Best of 225 Awards - July 2023 [225 Magazine]

WHAT DO THESE TWO HAVE IN COMMON?

FENTANYL KILLED THEM LAST NIGHT.

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

The Village Bread at The Little Village is a longtime Best of 225 champion.

The Home Builders Association of Greater Baton Rouge celebrates over 70 years of dedication and commitment from our members to the home building industry in Greater Baton Rouge and the tremendous impact the organization has made on our community.

We help our communities plan for projected increases in households, changing demographics and lifestyles, and an expanding economy to help implement solutions that provide safe, attainable, quality housing options for all. We have a diverse network of industry experts who help create solutions for our toughest community challenges and build thriving sustainable communities where we live, work, shop and play.

Our Partners are industry leaders who represent a collective commitment to growth and excellence in the home building industry in Greater Baton Rouge. View the full HBA Partner list at hbagbr.org/partners.

INDUSTRY PARTNERS BUILDER CHAMPIONS

PLATINUM

Assurance Financial

Homebuilders Self Insurers Fund

Menzie Stone Company

ProSource Wholesale

GOLD

Gorman Bros.

Holmes Building Materials

Louisiana Generators

M&M Glass Company

We are dedicated to promoting, protecting, and preserving the home building industry as viable economic force in GBR. Visit hbagbr.org for more information.

PLATINUM

Acadian House Design + Renovation

Bardwell Homes

Canebrake Builders

DSLD Homes

Le Jardin Development

Level Homes

Manuel Builders

Meridian Homes

As the philanthropic arm of the HBA, our mission is to raise funds to assist families and children in need. To donate, visit hbagbr.org/hbf.

The Parade of Homes is an annual fundraiser for the HBF. View the 2023 Virtual Tours at ParadeGBR.Fun. Mark your calendars for the 2024 Parade of Homes – April 20-21 & 27-28

Staycation summer

“LIVE WHERE YOU vacation.” It’s a mantra often touted by residents of beach towns or mountain escapes.

I couldn’t get these words out of my head, either, as our team prepared this month’s issue of 225.

I think this mindset works just as well if you flip it around: “Vacation where you live” has a pretty nice ring to it, too.

This summer, plot a weekend to reconnect with Baton Rouge. Check o all the new spots or hidden gems you’ve been meaning to venture to.

Use a PTO day to explore an intriguing art exhibit or to wander a downtown museum. Build an itinerary for a bar crawl or progressive dinner. Bike the levee, or picnic in a BREC park.

We hope this issue can serve as a starting point.

The Best of 225 Awards is a guide to Baton Rouge’s best restaurants, bars, shops, people and businesses, all chosen by Capital Region residents.

It’s a project that takes all year to produce. Right after New Year’s, nominations open on 225batonrouge.com—providing participants the opportunity to write-in the candidates they feel

deserve a spot on the ballot. During spring, the businesses with the most nominations are placed on the final ballot. We publish the results every July in our Best of 225 issue. And the rest of the year, our team fields reader suggestions for new or modified categories to determine how the ballot will look in the future.

I think it’s a pretty special edition of 225 because it’s completely crowd-sourced. Our team doesn’t get to decide who is named “best.” It’s all about the voice of the people.

And if this year’s results are any indication, there’s no need to drive to the coast for that sandin-your-toes vibe this summer.

The Best New Restaurant winner, The Shed BBQ, has an indoor-outdoor dining space that overlooks beach volleyball courts.

Have a frozen cocktail in a lush, outdoor space at Best Bar winner Mid City Beer Garden. Savor Gulf fish, crab and shrimp at Best Seafood Dishes winner Louisiana Lagniappe. And taste a fizzy, cold beer from Best Local Brewery winner Tin Roof Brewing Co.

I won’t spoil the rest—turn to page 32 for a peek at all the awards.

Congrats to this year’s winners, runners up and nominees. And thank you so much to all those who participated in the process—we couldn’t do it with you.

Fun games to play while reading the Best of 225 issue

Count how many of the winners you’ve visited. It’s a great way to pinpoint new spots to try. In the Food & Drink section, for instance, there are 30 different winners (not counting the spots that won more than one category). My personal count is 24— I still have more restaurants to explore around town!

Check out the runners up. You’ve probably at least heard of most of the winners, but there are many hidden gems to discover in these pages. The Best Local Brewery category offers a glimpse of the city’s newest craft beer offerings. Explore international cuisine in categories like Best Indian, Best Thai or Best Italian.

Watch for trends.

For 17 years, Fleur de Lis Pizza held the title of Best Pizza. When the restaurant closed in 2022, it cleared a path for a newcomer to claim the award. Categories like Best BBQ and Best Brunch also belong to first-time winners this year.

Jennifer Tormo Alvarez 225 Editor

Best Indian winner Bay Leaf Indian Cuisine

SERVING YOU WITH the best OF THE BEST!

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:

Cynthea Corfah, Katie Dixon, Jillian Elliott

Tracey Koch, Gabrielle Korein, Benjamin Leger, Zane Piontek, Brooke Smith, Oscar Tickle

Contributing Photographers: Ariana Allison, Sean Gasser, Amy Shutt, Oscar Tickle

ADVERTISING

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

Marketing & Events Coordinator: Taylor Falgout

Marketing & Events Assistant: Cadon Ardoin

Events: Abby Hamilton

ADMINISTRATION

Business Manager: Tiffany Durocher

Business Associate: Kirsten Milano

Office Coordinator: Sara Hodge

Receptionist: Cathy Varnado Brown

PRODUCTION/DESIGN

Production Manager: Jo Glenny

Art Director: Hoa Vu

Senior Graphic Designers: Melinda Gonzalez Galjour, Emily Witt

Graphic Designer: Ashlee Digel

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT

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

LIFE ISsweet

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.

htlaeWsrosivdA

esirpiremAetavirPhtlaeWyrosivdAecitcarP

Call us today and discover the personal service you deserve.

Palmer Wealth Advisors

A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

8201 Village Plaza Ct, Ste 2B Baton Rouge, LA 70810

225.766.4059

ameripriseadvisors.com/team/ palmer-wealth-advisors

Re: Our story about Eat the Boot, a Facebook group where thousands discuss Capital Region and Louisiana food:

“I’m so proud to be associated with this amazing group of foodies! We are at times helpful, teasing, educational and always respectful of one another’s options. Well done, 225!”

—@arleenashawinclucivity, via Instagram

GASSER

On our story about Café Express, a longstanding Mid City restaurant that was named the Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival’s 2023 Soul Food Pioneer:

“Love me some Cafe Express!! First time ever having rice & gravy with fried fish!!!”

—@_destined_4grateness, via Instagram

About our story on the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra’s candlelight concerts, themed around pop artists like Taylor Swift in an effort to draw new audiences:

“I wish I still lived in BR to see some of these! Blackbox arts facilities like this are my favorite! They’re great for minimalist theater productions, too!”

Comments and analytics are from May 1-31, 2023. They have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.

for a rewarding retirement.

SEAN Not FDIC or NCUA Insured | No Financial Institution Guarantee | May Lose Value

COLLIN RICHIE

July Bloom boom

COLORFUL CORNER BUTTERFLY gardens have recently exploded along Camellia Avenue, one of the Garden District’s main north-south thoroughfares. Blossoming plants reach skyward from each bed, luring pollinators with bright foliage. Delightfully random, the beds hold native growers like purple coneflower, blanket flower, guara and milkweed, the sole diet of monarch caterpillars.

“It’s like creating an entertainment center,” says Ginger Ford, the lifetime Garden District resident behind the gardens. She began planting the beds in February as a personal gift to the neighborhood.

Ford says the idea emerged during the COVID-19 shutdown.

“I was thinking, ‘What could I do to sort of give back to the neighborhood,’” says the avid gardener and former mental health nurse. “I think kids are No. 1 in the world, and I wanted to create a situation where they could see interesting things when they walk or ride their bikes.”

Ford has planted 29 beds throughout the neighborhood thus far—and she’s still going, installing new corner beds on other blocks at the request of neighbors. Fellow residents have donated statuary, bird baths and other yard art to add character to the installations. Even the area’s signature St. Patrick’s Day parade, which brings in throngs of spectators, didn’t interrupt the beds’ spring growth.

Ford says she wants to ensure each intersection has both a bird bath to supply water to birds and insects, and milkweed to attract monarchs. It’s part of a larger plan to show kids the joy of observing a bird splashing or watching a striped plump caterpillar morph into a mint green chrysalis.

Many in the neighborhood know Ford from her cut flower giveaways, a tradition she’s continued since the start of the pandemic. She arranges flowers from her own voluminous garden in 8-ounce plastic containers and places them on a table for neighbors to take freely. It’s still a near daily occurrence, with Ford issuing reminders via Nextdoor.

“I’m going to grow flowers regardless,” she says. “So if I can make somebody else feel good, why not?”

—MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON COLLIN RICHIE

Ginger Ford is the Garden District resident behind the butterfly gardens that began popping up on Camellia Avenue earlier this year.

Fun for the Fourth

IT’S A GIVEN. Every Independence Day in Baton Rouge, spectators head downtown to visit cultural sites like the U.S.S. Kidd, then plop down a lawn chair to witness fireworks over the Mississippi River at dark. It’s one of many ways to ring in America’s birthday locally. Here are a few more.

Red, White and Waddle

Saturday, July 1, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Pack up the family and trek out to Barn Hill Preserve on LA-955 for a wild start to the celebratory weekend while raising funds for the conservatory's future African Penguin Exhibit. Enjoy special encounters with Barn Hill's penguins and wallabies, a kangaroo walkabout, a petting yard, zip lines, food trucks, cocktails and more. barnhillpreserve.com

Kenilworth Independence Day Parade

Monday, July 3, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

The 51st annual parade at Kenilworth Parkway is a festive warm-up to events on the Fourth. About 7,000 spectators come out for the annual event, which features floats, marching bands and more rolling through the neighborhood. The family event is marshalled this year by LSU women's basketball's Izzy Besselman. kenilworthneighborhood.com

Baton Rouge Concert Band July 4th Concert

Tuesday, July 4, 7-8:30 p.m.

Hear the soaring notes of patriotic standards at this uplifting annual outdoor concert at the Main Library at Goodwood Courtyard. The show is put on by the Baton Rouge Concert Band, a group of allvolunteer musicians ranging from recent college graduates to retirees. brbc.org

Fourth of July Celebration at LSU Museum of Art

Tuesday, July 4, 7-10 p.m .

Get a front row seat to the city’s annual Fireworks on the Mississippi at this ticketed event that doubles as a fundraiser for the LSU Museum of Art. Enjoy dinner at Tsunami and music on the sixth floor of the Shaw Center for the Arts, and an insanely good view of riverfront pyrotechnics. lsumoa.org

Book it to the library

FROM JUGGLERS TO puppets to mermaids, all sorts of kid-focused summer fun takes place this month at various branches of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library. Featured programs include ventriloquism and puppetry from Harvey Rabbit and Friends, and comedy and entertainment from Louisiana juggler Wink Danenberg. Tracking with the library’s summer reading theme, "Oceans of Possibilities," the Little Mermaid will continue her visits to some branches with storytelling and sea creature crafts. Dates, times and locations vary. ebrpl.com

DIGITS

1BLUEBERRIES’ RANK AMONG 50 fresh fruits and veggies with the most antioxidants. The favorite local fruit, that’s especially useful this month on flag cakes and in healthy summer snacks, is celebrated in July during National Blueberry Month for its abilities to prevent eye diseases and fight cancer and heart disease, according to the LSU AgCenter.

—East Baton Rouge Parish School System Superintendent Sito Narcisse in an email sent to school board members in May, according to news reports. The email revealed Narcisse had applied for a superintendent position in Broward County, Florida, but was open to staying in Baton Rouge. In June, the Broward County School Board voted to select Peter Licata as superintendent. Narcisse’s contract with EBRPSS expires next year.

“I continue to be open to a partnership that ensures my leadership not just for today—but for years to come.”

BATON ROUGE’S FIRST XFORMER PILATES STUDIO + ATHLEISURE BOUTIQUE

WHAT IS THE BEST FIT FOR YOU?

XFORMER PILATES

A high-intensity, low-impact resistance workout performed on the Xformer, a modernized version of the Pilates reformer.

FULL BODY

A fullbody weight training class designed to challenge the entire body by incorporating isolated and combo moves.

Buzz feed

Compiled by Jillian Elliott

ARMS + ABS

An upp er body weight training class focused on isolating your biceps, shoulders, triceps, chest, back muscles, and core.

LEGS + GLUTES

A lower body weight training class focused on strengthening and building your legs & glutes.

Drinks downtown

Dark 30, a new Third Street bar celebrating diversity and creativity through its unique liquor, wine and zero-proof cocktails, officially opened last month in the former location of Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar. Its drink options were all carefully selected to be philanthropy minded. Its house wine vendor, OneHope, will donate $3 to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank for every case Dark 30 buys. Patrons can explore two menus: the house craft cocktail list featuring five drinks named after angel numbers and a second rotating menu featuring the mixologists’ best creations. With so many unique options, patrons have the option to create profiles on the Arryved app to save their favorite drinks, order from the bar and close tabs. Find it on Instagram at @dark30bar

DIGITS

Tra c light overhaul

600+

280

Baton Rouge traffic lights to be replaced with ones that have flashing yellow turn signals, which are considered easier to understand

New traffic lights that will be installed in the first phase of the project, slated to wrap in September. By early June, 220 had already been installed.

$11.5 million

News from the Zoo

The approximate cost of the project, which is part of a statewide effort to replace outdated lights

GEMSTONE, THE BATON Rouge Zoo’s beloved Black Rhino, died May 30—just short of her 35th birthday—due to agerelated factors. The average lifespan for Eastern Black Rhinos is 19 years, according to zoo veterinarian Dr. Sean Perry. The Baton Rouge Zoo says she will be missed by staff members and guests who interacted with her, especially those who fed her at Breakfast with the Animals. The good news? Gemstone’s legacy lives on. During her lifetime, she birthed several calves, including Zuri, who now lives at the Cincinnati Zoo.

Not-so newbies

Kyle and Taylor Wilkinson had their first date at Magpie Cafe. Eleven years later, the longtime customers and married couple are taking over the business. Magpie Cafe’s original owners, James and Lina Jacobs, had become close friends with the Wilkinsons. When they wanted to pass on the business after their move to Hawaii, they knew just who to call. The Wilkinsons are making small changes, like adding more savory menu items and opening on Mondays, while preserving the cafe that they fell in love with—and in. magpiebrla.com

Whether you’re looking for a craft cocktail, a quick burger and beer, or a four-course dinner, L’Auberge Baton Rouge has you covered.

Someone call the Fetii!

A new ride-sharing company has rolled into Baton Rouge with an aim to make multiple-passenger travel easier than ever. By using the Fetii app, riders can get an on-demand van or schedule rides ahead of time. CEO Matthew Iommi founded the Austin-based company in 2020 after seeing that college cities needed an affordable and safe travel service for larger groups. fetii.com

Lauren LeBlanc Haydel, owner of Fleurty Girl, which opened its first Baton Rouge (and ninth overall) location last month. The New Orleans-born shop sells Louisiana-themed shirts, gifts and accessories and will operate alongside hair salon suites and a nail room at the former home of Mid City Mercantile on Government Street. fleurtygirl.net

SAPO SPRINGS, A new West African-themed exhibit is up and running. It represents the first part of the zoo’s Master Plan, which aims to create more immersive experiences for visitors of all ages. The exhibit takes a modern design approach by homing both Colobus monkeys and hippos in the same habitat, like they would live in the wild. The giraffe barn and exhibit are also getting a full makeover, and the zoo’s entryway will be revamped by the end of 2024. brzoo.org

ARIANA ALLISON

“Sorry it took us 14 years to get here. We were stuck in Baton Rouge tra c.”

COURTESY FETII

JORDAN HEFLER / COURTESY BATON ROUGE ZOO

Cream o f the CROP

BUDDY MILLER STARTS his Saturdays at 2 a.m. He rises in the wee hours of the morning to get everything ready for the Red Stick Farmers Market downtown.

Though it may seem like a chore to give up sleep on the weekend, the 86-year-old doesn’t mind it. He tells me he doesn’t drink a drip of co ee to get through the day and even plans to go grocery shopping after a quick post-market rest.

“I figured if I couldn’t get up and be excited about going to work, I shouldn’t be drinking co ee to do that. I should be doing something di erent,” he laughs.

Miller hails from Waterproof, Louisiana, where he grows peaches, pears, pecans and more. His farm, Plantation Pecan Co., has thousands and thousands of bushes and trees that produce products he sells at the weekly farmers markets.

On a bright but humid Saturday, Miller greets me—not with a handshake but with a spoonful of roasted pecan pieces poured directly into my hand. Soon, Miller’s longtime friend and booth helper the Rev. Betsy Irvine is scooping a bite of pecan pie for me, too.

“Give her a bite bigger than that,” Miller generously encourages.

Miller is one of the longest participating farmers here. He says he’s been making the two-hour-plus drive to Baton Rouge almost every Saturday morning for over 20 years, and he doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon.

“Where we are, there’s not a lot of people to support what we do,” he says. “We don’t have access to markets like (in Baton Rouge). This has been a wonderful market for us.”

Each week Miller sits behind his stand with a table of neatly placed pecan pouches spread in front of him. Whether shoppers are searching for whole pecans, roasted pieces or candied nuts, Miller has it in stock. He even dons a red hat that playfully reads “#Pecans” and holds his

plastic spoon ready to sprinkle a sample in the hand of any passerby.

I watch him give out pecan shards, chat with customers and make a few sales. It’s clear he’s a fan favorite. With his jolly demeanor and friendly samples, how could he not be?

A quick scroll through the Red Stick Farmers Market’s Instagram and sure enough, almost every photo of Miller has plenty of comments proving even more how popular he is.

“Oh, how I love Mr. Buddy,” one commenter exclaims. Others echo, commenting, “A true gem!” and “Always enjoy visiting with him!”

Of course, Miller loves his customers just as much as they love him. In fact, he says the people at the market are one his favorite parts of participating in the weekly events.

“Interacting with the people here makes me feel better,” he smiles.

He jokes that the sales are good, too.

breada.org

A Red Stick Farmers Market mainstay makes a lasting impression with generous samples and friendly smiles

INSIDE: Training the diversity leaders of tomorrow

Good neighbors

How Mid City’s bordering businesses are fostering friendly relationships and complementing one another

BY OLIVIA DEFFES

PHOTOS BY ARIANA ALLISON

JOSHUA HOLDER HAS learned a thing or two about building positive relationships in his more than 20 years of business in Mid City. The Time Warp owner values the convenience of his community and is a frequent patron of the businesses next door, including Simple Joe Cafe and Radio Bar. On a deeper level, though, he’s quick to help his neighbors, be it through event collaborations, social media shoutouts and even sharing decades of wisdom with younger entrepreneurs.

“It’s just nice for businesses that are new to get acquainted with other older businesses to maybe sit down with them and tell them how things go,” Holder says. “The other day, I was talking to a neighboring business, and I gave them advice on how business flows sometimes. … (They can) discuss their numbers with the people around them so they can either hustle, do something else or change things up to be successful.”

After all, owning an independent business

Seeing green

THE OUTDOOR DINING room at Mid City’s new taco stand Barracuda cozies up to D’s Garden Center’s leafy oasis and Parker Barber’s chic salon.

The three businesses keyed into having a close working relationship from the start. Parker Barber owner and Louisiana developer Garrison Neill led the charge to revitalize the Mid City spot.

The sprawling property was previously home to Garden District Nursery and GD Barbeque before both long-running businesses shuttered in 2020. After purchasing and rezoning the land, Neill aimed to turn it into a hub where businesses could coexist and patrons could receive different services in one place.

“We’re not in competition,” Neill says. “If I grow, they grow. We’re all on the same page.”

Darren Duffy, owner of D’s Garden Center, says it just makes business sense.

“Whenever you’re going into an area where you’re revitalizing, it’s always hard if you’re a solo shop that’s set out there by yourself,” he says. “But, when you’re able to go ahead and have other businesses that would be a draw into that area, I think it provides a better opportunity.”

can be tough. But in local neighborhoods like Mid City, a growing number of shops, restaurants and cafes are sharing the love with a focus on mutual prosperity over competition.

“We all respect each other’s hard work and work ethics,” Holder says. “It’s just really nice to have businesses that are constantly going at the same rate as you are and trying to build a bigger and better Mid City.”

Here’s how seven other neighboring businesses are helping to build each other up.

Brent Tranchina, Katherine Rose, Josh Cataignier and Gabi Alford work at Barracuda Taco Stand, D's Garden Center and Parker Barber, respectively. The businesses were launched to revitalize the mixed-use development on Government Street.

FILEPHOTOBYCOLLINRICHIE

Pages and pendants

LOCAL BOOK LOVERS Tere and James Hyfield came to know jewelry makers Madeline and Dawson Ellis when they became their tenants. The Hyfields rented 350 square feet in the Ellises’ petite building on South Eugene Street to open their independent bookstore, Red Stick Reads, in 2020. Eventually, the Ellises moved in too— first in a small trailer dubbed The Shopette at the back of the property and now in the same building as the Hyfields.

Just as the businesses have grown closer, so have the people who run them. They collaborate for events and have welcomed other local artists and makers into the mix with annual pop-up markets. James calls the relationship with the Ellises “priceless.”

“We have gained so much from being involved with Mimosa,” he says. “Their following is huge, especially in this area of town. The people who like books are the same people who like the stories Madeline tells with her jewelry.”

Issue Date: July 2023

Ad proof #3

• Please respond by e-mail or phone with your approval or minor revisions. • 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.

Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

James Hyfield (right) runs Red Stick Reads with his wife, Tere, in a small property on South Eugene owned by Madeline Ellis (left) and her husband, Dawson. The Ellises recently moved their Mimosa Handcrafted shop next door.

Local treasures

MID CITY HAS long been on a journey to become Baton Rouge’s most walkable neighborhood, and the buildings at 1857 Government St. prove it. Visitors can eat, shop and browse their way through four spots—Circa 1857, Leola’s Cafe and Coffeehouse, The Guru and Mosaic Garden—in only a few steps.

The anchor shop in this complex is Circa 1857, an antique store that has been open for decades selling gems of yesteryear. In 2016 entrepreneur Garrett J. Kemp took over ownership and now runs the store with his husband, Lucas Lognion. The duo’s goal has always been to promote community and look out for nearby establishments.

In addition to the many collaborative events the tenants have coordinated together, including serving as the host for the former MidCity Makers Markets, Kemp says the group is always on the lookout for each other.

Kemp says fellow tenants alert him to estate sale finds that might do well in his inventory. In return, he says he shares tips about merchandise finds with nearby shops.

“We’ve created that communication between everybody that I think has been very helpful,” Kemp says.

Popular breakfast spot Leola’s Cafe and Coffeehouse shares space with Circa 1857, and owner LeAnn Ringe says she’s enjoyed collaborating with Kemp and Lognion to come up with fun ideas and events like past Christmas in July markets.

“We’re all local businesses, and it’s tough out there for everybody,” she says. “There’s no reason to make it tougher by being difficult, so we just always work together, do favors and be respectful.”

Leola's Cafe and Co eehouse, run by Corey and LeAnn Ringe (left), shares a space with Circa 1857, owned and operated by Garrett J. Kemp and Lucas Lognion (right).

Shucking for pearls

A Baton Rouge nonprofit aims to open up opportunities by teaching equity and empathy

BY ZANE PIONTEK PHOTOS BY COLLIN RICHIE

IN THE YEARS before she founded the local nonprofit America, My Oyster Association in 2016, Bea Gyimah was watching her passion take form in the words of her students.

As a Baton Rouge Community College professor of English with a focus on multicultural literature, Gyimah had founded clubs for students who wanted to pursue their passions for diverse cultures outside the classroom. One such project was the My America, Your America, Our America writers project, in which a group of students, under Gyimah’s direction, published two editions of a race and ethnic studies journal of essays and poetry in 2013 and 2015.

Following the project’s success, Gyimah says she received much cheers and congratulations from the students and their parents for the passion and strength she demonstrated. But folded into the praise was a suggestion that, in order for her to continue doing the work, she should build a vehicle for it that was wholly her own.

That’s precisely what Gyimah did in founding the America, My Oyster Association, or AMOA, a nonprofit that promotes multicultural awareness and teaches on diversity, equity and inclusion through a variety of programs.

“Everything that I did at BRCC, in a way, culminated or came together in some way (in) what I seek to do with the America, My Oyster Association,” Gyimah says.

In its early days, the group began by jumping into the local cultural network: Any heritage celebration that Gyimah caught wind of, from Juneteenth events to the former Festival Latino, AMOA would be there, either volunteering or presenting.

But what AMOA is perhaps best known for these days is its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) training program, called Building a

What’s in a name?

America My Oyster draws its name from the old expression, “the world is your oyster.” The moniker affirms that America should be a vessel of opportunity for all who live here, says founder Bea Gyimah. It also derives from an excerpt of Zora Neale Hurston’s essay “How it Feels to be Colored Me,” in which she writes, “I am not tragically colored. … No, I do not weep at the world—I am too busy sharpening my oyster knife.”

Better America Today with AMOA.

Working with the East Baton Rouge Parish Library system, Gyimah designed a curriculum of courses that learners—from middle school students to college graduates and “lifelong learners”—can take online and at their own pace.

“It’s not enough for the students who go through AMOA to be inspired to excel academically,”

Gyimah says. “We want them to be better people.”

First launched in May 2021, the program is available for free to anyone with an active EBR Library card. The curriculum is segmented into multiple tracks for learners at di erent stages of their education, with courseloads rising proportionately to the level of schooling.

All participants must take two core classes: a course on communicating with empathy and one on unconscious bias. From there, they can choose to take additional courses, like a “diversity deep dive” and a course on allyship. At the end, they land in one of three tiers of graduates: Supporter of Diversity, Diversity Advocate or Diversity Champion.

Bea Gyimah is the president and founder of America, My Oyster Association, which promotes multicultural awareness and achievement.

“Those courses make you think,” says Ursula Holmes, a friend and former student of Gyimah who signed up her three children for the DEI courses after completing them herself.

“I made my children do it, because it works. The program works,” Holmes says. “And then it gets you to open your mind to how you treat people (and) how people treat you.”

In 2022, AMOA graduated 60 participants from the DEI training program. Gyimah has also adapted the course material for corporate training sessions that she has presented to six local organizations and companies, like the Walmart Supercenter in Baker and Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Corporation.

AMOA also incorporates Gyimah’s passion for education with programs like Channeling the Motivation to Excel in College and Beyond, in which high school students attended speeches and workshops on academic motivation

and also received scholarships and school supplies.

“We wanted students to embrace multiculturalism, and to embrace multicultural education,” she says. “But we wanted them to embrace what was already in front of them, which was the pursuit of their

education, whether in high school or college.”

The AMOA umbrella continues to grow. Other projects include a previous STEM summer reading program for elementary students, a “Community Connections” speaker series and collabs with cultural

groups and service organizations.

Turning an eye to the future, Gyimah says AMOA will be expanding its current DEI program with a new Diversity Ambassadors Academy. Participants who completed the DEI program in 2022 will receive further training this fall in leadership development, peer-to-peer counseling, and then will serve as “ambassadors” to help promote AMOA programs in 2024.

“We want them to realize the greatest investment they will make is in themselves,” Gyimah says. “And with making the right investments in themselves, they have an awareness of how they can, in positive ways, invest in others.”

And the most crucial investment, the skill that is the “cornerstone” for any meaningful education, Gyimah says, is empathy.

“Empathy is the source for it all,” she says. “I realized that one of the greater ways to promote multicultural awareness is simply to promote empathy and kindness.” theamoa.org

Gyimah works closely with the EBRP Libraries, including librarian Andrew Tadman and assistant director Mary Stein, pictured here

We Earned an !

For Our Lady of the Lake Health patients, a nationally recognized “A” grade in safety means peace of mind during some of your toughest health moments.

National healthcare watchdog organization The Leapfrog Group gave Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center and Our Lady of the Lake Ascension an “A” grade for patient safety for spring 2023. The rating is based on a peer review of more than 30 performance measures looking at the number of accidents, injuries, infections and errors in a hospital setting, as well as the effciency of systems a hospital puts in place to prevent harm.

ololrmc.com

Jeo ery Harris Jr.

JEOFFERY HARRIS JR.’S list of accomplishments in the arts unfurls like a CVS receipt: a lengthy scroll of regional and national gigs in which the Baton Rouge performer has plied his trade as a dancer, judge, teacher and choreographer. Most recently, that includes earning the 2023 East Baton Rouge Parish Middle School Fine Arts Teacher of the Year award for his work as a classroom dance instructor at McKinley Middle Magnet and coach of the school’s accomplished dance team.

Dance is Harris’ chief passion and playground, but as a kid, he never dreamed he’d make a career of it. The New Orleans native played French horn, danced hip-hop for fun and rose to the rank of drum major at McDonogh 35 Senior High. He went on to study graphic design at Southeastern Louisiana University, but later added a dance minor, picking up skills in ballet, tap, hip-hop and modern forms.

In the mid-to-late 2000s he also took advantage of special Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge dance intensives hosted by nationally acclaimed dancer and actor Debbie Allen.

“I learned so much from Miss Allen,” Harris says. “She built

confidence, showed us how to dress and perform and carry ourselves. I don’t think anyone who organized that had any idea the impact it would have on all of us students.”

After college, Harris danced in the opening number of the Bayou Classic’s long-standing Greek Show for many years, served as a choreographer for local theater troupe New Venture Theatre and was a company member of Baton Rouge’s modern dance company, Of Moving Colors. He even developed skills in fire dancing, or performing with fiery rings and implements.

Seeing an opportunity to shape youth dancers, Harris embarked on his teaching career in 2012, and five years ago formed F.A.M.E. on Tour, his own dance intensive company for dance teams. He also created Brown Boys Dance, a social media account that showcases nationwide diversity in dance.

Harris says one of his biggest goals is to help young people see a future in the performing arts.

“I feel like the hard part about wanting to be a professional dancer is having the exposure,” he says. “I’m trying to give my students every opportunity to perform.”

“We’re producing a new breed of dancers, and the only way to help them is to expose them to more opportunities to dance and compete. The talent is here in Baton Rouge.”

—MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON

DIGIT

199,142

Number of votes cast across this year’s 68 award categories.

A record-breaking 15,412 Capital Region residents cast votes for this year’s awards. It marked a 78% increase in voter participation since 2020—a stat that consistently grows every year.

HOW WE CROWN BATON ROUGE’S ‘BEST’

Nominations and voting for the awards are open to all Capital Region residents. It’s a twopart process that begins after New Year’s and runs through the spring.

1. Write-in your nominations

Locals can nominate their faves on our digital, fill-in-theblank ballot starting in January.

2. Voting

The people and businesses with the most nominations move on to the final, multiple-choice-style ballot. Participants can vote one time in as many categories as they like.

Bookmark

this page:

Find voting, nominations, downloadable graphics and FAQ at 225batonrouge. com/bestof225

18THANNUAL BESTOF 225 AWARDS

2023AWARDSBALLOT

BestBBQ:BestNewRestaurant: BestChef: BestBar:Turnthepagetofndoutwhowon...

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Just as our city culture continually evolves, so do the awards. Throughout the issue, these markers point to some of the biggest changes: New category: Based on reader feedback, we introduce fresh awards each year, while also temporarily retiring others. (If you have an idea for a 2024 category, email editor@225batonrouge.com.)

First-time winner: It’s not easy to break into the top spot of a category—especially if that award has long been dominated by another person or business. These are the awards’ newest champions. Close race: We preach that every vote counts, because some categories are determined by as little as a 1% difference. Depending on the award, that could amount to only a handful of votes. Runners up: This issue isn’t only about the winners. To find the city’s rising stars and hidden gems, comb through the runners up.

WHAT LUNCH SPOTS are impressive enough to show o to out-of-towners? How about the fine dining restaurants worthy of a birthday dinner? What local places belong on the itinerary for a staycation?

This is what we imagine when we think of the “best”—and each year, we give readers the chance to rewrite and redefine our guide to the 225 region’s most top-notch restaurants, bars, people and businesses.

The Best of 225 Awards are selected 100% by Capital Region residents in a two-part nomination and voting process. Each year, more and more of you turn up to our website to crown your picks.

These are your favorites, your go-to’s, your ride-ordies. A big congrats to the 2023 champions.

Food & Drink

TEXT BY CYNTHEA CORFAH & MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON

PHOTOS BY SEAN GASSER & COLLIN RICHIE

Best Pizza winner Rocca Pizzeria

McKenzie Rush, PA-C

What’s the most exciting new thing in aesthetic medicine? I am loving the shift to more natural and regenerative modalities! I’m seeing more and more patients request collagen stimulators like Sculptra, PRF, lasers and Morpheus8 over traditional fillers. While dermal fillers have their place, these procedures help stimulate collagen production so you are literally aging in reverse!

What is the #1 service you cannot live without? Morpheus8 is my go-to service for anyone over 30 looking for a more lifted and refreshed appearance with minimal downtime. Morpheus8 tightens skin, stimulates collagen, improves acne and acne scarring, and smooths texture irregularities. It can be used on the face, neck, and body!

Kristin Green, PA-C

What is your favorite treatment combo? I can’t pick just one, so I’m going to pick two! I love combining Morpheus8 with plateletrich fibrin (PRF). Morpheus8 is a collagen-stimulating skin procedure and adding PRF can help cut down on healing time AND boost results! Another great combo option would be adding a Cool Peel laser treatment after a Morpheus8 session. This dynamic duo helps to stimulate collagen on both the deep and superficial layers of the skin. The best part? Skin resurfacing with minimal downtime!

Katie Badeaux, NP-C

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

The Shed BBQ 17.8%

2022 was quite a year for new concepts, but edging out luxe global cuisine, inventive tacos and the Jubans reboot, is underdog (or under-hog) The Shed. The transplant from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, is home to savory, smokey ’cue served in an indoor-outdoor setting that includes a volleyball court. theshedbbqbr.com

RUNNERS UP

Supper Club 17.1%

Barracuda Taco Stand 16.4%

Jubans 16.2%

Spoke & Hub 12.7%

BEST OVERALL RESTAURANT

Elsie’s Plate & Pie 14.7%

Oh, Elsie’s. There you go again. The Mid City pie shop and restaurant once again sticks the landing with its pie-centric, Louisiana-inspired menu and impossibly flaky pastry that is still made by hand. elsiespies.com

RUNNERS UP

Louisiana Lagniappe 12.1%

Ruth’s Chris Steak House 9.9%

The Chimes 9.2%

Mansurs on the Boulevard 7.9%

BEST BAR

Mid City Beer Garden 25.5%

Surrounded by plants in an open-air environment, local beers, wines and cocktails (not to mention generously portioned bar food) just taste better. Signature cocktails include a raspberry margarita, satsuma margarita, Briar Rose, French Blonde and the Garden Paloma. The beer menu is just as expansive. (More on that later.) midcitybeergarden.com

RUNNERS UP

Bin 77 Bistro & Sidebar 16.8%

Hayride Scandal 10.7%

The Bulldog 9%

The Radio Bar 8.4%

BEST FINE DINING

Ruth’s Chris Steak House 13%

High-quality beef broiled to order, famously served on a 500-degree plate and gilded with extras, is the bread-and-butter of this celebratory spot. Selecting which decadent sides to order is part of the ceremony. ruthschris.com

RUNNERS UP

Louisiana Lagniappe 10.6%

Supper Club 10.2%

Mansurs on the Boulevard 9.3%

Stab’s Prime Steak and Seafood 8.4%

Best New Restaurant winner The Shed BBQ

COLLIN RICHIE

Get the whole family outside to explore this Fall with BREC!

Learn more about the urban wildlife right in your backyard!

Come explore our trails at night + enjoy a gooey s’more!

WONDERS OF WILDLIFE [ AUG. 19 ] BREC.ORG/WOW

Enjoy this not-so-spooky event, full of family-friendly games and activities!

SWAMP HAUNTED HIKES [ OCT. 13 + 20 + 27 ] BREC.ORG/HAUNTEDHIKES

GREAT FAMILY CAMPOUT [OCT. 14 + 15] BREC.ORG/GFCO

NATURE NIGHT HIKE + CAMPFIRE [ AUG. 18 + SEPT 8 ] BREC.ORG/NIGHTHIKE

Join the competition + fish with the whole family!

GEAUX FISH! CATFISH RODEO [ OCT. 14 ] BREC.ORG/GEAUXFISH

Bring out your tents + sleeping bags for an overnight campout at the park!

Decorate a kayak to impress our judges or just come watch the parade!

PUMPKIN PADDLE PARADE [ OCT. 26 ]

BREC.ORG/OUTDOORADVENTURE

All our pet friendly programs coming this fall!

SUP DAWG [AUG. 12] BREC.ORG/SUPDAWG

Give your pup a chance to paddle with you on one of our lakes!

DOG DAY AT THE SWAMP [SEPT. 16 + DEC. 16]

BREC.ORG/SWAMPDOG

Bring your dog out to explore the swamp trail and get some good sniffs!

REINDOG RUN [DEC. 16] BREC.ORG/REINDOG Take to the trails to race with your pet through Comite River Park!

BEST BRUNCH

Elsie’s Plate & Pie 17.9%

Fill up your stomach and soul with brunch cocktails and hearty dishes like chicken and biscuits, a crawfish queso omelet, breakfast burger, boudin breakfast plate and a duck bacon BLT. Just come prepared to wait for a table—it seems the rest of Baton Rouge is often vying for the weekend spread at this Government Street favorite, too. elsiespies.com

RUNNERS UP

Mason’s Grill 16.6%

SoLou 8.2%

The Chimes 7.5%

Another Broken Egg Cafe 7.4%

BEST BREAKFAST

Frank’s Restaurant 18.5%

For the first meal of the day, have yourself a classic Southern breakfast. Dive into pancakes, beignet bites, eggs benedict, omelets, Fresh toast, sandwiches and breakfast platters. And don’t skip the famous biscuits. franksrestaurantla.com

RUNNERS UP

Louie’s Cafe 12.2%

Another Broken Egg Cafe 10.9%

Simple Joe Cafe 10.3%

Mason’s Grill 8.9%

BEST COFFEE MENU

CC’s Coffee House 21.8%

Whether you’re a Mochasippi or a classic cafe au lait person, CC’s Coffee House probably has a location nearby—open morning to night. Snag a mango smoothie for breakfast, a cold brew for an afternoon pick-me-up or an herbal tea to wind down at night. ccscoffee.com

RUNNERS UP

French Truck Coffee 13.6%

Starbucks 10%

Brew Ha-Ha! 9.2%

Rêve Coffee Lab 9.1%

Best Brunch winner Elsie’s Plate & Pie

The Little Village 46.2%

What is an Italian restaurant without good garlic bread?

This homey restaurant with two locations serves its wildly popular Village Bread in half and whole loaves, with options to add red sauce, roasted garlic or tapenade for dipping. Customers can also order the braided bread uncooked, ready to bake for an Italian-inspired night in. littlevillagebr.com

RUNNERS UP

Gino’s Italian Restaurant 13.4%

Rocca Pizzeria 6.3%

Portobello’s Grill 5.3% Ruffino’s 4.7%

Elsie’s Plate & Pie 45.9%

Dessert is in the name at this Mid City spot. After a good ol’ filling dinner, leave some room for an Elsie’s signature pie, like the coconut cream, chocolate cream, turtle, s’mores or blueberry. elsiespies.com

RUNNERS UP

Mansurs on the Boulevard 9.2%

Ruffino’s 6.9%

BRQ Seafood and Barbeque 6.5% Supper Club 6.4%

BEST BAKERY

Ambrosia Bakery 36.1%

The display case at this long-running local bakery is the stuff of dreams: cakes, pies, cupcakes, petit fours, cheesecakes, cookie cakes, breads and gluten-free desserts. Ambrosia also serves breakfast and lunch from its deli and makes elaborate wedding cakes. ambrosiabakery.com

RUNNERS UP

Nothing Bundt Cakes 18.8%

Gambino’s Bakery 9.4%

CounterSpaceBR 9.2%

Les Amis Bake Shoppe 8.9%

Best Bread at a Local Restaurant winner The Little Village

FILE PHOTO BY COLLIN RICHIE

BEST SALADS

J. Alexander’s Restaurant 19.6%

The flavors of J. Alexander’s salad menu are worldly and well-rounded: caesar, grilled chicken, Thai and Asian ahi tuna. Try the rich Cypress Salad, which comes with chopped crispy chicken tenders, pecans, avocado, bacon, cheese, croutons and ranch dressing. jalexanders.com

RUNNERS UP

The Salad Station 18.4%

Walk-On’s Sports

Bistreaux 10.3%

BLDG 5 10%

Bistro Byronz 7.5%

BEST SUSHI

Ichiban

20%

Stay in for the night and order take-out, or step out for an elevated sushi dinner at Ichiban. Get your favorites like a California Roll or Crunchy Roll; or mix things up with a Baton Rouge-inspired specialty dish like the Red Stick or Moscona rolls. ichibanbr.com

RUNNERS UP

Tsunami 16.3%

Sushi Yama Japanese Restaurant 14%

Geisha, Sushi With a Flair 12.4%

Sushi Masa 9.8%

BEST TACOS AT A LOCAL RESTAURANT

Gov’t Taco 16.9%

Exit your taco comfort zone for an out-of-the-box rendition at Gov’t Taco. The Mid City restaurant plays with ingredients not typically found on tortillas: think fried chicken strips, crawfish tails, smoked chicken thighs, boudin, pimento mac and cheese and cane-glazed carrots. govttaco.com

RUNNERS UP

Superior Grill 14.6%

Barracuda Taco Stand 11.3%

Rock Paper Taco 10.6%

BEST PIZZA

Rocca Pizzeria 19.7%

Whether it’s the flavor of the wood-fire oven or the handtossed dough, you can taste the love and time put into a Rocca pizza. The first tough decision—red or white sauce— only becomes increasingly challenging when presented with a roster of pies like pesto, mushroom medley, smoked brisket and prosciutto di parma. Also on the menu are pastas, sandwiches, salads, desserts and stand-out sides like crispy potatoes, spaghetti squash and pull-apart garlic knots. roccapizzeria.com

RUNNERS UP

Red Zeppelin Pizza 18.6%

Lit Pizza 16%

Pastime Restaurant 11.1%

Schlittz & Giggles 10.3%

First-time COVER STORY // 225batonrouge.com | [225] July 2023 43

Best Pizza winner Rocca Pizzeria

BEST CRAWFISH

Tony’s Seafood 25.9%

Springtime in Baton Rouge means queueing up at Tony’s, the Capital Region’s OG seafood market. For many, the 51-year-old establishment is the only spot for reliably big, expertly spiced crawfish. tonyseafood.com

RUNNERS UP

Sammy’s Grill 13.6%

Willie’s Restaurant 11.9%

Crawfish on the Geaux 8.9%

Hole ‘N Da Wall Seafood 8.5%

BEST GUMBO

Dempsey’s 15.2%

Elevating something as quotidian as gumbo is no small feat, but Dempsey’s does it with rich seafood or chicken and sausage versions that stand out for their detailed consistency and flavor. Find it on Facebook

RUNNERS UP

Parrain’s Seafood

Restaurant 12.6%

The Chimes 11.6%

Mike Anderson’s 10.1%

Duke’s Seafood & Steakhouse 8.5%

BEST SEAFOOD DISHES

Louisiana

Lagniappe 25.3%

Founder and veteran restaurant owner Kevin Ortego fastidiously sources jumbo lump crab meat, top-grade fish, shrimp and more from the Gulf for this dinner-only eatery’s voluminous ode-to-seafood menu. louisianalagniappe restaurant.com

RUNNERS UP

Parrain’s Seafood Restaurant 19.3%

Mike Anderson’s 13.6%

Mansurs on the Boulevard 8.5%

Beausoleil Coastal Cuisine 7.9%

Best Seafood Dishes winner Louisiana Lagniappe

BEST PO-BOYS

Po-Boy Express 18.7%

Don’t be fooled by the humble exterior and drive-thru window. Po-Boy Express serves 16 different fully loaded po-boys, from layers of tender fried shrimp, to chin-dripping steak and onions. poboyexpress.com

RUNNERS UP

Rocco’s New Orleans Po-Boys and Cafe 14.4%

JED’s Local Louisiana Po’boys 14.1%

Poor Boy Lloyd’s 11.1%

Dempsey’s 10.3%

BEST OYSTERS

Phil’s Oyster Bar & Seafood 16.4%

First-time WINNER!

Partner Peter Sclafani has spent the last couple years reframing fun and casual Phil’s from legacy dive to serious dining spot committed to locally sourced seafood. Dive into Gulf oysters in po-boy or platter form, raw on the halfshell or charbroiled with one of several sauces. philsoysterbar.com

RUNNERS UP

Drago’s Seafood Restaurant 14.2%

Mansurs on the Boulevard 11.8%

Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar 11.3%

Acme Oyster House 10.3%

Best Oysters winner Phil’s Oyster Bar & Seafood

First-time WINNER!

BEST BBQ

Hannah Q Smokehouse 16.8%

With three locations, family-owned Hannah Q takes top honors in this pig-eat-pig category, which shows how seriously Baton Rouge now takes barbecue. Pick up smoked pork, brisket, ribs, chicken, turkey and sausage, along with crazy good sides like smoked gouda mac and Southern corn pudding. hannahqsmokehouse.com

RUNNERS UP

BRQ Seafood and Barbeque 16.4% City Pork 14%

Cou-Yon’s BBQ 12.9%

The Shed BBQ 9.9%

BEST RESTAURANT FOR VEGETARIAN OR VEGAN OPTIONS

BLDG 5 24.3%

Shakshuka with naan; bread and cheese; and harvest boards loaded with colorful, curated grilled vegetables are just part of a grazeable menu steeped in choice. bldg5.com

RUNNERS UP

MJ’s Cafe 20.7% Cocha 15.8%

Mestizo Louisiana

Méxican Cuisine 14.9% Magpie Cafe 14.3%

BEST FOOD TRUCK

Cou-Yon’s BBQ 29.7%

Predictably planted at Perkins Road and Acadian Thruway Tuesday through Saturday, Cou-Yon’s BBQ’s truck serves a menu of signature smoked meats and sides, family packs, extra-large stuffed potatoes and more. couyons.com

RUNNERS UP

The Big Cheezy 16.4% Crawfish on the Geaux 13.9%

Pie Eyed 7.8%

Taqueria Don Beto 7.6%

Best BBQ winner Hannah Q Smokehouse

Coming this Fall,

The Queen Baton Rouge will take the throne as the best entertainment and gaming destination in the Capital City. With slots and tables as far as the eye can see, delicious dining options to feast on, and the most exciting sports betting around, there will be no better place to experience all the action.

BEST ITALIAN Gino’s Italian Restaurant 23.9%

Twirl up the old-school classics like spaghetti and meatballs, or venture into veal dishes or eggplant Parmesan. Don’t forget the arancini. ginosrestaurant.com

RUNNERS UP

The Little Village 15.6%

DiGiulio Brothers Italian Cafe 14.8%

Randazzo’s Italian Market 11.6%

Monjunis 9.9%

Albasha Greek & Lebanese Restaurant 42.3%

Albasha Greek & Lebanese Restaurant knows how to make the meal of champions. Shawarma, gyros, pasta, kabobs, seafood or vegetarian dishes offer a taste of the Mediterranean at this long-time favorite, now with four locations in the Capital Region. albashabr.com

RUNNERS UP

Serop’s Cafe 16.4%

Zorba’s Greek Bistro 15.7%

Cafe Phoenicia 11%

Roman’s Cafe 8%

BEST BLACK-OWNED RESTAURANT Zeeland Street 27.3%

Sometimes you just want to eat a hot plate that tastes like it was made at your mama’s house. At Zeeland Street, customers can dig into soul food dishes, like red beans and rice, pot roast, mashed potatoes, pecan-smoked brisket, sweet potatoes, mustard greens and po-boys. The family-owned restaurant is open Monday to Saturday and serves breakfast, lunch and brunch. zeelandstreet.com

RUNNERS UP

Chicken Shack 13.2%

Empire Wingz 10.9%

Boil & Roux 10.5%

Pit-N-Peel BBQ and Seafood 8.6%

BEST MEDITERRANEAN

Best Black-owned Restaurant winner Zeeland Street

MEMBERSHIP AMENITIES

Pool with two water slides

24/7 Fitness center

Free tness classes

Driving range (1 bucket a day)

Tennis courts

Tennis league teams

Free ball machine

Free round robins

Pickleball Basketball court

Men’s & Women’s locker rooms

Showers & towel service

Walking/Running trail

Live music and events

Banquet Room

Bar and Grill

BEST INDIAN Bay Leaf Indian Cuisine 26.7%

White tablecloths and numerous options spanning regional Indian cuisines set the mood for legit global dining. Pro tip: Bring friends who like to share, and work your way through tandooris, biryanis, curries, tikkas and many other mouthwatering specialities. bayleafindiancuisinela.com

RUNNERS UP

Swagat Indian Cuisine 25.7%

India’s Restaurant 18.7%

Tap 65 14.7%

Curry N Kabab 9.1%

BEST THAI

Thai Kitchen 53.9%

This quirky and popular eatery reels in regulars with a broad menu of curries, noodle and rice dishes and more, as well as generous lunch specials and daytime dim sum. thaikitchenla.com

RUNNERS UP

Thai Pepper 17.8%

Thai Chili Restaurant 11.6%

Duang Tawan 9.8%

Chai Thai-Lao 7%

BEST VIETNAMESE

Chow Yum Phat 29.9%

Specializing in ramen and inventive street food, this funky Overpass District treasure is one of the few places in town to serve Asian-spiced, Viet-Cajun crawfish. Sample six different types of bao, including a must-try with soft shell crab. chowyumphat.com

RUNNERS UP

Bao Vietnamese Kitchen 13.2%

Ava Street Café 11.5%

Pho Café 10.9%

Drunken Fish 7.8%

BEST MEXICAN

Superior

Grill 25.5%

Here, diners can eat Tex-Mex for lunch, dinner and even breakfast. At two locations, Superior serves enchiladas, tacos, ceviche, nachos, chips and queso, quesadillas, chimichangas, tamales, sizzling fajitas and hand-cut steaks. batonrouge.superiorgrill.com

RUNNERS UP

Mestizo Louisiana Méxican Cuisine 14.4%

La Carreta 12%

Tio Javi’s Mexican Grill 10.9%

Casa Maria 9.9%

Best Indian winner Bay Leaf Indian Cuisine

COLLIN RICHIE

Mid City Beer Garden 38.8%

There’s always a new brew to try here. The bar’s changing menu is a beer lover’s playground. Enjoy everything from fruity sour beers and lagers to chocolatey milk stouts and ciders from this spot’s plant-filled patio. midcitybeergarden.com

RUNNERS UP

The Chimes 21.6%

The Bulldog 14% Tap 65 7.6% Tap 5.2%

THANKS FOR VOTING US BEST OVERALL RESTAURANT IN BATON ROUGE 2019-2022!

Best Craft Beer Menu winner Mid City Beer Garden

BEST CRAFT BEER MENU

BEST BAR AT A LOCAL RESTAURANT

Superior Gril l 17.9%

Pair your taco or quesadilla with a famous Superior Margarita made with freshly squeezed lime juice. Order a classic or flavored marg, or take it up a notch with top-shelf tequila. batonrouge.superiorgrill.com

RUNNERS UP

The Chimes 13.7%

Olive or Twist 11.8%

BLDG 5 9%

Soji: Modern Asian 8.8%

BEST LOCAL BREWERY

Tin Roof Brewing Co . 36.9%

Baton Rouge’s first craft brewery does it all: It brews creative beers, hosts community-focused events and boasts a lively tap room for locals to mingle, taste new beers and get a peek at where the magic happens off Nicholson Drive. Outside of the tap room, Tin Roof Brewing Co. beers can also be found in local groceries and bars all around town. tinroofbeer.com

RUNNERS UP

Istrouma Brewing 20.1%

Le Chien Brewing Company 18.7%

Rally Cap Brewing Company 8.9%

Gilla Brewing Company 6.1%

BEST CRAFT COCKTAIL MENU

Olive or Twist 18%

Leave it to the bar known for cocktail roulette to shake up adventurous drinks. Try the Love Note, with lavender gin, crème de violette, lemon, butterfly pea tea and egg white. oliveortwistbr.com

RUNNERS UP

Hayride Scandal 16.8%

BLDG 5 12.3%

SoLou 8.4%

Soji: Modern Asian 8.3%

Best Craft Cocktail Menu winner Olive or Twist

Pies, pies and more pies—plus salads, sandwiches, burgers and Louisiana plate lunches— make this Mid City spot a lively lunchtime draw. elsiespies.com

The hum of cheerful chatter spills out onto the block surrounding this lush open-air bar, where patrons choose from ever-changing craft beers on tap. Look up from some seats and see the night sky. midcitybeergarden.com

BEST BURGER

Burgersmith 16.5%

Order a themed burger or mix-and-match your own with a dizzying list of toppings, condiments, cheeses, veggies and more. Probability experts would have a field day with the number of possible combos. burgersmith.com

RUNNERS UP

Curbside Burgers 14.2% Dearman’s 12.8%

Our Mom’s Restaurant & Bar 10% Five Guys 6.8%

BEST FRIES AT A LOCAL RESTAURANT

Burgersmith 23.3%

Crisp-tender and seasoned to lipsmacking perfection, Burgersmith’s thin-and-sturdy fries are the stuff of legend. Order them salted with Smith Seasoning or with butter and garlic. burgersmith.com

RUNNERS UP

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers 12.8% The Overpass Merchant 11.4%

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux 11.2% Curbside 9.7%

Best Burger and Best Fries at a Local Restaurant winner Burgersmith

This Month @ BREC

TWILIGHT TOURS

BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo

Every Tuesday + Thursday in July | 6-7:30 p.m.

EVENING SKY VIEWINGS

Highland Road Park Observatory

Most Fridays + Saturdays | 7:30-10 p.m.

ADULT FUN PICKLEBALL DOUBLES TOURNAMENT

Greenwood Community Park Tennis Center

July 1 | 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

RED, WHITE + ZOO DAY

BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo

July 1 | Regular Zoo Hours

MOVIE AT THE LAGOON: THOR: LOVE + THUNDER

Liberty Lagoon

July 7 | 7:30-9:30 p.m.

CELEBRATE PARK + RECREATION MONTH

ADAPTIVE AQUATICS

Liberty Lagoon

July 11-13 | 9-9:30 a.m.

BATON ROUGE OPEN

Santa Maria Golf Course

July 24 + 25

MOVIE AT THE LAGOON - SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY

Liberty Lagoon

July 21 | 7:30-9:30 p.m.

People & Entertainment

TEXT BY ZANE PIONTEK

Delivering Healthcare Across the Capital Area

For decades, Ochsner has been committed to health and wellness across the Capital region. With more than 400 local providers in 30+ specialties and 25+ locations, Ochsner Baton Rouge has you covered for all of your healthcare needs.

Our specialists are fully integrated with our hospital, outpatient, and surgery facilities, providing a personalized approach to your care in a comfortable setting. O ering digital medicine programs, virtual visits and extended hours, we are focused on making excellent healthcare convenient and accessible here in Baton Rouge.

Our promise to Baton Rouge’s future fuels our determination, as well as partnerships that create new resources. These include the Southern University “Jag Mobile” mobile health unit, Ochsner Community Wellness Center on the LSU Campus and the Baton Rouge Ochsner Discovery Charter School, all for the health of our community.

First-time WINNER!

Parish County Line 23.8%

Jacob Zumo 1 6.4%

From his expressive celebrity portraits to his colorful renditions of Catholic iconography, Jacob Zumo has always been an artist with a close relationship to his subject matter. He’s said he strives to make his vast and growing body of work approachable to all while still retaining the mystery that all great art should hold. shop.jzumo.com

RUNNERS UP

Cora Barhorst 12.1%

Brandon V. Lewis 11.1%

Madi Zaine 10.1%

Meghan Simoneaux of Maeleigh Rose Photography 9.1%

Since forming in 2012, Parish County Line has staked its place as Baton Rouge’s resident band of redblooded country revelers. Even a quick glance at song titles like “Back Roads,” “Bud Light” and “Don’t Mess With My Country” gives a clear appraisal of what the group is about: the kind of old-school country that courses through our region. Find them at the Texas Club or anywhere where there’s a big game, beer and enough space for a bonfire. parishcountyline.com

RUNNERS UP

Chase Tyler Band 20.6%

Chris LeBlanc Band 18.8%

Michael Foster Project 16.4%

Karma & The Killjoys 5.9%

Chelsea’s Live 26%

When it opened in early 2022, Chelsea’s Live became an instant refuge for music lovers, local bands and touring acts alike at a time when many of the city’s top music venues were still closing or restricting their activities due to the pandemic. Now, the spacious and glittering Chelsea’s continues to enjoy a rightful seat among Baton Rouge’s premier venues. With regular shows from local bands and recurring events like Emo Night and Shut Up and Sing Karaoke filling the spaces between headliner shows, Chelsea’s has all the goods to back up its favored status in Baton Rouge and beyond. chelseaslive.com

RUNNERS UP

The Texas Club 16.2%

L’Auberge Casino & Hotel

Baton Rouge 15.5%

Varsity Theatre 13.7%

Manship Theatre 11.3%

BEST LOCAL VISUAL ARTIST

Best Local Visual Artist winner Jacob Zumo

RBAG ELLEI

BEST RADIO PERSONALITY

Murphy, Sam & Jodi 2 5.3%

The Murphy, Sam & Jodi show has become an indispensable part of the daily routine for those who tune in to 96.1 The River on weekday mornings. With decades of experience under their belts, the trio behind the show has a signature mix of helpful life tips and irreverent table-talk down to a science, and listeners know they can depend on them for their daily dose of comic relief. murphysamandjodi.com

RUNNERS UP

LaTangela Fay 16.1%

Matt Moscona 15.2%

T-Bob Hebert 14.5%

Austin James 10.8%

BEST LOCAL NEWS PERSONALITY

Kiran Chawla, Unfiltered With Kiran

4 5.6%

Award-winning reporter Kiran Chawla prides herself on being an old-school investigative newshound. Her vocal love for Louisiana and the South manifests in her unflagging dedication to sharing the city’s untold stories. unfilteredwithkiran.com

RUNNERS UP

Jay Grymes, WAFB 12%

Sylvia Weatherspoon, WBRZ 11.9%

Chris Nakamoto, WBRZ 8.7%

Liz Koh, WAFB 4.6%

Baton Rouge Symphony 26.4%

The powers of a full classical ensemble of skilled musicians are mighty and manifold. Now, Baton Rouge Symphony aims to make those majestic musical experiences accessible to everyone in the Capital City. Catch the group’s Hip Hop Classics Candlelight Concert this month or its more classical Bachtoberfest in the fall. brso.org

RUNNERS UP

Theatre Baton Rouge 25.5%

Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre 15.6%

Playmakers of Baton Rouge 13.2% Of Moving Colors Dance Company 7.3%

CLOSE RACE!

Best Local News Personality winner Kiran Chawla

FILE PHOTO BY SEAN GASSER

Eric Marshall, executive director of Baton Rouge Symphony—Best Performing Arts Group winner—ahead of a recent candlelight concert.

Best Local Radio Personality winners Murphy, Sam & Jodi

FILE PHOTO BY COLLINRICHIE

100.7 The Tiger - WTGE 1 3.4%

“Louisiana’s Country Station” requires little introduction. The Tiger is known throughout the region as the go-to station for the music of the Bayou State. Tune in for country, zydeco and swamp rock, or the loveable banter of the likes of camo-clad radio hosts Big D and Bubba. 1007thetiger.com

RUNNERS UP

John Folse 16.9%

At this point, the legend of Chef John Folse spans far beyond the cookbooks bearing his name that have made their way through generations of Louisiana kitchens. He has opened restaurants from the Baton Rouge area to Moscow and even once served a feast of Louisiana staples like gumbo, catfish and alligator sausage at the Vatican State Dinner. Now, at 76, he remains the face of White Oak Estate & Gardens, the culinary institute at Nicholls State University and many other projects. jfolse.com

RUNNERS UP

Jim Urdiales, Mestizo Louisiana

Mexican Cuisine 14.6%

Chris Motto, Jubans 13.9%

Thien Nguyen, Soji: Modern Asian 12.5%

Cameron Cage, City Pork 9.7%

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux

35.3%

There’s much room for sports bars in Baton Rouge, but only one slot for the fan favorite. For two decades now, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux has been enticing sports fans with its LSU history—the founders met as walkons on the basketball team—and, of course, game-day-appropriate bites and drinks. walk-ons.com

RUNNERS UP

The Chimes 11.6%

Mid City Beer Garden 10.6%

Big Mike’s Sports Bar & Grill 8.8% Superior Grill 6.9%

Houmas House and Gardens 22.8%

With its stately facade and a latticework of oak branches shading the grass, Houmas House is a local icon of Southern elegance. Many couples seek out the storybook estate as an idyllic location of their big day. houmashouse.com

RUNNERS UP

White Oak Estate and Gardens 19%

Louisiana’s Old State Capitol 17.4%

LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens 11.7%

Capitol Park Museum 9.7%

BEST PLACE FOR A WEDDING CEREMONY

SEAN GASSER

CLOSE

RACE!

Shopping & Services

TEXT BY CYNTHEA CORFAH

Best Nail Salon winner Zaza Nail Boutique

BEST LOCAL GIFT SHOP

The Royal Standard 32.6%

Check off all your gift shopping at once. The Royal Standard stocks pajamas, travel bags, wedding gifts and Louisianathemed kitchenware—all under one roof. theroyalstandard.com

RUNNERS UP

The Foyer 12.6%

Bayou Belle Boutique 11.6%

Messengers Gifts 9.1%

The Idea Station 6.9%

BEST LOCAL SHOP FOR HOME DECOR

The Royal Standard 25%

At this home, fashion and gift shop, shoppers can find humorous and eyecatching doormats, artsy mirrors, linens, furniture and home accents with flair. theroyalstandard.com

RUNNERS UP

The Foyer 14.2%

Drusilla Imports 12.7%

Circa 1857 10.7%

Trends by Design 9.9%

Circa 1857 26%

Get lost in a curated wonderland of timeless antiques and vintage pieces at this Mid City shop. Circa is the ideal place to find unique furniture, colorful glassware and vintage decor and apparel with character, from bamboo shelves and yellow velvet chairs to vintage fur coats and decorative rugs. circa1857br.com

RUNNERS UP

The Royal Standard 16.9%

The Pink Elephant Antiques 13.9%

Rusty Rooster 11.1% V.Watts Trade Mart 8%

WATERMARK Baton Rouge 40.1%

Experience downtown Baton Rouge like a celebrity in this elegant and modern boutique hotel. Grab a cocktail from the luxe bar at The Gregory and soak up the views of the city in style. watermarkbr.com

RUNNERS UP

L’Auberge Casino & Hotel

Baton Rouge 19.3%

Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel 17.2%

Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center 11.9%

SEAN COVER STORY // 70 [225] July 2023 | 225batonrouge.com

BEST ANTIQUE SHOP

The Royal Standard, winner of the Best Local Gift Shop and the Best Local Shop for Home Decor awards

BEST HOTEL

CALLING ALL COMIC FANS!

THE 6TH ANNUAL

RETURNS TO THE MAIN LIBRARY AT GOODWOOD ON Saturday, August 5, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, August 6, 2-7 p.m.

THIS YEAR’S SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE:

• Worldbuilding 101 with Black speculative fction author Milton Davis

• Drawing workshop with Keith “Cartoonman” Douglas

• Acrobatic performances by The Acadian Circus

• Live video game tournament

• NERDSoul with Blerd-ish on Black representation in pop culture

• Trapped in Anime and 8BitofFun on content creation

• Teen Film Festival

• Our cosplay pros: Miss Oolala, Gamma Rae, LigerZero, and Lady Luna Loveless

• Food trucks, photo booths, board games, video games, and much more!

Carriages Fine Clothier 22.5%

Time for a wardrobe refresh. Men can dress their best with help from the folks at Carriages Fine Clothier. Button downs, polos, elevated gameday attire, swimwear, dressy pants, suit jackets, shoes and accessories are all up for grabs. carriagesbr.com

RUNNERS UP

The Backpacker 21.5% Perlis 17.1% McLavy Ltd. 12.6% Brown & Brown Customer Clothiers 9.9%

CLOSE RACE!

NAESYBOTOHPELIF

BEST LOCAL WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE

Bayou Belle Boutique 32.4%

Dress for every occasion at this boutique with two locations in Denham Springs. The racks range from casual Southern wear to trendy business attire. bayoubelleboutique.com

RUNNERS UP

Frock Candy 14.8%

Head Over Heels 13.8%

Blu Spero 12.7%

JM Boutique 10.1%

Best Local Women's Boutique winner Bayou Belle Boutique

Oh Baby! 23.2%

Babies can be dressed with class, too. This Bocage Village boutique sells classic clothing and tasteful keepsakes for newborns to preteens. It’s the place to shop for outfits for birthday photo shoots, special milestones or holidays with your little one. ohbabybr.com

RUNNERS UP

The Bee’s Knees 18.6%

Lulu & Bean 16.1%

Mini Macarons 11.7%

Cassandi’s 11.2%

Bayou Belle Boutique 26.5%

In Baton Rouge, it’s impossible to have too much game-day attire. Spice up LSU or Southern game-day looks with colorcoordinated bodysuits, dangling football earrings, travel cups, gold cowboy boots and more. bayoubelleboutique.com

RUNNERS UP

Bengals & Bandits 14.9%

Issue Date: July 2023 Ad2 proof #2

Sweet Baton Rouge 13.6%

• Please respond by e-mail or phone with your approval or minor revisions.

Purple and Gold Sports Shop 10.4%

• 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.

Frock Candy 10.2%

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees. Carefully

BEST LOCAL SHOP FOR GAME-DAY ATTIRE

BEST LOCAL SHOP FOR CHILDREN & INFANTS

FILE PHOTO BY KRISTIN SELLE

Best Local Shop for Children & Infants winner Oh Baby!

BEST LAW FIRM

Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys 42.4%

Even if you've never hired him, you know Gordon McKernan. His face is seemingly on every billboard, commercial and bus around town, and even makes waves on social media. Is it safe to say that in and out of the courtroom, the community-focused law firm—which now has 12 offices and has handled more than 40 cases valued over $1 million each—can’t be beat? You be the judge. getgordon.com

RUNNERS UP

Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers 15% Kean Miller LLP 11.3%

Tyler & Possa 6.6%

Fini Firm 5.6%

BEST PLASTIC SURGEON

Weiler Plastic Surgery 34.7%

Enhance your natural features at Weiler Plastic Surgery. This plastic surgery and medical spa offers injections, plastic surgery and nonsurgical body and skin treatments. weilerplasticsurgery.com

RUNNERS UP

Williamson Cosmetic Center & Perenack Aesthetic Surgery 22.6%

Erick Sanchez MD Plastic Surgery 11.2%

Bourgeois Freel Plastic Surgery 6.5%

Stephens Plastic Surgery 6.2%

BEST TATTOO SHOP

Burning Lotus Tattoo 22.5%

Add some art to your skin at Burning Lotus. This tattoo shop offers intricately detailed tattoos and piercings executed by pros. Find it on Facebook

RUNNERS UP

Black Torch Tattoo 19.8%

High Resolution Tattoo 12.3%

Body Images Tattoo Clinic 11.7%

Leviathan Studios 6.8%

BEST URGENT CARE CENTER

Lake After Hours 28.3%

Don’t ignore your health. Get seen quickly at Lake After Hours for afterwork urgent care needs. Hours vary by day and location, but most are open until 8 p.m. during the week, and the Drusilla location is open until 10 p.m. lakeurgentcare.com

RUNNERS UP

Patient Plus Urgent Care 19%

The Baton Rouge Clinic 14.1%

Ochsner Urgent Care 10.4%

STAT Care Clinic 7.6%

Gordon McKernan, the face behind Best Law Firm winner Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys

SAY BYE, BYE TO

One of the most common complaints Dr. Reshma Amin hears about is dry eyes. With her patients top of mind, she has created a dry eye clinic within TRIO Eyecare. Dr. Amin’s approach to the treatment of dry eye is simple and e ective; diagnose, assess & conquer. This all starts from exploring di erent methods of healing dry eye disease from the inside out. After all, your eyes are a part of your body and it all starts with YOU! If you are su ering from red, gritty, or itchy eyes visit Dr. Amin today.

Scan here to read more about Dr. Amin’s approach to conquering dry eye disease.

Dr. Reshma Amin

Camp Bow Wow 23.2%

When dog lovers are away from home, they can send their furry friends to their own home-awayfrom-home. Camp Bow Wow is a giant indoor-outdoor doghouse off Pecue Lane offering all-day play packages, dog boarding, training and grooming. Locals can reserve their furry pal’s spot online or on Camp Bow Wow’s app. campbowwow.com

RUNNERS UP

Royal Treatment: Pet Manor & Grooming Spa 14.1%

Smooch My Pooch 12.1%

Lucky Dog Lodge 11.4%

Highland Road Animal Hospital 8.9%

Chef Brandon LaBorde Presents

F ir In Ca ring

FROM AT HOME PRIVATE

PARTIES TO OUR PRIVATE EVENT VENUE, FIRST IN CATERING WILL HANDLE EVERYTHING!

Buffet Style & Individually

Boxed meals for ANY size occasion!

Lunch In- Services | Lunch Training Events

Physician Office Lunches

Weddings | Private Parties

Veteran Owned & Operated

BEST CATERER

City Pork Catering & Events 21.9%

Whether it’s for a tailgate or cocktail hour, City Pork Catering and Events is a go-to for filling up lunch, dinner and party tables with tasty meats, Southern dishes and local greens. citypork.com

RUNNERS UP

Chef Don Bergeron Enterprises 17.4%

Superior Grill 15.2%

Gourmet Girls 11.1%

Unique Cuisine Catering 8.8%

Best Place for Pet Services

winner Camp Bow Wow

BEST MARKET FOR MEAT

Iverstine Farms Butcher 22.2%

Buy meat from the pros at this full-service butcher shop and smokehouse. Iverstine Farms Butcher sources its meats from Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi. iverstinefarms.com

RUNNERS UP

Maxwell’s Market 13.7%

Oak Point Fresh Market 12%

Rouses Markets 10.8%

Chris’ Specialty Foods 10.7%

BEST LOCAL GROCERY STORE

Rouses Market 21.1%

Support local farmers and businesses by shopping at one of Rouses’ more than 80 locations. The Louisiana-founded supermarket sells locally sourced fresh produce, frozen and chilled goods, hot meals and pantry necessities. rouses.com

RUNNERS UP

Oak Point Fresh Market 20.1%

Calandro’s Supermarket 14.3%

Calvin’s Bocage Market 14%

Alexander’s Market 10.9%

Best Market for Meat winner Iverstine Farms Butcher

Zaza Nail Boutique 20.6%

Sit back and relax at this preppy and polished nail salon in the Perkins Road Overpass District. Get a manicure, pedicure, eyebrow, lip or chin wax at Zaza while surrounded by cozy and classic decor and ever-changing displays of fresh flowers. Plus, the nail boutique uses essential oils and natural products to keep customers’ skin healthy. zazabatonrouge.com

BEST BOUTIQUE FITNESS STUDIO

Body Sculpt Barre Studio 23%

The Body Sculpt Barre Studio is more than a fitness studio, it’s a community. At the studios in Prairieville, Brusly, Zachary and Central, fitness enthusiasts and beginners can make connections and challenge themselves with fastmoving and energetic workouts. bodysculptbarrestudios.com

RUNNERS UP

Pilates Plus/TreadBR 15.4%

Geaux CrossFit 11.4%

Grace Yoga + Pilates 10.8%

Iron Tribe Fitness 9.1%

BEST PLACE TO GET A MASSAGE

Bumble Lane 25%

You deserve the finer things in life—and Bumble Lane is here to help. The spa's two locations offer massage, body scrub, facial, manicure, pedicure, wax or lash and brow services. bumblelane.com

RUNNERS UP

Woodhouse Spa 15.4%

The Emporium 9%

Trifecta Sports Therapy 8.6%

Massage Envy 7.4%

BEST HAIR SALON

Paris Parker

Salon & Spa 18.6%

When you look good, you feel good. At Paris Parker, that saying rings true, thanks to its revitalizing spa and salon services like haircuts, extensions, hair color and treatments. parisparker.com

RUNNERS UP Salon Prism 14.5% Eggie Salon Studio 12.5% J. Lené Salon & Spa 11.6% LUXE Salon & Suite 8.7%

Best Hair Salon winner Paris Parker Salon & Spa

A new brand of comprehensive fitness born from the merger of Pilates Plus and TreadBR.

If you need to sweat, stretch or sculpt we have a class for you

CLASSES INCLUDE: Lagree, Tread, Body Burn, Sculpt, MEGAstretch, Climb, Barre, Mat Pilates, BOSU, Yoga, Twerk & Werk, Combo, Specialty Classes

SOUTHDOWNS: 4207 PERKINS RD. HIGHLAND PARK: 18303 PERKINS RD. EAST TONEBR.COM |

Prints charming

Up-and-coming local men’s clothing brand brings its punchy, personality-packed apparel to Mid City

BY JENNIFER TORMO ALVAREZ // PHOTOS BY COLLIN RICHIE

INSIDE: ‘Street style’ at Jubans / Restaurant wall coverings

JACK DUNCAN IS all about the little things.

Like tiny, jewel-colored koi fish swimming merrily across a bubble-patterned button-down. Or small, rust-colored hummingbirds perching on a passion-flowerprinted shirt.

Most of all, the clothing brand is about the microscopic, meticulously executed details. The hand-stitching of the cotton fabrics. Its signature corozo buttons, made of scratch-resistant, natural vegetable ivory. And its organic cotton twill labels that proclaim, “You’re looking good today!”

Through July, the Baton Rouge menswear collection is showing o its wares in Mid City from its temporary home inside The Shopette. The brand is the latest vendor to pass through the South Eugene Street boutique-onwheels that has recently become a place-to-watch for rotating, rising makers. Since its opening in May, husband-and-wife owners Dave and Brittany Tubb Duncan say they’ve enjoyed playing personal stylist to shoppers.

“Add a little flair to your closet,” Brittany encourages.

Though Jack Duncan launched in fall 2021, the brand’s origins truly date back to 2013. That was the fateful year the couple met in Vietnam, where they were living and teaching English.

With seamstresses on every corner, one of their favorite parts of Vietnamese life was digging through fabric stalls to source for their own closets. Once they moved back to Brittany’s native Louisiana, they quickly grew accustomed to the question: “Where’d

you get that shirt?”

Dave’s funky gingham, striped and bold-patterned shirts stood out in Baton Rouge, where men’s clothing shops aren’t as plentiful or diverse as women’s boutiques.

“I’d wear a shirt of mine to a bar, and men would ask where it’s from,” he says.

Dave’s eye for clothes is in his genes—courtesy his grandfather, Jack Duncan. The “stylish man and

cool dude” for whom the collection is named smiles down from a photo in The Shopette. Wearing a rust-hued blazer and tie in his home of New Zealand, the candid shot packs as much pizzazz as the brand’s jungle-patterned fabrics.

During the pandemic, the couple learned to sew. Soon, they were setting up their first pop-up at Wanderlust by Abby. In the early days, it was a humble hobby

for the Duncans, who both have full-time jobs (Dave as a landscape designer and Brittany as a business development associate).

“If we sold one shirt at a pop-up, we exceeded our expectations,” Brittany recalls.

But the brand is quickly growing, popping up at markets from New Orleans to Lafayette to Monroe.

Working from their home studio in the Garden District, the Duncans hand-stitch each soft, relaxed-fit shirt. The clothing is dropped in limited, seasonal collections. Unless they are stocking up for a market or filling the shelves of The Shoppette, each item is made to order. Once they run out of a fabric, that print is discontinued.

The brand’s ethos is built on sustainability. Fabric scraps are repurposed into bow ties, handkerchiefs and bandanas. Shirts are made to last—the couple promises to replace buttons or repair holes.

Jack Duncan also recently launched a limited collection of children’s shirts in collaboration with Itty by Bitty, Brittany’s other clothing line. The shirts are modeled on Instagram by the couple’s blue-eyed, 9-month-old son, Nash.

Next up, Jack Duncan will launch camp shirts and an LSUthemed drop. They hope to branch out to pants and jackets—and maybe even search for a small brick-and-mortar.

Expectations o cially exceeded. jackduncandesign.com

Jack Duncan is popping up at The Shopette on South Eugene Street through the end of July. Its clothing is also available to order online.

“Add a little flair to your closet.”

Brittany Tubb Duncan, co-owner of Jack Duncan with her husband, Dave Tubb Duncan. The couple is pictured here with their young son, Nash.

SUMMER SAFETY TIPS

Parents or guardians should be on the lookout for potential sources of summer injury. Most incidents occur where there is:

· Water: in the bathroom, kitchen, or swimming pools

· Heat or flame: in the kitchen or at a barbeque grill

· Toxic substances: under the kitchen sink, in the medicine cabinet, in the garage or garden shed, in a purse or other place where medications are stored

· Potential for a fall: on stairs, slippery floors, from high windows or from tipping furniture

SAFETY TIPS:

· Watch kids at all times

· Learn first aid, including CPR and the ageappropriate Heimlich maneuver

· Keep important phone numbers in an easy-to-find location; include doctors and caregivers, local police and fire agencies, parents’ work and cell numbers, neighbors and relatives

· Talk about the best place or places to take cover in the event of a tornado, water event, wind storm or natural disaster.

· Wear sunscreen. The sun’s rays damage your skin, resulting in sunburn.

· Stay cool in extreme heat. When it is very hot, limit your time outdoors and avoid strenuous activities.

· Hydrate

· Avoid harmful plants

· Use insect protection

· Practice food safety

Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but you want to make sure it is also safe and healthy for you and your family.

Celebrating 225's

RISING STARS

225 Magazine proudly celebrated 12 exceptional high school athletes at the Manship Theatre Gallery on May 23, 2023. The 225 Rising Stars were featured in a special advertising section of 225 Magazine's June issue, with profiles sponsored by local businesses. At the May 23 event, athletes were able to meet their sponsors, see their special profile for the first time and enjoy a night all about them! 225 wants to extend a special thank you to our event sponsors, Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic, Pedego Electric Bikes and the Manship Theatre We would also like to thank Stroube’s and Capital City Grill for sponsoring the event

TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM THIS EXCITING NIGHT, SCAN HERE

Photography by Jordan Hefler

Each Rising Star was given the red carpet treatment.

Elizabeth Meisner and her profile sponsor, BROC

Emma Loupe and family

George Perkins as his profile is revealed to him by his profile sponsor, Associated Grocers

Pedego Electric Bikes

Cooper Coates with his profile sponsor, Superior Grill

Josie Viator showing off her cheer skills.

Dashawn McBryde and his profile sponsor, Eagle Eye Care Center

A endees enjoyed delicious appetizers from Stroube's and Capital City Grill

Ethan Aguilera with coaches and loved ones

STREET STYLE

Dress code

What are Baton Rouge diners wearing for a fancy meal out?

By

WHEN JUBANS reopened after its pandemic closure, the interior of the longstanding fine dining institution was almost unrecognizable. With modern wallpaper, gilded mirrors and trumpetshaped chandeliers, the eatery leapt into the future while still nodding to its storied history. Are diners leveling up their looks to match? We showed up to Friday lunch to re-evaluate today’s unspoken fashion rules for restaurant reservations. Jubans, after all, doesn’t have a formal dress code—but it still reliably serves impeccable food to those serving impeccable looks.

The ’fit: Nursing dress from Amazon, KREWE sunglasses, TOMS shoes and a Michael Kors bag

Her style: “I’m easy. I want to be able to throw it on. I actually have a 4-month-old at home, so I want easy pieces that can be interchanged, sort of like a capsuletype wardrobe situation. My style is just function and ease.”

The ’fit: Talbots shirt, Levi’s shorts, bag from Macy’s, Sanuk shoes and an anklet gifted by Patterson (her daughter)

Her style: “Casual.”

Cadie Patterson, 22 Jubans bartender and LSU student

The ’fit: Lulus floral dress, purse from T.J.Maxx and shoes from Dillard’s Her style: “More like athletic leisure. I dress up, but not all the time. It’s such a beautiful day, so I was like, ‘This is so out of my comfort zone.’ But (my mom) said, ‘You look great.’”

The ’fit: Martinez Custom Clothier button-up shirt and pants with Oliver Cabell shoes

His style: “Typically, it’s very relaxed business. … Let’s call it ‘Chuck-style.’”

The ’fit: Brooks Brothers jacket and pants, thrifted bow tie and a pin in celebration of Pride Month

His style: “I’m more of an overalls and Birkenstocks—big chillin’ type of comfy clothes— person. But this is what I wear to work. I’m trying to bring back the bow tie. It’s an old Jubans thing that at some point disappeared. I’m known for (wearing bow ties) and silly little enamel pins. It’s required at this point.”

Paulette Holland, 47

Product manager at Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company

The ’fit: Banana Republic blazer, H&M linen pants and Mix No. 6 DSW sandals

Her style: “If I’m going to work, I’m dressed professionally. But if I’m going to hang out, it’s usually trendy, sophisticated glam.”

Missy Morgan, 53 Director of enterprise risk management at Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company

The ’fit: Bindu maxi dress, Cordani sandals and all jewelry from Village Boutique

Her style: “I like to be up-to-date. My friend owns Village Boutique in Mississippi and I work there once a month, so I’m always fresh.”

Lauren Rucinski, 34 Attorney

Blake Dufrene, 31 Event coordinator

Katie Dixon // Photos by Ariana Allison

Sandra Carter, 64 Retired Entergy radiation technician

Chuck Sanchez, 51 Owner and creative director of STUN Design and Interactive

DESIGN

Forget the paint

LATELY, LETTERMANS PRESIDENT and CEO Steven Perret finds himself asking more of his clients the following question: If your walls could talk, what would they say?

He means that sort of literally. Vinyl wall coverings featuring logos, values statements, photos, maps, colorful graphics and more are huge in the printing world these days as restaurants, retailers and even homeowners see walls as ripe territory for branding.

“You sit in a building that has four white walls and it’s boring, versus a room that has graphics plastered all over the place and signage and stu that makes it fun and interesting,” Perret says.

Mid City-based Lettermans has been printing vinyl wall coverings for the last six to seven years, but this particular part of the printing business has exploded since the pandemic. Perret says the national industry has seen a 100% growth in wall coverings over the last four years. For Lettermans, it’s become a bread-and-butter revenue stream—and a fun way to pivot from the company’s original focus as a technical documents printer, Perret adds.

Restaurants have been an especially robust sector for these kinds of environmental graphics, Perret says. Lettermans has created wall coverings for FinBomb Sushi, La Carretta, Copeland’s in Covington, SoLou, Jubans, Spoke & Hub, Proverbial Wine Bistro, City Pork Perkins and others.

Perret, also an adjunct professor in the entrepreneurship department at the LSU EJ Ourso College of Business, says restaurants in the postpandemic era are using wall coverings to help attract and retain customers who might see a hip vibe as a reason to dine in. On-premises sales are usually higher than to-go sales because diners often order alcohol; they also tend to tip more.

“We started thinking how to help restaurants, in particular, create an environment that attracts people and keeps them there longer,” Perret says. “It was a space that was interesting to us because it’s a very competitive business.”

Perret and his team help clients create a design appropriate for an entire wall. Then, they spend time prepping the surface so that the vinyl covering will adhere, even testing how well a sample piece sticks with a special tool that measures grams of force. Wall coverings come in around 50-inch individual panels that are meticulously installed by hand, Perret says.

Lettermans is seeing growing interest in wall coverings in all sectors, including higher education, athletics departments, retail and healthcare.

“You’re seeing it roll over to residential, too,” Perret says. “We have a client who wants to put the image of a baseball stadium on the wall of the family game room.” lettermans.com

The Baton Rouge business behind some of the branded walls all over town

PHOTOS COURTESY LETTERMANS

P-Beau’s in Denham Springs

La Carreta in Denham Springs

The Armstrong room at Jubans Restaurant and Bar

IS FAMILY:’

BATON ROUGE’S WILSON WAREHOUSE OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES FOR LIFELONG CAREERS

Wilson Warehouse, a family-owned and operated company, has serviced our community’s third-party logistical (3PL) needs and created opportunities for generations of workers for more than 60 years. The unique culture established in 1956 by Ernest “Woody” Wilson has carried over into future generations, with warehousemen and other employees experiencing job security, owners who care, and co-workers who are closest of friends. Today, Wilson Warehouse, in partnership with Sabine Transportation and Wilson Liquids, offers a full range of 3PL services to customers in Baton Rouge and East Texas.

At Wilson Warehouse, the average employee tenure is 12 years, which far exceeds the industry average of 3.9 years. Its most tenured employee is Warehouseman Earl Lane, who began his career with Wilson Warehouse in 1964. “I have never had to worry about my job or worry about a layoff,” he says. “How many employees can make that claim? Wilson Warehouse has provided security for my family for all these years.”

While most businesses were forced to a screeching halt during the COVID-19 pandemic, Wilson Warehouse continued to provide essential services to our economy, as well as stability to its employees. And while there were certainly challenges,

Wilson Warehouse didn’t lay off a single employee. John Harris, a Warehouseman since 1988, describes Wilson Warehouse as steady. “No matter what the world was doing, I was ok,” he says.

At Wilson Warehouse, it’s common for older generations to work alongside their sons, daughters, and other family members. Seventeen years ago, Ben Smith began his career with Wilson Warehouse while in college. Smith’s stepfather, who was employed there at the time, recommended it as a great place to work.

During Smith’s initial job interview, current President Robert Baldridge told him that he would be expected to wear multiple hats in order to grow with the company. Smith started on a crate building crew and now proudly holds the title of Assistant Operations Manager.

Similarly, Lauthaught “LA” Delaney Jr. joined Wilson Warehouse in 2006 as a supervisor and is now the Safety, Facilities & Equipment Manager. “If you have the drive, you can excel and make a good life for your family,” he says.

At Wilson Warehouse, they know their employees, and the president has an open-door policy. Most employees, including Delaney, often interact with multi-generations of the company’s founding family. “They’re visible,” he says. “Everybody knows how to do everything. It’s great

that leadership starts on the floor.”

Early in his career, Delaney wanted to pursue a degree and thought that would mean giving up his job. After bringing this to the leadership team, Wilson Warehouse made it possible for Delaney to continue working while going back to school. “I’ll be forever grateful because they put me in a position to really take care of my family,” he says. “That’s why I’ll always be loyal – because they saw value in me and gave me the opportunity.”

At Wilson Warehouse, not only does the founding family take care of its employees, but employees are always willing to help each other on the job, and they look after each other when someone is impacted by a health condition, natural disaster, or other emergency. “Everybody is family,” Delaney says. “When personal things go down, we step in to make sure those guys are taken care of.”

The company has been fortunate that it has not been impacted by high-employee turnover rates facing many businesses over the last several years. If you are looking for an employer that takes care of you like you’re family, consider joining the Wilson Warehouse team. For more information about Wilson Warehouse and available career opportunities, visit wilsonwarehouse.com.

‘EVERYBODY

BEN SMITH Assistant Operations Manager

LAUTHAUGHT “LA”

DELANEY JR. Safety, Facilities & Equipment Manager

Notable newcomer

The newest venture by a family of Thai restaurateurs, Chai Thai-Lao serves up both classic and unexpected offerings from an unassuming Jefferson Highway strip center

INSIDE: Fresh, flavor-packed wings / American fusion for the Fourth

The Khao Soi soup at Chai Thai-Lao originates from Laos and northern Thailand.

Chai Thai-Lao

BY BENJAMIN LEGER // PHOTOS BY COLLIN RICHIE

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.

chai-thai-lao.com

8733 Jefferson Highway

Lunch: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Dinner: 4-8 p.m.

THERE ARE ONLY a handful of Thai restaurants in Baton Rouge, and many of them have been around long enough to each develop their own loyal followings.

I was excited when Chai Thai-Lao entered the fray, partially because it’s dangerously close to my neighborhood, but also because its owners have ties to other Thai restaurants in the area, like the longstanding Thai Pepper on Florida Boulevard. The restaurant also distinguishes itself by showcasing both Thai and Laotian cuisines.

It’s a small space with only a few tables in a blink-and-you’llmiss-it shopping center o Je erson Highway. But the menu is packed with Thai favorites and some interesting items I hadn’t previously seen in the Capital City.

We started our meal with appetizers of Thai Wings and Thai Peanut Cauliflower.

Six battered, fried and sticky wings and drumsticks arrived sprinkled with cilantro. The wings were accompanied by a sweet chili sauce, but they were sweet enough on their own. A garlicky, peppery kick in the marinade made them pretty much irresistible.

The cauliflower came either pan roasted or tempura fried. We went with pan roasted, and while they were fork tender, they were missing any noticeable signs of roasted edges. Still, the pool of peanut sauce beneath them was savory, sweet and nutty.

THE BASICS: Kit Keophommavong-Bradford opened Chai Thai-Lao at the beginning of 2023 in the former location of Kathy’s Grill on Jefferson Highway. The 30-seat restaurant serves Thai and Laotian cuisine with the kitchen expertise of Keophommavong-Bradford’s mother, Nang Keophommavong, a former owner of Thai Pepper in Baton Rouge who has helped open restaurants in other markets.

WHAT’S A MUST: The Thai Wings are sticky-sweet and addictive as an appetizer. The Pad Thai is a respectable rendition on everyone’s favorite Thai restaurant staple. We were wowed by the Khao Soi soup, which comes with a choice of protein in a favorful coconut curry broth with egg noodles and pickled mustard greens. Wash it all down with a sweet iced Thai Tea.

Next up, we ordered a soup that sounded intriguing: Khao Soi. I’m used to seeing tom yum on local Thai menus, but this one was new to me. I learned there are variations of it found all over Laos and northern Thailand.

The heaping bowl had a yellow coconut curry broth base and a mound of soft and crispy egg noodles. It was served with a choice of protein. I opted for shrimp and was pleasantly surprised to see six large tail-on shrimp in the mix.

The broth was thinner than a typical coconut curry and had notes of garlic and lemongrass with visible bubbles of chili oil throughout. The flavor was deep and comforting. The egg noodles had that ramen-style curl to them and weren’t too chewy or heavy. I was most intrigued by the addition of chopped pickled mustard greens that had been sauteed down a bit but still imparted a sour, vegetal crunch. It made for a delightful component.

Soup lovers, take note: The Khao Soi might be a new favorite for

me. It’s satisfying and cozy, falling somewhere between the heaviness (but not oiliness) of ramen and the lighter, brighter layers of pho.

After all that, we still had entrees to dive into.

Of course, Pad Thai was on the to-do list, as well as an order of Basil Fried Rice. Both came in massive portions that could easily be shared between two people.

The Pad Thai hit all the right marks with its sweet and spicy red sauce that stuck well to the stir-fried rice noodles. Bean sprouts, green onions, scrambled bits of egg and chopped peanuts were scattered throughout, as well as the requested protein of tender strips of pork.

In the Basil Fried Rice, jasmine rice was stir-fried with onions and garlic as well as chopped Thai basil and bell peppers, plus the requested chicken. This entree was the least flavorful of all the dishes we tried. There wasn’t enough basil to impart its flavor, and the chicken—though tender—was on the bland side. To brighten things up a bit, I found myself adding dollops of

The Pad Thai at Chai Thai-Lao stands up against those at other longtime Baton Rouge restaurants.

the peanut sauce and chili sauce from our appetizers and mixing it with the rice.

Still, it wasn’t enough of a misstep to turn me o completely. We were pleasantly full with all those wonderful sweet and spicy flavors still dancing on our tongues.

On the way out the door, I wanted something sweet to take with me. There wasn’t much room left in my stomach for dessert, but the Chai Tea caught my eye.

Iced black tea was mixed with condensed milk, sugar and enough turmeric and tamarind to turn it a lovely burnt-orange color. It was sweet without being cloying, and refreshing without being too heavy on the cream.

I found myself smiling on the way home, thinking I had come across a new hidden gem in Baton Rouge. But it was also the kind of place I want to tell all my friends about and encourage them to try. It’s di cult to be the new kid on the block, but I think Chai ThaiLao has the flavors to stick around. And I’m ready to join its beginning band of loyal followers.

The Basil Fried Rice is served in heaping

The crispy Thai wings have an addictive spicy kick.

Bird is the word

A wing joint with a cult-like Lafayette following finds a new nest in Baton Rouge

POP BY ELECTRIC DEPOT

, and it’s easy to see that KOK Wings and Things—the development’s latest arrival—has taken flight.

Opened in May by Tre’Jan Vinson, Avery Bell, Corey McCoy and Jared Johnson, the bustling new eatery brings its crispy, saucy wings to Baton Rouge by way of Lafayette.

The owners started the business as fraternity brothers at University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2016, selling home-cooked food to make extra cash at house parties.

Partygoers enjoyed the o erings so much that Vinson, now the brand’s CMO, and his friends decided to start a restaurant concept focusing on fresh, seasoned wings and housemade sauces. The team built a KOK Wings and Things food truck on top of a trailer and brought their product to customers at di erent events and festivals, eventually growing enough business to open brick-and-mortar locations in Lafayette and New Iberia.

Vinson says he and his business partners have had their sights set on a Baton Rouge location for KOK since the pandemic. Now, it has finally come to fruition with plenty of patrons filling up tables each night since opening day.

“We’ve known that we wanted to move to Baton Rouge for a while,” he says. “Moving up from a smaller market to a bigger market was something that was very important to us.”

The bustling spot serves up wings drenched in sauces or thoroughly dusted with dry rubs in a variety of flavors ranging from sweet to spicy, with new jerk sauces coming soon.

As the “things” in the name implies, the menu also features several popular non-chicken items, including fried fish sliders o ered with a choice of sauce and loaded fries that are generously drizzled with a choice of two homemade sauces. To wash it all down, KOK also has a bar with a stacked drink menu, including boozy cocktails and KOK Punch.

House-made hot KOK makes its 14 dry rubs and sauce options in-house. “We try not to put anything on the menu that we don’t have the recipe for,” Vinson says. The restaurant often mixes the two styles to create options like its TLC or Sum Serious wings, pictured here.

Fresh flock

KOK’s wings are always large in size and delivered fresh, never frozen, Vinson says. They’re then marinated anywhere from five to seven hours in housemade seasoning blends and served in boneless, breaded and “naked” options. “The goal for our wings is that they should taste good plain,” he says.

Though the Baton Rouge location is still new, Vinson says he and the other owners are always trying to adapt KOK to make it better.

“We’re just trying to make sure the brand co-aligns with the community and what Baton Rouge needs,” he says.

Read on to see all there is to dive into at the new KOK. eatkok.com

The spice life

KOK’s Sin Wings are the most popular order so far at the brand’s Baton Rouge location, according to Vinson. It’s a blend of KOK’s Kaution (or buffalo) sauce with an added layer of its sweet rub. It also happens to be Vinson’s personal favorite.

Faithful favorite

The Sum Nasty Wings, one of KOK’s first offerings, is the most popular order in Lafayette, Vinson says. It blends the brand’s hottest sauce, known as KK, with a sweet rub. “It’s interesting going to different markets and seeing how people attach to the sauces,” Vinson says.

All-American summer

BY TRACEY KOCH

PHOTOS BY AMY SHUTT

SO MANY OF the classic dishes we think of as quintessential American cuisine stem from another country and culture and through the years morphed into “American classics.”

The popular saying “as American as apple pie” is a ripe example. Apple pie was originally a savory dish eaten in Europe dating back to the 14th century. It was brought to North America during the late 17th century, and quickly became an iconic dessert, synonymous with American cuisine. Another all-American favorite, the hot dog, is thought to have been brought to the U.S. by German immigrants and sold in push carts and butcher shops in New York and Chicago back in the 1860s and 1870s.

As our American culture has become more enriched and influenced by so many other cultures through the decades, American cuisine has continued to follow suit. More and more restaurants and chefs are preparing fusion-style dishes that are not only combining di erent ingredients from around the globe, but also flavors and textures that are changing the way Americans eat. I thought there would be no better time to explore some of these recipes than for the Fourth of July. And who knows? Maybe one of these fusion dishes could be the next new American classic.

On the menu

• Cali-Korean Beef Tacos

• Bodega-style Chopped Cheese Sandwiches

• Indian-spiced Ovenfried Ice Cream

Recipes

by Tracey Koch

Cali-Korean Beef Tacos

Street foods are popular in countries all across the world. From bánh mì sandwiches in Vietnam to antojitos (or “little cravings”) like tacos prepared in small markets in Mexico to iconic snacks like samosas cooked from food stalls in India, street foods capture the culture and flavors of their region. Many of these dishes have also joined the American fusion trend. One of my favorite interpretations is the blend of Asian and Mexican street foods in Korean beef tacos. The rich flavors from the fresh ginger and garlic along with the slight sweetness of the thinly sliced Korean beef pairs quite well with the spicy, creamy, tangy slaw of Mexican street tacos. I serve Spicy Asian cucumbers (find the recipe in the 225 archives) to add an extra crunch. This handheld fusion dish is a great, albeit unexpected, menu item to serve at a summer pool party along with an easy version of a bánh mì also found in the 225 archives.

Serves 6

2 pounds flank, hanger or flatiron steak

3 cloves minced garlic

1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger

1 3 cup low-sodium soy sauce

¼ cup light brown sugar

2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

1 tablespoon fish sauce

12 warm flour tortillas

6 lime wedges (for serving)

1. Place the meat in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour. This will make it easier to cut the beef into thin slices later.

2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil and fsh sauce. Set the marinade aside.

3. Use a sharp knife to thinly slice the beef against the grain. This will help to make the beef more tender.

4. Place the beef into a large freezer bag and pour the marinade over the meat.

5. Seal the bag and shake to make sure the marinade evenly covers the meat. Place the bag into the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.

6. Before cooking, remove the meat from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature.

7. Heat a heavy, large nonstick skillet over high heat for 1 minute. Add the marinated beef.

8. Cook the meat for 2 to 3 minutes without stirring to allow the beef to brown on the bottom.

9. Continue sautéing for another 4 to 5 minutes, stirring the beef as it cooks until it is cooked through and all of the liquid has thickened and formed a glaze.

10. Serve the Korean beef in warm four tortillas with lime wedges, fresh cilantro and Sriracha Lime Slaw (recipe below).

Sriracha

Serves 6

Lime Slaw

2 cloves minced garlic

¼ cup fresh lime juice

¾ cup Miracle Whip Creamy Mayo & Salad Cream

¼ cup Sriracha hot sauce

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon sugar

½ cup chopped green onions (tops and bottoms)

1 (6- to 7-ounce) bag shredded cabbage

1. In a mixing bowl whisk together the garlic, lime juice, Miracle Whip, Sriracha, salt and sugar.

2. Place the green onions and shredded cabbage in another bowl.

3. Toss half the dressing with the cabbage. Cover and refrigerate the slaw and extra dressing for 30 minutes before serving.

4. Before serving, add a little more dressing if needed and serve along with the Cali-Korean Beef Tacos.

6725 Siegen Lane | 225-295-3047 | Like us on FB and Instagram

Bodega-style Chopped Cheese Sandwiches

This dish is said to have originated in bodegas all over Manhattan and its neighboring boroughs. Story has it that a worker at Blue Sky Deli in New York’s Spanish Harlem created the chopped cheese sandwich in the '90s as a spinoff of an Arab dish where chopped meat is cooked together with onions and spices and then served in flat bread. From there the sandwiches gained popularity and spread to other bodegas and delis throughout the city.

Today, the dish is often made with ground meat, cooked together with onions and a blend of adobo spices that are all chopped together as they cook. American cheese is melted into the meat mixture that’s delivered in a sub-style roll along with lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise. It is a true blend of flavors, textures and cultures that’s become a delicious addition to American and New York City cuisine.

Serves 6

2 tablespoons olive oil

½ cup chopped onion

2 pounds ground meat (ground round)

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon cumin

¼ teaspoon smoky paprika

6 slices American cheese

6 soft sub or French rolls

2 tablespoons of softened butter

Sliced tomatoes, chopped lettuce and mayonnaise for dressing

1. In a heavy skillet or griddle, heat the olive oil and sauté the onions for 3 to 4 minutes or until they become soft.

2. Add in the ground meat and brown until it is no longer pink in the middle.

3. Drain the meat in a large strainer and then return it back to the skillet or griddle. Add in the seasonings and turn the heat down to low.

4. Fold the cheese slices into the meat and keep the mixture warm while you prepare the rolls.

5. Preheat the oven’s broiler and halve the rolls. Butter the tops of the rolls and lightly toast them in the oven.

6. Spread one side of each roll with mayonnaise and then divide the meat mixture between the rolls.

7. Top with chopped lettuce and tomato slices, and serve.

Indian-spiced Oven-fried Ice Cream

12 scoops of vanilla or chocolate ice cream

6 cups corn flakes, finely ground into crumbs

2 tablespoons sugar

½ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon allspice

¼ teaspoon cardamom

6 tablespoons of melted butter

1 teaspoon fresh orange zest

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the ice cream and place the individual scoops onto the lined baking sheet.

2. Put the ice cream scoops into the freezer for several hours or overnight to make sure the ice cream is completely set.

3. Heat the oven to 350 degrees and line a second baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the corn fakes into a food processor and pulse until the corn fakes turn into crumbs.

4. Pour the crumbs into a mixing bowl and toss with the sugar and spices. Drizzle in the melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles wet sand.

Fried ice cream is thought to have become popular in a Mexican restaurant chain back in the 1980s. However, some say the dessert dates further back to when fried ice cream was introduced at the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1893. Whatever the true origin, fried ice cream is a fun summer treat that can be a little labor-intensive to make. I decided to simplify this dessert and make my own version. Instead of rolling the ice cream in a crumb coating and then frying to create the crispy outside, I toasted corn

flake crumbs in the oven first and then rolled ice cream scoops in the crumb mixture and placed it all back in the freezer, creating a nice crunchy coating. In keeping with the American fusion theme, I added spices traditionally found in Indian cuisine, like cardamom and allspice, to the toasted crumb mixture. The result is a sweet treat with just a hint of warm spice that the whole family will enjoy making and eating.

Serves 6

5. Pour the corn fake mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into a single layer.

6. Bake the crumb mixture in the oven for 6 to 7 minutes. Remove and stir. Place it back into the oven for another 3 to 4 minutes or until the crumb mixture is toasted and golden.

7. Remove from the oven and add in the orange zest. Allow the mixture to cool completely.

8. Once the corn fake crumb mixture is completely cooled and the ice cream scoops are completely frozen, roll each scoop into the crumbs making sure the scoops are completely covered. Put the coved scoops back into the freezer until you are ready to serve. Serve these treats with your favorite warm fudge or caramel sauce.

Ana Reyes’ new chapter

How Ana Reyes drafted her New York Times Best Seller in the classrooms of LSU's Allen Hall

BY OLIVIA DEFFES // PHOTOS BY SEAN GASSER

INSIDE: Arts and music events / Stargazing / Rose Woods

THE LOWDOWN

HERE’S WHY MERCEDES-BENZ OF BATON ROUGE HAS WON 10 ‘BEST OF THE BEST’ AWARDS

Thanks to its commitment to “excellence across the board,” Mercedes-Benz of Baton Rouge is ranked among the top MercedesBenz dealers in the country—and it’s got the awards to prove it.

In 2023, the dealership received its 10th Best of the Best Dealer Recognition Award from MercedesBenz, an accolade reserved for only the top 10 percent of dealers in the Mercedes-Benz retail network. The award recognizes dealers that excel in every department, including customer service and satisfaction, management and leadership, new vehicle sales and more.

So, to what does the dealership owe its continued success? There are many answers to that question, but if you ask the members of its leadership team, you’ll find that one factor has been especially impactful: its extraordinary company culture, built on a foundation of accountability, communication and relationship building.

This stellar company culture starts with management—each member of the leadership team has been with the company for over a decade—but

it’s also present in every employee. Every week, the sta meets to nominate and recognize an employee who embodies the dealership’s culture in everything they do, and that exemplary employee is then given a “culture coin” that can be redeemed for $500 worth of rewards. $50,000 worth of these rewards are given out every year.

“We’re really like a family,” said General Manager and Co-Owner Nick Pentas.

According to Gwen Wild, vice president of customer experience, the familial atmosphere that permeates every aspect of the dealership’s operations starts with mutual respect and trust between those in managerial roles and the employees that they lead.

“We’re all committed to leading by example,” she said. “We will not ask one of our employees to do something that we ourselves would not be willing to do. I think that garners a lot of respect from our team members.”

This culture of excellence doesn’t begin and end with the dealership’s sta , though—each and every customer that visits Mercedes-Benz of Baton Rouge

will experience the same dedication to exceptional service and keen attention to detail.

“We have a sort of underlying commitment to who we are, what we do and how we do it,” added General Sales Manager Hess Crockett. “You don’t win 10 Best of the Best Awards without that commitment.”

The dealership boasts a 4.9-star sales satisfaction rating and a 4.5-star service satisfaction rating, as well. This is because Mercedes-Benz of Baton Rouge employees are always eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm, making sure to cater to the individual needs of every single customer.

Whether you’re looking to buy, sell or simply take a look around the showroom, rest assured that you’ll be taken care of every step of the way.

“Come and meet us,” Pentas said. “We are here, we are approachable and we are available. If you want an experience unlike anything you can get anywhere else, come to Mercedes-Benz of Baton Rouge.”

Mercedes-Benz of Baton Rouge is located at 10949 Airline Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70816. Give the team a call at (225) 424-2241, or visit mbobr.com.

A LOT HAS changed for Ana Reyes since she left Baton Rouge in 2015 with her master’s from LSU.

She moved back to Los Angeles for a while. She got married. And, oh yeah, she’s written a book Reese Witherspoon hand-picked for her book club. That book—her debut novel, The House in the Pines stood on The New York Times Best Seller list for nine weeks.

When I meet up with her on an April afternoon, only a few months after the book’s release, she’s back at her alma mater for the Delta Mouth Literary Festival. The annual Baton Rouge event gathers local and national talent to celebrate literary art. Today, she’ll read from the now-famous novel that began as her thesis at LSU. Talk about a full-circle moment.

Though she only spent a couple of years in Baton Rouge as a grad student, she says the festival feels like a homecoming.

“It was here that I really went through those growing pains of learning how to be a writer. Sitting

in workshops, getting feedback, learning to cut what doesn’t work and not being too precious about it and developing a novel,” she explains to me. “I would say that I was kind of born as a writer here, and coming back just feels really exciting.”

Though eight years have gone by since her time as a Tiger, she remembers how to navigate campus like a pro. She meets me just

in time for our interview at LSU’s quad. Now 40, Reyes still looks like any student walking through campus in her light-wash jeans, boots and orange top. She lugs a tote bag inscribed with the words “Read books” in all-caps, purple letters—a nod to her author persona.

Earlier, she even stopped at Allen Hall. That’s where Reyes took most of her classes as a student, where she began the first drafts

of her first book. And today it provided a di erent service: a bit of air-conditioned relief. The dry heat she’s grown accustomed to in Los Angeles is a little di erent from what we have down here, after all.

“Walking here, I got a reminder of how humid it was,” she jokes.

Taking notes

Reyes and I find refuge from the setting sun under a stately oak tree and talk all about what has changed with her book since she began writing it at LSU. It took a total of seven years to build out the story before she was happy with the finished copy. She also briefly took time o from writing to gain a fresh perspective on her story.

The House in the Pines is a psychological thriller that follows a character named Maya and her quest to find out why two women mysteriously dropped dead in the presence of her ex-boyfriend, Frank. In the beginning, Reyes modeled Maya after herself, pulling elements from her own personality

An instant hit: Shortly after the January 2023 release of Ana Reyes’ debut novel, Reese Witherspoon named it her first book club pick of the year.

COURTESY ANA REYES

“I was kind of born as a writer (at LSU) and coming back just feels really exciting.”

—New

York Times Best Selling author Ana Reyes RICHARDSHOTWELL/INVISION/A P

and her half-Guatemalan heritage. But as the story grew, Maya became her own person.

Reyes says a lot of what she came up with in Baton Rouge can be found in the final cut.

Today at Delta Mouth, she joins other authors and poets on stage and reads the book’s prologue— which is one part that hasn’t been touched since she wrote it at LSU.

She says working with LSU professors like her thesis advisor, Jennifer Davis, helped her with her writing process. She still remembers tips, tricks and writing advice Davis bestowed upon her.

“I think what she said was, ‘People just want to feel something,’” Reyes recalls. “The language can be beautiful, but at the end of the day, they want to feel something for your character. So you have to do that character work and plot work.”

Reyes has used that advice as a writer and as an adjunct professor at Santa Monica College, Occidental College and Cal State

Dominguez Hills. She also has her own nuggets of knowledge to pass on to writers who want to evoke emotion in their writing.

“I tell them to hook the reader with questions,” she says. “To always be planting questions that you set up and then pay o later on. Every chapter should ask a question. And you have to answer that question, or the reader is going to feel cheated.”

Turning pages

Some successful authors might take the time to revel in their success, but Reyes is busy writing new chapters in the book of life. She tells me she’s reading a little bit of everything including, of course—“a lot of literary fiction”— attending more literary festivals and has recently moved closer to her mother in Easthampton, Massachusetts.

Reyes is also plotting another novel—she says she’s about a third of the way through it. It’s unrelated to her first, but she reveals it will

also be a thriller that is “a little more horror leaning” and set in Texas.

Reyes says she’s still taking it day by day, or in this case, page by page.

As for any other future LSU appearances, she welcomes more homecomings.

Who knows? She might even have a new story to share then. anareyeswriter.com

On to the next: After the success of her debut novel, Reyes is now working on her second book.

COURTESY ANA REYES

All rising professionals, entrepreneurs, executives, and small business owners are invited to join us in taking their leadership up a notch. Business Report’s Executive Leadership Academy is a transformative program that will take your career and your organization to new levels of success.

BRLeadershipAcademy.com

Business Report’s Leadership Academy was by far the best training I’ve ever done and the only one I’ve ever left wanting more! The course was well structured, and the guest CEO speakers were very insightful”

BRYAN WESLEY, Wesley Construction

The Leadership Academy was an incredible experience. I gained so much knowledge about how to be a great leader, and I was immediately able to apply that knowledge to my career. It allowed me to expand my professional network and to learn from others outside of my field.”

MARY MOWAD GUITEAU, IIDA, IFMA, Holly & Smith Architects, APAC

The Leadership Academy allowed me to grow- both personally and professionally- while connecting with a wide array of peers in the Greater Baton Rouge area. Cultivating relationships with these folks from such diverse backgrounds and industries proved to have immense value throughout the program. Highly recommend!”

MYLES LAROUX, Highland Wealth - Northwestern Mutual

The power of space

The planetarium at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum marks 20 years of lighting up BR

By Brooke Smith

IT’S NOT UNCOMMON for visitors to the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium to discover parts of themselves they never knew existed. Missy Carroll has witnessed it firsthand.

The Denham Springs High School biology and anatomy teacher says both her daughters are now pursuing science careers—which she credits to visits to the Louisiana Art & Science Museum and its planetarium.

“I was always looking for fun summer activities to do with my girls. Visiting LASM inspired them to love and utilize science in their own way,” she says.

This spring, the museum kicked o an anniversary campaign, “Light LASM: The Star of BR,” to celebrate the planetarium’s 20th birthday and its longterm impacts in the community.

The museum will host events like its annual gala—a fall gathering themed “Out of this World”—and its new recurring

For the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium’s 20th anniversary, the Louisiana Art & Science Museum launched a donation campaign to light the nighttime exterior of the 60-foot dome. COURTESY LASM

Dinner Under the Stars series. Local jewelry brand Mimosa Handcrafted has even designed a commemorative pendant for the anniversary.

Coupled with a donation campaign, the events aim to shine a light on the city’s planetarium—literally and figuratively. Though the planetarium’s curved dome stands out in the downtown skyline during the day, the museum hopes to raise funds to light the dome’s nighttime exterior for its anniversary.

Inside that 170-seat domed theater, visitors’ moods soar faster than a rocket as they sit back and absorb immersive celestial experiences.

“Many people have heard of 4K resolution TVs and movie theaters, but planetariums are pushing the boundaries when it comes to projection systems,” says Jay Lamm, LASM’s planetarium and facilities

director. “With optical star globes, laser light shows and large format projectors, viewers can fully enjoy the wonders of the cosmos—in a mosquito-free environment.”

Disconnected from outside distractions once inside the planetarium, there’s more room for students of all ages to unleash their imaginations as wide as the rings of Saturn. Each video projection employs state-of-the-art sound and visual technology, which the

museum says is designed to place spectators “in the center of the action.”

The creators of the theater’s most popular show, In Saturn’s Rings, meticulously stitched together more than 7.5 million photos to make viewers feel as if they are on the planet.

“It took the filmmakers years to put this show together, and I think it really paid o ,” Lamm says.

Even if space isn’t your thing, the planetarium curates shows for wide audiences. Genres range from dramas and musicals to educational presentations and children’s programming. Little earthlings can explore the moon and sun with Coyote from Earth, Moon & Sun. The show America’s Musical Journey is a soundtrack to the nation’s diversity and o ers lessons on the importance of equality. Visitors can catch up on NASA’s

e orts to land the first woman and person of color on the moon in Forward! To the Moon

The museum also hosts Family Hour Stargazing every Saturday at 10 a.m. And before each show, the theater’s dual-projector OmniGlobe shares real-time weather updates.

Donating $20 to the planetarium’s DipJar will help raise funds to light “The Star of BR”—and in doing so draw new visitors to the museum. Those visitors, too, might even discover a new part of themselves. lasm.org

More places to see the stars

• Admire the beauty of the cosmos at Highland Road Park Observatory, which hosts weekly lectures, telescope sky viewings and kid-friendly, hands-on science lessons. hrpo.lsu.edu

• Nerd out over all things celestial over drinks at Astronomy on Tap meetups. facebook.com/aotbatonrouge

At LASM’s new recurring Dinner Under the Stars series, diners can enjoy a multicourse pairings dinner under the star-studded ceiling of the planetarium. The most recent dinner in May was Van Gogh-themed and catered by City Pork Catering.

COURTESY LASM

Create and cultivate

Why this local collective thinks art is the answer to improving community health and safety

AS THE ARTS flourish in Baton Rouge and more young people gravitate toward creative pursuits, the need for stewards and connectors grows all the more crucial. For the Rose Woods collective, that means creating spaces for people to explore and share their art with like minds, and helping directly to foster such creators’ visions and careers.

“Overall, the goal has been to create an experience,” says founder and creative director Brandon “Pari$” Harris. “And then from creating experiences, it’s grown to be a creative assistance company.”

Those experiences have come in many forms. In the group’s early days in late 2018 and early 2019, Harris says the Rose Woods team focused on hosting concerts, poetry readings, painting sessions—anything to get people together and engage their creative appetites.

Public events still represent a large portion of Rose

By Zane Piontek

Woods’ activities. Today, the collective can be found popping up at Silly Rabbit Comedy Club, Highland Co ees and Capital Park Bar and Grill, to name a few. But from those early experiences sprang connections with many artists seeking a foothold in a stronger creative community, connections which Harris says led him to ponder ways to expand the impact of the organization.

“The main goal is to be a driving force for creativity,” he says. “So when you think about artists, and you think about people in the community who are trying to do really cool things, it’s in our best interest to support them. Because that’s what’s going to make the community that much more diverse.”

Rose Woods now aims to also provide a one-stop-shop for management, social media, photo shoots, brand design— anything, essentially, that helps an artist or brand make something and share it with the public. For example, if a rapper were to

Irai Ouree performs at a Rose Woods pop-up at Caliente Mexican Craving. The collective regularly hosts poetry, music and art pop-ups at venues around town.

GRIFFVISUALS / COURTESY ROSE WOODS

come to them seeking help organizing a live ensemble for a performance or recording, the team would help the rapper source musicians. If a designer needs help ramping up a clothing line, Rose Woods could help source models and photographers for a shoot, and also help disseminate the results on social media.

But Rose Woods also seeks connections in a broader local context not necessarily tethered to the arts.

“The creative community can be doing wonderfully, but if the community as a whole isn’t, that’s going to create more internal problems,” Harris says. “So our thought process was, why not be creative, but then also work with other people who want to see other work being done in the community.”

One such endeavor is Rose Woods’ Stop the Violence program, a partnership with local community nonprofit LA Shift. Together, the two groups organize food distribution events, presentations at local schools, and, on Rose Woods’ side, a series of graphic T-shirts bearing the likenesses of slain rappers “in an attempt to bring light to the real e ect that gun violence has on our community,” Harris says.

It recently released the first item of that series, a shirt dedicated to the Migos rapper TakeO , who in November 2022 was gunned down at the age of 28. Rose Woods also donated tees to students who attended a recent Stop the Violence presentation.

Also in the realm of Rose Woods’ community outreach is its recent CResults campaign, a diabetes prevention workout series.

Though Rose Woods maintains both firm roots and a constant presence in the world of the arts, Harris says all its activities essentially stem from the same pursuit of a future in which, quite simply, people have the freedom to do what they want.

“How beautiful would that be?” he says. “If we can just think of constructive ways to support (people), in their daily living—from community wellness to artist management— at that point, everyone’s free to create and to be as creative and innovative as they want to be.” Find the collective at rosewoodsbr.com or on Instagram at @rosewoodsbr.

The Rose Woods collective helps brands source models for shoots and also produces graphic tees, modeled here by Shequira Johnson and Miles Joseph.

COURTESY ROSE WOODS

THANKYOUDENNIS / COURTESY ROSE WOODS

“It’s in our best interest to support artists.”

—Rose Woods founder and creative director Brandon “Pari$” Harris

ARTS BEST BETS

JULY 2

Stand-up comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias is coming to Baton Rouge with a night of hilarious stories. Known for his TV comedy specials and sold-out stand-up shows, Iglesias uses his years of experience to crack jokes about everyday tasks like texting or his own Latin American culture. lbatonrouge.com

JULY 7 + 8

See the work of local artists at the two-night Presence Fest at the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge. This ticketed event will feature musical and spoken word performances, art exhibits, mocktails and more. presencefest.com

JULY 14

Baton Rouge Symphony hosts another intimate night of music with Hip Hop Classics: A Candlelight Concert. At this unique concert experience, a solo pianist will play iconic tunes from hip-hop artists like Dr. Dre, Rihanna, Notorious B.I.G. and more. brso.org

JULY 15

Give Theatre Baton Rouge some love as it celebrates another successful season at its annual fundraising event. The 77th Season Gala: A Celebration of the Jukebox Musical will take place at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum and feature food, silent auctions, performances and more. theatrebr.org

MUSIC BEST BETS

JULY 13

Atlanta hip-hop group Arrested Development is bringing its hits to the Manship Theatre stage. Sing along to the Grammy-winning group as they play songs both old and new, like “People Everyday” and “Yes Always.” manshiptheatre.org

JULY 14

Take a “Slow Ride” to the Raising Cane’s River Center to see the rock legends of Foghat. With over 50 years under its belt, watch as the seasoned band rocks out to all the classics during its Road Fever Tour. raisingcanesrivercenter.com

JULY 22

Dress in your Western best for Fancy: Queens of Country Party at Chelsea’s Live. Celebrate and sing along to all the leading ladies of country music like Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire and more. It’s sure to be a boot-scootin’ good time. chelseaslive.com

JULY 29

Rock ‘n’ roll tribute royalty Killer Queen is bringing back the glamor of the ’70s and ’80s at L’Auberge Casino & Hotel. Watch as the performers mimic the iconic members of the band Queen by singing all the hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Somebody to Love” and more. lbatonrouge.com

REVVED UP

Start your engines and zoom over to the Raising Cane’s River Center for the Bayou Motor Fest. Enjoy a cool day of checking out hot rides at this indoor car show featuring trucks, motorcycles, classic cars, exotics and more. raisingcanesrivercenter.com

ALSO THIS MONTH

JULY 7

Gather up the kiddos and head to Tin Roof for its monthly Family Night. Sip a few brews as the little ones enjoy jump houses, face painting and more. tinroofbeer.com

JULY 16

Grab your lawn chairs and head to Beauvoir Park for Picnic in the Park, hosted by local artist GTFCREEP LLC. The free event features games, live music, drinks and vegan food. gtfcreep.com

JULY 29

Enjoy an evening of live entertainment and food and drinks at this year’s BROC, Rock & Wine under the lights of Tiger Stadium. The event benefits local nonprofit the BROC Foundation, which provides onsite care to schools and athletic programs. brortho.com

JULY 29

15 + 16

HOLE IN ONE

Practice your best golf clap while cheering on golfers competing in BREC’s Baton Rouge Open. Who needs the PGA when you can see all the swings, chips and putts of the players locally at the picturesque Santa Maria Golf Course? golf.brec.org

Support Baton Rouge artists and makers at the monthly Local Pop Up market. Stroll through Electric Depot and shop locally made goods like on-trend freeze-dried candy, art, jewelry and more while meeting the creative minds participating in the market. localpopup.shop

MORE EVENTS

ACADIANA

Subscribe to our newsletter 225 Daily for our twice-weekly roundups of events. 225batonrouge. com/225daily 337

JULY 15: Concert for a Cure at Evangeline Downs Hotel in Opelousas, funraisers.info/concert-and-raffle-2023

JULY 29: Opelousas Makers Market, javasquare.cafe/downtown-market

JULY 8: Chase Tyler Band at Rock ‘n’ Bowl, rocknbowl.com/lafayette

In every issue of 225, you’ll find a free print on this page. FRAMED celebrates life and art in Baton Rouge, each one featuring a local photographer, place or graphic designer. Cut 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] July 2023 | 225batonrouge.com

ART BY OLIVIA DEFFES / 225batonrouge.com/bestof225

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.

LIFE IS SHORT.

DON’T MISS ANOTHER BEAT.

Not only is Matt Neumann the drummer behind one of the local area's most in-demand cover bands — he’s also Dr. Matt Neumann at the Spine Center of Baton Rouge. And as someone who’s su ered back pain, he understands what it means to help patients return to music or whatever moves them.

Dr. Neumann specializes in spinal injections as an e ective, noninvasive treatment for back, neck, leg, and arm pain. It’s a lasting solution that can provide up to years of relief — and get you right back into the rhythm of life. Call us today to learn more.