New year's 2016 by Where Y'at Magazine

January 2016

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WhereYat.com | January 2016 | 3

Happy New Year!

CONTENTS Features 6 Five Hometown Gems 12 A League of Your Own 14 Westbank, Best Bank?

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16 Fires that Shaped NOLA

Events & Nightlife 8 Wizard World Comic Con 18 Bar Guide 20 Lakeside 2 Riverside 22 Music Calendar

Dining 10 14 Boozy Big Easy Dishes 26 $20 and Under 28 Food News 30 Restaurant Guide 33 Probably Baking

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4 | January 2016 | Table of Contents

34 Film Reviews 36 Columns

January 2016 Vol. 19 No. 6 Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Josh Danzig Creative Director: Greg Roques Assistant Editor: Kathy Bradshaw Movie Editor: David Vicari Copy Editor: Susan Broadhurst Contributing Writers: Kathy Bradshaw, Beau Ciolino, Cassandra Damascus, Fritz Esker, Emily Hingle, Telle Ink, Phil LaMancusa, Debbie Lindsey, Kim Ranjbar, Chris Romaguera, Greg Roques, Celeste Turner, Kimmie Tubre, David Vicari Director of Sales: Stephen Romero Cover Photo by Romney Photographers: Kathy Bradshaw, Scott Chernis, Gus Escanelle, Jason Hall, Steve Hatley, Gary LoVerde, Romney, Greg Roques Interns: Paul Bentley, Katie Burjek, Fernanda Chagas, Kaitlyn Clement, Anna Currey, Ashlee Hill, Lexie Kirkwood, Vantrell Leslie, Asdrubal Quintero Subscribe: Receive 1 year (14 issues) for $30 and get a FREE Where Y’at CD. Subscribe today at WhereYat.com. Logo © 2016 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

38 Around the Web 40 Where Y'at Chat 42 Where Ya' Been? Goodbye to Baby New Year, our city’s unique New Year’s mascot to rival the Big Apple that’s dropped in Times Square. Baby New Year is being retired after this year’s drop, so be sure to pay your final respects in Jackson Square on the 31st. If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to exercise more, then Kaitlyn Clement’s “A League of Your Own” is for you. Whether it’s running, biking, or even kickball, joining a league is a great way to make new friends while staying in shape. Have guests in town? Don’t miss my brother David Danzig’s “(Re) discovering Five Hometown Gems.” It’s a great compilation of things to do with relatives or on your own while playing tourist in your own town. Wizard World Comic Con returns to New Orleans, and Emily Hingle presents a super preview for both guys and gals. This year’s convention features William Shatner, Jeremy Renner, Ric Flair and others. Even if you’re not a “Trekkie” or a Star Wars fan, it’s still worth checking out just to see the great costumes! Have a great and happy New Year from the staff at Where Y'at! —Josh Danzig, Publisher

WhereYat.com | January 2016 | 5

(Re)discovering Five Hometown Gems

by David Danzig

s a local resident of a city built on tourism, it’s easy to feel like a stranger in a strange land, even in your own backyard. And while we’re all flattered that the world enjoys our bounty of native sights and sounds, the massive herds repel us from the very same attractions that draw outsiders to our fair berg. But unless you were born and raised in New Orleans, you are surely guilty of having once been a tourist yourself—admit it, it was that experience that probably converted you to living here full time! Well, perhaps it is time to re-cross that boundary line from local to tourist and partake of a few of the things that make NOLA such a jewel to the outside world. Here are few of the sites we have recently rediscovered.

The National WWII Museum—In many ways, our city stands as a living museum unto itself, an artifact of unique Americana preserved unlike any other place in the Union. But without question, the National WWII Museum deserves our recognition as the greatest museum within the museum that is our city. A sprawling and glorious pavilion of civic ambition and historical significance, this Warehouse District gem demands our local support. Wander through the time capsule of planes, trains and military automobiles; the guns, the uniforms, the tanks—all of the artifacts displayed in ways that will make you feel like you are there in the North African, European and Pacific theaters during this solemn time in world history. And the new Road to Tokyo exhibit is a fantastic addition that explores how the war was won over the Japanese. nationalww2museum.org

American Sector—Like a well-camouflaged mess hall, American Sector has to be the best restaurant in the city hiding in plain sight right now. Chef Eric Cook helms this jewel headquartered at the National WWII Museum compound, cooking with the passion of a GI trying to get home to see his best girl. Even if you don’t attend an exhibit, it’s worth a trip to the Warehouse District to dig into some of the most creative gourmet comfort food in the country. Playing on the military theme, you can delve into Victory Garden salads (including corn-fried oysters), small plates (crab boil fritters), sandwiches (open-faced pot roast) and entrees (short ribs and shrimp and grits). Cook maintains a freakish devotion to local sourcing and does his own butchery. Do not dismiss this as just a museum cafe; try it and you’ll want to storm these beaches for lunch and dinner all the time. Throughout December, the Victory Belles are performing “A Swinging Christmas,” and a special New Year’s Eve “Vegas Style” event is being held to conclude the holiday season! nationalww2museum.org/american-sector

6 | January 2016 | (Re)Discovering Five Hometown Gems

Arnaud’s—While most of us prefer to avoid the French Quarter like a Category 5 storm, your snooty boycotting is costing you some seriously good eating. I just recently rediscovered the joys of Arnaud’s, the sprawling classic French Quarter spot that can almost taste its 100th birthday (in 2018). Turn off wretched Bourbon Street onto charming Bienville and feel welcomed by the gas lanterns flickering outside Arnaud’s door. Inside, the time capsule of Old New Orleans is alive and well with a historic energy that still burns brightly. Drink in the time-warped relics on the walls, floors and ceilings and immerse yourself in the food that draws diners from around the planet—the Shrimp Arnaud, the Oysters Bienville, the filet mignon Charlemond and, of course, the signature soufflé potatoes. I assure you, these tastes still delight as much as they did the first time I dined here as an outsider. With service from the steady hands of their army of career maestro waiters, you almost feel like your meal itself is of historical significance. Tell me where else you can have an experience like that. To celebrate the holidays, Arnaud’s has extended hours and features festive menus for both their legendary cuisine and their craft cocktails. The Reveillon dinner menu will be available through December, and on select dates they will be offering a lunch between 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. Arnaud’s French 75 Bar has a holiday menu of seasonal cocktails available as well. arnaudsrestaurant.com

Confederate Memorial Hall Museum— With all of the recent hubbub around the Confederate battle flag and local monuments dedicated to Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and P.G.T. Beauregard, our own Confederate Memorial Hall Museum on Camp Street feels more relevant than ever. Built in 1891 for the express purpose of commemorating military history and Southern heritage, this shrine does an excellent job of preserving Civil War artifacts in a tasteful way that honors many of the people who fought in (and lost) the War Between the States. Many of the relics elucidate the human side of this terrible conflict, shedding life on the day-to-day experiences of the soldiers and leaving aside the politics and ideologies that are still raw to this day. confederatemuseum.com

Steamboat Natchez—When was the last time you really paid attention to the Mississippi River? Not just drove past it or over it, but paused and really took in its gargantuan greatness? If you’re like most locals, probably not since you were a kid. The river not only provides life and prosperity to our city, but also fosters a Zen-like calm and should be celebrated. There is no better way to take in its enormity and scope than on the Natchez, the last authentic steamboat still running on the river. Take in amazing scenery as the captain points out landmarks and elucidates history on cruises that serve food and offer jazz. Yes, it might seem overwhelmingly touristy on some levels, but nothing brings out our geography, history and literature like rolling on the river. steamboatnatchez.com

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I personally fell in love with Norman from his movies like Boondock Saints and Deuces Wild. But due to his famous character Daryl Dixon in the hit show, The Walking Dead, he’s now the flame in every geeky girl’s heart, and probably the man crush of most dudes. His popularity has spawned phrases like “If Daryl Dies, We Riot.” You can meet him at his booth during his signing times, and check your schedule for his other events. Just refrain from biting him like an overzealous fan girl happened to do recently.

Guys' Guide

A Girls' and Guys' Guide to Wizard World Comic Con

by Emily Hingle

he famous Wizard World Comic Con is back again to thrill the young and the young at heart, to entertain the freaks and geeks alike, and to dazzle spectators with their star-studded roster of guests. This con can be overwhelming in activity and crowd size, so I’ve put together this side-by-side girl's and guy's guide to Wizard World so that each sex can go their separate ways for a while and see what they really want to see. If you haven’t found your significant Superman or Wonder Woman just yet, check out the Sci-Fi Speed Dating and finally claim your snugglehuman. Remember to leave yourself plenty of aimless wandering time, munchie time, and standing around in line time. And don’t wear any costume that will get uncomfortable because your girl/boyfriend does not want to end up lugging it around for you.

Girls' Guide Geek Girl Brunch New Orleans – This one is just for the ladies. Geek Girl Brunch is a monthly meetup of like-minded ladies of the geeky persuasion. They sip on mimosas while discussing the truly important topics in a geek girl’s life like Jeremy Renner or Chris Evans. You can make lifelong friends and hotly debate the dorkiest stuff around. Corsets by Casta Diva – I am the proud owner of a Casta Diva corset, but I actually got mine at the Renaissance Festival. You’ll find that every genre of geekdom is represented at Wizard World including medieval fantasy and steampunk, which is where a really beautiful, well-made corset comes into play. My corset is reversible so it has two totally different colors and patterns

which makes it two for the price of one. Get Some Tips from Jackie Craft – Jackie is crafty with cosplay. The Oﬃcial Wizard World Cosplay Guest can transform into any character (with an added dash of sexiness) by creating her own costumes from a variety of materials. She can teach you the tricks and tools you need to become your fantasy...or your man’s fantasy, which I’m sure he would love. Shiny Things – Seriously, though, there is so much jewelry and accessories to fan your fan-girl flame that I cannot mention just one vendor. Take some time to peruse all of the fantastic and unique bobbles and bangles and skirts and shirts that you could swear were made just for you. I still love my Elvira earrings, and my friend wears her Tardis dress every week. There’s truly something in every dweeby flavor.

8 | January 2016 | A Girls' and Guys' Guide to Wizard World Comic Con

Meet Norman Reedus – Do I really need to write anymore?

Meet Will Shatner – You’ve done the impressions countless times to the annoyance of your friends — now meet the man himself! He’ll be signing autographs and taking those awkward fan photos at his booth, but I can tell you now that the line will be long. Grab some concessions for the wait and offer him some when it’s your turn to meet him. I’m sure he’ll love that. Go to Gear Heaven – Boys dream about fast cars because of the famous cars from movies and TV that help their favorite hero stop crime and save the day. You can visit and have your picture taken in a Delorean Time Machine à la Back to the Future, The 1966 Batmobile, the Landspeeder X-34 from Star Wars, or the Jurassic Park Jeep if you want to recreate the scene with the frilly spitting lizard. Join A Cool Club – While your lady is geeking it up with her brunch buddies, you need some man time just like Al Bundy’s NO MAAM Club, just without all the snide, misogynistic remarks. Stop by the local's area where you can learn about the Louisiana Ghostbusters, the Whovians of the Gulf Coast, The 501st Legion, and the NOLA Zombie Walk. Battle Your Friends in the Gaming Arena – It all really comes down to who wins. In the Gaming Arena, you can finally challenge your friends and loved ones to intense board, video, card, and dice gaming battles. Just don’t be surprised when you get way too into it, start getting angry at the other players and end up flipping the table on them. Passions run high when winners and losers are decided. You can also take your battles to the many other games available around the con. Zombie shooting range, anyone?

Let's Get Together You can’t just run around the con all day solo. It’s time to act like a couple again. You can get matching tattoos at GeeksterInk to prove your undying love for one another. If you fear a breakup in your future, opt for getting 3D-printed figurines of each other at Zero Point 3D Printing so that when that last big fight comes, you can smash it and feel better. Wizard World take place Jan. 8 - 10 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Photos by Gus Escanelle.

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WhereYat.com | January 2016 | 9

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Barcadia's Smokin Joe(l)

14 Boozy Big Easy Dishes

n a city where both cuisine and libations can be made into specialties, it makes sense that some savvy chefs can mix the two together to create delicious dishes infused with booze. The rich flavors of beer, wine and liquor can complement the savory and sweet flavors of your favorite meal, and you don’t even have to order them separately. Here are a few local alcohol-imbued foods available for your taste buds’ delight.

Boozy Burger: Mid City Yacht Club—This appropriately named burger features an American Angus patty stuffed with Guinness onions and served with vinegar slaw and homemade pickles. 440 S St. Patrick St, 483-2517, midcityyachtclub.com

Dump Truck Fries: The Avenue Pub—The Avenue Pub prides itself on their beer selection, but the Dump Truck Fries feature a Port Wine Au Jus to accompany their fries smothered in béchamel, roasted pork and grilled onions. You can also try the Toast Aux Champignons with sherry cream. 1732 St. Charles Ave, 586-9243, theavenuepub.com

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by Emily Hingle

Chappapeela Pork Belly: Le Foret—Le Foret seeks out locally sourced ingredients for their menu, which features this dish glazed with rye whiskey. The Louisiana BBQ Shrimp comes covered in Abita Amber BBQ Sauce served over stoneground grits. 129 Camp St, 553-6738, leforetneworleans.com

Eﬃn Good Shrimp & Pancetta: Red Dog Diner—This pasta dish is made with a tomato sauce infused with Eﬃn Vodka. Other booze entrees include the Chicken and Portabella pasta with marsala cream sauce and HerbCrusted Lamb with a madeira wine demi-glace. 3122 Magazine St, 934-3333, reddogdiner.com

Tamale and Taco De Carne: Mizado Cocina—The grass-fed beef used in these tamales and tacos is slowcooked, braised in beer and served with roasted veggies and chiles and salsa de Mizado, respectively. 5080 Pontchartrain Blvd, 885-5555, mizadococina.com

Fish-N-Chips: Sugar Park—Although famous for their pizzas, Sugar Park has a full entree menu that has some tasty Abita Beer–battered cod loins served with wedge-cut fries and tangy malt vinegar. 3054 St. Claude Ave, 942-2047, sugarparknola.com

Soft Pretzel: Ale on Oak—Nothing goes better with an ice-cold beer from

the extensive beer list at Ale than a hot, salty pretzel dipped in some savory Beer Cheese Fondue. 8124 Oak St, 3246558, aleonaok.com 8.

Funky Monkey: Rum House—The Rum House has multiple liquor-y desserts, including the Funky Monkey with Banana Cruzan Dark Rum, crème de cacao and whipped cream; the Banana Bread Pudding with dark rum sauce; Erin’s Key Lime-Coconut Rum Punch with two types of rum and the Mile High Key Lime Pie with Keke Key Lime Liqueur. For an alcoholic entree, the Mahi Mahi Fingers are battered in Jamaican beer. 3128 Magazine St, 9417560, therumhouse.com

Coﬀee Kahlúa Glazed Salmon: Mimi’s in the Marigny—Voted as the Best Neighborhood Bar by our readers, the Tapas Menu has lots of gourmet goodies, including this slice of salmon glazed with the sumptuous Kahlúa liqueur. 2601 Royal St, 872-9868, mimismarigny.com

Dat Dog's Guiness Dog 10. BBQ Shrimp Po-Boy: Jimmy J’s Café—This po-boy is made special with Abita Amber and rosemary butter reduction sauce. The café also has Pineapple Rum Raisin French Toast and Blueberry Brandy Glazed French Toast for your breakfast pleasure. 115 Chartres St, 309-9360, jimmyjscafe.com 11. The Smokin Joe(l): Barcadia— The Smokin Joe(l) Burger has Pabst Blue Ribbon Braised Onions along with cheddar cheese, Applewood smoked bacon and hickory smoked sauce. 601 Tchoupitoulas St, 335-1740, barcadianeworleans.com 12. Irish Coﬀee Triﬂe: Café Adelaide— This delicious dessert with chicory coffee pudding, brown sugar biscuit crumble, Baileys mousse and Irish whiskey ice cream is available on the Happy 90th Miss Ella dinner menu. 300 Poydras St, 595-3305, cafeadelaide.com 13. Beer-Braised Cab Sirloin Tips: Gordon Biersch—Almost everything on this menu is infused with beer, but the Beer-Braised Cab Sirloin Tips are especially savory after being simmered in mushroom marzen demi-glace with bacon jam; topped with caramelized onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes and served with roasted garlic mashed potatoes. Also try the Beer-Infused Mussels, Mini Bratwurst Sliders and Woodford Reserve Bourbon Chicken. 200 Poydras St, 552-2739, gordonbiersch.com

Rum House's Funky Monkey

14. Guinness Dog: Dat Dog—Among the plethora of wieners available at Dat Dog, my personal favorite is the Guinness Dog, which the local chain says is made in heaven. 5030 Freret St, 3336 Magazine St, 601 Frenchmen St, datdognola.com

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jackson square • 801 decatur 504.525.4478 WhereYat.com | January 2016 | 11

A League of Your Own by Kaitlyn Clement

s your New Year's resolution to excercise more? Joining a recreational sports league will keep you active and involved in the community, help you make friends, and break up the monotony of the work week. Here’s a list to help you get started.

Big Easy Rollergirls If you’ve ever dreamt of roughing it up on a pair a skates, then roller derby is just for you. Try out for the oﬃcial team or join the rec league that goes year-round on Wednesday nights. For $70, you can purchase a beginner’s stamp card that’s good for 10 practices. Use the card to practice at any of the krewe’s current session dates. bigeasyrollergirls.com

Play NOLA

NOLA Social Ride

Crescent City Soccer With both recreational and competitive leagues, there’s a level for everyone. Join a team or start your own! Leagues meet at Green Charter, Wheatley and City Park on various nights, depending on the league. Open play program access is available for $30 a month, Mondays through Thursdays at Harrell Stadium. crescentcitysoccer.com

Happy’s Running Club Happy’s is a combination of serious and recreational runners that meet every Wednesday, rain or shine. Join the club at Happy’s Irish Pub on Poydras by 6:15 pm for a 5K run! Afterwards, enjoy 2-for-1 beers on Happy's great outdoor patio and kick back with your running buddies. Facebook. com/HappysRunningClubNOLA Mid-City Volleyball Group Get outdoors and play some volleyball on the banks of Bayou St. John with the MidCity Volleyball Group. Quads tournaments are held on Saturdays at 11:30 am with a suggested $5 donation, and free pick-up games begin at 2 pm. Doubles tournaments start at 5 pm on Tuesdays with a suggested $5 donation. Participation helps the non-profi t organization with their goal of building a permanent volleyball

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12 | January 2016 | A League of Your Own

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Big Easy Rollergirls venue along the Lafi tte Greenway. midcityvolleyball.org New Orleans Disc Golf Club Disc golf may seem like a surprising sport, but it’s been the fastest-growing sport in the nation. The number of courses in the U.S. has doubled in only eight years. Recently revived this year, the local disc golf chapter holds matches in City Park and Lafreniere Park in Metairie, as well as an annual championship tournament. nodgc.com NOLA Rugby Club In 1973, six men formed the first noncollegiate rugby club in Louisiana. Touch rugby is ongoing at Pratt Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:15 pm. New players are always welcomed and encouraged to show up at any practice. No experience is necessary! Any ladies interested in playing should join the women’s practice at the City Park Track on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7 pm. nolarugby.com; neworleanswomensrugby.com NOLA Skeeball and Drinking League Libations and skeeball, anyone? Sign up for the city’s first and only skeeball league. It started with a pair of salvaged skeeball machines in 2002 and has since grown into

Crescent City Soccer

a niche group for socializing, drinking and skeeball. The league meets every Thursday at Half Moon Bar in the Lower Garden District. nolaskeeball.com NOLA Social Ride Like other similar groups in large cities across the country, NOLA Social Ride is for people who like bikes. Whether you’re a rookie rider or an avid cyclist, the Social Ride is a great way to get involved in the local cycling community. Take your wheels out for a spin on their weekly Happy Thursday Bicycle Ride. They post a different route on their Facebook page every week. There’s also a Wednesday Fitness Ride for speed training and a Tuesday Music Ride with Old Man River from WWOZ. nolasocialride.org; Facebook.com/ HappyThursdayofNewOrleans Play NOLA With multiple co-ed sports leagues and over 12,000 members, it won’t be hard to find where you belong. Meet and compete with active, young professionals all over New Orleans. You can even register with your co-workers and start a corporate league! Leagues include basketball, bowling, cornhole, flag football, kickball, soccer and indoor volleyball. Sports are hosted at varying locations. Winter leagues begin in January. playnola.com Southern Sports Leagues Southern Sports Leagues has an array of leagues to join, including kickball, soccer, softball, dodgeball, volleyball, flag football and cornhole. The leagues are designed to be laid back, fun and safe for everyone. There are locations for play all around the city! sslsports.com Nola Social Ride photo courtesy of DKNO Photography.

WhereYat.com | January 2016 | 13

Westbank, Best Bank?

by Anna Currey

ost New Orleanians take a side in the friendly rivalry of Westbank vs. Eastbank. While I am loyal to the Eastbank myself, residents of Algiers and Gretna love the quiet, local feel and authenticity of their Westbank homes. Many restaurants across the river are known as real neighborhood places. Gattuso’s, to name just one example, provides a personal touch. Patrons note that the staff seem to know the regulars there, proof that it’s a friendly neighborhood joint. And the food reflects it: partnered with regular events for locals to enjoy, you can tell why people keep on coming back. New Orleans is brimming with great Vietnamese food, but the Westbank is where more adventurous foodies can find the most authentic Vietnamese establishments. Nine Roses is one of the best. It recently opened a location in the French Quarter, but to find the homecooked quality and vast menu that made the restaurant so well known, you’ll have to visit the Gretna location. It’s hard to pick just a few dishes to recommend from the extensive and universally delicious menu. One notable thing to try is Bo Nuong Vi,

14 | January 2016 | Westbank, Best Bank?

which is served on a tabletop grill with beef, shrimp or squid that you cook yourself. The more you ask around, though, the more you’ll find that everyone has a Nine Roses dish you shouldn’t leave without trying. You’ll just have to go back again. After you’re full from enjoying one of the many restaurants that dot the towns of the Westbank, scenic bike rides along the levee provide views of New Orleans’ Eastbank from afar. Algiers Point, where the river makes a sharp turn and the Westbank juts out into the river, is a perfect place to take a breather and see the city sprawled out before you. But you don’t have to stop there. Between the Gretna Ferry Landing and the Algiers Ferry Landing is a 2.5-mile ride, perfect for a short trip or as part of a longer ride. Though the view from Algiers Point is the most famous along this bike ride, there are great views throughout. Biking may not fulfill your need for speed,

but NOLA Motorsports Park has you covered. This is not your regular go-cart track. NOLA Motorsports boasts the largest karting track in the United States, and its carts go up to 50 miles per hour. Bring a group of your friends to one of their “Kartmanias,” a three-hour ticketed event with unlimited racing. The 2.5-mile tracks give you a taste of what it’s like to be a Formula One racer. While you’re on the Westbank, you have to check out Jean Laﬁtte National Historical Park and Preserve. This nearby park makes it easy to step out of the hubbub of the city and into 23,000 acres of bayous, marshes and beautiful wildflowers. You can find great bird watching here, and you might even spot an alligator. The elevated trails do close sometimes due to flooding, but this comes with the territory when you’re exploring a natural wetland. The Mississippi River may be a classic dividing line for the United States, but for the city of New Orleans it’s a false boundary. What we call the Westbank is actually directly south from the Eastbank. But in New Orleans, we rarely refer to magnetic north or south, and our roads almost never go in a straight line. For tourists trying to navigate the Crescent City, being directed “Lakeside” or “Riverside” and “Uptown” or “Downtown,” rather than simply north, south, east or west, is probably baffling. It’s easy to forget that our Westbank neighbors

are actually to the south. South or west, the Other Bank is not as far away as it may seem. It has never been easier to ferry or drive across, since they discontinued the tolls on the river’s bridges. The ferries are also bike-friendly. The ease of communication and transportation between the two sides of the river facilitates the rivalry between them. But even if you remain loyal to your Eastbank neighborhood, you can still enjoy what Gretna, Algiers and Jean Lafitte have to offer. We won’t tell. Clockwise from the top: a view of the river at dusk from Algiers Point, Gattuso's, Nine Roses, Jean Laﬁtte National Historical Park and Preserve.

WhereYat.com | January 2016 | 15

The Fires that Shaped New Orleans By Emily HIngle

n any major city, disaster can strike naturally, through negligence or through violence. The winding wooden buildings of the French Quarter have provided fodder for fire, and unchecked mental illness in a city where people may not recognize or care about how dangerous a person can be has led to disturbing tragedies. Recently, it was a failure of technology. Our city has been scarred by flames; we still bear the char marks of past centuries and should learn from them and their deadly consequences.

Our cramped quarters were made of wood, and we lit up our nights with candles and lanterns—a perfect mix for a devastating fire. The first extremely damaging fire the city encountered happened on March 21, 1788, which happened to be Good Friday. Albert Fossier describes the blaze in his book New Orleans: The Glamour Period, 1800–1840: “A fire caused by the negligence of a woman who thought of proving her devotion by making a small altar in her house. She left several candles burning around it and went off to take her dinner. During her absence, a candle fell on some ornaments which took fire and the house in an instant was in flames, which communicated to the adjoining house, and the wind which was strong at that time spread the fire to the balance of the city.” Fossier contends that more than 800 homes were destroyed, about 78% of the city at that time, but the “buoyant spirit of the colonists immediately made itself manifest for out of the smoldering embers of their former homes.” Just a few years later, the city was scarred again during the Second Great Fire, which occurred on December 8, 1794. Fossier

16 | January 2016 | The Fires that Shaped New Orleans

continues, “This time, although causing great property loss and human suffering, it was not as devastating as the previous one.” More than 200 homes burned. For nearly 180 years, no major inferno occurred, until November 29, 1972. The Rault Center was the scene of a suspected arson. Johnny Townsend writes in his book Let the Faggots Burn: The UpStairs Lounge Fire about fires that occurred just before that century's deadliest, prejudice-inspired, local blaze: “Dozens of people crowded on the roof as helicopters battled updrafts while trying to rescue the trapped people. Two men died of smoke inhalation. The most terrifying episode was captured on live television. Most of the city watched in horror as five women, trapped in a beauty parlor on the 16th floor, screamed for help from their window. The women tried to lower one of their group to the floor below, then watched as she slipped from their hands and fell to the concrete below. With their only alternative a fiery death, each followed the other woman out of the window, bouncing against the side of the building until crashing to the pavement with the others. [Natalie Smith] miraculously survived.” The cause

of this fire remains unknown, but a similar arson just over a month later had the former building’s owner, Joseph Rault, Jr., claiming that it had to be the same perpetrator. On January 7, 1973, Mark Essex ended a weeklong murder spree at Howard Johnson Hotel when he killed one couple in their room and set it on fire. Townsend writes, “The fire itself might have killed no one, but several people did die. Mark Essex was disturbed by the prejudice he received in the military. When firefighters arrived, he began shooting at them, too, eventually going to the roof and shooting more people in the street below. Fewer people remember this fire, but certain stories, such as the firefighter fleeing Essex by jumping into an elevator shaft, sliding down the cable and ripping the flesh from his fingers, remain clear.” Essex killed nine people and wounded many. The worst was just around the bend: the deadliest fire in New Orleans to date. A gay club and church for homosexuals above the Jimani at Iberville and Chartres was the scene of a mass murder on June 24, 1973. Townsend writes, “The UpStairs Lounge had air-conditioning. That meant they had to keep the windows closed. The bar's previous owner had needed to install bars across the windows.” The lounge was accessible through a door one had to be buzzed through and then up a steep, narrow staircase. It was a deathtrap because of this single exit. While no one was ever charged with the crime, evidence points to the arsonist being Rodger Dale Nunez, a gay bar patron and troublemaker with a long history of criminal activity. He was thrown out of the bar for fighting and threatening people, walked to Walgreens some blocks away and purchased lighter fluid, returned an hour later and set the stairwell on fire, burning 32 people alive. He killed himself by ingesting chemicals on November 15, 1974. The city was then lucky to evade major fires until recent years, when the second and third deadliest fires occurred. December 28, 2010, was a cold night. Eight young people who came to New Orleans while trainhopping around the country sought warmth around a trashcan fire and inadvertently set the abandoned warehouse they were staying in on fire. Three of the travelers remain unidentified, but among the known victims, no one was over the age of 23. There was no warning system on November 11, 2014, when a fire that started just after midnight in a home in the Broadmoor neighborhood that did not have functioning fire alarms killed five of its occupants. The blaze may have been sparked by oxygen tanks that were kept downstairs in the bedroom of a smoker. The house was quickly engulfed in flames, making metal door and window hinges melt shut. The only survivor was the father of the family. A donation site garnered $20,000 from more than 300 donors to help with the costs of the funerals.

WhereYat.com | January 2016 | 17

BarGuide Backspace Bar & Kitchen 139 Chartres St. 322-2281

This literary-themed restaurant has unique cocktails and late-night comfort food. Where else can you get milk and cookies for dessert?

Barcadia 601 Tchoupitoulas St. 335-1740

Go back to basics with games, award-winning burgers and everything your heart could desire. Happy hour from 4 - 7!

Bar Tonique 820 N. Rampart St. 324-6045

Known for its eclectic beer and wine selection, this neighborhood bar is the perfect spot for cocktail hipsters.

Bruno's Tavern 7538 Maple St. 861-7615

A favorite for Uptowners, this is the place to be for an LSU or Saints game. Come in on Thursdays nights for $3 imports!

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

Highlighted in Esquire as one of the “Best Bars in America,” comfort foods and signature drinks will keep you coming back.

Cosimo's 1201 Burgundy St. 522-9715

A homey neighborhood hangout off the French Quarter's beaten path serving up a signature twist on the Bloody Mary—the Bloody Ugly.

Coyote Ugly 225 N. Peters St. 561-0003

Their Daily Drink Specials from 9 pm to close will remind you why this is the most famous bar on the planet.

Evangeline 329 Decatur St. 373-4852

A full menu of local food and microbrews makes this the perfect place for people looking for some homegrown fare.

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

Head to the Best Bank, the Westbank, for live music, casual lunches and delicious dinner and Happy Hour specials.

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

Experience that classic-style New Orleans ﬂair alongside some delicious eats and classic cocktails at one of the city’s best restaurants.

Kajun's Pub 2256 St. Claude Ave. 947-3735

Karaoke and Saints games are highlights at this 24hour bar. Jello shots are free every time the Saints score a touchdown!

Kerry Irish Pub 331 Decatur St. 527-5954

Get all your live Irish music needs covered here. Enjoy an Irish coffee alongside their folk, jazz, or blues acts.

The Metropolitan 310 Andrew Higgins Dr. 568-1702

A warehouse-turned-nightclub that has the best DJs around. Features all types of music from house to hip-hop to rock.

Mid-City Yacht Club 440 S. St. Patrick St. 483-2517

Repeatedly ranked as Mid-City’s best bar, their fantastic beer selection starts at $2 and the food is out of this world.

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

This hidden gem in Mid-City is ﬁlled with great drinks and lively locals. Come for Sunday Funday or try the Bacon Bloody Mary.

Parlay's 870 Harrison Ave. 304-6338

This Lakeview favorite is known for their great nightly drink specials. Meet up with some friends there tonight

Pat O’Briens 718 St. Peter St. 525-4823

Visit the birthplace of New Orleans’ most famous drink, the Hurricane. A local favorite since 1933, this historic pub is renowned for its piano bar.

Rick’s Cabaret 315 Bourbon St. 524-4222

Enjoy a cocktail on the Bourbon Street balcony or on one of their three ﬂoors...or enjoy the sights indoors. The epitome of New Orleans’ nightlife.

Rivershack Tavern 3449 River Rd. 834-4938

One of the city’s quirkiest bars, come on by for some great live music and tasty eats. Bring in a tacky ashtray for a free drink!

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

Schedule your next party here or watch some crazy wrestling matches. Between live music and pool tables, there’s plenty to do.

Tchoupitoulas Beer Garden Live out your Oktoberfest dreams here with a stein of beer. The cuisine only serves to make for a more 5535 Magazine St. authentic experience. 899-3744

18 | January 2016 | Bar Guide

Tracey’s 2604 Magazine St. 897-5413

The original Irish Channel bar, offers beers and food in a low-key setting. Happy Hour on weekdays from 4 to 7!

Tropical Isle Original 721 Bourbon St. 529-4109

Home of the Hand Grenade, this bar rocks a weekday Happy Hour from 11 am to 7 pm. Come to this or any of their 5 locations for great live music.

Warehouse Grille 869 Magazine St. 322-2188

A perfect centerpiece for the Warehouse District’s funky atmosphere. With over 40 beers on tap, there’s something for everyone here!

Great happy hour specials

Pool and darts

Weekly specials

Great locals spot

Open-7 daily

Fun and friendly atmosphere

WhereYat.com | January 2016 | 19

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

A Shared Space: KAWS, Karl Wirsum and Tomoo Gokita Ongoing through January 3; Times Vary Newcomb Art Museum at Tulane newcombartmuseum.tulane.edu/ Free Admission December is the last month of Newcomb Art Museum’s exhibit with KAWS, Karl Wirsum, and Tomoo Gokita. You may recognize KAWS’ work from the cover of Kanye West’s 808s and Heartbreak. The pieces on display are from his collection and the exhibit puts them in conversation with his own work. Big Night New Orleans December 31; 1 pm Hyatt Regency New Orleans, 601 Loyola Ave. bignightneworleans.com Tickets: $89.99 and up The biggest New Year’s Eve event in the city is back. Expect some great features at this year’s gala from multiple dance floors to first-class cuisine and much more. This is one of the biggest NYE events in the city and the line up can’t be beat. Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year's Eve Parade December 31; 3:30 pm Begins at the corner of Elysian Fields and Decatur Street allstatesugarbowl.org/site895.php Ring in the New Year New Orleans style at the first annual Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year's Eve Parade. Its floats include the River Boat Float, the Smokey Mary Float, and the Bachhatality Float. With WDSU News streaming it live, the parade will be marching all the way down to Canal Street, showcasing New Orleans’ unique festival spirit for tourists and families alike.

A Shared Space: now - Jan. 3 New Year’s Eve in Jackson Square December 31; 9:30 pm Jackson Square crescentcitycountdown.com Free Admission The French Quarter is counting down to the New Year in a big way. Besides the fleur de lis drop from the top of Jax Brewery, there will be live entertainment on Decatur and fireworks over the river! Don’t miss out on this fun and festive New Orleans-style New Year's Eve! Allstate Sugar Bowl January 1; 7:30 pm Mercedez-Benz Superdome, 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr. allstatesugarbowl.com Tickets: $150 and up Watch Ole Miss and Oklahoma State face off in the legendary Superdome. The 80th annual event will surely bring great closure to the college football season. Get your

Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year's Eve Parade: Dec. 31 20 | January 2016 | Lakeside 2 Riverside

the west side of City Park to Orleans Ave., and continue to the finish line at Jackson Square. Awards will be granted after the race. Brian Regan January 10; 7pm Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts mahaliajacksontheater.com Tickets: $39.50 Regan’s non-stop theater tour has been making people cry laughing for 10 years now. His sarcastic, self-deprecating views on everyday life bring in audiences from all over the country. Take the family out to the show and have a night of great physical comedy and sophisticated writing.

Big Night New Orleans: Dec. 31 tickets fast! Make it a full-on VIP party with access to an open bar, live entertainment and local cuisine. Jackson Day Race January 3; 7:30 – 8:30 am Marconi Dr. and Robert E. Lee Blvd Runnotc.org Cost: $40 on race day The New Orleans Track Club will be hosting the 109 anniversary Jackson Day Race. Starting at Marconi Dr. and Robert E. Lee Blvd, this 5.6-mile race will course through

Pop-up Chef’s Table Cooking Classes January 11; 5:30 – 9 pm 1519 Robert C. Blakes Sr. Dr. thenocc.com Cost: $165 per person The New Orleans Cooking Experience is hosting cooking classes. Taking place on Monday nights, guests will be able to interact with chefs as they cook and teach. Learn from the pros how to master the methods of Creole-style cooking. Spots are limited to 10 guests, so reserve quickly! Classes include instruction in writing dining and drink recipes.

Krewe du Vieux Saturday, January 23; 6:30 pm Marigny, French Quarter, CBD kreweduvieux.org Krewe du Vieux is among the first parades of Mardi Gras and is usually thought to be the oﬃcial kick-off of the Carnival season. The only krewe allowed to parade floats through the French Quarter, they will be marching this year on Saturday, January 23 at 6:30 pm (date, map and time not confirmed as of press time). Krewe du Vieux is a self-proclaimed raucous group, known for “wild satire, adult themes, and political comedy” (translation: don’t bring the kids to this one—there will likely be grown-ups-only humor and most likely phalluses).

Krewe du Vieux: Jan. 23

WhereYat.com | January 2016 | 21

331 Decatur 527-5954

MUSICCALENDAR

Selected Listings @ WhereYat.com

Best Guinness In New Orleans Live Music Nightly NO COVER www.kerryirishpub.com Every Tuesday is Honky Tonk Tuesday!! w/ Jason Bishop 8:30 pm Sat. 12/26 Sun. 12/27 Mon. 12/28 Wed. 12/30

Mark Parsons 5 pm Jeffrey Phillips 9 pm Patrick Cooper 8 pm Mark Parsons 8 pm Tim Robertson 8:30 pm

Happy New Year! Thurs. 12/31 Fri. 01/01 Sat. 01/02

Sun. 1/03 Fri. 1/08 Sat. 1/09 Sun. 1/10 Thurs. 1/14 Fri. 1/15 Sat. 1/16 Sun. 1/17 Thurs. 1/21 Fri. 1/22 Sat. 1/23 Sun. 1/24

One Tailed Two 4:30 pm Mark Hessler & Friends 9:00 pm Patrick Cooper 5 pm Hurricane Refugees 9 pm Mark Parsons 5 pm Roux The Day! 9 pm Van Hudson 8 pm Mark Appleford 5 pm Speed The Mule 5 pm Old Money 9 pm Irish Session 5 pm Van Hudson 8 pm Chip Wilson 8:30 pm Patrick Cooper 5 pm One Tailed Two 9 pm Mark Parsons 5 pm Lonestar Stout 9 pm Patrick Cooper 8 pm Paintbox w/Dave James & Tim Robertson 9 pm Paul Ferguson 5 pm Foot& Friends 9 pm Speed The Mule 5 pm Hurricane Refugees 9 pm Chip Wilson 8 pm

TheChainsmokers Best known for their EDM smash, “#SELFIE,” this NY-based electronic duo is bringing their big beats to the Crescent City. Saturday, December 26. The Metropolitan Nightclub, 310 Andrew Higgins Dr. $20 and up. themetropolitannightclub.com Wednesday, December 23 Bamboula’s- Giselle Anguizola, Messy Cookers Jazz Blue Nile- New Orleans Rhythm Devils, New Breed Brass Band Bombay Club- Kris Tokarski Buffa’s- Open Mic Night with Nattie Sanchez Checkpoint Charlie- T Bone Stone & the Happy Monsters, 30 x 90 Circle Bar- The Iguanas, Crud Night feat. DJ Penetrol & MB Columns Hotel- Andy Rogers Crazy Lobster- Ken Swartz and the Palace of Sin Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a.- Tin Men, Walter “Wolfman” Washington and the Roadmasters Dos Jefes- The George French Band Dragon’s Den- Reggae Night Funky Pirate- Blues Masters feat. Big Al Hi-Ho Lounge- We Love Vinyl The Irish House- Ruby Ross Kermit’s Mother-in-Law Lounge- Spodie and the Big Shots Kerry Irish Pub- Chip Wilson The Little Gem Saloon- Jon Roniger Gypsyland Little Tropical Isle- Jay B. Elston, Reed Lightfoot Maison- Luneta Jazz Band, Jazz Vipers, TK Groove Maple Leaf- Nigel Hall Band Morning Call- Valerie Sassyfras Old U.S. Mint- Ranger Jon Beebe and Tyrone Chambers Preservation Hall- Southern Syncopaters Rock ‘n’ Bowl- Clockwork Elvis Blue Christmas Swing Revue Ralph’s On the Park- Joe Krown RF’s- Tony Seville Snug Harbor- Uptown Jazz Orchestra Southport Hall- Marc Broussard Spotted Cat- Chris Christy, Shotgun Jazz Band Three Muses- Leslie Martine, Sarah McCoy Tropical Isle Bayou Club- La Maniere des Cadiens Tropical Isle Bourbon- Jesebels Chill’n, Debi and the Deacons Tropical Isle Original- Debi and the Deacons, Late as Usual Thursday, December 24 Bamboula’s- Jazz Band Ballers, New Orleans Swinging Gypsies Banks Street Bar- Shine Delphi & Friends Blue Nile- Micah McKee & Little Maker, Reggae Night feat. DJ-TROY Bombay Club- Eilena Denise Buffa’s- Annual All-Day Holiday Film Festival Bullet’s Sports Bar- Kermit Ruﬃns & the BBQ Swingers Chickie Wah Wah- Phil DeGruy, Clock Work Elvis Circle Bar- Rik Slave’s Country Persuasion Columns Hotel- Andrew Hall & Reveillon Dinner Crazy Lobster- The Spanish Plaza Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans Streetbeat

22 | January 2016 | Music Calendar

Dragon’s Den- Dreamland Burlesque, the ILL Vibe with DJ Matt Scott Funky Pirate- Marc Stone Duo, Blues Masters feat. Big Al Howlin’ Wolf- Comedy Gumbeaux The Irish House- Roy Gele Le Bon Temps Roule- Soul Rebels Little Tropical Isle- Allen Hebert, Mike Berger Ralph’s On the Park- Joe Krown RF’s- James Martin Band Siberia- Ratty Scrvics Singularity + Shock Patina + Microshards Special Venue- Christmas Eve Candlelight Carol Sing Spotted Cat- Miss Sophie Lee, Jumbo Shrimp Tropical Isle Bayou Club- Brandon Moreau and the Cajungrass Tropical Isle Bourbon- Miss Maggie Trio, Debi and the Deacons Tropical Isle Original- The Hangovers, Late As Usual Friday, December 25 Bamboula’s- Swamp Donkeys, John Lisi Band Banks Street Bar- Kb Bonus Blue Nile- Treme Brass Band, DJ Black Pearl Bombay Club- Phillip Manuel Bourbon O Bar- R & R Music Group Carrolton Station- Fred LeBlanc’s 13th Annual Christmas Party Chickie Wah Wah- Michael Pearce, Paul Sanchez Circle Bar- A Very Dummy Dumpster Christmas Columns Hotel- Andrew Hall & Reveillon Crazy Lobster- Ken Swartz and the Palace of Sin Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans Streetbeat Davenport Lounge- Jeremy Davenport Funky Pirate- Marc Stone Duo, Blues Masters feat. Big Al Kermit’s Mother-in-Law Lounge- Guitar Slim Jr. Le Bon Temps Roule- Jeff “Snake” Greenburg Little Tropical Isle- Reed Lightboot, Mike Berger Maison- Misfit Toys Maple Leaf- June Yamagishi and Charlie Wooton Morning Call- Valerie Sassyfras RF’s- Lynn Drury, Iris P & the Greats Rock ‘n’ Bowl- Benny Grunch and the Bunch, Geno Delafose The Roosevelt Hotel- Antoine Diel Quartet Siberia- DJ George Ingmire Tropical Isle Bayou Club- Brandon Miller and Louisiana Inferno, Tropical Isle Bourbon- Way Too Early, Jay B. Elston Band Tropical Isle Original- Down River, the Hangovers, Late As Usual Saturday, December 26 Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits- The Tangiers Combo Bamboula’s- Emily Estrella, 30 x 90 Blues Women, Caesar Brothers Banks Street Bar- Kb bonus Blue Nile- Washboard Chaz Blues Trio

Blue Nile Balcony Room- Ambush Reggae Band, DJ Black Pearl Bombay Club- Daniel Schroeder Buffa’s- Jenna Guidry, Davis Rogan’s Birthday Party, Lynn Drury Checkpoint Charlie- Kenny Claiborne, J Monque’D Chickie Wah Wah- Woodenhead Reunion Circle Bar- Richard Bates, Mod Dance Party feat. DJ Matty Columns Hotel- Naydja Cojoe Crazy Lobster- The River Gang, The Neon Shadows Creole Cookery- Mark Weliky Trio Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a.- Eric Lindell and Ol’ California Dos Jefes- Tom Fitzpatrick & Turning Point Dragon’s Den- Swinging Gypsies, Kompression, Talk Nerdy to Me Funky Pirate- Marc Stone Duo, Blues Masters feat. Big Al Gattuso’s Bar an Grill- Paul Molinario Project Hi-Ho Lounge- the Ripoff Show, Hustle feat. DJ Soul Sister House of Blues- Bad Girls of Burlesque Howlin’ Wolf- George Porter’s Birthday Bash Kerry Irish Pub- Mark Parsons, Jeffrey Phillips The Little Gem Saloon- Benny Turner & Real Blues and Marc Stone Little Tropical Isle- Jay B. Elston, Reed Lightfoot Maison- Chance Bushman and the Ibervillianaires Maple Leaf- New Orleans Suspects The Metropolitan- The Chainsmokers Morning Call City Park- Billy D. Chapman Orpheum Theater- A Very Electric Christmas RF’s- Lucas Davenport, Dr. Bone & the Hepcats Rock ‘n’ Bowl- The Boogie Men Shamrock- Karma Siberia- Katey Red Snug Harbor- Eddie Henderson and Donald Harrison Spotted Cat- Jazz Band Ballers, Panorama Jazz Band Tropical Isle Bayou Club- La Maniere des Cadiens Tropical Isle Bourbon- Way Too Early, Rhythm and Rain Tropical Isle Original- Down River, the Hangovers, Late As Usual Windsor Court Hotel- Robin Barnes Sunday, December 27 Bacchanal- The Tangiers Combo Bamboula’s- New Orleans Ragweeds, Ed Wills Blues 4 Sale Blue Nile- Mykia Jovan Bombay Club- Tom Hook Buffa’s- Some Like It Hot!, Leslie Cooper’s Anniversary Show Bullet’s Sports Bar- Theresa B, Lady T Checkpoint Charlie- Open Mic feat. Jim Smith Chickie Wah Wah- Sweet Olive Duo, Lynn Drury Circle Bar- Micah McKee and Little Maker, Blind Texas Marlin Columns Hotel- Chip Wilson Crazy Lobster- the Gator Baits, Poppy’s All-Stars Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a- Palmetto Bugs Stompers, Andrew Duhon Dos Jefes- Michael Liuzza & Co. Dragon’s Den- Church Funky Pirate- the Pentones Hi-Ho Lounge- NOLA Comedy Hour Open Mic Howlin’ Wolf- Cha Wa, Hot 8 Brass Band Kerry Irish Pub- Patrick Cooper Little Tropical Isle- Frank Fairbanks, Mark Parson Maple Leaf- Walter “Wolfman” Washington Morning Call City Park- Billy D. Chapman Ralph’s On the Park- Joe Krown RF’s- Tony Seville Rock ‘n’ Bowl- the Mixed Nuts Siberia- Joe Kile + DC Harbold + Lefty Parker, Rayvon Pettis Snug Harbor- Eddie Henderson and Donald Harrison Three Muses- Raphael et Pascal, Linnzi Zaorski Tipitina’s- Dr. John and the Nite Trippers Tropical Isle Bayou Club- Brandon Moreau and Cajungrass Tropical Isle Bourbon- BC and Company, Rhythm and Rain Tropical Isle Original- the Hangovers, Late As Usual Monday, December 28 Bamboula’s- Blue Monday Jam feat. Oscar Caballero Bombay Club- Josh Paxton Buffa’s- Arsene DeLay, Antoine Diel Café Beignet on Bourbon- Steamboat Willie & Friends Checkpoint Charlie- Mike True Chickie Wah Wah- Trent Pruitt, Alexis and the Samurai, Songdogs Columns Hotel- David Doucet Crazy Lobster- the Insta-Gators Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a.- Luke Winslow King, Glen David Andrews Dos Jefes- John Fohl Dragon’s Den- Instant Opus Improvised Series Funky Pirate- Mark and the Pentones Hi-Ho Lounge- Bluegrass Pickin’ Party, Yes Ma’am Kerry Irish Pub- Mark Parsons Little Tropical Isle- Frank Fairbanks, Reed Lightfood

Maple Leaf- George Porter Jr. Trio Morning Call- Valerie Sassyfras Neutral Ground Coffeehouse- The Genial Orleanians RF’s- Monty Banks Rock ‘n’ Bowl- Geno Delafose Snug Harbor- Charmaine Neville Band Three Muses- Bart Ramsey, Washboard Rodeo Tipitina’s- Dr. John and the Nite Trippers Tropical Isle Bayou Clib- Cajungrass Duo, Cajun Drifters Tropical Isle Bourbon- Rhythm and Rain, Way Too Early Tropical Isle Original- Graham Robertson, Whiskey Bar Tuesday, December 29 Bamboula’s- Roamin’ Jasmine, Vivaz, Dana & the Bone Shakers Blue Nile- Simon Berz & Friends Buffa’s- Shine Delphi Quartet Checkpoint Charlie- Jamie Lynn Vessels Chickie Wah Wah- Anders Osborne, John Fohl, and Johnny Sansone Circle Bar- Kia Cavellero, Fever Dreams Columns Hotel- John Rankin Crazy Lobster- AC and the Heat Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans Streetbeat Dragon’s Den- Jazz Jam, Vice is Right Funky Pirate- Blues Masters feat. Big Al Hi-Ho Lounge- Da Truth Brass Band House of Blues- Voodoo Garden- Singer Songwriter Open Mic Night Howlin’ Wolf- Comedy Beast Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse- Calvin Johnson & Native Son Kerry Irish Pub- Honky Tonk Tuesday with Jason Bishop The Little Gem Saloon- Messy Cookers Little Tropical Isle- Jay B. Elston, Reed Lightfoot Maple Leaf- Rebirth Brass Band RF’s- Lucas Davenport Siberia- Thelma & the Sleeze Snug Harbor- Stanton Moore Trio Tipitina’s- George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic Tropical Isle Bayou Club- La Maniere des Cadiens Tropical Isle Bourbon- Jay B. Elston Band, Jezebels Chill’n Tropical Isle Original- the Hangovers, Jay B. Elston Band Wednesday, December 30 Bamboula’s- Bamboula’s Hot Trio feat. Giselle Anguizola Blue Nile- New Orleans Rhythm Devils, New Breed Brass Band Bombay Club- Kris Tokarski Buffa’s- Open Mic Night with Nattie Sanchez Circle Bar- The Iguanas, Party Flag Columns Hotel- Andy Rogers Crazy Lobster- Ken Swartz and the Palace of Sin

E S T.

Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans Streetbeat Funky Pirate- Blues Masters feat. Big Al Hi-Ho Lounge- Slangston Hughes Annual Birthday Show The Irish House- Patrick Cooper, Ken Dix Kermit’s Mother-in-Law Lounge- Spodie and the Big Shots Kerry Irish Pub- Tim Robertson Little Tropical Isle- Jay B. Elston, Reed Lightfoot Maison- Roamin’ Jasmine, Jazz Vipers, the Mutiny Squad Maple Leaf- Nigel Hall Band Morning Call- Valerie Sassyfras RF’s- Tony Seville Siberia- Junior League + The Missing Links + Idle Hours Club Snug Harbor- Uptown Jazz Orchestra Three Muses- Leslie Martin- Roamin’ Jasmine Tipitina’s- George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic Tropical Isle Bayou Club- Brandon Moreau and Cajungrass Tropical Isle Bourbon- Jezebels Chill’n, Debi and the Deacons Tropical Isle Original- Debi and the Deacons, Late As Usual Thursday, December 31 Bamboula’s- New Orleans Swinging Gypsies, John Lisi Band Blue Nile- Balcony Room- Reggae NYE feat. DJ T-Roy Buffa’s- Arsene DeLay, Tom McDermott and friends Checkpoint Charlie- Louisiana Hellbenders, The Unnaturals Circle Bar- Rik Slave’s Country Persuasion, Eric Lindell Columns Hotel- Ted Long’s Rockin New Year’s Crazy Lobster- The Spanish Plaza Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans Streetbeat Funky Pirate- Marc Stone Duo, Blues Masters feat. Big Al Hi-Ho Lounge- Debauche, Slow Burn Burlesque House of Blues- Better Than Ezra, Nawas House of Blues - Foundation Room- Jermaine Quiz, Magic Mike Howlin’ Wolf- Rebirth Brass Band Hyatt Regency- Cowboy Mouth, Brass-A-Holics, Flow Tribe Joy Theater- Zigaboo Modeliste and George Porter Jr. Kerry Irish Pub- One Nailed Two, Mark Hessler and friends Little Gem Saloon- Kermit Ruﬃns and the BBQ Swingers Little Tropical Isle- Allen Hebert, Mike Berger Maple Leaf- the Trio feat. Johnny Vidacovich and special guests One Eyed Jack- Soul Sister presents Soul Train NYE Party Ralph’s On the Park- Joe Krown RF’s- Hyperphlyy Rock ‘n’ Bowl- Tab Benoit Saint Roch Tavern- Valerie Sassyfras Siberia- Leftover Crack + The Pears + Days N Daze & More Tipitina’s- Galactic, Naughty Professor Tropical Isle Bayou Club- Brandon Moreau and Cajungrass Tropical Isle Bourbon- Miss Maggie Trio, Debi and the Deacons

Tropical Isle Original- the Hangovers, Late As Usual Friday, January 1 Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits - Will Thompson’s Red Organ Trio Bayou Club- Louisiana Inferno, T’Canailli Buffa's- Dr. Jimbo Walsh and Company Columns Hotel - Marc Stone Circle Bar – Crud Night w/ DJ Michael Bateman & Guests Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes - The Tangiers Combo Funky Pirate- The Blues Masters with Big Al Carson Kerry Irish Pub - Patrick Cooper, Hurricane Refugees Little Tropical Isle- Reed Lightfoot, Ben Joseph Maple Leaf - Chris Mule's Birthday Extravaganza RF's- Lynn Drury, Right Reverend Soul Revue Tropical Isle Original- The Hangovers, Late As usual Tropical Isle Bourbon- Way to Early, Jay B Elston Band

GeorgeClinton Legendary funk musician George Clinton kicks off the New Year with his gamechanging collective, Parliament-Funkadelic. Tuesday, December 29 – Wednesday December 30. Tipitina’s Uptown, 501 Napoleon Ave. $35. tipitinas.com

Saturday, January 2 Bayou Club- La Maniere des Cadiens, Louisiana Inferno, T’Canaille Buffa's- The Asylum Chorus Circle Bar – Miss Wallace + Val Hollie + DJ 9ris 9ris Columns Hotel – Andrew Hall Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a. – The Dirty Dozen Brass Band Dos Jefes – Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots Funky Pirate- The Blues Masters w/ Big Al Carson Gasa Gasa- Surfer Blood Hi Ho Lounge – Hustle with DJ Soul Sister House of Blues - Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen Kerry Irish Pub - Mark Parsons, Roux the Day! Little Gem Saloon- Kermit Ruﬃns & the BBQ Swingers Little Tropical Isle- JB Elston, Ben Joseph Maple Leaf -Mike Dillon Band One Eyed Jacks – A Tribute to The Last Waltz featuring Little Maker Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar – Bobby Love & Friends Republic - Snails RF's- Lucas Davenport, Meghan Stewart Shamrock- Fist Full of Flannel Spotted Cat Music Club – A2D2 Experience Tipitina’s- #Awayteam presents: Lagniappe feat. DJ RQ Away Tropical Isle Original- The Hangovers, Late as Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon- Way to Early, Debi & the Deacons Sunday, January 3 Bayou Club- Cajungrass, Louisiana Inferno Buffa's- St. Roch Syncopaters Columns Hotel – Chip Wilson

1939

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NEW YEAR’S EVE Tom   McDermott

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Some Like It Hot! ALSO IN JANUARY Antoine Diel • Arsene DeLay  The HoneyPots • Marc Stone

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Jimbo Walsh • Andre Bohren  Sherman Bernard • Royal Rounders …and more! Check our web site.

1001 Esplanade • www.buffasbar.com • Dine In or Take Out 24/7 WhereYat.com | January 2016 | 23

Circle Bar – Country Night w/ DJ Pasta Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes – Peter Nu Funky Pirate- Mark & The Pentones, Willie Lockett House of Blues - House of Blues Gospel Brunch, Sample - Grooves That Inspired Hip Hop, Requiem Howlin’ Wolf- Hot 8 Brass Band Kerry Irish Pub - Van Hudson Little Gem Saloon- Raddy Tat Tat Cats Little Tropical Isle- Lynn Drury, Reed Lightfoot Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar – Bobby Love & Friends RF's- Tony Seville Tropical Isle Original- The Hangovers, Late as Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon- BC & Comp, Rhythm and Rain Monday, January 4 Bayou Club- Cajungrass Duo, Cajun Drifter Buffa's- Antoine Diel Circle Bar – all the colors of the dark presents The Poppy Field Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes- John Fohl Funky Pirate- Gary Brown Little Tropical Isle- Reed Lightfoot, Lynn Drury Maple Leaf - Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar – James Andrews & Bobby Love RF's- Monty Banks Tropical Isle Original- Graham Robertson, Whiskey Bar Tropical Isle Bourbon- Rhythm & Rain, Way to Early Tuesday, January 5 Bayou Club- Cajungrass Duo, Cajun Drifters Buffa's- Eva Lovullo Circle Bar – Tyler Weiss + Debelles + Ryan Gregory Floyd & More Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes- Tom Hook & Wendell Brunious Funky Pirate- The Blues Masters w/ Patrick Williams Gasa Gasa- Burris and Water Seed House of Blues - Art and Soul NOLA Vinyl, Black & White Krewe Howlin’ Wolf - In The Den: Comedy Beast Kerry Irish Pub - Honky Tonk Tuesday with Jason Bishop Little Gem Saloon- Justin Donovan Little Tropical Isle- Mark Barrett, Ben Joseph RF's- Lucas Davenport Tropical Isle Original- The Hangovers, JB Elston Band Tropical Isle Bourbon- JB Elton and Wayne, Tropic Gumbo Wednesday, January 6 Bayou Club- La Maniere des Cadiens, Cajungrass

Thursday, January 7 Bayou Club – Cajun Drifters, Louisiana Inferno Buffa's- Tom McDermott and Aurora Nealand Circle Bar – AntiGravity Magazine Board meeting/Jukebox Night Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes- The Todd Duke Trio Funky Pirate – Marc Stone Duo, Blues Masters with Big Al Carson House of Blues- Sabotage: NOLA Tribute to The Beastie Boys Howlin Wolf- In The Den: Comedy Gumbeaux Little Gem Saloon- Mark Stone Duo Little Tropical Isle – Allen Hebert, Casey Saba RF's- John Marcey and No Good Deed feat. Steve Mignano Tropical Isle Bourban – Miss Maggie Trio, Debi and the Deacons Tropical Isle Original – The Hangovers, Late as Usual Friday, January 8 Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits – Will Thompson’s Red Organ Trio Bayou Club- Louisiana Inferno, T’Canailli Buffa's- Lucas Davenport, The Honeypots Circle Bar – KUWAISIANA Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes- The Panorama Jazz Band Funky Pirate- The Blues Masters with Big Al Carson House of Blues- Strangelove- Tribute to Depeche Mode Howlin Wolf- Substantial + Marcel P. Black, The Essence, and Tony Kerry Irish Pub - Mark Appleford Little Gem Saloon- Monty Banks, Nayo Jones Experience Little Tropical Isle- Reed Lightfoot, Ben Joseph Maple Leaf - Cyril Neville's "The Fire This Time" Book Release Old U.S. Mint – Henry Turner Jr. RF's- John Marcey Duo, Iris P and the Greats Tropical Isle Original- The Hangovers, Late As usual Tropical Isle Bourbon- Way to Early, Debi & the Deacons

12.31.15

A MASKED AFFAIR

NYE 2016 complimentary room packages available

24 | January 2016 | Music Calendar

Saturday, January 9 Bayou Club- La Maniere des Cadiens, Louisiana Inferno, T’Canaille Buffa's- Calvin Johnson Native Son Circle Bar – Eva LoVullo + The Fifth Men Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes- The Rick Trolson Quartet Funky Pirate- The Blues Masters w/ Big Al Carson House of Blues- Tooloji- Tribute to Primus Kerry Irish Pub - Speed the Mule, Old Money Little Gem Saloon- Kermit Ruﬃns & the BBQ Swingers Little Tropical Isle- JB Elston, Ben Joseph Maple Leaf - Song Dogs Reunion Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar – Bobby Love & Friends Publiq House- Sexual Thunder, Marina Orchestra RF's- Lucas Davenport, Mario Abney Quartet Shamrock- Pocket Aces Brass Band Tipitina’s- Rebirth Brass Band Tropical Isle Original- The Hangovers, Late as Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon- Way to Early, Debi & the Deacons UNO Lakefront Arena- Betty Wright, Willie Clayton, Latimore

Buffa's- Dr. Sick Circle Bar – Carl LeBlanc Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes- The George French Trio Funky Pirate- The Blues Masters w/ Patrick Williams House of Blues- Jet Lounge, Annual 12th Night Happy Hour Little Gem Saloon- Lynn Drury Little Tropical Isle- Mark Barrett, JB Elston Maple Leaf - Cha Wa Carnival Kickoff One Eyed Jacks – Michael Che RF's- Tony Seville Tropical Isle Original- Debi & the Deacons, Late as Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon- Way to Early, Debi and the Deacons

Sunday, January 10 Bayou Club- Cajungrass, Louisiana Inferno Buffa's- Nattie's Songwriter Circle Circle Bar – Country Night w/ DJ Pasta Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes – Andrew Duhon Funky Pirate- Mark & The Pentones, Willie Lockett House of Blues - Gospel Brunch Howlin’ Wolf- Hot 8 Brass Band Kerry Irish Pub - Irish Session, Van Hudson Little Gem Saloon- Raddy Tat Tat Cats Little Tropical Isle- Lynn Drury, Reed Lightfoot Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar – Bobby Love & Friends RF's- Tony Seville Siberia- Cruel Hand, Drug Church, Culture Abuse Tropical Isle Original- The Hangovers, Late as Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon- BC & Comp, Debi & the Deacons

BetterThanEzra Anyone even remotely attuned to 90s altrock won’t want to miss this. Count down to the New Year with NOLA natives Better Than Ezra. Thursday, December 31. House of Blues, 225 Decatur St. $80. houseofblues.com

Monday, January 11 Bayou Club- Cajungrass Duo, Cajun Drifter Buffa's- Antoine Deil Circle Bar – Cal Folger Day, Romantic Animal, Benjamin Shepard Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes- John Fohl Funky Pirate- Gary Brown House of Blues - Friends of Music Presents Brooklyn Rider Howlin’ Wolf - In The Den: NeonNoah plus Deaf and Poor

Tropical Isle Original- The Hangovers, Late As usual Tropical Isle Bourbon- Way to Early, Debi & the Deacons Saturday, January 16 Bayou Club- La Maniere des Cadiens, Louisiana Inferno, T’Canaille Buffa's- Royal Rounders Circle Bar – Egg Yolk Jubilee Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes- Sunpie & the LA Sunspots Funky Pirate- The Blues Masters w/ Big Al Carson House of Blues- T-Wayne, Rich the Kid Howlin Wolf- In The Den: Reggae Night Kerry Irish Pub - Mark Parsons, Lonestar Stout Little Gem Saloon- Kermit Ruﬃns & the BBQ Swingers Little Tropical Isle- JB Elston, Ben Joseph Maple Leaf - Honey Island Swamp Band + Special Guests The Metropolitan- Lil' Jon Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar – Bobby Love & Friends Republic New Orleans- HELLYEAH Shamrock- Paperchase RF's- Lucas Davenport, The Davis Rogan All Star Band Saenger Theater- The NOLA Holiday Gospel Concert Tipitina’s – The Radiators Anniversary Show Tropical Isle Original- The Hangovers, Late as Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon- Way to Early, Debi & the Deacons

LilJon If you’re looking to let loose to some great hip-hop and crunk music, then here’s your chance to do so with Lil Jon. Saturday, January 16. The Metropolitan Nightclub, 310 Andrew Higgins Dr. $15 – $50. themetropolitannightclub.com Little Tropical Isle- Reed Lightfoot, Lynn Drury Maple Leaf - George Porter Jr Trio Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar – James Andrews & Bobby Love RF's- Monty Banks Tropical Isle Original- Graham Robertson, Whiskey Bar Tropical Isle Bourbon- Rhythm & Rain, Way to Early Tuesday, January 12 Bayou Club – Cajungrass Duo, Cajun Drifters Buffa's- Huggy's Muppet TV Show Circle Bar – Valerie Sassyfras Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes- Tom Hook & Wendell Brunious Funky Pirate – The Blues Masters w/ Patrick Williams House of Blues - Art and Soul NOLA Vinyl, Black & White Krewe Howlin’ Wolf - In The Den: Comedy Beast Kerry Irish Pub - Honky Tonk Tuesday with Jason Bishop Little Gem Saloon- Justin Donovan Little Tropical Isle – Mark Barrett, Ben Joseph RF's- Lucas Davenport Tropical Isle Bourban – JB Elston and Wayne, Tropic Gumbo Tropical Isle Original – The Hangovers, JB Elston Wednesday, January 13 Bayou Club- La Maniere des Cadiens, Cajungrass Buffa's- World's Worst Open Mic Night Circle Bar – Black Beach, The Midriff s Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes- The George French Trio Funky Pirate- The Blues Masters w/ Patrick Williams House of Blues- Jet Lounge Howlin’ Wolf - In The Den: Coast 2 Coast Live Interactive Showcase Little Gem Saloon- Lynn Drury Little Tropical Isle- Mark Barrett, JB Elston Maple Leaf - Big Sam Trio aka BS3 RF's- Tony Seville Tropical Isle Original- Debi & the Deacons, Late as Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon- Way to Early, Debi and the Deacons

Tropical Isle Original- The Hangovers, Late As Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon- Miss Maggie Trio, Debi & the Deacons Friday, January 15 Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits – Will Thompson’s Red Organ Trio Bayou Club- Louisiana Inferno, T’Canailli Buffa's- Dayna Kurtz Circle Bar – Royal & Toulouse Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes- Tom Fitzpatrick & Turning Point Funky Pirate- The Blues Masters with Big Al Carson Gasa Gasa- Jordan Anderson Band + Baby Bee with Bantam Foxes House of Blues- Eliades Ochoa and Babarito Torres En Concierto, A Live One- Phish Tribute Howlin Wolf- In The Den: Mikayla and Friends Jazz & Heritage Center – Charles Turner and Ernie Watts Kerry Irish Pub - Patrick Cooper, One Nailed Two Little Gem Saloon- Monty Banks, Nayo Jones Experience Little Tropical Isle- Reed Lightfoot, Ben Joseph Maple Leaf - Honey Island Swamp Band + Special Guests Old U.S. Mint – Henry Turner Jr. RF's- Lynn Drury, The Rachael Hallack Band Siberia- Legendary Shack Shakers, The Yawpers Tipitina’s – The Radiators Anniversary Show

Sunday, January 17 Bayou Club- Cajungrass, Louisiana Inferno Buffa's- Jazz Brunch with Some Like It Hot Circle Bar – Flower + Yard Dogs Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes- Piano Bob Funky Pirate- Mark & The Pentones, Willie Locktt House of Blues - Chippendales: The 2016 Break The Rules Tour Howlin’ Wolf- Hot 8 Brass Band Kerry Irish Pub - Patrick Cooper Little Gem Saloon- Raddy Tat Tat Cats Little Tropical Isle- Lynn Drury, Reed Lightfoot Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar – Bobby Love & Friends RF's- Tony Seville Tropical Isle Original- The Hangovers, Late as Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon- BC & Comp, Debi & the Deacons

Mix & Mingle The New Year’s celebration continues at Aloft New Orleans Downtown. Join us at W XYZ bar for New Year’s Day specials, including $4 Bloody Marys, Mimosas, wings, and sliders. ®

Monday, January 18 Bayou Club- Cajungrass Duo, Cajun Drifter Buffa's- Antoine Deil Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes- John Fohl Funky Pirate- Gary Brown House of Blues- City and Colour Little Tropical Isle- Reed Lightfoot, Lynn Drury Maple Leaf - George Porter Jr Trio Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar – James Andrew & Bobby Love Republic New Orleans – Killing Joke + Soft Moon + Cretus RF's- Monty Banks Tropical Isle Original- Graham Robertson, Whiskey Bar Tropical Isle Bourbon- Rhythm & Rain, Way to Early Tuesday, January 19 Bayou Club – Cajungrass Duo, Cajun Drifters Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes- Tom Hook & Wendell Brunious Funky Pirate – The Blues Masters w/ Patrick Williams House of Blues - Black & White Krewe Howlin’ Wolf- In The Den: Comedy Beast Kerry Irish Pub - Honky Tonk Tuesday with Jason Bishop Little Gem Saloon- Justin Donovan Little Tropical Isle – Mark Barrett, Ben Joseph RF's- Lucas Davenport Saenger Theater - Motown The Musical Tropical Isle Bourban – JB Elston and Wayne, Tropic Gumbo Tropical Isle Original – The Hangovers, JB Elston

Aloft New Orleans Downtown 225 Baronne Street New Orleans, LA 70112 504 581 9225 aloftneworleansdowntown.com W XYZ bar • Fast & free WiFi • Splash pool • Re:charge gym & more ®

Thursday, January 14 Bayou Club- Cajun Drifters, Louisiana Inferno Buffa's- Tom McDermott and Aurora Neeland Café Istanbul – Shuffled 4et featuring Dave Easley Circle Bar - Dreamboat Crescent City Brewhouse – New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes- Stephanie Nilles Funky Pirate- Marc Stone Duo, The Blues Masters w/ Big Al Carson Gasa Gasa- The Electronic Sound of New Orleans House of Blues - Blues & Brews, Retrospect Howlin Wolf- In The Den: Comedy Gumbeaux Kerry Irish Pub - Chip Wilson Little Gem Saloon- David L. Harris Duo Little Tropical Isle- Allen Hebert, Casey Saba Republic New Orleans- Carnage RF's- James Martin Band Tipitina’s – The Radiators Anniversary Show

CityandColour Canadian folk singer Dallas Green brings his phenomenal City and Colour project down south. Expect some new material from his album If I Should Go Before You. Monday, January 18. House of Blues, 225 Decatur St. $45.50. houseofblues.com

©2015 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Aloft and its logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates. For full terms and conditions, visit aloftneworleansdowntown.com

WhereYat.com | January 2016 | 25

20 and Under

Breaking Bread

By Kim Ranjbar

t comes to the table warm, wrapped in a cloth, piled in a basket or sliced on a plate, but is often taken for granted, devoured before the appetizers or pushed aside and ignored in favor of “saving room.” It seems that a lot of diners see the complimentary bread basket as a given, something we need not pay close attention to or even appreciate because, after all, it’s free…how good could it possibly be?

Patois' Rolls

26 | January 2016 | $20 and Under

While bread can be awfully filling and might spoil your appetite for the pricey dishes you just ordered, it’s quite possibly one of the best indicators of how good your impending meal will be. Ultimately, if a restaurant can’t be bothered to serve you a great bread basket, then on what other dining amenities will they skimp? A delicious bread basket can only mean great things for the meal ahead, so go on! Break some bread… Naturally, you have to order

Dante's Kitchen's Spoon Bread

Commander's Palace's Garlic Bread an entree to get complimentary bread, but you can still do so and stay within your means. For example, you could order a plate of cured pork loin at Coquette and still dig into their warm, house-made ciabatta with a moist, chewy crumb and a crisp crust, perfect for slathering in butter or supporting that mouth-watering pork as it makes its way to your mouth. At the recently opened and immensely popular Shaya on Magazine Street, you simply must have a large round or two of their incredible pita bread, or dipping would be nigh impossible! What would a creamy Baba Ganush or Curried Fried Cauliflower Hummus be without a still-warm, hand-torn piece of fluff y, nutty, wood-fired pita bread to go with it? Head farther uptown for a Friday lunch at Patois, located on the corner of Laurel and Webster Streets, and treat yourself to, say, a veal pastrami sandwich on seeded rye with Gruyère coleslaw and Russian dressing preceded by a soft, buttery roll that will literally melt in your mouth. The warm, golden rolls certainly don’t need added

butter, but you should slather it on anyhow. In the Riverbend, a decadent dinner at Dante’s Kitchen would be all askew without their outstanding molasses spoon bread served hot in a mini cast-iron pan and swimming in honey butter. This is equally true of a brunch at Santa Fe Restaurant on Esplanade in Mid-City, which wouldn’t be complete without a basket of their Southwestern Biscuits made with cheddar cheese and jalapenos. You might think you can’t afford a meal at the überclassy and venerated Commander’s Palace in the Garden District, but you can easily score a twocourse prix fi xe lunch of Creole Cochon de Lait Cassoulet for $18! Plus, every diner enjoys Commander’s classic, complimentary garlic bread that oozes butter and flavor with each indulgent bite. Perhaps this article will bring a little love to that oft-unappreciated table staple and encourage you, as a diner, to indulge. After all, I think the Spanish novelist Miguel de Cervantes said it best when he claimed that “All sorrows are less with bread.” Don’t you agree?

Coq ta t uette a 's Ciab

WhereYat.com | January 2016 | 27

and a showcase for up-and-coming performing and visual artists,” the anxiously awaited Roux Carré recently opened in Central City. Created by the Good Work Network, this outdoor food court is “dedicated to preserving the culture” of the community and, so far, features vendors like Estralita’s Cafe & Carryout, Splendid Pig, The Papusa Lady Miriam Rodriquez, Johnny’s Jamaican Grill and a Popsicle stand by the Youth Empowerment Project. Roux Carré is open on weekends, Friday through Sunday. 2000 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., rouxcarre.com

B R E A K FA ST SERVED DAILY

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28 | January 2016 | Food News

Food News

ssig’s at it again … Local hospitality group LeBlanc + Smith recently tapped Kristen Essig as the Executive Chef of their upcoming Garden District restaurant Cavan. Featuring a menu inspired by the American Coast, Cavan will offer seasonal dishes highlighting quality freshwater and saltwater fish, fowl and other coastal ingredients. “We want our guests to feel comfortable and at home, so there will be a familiarity with our food, but we’ll add a few surprises that elevate the ingredients and flavors,” says Essig. Chef Essig will also retain her position at LeBlanc + Smith’s French Quarter bistro, Meauxbar. Cavan will be located on the corner of Foucher and Magazine Streets inside a 130-plus-year-old, 4600-square-foot house built by Edward James Cockerton that formerly housed the Duke Morgan Spa. “I’ve had family in this neighborhood for generations and my wife and I are currently raising our sons here, so I want very much to be a part of the restaurant community in this area,” explains Robert LeBlanc, co-owner of LeBlanc + Smith. Cavan is scheduled to open in early 2016. 3607 Magazine St., leblancandsmith.com More po-boys please … The popular Harahan po-boy joint Koz’s opened yet another location last month, this time on West Metairie Avenue. Owner Max Gruenig took over the helm from his father, Gary “Koz” Gruenig, who got his start making sandwiches at the Po-Boy Bakery on Franklin Avenue in 1965. The Metairie menu features all of the fan favorites, including the fried shrimp and French fry po-boys, country-fried steak plate with sides, baked macaroni and pecan pie cheesecake. 4445 W. Metairie Ave., kozcooks.com

By Kim Ranjbar

Boulevard on the boulevard … Located in the former Houston’s building on Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts opened its latest eatery, Boulevard American Bistro. Zeid Ammari, chief operating oﬃcer of Creole Cuisine, states, “Our menu is simple, but well composed. We wanted to offer this community an upscale bistro with dishes that will keep bringing them back for more.” Boulevard American Bistro features dishes like deviled eggs with sweet pickle relish and hickory-smoked bacon, a prime rib sandwich with jack cheese, cedar plank salmon and seared sea scallops with cheddar grits. Boulevard American Bistro is open daily for lunch and dinner. 4241 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 889-2301, boulevardbistro.com Adding bread to the basket … According to a report by Todd Price at NOLA.com, famous local chef Donald Link and The Link Restaurant Group recently purchased the ever-popular, traditional French bakery La Boulangerie on Magazine Street. Owner Dominique Rizzo decided to offer the bakery to his longtime fan Link, and Link happily accepted. After a few renovations, the bakery reopened, still serving those heavenly baguettes and croissants, only now the ingredients to make the breads are a bit better and the deli items include meats from Cochon Butcher. Plus, Link’s pastry chef, Maggie Scales, will use the bakery’s kitchen to create her amazing breads and desserts for the group’s restaurants. 4600 Magazine St., 296-3777, linkrestaurantgroup.com Accelerated food? … Self-touted as an “accelerator for emerging food-preneurs

Down on da Bayou … Chef and owner Albert Silvera, formerly of Doris Metropolitan, recently opened his own restaurant dubbed Pirogues on the corner of North Broad Street and Bayou Road. Open daily from noon to midnight, this casual neighborhood restaurant features a full bar and small menu of eclectic eats like roasted pork tacos, tater tots, crawfish sausage on a hot dog bun, a “Portobello Pirogue,” pressed brie and mushroom sandwich on rosemary ciabatta and a caprese salad. 2565 Bayou Rd., 948-6349, piroguesnola.com Boudin envie … Michael Ducote and Doug Minich, co-owners of the French Quarter restaurant Mona Lisa, recently threw open the doors of their latest project, The Cheezy Cajun. Combining a traditional Cajun meat market with a wide selection of artisan cheeses from Wisconsin, The Cheezy Cajun offers both eat-in and takeaway food. The menu features items like crispy cheese curds, boudin balls, gumbo, meat and cheese boards, poutinestyle tater tots, BBQ shrimp po-boy and crispy pork belly with cornbread pudding. 3325 St. Claude Ave., 265-0045, thecheezycajun.com Fabulous ﬁrsts … Cafe Adelaide, a member of the Commander’s Family of Restaurants, recently tapped Meg Bickford, its first ever female executive chef. Bickford has long worked in the kitchen at the famous Garden District restaurant Commander’s Palace and caught the eye of restaurateur Ti Adelaide Martin. “She had that sparkle—that love of food and people. And a ‘don’t even think about telling me I can’t do it’ aura about her,” says Martin. Louisiana born and bred, Bickford receives high praise from mentors Tory McPhail and Chris Barbato. In her new role as executive chef at Cafe Adelaide, Bickford has added a few of her own dishes to the menu, including the Poor Man’s Foie Gras (chicken liver pate with blueberry-sherry jelly), house-made boudin beignets, La Citrus Roasted Gulf Fish and “Breakfast at Dinner” (featuring paneed veal grillades and black truffle grits). 840 Tchoupitoulas Street ~ www.tbgnola.com

Po’boys

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Papa’s 8oz Steak Po’boy.......9.75 Steak, Grilled Onions, Tomatoes, Special Sauce Sausage Po’boy.....................6.75 Smoked Sausage Link or Hot Sausage Patti Breakfast Po’boy...................7.50 Fried Eggs, Hot Sausage Pattis, Bacon, Cheese Jimbo’s Combo Po’boy............8.50 Roast Beef, Ham, Swiss Cheese, Dressed, Special Sauce

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Burgers

8 oz served on Bun, French Bread or Texas Toast Burger...................................6.75 Cheese Burger.......................7.50 Nacho Burger........................8.75 Nacho Cheese, Jalepenos, Tomatoes, Crumbled Tortillas, side of sour cream Peanut Butter Bacon Burger....8.00 Reese’s Peanut Butter, Bacon, Pepper Jack

Roast Beef Po’boy....................7.50 Hot or Cold

Teriyaki Burger.....................7.50 Teriyaki Glaze, Grilled Pineapple Slice, Cheese

Meatball Po’boy........................7.50 Marinara, Parmesean, Provolone Cheese

Chicago Style Dogs

French Fry Po’boy....................6.00 Served on French with Brown Gravy & Special Sauce

Dogs......................................3.50

Spicy Crab Po’boy....................9.75 Crab Stuffed Jalapenos, Diced Onions, Tomatoes, Special Sauce

Schwegmann’s Dog..............4.50 Chili, Cheese, Chopped Onion, Mustard on French Bread

Chili or Cheese Dog.............4.00

Pizza

10”........................................6.75 16”......................................12.75 Sausage, Pepperoni, Ham, Bacon, Tomatoes, Onions, Pepperoncini, Black Olives, Green Olives, Mushrooms, Jalapenos, Bell Peppers, Pineapple & Extra Cheese

Salad Small House.......3.00 Large House......4.75 Add Chicken.....4.00 Add Tuna.....6.00 Add Steak.....6.00

Service Industry (All Day Happy Hour)

Wines....................................3.00 Well.......................................2.75 Domestic Beer.......................2.25 Jagermeister..........................3.00 Goldschlager.........................3.00 Rumple Minze......................3.00

141 Chartres on the Corner of Iberville WhereYat.com | January 2016 | 29

RestaurantGuide African Bennachin is a delicious hole-in-the-wall restaurant with origins from Gambia and Cameroon. Each dish packs a punch of West African flavors with vegan-friendly options. 1212 Royal St. • 522-1230 • bennachinrestaurant.com

American Barcadia brings out the inner child in everyone with its vintage games. It’s the only place where an adult can eat, drink, and play. 601 Tchoupitoulas St. • 335-1740 • barcadianeworleans.com Belle’s Diner pays tribute to 50s rock n roll with its diner dishes and rockabilly flare. For the late risers, breakfast is served all day. 1122 Decatur St. • 566-6003 • bellesdinerneworleans.com Café Maspero has been one of the French Quarter’s tastiest landmarks for over 40 years. Since 1971, they’ve been serving savory Cajun cooking. 601 Decatur St. • 523-6250 • cafemaspero.com Cheesecake Bistro by Copeland’s isn’t just about cheesecake, although everyone wants a slice. Stop by for their Sunday Jazz Brunch Buffet. 2001 St. Charles Ave. • 593-9955 • copelandscheesecakebistro.com City Diner is a 24-hour landmark off of I-10. City Diner is all about great breakfast, appetizers, New Orleans specialties and more. 3116 S. I-10 Service Rd. East • 831-1030 • citydiner.biz Daisy Dukes has a variety of staple New Orleans dishes 24/7. Enjoy their award-winning, bottomless Cajun Bloody Marys at any hour. Various Locations • daisydukesrestaurant.com

30 | January 2016 | Restaurant Guide

Dat Dog features a variety of gourmet hot dogs and sausages that are finger lickin’ good. With multiple locations around town, check out the one nearest you. Various Locations • datdognola.com

Kyoto boasts creative takes on sushi rolls. A favorite for locals, Kyoto offers a variety of delicious sushi and Japanese fare. 4920 Prytania St. • 8913644 • kyotonola.com

Fiorella’s Café specializes in traditional southern food that’s good for the soul. Located in the French Quarter, this joint has been serving Creole staples since 1937. 1136 Decatur St. • 553-2155

La Thai was voted best Thai restaurant in New Orleans, due to their delicious Southeast Asian cuisine. Their menu offers a diverse selection of both traditional and modern Thai recipes. 4938 Prytania St. • 899-8886 • lathaiuptown.com

Gordon Biersch knows a thing or two about good beer. The pub-style restaurant brews their own award-winning beers and housemade desserts. 200 Poydras St. • 522-2739 • gordonbiersch.com

Miyako offers one of the best cooking shows with hibachi dining. The Japanese bistro is a great place to bring a date or family. 1403 St. Charles Ave. • 410-9997 • japanesebistro.com

Lakeview Burgers & Seafood serves classic dishes done perfectly since its recent opening this summer. Open late night, they have fresh seafood plates, burgers, and more. 872 Harrison Ave. • 289-1032 Ma Momma’s House is Southern hospitality at its finest. Everyone loves their secret weapon—a special cornbread recipe that has customers coming back for more. 5741 Crowder Blvd. • 244-0021 • mamommashouse.com Rebellion Bar and Urban Kitchen is a gastropub with emphasis on Asian and Latin flavors. Enjoy their craft beer and specialty Japanese whiskey. 748 Camp St. • 298-7317 • rebellionbarurbankitchen.com Tchoupitoulas Beer Garden has all of the essentials of a German-style brewery: great beer, delicious food, and large community tables. There’s even a selection of games to play while enjoying your food. 840 Tchoupitoulas St.#103 • 224-2889 • tbgnola.com Ted’s Frostop, an Uptown favorite since 1926, has been featured on the Travel Channel and is home to the world famous Lot-O burger. 3100 Calhoun St. • 861-3615 • tedsfrostop.com

Origami is a fusion of traditional Japanese and Southern cuisine. Featuring outstanding chefs, quality seafood, and an extensive wine and sake list. 5130 Freret St. • 899-6532 • sushinola.com

La Thai Warehouse Grille delivers fantastic food in a relaxed setting. Add more booze to your breakfast with their housemade beer syrup made with Pabst Blue Ribbon. 869 Magazine St. • 322-2188 • warehousegrille.com Willie Mae’s Scotch House has been serving legendary Southern fried chicken in New Orleans since 1957. Their chicken has soul. 2401 St. Ann St. • 822-9503

Asian AJ&J Asian Bistro is a hidden gem in New Orleans. Their melt-in-your-mouth sashimi is some of the freshest in the city. 2240 Magazine St. • 609-2282 • ajjasianbistro.com Five Happiness has been a New Orleans staple in Chinese cuisine for 30 years. Whether you dine-in or order delivery, they’ll leave you happy. 3605 S. Carrollton Ave. • 482-3935 • ﬁ vehappiness.com

Poseidon offers a wide spectrum of seafood delicacies, from Creole-style oysters to fresh sushi. It also cooks sustainably, by donating proceeds to ocean conservancy and advocacy programs. 2100 St. Charles Ave. • 509-6675 Viet Orleans Bistro offers delicious Vietnamese dishes and fresh sushi. Located in the CBD, it’s a great lunch spot if you don’t want to leave downtown. 300 Baronne St. • 333-6917

Bars with Great Food Backspace Bar & Kitchen has a unique literary theme and specialty cocktails that will transport you back in time. 139 Chartres St. • 322-2245 • backspacenola.com Bamboula’s offers the best of both worlds—music and food. Enjoy a thirst-quenching local brew on tap while dancing the night away to funky tunes. 514 Frenchmen St. • 944-8461 • bamboulasnola.com

Bayou Beer Garden is Mid-City’s friendly neighborhood bar. It has over 75 bottled options and the perfect patio to sip a beer. 326 N. Jeﬀ erson Davis Pkwy. • 302-9357 • bayoubeergarden.com

Poppy’s Time Out Sports Bar is the ultimate spot for watching sports. Don’t miss a play with their 21 televisions. 500 Port of New Orleans Pl. • 247-9265 • poppystimeoutsportsbar.com

Bruno’s Tavern is an Uptown college sports bar serving typical pub fare. It’s a great place to watch the game and enjoy a beer. 7538 Maple St. • 8617615 • brunostavern.com

Rivershack Tavern is known as New Orleans’ most unusual bar and home of the tacky ashtray. Bring in your ashtray and trade it for a drink! 3449 River Rd. • 834-4938 • therivershacktavern.com

Buﬀa’s Bar and Restaurant has been on the border of the Quarter since 1939, recently dubbed the best place you’ve never been. 1001 Esplanade Ave. • 949-0038 • buﬀasbar.com

Shamrock Bar and Grill is the biggest neighborhood bar in the city and an emporium of fun including pool, bowling, and skee ball. 4133 S Carrollton Ave. • 301-0938 • shamrockparty.com

The Columns Hotel is all about location. Located in the Garden District above the streetcar line, it’s a beautiful spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. 3811 St. Charles Ave. • 899-9308 • thecolumns.com

Tracey’s Irish Bar and Restaurant was the original Irish Channel Bar. Since 1949, it’s been home of the best roast beef po-boy on earth. 2604 Magazine St. • 897-5413 • traceysnola.com

The Jimani, located in the French Quarter, has been the late-night haunt for food, cocktails, and sports since 1971. 141 Chartres St. • 524-0493 • thejimani.com

Wit’s Inn is a friendly neighborhood bar located in the heart of Mid-City. The kitchen serves gourmet pizzas till 2 am with local ingredients. 141 N. Carrollton Ave. • 486-1600 • witsinn.com

Kajun’s Pub has drinks and singing all night long. Open 24/7 year round, the pub is open for karaoke every night. 2256 St. Claude Ave. • 947-3735 • kajunpub.com

Café

Mid City Yacht Club has had many names since the 1950s. After Hurricane Katrina the owner dubbed the then-underwater establishment the Yacht Club. 440 S. St. Patrick St. • 483-2517 • midcityyachtclub.com Mimi’s in the Marigny is a dark dive bar with cocktails and tapas at any hour. Request the chef’s special, aptly named “Trust Me.” 2601 Royal St. • 872-9868 • mimismarigny.com Parasol’s has been a longtime divey hangout with stiff drinks, sports on TV, po-boys, and other Cajun eats. 2533 Constance St. • 302-1543 • parasolsbarandrestaurant.com

the tone for an al fresco dining experience. 912 Royal St. • 412-8965 • cafeamelie.com

Chartres St. • 309-9360 • jimmyjscafe.com

Café Navarre is a laid-back, neighborhood joint that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner near City Park. It’s the perfect place to grab a quick bite to eat. 800 Navarre Ave. • 483-8828 • cafenavarre.com

Lakeview Brew is a cozy neighborhood café serving homemade pastries and desserts, fresh fruit, and breakfast alongside mugs of gourmet coffee and tea. 5606 Canal Blvd. • 483-7001 • lakeviewbrew.com

Compère Lapin is the latest from Top Chef contestant Nina Compton. She drew inspiration for the menu from a St. Lucian folktale about a rabbit. 535 Tchoupitoulas St. • 599-2119 • comperelapin.com

Maple Street Patisserie brings back the rustic simplicity of European baking with their wonderful bakery. Try their great selection of breads, sandwiches and muﬃns. Multiple Locations • maplestreetpatisserie.com

EAT integrates Louisiana culture by creating versions of traditional Southern dishes with farm-fresh ingredients, including local seafood and seasonal produce. 900 Dumaine St. • 522-7222

Morning Call has been serving café au lait and beignets since 1870. It prospered in the Quarter for over a century before moving to City Park. 56 Dreyfous Dr. • 300-1157 • morningcallcoﬀ eestand.com

Jimmy J’s Café is a funky little café with a big selection of breakfast and lunch options. Dine in, take out, and delivery available downtown. 115

Orleans Grapevine is a fine-dining experience combined with affordable prices, allowing you

Another Broken Egg Café offers some of the freshest dishes in the city. Established in 1996 in Mandeville, there are now 34 locations across the Southeast. Various Locations • 301-2771 • anotherbrokenegg.com Biscuits & Buns on Banks has been a darling spot for breakfast and lunch in Mid-City since they opened in 2013. 4337 Banks St. • 273-4600 • biscuitsandbunsonbanks.com Bombay Club has the largest selection of martinis in New Orleans, with a menu influenced by British and Cajun cuisine. 830 Conti St. • 577-2237 • bombayclubneworleans.com Café Amelie is a hidden gem, tucked away from the chaos of the Quarter. The lush courtyard sets

DaisyDukes

WhereYat.com | January 2016 | 31

to indulge on a budget. The wine list will impress any oenophile. 720 Orleans Ave. • 523-1930 • orleansgrapevine.com Riccobono’s Panola Street Café is the quintessential New Orleans neighborhood spot for breakfast or lunch. 7801 Panola St. • 314-1810 • riccobonos.com Vacherie is the home of authentic Cajun food. Located in Hotel St. Marie and steps from Bourbon Street, they serve delectable cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 827 Toulouse St. • 207-4532 • vacherierestaurant.com

Italian Pascal’s Manale is a blend of Creole-Italian dishes that are backed by 100 years of rich recipes. 1838 Napoleon Ave. • 895-4877 • pascalmanale.com Red Gravy began as the dream of a 10-year-old Italian girl in 1972. It’s the best place for a homecooked meal in the CBD. 125 Camp St. • 561-8844 • redgravycafe.com Venezia has cooked delightful Italian fare in the heart of Mid-City since 1957. The family-style restaurant boasts a friendly staff and a wellstocked bar. 134 N. Carrollton Ave. • 488-7991 • venezianeworleans.com

Middle Eastern Lebanon’s Café has earned a solid reputation forthe best Middle Eastern food in New Orleans. 1500 S. Carrollton Ave. • 862-6200 • lebanonscafe.com Pyramids Café is some of the best Greek food in the city. Located in Uptown, you can easily get a good-sized meal for under $10. 3149 Calhoun St. • 861-9602

New Orleans Cuisine Antoine’s Restaurant has been a fixture in the French Quarter for 175 years and is world renowned for inventing the Oyster Rockefeller. 713 St. Louis St. • 581-4422 • antoines.com Café 615 is a taste to be reckoned with. It’s hard to find good home cooking on the West Bank. 615 Kepler St. • 465-1225 • dawabbitla.com Charlie’s Restaurant cooks delicious Southern fare in Chalmette. The home-style comfort dishes are overly generous portions. 6129 E Saint Bernard Hwy. • 682-9057 • charliesrestaurantla.com Copeland’s of New Orleans is dedicated to serving an authentic, hometown New Orleans taste to guests who enjoy mouth-watering food and Southern hospitality. 1319 W Esplanade Ave. • 617-9146 Crescent City Brewhouse, the French Quarter's first and only microbrewery, is also a fabulous restaurant featuring live jazz daily. 527 Decatur St. • 522-0571 • crescentcitybrewhouse.com Evangeline is a taste of Louisiana culture and cuisine, specializing in fresh seasonal fare with ingredients purchased locally. 329 Decatur St. • 373-4852 • evangelineneworleans.com Frankie and Johnny’s has been a New Orleans tradition since 1943. The long-time institution sits one block from the river and thrived by feeding hungry dockworkers. 321 Arabella St. • 243-1234 • frankieandjohnnys.net Katie’s Restaurant opened in 1984 as a corner lunch spot, like the rich tradition of many New Orleans neighborhoods. 3701 Iberville St. • 488-6582 Kingﬁ sh offers Louisiana specialties in the

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

32 | January 2016 | Restaurant Guide

French Quarter. They feature a monthly fi ve-course dinner series. 337 Chartres St. • 598-5005 • kingﬁ shneworleans.com Langlois is a supper club with a Creole twist, named after the mother of Creole cuisine, Madame Langlois. 1710 Pauger St. • 934-1010 • langloisnola.com Marti’s Restaurant is a revival of a New Orleans classic. After a 25-year hiatus, the brasserie reopened to bring back the distinctive New Orleans experience. 1041 Dumaine St. • 522-5478 • martisnola.com Monty’s on the Square recently opened on Jackson Square, offering modern French-Creole food with their own unique twist. Make sure to check out this new and savory cuisine. 801 Decatur St. • 525-4478 New Orleans Cooking Experience offers

classes to all ages, with expert chefs instructing how classic Creole food is made. Learn the secrets behind Louisiana cuisine at this fun and informal cooking school. 1519 Carondelet St. • 430-5274 • thenoce.com New Orleans Creole Cookery offers traditional Southern fare, including shrimp Creole and gumbo three different ways. 508 Toulouse St. • 524-9632 • neworleanscreolecookery.com RF’s Martini Bar & Restaurant offers the complete package: dining, music, and cocktails. One block from Bourbon Street, it’s a getaway from the Quarter. 301 Dauphine St. • 586-0972 • richardﬁ skes.com

Pizza and More Wood Pizza has an impressive amount of beers on tap in addition to a full range of wood-fired pizzas. 404 Andrew Higgins Dr. • 281-4893 • woodpizzaneworleans.com

Po-Boys and More Short Stop Poboys is a hole in the wall with the best po-boys in Metairie. Quick and delicious, you can choose from three sizes. 119 Transcontinental Dr. • 885-4572 • shortstoppoboys.com

Seafood Crazy Lobster Bar and Grill is home of the steamed seafood bucket. Hang out on the riverbank with live music and seafood. 500 Port of New Orleans Pl. • 569-3380 • thecrazylobster.com Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar serves fresh seafood and classic favorites that make their menu a hit. With two locations, you’re never too far. Multiple Locations • mredsoysterbar.com

Probably Baking O

Black Forest Brownies

By Beau Ciolino

k, I know, putting bacon on anything and everything possible is so 2012. But look, I don't care, these are awesome. These brownies have the perfect balance of salty and sweet, as well as a gooey-fudgey texture that really just makes them irresistible. Anyway, pitting the cherries is a real bitch, but it's worth it. Canned cherries just won't cut it. They really won't. Do what I did and set up your laptop in your kitchen with one of your favorite shows and just start cutting these lil' babes in half and remove those pits! I took the liberty of dipping some of these bacon pieces in chocolate. Yes I know this has been done before. No, I'm not winning any awards (well, my award was chocolate-dipped bacon). Yes, you should totally do this. Just take the leftover bacon—I'm assuming you made some extra because why wouldn't you?—and dip it into a little chocolate ganache and let it dry on a sheet of wax paper for an hour or two, until set.

WHAT

HOW

Brownies • 1 2/3 cups cake flour • 1½ cups dark brown sugar • 1 cup cocoa powder • 4 large eggs • 1 cup buttermilk • 1 t baking powder • 1/2 t salt • 1½ lb fresh black cherries, pitted and halved • 1/2 cup melted butter, cooled • 1/4 cup bacon fat rendered from bacon (below) • 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate morsels • 1 t vanilla • 10 oz raw pork bacon

Heat oven to 350 degrees 1. Cook bacon for topping according to instructions, reserve bacon fat and set aside. 2. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat eggs and brown sugar until creamy, about two minutes. 3. In a medium bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, salt and cocoa powder and add half to the egg mixture. 4. Add bacon fat, butter, buttermilk and vanilla and mix to combine. 5. Add the remaining dry mix and beat for one minute. 6. Fold in cherries and chocolate morsels 7. Transfer to a prepared 9x13 pan and bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. 8. Allow to cool for an hour before adding the topping. 9. Bring heavy cream and butter to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. 10. Remove from heat and whisk in dark chocolate until completely melted. 11. Pour over cooled cake, topping with cherries and bacon pieces. 12. Sprinkle some salt on top to make the sweet/salty effect more pronounced.

For the topping • 8 oz dark chocolate (60-70%) • 1/4 cup heavy cream • 2 T butter • 1 cup cherries from above • 1/2 cup crumbled bacon • 1 t salt (optional)

Probably Baking | January 2016 | 33

FilmReviews

Catch Where Y'at Movie Editor David Vicari and critic Fritz Esker's “Dueling Critics” blog at WhereYat.com.

In the Heart of the Sea By Fritz Esker

Director Ron Howard and star Chris Hemsworth teamed up for 2013’s excellent Rush. They’re back together in the tepid In the Heart of the Sea, based on the story of the Essex, a ship that was attacked and sunk by a whale. The incident inspired Herman Melville to write Moby Dick. That inspiration provides the film with a clunky, unnecessary frame story as Melville (Ben Whishaw) interviews the reluctant Thomas Nickerson (Brendan Gleeson) about the incident. The story centers around Owen Chase (Hemsworth), an experienced first mate eager to get his first captainship but who is passed over for George Pollard (Benjamin Walker), a man with less experience but more family connections. The script has plenty of expository dialogue and skims over potentially exciting incidents. There’s a moment when young Nickerson (Tom Holland) has to descend literally into a dead whale to extract more oil. Just when it’s about to become interesting (albeit gross), the film moves on. Howard’s proven himself to be a capable director of action scenes in his previous films, but none of the big set pieces register. There’s more chills in quieter moments like one where the shipwrecked men discover to their horror that the island they’ve washed ashore on will not be their salvation. More often than not, In the Heart of the Sea reminds you of other, better films like Master and Commander (the examination of day-to-day life at sea) and Alive (starving survivors resort to desperate measures). In the end, it will be crushed by the whale that is Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

34 | January 2016 | Film Reviews

Star Wars, Episode VII: The Force Awakens By David Vicari The seventh Star Wars movie is entertaining but it's no classic. The prequels, which I do enjoy, didn't live up to the original trilogy and neither does this one. For me, it just doesn't quite have that complete sense of wonder and joy that Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi have. Anyway, in Episode VII: The Force Awakens it is 30 years later and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) has disappeared. During his absence The First Order and its prime disciple, Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), threaten to give rise to the dark side once again. The galaxy's only hope is a renegade Stormtrooper, Finn ( John Boyega), scavenger Rey (Daisy Ridley), ace pilot Poe (Oscar Isaac) and a beach ball of a droid named BB-8. However, Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) and the Millennium Falcon show up to advance the plot. The Force Awakens gets off to a good start and Ford doesn't miss a beat in the role that made him a household name, but the middle of the film sags a little and the character of Poe isn't well defined. It doesn't help that Poe vanishes for a long stretch of running time. Director J.J. Abrams plays the nostalgia card for the 1977 Star Wars. Sometimes it's pleasant (seeing Han, Chewie and the Falcon for the first time here is a real thrill) but other times it's laid on too thick (the opening assault and a bar/cantina sequence mirror the first movie too closely). Still, the emotional core is there and Ridley's intense performance as the emerging heroine is absolutely terrific – and she's a bad-ass with a lightsaber. John Williams' awesome musical score still soars. And that final scene does shake your soul and really gets you excited for the next installment.

Must See Movies of 2015

By David Vicari

ere are some of my favorite ﬁlms that were released in 2015. Between going to the theater or renting them on VOD or DVD, you can catch all of these movies one way or another. Mad Max: Fury Road – The fourth Mad Max movie not only is an exceptional action movie, but it also has deep thoughts and meaning. In the post-apocalyptic future, lone warrior Max (Tom Hardy in an effectively quiet performance) helps a group of women (led by the furiously fantastic Charlize Theron) escape a tyrannical ruler (Hugh Keays-Byrne). This is an absolute marvel of visual storytelling and cinema at its purest.

Mad Max: Fury Road

Spotlight – This true newspaper drama about The Boston Globe's investigation of a massive cover-up of child molestation in the Catholic Church is utterly riveting and shocking. Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams all shine in an all-star cast.

as it chronicles the blacklisted Trumbo (an excellent Bryan Cranston) scrambling to provide for his family by doing what he does best – writing scripts, even if that means penning exploitation B-pictures under a pseudonym for independent studios.

Trumbo – The first half of this Louisianashot biographical drama does a good if familiar job of showing the House Un-American Activities Committee and their investigation of Communist influences in the film industry in the late 1940s, which resulted in the blacklisting of filmmakers, one of which was top screenwriter Dalton Trumbo. However, the second half really gets cooking

Youth – Michael Caine stars as a retired orchestra conductor on holiday in this strange and wonderfully oddball film by The Great Beauty director Paolo Sorrentino. Caine and Harvey Keitel, as a filmmaker friend, have a great back-and-forth, and while it is essentially only a cameo, Jane Fonda, as Keitel's actress ex-wife, has never been better.

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2015’s Overlooked Performances

By Frtiz Esker

one of these performances will garner Oscar nominations, but all deserved more recognition than they received from the critics and the general public. Emma Stone, Irrational Man Because of Woody Allen’s, um, icky personal history, critics and audiences were ready to dismiss Irrational Man, which was marketed in part as yet another movie about an older man getting his groove on with a younger woman. But the film’s a lot more complex than that, deftly tackling questions about morality, justice, and finding a meaning in life. Stone plays a college student who falls in love with her professor ( Joaquin Phoenix). She captures the idealism and enthusiasm that leads her into the affair. But she also convincingly portrays the growing horror her character feels as she realizes the relationship is a terrible mistake. It’s an unjustly overlooked performance in an equally underrated film. Henry Cavill, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Playing a spy in 1960s Europe, Henry

Cavill (Superman from Man of Steel) is droll and charming in a way that evokes old-school Bond films in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. The character’s clever and witty without stopping to wink at the audience. Displaying a seemingly effortless charisma and terrific comic timing and delivery, Cavill shows that he could have a bright future ahead of him as both a leading man and comedic character actor. It’s a shame the new Superman universe is so dour and humorless that it keeps Cavill from showing off his considerable comic talents. Tom Hardy, Mad Max: Fury Road As usual, action-movie acting is almost entirely ignored by critics. Hardy doesn’t say much of anything in the acclaimed Mad Max: Fury Road, but it takes a charismatic actor to command the screen even in silence. And Hardy does that. Even with the spectacular stunts and crashes all around him, Hardy is the strong center of Fury Road. When he does speak, it matters. His climactic “Max…my name is Max” line provides a moving finale to the year’s most thrilling action spectacle.

WhereYat.com | January 2016 | 35

TalesFromTheQuarter By Debbie Lindsay

The Good, the Bad and the “I Wasn’t Expecting That”

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Come Check out Our Selection and visit us at mardigraszone.com Visit our newest location in McNeill, Mississippi Mardi Gras Zone Truck Stop 52 Scogin Lane , MS, 39426 (601)798-3234 36 | January 2016 | Tales from the Quarter

on't tell me Bernie Sanders is too old to be president. If two people, condescendingly referred to as “senior citizens,” can pack, lift and haul 10,000 (okay, maybe only 9000) books equaling one-and-a-half to two tons in weight, then I say standing at a podium or sitting in the Oval Oﬃce sounds like a piece of cake. Yeah, yeah, I know that having the weight of the entire planet on your shoulders might trump (no pun intended) moving a small bookstore across town. Presidents don’t go gray without reason, but Bernie’s already tackled that. Perhaps this whole comparison thing is a wee bit off base, however. The point is that when Boyfriend and I should have been making bank, catching up and getting ahead during what is generally a great time of year to be shopkeepers in the French Quarter, we were hauling ass, books, cases, furniture and 10 years of stuff to our new digs. And while we were not feeling very “oh, things happen for a reason” positive (okay, I was downright pissy about it all), Boyfriend and I actually bonded tighter and refueled our mutual admiration for each other…and for our friends. Although friends and customers of all ages offered their time and energy, it came down to a small group whose muscles we taxed. And guess what? Not a soul was under 50. We senior sucker-punched that cargo and drove that rental U-Haul like bats out of hell, and I learned to shimmy up and down a ladder and paint 2400 square feet of retail space. This relocation put years on our backs, various joints and muscles, but it damn well took years oﬀ our attitude on aging. This was the best birthday present for our respective turnings of 62 and 72. I might end up in traction, but I sure looked spunky in my “tough girl” work clothes (I smelled a bit ripe, but hey). The fight-or-flight mode works wonders at deceiving your body into thinking it can do anything. Now that those endorphins have stopped pumping, the aches begin. Not to worry; I’m sure that the prospect of making the rent will stir those endorphins again. I must be the only person who’d rather take out a loan and slowly drain my savings to run a business that can barely pay me a salary than simply go get another waitressing job. And it’s not like I don’t really enjoy restaurant work—I do—but I just cannot abide having to go through the motions of training and starting new. At my

age, having a 20-year-old train me to serve food is so demoralizing. Actually, starting a new job always gave me a pair of sweaty palms and a full-on assault of intestinal butterflies. However, I think the truest reason for moving our store was simply that we were not done—not with our business, our creation of funk or the pride of being uniquely (that is, weirder than dirt) New Orleans. So here we are ready to put to bed 2015 and begin a new chapter that hopefully will not be Chapter 13. We did add a clause to our lease saying that we could dissolve our obligations to our landlord in the case of natural catastrophe or dismemberment. Boyfriend removes all sharp objects when business is slow or the loan payment is due. Speaking of bidding 2015 adieu, there are so many (always have been, always will be) people and places to miss—dearly miss. And I would be remiss if I did not segue into those murky waters. I cannot do proper justice to all, but must share my respect and personal sense of loss for those who touched my life. K. Balewa was the voice we woke to every Wednesday at six am. A music aficionado who shared his exquisite taste and knowledge of jazz with a broadcaster’s cadence that Morgan Freeman would envy (imagine velvet slowly pulled across gravel), even his weather, time and station identifications had a State-of the-Union air. Then, one Wednesday, we heard a voice-over announce the station’s condolences to the family of K. Boyfriend and I both just sat and cried. As I said, too many have left our city: Syndey Byrd, Trumpet Black, Smokey Johnson, Frankie Ford, Joseph Torregano, Miss Willie Mae Seaton, Joe Segreto, Steve Steinberg, Chef Paul. And then when you thought our town couldn’t lose another icon, Allen shocked us with his departure. Mr. Allen Toussaint’s death had me in tears for weeks—a bit of much-needed eloquence has left us forever. I think my emotions go beyond affection for this lovely man and his enormous talent that made our city a better place; I feel the loss of all that has left our New Orleans. (And don’t start me ranting about the loss of our everyday citizens to gunfire.) Mr. Toussaint, you were the final straw. Now I have no one in a Rolls-Royce to wave howdy to. So, here we are at the beginnings of a new stretch of time, another year and even another opportunity. There are those who like to tell you that change is for the best, that things happen for a reason, that a loved one had a good run and now is in a better place. I say, screw all that. Yeah, yeah, I get it and begrudgingly will give a nod to some of those sound bites, but frankly, sometimes all you get is a wake-up call—and for that I am grateful. We need to safeguard the persons, places and things that make us and our town what it is. Never take for granted your life, livelihood and those who make each day a little bit easier to rejoice in.

Po-BoyViews By Phil LaMancusa

Rinse and Repeat Or Borax Brotherhood

ew sights can inspire thoughts more demoralizing than your pile of laundry waiting to be done. There it sits, in salacious solidarity and communal sangfroid; there you are, semi-mesmerized, in conflicted contemplation, confronting a lump of sweaty fabric friends as they repose in that hamper, closet, drawer or laundry bag purloined from your summer restaurant gig. Face your fear; ya gotta do the wash. The bed linen that has comforted your midnight thrashings; the pillow cases that have held your dreams; the socks and stockings that have seen your wanderings (and perhaps done some wandering of their own); the silks, satins and nylons that have witnessed your flirting; the handkerchiefs and washcloths that wiped your tears and running nose; the towels that know their way around your body like a lover; the skirts and slacks that have been your trusted vehicles as you roam from pillar to post; the “fun to wear” underwear that knows all your dirty little secrets; the work clothes, play clothes and clothes with a bloodstain you’d sooner forget about. Yours, all yours, almost living in sin themselves as they stew, awaiting the pleasure of your cleaning them, the holy washing, folding and sorting; a John the Baptist christening, resurrected and ready for new adventures. You stare, you sigh, you speak: “It’s time.” The more blessed of us live with access to washer/dryer combos in our abodes. The rest of us know the true meaning

of the word schlep, since not many laundromats, washaterias or coin washes have adequate, if any, parking spaces. We also learn the meaning of the word (in)dignity, for our laundry is evidence—in full view—of how we live and what we live in. The laundromat is a confessional where we must all come clean before we leave this place, this temple of wash and dry. To my way of thinking, a “soap and suds” joint is proof of universal regeneration. We bring in our soiled, exploited lives and come away…purified. Of course—as with all cleansings— it must start with change. Quarters mostly, that we’ve saved or will procure from the change machine. Unlike George Carlin, when we put a dollar in the change machine, something is going to change. The evil spirits of soil will depart (permanent stains excepted); smart money will wash once a week, whether it’s needed or not; I don’t know too many of those people. The rest of us have a “bottom of the closet” outfit; we know that when this particular garment has to be worn, it is damn sure time to bite the bullet. Some people take their time and sort the laundry before washing (colors, whites, darks); others—and all of us at some time—just throw the lot in the biggest washer and let God be the judge of who comes out appropriately clean. At times, we all have thrown in that new red bathrobe with everything, and as a result we have worn one shade or another of the color pink for the rest of the social season. It happens. If perchance you would say that “it all comes out in the wash”…well, you’re right. Who among us has not had the experience of “finding something” from a pocket that wasn’t checked before wash day: money, gum, a ballpoint pen, that phone number (beyond recognition) of the cutie you met at Vaughan’s last week? I’m one of the people who likes to take my time doing laundry, and I bring a book, snacks and my ever-evolving patience. However, sometimes I do the wash on the fly and multi-task

my buns off, with the clothes getting short shrift. In a perfect world, there I am relaxing in the sun with a copy of War and Peace while my whites have a party in one machine, my colors are re-enacting the musical Oklahoma! in another and the darks are doing whatever darks do when they’re left to their own devices. All are looking forward to that last rinse and spin before the tumble-dry sauna…happy, happy fabrics all. I admit that sometimes I’ll catch myself staring into the dryer while the colors, darks and whites dance in an orgy of patterns and traces, the juxtaposition of shapes and hues like a flashback to the sixties, when, alas, I DID inhale. Then: “Time’s up, pencils down! Everybody out of the pool and into the basket for sorting and folding, c’mon guys, let’s take it to the bridge!” And so, to the folding. Okay, I used to be the guy who threw everything together and got the hell on out—folding, shmolding. Now, in a state of near Buddhist compassion, all are settled and honored; I become one with my cleanliness. No, of course I don’t pair socks or fold my dainties. I wouldn’t dream of eliminating the search and rescue mission every time I grope those drawers. The socks rarely match; I hate wearing them and they’re always losing themselves. And knickers are always “grab and go.” Period. Ah, but the perfectly folded piles of towels, hankies, tees and trousers. Folding a fitted sheet is a lesson in humility… can’t do it. Getting it all back in my shopping basket (the ones that most geezers use) and laundry bag (also freshly washed) is an engineering feat, just as extracting them from those vehicles of conveyance with any semblance of skill or organization is a miracle. But the job is done; I trundle home, careful not to spill, proud of myself and my clean stuff. I’ve watched a section of humanity go through the same cleansing ritual, the dirty dancing ebb and flow of fabric states of consciousness. All is right with the world.

Po-boy Views | January 2016 | 37

YaGram

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

NewsAroundTheWeb

Updated Daily at WhereYat.com

FutureFail @aaansleey

@the_marquez

@beri.e.

@Chickenwingsideshow

@chrisstuckey

@gonola504

@marcusalfred

@jeanlaﬃteswamptour

@visitneworleans

TweetBites

2015 has not been the future we were promised in Back to the Future Part 2. The New York Daily News reports that one day after receiving reality's non-levitating excuse for a hoverboard for his birthday, a Laﬃte, LA child's home was nearly burnt to the ground when the pitiful present erupted in flames.

CyberBulliesOnBlast BBC News reports that in an effort to bring to light the harsh words of the racist posters on the internet, activists are buying up billboard space near the homes of offenders and posting their comments for all to see. The campaign, called "Virtual Racism, Real Consequences," is backed by Criola, an AfroBrazilian civil rights group run by women.

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

@the_kitsolo: Parades, a Santa pub crawl, & circus cats/ NOLA’s deﬁnitely diﬀerent during the holidays

Former frontman of The Smiths, Morrissey, has won an annual award for the poorest quality writing about sex. Literary Review magazine presented him with the backhanded prestige for the passage: "[they] rolled together into the one giggling snowball of full-figured copulation." Wow!

@milliefanzz: That lineup doeeee #TOOBUKU @pollyanndy: Light pandemonium in Lafayette Square for Luna Fete! @quickiemart: December in New Orleans. Still swampy, still steamy. #onlyinlouisiana @k_shock: Gumbo, extra rice please. #whereyat #gumbo #cajunfood #blessed @kchristopherson: Beautiful day in #NOLA to bury a bottle of bourbon before our wedding… @lord_tate: Ready to make bad decisions #NOLA

38 | January 2016 | Around the Web

MoreStrangeLALaws

Last year, Where Y'at published an article highlighting the "10 Strangest Laws in New Orleans." Now, MorrisBart.com has published the 34 strangest laws in the state. Did you know snoring is illegal in some parishes unless all windows are locked? And mourners at a wake are legally limited to three sandwiches.

WhereYat.com | January 2016 | 39

Savor authentic Creole dishes prepared by renowned Chef Alex Patout. Delight in traditional dishes such as Gumbo, shrimp creole, and crawfish etouffee, oysters grilled and raw, boiled seafood and more. Plus, enjoy handcrafted cocktails and signature drinks in the historic French Quarter.

Chat NIKKI REYES with

<< Margie Perez Arc of Greater New Orleans/ Singer

<< A.J. Tusa Owner, New Orleans Creole Cookery 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Ask me in 2017. Have more hours in the night. My partner. Summer! I am sensuous and I like "no clothes." Anything.

<< Anna Tusa Owner, New Orleans Creole Cookery 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Singing...cuz I can't. Nothing. Have you seen my husband? Again? Have you seen my husband? Spring. I'm "life" and new beginnings. Saints.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Where Yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;at Chat Questions:

Happy New Year! What annoying habit of yours would you like to get rid of in 2016? What in your love life would you like to improve in 2016? Wintertime! What toe curling, warm thing comforts you? What season best describes you and why? Fill in the blank: "I love me a good piece of____!"

<< Bethany Lemanski Owner, Gwendolyn Entertainment 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Indecisiveness. Nikki, you tell me so! Is it possible to love more? Hot toddies in my new black boots. Summer. I am sandy and salty like a margarita. Popcorn.

<< James Lambert Founder, Concierge Solutions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

<< Megan Bourg Operations and Events Coordinator, Alzheimer's Association 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Facebook addiction. Get me some. Hot chocolate with chili powder. Summer. I can take the heat. Flan.

My hips are annoyed with my bread pudding addiction. Get more weird and annoying. Spiked hot chocolate. Spring. I am a fresh sprout. Bread pudding. Don't tell my hips!

Ease off the cell. Visibility. Bourbon, Netflix and good company. Summer. I am social. No comment, thank you.

^^ Erick Greene Huka Entertainment 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Nail biting. Hope to be an amazing husband. Nikki, you can't print that. NO! All seasons â&#x20AC;&#x201D; I'm adaptable. Bundt cake.

<< Adam Miller Catering and Events Director, The Columns Hotel 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Less OCD with my business planning. To have one. A really good, strong, Irish whiskey. Winter. I like to end and start anew. Prime rib. Mid-rare, at most.

<< Caitlin Shollmier Marketing Manager, Al Copeland Investments

<< Mike Zalaznik Show Director, New Orleans Home and Garden Show

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

I forget everything...must change. Started already. Got a new one. Hot chocolate. Summer. I'm outgoing. Copeland's white chocolate bread pudding.

40 | January 2016 | Where Y'at Chat

Facebooking. Everything. Hot tub, on a deck, in the snow. Winter. I am layered. Meat. Well done.

WDSU HOLIDAY AD.pdf 1 11/17/2015 4:19:49 PM

CMY

WE DO EVENTS!

The Garden at Hotel Storyville is a lush oasis nestled into this urban, bustling neighborhood and is a highly soughtafter venue for private parties and events up to 300 guests. Mermaids Lounge & Tiki Bar offer tons of possibilities for weddings, rehearsal dinners, networking events, crawfish boils, art markets, cigar dinners, live music, etc

WhereYat.com | January 2016 | 41

Where Ya' Been?

7 1.

Bulldog Gin’s Shawn Murphy congratulates Brittany, Andrew, and Shannon for being Finalists in the Bulldog Gin Best Bartender of New Orleans contest.

Aisle Hinyup helped to serve the delicacies of husband Tom of Sun Ray Grill at the JCRS’ Latkes With a Twist.

42 | January 2016 | Where Ya' Been?

LaSharron Purvis and Idella Johnson from the cast of The Bluest Eye enjoy the kickoff party at Le Petit Theatre.

Andrew Harris’ oyster costume was a hit at the Po' Boy Festival.

Party-goers celebrated The Running of the Santas at The Metro.

Andrew Rodriguez from 801 Royal celebrates being crowned the Bulldog Gin Best Bartender of New Orleans.

An angel and The Grinch enjoyed The Running of the Santas at The Metro.

Mayor Mitch Landrieu embraces Jazz Fest’s Quint Davis as the Grand Marshall looks on at Allen Toussaint’s Memorial.

Santa Claus enjoyed the Thanksgiving festivities at the Fair Grounds Racecourse.

10. Shannon Thomas and sister Lola Thomas of the John Besh Foundation enjoy the annual tree lighting at the Windsor Court Hotel.