Know Your NOLA
Members of the Black Masking Indians community, also known as Carnival or Mardi Gras Indians, remember Big Queen Kim “Cutie” Boutte of the Spirit of the Fi Yi Yi and Mandingo Warriors tribe at Hunter’s Field in the 7th Ward and the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans August 12, 2020.
Whoever first called New Orleans “The Big Easy” probably didn’t do it in the summer. As humidity and temperatures both climb toward triple digits, it sometimes feels like you need a paddle just to make it around the block. Here’s some spots to get outdoors and some places to stay to make a weekend adventure!
JAMNOLA will take you on a photographable and Instagram-able journey throughout a magical New Orleans that explores art, music and the people who have made the city what it is. The goal of the museum is happiness, and it seems that there is no better time than now to spread a little joy through local art.
You might not guess it by looking at it, but this painting created an uproar that rippled through the highest levels of Parisian society. Its unveiling in 1884 was met with such disdain that the painter fled in shame to London, and the subject’s mother begged for the portrait to be removed from the highest-profile art exhibition at which it was displayed.
No small market seems to define its neighborhood more than Hank’s Supermarket in the Bywater. While you might not find it listed in any tourism brochures, Hank’s is a place of legend; from the locals who darken the door, to the fried chicken and daily food specials. It’s served as a place of comfort for many New Orleanians for about 50 years.
Rosalita’s Backyard Tacos, a popup-style food stand that’s been navigating pandemic-era protocols to bring food like tacos, burritos, nachos and tostadas to the neighborhood and beyond.
From the moment you enter, photographs and memorabilia adorn the walls, telling stories about New Orleans culture that, while acknowledged, is rarely appreciated by those on the outside looking in.
Eric Cook is one of many restaurateurs publicly addressing the challenges of reopening during a pandemic that has no end in sight. Collectively, some grievances are with the government, while others are with folks failing to do their part in flattening the COVID curve.
The Commissary, a new eatery and market by restaurant group Dickie Brennan & Co., located at 634 Orange St., is set to be the coolest new lunch spot Uptown. The eatery will be offering signature meals for dine-in or easy takeout.
The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas opened its doors to visitors since closing down four months ago for the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors to the aquarium are required to wear masks at the indoor facility and must purchase a timed ticket ahead of time to limit capacity and encourage social distancing.