Latest Issue: February 2026 – Mardi Gras Manual

MARDI GRA S

FEBRUARY 2026

EXOTIC ANIMAL RACES

POST

Happy Carnival from the staff of Where Y’at. Enjoy this issue, filled with parade maps, history, party picks, and more.

The Krewe of Hermes has paraded for the last 89 years on Vendredi Gras, often known as “Hermes Friday.” Kevin Credo profiles this famous krewe and shares how they contributed to the Mardi Gras season that we know today.

Do you find out-of-state parades that don’t toss throws anticlimactic? Ever wonder how the tradition of throwing beads came to be?

Tim McNally takes a walk back to the 1700s to explore this unique custom that has made other non-Carnival parades outright boring.

Women are well represented in our Mardi Gras Manual. Rebecca Fox explores the life of a NOLA showgirl with a behind-the-scenes look at Carnival dance krewes. Meanwhile, Kimmie Tubré explores the “queens of Carnival” with a rundown of all-women krewes going back over 100 years ago.

Don’t forget your special someone this Carnival season as Valentine’s Day falls on Endymion Saturday. Arielle Gonzalez shares romantic bars to spend with your loved one away from the Mardi Gras madness. —Josh Danzig, Publisher

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Josh Danzig

Creative Director: Robert Witkowski

Executive Editor: Burke Bischoff

Assistant Editor: Donald Rickert

Movie Editors: David Vicari, Fritz Esker

Contributing Writers: Jeff Boudreaux, Violet Bucaro, Kevin Credo, Rebecca Fox, Arielle Gonzales, Emily Hingle, Peyton Kullander, Phil LaMancusa, Debbie Lindsey, Joel Mandina, Andrew Marin, Tim McNally, Kim Ranjbar, Kimmie Tubré, Celeste Turner, Beauregard Tye

Cover: Krewe of Hermes Parade by Amy Harris

Director of Sales: Jim Sylve

Photographers and Designers: Burke Bischoff, Gustavo Escanelle, Emily Hingle, Daelyn House, Ameer Joseph, Kim Ranjbar, Robert Witkowski

Interns: Melody Daniels, Davis Hopper, Daelyn House, Ameer Joseph, Cassidy Meehan, Fredrick Quinn, Sydni Sanders, Kylee Snyder

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THE KREWE OF Hermes

Messenger of the Gods, Masters of the Mardi Gras

// KEVIN CREDO

Although the humdrum majority of America will see February 13 as the unlucky Friday the 13th, the date is quite lucky for the people of New Orleans as this year’s Vendredi Gras —the final Friday of the Carnival season.

Although the festivities have been escalating for weeks since their beginning on Twelfth Night, “Epiphany” for the humdrum majority, this final week is when the season leaps from arcane calendar observances into the very air of New Orleans.

For some, this Friday is when the season ramps up into a days-long celebration in the streets, where liquor is more common than water and plastic beads fleetingly become infinitely more than the sum of their parts. For others, this is the peak of the social

season, when Carnival balls become stages for the most graceful and choreographed pageantry anywhere in North America, and family heirlooms are bequeathed in the quiet splendor of pearl and cloisonné. If Carnival is the paradoxical existence of these worlds as two-sides of the same doubloon, then the first parade of Vendredi Gras, named fittingly for the Greek god of commerce, proves to be masters of both.

Founded in 1937, the Krewe of Hermes, romanticized as the “Knights of Hermes” in

older materials, proved itself in the rough task of bringing cheer during the throes of the Great Depression. With its Friday night slot bringing the parading to five consecutive nights, at that time considered a massive quantity of parading, Hermes played a major role in boosting the national reputation of New Orleans Mardi Gras at a time when many industries were in a slump. The civic-minded tradition of Hermes became a major component of the parade’s identity, with a membership drawing extensively from the business and civic communities of the city.

Named for the tutelary god of crossroads, the Krewe of Hermes occupies a respectable intersection across the generations of Carnival tradition. The krewe was formed after parading had already been firmly established, yet it is firmly an elder both in age and style to

the “super-krewe” tradition, which changed the dynamics of parading in the mid-20th century to emphasize massive scale and huge quantities of riders and throws. The Vendredi Gras “triple-threat” of Hermes, Le Krewe d’Etat, and Morpheus, of course, allows each individual parade to focus on its own quality, with three parades being able to match the scale of subsequent nights of the season.

On the old-school end, Hermes prides itself on putting on an intimate and exquisitely-detailed presentation. On the side of innovation, Hermes was among the first night parades to utilize neon lighting to illuminate its floats along the route—a major change from the earliest days when kerosene flambeaux torches were the only illumination along the nighttime routes. The themes of Hermes are only revealed once the floats roll, a component of the traditional secrecy of older Mardi Gras krewes that also precludes public identification of the reigning King Hermes.

Over 75 years of parading will naturally exhaust a multitude of themes, and Hermes has gone through its share of eras. Mounted over float chassis belonging to the old, 1800s parading incarnation of the Phunny Phorty Phellows, the earliest floats and themes of Hermes eschewed the more erudite aspects of old-line parading in favor of light music and fantasies. Popular themes over the years have included “The Forty Thieves,” The Little Mermaid, as there always have to be merfolk somewhere in Carnival, and even a celebrated collaboration with long-running adventure newspaper comic Prince Valiant, which saw creator Hal Foster invited to the ball tableaux, trivia to this day amongst enthusiasts of the printed page and/or neutral ground.

Kept secret, as is the tradition, the 2026 theme is best teased as a combination of literary legendarium and whimsical storytelling. The theme will be right at home between classical Carnival artistry and the stylish fun that made Hermes a hit to begin with all those years ago.

Given its history of civic-mindedness, the Krewe of Hermes has for years met the needs of local public institutions. The Hermes Beyond the Parade Foundation has provided funding

to assist EMS services and the New Orleans Fire Department, as well as extra funding for auxiliary units of the New Orleans Police Department including horseback officers, canine units, and mobility-forward all-terrain-vehicles to navigate the tight, centuries-old streets of the French Quarter. The more trivia-literate would be tempted to imagine the ATVs as, in some abstract way, a vestigial response to a 1973 city ordinance barring large-scale parades from rolling in the older parts of the city such as the French Quarter.

Speaking of the Vieux Carré, the krewe lent its name to one of its most prestigious watering holes. The Hermes Bar at Antoine’s serves as the liminal god’s doorway between the jocular Royal Street and the fine-dining restaurant more ingrained into New Orleans Mardi Gras culture than perhaps any other public establishment. With royal costumes, beads, and classical ball invitations on display year-round, the Hermes Bar is a wonderful spot to sip a Boulevardier while watching the Kentucky Derby or overhearing a tour guide define what exactly a “banquette” is. During the Mardi Gras season, the krewe rents out the restaurant for its annual preparade walk and party, sandwiched between the preceding night’s grand ball and the parade rolling into the winter sunset. The time for that roll has come.

Vendredi Gras is upon us, and travelers from the world-over are to descend upon St. Charles Avenue for the greatest night of the greatest time of the year. The god of travelers, or at least his namesake knights, do a fine job bringing them in.

Mardi Gras Parade Maps

Metairie

KREWE BOHÈME

Friday, January 30, 7 p.m. Krewe Bohème draws on the bohemian spirit of New Orleans and features an original Supreme Green Fairy monarch. This year’s theme is “Midnight in the Garden of Absinthe.”

KREWE DU VIEUX

Saturday, January 31, 6:30 p.m. Krewe du Vieux is beloved for its wild satire and very adult themed floats. Co-founder of Glass Half Full Franziska Trautmann will reign as the krewe’s monarch this year.

KREWEDELUSION

Saturday, January 31, (Follows Krewe Du Vieux) Krewedelusion builds on the satirical aspects of Mardi Gras, declaring in their royal decree, “Organization is delusion.”The krewe elaborates on social absurdities and creates an entertaining Carnival spectacle.

New Orleans

LITTLE RASCALS

Sunday, February 1, 12 p.m.

The Krewe of Little Rascals provides the children of Greater New Orleans with their own Mardi Gras experience. Their name is derived from the TV show that repacked the Our Gang movie shorts.

REX

Sunday, February 1, 4:30 p.m.

Composed of members from various professions and backgrounds, ‘tit Rex is Mardi Gras’ first microkrewe. The word “‘tit” comes from the Cajun abbreviation for petite and is a play on the Rex parade.

CORK

Friday, February 6, 3 p.m.

The Krewe of Cork brings together citizens who love a good glass of wine. They have consistently hosted events for their fellow Corkians, including food, drinks, and community events.

OSHUN

Friday, February 6, 5:30 p.m.

The Krewe of Oshun celebrates African history and mythology, highlighting the African goddess of wealth and beauty. This year is the krewe’s 30th anniversary of parading.

CLEOPATRA

Friday, February 6, (Follows Oshun)

The Krewe of Cleopatra is an all-female organization that uses Cleopatra to signify the beauty and bravery found in sisterhood. The krewe has over 3,250 riders in its parade.

EXCALIBUR

Friday, February 6, 6:30 p.m.

This medieval themed krewe, named after King Arthur’s sword, welcomes people of all backgrounds and ages to indulge in the excitement of Mardi Gras under the theme of medieval history.

Mardi Gras Parade Maps

PARADE MAP KEY: SHOWS

Parade schedules and routes are subject to change. Check WhereYat. com for updates.

PONTCHARTRAIN

Saturday, February 7, 11:30 a.m.

The Krewe of Pontchartrain is a lively krewe with various events that contribute to the excitement of their Carnival feature. The krewe’s name is inspired by Lake Pontchartrain.

LEGION OF MARS

Saturday, February 7, (Follows Pontchartrain)

The Legion of Mars was formed in honor of the U.S. military and first responders. The krewe gives back to the community with the Mars Hero Fund.

CHOCTAW

Saturday, February 7, (Follows Mars)

Krewe of Choctaw highlights

Native American history through its artistry, featuring signature floats, and hand-decorated tomahawk throws. The krewe originated in 1935 and entered the Mardi Gras parade scene in 1939.

FRERET

Saturday, February 7, (Follows Choctaw)

The Krewe of Freret started with three newly-graduated Loyola students eager to make an impact on Mardi Gras culture. This year’s king and queen are Joe Gerrity and Shannon Thomas.

Mardi Gras Parade Maps

Parade schedules and routes are subject to change. Check WhereYat.com for updates.

MAD HATTERS

Saturday, February 7, 5 p.m.

The Magical Krewe of Mad Hatters brings to life themes from Alice in Wonderland. This year’s court features Pierre Thomas, Irma Thomas, many different local reporters, and more.

KNIGHTS

OF SPARTA

Saturday, February 7, 5:30 p.m.

The Knights of Sparta are known for their elegant masquerade balls. The krewe enters its 75th anniversary this year and will feature Kimlee Rodgers and Jessica Taranto as king and queen.

PYGMALION

Saturday, February 7, 6:15 p.m.

The Krewe of Pygmalion honors the Greek mythological sculptor, Pygmalion, whose artistry was beautiful and surreal. The krewe hosts an annual Pygmalion Fest, with appearances by celebrities such as Marshmello.

FEMME FATALE

Sunday, February 8, 11 a.m.

The Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale is the first Mardi Gras krewe founded by African American women. Femme Fatale unites women of the community in a creative and empowering manner.

CARROLLTON

Sunday, February 8, 12:30 p.m.

The Krewe of Carrollton originated in 1924, exceeding 100 years of establishment. This year’s king and queen are Marcel Eugene Cambus Jr. and Faith Elizabeth Hammons.

KING ARTHUR

Sunday, February 8, 1 p.m.

The Krewe of King Arthur has been parading in the city for around 50 years. The krewe is known for its Grail throws, hand-decorated cups that symbolically relate to King Arthur.

BARKUS

Sunday, February 8, 2 p.m.

The Krewe of Barkus is a Mardi Gras krewe dedicated to man’s best friend. All canines are welcome to join the celebration, and the krewe even has its own royal court.

SYMPHONY

Tuesday, February 10, 6:30 p.m.

The Krewe of Symphony is an all-male krewe that was founded in 2008. They began with traditional Mardi Gras balls and then shifted focus to hosting parades in 2020.

DRUIDS

Wednesday, February 11, 6:15 p.m.

The Krewe of Druids supports the Five Horizons Health Services through fundraising. The krewe had its start as an organization providing funds for AIDS outreach prevention and services.

ALLA

Wednesday, February 11, (Follows Druids)

The Krewe of ALLA is a historic krewe that originally formed in 1932. The originally all-male krewe is named in a tribute to its founding in Algiers, Louisiana.

KNIGHTS OF CHAOS

Thursday, February 12, 4:30 p.m.

Organized in 2000, members of other parading and non-parading krewes came together to exhibit the satirical aspects of Mardi Gras. They parade on Momus Thursday, the Thursday prior to Fat Tuesday.

KNIGHTS OF BABYLON

Thursday, February 12, 5:30 p.m.

Another historic krewe, the Knights of Babylon was established in 1939. The original founders and members wanted to create an organization that hosted elegant balls and orchestrated elaborate parades.

MUSES

Thursday, February 12, 6:30 p.m.

The Krewe of Muses is an iconic Mardi Gras spectacle and the first all-female krewe to parade Uptown. Broadcast journalist Broadcast journalist Soledad O’Brien will reign as Honorary Muse 2026.

Mardi Gras Parade Maps

French Quarter

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

KREWE OF BOSOM BUDDIES

Friday, February 13, 11:30 a.m.

Bosom Buddies is made up of men and women often following feminine themes for parade day. The walking krewe has a goal of achieving an inexpensive but creative Carnival experience.

HERMES

Friday, February 13, 5:30 p.m.

Formed in 1937, the Krewe of Hermes has established an extensive Carnival legacy. The krewe originally took action to momentarily relieve New Orleanians from the stresses of the Great Depression.

KREWE D’ETAT

Friday, February 13, 6:30 p.m.

(Follows Hermes)

The Krewe d’Etat maintains the satirical aspects of Mardi Gras with the motto, “Live to ride, ride to live.” Instead of having a parade monarch, the krewe has a “dictator.”

MORPHEUS

Friday, February 13, (Follows d’Etat) Named after the Greek god of dreams, the Krewe of Morpheus’ 2026 theme is “Morpheus Dreams of Literary Classics.” The krewe builds community among its members with various events.

Uptown Algiers

FEDERAL CITY BEHRMAN

NOMTOC

Saturday, February 14, 10:45 p.m.

The Krewe of NOMTOC, sponsored by the Jugs Social Club, was founded in 1951. Their iconic throws include Jug Man dolls, fanny packs, beads, and aprons.

IRIS

Saturday, February 14, 11 a.m.

The Krewe of Iris is the oldest all-female krewe in New Orleans. Their signature throw includes a pair of sunglasses carefully decorated for the Carnival season.

TUCKS

Saturday, February 14, 12 p.m.

The Krewe of Tucks started as a Loyola student organization, deriving its name from the former Friar Tuck’s bar. The krewe has grown considerably, now maintaining 2,500 members.

ENDYMION

Saturday, February 14, 4 p.m. Endymion is known as a superkrewe with more than 3,000 riders. Their Extravaganza at Caesars Superdome this year will feature musicians Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton.

ISIS

Saturday, February 14, 6 p.m.

The Krewe of Isis, the largest all-female krewe in Jefferson Parish, embraces its femininity with their signature decorated bra throws, which is representative of their support of breast cancer charities.

V a l e n t i n e ’ s D a y M a s q u e r a d e B a l l

f e a t u r i n g T h e R u m b l e

E n d y m i o n d o e s n ’ t

S c a n t o

P u r c h a s e

T i c k e t s

N o w !

Located at 600 Carondelet Street just off the parade route!

Mardi Gras Parade Maps

OKEANOS

Sunday, February 15, 11 a.m.

Organized in 1949, the Krewe of Okeanos began its annual ball and parade in 1950. One of the krewe’s most coveted throws is an Okeanos crawfish tray.

MID-CITY

Sunday, February 15, (Follows Okeanos)

Founded by the Mid-City Civic Association in the 1930s, the Krewe of Mid-City uses tinfoil on their floats for a unique look. Their motto is, “For the joy of living.”

THOTH

Sunday, February 15, 12 p.m.

The Krewe of Thoth has grown to accommodate 2,500 riders with 50 floats since its founding in 1947. This year’s theme, “Thoth Toons,” will highlight the playful nature of cartoons.

BACCHUS

Sunday, February 15, 5:15 p.m.

The Krewe of Bacchus has achieved significant Mardi Gras milestones since its founding in 1968. Actor Patrick Warburton will serve as this year’s King of Bacchus.

ATHENA

Sunday, February 15, 6:30 p.m.

The Krewe of Athena is an all-female club maintaining diversity and professionalism. The members honor sisterhood, artistry, and community service, as well as throw watches, umbrellas, and more items.

PROTEUS

Monday, February 16, 5:15 p.m.

The Krewe of Proteus is the second oldest Mardi Gras parade, founded in 1882. The king of Proteus, who parades in a giant seashell, is never revealed to the public.

ORPHEUS

Monday, February 16, 6 p.m.

The Krewe of Orpheus super-krewe has over 1,300 members. Actor Noah Wyle will be honored as king, and krewe founder Harry Connick Jr. will appear at the krewe’s Orpheuscapade.

CENTURIONS

Monday, February 16, 6 p.m.

The Krewe of Centurions emphasizes the importance of community within a krewe, hosting various events throughout the year to unite its members. Such events include tailgates, trivia, and crawfish boils.

ATLAS

Monday, February 16, (Follows Centurions) Krewe of Atlas was founded in 1969. The krewe, made up of 200 male and female riders on 12 floats, encompasses people from all walks of life.

Parade schedules and routes are subject to change. Check WhereYat.com for updates.

ZULU

Tuesday, February 17, 8 a.m.

Zulu is a social aid and pleasure club with a history dating back to 1916. A multitude of public figures have been featured as the krewe’s king, including Louis Armsrong.

REX

Tuesday, February 17, 10:30 a.m.

Known as one of the original Mardi Gras krewes, the Krewe of Rex was founded in 1872. The krewe’s parade theme for this year is “Rebirth and Renewal.”

ELKS ORLEANS

Tuesday, February 17, (Follows Rex)

The Krewe of Elks Orleans follows Rex as they parade the city, with 120 truck floats holding 4,600 riders. Elks Orleans is the world’s oldest and largest truck parade.

CRESCENT CITY

Tuesday, February 17, (Follows Elks Orleans)

The Krewe of Crescent City rolls 60-75 parading trucks, each with their own Carnival theme. No two trucks may have the same theme, making them a can’t miss Carnival parade.

Mardi Gras Parade Maps

ARGUS

Tuesday, February 17, 11 a.m.

The Krewe of Argus has been a popular Jefferson Parish since 1972. The krewe elects royalty every year and has shifted from highlighting public figures to its own membership.

ELKS JEFFERSONIANS

Tuesday, February 17, (Follows Argus)

Krewe of Elks Jeffersonians is a co-ed krewe, hosting men and women upon its 90 parading trucks. The krewe is dedicated to its charity, which assists the

community.

Marching Group Parade Schedule

610 STOMPERS | 610stompers.com and Facebook

Poseidon Saturday, January 31

Cleopatra Friday, February 6

Carrollton Sunday, February 8

Babylon

Thursday, February 12

d’Etat Friday, February 13

Thoth Sunday, February 15

689 SWAMPERS | Facebook

Choctaw ................................. Saturday, February 7

Carrollton Sunday, February 8

ALLA Wednesday, February 11

Morpheus Friday, February 13

Rosethorne Saturday, February 14

Thoth

ALTER EGO STEPPERS | Instagram

February 15

Nefertiti Sunday, February 1

Oshun Friday, February 6

Pygmalion Saturday, February 7

Femme Fatale

February 8

Music ...................................... Monday, February 9

Tucks

Nandi Wednesday, February 11

Mid-City Sunday, February 15

AMELIA EARHAWTS | aecabinkrewe.com and Facebook

Cleopatra Friday, February 6

King Arthur Sunday, February 8

Druids

Wednesday, February 11

Babylon Thursday, February 12

Iris Saturday, February 14

BEARDED OYSTERS | beardedoysters.org and Facebook

Mad Hatters

Saturday, February 7

Muses Thursday, February 12

BEYJORETTES | Facebook

Nefertiti Sunday, February 1

Sparta Saturday, February 7

Muses Thursday, February 12

Zulu ..................................... Tuesday, February 17

BOSOM BUDDIES

Bosom Buddies Friday, February 13

DAMES DE PERLAGE | Instagram

Freret Saturday, February 7

King Arthur Sunday, February 8

Tucks Saturday, February 14

Dame Fine Second Line Monday, February 16

DISCO AMIGOS | discoamigos.com and Facebook

Cleopatra .................................... Friday, February 6

King Arthur Sunday, February 8

Babylon Thursday, February 12

Iris Saturday, February 14

KREWE DE LUNE | Facebook

Bohéme Friday, January 30

Pygmalion Saturday, February 7

ALLA Wednesday, February 11

KREWE DES FLEURS | krewedesfleurs.com and Facebook

Cleopatra Friday, February 6

ALLA

Wednesday, February 11

Iris Saturday, February 14

Orpheus Monday, February 16

KREWE OF DOLLY | thekreweofdolly.org and Facebook

Cork ......................................... Friday, February 6

King Arthur Sunday, February 8

Bosom Buddies Friday, February 13

Tucks Saturday, February 14

Okeanos Sunday, February 15

2026

NOLA HEAT | Facebook

Pygmalion

Saturday, February 7

Carrollton Sunday, February 8 ALLA Wednesday, February 11

Friday, February 13

February 14 Okeanos

February 15 Zulu Tuesday, February 17

NOLA LOLAS | nolalolas.com and Facebook

Nefertiti Sunday, February 1

February 17 NOLA SHOWGIRLS | Facebook

Saturday, February 14

LES BONNES VIVANTES | lbvnola.com and Facebook

Muses

Thursday, February 12

LUCHA KREWE | luchakrewe.com and Facebook

Freret

Druids

Saturday, February 7

Wednesday, February 11

Iris .....................................

Okeanos

Bayou San Juan

Saturday, February 14

Sunday, February 15

Monday, February 16

MANDE MILKSHAKERS | mandemilkshakers.com and Facebook

Titans

Poseidon

. Friday, January 30

Saturday, January 31

Hercules Friday, February 6

Orion

Carrollton

ALLA

Babylon

Saturday February 7

Sunday, February 8

Wednesday, February 11

Thursday, February 12

Tucks ....................................

Covington

Saturday, February 14

Tuesday, February 17

MUFF-A-LOTTAS | muffalottas.com and Facebook

Cleopatra

Thursday, February 6

Pontchartrain ................................ Friday, February 7

Babylon

Tucks

Orpheus

Thursday, February 12

Saturday, February 14

Monday, February 16

NEW ORLEANS BABY DOLL LADIES | Facebook

New Orleans Baby Doll Ladies

Tuesday, February 17

NOLA ANGELS | nolaangels.com and Facebook

Mad Hatters

Okeanos

NOLA BOMBSHELLS | Facebook

Titans

Excalibur

Choctaw

Pygmalion

Carrollton

Druids

Babylon

Isis

Thoth

Zulu

Friday, February 7

Sunday, February 15

Friday, January 30

Friday, February 6

Saturday, February 7

Saturday, February 7

Sunday, February 8

Wednesday, February 11

Thursday, February 12

Saturday, February 14

Sunday, February 15

Tuesday, February 17

NOLA CHERRY BOMBS | cherrybombsnola.com and Facebook

King Arthur

Sunday, February 8

Muses Thursday, February 12

Iris Saturday, February 14

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

FEBRUARY 22 AT 2:30 PM | THE CIVIC

TERENCE BLANCHARD PLAYING HIS OWN SCORE BASED ON THE BOOK BY CHARLES

2026Northshore Parade Schedule

Krewe of Titans (Slidell)

Friday, January 30 | 6:30 p.m.

Krewe of Bilge (Slidell)

Saturday, January 31 | 12 p.m.

Krewe of Poseidon (Slidell)

Saturday, January 31 | 6 p.m.

Krewe of Antheia (Slidell)

Sunday, February 1 | 1 p.m.

Krewe of Pearl River Lions Club (Pearl River) Sunday, February 1 | 1 p.m.

Krewe of Eve (Mandeville) Friday, February 6 | 7 p.m.

Krewe de Paws of Olde Towne (Slidell)

Saturday, February 7 | 10 a.m.

Krewe of Tchefuncte (Madisonville)

Saturday, February 7 | 12 p.m.

Krewe of Push Mow (Abita Springs)

Saturday, February 7 | 12:30 p.m.

Krewe of Olympia (Covington)

Saturday, February 7 | 6 p.m.

Krewe of Mona Lisa & MoonPie (Slidell) Saturday, February 7 | 7 p.m.

Krewe of Dionysus (Slidell) Sunday, February 8 | 1 p.m.

Krewe of Selene (Slidell)

Friday, February 13 | 6:30 p.m.

Krewe of Bush (Bush)

Saturday, February 14 | 9 a.m.

Children’s Museum of St. Tammany Kids Krewe (Mandeville)

Monday, February 16 | 11 a.m.

Krewe of Bogue Falaya Lundi Gras Second Line (Covington) Monday, February 16 | 4 p.m.

Krewe of Kidz Wagon (Slidell)

Tuesday, February 17 | 10 a.m.

Mardi Gras in Olde Towne (Slidell) Tuesday, February 17 | 10 a.m.

Krewe of Bogue Falaya (Covington) Tuesday, February 17 | 10 a.m.

Covington Lions Club (Covington) Tuesday, February 17 | 11 a.m.

Mystic Krewe of Covington (Covington)

Tuesday, February 17 | Follows Covington Lions Club

Krewe of Chahta (Lacombe)

Tuesday, February 17 | 1 p.m.

Krewe of Folsom (Folsom)

Tuesday, February 17 | 2 p.m.

Krewe of Mardi Paws (Covington) Sunday, February 22 | 2 p.m.

Krewe du Pooch (Mandeville) Saturday, February 28 | 12 p.m.

THROW ME SOM’THIN ’, MISTA !

A Brief History of Carnival Beads Tossed From Moving Objects

// TIM Mc NALLY

Living in South Louisiana automatically qualifies you to understand certain phrases and situations that are not known to residents of anyplace else.

You know the answer to the question, “What school did you go to?” never includes the name of a college. You know that traditional compass points are of no use. You know how to properly pronounce the name of the French Quarter’s Burgundy Street. You know that hurricanes have a season.

You also know, from the time when you were just a baby, that parades are never just a spectator sport. You will always come away from a parade with more merch than when you arrived. What you likely do not know is how tossing goodies from parade floats into a crowd of spectators began. You wouldn’t be thinking about origins when you are being pelted by hard pieces of plastic, which you will ultimately wear to prove your parade prowess to all who will see you immediately after the spectacle and maybe for days to come. Wearing beads is proof that you were in that number during the parade and successfully scored coveted prizes.

In the ancient world of Greece and Rome, huge public celebrations were held in the fall, celebrating harvest, and in the spring, celebrating the end of the cold, winter season. These festivals usually included a public statement from nobility and land owners showing the top rung of the caste social system affirming their place in society—namely, at the top. The celebrations would also pay homage to certain gods.

When Christianity came into the picture, by coincidence, the Christian days of importance mostly coincided with the previously celebrated pagan days of joy. Parades were the preferred method to bring together the upper class and the lower class in the same place without changing the economic dynamic.

From its earliest days of discovery and establishment, New Orleans celebrated the end of the lean season of winter and into the lean season of Lent. The Carnival traditions of Europe made the journey over the ocean into the New World of Louisiana.

In 1710, the Boeuf Gras Society was formalized by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne Iberville, founder of Louisiana; however, the celebration took place almost from the moment in 1699 when he landed and declared the founding of Louisiana at Bayou Mardi Gras, now in Plaquemines Parish on the Westbank. Bayou Mardi Gras, near the community of Buras, is the oldest place name—other than Native American names—still in existence in the entire Louisiana

Purchase Territory.

In the early 1870s, it was a tradition at parades to have Santa Claus—yes, that jolly elf— hand out beads and other gifts to parade attendees. In the early 20th century, the Krewe of Rex encouraged its members, riding floats and horses, to throw beads to the gathered throng of excited and clamoring spectators. The beads were manufactured in various places, but the glass beads from Czechoslovakia were most desired.

Here was also established the tradition of competition among spectators to score the prize. The phrase, “Throw me something, mister!” was a natural development. Often women felt they were at a disadvantage when the competition to possess the “gifts” became physical, but many solved that by exposing their breasts as enticement to be rewarded. It goes without saying, that tactic works.

Beads were mostly manufactured in the agreed-upon colors of Carnival: purple, green, and gold. Those are considered the Christian colors representing justice, faith, and power. The colors were adopted by the Rex organization for their first parade in 1872, staged in honor of the visit of Grand Duke Alexis, a member of the Russian royal family in love with an American woman. The color designation was formally adopted by Rex in 1892.

The 1960s saw a number of developments. A few of the krewes, as Carnival organizations are called, created doubloons—coins printed with the krewe’s coat of arms on one side— and some designation of the time-frame in which the coin was created. These were mostly made of aluminum.

Popeyes Fried Chicken saw a special opportunity and, in several parades, tossed doubloons that were cents-off coupons to be redeemed at the fast food business’ outlets. This worked for a few years, but then New Orleans’ overseers determined that this program violated the prohibition against any commercial involvement within the parade itself. Popeyes was able to continue this program by giving the doubloons to radio stations’ vehicles, which preceded each parade broadcasting traffic and parade progress reports. Eventually, Popeyes doubloon/coupon program ceased.

More famous is the effort by many krewes to distribute signature throws. Some of these throws are special beads with the krewe’s logo or unique color schemes, but certain items have become must-catch prizes. Zulu developed the decorated coconut. The all-women group Muses encouraged its members to decorate high-heel shoes for distribution. Iris tosses signature sunglasses. The Krewe of Tucks tosses its own specially-produced toilet paper.

Stuffed animals and LED-lighted mementoes have been adopted by a number of krewes. Also, continuing on the theme of beads, there are now oversize beads and elaborately designed beads unique to the respective krewes.

It’s been over 150 years of bringing an untold number of floats to the streets, but New Orleans Mardi Gras has come a long way from Santa Claus to high heel shoes and coconuts. Still, thankfully, there’s no end in sight for “the greatest free show on Earth.”

How Women Took the Mardi Gras Reins Carnival QUEENS OF

In the beginning, Mardi Gras in New Orleans was strictly a boys’ club.

It was a mask-wearing fraternity of men who ruled Carnival from atop their floats while women watched from balconies or played supporting roles at grand balls.

But in true New Orleans fashion, women eventually said, “Enough of that.” And when they did, they not only joined the parade, they transformed it.

From the debutante balls of the early 1900s to today’s roaring, rhinestoned super-krewes, the story of all-female Mardi Gras krewes is one of rebellion and revelry. These queens of Carnival didn’t just want a seat at the table or on a float. They wanted their own float, their own throws, and their own spotlight under the streetlamps of the parade route.

THE PIONEERS: KREWE OF IRIS AND KREWE OF VENUS

The movement began, quietly, in 1917 when a group of society women formed the Krewe of Iris, the first all-female Mardi Gras organization. The trailblazers donned gloves and masks to uphold Carnival’s sacred anonymity while proving that women belonged not just in the ballroom but at the center of the celebration. Though Iris didn’t parade until 1959, the krewe made history early on as the first to have their tableaux ball televised.

Then came 1941 and, with it, a revolution on wheels—the Krewe of Venus, the first all-female krewe to parade through the streets of New Orleans. The debut wasn’t easy. In fact, it not only rained but hecklers pelted the riders with rotten vegetables. But those Venus ladies? They laughed, they waved, and they rolled on. When Mardi Gras returned after World War II, Venus was back in full glitter, ready to shine brighter than ever. By the 1960s, women were rolling in full force. New krewes emerged across the region. There were krewes throughout the metro area. Helios and Diana paraded in Metairie, Isis in Kenner, Pandora in Gentilly, Eve in Mandeville, and Cleopatra on the Westbank. These organizations brought their own flavor to Carnival, blending elegance with empowerment and proving that Mardi Gras was big enough for everyone to shine.

CLEOPATRA’S GLAMOUR AND THE WESTBANK’S REIGN

Founded in 1972, the Krewe of Cleopatra became one of the first all-female parading krewes to roll, bringing a queen’s flair to the Westbank. With jeweled crowns and sequined capes, Cleopatra embodied everything that Carnival stands for. Now when they roll along the Uptown route, after crossing the river in 2013, it’s like a glitter comet streaking across the city, a reminder that the spirit of Mardi Gras doesn’t care what side of the river you’re from.

THE SUPER-KREWE ERA: MUSES AND BEYOND

Fast-forward to the year 2000 when a new sound joined the Mardi Gras symphony. That sound was the laughter and cheers of the Krewe of Muses. This wasn’t your grandmother’s parade. Muses was founded by women who wanted something new—an open-membership krewe that welcomed anyone with a creative spirit and a love of Carnival.

Their signature throw, the hand-decorated glitter shoe, became an instant legend and brought a sparkly feminine flair. Each shoe is a one-of-a-kind piece of art, tossed to screaming fans who treat them like golden trophies. Muses simply owned the night as they rolled along the parade route, becoming the first allfemale krewe to parade Uptown after dark.

Their success lit a spark that spread fast. Soon, more women wanted to join the fun, and the era of the female super-krewe had arrived. Mardi Gras would never be the same—in the best way.

A NEW GENERATION: THE FUTURE IS FEMININE

The 2010s and beyond have ushered in a new generation of krewes grounded in sisterhood, inclusivity, and empowerment. The Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale burst onto the scene in 2013 with just 13 members. Today, they boast more than 1,500 women across 26 states and are constantly growing. Their signature throw, a bejeweled mirror compact, reminds everyone that confidence and beauty start from within. They’re also known for their dynamic, star-studded annual ball and a plethora of events all year-round.

Tucks Annual 58th Parade

TUCKS 58TH ANNUAL PARADE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, NOON

2,500 members on 37 super floats • Marching Bands • Equestrian Teams

King Adam Wolf Lambert & Her Majesty Virginia (Ginny) Helton Casey Queen LVIII, Krewe of Tucks

King Adam Wolf Lambert

KING ADAM WOLF LAMBERT is no stranger to Mardi Gras. A 4th generation New Orleanian, he grew up a block off of the Napoleon Ave parade route attending as many parades as possible, but his favorite parade as a boy was the Krewe of Tucks with their wit and potty humor. Adam is a graduate of Ben Franklin High School, Millsaps College, and earned his MBA from Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu. After Hurricane Katrina, Adam left Honolulu and moved home to help rebuild the city that he loves. In 2008 he founded and is the acting President of Crescent City Auction Gallery, one of the South’s premier antique and art auction houses, located directly on the St. Charles Ave. parade Route. After his first ride in 2009, he later became a captain in 2015, and now has over 105 riders on two floats. His wife Katie rides every year by his side, and they hope their two boys will continue the Tucks legacy for decades to come. Adam is currently serving a 3 year term on the Tucks Board of Directors, serves on the Board of the Tucks Charitable Foundation, is the head of the Beer Committee, Co-chair of the Bourbon Committee, Head of the Wine Committee, and is active on the Theme Committee & Throws Committee. Adam would like thank the Krewe of Tucks & Lloyd Frischhertz for fulfilling a boyhood dream of riding down St. Charles Ave. on the Giant Toilet. This Valentines Day he will “spread the love” and looks forward to his Reign as King LVIII with Queen Ginny.

Queen Ginny Helton Casey

VIRGINIA “GINNY” HELTON CASEY grew up surrounded by the joy of carnival season before making New Orleans home. Now a proud resident of the Navarre neighborhood, she brings her signature humor and zest for life to her reign as Queen LVIII of the Krewe of Tucks.

The daughter of Leon Gavin (Jabbo) Helton and Susan Young Waites, Ginny is the sister of Dr. John Gavin Helton (Sara) and Dr. Eric Scott Helton (Jill). She is married to Ray Casey, Deputy Chief of the New Orleans Fire Department.

After high school in Mobile, Alabama, Ginny earned a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Alabama, an ADN from Delgado, a BSN and a MSN in Nurse Anesthesia from LSU. A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist since 2008, she served as Chief CRNA at Tulane University Medical Center, and is Vice President of Louisiana Operations for Krewe Anesthesia while continuing clinical practice through Casey Anesthesia, LLC.

Ginny joined Tucks in 2014 after a friend introduced her to its playful irreverence. She was Golden Maid in 2018 and has served as Apparel Chairman since 2016. She takes pride in watching Tucks grow—from moving into its den to its ever-expanding floats and membership—and is known for bringing enthusiasm and a good laugh to every event.

Ginny embodies the joyful spirit of her Krewe, with whom you’ll find her celebrating at The Corner Bar—living her motto: “Always remember to Ride the Party!”

Join us Sunday, March 29, at the Arbor Room in City Park for New Orleans’ bubbliest family-friendly fundraising event!

Tasty bites and libations, bubbles, and fun for all ages. Discounted early bird tickets are available. Free entry for kids age 12 and under with a paid adult! nowcs.org

Parading over in Metairie, the Krewe of Athena is another very popular all-female krewe. Founded in 2014, their parade features about 475 female riders, and their signature throw is a custom-decorated fedora.

In 2020, a wave of new all-female organizations joined the Mardi Gras tradition: the Krewe of Themis, with their purple wigs and decorative second-line umbrellas; the Mystical Order of the Phoenix, rising from the ashes of discontent to create a new sisterhood of transparency and unity; and the Krewe of Harmonia, a smaller but mighty group dedicated to fellowship and diversity.

In 2022, the Krewe of Nandi debuted with a mission that says it all: “Love Her, Cherish Her, Empower Her.” Their hand-decorated teacups have already become coveted Carnival keepsakes.

A MARDI GRAS MADE BY WOMEN

From Iris’ grace and Venus’ grit to Cleopatra’s sparkle to Muses’ wit, the women of Mardi Gras have rewritten the parade route of history. What started as a quiet rebellion has become a roaring, bead-tossing, shoe-slinging, high-heeled revolution.

Today, there are 13 all-female krewes parading across Louisiana, with each one being a testament to creativity, courage, and community. They roll not just to entertain but to uplift. They celebrate the strength of sisterhood and the spirit of New Orleans itself.

So when the bands blare and the floats begin to roll, look for the women leading the charge. And if you’re lucky enough to catch a glittered shoe, a jeweled compact, or a hand-painted teacup, hold it tight. You’re holding a piece of history where women refused to stay on the sidelines and, instead, became the queens of Carnival.

SHEAUXGIRL THE LIFE OF A

A Behindthe-Scenes

Look at Carnival Dance Krewes

When Jayda Atkinson and Kourtenay Roberts co-founded the NOLA Lolas, they wanted an organization filled with sisterhood, philanthropy, and social events, but they also wanted to give ladies the opportunity to bring glamour to the streets of New Orleans.

Founded in 2023, the NOLA Lolas are one of the newest Carnival parade dance teams, inspired by dozens of others before them.

The Pussyfooters were, by all accounts, the original Mardi Gras dancing krewe, circa 2001. Since then, multiple teams have followed with many

personas and themes, with squads ranging from 15 to 300 members. The effort that goes into making these groups look cohesive in both costumes and choreography is often lost on the general public. Many teams start practicing for parade season as early as April the previous year with rehearsals weekly or twice a

week, many outside on tracks in parks to simulate the moving parades. It’s harder than one would think to make a left hand turn while staying in equal lines.

There are a lot of things that can go wrong on the parade route, and logistics and planning committees work diligently to try to figure out how to best prepare for potholes, beads, manure, and injury. Still, there’s always the element of surprise, and teams have to adapt year after year to integrate what they’ve learned through trial and error into future years’ handbooks. For example, LaMinda Pilie, the PR chairperson for the Pussyfooters, pointed out an important mantra, “Boots Before Corset,” because it’s virtually impossible for a dancer to bend over to put on her boots after her corset is already tightened. They have also had to use duck tape in lieu of a broken zipper and on a shoe sole that failed mid-route.

Costume and wardrobe malfunctions are something every krewe has had to deal with and find solutions for. Did you know that most parade dance troupes cut the toes out of their fishnets? It eliminates toe curling and bleeding. Many groups have a different marching shoe from their performance shoe. Deodorant can eliminate thigh chafing. Sequins will always stick to other sequins. Feathers that have been rained on can be blow-dried back into their origin status.

The Merry Antoinettes, who arguably have some of the most elaborate costumes, will often make skirts out of shower curtains or embellish umbrellas in order to make their costumes as rain-functional as they are beautiful and special, according to Co-Captain and CoFounder Caroline Mendez. She also pointed out the phenomenon mentioned by many, the wind tunnel on the approach to the grandstands, where groups have to hold on tight to any headpieces to avoid being blown through the streets. Picture Dance Moms but with New Orleanian grown ups.

Costume malfunctions are especially sad because of the time and money that goes into these looks. Most of these costumes have multiple pieces, accessories, and full makeup included. Jayda Atkinson described a parade she was to dance in where her flight back home was delayed. Fearing the dreaded “parade run,” where a dancer has to run in costume to catch up with her krewe, she ended up boarding her flight in full Nola Lola costume with a coat on top. “The five-foot bustle was hanging out of the overhead compartment,” Atkinson laughed. Clearly, the show must go on.

The Lolas know how important it is for ladies to look and feel as glamorous as possible. “These ladies, a lot of them are shy,” Atkinson said. “This is their opportunity to put on a different persona and look and feel their best.” Many shock their friends and families by going so far out of their comfort zones.

The Merry Antoinettes will often make new costumes each year, each completely unique, matching the theme of whatever parade they are participating in. Mendez said, “We are planning, sewing, and assembling brand new costumes every year, as well as resetting wigs that got tousled about in our revelry.” They also work extremely hard on handmade throws, but several hundred throws is a year-long project in and of itself. They also hand out actual pieces of cake, so that requires even more coordination.

What’s the biggest challenge? Atkinson laughed and answered, “Keeping over 100 ladies organized,” which many of the groups emphasized. This isn’t a hobby. It’s work, and work is an understatement. The average parade route is between four to seven miles. That’s a lot when you consider these teams are dancing much of the time, even more when you consider the possibility of injury and of an

overzealous crowd trying to approach. Many krewes have medically trained support volunteers, such as the Pussyfooters, who have members take a “Stop the Bleed” class and CPR training.

“During my very first parade experience, my son was a student in high school, and as we marched by, he stepped in to give me a quick hug,” Pilie said. “Our handlers didn’t know who he was and stepped in to make sure I was okay. They are always watching out for

us and keeping us safe.”

The Lolas take that care off of the parade route, as well. According to Atkinson, the single most important thing for the membership is “making sure everyone’s okay and that people’s hearts are good in their regular lives.” The next time you cheer for your favorite team and admire their persisting smiles, you’ll have a better understanding of what they’ve gone through to get to you on the route.

LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR

MUSIC CALENDAR

SATURDAY, JANUARY 24

Buffa’s T Marie

Chickie Wah Wah Liz Barnez

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans Streetbeat

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Folk Alliance International Dallahan

French Market Farmers Market Alicia “Blue

Eyes” Renee

Le Bon Temps Roule Jamie Bernstein

May Bailey’s Giselle Anguizola Trio

New Orleans Jazz Market Kenny Barron

Rivershack Tavern Cardon Station

Sheraton New Orleans Amanda Pascali

Spotted Cat Shake’em Up Jazz

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25

Bacchanal Noah Young, Tangiers Combo

Bar Redux Take Off Your Folkin Clothes!

Blue Nile The Rozes, Street Legends Brass Band

Buffa’s Some Like It Hot!

Chickie Wah Wah Luke Winslow-King

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat

French Market Farmers Market Manny Arteaga

Gasa Gasa LR Live, Short Term 2!

New Marigny Theatre Louisiana Baroque

Saturn Bar BC Coogan

Snug Harbor Charmaine Neville

Spotted Cat Dominick Grillo, Amber

Rachelle

St. Roch Tavern Kinsey Lee

The Maison Aurora Nealand, Gene’s Music

Machine

The Sazerac House The Great Shakeup

Tropical Isle Dave Ferrato

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27

Bayou Bar The O.G’s

BJ’s Lounge Zoe Basha, Bellringer

Buffa’s Alex McMurray

Capulet Jon Sheckler

Carousel Bar Jenna McSwain

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat

D.B.A. Kid Chocolate

Dos Jefes Tom Hook

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

D.B.A. Vegas Cola

Favela Chic DJ ARMANDS

Gasa Gasa The Soul Rebels

Le Bon Temps Roule Zita

May Bailey’s Bayou Manouche

New Orleans Jazz Museum David Buchbinder Quintet

Rivershack Tavern Dizzy Gruner

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1

Bacchanal Wine Noah Young, Tangiers

Combo

Blue Nile The Rozes, Street Legends Brass Band

Civic Snow Strippers, EERA

D.B.A. Vegas Cola

House of Blues Niko Moon

Joy Theater Elevation Rhythm

Le Bon Temps Roulé The Soul Rebels

Chickie Wah Wah Silverada, Rob Melancon

D.B.A. The Jump Hounds

Maison Bourbon The Leroy Marshall Band

Rock n’ Bowl Paul Varisco

Fritzel’s Jamil Sharif

Hideout Bar Kid Merv

Holy Diver Summp

House of Blues Neko Case, Des Demonas

Marigny Opera House Geovane Santos

Snug Harbor Oscar Rossignoli

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Smoking

Time Jazz Club

The French Quarter Visitor Center

Arrowhead Jazz Band

The Rabbit Hole Rebirth

Chamber Orchestra

Saturn Bar GALVEZTON

Snug Harbor James Singleton Malabar

The Broadside DUG, Putumayo

The Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band

The Jazz Playhouse Amanda Shaw

MONDAY, JANUARY 26

Bacchanal Wine Byron Asher

BJ’s Lounge Dayna Kurtz

Bourbon O Bar Kid Merv

Buffa’s David Doucet

Capulet T Marie, Bayou Juju

Carousel Bar Tom Hook

Carrollton Station Meryl Zimmerman

Columns Stanton Moore Trio

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat

D.B.A. Secret Six, Corey Henry

Da Jump Off Lounge Sporty’s Brass Band

Dos Jefes John Fohl

French Market Farmers Market Jade

Santrell

Fritzel’s Tin Men, Richard Scott

Holy Diver DJ Reverend Robert Sinewave

Mahogany Jazz Hall Tuxedo Jazz Band

Maison Bourbon Danny Rubio

Maple Leaf George Porter Jr. Trio

The Jazz Playhouse Amber Rachelle & the Sweet Potatoes

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28

Bacchanal Jesse Morrow

Bayou Bar Firm Roots

Blue Nile Kota Dosa

Cafe Nola NEICY B

Capulet Phil DeGruy

Chickie Wah Wah Sean Rowe

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Gasa Gasa 54 Ultra, Orca

Snug Harbor Delfeayo Marsalis, Marlon

Jordan Quartet

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Shotgun

Jazz Band

Tropical Isle Bourbon Dave Ferrato

The Jazz Playhouse Big Sam Williams

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29

Bacchanal Wine Raphael Bas

Bayou Bar Double Bird

Blue Nile Irvin Mayfield, DJ T-Roy

Buffa’s Tom McDermott

Capulet Mia Borders

Chickie Wah Wah Nether Hour

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans Streetbeat

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Gasa Gasa Glare, All Under Heaven

Le Bon Temps Roule The Soul Rebels

Orpheum Theater The LPO

Spotted Cat Music Club Chris Christy Band

The Jazz Playhouse Brass-AHolics

Three Maries Jazz Club Brass Hearts Brass Band

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30

Bacchanal David Sigler, Willie Green

Bayou Bar Oh Yeah!

Blue Nile The Caesar Brothers’ FunkBox, Kermit Ruffins

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans Streetbeat

New Marigny Theatre Neal Todten

Saturn Bar Esther Rose, Thomas Dollbaum

Smoothie King Center Nine Inch Nails, Boys Noize

ROCKIN’ 1000 AT CAESARS SUPERDOME

Witness “the biggest rock band on Earth” when they make a stop in New Orleans. The group was originally formed in Cesena, Italy, and consists of 1,000 musicians. Saturday, January 31, 8 p.m., $50 to $417.38, caesarssuperdome.com

Santos Gold Connections, Quinn Pilgrim, Boy Tears

Spotted Cat Paradise Jazz Band

The Broadside Dave Jordan

The Eliza Jane Hotel YaDonna West

The Howlin Wolf Roadway7

Tipitina’s Reverend Horton Heat

Three Maries Jazz Club All For One Brass Band, Or Shovaly

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31

ARORA RAECOLA, Tinzo, Jojo

Bacchanal Wine Miles Berry, Pete Olynciw

Blue Nile George Brown Band, The Next Level Band

Caesars Superdome Courtney Love, Nic Cester

Cafe Negril Bon Bon Vivant!

Chickie Wah Wah The New Orleans Klezmer All-Stars

Crescent City Brewhouse New Orleans

Streetbeat

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Favela Chic DJ ARMANDS

French Market Farmers Market Alicia “Blue Eyes” Renee

House of Blues Led Zeppelin 2

Le Bon Temps Roule Naomie April

May Bailey’s Silver Lining Serenaders Republic YDG

Snug Harbor Jade Perdue, The Unnaturals

Spotted Cat Panorama Jazz Band, Twerk

Thomson Band

The Eliza Jane Hotel YaDonna West

The Jazz Playhouse Nayo Jones

Tipitina’s DJ RQ Away

Three Maries Jazz Club Leroy Jones, Glen

David Andrews

Saturn Bar Lotta Graffiti, KreweDebauchery

St. Roch Tavern Valerie Sassyfras

Snug Harbor The Unnaturals

The Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band

The Jazz Playhouse Amanda Shaw

Tipitina’s Bruce Daigrepont

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2

Capulet Bruno Elisabetsky

Chickie Wah Wah The Cactus Blossoms

D.B.A. Secret Six, Corey Henry

Maison Bourbon Danny Rubio

Mayfield’s 208 Bourbon Kermit Ruffins

Saturn Bar BC Coogan

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Capulet Lady O & The Expats

Maison Bourbon Danny Rubio

Mayfield’s 208 Bourbon Cyril Neville, Kermit Ruffins

Rock n’ Bowl Dj Nayo

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Smoking

Time Jazz Club

The Rabbit Hole Rebirth

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4

Cafe Nola NEICY B

Capulet Brian Quezergue

Chickie Wah Wah Jon Cleary

Gasa Gasa The Rishis, Angie Marais

Maison Bourbon The Leroy Marshall Band

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Shotgun

Jazz Band

The Jazz Playhouse Big Sam Williams

Tropical Isle Bourbon Dave Ferrato

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5

Blue Nile Irvin Mayfield, DJ T-Roy

Capulet Coyote Anderson, Zach Lange

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band

The Jazz & Blues Market Kenny Neal

The Jazz Playhouse Brass-A-Holics

Vaughan’s Lounge Corey Henry

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6

Bacchanal Wine David Sigler, Willie Green

BJ’s Lounge 504 Horn Troopers, Cloud Save Deutsches Haus Ladies Choir, Men’s Choir

Favela Chic DJ ARMANDS

House of Blues Geoff Tate

Jazz & Blues Market Joshua Redman

Quartet

Jimmy’s Music Club Battle of the Bands

Le Bon Temps Roulé Isaac Eady, Third Moon

Maison Bourbon Leroy Marshall Band

Mardi Gras Plaza Karen Waldrup, Heartbreakers Jukebox, Herman’s Hermits with Peter Noone

May Baily’s Place The Sweet Peas

Republic Borgore

Rock n Bowl Dale Watson

Spotted Cat Paradise Jazz Band

The Big Muddy Amy Allen

The Little House Valerie Sassyfras

Tipitina’s Galactic

Three Maries Jazz Club All For One Brass Band, Or Shovaly

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7

Favela Chic DJ ARMANDS

Fillmore Countess Luann De Lesseps

Gasa Gasa Lost Bayou Ramblers

Joy Theater LSD Clownsystem

Le Bon Temps Roule Grits and Greens

Mardi Gras Plaza Imagination Movers, The Rocketmen, Uncle Kracker, Gin

1/29 11pm The Soul Rebels

1/30 11pm Zita

1/31 11pm Naomie April

2/5 11pm The Soul Rebels

2/6 11pm Isaac Eady & Third Moon

2/7 11pm Grits & Greens

2/12 11pm The Soul Rebels

2/13 11pm Colin Davis & Night People

2/14 11pm Robo Go-Go

2/15 11pm The Soul Rebels

2/19 11pm The Soul Rebels

2/20 11pm Jelly Biscuit & The Flaky Layers KITCHEN OPEN WED–SUN 11AM–8PM

LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR

MUSIC CALENDAR

Blossoms, Lady A

Mardi Gras World Diplo, Trombone Shorty

MRB The Silver Lining Serenaders

The Broadside CHA WA

Three Maries Jazz Club Leroy Jones, Glen David

Andrews

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8

Bacchanal Wine Noah Young, Tangiers Combo

Blue Nile The Rozes, Street Legends Brass Band

Chickie Wah Wah Kathleen Edwards

D.B.A. The Jump Hounds

Gasa Gasa People Museum, Maddy Kirgo

Maison Bourbon The Leroy Marshall Band

Marigny Opera House Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars

Saturn Bar The Heeters, Kota Dosa

The Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band

Zeitgeist Chris Alford

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9

Capulet Belinda Moody

D.B.A. Corey Henry

Da Jump Off Lounge Sporty’s Brass Band

Maison Bourbon Danny Rubio

Mayfield’s 208 Bourbon Kermit Ruffins

Saturn Bar BC Coogan

The Howlin Wolf Mojohand

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10

Capulet Teena May

Chickie Wah Wah ShinN

Fillmore Lauren Spencer Smith, Henry Moodie

Gasa Gasa Portia, Catalyst

Maison Bourbon Danny Rubio

Saturn Bar Los Güiros

Spotted Cat Music Club Chris Christy Band, Smoking

Time Jazz Club

The Rabbit Hole Rebirth Brass Band

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11

Cafe Nola NEICY B

Capulet Susanne Ortner

Deutsches Haus The Classical Jazz Trio

Maison Bourbon The Leroy Marshall Band

May Baily’s Place

Jacky Blaire

Saturn Bar

Sirocco Brass

Band, Mission

Delirium

Spotted Cat

Paradise Jazz Band

The Howlin Wolf

Flow Tribe, Hypno

Nun

Mayfield’s 208 Bourbon Irvin Mayfield, Kermit Ruffins

Joy Theater INZO

Spotted Cat Music Club Chris Christy Band, Shotgun Jazz Band

The Jazz Playhouse Big Sam Williams

Tipitina’s The Rumble

Tropical Isle Bourbon Dave Ferrato

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12

Capulet Mia Borders

D.B.A. New Orleans Vegas Cola

Gasa Gasa Ak’chamel, Selma Oxor

Le Bon Temps Roulé The Soul Rebels

Maison Bourbon Danny Rubio

May Bay’s Place Silver Lining Serenades

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band

The AllWays Lounge Synamin

The Rabbit Hole Fleetmac Wood

The Jazz Playhouse Brass-A-Holics

Tipitina’s Big Freedia

Vaughan’s Lounge Corey Henry

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13

Bacchanal Wine David Sigler, Willie Green

D.B.A. Dana Abbott

Favela Chic DJ ARMANDS

Holy Diver Mismiths

Le Bon Temps Roulé Colin Davis, Night People

The Original Nite

Cap Davis Rogan

Three Maries Or Shovaly Plus

Tipitina’s

Dumpstaphunk

Three Maries

Jazz Club All For

One Brass Band, Or Shovaly

Vaughan’s

Lounge

Valparaiso Men’s Chorus

Diplo at Shorty Gras at Mardi Gras World

Grammy-winning DJ and producer Diplo is a pioneer in electronica and dancehall music and will take center stage at the Shorty Gras festival this year.

Saturday, February 7, 6:30 p.m., $75 to $225, shortygrasnola.com

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Favela Chic DJ ARMANDS

Le Bon Temps Roule Robo Go-Go

Republic Daily Bread

Southport Hall LoveSong

The AllWays Lounge Panorama Brass Band

The Howlin Wolf Rebirth Brass Band

Tipitina’s Galactic

Three Maries Jazz Club Leroy Jones, Glen David Andrews

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15

Bacchanal Wine Noah Young, Tangiers Combo

The Jazz Playhouse Amanda Shaw

The Metropolitan Disco Lines, Alison Wonderland

Tipitina’s The Dirty Dozen Brass Band

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Fillmore New Orleans DJ Pauly D

Morial Convention Center Jourdan Blue, Bonerama

Riverwalk Outlets Flow Tribe

The Stage Bar Sicily Swing

Tipitina’s The Iceman Special Rivertown The Topcats

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17

Spotted Cat Music Club Chris Christy Band, Smoking Time Jazz Club

The Stage Bar Sicily Swing

Tipitina’s Big Chief Juan Pardo

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18

Cafe Nola NEICY B

Spotted Cat Music Club Chris Christy Band, Shotgun Jazz Band

The Jazz Playhouse Big Sam Williams

Tropical Isle Bourbon Dave Ferrato

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19

Blue Nile Irvin Mayfield

Jazz & Blues Market Ruthie Foster Bobby Rush

Le Bon Temps Roule The Soul Rebels

Siberia Guts Club, Glassing, Blackwater Holylight

Smoothie King Center

The Queens Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band The Jazz Playhouse Brass-A-Holics

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20

Bacchanal Wine David

Sigler, Willie Green

Chickie Wah Wah Andrew Duhon

Deutsches Haus

Ladies’ Choir, Men’s Choir

Favela Chic DJ

ARMANDS

Gasa Gasa NUOVO

TESTAMENTO

Le Bon Temps Roule

Jelly Biscuit and the Flaky Layers

Southport Hall

Undertow

Spotted Cat Paradise Jazz Band

Three Maries Jazz Club All For One Brass Band, Or Shovaly

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY

21

Father David O’Conner Family Life Center The Robery Grayson Singers

Favela Chic DJ ARMANDS

Milton H. Latter Memorial Library LPO Republic Hoang Saturn Bar Bon Bon Vivant

Sweet Lorraine’s Jazz Club Shemekia Copeland

No Dice Prison Affair

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Smoking Time Jazz

Club The Rabbit Hole Rebirth Brass Band

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25

Cafe Nola NEICY B

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Shotgun Jazz Band

The Jazz Playhouse Big Sam Williams

Tropical Isle Bourbon Dave Ferrato

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26

Blue Nile Irvin Mayfield

House of Blues Frank Turner, The Sleeping Souls

Ogden Museum Bogue Chitto

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band

The Jazz Playhouse Brass-A-Holics

The Jazz & Blues Market Ana Popovic

Terence Blanchard’s Fire Shut Up in My Bones at Civic Theatre

Terrence Blanchard will be bringing his jazz opera to the Civic Theatre. The award winning jazz trumpeter and film composer’s emotional opera is not to be missed.

Sunday, February 22, 2:30 p.m., $55.90 to $213.45, civicnola.com

Three Maries Jazz Club Leroy Jones, Glen David Andrews

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Bacchanal Wine Noah Young, Tangiers Combo

Bar Redux Take Off Your Folkin Clothes!

Blue Nile Street Legends Brass Band

Civic Theatre Terence Blanchard

Sweet Lorraine’s Jazz Club Shemekia Copeland

The Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band

The Jazz Playhouse Amanda Shaw

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23

No Dice Matte Blvck, So Much Blood

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24

Ellis Marsalis Center for Music Paul Longstreth

Gasa Gasa Last Dinosaurs

House of Blues Michael Shannon, Jason Narducy

Joy Theater Aimee Mann

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27

ARORA Chef Boyarbeatz

Bacchanal Wine David Sigler, Willie Green

Favela Chic DJ ARMANDS

Jazz & Blues Market Ruthie Foster

Spotted Cat Paradise Jazz Band

The Broadside Dean Zucchero

The Metropolitan Kream

Tipitina’s Eddie 9V

Three Maries Jazz Club All For One Brass Band, Or Shovaly

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Jazz & Blues Market Ruthie Foster

Maison Bourbon Danny Rubio

May Baily’s Place The Triad

The Rabbit Hole Blunts & Blondes

Three Maries Jazz Club Leroy Jones, Glen David Andrews

LAKESIDE2RIVERSIDE

Family Gras

February 6 & 7 | visitjeffersonparish.com/events/festivals/family-gras

Family Gras is back in the heart of Metairie, just about 15 minutes from the French Quarter, on February 6 and February 7. The family-friendly event includes live acts and local food vendors right on the Metairie parade route. Metairie’s Mardi Gras Plaza will host a Family Gras-inspired event including Carnival food, an art market, and performances by local and national musicians such as Lady A. There will also be a kids court curated for children 12 and younger, with age appropriate games and face painting. The festival site is also perfectly situated for up-close viewing of the scheduled parades.

Bacchus Bash + Zoolu at the Metropolitan

February 12, 14, 15, & 16 | eventbrite.com

The Metropolitan night club will be hosting the ZOOLU 32 music event with featured artists including Alison Wonderland, Disco Lines, Hugel, and more on February 12, 14, and 16. The DJ sets are drawing on the excitement and celebratory nature of Carnival, creating an atmosphere for Mardi Gras party goers to let loose. General admission and VIP options are available. Bacchus Bash 2026 will also be taking place before Mardi Gras on Sunday, February 15 from noon to 10 p.m. That free entry event, which has a separate VIP bar, will feature Mannie Fresh, Paper Chase, and more.

Tết Fest at Mary Queen of Vietnam Church

February 20-22 | maryqueenvn.org

Hosted at Mary Queen of Vietnam Church in New Orleans East, Tết Fest is a celebration of Vietnamese New Year. The festival includes traditional cuisine, dancing, and music by Hong Ngoc, the Groovy 7 Band, and more for guests to enjoy. Among some of these performances are dragon dances and drumming performances, which are featured all weekend long. Food will be prepared by many different vendors, and guests can expect to see phở, spring rolls, and báhn mì. Festival entry and performance viewing is free and open to the public; however, food and drink must be purchased for consumption.

Orpheuscapade

February 16 | kreweoforpheus.com/ orpheuscapade

Celebrate the festive Mardi Gras season at the Orpheuscapade inside the Morial Convention Center. The black-tie event has three different ticketing options that include a front row viewing of the parade, live music, and entertainment. VIP options include an open bar and full buffet. The event, which will see Noah Wyle as this year’s monarch, starts at 7 p.m. and goes until 3 a.m., giving plenty of time for attendees to enjoy the fun. Get up close and personal with authentic Mardi Gras floats while grooving to the Red Hot Revolution and more.

THE RHYTHM OF ROYALTY

Three Maries Jazz Club brings live jazz, soulful cocktails, and late-night elegance to the French Quarter, where New Orleans sound reigns after dark. Begin the evening at The Royal Bar for a perfectly crafted cocktail, then follow the rhythm as the band takes the stage.

Monday-Thursday | 2pm - 11pm Friday & Saturday | 11am-1am Sunday | 11am - 11pm

CELEBRATING CARNIVALSafely

Avenues Recovery Center’s Sober Safe Spot

// VIOLET BUCARO

There is a place in New Orleans where the sober community celebrates Mardi Gras. On the neutral ground at Saint Charles and Napoleon lies a special spot where people in recovery can enjoy the fruits of Mardi Gras without the presence of substances.

The Sober Safe Spot recognizes the hardships that can come with the Mardi Gras season for those in recovery. During Carnival, Avenues Recovery Center not only celebrates our city’s traditions but also celebrates sobriety.

The Sober Safe Spot is a resource for all ages in recovery and in 12-step programs to celebrate the city’s Mardi Gras traditions in a safe and protected space. In fact, this season marks their five-year anniversary. Alumni of the Avenues program plan the event throughout the year for people in the New Orleans community to gather and enjoy. The event is part of the fellowship and unity program of Avenues Recovery.

Snacks, alcohol-free drinks, merch, bags, T-shirts, and Narcan are freely given out to those who attend. “Mardi Gras can be celebrated without alcohol,” said Jacie Plaisance, alumni coordinator of Avenues Recovery Center in Covington.

The idea sprouted in 2021 when Ashley Duncan introduced it while Plaisance was a patient at Avenues. That year, the Sober Safe Spot was set up on every

parade route in Jefferson Parish. At each spot, a designated staff member was on-site to ensure no “code red” incidents occurred. The effort was a great success, and Avenues received a call from former mayor LaToya Cantrell, who asked, “Why isn’t this in New Orleans?”

After that call, the spot on Saint Charles became officially sanctioned by the city of New Orleans in collaboration with Avenues Recovery Center. Efforts from the city have been made to keep this spot in place for years to come.

Plaisance herself was a patient at Avenues, and she said that, over the years, it has grown and evolved into a large space open to anyone in recovery to celebrate Mardi Gras sober. She said people come from all around the country to take part in the sober spot. “We would have snacks, we would have drinks, and we could just be with each other, in one specific spot, and enjoy hundreds of years of tradition within our culture,” Plaisance said.

Avenues’ Sober Safe Spots cover more ground than the parade route. They expand to Bayou Boogaloo, tubing down the Bogue Chitto, and LSU tailgates for every home game. “Wherever we can help, wherever we are needed, wherever we can fill our spiritual cup, we are going to do it,” Plaisance said.

Plaisance shared a time when a woman was struggling on the parade route. Sober Safe Spot members approached her, offered help, and shared resources to enter a treatment program. The next year, she came back sober and is still in recovery to this day.

Mo Cataland is a person in recovery who has had profound experiences at the Sober Safe Spot.

On her first full day in New Orleans at her sober living home, a woman there asked if she’d like to go to a parade. Nervous and not knowing what to expect, she said yes and was introduced to the Sober Safe

Spot. “I remember that was the first day I felt like I could see color for the first time,” Cataland said. “I got really emotional because, you know, as these floats were coming, I was paying attention to every single detail. I started thinking about how I was going to be able to remember it the next day, and then I started getting really teary-eyed and emotional.”

There, she met her first 12-step sponsor and recovery community members who guided her at the beginning of her sobriety journey. Seeing others enjoy life while sober made it feel possible and opened her eyes to what fun in sobriety can look like.

Cataland remembers seeing people in the Sober Safe Spot smiling, laughing, and hugging one another. “Everyone knew everyone,” she said. “It was the first sense of community that I felt. Even though I felt kind of on the outskirts, I felt home, and I felt like I knew all of these people somehow because we all suffered, you know, from the same thing—addiction and wanting to stay sober.”

Before meeting her community, Cataland thought sobriety meant early nights in, an absence of a social life, and constant struggle; however, being in the Sober Safe Spot reinforced the importance of a strong community. “When there’s such a big drinking community, there’s an equally big recovery or sober community, and it’s so important to get plugged into that,” Cataland said.

She said people work together to keep each other safe and be of service to others. “I went every day that the parade was going on. I went to that Sober Safe Spot every single time, because I knew that I would be safe there,” Cataland said.

Avenues’ mission for Sober Safe Spot is to end the stigma around sobriety, provide a platform to talk about recovery, bring it to light for the community, to inspire, and to keep the community safe and seen. Plaisance said, “We’re here to love you until you can love yourself, and we’re here to show you the way.”

Anyone is welcome to volunteer and join the Sober Safe Spot during parades. Friends, family, and anyone curious about recovery are encouraged to take part in the celebration of sobriety, community, and tradition. “It was the most important thing when I first got sober, and it helped me stay sober,” Cataland said.

Burlesque became a major attraction in New Orleans in the 1940s and throughout the ‘60s. Today, the tradition has held firm roots and maintained its long history as a thriving live performance art industry; however, it’s not just an industry—it is a community.

Burlesque performer Kalia Roberson, a.k.a. Giselle Janae, is new to the scene but has come in fast and furious. She first got her foot in the door after taking a class with performer Trixie Minx, and, after that, she found the courage to reach out to local venues, such as Big Couch, to host her own shows. Though Giselle Janae has only been performing for one year, she’s already produced several shows, tapped into the local scene, and collaborated with performers across the city.

Her style, as she describes it, is the best version of herself. One of the first shows she produced was a literary-character-themed show, where dancers costumed themselves as storybook characters. She said the New Orleans burlesque scene values both traditional classic glam and fantastical, out-of-the-box styles.

She said new performers often experiment boldly, blending drag, theater, dance, and unexpected character work to create shows that feel distinctly local. “I feel like New Orleans has a really good grasp on what burlesque historically was, but also what it is, and what it will continue to change into,” Janae said. “The same people who are really good at classic tease also hold space and will play with very silly neoclassical burlesque ideas.”

Janae has noticed artists in the scene pushing for new, quirky performance styles. “I feel like people are challenging themselves or allowing themselves grace to just have fun and build community,” she said. Janae said New Orleans values “the weird,” and that someone could be dressed as Mike Wazowski and receive the same respect as a traditional blonde bombshell. Burlesque, she added, gives her a safe place to exist in the world as a woman.

“Giselle is very much my dream woman. Like the woman I’ve idolized my whole life: very hyper-femme, sensual, confident,” she said. “I never thought I could look at myself and find myself appealing and sexy and feel safe. It always felt like I was being observed or judged or watched. Now, I feel very appreciated and valued, and I’m not just my body, but my body is a tool for me to create really beautiful art.” Janae believes this preserved art form is not just an industry, but a reflection of the quirk, creativity, and Southern hospitality of New Orleans.

Where can one find shows? From small neighborhood stages to grand downtown theaters, performers helped shape a uniquely New Orleans style. Popular burlesque venues include AllWays Lounge, the Original Night Cap, the House of Blues, Oz, and several pop-up locations, if you’re in the know. There are occasional shows at Saturn Bar, the Domino, and Big Couch Comedy Club. Flyers posted around town and on social media are the best ways to find showings. Don’t be misled—these shows are not just for tourists. They are for everyone. Well, everyone of age, of course.

Step through local performer Ramona Rose’s door and rhinestones, fluttering feathers, and bedazzled costumes burst across the room. She

proudly calls her front room a dazzling showcase of showgirl chaos. For her, burlesque is more than the art of striptease. It is the art of exploration and self-discovery, as well as a playful expression of the silly within. “Burlesque has helped me discover my goofy side for sure. It’s helped me to become more confident in myself. I love it so much.”

She said the stage gives her permission to play, to exaggerate, and to craft moments that feel both deeply personal and joyfully absurd. At her improv show, her character went undercover in a fooling disguise—a mustache. By the end of the number, she had Groucho Marx-style glasses wrapped around her panties—for those unaware, Groucho glasses have a large nose with bushy eyebrows and a mustache. “It’s fun, it’s satire, it’s ridiculous.”

THE OF THE TEASE Art

Rose also challenged herself with a drag king number. She was tasked with something against her norm—not taking her clothes off. “It was like, how do I entertain people for four minutes without stripping? That was a new challenge within itself. I did it. I made it work. It was so fun,” Rose said.

In addition to a full-time burlesque performer from Louisiana, Ramona Rose is co-owner of Foxy Rose Productions. Rose started dancing in 2016 at Boso on Frenchmen Street and made her official burlesque debut in 2018 at Oz on Bourbon Street. She now produces shows all around the city, including Diamonds and Pearls at the Original Night Cap, All Hallows Tease, Champagne Dreams, and Cannabis Cabaret. Her most booked number of the year is the Bride of Frankenstein dancing to Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On.”

“You’re getting up there and you’re taking your clothes off for strangers and an audience, but you’re doing it through art. You’re doing it through storytelling and through comedy and through sometimes even sadness or political commentary,” Rose said.

Burlesque opens up doors for hard conversations surrounding identity, sex, gender, LGBTQ+ issues, abortion rights, and diversity. Entire shows have been dedicated to abortion rights, trans rights, and mutualaid fundraisers for those in the community who need support. In New Orleans, burlesque has become a platform for social commentary and advocacy and has grown into an inclusive, diverse, body-positive, and woman-run industry.

HOW TO LOS E A GUY IN 10 DAYS

Valentine’s Day is coming up, and, while past generations might’ve been excited for the flowers and wine, our woefully commitment-phobic generation is shaking in our boots and anxiously trying to figure out what we’re going to do for the big day.

If you’re like a number of people, you’ve realized you’ve hedged the wrong bet and need to quickly dump your situationship before they expect a French Quarter dinner and romantic sex. Worry not. Here’s a surefire guide to lose that unlucky man or woman in just 10 days, without having to make yourself be the villain and/or narcissist.

DAY 1: Answer Their Texts in a Timely Manner

Our generation lives by the saying “absence makes the heart grow fonder,” or, more accurately, “intermittent reinforcement makes the anxiously attached get more attached.” Fifteen minutes, 30 minutes, and an hour are all guidelines for when you should respond to someone when you’re courting them in order to keep that intrigue alive, so responding promptly will surely scare your lover off and get them to think that you’re clingy.

DAY 2: Put Down Your Phone while They’re Speaking Dinner dates and watching Netflix together while you’re having a deep conversation—the best, guaranteed way to make your lover get “the ick” is to put that damn phone down and pay attention, especially when the Saints are playing. If you were trying to court them, the ever presence of your phone would remind them that you’re a hot item and that you have many people and appointments that you need to manage. Staying off your phone signals that you have nothing better to do with your life than to hang out with them.

DAY 3: Remember Little Details

Remember where they went to high school, especially if it’s a private Uptown school, their favorite food, and their best friend’s name. Bring these up in conversation and see their face fall flat as they realize that you’ve actually been paying attention during conversations. If you do want to keep them, you need to keep an air of “I don’t give a s**t” in order to make them feel like they have to fight for your love, much like how they had to fight for their parents.

DAY 4: Be Old Fashioned

Wearing anything other than athleisure to your first couple of dates will not get you another one. Plan a date at Brennan’s, Commander’s, or a local steakhouse with a wine list and make sure to bring flowers. The overwhelming pressure of attention will get to their head and make them ghost you as fast as you can say “effort.”

DAY 5: Mention Having Light to Moderate Drug Usage

Staying sober is for losers, and Gen Z knows this. While drinking is on the decline, other substances such as weed are having their heyday. Showing that you can make it through a weekend without lighting up and having a stable mind will indicate to your lover that you’re somebody who doesn’t realize the terrible state of the world and also that you probably aren’t cool enough to have a plug.

DAY 6: Tell Them that You Don’t Believe in Astrology

Everybody knows that a Leo and a Taurus don’t get along, no matter how many hobbies, political beliefs, childrearing strategies, and financial habits you have in common. When your lover brings up Venus signs, quickly cut them off and say, “The stars don’t impact our personalities.” After that, watch them run out the door.

DAY 7: Take Things Slow

Lovebombing is the name of the modern love game. If you want to get your lover quickly attached, greet them with early declarations of love, talk about attending your family’s Mardi Gras balls together, and shower them with endless compliments at the beginning, only to turn cold at the three week mark. Not doing this will guarantee that they lose interest, for if you’re not showing the amount of attention you would expect from a couple during their honeymoon, they’ll wonder if you have avoidant attachment.

DAY 8: Bring Up Labels

This one works best if you’ve been seeing someone for months without moving out of the “situationship” phase. The best way to give a shock to your lover’s system is to propose that you could possibly be more than this, even if “this” includes already being exclusive, talking every day, spending the night at each other’s apartments, and meeting the parents.

DAY 9: Show Interest in their Hobbies

Do they like to go to open mics at Neutral Ground? Offer to go to the next one with them. Are they a basketball fan? Surprise them with tickets to the next Pelicans game. Read their favorite books, look through their Spotify, and bring up the topics they talk about over and over again in conversation to make them think, “Wow! this girl is totally a stalker.”

DAY 10: Show Unwavering Mental Stability

If they haven’t abandoned you by now, you need to go nuclear. When they call you for a 1 a.m. booty call, stick to what you told them and say, “No.” If they call you crying about losing their vape, calmly remind them that that’s probably a sign that they need to quit. Nothing gets someone more fired up than seeing that their lover also shares the same fragile state of mind that hinges completely on other people’s opinions and old childhood wounds.

So there you have it—if you still have someone lingering around after taking all of these steps, you’re either undeniably gorgeous or have such a magnetic personality that no one can deny hanging out with you. Change that immediately if you want to love like a Gen Z-er.

ALL ABOARD

How the Mardi Gras Service Compares to European Lines

// JOEL MANDINA

“To travel by train is to see nature and human beings, towns and churches, and rivers, in fact, to see life.”

—Agatha Christie

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

From more vacation days, entire months off, better maternity and paternity leave, and longer lunches, the European “worklife balance” is frequently lauded as better than in America. With that, some of the most-frequent comments regard dayto-day, multi-city travel, with significant differences on each side of the Atlantic’s rail systems.

When Amtrak, the United States’ national passenger railway institution, launched its anticipated Mardi Gras Service connecting New Orleans to Mobile on August 18, 2025, it heralded the return of the rail industry to the Gulf Coast after a two decade hiatus due to Hurricane Katrina’s damage throughout the region.

COMMUTER (COUNTER) CULTURE

Linking New Orleans, LA; Bay St. Louis, MS; Gulfport, MS; Biloxi, MS; Pascagoula, MS; and Mobile, AL, the 132-mile span is similar to some of Rail Europe’s most established routes including: Brussels, Belgium to Amsterdam, the Netherlands (126 miles); Amsterdam, the Netherlands to Cologne, Germany (166 miles); Vienna, Austria to Budapest, Hungary (151 miles).

Rick Steves, a well-known travel writer and host of PBS’ Rick Steves’ Europe, often speaks to the European experience, noting that “European trains go where you need them to go and are fast, frequent, and usually affordable,” and that rail travel is a central part of transportation there. This implicitly contrasts with the American experience.

While prices can vary between the European capitals, they are frequently under €100 (between $25-$115 U.S.) depending on class, time, date, and special events. The New Orleans-to-Mobile fare begins at $15 for a one-way coach ticket and can go as high as $100 for business class.

According to Thomas Marshall, author of 2015’s Prisoners of Geography: Ten Maps That Explain Everything About the World, “There are fifty American states, but they add up to one nation in a way the twenty-eight [sic] sovereign states of the European Union never can. Most of the EU states have a national identity far stronger, more defined, than any American state. It is easy to find a French person who is French first, European second.”

Many reports say that the main difference between European and American trains is that the European rails focus on passengers while American rails focus on freight. One industry expert said, “There’s an insider saying, ‘Passengers complain a lot more than freight does,” while Knox Ross, chairman of the

Southern Railway Commission, lauds how the Mardi Gras Service “takes advantage of the investments in those cities that have been made after Katrina.”

In a statement that every Louisianian can relate to, Charles Busby, Mississippi transportation commissioner for the the Southern Transportation District, said, “Though the Mississippi Gulf Coast is heavily influenced by neighboring Mobile and New Orleans, each of Mississippi’s coast cities has its own unique charm and traditions, especially when it comes two greatest passions—festivities and food.”

Other relevant fares in NOLA include a flat taxi fare of $36 from downtown to the Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY), as well as a $1.25 RTA bus between MSY and downtown with, for both train and bus travel, the arrival point in downtown being the Amtrak Station located at 1001 Loyola Ave. Basic ride shares, such as Uber and Lyft, range from $30 to $85 also depending on variables, especially “surge rates.”

CULTURAL COMMUTE

In addition to New Orleans, there are certain cities where even the transportation lines can be attractions unto themselves. Some examples are the cable cars in San Francisco, the gondolas in Venice, the funicular in Montmarte, and, speaking of Paris, even its famed Art Deco entry ways to the metro are eponymous with the City of Lights.

Beyond New Orleans’ historic streetcars, the RTA also has its own ferry system—a spectacular, scenic spectacle. But while the ride itself is only $2, the system is a frequent victim of budget cuts and political machinations, resulting in changing times and frequency.

With New Orleans being strategically—both incidentally and intentionally—at the “mouth of the Mississippi,” national and international water transit is also a factor.

ANALOGOUS AQUATICS

This opinion is especially true as one gauges how waterways interact with travel and tourism as New Orleans is one of the country’s most important ports and the only one in the country connected to all six “Class 1” railroads. A Class 1 railroad, as determined by the Surface Transportation Board, is based on revenue generated.

If New Orleans is the nexus of cultures, cuisines, and beliefs, then the transportation system—and its continued evolution—heralds a merger of business, leisure, and economics, as well as a nouveau life structure. As New Orleans is frequently cited as “The Most European City in America,” it seems our similarities continue to grow.

SPRINGTIME SNIFFLES

How to Protect Yourself from Seasonal Allergies

// CELESTE TURNER

Your guide to surviving this spring allergy season with easy health tips and natural remedies.

Red, irritated eyes? Drippy nose? You’re not alone. Each year, seasonal allergies affect over 60 million Americans.

Seasonal allergies, commonly known as hay fever, lead to a runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, and coughing usually during spring, summer, and early fall. The most common triggers of spring allergies are tree and grass pollen. “We experience an extended tree pollen season during the spring in Louisiana,” said Dr. Andrew Abreo, pediatric allergist and immunologist at Manning Family Children’s Hospital. “Our warm, humid climate allows many plants to bloom earlier and for longer periods.”

With allergy season starting as early as February, you might feel tempted to stay indoors, but there are natural ways to ease the season’s discomfort without giving up outdoor activities. For those struggling with spring allergies, Dr. Abreo recommends these key strategies to reduce pollen exposure: keep windows closed when counts are high, consider using a HEPA air purifier, and shower after spending time outdoors.

“Over-the-counter antihistamines can help with intermittent nasal symptoms,” he said. “Newer, secondgeneration antihistamines are generally better tolerated with longer-lasting relief than older options like Benadryl. For people with persistent or severe symptoms, consistent use of an over-the-counter or prescription nasal steroid spray may be helpful.” To discuss symptoms, diagnosis, and an individualized treatment plan, Dr. Abreo recommends seeing a board-certified allergist.

Along with staying hydrated, Dr. Abreo notes that nasal saline rinses are among the most effective natural ways to clear pollen and reduce symptoms without medication. Using a bulb syringe or neti pot, regular nasal irrigation helps relieve allergyrelated sinus congestion by flushing the nasal passages with a saline solution.

Although medications and sprays can relieve spring allergies, natural remedies including local honey, vitamin C, and quercetin may also help support the immune system and act as mild antihistamines. ”Using local raw honey is a homeopathic thing,” said April Pilet, RN BSN, a certified natural healthcare consultant and owner of the Natural Wellness with Nurse April in Arabi. “The bees are making honey from the pollen produced by local flowers. This exposes you to the allergens, which can strengthen your body’s immune system.”

When it comes to vitamin supplementation, Pilet emphasized that vitamin C comes in different grades and that choosing a medical-grade option is important. “Many of these high-volume sellers like Walmart and Amazon make vitamin C supplements using cellulose as a filler. Do not take vitamin C with ascorbic acid, which is fake and synthetically-made,” she stated. “Source your vitamin C made from real acerola berry.”

In fact, Pilet prefers elderberries, which are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that boost the immune system and help reduce inflammation. “As a natural remedy, elderberry works better than vitamin C and has the highest source of quercetin,” she said. “I make my own elderberry. One tablespoon per day for an adult is for preventive care, while one tablespoon every three hours can help knock out a cold.” Pilet sells her 16-ounce jar of organic elderberry juice at her clinic and at Canseco’s Market grocery stores.

“I would recommend a steady dose of vitamin C and quercetin,” said Chef Amelie Kindler, a nutrition consultant and head chef at the Well Café located inside the Spyre Wellness Center on Prytania Street. “Vitamin C will help boost the immune system, and quercetin stabilizes the release of histamines.”

Kindler, who partners with local farms to craft a nutrient-dense menu for the Well Café, promotes natural remedies such as local honey and nettle tea to help combat seasonal allergies. “If you are ingesting small amounts of local pollen through the honey, your immune system will build up a tolerance and not react as strongly,” Kindler said. “This paired with drinking nettle tea once a day and clearing sinuses with a saline rinse is a good front against seasonal allergies.”

Similarly, butterbur (Petasites hybridus), a medicinal plant used for allergy symptoms, has attracted interest as a natural antihistamine. “There is a slight improvement in allergies with the use of butterbur as a potential antihistamine,” said Molly Kimball, RD LDN CSSD, director of lifestyle nutrition at Ochsner Health and founder of Eat Fit. “But studies are short and there is not enough research.”

Kimball added that probiotics, turmeric, and vitamin D are also commonly used as natural remedies.

“In general, probiotics like yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods could be helpful in improving allergy symptoms,” she said.

“There also seems to be promise for turmeric and vitamin D but there is little human testing to show real evidence.”

A Carnival Season To Smile!

While these supplements can help with allergy symptoms, Kimball advises embracing antiinflammatory, omega-3–rich foods and steering clear of sugars, ultra-processed snacks, fried foods, and alcohol to give the body the best chance at relief. “Alcohol, more specifically red wine, could worsen the allergy symptoms,” Kimball said. “If you are one that suffers from allergies, it would be best to take out these things that are likely to worsen your symptoms.”

Managing seasonal allergies doesn’t mean missing out on spring. Over-the-counter medications can ease symptoms, while natural remedies including a saltwater nasal rinse, local honey, probiotics, vitamins, nettle tea, and butterbur may provide extra relief. With a mindful diet and healthy lifestyle choices, you can breathe easier and fully savor the sights, scents, and joys of spring.

Palates on Parade

Where to Eat in NOLA During Mardi Gras Season

Amid the

festive parade routes of New

Orleans proper, sometimes you want to sit down and catch your breath and grab a bite and a drink.

There’s no lack of food with all the hot dog and barbecue vendors or even with your friendly parade crowd “neighbors” sharing fried chicken, sandwiches, and chips. Here’s some ideas for parade-side, or at least parade-adjacent, restaurants to try and snag a seat or a stool, and, of course, the Mardi Gras holy grail of an indoor bathroom with real plumbing. Make sure to check online or call ahead—well in advance, not the day of—to see if whichever day you’re planning has a ticketed entry or a private event. Reservations are recommended, especially during this time of year.

BRASA SOUTH AMERICAN STEAKHOUSE 365 Canal St.

Steps away from the French Quarter and the Canal parade routes, Brasa offers a modern, upscale setting that contrasts with the high-energy Carnival atmosphere outside. The dining room’s sleek design and open-grill aromas create a warm, indulgent backdrop, perfect for taking a break from the parades or beginning an evening of celebration.

The focus there is on premium cuts grilled over an open flame, and during Mardi Gras, the hearty, smoky flavors feel especially satisfying. Whether you’re diving into a perfectly grilled ribeye, sampling tender picanha, or pairing your steak with a bold South American wine, Brasa offers a celebratory richness that fits the season’s indulgent spirit. It’s a great place to regroup, refuel, and experience a more contemporary side of New Orleans dining—still festive, still flavorful, but with a cosmopolitan flair.

CANE & TABLE

1113 Decatur St.

HERBSAINT

701 St. Charles Ave.

Eating and drinking at Cane & Table during Mardi Gras season feels like discovering a secret hideaway. The moment you step inside, the colonial-Caribbean aesthetic—weathered walls, candlelit corners, and courtyard planters—creates a calming world apart from the revelry outside. It’s the perfect spot to pause between parades, let the brass band echoes drift in, and settle into a meal that balances rustic comfort with refined tropical flavors. Dishes including their croquetas and arroz con pollo feel hearty enough to keep you going through the long parade nights yet light enough to enjoy whether the weather is cold or unseasonably warm.

The Cane & Table bar is always a hotspot during Mardi Gras. Their cocktails lean into rum, agricole, citrus, and spice—vibrant, layered drinks that mirror the season’s upbeat energy while offering something deeper than a neon frozen daiquiri. Whether you’re sipping a classic or proto-tiki cocktail or a more spirit-forward original, each drink feels crafted with intention. Between the buzz of energy from Decatur Street and the glow of the string lights in their courtyard, Cane & Table is an ideal blend of escape and immersion during Mardi Gras.

COMMANDER’S PALACE

1403 Washington Ave.

Though technically a stroll away from the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line, and thus the parade route, Commander’s Palace is a legendary spot during any time of the year and featured in plenty of dining guides. This landmark Creole restaurant is always festive, especially during Carnival season. A “royal court” complete with two guests becoming king and queen is appointed for each dining room. Ella Brennan’s favorite Brandy Milk Punch is flowing heavily and handed out to parade riders, honoring the restaurant matriarch’s personal Mardi Gras tradition. The restaurant’s signature bread pudding soufflé feels especially appropriate at this time of year.

Definitely make a reservation right away, if you can get one, especially if it’s for brunch, lunch, or dinner during a parade day. Rest assured, you’ll leave with a full belly and pre-marinated—if you choose to have drinks with your meal ahead of parade-watching.

As the parades roll past, Herbsaint offers a refined but relaxed refuge full of contemporary Louisiana cuisine crafted with French-Southern flair. Warm lighting, polished wood, and attentive service contrast beautifully with the festive energy outside. An elegant dinner there is a great way to feel anchored during all the celebrations.

The food is always delicious but seems to shine even more brightly during Mardi Gras. Signature dishes, such as housemade spaghetti, jumbo shrimp, and crispy duck confit, taste especially comforting during or after a parade day. If the streetside tables are available early in the season, you can enjoy the brass bands and the people watching New Orleans never fails to provide. Herbsaint’s elevated cuisine enhances the Mardi Gras experience while still being rooted in New Orleans spirit.

JACK ROSE RESTAURANT

2031 St. Charles Ave.

Jack Rose is inside the historic Pontchartrain Hotel on St. Charles and is known for its festive atmosphere, as well as its food. Chambongs, Mile High Pies, and bachelor/bachelorette parties are easily found there, fueled by a perpetually upbeat music playlist, if not an actual live band.

After your meal, pop into either of the hotel’s other venues: Bayou Bar next door for some live music or Hot Tin on the rooftop for a regal view of the St. Charles parade route and city in general.

SUPERIOR SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR

4338 St. Charles Ave.

Located right at the corner of St. Charles Avenue and Napoleon, Superior Seafood is basically ground-zero for Uptown parade-starting locations. With a full bar and plenty of frozen drinks with an emphasis on frozen French 75s, this is a great spot for cocktails without being crowded like the chaos outside its sister restaurant and margarita station Superior Grill. They usually have a busy outdoor bar setup, as well. The dining emphasis is, of course, on seafood. Get there or reserve early if you want a window-side or terrace view of the parade. Since it’s at a frequent route origin, there are plenty of krewes to see launching and marching off.

Second Helping

Cochon Butcher

Revisiting restaurants covered years ago to see what’s changed or what’s deliciously stayed the same.

// KIM RANJBAR

Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski effectively made elevated Cajun magic when they launched Cochon Restaurant in 2006, and Butcher, which opened three years later, was a citified answer to a back-country boucherie.

While the sit-down restaurant on Tchoupitoulas Street offered bowls of pork and black-eyed pea gumbo and pork cheeks with crispy feta and sauerkraut cakes, the tiny Butcher around the corner on Andrew Higgins Boulevard was selling the core of those pork-tastic dishes. It was like a meat market from the southwestern part of the state was plunked down on the edge of the Warehouse District.

Unlike the markets in Lafayette or Scott, Butcher upped their game. Not only could any person like myself walk in and purchase quality, housemade and cured pork products including beautifully brown links of andouille, small slabs of spiced and dry-

cured tasso, Cajun rillon (caramelized pork belly), and boudin, the case also featured meaty Kurobuta bacon and charcuterie such as soppressata, pancetta, mortadella, and capicola.

When Cochon Butcher first opened in 2009, it was a relatively tiny space—only 800 square feet—which mainly served as a butcher shop with gleaming white tiled walls and stainless steel surfaces. It also was an ideal place for busy workers to grab a sandwich to-go and, if you were lucky, a seat at one of only a few high tables or the bar.

Surrounded by cases displaying cured salumi, duck pastrami, and dry-aged country ham, hungry patrons could enjoy selections from a small chalkboard menu such as a pastrami on rye with

sauerkraut (pickled on site); their award-winning muffaletta with housemade mortadella, salami, and pickled peppers; or a highly coveted bundle of hot boudin, a lunch guaranteed to go down well with an ice-cold Abita Amber.

After nearly 17 years in business, the Warehouse District meat market has certainly grown. An expansion in 2014 added 2000 square feet of space, increasing the seating from 30 to 120 and adding a larger kitchen and a full bar. Like many restaurants trying to survive during the pandemic, Butcher stretched its outdoor tables into the street, an impromptu patio that has seemingly become permanent.

House meats, charcuterie, and specialties such as duck confit and pork rillon can still be purchased at the counter, but from hook to hang, the process has become more streamlined. According to Stryjewski, their skilled butchers break down over 2,000 pounds of meat in house every week, supplying all eight restaurants and event spaces in the Link Restaurant Group, including Butcher. What’s more, the hogs supplying all of their pork products are sourced from a terminal crossbreed of Berkshire Blue hogs, a feat accomplished in cooperation with the proprietors of Ryles Quality Pork, a high-quality hog farm in Georgia. “There are different ways we break them down,” Stryjewski said. “Some of the parts are for retail sale, some of the parts we use for the restaurants, and then some of them we do for production.”

Since its inception, Cochon Butcher, and the entire restaurant group, has always been about quality and that hasn’t changed, whether it’s the free-range, well-raised and fed chickens sourced from Greener Pastures to the greens from Perilloux Farm in Lake Charles. “We’ve spent a long time developing relationships with farmers and trying to source the best possible products that we can.”

The Link Restaurant Group’s commitment to quality and its employees has garnered both local and national accolades over the years, including a combined total of six James Beard awards. Just recently, Cochon Butcher achieved a Bib Gourmand rating from the prestigious Michelin Guide, a distinction which denotes a restaurant offering both high quality and value. With its expanded capacity and larger kitchen, including a hood, Butcher’s menu has indeed grown over the years. The Cubano and Cajun pork dog, now on a pretzel bun, currently share menu space with a Moroccan-spiced lamb-stuffed pita with tzatziki and chili oil, as well as the infamous “Le Pig Mac” with all-pork patties, which claimed a permanent spot circa 2015.

The fresh, hot boudin and mac & cheese are now “small plates” alongside Cajun-fried ribs, grilled salmon belly, and black-eyed pea chili. Plus, Cochon Butcher flaunts its curing cred with customer-curated charcuterie and sausage boards including coppa, country terrine, head cheese, and daily fresh links and deer sausage, respectively.

It is a disappointment to discover their incredibly stellar BLT was no longer on the menu. I later found out the sandwich wasn’t a big seller, though for the life of me I can’t figure out why. Toughing it out, I opted for the Buckboard Bacon Melt instead and "suffered" through every meaty bite layered with Swiss and tangy collard greens.

As it should be, Cochon Butcher is mostly about meat, but since day one, they’ve attracted incurable sweet tooths with their

bacon pralines and unusual cookie flavors (PB&J and Rocky Road). While their sweet stuff is coming out of Pastry Chef Maggie Scales’ domain at La Boulangerie these days, for over a decade, Butcher is the only Link spot in town to score their famed “Elvis” king cake filled with peanut butter and banana and topped with house-cured bacon, marshmallows, and traditional purple, gold, and green sprinkles— an annual Mardi Gras must, whether it’s a slice at the restaurant or a full-sized cake to take home to share—or not.

PRO - TIP: Cochon Butcher is only a block from the end of the parade route at St. Joseph and Tchoupitoulas streets, a spot sometimes rumored by locals to have both smaller crowds and excess throws. Either way, you can tough it out with bacon, beer, and king cake at the restaurant.

Hip, hip, hooray! Where Y’at Magazine would like to take this opportunity to offer three, loud cheers for the three New Orleans restaurants to be awarded Michelin stars. One for Bywater’s Saint Germain, created by chefs Blake Aguillard and Trey Smith. One for Chef Sue Zemanick’s Mid-City restaurant Zasu, and not one but two stars for Emeril’s, helmed by Lagasse Sr.’s son Chef E.J. On top of that, 29 other restaurants in town, ranging from Herbsaint and Patois to Turkey and the Wolf and Parkway Bakery, were also distinguished with Bib Gourmand and Select ratings. Congratulations. guide.michelin.com

An invite to all . . . Faster than you can say “C’mon in,” the Bywater double that was home to Poke-Chan has transformed into Mời, a Vietnamese restaurant offering homestyle cuisine not often found in your average phở joint. The new eatery, owned and operated by the Ladies Nguyen, Cindy and her mom Selana, highlights family dishes you might not recognize. Anyone who has seen Vietnamese Instagram cook Alissa Nguyen, no relation, make bún riêu with crab and fresh tomatoes and have been dying to try it now can at Mời. Not to mention a dessert soup called chè sâm bổ lượng made with goji berries and kelp, pork-stuffed tofu, coconut curry, and more. 2809 St. Claude Ave., (504) 459-2161, instagram.com/moi.nola

Oh ya? . . . The Thai-food pop-up from Metairie’s Brewsky’s Bar & Grill now has their own brick and mortar in Kenner, brah. Launched in late September of last year, YaYa’s Thai Fusion & Steaks has found their home in a strip mall on Veterans Memorial Boulevard. Bangkok-born Chef Rai is whipping up everything from tom yum soup and crispy fried tofu to ribeye steak and tom yum-inspired flatbread pizza. 2401 Veterans Memorial Blvd., yayasthaistreetfusion0824.s4shops.com

A crowning achievement . . . Owners of South Market District’s Dahla, Glenn Mahiya and Warakorn “Tom” Intavichai, have opened an upscale, Thaifusion concept dubbed Chada. The couple have transformed an old, long-vacant double shotgun on Bienville Street into a flavor-filled home exploring aspects of Thai, Indian, and Japanese cuisine. Expect favorites from Dahla such as their pineapple fried rice and papaya salad along with newcomers such as the violet-hued chor muang, a.k.a. flower-shaped dumplings with a saltysweet pork and peanut filling, as well as Thai-tea sticky rice and a green curry pasta that breaks all boundaries with scallops and fried chicken. 3420 Bienville St., (504) 516-2604, @chada.nola

Across the Pond-chartrain . . . From food-truck to Metairie brick and mortar, Southerns has also now officially become a chain with the opening of their second location in Hammond. Located in the space formerly, and briefly, occupied by Denver, CO, born chain QDoba Mexican Eats, the second coming of Southern’s is dishing out their fried chicken sandwiches, queso burgers, and cracklins to gleeful Northshore residents eager for a bite. Co-founders Anthony Cruz and Gene Colley are offering lower priced fare at their new location, and we’re here on the Southshore wondering why y’all got so lucky.

1720 W. Thomas St., Hammond, (985) 402-3007, southernsfood.com

Absolutely trilling . . . On the corner of St. Charles Avenue and St. Andrew Street, longtime location for the Trolley Stop Café, Texas-based developer Verdad Real Estate is building the Warbler Hotel. The 58-room, six-story “boutique” hotel is being designed by a creative team that includes locally based and nationally recognized architecture firm EskewDumezRipple and Los Angeles-based interior design studio Jamie Bush & Co., helmed by Jamie Bush, a Tulane School of Architecture graduate and board member. “Forward-looking in its vision, the Warbler marries architectural precision with a nostalgic harkening to the Jazz Age.”

More importantly, at least to food lovers, the Warbler’s food and beverage program is being developed in partnership with CureCo., the New Orleans hospitality group led by Neal Bodenheimer and Kirk Estopinal. Chef Andrew Zimmerman, who helms Chicago’s Michelin-starred Sepia, will also be working alongside CureCo. The hotel will house Mildred’s, a martini bar and restaurant, and a poolside lounge dubbed Upstairs

“With the Warbler, Kirk and I were drawn to New Orleans’ storied European heritage and spotlighting more of that influence through the hotel’s food and beverage experience,” said Neal Bodenheimer, managing partner, CureCo. “You’ll see this shine throughout the entire property, from the refined offerings of the martini bar, Mildred’s, to the more breezy and relaxed nature of the menus at the rooftop venue, Upstairs.” The Warbler is expected to open in late fall of this year.

1923 St. Charles Ave., thewarblerhotel.com

Hurts so good . . . Although we thought the sweet Missouri-born donut shop Hurts Donut was rolling out of its Loyola Avenue location, as it turns out, it’s been taken over by new owners and is now back with barely a hiccup, doing donut business as usual.

501 Loyola Ave., (417) 300-6106, facebook.com/HurtsDonutNewOrleans

Get elevated instead . . . Owner Monica Olano recently opened a different kind of bar on Frenchmen Street. Dubbed Mélange, the tenders at the new Marigny spot are serving zero-proof “liquor” and THC-infused beverages, reflecting a growing trend across the country to cut out the booze. Located on the second floor of Bamboula’s, Mélange was born from Olano’s own struggles with alcohol, and she hoped to create a haven where people could still go out and enjoy socializing and live music without feeling pressured to get boozy. 516 Frenchmen St., instagram.com/melangeonfrenchmen

Pleasing U again You, us, and the fellow down the street may be happy to know that after being closed for nearly six months, Please U Restaurant is back in business. Owned and operated by Nikolas Toras and his wife Helen, and noted for their breakfasts, Please U has been a fixture on St. Charles Avenue for nearly 80 years. Go get your chicken fried steak, fried shrimp po-boys, or liver & onions hotplate and tell 'em you're glad they're back, why don't ya? 1751 St. Charles Ave., (504) 525-9131, pleaseunola.com

RESTAURANT GUIDE

AMERICAN

Anita’s Grill has served the same comforting menu since 1922, first as Jerry’s before Mrs. Anita’s son renamed it and ran it for nearly 40 years. Known for its hearty breakfasts, it’s long been a beloved Saints pre-game stop. 833 Howard Ave., (504) 3548979, anitasgrillnola.com

Bearcat Café offers expansive vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options alongside fresh juices, local coffee, and specialty teas. With “Good Cat” and “Bad Cat” menus, a full bakery, and cocktails, it brings something for every kind of diner across its locations. Multiple Locations, bearcatcafe.com

Crescent City Steaks, Louisiana’s oldest familyowned steakhouse, opened in 1934 under John Vojkovich and remains in the family today. They pioneered the “New Orleans style,” buttersizzled steak, and they serve premium cuts including a bacon-wrapped filet mignon. 1001 N. Broad St., (504) 8213271, crescentcitysteaks.com

Daisy Dukes Café serves allday breakfast and classic Cajun and Southern comfort dishes from shrimp and grits to poboys and more. Known for its award-winning Cajun Bloody Mary, the restaurant earned Tripadvisor’s “Travelers Choice” in 2024. Multiple Locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com

Desi Vega’s Steakhouse is known for USDA prime steaks, fresh seafood, and an awardwinning wine list. Inspired by owner Vega’s New Orleans upbringing and training under chefs at Brennan’s and Commander’s Palace, the restaurant also features elegant private dining rooms. Multiple Locations, desivegasteaks.com

Southern sides, fresh seafood, and more. Moe’s offers catering and signature bold BBQ and tartar sauces. 1101 N. Causeway Blvd., (504) 4073533, moesoriginalbbq.com

New Orleans Vampire Café delivers theatrical dining with dishes including “stake” and eggs and cocktails served by blood type including the “Type O-” mojito. Guests enjoy Trueblood wines, batshaped chocolates, and even leaf readings during their monthly high tea. 801 Royal St., (504) 5810801, nolavampirecafe.com

dishes including crab beignets. 634 Louisa St., (504) 945-0742, thecountryclubneworleans.com

Vacca Steakhouse blends old-school steakhouse vibes with modern touches. Known for weekly specials including Martini Monday and complimentary garlic steak bites at happy hour, it also offers Sunday brunch favorites and hosts private events from weddings to business presentations. 3524 Severn Ave., Metairie, (504) 318-3808, vaccasteakhouse.com

Vampire Apothecary, which opened in 2023, blends mysticism and dining through tarot readings, a full restaurant and bar, and occasional magic shows. Guests can enjoy high tea leaf reading sessions, complete with treats, and even get customized fangs made on-site.

Legacy Kitchen’s Craft Tavern serves American cuisine and craft beer in a chic industrial space. Known for its all-day beignets, it shares a restaurant group with Tacklebox and Steak + Chop and offers dishes such as crawfish cornbread. 700 Tchoupitoulas St. #3612, (504) 6132350, legacykitchen.com

Legacy Kitchen’s Steak + Chop specializes in prime cuts, including sirloin, ribeye, tomahawks, and filets, plus seafood and vegetarian options. With happy hour, game-day specials, and creative cocktails including the Saintsational, it’s a top destination for steak lovers. 91 Westbank Expy. #51, Gretna, (504) 513-2606, legacykitchen.com

Luke, in the Hilton New Orleans Hotel, offers dishes such as crispy pork schnitzel, moules frites, and a standout raw bar. Open since 2007 as a tribute to French and German brasseries, it serves brunch, lunch, and dinner with crafted cocktails. 333 St. Charles Ave., (504) 378-2840, lukeneworleans. com

Moe’s Original BBQ, created by three University of Alabama friends who started smoking meat in Colorado, serves Alabama-style barbecue,

NOLA Steak, inside Boomtown Casino, serves steaks, Louisiana BBQ shrimp, crawfish bread, and seasonal salads. Open for dinner Thursday through Saturday, with a jazz brunch buffet on Sundays, it also features Ladies Night with a DJ and creative specialty drinks. 4132 Peters Rd., Harvey, (855) 805-5596, boomtownneworleans.com

Sala NOLA offers shareable plates, specialty cocktails, and meals from breakfast to weekend brunch and steak night. Owned by Joseph Riccobono, an advocate for local small businesses, the restaurant serves favorites including bacon Brussels sprouts and bang bang shrimp. 124 Lake Marina Ave., (504) 513-2670, salanola.com

Spudly’s Super Spuds is famous for loaded baked potatoes that serve as full meals. Since opening in 1980, it has expanded from potatoes to soups, salads, sandwiches, and creative spuds including crab and shrimp, pizza, and fajita. 2609 Harvard Ave., Metairie, (504) 455-3250, spudlys.com

The Country Club has been a Bywater favorite for over 40 years, offering a serene pool and cabana lounge along with a Creole restaurant and bar. Known for its award-winning drag brunch, it serves

and nachos, the good times roll over there. 4801 Magazine St., (504) 897-3448, lbtrnola.com

Rivershack Tavern opened in 1990 in a building once used as a grocery, liquor store, and pharmacy. It offers live music on weekends, NOLA bar food, and even trades a free drink for guests who bring in a tacky ashtray. 3449 River Rd., Jefferson, (504) 8344938, rivershacktavern.com

The Channel on Magazine Street blends neighborhood charm with a full bar, seasonal crawfish, and game-day energy. With TVs everywhere and space for parties, it’s a go-to for wings, burgers, and big crowds on football Sundays. 2604 Magazine St., (504) 381-4680, thechannelneworleans.com

725 St. Peter St., (504) 7668179, vampireapothecary.com

Willie Mae’s NOLA, originally a Tremé bar from 1957, serves award-winning fried chicken recognized by the James Beard Foundation. The restaurant offers cocktails including Uncle Yam’s Old Fashioned, as well as gumbo, Creole fish, and weekend brunch. 898 Baronne St., (504) 3548194, williemaesnola.com

ASIAN

Aroma Indian Cuisine provides high quality and delicious Indian cuisine in both Uptown and Downtown. The restaurant has a BYOB policy, and its menu is filled to the brim with biryani rice dishes, Indo-Chinese plates, and amazing tandoori specials. Multiple Locations, aromanolaindiancuisine.com

Mantra Original Indian Cuisine showcases Punjabi flavors using hand-blended spices and fresh ingredients. The menu features tandoori specialties such as sheekh kabob alongside lamb and goat entrées, desserts such as carrot halwa, and much more.

3116 S. I-10 Service Rd. W. E., Metairie, (504) 3548349, mantraoriginalindiancuisine.com

Mikimoto Restaurant has served fresh, high-quality sushi on South Carrollton since 1999 and is New Orleans’ only drive-thru sushi spot. Offering dinein, to-go, and free catering delivery over $100, the menu features gyoza, tempura, specialty rolls, and various sake options. 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 488-1881, mikimotosushi.com

BARS WITH GREAT FOOD

JB’s Fuel Dock, located on Lake Pontchartrain, offers pizzas, calzones, sandwiches, and a full bar with waterfront patio seating. Built in the 1950s as a boat yard and fueling station, it was transformed into a restaurant and bar in 2018. 128 S. Roadway St., (504) 510-2260, jbsfueldock.com

Le Bon Temps Roule, housed in a 1890 building, became a 24-hour neighborhood bar in 1979 under musician Ned Hobgood. Known for great food, live music, and a full kitchen serving burgers

The Jimani, housed in a 200-year-old building, offers beer, Jello shots, and a stacked menu of poboys, pizza, and Chicago-style dogs. The building also carries deep history, once home to the UpStairs Lounge before the tragic 1973 fire. 141 Chartres St., (504) 524-0493, thejimani.com

CAFÉS

Café Amelie, set inside an 1836 townhouse and named after the American Princess of Monaco’s mother, serves brunch and dinner inspired by New Orleans’ French roots. njoy gumbo, chicken and waffles, and outdoor courtyard dining when the weather’s right. 900 Royal St., (504) 412-8065, cafeamelie.com

Kitchen Table Café is an Arabi staple that serves fresh, locally sourced American fare, along with live music and community events. Expect creative plates such as fruity brioche, smoked duck gumbo, and a killer pesto chicken cutlet sandwich. 7005 St. Claude Ave., (504) 301-2285, facebook.com/ kitchentablearabi

The Vintage Restaurant on Magazine Street mixes café, bakery, and wine bar vibes with beignets, small plates, and house-roasted coffee. Pre-Prohibition cocktails and playful bites such as alligator poppers make it a stylish all-day hangout. 3121 Magazine St., (504) 608-1008, thevintagenola.com

Willa Jean is a modern Southern bakery-restaurant known for its fried chicken biscuit, shrimp Creole, and nostalgic cookies + milk dessert. The bright, bustling spot also caters and hosts events, making it a must visit spot in the Warehouse District. 611 O’Keefe Ave., (504) 509-7334, willajean.com

CARIBBEAN

Jamaican Jerk House, with locations in NOLA and Metairie, serves authentic Jamaican favorites with creative twists such as oxtail tacos and jerk salmon pasta. Their signature jerk seasoning comes from a cherished family recipe, connecting Kingston to New Orleans. Multiple Locations, jamaicanjerkhouse.com

FRENCH

Restaurant August brings refined Creole cuisine to a historic CBD building, offering elevated dishes such as snapper Pontchartrain. With major national accolades and expert execution, it remains a flagship of New Orleans’ fine dining scene. 301 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 2999777, restaurantaugust.com

ITALIAN

Domenica, located in the Roosevelt New Orleans

Here to Support Your

KING CAKE DIET

hotel, delivers rustic Italian comfort with pizzas, pastas, and salumi. Led by Executive Chef Phillip Mariano, the restaurant honors traditional Sunday meals while offering soulful dishes made with care. 123 Baronne St., (504) 3366541, domenicarestaurant.com

Mosca’s Restaurant, a true Westwego institution, has kept its Creole Italian menu unchanged and rooted in family tradition since 1946. Expect family-style classics such as oysters Mosca and chicken cacciatore in a timeless, cozy setting. 4137 US-90 West, Westwego, (504) 4368950, moscasrestaurant.com

Pizza Domenica, with wood-fired ovens shipped from Italy, serves both classics and inventive pizza pies in lively, casual spaces in both Uptown and Lakeview. Happy hour deals and open kitchens make it perfect for laid-back gatherings. Multiple Locations, pizzadomenica.com

Venezia, a staple since 1957, offers hearty Italian classics and now operates in both Mid-City and Gretna over on the Westbank. It’s a longtime favorite for pizza, dishes including chicken marsala, and private parties with set menus. Multiple Locations, venezianeworleans.com

LATIN

34 Restaurant & Bar is an Emeril and E.J. Lagasse restaurant bringing Portuguese flavors to Baronne Street with dishes such as paella and blood sausage. Chef Chris dos Reis adds Michelin-level technique to this stylish brunch and dinner spot. 714 Baronne St., (504) 498-3434, 34restaurantandbar.com

Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria is a crowd favorite for customizable Mexican plates, fresh-squeezed margaritas, award-winning tacos, and so much more. With multiple locations and lively events, it’s always buzzing during regular business hours and during special holidays such as Mardi Gras. Multiple Locations, felipestaqueria.com

MIDDLE EASTERN

Lebanon’s Cafe has served authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in Carrollton for over two decades, serving up classics such as gyro plates and baba ganoush

This bring-your-ownwine gem is one of the best Middle Eastern spots in all NOLA. 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 8626200, lebanonscafe. com

Mona’s Cafe, located in Mid-City, offers hearty Middle Eastern dishes ranging from falafel to safeiha and other delicious classics. This hidden gem’s desserts keep regulars coming back, especially the nammura, which is semolina, almond, honey, and rosewater. 3901 Banks St., (504) 482-7743, monas-cafe.foodjoyy.com

Shaya blends Levantine tradition with Southern influence, offering wood-fired pita, vibrant vegetarian-friendly dishes, and amazing meat dishes such as slow-cooked lamb shank. The restaurant’s contemporary menu spans North Africa, Greece, Turkey, and the Middle East. 4213 Magazine St., (504) 943-7231, shayarestaurant.com

NEW ORLEANS CUISINE

3rd Block Depot, located in the Hotel de la Poste, serves creative Creole and Cajun dishes in a historic space. When you visit, expect to see crawfish omelets, hushpuppies, and cocktails inspired by Louisiana flavors. 316 Chartres St., (504) 5524095, 3rdblockdepot.com

Crescent City Brewhouse, which is the French Quarter’s first and only microbrewery,

pairs daily live jazz with scratch-made Louisiana dishes. Set in a building dating to 1722, it brews delicious, Old World-style beers in-house for customers. 527 Decatur St., (504) 5220571, crescentcitybrewhouse.com

Jack Dempsey’s Restaurant is a beloved family-owned restaurant located in the Bywater neighborhood. Their menu contains family recipes that locals love including their po-boys and fresh fried Gulf seafood plates. 738 Poland Ave., (504) 943-9914, jackdempseys.net

Lakeview Harbor is a beloved neighborhood spot known for its thick burgers, massive baked potatoes, and fun Lakeview bar vibes. Their catering menu includes many different kinds of local favorites including crawfish and mini muffulettas. 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., (504) 4864887, lakeviewharbor.us

Loretta’s Authentic Pralines, founded by a trailblazing African American praline-maker, serves classic and creative pralines from its French Market and Rampart Street locations. Beyond sweets, they’re known for savory and specialty beignets, as well. Multiple Locations, lorettaspralines.com

Lyons Corner, situated in a former 1800s apothecary, offers contemporary American and NOLA dishes in a chic, casual setting. Menu favorites include bang bang oysters and an espresso bar serving fresh coffee and tea daily. 537 Gravier St., (504) 527-0006, lyonscornernola.com

Mandina’s Restaurant has been a New Orleans institution since 1932 and evolved from a Sicilian

family’s 1898 grocery store into today’s beloved Creole-Italian restaurant. Still family operated, it’s known for po-boys, pastas, and other comforting New Orleans classics. 3800 Canal St., (504) 4829179, mandinasrestaurant.com

Melba’s was born after Hurricane Katrina and became a 24-hour community hub serving hearty plates including BBQ ribs, po-boys, and breakfast. With an attached laundromat at its Elysian Fields location and a literacy program, it remains a true neighborhood staple. Multiple Locations, melbas.com

Meril, a Chef Emeril Lagasse restaurant, blends global inspiration with a casual, open-kitchen atmosphere and is named for his daughter. The menu ranges from shareable international dishes to a lively weekend brunch with bottomless mimosas. 424 Girod St., (504) 526-3745, bemeril.com

Mother’s Restaurant, open since 1938, is famous for feeding Marines during WWII and has been serving generations of locals and visitors ever since. They’re known for their all-day breakfast, baked ham, seafood platters, and classic New Orleans po-boys. 401 Poydras St., (504) 5239656, mothersrestaurant.net

Neyow’s XL, next door to its sister restaurant Neyow’s Creole Café, elevates the experience with premium steaks, seafood, and a curated wine list. Its elegant interior and signature XL cocktails make it ideal for special occasions and private events. 3336 Bienville St., (504) 503-1081, xl.neyows.com

Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro, located in an 1809 building, pairs an extensive global wine list with upscale dishes such as scallops. Owned by the creators of Tropical Isle, it blends historic charm with a refined bistro feel. 720 Orleans Ave., (504) 5231930, orleansgrapevine.com

Short Stop Poboys is a former grocery turned po-boy powerhouse. It has been family-run since the start, and they’re celebrated for their gravysoaked roast beef po-boy, along with seafood favorites such as shrimp and softshell crab po-boys. 119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie, (504) 8854572, shortstoppoboysno.com

SEAFOOD

Briquette is set in a historic, former molasses refinery. It specializes in fresh Gulf seafood prepared over red-hot briquettes. Owned by the Tusa family, the contemporary restaurant highlights local ingredients in a sleek Warehouse District setting. 701 S. Peters St., (504) 5476330, briquette-nola.com

New Orleans Creole Cookery is set in a historic, allegedly haunted, French Quarter building. It offers traditional Creole dishes and a charming outdoor patio, and the restaurant earned an OpenTable Diners’ Choice award in 2023. 510 Toulouse St., (504) 524-9632, neworleanscreolecookery.com

Neyow’s Creole Café, founded in 2009, brings homemade-feeling Creole favorites inspired by family “to-go plates” after Hurricane Katrina. The menu shines with stuffed crab, gumbo, BBQ shrimp, and chargrilled oysters, and it also offers extensive catering options. 3332 Bienville St., (504) 8275474, neyows.com

Delacroix Restaurant honors the fishing culture of St. Bernard Parish with refined takes on camp-style dishes. The menu features turtle sauce piquante , wild boar cavatelli , and an impressive raw bar with Gulf oysters and stone crab. 1 Poydras St. Spec. 1005, (504) 6559002,  delacroixrestaurant. com

Drago’s Seafood

Restaurant , founded by Croatian immigrant Drago Cvitanovich, is best known for creating the iconic chargrilled oyster dish now served across New Orleans. Run by his son Tommy, the restaurant also offers Maine lobster, filet mignon, and seafood pasta. Multiple Locations,  dragosrestaurant. com

Legacy Kitchen’s Tacklebox highlights quality seafood with dishes including softshell crab BLTs, lobster rangoons, and fried seafood platters. It serves brunch until 2 p.m., featuring options such as a breakfast burger, Bananas Foster waffle, and NOLA-style grits bowls. 817 Common St., (504) 827-1651, legacykitchen.com

The Galley Seafood began as a popular 1976 Jazz Fest food stand known for its fried soft-shell poboy. The family opened a brick-and-mortar in 1991, continuing traditions with dishes including fried artichoke hearts and crawfish Monica with fried catfish. 2535 Metairie Rd., Metairie, (504) 832-0955

&

CANDLELIGHT VELVET SHADOWS

Moody Bars To Be Romantic on Valentine’s Day in New Orleans

// ARIELLE GONZALES

Ditch the prix fixe menus and rose petals this Valentine’s Day. We’re going moody and dark.

Step into spaces where candlelight whispers, shadows linger, and mystery hangs in the air. These are the seductive sanctuaries of New Orleans romance: velvet-lined bars built for privacy, intimacy, and slowburning charm. For those who crave mood over menu and drinks over dinner, each neighborhood offers its own refuge across the city. Every true Valentine’s hideaway shares the same DNA: cocktail-focused, no food, low-lit, and designed for intimacy and allure.

Of course, some neighborhoods may not have venues that fit this strict profile, and their absence only underscores just how rare and precious such sanctuaries are.

PEYCHAUD’S (The Celestine): 727 Toulouse St., French Quarter

Amber light glows across apothecary bottles, and every drink feels like a spell cast in the Quarter’s timeless shadows. Peychaud’s is a pure potion and an atmospheric bar where romance is distilled into glass and mystery lingers long after the last sip. With no food to break the spell, the focus is entirely on cocktails such as the Vieux Carré and the Ramos Gin Fizz, each one a carefully measured elixir that feels like part of New Orleans’ long tradition of seduction. In the low-lit atmosphere, every whispered conversation feels private, as if the walls themselves are keeping secrets. Lovers on this special day can escape clichés to a place where intimacy thrives under an amber glow and to a slow burn of shared drinks in silence in the shadow of the French Quarter.

NIGHTBLOOM: 3100 St. Claude Ave., Marigny/Bywater

NightBloom is a sanctuary in which darkness flowers into candlelight and mystery. Its interiors are hushed and deliberate, fashioned for intimacy rather than spectacle. Drinks alone are the offering there, a choice which heightens allure: each cocktail unfolding like petals in the quiet of a Bywater night. There, silence and shadow invite surrender to the kind of conversation that thrives in low light. There are no distractions—no food to break the spell, only the velvet pull of cocktails such as Abuella Danger and the promise of a night that feels endless. NightBloom is less about grandeur than atmosphere, but it’s a moody refuge for people who prize mystery over cliché, where romance lingers in every flicker of flame and every sip of glass.

HOT TIN (The Pontchartrain Hotel): 2031 St. Charles Ave., Uptown

Perched atop the Pontchartrain Hotel, Hot Tin offers sweeping views by day. At night, however, it’s a different story altogether. A dimlight refuge in the dark with a jazz whispering in the background creates a sultry ambiance for the perfect night for romantics while looking at a great view of the Big Easy. Cocktails such as the Sugarecane Old Fashioned and Frozen Hurricane serve as companions to hushed conversations that rise above the city’s pulse. Moody and romantic, it’s a place where the skyline becomes backdrop rather than focus, where the real seduction happens in the shadows. Hot Tin is the answer to romance in style for a quiet audience who crave peace.

RICE VICE: PART TWO: 143 Delaronde St., Algiers

Across the river, a special gem glows like a secret kept in Algiers Point. Stylish yet shadowed, it is a drink-only bar where Asian-style cocktails are the centerpiece and atmosphere is the allure. There is a dimlight, living room vibe, proving that romance thrives even off the beaten path. The space feels like a secret Westbank hideaway where the night itself becomes velvet. This hidden gem offers seduction in shadows, a reminder that New Orleans romance is not confined to just the city’s center. Couples, singles, and friends alike can find allure there with drinks such as the Kaikan Fizz and Togarashi Margarita.

THE DOUBLE DEALER (Orpheum Theater): 129 Roosevelt Way, CBD/Warehouse

Underneath the Orpheum Theater lies a speakeasy that offers a vaudeville-era aesthetic. It is a near mythological presence: a rumor in the darkness. Romantics can take a seat at the bar, booths with hidden private curtains, or near a live band to embrace the closeness of community. You can order two French 75s or their other craft cocktails to set the mood, as if the flickering glow of candlelight tempers every situation. This moody atmosphere pours significance into every discussion, a reminder that New Orleanian love will always be found where the light doesn’t shine and in the hidden gems of this spectacular city. This hidden bar is perfect for strangers turning into lovers, or lovers turning into something else, and the evening becomes a shared secret and a collective experience for those with the know-how to uncover it.

THE BURGUNDY BAR (The Saint Hotel): 931 Canal St., French Quarter

Inside the Saint Hotel sits a sensual bar of velvet shadows and slow-burn erotica glamour bathed in deep red light. The Burgundy Bar is a place where even the drinks seem like invitations to decadence, especially the cocktails themed after the seven deadly sins. Live music, low and sultry, wraps around the space without overwhelming it, creating an atmosphere that’s both intimate and indulgent, ideal for those who live for sensual and erotic content under velvet sexy styles. Plush seating and dim corners encourage lingering, while the bar’s polished elegance keeps the night intentional. It is romantic without the cliché, for those who like their nights with a touch of intrigue. One comes alone and leaves having found company or brings a special plus one, proving that allure thrives wherever mood lighting meets conversation.

Be Kind & Unwind

// EMILY HINGLE

New Orleans’ Service Industry Bars

When it’s time to head out, having a post-shift wind down ritual helps them to shake off the rigors of work so it doesn’t follow them home.

Some New Orleans bars that are open to all are highly cherished by service industry workers. These bars are open late nights and into the early morning hours, ready to take in the worn-out worker whenever their shift ends and have a cold drink and hot food waiting for them.

The late Igor Margan knew what it took to cater to the hotel workers, restaurant staff, and bartenders who needed a place to unwind after a shift. He opened several notable 24-hour bars and grills, complete with washing machines, including Igor’s Check Point Charlie on Esplanade Avenue, Igor’s Buddha Belly on Magazine Street, and Igor’s Lounge & Game Room on St. Charles

Our hospitality industry workers and service industry workers don’t have it easy. They are often on their feet for long shifts, interacting with the public, and ensuring that everyone around them is having a good time.

Avenue, open since 1974.

Any time you enter the red light-drenched Igor’s Lounge, you’ll notice a few people enjoying a shot and a beer before heading off to work or just getting off. Bartender and Manager Emily Beck has catered to her service industry peers there for 14 years. “I get here at 10 a.m., so I’ll get people coming in that are just getting off from work that will come in and it’s their 5 o’clock. They’ll come and they’ll have their chill out drinks, then they’ll go home and go to bed at 11 a.m. or noon. That’s just their schedule.”

Though habits of the patrons have somewhat changed since the pandemic due to a decrease in Warehouse District/CBD office activity, regulars come in from all walks of life to have a friendly chat and maybe some of Igor’s famous food. Beck said, “As a

bartender, what you’re doing all day is talking to people, trying to make them feel comfortable, make them feel welcome. I need at least 20 minutes to stare at my phone and not think. I feel like a lot of service industry workers are like that, we just need a minute after hosting for eight hours—a decompress point, you could call it.”

The French Quarter has always been the hub of revelrous activity, which requires a lot of high-energy staffers. Pounding music, demanding customers, and busy lunch and dinner rushes can take a huge toll on someone day after day. The Jimani, on the corner of Chartres and Iberville, immediately became a service industry spot when it opened in 1971. “We opened six months before the Marriott Hotel was finished. That being said, that’s where the service industry bar came into effect, because when my dad was building the place, they were building the Marriott. He’d go across the street and say, ‘If you need cold beer today, I need someone to help [fix something at this new bar]. So that’s how it started,” Jimmy Massacci remembered.

Massacci began tending bar for his parents there at the age of 15, and the family knew that they would always have loyal customers if they catered specifically to the needs of the area’s workers. He continued, “The service industry [is made up of] average, everyday American kids. My dad and mom decided we’re going to make it like their living room. So when they get out of work, they can come in here and relax and not have to worry about all the stuff you have to deal with when you’re working. You need to vent somewhere because maybe you’ve had a

long eight-hour, 10-hour shift. What we do isn’t easy all the time.”

This work can be even more taxing during large-scale events such as Carnival season. The bars that typically provide respite become raucous due to their locations, quick food, and service industry-friendly prices. “There is no wind down during Mardi Gras—not for me,” Beck said matter-of-factly about her bar on the parade route. “I’m either behind the bar or in the back cooking burgers. I guess I go out into the alley and escape humans for a minute.”

An earlier Mardi Gras can mean a totally different experience, however. Massacci explained, “The later the Mardi Gras, the more spring break kids. The people who come to the earlier Mardi Gras have a little bit more money and don’t want a billion people in the streets.”

The tide of customers also ebbs and flows according to wins and losses of beloved sports teams. “People don’t realize the potential effect that sports teams have on the service industry person. If the Saints are winning, LSU’s winning, it’s a good weekend. If they lose, everyone goes home quickly. You can tell how the city goes up and down with that,” Massacci said.

From the Alibi, Three Legged Dog, and the Jimani in the French Quarter to Verret’s, 45 Tchoup, and Igor’s Lounge Uptown, service industry bars are needed refuges for our hard-working hospitality industry employees who keep the good times rolling. Massacci concluded, “There’s 3,300 liquor licenses in New Orleans. You can stop anywhere to get a drink. When someone comes to a service industry bar, a late night dive bar like Jimani, there’s a purpose. We are the reason why they’re supposed to have a better time when they leave.”

We’ll Drink to That!

Vegan Wine

Valentine’s Day has many associated props, tools, or accessories that help to create an atmosphere of amor: heartshaped box of chocolates, scattered rose petals, candlelight, and soft music. All of them suggest a romantic occasion and, along with them, a pair of wine glasses next to a bottle that’s been opened and left to breathe.

Wine is a symbol of romantic love, but, of course, not for young lovers who are not yet 21 years of age or those living sober. Surprisingly, it can also exclude animal lovers if they prefer not to consume their byproducts.

People with plant-based diets can celebrate Valentine’s Day, too, with vegan wine. When many people hear the phrase “vegan wine” for the first time, they might think it a redundancy in terms. After all, wine is nothing but fermented grapes or perhaps some other type of fruit. Actually, wine often contains additives, some of them surprising and, for vegans, quite unwelcome.

In addition to affecting flavor, one of the most common reasons for introducing foreign substances to wine is to aid in fining, the process of clarifying wine. Egg whites have been used to remove excess phenolic compounds, such as tannins. Isinglass, a derivative of fish bladders, is another common fining agent. Winemakers are not required to disclose the use of

practices of fining.

Although the term ‘vegan’ and especially ‘vegan wine’ was not common for the majority of my career, it’s always been my priority to ensure we have options for every person and every palate. And as I mentioned previously, I’d say a large portion of our wines never see an animal product. But it was never before requested, so we never knew to look out for them. Now that more people are asking, we’re doing our best to catalogue those that claim such.”

National retail chain Total Wine & More carries a substantial assortment of wines that are described variously as “vegan,” “vegan-friendly,” “suitable for vegans,” or “100% vegan.” The descriptions are sometimes found on the bottle’s label, sometimes on a shelf tag, and sometimes only found on the company’s website on the page for that particular product.

Owen Sorobey, assistant manager of the Total Wine store in Metairie, said that the location had a dedicated section for vegan wines when it opened in 2020 but that “it wasn’t super popular.” Some wines did sell well enough when shelved with non-vegan wines and they continue to do so. Vegan status does not appear to be a factor in determining cost. Price-wise, the vegan, or vegan-friendly, wines were comparable to the other wines in their respective categories, as far as Sorobey has observed.

In addition to animal-sourced additives in wine, wine is also not considered vegan if animal manure is used in the growing process. What bearing, if any, this has on vegan labeling can also vary depending, once again, on the country of origin. Unlike organic foods and the growing methods that produce them, the U.S. has no federally mandated standards that must be observed for vegan foods.

additives, so it is best not to assume wine is vegan if it is not labeled as such. Vegan substances can also be used in fining such as carbon, bentonite clay, limestone, kaolin clay, plant casein, silica gel, vegetable plaques, pea protein, and simple potatoes.

John Keife of Keife and Company, a one-stop shop for wine, spirits, specialty foods, and more, has been in the wine business for over 25 years. The veteran sommelier offered some perspective on the issue of animal byproducts being introduced to wine during fining:

“There are likely many wine producers who do not use animal products in the vinification process. But they simply don’t disclose what they use for fining, if they fine the wine at all. It’s probably less about subterfuge and more likely a lack of awareness that some people care and want to know. Unfortunately, though, we don’t have too much information from most of the producers we carry about their

There is no government regulation of the labeling of wine as vegan, just as there is none of food and other beverages labeled vegan. Labeling is left entirely to the producers’ discretion and determined by that producer’s understanding of what constitutes vegan and their intention in that regard. Consumers must try to navigate this landscape and push for better, more stringent labeling.

As for the appeal of vegan wines, it provides an obvious benefit for traditionalists. Quinn Cooney, wine supervisor at Total Wine, offered his view on vegan wine by noting, “It’s as traditional as wine can be.”

Wine offers romance, unique appeal, and a compliment to cuisine that no one needs to forego due to the presence of unnecessary adulteration, and the Crescent City is an environment where it is particularly appreciated. Hearts and flowers may be all well and good, but a nice red goes a lot farther towards helping The City That Care Forgot to achieve that nickname.

“I can attest to the fact that New Orleans is a wine city,” said Keife, who’s originally from South Louisiana. Keife and Company opened its doors just off Tivoli Circle in 2012. “While I’d say folks here in general are rather nonpartisan when it comes to alcoholic beverages, we definitely drink a lot of wine, especially with food. Perhaps it’s due to our Western European roots or our obsession with food. Maybe it’s our climate or lifestyle.”

BAMBOULA'S

516 Frenchmen St. (504) 451-7306

BOOT SCOOTIN’ RODEO

522 Bourbon St. (504) 552-2510

BOURBON STREET HONKY TONK 727 Bourbon St. (504) 523-1960

HEADQUARTERS BY NICE GUYS

445 S. Rampart St. (504) 217-6851

HOT TIN

2031 St. Charles Ave. (504) 323-1500

JB'S FUEL DOCK

128 S. Roadway St. (504) 510-2260

LE BON TEMPS ROULE 4801 Magazine St. (504) 897-3448

LOTS A LUCK TAVERN

203 Homedale St. (504) 483-0978

MARTINE'S LOUNGE

2347 Metairie Rd., Metairie (504) 831-8637

MÉLANGE ON FRENCHMEN

516 Frenchmen St. (504) 451-7306

PAL'S LOUNGE

949 N. Rendon St. (504) 488-7257

PARASOL'S BAR & RESTAURANT

2533 Constance St. (504) 354-9079

RICK'S CABARET

315 Bourbon St. (504) 524-4222

RIVERSHACK TAVERN

3449 River Rd. (504) 834-4938

SADDLE BAR

715 Bienville St. (504) 313-1113

SAZERAC HOUSE

101 Magazine St. (504) 910-0100

THE BOONDOCK SAINT

731 St. Peter St. (504) 525-4950

THE CHANNEL

2604 Magazine St. (504) 381-4680

THE JAZZ PLAYHOUSE

300 Bourbon St. (504) 553-2299

THE METROPOLITAN

310 Andrew Higgins Blvd. (504) 568-1702

THE ORIGINAL NITE CAP

1300 St. Bernard Ave. (504) 224-2854

THE VINTAGE 3121 Magazine St. (504) 324-7144

TROPICAL ISLE

Multiple Locations (504) 523-1927

VINTAGE ROCK CLUB

1007 Poydras St. (504) 308-1305

Providing live music every day, Bamboula's is the perfect place on Frenchmen Street. Try their Oyster Shooter with one raw oyster, vodka, and spicy Bloody Mary Mix.

Boot Scootin' is a lively country bar offering line dancing, a mechanical bull, and games. Enjoy a full bar with beers and specialty drinks for a fun-filled Southern night.

Bourbon Street Honky Tonk blends blues and country vibes. It offers signature cocktails including the Hand Grenade and Pirate’s Passion, plus some of the best live performances in the Quarter.

Headquarters by Nice Guys Nola is a laid-back bar and event space. Headquarters offers an extensive menu of cocktails, beers, and wines—perfect for any occasion.

Hot Tin, perched atop the Pontchartrain Hotel, offers chic ambiance, creative cocktails—such as the Sugarcane Old Fashioned—and sweeping city views, where timeless elegance meets modern mixology.

JB's Fuel Dock overlooks Lake Pontchartrain and is a former fuel dock turned waterfront bar, offering cocktails, beers, seltzers, and wines. It’s an inviting spot to enjoy stunning lakeside views.

Le Bon Temps Roule has been a staple since 1979. This 24-hour bar features live music, signature cocktails, and more. It’s perfect for late-night drinks or a game of pool.

Lots a Luck Tavern is a hidden dive bar gem near City Park featuring a backyard courtyard and games. With affordable drinks and a lively crowd, it’s a must-visit.

Martine's Lounge is a true Old Metairie gem, boasting a laid-back charm that welcomes both regulars and newcomers alike with low prices, a new pool table, and friendly vibes.

Mélange sets itself apart by being a cool bar that is completely alcohol free. The spot above Bamboula’s offers NA alternatives, THC beverages, and more.

Pal's Lounge is open daily and offers a relaxed NOLA-style atmosphere with heavy pours, classic games, and occasional food trucks—perfect for a nightcap or pregame drink.

Parasol's is famous for its po-boys and is a beloved neighborhood dive bar offering diverse beers and cocktails. Try their Frozen Irish Coffee and homemade onion rings.

Rick's Cabaret offers a full wine and beer selection, plus VIP cocktails including Mile High Gin and Unrigged Tequila, making it the ideal place for bachelor or bachelorette celebrations.

The CBD's newest rooftop perch is a chic pool bar. Elevate your New Orleans experience with a dip or indulge in small plates and seasonal handcrafted cocktails while taking in the panorama of city views.

Saddle Bar is a country-themed bar in the Quarter featuring two floors of cocktails and throwback shots, perfect for riding the mechanical rooster or showing off your line-dancing skills.

Sazerac House is a historic museum that offers insight into the traditions and culture of the Sazerac cocktail. After wandering through their distillery, make sure to grab a classic Sazerac.

The Boondock Saint is a cozy Irish-style pub that offers a wide selection of draft beers and an old-school jukebox, making it perfect for a relaxed and authentic NOLA experience.

This Irish Channel gem serves perfectly poured Guinness and excellent bar food. A favorite hangout for locals, don’t miss The Channel’s lively St. Patrick’s Day block party celebration.

The Jazz Playhouse is one of the city’s top jazz clubs. This hotspot in the Royal Sonesta offers jazz-inspired cocktails, flavorful entrées, and a rotating lineup of world-class artists.

The Metropolitan is a two-story club with multiple full bars, VIP bottle service, and trendy DJ sets. They offer a calendar of events, so visit their website to see upcoming performances.

The Original Nite Cap is a Seventh Ward entertainment bar featuring live music and burlesque. Sip unique cocktails such as the Mora Nera or Bel Signore.

The Vintage, located on Magazine Street, serves coffee, beignets, wines, and bubbles, as well as coffee cocktails, local beers, and pre-Prohibition classics—perfect for daytime treats or evening indulgences.

Tropical Isle is famous for its iconic Hand Grenade and lively French Quarter bar atmosphere. They serve frozen and classic cocktails, making it the perfect starting point for exploring New Orleans.

Vintage Rock Club offers nostalgic fun and is NOLA’s only immersive concert experience, featuring DJ-curated rock hits. Check out their social media for themed nights and dress to impress.

FRIDAY 7-10PM SATURDAY 8-11PM

LENT FLICKS

Catholic Films of Crescent City Faith

// JEFF BOUDREAUX

Here we are once again about to enter that joyous, yet repentant, season of Lent, where sacrifice and spiritual reflection abound and where we can fill our hearts and minds with reminders of our faith.

For the movie lovers among us, there are a number of films that focus on the Catholic faithful—men and women called by God for a greater purpose. Some of these courageous tales even tie into one of Catholicism’s greatest per capita American cities—New Orleans, Louisiana. From the French Quarter to New Orleans East, as well as Antebellum Louisiana to the present day, here are five films to check out while you are fasting. You just might want to hold the popcorn and soda.

PASSING GLORY (1999)

In the mood for a feel-good sports drama?

This made for TNT original film tells of the true story of Father Joseph Verrett (Andre Braugher), a Black history teacher who is persuaded by parish leader Father Grant (Rip Torn) into coaching the Saint Augustine Purple Knights in civil rights-era New Orleans. As he instills within them the true meaning of teamwork, will he be able to deliver on his promise for them to play against the all-white Jesuit High School Blue Jays? It may be quite the uphill battle as local sportswriter Chick Viola (a Black man passing for white) refuses to even cover St. Aug in his newspaper. With only one shot at glory, Verrett and his team must devise a plan to prove they are even better than their white rivals. From director Steve James (Hoop Dreams, Life Itself), as well as co-starring Bill Nunn (Do the Right Thing) and screen legend Ruby Dee, watch this inspiring story for a small rental fee on Prime Video.

together to build a new church where Blacks and whites can worship together evokes shades of the 1963 classic Lilies of the Field, which this writer highly recommends. This biographical period piece is available to stream for free on Prime Video.

MARY, QUEEN OF VIETNAM (2021)

In 1975, the country of South Vietnam ceased to exist. Over 1 million refugees from the bloody conflict between North and South Vietnam made their way to the United States of America. To place this journey into perspective, nearly 200,000 individuals escaping the communist rule of North Vietnam ended up drowning in the ocean. More than a few families who did survive settled into New Orleans East, where they built their lives to reflect their culture and their faith in the Catholic Church. This documentary delves into the preparation of the Vietnamese community’s annual Tết Festival, which is blessed each year by the Archbishop of New Orleans. Narrated by local journalist Thanh Truong, this film is available to stream for free on the PBS app.

CREATED EQUAL (2017)

One of the greatest tenets of life is the fact that all men are created equal, as in mankind, but that also includes women, right? Not so fast. What about a devout Catholic nun who works with children? Why can’t she fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a Roman Catholic priest? This film seeks to answer these questions and more. As we all know, our country touts the separation between its government and its places of worship, so should antidiscrimination laws uphold a woman’s right to apply for what has historically been a man’s job?

Sister Alejandra Batista (Edy Ganem) sees no other alternative but to sue the Archdiocese of New Orleans. The young hotshot attorney (Aaron Tveit) in charge of her case undergoes pressure from the church and his own firm but must ultimately decide what side of history he wants to be on. The film does contain cheesy lines such as, “Your father never recovered from Vatican II. Actually, he never recovered from Irish whiskey,” and “I hear you’re allergic to the inside of a courtroom.” Movie buffs will immediately recognize screen icon Lou Diamond Phillips as the archdiocese’s staunch monsignor litigator. From actor/director Bill Duke (Deep Impact, Hoodlum), you can stream this courtroom drama for free on Tubi.

CABRINI (2024)

THE COURAGE TO LOVE (2000)

Biracial Creole woman Henriette Delille (Vanessa Williams) must choose between life as a kept woman, not unlike her mother Pouponne (Diahann Carroll), or a nagging desire to care for the sick and desperate in pre-Civil War New Orleans. Situations blur when she meets and falls in love with Dr. Gerard Gautier (Gil Bellows). However, she just can’t turn off the echoes of a higher calling—one that would culminate in the beginning of an order of African American nuns known as the Sisters of the Holy Family and becoming Catholicism’s first Black female saint. Stacy Keach co-stars as Henriette’s mostly absent father. The scenes of the community coming

At a time when immigration enforcement is dominating the news headlines, we harken back to a time when our country was enriched by immigration, and assimilation, by diligent people from cultures around the world. In 1889, sister Francesca Xavier Cabrini petitioned Pope Leo XIII (Italian film legend Giancarlo Giannini) to send her to China as part of the first order of women missionaries. His holiness had a different idea—that of having this extremely determined woman care for the orphan children in New York City. As she begins her ministerial work, the future saint must ward off attacks from both the city’s archbishop (David Morse) and its mayor (John Lithgow). With help from former prostitute Vittoria, terminally ill Cabrini (Christiana Dell‘Anna) has to finish God’s work with the sick and needy children before she can even begin to think about meeting her maker. She would proceed to set up missions around the world, including New Orleans, of which this community is forever grateful. Rent this film wherever streaming rights are sold or as a member of the Angel Studios guild.

e most popular question asked of our deputies during Mardi Gras season is “When is the parade going to get here?”

e Jeffers on Par ish Sher iff ’ s Office re cognizes that Mardi Gras is a great celebration enjoyed by all. We want everyone to have a good time and, most importantly, to be safe Jefferson Parish has a histor y of successful Mardi Gras celebrations Please follow these common sense rules and you too will help this year ’ s Mardi

G r a s b e a v e r y e n j o y a b l e a n d s a f e

c e l e b ra t i o n . A n d re m e m b e r, a l w ay s watch out for our children!

P l e a s e s t a n d b e h i n d t h e barricades while the parade is passing, and keep in mind to not cross the roadway between members of any marching group. It is also ver y dangerous to run between floats and vehicles while the parade is in progress.

Families who want to bring ladders for the kids may cer tainly do so; however, ladders cannot be placed in the street or in an intersection All ladders must be placed behind the curb e ladder must be one foot back behind the curb for ever y foot it is tall. For example, a six-foot ladder must be six feet back behind the curb while a three foot ladder must be three feet back behind the curb. Also, ladders cannot be tied together.

No glass containers of any type are permitted within fifty (50) feet of any parade route. As broken glass can pose a serious safety hazard, this ordinance will be strictly enforced.

Please do not park in anyone ’ s driveway or park in a way that impedes the flow of traffic. Also, you must obey the no parking signs along the parade routes. Violators will be ticketed and towed at the owner ’ s expense.

Mardi Gras floats are great to watch, but they can be ver y dangerous if you get too close, especially when they are moving To prevent injuries, we do not permit riders to toss throws upon entering the disbanding areas For y o u r ow n s a f e t y , p l e a s e

d e disbanding areas.

Ambulances, first aid stations, and lost children stations are located along all parade routes for the betterment of all parade goers.

P l e a s e r e m e m b e r t o p r o v i d e a nametag with name and contact information for small children in the event you and your child become separated along the parade route.

e Jefferson Par ish Sher iff ’ s Office and our 1,400 employees are avid supporters of Mardi Gras In consideration of the additional responsibilities placed upon our officers during this time, please obey an officer ’ s order to stop any disruptive behavior.

We hope you enjoy Mardi Gras in Jefferson Parish. e men and women of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff ’ s Office will do all they can to ensure that your Mardi Gras is a safe and pleasant one. Have a great time!

Sheriff Jos eph L opinto

Jefferson Parish

// DAVID VICARI + FRITZ ESKER

Dead Man’s Wire

Director

Gus Van Sant’s new film Dead Man’s Wire focuses on a bizarre piece of true crime history. In 1977 in Indianapolis, Tony (Bill Skarsgård) is mad about a mortgage company’s underhanded tactics denying him a potentially valuable business opportunity. His plan is to kidnap the company’s owner M.L. Hall (Al Pacino), but M.L. is out of town, so, instead, he kidnaps Richard (Dacre Montgomery), the business’ vice president and the owner’s son. The movie’s title comes from the contraption attached to a shotgun that Tony straps around Richard’s neck where if anything happens to Tony, or if Richard tries to run—Richard’s head will get blown off.

there is genuine tension in the final act as to what will happen between the characters; however, the film’s first and third acts are its strongest. Once Tony takes Richard to Tony’s apartment, and he barricades the two of them inside, the story drags a bit and bogs down. The movie also suffers from a strange accent choice by Cary Elwes, who plays a cop trying to negotiate with Tony.

Van Sant (Good Will Hunting, Milk) does a good job with the ‘70s atmosphere, and he also gets a top-notch performance from Colman Domingo as a radio DJ who Tony calls to get his message out to the public. The fact that the true story the film is based on is forgotten or unknown by most means

Dead Man’s Wire, with its ‘70s setting and emphasis on the media circus accompanying a hostage situation, calls to mind Dog Day Afternoon, including the presence of Pacino in both films, but it never quite reaches the heights of Sidney Lumet’s 1975 classic. —Fritz Esker

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

The postapocalyptic horror movie 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is the second part of the trilogy. This trilogy, in turn, is the follow-up to 28 (2002) and 28 (2007), so The Bone Temple is the fourth installment in the series.

have been written by Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Civil War), and his screenplay for The Bone Temple is smart and expands on ideas from the previous installments.

Sir Lord Jimmy is a great movie villain as he is sinister yet often darkly comedic. O’Connell’s scenes with Fiennes are the best moments in the movie. It’s fascinating watching the two actors as these two characters in their attempts to outsmart each other.

It’s a good idea to have seen the previous film from 2025 to really follow what is going on here. Spike (Alfie Williams) is a 12-year-old surviving through the Rage virus that turns a person into a rabid killer and is captured by the Fingers gang, led by the charismatic Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell). Jimmy has his gang mirror his look— dressing them in blond wigs and tracksuits—and he names them all Jimmy. Meanwhile, Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes), the creator and custodian of the Bone Temple, a memorial to those lost to the Rage outbreak, tries communicating with an infected Alpha (Chi Lewis-Parry) he names Samson.

Danny Boyle (Shallow Grave, Trainspotting) 28 Days Later and the 2025 film, but he has turned the directing reins here over to Nia DeCosta (Little Woods, The Marvels). All the 28 films

This movie, though, is not for the faint of heart—not because of some effective jump scares but because of some truly disturbing scenes, such as when Jimmy and his gang torture and murder a family in a barn. DeCosta, however, knows when to cut away as not to make the sequence so upsetting that it would take viewers out of the movie. Still, this is an incredibly violent movie. —David Vicari

738 Poland Ave. Bywater 504-943-9914

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// DEBBIE LINDSEY

Happy Birthday, Mike

ike and I were easily amused and entertained. We’ve been friends since high school. And while there are few things I miss from my hometown of Mobile, I dearly miss Mike and the crazy, goofy things we did to pass a good time. I escaped, and he stayed. Mobile needs folks like him. We were an inventive and imaginative force of entertainment—if only for the two of us. Thursday nights, we shared dinner, cheap wine, and a bowl of his homemade banana pudding. Our feast was picnic-style on my bed as my television was in the bedroom. We wore matching thrift store auto-parts work shirts with the name Willy embroidered above the pocket, which held our pocket protectors for ballpoint pens. Why? I have not the foggiest. It seemed like a good idea for Thursday nights.

The highlight of our Thursday, other than foot-long BLTs on French bread and our chicnerd attire (we were nerds before nerds were cool), was Cheers, “where everyone knows your name.” Please don’t tell me you have to Google this to know what I am talkin’ about.

Not all our TV nights were comprised of just us. When M.A.S.H. announced its final episode, we planned a viewing party. Mike’s nickname is Radar and for good reason. He really looks like the actor who portrayed the show’s beloved Corporal “Radar” O’Reilly. So, of course, he was in full army greens. My apartment was filling up with friends, casseroles, and libations. The TV was tuned to CBS, and then the power went out.

We had 30 minutes until air time. My boyfriend checked with his neighbors and the power was on there, but there was no television or furniture. It was a newly renovated house. So, in the spirit of M.A.S.H ., we conducted a quick “bug-out.” Everyone helped transport my TV, the food, plates, and utensils, plus blankets, pillows, and cushions to sit on, and a caravan of cars formed and the convoy began with 15 minutes to spare. Upon arrival, friends dispatched everything into our new location and plugged in the TV. During commercials, food was laid out on the floor and we watched television history play out as this award winning and close to our hearts’ final episode, television at its finest, concluded. Back then, there was no streaming or hit-a-button and pause or replay the next day. So it was a shared watch of a program that was a social event.

Another event Mike and I held was in the park across from the apartment building we both had apartments in. We dressed to resemble our favorite characters for a Return To Mayberry movie (1986 on NBC). My television was plugged into a city outlet in the little park, and tables sporting red and white gingham checkered tablecloths were covered with fried chicken, biscuits, and other Aunt Bea specialties. I dressed as Aunt Bea, and I think

Mike may have either portrayed Gomer Pyle or Otis the town drunk. My readers may ask, “What are you talkin’ about?” Come on. The Andy Griffith Show in the ‘60s is still well known. Think Opie, for gawd’s sake, aka Ron Howard. Oh! just look it up.

Mike and I were more than “couch potato/ television themed” event planners. We had an athletic nature, also. We ran/walked in 10K races on the weekends. We called ourselves the Bar Runners. We were a small, a two-person, running/walking team and would really show our strength at the after-race keg parties. We were even known to lie in front of the beer truck as it attempted to leave with un-tapped kegs still awaiting thirsty runners.

Mike and I even took the show on the road by talking a friend or two into joining—really chauffeuring—us to New Orleans for the Crescent City Classic. For this, I wore my harvest gold with white trim waitress diner uniform and carried a tray of Dixie beer cans, attached via Super Glue to withstand my speed and/or klutziness. Upon later moving to New Orleans, I enhanced my running attire with a size 44 DD bra stuffed with newspaper and sported a beehive wig.

Mike and I both had digs at Azalea Court Apartments. The building and its front yard were at a fairly well traveled intersection with my second-floor apartment overlooking it. Mike and I would throw our hands up in frustration as friends with cars often daytripped to the beaches of Gulf Shores, leaving us in town with no proper place to sunbath and frolic, or so we thought.

One weekend morning, I heard music outside and looked out my window. There was Mike in his swimsuit, stretched out on his lawn chair, sipping a cold brew, and waving at the cars. I tossed my telephone cord and its extension down, as well as lowered my rotary phone to him by way of a rope of beach towels. Next, using the same terry-cloth rope, I wedged my wicker settee out the window to him. Other “pool-side” accessories followed. I joined him in my best swimwear, and we commenced to telephoning our other beach/pool deprived friends to join, and, “Bring beer.”

Until we were able to get a plastic kiddie pool, we used a sprinkler. The pool parties gained notoriety. A local magazine featured us on its cover, and the police even showed up after a very confused elderly resident reported a six-foot alligator. The police reassured her it was a harmless inflatable pool float. Thereafter, they’d always honk and wave to us as they passed. Mike was the official lifeguard replete with a whistle, which he used a lot.

These are some of the highlights of many memories given to me by Mike Joullian. Being an eccentric in a town like Mobile, one simply must have a creative and off-the-wall friend like Mike. Here’s wishing Mike a fabulous birthday this February 13. Thanks for the memories, with more to come.

PO-BOY VIEWS

Rex or Zulu

Hey, you. Yes, you. You better get ready for a busy, busy February. I know. I know. You’ve been busier than a onelegged goon in an ass kickin’ contest since king cakes came into season; however, we’re gonna start you off with a full moon on the first, just to wind you up and get you goin’. Then, on the 2nd, we hit you with Groundhog Day. You know, when Punxsutawney Phil predicts the end of winter or not. “A thousand people freezing their butts off to worship a rat,” Bill Murray, Groundhog Day. Fantasize the movie is a documentary, and you’re next.

Follow it up with certainly my favorite holiday, February 7, which is National Fettuccini

Alfredo Day. This is serious. In 1908, Alfredo di Lelio created, possibly, this dish for his pregnant wife Ines. They owned a restaurant in Rome. His wife was nauseous, and she couldn’t keep food down. It was a horror. It was torture. It was awful. But Al was a quick thinker. He went into the kitchen and whipped up some fresh pasta, butter, cheese, Italian Americans added the cream, and wedded bliss returns. Guess what I’m having on the 7th for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, if she’ll let me? BTW, they named the baby Amando.

colored drink on your new Duckfeet Jyilland lace-up derby shoes.

You plan on getting up early Mardi Gras Day to catch the Skull and Bone Gang, but you don’t. You want to see the Baby Dolls but just barely catch them, and you’re out to see you some Indians, and, indeedy, you do. You hop to Orleans Avenue, where the crowds are back-to-back, belly-to-belly. You grab yourself a cool adult beverage from a sidewalk entrepreneur, smell those pig parts burnin’ on outdoor grills, catch a bit of the Zulu parade, and head on down to the Quarter for the “Secret Society” of Saint Anne and an obligatory trip to the river to say a prayer for all the souls that won’t be making it this year.

“Slipping, dodging, sneaking, creeping, hiding out down the street. / See my life shaking with every who I meet. / Refried confusion is making itself clear”

—Dr. John, “Right Place, Wrong Time”

Feb. 9, of course, is the Super Bowl. Place your bets, grab a barstool at the saloon that has the largest flat screen, and be prepared to yell like a lunatic in an asylum, “Kill him. Did you see that?” as well as the wail of, “No.” Moan, groan, cheer, yell at the teevee, have another beer, and check your football pool numbers again, and again, ‘cause you might win big bucks. Then go take a nap.

Calm the heck down, because you got some big thinking to do. Valentine’s Day is on the 14th and it’s on a Saturday. Did you make reservations and get flowers? A gift? A card? Don’t tell me next month that because the day before, Friday the 13th, messed with your mind, you forgot. That special person you dissed will smile and tell you that it’s no big deal. Meanwhile, in their heart of hearts, your image is strung up like a freshly shot-gunned bloody pheasant that has been feather-scorched, wire-brush-scrubbed, eviscerated, and hung a week in a dark place to properly rot until partially decomposed and then roasted over an open flame while people drink, laugh, and point at you.

Those last days come up on Mardi Gras weekend, the 13th-17th, when the rubber seriously meets the road, if you’ve built up your stamina and resistance. With five days of parade delays, beads snatched from your grasp by some rug rat on Daddy’s shoulder, being seriously jostled, and possibly having your pocket picked. You’ve been reduced to begging for wampum from masked strangers who turn a blind eye while some drunk in a clown suit spills their neon-

Gung Hei Fat Choi, brethren. Feb. 17 is also Lunar New Year. Go ahead with your bad Chinese self and say it loud, “Gung Hei Fat Choi,” and watch folks shy away from you like Moses parting the Red Sea. Oh, it means “Good luck, happy future, and congratulations on whatever forever.”

Don’t stop now. Feb. 18 is Ash Wednesday and also Elm Far Ollie Day. On this day in 1930, the first bovine to fly in a plane and be milked, Ollie the Guernsey, made enough history that, at the National Mustard Museum in Wisconsin, they celebrate with cheese and mustard. It don’t get much better than that. It’s also National Drink Wine Day. I guess to go with that cheese and mustard.

Feb. 20th is “calm the f**k down” day with a holiday called No Politics Day. That’s right: no newspapers, Nightly News on teevee, Democracy Now, or WDSU News at 5:00. Figure it’s the “Ignore Fox News and Rachel Maddow Day.” Take a break from the debacle.

Feb. 23rd is National Dog Biscuit Day, where you spoil a pooch, as if you don’t spoil them every other day. Repeat after me:

“Who’s a good boy? Yes, you. C’mere. That’s right, this biscuit’s for you. Ouch! Don’t bite. Easy, big fella. Have another biscuit. Sit down. Sit. Sit.”

Oh hell, just give ‘em the treats already.

Feb. 26th is National Chili Day, National Pistachio Day, and, more importantly, National Letter to an Elder day, all on the same day. So here’s what to do: grab your nuts, paper, pen, stamped envelope, and write—not type—a letter to an elder, or even two. Explain your thoughts, dreams, prayers, and fears. Tell them something that you’ve never told another person. Open up, take pages, and don’t edit. Send it off, lickety-split. Then, go getcha a bowl of chili and a cheeseburger at the Clover Grill, and don’t tell me that you don’t know where that is. Cheers.