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January 2024

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

WhereYat.com | January 2024

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CONTENTS 32 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 22 36

Samantha Fish LSU Bowl Preview Tulane Bowl Preview Sugar Bowl Preview Punk'd on New Year's Eve Community Resolutions for 2024

January 2024

Food & Drink 32 34 38 40 44 45

Twelfth Night King Cake Guide New Year Juice Cleanses

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Josh Danzig Creative Director: Robert Witkowski Executive Editor: Burke Bischoff Copy Editor: Donald Rickert

$20 & Under

Movie Editors: David Vicari, Fritz Esker

Dining Guide

Contributing Writers: Phil LaMancusa, Debbie Lindsey, Kim Ranjbar, Burke Bischoff, Julie Mitchell, Greg Roques, Sabrina Stone, Kimmie Tubre, Emily Hingle, Celeste Turner, Joey Cirilo, Jeff Boudreaux, Cynthea Corfah, Brooke Adams, Frances Deese, Arielle Gonzales, Amy Kirk-Duboisin, Michelle Nicholson

Food News Bar Guide

Why Joan of Arc Belongs to NOLA Carnival Walking Parades

Cover: Samantha Fish by Gustavo Escanelle

Chasing Leah's Birthday

Director of Sales: Jim Sylve

Entertainment & Nightlife 24 28 48 50

Live Music Calendar Lakeside2Riverside Movie Reviews

Extras 20 27 48

Mardi Gras Parade Maps Tales From the Quarter Po-Boy Views

Logo ©2023 All rights reserved Bruce Betzer, Legal Counsel: (504) 304-9952

Letter from the Publisher

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Interns: Ashley Damron, Martha Wilson, Schyler Vicknair, Amelia Hervey, Presley Tyler, Olivia Boudreaux Subscribe: Receive 1 year (14 issues) for $30.

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Where Y'Been

Happy New Year from Where Y’at. Samantha Fish, the hardest working woman in heels, helps us ring in 2024. Enjoy Emily Hingle’s interview with this blues starlet who has taken the music scene by storm.

Football fans will agree that this is the most wonderful time of the year. Andrew Alexander previews the Sugar Bowl, as well as Tulane’s and LSU’s postseason grinds.

2024 features an early Mardi Gras, and this issue will put you into the Twelfth Night spirit. Joey Cirilo explores nontraditional king cakes, including one made with raw fish.

Brooke Adams profiles Joan of Arc and explains why she’s the unofficial Saint of New Orleans.

This issue also has parade maps of the season’s early walking parades, including Chewbacchus, Krewe du Vieux, and more.

–Josh Danzig, Publisher

Photographers and Designers: Gus Escanelle, Kim Ranjbar, Emily Hingle, Robert Witkowski

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SAMANTHA FISH

The Hardest Working Woman in Heels

By Emily Hingle Portrait Photography by Gustavo Escanelle

Rhapsodic is a word that well describes musician Samantha Fish.

Walking out on stage in skin-tight leather clothes and impossiblytall high heels, wielding her guitar like a weapon, and shaking her platinum blonde curls with every note, Samantha captivates her audience with hot riffs and flair that are so hard to come by nowadays. The bombshell blues maker is hellbent on bringing authentic, meaningful music to stages across the world and reinvigorating a scene that inspired her to pick up the guitar when she was just a child.

Kansas City, Missouri-born Samantha Fish has climbed through the ranks to be known as one of the coolest blues musicians alive today, though there are gatekeepers out there who feel that her brand of the blues isn’t traditional enough to be included in the genre.

“Is it allowed to evolve? Do you still call it blues if it’s evolved beyond the traditional form?” Samantha questioned. “I guess there’s a fine line between what the purists’ stance would consider watering down a genre—including too many things and taking away from what the root of it is—and what other people think—this is just expanding or understanding of it. This is just the next evolution and if you don’t let music evolve, it dies.’”

As she started out playing small venues in her hometown and surrounding areas, the blues enthusiasts were “middle-aged/older” people who preferred traditional blues. Samantha’s ambition grew, and so did her repertoire. “As I’ve put out different albums, we’ve touched on Americana and put out a record that touched on pop and rock ‘n’ roll. I see different ages at our show, and it depends on the region. When we go out to the West Coast, I see a diverse crowd. The East Coast tends to be a little older. It’s exciting to me to see the demographic change because I want to connect to as many people as possible.”

Samantha Fish is one of many younger artists who are indulging in sounds and styles that could be considered nostalgic due to the lack of computer-created beats and performing over backing tracks. The hard work of Samantha and her peers, including Billy Strings and Lindsey Stirling, is paying off in having fans of all ages, sold-out shows, and headlining at huge venues.

Samantha said, “There’s lots of young players out

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

there. Gary Clark Jr. comes to mind as someone who’s at the forefront of blues that’s pushing it forward and doing really, really well with it. I think that there’s a passion for people with instruments and live instrumentation, and we’re on a good track.”

Though she calls New Orleans home now, she is often on the road. Touring is nearly the only income stream for musicians as physical album sales have given way to streaming, and streaming is not paying out in the way that CDs used to. “You see the increase in streams and the decline of sales. You can see where things are headed. I think sometimes we just make albums to fulfill a tour because that’s where all the money is these days. We’ve all been forced out onto the road, and it's expensive. It’s almost impossible to break even,” Samantha honestly stated.

Still, she loves being out on the road, playing guitar, and singing her heart out for her growing number of fans.

It’s that commitment to engaging, memory-making live performance that Samantha feels will save music for future generations. She mused, “You see the trajectory that modern music is taking, and you have all these scary articles about AI songs being made on computers that’s the furthest thing away from someone playing an instrument. The more popular that gets, I think there’s going to be a desire for authentic performance and real connection. I really do. That’s why music has been this universal tool that connects all of us—through language, through everything. Music is in all of us. As long as people are seeking it out, there’s going to be a demand for it. I think there’s always going to be people wanting that real connection and that real feeling, and you can only get it from other humans.”

Whether on the road or right here in her city, Samantha Fish’s talent is undeniable. Not only is she a skilled guitarist and vocalist, winning awards and garnering top slots on the charts, she is getting the attention of people who otherwise may have never heard or seen someone play rollicking, soulful blues. “You have to create moments for people,” she said about how to capture and keep that attention in a world full of noise in an age of miniscule attention spans. And Samantha is happy with how things have turned out for her since picking up the guitar as a kid. “As far as I’m concerned, my version of the blues is doing pretty well. I’ve got my head down, and I’m grinding out tour dates.”

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FINISH STRONG Brian Kelly and LSU Fighting for Another 10-Win Season

By Andrew Alexander

After winning the SEC West and earning a spot in the conference championship game in coach Brian Kelly’s first season in Baton Rouge, LSU’s 2023 regular season results are a tad bittersweet.

On the one hand, No. 13 LSU lost three ushering in the beginning of the end of the regular season games again, albeit to Les Miles era. three teams, on the road, who are ranked This matchup features LSU’s top scoring in the top 11, have a combined three offense (over 46 points per game) against Wislosses between them, and include the SEC consin’s stout defense, which allows less than champion (Alabama) and ACC champion 19 ppg. But, on the flip side, Wisconsin’s of(Florida State). fense is subpar and LSU’s defense is abysmal.

On the other hand, LSU has Fortunately for LSU, Wisconsin’s a chance for back-to-back 10-win top two running backs are unavailable seasons, an impressive for the bowl game. feat considering the The Badgers will turn Tigers won an abysto Jackson Acker to mal 11 games total in shoulder the rushJANUARY 1, 2024, 11:00 AM the final two years of ing load. The redshirt the previous regime. sophomore has 240 RAYMOND JAMES STADIUM Plus, LSU fans were yards rushing so far TAMPA, FL treated to an offensive this season. Senior ESPN 2 fireworks display for quarterback Tanner the ages led by electric Mordecai isn’t going performances from to strike fear into the quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receivers hearts of many opponents. The sixth-year Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. signal caller threw for 1,687 yards, six touchThe question the Tigers now face is: Will downs, and four interceptions this season. all their star players decide to suit up one last time or opt-out to begin preparing for the NFL PREDICTION Draft? On the defensive side of the ball, will If Daniels, Nabers, and Thomas play, the LSU defensive coordinator Matt House still Tigers will roll. Even if Daniels doesn’t play, be employed for the bowl game? All that and it’ll be a fun preview of next season to more is yet to be determined. watch backup quarterback Garrett Nussmeier sling it around for three hours. WisconBOWL BADGER SEASON sin’s defense will likely put up a valiant fight The Tigers now set their sights on Wisearly on, but LSU’s offense will eventually consin, their upcoming opponent in the overpower the Badgers.

ReliaQuest Bowl. The Badgers (7-5) are LSU 42, Wisconsin 17 riding a two-game winning streak in coach *Disclaimer: Due to the nature of the current transfer portal Luke Fickell’s first year. The last time these era of college football, we cannot guarantee that any of the programs met was 2016 when the Badgers players mentioned will actually suit up for the bowl game. And, yes, we realize how sad that is. knocked off LSU 16-14 in Green Bay, WI,

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

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY LSU FOOTBALL; LOGO: NCAA

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END OF AN ERA? Will Tulane’s Success Continue with Jon Sumrall?

By Andrew Alexander

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After a magical run in 2022, Tulane had have a trio of solid receivers in Da’Quan the chance to clinch a second consecutive Felton, Jaylin Lane, and Dae’Quan Wright American conference title and New Year’s to watch out for in this matchup.

Six Bowl berth. Despite living on a prayer For Tulane, it all comes down to pride. in one-score games throughout the season, How much do the Green Wave want to end the Green Wave went 11-1. the season on a high note? They flirted Any hope of a repeat was erased with a second loss all season, survived, when Southern Methodist rode into then lost to SMU. Then their coach left. town and swiped away a victory. A day There’s no question Tulane is a very later, Tulane’s coach, Willie Fritz, antalented football team, but what is the nounced his move to the mental state of the key University of Houston. players right now?

Can newly-appointTulane’s quarterback ed coach Jon Sumrall Michael Pratt is the AAC keep the feel-good era Offensive Player of the of Green Wave football?

DECEMBER 27, 1:00 PM Year, passing for over The previously apathet2,400 yards and 22 NAVY-MARINE CORPS ic Tulane fans finally touchdowns and was also cared somewhat about the team’s second leadMEMORIAL STADIUM what their football team ing rusher. Is he playing?

ANNAPOLIS, MD accomplished on SaturShould he play? It’s sad days in the fall. that those questions have ESPN Offensive coordinator to be posed, but that’s Slade Nagle takes over as interim head coach the reality of college football today. for the Green Wave as they prepare to face off against Virginia Tech in the Military Bowl.

PREDICTION Michael Pratt delivers a final, glorious HANDLING THE HOKIES exclamation point on an incredible Tulane Virginia Tech (6-6) was the epitome of aver- career, the Green Wave Roll, and their age this season. Yet, the Hokies did improve apathetic fanbase enjoys one last hurrah as the season progressed. After a 1-3 start, before returning to obscurity for another second-year coach Brent Pry guided his two decades. team to a respectable .500 finish.

Quarterback Kyron Drones passed for TULANE 31, VIRGINIA TECH 24 nearly 2,000 yards, 15 touchdowns, and *Disclaimer: Due to the nature of the current transfer three interceptions. His backfield companportal era of college football, we cannot guarantee that ion, Bhayshul Tuten, rushed for over 700 any of the players mentioned will actually suit up for the yards and eight touchdowns. The Hokies bowl game. And, yes, we realize how sad that is.

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Are the Longhorns Back?

Sugar Bowl Matchup Features Texas vs. Washington

By Andrew Alexander

A long running joke among certain friend Rivalry to Oklahoma. An injury to quarterback groups who care about college football: “Is Quinn Ewers threatened the Texas season, Texas back?” While harsh, it’s true. Prior to but the Longhorns kept finding ways to win, this season, the Longhorns had achieved dou- eking out several close victories in November. ble digit wins just one time since 2009 when Meanwhile, the Huskies are perfect, Colt McCoy was the quarterback in Austin. thwarting all takers, including Oregon twice, Do you remember the Texas Sugar Bowl to remain undefeated. It’s not always pretty, win over Georgia but they get it done. where quarterback They could have easSam Ehlinger infaily lost six of their last mously stated, “We’re seven games. Yet, here JANUARY 1, 2024, 7:45 PM back,” referring to they are—unscathed.

Texas’ place in the upSecond year WashCAESARS SUPERDOME per echelon of college ington coach Kalen ESPN football? Then there DeBoer is 24-2, so far, was the end of the and is on the cusp of Mack Brown era, the Charlie Strong era, the greatness. The 90th edition of the South’s Tom Herman era, and the first two seasons of greatest bowl game features two programs in the Steve Sarkisian era—all terrible. their final years of their former conferences Texas is the most overrated and overhyped and potentially on the rise in the sport of colprogram in collegiate sports, and they’re in for lege football. a rude awakening when they join the SEC next Most local SEC fans dislike Texas, even season #HornsDown. But, first, Sark gets to though Arch Manning plays for them, and face off against his former team, the Washingview them as a threat to LSU. Any time LSU ton Huskies. Led by Heisman finalist Michael fans get a chance to root against the LongPenix Jr., the Huskies are 13-0 PAC-12 champi- horns, they usually take it, especially when ons, surviving a gauntlet November en route the stakes are a trip to the national champito the College Football Playoffs. onship.

Despite Texas’ well-earned reputation for being soft, the Longhorns have displayed PREDICTION uncharacteristic resilience this season. After Longhorns ain’t back. starting off 5-0 with a win over Alabama in Tuscaloosa, the Longhorns lost the Red River Washington 34, Texas 31

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

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PUNK'D'24 How To Still Scare Your Friends on New Year’s Eve if You’re Sober

New Year’s Eve is a time to surround yourself with friends and loved ones, reflect on your lives, and celebrate.

This often revolves around Champagne toasts, cocktails, rounds of beer—but you don’t drink. By Julie Mitchell Either for right now or always, you find yourself on the cusp of a new year, wanting to celebrate, but you are unsure how to do it without booze. Help is here.

No one will admit this, but drinking until it’s a little scary is part of what makes it fun. People want to feel like they had an adventure and drinking so much you do something crazy is what makes the night so special, different from nights where you had one or two, remembered everyone’s name, and kept your shirt on. But those feelings don’t just come from alcohol. That’s the easiest one, but there are other things to keep the night entertaining, exciting, and fun without drinking. Some suggestions to get you started:

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2. SPEAK IN ANOTHER LANGUAGE 78% of Americans only speak English.

Did you know the time you’re most likely to shock someone is when they’re not expecting it? You probably have friends you’ve only spoken one language to the entire time you’ve known them.

When they see you on New Year’s Eve, that’s what they’re expecting because it’s all they’ve ever known. Only speak Russian. And if you’re like, “I don’t know Russian,” okay, and? Duolingo is free.

You don’t start preparing for Christmas the night before, or Halloween, or Mardi Gras, or Valentine’s Day. Holidays take planning. New Year’s Eve is a lifestyle.

Download that app mid-summer. Join a conversation circle. You’re not going to be fluent, but you’re going to know some. Your friends probably don’t speak Russian, so the bar is pretty low. The same way you’re a slightly different version of yourself when you’re drunk, you can do that now, alcohol free.

Tonight, you’re the Russian version of yourself. Then when the clock strikes midnight, switch back to English and go, “Whoa, what just happened?”

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

3. DON’T SPEAK AT ALL What’s scarier than spending $45 on PBR? Going out with your closest friends but you don’t say a word. Mouth words and pretend to be confused that they can’t hear you. This is going to throw them off all night. They’ll never forget it. It’s like witnessing an alien abduction, but you’re staying right here.

4. BRING A LOT OF HAM EVERYWHERE People love food but there are unwritten rules. Food has to be sanitary and it has to come from someplace visible. Imagine you’re hanging out with someone and you reach into your pocket and come out with a fistful of ham?

They’ll feel like they’re drunk, but, actually, they’re experiencing reality too much. Remember when you used to throw up in the bathroom then go out and keep drinking? This is like that but the opposite—with ham.

5. HAVE STICKERS Excitement doesn’t just have to come from fear. People forget about sheer whimsy.

The best Mardi Gras costumes are the ones with some kind of little present or trinket. Goldfish out of a bowl on your head?

Oreos from a black hole in your stomach?

Coconuts or shoes? We all just want little gifts.

On New Year’s Eve, no one is expecting a gift like stickers. They’re thin as paper and you can have thousands of them. Let people put them on unsuspecting passersby, lampposts, buildings, dogs, the ground—the world is just one giant piece of paper to someone with stickers.

6. REMINISCE ABOUT THE PAST New Year’s Eve is about beginnings. Some reflection, sure, but not enough. That ends tonight. Every time people start talking about the future, get a wistful look in your eye and say, “It’ll never be what it was.” Or a well-placed, “We really were something, weren’t we?” This will scare people around you. Do you have a head injury they don’t know about? Are you possessed by a ghost? Keep ’em guessing.

You will findfind other unique ways to be a menace that feel true to you. The important thing is: If you don’t want to drink, then that shouldn’t get in the way of doing the things you love, especially if those things are confusing strangers and friends. You’ll always be who you are, with alcohol or without. Now get out there and disrupt someone’s sense of reality.

It’s fun. Happy New Year.

ADOBE STOCK

1. STEAL A CAR Not a new or expensive one— an old car, just for a bit. Most people aren’t driving on New Year’s Eve (hopefully), so if you return it quickly, they might not even notice. And if they do, that just adds to the thrill. A few weeks before New Year’s, keep an eye out for cars that never seem to move. The world around them changes, but they just stay the same. Maybe they’re parked on Elysian Fields, maybe they aren’t. If you’re like, “Those cars probably don’t even run,” fix one. Can you imagine how impressed your friends will be if you go up to a run down car and start it with a screwdriver?

That story will be told every year until you die. You don’t even have to really steal it—just take it around the block then return it. No one will even be mad if they catch you, because you fixed their car.

WhereYat.com | January 2024

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E G A L L I V A S S E N K A A E T IT NEW ORL E K I L ty i n u m m o C d o Feel Go tions for 2024 Resolu

S t one

January is the month we get it together. But how often do those new interests become year-long habits? Maybe if the things we chose to do brought us joy and pride and didn’t require too much sweating, we’d have a better shot at continuing them, integrating those endorphins into our daily, weekly, or monthly routines instead of waiting until January of 2025 to do them again.

There are so many volunteer opportunities throughout the city. Here’s a few ideas that, even if you just do them once, will be a big help to the community, and if you keep doing them, might make your life and the lives around you just a little bit better.

STOCK YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY FRIDGE. Those of us that can regularly afford food often have extra. I’m looking at you, Costco Club card holders. Did you prepare for a hurricane that never came? Did you make your favorite dish so many times that you can no longer stomach it? Did you cook for an army when you’re only an army of two?

All around the city, there are Community Fridges that need to be stocked. This miracle of mutual aid, when properly provided, ensures that people don’t go hungry. Access to food is the bare minimum for survival.

There is no one who doesn’t deserve balanced meals and proper nutrition.

Whether you are able to stock prepared meals or just an occasional cereal box, it can make a difference. As their mission states, “No one is fed, until everyone is fed.”

If you’ve got a car, try swinging by the pantries that are understocked, where the need is the highest. If you’re walking, there are 16 fridges throughout the city. Find the closest fridge to you at nolacommunityfridges.org.

VOLUNTEER AT THE ROOTS OF MUSIC. The Roots of Music is an afterschool program focused on music education that provides 2,500 hours of classes, 30,000+ balanced hot meals, and 1,400 bus pickups and dropoffs every single year. They’ve been going strong

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the lives of thousands of kids aged 9-14. You’ve undoubtedly seen them at a second line, looking fresh in their uniforms and filling the air with that brass band energy.

If you love what they do, there are so many ways that you can get involved.

Besides donating, if you’re 18 or older, you can: help students with their homework, enhance their social skills, assist the administrative team, or even teach music classes. If you’ve got a spare instrument laying around, they’re always looking for more. You can donate supplies from their Amazon wishlist, and, if you’ve got technical skills, fixing up broken instruments is a great way to lend a hand. Follow their beautifully curated socials and keep an eye out for events and fundraisers. There’s no reason that volunteering shouldn’t be fun.

PLAY WITH SOME PUPPIES. If you’ve always wanted a dog or a cat but live in an apartment that doesn’t allow pets, you can still scratch that itch. Nearly every shelter needs dogwalkers or people to come play with the animals and let them out of their cages.

Volunteering to take a dog to an adoption event or transport an animal from a kill shelter to a place where they’ve got a shot at a happy life really helps. Take Paws’ Stray Café even lets you borrow shelter dogs to bring to coffee shops while you work, so that the pups can get outside time and meet potential adopters.

If you can have pets where you live, but aren’t sure you’re ready for a lifelong commitment, consider fostering. Young puppies and kittens who haven’t had their vaccines yet or animals recovering from an illness or an operation especially need to be in a home until they find their forever place. Your life will be enriched for however long you have a furry companion. There’s no shortage of rescues in this city. Contact the Humane Society, Louisiana SPCA, Zeus’ Rescues, Villalobos, ARNO, Trampled Rose Rescue & Rehab, New Orleans Bulldog Rescue, Cane Haven, or go on PetFinder.com and find the adoption center closest to you.

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

for birds and other forms of wildlife, definitely.

But did you know that it also helps lower the heat index, sequesters carbon, mitigates flooding, and removes pollutants from the air? As the summers get noticeably hotter, the city’s reforestation plan, announced in January of 2023, is to plant an extra 100,000 trees by 2040.

There are several organizations where you can volunteer to make our city a greener place. Check out NOLA Tree Project, Soul NOLA (Sustaining Our Urban Landscape), become a member of Friends of the Lafitte Greenway, or volunteer at your local community garden, Audubon Park, City Park, or one of the 200 smaller parks or squares throughout the city.

FRIEND THE NOPL. There are 15 libraries throughout New Orleans and not even half of enough funding to go around. Free and accessible knowledge to everyone, at every age, is essential for development.

Friends of the New Orleans Public Library is an

them. On a related note, if you’ve got books on your shelves that are just collecting dust, use them to help stock the little community libraries peppered throughout town.

CHECK OUT Volunteermatch.org.

There are 400+ organizations in need of help through Volunteermatch.org. You can sort by area of interest (i.e.: disaster relief, employment, arts and culture, environment, hunger, homelessness, health and medicine).

You can sort by type of community in need: veterans, LGBTQ+, seniors, children, youth, and/or people with disabilities.

There are opportunities for every skill set and background.

It’s impossible not to find something that’s a meaningful match for you. Use the new year to make a difference.

FROM LEFT: ALVAN NEE / UNSPLASH; COURTESY ROOTS OF MUSIC/ ARI ESPAY

brina

By S a

a gym r o f p u igned old friends? s t ’ n s ha lled organization r. Who heckup? Ca a e y that provides w c e l n a grants, recruits or the r their annu f s n o volunteers, and sponsors the Summer i o t f u l n i so Fun Program, Children’s Book Week, adult ? Gone ing re k k a a y PLANT A TREE. m a programs, and creative writing workshops. k e v a o t l h l l g WE NEED 100K MORE. a u They also provide 100,000 books annually o e B W hip?

What does planting a tree do? It adds more s r to schools, hospitals, prisons, shelters, and for 15 years e b oxygen, of course, and makes more habitats mem other spaces in the community that need now and have changed

WhereYat.com | January 2024

17

NOLA's Unofficial Patron Saint

By Brooke Adams

New Orleans, a city brimming with culture, flavor, and fun, has a saint that perfectly represents the city—unofficially.

Joan of Arc parade 7 p.m. , Jan. 6, 2024 18

Amidst all of the uniquely religious and secular customs and traditions that make the Big Easy so captivating, one stands out like a light up bead at a night parade: the love of Joan of Arc as New Orleans’s patron saint.

Every year on January 6, New Orleans turns out for the procession of the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc, which celebrates the birthday of Joan of Arc. While the French Market has a golden statue of Joan, which was gifted to the city by the people of France, the question remains: Why is Joan of Arc considered the unofficial patron saint of our city?

According to the Catholic Church and the Archdiocese of New Orleans, the official patron saint of New Orleans, and Louisiana, is actually Our Lady of Prompt Succor, who has her own fascinating history. Our Lady of Prompt Succor refers to the Virgin Mary, associated with a wooden devotional image of the Madonna and Child enshrined in Ursuline Academy. There is no holier woman to choose as a patroness than the mother of Christ, the blessed virgin.

However, our city is not known for following rules or being all that holy. In a most New Orleans fashion, our city has chosen our own patroness in spirit. While Saint Joan of Arc may not be the city’s official patroness, because she is the patron saint of Orléans, France, New Orleans has embraced her nonetheless.

Joan of Arc and New Orleans may appear a tenuous connection at first glance, but our devotion to Saint Joan of Arc is a testament to the city’s ability to embrace a diverse range of traditions and weave them into its unique cultural fabric.

Joan of Arc’s relationship with New Orleans can be traced to its French heritage roots. Founded by the French in 1718, New Orleans carries the legacy of French culture and traditions, including the veneration of Joan of Arc. In 1429, the same year Joan of Arc was leading the French to victory at Orléans, King Charles VII of France officially recognized the city of Orléans as the birthplace of Joan of Arc. This link is what ties New Orleans to the remarkable French heroine.

Before delving into Joan’s connection with New Orleans, let’s take a moment to get to know Joan of Arc. Born in Domrémy, France, in 1412, she was a peasant girl who went on to become one of history’s most iconic figures. At the bright young age of 17, she claimed to have received divine revelations that urged her to lead the French army against the English during the Hundred Years’ War. She famously dressed as a man and was instrumental in the lifting of the siege of Orléans, a turning point in the war. Officially, Saint Joan of Arc is considered the patron saint of soldiers. Unofficially, she is the patron saint of France, soldiers, prisoners, youth, those in need of courage,

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

and those ridiculed for their faith.

New Orleans has always been a city that embraces individualism and diversity. From its vibrant culture and distinct cuisine to its worldfamous music and arts scenes, the city thrives on creativity and the celebration of unique identities. The spirit of New Orleans, much like Joan of Arc’s, is one of unapologetic individualism. In the heart of the city, where music fills the streets and Mardi Gras parades are a wild celebration of all things colorful and unique, the people of New Orleans proudly wear their individuality like a badge of honor.

What makes Joan of Arc particularly fascinating is her defiance of gender norms in a deeply patriarchal society. At a time when women were often marginalized and relegated to traditional roles, Joan’s audacious decision to dress as a man and take on a leadership role was revolutionary. Her unwavering commitment to her divine mission and her ability to rally troops behind her demonstrated a level of autonomy that challenged the prevailing notions of masculinity and femininity in the 15th century.

Joan’s actions were a testament to her unyielding belief in her purpose and her refusal to be defined or limited by her gender. She embodies the spirit of a strong, independent woman who, against all odds, managed to break through societal constraints to achieve greatness.

New Orleans is a city where traditions are kept alive, but it is also a place where traditions are reinvented and reshaped. Just as Joan of Arc challenged the conventions of her time, New Orleans has a history of celebrating those who break the mold. In a city where flamboyant costumes and colorful characters are just part of the daily norm, Joan of Arc’s audacious choice to don men’s clothing in pursuit of her mission fits right into the city’s vibe of self-expression and embracing one’s true self.

In many ways, Joan of Arc also embodies the spirit of resilience that New Orleans has displayed throughout its history. Just as Joan of Arc rallied the French army against incredible odds, the people of New Orleans have repeatedly shown their resilience in the face of adversity.

Whether it’s recovering from natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina or facing social and economic challenges, the city’s indomitable spirit remains unbroken.

Joan of Arc’s example is a reminder that individuals, regardless of their gender or background, can rise above adversity and inspire others to do the same. She has found a place of honor in New Orleans, where her legacy resonates with the city’s determination to overcome challenges and celebrate diversity.

FROM TOP: THE VISION AND INSPIRATION (JOAN OF ARC SERIES: I) BY LOUIS MAURICE BOUTET DE MONVEL, NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART / CORCORAN COLLECTION (WILLIAM A. CLARK COLLECTION) MORGAN PETROSKI / UNSPLASH; KIM WELSH, PROVIDED BY THE JOAN OF ARC PROJECT

JOAN OF ARC

NEW ORLEANS’ MARDI GRAS S TORE 2812 Toulouse St., New Orleans, LA 70119 Phone: (504) 482-0000

A spirited sanctuary in the heart of New Orleans.

You're invited.

9 Years In A Row

544 Carondelet St barmarilou.com @barmarilou

MAKE RESERVATIONS NOW!

OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE & LATE ON NYE

MARDI GRAS TO EXTENDED STORE HOURS STARTING JANUARY 2ND

Join Us Before the Sugar Bowl on NY Day 701 South Peters St.

504-302-7496 / briquette-nola.com WhereYat.com | January 2024

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Mardi Gras Parade Maps Joan of Arc

Phunny Phorty Phellows

LAKEVIEW

WILLOW STREETCAR BARN CLAIBORNE

S. CARROLLTON

Funky Uptown Krewe

Sat., January 6, 7:00 p.m.

The streetcar krewe participates in the “Carnival Countdown” every year on Twelfth Night and dress in satirical, topical costumes.

Sat., January 6, 7:05 p.m.

Another streetcar "parade" immediately follows the Phunny Phorty Phellows and throws custom-made CDs featuring music made by New Orleans musicians.

Société Des Champs Elysée

Sat., January 6, 7:30 p.m.

This krewe celebrates Twelfth Night and the beginning of the Carnival season aboard the Rampart/ St. Claude Avenue Streetcar.

CITY PARK

N. CARROLLTON

MID-CITY

ST. CHARLES + JEFFERSON

N FIEL

UNION TERMINAL

LOUIS ARMSTRONG PARK

CANAL + ELK

CLAIBO

DS

TREMÉ

ST. CHARLES + NAPOLEON

ESPLANADE + N. RANPART

ELYSIA

ST. CLAUDE + ELYSIAN FIELDS

ALLWAYS LOUNGE

RNE

MARAIS + ST. ROCH

S. RAMPART

ST. CLAUDE + ST. ROCH ST. PETER + N. RAMPART FRANKLIN + ST. CLAUDE

CANAL

FRENCH QUARTER

HOWARD + BARONNE

MARIGNY

ST. ANN + ROYAL

ROYAL + ESPLANADE ROYAL + FRENCHMEN

CANAL + ST. CHARLES

ELYSIAN FIELDS + CHARTRES

L AS

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

Sat., January 27, 6:30 p.m.

This krewe is a revival of the original Krewe of Clones and loved for its satire, adult themes, and political comedy.

SEY LE S RP

DS

BYWATER

Parade schedules and routes are subject to change.

Check WhereYat. com for updates.

MISS RIVER Krewe du Vieux

ME

ITOU

Fri., January 26, 7:00 p.m.

Led by the absinthe fairy and followed by inner krewe marching clubs, the Krewe Boheme presents a feast for the senses.

N FIEL

OU P

Krewe Bohème

DECATUR + ELYSIAN FIELDS

ELYSIA

TC H

ANDREW HIGGINS

20

DECATUR + FRENCHMEN BARRACKS + DECATUR

BIENVILLE + N. FRONT S. PETERS+ DIAMOND

Sun., January 20, 7:00 p.m.

The Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbac­chus is a 900-member, sci-fi themed parade, consisting of over 150 sub-krewes, that make all their own throws.

DECATUR + MARIGNY

DECATUR + ST. ANN CONTI + N. PETERS

HOMER PLESSEY + ROYAL

HO

E

BIENVILLE + DECATUR

FRANKLIN + ROYAL

FRENCHMEN + CHARTRES

LI N

A Z IN

TOULOUSE + CHARTRES

DECATUR ENTRANCE

Chewbacchus

DAUP HIN

BURGUNDY + MANDEVILLE

TOULOUSE + DECATUR

WAREHOUSE

ROYAL + ELYSIAN FIELDS

ROYAL

JACKSON SQUARE

UPTOWN

BURGUNDY + MANDEVILLE

DAUPH INE

NK

POYDRAS

MAG

HARMONY CIRCLE

BURGUNDY + MARIGNY

ST. PETER + BOURBON BOURBON

ST. CHARLES + JACKSON

MUSIC + FRANKLIN

FR A

CBD

ST. CHARLES + LOUISIANA

'tit Rex

Sun., January 28, 4:30 p.m.

New Orleans’ first and only “microkrewe” that takes an alternative approach to parades with mini-sized floats made of shoeboxes.

krewedelusion

Sun., January 28, 7:00 p.m., One of NOLA’s newest, satirical parades composed of numerous inter-krewes that keep the annual theme secret until the day of the parade.

MARTHA WILSON ILLUSTRATION

ST. CHARLES + S. CARROLLTON

Sat., January 6, 7:00 p.m.

This first parade is a fusion of historical appreciation and Mardi Gras tradition that has a sword blessing at St. Louis Cathedral midway through.

E

WhereYat.com | January 2024

21

EPIC STROLLS Walking Parades of Mardi Gras, Part I

By Sabrina Stone

By Author Name [8 pt Verdana Bold]

While images of massive floats covered in flowers, murals, and monsters and filled with double decks of masked riders tossing fistfuls of beads is often what comes to mind when we talk about Mardi Gras, there is a far more human-sized way of celebrating: walking parades.

Chewbacchus

crescent city

brewhouse

JOAN OF ARC PARADE Saturday, January 6, 7:00 p.m. joanofarcparade.org Carnival season officially begins on Twelfth Night, marked by the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc celebrating Joan of Arc’s birthday. Known as the “Maid of Orléans,” she was a military hero and martyred saint in the 1400s in Orléans, France—the city we’re named after. Because of that, this parade has French, medieval, and anarchist themes. You can expect knights, butterflies, jugglers, stilt walkers, puppets, and horses along the route, which lingers at the golden Joan of Arc statue in front of the French Market. The event is familyfriendly and the route is 14 blocks, fitting for their 14th year. Many of the throws are handmade, including collectable Jeanne d’Arc matches.

INTERGALACTIC KREWE OF CHEWBACCHUS Saturday, January 20 7:00 p.m. chewbacchus.org Chewbacchus is an absolute nerd mecca. It is heaven to members of nearly every fandom. You can expect Star Wars, Star Trek, Tetris pieces, sharks, Pokémon, space Vikings, aliens, Aliens v. Predators, robots, and the famous pink Chewbacca. This lightsaber-laden event really uses nighttime to its advantage. There are light-up head pieces, poles, hula hoops, shoes, skirts, wings, and wheels.

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

Krewe Du Vieux

KREWE BOHÈME Friday, January 26, 7:00 p.m. kreweboheme.com The Krewe of Bohème is fueled by green absinthe fairy power. It features the Merry Antoinettes, the Krewe of King James, the Bayou Babes of New Orleans, Krewe De Lune, Les Rebelles, Krewe D’Ensite, Krewe de la Renaissance, Krewe D’Esprit, and so many others. It makes for a magical evening with a crowned fairy queen and biodegradable handmade throws. Watch out—the Merry Antoinettes are known to throw cake.

KREWE DU VIEUX Saturday, January 27, 6:30 p.m. kreweduvieux.org The Krewe du Vieux parade is known for its Joan of raunchy humor, adult themes, and political Arc references. Originally known as the Krewe of Clones and founded in 1978, Krewe du Vieux is now a mainstay in New Orleans Mardi Gras culture. Marching in the French Quarter every third Saturday before Fat Tuesday, the parade features mule-drawn floats and is always accompanied by many of the city’s top brass bands.

‘TIT RƏX, 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, January 28 titrexparade.com The tiniest but mightiest of parades features shoebox floats.

Founded in 2008, this cozy event winds through the Marigny, Bywater, and Tremé. The first official “microkrewe,” ‘Tit Rəx, as in “Petit Rex,” was created in reaction to how massive other parades were becoming. It’s perfect for the kiddos as it all happens at their height. A favorite Easter egg is that you’re likely to see Barbies posed along the route, arms outstretched for throws. And, if you’re wondering, yes, the throws are mini too.

KREWEDELUSION Sunday, January 28, 7:00 p.m. krewedelusion.net A satirical parading krewe, their mission is “to save the universe, beginning at its center: New Orleans.” They make royal proclamations, change orders, syncopated summons, standing orders, declarations, and manifestos. Their fees are affordable and their goals are to have a cheeky, blast of a time.

ALL PHOTOS GUSTAVO ESCANELLE

Though not as famous in lore, there’s a walking parade almost every day of Carnival in 2024. They even bookend the celebrations on the first and the last days. Here’s your guide to six NOLA walking parades in January:

WhereYat.com | January 2024

WhereYat.com | January 2024

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MUSIC CALENDAR For up-to-date listings visit WhereYat.com TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19 Buffa’s Alex McMurray Deutsches Haus Deutsches Haus Kulturabend DMACS Steady Company Orpheum Theater Harry Shearer, Judith Owens Rabbit Hole Rebirth Sidney’s Saloon Henrietta Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Smoking Time Jazz Club Steamboat Natchez Dukes of Dixieland, Steamboat Stompers Tipitina’s Keiko Komaki, River Eckert, Luciano Leães WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20 Buffa’s Wooton Wednesdays Cafe Negril Colin Davis DMACS Sam Price Deutsches Haus American Legion Band Gasa Gasa JARHEAD FERTILIZER, SLAB House of Blues Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Kermit Ruffins National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center Paul & Saskia Duo Picnic Provisions & Whiskey Mikayla Braun Public Service Restaurant Matt Lemmler Trio Saenger Theatre Gregory Porter Snug Harbor Delfeayo Marsalis & Uptown Jazz Orchestra Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Shotgun Jazz Band Steamboat Natchez Dukes of Dixieland, Steamboat Stompers Tipitina’s LPO THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21 Buffa’s Harry Mayronne and Rebecca Leigh, Tom McDermott and Aurora Nealand Cafe Negril Piano Man ‘G’, Sierra Green Carousel Lounge Monty Banks DMACS Paggy Prine, Pizza Man’s Fam Jam Deutsches Haus Bier Musikanten, Liederkranz German Le Bon Temps Roule Soul Rebels Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band Steamboat Natchez Dukes of Dixieland, Steamboat Stompers FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22 Blue Nile Kermit Ruffins Boomtown 2 piece & A Biscuit Buffa’s Adam Rogers, Washboard Chaz Blues Cafe Negril Higher Heights, Jamey St Pierre, Villains DMACS Will Dickerson & the Octavians House of Blues Tamar Braxton Le Bon Temps Roule Dr. Lo Faber, Them Jaywalkers Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl Few Blue NOPSI Hotel Matt Lemmler Spotted Cat Paradise Jazz Band Steamboat Natchez Dukes of Dixieland, Steamboat Stompers Tipitina’s Cyril Neville, Omari Neville & The Fuel Tropical Isle Bourbon Rhythm & Rain Trio SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 Boomtown Caleb Henslry, Horts in December Buffa’s Luke and Arlo Allen, Aurora Nealand, Reggie Scanlan, Brent Rose Cafe Negril Jason Neville, Sierra Green DMACS R & R Smoking Foundation Le Bon Temps Roule Joe Gelini Quartet, Lee Yankie Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl Nashville South Snug Harbor Phillip Manuel

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Spotted Cat Dominick Grillo Steamboat Natchez Dukes of Dixieland, Steamboat Stompers Tipitina’s Flow Tribe Tropical Isle Rhythm & Rain SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 Bacchanal Noah Young, Tangiers Combo Buffa’s Some Like It Hot! Cafe Negril Vegas Cola

National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center Paul & Saskia Duo Public Service Restaurant The Matt Lemmler Trio Snug Harbor Delfeayo Marsal & Uptown Jazz Orchestra Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Shotgun Jazz Band Steamboat Natchez The Dukes of Dixieland, The Steamboat Stompers

YING YANG TWINS AT BIG NIGHT NEW ORLEANS AT THE FILLMORE

The Ying Yang Twins and the Soul Rebels will ring in 2024 at Big Night New Orleans New Year’s Eve at the Fillmore.

A VIP upgrade is available, which includes drinks, buffet dinner, and early entry.

Sunday, December 31, 9 p.m., tickets start at $59.99, bignightneworleans.com

Ace Hotel Josephine Estelle Steamboat Natchez Dukes of Dixieland, Steamboat Stompers The Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band Tropical Isle Rhythm & Rain Trio Victory Church Nola String Quartet MONDAY, DECEMBER 25 Cafe Negril Jelly Roll Stompers Carousel Lounge Nayo Jones DMACS Danny Alexander Fritzel’s Bourbon Street Band Kermit’s Treme Mother-in-Law Lounge Mike Jones Maison Bourbon Danny Rubio, Catahoula Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl Benny Grunch & The Bunch Polo Club John Royen Saturn Bar BC Coogan Spotted Cat Dominick Grillo The Bourbon Orleans Hotel Daryl Johnson, Kid Merv TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26 Apple Barrel NOLA Groove Collective Buffa’s Jelly Biscuit Trio Cafe Negril The Super-Most-Fantastic-Blues-NSuch Jam d.b.a. Sierra Green Dos Jefes Captain Spalding Favela Chic John Krupa Fritzel’s Richard “Piano” Scott, Colin Meyers Rabbit Hole Rebirth Sidney’s Saloon Henrietta!

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Smoking Time Jazz Club Steamboat Natchez The Dukes of Dixieland, The Steamboat Stompers The Bourbon Orleans Hotel Dr. Zach, Ingrid Lucia WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27 Buffa’s Wooton Wednesdays Cafe Negril Colin Davis DMACS Chris Zonada House of Blues Marcia Ball, Carolyn Wonderland, Shelley King Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl The Topcats

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

The Howlin Wolf Alexa Lash Duo THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28 Buffa’s Harry Mayronne, Yvette Voelker, Tom McDermott, Aurora Neyland Cafe Negril Piano Man ‘G’, Sierra Green DMACS Paggy Prine, Pizza Man’s Fam Jam Le Bon Temps Roule The Soul Rebels Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band Steamboat Natchez The Dukes of Dixieland, The Steamboat Stompers FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29 Blue Nile Kermit Ruffins & the BBQ Swingers Boomtown Rockin Rod & Soul Shine Buffa’s Adam Rogers, Maxwell Poulos Trio Cafe Negril Higher Heights, Jamey St Pierre and THC, Villains DMACS Daniel Louis Band House of Blues Let’s Sing Taylor Joy Theater Little Feat Le Bon Temps Roule Hash Cabbage, Or Shovaly Plus Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl Bag of Donuts NOPSI Hotel Matt Lemmler Republic NOLA STEELY DEAD Spotted Cat Paradise Jazz Band Steamboat Natchez The Dukes of Dixieland, The Steamboat Stompers Tipitina’s Dirty Dozen Brass Band Tropical Isle Rhythm & Rain Trio SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30 Boomtown Karen Bradshaw, Brianna Simon Buffa’s Beth Patterson, Belinda Moody Trio Cafe Negril Jason Neville, John Lisi Delta Funk, Sierra Green House of Blues Aidan Carpenter Lakefront Arena Billy Strings Le Bon Temps Roule Jeff’s Back, Mars & Other Planets Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl Bucktown Allstars Oak Wine Bar Or Shovaly Plus Steamboat Natchez The Dukes of Dixieland, The Steamboat Stompers Tipitina’s DJ Soul Sister, DJ Captain Charles Tropical Isle Rhythm & Rain Trio

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 Ace Hotel New Orleans Jamison Ross Boomtown Nashville South Buffa’s Some Like it Hot!, Steve Pistorious Bacchanal Noah Young Trio, Tangiers Combo Cafe Negril Vegas Cola Generations Hall Mashbit, Nacho Mama, DJ Taf, DJ Wixx, DJ Captain Charles, DJ Poppa, DJ Hollaback Fillmore Ying Yang Twins, Soul Rebels, Pretty Na$ty, Daniel Heartless, DJ Less, Muf-a-lottas HOB Foundation Room NYE Extravaganza Lakefront Arena Billy Strings Le Bon Temps Roule Cardboard Cowboy Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl Boogie Men Orpheum Theater Big Freedia Saenger Theatre Juvenile The Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band Tipitina’s Galactic Tropical Isle Rhythm & Rain Trio MONDAY, JANUARY 1 Bamboula’s Jon Roniger Buffa’s Some Like It Hot!, Doyle Cooper, Ryan Hanseler Cafe Negril Jelly Roll Stompers d.b.a. Sierra Green, James Martin DMACS Danny Alexander Spotted Cat Dominick Grillo, Jenavieve Cooke, Michael Watson TUESDAY, JANUARY 2 Buffa’s Alex McMurray Cafe Negril Super-Most-Fantastic-Blues-N-Such Jam DMACS Steady Company Rabbit Hole Rebirth Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Smoking Time Jazz Club WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3 Buffa’s Wooton Wednesdays Cafe Degas Double Whisky Cafe Negril Colin Davis DMACS Sam Price National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center Paul & Saskia Duo New Orleans Jazz Museum Amina Figarova Sextet Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Shotgun Jazz Band THURSDAY, JANUARY 4 Apple Barrel Bubbles Brown Buffa’s Harry Mayronne, Rebecca Leigh, Tom McDermott, Dennis Lichtman Cafe Negril Piano Man ‘G’, Sierra Green DMACS Paggy Prine, Pizza Man’s Fam Jam Marigny Brasserie Jon Roniger Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl Leroy Thomas, Zydeco Roadrunners Spotted Cat Music Club Chris Christy Band, Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band FRIDAY, JANUARY 5 Apple Barrel Bubbles Brown Buffa’s Cole Williams Cafe Negril Higher Heights, Jamey St Pierre and THC, The Villains DMACS Stone Cold Hippies, Michael Cain Deutsches Haus Damenchor Deutsches Haus, Saengerchor Deutsches Haus Gasa Gasa Lilli Lewis, Sweet Magnolia Le Bon Temps Roule Shabram & The Fam Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Ryan Foret Metairie Jefferson Performing Arts Center The Black Jacket Symphony Spotted Cat Paradise Jazz Band SATURDAY, JANUARY 6 Buffa’s Caleb Nelson, Davis Rogan Cafe Negril Jason Neville, John Lisi Delta Funk,

COURTESY BIG NIGHT NEW ORLEANS / YING YANG TWINS

MONDAY, DECEMBER 18 Buffa’s Doyle Cooper Cafe Negril Jelly Roll Stompers DMACS Danny Alexander Santos Bar Sunshine Edae Spotted Cat Dominick Grillo Steamboat Natchez Steamboat Stompers, Dukes of Dixie

TWO FLOORS OF COUNTRY!

Two Bars - Dance floor - Country Music - Balcony

ONE-OF-A-KIND mechanical ROOSTER

RIDE the COURTESY THAT ARENA ROCK SHOW / HOB

COCK! 715 Bienville, NOLA Private Party Bookings: Howdy@saddlebarneworleans.com saddlebarneworleans.com saddlebarnola715

WhereYat.com | December 2023

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MUSIC CALENDAR Sierra Green DMACS Pocket Chocolate George & Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center Steve Lands Le Bon Temps Roule Four Way Stop Tipitina’s Purikura Panic, Candy Mix Maids UNO Lakefront Arena Jay Walker

th

THE CHARLATANS (UK) AT HOUSE OF BLUES

The Charlatans are a British rock band that has been playing together since the late ‘80s. The Charlatans will be joined by Ride, another British rock band that formed in the late ‘80s.

Sunday, January 14, 8 p.m., tickets start

$39.50, houseofblues.com MONDAY, JANUARY 8 Apple Barrel Spotted Cat Paradise Jazz Band Mark Appleford The Howlin Wolf Young Fiction, Manuscript Bamboula’s Jon Roniger Tipitina’s The Radiators Buffa’s Doyle Cooper Cafe Negril Jelly Roll Stompers SATURDAY, JANUARY 13 DMACS Danny Alexander 100 Men Hall Tyron Benoit, Monsters at Large Silk Road No Quarter Shanty Krewe Buffa’s Freddie Blue Spotted Cat Dominick Grillo George & Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center Christien Bold TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 Cafe Negril Jason Nevill, John Lisi Delta Funk, Buffa’s Alex McMurray Sierra Green Rabbit Hole Rebirth Les Bon Temps Roule Killer Whale Siberia Tophouse Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl The Topcats Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Smoking Time Tipitina’s The Radiators Jazz Club Tipitina’s The Lone Bellow Trio SUNDAY, JANUARY 14 Buffa’s Some Like It Hot!, Steve Pistorious WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10 Bacchanal Noah Young, Tangiers Buffa’s Wooton Wednesdays Bombay Club T Marie & Bayou Juju Cafe Degas Double Whisky Cafe Negril Vegas Cola Cafe Negril Colin Davis House of Blues Ride, The Charlatans DMACS Bar & Grill Greg Afek Tipitina’s Raw Oyster Cult Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Shotgun Jazz Band The Howlin Wolf Bloodbelly Blues MONDAY, JANUARY 15 Bamboula’s Jon Roniger THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 Buffa’s Doyle Cooper Jazz Apple Barrel Bubbles Brown Cafe Negril Jelly Roll Stompers Buffa’s Tom McDermott, Dennis Lichtman DMACS Danny Alexander Cafe Negril Piano Man ‘G’, Sierra Green Spotted Cat Dominick Grillo DMACS Paggy Prine, Pizza Man’s Fam Jam Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Chubby Carrier TUESDAY, JANUARY 16 Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Jumbo Shrimp Buffa’s Alex McMurray Jazz Band DMACS Steady Company Tipitina’s The Radiators Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Javier Orlando, Asheson FRIDAY, JANUARY 12 Orpheum Theater Elvis Costello, Charlie 30/90 Jon Roniger Sexton Apple Barrel Bubbles Brown Rabbit Hole Rebirth Buffa’s Adam Rogers, Zen Cowboys Spotted Cat Chris Christy Cafe Negril Higher Heights, Jamey St Pierre and THC, The Villains WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17 George & Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Buffa’s Wooton Wednesdays Center Jasen Weaver Sextet Cafe Degas Double Whisky Les Bon Temps Roule Tri-Fi Cafe Negril Colin Davis Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Groovy 7 DMACS Sam Price New Orleans Jazz Museum The Rumble, Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Shotgun Jazz Chief Joseph Bordreaux Jr., Noah Young Band Old Point Bar T Marie, Bayou Juju 26

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

AMANDA RATCLIFFE / WIKIMEDIA COMMON

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 Bacchanal Noah Young Trio, Tangiers Combo Buffa’s Some Like It Hot!, Pfister Sisters Cafe Negril VEGAS COLA Tipitina’s Bruce Daigrepont

For up-to-date listings visit WhereYat.com THURSDAY, JANUARY 18 Apple Barrel Bubbles Brown Buffa’s Harry Mayronne, Rebecca Leigh, Tom McDermott, Dennis Lichtman Capulet Crescent City Gentlemen Cafe Negril Piano Man ‘G’, Sierra Green DMACS Paggy Prine, Pizza Man’s Fam Jam Deutsches Haus Bier Musikanten Marigny Brasserie Jon Roniger Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band FRIDAY, JANUARY 19 100 Men Hall Gavino Loche, Adrian Raso Apple Barrel Bubbles Brown BMC Jon Roniger Buffa’s Adam Rogers, Beth Patterson Cafe Negril Higher Heights, Jamey St Pierre, The Villains Deutsches Haus Damenchor Deutsches Haus, Saengerchor Deutsches Haus George & Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center James Singleton Malabar Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Sugar Shaker Spotted Cat Paradise Jazz Band SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 Cafe Negril Jason Neville Funky Soul Band, John Lisi Delta Funk, Sierra Green Chickie Wah Wah Adrian Raso, Jimmy Robinson George & Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center Roland Guerin House of Blues The Four Horsemen, Ocie Elliott Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Rockin Dopsie Jr. SUNDAY, JANUARY 21 Bacchanal Wine Noah Young Trio, Tangiers Combo Bombay Club T Marie, Bayou Juju Broadside T Marie, Bayou Juju Buffa’s Some Like It Hot! Cafe Negril Vegas Cola Howlin’ Wolf Ahren Belisle MONDAY, JANUARY 22 Apple Barrel Mark Appleford Bamboulas Jon Roniger Buffa’s Doyle Cooper Jazz Cafe Negril Jelly Roll Stompers Spotted Cat Music Club Dominick Grillo, The Frenchmen Street All-Stars

BIG CHIEF JUAN PARDO / FACEBOOK

TUESDAY, JANUARY 23 Buffa’s Alex McMurray Rabbit Hole Rebirth Spotted Cat Chris Christy WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24 Buffa’s Wooton Wednesdays Cafe Degas Double Whisky Cafe Negril Colin Davis DMACS Chris Zonada House of Blues Dopapod Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Shotgun Jazz Band THURSDAY, JANUARY 25 Apple Barrel Bubbles Brown

Buffa’s Tom McDermott, Aurora Nealand Cafe Negril Piano Man ‘G’, Sierra Green DMACS Paggy Prine, Pizza Man’s Fam Jam Marigny Brasserie Jon Roniger Mid-City Rock ‘n’ Bowl Geno Delafose, French Rockin’ Boogie Orpheum LPO, Big Chief Juan Pardo Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band FRIDAY, JANUARY 26 Apple Barrel Bubbles Brown Buffa’s Adam Rogers, Washboard Chaz Cafe Negril Higher Heights, Jamey St Pierre and THC, The Villains Les Bon Temps Roule Funk Griot Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl BRW New Orleans Jazz Museum Marc Stone Spotted Cat Paradise Jazz Band Tipitina’s Lost Bayou Ramblers, Crush Diamond SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 Algiers Mardi Gras Festival Amanda Shaw, Mia Borders, Brass-a-holics, The Topcats Cafe Negril Jason Neville, Sierra Green DMACS Marsh Fire, R & R Smoking Foundation Hi Ho Lounge HUSTLE Les Bon Temps Roule Benjamin Cousins, Captain Buckles Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Lost in the Sixties SUNDAY, JANUARY 28 Buffa’s Some Like it Hot!, Steve Pistorius Bombay Club T Marie, Bayou Juju Bacchanal Noah Young Trio, Tangiers Cafe Negril Vegas COLA Siberia Sarah Shook

LPO’S BIRTH OFA CULTURE: BIG CHIEF JUAN PARDOAT THE ORPHEUM

Conductor Matthew Kraemer will lead the premiere of Maxim’s new concert featuring Chief Juan Pardo, which tells the story of the Mardi Gras Indians. The show includes a pre-show talk from 6:30-7 p.m.

Thursday, January 25, 7:30 p.m., tickets start at $28, lpomusic.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 29 Bamboula’s Jon Roniger Buffa’s Doyle Coooper Cafe Negril Jelly Roll Stompers DMACS Danny Alexander Smoothie King Center Drake, J. Cole Spotted Cat Dominick Grillo TUESDAY, JANUARY 30 Buffa’s Alex McMurray Rabbit Hole Rebirth Spotted Cat Chris Christy Smoothie King Center Drake, J. Cole WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31 Buffa’s Wooton Wednesdays Cafe Negril Colin Davis Cafe Degas Double Whisky Lakefront Arena Dynamite/Rampage Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band

Happy Hour Tipitina's WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20 6:00 PM

Rhapsody In Blue SATURDAY, JANUARY 13 7:30 PM

Birth Of A Culture THURSDAY JANUARY 25 7:30 PM

Tickets and Info lpomusic.com Programs, artists, dates, times prices subject to change WhereYat.com | January 2024

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LAKESIDE2RIVERSIDE NOLA CHRISTMASFEST

December 21-30 | nolachristmasfest.com

NOLA ChristmasFest at the Morial Convention Center is celebrating its 10th anniversary. This winter wonderland includes a gingerbread village and a giant wreath and tree. There will be festive activities, such as carnival rides and an ice-skating rink. There will also be special events throughout the fest including a “Date Night” performance by The Voice star Casme Barnes-Carter on December 28 at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy the Big Freezy, which features icy activities and drinks: slide down an ice flume, play on the bocce court, and grab a holiday drink at the Polar Pub. Tickets are available from $20-$65.

ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL NYE PARADE December 31 | allstatesugarbowl.org

The Allstate Sugar Bowl NYE Parade will start at the intersection of Elysian Fields Avenue and Decatur Street before making its way through the French Quarter and ending at Canal Street. The parade will ride past the Old U.S. Mint, the French Market, and Café du Monde. The scheduled start for the parade is 2:30 p.m., and it will feature floats and marching bands, among other participants. The parade will be broadcasted live by WDSU-TV from a stage at Oscar Dunn Park across from Jackson Square. The WDSU broadcast will also be available online for viewers to tune in.

METRO NIGHTCLUB NYE December 31 | eventbrite.com

FAN EXPO NEW ORLEANS January 5-7 | fanexpohq.com

Fan Expo New Orleans is the perfect place for fans of comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, gaming, and cosplay. There will be panels, celebrity Q&As, and opportunities to meet and greet your favorite stars. Celebrity guests will include Charlie Cox, Jon Bernthal, Sean Gunn, Jason Lee, Holly Marie Combs, Rose McGowan, and many, many more.

Cosplay competitions, cosplay red carpets, video game tournaments, table top games, and merch shopping will also be available. VIP, Ultimate, and 3-Day pass holders who purchase passes in advance will have access to a special preview on Friday, January 5 at 1 p.m.

NOTFC GALA

January 13 | notcf.com

The New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund will host its 2nd annual NOTCF Honors Gala on Saturday, January 13 from 6-11 p.m. at the Sugar Mill. This gala celebrates the people of New Orleans and their dedication to the city. Artists will be honored at the gala in eight categories. These categories include Lifetime Achievement, Emerging Artist, and Established Artist. Within the Established Artist category are six cultural sectors, including Culinary Arts, Design, Entertainment, Literary Arts and Humanities, Preservation, and Visual Arts and Crafts. Tickets are available at $185.

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

FROM TOP: NOLA CHRISTMAS FEST; COURTESY ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL; THEMETRONOLA / FACEBOOK; NEW LINE CINEMA

The Metropolitan nightclub will be hosting a New Year’s Eve Extravaganza from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. The headlining performer is Krewella, who will be joined by Mashbit. The event will feature three rooms of great music, a balloon drop, and a champagne toast at midnight. All-inclusive VIP ticket packages are available for purchase. The VIP tickets include a “cut the line” entrance, open premium bar, hors d’oeuvres, a VIP viewing balcony, VIP private balcony restrooms, and much more. Tickets for the New Year’s Eve event are available for purchase and are starting at $30.

At Palm&Pine We’ve Always Got Some Jazzy Events Up Our Sleeves, Check Out What’s Happening Now

Fri 12/22 11AM-2:30PM

open wed–thurs 11am–8pm fri–sat • 11am–9pm sunday 11am–5pm catering available event space 4842 TchoupiToulas sTreeT (504) 766-6520 | eaTaTwonderland.com followus

@eatwonderlandnola

Sat 12/23

11AM-2PM

Sun 12/31 5:30PM-11PM Every Fri & Sat

11PM-1AM

P&P Holiday Lunch Extravaganza Bottoms Up Festive Pole Brunch with Bella Blue 86 2023 NYE at Palm&Pine 4-course Prix Fixe

P&P offers Late Nite Happy Hour

Late Nite gets extra spicy 1/5 and 1/19 with burlesque by Bella Blue

308 North Rampart Street www.palmandpinenola.com

WhereYat.com | January 2024

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LAKESIDE2RIVERSIDE FAIR GROUNDS EXOTIC ANIMAL RACES FAMILY DAY January 13 | fairgroundsracecourse.com

“THE LIFE & MUSIC OF GEORGE MICHAEL” AT SAENGER THEATRE January 24 | saengernola.com

“The Life & Music of George Michael” celebrates the life, career, and legacy of singer George Michael. The show, which will take place at the Saenger Theatre at 7:30 p.m., features concert style staging and hit songs from his pop duo Wham!, as well as his solo career. Some of the songs to be featured in the show are “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go,” “Freedom,” “Faith,” and “Careless Whisper,” just to name a few. Tickets are available for purchase from $39 to $99. This is a special one night only event, so don’t miss out on this opportunity.

FROMLEFT: COURTYESY THE FAIR GROUNDS RACE COURSE AND CASINO; COLUMBIA RECORDS AND EPIC RECIRDS

Entertaining exotic animal racing is back for another year at the Fair Grounds.

Animals competing in the races include camels, ostriches, and zebras. There will be one heat for each of the groups of animals.

Entry to the Fair Grounds and races vary in price from general admission, club house, and grandstand seating options. General admission and grandstand seats are available to purchase at the door. Clubhouse box seats are first come, first served, but they may be reserved in advance. Valet parking is available for regular parking, as well as VIP parking, at the event.

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

THE THRILLS. THE FUN. THE TRADITION. BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY WITH US!

126 S. Roadway St. NOLA 504-510-2175 504-329-1403 @jbsfueldock

ROAD TO THE DERBY KICKOFF DAY SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 • POST TIME: 12PM GENERAL ADMISSION: $10

EXOTIC ANIMAL RACES FAMILY DAY • SATURDAY, JANUARY 13 POST TIME: 12:45PM COLLEGE DAY • SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 POST TIME: 3PM GENERAL ADMISSION: $10

Purchase on now to skip the line on race day!

Ticket prices shown are not inclusive of taxes and fees.

FGNO-50569-Where-Y’At-12.17_RacingAd-4.78x10.75.indd 1

WhereYat.com | January 2024

12/7/23 12:10 PM

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TWELFTH NIGHT KING CAKES A Guide to Non-Traditional King Cakes in NOLA

By Joey Cirilo

Twelfth Night, Epiphany, Three Kings Day, the night before January 6, and 12 days after Christmas.

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

cakes are available during Carnival season.

Here are a few non-traditional variations one can find in the Greater New Orleans area. Laissez les bons temps rouler.

BREADS ON OAK 222 Carondelet St., 504-841-9432, breadsonoak.com We all have that one vegan friend and know that it’s harder for them to find something that fits with their dietary restrictions.

Fortunately, Breads on Oak exists. Their vegan-version of a classic King Cake is void of any animal products without sacrificing quality or flavor. Their Bavarian King Cake is an absolute hit and is topped with a cinnamon icing derived from maple syrup.

Even their sprinkles are plant-based. How do they manage to pull off this feat? No one knows. But you will have no room for debate when you’re inhaling their delectable treats by the mouthful.

BRENNAN’S 417 Royal St., 504-525-9711, brennansneworleans.com Brennan’s harnessed the passion, skill, and expertise acquired after over 75 years of New Orleans fine dining experience into curating three distinct king cakes, all handcrafted with a proprietary Brioche dough recipe. Their Traditional (purple, green, and gold) is fantastic, but the Pink Parade, filled with whipped cream cheese and Johnsdale Farm’s Ponchatoula strawberry filling, is great as well. By far the signature favorite is their Bananas Foster King Cake. The only thing better than having your cake is eating it too, and having one classic NOLA dessert representing another NOLA favorite sweet is the best of both worlds.

BYWATER BAKERY 3624 Dauphine St., 504-336-3336, bywaterbakery.com No stranger to New Orleanians, Bywater Bakery’s classic King Cakes are a Carnival staple and can be found at King Cake Hub; however, it’s their sweet and savory options that will assuredly leave your head spinning whilst reaching for your debit card. Spinach and artichoke, boudin, crawfish, brownie bomb, and vegan Bourbon cinnamon are just a few of the selections available for you to peruse over. Their boudin and crawfish

FROMLTOP: WHERE Y'AT STAFF; MAURICE FRENCH PASTRIES; FILE

In some traditions, it marks the day that John the Baptist baptized Jesus. Other traditions, it is the day that the Three Wise Men, after traveling for 12 days, visited the infant Jesus and bestowed upon him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. In secular tradition, Twelfth Night signifies the ending of Christmas and the official commencement of wintertime.

Decorations are taken down and stowed away as the reality of cold months ahead seeps in. In England, under the ruling of Queen Elizabeth I, Twelfth Night meant the beginnings of a debaucherous eight-day festival. A special Twelfth Night cake was presented, composed of yeast and enhanced with ale and dried fruits. Inside of the Twelfth Night cake, a bean was hidden, and those who discovered it were made queen or king for the day. Feasting and festivities ensued.

For New Orleanians, Twelfth Night symbolizes a reveling anew—a celebration. Carnival season is upon us. Consumed only during Carnival season is a highly-anticipated, indulgent treat—the king cake.

Similar to a European pastry, a king cake is circular in shape, densely covered in icing. Traditional King Cakes are generally without filling and topped with granulated sugar colored purple, green, and gold to represent Mardi Gras. But popular non-traditional assortments are enhanced with flavorful toppings and oftentimes filled with cream cheese, a variety of fruity or other flavored fillings, and could even not be sweet at all.

A wide array of fingerlicking king

king cakes are composed of a house-made bread and stuffed with your ingredient of choice before being glazed over with garlic butter and topped with Parmesan cheese. If you’re not foaming at the mouth by now like a rabid animal, you’re probably dead inside.

COFFEE SCIENCE Multiple Locations, coffeesciencenola.com A coffee shop making a dent in the king cake space? In this economy? Coffee Science is hidden in plain sight on Broad Street but those who know of it know it well and are most likely dedicated customers. As if hosting a weekly farmers market, offering locally-grown farm to table groceries, natural wines, and some of the best coffee money can buy in New Orleans wasn’t enough, Tom Oliver and staff have taken a stab at king cake creation.

Their Chocolate Espresso and Venetian Creme King Cakes are a smash and are available for purchase by the slice to pair with your caffeinated beverage.

MAURICE FRENCH PASTRIES 3501 Hessmer Ave., Metairie, 504-885-1526, mauricefrenchpastries.com Hailing from the French Alps, Chef Jean-Luc Albin has made quite the name for himself. His king cakes are equally mouth watering as they are appealing to the eye. They range from traditional to fillings of blueberry, Bavarian cream, guava, chantilly cream, and chocolate pecan, as well as a puffy French King Cake oozing with a rum flavored frangipane. After years spent traveling the world honing his skills, the Greater New Orleans area is lucky to welcome him home. The best way to show your appreciation is via your stomach. Once visited, you’ll want to devour everything Maurice French Pastries has to offer.

Sushi King Cake ROCK N SAKE 2913 Metairie Rd., Metairie, 504-267-9761, rocknsake.com This popular Japanese restaurant’s Sushi King Cake is the go-to move if you’re showing up to a Mardi Gras party and wish to be remembered as a hero. Fresh salmon, snow crab, yellowtail, spicy tuna, and much more packed with rice, stuffed with cream cheese and topped with everything

COURTESY ROCK N SAKE

A lgiers Algiers

s a r G i d r MaFestival Festival

from Sriracha to chili-sesame oil, lemon zest, and wasabi tobiko. If you’re afraid of commitment, be cautious. Any cancellations attempted outside of the 72-hour pick up window will result in a full charge, so if you’re doing it, go all in. Get on one knee and devote yourself to this one-ofa-kind Carnival creation that, let’s be honest, is probably a little out of your league. Remember, not all heroes wear capes; some of them show up with Sushi King Cake.

JANUARY 27, 10 AM–6 PM

Federal City (Gen Meyer Ave. and Shirley Dr.) AlgiersMardiGrasFest.com

PARADE • FOOD • MUSIC Amanda Shaw Mia Borders Brass-A-Holics The TOPCATS & More!

FREE ADMISSION

NO OUTSIDE COOLERS / FOOD ALLOWED WhereYat.com | January 2024

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A FRESH START Juice Cleanse the Big Easy Way

By Cynthea Corfah

The “new year, new me” mindset may be out of style, but what about “new year, new gut?” After months of consuming heavy holiday dishes, sugar-filled desserts, and festive holiday drinks, the new year is the perfect time to give your gut a break with a juice cleanse at local juice shops and restaurants in which to buy fresh pressed juice for your New Year’s cleanse.

If you don’t have a juicer or don’t want to bother gathering all of the fruits and veggies yourself, New Orleans has plenty of juice shops, smoothie bars, and healthy restaurants that can do the juicing for you. Here are 10 places to get cold-pressed juice and juice cleanses around town.

THE DAILY BEET Multiple Locations, thedailybeetnola.com Feed your mind, body, and soul with vibrant and rich juices from the Daily Beet.

This locally-owned health food restaurant and juice bar sells nourishing breakfast and brunch dishes, savory bowls, salads, smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and coffee and tea. Juice flavors include NOLA Greens, Watermelon Ginger, Roots, PURE Greens, and Smokey the Bear (made with orange, grapefruit, lemon, cayenne, and maple syrup).

CURATED JUICE CLEANSE PLANS

THE BIG SQUEEZY 302 St. Charles Ave., 504-766-8711 bigsqueezyexpress.com Do you need a juice plan that is quick and easy, where you can drop by the store and pick up your juices for the day? This smoothie and juice bar has suggested cleanse templates to choose from online or you can make your own rules.

The Big Squeezy offers a plethora of individual juices or juice packages for one-day, two-day, and three-day cleanses. Every bottle contains one to three pounds of raw fruits and veggies.

MAIN SQUEEZE JUICE CO. Multiple Locations mainsqueezejuiceco.com Whether you want a one-day or five-day cleanse, this New Orleans-based franchise has all the essentials for a clean gut. The juice cleanses include five cold-pressed juices and one “mylk” (plant-based milk alternative). The recommended daily order includes juices that fall under the following categories: Refresher (something fresh and tasty), Green (plenty of veggies), and Root (rich in root vegetables).

The shop has a variety of juices to choose from so the customer can mix it up based on what their body needs most.

THE GREEN FORK 1400 Prytania St., 504-267-7672 greenforknola.com Plant-based, gluten-free, and vegan folks, this is the place for you. This plant-based restaurant sells detox soup cleanses, smoothie bowls, juices, smoothies, and juice cleanses. There are two juice cleanses to pick from: Restore Juice Cleanse (three green juices, two elixirs, and one nut milk) and Nourish Cleanse (three green juices, two elixirs, and one salad). Customers can purchase “juice feasts” for $60 per day or $165 for three days. Don’t have time to pick your cleanses up? Locals can have their juice delivered for $10 a day.

TRILLISTIC RAW JUICE BAR 10001 Lake Forest Blvd. Suite 101, 504342-8535 trillisticrawjuice.shop Eating clean can be just as exciting (if not more) as eating unrestricted. This local juice bar serves sea moss, healthy dishes, coldpressed juices, smoothie bowls, and juice bundles ideal for juice cleanses. Customers can purchase a one-day detox for $50, 12 cold-pressed juices for $100, and a one-week cleanse for $200. These cleanse bundles take a hearty approach to your average juice cleanse by including smoothies, juices, bone broth soups, and ginger shots.

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

RAW REPUBLIC

BUILD YOUR OWN JUICE CLEANSE 4528 Magazine St. BAYA BAR 4719 Freret St., 504-766-6088 bayabar.com Acai bowls aren’t the only thing Baya Bar makes. This smoothie and juice bar sells cold-pressed juices, wellness shots, smoothies, toast, coconut bowls, pitaya bowls, and acai bowls. Make your own juice cleanse plan by ordering organic coldpressed juices like strawberry lemonade, Spicy Baya-rita, Red Gypsy, orange juice, and Green Spirit.

504-324-8234 rawrepublicjuice.com Kick the year off with juices that taste good, feel good and do good. This smoothie and juice bar sells raw, organic, cold-pressed juices, healthy dishes, snacks, supplements, and lifestyle products. Juice cleanse offerings include the Quick Cleanse, which comes with six bottles for $65 including a water, tea or tonic, green juice, green smoothie, a citrus or seasonal juice, root vegetable juice, and an almond mylk or adaptogenic shake. The Green Cleanse is available for $70 for six bottles including a water, tea, or coconut water; two green juices; a choice of green juice or smoothie; root vegetable juice; and coconut water.

BOTANICALS NOLA 2401 St. Claude Ave., 504-251-6603 botanicalsnola.com Make the switch to mindful eating at this Black-owned smoothie and juice bar in the Bywater. Botanicals NOLA sells sea moss SATSUMA CAFE gel, sea moss lemonade, supplements, Multiple Locations, satsumacafe.com plant-based dishes, pitaya bowls, From breakfast sandwiches to coffee, this smoothies, and cold pressed juices. Juices local favorite cafe has you covered. When include the Healer Shot and sea moss you’re ready for a break from solid foods, lemonade. The Healer Shot is made with Satsuma Cafe also sells cold-pressed orange, ginger, and agave, while the sea juices. Juices include Immune Booster moss lemonade is made with sea moss, (apple, grapefruit and orange), orange lemons, agave, and spring water. Juices juice, and Green Drink (apple, cucumber, from this shop would pair well with coldkale, and lemon). These drinks are ideal press juices made at home for the full for a one-day cleanse paired with plenty of juice cleanse experience. water.

FROM LEFT: ADOBE STOCK

THE ANTIDOTE JUICE 734 Union St., 504-258-8708 theantidotejuice.com This Union Street smoothie and juice bar thought about the hard parts of juice cleansing so you don’t have to. The shop offers three types of cleanses: beginners cleanse, immunity cleanse, and super green cleanse. Each juice cleanse comes with five cold pressed raw juices, a shot of raw apple cider vinegar to start the day, a wellness shot, and two oz. of lemon juice per day to add to a gallon of water to be consumed daily.

CELEBRATE YOU IN THE NEW YEAR AT THE

JOIN NOW

NO JOINING FEES IN JANUARY Mat & Reformer Pilates | Aqua Fitness Classes | Year Round Swim Lessons Adult & Youth Sports Leagues | Personal Training | TRX | Indoor Cycling Yoga | HIIT | Boot Camps | Barre & More!

VIETNAMESE CUISINE & SEAFOOD 1028 Manhattan Blvd.

504-302-1727 Open 10am-9pm everyday!

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WhereYat.com | January 2024

35

LEAH Honoring CHASE 101 Leah Chase on her 101st Birthday

Chef Leah Chase was “As long as born on Joan of Arc’s birthday, January 6 (Twelfth Night) you're here in 1923. According to Leah on earth, Chase: Listen, I Say Like This, Chase’s biography by Carol you're here Allen, “Leah shared a birth for a purpose date with a woman who would later become one of her most and it's not admired people—Joan of Arc. The characteristics of courage, about you— leadership, standing up for one’s it's about beliefs, and deep Catholic faith what you can are qualities both women share.”

Chase’s birth on the first do to better day of Carnival was also a good coincidence in foretelling the world her legacy. The symbols of justice (purple), green (faith), you live in.” power (gold) symbolize —Leah Chase and her dedication to social justice and civil rights, her religious devotion, her own power and strength, as well as her ability to use “the power of gumbo” to unite, comfort, and inspire people.

“She to me is the true spirit of Epiphany and Mardi Gras— giving. She was given the gift of being a fabulous cook, the gift of bringing people together, the gift of love. She was given all these gifts and she used them for the good of the world,” stated Liz Williams, founder of the National Food & Beverage Foundation and the Southern Food & Beverage Museum. In

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2009, SoFAB renamed its Louisiana gallery the Leah Chase Louisiana Gallery.

When the Robert E. Lee statue was removed from Lee Circle, a petition was started by the National Food and Beverage Foundation in 2019 to name it Leah Chase’s Circle.

While this did not come to pass, it’s now named Harmony Circle, there is no shortage of “monuments” to her memory.

She has been given so many awards and honors, the list is exhaustive, but here are a few: In 1997, she was awarded the Times-Picayune Loving Cup, which recognizes residents who have worked unselfishly for the community without expectation of public acclaim or material reward. Other awards include: the Weiss Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the Torch of Liberty Award, the University of New Orleans Entrepreneurship Award, and the Outstanding Woman Award from the National Council of Negro Women.

She is the inspiration behind the character for Princess Tiana in Disney’s The Princess and the Frog (2009). A red chef coat of hers is now part of the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s collection. She was painted by Gustave Blache III, and one of these paintings was acquired by the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in 2011. In 2012, a full exhibition of his work entitled “Leah Chase: Paintings” was on display at New Orleans Museum of Art. A commissioned portrait, Leah Chase, by Aron Belka was on loan for a 20222023 exhibition at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. In 2016, she was given the James Beard Award for Lifetime Achievement. In 2018, Food & Wine magazine named Dooky Chase’s Restaurant one of the 40 most important restaurants of the past 40 years.

Known as the Queen of Creole Cuisine, she is also New

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

Orleans’ patron saint of hospitality. The Big Easy is recognized worldwide for its tourism and hospitality industry and Chef Chase is one of its most beloved and famous ambassadors.

But, most importantly, her brand of hospitality aligns with the simplest definition—loving others. According to Chase, whose kitchen has been called “a church of its own” by the New York Times, “Food builds bridges. If you can eat with someone, you can learn from them, and when you learn from someone, you can make big changes. We changed the course of America in this restaurant over bowls of gumbo. We can talk to each other and relate to each other when we eat together.”

Anyone who knew Mrs. Chase says the same things: she never said no, she was always welcoming and always real, she was always respectful and honest, and her glowing smile was the basic ingredient of all her interactions. She brought people together, and she was the hardest working person they knew.

Here are just two of countless anecdotes that demonstrate Chef Chase’s generosity of spirit, maternal nature, and why she is truly our patron saint of hospitality. Elisa M. Speranza, president of Seventh Ward Strategies, LLC, relayed a prime example: “Soon after the floods post-Katrina, I was driving the CEO of my company around the city (our company was involved in the recovery). I was pointing out Dooky Chase’s restaurant just as Ms. Leah came out of her FEMA trailer. She waved to us, and I pulled over. The CEO rolled down his window and I asked how she was doing. She treated me like a long-lost friend (though we didn’t know each other) and chatted with us cheerfully for about 10 minutes. The CEO was so impressed—it was the highlight of his tour, and she made me look like a star in front of the big boss. Every time I met her after that, she made me feel that same way.”

Dr. Megan Holt, executive director of One Book One New Orleans, says, “The first time I met Chef Chase, she told me how glad she was to see a young woman come in her restaurant wearing a nice dress and shoes, after that, whenever I went to Dooky Chase’s, I put on a decent dress.

I came to realize that for her, it was less about the outfit and more about her own standards. She set the standard for her restaurant, she expected everyone to make the effort to rise to that standard, and she did not compromise. Most importantly, Ms. Leah made sure that everyone who dined there was treated with dignity and respect, and she expected the same dignity and respect in return, both for herself and for her staff.”

Currently, her children keep her legacy of dignity and respect alive with the Edgar “Dooky” Jr. and Leah Chase Family Foundation, created to “cultivate and support historically disenfranchised organizations by making significant contributions to education, creative and culinary arts, and social justice.”

Mardi Gras is about bringing people together, sharing love, and spreading joy. It makes sense that Leah Chase began her life on the day that this season begins. Happy Birthday, Miss Leah, and Happy Twelfth Night.

FROM LEFT: LEAH CHASE, BY ARON BELKA, 48"X48" OIL ON CANVAS, COURTESY NATALIE AND ADRIAN K. COHN COLLECTION; ROBERT WITKOWSKI (3)

By Amy Kirk-Duvoisin

WhereYat.com | January 2024

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DON’T MISS THE MARDI GRAS ISSUE DEADLINE: JAN 22 | STREET DATE: JAN 27

Call [504] 891-0144 to Advertise!

You can grab a plastic-wrapped roll of bagels, or those bagel-like imitations, at the grocery store and call it a day, but it’s a mistake to underestimate the brilliance of a well-made bagel. A great bagel has a chewy, soft interior, crisp exterior and can stand on its own—smooth and glossy—or be adorned in sesame seeds, onion, and, of course, “everything.” It serves as a hearty vehicle for all kinds of toppings from the traditional schmear of cream cheese and layering of lox to, well, you name it.

As an added bonus, and, for as yet indiscernible reasons, bagels with their many add-ins tend to be lower in price than your average sandwich. Is it because it seems smaller and people complain? Are meats, cheeses, eggs, etc. less filling when loaded on a bagel as opposed to other kinds of breads?

Two slices of bread average around 75 grams, whereas a bagel is typically over 100 grams, which seems like a great deal. Not to mention most shops serving bagel sandwiches really like to load them up. Mind you, we’re not complaining.

Take, for example, the fresh bagels to be had at Leo’s Bread in Mid-City. Owner, operator, and self-taught baker (among other things) Kate Heller began her rise selling breads from the trunk of a car to vending at the Crescent City Farmers Market. The

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

proof is in the product, as they say (do they say that?). All you have to do is head to Bell Street, squashed between Bayou Road and Esplanade Avenue, and grab some coffee and a bagel sandwich to-go. This time it’s a sesame bagel with fluffy scrambled eggs, American cheese, and bacon for $9, but maybe next time you opt for a crisp, plain bagel with creamy avocado and a spicy chili crunch? It’s all good.

These days you can’t rightly discuss bagels in New Orleans without talking about Flour Moon. One of so many food-centric businesses born during the pandemic, Flour Moon Bagels is the creation of Breanne Kostyk, a pastry chef who’s “backyard bagels,” sold to friends and neighbors, steadily bloomed. Kostyk’s brick and mortar version of Flour Moon Bagels opened just off the Lafitte Greenway a couple of years later.

Though they also offer Hey! Coffee and bialy (a bagel-like Polish roll filled with onion), the bagels are where we’re at. A Full Moon with an Everything bagel, open-faced and layered with cream cheese, smoked salmon, shaved red onion, crisp cucumbers, and tangy capers, will set you back $14, but a Harvest Moon on a pumpernickel with roasted carrot spread, nutty tahini, olives, fresh herbs, and duqqa (a Middle Eastern herb, spice, and nut condiment) is only $12.

COURTESY FLOUR MOON BAGELS

$20 & UNDER Big Easy Bagels

Fleur de Leaf THC SELTZERS

FIND US AT YOUR NEAREST GROCERY/BAR/CONVENIENCE STORE: ROUSES/DORIGNAC’S/LUCY’S/COLUMNS HOTEL CHECK ON THE WEB FOR MORE LOCATIONS: www.fleurdeleafwellness.com @fleurdeleafwellness

We don’t live in New York, Philadelphia, or even San Francisco, but that doesn’t mean we don’t deserve a good bagel. By Kim Ranjbar It’s oh-so fitting to find a bagelry on Freret Street. It’s a corridor bursting with restaurants, growing exponentially since its “main street re-birth” a few years after Hurricane Katrina. In the eight blocks between Napoleon and Jefferson avenues, there are over 20 restaurants, and that’s not including coffee shops. In the middle of the block, between Upperline and Valence Streets, lies the oh-so Humble Bagel.

Initially opened (with a somewhat rocky start) in 2014 by Casey Mackintosh and Tara Mikhail, the shop offers a large range of hand-rolled bagels from plain and everything to cinnamon raisin and honey whole wheat.

They also offer breakfast/brunch type sandwiches, including standouts such as a bagel (choose garlic) with eggs, sauteed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and Swiss for under $9. Oh and for only a few bucks more, grab a chocolate chip bagel (only on Sundays) slathered with peanut butter and strawberry preserves for dessert.

Though Bywater Bakery, owned and operated by former big-time bakery boss Chaya Conrad, is known for its incredible pastries and cakes (especially those spectacular king cakes), they’ve also developed something of a cult following for their bagels. Every Friday, and only Friday, the bold red bakery and café on the corner

of Dauphine and Independence offers a bevy of fresh boiled and baked bagels—from plain and poppy seed to Asiago cheese—with a few basic schmears. For breakfast under a 10 spot, you simply can’t go wrong getting an Asiago bagel topped with bacon, eggs, and cheese, but go the extra mile with a green onion schmear while you’re at it and thank us later.

Finally, another locally-loved bagel spot is Gracious Bakery. Chef Megan Forman and her husband Jay started their bakery over a decade ago in the industrial area of Gert Town. Though they’ve recently left the original building, they’re still making the air sweeter in their locations on St. Charles Avenue in the Garden District and further Uptown on Prytania Street. Gracious’ shops are typically filled with sumptuously sweet pastries, everything from cruffins and morning buns to croissants, donuts, and cookies, but they also serve hand-rolled bagels. They keep it simple, only offering everything, plain, and sesame, but they have a lovely breakfast-bagel sandwich made with house-cured salmon, lemon caper cream cheese, and thinly-sliced red onion for $12. It even comes with a side of seasonal fruit.

Don’t you dare let anyone tell you it’s impossible to find a good bagel in the Big Easy.

WhereYat.com | January 2024

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AMERICAN

Boulevard American Bistro serves wood-fired dishes and provides exceptional quality with friendly service. It’s the perfect spot to have dinner or enjoy a martini. Their Boulevard oysters are served with cream spinach and crystal aioli.

Multiple Locations, boulevardbistro.com Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard is a classic restaurant that has been serving New Orleans since 1920. The restaurant has French Quarter architecture, elegant dining rooms, and a courtyard. Dig into amazing dishes such as the pan-seared duck breast. 819 Conti St., (504) 581-3866, broussards.com Crescent City Steakhouse sizzles steaks in butter and cooks them to perfection. This familyowned steakhouse was established in 1934 and has served up tradition for 89 years. Their filet mignon is a juicy and flavorful delight. 1001 N. Broad St., (504) 821-3271, crescentcitysteaks.com

Local musicians elevate the experience with weekly live performances. Try the signature dish—a 16 oz. ribeye with a loaded baked potato.

4132 Peters Rd., Harvey, (855) 805-5596, boomtownneworleans.com

Sala NOLA is a charming spot right by the Orleans Marina. The restaurant and bar were founded by Joseph Riccobono. They have a variety of small plates and entrees including honey BBQ chicken and filet mignon. 124 Lake Marina Ave., (504) 513-2670, salanola.com Spudly’s Super Spuds has a menu like no other, with everything from gourmet baked potatoes to juicy burgers. A must-try is their Shrimply Put—a freshly baked potato with cheese sauce, cheddar, chives, and shrimp. 2609 Harvard Ave., Metairie, (504) 455-3250, spudlys.com

TD Seafood and Pho House offers authentic Vietnamese food in a cozy environment. Along with dishes such as pho and banh mi, they also serve boiled seafood. Order the Combination Pho for seafood, veggies, and meat. 1028 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, (504) 302-1727, tdseafoodphohouse.com

BARSWITH GREAT FOOD

Bamboula’s exemplifies all the best parts of NOLA with Caribbean-Creole cuisine and live music. This casual spot is the perfect place to end the day.

Their signature dish is blue crab cakes with baby greens salad. 514 Frenchmen St., (504) 2068057, bamboulasmusic.com Bar Marilou is best known for its stylish setting and delicious signature cocktails. Velvet seating, bookshelves, and patterned carpet make the bar unique. A notable dish is their pommes Marilou with crème fraîche, caviar, and chives. 544 Carondelet St., (504) 814-7711, barmarilou. com

Daisy Dukes operates in several different locations, making it a popular go-to among locals and tourists. It is a casual spot for authentic Southern cooking. Their shrimp po-boy with crispy seasoned shrimp is a fan favorite. Multiple Locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com

Buffa’s has been a local staple since 1939. With great food and live music, Buffa’s has everything someone would want from a bar. Enjoy their classic Avenger Sandwich with deli meats, pepper jack, and spicy sauce. 1001 Esplanade Ave., (504) 949-0038, buffasbar.com

Gattuso’s serves delicious comfort food with a touch of Southern inspiration. You can catch the big game on their TVs while sitting at their comfortable bar. For something with a kick, try the Firecracker shrimp salad. 435 Huey P Long Ave., Gretna, (504) 368-1114, gattusos.net

Boulevard

Jimmy J’s Cafe is a vibrant spot for breakfast and lunch. The ambiance is complete with tasty, comforting meals that taste like home-cooking.

The cochon panini has slow-roasted pork, bacon jam, and a fried egg. 115 Chartres St., (504) 309-9360, jimmyjscafe.com Legacy Kitchen’s Steak + Chop is on everyone’s list of go-to restaurants on the Westbank. They deliver their steaks cooked to perfection, along with traditional American fare. Their cowboy bone-in ribeye has 22 oz. of flavor. 91 Westbank Expy. #51, Gretna, (504) 513-2606, legacykitchen. com Luke honors Franco-German brasseries while adding Creole inspiration to the mix. One of Luke’s signature dishes is a delicious speckled trout amandine served with wild mushrooms, Gulf shrimp, toasted almonds, and haricots verts. 333 St. Charles Ave., (504) 378-2840, lukeneworleans.com Luzianne Café serves up breakfast in the same building where Luzianne Coffee was first roasted.

Their menu elevates breakfast classics to an art form. A staple on the menu is the Morning Joy Biscuit Sandwich. 481 Girod St., (504) 2651972, luziannecafe.com New Orleans Vampire Cafe offers a dining experience that is as unique as its name. They serve vampire-themed breakfast and brunch in a hauntingly beautiful setting. Try their steak tartare for a bit of vampire cuisine. 801 Royal St., (504) 581-0801, nolavampirecafe.com NOLA Steak is Boomtown Casino’s finest dining spot, serving up steaks and American entrees.

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colorful arrangements. Try the delicious Uptown Sushi Roll. 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 4881881, mikimotosushi.com

Houmas House and Gardens is a historic plantation estate offering three restaurants: Latil’s Landing, the Carriage House, and Dixie Café.

A signature dish at the Carriage House is the Eggplant Napoleon with jumbo-lump crab meat.

40136 Hwy. 942, Darrow, houmashouse.com Vampire Apothecary Restaurant & Bar offers guests the unique experience of having their tarot cards read or getting an astrology reading at their table. They even offer tea blends such as the strawberry painkiller. 725 St. Peter St., (504) 766-8179, vampireapothecary.com Voodoo Chicken and Daiquiris serves just that—delicious chicken and refreshing daiquiris. Enjoy mouth-watering eats in a bright, lively environment. Get the best of both worlds with their four-piece combo of both white and dark meat. Multiple Locations, voodoochickenanddaiquirisnola.com Wonderland + Sea specializes in simple, but high-quality dishes. Pick from Gulf drum fish, fried boneless chicken, or chick-pea tenders, served either on a plate or in a sandwich. Sides include rice fritters and sweet potato biscuits.

4842 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-766-6520, eatatwonderland.com

ASIAN

Asia offers traditional Asian flavors in an inviting setting. They offer classics including shaking beef and lo mein noodles. Keep those crab rangoons coming and opt to order shareable appetizers for your entree. 4132 Peters Rd., Harvey, (504) 364-8812, boomtownneworleans.com Mikimoto is the place to go for fresh sushi and fast, friendly service. They offer an assortment of sushi that is sweet and spicy, presented to you in

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

JB’s Fuel Dock’s open bar and kitchen make its setting even more inviting. The restaurant is located in Lakeview along Lake Pontchartrain. Try the supreme pizza with pepperoni, sausage, onion, green peppers, black olives, and mushrooms. 126 S. Roadway St., (504) 510-2260, jbsfueldock. com Le Bon Temps Roule is a neighborhood bar open 24/7 and is known for its Bloody Marys, billiards, live music, and juicy burgers. Le Bon Temps Roule’s burger with pimento cheese is very delicious. 4801 Magazine St., (504) 897-3448, lbtrnola.com Peacock Room is the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot’s elegant bar that serves cocktails and savory small plates. Visit for brunch and sip on spirits while listening to live tunes. A noteworthy menu option is the smash burger. 501 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 324-3073, peacockroomnola.com Stumpy’s Hatchet House lets you get your frustrations out and have the time of your life with friends by throwing hatchets. Their bar and traditional pub fares make this cathartic experience even more enjoyable. 1200 Poydras St. Suite C, (504) 577-2937, stumpyshh.com/ neworleans The Garage is a happening spot just steps away from Bourbon Street with delicious food, live music, and a large space for dancing with your friends. The Cajun gumbo is a local favorite and never disappoints. 810 Conti St., thegaragemusicclub.com The Jimani is an all-time favorite sports bar where you can watch the game, jam out to the jukebox, or grab a bite. The Hang Ova Burger is tasty and will cure you of any hangover. 141 Chartres St., (504) 524-0493, thejimani.com

CAFÉS

Carmo offers vegan and vegetarian dishes alongside live music in an inviting atmosphere with an open kitchen. The tiradito Peruvian-style sashimi combines the tenderness of fish with the fiery zest of yellow chili peppers. 527 Julia St., (504) 875-4132, cafecarmo.com

The Vintage is a stylish café serving small plates, cocktails, coffee, and fresh beignets. If you want something different from the tried-and-true traditional beignets, order a flight with your choice of three fancy beignets. 3121 Magazine St., (504) 324-7144, thevintagenola.com Willa Jean is known for their classic NOLA dishes.

The chic atmosphere makes Willa Jean a nice spot to have a great brunch or lunch. Their BBQ shrimp toast on grilled sourdough makes for a great breakfast. 611 O’Keefe Ave., (504) 509-7334, willajean.com

FRENCH

Cafe Degas serves decadent French cuisine for lunch, dinner, and brunch. This romantic restaurant has a tree growing in the middle of the dining room. The fan favorite is the seared hanger steak with pommes frites. 3127 Esplanade Ave., (504) 945-5635, cafedegas.com King Brasserie and Bar brings fresh ingredients to their French and Louisianian dishes. The walls, adorned with pop culture legends, make the space both unique and welcoming. Taste the restaurant’s exotic grilled octopus with vadouvan curry. 521 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 324-3000, kingbrasserieandbar.com

ITALIAN

A Tavola is a family-friendly restaurant with modern Italian cuisine. Enjoy wood-fired pizzas, pasta, or their house-made limoncello to make your visit reminiscent of a vacation in Italy. Try their meatballs with fontina and Sunday gravy.

3413 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 577-2235, atavo.la Alto Rooftop Bar serves up succulent Italian small plates. Their choice of drinks makes for a delicious day at the pool. The snacks portion of the menu features chicken wings with a Calabrian vinaigrette. 600 Carondelet St., (504) 9001180, acehotel.com/new-orleans Domenica will transport you to Italy with its authentic menu. Set in a refined dining room, Domenica is a great place to share some pizza with friends. Be sure to try their wood fire-roasted Delicata Squash. 123 Baronne St., (504) 6486020, domenicarestaurant.com Josephine Estelle specializes in Italian-Southern fusion for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Located in the Ace Hotel, the elegance of the beautifully appointed dining room evokes comfort and sophistication. Try their rigatoni or their tortellini en brodo. 600 Carondelet St., (504) 930-3070, josephineestelle.com Mosca’s has been a classic spot for traditional Italian dishes since 1946. The unassuming exterior makes this casual restaurant feel like home. Their famous Shrimp Mosca dish tastes like Italy on a fork. 4137 US-90 West, Westwego, (504) 436-8950, moscasrestaurant.com Pizza Domenica serves classic and inventive pies in a chic setting. Their Italian dishes are modernized so you can enjoy classic meals with a twist. Mushroom lovers should try their decadent funghi e salsiccia pizza. Multiple Locations, pizzadomenica.com The Original Italian Pie specializes in freshlyserved, budget-friendly pizza. This spot has a varied menu that serves up delectable pasta, wraps, and sandwiches. The Italian Pie combo features pepperoni, Italian sausage, ground beef, vegetables, and mozzarella. Multiple Locations, italianpie.com

ROBERT WITKOWSKI

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Single

BEST BITE OF FOOD

in Town

METAIRIE (ORIGINAL)

HILTON NEW ORLEANS

3232 N. Arnoult Road Metairie, La 70002 (504) 888-9254

2 Poydras Street New Orleans, La 70112 (504) 584-3911 WhereYat.com | January 2024

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RESTAURANT GUIDE U Pizza U Pizza is a go-to for pizza and plenty of other options, including dietary-restriction-friendly ones.

Enjoy dining in a comfortable atmosphere, suitable for any sized party. For dessert, opt for strawberry, chocolate, turtle, or plain cheesecake. 1513 St. Charles Ave., (504) 381-4232, upizzanola. com Venezia Restaurant is the place to go in MidCity for old-school Italian dishes. Enjoy pasta, pizza, and more in a cozy environment. Venezia’s Veal Pontchartrain comes with crab meat, mushrooms, artichoke, and a lemon butter sauce.

134 N. Carrollton Ave., (504)-488-7991, venezianeworleans.com

Shaya is an Uptown spot that combines Southern flavors with Israeli staples. They offer upscale dishes in a warm, sophisticated setting on Magazine Street. The entire menu is spectacular, but consider opting for their crispy halloumi.

4213 Magazine St., (504) 891-4213, shayarestaurant.com

NEWORLEANS CUISINE

Annunciation brings out the best of New Orleans cuisine with classic and contemporary takes on Cajun/Creole cooking. The relaxed atmosphere makes it the ideal getaway. Annunciation’s escargot appetizer comes with mushrooms and moutarde beurre blanc. 1016 Annunciation St., (504) 568-0245, annunciationrestaurant.com Apolline is a cozy spot for traditional Louisiana cooking with a modern flair. Each dish is freshly cooked with local ingredients and kitchen-grown herbs. Try the grilled lamb rack with a nice bottle of wine. 4729 Magazine St., (504) 894-8881, apollinerestaurant.com

LATIN

Cafe Normandie, located in the Higgins Hotel, pays homage to the spread of French culture and cuisine during World War II. The welcoming environment and appetizing breakfast and lunch menus make Cafe Normandie a musttry. 1000 Magazine St., (504) 528-1941, higginshotelnola.com/new-orleans

Empanola is a fusion restaurant blending South American and New Orleans flavors. They have been serving up creative and hand-crafted cuisine since 2017. Take advantage of their cost-efficient deals and try out multiple flavors of empanadas.

Multiple Locations, empanolaempanadas.com

Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop is an unassuming hotspot serving up classic New Orleans dishes.

They specialize in hot bowls of gumbo and all things seafood. Their Mumbo Gumbo is a medley of meat, seafood, and vegetables. 230 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, (504) 835-2022, gumbostop.com

Alma Cafe is the perfect spot for a trendy breakfast or lunch. The restaurant serves Honduran flavors with a modern twist. A signature dish, the pescado ceibeño, comes with deep fried red snapper, tostones, and encurtido. 800 Louisa St., (504) 381-5877, eatalmanola.com

Tapas e Vino is a cozy spot located within Bamboula’s music club. Split small plates with your group while sipping on paired wines. Enjoy crawfish beignets that are savory and spicy—perfect with a glass of Merlot. 514 Frenchmen St., (504) 2068057, bamboulasmusic.com Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco is a picturesque bistro offering Peruvian cuisine. Take a seat on the terrace with a tart and tasty pisco sour. The ceviche limeño combines tender seafood marinated with chili peppers, onions, and cilantro. Multiple Locations, titoscevichepisco.com

MEXICAN

Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria is a go-to for fans of chips and salsa, tacos, margaritas, and more.

Pick your favorite fillings and watch your meal sizzle to perfection. You can’t go to Felipe’s without getting the Nachos Classico. Multiple Locations, felipestaqueria.com Tacos Del Cartel has healthy, hearty options for Mexican food lovers. The pink decor offers a glimpse of the vibrant flavors you’ll taste. Their famous birria tacos are stuffed with chile adobo stewed beef short ribs. 2901 David Dr., Metairie, (504) 381-5063, tacosdelcartel.com

MIDDLE EASTERN

Gita Pita provides quick service for a fresh, healthy Mediterranean meal. Dine in or order delivery to satisfy your shawarma or gyro cravings.

Their basmati rice is light and fluffy—the perfect side to their delicious entrees. 2530 Canal St., (504) 766-6519, gitapita.com Lebanon’s Cafe serves some of the most delicious Middle Eastern dishes in New Orleans. Colorful

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Crescent City Brewhouse is a microbrewery serving flavorful modern Louisiana dishes. Enjoy the view from their balcony and visit for dinner to hear live jazz music on the weekends. A star attraction is the redfish Acadiana. 527 Decatur St., (504) 522-0571, crescentcitybrewhouse. com Curio is the perfect spot to enjoy Creole-influenced cuisine and cocktails. It’s in a renovated historic French Quarter building and serves up vibrant meals on their balcony overlooking Royal Street.

Enjoy the pan-roasted salmon and Gulf shrimp.

301 Royal St., (504) 717-4198, curionola. com Evangeline serves up Cajun and Creole flavors, offering a flavorful taste of top New Orleans cooking. Enjoy fresh Louisiana cooking, featured craft beer, and courtyard dining at this hidden gem in New Orleans. 329 Decatur St., (504) 3734852, evangelineneworleans.com House of Blues is a classic rock ‘n’ roll-themed restaurant, bar, and venue that you need to add to your list. Enjoy Southern favorites from their scratch kitchen and sip on a unique cocktail. 225 Decatur St., (504) 310-4961, houseofblues. com/neworleans Kingfish honors traditional New Orleans cuisine with a twist. Located in the French Quarter, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy dishes including Gulf shrimp fettuccine. Order from the happy hour menu or visit for daily brunch. 337 Chartres St., (504) 598-5005, kingfishneworleans.com Lakeview Harbor brings both land and sea to your plate, along with specialty burgers and tasty po-boys in their locations around the city.

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

This nautical-themed joint is great for a meal and excellent service. Multiple Locations, lakeviewharbor.us Li’l Dizzy’s Cafe offers Creole lunch dishes in a casual environment. The daily specials include gumbo, fried chicken, and shrimp po-boys. Try the catfish Jourdain, topped with crabmeat and shrimp in a lemon butter sauce. 1500 Esplanade Ave., (504) 766-8687, lildizzyscafe.net Loretta’s Authentic Pralines offers sweets and eats during breakfast and lunch. Loretta’s beloved pralines can also be found in the historic French Market. They serve traditional beignets, unconventional beignets, and praline shoe soles.

2101 N. Rampart St., (504) 944-7068, lorettaspralines.com Mandina’s is a classic NOLA restaurant and has been a Mid-City staple since 1932. This familyowned seafood joint serves Creole-Italian dishes.

Their Gulf fish almondine adds the perfect amount of nutty sweetness to a classic dish. 3800 Canal St., (504) 482-9179, mandinasrestaurant. com Meril serves up New American dining in the Warehouse District and is a local go-to for its signature dishes and cocktails. Through the open kitchen, you can watch your meal take shape before it’s served. 424 Girod St., (504) 526-3745, emerilsrestaurants.com Mother’s has been serving Creole dishes since 1938.

The fried chicken comes with two pieces of dark or white meat and either a leg, thigh, breast, or wing. Mother’s is also known to serve the “world’s best” ham. 401 Poydras St., (504) 5239656, mothersrestaurant. net

outdoor seating make it a New Orleans staple.

Choose between classic and seasonal po-boys filled with seafood and meats. 538 Hagan Ave., (504) 482-3047, parkwaypoorboys.com Please-U-Restaurant has been serving New Orleans since 1946. This diner-style restaurant serves Louisiana classics and other dishes. Stop by on Seafood Fridays and order from a menu of seafood platters, po-boys, omelets, and more.

1751 St. Charles Ave., (504) 525-9131, pleaseunola.com Restaurant August serves contemporary Creole dishes made with Louisiana ingredients. Here, wine lovers can enjoy one of NOLA’s best wine lists. This restaurant is housed in a 19th-century building with hardwood floors, antique mirrors, and chandeliers. 301 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 2999777, restaurantaugust.com Short Stop Po-Boys is perfect for a quick bite.

Order your po-boy and side at the counter or call for pickup from the drive-thru. Short Stop’s menu features po-boys and bowls of gumbo of different sizes. 119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie, (504) 885-4572, shortstoppoboysno.com

Wonderland & Sea

New Orleans Creole Cookery serves Cajun and Creole cuisine and hosts oyster happy hour in their oyster bar. The menu’s star attraction is the pecancrusted redfish, which can be paired with a wine from the wine list. 508 Toulouse St., (504) 5249632, neworleanscreolecookery.com Neyow’s Creole Cafe serves soul food in a New Orleans-decorated setting. Try the delicious gumbo or crab claws, which received accolades from Crescent City locals. Also try the chargrilled oysters topped with parmesan and butter sauce. 3332 Bienville St., (504) 827-5474, neyows.com Neyow’s XL, next door to Neyow’s Creole Café, elevates the Neyow’s Creole Cafe experience. Enjoy steaks and Creole cuisine in a white tablecloth setting. Try the red snapper, which is sweet with a hint of nuttiness. 3336 Bienville St., (504) 5031081, xl.neyows.com Nice Guys Nola offers classics with a Creole twist in an outdoor bar setting. Nice Guys is perfect for socializing, or watching the big game, while sipping on specialty drinks and craft beers.

7910 Earhthart Blvd., (504) 302-2404, niceguysnola.com Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro is a great French Quarter date spot. Try wines by the glass, bottle, or flight while seated in the courtyard.

The Grapevine black angus house filet is simply the best. 720 Orleans Ave., (504) 523-1930, orleansgrapevine.com Parkway Bakery has been serving po-boys, breads, and more since 1911. The ambiance and

SEAFOOD

Briquette displays fresh fish before it’s served on the plate. With 240 seats available for dinner, Briquette is perfect for events. The Louisiana redfish can be paired with a delicious white wine from the wine list. 701 S. Peters St., (504) 3027496, briquette-nola.com Drago’s Seafood Restaurant has offered delicious bites at their family-run restaurants since 1969. Enjoy their signature and original charbroiled oysters, served either as a half dozen or a full dozen. Shrimp and alligator are also available.

Multiple Locations, dragosrestaurant.com Legacy Kitchen’s Tacklebox’s bar is the perfect place to enjoy craft cocktails. The main menus feature seafood including raw and chargrilled oysters. Order coffee and beignets for breakfast or oysters and beer during happy hour. 817 Common St., (504) 827-1651, legacykitchen. com Middendorf’s in Manchac and Slidell provides a fin-tastic seafood experience. They offer some of the best fried seafood while providing a beach vacation experience. Come for the catfish and stay for live music and happy hour. Multiple Locations, middendorfsrestaurant.com Seaworthy serves the best catches, like wild-caught oysters, for the best flavor. Enjoy seafood in their sleek interior or in the courtyard.

Try the seasonal drink menu with artisanal cocktails and more during late-night happy hour. 630 Carondelet St., (504) 930-3071, seaworthynola.com

JIM SYLVE

murals and friendly service set the mood for your dining experience. Try their rosemary lamb chops served over grilled vegetables. 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 862-6200, lebanonscafe.com

“Always Hot & Straight from the Pot”

Gift Cards Available 1500 Esplanade Ave. 504-766-8687

@lildizzyscafe504

WhereYat.com | January 2024

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FOOD NEWS

Ch-ch-changes … Uptown Mediterranean restaurant MISA is shaking things up a bit. Owner and chef Tal Sharon has tapped Chef Frank Azulay, a French-born chef who made his mark in Tel MISA burrata Aviv. Azulay has added some of his own dishes to MISA’s menu such as avocado bruschetta with peppery arugula and chimichurri, baked potato tortilla with green onions and truffle aioli, creamy burrata with fresh basil and tomatoes, and a hot apple spring roll with vanilla ice cream and strawberry and raspberry coulis. MISA has also converted their outdoor dining area to an indoor dining area—as all New Orleanians know, temperature control is a good thing.

4734 Magazine St., (504) 510-2791, misanola.com Coffee first … The Algiers Point neighborhood has emitted a resounding “hurrah” at the resurrection of their beloved coffee shop—Congregation. After over eight years in business, the popular corner coffee stop closed its doors in May of 2023. Denizens of the Point despaired until late October when Patrick Brennan of the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group purchased the shop (and its roastery on Tchoupitoulas Street) and reopened a brand new Congregation. Though the formerly “shabby chic” cafe now sports a shiny new paint job and delicious pastries from the Ralph Brennan Bakery, Congregation’s singular coffees are just as good as they’ve always been.

240 Pelican Ave., congregationcoffee.com A great place to park … The Audubon Clubhouse, a gorgeous, Acadian-style breakfast/lunch spot and event space in Audubon Park, was recently taken over by the Dickie Brennan Restaurant Group and has been made into a fully-fledged restaurant. Chef Copeland Crews (formerly of Saba) is heading the kitchen and putting out nostalgic dishes which include an 1898 club sandwich and Cobb salad. Is there anything better than enjoying lunch—and soon dinner—on a deep, wraparound porch surrounded by live oaks? Possibly, but we can’t think of anything at the moment.

6975 Magazine St., (504) 558-1200, audubonclubhouse.com Craftin’ hops … The long-awaited Ecology Beer Creative & Taproom has opened. The brand new building is located on Baronne Street, just a few blocks from Central City BBQ. Taking the place of the poorly-timed All Relation brewery that opened in late 2019 and abruptly closed after the pandemic shutdowns. Ecology is co-owned by brewer Matt Horney and is offering 12 brews on tap with plans in the works to run a canning line to further distribute his craft brews to the masses.

1401 Baronne St., ecologybeer.com R’enovating a R’evolution … Chef John Folse’s signature French Quarter, fine-dining destination has reopened after a multi-million dollar renovation. Originally a partnership between Folse and famed Chicago chef Rick Tramonto, the two have parted ways and Folse has taken this opportunity to make R’evolution his own, taking the focus of the restaurant back to what he’s known for— Louisiana cuisine. Dishes include Death by Gumbo with roasted quail and Gulf oysters, Crawfish Montegut with fried crawfish tails and smoked tomato remoulade, blue crab beignets, short rib boudin, rabbit rillettes, and BBQ Gulf shrimp and blue corn grits. Restaurant R’evolution is open for dinner every day but Wednesday. 777 Bienville St., (504) 553-2277, revolutionnola.com Laissez les bon sake? … Chefs Rodney Bonsack and Sean McGuire have joined forces to open Bon Sake Sushi & Bar, a “modern sushi restaurant with a Southern influence” in Downtown Covington. Located on N. Columbia Street, just around the corner from Aki Japanese, this hot new sushi spot emphasizes soy-paper-wrapped rolls, cocktails, and a new spot to watch the game. 528 N. Columbia St., Covington, (985) 400-5021, bonsakesushi.com Around the Bend … Chef Blake Cressey, born and raised in New Orleans, has recently launched her first brick and mortar, eponymously named Blake’s Place. Cressey, who started selling hot plates from her home nearly a decade ago, has renovated and re-decorated the former home of Mexican restaurant La Mansion on Dublin Street, upping the atmosphere tenfold. Blake’s Place is serving mostly Creole-Italian cuisine and comfort food from BBQ shrimp and smoked wings to chicken marsala and linguine Alfredo. Blake’s Place is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday.

724 Dublin St., (504) 354-1352, blakesplacenola.com

Geaux Team … Native New Orleanians Chef Matthew Nguyen and former LSU football star Malachi Dupre have joined forces to present Kenji Omakase, a Japanese-inspired pop-up inside the International House Hotel. The omakase tasting courses focus mainly on fish sourced from Japan’s internationally recognized Toyosu Market—among the finer cuts being madai, shima-aji, kanpachi, kurodai, and oysters from Kumamoto Bay. Nguyen will introduce dishes reflecting his heritage and featuring local produce, such as lemongrass miso soup and bo la lot, beef wrapped in a betel leaf and grilled on a Japanese binchotan grill. Coming in either early winter or spring, Kenji will also offer rare sakes and cocktails crafted to complement the food, all curated by Abigail Gullo, acclaimed mixologist and creative director at loa. 221 Camp St., @kenjiomakase

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

KIM RANJBAR

Bigger is better … The Mardi Gras School of Cooking, a premier culinary destination in the historic French Quarter, has expanded its premises to include a newly-developed cooking facility. Offering hands-on cooking classes, private events, and catering, the school is known for its authentic local cuisine and skilled instructors. “Our students learn about the history and culture of New Orleans cuisine, and they leave with a newfound appreciation for our city’s unique food culture. We believe the Mardi Gras School of Cooking is helping to make New Orleans an even more desirable destination for tourists all over the world,” said Teresa Vernon, owner of the Mardi Gras School of Cooking. 519 Wilkinson St., Ste. 101, (504)344-3977, themardigrasschoolofcooking.com

Bar Guide

Drink Food Dancing Specials

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

Atop the Ace Hotel, Alto is a chic pool bar with excellent views and cocktails. Stop by for a dip in the pool or for an elevated happy hour with pizzas, paninis, and beer buckets.

Babylon Sports Bar 2917 Harvard Ave., Suite A 504-324-9961

Babylon Sports Bar is a homy neighborhood dive bar with endless drinks and entertainment including live music, karaoke night, happy hour, big sports game viewing, and more.

Bar Marilou 544 Carondelet St. 504-814-7711 Boot Scootin’ Rodeo 522 Bourbon St. 504-552-2510

Located inside an old library, Bar Marilou is a French bar bursting with character. Funky furniture and creative cocktails such as the Bungalow Mystery and Little Birds transport you to another world.

Boot Scootin’ Rodeo brings honky-tonk fun to the French Quarter. Square dance on one of the largest oak dancefloors on Bourbon Street and order a 27-oz. mug of spiked sweet tea.

Bourbon “O” Bar 730 Bourbon St. 504-523-2222

The Bourbon “O” Bar is the perfect French Quarter spot, right on Bourbon Street, offering great live music options every night as well as an excellent menu of fresh cocktails.

Buffa’s 1001 Esplanade Av. 504-949-0038

Since 1939, Buffa’s has served authentic New Orleans fare, spirits, and live music. Feast on Buffa’s award-winning bratwurst jambalaya. Open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day, with local music Wednesday through Monday.

Club 38 provides VIP treatment upon entry as part of their “Owners Club” to guests and elite members. Gamblers can relax with complimentary food and wine with the bar while in Boomtown Casino.

Enjoy live jazz performances, signature craft brews, and traditional Louisiana bites in the only microbrewery in the French Quarter. Crescent City Brewhouse offers courtyard and balcony dining.

Emporium offers guests local craft beers, spirits, and an innovative cocktail program. The live music, DJs, nightlife, and bar games will make you come back again and again.

Club 38 4132 Peters Rd. 504-366-7711 Crescent City Brewhouse 527 Decatur St. 504-522-0571 Emporium Arcade Bar 2231 St. Claude St. 773-697-7922

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

Evangeline specializes in Cajun cuisine including fried alligator. They have craft beers by local breweries and fantastic cocktails, and their outdoor courtyard is the perfect place to sit back and relax.

The Fillmore is a 22,000 square foot space above Harrah’s Casino. The area hosts artists from all over the world, full-service productions, customizable menus, and creative cocktail packages.

High Grace NOLA is an upscale dive bar located in the heart of the French Quarter. The bar is open 24/7 and stocked with beers, wines, and seltzers. You can even enjoy beer/cocktail towers.

The House of Blues is a great hangout spot that hosts a variety of live music. The bar is rock and blues-themed and serves up delicious Southern dishes such as jambalaya and po-boys.

Lots a Luck Tavern 203 Homedale St. 504-483-0978

Lots a Luck is a laid-back neighborhood dive bar with bar games galore. They also often have special offers and events such as crawfish boils and trivia nights.

Martine’s Lounge 2347 Metairie Rd. 504-831-8637

Fiendly service, fun vibes, and, of course, great drinks—there’s always something going on from trivia night to holiday celebrations.

Enjoy a Bloody Mary, Irish coffee, and more out on their patio..

Pal’s Lounge 949 N. Rendon St. 504-488-7257

Pal’s Lounge is a Mid-City dive bar that has been taken care of by the neighborhood since 2002. Pal’s is perfect for late nights as they stay open until 3 a.m. serving drinks and bites from food trucks.

Rosie’s on the Roof 1000 Magazine St. 504-528-1941

504-910-0100

Located atop the Higgins Hotel, Rosie’s on the Roof offers a full service bar, small bites, and an unmatched view of the city. Elegance meets comfort in this WWII Americanathemed rooftop lounge.

The Sazerac House is the quintessential place to experience one of New Orleans’ most famous cocktails—the Sazerac.

This museum offers tours that educate guests about the cocktail’s history.

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

Stumpy’s is not your average bar. It’s the perfect place to gather with friends, family, or to go out for a date and enjoy taking part in a unique activity—hatchet throwing.

The Garage 810 Conti St.

Located just steps off Bourbon Street, the Garage has live music, food, a funky atmosphere, and a dance floor. Play a game of shuffleboard or pool or show off your best dance moves.

The Jimani 141 Chartres 504-524-0493

The Jimani is a great late-night spot for food, drinks, and hanging out during a big sports event. In addition to many different beers, the kitchen is open till 4 a.m.

The Metropolitan 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd.

504-568-1702

The Metro is the spot for premier nightlife in New Orleans.

This two-story nightclub offers great DJ performances, multiple bars, and convenient VIP service. Escape the stress of reality and dance the night away.

Indulge in the best of New Orleans’ bubbles and bites at The Vintage with a menu of gourmet beignets, bar bites, coffee, wine, and signature cocktails, Try a mix of sips with a Bitter Good Morning, a boozy cold brew, or Espresso Yourself.

Tropical Isle is a bar chain beloved by locals and tourists alike. They have a fun atmosphere and great music, but their drinks are incredible too. Try a famous Hand Grenade or a Shark Attack.

Evangeline 329 Decatur St. 504-373-4852 Fillmore New Orleans 6 Canal St. 504-881-1555 High Grace NOLA 733 St. Peter 504-218-5649

Sazerac House 101 Magazine St.

The Vintage 3121 Magazine St. 504-324-7144 Tropical Isle Multiple Locations 504-523-1927

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45

FILM REVIEWS

By David Vicari & Fritz Esker

Eileen

Godzilla Minus One

n director William Oldroyd’s new film Eileen, a young woman named Eileen (Thomasin McKenzie) works at a juvenile prison in 1960s New England.

She lives a lonely life. She’s socially awkward and given to fantasizing during her workday. When she gets home, she is verbally abused by her alcoholic, excop father (Shea Whigam). A glamorous psychologist (Anne Hathaway) arrives at the facility, and Eileen develops a crush on her. Both women are also interested in a recent arrival at the prison, who is in jail for murdering his father in a particularly grisly manner.

Oldroyd establishes and maintains a strong sense of place and atmosphere. It’s set during the Christmas season, but the Massachusetts town is gloomy and joyless (suffice to say this is a “Christmas movie” that is unlikely to appear in basic cable rotation during future holiday seasons). Not to disclose or give away the specifics of plot twists, but any viewer paying even slight attention will realize bad things are going to happen.

The screenplay was co-written by Ottessa Moshfegh and based on her novel. Moshfegh also wrote last year’s underrated Causeway starring Jennifer Lawrence (and set in New Orleans). Eileen’s tone is different than that of Causeway, but the films are similar in that they are essentially the study of a two-person

here are many lifelong Godzilla fans who have seen all the movies multiple times. The latest Godzilla movie, Godzilla Minus One, is from Toho, the Japanese production company that created the gigantic nuclear-powered reptilian monster with the original film, Gojira, all the way back in 1954. Godzilla Minus One is the 37th Godzilla picture to be produced, and, amazingly, it is the best Godzilla film ever made.

On the surface, this follows the typical Godzilla film blueprints where the Big G is the baddie: the monster appears, causes chaos and destruction, then the humans have to figure out a way to destroy it. In fact, Minus One is the closest thing to a remake of the ‘54 original.

So what makes this such an exceptional movie? It has well-written human characters, great action scenes, and this is the scariest Godzilla has been since 2001’s Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack.

Minus One is a period piece, set in Japan, and opens during the waning days of World War II in 1945. Kamikaze pilot Kōichi Shikishima (Ryunosuke Kamiki) lands his plane on a small island and claims to the mechanics crew that his aircraft was malfunctioning. Later that night, a

I

T

relationship. They are also economically told tales clocking in it at 90-something minutes in an era that increasingly favors bloated storytelling. Films like these also depend heavily on the performances of the two leads, and, in Eileen, McKenzie and Hathaway deliver.

In the hands of a lesser actor and script, Hathaway’s character could’ve been a garden variety femme fatale, but she comes off as more complex than that. McKenzie captures Eileen’s loneliness and longing, as well as her uglier side. The only concern is that this is the second time in a little over two years that McKenzie has played a shy but possibly crazy young woman (the other time was in Edgar Wright’s entertaining thriller Last Night in Soho).

She’s good in both films, but let’s hope she doesn’t become typecast.

—Fritz Esker

dinosaur-type creature that the villagers call Godzilla comes ashore, and Shikishima freezes with fear while other men are killed by the monster.

Branded as a coward, Shikishima returns to a bombed-out Tokyo and, rather unwillingly, takes in a young woman, Noriko (Minami Hamabe), and an orphaned child. Then the now bigger and atomicfueled Godzilla reappears, and it’s up to Shikishima and a team of war veterans to attempt to destroy the creature.

The film is written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki, who also supervised the visual effects. Yes, it’s the digital age and long gone are the days of a man in a rubber suit, but the Suitmation had a certain charm to it and some may miss it.

Still the digital Godzilla here looks pretty damn cool. The movie also makes great use of late music composer Akira Ifukube’s original Godzilla themes.

There are a lot of people who love the hell out of the colorful Godzilla monster rallies of the ‘60s such as Mothra vs.

Godzilla (1964), or the cheapo entries of the ‘70s such as Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972), but Godzilla Minus One is stark, serious, and really makes you feel that something is at stake.

—David Vicari

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

FOCUS PICTURES

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TALES FROM THE QUARTER

By Debbie Lindsey

Rehoming Missy

H

ome ownership is not for the faint of month, but you don’t have to call the plumber heart—I would know, my heart has or contract someone to fix the tumors “fainted” more times than I can count. appearing above your chimney mantels Just looking at our FEMA flood insurance bill for (because someone thought they could the year had my heart sink, no, crash with a sheetrock over damp bricks). A fresh coat of thud. And everyone knows about property tax paint presents quite nicely when a house is and home insurance costs. Even if the house for sale, but buy it and see just how long that was gifted to you, (free, no house loan), you lipstick hides moisture-wicking. still have more monthly and annual fees than It was this latest revelation of existing rent. Even sky-high rent can pale next to the moisture damage that reminded me of, cost of maintaining a house.

“Whoops, I forgot to follow through on I actually stop strangers on the street major attic work.” And with that heartand say, “Don’t buy a house. It will break sinking reminder of the tremendous your heart.” Sure there are exceptions: those amount of work, money, and the army of with lots of money (to pour into a house) contractors that Missy already experienced, and those with lots of time. Time to pay it we had forgotten the attic. Ironically, this off and maybe make a profit. At our age, gut-wrenching venture towards further this ain’t happening. Perhaps at any age, depletion of savings introduced me to a this ain’t happening. Of course those having contractor whose vast knowledge of our made a substantial city’s historic homes and “Every day is a journey, down payment may his deep love and respect and the journey itself is home.” for such architecture made see the benefits of –Matsuo Basho, Japanese poet equity (a whole world me feel my first stirrings of finance I can barely of maternal instincts “And homeownership is a journey of towards Missy. grasp). However, in endless repairs and expenses.” our case, we paid zero I approached the –Debbie Lindsey, homeowner down thanks to the VA stewardship (adoption, (Husband is a veteran) if you will) of this house being foolish enough to trust us to be able to with ambivalence, anxiety, and daily regret. afford our dear Missy Money Pit. We had the I had little interest in inviting friends to see choice of depleting all our savings to make her and was overwhelmed by the enormous a down payment and getting a somewhat responsibilities and work that seemed cheaper monthly mortgage or go with the VA without end. But then I met Mr. B, who backed zero down. Think between a jagged will be our attic contractor. Husband and I rock and a hard place. talked with him over the phone for nearly Also to qualify for a loan, we pretty much 30 minutes and he spoke like a history had to get a double (duplex) and become professor about the historic value of our landlords. Our tenants are lovely (they house and others like her, not in terms of kinda came with the house) and there was real estate prices or monetary worth but no way we could raise their rent enough to rather the uniqueness of the architecture actually consider it “rental income.” We are and building practices of yesteryears. He just grateful they haven’t presented us with explained that she was built prior to electric a laundry list of upgrades and that existing tools and that it likely took as many as appliances are either owned by them or at 40 workers to craft and build this house. least in working order. I hate being a landlord. This same passion for an old house like I rented my entire life and want to be fair and ours was expressed again when he spent honest and not a butt-head. I was blessed an hour examining the moisture damage with some amazing landlords (thank you to our interior chimneys. Needless to say, all) but certainly have been screwed royally he reminded me of my own passion for by others. I was spoiled by my last renting historic architecture, and, then and there, I experience and long to be that renter again. began to approach Missy with more respect.

Actually, in a sense, Husband and I “rent” our Anyone who reads my columns knows my house. We will never really own our house. tendency to anthropomorphize critters She, Missy Money Pit, owns us. and things. And if anything deserves this People are always congratulating us on personification, it would be a house that getting a house, being homeowners. They has stood through two world wars, the say, when I express regrets or second guess Depression, hurricanes, and the insidious this venture, “But Debbie, it’s all yours.” Yeah, termites that cause slum-lord properties to right. Tell that to the termites who ignore the pale by comparison. exterminator’s gallant attempts to control So while I still regret that we have taken on them, the deep freeze that dearly wants to such a financial burden and responsibility, I am burst my pipes and the wind that delights realizing that my resentment should never be in threatening my new roof. And just like a directed at this grand dame of a house. It’s not landlord, our mortgage company expects a her fault that her new people are in over their chunk of money every month. This money heads. She is, for better or for worse, stuck is due for the rest of our lives regardless of with us and, even if we can’t afford a new a hurricane, job loss, or some unexpected paint job for her, we will fortify her structurally expense. Sure renting a house/apartment and keep her strong. But most importantly, I entails a ridiculous financial outlay each will give her the respect she deserves.

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

By Phil LaMancusa

A

sk Uncle that cannot, “Well sometimes you have to moan, humans Charlie will not, for one brief when nothin’ seems to suit ya. But miniscule heartbeat (Dickens) for the illustration consider another’s nevertheless you know, you’re from A Christmas dilemma that may at locked toward the future.”

Carol. Ebenezer best be temporary Scrooge sits, just and at worst life like you and me, threatening. And –Cat Stevens, “On The Road To Find Out” getting hipped now, I consider that to the fact that incident an allegory where he was led him to where he is and will for the state of the world. Listen, with any determine where he will be if he maintains luck at all, you have three blessings: the trajectory of his behavior and existence.

His moral compass and the consequences of 1. You wake up in the morning. his actions will reap what has been “sowed 2. You’re kinda in your right mind and health. and growed.” The butterfly effect in the 3. You have options. chaos theory will remain unchanged unless a change in course is made. I believe, in You can consider, like old Ebenezer, that our hearts, that we all want to change for where you were—and where you are—is the better. That’s why we make New Year’s leading you to a very predictable future if Resolutions, eh? you but stay your course, direction, and Rush hour Thursday evening, traveling pace. It sounds so simple. 1 and 2 are Poydras Street, three lanes up and three biggies and are really important to pay lanes down, traveling at the speed of hopeattention to. 3 requires consideration or not. to-get-the-f*ck-home. Like frantic captives Ignore 3 and you will get to where you’re tortured by their terrorist employers, the already headed. cars, SUVs, vans, and pick-ups are escaping, Now you can consider the world and its racing away from all the misery their challenges and problems, its destructions occupations heaped on their souls and spirits and dyings. Its equities and inequities did that day and into life’s pernal beating that not just start today or yesterday, but are awaits them at home: spouses, offspring, a series of steps and missteps that are, rents, mortgages, and/or the grass that is in essence, already set in a motion and dying in the draught, hoping Margaret Orr movement from centuries ago, and that, will predict some rain and wondering why the some say, are undoubtedly leading the home team got their asses kicked again. The world to its imminent demise. Some say cool taste of that first beer that goes down that it’s too late to change course, that so easily. things already are out of anyone’s control.

I’m hugging the right lane going up I say that it’s a mindset and conditioning towards Galvez Street, and I spy the vehicles brought on by media, politics, and religion veering out from the center lane going that, at best, has to be overhauled from left and right at 40 miles an hour avoiding the ground up like an existential rebirth/ something. The “something” that they epiphany, and I don’t see that happening— are avoiding is an old man in a wheelchair ever in my lifetime (or yours). The Prince stopped in the center lane like a Grateful of Peace is not returning. Miss Otis regrets Dead set—no way forward and no way back. she’s unable to lunch today, madam.

And no one is stopping to aid his plight, or It’s too late to be an example to others. even slowing down.

It’s too late to fight the greed compounded Except for some guy (me) in a beat up by mendacity that is ruling the planet and ’97 Lincoln Town Car who pulls over (still in our lives; souls hang on by a thread with a traffic), turns on his flashers, and jumps into prayer and a song. “We were talking about traffic for a stranger in need of help. the love we all could share. When we find I’m still in my cook’s whites, waving it, to try our best to hold it there. With our my arms like a sailor at a semaphore love, with our love, we could save the world, convention, and get to him, asking if they only knew,” The Beatles from “Within ludicrously, “Do you need help?” Of course You Without You.” he does. At this point, I don’t know which I don’t know what to say. Happy New direction he’s heading, and when I find out— Year? Will this year be better? Our lives here we go—crossing five lanes of rush hour are predetermined, led by coincidence? traffic. When I’m in, I’m in.

Is there such a thing as free will? Can we “Did you just leave your car?” he asks. unstick the mind f*ck? Maybe and maybe “You shouldn’ta done that. I’m goin’ right not (probably not). Certainly we can only there. Okay, thank you. I can take it from find peace in ourselves. Certainly we can here. Ya got a couple of dollahs you can only practice compassion, empathy, and spare?” He points to the Superdome and tells kindness in ourselves until it becomes our me, “There used to be a grocery store, right natural behavior. Certainly it is only we that there.” I inform him that that grocery store can change our behavior for the better. We ain’t there no more and off he goes. End of have to see that as where we’re going. Or story. How do I feel? I’m frickin’ livid. not.

I’m mad as a wet hen, cursing even.

There’s an old man in a wheelchair sitting Not at him, per se, but at the entire race of in six lanes of fast traveling vehicles.

BROOKE LAIZER

LBJ

AMY RUSSO

WhereYat.com | January 2024

49

WHERE Y'BEEN KREWE DU VIEUX FUNDRAISER

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

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Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year’s Eve Parade The Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year’s Eve Parade, a Mardi Gras-style parade on Sunday, December 31, features sponsored and themed floats, high school and university bands and entertainment for fans of all ages. The free event is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. on Elysian Fields Avenue and will roll past Jackson Square and up Decatur Street.

NewOrleans.com Allstate Sugar Bowl Tailgate Town 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, hosted by New Orleans & Company, 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) — Monday, January 1 • 4 p.m.