New Year's Eve/Sugar Bowl 2018 (January 2018)

WhereYat.com | January 2018 | 3

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CONTENTS

Josephine Estelle Open for lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and breakfast the Italian way.

Cover Story 8 Amanda Shaw: All Grown Up

Features 12 16 18 20

Best Bubbly Bars Local NOLA Breweries Smoky Cocktails 300 Years: Epiphany

Events & Nightlife 22 Blackberry Smoke 26 Music Calendar 30 Lakeside 2 Riverside

By James Beard Award nominees Chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman.

Dining

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32 34 36 39

Food News $20 and Under Restaurant Guide Bar Guide

Extras 40 42 44 45 46

Film Reviews Columns Around the Web Where Ya' Been?

Where Y'at Chat

January 2018 Vol. 21 No. 5 Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Josh Danzig Creative Director: Michael Fulkerson Assistant Editor: Kathy Bradshaw Movie Editors: David Vicari & Fritz Esker Copy Editor: Burke Bischoff Contributing Writers: Beau Ciolino, Emily Hingle, Kathy Bradshaw, Phil LaMancusa, Debbie Lindsey, Kim Ranjbar, Landon Murray, Krystral Christen, Leigh Wright, Emil Flemmon, Greg Roques, Asdrubal Quintero, Steven Melendez, Anthony O'Donnell, Andrew Alexander, Noah Stokes-Raab, Christopher Romaguera, Katey Ceccarelli Director of Sales: Stephen Romero Cover Photo by Romney of Amanda Shaw at Effervescence Photographers & Designers: Gus Escanelle, Jason Hall, Steve Hatley, Romney Caruso, Jorge Menes, Kathy Bradshaw, Greg Roques, Finn Turnbull, James Macaluso Interns: Marrisa Williams, Jordan Haber, Marjinique Louis, Danielle Fletcher, Jeff Boudreaux, Crystal Morgan Subscribe: Receive 1 year (14 issues) for $30 and get a FREE Where Y’at CD. Subscribe today at WhereYat.com.

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Since she was eight years old, Amanda Shaw has been entertaining her fans with that beautiful voice and fantastic fiddling. Emily Hingle spends time with the former Disney Channel star and shares how Amanda has grown into a mature artist.

Nothing says “party” like champagne. Check out our profile of blissful bubbly bars in town for an idea of where you can prepare for New Year’s Eve. And while you’re at it, make a resolution to visit one of the city’s local breweries. Leigh Wright does a fantastic job of profiling these fantastic destinations for drinking beer.

2018 brings New Orleans’s 300th birthday. This January issue begins our monthly column celebrating this incredible anniversary. Kathy Bradshaw starts it off looking at 300 years of the Epiphany … yes, January 6 is upon us, which means the beginning of Carnival season!

Happy New Year from the Where Y’at staff. Have a happy and safe 2018! –Josh Danzig, Publisher

WhereYat.com | January 2018 | 7

Amanda Shaw: All Grown-Up

By Emily Hingle

Photos by Romney Caruso & Hunter Thomas

S

ince the tender age of eight, Amanda Shaw has been exciting audiences throughout south Louisiana, the nation, and the world with her vivacious performances. The fiery young woman not only plays the fiddle with a passion that’s impossible to replicate, she writes, records, and distributes her music according to her terms. She’s a businesswoman!

Amanda decided that it would be in her best interest to take total control of her brand, and it’s paid off immensely.

She said about her journey into being her own boss, "A few years ago, I didn’t feel like I had good ownership of what was happening. So now, I feel like what’s important is cultivating all the ideas, including how to release something, putting my own stamp on it, and enjoying every part of the process. Because it is me. At the end of the day, it’s like being a small-business owner.”

Amanda has taken a new approach to her career and her life; she wants to live in the moment and appreciate it, rather than being driven to achieve goals that are unnecessary for her to be happy. You can hear this new-found sense of self on her upcoming album. She explained her latest project: “Overall, it’s probably the most honest set of songs [I’ve made]. The feelings behind every single song are real.

Maybe it’s just this romantic thing I have

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with music, but I love listening to records like Dolly Parton’s Jolene. You could listen to that record over and over again, and it’s a complete story. Each of the songs on there helps the others make sense. You can listen to the songs individually, but in the big picture, all the songs together tell a story. A record truly is a snapshot in time of something. That’s what a good record should do, is tell a story of a picture of someone.”

When Amanda first started out in the 1990s, some people asked her if she had her albums on cassette rather than CDs. She remembers those times fondly, because she prefers buying physical albums to downloading music; her records feel like “old friends” to her. This clever musician has totally embraced the power of social media and digital releases for her own music, however. She knows exactly how to engage her audience while feeling like her tunes are as appreciated as she thinks they should be. She said, “I’m proud of the songs, and I want the songs to live and to breathe. I want to take my time with it. I’m not on a label; I’m not going on a serious two-year tour. I’ve got nothing but time to just enjoy these songs. I feel like in the digital age, if I were to put the record out, say, tomorrow, I’d have just one week of it. Then it would be gone, and I’d have to start working on the next one. Why do that?”

While Amanda doesn’t tend to write about her own experiences or those of

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WhereYat.com | January 2018 | 9

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people she knows for every song, she does feel that her album includes her feelings about being a young woman in the music industry and all of the trappings and trials that come along with that. “A lot of people forget that I grew up, so I wanted to tell my own story of that. ‘Lipstick-Stained Blues’ is a celebration of being a young woman and growing up in the music industry. I like my hair and my false eyelashes and my makeup, and it doesn’t make me any less of an artist.

I’m going to put 100 percent of my effort into everything I do when I get ready, when I play the music, spend time with my fans after the show, and make every person who comes to me after to feel important to me, because they are,” she said.

This talented lady isn’t just working her tail off for herself; she wants to bring the New Orleans music industry into the modern age and give it the proper credence that it deserves.

She explained, “Why is it that the goal has to be to go far, far away just to come back home?

I wanted to come back to this place where I live in a cool city, do this, and make change from the inside out.

I feel very serious about that part of my job, because New Orleans is this magical little thing that people from far away want to come to. And I think that’s so awesome, that a city can make people from miles and miles away feel something so magical inside.”

As older generations of New Orleans musicians are passing, Amanda is more serious than ever about making sure that the music industry here is strong enough to “carry the torch” to future generations.

It’s not just about the people performing on stage; there are club owners, bartenders, promoters, bookers, writers, and more involved in this. She said, “We’ve got our legends that left us something really great, now it’s the new generation’s turn to start taking care of it and harvesting it. Part of it is looking at how to grow that structure. How do we make it better for the next generation so that they can preserve New Orleans and future generations can continue to be full-time musicians? And keep it unique, and keep it funky, and keep it cool, and keep it New Orleans?

It has to evolve.”

So many great things are in the works for Amanda now that she owns her small business. One of her greatest accomplishments is hosting a Christmas variety show on WGNO. Amanda will be joined by fellow artists Bruce Daigrepont, Fred LeBlanc of Cowboy Mouth, Rockin’ Dopsie, and the 610 Stompers for the 1960s-style variety show with music, skits, and lots more. She pronounced, “I’m pretty excited about being given the opportunity to have my own special. I’m really obsessed with Dolly Parton, and I loved to watch Dolly Parton on the Porter Wagner Show on YouTube. It was such a family thing. There’s something for everyone. Even if you are slightly annoyed to spend time with your family over the holidays, there’s something for everybody in one of these shows.”

You can catch Amanda’s Christmas special on WGNO in late December, and be on the lookout for her latest album.

Make no mistake: while she enjoys what she does for a living, she’s serious about being the boss.

“I like my hair and my false eyelashes and my makeup, and it doesn’t make me any less of an artist. I’m going to put 100 percent of my effort into everything I do when I get ready, when I play the music, spend time with my fans after the show, and make every person who comes to me after to feel important to me, because they are.”

WhereYat.com | January 2018 | 11

Taking a Sip of the Stars Blissful Bubbly Bars

By Emily Hingle

O

n New Year’s Eve, champagne bottles will be popping all across the city when the clock strikes midnight and a brand new year is ushered in. The brilliant pop of a bottle is like the starting gun of an exciting new year full of promise and possibility. However, you don’t have to relegate your bubbly consumption to only one night of the year; you can keep the celebration going year-round at the right places that serve up tingly, effervescent sparkling wine all year.

Effervescence (1036 N. Rampart St.) is the premiere spot to “drink the stars” in the city. In less than three years, the sparkling wine bar has impressed locals and visitors alike who marvel at their extensive sparkling menu; their modern, yet New Orleans-identified converted house; and the tasty treats that are so

perfectly complemented by any drink option you choose. This marvelous concept was opened by Crystal Hinds and her husband after they became empty-nesters. Crystal was well-versed in sparkling wine since she was just a girl. She explained, “My very first memories of the sparkling festive drink we call champagne was when I was a small girl. My mom would let me dip my fingers in her coupe glass to taste the wine at family holidays after the toast. I knew it was something special, and I was thrilled to have a taste of the tiny little sweet bubbles.”

Located on North Rampart Street on the edge of the French Quarter—Crystal’s new home after moving from Kenner— Effervescence (pictured right) has been booming. Customers are especially attracted to the excellent price points on the beverages and shareable plates; the owners prefer having menu items for a

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wide range of budgets, rather than just catering to the elite of New Orleans.

Crystal said, “We needed a spot like this in this residential area of the Quarter. Our guests love the accessibility in and out on weekends, as North Rampart is easy to get to from all parts of the city. I have many guests coming in to eat before going to the Saenger Theatre or a music event or even some of the sporting events around town. People are finally realizing we have amazing wine, bubbles, and mixed drinks to go. When walking in Armstrong Park or the French Quarter, they are popping in to grab nice to-go drinks!”

For Crystal and her staff, it’s not just about bringing the best bubbles from around the entire world straight to you; they want everyone to enjoy every moment that they’re alive. “The whole idea behind Effervescence is popping the cork on bubbles to celebrate the day, this day, this moment. Just pick something from our tasting flight that you like and celebrate the day, the people you are with, and the wine someone meticulously made for you,” she exclaimed.

Bayou Wine Garden (315 N. Rendon St.) opened on the property of the supercasual patio bar Bayou Beer Garden in 2016, but it has a different feel. The romantic patio (pictured left) is a great place to enjoy a large menu of wine derived from all over the world. The sparkling list includes 19 varieties that are almost all imported from Europe. For the aficionados, they stock bottles of true

champagne as well. Oak (8118 Oak St.) wine bar is akin to the aforementioned bar in that it shares a patio with its brother bar Ale on Oak. Sylvain (625 Chartres St.) in the French Quarter has one of the most delicious-sounding appetizers in the entire city: a pairing of sparkling wine and salty French fries. Robert LeBlanc, owner of the LeBlanc + Smith restaurant group, said that the pairing of an expensive-tasting drink and common street food was a no-brainer. He said about the dish, “The salt from the fries and the sweetness from the champagne complement one another perfectly. You can either order the fries with a glass of bubbles or with the whole bottle.

It's the best combination of laid-back and decadent.”

Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits (600 Poland Ave.) is like a little piece of Europe right here in the American South; you enter the Old World-looking building, select a bottle of wine to share that evening,

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then retire to the patio (pictured above) or upstairs venue to nosh on small plates and sample the wine you purchased from their store. Your ears are in for a treat on Monday evenings when cellist and chanteuse Helen Gillet performs, and there’s music every other night of the week.

For the past few years, Brennan’s Restaurant (417 Royal St.) has been hosting a successful and fruitful Happy Hour for those in search for something light, refreshing, and fun. The types of champagnes and sparkling wines change all the time, so you may want to attend the event regularly. The Bubbles at Brennan’s Happy Hour (pictured below) is Monday through Thursday from 2 to 7 p.m. and on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. I would suggest going on Friday just before 5 p.m., so you can catch the weekly champagnebottle sabering in the courtyard. That exciting ritual is sure to put you in the mood for celebration!

Also deriving their name from a type of sparkling wine, the Lakeview restaurant Cava (789 Harrison Ave.) is a lovely spot

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to eat New Orleans-inspired food al fresco, surrounded by a small garden of herbs, while taking in a crisp bubbly. The restaurant specializes in its namesake: cava is a Spanish sparkling wine mostly made in the Catalan region. The wine cellar here is more like a library behind glass that you can peruse before making the best selection.

Sometimes the best part of sipping champagne is being surrounded by decadent décor, deep red lighting, and smooth, sexy jazz. You’ll find that the Burgundy Bar (931 Canal St.) at the Saint Hotel is a devilish and luxurious treat that’s almost as sweet and intoxicating as the champagne they serve. A few of their “7 Deadly Sins” signature cocktails feature bubbles, but you’re just going to have to brave walking through the heavenly, floating white curtains and entering the red, glittering pit of indulgence to see which ones they are.

If you just got a promotion at work, your friend just got engaged, or because it’s a Wednesday, there’s always a reason to celebrate life with a taste of champagne!

WhereYat.com | January 2018 | 15

NOLA Brewery

Brews For A Boozy City Taking a Look At the Local Breweries of New Orleans

By Leigh Wright

W

ith the influx of brewery openings in New Orleans, that means one thing: new New Orleans adventures and you will never be thirsty again. Well, that’s two things, but who can see straight after venturing out to taste-test each new selection?

Each owner personifies his brewery through the design, naming rights, and beer profiles, but as a whole, the brewing community embodies some similar ideals: 1. Breweries and taprooms are inclusive and community-oriented watering holes, acting as “second living rooms.” You will find kids and dogs at each one of them.

2. Beer knowledge is something to be shared and should be approachable. Whether you are a novice, home-brewer, or selfproclaimed hop-head, prepare to learn more about beer than you ever thought possible.

3. No matter what you believe about your palate, there is something for you to drink that’s made right here in New Orleans.

worth venturing out for. It’s worth your time to try a few and decide the same for yourself.

Wayward Owl: 3940 Thalia St. This hidden GEM (a nod to the historical GEM Theater this brewery now resides in) is a stand-out taproom for its ambiance and beer selection. The long communal tables and shuffleboard table are spaced out just enough to take up space around the front of the old movie theater, but create an intimacy not many utilitarian buildings are able to cultivate. Nina is a fantastic bartender and

Royal Brewery

These are not listed or ranked in any order, but along the way, I discovered my new neighborhood alehouse and taprooms

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won’t steer you wrong as you settle into the line of movie theater seats and watch, yes, a movie.

••• Beer Hits: Family Tree Kristallweisen and Scops Scotch Ale. Vibe: Fun is the key, and they take things week by week.

Food: Order it in; bring it in.

Secret: They have a 10k square-foot parking lot.

Don’t Miss: Cask Wednesday is a don’t-miss, with small test-runs of beers in casks.

Beer Hits: Foggy Glasses and whatever is in small-batch production.

Vibe: Relying on organic growth, it’s very chill, unpretentious, and inviting.

Food: Food trucks Friday thru Sunday: Afrodisiac on Friday and Saigon Slims on Sunday.

Secret: They don’t keg the beers, but deliver it out of brite tanks, so the beer is as unmolested as possible.

Don’t Miss: Puppy parties are on the first Thursday every month (but dogs are always allowed).

NOLA Distillery/Brewery: 3001 and 3715 Tchoupitoulas St. NOLA is a tried-and-true name now, synonymous with the brewery game in New Orleans and Louisiana. However, Kirk Coco has finally opened his second ply into the manufacturing game with NOLA Distillery down the street. Whether you go to the brewery for the mainstay good time (with 26 beers to choose from) you’ve come to know and love, or you venture out to try any of the new liquors Kirk is producing, you won’t go wrong. The entire distillery operates on only what they produce, creating a neighborhood bar fully sourced from within: gin, wheat whiskey, rye, bourbon, aged rum, clear rum, brandy, vodka, pepper vodka.

••• Beer/Liquor Hits: Tulane Green Wave and pepper vodka.

Vibe: Iconic NOLA-style, as it’s easy to approach and settle in for a long afternoon of libations.

Food: McClure’s BBQ at the Brewery.

Secret: The distillery’s art is from Kirk’s “private collection.”

Don’t Miss: Yoga in the distillery bay.

Urban South: 1645 Tchoupitoulas St. This massive warehouse is starting out as a name-to-know on Brewery Row (couldn’t help myself). It’s almost a NOLA repeat, with no AC, casual seating, and an open environment fringed with eclectic, vintage arcade games. With a “whatever” attitude, it seems this millennial enclave is built to last.

••• Beer Hits: Cabana Boy and Grapefruit IPA. Vibe: Nonchalant atmosphere with some vintage arcade games in the back.

Food: Food pop-ups plus Gulf Coast, which does crawfish in the spring and boiled seafood year-round.

Secret: Sunday Funday includes a bouncy house.

Don’t Miss: Trivia Tuesdays at 8 p.m.

Parleaux Beer Lab: 634 Lesseps St. Eric and Leah are the true American dream couple, fulfilling the image with their “beer lab.” Parleaux (Par-lo) means “by water” and winks at the neighborhood they reside in. The inside is extremely stylized in blue/ green, but is made with recycled material from their home and the original building.

The lab is highly personalized and cozy, but opens up into a larger biergarten with fruit trees and recycled shipping/maritime material.

•••

“No matter what you believe about your palate, there is something for you to drink that’s made right here in New Orleans.”

Port Orleans: 4124 Tchoupitoulas St. The eager beavers and new boys on the block of Brewer’s Row. At the moment, the atmosphere is quite sterile, especially contrasted to Tchoupitoulas Street, but since it only opened up in May, it’s sure to settle into the neighborhood with time.

The shiny taproom delivers an extensive menu of delicious beer and solid food (from full-time restaurant Stokehold). Go into the side courtyard for a quieter setting for consumption.

••• Beer Hits: Dorada Golden Lager and Gujarata India Amber Ale. Vibe: Beautiful space with an emphasis on aesthetics as much as on the beer.

Food: Stokehold pairs each beer with a new dish, so the menu is eclectic and large.

Secret: The biergarten is perfect for private events and is secluded, even next to busy Tchoupitoulas. They will eventually expand on this operation, so tell your wedding

Urban South

Port Orleans

planner now.

Don’t Miss: BBQ Shrimp Rangoons (for the Worcestershire brown butter redux) and Fish and Chips, like a deconstructed banh mi.

Second Line Brewing: 433 N. Bernadotte St. (but go behind the building that your map takes you to).

Do you know what a “batture” is? Second Line’s best-seller Blonde Ale is named after this unique piece of ground located between the river and the levee. It’s considerations like this that showcase SL’s commitment to the environment and community, which it wants to build up and build itself into.

With much of the work and effort put into the beer, what you get is a delicious lineup delivered in a no-fuss but clean outdoor patio.

••• Beer Hits: Tricky Ricky, Cease to Love, or Batture Blonde Ale. Vibe: Open and inviting with an inclusive family environment.

Food: Across-the-board with no set lineup, so lots of variety!

Secret: Charity Bingo monthly (SL is highly involved with the charities it supports).

Don’t Miss: Grain-to-glass, farm-to-table, with Local Cooling Farms.

Food: Food trucks still arrive on a set schedule so there’s lots of variety.

Secret: They hold homebrew competitions.

Don’t Miss: Any community event they host, it’s a guaranteed good time.

Royal Brewery NOLA: 7366 Townsend Pl. This taproom is a quirky and eclectic mash-up, set a little outside of the city center. The bar is from the TV show Astronaut Wives Club, since the founder, Raymond Pumilia, art directed Astronaut Wives Club and many other locally filmed TV series and feature films. Games are set up around the venue; including an area for kids, air hockey, giant Jenga, and a dart board.

There is even a stage for live music.

••• Beer Hits: Culicidae Ale and Chevelle Diablo.

Vibe: All inclusive with a somewhat more laissez-faire attitude than most.

Food: BYOF, delivery, or try the variety of food trucks.

Secret: Free samples, unlimited parking spots, and a few blocks from the WWII Museum's PT 305 boat house.

Don’t Miss: Free tours.

The Courtyard Brewery

The Courtyard Brewery: 1020 Erato St. This “micro” beer destination has been a cult classic since it opened. It spearheaded a movement of new culinary businesses in the Lower Garden District only a block from the interstate. With a lot large enough to hold hundreds of people, the outside area and the inside bar feel like you’re drinking delicious beer in your backyard. Also, it brings people to a part of the city normally rarely seen. The staff is extremely helpful, considering the bar is packed most days.

Even in a city where being outside is a chore at times, it’s always fun to go and try new beers from Courtyard and other breweries on their taps.

••• Beer Hits: Passing Through (Belgian golden ale) or Critical Discourse (wheat).

Vibe: Feels almost as if you can arrive with an ice chest and settle in for an afternoon with friends. But please, don’t bring outside beverages.

WhereYat.com | January 2018 | 17

Smoke Gets In Your Drink

By Emily Hingle

I

must have tried every single combination of liquor, juice, and bitters by now.

After years of imbibing the best (and worst) cocktails that the greater New Orleans area and its bartenders have to offer, I know every possible flavor combination that you can throw in a glass and serve up to a thirsty adult. When I’m shopping around for something that truly excites the palate, my taste buds are always drawn to something more decadent, something smoky. I like my drinks like I like my wintertime fires: dazzling, dangerous, and delicious.

Fortunately for a smoke-lover like me, I can find a plethora of smoky cocktails around town any day of the year. Here’s a fair warning to anyone wanting to try something like the drinks mentioned here: these drinks are not for the casual drinker and not for the faint of heart. They will light a fire in your belly that you may find impossible to ever put out with anything else.

Prominently displayed on a corner of

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the Freret Street cultural corridor, Cure (4905 Freret St.) is like that old-fashioned neighborhood apothecary that used strong herbal liquors to fix whatever was ailing you.

They’ve got a well-rounded menu of specialty libations, but it’s the El Topo that salves my soul. The tiki-inspired drink includes citrus and mint notes that are supported by a dark, smoky mezcal. Ace Hotel’s picturesque rooftop bar Alto (600 Carondelet St.) also uses mezcal in its smoked cocktail, Fuego.

This drink may be too hot for you to handle since it also has some tequila, ancho chili, and cacao. If your mouth catches fire, there’s a whole pool nearby to put out the flames.

Bourbon also makes a great base for a smoked cocktail. Because the liquor must be aged in new charred white oak barrels, it is inherently woody and rich. You get a side of smooth jazz with your cocktail at the Davenport Lounge (921 Canal St.) in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel; the Bourbon St. Embers gives off a sensuous burn with burnt orangeinfused Knob Creek Bourbon, vermouth, and

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vanilla syrup. Toups South (1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.) infuses the bourbon in the Toups’ Manhattan with spicy Tabasco wood chips. You’re going to have to travel through a winding passageway in the Warehouse District to find CellarDoor (916 Lafayette St.) and their devilish Rosemary’s Baby. This bourbon concoction is made a little sweeter with agave syrup and rosemary, but loses its innocence with a dash of Hellfire Bitters.

The swampy and sophisticated restaurant Sac-a-Lait (1051 Annunciation St.) really knows how to make a great bourbon cocktail.

You can sip the smoke with the Cypress Sunset: serrano-infused Buffalo Trace Bourbon (pictured above) with black pepper and coriander syrup. Their Old Fashioned is anything but: A Buffalo Trace base with double-strength demerara, Angostura bitters, and an orange peel that’s been touched by a real flame make this traditional cocktail stick out. Not to be outdone, the wildly popular restaurant Compère Lapin (535 Tchoupitoulas St.) makes a Louisville Slugger with bourbon, apple brandy, earthy chicory, and a touch of heavenly smoked vanilla.

Speaking of brandy, the rich, flavorful spirit is used prominently and amazingly in Sac-a-Lait’s Vida Gada. You won’t even need to eat dinner there once you’ve gotten a mouthful of these incredible tastes. For this drink, the restaurant infuses Copper & Kings brandy with bell pepper and mixes it with tobacco-infused syrup, lime, cabernet wine, chocolate bitters, Angostura bitters, and lemon verbena. All of this is brightened up with the addition of spicy and bubbly ginger beer. Compère Lapin turned to brandy as well for the Taylor Bird Sazerac. They mix cognac with rich rye whiskey and barrel-aged bitters. The cuisine and cocktails at the southeast Asianinspired restaurant Maypop (611 O'Keefe Ave.) also take notes from southeast Louisiana. The Sazerak de Roi is a play on the traditional drink with Sazerac Rye Whiskey, Pierre Ferrand Ambre cognac, absinthe, and delectable Peychaud’s barrel-aged bitters. Barrel Proof (1201 Magazine St.) mixes

cognac with a dash of lemon that is oddly complemented by the heat and savoriness of ancho chilies.

Loa (221 Camp St.) bar in the International House Hotel likes to conjure up as many ancient spirits as they serve, and you’ll be completely intoxicated by the hot and heavy Don’t Overlook Alice drink. This little lady is a voodoo brew of Apple-Bay laurel leaf liqueur, white pepper, and sugar, which is kissed with sparkling wine for a refreshing twist. Last and certainly not least, your mezcal sour cocktail at Cane & Table (1113 Decatur St.) called the Todo Bien is an unparalleled mix of flavors, featuring passionfruit, a little spice, and smoked salt. You should also wrap your brave lips around their Sweeter Reaper (pictured below). This drink includes French vermouth, rum in a spicy pineapple juice, lime, and hot South Carolina reaper chilies.

If you think that you can handle the smoky flavor of these cocktails, you can truly call yourself a hedonist—you have a desire to imbibe fire itself.

PatrickCooper Cooper 5 pm Patrick 5 pm

Paintbox w/Dave James & Tim Robertson 9 pm Sat. Mule 5 5 pm Sat.3/05 12/30 Speed PatrickThe Cooper pm 9 pm 9 pm Sat. 12/30 Ruby RouxRoss The Day! Sun. 12/31 Van & Hudson 9 pm Thurs.

3/10 Foot Friends&9Friends pm Mon. 1/01 Van Patrick Cooper Fri. 3/11 Hudson 5 pm8:30 pm Fri. 1/05 Vali Talbot 5 pm Hurricane Refugees 9 pm Fri. 1/05 Beth Patterson 9 pm Sat. Mark Parsons 55pm Sat.3/12 1/06 Van Hudson pm Roux The Day! 9 pm Sat. 1/06 Hurricane Refugees 9 pm Sun.3/13 1/07 Chip Wilson 8 Session pm Sun. Traditional Irish 5 pm Fri. 1/12 Patrick Cooper 5 pm Mon. 3/14 Kim Carson 8:30 pm Fri. 1/12 Lynn Drury 9 pm Sat. 1/13 Mike Kerwin & Geoff Coats 5 pm Happy Day!!

Live Irish Music w/ Sat. 1/13 St. Patrick’s Jamie Lynn Vessels 9 pm Thurs.

3/17 Patrick Van Hudson Sun. 1/14 Cooper 812:00 pm pm (Noon) Fri. 1/19 ChipSpeed WilsonThe 5 pm Thurs. 3/17 Mule 3:30 pm Fri. 1/19 Paintbox w/Dave James Thurs. 3/17 Roux The Day! 7:30 pm – til the & Tim Robertson 9 pm wee hours Sat. 1/20 Paul Tobin 5 pm Sat. 1/20 Hurricane Refugees 9 pm Fri. 3/18 Patrick Cooper 58pm Sun. 1/21 Will Dickerson pm Fri. 1/26 VanTailed Hudson 5 pm One Three 9 pm Fri. 1/26 Tim Robertson & Friends 9 pm Sat. 3/19 Speed The Mule 5 pm Sat. 1/27 Patrick Cooper 5 pm Frank Sautier & Friends 9 pm Sat. 1/27 Roux The Day! 9 pm Mon. Kim CarsonIrish 8:30Session pm Sun. 3/21 1/28 Traditional 5 pm Sun. 1/28 Beth Patterson 8 pm

Rubin/Wilson Folk-Blues Explosion 9 pm

BEADS BY THE POUND

RECYCLED MARDI GRAS BEADS!

Beads sorted by size, type, & krewes.

Mon. - Fri., 9am - 4pm Sat., 9am - 1pm unitl Mardi Gras.

Arc of Greater New Orleans collects & resells beads in order to create jobs for people with intellectual disabilities.

925 S Labarre Road Metairie, LA 70001 504.837.5105

For details and prices: arcgno.org/buy-beads

WhereYat.com | January 2018 | 19

Having an Epiphany New Orleans Tricentennial Series: 300 Years of January 6

By Kathy Bradshaw

I

n 2018, New Orleans is celebrating 300 years of existence—of debauchery, intrigue, and history. Three hundred years of shotgun doubles, parades, Bourbon Street, and Mardi Gras. And while not everything here has been around since New Orleans was first established back in 1718, the exceptional culture that supports them has. So, here’s to jazz music, go-cups, gumbo, and second lines. To festivals, beignets, sno-balls, and streetcars. Here’s to 300 years of what makes New Orleans, New Orleans.

In honor of our tricentennial, we are going to feature a look at a different 300th birthday celebration every month of the year. For January, we are kicking off the festivities with a study of 300 years of the Epiphany and all that that means to us here in New Orleans.

On the 12th Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me… The Epiphany is considered the day that the Magi, or the three kings, finally made it to Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus. In fact, the word Epiphany means “manifestation,” as this is believed to be the time that Jesus first manifested his divinity to the three kings.

Epiphany occurs on January 6, 12 days after Christmas Day, and at the tail end of the legendary 12 days of Christmas.

Christian folks have been celebrating Epiphany—with drummers drumming and pipers piping—since the end of the 2nd century, even before Christmas was an official holiday, and long before New Orleans was so much as a sparkle in the eye of our city’s founder, Bienville.

Epiphany is also often referred to as Three Kings’ Day, Twelfth Night, the Feast of the Epiphany, and, here in New Orleans, the beginning of king cake season and the start of Carnival. Some of the traditional Epiphany customs include attending a church service, “winter swimming” (not recommended in the Mississippi), partaking in the annual Joan of Arc events, taking-down-the-holiday-decorations parties, and eating king cake.

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, The Epiphany is an official public holiday, and therefore, many government offices and other businesses shut down. And while we aren’t lucky enough to get the day off on January 6 here in New Orleans, going into work is worth it, as there is very likely king cake at the office.

A Cake Fit for a King Speaking of king cake, as already mentioned, January 6 is the official kick-off of the king cake season. Though you can often find some rendition of king cake nearly year-round (such as a heart-shaped variety for Valentine’s Day), the main period of consumption is between Epiphany and Mardi Gras, where as many as 750,000 of the pastries are devoured. Some of the more industrious bakeries manage to crank out 3,500 king cakes a day to keep up with the high demand. And if we’re talking three centuries of king cake, that accounts for hundreds of millions of these delicious desserts.

King cake first appeared in Europe, dating back at least 300 years, and was one of the many customs that the French carried with them when they came and settled Louisiana.

The cake has religious origins that correspond

20 | New Year's Eve/Sugar Bowl 2018 | Where Y'at Magazine

with the Epiphany. The round or oval, ringlike shape of the cake, with its hollowed-out center, is meant to symbolize the crowns of the three kings. And even the iconic colors— purple (representing justice), green (faith), and gold (power)—of the king cake icing are said to represent the jewels you’d find in a typical royal crown. (These colors were declared the official colors of Mardi Gras in 1872, by the Krewe of Rex.) And, of course, we mustn’t forget the little plastic baby Jesus—choking and tooth-breaking hazard that it is—that comes with every kingly pastry.

New Orleans-style king cake is made with brioche-like braided dough sprinkled with cinnamon, is iced, and rather resembles a king-sized cinnamon roll in taste and texture.

Cakes often have fillings—everything from fruit, Bavarian cream, and cream cheese, to the more creative peanut butter, banana, and bacon; boudin and cracklins; and chocolate chip cookie dough. Our king cake has evolved considerably from the Old World, French-style king cake from which it originated all those many years ago. Some say the cakes of about 300 years past were more like stale French bread than pastry, topped with plain sugar, and stuffed with a bean instead of a mini-Jesus replica. In more recent times and still today, the French version of king cake is made with a flaky pastry dough filled with almond paste.

Some local bakeries offer this variety.

An average-sized slice of plain, unfilled king cake has about 343 calories. So, if you were to have a piece every single day of the upcoming Carnival season, you’d consume approximately 13,034 calories in king cake alone. Or, you could have 81 Popeye’s chicken legs or 64 cups of gumbo for the equivalent calorie count. Your call.

Happy birthday, Joanie on the Pony!

January 6 is also the birthday of Joan of Arc (or Jeanne d’Arc, if you use her given French name). Joan of Arc was born in Orleans, France, in the 15th century, and we have been paying tribute to her for well over 300 years now. Famous for her courage in the Hundred Years War and for delivering France from English conquerors, she is one of the patron saints of France, deemed the “Maid of Orleans.” Therefore, she is also unofficially considered the maid and patron saint of the namesake city of New Orleans. Her famous gilded statue located at the French Market—which locals affectionately refer to as Joanie on the Pony—was given to New Orleans by France to commemorate our French ties and 300 years of history.

The Krewe of Jeanne d’Arc was established in 2008 and has been parading in

Joan’s honor ever since. Every year on the 6th of January, they march throughout the French Quarter, stopping for a toast, a swordblessing, and the crowing of the king. Their parade maintains a medieval theme to remain authentic to the time of Joan’s life, and features everything from costumes and knights, to horses and giant puppets. And they have king cake.

The krewe also puts on a variety of Joancentric and French-friendly events throughout the year, such as films, workshops, and a conference. In addition, they like to conduct public prayers at the foot of Joan’s statue, seeking her assistance in important local matters, such as the success of the Saints.

This January 6 marks the 606th birthday of Joan of Arc. And although the Krewe of Jeanne d’Arc is turning but 10 years old in 2018, they are celebrating the legacy of a woman who is more than twice as old as New Orleans will be this year.

On This Day 300 Years Ago: January 6, 1718, was a Thursday, and while New Orleans was having its first Epiphany as a city, the Italian writer and jurist Giovanni Vincenzo Gravina, as well as the English banker and goldsmith Richard Hoare, also both died that day. Who were they? Who knows, we’ve had 300 years to forget them. Also in the month of January 1718, France declared war on Spain, as if they didn’t have their hands full already with founding New Orleans…

A Mardi Gras Party in a Box! Haydel’s King Cake package has all the ingredients for a Mardi Gras party: beads, doubloons, music CD, poster, Arthur Hardy’s Mardi Gras Guide, French Market coffee and, of course, our world-famous King Cake—shipped overnight!

Follow us on

CORPORATE ORDERS WELCOME CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-442-1342 OR VISIT US ON THE WEB ANYTIME AT HAYDELBAKERY.COM

WhereYat.com | January 2018 | 21

Blackberry Smoke is Like an Arrow: Free and Flying High Blackberry Smoke Set to Take the Stage on January 19 & 20 at House of Blues New Orleans

By Kimmie Tubre

I

Photos by Live Nation Entertainment

s Southern rock on a deathbed waiting for the reaper to send it off into the abyss? Well, if you’ve ever treated your ears to the funky-soulful, electric sounds of Blackberry Smoke, you’d know for sure that Southern rock is here, and it’s here to stay.

“Southern rock is alive and well,” according to lead vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist, Charlie Starr. From the band’s blue-collar work ethic to their ongoing success, they’ve continued to prove that statement as fact. While their last two albums have topped the country music charts (both hitting number one), when it comes to classifying this band, there’s no way to put them into a one-genre box with a pretty bow on top. With placements on the UK rock and independent charts, Smoke has been able to defy the odds by exploring and incorporating a variation of sounds and styles since their humble entry onto the music scene.

Beginning in northern Georgia, Smoke started out as a hardworking, bar-hopping band making its way around the grimy bar scene of Atlanta. Playing live sets wherever they could, the band was part of an intimate rock community during a time when rock bands in the city of Atlanta were few and far between. While unintentionally splitting themselves between country and Southern rock, it was during those nights

and shows that Blackberry Smoke began to hone their talents. “We are constantly learning along the way,” Starr explained.

“I’d say we’re basically self-taught musicians.”

After coming together as a band in 2001, Smoke went on to receive loads of practice, as they would perform hundreds of shows—eventually performing up to 250 shows each year, a record that they continue to maintain even today. “We are

22 | New Year's Eve/Sugar Bowl 2018 | Where Y'at Magazine

not known for staying still in any way,” Starr added.

Currently on tour headlining with Aaron Lewis, Smoke is no stranger to a tour bus. After years spent opening for major players such as ZZ Top and touring with Gov’t Mule last year, Smoke is more than prepared for the stage. Spending much of their time on the road, they try to make sure to enjoy and clock countless hours traveling for pleasure. “It’s safe to say that each of us shares an addiction to traveling,” Starr said. From Ireland to Australia, Smoke has performed in front of crowds from all walks of life. With five studio albums and one live album under their belt, the band has gone from rougharound-the-edges club-thumpers to celebratory popularity and fame. “Traveling is one of the most inspirational things you can do as an artist,” Starr said.

Different areas of musical inspiration are responsible for the band’s occasionally fluctuating sound. “We are aware that our fans want us to create more albums like Whippoorwill, and I get that,” Starr said, referring to their 2013 album, which delivered successful records like “Ain’t Much Left of Me” and “Pretty Little Lie.” “As a band, we’re all likeminded in that we like to explore,” Starr said, admitting that there are times when the sound changes, though the band itself has never changed. Since the days of their debut album, titled Bad Luck Ain’t No Crime, Smoke has tried to stay true to putting out music that they could always stand behind. “From day one, we just wanted the sound of the band to continue to grow and broaden. We’re not trying to make a hiphop record,” Starr said with a laugh. “We’re just trying to write songs that include all those different types of elements. It keeps it interesting for musicians and songwriters.”

In October of 2016, Blackberry Smoke released their sixth full-length album, Like an Arrow. “The title comes from the record on the album with the same title,” Starr explained. “The song is just about how each person chooses to live his or her life, taking the highs with the lows and simply

going for it.”

Still riding the wave of Like an Arrow, Starr casually admitted, “As of now, it’s my favorite album.” The album opens with the hard-hitting rock record, “Waiting for the Thunder.”

Starr attested to the record, stating, “It’s dynamic and big; it’s exciting. I felt like this was going to be the song that would lead off the record, because it sort of stands alone…”

Like an Arrow includes a good mix of funk, soul, Southern rock, a dash of metal, and country classics like “Free on the Wing,” featuring late musical legend Gregg Allman.

The album incorporates the storytelling nature of country and folk music into the heavy-hitting rhythmic sounds of rock.

Like an Arrow has become the band’s second studio album to reach number one on the Billboard country chart. With the album’s success speaking for itself, Starr admitted that his picking of his favorite is a premature decision. “I call every new album we do my favorite. Like a new baby, it’s the cutest one we have—for now.”

“For now” won’t be for long, however, considering that the band is currently preparing to release their seventh fulllength studio album. But, for now, the band is on tour traveling all over the country from the Big Apple to the Big Easy, where they will hit the New Orleans House of Blues stage on the 19th and the 20th of January.

The five-piece band—consisting of Starr (lead vocals, guitar), Richard Turner (bass, vocals), Brit Turner (drums), Paul Jackson (guitar, vocals), and Brandon Still (keyboards)—is ready and known for their dynamic on-stage jam sessions, comical commentary, and playing the night away.

And they have guaranteed that their two nights in New Orleans will definitely be worthwhile.

Blackberry Smoke will be taking the stage at the House of Blues on Friday, January 19 and Saturday, January 20 at 8 p.m.; tickets start at $30. Visit LiveNation.com to purchase tickets and for more details.

BUY TICKETS AT LIVENATION.COM OR CHARGE BY PHONE AT 800-745-3000

LABEL 1/17 BLACK SOCIETY

REBEL 1/21 BLACK MOTORCYCLE CLUB

DISCOUNT VALIDATED PARKING AT CANAL PLACE

1/19 BLACKBERRY SMOKE 1/20 1/23

JONNY LANG

1/27

LUCINDA WILLIAMS 2/8 DEVIL MAKES THREE

2/15

LALAH HATHAWAY

3/6

FLOGGING MOLLY WhereYat.com | January 2018 | 23

24 | New Year's Eve/Sugar Bowl 2018 | Where Y'at Magazine

WhereYat.com | January 2018 | 25

MUSICCALENDAR

TheDeepDarkWoods With five albums under their collective belts, Saskatchewan’s The Deep Dark Woods are bringing their unique, alt-country sound to New Orleans. Fans of an eclectic good time won’t want to miss this concert. Fri., Jan. 19, $12 + Adv, 10 p.m., Gasa Gasa Monday, December 18 21st Amendment - Kala Bazaar Swing Society Apple Barrel - Sam Cammarata, Andre Lovett Banks Street Bar - Dibenedetto Trio, MidCity Jam Bayou Bar - DJ Black Pearl BMC - Two Way Street, Lil Red & Big Bad, Joy Owens Band Bombay Club - David Boeddinghaus Bourbon O Bar - Chance Bushman & The Ibervillianaires Buffa’s - Arsene DeLay, Antoine Diel Café Beignet - Steamboat Willie & Friends Chickie Wah Wah - Justin Molaison & Jenna Guidry, Alex McMurray Circle Bar - Phil the Tremolo King, DJ Shane Love Crazy Lobster - the Insta-Gators Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a - John Boutte, Brass-A-Holics Dos Jefes - John Fohl Dragon’s Den - The Gloria Darlings, DJ III Medina Dragon’s Den (Upstairs) - Chance Bushman & The Ibervillianaires Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Chuck Brackman & Richard Scott Hi-Ho Lounge - Bluegrass Pickin’ Party, Instant Opus Improvised Series House of Blues Restaurant - Sean Riley The Jazz Playhouse - Gerald French & the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band Kermit’s Mother-in-Law Lounge - Kermit Ruffins Kerry Irish Pub - Roy Gele Mahogany Jazz Hall - Stewart McNair, Lips & The Trips Maison - Chicken and Waffles, The Royal Roses, Sierra Green & The Soul Machine Maple Leaf - Houston and Mike Lemmler Morning Call - Valerie Sassyfras Neutral Ground - Sauveterre, Prince Daddy & the Hyena One Eyed Jacks - Blind Texas Marlin SideBar NOLA - Rod Hodges, Spencer Bohren & Anthony Cuccia Snug Harbor - Phillip Manuel’s Christmas Show Spotted Cat - Royal Street Winding Boys, Dominick Grillo, Jazz Vipers Three Keys - Chiua Three Muses - Monty Banks, Russell Welch Tuesday, December 19 21st Amendment - Shake It Break It Band AllWays Lounge - Kate Fagan & Donna Jean Apple Barrel - Josh Benitez Band, Steve Mignano Band

Autocrat Social & Pleasure Club - TBC Brass Band Blue Nile - PJ Morton & DJ Raj Smoove BMC - Jersey Slim, Dapper Dandies Bombay Club - Matt Lemmler Bourbon O Bar - The Crescent City Coffee Grinders Buffa’s - Vanessa Carr Café Beignet - Steamboat Willie & Friends Canal Place - Our Lady of Perpetual Help Choir Checkpoint Charlie - Jamie Lynn Vessels Chickie Wah Wah - Cerveris and Loose Cattle Crazy Lobster - AC and the Heat Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a - Dinosaurchestra and Treme Brass Band Dragon’s Den - The All-Star Covered-Dish Country Jamboree Hi-Ho Lounge - New Orleans Guitar Night Howlin Wolf - Comedy Beast Kerry Irish Pub - Jason Bishop Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop - Lucky Lee Little Gem Saloon - Irvin Mayfield Maison - Quicksand, Gregory Agid, Skeeter Leg Maple Leaf - Rebirth Brass Band Snug Harbor - Steve Pistorious Three Keys - Ivan Neville’s Nola Nites Three Muses - Sam Cammarata and Josh Gouzy Quartet Wednesday, December 20 Bombay Club - John Royen Buffa’s - Open Mic Night with Nattie Sanchez Chickie Wah Wah - Justin Reuther and Papa Mali Crazy Lobster - Ken Swartz and the Palace of Sin Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Tin Men, Walter “Wolfman” Washington and the Roadmasters Dragon’s Den - Groove Therapy, Reggae Night French Market - Patrick Cooper and Natasha Sanchez Hi-Ho Lounge - Progression Music Series Howlin’ Wolf - Rival Nova Kerry Irish Pub - Chip Wilson Little Gem Saloon - Irvin Mayfield Maison - Jazz Vipers, B. Miller Zone Maple Leaf - Ari Teitel w/ Brian Charente, Benny Bloom, Alvin Ford Jr. Morning Call - Valerie Sassyfras, Krewe du Two Rock ‘n’ Bowl - Rocky’s Hot Fox Trot Orchestra Snug Harbor - Delfeayo Marsalis Three Keys - Paul Sanchez, Alex McMurrary, Debbie Davis Three Muses - Leslie Martin, Schatzy

26 | New Year's Eve/Sugar Bowl 2018 | Where Y'at Magazine

Thursday, December 21 Bombay Club - Kris Tokarski and Tim Laughlin Buffa’s - Tom McDermott and Leon “Kid Chocolate Brown” Chickie Wah Wah - Phil DeGruy and Emily Robinson, John “Papa” Gros Band Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Sarah Quintana, The Iguanas Dragon’s Den - Crescent Fresh Stand-Up, Upstairs: Soundclash Funky Pirate - Mark and the Pentones, Blues Masters House of Blues - Robert Earl Keen Howlin’ Wolf - Comedy Gumbeaux Jazz Playhouse - Brass-A-Holics Jazz and Heritage Center - New Breed Brass Band and Trombone Shorty Kerry Irish Pub - The One Tailed Three Little Gem Saloon - Irvin Mayfield Maison - Good for Nothin’ Band, Roamin’ Jasmine, Dysfunktional Bone Maple Leaf - Johnny Vidacovich NOSH - DJ Torque, Alexey Marti Ogden Museum of Southern Art - Quintron Weather Warlock One Eyed Jacks - Jamaican Me Breakfast Club, Fast Times ‘80s and ‘90s Night Preservation Hall - Preservation Legacy Band, Preservation All-Stars Rock ‘n’ Bowl - call club Snug Harbor - Brian Charette Organ Quartet Three Keys - The Asylum Chorus’ Holiday Show Three Muses - Tom McDermott, Arsene DeLay Friday, December 22 Bombay Club - Banu Gibson Buffa’s - Walter “Wolfman” Washington Chickie Wah Wah - Michael Pearce, Paul Sanchez Crazy Lobster - Ken Swartz and the Palace of Sin Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Tuba Skinny, Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers Dragon’s Den - DJ RQ Away, Comedy Fuck Yeah, Latin Night Hi-Ho Lounge - Dance Party House of Blues - Trombone Shorty, Irma Thomas, James Andrews, Stanton Moore, Robert Mercurio, Eric Lindell Howlin’ Wolf (the Den) - Justin Howl Howlin’ Wolf - Fred Leblanc’s Christmas Show Jazz Playhouse - Joe Krown, Leroy Jones, Trixie Minx, Romie Kaye Kerry Irish Pub - Roy Gele, Will Dickerson Little Gem Saloon - Irvin Mayfield Maison - Swinging Gypsies, Shotgun Jazz Band, Soul Company, Big Easy Brawlers Maple Leaf - Honey Island Swamp Band Morning Call - Valerie Sassyfras NOSH - DJ Crushed Velvet, Andy Daniels One Eyed Jacks - Air Sex Championships Holiday Special Orpheum - N.O. Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker Polo Club Lounge - John Royen Rock ‘n’ Bowl - The Boogie Men Snug Harbor - Ellis Marsalis Quintet Three Muses - Matt Johnson, Doro Wat Jazz Band Tipitina’s - Poguetry and Lost Bayou Ramblers Saturday, December 23 Buffa’s - Freddie Blue, Romy Kaye Chickie Wah Wah - Hog Leg Crazy Lobster - The River Gang, Poppy’s Poppin’ Saturday Review Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Jazz Vipers, George Porter Jr. Dragon’s Den - Brazilian Pineapple Fashion Show, DJ Legatron Prime, Talk Nerdy to Me, DJ Dizzi Hi-Ho Lounge - The Rip Off Show, Pink Room Project House of Blues - LouMuzik Live Howlin’ Wolf - Reverend Horton Heat, The Mike Dillon Band Kerry Irish Pub - Van Hudson

Little Gem Saloon - Kermit Ruffins Maison - Chance Bushman, Lunetta Jazz Band, Smoking Time Jazz Club, Groove Faction Maple Leaf - Jason Ricci Morning Call City Park - Billy D. Chapman NOSH - DJ Crushed Velvet, Andy Daniels One Eyed Jacks - Percy J. and the Nocturnal Animals Rock ‘n’ Bowl - The Topcats Shamrock - 3HG Snug Harbor - Germaine Bazzle and Larry Sieberth Quartet *(CD Release Show) Three Keys - King James and the Special Men Three Muses - Chris Christy, Jayna Morgan, Shotgun Jazz Band Sunday, December 24 Bombay Club - Meryl Zimmerman Buffa’s - Some Like It Hot!, Christmas Eve Film Festival Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat Dragon’s Den - Tristan Gianola Trio, Church w/ Klutch Hi-Ho Lounge - NOLA Comedy Hour Open Mic Howlin’ Wolf (the Den) - Hot 8 Brass Band Kermit’s Mother-in-Law Lounge - Kermit Ruffins Maple Leaf - Joe Krown Morning Call City Park - Billy D. Chapman Three Keys - Fiyabird: A Soulful Christmas, Robin Barnes Three Muses - Raphael et Pascal, Linnzi Zaorski Time Out - The Moxie Kings Tropical Isle Original - The Hangovers, Late As Usual Monday, December 25 Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat Dragon’s Den - Monday Night Swing, DJ III Medina Hi-Ho Lounge - Bluegrass Pickin’ Party, Instant Opus Improvised Series Jazz Playhouse - Gerald French Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop - Lucky Lee Little Tropical Isle - Mark Parsons, Reed Lightfoot Maison - Aurora Nealand, Sierra Green Maple Leaf - George Porter Jr. 70th Birthday Show Preservation Hall - Preservation Jazz Masters, Preservation All-Stars Rock ‘n’ Bowl - Benny Grunch 12 Yats of Christmas Party Tropical Isle Original - Graham Robertson, Trop Rock Express Tuesday, December 26 Buffa’s - Tacos, Tequila and Tiaras with Vanessa Carr Chickie Wah Wah - John Fohl, Johnny Sansone, Anders Osborne Crazy Lobster - AC and the Heat Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Dinosaurchestra, Treme Brass Band Dragon’s Den - The All-Star Covered-Dish Jamboree Howlin’ Wolf (the Den) - Comedy Beast Kerry Irish Pub - Jason Bishop Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop - Lucky Lee Maison - Cyrus Nabipoor Quintet, Gregory Agid Quartet, Gene’s Music Machine Maple Leaf - Rebirth Brass Band Preservation Hall - Preservation Legacy Band, Preservation All-Stars Rock ‘n’ Bowl - New Orleans Arrhythmias Saenger Theatre - Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker Snug Harbor - Herlin Riley Quartet Tropical Isle Original - The Hangovers, F.A.S.T. Wednesday, December 27 Bombay Club - John Royen Buffa’s - Open Mic Night with Nattie Sanchez Chickie Wah Wah - Justin Reuther, Lynn Drury Crazy Lobster - Ken Swartz and the Palace of Sin Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Tin Men, Walter “Wolfman” Washington Dragon’s Den - Groove Therapy, Reggae Night Funky Pirate - Blues Masters Hi-Ho Lounge - Progression Music Series Kerry Irish Pub - Patrick Cooper

Little Gem Saloon - John Diaz Trio Little Tropical Isle - Mark Parsons, Reed Lightfoot Maison - The Function, Jazz Vipers, RnR Music Group Maple Leaf - Ari Teitel Morning Call - Valerie Sassyfras, Krewe du Two Preservation Hall - Preservation Legacy Band, Preservation All-Stars Rock ‘n’ Bowl - Groovy 7 Snug Harbor - Delfeayo Marsalis Three Muses - Leslie Martin, Gary Negbaur Tipitina’s - Dr. John Thursday, December 28 Bombay Club - Kris Tokarski, Evan Christopher Buffa’s - Leslie Cooper and Music St Jazz Band Chickie Wah Wah - Phil DeGruy, John “Papa” Gros Band Crazy Lobster - The Spanish Plaza 3 Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat Dragon’s Den - Crescent Fresh Stand-Up Howlin’ Wolf (the Den) - Comedy Gumbeaux

Jazz Playhouse - Brass-A-Holics Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop - Lucky Lee Little Gem Saloon - Deacon John Maison - Tuba Skinny, Good for Nothin’ Band, Dysfunktional Bone Maple Leaf - Johnny Vidacovich, George Porter Jr. NOSH - DJ Torque, Alexey Marti Rock ‘n’ Bowl - Geno Delafose Snug Harbor - Evan Christopher Three Keys - Soundbytes with PJ Morton and friends Three Muses - Tom McDermott, Gal Holiday and the Honky Tonk Revue Tipitina’s - Dr. John Friday, December 29 Bombay Club - Linnzi Zaorski Buffa’s - Davis Rogan, Marc Stone Chickie Wah Wah - Michael Pearce, Paul Sanchez (Bruce Springsteen Tribute) Crazy Lobster - Ken Swartz and the Palace of Sin Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat

d.b.a. - Smoking Time Jazz Club, Hot 8 Brass Band Dragon’s Den - DJ RQ Away, Comedy Fuck Yeah, Latin Night Hi-Ho Lounge - Dance Party House of Blues (the Parish) - House of the Young House of Blues - A Tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John Howlin’ Wolf - PYMP, Unicorn Fukr, The Dabmaster Kerry Irish Pub - Patrick Cooper, Paintbox w/ Dave James, Tim Robertson Little Gem Saloon - Deacon John Maison - Swinging Gypsies, Shotgun Jazz Band, Big Easy Brawlers, Musical Expression Maple Leaf - Chris Mule and the Perpetrators Morning Call - Valerie Sassyfras NOSH - DJ Abibas, Andy Daniels Orpheum - New Year’s Eve Special ft. the Revivalists Rock ‘n’ Bowl - Karma Snug Harbor - Ellis Marsalis Three Muses - Doro Wat Jazz Band Tipitina’s - George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, DJ Soul Sister

March 8, 9 + 10, 2018

conteMporary arts center | le Meridien Master distiller dinners March 8 BoUrBon + BUrlesQUe w/ trixie Minx presented By jiM BeaM March 8 le Meridian hotel seMinar series March 9 + 10 conteMporary arts center Grand tastinGs March 9 + 10

for tickets & more info visit neworleansBoUrBonfestival.coM

Saturday, December 30 Bombay Club - Kris Tokarski with Evan Christopher Buffa’s - Miles Lyons and Connor Stewart Chickie Wah Wah - Woodenhead Crazy Lobster - The River Gang, Poppy’s Poppin’ Saturday Review Creole Cookery - Trad Stars Jazz Band Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Tuba Skinny Dos Jefes - Walter “Wolfman” Washington Dragon’s Den - Brazilian Pineapple Fashion Show, DJ Legatron Prime, Talk Nerdy to Me, DJ Dizzi Hi-Ho Lounge - Brown Improv, Pink Room Project House of Blues (Voodoo Garden) - Ted Hefko and the Thousandaires Joy Theater - The New Mastersounds, Khris Royal and Dark Matter Kerry Irish Pub - Patrick Cooper, Roux the Day Little Gem Saloon - Deacon John Maison - Chance Bushman, Royal Street Winding Boys, Smoking Time Jazz Club, Brass-A-Holics, Gene’s Music Machine Maple Leaf - John “Papa” Gros Band Morning Call City Park - Billy D. Chapman NOSH - DJ Abibas, Andy Daniels One Eyed Jacks - Tom Petty Tribute Orpheum - New Year’s Eve Special ft. the Revivalists Rock ‘n’ Bowl - Bucktown All-Stars Shamrock - Vance Orange Snug Harbor - Jason Marsalis Three Muses - Chris Christy, Debbie Davis, Shotgun Jazz Band Tipitina’s - George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, DJ Soul Sister Sunday, December 31 Bombay Club - Matt Lemmler, Bombay All-Stars Buffa’s - Some Like It Hot!, Steve Pistorious, Orange Kellin and Benny Amon, The Royal Rounders Chickie Wah Wah - Jon Cleary Civic Theatre - DJ Soul Sister’s 15th Annual New Year’s Eve Soul Train Crazy Lobster - The Gator Bites, The Neon Shadows Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Palmetto Bug Stompers Dragon’s Den - Tristan Gianola Trio, Church ft. Klutch Hi-Ho Lounge - NOLA Comedy Hour Open Mic, New Year’s Eve Dance Party Howlin’ Wolf (the Den) - Hot 8 Brass Band Howlin’ Wolf - Rebirth Brass Band Joy Theater - Tank and the Bangas, Sweet Crude, Alfred Banks, CoolNasty Kermit’s Mother-in-Law Lounge - Kermit Ruffins Little Gem Saloon - Kermit Ruffins, Ramp Room: Kermit Ruffins Maison - Chance Bushman, G and the Swinging Gypsies, Royal Street Winding Boys, Brad Walker, Soul Rebels, George Porter Jr. Maple Leaf - Sexual Thunder Morning Call City Park - Billy D. Chapman One Eyed Jack’s - Boyfriend Orpheum - New Year’s Eve Special ft. the Revivalists Palm Court Jazz Café - New Year’s Eve Gala Republic - Herobust, CRWNS, Kidd Love, SnakPak Rock ‘n’ Bowl - Tab Benoit Siberia - Cauche Mar, Tasche and the Psychedelic Roses Snug Harbor - New Year’s Eve with Topsy Chapman Three Keys - NOJO 7 Time Out - The Moxie Kings Tipitina’s - Galactic New Year’s Eve Tropical Isle - The Bad Monkeys Monday, January 1 21st Amendment - Kala Bazaar Swing Bacchanal - Helen Gillet Banks Street Bar - Chris Dibenedetto’s Piano Showcase Blue Nile - Jeff Chaz Buffa’s - Arsene DeLay Cafe Negril - Noggin Chickie Wah Wah - Justin Molaison Circle Bar - Phil the Tremolo King Columns Hotel - David Doucet Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - John Boutte Dragon’s Den - Audiodope with DJ Ill Medina Jazz Playhouse - Gerald French & the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band Live Oak Cafe - Charles Farmer

WhereYat.com | January 2018 | 27

Maison - Chicken & Waffles Maple Leaf - George Porter Jr. Trio One Eyed Jacks - Dazed on Toulouse Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars Rare Form - Nervous Duane RF’s - Jamie Lynn Vessels The Spotted Cat - Royal Street Windin’ Boys Tuesday, January 2 21st Amendment - Prohibition All-Stars Buffa’s - Vanessa Carr Check Point Charlie - Jamie Lynn Vessels Chickie Wah Wah - Chip Wilson Circle Bar - Carl LeBlanc Columns Hotel - John Rankin & Friends Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - DinosAurchestra Jazz National Historical - Richard “Piano” Scott Kerry Irish Pub - Jason Bishop Maison - New Orleans Swinging Gypsies Maple Leaf - Rebirth Brass Band Morning Call - Clyde & Iggy Old U.S. Mint - Down on Their Luck Orchestra Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars Spotted Cat - Meschiya Lake & the Little Big Horns Queenie’s - Jackson Square All-Stars Wednesday, January 3 Bamboula’s - Bamboula’s Hot Trio feat. Giselle Anguizola Banks Street Bar - Major Bacon Blue Nile - New Orleans Rhythm Devils Buffa’s - Nattie Sanchez Cafe Negril - Maid of Orleans Check Point Charlie - T-Bone Stone & the Happy Monsters Circle Bar - The Iguanas Columns Hotel - Andy Rogers Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat Davenport Lounge - Jeremy Davenport d.b.a. - Walter “Wolfman” Washington & the Roadmasters Dragon’s Den - Reggae Night with DJ T-roy, Bayou International Sound House of Blues - Jet Lounge Jazz Playhouse - Glen David Andrews Maison - New Orleans Jazz Vipers Neutral Ground Coffeehouse - Poet Tree Prime Example Jazz Club - Jesse McBride & the Next Generation Roosevelt Hotel - Tom Hook & Wendell Brunious Snug Harbor - Uptown Jazz Orchestra Spotted Cat - Antoine Diel & the Misfit Power Three Keys - Luke Brechtelsbauer and Cassandra Watson Three Muses - Leslie Martin

Thursday, January 4 Bamboula’s - Kala Chandra Bar Mon Cher - Bats in the Belfry with DJs Mange and Emily Anne Bayou Bar - Philip Melancon Blue Nile - Micah Mckee & Little Maker BMC - Burris Bourbon O - The Luneta Jazz Band Buffa’s - Gumbo Cabaret Bullet’s - Kermit Ruffins Cafe Negril - Revival Castle Theatre - Linda Wright, Reggie Smith Chickie Wah Wah - Phil DeGruy Circle Bar - Natalie Mae & Gina Leslie Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat Davenport Lounge - Jeremy Davenport DMac’s - Jason Bishop’s American Jam Gazebo Cafe - Les Getrex ‘n’ Creole Cookin’ Gravier Street Social - DJ Musa Houston’s - Garden District Trio Jazz Playhouse - Brass-A-Holics Live Oak Cafe - Charles Farmer Maison - The Good for Nothin’ Band Maple Leaf - The Trio feat. Johnny Vidacovich Marigny Brasserie & Bar - Jamey St. Pierre & Dave Freeson Morning Call - Clyde & Iggy Old Opera House - Chicken on the Bone Pour House - Dave Ferrato Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars Spotted Cat - Miss Sophie Lee Three Keys - Roland Guerin Band Treo - The St. Claude Serenaders Vaughan’s Lounge - Corey Henry’s Treme Funktet Friday, January 5 21st Amendment - Juju Child Blues Band Allways Lounge - Rewind: 80s, 90s, 00s with DJ Matt Scott Bamboula’s - Chance Bushman’s Rhythm Stompers Bar Mon Cher - Samantha Pearl Bayou Bar - Philip Melancon Blue Nile - DJ Black Peral Bourbon O - The Doyle Cooper Jazz Band Buffa’s - Dayna Kurtz Bullet’s - The Pinettes Brass Band Cafe Negril - Dana Abbott Band Chickie Wah Wah - Michael Pearce Circle Bar - Rik Slave’s Classy Country Combo Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat Davenport Lounge - Jeremy Davenport Dragon’s Den - Buena Vista Social (Latin dance party) Fiorella’s Cafe - Eh La Bas Trio Gazebo Cafe - Les Getrex ‘n’ Creole Cookin’ Houston’s - Garden District Trio

BlackRebelMotorcycleClub San Francisco’s Black Rebel Motorcycle Club have decided to embark on a world tour that places them in New Orleans three days after the release of their eighth studio album, Wrong Creatures. How’s that for luck!? Sun., Jan. 21, $26, 7 p.m., House of Blues

28 | New Year's Eve/Sugar Bowl 2018 | Where Y'at Magazine

Live Oak Cafe - Charles Farmer Maison - Shotgun Jazz Band Old Opera House - Chicken on the Bone Old Point Bar - Rick Trolsen Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars Rare Form - Nervous Duane Roosevelt Hotel - Sam Kuslan Spotted Cat - Cottonmouth kings Three Keys - Jamal Batiste Vaso - Bobby Love & Friends Windsor Court Hotel - Mark Monistere

Houston’s - Garden District Trio Jazz Playhouse - Gerald French & the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band Live Oak Cafe - Charles Farmer Maison - Aurora Nealand & the Royal Roses Maple Leaf - George Porter Jr. Trio Old Opera House - Chicken on the Bone One Eyed Jacks - Dazed on Toulouse Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars Rare Form - Nervous Duane Spotted Cat - New Orleans Jazz Vipers

Saturday, January 6 21st Amendment - Chance Bushman & the Ibervillianaires Bamboula’s - G & the Swinging Three Bar Mon Cher - Barbarella Blue Bar Redux - The Vinyl Solution feat. DJ Chrischarge Bayou Bar - Philip Melancon Blue Nile - DJ Black Pearl BMC - Wallie Lockett Bourbon O Bar - Marty Peters & the Party Meters Buffa’s - Davis Rogan and Al “Carnival Time” Johnson Cafe Negril - Jamey St. Pierre & the Honeycreepers Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat Davenport Lounge - Jeremy Davenport Fiorella’s Cafe - Eh La Bas Trio Gazebo Cafe - Les Getrex ‘n’ Creole Cookin’ Houston’s - Garden District Trio Hi-Ho - Pink Room Project Maison - Chance Bushman & the Ibervillianaires Marigny Brasserie & Bar - The Key Sound Morning Call - Billy D. Chapman Old Opera House - Chicken on the Bone Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars Rare Form - Justin Donovan Roosevelt Hotel - Amanda Ducorbier Shamrock - About Last Night Spotted Cat - Panorama Jazz Band Three Keys - Nesby Phips Three Muses - Chris Christy Windsor Court Hotel - Sam Kuslan

Tuesday, January 9 21st Amendment - Prohibition All-Stars Banks Street Bar - Ricky T & the Robots Bourbon O - Marty Peters Quartet Buffa’s - Vanessa Carr Cafe Negril - 4 Sidemen of the Apocalypse Check Point Charlie - Jamie Lynn Vessels Chickie Wah Wah - Chip Wilson Circle Bar - Carl LeBlanc Columns Hotel - John Rankin & Friends Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - DinosAurcherstra Houston’s - Garden District Trio Jazz National Historical - Richard “Piano” Scott Kerry’s Irish Pub - Jason Bishop Mag’s 940 - All-Star Covered Dish Country Jamboree Maison - Gregory Agid Quartet Maple Leaf Bar - Rebirth Brass Band Morning Call - Clyde & Iggy Old Opera House - Chicken on the Bone Old U.S. Mint - Down on Their Luck Orchestra Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars Prime Example Jazz Club - Sidemen+1 Ray’s Bobby Love & Friends Spotted Cat - Andy Forest Three Keys - Eric Gales Band Queenie’s - Jackson Square All-Stars

Sunday, January 7 21st Amendment - Christopher Johnson Quartet Bamboula’s - NOLA Ragweeds Blue Nile - Street Legends Brass Band BMC - Ruth Marie’s Jazz Band Bourbon O - G & the New Orleans Swinging Gypsies Buffa’s - Steve Pistorius Cafe Negril - Ecirb Muller’s Twisted Dixie Circle Bar - Micah McKee & Friends Columns Hotel - Chip Wilson Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat DMac’s - Michael Pearce Dragon’s Den - Church with Unicorn Fukr Gazebo Cafe - Les Getrex ‘n’ Creole Cookin’ Houston’s - Garden District Trio Howlin’ Wolf - Hot 8 Brass Band Jazz Playhouse - Germaine Bazzle Live Oak Cafe - Charles Farmer Maison - Higher Heights Morning Call - Billy D. Chapman Old Opera House - Chicken on the Bone Old Point - Romy Vargas & the Mercy Buckets Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars Spotted Cat - Kristina Morales & the Inner Wild Three Keys - Juju Child & The Hypnotic Roots Band Three Muses - Raphael et Pascal Monday, January 8 21st Amendment - Kala Bazaar Swing Society Bacchanal - Helen Gillet Banks Street Bar - Chris Dibenedetto’s Piano Showcase Blue Nile - Jeff Chaz BMC - Joy Owens Band Bourbon O - Shake It Break It Band Buffa’s - Antoine Diel Cafe Negril - Noggin Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat Chickie Wah Wah - Justin Molaison Circle Bar - Phil the Tremolo King Columns Hotel - David Doucet d.b.a. - John Boutte DMac’s - Danny Alexander’s Blues Jam Session Dragon’s Den - Audiodope with DJ III Medina

Wednesday, January 10 Bamboula’s - Mem Shannon Banks Street Bar - Major Bacon Blue Nile - New Orleans Rhythm Devils BMC - Angelica Matthews Bourbon O - Shynola Jazz Band Buffa’s - Nattie Sanchez Cafe Negril - Maid of Orleans Check Point Charlie - T-Bone Stone & the Happy Monsters Circle Bar - The Iguanas Columns Hotel - Andy Rogers Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat Davenport Lounge - Jeremy Davenport d.b.a. - Tin Men Dragon’s Den - Reggae Night with DJ T-Roy, Bayou International Sound House of Blues - Jet Lounge Houston’s - Garden District Trio Live Oak Cafe - Charles Farmer Maison - New Orleans Jazz Vipers Neutral Ground - Poet Tree Old Opera House - Chicken on the Bone Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars Prime Example - Jesse McBride & the Next

Japanese Restaurant, Sushi & Such Mon – Thur 11:30 am – 10 pm Fri & Sat 11:30 am – 11 pm Sun 5 – 9 pm SushiNOLA.com | @NolaSushi 899-6532| 5130 Freret St.

Generation Rare Form - Matt Galloway Roosevelt Hotel - Tom Hook & Wendell Brunious Snug Harbor - Uptown Jazz Orchestra Spotted Cat - Antoine Diel & the Misfit Power Three Keys - Helen Gillet w/ Simon Lott Three Muses - Leslie Martin Thursday, January 11 Bamboula’s - Kala Chandra Bar Mon Cher - Goth Night Bayou Bar - Philip Melancon Blue Nile - Micah Mae & Gina Leslie BMC - Burris Bourbon O - The Luneta Jazz Band Buffa’s - Aurora Nealand Bullet’s - Kermit Ruffins Cafe Negril - Revival Castle Theatre - Linda Wright, Reggie Smith Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat Davenport Lounge - Jeremy Davenport DMac’s - Jason Bishop’s American Jam Gazebo Cafe - Les Getrex ‘n’ Creole Cookin’ Houston’s - Garden District Trio’ Live Oak Cafe - Charles Farmer Maison - The Good for Nothin’ Band Maple Leaf - The Trio feat. Johnny Vidacovich Marigny Brasserie & Bar - Jamey St. Pierre & Dave Freeson Morning Call - Clyde & Iggy Old Opera House - Chicken on the Bone Pour House - Dave Ferrato Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars Rare Form - Voodoo Wagon Spotted Cat - Jumbo Shrimp Three Keys - Little Cosmicana Treo - The St. Claude Serenaders Vaughan’s Lounge - Corey Henry’s Treme Funktet Windsor Court Hotel - Sam Kuslan Friday, January 12 21st Amendment - Juju Child Blues Band Allways Lounge - Rewind: 80s, 90s, 00s with DJ Matt

Scott Bamboula’s - Chance Bushman’s Rhythm Stompers Bar Mon Cher - Samantha Pearl Blue Nile - DJ Black Pearl Bourbon O - The Doyle Cooper Jazz Band Buffa’s - Asylum Chorus Bullet’s - The Pinettes Brass Band Cafe Negril - Dana Abbott Band Chickie Wah Wah - Michael Pearce Circle Bar - Rik Slave’s Classy Country Combo Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat Dragon’s Den - Buena Vista Social (Latin dance party) Gazebo Cafe - Les Getrex ‘n’ Creole Cookin’ Houston’s - Garden District Trio Fiorella’s Cafe - Eh La Bas Trio Live Oak Cafe - Charles Farmer Maison - Shotgun Jazz Band Old Opera House - Chicken on the Bone Old Point - Rick Trolsen Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars Rare Form - Nervous Duane Roosevelt Hotel - Sam Kuslan Spotted Cat - Cottonmouth Kings Three Keys - Bamboula 2000 w/ David D’Omni Vaso - Bobby Love & Friends Windsor Court Hotel - Mark Monistere Saturday, January 13 21st Amendment - Chance Bushman & the Ibervillianaires Bamboula’s - Johnny Mastro Bar Mon Cher - Barbarella Blue Bayou Bar - Philip Melancon Blue Nile - DJ Black Pearl BMC - Willie Lockett Bourbon O Bar - Marty Peters & the Party Meters Buffa’s - Alexandra Scott and Her Magical Band Cafe Negril - Jamie Lynn Vessels Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat Davenport Lounge - Jeremy Davenport Gazebo Cafe - Les Getrex ‘n’ Creole Cookin’ Hi-Ho - Pink Room Project Houston’s - Garden District Trio

JohnnyMathis Music legend Johnny Mathis, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award-winning singer of hits such as “Chances Are,” “Misty,” and “It’s Not For Me to Say,” honors the Big Easy with a concert highlighted by renditions of his gold and platinum recordings. Thu., Jan. 25, $59, 7:30 p.m., Saenger Theatre Fiorella’s Cafe - Eh La Bas Trio Live Oak Cafe - Charles Farmer Maison - Smoking Time Jazz Club Marigny Brasserie & Bar - The Key Sound Morning Call - Billy D. Champan Old Opera House - Chicken on the Bone Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars Rare Form - Steve Mignano Roosevelt Hotel - Amanda Ducorbier Shamrock - Refugeze Three Keys - Aaron AB Abernathy and Nat Turner w/

CoolNasty and RQ Away Three Muses - Chris Christy Twelve Mile Limit - HEATWAVE! Dance Party Windsor Court Hotel - Sam Kuslan Sunday, January 14 21st Amendment - Chance Bushman & the Ibervillianaires Allway’s Lounge - Sunday Swing Bamboula’s - NOLA Ragweeds Blue Nile - Street Legends Brass Band

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 19 AT GASA GASA

THE DEEP DARK WOODS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31 AT GASA GASA

RADIO MOSCOW W/ AMPLIFIED HEAT FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2 AT GASA GASA

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15 AT GASA GASA THURSD

BUSTY AND THE BASS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19 AT CIVIC THEATRE ST. VINCENT “FEAR THE FUTURE TOUR”

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25 AT GASA GASA

JOYWAVE

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27 AT CIVIC THEATRE “FIRE ON THE FLOOR TOUR” BETH HART HA

MONDAY, APRIL 9 AT CIVIC THEATRE OMD (ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18 AT CIVIC THEATRE

THE WAILERS

MONDAY, APRIL 30 AT CIVIC THEATRE THE DARKNESS “TOUR DE PRANCE TOUR”

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Step into Spotlights with us prior to the event and enjoy our exclusive lounge with private entry, complimentary premium bar and light hors d’ourves.

Tickets for Spotlights can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or at the Box Office.

February 24........ Platinum Comedy Tour with Mike Epps, Sommore & More March 2........................... 2018 Winter Jam Tour Spectacular featuring Skillet March 6 - 11......................... Sun Belt Conference Basketball Championships March 23 - 24....................................................................Hogs For The Cause March 25....................................................................................... Justin Moore March 30.................................................. 11th Annual Big Easy Blues Festival April 7.................Ring Of Honor Wrestling presents Supercard Of Honor XII Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com, Lakefront Arena Box Office, or charge by phone at 800-745-3000.

WhereYat.com | January 2018 | 29

Wizard World Comic-Con January 5-7

guaranteed to bring out all the bells and whistles. Ticketing information is available online.

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Wizard World Comic-Con New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center: 900 Convention Center Blvd.

Friday, January 5; 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturday, January 6; 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Sunday, January 7; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. wizardworld.com Beam me up, Scotty, to the Wizard World Comic-Con! Join tens of thousands of fans to celebrate the best in pop culture during the first weekend in January. Celebrity guests include Stan Lee, Ian Somerhalder, Charisma Carpenter, Holly Marie Combs, and Jon Heder. The weekend boasts numerous attractions for all fans of movies, comics, video games, TV, graphic novels, wrestling, MMA, anime, manga, and sci-fi. Bust out your best cosplay and sign up onsite for a costume contest on Saturday. Score a picture with or autograph from your favorite celebrities. Check out the

Big Night New Orleans December 31

Krewe du Vieux Parade January 27

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Swisher Sweets Artist Project Joy Theater: 1200 Canal St. Friday, December 29; 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. ap.swishersweets.com/nola Support the hottest up-and-coming artists at Swisher Sweets Artist Project’s NOLA Takeover. The project is an ongoing initiative that creates opportunities for both artists and fans. Artists are given a platform to share and pursue their passion, while fans are kept on the cusp of the newest emerging musical talent. Additionally, Swisher Sweets offers grants to help aspiring independent artists with no strings attached. The 2017 talent was grouped in four “packs,” performing shows in L.A., Houston, Atlanta, and Detroit. The show will also feature performances by chart-topping artists such as Cardi B, Machine Gun Kelly, and NOLA’s own DJ Mannie Fresh. You must be over 21 to attend; limited earlybird tickets are available at ss-nola.eventbrite.com.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Canal St.

Swisher Sweets Artist Project December 29

Tabasco Burlesque Opera Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré: 616 St. Peter St. Thursday, January 25- Friday, January 26; 8 PM Saturday, January 27- Sunday, January 28; 2:30 PM neworleansopera.org Add a little spice to your life with Tabasco at Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré. The comic burlesque operetta also serves as a celebration of New Orleans’s Opera’s 75th anniversary and the Crescent City’s Tricentennial. Originally composed by George Whitefield Chadwick, Tabasco was first performed in 1894, embarking on a national tour after being met with critical and commercial success.

International conductor Paul Mauffray will be bringing his own flair to Chadwick’s score and R.A. Barnet’s libretto.

Also featuring a full orchestra and chorus, this show is a seasonal gem that you don’t want to miss! Tickets are available online starting at $25.

.

Poydras St

U P C O M I N G F E S T I VA L S & E V E N T S

Julia St.

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artist alley, featuring acclaimed artists Ant Delucia and Phil Hester, to purchase original art or commission a one-ofa-kind piece. Browse the marketplace with hundreds of retailers selling themed merchandise, perfect to pick up a novelty gift or add to a personal collection. The event guarantees something for every fan of all ages, including live show entertainment, workshops, after-hours entertainment, show vehicles, a kids area, and more. Various ticketing packages and options are available online.

Krewe du Vieux French Quarter & CBD Saturday, January 27; 6:30 p.m. kreweduvieux.org Experience the original spirit of Mardi Gras during Krewe du Vieux. The parade’s 17 sub-krewes will display unique interpretations of the 2018 carnival theme. Since 1987, the Krewe du Vieux has retained a satirical sense of humor while also highlighting some of the best of NOLA’s traditional brass and jazz bands. This year’s parade is no different and will feature the comically named krewes of: C.R.U.D.E., Underwear, C.R.A.P.S, Comatose, Mishigas, and L.E.W.D., among others. The parade will be joined by 17 bands, and will begin on the corner of Decatur and Mandeville Streets.

PARTIES New Year’s Eve at Three Keys Ace Hotel: 600 Carondelet St. Sunday, December 31; 9 p.m. threekeysnola.com Start the new year in style with NOJO 7, featuring seven members of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, at Three Keys.

Formed in 2002, NOJO is a non-profit organization on a mission to strengthen the legacy of jazz, both locally and globally. The 18-piece band, led by Artistic Director Adonis Rose, exemplifies the influence of jazz on modern music and has headlined major performance venues nationwide.

In 2010, the New Orleans-based group achieved national recognition when they were awarded a Grammy for “Best Large Jazz Ensemble.” Their final performance of 2017 is

30 | New Year's Eve/Sugar Bowl 2018 | Where Y'at Magazine

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Big Night New Orleans Hyatt Regency: 601 Loyola Ave. Sunday, December 31; 9 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. bignightneworleans.com Celebrate the biggest night of the year with Big Night New Orleans! Described as “NOLA’s most exciting New Year’s Gala,” the bash attracts over 3,000 attendees. The event includes an open bar all night long, multiple party and dance rooms, party favors, and a midnight celebration.

Entertainment will be provided by DJs Hurricane, Mike Swift, and Jesse Slayter, with additional performances by the Chee-Weez, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Cowboy Mouth, Kid Kamillion, Shamaar Allen, Mock Casino, Brass-a-holics, and the 610 Stompers. No formal attire is required, but guests are encouraged to dress to impress—and this year, Big Night New Orleans is partnering with Men’s Warehouse.

Visit their website for a code to receive $50 off tuxedo rentals nationwide. Tickets start at $94.99 and include drinks all night long; additional packages including food are available online.

The Metropolitan’s New Year’s Eve Extravaganza Metropolitan Nightclub: 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd.

Sunday, December 31; 9 p.m. themetronola.com Dance into the new year at Metropolitan’s New Year’s Eve Extravaganza, featuring Bingo Players. The club will offer three rooms of music, a midnight champagne toast, and a $1000 balloon drop. Bingo Players is a Dutch dance and electro-house musical project formed by DJ and producer Maarten Hoogstraten with Paul Baümer in 2006.

After Baümer’s passing from cancer in 2013, Hoogstraten continued Bingo Players as a solo act, and in 2014, topped the U.S. dance chart with the single “Knock You Out.” Don’t miss out on one of the city’s biggest parties, guaranteed to have you grooving all night long. Tickets are available online starting at $25; event is 18+.

Chris Owens’s Twelfth Night Party Mardi Gras Museum of Costume and Culture: 1010 Conti St. Saturday, January 6; 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. kreweofstars.com Kick off the 2018 Carnival season at Chris Owens’s Twelfth Night party. Enjoy an evening of king cake, champagne, and live entertainment provided by The Yat Pack and David Cook. The event is hosted by Krewe of Stars, and serves as a benefit for their Mardi Gras Show Ball and Chris Owens’s Easter Parade. The event will also feature a special costume unveiling by Owens and Cook, as well as a meet-and-greet with Krewe of Stars members. Owens has been a French Quarter fixture and celebrity since the 1960s, and has hosted the “Patriotic Easter Parade” on Bourbon Street annually since the mid-1980s. The Krewe of Stars works to nurture and promote the talents of the

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The Metropolitan’s NYE Extravaganza December 31 New Orleans performance arts community through a network of members, a volunteer base, and fundraisers. Their annual Mardi Gras Tableau Ball recognizes “stars of the community” for their contributions in theater, music, media, and the arts. Tickets are available online for $30.

SPORTS CBS Sports Classic Smoothie King Center: 1501 Dave Dixon Dr. Saturday, December 23; 1:30 p.m. cbssportsclassic.com Calling all college basketball fans: New Orleans has been selected to host the 2017 CBS Sports Classic! The annual neutralsite double-header tournament between Ohio State, UNC, Kentucky, and UCLA will take place this year at the Smoothie King Center. The four teams are among the nation’s most historic programs, and collectively hold 26 national championships and 7,900 combined victories. The event began in 2014 and creates a round-robin tournament over the course of three years between the four teams. Previous games have been held in Las Vegas, Brooklyn, and Chicago. Currently, UNC and Kentucky stand as tournament leaders, each with two victories. Join thousands of loyal fans this holiday season to support some of the best of college basketball! Ohio State will play

UNC at 1:30 p.m., followed by UCLA against Kentucky at 4 p.m. Tickets start at $50 and guarantee admission to both games.

Allstate Sugar Bowl Mercedes-Benz Superdome: 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr. Monday, January 1; 7:45 p.m. allstatesugarbowl.org Show some school spirit for the 84th annual Sugar Bowl! This year marks the second time the bowl has hosted a play-off semifinal game. For the third year in a row, the #1-ranked Clemson Tigers will face off against the #4-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide for a spot in the 2018 College Football National Championship, which will take place on January 8 in Atlanta. The other CFP semifinal game between Oklahoma and Georgia will take place at the Rose Bowl on January 1. Enjoy pre-game events during Fan Fest, which returns for its 12th year as a celebration of pre-game events on December 30 and 31. Meet at Jackson Square in the Jax Brewery parking lot for football-themed activities and high-energy pep rallies. The fest is free and open to the public, and includes New Year’s Eve celebrations on Sunday night. Tickets for the Sugar Bowl are officially sold out, but options to purchase tickets through hospitality and travel packages are still available.

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WhereYat.com | January 2018 | 31

Food News

By Kim Ranjbar

Robin's Wharf Uptown

Tickled pink … The low, beige restaurant and bar on the corner of Magazine and St. Joseph Streets is getting yet another makeover, this time by the ever-expanding Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts. The building that formerly housed Polynesian Joe's, McGuire's, and Warehouse Grille has undergone an extensive renovation, transforming the space into Flamingo A-Go-Go, “a nostalgic, 'mid-century kitsch'-style restaurant and bar, audaciously linking Pop Art to the 'Brat Pack.'” Amidst the “vibrant colors and splashy décor,” patrons will discover a 12-foot flamingo mural created by local painter Becky Fos and a neon green, pink, and blue bamboo centerpiece sculpted by Luis Colmenares.

The gargantuan space in back that has been everything from a volleyball court to a parking lot is now a courtyard with a fountain, cabana, plenty of tables, and a “deuce-and-a-half military troop transport truck” that's been redesigned to offer a 24-top party table. The bar offers 45 “pulls” with cocktails, wine, and beer on tap, and the menu offers eclectic bar fare with everything from fried Havarti cheese “plank” and poke to chorizo flatbread and Jamaican jerk chicken. Flamingo A-Go-Go is open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

869 Magazine St., (504) 577-2202, flamingonola.com Mysterious appearances … Without much (or any) ado, the Uptown Sports Bar & Grill on Prytania has quietly changed into Robin's Wharf Uptown Seafood Restaurant, a second location to “The Dock,” or Robin's Wharf Dockside Seafood Restaurant, in Slidell. The menu offers

32 | New Year's Eve/Sugar Bowl 2018 | Where Y'at Magazine

dishes like Oysters Rockefeller, crawfish bread, and BBQ shrimp along with po-boys, platters, and salads. The new Uptown seafood spot is open daily and also offers brunch on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

3629 Prytania St., (504) 962-9000, facebook.com/Robins-Wharf-UptownSeafood-Restaurant Fool your family! … Another business has blossomed on the bustling Freret Street corridor, this time from talented chef Bob Iacovone, former head chef of the greatly missed Downtown restaurant Cuvee. The graband-go concept, appropriately named Iacovone Kitchen, was based on The Appetite Repair Shop, an Algiers eatery created by another talented local chef, Pete Vazquez. At Iacovone Kitchen, customers can drop in and grab expertly prepared foods, dishes like chicken salad with lemon poppy seed vinaigrette, crab rangoon dip, cornbread-stuffed pork loin, pressed shrimp panini, and lasagna bolognese.

Bring it home and tell your family you made dinner … made it to Iacavone Kitchen, that is!

5033 Freret St., (504) 533-9742, facebook. com/IacovoneKitchen Tart 'n' tiny … Speaking of grab-and-go, popular Bywater restaurant Satsuma Café has altered their other coffee business Pulp & Grind to now offer food in response to customer demand, transforming the small space to Satsuma-To-Go. Without a kitchen, the coffee shop is offering prepared salads, sandwiches, and breakfast items like pastries, along with fresh-roast coffee from Hey! Café. Satsuma-To-

Flamingo A-Go-Go

Go is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

5720 Magazine St., (504) 272-0164, satsumacafe.com Breakfast on high … Cloud 9 Bistro opened recently just off Magazine Street in the Irish Channel, offering yet another eatery to the already restaurant-dense area. To set itself apart, this particular spot serves traditional Belgian liège waffles, a caramelized, buttery brioche waffle with an array of toppings (or just plain with powdered sugar) that already has folks drooling. Both sweet and savory, the offerings include seasonal fresh fruit, Bananas Foster, Canadian bacon, Gruyere, goat cheese, and Nutella. Lunch items include a “Frenchmen in a Bathtub,” or roast beef and brie sandwich with au jus, and “Bird and Berries”—an openfaced turkey sandwich with hot gravy and cranberry sauce. Cloud 9 Bistro is open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

3138 Magazine St., (504) 702-5914, cloudninenola.com Steak a place … Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar just opened its second Louisiana location in Metairie on N. Causeway. Though it's a member of the Bloomin' Brands restaurant group that also owns Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, and Carrabba's, it was originally launched by Paul Fleming, a New Iberia native who's launched other chains like P.F. Chang's and Pei Wei. The new 7,000-square-foot restaurant features prime steaks with special rubs and plenty of seafood dishes to make your meal a surf-and-turf.

3064 N. Causeway Blvd., (504) 799-0335, flemingssteakhouse.com

So much goodness … Gracious Bakery has just launched its fourth location, in the space that previously housed Manhattan Jack. This new location on Prytania Street has expanded its menu to offer custom-blended coffee drinks and waffles, along with all of the baked goodness you've come to know and love from skilled owner and pastry chef Megan Forman.

Gracious Bakery Uptown is open daily.

4930 Prytania St., (504) 300-8135, graciousbakery.com Bam! … The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience recently announced that the 2018 Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality Award will go to celebrity chef, television personality, restaurateur, and philanthropist Emeril Lagasse. “We are so pleased to honor Chef Emeril for the extraordinary achievements and contributions he has made to the culinary industry,” states Traci Beninate, NOWFE past president. “His creativity and unique style have elevated Louisiana cuisine to a national level, opening doors for so many young chefs, and nurturing a future generation of chefs.

It is an honor for NOWFE to bestow the Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement Award on Chef Emeril, and we are thankful she took that chance on him so many years ago.” The award will be presented at a special gala to be held on January 25, 2018, at The RitzCarlton Hotel on Canal Street, and proceeds from the event will benefit many local nonprofit organizations that NOWFE supports throughout the year. nowfe.com

Cloud 9 Bistro

Cheers to 2018!

Antoine’s Restaurant wishes you another year of love, happiness, and good health.

www.a ntoines.com | 504-581-4422 713 Ru e Saint Louis New Orl ea ns, LA 70130 WhereYat.com | January 2018 | 33

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Coquette's Tiramisu

20 and Under

$

An Honest Resolution

G

By Kim Ranjbar

We are people of excess, people of reat gods of gluttony! As tried and abandon, people of great joys and sorrows true New Orleanians, are we truly and frivolity. We eat of life in large, expected to put aside our Bacchanalian satiating bites and wash it down with great behavior in the spirit of a New Year’s cups of elation. Why pretend? resolution? Are we honestly making Instead of making promises you know promises for a healthier tomorrow you won't keep, why not own it? This year, when less than 144 hours later, we'll be I'm making a different kind of resolution. I celebrating Twelfth Night—also known resolve to taste as many desserts as I can as the official start of Carnival, and by from the finest pastry chefs in town, even default, king cake season? sacrificing an appetizer or, God forbid, Who are we kidding? an entree, all for the sake of Maybe we can schedule desserts. some time at the gym in I look forward to the month between diving into magnificent Mardi Gras and St. creations like the Patrick's Day, but cream-laden, after that, our “deconstructed” calendar is stuffed tiramisu from full, from Hogs for Coquette with a the Cause, Easter, heady chocolate and French pot de crème Quarter Festival, turned out to Jazz Fest, the amidst buttery New Orleans crisp, rum-soaked Wine & Food ladyfingers and Experience, and mascarpone poufs, Tales of the Cocktail. dotted with bright In between the biggies, green pistachios and you'll find us frolicking sugary lemon zest.

Fre y at Wednesday at the Perhaps I could work ke ezy n o Stre Square or the Freret off a few pounds running M et's Chunky Street Festival, planning headlong into Toups South crawfish boils, and grabbing roast before they stop selling the Cajun beef po-boys from the corner grocery holiday treat, Tarte à la Bouille. Essentially store. a baked custard tart, Toups South has

34 | New Year's Eve/Sugar Bowl 2018 | Where Y'at Magazine

Toups South's Tarte à la Bouille added its own unique twist, incorporating the nutty flavor of saffron and topping it all off with Louisiana strawberry jam.

Would it count as exercise if I Ubered all the way across town afterwards for Chunky Monkey rolled ice cream at Freezy Street?

There are no preservatives in the vanilla cream that transforms into the freshest ice cream you've ever tasted since Grandma churned it in the backyard, and bananas are nature's candy, right? My waistline won't even notice a couple dabs of Nutella

… not really.

I'd gladly skip over an entire pizza from Paladar 511 for another slice of their Mississippi Blueberry Pie with honey lavender ice cream, but I hear now they've got things like a “Brown Butter Shortcake” with poached apples and maple cream. I'm breathless trying to decide between that and dark chocolate cake with dried plum compote and crème fraiche ice cream.

I think I've finally discovered a resolution I'm most likely to keep...

Paladar 511's Mississippi Blueberry Pie

WhereYat.com | January 2018 | 35

RestaurantGuide African Bennachin has been serving vegan- and vegetarianfriendly West African fare for 25 years. This cozy, intimate eatery also offers a BYOB policy. 1212 Royal St., 522-1230

Gattuso’s Neighborhood Restaurant is a casual bar and grill, featuring a dog-friendly outdoor patio, trivia on Tuesdays, and Ladies Night every Wednesday from 4:00 until 9:00 p.m. 435 Huey P. Long Ave., 368-1114, gattusos.net Liberty Cheesesteaks serves their signature sandwich on bread imported from Philadelphia. Since its inception, they’ve expanded in space, in addition to offering beer and wine. 5041 Freret St., 875-4447, libertycheesesteaks.com Poppy’s Time Out Sports Bar is a sports bar and grill with over 20 beers on tap, 21 big-screen TVs, “Voodoo Juice,” and an outdoor patio overlooking the Mississippi River. 500 Port of New Orleans Pl. #80, 247-9265, poppystimeoutsportsbar.com Sala is a fantastic restaurant owned by the Riccobono family. Their knowledgeable staff specializes in wine and cocktail pairings and Sala now also serves lunch. 124

Bao & Noodle was opened in 2014 by Herbsaint veteran Doug Crowell and his wife Asia Wong. Their regional Chinese dishes use primarily Cantonese recipes. 2700 Chartres St., 272-0004, baoandnoodle. com

Bars With Great Food

Green Tea originally opened in NYC in 2008. It’s new location serves crowd-pleasing lo mein and General Tso’s Chicken, in addition to healthy options prepared with vegetable oil. 3001 Napoleon Ave., 899-8005, greenteanola.com

Apolline makes diners feel at home in a doubleshotgun turned restaurant. Their use of local ingredients offers a modern twist on classic Louisiana dishes. 4729 Magazine St., 894-8881, apollinerestaurant.com

City Diner serves a full menu including alcohol 24/7, featuring items such as Crab Cakes Benedict and enormous pancakes stuffed with cream cheese and chocolate chips. 3116 S. I-10 Service Rd. East, 8311030, citydiner.biz

fare. And you can order lunch or dinner via the Waitr app. 300 Baronne St., 333-6917

Five Happiness is a modern Asian restaurant with a selection of 20 different chicken dishes and house specialties including House Baked Duck and Shrimp with Honey Roasted Pecans. 3605 S. Carrollton Ave., 482-3935, fivehappiness.com

American

Bayou Hot Wings delivers one of the hottest chicken wings in the city; beat their challenge to eat 10 of them in five minutes and win a free t-shirt! 6221 S. Claiborne Ave. #104, 662-9933, bayouhotwings.com

Asian

PublicService (NOPSI Hotel) Lake Marina Ave., 513-2670, salanola.com Spudly’s Super Spuds are known for the best baked potatoes, like the seafood loaded “Super Duper,” but their menu also features a variety of soups, salads, burgers, and sandwiches. 2609 Harvard Ave., 4553250, spudlys.com

Ikura offers sushi, ramen, and hibachi all in one place.

Their ramen uses classic tonkotsu-style broth, and hibachi comes with generous sides of rice, noodles, and soup. 310 N. Carrollton Ave., 485-5658 Kyoto II features unique specials such as sea urchin, king salmon, and giant clams. You can request brown rice or no rice for any of their sushi rolls. 5608 Citrus Blvd., 818-0228, facebook.com/kyoto2nola Mikimoto caters to every sushi fanatic with a variety of sushi, sashimi, and speciality rolls, like fan favorite “Geaux Saints Maki Roll,” all for a reasonable price. 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., 488-1881, mikimotosushi.com

The Country Club boasts one of the city’s best wine programs, featuring over 140 bottles from 13 countries. The recently renovated interior maintains the charm of this Bywater gem. 634 Louisa St., 945-0742, thecountryclubneworleans.com

Miyako is a 8,000 square-foot Japanese seafood and steak restaurant that boasts a hibachi grill, fantastic cocktails, and featured specials like “Sushi Rolls of the Week.” 1403 St. Charles Ave., 410-9997, miyakonola. com

Willie Mae’s Scotch House was founded as a bar in Treme in 1957. After becoming into a restaurant in the 1970s, they have since received national attention for their fried chicken. 2401 St. Ann St., 822-9503, williemaesnola.com

Origami uses fresh sustainably sourced seafood to create a unique fusion of Japanese- and Southern-style dishes. Besides amazing sushi, they’ve created an incredible poke salad. 5130 Freret St., 899-6532

WOW Café Doubletree delivers award-winning wings at over 70 locations nationwide. Their custom sauces are influenced by flavors from around the world, and are available for breakfast, brunch, and dinner! 300 Canal St., 212-3250, wowcafe.com

36 | New Year's Eve/Sugar Bowl 2018 | Where Y'at Magazine

Tsunami is a new Japanese-American fusion restaurant that accentuates their seafood-centered dishes with artful plating and innovative sushi rolls. 601 Poydras St. Suite B, 608-3474 Viet Orleans Bistro, located Downtown near Canal Street, serves Vietnamese food, sushi, and other Asian

Backspace Bar & Kitchen is a literary-themed bar that specializes in prohibition-era cocktails and serves one of the best burgers in the French Quarter. 139 Chartres St., 322-2245, backspacenola.com Buffa’s Bar and Restaurant has been open 24/7 since 1939. They have been named one of the 50 Best Jazz Clubs in America and host a popular Jazz brunch every Sunday. 1001 Esplanade Ave., 949-0038, buffasbar.com Effervescence is a champagne bar offering a wide selection of wines from around the world. Besides “bubbles,” their kitchen features a seasonal menu of small plate “bites.” 1036 N. Rampart St., 509-7644, nolabubbles.com Gordon Biersch is a national brewpub chain that originated in Palo Alto, California, in 1988. Their worldfamous German lagers go perfectly with a side of garlic fries. 200 Poydras St., 552-2739, gordonbiersch.com The Jimani has been open since 1972, and besides a selection of over 100 beers, they also serve burgers and crawfish pasta until they close at 8 a.m. 141 Chartres St., 524-0493, thejimani.com Mimi’s in the Marigny is a bi-level bar and tapas restaurant, featuring fan favorites like goat cheeserubbed cauliflower, lamb chops, and dishes created with homegrown produce and locally sourced seafood.

2601 Royal St., 872-9868, mimismarigny.com Ole Saint is owned by former Ole Miss and Saints running back Deuce McAllister. Their menu features Southern coastal cuisine including a Crab Maison BLT and Southern Catfish. 132 Royal St., 309-4797, olesaint.com Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro features over 65 wines available by the glass and a Happy Hour with free bacon! You’ll find the perfect pairing for their pork chops with crawfish sausage. 720 Orleans St., 523-1930, orleansgrapevine.com Rick’s Sporting Saloon is a great spot on Bourbon Street to catch the big game. With fantastic bar fare and a beautiful wait staff, this is the Quarter’s ultimate

sports bar. 522 Bourbon St., 552-2510, ricks-saloon. com Rivershack Tavern is “New Orleans’s most unusual bar.” They are also a restaurant and music venue, boasting a late-night kitchen and live music nearly seven days a week. 3449 River Rd., 834-4938, therivershacktavern.us

brunch spot, but be sure to check out their new outdoor patio and dinner menu, featuring thin-crust artisan pizza. 800 Navarre Ave., 483-8828, cafenavarre.com Caffe! Caffe! serves some of the area’s freshest gourmet coffee and espresso, as well as soups, sandwiches, salads, breakfast food, and pastries madein-house. Multiple locations, caffecaffe.com

Shamrock Bar and Grill is New Orleans’s biggest neighborhood bar with 16,000 square-feet of space containing 23 pool tables, ping pong cages, dozens of games, live music, and food. 4133 S. Carrollton Ave., 301-0938, shamrockparty.com

Cloud 9 Bistro is one of the city’s newest cafés and has been dubbed an idyllic retreat to satiate your hunger with quality menu items like their Bananas Foster Liège Waffle. 3138 Magazine St., 702-5914, cloudninenola. com

Tracey’s Original Irish Channel Bar was opened in 1949 as the original Irish Channel bar. They offer weekly specials including $1 shucked-to-order oysters on Monday and $0.50 wings on Wednesday. 2604 Magazine St., 897-5413, traceysnola.com

Daisy Dukes serves a full menu of Southern and Cajun food 24/7. Don’t leave without trying their awardwinning bottomless Cajun Bloody Marys. Multiple locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com

Café Another Broken Egg Café serves some of the best breakfast in the city. House specialties include their Crawfish Skillet, Lobster and Brie Omelette, and Cinnamon Roll French Toast. Multiple locations, anotherbrokenegg.com Biscuits and Buns on Banks uses a constantly changing menu to highlight seasonal ingredients and create unique brunch and lunch dishes like crawfish waffles and andouille sausage hash cakes. 4337 Banks St., 273-4600, biscuitsandbunsonbanks.com Café Amelie is one of the French Quarter’s best spots for brunch or lunch. Sit outside in their romantic courtyard and enjoy great drinks and entrees. 912 Royal St., 412-8965, cafeamelie.com Café Carmo features an international menu with dishes ranging from Japanese shima sashimi to Peruvian tiradito. They are committed to sustainability in addition to an all-inclusive dining experience. 527 Julia St., 8754132, cafecarmo.com Café Degas is an intimate bistro named after 19th-century Impressionist painter Edgar Degas, and their enclosed patio serves some of the city’s only traditional French cuisine. 3127 Esplanade Ave., 9455635, cafedegas.com Café Navarre has a reputation as a popular Mid-City

Flying Pig Café offers Southern comfort food inspired

by Caribbean, Latin, and Asian flavors with house specialties such as Shrimp and Grits and CaribbeanStyle Fried Chicken. 4920 Prytania St., 644-2982, theflyingpigcafe.com Jimmy J’s Café is a popular breakfast destination that makes everything in-house from scratch. Check out their weekly specials and deals—like pancakes of the day! 115 Chartres St., 309-9360, jimmyjscafe.com

The Ruby Slipper has multiple locations around the Gulf Coast. Their New Orleans brunch menu features local favorites like Bananas Foster Pain Perdu. Multiple locations, therubyslippercafe.net

traditional Italian and classic New Orleans dishes for over 100 years. They have received national attention for their famous BBQ shrimp. 1838 Napoleon Ave., 895-4877, pascalsmanale.com

Italian

Reginelli’s Pizzeria has more than outstanding pizza; they also serve amazing salads and pastas, and offer $3 pints of craft beer on Mondays and Tuesdays. Multiple locations, reginellis.com

G’s Pizza is a great neighborhood BYOB pizza parlor that offers gourmet pizza and sandwiches, plus plenty of outdoor seating and TVs for viewing the big game.

Multiple locations, gspizza.com Josephine Estelle combines Italian recipes and Southern flavor best exemplified in their homemade pasta. Check out their $35 family dinners every first Monday of the month. 600 Carondelet St., 930-3070, josephineestelle.com Mardi Gras Zone is a 24-hour grocery store, restaurant, and bead shop. Besides selling Mardi Gras trinkets, they also serve packaged food, pizza, deli favorites, international cuisine, and alcohol. 2706 Royal St., 947-8787 Pascal’s Manale has been a city staple, serving

Venezia has been serving authentic Italian, fresh seafood, and steak for 60 years. Their renown thin-crust pizza is cooked in a one-of-a-kind stone oven. 134 N. Carrollton Ave., 488-7991, venezianeworleans.net

Mexican Juan’s Flying Burrito is a New Orleans Creole taqueria restaurant serving delicious burritos, tacos, and margaritas. Be sure to try the Flying Burrito, which is chock full of steak, shrimp, and chicken. Multiple locations, juansflyingburrito.com La Casita Taqueria provides a perfect setting with outdoor seating to enjoy their 2-for-1 margaritas every

Maple Street Patisserie is operated by world-class European bakers Ziggy and Sullivan, who are also responsible for some of the city’s best holiday pies and catering services. 7638 Maple St., 304-1526 Opal Basil was originally opened in Mandeville by Arizona-born chef-owner Robert Vasquez. Their new location eschews fine dining in favor of a casual neighborhood café approach. 701 S. Peters St., 985778-2529 Petite Amelie is an extension of Café Amelie, specializing in “cuisine rapide.” In addition to dine-in, they offer grab-and-go prepared foods and pantry items such as jams and sauces. 900 Royal St., 4128065, cafeamelie.com/petite-amelie Riccobono’s Panola Street Café delivers brunch favorites including Crab Cakes Benedict and Crawfish Omelets, in addition to featuring a different hot plate lunch special every day of the week. 7801 Panola St., panolastreetcafe.com

GreenTea

Celebrating 20 Years in New Orleans!

JUAN’S FLYING BURRITO MARGARITA MONDAY Every MONDAY

we Feature a TOP SHELF Margarita it’s Double sized but.... you’ll only pay the Single price new location!

Uptown-5538 Magazine 897.4800

CBD-515 Baronne 529.5825

LGD-2018 Magazine 569.0000

Mid-City-4724 S.Carrollton 486.9950

LEBANON’S CAFE

MIDDLE EAST CUISINE √ A HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE Great Selection Of Vegetarian Dishes

Lunch & Dinner 7 Days A Week

APPETIZERS Humus √ Falafel √ Bathenjan Dip (Roasted Eggplant w/ Garlic) √ Vegetarian Grape Leaves

DINNERS Shish Kabob (Chicken, Lamb or Beef ) √ Lula Kabob (Lamb) √ Humus w/ Lamb Meat √ Rosemary Lamb Chops

1500 S. CARROLLTON √ UPTOWN TELEPHONE: 862-6200/862-0768

WhereYat.com | January 2018 | 37

Wednesday, daily Happy Hour from 3 until 7 p.m., and house-made churros! 8400 Oak St., 826-9913, eatlacasita.com

created by chefs across America and mixes regional and international cuisines. 225 Decatur St., 310-4999, houseofblues.com

Middle Eastern

Joey K’s is a family-owned establishment whose comfort food dishes include Shrimp Magazine, Trout Tchoupitoulas, and Eggplant Napoleon, which are named after New Orleans city streets. 3001 Magazine St., 891-0997, joeyksrestaurant.com

The Halal Guys originated as a food cart in NYC in 1990. It now operates 200 locations around the world.

They serve chicken and gyro meat with rice until midnight. Multiple locations, thehalalguys.com Lebanon’s Café serves a broad spectrum of Middle Eastern cuisine including hummus, chicken shawarma, and kabobs cooked on skewers above a charcoal grill.

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

New Orleans Creole Cookery offers traditional Creole cooking, featuring a seafood-centric menu, oyster bar, and strong cocktails. Besides oysters, they also offer Gumbo served three ways. 508 Toulouse St., 524-9632, neworleanscreolecookery.com

Pita Hut Plus is a must-try for vegetarians, serving outof-this-world falafel and other Middle Eastern cuisine.

Be sure to try their Kulaje for dessert. 3100 Magazine St., 608-6448

The Original Fiorella’s Cafe was initially located in the French Market from 1985 until 1999. Their fried chicken is a two-time winner at the National Fried Chicken Festival. 5325 Franklin Ave., 309-0352, originalfiorellas.com

Pyramids Café serves healthy and authentic Middle Eastern fare including one of the city’s best eggplant sandwiches, plus highly-recommended delivery service and dine-in options. 3149 Calhoun St., 861-9602, pyramidscafeneworleans.com

Picayune Social House is a new gastropub located in the original Times-Picayune building. Their innovative house cocktails are available for $5 during Happy Hour, along with half-price breads and spreads. 326 Camp St., 308-3583, picayunesocialhouse.com

New Orleans Cuisine

Poppa’s Poor Boys is a casual deli that sources seafood from the fish market next door. House specialties include garlic-stuffed roast beef and homestyle spaghetti with meatballs. 720 Claiborne Dr., 832-8114

Antoine’s Restaurant, established in 1840, is one of the country’s most famous restaurants as they are known to be the birthplace of Oysters Rockefeller. 713 St. Louis St., 581-4422, antoines.com Caribbean Room is located in the Pontchartrain Hotel and serves one of the top brunches in the city. End your meal with their famous Mile High Pie. 2031 St. Charles Ave., 323-1500, thecaribbeanroom.com

The Praline Connection transformed from a home delivery service into one of New Orleans’s best homestyle Cajun-Creole soul food restaurants. Their pralines are made fresh daily using the old-fashioned spoon-drip method. 542 Frenchmen St., 943-3934, pralineconnection.com

The Columns Hotel was built in 1883 and designed by local architect Thomas Sully. Their Victorian Lounge offers a small plates menu and patio seating on stunning St. Charles Avenue. 3811 St. Charles Ave., 899-9308, thecolumns.com

Public Service (NOPSI Hotel) serves elevated comfort food, inspired by the Gulf Coast’s fishermen and farmers, out of an open kitchen accentuated by a raw bar and open-flame rotisserie. 311 Baronne St., 962-6527, publicservicenola.com

Crescent City Brewhouse was opened as New Orleans’s first brewpub in 1991. Their fully functional 17-barrel brewery combines Old World traditions with modern technology to create unique blends of beer. 527 Decatur St., 522-0571, crescentcitybrewhouse.com

Short Stop Poboys makes it hard to choose, with a selection of over 30 po-boys! They offer three sizes and delicious sides like chicken fries, coleslaw, and stuffed crab. 119 Transcontinental Dr., 885-4572, shortstoppoboysno.com

House of Blues is an established music venue featuring the restaurant Crossroads, whose menu was

Welcome in 2018 With Our New Years Eve Prix Fixe 5-Course Dinner Two Dinner Times: 6pm and 8:30pm

Limited Seats Available.

Call or visit OpenTable.com to reserve!

Eat, Drink and Relax at Apolline Exquisite cuisine, accessibly priced wines and handcrafted cocktails in the relaxed charm of our Uptown double-shotgun cottage.

Join us for Dinner or Brunch Tuesday - Sunday Bottomless Mimosas with Brunch

4729 Magazine Street • (504) 894-8881 • www.ApollineRestaurant.com 38 | New Year's Eve/Sugar Bowl 2018 | Where Y'at Magazine

TheOriginalFiorella'sCafe Seafood Briquette is a new upscale seafood restaurant that combines Southwestern flavors and Gulf Coast cuisine with menu items like lobster tamales and deep-fried deviled eggs. 701 S. Peters St., 302-7496 Crazy Lobster Bar and Grill is a Cajun-style restaurant specializing in lobster and crab legs. You can score a take-home souvenir glass when you order one of their signature drinks. 500 Port of New Orleans Place, Suite 83, 569-3380, thecrazylobster.com Don’s Seafood was originally opened in Lafayette

by Don Landry in 1934. Their current menu includes Landry family recipes and original creations, like their famous Zydeco Shrimp. 4801 Veterans Blvd., 889-1550, donsseafoodonline.com Jack Dempsey’s Restaurant is named after former The States-Item police reporter Richard “Jack” Dempsey.

They’re known for their huge steaks, fried seafood, and baked macaroni. 738 Poland Ave., 943-9914, jackdempseys.net Jaeger’s Seafood and Oyster House has been familyowned and -operated since 1948. Try their surf and turf, a pairing of quality seafood with fantastic steak, for the best of both worlds. 901 S. Clearview Pkwy., 818-2200, jaegersseafood.com

Robin’s Wharf is a seafood restaurant with locations Uptown and on the Eden Isles waterway, but either is perfect to enjoy the big game with a cold beer. Multiple locations, 985-326-8882 Seaworthy is located in an 1832 Creole cottage and creates dishes using locally sourced fish and game, in addition to supplying only wild-caught sustainably harvested oysters. 630 Carondelet St., 930-3071, seaworthynola.com The Catch Seafood Restaurant is a hot new seafood restaurant with something for everyone, featuring dishes available fried, blackened, or boiled. 3010 Cleary Ave., 407-3316, facebook.com/ thecatchseafoodrestaurantLA Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco features a menu built on traditional Peruvian dishes, such as lomo saltado and ceviche criollo, plus the bar includes a selection of nearly 50 varieties of Peruvian pisco. 5015 Magazine St., 267-7612, titoscevichepisco.com

Vegetarian/Vegan Seed serves vegan options of comfort food, such as eggplant po-boys, Southern fried tofu, nachos, and gumbo, using high-quality local and organic ingredients.

1330 Prytania St., 302-2599, seedyourhealth.com

BarGuide

Sponsored by

Above the Grid (NOPSI Hotel) NOPSI's dynamic rooftop pool and bar, Above the Grid, is a peaceful oasis for hotel guests, visitors, and locals to 317 Baronne St. savor chilled drinks and dine on creative, healthy fare.

844-439-1463

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

Relax poolside at Ace Hotel's rooftop garden Alto while snacking on small plates, sipping seasonal cocktails, and enjoying panoramic views of the city.

Backspace Bar 139 Chartres St. 322-2245

Stimulate your mind (and taste buds) at this literarythemed haunt that, while specializing in classic cocktails and comfort food, is known for their milk and cookies.

Bar Tonique 820 N. Rampart St. 324-6045

This joint is the embodiment of the craft cocktail movement, and their impressive cocktail list is only rivaled by the extensive knowledge of their bartenders.

Buffa’s Bar & Restaurant 1001 Esplanade Ave. 949-0038

This neighborhood gem has been “on the border of the Quarter since 1939,” with 24/7 full service at an affordable price and a live music backroom.

Crescent City Brewhouse Opened in 1991, this microbrewery in the heart of the Quarter became the first brewpub in New Orleans and 527 Decatur St. Louisiana; so grab a pint—prost!

522-3901 Effervescence 1036 N. Rampart St. 509-7644

The perfect date spot, this champagne bar oozes elegance all around, and their extensive sparkling wine list is perfectly complemented by their small plates menu.

Gattuso’s 435 Huey P. Long Ave. 368-1114

Head to Gretna’s Historic District for this Westbank gem with 14 beers on tap and a full menu stocked with New Orleans favorites like crawfish dip.

Golden Lantern 1239 Royal St. 529-2860

Famous not only for the founding of Southern Decadence, the Golden Lantern is also reputed to have one of the best Bloody Marys in the city.

Hermes Bar at Antoine's 725 St. Louis St. 581-4422

Featuring encased Mardi Gras memorabilia, the Hermes Bar is about as Old New Orleans as it gets. Try their takes on the Sazerac or Ramos Gin Fizz.

Hot Tin 2031 St. Charles Ave. 323-1500

This penthouse-turned-bar on the rooftop of The Pontchartrain Hotel offers a 270-degree view of Downtown, the Mississippi River, and St. Charles Avenue.

House of Blues 225 Decatur St. 310-4999

This well-established concert venue also houses its own bar and restaurant with a menu featuring regional dishes from Nashville hot wings to Voodoo Shrimp.

Jimani 141 Chartres St. 524-0493

If you’re looking for somewhere to end your late-night (or early-morning) adventures, Jimani is the French Quarter spot. Be sure to try their Bacon Bloody Mary.

Kerry Irish Pub 331 Decatur St. 527-5954

With no cover charge, you can enjoy live music at Kerry’s almost nightly. They are also reputed to pour the best Guinness in town, so grab a pint or two today!

Martine's Lounge 2347 Metairie Rd. 831-8637

This Metairie neighborhood hideout does Happy Hour right—every day from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. Come grab a domestic beer for only $2 or try a seasonal cocktail.

Pal's Lounge 949 N. Rendon St. 488-7257

Located in a nondescript house in Mid-City, Pal’s Lounge will make you feel right at home with affordable drinks, plenty of pool tables, and food pop-ups.

Pat O'Brien's Bar 718 St. Peter St. 525-4823

As the inventor of the Hurricane, this bar has been a longstanding destination for visitors clamoring to try the fruity rum concoction in their gorgeous courtyard.

Port Orleans Brewing Co. 4124 Tchoupitoulas St. 266-2332

This up-and-coming brewery has already established itself through the offbeat beer it crafts, so go enjoy one of their brews on their outdoor, dog-friendly patio.

Rick’s Cabaret 315 Bourbon St. 524-4222

Rick’s Cabaret sets itself apart from the rest of Bourbon Street with over 18,000 square feet and two floors; so stop in for a drink and stay for the show.

Rick's Sporting Saloon 522 Bourbon St. 552-2510

Rick’s has all the amenities of a sports bar and gentlemen’s club. Drinks are half price every day until 7 p.m., making it well worth the stop on Bourbon Street.

Rivershack Tavern 3449 River Rd. 834-4938

Only in New Orleans is there a bar with a barter system involving free drinks for tacky ashtrays. Rivershack Tavern is off the beaten path, but it is well worth the visit.

Shamrock Bar & Grill 4133 S. Carrollton Ave. 307-4350

With 16,000 square feet of fun, this neighborhood bar is great for groups of friends, with 23 pool tables and dozens of games, including ping-pong and shuffleboard.

The Country Club 634 Louisa St. 945-0742

A Bywater secret for over 40 years, this newly renovated restaurant and bar is an absolute tropical oasis for dining in or drinking with friends.

Tropical Isle Multiple Locations 529-1702

There is arguably nothing more definitively Bourbon Street than the Hand Grenade, “New Orleans’s most powerful drink,” and it is 100 percent the brainchild of Tropical Isle.

949 N RENDON ST. borhood Bar h g i e N y t i C Your Mid

New Orleans, LA 70119

504-488-PALS WhereYat.com | January 2018 | 39

FilmReviews

Catch all of Where Y'at's film reviews

by Movie Editor David Vicari and Critic Fritz Esker at WhereYat.com.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

By David Vicari

DAYE N KAG DUBO AU AN Y DA TO KE MA PAC E ENC ERI WITH THE AUDUBON EXP best value! three ATTRACTIONS, ONE PRICE. COUNTLESS POSSIBILITIES. THE AUDUBON EXPERIENCE PACKAGE INCLUDES ENTRY TO: AUDUBON ZOO 6500 MAGAZINE STREET, UPTOWN

Cool Zoo, A Wild and Wet Splash Park* | Open Spring and Summer AUDUBON AQUARIUM OF THE AMERICAS CANAL STREET AT THE RIVER

Snorkel or dive in the Great Maya Reef.

A new underwater adventure!*

FOLLOW US ON:

AUDUBON BUTTERFLY GARDEN and INSECTARIUM 423 CANAL STREET

"A top museum for you and your kids" - CNN.com Be sure to visit the Golf Club at Audubon Park for world-class golf and dining.

Uptown in Audubon Park.

IN NEW ORLEANS, LA VISIT AUDUBONNATUREINSTITUTE.ORG.

*Separate admission fee required

40 | New Year's Eve/Sugar Bowl 2018 | Where Y'at Magazine

I feel the days of actually witnessing another great Star Wars movie, like The Empire Strikes Back (1980), are long gone. With that said, the latest installment, Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, isn't life-altering but it is decent entertainment. While it moves in fits and starts, the movie has an exciting opening and a finale that is rousing and emotional.

At the conclusion of Episode VII: The Force Awakens, scavenger Rey (Daisy Ridley), who appears to be strong with the Force finds Jedi master Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) on an isolated island. Now, Rey wants Luke to teach her the ways of the Force. He refuses at first because of the disastrous training of a former pupil who is now known as Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), and is the poster boy for the evil First Order. Eventually, Luke agrees to train Rey, but this task gets complicated when Rey begins to have a psychic link to Kylo Ren. Meanwhile, Resistance fighter pilot Captain Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) clashes with Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo (Laura Dern) on how to evade the pursuing First Order, and Finn (John Boyega) and engineer Rose (Kelly Marie Tran) search for a master code breaker to disable the First Order's tracking device.

The Last Jedi is written and directed by Rian Johnson (Brick, Looper) and he goes fairly dark with this entry, but it's sometimes too much of a downer. Also, the Finn/Rose storyline feels like filler. And, again, Princess/General Leia (the late Carrie Fisher) has little to do. In fact, she's in a coma throughout part of the movie. And because of Fisher's untimely passing, I have no idea how the next film will deal with her iconic character.

What is good about The Last Jedi is Ridley, Driver, and Hamill. They are all sensational, with Ridley and Driver really finding their footing with their characters this time around, and Hamill's presence is a welcome return.

Coco

By David Vicari By now, it is pretty much a worn-out cliché to say that "Pixar has done it again,” but with their latest, Coco, they have done it again. This computeranimated feature is the feel-good spiritual journey we can use just about now.

The story, set in Mexico, opens with what appears to be a variation on Footloose (1984), as young Miguel (voiced

by Anthony Gonzalez) wants nothing more than to be a musician, but his family won't allow it. The family shuns musicians because Miguel's great, great grandfather left his wife and young daughter, Coco, behind to find fame as a singer ... or that is what appears to have happened.

Being denied his dream, Miguel runs away during the Day of the Dead celebration, which is when the living pay tribute to their loved ones who have passed on. So, somehow Miguel finds himself in the Land of the Dead. Helping him get back to the living world is Héctor (Gael García Bernal), a broken spirit who has been forgotten by his living family. Before leaving the spirit world, however, Miguel plans to meet his great, great grandfather, who may actually be legendary mariachi singer Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt).

The plot gets much more involved and that is one of Pixar's strengths. They are not afraid to construct a complicated, yet easy-to-follow story, as well as hit on deep themes such as spirituality, loneliness, and a person's place in the world. And, of course, it is delivered with spectacular animation that is bursting with color. Coco looks and feels marvelous.

Dueling Critics: The Disaster Artist

By David Vicari & Fritz Esker Fritz: It's hard to explain the legendary bad movie The Room. It is written and directed by its star, Tommy Wiseau, a man with a thick accent and a complete inability to read lines. Or write them, for that matter, as The Room feels like it was written by someone without the most basic idea of how humans interact (e.g., there is a scene where four tuxedo-clad men throw a football back and forth while standing three-five feet away from each other in an alley). Even the most mundane outdoor scenes appear to be shot on a green screen, giving it an amateurishly surreal look. And its story of a man betrayed by his girlfriend and best friends feels oddly personal, too— you get a sense Wiseau was badly hurt and is exorcising his demons in the most ham-fisted way possible.

After a release in one theater in 2003 (and promoted by a billboard Wiseau paid for with his own picture on it), The Room slowly developed a cult following. Now, viewers regularly attend midnight screenings around the country. The film's co-star, Greg Sestero, wrote a book called The Disaster Artist on the experience of filming it that has been turned into a movie by director and star James Franco. So what did you think about it?

David: It would have been easy to make a snide little goof out of this true story because Wiseau is admittedly an easy target. He's an egomaniac, yet he has zero talent, and the film shows that in often very funny ways, but also shows it in some rather dark ways too, like when he has outbursts on set. However, in his performance, James Franco is able to humanize Wiseau ... to an extent. What did you think about the performances of James Franco and, as Sestero, his brother Dave Franco?

Fritz: James Franco is good, but I think he's limited somewhat by the role. Part of what makes Wiseau fascinating is that he was so secretive and inscrutable (he was rich, but no one could figure out how; he said he was from New Orleans, but that's dubious). So, he's an enigma. Dave Franco does well as the straight man—he makes you understand why Greg would follow this seemingly crazy person to Los Angeles.

The film does not quite have the heart of Tim Burton's Ed Wood (about another notoriously terrible filmmaker), but it is funnier. Seth Rogen gets a lot of laughs as the put-upon script

supervisor. There are also interesting questions posed about the nature of ironic enjoyment.

It's no secret that once The Room was released, people loved it not because it was the cinematic masterpiece Wiseau clearly wanted it to be, but because it took itself so seriously while being so amateurish and awful and over-the-top.

How do you feel about that? Do you like to watch so-bad-they're-good movies and have a laugh? Or is there something mean at the heart of ironic enjoyment? After all, even the worst movies have a lot of people who work very hard on them, and even the worst artist shows more courage than the guy laughing in the audience or writing a review. Personally, I enjoy it to a degree, but can understand why it makes some people a little queasy.

David: The way I see it is that the creators of these so-bad-they-are-funny movies have it coming. Sure, they may be passionate about their story, but if "filmmakers" such as Wiseau, Wood (Plan 9 from Outer Space), Phil Tucker (Robot Monster) or James Nguyen (Birdemic: Shock and Terror) don't bother to learn Filmmaking 101, then I don't feel bad for them and laugh without guilt. Now, Edward D. Wood Jr.'s life was rather sad, as he lived in poverty until his death. He was able to direct about a handful of features (as well as some shorts and porno flicks), but they were all terrible. Wood blew it because his ego wouldn't allow him to step away from his work and see it as the crap it was. Wiseau is the same way. He thinks what he is making is great art, and no one can tell him otherwise. However, unlike Ed Wood, Wiseau had money and has made even more off of The Room because of its "midnight movie" status.

Who I do feel sorry for are the actors who get roped into these terrible projects. Sestero seems like a capable actor, but because of the stigma of The Room, he probably won't get the chance. He'll probably just get roles in more bad movies simply for the kitsch value because of the association to The Room.

As for The Disaster Artist, it delivers on the promise of showing what it was like on the set of the now notorious The Room. You are a fly on the wall, and it is fascinating.

Fritz: It's a good movie. On a final note, in an era where so many comedies now run two or more hours (ugh), Franco, the director, thankfully keeps things moving at a brisk 103 minutes.

WhereYat.com | January 2018 | 41

TalesFromTheQuarter

By Debbie Lindsey

When Dinosaurs Roamed... and Shopped

S

anta just might be getting his pink slip. Yep, the rumors seem to have been based upon fact—December 2017 just wasn’t Santa’s best year. Amazon has replaced the need for chimneys. Oh, it is not just the big A that is donning Santa’s cap—the entire cyber/internet/ inter-galactic mall inside your smart phone and computer is pretty much reshaping shopping.

It is true that I haven’t had any warm and fuzzy feelings for malls and big-box stores since I was a young dinosaur. In fact, I grew to have nothing short of contempt for them. And then, they started to fall. Now they seem vulnerable. I am now willing to remember the good times these mammoth sprawls of indoor retail provided me.

Sharing a day with my mom to go shopping, being fitted for my first bra (the beyond embarrassing step towards teen-hood), window shopping while plotting the ways to spend my babysitting profits—all were mall rituals. Christmas shopping with piped-in holiday music, giant Christmas trees, and shiny decorations. And just as fun was the day after Christmas when we’d return clothes that didn’t fit or shop for more goodies with the monies gifted to me by Aunt Ethel.

Even my rebellious, hippy-dippy teenage years were spent inside these shopping centers.

Despite the capitalistic/all-American/conventional confines of a mall, there were treasure troves of music to be had. Even Sears had a record department. Music was big money then—no freebies from some device that even Ray Bradbury had yet to imagine. Certainly, radio was big and free and a serious part of our music world, but before MTV, you listened to and watched Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, Ed Sullivan, and Soul Train on TV. But great as those televised moments were, you also bought vinyl. Albums and 45’s were an escape from suburbia—a magical mystery tour of other alternate worlds. An entire revolution was inside those record covers—and ya could find them in a mall!

I even remember a head shop in our Bel Air Mall in Mobile. You could buy rolling papers and pipes, despite the strictly enforced laws against pot. You truly could be locked up in a

42 | New Year's Eve/Sugar Bowl 2018 | Where Y'at Magazine

penitentiary for possession—but the paraphernalia was for sale and openly displayed along with those must-have suede fringe vests, headbands, macramé purses, incense, and oh, I nearly forgot—black light posters. My bedroom truly frightened my mom with a psychedelic Hendrix day-glowing from my black-light—she really wasn’t comfortable with her 17-year-old sleeping under the gaze of a black man. Oh, and of course, my Frank Zappa sitting nude on the crapper was tolerated only because it was thumbtacked to the ceiling (she hated climbing ladders).

Prior to morphing into a wannabe radical teenager, the mall was simply where we went to be cool, flirt with boys, and try on clothes that were beyond our allowance and babysitting funds. We meant no harm, but I know we were a holy terror for all clothing-store clerks. Playing dress-up was what it amounted to and at the expense of the sales lady, who had to re-hang, re-fold, and re-stock tons of dresses. Those poor shop women—the restraint they must have had to muster every Saturday as clusters of teenage girls descended upon the shopping malls of America. All they could do was pistol-whip us obnoxious adolescents with their eyes and maintain a tightlipped smile for fear of offending any of our mothers (the real shoppers with wallets).

Through the years, malls and big-box stores came to represent conspicuous consumption and venues for made-in-China (exploited labor) products and a knife to the back of small, mom-andpop stores. Yet, now that these retail elephants are falling and becoming extinct, I feel a pang of empathy for them—empathy that was normally reserved for the small businesses. Ironically, the same big guys that transformed and transferred shoppers to online, thus effectively taking down the brick-n-mortar shops, are now looking to reinvent themselves into those same brickn-mortars. Is the acquisition of Whole Foods by mega-mogul Amazon a harbinger of more to come? I fear it is.

With due respect (for we must pay the devil his due) to Amazon’s online services for the extreme efficiency and economy they offer shoppers, there will be a price to pay. The devil does deliver (even free shipping), but read the small print in this contract we all have signed onto— there are hidden charges. Small and large businesses will be taken down, and Santa will be given the boot.

There is nothing new about a corporation absorbing smaller businesses and merging with other giants. Corporations are in the habit of making strange bedfellows—they lure and woo seemingly unrelated industries and grow and grow. Monsanto of Agent Orange fame—now easily known for Round-Up (another carcinogenic delight)—also owns, or is connected to, lots of the goodies we eat; say hello to Campbell’s, Nabisco, and about 60-plus food-related companies.

Beginning in the late 80s, Philip Morris bought Kraft (cigarettes and Velveeta cheese—yum). Point is, Amazon is merely one of many big shots amassing power, influence, and wealth.

So, are we going to the dark side when we order online, or simply making our lives a bit easier with the convenience? Ask Santa next holiday season. Ask yourself when the neighborhood grocery folds, when libraries suffer funding, and small hardware stores go bankrupt. Was it worth it?

Po-BoyViews

By Phil LaMancusa

The Hole OR The Donut

I

physically exercise at the Treme Center most mornings (I haven’t seen you there yet) while Girlfriend swims. Usually the telly is on and I watch My 600-lb Life, Jerry Springer, Judge Judy, I’m Keeping the Baby, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, or different so-called sitcoms, where attractive and/or overweight couples make fools out of each other between commercials. Needless to say, I am mesmerized.

Commercials at that time of day appear to be mostly about which injury lawyer you should get in touch with when you want that $300,000 settlement: “One call, that’s all”; “Call the strong arm”; “Put the Womack on them”; “Before you accept a quick check…” and/or those two big guys (with easy-to-remember phone numbers) who you would want on your side in a barroom brawl. They are ALL very trustworthy, and it would be hard to pick one over another.

If you’ve ever watched the tube in the afternoon, there are the soaps or the talk shows: Ellen, Kelly, Steve, The Chew, The View, or Doctor Oz. You’ll notice that the commercials tend to be about gadgets where, “But wait! If you act now…” seems to be a major part of the schtick; you might notice them wedged between those commercials for great time-saving cleaning supplies and adult diapers. There begins the daily spin on pain medications and allergy-relief product hypes; these you know are only setting you up for the prime-time pill-pushers, the real “ask your doctor” drug companies. It’s enough to make your head spin.

Here come the 6:00 news and updates on the political debacle that keeps us enthralled/ dumbfounded, and the interruptions by pharmaceutical companies that test your hypochondriac tendencies by asking you to decide if you are nervous, constipated, depressed, sore, impotent, run-down, addicted to smoking, arthritic, inflamed, irritated, have fibromyalgia, or if your bladder leaks. If so, get your MD to prescribe Entyvio, Chantix, Crestor, Humira, Celebrex, Lyrica, Cialis (for daily use), Xarelto, or Taltz; they’re all good for coughs, colds, sore holes, and will put hair on anything but a cue ball.

And all come with side effects that read like the seven circles of hell: dizziness, blurry vision, suicidal thoughts (or actions?), diarrhea, upset stomach, sleeplessness, infections, tuberculosis, blood in your phlegm.

Burning when you urinate, fever, weight loss, heartbreak, and the ever-dangerous erection that lasts more than four hours—all can be yours if you take a chance on the snake oils that are out there. Which would you rather have, the disease or the cure?

Prime-time tube-watching has you in the operating room with gorgeous surgeons, fighting fires, riding in ambulances, solving crimes (including cold cases), dodging bullets and explosions, and falling in love,

accompanied by suspense, mystery, and the laugh tracks that tell you when the punch line has been delivered. I have to tear myself away.

Nowadays, you can get the choice of 1,500 channels with IPTV. You can buy it or download it for your Android, get service, an additional keyboard, AND secret decoder ability—and no commercials!

My family didn’t own a television set until I was 12 years old; we would have to get invited to the neighbors to watch anything—there were four channels.

The set we got was a Motorola, 24-inch, black and white, and it cost a whopping $55—a lot of money in those days. It was a ponderous beast with tubes that lit up and had what we called rabbit ear antennas. It needed to be adjusted to pick up a signal and there were dials to fine-tune the vertical and horizontal signals. I could not keep my eyes off it. These were the days of variety shows, Western adventures, reruns of ancient films, and commercials for cigarettes, Halo Shampoo, and Ajax cleanser. Dial Soap, Alka-Seltzer, Shredded Wheat, Ovaltine, and Nestlé chocolate.

In those days, television sets went on the fritz, and it was a DIY fix as you took out offending tubes and tested them at a nearby hardware store or pharmacy. The worst thing to happen was when your picture tube blew, and then the whole set was no good and you would have to throw it out (after keeping the tubes for future sets). It was a simpler time.

But then it happened. To control my rambunctiousness, my seventh-grade teacher gave me a copy of Silas Marner and told me to read it. I had been capable of reading since before I went to school, since my older sisters loved to play teacher with me as the student, but this was different. I learned that I could also turn on the television of my mind by doing what millions had done before me—and with no commercials—open a book!

We all have our ways of chilling out, relaxing, letting the day drop from our minds like dirty underwear. Girlfriend zones out by watching television, and it’s nice to see her cares of the day take a backseat, replaced with innocuous but interesting mind candy and news worth throwing things at the set over. I, however, am addicted to the blue light of the set and can watch virtually anything from test patterns to sitcoms, commercials, and even golf or tennis.

So, I need to discipline myself, like a junkie. I have my man cave with my current reading material, and I settle in each night after Happy Hour, where, when our collective programs come on, I can be summoned.

All this to tell you that distraction from daily woes is a form of meditation and very, very necessary. From booze to news, jogging to blogging, culinary to dictionary, it’s important to care for that part of yourself that needs a part of the day for submergence. Just remember to keep these things in their place and surface strong.

WhereYat.com | January 2018 | 43

YaGram

Below are our staff's favorite #NOLA hashtags on Instagram for December. Tag us @WhereYatNola or #WhereYatNola to be featured in an upcoming issue.

NewsAroundTheWeb

Updated Daily at WhereYat.com

NOLANamedATopCityForMillennials @bookofmathoo

@davidnola

@nicolereigelman

According to Business Insider, New Orleans has been named as one of the top 11 cities for millennials. While big cities like New York and D.C. have attracted ambitious youth, rising rent and a competitive job market have pushed millennials to settle elsewhere. Between 2010 to 2015, NOLA’s millennial population grew by 5,000 people, an 8.5 percent increase.

TimeMagazineNames2017PersonOfTheYear @hotelmonteleone

@tamraward1

@macandquinn

@airtabapp

@o.bernad

@ilikesayingtchefuncte

TweetBites

Below are our staff's New Orleans hashtag picks from Twitter for December. Tag us @WhereYatNola or #WhereYatNola to be featured in an upcoming issue.

@esmlou: It’s “snowing” and ya’ll still can’t figure out how to use yall's blinkers. Ok. #nola

Time Magazine has named “The Silence Breakers” its Person of the Year for 2017. In the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, prominent celebrities including Terry Crews, Ashley Judd, and Rose McGowan, among others, have come forth to speak out against sexual abuse and harassment. According to Time: “Their collective anger has spurred immediate and shocking results.”

DrewBreesBecomesAMovieProducer New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has partnered with L.A.based film production and financing group Argent Pictures. Brees joins other sports stars including Tony Parker, Derrick Brooks, and Michael Finley, who have come onboard as active producers for the agency’s film projects. In collaboration with the all-star quartet, Argent will develop and produce anywhere from three to six projects annually.

@ericfisher: Snowflakes attempting to storm the gates of New Orleans. So close! #NOLA @editor_b: We got sleet in #NOLA y’all. Prepare to shut down the entire city. @_graciousb: Officially done drinking for the rest of this year #NewOrleansGotMe #Nawlins #NoLa #BourbonStreet #FrenchQuarter @ASamayiaA: It smells like death driving into #NEWORLEANS. Wth @Lobstros: Not a fan of the wintry mix weather we are having today in #nola today. Glad I don’t have to go out in this slop! @tubadonline: Armageddon…Its snowing in New Orleans!! #neworleans #nola #jacksonsquare #bourbonstreet

44 | New Year's Eve/Sugar Bowl 2018 | Where Y'at Magazine

CardiB&MachineGunKellyToTakeoverJoyTheater Cardi B and Machine Gun Kelly are slated to perform at the NOLA Takeover on December 29 at the Joy Theater. The Takeover is the yearend event for Swisher Sweets Artist Project, an initiative which supports emerging musical talent. This year the project has awarded $10,000 in grants; DJ Mannie Fresh and four previous “Pack Night” artists will also perform at the Takeover.

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Where Ya Been?

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Renea from Mimi’s in the Marigny celebrated winning the SKYY Vodka Best Bartender of New Orleans contest with Alt 92.3’s Ashley O.

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Toy soldiers and holiday characters filled Generations Hall for the Running of the Santas.

AJ and Anna Tusa enjoyed the SKYY Vodka Best Bartender of New Orleans party at Manning’s while cheering on Wesley from their restaurant, New Orleans Creole Cookery.

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Southern Glazer’s Juan Cazabon took part in the Campari Portfolio Tasting with Dos Jefes's Shawn Stallard, his wife Patti, and Shannon Eckler.

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Shane Finkelstein of Top Taco (center) attended the Campari Portfolio Tasting at Desi Vega’s with New Orleans Bourbon Fest founders Tracy and Barbara Napolitano.

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Cat lovers enjoyed the Amazing Acro-Cats holiday show at the Theatre at St. Claude.

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Holiday costumes were all the rage at the Running of the Santas at Generations Hall.

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The Louisiana Renaissance Festival featured shows with wenches, maids, queens, and knights.

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SKYY Vodka's Mitzi Wheaton and Southern Glazer’s Phil Cusimano showed off the SKYY gear received by all in attendance at the Best Bartender of New Orleans party at Manning’s.

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10. At The Big Fake Wedding, vendors shared ideas with soon-to-be wed couples on food, photographers, and more for their big day.

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WhereYat.com | January 2018 | 45

Dos Jefes Uptown Cigar Bar hosts an eclectic crowd of both locals and visitors. There’s something to delight even the most discriminating guest, including an authentic live music experience nightly—with never a cover charge—and a deep back bar, as well as over 40 open cigar boxes to choose from. There’s nowhere else in the city where you can savor your smoke indoors—or on the tropical patio, if you prefer—as you shoot some pool or enjoy the strains of a jazz trio. Located in Uptown New Orleans, Dos Jefes is an easy ride from all points in the Crescent City.

Chat NIKKI REYES with

<< Mary Steele Actress/Bona Fide Radio Personality, Country 101.1 WNOE

<< Shawn Stallard Proprietor, Dos Jefes Uptown Cigar Bar 1.

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New York City!

An artificial Christmas tree. Both good and bad.

Champagne.

The Columbia Lions.

Broke my foot on the last day of 8th grade!

<< Patti Stallard Dos Jefes Uptown Cigar Bar 1.

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"There's a strange man coming in the house."

My Little Pony Paradise Estates.

All those pieces ... errrrr!

With a French 75 champagne cocktail.

University of Arkansas. GO HOGS! While trimming my bangs, I cut my cornea!

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Where Y’at Chat Questions:

1. Merry You! Quick, first thing that comes to mind about you as a kid at the holidays.

2. What is the best or worst holiday purchase you've ever made?

3. Knock, knock. It's 2018 at your door! How do welcome the new year?

4. Sugar Bowl, baby! Your ALL-TIME favorite college football team is?

5. Speaking of football, what is the dumbest way you've been injured?

<< John Silvia Bar Manager, Dos Jefes Uptown Cigar Bar 1.

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Being with family! I grew up in the military.

A box of Nerf guns for my nephews. Both good and bad.

Working!

University of Michigan or Auburn.

Shattered my nose in soccer.

<< Battle Bell Staff Attorney, Louisiana 4th Circuit Court of Appeal 1.

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Donny Osmond album!

A Tracy Thomson kabuki hat and a potholder. Fab! Champagne in my nightgown.

LSU! Walking my then-puppy. I sprained my ankle.

Loving Christmas!

Nikki, I don't like that part of Christmas.

With friends and family.

Don't have one.

High school. Flag football. I ran into a tree!

<< Alex Massey Key Account Manager, Suntory Liquor 1.

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Candy!

A snake. Bad idea!

Jim Beam on the rocks.

Tulane! I'm a recent grad.

Baseball. I hit it, and it ricocheted and hit me in the gut!

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Dinner at La Louisiane.

It hasn't happened yet.

With my family.

Florida Gators!

Playing tennis. I slid, like in baseball.

Eggnog.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Pet! Champagne and cake.

FSU. Roller-“sleighing” with my dog. I fell.

<< Lori Hingle Real Estate Law Consultant

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46 | New Year's Eve/Sugar Bowl 2018 | Where Y'at Magazine

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<< Maxwell Eaton Owner, Max Well Restaurant

<< Xavier Pereira "The Brain," Trinity Wireless Accessories and Repairs Running butt-naked in the backyard.

A $45 scented candle. The worst!

A kiss! A LONG KISS. Alabama.

Soccer. Banged my left eye.

^^ Ana DeCastro Event Coordinator, The Blue Crab

Hmmm ... awkward!

A drone that sucked.

With my friend, Phoenix, in Kentucky.

Mississippi State!

Railroad tracks. I fell near Cooter Brown's on this side.