THE TRANSFER PORTAL IS REMAKING COLLEGE FOOTBALL, AND IT HAS BROUGHT STAR PLAYERS LIKE QUARTERBACK JAYDEN DANIELS TO LSU
INSIDE The Commemorative 2023 Edition of TIGER PRIDE
For life’s moments, big and small. We’re here with the strength of the cross, the protection of the shield. The Right Card. The Right Care.
WHAT DO THESE TWO HAVE IN COMMON?
No matter where or when, just one hit, one bump, or one pill could be laced with a deadly dose of fentanyl. More than 50x stronger than morphine, fentanyl has quadrupled overdose deaths in East Baton Rouge Parish. Just 2 mg (0.0004 tsp) of fentanyl will end your life. Do you know what’s in your drugs? The difference is life or death.
IT’S TIME TO SOUND THE ALARM
COLLEGIATE ATHLETES ARE transferring schools at a higher rate than ever, thanks to changes to the NCAA's transfer portal in recent years. Head Coach Brian Kelly has relied heavily on it to mold LSU Football into his vision—and it's brought star players like Jayden Daniels to LSU. Seen here photographed by 225 contributing photographer Jordan Hefler, the LSU quarterback currently boasts the secondbest Heisman odds heading into the season. Turn to page 26 to read our cover story.
on page A1
IVAR’S WAS SO packed we could barely move.
It was the first game of the College World Series Finals, and I wound up at the sports bar for a friend’s birthday.
The Tigers and the Gators had just entered extra innings. The stakes were high. The room was buzzing with tension as everyone collectively held their breath. All eyes were locked on the TV as LSU broke College World Series records.
Even though LSU was playing against my own alma mater, I couldn’t help but smile when LSU clinched the win.
Drinks were spilled as friends and strangers embraced, roaring with triumph.
The noise was deafening. The heat was stifling. Everything was sticky.
But I could tell that there was nowhere else the crowd would rather be that Saturday night. (Well, except maybe the game itself.)
After a year that’s so far seen national championship wins for both LSU Women’s Basketball and LSU Baseball, I’ve been thinking a lot about luck lately. Not so much about a lucky winning streak, but about the
luck we all have to live in the presence of such greatness.
Baton Rouge is a place where some of the best student athletes in the country dream of playing—and where they have a real shot at being part of one of the championship parades that routinely shut down campus streets.
This month’s cover story is all about the transfer portal, the gateway that in recent seasons has led many of those star athletes to LSU: names like Angel Reese, Paul Skenes and Joe Burrow.
Transfers have exploded across the country since fall 2018—when the NCAA introduced its new portal—and particularly since April 2021, when the NCAA eliminated a rule requiring transfers to sit out a year of eligibility.
It has changed the game for college sports and athletes across the country. And here in Baton Rouge, it has become a key part of LSU Football Head Coach Brian Kelly’s strategy.
225 contributing writer Mark Clements unpacks it all, starting on page 26.
And for our annual edition of Tiger Pride, turn to page A1. The issue celebrates the passion and pageantry of LSU Football, from school spirit champions like the LSU Colorguard and Team Mike to local artists whose work is inspired by the team.
And in exclusive interviews, we talk to some of the team’s top athletes like Josh Williams, Will Campbell and Emery Jones Jr. about what it means to them to play for LSU.
Because this fall, we’ll all have a frontrow seat to some of the most special, talented players in the country.
Whether you’re a sports person or not, it’s hard not to feed o their energy.
225 Magazine was recently honored with national and regional awards for writing, photography and design for stories published in 2022.
Our team received four Diamond Journalism Awards (a regional contest sponsored by the Society of Professional Journalists’ Arkansas Pro Chapter); two Green Eyeshade Awards (a Southeast journalism competition judged by the Society of Professional Journalists); a national award from the Society for Features Journalism’s Excellence-inFeatures competition; and an ADDY Award from the American Advertising Federation’s Baton Rouge chapter.
Congrats to all of 225’s journalists, photographers and graphic designers.
Feature Photography, Green Eyeshade Awards
First Place: Collin Richie, “Sweet tooth“ collection
Arts & Entertainment Coverage, Diamond Journalism Awards
First Place: A collection of stories by Maggie Heyn Richardson, Olivia Deffes and Zane Piontek
Food Writing Portfolio, Society for Features Journalism
Second Place: Maggie Heyn Richardson
Editorial Spread/Feature Design, American Advertising AwardsBaton Rouge
Silver: Melinda Gonzalez, “Move it” cover package
Graphics, Green Eyeshade Awards
Third Place: Melinda Gonzalez, “Drink up!” cover package
Profile Writing, Diamond Journalism Awards
Finalist: Olivia Deffes, “Sending love down to Baton Rouge” cover story
Sports Writing, Diamond Journalism Awards
Finalist: Mark Clements, “The Traveling Tiger” profile
Cover Design, Diamond Journalism Awards
Jennifer Tormo Alvarez 225 EditorFinalist: A collection of covers by 225 Magazine
Publisher: Julio Melara
EDITORIAL
Chief Content Officer: Penny Font
Editor: Jennifer Tormo Alvarez
Managing Editor: Laura Furr Mericas
Features Writer: Maggie Heyn Richardson
Digital Staff Writer: Olivia Deffes
Digital Content Editor: Dillon Lowe
Staff Photographer: Collin Richie
Contributing Writers:
Andrew Alexander, Mark Clements, Cynthea Corfah, Katie Dixon, Jillian Elliott, Tracey Koch, Gabrielle Korein, Benjamin Leger, Elle Marie, Matt Moscona, Zane Piontek, Oscar Tickle
Contributing Photographers: Ariana Allison, Jordan Hefer, Gabrielle Korein, Amy Shutt, Oscar Tickle
Chief Digital Officer and Sales Director: Erin Pou
Account Executives: Manny Fajardo, André Hellickson Savoie, Jamie Hernandez, Kaitlyn Maranto, Hillary Melara, Cassidie Tingle
Digital Operations Manager: Devyn MacDonald
Advertising Coordinator: Brittany Nieto
Customer Success Manager: Paul Huval
STUDIO E
Director: Taylor Gast
Multimedia Strategy Manager: Tim Coles
Corporate Media Editor: Lisa Tramontana
Content Strategist: Emily Hebert
Account Executive: Judith LaDousa
Marketing & Events Coordinator: Taylor Falgout
Marketing & Events Assistant: Cadon Ardoin
Events: Abby Hamilton
Business Manager: Tiffany Durocher
Business Associate: Kirsten Milano
Office Coordinator: Sara Hodge
Receptionist: Cathy Varnado Brown
Director of Creative Services: Amy Vandiver
Art Director: Hoa Vu
Senior Graphic Designers: Melinda Gonzalez Galjour, Emily Witt
Graphic Designer: Ashlee Digel
Design Consultant: Carlin Mumphrey
Audience Development Director and Digital Manager: James Hume
Audience Development Coordinator: Ivana Oubre
Audience Development Associate: Catherine Albano
A publication of Melara Enterprises, LLC
Chairman: Julio Melara
Executive Assistant: Brooke Motto
Vice President-Sales: Elizabeth McCollister Hebert
Chief Content Officer: Penny Font
Chief Digital Officer: Erin Pou
Chief Operating Officer: Guy Barone
Chairman Emeritus: Rolfe H. McCollister Jr. Circulation/Reprints
June's most-read articles at 225batonrouge.com
What will it take to keep millennials and Gen Z in Baton Rouge? Our June cover story explored this question. Our Facebook followers had a few ideas, too:
“A music scene that lures in better concerts. We are constantly passed over, when Texas gets so many great shows.”
—Kristina Michelle Bush
“Decent a ordable starter homes.”
—Liz Akur
“Less crime and better drivers.”
—Jesse Saska
1,743
Number of "likes" on our Instagram post about Mother’s Lounge
Re: Our First Look inside Mother’s Lounge, a vibrant queer lounge and bar that opened downtown in June: “I’m obsessed ”
—@natmpham, via Instagram
“I went for happy hour and I absolutely love it.”
—Cicely Moore, via Facebook
WHEN GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lindsay Bornkessel’s 5-year-old cousin was hospitalized last year, she was at a loss for what to send. Flowers didn’t seem like much of a mood booster for a kid.
“I wanted to send something fun and light-hearted that was also age appropriate,” she says.
Bornkessel ended up bringing him “overpriced balloons and a boring teddy bear,” but the experience inspired an idea.
She saw an opportunity for a delivery service that would create personalized gift baskets for children. A graphic designer by trade, Bornkessel, 40, launched Untamed Post earlier this spring. It specializes in customized gift baskets for kids ages 3-15. She delivers them in person or can ship nationwide.
The name stems from the thrill of getting something wild and unexpected in the mail.
“When you’re a kid, it’s a big deal when a delivery comes just for you,” she says.
Describing herself as a bridge between a toy store and a florist, Bornkessel customizes each basket based on feedback garnered from her website’s order questionnaire. She uses eclectic selections from boutique toy manufacturers and arranges them in inviting, colorful displays. While each one is specifically designed for the receiver, all baskets include something to “draw, create, play, wear and fidget.”
That might include markers, hair bands, puppets, posters, socks, masks and more. Smaller $50 baskets include about eight to 10 goodies, while larger $70 baskets include 10 to 12, Bornkessel says. Chances are, something with a unicorn or dinosaur theme ends up in the basket, since Bornkessel says those are today’s most popular trends. The local business has seen good reception since its launch, with customers ordering baskets for hospitalized kids and children celebrating birthdays. Other patrons are taking advantage of new travel bags, which keep kids occupied on car or plane trips.
“Sourcing the individual items has been a blast,” Bornkessel says. “I love finding beautiful toys that are also fun.” untamedpost.com
MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON
SEEKING PLACES TO hone their moves, skateboarders and BMX bikers the world over have brought the ire of civic rule makers. But not in Baton Rouge, where BREC’s Perkins Road Community Park features sought-after facilities for ’boarders, bikers and other extreme sports enthusiasts. This month, the park celebrates those pastimes with Summer Slam, an annual event featuring nonstop music, food vendors and a contest for skaters, bikers and scooters taking place at the park’s skatepark and BMX track. Watch talented riders perform trick-moves in this end-of-summer celebration from 3-7 p.m. brec.org
SEE CONTEMPORARY ART from some of the country’s leading Black artists beginning Aug. 3 at the LSU Museum of Art. "African American Masterworks from the Paul R. Jones Museum at The University of Alabama" features 60 paintings, sculptures, photographs and prints by prominent 20th century Black artists, including Sam Gilliam, Faith Ringgold, Jacob Lawrence, Howardena Pindell, Emma Amos and Romare Bearden. The show is part of a collection of works amassed by the late Paul R. Jones, an Alabama native born in 1928, who was educated at Howard University and denied entry to the University of Alabama School of Law because of his race. Jones earned a master’s degree in urban studies from Governors State College in Illinois and began collecting works by Black artists in the early 1960s. He believed art to be an important tool in building resilient communities and in preserving the African American story. The exhibit is open through Dec. 3, and a free opening reception takes place Aug. 3 from 6-8 p.m. Local singer-songwriter Chloé Marie will perform songs by Nina Simone. lsumoa.org
THE NUMBER OF named storms projected for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, as predicted by forecasters at Colorado State University. NOAA and weather experts initially predicted a “near normal” season, but the outlook was revised last month, thanks to a confluence of factors. After three turbulent summers of La Niña, we are now in El Niño, which could suppress storm development. However, record high sea surface temperatures might offset any benefits. The team revised its prediction of major hurricanes (those Category 3 or higher) to four—or twice what they initially expected.
–LSU gymnast and NIL phenom Olivia Dunne. She announced last month via Bayou Traditions a new entity called The Livvy Fund, which will “provide LSU female athletes with exclusive industry tips and connections Livvy has built.” Bayou Traditions is the official collective of LSU Athletics.
“I am excited to build on this momentum by leveraging my connections and sharing my knowledge in the NIL space to create more opportunities for LSU female student-athletes, while emphasizing the importance of bringing NIL funds to women in college sports.”
Spanish Town newcomer Belli has set out to become a community hub. Taking over the former Capitol Grocery building, the market offers everyday essentials, specialty goods and premade family-sized dinners targeted toward busy shoppers. A longtime vision of owner Kristen Guarisco, Belli is both a quickservice restaurant and a grocery store trimmed with vibrant colors and designs. Its menu is equally as lively, with daily lunch specials as well as options for breakfast, snacks, coffee and desserts. belliofthebird.com
Old-world, freshly baked bread is now available at select Baton Rouge restaurants and businesses courtesy St. Bruno Bread Co. The commercial bakery specializes in sourdough bread, including ciabatta, baguettes and old-country. Owner Steven Gottfried first launched in New Orleans in 2019 before moving the company to Baton Rouge last summer. Its growing list of clients already includes Iverstine Farms Butcher, Bin 77 and Rêve Coffee Lab, among others. Find it on Instagram at @stbrunobreadco
One of the biggest names in cancer care, MD Anderson, announced a partnership with Ochsner Health System that will start in Baton Rouge. The first phase of the partnership focuses on two local locations: Ochsner Cancer Center - Baton Rouge and Ochsner Medical Complex - The Grove. Oschner is now one of only seven MD Anderson partners in the country, and the only partner in Louisiana. CEO of Ochsner Baton Rouge Chuck Daigle says the partnership will lead to a higher level of care and more clinical trials closer to home. ochsner.org
Natalie Noel, on the opening of her new distillery that she founded with her father, Chip Noel. Noël Family Distillery sells boutique vodka, tequila and rum from its warehouse-style tasting room and manufacturing facility in downtown Donaldsonville. The father-daughter duo worked on the concept for six years, weathering a series of construction delays and setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. noeldistillery.com
“An important part of our story is about being resilient. … I think a lot of Louisiana people can appreciate being resilient. I’m hoping they embrace us, because it wasn’t easy to get here.”
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INSIDE: T he rise of sports betting
Southern University’s Director of Bands shares what it takes to become a Fabulous Dancing Doll
BY CYNTHEA CORFAH
Southern University's Fabulous Dancing Dolls perform at the annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans.
EVEN IF YOU haven’t seen the Southern University Fabulous Dancing Dolls perform in person, you’ve likely felt the impact of their influence.
The detail-oriented, well-dressed dance team’s smooth and precise movements can be spotted all over TikTok, and the team has even taken the stage with world-famous performers like Beyonce, Madonna, Nicki Minaj and more over the years.
The Human Jukebox and the Fabulous Dancing Dolls made national headlines for appearing in Lizzo’s 2019 music video “Good as Hell.” The dance group got to strut their stu alongside the pop superstar and received a special thanks at the end of the video. The spotlight was a reminder of how much the Dancing Dolls have left their mark on college band culture.
From their fashionable uniforms and polished makeup and hair to their fluid hand motions and wave-like body rolls, they add flair and pride to the already exuberant band.
225 sat down with Southern University band director Kedric Taylor to dive deeper into how the Fabulous Dancing Dolls get so fabulous. suhumanjukebox.com
ANSWERS HAVE BEEN EDITED FOR CLARITY AND BREVITY.
How would you describe the Dancing Dolls’ role in the Southern University band?
When you think about the Dancing Dolls, you think about young ladies who stand out amongst their peers. You have to know how to be a versatile dancer who does ballet, tap and jazz. You have to be universal and classically trained. We only take the cream of the crop.
Take us back to the beginning. How did the Dolls get started?
In 1969, the legendary (band director) Isaac ‘Doc’ Greggs started the Dancing Dolls. He had a vision to start a team that would be glamorous, lustrous, have style, grace and character that stood out unlike any other. The goal was to enhance the shows that he already created.
How do auditions work? What experience do you need to have?
Every year about 100 ladies audition. The number (selected for the team) fluctuates, but we try not to go over 11 because of uniform purposes and because we’re very limited on practice space.
There is a three-step process. (We) send them a video (of a dance) by email to learn before they come to campus. Then they go through (the audition) progressions. Then we say ‘OK, how do they look as a team?’
The Dancing Dolls and Southern’s Human Jukebox performed at LSU’s Tiger Stadium last year at the first-ever matchup between the two Baton Rouge schools. JORDAN HEFLER JORDAN HEFLEREverything about the Dancing Dolls is precise. From the toes being pointed to the hands being straight, to their legs going a certain way. It’s an art. If you haven’t been taught that art, it’s going to be di cult to make the team.
What are the team requirements?
You have to be able to manage your time. You have to have at least a 2.7 GPA to audition, but our Dolls have raised the bar, and they all have at least a 3.0 GPA.
Give me the scoop on their dazzling uniforms.
Every week they try to put on a new uniform. I like to have them get at least three to four new uniforms a year. Traci Greene, the Dancing Dolls sponsor, gets with the coach and they collaborate on uniforms they envision, something that goes with our colors and looks great.
How often do the Dancing Dolls practice?
They practice daily like the band, Monday through Friday. For the Dancing Dolls, we’ll go from 6:30-9:30 p.m. The Dancing Dolls come outside (with the band) Wednesdays and Thursdays and have a dress rehearsal on Friday.
What’s something that might surprise people about the Dancing Dolls?
They put a lot of hours into the craft all to put together a performance that’s one minute and thirty seconds at the most.
We’ve been fortunate throughout the years to get talented young ladies who bring more and more creativity to the Dancing Dolls. There’s no one person who has created the style and dance moves that the Dolls are doing. It’s a collaborative thing from multiple dancers. These young ladies continue to add to that legacy.
The rapid rise of sports betting in Baton Rouge and where it’s heading
LOUISIANANS DON’T need any extra incentive to care about their sports.
That doesn’t mean they won’t take advantage of one.
After a 26-year ban, sports betting was legalized in 55 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes in November 2020. Retail sports betting went live at casinos around the state about a year later, and mobile sports betting launched in January 2022. Ever since, locals have been placing their bets and looking to capture a little piece of that Vegas-style magic.
One avenue has been through Baton Rouge’s growing number of sportsbooks. Hollywood Casino launched a temporary DraftKings Sportsbook in March 2022, and will reveal its new permanent sportsbook as part of its 38,000-squarefoot expansion this month. Nearby, the Belle of Baton Rouge will add
a sportsbook in its $100 million renovation that’s slated to debut in 2024.
But L’Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge has made arguably the biggest splash thus far. Its $6.7 million Barstool Sportsbook opened just in time for LSU’s homecoming in October 2022.
With a 22-foot-by-12-foot jumbotron, a Southern-style food menu and a number of ways to
place bets, the space capitalizes on Baton Rouge’s fandom.
“It absolutely exceeded our expectations here in Baton Rouge when we first opened,” says L’Auberge Baton Rouge vice president of casino operations Kerry Fontenot, who also oversees the sportsbook. “In fact, of all of (L’Auberge’s) properties in Louisiana, we were the leaders— and by far. … People just came
10%
out in droves. We had lines, we had (betting) stations, we set up queuing … and people just kept coming and coming.”
L’Auberge is not alone.
More than $2.8 billion in combined mobile and retail wagers have been made in Louisiana since sports betting was legalized in November 2021. This has led to nearly $250 million in revenue for Louisiana casinos that o er sports betting and more than $40 million in taxes paid. So far, it’s been a smashing success for the sportsbooks, the state and its residents.
Mobile betting is where the trend has really taken o . For instance, $2.3 billion of that $2.8 billion in wagers was derived from mobile bets, which also feed money into Louisiana casinos.
“Now, you have to be motivated to get o your couch to come in
Total dollars Louisiana casinos have made on football bets since sports betting went live in November 2021 COURTESYand make a bet at a window versus just opening up your app and placing a bet online,” Fontenot says. “We still see people that come in (to the sportsbook), they eat, they watch sports and they still bet on their app. … We’re all one company, and we support each other, and we encourage both (mobile betting and the sportsbook), so at the end of the day, it’s a win if we get them on the app or here in the sportsbook.”
Looking to the future, L’Auberge will search for new ways to attract audiences in-person. LSU football and baseball games can always draw crowds, but promoting events
like UFC fights or fantasy football drafts has also seen a positive response.
After all, even the most inexperienced or first-time betters can walk in the door and get in on the action without fear of being duped or deceived, Fontenot points out.
“You do not need to be a professional or sports savvy or betting savvy to come in and make a wager,” Fontenot says. “You just have to know what you want to bet on in general, and (the ticket writers) will help you with anything you need. That’s the beauty of coming to the sportsbook. … That’s a great thing you can’t get at a kiosk.”
ODDS: How much money you would have to bet in order to win $100. Negative numbers indicate you’ll have to bet more than $100 for a chance at a $100 payout.
Example: If LSU is projected to beat Alabama, and the odds are LSU -130 or Alabama +110, you would need to bet $130 on LSU to win in order to cash out $100. On the flip side, a Crimson Tide fan could bet $100 on Alabama to win, and they would bring home $110.
THE SPREAD: The number of points that would need to be taken away from the favorite and given to the underdog to result in an even score at the end of the game.
Example: If Southern is a 7-point favorite against Grambling, you’ll see Southern -7 or Grambling +7 as the spread. You’re betting on a team to meet that projection.
THE MONEYLINE: Picking an outright winner. The margin of victory does not matter.
Example: Let’s say Florida is projected to beat LSU by 30, but you think otherwise. You bet the moneyline in favor of the Tigers—and win if LSU does too.
PROP BETS: Bets that typically have to do with specific events or individual player stats.
Example: Betting that Southern scores the first touchdown against Alcorn State. Before the Super Bowl, you can often bet on the length of the National Anthem or the color of the Gatorade the winning team pours on their coach.
PARLAYS: A group of bets that combines odds to result in a higher payout. The caveat is that all of the bets in the parlay must hit in order to win.
Example: Think LSU will beat Missouri and that Southern will beat Florida A&M on the same night? If LSU is sitting at -175 odds and Southern at -145, you can bet on both of them to win for new odds of +166. Or picking LSU to win and Jayden Daniels to score two or more touchdowns in the game.
Nearly 200,000 votes were cast to decide the 2023 Best of 255 Awards To celebrate the winners, 225 magazine threw the Best of 225 Awards Rodeo on June 27 at Chelsea’s Live (2023 Best Live Music Venue)! Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and runners up, and thank you to the 225 fans who beat the heat and joined us to party with the best Attendees wore their best rodeo-inspired outfits and enjoyed tastings from Chow Yum Phat (2023 Best Vietnamese) and Phil’s Oyster Bar (2023 Best Oysters) as well as cold drinks from Chelsea’s Live. VIP guests enjoyed a gorgeous spread prepared by City Pork Catering (2023 Best Caterer). Parish County Line (2023 Best Local Original Band) took the stage playing a variety of hits as guests flipped through the pages of 225 magazine’s hottest issue of the year to discover the 2023 Best of 225 winners. Thank you again to everyone who celebrated the Best of 225 issue! To stay up to date with 225 events, announcements and more, subscribe to 225 Daily at 225batonrouge.com.
Special thanks to our sponsors:
Special thanks to our event partners: Chelsea’s Live European Wax Center
Photography by Sean Gasser
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Where the 2023 LSU Football team ranks in 247 Sports’ transfer portal rankings, as of this summer. Rankings were determined by LSU’s number of transfer commits (14) and number of 5-, 4- and 3-star players.
As participation in the transfer portal explodes across the country, Brian Kelly has relied heavily on it to mold LSU into his vision. And it seems to be paying off with star recruits like Jayden Daniels
• BY MARK CLEMENTS
•
Sources: NCAA data, NPR, 247 Sports, LSUSports.net
CHAMPIONSHIPS HAS sort of become common practice for LSU recently.
The women’s basketball team made history in April by securing the school’s first NCAA Tournament title. Months later, the Tiger baseball team clinched its seventh College World Series crown.
And while it may feel like forever ago, it’s only been four years since LSU Football took the nation by storm with an undefeated national championship run.
At the heart of each of those title-winning teams was a star player who emerged as the face of the program throughout the season.
Angel Reese stole the show after her stellar tournament performance. Paul Skenes dominated the baseball headlines all season long. And Joe Burrow quickly became a household name while leading LSU back to the pinnacle of college football.
So what do these three athletes have in common, aside from being arguably the best players in their respective sports at the time?
They all arrived at LSU by transferring—a move that has become far more common in the current climate thanks to the NCAA transfer portal. Since its introduction in 2018, participation in the portal has been steadily building each year. The 2021-2022 transfer numbers were up by nearly 3,000 from the previous year, according to NPR.
And if the 2023 Tigers hope to follow in the title-winning footsteps of Reese, Skenes and Burrow this fall, they’ll need contributions from an abundance of transfer athletes Brian Kelly has brought to Baton Rouge.
Quarterback Jayden Daniels— who boasts the second-best Heisman odds heading into the season—transferred to LSU in 2022 and instantly made his mark.
“I know I can play at a high level,” Daniels tells 225. “LSU is a platform (where) I get to play in the best conference in college football against the best competition to prepare myself for the next level. With Coach Kelly coming in, I knew the resume that he had, and I just needed a chance to compete and help bring LSU back to the top team in the country: a powerhouse level.”
The evolution of the transfer process
Athletes had to request transfer permission from their head coach, who could approve or deny it. Students could fight denials through a multi-step appeals process from the student.
Fall 2018
NCAA introduces the new transfer portal, eliminating coach involvement.
April 2021
NCAA nixes a rule requiring transfers to sit out a year of eligibility at their new school.
With the process now easier than ever, transfers across all sports and states explode. Transfers in 2021-22 were up year-over-year by nearly 3,000 student athletes.
Transferring schools isn’t anything new.
Athletes have always been able to leave one college for another, but until the transfer portal was adopted by the NCAA in the fall of 2018, the process to transfer schools was drastically di erent.
Under the “old way,” athletes had to request permission from their head coach to contact another school. These coaches either accepted the request or denied it, the latter leading to another multi-step appeals process from the student.
Today, the portal acts as a “notificationof-transfer” model. Athletes simply need to submit their name into the portal in order to be transfer eligible—no more permission requests or appeal processes required.
Further streamlining the process, in April 2021 the NCAA eliminated a rule requiring transfers in most major sports to sit out a year before competing at their new school.
This combination of policy changes has led to an influx of transfers across the country over the past few seasons, which players and coaches alike have used to their advantage.
Defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo, who transferred to LSU after one season at Missouri, thinks the new policies have made the whole system more fair and beneficial for the players.
“I think it’s a great thing for players to be able to go to a new school and be eligible ASAP,” Wingo tells 225. “Coaches (change schools) all the time. Things happen at other schools—you’re young when you make that decision to go to a school. Then you learn things about the school that you may not have known before you committed there. Just having that opportunity to get a second
A few of the many transfers to watch this season
“I just wanted to come here and rebrand myself on the biggest stage to showcase my talents.”
—LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels, who won the starter job in fall camp just a few months after his arrival last season
chance and really try to find the perfect fit for you, I think, is a great thing.”
It appears Wingo isn’t alone in his opinion. A total of 10,129 student athletes entered the portal in the 2021 cycle, increasing to 11,902 for 2022.
There are still some intricacies and nuances to the transfer process, but five years in, there are countless stories of how the more relaxed rules have simultaneously aided coaches in bolstering their roster—and helped student-athletes find a new home.
1,488 2021 1,833 2022
Proportion of LSU Football players listed on the 2023 roster who are transfers
29
Transfers 115 Players
“You’re young when you make that decision to go to a school. Then you learn things about the school that you may not have known before you committed there. Just having that opportunity to get a second chance and really try to find the perfect fit for you, I think, is a great thing.”
—Defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo, who transferred to LSU after one season at Missouri
Every transfer story is di erent. There could be a multitude of reasons for an athlete to switch schools—to seek more playing time, to be closer to family or just to get a fresh start elsewhere.
For Daniels, the answer was simple: It was time for a rebrand.
“I just wanted to come here and rebrand myself on the biggest stage to showcase my talents,” says Daniels, who won the starting quarterback job in fall camp just a few months after his arrival last season.
“When I first got here, it was just (about) me knowing my role. I didn’t want to overstep my boundaries or get on people. I just wanted to learn the o ense and soak in my time throughout practice so I could compete at the highest level and play here. Over time, I started earning the respect of the guys.”
Daniels’ approach paid o .
The former Arizona State athlete’s 3,798 yards of total o ense in 2022 ranks No. 2 in single season LSU history. He wound up accumulating 2,913 yards through the air—the second-most in the past decade, behind only Burrow's Heisman campaign—to go along with 885 rushing yards (the most of any quarterback in the country) and 28 total touchdowns.
If Daniels can put up those kinds of numbers his first year on a new team with a group of players, what can the future hold for the LSU signal-caller in Year Two?
“Now it’s kind of a di erent approach knowing that I’m the guy here,” Daniels says. “I know the guys can look at me and trust me, and they know I have their back. I want to help this team win. We just have to trust in the process we have set and keep holding each other accountable to meet the standards that we have in place. We’ve got to be elite and really dominate when we go out there.”
After transferring to LSU about a year ago, Mekhi Wingo started 13 times last season.
Despite Daniels’ later arrival in Baton Rouge, he quickly solidified himself as one of the leaders on the team.
“This is much more about veteran presence than acclimating to a new program,” Kelly said of Daniels during a spring press conference.
In fact, it’s a trend across the team: On the defensive, Major Burns is an experienced safety who initially committed to
Georgia but transferred to LSU in 2021. The Baton Rouge native has since become a leader in the secondary and is poised for an even bigger impact in 2023.
And the same goes for Wingo. Even though he made the move from Missouri to LSU just a little more than a year ago, Wingo started 13 times last season. He is one of the first names mentioned when asked about team leaders.
“When I came in, the first thing
I wanted to do was just gain the trust in the team,” says the St. Louis, Missouri, native. “It wasn’t just me wanting to assert myself as a leader or be a guy that talks loud in the room in front of coaches or anything like that. I just wanted to come in and show guys that I’m a hard worker and I’m going to do whatever is necessary for the team.”
Wingo was a standout freshman for Missouri in 2021, appearing in 11 games while starting three and eventually earning Freshman AllSEC honors.
Like Daniels, Wingo was earning playing time and starting to build a name for himself in his home state.
But when Wingo saw an opportunity to play for the best, with the best and against the best, he jumped at it.
“My initial decision was just looking for something di erent—just looking for a little more stability,” Wingo says. “This is a program with a rich history
and (an opportunity) to play for a coach that has a history of winning and developing players. When it came down to it, I just felt like LSU was perfect for me. Coach Kelly, everywhere he’s been he’s won games and played good defense. I wanted to come here and be around other NFL-caliber guys and be able to compete with them day in, day out.”
The expectations for LSU this fall are now sky high, especially compared to last season where most media predictions had LSU sitting at somewhere between seven and nine wins.
Now, depending on where you look, LSU is projected as one of the top five teams in the country and a legitimate contender to reach the College Football Playo And if the Tigers are hoping to keep that championship mentality alive and add some more hardware to the trophy case, they’ll likely have the transfer portal to thank.
Major Burns is a Baton Rouge native who initially committed to Georgia but transferred to LSU in 2021.
IF YOU WANT to work in Louisiana tourism, few spots are likely as appealing as West Feliciana Parish. Rolling hills, small-town charm and John James Audubon lore have drawn innumerable visitors over the years—and the numbers keep climbing thanks to steady expansion of ecotourism, local shops, lively inns and restaurants.
“We really have a lot of experiences that draw multigenerational visitors,” says West Feliciana Parish Tourist Commission executive director Devan Corbello. The Lake Charles transplant was named to the post a year ago this month. The former executive director of the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana says moving to St. Francisville with his Greyhound rescue ’Tec was an adventure he couldn’t pass up.
“It’s just beautiful, and the topography is completely different from what I was used to," says Corbello, 28. "You know, you can park on an actual hill here. We like to say, ‘It’s a world away, but so close to everything.’ When you cross Thompson Creek, you can feel the stress slip away.”
St. Francisville has long been a favorite day trip for Baton Rougeans. Corbello wants more people to know about it.
One of his top priorities has been refreshing the commission’s brand and launching a new, user-friendly website, which goes live this month. The campaign uses blues and greens to mirror the area’s bucolic setting and introduces a new tagline: For the inspired traveler.
“This place has inspired so many people over the years,” Corbello says. “And we want to continue to inspire people to come visit.”
Next up for Corbello is a hotel feasibility study. He says new lodging will give day trippers another option to spend the night, and it will appeal to families traveling to youth sports competitions at the West Feliciana Sports Park.
“I would love for more people to experience St. Francisville longer,” Corbello says. “Bringing them here for a couple more days is our ultimate goal.” explorewestfeliciana.com
MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON
“Whenever you need to feel inspired, or get the creative juices flowing, you should look at something green. We have green everywhere.”
Jaguar Coach Eric Dooley was selected as a Head Coach in the 2023 HBCU Legacy Bowl and coached his team to victory. Presented by the Black College Football Hall of Fame, the postseason all-star game showcases the best NFL drafteligible football players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
ill the Jaguars make a return appearance at the Southwest Athletic Conference championship?
One thing is for sure: They are ready to take on the gridiron this fall, with the roar of the Jaguar Nation reverberating in the stands and in their hearts.
Head Coach Eric Dooley is redefning the Jags playbook, fnishing last season with an overall 7-5 record and a trip
to the SWAC championship game—its frst since 2013, when it beat Jackson State for the title.
This fall, the Southern University Jaguars are set for a high-stakes season, where every tackle, every pass, every run could tip the scales in their favor. For Southern University, the 2023 football season is more than just a series of games. It will be a narrative of resilience, grit, and unyielding will to win.
September 2 – at Alabama State
September 9 – Jackson State
September 16 – Alabama A&M*
September 30 – at Arkansas-Pine Bluff*
October 7 – Florida A&M *
October 14 – Lincoln (CA)
October 21 – at Bethune-Cookman*
October 28 – Texas Southern*
November 4 – at Alcorn State*
November 11 – Prairie View A&M*
November 25 – Grambling State*
Coming to Southern from Prairie View A&M, Eric Dooley made an immediate impact for the Jaguars last year leading the team to a SWAC West division title. He has been leading teams to success as a coach in the Southwestern Athletic Conference since 1997. He won two SWAC championships as an assistant coach with Southern. Since becoming a head coach in 2018, Dooley has posted a 27-22 overall record and a 21-11 record in conference.
Thanks to a 34-17 win in 2022 under coach Eric Dooley, Southern now leads Grambling in the annual Bayou Classic gridiron rivalry between the two historically black universities (HBCUs), 25-24. This year’s matchup will be played November 25.
INSIDE: His-and-hers boutiques in St. Francisville / Fleurty Girl finally arrives
A new design aesthetic encourages dwellers to hunt for decor that makes them crack a smile
BY OLIVIA DEFFESSTYLE TRENDS CAN be ephemeral, but a viral new one aims to be more than a passing fad.
“Dopamine decor,” as it has been coined on social media, is all about building a catalog of fun, timeless decor It embraces personality and whimsy and rejects fleeting trends and overconsumption. This philosophy calls for homeowners and renters alike to be intentional with purchases, so they dress their space with items that bring them joy.
Dopamine decor has no rules. As long as you decorate with things that make you happy, you’re doing it right.
We sat down with Rachel Cannon of Rachel Cannon Limited to chat about how Baton Rougeans can implement dopamine decor at home. Turn the page for her answers, illustrated in photos of spaces she designed. rachelcannonlimited.com
What is dopamine decor?
“The cousin of dopamine dressing: wearing what makes you happy, despite what trend manufacturers are telling you to love. In this case, your interiors highlight your quirkiness and personality, no matter what the fast decor culture is shouting from the sidelines. With the influence social media has over trend cycles, I think consumers are realizing the importance of finding their own voice within the noise. I don’t want to go home to a house that looks like anyone else’s—and I don’t think most people do. We’ve been fed a steady stream of white interiors for about 10 years. While it’s certainly pretty, it’s not for everyone. People are ready to embrace style that isn’t handed to them in such a tidy package.”
Since it’s ultimately still a trend, will dopamine decor ever go out of style?
”No. I don’t think it needed a moniker, but since we’ve given it one, someone will inevitably declare it to be ’over.’ Don’t listen. That’s fast-fashion trying to monetize our fear of being out of style. The life cycle of trends has been made so much shorter due to influencers. The minute you replicate one, it’s already out of style. Instead, go wild. Don’t buy the beige sofa. Buy the blue one. Paint the cabinets that everyone said you couldn’t. If it’s what your heart wants, take the leap, and tune everything else out.”
Why do you feel it’s important for people to fill their spaces with things that make them happy?
“No two interiors should be identical … because ultimately, they are art installations that we create for our clients or for ourselves.”
Rachel Cannon, founder and principal interior designer of Rachel Cannon Limited
How can we approach this philosophy like a designer? What items in your home classify as dopamine decor?
”Custom furnishings are really our sweet spot. It’s the way we incorporate color and pattern that gives our interiors a joyful aesthetic. A sofa is just a sofa until you upholster it in cheetah print velvet. I have a couple of salon walls in my home that mix original artwork with prints. I have a Louise Gaskill Murano glass chandelier in my dining room that I designed with her, and it’s like a work of art. I have a sculpture my second grade teacher, Linda Jeffers, made for one of her Baton Rouge Gallery shows. It’s special because she was a favorite teacher, and reconnecting with her via Facebook was so great.”
Is this move toward bold, colorful design connected to spending more time at home during the pandemic?
”I have said that we all realized during the pandemic that our homes are not really designed for us to be in them; they’re designed for us to be somewhere else most of the time. With all that time to just look at our walls, a lot of people realized they hadn’t given much thought or consideration to the design, and they prioritized making those spaces much more personal. RCL Interiors wasn’t happy that it took a pandemic to make that change, but we were glad to see clients coming to us with requests that indicated that they were tired of just following along with what the social media machine churns out.”
COURTESY RACHELCANNON
IT’S THE DESTINATION
where exploration meets elegance. Deyo Supply Company is for those going from the duck blind to the dinner table. Just steps away, Barlow presents pieces for jet-setting fashionistas. These stores are a dream come true for owners Don and Susan Charlet and their sons, John Luke and Cage Charlet. Both opened on Commerce Street in St. Francisville last fall, aiming to provide a unified experience that caters to the di erent, yet complementary, clothing needs of Louisiana men and women.
“We all work very closely together,” Cage says of the family business. “There’s a lot of overlap that takes place, but ultimately, my parents (Don and Susan) are the visionaries of the stores. John Luke handles the general operations, and I handle the marketing.”
Named after the Cajun French term for “outdoors,” Deyo o ers a variety of durable apparel for outdoorsmen, from everyday attire to gear. The owners incorporated their own interests, such as fishing and duck hunting, into their selections. The stock ranges from linen button-downs and sportcoats
to Barbour rubber boots and Martin Dingman dress shoes.
“There’s really not another store that’s the same as Deyo,” Cage says. “We’re not cornered into one thing. We see all walks of life walk in.”
Inside, the shop is decorated with antique decoys, framed hunting-related magazine articles and outdoorsy artwork. Much of what’s on the walls is also for sale. A leather couch, perched in front
of a TV screening sports games, provides a refuge for those waiting for loved ones on the other side of the hallway—which leads to Barlow.
The chic women’s boutique evolved from a mobile fashion trailer created back in 2020 that’s still making its way to pop-ups and markets today. The brick-and-mortar is a refined space, lit by gilded chandeliers above velvet couches.
The clothing style here leans modern and elevated, with dresses and accessories begging to be packed up for vacation. Aspiring to be a one-stop-shop, Barlow’s collection spans cocktail attire, flowy dresses and embroidered tops, plus sportswear and casual, everyday clothing.
“Susan does such a great job of picking out the products that we sell (at Barlow),” Cage says of his mother. “She’s just got such a great eye. In a lot of ways, she’s picking out the things that she loves to wear, and thankfully, that translates to what other people like to wear, too.”
These connected stores don’t just represent the Charlet family’s passions, though.
They cater to the individual styles of each customer, whether they’re heading for a hunting trip
or a casual dinner downtown— and they unite couples shopping together.
Issue Date: AUG 2023 Ad proof #1
• Please respond by e-mail or phone with your approval or minor revisions.
and wanting to come back, which is relatively unique. We just happen to be able to kind of harness that benefit of being in two places at once.” deyosupply.com and barlowfashion.com
• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hrs from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines.
“What ends up happening is, (couples) have a really enjoyable time,” Cage says. “Both are satisfied
• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees. Carefully check this ad for:
By Olivia Deffes // Photos by Ariana Allison
EVER SINCE SHE opened Fleurty Girl in New Orleans 14 years ago, Lauren LeBlanc Haydel says patrons have asked her to open a Baton Rouge location.
Things finally fell into place this summer, when the brand moved into the former home of Mid City Mercantile on Government Street.
Inside, clothing racks are brimming with Baton Rouge and Louisiana goodness.
“We want you to walk in here, shop, have fun, smile and laugh,” Haydel says. “No matter what you’re going to be doing that
day or that weekend, you’ll find something to be the best dressed at the game, the parade, the party or whatever you’re celebrating. Fleurty Girl wants to help you look over-the-top good.”
Haydel started the Fleurty Girl brand in 2009 after struggling to find cute, women’s-fit T-shirts to wear for game days and events in New Orleans. She originally operated Fleurty Girl out of her house, hoping that the brand would catch on with locals.
With nine locations today, it’s safe to say it’s achieved that. It is a hub for decor, glittery jackets, Mardi Gras apparel and more.
Haydel says she’s excited to have her new store so close to other New Orleans staples like French Truck Co ee and Barracuda Taco Stand along Government Street.
“Fleurty Girl belongs in Mid City,” she says. “This is our place, without a doubt, and I’m so excited to be part of this rebirth. … This is our vibe.” Find it on Instagram at @fleurty_girl
Glittering game-day attire
Prayer candles featuring Gordon McKernan’s likeness
Art and home decor, including door hangers
Two hair salon booths and one nail salon
Lots of Baton Rouge jokes
• The Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic Schools serve over 14,000 students.
• Standardized test scores exceed both state and national averages.
• Scholarships and financial assistance for eligible families make tuition affordable.
• Safe, nurturing school environments focus on faith, service, and gospel values.
• STEM, Arts, and Academic Enrichment Programs during and after school provide fun and relevant learning opportunities.
• Special Education and Dyslexia Lab Services address the unique learning needs of students.
• Catholic School Educators earn national recognition for excellence in the classroom.
• Catholic School Students earn state honors for academic achievement, athletics, and service.
• All schools in the Diocese of Baton Rouge are nationally accredited.
www.csobr.org | 225.336.8735
INSIDE: A weeknight Indian-inspired spread
Bistro Italia has grown a loyal following, thanks to nearly 10 years slinging pizzas and serving pastas from its owner’s Italian family recipe book
Crunch lovers will enjoy the thinner crust on Bistro Italia’s Primo Pizza. It’s crispy on the outside and softer toward the center.
ZOO + ME MORNINGS
BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo
Aug. 8 | 9:30-11:30 a.m.
VIBIN’ YOGA
City-Brooks Community Park
Aug. 9 | 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Perkins Road Community Park
Aug. 23 | 5:30-6:30 p.m.
SUMMER SLAM
Extreme Sports Park at Perkins Road Community Park
Aug. 12 | 3-7 p.m.
SUP DAWG Greenwood Community Park
Aug. 12 | 9-10 a.m. + 10-11 a.m. + 11 a.m.-noon
SATURDAYS IN THE PARK
Lovett Road Park [Sensory Play]
Webb Park [Adult Leisure]
Aug. 12 | 10 a.m.-noon
CHECK
PERSEID METEOR SHOWER
Highland Road Park Observatory
Aug. 12 | 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
SENIOR DAY Liberty Lagoon
Aug. 18 | 3-6 p.m.
SUNSHINE SOCIAL: TEAM SPIRIT TAILGATE
Milton J. Womack Park
Aug. 18 | 6-9 p.m.
WONDERS OF WILDLIFE
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
Aug. 19 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
10 + UNDER TENNIS TOURNAMENT
Highland Road Community Park Tennis Center
About 225’s food critic: Benjamin Leger previously served as managing editor for 225 and was the editor of its Taste section from 2012 to 2021, editing, writing and steering the direction of its food coverage in print and online. He is passionate about all things food and food journalism, and has written about the greater Baton Rouge area’s cuisine and culture for nearly two decades.
bistro-italia.business.site
11903 Coursey Blvd.
Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
YOU KNOW THOSE tall, translucent red Coca-Cola cups? The kind you might find in a burger joint, a counter-service diner or—in this case—a hole-inthe-wall Italian eatery? Something about them tells me I’m going to leave a restaurant extremely full and extremely satisfied.
That was the case at Bistro Italia. This easy-to-overlook spot on Coursey Boulevard draws in locals for the casual atmosphere and reliable pizzas and pastas. Its owners come from a New Jersey Italian family, and it shows in the menu. There are some modern surprises as well, like Italian-style egg rolls and quesadillas.
I stopped in one Tuesday evening with the intent of leaning into those classic Italian-American favorites.
First, I had to find parking. Bistro Italia is one of three businesses in a small shopping center, and nearly all its parking spots were taken. Inside, the restaurant was bustling. Our server even commented that it was unusual for a Tuesday night, but he could have fooled me. Tables of families and older customers all seemed like regulars.
Once seated,with red Coca-Cola cups in hand, we dove into the menu.
First up, we ordered the Focaccia Bread and the Bistro Salad. The salad arrived quickly: ribbons of romaine leaves topped with feta,
dried cranberries and bits of pecan. It was all tossed in a homemade Sensation dressing that, while not super lemony, was garlicky and tasty. The menu said the salad would be drizzled with a balsamic
THE BASICS: Bistro Italia began in 2014 on Coursey Boulevard under New Jersey-born Jon Wilkinson, who aimed to share his family’s style of Italian cooking handed down for generations. Its menu is loaded with classic pizza, pasta and sandwiches, as well as some unique takes on egg rolls and quesadillas.
WHAT’S A MUST: Start with the Focaccia Bread and Bistro Salad for some cheesy goodness and a veggie course laden in Sensation dressing. Then, dive into the carbs with one of the 10 pizza options (you can build your own, too) or a classic pasta dish. Our table swooned over the Eggplant Meatball
Rollatini: meatballs wrapped in thinly sliced and breaded eggplant, stuffed with ricotta and served atop spaghetti and marinara.
glaze as well, but I asked for it on the side. I was glad I did. It was a sticky, balsamic syrup that would have overwhelmed everything.
There are glowing reviews online of the Focaccia Bread, and
they are correct. This appetizer was huge, basically a cheese pizza smeared with a garlic-herb topping that was not too oily or buttery. A side of marinara with noticeable slices of garlic added a
Portions are hefty and satisfying at Bistro Italia.nice contrast. Overall, this was a simple, craveable treat.
For entrees, we knew we wanted pizza and pasta. But we also knew how carb heavy this meal was about to be. Diners can order pizzas as a 10-inch or 16-inch pie, so we opted for the smaller of the two.
When it arrived, I realized it was actually smaller than the Focaccia appetizer. I thought it was just the right size for one person—or two people who were also anticipating pasta.
Of the 10 pizza options, we ordered the Primo Pizza, which features pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, banana peppers, roasted red peppers and onions.
The crust was crunchy on the edges and on the thinner side beneath the toppings, but still held its shape. The ingredients were all spot on. Although I wished the veggies had been cooked more—the peppers, for instance, could have been more thoroughly roasted. But
overall, it was a respectable and satisfying pizza.
Finally, it was time for pasta. I had wa ed between some of the classic, tried-and-true pasta dishes. But I was immediately drawn to the description of the Eggplant Meatball Rollatini: thin slices of eggplant breaded and
slathered with ricotta, then rolled over meatballs, baked and served atop spaghetti.
It felt homey and comforting— like a New Jersey grandmother would make in her kitchen on special occasions.
It turned out to be the winner of this Italian dinner. The rollatini
were like two overstu ed logs on a hill of spaghetti and marinara. The eggplant was sliced so thinly I often wondered if there was anything between the breading— but I was never mad about it. The ricotta was creamy and herby, and the meatballs were tender and flavorful.
I almost forgot about the spaghetti and marinara, and the side of garlic bread was actually too much to consume.
Early on in the meal, I heard a woman at a table near us pleasantly remark to her friend that the portion sizes were “soooo much!”
I agree with her on that sentiment—and my table was all the happier for it.
This is the kind of easy and satisfying Italian cuisine we all crave every once and a while. It’s something you’d imagine your fictional Italian grandmother making on weekends. No frills, not super elevated, but delicious and made with love.
BAKED CHICKEN AND rice is one of my staple weeknight meals. It’s easy to throw together and gives me great leftovers to use later in the week. As my kids got older and their tastes got more adventurous, I started changing up the flavor profile of my go-to dish. I’d add in some chili powder, garlic, cumin and lime to give my baked chicken a Mexican twist, or marinate the chicken in garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and Greek herbs for some Mediterranean flair. My family’s favorite version of baked chicken and rice, though, is tandoori-style chicken and Indian-style rice pilaf. The warm spices, zippy red pepper,
Tandoori chicken is a dish where the chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices and then roasted at a high temperature in a tandoori clay oven. The result is tender, moist and flavorful chicken that is synonymous with Indian cuisine. I don’t have a tandoori clay oven at home. But given a little time to marinate, this dish can easily be made in a hot 425-degree oven. The spices in this homemade tandoori chicken are authentic but are easily found in the spice aisle at most grocery stores.
Serves 6
2 pounds bone in, skin on chicken leg quarters
1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
3 cloves minced garlic
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 ½ teaspoon coriander
1 ½ teaspoon garam masala
½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne
4 to 6 drops red food coloring (optional)
tangy yogurt and bright lemon transform ordinary baked chicken into a juicy and delicious chicken dish with the flavors of Indian cuisine. This is a minimal-e ort meal packed with goodness. It’ll be a hit any night of the week.
• Tandoori-style Chicken
• Mango and Peach Chutney
• Indian-style Rice Pilaf
Recipes by Tracey Koch
1. Place the chicken into a gallon zipclose bag. Set aside.
2. Spoon the yogurt into a mixing bowl. Add in the remaining ingredients and stir until well combined. Pour the yogurt mixture over the chicken and seal the bag.
3. Massage the outside of the bag to ensure the yogurt mixture completely covers the chicken, and then place the chicken into the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Heat the oven to 425 degrees and line a baking sheet with foil. Place a baking rack on top of the lined baking sheet. Brush the baking rack with a little oil and place the chicken pieces onto the rack.
5. Bake the tandoori chicken for 40 to 50 minutes in the oven depending on the size of the pieces, or until the juices run clear.
6. Remove the tandoori chicken from the oven. Allow it to rest for 5 to 7 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute before serving.
IN MOST COUNTRIES, the cuisine and cooking style change from region to region. The same is true in India. Chutneys are a popular condiment in Indian cooking, and depending on the location, they can range from pureed herbs or simmered fruits to ground nuts and yogurt and spices. They can be pureed into a smooth paste or simmered down into a flavorful sauce or condiment. This mango- and peach-based chutney is a delicious complement to many types of grilled or roasted meats. It's also a wonderful condiment to serve on a charcuterie tray along with cheese, cured meats and nuts.
Yields 3½ cups
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil (or vegetable oil)
¼ cup chopped sweet onion
2 cloves minced garlic
1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon cardamom
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon turmeric
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
3 cups fresh or frozen mangos, chopped
3 cups fresh or frozen peaches, chopped
1 cup light brown sugar
½ cup apple cider vinegar
½ cup apple juice
1. In a heavy saucepan, heat the oil and sauté the onion, garlic, ginger and red pepper fakes together for 2 to 3 minutes or until the onions are soft and translucent.
2. Add in the spices and continue sautéing for another 20 to 30 seconds. Then, add in the salt, mangos and peaches.
3. Pour in the sugar, apple cider vinegar and juice. Stir until well combined. Reduce the heat to medium low and cover.
4. Simmer the chutney for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking.
5. Turn off the heat and allow the chutney to cool. Transfer the chutney to an airtight container and chill until you are ready to serve. This chutney will last in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
I LOVE INFUSING herbs and spices into my rice to totally change the flavor profile. This simple basmati rice is infused with spices that can easily be found in the grocery store, giving it the aromas and delicious flavors found in Indian cuisine that complement any grilled or roasted meat, seafood and curries.
Serves 6
2 tablespoons butter, ghee or vegan coconut oil
½ cup chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced ginger
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
¼ teaspoon cumin seeds
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup basmati rice
1 ½ cup water
1. Heat the butter in a large 4-quart saucepot.
2. Add in the onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes or until it becomes translucent.
3. Add in the minced garlic, ginger and red pepper fakes and sauté for another 20 seconds.
4. Stir in the remaining spices, salt and basmati rice until the rice is completely coated.
5. Pour in the water and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer the rice for 10 to 15 minutes or until all of the liquid is absorbed. Turn off the heat and keep the lid on the pot to allow the rice to steam for another 5 minutes. Use a fork to fuff the rice and serve.
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INSIDE: Local art classes / Music and arts events
BY MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON PHOTOS BY COLLIN RICHIE
GREASE. RENT. MISERY. Steel Magnolias. Pippin. If the list stopped there, local theater fans would be plenty satisfied. But Theatre Baton Rouge’s upcoming season keeps going.
One appealing play after the next builds out a list of 11 productions that kick o this month and run through next June. The season includes soaring musicals, holiday shows and moving dramas about social issues.
Artistic director Jenny Ballard says the TBR play selection committee began meeting last July to hammer out the 78th season, more than a year in advance. The committee’s 20 diverse members brought di erent suggestions, she says, then voted on a master list of options that included both classics and contemporary material. A big objective was to end up with several recognizable titles the theater hadn’t yet staged.
“To appeal to younger demographics, we wanted to do a season of classics that are being reintroduced,” Ballard says TBR’s audiences have indeed been trending younger, according
to Ballard. Over the last decade, she estimates young adult patrons have shifted from about 30% of overall ticket buyers to about 50% to 60%.
Grease, the 1972 musical that recently celebrated the 45th anniversary of its Broadway debut, is expected to be a big draw.
“That’s one I’ve been wanting to do for 10 years, and I’m so glad we’re finally getting to do it,” says Ballard, who has been artistic director since 2013.
The shows’ actors are exclusively volunteers known for delivering professional caliberperformances. They prepare two to three months for each show, often rehearsing up to three hours a day, five days a week. The vast majority are in school or work full time, Ballard says.
“I’ve been saying for a really long time that (the quality of) community theater should not be less than professional,” she says.
Families have plenty of options this year with
season opener Alice in Wonderland starting Aug. 11, one of two performances put on by TBR’s robust Young Actors Program. The other, taking place next February, is The Lightning Thief, an adaptation of the acclaimed YA novel of the same name.
A Christmas Carol returns in December, one of two annual holiday shows. The other takes place every Halloween.
Dates vary. Check theatrebr.org for tickets and info
AUGUST: ...........................Alice in Wonderland
SEPTEMBER: ............................................Grease
OCTOBER: ............................................... Misery
NOVEMBER: ................................................ Rent
DECEMBER: .......................... A Christmas Carol
FEBRUARY: ......................... The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical; The Laramie Project
MARCH: .................................................... Pippin
APRIL: ....................................... Steel Magnolias
MAY: ............................................... The Humans
JUNE: ............................ Cinderella (Enchanted)
Some of the cast and crew of upcoming Theatre Baton Rouge shows: Courtney Murphy of Steel Magnolias; Mary Bayle of Grease; Brandy Johnson of Alice in Wonderland; Clay Donaldson of Rent; Jenny Ballard of The Laramie Project and Cinderella; and Samantha Chrest of Alice in Wonderland
The committee decided to replace the usual Halloween season performance, The Rocky Horror Show, with Misery this year.
“We love The Rocky Horror Show, but we’ve been talking for a long time about trying to rotate shows within that season,” Ballard says. “We thought Misery, which is a great script, would fit really well. The popularity of the movie—and Stephen King in general—is going to help with that show.”
Within each TBR season, musical comedies are assigned to the troupe’s Capital Series and shows that take chances or introduce tough topics are part of its City Series. This year’s City Series includes Broadway blockbuster Rent on the Main Stage, and two plays staged in the 90-seat Studio Theatre: The Laramie Project, based on interviews collected in Laramie, Wyoming, after the murder of gay college student Matthew Shepard; and The Humans, winner of the 2016 Tony Award for Best Play. Both ask audiences to confront the human condition and all its warts, Ballard says.
“I think these shows teach us how to grow as people and start the di cult conversations that need to be started within our community,” she says. “I’ve always said that theater is a safe space to do dangerous things.”
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Studios, owner David Rollins wanted the space to ooze art from every crevice. He hired local artists to paint the walls, handle the woodwork and design the murals. Beyond the classes it now o ers, the building also provides opportunities for artists to exhibit and sell their work.
“My thesis is: Creating is much more valuable and important than consuming,” Rollins says, “My mission is to o er BellyFire as a place for the community to come in and create and have a good time.”
Here’s a look inside.
Rollins, a seasoned ceramicist with over a decade of experience, wanted to share his love of the craft. “I went into the business because I love pottery and I love teaching,” Rollins says. “I really enjoy instructing people on how to throw on the wheel.”
Classes for all levels
• Pottery painting: Choose from a wide selection of pottery pieces, including mugs, plates and figurines, to personalize.
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• Wheel throwing: Instructors offer a hands-on approach to mastering the techniques necessary to shape clay on a pottery wheel.
• Merlot and Mud nights: Sip on a favorite wine while creating ceramic masterpieces.
BellyFire Studios offers packages catering to birthdays, bridal showers and other occasions. It organizes summer camps, team building events and workshops to foster artistic growth and engagement. Round-the-clock access to the studio space and equipment is also available upon request, aiming to be a comfortable, inspiring environment to work on a personal project or in a collaborative space for artistic endeavors.
The studio debuted last month at 257 Lee Drive, in the former home of Throw Me Something next door to Light House Coffee. It is open daily. bellyfirestudios.com
More spaces around town for getting crafty
ELOISE MARKET AND CAKERY: Practice frosting and decorating cakes.
CHAPEAUX: Create unique headwear while learning about millinery and hat history.
BITES & BOARDS: Unlock the art to the perfect charcuterie board.
LOCAL SUPPLY: Monthly crafting parties to make everything from painted mirrors to paper floral headbands.
THE BOUGIE BAR: Wine drinking and candle making—need we say more?
AR WORKSHOP: Dress up your home with handmade decor like wood signs and knit blankets.
DIY DISCO: Tackle projects from woodworking to painting while sipping a specialty cocktail.
CREATE STUDIOS: Besides guided painting, this studio offers a variety of holiday classes.
CLAY CUT: Make hypoallergenic polymer clay earrings for a one-of-kind wearable accessory.
BATON ROUGE SUCCULENT CO.: Try your hand at an air plant or dried floral arrangement.
RED STICK SPICE CO.: Whip up dishes inspired by chefs like Julia Child or brush up on your knife skills.
LOUISIANA CULINARY INSTITUTE: Master cooking with LCI’s Leisure Classes' tricks.
PINSPIRATION: Get messy in the Splatter Room or make something at this craft hub.
—COMPILED BY OLIVIA DEFFES
AUG. 3 TO OCT. 22
LSU Museum of Art unveils a new exhibit “The Shaping of Us: Queerness in Ceramics.” This collection features pottery pieces that aim to start an important dialogue and raise awareness of the societal issues those in the LGBTQ+ community face. lsumoa.org
AUG. 5
Former late-night talk show host Craig Ferguson is bringing his comedy act to L’Auberge Casino & Hotel. The Scottish-American comedian and actor has performed his standup in sold-out theaters across the country. lbatonrouge.com
AUG. 11
Oh, what a night! Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra will perform a fusion of the work of composer Antonio Lucio Vivaldi and pop group Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons in The Four Seasons: A Concert With Candles. The intimate night is the latest in BRSO’s recurring candlelight concert series, held in the Cary Saurage Community Arts Center. brso.org
AUG. 11-13 + 17-20
Go into the rabbit hole with Theatre Baton Rouge’s Young Actors Program for a production of Alice in Wonderland. This whimsical play is adapted from the classic novel by Lewis Carroll. Follow along as Alice tries her best to get home from the weird world of Wonderland with the help of the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter and the Cheshire Cat. theatrebr.org
AUG. 6
Popular punk rock band Black Flag will make a stop at Chelsea’s Live during its tour. Rock out, headbang and sing along to the California band’s hits like “Rise Above” and “My War.” chelseaslive.com
AUG. 16
Former Eagles guitarist Don Felder is set to rock the stage at L’Auberge Casino & Hotel. Felder will shred on the guitar, playing his top solo numbers. Don’t miss a chance to see a rock music legend here in Baton Rouge. lbatonrouge.com
AUG. 19
Wayne Toups returns to his home state for a show at The Texas Club. This Cajun and Zydeco singer will have the crowd singing along to fan favorites and some covers. thetexasclub.com
AUG. 26
Country meets rock when Koe Wetzel takes the stage at Raising Cane’s River Center. The Road to Hellpaso Tour will make a stop in Baton Rouge, with Wetzel performing all his hit songs like “Something to Talk About” and “Good Die Young.” raisingcanesrivercenter.com
Keeping your neighborhood clean and green secures a brighter future. It can be achieved.
People in communities with abundant green space generally enjoy better health and happiness. Gathering together promotes social ties and by planting and caring for trees we ensure clean and fresh air for generations beyond our own.
Benefits of trees:
• Gives off oxygen, the very thing we need to breathe.
• Traps CO2 gas and scrubs the air of impurities.
• Provides shade which helps reduce and moderate the temperature and climate.
• Prevents soil erosion and absorbs stormwater to minimize flooding.
• Provides wind protection to homes and shelter to birds and animals.
• Increases property values.
Check out glimmering stones at this year’s Baton Rouge Gem & Mineral Show. Head over to the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center to see and shop for minerals, gems, fossils and jewelry from Louisiana and Texas vendors. Kids can also get in on the fun with games and children’s activities. brgemandmineral.org
ALL MONTH
Gather up your little ones and head to West Baton Rouge Parish Library for a weekly Summer Storytime. Each Tuesday in August, the library hosts a 25-minute book reading, along with rhymes and songs to keep the kiddos entertained. wbrpl.com
AUG. 19
Get ready for fall game days with Sweet Baton Rouge’s Ultimate Tailgate event at Perkins Rowe. Shop products from local vendors and participate in a friendly cornhole competition. This year’s event will also include its first Jambalaya Cookoff, featuring the tasty works of individuals in the community. Attendees can purchase a ticket to try all the dishes and vote on their fave. sweetbatonrouge.com
AUG. 18
BREC will honor National Senior Citizen Day by hosting a special event at Liberty Lagoon. There will be private swim time for the elderly to cool off and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the pool. libertylagoon.com
AUG. 29
Bring your appetite to L’Auberge Casino & Hotel for Fete Rouge. Hosted by Baton Rouge Epicurean Society, this food-centered event will feature nearly 200 wines for tasting and dish samplings from local restaurants. Oenophiles will even have the opportunity to purchase their favorite wines at the end of the night. bresbr.org
Learn something new at the LSU Science Café. The monthly event allows faculty members to share research and findings off campus at Varsity Theatre. This month’s discussion will be led by coastal scientist Kevin Xu, who will present on the battle to preserve Louisiana’s vanishing coastal wetlands. lsu.edu/research/events/ science_cafe
Subscribe to our newsletter 225 Daily for our twiceweekly roundups of events. 225batonrouge. com/225daily 337
AUG. 16-20: Delcambre Shrimp Festival, shrimpfestival.net
AUG. 26: Nomad Music Festival, nomadmusicfest.com
AUG. 13: Acadian Culture Day in Vermilionville, bayouvermiliondistrict.org
In every issue of 225, you’ll find a cut-out print on this page. FRAMED celebrates life and art in Baton Rouge, each one featuring a local photographer, place or graphic designer. Tear it out to hang in your cubicle, or frame it for your home gallery wall. Show us where you hang them by tagging them on social media with #225prints.
[225] August 2023 | 225batonrouge.com
GET FEATURED We love spotlighting local photographers, artists and designers for this page! Shoot us an email at editor@225batonrouge.com to chat about being featured.
PHOTO BY JORDAN HEFLER / jordanhefler.com
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