, we had done a tour in 2001 where we played Carnegie f**king Hall, as I like to call it, and The Greek Theater in Los Angeles. In 1992, we played Royal Albert Hall in London as the climax of a 26-city tour—The Break Like the Wind Tour.

So that's what Tap's been doing, and as the band goes in and out of cohesion, so to speak, I've done other things, of course.

WYAT: Out of all of these amazing musicians you’ve got, do you have any notable stories about when you were making music together?

Derek: The stories I could tell, I’m not supposed to tell.

We’ve got people for one reason or another who dropped out of the project, usually because their girlfriends told them to. There was a great spirit to what all these guest musicians brought. One of them actually explained why he had made the effort to get involved and leaned his prodigious talents to the project. I don’t know if you can print these two words, but it was a “pity f**k,” which I thought was quite moving and I was grateful.

It was a bit of a love fest. We all bonded in our love of music, which is the great universal language that many humans speak. It was quite a thrill just to be working with some of these people, especially the drummers. As a bass player, I bond with the rhythm section as people bond with each other. I don’t want to single anybody out, but it was just a thrill to work with these people. They really can keep time. I’m not saying anything about anybody I’ve worked with before, but it was very exciting to be this close to it. Doing it right.

WYAT: You haven’t had any drummers die on you in the making of this album, have you?

Derek: No! Strangely enough, that was a Tap curse. Once I was away from the rubric, as you would say, of Tap, none of the drummers even had as much as a case of the sniffles.

We used to have drummers sign these waivers, these forms that say, “I’m not holding Spinal Tap responsible for anything that may or may not happen to me.” We just had the usual forms, and everybody seemed all right with them. And as I say, we checked back at the time we were done, just to send the roughs of the songs as they were being mixed, and to say, “Oh, by the way, how are you feeling?” It came back great, no problems. You know, this has been a bad flu season in the States and the U.K. No one even got the flu from working on this project. I think it’s almost a reversecurse, if you would.

WYAT: So, like a blessing?

Derek: If you could call it that, yeah.

WYAT: Working with all of these musicians and all of the people you’re going to be working with during your shows, what do you think the state of music is today? How do people consume it, how do people react to it live, and how are the musicians treated?

Derek: You’re not going to get rich being a rock star in 2018 the way you could have in 1988 or even 1998. We all know that. All the money is going somewhere else, I think to Silicone Valley for the breast implants. I think in a way, that’s made music purer again. You know that the blokes you’re playing with are not doing it to get some massive country estate in the south of England. They’re doing it because they very well love playing music, or they probably can’t do anything else, most likely. That’s my situation. It makes it purer. More desperate perhaps, but purer.

WhereYat.com | April 2018 | 37

Food News

By Kim Ranjbar

Auction House Market

38 | Spring Festivals Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

Who doesn't love a good food hall? … In part created by those behind St. Roch Market in the Bywater, the Auction House Market recently threw open its doors to much ado.

Located in a brick, Victorian-era building that was previously New Orleans Auction Galleries on the corner of Magazine and Julia Streets, the new food hall also features one- and twobedroom lofts in its upper levels, managed

by Felicity Property Co. Like St. Roch, Auction House Market features several of the same vendors, like Coast Roast Coffee, Elysian Seafood, Empanola, and another bar dubbed “The Mayhew.”

But, there are also a few differences.

Aloha Lei, brainchild of Tracey Davenport and Dave Kirtland, features sushi, poke bowls, and Creole-inspired twists. Alpha, an eclectic Mediterranean concept by Chris and Sandy Minias, offers hummus, baba ganush, Greek, and twists like the gyro wrap topped with french fries. HAPPYJAXX by Chef Patrick Kearney is a pro-health joint with lots of salads, toasts, and tea; and SOLA Deli by Camdon Richardson is an “internationally inspired and Louisiana-themed” deli with cured meats, pickles, and jellies. Lastly, and one I am most interested to try, is Tava, an Indian dosa concept by Manish Patel.

801 Magazine St., (978) 500-8099, auctionhousemarket.com Bunnies in Bywater … Nina Compton, husband Larry Miller, and Compère Lapin sous chef Levi Raines have opened Bywater American Bistro in the Rice Mill Lofts on Chartres Street, a space that formerly

housed Mariza. In an effort to appeal to the neighborhood, the bistro is offering an affordable menu, featuring prices with apps maxing out at $14 and entrees at $26, and dishes like tuna toast with bread from Bellegarde Bakery, smoked ricotta agnolotti with sunchokes, and faro risotto with maitake mushrooms and crab fat rice. Bywater American Bistro is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

2900 Chartres St., facebook.com/ bywateramericanbistro Watch out, it's hot! … Do-it-yourself barbecue restaurant Gin Korean BBQ recently opened in Fat City. Only a few blocks from Veterans Boulevard on N. Arnoult Road, this new spot features grills on every table so that diners can cook their meats and vegetables to their own preferred level of doneness, creating a fun and engaging dining experience.

Aside from the grill-at-your-table options like pork belly, marinated chicken, rib-eye steak, and short ribs, the restaurant offers fried dumplings (pot stickers), japchae, kimchi fried rice, and bibimbap. Gin Korean BBQ is open for lunch and dinner daily.

3012 N. Arnoult Rd., (504) 309-7007, ginkoreanbbq.com No chef? … Experienced and skilled Mimi Assad has been fired from Bar Frances recently. Assad was the fourth chef to head the kitchen at the small neighborhood bistro since it opened in 2016 and was an alum from kitchens like Angeline, Gautreau's, and Noodle & Pie. According to Nola.com, Assad had no

Bywater American Bistro

idea why she was being terminated, and owner Mark Latter has not announced who will take her place.

4515 Freret St., (504) 371-5043, barfrances.com So sad to see you go …

The final vestige of Phillip Lopez's New Orleans empire Petit Lion shuttered last month. Located inside the Troubadour Hotel, Lopez's restaurant never really hit its stride, according to some critics. Personally, I couldn't get enough of their fried chicken or mindblowing burger, but who am I? Though, in good news, a new restaurant dubbed Jayne has taken over the space, with Dana Whitmore, previously at Commander's Palace, taking over the helm. Focused on more “local” fare, Jayne offers shrimp calas, Creole Caribbean wings, smoked chicken salad po-boys, shrimp and grits, gumbo, and Bourbon Pecan Pie. Monkey Board, the rooftop bar at the Troubadour, is also no longer under Lopez's management, but the name will remain, with a menu of small bites also created by Whitmore with a more New Orleans “flavor.”

In other sad news, Hollygrove Market & Farm has closed. According to the New Orleans Advocate, general manager Paul Baricos

reports that the nonprofit's cash is tapped, and they can no longer pay rent for its space on Olive Street. Initially formed in 2008, Hollygrove has become one of the foremost resources for residents, farmers, and organizations interested in local food systems. The loss will be great not only to the neighborhood and community, but to the farmers who offered their goods and produce to the market.

Another closure out on Poland Avenue sees the loss of a great breakfast and brunch spot, The Bywater Hideout Café. What began as The Crepe Cart morphed into The Crepe Place Café and finally The Bywater Hideout Cafe & Creperie, serving coffee, crepes, and waffles to the surrounding neighborhood. On February 26, the café quietly bid the city adieu and simultaneously sought a new home for their shop cat Waffles.

BIGGER & BETTER I N

T H E

B I G

E A S Y

Finally, after losing business when the uberpopular Dong Phuong pulled its king cakes, Pizza NOLA in Lakeview had to close its doors.

The pizzeria was one of the first to open when most of Lakeview was still a no-man's land after Katrina. Owner Will Samuels hoped the need would sustain his business and it worked for seven years, but just not for an eighth.

Farewell! We will miss you all!

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

Gin Korean BBQ WhereYat.com | April 2018 | 39

Rabbit Bucatini with Parmesan and Tarragon

20 and Under

$

Breaking Budgets for Brunch: Coquette

F

or almost eight years, I have penned this column discussing delicious and affordable eats in the Greater New Orleans Area. Every month, I reveal at least two (often as many as six) dishes or meals to be had when one is limited by an unforgiving budget. But just this once, I am going to break through the monetary limit (only just!) and focus on several dishes in one restaurant, and that special spot is Coquette.

Located on the corner of Washington Avenue and Magazine Street, Coquette opened a decade ago by chef (and owner) Michael Stoltzfus. From its inception, this Garden District restaurant has been wowing both locals and tourists alike and has held strong over the years as one of the city's best. In 2016, esteemed chef Kristen Essig joined forces with her friend (and beloved partner) at Coquette, and since then, things just keep getting better. Stoltzfus had been nominated for James Beard's Best Chef: South category quite a few times before Essig joined the crew, and the duo were nominated together both last year and for 2018.

Over the years, I have experienced incredible meals at Coquette, from their version of cochon de lait and fried catfish with satsumas and Napa cabbage, to Buffalo apples with blue cheese and gingerbread donuts with pumpkin ice cream. I even got to indulge in the creative sandwiches (ahem, ham with huckleberry, cheddar, and

40 | Spring Festivals Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

By Kim Ranjbar

heirloom tomatoes) built by Coquette's former sous chef Mason Hereford, who now owns his own shop only a hop and a skip away on Jackson Avenue. Dubbed Turkey and the Wolf, Hereford’s restaurant itself was nominated for James Beard's Best New Restaurant category in 2017 and was listed in Food & Wine's 2017 Restaurants of the Year.

One would think that it couldn't get any better, but I was wrong. Never in my wildest dreams would I believe that a restaurant as refined and creative as Coquette would offer a budget-worthy brunch, and what do they do? Most recently, they've been offering a two-course, prix-fixe brunch for $20! Now, I realize that with tax and tip (cocktails and dessert?), your tab will tumble well over the limit, but c'mon … where else can you get a meal of Coquette's caliber for such an incredible price? Though the dishes change with the season, through this two-for-$20 deal, I've enjoyed dishes like delicata squash with crème fraiche and pumpkin seeds, smoked pork gumbo with filé and potato salad, soft-scrambled eggs with braised pork shoulder, and shishito peppers and rabbit bucatini with Parmesan and tarragon.

For those naysayers screaming, “That's not under $20 per person!” I say, well, what about Coquette's new “family-style” option?

Birthed at their initial collaboration Little Bird, a weekly pop-up at whiskey bar Barrel Proof in the Lower Garden District, the installation was so successful that Stoltzfus and Essig decided to incorporate it into Coquette.

Diners can now enjoy a half ($29) or a whole

Soft-Scrambled Eggs with Braised Pork Shoulder ($36) fried chicken platter with deviled eggs, pickles, buttermilk ranch dressing, and rotating sides to share, like coleslaw, potato salad, and biscuits. Splitting the whole chicken with one other diner easily keeps one under budget with just enough left over for a generous tip.

If that doesn't encourage you to make

reservations for this weekend, know they also have quite a few a la carte options that offer plenty of bang for your buck, from the fried chicken sandwich and hot sausage biscuits to a pickled shrimp salad or an omelette big enough for two.

What brunch begs you to break your budget?

Delicata Squash with Crème Fraiche & Pumpkin Seeds

WhereYat.com | April 2018 | 41

Tasty Treats Food Truck & Restaurant boasts an inspired menu that includes the Steak and Shrimp Wrap, Crawfish Fries, and burgers and wings that New Orleanians have been raving about! 5000 Old Gentilly Rd. | 237-5875

RestaurantGuide African

Ted’s Frostop is still serving the same delicious Loto Burgers and fries that have defined New Orleans lunches.

Enjoy it with a rootbeer float, or try one of their poboys or daily specials. 3100 Calhoun St. | 861-3615 | tedsfrostop.com

Bennachin offers African cuisine with a decidedly New Orleans twist. Familiar with Jazz Fest favorites Poulet Fricassee and Jama-Jama? Also try their signature lamb and tilapia dishes! 1212 Royal St. | 522-1230 | bennachinrestaurant.com

Willie Mae’s Scotch House is a New Orleans landmark and James Beard Award-winning destination for lovers of fried chicken. Willie Mae Seaton’s 50-year-old recipe is unmatched for flavor to this very day. 2401 St. Ann St. | 822-9503 | williemaesnola.com

American City Donuts is open 24/7 and features fantastic donuts as well as tasty Louisiana fare like po-boys and more. Check out their drive-thru window the next time you need a latenight treat. 3301 S. Clairborne Ave. | 372-581 The Country Club specializes in distinctively modern Creole cuisine, served in a charming Bywater cottage. Try their divine Crabmeat Beignets, followed by Pan-Roasted Louisiana White Shrimp with Mascarpone Grits. 634 Louisa St. | 945-0742 | thecountryclubneworleans.com

Gattuso's

WOW Café Doubletree is so much more than wings. Try their breakfast buffet, including delicious create-your-own omelettes. Or join them for a classic New Orleans brunch showcasing fresh Louisiana seafood. 300 Canal St. | 2123250 | wowcafe.com

Asian

Liberty Cheesesteaks has brought the unmistakably divine taste of a true Philly cheesesteak to New Orleans and has created an all-new companion piece: the colby and cheddar cheese-drenched Wiz sandwich. 5039 Freret St. | 875-4447 | libertycheesesteaks.com

Five Happiness is a chic yet authentic Chinese restaurant that has served locals for over 30 years. House favorites include the Moo Shu Deluxe (shrimp, chicken, and pork) and sauteed crawfish tails. 3605 S. Carrollton Ave. | 4823935 | fivehappiness.com

Daisy Dukes has five locations: including a 24/7 French Quarter hot-spot with seafood platters and all-you-caneat crawfish, and a CBD location that’s sure to offer whatever else you may be craving. Multiple locations | daisydukesrestaurant.com

Ma Momma’s House of Cornbread, Chicken and Waffles serves up fresh, delicious fried chicken and authentic Southern fare from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., seven days a week. Join them for a fabulous country breakfast (served anytime). 5741 Crowder Blvd. | 244-0021 | mamommashouse.com

Green Tea offers decadent, delicious Chinese food. The Seafood Delight features lobster, jumbo shrimp, and scallops sauteed in the chef’s special sauce, or try their spicy Dragon (Shrimp) and Phoenix (Chicken) combo.

3001 Napoleon Ave. | 899-8005 | greenteanola.com

Gattuso’s Neighborhood Restaurant is a neighborhood eatery where you can get your drink on, too. With mouthwatering burgers and sandwiches, they even dish out some impressive salads and seafood platters. 435 Huey P. Long Ave. | 368-1114 | gattusos.net

The Mason Jar is casual American meets Southern, with Bacon-Wrapped Hamburger Steak and Angus Burgers with Garlic-Parmesan Fries alongside local favorites like white beans and fried catfish. 4517 W. Esplanade Ave. | 323-2115 | masonjarkitchen.com

Cuvee Bistro focuses on new concepts in sandwiches.

You’ll be delighted with the Stuffed Breads (featuring savory Pulled Pork and Brisket Verde) or the Wrapped Up Egg Scramblers with bacon and andouille. 701 S. Peters St. | 985-778-2529

Gordon Biersch is a brewery and restaurant that has mastered both. Enjoy their flagship beers and an elegant entree such as the Chicken Schnitzel, Gorgonzola Ribeye, or Kobe Cheeseburger. 200 Poydras St. | 522-2739 | gordonbiersch.com

Sala serves irresistible small plates like Oysters Panné, and appetizing large platters such as the Golden Fried Drum Almondine. An impressive wine and cocktail menu is simply lagniappe. 124 Lake Marina Ave. | 513-2670 | salanola.com

42 | Spring Festivals Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

Ikura features an innovative sushi selection based off of local favorites, including the Seafood Po-Boy Roll loaded with crawfish, fried shrimp, and fried soft-shell crab. Back by popular demand: the hibachi tables! 310 N. Carrollton Ave. | 485-5658 | ikuranola.net Kyoto 2 is the premier spot for sushi and sashimi in Elmwood. Try one of their popular chef’s creations, including the amazing No-Name Roll with tuna, eel, salmon, and snow crab. 5608 Citrus Blvd. | Harahan | 818-0228 Mikimoto knows their sushi, and features an extensive

menu which contains the likes of sea urchin and red snapper. Be sure to start off with a bowl of their famous Miso Soup. 3301 S. Carrollton Ave. | 488-1881 | mikimotosushi.com Miyako is known for its entertaining hibachi chefs and the high-quality ingredients that speak for themselves, like flavorful New York strip steak and lobster or their fun, New Orleans-inspired sushi menu. 1403 St. Charles Ave. | 410-997 | miyakonola.com Momo Ramen + Poke is one of New Orleans’s newest ramen joints serving up fresh noodle dishes like their Seafood Miso filled to the brim with five different seafood meats. Also be sure to try their mouthwatering Kimchi Short Ribs. 632 S. Carrollton Ave. | 218-5248 | facebook. com/momoramenpoke Origami offers a vast menu highlighted by a terrific shrimp tempura and signature sushi creations like the Funky Margarita (crawfish layered with tuna, salmon, and guacamole). 5130 Freret St. | 899-6532 | sushinola.com Viet Orleans Bistro is the perfect spot for lunch or dinner in the CBD. Enjoy a mouthwatering Banh Mi Po-Boy while relaxing with a hot sake, glass of wine, or cold beer in their pleasant dining room. 300 Baronne St. | 333-6917

Bars with Great Food Backspace Bar & Kitchen allows you to delve into delicious, literary-themed sandwich creations like the Hemingway Cuban and the Whitman Roast Beef. If you’re a fan of old-school cocktails: look no further. 139 Chartres St. | 322-2245 | backspacenola.com Buffa’s Bar & Restaurant serves awesome omelettes, bar stalwarts like chicken wings and burgers, and even Chorizo Chili—their delicious take on the comfort food classic. Full menu available 24/7! 1001 Esplanade Ave. | 949-0038 | buffasbar.com Flamingo A-Go-Go has 45 beers on tap and a menu of outstanding local recipes. Indulge in the flavors of Marinated Blue Crab Claws and Bronzed Redfish (with garlic butter and dirty rice). 869 Magazine St. | 577-2202 | flamingonola.com The Jimani is a bar that has everything. Start with a plate of Jimmy J’s Big Ass Nachos and progress to an array of poboys, burgers, sandwiches, or even a full rack of St. Louis

BBQ ribs. 141 Chartres St. | 524-0493 | thejimani.com Mimi’s in the Marigny showcases original recipes like Goat Cheese Croquettes and Coffee Kahlua Glazed Salmon. Or, order from Chef Hailey’s “Trust Me” menu, accentuated with fresh Louisiana produce and herbs. 2601 Royal St. | 872-9868 | mimismarigny.com NOSH (New Orleans Social House) plays upon the tapas craze with flavorsome selections such as LobsterShrimp Tacos, Truffled Mac and Cheese, and Beef Short Rib Poutine (with smoked gouda). 752 Tchoupitoulas St. | 581-7101 | noshneworleans.com Ole Saint offers outstanding dishes inspired by owner Deuce McAllister. Flash fried louisiana oysters, Southern catfish with white beans and shrimp, and the Ole Saint Craft Burger are favorites. 132 Royal St. | 309-4797 | olesaint.com Orleans Grapevine proves that fine food is best paired with the fruit of the vine, with over 375 wines in house.

Surf and turf is a must here, with the Black Angus filet and Maine lobster tail. 720 Orleans Ave. | 523-1930 | orleansgrapevine.com Poppy’s Time Out Sports Bar serves Hurricanes that are categorized in intensity from one to five, Blackened Shrimp Queso, Gator Bites (w/Andouille), 911 Fire Wings for the fearless, and so much more. 500 Port of New Orleans Pl. | 247-9265 | poppystimeoutsportsbar.com Rick’s Sporting Saloon suggests you make it out for TwoLegged Taco Tuesday, or enjoy a Saloon Burger (short rib, brisket, and chuck) anytime, while watching sports on their massive 92-inch screen. 522 Bourbon St. | 552-2510 | ricks-saloon.com Rivershack Tavern offers the thrill and excitement of great food and drinks along the Mississippi River bank. Try an amazing “Shank You” Burger, a delicious half-pound combination of beef and hot sausage. 3449 River Rd. | 834-4938 | therivershacktavern.us Shamrock Bar and Grill has a reasonably priced menu that is highlighted by a Buffalo Shrimp Platter with all the trimmings for $11, and a 12-ounce rib-eye with potato and salad for only $13! 4133 S. Carrollton Ave. | 3010938 | shamrockparty.com

Café

Italian

Another Broken Egg Café has created the most succulent omelettes. There’s the Floridian (with garlic butter-sauteed crabmeat) and Stan’s Mardi Gras Omelette (crawfish, Gulf shrimp, andouille, and red peppers). Uptown | Lakeview | 301-2771 | anotherbrokeneggcafe.com

G’s Pizza has three locations serving you the best in handtossed pies. Pick up a Salmon and Caper Pizza on Bienville Street, the garlic-loaded Narcissist on Howard Ave., and the Uptown Special on Magazine. Multiple Locations | gspizza.com

Café 615 Home of Da Wabbit prides itself on being the most affordable restaurant in Gretna. Where else are you going to get seared duck breast for only $18? Also worth mentioning is their divine turtle soup. 615 Kepler St. | 365-1225 | dawabbit.net Café Amelie is housed in the historic, 150-year-old Princess of Monaco Courtyard and serves delicious selections like the cochon de lait sandwich on ciabatta and the Louisiana Crawfish Linguine. 912 Royal St. | 412-8965 | cafeamelie.com Café Degas is an experience formulated to recreate dining in the beautiful French countryside. Standout dishes include La Salade Au Crabe, the Pan-Seared Rack of Lamb, and Lamb Merguez Sausage. 3127 Esplanade Ave. | 945-5635 | cafedegas.com

Josephine Estelle is reimagining Italian cuisine, steeped in Southern tradition. Their wide range of pastas share the stage with platters of duck breast, speckled trout, and veal porterhouse. 600 Carondelet St. | 930-3070 | josephineestelle.com Mardi Gras Zone boasts some truly incredible brick-oven pizza, or try their renditions of local favorites like red beans and rice or hand-carved corned beef. Open 24/7.

2706 Royal St. | 947-8787 | mardigraszone.com Mosca’s Restaurant has been cooking up Italian specialties for over 60 years, from familiar staples such as Spaghetti and Meatballs and Chicken Cacciatore to signature dishes like Oysters Mosca. 4137 U.S. Highway 90 W, Westwego, LA | 436-8950 | moscasrestaurant.com

Pascal’s Manale turns 105 this year, and they still serve the most delicious BBQ shrimp you’ve ever had. Perhaps have a seat at their world-famous oyster bar, where the mollusks just keep on shucking! 1838 Napoleon Ave. | 895-4877 | pascalsmanale.com Venezia has been serving house specialties such as Eggplant Vatican (fried eggplant filled with shrimp and crawfish in a crabmeat cream sauce) since 1957. Daily specials include seafood paella. 134 N. Carrollton Ave. | 488-7991 | venezianeworleans.net Vincent’s Italian Cuisine is famous for their corn and crab bisque, but you haven’t lived until you’ve indulged in the Seafood Stuffed Pork Chop or the Veal and Spinach-Stuffed Cannelloni. Metairie | Uptown | vincentsitaliancuisine.com

Mexican Carreta’s Grill now has four locations. Dine on one of their sizzling xarnitas or xarne asada platters.

Carreta’s also offers six different authentic taco styles

Caffe! Caffe! has brand-new items like the grilled chicken sandwich, served on a fresh-baked onion bun, and their Creamy Mac, a love letter to mac and cheese fanatics everywhere. They serve breakfast, too. Two Metairie Locations | caffecaffe.com Jimmy J’s Café is perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Try their flagship breakfast—Eggs Lafitte with andouille sausage, hollandaise sauce, and ratatouille, or one of their delicious sandwich creations. 115 Chartres St. | 309-9360 | jimmyjscafe.com Petite Amelie has a spectacular marketplace selection of fresh olives, cheeses, sandwiches, salads, pastries, and more. Pick up one of their take-home entrees, perfect for the person on-the-go (aren’t we all?!). 900 Royal St. | 4128065 | petiteamelienola.wordpress.com The Ruby Slipper is the place for breakfast-lovers: try their BBQ Shrimp & Grits or a B.Y.O. Omelet. Those seeking lunch need not look further than their Big Bacon Burger or Creole Reuben. Multiple Locations | therubyslippercafe.net

OleSaint

Don’t Miss Our Great Seafood Specials!

BE SURE TO FOLLOW

ON INSTAGRAM Japanese Restaurant, Sushi & Such Mon – Thur 11:30 am – 10 pm Fri & Sat 11:30 am – 11 pm Sun 5 – 9 pm

@whereyatnola

SushiNOLA.com | @NolaSushi 899-6532| 5130 Freret St.

Great Daily Lunch Specials & Super Seafood Specials!

365-1225

615 Kepler St., Gretna dawabbit.net

Just 10 Minutes from Downtown WhereYat.com | April 2018 | 43

for the taco-lover extraordinaire. Multiple Locations | carretasgrillrestaurant.com

and Soft-Shell Crab Decatur. 527 Decatur St. | 522-0571 | crescentcitybrewhouse.com

El Taco Loco lets you choose from 10 different meats and a slew of toppings for an unmistakably well-seasoned, build-your-own-platter experience. You can find them in Mona’s old spot. 1120 S. Carrollton Ave. | 372-3224

Crossroads at House of Blues celebrates Southern cuisine in all its spectacular forms. Regional dishes such as Delta Fried Chicken, Memphis Baby Back Ribs, and Low Country Shrimp and Grits adorn the menu. 225 Decatur St. | 310-4999 | houseofblues.com/neworleans/menu

Juan’s Flying Burrito knows you’ll love their signature “Flying” Burrito and enchiladas, but they also make healthy synonymous with delicious, with vegetarian options like the Green Goat Quesadilla. Multiple Locations | juansflyingburrito.com

Middle Eastern

Joey K’s is that Uptown staple that you can’t possibly live without, with classic New Orleans dishes like chicken fried steak and breaded veal cutlet. All-you-can-eat catfish daily for only $13.95! 3001 Magazine St. | 891-0997 | joeyksrestaurant.com

The Halal Guys is a certified hit, dishing out the tastiest Middle Eastern-meets-Mediterranean fare. Plan a visit now to try the spicy BBQ chicken, available for a limited time only. Multiple Locations | thehalalguys.com

New Orleans Creole Cookery understands that great food and music go together. Enjoy the sweet sounds of live jazz while you sip a Category 1 thru 5 Hurricane and feast upon their unbelievable Seafood Tower. 508 Toulouse St. | 524-9632 | neworleanscreolecookery.com

Lebanon’s Café features some amazing platters, such as the Rosemary Lamb Chops and Tuna Steak. There’s also shawarma and kabobs galore. As always, the restaurant encourages you to BYOB. 1500 S. Carrollton Ave. | 8626200 | lebanonscafe.com

The Original Fiorella’s Café has garnered the “Best Fried Chicken” award the last two years from the National Fried Chicken Festival, but don’t miss their Italian classics or hot boiled crawfish. 5325 Franklin Ave. | 309-0352 | originalfiorellas.com

Pyramid’s Café marinates all of their meats to perfection, for outstanding kabobs, shawarma, and gyros. Try the Chicken Lula or Kafta Kabab. You also get a free drink with each entree! 3149 Calhoun St. | 861-9602 | pyramidscafeonline.com

The Praline Connection serves landmark Creole/soul food dishes like stuffed bell peppers and fried chicken livers. The “Taste of Soul” includes gumbo, red beans and rice, fried chicken, ribs, and more. 542 Frenchmen St. | 943-3934 | pralineconnection.com

Briquette offers contemporary coastal cuisine in a stylishly chic dining room. Pork Porterhouse with a Bleu Cheese Crust and Crispy-Skin Steelhead Salmon are highlights from an inspired dinner menu. 701 S. Peters St. | 302-7496 | briquette-nola.com

New Orleans Cuisine

Public Service (NOPSI Hotel) lives up to their name by serving delectable dishes in the joyous atmosphere of live entertainment. Favorites include the Braised Pork Belly and Bayou-Style Short Ribs. 311 Baronne St. | 962-6527 | publicservicenola.com

Crazy Lobster Bar & Grill is the home of the Steamed Seafood Bucket and live music daily. They also offer a stuffed lobster with crabmeat dressing and Jambalaya that is perfect for first-timers. 500 Port of Orleans Pl. | 569-3380 | thecrazylobster.com

Columns Hotel offers elegant dining overlooking historic St. Charles Avenue. Try the Double-Cut Pork Chop stuffed with oyster dressing, Eggplant St. Claire, or their famous Rock Cornish Hen. 3811 St. Charles Ave. | 899-9308 | thecolumns.com/dining

Short Stop PoBoys is a one-stop shop for hungry sandwich-lovers. Their Soft Shell Crab King must be seen to be believed. Enjoy it with some of their award-winning seafood gumbo. 119 Transcontinental Dr. | 885-4572 | shortstoppoboysno.com

Jaeger’s Seafood specializes in big seafood dinners, whether fried or boiled. An example of the latter would be The King’s Platter, which includes Maine lobster, snow crabs, boiled shrimp, and all the fixins. 901 S. Clearview Pkwy. | 818-2200 | jaegersseafood.com

Seafood

Crescent City Brewhouse is a microbrewery in the French Quarter that just so happens to have one heck of a menu! Impressive entrees include Southern Roasted Duck

Acme Oyster House has been specializing in the mollusk fan-favorite since 1910. Their Fish Pontchartrain, topped with crabmeat, shrimp, and butter cream sauce

Landry’s Seafood, now open in the French Quarter, is a real seafood-lover's dream restaurant, featuring terrific house specialties like Smoked Bacon-Crusted Scallops and Blackened Catfish Atchafalaya. Multiple Locations | landrysseafood.com Robin’s Wharf specializes in exceptional seafood

Antoine’s Restaurant has been a New Orleans landmark since 1840, embodying authentic French-Creole dining.

Home of the world-famous Oysters Rockefeller, Antoine's also offers Cerises (Cherries) Jubilé for dessert. Save room!

713 St. Louis St. | 581-4422 | antoines.com

CrazyLobsterBar&Grill ,is unparalleled in its sheer seafood decadence. Multiple Locations | acmeoyster.com

recipes. Take their Catfish Christopher, for example, served over cheesy mashed potatoes and drenched in a delectable, house-made crawfish sauce. Uptown | Slidell | robinswharf.com The Catch Seafood Restaurant serves overstuffed fried seafood po-boys for lunch and great recipes like the Blackened Catfish Nantua (smothered in a creamy crawfish sauce) for a classic New Orleans dinner. 310 Cleary Ave. | 407-3316 Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco captures the authentic, dynamic flavors of Peruvian recipes (and their signature white brandy). Try one of their signature dishes like Seco de Cordero, a traditional plate of lamb shank with cilantro sauce. 5015 Magazine St. | 267-7612 | titoscevichepisco.com

Vegetarian Seed demonstrates that vegan cuisine doesn’t need to sacrifice the flavors that exemplify New Orleans. Check out their pan-fried eggplant po-boy, Creole zucchini wraps, or three-bean chili. 1330 Prytania St. | 302-2599 | seedyourhealth.com

Celebrating 20 Years in New Orleans!

JUAN’S FLYING BURRITO MARGARITA MONDAY Every MONDAY

we Feature a TOP SHELF Margarita it’s Double sized but.... you’ll only pay the Single price new location!

Uptown-5538 Magazine 897.4800

CBD-515 Baronne 529.5825

LGD-2018 Magazine 569.0000

Mid-City-4724 S.Carrollton 486.9950

44 | Spring Festivals Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

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 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

Fontaine Palace 218 S. Robertson St. 525-3277

The newest bar in town 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 reputed to pour the best Guinness in town, so grab 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. – 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.

Pat O'Brien's Bar 718 St. Peter St. 525-4823

As the inventor of the Hurricane, this bar has been a longstanding destination for visitors clamoring to try the fruity rum concoction in their gorgeous courtyard.

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

With 16,000 square feet of fun, this neighborhood bar is great for groups of friends, with 23 pool tables and dozens of games, including ping-pong and shuffleboard.

The Country Club 634 Louisa St. 945-0742

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

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.

Monday, March 26: Louie’s Do The Bar Lounge, 6pm Tuesday, March 27: Soul Rotisserie, 5pm Wednesday, March 28: Brass Wednesday Presents

Marigny Brass Band, 9pm

Thursday, March 29: Cafe Ganja Presents Ambush Reggae Band, 9pm

Friday, March 30: Steve Mignano Band, 9pm Saturday, March 31: Louie Fontaine and His Band, 10pm Sunday, April 1: NAPPY HOUR, 4pm Monday, April 2: LOUIE’S DO THE BAR LOUNGE, 6pm Tuesday, April 3: Soul Rotisserie, 5pm Wednesday, April 4: Brass Wednesday Presents Marigny Brass Band, 9pm

Thursday, April 5: TBA Friday, April 6: Curley Taylor Zydeco Trouble, 10pm Saturday, April 7: Rock Blast Presents: Vick LeCar (Rock), 10pm

Sunday, April 8: NAPPY HOUR, 4pm Monday, April 9: Louie’s Do The Bar Lounge, 6pm Tuesday, April 10: Soul Rotisserie, 5pm Wednesday, April 11: Brass Wednesday Presents Marigny Brass Band, 9pm

Thursday, April 12: Louie Fontaine & the Beat Machine, 10pm Friday, April 13: The Quaalords Album Release Party, 9pm Saturday, April 14: Louie Fontaine & the Beat Machine, 10pm Sunday, April 15: NAPPY HOUR, 4pm

218 S. Robertson New Orleans (504) 525-3277 www.fontainepalace.com WhereYat.com | April 2018 | 45

FilmReviews

Catch all of Where Y'at's film reviews

by Movie Editor David Vicari and Critic Fritz Esker at WhereYat.com.

Tomb Raider

By David Vicari In the opening scene of the newly revamped Tomb Raider, the main character Lara Croft (Alicia Vikander) is getting pummeled in a sparring match at a gym. This scene is important as it shows Croft as being vulnerable, and totally unlike the cocky and superhuman portrayal by Angelina Jolie in the two previous movie incarnations of the video game: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life (2003).

While the Jolie films are absolutely atrocious, this new Tomb Raider is an exciting adventure, thanks to Vikander's emotional performance and also by fashioning the movie as a low-tech, downand-dirty, bare-knuckled action picture sprinkled with some supernatural elements very much in the vein of Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981).

Lara makes her living as a bike courier and lives in a closet-size apartment, even though she is a billionaire. You see, her adventurer father, Lord Richard Croft (Dominic West), went missing seven years ago while chasing down the whereabouts of the tomb of a supposed Japanese witch. Eventually, Lara traces her father's footsteps to an uncharted island off the coast of Japan, which is where she meets her father's arch nemesis, Mathias Vogel (Walton Goggins).

What follows is a lot of hold-your-breath action, like the waterfall sequence with the rusted-out World War II bomber, or the booby-trapped tomb finale. The stilted and sappy dialog between father and daughter occasionally come close to derailing this, and, of course, this is nowhere near as good as Raiders of the Lost Ark, but Tomb Raider is still an entertaining, if familiar, old-fashioned jungle adventure.

7 Days in Entebbe

By Fritz Esker The new thriller 7 Days in Entebbe is based on the true story of Palestinian and German terrorists hijacking a plane and taking it to Entebbe, Uganda. Jewish hostages were separated from the group and the terrorists told the Israeli government that they would be executed if certain prisoners weren’t freed. This left Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin with the unenviable task of deciding whether to negotiate with terrorists or send a commando unit to invade the Ugandan air field.

Directed by Jose Padilha, the film thoughtfully poses a number of issues for viewers to consider. Is negotiating with terrorists ever worth it? How far do you go to save the lives of innocent people?

How far do you go to protest injustices in the world, and when do you become what you despise?

The German terrorists (Rosamund Pike and Daniel Bruhl) get the most screen time. Both are left-wing radicals eager to prove that they do more than just talk. Prime Minister Rabin (Lior Ashkenazi) is wary of invading another country and shedding more blood, but Defense Minister Shimon Peres (Eddie Marsan) believes there should be no compromise.

At times, the dialogue is too on-the-nose. There is also some clumsy cross-cutting between a dance performance and a commando raid late in the film. But overall, 7 Days in Entebbe tells an entertaining story. Munich did a better job of covering similar thematic ground, but Entebbe is still worthwhile and relevant.

46 | Spring Festivals Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

A Wrinkle in Time

Death Wish

By Fritz Esker

By David Vicari

Acclaimed director Ava DuVernay (Selma) returns with an adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s acclaimed children’s book A Wrinkle in Time. Sadly, the results are more clumsy than enchanting (disclaimer: I have not read the novel).

Storm Reid plays Meg, an intelligent girl alienated from her peers and sorely missing her scientist father (Chris Pine), who vanished four years earlier. Three celestial beings (Oprah Winfrey, Mindy Kaling, and Reese Witherspoon) arrive on earth and tell her and her brother (Deric McCabe) that they’ll help them find their father. Meg’s new friend Calvin (Levi Miller) also tags along for the ride.

Wrinkle’s problems are many. The actors are saddled with tons of expository dialogue, especially in the film’s first half. As a result, the movie is often more explanatory than adventurous and cinematic. The human connections between characters largely aren’t there, either. Meg and Calvin’s relationship feels forced. He shows up because he says something told him to, which makes him more of a plot device than a character. The film’s villain is a vague evil force called “The It,” which just reminds viewers that last year featured a better film about children battling a metaphysical evil called ... It. The one moment where A Wrinkle in Time expounds upon its well-intentioned themes in a cinematic way is a montage showing the hidden pain of many of the supporting characters. But mostly, this movie is a misfire.

The original 1974 Death Wish is about an architect, played

by Charles Bronson, who becomes a vigilante. It's considered a classic, but I have never been a fan of this Michael Winner-directed feature. Early in the film, there is an absolutely repugnant rape scene, an act that is disturbingly frequent in Winner's films. Besides being fairly dull in its execution of the revenge storyline, the film deviates wildly from the Brian Garfield novel on which it is based, completely ignoring Garfield's strong implication that vigilantism is not a solution to crime but another real problem The remake, starring Bruce Willis, is directed by Eli Roth (Cabin Fever, Hostel, The Green Inferno), whose films I haven't liked, and scripted by Joe Carnahan (Narc, Smokin' Aces), whose films I also haven't liked. So, I am still in shock that I thoroughly enjoyed this remake of Death Wish.

Dr. Paul Kersey (Willis) turns vigilante after his wife (Elisabeth Shue) is killed and his daughter is left in critical condition after a botched burglary (thankfully, the rape has been excised from this version). He wants to find the guys who did it and turn them into worm food.

Willis hasn't been this good in a while. He doesn't play an unkillable hero, but a broken hearted man obsessed with vengeance. And the film is extremely well-directed by Roth as he creates much tension and suspense. The screenplay is smart in changing Kersey from an architect to a doctor— he knows where to wound his victims and also how to fix himself up after scrapes with bad guys.

Sure, this movie wants to have its cake and eat it too. There are scenes of radio personalities debating the pros and cons of vigilantism (more than the original film does), but in the end, Roth and Carnahan are making an action movie. Granted, the movie does seem to edge toward a progun slant (a position I vehemently disagree with), but as a revenge fantasy, it works.

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WhereYat.com | April 2018 | 47

TalesFromTheQuarter

By Debbie Lindsey

Vegan and Hungry in NOLA

I

t used to be that a virgin in a whorehouse was less of an anomaly than a well-fed vegan in New Orleans. Sure, New Orleans is not unique as cities go when it comes to its less-thanwarm embrace of vegan cuisine, but come on. We are a city known for its food industry and culture. And, despite popular perceptions, we do not all eat boudin and suck crawfish heads.

Now, this is where much of my readership might choose to roll their eyes, yawn, and turn the page to—anything but some tree-huggin’ rant about not eating critters or enjoying their dairy byproducts. And if you must flee to another page, so be it; but if you stay with me, I will be honest and confess my lust.

I love nothing more than to stick my head inside a bag of fried chicken and inhale deeply, but I promise you, I’ll not eat your chicken. I became a vegetarian in 1973 in Mobile, Alabama. My parents fully expected me to die within months from malnutrition. I knew absolutely nothing about cooking, and my interest in vegetables was limited to broccoli smothered in Velveeta cheese. Dining out involved lots of grilled cheese on white bread, pasta with butter (olive oil was not yet a main staple in Mobile restaurants), or iceberg lettuce drowning in French dressing.

Possessing now, through trial and error, a bit more knowledge of nutrition, I can look back and wonder how the heck I survived those early and many years of ignorant consumption. I certainly could never have made it as a vegan at that point.

For those unfamiliar with this whole veggie thing, and without going into really strict ideology, I will sum it up simply. Vegetarians refrain from eating any critters. Yes, that also means no seafood.

Vegans take it a step further to exclude all animal by-products (dairy, eggs, honey, use of leather, etc.), period. I could go into all the reasons, and there are many: health, environment, animal welfare, and so on. Vegans approach this diet in different ways. Got it? There will be a quiz.

Okay, where were we? Oh yeah, my complete lack of culinary knowledge or skills early on. I would not recommend plunging into vegetarian waters without some knowledge of what to eat—not just what not to eat. A little research will carry the novice a long way. If I had taken the effort to peruse a few cookbooks back then, I might have found some healthy pleasures in preparing critter-free food.

Restaurants, then (and even now) in Mobile, as well as in New Orleans, are just more trouble

Po-BoyViews

By Phil LaMancusa

M

Invalid OR Day-Care Lessons

y name is Virgil Julius Shaw. I was raised in the 9th Ward of New Orleans, Holy Cross neighborhood; I’m now 84 years old. Spending the rest of my life in a nursing facility (which is my current situation) gives me plenty of time to think. I don’t do my own laundry, cook meals, or go out in public without a chaperone—a far cry from the life that I led and had. For all intents and purposes, I am now invalid (not an invalid; invalid, as in not valid anymore). I have a room, eight feet by 20 feet, that I share with another invalid.

We rarely speak; he watches television with the sound off and listens to classical music on a portable radio. I sit and think while I wait for my next meal or for someone to wheel me out to sit in the sun. I’m waiting to die.

You might say that I had a full life. The usual growing pains to reach adulthood: playground fistfights, teenage love crushes, hormone riots of confusion, and a broken arm from a bike accident. After graduating school, I joined the military and participated in the perpetual war that our country is forever involved in. I learned how to use weapons and was lucky enough to muster out unscathed.

Too young, I married the wrong woman who came with a pretty face, angry pointless arguments, hot make-up sex, and her inability to find and keep gainful employment. I spent the majority of that union struggling to make ends meet and keep a roof over our heads.

Nightclubs and carousing were part of our lifestyle; we lived in a cold-water flat at the edge of the French Quarter, and when I wasn’t working, we were out spending anything that I made like we were swells. Eventually, I got tired of coming home late and tired to dirty laundry and sinks full of dishes. There were endless employment interviews in ironed shirts and shined shoes; I took a succession of jobs that I hated until I found better ones, just to keep bread on the table. She left me for a fast talker, became a stripper on Bourbon Street, and later married the drummer in the band.

There were years of drifting, night hawking. Sad rooming houses, back-alley brawls, and

48 | Spring Festivals Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

than usually worth it. Hold on! I have just pissed off a ton of chefs and restaurant-owners. There are many who try and succeed in offering veg-friendly dishes. And I will give more kudos to them later.

But face it; this region just ain’t too savvy when it comes to accommodating taste buds that look for lower-on-the-food-chain yum-yums.

Ah, but there was a time when one could forget they were in unfriendly waters and dine in a café that could and did rival any New York or San Francisco vegetarian eatery. And I had the extreme pleasure to work there for four of the five years it existed. Olivia Smith owned and operated Old Dog New Trick Café on Exchange Alley within the Quarter. If very lucky, you just might get a chance to work for someone you truly respect. This was my experience at Old Dog New Trick. Finally, I could serve food I believed in. Make no mistake; I can waitress my way around a side of beef and even sniff longingly at it, but all to the chagrin of my personal ethics. At ODNT, I not only found food to lust after, I could eat it!

But food was only a part of that crazy alternative café; we were given creative license to sing, dance, and camp it up. Once a week, we had Wig Day. We all dressed in diner drag—beehive wigs, gigantic bosoms, polyester harvest, gold-and-white uniforms with smart little aprons. Terence and Brad were especially fetching. And for a few hours, I was empowered with big hair and size 44 D bosoms (I could fit an entire Sunday newspaper inside my thrift-store brassiere—light-weight padding).

I was 40 before I ever really began cooking. I’d prepare meals for myself, but they lacked variety and imagination. Olivia’s ODNT kitchen introduced me to a world of foods and skills I had never been exposed to. Not as a cook, but simply as a waitress, I gleaned skills and techniques. Before this, I had never even eaten tofu, much less tempeh, polenta, soba, udon, miso, seitan, and never knew kale was edible (had only seen it used as garnish). My palate was on its way. My ability to create food was given birth.

This segue back to Olivia’s is more than a sentimental nod to a place in time. As the vegetarian and vegan market grows stronger and larger, New Orleans is finally gaining some traction in this area. In the early- to mid-90s, I knew of four or five vegetarian cafés in New Orleans, then it dropped to near zero, but now things are moving forward for plant-based cuisine and customers. So, come on New Orleans, let’s have some faith in the spending ability of meatless diners. Hell, forget that; when Old Dog was open, customers of conventional dietary needs and desires made up at least half of our customer base. A resourceful and innovative chef can wow most any audience without the use of animal products and offer respites from meat without resorting to the tired, obligatory, pasta primavera and those God-awful sprouts.

As I stated, things are improving for vegans and vegetarians, even in our meat- and seafoodcentric city. Many young and innovative chefs are baking, grilling, and roasting delicious foods, and restaurants like Seed and Good Karma Café embrace completely plant-based menus. And don’t forget all the great vegan pop-ups and markets, where talented vendors prepare restaurant-quality foods.

crap games; three-card Monte and cheap whiskey; getting busted so many times that I knew the desk sergeant at the precinct by name. Fast women and slow horses, unreliable sources, being too smart for my own good. Drinking bouts and tobacco, lung-wrenching coughs, and moving back to New Orleans and living with my kid sister and her boyfriend until I could lick my wounds and get on my feet.

I took a job in the library and found a career to last a lifetime. I fell in love and married above my station, took a bunch of evening classes, and bought a house on the G.I. bill; I managed to raise a family and took part in the well-being of my brood. The normal, everyday, American dreamer. My wife was a piano teacher, and why she loved me, I’ll never know.

We both retired about the same time; we traveled some. The kids were grown and had gone off to be whatever they became. I lost one to a drunk driver; the other two either don’t know where I am or couldn’t care less. My wife died 10 years ago, and my life went downhill from there.

I “downsized” and moved to a retirement apartment complex. I took a spill down a flight of steps and the medical costs took a lot of money. They shipped me here to recover, and after six months, Medicare took over my living expenses. Then—surprise, surprise—the nursing home took all of my assets and told me that they had to use them for my expenses, so now I have no apartment, car, or any of my possessions or finances. I talked to the patient counselor here, and he told me that he agreed that it was a f**king shame, but that it was a legal technicality that they could exercise; so, tough patooties. He also warned that if I put up a fuss about it, they could send me to the loony facility up the road and claim that I needed medication for “nervousness.” All of us here just keep our opinions to ourselves like good inmates do; it’s best to avoid making waves.

That’s the extent of my life here, of all of the lives here: rich man, poor man, beggar man; thief, doctor, lawyer, Indian chief. Butcher, baker, candlestick maker; paupers, pirates, poets, and the many women here who sacrificed their lives for love and family. Did I tell you that there are separate wings of this institution for men and women? We only get to mingle during meal times, not that it matters to any of us anymore.

Oh, they take care of us here; we’re able to draw $38 a month and do pretty much anything we want to with it. The staff performs their duties with an air of semi-professionalism; I can tell that they’re overworked, underpaid, and not especially qualified. Some bring religion to us.

Some, I can tell, didn’t realize that, with all their schooling, they would be changing diapers and giving out medications to a group of “old and in-the-way” elders that wake up, spend the day, and go back to sleep feeling impotent and invalid. I’ve tried to point out that they too will be in here someday; they don’t seem to be impressed by that. They’ll see.

So here I am—we are—waiting to die, because what we have is hardly worth being called living. I’m Virgil Julius Shaw, and this is my thousand words about my life.

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YaGram

Below are our staff's favorite #NOLA hashtags on Instagram for March.

Tag us @WhereYatNola or #WhereYatNola to be featured in an upcoming issue.

NewsAroundTheWeb

Updated Daily at WhereYat.com

SouthernLivingCrownsNewOrleans

@amblinram

@fcpeuro

@kelly_baughman78

Food is top of the list for a tourist to travel to this city, and Southern Living Magazine has confirmed that by naming New Orleans the South’s Best Food City. Some cities, such as Austin, San Antonio, and Atlanta are beginning to attract foodies, but New Orleans has long been a staple for great food.

Bey&JayHeadedBackToNOLAForOTR2 @johnodonnell

@kc6680

@misceljaneous

Beyoncé and Jay-Z are returning to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome for their international On The Run II Tour on Thursday, September 13, with tickets starting at $20. The couple performed the original OTR tour at the Dome in the summer of 2014. The OTR II tour kicks off Wednesday, June 6, in the United Kingdom. Tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.com.

UberUserChargedFor300-MileJoyride @victorshtickor

@la_aventurera

TweetBites

@thespilledsauce

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

New Jersey native Kenny Bachman was charged $1,635.93 for a ride from Morgantown, West Virginia, to Gloucester County, New Jersey—a destination he claims he never entered. Bachman apparently wanted a ride to an area near West Virginia University. In addition to distance, the costly fare was also due to Bachman’s selection of an Uber XL, the more expensive alternative to an Uber X. Uber claims the driver drove to the location entered, and that Bachman agreed to the fare and provided a five-star rating. Bachman is disputing the charges.

@NTGraff : RIP Mr. Tom Benson. Thank you for all you have done for our beloved #NOLA. You turned our @Saints from a punchline to a Super Bowl Champion. A true icon of Louisiana. Condolences to his family and to everyone on Airline Drive. @AmandaSoprano: The fact that I've seen 2 Teslas in 24 hrs, one illegally parked, tells me all I need to know about the current state of New Orleans. #NOLA @AmandaEeeek: He - *slides into dms Me - *leads the conversation into the history of New Orleans jazz @AyoRiRi: Love the New Orleans accent, they make the letter “O” sounds so soulful. How? @ZachMirambell20: People change on you like New Orleans weather @ScottHanson: I was the only reporter in the room when Tom Benson made his private pitch to the NFL owners to bring the Super Bowl back to New Orleans post-Katrina. Will always remember his passion - wanting the game back in the city that hosts it so well. #TomBenson @Saints

50 | Spring Festivals Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

LouisianaStudentMistakesSquareRootForGun A high school student at Oberlin High School in Oberlin, Louisiana, stated a square root symbol resembled a gun, as another student was solving a math problem. Police questioned the student and also checked his home to see if there were any weapons or proof that he had access to weapons; they found nothing. Some said it was an overreaction, but after the shooting that occurred a week before in Parkland, Florida, leaving 17 students dead and some injured, it seems authorities just wanted to be extra cautious.

WhereYat.com | April 2018 | 51

Where Ya Been?

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52 | Spring Festivals Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

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The Irish Channel Parade was a smashing success.

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Landry’s celebrated the opening of their Seafood House in the French Quarter with a rousing party.

Lisa Nelson of Queen Trini Lisa was one of the new chefs announced for vendor spots at Roux Carré.

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The Pontchartrain Hotel’s Tony Abadie and Chef Brian Landry hosted the El Tesoro dinner during Top Taco’s Agave Week.

Paul and Art Riley enjoyed Top Taco at Woldenberg Park.

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Shawn Murphy and Wild Turkey’s Eddie Rusell had a great time at Bourbon Fest.

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People shaved their heads to raise funds for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation cancer research at the Rivershack Tavern.

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Chef Nina Compton was all smiles at the opening of her Bywater American Bistro.

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Antoine’s hosted the French Quarter Festival’s Kick-off party.

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10. Republic National Distributing Company’s Fred Holley and Dan Stein honored the French Quarter Festival’s poster by Frenchy.

WhereYat.com | April 2018 | 53

The AC Hotel New Orleans Bourbon is centrally located in one of New Orleans’s trendiest neighborhoods and features 220 newly renovated guest rooms, along with a sixth-floor outdoor atrium with Downtown views. Customize the 4,680 square feet of event space to meet your needs, and join their expert mixologists in the AC Lounge for craft cocktails and small plates.

Chat NIKKI REYES with

<< Kenny Jacques General Manager, AC Hotel New Orleans

<< Wendell Brunious Master Jazz Musician Aficionado

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At the AC Hotel New Orleans.

Kenny.

I'm a combination. Simple as that.

Lusty Louisiana!

Peace sign.

<< Bryn Duplechain Food and Beverage Manager, AC Hotel New Orleans 1.

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On the top of a volcano!

Mr. Charlotte's Web. Classic! I'm an old soul.

Miss Burning Rose.

Athena.

The Blue Room.

Mr. Disease.

I'm a classic. I cannot complete the race anymore, Nikki!

Mr. Trumpet.

Louis, Louis, Satchmo Armstrong!

Where Y’at Chat Questions: 1. Festival time! At the Saints and Sinners Literary Festival, where would your masterclass be held?

2. It's Hogs for the Cause! What would be the name of your hog that would not be served on a platter?

3. It's the Crescent City Classic! Are you a classic or a nouveau?

4. Happy Easter! If you were a bunny at the late Hugh Hefner's house, what would be your “a.k.a”?

5. It's French Quarter Fest! What would be your signature statue at the fest?

<< Carrie DeVries Public Relations Account Supervisor/Partner, DEVENEY

<< Debbie Davis Stunning Singer/Ukulele Player

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Vessel New Orleans.

Pulled pork.

Classically nouveau!

Sweet Caroline.

A fleur de lis with two saxes aside.

<< Brittany Major Co-Owner, Gabon Boxing Gym 1.

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The Saints Bar with no windows.

Sir Oink.

Classic! Full circle, Darling.

Fluff y De Lis! Merci.

My parents.

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At a bar with live music.

Sooey Armstrong.

Classic. Even my brassieres are older than nouveau!

Welsh Rabbit.

Lil' Queenie Lee Harris Circle.

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In New Orleans, the "other" country!

Babe.

Classic! I'm classical.

Jessica Rabbit.

Josie Arlington.

My friend Leslie's parents’ house.

Gaston.

I'm nouveau. It's "COUCH 2K" time!

Contessa Bordeaux.

Notable New Orleans dancer, Sarah Jane Duax.

<< Michael Casey Co-Owner, Liberty Cheesesteaks

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54 | Spring Festivals Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

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<< Christina Duggar Founder, The Organ Grinders

<< Michael A. Green Custom Woodwork Craftsman Literally, at my custom-made bar!

The KC BBQ Hog. Classic, Nikki! I'm getting younger.

Naughty Mike.

Combat soldiers.

^^ Nico Darling Co-Owner, Dynamo

Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Dad! Gritty classic.

Meat Flaps.

Ignatius J. Reilly of A Confederacy of Dunces.