​First Night Review: & Juliet @ The Saenger Theatre
review by Dorian Hatchett

We are such stuff as dreams are made on
Shakespeare is for the people. I would posit the notion that every adaptation, every derivative work, is exactly in keeping with the voice of the bard. Each time someone picks up a play that was written for the stage at the Globe Theatre and says “But what if…” a new flower grows in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Jukebox musicals are the very definition of theatre for the sake of fun. 

If music be the food of love, play on 
& Juliet premiered in 2019 at the Manchester Opera House, and has been playing continuously in one form or another ever since. The soundtrack is by Pop songwriting phenom Max Martin, who is arguably the reason we know names like The Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Pink, Katy Perry, and even Taylor Swift. The super-cut medleys in this show are pure nostalgia for millennials, candy coated love letters to the wreckless times in the late 90s and early aughts before social media and phones with built in cameras. The characters are believably teenagers because this was the treble and bass of our teenage years right there played out in lights and rhinestones.  

All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players: They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts. 
& Juliet examines what would happen if the final tragic moments in Romeo and Juliet hadn’t been the end at all, but a prequel to Juliet waking up and realizing she kind of let herself get carried away with that star-crossed lovers bit.  Rachel Simone Webb as Juliet is a rose we need by no other name. Her best friend May (Nick Drake) is the yassss every teenage girl needs in her corner.  It also plays out a marital rift between the playwright (Shakespeare is played by Corey March) and his wife (Teal Wicks is Anne Hathaway) and as these story lines weave in and out of one another, and finally coalesce, we are shown a lesson about the value of kindness and truth in the pursuit of love.  

The course of true love never did run smooth
This show is above all, polished. There’s a dynamic set, a company of skilled dancers who take up space and fill the background, a costume department that is at once a riot of color and variety and also completely cohesive. Just the right amount of broadway magic transports you into the action as confetti rains down during a rhinestone-studded climax when Juliet finally learns the lesson that her heart had been seeking the entire time. 

Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none
 
&Juliet Plays at the Saenger Theatre January 14-19th, click here for information and ticketing

WHO: New Orleans Culinary Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) 
WHAT: King Cake Workshop with author Matt Haines and chef Martha Gilreath  
WHEN: Tuesday, January 28, 2025, from 6 – 8 p.m. 
               Tuesday, February 18, 2025, from 6 – 8 p.m. 
WHERE: NOCHI, 725 Howard Avenue, New Orleans 
HOW: Have your king cake and make it, too! In this class, you will roll up your sleeves to shape and bake your own king cake, led by Martha Gilreath of Nolita, then take a deep, delicious dive into the history of this one-of-a-kind confection with Matt Haines, author of The Big Book of King Cake. Expect fragrant smells and fabulous storytelling. You'll go home with a fresh king cake (retail value: $30), decorating supplies, know-how, and plenty of inspiration to dress your cake up. Participants will also have the opportunity to purchase signed books onsite. 
 
Tickets are $85 and can be purchased at www.nochi.org. Participation is limited. 
 

Not drinking in January? No need to limit your options. Here's a round-up of some of the best ways to stay sober this month: 
​
Kitten Club at Palm&Pine
A nod to the history of the building, Kitten Club is the non-alcoholic menu at Palm&Pine —  James Beard: Best Chef South semi-finalists Jordan Herndon and Amarys Koenig Herndon’s French Quarter restaurant. Sip on the Tropical Solution, a refreshing mix of Seedlip Notas de Agave, spiced pineapple shrub, lime, and coconut water, or try the bold and complex Hard Wired, blending Hey Coffee Co. cold brew with Lyre’s non-alcoholic Aperitif Rosso, Lyre’s non-alcoholic Italian orange, grapefruit, and Fever Tree tonic. The Lyre’s Classico NA Sparkling Wine is a perfect choice for those craving bubbles. The restaurant also offers Heineken 0.0%. Pair your meal with these elevated non-alcoholic options and savor every moment! Palm&Pine is located at 308 N Rampart Street. http://www.palmandpinenola.com/
 
Sip & Savor: Non-Alcoholic Drinks at Osteria Lupo
The brainchild of Chef Brian Burns and Reno De Ranieri, Osteria Lupo, the Northern Italian restaurant, offers visitors a selection of non-alcoholic beverages. Perfect for pairing with any of Osteria Lupo’s dishes, diners can sip on Menta Mora with blackberry, mint, and lemon; Giardino with pear, hibiscus, and lavender; and Spruzzo with grapefruit and lime. Osteria Lupo is located at 4609 Magazine Street. https://www.osterialupo.com/
 
Creative Non-Alcoholic Libations at Compère Lapin
Experience the art of craft beverages without the alcohol at Compère Lapin. At Nina Compton’s flagship restaurant, the spirit-free menu offers vibrant, refreshing drinks like the Sorrel Tea, a house-made blend of spiced hibiscus, ginger, lavender, and lime. For a herbal twist, the Garden Party combines Seedlip Garden with cucumber, lemongrass, basil, lemon, and soda. Those with adventurous taste buds will love the Rockhouse Cliff, featuring BARE Zero Proof "Tequila," rosemary, sage, lime, pineapple, and a kick of jerk salt. Compere Lapin is located in the lobby of the Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery at 535 Tchoupitoulas Street. http://comperelapin.com/
 
Refreshers at The Bower 
Beverage Director Mickey Mullins has created a selection of vibrant, handcrafted, non-alcoholic beverages at The Bower. From the floral charm of the Moody Judy, featuring vanilla bean lemonade and butterfly pea flower, to the zesty No-Loma, a refreshing blend of grapefruit, lime, and soda, these drinks are perfect for any occasion. Don’t miss the Sugar Roots Spritz, a sparkling creation with house-made hibiscus syrup, lime, and soda. These spirit-free options deliver all the flavor and none of the buzz. The Bower is located at 1320 Magazine Street. https://www.thebowernola.com/
 
Fun without Spirits at The Pool Club inside Virgin Hotels New Orleans
Enjoy the city skyline while sipping on invigorating non-alcoholic choices at The Pool Club inside the Virgin Hotels New Orleans. Lead Bartender Heather Blanchard has curated four buzz-worthy, spirit-free drinks to ensure everyone at The Pool Club is having a great time. Enjoy Hibiscus Ginger Tea with ginger ale and lemon; The Butterfly Effect with Seedlip Garden 108, Lavender, pea flower tea, lychee and lemon; Guava Fresca with Seedlip Garden 108 Guava, lime, and mint; and Orange Mulewith Seedlip Grove 42 Orange Ginger Beer. The Pool Club is on the 13th floor at The Virgin Hotels New Orleans at 550 Baronne Street. https://virginhotels.com/new-orleans/eat-drink/the-pool-club/
 
Zero Proof at Commons Club
Indulge in the rejuvenating non-alcoholic options that don't compromise on flavor at Commons Club. The Garden Party Martini offers a sophisticated blend of Seedlip Garden 108, olive brine, celery bitters, and giardiniera oil. For something bright and uplifting, enjoy the Hibiscus Ginger Tea, a tangy mix of ginger ale and lemon. Or, try the Mockly, a delightful medley of tangerine, basil, lemongrass, peach, and a touch of nutmeg for a sweet and aromatic treat. Perfect for those seeking bold, flavorful refreshment without the alcohol. Commons Club is located at The Virgin Hotels New Orleans at 550 Baronne Street. https://virginhotels.com/new-orleans/eat-drink/commons-club/
 
Spirit Free Flavors at Alma Cafe
Alma Cafe, the award-winning Honduran restaurant by Chef/Owner Melissa Araujo in New Orleans’ Bywater neighborhood, offers a mocktail selection that shines bright for those seeking to abstain from alcohol. The bar, helmed by Head Bartender Mark Preston, features fresh and creative concoctions that please any palate. Visitors can enjoy the perfect non-alcoholic drinks that complement Alma’s signature cuisine which includes Creamy Coconut Margarita with tequila from Ritual Zero Proof,  orange sec from Lyre’s, fresh lime juice, agave, pineapple juice, and coconut milk; Spiced Pear Sour with spiced syrup, lemon juice, pear puree, Drink Monday Whisky, and egg white; and Floral Aperfall Spritz with thyme syrup, lemon juice, dry vermouth, and apple cider prosecco from Lyre’s. Alma Cafe is located at 800 Louisa Street. https://eatalmanola.com/

And finally, some of the new, non-alcoholic beverage offerings at Mr Mao include...

- HIBISCUS MASALA LIMEADE
- HOUSE TAMARIND SODA
- ZERO PROOF MAI TAI
Ritual N/A rum, orgeat, serrano, Lyre’s N/A orange sec, lime
- CHISMOSA
Lyre's N/A Pink Spirit, Fassionola strawberry syrup, N/A bitters
- LYRE’S CLASSICO DRY SPARKLING
Italian inspired N/A sparkling
- THE PATHFINDER N/A DIGESTIF
bitter, sweet, smoky, herbal, bizarre!
- ASAHI N/A BEER, JAPAN
dry lager style

Saint John is keeping the music alive with its new Sunday Jazz Brunch, now every Sunday from 11am-2pm. The restaurant will have live jazz from a variety of local musicians - coming up this month are the Jon Roniger Trio and the Russell Welch Trio. Brunch options include regional classics such as Grits and Grillades, Eggs in Purgatory and Boudin Benedict (pictured). 

 
First Night Review: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? @ Big Couch
Review by Todd Perley

​Edward Albee’s notorious play landed in the early 1960s and was groundbreaking—and controversial— for its graphic autopsy of a nihilistic marriage. The idealistic ghost of the 1950s was finally put to rest when our less-than-ideal couple’s dirty laundry was displayed on stage, and this was beyond shocking for the era.

Though certainly a play of its time, it remains timeless. Just as the play caused a stir in 1962, Mike Nichols’ film version starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton was controversial in its own way. Shot in 1966, two years before the official demise of the tiresome Hays Code, there was nothing this raw and edgy in American cinema. It’s helpful to remember the historical and cultural significance when seeing this play through jaded 21st century eyes.

Drowning George (Casey Groves) and Battleaxe Martha (Fire Weeds’ co-artistic director Lin Gathright) stumble home at 2:00am from a faculty party, and are soon joined by young newcomers to the college, Nick (Logan Macrae) and Honey (director Jaclyn Bethany). Thus begins three marvelous, unforgettable hours of liquor-ridden psychological warfare between our merry coterie.

The play is just as funny and witty as it is eviscerating. All four Fire Weeds’ actors hold their own throughout the tricky material. In particular, Gathright manages to coax out the subtle, fragile pathos of braying, brazen, brutal Martha beyond even Elizabeth Taylor’s Oscar-winning film performance. I’ve never had so much sympathy for Martha as in this production. And I thought I knew Martha so well!

The setting is crucial. Bywater’s theatre “Big Couch” seats a mere thirty-five people, and the intimacy of this theater-in-the-round literally puts you in George and Martha’s living room amidst the mayhem. Seated four feet away from a raving Martha is a frightening experience, and you can’t help feeling a part of the party. When George suggests a venomous game of Get The Guests, I reverted back to fourth grade, hoping the teacher wouldn’t call on me to participate.

The tiny space also allows the performers, in less tumultuous scenes, to get as small and quiet as they please. Even whispering can be heard clearly. A larger venue would prohibit these quieter moments. Only Big Couch could provide this rare environment that serves the material so well.

Whether you love the play and know it backwards as I do, or you’re a virgin, Fire Weeds and Big Couch offer a unique way to experience Albee’s masterpiece. I would call this a must see, but get your tickets soon. Those thirty-five seats are gonna fill up quickly.

“Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” plays at Big Couch with an newly-extended run, through January 19 - click here for information and ticketing
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​Chefs Donald Link, Stephen Stryjewski and Executive Pastry Chef Maggie Scales of the Link Restaurant Group announce Mardi Gras king cake pre-ordering will open on January 1, 2025 for a King’s Day kick-off on January 6. Several flavors and sizes of king cakes are available at both Cochon Butcher and La Boulangerie. King cakes will be available from January 6 through Lundi Gras (March 3), the day before Mardi Gras day. 
 
Chef Scales’ king cakes are filled with local flavors, from traditional cinnamon to specialty flavors, including roasted strawberries and chocolate almond. At Cochon Butcher she also serves the famous "Elvis," filled with peanut butter and banana and topped with house-cured bacon, marshmallows, and traditional Mardi Gras sprinkles. In place of the traditional small plastic “baby,” all of Chef Scales’ cakes contain a petite pink pig as their signature “baby,” in homage to Cochon’s even-toed ungulate. Custom dictates whoever gets the “baby” must provide the king cake for the next party, keeping the celebration rolling all season long! 
 
La Boulangerie will sell the New Orleans-style king cakes in two sizes: a 6” individual ($11) and a 9” large ($30), which serves up to 12 people. In addition, the traditional French Galette des Rois, two rounds of puff pastry filled with almond cream, is also available in two sizes: 8” ($25) and 10” ($40). It is topped with a small porcelain “feve,” bean in English.
 
The Elvis will only be sold at Cochon Butcher daily by the slice ($8) or as a large special-order cake ($45). Butcher also offers the 6” mini New Orleans style king cakes. Both the Elvis as well as the individual size king cakes can be ordered online and require a 48-hours notice. 

NOCCA’s Culinary Arts students and faculty are excited to announce this year’s king cake program, featuring two classic king cakes and a rotating series of limited-edition flavors, all made by NOCCA Culinary Arts students and faculty. NOCCA King cakes are priced from $25 and available to pre-order now at www.NOCCAMarketplace.com (with US shipping available). Proceeds from NOCCA’s king cake program support the school’s Culinary Arts department and Louisiana’s next generation of chefs. NOCCA King Cakes will be available for local pickup January 6 - March 2 at NOCCA and select local retailers including King Cake Hub. 

​2025 Flavors include:

• Gluten-Free Cinnamon.
• Satsuma Almond.
• LIMITED-EDITION FLAVOR: Salted Caramel Apple (Available through January 26, 2025)
• Additional limited-edition flavors will be announced at a later date, including a special Valentine's Day King Cake.