Holiday Dining Guide 2014

December 2014

WhereYat.com

DINING • MUSIC • ENTERTAINMENT • NIGHTLIFE

FoodTrucks

HolidayCocktails

Fireplaces

WhereYat.com | December 2014 | 3

4 | December 2014 | Where Y'at Magazine

WhereYat.com | December 2014 | 5

CONTENTS Features 8 Food Trucks 20 Holiday Cocktails 44 Holiday Party Checklist

Music & Events 28 Music Calendar 32 Lakeside 2 Riverside 34 Ones to Watch 36 Album Reviews

December 2014 Vol. 18 No. 04 Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Josh Danzig Creative Director: Greg Roques Music/Assistant Editor: Emily Hingle Movie Editor: David Vicari Copy Editor: Susan Broadhurst Contributing Writers: Kathy Bradshaw, Matt Boudreaux, Chris DiBenedetto, Fritz Esker, Emily Hingle, Telle Ink, Phil LaMancusa, Debbie Lindsey, Craig Magraff Jr., Nora McGunnigle, Andrew Marin, Julie MItchell, Jhesika Menes, Kim Ranjbar, Chris Romaguera, Celeste Turner Kimmie Tubre, David Vicari Director of Sales: Jeremie Ertle Cover by Romney; special thanks to Rollinʼ Fatties food truck.

Dining 22 Conscious Palate 24 $15 and Under 26 Food News

Photographers: Jonathan Bachman, Scott Chernis, Gus Escanelle, Jason Hall, Gary LoVerde, Romney, Greg Roques Interns: Johnathan Cummings, Eric Layer, Kelsey Nibert, Taylor Schoen, Lauren Smith Subscribe: Receive 1 year (14 issues) for $30 and get a FREE Where Y’at CD. Subscribe today at WhereYat.com.

Extras 48 Film Reviews 50 Columns 52 Where Y'at Chat 54 Where Ya' Been?

Logo © 2014 All rights reserved Bruce Betzer, Legal Counsel: (504) 304-9952 Where Y’at Magazine 5500 Prytania St., #133 New Orleans, LA 70115 (504) 891-0144 info@whereyat.com | WhereYat.com

Show Us Your Pics Tag @WhereYatNola on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for a chance to have your photos published in an upcoming issue.

Seasons Greetings from Where Y'at Magazine!

For December we present our Holiday Dining Guide. For those of you who like lists, this issue features a rundown of five distinctive things about each profiled restaurant. Find for yourself a unique dish or special offered, and go enjoy it today.

With Holiday office parties in full effect, you won’t want to miss Kathy Bradshaw’s fantastic “Do’s & Don’t’s of Holiday Office Parties.” You’ll get a laugh out of learning some of the things not to do if you want to keep your job! Or if you choose to blow off your office party altogether, visit some of the local spots in Kathy’s entertaining article on great Holiday cocktails.

Speaking of cocktails, nothing says the Holidays more than a nice drink next to a warm fireplace. While it never gets too cold in New Orleans, Emily Hingle does a noble job taking you to various spots that feature fantastic fireplaces.

Enjoy this Holiday season, however you spend it, and don’t forget to vote at www.whereyat.com for the Forty Creek Whisky Best Bartender of New Orleans.

—Josh Danzig, Publisher

6 | December 2014 | Table of Contents

WhereYat.com | December 2014 | 7

Frencheeze @FrencheezeTruck Two steps back from the ultimate fondue and one step forward from your Mom’s best “get well soon” slider is Frencheeze, and, boy, is it good. All of the items on Frencheeze’s menu have a story and something to do with melted cheese. Jason King, the owner, isn’t afraid to serve up either. The Percival, with hoisin-glazed brisket, raspberry preserves, pickled onions and just a smattering of goat cheese, is easily the top seller. It’s named after a playmate of Jason’s dog, King, the cute mug on the side of the truck.

Rollin' Fatties' Nachos

Notable New Orleans Food Trucks

By Craig Magraff, Jr.

I

f you're one of those people who sighs, “Finally,” every time something that's all the rage in New York or L.A. opens in New Orleans, you were probably tickled pink when old Leidenheimer trucks started growing doppelgängers in 2009.

These trucks, with their elaborate signs, themes, designs and lofty smells wafting from vending windows, weren't carrying bread, but they were damn sure making it. And while some were poised to both catch and cash in on this new wave, not everyone was so welcoming below sea level.

Cities like Philadelphia and even Houston have a typical “grab and go” city-life mentality paired with a steadily rising urban population, which leaves the market wide open for food trucks. But in New Orleans, where the population is just 80% what it was almost 10 years ago, the question remained: was there enough to go around?

Antiquated laws protecting the ubiquitous “brick and mortar” backbone of our city didn't think so. Even with continued legislation passing this January, food trucks still aren't allowed some places in the CBD or French Quarter, undoubtedly to protect the delicate flow of tourist dollars and traffic as the city ebbs and flows.

Laws that food trucks and other new phenomena battle are designed to keep New Orleans quaint, but not small.

While only 100 permits were previously available to all mobile vendors (flowers, vegetables, and others), 100 permits are now designated solely for food trucks. And restaurateurs are taking notice.

While this style of food vending is fairly new here, street food in New Orleans is a centuries-old tradition. And while you're fortunate enough to be in New Orleans, I implore you to do some exploring. Here's a short list to get you started.

Rollin Fatties @RollinfattiesNO Ah, Rollin Fatties. Treavor Young and Zella Daste made a name for themselves running Cafe Bamboo, a vegan soulfood joint inside the Dragon’s Den, and an underground speakeasy in the form of a backyard Burrito Juke Joint.

Yes, you heard right. Creole-influenced Mexican food is on the menu with “fatties,” their signature burritos, bowls, heavenly nachos and of course tacos with fish, chicken or surprisingly good jerked tofu.

8 | December 2014 | Food Trucks

La Cocinita @LaCocinita Here's an equation for you: social worker plus Venezuelan culinary graduate, multiplied by one of the most elegant and established restaurants in New Orleans.

What do you get? A food truck! Not just any food truck, but easily one of the most ubiquitous trucks on the New Orleans scene. Rachel Billow and Benoit Angulo were both working the dining rooms of Commander’s Palace when Benoit pitched the idea. And the rest, my friends, was delicious arepa-centric Latin fare history.

Empanda Intifada @EmpanadaIntifad Taylor Jackson is the definition of a cultural sponge.

While living in South America, he toured countries like Peru, Chile and Ecuador and noticed something that all good travelers do: deep down, there’s something similar in everything that’s different. In empanadas, the staple food of laborers all over Latin America, he tasted the soul of the Southern cuisine he grew up on. From there, Taylor formed a link that birthed Empanada Intifada, a one-stop shop of South meets South meets your mouth. Try the pulled pork empanada with local citrus.

and you have something truly special, intoxicating even. But what would you expect from a truck with such a name?

Foodie Call @FoodieCallNOLA Brothers Eric and Paul Theard are to thank for this latenight treat. Serving everything you need to keep that bar tab down, Foodie Call may seem like a cheap thrill, but the brothers don't skimp on two things: standards and quality.

Trained in many of the fine-dining establishments around town, they bring a sophistication to burgers freshly ground and dressed with homemade condiments paired with truffled French fries.

Taceaux Loceaux @TLNola Taceaux Loceaux used to be something like an urban legend. A gourmet taco truck serving huge tacos with names like Carnital Knowledge and Notorious V.E.G.? You sure you weren’t just experiencing an alcoholic apparition?

You probably were and it could be hard to prove otherwise, because out of all the trucks on this list Taceaux Loceaux was often the unicorn Twit-picked like a local celebrity. But Alex and Maribeth del Castillo have gone with the flow, setting up a very regular schedule and a pretty low-key Twitter presence, so it's much easier to munch these days.

Fat Falafel @FatFalafel Fat Falafel’s claim to fame is a mix of chickpeas and fava beans jazzed up with onions, garlic, cumin and coriander, then scooped into balls and dropped into a deep fryer. My favorite way to have them is “fat,” which means paired with hand-cut French fries. Wrap mine into a pita with a slaw of crisp vegetables, tahini and the key to it all: spicy cilantro sauce. Hand me that and you can call me fat any day.

Food Drunk @fooddrunknola If you're not sure whether you’ve heard of Food Drunk, then maybe three words can spark your memory: King…

Cake… Burger… That’s right. If you’ve never experienced the true decadence that is both Carnival and carnivorous, what exactly are you waiting for? Lent ended months ago! P.J. Haines runs the truck and gets credit for creating the king cake burger. Pair it with the succulent duck fat french fries

Frencheeze

Taceaux Loceaux's Tacos Mr. Okra Okay, so he’s not exactly sporting a trendy theme or a gourmet menu. Technically, Mr. Okra’s Ford wouldn’t be considered a food truck. But for more than 30 years Arthur Robinson has been delivering fresh fruits and vegetables to the neighborhoods of New Orleans. Before Walmart, Winn-Dixie and especially Whole Foods, Mr. Okra was a mobile oasis in an ever-growing food desert sprouting around inner-city New Orleans. These days Mr. Okra isn’t as mobile as he used to be, and he isn't keen on social media.

But if you’re lucky you may happen upon him like we all do: hearing his song before he turns the corner.

Taqueria La Coyota Go ahead, pick a number. There are seemingly dozens of these taco trucks around town and if we’re really going to give nods, we should give credit where credit is due.

It’s not very fancy and it’s not gourmet, but it is fresh and it is good. These trucks have been steadily feeding the workforce rebuilding New Orleans since just a few months after Katrina. This is street food to the max, little savory bits designated for those among us with the least to spare.

Did I mention it’s good? @CraigMagraffJr

WhereYat.com | December 2014 | 9

of the fun on Fulton Street.

2.

The tile floors are embellished with the ancient “Symbol for Peace,” which dates back more than 10,000 years. The symbol is often confused with a swastika.

3.

The restaurant recently began running a brunch special on Saturdays and Sundays.

CBD/WAREHOUSE

4.

Ernst Café offers a sizable selection of beer as well as traditional and signature drinks.

5.

Barcadia

Ernst Café has a great party space upstairs for that special private event you are looking to book.

601 Tchoupitoulas St. • 335-1740 • barcadianeworleans.com Barcadia has a wide range of arcade games that will make you feel

Gordon Biersch

like a kid again.

200 Poydras St. • 522-2739 • gordonbiersch.com

2.

Want to bring the kids? Barcadia is open to all until 9 pm.

1.

3.

This venue is non-smoking and located next to OHM Lounge.

4.

Barcadia offers over 40 craft beers on tap.

5.

Stop by on Tuesdays to enjoy their all-night happy hour.

1.

hand-crafted beer.

2.

3.

Café 821 821 Baronne St. • 267-5456 1.

2.

4.

Café 821 serves up a delicious cup of coffee and has one of the best cafe au laits.

Gordon Biersch pays homage to Germany with its inspired eats and The in-restaurant brewery uses a simple and efficient method of brewing as well as only essential ingredients.

OHM Lounge

Gordon Biersch is a great place to munch on appetizers while

601 Tchoupitoulas St. #B • 335-1760 • ohm-lounge.com

watching the big game.

1.

Be sure to try their signature Garlic Fries…they go great with their superb beers!

5.

This is a great spot for breakfast and lunch, with options ranging

Orleans Grapevine's Herb-Scented Rack of Lamb

dancing the night away.

2.

The outdoor patio provides a great view of the happenings on Fulton Street.

4.

Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar & Restaurant

along with your breakfast.

701 Tchoupitoulas St. • 523-8995 • lucysretiredsurfers.com

What’s a French café without French onion soup? Grab a cup to go

1.

Grab a French pastry to go, such as a buttery croissant.

Carmo Tropical Cafe and Bar

2.

Lucy’s, with its surfer and beach decor, is a fun, casual spot in the

4.

2.

3.

private parties or bottle service.

one being 3-for-1 drinks every Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m.!

Poppy’s Time Out Sports Bar

Lucy’s has various delicious items such as great nachos, salads, and

500 Port of New Orleans Pl. • 247-9265 •

sandwiches.

poppystimeoutsportsbar.com 1.

4.

A favorite menu item is the fish tacos.

whether you’re a vegan or a meat lover.

5.

Although Lucy’s is exciting at night, be sure to come by and try their brunch, especially the eggs benedict.

Manning’s

Esmeralda.

519 Fulton St. • 593-8072

4.

Be sure to try one of their cocktails made with fresh, exotic fruits.

1.

5.

Excite your palate and never feel too guilty at this unique, nourishing

Manning’s is a casual yet stylish sports bar with over 30 flat-screen

3.

TVs, making this a great place to watch a game.

2.

Enjoy the nice weather in the outdoor courtyard, which also has a

3.

The patio is pet friendly, so bring your pup, sip on a drink and enjoy the view.

4.

Need some breakfast after a long night out? Poppy’s offers omelets, pancakes and a variety of biscuit sandwiches.

5.

large projector screen.

The Crazy Lobster Bar & Grill

Want to split something with friends while watching a game? The muffulettas here are huge.

Craving a healthy, exciting salad? You can’t go wrong with the

restaurant.

Located on Spanish Plaza, try their “Cat 5” Hurricane for a drink that will put you in the mood!

2.

staple here.

3.

Have a birthday or celebration coming up? OHM is a great venue for

This place has various happy hours that are worth checking out—

This tropical restaurant offers fresh and healthy dishes to all— The delicious Rico sandwich, with pulled pork and plantains, is a

This Asian-themed lounge and restaurant is located next to Barcadia in the heart of the Warehouse District.

5.

heart of the Warehouse District.

527 Julia St. • 875-4132 • cafecarmo.com 1.

OHM also offers Asian tapas, a favorite being the Black Cod Misozuke, that are great to share.

Enjoy some of their housemade syrups, such as the crème brûlée,

along with your sandwich.

5.

Known for their amazing selection of sakes, you can also enjoy craft and artisanal cocktails here.

3.

from Croque Monsieur to Belgian waffles.

3.

OHM, with DJs every Friday and Saturday night, is a great place for

Everyday hour specials here include $5 bites, sometimes including the delicious Cajun fries.

Although Manning’s offers typical sports bar options—fried pickles,

500 Port of New Orleans Pl. • 569-3380 • thecrazylobster.com

buffalo chicken wings and burgers—many enjoy their filets, rib eyes

Red Gravy

1.

and local favorites and twists such as grits and Zapp’s-crusted fish.

125 Camp St. • 561-8844 • redgravycafe.com

Manning’s, near Harrah’s and the other Fulton Street excitement, is

1.

Red Gravy is a perfect spot for weekend brunch with live music.

in an ideal location.

2.

The Sicilian Egg Pie, which is baked in a pastry, is a menu highlight.

House-made pork rinds are complimentary at the bar.

3.

The meatballs here are also a favorite, and are even paired with

This spot offers fresh and tasty seafood in a perfect location; the outdoor space overlooks the Mississippi River.

2.

4.

Home of the Steamed Seafood Bucket, this spot offers a slew of seafood treats such as oysters, Gulf shrimp, and snow crab legs.

3.

Try the crab cake appetizer along with a few drinks.

4.

The Crazy Lobster has live entertainment every night of the week

5.

eggs for breakfast.

4.

and all during the day on Saturdays and Sundays.

5.

As its name may insinuate, this place has a delicious homemade red gravy, which is perfect over their handmade pastas.

This restaurant is in a great location, right near The Outlet Collection

5.

at Riverwalk and across from Harrah’s.

While known for their brunch and lunch specials, Red Gravy is open for dinner Thursday to Sunday from 6 to 10 pm.

Dino’s Bar & Grill

Viet Orleans Bistro

1128 Tchoupitoulas St. • 558-0900 • dinosnola.com

300 Baronne St. • 333-6917

1.

1.

Dino’s is known for their burgers, but they also offer juicy cuts of steak. Enjoy deals on 8 oz sirloin cuts on Tuesdays.

2.

Enjoy 2-for-1 mixed drinks on TGIF Fridays from 9 pm to midnight.

3.

While Dino’s has standard grill favorites, they also serve signature

cuisine in the CBD. 2.

5.

3.

Although it’s a great lunch spot, Dino’s is also a popular Happy Hour

The Banh Mi—Vietnamese po-boys—are made on Leidenheimer French bread.

destination for getting drinks with friends and co-workers.

4.

Viet Orleans has an ultra-friendly staff and speedy service.

Dino’s is a great place to watch the NFL on Sundays with drink

5.

Centrally located just off Canal Street, their most popular pho is the

specials galore.

delicious brisket.

Ernst Café 600 S Peters St. • 525-8544 • ernstcafe.net 1.

You can’t go wrong with the pork or shrimp spring rolls as an appetizer.

snacks like feta spinach triangles.

4.

Viet Orleans offers a combination of Vietnamese and Japanese

Ernst Café, established in 1902, is in a perfect location right near all

10 | December 2014 | Holiday Dining Guide

Warehouse Grille

Red Gravy's Pasta

869 Magazine St. • 322-2188 • warehousegrille.com 1.

Warehouse Grille, with many TVs and 40 beers on tap, is a perfect

2.

3.

4.

5.

spot for game days.

Café Amelie

They have an extensive menu including many tasty options like the

912 Royal St. • 412-8965 • cafeamelie.com

amazing crawfish quesadilla.

1.

Many customers rave about the Warehouse Grille’s brunch—

This elegant café, with its beautiful courtyard, is ideal for al fresco dining.

favorites include chicken and waffles and Cajun eggs benedict.

2.

Café Amelie is voted one of the best brunch spots in NOLA.

Don’t miss out on their $10 bottomless mimosa deal on the

3.

Favorites here include the shrimp and grits and the crab cakes.

weekends that lasts until 3 pm.

4.

Enjoy several delicious cocktails, such as the grapefruit Pimm’s Cup.

Warehouse Grille also has a spacious outdoor courtyard for when

5.

Café Amelie has a dreamy and classic New Orleans ambiance,

the weather is nice.

French Quarter

making it popular for special private events and weddings.

Criollo Restaurant 214 Royal St. • 681-4444 • criollonola.com

Antoine’s Restaurant

1.

713 St. Louis St. • 581-4422 • antoines.com 1.

Open since 1840, Antoine’s is a gem in the heart of the French

Criollo is a fine-dining restaurant located inside the Hotel Monteleone.

2.

Quarter.

This restaurant combines many European and Creole influences

Head to Antoine’s for lunch to enjoy their 25-cent martinis.

3.

Grab a drink at the famous Carousel Bar before or after your meal.

3.

Oysters Rockefeller were invented here, so you know that they are

4.

The White Chocolate Crème Brûlée is the perfect dessert to order.

amazing!

5.

Criollo also offers a variety of breakfast items; if you have a sweet

4.

Barcadia's Green Chili Cheese Burger

and has a wonderful wine selection.

2.

Antoine’s has 14 dining rooms and is available for parties and

tooth, order the beignets with praline sauce.

2.

delicious entrées, especially the daily fish specials.

3.

private events. Don’t miss grabbing a drink at their charming 5.

Although they have delicious cheese plates, don’t miss out on their Drinks come with a side of bacon during Bacon Happy Hour, every day from 4 to 6 pm and 10 pm to midnight.

Hermes Bar before or after your meal.

EAT

The dessert to get here, and to share with quite a few others, is the

900 Dumaine St. • 522-7222 • eatnola.com

Baked Alaska.

1.

4.

EAT uses farm-fresh ingredients, local seafood and seasonal

The saffron mussels are a favorite here and can be enjoyed as an appetizer or entrée.

5.

produce to make delicious local dishes.

Escape the typical craziness of the French Quarter in this relaxing spot that’s a perfect date spot.

Backspace Bar & Kitchen

2.

Be sure to try some of their homemade biscuits and deviled eggs.

139 Chartres St. • 322-2245 • backspacenola.com

3.

Many believe that the best thing on the menu is the fried green

Pat O’s Courtyard Restaurant

tomatoes.

624 Bourbon St. • 588-2744 • patobriens.com 1.

1.

2.

This unique spot in the French Quarter is known for its vintage literary and mid-20th century pin-up girl themes.

4.

Other favorites here are the crawfish pie and crawfish boulettes.

Grown-Up Grilled Cheese, the Hemingway Cuban, and the

5.

Want mimosas with your brunch? EAT has a BYOB policy.

Backspace Burger are just a few of their delicious sandwiches.

3.

4.

5.

a signature Hurricane.

2.

In the mood for something sweet? Backspace serves up pancakes

The Jimani

as well as cookies and milk.

141 Chartres St. • 524-0493 • thejimani.com

Backspace is also known for having delicious cocktails, such as the

1.

The Jimani is an old school sports bar in the French Quarter.

William Faulkner mint julep.

2.

Almost all of the 14 appetizers are under $7.

Go back in time at this quaint and cozy spot while enjoying delicious

3.

A favorite thing to munch on here is the jalapeno poppers.

cocktails and food.

4.

If you’re looking for something more substantial, The Jimani offers

No visit to New Orleans is complete without stopping by Pat O’s for The courtyard is a perfect spot for sipping on your drink and ordering a bite to eat.

3.

The restaurant offers a variety of appetizers, Creole and local favorites and more.

4.

Munch on some alligator bites and wander inside to enjoy the dueling pianos.

5.

Not feeling a Hurricane? Pat O’s also serves a delicious mint julep.

many more food options late into the night, such as po-boys, hot Bennachin 1212 Royal St. • 522-1230 • bennachinrestaurant.com 1.

5.

Bennachin has origins in Gambia and Cameroon, making it one of

dogs and sandwiches.

Restaurant R’evolution

Come here with friends, watch a game and sip on some cold beer

777 Bienville St. • 553-2277

from their large selection.

1.

the few restaurants in the city to offer authentic African cuisine.

2.

3.

Royal Sonesta Hotel in the heart of the French Quarter.

This downtown hotspot offers the gamut on its menu; there’s

Jimmy J’s Cafe

something for carnivores as well as vegans.

115 Chartres St. • 309-9360 • jimmyjscafe.com

Bennachin is home to one of Jazz Fest’s best-selling items—Jama

1.

Jama: spinach sautéed in vegetable oil, ginger, onion and garlic.

4.

5.

Restaurant R’evolution is a fine-dining restaurant located in the

This funky and quaint space downtown is the perfect spot for a

2.

This elegant restaurant has classy southern charm and serves up modern interpretations of classic Creole and Cajun cuisine.

3.

delicious breakfast.

A favorite appetizer here is the beer-battered crab beignets, which are each served with their own unique sauce.

While the restaurant doesn’t sell alcohol, they do allow customers

2.

Feeling indulgent? Try the French toast Monte Cristo sandwich.

4.

to BYOB.

3.

A favorite here is the cochon eggs benedict.

The Triptych of Quail—fried, stuffed with boudin, and glazed with

Their use of myriad vegetables and spices makes for plenty of

4.

Be sure to try their famous, perfectly spicy, bacon bloody Mary.

healthy menu options.

5.

Jimmy J’s offers delivery and takeout options, but be sure to come

such as the seared sea scallops and foie gras, the turtle soup, the

early to dine in if you want to avoid a wait.

ricotta gnocchi, and many delicious desserts.

absinthe—is a highlight option among their main dishes.

5.

Restaurant R’evolution has a large menu with many other options,

Marti’s

Richard Fiske’s Martini Bar & Restaurant

1041 Dumaine St. • 522-5478 • martisnola.com

301 Dauphine St. • 586-0972

1.

1.

Marti’s in the French Quarter is known for its delicious cocktails, wonderful cuisine, and lively Friday lunches.

2.

3.

2.

Enjoy the intimate setting while enjoying live jazz music.

sophisticated New Orleans.

3.

As its name suggests, Richard Fiske’s boasts an amazing and

The Pimm’s Cup is a favorite cocktail here; grab a drink at their

delicious selection of martinis.

4.

Marti’s offers some bold and exotic options such as foie gras, stuffed quail and roasted bone marrow.

5.

location—a block from Bourbon Street.

The timeless and elegant decor brings you back to a classic,

charming bar before a night on the town.

4.

This martini bar and restaurant is in a perfect and convenient

The food here is top-notch; try the shrimp and grits or a delicious steak with unique toppings such as fried oysters or grilled shrimp.

5.

Marti’s three-course pre-show menu is a great choice before a night

Enjoy $3 select martinis and $2 food specials during their happy hour from 4 to 7 pm.

of theater or opera.

Vacherie

Poppy's Time Out Sports Bar

Orleans Grapevine

827 Toulouse St. • 207-4532 • vacherierestaurant.com

720 Orleans Ave. • 523-1930 • orleansgrapevine.com

1.

This Cajun/Creole restaurant is located in the Hotel St. Marie.

1.

2.

Vacherie has an extensive list of sandwiches as well as breakfast

Orleans Grapevine offers all that’s best about a wine bar—delicious food, great wines, a romantic ambiance and a courtyard.

and salad options as part of their café menu.

WhereYat.com | December 2014 | 11

staff, consistent food and quaint and non-crowded atmosphere.

4.

Kyoto II offers a variety of vegetarian options.

5.

Regulars of Kyoto II rave about the Desiree roll.

2.

Café Navarre offers options for all meals of the day and is known for generous portions.

3.

Be sure to order the Cuban po-boy—it is one of the best sandwiches in the city!

Nacho Mama’s Mexican Grill

4.

1000 S. Clearview Pkwy. • 736-1188 • nachomamasmexicangrill.com 1.

Nacho Mama’s is a Tex-Mex restaurant located right near all of the

Sunday mornings a delight.

5.

shops and the theatre in Elmwood.

2.

Munch on some chips, which are served in a bucket, while sipping on a margarita.

3.

Café Navarre offers fantastic Bloody Marys that will make your Feeling indulgent? Try the Dirty Burger, which is topped with roast beef debris.

Marigny/Bywater

Nacho Mama’s mixed green salad, with candied pecans and cilantro lime vinaigrette, is delicious and refreshing.

Bamboula’s

4.

As you can guess from its name, a variety of nachos are available.

514 Frenchmen St. • 944-8461 • bamboulasnola.com

5.

Build your own quesadilla, choosing from a variety of toppings.

1.

Bamboula’s is a great place to go for live music, especially if you’re a fan of blues.

Rivershack Tavern

2.

3449 River Rd. • 834-4938 • therivershacktavern.com

Daisy Duke's Bloody Mary

1.

This casual spot off of River Road is great place to relax.

2.

Rivershack Tavern is now smoke-free, but this spacious spot also

3.

3.

A favorite entrée here is the rabbit cassoulet with collard greens.

4.

Vacherie has full bar serving delicious drinks; try their martinis.

5.

Be sure to try the crab gratin.

Jefferson/Elmwood

Tables are available for sitting, eating and listening to music in a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

3.

Beer lover? Bamboula’s has a great selection, including many seasonal local brews.

offers a great outdoor patio.

4.

Enjoy yummy bar food here, such as some fried pickles and sliders.

Enjoy the huge selection of draft beers while indulging in some fried

5.

Bamboula’s doesn’t have a cover charge.

green tomatoes and seafood platters.

4.

5.

Stop by and try the chef’s specials of the day, such as turtle soup, for

Buffa’s Bar and Restaurant

lunch and dinner.

1001 Esplanade Ave. • 949-0038 • buffasbar.com

Don’t miss checking out their famous tacky ashtrays while enjoying

1.

This eclectic neighborhood bar and restaurant is open 24/7.

live music on the weekends.

2.

Buffa’s is known for having the wonderful boudin balls with crawfish that are great for sharing.

Kyoto II 5608 Citrus Blvd. • 818-0228 1.

2.

3.

Lakeview

Kyoto II is a great place to stop by for lunch on a day of running Café Navarre

Diners receive a complimentary and delicious noodle salad upon

800 Navarre Ave • 483-8828 • riccobonos.com/cafe_navarre

being seated.

1.

12 | December 2014 | Holiday Dining Guide

This café is a casual neighborhood spot near Delgado with an ultrafriendly atmosphere.

Enjoy a number of delicious options from their menu, ranging from waffles for breakfast to bratwurst jambalaya for dinner.

4.

errands or shopping.

Many locals keep returning to Kyoto II because of their ultra-friendly

3.

The Back Room is smoke-free and offers exciting live music every day except Tuesdays.

5.

Buffa’s has the best of everything: good drinks, live music, delicious food and friendly service.

Mimi’s in the Marigny

4.

Cater to your appetite by offering three different sizes of po-boys.

2601 Royal St. • 872-9868

5.

This popular spot is located right across from Zephyr Field.

1.

2.

3.

dining on some of their delicious tapas while hearing live music.

SOHO

Five Happiness

Mimi’s offers a nice selection of beer along with a full bar that is

601 Veterans Blvd. • 301-2266

3605 S. Carrollton Ave. • 482-3935 • fivehappiness.com

lively late into the night.

1.

1.

Order the “Trust Me” dish, give your server any dietary restrictions and the chef will whip you up a delicious surprise.

4.

2.

3.

Check out the Winter Menu at Mimi’s for their latest offerings of seasonal specialities.

SOHO masters Asian fusion cuisine with their Japanese and Chinese dishes.

A favorite here is the Mushroom Manchego Toast that is great to share with friends.

5.

Mid-City

Mimi’s has an upstairs area that is non-smoking and perfect for

2.

Favorite appetizers here are the shrimp toast and fried pot-stickers.

their fantastic shumai dumplings and the gyoza.

3.

Call in your order for delivery; Five Happiness delivers to Uptown

This restaurant has nice ambience with an open and spacious

Metairie

and Mid-City.

4.

SOHO has a variety of lunch items, making it a perfect stop for your midday meal.

5.

many New Orleanians when craving Chinese food.

Located across from Dorignac’s, favorite appetizers here include

concept, making it great for groups of any size.

4.

Five Happiness, open for over 30 years, has been the go-to place for

Find yourself a designated driver and enjoy one of their fun and powerful drinks, such as the tiki bowl.

5.

The walnut shrimp are a popular entrée at this Metairie restaurant.

Five Happiness has a delivery option and also The Imperial Room, which is available for private parties.

Mizado Cocina Don’s Seafood Hut

5080 Ponchartrain Blvd. • 885-5555 • mizadococina.com

4801 Veterans Memorial Blvd. • 889-1550 • donsseafoodonline.com

1.

This trendy and bustling spot is a great place to go for Latin cuisine.

1.

Don’s Seafood, open since 1934, is a favorite for Cajun and seafood.

2.

Mizado Cocina offers over 5 different types of hand-crafted salsas; if

2.

Enjoy the many weeknight specials from 5 to 9 pm, such as half-off

you can’t decide, order the trio.

oysters on Mondays.

3.

Try the sashimi-style ceviche here, especially the Gulf yellowfin tuna.

3.

Don’s serves up delicious hush puppies.

4.

Mizado Cocina is perfect for tequila and margarita lovers—the

4.

With the cold weather now upon us, take advantage of their Gallons

cucumber and jalapeno is one of their most popular margaritas.

to Go of gumbo, bisque or étouffée.

5.

5.

Want something light and refreshing? Try the Skinny Lobster tacos.

Don’s offers 2-for-1 happy hour all day, every day, on draft beer Ms. Juicy Lucy’s

(which comes in frosted mugs), margaritas and bloody Marys.

133 N Carrollton Ave. • 598-5044 • msjuicylucy.com Short Stop Poboys

1.

Juicy Lucy’s lives up to its name, serving large, juicy burgers.

119 Transcontinental Dr. • 855-4572 • shortstoppoboys.com

2.

This burger joint specializes in the stuffed burger along with a

1.

Short Stop is an old-school spot that offers an assortment of

fantastic selection of wines to choose from.

po-boys and some of the city’s best seafood gumbo.

2.

This is a great spot to get a roast beef po-boy in Metairie.

3.

Call ahead your order for pick-up at their drive-thru window to beat the lines at the counter.

3.

Short Stop Poboys

Filling options include bacon, mushrooms, bleu cheese, jalapeños, and much more.

4.

You can’t go wrong when you order the crispy onion rings as a side.

5.

Can’t decide which burger to get? Many recommend the Juicy 9th

WhereYat.com | December 2014 | 13

Ward Blues and the Juicy Kenner.

4.

Late-night munchies? The kitchen is open until 2 am, Wednesdays to Saturdays.

Namese 4077 Tulane Ave. • 483-8899 • namese.net 1.

This Vietnamese café has a clean and modern atmosphere and a

5.

Wit’s Inn also serves up a delicious Caprese salad.

Multiple Locations

lovely outdoor patio for al fresco dining.

Namese is known for their extensive menu; any eater can find

Copeland’s of New Orleans

satisfying options here.

Metairie, Kenner, Jefferson, Covington, Slidell, Westbank •

3.

Many come here for the pho, served in a delicious broth.

copelandsofneworleans.com

4.

Other favorites include the Ducky Cuban sandwich and Papaya salad.

1.

5.

Namese now offers delivery service as well as catering.

2.

Parkway Bakery and Tavern

comfort at all of their locations.

2.

Start off your meal with the delicious Bayou Broccoli ®.

3.

Want to try a variety of offerings? Enjoy some of the small tasting

538 Hagan Ave. • 482-3047 • parkwaypoorboys.com 1.

plates, such as the Pecan Crusted Catfish and Crabmeat Stuffed

Open since 1911, this casual and family dining restaurant is known for their scrumptious po-boys.

2.

Parkway is famous for their debris roast beef po-boy.

3.

Many opt for the surf and turf po-boy, with roast beef and shrimp.

4.

The grilled Reuben is a favorite sandwich here—other than the

Copeland’s combines fresh from scratch New Orleans flavors and

Ravioli.

4.

Shrimp & Catfish Marinara.

5.

Copeland’s offers up many seafood pastas with Crabcakes and

Parkway also serves up a fine double bloody Mary.

Daisy Dukes

Shamrock Bar and Grill

1.

Daisy Dukes downtown locations are conveniently open 24/7.

4133 S. Carrollton Ave. • 301-0938 • shamrockparty.com

2.

They also offer the most important meal of the day, breakfast,

This spot is centrally located at the corner of Tulane Avenue right in the heart of Mid-City and features plenty of safe, well-lit parking.

2.

3.

Have a night of fun with Shamrock’s wide range of games, such as air hockey, skee-ball, darts and more.

3.

The best deals on beer here can be found from 3 to 6 pm daily.

4.

Munch on cheap bar eats, like chicken tenders and burgers, until

4.

5.

the wee morning hours.

5.

Venezia is a Mid-City locale that’s been open since 1957.

2.

The simple and casual atmosphere leaves the focus on the homecooked Italian dishes.

3.

Araña 3242 Magazine St. • 894-1233

Dukes also offers 24-hour delivery (downtown location).

1.

The Cajun bloody Mary is award winning, and they sell their

4.

Be sure to try their homemade and delicious guacamole.

During crawfish season, they offer an all-you-can-eat crawfish

3.

This place offers 12 different tacos, favorites being the Al Pastor

5.

(pineapple and pork) and the Pato (duck).

2.

3.

their margarita pitcher deals and specialty margaritas.

5.

Dat Dog offers up cuisine that’s hard to come by: gourmet hot dogs.

These spots also offer a generous selection of brews and drinks to

Chappy’s Restaurant

wash down your unique dogs.

6106 Magazine St. • 214-0117

Vegetarians can fill up here, too. Dat Dog offers a veggie dog in

1.

4.

Make sure to hit up an ATM before you visit the Freret St. location,

5.

Dat Dog offers fun activities like fundraisers and bingo and trivia

Willie Mae’s 141 N. Carrollton Ave. • 486-1600 • witsinn.com

1.

2.

Wit’s Inn specializes in delicious hand-tossed pizzas with a slew of topping choices.

3.

Food here centers on ultra-fresh fish and shellfish from local waters; other foods to enjoy include steaks, lamb, and chicken.

4.

Tremé • Uptown

Chappy’s has now found a home in New Orleans, right next to Monkey Hill Bar in Uptown.

3.

nights.

Wit’s Inn

Don’t miss Chappy’s three-course $15 Sunday brunch that will have you telling all of your friends.

2.

which is cash only.

an appetizer to share before your entrée.

This Mid-City spot is a neighborhood bar as well as a pizza kitchen.

Check out the happy hour here, with 1/2 price tacos, margaritas, wine by the glass, sangria, and all beer (Mon.-Fri. 3-7 pm.)

regular and chipotle varieties.

Many argue that Venezia’s hidden gem is their pizza; order one as

1.

Araña has an extensive tequila selection; come with friends to enjoy

They have unique sausages such as crawfish and alligator.

Venezia is known for working magic with veal; you can even order one of their pizzas with breaded veal chunks.

Channel.

2.

Dat Dog 1.

Araña Taqueria y Cantina is a new Mexican restaurant in the Irish

signature mix by the bottle.

4.

Known for their great pasta dishes, you can’t go wrong by ordering their lasagna.

Uptown

special.

134 N. Carrollton Ave. • 488-7991 • venezianeworleans.com 1.

and grits, beignets and more.

Having a late-night craving but don’t want to leave home? Daisy

Uptown, Marigny • datdognola.com Venezia

Enjoy other local and Southern favorites such as fried okra, shrimp

throughout the day and night.

Shamrock also has live bands on Saturday nights, a fun jukebox, and a large space for dancing.

Ma Momma’s House also offers various “anytime” breakfast options, such as Belgian, chocolate, strawberry and rainbow waffles.

5.

French Quarter, CBD, Metairie • daisydukesrestaurant.com

1.

4.

Shrimp Alfredo being a guest favorite.

po-boys, of course.

5.

Kyoto's Chirashi

A flavorful dish here that’s on the healthier side is the Eat Fit NOLA

Enjoy food from this experienced and accomplished chef in a relaxed dining room or the outdoor space for alfresco dining.

5.

Willie Mae’s fried chicken, with perfectly thick and crisp crust and

Chappy’s features a Monday night pork chop special that you have to try to believe!

juicy meat, was voted “Best Fried Chicken in America” by the Food 2.

Enjoy their $5 dollar pizza special on Thursdays from 6 pm to 2 am.

3.

Network.

Cheesecake Bistro by Copeland’s

The simple home-style cooking and casual atmosphere makes

2001 St. Charles Ave. • 593-9955 • copelandscheesecakebistro.com

every customer feel at home.

1.

Many people recommend their butter beans and house-made

buttery pecan crust with 10 toppings to choose from. They also

lemonade.

4.

Willie Mae’s recently opened a second location on St. Charles Ave.—

have a selection of 7 different Chef Crafted Cheesecakes.

2.

Willie Mae’s Grocery and Deli.

5.

Cheesecake Bistro is more than just cheesecake! They offer a boundless menu, caring staff and fun ambience to enjoy a casual

The Uptown location is open later for dinner, unlike the original location in Tremé.

Cheesecake Bistro offers a creamy-style cheesecake served in a

meal with friends and family.

3.

They offer a delicious and locally inspired Sunday Jazz Brunch Buffet with $2 mimosas.

New Orleans East

4.

Ma Momma’s House

5.

Guests can sign up for the Lagniappe Club, earn points and get exclusive offers and complimentary items.

5741 Crowder Blvd. • 244-0021 • mamommashouse.com 1.

2.

Namese's Sauteed Calamari 14 | December 2014 | Holiday Dining Guide

3.

The Liquid Kitchen offers up some indulgent cocktails, martinis and specialty drinks.

This restaurant was founded by three matriarchs, making their food taste as if it were made with a mother’s love.

The Columns Hotel

Ma Momma’s House offers some world-class cornbread (aka their

3811 St. Charles Ave. • 899-9308

“secret weapon”).

1.

Although they specialize in fried comfort foods, Ma Momma’s House also offers lighter, healthier options like grilled chicken and seafood.

The Columns Hotel has a charming and elegant feel that will bring you back in time.

2.

This is one of the best places to grab a cocktail, relax, and converse

WhereYat.com | December 2014 | 15

in the city, especially on their patio or in their lounge with friends.

3.

and healthier options.

4.

Enjoy eats from their brunch and bistro menu, such as steak and eggs with mimosas or cheese

speedy delivery and takeout.

5.

or charcuterie plates.

4.

5.

Green Tea is many people’s go-to place for Here, you can pick and choose whether you want your dishes in a small or large size.

Sip on mojitos, mint juleps, and other craft cocktails while listening to weekly, soothing

Jazmine Café

music performances by local jazz and classical

614 S. Carrollton Ave. • 866-9301 • jazminecafe.

musicians.

com

Happy hour here is every day from 5 to 7 pm.

1.

and includes $4 house wine and champagne by

options and fresh sushi, and now has a delivery

the glass, $3 well drinks, $5 martinis, and $1 off all beer.

This café offers many delicious Vietnamese service.

2.

Jazmine Café is known for their amazing spring rolls; try one of their 30 raw, cooked or

Dolce Vita Pizzeria

vegetarian options.

1205 St. Charles Ave. Unit C-3 • 324-7674 •

3.

dvpizzeria.com 1.

soup.

This pizzeria specializes in making scrumptious

4.

pizzas in a wood-fired oven shipped straight from Italy.

2.

Another favorite here is their beef noodle pho Jazmine Café also offers unique and tasty Vietnamese twists on po-boys.

5.

They have a brand new award-winning chef Zac

Be sure to try the bubble tea as well as the Jasmine Fairy flower tea.

Watters.

3.

4.

Order the classic Margherita or a pizza with

Kyoto

delicious roasted veggies and meats.

4920 Prytania St. • 891-3644 • kyotonola.com

Try the Nutella tiramisu, served in a sealed

1.

mason jar, for dessert.

5.

This Japanese restaurant offers a variety of delicious sushi rolls made with fresh fish.

Dolce Vita will have some exciting new upgrades

2.

after the 1st of the year, including a full bar.

Many people rave about their special rolls, especially the Sara roll and the Funky Margarita roll.

Domilise’s

3.

5240 Annunciation St. • 899-9126 1.

which is large enough to have as a meal.

Though Domilise’s has limited seating, it is a

4.

great place to grab a delicious and simple fried shrimp po-boy.

2.

Not in the mood for sushi? Order the poke salad, Kyoto offers delicious desserts, including various unique ice cream flavors.

5.

Other favorite po-boy options here are catfish

Sip on some sake while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.

and roast beef.

3.

Indecisive or want a little bit of everything?

La Thai

The half-shrimp, half-oyster is a popular

4938 Prytania St. • 899-8886 • lathaiuptown.com

combination.

1.

4.

The draft beers come in an ice-cold mug.

5.

Many love to enjoy a cold Barqs root beer with

La Thai has modern and unique decor and lighting, which creates an ideal atmosphere.

2.

their lunch or dinner.

Favorite starters here include the coconut shrimp, calamari and hot and sour soup.

3.

Green Tea

Stop by La Thai on Tuesdays to take advantage of their $5 appetizers special.

116 Louisiana Ave. • 899-8005 • greenteanola.com

4.

La Thai offers many gluten-free options.

1.

5.

Don’t leave La Thai without trying their drunken

Green Tea is known for their great prices and fast service.

2.

3.

noodles and sipping on creative cocktails.

A favorite appetizer here is the crab rangoons and a favorite entrée is the General Tso’s

Lebanon’s Café

chicken.

1500 S. Carrollton Ave. • 862-6200 •

Although many people head to Green Tea for

lebanonscafe.com

heavy dishes, they also offer a menu with lighter

1.

Lebanon’s serves up authentic Middle Eastern

Mo's Pizza 16 | December 2014 | Holiday Dining Guide

food and is popular for being BYOB. 2.

You can’t go wrong with their vegetarian specialties like the creamy homemade hummus and fantastic falafel.

3.

A favorite appetizer or entrée here is the stuffed grape leaves…served with or without meat.

4.

Lebanon’s has delicious sandwiches—falafel, gyro, shawarma and kabobs; try the Lula Kabob.

5.

The Lebanese tea is fragrant, sweet, refreshing and served with pine nuts.

Miyako 1403 St. Charles Ave. • 410-9997 • japanesebistro.com 1.

Parkway Tavern

This spacious Japanese seafood and steakhouse offers up entertaining cooking shows for crowds of any size.

2.

Enjoy an interactive dining experience when

neighborhood hangout.

2.

ordering one of the many Hibachi options.

3.

In a rush? Miyako is known for its attentive and

has delicious po-boys.

3.

prompt service.

4.

Miyako offers a variety of lunch specials, ranging Don't miss the special featured sushi rolls for a

Tracey’s has over 20 TVs and is a great place to be on game day.

5.

treat to share.

Origami

A favorite po-boy here is the roast beef; be sure to get extra napkins with this delicious sandwich!

4.

from bento boxes to sushi and sashimi options.

5.

With the staff and menu from Parasol’s, Tracey’s

Be sure to order some delicious gravy fries to go with your drinks.

Violet

5130 Freret St. • 899-6532 • sushinola.com 1.

2.

3.

This sushi and Asian fusion restaurant is in an

Charlie’s Restaurant

ideal location amid the Freret Street fun.

6129 E St Bernard Hwy • 682-9057 •

The poke salad here is loaded with chunks of

charliesrestaurantla.com

delicious tuna and vegetables.

1.

Origami is known for always having fresh fish; be sure to try the sashimi, especially the salmon.

4.

5.

atmosphere and reasonable prices at Charlie’s.

2.

The special rolls here are huge and an excellent go-to option.

With over 300 menu items daily, Charlie’s has options for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

3.

Popular special rolls include the Tiger Roll and the Burning Woman Roll.

Enjoy the family-friendly, down-home

Charlie’s serves award-winning gumbo that is worth the drive from New Orleans.

4.

Check out some of the fantastic local artwork on display while enjoying your meal.

Pascal’s Manale

5.

1838 Napoleon Ave. • 895-4877 • pascalmanale.com 1.

Pascal’s Manale has been serving up delicious

Charlie’s can also handle all of your catering needs.

Westbank

specialties for 100 years.

2.

3.

Enjoy Old Fashioneds, Sazeracs, and other

Gattuso’s

classic cocktails along with lunch or dinner.

435 Huey P. Long Ave. • 368-1114 • gattusos.net

This restaurant is famous for their delicious BBQ

1.

shrimp.

4.

Pascal’s serves up Creole-Italian dishes, such as

Historical District.

2.

the Oysters Dante: fantastic fried oysters over penne with prosciutto.

5.

(Thursday).

4.

Riccobono’s Panola Street Cafe

2.

3.

Gattuso’s also has live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

5.

A favorite here is the roast beef po-boy.

This casual cafe, located uptown near the universities, is great for breakfast or lunch.

Mo’s Pizza

The comfortable atmosphere here will make you

Westwego • 341-9650 • mospizzanola.com

feel as if you’re eating breakfast at home.

1.

Order from a variety of breakfast plate, omelet and sandwich options.

4.

Be sure to try their famous crab cake Benedict.

5.

This café also offers healthy options, such as

If you’re not in the mood for pizza, Mo’s offers various sandwiches and other dishes.

Tracey’s Irish Restaurant and Bar This laid-back spot in the Irish Channel is a

The turnovers, which are Mo’s take on the calzone, are also a hit here.

3.

4.

2604 Magazine St. • 897-5413 • traceysnola.com

Mo’s is the place to get huge, hand-tossed pizzas on the westbank.

2.

oatmeal and fresh fruit bowls.

1.

The bar has great specials like trivia (Tuesdays), ladies night (Wednesdays), and pint night

oyster bar while waiting for your table.

1.

Bring your dog and enjoy the outdoor seating on a beautiful day.

3.

Enjoy a dozen raw oysters at their stand-up

7801 Panola St. • 314-1810 • riccobonos.com

This restaurant and bar is located in the Gretna

A favorite here, besides the pizza, is the lasagna made with a sweet sauce.

5.

Come by on a Friday and get your hands dirty with a juicy roast beef po-boy.

WhereYat.com | December 2014 | 17

Creative Twists on Classic New Orleans Dishes

By Taylor Burley

N

ew Orleans is a city known just as much for its home-grown cuisine as for its famous restaurants. Nearly every restaurant in town offers a taste of one of the Big Easy’s classic dishes, making it hard to recall one that is truly memorable. Here are a few places thinking outside the box, bringing you creative twists on cherished classics.

GUMBO Restaurant R’evolution (Death by Gumbo) Located directly in the heart of the French Quarter in the Royal Sonesta Hotel, Restaurant R’evolution boasts modern, imaginative reinterpretations of classic New Orleans–inspired Cajun and Creole dishes made from ingredients that Chef John Folse accurately dubs “the swamp floor pantry of Louisiana.” Restaurant R’evolution showcases innovative seafood dishes for which Louisiana is famous, including Death by Gumbo, which offers a new, delicious take on an old Louisiana classic, made with roasted quail, andouille and oysters. 777 Bienville St. Cochon (Pork and Black Eyed Pea Gumbo) Chef Donald Link grew up eating Cajun food and hoped to channel those comforting flavors into Cochon’s dishes when he opened the restaurant post-Katrina. The menu at Cochon takes Cajun and Southern cooking to a more upscale level while maintaining the integrity of those downhome, just plain good Southern flavors. Cochon’s Pork and Black Eyed Pea Gumbo adds a Southern twist to this Cajun favorite — it’s not to be missed.

930 Tchoupitoulas St. SHRIMP AND GRITS Atchafalaya Atchafalaya has gone through a series of owners in its lifetime, but since Tony Tocco took over in 2008, it has found its niche. The cozy neighborhood restaurant features a host of classic New Orleans–, Cajun- and Creole-inspired dishes.

Their classic shrimp and grits is a true standout, made with head-on Gulf shrimp, andouille, smoked tomatoes and cream cheese grits. 901 Louisiana Ave. La Petite Grocery La Petite Grocery, housed in what was once a 1900sera store that sold “fancy groceries,” gives the classic New Orleans shrimp and grits a French-inspired twist.

Chef Justin Devillier pairs the dish with roasted shiitake mushrooms, smoked bacon and thyme—a subtle nod to the restaurant’s bistro-like atmosphere. 4238 Magazine St. BBQ SHRIMP Pascal’s Manale (Original BBQ Shrimp) A mainstay on the New Orleans restaurant scene for the past 100 years, Pascal’s Manale has been serving up its most famous dish—the classic BBQ shrimp—since the 1950s. The dish was created when a friend of the owner came into the restaurant raving about a similar dish he had tasted in Chicago. The chef recreated the dish with a New Orleans spin, and the rest is BBQ shrimp history. Pascal’s Manale continues to offer a delightful combination of

seafood and traditional Italian dishes on Napoleon Avenue.

1838 Napoleon Ave. Slice Pizzeria You wouldn’t necessarily think that a pizza restaurant would serve one of the most unique and delicious BBQ shrimp dishes in New Orleans, a city known for the world-famous seafood dish, but Slice Pizzeria is doing just that. Slice offers its BBQ shrimp with a signature herb sauce as both an appetizer and in po-boy form, prepared with Louisiana hot sauce, lemon, fresh herbs and a Worcestershire sauce reduction.

5538 Magazine St., 1513 St. Charles Ave.

Slice's BBQ Shrimp JAMBALAYA Cochon Butcher ( Jambalaya-Stuffed Chicken) Cochon Butcher, the next-door neighbor and sister restaurant to Donald Link’s Cochon, showcases housecured sausages and specialty meats. Everything at Cochon Butcher is available for takeout, including their spectacular Jambalaya-Stuffed Chicken. Think of it as a Cajun’s answer to the Turducken. Don’t miss out on this delicious crowdpleaser. 930 Tchoupitoulas St.

Jaques Imo’s Café (Creole Jambalaya) Jacque Imo’s Café is a quirky New Orleans favorite that gives tribute to Cajun/Creole favorites and Southerninspired dishes. The wait for a table at the Oak Street restaurant usually winds down the street, and for good reason—Jacques Leonardi’s restaurant is just plain good.

Don’t miss the quintessential Creole Jambalaya—it’s as delicious as any you’ll find in New Orleans. 8324 Oak St.

18 | December 2014 | Creative Twists on Classic New Orleans Dishes

Superior Seafood's Oysters Superior SHRIMP REMOULADE Muriel’s Jackson Square Housed in a glorious historic home, Muriel’s will make you feel as if you’ve taken a step back in time to old New Orleans. The charming restaurant offers a fantastic shrimp remoulade, made with boiled Gulf shrimp with house-made remoulade sauce, served on a celery root mirliton and red onion slaw, tossed in an herb vinaigrette with chopped egg and grape tomatoes. 801 Chartres St. Commander’s Palace ( Jerk Shrimp Remoulade Salad) Commander’s Palace has been a New Orleans landmark since the late 1800s and it still reigns today. Priding itself on offering a culinary reflection of New Orleans’ unique heritage, Commander’s Palace serves traditional New Orleans favorites with a constantly changing, innovative twist. Try the Jerk Shrimp Remoulade Salad for a modified version of the classic Louisiana dish. 1403 Washington Ave. OYSTERS Casamento’s (Oyster Loaf) Eating oysters at Casamento’s has been a New Orleans tradition since Italian immigrant Joe Casamento opened the restaurant’s Magazine St. location in 1919. Unlike traditional po-boys, Casamento’s Oyster Loaf features fried oysters stuffed between two slices of their signature “pan bread” instead of a French loaf. The Oyster Loaf comes in a (rather large) half-size, or for those with a big appetite, a monstrous whole-size. 4330 Magazine St. Superior Seafood (Oysters Superior) With its gorgeous decor and location on the streetcar line, it’s not surprising that Superior Seafood has become one of the most notable oyster joints in New Orleans for both locals and tourists. Superior Seafood’s oyster bar serves not only raw oysters, but also the fantastic Oysters Superior, which is a platter of oysters prepared in three styles: Bienville, Chargrilled and Rockefeller.

4338 St. Charles Ave. MUFFULETTAS Parran’s (Seafood Muffuletta with Shrimp) If you’re looking for Italian-Creole food, Parran’s is a tasty and reasonably priced choice. The Metairie restaurant has been serving up its famous Seafood Muffuletta for years.

Their take on the muffuletta features fried shrimp, catfish and oysters with a Cajun mayonnaise instead of the olive salad typically featured on the muffuletta.

3939 Veterans Blvd.

Liuzza’s (Frenchuletta) Opened in 1947, Liuzza’s has been a Mid-City favorite

people-watching on Magazine Street as you dine.

3222 Magazine St. SoBou (Sweet Potato Beignets) SoBou might just be the only “Creole saloon” in New Orleans, and if you’ve visited the quirky drink-centric restaurant, you’ll agree that the description fits. Looking for a savory beignet with a twist? Don’t miss SoBou’s Sweet Potato Beignets. Made with foie gras fondue, duck debris and a chicory coffee ganache, SoBou’s take on the traditionally sweet treat boasts a delightful flavor combination. 310 Chartres St.

Basin's Crab and Crawfish Beignets for over half a century. Liuzza’s is a casual, welcoming neighborhood restaurant with its own delicious claim to food fame. Stuffed with Italian meat, Liuzza’s Frenchuletta is a delightful mashup of two New Orleans sandwich staples—the muffuletta and the po-boy—and simply can’t be overlooked. 3636 Bienville St. BEIGNETS Basin (Crab and Crawfish Beignets) When you think of beignets, sweet, sugary pastries are generally the first things that come to mind. However, many restaurants around New Orleans feature savory beignets on their menus. Basin offers a dish of tasty Crab and Crawfish Beignets—try them on the patio and enjoy the

BANANAS FOSTER Ralph’s on the Park (Bananas Foster Bread Pudding) Right across the street from City Park sits Ralph’s on the Park, owned by Ralph Brennan. The restaurant is high end yet still hospitable, and offers traditional Southern food made with fresh local ingredients. Give Ralph’s Bananas Foster Bread Pudding a taste—it is the perfect combination of two favorite local desserts. 900 City Park Ave.

food scene, but it’s quickly becoming one of the more popular Latin-inspired restaurants in the city. Del Fuego’s Capirotada is a traditional Mexican bread pudding that offers a unique spin on the favorite dessert, introducing cinnamon, nuts and dried fruit into the mix. Give it a try after a few tacos for a perfect south-of-the-border meal. 4518 Magazine St. Boucherie (Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding) Four words: Krispy. Kreme. Bread. Pudding. What more could a dessert-lover want? A fascinating mix of two sweet treats, Boucherie’s famous dessert is a sight to behold.

It’s tough to save room for dessert given Boucherie’s tasty menu, but be sure to taste this innovative bread pudding.

8115 Jeannette St.

Creole Creamery (Bananas Foster Ice Cream) Traditional ice cream parlor or flavor lab? With Creole Creamery’s innovative, ever-changing list of flavors, it’s hard to tell. The ice cream shop takes pride in its unusual flavors, but you’ll have to get lucky if you want to catch your favorite, given their constantly rotating menu. If you happen to see the Bananas Foster Ice Cream, get it while you can! 4924 Prytania St. BREAD PUDDING Del Fuego Taqueria (Capirotada—Mexican bread pudding) Del Fuego Taqueria is a new addition to the New Orleans

Boucherie's Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding

WhereYat.com | December 2014 | 19

Have a Cup of Cheer 11 Places to Find Great Holiday Spirits

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By Kathy Bradshaw

is the season. To drink. Seasonal cocktails are almost certainly what led Grandma to get run over by a reindeer, and Mommy only kissed Santa Claus because she was drunk. But if you can keep from over-indulging, nothing beats a holiday beverage to put a little holly-jolly in your Christmas. Here are 11 bars that feature specialty cocktails with a seasonal vibe, so you can get your drink on in festive holiday style.

Omar’s Flip Sylvain, 625 Chartres St. If eggnog invited its drunk uncle Omar over for Christmas dinner, he would be this drink. An older relative of the nog, a flip is a similar egg-based alcoholic beverage that evolved over the generations into today’s number-one holiday libation. Sylvain’s version, which they call “Omar’s Flip,” is made with Buffalo Trace bourbon, Madeira, house-made cinnamon syrup and a whole egg. Topped with fresh ground nutmeg.

Pear Elixir Muriel’s Jackson Square, 801 Chartres St. Like ugly sweaters and Ugg boots, pears are also in season this time of year. Muriel’s Jackson Square takes advantage of this plethora of pears by mixing them into their “Pear Elixir,” a cocktail consisting of bourbon, pear liqueur, a splash of lemon juice and poached pear puree. Bartender Mary Hulse poaches Bosc pears in ruby port with cinnamon sticks, cloves and sugar, and then purees the mix. Served on the rocks.

Hot Irish Coffee and Hot Buttered Rum Erin Rose, 811 Conti St. Home of the acclaimed Frozen Irish Coffee, Erin Rose also offers a hot version of their signature drink during the winter months.

Made with Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey, simple syrup, homemade whipped cream

and fresh hot coffee, it’ll make you feel as warm and fuzzy as Christmas morning. They also do a hot buttered rum with Old New Orleans Cajun Spice Rum, butter, brown sugar and hot water. Both of these hot drinks are available year-round, though there aren’t many takers in mid-August.

Christmas Jam Old Fashioned Retrouvailles Bistro, 700 Bourbon St. The Jersey Shore offers much more than big hair and questionable reality TV. Apparently, New Jerseyans also have a real knack for seasonal preserves. Bartender Aaron Warren, a Jersey transplant, brings to New Orleans a little taste of home, with his jars of Hensley’s Christmas Jam, a tasty combo of strawberry and orange flavored jellies. He muddles the jam with a fresh orange slice and tops it with Woodford Reserve bourbon and ice, for an Old Fashioned with a holiday twist.

Mistletoe Martini Chartres House, 601 Chartres St. Need an excuse to kiss the cute stranger sitting next to you when no one is dangling greenery over your head? A couple of “Mistletoe Martinis” from Chartres House are all the incentive you’ll need. Created with Hendrick’s gin, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, sloe gin, lime juice and a splash of grenadine, then garnished with rum-soaked

Bourbon House's Bourbon Milk Punch 20 | December 2014 | Holiday Spirits

Ferrand cognac and Chambord with sparkling wine for a cocktail worth toasting to. Or toasting with. The drink is named after Count Louis Philippe de Roffignac, Mayor of New Orleans from 1820 to 1828. He did many great things to make the city all spruced up and sparkly, and even fought in the Battle of New Orleans. Cheers!

Gingerbread Man’hattan Palace Café, 605 Canal St. After Mr. Bingle and Santa himself, the Gingerbread Man has got to be the coolest dude out there at Christmastime.

Palace Café has a drink made in his honor, with their “Gingerbread Man’hattan.” They use Benchmark bourbon, house-made gingerbread syrup and El Guapo ChicoryPecan Bitters. As the children’s jingle reminds you: you can’t catch him, he’s the Gingerbread Man. But at least you’ll be sure to catch a good buzz.

cherries. This is what Christmas would look like if you could drink it.

Frozen Peppermint Bourbon Milk Punch Bourbon House, 144 Bourbon St. Approximately 1.76 billion candy canes are produced and eaten every year, but wouldn’t you rather consume your peppermint in alcoholic form? Try the Frozen Peppermint Bourbon Milk Punch at Bourbon House, a delicious blend of Old Forester bourbon, milk, ice cream and candy canes that the bartenders melt down themselves. With nearly 2 billion candy canes out there, they can afford to sacrifice a few for a good cause.

Roffignac Royale Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse 716 Iberville St. Gear up for New Year’s Eve a little early with a festive glass of bubbly. Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse mixes Pierre

Foster Cocktail and Spiced Manhattan Tableau, 616 St. Peter St. Never mind the chestnuts. Nothing says “holiday” like bananas roasting on an open fire. Come to Tableau for a “Foster Cocktail,” a tribute to the New Orleans classic

Richard Fiske's Brownie with Nuts

Bananas Foster. They combine banana and Bayou Satsuma liqueurs, heavy cream and Bittermens Elemakule Tiki Bitters (bitters infused with allspice, cinnamon and all things Christmas-flavored). The drink is served in a Turbinado sugar–rimmed glass and garnished with a flambéed banana. Or, try their Spiced Manhattan, with Woodford Reserve bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters and a special winter spiced syrup.

Brownie with Nuts Richard Fiske’s Martini Bar and Restaurant 301 Dauphine St. With a cocktail menu the size of a Harry Potter novel, Richard Fiske’s has a slew of great drinks to choose from, including an entire page devoted to “warmers”—hot drinks perfect for winter. One of the best of them is the “Brownie with Nuts,” a decadent combo of crème de cacao, Frangelico hazelnut liqueur and Bailey’s Irish cream, mixed with PJ’s coffee and topped with whipped cream. Santa would be thrilled to find this kind of brownie among the baked goods you leave out for him on Christmas Eve. Egg Nog Bar Tonique, 820 N. Rampart St. If you thought you’d had it up to here with all the eggnog at the holidays, imagine if the nog stalked you all year long.

Like love handles and your mother-in-law, it just won’t go away. Then again, if you tasted the eggnog at Bar Tonique you might change your tune and be thankful that they offer their eggy concoction 365 days a year. Made with Maison Rouge VSOP Cognac, raw sugar simple syrup, egg, milk, freshly grated nutmeg and Rumchata, it tastes like you spiked the milk in the bottom of your bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

WhereYat.com | December 2014 | 21

Conscious Palate Wheat Belly

By Jhesika Menes

T

he original grain-wheat-and carbohydrate-free diet was developed in the 1970s by Dr. Robert Atkins.

The Atkins meal plan focused primarily on high intake of protein, fish, dairy and eggs, with lowered intake of wheat and carbs during the transition period, to no wheat and carbs whatsoever once acclimated to the lifestyle. Also limited in this meal plan were all grains, rice and corn, due to their starchy properties and low nutritional value.

When developing the diet, Dr. Atkins used himself as the initial guinea pig to combat his own overweight condition. In his shed pounds he also saw dollar signs. His results spawned books about his discoveries, the

With the gluten-free bandwagon rounding the bend, wheat and grains are getting a bad rap once again.

Even those who can stomach them are being told they could have an allergy. sale of prepackaged meals and a blast of other paraphernalia. With the gluten-free bandwagon rounding the bend and a rise in cases of celiac disease, wheat and grains are getting a bad rap once again. Even those who can stomach them are being told they could have an allergy based on symptoms of belly bloat and the general blah feeling following a bread- or grain-accompanied meal. The catalyst for this go-around, however, is genetic modification, a debatable topic at which it’s easy to point a finger.

Genetically modified foods have been discussed in many scientific, medical and health-based forums, and not all scientists or doctors agree that they are not good for you. Recently, I personally researched a case study based on genetically modified corn. Since DNA changes in plants are expressed as proteins, and allergenic proteins can cause eosinophilic disorder, symptoms common to those suffering from celiac disease are presented and used to investigate further, whether with allergy tests or endoscopy. Eosinophilic disorder is characterized by the increase of eosinophils (white blood cells) in the

22 | December 2014 | Conscious Palate

mucus-lined openings of the body. These immune system heroes gather here as well as in the gastrointestinal tract to eradicate the foreign proteins from genetic alterations.

Irritability is an excessive direct response to stimuli, so this process can lead to swelling in the gut, stuffy nose, scratchy or sore throat and arthritic pain and edema. Since products of food biotechnology didn’t show up in supermarkets until the early 1990s, it’s understandable that diets prior to 1990 cut carbohydrates. Carbs not metabolized by the body’s energy turn into sugar, and will do so despite a compromised genetic makeup.

But now, 10 years later, we are seeing increases in gastrointestinal disease and disorder, leading those who exhibit these symptoms, but do not have celiac disease, to assume that they are gluten intolerant.

Opting to cut out all modified foods could potentially keep additional symptoms at bay.

Kirsten Rinck, Pastry Chef at Greatfull Meals, formerly Fit Camp Meals, is a model and certified personal trainer. Based on the latter two alone, she is bound to be fit, but Kirsten attributes the lack of gluten and wheat in her diet to her staying in shape. Confessing to having eaten like an athlete while in school on a soccer scholarship, she discovered a significant decrease in belly bloat once she removed wheat and gluten from her diet. She credits the Fit Camp Meal plan (prior to its recent re-branding) with her dropping 20 pounds in 3 months. Inspired by her new views on eating and determined to stick with the diet, she took a position in the kitchen of her family’s prepared food business. “Greatfull Meals is a family operation that started on the North Shore. The business has seen incredible growth and now stretches its reach to Slidell, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans. The recipes are Paleobased, made with all fresh, never frozen fruits, meats and vegetables. I sweeten my baked goods with things like honey and maple syrup, and all of the pastries are gluten-, grain- and dairy-free,” Kirsten explains.

I ask how anything lacking those key components in the science of baking can be good, to which she replies, “It definitely is an acquired taste. For example, I use coconut oil in place of butter. I know most people might scoff at that, but eating clean takes some adjusting to, especially if all you’re used to eating is processed foods.” She goes on about Paleo soft pretzels with pumpkin hummus and how the pretzel dough can also be used for English muffins and pizza crust. Just the thought of these items—rather, their full-powered, floured counterparts—makes my belly swell.

I asked her about the wheat belly epidemic, and she explains, “Wheat belly occurs when your body attacks the gluten and treats it as a foreign protein. Wheat is addictive because the glutens are opioid-like proteins the body struggles to break down.

This is why a person initially feels euphoric when eating foods containing wheat, but a few hours later feels tired and seeks a gluten fix. Within one week of eliminating wheat from the diet, most people report having more energy, better moods and less bloat. We can heal our bodies from within, as you truly are what you eat!”

Funny to me, we covered all of this over an indulgent breakfast at Merchant. I ordered a hearty fruit plate and cappuccino and she ordered a coffee with the Loxsmith: salmon, capers, shaved red onion and goat cheese on whole grain bread. Befuddled, I questioned Kirsten about the bread on her breakfast plate and was surprised to learn that Merchant has added gluten-free bread options per her suggestion. Had I known that, I wouldn’t have opted for fruit.

Another coffee shop hip to gluten-free offerings is HiVolt in the Lower Garden District.

Amazing vegetarian and vegan options share the pastry case with things like gluten-free muffins, bagels and breads. While you have more options for gluten- and wheat-free items at lunch and dinner, you can always remove the bread from any sandwich (essentially making it a salad) or wrap that burger in lettuce instead.

HiVolt Coffee

Merchant

@JhesikaMenes

WhereYat.com | December 2014 | 23

15 & Under

$

Finding Cash for Doberge

By Kim Ranjbar

W

hether you pronounce it “doeberj” or “dough-bash,” Doberge cake is one of the most appreciated and desired locally invented desserts that’s perfect for almost any special occasion.

Many outsiders, no matter how many times they’ve visited New Orleans, don’t know about this many-layered, custard-filled wonder … and how could they? Unless they’re visiting a local on a birthday or anniversary that just happens to be accompanied by this traditionally half-lemon, half-chocolate delicacy, the chances are slim to none they would have tasted it.

To make things even more difficult, if a visitor did want to try Doberge, there might be the feeling that the only way to do so would be to purchase a whole cake! Not only would it cost $50 or more, but who can eat a whole Doberge cake by themselves?

Okay, to be perfectly honest, I do know a few people who could be induced to gorge themselves on Doberge (myself included), but an entire cake might be pushing it.

Thankfully there are a few solutions for those desperate for Doberge, solutions that

24 | December 2014 | $15 and Under

offer a sinful taste of this local treat without forcing you to buy the whole cake (and eat it, too!).

One would likely be shunned from the NOLA “in crowd” if they failed to mention Gambino’s Bakery when discussing Doberge.

Open for over 60 years, Gambino’s offers cake-lovers a taste of the original. Back in 1946, Joe Gambino bought the name and recipe straight from its originator, a woman named Beulah Levy Ledner of St. Rose, Louisiana. Ledner adapted her recipe from the Hungarian Dobos torte and the rest, as they say, is history. Stop into the “old-school” bakery on Veterans Avenue in Metairie and with mere pocket change you can indulge in Gambino’s Doberge petits fours for only 99 cents each! Try lemon, chocolate or caramel … heck, at that price you can try all three!

Another classic bakery in Metairie known for its decadent Doberge is Maurice French Pastries. Although it hasn’t been around for as long as Gambino’s, locals respect owner Jean-Luc

Gambino's Doberge Petits Fours

Albin’s baking prowess, making Maurice’s a definite go-to for gâteau.

With two locations, one on Hessmer and the other on West Napoleon, you double your chances for their Doberge squares, which are slightly larger than petits fours and only $1.50 each. Stop into either location and try all of their flavors, including lemon, chocolate, vanilla, Toups' Salted Caramel, Peanut caramel and strawberry.

Butter and Bacon Doberge But if you order ahead, you can delve into some not-so-traditional tastes like Irish cream, amaretto, praline, chambord, chocolate truffle and tiramisu.

If the petits fours and squares are simply not enough, there is another way to sample this sinful dessert. Trot on down to Mid-City to Toups’ Meatery on North Carrollton Ave. for a carnal carnivore’s meal … including dessert! Toups taps local baker Debbie Does Doberge for her specialty versions of this classic Crescent City cake. Save room for a piece of Salted Caramel, Peanut Butter and Bacon Doberge. This huge slice of sweetness will only set you back six bucks! You can also find Debbie’s cakes at Katie’s Restaurant & Bar on Iberville Street. Feel free to try a slice of whatever flavor happens to be on the menu for only a few dollars more. Debbie’s creativity with Doberge seems to be boundless, as she has offered everything from key lime and root beer float to sweet potato pancake to watermelon and blueberry. @SuckTheHeads

WhereYat.com | December 2014 | 25

plans to take over the recently vacated Stella! location and open Angeline, a casual neighborhood restaurant named after his mother. It’s expected to launch early in 2015. Meanwhile, sous chef Martha Wiggins will take the helm at Sylvain. 625 Chartres Street ~ 265.8123 ~ sylvainnola.com Seafood on Magazine … Chef Chappy Chapman, a Gulf Coast cuisine restaurateur, has brought his menu to New Orleans.

Opened recently in the space next to the Monkey Hill Bar, Chappy’s is a family-friendly restaurant with a casual atmosphere serving Creole and Cajun cuisine with an emphasis on fresh fish and shellfish from the Gulf in addition to tuna and scallops.

Chef Chapman has been in the industry for over 30 years and we’re pleased to welcome him to New Orleans. 6106 Magazine St. ~ 214.0117 ~ chappysrestaurant6106.com

CIBO Italian Eatery and Deli

Food News

By Kim Ranjbar

D

eli-ghtful! … Recently opened in the South Carrollton Ave. space that once housed Maurice French Pastries, CIBO Italian Eatery and Deli brings a taste of New York to the Oak Street corridor. Owner Darren Iapichino moved to New Orleans a year ago and wanted to bring the flavors of home along for the ride. Open every day except Monday, CIBO offers an array of Italian-American deli sandwich favorites, both hot and cold, featuring cured meats, cheese and breads all the way from the Big Apple. You can also score their housemade lasagne, chicken Parmesan, spaghetti and meatballs, Caprese salad and more. 1114 S. Carrollton Ave. ~ 592.7797 Two is better than one … The world-famous Willie Mae’s Scotch House has brought their fabulous fried chicken Uptown to flourish in a building on St. Charles Ave. that many believe is cursed. The location was home to C’est Si Bon and Fat Hen Grocery, among others that failed miserably, but Willie Mae’s owners are confident they’ll break the chain.

The new spot, dubbed Willie Mae’s Grocery & Deli, offers the complete menu available at the original location, so Uptowners can count on their fried chicken, red beans, catfish and pork chops. Plus, they also have salads, wraps and po-boys … let’s keep them Uptown, shall we? 7457 St. Charles Ave. ~ 417.5424 ~ facebook.com/WillieMaesScotchHouse Changing Chinese food in NOLA … Chef Doug Crowell, who hails from Herbsaint, has opened his own restaurant in the Marigny called Bao & Noodle, inspired by his ChineseAmerican wife. Taking over the space formerly occupied by Sound Cafe, this casual eatery offers a simple menu of Chinese cuisine with dishes like Baked Char Siu Bao, Beef Chow Fun, Ma Po Tofu and Ginger Milk Custard. Bao & Noodle is open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. 2700 Chartres St. ~ 504.272.0004 ~ baoandnoodle.com

Keeping it green ... City Greens, the popular salad and wrap spot in the CBD, has opened a new location at the Elmwood Shopping Center in Harahan. Open daily, City Greens offers delicious and healthy lunch options, featuring fresh greens grown at the restaurant’s hydroponic greenhouse.

Try a Spinach Club Salad with avocado, shaved onion, diced egg, bacon and white cheddar or a BBQ Chicken Wrap with pepper jack, jicama and roasted corn. 5161 Citrus Blvd. ~ 229.4240 ~ eatcitygreens.com Keep on cooking … Seasoned, a community-focused, second-hand cookware store, recently opened on Broad Street.

Owner Paige Lindell, baker and home cook, knows the value of a well-stocked kitchen, especially after relocating to New Orleans from California and lacking certain kitchen essentials. “You either had Williams-Sonoma at the mall, which was out of my price range, or Walmart, where the quality was lacking,” Lindell said. Turning to the second-hand market for the quality and affordability she was seeking, Lindell was inspired to offer a similar shop focused on well-made yet inexpensive cookware. 1016 North Broad St. ~ 860.748.1739 ~ free-the-food.com @SuckTheHeads

Parking it … If you’re looking for “ridiculously fresh” coffee but are unable to find the little yellow truck, fret no longer! French Truck Coffee just opened a roastery and tasting room in a building located on the corner of Erato and Magazine Streets. Although there is no café per se, you can “grab and go” with a cup of their delicious java or purchase freshly roasted beans and cold brew concentrate from this bright yellow building in the Lower Garden District. 1200 Magazine St. ~ 298.1115 ~ frenchtruckcoffee.com Moving on … Executive Chef Alex Harrell has left the popular French Quarter bistro Sylvain with his eye on the prize: a place of his very own. Harrell

26 | December 2014 | Food News

Willie Mae's Grocery and Deli

WhereYat.com | December 2014 | 27

MUSICCALENDAR

Complete Listings @ WhereYat.com

Wednesday, Nov. 26 Bayou Club- La Maniere des Cadiens, Cajungrass Buffa's- Gina Forsyth, Open Mic Checkpoint Charlie- T-Bone Stone & The Happy Monsters Chickie Wah Wah-Meschiya Lake & Tom McDermott Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Street Beat Funky Pirate- The Blues Masters w/Patrick Gasa Gasa-Netherfriends Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse- Lady Sings the Blues featuring Dana Abbot, NoJo Jam Little Gem Saloon- Kyle Cripps, Monty Banks Little Tropical Isle- Mark Barrett, JB Elston Mid City Lanes Rock 'n' Bowl- Groovy 7 Old Opera House- Chicken on the Bone One Eyed Jacks- Sweet Crude +Fancy Pants PublicQ House- Sabotage: A NOLA Tribute to the Beastie Boys Ralph's On the Park-Joe Krown Recovery Room Bar & Grill- Big Daddy's Juke Joint Jam hosted

by Oscar & The Bluecats Richard Fiske's Martini Bar- Tony Seville Rusty Nail- Jenn Howard Three Muses- Leslie Martin, Sarah McCoy Tropical Isle Bourbon- Way to Early, Debbi and the Deacons Tropical Isle Original- Debi & the Deacons, Late as Usual Thursday, Nov. 27 Bayou Club- Cajun Drifters, Louisiana Inferno Buffa's- Tom McDermott & Aurora Nealand Cafe Negril- Chris Kelein & The Boulevards, Soul Project Checkpoint Charlie- Dominic, Hubcap Kings Chickie Wah Wah- Pat Casey & The New Sound Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Street Beat Funky Pirate-Marc Stone Duo, Big Al Carson Holwin' Wolf- Rebirth Brass Band + Glen David Andrews The Irish House- Vinvent Marini Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse- The James Rivers Movement Le Bon Temps Roule- The Soul Rebels Brass Band Little Tropical Isle- Allen Hebert, Casey Saba Mid City Lanes Rock 'n' Bowl- Thanksgiving with Geno Delafose Old Opera House- Chicken on the Bone Ralph's On the Park- Joe Krown Richard Fiske's Martini Bar- Mississippi Hyperfly Tropical Isle Bourbon- Miss Maggie Trio, Debi & the Deacons Tropical Isle Original- The Hangobers, Late as Usual Friday, Nov. 28 Bayou Club- Louisiana Inferno, T'Canailli Carousel Lounge- Hotel Monteleone- Robin Barnes & Her Jazz Band Carrollton Station- Grayson Capps Band Checkpoint Charlie- Nick Ray & James Talley , Kenny Triche, Jeb Rault Chickie Wah Wah- Tank & The Bangas Circle Bar- James Hall Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Street Beat Funky Pirate-Mark & the Pentones, The Blues Masters w/Big Al Carson Gasa Gasa- The Fifth Men The Irish House- Patrick Cooper Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse-Tom Worrell, Leon "Kid Chocolate" Brown Le Bon Temps Roule'- Joe Krown Little Tropical Isle-Reed Lightfoot The Little Gem Saloon- Eric Demastes Mid City Lanes Rock 'n' Bowl- Bucktown Allstars Old Opera House- Chicken on the Bone Old Point Bar- Johnny Angel Richard Fiske's Martini Bar- Monty Banks, Right Reverend Soul Revue Three Muses- Matt Johnson Trio, Glen David Andrews Tipitinas- The New Orleans Suspects featuring Paul Barrerre, Ed Volker, John "Papa" Gros and More Tropical Isle Bourbon-Way to Early, Jay B. Elston band , Debi & the Deacons Tropical Isle Original-The Hangovers, Late as Usual Varsity Theatre-Zoso Windsor Court Hotel- Robin Barnes Saturday, Nov. 29 Backroom at Buffa's- Patrick Cooper Bayou Club- La Maniere des Cadiens

28 | December 2014 | Music Calendar

MelissaEtheridge Riding a wave of solid reviews for her latest release, This is M.E., multiple Grammy-winner Melissa Etheridge stops by to serenade the Crescent City with songs both new and old. Monday, Dec. 1. $39.50-$99.50 Advance Tickets, 7:30 p.m., Saenger Theater, saengernola.com Buffa's- Jerry Jumonville, Debbie Davis & Josh Paxton The Beatnik- Little Freddie King Blue Nile- The Soul Rebels Cafe Negril- Gene's Music Machine Carrolton Station- John Mooney Checkpoint Charlie- Native American Fest Chickie Wah Wah- Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Street Beat Evangeline French Quarter- Lil Josephine Funky Pirate- The Blues Masters Gasa Gasa- The Tangle + Daria & The Hip Drops Holwin' Wolf- Kevin Gates The Irish House- Bob Worth Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse- Adonis Rose Kerry Irish Pub- Patrick Cooper Little Tropical Isle- JB Elston, Ben Joseph Marigny Brasserie- Jimmy Sweetwater Mid City Lanes Rock 'N' Bowl- Tab Benoit Old Opera House- Chicken on the Bone Richard Fiske's Martini Bar and RestaurantLucas Davenport, Lynn Drury, Davis Rogan Special Venue- Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor ft.

Johnny Midnite+ Ashton Proctor Three Muses-Joe Cabral, Shotgun Jazz Band Tropical Isle Bourbon-Way to Early, Rhythm & Rain, Debi & the Deacons Tropical Isle Original-The Hangovers Windsor Court Hotel- Robin Barnes Sunday, Nov. 30 Bayou Club- Cajungrass, Louisiana Inferno Buffa's- Some like It Hot Jazz Brunch Checkpoint Charlie- Open Mic with Jim Smith Chickie Wah Wah- Sleepy LaBeef Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Street Beat Funky Pirate- Mark & the Pentones Holwin' Wolf-" The Den"-Hot 8 Brass Band Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse- Germaine Bazzle The Little Gem Saloon- Bounceback Quartet Little Tropical Isle- Lynn Drury, Reed Lightfoot Miss jeans Famous Corner Courtyard- Bobby Love & Friends Ralph's On the Park- Joe Krown Richard Fiske's Martini Bar- Tony Seville Three Muses- Raphael Bas

Tropical Isle Bourbon- BC & Comp, Rhythm and Rain, Debi & the Deacons Tropical Isle Original- The Hangovers, Late as usual Monday, Dec. 1 Bayou Club- Cajun Duo, Cajun Drifters Cafe Negril- Noggin, New Orleans Super Jam Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Street Beat Funky Pirate- Gary Brown Gasa Gasa- Antique Music Booty Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar- Blue Monday feat. Travis "Trumpet Black" Kerry Irish Pub- Patrick Cooper Little Tropical Isle- Reed Lightfoot, Lyne Drury Richard Fiske's- Monty Banks Tropical Isle- Graham Robertson Tropical Isle Bourbon- Rhythm & Rain, Way to Early Tuesday, Dec. 2 Bamboula's- Dana & The Boneshakers Bayou Club- Canjungrass Duo, Cajun Drifters Checkpoint Charlie- Blue Biscuit Circle Bar- Jared Harville Columns Hotel- Norbert Slama & John Rankin Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Street Beat Dmac's Bar and Grill- The Morning Call Ensemble Ellis Marsalis Center for Music-Leroy Jones Funky Pirate- The Blues Masters Gasa Gasa- Progression Music Series Kerry Irish Pub- Jason Bishop Little Gem Saloon- Jon Roniger, The Messy Cookers Old Opera House- Chicken on the Bone Ralph's On the Park- Joe Krown Richard Fiske's- Lucas Davenport Little Tropical Isle- Mark Barrett, Ben Joseph Tropical Isle- The Hangovers, JB Elston Tropical Isle Bourbon- JB Elston and Wayne,Tropic Gumbo Tulane University- The Soul Rebels feat. Trombone Shorty Wednesday, Dec. 3 Bayou Club- La Maniere des Cadiens, Cajungrass Bourbon Orleans- The Bourbon O Bar-Eudora Evans Chickie Wah Wah- Seth Walker Circle Bar- Mount Sherpa Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Street Beat Funky Pirate- The Blues Masters Gasa Gasa- Alanna Royale, Jake and Mark

Howlin Wolf-Common+ Jay Electronica & Fly Union Kerry Irish Pub- Chip Wilson Old Opera House-Chicken On the Bone Ralph's On the Park- Joe Krown Richard Fiske's- Tony Seville Rusty Nail- Jenn Howard Little Gem Saloon- Open Lunch Only Little Tropical Isle- Mark Barrett Tropical Isle- Way to Early Tropical Isle Bourbon- Way to Early Vaso- Troy Turner & The Blues Band, Jeff Chaz Blues Band Thursday, Dec. 4 Bayou Club- Cajun Drifters, Louisiana Inferno Bourbon Orleans- Eudora Evans & Matt Lemmler Duo Cafe Negril- Chris Klein & The Boulevards Circle Bar- Hatchet Boys Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Street Beat Funky Pirate- The Blues Masters Gasa Gasa- Back to Cool 80's and 90's Kerry Irish Pub- Paintbox LeBon Temps Roule- The Soul Rebels Little Gem Saloon- Viper Mad Trio Old Opera House- Chicken On the Bone Ralph's On the Park- Joe Krown Richard Fiske's- Mississippi Hyperfly Little Tropical Isle- Allen Hebert, Casey Saba Tropical Isle- The Hangovers, Late as Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon- Miss Maggie Trio Tipitina's- David Shaw Vaso- Bobby Love , Ed Wills & Blues 4 Sale Yuki Lzakaya- Norbert Slama Friday, Dec. 5 Bayou Club- Louisiana Inferno, T' Canailli Bourbon Orleans- Eudora Evans Burgundy Bar- The Creole Sweet Tease Burlesque Show Checkpoint Charlie- The Morning Call Ensemble Circle Bar- Laugh in the Dark Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Street Beat Fremin's Restaurant- Charlie Miller Funky Pirate- Mark & the Pentones Gasa Gasa- Seven Handle Circus Kerry Irish Pub- Patrick Cooper, Foot and Friends

Le Bon Temps Roule- Bill Malchow Little Gem Saloon- Nayo Jones, Erin Demastes New Orleans Museum of Art- Jayna Morgan & The Sezarac Sunrise Old Opera House- Chicken on the Bone One Eyed Jacks- Hamp Fest Pearl Wine Co.- The Sarah Gromko Trio Richard Fiske's- Monty Banks, Tanya Boutte Special Venue- Cory Taylor Cox The Tigermen Den- Tank & The Bangas Tipitina's- Anders Osborne Little Tropical Isle- Reed Lightfoot, Ben Joseph Tropical Isle- The Hangovers, Late as Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon- Way to Early, Debi & the Deacons Vaso- RNR Jazz Group, Troy Turner, Jousha Kagler Saturday, Dec. 6 Bayou Club- La Maniere des Cadiens,Louisiana Inferno, T' canaille Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Street Beat Freret Market- Upstarts, Tank & The Bangas Funky Pirate- The Blues Masters Gasa Gasa- PYMP Hurricanes Sports Bar- 90 to Nothing Kerry Irish Pub- Annual Beatles Tribute Little Gem Saloon- Benny Turner and Real Blues Old Opera House- Chicken on the Bone Old U.S. Mint- Sarah Quintana One Eyed Jacks- Caddywhompus Record Release Show Richard Fiske's- Glenn Andrews Saenger Theatre- Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Shamrock- August Rush Special Venue- Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor The Tigerman Den- Miss Martha & The Good Time Gang Tipitina's- Anders Osborne Little Tropical Isle- JB Elston, Ben Joseph Tropical Isle- The Hangovers, Late as Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon- Way to Early, Rhythm & Rain Varsity Theatre- Sebastian Bach Yuki Izakaya- Norbert Slama Sunday, Dec. 7 Bayou Club- Cajungrass, Louisiana Inferno

AndersOsborne

Local favorite Anders Osborne’s sound is a blend of rock, blues and country, all tied together with his raggedly hopeful voice and uniquely soulful strumming. Fri.-Sat., Dec. 5-6. $25-40 Advance Tickets, One-Two Day Pass. 9:00 p.m. Tipitina’s, tipitinas.com Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Street Beat Funky Pirate- Mark & the Pentones, Willie Lockett Howlin Wolf- Hot 8 Brass Band Kerry Irish Pub- Chip Wilson Miss Jean's Famous Corner- Bobby Love Ralph's On the Park- Joe Krown Richard Fiske's- Ellen Smith, Tony Seville Little Gem Saloon- Lagniappe Brass Band Little Tropical Isle- Lynn Drury, Reed Lightfoot Tropical Isle- The Hangovers, Late as Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon- BC & Comp, Rhythm and Rain Monday, Dec. 8 Bayou Club- Cajun Grass Duo

Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Street Beat Funky Pirate- Gary Brown Gasa Gasa- Antique Booty Music Kerry Irish Pub- Paul Tobin One Eyed Jacks- Legendary Shack Shakers Little Tropical Isle- Reed Lightfoot, Lyne Drury Richard Fiske's- Monty Banks Tropical Isle- Graham Robertson Tropical Isle Bourbon- Rhythm & Rain, Way to Early Tuesday, Dec. 9 Bayou Club- Cajungrass Duo, Cajun Drifters Bamboula's- Dana & The Boneshakers Circle Bar- Tucker Jameson and Voltra Voltra

WhereYat.com | December 2014 | 29

Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Street Beat Funky Pirate- The Blues Masters Gasa Gasa- Progression Music Series Howlin Wolf- Animals as Leaders, Monuments Kerry Irish Pub- Patrick Cooper Old Opera House- Chicken on the Bone Ralph's On the Park- Joe Krown Richard Fiske's- Lucas Davenport Little Gem Saloon- Jon Roniger Messy Cookers Little Tropical Isle- Mark Barrett, Ben Joseph Tropical Isle- The Hangovers, JB Elston Tropical Isle Bourbon- JB Elston and Wayne, Tropic Gumbo Varsity Theatre- Halestorm Wednesday, Dec. 10 Bayou Club- La Maniere des Cadiens Bourbon Orleans- Eudora Evans & Matt Lemmler Duo Circle Bar- Ill doots, Fancy Pants Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Street Beat Funky Pirate- The Blues Masters Gasa Gasa- Fpoon Howlin Wolf- Hazy Ray Trio Kerry Irish Pub- Tim Robertson Little Gem Saloon- Kyle Cripps, Roamin Jasmin Old Opera House- Chicken on the Bone Ralph's On the Park- Joe Krown Richard Fiske's- Tony Seville Rusty Nail- Jenn Howard St. Alphonsus Church- Pfister Sisters Little Tropical Isle- Mark Barrett, JB Elston Tropical Isle- Debi & the Deacons, Late as Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon- Way to Early Thursday, Dec. 11 Bayou Club- Cajun Drifters, Louisiana Inferno Bourbon Orleans- Eudora Evans & Matt Lemmler Duo Cafe Negril- Chris Klein & The Boulevards Circle Bar- Bantam Foxes and Hello Nomad Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Street Beat Fair Grinds Coffeehouse- Open Mic Funky Pirate- Marc Stone Duo, The Blues Masters Gasa Gasa- Groove Therapy Kerry Irish Pub- The One Tailed Three Little Gem Saloon- Viper Mad Trio, Monty Banks

30 | December 2014 | Music Calendar

Old Opera House- Chicken On the Bone Ralph's On the Park- Joe Krown Little Tropical Isle- Allen Hebert, Casey Saba Richard Fiske's- Mississippi Hyperfly Tropical Isle- The Hangovers, Late as Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon- Miss Maggie Trio Yuki Izakaya- Nobert Slama Friday, Dec. 12 Bayou Club- Louisiana Inferno, T'Canailli Bourbon Orleans- Eudora Evans & Matt Lemmler Burgundy Bar- The Creole Sweet Tease Show Circle Bar- The Cons & Prose, Next Level Midriff Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Street Beat Dew Drop Social & Benevolent Society HallSpecial Christmas show Dmac's Bar & Grill- Chris Klein & The Boulevards Fremin's Restaurant- Charlie Miller Funky Pirate- The Blues Masters Gasa Gasa- Plum Magnetic Howlin Wolf- Hazy Ray Kerry Irish Pub- Chip Wilson, Vincent Marini Little Gem Saloon- Erin Demastes, Nayo Jones Little Tropical Isle- Reed Lightfoot, Ben Joseph Le Bon Temps Roule- Joe Krown Old Opera House- Chicken On the Bone Old U.S. Mint- Nyce One Eyed Jacks- NOLAW Neutral Grounds- Mario Ortiz Pearl Wine Co.- The Sarah Gromko Trio Richard Fiske's- Monty Banks, Don Vappie Tropical Isle- The Hangovers, Late as Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon- Way to Early Varsity Theatre- Sam Hunt Saturday, Dec. 13 Bayou Club- La Maniere des Cadiens, Louisana Inferno, T'Canaille Burgundy Bar- Gypsy Elise & The Royal Blues Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Street Beat Ellis Marsalis Center for Music- Ellis Marsalis Fair Grinds Coffeehouse- The Olivia Dehavilland Mosquitoes Freret Market- Freretstivus ft. Coot Funky Pirate- Mark & the Pentones, The Blues Masters Kerry Irish Pub- Dave Hickey, Invisible Cowboy Little Gem Saloon- Dr. Michael White Quartet

LegendaryShackShakers The Legendary Shack Shakers are sure to bring the house down and get the crowd jumping with their patented psychobilly freakouts. Catch them with openers Whiskey Shivers on Mon., Dec. 8. $15 Advance Tickets, 9 p.m., One-Eyed Jacks, oneeyedjacks.net Little Tropical Isle- JB Elston, Ben Joseph Richard Fiske's- Lucas Davenport, TBA Tropical Isle- The Hangovers, Late as Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon- Way to Early Varsity Theatre- RL Grime, Branchez Yuki Izakaya- Nobert Slama Sunday, Dec. 14 Bayou Club- Cajungrass, Louisana Inferno Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Street Beat Funky Pirate- Mark & the Pentones, Willie Locktt Howlin Wolf- Hot 8 Brass Band Kerry Irish Pub- Patrick Cooper Little Gem Saloon- The Messy Cookers

Miss Jeans Famous Corner Courtyard- Bobby Love Ralph's On the Park- Joe Krown Richard Fiske's- Ellen Smith, Tony Seville Shamrock- Category 6 The Tigermen Den- Bobby Michot Trio Little Tropical Isle- Lynn Drury, Reed Lightfoot Tropical Isle- The Hangovers,Late as Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon- BC & Comp Monday, Dec. 15 Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Street Beat Columns Hotel- David Doucet Gasa Gasa- Antique Booty Music Old Point Bar- The Romy Kaye Jazz Trio

Vaughan’s Lounge- Corey Henry Yuki Izakaya- Norbert Slama Friday, Dec. 19 Blue Nile- The Soul Rebels Bourbon Orleans (The Bourbon O Bar)- Eudora Evans & Matt Lemmler Duo Buffa’s- Roby Ross, Davis Rogan Burgundy Bar (Saint Hotel)- The Creole Sweet Tease Burlesque Show ft. the Creole Syncopators Jazz Band Checkpoint Charlie- Blue Trees, Woodenhead Columns Hotel- Ted Long Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Street Beat Dos Jefes- Eric Traub Fremin’s Restaurant- Charlie Miller Gasa Gasa- Speakerbox House of Blues- DJ: Raj Smoove, Kermit Ruffins Howlin’ Wolf- Birdfinger Howlin’ Wolf (The Den)- The Laurie Lehners’ Festivus Le Bon Temps Roulé- Tom Worrell The Little Gem Saloon- Erin Demastes, Meschiya Lake Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl- The BoogieMen Old Opera House- Chicken on the Bone Old Point Bar- Rick Trolsen, Jamie Lynn Vessels Old U.S. Mint- Phil DeGruy Pearl Wine Co.- The Sarah Gromko Trio Preservation Hall- The Southern Syncopators ft. Steve Pistorius, The PresHall Brass ft. Daniel Farrow Richard Fiske’s Martini Bar- Monty Banks, Lynn Drury Snug Harbor- Delfeayo Marsalis Sextet Three Muses- Royal Roses, Glen David Andrews Tipitina’s- Behind the Curtain: 34 Years of WWOZ 90.7, A Spirited Journey of New Orleans Music

Lil'Boosie Lil’ Boosie, recently redubbed Boosie Badazz, makes his return following a recent stint and subject of his last album (Incarcerated), and hot on the heels of his upcoming Touchdown 2 Cause Hell. Sat., Dec. 13. $58 – $118 Advance Tickets, 8 p.m. UNO Lakefront Arena, arena.uno.edu Preservation Hall- The Preservation Hall Jazz Masters Richard Fiske’s Martini Bar- Monty Banks Snug Harbor- Charmaine Neville Band Three Muses- Monty Banks, Joe Cabral Tuesday, Dec. 16 Bamboula’s- Dana & The Boneshakers Blue Nile (Balcony Room)- Kevin O’Day’s Live Animals Checkpoint Charlie- Jamie Lynn Vessels Columns Hotel- John Rankin Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Street Beat Dos Jefes- Tom Hook & Wendell Brunious House of Blues- Marc Stone Howlin’ Wolf- The Recinos Rock n’ Roll Karaoke Birthday Bash The Little Gem Saloon- The Messy Cookers Old Opera House- Chicken on the Bone Old Point Bar- Isla Nola Preservation Hall- Shannon Powell Ralph’s On the Park- Joe Krown Richard Fiske’s Martini Bar- Lucas Davenport Snug Harbor- Masakowski Family Trio Wednesday, Dec. 17 Banks Street Bar & Grill- Major Bacon Bourbon Orleans (The Bourbon O Bar)- Eudora Evans & Matt Lemmler Duo Checkpoint Charlie- T Bone Stone & the Happy Monsters Circle Bar- Mason Reed Columns Hotel- Andy Rogers Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Street Beat Dos Jefes- Meryl Zimmerman French Market- Patrick Cooper, Ruby Ross & Natasha Sanchez House of Blues- Joe Gelini, Jet Lounge Howlin’ Wolf- Molotov Howlin’ Wolf (The Den)- Hazy Ray Trio Kerry Irish Pub- Patrick Cooper The Little Gem Saloon- Kyle Cripps, Roamin’ Jasmine Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl- Creole Stringbeans Old Opera House- Chicken on the Bone Old Point Bar- Open-Mic with Kim Cantwell Preservation Hall- The St. Peter St. All Stars ft. Lars Edegran Ralph’s On the Park- Joe Krown Richard Fiske’s Martini Bar- Tony Seville Rusty Nail- Jenn Howard Snug Harbor- Charmaine Neville Band Three Muses- Leslie Martin, Schatzy Thursday, Dec. 18 Bourbon Orleans- Eudora Evans & Matt Lemmler Duo Buffa’s- Tom McDermott & Aurora Nealand Café Negril- Chris Klein & The Boulevards, Soul Project Checkpoint Charlie- Domenic, Kenny Claiborne

Circle Bar- Royal Attire Columns Hotel- Naydja Cojoe Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Street Beat Dos Jefes- Loren Pickford First Baptist Church of New Orleans- Baroque Christmas ft. The New Orleans Vocal Arts Chorale Gasa Gasa- Squirrel Queen House of Blues- Brint Anderson The Irish House- Patrick Cooper Le Bon Temps Roulé- The Soul Rebels Brass Band Le Pavillion Hotel- Zizique!

The Little Gem Saloon- Monty Banks, Viper Mad Trio Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl- Horace Trahan Old Opera House- Chicken on the Bone Old Point Bar- Valerie Sassyfrass Ralph’s On the Park- Joe Krown Richard Fiske’s Martini Bar and RestaurantMississippi Hyperphlyy Snug Harbor- Spencer Bohren’s Big-Ol’-Family-StyleChristmas Extravaganza Three Muses- Tom McDermott, Luke Winslow King Vaso- Bobby Love & Friends

Trans-SiberianOrchestra Rock in the holidays with progressive rock supergroup Trans-Siberian Orchestra, who are sure to play their Christmas originals, as well as amped-up takes on seasonal classics. Wed., Dec. 17. $29-$73 Advance Tickets, 7:30 p.m., Smoothie King, smoothieking.com.

Saturday, Dec. 20 Blue Nile – Brass-A-Holics Buffa’s – Josh Paxton, Swamp Donkeys Jass Band, Monty Banks Checkpoint Charlie – Dale Latino Band, Medicine King Circle Bar – Big Danko Columns Hotel – Andrew Hall Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Street Beat Dos Jefes – The Jenna McSwain Trio Fritzel’s Jazz Pub – The Roamin’ Jasmine Gasa Gasa – Debauche House of Blues – Bustout Burlesque Kerry Irish Pub – Patrick Cooper The Little Gem Saloon – Kermit Ruffins & the BBQ Swingers Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl – The Wiseguys Old Opera House – Chicken on the Bone Old Point Bar – Diablo’s Horns One Eyed Jack’s – A Tribute to The Band Preservation Hall – Lucien Barbarin Richard Fiske’s – Lucas Davenport, Glenn David Andrews Rusty Nail – Jenn Howard Snug Harbor – Phillip Manuel Jazz Holiday Special Venue – Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor feat. Johnny Midnite + Ashton Proctor & Jonathan Shell Three Muses – Hot Club of New Orleans, Shotgun Jazz Band Yuki Izakaya – Norbert Slama

331 Decatur 527-5954 Best Guinness In New Orleans Live Music Nightly NO COVER www.kerryirishpub.com Every Tues. Honky Tonk Open Mic w/Jason Bishop 9pm

Sat. 11/22 Sun. 11/23 Mon. 11/24 Fri. 11/28 Sat. 11/29 Sun. 11/30 Thurs. 12/04 Fri. 12/05 Sat. 12/06 Sun. 12/07 Thurs. 12/11 Fri. 12/12 Sat. 12/13 Sun. 12/14 Thurs. 12/18 Fri. 12/19 Sat. 12/20 Sun. 12/21 Sat. 12/27 Sun. 12/28 Tues. 12/30 Wed. 12/31

Dave James 5 pm Lynn Drury 9 pm Vincent Marini & The One Tailed Three 8 pm Kim Carson 8:30 pm Mark Hessler 4 pm Patrick Cooper 4 pm Chip Wilson 8 pm Paintbox w/Dave James & Tim Robertson 9 pm Patrick Cooper 5 pm Foot & Friends 9 pm Speed The Mule 5 pm Annual Beatles Tribute w/Roux The Day! 9 pm Chip Wilson 8 pm Vincent Marini & The One Tailed Three 9 pm Chip Wilson 5 pm Vincent Marini & The One Tailed Three 9 pm Dave Hickey 5 pm Invisible Cowboy Band 9 pm Patrick Cooper 8 pm Vincent Marini & The One Tailed Three 9 pm Dave James 5 pm Hurricane Refugees 9 pm Patrick Cooper 5 pm Whiskey Tango 9 pm Irish Session 4 pm Chip Wilson 8 pm Lynn Drury 9 pm Chip Wilson 8 pm Tim Robertson 8:30 pm Happy New Year’s Eve w/ Vincent Marini & The One Tailed Three 4:30 pm Mark Hessler & Friends 9 pm

Sunday, Dec. 21 Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits – Roamin’ Jasmine BMC – Soul Project Buffa’s – Jazz Brunch with Some Like it Hot, Leslie Cooper and Music Street Jazz Band Champion Square – The Soul Rebels Checkpoint Charlie – Open Mic with Jim Smith Circle Bar – Velouria Columns Hotel – Chip Wilson Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Street Beat House of Blues – Kirk Franklin Presents Gospel Brunch Howlin’ Wolf – Hot 8 Brass Band The Little Gem Saloon – Lagniappe Brass Band Miss Jean’s Famous Corner Courtyard – Bobby Love and Friends Old Point Bar – Amanda Walker, Tom Witek Jazz Quartet Preservation Hall – Big Al Carson Ralph’s On The Park – Joe Krown Richard Fiske’s – Tony Seville Snug Harbor – John Mahoney Big Band Three Muses – Raphael Bas, Linnzi Zaorski Monday, Dec. 22 Buffa’s – Antoine Diel Carrollton Station – Andrew Duhon Trio Circle Bar – Fayroy Columns Hotel – Dos Jefes – John Fohl Gasa Gasa – Antique Music Booty Old Point Bar – The Romy Kaye Jazz Trio Preservation Hall – Leroy Jones Richard Fiske’s – Monty Banks Snug Harbor – Charmaine Neville Band Tuesday, Dec. 23 Bamboula’s – Dana & The Boneshakers Blue Nile – Silky Fire + Lott + Peake & More

WhereYat.com | December 2014 | 31

Lakeside2Riverside

FESTIVAL & EVENT PREVIEWS

Art Against AIDS will sell handmade holiday ornaments from 30 local school art programs. So spread some holiday cheer and help out a good cause.

Holiday in the Park Friday, December 5 through New Year’s Day Lafreniere Park Metairie is about to get a little bit brighter. Lafreniere Park will continue its tradition of Holiday in the Park. The park will transform into a winter wonderland with more than 100 light displays. Donated by the Copeland family, the lights are energy efficient so they'll be as "green" as the Christmas trees. In true New Orleans fashion, the opening ceremony is a second line dance to flip the switch and make the park sparkle.

Art & Comedy

College Football

Rifftrax Live: Santa Claus Thursday, December 4, 7 p.m.

Elmwood AMC Palace 20, 1200 Elmwood Park Blvd.

Rifftrax is essentially the continuation of the cult TV show Mystery Science Theater 3000 without the '90s-tastic costumes and sci-fi themes. The stars of MST3K reunited to rip on B-movies once more. Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy (Tom Servo) and Bill Corbett (Crow T. Robot) will be taking on René Cardona's bizarre holiday film, Santa Claus. Santa Claus tells the tale of an intergalactic St. Nick who must defeat an earthbound demon who was sent

by Lucifer himself. The spirit wants to corrupt children around the globe and turn them into troublemakers. Laugh yourself into the holiday spirit with Rifftrax this season.

Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands and Greek Show Friday, November 28, 6-10 p.m.

Mercedes-Benz Superdome The Bayou Classic can be dated back to 1974. The simple rivalry football Cirque du Noel game between Southern Saturday, December 6 University and Grambling Saenger Theatre State has evolved over 1111 Canal St. the years into a five-day Cirque de Noël blends celebration. The festivities the exciting antics include a parade, golf of a Cirque du Soleil tournament, seminars performance with beloved, and the much-anticipated cheery Christmas/holiday Battle of the Bands. Southern scores. Watch unbelievable University's "Human Jukebox" performances from marching band will duke it out contortionists, jugglers, acrobats against Grambling State's "Marching and aerial artists all while enjoying Tigers." Although there isn't an official an orchestra showcase classic songs judge, the bands give it their all and of the season, including "Sleigh Ride," S atu rday, December 13 perform elaborate choreography while a concert suite from The Polar Express, a playing fight songs. The bands conclude their suite from The Nutcracker and Dance of the performances the next day during the halftime show of Tumblers from Snow Maiden. the Bayou Classic game.

Algiers Bonfire & Concert New Orleans Bowl Saturday, December 6, , 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 20, 10 a.m.

Riverfront at Algiers Point Ferry Landing, Westbank Mercedes-Benz Superdome Christmas Eve bonfires are a European tradition that's Although the Southeastern Conference rules most of been practiced for more than a century. The fires are Louisiana, The New Orleans Bowl has been running strong said to aid Papa Noël on his journey around the globe. for 13 years now. The annual bowl game is reserved for Over time, Louisiana has adopted this custom. This family champions of the Sun Belt Conference and the Mountain friendly event features food, music and fire. Multiple food West Conference. In previous years, Conference USA would trucks will be in attendance. Amanda Shaw, local fiddler go head to head with SBC, but this will be MWC's inaugural and vocalist, will perform her signature brand of Cajun New Orleans Bowl appearance. Attendance is expected to rock. In addition, there will be brass bands and a drum line. be high this year. The 2013 game saw a record of more than Children can enjoy face painting, inflatables and a reading 54,000 spectators. It's also estimated that the New Orleans of "The Cajun Night Before Christmas."

Bowl will generate approximately $25 million in revenue.

Hannibal Buress Friday, December 5, 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

Civic Theatre, 510 O’Keefe St. Known for his work on Adult Swim's The Eric Andre Show, Saturday Night Live and Comedy Central's Broad City, Hannibal Buress has been generating laughs for years.

The down-to-earth comic will be performing a double header, after tickets to his first show quickly sold out. It isn't surprising Hannibal is a hit in the Big Easy, as the love affair seems to be mutual. He has included New Orleans in his stand-up routine, discussing the insanity that's Mardi Gras and more. Following suit of Louis C.K., Hannibal performed a surprise set at the Indywood Movie Theater in October and frequents the city.

Art Against Aids Saturday, December 6, 8 - 11 p.m.

Club XLIV, Champions Square Art Against AIDS will celebrate 28 years of fundraising and kick off the holiday season yet again this year. The gala benefits NO/AIDS Task Force and seeks to help New Orleans residents living with the disease as well as funding for education and research programs. The event consists of a silent auction that will feature work and gift certificates from local artists and businesses. In keeping with tradition,

Run tas ning n a S of the

Holidays

Rifftrax Live: Santa Claus at AMC Palace 20 Thursday, December 4

32 | December 2014 | Lakeside 2 Riverside

Fulton Street Champagne Stroll Friday, December 5, 5 p.m.

519 Fulton Street Harrah's will host a fun-filled shindig in one of the most picturesque parts of the French Quarter. The casino will offer a night of bubbly and local talent. Tickets guarantee unlimited champagne tasting for all guests. Bands will jam out on the Fulton Street Gazebo. There will also be local art and retail vendors present, so you can shop in style.

And because Louisiana is a culinary hub, there will be an abundance of delicious grub. VIP tickets are available. They include unlimited champagne tasting, souvenir champagne glass, access to VIP lounge on the Manning's Balcony and a VIP gift bag.

Hope and Holidays on the Natchez Friday, December 12

Running of the Santas Saturday, December 13, 3 p.m. - till Starts at Barcadia, 601 Tchoupitoulas St. Ends at Generations Hall, 310 Andrew Higgins Dr. The Running of the Santas has become a new favorite Christmas tradition for the Crescent City. The pub crawl/ festival gives revelers yet another reason to drink during the holidays. Participants are encouraged to dress as Santa, reindeer, elves or any other yuletide character. The event kicks off at Barcadia with an all-day drink-a-thon. The Santas can enjoy drink specials, fantastic food and arcade games.

At 6 p.m., the Santas "run," aka drunkenly stumble, to the "North Pole," aka Generations Hall. Once the trek is over, guests can rock around the tree with Category 6 and Big Sam's Funky Nation and participate in the costume contest.

Christmas in the District December 12 - 24 Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Christmas in the District will present a two-week-long NOLA Christmas Fest at The Convention Center this year.

The merriment commences with "The Great Hall of Trees," featuring more than 50 decorated Christmas trees. There will also be a gingerbread house competition and an area where children can meet Santa. Stages will host puppet shows, cooking demonstrations and carolers. Other events include the Children's Lantern Parade, Santa Paws dog costume contest and parade and the Fulton Street Champagne Stroll.

sailing. CafĂŠ Hope, a Marrero-based restaurant, creates more than just great southern-inspired meals. They also help create better futures for at-risk youth. The cafĂŠ offers training to 17-24 year olds so that they are able to support themselves and navigate the restaurant and hospitality scenes of New Orleans. This year the annual benefit event will take place on the Steamboat Natchez, featuring entertainment by Luther Kent & The Dukes of Dixieland.

Hope and Holidays on the Natchez Friday, December 12, 6:30 p.m.

Steamboat Natchez, Toulouse St. This unique fundraising event is sure to have smooth

Caroling in Jackson Square Sunday, December 21, 7 p.m.

Jackson Square Although musical performances are a quotidian part

Hannibal Buress at the Civic Theater Friday, December 5 of Jackson Square, this December a special tradition continues. Caroling in the Square is rather self-explanatory.

Thousands of locals and tourists gather in the heart of the French Quarter to harmonize and belt out Christmas tunes together. Candles and sheet music are provided.

Voices reverberating off the magnificent St. Louis Cathedral and the warm glow of candlelight make for a truly magical holiday experience. In addition, Patio Planters will announce the winners of the French Quarter Christmas decorations contest. This is a family friendly event.

WhereYat.com | December 2014 | 33

OnesToWatch

MAHALA

BY KIMMIE TUBRE

O

n the day before their self-titled album release party, Mahala sat down for an interview with Where Y’at to talk about their successes and future plans.

Appropriately living in Musicians’ Village, the Balkan music sensation has created a firstclass reputation among the Balkan community and music lovers in the Big Easy. Fresh off their Northeast tour the multi-talented crew includes Boyanna Trayanova on drums, Matthew Schreiber on the accordion, and Georgi Petrovfor on guitar.

Where Y’at: How did you guys come together to create Mahala?

Mahala: The three of us met at this crazy house party one night. It was a party with all musicians and all of the people were interested in Balkan music. We had a little jam session that night. We felt that New Orleans needed more Balkan music. And with two of us being from Bulgaria, we wanted to represent.

WYAT: Do you feel that there’s pressure to play good music and stand out in a city of music like New Orleans?

Mahala: I wouldn’t call it pressure but there is definitely competition, because on any given night you’re competing for the same slice of pie with everyone else in town that’s doing a gig. It’s hard to mobilize your fan base. But I think the fact that there is so much music here makes it helpful, because it keeps us inspired. On any night of the week, we can go see somebody amazing.

I also find it a pretty accepting music community. Even though there are a lot of musicians and a lot of really great bands, everyone is pretty encouraging of people

34 | December 2014 | Ones to Watch

doing what they want to do. For example, we all play jazz but I’ve noticed that a lot of people will play jazz along with having an experimental band or something like that on the side.

With that said, I don’t find it to be aggressively competitive. It’s more of a friendly competition that encourages everyone to do their thing.

WYAT: You recently toured the Northeast. What’s the biggest difference between performing out there versus performing in New Orleans?

Mahala: Well, out there, I don’t know everyone.

Honestly, there’s definitely a distance in the Northeast.

I recall us performing in Maine in front of a very intense, quiet audience, and after a song Boyanna (our drummer) yelled out, “We’re from New Orleans, Who Dat y’all.” And there was dead silence because no one understood what she was saying.

Basically, the audience feedback is the most different thing. The feedback we get in New Orleans is super cool and that’s one of the best parts of performing here.

We’ve been fortunate to perform in front of the Balkan community here and they sing along with us, dance with us and even throw money on the stage. It’s a blast!

The biggest difference we noticed in the studio was the fact that we didn’t have an audience to feed off of like when we are playing live.

WYAT: You all just released your first album, Mahala.

What was the atmosphere like in the recording studio?

Mahala: The biggest difference we noticed in the studio was the fact that we didn’t have an audience to feed off of like when we are playing live. I think we were more focused while recording the album. When you’re in the studio, you just try not to take too many risks. It’s a sort of rigid environment. Even though it was a studio setup, we recorded the music live. There were no isolation booths or anything like that.

WYAT: As a band, what are your biggest challenges and goals?

Mahala: The biggest thing we need to do is continue to find our own voice, because we are a band that plays Balkan music but at the same time we live in New Orleans and essentially we all started here as jazz musicians.

Just living in New Orleans causes us to incorporate a little bit of NOLA in our Balkan music. You just can’t help it.

We’re interested in seeing where we can go from this point.

We’re kind of a special band in the sense that there are actual Bulgarians playing Bulgarian music in New Orleans.

WhereYat.com | December 2014 | 35

AlbumReviews

various subjects, ranging from Kennedy and Reagan to mocking social media aficionados (“the same tweet that gave some freak 15 minutes this morning”). It may be simply best to let Ludwig’s songs wash over you. –Lauren Smith

Boyfriend Love Your Boyfriend Sex Party When we met Boyfriend, she was an English teacher with witty lyrical skills and a love for the hip hop culture. Fast forward a few years, Boyfriend is constantly touring, a staple on the festival market and the queen of all things spontaneous. Let’s just say she’s taken her rap career to another level.

With tracks like “Say You Will” and “Lean,” Boyfriend’s new EP titled Love Your Boyfriend maintains the same keep-it-real and swaggy style that she has always brought to the rap scene. The album is lyrically clever and fun.

Boyfriend has a way of flowing with an ease that is decipherable. Whether on a record, on stage or on one of her mockingly creative music videos, Boyfriend will always draw an audience and keep their attention. The style of Love Your Boyfriend is unmatchable.

It’s a refreshing album, new, something you have never heard before, but in a good way.

–Kimmie Tubre

Louie Ludwig These are the Ways of My People Self-released These are the Ways of My People cannot be categorized by any one genre, though it’s categorized as Alternative Folk on iTunes.

The album title seems like a message straight out of every song you hear on 101.5, but Louie Ludwig’s music is far from Country. At moments it seems as if Ludwig is reciting poetry, as in a Leonard Cohen-esque way (“The Reservation”).

In another track, Ludwig seems as if he is rapping (“Drink in one hand, friend in da otha” in “Headin’ Home”). The only songs that show continuity with sound, voice, and subject matter are “New York Apartment,” “Pony Girl,” and “Feelings Got Too Strong.” These three touch on romance and heartbreak in a way, and in a voice, that makes them sound just like Tom Petty songs. With borrowed lyrics from “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and Billie Holiday’s “I’ll Be Seeing You,” and subject matter ranging from hipsters “relaxin’ till it hurts” in guayabera shirts to “psychedelic sushi,” it’s difficult to decipher whether Ludwig is attempting to joke lightheartedly or show sarcasm and loathing.

His lyrics give incomplete commentary on

36 | December 2014 | Album Reviews

Ben. E Hunter The Nature of Things Self-released A taste of sanguine musical poetry can be savored by listening to the talent of Ben E. Hunter. NOLA born, Hunter released The Nature of Things this past year.

Opening with an overture (performed by Cheryl N. Woods), the first track provides an anticipation of an avant-garde album.

And I wasn’t far off: besides island music and an opener (of sorts), The Nature of Things includes a brief interlude of nature audio and features deep soul singer Kelly Love Jones in the song “I Like To Talk.” The unplugged album is a series of short stories strung together through folk melody.

Hunter has a Neville Brothers sound meeting an acoustic twang, and by the end of the album, The Nature of Things sends you into a state of self-reflection. Although the strumming pattern of every other song is the same, the monotony of The Nature of Things evokes a realm of tranquility. – Cassandra Damascus @GirlinNewOrlean

Various Artists Ultimate New Orleans Brass: Second Line Funk!

Mardi Gras Records You’ve heard it time and time again, but it’s never enough. The album, Ultimate New Orleans Brass: Second Line Funk! reaches beyond marching band horns and adds soul, jazz, and, as titled, a whole lot of funk.

The album features music from Rebirth Brass Band, Soul Rebels, Lil Rascals, Olympia Brass Band, Treme Brass Band, New Birth Brass Band, Hustlers Brass Band…and more Rebirth. While listening, you will feel as if you’re swinging down Royal Street with parasol in hand, or uptown on Oak Street at the Maple Leaf Bar on a Tuesday night. The pleasantly overwhelming horns make for ideal New Orleans party music. Although popular music is constantly changing, brass bands provide a classic constant. Ultimate New Orleans Brass is a how-to on New Orleans brass band. Its music makes your feet tap and hips swing,

and fills your body with the spirit of New Orleans. – Cassandra Damascus

spirit of that other boundary-breaker, Neil Young, with lyrics inspired by his evacuation during Katrina.

It seems a fitting testament to survival, and it leaves me hoping we hear more from this eclectic, independent artist. –Eric Layer

Irvin Mayfield A New Orleans Creole Christmas Basin Street Records The Grammy-nominated and Billboard Award Winning artist Irvin Mayfield's first holiday album, A New Orleans Creole Christmas, is the gift that keeps on giving. A bouncing rendition of “O Christmas Tree” kicks off the album. The song immediately exposes Mayfield’s jazz brilliance and reminds us why he is one of New Orleans most beloved natives. Also a professor at University of New Orleans, 36-year-old Mayfield’s effervescent album features tracks that are rich and romantic. The only thing missing is hot chocolate, candy canes, and snowfall in Jackson Square. Mayfield wishes each listener to “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” through songs that range from spirited to sultry. Spread the holiday cheer with Mayfield’s festive album; it will be the perfect gift for any family or friend. Sorry Elvis, your Christmas album will have to make room for New Orleans soul this holiday season. –Cassandra Damascus

Crash Hardly Criminal Community Music Louisiana native Crash’s – aka Chris Richard – first solo album, Hardly Criminal, resists easy labels. The laissez-faire groove of the title song showcases his powerfully vulnerable vocals, containing a nice, selfreflective lyrical turnaround. On “Motion Animal,” he takes on the swagger of a “Miss You”-era Jagger, and adds an R & B horn section on the gospel-tinged “Go Tell It on the Mountain” chorus.

That funky moment proves to be an anomaly. On the rest of the album, he tackles New Orleans street jazz (“If God was a Cajun”), backcountry swing (“All My Friends”), and classic folk (“Song for the Birds”), styles unified by his distinctively pretty falsetto and occasional native drawl.

His time spent with Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros (Crash is their percussionist and co-vocalist) must have rubbed off, as there’s a swooning optimism throughout the material, with a family-band type feel and the occasional modern touch, like the keyboard and warped effects of “Britches Catch Fire.” “High Wall” recalls the

GREAT FOOD, FRESH BEER GOOD TIMES & LIVE SPORTS

$5 COCKTAILS & APPETIZER SPECIALS AT HAPPY HOUR MON-FRI 4-6:30 PM S. Carey Range of Light Jagjaguwar Records S. Carey is everything you have ever wanted in terms of mellow music. I first popped in Range of Light on a rainy drive home and ended up driving past my apartment to finish out the nine-track album. It’s no real surprise that Carey is the former drummer of Bon Iver, as both artists are clearly successful at producing soft, easygoing tracks. The song titles are definitely an expression of each song; on tracks like “Glass/Film” and “Creaking” there is a simple visual and an associated feeling. Carey delivers a nostalgic album that delivers an image with each track. It’s easy to get lost in this album, especially with “Crown the Pines,” a dreamy tune that incorporates Carey’s vocals as well as Bon Iver’s singer Justin Vernon. While Carey’s singing voice makes only a few appearances, he continues to prove that he is instrumentally talented as well. –Leith Tigges @LeithTigges

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The Ponchartrain Wrecks The Ponchartrain Wrecks Independent Take a break from radio hits and give a listen to the classic and underrated Americana sound that is all over the latest album by The Pontchartrain Wrecks. The local four-man group creates songs that echo the lifestyle of the Louisiana Bayou, paying tribute to iconic groups like the Rolling Stones. The Pontchartrain Wrecks share that same rock and roll, giving proof in the track “Slow Train,” an easy-listening opener that gives listeners the perfect glimpse into what kind of music they can look forward to over the remaining 10 tracks. The songs “Anyway, Anyhow” and “Old Man River” offer plenty of blues/ alternative rock for fans to enjoy as lead singer Miles Cabeceiras offers up a piece of the Big Easy throughout the music.

No matter where you are, count on The Pontchartrain Wrecks to get you back into the Deep South. –Leith Tigges

WhereYat.com | December 2014 | 37

Pelicans Fly

By Christopher Louis Romaguera

“As both players age, it's seemingly inevitable that Davis will catch James.”

“At least a couple of times every game, he melts your brain in a way that only sports can.”

“Davis has more than lived up to his lofty preseason expectations…He's the new king of fantasy hoops.”

T

he first of these quotes is from stat guru Kevin Pelton; the second is from an NBA League Pass subscriber who writes for Grantland; the final is from the committee of one who does Power Rankings for ESPN. The point is, most national press coverage of the Pelicans consists of writers salivating over Anthony Davis. He is an unquestioned star in our league already, at the tender age of 21.

We’ve seen the progression, stared at the stat lines and rubbed our eyes wondering if it was our vision. It is great to see him say things like this after making a game-winning shot against the defending champion San Antonio Spurs: “[just] me being me, when I caught the ball, I was in attack mode…I just tried to make a good play. I just tried to be aggressive."

But the team as a whole has improved around their young superstar. The teams stats show this: PPG (105.6 to 99.7), RPG (44.1 to 41.7), APG (24.4 to 21.3), and Opp. PPG (98.4 to 102.4). It is telling that the team is in the top ten in the first three categories, and about league average in the last one.

Offense To start the season, there were questions about whether the team would have enough spacing to run an efficient offense.

But those questions have been answered.

Holiday’s return has brought much needed precision to an offense that executed poorly too often last year. Evans continues to attack the rim “without prejudice,” and Ryan Anderson opens up the offense with his range. The team is assisting at a high rate (5th in the league at the time of this writing).

And Davis continues to impress, being able to drive and finish from the high post, make mid-range jumpers, and be good for a highlight reel play or two a night.

The team still goes through periods where the offense gets too stagnant, especially when Holiday and Evans go to the bench. Davis also spends too many minutes on the floor without touching the ball at times. Of course the team shows what they can do in brilliant flashes, such as the 139-point shellacking of the Minnesota Timberwolves, when all cylinders were going for the whole game. While that is not likely/reasonable/possible to expect for the season, it shows the firepower the team has when they execute on both sides of the ball.

38 | December 2014 | Pelicans Fly

Defense Coach Monty Williams finally got what might have been the missing piece this year on defense in Omer Asik. He is the anchor Williams needed to cement his pick and roll defense and shore up the rebounding.

Williams still has his power forwards hedging out on pick and rolls, which requires multiple rotations that the Pelicans have yet to master. But the rotations should get better with time, and the team hopes to improve to a top-10 defense by the end of the year, a mark that most championship contenders eye.

The Pelicans didn’t make a proclamation of expecting to make the playoffs this season, knowing that they are in a murderer’s row of the Western Conference.

It is hard to pinpoint which team falls off from the top 8 of last season. But the Pelicans did say that improvement was the goal, which we are seeing. If the Pelicans can continue to improve, they should push for a playoff spot.

Photo by Gus Escanelle @CRomagueraWrite

WhereYat.com | December 2014 | 39

Here Around the Hearth

Bars with Cozy Fireplaces

I

By Emily Hingle

t’s cold outside, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying our city’s nightlife this winter. The fires will be roaring in these bars so that you can imbibe and unwind with your friends. Many of the bar hearths are located in the heart of the town, the French Quarter, because it’s the oldest part of the city. And some of these bars have a strong connection to the infamous privateer and smuggler Jean Lafitte, who operated in the French Quarter before moving to Barataria Bay and then becoming an unlikely hero by helping General Andrew Jackson win the Battle of New Orleans. Grab a cold one and warm up by the fire!

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop 941 Bourbon St. lafittesblacksmithshop.com This antiquated watering hole located on the far, quiet end of Bourbon Street is not just old-fashioned because of its two-sided fireplace, which is used throughout the winter. There aren’t many electrical lights in this bar at all. The shop was built in the 1700s, and it’s lit mostly by candlelight. You can often see famed pianist Mike Hood perform as part of the romantic atmosphere.

Café Lafitte in Exile 901 Bourbon St. lafittes.com Not too far away from Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop is another bar with Lafitte’s name. Café Lafitte in Exile has a sinister-looking flame constantly burning in a black cage near the doorway, surrounded by seating. Don’t fear, however, for the bar hosts one of the nicest local crowds you could hope to find in the Quarter. Although it is known as the oldest operating gay bar in America, all are welcome to enjoy drinks, weekly events like karaoke and the balcony.

This bar never closes.

40 | December 2014 | Bars with Cozy Fireplaces

Old Absinthe House 240 Bourbon St. ruebourbon.com/oldabsinthehouse On the other side of Bourbon Street, in a busier section, is a round bar with a large fireplace farther from the street that is lit on cold evenings. The building is at least 200 years old, and the Old Absinthe House claims that Jean Lafitte met with Andrew Jackson in the building to plan the attack on the British.

Backspace Bar 139 Chartres St. backspacenola.com Writers go with New Orleans like bitters go with a Sazerac cocktail. So many bars here can make a list of the famous authors who have spent some time there and present it like a trophy. A newer Quarter bar hopes to honor that tradition with a literary theme and an inviting fireplace right in the middle of the room that warms up the whole bar. Specialty cocktails include the Ernest Hemingway–inspired Death in the Afternoon, Truman Capote’s favorite Screwdriver, and the William Faulkner–motivated Mint Julep.

Bar Tonique 820 N. Rampart St. bartonique.com Cocktails began as a cure; alcohol and herbs mixed together were used for medicinal purposes as tonics. Bar Tonique believes that alcohol can be helpful and social; this large bar is usually packed with patrons there for the great daily specials on craft cocktails ($5 Bacon Bloody Mary on Saturdays), but there are still some cozy spots for privacy. The fireplace is on the side of the bar away from the door, so the heat emanates from the middle of the room.

Hermes Bar at Antoine’s 725 St. Louis St. antoines.com/hermes-bar The French Quarter's oldest restaurant has converted one of its dining rooms into a bar open to the street, with live music pouring out softly and a gorgeous fireplace along the wall. They have fantastic happy hour deals and 25 cent cocktails with your lunch.

The Irish House 1432 St. Charles Ave. theirishhouseneworleans.com The Irish House has a homey feel to it, and they built a big fireplace in their dining room and put a large communal couch right in front of it. One can quietly enjoy a book there with a nice pint or join in the traditional Irish music session held on Mondays or the monthly Sea Shanty Sing-alongs in front of the hearth. The Irish House also has free Wi-Fi if you want to surf while you enjoy the roaring flames.

The Victorian Lounge at The Columns Hotel 3811 St. Charles Ave. thecolumnshotel.com This award-winning bar located in the stately Columns Hotel invites guests and nonguests to enjoy a drink along the bar, or by the beautiful fireplace on the other side of the mahogany-laden room. Happy Hour is every day from 5-7 pm featuring, in part, $4 house wine and champagne. One can truly feel the grand antiquity of the nearly 150-year-old home that has been honored with a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. @EmilyHingle

WhereYat.com | December 2014 | 41

BarGuide Backspace Bar & Kitchen 139 Chartres St., 522-2216 backspacenola.com

The unique literary theme and rare specialty cocktails featured at Backspace lend a sense of sophistication and class you won’t easily find elsewhere.

Bamboula's 514 Frenchmen St. 944-8461

There’s a new music venue shaking up Frenchmen Street. Home of three bars and two music stages, Bamboula’s is making their mark on New Orleans.

Balcony Bar 3201 Magazine St. 894-8888

Well-known for their balcony overlooking Magazine Street, this gem also has plenty of beers on tap and a late night kitchen offering delivery.

Barcadia 601 Tchoupitoulas St. 335-1740

Home of the life-sized Jenga, 80’s arcade games and giant Connect Four, Barcadia is where you go to enjoy yourself, not just the beer.

Bottomline Beach Club 3408 28th St. 324-5777

Metairie's Bottomline Beach Club gives you the ultimate beach experience with volleyball tournaments and your favorite drink specials.

Buffa’s Bar 1001 Esplanade Ave. 949-0038

Buffa’s is a great neighborhood bar with even greater food. Try the Buffa-Lo Wings or a Buffa Burger with a drink from the bar.

Club Carribean 2443 Bayou Rd. 949-9246

Reggae and island music is the name of the game at this Mid-City classic located near the Fair Grounds.

Don’t miss Ladies Night when ladies drink free!

The Columns Hotel 3811 St. Charles Ave. 899-9308

The Columns Hotel is a favorite Uptown spot.

Add a little class to your night and enjoy a Sazerac inside at their Victorian Lounge Bar.

Known for the re-enactment of the movie, Coyote Coyote Ugly 225 N. Peters St., 561-0003 Ugly is a fantastic French Quarter bar with a bit of a fun and wild twist. coyoteuglysaloon.com Dino’s Bar & Grill 1128 Tchoupitoulas St. 558-0900

Offering great drink specials, burgers, and bartenders, Dino’s is great for any occasion. It is named after the “King of Cool,” Dean Martin, after all.

The Metropolitan is the premiere location for Generations Hall/Metro weekday private events and the place to dress up, 310 Andrew Higgins Dr. 568-1702, generationshall.com suit up, and drink up on the weekend.

Holy Ground 3340 Canal St. 821-6828

Holy Ground is your Mid-City staple for a great Irish Pub. Throw darts with your mates while enjoying a cold stout and great prices.

J&J’s Sports Lounge 800 France St., 942-8877 jjssportslounge.com

J&J’s features a courtyard, pool table and jukebox adding to the low-key feel that makes locals and neighbors feel right at home.

Kerry Irish Pub 331 Decatur St. 527-5954

Kerry’s Irish Pub is known for having the best Guinness in the Quarter, and for featuring live music every night of the week.

Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar This Warehouse District legend is known for great Happy Hours such as 3-for-1 drinks every 701 Tchoupitoulas St. Wednesday from 4 – 7 pm.

523-8995 Masquerade at Harrah’s 228 Poydras St., 533-6000 harrahsneworleans.com

Voted # 27 in Nightclub & Bar’s Magazine Top 100 Nightclubs, Masquerade is a hot spot featuring the nation’s top DJs, slots, and table games.

Ohm Lounge 601 Tchoupitoulas St. 335-1760, ohm-lounge.com

This Asian-deco lounge carries a large selection of sake, gourmet Asian tapas, great music, and specialty cocktails made from scratch.

Pat O’Brien’s welcomes patrons with a cool Pat O’Brien's 718 St. Peters St., 525-4823 atmosphere, an open patio area, and an outside bar to enjoy while eating one of their Creole dishes. patobriens.com Rick’s Cabaret 315 Bourbon St. 524-4222, iknowrick.com

Located in the center of all the action, this gentlemen’s club features some of the most beautiful women in New Orleans.

Rick’s Sporting Saloon 522 Bourbon St., 552-2510 Ricks-saloon.com

Rick’s Sporting Saloon is located in the heart of Bourbon Street and features 11 TVs for catching the big game while enjoying some adult entertainment.

Shamrock offers up the fun with their extensive Shamrock Bar & Grille collection of games for everyone to enjoy, including 4133 S. Carrollton Ave. 307-4350, shamrockparty.com air hockey, skee-ball, and even mini bowling lanes.

42 | December 2014 | Bar Guide

Tracey’s 2604 Magazine St., 897-5413 traceysnola.com

Known as the Original Irish Channel Bar, Tracey’s is a great spot to enjoy the winning combination of beer, food, and sports.

Tropical Isle Original 721 Bourbon St. 529-4109

Home of the Hand Grenade, Tropical Isle is a must stop while in New Orleans, with multiple locations up and down Bourbon Street.

Wit’s Inn 141 N. Carrollton Ave. 486-1600, witsinn.com

Come by Wit's Inn for fresh pizza and specialty sandwiches or stop in for their 3-for-1 shots on Wednesday nights.

WhereYat.com | December 2014 | 43

team-building exercise. Skip those touchy-feely trustdeveloping activities that some companies force you to participate in… no cheesy rope courses or blindfolded co-workers relying on you to guide them to safety in the name of interoffice camaraderie. Instead, go straight for the ultimate bonding experience. It’s sure to improve employee relations, if only for the night. So go ahead and bring home a life-sized goodie bag from the holiday shindig. You might get to blindfold a co-worker after all.

3. Definitely do take part in the Secret Santa gift exchange. You get free stuff, after all, so what’s not to love?

And all you have to do is pick up a tacky gift for a random stranger you don’t know well enough to shop for. But don’t be overly cheap (no regifting or dollar store bargains), overly generic (socks, journals, power tools and bath salts tend to be boring) or overly personal (anything batteryoperated or lace-trimmed is probably inappropriate, except when useful for number 2 above). Be sensitive. Things like self-help books, personal hygiene items of any sort and gym memberships have the potential to be taken the wrong way. Gift cards are great, but remember that they are equivalent to leaving the price tag on your present.

Everyone is going to know how much you spent, so you’ll have to spend more to avoid looking like a cheapskate.

Occupational Hazards

The Do's and Don't's of Holiday Office Parties

F

By Kathy Bradshaw

or most of you, the company holiday party season is around the corner. Here are the Do’s and Don’ts of company holiday party etiquette. If your company event is looming, this little guide may prove handy yet. But if you have already partied it up on your employer’s dime, hopefully you conducted yourself respectably. Keep this list around for next year, just in case.

1. The cardinal rule of company holiday parties and also the most obvious is don’t drink too much. Never let them see you puke. No one likes the company lush. You don’t want to be the drunken idiot who has to be sent home in a cab before the hors d’oeuvres are even passed. Besides, things get dangerous when you lose total control in front of co-workers. People who work together should never twerk together. Just saying.

That said, do drink. If you want to. Your company probably spent a lot of dough on liquor, and you should definitely take advantage. Take something back for all the time and hard work you’ve put in. Help manage the company capital through consumption of inventory and resources. And with or without alcohol, you really should loosen up and have a good time. You don’t want to get a reputation around the water cooler as the lame-o tightwad

4. Do schmooze. Get chummy with your managers. Chat up your boss over a few beers. What better time to hit him up for that promotion, or a big raise, than when he is liquored up and impressionable. But also, do censor your conversations. Don’t talk about taboo topics. Religion and politics and sometimes football are controversial and therefore off-limits. Sex is a no-no in this particular forum, and body parts should be left unmentioned...unless in the context of workplace-induced carpal tunnel syndrome. The whole office has seen the adorable family photos pinned up in your cubicle, and that’s great. But don’t go on for hours about your amazing children’s feats of wonder. Nor give drawn-out, detailed descriptions of little Chloe’s bout with a stomach virus. No one wants to hear that while stuffing their face at the sushi bar. Family holiday cookie recipes and HGTV are always safe bets as topics of conversation.

5. Every holiday party usually involves some sort of a take-home gift or trinket—your employer’s futile attempt to pay tribute to all your hard work. So just take what you can get and gratefully accept it. Don’t complain about

who never has any fun. And while sloppy drunkenness usually causes trouble (see above), a good buzz can bring about more agreeable things. Like workplace hook-ups.

Which leads us to number 2.

2. Don’t sleep with your boss. Even if you think it sounds like a good idea to sleep your way to the top, these things have a way of backfiring. Maybe you are the type who finds authority sexy. So find a nice cop to date. Or a gym teacher. But keep your hands off your boss. It is far too complicated and almost never ends well. On a similar note, don’t sleep with your boss’s wife, either. Not a good path to job security.

But since office party hook-ups are bound to happen anyway, do choose wisely. If you must sleep with someone, make the best of the situation. Consider it a

44 | December 2014 | Do's and Don't's of Holiday Office Parties

Do take part in Secret Santa. You get free stuff...what's not to love?

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

If you must hook-up with someone, make the best of the situation. your company’s giveaway. Naturally you’d rather have a holiday bonus of a more fiscal variety, but don’t look a gift boss in the mouth. Whether it’s a voucher for ham, a motivational coffee mug, or a case of bananas, be happy you got anything at all.

Of course a koozie with the company logo is never going to compensate for the blood, sweat and tears you’ve shed for your job, but suck it up and be appreciative. Do hug your boss for the great party. Thank him for the opportunity to work for such a fine establishment. And take your cheap-o pen set and run.

6. Don’t be difficult. Don’t send the hors d’oeuvres back to be recooked or special-order food from the buffet (“Can I get those cocktail wienies with a gluten-free bun?”). Similarly, don’t order labor-intensive mojitos or fancy craft cocktails at an open bar. It’s obnoxious, mean to the bartender and makes you look pretentious and snooty.

(However, Jägerbombs are probably not a very professional alternative at a company function, even if you are trying to bond with the guys). There’s nothing wrong with wanting the best, but you have to pick your battles. And while vegan crab cakes might sound like a good idea at the time, wouldn’t you rather hold out for that corner office?

Anyone who looks at your asset portfolio by day probably isn’t interested in looking at your ass by night. (Unless, of course, number 2 applies. See above). Do be careful what you request the DJ to play. There’s nothing wrong with rockin’ out to the soundtrack of Annie when you’re home alone, but quirky musical tastes are sometimes better left outside the office. The entire accounting department doing the Electric Slide or the Cupid Shuffle is just awkward. Also, don’t make a pig of yourself. We all love a good dessert buffet, but don’t overdo it and load up three plates full, either. Your co-workers will make snide remarks about your piggishness, and then make inappropriate fat jokes behind your back. And they’ll never again let you know when there are donuts in the conference room. Now that’s a hard-knock life.

Don't drink too much.

People who work together should never twerk together.

7. To sum it up, the bottom line is: Don’t embarrass yourself. Don’t bring a shady or promiscuous date as a plus-one, unless you’re married to them, in which case you have no choice. Do bring a dish to pass for a potluck dinner. Don’t dress like a slut. Do keep it tasteful. No cleavage-revealing tops or super short, booty-showing dresses.

8. And finally, don’t call in sick the next day. It doesn’t matter if you really did get carjacked by aliens on the way home from the party, spent the night in the police station filling out paperwork, then suddenly came down with strep throat, all while having an unexpected family emergency, and then got stuck in traffic (once you got your car back from the carjackers). No one is going to believe you anyway. And unless you can get a doctor’s note for a hangover, you’d better plan on showing up for work.

Pack some ibuprofen and a gallon jug of water and suffer through the day. At least you know you won’t be alone. Plenty of the staff will be sharing your pain. Misery loves company, and the day after the holiday party everyone at your company is sure to be miserable.

Main image courtesy Comedy Central

WhereYat.com | December 2014 | 45

Indywood South

T

he idea for Indywood, like most great New Orleans ideas, came in a bar. Unlike most great New Orleans ideas, the bar was in Prague. Will Sampson was attending film school. While drinking with two friends, they stumbled upon a way to answer two of independent filmmakers’ biggest questions: “How are you going to fund your film?” and “How are you going to distribute it?” Will says they figured out a way to “combine crowdfunding with online distribution” in a one-stop-shop website.

Many high-fives later, Will contacted a cousin who runs his own business. Book list in tow, Will started reading about how to get this business off the ground. But Will is a filmmaker; he doesn’t have the same passion for business. And like a bookmark that is tucked away in a story you know you should finish but will never get around to, the business got lost in the fold.

On Fat Tuesday of 2013, Will was riding his bicycle when an unknown assailant punched him. He woke up on Ash Wednesday with a bunch of neurosurgeons staring at him. Sister Hayley Sampson came to town to help Will out. On the last day of Hayley’s visit, Will convinced her to take him to a lecture on why the Louisiana film tax credits should be cut.

The lecture sparked an interest in the business-minded (and savvy) Hayley, and she decided to move to New Orleans to spearhead the website project with Will.

But this is not a Hollywood story. Financial backers thought the website idea was risky.

Artists kicked the siblings out of an art co-op for being “heartless capitalists.” After some travails, Hayley said she talked “to the people that knew us, trying to get a gauge of what they’d want our company to actually be, and they just wanted to see films… especially the local films.”

Neighborhood movie palaces have a rich history in the city. Prytania has cheated death multiple times and still shows films.

Zeitgeist is a good neighborhood theater with a strong following. But there wasn’t

46 | December 2014 | Indywood South

By Christopher Louis Romaguera

a theater on this side of Canal Street.

Indywood may not be a palace in a classical sense — it's small, taking up residence in a former laundromat — but it is every bit a neighborhood movie theater.

Indywood shows everything from second-run films to the classics, from independent films to cult and foreign films.

They’ve hosted festivals such as the New Orleans Horror Film Festival and were a BYOB venue for this year’s New Orleans Fringe Festival. Free beer was given out during an event for the New Orleans Film Festival. The siblings have hosted multiple short films contests and screened some films from the 48 Hour Film Project (including Will’s El Pogo Fuego).

The Future Will and Hayley’s aspirations include teaching youths how to make films. Will says, “Filmmaking is very much an art form that can appeal to the youth.” The siblings also strive to create a space where people can go to rent equipment, the idea being that Indywood would be a place where one can go to learn how to make a movie, then make, screen and distribute that movie.

Until then, Indywood will continue showing movies, hoping to initiate conversation and spark epiphanies, acting as a cross between a café for writers and an offshoot of “Come out and support local films.” As Will sums it up, “If we’re actually going to have a self-sufficient film industry here, we have to have filmmakers working in pre-production, production and postproduction who all live here, who all are working here, who are making movies that are coming from here, not just being shot here. It’s crucial to teach high school kids how to make movies and turn them on to movies now.”

Indywood is trying to make a footprint in the film industry any way they can. And like when watching a good movie, I’m loving the ride. @CRomagueraWrite

WhereYat.com | December 2014 | 47

FilmReviews

Catch Where Y'at Movie Editor David Vicari and critic Fritz Esker's “Dueling Critics” blog at WhereYat.com.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay: Part 1 By David Vicari It seems unfair to review Mockingjay – Part 1, because, as the title states, it is Part 1. The final scene cuts off rather than give the viewer an actual conclusion to this particular film. We have to wait an entire year to see Part 2.

I suspect that Parts 1 and 2 should be seen as one complete movie to be fully appreciated. I'm actually tired of the final installment of books-to-movie versions being split in two. However, The Hunger Games films are much better than the drab Harry Potter films, and far superior to the stink-a-rino Twilight series.

This, the third in The Hunger Games series, is a tension builder and less of an action film. Clearly, the big action set pieces are reserved for Part 2. In the previous installment, Catching Fire, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) seemingly puts an end to the televised battle-to-the-death games she has been forced to participate in.

Now, she is seen as a symbol of hope in the totalitarian society that she inhabits. Leader of the rebel forces, Alma Coin (Julianne Moore) and game creator Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman in his final role), convince Katniss to play the political propaganda game in an attempt to overthrow the evil President Snow (Donald Sutherland). In return for her service, Katniss wants Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and other tributes rescued from the Capital.

Director Francis Lawrence (Constantine, Water for Elephants) keeps things moving at a good clip, and unlike the Harry Potter movies, this actually feels cinematic and not like a dull stage reading of the book. Memorable moments in Mockingjay – Part 1 include Katniss' visit to the demolished District 12, and the bombing of the rebels bunker, which is nerverackingly intense.

Once again Jennifer Lawrence gives it her all. She holds the film together and is the main reason we are looking forward to Mockingjay – Part 2. That's star power for you.

Interstellar By David Vicari Christopher Nolan's sprawling epic Interstellar wants to be Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) by way of David Lean. Does is succeed? Not quite, but still it is an intelligent science fiction journey that is ultimately a rewarding experience.

In the near future, Earth is becoming unstable.

Farmer and NASA pilot Joseph Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) is recruited to fly a space craft through a wormhole in an attempt to find an inhabitable planet for the people of Earth. But that isn't the half of it. The most intriguing part of the drama is that hours for the space travelers on other planets equal years back on Earth.

The emotional core here is Cooper's relationship with his daughter Murph. McConaughey delivers a supercharged performance, but he doesn't carry the picture alone. Mackenzie Foy is excellent as the ten-year-old Murph, and the character graduates to the equally fine Jessica Chastain as the adult Murph. Anne Hathaway is also very good as the chief scientist/biologist of the expedition.

The introduction of a flesh and blood villain at the end of the second act doesn't really work. It seemed to be included so the film would have a fast-paced action sequence, as if the filmmakers were uncertain that the audience would still be invested in the story if they didn't amp up the action.

Still, Interstellar is a thought-provoking mind-bender in the vein of Nolan's Inception (2010), and is a trip well worth taking.

48 | December 2014 | Film Reviews

D

Dueling Critics: Whiplash

By David Vicari and Fritz Esker

ueling Critics is a Where Y’at feature where movie critics David Vicari and Fritz Esker engage in some Siskel & Ebert-style banter about a new film. For this installment, they discuss the music drama Whiplash.

Fritz: I've been seeing movies with you for over 10 years now, and I often have no idea how you'll react to a movie after it ends. But when Whiplash faded to black, I felt almost 100% certain you loved it, just as I did. Why is it one of the best movies of the year?

David: Well, this drama about a clash between a young drum student (Miles Teller) and his sociopathic instructor ( J. K. Simmons) just explodes with such savage intensity from the word go. It's more riveting and alive than most films we see. The scenes of teacher and student locking horns are fiery and emotional, and the drumming scenes themselves are phenomenal.

Of course the performances by Teller and Simmons are great, but I would also credit writer and director Damien Chazelle for his confident direction and breakneck pacing. There are moments - like when Teller's character, Andrew, is racing to make a concert - that could have came off as silly or unbelievable in lesser hands. Wouldn't you agree?

Fritz: Yeah, the movie moves at such a breakneck pace that in the more far-fetched scenes like that, you don't have enough time to catch your breath and question what's going on.

What I appreciated about the writing was the accuracy and depth in which they captured a bully (Simmons) on screen.

Bullies aren't lunatics all the time; if they were, people would easily dismiss or ignore them. They're unpredictable and keep their victims emotionally off-balance. They're also charming in small doses, just enough to make others want to please them or give them the benefit of the doubt when they should just run for the hills. Simmons is loathsome, but charismatic and intelligent enough to make you understand why people would buy into his abuse. How did you feel about its portrayal of an abusive,

co-dependent relationship?

David: I felt it rang true. Just as an audience member I was buying the moments when Simmons' character was acting like the nice guy. I think we all want to be accepted, even by the bullies, so it's not a false notion when Teller's character wants to be embraced by this despicable teacher. Yes, they fuel each other, for better or for worse Fritz: Right, people always take for granted people like Andrew's father (Paul Reiser), who are generally accepting and empathetic. People always focus on what they don't have, so they crave the approval of bullies and jerks. There's a romantic subplot in the film that doesn't get much screen time. Did you feel that added anything to the film, or was it the weak link?

David: The romantic subplot was there for a reason, and so was the fact that it doesn't get much screen time. I think Andrew's relationship with Nicole (Melissa Benoist) fits in well with the fact that this kid is obsessed with drumming and playing the game of psychological chess with his professor. He feels he doesn't have time for romance, but he doesn't have the foresight to realize he is on the verge of ruining his life. Did you feel there were any weak links?

Fritz: Not really, I felt the subplots with Nicole and Andrew's family served a purpose. As you say, that subplot and the one with his family show how you can ruin your life when you pursue one thing at the expense of all others.

Whiplash is a lock for my best list at the end of the year. Do you have anything else to add, other than that people need to give this movie a chance amidst the higherprofile November releases?

David: Only that Whiplash is definitely going on my best of the year list as well.

WhereYat.com | December 2014 | 49

TalesFromTheQuarter

By Debbie Lindsay

Sunday brunch 11am-3pm, Bistro everyday till 10 pm

anksgiving Day, Reveillon dinner, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day reservations now being taken!

Rock in the New Year w/ Live Music, Party Favors & Champagne Toast at Midnight!

Come Back New Year’s Day & Get Lucky w/ Our Black Eye Peas & Cabbage!

Welcome to Christmas One and All

T

o all the Bah Humbuggers out there: Christmas is for everyone, and everyone would do well to celebrate this holiday. Find your own niche and nudge yourself toward it. Sure, there are those who say it’s just for the kids, or Christians, or Walmart’s profit margin—but I say to all: “Celebrate!”

Some years back a dear friend sent me a Christmas card and apologized for doing so since I am atheist. I wrote back to tell her I adore Christmas, that I don’t just observe this holiday, I rejoice in it. I do not begrudge my friends their religious beliefs. I am in fact profoundly grateful to those Christians who gave us this festive season that’s so darn fun.

Through the years I have received more flack for not believing in exchanging Christmas gifts than for my heathen ways. The best gift my parents ever gave my sister and me was suggesting the deletion of Christmas gift giving. This took the pressure off and no longer did we sit around the tree feigning wide-eyed excitement and surprise over the requested gift while worrying whether we had spent too little or too much money. Maybe this modification on the Santa-like festivities would not have gone over so well with my sister and me had we still been kids, but as adults it was a relief. Now we could concentrate on enjoying the holidays and not have to endure the crushing crowds at the mall.

Gift giving and tokens of affection should be great fun, but maxing out your credit cards or avoiding loved ones due to a lack of funds to distribute gifts is just plain stupid.

A divorced dad I knew once declined to visit his little girl one Christmas because he could not afford gifts for her. Now, what do you think would have meant more to her: her dad or some toy? Think about Thanksgiving—that’s a big holiday with many festivities and such, yet somehow everyone manages to participate without buying and receiving presents.

My friend Marinnette taught me a nice lesson on gift giving. Give someone a “happy.” This is her name for a gift that is given anytime and often for no reason other than to make someone happy. A thrift

store find, a cutting from your favorite plant, a pie, yummy leftovers, a hand-me-down dress…anything that makes someone smile without making them feel obligated or uncomfortable. Christmastime or anytime—a “happy” works.

Boyfriend and I have bought into the Christmas present thing somewhat. We have all been programmed to associate Christmas with gift giving, so we humor this desire with a $10 limit each on Walgreen gift items. Even with this budget we manage to fill the living room floor with an hour’s worth of gaudy packages to tear open on Christmas morning. Many of the gifts are, of course, from and to our dogs and cats.

The first Christmas we “Walgreened it,” I unwrapped a cute little tchotchke, thinking how familiar it looked, and then noticed a blank space on the bookshelf where it had been gathering dust. You don’t have to break the bank to have gift-wrapped fun.

I love having Christmas traditions and rituals. Back in the Mobile days, my girlfriend Carolyn would throw a treetrimming party, and lifelong friendships were made there among the ornaments, strung popcorn and glasses of wine. She lived on the third floor of our apartment building and I lived on the second floor, so as friends climbed the stairwell they would stop first at my door for frozen ice cream Brandy Alexanders.

It was all so Martha Stewart on a budget— tasteful in a we-ain’tgot-no-money way.

Now, tasteful was not the word to describe the annual Christmas party my friend Mike and I would come to host some years later on the Saturday preceding Christmas. We went for quantity, not quality, when it came to our guest list.

Our invitations took the form of flyers that we’d place on car windshields at Bel Air Mall.

Name tags were a must, since strangers made up a good percentage of the party.

My parents always attended and were so impressed by our large number of friends.

Through the years my personal traditions have ranged from celebrating with lots of family and friends to quiet times with Boyfriend at home. Whether putting on the glitz or wrapped in a quilt watching It’s a Wonderful Life, Christmas is a state of mind that should be nurtured. Indulge yourself and those around you with a bit of magic.

Share a meal with friend, sit on your porch and sip some wine with the neighbors, go caroling, visit a nursing home, buy a round of cheer at your favorite watering hole, go to Mass, buy a Christmas tree, send cards— just do something that feels happy and good. Merry Christmas!

Give someone a “happy"...a gift that is given anytime and often for no reason other than to make someone happy.

50 | December 2014 | Tales From The Quarter

Po-BoyViews By Phil LaMancusa ZuZu's Petals Or Three-Sixty-Five Hero

W

hiskers the cat waits at Jefferson Feed out on the highway for a forever home. Whiskers isn’t young, her chances are slim. At her last home, where she never asked for a baby to be born, a toddler who decided to pick her up by the tail got scratched; now there is a sign on her cage that says “Sweet and gentle, best for a home without children.” Today the store is dark and lonely, closed for a holiday. Whiskers doesn’t know what she did wrong to deserve desertion by the couple she loved and who loved her in return. She cries.

Marcie, a single mother of two, takes a taxi to work; buses are on holiday schedule and she would be either an hour early or an hour late for her shift. “Keep Christ in Christmas” she mutters as she prays that she makes enough waiting on strangers to cover her expenses for the day. Her holiday won’t start until the afternoon; her kids will spend their Christmas morning with the neighbors.

Malcolm (Mal), the taxi driver, is as quiet as Marcie on the way in—Christmas quiet— reflecting on his life (a universal tendency during the holidays). He should be home but he’d rather be out here; his Old Lady’s back is out again, his daughter’s run off with

some no account and his boy is on his fourth tour—getting shot at—in some Third World country. Mal didn’t figure that growing old would be like this, and he has the feeling that this is as good as his world is going to get.

Winston is picking up an extra shift this week and that’s okay with him. Winston is “retired,” meaning the world thinks he’s too old to employ and he can only pick up work part-time: buffet tender, carver, runner, or—in today’s case—omelet maker. So, Christmas for Winston will be spent standing in the dining room with a frying pan and a grin; he has no family to speak of, so it’s all the same to him.

Sophia was dropped off at the pound one Christmas Day. She was pregnant, had heartworms and someone had felt it necessary to dock her tail. She went into kennel shock, and if it hadn’t been for someone at the pound recognizing that she was a sweet, special dog, she would have received a dose of gas for the holidays. Sophie doesn’t really remember that time; she’s got a good home now and to her a holiday is when everyone is home and all lovin’ on her and each other.

Junior sits in Orleans Parish Prison this holiday season. Everything about it sucks: the food, the wardrobe and the company he’s forced to keep.

If he’s guilty of mayhem, mischief, murder, maliciousness or merely WWB (walking while black), that will be up to the authorities to decide after their days off. Neither Junior nor his family can make bail, especially this time of year, and to them Santa’s just some fat white dude who favors other people’s children.

Oh well, maybe they’ll put some cranberry sauce on his baloney sandwich and have some kind of Christian service on Christmas

Day. Thank you, Lord.

“Della and Jim live in a shabby flat and they’re poor. But they love each other.” He sells his watch to buy her combs for her beautiful long hair, while she sells her hair to buy him an elegant platinum chain for his watch. Gift of the Magi; yadda, yadda, yadda.

Somewhere in Norman Rockwell’s world a nuclear family (mother, father, 2.5 children) sits down to a wonderful dinner. Their rescue puppy and adopted tortoiseshell feline lie snoozing by the fire. Or, Grandma’s clasping her hands with joy at the front door as that GM station wagon full of children and grandchildren pulls up for a “real” holiday with the “folks” complete with snow on the ground, smoke from the chimney and presents under the tree. It’s possibly your

“Della and Jim live in a shabby flat and they’re poor. But they love each other.” life, but…

Somewhere at an urban mission the homeless shuffle in line for a hot meal before spending the night at some cardboard metropolis under the highway. There’s no fire to warm their hands and visions of being rousted by the local screws fill their dreams.

There are a million stories of holiday misery and miracles.

Miracles being in short supply these days, we’ve got to figure that no matter what our tribulations are, there are those who are less fortunate, ofttimes much less fortunate.

Be at peace knowing that we’re all doing the best we can from our beginnings to our ends and that a modicum of empathy goes a very long way.

This holiday season, think about taking a little time out to ring a bell to give an angel its wings. Happy Holidays.

Po-Boy Views | December 2014 | 51

Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant offers up wild drinks, great food and that easy attitude found on the sandy fringes of civilization. The Attic at Lucy's is a second floor party space for everything from Football watch parties to unique receptions.

Call for availability 504-259-3259. Hanging loose for 30 years.

Chat NIKKI REYES with

<< Lance Zeigler Bar Manager, Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar

<<Rachel Theis Walker Marketing Associate, NOCCA

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Give him a nice Yuletide slap!

Pushing the other elves to work harder during my break.

Sweet little ass!

Myself a pack of cigarettes.

Ham.

<< Nicole Savana Event Manager/The Party Girl, Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar 1.

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I would whisper, "You need a mint."

Wearing and making lipstick.

Toes! Clean toes.

A card…a designer card!

The sweets.

Cough and get up.

Lingerie. Wearing it while making it.

Bosom.

A Four Loko. After that? Priceless.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes.

The Nikki Reyes Show Thurs., 5 p.m.

WGSO 990am

Where Y’at Chat Questions: 1.

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Merry YOU! You're on St. Nick's lap and notice his bad breath. What would you do?

You're an elf in Santa’s workshop! What is your specialty?

Fill in the blank...."Jack Frost nipping at your____________."

You only have $5 for a loved one's holiday gift. What would you buy?

It's our Holiday Dining Guide! What "holiday" food could you do without? ^^ Duke Heitger Jazz Trumpeter/Composer

<< Jenna Gremillion Bartender Extraordinaire, Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar

<< Tom Collins 747 Commercial Pilot

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I would ask, “Do you want a tic-tac, they're delicious?”

I'm the other elves' liquid, goodies, provider!

Double dose margaritas.

A bone. For my DAWG! Green bean casserole.

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Give him a one-way trip to the North Pole!

Cooking for the hoards.

My Saints season.

A bag full of Pixie dust.

Turkey.

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<<Keith Ballas Owner/President, Rockstar Enterprises

<< Tari Hohn Actress/Designer/Entrepreneur

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I would turn away and find another Santa.

Designing the best remote controls. Thank you!!

Ass. A card.

Turkey.

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Give him a candy cane. It's apropos.

Apologizing.

Dignity.

Beignets and coffee.

A candy cane.

Every Santa has bad breath. So, I'll still tell him what I want.

Making magic dust. I am a Designer!

Ear…and don't forget the other one.

An experience! Two small coffees and a walk in the park!

Cranberry sauce. From a can.

<< Dina Sandakli "Mamma D's Threading," The Look Salon

<< Joey Di Fatta Director of Government Affairs, St. Bernard Sheriff's Office

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Take out a mint and say, "I have a gift for you!"

Make all healthy foods delicious.

Elbow.

A photo and a card.

Eggnog.

52 | December 2014 | Where Y'at Chat

I would ask, "Was that fish you ate, or something else?"

Making sure Santa's wife is happy.

Ass. Nikki, you can't write what I want to say!

Does it have to be food?

WhereYat.com | December 2014 | 53

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Brought to you by:

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Where Ya' Been?

7 1.

The Sirens performed a special show at the LA-SPCA’s Howling Success party.

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Playboy Playmate DJ Summer Altice spun the tunes at Harrah’s Masquerade.

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Former Saint Jeff Charleston shows off his Super Bowl hardware at the LA-SPCA’s "Howling Success" party.

4.

Steve Gleason with the help of Sig introduced The Foo Fighters at Voodoo Fest.

Saints players Cameron Jordan, Keenan Lewis, and Zach Strief enjoyed The Keenan Lewis Foundation fundraiser.

10. Ross and Sam celebrated the legacy of George Rodrigue at La Fete ‘14.

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54 | December 2014 | Where Ya' Been

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WDSU’s Jay Galle enjoyed Howling Success at the Hyatt with wife Diana Chauvin of La Thai Uptown.

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The DDD’s Kurt Weigel and Jennifer enjoy the Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation’s La Fete ‘14.

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The Saints Superfans were out in force at The Keenan Lewis Foundation fundraiser.

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Supergirl was spotted at Barcadia on Halloween night.