Best of the Big Easy 2015

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4 | June 2015 | Where Y'at Magazine

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CONTENTS Features 8 Writers' Picks 12 Readers' Picks 20 Weird Louisiana Laws 22 Six Hikes Near NOLA

June 2015 Vol. 18 No. 12 Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Josh Danzig Creative Director: Greg Roques Music/Assistant Editor: Emily Hingle Movie Editor: David Vicari Copy Editor: Susan Broadhurst

28 Jazz Fest Revisited

Contributing Writers: Kathy Bradshaw, 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, Greg Roques, Celeste Turner, Kimmie Tubre, David Vicari

32 Music Calendar

Cover by James Macaluso

38 Lakeside 2 Riverside

Director of Sales: Jeremie Ertle

Music & Events 26 Ones to Watch

Dining 40 Bar Guide 42 Readers' Picks: Dining 48 Food News 50 $20 and Under 52 Restaurant Guide

Extras 56 Film Reviews

Photographers: Scott Chernis, Gus Escanelle, Jason Hall, Steve Hatley, Jorge Menes, Gary LoVerde, Romney, Greg Roques Interns: Natalie Adams, Rachel Davis, Erica Goldish, Ashley Larsen, Chris Plattsmier, Harry Tarpey, Kevin Quinet Subscribe: Receive 1 year (14 issues) for $30 and get a FREE Where Y’at CD. Subscribe today at WhereYat.com.

Logo © 2015 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

58 Around the Web 60 Tales from the Quarter 61 Po-Boy Views 62 Where Ya' Been?

We received more votes than ever for this year’s Best of the Big Easy contest—thank you! Don’t miss the infamous Where Y’at Writers’ Picks.

Our writers share some of their secrets of the best things to eat, drink, see, and do in New Orleans.

Speaking of awards, have you been to WhereYat.com? Our website is one of the most award-winning websites in the country, so check it out on your desktop, tablet, or phone today.

Ever wonder how to speak “yat”? Then don’t miss Chris Plattsmier’s great “New Orleans Slang” article. He also shares the bizarre side of living in Louisiana with his “Weird Laws in Louisiana” piece that is guaranteed to make you laugh.

June means graduation and the beginning of summer vacation. If you’re looking for a quick getaway then don’t miss Greg Roques’ “Six Hikes Near New Orleans.” There are many fantastic spots within a quick drive of the city that make for great mini-vacations.

Otherwise, stay cool and dry!

—Josh Danzig, Publisher

6 | June 2015 | Table of Contents

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Dining The Best Taste of New Orleans Destination Kitchen Tours destination-kitchen.com Got company coming? Send or take them on a culinary tour with stops at local food vendors and guides that can fill them up with the history and traditions of our city’s iconic culinary culture. Put your money where your mouth is and get satiated! The walking and eating tour takes three hours and is filling for both soul and stomach. By the way, tipping is appropriate and appreciated. Tell them Phil sent you. – Phil LaMancusa Best Breakfast for Pyromaniacs Brennan’s 417 Royal St. The world-famous Brennan’s is open again, and once again serving eggs Benedict with the best of them. Not only can you feast on a delicious meal, prepared by a James Beard–nominated chef, but you can satisfy your inner arsonist at the same time. If you are into watching things burn, you’ll be fired up about this place. Order their signature Bananas Foster and they’ll flambé the dessert for you tableside. This means a front-row seat to watch them do tricks with a skillet full of flames. There will be fireballs up to the ceiling and blazing bananas all aglow. They also serve Crêpes Fitzgerald—homemade strawberry crépes—which they likewise torch for you right there at your table. It’s your own personal bonfire in a pan. There’s only one thing better than seeing these desserts combust, and that’s tasting them. Delicious. – Kathy Bradshaw Best Bar for Crawfish Boils Clesi’s Catering 4413 Banks St. The back of Banks St. Bar is currently the home of Clesi’s Catering, which serves up large batches of the city’s besttasting crawfish and more from noon to 10 p.m. (midnight on Fridays and Saturdays). They’ve even opened up a lovely indoor seating area, but many patrons enjoy sitting on the picnic tables along Banks St. Clesi has been boiling for gatherings of all sorts for all of his life and has been making a big buzz on Banks St. Don’t miss out on the well-deserved hype! – Emily Hingle Best Place to OD on Sugar Yogurt Land 4903 Prytania St. Here’s the scenario: you fill a cup with as many frozen yogurt combinations as you can fantasize…Salted Dark Chocolate, Hershey’s Chocolate Milkshake, Caramel Hazelnut Gelato. But you don’t stop there. Next, you are presented with a corner store’s worth of candy to cover it with – I’m talking Reese’s Peanut Butter Minis, M&Ms, mashed-up Kit Kats, you name it. Finally, unlike at other ice cream parlors, you pay by weight, giving you control over your finances and your portion control. What more could you ask for? Well, additional flavors are premiered every few

8 | June 2015 | Best of the Big Easy: Writers' Picks

weeks like new Netflix programs, ready for you to binge on.

The free fruit-garnished water by the door is a fancy touch, too. – Greg Roques Best Future Food and Drink Hotspot(s) The Paramount 611 O Keefe Ave. The Paramount, a luxury apartment complex in the CBD, will soon open businesses on its mixed-use first floor. Among its residents: Willa Jean, pastry chefs Kelly Fields and Lisa White’s new bakery for the Besh Restaurant Group; Adam Biderman’s Company Burger 2, which will carry over his Uptown menu and add a bar with 24 draft posts; and Ursa Major, a new concept from the team behind Booty’s Street Food, serving up small plates and cocktails inspired by the night sky. – Andrew Marin Best New Hangover Soup Rebellion Bar & Urban Kitchen 748 Camp St. NOLA has its beloved yaka mein and ubiquitous pho, but Rebellion’s ramen is a great addition to local hangover cures. House-made noodles and master stock (prepared daily with stock from the previous day, building flavor ad infinitum) are satisfying enough. But braised pork belly, a deep-fried egg with a soft yolk, bamboo shoots and a wasabiarugula hybrid flower enhance the dish. The rest of the menu has no lack of flavor, and the liquor license arrives soon. – Andrew Marin Best Place to Enjoy Tacos and Beer Tacos & Beer 1622 St. Charles Ave. Centrally located on “The Avenue,” Tacos & Beer has created the ideal formula for combining authentic tacos and Mexican food with craft beers. Their New Orleans location features deck-style outdoor dining, festive indoor dining, a friendly staff and fantastic service.

With a variety of tacos and an extensive alcohol menu that includes dynamite margaritas, Tacos & Beer is an asset to the Big Easy. The New Orleans location is the newest of three, with the other two in Slidell and Hammond. – Kimmie Tubre

Brennan's zero membership fee. Yes! Free and open to all—just show up and get wet. There’s plenty of adult serious swim time, kiddie time and everyone together time. Also, swim and aerobic classes are offered (free). This Olympic-sized pool is crystal clear and outdoors so you can catch a few rays and simply enjoy summertime like ya ain’t done since you were a kid. – Debbie Lindsey Best Place to Take the Tots The Children’s Museum 420 Julia St. So, you’re having a good time and your friends are having a good time. The kids need to have a good time, too. The Children’s Museum features three floors of unadulterated kid’s stuff to do, see, touch, run, skip, dress up and play, play, play! They’ll have hours of fun and a gang of young adults to pick up after them. There’s a play restaurant, food store, story time, hideaway spots, art, education and much, much more. – Phil Lamancusa Best Place to Have a Drink with a Water Buffalo Black Penny 700 N. Rampart St. The brand new neighborhood bar Black Penny, on the corner of N. Rampart and St. Peter Streets in the French Quarter, is already bringing in thirsty regulars, despite being open only since February 2015.

It’s a hospitable joint. The decor is rustic and the wood beams, exposed brick, cement floors and wood-paneled walls give it the feel of an urban hunting lodge. The drinks are just as unpretentious as the atmosphere: no frou-frou girly drinks or craft cocktails here; this is a beer and whiskey bar. Sip a beer from a selection of over 60 brews under the watchful eye of the guardian water buffalo head mounted on the wall. Bartender Tandie says that she and owner Michael West (a former Erin Rose headman) attended the streetcar planning meetings for

BMa c's Courtyard

Entertainment Best Swim Club Stallings Gentilly Pool 1600 Gentilly Blvd.

Stallings Gentilly Pool is my favorite swim club. It has very strict requirements to belong: you must love to swim, be willing to make new friends and have no problem with a

years. Once they knew that the Rampart line was a sure thing, they snatched up the bar’s location. They hope that the new streetcar will make their bar easier to get to and more accessible for patrons. However you get there, it’s definitely worth the trip. – Kathy Bradshaw Best Spin-Off of an Old Classic BMac’s 819 St. Louis St. When Ray Newman, owner of beloved dive bar Chart Room, recently passed away, his widow, Brenda Mac, took her bar management skills, a bunch of Chart Room regulars, half the staff there and Ray’s legacy and moved several blocks away to open a new bar in his honor.

Sometimes referred to as “Chart Room North,” Brenda now runs BMac’s, which was an instant success. Her goal is to maintain that Chart Room feel in a new location with a friendly locals’ bar complete with living-room ambiance and neighborhood prices. She offers crawfish boils, BBQs and fish fries on weekends, or just a daily “little munchie” at happy hour…all free of charge. “I like to give back to my guests,” says Brenda. If cheap drinks and free food aren’t enough to get you in here (or the free Wi-Fi or all major sports channels on the TV), check out the beautiful courtyard out back. Big enough to put the whole Chart Room in it, it’s got pretty twinkly lights and an alreadyfamous light-up LED tree. Come in and drink one to Ray. – Kathy Bradshaw Best Place to Take a Late-Night Bathroom Break Harrah’s 228 Poydras St. The other night on Royal Street, two girls ran past me, screaming that they had to pee. Beside the courthouse, they dropped trou and took care of business on the sidewalk. Fortunately I couldn’t hear that dreadful sound of liquid splashing on concrete over their giggling. I don’t recommend this location. The streetlight there makes public urination even less private. And besides, it’s within pissing distance of the police station. A better option?

Harrah’s Casino. There, you have 24-hour access to nice, clean bathrooms with all the amenities, including full-length mirrors, drinking fountains, even comfy sofas.

One of the restrooms has a zillion stalls, so you can liberate your kidneys with 20 of your closest friends.

Feel better? Now find a slot machine to stare at to score some free drinks.

Drink lots and set the whole fill up–and-eliminate cycle in motion again. You might as well use those lovely public restrooms one more time before you leave. – Kathy Bradshaw

Cajun X Cables be begun, forged, broken and reinstated so quickly in these environments. The eclectic musical selections are kept to a low volume to allow for such instances. – Emily Hingle Best New Place to Sip Sherry Angeline 1032 Chartres St. Not many bars or restaurants have a sherry list as long as their sparkling, white, and red lists. Angeline, Chef Alex Harrell’s new restaurant, has over a dozen fortified options. All are between $9 and $14 a glass and pair surprisingly well with his Mediterranean-inspired Southern food. Cocktails with house-made tonic or house-made seasonal sodas are nice options too, as are the craft beers. Add the daily selection of housemade charcuterie and stay for dinner. – Andrew Marin Best Non-Alcoholic Bar Euphorbia Kava Bar 8726 Oak St. Euphorbia is a quaint boutique bar that serves kava in the form of tea and chocolates. A root only found in the Pacific Islands, kava is a sedative with calming effects similar to that of a Xanex or Valium. The owner, Ashley, is a sweet and knowledgeable lady who believes in the medicinal kava. She has installed a peaceful location on Oak Street, with room to lounge and chill once you’ve mellowed from the kava. The walls are decorated with paintings by local artists, and are all for sale.

Also for sale is Ashley's growing inventory of bonsai plants.

Euphorbia is a little gem in an up-and-coming neighborhood, with nothing but pleasant, laid-back people looking forward

Tacos & Beer

Best Bar to Hold a Conversation Lost Love Lounge 2529 Dauphine St. If you’re not in the mood for live music, don’t want to hear people screeching out karaoke songs and you actually want to talk to someone in a meaningful way in public with the inclusion of booze, head over to the Lost Love Lounge. The owner once told me that the bar is so named because relationships of any kind can

to enjoying your company. – Cassandra Damascus Best Place to Hang Out and Have Fun Shamrock 4133 S. Carrollton Ave. Shamrock is a popular New Orleans attraction that features live music, games, alcohol and delicious food.

Located in the original Rock ’n’ Bowl building, Shamrock is almost a hidden treasure. But don’t be fooled by its hidden spot, as Shamrock is considered to be the biggest neighborhood bar in New Orleans. With almost two dozen pool tables, bowling lanes and everything else from air hockey to skee ball, Shamrock is one of NOLA’s buried funfilled charms. – Kimmie Tubre

Shopping Best Little Culinary Shop Seasoned: Experienced Cookware 1016 N. Broad St. (near Ursulines) Betsy and Paige have created a lovely niche for, as they say, experienced cookware. Here, veteran whisks, pots and pans wait for that second career in your kitchen—a forever home where kitchen appliances get a second chance to help create great food. The prices are crazy good, the selection is eclectic, varied and fun and inventory continues to grow.

If you don’t see that spatula or cast-iron skillet of your dreams, Seasoned just might be able to make it happen for you—just ask them. – Debbie Lindsey

Other Best Leader Lt. General Russel Honoré We are dangerously close to the point of no return.

Our food, music and festival culture mean nothing if our environment is polluted beyond redemption and our wetlands are destroyed. Lt. General Honoré leads the

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November Project Green Army, and I urge everyone to read more about this dedicated man and this crucial movement. Our economy needs a clean and viable environment. Hurricane Katrina should have been a wake-up call— one of many! – Debbie Lindsey The “Other” Best Radio Station WTIX FM 94.3 “Today’s music ain’t got the same soul; I love that old time Rock n’ Roll!” Mention public radio and listener-supported “Guardian of the Groove” and I’ll say, “I love them both!”

However, if you catch me putting screen on the door, cutting back banana trees in the yard or driving across town to pick up my girl, you’re gonna hear a bunch of TIX. (Casey Kasem on Sunday. Word.) – Phil LaMancusa Best Free Workout for Runners November Project Champions Square, Lasalle St. There aren’t many things I’ll turn up for at six in the morning. Hell, November Project may be the only one. November Project is a free boot camp–style workout held in Champions Square every Wednesday morning. A typical workout involves a half-mile warmup, followed by 15 to 20 minutes of sprinting the stairs to the Superdome and then 30 minutes of calisthenics mixed with running. No two workouts are the same and the crowd energy is infectious, composed of athletes at all fitness levels. If you are a runner, you need to get on this; I broke an 18-minute 5K for the first time in more than 15 years since starting my Wednesdays with stairs. A second workout is now being held Friday mornings at the

Lakefront; check the Facebook page for more details. – Greg Roques Best Cable Wake Park in Louisiana Cajun X Cables 2211 Mills St., Lafayette Cajun X is technically not in New Orleans, but it is the closest wake park to the Big Easy and it’s in Louisiana, so I figure it’s worth a mention. Besides, who would ever think there is a place to wakeboard in Lafayette? The full-sized facility welcomes riders of all abilities, even accommodating professional performers by hosting one of the region’s Monster Triple Crown points challenges. All of the necessary equipment is available for rent, and the website recommends nearby hotels for those looking to make a weekend of it.

My summers wouldn’t be the same without a few trips to Cajun X—check it out. – Greg Roques

Cres cent Park

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Best Place to Escape It All Crescent Park N. Peters St. Located along the Mississippi River in the Historic New Orleans Bywater District, Crescent Park is a true gem with its incomparable views of the New Orleans skyline, Algiers and the river. Crescent Park combines nostalgic views of worn train tracks, perfectly planted flowers and scenery that can create nothing less than a great escape. It is the perfect place for peace and meditation. With its smooth walking paths, it is also a great place for exercise and recreation. – Kimmie Tubre

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gordonbiersch.com/neworleans

nightLiFE

Manning’s is a great spot to watch the game with those who played (and play) the game. Delicious pub fare and daily drink specials make it fun for the whole family.

Best Dance Club

2. Walk-On’s: 1009 Poydras St., walk-ons.com

1. The Metropolitan Nightclub: 310 Andrew Higgins Dr., metronightclubneworleans.com

3. Gordon Biersch: 200 Poydras St.,

2. Pat O’Brien’s: 718 St. Peter St., patobriens.com

gordonbiersch.com/neworleans

3. Bayou Beer Garden: 326 N. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, bayoubeergarden.com

Located in an up-and-coming part of the CBD, The Metropolitan offers affordable drinks, danceable tunes, and a laid-back atmosphere for a casual Saturday night.

2. Bourbon Heat: 711 Bourbon St., 711bourbonheat.com 3. Republic: 828 S. Peters St., republicnola.com Best Happy Hour

Best Upscale 1. Monkey Hill: 6100 Magazine St., monkeyhillbar.com

Best Gentlemen’s Club

For those who seek a big screen and comfy couches to watch the game, look no further. Nestled in a quiet uptown corner of Magazine St., Monkey Hill is the perfect upscale spot.

With two floors, Rick’s Cabaret has something for all. VIP rooms, bottle service, and nightly specials are sure to entertain.

2. Cure: 4905 Freret St., curenola.com

1. Columns Hotel: 3811 St. Charles Ave., thecolumns.com

3. French 75: 813 Bienville St., arnaudsrestaurant.com/bars/french-75

Transport yourself back to the 19th century in this elegant hotel.

Lounge on the patio and watch the streetcar go by, or choose the classical interior and enjoy your cocktail.

Best Hotel Bar 1. Carousel Bar: Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St., hotelmonteleone.com

2. Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar: 701 Tchoupitoulas St., lucysretiredsurfers.com/ neworleans

For more than 65 years, people from all over have been flocking to the Carousel Bar to experience its carnival-like atmosphere and revolving bar. A true New Orleans classic.

3. Coyote Ugly: 225 N. Peters St., coyoteuglysaloon.com

2. Sazerac Bar: The Roosevelt New Orleans, 130 Roosevelt Way, therooseveltneworleans.com

Best Dive Bar 1. The Club Ms. Mae’s: 4336 Magazine St., msmaeswallofshame. blogspot.com For those who like to drink around the clock, look no further. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Ms. Mae’s offers a diverse and affordable selection of draft beers and well drinks. No frills, lots of spills.

2. Snake & Jake’s Christmas Lounge: 7612 Oak St., snakeandjakes.com 3. Brother’s Three Lounge: 4520 Magazine St., (504) 897-9912

3. Columns Hotel: 3811 St. Charles Ave., thecolumns.com Best New Bar or Club 1. Ale on Oak: 8124 Oak St., aleonoak.com Sister to Oak Wine Bar New Orleans, Ale places its focus on everything brewed.

With over 25 rotating beers on draft from around the world, this is the spot for a beer connoisseur.

1. Bar Tonique: 820 N. Rampart St., bartonique.com

2. Latitude 29: 321 N. Peters St., latitude29nola.com

An extensive cocktail list, daily specials, and a homey interior make for an ideal getaway in the heart of the French Quarter.

Expand your palate and explore their specialty drinks.

3. Black Penny: 700 N. Rampart St. Best Gay Bar

2. Cure: 4905 Freret St., curenola.com

1. Bourbon Pub & Parade: 801 Bourbon St., bourbonpub.com

Best Bar for Hand-Crafted Cocktails

3. Victory Bar: 339 Baronne St., victorynola.com Best Late Night 1. Bourbon Heat: 711 Bourbon St., 711bourbonheat.com Right in the middle of the Bourbon Street strip, Bourbon Heat offers three levels of fun for those who like variety.

Downstairs offers a relaxing patio, while upstairs is a more raucous environment.

2. The Metropolitan Nightclub: 310 Andrew Higgins Dr., metronightclubneworleans.com

Affordable drinks, good company, and a 24/7 bar are the perfect ingredients for a good night. Bourbon Pub is the hottest spot during Southern Decadence and is always fun.

2. Oz: 800 Bourbon St., ozneworleans.com 3. Good Friends: 740 Dauphine St., goodfriendsbar.com Best College Bar

3. F&M Patio Bar: 4841 Tchoupitoulas St., fandmpatiobar.com

1. The Boot: 1039 Broadway St., thebootneworleans.com

Best Place to See and Be Seen

Voted “#1 College Bar in America,” The Boot does not disappoint. With drink specials every day and time-honored traditions, The Boot is where your college career starts and ends.

1. Apres Lounge: 608 Fulton St., apresnola.com A great spot for events and an impressive cocktail list make for a casual rendezvous location just off of Poydras.

2. Republic: 828 S. Peters St., republicnola.com 3. Masquerade: 228 Poydras St., masquerade-nightclub.com Best Sports Bar 1. Manning’s: 519 Fulton St., (504) 593-8118

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Walking distance from almost anywhere downtown makes this spot ideal for some cold beer and snacks. Try one of their homebrews or perhaps the Schwarzbier, with a coffee inflection.

2. Bruno’s: 7538 Maple St., brunostavern.com 3. F&M Patio Bar: 4841 Tchoupitoulas St., fandmpatiobar.com Best Bar Patio 1. Gordon Biersch: 200 Poydras St.,

1. Rick’s Cabaret: 315 Bourbon St., iknowrick.com

2. Penthouse Club: 727 Iberville St., penthouseclubneworleans.com 3. Visions: 4000 Downman Rd., visionsmensclub.com Best Irish Pub 1. Finn McCool’s: 3701 Banks St., finnmccools.com Step into Belfast to enjoy a pint of Guinness at Finn McCool’s.

Ideal for watching soccer, playing pool, or trivia nights, McCool’s is also great for the family or a night among friends.

2. Erin Rose: 811 Conti St., erinrosebar.com 3. The Holy Ground: S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy at Canal, (504) 821-6828 Best Ladies Night 1. Parlay’s: 870 Harrison Ave., parlaysbar.net Endless entertainment seems to be the theme at Parlay’s, as skee-ball tables, karaoke, and a fabulous ladies night attract people from all walks of life.

2. Bourbon Heat: 711 Bourbon St., 711bourbonheat.com 3. The Country Club: 634 Louisa St., thecountryclubneworleans.com Best Bloody Mary 1. Daisy Dukes: Multiple Locations daisydukesrestaurant.com Open 24/7, Daisy Dukes offers great breakfast food for an early morning or a late night. For a taste of NOLA, try a po-boy and wash it down with a delicious Bloody Mary.

2. Pat O’Brien’s: 718 St. Peter St., patobriens.com 3. Atchafalaya: 901 Louisana Ave., atchafalayarestaurant.com Best Margarita 1. Superior Grill: 3636 St. Charles Ave., superiorgrill.com A South Louisiana establishment, Superior Grill has been a must-go TexMex spot for years. Try a margarita with some of their delicious food—there are plenty of happy hours and specials.

2. El Gato Negro: 81 French Market Pl., elgatonegronola.com 3. Rita’s Tequila House: 417 Bourbon St., ritastequilahouse.com Best Martini 1. The Bombay Club: 830 Conti St., bombayclubneworleans.com While the emphasis is on the martini, The Bombay Club offers stellar British-influenced food. Giant steaks and seafood platters will appease all appetites.

2. Monkey Hill: 6100 Magazine St., monkeyhillbar.com 3. Sazerac Bar: The Roosevelt New Orleans, 130 Roosevelt Way, therooseveltneworleans.com

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Best Mojito 1. St. Joe’s Bar: 5535 Magazine St., stjoesbar.com Red lighting sets the mood at this uptown haunt. Sip on a mojito and mingle with Uptown’s upand-coming young residents. St. Joe’s is a perfect, cozy spot for a first date.

2. The Rum House: 3128 Magazine St., rumhousenola.com 3. Cane & Table: 1113 Decatur St., caneandtablenola.com Best Place to Drink Wine 1. Oak Wine Bar: 8118 Oak St., oaknola.com Trendy but not pretentious, upscale yet not pricey. Oak welcomes all, and delicious food and an extensive wine list pair for an enjoyable experience.

2. Orleans Grapevine: 720 Orleans St., orleansgrapevine.com 3. The Delachaise: 3442 St. Charles Ave., thedelachaise.com Best Place to Drink Beer 1. Crescent City Brewhouse: 527 Decatur St., crescentcitybrewhouse.com Sample some homebrew at New Orleans’ newest brewhouse. With an emphasis on quality, the beer they produce is stellar. Also try the delicious Cajun pub fare!

2. Gordon Biersch: 200 Poydras St., gordonbiersch.com 3. NOLA Brewery Tap Room: 3001 Tchoupitoulas St., nolabrewing.com Best Beer Selection 1. The Bulldog: Multiple Locations, thebulldog.draftfreak.com The Bulldog is an ideal spot for a couple of after-work drinks. A constantly rotating beer selection and a beautiful beer-inspired fountain draw people from far and wide.

2. Avenue Pub: 1732 St. Charles Ave., theavenuepub.com 3. Cooter Brown’s: 509 S. Carrollton Ave., cooterbrowns.com Best Jazz Club 1. Snug Harbor: 626 Frenchmen St., snugjazz.com A must-see spot on Frenchmen. Offering traditional jazz in a classic setting, Snug Harbor is the spot to see the real New Orleans, just minutes away from the French Quarter.

2. Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse: 300 Bourbon St., irvinmayfield.com 3. The Spotted Cat: 623 Frenchmen St., spottedcatmusicclub.com Best Music Club 1. House of Blues: 225 Decatur St., houseofblues.com/neworleans New Orleans’ HOB is unique. A courtyard patio provides an escape from the sweaty dance floor, and the biggest national and international acts constantly stop by.

2. Tipitina’s: 501 Napoleon Ave., tipitinas.com 3. Howlin’ Wolf: 907 S. Peters St., thehowlinwolf.com Best Place to Play Bar Games 1. Shamrock: 4133 S. Carrollton Ave., shamrockparty.com Ideal for hosting parties, Shamrock offers the best of the kids’ world for adults. Skee-ball, ping pong, pool, air hockey—you name it, they’ve got it. Plus, live music and affordable drinks!

2. Barcadia: 601 Tchoupitoulas St., barcadianeworleans.com 3. Fulton Alley: 600 Fulton St., fultonalley.com Best Bywater/Marigny Bar 1. Kajun’s Pub: 2256 St. Claude Ave., kajunspub.com Located in the heart of the Bywater, Kajun’s offers live karaoke every night as well as a stellar selection of drinks.

2. Mimi’s in the Marigny: 2601 Royal St., mimismarigny.com 3. J&J’s Sports Lounge: 800 France St., jjssportslounge.com Best Uptown Bar 1. Le Bon Temps Roule: 4801 Magazine St., (504) 895-8117

14 | June 2015 | Best of the Big Easy: Readers' Picks

Live music almost every night and a mixed crowd of locals and out-of-towners, young and old. Le Bon Temps is the perfect ingredient for a good night out, no matter your style.

bayoubeergarden.com

2. Monkey Hill: 6100 Magazine St.,

“Friendship, Love, Loyalty” is the theme at Bayou Beer Garden. A huge beer selection and a tiki-themed patio make it an ideal spot for sipping a cold one.

monkeyhillbar.com

2. Finn McCool’s: 3701 Banks St., finnmccools.com

3. St. Joe’s Bar: 5535 Magazine St., stjoesbar.com

3. The Bulldog: 5135 Canal Blvd., bulldog.draftfreak.com

Best French Quarter Bar

Best Metairie Bar

1. Tropical Isle: 721 Bourbon St., tropicalisle.com

1. Swamp Room: 5216 Veterans Memorial Blvd., (504) 888-5242

Home of the world-famous hand grenade, Tropical Isle is a destination on Bourbon. Get on the livestreaming webcam for your 15 minutes of fame!

Swamp Room offers a casual environment for fun, drinks, and food.

Try the heaven balls or take advantage of one of their drink specials.

2. Lager’s: 3501 Veterans Memorial Blvd., lagersmetairie.draftfreak.com

2. Pat O’Brien’s: 718 St. Peter St., patobriens.com

3. The Max: 2501 N Woodlawn Ave., (504) 885-1677

3. Backspace Bar: 139 Chartres St., backspacenola.com

Best Westbank Bar

Best CBD/Warehouse District Bar 1. Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar: 701 Tchoupitoulas St., lucysretiredsurfers.com Transport yourself to California in this surf-themed tavern. Try one of the famous scorpion shots—not for the faint of heart! Either way, Lucy’s is a guaranteed good time.

1. Gattuso’s Neighborhood Bar & Restaurant: 435 Huey P. Long Ave., gattusos.net

Hou se of Blues

2. Barcadia: 601 Tchoupitoulas St., barcadianeworleans.com 3. Ernst Café: 600 S. Peters St., ernstcafe.net Best Mid-City Bar 1. Bayou Beer Garden: 326 N. Jefferson Pkwy,

A great spot for a casual meal with the family. The Crawfish Queso Dip makes for a culinary adventure!

2. Old Point Bar: 545 Patterson Dr., (504) 364-0950

than a casino. Its hotel, nightclub, and numerous restaurants offer alternative entertainment to gambling.

2. Treasure Chest Casino: 5050 Williams Blvd., Kenner, treasurechest.com 3. Boom Town Casino: 4132 Peters Rd., Harvey, boomtownneworleans.com

pErFormanCE/ViSUaL artS Best Theater Venue 1. Le Petit Theatre: 616 St. Peter St., lepetittheatre.com Le Petit Theatre is one of the oldest community-based theaters in the country, staging Broadway musicals and locally directed productions, and has hosted many famous acts throughout its history.

2. Saenger Theatre: 1111 Canal St., saengernola.com 3. Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts: 1419 Basin St., mahaliajacksontheater.com Best Art Gallery 1. Arthur Roger Gallery: 432 Julia St., arthurrogergallery. com Arthur Roger Gallery opened in 1978 and quickly rose in prominence. It has played a large part in shaping the art scene of South Louisiana for the past three decades.

2. Jonathan Ferrara Gallery: 400 Julia St., jonathanferraragallery.com

3. The Crown & Anchor: 200 Pelican Ave., crownanchorpub.com

3. LeMieux Galleries: 332 Julia St., lemieuxgalleries.com

Best Casino

Best Local Artist

1. Harrah’s Casino: 228 Poydras St., caesars.com/ harrahs-new-orleans Located on the edge of the French Quarter, Harrah’s is more

1. Frenchy: 8319 Oak St., frenchylive.com Frenchy is known for his captivating and original paintings and prints that he paints in real time. Frenchy is also the mastermind

WhereYat.com | June 2015 | 15

behind this year’s Jazz Fest poster.

Best Head Shop

2. Buffalo Exchange: 3312 Magazine St., buffaloexchange.com

2. Michalopoulos: 617 Bienville St., michalopoulos.com

1. Herb Import: Multiple Locations, herbimport.com

3. Trashy Diva: Multiple Locations, trashydiva.com

3. Terrance Osborne: terranceosborne.com

Herb Import boasts a large selection of pipes, vitamins and herbal vaporizers. With an experienced staff at multiple locations, this shop is the best for taking care of your needs.

Best Costume Shop

Best Museum 1. New Orleans Museum of Art: 1 Collins Diboll Circle, noma.org NOMA has been a New Orleans institution since 1911.

The museum boasts over 40,000 pieces of art, including photography, glass and a five-acre sculpture garden.

2. Ogden Museum of Art: 925 Camp St., ogdenmuseum.org 3. WWII Museum: 945 Magazine St., nationalww2museum.org

Shopping Best Bike Shop 1. GNO Cyclery: 1426 S. Carrollton Ave., gnocyclery.com The local bike shop is known for its quick and professional service with a huge selection of bike apparel and fast repair service. GNO’s expertise can help every type of bike enthusiast.

2. Bayou Bicycles: 3530 Toulouse St., bayoubicycles.com 3. Bicycle Michael’s: 622 Frenchmen St., bicyclemichaels.com Best Men’s Clothing

2. Ra Shop: Multiple Locations, rashop.us

The shop on the corner of Canal Street has been the place for gentlemen’s shopping since 1924. With a variety of services and selections, the store is able to suit everyone’s needs with style.

2. Perlis: 6070 Magazine St., perlis.com 3. M. Goldberg: 502 Leontine St., mgoldbergclothier.com

uptowncostume.com

3. Up in Smoke: 2101 Magazine St., upinsmokenola.com

The best and most wild selection of costumes in the city. Uptown Costume boasts a wide variety of hats, makeup, wigs and even Elvis costumes. Perfect for any occasion.

Best Vape Shop 1. Calhoun Vapor: 3141 Calhoun St., calhounvapor.com The boutique features a diverse selection of inventory from high-end gear to starter kits. The café-style shop provides a comfortable atmosphere that will make you feel at home.

2. New Orleans Party & Costume: 705 Camp St., partyandcostume.com

2. Crescent City Vape: 4507 Magazine St., crescentcityvape.com

1. The Mushroom: 1037 Broadway St., mushroomnola.com

3. Funky Monkey: 3127 Magazine St., (504) 899-5587 Best Record Store

3. Vapors Inn: Multiple Locations, (504) 265-0525 Best Adult Novelty

1. Rubenstein’s: 102 St. Charles Ave., rubensteinsneworleans.com

1. Mr. Binky’s: 107 Chartres St., mrbinkys.com

Upt own Costume

Located in the French Quarter, Mr. Binky’s has a wide selection of adult toys that is sure to spice up your night. Perfect for anniversaries, bachelor(ette) parties and an assortment of other adult occasions.

2. Hustler Hollywood: 111 Bourbon St., hustlerhollywood.com

Best Women’s Clothing 1. Hemline: Multiple Locations, shophemline.com Once a small shop, Hemline is now a style empire. With locations all over the country, it’s known for bringing together big-name brands and lesser-known gems.

2. Trashy Diva: Multiple Locations, trashydiva.com 3. Blink: Multiple Locations, shopblinkboutique.com

1. Uptown Costume: 4326 Magazine St.,

A one-of-a-kind record shop that also sells clothing, incense, posters and more. The Mushroom is a favorite among the Uptown college community, and it’s no wonder why.

2. Louisiana Music Factory: 421 Frenchmen St., louisianamusicfactory.com

3. Peaches: 408 N. Peters St., peachesrecordsneworleans.com Best Jewelry Store

3. Suzette’s: 4636 W. Esplanade Ave., suzettes.com

1. Ramsey’s Diamond Jeweler: 5700 Veterans Memorial Blvd., ramseys.com

Best Vintage Clothing

Ramsey’s is where you go whenever you are in trouble with your special someone or when you are trying to make memories last a lifetime. Either way, they are the best.

1. Funky Monkey: 3127 Magazine St., (504) 899-5587 The boutique has a large selection of men’s and women’s clothing that is both stylish and unique. This is the go-to store to get a look you won’t find anywhere else, especially during Carnival season.

2. Mignon Faget Ltd.: Multiple Locations, mignonfaget.com 3. Adler’s: 722 Canal St., adlersjewelry.com Best Shopping Mall 1. The Shops at Canal Place: 333 Canal St., theshopsatcanalplace.com With 32 different shops, a movie theater and premium dining options, it’s no surprise that The Shops at Canal Place is the choice location for New Orleanians to get their shopping done.

2. The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk: 500 Port of New Orleans, riverwalkneworleans.com 3. Lakeside Shopping Center: 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., lakesideshopping.com Best Supermarket 1. Whole Foods Market: Multiple Locations, wholefoodsmarket.com With locations in Uptown, Metairie and Mid-City, Whole Foods provides fresh and friendly products to New Orleanians. They also have great options for lunch, craft beer and wine.

2. Rouses Supermarkets: Multiple Locations, shop.rouses.com 3. Breaux Mart: Multiple Locations, breauxmart.com Best Local Product Found in a Grocery Store 1. Zatarain’s: mccormick.com/Zatarains

Whole Foods 16 | June 2015 | Best of the Big Easy: Readers' Picks

Both experienced and novice cooks who are trying to incorporate some New Orleans flavor in their cooking use Zatarain’s. It is perfect for frying seafood, jambalaya and everything in between.

Jewish Community Center 2. New Orleans Lager & Ale Brewing: 3001 Tchoupitoulas St., nolabrewing.com 3. Tony Chachere’s Famous Creole Cuisine: tonychachere.com Best Place to Buy Wine or Liquor 1. Dorignac’s Food Center: Wilshire Plaza, 710 Veterans Memorial Blvd., dorignacs.com Everyone has that one friend who only drinks a certain type of liquor or only the most exotic type of wine. For situations like that, there is no better place to go than Dorignac’s.

2. Martin Wine Cellar: 3827 Baronne St., martinwinecellar.com 3. Sidney’s Wine Cellar: 917 Decatur St., (504) 524-6872 Best Tattoo and Piercing 1. Electric Ladyland Tattoo: 610 Frenchmen St., electricladylandtattoo.com Electric Ladyland Tattoo has long been a favorite of those in New Orleans looking to add some body art. They are friendly, reliable, safe and great artists.

2. Downtown Tattoos and Piercings: 501 Frenchmen St., downtowntattoosnola.com 3. Hell or High Water Tattoo Shop: 2035 Magazine St., (504) 309-5411 Best Athletic Club 1. Jewish Community Center: Multiple Locations, nojcc.org For those trying to get into shape this summer, there is no better place than the JCC. They have wonderful equipment and staff aimed to help you stay in or get into shape.

2. Elmwood Fitness Center: Multiple Locations, elmwoodfitness.org 3. New Orleans Athletic Club: Multiple Locations, neworleansathleticlub.com Best Beads Store 1. Beads by the Dozen Inc.: 333 Edwards Ave., beadsbythedozen.com If you need custom beads for your celebration in New Orleans, there is no better place than Beads by the Dozen. Beads make any party a New Orleans–style party.

2. Plush Appeal LLC: 2811 Toulouse St., (504) 482-6100 3. Accent Annex: 100 N. Labarre Rd., accentannex.com Best Thrift Store 1. Goodwill Industries: Multiple Locations, goodwill.org If you have clothes or volunteer time to give, make sure you stop by Goodwill. If you’re in the market for some clothes, Goodwill is also a great option.

2. Junior League of New Orleans Thrift Shop: 4645 Freret St., jlno.org 3. Red White and Blue Thrift Shop: Multiple Locations, redwhiteandbluethriftstore.com Best Bank 1. Whitney Bank: Multiple Locations, whitneybank.com Trust the good folks at Whitney Bank to help you with your banking needs in New Orleans. There are plenty of locations, so it will always be convenient for you and your family.

2. Capital One: Multiple Locations, capitalone.com 3. Chase: Multiple Locations, chase.com

WhereYat.com | June 2015 | 17

New Orleans Slang

By Chris Plattsmier

M

ost cities have their own quirks— things that non-locals or visitors do not understand or expect upon arriving there. This could be anything from etiquette at bars, to local cuisine, to vernacular. All of these things, along with countless other social habits, help form the identity of a city.

New Orleans is no different, except that all of the above-mentioned traits are exaggerated in our city. Our drinks, food, etiquette and especially our vernacular stick out from anyplace else in America. That is why New Orleans is considered the most western European city and the farthest north Caribbean island. There could be a lengthy glossary of slang that New Orleanians use for every season of the year or just for the names of streets, but this list tries to cover the basics.

Popular Slang Yat: This is the name for a common dialect in New Orleans. This is not Dennis Quaid’s accent in The Big Easy (1986), but sounds like a mix of Jersey City and Gulf South vernacular. Many other words on this list are a product of this dialect and a result of the Port of New Orleans being a hub for European, African and Caribbean immigration.

The phrase “y’at” can be heard in our eponymous phrase “Where Y’at,” meaning “where are you?” or “what’s up?”

Shotgun: A single-story house, usually divided into two separate living spaces, each with a long, single hallway running through the entire house. If you hear someone bring up a “shotgun,” they're most likely talking about a house, not a weapon.

Fixin' to: About to do something. ___ n’em: This can be used like “my mom n’em” or “my boy n’em,” and the “n’em” just means "and them." So, “my mom and them” would be the proper translation, etc. It's simple slang, but when spoken fast can be hard to understand.

Awrite: This is normally a more friendly and energized way of saying “good” or “it’s all good” or “okay.”

Pass by: “I’ll pass by on my way to work” is how I usually use this slang. It just means to stop by or roll through to visit someone or someplace.

18 | June 2015 | New Orleans Slang

Dressed: Lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, mayonnaise. The only way to eat a po-boy.

Ax: Ask. I do not really know why this is so popular in New Orleans, but I hear people say “ax” more than “ask” on a regular basis.

Directional Slang North, South, East and West are not used as commonly in New Orleans as in other places. People use Uptown, Downtown, Riverside and Lakeside. New Orleans is not that big of a city, so once you get your bearings, these terms make more sense.

Backatown: The area of New Orleans from the river to North Claiborne. You have to go to the Bywater or the 6th or 7th Wards to hear this most of the time.

Best Bank: If you hear someone say this, they are from the Westbank and either just met someone else from the Westbank (so naturally they have to talk about being from the Westbank) or are trying to convince someone from Orleans or Jefferson Parish that the Westbank is better.

Metairie: Metairie (pronounced Met-tree or Met-a-ree) is a suburb of New Orleans and is where most of the Greater New Orleans population lives.

Neutral ground: To anyone not from New Orleans, this is a median. Especially refers to the grassy strips running down the middle of St. Charles Avenue or the streetcar lines running through Mid-City. Do not call these areas anything other than the neutral ground.

Parish: Every other state has counties; in Louisiana, we call them parishes. This one's pretty easy.

Commonly Misused Terms Cajun: Not everyone in New Orleans is Cajun. In fact, New Orleans is relatively far from hardcore Cajun country in Louisiana. The French Acadians who settled in Louisiana brought unique culture, such as zydeco, cuisine and French culture unique to French Europeans, to all of South Louisiana but do not describe everything in New Orleans as Cajun. Many “Cajun” things in New Orleans are set up that way for tourists.

Creole: Creole and Cajun are not interchangeable terms. Both have unique heritages and complex backgrounds. The term “Creole” in New Orleans started out as a way to distinguish where slaves were born, but as Spanish, French, African and Caribbean influences intermingled, the term became symbolic of a city that embraced the many different cultures that existed in the city. Although French language and cuisine is often most closely related to something labeled “Creole,” it is important to remember that this term embodies many cultures or racial and ethnic heritages.

N’awlins: Nobody says this and you will never hear a local utter this term…so don’t say it.

WhereYat.com | June 2015 | 19

Weird Laws in Louisiana

By Chris Plattsmier

W

e always try to have your back at Where Y'at, so here is a list of laws in Louisiana and Orleans Parish that you probably didn't know about and that you may have been in danger of breaking.

It is illegal to shoot lasers at police officers (RS 14:37.3) Tell your teenaged son or daughter that if they are messing with a cop, do not do so with a laser pointer. Or tell them not to mess with cops in general, but who am I to tell you how to parent your children?

You could go to jail for 20 years for urinating in a city's water supply (RS 14:58) We have all been walking home from a bar or parade and had to take care of business.

It is illegal to pee in public anyway, but make sure you are not doing so in the city's water supply. I don't even know where New Orleans' water supply is, but you can end up in some strange places after 2 a.m. if you don't watch out.

Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Neighbor's Gator. have nice things.

Reptiles are not allowed within 200 yards of a parade (New Orleans Sec. 43-21) Damn, what am I going to do with my boa constrictor during Mardi Gras next year?

Rituals that involve the ingestion of blood, urine or fecal matter are illegal (RS 14:107.1) It says a lot that lawmakers found this issue critical enough to pass a law. No judgments made here but if you break this law, you’ll have bigger issues than just performing the act itself.

Condoms are not allowed to be thrown in Mardi Gras parades (New Orleans Sec. 34-28) There is actually a fairly extensive list of throws that are prohibited during Mardi Gras, but I feel like condoms would be doing the public a service. Plus, they make easy balloon animals for kids!

It is illegal to steer your bike with one hand in New Orleans (New Orleans Sec. 154-1414) There will be some unhappy hipsters upon reading this one.

Voodoo practice is illegal within city limits (New Orleans Sec. 54-312) C'mon, everyone in New Orleans practices voodoo! Just like everyone in Louisiana has a pet alligator (see below). This is a First Amendment issue, if you ask me.

No games allowed at Lafayette Square without permission from Parkway and Park Commission (New Orleans Sec. 106-170) No tomfoolery either. This is why we can't

You cannot steal someone else’s alligator (RS 14:67.13) This includes alligators that are dead or alive, or just parts of an alligator that is not yours. This was probably passed in reaction to all the alligators that were being stolen after the Saints won the Super Bowl.

All garbage must be cooked before it is fed to your hogs (Jefferson Parish Sec. 7-187) Hogs have rights too.

Contrary to every movie ever, Voodoo is technically illegal in New Orleans.

20 | June 2015 | Weird Laws in Louisiana

I hope this list helps all of us to become better citizens and better New Orleanians.

You're welcome.

WhereYat.com | June 2015 | 21

Six Hikes Near New Orleans

By Greg Roques

H

aving family in Atlanta and Chattanooga, one of the things I look forward to most when visiting is the abundance of hiking trails nearby. Spending a day surrounded by nature with friends and family, removed from the noise and overstimulation of the city and unleashed from the ankle bracelet that is my smartphone, is a soothing—even meditative— experience. I always looked forward to these adventures with my sister during July, when I would travel that way for the summer, never suspecting there were plentiful opportunities here in the Bayou state. That was until I received the book 50 Hikes in Louisiana as a gift this past Christmas.

Here, I share my experiences and photos taken while exploring three of the listed hikes nearest to the Crescent City, as well as two nearby in Mississippi that are well worth your visit; Celeste Turner, one of Where Y'at's fitness writers, also offers additional insight into the Bonnet Carré Spillway's many biking opportunities (next page). The book lists many more trails in Southeast Louisiana, including several in Baton Rouge and St. Francisville and on the Northshore; it also discusses the history of each site and provides a scenic and elemental breakdown for nature lovers. This rundown gives you a few to start off with, just in time for summer.

plant that you can go under for a fun photo opp. The trail is flat, making it easy to travel by bike or foot (I covered it on mountain bike, finding it mildly challenging and quiet fun).

Beware: if you wander off the beaten path, the surrounding wetlands are covered in poison ivy.

are the most rugged I encountered among the selection of Louisiana hiking opportunities. These are official trails, with an entrance guarded by a surprisingly heavily armed park ranger who closes the gates at 5 p.m. This does not mean you cannot enter or be on the premises past then—it’s just not advised. The trails here are anywhere from threequarters of a mile to several miles in length. Unlike the aforementioned pedestrian path, this is a naturally lawless area, swarming with poison ivy, snakes and, I was told, gators. I found these paths to be far more liberating than the first, though they are all worth your time.

Clark Creek Natural Area— Woodville, MS. Distance: 5+ miles Often referred to as Tunica Hills, this area should not be confused with the Tunica Hills State Wildlife Management Area in St. Francisville. Going through Baton Rouge from New Orleans, it takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive to this beautiful, one-of-a-kind destination just over the Mississippi border. This hiking trail features more than a half-dozen small waterfalls, something I never expected to find so close to home. This is by far the most rugged path described here; there are many opportunities to go off road—sometimes as far as 12 feet down—to walk through streams. Reaching one of the waterfalls required climbing over several boulder-sized rocks and was nearly a mile off course. There are no water fountains along the trail, so come prepared with water and snacks—and please be mindful of your trash. Also, bring four dollar bills, as there is a parking fee and the nearest gas station with an ATM is nearly 30 minutes from this location. You can easily spend an entire day here, making it well worth your drive. If you want to make a weekend of it, book a night at the Myrtles Plantation, one of the country’s most haunted houses, not far from here in St. Francisville, Louisiana.

Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge— Lacombe Distance: 12 miles To be honest, my friends and I were not able to locate the trail outlined in 50 Hikes in Louisiana. This could be because the book was published in 2003, or it could be that we are directionally dyslexic Fountainebleau State Park— and poor at following instructions.

Mandeville I’ll blame it on the book. You Distance: 7 miles start off on the levee just off the Black Creek Canoe Rental— Brooklyn, MS. Just a 45-minute drive from New interstate (if you are familiar with the Distance: 16–20 miles Orleans, Fountainebleau State Park castle visible from the interstate just Black Creek is technically a canoeing trip, not a hike; is not your typical inner-city park past Slidell, the path is on that side, however, seeing as how the outdoor appeal speaks to a Fo rk barely a mile from the regal landmark). unt a excursion. Upon entering from the main similar temperament, I thought I'd include it here. Black P ainbl parking lot, visitors are greeted with two eau State Walking toward Lake Pontchartrain, there Creek has it all: swimming, camping, canoeing, hiking, divergent paths. The first, to the right, is a is a spectacular swampland view to your fishing, friends and fun. Just under an hour and a half from brisk nature trail featuring boardwalks that left, sprawling for about two miles. Once you reach the New Orleans, a rental for two is roughly $50. The boat is allow a view of the outlying marsh. At the conclusion of this lake, the levee forks left and continues for about 10 miles sturdy, though not heavy, and can hold your tent, food, walk is a stunning view of the lake, including a pier view, as through New Orleans East up to Lakefront Airport. water, clothes and other camping accoutrements. well as a covered picnic area, water fountains, rest rooms The trail is remote and calming, much like We split our trip into two days, beginning our and a camping area. the longer path in Fountainebleau State journey around 2:30 p.m. on a Saturday Retrace your steps to the start for the second path. The Park, but lacks the same intimacy. The afternoon in mid-October. You'll be scenery is less diverse on this trek, but you can bask in a dirt path is better suited to mountain rowing for just under 20 miles total, blanket of lush greenery that shrouds you on every side for bikers or marathon runners looking so you will sweat...a lot. Be sure to miles to come. I tracked about 5.4 miles out and back on for a long trail run. Just be sure to bring about two gallons of water my Jawbone, though I did circumvent a few “Do Not Enter” bring lots of water. each. I’d recommend trying to signs. This is a solitary trail, silent except for the rustling cover as much ground as you can of leaves and the occasional critter. This is a perfect path Barataria Preserve Trails— on the first day. Even being an avid to clear your mind of the outside world or take a romantic Marrero swimmer and having a relatively stroll with someone special.

Distance: Main Trail - 1.8 miles; toned upper body, I was stiff as a outlying trails - varies sphinx the next morning from the Bonnet Carré Spillway— LaPlace Barely a 30-minute drive from 10 miles of rowing the first day. We Distance: 5 Miles Uptown, Barataria Preserve Trails had a proper camping experience, This is a good trail for someone looking for something a gives visitors the most constant swamp docking on a small island and cutting Cla a rk C re our own firewood for the night. Warning: bit more adventurous, and is just a 35-minute drive from experience of any of the trails outlined reek Natural A Uptown New Orleans. I saw visitors partaking in a variety of here. The trail described in 50 Hikes in do not bring any glass bottles, alcoholic or pastimes here, from canoeing to dirt biking, and covered the Louisiana is both the most scenic and the otherwise. The park rangers here do not mess terrain on mountain bike. The Spillway is in close proximity to most rudimentary I experienced. The view from around; you will be arrested—do not pass go, do not collect an industrial plant, which complements the swamp’s grimy the plank path is so contrived it feels like it should be in a $200. I loved this trip. For the money, the preparation and gumbo of sludge. There are a few lovely ponds if you cross zoo...and this isn’t a bad thing. Obviously a tourist attraction, the time spent with close friends, you cannot ask any more under the interstate from the main parking area, and there it delivers on all of its promises. However, barely a mile from for your dollar or your weekend. I hope to make this an is a small elevated train trestle running from the nearby there across the road is a series of about three trails that annual—if not more frequent—outing.

22 | June 2015 | Six Hikes Near New Orleans

Best Local Adventure Bike Trail

By Celeste Turner

E

xperience an energetic ride following a series of winding paths, sprinkled with trees that lines the water while, often tackling wooden ramps and bridges as you loop around a rural part of Norco, LA, known as the Spillway Bike Trail. This is my favorite local adventure biking trail and a true hidden town treasure. Built by NOMAMBO (New Orleans Metro Area Mountain Bike Organization) in 2003, this unique and exciting bike trail system near the Bonnet Carre' Spillway appeals to cyclists and hikers of all ages and fitness levels who enjoy the outdoors.

"It is not really physically challenging. There are no climbs," said Donna Simms, 47-year-old mountain bike rider who is actively involved in NOMAMBO. "This is a recreational place. The ride is not considered technically difficult. It is great to get out there, be outside and get away from traffic."

Located approximately 30 minutes from downtown New Orleans, the Bonnet Carre' Spillway trail was originally an abandoned and overgrown wooded area that motorcycles would utilize. With the instrumental support of NOMAMBO,

The Spillway hosts many biking events, including "Race of the Dead," a night ride set for Halloween Weekend.

this multi-functional trail system now offers a 5.5-mile loop of twisting, single-track paths, jumps and stunts for any level of mountain biker or cyclist.

"There was an exisitng motorcycle trail in the area where our bike trail is now," said Dan Dickerson, founding member of NOMAMBO. "I approached Army Corps of Engineers and asked if we could build a mountain bike trail. I would rate the trail for a beginner to intermediate rider."

A former lifetime avid cyclist until his skiing accident in 2009, Dickerson, who is now quadriplegic, explained that a beginner could easily ride the trail slowly and walk in areas that are seemingly difficult, whereas intermediate riders can be challenged as they increase their speed along the trail. "The trail is designed to have a good flow, meaning it can be ridden with rhythm rather than herky-jerky starts

and stops, " added Dickerson.

Through the efforts of NOMAMBO, the Spillway trail is continuously changing and adding man-made features, like wooden berms or wooden wall rides. "We are continually updating the trail, " said Eric Heyl, President of NOMAMBO. "We like to keep everyone on their toes and make the ride exciting. Sometimes, we need to re-route sections due to erosion and make changes to keep people safe."

With club memberships, donations and periodic fundraisers, NOMAMBO maintains the versatile trail with several markers since the majority of it is next to water and enjoyed by hikers as well as bikers. On Wednesday nights, Heyl noted that a small group meets in the grassy parking area for a standing 6 p.m. pleasure night ride. "There is a good camaraderie with this group," said Heyl, also nicknamed "Ratboy" and a cyclist since 1991. "Everyone is willing to help each other on these rides. It really makes you feel like a kid again."

Monthly meetings of NOMAMBO discuss such topics as the unofficial timed trial events, the upcoming Spillway Scramble, a race scheduled for May 2015 which is a part of the Louisiana Mountain Bike Series, and the "Race of the Dead," a night ride set for Halloween weekend. "We now have three divisions for the races," said Simms, who has been a mountain bike rider for 15 years and NOMAMBO member since 2002. "It has grown in popularity so we added more classes, women's, single-speed, and men's divisions."

Simms indicated that NOMAMBO posts events on their Facebook page and highly recommends anyone who rides the Spillway trail to wear a helmet. So, if you are interested in riding or joining NOMAMBO, members would agree it is a recreational sport for the entire family. "It is a great workout," said Dickerson. " All you need is a bike, helmet and bug spray if the temperature is over 50 degrees."

WhereYat.com | June 2015 | 23

Crescent City Critters Owning a Pet in the Crescent City

T

By Lauren Smith

here’s no need to explain the benefits of owning a dog to another dog person. They are unique companions that add endless amusement and fun to their owners’ lives. They never judge you, they’re always happy to see you, they can conform with ease to your lifestyle—the list goes on and on and never quite ends. Of course, there are also health benefits that come with pet owning, such as decreased anxiety, lower blood pressure, and a push to be more active. Expounding on the specific daily and lifetime benefits would require another 1200 words.

If you are looking to become a pet owner, there are many local resources. Of course, there is always the Louisiana SPCA, a non-profit organization that has been providing services for community members and care for animals for more than a century. Another wonderful, local place to adopt dogs and cats is Zeus’ Place, which is also non-profit. Zeus’ Place frequently posts pictures and helpful descriptions of pets available for adoption or temporary fostering on its Facebook page. Another local non-profit is Animal Rescue New Orleans, which has found homes for over 5000 animals since August 2009. If your mind is set on a particular breed, try searching for the name of the breed with the word “rescue” behind it. A local example of this is NOLA Lab Rescue. You can even find pets for sale on Craigslist.

According to the LASPCA, here are things to consider before adopting a pet: • the time commitment required to own a pet and each pet’s potential life span • the fact that some animals are better than others with children (and other pets) • the financial commitment (cost per year can range from $1000 to $5000) LASPCA adoption prices (which includes spay/neuter, microchip, rabies vaccination, de-worming, etc.) are: • $150 for dogs under 6 months • $150 for dogs under 3 years and less than 20 pounds • $80 for dogs more than 20 pounds • $80 for dogs over 3 years • $80 for cats of all ages • $40 for a second cat when adopted on the same day • $10 for rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents and pocket pets The LASPCA also offers the following special prices for Orleans Parish residents: • $10 for feral cat or kittens (includes ear-tipping and rabies vaccination) • $20 spay/neuter for companion animals, regardless of size • $10 microchip with any other service

24 | June 2015 | Crescent City Critters

The dog park is a place where you engage in easy conversation with strangers who all have the same profound understanding of the joys their dogs bring to their lives.

(Much of the time, you also end up with a wealth of knowledge—like the name of the best vitamin supplement to keep your dog healthy and, just in case your dog ends up with patellar tendinitis, the name of a trusted and reasonably priced vet.) The majority of people you meet at a dog park shamelessly exhibit the happiness that comes with pet owning. This exhibition takes various forms. It can be seen, for example, in the way one couple coordinates all of their chihuahuas in sequined vests, in the way a couple have been allowing their obese pugs to sleep on their heads for years, or in the stunning portrait a man painted of his one-eyed dog.

Below is a list of dog parks around town where you’re bound to run into some wonderful characters in both human and canine form: The Levee (not a gated or an official “park,” but many people like to bring their dogs to the levee to interact with others and run and play) NOLA City Bark, 30 Zachary Taylor Dr. (located in City Park and costs $43 a year, or $38 if you’re a City Park member) Wisner Dog Park, 4876 Laurel St. (not much grass) Lafreniere Bark, 3000 Downs Blvd., Metairie (located in Lafreniere Park and has designated gated areas for small and large dogs) BarkPark at Bonnabel Boat Launch and Park, 1599 Bonnabel Blvd.

Here is a list of a few dog-friendly restaurants and bars in New Orleans: Dat Dog: Multiple Locations Hot dogs aren’t the only dogs around Dat Dog. When the weather is nice, nothing beats their colorful, casual patio with some friendly dogs around. Order a beer and a delicious hot dog and bring along your dog to share a few fries. (Dat Dog even hosts a Canine Costume Contest in October.)

Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar & Restaurant: 701 Tchoupitoulas St. Head over to Lucy’s with your furry friend and sip on a delicious drink. Even treat your dog to a meal out—Lucy’s has a Surf Dog Canine Cuisine menu complete with a 3-oz burger patty, grilled boneless skinless chicken breast, a hot dog sans bun and, on Saturdays and Sundays during brunch, scrambled eggs. All options for your pup are $2 and under.

The Bulldog: Multiple Locations As the name suggests, this bar, which has 50 beers on draft, is definitely dog friendly.

Another great thing about The Bulldog is that they support local animal charities; head over on the third Thursday of each month from 5-7 p.m. when they donate 20% of all sales to a designated animal charity.

The Rusty Nail: 1100 Constance St. One of the best things about The Rusty Nail, other than that they are dog friendly, is that there is usually a local food truck outside. The Rusty Nail has a spacious outdoor patio where you can sip on a Pimm’s Cup with your pooch and some friends.

Café Freret: 7329 Freret St. If you’re in the mood for brunch and a lazy day, bring your pooch over to Café Freret.

Your pup will be provided with a bowl of ice water, and their A La Collar Menu features fresh-baked dog biscuits, bones and treats. The best part is that all treats are approved by Dr. Bryan at the Audubon Veterinary Hospital.

WhereYat.com | June 2015 | 25

OnesToWatch

the tomb of nick Cage

By Landon Murray

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very now and then a band with a unique perspective and a fresh take on a scene comes out of our city. Right now, that band is the up-and-coming The Tomb of Nick Cage. After rocking out with the popular ska band Local Skank, lead singer and visionary Melissa Crory wanted to create something edgy, stylish, and fun to watch. With the help of an incredibly solid band who can hold their own easily, they seem poised to become a local favorite. Take my word for it: you want to see this band on stage.

If you’re into immediate spooky punk with a 1980s horror film backdrop, these guys (and gal) are for you. I believe they’re going to be energizing crowds for a long time. New Orleans, you’ve been warned! The Tomb of Nick Cage is real, and it’s awesome.

WYAT: Tell me about how you came to record with the fellow members of your band?

Melissa Crory: I actually wrote and recorded all of the material with Sean Mooney of House of Goats and Lewis D’Aubin of C.O.G. Secret Lab for the current EP. We are now writing with the full lineup and should be back in the studio within two weeks to start working on a release with the entire band.

WYAT: What’s your approach or state of mind when you start to write a song?

What fuels the flame?

Crory: We love horror movies, conspiracy theories and dark, edgy rock and roll that you can dance to. Sometimes I’ll write a dark keyboard part, loop it, take a movie I like and sit in my room until the inspiration comes. I wrote “Nightbreed” when I woke up from a dream with the melody and refrain in my head.

WYAT: If you could describe your music in 10 words or less, what would you say?

Crory: Old World Horror for the New World Order.

26 | June 2015 | Ones to Watch

WYAT: So, you’ve named your band after a real monument here in the city. What does the Tomb of Nick Cage actually look like?

Crory: It kind of looks like a white miniature of the Luxor Hotel in Vegas. It’s totally out of place in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, which is what makes it so amazing. Everything from the spooky inscription of “Omni Ab Uno,” to the sheer size of it, to its location close to the same latitude line as the pyramids near Cairo, Egypt, are on is shrouded in mystery and speculation. I love it.

WYAT: What concepts were most important when thinking of the style and face of the band?

Crory: I wanted to recreate a 1980s type feel. I love post-punk as well as the styles of punk rockers in the 1970s. Vivienne Westwood still inspires me, as does the Visual Kei movement in Japan.

WYAT: If you could play with any living band, who would it be and why?

Crory: Personally, Alice Cooper. I love bands with a stage vision that just like to have fun. I’d like to start playing with other horror punk bands from all over

We wanted to recreate the decayed look of a 1980s film and a post-punk aesthetic without losing our own individual style. the world. I get a kick out of seeing what their interpretation of the genre is. One common thread they all seem to have is that they are supportive and happy. That seems against type, but how can you be angry when you are having this much fun?

WYAT: I watched your video for “Nightbreed” and a few of the things that stand out to me are the black and green costumes, the static background and the various scenes filmed in the rubble of a home. What went into the making of the music video?

Crory: We wanted to recreate the decayed look of a 1980s film and a post-punk aesthetic without losing our own individual style. Lewis D’Aubin filmed, directed and

edited it with a like-minded vision. He “got it” immediately. I wanted to suggest outcast status and solidarity to go with the theme of the song, and keep a smirk on my face at the same time. I don’t think I can ever play anything straight. This project is about fun, engaging our audience and putting on a great show.

WYAT: Where would you like to see The Tomb of Nick Cage progress to in the next two years?

Crory: Japan, Germany, Russia, the Caribbean—anywhere with a beach, a mountain, castles or exotic food. Traveling is my favorite thing to do in the whole world, so I’m going to answer that question literally.

WhereYat.com | June 2015 | 27

Jazz Fest Revisited

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id you have a good time at Jazz Fest this year? We know we did. Relive some of the highlights of the past year as our writers recount their experiences at New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

Friday, April 24

by Austin Niel Friday, April 24 was the first official day of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and it had all of the essential ingredients to set the standard for a music festival in the wild city of New Orleans. Whether you wanted to lie out in the sun for the first half of the day, show off your dancing shoes at the Congo Square Stage or simply eat, drink and be happy until the rain started pouring down, most would probably agree that the first day of the festival had just enough of everything.

Those who had a craving for good New Orleans–style Cajun recipes did not have to go too far, as Sara Toth of Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse demonstrated recipes for crawfish bread, shrimp bread and crawfish deviled eggs and showed exactly what New Orleans’ food culture is all about! After the spicy Cajun dishes, WWOZ’s Mango Freeze provided the perfect chill to get festival-goers back into the swing of dancing, singing and cheering as Royal Teeth began their set with heavy rhythmic grooves that everyone could nod their heads to.

Wilco began their set at 5:20 on the Gentilly Stage. The Chicago-based band started playing to a high­- energy crowd of people dancing, singing, laughing and enjoying the show until halfway through their set, heavy clouds of rain began to pour and pour. For some Jazz Fest attendees, that weather was the only bad part of the day. Other festival-goers might tell you that the weather was the best part of the day, as Wilco’s broad stream of colors, shapes, sounds and feelings was complemented by the excitement of a thunderstorm approaching accompanied by a tornado warning! Of the two-­hour set they were originally scheduled to play, only 40 minutes were achieved before large bursts of lightning shot across the sky. In a way, the weather

28 | June 2015 | Jazz Fest Revisited

Clockwise from left: Festival-goers played in the rain Friday, April 24, Trombone Shorty, Royal Teeth, Elton John, Lenny Kravitz, Mardi Gras Indian Second Line, Keith Urban, fans eagerly awaited Ed Sheeran's set, Pitbull. —Photos by Gus Escanelle

added to the whole experience, for better or for worse.

Saturday, April 25

by Alex V. Cook The day started out brilliantly. We were going to see The Who, my daughter’s favorite band. I felt like King Dad. We slid in seamlessly to catch Richard Comeaux’s pedal steel band at the Lagniappe Stage, tucked inside the Grandstand. Comeaux was fantastic. His 1950s dance band High Performance is a V8 Cajun boogie engine on full throttle, but in the manicured shade of the Grandstand, he and his band stuck to standards and hits.

From Lafayette’s Creole Lunch House I scored a piece of Creole stuffed bread—sort of a sausage-heavy jambalaya tucked into a perfect little pocket of bread—and an effervescent set by GIVERS (also from Lafayette) before the rains came.

When the sky opened up, my daughter texted me to say she was huddled in the book tent. I made it there just before the real monsoon hit, threatening to blow the tent off its moorings. I tried to negotiate an escape plane with my daughter, arguing that the two surviving members of The Who are deep into AARP territory. She wasn’t having it. “My Tumblr followers will be disappointed if I don’t see them,” she explained with adolescent resolve. Who am I to defy Tumblr?

The rain eventually petered out and the SkyCam crane lurched over us at the Acura Stage like a grazing brontosaurus. Keeping to the dinosaur analogy, The Who lumbered onto the stage. Roger Daltrey looked like an aging bar back from an English pub; Pete Townshend, in his skullcap, looked like an engineer on a nuclear sub. After some sputtering, they came shockingly to life and were the greatest rock band in the world. The Who played with muscle, as if this show was their big break. The elation on

my daughter’s face during “Pinball Wizard” was a triumph of rock ’n’ roll. Then we saw it: my bright blue shirt in the corner of the Jumbotron. We were in just the right spot, where the crane had to turn around to do those magnificent flying shots of the band. We were part of the concert, the “who” that answers the ancient question “Who Are You?” It was exactly how rock ’n’ roll is supposed to feel.

Sunday, April 26

by Emily Hingle My group of friends and I started our fest day with a few libations at the Seahorse Saloon just across the street from the fest gates, a staple of the most experienced festers. It makes for a smoother entrance into the chaos that can be Jazz Fest. Upon entering, we slowly walked around and enjoyed the music coming from all directions. I couldn't help but take a turn using the amazing Oculus 3D system presented by Shell Oil and meandering through the Folklife and Cultural Exchange Pavillions to check out the fascinating wares and international showcases of dances.

My fest food strategy is one of getting the most bang for my buck; something filling and sustaining. So I sought out my favorite from Gambian Foods, the Spicy Grilled Tofu and Veggies with peanut sauce. This heaping dish is full of spicy sweet flavor and good protein. Later in the day, I also was enticed to enjoy a steaming Broccoli and Cheese Pie from Mrs. Wheat's Foods. The old pirate and local restaurateur Jimmy Buffet closed out the Acura Stage with his signature, enjoyable, beach bum style. Halfway into his set I had to leave to catch some of our Jazz Fest issue's cover artist's set. Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet featured the fun, danceable Cajun music they've been playing for decades, and a few of their friends showed up for the occasion: Charles Neville, Don Vappie, and Jo-El Sonnier to name a few. Sunday certainly was a full, filling, fun day.

Thursday, April 30

by Kathy Bradshaw Buying food at Jazz Fest without shopping around would be like marrying your first date, so I wandered along the various food booths searching for the ideal lunch. I came across every conceivable type of crawfish dish imaginable: boiled, bread, bisque, beignets, étouffée, enchilada, pie, strudel and the famous Crawfish Monica from Kajun Kettle Foods. I finally settled on crawfish bread from Panaroma Foods, which was disappointingly lukewarm and rubbery. The praline-filled beignet from Loretta’s Authentic Pralines, on the other hand, was an authentically delicious find, and probably worth the $5 price tag for only one.

I met up with a friend who got me into the semi-exclusive WWOZ tent, where I took advantage of those giant spritzer fans and free refreshments galore, such as the miles-long fresh fruit buffet. The highlight of the entire day was very likely the complimentary WWOZ Mango Freeze sorbet, which was even more fabulous once I spiked it with coconut rum from my smuggled flask.

I got there early enough to get a good spot in the shade and camped out for a while in front of the Fais Do-Do Stage to take in some good zydeco. I caught Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys, who did a mostly traditional, folky zydeco but stepped it up with just a touch of electric guitar and impressed me by singing half of their songs in French. I also ventured to the Gentilly Stage to watch Amanda Shaw rock out on fiddle while she and her Cute Guys performed their zydeco-country-rock renditions of tunes such as “Highway to Hell” and “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” Despite the mushy ground from 10 straight days of rain and that

lingering barnyard smell (it is a horse track, after all), it was a great Jazz Fest Thursday.

Friday, May 1

by Julie Mitchell As someone who hates live music, crowds, getting sunburned and most people, you can imagine how much I love Jazz Fest! As I was leaving my house to walk the two blocks to the Fair Grounds, I noticed I’d got a parking ticket. Right in front of my house! Jazz Fest really tests my spatial intelligence, because the layout is a continuous loop that you need to veer off of at the correct time in order to find anything.

It was while drinking a $7 beer that I realized Macy Gray was onstage and singing. Two things must be noted here: (1) I love Macy Gray and (2) somehow she looks the same as she did when I was in sixth grade, which was 14 years ago. She performed with Galactic and it was amazing! I was able to sit down and that was even more amazing.

After much debate, my friend and I decided to split a cochon de lait po-boy. This was the correct decision. The sandwich was truly delicious. My only regret is that I later ran into someone who has a “gluten allergy” and doesn’t eat bread. This person told me you can get the same po-boy as a salad, which is basically just a pile of meat in a tray—in other words, all I could ever want in a meal. We also got some fried okra, which was good but not great.

Upon returning to our seats (claimed nearly seven hours earlier) it was time for No Doubt! They were really great; Gwen Stefani’s

WhereYat.com | June 2015 | 29

voice is actually incredible (something I either forgot or never knew) and they played all my faves. They did a ska-heavy set, which I didn’t hate because the dad next to me really loved it and kept expressing his feelings through dance, which was a real treat. The only drawback to this performance was Gwen’s betweensong comments, which ranged from slightly weird to local-newspaper-horoscope levels of oddity. She kept saying how special the day was, how special we were and that the only reason she was at Jazz Fest at all was to hear us sing to her. She sounded like Vicodin trying to make a commencement address.

Overall, I had a really good time, and got only a little sunburned!

Saturday, May 2

by Kimmie Tubre OH, JAZZ FEST, HOW I LOVE THEE, LET ME COUNT THE WAYS! Just standing at the gate, seeing the people, smelling the horse manure and being covered in dust—these things honestly make me happy.

My first stop is always to the CAMP SITE. This is where the rest of my crew sets up for the Fest. They usually arrive early to mark their territory, while slackers like myself arrive hours later. The CAMP SITE is normally set up at the Acura Stage, but something told us that the whole Elton John ordeal was going to be pretty insane, and it turned out to be. So they decided to set up at the Congo Square Stage instead.

After lollygagging around the Fest with Crawfish Monica in one hand and a beer in the other, I decided to wait for the infamous Big Freedia. Freedia came out with a bang.

The rump-shaking dancers, male and female, can move their bodies in ways that are unheard of. In true Freedia tradition, she invited Jazz Fest patrons onstage for a shake-a-thon. It was absolutely the most entertaining thing I saw all day.

After Freedia, I decided to take a stroll for more food and, of course, more alcohol. I mean, what’s Jazz Fest without a few beers?

30 | June 2015 | Jazz Fest Revisited

Being the artsy-fart that I am, I had to make a brief stop to check out some of the art.

Everyone from Terrance Osborne to Exhibit B artist Brandon Odums was out there representing the local art of New Orleans.

I had to fight my way through the bustling crowd to get back to the CAMP SITE. By then, I was pretty much danced out and— how can I say this lightly?—exhausted.

Sunday, May 3

by Christopher Louis Romaguera I heard Deacon John playing while walking down Gentilly Boulevard. Once inside the Fair Grounds, the first thing that stopped me was The Kyle Roussel Electronic Band at the NOCCA Stage. The fatigue of the previous month’s work was being cleansed from me, the music by a band I had never seen live before washing over me. The Creative Writers of NOCCA had a chalkboard set up outside the tent.

Alongside more perverse and comedic statements, I wrote: “The moment when the music makes the rest worth it.”

Big Chief Juan Pardo & Jockimo’s Groove’s set brought out the canon that Pardo rocked to at this year’s Mardi Gras. The suits were so pretty, and he had the audience rolling with the music. Pardo finished his set with his rendition of “Ho Na Nae,” which has a Latin flavor to it and is a favorite of mine.

“It’s a Jazz Fest miracle!” I heard in the background, as a friend and fellow writer spotted me and gave me a hug. We got to enjoy a bit of John Boutte, just two people relaxing without a deadline looming over us (or at least it felt so for the moment.)

The social media “win of the day” was Sasha Masakowski posting that she and Cliff Hines’ band, Hildegard, were playing at the NOCCA Stage. Even Jazz Fest has hidden gems. With Hines’ searing guitar and Masakowski singing, playing keyboard and somehow dancing as well, the entire audience was captivated. People were kicking off their flip-flops and dancing on the sandy wood floors. It was a truly beautiful moment.

I arrived home a satiated man.

WhereYat.com | June 2015 | 31

MUSICCALENDAR

selected listings @ WhereYat.com Mahogany Jazz Hall – Joe Welnik, Tony Seville & The Cadillacs Maison – Jon Roniger, Dysfunktional Bone Brass Band Maison Bourbon Jazz Club – New Orleans Swamp Donkeys, Jamil Sharif & The New Orleans All Stars Maple Leaf – John Vidacovich + Eric “Benny” Bloom & more Marigny Brasserie – Honey Savage, Jamey St. Pierre Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl – Ruben Moreno My Bar – Ticklers Dueling Pianos Neutral Ground Coffeehouse – Ruby Ross, Dave Easley Ogden Museum Of Southern Art – Mississippi Rail Company Old Point Bar – Darling Palamino Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar – Brother Tyrone & The Mindbenders Palm Court Jazz Café – Crescent City Joymakers Pearl Wine Co. – Anna Mangiardi & Joshua Pennison Ralph’s On The Park – Joe Krown Richard Fiske’s Martini Bar and Restaurant – James Martin Ruby’s Roadhouse – Renshaw & Davies Acoustic Duo Sbisa’s – Royal Street Windin’ Boys Ft. Jenavieve Cook Siberia – The Salt Wives, Royal Thunder + Wild Throne Snug Harbor – Carl Leblanc Quartet Spotted Cat Music Club – Sarah McCoy & The Oopsie Daisies, Miss Sophie Lee, Jumbo Shrimp Steamboat Natchez – Duke Heitger’s Steamboat Stompers Three Muses – Tom McDermott Tipitina’s – Stanton Moore & Friends Tropical Isle Original - The Hangovers, Late As Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon - Miss Maggie Trio, Debi & The Deacons Vaso – Bobby Love & Friends, Ed Wills & Blues 4 Sale Vaughan’s Lounge – Corey Henry’s Treme Funktet Yuki Izakaya – Norbert Slama

TechN9ne Rapper Tech N9ne brings his Special Effects Tour to New Orleans, with special guests Murs, Chris Webbie, Krizz Kaliko, King Rio and Zuse. Fri. May 29. $40, 8 p.m., House of Blues, houseofblues.com/neworleans Wednesday, May 27 30/90 – Jon Roniger Gypsyland Band, The Mumbles Apple Barrel – Dave Easley, Dave Easley Trio Backroom at Buffa’s – World’s Most Open Mic Night Bayou Club - La Maniere des Cadiens, Cajungrass Bamboula’s – Giselle Anguizola, Benny D Band, John Lisi Band BMC – Bobby Love & Friends, Ed Wills & Blues 4 Sale, Shamaniacs Bombay Club – Kris Tokarski Café Beignet – Steamboat Willie & Friends Café Negril – Arsene DeLay’s Trio, Another Day In Paradise Checkpoint Charlie – T Bone Stone & The Happy Monsters Chickie Wah Wah – John Rankin, Meschiya Lake & Tom McDermott Circle Bar – Mike True Columns Hotel – Andy Rogers Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a. – Tin Men, Walter “Wolfman” Washington & The Roadmasters Dmac’s Bar & Grill – Five Card Stud Dos Jefes – Meryl Zimmerman Fritzel’s Jazz Pub – Chuck Brackman & Barry Foulon Funky Pirate - The Blues Masters with Patrick Williams Gasa Gasa – Geographer + Empires + Idle Hands Houston’s Restaurant – David Hansen’s Garden District Band Howlin’ Wolf The Den – Dominic Minix Quartet + MetaQuirk Kerry Irish Pub – Chip Wilson Lafayette Square – Irma Thomas + Andrew Duhon Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop – Angelle Trosclair Le Petit Theatre – Merrily We Roll Along The Little Gem Saloon – Kyle Cripps, Mario Abney Sextet Little Tropical Isle - Mark Barrett, J.B. Elston Lucky’s – Yomomanem Mahogany Jazz Hall – Dave Bach, New Orleans Ragweeds Maison – Loose Marbles, New Orleans Jazz Vipers, Maison Bourbon Jazz Club – Reginald & The Smithsonians, Phil Campo & The Loose Change Jazz Band Maple Leaf – Frogs & Friends Marigny Brasserie – Bryce Eastwood Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl – Gal Holiday My Bar – Ticklers Dueling Pianos Neutral Ground Coffeehouse – Jonathan Tankel, Jamey St. Pierre Old Point Bar – Bob Green & The Green River Band Old U.S. Mint – Kyle Roussel One Eyed Jack’s – The Rentals + Rey Pila + Radiation City Palm Court Jazz Café – Palm Court Jazz Band Ft. Lars Edegran + Topsy Chapman & more Ralph’s On The Park – Joe Krown Rare Form – Benefi t for Washboard Lisa Ft. Nervous DeWayne The Recovery Room Bar & Grill – The Blues Cats

32 | June 2015 | Music Calendar

Siberia – Ghoul + Phobia + Nekrofilth + more Snug Harbor – Uptown Jazz Orchestra Ft. Delfeayo Marsalis Spotted Cat Music Club – Chris Christy, Shotgun Brass Band, Antoine Diel & The New Orleans Misfit Power Steamboat Natchez – Duke Heitger’s Steamboat Stompers Teddy’s Hole In The Wall – N’awlins Johnnys Tropical Isle Original - Debi & The Deacons, Late As Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon - Way To Early, Debi & The Deacons Three Muses – Leslie Martin, Sarah McCoy Vaso – Jeff Chaz Blues Band, Angelica Matthews Band Thursday, May 28 21st Amendment – Chance & Lisa’s Jitterbug Jazzband 30/90 – Andy J. Forest, Smoke-n-Bones Apple Barrel – Gettin’ It Armstrong Park – Wild Magnolias Tribute To Big Chief Bo Dollis Backroom at Buffa’s – Tom McDermott & Aurora Nealand Bamboula’s – Shine, Messy Cookers Jazz, Troy Turner Bayou Club - Cajun Drifters, Louisiana Inferno BMC- Adrian, Crooked Vines, R&R Music Group Bombay Club – Kris Tokarski Duo Bullet’s Sports Bar – Jeff Chaz Café Negril – Usurpers, Soul Project Carousel Lounge Hotel Monteleone – Antoine Diel Quartet Casa Borrega – Panorama Jazz Band Checkpoint Charlie – Tropical City, Diablo’s Horns Chickie Wah Wah – Phil Degruy, Call Club Circle Bar – Rockin’ Robin Ft. The Kentucky Sisters Columns Hotel – Naydja CoJoe Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a. – Marc Stone & Friends Dickie Brennan’s Tableau – Nicholas Payton, Jamison Ross Dmac’s Bar & Grill – Simple Sound Retreat Dos Jefes – The Loren Pickford Quartet Dragon’s Den – Bayou Saints, Emperor Sumo Fritzel’s Jazz Pub – Chuck Brackman & Richard Scott Funky Pirate - Marc Stone Duo, Big Al Carson Gasa Gasa – Cracker Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room - Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor Houston’s Restaurant – David Hansen’s Garden District Band The Irish House – Patrick Cooper Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse – Jenna McSwain Kerry Irish Pub – Vincent Marini & The One Tailed Three Lafi tte’s Blacksmith Shop – Mike Hood Le Bon Temps Roule – The Soul Rebels Brass Band Le Petit Theatre – Merrily We Roll Along Little Tropical Isle - Allen Hebert, Casey Saba The Little Gem Saloon – Monty Banks, The Roamin’ Jasmine

Friday, May 29 30/90 – Mark Weliky Trio, Gal Holiday & The Honky Tonk Review Apple Barrel – Big Soul Backroom at Buffa’s – Leslie Cooper & Music Street Jazz Band, Arsene Delay, Sturmlandia Bamboula’s – Chance Bushmen’s Rhythm Stompers, Carl LeBlanc, Mem Shannon Band Banks Street Bar – Kenny Triche Band Blue Nile – Corey Henry’s Treme Funktet BMC – Lefty Keith & True Blues, Big Al & The Heavyweights, Zena Moses & Rue Fiya, Musical Expressions Bayou Club - Louisiana Inferno, T'Canaille Bombay Club – Tom McDermott, Steve Pistorius Bullet’s Sports Bar – The Original Pinettes Brass Band Burgundy Bar-Saint Hotel – The Creole Syncopators Jazz Band Café Beignet – Steamboat Willie & Friends Café Istanbul – Honorable South + Voices Of The Big Easy Café Negril – Dana Abbot Band, Higher Heights Reggae Band Carousel Lounge – Hotel Monteleone – Lena Prima Casa Borrega – Los Caballeros del Son Checkpoint Charlie – Yamomenem, Troy Turner Chickie Wah Wah – Michael Pearce, Paul Sanchez Circle Bar – Natalie Mae, Christian Lee Hutson Columns Hotel – Ted Long Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a. – Meschiya Lake & The Little Big Horns, Cedric Watson Dickie Brennan’s Tableau – David Torkanowsky Dmac’s Bar & Grill – Vince Marini, Ainsley Matich Dos Jefes – The Jenna McSwain Trio Dragon’s Den – Up Up We Go Fritzel’s Jazz Pub – Kevin Clark & Collin Myers Funky Pirate - Mark & The Pentones, Big Al Carson Gasa Gasa – Amasa Hines Hi Ho Lounge – Doombalaya Houston’s Restaurant – David Hansen’s Garden District Band The Irish House – Patie O’Sullivan Jazz Café – Gypsy Elise & The Royal Blues Kerry Irish Pub – Paul Ferguson, Hurricane Refugees Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop – Frank Martinez Le Bon Temps Roule – Joe Krown, John Fohl, & Mike Barras Le Petit Theatre – Merrily We Roll Along The Little Gem- Saloon - Jon Roniger Little Tropical Isle - Reed Lightfoot, Ben Joseph Mahogany Jazz Hall – Screamin’ Rachel Blues Ban Maison – Jon Roniger, The Dapper Dandies, Jesse Smith Project Maison Bourbon Jazz Club – Phil Campo Maple Leaf – Mike Dillon Band Marigny Brasserie – Kristina Morales & The Bayou Shufflers, Mid City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl – Mo’ Jelly + Dave Ferrato My Bar – Ticklers Dueling Pianos Neutral Ground Coffeehouse – Daniel Black, Richard Bienvenu Oak Wine Bar – Ponchartrain Wrecks Old Point Bar – Rick Trolsen, Jamie Lynn Vessels Palm Court Jazz Café – Palm Court Jazz Band Ft. Lucien Barbarin Pearl Wine Co. – Sarah Gromko Rare Form – Justin Donovan, Mike Darby & The House Of Cards The Roosevelt Hotel – Fountain Lounge Sbisa’s – NOLA Jitterbugs & The Ibervillianaires

Siberia – Ugly Americans +Classhole + Ossacrux & more Snug Harbor – Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet Spotted Cat Music Club – Andy Forest, Washboard Chaz Trio Steamboat Natchez – Duke Heitger’s Steamboat Stompers Tropical Isle Original - The Hangovers, Late As Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon - Way To Early, J.B. Elston Band Ugly Dog Saloon & BBQ – Austin Sicard & The Medics Vaso – Bobby Love & Friends, Willie Lockett & The Blues Krewe, Morning Call Ensemble, New Creations Brass Band Saturday, May 30 21st Amendment – The Antoine Diel Trio 30/90 – Justin Donovan, Swamp Donkeys, Eudora Evans & Deep Soul Apple Barrel – Charles Farmer Ensemble, Ruby Moon Backroom at Buffa’s – Clint Johnson, Debbie Davis & Josh Paxton Bayou Club - La Maniere des Cadiens, Louisiana Inferno Bamboula’s – Abby Diamond, Caesar Brothers Blue Moon Saloon – Melting Pot #4 BMC- Lunetajazz, Johnny Mastro & Mama’s Boys, Water Seed Bombay Club – David Boeddinghaus, Kitt Lough Café Beignet on Bourbon – Steamboat Willie & Friends Café Negril –Jamey St. Pierre & The Honeycreepers, The Business Casa Borrega – Jenna McSwain Trio Checkpoint Charlie – Rico, Kenny Claiborne, Jonathan Brown Band Chickie Wah Wah – Grayson Capps Circle Bar – Richard Bates, This Frontier Needs Heroes Columns Hotel – Michael Liuzza Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a. – Dirty Dozen Brass Band Dickie Brennan’s Tableau – David Torkanowsky Dmac’s Bar & Grill – Jon Roninger, Swamp Motel Dos Jefes – Sunpie & The Louisiana Sunspots Dragon’s Den – Loose Marbles Fritzel’s Jazz Pub – Kevin Clark & David Ruffner Funky Pirate - Marc Stone & The Pentones, Big Al Carson Hi Ho Lounge – Valerie Sassyfras, HUSTLE with DJ Soul Sister House Of Blues – Pigeon Town + Johnny Angel & Helldorado Houston’s Restaurant – David Hansen’s Garden District Band Howlin’ Wolf The Den – Fpoon + King Mulhacen The Irish House – One Tailed Three Jazz Café – Gypsy Elise & The Royal Blues Kerry Irish Pub – Speed The Mule, Roux The Day! Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop – Lucky Lee Le Petit Theatre – Merrily We Roll Along Le Bon Temps Roule – Shotgun Double Little Tropical Isle - J.B. Elston, Ben Joseph The Little Gem Saloon – Walter “Wolfman” Washington Mahogany Jazz Hall – Monty Banks, Hyperphlyy Maison – The Melanie Gardner Trio, Nyce Maison Bourbon Jazz Club – Phil Campo Maple Leaf – Khris Royal & Dark Matter Marigny Brasserie – Hot & Spicy Jazz Club, Up Up We Go! Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl – Karma My Bar – Ticklers Dueling Pianos Neutral Ground Coffeehouse – The Olivia de Haviland Mosquitoes, Dan River, T. J. Sutton New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park – Storyville Stompers Band Oak Wine Bar – Billy Luso Old Point Bar – Johnny Angel & Helldorado Old U.S. Mint – Peter Nu One Eyed Jacks – NOLAW Palm Court Jazz Café – Tim Laughlin & Friends Pontchartrain Vineyards – The Roamin’ Jasmine Rare Form – Kristina Morales, Shan Kenner, Marc Stone Rivershack Tavern– Black Magnolias Ruby’s Roadhouse – Voodoo Gumbo Shamrock - Hot 8 Brass Band Siberia – Shane Sayer + Tasche De La Roche Snug Harbor – Topsy Chapman & Solid Harmony Special Venue – Morella & The Wheels Of If and Eric Laws Shamrock – Hot 8 Brass Band Spotted Cat Music Club – Russell Welch’s Mississippi Gypsy Jazz Steamboat Natchez – Duke Heitger’s Steamboat Stompers Three Muses – Tyler Thomson Trio Tropical Isle Original - The Hangovers, Late As Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon - Way To Early, Rhythm & Rain Union Station Pub & Grill – Yomomanem Vaso – R N R Jazz Group, Willie Lockett & The Blues Krewe, Ed Wills & Blues 4 Sale, All 4 One Brass Band Verret’s Lounge – James Jordan & The Beautiful Band Westwego Performing Arts Theatre – The Jefferson Chorale Woldenberg Riverfront Park – Treme Brass Band Yuki Izakaya – Norbert Slama Sunday, May 31 30/90 – Texas Pete, Ted Hefko & The Thousandaires, Kingfish AllWays Lounge – The Tradsters Apple Barrel – Charles Farmer Ensemble, Vic Shepherd

Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits – Sarah Quintana Band Ft. Rex Gregory, Robin Sherman & more Backroom At Buffa’s – Some Like It Hot, Ben Cousins Bamboula’s – New Orleans Ragweeds, Swamp Donkeys Bayou Club - Cajungrass, Louisiana Inferno BMC – R&R Music Group & Soul Project Bombay Club – Tom Hook Bullet’s Sports Bar – Sharon Martin Café Beignet – Steamboat Willie & Friends Café Negril – Dana Abbott & Mike Korbin Checkpoint Charlie – Open Mic Ft. Jim Smith Chickie Wah Wah – Sweet Olive Duo, Gal Holiday Circle Bar – Micah McKee & Little Maker + Blind Texas Marlin Columns Hotel – Chip Wilson Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Streetbeat d.b.a. – The Palmetto Bug Stompers, Lynn Drury Dickie Brennan’s Tableau – Tableau Brass Band Ft. Wendell Brunious Dmac’s Bar & Grill – HollyRock Dos Jefes – Michael Liuzza Dragon’s Den – Russell Welch Funky Pirate - Mark & The Pentones, Willie Lockett Fritzel’s Jazz Pub – Mike Fulton & John Royen Gasa Gasa – Valerie Sassyfras Houston’s Restaurant – David Hansen’s Garden District Band Howlin’ Wolf The Den – Hot 8 Brass Band Jazz Café – Gypsy Elise & The Royal Blues Kerry Irish Pub – Chip Wilson Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop – Angelle Trosclair Le Petit Theatre – Merrily We Roll Along The Little Gem Saloon – The New Orleans Swingin Gypsies Little Tropical Isle - Lynn Drury, Reed Lightfoot Loyola Nunemaker Auditorium – Pandit Sanjeev Abhyankar Mahogany Jazz Hall – Lunch Truck Latin, Gary Brown Maison – Bayou Saints, Brad Walker, The Upstarts Maison Bourbon Jazz Club – New Orleans Swamp Donkeys, Jamil Sharif & The New Orleans All Stars Maple Leaf – Joe Krown Trio Ft. Walter “Wolfman” Washington Marigny Brasserie - Dinosaurchestra, Sweet Deluxe Electric Neutral Ground Coffeehouse – Open Mic The Old Arabi Bar – Andre Bouvier Old Point Bar – Amanda Walker Palm Court Jazz Café – Sunday Night Swingsters Ft. Lucien Barbarin Ralph’s On The Park – Joe Krown Rare Form – Matt Gallaway, Nervous DeWayne, Stephanie Niles Sbisa’s – Big Joe Kennedy Siberia – The Mystic Circus Sideshow Ft. Olive-It Thee Clowne & Kidshow Clem, Mothership +Jesse Tripp & The Nightbreed Snug Harbor – John Michael Bradford Quintet

Special Venue – The Jefferson Chorale Spotted Cat Music Club – Jamey St. Pierre & The Honeycreepers, Kristina Morales & The Bayou Shufflers, Pat Casey & The New Sound Steamboat Natchez – Duke Heitger’s Steamboat Stompers Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar – The Superior Jazz Trio Three Muses – Raphael Bas, Linnzi Zaorski Tropical Isle Original - The Hangovers, Late As Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon - BC & Comp, Rhythm & Rain Vaso – Willie Lockett & The Blues Band, Ed Wills & Blues 4 Sale Woldenberg Riverfront Park – Rockin’ Dopsie, Marcia Ball and more

The Little Gem Saloon – Stuart McNair, The Messy Cookers Little Tropical Isle – Mark Barrett, Ben Joseph Maison – Roamin’ Jasmine, Gregory Agid Neutral Ground Coffeehouse – The Bureau, Mike Liuzza Old Point Bar –Isla Nola Preservation Hall - The Preservation Hall-Stars Ft. Shannon Powell Ralph’s On The Park – Joe Krown Rare Form – Joey Leenwen Quintet Richard Fisk- Lucas Davenport Siberia – GBH + Total Chaos + Medically Seperated Special Venue – Alexandra Scott St. Roch Market – We3 Tropical Isle Original - The Hangovers, J.B. Elston Tropical Isle Bourbon - J.B. Elston & Wayne, Tropic Gumbo

Monday, June 1 Backroom at Buffa’s – Antione Diel Bayou Club – Cajungrass Duo, Cajun Drifters Banks Street Bar – South Jones Bombay Club – Tom Hook Café Instanbul – Matt Lemmier’s New Orleans Jazz Revival UBUNTU Columns Hotel – David Doucet Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Streetbeat Funky Pirate – Gary Brown Gasa Gasa – Ratboys Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse – Gerald French & The Original Tuxedo Jazz Band Kerry Irish Pub – Kim Carson Maison – Chicken & Waffles, Aurora Nealand & The Royal Roses Neutral Ground Coffeehouse – Staghorn Old Point Bar – The Romy Kaye Jazz Trio One Eyed Jacks – Kate Tempest Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar – James Andrews Band Preservation Hall – The Preservation Hall Jazz Masters Rare Form – Matt Aresene Duo, Snake & The Charmers Richard Fisk- Craig Adams Three Muses – Bart Ramsey, Washboard Rodeo Tropical Isle Original - Graham Robertson, Whiskey Bar Tropical Isle Bourbon - Rhythm & Rain, Way To Early Tuesday, June 2 Blue Nile – Balcony Room – Joey Van Leeuwen Quintet Bombay Club – Josh Paxton Bayou Club – Cajungrass Duo, Cajun Drifters Checkpoint Charlie – Jamie Lynn Vessels, Baby Whiskey Circle Bar – John Moreland Columns Hotel – John Rankin Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Streetbeat Funky Pirate – The Blues Masters with Patrick Williams Gasa Gasa – Progression Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse – Ricio & Reece’s Pieces Kerry Irish Pub – Jason Bishop

Sepultura The influential Brazilian heavy metal band is coming to the Big Easy, along with Destruction, Arsis, Boris the Blade and more. Sat. June 6. $28, 9 p.m., Publiq House, publiqhouse.com

Wednesday, June 3 Backroom at Buffa’s – World’s Most Open Mic Night Bombay Club – Kris Tokarski Bayou Club – La Maniere des Cadiens, Cajungrass Checkpoint Charlie – T Bone Stone & The Happy Monsters Circle Bar – Them Are Us Too Columns Hotel – Hotel 35th Anniversary Party Ft. Nadja Cojoe Funky Pirate - The Blues Masters with Patrick Williams Howlin’ Wolf The Den – UrbanCellist + Trevarri Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse – Lady Sings The Blues Kerry Irish Pub – Paul Tobin The Little Gem Saloon – Kyle Cripps, Mario Abney Sextet Little Tropical Isle – Mark Barett, J.B. Elston Maison – New Orleans Swingin Gypsies, New Orleans Jazz Vipers Maple Leaf – Tommy Castro & The Painkillers Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl – Joe Krown Neutral Ground Coffeehouse – Renshaw & Davies, Zac Maras 5 Old Point Bar –Open Mic Nite Ft. Kim Cantwell Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar – Kid Merv Preservation Hall – The Preservation Hall All-Stars Ralph’s On The Park – Joe Krown Rare Form – Jack Hinson, Gettin’ It Richard Fisk- Tony Seville Siberia – Ed Schrader’s Music Beat + dIRECT ATTACK Three Muses – Leslie Martin, Hot Club Of New Orleans Tropical Isle Original - Debi & The Deacons, Late As Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon - Way To Early, Debi & The Deacons Thursday, June 4 Backroom at Buffa’s – Tom McDermott & Friends Bayou Club - Cajun Drifters, Louisiana Inferno Bombay Club – Steve Pistorius Duo Checkpoint Charlie – Johnny Azari, Mike Darby

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Circle Bar – Bionica + The Kirk Nasty Columns Hotel – Andy Rogers Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse – James Rivers Movement Funky Pirate - Marc Stone Duo, Big Al Carson Kerry Irish Pub – Patrick Cooper Le Bon Temps Roule –Soul Rebels Brass Band The Little Gem Saloon – Alexandra Scott, The Roamin’ Jasmine Little Tropical Isle - Allen Hebert, Casey Saba Maison – Jon Roniger, Sweet Substitute, Rue Fiya Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl – Geno Delafose Neutral Ground Coffeehouse – Jeff Thompson, Dave Hickey, Beartoe Ogden Museum Of Southern Art – Cardinal Sons The Old Arabi Bar – Isla Nola Old Point Bar –Morning Call Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar – Brother Tyrone & The Mindbenders Preservation Hall – Lucien Barbarin Ralph’s On The Park – Joe Krown Rare Form – Jamie Lynn Vessels Richard Fisk- Ellen Smith Siberia – Alien Knife Fight + Stellatone Southport Hall – Bowling For Soup Three Muses – Tom McDermott, Matt Bell Quartet Tropical Isle Original - The Hangovers, Late As Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon - Miss Maggie Trio, Debi & The Deacons Vaso – Bobby Love & Friends Vaughan’s Lounge – The Heart Attacks Ft. James Andrews Friday, June 5 Backroom at Buffa’s – Jon Roniger, Fats, Slim & Swamp Kitchen Bayou Club - Louisiana Inferno, T'Canaille Bombay Club – Josh Paxton, Scott Meyers & Os Batutas Carousel Lounge – Hotel Monteleone – Lena Prima Checkpoint Charlie – Chasing Jonah, Pastor Stone Circle Bar – Stephen Elmore Columns Hotel – Ted Long Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Streetbeat Funky Pirate - Mark & The Pentones, Big Al Carson Gasa Gasa – Pigpen Theatre Company & You Won’t Hi Ho Lounge – Ringo Deathstarr The Irish House – Patrick Cooper Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse – Joe Krown, Leone “Kid Chocolate” Kerry Irish Pub – Chip Wilson, Vincent Marini & The One Tailed Three Le Petit Theatre – Merrily We Roll Along Le Bon Temps Roule – Jeff “Snake” Greenberg, Joe Krown & Friends Little Tropical Isle - Reed Lightfoot, Ben Joseph Maison – Roamin’ Jasmine, Messy Cookers Jazz, Ashton Hines Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl – Bucktown All Stars Neutral Ground Coffeehouse – Agent 86, Betsy McGovern

34 | June 2015 | Music Calendar

The Old Arabi Bar – Strange Roux Old Point Bar – Rick Trolsen, Jamie Lynn Vessels One Eyed Jacks – Painted Hands + Biglemoi +Ben Shea & The Pleebs Pearl Wine Co. – GromKo.’s Rhythmic Tricks Preservation Hall – The Southern Syncopators Ft. Steve Pistorius, The PresHall Brass Ft. Daniel Farrow Rare Form – Justin Donovan, Vic Papa & The High Cards Richard Fisk- David Hennesey Roosevelt Hotel Bar - Moongerms Siberia – Ringworm + Theorie + Fat Stupid Ugly People and more Three Muses – Royal Roses, Glen David Andrews Tipitina’s – John “Papa” Gros Band and The N’awlins Johnny’s Tropical Isle Original - The Hangovers, Late As Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon - Way To Early, J.B. Elston Band Ugly Dog Saloon & BBQ - Bob Green & The Green River Band Vaso – Bobby Love & Friends Saturday, June 6 30/90 – The Melanie Gardner Quartet Armstrong Park – 2015 Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Fest Backroom at Buffa’s – Margie Perez Bayou Club - La Maniere des Cadiens, Louisiana Inferno, T'Canaille Banks Street Bar – Scarecrow Sonic Boom Box + Liquor & Lies Blue Nile Bar – Tank & The Bangas Bombay Club – David Boeddinghaus, Leroy Jones Quartet Checkpoint Charlie – Yamomenem, Hubcap Hays Circle Bar – Christy Hays Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes – The Salt Wives Gasa Gasa – Cardinal Sons + Megafauna & Bantam Foxes Funky Pirate - Mark & The Pentones, Big Al Carson Gasa Gasa Howlin’ Wolf The Den – Ron Hotstream & The Mid City Drifters Kerry Irish Pub – Paul Ferguson, Hurricane Refugees Le Petit Theatre – Merrily We Roll Along Le Bon Temps Roule – Soul Fiya The Little Gem Saloon – Kermit Ruffins & The BBQ Swingers Little Tropical Isle - J.B. Elston, Ben Joseph Maison – Moonshine & Caroline, Leah Rucker Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl – Amanda Shaw & The Cute Guys Neutral Ground Coffeehouse – Igor, Kerry Cox, Patsy Grace The Old Arabi Bar – Jeff Davis Project Old Point Bar –Johnny Angel & Helldorado Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar – Walter “Wolfman” Washington’s Mighty Men Pearl Wine Co. – Scott Sanders Quartet Ft. Olivier Bou Preservation Hall – The Joint Chiefs of Jazz Ft. Frank Oxley PubliQ House - Sepultura Richard Fisk- Marc Stone and John Mooney Band Shamrock - Pocket Aces Brass Band

Awolnation "Sail" singer Awolnation hypes his highly anticipated sophomore LP Run with tour mates Irontom and Family of the Year on Sat. June 10. $25, 7 p.m., House of Blues, houseofblues.com/neworleans Siberia – Jack Oblivian + The Sheiks Three Muses – Rob Wagner, Shotgun Brass Band Tropical Isle Original - The Hangovers, Late As Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon - Way To Early, Rhythm & Rain Sunday, June 7 AllWays Lounge – The Jazz Vipers Armstrong Park – 2015 Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Fest Backroom at Buffa’s – Some Like It Hot, Jazz Youth Showcase Ft. Austin Clements, Smoking Time Jazz Club Bayou Club - Cajungrass, Louisiana Inferno Bombay Club –Matt Lemmler Banks Street Bar – Ron Hotstream & The MidCity Drifters Checkpoint Charlie – Open Mic Ft. Jim Smith Circle Bar – Left & Right + Neat Columns Hotel – Chip Wilson Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes – Tangiers Combo

Funky Pirate - Mark & The Pentones, Willie Lockett Gasa Gasa – CHAPPO Howlin’ Wolf The Den – Hot 8 Brass Band Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse – Germaine Bazzle Kerry Irish Pub – Chip Wilson The Little Gem Saloon – The New Orleans Swingin Gypsies Little Tropical Isle - Lynn Drury, Reed Lightfoot Maison – Loose Marbles, The Melanie Gardner Quintet Neutral Ground Coffeehouse – Open Mic The Old Arabi Bar – Braden Hammonds Old Point Bar – Amanda Walker, Jean Marie Harris One Eyed Jacks – Courtney Barnett + Chastity Belt + Darren Hanlon Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar – Wardell Williams & The Blues Masters Preservation Hall –The Preservation Hall All Stars Ralph’s On The Park – Joe Krown Rare Form – Nervous Dewayne, Stingray, Shaun Kenan Richard Fisk- Tony Seville St. Roch Market – The Matthew Shilling Trio

Morrissey Music legend and former vocalist for The Smiths, Morrissey is a modern indie icon. Thurs. June 11. $39–89, 8 p.m., Saenger Theatre, saengernola.com Three Muses – Linnzi Zaorski Tropical Isle Original - The Hangovers, Late As Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon - BC & Comp, Rhythm & Rain Monday, June 8 Backroom at Buffa’s – Antoine Diel Banks Street Bar – South Jones Bayou Club - Cajungrass Duo, Cajun Drifters Bombay Club – Josh Paxton Café Instanbul – Matt Lemmler’s New Orleans Jazz Revival UBUNTU Circle Bar – Talia Keys Columns Hotel – David Doucet Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes – John Fohl Funky Pirate - Gary Brown Gasa Gasa – Instant Octopus Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse – The Original Tuxedo Jazz Band Kerry Irish Pub – Kim Carson Maison – Chicken & Waffles, Aurora Nealand & The Royal Roses, Musical Expression Neutral Ground Coffeehouse – Uke Joint, Sam Cordts, Kate Devlin Old Point Bar – The Romy Kaye Jazz Trio One Eyed Jacks – The Growlers + Broncho Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar – James Andrews Band Preservation Hall – The Preservation Hall Jazz Masters Rare Form – Matt Arsene Duo, Snake & The Charmers Republic – Active Child + Low Roar Richard Fisk- Craig Adams Tropical Isle Original - Graham Robertson, Whiskey Bar Tropical Isle Bourbon - Rhythm & Rain, Way To Early

Circle Bar – Messages + The Dirty Heat + Paper Bison Columns Hotel – Andy Rodgers Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes – Meghan Stewart & Too Darn Hot Four Points Puccini Bar – “Puccini in the Puccini Bar” Funky Pirate - The Blues Masters with Patrick Williams Howlin’ Wolf The Den – Twelve Mile Limit + MetaQuirk Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse – Lady Sings The Blues Ft. Dana Abbott, Irvin Mayfield & The NOJO Jam Kerry Irish Pub – Tim Robertson The Little Gem Saloon – Kyle Cripps, Mario Abney Sextet Little Tropical Isle - Mark Barrett, J.B. Elston Maison – New Orleans Jazz Vipers, James Jordan Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl – Jerry Embree Neutral Ground Coffeehouse – Bud Summers Old Point Bar – Bob Green & The Green River Band Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar – Kid Merv Preservation Hall – The Preservation Hall All-Stars Ralph’s On The Park – Joe Krown Richard Fisk- Tony Seville Three Muses – Leslie Martin Tropical Isle Original - Debi & The Deacons, Late As Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon - Way To Early, Debi & The Deacons

Tuesday, June 9 Banks Street Bar – The Mike Doussan Band Bayou Club - Cajungrass Duo, Cajun Drifters Blue Nile – Balcony Room – Plunge The Trio Ft. Mark McGrain Bombay Club – Josh Paxton Checkpoint Charlie – Jamie Lynn Vessels, Robert Kahn Circle Bar – Slang + Yard Dogs Columns Hotel – John Rankin Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes – Big Joe Kennedy Funky Pirate – The Blues Masters with Patrick Williams Gasa Gasa – Progression Howlin’ Wolf – Geto Boys Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse – The Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band Kerry Irish Pub – Jason Bishop The Little Gem Saloon – Stuart McNair, The Messy Cookers Little Tropical Isle – Mark Barrett, Ben Joseph Maison – Kristina Morales, Gregory Agid, The Swamp Donkeys Neutral Ground Coffeehouse – Fields, Chelsea Saddler The Old Arabi Bar – Open Mic Ft. Talia Keys Old Point Bar – Isla Nola Preservation Hall – The Preservation Hall-Stars Ft. Shannon Powell Ralph’s On The Park – Joe Krown Rare Form – Joey Leenwen Quintet Richard Fisk- Lucas Davenport St. Roch Market – We3 Tropical Isle Original - The Hangovers, J.B. Elston Tropical Isle Bourbon - J.B. Elston & Wayne, Tropic Gumbo

Thursday, June 11 Armstrong Park – Raw Oyster Cult and Darcy Malone & The Tangle Backroom at Buffa’s – Tom McDermott & Debbie Davis Bayou Club - Cajun Drifters, Louisiana Inferno Banks Street Bar – Daper Dandies Bombay Club – Kris Tokarski Duo Checkpoint Charlie – Blues Frenzy, Still Wertz Columns Hotel – Naydja CoJoe Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes – The Wayne Maureau Trio Funky Pirate - Marc Stone Duo, Big Al Carson Fair Grinds Coffeehouse – Open Mic Ft. Robert Eustis Gasa Gasa – The Helio Sequence Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse – James Rivers Movement Kerry Irish Pub – Dave Hickey Le Bon Temps Roule – Soul Rebels Brass Band The Little Gem Saloon – Alexandra Scott, The Roamin’ Jasmine Little Tropical Isle - Allen Hebert, Casey Saba Maison – Jon Roniger, Dysfunktional Bone Brass BAnd Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl – Chubby Carrier Neutral Ground Coffeehouse – Samuel Barker Ogden Museum Of Southern Art – Little Freddie King Old Point Bar –Valerie Sassyfras One Eyed Jacks – Allen Stone & Brynn Elliott Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar – Brother Tyrone & The Mindbenders Preservation Hall- The Preservation Hall All Stars Ft. Louis Ford Ralph’s On The Park – Joe Krown Rare Form – Jamie Lynn Vessels Richard Fisk- Ellen Smith Saenger Theatre – Morrissey Three Muses – Tom McDermott, Ben Polcer Tropical Isle Original - The Hangovers, Late As Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon - Miss Maggie Trio, Debi & The Deacons Vaso – Bobby Love & Friends Vaughan’s Lounge – Corey Henry’s Treme Funktet

Wednesday, June 10 Algiers Ferry Dock – Rebirth Brass Band Backroom at Buffa’s – World’s Most Open Mic Night Bayou Club - La Maniere des Cadiens, Cajungrass Banks Street Bar – Major Bacon Bombay Club – Kris Tokarski Checkpoint Charlie – T Bone Stone & The Happy Monsters, Chelsea

Friday, June 12 Backroom at Buffa’s – Arsene Delay, Keisha Slaughter Bayou Club - Louisiana Inferno, T'Canaille Banks Street Bar – Spex + Vore + Oscillation Communications Blue Nile - Groovesect Champions Square – Boston & Foghat Bombay Club – David Boeddinghaus, Eileina Williams

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Checkpoint Charlie – Hustle Hounds + Gris Gris, Complications Circle Bar – Rik Slave & The Phantoms Columns Hotel – Ted Long Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes – The Eric Traub Trio Funky Pirate - Mark & The Pentones, Big Al Carson Gasa Gasa – Twin Peaks & Fever The Ghost Historic New Orleans Collection – Aurora Nealand The Irish House – Crossing Canal Ft. Ruby Ross & Patrick Cooper Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse – Trixie Minx & Romy Kaye Kerry Irish Pub – Mark Appleford, Foot & Friends Le Bon Temps Roule – Big Pearl & the Fugitives Ft. Alfred Doucette The Little Gem Saloon – Jon Roniger, Bart Ramsey’s Zazou City Little Tropical Isle - Reed Lightfoot, Ben Joseph Maison – Chance Bushman & Friends, The Roamin’ Jasmine, Maple Leaf – Honey Island Swamp Band Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl – Mixed Nuts Neutral Ground Coffeehouse – MarsGordon54321 The Old Arabi Bar – James Jordan & His Beautiful Band Old Point Bar –Rick Trolsen, Hill Country Hounds Old U.S. Mint – International Songwriter’s Collective Ft. Jimmy Robinson, Brick de Bois & Lily Kiara Pearl Wine Co. – Sarah Gromko Piazza d’Italia – Opera in the Piazza Preservation Hall – The Southern Syncopators Ft. Steve Pistorius, The PresHall Brass Ft. Daniel Farrow Rare Form – Justin Donovan, Vic Papa & The High Cards Richard Fisk- David Hennesey Roosevelt Hotel Bar– Moongerms Saenger Theatre – Cheech & Chong and War Three Muses – Matt Johnson Trio, Glen David Andrews Tipitina’s – Good Enough For Good Times and Noisewater Tropical Isle Original - The Hangovers, Late As Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon - Way To Early, J.B. Elston Band Ugly Dog Saloon & BBQ – The Beverage Committee Vaso – Bobby Love & Friends Saturday, June 13 Backroom at Buffa’s – Jenna Guidry, Banu Gibson Bayou Club - La Maniere des Cadiens, Louisiana Inferno, T'Canaille Bombay Club – Jason Marsalis, David Boeddinghaus Banks Street Bar – Valerie Sassyfras, Dixie Menthol Kings Checkpoint Charlie – The Olivia DeHavilland Mosquitos Circle Bar – Ghostboxing Champion Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes – Sunpie & The Louisiana Sunspots Funky Pirate - Mark & The Pentones, Big Al Carson French Market – French Market Creole Tomato Fest 2015

36 | June 2015 | Music Calendar

Gasa Gasa – Christopher Owens Hi Ho Lounge – Sturmlandia Howlin’ Wolf The Den – Sam Pace & The Gilded Grit Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse – Wessell “Warmdaddy” Anderson Kerry Irish Pub – Speed The Mule, Roux The Day! The Little Gem Saloon – Kermit Ruffins & The BBQ Swingers Little Tropical Isle - J.B. Elston, Ben Joseph Maison – Dave Easley, Loose Marbles, Smoking Time Jazz Band Maple Leaf – George Porter Jr. & The Runnin’ Pardners Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl – Contraflow Neutral Ground Coffeehouse – T.J. Sutton, The Fens The Old Arabi Bar – Ooogam Boogam Old Point Bar – Chris Klein Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar – Walter “Wolfman” Washington’s Mighty Men Pontchartrain Vineyards – Amanda Shaw & The Cute Guys Preservation Hall – The Joint Chiefs of Jazz Ft. Frank Oxley, The Preservation Hall All Stars Ft. Freddie Lonzo Rare Form – Justin Donovan, Marc Stone, Mike Darby Richard Fisk- Lucas Davenport Southport Hall – The Producers Three Muses – Debbie Davis, Shotgun Jazz Band Tropical Isle Original - The Hangovers, Late As Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon - Way To Early, Rhythm & Rain Sunday, June 14 AllWays Lounge – Hot Toddy & His Fully Dressed Po’Boys Backroom at Buffa’s – Some Like It Hot, Jazz Youth Showcase with Hunter Burgamy, Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band Bayou Club - Cajungrass, Louisiana Inferno Banks Street Bar – Ron Hotstream & The Mid City Drifters Bombay Club – Matt Lemmler Checkpoint Charlie – Open Mic Ft. Jim Smith Circle Bar – SUSTO Columns Hotel – Chip Wilson, Michael Liuzza Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes – The Sean Riley Blues Band Funky Pirate - Mark & The Pentones, Willie Lockett French Market – French Market Creole Tomato Fest 2015 Howlin’ Wolf The Den – Hot 8 Brass Band Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse – Germaine Bazzle Kerry Irish Pub – Red Shift, Patrick Cooper The Little Gem Saloon – The New Orleans Swingin’ Gypsies Little Tropical Isle - Lynn Drury, Reed Lightfoot Maison – Moonshine & Caroline, Leah Rucker, Corporate America Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl – Bruce Daigrepont Neutral Ground Coffeehouse – Open Mic Old Point Bar – Jelly Jazz, 12-Mile Limit Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar – Wardell Williams & The Blues Masters

Preservation Hall –The Preservation Hall All Stars Ralph’s On The Park – Joe Krown Rare Form – Nervous Dewayne, Stingray, Shaun Kenan Richard Fisk- Tony Seville St. Roch Market – The Matthew Shilling Trio Tropical Isle Original - The Hangovers, Late As Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon - BC & Comp, Rhythm & Rain Three Muses – Raphael Bas, Linnzi Zaorski Monday, June 15 Backroom at Buffa’s – Antoine Diel Bayou Club - Cajungrass Duo, Cajun Drifters Banks Street Bar – South Jones Bombay Club – Josh Royen Café Istanbul – Matt Lemmler’s New Orleans Jazz Revival UBUNTU Circle Bar – Dead Woods + Hazzlehurst Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes – John Fohl Funky Pirate - Gary Brown Gasa Gasa – Foy Vance Hi Ho Lounge - SBTRKT Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse – The Original Tuxedo Jazz Band Kerry Irish Pub – Kim Carson Little Tropical Isle - Reed Lightfoot, Lyne Drury Maison – Chicken & Waffles, Aurora Nealand & The Royal Roses Old Point Bar – The Romy Kaye Jazz Trio One Eyed Jacks – Lil’ Dicky with ProbCause Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar –James Andrews Band Preservation Hall – The Preservation Hall Jazz Masters Rare Form – Matt Arsene Duo, Snake & The Charmers Richard Fisk- Craig Adams Tropical Isle Original - Graham Robertson, Whiskey Bar Tropical Isle Bourbon - Rhythm & Rain, Way To Early Three Muses – Bart Ramsey Varsity Theatre – The Molly Ringwalds

SBTRKT Electo-experimental group SBTRKT puts the focus on music instead of the artists.

The project has remixed songs by M.I.A, Radiohead and more. Mon. June 15. 9 p.m., $20 adv, Republic, republicnola.com

Tuesday, June 16 Bayou Club - Cajungrass Duo, Cajun Drifters Banks Street Bar – The Mike Doussan Band Bombay Club – Josh Paxton Checkpoint Charlie – Jamie Lynn Vessels, Cloud Ship Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes – Peter Nu Funky Pirate - The Blues Masters with Patrick Williams Gasa Gasa – Progression Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse – Pat Casey & The New Sound Kerry Irish Pub – Jason Bishop The Little Gem Saloon – Stuart McNair

Little Tropical Isle - Mark Barrett, Ben Joseph Maison – New Orleans Swingin’ Gypsies The Old Arabi Bar –Valerie Sassyfras Old Point Bar – Isla Nola Preservation Hall – The Preservation Hall-Stars Ft. Shannon Powell Ralph’s On The Park – Joe Krown Rare Form – Joey Leenwen Quintet Richard Fisk- Lucas Davenport Special Venue – Alex McMurray St. Roch Market – We3 Tropical Isle Original - The Hangovers, J.B. Elston Tropical Isle Bourbon - J.B. Elston & Wayne, Tropic Gumbo Wednesday, June 17 Algiers Ferry Dock – Johnny Sansone & Big Chief Monk Boudreaux Backroom at Buffa’s – World’s Most Open Mic Night Bayou Club - La Maniere des Cadiens, Cajungrass Banks Street Bar – Major Bacon Bombay Club – Kris Tokarski Café Istanbul – La Bailonga Tango Checkpoint Charlie – T Bone Stone & The Happy Monsters Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes – Stephanie Nilles Funky Pirate - The Blues Masters with Patrick Williams Howlin’ Wolf The Den – Jeremy Marx Organ Trio + UrbanCellist Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse – Lady Sings The Blues Kerry Irish Pub – Patrick Cooper The Little Gem Saloon – Kyle Cripps, Mario Abney Sextet Little Tropical Isle - Mark Barrett, J.B. Elston Maison – Dave Easley, New Orleans Jazz Vipers, Bon Bon Vivant Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl – Creole Stringbeans Neutral Ground Coffeehouse – Renshaw & Davies Old Point Bar –Open Mic Night Ft. Kim Cantwell Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar – Kid Merv Preservation Hall – The Preservation Hall All-Stars Ft. Mark Braud Ralph’s On The Park – Joe Krown Rare Form – Jack Hinson, Gettin’ It Richard Fisk- Tony Seville Tropical Isle Original - Debi & The Deacons, Late As Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon - Way To Early, Debi & The Deacons Three Muses – Leslie Martin, Schatzy Thursday, June 18 Armstrong Park – Honey Island Swamp Band & The Revealers Backroom at Buffa’s – Sturmlandia, Tom McDermott & Friends Bayou Club - Cajun Drifters, Louisiana Inferno Banks Street Bar – Salt Wives Bombay Club – Kris Tokarski Duo Checkpoint Charlie – Yomomanem Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes – The Todd Duke Trio The Irish House – Patrick Cooper Funky Pirate - Marc Stone Duo, The Blues Masters Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse – The James Rivers Movement Kerry Irish Pub – Paintbox Ft. Dave James & Tim Robertson The Little Gem Saloon – Alexandra Scott, The Roamin’ Jasmine Little Tropical Isle - Allen Hebert, Casey Saba Le Bon Temps Roule –Soul Rebels Brass Band Maison – Jon Roniger, Rue Fiya Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl – L’il Nathan & The Big Tymers Neutral Ground Coffeehouse – Nattie, Reverend Freakchild Ogden Museum Of Southern Art – The Asylum Chorus Old Point Bar – Just Honey & The Wingmen One Eyed Jacks – Great Lake Swimmers & The Weather Station Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar – Brother Tyrone & The Mindbenders Preservation Hall – The Preservation Hall All Stars Ft. Louis Ford Ralph’s On The Park – Joe Krown Rare Form – Jamie Lynn Vessels, Kilmo & The Killers Richard Fisk- Ellen Smith Tropical Isle Original - The Hangovers, Late As Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon - Miss Maggie Trio, Debi & The Deacons Three Muses – Tom McDermott United Bakery Gallery – R.Ariel Vaso – Bobby Love & Friends Vaughan’s Lounge – Corey Henry’s Treme Funktet Friday, June 19 Backroom at Buffa’s – Crossing Canal Ft. Ruby Ross & Patrick Cooper Bayou Club - Louisiana Inferno, T'Canaille Bombay Club – Tom McDermott, Larry Scala Checkpoint Charlie – Valerie Sassyfras, Stephanie Mills Circle Bar – Laugh In The Dark Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes – The Jenna McSwain Trio Funky Pirate - Mark & The Pentones, The Blues Masters Gasa Gasa – Sweet John Bloom + R.Ariel + Pope and more Hi Ho Lounge – EndAll & Mahayley’s Grave Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse – Joe Krown, Leon “Kid Chocolate” Brown, Burlesque Ballroom Ft. Trixie Minx & Romy Kaye Kerry Irish Pub – Chip Wilson, Beth Patterson The Little Gem Saloon – Jon Roniger, Nayo Jones Little Tropical Isle - Reed Lightfoot, Ben Joseph Le Bon Temps Roule – Dave Jordan and the Neighborhood Assoc.

Maison – Shotgun Jazz Band, Jesse Smith Project, Ashton Hines Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl – The CheeWeez Neutral Ground Coffeehouse – Damn Hippies Old Point Bar – Rick Trolsen, Jamie Lynn Vessels

Pearl Wine Co. – Sarah Gromko Preservation Hall – The Southern Syncopators Ft. Steve Pistorius, PressHall Brass Ft. Daniel Farrow The Prytania Bar – Valerie Sassyfras Rare Form – Justin Donovan, Vic Papa & The High Cards Richard Fisk- David Hennesey Roosevelt Hotel Bar - Moongerms Tropical Isle Original - The Hangovers, Late As Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon - Way To Early, J.B. Elston Band Three Muses – Royal Roses, Glen David Andrews Tipitina’s - Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes + Waterseed Ugly Dog Saloon & BBQ – The Last New Beginning Vaso – Bobby Love & Friends Saturday, June 20 Backroom at Buffa’s – Daniel Schroder, String Remedy Bayou Club - La Maniere des Cadiens, Louisiana Inferno, T'Canaille Banks Street Bar – Ween Tribute Ft. Gravity A Bombay Club – David Boeddinghaus, Kris Tokarski Quartet Checkpoint Charlie – East & Stone, Wild Tchoupitoulas, Troy Turner Circle Bar – Josh Garrett Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes – Vivaz!

Funky Pirate - Mark & The Pentones, The Blues Masters Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse – Caleb Curtis Trio Gasa Gasa – One World Family Kerry Irish Pub – Mark Carson, Wild Irish Roots The Little Gem Saloon – Kermit Ruffins & The BBQ Swingers Little Tropical Isle - J.B. Elston, Ben Joseph Maison – The Roamin’ Jasmine, Cajun Fais Do Do Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl – Soul Track Mind Neutral Ground Coffeehouse – The Shiz, Mr. Steve, Lo Faber Old Point Bar –Steve Mignano One Eyed Jacks – Ceremony with Tony Molina and more Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar – Walter “Wolfman” Washington’s Mighty Men Pearl Wine Co. –Jasper Brothers Preservation Hall – The Preservation Hall All Stars Ft. Mark Braud Richard Fisk- Lucas Davenport Shamrock- Party at Joe's Siberia – Debauche Tropical Isle Original - The Hangovers, Late As Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon - Way To Early, Rhythm & Rain Three Muses – Hot Club Of New Orleans, Shotgun Brass Band Sunday, June 21 AllWays Lounge – The New Orleans Swingin’ Gypsies Backroom at Buffa’s – Some Like It Hot, Jazz Youth Showcase Bayou Club - Cajungrass, Louisiana Inferno Banks Street Bar – Ron Hotstream & The Mid City Drifters Bombay Club – Matt Lemmler Checkpoint Charlie – Open Mic Ft. Jim Smith Crescent City Brewhouse- New Orleans Streetbeat Dos Jefes – Andrew Duhon Gasa Gasa –Denitia & Sene + Tank and The Bangas and more Funky Pirate - Mark & The Pentones, Willie Lockett Howlin’ Wolf The Den – Hot 8 Brass Band Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse – Germaine Bazzle Kerry Irish Pub – Chip Wilson The Little Gem Saloon – The New Orleans Swingin’ Gypsies Little Tropical Isle - Lynn Drury, Reed Lightfoot Maison – New Orleans Swingin’ Gypsies, Too Darn Hot, The Upstarts Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl – Bruce Daigrepont Neutral Ground Coffeehouse – Open Mic Old Point Bar – Amanda Walker, Jean Marie Harris Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar – Wardell Williams & The Blues Masters Preservation Hall – The Preservation Hall All Stars Ralph’s On The Park – Joe Krown Rare Form – Nervous Dewayne, Stingray, Shaun Kenan Richard Fisk- Tony Seville St. Roch Market – The Matthew Shilling Trio Tropical Isle Original - The Hangovers, Late As Usual Tropical Isle Bourbon - BC & Comp, Rhythm & Rain

WhereYat.com | June 2015 | 37

Lakeside2Riverside

Festival & Event Previews

Food & Drink Eat Local Challenge 2015 Multiple Events and Locations during June www.nolalocavore.org It’s time for the 5th annual New Orleans Eat Local Challenge. Local restaurants and businesses are challenging residents of New Orleans to only eat food that is grown or produced within a 200-mile radius of New Orleans. Go to the website and sign up for this worthy challenge—and don’t worry, as there’s plenty of wiggle room in the rules so that everyone can participate.

New Orleans Oyster Festival Saturday, May 30–Sunday, May 31, Free admission Woldenberg Park, 1 Canal St. neworleansoysterfestival.org A free oyster festival. If you’re not sold already, you are hopeless and living in the wrong city. Royal Southern Brotherhood, Marcia Ball, Treme Brass Band, Rockin’ Dopsie and many more will be jammin’ out during this twoday festival. Check out the website to see which one of your favorite restaurants will participating, too!

New Orleans International Beer Festival Saturday, June 6, 4–8 p.m., $20–75 Champions Square neworleansinternationalbeerfest.com We love our beer in New Orleans, so do not miss your chance to take part in the International Beer Festival. After a short hiatus, this event is making a return with beer tasting, food, music and games. There will be craft beers from around the world and you can educate yourself about the finer aspects of beer so that you’ll be able to impress your friends and colleagues the next time you go out.

New Orleans Oyster Fest May 30-31 Decatur St. to Barracks St. frenchmarket.org Every year during the second weekend in June, when Creole tomatoes are being picked, the French Market hosts the wonderful Creole Tomato Festival. There are three stages and plenty of food, and the best part is that the festival is free to the public. Plenty of local vendors and musicians will also be there, so go support local New Orleans businesses.

WYES Chocolate Sunday Sunday, June 7, 3 - 5p.m.

Lakefront Airport, 6001 Stars and Stripes Blvd Wyes.org This decadent event is a celebration of all things chocolate. Enjoy an afternoon of sampling chocolate confections and desserts from such favorites as Voodoo Sweets, Blue Frog Chocolates, and Girls Gone Vegan. The event is 21+ and advance tickets are $35 ($40 at the gate) or $50 for the special VIP entry.

Creole Tomato Festival Saturday, June 13–Sunday, June 14, 10 a.m–7 p.m.

French Market, Dumaine &

New Orleans International Beer Festival June 6

38 | June 2015 | Lakeside 2 Riverside

LGBTQ New Orleans Pride Festival Friday, June 19 Sunday, June 21 Washington Square Park Prideneworleans.com New Orleans is known for its celebration of culture and people and there is nothing else that demonstrates this quite like the New Orleans official Pride Festival. The weekend-long event is centered around the LGBTQ community and rallying support against bullying and discrimination. The event's numbers have grown in recent years to make it one of the best attended Pride festivals in the country. A can't miss.

Music Festival Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival Saturday, June 6–Sunday, June 7, 11

Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival June 6-7 a.m.–8:30 p.m.

Louis Armstrong Park, 701 N. Rampart St. jazzandheritage.org/cajun-zydeco Make your way to Louis Armstrong Park to check out the 9th annual Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival presented by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Admission is free, and there will be great food and good music for the whole family to enjoy. Go out and enjoy a festival before it gets too hot this summer.

Recreational Sports NOLAW (New Orleans Ladies Arm Wrestling) Saturday, May 30, 8 p.m., $5 One Eyed Jacks, 615 Toulouse St.

oneeyedjacks.net The ladies of NOLAW put on shows that are both exhilarating forms of athleticism and entertaining theatrics. Their shows are in a tournament style, and these ladies do not back down from a challenge. Proceeds from these empowering performances will go to a woman-focused organization.

World Naked Bike Ride 2015 Saturday, June 13, 4 p.m.

Mickey Markey Playground, Piety & Royal St. Clothing not required. Come as bare as you dare for this fun and free (in more ways than one) event. The ride celebrates bike culture in New Orleans and aims to raise awareness about sharing the road, body positivism and other humanitarian issues. More than 100 people are expected to participate, but don’t feel limited to a bike, as the event welcomes any humanpowered vehicle.

Performance Circus Sensation YAYE Tuesday, June 9–Thursday, August 9, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Beau Rivage Biloxi, MS Ready for some hair-raising acrobatic moves? YAYE (pronounced yay) features a world-renowned cast of aerialists, jugglers, dancers and acrobats. The troupe created an exclusive and surreal show that they will be

Pink Floyd remains one of the most influential bands and theatrical experiences in music history. Bricks in The Wall—The Sight and Sound of Pink Floyd pay tribute to the music and legendary lights, sounds and visuals that made Pink Floyd so iconic. Go experience a modern twist on classic rock and the entire aura around the legend that is Pink Floyd.

World Naked Bike Ride June 13 performing only at Beau Rivage this summer. Come watch the Sphere of Fear, trapeze acts and precision acrobatics in a one-of-a-kind show. This is a can’t-miss event for the whole family.

Bricks in The Wall—The Sight and Sound of Pink Floyd Friday, June 12, 8 p.m., $18+ House of Blues, 225 Decatur St. houseofblues.com/neworleans

Cheech & Chong with WAR Friday, June 12, 8 p.m., $39–99 Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St. saengernola.com The irreverent comedy duo Cheech & Chong bring their award-winning humor to the Saenger Theatre this summer. Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong have teamed up for nine comedy albums and eight films, spanning all the way back to the 1970s.

They’ve teamed up with the funk band WAR to put on a great show, one you definitely should not miss.

Fleur de Tease Saturday, June 13, 8 p.m. & 10:30 p.m., $15 One Eyed Jacks, 615 Toulouse St. oneeyedjacks.net Magicians, fire-eaters, comedians and gorgeous burlesque dancers make up Fleur de Tease’s one-of-a-kind show. There is something to stimulate all senses at these shows; no matter what you are looking for, this variety show will deliver something for you. Go check out one of New Orleans’ premier burlesque and variety shows.

WhereYat.com | June 2015 | 39

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.

Barcadia 601 Tchoupitoulas St. 335-1740

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

Bar Tonique 820 N. Rampart St. 324-6045, Bartonique.com

Bar Tonique is known for serving some of the best hand-crafted cocktails around. Check out their super daily cocktail specials.

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

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

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

Pat O’Brien's 718 St. Peter St., 525-4823 patobriens.com

Pat O’Brien’s welcomes patrons with a cool atmosphere, an open patio area, and an outside bar to enjoy while eating one of their Creole dishes.

Peristyle Bar at Marti’s 1041 Rue Dumaine 522-5478

Fabulous food and ambiance bring many diners to Marti's. But do not forget the Happy Hour available at the Peristyle Bar Sunday through Thursday, 5 - 7pm.

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.

40 | June 2015 | Bar Guide

St. Joe's Bar 5535 Magazine St. 899-3744, stjoesbar.com

St. Joe's is a classic Uptown bar across from Whole Foods with a great patio and fantastic mojitos. Try their famous Blueberry Mojito.

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 | June 2015 | 41

Dining Best New Restaurant 1. Del Fuego: 4518 Magazine St., delfuegotaqueira.com Chef Dave Wright, who helped start Midway Pizza and worked at places like Commander’s Palace and Jacques-Imo’s, has brought authentic Mexican food to the Big Easy.

Best Westbank Restaurant

Best Place to Get a Salad

1. Café 615 Home of Dawabbit:

1. City Greens: Multiple Locations, eatcitygreens.com

615 Kepler St., dawabbit.net

Farm to fork is the name of the game for City Greens.

Everything you order there is guaranteed to be local, fresh, and a delicious healthy option.

Classic and delicious comfort food make this gem in Gretna a can’t-miss dining experience. If you are not familiar with Gretna, just look for Dawabbit’s sign.

2. Mo’s Pizza: 1112 Ave. H, 3. Gattuso’s Neighborhood Bar & Restaurant: 435 Huey P. Long Ave., gattusos.net

3. Chappy’s Restaurant: 6106 Magazine St., chappys.com

Best Metairie Restaurant 1. Austin’s: 5101 W. Esplanade Ave., austinsno.com

Best Marigny/Bywater Restaurant

Restaurateur Ed McIntyre’s Austin’s continues to serve up delicious Italian-Creole creations with fantastic steaks and seafood for those looking to enjoy fine dining.

1. Mimi’s in the Marigny: 2601 Royal St., mimismarigny.com Live music, two bars, and tapas make Mimi’s an experience like no other. The Spanish-inspired menu goes perfectly with the funky music and electric bar scene.

2. Drago’s Seafood Restaurant: 3232 North Arnoult Rd., dragosrestaurant.com 3. Andrea’s New Orleans Italian Restaurant: 3100 19th St., andreasrestaurant.com

2. Booty’s Street Food: 800 Louisa St., bootysnola.com 3. Pizza Delicious: 617 Piety St., pizzadelicious.com

1. Pascal’s Manale: 1838 Napoleon Ave., pascalsmanale.com

3. Reginelli’s Pizzeria: Multiple Locations, reginellis.com

mospizzanola.com

2. Marcello’s Restaurant & Wine Bar: 715 St. Charles Ave., marcelloscafe.com

Best Uptown Restaurant

1. Antoine’s Restaurant: 713 St. Louis St., antoines.com Antoine’s has been a premier restaurant for nearly two centuries. Inventors of the Oyster Rockefeller and home to the Hermes Bar; you have not lived until you’ve been to Antoine’s.

2. Galatoire’s Restaurant: 209 Bourbon St., galatoires.com

2. Superior Seafood: 4338 St. Charles Ave., superiorseafoodnola.com

Best Upscale Restaurant

Best CBD/Warehouse District Restaurant 1. Cochon Restaurant: 930 Tchoupitoulas St., cochonrestaurant.com Cajun dishes with fresh meats and local produce, all prepared with timeless tradition. Cochon offers one of the more savory experiences in New Orleans.

2. Lüke: 333 St. Charles Ave., lukeneworleans.com 3. La Boca: 870 Tchoupitoulas St., labocasteaks.com Best Mid-City Restaurant 1. Mandina’s Restaurant: 3800 Canal St., mandinasrestaurant.com An old neighborhood favorite in Mid-City, Mandina’s has been serving up authentic Italian food since 1932, after the restaurant was converted from a small grocery store.

2. Katie’s Restaurant: 3701 Iberville St., katiesinmidcity.com 3. Venezia Restaurant: 134 N. Carrollton Ave., venezianeworleans.com Best Lakeview Restaurant 1. Velvet Cactus: 6300 Argonne Blvd., thevelvetcactus.com Top-tier margaritas and a wonderful patio make Velvet Cactus one of the best places to sip and chill with your friends.

The fresh Mexican food does not hurt either.

2. Koz’s Lakeview: 515 Harrison Ave., kozcooks.com 3. Chef Susan Spicer’s Mondo: 900 Harrison Ave., mondoneworleans.com

42 | June 2015 | Best of the Big Easy: Readers' Picks

Best Restaurant for Dessert 1. Cheesecake Bistro by Copeland’s: 2001 St. Charles Ave., copelandscheesecakebistro.com It is amazing how many flavors of their decadent cheesecake creations are offered. If you have a sweet tooth, Cheesecake Bistro is the place to go.

2. Commander’s Palace: 1403 Washington Ave., commanderspalace.com 3. Palace Café: 605 Canal St., palacecafe.com Best Outdoor Eating 1. Café Amelie: 912 Royal St., cafeamelie.com There are few ambiances that compare to the Princess of Monaco courtyard at Café Amelie on Royal Street. A great place for Spring and Fall outings.

2. Dat Dog: Multiple Locations, datdognola.com 3. Dante’s Kitchen: 736 Dante St., danteskitchen.com Best Lunch Spot 1. Katie’s Restaurant: 3701 Iberville St., katiesinmidcity.com

Best French Quarter Restaurant

For over 100 years, Pascal’s Manale has been an Uptown landmark. BBQ Shrimp is their claim to fame, but there are plenty of New Orleans favorites to try.

3. The Rum House: 3128 Magazine St., rumhousenola.com

2. Fresh Bar: 6101 Magazine St., freshbarnola.com

3. SoBou: 310 Chartres St., sobounola.com

Whether you are in the mood for homemade pizza or brunch, Katie’s in Mid-City will fill you up. This gem is right in the heart of Mid-City’s residential neighborhood.

2. Parkway Bakery and Tavern: 538 Hagan Ave., parkwaypoorboys.com 3. Koz’s Hot Lunches, Seafood & Po Boys: Multiple Locations, kozcooks.com Best Breakfast

1. Commander’s Palace: 1403 Washington Ave., commanderspalace.com

1. Another Broken Egg Café: Multiple Locations, anotherbrokenegg.com

There are few places in the world where you can experience the eloquence and tradition that bleeds through every aspect of dining.

Commander’s Palace is not to be missed.

People in New Orleans love breakfast, and Another Broken Egg has everything a breakfast lover needs. Don’t forget: breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

2. Galatoire’s Restaurant: 209 Bourbon St., galatoires.com 3. Restaurant R’evolution: 777 Bienville St., revolutionnola.com

2. The Ruby Slipper Café: Multiple Locations, therubyslippercafe.net

Best Casual Restaurant

3. Riccobono’s Panola Street Café: 7801 Panola St., panolastreetcafe.com

1. Dat Dog: Multiple Locations, datdognola.com If you can think of a creative hot dog topping, Dat Dog probably has already beaten you to it. There are locations all over New Orleans to check out.

2. Juan’s Flying Burrito: Multiple Locations, juansfl yingburrito.com 3. Katie’s Restaurant: 3701 Iberville St., katiesinmidcity.com

Best Brunch 1. Surrey’s Uptown: Multiple Locations

Café 615

Best Deli 1. Stein’s Market & Deli: 2207 Magazine St., steinsdeli.net Stein’s Market & Deli has some of the best cured meats and sandwiches anyone could ask for from a Jewish and Italian market that’s not in New York City.

2. Martin Wine Cellar: Multiple Locations, martinwinecellar.com 3. Verti Marte: 1201 Royal St., (504) 525-4767

The Latin-inspired brunch at Surrey’s is not only delicious, but perfect for curing a hangover. With its extensive menu, there is something for everyone.

2. Satsuma Café: Multiple Locations, satsumacafe.com 3. Biscuits and Buns on Banks: 4337 Banks St., biscuitsandbunsonbanks.com Best Romantic Date Spot 1. Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse: 716 Iberville St., dickiebrennanssteakhouse.com To show your special someone you are serious and in for the long haul, there is nothing better than to give them than a damn good steak at Dickie Brennan’s.

WhereYat.com | June 2015 | 43

2. Feelings Café: 2600 Chartres St., feelingscafe.com

2. CC’s Coffee House: Multiple Locations, ccscoffee.com

3. Arnaud’s Restaurant: 813 Bienville St.,

3. Mojo Coffee House: Multiple Locations

3. Bangkok Thai: 513 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 861-3932 Best Vietnamese Restaurant

arnaudsrestaurant.com Best Chinese Restaurant

1. Jazmine Café: 614 S. Carrollton Ave., jazminecafe.com

Best Diner

1. Five Happiness: 3605 S. Carrollton Ave., fivehappiness.com

1. The Original City Diner: Multiple Locations, originalcitydiner.com

Five Happiness delivers plenty of bang for your buck and has plenty of options for those interested in all kinds of Chinese cuisine. As well, it’s a great family spot.

Within feet of the streetcar turnaround on South Carrollton near the riverbend, Jazmine Café offers authentic Vietnamese cuisine and plenty of options for all kinds of diets.

Nothing fancy, but just a good old-fashioned diner. The Original City Diner has locations all over the city for late night or early morning feasting.

2. Dot’s Diner: Multiple Locations, dotsdiner.com

3. Lilly’s Café: 1813 Magazine St., (504) 599-9999

3. Hoshun Restaurant: 1601 St. Charles Ave., hoshunrestaurant.com

Best BBQ Restaurant

Best Japanese Restaurant

1. McClure’s Barbecue: 4800 Magazine St., mccluresbarbecue.com

3. Clover Grill: 900 Bourbon St., clovergrill.com Best Café 1. High Hat Café: 4500 Freret St., highhatcafe.com High Hat serves up fresh and local food from the Mississippi Delta and Louisiana. The atmosphere is casual but the food is made with exquisite detail.

2. Palace Café: 605 Canal St., palacecafe.com 3. Feelings Café: 2600 Chartres St., feelingscafe.com Best Coffee Shop 1. PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans: Multiple Locations, pjscoffee.com PJ’s serves up all the local favorites and also has plenty of cold and blended options for the hot summer ahead, for those of us who always need a coffee fix.

44 | June 2015 | Best of the Big Easy: Readers' Picks

2. Namese: 4077 Tulane Ave., namese.net

2. Red’s Chinese: 3048 St. Claude Ave., redschinese.com

1. Miyako Sushi Bar & Hibachi: 1403 St. Charles Ave., japanesebistro.com Perfectly cooked seafood and meat to order and fresh sushi make Miyako a great place for a fun, casual night out with your friends or someone special.

2. Little Tokyo: 310 N. Carrollton Ave., littletokyonola.com 3. Shogun New Orleans: 2325 Veterans Memorial Blvd., shogunneworleans.com Best Thai Restaurant 1. La Thai Uptown: 4938 Prytania St., lathaiuptown.com What makes La Thai Uptown so wonderful is the mix of classical and contemporary Thai recipes, along with good happy hours and cocktails.

2. SukhoThai: Two Locations, sukhothai-nola.com

Platters, plates and all kinds of different styles make McClure’s the best. If you like Carolina or Kansas City style, or anything in between, McClure’s has it covered.

2. The Joint: 701 Mazant St., alwayssmokin.com 3. Squeal Bar-B-Q: 8400 Oak St., squeal-nola.com Best Italian Restaurant 1. Vincent’s Italian Cuisine: Two Locations, vincentsitaliancuisine.com With locations in Metairie and Uptown, if you are craving some authentic and rich Italian cuisine, there is no better place to go than Vincent’s.

2. Domenica: 123 Baronne St., Domenicarestaurant.com 3. Venezia Restaurant: 134 N. Carrollton Ave., venezianeworleans.net Best Indian Restaurant 1. Nirvana Indian Cuisine: 4308 Magazine St., insidenirvana.com Step inside the colorful Hindu art–decorated space or sit on the

patio at Nirvana to enjoy classical Indian cuisine or one of New Orleans’ most popular lunch buffets.

2. Taj Mahal Indian Cuisine: 923 Metairie Rd., (504) 836-6859 3. Saffron Nola: 505 Gretna Blvd., #6, saffronnola.com Best Mexican Restaurant 1. El Gato Negro: Two Locations, elgatonegronola.com With locations in the French Quarter and Lakeview, El Gato Negro continues to proudly serve New Orleanians the most authentic and fresh Mexican food around.

2. Juan’s Flying Burrito: Multiple Locations, juansfl yingburrito.com 3. Carreta’s Grill: 2320 Veterans Memorial Blvd., carretasgrillrestaurant.com Best Latin Restaurant 1. Mizado Cocina: 5080 Pontchartain Blvd., mizadococina.com Slow-cooked Duroc pork and sweet pepper tomatillo sauce are just a few of the reasons that Mizado is the Big Easy favorite when it comes to authentic Latin cuisine.

2. Barú Bistro & Tapas: 3700 Magazine St., barutapas.com 3. Maïs Arepas: 1200 Carondelet St., (504) 523-6247 Best African Restaurant 1. Bennachin: 1212 Royal St., bennachinrestaurant.com Whether you have had African cuisine or not, Bennachin’s comfortable atmosphere, friendly staff and colorful flavors will have you coming back for more. Perfect for those looking for something different.

2. Café Abyssinia: 3511 Magazine St., (504) 894-6238 3. Nile Ethiopian Restaurant: 2130 Magazine St., nileneworleans.com Best Cajun Restaurant 1. Mulate’s: The Original Cajun Restaurant: 201 Julia St., mulates.com Locals and non-locals flock to Mulate’s for authentic Cajun food, Zydeco music, rustic atmosphere and an overall great time. It is also great for family events.

2. Cochon Restaurant: 930 Tchoupitoulas St., cochonrestaurant.com 3. Jacques-Imo’s: 8324 Oak St., jacques-imos.com Best American Restaurant 1. Copeland’s of New Orleans: Multiple Locations, copelandsofneworleans.com Copeland’s of New Orleans is synonymous with New Orleans for those who have lived here since Al Copeland began his restaurant empire. It’s always good and always fun.

2. Zea Rotisserie & Grill: Multiple Locations, zearestaurants.com 3. Houston’s: 1755 St. Charles Ave., hillstone.com Best Middle Eastern Restaurant 1. Lebanon’s Café: 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., lebanonscafe.com Near the riverbend and not far from Oak Street, Lebanon’s is a great choice for anyone looking for a BYOB option and delicious Lebanese and Mediterranean food.

2. Mona’s Café & Deli New Orleans: Multiple Locations, monascafeanddeli.com 3. Pyramids Café: 3149 Calhoun St., pyramidscafeneworleans.com Best Seafood Restaurant 1. Don’s Seafood Hut: 4801 Veterans Memorial Blvd., donsseafoodonline.com Don’s has been a tradition in South Louisiana since 1934, and continues to serve up the best seafood that the New Orleans area has to offer.

2. Deanie’s Seafood: Multiple Locations, deanies.com 3. Drago’s Seafood Restaurant: Multiple Locations, dragosrestaurants.com Best Restaurant for Boiled Seafood 1. Frankie & Johnny’s Restaurant: 321 Arabella St., frankieandjohnnys.net Those who live in Uptown New Orleans are spoiled every year whenever Frankie & Johnny’s lights up their boilers and starts serving up crawfish.

2. The Galley: 2535 Metairie Rd., thegalleyseafood.net 3. Seither’s Seafood: 279 Hickory Ave., seithersseafood.com Best Steakhouse 1. Crescent City Steaks: 1001 N. Broad St., crescentcitysteaks.com This Mid-City spot is where great steaks and great people have been rubbing elbows since 1934. All of the steaks are served with sizzling butter to sweeten the deal.

WhereYat.com | June 2015 | 45

2. Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse: 716 Iberville St., dickiebrennanssteakhouse.com

Best Wings

Best Pasta

1. Wow Café: American Grill & Wingery: Multiple Locations, wowcafe.com

1. Venezia Restaurant: 134 N. Carrollton Ave., venezianeworleans.com

1. Carmo: 527 Julia St., cafecarmo.com

With locations all over NOLA, Wow Café is the perfect place to grab some wings and get a few cold beers to watch a Saints, Pelicans, LSU, or Tulane game.

Nobody can make pasta quite like the folks at Venezia. Their pasta dishes are perfectly cooked, with an authentic Italian taste and a suitable New Orleans flare.

The open kitchen and cozy space pales in comparison to the tropically inspired flavors that Carmo offers for vegetarians, vegans and meat lovers alike to enjoy.

2. Bayou Hot Wings: 6221 S. Claiborne Ave., bayouhotwings. com

2. Vincent’s Italian Cuisine: Two Locations, vincentsitaliancuisine.com

3. Hooters: Multiple Locations,

2. Seed: 1330 Prytania St., seedyourhealth.com

hooters.com

3. Green Goddess: 307 Exchange Place, greengoddessrestaurant.com

Best Fried Chicken

Best Daily Specials

1. Willie Mae’s Scotch House: Two Locations, (504) 822-9503

3. La Boca: 870 Tchoupitoulas St., labocasteaks.com Best Vegetarian

3. Red Gravy: 125 Camp St., redgravycafe.com Best Roast Beef Po-Boy

1. Joey K’s Restaurant Bar: 3001 Magazine St., joeyksrestaurant.com This Magazine Street mainstay does more than just red beans and rice on Mondays. Every day features at least three daily specials that sound so good, you’ll have trouble deciding.

2. Katie’s Restaurant: 3701 Iberville St., katiesinmidcity.com 3. Mandina’s Restaurant: 3800 Canal St., mandinasrestaurant.com Best Bar Food 1. Buffa’s: 1001 Esplanade Ave., buffasrestaurant.com Not only is Buffa’s open 24/7, but it’s home to great music and the best bar food in New Orleans. No matter what your drunk self is craving, Buffa’s can help out.

2. Backspace Bar & Kitchen: 139 Chartres St., backspacenola.com

1. Parasol’s Bar & Restaurant: 2533 Constance St., parasolsbarandrestaurant.com Right in the heart of the Irish Channel, you will find the most savory roast beef po-boy in the city. Parasol’s has other good food, but none quite like this.

Willie Mae’s recently opened a new location Uptown and, since then, more New Orleanians have experienced the heavenly creation that is their original-recipe fried chicken.

2. Tracey’s Original Irish Channel Bar: 2604 Magazine St., traceysnola.com

2. Fiorella’s Café: French Market, 1136 Decatur St., (504) 553-2155 3. Ma Momma’s House of Cornbread, Chicken & Waffles: 5741 Crowder Blvd., #3, mamommashouse. com

3. Mahoney’s Po-Boys: 3454 Magazine St., mahoneyspoboys.com

Wow Café

Best Hamburger 1. Phil’s Grill: Multiple Locations, phils-grill.com Choice is the name of the game at Phil’s Grill. Hundreds of combinations are possible, and each one is as delicious as the next. Endless possibilities…

3. Cooter Brown’s Tavern: 509 S. Carrollton Ave., cooterbrowns.com

2. The Company Burger: 4600 Freret St., thecompanyburger.com 3. Port of Call: 838 Esplanade Ave., portofcallnola.com

Featuring a great bistro menu.

“Served from the best view on St. Charles Avenue!”

Sunday brunch 11am-3pm, Bistro everyday till 10pm & call to nd out about our new lunch hours.

Variety of nightly musical entertainment to compliment cocktails.

.anks to everyone for the support as the Best Happy Hour with Where Y’at Magazine readers.

46 | June 2015 | Best of the Big Easy: Readers' Picks

Best Oyster Po-Boy

1. Parkway Bakery and Tavern: 538 Hagan Ave., parkwaypoorboys.com

Parkway Bakery and Tavern is a New Orleans landmark that has been serving up fantastic “poor boys” for a long time. You haven’t had fried oysters till you have had them here.

2. Acme Oyster House: Multiple Locations, acmeoyster.com 3. Short Stop PoBoys: 119 Transcontinental Dr., shortstoppoboysno.com

Best Shrimp Po-Boy 1. Short Stop PoBoys: 119 Transcontinental Dr., shortstoppoboysno.com Next time you are looking for a great po-boy, make sure you try Short Stop. Their classic Shrimp PoBoy is unlike any other you’ve tried.

2. Parkway Bakery and Tavern: 538 Hagan Ave., parkwaypoorboys.com 3. Koz’s Lakeview: 515 Harrison Ave., kozcooks.com Best Sushi 1. Kyoto: 4920 Prytania St., kyotonola.com With a great bar and creative takes on classic sushi rolls, Kyoto is the perfect place to take a date or to enjoy fresh sushi with any of your friends.

Acme Oyster House

2. Origami Restaurant: 5130 Freret St., sushinola.com 3. Ninja Restaurant and Sushi Bar: 8433 Oak St., ninjasushineworleans.com Best Gumbo 1. Gumbo Shop: 630 St. Peter St., gumboshop.com Making gumbo is an art, and the Gumbo Shop has perfected that art. Locals and tourists alike agree that the gumbo at the Gumbo Shop is to die for.

2. Mr. B’s Bistro: 201 Royal St., mrbsbistro.com 3. Charlie’s Restaurant: 6129 E. Bernard Hwy., (504) 682-9057 Best Burrito 1. Izzo’s Illegal Burrito: Multiple Locations, izzos.com If you can think of it, Izzo’s can probably put it in a burrito. A new location recently opened on Magazine Street and became an instant hit.

2. Juan’s Flying Burrito: Multiple Locations, juansfl yingburrito.com 3. Felipe’s Taqueria: Multiple Locations, felipestaqueria.com Best Pizza 1. Reginelli’s Pizzeria: Multiple Locations, reginellis.com Reginelli’s is always available to help you get your pizza fix. They also have great drink deals to pair with their delicious pizza every day of the week.

2. Mellow Mushroom: Multiple Locations, mellowmushroom.com 3. Pizza Delicious: 617 Piety St., pizzadelicious.com Best Ice Cream/Gelato 1. Angelo Brocato Italian Ice Cream and Pastry: 214 N. Carrollton Ave., angelobrocatoicecream.com The hot summer months are coming, and Angelo Brocato’s is the best place to escape the heat and get a sweet treat. Their Sicilian styles and flavors cannot be beat.

2. The Creole Creamery: 4924 Prytania St., creolecreamery.com 3. Sucré: 3025 Magazine St., shopsucre.com Best Oyster Bar 1. Acme Oyster House: Multiple Locations, acmeoyster.com Whether in the French Quarter or out in Metairie, you can bet your life on the fact that Acme Oyster House will have fresh oysters and cold beer on tap.

2. Casamento’s Restaurant: 4330 Magazine St., casamentosrestaurant.com 3. Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar: 739 Iberville St., felixs.com Best Late Night Dining 1. Déjà vu Bar & Grill: 400 Dauphine St., dejavunola.com If you find yourself wandering around the French Quarter after having one too many drinks, Déjà vu Bar & Grill is a great place to eat late and continue drinking.

2. Mimi’s in the Marigny: 2601 Royal St., mimismarigny.com 3. Hoshun Restaurant: 1601 St. Charles Ave., hoshunrestaurant.com

WhereYat.com | June 2015 | 47

Food News

By Kim Ranjbar

C

orner cookout in Lakeview …

If you need a place to take the kids where the burgers are juicy and the cocktails are crafty, look no further than The Backyard, one of the newest spots to hit Lakeview. Opened not too long ago by Jason Tournillon, The Backyard is an übercasual, laid-back restaurant serving family cookout favorites like Muffuletta Deviled Eggs, Pimento Cheese with house-fried chips, crisp cole slaw, hand-formed burgers on fresh-baked buns and Sloppy Joes. The best part, particularly for stressed-out parents, is the “backyard,” which features a bunch of picnic benches and a cool, little playground. 504.309.8767 ~ 244 West Harrison Avenue ~ thebackyardnola.com One sweet century … This year, the familiar white, horse-drawn cart that sells homemade taff y in front of Audubon Zoo celebrated its centennial birthday. Since 1915, the Roman Candy Company has been selling those chewy sweets invented by Angelina Napoli Cortese. The business has remained in the family as Angelina’s greatgrandson Ron Kottemann still operates out of the homemade wagon selling the terrific taff y for $1 a stick. Here’s looking forward to the next century! 504.897.3937 ~ 5510 Constance Street ~ romancandy.com Crescent City chef … Decatur Street's Crescent City Brewhouse recently announced a new addition to their hoppy family, Executive Chef Joe Kosarek. Coming from a unique blend of Czech and Cajun heritage, Kosarek has spent the past decade working some of the city's finest kitchens from Bacco and Emeril's all the way to Cafe B in Metairie. The Crescent City Brewhouse couldn't be more pleased to have such a talented chef in their French Quarter kitchen. 504.522.0571 ~ 527 Decatur Street ~ crescentcitybrewhouse.com Dancin’ wings … Bourrée at Boucherie has at last opened, to the delight of wings fans everywhere. Chef Nathaniel Zimet opened Bourrée in the little house on Jeannette Street after relocating Boucherie to a space around the corner. The new shop currently offers several different types of wings and three types of daiquiri, with plans for more small plates in the near future.

Although those plans may be postponed until Bourrée moves to a larger location right next door to Boucherie in the building that just last month housed Cafe Nino.

Is anyone else dizzy? And hungry? 8115 Jeannette Street ~ boucherie-nola.com

48 | June 2015 | Food News

Boucherie Asian-Latino fusion? … It seems the CBD is blowing up with new restaurants this year, what with The Paramount and Nina Compton coming to town. Adding to the ado is a brand new gastropub dubbed Rebellion Bar & Urban Kitchen that just opened inside the space that Phil’s Grill occupied for a short time on Camp Street. The menu features dishes like Hamachi Kama, or grilled yellowtail collar in a soy glaze; pork belly spring rolls; Korean-Style Short Rib Sliders with bone marrow aioli, ramens and rice; and Cold Smoked & Poached Jumbo Shrimp & Grits. 504.298.7317 ~ 748 Camp Street ~ nolarebellion.com Po-boy proficient … Mahony’s Po-Boys & Seafood recently tapped the talents of another skilled chef, Paul Chell. With most of his experience in New Orleans gained under famed chef Susan Spicer, Chell worked at Bayona and Mondo before recently taking the position at Mahony’s.

With a new menu in the works and a monthly supper club planned, Mahony’s seems to be taking a turn for the better.

But there’s no need to worry: your old favorites like The Peacemaker, with fried oysters and bacon, or the Angus “Pot Roast” Beef Po-Boy aren’t going anywhere.

504.899.3374 ~ 3454 Magazine Street ~ mahonyspoboys.com Sh-boogie bop … Oak Street denizens can now get their ice cream and eat it too at the newly opened Kream. The small, purple shop that long housed the Queen of the Ball snoball stand and briefl y did a stint as Adventures in Ice Cream has now morphed into Kream, an ice cream concept that was supposed to feature alcohol-laden popsicles and ice cream. Likely confronted with liquor-license issues, the shop has tamed down its offerings to flavors made with simple ingredients, like Rockiest Road and Bananas Fester. Kream also offers fresh fruit popsicles, sundaes on Sundays and ice cream sandwiches. 8116 Oak Street ~ facebook.com/KREAM

WhereYat.com | June 2015 | 49

20 and Under

$

Lunch is Brewing

T

By Kim Ranjbar

here are a lot of dads out there whose idea of the perfect Father’s Day likely consists of drinking beer on the couch in their boxer shorts, munching on pretzels and watching whatever might be on ESPN … without interruption. Perhaps there’s a way to convince Dad to get off the couch and enjoy a day on the town if you promise he can drink his beer and eat it too!

Maybe, just maybe, Dad would be willing to hop in the car and head to the Riverbend for a sandwich to end all sandwiches at The Sammich. Have him bask in the sun on the front porch or kick it inside with a couple of flat-screened TVs while you place an order for a classic BBQ Shrimp “sammich,” where the large Gulf shrimp are marinated and cooked in Abita Turbo Dog and then served on crusty Leidenheimer French bread with blackened avocado mayonnaise.

You might as well splurge on a side of Duck Debris Fries smothered in duck gravy and duck cracklins; he is your only Pa, after all.

Over on Freret Street you both can relax outside in the shade, guzzle a few brews and chomp down on one of Dat Dog’s most popular items, the Guinness Dog, which the restaurant claims is “made in heaven” but is actually a frank that’s been soaked in that lovable Irish stout, which is pretty darn close. Throw in some Crawfish Etouffée Fries and your pop’s choice of beer and the afternoon will be a complete success, especially if your smartphone reports the latest news in the wide, wide world of sports.

Speaking of Irish, perhaps Dad will be down for a little soccer with his beer. Over at The Irish House on St. Charles Avenue, Chef Matt Murphy is busting out his hometown delicacies like Shepherd’s Pie and Bangers & Mash. You and your pop can sidle

50 | June 2015 | $20 and Under

right up to the bar for his crispy Beer-Battered Fish & Chips served with house-made tartar sauce and malt vinegar. Believe it or not, the batter is made with good ole Budweiser, making the fish a little less Irish but not a bit less fabulous.

Perhaps I should cut dads a little more slack. After all, it’s entirely possible (and in New Orleans, highly likely) that dear old Dad is a music lover and would like nothing more than to enjoy an evening of great local music, heavenly food and a few delightful draughts. Right outside of the French Quarter on Frenchmen Street, Dad can have all he desires and more inside one of the grooviest clubs in the Marigny, Three Muses. While swinging to the tunes of Luke Winslow-King or Glen David Andrews, Dad can devour a plate of Beer-Braised Kurobuta Pork Belly served on crispy scallion pancakes and topped with apple chutney. What kind of beer, you ask? Chef Daniel Esses uses whatever’s in season, and right now that happens to be Saison d’Ecrevisses from Bayou Teche Brewing.

Finally, in a last-ditch effort, just drag your dad to Ale, where there’s a plethora of beer to choose from, daily happy hour

The Sammich's BBQ Shrimp

Three Muses' Beer-Braised Kurobuta Pork Belly

specials and several televisions so he won’t miss the big game. Located on Oak Street in the Carrollton area, Ale is a newcomer to the New Orleans bar scene that shares a courtyard with the neighboring wine bar Oak. Conveniently, they also feature a menu designed by Chef Mike Ball that includes such snacks as fried pickles, duck confi t queso fundido, and salty soft pretzels served with beer cheese fondue.

Ball keeps it local by using Abita Amber in the fondue, adding just enough hoppy flavor to keep Dad dipping.

WhereYat.com | June 2015 | 51

RestaurantGuide

Blvd. #3 • 244-0021 • mamommashouse.com

AFRICAN

Manning's features 30 flat-screen TVs and an affordable menu featuring delicious Southern comfort food. 519 Fulton St. • 593-8118

Bennachin offers a taste of Africa in the Big Easy. Vegetarians and meat eaters alike will find something to love at this BYOB joint. 1212 Royal St. • 522-1230

Spudly’s has a friendly dining atmosphere perfect for families or a casual date. Stop in for their delicious Super Spud. 2609 Harvard Ave. • 455-3250 • spudlys.com

AMERICAN Cheesecake Bistro by Copeland’s is going Asian—featuring an all-new seafood menu with Eastern influences and flavor profiles. 2001 St Charles Ave. • 593-9955 • copelandscheesecakebistro.com Crescent City Brewhouse, with four house brews, offers traditional New Orleans cuisine with a modern flair. 527 Decatur St. • 522-0571 • crescentcitybrewhouse.com Daisy Dukes has a great southern atmosphere that makes it the perfect 24/7 eatery. Huge perk: it delivers all day and night to the downtown NOLA area. FQ, CBD, Metairie • daisydukesrestaurant.com Ernst Café is great for a delicious, locallyinspired meal with friends. Enjoy specialty cocktails or a cold pint from their extensive beer list. 600 South Peters St. • 525-8544 • ernstcafe.com Ma Momma’s is the place for some delicious, southern, soul food. Feast on the Fried Chicken and Waffles—not to be missed. 5741 Crowder

52 | June 2015 | Restaurant Guide

Warehouse Grill is known for their friendly service and wide selection of global small plates and burgers. Try out their fantastic bottomless mimosa brunch. 869 Magazine St. • 322-2188 Willie Mae’s Scotch House boasts the best Fried Chicken in New Orleans. Enjoy the delicious soul food and be sure to arrive early to avoid the lines. Mid-City, Uptown

ASIAN AJ&J Asian Bistro serves fantastic Asian cuisine. Try their daily sushi specials or explore their noodle options. 2240 Magazine St. • 6092282 • ajjasianbistro.com Five Happiness serves delicious Chinese food in a sleek dining area that has customers coming back for more. 3605 S Carrollton Ave. • 482-3935 • fi vehappiness.com Green Tea specializes in Hunan and Sichuan dishes. It is known for its great prices and fast service. 1116 Louisiana Ave. #3 • 899-8005 • greenteanola.com

Jazmine Café lets you take a break from typical NOLA dishes with healthy Vietnamese cuisine and affordable prices. 614 S. Carrollton Ave. • 866-9301 • jazmincafe.com Kyoto satisfies customers with fantastic Japanese cuisine. Be bold and try the BBQ Squid sushi or opt for one of their delicious noodle dishes. 4920 Prytania St. • 891-3644 • kyotonola.com Miyako’s Hibachi chefs prepare dishes right at your table with menu items that are sure to amaze. Be sure to check out their full sushi bar. 1403 St Charles Ave. • 410-9997 • japanesebistro.com

Namese Vietnamese Café combines authentic Vietnamese fare with a New Orleans twist. Stop by for a wide selection of pho or a glass of delicious bubble tea. 4077 Tulane Ave. • 483-8899 • namese.net Origami features a dynamic trio of master New Orleans sushi chefs serving only the freshest seasonal seafood. 5130 Freret St. • 899-6532 • sushinola.com Viet Orleans Bistro serves a variety of Asian cuisines. Munch on an awesome combination of sushi, pho, banh mi and fried rice for a reasonable price. 300 Baronne St. • 333-6917

Charlie'sRestaurant

BARS WITH GREAT FOOD Backspace Bar & Kitchen is a diamond in the rough, literary-themed bar that offers up author-inspired drinks and a menu of local favorites. 139 Chartres St. • 322-2245 • backspacenola.com Bamboula’s, a fun and funky bar on Frenchmen, serves Caribbean dishes and delicious small plates and appetizers. 514 Frenchmen St. • 944-8461 • clubbamboulas.com Bombay Club, famous for their martinis, offers a touch of elegance in the French Quarter.

Try their Boudin Scotch Eggs or Cracklin’ Cruster Fish and Chips. 830 Conti St. • 577-2237 Buffa’s Bar and Restaurant offers such greats as boudin balls, gumbo, and Cheesecake French Toast. Visit their back room for live music and open mic nights. 1001 Esplanade Ave. • 949-0038 • buffasrestaurant.com The Columns Hotel has locals and travelers alike relishing their scenic view. Enjoy their happy hour and extensive Sunday brunch. 3811 St Charles Ave. • 899-9308 • thecolumns.com

Chartres St. • 524-0493 • thejimani.com

courtyard. Come for their tasty brunch with Boudin and Grits and refreshing cocktails. 912 Royal St. • 412-8965 • cafeamelie.com

Jimmy J’s Café offers classic fare like Cochon Eggs Benedict served with jalapeno hollandaise, or their Fried Oyster Plate. 115 Chartres St. • 309-9360 • jimmyjscafe.com

Café 615, the "Home of Da Wabbit," serves up fantastic New Orleans cuisine at affordable prices.

615 Kepler St. • 365-1225 • dawabbit.com

Mimi’s in the Marigny offers cold and hot tapas late into the night. With dancing and DJs, this quirky bar is the ultimate, low-key space.

2601 Royal St. • 872-9868 Parasol’s serves up its famous roast beef po-boy as well as delicious favorites like the homemade onion rings. Check out their famous cocktail window. 2533 Constance St. • 302-1543 • parasolsbarandrestaurant.com Pat O’s Courtyard and Restaurant, home of the Hurricane, is the place to go for music, Creole favorites, and a gorgeous outdoor courtyard. 624 Bourbon St. • 525-4823 • patobriens.com Poppy’s Time Out Sports Bar has 21 TVs, countless varieties of wings, and great drinks to create the perfect environment for watching the big game. 500 Port of New Orleans Pl. • 2479265 • poppystimeoutsportsbar.com

Dino’s Bar and Grill serves up classic lunch like wraps, sandwiches, and burgers.

Don’t forget Tuesday night is steak night! 1128 Tchoupitoulas St. • 588-0900

Richard Fiske’s Martini Bar & Restaurant serves up more than just potent, delicious drinks.

Come to this romantic spot to try the Coffee Coriander Spiced Rack. 301 Dauphine St. • 586-0972 • richardfiskes.com

The Jimani is a fun-filled dive bar and a favorite among tourists and locals alike. Try something different with one of their innovative burgers. 141

Rivershack Tavern, the "Home of the Tacky Ashtray," is a neighborhood tavern that has great live music, drinks, and food. 3449 River Rd. •

Café Navarre is a casual, neighborhood diner with great atmosphere and classic dishes like pizza, pasta, salads, and sandwiches. 800 Navarre Ave. • riccobonos.com

Riccobono's 834-4938 • therivershacktavern.com Shamrock Bar and Grill offers every game imaginable as well as karaoke, live music, and fantastic munchies until the wee morning hours. 4133 S Carrollton Ave. • 301-0938 • shamrockparty.com Tracey’s Irish Bar and Restaurant offers an assortment of po-boys along with great drink specials and welcoming hospitality. 2604 Magazine St. • 897-5413 Wit’s Inn is known as a neighborhood pizza joint and bar with quick service and daily specials. Open till 2 a.m. 141 N Carrollton Ave. • 486-1600

CAFE Café Amelie is known for its beautiful

Carmo Tropical Cafe and Bar draws on influences from around the world to create their fantastic menu. A vegetarian haven meat eaters will love. 527 Julia St. • 875-4132 • cafecarmo.com EAT, a farm-to-table style restaurant, offers classic dishes like gumbo and fried green tomatoes. 900 Dumaine St. • 522-7222 • eatnola.com Fiorella’s Café serves classic New Orleans dishes in a homey, no-frills atmosphere. Try the fried chicken or their seafood muffaletta. 1136 Decatur St. • 553-2155 Orleans Grapevine is the perfect spot for oenophiles with their impressive wine selection and delectable dinner dishes. 720 Orleans Ave. • 523-1930 • orleansgrapevine.com Riccobono’s Panola Street Café offers a quaint and quiet atmosphere just a short walk away from Tulane. Try out one of their variations on Eggs Benedict! 7801 Panola St. • 314-1810 • panolastreetcafe.com

WhereYat.com | June 2015 | 53

Vacherie brings the humble dishes of smalltown farm life to the Big Easy. Enjoy drinks and appetizers from their bar menu. 827 Toulouse St. • 207-4532 • vacherierestaurant.com

ITALIAN Pascal’s Manale is famous for its extensive menu of Italian classics like the Veal Marsala or Turtle Soup. The spot has been a NOLA institution for over 100 years. 1838 Napoleon Ave. • 895-4877 • pascalemanale.com Red Gravy is home to the New Orleans Italian Brunch. Try the Cannoli Pancakes, handmade pastas, or classic Italian sandwiches. 125 Camp St. • 561-8844 • redgravycafe.com Venezia offers home-cooked Italian food at its best. Its old-world charm and delicious food will transport you to Little Italy. 134 N Carrollton Ave. • 488-7991 • venezianeworleans.net

LATIN Araña is a funky restaurant serving up authentic cuisine from the Yucatan. Stop by for the yummy fish tacos or Mexican torta sandwich.

3242 Magazine St. • 894-1233 Izzo’s Illegal Burrito is a fast-casual joint with a “Roll Your Own” burrito option that is sure to please everyone. Uptown, Metairie, West Bank • izzos.com The Tequila House is a breath of fresh air on Bourbon Street with fantastic Tex-Mex cuisine and the city's best tequila selection. 417

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Bourbon Street, 586-0446

682-9057 • charliesrestaurantla.com

MIDDLE EASTERN

Copeland’s of New Orleans combines New Orleans flavor and comfort in a casual dining atmosphere. Stop in for its new Seafood Menu and premium spices. Covington, Metairie, Kenner, Slidell, West Bank • copelandsofneworleans.com

Lebanon’s Café offers some of the finest Middle Eastern dishes in New Orleans. Its creamy homemade hummus and amazing tabouleh can be enjoyed on their outdoor patio. 1500 S Carrollton Ave. • 862-6200 • lebanonscafe.com Mona’s Café offers traditional Middle Eastern cuisine in a relaxed environment. Stop by the BYOB joint for the musahaba (a variation on hummus). Uptown, Marigny, Mid-City • monascafeanddeli.com Pyramids Café serves up authentic cuisine in a relaxed environment. Stop by or have their amazing and healthy gyros and falafels delivered. 3151 Calhoun St. • 861-9602 • pyramidscafeneworleans.com

Evangeline serves up fresh, seasonal cuisine with ingredients purchased from local markets.

Unwind with a cold pint from their extensive beer selection in their beautiful courtyard. 329 Decatur St. • 373-4852 Marti's Restaurant offers a contemporary take on a Parisian brasserie that is a can't miss.

Fresh seafood and classic French preparation,

New Orleans Creole Cookery offers delicious Creole classics. Stop in for their ever-changing cocktail menu. 510 Toulouse St. • 542-9632 • neworleanscreolecookery.com

PIZZA AND MORE Mo’s Pizza is more than just pizza. Their Italian delicacies are delicious and affordable.

Order the Chicken Parmigiana—it’s highly recommended. 1112 Ave H • 341-9650 • mospizzanola.com

PO-BOYS AND MORE Short Stop Poboys offers a variety of classic po-boys and wonderful gumbo, great for dining in or on the go. 119 Transcontinental Dr. • 855-4572 • shortstoppoboysno.com

NEW ORLEANS CUISINE Antoine’s Restaurant continues to excel at the French-Creole cuisine it has been creating for 175 years. A can’t miss New Orleans staple. 713 St. Louis St. • 581-4422 • antoines.com

SEAFOOD Crazy Lobster Bar and Grill offers tasty, fresh seafood with indoor or outdoor seating options. Try the raw or chargrilled oysters or one of their creative cocktails. 500 Port of New Orleans Pl • 569-3380 • thecrazylobster.com

Chappy’s is a new uptown hotspot featuring classic New Orleans cuisine. It is known for its fantastic fresh seafood. 6106 Magazine St. • 208-8772 • chappys.com Charlie’s Restaurant features classic Louisiana comfort food in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Charlie’s has an extensive menu, and it’s well worth the drive. Violet, Louisiana •

mixed with classic and seasonal cocktails make Marti’s a great experience. 1041 Rue Dumaine, 522-5478, martisnola.com

CrescentCityBrewhouse

Royal House Oyster Bar offers fresh-air dining with local seafood dishes. Whether you prefer oysters on the half shell or oyster beignets, you can’t go wrong. 441 Royal St. • 528-2601 • royalhouserestaurant.com

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.

WhereYat.com | June 2015 | 55

FilmReviews

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

Mad Max: Fury Road By David Vicari Mad Max: Fury Road is a dazzling, intense action film and so much more. Digital effects are utilized here, but much of this is real, hair-raising stunt work.

This is an absolute marvel of visual storytelling.

With sparse dialog and lots of action, this chase picture could easily have been a silent movie. The characters don't have to verbally explain who they are because we understand them through their actions and reactions. On top of that, Fury Road carries a strong statement of female empowerment. This really is a modern masterpiece.

This is the fourth Mad Max movie, but it is not really a sequel. Imagine an alternate universe where there are slight differences. The original films – Mad Max (1979), The Road Warrior aka Mad Max 2 (1981) and Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985) – stand as a trilogy and Fury Road is starting anew.

Here, policeman turned lone warrior in a post-apocalyptic society, Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy), forms an alliance with ace driver Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron), who is helping a harem of women escape their ruler, the ruthless Immortan Joe (Hugh KeaysByrne, who was Toecutter in the original Mad Max). A wild desert chase with souped-up vehicles ensues to bring the women back.

Hardy is a perfect fit in the iconic role originated by Mel Gibson, but make no mistake, this is Charlize Theron's movie. She is a tough bad-ass and sexy as hell with that buzz cut and mechanical arm! And this is a total female empowerment movie if there ever was one.

Furiosa is not the only tough woman in this movie. The harem of wives (Riley Keough, Zoë Kravitz and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley among them) are not just ornamental. They hold their own. Then, we get this awesome biker gang of older women later in the film.

George Miller directs Fury Road and has directed all three previous Mad Max movies (although Thunderdome was co-directed by George Ogilvie). This 70-year-old director puts many younger action directors working today to shame. The action here is tremendous and exciting.

Hot Pursuit By Fritz Esker Reese Witherspoon recently became a producer, with the goal of creating more projects with strong roles for women. It’s an admirable ambition, and one that paid dividends with very good films like Wild and Gone Girl last year. Her newest venture, Hot Pursuit, is a misfire.

It starts well enough. Witherspoon, giving a fully committed performance, is a Texas cop who’s so high-strung and intense that she causes a man she meets through Christian Mingle to flee halfway through their date. She’s also a laughingstock on the force because of her overzealous use of a Taser. When asked to accompany a detective (Richard T. Jones) on his way to escort a drug lord’s wife (Sofia Vergara) into protective custody, things go wrong. The detective is killed in an ambush, and the two women escape together.

What follows is standard buddy movie shtick. Vergara is a fashionista diva; Witherspoon is a tomboy. They’re opposites who learn to get along. But the progression of their relationship is by the numbers. Unlike the care that goes into gradually developing the central relationship in the classic buddy road movie Midnight Run, the dynamic here seems rushed and calculated. Several gags can be seen coming from a mile away. All in all, it’s pretty forgettable.

56 | June 2015 | Film Reviews

The Mad Max Series in Review By Fritz Esker 1979’s Mad Max is not a great film, but it’s solidly entertaining. What stands out about doctorturned-director George Miller’s 1st movie is how relatively normal everything seems. The world’s a dystopia, but still recognizable. Max (Mel Gibson) is a loving husband/father and hardworking cop battling a sadistic biker gang. Things go horribly wrong, and watching the film now, you can’t help but feel a pervading sadness over how Max’s life went to hell. It’s a strong first effort from a director beginning to master his craft.

1981’s The Road Warrior is a classic.

The world has devolved into chaos and Max is a reluctant hero aiding people terrorized by the warlord Humungous (wearing a hockey mask before Jason from Friday the 13th did). It’s consistently engrossing, but its triumph is its final act, featuring sustained mayhem involving an 18-wheeler and a plethora of other vehicles. The jaw-dropping stunts were so scary that while filming the climax, some crew members refused to show up to work.

1985’s Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome isn’t a bad movie, but it’s the weakest of the series (even though it has passionate defenders, Where Y’at’s David Vicari among them). It starts strong, though, with Max in a desert town ruled by a dictator (Tina Turner) immersed in a power struggle. It’s a unique and exciting setting for the series. But once Max is exiled halfway through, the film loses momentum. The finale seems like a warming-over of previous chases. There are stories that Miller’s heart wasn’t into it after his friend and producer Byron Kennedy died in a helicopter crash scouting locations.

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) has been almost universally praised for everything from its imaginative, how-the-hell-did-they-do-that action scenes to its feminism (Charlize Theron is terrific) to its sobering portrayal of a world whose resources have been sucked dry. It feels like Miller spent 30 years collecting ideas for the film. It seems like everyone loves it—and everyone’s right.

Tomorrowland By David Vicari The trouble with the Disney adventure/fantasy Tomorrowland seems to have begun at the screenwriting level. The script – by Damon Lindelof and the film's director, Brad Bird – is rather clunky, especially early on when it is setting up the story. Having one character speaking directly to the audience about his discovery of Tomorrowland only to be interrupted 15 minutes in by a second character who shifts the story to her is, frankly, bad screenwriting. However, when the film finally settles into the story of positive-thinking teen Casey Newton (Britt Robertson) and her mission to save the Earth, it does begin to work, more or less, until its protracted, murky and digital effects-heavy finale.

Casey finds a magical pin for a place called Tomorrowland, which leads her to former boy genius Frank Walker (George Clooney), which then leads both of them on a race to save planet Earth from destruction as they are pursued by deadly robots from another dimension.

Raffey Cassidy, as a mysterious little girl named Athena, steals the movie. She's charismatic, funny and brings the movie to life when she is on screen. This kid is a star!

I just wish Tomorrowland's screenplay had gone through a few more drafts.

WhereYat.com | June 2015 | 57

YaGram

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

NewsAroundTheWeb

Updated Daily at WhereYat.com

ByeByeBrangie @say_ruh918

@jamesjmackay

@JakeDog1052

@zentennis

@smellcircus

@berlymik

@p johnsoniii

@posterdan

@bibicardenas_n

TweetBites

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

@arsonistkitten: You're not a New Orleanian unless you have a roach story.

That's right, I said it.

New Orleans has lost some of its celebrity royalty.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have listed their French Quarter mansion for $6.5 million. The couple purchased it for $3.5 million.

RunJindallRun? Nobody is shocked by Gov. Bobby Jindal’s supposed moves toward the White House. Yet, some are surprised about why he has not said much about if he will run or not. According to a close political adviser Jindal won’t declare his intentions until June. Stay tuned.

LAGrewDat Louisiana agriculture added $12.7 billion to the state economy last year. This is a gain of 7.6%, or $900 million from last year. This is the third year in a row Louisiana farmers had record-beating values for their commodities.

@WayneCurtis: Note to travelers dining at the Subway in the French Quarter: May I suggest remedial lessons in life? @christylorio: Just got an email from UNO encouraging students to take "professional selfies". No, it's called a headshot. Find a photog friend to do it. @bluetarpgirl: Was napping so hard until a second line woke me up. @ericajohnson27: I love when detours in New Orleans literally make you drive in circles. @cajunhumor: Vegetarian is just a Yankee code word for "I can't fish, I can't hunt, and I don't like country music."

58 | June 2015 | Around the Web

SmokeShow Harrah's and many other French Quarter bars and clubs have filed a suit against the City of New Orleans hoping to halt the new smoking ban. This ban took effect April 22 and forbids smoking in all bars, casinos and public places.

WhereYat.com | June 2015 | 59

TalesFromTheQuarter

By Debbie Lindsay

Just Stop It!

S

top it! Stop, stop, stop, stop, Please Stop It! This staring like a dazed fool into the palm of your hand at a device that supposedly connects you socially is making you less social. Is it truly necessary to be connected to everyone 24/7? Do you really need those 429 “friends” you have so desperately acquired and interact with via a small screen covered with fingerprints?

And Twitter—do you really think that celebrity or Hillary really cares if you follow them? Do you care a flip about what I am saying in this old-school format of print media? I doubt it. But at least you’ve put down your “Is that a phone in your pocket or are you glad to see me?” and actually walked across the coffee shop with eyes focused on your surroundings to pick up this magazine. Heck, maybe you even see some of the friends you have been texting and can now exercise those vocal cords and greet them. (They may not recognize you, however, since your Facebook photo predates the beard you’re now sporting.)

And so the rant begins.

While admittedly this is more ranting than not, I request you give this commentary the same amount of time you spend on Mary Sue’s cute kitten posts or your high school classmate’s (you really don’t remember him, do you?) blogged ideas on intermarriage between Libertarians and Republicans. If you are over thirtysomething, some of my points will resonate; if you are a member of the generation that never put a quarter in a payphone or used a dictionary (that big, wonderful book on your mom’s desk, not the app on your phone), this will be a history lesson in good manners and patience (and my personal trip down memory lane to a long ago time—10 or so years back).

This explosion of technology in the areas of communication and social media has truly happened over night—seriously. We have gone from letter writing to emailing to thumb-typing tiny, grammatically challenged shorthand on screens that require reading glasses. This texting thing seems to want to replace speaking, and tweeting eliminates swappin’ tidbits of news and dishin’ the dirt across the fence or over coffee. While chitchat could range from playful to painful, at least our words were not placed in a space never to be removed or negated. When you are pissed at your boss and say so on Facebook, everyone—and I mean everyone—will

60 | June 2015 | Tales from the Quarter

know; there are no degrees of separation in cyberspace and you can’t tear up those words and toss them away once your mood improves. And pity the floundering fool who thinks they’re slick with a love aff air via the backstreets of social media and the politician who overshares poorly chosen words or thoughts.

It wasn’t so long ago when restaurants were filled with diners who talked to one another, when sidewalks were not a demolition derby to maneuver as texting twits plow into you. I’ve had too many three-way conversations between me, my friend and the attention-grabbing, needy thing in their hands (“Excuse me, I didn’t mean to interrupt what your device was saying.”). A talkative three-year-old ramped up on sugar couldn’t dominate or disrupt a discussion better than a text message. I do not remember anyone toting their typewriter or even a laptop with them everywhere they went. Somehow messages and written thoughts could wait then, and the world did not come crashing down. But hey, that computer with every bit of your life recorded in it can and eventually will crash. Back it up, baby.

This is about the time I start to feel like a hypocrite or, at best, a conflicted curmudgeon. I am writing this on a computer, will send it to my editor via email and will find it necessary to reach Boyfriend on his cellphone at some point today (even if my outgoing call is made using my plugged-in rotary phone). Our business thrives on the positive remarks and free advertising that Yelp, TripAdvisor and various blogs give us. And of course, we all know how human rights and environmental justice issues are propelled by thoughtful, righteous commentary and reporting throughout social media. Yeah, I like my television and telephone—their telepathic abilities to entertain and engage me are appreciated. But here is where lines need to be drawn. Avail yourself of the entertainment, education and economic excursions provided by the quick fi x and immediate access of the tech world.

Exploit the technology. But do not allow it to exploit you.

Put that smarty-pants phone down, look at your waiter, be reminded of the here-and-now good company seated at your table and do not interrupt a beautiful meal by checking your messages. Unplug from your computer, stand up from your desk and find something physical to do for a moment—notice the customer walking out the door. Hell, notice the physical world around you, the tangible and tactile environs with real people in it who need to be embraced by your full attention.

Stop and notice life “live” before seeing it regurgitated and pixelated on your screen.

Here’s my challenge to you: Unplug for a day, and just see what happens.

Po-BoyViews By Phil LaMancusa Wounded Bird Or The Kindness of Strangers

T

he call comes in, as we knew someday it would. Bob’s in the hospital and it ain’t lookin’ good.

When we’re born, we’re all dealt an unjust hand with which we make sense of our lives and desires. Deal with it; life isn’t fair. We all live with seemingly irreversible idiosyncrasies, which affect us personally, that we’re stuck with. For most of us it’s merely an insecurity that we live with: Am I fat, balding, weak, unattractive? Will I ever have enough wealth, fame, power to live well? I’m going to die?

Born with cerebral palsy (and an IQ of 157), Bob’s had a much harder road to hoe than most of us. On the plus side: He’s extremely independent. On the other side of the coin: Bob’s short on taking responsibility for his life, health and welfare. These are major challenges that Bob faced or, in his case, didn’t face. Bob’s basically screwed.

Bob has his own apartment and motorized scooter and is on the dole; things are hunky-dory, right? No. Bob has a health care aide who doesn’t show up except maybe to put him on the toilet. Bob lives in his chair, sleeping there and not being groomed at all. Bob fritters away his income except on lights, heat and air conditioning. At the end of January, when Bob had still not turned on his heater, he was taken to hospital with his body locked in a sitting position, dirty, smelling of the infections that had swollen his legs and brought them to the point of oozing.

Bob is happy, briefly, to be taken care of, until he finds that his salvation has become his prison; flat on his back (with his legs still locked in position), Bob lacks the strength to feed himself. The aid and assistance Bob receives at the facility is swift and professional; unfortunately, Bob has let himself deteriorate for so long that his comeback will be long and arduous. Add to that that Bob is not a self-starter; his stay consists of him lying in bed wearing a diaper, a radio and a television that he watches with the sound off (old movies channel) and Girlfriend and I, his gofers, who bring him treats, real food (the facility provides a pureed diet) and pep talks at least four times a week.

Now hear this: Bob’s stay is paid for by Medicaid/ Medicare for the first 100 days. After that, he is either discharged or he stays and all of his income and assets belong to the facility. They’ll give him $38 a month for himself and he’ll be there, barring outside assistance, for the rest of his life. On his back. Wearing a diaper.

Eating pureed food.

The facility does not have a barber on staff, nor a dentist, and a doctor visits sporadically and infrequently. There are probably 30 nurses to every doctor and a similar number of attendants. If you’d like to see a place where people go and become invisible, visit one of these “nursing/health care centers.”

Now don’t get me wrong: Bob gets three squares a day, physical therapy, nurses who care about him specifically, medications, speech therapy and a social worker to oversee his stay. For the rest of his life. They do the best they can. Bob is only 62 years old; he wants to leave the facility but cannot.

At first he was adamant, wanting his chair so he could leave (I personally rode his scooter the two miles to him, giving me great respect for those in such vehicles). He then resigned

himself to care and I’ve witnessed his myriad of moods: fear, depression, anger, frustration, indignity, helplessness, loneliness and near rage. I have kept his rent and bills paid; I’ve cleaned his apartment and donated his music collection to anyone who would keep and appreciate it. I have raised what money I can to keep his life there for him once he’s able, if ever, to go home. I have a new home aide service in place to help him upon his discharge. It’s complicated.

Friends and acquaintances have sent cards, kids have drawn pictures; we have talked to Bob, from “attaboy” to “get off your ass.” I’ve endeavored to keep up his spirits, but you know what? I’m not the one in a broken body, bedbound 24/7 with nothing but my thoughts and vulnerabilities. I’m the impotent friend who can do nothing to help him back to

When we’re born, we’re all dealt an unjust hand with which we make sense of our lives and desires. Deal with it; life isn’t fair. the life he misses other than bring him creature comforts and explore ways to return him to his form of a normal life.

Sometimes, when I feel frustrated, I imagine his plight and realize how blessed I am.

Bob’s doctor and therapist have advised him of the risks of going home now, and he’s being moved to the residency area of the facility since 100 days have passed. They tell me that his recovery is in his own hands; he’s come a ways, but has a long way to go. No one has told him how long that will take, so Bob’s in limbo. It’s up to him to overcome his tendency for inaction regarding his welfare and work harder. I believe in Bob; I have faith in him. I pray for him. My troubles are nothing compared to his.

Po-Boy Views | June 2015 | 61

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Where Ya' Been?

7 1.

WGSO’s Tim McNally, RNDC’s Fred Holley, Patrick’s Bar Vin’s Patrick Van Hoorebeek, and Where Y’at’s Josh Danzig enjoyed mint juleps during Sippin’ in Seersucker.

2. Crawfish Monica was again a food favorite at Jazz Fest.

3. Spanish Plaza was the location for this year’s return of Diner en Blanc.

4. The Rolling Krewe of Elvi enjoyed the Crawfish Mambo at UNO. 5. Pitbull brought out the fans to Jazz Fest.

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62 | June 2015 | Where Ya' Been?

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6. Crawfish lovers of all ages enjoyed the crawfish cook-off at Crawfish Mambo.

7.

WDSU’s Charles Divins and wife Fabiola enjoy Sippin’ in Seersucker at The Shops at Canal Place.

8. Diner en Blanc was a big hit for the second year.

9. Tina Griffith and Jason Gross won this year’s seersucker contest at Sippin’ in Seersucker.

10. Lindsey Hayes and Samantha Catducci kept cool at Jazz Fest.