225 Magazine - Best of 225 Awards [July 2025] by Baton Rouge Business Report

BACK ON THE MAT

Dan Turner and Scott Casternopoulos have a lot in common. They became friends while training together on the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Revolution team in Baton Rouge. They both also developed large lower back disc herniations at different times over that last several years. The disc herniations caused extreme sciatica (leg pain) and were incapacitating. Barely able to walk, they each under went a short outpatient procedure by Dr. Oberlander, called a microdiscectomy (aka laser discectomy or minimally invasive discectomy) that allowed for a quick recovery. Now pain free, they are back on the mat training together. In fact since his surgery, Scott has won multiple International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation tournaments.

ACTUAL PATIENT

DAN TURNER

SCAN TO SEE THEIR STORY

R ted rel ionship

“As banking has gotten more complex and with more regulations, BSF stood out to me. They were easy to deal with. They are responsive, and the deal came together quickly and without a hitch.”

-Robby Piper, The Storage Center

Jake Vascocu, Commercial Loan O cer, Robby Piper BSF customer, Douglas Dupont EVP/Market President

Best of 225 Awards

BATON ROUGE’S ORIGINAL, longest-running reader’s choice poll of its kind is so back. Nearly 13,000 225-area residents decided this year ’s Best of 225 Awards winners for the 20th year in a row, including this month’s cover star Dearman’s Diner, shot by 225 Staff Photographer Collin Richie. The Best Burger award is one of the annual competition’s fiercest fights, and for the first time ever, the oldschool diner has taken the crown. What an absolute legend. Turn to page 42 to see who else will be adding a shiny new plaque to their wall this year.

Best Cottage Bakery winner Mid City Bakery

The Best of 318: West Carroll Parish –

Where Louisiana’s Heart Still Beats Local

Tucked away in northeast Louisiana between the Boeuf River and Bayou Macon, West Carroll Parish is a hidden gem brimming with small-town charm, rich heritage, and Southern hospitality. While 225Magazinehonors the Best of 225 in 2025, this 318 treasure deserves its own spotlight—a place where time slows down just enough to enjoy front-porch chats and sunrises over cotton fields.

Life here blends history, nature, and community in unforgettable ways. A morning stroll down Main Street in Oak Grove offers strong coffee, friendly smiles, and local cafés serving breakfast with heart. Boutiques and antique shops line the walkable streets, offering more than just goods—they offer stories, connection, and character. Just miles from town lies Poverty Point, a 3,000-year-old archaeological wonder and UNESCO World Heritage Site. While it draws visitors from around the globe, it remains a proud part of everyday life for locals. In West Carroll Parish, history isn’t just preserved—it’s lived.

Whether you're here for a weekend, a festival, or a hunting trip, you'll find welcoming accommodations in Oak Grove’s hotels or cozy bed and breakfasts. For those arriving by air, the Kelly-Dumas Airport provides convenient access with facilities for private planes and a hospitality that sets the tone for your visit.

But what truly sets West Carroll Parish apart is its people. This is a place where neighbors greet each other by name, where community events bring everyone together, and where living local is more than a trend—it’s a way of life.

Whether you're seeking a peaceful getaway or a place that feels like home, West Carroll Parish is ready to welcome you with open arms. Come experience the heart of the Delta.

Checking all the boxes

CHECKERED FLOORS, glossy red booths and no-frills burgers at Dearman’s Diner. Gooey salted s’mores cookies scored from Mid City Bakery’s pop-ups at House Brew or Red Stick Reads. Sticky ice cream dripping down a cone inside LSU Dairy Store, a refuge on a steamy day. An Italian sandwich slathered with herbaceous chimichurri, handed from the window of Louisiana Sandwich Co.’s tangerine-hued truck.

This is a small sampling of the institutions readers voted as Baton Rouge’s best this year.

Two of these are decades-old local icons. And two are relative newcomers, bucking the traditional brick-and-mortar format in favor of a pop-up formula that sees them bust out fresh flavors at unexpected locations.

All four have something in common: They are first-time Best of 225 winners.

My team and I don’t get to decide who takes home the awards each year. (And no, advertisers don’t either.) That responsibility rests solely with voters—more specifically, the nearly 13,000 residents who cast ballots this year.

The winners don’t always represent who we would personally vote for if we weren’t disqualified from casting our own ballots. But we do always get excited combing through the results. I get that Christmas-morning feeling when I learn about each year’s surprises and shakeups. I squeal when I encounter an unexpected winner.

I am thrilled on their behalf.

There were more than 700 nominees across 71 categories in 2025—representing so many

It’s always a vibe at Dearman’s Diner, which claimed the Best Burger award for the first time this year.

business owners who deserve their moment in the spotlight. That’s why for the past three years, we’ve put a first-time winner on the cover.

I love shuffling through the runners-up, too, discovering new-to-me gems, pinpointing the closest races and trying to predict which categories might shift next year.

As Baton Rouge’s original reader’s choice awards competition turns 20 this year, its archives serve as a record of two decades of ever-evolving Capital Region culture. After all, reigning champs like Elsie’s Plate & Pie, Superior Grill and Mid City Beer Garden were once first-time winners.

Whether you love or hate the results, please participate in the process next year. Some of these contests come down to less than a percentage point difference.

And your nominations and votes mean everything to the businesses who make it onto the ballot.

Jennifer Tormo Alvarez 225 Editor-in-Chief

See you on our new website

By the time you hold this issue in your hands, 225’s brand-new website will be live.

With a modern look by 225 Senior Graphic Designer Melinda Gonzalez Galjour, we hope to make it easier than ever for you to access our signature first looks, guides and deep dives into the Capital Region’s people, places and happenings.

The new website is playful. It’s organized. It’s 225 And all of that is so Melinda. This marks the second digital redesign she’s visualized over her decadeplus tenure at the magazine, and we are absolutely blessed to have her precise eye for detail and style. Meet you at 225batonrouge.com!

Looking back: 20 years of Best of 225 covers

2021

Peek through the Best of 225 Awards archives—including all 20 of our covers over the years—at 225batonrouge.com/ bestof225.

COLLIN

RICHIE

DAN BERGERON

Publisher: Julio Melara

EDITORIAL

Editor-In-Chief: Jennifer Tormo Alvarez

Managing Editor: Laura Furr Mericas

Features Writer: Maggie Heyn Richardson

Digital Editor: Olivia Deffes

Staff Photographer: Collin Richie

Contributing Writers: Madison Cooper, Cynthea Corfah, Gracelyn Farrar, Tracey Koch, Benjamin Leger, Dana Muller, Avery White

Contributing Photographers: Ariana Allison, Amy Shutt, Avery White

ADVERTISING

Director, Consumer Sales: Michelle Green

Multimedia Marketing Consultant & Team Leader: André Hellickson Savoie

Multimedia Marketing Consultants: Savannah Bankston Estes, Claire Hader, Jamie Hernandez, Angelle Theriot, Ashleigh Ward

Digital Operations Manager: Devyn MacDonald

Partner Success Manager: Matt Wambles

Content Creators: Erin Beene, Londyn White

Digital Ops Coordinator: Sydney DeVille

Corporate Communications Strategist: Mark Lorando

Content Strategist: Emily Hebert

MARKETING

Sales and Marketing Operations Manager: Kynley Lemoine

Marketing & Events Assistant: Mallory Romanowski

ADMINISTRATION

Chief Technology Officer: James Hume

Business Manager: Tiffany Durocher

Business Associate: Kirsten Milano

Office Coordinator: Donna Curry

Receptionist: Cathy Varnado Brown

CREATIVE SERVICES

Creative Services Manager: Ellie Gray

Art Director: Hoa Vu

Senior Graphic Designers: Melinda Gonzalez Galjour, Sidney Rosso

Graphic Designer: Britt Benoit

STUDIO E

Creative Director: Timothy Coles

Business Development Manager: Manny Fajardo

Custom Content Editor: Lisa Tramontana

Video Lead: Taylor Stoma

Production Supervisor: Ari Ross

Production Coordinator: Sara Hodge

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT

Circulation and Client Experience Manager: Ivana Oubre

Audience Development Campaign Manager: 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

Circulation/Reprints

225.928.1700 • email: circulation@225batonrouge.com 9029 Jefferson Highway, Suite 300, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 225-214-5225 • FAX 225-926-1329 • 225batonrouge.com

Q/A

WHAT WE OFFER

We offer a holistic approach to healthcare and focus on prevention vs. just treating the disease. We try to find the root cause of the illness and prevent chronic conditions. Having a patient-centered approach sets our clinic apart from others. It is all about our patients. They don’t feel rushed … they feel like they are at home and loved by all of us at the clinic.

OUR EXPERTISE

Our practice recognizes that there is no “one-sizefits-all” approach to treatment. I have been practicing obesity medicine since long before Kim Kardashian and Oprah made it popular. I have always treated it as a serious illness—at the same level as heart disease and breast or prostate cancer. Patients are often given so much knowledge, options, medications and support when it comes to a cancer diagnosis, yet those with obesity are usually told to go home and start a diet and exercise plan … which is ridiculous. I listen to my patients, meet them where they are, and am privileged to ride along their healthcare journey.

ON THE HORIZON

After spending the last 5 years treating obesity, I am excited to share that I am working to become a menopause expert, as we have very few in the area who are certified in menopause treatment. Several women age 37 to 55 suffer with perimenopause symptoms and see several different specialists when it’s likely that all their symptoms are related to perimenopause. I am excited to be a pioneer in this field to bridge the gap, and educate and empower women about their options to live life to the fullest.

LIVE AND LEARN

Women can go through perimenopause as early as age 35. So when a woman says her hormones feel out of whack, we don’t ignore her and tell her to wait it out. We listen to her and do the workup. It is our duty to help.

Gunjan Raina, MD

RESTORING YOUR RHYTHM:

HOW

CIS ELECTROPHYSIOLOGISTS

HELP

PATIENTS TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR HEART HEALTH

Do you ever feel fluttering in your chest—or like your heart has skipped a beat? This could be a sign of an arrhythmia, which is an abnormal or irregular heartbeat. Cardiac electrophysiologists, or EPs, are highly specialized cardiologists who focus on diagnosing and treating disorders of the heart’s electrical system. At Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) in Baton Rouge and Zachary, the electrophysiologists—Dr. Robert Drennan and Dr. Ryan Gullatt—are experts in identifying these issues and providing advanced care to help patients restore a healthy heart rhythm.

UNDERSTANDING HEART RHYTHM DISORDERS

Heart rhythm disorders begin within the heart’s electrical system, the network that controls how and when the heart beats. When this system is disrupted, the result is an arrhythmia—causing the heart to beat too fast, too slow or in an irregular pattern.

There are many different types of arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia, atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation. Some may be harmless, while others can be more serious or even life-threatening. Symptoms vary from person to person. Some people notice a skipped beat or fluttering sensation, often described as a palpitation. In more severe cases, the arrhythmia can interfere with the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, leading to symptoms such as:

• Fatigue

• Dizziness

• Lightheadedness

• Fainting spells

• Rapid heartbeat or pounding

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Sudden cardiac arrest

“Arrhythmias can present with a wide range of symptoms and potential outcomes,” says Dr. Gullatt. “For example, atrial fibrillation may go completely unnoticed yet significantly increase the risk of stroke. In contrast, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) can cause noticeable symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath and chest discomfort, but it rarely leads to life-threatening complications. Fortunately, there are highly effective treatments available for all types of arrhythmias—and in some cases, these treatments can even be curative.”

HOW ARE ARRHYTHMIAS DIAGNOSED?

Diagnosis usually begins with an electrocardiogram (EKG), a simple and quick test that records the electrical activity of the heart using electrodes placed on the chest. The resulting readout shows a visual representation of the heartbeat and helps physicians identify any irregular patterns.

However, because arrhythmias can come and go, the EKG must capture the heart while it’s out of rhythm. If a standard EKG doesn’t detect the issue, your doctor may recommend a Holter monitor—an extended heart rhythm monitor worn for a few days that continuously records your heartbeat throughout the day.

ADVANCED TREATMENTS: FROM LIFESTYLE TO LIFE-CHANGING INTERVENTIONS

While mild arrhythmias can often be managed with lifestyle changes or medications, more serious cases require advanced intervention. These may include:

Cardiac ablation:

Performed in a cath lab, this minimally invasive procedure uses heat or cold energy to target and destroy abnormal tissue that is disrupting the heart’s rhythm.

Cryoablation:

This form of ablation uses freezing rather than heat and is especially effective for certain types of atrial fibrillation.

Implantable devices:

For patients at high risk, devices like pacemakers and defibrillators can be implanted to monitor and correct dangerous heart rhythms in real time.

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T WAIT

Arrhythmias can be subtle—but the consequences can be severe. Whether you experience occasional palpitations or more serious symptoms like fainting or chest pain, it’s critical to see an electrophysiologist.

To learn more about this condition or to schedule an appointment with Drs. Drennan or Gullatt, visit cardio.com

DR ROBERTDRENNAN

DR RYANGULLATT

Butterr-ed

A local group of found friends leans in for laughs BY

MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON

Butterr Improv members Abby Cramond, Jenn Ocken, Chelsea Jones, Peterr Lukinovich, Angi Noote and Ryan Gray

IT ALL STARTS in a “living room.”

Six performers gather on stage and begin riffing on a chosen theme. It could be vacation, family or birthday cakes, and it’s meant to spark a conversation. The players lean into the topic, cheerfully exploring its possibilities. The banter meanders, soon narrowing into a promising sub-topic.

Then it’s on.

The group seizes on this new idea, clapping their hands to signal the official start of their first improv set. And for the next 15 minutes, they gab in the spirit of a dysfunctional ’90s sitcom family while the audience witnesses unscripted, slapstick flow.

Welcome to improv brought to you by Butterr, a homegrown troupe that regularly performs at Baton Rouge’s Boomerang Comedy Theater and Hartley/Vey Studio Theatre, as well as Big Couch in New Orleans.

Butterr began performing improv, the without-a-net comedy medium, in earnest in September 2023. Its members had bonded months earlier in the first of several

classes at Boomerang, the Mid City club that offers comedy and improv instruction, along with live shows.

“Someone bought the class for me as a gift,” says Butterr member Chelsea Jones, who heads up marketing for Perkins Rowe by day. “The first couple classes were pretty terrifying.”

But then it clicked, Jones says. Under the direction of teacher and Boomerang co-founder Angi Noote, Jones says she was quickly able to establish a sense of trust and timing with fellow students Jenn Ocken, Abby Cramond, Ryan Gray and Peterr Lukinovich. (The two Rs in Peterr’s name would inspire the group’s catchy spelling.)

The new friends eventually decided to take their talents live. By then, they’d also pulled in Noote to join them.

Butterr deploys what’s known as the living room format, a type of improv that starts with a couch conversation. It’s anyone’s guess where the material will go, but the performers follow the basic improv principle of “yes, and”—a reminder to add to, not take away from,

what’s being said. Success rests on trusting your teammates.

“You’re breaking down all your vulnerabilities together,” Jones says.

Ocken, a local photographer who delivers speeches on the creative process through her side business Thriv, says she never imagined becoming an improv performer.

“I did the class to help with public speaking,” she says. “Someone suggested it to me, and I immediately jumped on it. Serendipitously, I met all these incredible people, and I just love performing with them.”

While the form is mostly intended to elicit chuckles, sometimes other emotions can

be front and center. Ocken recalls an argument she performed with Lukinovich. Jones says she once attended an improv that brought the audience to tears. Butterr members say it’s about digging deep and seeing what happens.

You know, improvising Find it on Instagram at @butterr.improv

Comedy Night featuring Butterr Improv and The Family Dinner Comedy Troupe 7:30 p.m. at Hartley/Vey Studio Theatre

Butterr Improv performing a living room-style set at the Hartley/Vey Studio Theatre

WHAT’S NEW

Fired up

Compiled by Gracelyn Farrar

TIKTOK-FAMOUS barbecue concept

Salt Pepper Oak soft-opened its new Baton Rouge location in late April. Founder Vincent Hunt relocated the eatery from Mississippi to Exchequer Drive in a building once occupied by City Pork Kitchen & Pie. The viral eatery, which regularly hits 2 million to 4 million views online a month, is here to stay in the Capital City, where Hunt is close to home. The new location’s dining room seats 60 and features a grab-and-go case for finished briskets, pulled pork and other items. Diners can expect pork belly burnt ends, loaded barbecue nachos, smoked brisket, spareribs, pulled pork, roasted Creole potatoes, smoked turkey, fire-roasted corn elote, homemade sauces and more. Hunt also plans to continue his live feeds from the kitchen and smokehouse, and the restaurant will offer a podcast studio and social media area in its private events room.

“Social media is a big part of what we do,” Hunt says. “We wouldn’t be here without it.” saltpepperoak.com

What else is new?

Southern fare

New Roads-born Southern Chicks Café & Daiquiris opened its first Baton Rouge location in May in the former Opie’s Restaurant on Florida Boulevard. The menu features fried chicken with bone-in and jumbo tender options, as well as Southern classics like fried liver and onions, cracklings and red beans; plus salads, burgers, wraps and desserts. There’s also a drive-thru daiquiri window with 25-plus flavors. southernchickscafe.com

Coffee oasis

Pura Vida Coffee Bar, a new, two-story coffee shop, opened at the end of April on Nicholson Drive. The over 5,000-square-foot space offers room for customers to spread out, lounge, work, study and more. Plans are in the works for later hours and a beer and spirits menu. Until then, customers can enjoy teas, matchas and coffees as well as quick bites like paninis, salads and pastries. Find it on Instagram at @puravida_coffeebar

Slinging smoothies

Trap Haüs opened its third location in May, bringing pure juices and smoothie bowls to Government Street. The eatery features a fresh smoothie bar, a fridge stocked with fruits and juices, and a full kitchen. While the Mid City location is similar to Trap Haüs’ others, its kitchen sets it apart, allowing it to offer various plant-based soul food dishes. Find it on Instagram at @the_trap_haus

Kelli DeLarue

ANY PARENT KNOWS how quickly toys can turn a tidy room into a stress-inducing clutter corner.

Messy spaces can have more of a detrimental impact than most people realize, says Kelli DeLarue, who organizes toy rooms and play spaces for a living.

“It’s important to learn how to create a space that allows your child to explore and ensures everything is developmentally appropriate,” she says.

DeLarue started her career as a certified elementary school teacher. As an educator and a mom, she noticed a pattern in which kids would play with toys for short periods and then forget about them.

When she became pregnant with her middle child, she left teaching and started her own business, Learn to Play with Kelli DeLarue.

Her philosophy is simple: Don’t add more pressure; keep things light and intentional.

When DeLarue first consults with a client, she takes inventory of the toys and space, and then aims to understand how the child plays. She wants to determine what brings them joy and what sparks their curiosity.

DeLarue asks parents to leave their playroom messy so she can observe what the kids are naturally drawn to. From there, her goal is to empower rather than overwhelm the caregivers. She figures out whether parents want to encourage more imagination, support independence or foster sibling play.

DeLarue maps out a personalized plan, including a proposal with pricing and goals, and a shopping list for any additional items needed. Once everything is ready, she returns to the playroom and gets to work. She assembles the furniture, organizes the toys and transforms the chaotic space into a tidy and engaging one.

DeLarue says every decision is rooted in her background in childhood education.

“A dress-up area may not work for everyone, but a cozy corner with books and a kitchen play area might be perfect for a toddler,” she says.

DeLarue offers both in-person and virtual consultations, even working with families as far as North Carolina and Texas. She’s also grown her presence on Instagram, providing practical tips, lifestyle content, and Q&As with other moms and pros specializing in pediatrics and behavior. Recently, she started hosting in-person presentations to teach the core principles of her work, helping families bring her methods home. And she also curates collections of developmentally appropriate toys at Mid City boutique toy store The Modern Munchkin Co.

DeLarue says she hopes to expand her business in 2025, with three educational events already planned and more on the way—all in line with her mission of creating “purposeful and intentional play space for (children) to thrive in.” learntoplaykd.com

–DANA MULLER

Our team of 24 at Lamar of Baton Rouge is made up of the best “billboard people” in the business, offering up over 434 years of combined experience.

Lamar is proud to support the Capital area with over 1,000 billboard displays—and if you’ve ever zoomed past our o ice o I-10 near the Highland Road exit, you’ve already seen part of our story in action. But don’t just drive by—come say hello!

On any given day, you might find Rubye tending to our resident chicken flock, Malvin dusting o his collection of Gordon McKernan holiday props, Trey bo ling up fresh honey from our beehives, or Sco lining up digital display campaigns for our clients.

It’s always good to see you here in Baton Rouge!

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in BR Free

20 priceless experiences around the Capital Region—plus more savvy saving tips

BY OLIVIA

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Enjoy the million-dollar views of Baton Rouge from above at viewing decks atop the Louisiana State Capitol or the Shaw Center for the Arts for no cost. Brave the heights for worthwhile views of our city and the mighty Mississippi River that runs through it.

DEFFES, GRACELYN FARRAR, LAURA FURR MERICAS, MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON AND AVERY WHITE

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Attend First Free SundAy

ON THE FIRST Sunday of every month, Baton Rougeans flock to museums and historic landmarks in the Capital Region that are open for free to the public.

First Free Sunday allows thousands of people to access cultural experiences that they otherwise might not be able to afford, from art gallery viewings to tours of the “White House of the South.” Since January, more than 3,500 people have visited the Louisiana Art & Science Museum for a First Free Sunday, according to Karen Soniat, LASM’s president and executive director.

Soniat says the collaborative monthly events encourage lifelong learning for everyone.

“First Free Sunday is an important part of allowing our mission to be fulfilled at its highest level, just knowing that we have the opportunity to inspire a generation of young kids and their families,” she says.

LASM partners with different groups in the community to put together a unique program for each First Free Sunday. In May, it teamed up with Arkel Constructors, the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport and Line 4 Line to create a “May the fourth be with you”-themed day for patrons. Kids made masks of the little green Jedi Yoda, and special showings at the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium were inspired by Star Wars.

“It was a fabulous, beautiful day with 1,100 people coming through,” Soniat recalls.

First Free Sunday at LASM runs from 1-5 p.m. Access to the planetarium is offered for a reduced price of $5.

OTHER FIRST FREE SUNDAY MUSEUMS AND HISTORIC SPOTS

• BREC’s Magnolia Mound: Museum + Historic Site

• Capitol Park MuseumMuseum

• Cary Saurage Community Arts Center

• Louisiana Old Governor’s Mansion (always free)

• Louisiana’s Old State Capitol (always free)

• LSU Center for River Studies

• LSU Museum of Art at the Shaw Center for the Arts

OTHER FREE DAYS

West Baton Rouge Museum is free for West Baton Rouge Parish residents and offers loads of arts, genealogy and cultural programming at no cost. Knock Knock Children’s Museum also offers free days on occasion, including one on Sunday, July 13, sponsored by the Society of Louisiana CPAs. Check the museums’ calendars and websites for details.

Get your reading on with picks from Little Free Libraries, at local story times or an East Baton Rouge Parish Library branch. Turn to page 115 for a guide to BR's book boom.

Wake up and smell the roses at the Hilltop Arboretum, LSU’s 14-acre museum of native plants off Highland Road. It’s open to the public seven days a week from sunup to sundown.

–GRACELYN FARRAR

Louisiana Art & Science Museum

LSU Museum of Art

FRESH QUALITY SERVICE

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Take full advantage of our position along the Mississippi River. Walk, bike or ship spot along the levee trail, or watch the sun set at Riverfront Plaza or Scott’s Bluff

See space at BREC’s Highland Road Observatory, LSU’s Landolt Astronomical Observatory or the LIGO Lab, which host viewings. Other aficionados gather for Astronomy on Tap at The Varsity Theatre and Sidewalk Astronomy at Perkins Rowe.

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Embrace your wild side at Wild Day at the Rowe. This event features ambassador animals from BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo, arts and crafts, face painting, live music and more at Perkins Rowe.

Sunset views at Scott's Bluff

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Listen to live music at free music series and festivals

Rock N Rowe and Live After

Five are major players, while the Levitt Amp Baton Rouge Music Series, Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival and Baton Rouge Blues Festival are other great ways to jam out on a budget.

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Take in the significant contributions of the region’s Black community on the Baton Rouge Black History Trail, dotted with soul food restaurants, juke joints, live music and one of the nation’s best-known HBCUs, Southern University.

Find secondhand scores for the lowest of the low by trading in items of equal value. Trade vinyls at shops like Capital City Records and 2nd & Charles. Bring reads or used toys to Local PopUp’s toy and book swaps, or dig through free books at Red Stick Reads. Join a local buy-nothing Facebook group to see what folks need off their hands.

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Go to a local art gallery like the Cary Saurage Community Arts Center’s Shell Gallery and the Glassell Gallery at the Shaw Center to view works by emerging and established artists. Or head to Baton Rouge Gallery, where free First Wednesday Opening Receptions add to the fun.

Tour the Old State Capitol and the Old Governor’s Mansion downtown. These architectural gems are always free to visit. Or venture to the Louisiana State Archives on Essen Lane to see rotating exhibits.

You’re free to live your life out loud! Because you’ve got the compassion of the cross, the security of the shield, and the comfort of Blue behind you.

Choose your adventure at a BreC park

NEARLY 200 PARKS and facilities for what’s often a $0 charge? Thank you, BREC. Visit engaging playscapes; relax, fish or splash by cool waters; pick up a new hobby; or learn about nature—there are endless ways to explore BREC’s parks. Navigate this chart to find one that fits your mood. brec.org

Parks and Recreation of Denham Springs (PARDS) and Ascension Parish Recreation also facilitate great parks in our region, like North Park and Jambalaya Park.

LAURA FURR MERICAS

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ExplorE BurdEn Museum & GardEns

The Burden property houses three entities: the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens, the LSU Rural Life Museum and Windrush Gardens. All three host their own happenings and come together under the Burden Museum & Gardens name for efforts and events.

From period buildings and artifacts to sprawling paths and seasonal blooms, it might be hard to believe that a hidden gem like Burden can be found in the heart of the city—and even harder to believe that so much of it comes at no cost to visitors. Here’s what to see for free beyond that white picket fence:

The LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens

It’s free to frolic through the flowers at these gardens, which are open to the public daily. Aside from observing local flora, adventure awaits with woodlands, wetlands and a nature path.

StoryTime in the Garden

On the second Saturday of the month, the Botanic Gardens hosts a morning story time for families. Expect a read-aloud, crafting and play. Plus, each pint-sized attendee gets to take a book home.

Arbor Day

Every January, the Botanic Gardens celebrates Arbor Day with admission-free activities. Attendees can plant a native tree and take one home.

Herb Day

Herb is the word in February. Those looking to grow their green thumbs are invited to the Botanic Gardens for this free event presented by the Herb Society of America, Baton Rouge Unit.

Spring Garden Fest

With lectures hosted by East Baton Rouge Master Gardeners, workshops and more, this fest at the Botanic Gardens is for all plant lovers and those wanting to hone their gardening skills.

Free admission days at the LSU Rural Life Museum

Though this artifact-packed museum usually charges a small fee, history buffs can waltz through the exhibits and adjoining Windrush Gardens for no charge on select days. Enjoy free or reduced admission when the museum partners with local groups or participates in Smithsonian Museum Day in September.

Get moving with local biking, running or geocaching groups. Traverse the city while working up a sweat or meeting people with similar interests.

Get in shape at free workout classes. Find yoga or barre at Pelican To Mars, Perkins Rowe, Leela Yoga Lifestyle and BREC Parks. Before shopping ensues at Local Pop-Up, Electric Depot also hosts free Popin Pilates classes.

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Visit blues legend Slim Harpo’s grave and seek out other historic markers at New Ark Baptist Church, St. Joseph’s Academy, Pastime Restaurant and other notable spots.

Sunset Barre with Body Sculpt at Perkins Rowe

YOUR VISION OF RE TIREME N T

Is unique, and your financial advice should be too. As an Ameriprise private wealth advisory practice, we have the qualifications and knowledge to help you grow and preserve your wealth. Whether it’s investment management, tax planning strategies or legacy planning, we’ll work with you to find the right financial solutions for your individual needs. And we’re backed by the strength and stability of one of America’s longstanding leaders in financial planning and advice.

Leading the Way in Wealth Management

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See public art

Louisiana’s dynamic cultural traditions are in rich supply in Baton Rouge, where public art has long been part of the local landscape. Notable murals and sculptures provide inspiration in unexpected places throughout the city, inviting viewers to stop, ponder and even take a selfie. Enjoying these pieces costs you nothing. Here are a few favorites.

1.“Red Stick”

Southern University

Frank Hayden was one of America’s best-known 20th-century sculptors and a Southern University professor. His 1976 abstract aluminum sculpture overlooks Scott’s Bluff.

2. “One Plant, Many Flowers”

Claiborne Building, 1201 N. Third St.

Artist Howard Kalish’s enormous bouquet of steel flowers represents diversity and unity across Louisiana.

3. Waves mural

River Road at Laurel Street

Marc Fresh’s mural along the riverbank channels the energy of the Mississippi in purples, blues and greens.

4. “Sing the River”

River Road at Florida Street

Installed in 2019, artist Po Shu Wang’s contemporary work captures sunlight and twinkling night lights, delivering a 24-hour cycle of beauty.

5. Baton Rouge murals

Various locations

Several “Baton Rouge” murals, including Visit Baton Rouge’s postcard rendition at 359 Third St., allow you to share your location, literally. Find others at Oxbow Rum Distillery, Poor Boy Lloyd’s, Superior Grill Highland and elsewhere.

6. Hands mural

Hotel Indigo, 200 Convention St.

The wall-sized piece by Jacob Zumo and Brandan Odums depicts harmony with colorful hands unified by a strand of beads. The top hand grips a magnolia blossom.

7. Oliver Pollock

Galvez Plaza

The massive bronze tribute to Revolutionary War figure Oliver Pollock is one of the city’s most recognizable sculptures.

8. Martin Luther King Jr. Monument River Center Plaza

New Orleans sculptor Arthur Silverman’s piece uses opposing yet complementary color wheel hues to honor the civil rights leader.

9. “Spirit Rising” Government and Eugene streets

Installed in 2024, the 20foot aluminum sculpture by Shreveport artists Bruce Allen and KaDavien Baylor evokes the four elements: earth, wind, fire and water.

10. Brown Pelican mural

Mimosa Handcrafted, 541 S. Eugene St.

A brown pelican set off by aqua, red and orange welcomes shoppers to the local jewelry company specializing in Louisiana flora and fauna.

11. KEF! mural

Overpass Merchant, 2904 Perkins Road

Berlin-born artist KEF! was commissioned to create private works in Baton Rouge in 2017, and while here, produced a whimsical mural in the Perkins Road Overpass District.

BMake your child’s visit to the doctor a part of your back-to-school game plan

Annual Pediatric Checkup

Sports Physical Immunizations

From the classroom to the playing field, your child deserves the highest level of care. Our pediatric team delivers just that. With more than 60 experienced providers across 19 convenient locations in Greater Baton Rouge, accessing care is easy.

Same-day. Weekend. After-school appointments. Because excellence in care should meet your schedule.

Book now and check it off your list.

Accepting new patients Call (225) 374-HEAL

ololchildrens.org

Visit college campuses

LSU and Southern University’s campuses are landmark locations in Baton Rouge, featuring beautiful architecture and deep histories.

While they are learning institutions, both campuses feature several free activities to explore, from visiting a live tiger habitat to catching epic views. Here’s what to see:

LSU museums

Take a trip to LSU’s Murphy J. Foster Hall to browse dioramas featuring bird species, native fish, a polar bear and more. Learn about ROTC and military history at the William A. Brookshire LSU Military Museum in Memorial Tower. Or get inspired by preserved fashion at the LSU Textile & Costume Museum.

Mike the Tiger

Visit LSU’s live mascot at his habitat. Mike VII is the only live tiger on a college campus in the country. Find him roaming his lush enclosure, swimming or basking in the sun most days.

The University Lakes

The six bodies of water that make up the University Lakes system are longtime favorite strolling spots for LSU students and locals alike. Get some exercise, see a bit of wildlife or keep tabs on construction, as the lakes are currently undergoing a major overhaul.

Southern University Museum of Art

Appreciate creativity at the Southern University Museum of Art. The on-campus museum houses eight galleries featuring works and artifacts from African American artists. It’s located in Martin L. Harvey Hall and open weekdays.

Southern history

Visit the earliest pieces of Southern’s history in its National Historic District, home to several early 20th-century buildings. The Archives Building, known as “The Little White House,” dates back before Southern’s campus was moved from New Orleans to Baton Rouge in 1914.

Scott’s Bluff

See where history was made at Scott’s Bluff. Named after the land’s previous owner, Dr. William Bernard Scott, the spot along the river is said to be the location of Baton Rouge’s “red stick,” and is now part of Southern’s campus. AVERY WHITE

Celebrate at parades year-round You probably have Mardi Gras marked. But don’t forget to add the Kenilworth Independence Day Parade, the Fifolet Halloween Parade, the Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade and the Wearin’ of the Green St. Patrick’s Day Parade to your calendar.

LSU Parade Ground

• 45 MIN CLASSES WITH CERTIFIED COACHES 1-on-1 in a group environment

• RECOVERY THERAPY infrared saunas, cold plunge, contrast therapy, compression/percussion

• STRETCHING & BODYWORK

• DIETICIAN SERVICES

• INBODY SCANS

• HYROX TRAINING GYM first in Baton Rouge

• UNLIMITED RESOURCES & SUPPORT consults for your customized goals

Best

Food Pop-up

MYTH BUSTING

How the 2025 Best of 225 Awards were *really* chosen

How long has Best of 225 been around?

Launched in 2006, Best of 225 is Baton Rouge’s original reader’s choice poll of its kind. Write-in nominations open every winter and voting runs in the spring. Winners are revealed in the summertime.

Who puts together the ballot?

All year long, 225’s editors call the shots on who gets featured in the magazine. Our July issue is the one time when we turn the tables and let readers decide. In fact, our entire staff is disqualified from participating in the nominations and voting processes. Write-in nominations and voting are open to 225-area residents, who can vote one time in each category.

What about the rumor that only advertisers win?

225’s editorial team abides by journalistic ethics and standards, which means the subjects of every story we print—including Best of 225—are never determined by advertising. We have loyal advertisers who have never won an award. We also have longtime, repeat winners who have not advertised in 225

Learn more at 225batonrouge.com/ best-225-faq.

Local

winner Louisiana Sandwich Co.

Presenting the reader-voted 20th Annual

Best of 225 Awards

LOOKING BACK AT the debut issue of the Best of 225 Awards is like digging up a time capsule representing life in Baton Rouge back in 2006. Among the relics: early winners like Fleur de Lis Pizza, Rave Motion Pictures and Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant.

Twenty awards editions later, restaurants and businesses have come and gone or changed names and owners. But many are still kickin’, with some of the original winners like Tony’s Seafood and The Chimes still seen as the gold standard.

Two decades from now, how will we remember life in 2025? Those memories will probably include some of the 71 shops, restaurants, bars, people and attractions voted as this year’s best by nearly 13,000 Capital Region residents. Congratulations to all of the winners and runners-up— you’re part of local history.

And most importantly, thank you, dear readers, for participating in the process and making this issue possible.

1ST TIME WINNER

Cheers to this group for claiming an award for the very first time!

CLOSE RACE

These awards were decided by 50 votes or less. (And in some cases, much less. We’ve had at least two ties in Best of 225 history.) Watch these categories closely next year.

NEW CATEGORY

Readers regularly write in with suggestions for new awards. To stay on the pulse of local trends, we rotate a handful of categories each year. These are 2025’s newcomers.

Establishments so good, they won two awards. Or in one champ’s case, three.

Placing in the top five is no easy feat. Best of 225 is an excellent resource to uncover mom-and-pop businesses rising through the ranks. Comb through 284 in this issue.

DOUBLE WINNER

Food &

TEXT BY MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON

& Drink

PHOTOS BY COLLIN RICHIE

Its legions of fans use the shorthand “Beer Garden” when planning a meet at this hip hang, known for a voluminous craft beer list and comeas-you-are ease. Curated cocktails include a lineup of martinis and beer bevs like the Brewski Smash, a lemony bourbon sipper topped with Gnarly Barley’s Jucifer IPA. Such a vibe. midcitybeergarden.com

BEST CRAFT COCKTAIL MENU

BLDG 5 16.05%

Muddled fresh fruit and herbs, premium spirits and mixers that include housemade lemonade are among the long list of ingredients that fortify this spot’s inventive cocktails. The shabby chic design invites dressing up or down. Salut, y’all. bldg5.com

RUNNERS-UP

Hayride Scandal 16.00% Olive or Twist 14.73%

The Colonel’s Club 10.08% Superior Grill 8.24%

Buy a ticket to hoppy heaven. Get your sour on. Drink your wheat-ies. Sorry, we’ll stop there. Whatever your pleasure, the beer list doesn’t disappoint.

RUNNERS-UP

The Chimes

Chilled reds, French whites, diverse sparklers, and global blends and varietals comprise the varied bythe-glass list at Bin 77. An extensive bottle selection invites repeat visits. bin77.com

Gino’s

Stab’s Prime Steak & Seafood

Mansurs on the Boulevard

Mexican Fruit Stand, Garden Basil Martini and Blueberry Ginger

A $2 million investment transformed what once was an airplane hangar under the Perkins Road Overpass into a see-and-be-seen lounge and eatery draped in Belle Epoque design. The globally inspired menu riffs on the travel theme. Cue the smize and Utah curls. thecolonelsclub.com

RUNNERS-UP

Brasserie Byronz 11.80%

Okki Tokki 10.34% Luna Cocina 9.23%

The Patio Tex-Mex Fusion 9.05%

*Editor’s note: Nominees were limited to 2024 openings; 2025 openings will be eligible in the 2026 contest. One nominee, Habaneros, permanently closed in late March shortly before voting concluded. It would have finished sixth.

Elsie’s

Her love language is pies, and her crawfish queso is served with house-fried pork skins. Pork skins! Oh Auntie Em, there’s no place like Elsie’s. elsiespies.com

You gave us corn-fed, marbled decadence wrapped in shameless amounts of butter. Never change, Ruth’s Chris. ruthschris.com

Best Local Food Popup winner Louisiana Sandwich Co., run by Matthew “The Sandwich Man” Nesbit

Parked consistently at pop-up hub Pelican to Mars, this creative sandwichery turns out comehungry creations, like a boudin grilled cheese with remoulade dipping sauce and a fried bologna and egg with mustard and aioli. louisianasandwiches.com

Queue

in the

BEST COTTAGE BAKERY

Mid City Bakery

Owner Kimberly Fansler spent years working for Camino Bakery in North Carolina before launching her dream business here. She routinely drops handmade roulades, pop-tarts, cookies, cinnamon rolls and more at various Mid City locations. midcitybakery.com

NEW CATEGORY

Homemade king cakes, spectacular gingerbread houses, intricate birthday cakes and more make it easy to patronize this BRborn institution on the regular. ambrosiabakery.com

Eggs, bacon and biscuits are a small part of the massive board of fare at this hands-down breakfast winner, where your order might include crabcakes, etouffee or smoked alligator sausage. franksrestaurantla.com

Goodies from Best Cottage Bakery winner Mid City Bakery

Big Deb oatmeal cream pie

muffin

Dutch chocolate brownie

Blueberry muffin

26 JULY, 2025 | 7PM

CAPITOL PARK MUSEUM

Legacy and Luminescence is a tribute to the past that shaped us and the brilliance that guides our future. Rooted in the rich history of Louisiana and inspired by the individuals and institutions who preserve it, this year’s gala theme celebrates the powerful connection between history and hope. Legacy honors the people, stories, and traditions that have laid the foundation for our cultural identity, while Luminescence represents the vision, innovation, and community spirit that light the path forward. Together, they reflect the Museum’s mission—to illuminate Louisiana’s diverse history and inspire generations to come.

BEST LOCAL BRUNCH

Elsie’s Plate & Pie

21.41%

A shaky morning-after state improves significantly with Elsie’s brunch eats, awash in goodies like sourdough and vanilla custard pain perdu and biscuits with homemade pepper jelly. elsiepies.com

BEST LOCAL LUNCH SPOT

Elsie’s Plate & Pie 31.58%

A 2025 appearance on Diners, DriveIns and Dives revealed to the country what Baton Rouge already knew: Elsie’s is all that.

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

• 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. Carefully

The place just feels green. Vegetarians, vegans and pescatarians are in safe hands, thanks to a menu built around pick-and-choose flexibility. bldg.com

LABOR OF

CELEBRATING 400,000 BIRTHS

More than just a milestone—it’s a reflection of the trust and care that have defined every delivery since 1968. From preparing for arrival day to welcoming home your bundle of joy, we offer support at every step of your journey. Thanks to our incredible team, world class physicians and state-of-the-art facility, you and your baby receive compassionate care before, during, and after delivery.

BEST LOCAL FRIES

A diverse French fry menu, including an option blanketed in gooey cheese, helped this Broussard-born burger spot earn the Best Local Fries merit badge once again. burgersmith.com

RUNNERS-UP

Raising Cane’s 15.16%

Overpass Merchant 13.94%

Dearman’s Diner 10.03%

Bin 77 8.66%

BEST LOCAL TACOS

Barracuda Taco Stand 26.92%

The fillings range from pork, chicken or beef to fried fish, mushroom, sweet potato and broccoli, and the Sonoran-style tortillas bring distinct flavor and chew. Homemade salsas and guac add to the fun, along with Tajín-rimmed fresh mangonadas. eatbarracuda.com

RUNNERS-UP

Superior Grill 13.96%

Mestizo Louisiana Mexican Cuisine 13.01%

Zippy’s Burritos, Tacos & More 9.52%

Modesto Tacos

Tequila Whiskey 8.99%

Burgersmith and Curbside had long dueled for top honors in this battleground category— until they were unseated by timeless soda fountain Dearman’s. The Bocage diner serves unfussy burgers built with flat-top patties and nostalgic accoutrements. dearmansdiner.com

Best Burger winner Dearman’s Diner

NEW CATEGORY

With roots dating to 1905, the one-and-only Dairy Store serves premium ’scream made with milk from LSU’s own Holstein cows. By cup or cone, flavors like Tiger Bite (golden vanilla and blueberry swirl), coffee chip and more have lured generations of loyalists. lsuagcenter.com/dairystore RUNNERS-UP

The Mid City and Prairieville concept deploys hickory wood to smoke its fall-apart brisket, pork, chicken and other proteins, girded by belt-loosening sides like Gouda mac and corn pudding. hannahqsmokehouse.com

Wood-fired pies may be commonplace around town now, but Rocca stands out for its masterfully curated toppings. Don’t miss its ahead-of-the-trend pistachio, a white pie with rosemary, lardons and thin discs of potato. roccapizzeria.com

Tiger Bite

Strawberry

Purists bored with deep-fried rolls get their jollies at Sushi Yama, long recognized for masterful knife strokes and artful sashimi, nigiri—and, yes, rolls, too. Beautifully rendered sushi is joined by entrees like flame-broiled steak amiyaki and shrimp and vegetable tempura with udon. sushiyama.co

Equal parts seafood mart, lunch counter and tourist destination, Tony’s is a local rite of passage. Springtime brings throngs of disciples to its mega-efficient boiled crawfish carryout line. tonyseafood.com

The brave ancestor who snacked on that first oyster would be charmed by Phil’s reliable handling of the versatile bivalve, from broiled to fried to raw on the half shell. Big flavors are matched by an even bigger LSU vibe. philsoysterbar.com

With new owners continuing 41-yearold traditions, the fine dining seafood restaurant uses Gulf fish, shrimp, crab and Louisiana crawfish to create consistently top-tier dishes like the deep-fried soft-shell crab Pontchartrain. lousianalagnaipperestaurant.com

RUNNERS-UP Parrain’s Seafood Restaurant 20.11%

Anderson’s 15.80%

on the Boulevard 11.05%

1 ST TIME WINNER

Best Sushi winner Sushi Yama

The Best Education for All.

At Great Hearts Harveston, we foster a community of respect, responsibility, and excellence. We believe that every student has the potential to achieve great things, and we’re committed to helping them realize their full potential.

Graduating Class of 2024

Number of Graduates

584

Average Weighted GPA

4.11

1259 Average SAT Score + 209 points above the national average

23.7 Average ACT Score + 2.7 points above the national average

Amount Offered in Merit-Based Scholarships

$51,253,105

10 National Merit Finalists

14 National Merit Commended

18 National Scholars

The New York Times included this Garden District gem in its 2024 list of 50 favorite American restaurants, proving what its fans hold true—there’s something special about owner Stephanie Phares and her whiteboard lineup of scratch-made salads, sammies and plate lunches. zeelandstreet.com

Regional Tex-Mex choices abound, but locals can’t get enough of this fun factory, known for fajitas, margaritas and a high-energy vibe. No one wants their friends hitting Superior without them. batonrouge.superior.com

You could keep yourself busy with Bay Leaf’s massive menu of biryani, curries, masalas, dosas, raitas and more. It brings the flavor—in a white tablecloth setting, to boot. bayleafindiancuisinela.com

Savor consistently tasty Thai classics, from tangy larb and shrimp toast to spicy red curry and savory silver noodles. And bonus! There’s a dim sum menu, too. thaikitchenla.com RUNNERS-UP

Casual, friendly and affordable, family-owned Bao sticks the landing with a menu of customizable pho, vermicelli bowls, banh mi and other specialties. Knock back some boba on the outdoor patio. baovietkitchen.com

Lobster masala from Best Indian winner Bay Leaf Indian Cuisine

Since 1992, Albasha has spread faster than a rumor in high school. Thirteen locations turn out chicken shawarma, falafel made from house-ground chickpeas and more. albashabluebonnet.com

Founded by repeat U.S. National Oyster Shucking Competition champ Duke Landry, this Range Avenue favorite serves premium steaks, massive deep-fried softshell crabs, and, of course, oysters. Come casual and enjoy live music. dukesseafoodandsteakhouse.com

MEETS PRECISION

@DRJONPERENACK

WHY CHOOSE DR. PERENACK

2,000+ Rhinoplasty Surgeries

Specializing in Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty

Internationally Recognized Speaker, Educator & Artist

DR. JON PERENACK

Mike Anderson’s Gonzales + Prairieville 22.20%

Diners can’t get enough of the fried and broiled specialties and nap-inducing brunch at this household name in local seafood. mikeandersons.com

RUNNERS-UP

Frank’s RestaurantPrairieville 16.36%

Sno’s Seafood & Steak House 14.02%

Fratelli’s Italian Grill -

A New Orleans-style courtyard and menu rife with premium cuts and local seafood has helped Stab’s in Central become a hands-down winner. Think: rack of lamb with Tabasco mint jelly, or redfish on the half shell with fried shrimp and spicy garlic butter. stabscentral.com

Agave Blue Tequila and Taco Bar, Zachary 24.57%

Experience quesa-birria tacos in all their succulent, crunchable glory, along with elotes, tableside guac, aguachile and a host of Tex-Mex faves. agavebluetequilaandtacobarla.com

RUNNERS-UP South Plains Food Company 18.48% Cafe PhoeniciaZachary 16.65%

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux - Zachary 16.24% Hot Tails - Zachary 15.23%

A canopied patio, regular live music, and a menu of Southern staples have helped The Francis build a supa-sized following. Pulled pork nachos, blackened tripletail and crawfish-topped bone-in pork chops haven’t hurt, either. thefrancissoutherntable.com

RUNNERS-UP

The Saint Restaurant 17.30% Magnolia Café 15.90% Restaurant 1796 15.56% El Mejor Mexican Bar & Grill - St. Francisville 3.96%

Best Restaurant – St. Francisville winner The Francis Southern Table & Bar

$10MONTHFIRST

“

People & Entertainment

COLLIN RICHIE

Best Local Social Media Influencer

Maameefua Koomson at one of her own favorite local spots, Tiger Pho BR

NEW category

BEST LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER

Jennifer Bolanos, Royal Rouge

Photography

22.21%

Behind the lens of her camera, Jennifer Bolanos has captured everything from weddings to birthdays to poses for holiday cards. Beyond photography, her biz also offers videography, 360-degree photo booths and live paintings. royalrougephotography.com

RUNNERS-UP

Glenn Eymard 16.38%

Eric Garcia, Geaux Garcia 11.85%

Jordan Hefler 11.65%

Aaron Hogan, Eye Wander Photo

Best Local Social Media Influencer winner Maameefua Koomson

BEST LOCAL SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER

Maameefua Koomson, #BRTok 14.78%

Roping in viewers from Baton Rouge and beyond with her signature “Hey, BRTok,” Maameefua Koomson has cemented her personal pages, BRTok blog and hashtag, and marketing brand Quirk-E Creative as mustfollows. Connect with her growing accounts across platforms to find the hottest things to do, see and eat in the Capital Region. Find her on TikTok and Instagram at @maameefua.koomson

RUNNERS-UP

Joe DeGregorio, South Louisiana Extreme Weather 12.93%

Jordan Basham, WhereToGeaux225 12.69%

Jaime Glas Odom, Queen of Sparkles 11.03%

Joey Cavalier, Tony Ridinger and Charles “Chuck P” Pierce, Eat the Boot Podcast 8.94%

icons like Joe Burrow and religious icons like Mary are Jacob Zumo's muses. From sacred art pieces to canvases covered in colors, this Baton Rouge artist’s work can be found in local businesses, schools and homes as well as in his Interline Avenue studio. jzumo.com

BEST LOCAL NEWS PERSONALITY

Kiran Chawla, Unfiltered With Kiran 43.07%

Need the latest Capital Region news? Kiran Chawla provides up-to-date info on culture, politics, crime and more. unfilteredwithkiran.com

RUNNERS-UP

Sylvia Weatherspoon, WBRZ 17.62%

Chris Nakamoto, WAFB 12.29%

Greg Meriwether, WAFB 9.97%

John Pastorek, WBRZ 5.20%

COLLINRICHIE

Hear some good ol’ country when this local band takes the stage with boot-scootin’ originals and twang-filled covers. From festivals to Texas Club concerts, Parish County Line has shared the stage with Jake Owen and Jason Aldean, but it can also stand on its own with fan-favorite sets packed with catchy tunes. parishcountyline.com

Follow the call of the disco ball or the hum of neon lights to this venue, known for its intimate shows, niche themed nights and penchant for luring national acts to Baton Rouge, from Grace Potter to Bright Eyes. chelseaslive.com

Combining strings, wind and percussion, this group of well-orchestrated musicians shows off its range at performances like Bachtoberfest and Holiday Brass and, more recently, its Concert in the Cosmos series playing hits from Beyoncé to Bowie. brso.org

RUNNERS-UP

Theatre Baton Rouge* 23.46%

Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre 14.04%

Center Stage Performing Arts Academy 12.60%

Playmakers of Baton Rouge 9.53%

Three’s company when Murphy, Sam & Jodi take the airwaves. On local station 96.1 - The River, the trio shares their takes on pop culture, helpful home hacks, personal stories and other playful commentary during tune breaks. And with affiliates from Hawaii to New York, their voices can be heard all over the country. murphysamandjodi.com

RUNNERS-UP

Big D & Bubba 22.36%

Matt Moscona 19.54%

T-Bob Hebert* 14.79%

Brian Haldane 6.60%

Tune into The Tiger for today’s top country hits, from Luke Bryan to Riley Green and everything else in between. 1007thetiger.com

RUNNERS-UP 92.7, K-LOVE 16.59%

Eagle 13.34%

WFMF 12.58%

KLSU 10.16%

Radio Personality winner Murphy, Sam & Jodi

1 ST TIME WINNER

LOCAL PLACE FOR A DATE NIGHT

The Little Village 14.76%

A table for two, an order of the Village Bread and shareable pastas. That’s amore! With an indulgent, Italian-inspired menu, The Little Village is definitely for lovers. littlevillagebr.com

RUNNERS-UP

Climb, dance, paint and pretend at this kiddo-focused attraction jam-packed with pintsized activities and learning opportunities. New for summer: a redesigned mechanical crane, constructed by LSU Mechanical & Industrial Engineering students, that allows next-gen builders to lift and load blocks. knockknockmuseum.org

Village Bread from Best Local Place for a Date Night winner The Little Village

Marrying Cajun and Creole cuisine, this chef has made a name for himself with over 50 years in the restaurant industry. From owning eateries to creating TV cooking segments, John Folse has had a taste of it all—and given residents a taste in the process. jfolse.com

RUNNERS-UP

Wall-to-wall flat-screens make this spot an ideal place to spectate multiple sports at once. Sink into a cushy booth to cheer on your favorite teams while digging into Louisiana-inspired dishes like Bayou Pasta, Cajundillas and more. walk-ons.com

RUNNERS-UP

Shopping & Services

COLLIN RICHIE

Best Local Shop for Children & Infants winner Lulu & Bean

&

Scoop up high-end, personalized, and embroidered clothing and accessories for your littles from this boutique. Or, become the best gift giver at the baby shower via its stash of eco-friendly toys, books and Louisiana-themed presents. Talk about bundles of joy. luluandbeanbr.com

RUNNERS-UP

Louisiana Saturday nights, Spanish Town Mardi Gras parade days, Sunday brunches and mornings at the Red Stick Farmers Market—locals have endless occasions to ensure they look as good as they feel. This boutique has the goods for dressing the part. bayoubelleboutique.com

1 ST TIME WINNER

Carriages Fine Clothier

Before saying there are no local fashion options for men, stop by this shop for crisp button-ups, polo shirts, comfortable gameday attire, cashmere coats, slick footwear, layerable vests and smart accessories. carriagesbr.com

Best Local Shop for Children & Infants winner Lulu & Bean

Guide out-of-town visitors toward living their best Baton Rouge lives by booking a room at this historic building transformed into a luxe hotel. Situated downtown, guests can wake up each morning to Mississippi River views, many local restaurants and bars within walking distance, and inhouse eateries. watermarkbr.com

No one has to know if your gift was a last-minute buy with classy, Southern finds from this local home, fashion, holiday and gift shop. theroyalstandard.com

•

Getting dressed is half the fun of game day. Dress to kill (the opponent) with Queen of Sparkles ’fits, clear bags, trendy footwear and purple-and-gold apparel from this locally owned boutique. bayoubelleboutique.com

Markets

Boiled crawfish, strawberry cream cheese king cakes, ready-to-eat party trays, cold beer and wine, and fresh produce—this Louisiana-founded grocery store saves the day with its spot-on selection. rouses.com RUNNERS-UP

Oak Point Fresh Market

If you’re particular about your meats, say hello to the hand-cut and hormone-free meats—from grass-fed beef to pasture-raised chicken to heritage-breed pork—at this whole-animal butcher. iverstinebutcher.com

RUNNERS-UP

Chris’s Specialty Foods

Leave the cooking to the pros and have your event catered with a spread of elegantly plated Southern

Best Local Grocery Store winner Rouses Markets

A stroll through the rows of flourishing flora at this established nursery is enough to turn a bad day right around. The home and garden showplace stocks home gardening and growing essentials, including houseplants, cacti and succulents, trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials, pots and planters, and gardening tools and supplies. louisiananursery.com

Abundance Native Plant Nursery

Baton Rouge Succulent Co. 5.08% The Plant Barn 5.08%

BEST LOCAL SHOP FOR HOME DECOR

Elevate your home with decor that echoes your style, personal interests and local surroundings. The Royal Standard’s curated interiors collection blends modern elements with vintage touches. theroyalstandard.com

RUNNERS-UP

The Foyer 20.52%

Imports

The Corbel 6.72% BEST PLACE FOR PET SERVICES

Associated Veterinary Services

Give your furry friends the health care they deserve. This veterinary clinic, established in 1981, focuses on providing quality, affordable veterinary care. avsbr.com

Phil Staudermann at Best Local Plant Nursery winner Louisiana Nursery

ZAZA Nail Boutique

If you’re going to treat yourself to a mani-pedi, why not make it special at a posh salon? Find inner peace during a classic, luxe or express treatment while surrounded by fresh floral arrangements and calming decor. zazabatonrouge.com

CLOSE RACE

Tattoo

Skin is the body’s largest organ. If you’re going to ink it up, do it with artists you can trust at this locally beloved tattoo shop. Find it on Facebook

RUNNERS-UP

Body Images Tattoo 19.82% Black Torch Tattoo 17.42%

CLOSE RACE

Issue Date: JUL 2025 Ad proof #3

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

Nolana Tattoo & Piercing 13.96%

• 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.

Art Addiction Tattoo

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

Best Local Nail Salon winner ZAZA Nail Boutique

HAPPY HOUR: 3-6 Monday-Friday

TUESDAY NIGHTS: Kids eat free

WEDNESDAY: Happy hour ALL DAY EVENT CATERING

HAPPY HOUR: 3-6 Monday-Friday

MONDAY: $2 beer

TACO TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY: Happy hour ALL DAY

THURSDAY: martini night

WEEKENDS: Live music & bottomless mimosas

CATERING

You work hard, but do you rest and replenish hard? Give yourself or a loved one a moment for self care. Think: a massage, body scrub, hydrating facial, eyebrow or eyelash treatment, or wax at one of Bumble Lane’s two locations. bumblelane.com

From Botox to microneedling to face lifts, there are antiaging treatments on all levels at this fastgrowing plastic surgery group with several locations across the Capital Region and south Louisiana. weilerplasticsurgery.com

Tighten up, sculpt and push your muscles with intentional micromovements that improve strength, flexibility and posture at this low-impact fitness studio. bodysculptbarrestudios.com

LaContea. ItalianRestaurant

There’s nothing quite like that fresh-out-of-thehair-salon feeling, where your hair bounces and smells just right. Spice up your life with a new style from this spacious boutique and salon. sohoboutiquesalon.com

When your health is in question, having access to the continually expanded Lake Urgent Care is a game-changer. Head to one of the urgent care center’s multiple locations for fevers, stitches, possible broken bones or severe sore throats. lakeurgentcare.com

Bringing ever-evolving billboards, amusing commercials and advertising campaigns, the Gordon McKernan marketing team deserves every piece of its place in local lore. Even out-oftowners quickly become familiar with this law firm and its offerings. getgordon.com

COLLIN RICHIE

Stylist Ann Miller at Best Local Hair Salon winner SOHO Boutique Salon

Celebrating

BRINGING THE BATON ROUGE COMMUNITY CULTURE, CUISINE AND LIFESTYLE NEWS FOR 20 YEARS. 20 Celebrating years years

this November

Scan to be a part of this special anniversary edition.

COMMEMORATIVE issue10thanniversary

Style

Hoya plant at Baton Rouge Succulent Co.

like it,s HOT Pot it

A local guide to growing plants—and keeping them alive

BY CYNTHEA CORFAH

Riddle me this: What’s a one-of-a-kind type of decor that changes with the seasons, uplifts your mood and can even purify the air? A plant. From elegant dried florals to Louisiana native plants, Baton Rouge is blooming with local shops and events to grow your plant collection. Let’s dig into it.

Expert orthopedic care without the wait

At the new Ochsner Orthopedics Walk-In Clinic inside Ochsner Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute at Elite Training Complex – Burbank, our goal is to help you return to the court or field as quickly and safely as possible. We care for athletes and non-athletes of all ages, stages and abilities. Whether you’re experiencing shoulder, elbow, hand, hip, knee, back, foot or ankle pain, our team is available with convenient appointment times outside of traditional clinic hours. For more information, visit ochsner.org/brortho.

Skylar G. Sports Medicine Patient

Growing on you

Which plants to source for your space, according to local experts

What low-maintenance houseplants would you recommend to prospective plant parents?

Rozlan Fransen, Baton Rouge Succulent Co.: “While snake plants and ZZ (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) plants are classic go-to choices for beginners, there are other options that, with the right placement, are just as easy to care for and offer a more unique look: hoya plants, Monstera deliciosa, philodendron Brasil and fiddle-leaf figs.”

Planting roots

Where to source plants

Baton Rouge Succulent Co.

7276 Highland Road, Suite A

This boutique nursery is like a Lego store for plants: It’s a wonderland of colors, DIY kits, stylish vases and pots, and endless imagination and possibilities. Get your hands on spunky succulents and cacti, low-maintenance air plants, and houseplants individually or in themed arrangements, or book a workshop or private event.

Clegg’s Nursery

Multiple locations

Real plant parents know Clegg’s Nursery is the OG of Baton Rouge plant shops. Since its 1955 founding, the familyowned business has expanded with four locations across the Capital Region. Walk aisles of greenhouse-grown flowers, trees, shrubs, tropical plants, fruit trees, houseplants, succulents, vegetables, planters, yard decor and other gardening essentials.

Beaver’s Abundance

17873 Old Jefferson Highway, Prairieville

Support local pollinators and a thriving ecosystem with native Louisiana-grown plants sourced from this sustainability-minded nursery from owners Fabiola Campoblanco and Ian Richardson. Its ecoboutique has shelves of locally made nature-inspired products, including clothing, accessories, art, home decor and paper goods.

What are some must-try fruits or veggies for firsttime growers?

Ian Richardson, Beaver's Abundance: “First, cucuzza squash. My family has been growing these Sicilian squashes since we first migrated to America from Sicily. A cucuzza squash is a 3- to 4-footlong squash that can keep a family fed, as it did ours during the Great Depression. Cucuzza can be cooked with ground meat, corn, tomatoes, etc., and I love eating it on toast with a little Parmesan cheese on top.

I love to grow indeterminate cherry tomatoes and just pick a few off the vine every time I walk by. The indeterminate variety means they have no set height, so they keep growing and growing until the cold weather comes and knocks them back, but they usually come back the following year.

Lastly, every good garden needs some peppers. I love eating a fresh bell pepper straight out of the garden.”

Why are native plants so low-maintenance for Louisiana gardeners?

Richardson: “All natives (once established in their preferred environment) will easily thrive. In nature, nobody has to water the plants— so neither should our customers, if planted correctly.

Natives prefer to put their roots deep in the soil, which keeps them safe during extreme temperatures and allows them to tap into their own underground water sources. Natives know we may not receive rain in Louisiana for weeks or months at a time.”

What are the most durable potted plants for a patio?

Fransen: “Potted Monstera, fiddle-leaf figs, rubber trees and staghorn ferns on covered patios. These plants thrive in our warm, humid climate, but they can also grow to a substantial size, making them great natural privacy screens, especially if you live close to neighbors.

For sunnier patios or poolside areas, firesticks (aka pencil cacti) are one of my favorites.

I also love putting together combination pots with trailing succulents like string of dolphins or Rhipsalis, paired with fuller varieties like sedums, echeverias or compact aloes.”

D’s Garden Center

10320 Pecue Lane

How many local yards have been transformed into flourishing gardens thanks to this tried-and-true garden center? The family-owned, full-service plant nursery sells soil, plants, shrubs, vegetable seeds, trees and bedding varieties, and it provides services including landscaping design, plant rentals and mud pumping.

Louisiana Nursery

Multiple locations

This 42-year-old home and garden showplace is a one-stop shop for local lawn, home and garden needs.

Explore rows of vibrant flora, tall potted trees and lush greenery before heading into the shop to browse gardening supplies and tools, home and seasonal decor, and unique gifts.

Plant Tech

15323

Jefferson Highway

Become the prettiest house on the block after plucking radiant rose bushes, gorgeous azaleas, voluptuous ferns, and herb and veggie plants from the wholesale, retail nursery and landscaping business. >>

COLLIN

RICHIE

COLLINRICHIE

Firesticks at Baton Rouge Succulent Co.

Red Onion

Multiple locations

Part home goods boutique, part dreamy greenhouse, Red Onion supplies cheerfully colored Haws watering cans, sculpturesque plant holders, top-of-the-line gardening merchandise and sunbathing plants ready for purchase.

The Plant Barn

2912 Valley St.

Treat yourself to an afternoon of self-care at this charming formerchurchturnedgarden-center selling fruit and vegetable plants, decorative flowers, stunning leafy plants, gardening tools and supplies, planters and yard decor.

Tribe Market

1857 Government St.

Forage for antique mirrors, weathered books, and indoor and outdoor plants alike at this moody Mid City boutique.

Sage advice

How to know when it’s time to repot a houseplant

“A general rule of thumb is to repot with fresh soil about every two years,” Fransen says. “The nutrients in the soil will have been used up by the plant or washed out during watering. You can buy yourself some time by aerating your soil by poking holes with a pencil, and adding a layer of fresh soil to the top of the plant. One of the key signs that your plant needs attention is the vibrancy of its leaves. If they start to look dull, pale or you notice a lack of new growth, it’s likely a sign that the plant needs either new soil or a dose of fertilizer.”

COLLIN

Coral honeysuckle

Soil mates

2025’s trending natives, according to Richardson:

• “Gaura received the designation of ‘Louisiana Super Plant’ by the LSU AgCenter, which likely boosted its popularity.”

• “Coral honeysuckle has been a favorite among vine lovers and those looking to attract hummingbirds.”

Issue Date: July 2025 Ad proof #1

• “Chickasaw plum is an especially appealing choice after this winter’s harsh cold. There’s been a big demand for hardy, native, fruit-bearing trees.”

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Pot heads

Events for green thumbs (and budding growers)

Watch for these recurring shows and sales throughout the year:

• Baton Rouge Orchid Society Annual Show and Sale batonrougeorchidsociety.com

• Baton Rouge Spring Garden Show and Plant Sale lsuagcenter.com

• Livingston Parish Master Gardener Spring Plant Sale

Find Livingston Parish Master Gardener on Facebook

• Northshore Garden & Plant Sale stmastergardener.org

• Red Stick Farmers Market breada.org

Jubans Restaurant and Bar’s latest chapter is full of familiar characters

BY BENJAMIN LEGER // PHOTOS BY COLLIN RICHI E

SOUL FOOD PIONEER

ICE CREAM SANDWICHES

WE ALL WANT to relive our glory days. In the case of Jubans Restaurant and Bar, most of Baton Rouge wanted to see the establishment relive its glory days, too.

During the height of COVID-19 in July 2020, Jubans announced that—like many restaurants—it would temporarily close its doors, hoping to reopen “once things have settled down.”

Managing partner Michael Boudreaux says at the time he wasn’t even sure what that meant. Members of the Juban family pondered whether the restaurant had run its course. But while Boudreaux kept the catering arm afloat, locals started messaging him about the future.

“The amount of emails I received was crazy,” Boudreaux recalls. “‘You’ve got to open Jubans.’ ‘It’s an institution.’ ‘It’s where my family went after my first communion.’ ‘It’s where my parents had their 50th wedding anniversary.’’”

The list went on.

Boudreaux realized bringing Jubans back was just as important to Baton Rouge as it was to his family.

With the help of pandemic-era relief loans and a then-partnership with Making Raving Fans Hospitality Group, Jubans reopened in 2022 featuring a full renovation, a branding refresh and a new take on the classic Creole menu.

Baton Rouge could once again make memories, host business lunches in the private rooms or cocktail hours at the famed Atrium Bar (as well as the new Hallelujah Bar), and order up countless servings of Hallelujah Crab and other elegant dishes—traditions that

The shrimp aubergine is a Juban family favorite that recently returned to the menu.

date back to the restaurant’s much smaller beginnings in the 1980s.

Within this same corner of Acadian-Perkins Plaza, Jubans originally occupied about 4,500 square feet, including a small bar area with only a handful of barstools, as the Juban family was at first uneasy about attracting a bar crowd.

Boudreaux started catering for Jubans in the mid-’90s. That’s when he fell for Laura Juban, daughter of Carol Juban, one of the original owners. The couple eventually married.

As catering grew, the family needed more space for on-site events. In 1999, Jubans took over part of a department store next door, adding 10,000 square feet that would house the sunlit Atrium Bar, a wine room and plenty of private areas for events and receptions.

Highland Road. Some of those split off to become independent businesses. Others became casualties of the pandemic.

Through it all, the Juban family saw the value of its namesake restaurant and the need to get back to basics. That also made the glitzy renovations with branding firm Xdesign Inc. and architecture firm

DNA Workshop tricky.

“We had to bite our tongues a lot. It’s like your house. It’s kind of hard to envision something else,” Boudreaux recalls of the process.

“But after 25 years of being in the same house, we knew we needed a drastic change.”

The menu, of course, has stayed the same—except where it hasn’t. Centerpieces like the Redfish Adrian or the chicken, duck and andouille gumbo are mostly true to the originals with slight tweaks and carefully sourced ingredients.

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In the years leading up to COVID19, there were side ventures under the moniker of Jubans Restaurant Group, like downtown diner Christina’s Restaurant, Beausoleil Coastal Cuisine in Bocage Village and Adrian’s Restaurant & Bar off

One of the newest comebacks is the shrimp aubergine—an old favorite

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

Michael Boudreaux, Jubans’ managing partner, with his wife, Laura Boudreaux, and her mother, Carol Juban

of Laura’s and Carol’s. What was previously a straightforward shrimp, fried eggplant and fettuccini dish with alfredo sauce now uses housemade linguine, roasted garlic cream and fresh, simple ingredients.

Not over-complicating things seems to be paying off for the reimagined Jubans.

Sure, the interiors are eye-catching and bustling with crowds of well-dressed Baton Rougeans. But the memories are still being made over those familiar, nostalgic dishes. jubans.com

Sensation salad

Jubans Martini

Comfort FOOD

After 88 years in business, Owens Grocery is the 2025 Soul Food Pioneer BY

FOR CYNTHIA OWENS

Green, the commute to work is short, sweet and hasn’t changed in years. The 75-year-old wakes up shortly before 4 a.m. and walks hastily from her house across Balis Drive to Owens Grocery Market & Deli, the cottage business her parents opened in 1937. Inside the modest storefront, she and her son-inlaw serve a scratch-made country breakfast, followed by a daily menu of Southern plate lunches.

Many of her customers grew up here in Valley Park, a low-income swath of Baton Rouge perforated by the interstate and sandwiched between the more affluent Hundred Oaks neighborhood and the College Drive commercial corridor. The market, remarkably, has plodded along quietly for decades, remaining a beacon of consistency

to its generations of regulars.

These days, they call in orders after glancing at the day’s lineup on Facebook, or queue in the hot food line for a visual. Showing up in person is also a chance to strike up a conversation with friends. Through the glass shield, diners eye aluminum pans heavy with local soul food dishes. Some days it’s fried fish and chicken. Other days bring hamburger steak, liver and onions, baked turkey wings or lasagna. A stash of braised, scallion-topped pigtails lurks in the back for die-hards. Requisite red beans and rice appear daily.

In May, Green was named the Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival’s annual Soul Food Pioneer, an award bestowed on one local eatery known to embody soul food traditions. Past honorees have included Delpit’s Chicken Shack, D’s Soul

Food Café, New Ethel’s Snack Shack and Café Express.

By lunchtime, Green has been cooking for hours but radiates genuine warmth. She greets regulars with a soothing, “You OK?” asking about their families and making newcomers feel at home.

“I never forget a face,” she says. Green’s parents, David and Emma Owens, founded Owens Grocery & Market after David retired from the mailroom at Standard Oil. It operated first as a filling station and hardware store, but later sold hot meals prepared by “Miss Emma.”

“I remember my grandmother cooking smothered pork chops, pigtails, and spaghetti and meatballs, things like that,” says Green’s daughter, Malissa Fowler, who helps her mom out in the restaurant on weekends.

Green and her late husband, Ronald, took over in 1979, after which it became harder to keep the grocery part of the venture afloat.

Big box stores were beginning to shrivel the ability of neighborhood mom-and-pops to compete.

“It killed her to close the grocery part of the store,” Fowler says. “She held out as long as she could.”

The section where shelves once held Camellia beans, bags of rice and Wesson oil is now home to tables where diners take seats alone or in small groups, casually chitchatting across the room. Green scurries back and forth from behind her serving line to the kitchen to retrieve emerging hot dishes. The distance from line to kitchen isn’t insignificant, and the worn, whitewashed paint on the plywood floor reveals years of determined steps, these days taken

MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON // PHOTOS BY AVERY WHITE

Malissa Fowler with her mother, Cynthia Owens Green

in black Skechers. Culinary logisticians might advise a more efficient floor plan, but here’s betting Green wouldn’t listen. There’s comfort in repetitive tasks. Staying busy, Green says, also helps her battle the grief that came with losing Ronald, her husband of 55 years, in 2024.

Green writes orders in black ink on the outside of Styrofoam clamshells, filling each accordingly. After a few orders, she peels off her latex gloves, tossing them deftly across the room into an open trash can about 15 feet away. She heads to the kitchen to retrieve the pigtails, then dons a new pair of gloves before serving again. The landline rings relentlessly as diners place to-go orders and an old school doorbell jingles.

Along with daily specials, Owens serves hamburgers, po-boys and a massive hybrid called the Truck Driver. A hand-formed burger patty is grilled and topped with American cheese, grilled onions and peppers, and condiments.

Macaroni and cheese made with

spaghetti, mushy sweet peas, tender stewed cabbage, candied yams and collard greens are among the rotating sides. Plump cornbread muffins sit in a separate pan, final adornments for each to-go box.

Breakfast is as popular as lunch. The line holds scrambled eggs, grits, sausage, bacon, biscuits and toast. The kitchen also makes fresh waffles, pancakes, French toast and omelets. Other breakfast dishes like chicken and waffles further prove Owens’ soul food bona fides, but the most interesting dish on the menu might just be the plainly stated eggs and rice, a homey relic from Black kitchens, Fowler says. Bacon or sausage is thrown in for good measure, and it’s served with either toast or a biscuit.

Green’s honest cooking lures patrons back, but so does her kindness, remarks Fowler.

“A lot of times someone will come in and say, ‘Where’s your mom?’ if they don’t see her and she’s in the back,” she says. “They’ll just wait for her. She has

and sweet.”

At times, she’ll give away free lunches to people in need, Fowler says. This spring, a young man came in whose home was destroyed by fire.

LSU Tailgate Parties

Roasted chicken and étouffée are signature items on Owens' rotating menu.

Green shows no signs of slowing down, but if she were to retire, Fowler says she and her two sisters will keep the eatery open.

“That’s the hope,” Fowler says. “But before that, we need to get her to write her recipes down.”

that listening ear, and she gives advice. Soft

Tabitha Miller Owner & lead designer

THREE BRANDS. ONE PASSION. ENDLESS FLAVOR.

THE BEST JUST GOT BETTER

VISIT US TODAY AT ANY OF OUR THREE LOCATIONS BELOW:

DINING IN

summertimeSweet

Four

BY TRACEY

wHEN MY KIDS were younger, I always loved spending time in the kitchen, cooking and experimenting. However, once the temperature reached over 90 degrees, the last thing we would want to do was turn on the oven. To combat the heat, I would try to find fun, no-bake recipes. The result was always a delicious treat along with some wonderful summertime memories.

Since I was feeling a bit nostalgic for those summer days when my kids were school-aged, I decided to resurrect some of our favorite recipes from the season. I was so excited when I came across one of our favorite no-bake summertime desserts: toaster waffle ice cream sandwiches. The beauty of these delicious treats is that they only require a toaster and a few easy-to-find grocery items. These no-bake treats are a cinch to put together, and our favorite part was that we could create any flavor profile we desired.

We loved changing things up by using different combinations of candy pieces, chocolate chips, sprinkles, chopped nuts and chocolate drizzles. We would then vote on our favorite pairings and write them down. I included four of my family’s favorite combos, along with a recipe for a homemade chocolate shell ice cream topping.

Here’s to a sweet summer!

frozen treats to make for the Fourth—or all season

KOCH // PHOTO BY AMY SHUTT

Traditional waffle ice cream sandwich

Serves 2

2 frozen Belgian-style waffles

3 scoops vanilla ice cream

4 tablespoons Nutella

¼ cup homemade chocolate shell topping (recipe follows)

¼ cup rainbow sprinkles

1. Toast the waffles according to the package directions and cool.

2. Spread Nutella over the tops of both waffles and then place the ice cream on top of one of the waffles. Top this with the second waffle, making sure the sides with Nutella are touching the ice cream.

3. Gently press the waffles together, allowing the ice cream to squish out to the edges of the waffles but not leaking over the sides. Carefully wrap the ice cream sandwich with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for at least 1 hour.

4. Once it has set, remove the plastic wrap. Use a sharp knife to cut the ice cream sandwich in half.

5. Dip the corners into the homemade chocolate shell topping (recipe follows), and then sprinkle the corners and sides with the rainbow sprinkles.

6. Place the ice cream sandwich on a lined baking sheet, and put it back in the freezer for several hours. This may be made several days in advance and will last in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Homemade chocolate shell topping

Yields 1 cup

1 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips

2 tablespoons coconut oil

1. Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil into a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium-high for 30 seconds.

2. Carefully remove it from the microwave and stir. Continue heating for another 10 to 20 seconds and carefully remove it from the microwave. Stir again until the chocolate is smooth. The chocolate will be loose. Pour it into an airtight container and keep at room temperature. The chocolate will harden once it is poured over or dipped with cold ice cream. This chocolate sauce will last for up to 2 weeks.

Maple pecan waffle ice cream sandwich

Serves 2

2 frozen Belgian-style waffles

4 tablespoons maple syrup

3 scoops vanilla ice cream

½ cup caramel chips, melted ¼ cup toasted pecans, chopped

1. Toast the waffles according to the package directions and cool.

2. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the maple syrup on one of the waffles.

3. Place the scoops of ice cream on top of the waffle that has been drizzled with the syrup. Drizzle the remaining syrup on top of the ice cream, and place the second waffle on top.

4. Gently press both sides together, allowing the ice cream to squish out to the edges of the waffles but not leaking over the sides. Carefully wrap the ice cream sandwich with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for at least 1 hour.

5. Once it has set, remove the plastic wrap. Use a sharp knife to cut the ice cream sandwich in half. Drizzle the top and corners with the melted caramel chips. Roll the sides in the chopped pecans.

6. Place the ice cream sandwich on the lined baking sheet, and put it back in the freezer for several hours. This may be made several days in advance and will last in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Mocha almond waffle ice cream sandwich

Serves 2

2 frozen chocolate waffles

3 scoops coffee ice cream

¼ cup Nutella

¼ cup homemade chocolate shell topping (see recipe) 1/3 cup toasted almonds, chopped

1. Toast the waffles according to the package directions and cool.

2. Spread the Nutella over the tops of both waffles. Place the scoops of ice cream on top of one of the waffles. Top this with the second waffle, making sure the sides with Nutella are touching the ice cream.

4. Once it has set, remove the plastic wrap. Use a sharp knife to cut the ice cream sandwich in half. Dip the sides and edges into the homemade chocolate shell topping (see recipe). Roll the sides and edges in the toasted almonds.

5. Place the ice cream sandwich on a lined baking sheet, and put it back in the freezer for several hours. This may be made several days in advance and will last in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Chocolate mint waffle ice cream sandwich

Serves 2

2 chocolate frozen waffles

3 scoops mint chocolate ice cream

1/3 cup mini chocolate chips

¼ cup homemade chocolate shell topping (see recipe)

1. Toast the waffles according to the package directions and cool.

2. Place the scoops of ice cream on top of one of the waffles. Top this with the second waffle. Gently press both sides together, allowing the ice cream to squish out to the edges of the waffles but not leaking over the sides. Carefully wrap the ice cream sandwich with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for at least 1 hour.

3. Once it has set, remove the plastic wrap. Use a sharp knife to cut the ice cream sandwich in half. Roll the sides in mini chocolate chips, and drizzle the tops with the homemade chocolate shell topping (see recipe)

4. Place the ice cream sandwich on a lined baking sheet, and put it back in the freezer for several hours. This may be made several days in advance and will last in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Booked solid

Across the country and in Baton Rouge, reading gets a glow-up INTRO BY MAGGIE

HEYN RICHARDSON

What’s LSU Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach Seimone Augustus reading? Poet Nikki Giovanni, for one.

TBR Books and Tea

OOKSTORE OWNER MISSY COUHIG didn’t know what to expect.

One Saturday back in April, Couhig was preparing to participate in the first-ever Baton Rouge Book Crawl, an event organized across four local bookstores by Red Stick Reads co-owner Tere Hyfield to mark Independent Bookstore Day.

“I got to my shop thinking, ‘I’ll put a few snacks out, maybe have some local authors stop by and just see how it goes,’” recalls Couhig, owner

of The Conundrum bookstore in St. Francisville. “I didn’t expect much, with us being so far out.”

But when she arrived about an hour before her 10 a.m. opening, a line had already formed.

“It stayed busy like that the whole day,” Couhig says. “There were so many people who came to celebrate independent bookstores. It was absolutely amazing.”

Joining The Conundrum and Red Stick Reads were longtime indie

bookseller Cavalier House Books in downtown Denham Springs and newcomer TBR Books and Tea, which opened in Baton Rouge in early April.

The event captured the energy currently surrounding local book retailers, as a robust reading renaissance plays out across the Capital Region.

Red Stick Reads’ new location, which opened in May, is almost double the size of its previous home, featuring reading nooks, a coffee bar and meeting space for book clubs, including Hyfield’s original Reading Era Book Club inspired by Taylor Swift hits. (“Our Song,” for example, prompted Hyfield’s recommendation of the Neverland romance Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson.)

Renewed interest in indie bookstores has guided the revitalization of Barnes & Noble. This year, it plans to open 60 new stylishly compartmentalized stores with inventories curated for

READ LOCAL

Independents offer a range of titles and events

Red Stick Reads 3829 Government St. RSR’s new location provides plenty of room for shelves, book club meeting space and story time.

TBR Books and Tea 7276 Highland Road, Suite B

It’s all about stories and sips at BR’s newest bookstore, a concept that puts a cozy spin on the bookstore-coffee shop model with fine teas.

Cavalier House Books 114 N. Range Ave., Denham Springs Founded in 2009, this bookish heaven offers curated titles and reliable staff picks. A Lafayette location opened in 2024.

The Bookceller 9702 Florida Blvd., Walker Paperback exchange and used bookstore that’s been open for nearly 50 years.

The Conundrum 11917 Ferdinand St., St. Francisville Indie shop specializing in Southern fiction, books on gardening and cooking, jigsaw puzzles and more.

The Conundrum owner Missy Couhig FILE PHOTO BY COLLIN RICHIE

TBR Books and Tea

local markets. One such new store opened in Denham Springs last summer, the retailer’s first location in the area in more than two decades. This fall, it’s slated to move its Citiplace store to a Towne Center location with a smaller, boutiquey footprint.

It’s part of a national trend that’s seeing reading step out of the nerdy shadows into a sexy new spotlight that includes A-listers like Timothée Chalamet and Ariana Grande showcasing their latest reads on Instagram. Locally, LSU Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach Seimone Augustus chose to recite an original poem she wrote for her acceptance speech at last fall’s Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony. To prepare, she studied the work of poet Nikki Giovanni.

Celebrity book clubs led by Gen Z whisperers Kaia Gerber and Dua Lipa have joined OG recommenders Reese Witherspoon, Jenna Bush Hager and Oprah Winfrey in turning readers on to new titles. Meanwhile, the TikTok subcommunity, BookTok, is sparking interest in a range of genres, especially romance, fantasy and romantasy, while also providing trendy inspo for bookrelated gatherings.

Platforms for literary consumption keep expanding, too. Spotify made headlines

when it introduced audiobooks to its streaming lineup last fall—investing in a national industry that grew 14% in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the previous year, according to The New York Times. East Baton Rouge Parish Library cardholders can access platforms like the Libby app for free, keeping the habit affordable. And Libro.fm allows readers to support local independent bookstores through their audio reads.

A variety of book clubs have proliferated in the Capital Region, offering enthusiasts themed selections like mystery and “sad girl lit fic,” organized by groups that meet at local bookstores or library branches. So-called silent book clubs have also taken root.

“Book clubs are a big thing right now,” says Red Stick Reads manager Windsor Adcox. “People are creating book clubs with their friends. Our customers get interested in the clubs that meet here at the store.”

Back in January, Cavalier House held local late-night release parties for Onyx Storm, the third title in Rebecca Yarros’ bestselling The Empyrean series.

“It’s an interesting time for books,” Couhig says. “I think we all just want to get away from screens and use our imagination in the best possible way.”

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ROUGE

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Red Stick Reads

In the club

Don’t call book-troverts antisocial. In the Capital Region, there’s a growing number of social events for local readers

By Olivia Deffes // Photos by Collin Richie

LIKE A LIBRARY, Red Stick

Reads is bursting with books. Unlike a library, chatter is always welcome. Since opening in 2020, Mid City’s resident bookshop has hosted countless clubs and story times. It’s been a hub for after-school hangouts and first birthday parties. It’s even been a backdrop for such milestones as engagements and weddings. Co-owner Tere Hyfield can’t believe so many locals use it as a setting for cherished memories.

Hyfield considers herself an introvert, though she says most who filter in and out of the shop won’t believe it. Get her talking about books, and she may not stop. She says most local readers can attest that hanging out with other bookworms brings them out of their shells, which is why why she, her

Join the CLUB

Reading groups in the Capital Region

Mid City Book Club

Hosted by local library employee

Rebecca Hill with a new read each month voted on by members.

Reading Era Book Club

husband, James Hyfield, and their team work to fill Red Stick Reads’ calendar with events that break people out of their reading nooks.

“What we’re trying to do here is (figure out): How do we take people beyond the book?” she says.

Hyfield hosts plenty of book clubs. But she says one stands out: the Silent Book Club. Yes, on the third Wednesday of each month, a hush falls over the lively Mid City bar Pelican to Mars.

“As a person who has started a million types of book clubs, this was the easiest, because there is no book in particular,” she explains. “Bring whatever book you want, however you want to read it: audio, e-book, physical book. ... It’s an introvert’s dream.”

Pelican to Mars co-owner Lance Paddock saw the silent reading

trend at bars in other cities, but says his team initially wasn’t sold on quiet time. But loyal patron Joanna Walker approached him about starting a club as “a cozy and low-pressure way to build community.” She teamed up with the Hyfields to organize it.

“I think there’s a real hunger for community right now, especially the kind that doesn’t require performance or pressure. It’s a way to be alone together,” Walker says.

Going strong for about a year now, the club has turned into a busy night for the bar. Readers arrive early to mingle, get a drink or grab a bite from food vendors. They scurry to find seats with their latest read in hand and quietly flip pages. After the quiet hour ends, they read on or chat.

“We had people in every nook and cranny,” Paddock says about the first meeting. “We posted a Facebook event, and it had several hundred people express interest. I was telling everybody, ‘I think this can be bigger than we thought.’”

Paddock has seen patrons crack open a book during non-book club nights and other clubs using the bar for meetups.

For Hyfield, the success of a book gathering is surprising—but not shocking. Give readers a chance to nerd out together, and they’ll worm their way over.

During monthly meetings, the group reads books that correspond with Taylor Swift’s discography.

Children’s Book Club

The Red Stick Reads team works to provide activities, programming and field trips to make reading fun for the tiny members.

Reading groups at East Baton Rouge Parish Libraries

Each week, library branches have tons of social reading events spanning all ages and genres.

Social events at Cavalier House

Books

Join Silent Book Club, the Book Buddies group co-hosted with Mustard Seed Creamery and more.

Red Stick Reads owners James and Tere Hyfield, pictured, joined forces with Joanna Walker to organize the Silent Book Club, which meets each month at Pelican to Mars.

The of the

Best Best

Librar� Librar�

BY DANA MULLER

AWARD-WINNING FACILITIES. A collection of more than 2 million items. Hundreds of regular programs and events. The East Baton Rouge Parish Library (EBRPL) is an almost limitless resource for local readers. And it draws 301,029 of them—the highest number of active cardholders of any library system in the state. But there’s so much more to the library than cardholders may realize. We spoke with Assistant Library Director Mary Stein for intel on some of the gems within the system’s catalog. Here’s what she pointed us to.

2 EXTRA BANDWIDTH

CHECK THIS OUT

Beyond books spanning every genre, borrow items like:

• Portable Wi-Fi hot spots

• Arduino kits for coding and robotics

• Microscopes and telescopes

• Blood pressure monitors

• Ukuleles and floor pianos

• Cleanup kits for neighborhood events

The library’s digital offerings are chock-full of valuable tools like:

• Weekly music downloads via Freegal Music

• Streaming of documentaries and performing arts with Medici.tv and Kanopy

• Global news in multiple languages through PressReader

• E-books, audiobooks and craft tutorials from Libby

• Global recipes and cultural insights from AtoZ World Food

• BiblioBoard tools and services for self-published authors

4

3 SECRET SERVICES

The renovated River Center Branch Library opened in 2020.

Makers, creators, job seekers and lifelong learners can access:

• 3D printing

• Cricut machines

• Career coaching, job fairs, LinkedIn Learning and Data Axle services

• Workshops on robotics and art

• Genealogy research, classes and ancestry services

• Outdoor terraces with greenery and seating

An outdoor terrace and maker space with 3D printing are among the amenities at the River Center Branch Library.

THIS MUST BE THE PLACE

EBRPL branches are hubs for public gatherings, having hosted the Baton Rouge Maker Faire, Mid City Micro-Con and Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival; Lego sessions and STEAM and coding courses for kids; and fitness and wellness activities from tai chi to armchair yoga to walking clubs. Craft a culinary representation of a book at the annual Edible Book Festival. Read with pals through the One Book One Community series, inviting participants to simultaneously explore the same read. Earn passport stamps through the Linder Challenge, a new initiative that encourages families to visit and check out a book at every branch in the parish. Those who complete the challenge receive medals or certificates.

The Main Library at Goodwood regularly hosts festivals and large gatherings.

Number of EBRPL branches. The South Branch Library, pictured, debuted in March, fully funded through savings from EBRPL’s 10-year dedicated property tax. Up next: the Scotlandville Branch Library renovation. Another pay-as-you-go project supported by the tax, the 24,226-square-foot expanded library is expected to be completed next year.

BOOK SALES

GONE VIRAL

Score hardcover books for $1 and small paperbacks for 25 cents at the wildly popular monthly sales at the EBRPL’s Recycled Reads facility at 3434 North Blvd. The library receives thousands of gifted books each week, and when there are surplus copies— from older books to bestsellers—it puts them up for grabs on the last Saturday of each month. Rummage through gently used books, DVDs, CDs, puzzles and even artwork. Bring cash, and come early. The event is so popular that purchases are limited to $40 per person, and drivers are sometimes directed to overflow parking. All proceeds support EBRPL’s programs.

$48.14 million

CELEB AUTHOR

FACE TIME

Lee Hawkins, Jodi Picoult, Dan Heath and other bestselling writers have graced the screens of local library patrons thanks to the Virtual Author Talks series. Interactive discussions, accessible to library systems around the U.S., feature authors for all ages. Submit questions via a moderator during the live shows, or tune in on demand to episodes from the archives.

BRANCHING OUT

Beyond EBRPL, the Capital Region has about 25 libraries:

Ascension Parish Library

Partake in yoga sessions, fraud prevention workshops, and tea and crafting sessions.

Iberville Parish Library

At eight locations from Plaquemine to Maringouin, sign the kiddos up for beginner crochet, cupcake decorating classes or Move-N-Play Storytime.

Livingston Parish Library At branches from Hammond to Denham Springs, bring home seeds to start a garden, attend bilingual story times or sign up for Cultural Passes.

Pointe Coupee Parish Library

New Roads, Innis, Morganza, Rougon and Livonia branches bring book clubs, magic shows and a new Historical Materials Collection.

West Baton Rouge Parish Library System

Port Allen and Brusly boast homeschool hangouts and therapy dog visits.

EBRPL’s annual budget if voters approve Mayor Sid Edwards’ “Thrive! Baton Rouge” plan on the Nov. 15 ballot. If passed, the library’s new millage rate would be 8.3 mills, down from 11.1 mills. The remaining 2.8 mills would be rededicated to the city-parish general fund. EBRPL Director Katrina Stokes told Daily Report this spring she’s satisfied with the deal but that capital improvement projects might be “slowed.” Learn more and get updates at ebrpl.com/about/library-millage-proposals

West Feliciana Parish Library

Find yoga classes, Spanish clubs, mahjong, Dungeons & Dragons and ukulele in St. Francisville.

This Month @ BREC [JULY]

THE EDGE OF NIGHT

Highland Road

Park Observatory

July 3 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.

SWAMP BIRD WALKS

Bluebonnet Swamp

Nature Center

July 5 | 7-9 a.m.

RED, WHITE + ZOO DAY

BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo

July 5 | 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

SUNSET PADDLE

Milford Wampold

Memorial Park

July 9 + 23 | 7-8:30 p.m.

BEETLEJUICE, JR.

Independence Park Theatre + Cultural Center

July 11 | 6 p.m.

JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

GOLF TOURNAMENT

Webb Memorial Golf Course

July 19 | 8 a.m.

INDY FILM FESTIVAL

Independence Park Theatre + Cultural Center

July 26 | 11 a.m.

BREC.ORg/thismonth

BATON ROUGE OPEN

GOLF TOURNAMENT

Santa Maria Golf Course

July 26 + 27 | 8 a.m.

FROZEN SAFARI DAY

BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo

July 26 | 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

CULTURE

to play Batonaround Rouge this month

Compiled by Olivia Deffes

ROUGE, WHITE AND BLUE

Celebrate the stars, stripes and land of the free with Fourth of July celebrations around town:

• Baton Rouge Concert Band 4th of July Celebration Concert EBRPL’s Main Library at Goodwood, 7-8:30 p.m.

• LSU Museum of Art and Tsunami Downtown Baton Rouge’s 4th of July Celebration Shaw Center for the Arts, 7-10 p.m.

• WBRZ’s Fireworks on the Mississippi Downtown Baton Rouge, 9 p.m.

11-13

FLOWER POWER

See what’s blooming from the Baton Rouge Orchid Society at its annual Orchid Show and Sale held at the LSU Rural Life Museum. Along with vendors and flowers vying for awards, this event will also include educational sessions about caring for orchids. batonrougeorchidsociety.com

NEW ORLEANS

JULY 3-6: Essence Festival of Culture, essence.com

JULY 11-13: Running of the Bulls, nolabulls.com

JULY 30: Counting Crows at the Saenger Theatre, saengernola.com

SHOP HOP

Get in some retail therapy while enjoying drink samples at Perkins Rowe’s Sip & Shop event. Participating businesses like Sweet Baton Rouge, Frock Candy, Shades and more will offer featured drinks in-store and exclusive promotions. Shoppers can also collect stamps on a bingo card for a chance to win a shopping spree. perkinsrowe.com

ALSO THIS MONTH

JULY 3

Enjoy a star-spangled celebration at the Kenilworth Independence Day Parade. The neighborhood’s parade starts rolling at Boone Avenue with a lineup of festive floats that bring out thousands of spectators each year. kenilworthneighborhood.com

•

BEAT THE HEAT

Brave the summer temps for a cool trip to BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo for Frozen Safari Day. Expect activities and opportunities to watch animals get relief from the heat by gnawing and noshing on frozen foods and other icy treats. brec.org/facility/zoo

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JULY 11 + 18

Calling all night owls! BREC Parks’ Late Night Hype events allow for after-hours fun at the recently renovated Howell Community Park. Expect extended swim hours, a DJ, food and drink, and more. brec.org

JULY 12

Live music and film collide for the (Neighbor) Hood Fest at the Main Library at Goodwood. This event features local musicians, neighborhood filmmakers and flicks about neighborhoods. Find it on Facebook

JULY 26

Support BROC Foundation’s Athletic Training Outreach Program at BROC, Rock & Wine, an annual food and wine event held at Tiger Stadium. Sip wine while taking in the views and sampling dishes from local eateries. brortho.com

MORE EVENTS

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

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JULY 4: 2025 Broussard Independence Day Festival, cityofbroussard.com

JULY 16: 19th Annual Taste of Acadiana, cajundome.com

JULY 26 + 27: Brick Convention, brickconvention.com/lafayette 16

Later, Gator

Get crackin’

BATON ROUGE’S LATEST breakfast eatery, The Cozy Griddle, arrived on Coursey Boulevard in late May.

Former Catholic High School football player Tarick Johnson, 26, launched the concept, drawing experience from his family’s longtime catering business, SYI, and former Main Street Market restaurant, SYI Express Café, now a food truck serving on Saturdays outside the Red Stick Farmers Market.

Along with griddle cakes, egg combos and biscuits made with family recipes, the menu features breakfast bowls, sammies and buildyour-own omelets. Breakfast will be served all day, but lunch specials will also be on offer.

The butter-yellow walls were inspired by Tarick’s late grandmother, Jennifer Johnson, an avid cook whose favorite color was yellow. Tarick learned to cook from Jennifer, and he picked up restaurant management skills from his father, Darryl Johnson, who founded the family’s catering business and its restaurant spinoff. SYI is short for Socially Yours Inc.

When BREADA eventually reopens its new restaurant pods inside the recently renovated Main Street Market, SYI plans to return—with a new-but-familiar concept run by Tarick called The Soulful Spoon. Find it on Instagram at @the_cozygriddle

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Fortunately, Cecilia’s son urged her to call The Spine Center of Louisiana, where Dr. Chambliss Harrod had treated him five years earlier. Within days, she was scheduled for minimally invasive outpatient surgery to relieve her herniated disc pain — and the results have been life-changing.

225 Magazine - Best of 225 Awards [July 2025]

BACK ON THE MAT

R ted rel ionship

Best of 225 Awards

The Best of 318: West Carroll Parish –

Where Louisiana’s Heart Still Beats Local

Checking all the boxes

EDITORIAL

ADVERTISING

MARKETING

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CREATIVE SERVICES

STUDIO E

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT

Q/A

WHAT WE OFFER

OUR EXPERTISE

ON THE HORIZON

LIVE AND LEARN

TOP STORIES

For the soul

RESTORING YOUR RHYTHM:

HOW

CIS ELECTROPHYSIOLOGISTS

HELP

PATIENTS TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR HEART HEALTH

UNDERSTANDING HEART RHYTHM DISORDERS

HOW ARE ARRHYTHMIAS DIAGNOSED?

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T WAIT

Butterr-ed

WHAT’S NEW

Fired up

What else is new?

Southern fare

Coffee oasis

Slinging smoothies

Kelli DeLarue

in BR Free

Attend First Free SundAy

OTHER FIRST FREE SUNDAY MUSEUMS AND HISTORIC SPOTS

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Choose your adventure at a BreC park

ExplorE BurdEn Museum & GardEns

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Leading the Way in Wealth Management

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See public art

Visit college campuses

LSU museums

Mike the Tiger

The University Lakes

Southern University Museum of Art

Southern history

Scott’s Bluff

MYTH BUSTING

Best of 225 Awards

1ST TIME WINNER

CLOSE RACE

NEW CATEGORY

Food &

& Drink

BEST CRAFT COCKTAIL MENU

BEST COTTAGE BAKERY

Mid City Bakery

NEW CATEGORY

CAPITOL PARK MUSEUM

LABOR OF

CELEBRATING 400,000 BIRTHS

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The Best Education for All.

Graduating Class of 2024

MEETS PRECISION

WHY CHOOSE DR. PERENACK

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NEW category

The Little Village 14.76%

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