Spring Restaurant Guide 2018 by Where Y'at Magazine

March 2018

St.Patrick’sDay

WhereYat.com

Felix’sPaulDinet

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4 | Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

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WhereYat.com | March 2018 | 5

CONTENTS Cover Story 8 Oyster Shucker Paul Dinet

Features 10 22 24 26 28 44 46

Spring Restaurant Guide Food News $20 and Under

Oyster Happy Hours 300 Years: City Park Fair Grounds Horse Racing Turkish Coffee

March 2018 Vol. 21 No. 7 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

Events & Nightlife 30 34 38 40 51

Music Calendar Lakeside 2 Riverside Top Taco BUKU Fest Bar Guide

Extras 49 50 52 54 56 58

St. Patrick's Day Events Film Reviews Columns Around the Web Where Ya Been? Where Y'at Chat

Cover Photo by Romney Caruso at Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar 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, Alexia Pierre, 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. Logo © 2018 All rights reserved Bruce Betzer, Legal Counsel: (504) 304-9952 Where Y’at Magazine 5500 Prytania St., #133 New Orleans, LA 70115 (504) 891-0144 info@whereyat.com | WhereYat.com

Savor this new Spring Restaurant Guide issue as the ides of March are near. With so many great spots in town, use this guide to try somewhere new tonight … you won’t regret it! Now is a great time to enjoy great local seafood as oysters, crawfish, and more are in season. And while you’re at it, don’t miss our rundown of great Oyster Happy Hours to visit around New Orleans! Speaking of oysters, Felix’s Oyster Bar has been serving delicious food for over 70 years, and their star oyster shucker has been shucking since he was eight years old. Don’t miss Phil LaMancusa’s entertaining conversation with 84-year-young shucker Paul Dinet. Festival season is just starting, and March kicks off with a bang with Bourbon Fest, BUKU, Top Taco, and more. Of course, it’s not March without the great St. Patrick’s and St. Joseph’s Day festivities, and this issue features a fantastic rundown of all the fun. Enjoy spring time in New Orleans! –Josh Danzig, Publisher

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Paul Dinet Shucks! A Conversation with the Oldest Oyster Shucker in New Orleans By Phil LaMancusa

Photo by Romney Caruso

our or five times a week since 1984, eight hours a shift, Paul Lionell Dinet shucks oysters at Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar. Mr. Dinet had a birthday last November 12 and is now 84 years young. “Made 84 and workin’ here since ’84,” he quipped with a grin.

I spoke with him at the beginning of his shift: me with a pad and pen, and him surrounded by oysters being shucked for service. Hundreds and hundreds of oysters. “You see,” he explained, “when you have the lunch, you can’t be shucking for the whole dining room; you have to be able to get them oysters out fast to the table. We shuck them fresh, as close to

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opening as possible; people don’t wanna wait for them.” We then settled down across a dining room table from each other—him with owl eye glasses and an elfin smile, me not knowing where to start. He got up to get a glass of water. “Just finished my breakfast,” he said with a mild hiccup.

I had read in late November of 2017, where Ian McNulty did a wonderful and insightful story about “Mr. Paul” in The New Orleans Advocate, about Dinet’s life and times and where and how he came to be New Orleans’s oldest oyster shucker (ianmcnulty@theadvocate.com). Adding to that would only be redundant and not to mention plagiaristic; so, sorry readers, you’re gonna have to look that article up for yourself for some background on Mr. Paul. Believe me, not only is that article informative, but a damn good piece of reporting. What Mr. Dinet and I talked about was more along the order of oyster shucking and how times have changed over the years since he began his employment. We talked about oyster knives: “We usta make our own knives; my daddy made his own outta an old file and a broom handle,” he said. I related about how I had purchased my first knife at the French Market for “four bits” that sounded a lot like his daddy’s. He nodded sagely when I told him that when an oyster saw that knife, it practically opened itself up for me. “Eight years old, my daddy showed me how to open oysters with a hammer,” he explained. Nowadays, Mr. Paul uses the “stiletto,” while I am partial to the “bird’s beak” style of oyster knife. We both agreed that in opening an oyster, a person has to find what we call “the seat,” and once you’re in there, the oyster is yours. It’s a little spot right by the hinge, and to be properly opened, you have to start at the right spot. It’s a fact, we agreed, that the colder an oyster is, the easier it opens. “We keeps ‘em icey cold here,” Dinet said. When asked how a person becomes an oyster shucker, he told me, “Well, anybody can be an oyster shucker; you just have to come in and get the job. I’ve trained many a shucker— some have it, some don’t. I like workin’ here; I get to meet a lot of different people. My father was Houma (Indian) and my mother came from Paris, France. I speak good French.” And then he said something to me in French that I just did not understand. I had laid down my pen and pad after the first five minutes, and we kinda just got to talking. Felix’s has been at that location for over 70 years, and we spoke about the changes that we have seen just over the last 50 years in the French Quarter in general, and on Bourbon Street in particular (yes, I am that long in the tooth). How there “didn’t used to be so many young folks out there,” and “the music was different, too.” “I like working days, though I’m not a night person. I like to come in and get the job done and then go on home. I got a son and a grandson living with me,” he told me. “My house went under water from Katrina, and we had to stay away until it got rebuilt; Road Home did the rebuilding and did a fine job.” “No, I don’t eat oysters,” he added. “Well, maybe I’ll have one once in a while. But doctor’s orders: I gotta cut back on salt; bad for my heart. I cook at home—beans and greens and stuff, nothing fancy.” We spoke together about his work history and how he lost his fingers in a dye press, but kept on working until he retired; how he was stationed in Germany during the Korean War and how much of the countryside he saw. “It’s pretty pretty over there. I never did see any action, though—just support work, y’see.” Paul Lionell Dinet is not a boastful man, not a man to make a show. However, when you get to know—even for a short spell—a person who has such a colorful life, however low-key it may be kept, it’s natural for you to want to know the secret of his or her success. With all the uproar in the world, Mr. Dinet doesn’t follow much politics; he says, “It’s all bull****.” Well, I want to know, “How did you manage to age to where you are, and what advice would you give a young man coming up?” “Just stay away from trouble,” he says. “That’s all you have to do—just stay away from trouble.” From his mouth to God’s ears. Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar is located at 208 Bourbon St./739 Iberville St. Visit felixs.com for more information.

WhereYat.com | March 2018 | 9

GLASSES UP TO DRINKING RESPONSIBLY.

Bayou Hot Wings aims to please wing fanatics. There are 13 sauces to choose from: starting with the mild, yet delicious Bayou Sweet, to the intense, flavorful heat of the Bayou Beast. They also offer great alternatives like their Cochon de Lait Sandwich and the half-pound Bleu Bayou Burger with Bacon. 6221 S. Claiborne Ave. | 662-9933 | bayouhotwings.com

Daisy Dukes now has four unique locations, each specializing in something different. While the 24/7 French Quarter location is home to terrific seafood platters and all-you-can-eat crawfish (in peak season), their all-night hot spot in the CBD is sure to offer whatever else you may be craving. Multiple locations | daisydukesrestaurant.com

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 a side of Mascarpone Grits. It’s menus like these that make you glad you live in New Orleans. 634 Louisa St. | 945-0742 | thecountryclubneworleans.com

Gattuso’s Neighborhood Restaurant epitomizes the notion of a neighborhood eatery where you can get your drink on, too. Boasting a comprehensive appetizer menu and all kinds of mouthwatering burgers and sandwiches, they even find the time to dish out some impressive salads and seafood platters. 435 Huey P. Long Ave. | 3681114 | gattusos.net

Cuvee Bistro is perfect for the heartiest of appetites or the “wine and tapas”-lover. Located right next door to their sister establishment Briquette, the restaurant focuses on new concepts in sandwiches. You’ll be delighted with the Stuffed Breads (featuring savory Pulled Pork and Brisket Verde) or one of their Wrapped Up Egg Scramblers, with both bacon and andouille. 701 S. Peters St. | 985-778-2529

Gordon Biersch is a brewery and a restaurant that can rightfully be called a master of both. Enjoy one (or more) of their flagship beers, before and after a lunch or dinner consisting of elegant entrees to please your palate, like the Chicken Schnitzel, Gorgonzola Ribeye, or Kobe Cheeseburger. 200 Poydras St. | 522-2739 | gordonbiersch.com

African

Bennachin offers African cuisine with a decidedly New Orleans twist. Those familiar with their delectable Jazz Fest fare, such as Poulet Fricassee (chicken on a stick) and Jama-Jama (sauteed spinach), can imagine the wonders emanating from their kitchen via signature lamb and tilapia dishes and much more. 1212 Royal St. | 522-1230 | bennachinrestaurant.com

Liberty Cheesesteaks has brought the unmistakably divine taste of a true Philly cheesesteak to New Orleans and has created with it an all-new companion piece: the colby and cheddar cheesedrenched Wiz Sandwich. In a town known for its po-boys, Liberty has stepped up to the plate with their superior subs and hoagies. 5039 Freret St. | 875-4447 | libertycheesesteaks.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) or just head over there to get yourself some of that chicken. You know you want it! 5741 Crowder Blvd. | 244-0021 | mamommashouse.com

American

Apolline celebrates the best in local ingredients and offers one of the most memorable brunches in the city, with their famous Eggs Apolline and Confit Duck Bowl adorning the menu alongside bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys. Right now, you can try their featured recipe for house-made boudin. 4729 Magazine St. | 894-8881 | apollinerestaurant.com

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The Mason Jar is casual American meets Southern, with local favorites like white beans and fried catfish competing with Americana selections like BaconWrapped Hamburger Steak and Angus Burgers with Garlic-Parmesan Fries. This family-friendly environment could very well become your home away from home. 4517 W. Esplanade Ave. | 323-2115 | masonjarkitchen.com

Asian

Sala has a little of everything you’d expect from the Riccobono family of restaurants. Favorites include irresistible small plates like their Oysters Panné and large plates such as the Golden Fried Drum Almondine. They also feature an array of tacos, salads, and sandwiches, as well as impressive wine and cocktail menus for a truly special evening with family and friends. 124 Lake Marina Ave. | 513-2670 | salanola.com

Ted’s Frostop is a real survivor. A symbol of Katrina’s devastation, their famous root beer mug/sign was turned upside down. Now it’s back upright where it should be, and they’re serving the same delicious Loto Burgers and Rootbeer Floats that have defined New Orleans lunches. Enjoy a shake and fries, or try one of their po-boys or daily specials. 3100 Calhoun St. | 861-3615 | tedsfrostop.com

Spudly’s Super Spuds has a baked potato to satisfy all fans of America’s favorite side dish—only here, it’s the main course! And why not, when you can choose from scrumptious toppings like crabmeat, crawfish, and roast beef, and smother it in enough cheese to make Wisconsin proud. 2609 Harvard Ave. | 455-3250 | spudlys. com

Willie Mae’s Scotch House is the James Beard Award-winning destination for lovers of fried chicken, and is both a tourist attraction and New Orleans landmark. You’ll understand why when you delve into the late Willie Mae Seaton’s 50-year-old recipe, which is unmatched for flavor to this very day. 2401 St. Ann St. | 822-9503 | williemaesnola.com

Tasty Treats Food Truck & Restaurant has quickly become one of the most popular food trucks in New Orleans, expanding into a comfortable dining area. It’s no wonder, with their inspired menu that includes the Steak and Shrimp Wrap, Crawfish Fries, and burgers and wings that will knock your socks off. Taste what New Orleanians have been raving about! 5000 Old Gentilly Rd. | 2375875

WOW Café Doubletree combines everything you’ve ever loved about WOW Cafe & Wingery, plus so much more. Try their breakfast buffet, including delicious create-your-own omelettes. Or you can join them for a classic New Orleans brunch showcasing fresh Louisiana seafood. Any time is the right time here, and don’t forget about those wings! 300 Canal St. | 212-3250 | wowcafe.com

Bao & Noodle has blossomed into a real gem in the Marigny/Bywater. The Northern China-inspired cuisine begins with their amazing, hand-pulled noodles and steamed buns (bao), and it simply flourishes from there. Menu staples include the Cumin Braised Lamb and Tea Smoked Duck. The unbeatable, family-friendly prices are just lagniappe for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. 2700 Chartres St. | 272-0004 | baoandnoodle.com

Five Happiness is a chic and authentic Chinese restaurant that has served locals for over 30 years. Their comprehensive menu includes the fabulous Moo Shu Deluxe, for those who like a variety of succulent meats in their platters (shrimp, chicken, and pork!), and house favorites such as the Shrimp with Honey Roasted Pecan or Sauteed Crawfish Tails. 3605 S. Carrollton Ave. | 482-3935 | fivehappiness.com

Green Tea offers the best in decadent, delicious Chinese food. Try the Seafood Delight, featuring lobster, jumbo shrimp, and scallops sauteed in the chef’s special sauce, or the Dragon and Phoenix combo, bringing General Tso’s Chicken and Spicy Shrimp together at last. You can even invite up to 30 of your closest friends for a memorable dining experience in their massive private dining room. 3001 Napoleon Ave. | 8998005 | greenteanola.com

Ikura welcomes back the hibachi tables by customer demand, for that thrilling dining experience that only a master hibachi chef can provide his patrons. Sushi lovers? Ikura’s specialty menu features an innovative selection based off of local favorites, including the Seafood Po-Boy Roll loaded with crawfish, fried shrimp, and fried softshell crab. College students with a valid I.D. receive 20 percent off their order. 310 N. Carrollton Ave. | 485-5658 | ikuranola. net

Kyoto 2 is the premier spot for sushi and sashimi in the Elmwood area of New Orleans. Open for lunch and dinner, they feature popular chef’s creations, including the White Fish Carpaccio and the amazing No-Name Roll (which does not equal no flavor) with tuna, eel, salmon, and snow crab. 5608 Citrus Blvd. | Harahan | 818-0228

Mikimoto knows their sushi—and every other form of Japanese cuisine, for that matter. Start off with a bowl of their famous miso soup and the delicious Who Dat Popper (deep-fried jalapenos stuffed with spicy salmon, snow crab, and cream cheese). The exclusive sushi menu features specialty rolls containing the likes of sea urchin and red snapper. 3301 S. Carrollton Ave. | 488-1881 | mikimotosushi.com

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Bars With Great Food

Josephine Estelle Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus Family Suppers every Monday and weekend brunch, too.

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. A great spot for large groups, Miyako offers a popular sushi menu that takes on a decidedly New Orleans flair, with selections like the Mardi Gras Roll, Po-Boy Roll, and Saints Roll. 1403 St. Charles Ave. | 410-997 | miyakonola.com

Backspace Bar & Kitchen is a fantastic French Quarter spot. When you dive into such literary-themed sandwich creations as the Hemingway Cuban and the Whitman Roast Beef, you’ll understand why. If you’re a fan of old-school cocktails, then look no further than this celebratory retro establishment. 139 Chartres St. | 322-2245 | backspacenola.com

By James Beard Award nominees Chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman. 600 Carondelet Street josephineestelle.com

504 930 3070 @josephineestelle

Origami is proud of their sushi chefs and it’s no wonder. Signature dishes from this kitchen include the Burning Man (pepper-crusted tuna and avocado) and the Funky Margarita (crawfish layered with tuna, salmon, and guacamole). A favorite of Tulane students, Origami’s vast appetizer menu is highlighted by a truly terrific Shrimp Tempura. 5130 Freret St. | 899-6532 | sushinola.com

Viet Orleans Bistro is the perfect spot for lunch or dinner in the heart of the CBD. Enjoy a mouthwatering Banh Mi Po-Boy while relaxing with a hot sake, glass of wine, or cold beer in the pleasant atmosphere of their dining room. The comprehensive sushi menu is highlighted by favorites like the Viet Orleans and Volcano rolls. 300 Baronne St. | 333-6917

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Buffa’s Bar & Restaurant has one heck of a food menu and their 24/7 hours should allow for many repeat visits. Whether you’re in the mood for breakfast and one of their awesome omelettes, or looking for bar stalwarts like multiple varieties of chicken wings and burgers, Buffa’s will take care of any cravings. Hint: save room for the Chorizo Chili! 1001 Esplanade Ave. | 949-0038 | buffasbar.com

Flamingo A-Go-Go has 7,000 square feet of the liveliest decor, with 45 beers on tap and a menu of outstanding local recipes. If it’s seafood you like, you owe it to yourself to indulge in the flavors of Marinated Blue Crab Claws and Bronzed Redfish (with garlic butter and dirty rice). Landlubber? The Chicken Fried Chicken with white gravy, mashed potatoes, and corn maque choux cannot be beat. 869 Magazine St. | 5772202 | ﬂamingonola.com

The Jimani is a bar that has everything: big-screen TVs for sporting events; trivia nights; over 100 beers to choose from; and last, but not least, an outstanding pub menu that keeps the patrons from having to go anywhere else! Start with a plate of Jimmy J’s Big Ass Nachos and progress to an array of po-boys, burgers, sandwiches, or even a full rack of St. Louis BBQ Ribs. 141 Chartres St. | 524-0493 | thejimani.com

Mimi’s in the Marigny features splitlevel bars for different moods, and their first-rate tapas menu reflects that, with numerous selections for both vegetarians and meat-eaters. Choice selections include the 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 small-plates (or tapas) craze with flavorsome selections such as LobsterShrimp Tacos, Truffled Mac and Cheese, and Beef Short Rib Poutine (with Smoked Gouda). They even have a seafood bar where you can knock down Louisiana Gulf oysters, one after the other. Don’t miss the Bubbles Bar on Friday nights with champagne starting at $4! 752 Tchoupitoulas St. | 581-7101 | noshneworleans.com

Ole Saint is the brainchild of New Orleans Saints legend Deuce McAllister, who wanted to bring Southern coastal cuisine to a relaxed bar atmosphere in the French Quarter, as a delicious alternative to standard bar fare. He certainly succeeded, with offerings like the Flash Fried Louisiana Oysters and Southern Catfish with White Beans and Shrimp, but you can also enjoy an Ole Saint Craft Burger here as well. 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 to accompany your meal. Surf and Turf is a must here, with the Black Angus Filet and Maine Lobster Tail. But if you’re looking just for seafood (and ‘tis the season), the decadent combo of PanSeared Scallops followed by Oysters Orleans is guaranteed to leave you satisfied and guilt-free! 720 Orleans Ave. | 523-1930 | orleansgrapevine.com

Parasol’s may be known for their to-diefor Roast Beef Po-Boy, but did you know about the other gems on this unmatched menu? From fried seafood baskets to red beans and rice to gumbo, there is iconic New Orleans comfort food for just about any palate. While you’re here, make it a point to order the Irish Sundae (potato salad with roast beef gravy and debris). 2553 Constance St. | 302-1543

Dine with us for Easter and enjoy Lent-Friendly dishes throughout the season! www.a ntoines.com | 504-581-4422 713 Ru e Saint Louis New Orl ea ns, LA 70130 WhereYat.com | March 2018 | 13

Poppy’s Time Out Sports Bar showcases its love for sports fans with 21 TVs, over 20 beers on tap, and Hurricanes that are categorized in intensity from one to five! But what about the food, you ask? Well, there are Gator Bites (a hybrid of delicious alligator and andouille sausages), Blackened Shrimp Queso, 911 Fire Wings for the fearless, and so much more. 500 Port of New Orleans Pl. | 2479265 | poppystimeoutsportsbar.com

Shamrock Bar and Grill is the biggest neighborhood bar in New Orleans, with 32 televisions, 23 pool tables, and so much more. The perfect place to catch a sporting event with some great drink specials on offer, Shamrock has a reasonably priced menu that is highlighted by a Buffalo Shrimp Platter with all the trimmings for $11, and a 12-ounce ribeye with potato and salad for only $13! 4133 S. Carrollton Ave. | 3010938 | shamrockparty.com

Café Amelie is housed in the historic, 150-year-old Princess of Monaco Courtyard and Carriage House, for a lush, enchanting dining experience you won’t soon forget. The food is quite memorable as well, with standout lunch and dinner selections like the Cochon de Lait Sandwich on ciabatta and the Louisiana Crawfish Linguine. 912 Royal St. | 412-8965 | cafeamelie.com

Compère Lapin is named after a mischievous rabbit in Caribbean folklore from Chef Nina Compton’s childhood. Combining ingredients from her homes in St. Lucia and New Orleans, and her French and Italian culinary training, together make for a sensational fusion of these four cultures. Standouts include the Steak Tartare and Hot Fire Chicken. 535 Tchoupitoulas St. | 599-2119 | comperelapin.com

Café Degas is the embodiment of Gallic charm, for an experience formulated to recreate dining in the beautiful French countryside. Le Plateau de Fromage is an excellent appetizer in keeping with the mood, followed by La Salade Au Crabe, the Pan-Seared Rack of Lamb, or Lamb Merguez Sausage. C'est merveilleux! 3127 Esplanade Ave. | 945-5635 | cafedegas.com

Jimmy J’s Café is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and boasts some of the tastiest creations in the French Quarter. Try their flagship breakfast: Eggs Lafitte with andouille sausage, hollandaise sauce, and ratatouille. You also can’t go wrong with their “3 Little Pigs & The Big Bad Chicken,” a delicious sandwich combining battered chicken, bacon, Swiss cheese, and two kinds of ham. 115 Chartres St. | 309-9360 | jimmyjscafe.com

Café

Rick’s Sporting Saloon has taken the combination of adult entertainment and culinary delights to new heights, for the “Ultimate Man Cave” on historic Bourbon Street. If you can’t make it to Two-Legged Taco Tuesday, the Baller Platter or Saloon Burger (a combination of short rib, brisket, and chuck) will do you just fine, while watching the big game on their massive 92inch screen. 522 Bourbon St. | 552-2510 | ricks-saloon.com

Rivershack Tavern brings the thrill and excitement of great food and drinks—along the bank of the Mississippi River—to its patrons. The home of the “tacky ashtray” and barstools with Hollywood’s most famous legs, Rivershack boasts daily lunch specials on weekdays from its kitchen. You simply can’t go wrong with their amazing “Shank You” Burger, a delicious half-pound combination of beef and hot sausage. 3449 River Rd. | 834-4938 | therivershacktavern.us

Another Broken Egg Café is not just another breakfast/brunch/lunch eatery. Their extensive menu boasts succulent omelette creations such as the Floridian (topped with garlic butter-sauteed crabmeat) and Stan’s Mardi Gras Omelette (filled with crawfish, Gulf shrimp, andouille, and red peppers). Also, try one of their “Sweet Temptations,” like the Bananas Foster Belgian Waffle or Cinnamon Roll French Toast. Uptown | Lakeview | 301-2771 | anotherbrokeneggcafe.com

Café 615 Home of Da Wabbit prides itself on being the most affordable restaurant in Gretna, while serving savory meals that will make you a repeat customer. Where else are you going to get Seared Duck Breast for only $18? The extensive menu features everything: salads, seafood platters, sandwiches, and exotic appetizers like Turtle Soup and Frog Legs Provencal. 615 Kepler St. | 365-1225 | dawabbit.net

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Caffe! Caffe! has two locations serving you the soups, salads, sandwiches, and wraps that you can’t possibly live without. And dig this: check out their 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

Morning Call Coffee Stand can rightfully be considered a landmark New Orleans establishment, keeping customers happy for nearly 150 years. Everyone knows about their beignets and café au lait, but did you know you can also enjoy NOLA favorites like muffalettas and crawfish etouffée, 24/7, while relaxing in their courtyard? And the powdered sugar comes in cans, so use as much as you like! Multiple Locations | neworleanscitypark. com/in-the-park/morning-call

e m i t d o o g a ay you any w e it! slic 407 bourbon st. | 11am - til www.crescentcitypizza.com

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Petite Amelie is the quick and easy extension to Café Amelie, serving fresh salads, sandwiches, coffee, take-home entrees, and more. Geared toward the people who live and work in the French Quarter, Petite Amelie has a spectacular marketplace selection of fresh olives, cheeses, sandwiches, and pastries. There’s even a juice bar. Perfect for the person onthe-go (aren’t we all?!). 900 Royal St. | 4128065 | petiteamelienola.wordpress.com

Josephine Estelle is the invention of chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman, who are 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. The fabulous weekend brunch is an opportunity to try items from each of their menus. 600 Carondelet St. | 930-3070 | josephineestelle.com

The Ruby Slipper is the place for breakfast-lovers, traditional or otherwise. Signature items include the BBQ Shrimp & Grits, B.Y.O. Omelet, and The Trifecta—a combination of three breakfast favorites: Eggs Cochon, Chicken St. Charles, and Shrimp Boogaloo Benedict. Those seeking lunch need not look further than their Big Bacon Burger or Creole Reuben. Multiple Locations | therubyslippercafe.net

Mardi Gras Zone boasts the best of both worlds—specialty groceries and products concerning its namesake holiday—that New Orleanians just can’t live without! You won’t be sorry by picking up a slice (or more) of their incredible brick-oven pizza, or try local favorites like red beans and rice and handcarved corned beef. Open 24/7. 2706 Royal St. | 947-8787 | mardigraszone.com

Italian

G’s Pizza has three unique locations serving you the best in gourmet, handtossed pies. You can get a Salmon and Caper Pizza on Bienville Street, the garlicloaded Narcissist on Howard Avenue, and the Uptown Special (of course) on Magazine. You think you know pizza? Wherever you choose, be prepared for your taste buds to flip out over flavor profiles from fresh, quality ingredients. Multiple Locations | gspizza.com

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Mosca’s Restaurant has been cooking up Italian specialties for over 60 years, thanks to the original founders Provino and Lisa Mosca. From familiar staples like Spaghetti and Meatballs and Chicken Cacciatore, to signature dishes like Oysters Mosca, every Mosca’s dish is prepared to order and served a la carte on family-style platters. 4137 U.S. Highway 90 West, Westwego, LA | 436-8950 | moscasrestaurant.com

Mexican

Pascal’s Manale turns 105 this year, and they still serve the most delicious BBQ shrimp you’ve ever (or never) had. You may prefer to have a seat at their world-famous oyster bar, where the mollusks just keep on shucking! Whether you crave seafood, a juicy steak, or a great Italian dish, this Uptown institution is sure to provide a memorable culinary experience. 1838 Napoleon Ave. | 895-4877 | pascalsmanale.com

Venezia has been serving homestyle Italian cooking with a New Orleans twist since 1957, and their house specialties Fresh Fish Cynthia (topped with shrimp and crawfish in a dill cream sauce) and Eggplant Vatican (fried eggplant filled with shrimp and crawfish in a crabmeat cream sauce) are, quite simply, culinary dreams come true! Daily specials include Seafood Paella and Sauteed Cilantro Shrimp. 134 N. Carrollton Ave. | 488-7991 | venezianeworleans.net

Vincent’s Italian Cuisine specializes in marvelous, robust meals and flavors. They’re rightfully famous for their Corn and Crab Bisque, served in a toasted bread bowl. But you just haven’t lived until you’ve indulged in the Seafood Stuffed Pork Chop and the Veal and Spinach-Stuffed Cannelloni, the house specialty. Visit both locations for unique dining atmospheres. Metairie | Uptown | vincentsitaliancuisine.com

Carreta’s Grill has been serving quality Mexican cuisine since 1999, and they now have four locations. From signature appetizers like Mariachi Fries and Popeye Dip, to the sizzling Carnitas and Carne Asada Platters that you love, Carreta’s also offers six different authentic taco styles for the taco-lover extraordinaire. Multiple Locations | carretasgrillrestaurant.com

El Taco Loco is certainly the new kid on the Carrollton block, but from the affordability and taste of their food, it’s obvious they know what they’re doing. Tacos, burritos, quesadillas … you name it. 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

Juan’s Flying Burrito is a true success story with convenient locations all over town. The food speaks for itself, satisfying the most discerning of palates. You can’t go wrong with 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

WhereYat.com | March 2018 | 17

Middle Eastern

The Halal Guys is a certified hit, dishing out the tastiest Middle Easternmeets-Mediterranean fare. Whether it’s gyros you crave, or one of their hot Chicken and Rice Platters covered in their signature White Sauce, all of the flavors you love now come together in the utterly amazing Fries Sandwich. Plan a visit now to try the Spicy BBQ Chicken, available for a limited time only! Multiple Locations | thehalalguys.com

Lebanon’s Café is known for their delicious Middle Eastern cuisine, served in one of the most gorgeous dining rooms you’re likely to ever sit in. In addition to the high quality shawarma and kabobs you’d expect to find, they also feature some amazing platters, such as the Rosemary Lamb Chops and Tuna Steak. As always, the restaurant encourages you to BYOB. 1500 S. Carrollton Ave. | 862-6200 | lebanonscafe.com

Pyramid’s Café is a favorite of Tulane and Loyola students alike. Their menu prices are so budget-friendly, you’ll never have to choose between the falafel and the baba ganuj. All of the meats here are marinated to perfection, for outstanding kabobs, shawarma, and gyros. Try the Chicken Lula or Kafta Kabab. Get a free drink with each entree. 3149 Calhoun St. | 861-9602 | pyramidscafeonline.com

New Orleans Cuisine

Antoine’s Restaurant has been a New Orleans landmark since 1840 and is the embodiment of authentic French-Creole dining. Home of the world-famous Oysters Rockefeller, Antoine’s also offers other signature dishes, such as the Filet de Gulf Poisson Amandine and Chateaubriand (center-cut beef tenderloin for two). Just remember to save room for Cerise (Cherries) Jubilée for dessert. 713 St. Louis St. | 5814422 | antoines.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 filled with Wild Rice. This is Cajun/Creole cuisine at its finest, and they also serve one of the best Sunday brunches in the city. Call now for your Easter Sunday reservation. 3811 St. Charles Ave. | 899-9308 | thecolumns.com/dining

Crescent City Brewhouse is a microbrewery in the French Quarter that just so happens to have one heck of a menu! Specialty starters include Shrimp Beignets and Seafood Cheesecake, with entrees like Southern Roasted Duck and Soft-Shell Crab Decatur. Of course, a visit here wouldn’t be complete without sampling one (or all) of their six flagship beers. 527 Decatur St. | 522-0571 | crescentcitybrewhouse.com

18 | Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

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. Mark your calendars for their weekly events: Friday’s seafood boil and live music, and Sunday’s world-famous gospel brunch. 225 Decatur St. | 310-4999 | houseofblues.com/ neworleans/menu

New Orleans Creole Cookery understands that great food and music go together. That’s why you can always enjoy the sweet sounds of live jazz while you sip a Category 1 thru 5 Hurricane and feast upon the spectacular creation known as a Seafood Tower (Crab Maison, Shrimp Remoulade, Shrimp Cocktail, Oysters on the Half Shell, Clams, and Mussels). 508 Toulouse St. | 524-9632 | neworleanscreolecookery.com

Joey K’s is that Uptown staple that you can’t possibly live without. Classic New Orleans dishes like Chicken Fried Steak and Breaded Veal Cutlet (just like mama used to make) take their place alongside generous seafood platters. Every weekday has different specials to choose from, but every day is all-you-can-eat catfish day for only $13.95! 3001 Magazine St. | 891-0997 | joeyksrestaurant.com

The Original Fiorella’s Café has become a legend in a city that prides itself for its fried chicken. Winner of both the 2016 and 2017 “Best Fried Chicken” award from the National Fried Chicken Festival, this spot is worth a visit with friends and family. Don’t miss their Italian classics and hot boiled crawfish as well. 5325 Franklin Ave. | 309-0352 | originalfiorellas.com

Mandina’s knows just how to delight their customers—by serving them large portions of home-style Creole food for eight decades. You may be in the mood for their Muffaletta on French Bread or one of their signature seafood platters like Soft-Shell Crab Meuniere. Just expect your stomach and palate to be satisfied with whatever comes out of this master kitchen. 3800 Canal St. | 482-9179 | mandinasrestaurant.com

The Praline Connection doesn’t want you to be fooled by the name. Sure, they have the best pralines money can buy, but that’s for dessert. You can precede them with landmark Creole/soul food dishes like Stuffed Bell Peppers, Fried Chicken Livers, and Crowder Peas. Big appetites should check out the “Taste of Soul” with file gumbo, red beans and rice, fried chicken, ribs, and more. 542 Frenchmen St. | 943-3934 | pralineconnection.com

WhereYat.com | March 2018 | 19

Public Service (NOPSI Hotel) lives up to their name by serving delectable dishes in the joyous atmosphere of live entertainment. With appetizers like Braised Pork Belly and Blue Crab Dip, they also have entrees that aren’t likely to disappoint. BayouStyle Short Ribs are certainly a favorite, and if you only order one soup this year, make it the Lamb Stew Au Gratin, from a traditional Irish recipe. 311 Baronne St. | 962-6527 | publicservicenola.com

Briquette offers contemporary coastal cuisine in a stylishly chic dining room. The open-air kitchen adds a welcome charm, especially when the picturesque entree arrives. Pork Porterhouse with a Bleu Cheese Crust and Crispy-Skin Steelhead Salmon are just a couple of highlights from an inspired dinner menu. 701 S. Peters St. | 302-7496 | briquette-nola.com

Landry’s Seafood, now open in the French Quarter, is where you can get those specialty fish dinners you only hear about: speckled trout, grouper, amberjack, the list goes on—all prepared broiled, grilled, or pan-seared. A real seafood-lover's dream restaurant, they feature terrific house specialties like Smoked Bacon-Crusted Scallops or Blackened Catfish Atchafalaya. Multiple Locations | landrysseafood.com

Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco captures the authentic, dynamic flavors of Peruvian recipes (and their signature white brandy) for a culinary journey in the comfort of their Uptown location. Try one of their signature ceviches, made with fresh Gulf fish and shrimp, or Seco de Cordero, a traditional plate of lamb shank with cilantro sauce. 5015 Magazine St. | 267-7612 | titoscevichepisco.com

Vegan

Short Stop PoBoys has been a Metairie fixture for many years, serving as a one-stop shop for hungry sandwich-lovers. Perfect for Lent, their Soft Shell Crab King must be seen to be believed. If you aren’t that hungry, the hearty combination of catfish, shrimp, and oysters should suﬃce. Enjoy it with some of their award-winning seafood gumbo. 119 Transcontinental Dr. | 885-4572 | shortstoppoboysno.com

Crazy Lobster Bar & Grill realizes there’s nothing finer than eating seafood in New Orleans, right in the atmospheric comfort of Spanish Plaza along the Mississippi River. Home of the Steamed Seafood Bucket and live music every day of the week, Crazy Lobster also offers a Stuffed Lobster with Crabmeat Dressing and Jambalaya that is perfect for first-timers. 500 Port of Orleans Pl. | 569-3380 | thecrazylobster.com

Robin’s Wharf knows that exceptional seafood tastes good, whether you’re dining in the comfortable atmosphere of their Uptown location or right next to the water at their dockside Slidell restaurant. Catfish Christopher, served over cheesy mashed potatoes and covered in their house-made crawfish sauce, is a highlight at either location. Uptown | Slidell | robinswharf.com

Max Well equals max health, with delicious plant-based recipes to delight your stomach and well-being. Choose from their highly nutritious power bowls and salads, with seven homemade “Everyday” Dressings celebrating Earth’s rich offerings. Be sure to indulge in a bowl of their delectable Curried Cauliflower and Broccoli Soup. 6101 Magazine St. | 301-0510 | maxwellneworleans.com

Seafood

Acme Oyster House has been specializing in the bivalve fan-favorite since 1910. With four area locations, you can have them shucked, in a shot glass, or chargrilled for a cheese and butter-laden delight. But, if you’re really looking for heaven on a plate, the Fish Pontchartrain topped with crabmeat, shrimp, and butter cream sauce is unparalleled in its sheer seafood decadence! Multiple Locations | acmeoyster.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, potatoes, corn, jambalaya, house salad, and garlic bread. Lesser appetites should check out their famous Char-Grill LA Oysters. 901 S. Clearview Pkwy. | 818-2200 | jaegersseafood.com

20 | Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

The Catch Seafood Restaurant operates just as their name suggests, with fresh Louisiana seafood delivered to your table the way you want it. Try one of their 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

Seed demonstrates that vegan cuisine doesn’t need to sacrifice the flavors that exemplify New Orleans. The proof is in their pan-fried Eggplant Po-Boy or Creole Zucchini Wraps, outstanding comfort-food classics that will please just about anyone. Of course, appetizing favorites like the Roasted Carrot Avocado Salad and Three Bean Chili already show that good health can still equal good taste. 1330 Prytania St. | 302-2599 | seedyourhealth.com

Beer VOTED Best Selection

WHAT’S YOUR CRAFT? 54 Craft Beers on Tap Southern Louisiana Cuisine 2 for 1 Draft Beer Happy Hour Weekdays 3pm - 7pm * Excludes Holidays and Special Events

132 ROYAL STREET • 504-309-4797 • OLESAINT.COM • LOCATED NEXT TO THE WYNDHAM HOTEL

WhereYat.com | March 2018 | 21

Food News By Kim Ranjbar

1000 pies? … Proud owners of the Fat Falafel food truck and Bayou St. John Mediterranean hit 1000 Figs, Gavin Cady and Theresa Galli have joined forces with bakester Kate Heller (a.k.a. Leo's Bread) to create, at long last, the pizza joint we've all been waiting for. Echo's, now open on the corner of Banks and South Lopez Streets in Mid-City, offers single-serving pies cooked in a wood-burning oven, like the eversimple and -delicious Margherita or lamb sausage with kefir feta and roasted onions. They also have a changing menu of “little things,” like olives, dandelion greens and yogurt, seared squid, and anchovies with bread and butter. 3200 Banks St., (504) 267-3231, echospizza.com Morning chemistry … Coffee Science, the latest business to open in the Tulane Avenue renaissance, is the creation of local coffee guru Tom Oliver. According to Daily Coﬀee News, Oliver uses his own specialized brewing methods in order to brew what he believes is a better cup, with beans from local roasters like French Truck, Mojo Coffee Roasters, Hey! Cafe, Orleans Coffee, and Cherry Espresso Bar. Coffee Science is open daily from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. 410 S. Broad St., (504) 814-0878, facebook.com/coffeesciencenola

Echo's Pizza

22 | Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

CBD noodling … The space between Herbsaint and Marcello's has morphed once again, this time into CBD Social, a bar and pop-up venue from the folks who

brought us Fat Boy Pantry on Magazine Street. The venue has become a fixed home for Ramen Y'all on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, featuring dishes like tonkatsu po-boys, deep-fried cheesecake, and jambalaya fried rice. The rest of the week leaves the kitchen space open to feature other pop-ups. The bar also offers rotating art installations and seasonal events. 709 St. Charles Ave., (504) 679-1635, facebook.com/CBDSocial Take a leaf from … Health-focused eatery Leaf & Co. opened up in Kenner on Williams Boulevard next to The Big Cheezy. Tossing it up with a salad-centric menu, diners can choose from their “signature salads,” like The Greek with chopped romaine and kalamata olives or My Cobb, featuring crumbled blue cheese and applewood smoked bacon. You can also build your own salad with a large variety of proteins, veggies, cheeses, and other “essentials.” Leaf & Co. is open daily and offers both takeout and delivery. 3232 Williams Blvd., (504) 353-2421, leafcorestaurantkennerla.com Bringing home the bread! … The James Beard Foundation has honored Dong Phuong with an America's Classic Awards. This singular appreciation is given to restaurants that have “timeless appeal and are cherished for quality food that reflects the character of their community." All of us here at Where Y'at Magazine offer our

CBD Social

heartfelt kudos to De and Huong Tran and their fantastic local bakery. Congratulations! 14207 Chef Menteur Hwy., (504) 2540214, dpbakeshop.com So sad to see you go… Along with Amici Ristorante & Bar, Bayou Burger & Sports Co. has shuttered its doors. An expansion of the original Bayou Burger on Bourbon Street by Creole Restaurant Concepts, the Magazine location only lasted a year. The word is that there's another restaurant in the works for that location, but nothing has yet been revealed. After an extremely stunted showing, the Flying Pig Café that just opened this past September has announced its closure. Opened by chef Rob Vance and his wife Kat Vance, the well-known radio personality at Bayou 95.7 FM, the restaurant offered a varied menu featuring dishes like Chocolate Ganache Pancakes, fried chicken and waffles, and a Cuban-style pork wrap. Fly on, little piggy! Considering the debacles in the Besh

empire, perhaps it's no surprise that the historic Caribbean Room at the Pontchartrain Hotel is closing this month. Nola.com reports the space will be converted into a casual Creole restaurant called Jack Rose, led by chef David Whitmore, formerly the chef de cuisine at Borgne. Dessert lovers needn't fret, the Mile High Pie will remain on the menu. Talented chef Martha Wiggins has left Sylvain, the popular French Quarter restaurant by LeBlanc + Smith. Nola.com reports that Wiggins feels it's time to leave the nest and “step out of her comfort zone.” Ben McCauley, who has worked in the kitchens of restaurants like Domenica and Petit Lion, will be taking the helm at Sylvain.

BIGGER & BETTER I N

T H E

B I G

E A S Y

Finally, Bywater eatery Press Street Station has shuttered its doors. The New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) plans to use the space as another classroom for their culinary students, as well as offering an area for learning experiences for new audiences, including adults.

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

Leaf & Co. WhereYat.com | March 2018 | 23

Angeline's Boudin Cake Grits and Red-Eye Gravy

20 and Under

Porking Out...

By Kim Ranjbar

swoon for the carnitas at Canal Street n anticipation of the 9th annual Bistro. Crispy, fatty pork “debris” is crammed Hogs for the Cause at the end of this onto a dish with a large serving of Mexican month, I got to thinking about all the rice and wondrous, house-made black beans wonderful ways in which we enjoy this topped with crumbly cotija. As it's offered delicious animal. Aside from all of the with a roll of fresh, warm corn tortillas, you mouthwatering smoked ribs and pulled may just be full before you finish the plate. pork we'll be inhaling March 23 and 24, Chef Alex Harrell at Angeline is certainly there's so many porkalicious offerings to not shy with his love of all things pig. This choose from in this town; it truly tests the French Quarter restaurant offers up plates limits of your imagination and appetite. of house-made bacon, crispy smoked pork For example, do you Mangú? cheeks with cornbread puree, and If you do, you'd know this Georgia clams with wild boar Westbank Dominican sausage. Brunch features restaurant has plentiful dreamy dishes like a portions of pork. Grab fried green tomato and an order of fried pork belly sandwich mangú sticks filled with bacon fat mayo with seasoned and (my favorite) a shredded pork, mound of creamy and a plate Coosa Valley grits of “Yaroa”—a topped with a popular street crispy fried boudin food where “cake,” a pan-fried French fries are egg, and lots of topped with fried red-eye gravy. sweet plantains, Over in the roasted pork thigh, Bywater, they're and lots of melted serving up all things Gouda cheese. Slurp “schwein” (among other a Morir Sonando or things) at Bratz Y'all, Bra t ra “Dreamsicle” beverage tz Y a German-inspired joint B 'all's The King along with your meal, and on Piety Street. It's a great you'll still stay under budget. spot to pig out on juicy links of Though it seems to be popping up like bratwurst, schwein schnitzel, or breaded piggies after a slop storm, I can't help but and fried pork loin, and sandwiches like

24 | Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

MangĂş's Yaroa The Drunk Pig (a.k.a. slow-roasted pork marinated in dark German beer and topped with sauerkraut and caramelized onions). One particularly piggy sandwich dubbed The King Brat is a cheddar-stuffed, smoked pork sausage wrapped in thick, applewoodsmoked bacon and topped with crispy fried onions and apricot-chili sauce. Best

part about Bratz Y'all (well, aside from all of those incredible brats!) is the unshakable, economic fact that if you really wanted to make a pig of yourself, you could easily order two sandwiches and still not break the bank. What incredible local pork dish pulls you to the trough?

Canal Street Bistro's Carnitas

WhereYat.com | March 2018 | 25

504-889-1550; 126 Lake Dr. | Covington 985-327-7111 $8.99 for a dozen raw oysters. $11.99 for a dozen chargrilled or Don’s Jacked-Up Oysters. Mondays, 5 - 9 p.m. Elysian Seafood at St. Roch Market 2381 St. Claude Ave. | New Orleans $6 for six oysters. Raw oysters are $0.75 from 9 p.m. - close, daily. Monday-Friday 4 - 6 p.m. Gallier’s 129 Carondelet St. | New Orleans 504-267-5672 $9 for a dozen raw oysters. Daily, 3 - 7 p.m. Grand Isle 575 Convention Center Blvd. | New Orleans 504-520-8530 $0.75 raw oysters. Monday-Friday, 4 - 6 p.m.

Let's Get Shuckin'! Oyster Happy Hours Around New Orleans By Becca Miller

ysters anyone? Since we’re in oyster season, it’s only common practice to head down to your favorite restaurant and slurp up this Louisiana delicacy. But wait, before you go off and order some overpriced tray of oysters, we did our research and found places that offer an Oyster Happy Hour! That’s right, Oyster Happy Hour. It’s like a regular Happy Hour, only better. You can enjoy discounted oysters and alcohol without breaking the bank. So next time someone asks “Happy Hour, anyone?”, be sure to take them to your nearest Oyster Happy Hour. Balise 640 Carondelet St. | New Orleans 504-459-4449 Three roasted oysters for $7, or raw oysters $1 a piece. Monday-Friday, 4:30 - 7 p.m. Basin Seafood & Spirits 3222 Magazine St. | New Orleans 504-302-7391 Happy Hour is weekdays from 3 - 6 p.m.; $0.50 raw oysters Mondays, 3 - 10 p.m. Bistro Orleans 3216 W. Esplanade Ave. | Metairie 504-304-1469

On Mondays and Thursdays, a dozen raw oysters are $8 in the dining room. On Thursdays only, a dozen chargrilled oysters are $14 in the dining room. Monday-Friday, 3 - 6 p.m. Blind Pelican 1628 St. Charles Ave. | New Orleans 504-558-9399 With a drink purchase, a dozen raw oysters are $3 and chargrilled are $10. Daily, 4 - 8 p.m. The Blue Crab 7900 Lakeshore Dr. | New Orleans 504-284-2898 Raw oysters are $0.60; chargrilled are $1. Tuesday-Friday, 4 - 6:30 p.m. Bourbon House 144 Bourbon St. | New Orleans 504-522-0111 $1 raw oysters Daily, 4 - 6 p.m.

Heads & Tails 1820 Dickory Ave. | Harahan 504-533-9515 $0.75 raw oysters and $0.99 chargrilled (must order at least a half-dozen). Monday-Saturday, 3 - 6 p.m.

Red Fish Grill 115 Bourbon St. | New Orleans 504-598-1200 $0.75 raw oysters at the oyster bar. Monday-Thursday, 3 - 5 p.m. Robin's Wharf 118 Harbor View Ct. | Slidell 985-326-8882; 3637 Prytania St. | New Orleans 504-962-9000 $12 for a dozen: raw or chargrilled. Thursdays all day. Sac-A-Lait 1051 Annunciation St. | New Orleans 504-324-3658 $15 for a dozen raw oysters. Tuesday-Friday, 5:30 - 7 p.m. Seaworthy 630 Carondelet St. | New Orleans 504-930-3071 Half off all oysters. Monday-Friday 4 - 6 p.m.; Daily 11 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Kenton’s 5757 Magazine St. | New Orleans 504-891-1177 $0.75 raw oysters or $9 for a half-dozen chargrilled oysters or house oysters with cilantro salsa verde, jalapeno, and lime. Daily, 4 - 6 p.m.

Station 6105 Metairie Hammond Highway | Bucktown 504-345-2936 Half-dozen local oysters topped with Cajun caviar with a glass of Champagne Lallier Grand Reserve Brut for $15. When the Saints are playing, raw oysters are $0.50. Tuesday-Thursday, 3 - 6 p.m.

Le Bon Temps Roule 4801 Magazine St. | New Orleans 504-895-8117 Free raw oysters until they’re sold out. Friday, 7 - 9:30 p.m., during Joe Krown’s set.

Superior Seafood 4338 St. Charles Ave. | New Orleans 504-293-3474 $0.50 raw oysters. Daily, 4 - 6:30 p.m.

Luke 333 St. Charles Ave. | New Orleans 504-378-2840 $0.75 raw oysters; fried are $1.25. Daily, 3 - 6 p.m.

Trenasse 444 St. Charles Ave. | New Orleans 504-680-7000 $0.75 raw oysters. Daily, 3 - 6 p.m.

Meme’s Bar and Grille 712 W. Judge Perez Dr. | Chalmette 504-644-4992 $0.50 raw oysters and $0.99 chargrilled. You must buy a drink to get the deal. Tuesday-Friday, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. New Orleans Creole Cookery 508 Toulouse St. | New Orleans 504-524-9832 $0.75 raw and $1.25 chargrilled with purchase of a drink. Daily, 3 - 6 p.m.

Cooter Brown’s Tavern 509 S. Carrollton Ave. | New Orleans 504-866-9104 $8 for a dozen raw oysters. Tuesdays, 3 p.m. - close.

NOSH 746 Tchoupitoulas St. | New Orleans 504-581-1103 $0.50 raw oysters. Monday-Saturday, 4 - 7 p.m., and Sundays, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Don’s Seafood Hut 4801 Veterans Memorial Blvd. | Metairie

Pascal’s Manale 1838 Napoleon Ave. | New Orleans

26 | Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

504-895-4877 $7.50 for a dozen raw and $4 for half a dozen. Monday-Friday 3 - 6 p.m.

WhereYat.com | March 2018 | 27

The Liveliest Of Oaks New Orleans Tricentennial Series: 300 Years of City Park By Steven Melendez

ity Park, a carefully crafted urban oasis just west of Bayou St. John, spans about 1,300 acres—about 50 percent larger than New York’s Central Park. And while the park has expanded and evolved over the years, some of the land where it sits has been the site of local history since before Europeans ever arrived. When French colonists first established New Orleans in 1718, it’s believed that they came across a Native American village near what’s now the entrance to City Park, where Esplanade Avenue crosses Bayou St. John. And by the end of the 18th century, land along the southern edge of the current park had been settled by Europeans. Most historic accounts hold that in 1845, Louis Allard was operating the site as a small plantation, raising dairy cattle and a small number of crops, when his property was auctioned off for failing to keep up with his mortgage payments. Accounts differ as to the cause of Allard’s financial diﬃculties, and even less is recorded about the 19 slaves who were auctioned as part of the estate, but it’s known that the property was bought by the wealthy merchant John McDonogh. McDonogh is best known today for his generous will, which left substantial funds to New Orleans and his native Baltimore to build public schools upon his death in 1850. But McDonough also left what had been the Allard Plantation to the city, the beginnings of what is today City Park. The fledgling park, then on the outskirts of the city, was still a wild place in its early days. Duels were regularly fought beneath the oak

trees near where the New Orleans Museum of Art now stands—even after the practice had been outlawed—and cattle still grazed on the park grounds. In 1891, when the City Park Improvement Association was founded to manage the mostly undeveloped parkland, an initial inspection found farmers harvesting grass for hay, hunters and trappers chasing their prey, as well as picnickers enjoying the shade of the centuries-old live oak trees. The Association advertised—in English, French, and German—to find donors. And before long, the park was the site of a variety of entertainment options: City Park’s now-antique carousel made its debut in 1906, as did pony rides, and the Peristyle—a neoclassical open-air structure located along the park’s southern edge on Bayou Metairie and designed for dancing—opened the following year. Golf, a perennial crowd-draw and moneymaker for a park that’s largely responsible for funding its own operations, first arrived in the early 1900s. Horse races were even briefly held on a track in City Park, until a 1908 state law cracked down on gambling. The track was then used for early aviation exhibitions by celebrity pilots—often referred to as “birdmen” by the local press at the time. Most famously today, aviator John Moisant was killed in a New Year’s Eve plane crash in 1910 after taking off from the City Park field. He was the original namesake of what’s now Louis Armstrong International Airport, and his name lives on in the airport code MSY (which stands for Moisant Stock Yard). The Casino Building, where Morning Call now serves coffee and beignets, opened in

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1913 as a refreshment stand. (Despite the name, it’s never been used for gambling.) Concerts and even movie screenings were regularly held at the park. What’s now called the New Orleans Museum of Art opened in 1911, then named for its original benefactor, sugar baron Isaac Delgado. During World War I, the racetrack area was converted into “Camp Nicholls” and housed soldiers. In 1917, scandal erupted when the New Orleans Item printed, then retracted, an article claiming that Storyville prostitutes lingered near the camp to offer their services and that teen girls spent time “in City Park after nightfall visiting with guardsmen in secluded places.” The Army strenuously denied the allegations, and the newspaper ran a front-page apology. After the war, the park expanded dramatically, acquiring much of its present holdings between City Park Avenue and Lake Pontchartrain. The land was initially largely swampland, but during the New Deal, the federal Works Progress Administration put thousands to work in City Park—clearing land, excavating lagoons, and building roads and bridges—all largely by hand. What’s now called Tad Gormley Stadium was built then, as were other athletic facilities, and the rose garden that evolved into the New Orleans Botanical Garden got its start. The WPA’s initials, along with Art Deco-style bas reliefs and sculptures created by celebrated Mexican-American artist Enrique Alferez, can still be found throughout the park. Oﬃcials also took steps in the 1930s to convert Bayou St. John, the park’s eastern border, from a working waterway lined with houseboats, shipyards, and other businesses into something more tranquil—essentially

an arm of the park. And thanks in part to a bequest from businessman Rene Couturie, the park’s arboretum was established in 1939 with the planting of thousands of trees. It soon came to be known as Couturie Forest. After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, City Park was soon housing troops once again, participating in blackout drills, and hosting appearances by celebrities like Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, and Dorothy Lamour, where audience members were encouraged to buy war bonds. WPA labor naturally became scarce, with federal funds and manpower redirected to the war effort. By 1942, park oﬃcials reported that the WPA could only provide 20 “very old” men who were put to work in the plant nursery. “All other work has ceased,” the general manager reported. Parts for park machinery were hard to come by, and even golf balls became hard to replace, sending workers diving into park lagoons to retrieve them. At one point, the park sold some of its ducks to save on the cost of their food. Many of the park’s employees departed for Higgins Industries, which made military boats and planes. “Their personnel department rides around our park in Cadillac cars and picks up our men,” the general manager complained. Not long after the war, the park faced a number of challenges over its racially discriminatory policies. In 1947, an employee of The Louisiana Weekly, an African American newspaper, wrote to the park board “asking the use of the smaller golf course for colored citizens.” The board declined to respond. Earlier, in 1935, a black physician had written to the board lamenting that even with the federally funded expansion, there were no park facilities available to black people within

City Park or elsewhere in the city. That left them “forced to the open woods miles beyond [the] city limits for recreational space,” he wrote. “Certainly, in the name of democracy, humanity, and common justice, something should be done to obliterate this wide difference in citizens.” The board’s president replied that black visitors would not be turned away from the park “with the only exception of the swimming pool, the tennis courts, and the golf links,” where he said the people of New Orleans wouldn’t tolerate integration. But in practice, it appears to have been commonplace for black visitors to the park to be swiftly ejected by police. By 1952, a lawsuit had been filed demanding that the park be integrated, and the park board passed an official policy on the matter— saying it would be illegal for the races to “use New Orleans City Park or any of its facilities simultaneously.” That lasted until 1958, when the U.S. Supreme Court refused to overturn lower court rulings integrating the park. City Park’s swimming pool remained closed the next summer. It, and others around New Orleans, were shuttered rather than being allowed to integrate. By the 1960s, the park came to terms with other aspects of a changing society. As the interstate highway system continued to grow, part of the park was taken—with compensation—for the construction of I-610, which continues to physically divide the park. In 1964, the Beatles appeared in the park’s stadium before a crowd of roughly 12,000, and within 15 minutes, the stage was soon swarmed with avid teenage fans. Police eventually restored order and, The Times-Picayune reported, had to revive about 200 swooning fans with “spirits of ammonia,” similar to smelling salts. Other acts of the era also played the stadium, including James Brown, the Dave Clark Five, the Allman Brothers Band, and Al Green, though park officials seemed wary of the then-young baby boom generation. “Two beatniks were also arrested in the park after I refused to grant them permission to distribute Vietnam war literature in the park,” the park’s general manager told the board in 1966. As late as 1971, park officials were celebrating being able to avert “a mass invasion of hippies in City Park,” at a time when local papers frequently ran stories about underemployed young adults living in French Quarter hovels.

The park saw a burst of popularity in the 1970s, even as its budget remained mostly fixed, with revenue chiefly coming from fees for playing golf and from park concessions. In 1977, the park and the New Orleans Museum of Art saw more than 800,000 people visit in just four months to see a traveling exhibit of artifacts from King Tut’s tomb, including a death mask. A brass band ultimately saw the pharaoh’s treasures off with a jazz funeral. During the 1970s and 1980s, board members frequently lamented the park’s low level of government funding. The size of the park’s workforce gradually declined, although inmates from the Orleans Parish jail did some work in the park. “This ‘free’ labor actually costs the park approximately $650 monthly for the cigarettes given to the work details,” one oﬃcial noted. Park oﬃcials still looked to innovate. A room of “electronic games” was briefly installed at the park, though it proved less popular than hoped. More successfully, the Friends of City Park, a nonprofit that raises money and otherwise supports the park, was founded in 1979. And in 1986, the park acquired its historic carousel from a concessionaire who owned it, and a successful fundraiser enabled it to be refurbished. The holiday light festival that became the wildly popular Celebration in the Oaks also began in the 1980s, at first in the park’s Botanical Garden, which took that name and itself saw refurbishment in that decade. And in the 1990s, the park saw a new generation come to appreciate its musical offerings— Pearl Jam, with the Ramones opening, played to a reported crowd of 30,000 in 1995. And in 1999, the park hosted its first Voodoo Music + Arts Experience festival, starting a Halloweentime tradition. In 2005, like the rest of New Orleans, City Park was wrecked by the winds of Hurricane Katrina, then inundated with multiple feet of floodwaters after the levee failures. All told, the park sustained an estimated $43 million worth of damage. But through a mix of volunteer work, eventual aid from FEMA, and generous donations, the park was able to rebuild, even hosting its Celebration in the Oaks during the 2005 holiday season. Since then, the park has continued to add new facilities, including City Bark—a dog park within a park—and City Putt, a new miniature golf facility.

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MUSICCALENDAR

TerenceBlanchard'sChampion Renowned for his work as a composer of hauntingly beautiful jazz pieces,Terence Blanchard’s first opera Champion is the story of Emile Griﬃth, a five-time boxing champion whose sexuality as a gay man was revealed after he was nearly killed outside of a gay bar in New York City. Fri., Mar. 9 @ 8 p.m. & Sun., Mar. 11 @ 2:30 p.m., $26+ Adv, Mahalia Jackson Theater, neworleansopera.com Monday, February 26 21st Amendment - Kala Bazaar Swing Society 30/90 - Margie Perez Apple Barrel - Rodolfo Benitez, Bourbon Bastards Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits - Raphael Bas Gypsy Jazz, Helen Gillet Bamboula’s - St. Louis Slim, Co & Co, G & the Swingin’ Gypsies, James Williams BMC - Zoe K, Lil Red & Big Bad, Paggy Prine & Southern Soul Bombay Club - David Boeddinghaus Buffa’s - Arsene DeLay, Antoine Diel & Sam Kuslan Chickie Wah Wah - Justin Molaison, Alex McMurray Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - John Boutte, Soul Brass Band Dos Jefes - John Fohl Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Chuck Brackman & Richard Scott House of Blues - Molotov Kerry Irish Pub - Roy Gele Maple Leaf - George Porter Trio One Eyed Jacks - Blind Texas Marlin Snug Harbor - Charmaine Neville Band Spotted Cat - Royal St. Winding Boys, Dominick Grillo, Jazz Vipers Three Keys at Ace Hotel - Moonshine Taste w/ Nicole Lynn Foxx Three Muses - Bart Ramsey Tuesday, February 27 21st Amendment - Shake It Break It Band 30/90 - The Bayou Saints Apple Barrel - Dan Beaudoin, Steve Mignano

Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits - Raphael Bas Gypsy Jazz, Mark Weliky Trio Bamboula’s - Damn Gina Trio, Big Dixie Swingers, Jan Marie, Crawdaddy T B.B. King’s Blues Club - Joy Orleans BMC - Jersey Slim, Dapper Dandies, Black Book Bombay Club - Matt Lemler Buffa’s - Vanessa Carr Checkpoint Charlie - Jamie Lynn Vessels Chickie Wah Wah - Chip Wilson, Ron Hotstream & Dick Deluze Civic Theatre - Beth Hart Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Dinosaurchestra, Treme Brass Band Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Tom Fischer & Richard Scott House of Blues - K. Michelle Howlin’ Wolf - The Southern Belles Kerry Irish Pub - Jason Bishop Maple Leaf - Rebirth Brass Band One Eyed Jacks - Benjamin Clementine Snug Harbor - Unholy Trinity Spotted Cat - Andy Forest, Meschiya Lake, Smoking Time Jazz Club Three Keys at Ace Hotel - Open Music Initiative Workshops Three Muses - Josh Gouzy Wednesday, February 28 21st Amendment - Prohibition All Stars, Royal St. Winding Boys Apple Barrel - Andre Lovett, Big Mike & the Blues Kings Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits - Raphael Bas Gypsy Jazz, Jesse Morrow Trio BMC - Demi, Johnny Mastro, Funk it All Bombay Club - John Royen Buffa’s - Open Mic Night w/ Nattie Sanchez Checkpoint Charlie - T Bone Stone & the Happy Monsters Chickie Wah Wah - Ivor Simpson-Kennedy, Gal Holiday Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Tin Men, Walter “Wolfman” Washington Dos Jefes - George French Trio Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Tom Fischer & Barry Foulon House of Blues - Michael Liuzza Kerry Irish Pub - Patrick Cooper Maple Leaf - Percy J The Parish (HOB) - Ella Vos Snug Harbor - Delfeayo Marsalis Southport Hall - Crazy Town & Davey Suicide Spotted Cat - Chris Christy, Shotgun Jazz Band, Antoine Diel The Parish (HOB) - Fozzy, Through Fire, Santa Cruz Three Keys at Ace Hotel - Michael Watson’s Alchemy Thursday, March 1 Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits - Raphael Bas Gypsy Jazz, Mike Harvey’s Hot Club Bamboula’s - St. Louis Slim, Kala Chandra, Jenavieve Cook, Dale Spalding Buffa’s - Gumbo Cabaret, Tom McDermott & Aurora Nealand

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Be sure to check out our new interactive concert calendar at WhereYat.com! Bullet’s Sports Bar - Kermit Ruﬃns Black Duck Bar - The Rum Runners Cafe Negril - Revival, Soul Project Circle Bar - Dark Lounge feat. Rik Slave, DJ Howie & Panzer, The Planchettes, Abysmal Lord Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Alexis & The Samurai, Wahala Boys Dos Jefes - Todd Duke Trio Dragon’s Den - Joel Willson Dragon’s Den “Upstairs” - Hard To Be Human, Fantasy Nonfiction, Evan Gavry & The Tin Stars House of Blues Restaurant - Jake Landry The Jazz Playhouse - Brass-a-holics Kerry Irish Pub - Will Dickerson The Maison - Good For Nothin’ Band, Sweet Substitute Jazz Band, Dysfunktional Bone Maple Leaf - Matt Lemler, Johnny Vidacovich/June Yamagishi/Keiko Komaki Mid-City Lanes Rock ’n’ Bowl - Geno Delafose Ogden Southern Museum of Art - Dustan Louque One Eyed Jacks - Big Business, Buildings, Space Cadaver Siberia - Starry Olsa Snug Harbor - Jasen Weaver The Parish (HOB) - J.I.D, Earthgang Spotted Cat - Up Up We Go!, Miss Sophie Lee, Jumbo Shrimp Three Keys at Ace Hotel - Roland Guerin Band Three Muses - Tom McDermott, Mia Borders Friday, March 2 Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits - Tangiers Combo, Harmonouche, The Willie Green Project Buffa’s - Calvin Johnson and Native Son, Haruka Kikuchi Bamboula’s - Co & Co Travelin’ Show, Chance Bushman’s Rhythm Stompers, Les Getrex ‘n’ Creole Cooking, Sierra Green & The Soul Machine Black Duck Bar - The Rum Runners Blue Nile - Kermit Ruﬃns Bullet’s Sports Bar - The Pinettes Brass Band Cafe Negril - Dana Abbott, Higher Heights Circle Bar - Natalie Mae & Gina Leslie, Kingpin Skinny Pimp Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Linnzi Zaorski, Bon Bon Vivant & Dirty Bourbon River Show Dos Jefes - The Panorama Jazz Band Dragon’s Den - DJ RQ Away Frenchmen Hotel Rooftop Bar - Allie Porter Band House of Blues - Foundation Room - Jake Landry & the Right Lane Bandits House of Blues Restaurant - Dick Deluxe Howlin’ Wolf - The Den - Hash Cabbage Kerry Irish Pub - Patrick Cooper The Maison - New Orleans Swinging Gypsies, Shotgun Jazz Band, Lil’ Glenn & Backatown, Gumbo Funk Maple Leaf - Wooten/Struthers Band Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl - Louisiana Spice Oak Wine Bar - Andrew Duhon Orpheum Theater - Noel Gallagher Siberia - Essentials Snug Harbor - Ellis Marsalis Quintet Southport Hall - Egg Yolk Jubilee Spotted Cat - Andy Forest, Cottonmouth Kings, Rhythm Stompers Three Muses - Royal Roses, Doro Wat Jazz Band Tipitina’s - Low End Theory Players Twist of Lime - Trick Bag, Southern Brutality, Krooked Halo Vaso - Bobby Love & Friends Saturday, March 3 Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits - Tangiers Combo, Red Organ Trio, Jasen Weaver Band Buffa’s - Jazz Brunch w/ Doyle Cooper, Carmella Rappazzo, Betty Shirley Bamboula’s - Kala Chandra, G & Her Swinging Gypsies, Johnny Mastro, Crawdaddy T’s Cajun Zydeco Review Circle Bar - Debauche Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Tuba Skinny, Little Freddie King Dragon’s Den - DJ Legatron Prime Dragon’s Den Upstairs - DJ Dizzi Evangeline - Lil’ Josephine & Rhodes Spedale Gasa Gasa - A Living Soundtrack, AF The Naysayer, Shuvuuia House of Blues Restaurant - Geovane Santos Kerry Irish Pub - Vali Talbot, Jamie Lynn Vessels The Maison - Chance Bushman & the Ibervillianaires, Royal Street Winding Boys, Smoking Time Jazz Club, Ashton Hines & The Big Easy Brawlers Maple Leaf - Ari Teitel feat. Jamison Ross & Paul Randolph Marigny Brasserie - Cole Williams Band Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl - Mike Zito Oak Wine Bar - Tom Leggett Siberia - Brume, Cikada & Cauche Mar Snug Harbor - Jacqui Naylor Quartet Southport Hall - Know Your Enemy, Green Gasoline, Stepping Sideways Spotted Cat - A2D2 Experience ft. Antoine Diel & Arsene DeLay, Twisted Dixie, Davis Rogan Orpheum Theater - Bianca Del Rio

Three Keys at Ace Hotel - Mainline Three Muses - Debbie Davis, Shotgun Jazz Band Twist of Lime - Twelve Years Driven, Headspill Sunday, March 4 AllWays Lounge - Swamp Donkeys Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits - Tangiers Combo, John Zarsky & the Tradstars, Taylor Smith & the Romain’ Jasmine Buffa’s - Jazz Brunch w/ Some Like it Hot, Susanne Ortner & Nahum Zydybel, First Sunday Pfister Sisters, Steve Pistorious Quartet Bamboula’s - Banana Hands, New Orleans Ragweeds, Carl LeBlanc, Ed Wills Blues 4 Sale Bullet’s Sports Bar - Big Frank & Little Frank Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - The Catahoulas Dragon’s Den - Anuraag Pendyal, Church House of Blues Restaurant - Jason Bishop Howlin’ Wolf - The Den - Hot 8 Brass Band Kerry Irish Pub - Chip Wilson The Maison - NOLA Jitterbugs Jazz Band, Leah Rucker, The Function, Higher Heights Maple Leaf - Mike Lemler, June Yamagishi, Doug Belote Spotted Cat - Aurora Nealand, Kristina Morales, Pat Casey Three Keys at Ace Hotel - Big Easy Playboys, Juju Child w/ Paul Randolph Monday, March 5 Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits - Raphael Bas Gypsy Jazz, Helen Gillet Bamboula’s - St. Louis Slim, Co & Co Travelin’ Show, G & Her Swingin’ Gypsies, John Lisi Buffa’s - Arsene DeLay, Antoine Diel Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - John Boutte, Big Sam & the Krewe Dragon’s Den - Nanci Zee, DJ Ill Medina Dragon’s Den Upstairs - Frog & Henry Hi-Ho Lounge - Bluegrass Pickin’ Party, Instant Opus Improvised Series Kermit’s Treme Mother-in-Law Lounge - Kermit Ruﬃns, Irvin Mayfield & Cirque du Freque Kerry Irish Pub - Roy Gele The Maison - Chicken & Waffles, The Royal Roses, Sierra Green & the Soul Machine Maple Leaf - George Porter Jr. Trio ft. Terrence Houston & Mike Lemler Neutral Ground - Andrew Benham One Eyed Jacks - Blind Texas Marlin Snug Harbor - Charmaine Neville Band Spotted Cat - The Royal Street Winding Boys, Dominick Grillo, The Jazz Vipers The Parish (HOB) - Coast Modern Three Muses - Monty Banks, Joe Cabral Tuesday, March 6 Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits - Raphael Bas Gypsy Jazz, Mark Weliky Trio Bamboula’s - Ben Fox, Damn Gina Trio, Ruth Marie, Chance Bushman’s Rhythm Stompers Buffa’s - Vanessa Carr Circle Bar - Carl LeBlanc, Alex McMurray Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Dinosaurchestra, Treme Brass Band Ellis Marsalis Center for Music - The Jordan Family & Friends House of Blues - Flogging Molly House of Blues Foundation Room - Prettier Than Matt House of Blues Restaurant - Michael Liuzza Kerry Irish Pub - Jason Bishop The Maison - Gregory Agid Quartet, Gene’s Music Machine Maple Leaf - Rebirth Brass Band Neutral Ground - Ben Guihan, The Dittos New Orleans Jazz Museum - Down on Their Luck Orchestra New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park - Courtney Bryan The Parish (HOB) - Stephen Kellogg & Pat McGee Siberia - Gal Holiday & the Honky Tonk Revue Snug Harbor - Stanton Moore Trio Spotted Cat - Andy Forest, Meschiya Lake, Smokin’ Time Jazz Club Three Muses - Sam Cammarata, Joshua Gouzy Wednesday, March 7 Autocrat Social & Pleasure Club - TBC Brass Band Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits - Raphael Bas Gypsy Jazz, Jesse Morrow Trio Bamboula’s - Eight Dice Cloth, Bamboula’s Hot Trio, Mem Shannon, Sunshine Brass Band Buffa’s - Open Mic Night w/ Nattie Sanchez Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Tin Men, Walter Wolfman Washington Dragon’s Den - Groove Therapy Open Mic Hi Ho Lounge - Delta Revues, Juan Tigre ft. The Grid House of Blues Foundation Room - Michael Liuzza House of Blues Restaurant - Jake Landry Howlin’ Wolf - Devin the Dude Howlin’ Wolf “The Den” - Couch Jackets ft. Biglemoi & Skelatin Kerry Irish Pub - Tim Robertson The Maison - Jazmarae Beebe, New Orleans Jazz Vipers,

Roccadile Maple Leaf - Cole Williams Band Marigny Brasserie - Grayson Brockamp & the New Orleans Wildlife Band Neutral Ground - Mike True & Phantom Band, Cicada New Orleans Jazz Museum - Emily Fransen Siberia - Lamifa Snug Harbor - Delfeayo Marsalis Spotted Cat - Chris Christy, Shotgun Jazz Band, Antoine Diel Three Keys at Ace Hotel - Helen Gillet + 1 Three Muses - Andre Bohren, Hot Club of New Orleans Thursday, March 8 Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits - Raphael Bas Gypsy Jazz, Mike Harvey’s Hot Club Bamboula’s - Banana Hands, Kala Chandra, Jenavieve Cook, Dale Spalding Buffa’s - Yvette Voelker & Harry Mayronne, Tom McDermott & Aurora Nealand Bullet’s Sports Bar - Kermit Ruﬃns Circle Bar - Dark Lounge ft. Rik Slave, Pierce & the Gals ft. Engine Joe & Blue Velvet Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Alexis & the Samurai, Mainline Dragon’s Den - Juice Dragon’s Den Upstairs - Rival Nova ft. Asia Sky & Stephanie Fruge Hi Ho Lounge - River Dragon House of Blues - Willie Nelson & Family ft. Kenton Bryant House of Blues Restaurant - Jake Landry Howlin’ Wolf - Perpetual Groove ft. Organized Crime The Jazz Playhouse - Brass-A-Holics Joy Theater - Papa Roach ft. The Devil Wears Prada Kerry Irish Pub - The One Tailed Three Le Bon Temps Roule - The Soul Rebels The Maison - Good For Nothin’ Band, Michael Watson Quintet, Dysfunktional Bone Maple Leaf - David Pigot, Johnny Vidacovich, Benny Bloom & Joe Ashlar Marigny Opera House - Asphalt Serenade & more Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl - Lil Nathan & the Zydeco Big Tymers Neutral Ground - Ivor SK, Laura Prado, Marissa Cazalas & Mariah Houston New Orleans Jazz Museum - Al Jackson & Dave Thomas Ogden Museum of Southern Art - Quiana Lynell The Parish (HOB) - Jason Bishop Pearl Wine Company - Anna Mangiardi & Co Siberia - Szkojani Charlatans ft. G-String Orchestra Snug Harbor - Joe Dyson Quintet Spotted Cat - Up Up We Go!, Miss Sophie Lee, Jumbo Shrimp Three Keys at Ace Hotel - Little Cosmicana ft. LAWN,

SunSeeker & Liza Anne Three Muses - Tom McDermott, Arsene DeLay Friday, March 9 Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits - Tangiers Combo, Harmonouche, The Willie Green Project Bamboula’s - Co & Co Travelin’ Show, Chance Bushman, Les Getrex, Sierra Green Blue Nile - Kermit Ruﬃns, The Soul Rebels Buffa’s - Anais St. John & Harry Mayronne, Meryl Zimmerman Bullet’s Sports Bar - The Pinettes Brass Band Circle Bar - Natalie Mae & Gina Leslie, DJ Ham Sandwich Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Hot Club of New Orleans, John Papa Gros Band Dragon’s Den - DJ RQ Away Fulco’s - Bobby Cure & the Poppa Stoppa Band, 5eoux4 Hey Cafe - Sexy Dex & the Fresh ft. Treadles & Mean Girls Hi Ho Lounge - Issa Vibe House of Blues - Matisyahu ft. Eminence Ensemble House of Blues Foundation Room - Jake Landry & the Right Lane Benefits House of Blues Restaurant - Dick DeLuxe, Captain Buckles Band, Jason Bishop Band Joy Theater - A Very Boogie Buku ft. Boogie T w/ special guests Kerry Irish Pub - Patrick Cooper, Tribute to Van Morrison & Tom Waits Le Bon Temps Roule - Crazy Whisky Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra The Maison - N.O. Swinging Gypsies, Shotgun Jazz Band, The Grid, Demuirgic Music Group Maple Leaf - Sam Price & the True Believers Marigny Opera House - Asphalt Serenade & more Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl - Mixed Nuts Neutral Ground - Jano Brindisi, Ash O, John Parker New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park - Johnette Downing Oak Wine Bar - Jon Roniger The Parish (HOB) - Missio Siberia - Laughter ft. No Money Down & Shane Sayers Snug Harbor - Ellis Marsalis Quintet Southport Hall - 12 Stones ft. The Vettes & Akadia Spotted Cat - Andy Forest, Washboard Chaz Trio Three Keys at Ace Hotel - Darcy Malone & The Tangle Three Muses - Matt Johnson, Doro Wat Jazz Band Tipitina’s - Funk Monkey, One Love Brass Band Twist of Lime - Them Ol’ Ghosts ft. Jamie Lynn Vessels Band Vaso - Bobby Love & Friends Saturday, March 10 Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits - Tangiers Combo, Red

LukeBryan Join the country crooner for the New Orleans stop of his 2018 What Makes You Country Tour. Featuring special guests Brother Osborne and Granger Smith, the concert will show you just exactly what it is that makes you country. Sat., Mar. 10, $52+ Adv, 7 p.m, ticketmaster.com Organ Trio, Jasen Weaver Band Bad Wolf Bar & Grille - Consortium of Genius & Tomb of Nick Cage Bamboula’s - Kala Chandra, G & Her Swinging Gypsies, Johnny Mastro, Crawdaddy T Blue Nile - Corey Henry & Treme Funktet Buffa’s - Jazz Brunch w/ Doyle Cooper, Alexandra Scott, Lynn Drury Circle Bar - Medusa Disco Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Tuba Skinny, Lightnin’ Malcolm & more Dragon’s Den - DJ Legatron Prime Dragon’s Den Upstairs - DJ Dizzi Evangeline - Lil Josephine & Rhodes Spedale

Gasa Gasa - Jeff Rosenstock ft. Donovan Wolfington & Laura Stevenson Hi Ho Lounge - Pink Room Project House of Blues - Shoot to Thrill House of Blues Foundation Room - Spogga: Brother Hash House of Blues Restaurant - Geovane Santos, Marcos & Crescent Citizen, Captain Buckles Howlin’ Wolf “The Den” - Engine Joe ft. Blue Velvet and Pierce & the Gals Jazz & Heritage Center - Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet Kerry Irish Pub - Mike Kerwin & Geoff Coats, Hurricane Refugees Lafreniere Park - Totally Abandoned Lucky’s - Totally Abandoned

WhereYat.com | March 2018 | 31

The Maison - Chance Bushman, T’Canaille, Smoking Time Jazz Club, Ashton Hines, RnR Maple Leaf - Russ Liquid, Khris Royal, Deven Trusclair & more Marigny Brasserie - Cole Williams Band Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl - Soul Rebels Neutral Ground - Rollfast Ramblers, Xeno Moonflower Oak Wine Bar - Mia Borders Siberia - Grace Joyner, Conor Donahue & more SideBar Nola - Shan Kenner, A’oleon Broomfield & Ryan Scott Long Snug Harbor - Jamison Ross Spotted Cat - Shotgun Jazz Band, Panorama Jazz Band, The Jazz Vipers Three Keys at Ace Hotel - La Noche Caliente Three Muses - Salvatore Geloso, Gal Holiday Tipitina’s - Water Seed, Omari Neville & the Fuel ft. Cyril Neville, Lilli Lewis Twist of Lime - The Kurt Loders Sunday, March 11 AllWays Lounge - Tuba Skinny Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits - Tangier Combo, John Zarsky, Taylor Smith Bamboula’s - St. Louis Slim, N.O. Ragweeds, Carl LeBlanc, Ed Wills Blues 4 Sale Buffa’s - Jazz Brunch w/ Some Like it Hot, Little Coquette, Steve Pistorious Quartet Bullet’s Sports Bar - Teresa B Circle Bar - Micah McKee, John Curry & Friends, Bambara Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Palmetto Bug Stompers, Hill Country Hounds Dragon’s Den - Anuraag Pendyal, Church Hey Cafe - Habitat + Washer + Shame & more Hi Ho Lounge - Aaron Benjamin, Shi La Rosa & Vesper House of Blues Restaurant - Jason Bishop Howlin’ Wolf “The Den” - The Hot 8 Brass Band Kerry Irish Pub - Traditional Irish Session, Patrick Cooper Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra The Maison - NO Jitterbugs, Function, Nickle-a-Dance, Royal St. Winding Boys, Higher Heights Maple Leaf - Eric Bolivar, Andrew Block, Donnie Sondal & more Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl - Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band Neutral Ground - Open Mic One Eyed Jacks - Chews The Parish (HOB) - Exodus + The Void + Six Pack Siberia - Sam Doores Snug Harbor - Roger Lewis & Friends Spotted Cat - Gouzy Band, Kristina Morales, Pat Casey Three Keys at Ace Hotel - Juju Child & the Hypnotic Roots Band Three Muses - Rafael et Pascal, Linnzi Zaorski Monday, March 12 30/90 - Margie Perez Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits - Raphael Bas Gypsy Jazz, Helen Gillet Bamboula’s - Banana Hand, Co & Co Travelin’ Show, Swinging Gypsies, Gentilly Stompers Buffa’s - Arsene DeLay, Antoine Diel Circle Bar - The Whips Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Sarah Quintana, Funk Monkey Dragon’s Den - Neela Dragon’s Den Upstairs - Andy Reid’s Imagination Council, DJ Ill Medina Hi Ho Lounge - Bluegrass Pickin’ Party, Instant Opus Improvised Series House of Blues Restaurant - Sean Riley Howlin’ Wolf “The Den” - Sarah Shook & the Disarmers ft. the Trongone Band Kermit’s Treme Mother-in-Law Lounge - Kermit Ruﬃns, Irvin Mayfield & Cirque du Freque Kerry Irish Pub - 2 Sheets to the Wind The Maison - Chicken & Waffles, The Royal Roses, Sierra Green & the Soul Machine Maple Leaf - George Porter Jr. Trio ft. Terrence Houston & Mike Lemler Neutral Ground - The Page Turners, The Rightly So Orpheum Theater - Fleet Foxes Snug Harbor - Charmaine Neville Band Spotted Cat - Royal Street Winding Boys, Dominick Grillo, The Jazz Vipers Three Muses - Bart Ramsey Tuesday, March 13 Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits - Raphael Bas Gypsy Jazz, Mark Weliky Trio Bamboula’s - Eight Dice Cloth, Damn Gina Trio, Jan Marie & the Mean Reds, Dale Spalding Buffa’s - Vanessa Carr Circle Bar - Carl LeBlanc, Alex McMurray Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Dinosaurchestra, Treme Brass Band Hi Ho Lounge - Stranger Ranger House of Blues Foundation Room - Melissa & Matthew De Orazio, Patrick Cooper, Lilli Lewis House of Blues Restaurant - Michael Liuzza Kerry Irish Pub - Jason Bishop The Maison - Bon Bon Vivant, Gregory Agid Quartet, Sam Friend Maple Leaf - Rebirth Brass Band Neutral Ground - Donna Jean Klinglesmith New Orleans Jazz Museum - Down on Their Luck Orchestra New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park - Courtney Bryan One Eyed Jacks - Ezra Furman

32 | Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

Siberia - Jack Donovan + Wilder Maker + Midriff Snug Harbor - Stanton Moore Trio Spotted Cat - Andy Forest, Meschiya Lake, Smokin’ Time Jazz Club Tipitina’s - Nahko & Medicine for the People + Xiuhtezcatl

Spotted Cat - Andy Forest, New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings, James Martin Band Three Muses - Royal Roses, Doro Wat Jazz Band Twist of Lime - Project 9 + Love Story’s End Vaso - Bobby Love & Friends

Wednesday, March 14 Autocrat Social & Pleasure Club - TBC Brass Band Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits - Raphael Bas Gypsy Jazz, Jesse Morrow Trio Bamboula’s - Banana Hands, Bamboula’s Hot Trio, Mem Shannon, Sunshine Brass Band Buffa’s - Open Mic Night w/ Nattie Sanchez Circle Bar - The Iguanas, The Cowboys + Vile Bodies + Stiff Love Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Tin Men, Walter Wolfman Washington Dragon’s Den - Groove Therapy Open Mic Hi Ho Lounge - Delta Revues, Modern Diet + Slickback Jacques + Papa Watzke House of Blues Foundation Room - Michael Liuzza House of Blues Restaurant - Cary Hudson Kerry Irish Pub - Patrick Cooper The Maison - Eight Dice Cloth, New Orleans Jazz Vipers, Rue Fiya Maple Leaf - Cole Williams + Sunpie Barnes & the Louisiana Sunspots Neutral Ground - Hol’dem, Brent Byrd New Orleans Jazz Museum - Emily Fransen Siberia - Lamifa Snug Harbor - Delfeayo Marsalis Spotted Cat - Chris Christy, Shotgun Jazz Band, Antoine Diel Three Muses - Andre Bohren, Hot Club of New Orleans

Saturday, March 17 Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits - Tangiers Combo, Red Organ Trio, Jasen Weaver Band Bamboula’s - Kala Chandra, G & Her Swinging Gypsies, Johnny Mastro, Crawdaddy T Blue Nile - Stooges Brass Band Buffa’s - Jazz Brunch w/ Doyle Cooper, Shake Em Up Jazz Band, The Royal Rounders Casa Borrega - Martin Moretto Duo Circle Bar - Monoculture + Jack & the Jackrabbits + Noise Complaints Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a - Brass-A-Holics Dragon’s Den - DJ Legatron Prime Dragon’s Den Upstairs - DJ Dizzi Evangeline - Lil Josephine & Rhodes Spedale HI Ho Lounge - Snail Mail & Shame, Pink Room Project House of Blues - Jeezy + Tee Grizzley House of Blues Restaurant - Geovane Santos, Marcos & Crescent Citizen, Gypsy Elise Kerry Irish Pub - Van Hudson, Speed the Mule, Roux the Day! Maison - Chance Bushman, Royal St. Winding Boys, Smoking Time, Wahala Boys, Roccadile Maple Leaf - The McSuspects Marigny Brasserie - Cole Williams Band & Trapper Keeper Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl - The Topcats Music Box Village - Animal Collective Neutral Ground - Clint Kaufmann, Dr. Lo & Loyola’s Finest New Orleans Jazz Museum - Vinny Raniolo Oak Wine Bar - Burris One Eyed Jacks - Thou + Space Cadaver + Vile Creature Orpheum Theater - Pines of Rome + Bela Fleck Siberia - Debauche + Zydepunks + Rotten Cores Snug Harbor - Phillip Manuel Spotted Cat - Russell Welch, John Lisi & Delta Funk, Jumbo Shrimp Three Muses - Debbie Davis, Shotgun Jazz Band Tipitina’s - Papa Mali Twist of Lime - Pirate Signal + Thermostat

Thursday, March 15 Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits - Raphael Bas Gypsy Jazz, Mike Harvey’s Hot Club Bamboula’s - Kala Chandra, Jenavieve Cook, Chance Bushman Buffa’s - Gumbo Cabaret, Tom McDermott & Aurora Nealand Bullet’s Sports Bar - Kermit Ruﬃns Circle Bar - Dark Lounge ft. Rik Slave, Graceland Too Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Alexis & the Samurai, Little Freddie King Dragon’s Den - Rapbaum Dragon’s Den Upstairs - DJ Q + Lord Chilla + Evan Lee Hi Ho Lounge - River Dragon House of Blues Restaurant - Jake Landry The Jazz Playhouse - Brass-A-Holics Kerry Irish Pub - The One Tailed Three Le Bon Temps Roule - The Soul Rebels The Maison - Good for Nothin’ Band, G & the Swinging Gypsies, Dysfunktional Bone Maple Leaf - Richard Scott, Dirtyvich Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl - Leroy Thomas & the Zydeco Roadrunners Neutral Ground - Once Removed, Nattie, Tereson Dupuy, Paul Kemnitz New Orleans Jazz Museum - The Betty Shirley Band Ogden Museum of Southern Art - Bayou Saints Orpheum Theater - Pines of Rome + Bela Fleck The Parish (HOB) - The Wind + The Wave + Jesse Ruben Siberia - Sages of Khelm Snug Harbor - Evan Christopher & Clarinet Road ft. Vinny Raniolo Spotted Cat - Up Up We Go!, Miss Sophie Lee, Jumbo Shrimp Three Muses - Tom McDermott, Mia Borders Tipitina’s - Feather Fundraising Concert ft. Cyril Neville, Bo Dollis Jr. & 79ers Gang The Well - Stooges Brass Band Friday, March 16 Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits - Tangiers Combo, Harmonouche, The Willie Green Project Bamboula’s - Co & Co Travelin’ Show, Chance Bushman, Les Getrex, Sierra Green BJ’s Lounge - Enoch Ramone + Babes & Die Rottz Blue Nile - Kermit Ruﬃns Buffa’s - Arsene DeLay, Cole Williams Bullet’s Sports Bar - The Pinettes Brass Band Casa Borrega - Geovane Santos Trio Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Smoking Time Jazz Club, Honey Island Swamp Band Dragon’s Den - DJ RQ Away Gasa Gasa - Retrofit and Burris House of Blues - New Politics + Dreamers + The Wrecks House of Blues Foundation Room - Jake Landry & the Right Lane Bandits House of Blues Restaurant - Dick Deluxe, Captain Buckles Band, Jon Roniger Trio Kerry Irish Pub - Vali Talbot, Paintbox w/ Dave James & Tim Robertson The Maison - N.O. Swinging Gypsies, Shotgun Jazz Band, Raw Deal, Ashton Hines Maple Leaf - Sonic Bloom Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl - Bonerama Music Box Village - Animal Collective Neutral Ground - Damn Hippies, Jerk Unicorn, Dougie Flesh & the Slashers, Monster Strut New Orleans Jazz Museum - BeauSoleil Trio Oak Wine Bar - Jordan Anderson The Parish (HOB) - Iced Earth + Sanctuary + Kill Ritual Pearl Wine Company - Jasper Brothers Siberia - Tommy Stinson + Chicken Snake + DJ D. Lefty Parker Snug Harbor - Ellis Marsalis Quintet

Sunday, March 18 AllWays Lounge - The Bailsmen Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits - Tangiers Combo, John Zarsky, Taylor Smith Bamboula’s - N.O. Ragweeds, Carl LeBlanc, Ed Wills Blues 4 Sale Buffa’s - Jazz Brunch w/ Some Like it Hot, BellaDonnas, Steve Pistorious Quartet Bullet’s Sports Bar - VL & Just Right Band Casa Borrega - John Lawrence Circle Bar - Micah McKee, John Curry & Friends, Mary Ocher Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Palmetto Bug Stompers Dragon’s Den - Anuraag Pendyal, Church House of Blues Restaurant - Jason Bishop Howlin’ Wolf “The Den” - The Hot 8 Brass Band Kerry Irish Pub - Will Dickerson Le Bon Temps Roule - Crazy Whisky The Maison - NOLA Jitterbugs Jazz Band, Tuba Skinny, Higher Heights Maple Leaf - Joe Krown Trio ft. Walter Wolfman Washington Neutral Ground - Open Mic Siberia - Esther Rose, Casey Jane & Sabra Guzman Snug Harbor - Johnny Vidacovich Quartet Southport Hall - Mac Sabbath + The Unnaturals & House of Goats Spotted Cat - Hunter Burgamy, Kristina Morales, Pat Casey Three Keys at Ace Hotel - Juju Child & The Hypnotic Roots Band Three Muses - Rafael et Pascal, Linnzi Zaorski Monday, March 19 Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits - Raphael Bas Gypsy Jazz, Helen Gillet Bamboula’s - St. Louis Slim, Co & Co Travelin’ Show, Swinging Gypsies, Kyle Lacy Buffa’s - Arsene DeLay, Antoine Diel Chiba - Burris Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - John Boutte, Big Sam & the Krewe Dragon’s Den - The Jeremy Joyce Trio, DJ Ill Medina Dragon’s Den Upstairs - Madeline’s Forgotten Treasures Hi Ho Lounge - Bluegrass Pickin’ Party, Instant Opus Improvised Series House of Blues Restaurant - Sean Riley Howlin’ Wolf “The Den” - Father Mountain Kermit’s Treme Mother-in-Law Lounge - Kermit Ruﬃns, Irvin Mayfield & Cirque du Freque Kerry Irish Pub - Patrick Cooper The Maison - Chicken & Waffles, The Royal Rose, Sierra Green Maple Leaf - Terrence Higgins & Friends Neutral Ground - David Rosales, The Rightly So, Wynn C. Blue One Eyed Jacks - Blind Texas Marlin Snug Harbor - Charmaine Neville Band Spotted Cat - Royal St. Winding Boys, Dominick Grillo, The Jazz Vipers Three Muses - Monty Banks Tipitina’s - Celebrating David Bowie ft. Mike Garson, Earl Slick & more

Tuesday, March 20 Bacchanal - Raphael Bas, Mark Weliky Bamboula’s - Gentilly Stompers, Jan Marie Buffa’s - Vanessa Carr Circle Bar - Carl LeBlanc, Stuyedeyed Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Treme Brass Band Hi Ho Lounge - Felix + Nyce! House of Blues - Dave Jordan Kerry Irish Pub - Jason Bishop Maison - Gregory Agid Quartet Maple Leaf - Rebirth Brass Band Neutral Ground Coffeehouse - Tiny Dinosaur New Orleans Jazz Museum - Down on Their Luck New Orleans Jazz National Historic Museum - Courtney Bryan Snug Harbor - Tom McDermott Spotted Cat - Andy Forest, Meschiya Lake, Smoking Time Jazz Club Three Keys at Ace Hotel - NORUZ record release Three Muses - Sam Cammarata, Joshua Gouzy

Circle Bar - Dark Lounge Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - The Bailsman Dragon’s Den - Juan Tigre Hi Ho Lounge - River Dragon House of Blues - Eli Young Band, Jake Landry\ Jazz Playhouse - Brass-A-Holics Kerry Irish Pub - Anette & Mark, Roy Gele Maison - Roamin’ Jasmine, Dysfunktional Bone Maple Leaf - Andre Bohren, Johnny Vidacovich Neutral Ground Coffeehouse - Chris Robinson, Greg Afek New Orleans Jazz Museum - Shotgun Ogden Museum of Southern Art - Bayou Saints Pearl Wine Company - Anna Mangiardi Siberia - Blato Zlato Snug Harbor - Jane Bunnett Spotted Cat - Up Up We Go!, Miss Sophie Lee, Jumbo Shrimp The Well - Stooges Brass Band Three Keys at Ace Hotel - Soundbytes w/ PJ Morton Three Muses - Tom McDermott

Wednesday, March 21 Autocrat - TBC Brass Band Bacchanal - Raphael Bas, Jesse Morrow Bamboula’s - Carl LeBlanc, Eight Dice Cloth Buffa’s - Nattie Sanchez Circle Bar - The Iguanas, Bruce Meek Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Tin Men, Walter Wolfman Washington Dragon’s Den - Groove Therapy Hi Ho Lounge - Delta Revues House of Blues - Car Hudson Kerry Irish Pub - Chip Wilson Maison - Eight Dice Cloth, Roccadile Maple Leaf - Cole Williams & Friends Marigny Brasserie - Grayson Brockamp Neutral Ground Coffeehouse - Andrew Woodruff, Cicada New Orleans Jazz Museum - Sarah Quintana Duo One Eyed Jacks - Hinds and Albert Hammond Jr. Siberia - Lamifa Snug Harbor - Uptown Jazz Orchestra Special Venue - Erika Wennerstrom Spotted Cat - Chris Christy, Shotgun Jazz Band, Antoine Diel Three Keys at Ace Hotel - Ivan Neville’s Nola Nights Three Muses - Leslie Martin, Schatzy

Friday, March 23 Bacchanal - Tangiers Combo, Harmonouche Buffa’s - Banu Gibson, Margie Perez Bullet’s - Pinettes Brass Band Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Tuba Skinny, George Porter Dragon’s Den - DJ RQ Away House of Blues - Strangelove, Jake Landry, LouMuzik Howlin’ Wolf - Wes Williams Kerry Irish Pub - Patrick Cooper, The One Tailed Three Maison - Shotgun, Raw Deal Maple Leaf - Johnny Sketch Neutral Ground Coffeehouse - Bad Oyster, Gina Forsyth New Orlean Jazz National Historic Park - Heritage High School Oak Wine Bar - Jon Roniger One Eyed Jacks - DJ Soul Sister Siberia - Valparaiso Men’s Choir Snug Harbor - Ellis Marsalis Southport Hall - Contraflow, Fighting for Frequency Spotted Cat - Andy Forest, Washboard Chaz Trio, The Catahoulas Three Keys at Ace Hotel - Cha Wa Three Muses - Matt Johnson, Doro Wat Twist of Lime - Choke Vaso - Bobby Love & Friends

Thursday, March 22 Bacchanal - Raphael Bas, Mike Harvey Buffa’s - Leslie Cooper, Tom McDermott & Aurora Nealand Bullet’s - Kermit Ruﬃns

Saturday, March 24 Bacchanal - Tangiers Combo, Red Organ Trio Blue Nile - Big Sam’s Funk Nation

Buffa’s - Doyle Cooper, Marla Dixon, Catie Rodgers Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Roamin’ Jasmine, Cyril Neville Dragon’s Den - DJ Legatron Prime, DJ Dizzi Evangeline - Lil Josephine Hi Ho Lounge - Pink Room Project House of Blue - Geovane Santos Kerry Irish Pub - Van Hudson, Invisible Cowboy Maison - Chance Bushman, The Bailsmen Maple Leaf - The Iceman Special Marigny Brasserie - Cole Williams Band Neutral Ground Coffeehouse - Will Howard, Aleah Hyers New Orlean Jazz Museum - Drummer and Smoke Oak Wine Bar - Tom Legett One Eyed Jacks - Book of Love Siberia - High Snug Harbor - Jason Marsalis Southport Hall - Dark Effects Spotted Cat - Jazz Band Ballers, Panorama Jazz Band, Dominick Grillo The Orpheum Theatre - Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Three Keys at Ace Hotel - HOUxNOLA w/Jack Freeman & Friends Three Muses - Shotgun Jazz Band Twist of Lime - Monkeysoop Sunday, March 25 AllWays Lounge - Sparrow Bacchanal - Tangiers Combo, John Zarsky Buffa’s - Some Like it Hot, Nattie Sanchez Bullet’s - John Pierre Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Palmetto Bug Stompers Dragon’s Den - Anuraag Pendyal, Church House of Blues - Jason Bishop Howlin’ Wolf - The Hot 8 Kerry Irish Pub - Big Easy International Film Festival Maison - The Function, Brad Walker Maple Leaf - The Electric Company Neutral Ground Coffeehouse - Open Mic Siberia - Sam Doores Snug Harbor - Cindy Scott Spotted Cat - Jamey St. Pierre, Kristina Morales, Pat Casey Three Keys at Ace Hotel - Juju Child Three Muses - Rafael et Pascal Tipitina’s - Mickey Avalon Monday, March 26 30/90 - Margie Perez Bacchanal - Raphael Bas, Helen Gillet Bamboula’s - John Lisi Band Buffa’s - Arsene DeLay, Antoine Diel

Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - John Boutte, Big Sam Dragon’s Den - Neela, Dragon’s Den “Upstairs” - Chris Johnson Hi Ho Lounge - Instant Opus House of Blues - Sean Riley Kermit’s Treme - Kermit Ruﬃns Kerry Irish Pub - Patrick Cooper Maison - Chicken and Waffles Maple Leaf - George Porter Neutral Ground Coffeehouse - The Genial Orleanians Snug Harbor - Charmaine Neville Three Keys at Ace Hotel - Moonshine Taste Three Muses - Bart Ramsey, Washboard Rodeo Tuesday, March 27 Bacchanal - Raphael Bas, Mark Weliky Bamboula’s - Eight Dice Cloth, Damn Gina Buffa’s - Vanessa Carr Circle Bar - Carl LeBlanc, Alex McMurray Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Treme Brass Band Hi Ho Lounge - Machinedrum House of Blues - Rory Collins, Michael Liuzza Howlin’ Wolf - Random Rab Kerry Irish Pub - Jason Bishop Maison - Jazmarae Beebe, Beetle Maple Leaf - Rebirth Brass Band Neutral Ground Coffeehouse - Megan Bee New Orleans Jazz Museum - Down on Their Luck New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park - Courtney Bryan Siberia - Alexandra Scott Snug Harbor - Matt Perrine Wednesday, March 28 Autocrat - TBC Brass Band Bacchanal - Raphael Bas, Jesse Morrow Trio Bamboula’s - Eight Dice Cloth Buffa’s - Open Mic Night w/ Nattie Sanchez Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Tin Men Dragon’s Den - Grove Therapy Hi Ho Lounge - Delta Revues, Dominic Minix House of Blues - Brian Fallon, Michael Liuzza Joy Theatre - Broken Social Scene Kerry Irish Pub - Tim Robertson Maison - The Bailsmen, B Millers Zone Maple Leaf - Cole Williams Band Marigny Brasserie - Grayson Brockamp Neutral Ground Coffeehouse - Jonathan Tankel New Orleans Jazz Museum - Jenna McSwain

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 26 AT CIVIC THEATRE (FRI & SAT ARE SOLD OUT!) THURSD

TREY ANASTASIO BAND

MONDAY, APRIL 30 AT CIVIC THEATRE THE DARKNESS “TOUR DE PRANCE TOUR” W/ DIARRHEA PLANET 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 MONDAY, JUNE 11 AT CIVIC THEATRE W/ MEN I TRUST

BELLE & SEBASTIAN

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

ANTHONLY JESELNIK

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 AT CIVIC THEATRE

LORD HURON

WhereYat.com | March 2018 | 33

Friday, March 9 - Sunday, March 11 neworleanshomeshows.com Get a head start on your spring cleaning or renovation at the New Orleans Home & Garden Show. This threeday event will include speakers like Mike Cornwell, Christ Draper, Tracy Wiesehart-Plaisance, and WWL Radio’s Paul La Grange. You can enjoy events like Edible Landscapes, Renovation Revolution, Ask the Experts, and Paint Dat 101. This annual event is the home event to go to if you want to get ideas for your next home project. Tickets for the event are $15 for adults, $10 with a valid military ID, and kids 12 and under can get in for free. You can purchase tickets at neworleanshomeshows.com/tickets.

Lakeside2Riverside

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

Terence Blanchard’s Champion: An Opera in Jazz Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts: 1419 Basin St. Friday, March 9 - Sunday, March 11 neworleansopera.org/champion Take a step back in boxing history with the story of Emile Griﬃth, a three-time World Welterweight Champion and a two-time World Middleweight Champion from the late 1950s thru the 1970s. In 1962, with his greatest professional triumphs and greatest personal tragedies, Griﬃth gave a winning punch to Benny “The Kid” Paret, putting Paret straight into a coma that he would die from 10 days later. Champion presents audiences with a contemporary tragic hero who is played by Arthur Woodley, and Victor Ryan Robertson plays Paret. The jazz pieces are composed by Grammy Award-winner Terence Blanchard. Champion is directed by James Robinson, who is one of America’s most sought-after opera directors. Michael Cristofer joins the creative team of Champion with an extensive award-winning and -nominated background. Tickets start at $26 and can be purchased at neworleansopera.org.

N.O. Home & Garden Show March 9 - 11

ENTERTAINMENT Ponchatoula Antique Trade Days—Arts & Craft Fair 160 W. Pine St., Ponchatoula Friday, March 2 - Sunday, March 4; 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. facebook.com/PonchatoulaAntiqueTradeDays Ever feel like something is missing in your home? Maybe you need something that’s unique, handmade, or antique? Well, it’s that time again, for the Ponchatoula Antique Trade Days—Arts & Craft Fair. Go out to shop and browse from over a hundred vendors, featuring antiques, handmade items, jewelry, and specialty items. This free festival features antiques and collectibles, arts and crafts, and local food vendors. While you shop till your heart’s content, the kids can enjoy a free petting zoo and other family activities. Shell-A-Bration Urban South Brewery: 1645 Tchoupitoulas St. Thursday, March 8; 6 - 9 p.m. crcl.org Shell-A-Brate good times with the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL) and Shell Oil Co. at this oyster extravaganza. The CRCL has partnered with local restaurants to give you daily oyster specials, starting February 20. As you slurp up those oysters, you can collect special Shell-ABration doubloons that can be used to get special prizes at the Shell-A-Bration finale, held March 8 at Urban South Brewery. During the event, guests can enjoy fresh oysters, free food and admission, raffles, Urban South beer, and music by Swamp Donkeys. Remember the CRCL’s motto: “Once you shuck ’em, don’t just chuck ‘em!”

Bill Bill Murray, Jan Vogler & Murra Friends: New Worlds y Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts: 801 N. Rampart St. Monday, March 19; 7:30 p.m. mahaliajacksontheater.com Originating from Illinois and gaining his exposure on Saturday Night Live, which would later earn him his first Emmy Award, Bill Murray has become one of the most famous American comedians. He is known for his deadpan

New Orleans Home & Garden Show Mercedes-Benz Superdome: 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr.

delivery in comedy, for which he won the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2016. Murray received his first starring role in the film Meatballs. But you probably know him from the two-time Oscarnominated movie Ghostbusters and his Golden Globewinning role in Lost in Translation. Or, you may know him from the 25-year-old Groundhog Day, an accidental rom-com classic.

SPORTS/FITNESS Fair Grounds Wiener Dog Races New Orleans Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots: 1751 Gentilly Blvd. Saturday, March 3 fairgroundsracecourse.com Forget the typical horse races and experience some Dachshunds on the tracks: it’s the annual Wiener Dog Racing at the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. Go out and see 48 purebred Dachshunds and six alternates race for the crown and a $500 cash prize. The 48 dogs will be divided into four heats containing 12 dogs a piece. The first-, second-, and third-place winners of each of the four heats will compete in a final race to determine the champion. To enter your furry friend in the races, go to their website and download the oﬃcial application. General admission for wiener dog racing will be $5, with a standard $10 clubhouse admission. Kids 12 and under will be admitted free. 42nd Annual Sun Belt Conference Men’s Basketball Championship New Orleans Lakefront Arena: 6801 Franklin Ave. Wednesday, March 7 - Sunday, March 11 sunbeltsports.org Dribble your way to the 42nd Annual Sun Belt Conference Men’s Basketball Championship Tournament. All 12 of the conference’s teams will battle it out on the court to see who will represent the league in the NCAA Tournament. This will be New Orleans’s sixth time hosting the basketball 9 championship. Two Louisiana teams will be 1 taking part in the championship: University of March Louisiana at Lafayette and University of Louisiana at Monroe. Entertain the kids with the Dribble Drive, open to children ages three thru 12, which will take place Saturday, March 10, outside of the Lakefront Arena. To register your child, go to sunbeltconference.wufoo.com/forms/2018-dribbledrive-registration. Tickets are on sale now and are $15 for adults and $5 for kids.

Bourbon Festival Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans: 900 Camp St. Thursday, March 8 - Saturday, March 10 neworleansbourbonfestival.com Life is too short to drink bad bourbon, so head over to the Bourbon Festival at the Contemporary Arts Center. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy exceptional bourbon and cuisine, surrounded by the culture of New Orleans. The event includes a judging event, educational seminar, a bourbon brunch, burlesque, bourbon dinner, grand tastings, and a Patrol Patron party. There will also be keynote speakers such as Fred and Freddie Booker, Rom Samuels, and Bruce Russell, all from various bourbon brands. Part of the mission of the Bourbon Festival is to give back to the community; they have partnered with Kids Can NOLA to be their permanent charitable beneficiary. Tickets start at $59 and can be found at neworleansbourbon2018.sched.com/tickets.

34 | Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

March 9 - 11 Mercedes-Benz Superdome www.NewOrleansHomeShows.com Presented by

Brought to you for 63 years by

WhereYat.com | March 2018 | 35

Tyrann Mathieu & Friends Kickball Classic Shrine on Airline Stadium: 6000 Airline Dr., Metairie Saturday, March 24; 2 - 5 p.m. facebook.com/TyrannMathieuKickballClassic Kick off spring with the first-ever Tyrann Mathieu & Friends Kickball Classic. This celebrity game will include Patrick Peterson, Jarvis Landry, Antoine Bethea, Chandler Jones, Tony Jefferson, and many more. In addition to a fun afternoon of kickball, the event will also feature dodgeball, as well as prizes and giveaways. Proceeds will benefit The Tyrann Mathieu Foundation, a non-profit

Los Islenos Festival March 3 - 4

36 | Spring Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine

organization whose mission is to positively impact the lives of financially disadvantaged youth through encouragement, opportunities, and resources necessary to achieve their dreams in New Orleans and Phoenix, Arizona. Mathieu was born and raised in New Orleans and was the 2011 SEC Championship MVP at LSU.

FESTIVALS Los Islenos Fiesta Los Islenos Museum & Village: 1357 Bayou Rd., St. Bernard Saturday, March 3 - Sunday, March 4; 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. losislenos.org It’s the 43rd annual Los Islenos Fiesta at the historic Los Islenos Museum & Village. This family-friendly festival centers around St. Bernard’s Spanish roots that date back to the 1700s when Canary Islanders settled the area. At this annual festival, the traditions, food, music, and dance of the people are celebrated. The historic Isleño Village is the perfect setting for the living history demonstration series that features folk crafts, historic vernacular lifestyles, and the cultural identity of the Isleño descendants’ community. During the festival, the Houma Nation will also interpret the history, culture, and folk traditions of the Houma Tribe. Enjoy the entertainment of musicians and dancers from the Canary Islands and popular local New Orleans bands. You can entertain the kids with the amusement rides on-site. If you get hungry, there will be Spanish food and drink as well as po-boys, seafood, and gumbo. For more information, visit the events section of their Facebook page. Louisiana Crawﬁsh Festival Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center: 8200 West Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette Thursday, March 22 - Sunday, March 25 louisianacrawfishfestival.com

The annual Louisiana Crawfish Festival is back to celebrate everyone’s favorite mudbug. With a $5 admission, festival-goers can expect a jammed-pack day of events. Enjoy some Cajun entertainment and parade bands as they explode with musical talent. The arts and crafts section will draw hundreds to see handmade products like cups, plates, belts, hats, sunglasses, home decor, and much more. Conquer the festival grounds and its giant midway of carnival games, cotton candy, candied apples, and rides, with something for everyone’s disposition. This wouldn’t be the crawfish festival without all the crawfish dishes such as crawfish bread, pasta, pies, rice, jambalaya, and, of course, boiled crawfish with all the fixins. The festival is in the historical St. Bernard Parish.

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Get Ready for Agave Week and Top Taco 2018 By Emily Hingle

op Taco was an unprecedented success in 2017, but 2018 will be even bigger, better, and tastier. In addition to this unlimited tacoand-tequila-tasting fest on March 15 in Woldenberg Park, attendees, industry insiders, and those who dearly love the liquor of Mexico are invited to attend Agave Week, taking place at different venues around the city and leading up to the main event that is Top Taco. It’s an all-out fiesta of flavor and fun, and organizer Shane Finkelstein was happy to tell us all of the details of both Agave Week and Top Taco 2018. Shane Finkelstein already knows about how popular Mexican food is in New Orleans. He’s the proprietor of Nacho Mama’s in Elmwood. It wasn’t until storms ravaged Baton Rouge and he donated food to

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victims that he realized he could do so much more with tacos than serve them at his restaurant. He spoke with his friends who hail from Denver about their Top Taco event, and he decided to make one right here. Proceeds from the event will go towards One Heart NOLA, an organization that helps children in need. Top Taco was such a huge success last year that this year will have even more things to feast on. “We have a much bigger space at Woldenberg Park to accommodate the additional spirit companies that are jumping in this year. Some of them took a wait-and-see approach last year, but everyone wants to be a part of it this year. I also expect everyone to step it up even bigger this year, now that they know what an awesome event it is,” Finkelstein commented. He also explained that brand ambassadors from several tequila and mezcal distilleries are

making their way down for the festivities. There’s no question as to why Top Taco was so successful in 2017: people are simply obsessed with tacos. “I think because there's so much variety that you can get in a taco—pork, steak, shrimp, fish, veggies. There's not that many other types of dishes that can use dozens of different proteins and be successful. That's why Top Taco is so interesting, because we have non-traditional restaurants serving up their take on tacos. Anything can be put in a flour or corn tortilla,” Finkelstein said. While Finkelstein said that he was most excited to see what Sac-A-Lait, Redfish Grill, and St. Lawrence are bringing, he knows that there will be some surprise winners in the Top Creative Taco and Top Traditional Taco categories. “Chilango's in Kenner was a huge

surprise. They really knew how to bring their A game, and the fact that this little place in Kenner beat all the big boys was amazing. And they were so happy with the additional business the event brought them,” Finkelstein said. It’s not just about the delectable tacos, however. Nothing goes better with a taco than a savory, spicy, or salty cocktail made with tequila or mezcal. Attendees will be asked to vote for the Top Creative Cocktail and Top Traditional Margarita. Mexican liquors have been booming across the country, and it’s no different in New Orleans. “Now you're seeing other restaurants and bars with excellent selections. Brasa and Cure are great examples. Cure carries 15 different types of mezcal. That would have

been unheard of five years ago,” Finkelstein explained. Though we may be lagging behind the rest of the country in terms of our mezcal varieties right now, that may very well change after the distillers promote their mezcal to the aficionados during Agave Week. Agave Week is a celebration focused on the unique qualities of mezcal. Those who aren’t familiar with the liquor (and those who want a tasty refresher course) would enjoy the Mezcal Mashup at Cane & Table or the Blue Nectar Launch Party at Baru Bistro & Tapas. “The kick-off event at Superior Grill, featuring the World's Largest Bloody Maria Bar sponsored by Milagro, and the Top Taco After-Party at Masquerade Bar, should be the biggest consumer events of the week.

And you don't need a ticket to Top Taco to attend any of the Agave Week events,” Finkelstein said. While the people behind Top Taco don’t want their event to get much larger in order to keep the quality at a maximum for all attendees, Agave Week is set to grow by leaps and bounds. Finkelstein explained, “It's the first of its kind in the Southeast, and I hope it will become a mini-Tales of

the Cocktail one day. Great opportunity for serious tequila aficionados to visit New Orleans and try out some of the great brands and restaurants we have down here.” Don’t forget to get your ticket to Top Taco today and check out all of the events of Agave Week so that you can learn more about the wonders of mezcal. For more information and tickets, go to toptaconola.com.

WhereYat.com | March 2018 | 39

Too BUKU!

BUKU Music + Art Project Returns March 9 & 10 By Greg Roques

squeeze my way through a suffocating sea of costumed revelers, struggling to conserve my cocktail as it overflows like a violent morning tide before a hurricane. Soaking in the splendorous decadence surrounding me, I pass a massive Carnival float topped with a replica of King Kong rocking the kind of too-cool-for-school wrap-around shades only ever seen on snowboarders and early ‘90s Saturday morning cartoon marketing mascots. Suddenly, I am standing face-toface with a man my height bearing a linebacker’s build. His wardrobe consists only of a pair of neon-orange Speedos and one of those creepy unicorn masks that look like they were designed by a future serial killer during art class; a peace symbol is artfully manscaped into his chest hair. My new bizarro Brony BFF then proceeds to put a string of radiant rainbow beads around my neck before embracing me in a bear—err, unicorn?—hug. If you guessed this vivid memory came to pass in New Orleans, congratulations. If you specified during Mardi Gras—close, but off by about a month. The Buku Music + Art project returns to Mardi Gras World for its seventh outing on March 9 and 10. Though attracting some of the biggest names in the hip-hop, electronic, and indie-rock worlds, the dance-centric music

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festival still retains its boutique feel, befitting its underground artistic aesthetic. Colonized by a mostly post-millennial crowd equally as colorful as the concert itself, it is easy to indulge Buku’s kaleidoscopic kingdom of lights, sights, and sounds as an extension of Carnival. Here are eight performances not to miss in 2018: Bassnectar No one captures the sound of your face melting quite like Bassnectar. The visceral force and volume of his trance-laden tracks is like the soundtrack to a tornado as it rips through a manic metropolis, sucking up its surroundings and grinding them around in its cyclonic blender. Songs like “Boomerang” and “Time Warp” are as easy to headbang to as they are to dance to, and try as you might not to, you'll be swept up by the hypnotic rhythms of “Ping Pong” or “Window Seat.” MGMT Maybe no album of the post-millennium synth-pop movement has been as influential as MGMT’s Oracular Spectacular. From unforgettable hits like “Kids” and “Electric Feel,” to the music video for “Time to Pretend” that inspired an industry of acid-induced cat t-shirts, the album sits at the round-table of indie rock’s modern classics. Now, they're riding high once again on the wings of their new dark-wave hit “Little Dark Age,” the lead single from their forthcoming fourth effort by the same name,

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and fans will hopefully have some new songs to look forward to during their headlining set. Migos Migos’s turbulent, gargled flows ruled the rap world in 2017. Single “Bad and Boujee” along with Gucci Mane collabs “Slippery” and “I Got the Bag,” were ubiquitous chart-toppers, while their latest LP Culture received a Grammy nod and landed on over a dozen “Best of 2017” lists, including Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and Spin. The trio will undoubtedly be one of Buku’s most well-attended headliners. Sylvan Esso Digital-soul duo Sylvan Esso blew up in 2017 following the release of their acclaimed sophomore bow, What Now. Songs like “Hey Mami” and “Play it Right” from their eponymous debut, as well as recent hit “Die Young,” are anthemic while declaring an authentic vulnerability not felt through the lyrics of their modern radio contemporaries. Following their sold-out show at The Civic Theatre this past September, chances are that crowds will gather for this performance.

Little Dragon Sweden’s Little Dragon has gained recognition over the past decade thanks to a number of high-profile collaborations including Gorrilaz, Big Boi, ODESZA, and a remix of their 2014 single “Klap Klap” featuring Future. However, the Swedish synth foursome’s talent is best absorbed through their solo works. Recent albums Season High and Nabuma Rubberband have an introspective, art-pop vibe in the experimental tradition of Bjork (though slightly more accessible to mainstream listeners). And their inaugural single “Twice” features a haunting piano backdrop familiar in mood to Aphex Twin’s lonely acoustic ballad “Avril 14th.” Those looking to discover an avant-garde act among one of Buku’s more understated bookings would do well to add Little Dragon to their listening itinerary. SZA Featuring one of the most unique sounds in hip hop and R&B today, SZA’s 2017 debut CTRL speaks for itself: the album produced three platinumcertified singles and has garnered five 2018 Grammy Award nominations. SZA’s reflective lyrics sizzle over hazy, downtempo beats that often feel more trip hop than trap, inducing a lingering introspection upon its listeners. While her songs primarily deal with the downside of 21st-century dating and the uncertainties of young adulthood, SZA’s tell-all honesty strikes an emotional chord that

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all can relate to. Bonobo English DJ Simon Green—aka Bonobo—is renowned for his downtempo fusion of jazz, ambient electronica, and world sounds. Best known for his past-decade releases Black Sands and Northern Borders, Bonobo released his latest, Migration, this past year. Fans will have the opportunity to ease into a mix of favorites spanning Green’s career, as well as the sounds that influence and inspire him, during his DJ set. Church* In addition to today’s multi-platinum streaming stars, Buku also provides opportunities to discover New Orleans’s

homegrown EDM and DJ scene. Those already in the know are familiar with Church*, the weekly dance music showcase at the Dragon’s Den on Esplanade, curated by host and DJ Unicorn Fukr. Having featured an impressive array of local guests, including Beverly Skills, Quickie Mart, and Kidd Love, the showcase also welcomes DJs, producers, and MCs from around the world. Come bow to the bass during Buku’s Church* performance and hear the gospel of the Big Easy’s best dance music artists. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit thebukuproject.com. For up-to-date daily info, download the BUKU mobile app in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

WhereYat.com | March 2018 | 43

Racing For Glory Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots Sets the Stage for Potential Kentucky Derby Contenders By Andrew Alexander Photos by Hodges Photo

efore thousands of music fans make their annual spring pilgrimage to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots will be home to another set of talented performers throughout the winter and spring. Instead of finding performers using a microphone or instrument, the equine athletes compete upon the dirt track from late November to the end of March, battling for the opportunity to join the elites that make up the field of 20 horses at the Kentucky Derby—the first leg of the Triple Crown at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky—held on the first Saturday each May. Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots is home to three major stakes races: the LeComte Stakes, Risen Star Stakes, and the Louisiana Derby, which serve as part of the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Horses qualify for the Kentucky Derby by earning points in the various prep races across the country, including the trio of races in Gentilly. The horse Instilled Regard earned 10 qualifying points for a first-place finish at the January 13 LeComte Stakes, while second-place finisher Principe

Guilherme (pronounced “Prince-ee-peh Gee herme”) picked up four points. The series of races in New Orleans increase in distance, purse size, and possible points as the season progresses. The winner of the Risen Star Stakes in February took home 50 of the 85 possible race points, while the Louisiana Derby winner on March 24 will earn 100 of 170 possible points. In addition to the 170 qualifying points at the Louisiana Derby, horses will be competing for a portion of the $1 million purse, with $600,000 for the winner. Joe Kristufek, Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots racing analyst, says usually 30 points is the benchmark to qualify for one of the 20 spots in the Kentucky Derby. “Basically, if you win the Risen Star, you’re going to have enough points to get into the Kentucky Derby,” Kristufek says. “And if you win or run second in the Louisiana Derby,

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you’re going to have enough points.” Kristufek, who also serves as a racing analyst for Churchill Downs, says that horsemen love racing at the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots because of the composition of the track, the spring-time climate in New Orleans, and the long stretch, which serves as an excellent test for young horses leading up to the Kentucky Derby. While most tracks around the country have a stretch between 1,000 and 1,100 feet, the Fair Grounds boasts a stretch over 1,340 feet. Kristufek says that extra footballfield distance is a great prep to gauge a horse’s ability to handle Churchill Downs, whose stretch measures over 1,200 feet. While Instilled Regard and Principe Guilherme emerged as early Kentucky Derby contenders following impressive LeComte Stakes performances, Kristufek says another horse to watch is Givemeaminut, who was sired by legendary Louisiana race horse Star Guitar. Whichever horses emerge as contenders for Churchill Downs will be battle-tested following the three major stakes races at the Fair Grounds this year. The increasing

distances of the three events allow the horses to develop stamina and overcome adversity as they prepare for the most famous horse race in the world. Kristufek compares horses to any great athlete when evaluating the combination of talent and experience. “Raw talent is the foundation of success, but experience is what gets you to that next level, and the same can be said for horses,” he says. Although nothing can prepare a horse for the massive spectacle at the Churchill Downs, which attracts over 170,000 attendees each year, the Louisiana Derby is still an electric atmosphere. “It’s not only a racing event, but it’s a social event,” Kristufek says. “A lot of racing fans will travel from different parts of the country to come [to New Orleans] because it’s such a huge horse race.” While the roar of the crowd cheering on the equine competitors may sound slightly different than the masses yelling for their favorite headliner at the Acura Stage at Jazz Fest, the scene will be no less riveting for those in attendance.

WhereYat.com | March 2018 | 45

DISCOVER

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Getting Grounded: Turkish Coffee By Kim Ranjbar

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“Interesting,” the woman murmured. Her gaze flicked back and forth between my face and the almost-empty coffee cup in her hands. I had never met her before. She was strikingly beautiful with dark, almond-shaped eyes, black-brown hair, and smooth, olive-toned skin. A friend of my aunt's, she had been invited to celebrate Nowruz (Persian New Year) with us, feasting on dolmeh barg, ashe reshte, and zereshk polow. We had finished dinner and were snacking on fresh fruit and pistachio taffy accompanied by piping hot Turkish coffee in tiny cups, a common after-dinner occurrence at my aunt's house, when my aunt's friend announced that she could “read” coffee grounds and would gladly do so for any there who wished it.

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raining my coffee in a gulp, I anxiously volunteered to be the first. Though I've never been a believer in fortune-telling or astrology, it's always entertaining to hear what the practitioner might predict. My aunt's friend (whose name I cannot recall) instructed me to turn the empty cup over so the grounds would drain and create a pattern she could decipher. “You're taking a long journey, one that will end very far from here,” she said, while closely examining the dried trails the muddy grounds left in my cup. I smiled, sure that someone else at the party had mentioned my impending move from the Bay Area. “This place will become a home to you, an area you will not wish to leave, even though you may encounter great obstacles in your attempts to settle.” Less than three months later, I packed up my things and made the move to New Orleans. Over the past 15 years, my love for the Crescent City has only gotten stronger, though there are still things I miss about the Bay Area. Mission-style burritos, the deep booming sound of the crashing surf, real sourdough

bread, hanging out with my family, and Persian food are among the things I ache for the most, including my Armenian aunt's late-night Turkish coffee. Dating back to the 16th century, Turkish coffee is what it is because of the process used to brew it. Just like espresso, hot drip, or nitro, it's the method that makes the brew. In the case of Turkish coffee, dark-roasted coffee beans are finely ground, more so than espresso, to practically a powder. Using a “cezve,” traditionally a small copper pot with an unusually long handle, the ground coffee and water is brought almost to the boiling point and simmered (with sugar if you prefer) until the grounds begin to froth. The finished coffee is poured into small, espresso-like cups, making sure each cup has a bit of the froth on top. This extremely bitter brew is often served with sweets, whether it’s a square of rose water and honey-laden baklava or a cube of Turkish delight. Due to a glaring lack of Persian or Turkish (or even Armenian) restaurants in the Deep South, I was shocked to discover that the country's foremost expert on Turkish coffee lives right here in New Orleans. Turgay Yidizli, winner

Turgay Yidizli of many coffee-related awards, including the 2013/2014 World Cezve/Ibrik Championship, is the owner of Specialty Turkish Coffee, an online retail company selling specialized equipment created by Yidilzi to ensure the best cup possible. “Turkish coffee tends to have a better cultural significance than it does flavor,” Yidilzi says. “Over the past century, it has been something that is consumed daily, sometimes five or 10 times a day, so it's also inexpensive.” He explained that since the coffee is meant to be affordable, the most popular brands of Turkish coffee, like Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi (one of the most common Turkish coffees), use low-quality beans. “Over the years, the ritual around making and drinking Turkish coffee became more important than the quality itself,” Yidilzi says. “People started adding sugar and other spices to balance the bitter flavor.” Turkish coffee has also evolved to reflect the politics of the regions in which it's served. For example, in Armenia, you would call it “Armenian coffee,” considering the Ottoman Empire committed genocide against the Armenians between 1915 and 1923, killing over a million people. In Greece, it's Greek coffee. In Bosnia, it's Bosnian coffee. But regardless of where you're consuming it or what you call it, Turkish coffee has long been brewed from cheap, poor-quality Brazilian coffee beans. Political and nationalistic intrigue aside, the most important aspect of this rich, heady

Places in New Orleans That Serve Turkish Coffee: Mona's Café Various locations monascafeanddeli.com

beverage, according to Yidilzi, should be the quality. After traveling widely and researching different coffee cultures all over the world, undergoing extensive barista training, and competing in coffee-making competitions, Yidilzi turned his focus to creating the equipment and methodology that would, in his estimation, improve the overall quality, flavor, and experience of Turkish coffee. “When I asked other coffee-lovers their opinions on Turkish coffee, they always fell back on its tradition and history,” Yidilzi says. “But when I asked specifically what they thought of the flavor, people always said it was too bitter.” According to Yidilzi, as well as other seasoned coffee aficionados, the bitterness in a bad cup of coffee (caused by everything from bean quality and roasting methods to overextraction) only hides the true, delicious flavors that coffee can have. Whether it be fruity, chocolaty, or nutty, Yidilzi wanted to enjoy the traditions around Turkish coffee while simultaneously having a great cup of coffee. *** “You will discover, in this new place, a lifelong career and you will also meet a young man who will capture your heart. You will never be exceedingly rich, but you will always possess a wealth of love and happiness.” The woman handed the cup back to me and smiled quite knowingly, while everyone around the table laughed good-naturedly at my fortuitous future. Who would've guessed she'd be right? For more information on Turkish coffee, visit specialtyturkishcoffee.com.

Cleo's Mediterranean Cuisine & Grocery 940 Canal St. facebook.com/CleosNOLA Attiki 230 Decatur St. attikineworleans.com

Fatma's Cozy Corner 1532 Ursulines Ave. facebook.com/Fatmas-CozyCorner-119123624864818

Cleopatra 2701 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey cleocuisine.com

Pyramids Café 3151 Calhoun St. pyramidscafeneworleans.com

Falafel King 2424 Williams Blvd., Kenner facebook.com/FalafelKingKenner

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FilmReviews

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

Black Panther By David Vicari I'll admit I am getting comic book movie fatigue. There are so many of them coming out, and the crappiness that was SpiderMan: Homecoming or Justice League didn't help. But then, Thor: Ragnarok surprised the hell out of me by being a totally disarming comedy. Now, the Marvel character Black Panther has his own movie, and it's serious in tone, character-driven, and just absolutely fantastic. Returning home to Wakanda—a hidden, technologically advanced East African nation— Prince T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) prepares to become king following the tragic death of his father. However, there are enemy contenders to the throne who also want Wakanda's secret power, Vibranium, to wage war on the world. It's up to T'Challa as Black Panther, a combination of a magic herb and a super-powered suit, to save not only his kingdom, but also the entire world. The character of T'Challa/Black Panther has deep morals but lacks complete confidence, and he's well-played by Boseman. Now, it is a general rule that a movie is only as good as its villain. Well, Black Panther has two doozies—the grandiose Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis), who has a laser cannon for an arm, and Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), a lost soul full of hate. Once the layers of Jordan's character are revealed, we do understand why he is doing what he is doing. It may be evil, but it makes sense, and that makes the character resonate. Black Panther is also bursting with strong women characters. There is T'Challa's feisty potential bride Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o), his tech-savvy sister Shuri (Letitia Wright), and his loyal guard Okoye (Danai Gurira). These ladies really know how to kick some ass! Love them all. Director and co-writer Ryan Coogler (Creed, Fruitvale Station) paces the film perfectly, knowing exactly when to rev up the action. There's also eye-popping production design, as well as a rousing Africantinged music score by Ludwig Göransson. Black Panther is definitely a superhero comic book movie with a difference.

The 15:17 To Paris By Fritz Esker

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Venerable director Clint Eastwood made one of 2016’s best films with Sully. When that project was announced, detractors wondered how anyone could center a worthwhile feature film around an event that lasted 208 seconds. But Eastwood and screenwriter Todd Komarnicki turned it into a tightly constructed examination of PTSD, instant celebrity status, and how a person can be haunted by their successes as well as their failures. With Eastwood’s latest film, The 15:17 to Paris, similar questions were asked. This time, the detractors have a point. Sadly, this is easily Eastwood’s weakest film in well over a decade. The 15:17 to Paris tells the true story of three vacationing Americans (Alek Skarlatos, Anthony Sadler, Spencer Stone) who foiled a terrorist attack on a train in France in 2015. In the film, the real heroes play themselves. But while Sully devoted minimal time to his life before the Miracle on the Hudson, the vast majority of The 15:17 to Paris is devoted to the life stories of the three men before the attack. However, just because three people did something indisputably brave and heroic doesn’t mean their life stories are cinematically compelling. Much of the dialogue in Dorothy Blyskal’s script is painfully on-the-nose. The film’s first third is devoted to the boys getting into a lot of trouble at school with cartoonishly one-dimensional teachers and administrators. A large part of the middle third is a dramatically inert travelogue. The script seems to be trying for an admirable message about how anyone can step up and do something great no matter how unspectacular their lives were beforehand, but it fails to find a way to make the ordinary engaging. There’s also a worthy respect for the work done by single mothers (Judy Greer and Jenna Fischer play Stone's and Skarlatos’ mothers), but that message is also conveyed in a clumsy manner. Eastwood is a skilled director at creating tension and choreographing action, and the climactic fight does not disappoint. It’s reminiscent of the famous fight in Hitchcock’s Torn Curtain in the ways it shows the audience how diﬃcult it is to subdue another human being, especially one who keeps pulling out new weapons each time he’s disarmed of his previous weapon. Eastwood turns 88 this year. The 15:17 to Paris will go down as a well-intentioned misstep in a remarkable career. Here’s hoping that career’s not over yet.

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 their 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

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 hand-crafted 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.

Port Orleans Brewing Co. 4124 Tchoupitoulas St. 266-2332

This up-and-coming brewery has already established itself through the offbeat beer it crafts, so go enjoy one of their brews on their outdoor, dog-friendly patio.

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.

WhereYat.com | March 2018 | 51

TalesFromTheQuarter By Debbie Lindsey

It's Raining Cats and Dogs

hey find us. Surely, there must be a sign on our backs, stating: Follow them; throw yourself on the street in front of them; pop up out of their bushes. Seriously, there I was minding my own business on my front porch, not looking to be a hero (a chump), when two kittens appeared, popping up and down in the flowerbed. No recently sighted pregnant cats in the neighborhood, no new neighbors with kits. So, what do ya do? You grab ‘em and proceed to find them a home. Fine. We have nothing better to do within or outside our 60-hour work week. The “popping kittens” were by no means an isolated anomaly; this happens all the time to us. A wounded parrot, pelican, seagull, four lost/abandoned dogs, cats (not sure how many), a turtle, and recently, another kitten (dumped by some idiot) are just some of the menagerie. Add to this the cats and dogs that found their way into our orbit and then into our lives as our pets. Oh, and there is the opossum that sits with me on the porch, fortunately without needs—he’s just being neighborly. I would love to say that we are saints for attracting the needy critters and tending to them. But really, it’s more like someone imbedded a tracking device in both of us that allows animals-in-need to know that, “Yes, every second a sucker is born,” thus making us an easy mark. Like the time a dog was running along with a marathon down Esplanade Avenue. I’d veered off my usual morning walk route, and there, darting alongside hundreds of runners and spectators, was a dog. Why was I the only one who saw him? Didn’t anyone wonder why he was off-leash and alone? Why me? I damn sure didn’t want to be bothered. But guilt is a powerful thing, and I guess they can smell it on me. Same for Boyfriend: guilt, concern, compassion, or simply an instinct to protect something helpless or in need. He is also a magnet for down-and-out people—something compels him not to look away. Disadvantaged bipeds are a whole story unto themselves— they too find us. But today, I mull over just how crazy our lives are with the critter radar upon us. Perhaps animals have some sort of social media that links them to posts and sites that

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are havens for homeless, feral, abandoned, or injured. Could there be a Facebook group page called Find a Sucker? Or have we been tagged, like when a cat marks its territory? During the Depression, the homeless hobos would carve upon a tree or fence a marking to indicate which households were a “soft touch” for a free meal. Also, do animals have a magnet of their own that draws us hapless suckers in? I just wonder, of all the properties we looked at two years ago to open our shop, how come this one and only this one (unbeknownst to us at the time) had a feral feline colony outside? Just askin’. The SPCA’s feral Trap Neuter Release program gave these feral cats a leg-up with free spay/neuters, and in exchange, we happily agreed to the feeding of the colony. Seemed an easy enough solution for the humane management of this gathering of felines; however, they manage us now. Yeah, you guessed right, we adopted two of them—swore we’d never ever get attached. And we worry over their welfare and future should we move. We’ll just have to locate someone to feed them through the Find a Sucker website. Don’t think us less than pleased with being able to assist the ferals, the lost, and the found. We have no regrets—but this is just part of it! We seem to be on an Indian burial ground or some sacred ancient urinal. There’s no other explanation for all our cats and dogs acquiring UTIs, all the friggin’ time. Perhaps the Find a Sucker website/Facebook has a category just for Pets with a Proclivity for Urinary Tract Issues and Infections. My life revolves around urine. As a result, I am becoming qualified for vet tech status by way of on-the-job (home) training. I can talk urine all day—how to catch ya some, how to trap and secure cat/dog pee in a sterile manner suitable for presentation to your veterinarian. While there is no apparent contagion or common denominator for their UTIs, our pets certainly have found a way to keep us running various bottles and jars of urine to the vet. My best way to catch pee from a dog nearly had me disgraced from my neighborhood. There I was with a properly sterilized coffee mug (best device to avoid spills and splashovers) strategically placed, as my dog positioned herself to pee. And so, of course, every car in New Orleans had to drive past my front yard that morning. Having multiple housecats and a dog makes for the Mystery Urine game. There you are waking up to that puddle, and they all play dumb, some falsely accusing the other. You worry as to whether or not it is a cry for help. “Inappropriate urination” often means they are sick, this being their only way to tell you: “Get me some drugs and make it go away— now!” Or, are they just punkin’ ya? No, and you are about to spend a ton of money. So, as a responsible biped, you must begin the task of ruling out which one peed. And now the Urine Wars begin again. Oh, this is fun! Loving animals and caring for them is not for the faint of heart. But they find us, and we count ourselves lucky to be picked. For sometimes, we are the rescued ones.

Po-BoyViews By Phil LaMancusa

The Tour Guide OR Herding Cats

’m into my third year as a tour guide; I lead New Orleans tours. I can’t sing, I ain’t pretty, and my legs are thin, but folks laugh at my jokes and listen to my information. I know my stuff and have a great sense of humor; I have a license, carry a sign, wear an orange shirt. I work for a company named Destination Kitchen/MustDoNola, owned and operated by Julie Barreda-Cavigne, a chef and seasoning alchemist who is top-drawer. Monthly, I text Wanda my available working dates, and at month’s end, after emailing hours worked to Rachel, money magically appears in my mailbox. Winner winner, chicken dinner. There are half a dozen of us guides and we do everything, including food, history, cocktail, walking, Garden District, and custom tours from two to 200 people. Tours can be tailored, or we have pre-structured jaunts about town that cannot be beat. Tours range from two hours and up. The culinary tour is three hours and a walk of about two miles around the French Quarter with stops for eating, hydrating, and rest facility stops for folks who need to facilitate their bodily functions; this is my forte (the tour, not the bodily functions). It’s kind of like doing a stand-up performance that includes wit, history, education, facts, and idiosyncrasies. This being New Orleans's 300th year in existence, guides have been quite active on the street. People are interested in learning more about our city, and my tour-guiding has turned into active employment. Each trip out, I am given a number of people to lead, and I never know who my people are until I see them. They are of all ages from across the spectrum of the world’s societies—folks like you and me. I arrive 15 minutes before the departure time and collect my flock. We meet at various places around the Quarter, and I start by introducing myself as I size up my audience. I get all kinds: kids that give more attention to their electronic devices than to some old guy in an orange shirt; couples engaged in PDA (public displays of affection), ditto; students; older folks; women in tight clothing; and men with powerful hangovers. There are also the 11 types of dietary-restricted folks who we’re happy to accommodate, and just when you think that you’ve heard every aversion, someone will surprise you with yet another “sensitivity” (mercury?). I warn them of treacherous walking conditions, explaining the alluvial soil that we’ll be traversing, ready to trip the unaware stroller. Watching someone trip and fall in the street is one of the scariest things that any tour guide can experience; losing people is another. Usually people are interesting

and interested: the shy, the gregarious, BFFs, fast walkers, slow eaters, weak bladders, or those most interested in another cocktail. We accommodate them all. I have a set schedule of places I need to be and when I need to be there, but by in large—hard as I might try—it rarely works out with precision. Occasionally, there will be an overly impatient person, a couple who would rather talk to each other than listen to me, and/or the husband who couldn’t care less because it was his wife who made the reservation and he’s just along for the ride. There are also those people who want to make sure that they get their money’s worth, the ones who want to eat right away because they didn’t stop for breakfast, and guys who need to sneak a smoke or those lingering for selfies or photo ops. These are my children, and I love each and every one of them. “Are we there yet?” Our purveyors, the food and drink outlets where we stop, are gems of perfection and patience. We are blessed with being able to show off the best of our local foods and locations, and my tourists always leave the tour knowing more about the city than can be gleaned from just a map. I start by telling my group my name (and getting theirs), where I come from (and where they are visiting from), and then explain my credentials and a word about our company and about Julie. I tell them that we will be on a three-hour tour, but I have 30 hours of information, and how I’ll be talking about food, culture, food, history, food, architecture, food, legends, and facts (and food). And off we go. You can be sure that no one on the excursion knows where we’re going; I take them up streets, down alleys, around in circles, and backtrack. I could be kidnapping the whole bunch and they’d never blink an eye; once they start following you, they’ll go anywhere. I suspect that if we stopped for an espresso, I could walk them to Abita Springs, especially if there was beer on the other end. On any given tour, I walk about five miles to, from, and on. I could go on forever. After I’ve exhausted our time together, I still have only let them glimpse the tip of the iceberg that is New Orleans. Probably what will make me a great tour guide (instead of just a very good one) is my love of this place that I have chosen to make and call my home. The addiction that I have for all things New Orleans, all of the stuff that makes living here so much more preferable to other places, as well as all the things that I love not to love about her. The funniest thing that I love about New Orleans is how we all know what’s misfunctional about it, and with each election, we pin our hopes on being able to change things. New Orleans laughs back at us—what fools we mortals be.

WhereYat.com | March 2018 | 53

YaGram

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

NewsAroundTheWeb

Updated Daily at WhereYat.com

Mr.OkraPassesAway @cieradesign

@cjpalardy

@ms_c_mcgee

@hillarymarek

@graﬁkagency

@jstephenyoung

Mr. Okra was a local celebrity, a produce vendor who rode around in his colorful truck, singing about his inventory. He passed away at home due to a heart attack, his family says, and although we won't hear him singing in the streets anymore, a kid-sized replica of his truck will be on display at the new Children’s Museum location, with recordings of him singing. His daughter Sergio Robinson said she will take over the truck and continue his business.

JamesBeardNomineesHighlightNOLA New Orleans chefs and restaurants have been selected as semifinalists for seven out of 21 categories for the annual James Beard Foundation Award. The local semifinalists are Saffron NOLA, Cure, Chef Donald Link, Pastry Chef Kelly Fields, Restaurateur JoAnn Clevenger, Brigsten’s, and Bacchanal Fine Wine and Spirits.

@wildheartcalmsoul

@piccolagelateria

TweetBites

@roamingnola

2018JazzFestPostersReleased Below are our staff's New Orleans hashtag picks from Twitter for February. Tag us @WhereYatNola or #WhereYatNola to be featured in an upcoming issue.

@jlhm3: How many times do roads get a new surface in #NOLA and the manhole covers not end up level?? Answer: Everytime

Late, great Fats Domino and Big Freedia are both featured on two separate posters for this year’s Jazz Fest. Artist Terrance Osbourne created the main poster with Domino playing the piano and smiling, while artist Kevin Brisco created a stern, fierce portrait of Freedia as the Congo Square poster. Both posters are for sale at art4now.com for $69.

@cajunhumor: We don’t hide the crazy in Louisiana….we parade it down the street. #MardiGras @DSAArchaeology: If you think Mardi Gras is all about drunken debauchery, you are missing the profound cultural depths of the holiday. I tell all my students that they NEED to attend a Mardi Gras some day in their lives. Laissez les bons temps rouler! @jonaschartock: 5 ﬂoats into the Endymion parade, my kid leans over from atop my shoulders says “Daddy, I’m done.” Never a sweeter sound was heard in the history of the world. #MardiGras #NewOrleans @eccentric_: Came to New Orleans for my birthday but leaving with a court date lmao @CollinPerez6: If they're not from New Orleans, they'll never understand

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PepsiCoCEOWantsLadyDoritos During a “Freakonomics” Radio podcast, PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi suggested creating more lady-like Doritos, with less crunch and less flavor, so women can pack the snack in their purses without the noise and no flavored residue left to be licked off their fingers. Many took to social media to challenge the idea, and a Doritos representative took to its Twitter profile to basically say, in so many words: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

So T EAatRauTduHboFE n zo March 24 MUSIC, FOOD, CRAFTS, FUN! Featuring music by:

Lost Bayou Ramblers & 5 Finger Discount PRESENTING SPONSOR

AudubonNatureInstitute.org

WhereYat.com | March 2018 | 55

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5 3

3 2

Where Ya Been? 1.

Zulu ruled the streets on Mardi Gras morning.

Krewe of Cork King Patrick van Hoorebeek saluted those in the French Quarter.

Robin Barnes, Tamica Lee, Amanda Shaw, and Nina Compton competed in the Greasing of the Poles.

Arcade Fireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Win Butler led the inaugural Krewe du Kanaval with wife Regine Chassagne.

Fat Tuesday revelers enjoyed beautiful weather on Mardi Gras day.

WhereYat.com | March 2018 | 57

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, the nation’s third-oldest racetrack, has been in operation since 1872. Located in New Orleans, Fair Grounds is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated, which also operates a slot-machine gaming facility and 11 offtrack betting parlors throughout southeast Louisiana. The 146th Thoroughbred Racing Season—highlighted by the 105th running of the Louisiana Derby—runs through March 31, 2018. More information can be found online at FairGroundsRaceCourse.com.

Chat NIKKI REYES with

<< Doug Shipley President, Fair Grounds New Orleans

<< Suzanne Accorsi Owner, Pal’s Lounge

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Green Fields Vegetarian Gourmet. Tiramisu. Sir Winston Churchill. Open bottles of wine and share with family and friends. Congress!

<< Mark Conner Senior Director of Marketing, Fair Grounds New Orleans 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Hay Now. Blue cheese-stuffed olives. Elvis! Invite all I know. Tighten up for Jazz Fest at the Track.

Corleone's Caballo. Cauliflower. Ernest Hemingway. Make nachos. Winter pipes!

Where Y’at Chat Questions: 1. If your restaurant was for Thoroughbreds only, what would be the name of the restaurant? 2. What is your least favorite food, yet popular to many? 3. At a NOLA restaurant, who would you love as your waiter/ waitress? 4. You're at your favorite restaurant after hours. It's "anything goes." What would you do? 5. Spring has sprung! What needs to be tweaked to make it a great season?

<< Paige Albarado Head of Horsemen's Relations

<< Alex Rosen Marketing Executive, Live Nation

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

The Twisted Peppermint. Crawfish. My husband and jockey, Robby. Open champagne. Spring decorations.

<< Jason Boulet Senior Director of Racing, Fair Grounds New Orleans 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Ils Sont Partis. Bread pudding with raisins. Drew Brees. Pay for all the crème brulée. Must go to the Caribbean!

<< Nick Hazard Senior Vice President, Crescent Crown 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Oats & Totes. Cucumber. Jack Nicholson. Feed me all my favorites! City government.

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Apples ‘n' Carrots. Licorice. Morgan Freeman. Eat cannelloni. Tend the garden.

^^ Florent Geroux Winning Jockey, Fair Grounds New Orleans 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Gracias. Rabbit. A cheval (French for “horse”). Pamela Anderson. More music.

<< Jeremy Smith Director of Marketing Development, French Market Corp. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

The Trough. Guacamole. Love all the ingredients, but not together. Rosanne Barr. Make my own snacks and drinks. Fresh haircuts!

<< Augustin Correro Artistic Director, The Tennessee Williams Theatre Company of New Orleans 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

The Neiggghhhh-beer-hood. Apple pie. Tennessee Williams. Blow torch ALL the crème brulée. Safety!