Sometimes to stars align. I called a Lyft to collect me from a health-oriented culinary seminar the other day and my driver turned out to be, according to her very colorful, fanciful business card, “Mrs. Debbie, The Original JelL’o Shot’s Lady.” New Orleanians were waaaay ahead of the rest of the country in crafting lifestyles and livelihoods based on side hussles and gigs—ya gotta be first in something— and I thought Debbie England’s to be particularly compelling as Debbie herself is bright, cheerful, and engaging, just like her brand. Upon reaching my destination she jumped out of her car, popped the trunk, and fished out several ice-cold, rainbow-hued, Tequila laced samples from an ice chest.
To acquire some of Mrs. Debbie’s fun, lightweight, portable concoctions, you can catch her working her regular job at Kermit Ruffins Treme Mother-in-Law Lounge or hit her up on Instagram @helloshots_ or just pick up the phone 832-398-2364. She is currently running a special: 30 shots for $50 or 60 for $100. She assures there is no job too big not too small. You go Girl.
Speaking of rainbow-hued things, Beard Papa’s has opened at 4712 Magazine Street. The internationally known confectionary is celebrated for its light and flakey cream puff, where the choux pastry shell is covered in a pie crust and filled with a mixture of whipped cream and custard. Customers can create their own by choosing their shell and custard filling, which comes in flavors like vanilla, green tea, and chocolate, as well as seasonal specials like pumpkin spice and mint chocolate. The New Orleans shop also offers two unique flavors: king cake and bananas Foster. The topping choices are thrilling, too: the puffs can be frosted with chocolate, strawberry, or green tea icing, as well as honey butter, crumbled cookies and cream, or sugary-crunchy almonds. Other Beard Papa’s desserts include the molten chocolate cake, cheesecakes, and creme brulees. The global chain was founded in 1999 in Japan by owner Yuji Hirota — the name and logo are inspired by his beard. The company has since expanded with over 500 locations across 15 countries Ironically, the New Orleans shop took over a former barre exercise studio, and the couple, who are local, commissioned a wall mural by local artist Ashlee Arceneaux Jones (also known as Smallchalk.
Barracuda Taco Stand and Margarita Garden is now open in Algiers Point! The always-packed-to-the-rafters Uptown hotspot has opened a second location at 446 Pelican Avenue, bringing some needed dining diversity to the neighborhood. Like the original the new Barracuda outpost offers walk up counter service, and extensive shaded and covered patio seating across from Confetti Park. All the classics are here: Deluxe customization (with griddled cheese & guac), cocktails to stay or to-go, as well as a takeaway menu that includes family-style meals, packaged flour tortillas, and fresh salsas. Hours for Barracuda Algiers Point at 446 Pelican Avenue are 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday.
At the other end of the other end of the health spectrum, Nola Yoga Loft has partnered with the Ace Hotel to offer classes every morning at 9 a.m. in the hotel courtyard. The drop-in rate is $10, and you can sign up here.
Have a great weekend everyone, ya’ll play nice.
