Latest Issue: January 2022—New Years Issue

January 2022

WhereYat.com

DINING • MUSIC •

ENTERTAINMENT • NIGHTLIFE

UNSTOPPABLE DEMARIO DAVIS p. 6

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CONTENTS 32

January 2022 Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Josh Danzig

Food & Drink

Features

Creative Director: Robert Witkowski

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Demario Davis Tackles Life (And Other Players)

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Sugar Bowl Preview Louisiana Rediscovers Wrestling and Hockey

History of Hot Chocolate

Movie Editors: David Vicari, Fritz Esker

$20 & Under

Contributing Writers: Edward Hutter, Kathy Bradshaw, Phil LaMancusa, Debbie Lindsey, Kim Ranjbar, Burke Bischoff, Julie Mitchell, Greg Roques, Celeste Turner, Eliana Blum, Steve Melendez, Michelle Nicholson, Sabrina Stone, Kimmie Tubre, Emily Hingle, Rebecca Fox, Jeff Boudreaux, Camille Barnett

Dining Guide Bar Guide

Happy Luxe Year!

Ring 2022 in With Style Plan Your New Year —Old School

26 Reachable Resolutions

Cover Photo: Demario Davis of the New Orleans Saints, by Farrah Ross Appleman

Extras

Photographers and Designers: Gus Escanelle, Kimmie Tubre, Emily Hingle, Kathy Bradshaw, Robert Witkowski

42 44 46

Tales From the Quarter

Interns: Kayla Connor, Monwell Frazier, Re'gine Smith, Gracie Wise

Po-Boy Views Where Y'Been

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Letter from the Publisher WHO DAT! The Saints are battling for a Wild Card in the NFL Playoffs, so enjoy Andrew Alexander’s interview with Defensive Team Captain Demario Davis. Andrew also previews the stellar Allstate Sugar Bowl matchup.

No city does New Year’s Eve quite like New Orleans.

Don’t miss Robert Witkowski’s rundown of luxe New Year’s packages at local hotels. And if you’re setting your New Year’s resolutions, don’t miss Kimmie Tubre’s piece on how to set goals that are attainable.

While December has been unseasonably mild, cooler weather is just around the corner. Kathy Bradshaw explores the origins and health benefits of hot chocolate, as well as sharing some of the primo spots in town to get a cup.

With Carnival just around the corner, please consider getting vaccinated to go along with your king cake!

Happy 2022!

–Josh Danzig, Publisher

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Executive Editor: Burke Bischoff

FAITH, FOOTBALL, & FEROCIOUSNESS Demario Davis Tackles Life (and Opposing Players)

By Andrew Alexander

Hurricane Ida had recently ravaged South Louisiana, forcing many residents, including the Saints, to evacuate New Orleans.

The displaced franchise was forced to play its first game of the year at TIAA Bank Field, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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New Year's Eve / Sugar Bowl | Where Y'at Magazine

FARRAH ROSS APPLEMAN

As the Saints prepared to take the field in their season opener against the Green Bay Packers in mid-September, a feeling of uncertainty seemed to hang above the franchise and city they call home.

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The game was supposed to mark the beginning of the post-Drew Brees era for the team. Instead, the setting only conjured reminders of the devastation back home.

Amid the turbulent circumstances, one of the Saints’ most prominent voices, one of the leaders of the defense and the heartbeat of the franchise, led his teammates in a rousing pregame speech about how their team was going to deal with that adversity.

“It ain’t no secret, we facing adversity right now,” yelled Saints linebacker Demario Davis in the huddle. “Our team’s facing adversity. Our city’s facing adversity. But

playoff appearance.

“It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster,” Davis said about the season. “Sometimes you have those, a lot of unexpected things, and you try to deal with them as best as you can.”

ELEVATING HIS GAME When Davis surveyed the NFL landscape as a free agent in 2018, there was one major criteria in selecting his next destination to take his “one-of-a-kind” playing style: a contender.

It also didn’t hurt that the Saints were located close to his home state, Mississippi, for the self-proclaimed country boy.

of the ball, Davis honed his craft in New Orleans, battling Brees, Alvin Kamara, and Michael Thomas, some of the best offensive players in the league, on a daily basis.

What happened in the subsequent three seasons was an enviable run of success for the Saints and Davis. New Orleans won three straight NFC South titles, earning a trip to the NFC Championship in 2018, while Davis himself garnered All-Pro honors in 2019 and 2020.

“It was definitely an elevation in my career because it put me on display for the world to see because it was a really good team,” Davis said. “We were playing in the

opportunity,” Davis said. “Anytime you’re going through an obstacle or adversity, it’s an opportunity for great things to happen.”

Davis was expelled from his high school in Mississippi as a sophomore for theft and was arrested and sent to jail for shoplifting as a freshman in college at Arkansas State.

The latter incident marked a major turning point in his life.

Following his arrest, Davis began meeting with the Arkansas State team chaplain, who shared his Christian faith with Davis and eventually led him to a relationship with God. “That’s why I play the game the way

A FEW OF DEMARIO’S FAVORITE THINGS

⚜

FOOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CRAWFISH MOVIE . . . . . . . . . . . . . REMEMBER THE TITANS NFL PLAYER GROWING UP. . . . . . . . STEVE MCNAIR MUSICAL ARTIST . . . . . . . . . . MICHAEL JACKSON PLACE HE’S VISITED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AFRICA SPORTING EVENT HE’S WATCHED. . 1998 NBA FINALS (a.k.a. Michael Jordan’s last NBA title) FAVORITE THING ABOUT NOLA. . . . . THE CULTURE

when you face adversity, you’ve got to do three things.”

Those three things? Get up. Get focused.

Get busy.

The Saints got busy that Sunday, demolishing the Packers 38-3 behind five touchdown passes from quarterback Jameis Winston and three forced turnovers. That victory jumpstarted a 5-2 record for New Orleans, but then adversity struck again. Countless injuries, including a season-ending knee injury to Winston, sent the team into a tailspin, casting doubt on whether the franchise will make a fifth straight

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The Saints were coming off a heartbreaking loss to Minnesota in the playoffs but had an enticing core of talented veterans and up-and-comers poised for sustained success. Davis saw a chance to join forces with Brees, coach Sean Payton, and their signature explosive offense by bringing his defensive prowess to the Crescent City.

“It was an opportunity for me to take my talent and add to a defense and bring a level of swagger and energy and ferociousness to an explosive offense and just see what could happen,” Davis said.

Surrounded by talent on both sides

New Year's Eve / Sugar Bowl | Where Y'at Magazine

playoffs, and we were playing in a lot of prime-time games. It certainly set the stage for taking my career to the next level in terms of exposure and branding. I fell into a good situation where I had a coordinator that knew how to use me and put me in a position to succeed.”

GET UP. GET FOCUSED. GET BUSY. Adversity is not a foreign concept to Demario Davis.

The Saints linebacker has been dealing with it his entire life and even relishes the opportunities it brings.

“I’m a firm believer that obstacles create

that I do,” Davis said. “I want them to see a light in my life. I want them to question what it is that they see when they see me that they can’t quite put their finger on.

I essentially became a missionary on the football field.”

For Davis, his faith is more than just rocking his signature “Man of God” headband under his helmet. It’s being an example to his teammates, family, and community, both on and off the field.

DEVOTED DREAMERS As Davis’ career began to blossom in the NFL, the young linebacker felt called to

COURTESY NEW ORLEANS SAINTS /V WVUE / TRENT SPANN

Davis sacks Dak Prescott

where I came from had every opportunity to succeed just like kids that came from more privileged areas, and not just in sports, but in any arena.”

Founded in 2013, Devoted Dreamers has provided resources to help over 1,000 students, connecting them with mentors who invest their time to help guide those young people down a path needed to not only succeed now, but also thrive in the future.

Davis is proud of the hundreds of students who have graduated from the Devoted Dreamers program and are now attending college. As the foundation developed, Davis incorporated a 7-v-7 football program, which has produced 30 scholarship athletes, including 17 Division I players.

“Our goal is to see kids come through our program and end up in college,” Davis said. “Not just in college, but (becoming) leaders on the campus the day that they arrive just from having gone through our program. We want to put better people in the world.”

WHO DAT HERO A born leader, Davis leads the Saints in the pregame huddles, firing up his teammates with the message he feels they need to hear that week.

“Sometimes it comes to me early in the week, sometimes it comes to me the night before, sometimes it comes to me on the bus, but it always comes,” Davis said.

The theme of this season of Saints football, and life, has been adversity. Davis understands that, but it does not mean he’s willing to let his team go quietly into the night.

You’d be hard pressed to find a member of the Who Dat Nation who doesn’t get pumped watching Davis psych up the Saints. For the all the Black & Gold fans out there, Davis has a message as we enter the final portion of the season: “Get ready to fight ‘til the end.”

The Davis family

"I'm a Girl Dad," he proudly admits.

give back. Based on his own life experience growing up in an impoverished environment in Mississippi, Davis landed on helping kids, starting the Devoted Dreamers Foundation to help mentor future generations of leaders.

“I didn’t want to just do a football camp,” Davis explained. “I wanted to do something bigger. I wanted to do something that closed the gap, which made sure kids in the type of communities like

Mark Ingram, Jr. waiting to congratulate Demario Davis

FROM TOP: COURTESY DEMARIO FAMILY; COURTESY NEW ORLEANS SAINTS /V WVUE / TRENT SPANN

Legendary NOLA treats are here!

king cakes

Whole King Cak es or Slices Availabl e!

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SUGAR BOWL PREVIEW

Ole Miss vs.

Baylor

By Andrew Alexander

It’s a tale of two bounce back seasons in this year’s Sugar Bowl, which features No. 7 Baylor versus No. 8 Ole Miss.

Both squads are led by second year coaches, and neither team had a winning record in 2020, but found massive success this season.

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Baylor, led by former LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, lost to Georgia in the Sugar Bowl two seasons ago in Matt Rhule’s final year as head coach.

Last season, the Bears took a major step back, finishing 2-7 in Aranda’s inaugural campaign. This year, the cerebral defensive guru orchestrated a massive turnaround, finishing 11-2 with a Big 12 Championship.

After a 5-5 campaign in 2020, Ole Miss entered the season with dark horse College Football Playoff hype in coach Lane Kiffin’s second year and largely lived up to its billing, finishing with the program’s first 10-win regular season, and fielding one of the most explosive offenses in college football. Kiffin’s high powered offense will face one of its toughest tests of the season in New Orleans against Aranda’s hard-nosed defensive squad on New Year’s Day. OLE MISS OFFENSE VS. BAYLOR DEFENSE The Rebels’ offense hinges on the health of quarterback Matt Corral, who tallied over 3,900 total yards and 31 touchdowns during the regular season. Ole Miss averaged over 36 points per game, and its 506 yards per game ranks fifth in the nation, largely thanks to Corral’s impressive efforts. Eleven of Corral’s 31 touchdowns this season were rushing scores, and with several weeks to allow his injured ankle to heal, the Rebel

New Year's Eve / Sugar Bowl | Where Y'at Magazine

quarterback should be ready to give the Baylor defense fits all night.

The lingering question is can Ole Miss’ offensive line protect Corral against this ferocious Baylor defense?

Corral was hit by opposing defenses 195 times this year, one of the highest rates in the nation for quarterbacks. Baylor’s defense ranked second in the Big 12 with 32 sacks. They’ll be gunning for Corral all night.

Corral is joined in the backfield by the two-headed rushing attack of Jerrion Ealy and Snoop Connor. The duo combined for over 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns this season. The Rebels have dealt with some health issues in the receiving corps, but if the stable is healthy, expect big things from Dontario Drummond, who led the team with 924 yards and eight touchdowns, along with Braylon Sanders and Jonathan Mingo.

The Bears feature a top-20 scoring defense, allowing just 19 points per game, which had two of the most impressive goal line stands of the season in the Big 12 Championship, thwarting Oklahoma State’s repeated attempts to steal the conference title from them. Led by the hybrid defensive back/linebacker Jalen Pitre, the Bears’ defense will have their hands full containing Corral. Pitre was the Big 12 defensive player of the year, tallying 70 tackles, including 17.5 tackles for loss this year.

EDGE: Ole Miss

BAYLOR OFFENSE VS. OLE MISS DEFENSE The Ole Miss defense has improved from prior years, but it’s still not great. The Rebels rank 101st against the run this season, allowing over 180 yards per game to opposing teams. Unfortunately for the Rebels, the Baylor rushing attack is one of the best in college football. Led by Abram Smith and Trestan Ebner, who combined for nearly 2,200 yards and 14 touchdowns, the Bears run game ranks 17th in the nation with over 214 yards per game.

Combine that with the likely return of injured dual-threat quarterback Gerry Bohanon, and the Bears feature a fearsome ground and pound rushing attack.

Put simply, this isn’t your typical soft Big 12 offense. The Bears smash their opponents for four quarters, imposing their will as they see fit.

EDGE: Baylor PREDICTION Both teams are hungry and motivated, having reached tremendous success early in the tenures of each of their head coaches. The outcome of this game will be predicated largely on if these two teams’ quarterbacks are fully healthy. If Bohanon and Corral are ready to roll, it should be an entertaining night in New Orleans. With Ole Miss facing maybe the best defense it’s seen all year, expect the Bears to win in a close one.

Baylor 27, Ole Miss 24

LOGOS: COURTESY ALL STATE SUGAR BOWL; SUPERDOME IMAGE: ROBERT WITKOWSKI

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DING DING:

Louisiana Wrestling and Hockey Are Back!

By Emily Hingle

Major league sports have always been popular in Louisiana, but the minor leagues never get as much attention. The tide seems to be turning for those underdog sports, though, as smaller-scale matches are making a comeback across the nation.

People aren’t as willing to pay hundreds of dollars for nosebleed seats when they can cheer on the local team up close for a couple of bucks.

Wrestling is getting increasing attention. Elev8 Pro Wrestling and WildKat Sports are the biggest promotions in Louisiana regularly putting on jaw-dropping bouts, some of which have gone viral around the world. Did you see the video in 2020 of a wrestler jumping off of the balcony at Esplanade Mall? “My son PJ Hawx jumped from the balcony.

We were getting this worldwide buzz, and people were paying attention to all of our hard work,” WildKat Sports’ founder and famed wrestler Luke Hawx said. “My goal with WildKat was to bring quality wrestling and talent into Louisiana because Louisiana was such a hotbed for wrestling back in the day. I wanted to start a school where people like me who had to go across the country to search for wrestling wouldn’t have to do that.”

Although COVID and Hurricane Ida put a damper on WildKat Sports’ 10th anniversary in 2021, Luke is confident that 2022 will be a bigger and better year.

Not just for WildKat’s team, but for territorial wrestling everywhere. He said, “We’re starting to go back to territories. Our guys are young, they’re hungry, and they’re passionate about what they’re putting out. No matter what’s going on in your life, when you come to WildKat, you can forget about everything else. You’re going to be intertwined with everything that’s going on in the show. We bring passion to people’s lives that puts them in a better mood or sends them home angry, ready to come back to the next show because they want to see somebody get beat up.”

Luke welcomes aspiring wrestlers to the WildKat School to learn the trade, but

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you’ve got to be ready to work. He believes that too many people in the business don’t have that work ethic and can be a danger to themselves and others. ”When I started the school, I quickly realized I needed to start promoting live events so that I can protect my wrestlers and not have them at shows where guys aren’t as qualified.

It’s unsafe, it’s bad for business, and it’s harmful for everybody who’s trying to do it successfully. You won’t even go into the ring until you’re physically fit in my eyes.

Which means you don’t go into the ring until you get done my set of drills that I condition you with that I believe is a necessity to keep you and your opponent safe.

There’s no way around hard work.” The Louisiana Boxing & Wrestling Commission sells licenses for boxers, wrestlers, and kickboxers to fight in sanctioned events, but there is no physical fitness and ability test required.

WildKat Sports is about more than putting on local matches. Luke continued, “The real goal was to initially get those guys started in the business and they can hopefully move on and make a full-time career somewhere else. Now we’re getting to where these guys are able to stay with WildKat and make careers in wrestling and entertainment, which we’ve done with the Starz show Heels.” The wrestling drama Heels was recently renewed for a second season.

From the ring to the rink, you may not have heard about wrestling and hockey in Louisiana, but it has always been around in some form. Currently, you can go see a high-

COURTESY WILDKAT SPORTS / DON COOPER

Wrestling returns to Louisiana

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energy wrestling match or a fast-paced hockey game right in your backyard, and it’s every bit as entertaining as the big leagues.

In 1992, the National Hockey League named Gary Bettman commissioner, and he immediately set off on a mission to bring hockey to the American South. In the wake of pro teams moving south and fueled by a player lock-out in 1994, several minor league teams started up in cities between the pros. The IceGators based in Lafayette were the first minor league team in Louisiana, followed by the Lake Charles

Hockey League. I played at Airline Skate Center, then I started playing at UNO when I got out of the Navy. Then we started playing at this rink in Madisonville, and they closed that rink. The BRUHA was a league in Baton Rouge at Leo’s Iceland. I signed up there in 2013. The owner of that rink sold it. So the league itself moved to Lafayette, which has Planet Ice there.”

Jason was soon to go to Houston to enter a tournament for adult league teams.

These large tournaments welcome dozens or hundreds of teams from around the

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New Year's Eve / Sugar Bowl | Where Y'at Magazine

Ice Pirates, Alexandria Warthogs, Monroe Moccasins, Baton Rouge Kingish, Cajun Catahoulas, and the New Orleans Brass.

While these hockey teams pulled large audiences in the 1990s, they all folded eventually. The Lafayette Drillers (NA2HL) and The Shreveport Mudbugs (Tier II Junior) still play to this day.

Also operating in Lafayette at the Planet Ice Rink is BRUHA, the Baton Rouge United Hockey Association. BRUHA is a recreational adult league with four teams consisting of 14 players each. “Hockey is a sport that people tend to play the longest.

People give up football after high school.

But in hockey, we have people well into their late 50s, 60s, and even 70s. It’s one of the sports that people fall in love with and keep playing,” BRUHA Board Member Jason Eaton explained.

When Jason moved to Louisiana from St. Louis in 2001, he quickly ingratiated himself into local hockey, which was more prevalent at the time. “I found out about some inline leagues here: the Crescent City

region and take place over a few days. He said, “It’s a very tight-knit community in hockey. There’s a lot of camaraderie among the players because it’s so unique here.

Being from St. Louis, there are 10 rinks within 20-30 minutes. Here, it’s more like a fraternity. There’s even quite a few ladies in the leagues.”

The Mississippi Coast Coliseum hosted three neutral minor league hockey games in December, featuring the Carolina Thunderbirds, Columbus River Dragons, and Port Huron Prowlers. The hope is to entice big crowds to come out that would support a local minor league team in the future. Back in New Orleans, an inline hockey rink is set to open in 2022. You can catch The Wharf Bunnies and other roller hockey teams at the Mandeville Wharf in the Bywater on Wednesdays.

There’s no better way to understand why local sports are growing in popularity than to experience it for yourself. The action is closer, the energy is higher, and the excitement is palpable.

GERHARD CROUS / UNSPLASH; LOGO COURTESY BATON ROUGE UNITED HOCKEY ASSOCIATION (BRUHA)

Baton Rouge United Hockey Association (BRUHA) has a namesake team in Lafayette

A RACING SEASON 150 YEARS IN THE MAKING.

OVER THE ••• ••• DISC

SHOPPING • RESTAURANTS • EVENTS

We’re celebrating 150 YEARS of incredible horses, accomplished jockeys and the greatest racing fans in the world. We look forward to having you back for more exciting races!

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26 ROAD TO THE DERBY KICKOFF DAY POST TIME: NOON Visit FairGroundsRaceCourse.com for a full racing schedule.

SIX HISTORIC BLOCKS OPEN DAILY! Visit our boutique shops and farmers & flea markets for clothing, jewelry, confections, arts and crafts, home decor, children’s toys, unique gifts, souvenirs, and more!

FRIENDS. FUN. FAIR GROUNDS.

Shops, restaurants, and daily vendors are operating in accordance with City and State Covid-19 guidelines.

Must be 21 years of age and have valid government-issued photo ID.

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YEAR! uxe L

HAPPY

Upscale Hotels to Ring in 2022 with Style

By Robert Witkowski

PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ At 921 Canal St., The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans is giving guests a reason to stay in with a five-course dinner that promises to be “perfectly paired with exquisite wines” at their on-site M bistro.

Acclaimed jazz musician Jeremy Davenport will

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New Year's Eve / Sugar Bowl | Where Y'at Magazine

MONWELL FRAZIER

French Bulldog George Clooney preparing to indulge in an overthe-top Puppy New Year at The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans.

Many are ready to get out and spoil ourselves rotten with a bit of we-owe-it-to-ourselves luxury as we hurl headlong into New Years Eve—a day of hopeful anticipation leading into a new morning where anything may still be possible. Well, maybe not out in the world, exactly… with people...or less crowds…and maybe even with some furry family.

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entertain through dinner and keep the festivities going by performing at 9 p.m. until he ends the night on a high note, hosting the countdown to a champagne toast when the clock strikes 12.

If your four-legged best friend is celebrating with you, notify the hotel in advance to arrange to have a Ritz-Carlton pet bed waiting in your suite, along with chew toys, bowls, designer collars, as well as leashes (when available). Wellmannered, disease-free pets must be 30 pounds or less (with an exception made for heavier service pets).

And if three or more’s a crowd, a quiet evening of room-service luxury allow some of the best vistas of the fireworks from the comfort of a river view suite.

GLITTERATI WITH GLITTER The Kimpton Hotel Fonternot will be kicking out the old year with a New Year’s Eve getaway. A New Year’s Eve stay in this sophisticated boutique inn at 501 Tchoupitoulas St. will include a welcome gift of Peacock Glitter Balm from local purveyor Electra Cosmetics, a $25 food and beverage credit in the in-house Peacock Room or Gospel Coffee & Boozy Treats eateries, and in-room snacks and bottles of water.

With at least two days advance notice, canine companions will also receive welcome treats & take-home gifts. Additionally, guestrooms will be furnished with a pet bed and bowls for food and water.

Beyond that, as any forward thinking New Orleans host would—a much needed New Year’s Eve recovery pack is delivered to guests on New Year’s Day to nurse the hangover.

AT THE FOOT OF CANAL STREET Coming off of a $500 million revamp, the former International Trade Mart building at 2 Canal St. is now the city’s newest luxury riverfront hotel, and The Four Season New Orleans is planning a New Year’s Eve filled with glamour and overthe-top revelry.

Donald Link’s Chemin à la Mer and Alon Shaya’s Miss River restaurant will offer two seatings at 6 and 9 p.m., serving specialty dishes, including locally sourced ingredients. The second seatings in each will include live entertainment, but while Miss River will also have attendees enjoying the hotel’s festive Winter Garden and a Champagne toast at midnight, Chemin à la Mer patrons will enjoy exclusive access to the hotel’s fifth floor pool deck for unparalleled views of the city’s “Dueling Barges” fireworks display, as well as a Champagne toast at midnight.

Enjoying the ambiance under the 15,000 sparkling hand-cut crystals in the Chandelier Bar will be available exclusively to hotel and Champaign pour at The Four Season restaurant guests.

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Hotel Fontenot suite

New Year's Eve / Sugar Bowl | Where Y'at Magazine

Chandelier Bar at The Four Season sTHE VIRGIN HAS THE FLOOR Virgin Hotels New Orleans at 550 Baronne St. in the CBD will have you toasting to 2022 with a bottle of bubbly ready to be popped when you enter in your suite—or perhaps Sir Richard Branson’s suite?

Virgin Hotels offers an opportunity to upgrade to “Richard’s Penthouse” at a steep discount, but only two winners are selected each week, so best to stay off the

“Naughty” list.

If you want to keep the party going all night long, or just have a massive sleepover, this upscale hotel’s “The Floor Is Yours” offer secures an entire floor of 25 rooms for $12,000 for you and your closest family and friends.

A two hour welcome reception with snacks and a private bartender kicks off the evening.

Virgin thoughtfully provides TFIY guests with a Hangover Kit filled with some favorite goodies, along with a 2 p.m. late checkout to recover the next day at no additional charge.

Virgin also “encourages heavy petting” if a quieter night snuggling with your furry friend(s) is preferred. They can have a PAWliday of their own with “dogfriendly chambers and pet-menities as cozy as your own.” The hotel also provides stylish Virgin bandanas, a food and water dish, and some treats, of course—all with no extra pet fees or restrictions on size or breed.

Guests who wish to celebrate with champagne towers, go-go dancers, fire twirlers, disco balls, and fireworks outside their rooms can indulge in Studio 504 at Dreamboat and The Pool Club, indoor and outdoor rooftop venues—costumes required for entry.

The on-site Commons Club offers a lower-key. early New Years from 5-10 p.m.

Executive Chef Alex Harrel's a la carte menu will feature seasonal fare.

PHOTOS, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: REBECCA FOX; CRIS MOLINA FOR KIMPTON HOTELS & RESTAURANTS; COURTESY FOUR SEASONS HOTEL AND PRIVATE RESIDENCES NEW ORLEANS (2)

The Ritz-Carleton lobby welcomes revelers.

TANGO FIRE

The Floor is Yours at Virgin Hotels

SAT | JAN 22, 2022 | 8PM

PHOTOS, FROM TOP: COURTESY VIRGIN HOTELS NEW ORLEANS; (2); BIG NIGHT NEW ORLEANS; COURTESY MARRIOTT / SHERATON NEW ORLEANS

MAHALIA JACKSON THEATER

BRIGHT NIGHT, BIG CITY Velvet ropes will line the Hyatt Regency New Orleans at 601 Loyola Ave. adjacent to the Superdome, as it hosts Bright Night New Orleans. With similar events in D.C., San Diego, and Denver, the Crescent City will represent with a six-hour party tasty Hyatt Regency fare, party favors to ring in the New Years, and, of course, a midnight celebration.

As it’s New Orleans, music is key, and BNNO represents! The star-studded lineup includes Big Freedia, Tank and the Bangas, Brass-A-Holics, 5 Finger Discount, and the 610 Stompers to make sure everybody is dancing.

When its time to turn into a pumpkin, the elevator back to your room will be less than an Uber home if you add in the surge fee.

Sir Richard Branson in his suite at Virgin Hotels RISE ABOVE IT ALL Partygoers looking to thrive in the New Year can soar up to 49-stories above the river, CBD, and French Quarter in the Sheraton New Orleans at 500 Canal St. Suites and guestrooms overlook the fireworks, and a complimentary bottle of red, white, or sparkling wine is provided for a midnight toast.

To greet 2022 on a more stress-free manner, the hotel is adorned with Paul Rodrigue Blue Dog paintings alluding to its dog friendliness and, at no additional cost, provides a sleep-it-off til 2 p.m. late check out, a $25 F+B credit (for each night) to use at the hotel outlets, and, most notably, complimentary overnight valet parking so you have peace of mind the car is safe.

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PLAN AHEAD ON PAPER Pocketing Digital Calendars and Returning to Traditional Ones

By Rebecca Fox

I’ve tried to tell her that I only use my iPhone calendar, the one thing in my life that I can reliably say with 100% certainty that I will always have on my person, but she still insists, always citing some different famous quote about how we need to set ourselves up for success for the following year and start January off on the right foot.

While my mother’s sentiments are nice, they’re also not uncommon.

Judging by the pop-up kiosks at the mall and displays at local bookstores, calendars are a popular Christmas purchase. It’s a gift idea filled with optimism for the intended receiver’s life and dreams. A calendar says nothing but “may you fill these pages with productive and exciting events for your future”—bonus points if you can find one with cute puppies or comic book heroes or characters from The Office. But how realistic are paper calendars in today’s modern age of Google alerts, iCalendar, and Facebook event reminders?

My mom may have been onto something, because paper calendars are, in fact, making a comeback—but the way they’re returning might surprise you. Creators have finally come to terms with the idea that people are probably jotting their dates down electronically, but there is a stronger purpose for paper: namely planning. This can also lead to journaling, goal setting, whatever you want to call it—paper can be used to plan your future, see your dreams laid out, keep track of exercise and water intake, and even jot your moods and memories. If you’re artistic, there are calendars that allow you to doodle, draw, or color. Finally, there are entire systems that can reward you with stickers for doing the simplest of adult tasks, and those that can track your sleep and wellness patterns.

Here are a few of my favorite non-traditional calendars/planners: SILK AND SONDER This company’s monthly planner is tailored for women, by women, and even has an online social group on Facebook, as well as an interactive app. It’s a subscription that runs roughly $19.95 a month (it’s less if you buy multiple months at a time) and you can add $9.95 if you’d like the sticker pack. Notable features are the mood tracker, sleep/rest tracker, water tracker, and monthly coloring book page. Each month carries a relatable theme like resilience, joy, love, courage—so you can really use each edition to track your personal progress on key issues (and store them to reflect back on them later)—it’s almost a grown-up version of the questions we ask children, writing their answers

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New Year's Eve / Sugar Bowl | Where Y'at Magazine

PHOTOS, JESS BAILEY FROM / UNSPLASH TOP: FARRAH ROSS APPLEMAN; COURTESY MOTHER'S RESTAURANT/BEYONCE INSTAGRAM

It’s no secret in our family that every year for Christmas, my mother will buy me a pocket calendar/ planner. It’s also not a secret that I will always forget to use it and will inevitably end up carrying it around as fancy scratch paper, using the January pages next August.

KICK OFF 2022 ON THE RIGHT FOOT. Protect yourself and your loved ones against COVID-19 in the New Year.

The COVID-19 vaccine is proven to be safe and effective in children as young as 5 years old. The vaccine is so safe that the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) urge all eligible people to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available to them.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) released new data which confirms that our existing vaccines work against the Omicron variant, especially if you’re boosted. Don’t wait if you’re eligible. Boosters are free, and available at over hundreds of locations statewide.

Now is the time to get the shots you need so you can enter the new year with maximum protection.

We can save more lives and protect the progress we’ve made if we keep doing what works.

Protect yourself today.

2022

NEW YEAR ’S RESOLUTI ONS: Give the gift of

protection.

Talk to your do ctor about the safe and eff ective COVID-19 vaccin e.

Get vaccinated or get the booster shot if you are already vaccina ted.

Encourage frien ds and family to talk to their healthcare prov ider about the COVID-19 v accine.

GET THE FACTS: visit covidvaccine.la.gov or call the Vaccine Hotline at 1-855-453-0774.

WhereYat.com | January 2022

21

A Better You in 2022

Silk & Sonder planners for 2022

Join in January and Save up to $125! on chalkboards and photographing it to show them later. Mentioned in Forbes, BuzzFeed, and PopSugar, Silk & Sonder is touted “a self-care membership that makes daily mental wellness easy and fun.” Starting at $19.95, SilkandSonder.com THE PURPOSE PLANNER This six-month planner is unique in that it has no dates written in it, so you can use it when you need to or take a break from it if necessary, without feeling wasteful. It also has spaces to keep track of your Reading Lists, Bucket List, and has a self-care checklist so that you can make sure you’re in tip top health to tackle the week’s tasks. $29.77, RoteRunner.com

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New Year's Eve / Sugar Bowl | Where Y'at Magazine

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Whether you’re a diligent planner or someone who needs to scribble things down to avoid forgetting, you can always just buy a planner and give it a shot. It might just change your entire perspective. I’ve found that using my Silk & Sonder planner forces me to meditate, and I really enjoy keeping the beautiful books to look back upon my progress months later. My mom would approve of me ending this article with a famous quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.”

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Most popular are their amazing themed stickers that do everything from remind you of a doctor’s appointment to pat you on the back for paying a bill. Starting at $23.99 (and often with coupons available), they are available online at thehappyplanner. com or locally at Michaels or Hobby Lobby Craft Stores.

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New Year's Eve / Sugar Bowl | Where Y'at Magazine

Get to the Dome early for a first-rate tailgate party at Champions Square. The party begins at 4 p.m. and lasts until the game begins. Tailgate Town features food,

Allstate Sugar Bowl Allstate Sugar Bowl bands and cheerleading squads. Free for fans of all ages!

New Year’s Eve Parade Allstate Sugar New Year’s Eve Bowl Parade

interactive games and entertainment, including special appearances by both schools’

TThe Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year’s Eve Parade, a Mardi Gras-style

New Year’s Eve Parade

Caesars Superdome (Champions Square) — high Tuesday, January 1, 2022 • 4:00 p.m. parade, features sponsored and themed floats, school and university TThe Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year’s Eve Parade, a Mardi Gras-style bands and entertainment fans of all ages. free-to-the-public event parade, features sponsoredfor and themed floats,The high school and university is scheduled to begin at for 2:45 p.m.

Elysian Fields Avenue and will roll bands and entertainment fans of on all ages.

The free-to-the-public event past Jackson Square and up Decatur Street.

TThe AllstatetoSugar New Year’s Eve Parade, a Mardiand Gras-style is scheduled begin Bowl at 2:45 p.m. on Elysian Fields Avenue will roll past Jackson Square and up Decatur Street.

parade, features sponsored and themed floats, high school and university

bands and entertainmentSugar for fans of all ages. Bowl The free-to-the-public event Allstate Allstate Bowl is scheduled to begin atSugar 2:45 p.m. on Elysian Fields Avenue and will roll Tailgate Town past Jackson Square andTown up Decatur Street.

Tailgate

Get to the Dome early for a first-rate tailgate party at Champions Square. The party

begins at Dome 4 p.m.early andfor lasts until the game party begins.

Tailgate Town features food, Get to the a first-rate tailgate at Champions Square.

The party interactive and entertainment, specialTailgate appearances both schools’ begins at 4games p.m. and lasts until the including game begins.

Town by features food,

Allstate Sugar Bowl Tailgate Town

bands and games cheerleading squads. Free including for fans of all ages! interactive and entertainment, special appearances by both schools’ bands and cheerleading squads. Free for fans of all ages!

Caesars Superdome (Champions Square) — Tuesday, January 1, 2022 • 4:00 p.m.

Caesars Superdome (Champions Square) — Tuesday, January 1, 2022 • 4:00 p.m.

Get to the Dome early for a first-rate tailgate party at Champions Square. The party begins at 4 p.m. and lasts until the game begins. Tailgate Town features food, interactive games and entertainment, including special appearances by both schools’ bands and cheerleading squads. Free for fans of all ages!

Caesars Superdome (Champions Square) — Tuesday, January 1, 2022 • 4:00 p.m.

WhereYat.com | January 2022

25

RESOLVING RESOLUTIONS:

This Year’s Most Attainable Resolution

By Kimmie Tubre

After two years of pandemic life, we’ve been quarantined, vaccinated, having to wear masks, not having to wear masks, unemployed, not being able to find employees, and so much more. Let’s just say that it feels great to see 2022.

MOVE MORE & STRETCH When researching resolutions, getting more exercise is always at the top of the list. Gym memberships skyrocket at the start of a new year and parks become filled with walkers, runners, bike riders, and more. Exercising is a fantastic resolution, but how many people actually stick with it? Starting off with a rigorous, timeconsuming routine is likely difficult for a person who is already busy day to day.

If that is you, then here’s a suggestion: simply moving your body more can create a world of difference. Things like climbing stairs instead of elevators, standing more, and taking brisk walks during your lunch break are easy exercise goals to achieve. They can also work as a starting point to your exercise journey. Another important easy task is stretching. Stretching can be done anywhere and anytime. You can stretch at home in the morning or before bed. You can even do small stretches at your desk. Stretching and getting the body moving will have positive long-term effects, as well as assisting with weight loss. But remember, if your goal is to lose weight, then you must also consider your diet.

CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOUR DIET Diet is the second most desired resolution. Some diets are

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New Year's Eve / Sugar Bowl | Where Y'at Magazine

ILLUSTRATIONS: ADOBE STOCK

With every New Year, there is a sense of being able to restart and refresh. Whether it is losing weight, changing careers, changing eating habits, or working out more: we are all guilty of setting those goals, yet we never attain them.

This year, let’s create goals that are more reachable.

Goals that are easy and that do not require much prep or time out of our day. While big resolutions are great in theory, the small attainable ones release the same amount of endorphins. Let's look at a few attainable New Year resolutions that will surely get that confidence flowing.

extreme and take much perseverance, while others are simpler and more achievable. Something that would be easy to do is to change one thing about your diet. This one thing could be an elimination or an addition. If you love sweets, don't eliminate all of them, but find the one that you eat the most and simply take that one out of your diet.

Adding things can also be easy fixes to your overall health. Everyone could use more vegetables. Always including a vegetable in each meal can not only help you feel full faster, but are also low in calories and good for your body.

DRINK MORE WATER We’ve all heard the scientific fact that bodies are mostly made of water. Those same bodies lose water daily due to movement, sweat, and sodium intake. It’s clear that we all need water to live, and starting our new year with drinking more water is an easy fix to our nutritional goals. Some will start off strong, trying to drink a gallon or more a day. But starting small may help you be more successful in your journey. Try adding an extra cup or two a day and move up from there.

Drinking a fresh cup of water first thing in the morning is not only refreshing but also extremely healthy.

GET MORE REST Rest is needed, and while some people need less than others, it’s a fact that we all need to sleep at some point. Adding more rest to your life can be as simple as going to sleep 15 minutes earlier and waking up 15 minutes later each day. If you’re having trouble with sleep, try a sleep-aid tea. You can also spray lavender linen spray on your pillows or have a melatonin before bed. Getting more rest C will not only make your daytime life more M bearable but also help to improve your Y body and diet goals.

reading isn't your thing, try something new. Things like learning an easy new hobby or taking care of a new plant are all easy and attainable resolutions that will enrich your life.

are not the best at staying in touch, make a point to reach out to old friends and family members simply to check on them.

We could all use a bit more personal connecting these days.

CONNECT OR DISCONNECT BE KINDER Whether you are an introvert, extrovert, Finally, the easiest, most attainable or an introverted-extrovert, we all resolution of all is to be kind. Whether you need more balance when it comes to volunteer your time helping others or make connecting and disconnecting. If you are a point to compliment a stranger, being a social person but get overwhelmed kind is rewarding. Kindness is important. easily, make a resolution to disconnect Your kindness to someone can be the one from time to time and find days, hours, thing that turns their day around. or minutes of alone time. This could and should also include occasionally detaching From being kind to moving more, New from social media. Connecting more is Year’s resolutions should not be difficult Where NYE - If RSR Jr Page feats.

Print Ad_FINAL.pdf 1 the 12/10/21 2:41 PM also an easyVBR21-08 resolution toY'at achieve. you Always aim for attainable,

because they are easier to reach and

completing them will boost your endorphins and give you the confident glow that’s needed for the new year.

MERRY &

BRIGHT T OA S T T O A N E W Y E A R I N LO U I S I A N A ' S C A P I TA L C I T Y Bubbling with anticipation of what’s to come under the brilliance of fireworks, celebrate traditions new and old with the whole family during Baton Rouge's New Year's Eve experience. From children's storytelling and arts activities at Red Stick Rising to the annual red stick drop at Red Stick Revelry, presented by BankPlus, rock around the clock in Baton Rouge and ring in a brighter new year.

CM

SAVE SMALL AMOUNTS OF MONEY MY Many resolutioners have decided that a new year would be the start of their CY money saving goals, and saving is actually easier than you think. If you can CMY afford to transfer small amounts into a K savings account without touching it, then this may work for you. If you know that you’ll be tempted to dip into savings, then try collecting your coins. Everyone has a pocket or purse that is filled with change. Transfer that change to a piggy bank or an old water container and watch how quickly it fills up as you add more.

Another easy way to save money is to lessen your spending on certain things.

Do you really need to buy a coffee every day? How about making your own coffee three days a week and saving the money that you would’ve spent?

READ MORE & LEARN SOMETHING NEW The new year is a perfect time to educate yourself. This can be done by reading more things. Not only books, but try reading articles or essays of your interests. Read about a hobby or a historical fact that is new to you. If

E X P LO R E A L L N E W Y E A R ' S F E S T I V I T I E S I N B ATO N R O U G E AT V I S I T B AT O N R O U G E .C O M .

WhereYat.com | January 2022

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A SIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK

The History of Hot Chocolate

By Kathy Bradshaw

Hot chocolate brings about thoughts of Hallmark holiday movies, hooded blankets, and cold winter nights.

Though its most common American iteration is a watered-down artificially cocoa-flavored elixir derived from a packet of dehydrated powder, it can also be much richer and thicker, served spiked, flavored, or even frozen, accented with marshmallows or crowned with whipped cream. In some countries, they even top their hot chocolate with cheese. Hot cocoa is a cool-weather icon—although it’s readily available year-round, accessible everywhere from vending machines to coffeeshops to countertop microwaves.

Here's a look at where this liquid chocolate delicacy came from and why winter without hot chocolate would just be—cold.

Hershey-fied standards.

The word chocolate likely comes from the Aztec word caahuatl or the Mayan word xocōlātl, which, roughly translated, means “bitter water”—an apt title for this pungent brew. Around 500 B.C., or perhaps even earlier, the Aztecs and Maya began making a bitter and spicy chocolate drink known as chocolatl by first making a paste out of roasted and ground cocoa beans, cornmeal, chili peppers, and spices such as vanilla. They would then add water, pour it back and forth from pot to cup until frothy, and serve it cold. Sugar was still an unheard-of commodity in those days, so the cool, unsweetened beverage was a far cry from a warm mug full of Nestlé.

BRIANA TOZOUR / UNSPLASH

COOL BEANS! Nowadays, chocolate is most frequently associated with bars and bonbons, but people were pouring and sipping chocolate long before they began molding and melting it. Centuries prior to the invention of solid chocolate blocks and tablets, ages before Nutella and chocolate mousse, and hundreds of years before Betty Crocker ever boxed up a chocolate cake mix, chocolate was consumed purely in liquid form.

The ancient ancestor of hot chocolate dates back thousands of years to the Aztec, Olmec, and Mayan cultures of what is today Mexico and Central America.

Though made from cocoa, this early cocoa-based drink was neither hot nor very chocolatey—at least, not by today’s

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New Year's Eve / Sugar Bowl | Where Y'at Magazine

WhereYat.com | January 2022

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When you need something a little steamy in your life, these six places really know how to turn up the heat. Here are six hot spots around town for good hot chocolate.

Angelo Brocato’s hot chocolate is made from steaming-hot steamed milk with chocolate and whipped cream on top.

214 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-486-1465, angelobrocatoicecream.com

More than just café au lait and beignets, Café du Monde also serves a mean hot chocolate. Creamy, chocolatey, and very hot.

Multiple locations, shop. cafedumonde.com

Like all of Willa Jean’s syrups, their chocolate syrup is handmade in-house. They use Valrhona chocolate and steamed milk in their hot chocolate, and, they explain, their baristas add a whole lot of “latte art” to make it pretty.

Or would that be a latte “latte art”? 611 O'Keefe Ave., 504-509-7334, willajean.com

Café Envie makes theirs with Ghirardelli chocolate syrup and steamed milk, and they offer both hot chocolate and hot white chocolate. In fact, they have approximately 40 different flavored syrups to choose from, so you can opt for just about any flavored hot chocolate you like, including peppermint or caramel. 1241 Decatur St., 504-524-3689, Get a French-style hot chocolat cafeenvie.com (no e) at Croissant d’Or to go with one of their freshly made croissants. You have the option of subbing almond or soy milk, and chocoholics can add an extra shot of chocolate. 617 Ursulines Ave., 504-524-4663, croissantdorpatisserie.com

of cocoa beans and equipment to make the chocolate drink. He and Christopher Columbus, who also loaded up on cocoa beans during his expeditions, are both credited for bringing chocolate over to Spain.

SOME LIKE IT HOT Once the Spanish discovered chocolatl, the drink was on a fast track to Swiss Miss. At first, they continued making it cold and bitter—sometimes adding pepper, cinnamon, and even beer or wine. But by the 1600s, sugar replaced chilis, and the beverage was sweetened and heated. Hot chocolate as we know it today was born.

It was still an extravagance at that point, since only the Spanish well-to-do could afford the cocoa beans that had to be imported all the way from South America.

In fact, when Spanish nobility got married, they often gave cocoa as a dowry.

Hot chocolate quickly spread all over Europe and was especially popular in London, where it rivaled tea as the drink of choice. In 1657, the first chocolate

New Year's Eve / Sugar Bowl | Where Y'at Magazine

DEATH BY CHOCOLATE In the 17th century in both Mexico and Spain, it was common for socialite women to serve the earlier, colder version of hot chocolate in the middle of mass services.

The Catholic Church officially objected, challenging the nutritional validity of the beverage. In 1648, the bishop of Chiapas, Mexico, likewise tried to forbid the practice, since he found the good ladies’ chocolate consumption disruptive to his preaching. The women were so upset that they allegedly sent him poisonous chocolate, which he drank and then quickly dropped dead.

Hot in t he City

PJ’s Coffee uses delicious Ghirardelli chocolate from San Francisco. Served hot or frozen. Multiple locations, pjscoffee.com

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house—the hot chocolate equivalent of a coffeehouse—opened there. By the 1700s, writers and politicians regularly hung out in these café-style chocolatedrinking establishments, despite the fact that chocolate cost between $60 and $87 per pound by modern standards. In 1765, chocolate finally arrived in the U.S., and the first chocolate factory was opened in Dorchester, Massachusetts.

DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH Throughout history, both hot chocolate and its predecessor have been said to provide a slew of health benefits. Cocoa is a supposed cure-all, used to treat everything from stomach ailments to liver disease to tuberculosis and postnasal drip. It provides energy and improves skin appearance. Hot chocolate was once used as a laxative and, despite the seeming contradiction, ground cocoa beans were also said to fight dysentery. Chocolate also supposedly helps with menstrual problems, encourages fornication, increases fertility— which then promotes conception—and, finally, allows for an easy delivery of the chocolate-induced child.

Chocolate has more antioxidants than both red wine and green tea—even more so when it’s heated—and is therefore rumored to decrease heart disease. And when chocolate first arrived in France in the 1600s, it allegedly helped fight temper tantrums and reduced crankiness. But who doesn’t feel better after a nice cup of cocoa?

KATHY BRADSHAW

to e g a m o An H ine Baker Joseph

Despite the rather un-Godiva-like flavor of the beverage, chocolatl was very popular and enjoyed by the masses— though some say it was bad luck for a commoner to drink it. But even then, chocolate was considered a luxury, and cocoa beans held value. The Aztecs and Maya gave them as gifts on important occasions or used them to purchase goods.

In the early 1500s, the Mexican emperor Montezuma gave chocolatl further renown. He drank it out of golden goblets, sipping a chalice full before visiting the ladies of his harem and thus starting the longstanding rumor that chocolate is an aphrodisiac.

It was Montezuma who introduced Hernán Cortés—Spanish explorer, conquistador, and eventual chocoholic—to chocolatl.

While Cortés was visiting Mexico to conquer the entire Aztec empire and bring it under Spanish rule, he and the emperor apparently set aside their differences and raised a glass to colonization with a cup of cold chocolate.

Cortés returned to Spain with a boatload

WhereYat.com | January 2022

WhereYat.com | Halloween 2021

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3

$20 AND UNDER

Eat Your Greens!

By Kim Ranjbar

Collard Green Melt at Turkey and the Wolf Name of Place

You know they're right. You know that eating dark, leafy greens reduces the risk of heart disease, blood clots, obesity, and high blood pressure. You also know they're packed with minerals and vitamins A, B9, C, and K. But, the child in all of us whines petulantly, “They don't taste good!” Well, that all depends upon how you cook 'em.

Braising greens with various pork products may not be what the doctor had in mind, but it is how it's always been done in the South. Traditionally simmered for hours (collards) with smoked ham hocks, these days greens are often cooked with hunks of country ham, thick sliced bacon, or (staying vegetarian) just a lump of butter and seasonings. Regardless of the preparation, eating Southern-style greens is a delicious way to get your vitamins, and don't you dare discard the juice, or pot likker as it's commonly called. Wars have erupted over less.

Located on the corner of Poydras and Tchoupitoulas Streets, Mother's Restaurant has been offering turnip greens for decades. Known for their “World's Best” baked and butchered-in-house ham, Mother's has plenty of ham bones, fat, and other trimmings to make their greens that much better. Side note—the corner restaurant also sells their bones and trimmings, so folks can create their own delicious greens (or beans!) at home. Chopped onions, bell peppers, and their own blend of seasonings, their mustard greens come out flavorful and tender after simmering. Served alongside a quarter fried chicken and

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some of their stellar potato salad, it's a meal sure to sate the heartiest appetite.

In the historic Treme neighborhood just outside the French Quarter, Dookie Chase's Restaurant offers New Orleans-style soul food classics including “old-style” mustard greens. Made simply with a hunk of fatback or “streak-o-lean” (a.k.a. salt pork), ground black pepper, and salt, all you need is a few warm, cornbread muffins to soak up that irresistible, vitamin-rich pot likker.

For a more Cajun-slanted bowl of greens, visit the everpopular Cochon Restaurant on Tchoupitoulas Street.

Part of the Link Restaurant Group, Cochon is helmed (and co-owned) by James Beard award-winning chef Stephen Stryjewski, and you should definitely try anything coming out of his kitchens. Though Cochon Restaurant (not to be confused with Cochon Butcher) is one of the more expensive options, you can always keep it simple with a small plate of fried boudin and their smothered collard greens made with their own house-cured bacon, onion, garlic, sugar, hot sauce, and cider vinegar.

On a slightly different note, the Carrollton neighborhood favorite Boucherie on Jeannette Street uses duck stock in their greens. “I almost treat collards as a byproduct for pot likker,” chef/owner Nathanial Zimet confided. After reducing duck stock to an almost sauce-like consistency, he adds washed and torn collard greens, and their own house made bacon for one of their most amazing

New Year's Eve / Sugar Bowl | Where Y'at Magazine

dishes—collard greens and grit fries. Feel free to share this small plate with friends…or not!

Just a skip from the municipal courthouse on Broad Street, Marjie's Grill is a hip, super-casual spot with socially-conscious owners Caitlin Carney and chef Marcus Jacobs serving an amalgam of Thai, Vietnamese, and Gulf South cuisine. Their pit-braised greens are simmered with country ham, caramelized onions, and chili vinegar and go perfectly with a side of their warm, buttered cornbread.

You also can never go wrong with an extra side of their coal-roasted sweet potatoes, but that's another article.

Finally, famed Lower Garden District lunch spot Turkey and the Wolf has taken collards to a whole new level: sandwich-style. Chef and owner Mason Hereford's culinary creativity has conjured up a sandwich to end all sandwiches; the Collard Green Melt. Featured on the Food Network and in Bon Appetit Magazine, this special sandwich has already had plenty of play, but mentioning it yet again, for those in the back who have yet to wrap their lips around it, doesn't hurt a damn thing. Simmered with butter, red wine vinegar, sugar, Creole seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes, these vegetarian-style collards are piled onto rye or whole wheat with cabbage slaw, Russian dressing, and lots of Swiss, and toasted like a grilled cheese. At only $12, this is a meal to remember, especially with an added side of Spicy Crawtator Zapps and vanilla soft serve ice cream with rainbow sprinkles for dessert.

KIM RANJBAR

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RESTAURANT GUIDE AMERICAN

BARS WITH GREAT FOOD

Bayou Hot Wings has 13 different flavors that you can choose from for your wings. Don’t miss out on trying their mouthwatering Southern Fried Gator Bites. Bayou Hot Wings is a particular favorite hangout for Tulane and Loyola students.

6221 S. Claiborne Ave., 504-865-9464, bayouhotwings.com

Buffa’s Bar & Restaurant presents an unpretentious atmosphere that’s great for hanging out with friends. They provide live music every Thursday through Monday. Make sure to try one of their mouthwatering burgers, such as the Buffa Burger. 1001 Esplanade Ave., 504-949-0038, buffasbar.com

Bub’s NOLA, located next to Banks St. Bar, started as a pop up in 2020 by five friends. Try the unique and tasty Peanut Bubber Burger with peanut butter and bacon. Their De Gen Fries with cheese fries, bacon, jalapenos, and ranch are a must-try. 4413 Banks St., 504-581-8054, bubsnola.com

is perfect for a drink or two after work with friends. 435 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, 504-368-1114, gattusos.net MRB Bar & Kitchen has all your favorite NOLA classics, plus plenty of specialty drinks! Get the chicken fried alligator sandwich on a Hawaiian sour dough bun. With live music to accompany your meal, each dining experience will be unique.

515 St. Philip St., 504-524-2558,

Jimmy J’s Café is a local gem that embraces the funky spirit of the city. Their menu offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, as well as weekly specials. Plan ahead because the line starts early for lunch at this popular establishment. 115 Chartres St., 504-309-9360, jimmyjscafe.com

Chicken & Watermelon is right next door to Jazz Daiquiris, so grab a drink after your wings!

The Garlic Parmesan Wings are really delicious and perfect for sharing. The Jerk Fries are fingerlicking good and a great taste of island flavors.

3400 S. Claiborne Ave., 504-896-4596, boogiebird.com

MISA is a chic restaurant with a delicious menu

by Chef Tal Sharon. Order the Moroccan Frena Bread as an appetizer and then dig into the Royal Indian Lambshank Stew. Don’t miss out on creative cocktails like the Sexy Fish or Ginger Evil. 4734 Magazine St., 504-510-2791, misanola.com

Crescent City Steaks has been serving New Orleans for over 87 years. They invented the “NOLA-style” of sizzling steaks in butter. They also offer dishes like broiled salmon, broiled lobster tail, and a very delicious bread pudding.

1001 N. Broad St., 504-821-3271, crescentcitysteaks.com

Please U Restaurant provides a very pleasing dining experience and has been operating in New Orleans since 1946. They’re a great spot to visit before going to see some Carnival parades. They offer some great Greek food like gyros and Greek salads. 1751 St. Charles Ave., 504-525-9131, pleaseunola.com

Legacy Kitchen’s Steak + Chop is a great spot for a date night on the Westbank. The restaurant has some truly amazing Charbroiled Oysters with grilled bread. The Skillet Crawfish Cornbread is a must-try before your main course.

91 Westbank Expy. #51, Gretna, 504-513-2606, legacykitchen.com

Riccobono’s Panola Street Café is popular with locals and Uptown students alike. Their Crabcake Benedict is considered to be an all-time neighborhood favorite. Their Silver Dollar Pancakes are great with a side of eggs and bacon. 7801 Panola St., 504-314-1810, panolastreetcafe.com

The Troubadour Lounge & Listening Room is located inside the beautiful Troubadour Hotel. Its easy-going atmosphere makes it perfect to enjoy some cocktails with friends. Make sure to go out when they have live music!

1111 Gravier St., 504-518-5500, troubadourlounge.squarespace.com

ASIAN Mikimoto has all of the freshest sushi that you can find in New Orleans. They’ve been serving the Greater New Orleans area Japanese cuisine for more than 20 years.

Try the Spicy NOFD Roll, in honor of the New Orleans Fire Department.

3301 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-488-1881, mikimotosushi.com

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Venezia Down The Hatch Bar & Grill serves delicious and reasonably priced cuisine in the Garden District. In addition to satisfying drinks, they offer burgers, platters, and more. Save room for the homemade New York Cheesecake.

1921 Sophie Wright Pl., 504-522-0909, downthehatchnola.com Ernst Cafe has some of the best red beans and rice in the Warehouse District. The cafe is steps away from Harrah’s Casino and it’s a fun spot to watch the big game with its multiple TVs. The Blue Crab Cake Sandwich is a fantastic meal for lunch. 600 S. Peters St., 504-525-8544, ernstcafe.com Flamingo A-Go-Go offers great frozen drinks like their margaritas and frosé. Their Taste of New Orleans with gumbo, jambalaya, and more is great to share. The Tuna Poke Bowl with mango salsa and glass noodles is a nice healthy option. 869 Magazine St., 504-577-2202, flamingonola.com Gattuso’s Neighborhood Restaurant has a variety of sandwiches and wraps to please everyone in your party. The Firecracker Shrimp Salad is a real knockout! Gattuso’s outdoor patio

New Year's Eve / Sugar Bowl | Where Y'at Magazine

mrbnola.com The Peacock Room describes itself as an “elevated” cocktail bar. The Peacock Burger with bacon-boursin cheese and tomato jam is particularly delicious. Take your date or significant other to one of the most romantic date spots in the city. 501 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-324-3073, peacockroomnola.com Stumpy's Hatchet House is great for bachelor or bachelorette parties, so let the hatchets fly!

The hot and fresh popcorn goes great with the cold beer Stumpy’s offers. The nachos from the snack bar are also great for sharing.

1200 Poydras St., 504-577-2937, stumpyshh.com/neworleansla

CAFE Bearcat Café has fantastic outdoor seating at both locations. Enjoy delicious breakfast cocktails at the bar at Bearcat Café’s CBD location. The Crab Scramble with asparagus and potatoes and the Cat Daddy Biscuit with chicken, gravy, and an egg are perfect.

Multiple Locations, bearcatcafe.com

The Ruby Slipper Cafe has locations all over the Gulf South. The Bananas Foster Pain Perdu is great for those with a sweet tooth and the Chicken St. Charles is definitely for those who love fried chicken. Get the Migas with spicy chorizo for a taste of Mexico.

Multiple Locations, therubyslippercafe.net Willa Jean celebrates Southern flavors with its fresh and local ingredients. Try anything from their delicious “Biscuit Station,” like the Fried Chicken Biscuit. Their Croque Madame sandwich is really fantastic. They also have Saturday and Sunday brunch! 611 O’Keefe Ave., 504-509-7334, willajean.com

FRENCH Cafe Degas gives a taste of NOLA’s roots by serving authentic French cuisine. The Roasted Quail and Veal Liver are just a few of their many adventurous dishes. Try the mouthwatering Belgium Waffle or their French Onion Soup. 3127 Esplanade Ave., 504-945-5635, cafedegas.com

ITALIAN A Tavola Restaurant & Wine Bar has Pan-Fried Crab Cakes that are packed to the brim with delicious lump crab meat. The Beef Short Rib Brasato is particularly amazing. The Pepperoni Pizza will surely please your little ones.

3413 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 504-577-2235, atavo.la

ROBERT WITKOWSKI

Manning’s Sports Bar & Grill has some of the best wings, BBQ ribs, and nachos in New Orleans.

They have over 30 flat screen TVs, two 13-foot mega-screens, and a sports anchor desk. They also have a delicious Chicken & Andouille Gumbo with jasmine rice. 519 Fulton St., 504-593-8118, caesars.com

The Steakhouse at Harrah’s is located steps away from your favorite slot machines. They offer gourmet steakhouse classics inspired by the flavors of New Orleans. Make sure to save some room and order their mouthwatering desserts for dinner! 8 Canal St., 504-533-6111, caesars.com

Caffe! Caffe! has won a number of awards for their quality food. Come early for some delicious breakfast, or go during lunch for a refreshing salad, sandwich, or wrap. The Metairie location hosts a beautiful patio that overlooks Transcontinental Boulevard. Multiple Locations, caffecaffe.com Carmo has a truly eclectic menu to enjoy. The Broken Noodle Salad offers a delicious taste of Asia and the Kottu is a great stir-fried roti dish with roots from Sri Lanka. Not only that, the Rico, topped with house-smoked pulled pork, is really good. 527 Julia St., 504-875-4132, cafecarmo.com

Bud’s Broiler is home to New Orleans’ favorite charbroiled burgers. You can also order their delicious Fried Seafood Plates with catfish and shrimp or their finger-licking wings. Their Canal Boulevard location is right next to Morning Call!

Multiple Locations, facebook.com/Buds-Broiler

Spudly’s Super Spuds has been making their “meals in baked potatoes” for over 40 years. Anything you could possibly want in a baked potato is sure to be on Spudly’s menu.

The restaurant also serves really tasty soups and burgers.

2609 Harvard Ave., Metairie, 504-455-3250, spudlys.com

Café Amelie offers menus that are perfect for a romantic date night or a Sunday brunch. Their lit-up courtyard adds great ambiance for special occasions or private events. For the true Amelie experience, try their signature Short Ribs & Johnny Cakes dish. 912 Royal St., 504-412-8965, cafeamelie.com

The Crazy Italian Pizzeria gives you New York pizza without having to leave the city. Try the Mount Vesuvius Shrimp tossed in a spicy remoulade sauce. All of their classic Italian dishes will leave you very full and satisfied.

206 W. Harrison Ave., 504-766-7914, thecrazyitalianpizzeria.com

beautiful bar. The grill not only serves authentic Mexican cuisine, but Tex-Mex as well. 5018 Freret St., 504-766-9660, mrtequilanola. com

Josephine Estelle provides some of the freshest Louisiana seafood in your pasta. Keep it traditional or go fancy with many of their other delicious fusion dishes! The Instagram worthy dishes will leave you feeling happy and full. 600 Carondelet St., 504-930-3070, josephineestelle.com

Lebanon’s Café offers some of the best Middle Eastern food in New Orleans. The Chargrilled Rosemary Lamb Chops and the lentil soup are real treats! Lebanon’s is BYOB, so bring some Almaza beer to make your dinner authentic.

1500 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-862-6200, lebanonscafe.com

Mid-City Pizza has all kinds of great pizzas to choose from. The Meat Monster is packed with pepperoni, hot sausage, meatball, bacon, and ham. Mid-City Pizza’s Uptown location is across the street from Tulane’s football stadium, so grab a slice before the game! Multiple Locations, midcitypizza.com

Saj has an upscale, funky décor, making it a unique place to visit. Their namesake bread is a house-baked treat that is popular in the Middle East. Saj’s outdoor tables provide a great view of the action on Magazine Street while sipping on a mocktail. 4126 Magazine St., 504-766-0049, sajnola.com

Mosca’s Restaurant is best enjoyed with a large group to share all of the family-style food. Their famous Oysters Mosca is a seafoodlover’s dream. Get two orders of the Pasta Alioi because you’ll definitely want extra! 4137 US-90 W., Westwego, 504-436-8950, moscasrestaurant.com Nephew’s Ristorante has a long history of preparing Sicilian food for Metairie's residents.

Chef Frank Catalonotto previously served delicious Sicilian meals at Tony Angello’s. Pair any one of their delicious entrees with their large wine selection. 4445 W. Metairie Ave., Metairie, 504-533-9998, nephewsristorante.com Pascal’s Manale has one of the city’s best happy hours. Their crab cake is great and features jumbo lump crab meat mixed with their house mayo. They have private rooms that are perfect for holiday parties and special occasions.

1838 Napoleon Ave., 504-895 4877, pascalsmanale.com Red Gravy has a cozy outdoor patio that’s perfect for brunch or dinner. The Brulee French Toast with caramel, pecans, and fruit is a perfect brunch dish. The Lasagna Bolognese is also very mouth-watering and is great for a cold night. 4206 Magazine St., 504-561-8844, redgravycafe.com Tavolino Pizza & Lounge is located in beautiful Algiers Point, right by the ferry terminal. While there, don’t miss out on their specialty pizzas like the Behrman Hwy Pizza! Drink inside or outside on one of their two cozy patios. 141 Delaronde St., Algiers, 504-605-3365, instagram.com/ tavolinonola Venezia has one of the best tasting Chicken Parmigiana dishes in the city. The Eggplant Vatican with shrimp and crawfish is a popular dish for lovers of eggplant. The fried calamari appetizer is a huge portion, so don’t be shy and dig in! 134 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-488-7991, venezianeworleans.net

BRUNCH SUNDAY 10am – 2pm LUNCH SATURDAY 11am – 3pm 4206 Magazine St.

DINNER WED – SAT 5pm – 9pm www.REDGRAVY.com

504 - 561 - 8844

MIDDLE EASTERN

NEW ORLEANS CUISINE Akasia’s Café has some of the best daily specials on the Westbank. Put fish, chicken, or a pork chop on top of their tasty Red Beans and Rice on Mondays. Also known for their catering menu, this is the perfect spot to cater your next event. 5600 Westbank Expy., Marrero, 504-345-2563, letuscaterforyou.org Annunciation offers specialty Creole dishes that are great for adventurous eaters. There's something on the menu to impress everyone, like the really tasty Grilled Lamb Chops. Their Warehouse location guarantees a fun filled night before and after dinner. 1016 Annunciation St., 504-568-0245, annunciationrestaurant.com

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Briquette offers some of the best fish selections in town. The Oysters Bienville en Casserole appetizer is great for sharing and the Lump Crab Bisque is a super soup for a cold winter evening.

The Charred Kale Salad is a delicious healthy option. 701 S. Peters St., 504-302-7496, briquette-nola.com Bywater Brew Pub is a great spot for delicious Vietnamese and Louisiana flavors, as well as seasonal brewed beer. The Phoritto is so big, there’s enough to take home afterwards. The Beer Beignet Bites are a unique and tasty after dinner treat. 3000 Royal St., 504-766-8118, bywaterbrewpub.com Cafe 615 (Home of Da Wabbit) has some of the best fried chicken in all of Gretna. Da Wabbit Hamburger Steak is a must-try for those who love beef. They also have a truly fantastic Turtle Soup with sherry and Crab Meat Stuffed Mushrooms.

615 Kepler St., Gretna, 504-365-1225, cafe615.com

MEXICAN

Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop offers a ton of different gumbo options to enjoy. The loaded po-boys are great and have led the restaurant to receive many awards. The Mumbo Gumbo truly has it all: chicken, shrimp, crab meat, and crawfish. 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, 504-835-2022, gumbostop.com

Carreta’s Grill has been serving Mexican cuisine across NOLA for over 20 years. With burritos, enchiladas, margaritas, and more, it's the perfect spot for your next fiesta! Known for their great margaritas, good luck trying to not have more than one! Multiple Locations, carretasgrillrestaurant.com

Copeland’s of New Orleans not only has locations all over Louisiana, but also in parts of the South. Their Cajun Gumbo Ya Ya provides a classic taste of Louisiana and the steak filet is sure to satisfy your appetite. They also offer their own catering! Multiple Locations, copelandsofneworleans.com

Juan’s Flying Burrito has one of the best collections of tequila in New Orleans. Juan’s Blackened Fish Tacos, as well as the Jerk Chicken Street Tacos, are really fantastic. All of their locations feature outdoor dining, so enjoy the winter air! Multiple Locations, juansflyingburrito.com

Curio has Chilled Blue Crab Claws that are a great appetizer for your meal. Their French Toast with two farm fresh eggs and bacon is a great choice for brunch. They also have a unique gumbo of roast duck, black-eyed peas, and andouille sausage. 301 Royal St., 504-7174198, curionola.com

Mr. Tequila Bar & Grill is owned and operated by three brothers originally from Mexico. Enjoy one of the best margaritas in Uptown at their

Daisy Dukes was named Winner of Best Bloody Mary 2021 by Where Y’at readers. The restaurant creates that perfect Southern atmosphere for

WhereYat.com | January 2022

35

RESTAURANT GUIDE enjoying Cajun cuisine. With seven locations, there are many opportunities for you to try their classic dishes. Multiple Locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com Evangeline has a charming atmosphere that is perfect for special occasions. Start off with golden fried okra, fried green tomatoes, or fried alligator for an appetizer. Eat entrees straight from the bayou like the mouthwatering Crawfish and Grits dish. 329 Decatur St., 504-373-4852, evangelineneworleans.com

mandinasrestaurant.com Melba’s Poboys is open 24/7, so enjoy their poboys whenever you feel like it. Not only do they have great po-boys, they also have an amazing daiquiri selection. Wash World is right next door, so you can do your laundry while you eat at Melba’s. 1525 Elysian Fields Ave., 504-267-7765, melbas.com Mother’s Restaurant has some of the city's best sweet potato pie. The Famous Ferdi Special Po-boy with baked ham and roast beef is

Briquette

House of Blues New Orleans provides great live music for anyone looking for a night on the town. Their menu is Southern-inspired and is filled with many scrumptious treats. Make sure to order the Yardbird chicken sandwich.

225 Decatur St., 504-310-4999, houseofblues.com/neworleans Legacy Kitchen’s Craft Tavern has a great location in the Warehouse District. The Crawfish Cornbread Skillet is worth the trip alone! Craft Tavern’s Tuna Tango Salad with avocado and mango and The Blue Cheese Truffle Chips are great. 700 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-613-2350, legacykitchen.com

7AM – 9PM Fri & Sat 10PM

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New Year's Eve / Sugar Bowl | Where Y'at Magazine

Luke specializes in Creole inspired seafood like Shrimp and Grits. They’re also known for their raw bar, which serves anything from oysters and more. Chef Erick Loos’ dishes highlight local purveyors and farmers’ market ingredients.

333 St. Charles Ave., 504-378-2840, lukeneworleans.com Mandina’s Restaurant has an oyster po-boy that is absolutely delicious. Grab a craft cocktail or some wine at their spacious bar while you wait for your table. The delicious eggplant sticks are great for the whole table to enjoy as an appetizer. 3800 Canal St., 504-482-9179,

spectacular. The restaurant is super popular, so make sure to arrive early on weekends to avoid the line. 401 Poydras St., 504-523-9656, mothersrestaurant.net New Orleans Creole Cookery has heated courtyard seating, which is perfect for winter!

They have fantastic oyster happy hour pricings in the bar. Chef Alex Patout’s Crab Cakes are the real deal and the Vegetarian Jambalaya is a great choice. 510 Toulouse St., 504-524-9632, neworleanscreolecookery.com New Orleans Vampire Café has some of the best burgers in the French Quarter, like the Dracula Burger. The Fried Deviled Eggs with caviar are a truly unique treat. The café’s Tuna Tartare goes particularly great with the “bloody” cocktails. 801 Royal St., 504-581-0801, nolavampirecafe.com Neyow’s Creole Café is home to some of the best gumbo and red beans around. Their large servings are perfect for sharing meals with your friends. Neyow’s chargrilled oysters, crawfish balls, crab claws, and signature cocktails are always top notch. 3332 Bienville St., 504-827-5474, neyows.com Orleans Grapevine has one of the city’s best wines by the glass menus. Sip on any of their wines at their beautiful outdoor courtyard, steps away from Jackson Square. Their Baked Brie with your choice of topping is great for sharing with your date. 720 Orleans Ave., 504-523-1930, orleansgrapevine.com Restaurant R’evolution is located inside

ROBERT WITKOWSKI

Houmas House & Gardens contains three restaurants in a beautiful mansion and plantation.

The Carriage House offers Louisiana-inspired fare and the Dixie Cafe offers local-style cafe food.

Latil’s Landing provides a finer dining experience.

401336 LA-942, Darrow, 225-473-9380, houmashouse.com

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WhereYat.com | January 2022

37

RESTAURANT GUIDE the beautiful Royal Sonesta New Orleans. The restaurant and bar gives off a cool Pre-Prohibition atmosphere. Try the different caviar and end your meal with the Louisiana Citrus Doberge. 777 Bienville St., 504-553-2277, revolutionnola.com Roux Bistro is located inside the beautiful Sheraton Hotel on Canal Street. They specialize in contemporary Creole and Cajun classics, such as a breakfast po-boy or the Gulf shrimp with grits.

Grab a café au lait for a true New Orleans after meal treat. 500 Canal St., 504-525-2500 ext. 5795, marriott.com

Casamento’s Restaurant has been serving some of the finest Louisiana seafood since 1919. It’s a must-go spot for tourists exploring the most classic joints in the city. The Oyster Loaf will absolutely leave you absolutely speechless. 4330 Magazine St., 504-895-9761, casamentosrestaurant.com Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar has tons of fantastic options for oysters, served in multiple different ways. Grab a table at the Lakefront location to see the sunset along with live music.

Definitely order the soft-shell crab, as well as the

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Restaurant R’evolution

Trenasse serves Gulf Coast cuisine with Southern Louisiana style and flare. Go for brunch, Taco Tuesday, dinner, happy hour, or just to simply devour some oysters. The Smoky Braised Short Ribs with cheese grits are highly recommended. 444 St. Charles Ave., 504-6807000, trenasse.com The Vintage is a great spot to people-watch or to take a date after shopping on Magazine Street. The Fancy Beignet Flight is a nice sampler to start out with. The Vintage also has some of the best selections of sparkling wines in town. 3121 Magazine St., 504-324-7144, thevintagenola.com Willie Mae’s Scotch House has a truly amazing and famous fried chicken sandwich.

The Red Beans and Rice are a great tasting and classic side dish and the bread pudding with white chocolate and rum sauce is a great dessert choice. They cater too!

Multiple Locations, williemaesnola.com

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New Year's Eve / Sugar Bowl | Where Y'at Magazine

blackened alligator appetizer.

Multiple Locations, felixs.com The Galley Seafood had their start in 1977 and are most famous for their Soft-Shell Crab Po-boy and Catfish Filet Po-boy. Their Corn Grits are a perfect side dish for any of their entrees. Make sure to try the Hot Sausage Sandwich as well!

2535 Metairie Rd., Metairie, 504-832-0955, thegalleyseafood.net Legacy Kitchen’s Tacklebox has amazing beignets offered for breakfast. Their Thin Fried Catfish Pecan is some of the city’s best tasting fish and the Shrimp Louie Wedge Salad is a great way to start the meal. They have some great icecold raw oysters to slurp up! 817 Common St., 504-827-1651, legacykitchen.com Seaworthy, given the name, is the perfect spot for seafood lovers. Their menu lets you explore seafood from all of the fishing locations around the country. Try something from their long list of exciting cocktails to accompany your seafood. 630 Carondelet St., 504-930-3071, seaworthynola.com

SEAFOOD

Spahr’s Seafood is committed to serving their customers an authentic Cajun experience.

It’s home to “The Original” Catfish Chips, gumbo, Bloody Mary’s, hamburger steak, and more. Spahr’s is an essential visit if you’re looking for a classic Louisiana meal.

Multiple Locations, spahrsseafood.com

The Blue Crab Restaurant & Oyster Bar proudly serves only the freshest Louisiana seafood. Enjoy the Pontchartrain breeze at their Lakefront or Northshore locations. Blue Crab’s happy hour is every Tuesday through Thursday from 4-6:30 p.m.

Multiple Locations, thebluecrabnola.com

Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco allows you to take a trip abroad while staying right here in NOLA. Their mouthwatering, authentic Peruvian cuisine is equally delicious and beautiful. Try their award winning Pisco Sours and other pisco cocktails. 5015 Magazine St., 504-267-7612, titoscevichepisco.com

ROBERT WITKOWSKI

Short Stop Po-boys has a very convenient drive-thru and has been feeding Metairie since 1966. Their Seafood Gumbo with crab meat and shrimp can be a perfect side dish to your meal.

Their Roast Beef Po-boy ranks with the city’s best! 119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie, 504-885-4572, shortstoppoboysno.com

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Bar Guide

Drink Food Specials

Dancing

Live Music

Billards

Alto offers some truly great views of New Orleans. After you’re done chilling in the rooftop pool, order yourself some thirst-quenching cocktails like the Paloma or the Great Ulysses.

Banks Street Bar is a true neighborhood bar in Mid-City.

Banks Street Bar While enjoying their beer, chow down on the different 4401 Banks St. traditional Louisiana dishes that they provide like po-boys, 504-486-0258 gumbo, and oysters.

Not only is Bar Marilou very trendy, the food and drinks on Bar Marilou offer are fantastic. There are all kinds of fancy sounding 544 Carondelet St. drinks to choose from, such as the Jardin De Mémé and 504-814-7711 the Heloïse.

Providing an upscale experience, Blue Ruin offers beers Blue Ruin Speakeasy on tap, craft cocktails, and a great wine list, as well as 3224 Metairie Rd. seasonal craft cocktail and martini menus. Happy hour is 504-835-3335 on Mondays thru Thursdays.

Confectionary Craft Cocktail Bar The Confectionary Craft Cocktail Bar should be included if you and your friends plan on bar hopping through New 727 S. Peters St. Orleans. You’ll find a number of specialty and sweet drinks 504-558-1914 on offer.

This bar and grill is a special spot in the Garden District for Down the Hatch delicious and reasonably priced food and drinks. The Hell’s 1921 Sophie Wright Pl. Kitchen Wings are delicious, as well as the many different 504-522-0909 starters, sandwiches, and burgers.

Evangeline’s courtyard is perfect for sipping on some of Evangeline the locally craft beers they offer. The Rum Punch and 329 Decatur St. Strawberry Blonde cocktails are also fruity and delicious.

504-373-4852 Happy hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. daily.

The Fillmore prides itself in providing legendary experiences Fillmore New Orleans to its patrons. Not only is it the perfect setting for live 6 Canal St. entertainment, the creative food, signature cocktails, and craft 504-881-1555 beer and are all great.

Alto (Ace Hotel) 600 Carondelet St. 504-900-1180

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House of Blues 225 Decatur St. 504-310-4999

Not only is the live entertainment at House of Blues great, the Southern-inspired food and refreshing drinks are fantastic as well! You can enjoy plenty of the different beer and cocktails.

Jazz Daiquiris 3400 S. Claiborne Ave., # A 504-899-8761

Jazz Daiquiris & Lounge’s claim to fame are their specialty daiquiris. Choose from a variety of flavors like Pina Colada, Jungle Juice, Blue Magic, Triple Threat, and more.

Jimani 141 Chartres St. 504-524-0493

If you want to see all of the hottest sports action, then you need to go the Jimani. A New Orleans favorite for over 40 years, the bar has over 100 beers that you can choose from!

Lots A Luck Tavern was recently voted as the #1 spot for bar games in New Orleans by Where Y’at Magazine’s readers. Try your hand at mini golf or cornhole or sip a refreshing drink at their outdoor seating area.

If you’d like to see the next Saints or LSU game on over 30 flat screens, then you have to go to Manning’s Sports Bar. Get into a local sports mood by ordering the Manning’s Mardi Gras Punch.

Martine’s provides a very friendly and comfortable atmosphere in Old Metairie. Not only is there darts and video poker, they serve up great wines, tasty cocktails, and a large selection of beer.

Located in Generations Hall, the Metropolitan is a great venue option for anyone looking to party the night away. The space offers two-stories filled with dancefloors, spaces for DJs, and multiple bars.

Pal’s Lounge is the perfect place to be if you feel like having a drink at “witching hour.” Stay awake with their house cocktails, beers, and many other different kinds of brews.

Lots A Luck Tavern 203 Homedale St. 504-483-0978 Manning’s 519 Fulton St. 504-593-8118 Martine’s Lounge 2347 Metairie Rd. 504-831-8637 The Metropolitan 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd.

504-568-1702, Pal’s Lounge 949 N. Rendon St. 504-488-7257 Peacock Room 501 Tchoupitoulas St. 504-324-3073 The Pelican Bar (Sheraton) 500 Canal St. 504-525-2500

Rendon Inn 4501 Eve St. 504-218-7106

Not only does the Pool Club offer great views of the city, you can also relax in their pool or jam to the sounds provided by their resident DJ. Grab an umbrella drink and enjoy!

Rendon Inn has been providing the food, drinks, and good company in Mid-City for over 85 years. Grab some food while enjoying different domestic and draft beers, as well as wine and specialty drinks.

Royal Frenchmen Hotel 700 Frenchmen St., #1614 504-619-9660

This award-winning bar in the Royal Frenchmen Hotel has a stylish ambiance, live entertainment, and a beautiful courtyard.

The delicious specialty cocktails are truly amazing.

Stumpy’s Hatchet House 1200 Poydras St., Suite C 504-577-2937

Stumpy’s is the best place in NOLA to try your hand at throwing a hatchet. After you work up a sweat, you can grab some food and drinks while there. Have a day out with your friends!

Tracey’s is a fantastic place to hang out at, and not just for St. Patrick’s Day! Their extensive beer catalog includes hundreds of different bottles and six draught taps.

The Pool Club 550 Baronne St. 833-791-7700

Tracey’s Irish Channel Bar 2604 Magazine St. 504-897-5413 Tropical Isle Multiple Locations 504-523-1927

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New Year's Eve / Sugar Bowl | Where Y'at Magazine

Offering an elevated cocktail bar experience, The Peacock Room’s large drink menu has anything you could want.

Perhaps you’d like one of the “Old Birds” like a Sazerac or the Washouko Mary.

You’ll get a real taste of New Orleans charm while sipping on the Pelican Bar’s specialty cocktails. Grab a bite to eat and make sure to order some red, white, or sparkling wines.

Tropical Isle helps make Bourbon Street so internationally famous. Everyone knows that if you go to Tropical Isle, you gotta get a Hand Grenade, aka New Orleans’ "most powerful drink."

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WhereYat.com | January 2022

41

TALES FROM THE QUARTER

By Debbie Lindsey

Yes We Can

JANUARY 7–9, 2022

UNITED BY

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New Year's Eve / Sugar Bowl | Where Y'at Magazine

H

ow do you ring in a new year when your bell is still tethered to the past? Didn’t we all think that 2021 would move beyond the political craziness and that the pandemic would soon be beaten into submission? I mean, come on, don’t we get a “do over” or a fresh start with a new year? But then some things just don’t let go, as witnessed by the January 6 insurrection and two more major spikes by the COVID Cootie monster.

So let’s not forget that we are going to enter 2022 with some baggage, just as we have done every year past. Just like that New Year’s Day hangover that began the night (year) before. A calendar date does not make or break a trend or situation. And some things should never be relegated to “the rear-view mirror.” What is behind us sometimes doesn’t slow down and pull over or speed up and pass us by. And frankly for all my stated gloom and doom of previous years, there were, and always are, fabulous events and moments that we want to carry forward. With due respect for the horrors and tragedies that our world has endured during the last two years in particular, I personally have been blessed with an abundance of good fortune that might never have occurred during more peaceful times.

I think I am the only human being that was never bored during the lockdown of COVID. Perhaps having the most time off ever in my life from punching a clock or running a business made me feel the need to be productive. I am profoundly grateful for the things that allowed me to luxuriate rather than languish during this unprecedented limbo of time/routine/pace stalled. First thing is we (husband and I) are so lucky to live where we do—in a New Orleans neighborhood filled with neighbors who walk and talk and know the art of porch and stoop sitting. We were never at a loss for folks to chat (at a safe distance) with and socialize among outdoors. Sure we measured the distance from our porch to the sidewalk and even then wore masks.

I also credit the dogs of our city as they kept us out on the sidewalks and not sequestered in our homes. Oh, we did the dart and dodge when passing folks on our sidewalks but, hey, no problem.

The past year and a half-plus have given me better relationships with my neighbors and introduced me to many more. Two hurricanes and the seemslike-forever pandemic have united many folks with post storm clean-ups, shared food, ice, water, and cell phone charging.

Again, I am blessed with a neighborhood that attracts lots of sidewalk strolling— this little hamlet has grocery stores, a laundry mat, bars, and cafes that neighbors are constantly on foot to support.

And most of our neighbors are tethered to a dog, and nothing is more socializing than our critters. We may forget each other’s name but never each other’s dogs and cats. Husband and I were already immersed in this community, but the past two years really enhanced our relationships here.

As I have already mentioned in my columns, the disasters we have encountered lead us into the wonderful world of volunteerism. The friendships formed while bagging produce for food drives have given me far more than the meals I may have helped provide. I feel that the fun and social pleasures I received volunteering were over-payments—there is some guilt in having such a rewarding time on the heels of someone else’s suffering. I guess I should just be grateful—and I am.

Yes, I am reflecting on 2020, as well as the 2021 we are leaving behind. So, tell me, do you also feel that the past two years have merged, somehow braided together, in your memory? I have to actually look at a calendar to see how many Jazz Fests we have all missed. And did we file taxes for 2019 in 2020 or 2021?

When was my last teeth cleaning appointment—was that before the shut down or after? Oh yeah, after; I remember now— front desk in masks taking temperatures.

Forgot what my dentist looks like without a mask—did he have a beard before? For years, Katrina was a point of reference to time and place. “Yeah, that was before Katrina that we didn’t have a car. Now ya gotta have evacuation wheels.” “Hurricane Ida was a breeze since we had running water and didn’t have to run from water.” “Was that job before The Flood or after?” Also, time kinda stands still during disasters. For example: when a disaster is a shared event and you are out of work as a result, the bills and responsibilities freeze somewhat; sure you’ll have to play frantic make-up after wards, but, in the meantime, your calendar is suspended.

Everything feels like a “senior moment” as you try to remember what day of the week it is.

I get that everyone wants to move on; however that rear-view mirror provides a reminder of what to avoid as we move forward and also what to never forget. We have been to hell and back but, luckily, many of us have learned that we are stronger than we could have ever imagined. Hopefully empathy has grown within all of us and that emotion is certainly one that we are going to need in abundance. 2022 is going to require us to be fully present and engaged. To quote the late, great, Allen Toussaint: “We got to make this land a better land than the world in which we live…I know we can work it out. Oh yes we can, I know we can can…if we wanna, yes we can can.”

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New Year's Eve / Sugar Bowl | Where Y'at Magazine

By Phil LaMancusa

Ready or Not

I

f you’re a gambler and, say, this coming year (2022) were your poker hand, it would be three deuces and a Joker. For real. Four of kind, no need to draw one; sit back, bet the farm. “Beat that!” you say…and (with your luck), the dealer pulls a straight flush (beating you).

Welcome to the New Year. “The first days are the hardest days; don’t you worry anymore, ‘cause when life looks like easy street, there is danger at your door,” Jerome John Garcia (Jerry to you).

As an eternally optimistic gambler, you hope that this year will be better than the last; but wait(!), didn’t you say that last year? And the year before? And the year before that? Life has a way of giving you that “come hither” look while it’s kickin’ your ass, duddnit? It’s something we never get used to. The old carrot and the stick trick.

Here’s a prediction, despite your resolutions: in this new year, you’re gonna have some really great days and you’re gonna have some really awful days; you’re gonna have some really REALLY GREAT days and you’re gonna have some days that are gonna really REALLY SUCK. With any luck, you’ll live through it and come out on the other side and ask 2023 to be a better year, but I wouldn’t bet on it. It’s called life, and, I beg your pardon, you weren’t promised a rose garden (Lyn Anderson). Whatever doesn’t kill you doesn’t make you stronger; it simply doesn’t kill you (with any luck at all).

Here’s how I deal with it: I treat life like my kitchen; think this through with me.

Some things come in and need prepped and chilled, like paying power bills, car payment, phone bills, and stuff. You know, the perishable stuff that you need to pay close attention to. Some things get put on the menu, like shopping at CVS, calling your pet food delivery service and telling them that you have a buttload of prescription cat food and to just STOP sending stuff, or needing to stop by Foot Locker to replace those blown out running shoes. Some things get put on the shopping list: the dentist, the auto mechanic, the conversation with that lawn guy that blew your leaves into the storm drain.

Other things are cookin’: the dinner at Sarah’s house (should you bring wine?), play dates with little Dakota and whatshisname at the park, the visit to the veterinarian to get Fluffy’s anal glands expressed.

Some things merely get shelved: that spa day, sleeping in, answering someone that actually wrote you a letter, sending a donation to the Save the Banana Slug Society. And on and on. So you’ve got things in the fridge, in the closet, on the cutting board, on the front and the back burner, stuff to get and stuff to get rid of and stuff to keep; then the phone rings: you won the Irish Sweepstakes or the fit has hit the shan.

My personal philosophy is twofold: 1.

Don’t open any mail that may concern monies owed or paid Friday–Sunday; wait until Monday when you can deal with any complications. 2. Don’t answer the phone early in the morning (“Good news sleeps ‘til noon,” Cowboy Junkies). I needed to realize that I’m not comfortable being uncomfortable, and fretting over a bank statement or IRS correspondence ruins my weekend with no actual closure until Monday anyway, so why subject myself to unnecessary stress (can I get an amen)?

The other thing (number 2) is: no pleasant conversation can be had before coffee kicks in.

Last year had births and deaths of people that touch my heart; I shed tears of joy and pain. Last year I gained, lost, and gained again employment; I went in and out of debt (again). Last year I was subjected to a pandemic, a hurricane, and I threw my back out; my car still runs hinky and, once, the cat peed on the bed. I didn’t exercise more or drink less as I promised in last year’s resolutions; however, I’m still alive and so there is hope for me yet.

Last year watching the news, nothing affecting my life turned out positive; oh, Brittany got her freedom and Alec shot somebody, but did we achieve world peace, combat climate change, help fleeing refugees, or establish women, voter, and animal rights? No. Also, I got older last year and that means that, no matter how I look at it, I have one less year to live; P.S., the streets still have potholes, there’s still no recycling, and my electric bill went up despite Entergy posting record profits.

Jazz Fest was cancelled TWICE last year!!!

What’s a poor boy to do?

At times like these when maudlin thoughts rear their head like the Loch Ness monster, I put my rose colored glasses back on.

1. I am of reasonably sound mind and body, despite what others may think.

2. I remain mutually in love and in a positive relationship with a person of worth and beauty because of our working our asses off to keep it that way.

3. My living situation remains stable and secure, as long as I can pay my bills, keep the termites controlled, and stay on equitable terms with my landlord.

4. I cannot foresee in the coming year any situations worse than those I’ve faced in the past.

5. I have not missed a meal.

So, here’s to 2022; I maintain a suspiciously optimistic attitude that the majority of things (positive and not so positive) that will happen will be out of my control and will eventually lead me to a greater understanding of my value and worth; I will continue to be kind and thoughtful and remember always what the great Keith Richards opines, “Shit happens, but there’s always the future.”

OUT & ABOUT WITH

HOLIDAY LOBBY LIGHTING AT THE ROOSEVELT

RUNNING OF THE SANTAS AT GENERATIONS HALL

Lobby Lighting at The Roosevelt New Orleans, from left: Gayle Benson with Master Petey; WDSU's Randi Rousseau and kids

MATEO & CO'S CANDYLAND SOIREES

THANKSGIVING OPENING DAY AT THE FAIRGROUNDS RACE COURSE AND SLOTS 150TH SEASON Thanksgiving at the Fairgrounds Race Course and Slots brought out a full array of hats.

Mateo & Co's Candyland Soirees costumed characters made for a special night at the benefit for Son of a Saint.

VIRGIN HOTELS NEW ORLEANS HOLIDAY OPENING

Virgin Hotels New Orleans Opening Holiday Party, from left: Maddy Minter, Lauren Busch, and Poppy Tooker enjoy the holiday decor; WGNO's Kenny Lopez enjoyed the cuisine of Head Chef Alex Harrell.

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New Year's Eve / Sugar Bowl | Where Y'at Magazine

Running of the Santas at Generations Hall infused a little Merry Madness to kick off the season.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ROOSEVELT—MONWELL FRAZIER; GENERATIONS HALL—GUSTAVO ESCANELLE; VIRGIN HOTELS / MATEO & CO.—EMILY HINGLE; FAIRGROUNDS—ROBERT WITKOWSKI

XXX WHERE Y'BEEN