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amanda

Spotlight: T-Lot  

t-lot
May 16, 2012 By In Art

Tucked right off of St. Claude, T-Lot feels like an exclusive, creative sanctuary, but it’s quite the opposite. The long-unused lawn and surrounding structures now hold inclusive events such as flea markets, performances and movie screenings. Founded in July of 2010 as a studio space for newer local artists (including Stephen Kwok, Hannah Chalew, Natalie McLaurin, Angela Berry, Siobhan Feehan and Brett LaBauve), it’s become a resource for the emerging art community and Marigny neighborhood. The space provides an opportunity for burgeoning creators to investigate and develop their artistic passions, promoting mutual growth through monthly group critiques for themselves and emerging artist peers. Although there are no shows coming up in the immediate future, be on the lookout for of T-Lot artists showing work all over town.

1940 St. Claude Ave. 

Check out T Lot’s Facebook and Tumblr.


Bar Focus: Twelve Mile Limit

twelve_v2
April 25, 2012 By In Food and Beverage

By Amanda LaPlaca

Twelve might be part of the bar’s name but it’s really just a two man team: Chris runs the kitchen while Cole pours the drinks. The humanitarian bartender from DC and Texican BBQ lover met and worked together in the New Orleans service industry for years. Eventually destiny happened, destiny meaning Twelve Mile Limit.

It’s walls are ‘plum’ and within them is an impressive alcohol selection and tantalizing menu. However, Twelve Mile Limit most definitely isn’t trying to be a posh, snobby establishment. It feels more like your dad’s dream basement bar.

Twelve Mile Limit falls under the ‘neighborhood bar ‘ category. And although it might not be entirely integrated, Chris and Cole stress they don’t want to be a catalyst in gentrify the area. They are sticking to being loyal to the locals. But the reputation of their drink concoctions and back-to-the-basics barbeque (simple, dry rub) is bringing them a lot of attention. They’ve recently been written up in The Times, Men’s Journal & other local publications. And I can understand why: the combination of The Baudin (the house special consisting of bourbon, honey, lemon & hot sauce) and simple mac & cheese was divine, balanced and a hats off to Louisiana. Another New Orleans nod worthy of trying: the “Debbie does Doberge” with the shot of your choice special.

Chris’s brother might look like a character from ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,’  but Twelve Mile Limit seems to be the one who embody the laughs, hospitality and shenanigans of that show. So if you find yourself in Mid-City, look for a big hand-drawn OPEN sign outside and see what all the buzz is about.

Twelve Mile Limit
500 South Telemachus Street, New Orleans, LA
http://www.facebook.com/#!/twelve.mile.limit

+Monday Nights at Twelve Mile Limit: Free Food @ 7pm (each week the free food changes from curry to shepard’s pie to anything delicious Chris feels like making).

Photo Credits: All taken from Twelve Mile Limit’s facebook page.

 

 

Amanda LaPlaca is a creative designer from Brooklyn, NYC. She is an avid calendar filler (volunteering, events, etc) and loves being on the go but relaxes each day in her Uptown backyard garden after a long bike ride. www.amlaplaca.blogspot.com + www.amandalaplaca.com

Learn how to F*cking Drive New Orleans

roadrage
April 19, 2012 By In Announcements, Culture

By Amanda LaPlaca

 

I think we can all agree, New Orleans is officially the epicenter of bad driving. I’ve never been more afraid of the road; as a driver, bicyclist and pedestrian. It’s mind-boggling how quickly logic and kindness get tossed out the car window, so it’s no wonder why bad driving is part of common conversation. I’ve been a witness to red light rushing, multi-tasking swerving, and just blatant impatience. And those are just observations I made from a quick drive this morning. I’ve become less and less surprised with I see on the roads in New Orleans, for better or worse.

Is there any reason why all these bad driving cliques happen here so often? Among my discussions with other baffled drivers, many theories began to surface:

  • ‘It’s the general laid-backness with alcohol’.
  • ‘It’s the congestion, never-ending construction and bad roads’.
  • ‘It’s the music they listen.’
  • ‘There something in the water’
  • ‘It’s genetics.’ (Here’s an article that says so)
  • ‘All other aspects of Southern living incorporate manners and taking your time. However, this southern suppression of speed gets bottled up and released behind the wheel’.

I particularly like the last one but the theories are just as endless as the driving horror stories. My biggest concern: is road irresponsibility contagious? Will I fall a victim to osmosis and start being careless behind the wheel? I decided to gather five road pet peeves in hopes that I will not repeat what I’ve seen and join the road rage cycle.

My TOP 5 PET PEEVES with New Orleans Drivers:

1. Ignoring ‘Stop’ Signs

Can people read? It says S-T-O-P, not ‘roll through’ or ‘GO’ but stop! I’ve had too many close calls with cars rolling through stop signs. I promise it won’t kill anyone to take one second to fully stop then continue on driving.

2. Aggressive Behavior

I hear a loud engine revving behind me on a back road. I look down at my speedometer, yep-I’m going the speed limit. So, why is this car kissing my bumper? I want to telepathically tell them: “Just think and breathe for two seconds. Unhitch your foot from the pedal and give me some room. You never know…someone might roll through a stop sign and I’ll need to jam on the breaks.”

3. Blinders & Blinkers
I’m not sure if Louisiana cars come with working blinkers. Let me reassure all, using a blinker isn’t a sign of weakness but respect for others on the road. The most common thing I see on the road: a car just weaving through lanes or crossing multiple lanes without a signal (or even looking). It’s blind ignorance.

4. Never letting anyone in/out

I’ve sat and waited and waited on certain intersections in hopes that a kind Nissian or Toyota would slow down, wave a friendly hand and let me go. But I don’t hold my breathe for that anymore. Most drivers would rather rush to join the traffic jam ahead than let a fellow driver go.

5. Honking isn’t always polite

Beep! Beep! What’s the emergency? Is it necessary to instantly honk when the light turns green? NO! Resist the urge to use the horn!

 

Phew! It feels great to articulate my road frustrations (and not allow them to turn into road rage) but I’m not sure what’s farther down the road.  For now, I’ll thank my lucky stars every time I get to my destination safely, continue to pay my high car insurance rates, and write honkus.

 

Photo Credit: Collage created on an internet search entitled ‘road rage’.

Amanda LaPlaca is a creative designer from Brooklyn, NYC. She is an avid calendar filler (volunteering, events, etc) and loves being on the go but relaxes each day in her Uptown backyard garden after a long bike ride. www.amlaplaca.blogspot.com + www.amandalaplaca.com

Top 5 NOLA Coffee Date Spots

coffeespot_featured
March 21, 2012 By In Food and Beverage, Local Spotlight

Yes, I might belong in an episode of Portlandia due to my love of coffee shops but hear me out. As an alternative to ‘grabbing a drink’, a coffee date can allow for a belligerent-free meet up and quality time to discover your mutual love for people watching or blackout poetry. In selecting these New Orleans cafes, I considered not just the quality of coffee or espresso but also: crowdness, noise-level, interior environment, variety of drink and food options, price and location. Here are the top five cuppas:

1. Il Posto Cafe, 4607 Dryades St, Uptown
This artisanal cafe has a minimal, rustic interior, reminiscent of an Italian country-home, that serves phenomenally fresh food and drinks.  Because it’s off the beaten path, snagging a table engulfed in warm sunlight usually isn’t a challenge. This Uptown spot is enchanting, easygoing, and ideal for drinking coffee with a new love interest.
www.ilpostocafe-nola.com

2. Cafe du Monde, 800 Decatur St, French Quarter
Usually overlooked as a touristy spot, sipping cafe au laits at Cafe du Monde is a great date option. Perfect for people watching, it has the buzz of a diverse crowd and rhythmic clinking of cups and dishes. And although the pigeon’s commotion might blow the beignet white powder dust up in a cloud, it’s totally romantic.
http://www.cafedumonde.com/

3. Cafe NOMA, #1 Collins Diboll Circle, City Park, Mid-City
This cafe is snuggled inside the New Orleans Museum of Art and it’s interior is punctuated with fine art and bright flowers. Providing a poetic view, it’s wall to ceiling length windows gaze out to City Park. And if the coffee runs out but the date is still going strong, Cafe NOMA has a variety of small dishes and sandwiches that could help feed any continued date appetite.
http://www.cafenoma.com/

4. Fair Grinds, 3133 Ponce De Leon St, Mid-City
Tucked right off of Esplanade, this community favorite would serve well for a casual date. You can feel good about indulging on a vegan cupcake and espresso because the shop has heart felt intentions (all it’s beans are from fair trading). I’d suggest soaking up your drinks on the patio area to fully experience Fair Grind’s laid-back vibe.

5. Satsuma Cafe, 3218 Dauphine St, Marigny/Bywater
This brick-walled, art-filled Marigny hotspot makes a great first impression. It is literally fresh and peachy or should I say ‘satsumy’ since it’s name originates from the local citrus fruit. I’m appreciative of it’s creative menu; It offers a variety of light, delicious food but not forgetting the essential coffee options. Satsuma allows for no-pressure conversation and provides pleasant distractions.
http://satsumacafe.com

+ A special thanks to all my friends who accompanied me through a week of caffeine overload and provided lovely insight and company.

Amanda LaPlaca is a creative designer from Brooklyn, NYC. She is an avid calendar filler (volunteering, events, etc) and loves being on the go but relaxes each day in her Uptown backyard garden after a long bike ride. www.amlaplaca.blogspot.com + www.amandalaplaca.com

Restaurant Focus: La Crepe Nanou

lacrepenanou_featured
March 18, 2012 By In Announcements, Food and Beverage

By Amanda LaPlaca

It’s a whimsical but stylish French bistro decorated with romantic red and white lights, modern art-inspired murals, and delicate details. La Crepe Nanou’s decor possesses a relaxed Parisian beauty. It’s subtle sections allow for the experience to feel intimate but not isolated. And the chic servers contribute to the sophistication. When I went to this Uptown spot, I felt genuinely welcome. The server was pleased to tell me about their delectable specials and I couldn’t help but devour a curry lemongrass soup special. Flavorful but gently spicy, it was a great beginning to the meal.

As I gazed over the versatile menu, which features ‘traditional French fare’, I couldn’t help but notice there was something for every craving: hor d’euvres, salads, fondue, salmon, roasted chicken, quail, beef, veal and a variety of vegetable & seafood crepes. It’s obvious why La Crepe Nanou has been sating appetites in Uptown for over 20 years. It’s mid-range prices, make it a treat but worth it. Ordering and splitting two crepes left me and a friend comfortably full. We were licking our forks after eating the Crepe Provencale (ratatouille and mushrooms sauteed in olive oil) and Crepe Oignon-Fromage (swiss cheese and carmilized onions). I’d also recommend the signature moules frites, a briny, aromatic dish. And if you always find room for dessert, like myself, it’s a must.

They have dozens of heavenly dessert crêpes. If you are a chocoholic, I’d suggest the Crepe Nanou itself: vanilla, chocolate, and coffee ice cream with almonds and chocolate sauce. There are also sweet crepes containing fruits, almonds, and other deliciousness perfect to pair with a coffee or glass of dessert wine. No need for a plane ticket to France, La Crepe Nanou is the perfect escape for quaint date or indulgent meal with friends.

La Crepe Nanou Restaurant
1410 Robert Street New Orleans, LA
http://www.lacrepenanou.com/
(504) 899-2670

Amanda LaPlaca is a creative designer from Brooklyn, NYC. She is an avid calendar filler (volunteering, events, etc) and loves being on the go but relaxes each day in her Uptown backyard garden after long bike rides. www.amlaplaca.blogspot.com + www.amandalaplaca.com