Big Easy | Todd Berner | Hobbies & Interests

Tag: Big Easy

January 23, 2017

Fully Krewed—The Traditions of Mardi Gras

With the 2017 Mardi Gras season upon us, the new year promises that even more individuals from all corners of the world will flock to New Orleans to witness the massive lineup of parades. However, many may visit for the spectacle of the festival without being entirely aware how Mardi Gras works. If you’re considering visiting New Orleans and aren’t sure what to expect, or are just looking to gain a little insight into what the festival is all about, I’d like to delve into the practical ins and outs of Mardi Gras!

What is Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras is a celebration with ties to both Christian and Pagan traditions. It is held on Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent, marking a day of excess before giving up unhealthy food and drink. However, the season officially begins on January 6th, with multiple days of parades planned between them and Fat Tuesday.

The festival has certainly escalated since its estimated inception in the days of ancient Rome. Modern New Orleans traditions include the throwing of trinkets to awaiting crowds—a practice so popular that trees on the street are often decorated with beads for months after—to exclusive balls celebrating the city’s young debutantes. Now more of a cultural phenomenon than a religious festival, Mardi Gras remains a large draw for visitors to Louisiana to this day.

The Culture Behind Mardi Gras

The groups of people that set up floats and throw balls are called krewes. Part party planning committee and part community service organization, krewe members pay dues to finance their activities during the festival.

Generally, invitation to the aforementioned balls is based on who you know in the krewes. Though some offer public tickets, don’t count on getting invited to a Mardi Gras ball unless you have connections (or can make friends fast!).

King Cake

A traditional aspect of Mardi Gras is the serving of king cake at various functions. January sixth is also known as “the Feast of the Epiphany” and is also the first time that king cakes are eaten during the festival.

The cake itself resembles a doughnut and is comprised of cinnamon-laced dough topped with icing and colored sugar, traditionally in purple, green, and gold. These three colors traditionally represent justice, faith, and power, respectively.

Perhaps the most unusual aspect of the cake is the inclusion of a small baby figurine inside, representative of the baby Jesus. Whoever receives the slice of cake with the figurine is treated like royalty for the evening, but is also obligated to purchase the next cake. In other countries, the baby is often replaced by a pea or a bean.

Where to go on Mardi Gras?

In a broader sense, many cities across the world celebrate Mardi Gras, though New Orleans is the most famous for the practice. If you’re looking to get a sense of how the festival is celebrated elsewhere, check out Baton Rouge, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Cologne, Germany.

In New Orleans, the bulk of the celebration is held in the city’s French Quarter, and is renowned for being family-friendly despite the prevalence of alcohol during the festival. Bourbon Street, as the name suggests, is home to the raunchier Mardi Gras crowds; but the rest of the quarter is lined with families looking to take in the spectacle of parades.

What else do I need to know?

Be smart and be safe!

Despite being a tradition dating back centuries, Mardi Gras is fairly loose and not particularly stringent about the behavior of its revelers. That said, expect a lot of costumes from attendants; even if you’re from out of town, consider joining in the festivities by dressing up! There are no particular limits on how to dress, but many of the popular costumes are satirical or humorous. If you happen to be invited to a ball, the requirements are much stricter, requiring gowns and tuxedos for guests.

Mardi Gras isn’t just a celebration; it’s a cultural staple that defines New Orleans as a city and something that everybody should experience.

October 29, 2016

Is 2016 a Rotten Egg for the NOLA Pelicans?

There is little silver lining in New Orleans for the Pelicans right now. With eight losses and no wins, the only team in the Western Conference with such an abysmal record, the Pelicans are facing an uphill battle that is only getting harder. Granted, no one expected the Pelicans to effortlessly glide their way into the postseason, but 0-8? Really?

Thankfully, it is far, far too early in the season to be making such postseason condemnations. 74 games are left—so although Pelicans are not flying high now, they may be doing so in the future. Let’s take a look at the positives. Namely, Anthony Davis.

A hyper-athletic big man capable of both hitting hard in the paint and running the court, Davis carries the roster on his broad shoulders. This poor start for New Orleans is not at all like the Sixers and their historical losing streak spanning the 2014 and 2015 seasons (at an astounding, though depressing 28 losses). In fact, Davis is currently averaging a double with 30.9 pts and 11.4 rebounds (not to mention an impressive 3.0 blocks). Yet, despite Davis’ clear leadership both in stats and in character, he is hardly the only star talent on the struggling NBA squad.

Tim Frazier and E’Twaun Moore, in particular, have improved considerably and are bright prospects. While Jrue Holiday spends time with his unfortunately ill wife and Tyreke Evans is sidelined for his knee, both Frazier and Moore have stepped up to fill their shoes. Their vast improvement coupled with the eventual return of two of the league’s best scorers in Holiday and Evans bodes very well for the future.

Additionally, it’s not like the Pelicans have been blowing games against subpar teams. They have gone head to head with some of the best teams in the league, twice with the Warriors alone (the West’s champion last year); and even in those games, they lost by a cumulative 18 points between the two. That’s not even counting their two overtime losses where they just barely missed the cut.

The Grizzlies beat them 89-83 in a hard fought battle to the end, but it was clear the Pelicans were still exhausted and reeling from the previous night’s game with the Milwaukee Bucks. The second overtime defeat was dealt from the Phoenix Suns just two days after the bristled Grizzlies. Taking into account the Pelicans’ reduced roster and the closeness of the games just mentioned, great things are right around the corner for the Crescent City’s NBA representatives.

With an MVP candidate in Davis, spectacular talent to return, and an upcoming easier schedule, the Pelicans are in good shape to hatch a golden egg postseason run—soon.

October 4, 2016

Brees to Remain

Earlier this month, New Orleans breathed an audible sigh of relief as Drew Brees committed to continuing his career in a black and gold uniform for at least the next two years.

He signed a five-year extension that offers Brees the opportunity to sign voids after two years and includes a no-trade clause. This reportedly means he is guaranteed to receive $44.25 million, not a bad deal.

What is more important, however, is that the best player in Saint history will continue his path to the Hall of Fame in a Saints uniform. With the Saints already having exhibited an incredible offense in the past few years, this bodes very well for the coming season. Currently, Brees is already fourth on the NFL’s all-time list for passing yards with 60,903, third in all-time for both touchdowns at 428 and completion at 5,635, and first in 5,000 yard seasons with four.

Moreover, this is all on top of Brees’ season last year, his best yet, in which he led the league in passing yards (4,870 over fifteen games), completed 428 of 627 pass attempts (a 68.3% completion rate), had 32 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions. With respect to his recent decision, Brees stated,

“Both sides are very happy. Certainly, I’m very happy. I want to play my entire career here and I’m just taking it one step at a time, one year at a time, one opportunity at a time. But this allows me to be around here for a bit longer, and I’ll be here as long as they’ll have me.”

Although contract negotiations were likely a bit more dramatic than necessary, it does seem to have paid off (literally) for both sides. Not only do the Saints get to continue taking advantage of Drew Brees’ outstanding career, but Brees gets to stay where he feels more comfortable. As he said himself, he wants to complete the rest of his career in the Big Easy—it’s just a matter of the right opportunity at the right time.

I, for one, am very excited Brees has decided to remain for at least the next two seasons. He’s not just the leader of the Saints. He’s also a legend in New Orleans.

July 31, 2016

The Saints’ Savior’s Questionable Future

Drew Brees has seemingly been the Saints’ savior over the years. Coming back from what should have been a career-ending injury to establish the timeless legacy he has is a 30 for 30 just waiting to be made, and it’s this resilience that has won the hearts and minds of New Orleans fans across the nation. Yet, the question of his contract extension still looms large in nearly every conversation even remotely involving the Saints.

Training camp has started and negotiations still haven’t stopped. To put the situation in as base terms as possible: Brees wants four more years and the Saints want Brees but don’t want to commit to four years with him. Now, from Brees’ perspective, it only makes sense that he wants four more years. Already having displayed an absolutely remarkable affinity for physicality (his recovery speaks for itself), he also has the numbers to back him; and he doesn’t think they’re going anywhere. In fact, he has even gone so far as to claim that he can play well beyond forty. He’s thirty-seven now so that would make him forty-one by the expiration of his desired contract.

While Brees is no doubt an outstanding quarterback (honestly, legendary may be a more accurate adjective here), that is not say he will stay such. Every player has a shelf life, and as unfortunate as that is, it’s the incontrovertible truth. When Saints Vice President Mickey Loomis was asked how negotiations were proceeding, he responded that the ball is in Drew’s court.

Certainly, this is not Sean Payton’s, Mickey Loomis’, or Drew Brees’ first time around and they all seem to be waiting one another out, or rather, Loomis and Payton are trying to wait out Drew Brees. In the meantime, it is the fans who are struggling with the stress of uncertainty, who have to wrestle with the anxiety of their greatest player potentially leaving the franchise after a historical role with them.

Apparently, Brees has a self-imposed deadline of September 11th, the season opener against the Oakland Raiders, for the proceedings to come to a close. As training camp continues, here’s to hoping that Brees and the staff can compromise so that the fans do not have to suffer any longer than necessary. All this said, the Saints could be in for a fantastic, or a miserable season. As we approach the beginning of the 2016 season, all I can say is—Who Dat?

July 31, 2016

The Indiscernible Saints

Entering training camp this season, there is a sense of uncertainty surrounding the New Orleans’ Saints and what the future holds for them. Aside from the fact that Brees is sure to play for the Saints this offseason, there is really not much that is known for sure. Yet, the Saints are constantly full of surprises, both good and bad.

Take 2014, for instance. Many NFL commentators and analysts believed the Saints could not only go to the Super Bowl, but win it. Many thought their 2014 roster was the best collection of talent on a Saints roster in recent memory. Their 7-9 record points to the contrary.

2015 was a bit more predictable. Recently suffering the loss of Junior Galette, the Saints were clearly poised for a rebuilding year, and this time their record agrees: they went 7-9, again, a kind of cold reinforcement of the year before. This year, however, could go a number of different ways, and the Saints’ staff agrees. Payton, Looms, and the remainder of the team and staff all agree that there is a murky haze pulled over what this season has in store.

Questioned if there were more questions surrounding this upcoming year than seasons past, Payton conceded, “Look there are certain areas we’re paying attention to, nut I don’t know if we’d sit down and list specifically [areas of concern].” More to the point, Payton and particular was cited saying “Obviously we’ve had teams that were better than what we thought we’d have at this point and then teams that we felt real good about that underachieved or weren’t as good as we expected. So we’ll kind of get started and get a chance to see what we’ve got. There’s a process involved with that, but I think that’s the exciting part of training camp.”

Honestly, it sounds like Payton is picturing the 2014 season as he said his answer. If I had to guess, I would think that he is happy with what they’ve put together so far but is hesitant to make any bold proclamations considering the disappointing result of a couple years ago. Loomis said something interesting as well.

“I think there’s always jobs available; and jobs sometimes mean roster spots, sometimes they mean more roster spots and sometimes it means, ‘Hey, who’s going to be the starter? Or who’s going to be the contributor?” He went on in much the same fairly ambiguous tone.

It largely seems like Loomis is alluding that there may more open positions on the team this training camp, open positions in the sense of role players, who’s going to step up and who may fall off. The opportunities are certainly available, and now is the time, if any, for a perhaps unexpected player to make a statement, to take control and take their game to the next level.

While I understand this idea is a perpetual notion in sports, that there is always an opportunity for unknown players to make themselves known, I am saying that this season, in particular, and the shrouded atmosphere of obscurity enveloping it, presents an especially conducive environment for such a development. In fact, the last time the Saints missed the postseason two consecutive years, they returned to claim the championship in 2009.

Only time will tell; but the indiscernible undercurrents of this training season may just provide the perfect chance for an unexpected, though highly welcome, player to emerge.

June 26, 2016

Architecture of The Crescent City

New Orleans is without a doubt a city of great beauty. The fabled Mississippi River runs alongside the bustling metropolis, bringing with it prosperous trade and people from all different cultures, heritages, and ethnicities. Cobblestone streets are lined with both modern skyscrapers and traditional homes. Terraces with wrought-iron fences and vibrant flowers hang just above passerby pedestrians. In fact, it is likely New Orleans’ architecture that most overtly distinguishes The Crescent City from its sibling southern metropolises. With a fascinating blend of both past and present styles, the Big Easy is one of the most extraordinary exhibitions of architecture the world over.

Creole Cottage

This noticeable trend in building style is generally composed of one and a half story buildings that are set at ground level. With a steeply-pitched roof and a well-balanced four-opening facade, they usually lie close to the property line. Their stucco exterior provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance for both those walking by and those driving by.

Shotgun House

A narrow home not meant for commercial use, these houses are typically not over 12 feet wide and have doors at each end. Initially created in The Big Easy itself, this residential style spread like wildfire and can be seen throughout the metropolis. In fact, the earliest shotgun house developed was at 937 St. Andrews St and was constructed in 1848. Their popularity persisted throughout the 1920s.

One can identify shotgun houses because there are usually only one-story, are narrow, and rest on brick piers. Most claim a narrow porch area that is complemented by a roof apron that stands on columns and brackets. Said columns and brackets are generally decorated with subtle lacy Victorian motifs. While many variations of the pervasive shotgun house exist, they are all characterized by these basic stylistic elements.

Double-Gallery House

Erected mostly in New Orleans from 1820 to 1850, these two-story houses very often have either a side-gabled or a hipped roof. They usually lie away from the property line and have a two-story gallery that is framed and distinguished by unique entablature. The facade, on the other hand, has an imbalanced arrangement of its various entrances. Initially, these homes were constructed as a variation of the American townhouses that are located throughout the Garden District, Uptown, and Esplanade Ridge. Interestingly enough, all three of the aforementioned neighborhoods were considered suburbs throughout the 1800s.

New Orleans is home to a variety of architectural styles that can capture the imagination of even the most established designers. With an endless capacity for inspiration, The Big Easy has, does, and will continue to attract some of the most inventive architects throughout the world for ages to come.

French Quarter, Todd Berner, New Orleans

June 24, 2016

The Historic Sites of New Orleans

The city of New Orleans is known for many things. Bourbon Street. Mardi Gras. Po Boys’. Yet, it also has a refined sense of history and culture that all too often goes neglected. The Big Easy played a role of tremendous significance in the Civil War. It was at the center of the Louisiana Purchase. It made, for better or worse, Andrew Jackson’s political career. Truly, it has time and time again proved itself to be of tremendous influence in turning the very tide of United States history. Below are a few sites of immeasurable significance located in America’s favorite city below sea-level:

Chalmette Battlefield

The site of Andrew Jackson’s victory, Chalmette Battlefield is just a mere seven miles downriver from the French Quarter. Stroll through the formerly blood-soaked grounds to gain some perspective on the fabled conflict. Let history immerse you and read up on what made Chalmette Battlefield the fabled battleground it has become today. For convenience’s sake, you may want to hire a tour guide to lead you through so that you can absorb the site around you while absorbing the information that makes this land so special in the first place.

Jackson Square

Of course, if you are going to visit Chalmette Battlefield, you absolutely must take a walk through Jackson Square. Not uncommonly referred to as the heart of New Orleans, Jackson Square is full of the thriving and pulsating energy that makes New Orleans New Orleans to begin with. Young students and longtime residents alike relax in the sun at this cultural and historical center. Andrew Jackson’s statue rises with authority, reminding Crescent City’s inhabitants of his authoritative presence for all time. Not to mention, once night falls (and sometimes before), the smooth sounds of jazz electrify the square with dancing, upbeat tunes, and euphoric smiles. Take advantage.

Garden District

The relaxing atmosphere that encompasses the Garden District is may seem like some far-flung place from the activity of the New Orleans metropolis, but, in reality, it is just along St. Charles avenue and Magazine Street. With wrought iron fences and classical antebellum homes, the chivalry and elegance of the South have never been more prevalent. Stroll down wide and luxurious sidewalks while looking on the metropolis’ initial aristocratic residential district. With affordable transit to the French Quarter and the Lafayette cemetery, the Garden District is a neighborhood you have no excuse to miss.

New Orleans has never ceased to surprise me. Its vivacious energy, unparalleled and unique beauty, and congenial population is an unmatched experience no one should go without.

May 31, 2016

Jazz Clubs of The Big Easy

New Orleans is a city of rich tradition, of vivacious culture, and of exquisite cuisine. Yet, it is perhaps its fantastic music scene that has contributed the most to its renown as a town of fine culture. Considered to be born in The Big Easy, jazz, in particular, can be heard regularly throughout the thriving metropolis. Since the city’s inception, even going as far back as to the Congo Square, the improvisational music form has been an inherent fixture of The Crescent City’s nearly palpable culture. The next time you’re strolling through this historic city’s famed streets, pop your head into one of the below beloved establishments. You’re sure to be glad you did.

Preservation Hall

Known specifically for its traditional roots, Preservation Hall has played host to nearly innumerable famous musicians. A legendary venue, the building merely requires one to reserve tickets at least 24 hours in advance for any one of its three engaging nightly events. 45 minutes each and starting at 8, 9, or 10 pm, these shows are an impeccable option for entertainment regardless of age. In fact, Preservation Hall is an alcohol-free venue, making it the perfect option for families.

Fritzel’s European Jazz Club

Although Fritzel’s is on the rambunctious Bourbon Street, that is no reason the discount the elegant Jazz overtures flowing from its open windows on any given night. Traditional and played for the most part by an in-house band, this club takes care to preserve the quality of music played in addition to continuously cultivating its already prestigious reputation. While the crowd may be slightly boisterous, their voices by no means drown out the wonderful music filling the halls.

Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse

More upscale than aforementioned Fritzel’s, this elegant lounge bar resides in the heart of the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Known for its iconic performer, the famed Grammy recipient Irvin Mayfield, the playhouse has garnered the reputation it has for good reason. Even when Mayfield isn’t there himself to dazzle crowds, other jazz forefathers make regular appearances, ensuring a night spend at the playhouse is never a night wasted.

Truly, New Orleans is home to some of the finest music in the world; and all you need to know is where to look.

April 22, 2016

A Brief History of New Orleans

New Orleans. NOLA. “The Big Easy.” “The City That Care Forgot.” This metropolis of many names holds a place near and dear to my heart. Situated along the Mississippi River only one hundred miles from its source, the capital of Louisiana is a site of rich history, diverse culture, and social individuality. Founded by the French, ruled by the Spanish and purchased by America, this port of abundant trade has never ceased to animate the imaginations of human beings since its conception.

While the area may have been explored to a shallow extent in the 16th and 17th centuries, it was the governor of French Louisiana, Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieuf de Bienville, who officially founded “The Big Easy” in 1718. Four years later New Orleans, then Nouvelle-Orleans, was dubbed the capital of Louisiana, snagging the title from Biloxi. The city would soon come to know the face of disaster later that year. A vicious hurricane struck the vulnerable town and decimated the majority of its infrastructure, forcing government officials to rebuild the grid pattern we now know today as the French Quarter.

Only 44 years later, in 1762, the French sold their Louisiana territory to Spain, thus transforming “The Crescent City” into a Spanish trading city for the next 40 years. In progressive fashion, the city adopted Spanish stratification inclinations and actually acknowledged a social class composed of “free people of color.” Soon, however, in 1803 the city was yet again ceded, this time back to the French. Then, in a remarkably rapid transaction, the United States proposed the Louisiana Purchase and bought the rights to Louisiana, as well as a tremendous amount of other territory, in 1803.

With its impeccable location along the trade superhighway of the time, the Mississippi River, New Orleans gained rapid momentum in the early 19th century and was soon America’s 3rd largest city. The thriving metropolis was responsible for shipping an enormous quantity of produce to the Caribbean, South America, and even Europe. While slavery was undoubtedly a large facet of the commercial market, that is not to discredit the free black community mentioned previously. In fact, those free from shackles prospered. Perhaps, it was in part due to this reason that New Orleans was taken unopposed in the soon-to-come Civil War (I apologize but the remainder of this article is to be published in a second post).

January 15, 2016

Tips for Mardi Gras

As we approach Mardi Gras season, the fervor and excitement surrounding New Orleans climbs to an all-time high. Frankly, with such so much to do it can be daunting trying to understand which parades to attend, what to wear, and how to get around. In my time in Louisiana’s most famous city, I had some questions of my own, and so I developed this guide to take on the “Big Easy:”

1.“What is the best parade to attend?”

Rex is the trademark Nola parade that has given Mardi Gras the famous reputation it deserves. Created in 1872, it has actually retained traditions for well over a century, including the singing of “If I Ever Cease to Love You.” Step out onto the vibrant intersection of Napoleon Avenue and S. Claibourne Avenue on Tuesday, February 9th for an experience you’re not likely to forget. You’re welcome.

2. “Where should I stay?”

Obviously, it will be your goal to find a nice, affordable hotel in close proximities to the festivities. Of course, considering Mardi Gras is the busiest time of year, that is not exactly easy task. Preparation is vital here as available rooms will likely be booked several months prior to the event.

3. “What should I wear?”

Sunscreen. Seriously, you need to wear sunscreen. Even if it’s cold this year, that sun has a nasty habit of burning you without ever letting you know, until you wake up the next day anyway. Also, be mindful of whatever shoes you choose to wear. No one wants to pick a pair of boots and experience the blistery evidence afterwards. Other than that, just check the weather, pretty simple really.

4. “I realize the city is bound to be hectic. How do I get around?”

Back to what I said about the shoes…walking. Honestly though, walking is likely your best bet considering the city isn’t very big. However, I can understand if you’d rather not trek miles through hordes of college students and hesitant strangers. So, for those of you who are looking to avoid pushing and shoving, I would recommend a bike. Taking a car is quite literally crazy considering traffic, and especially insane if you don’t want a ticket (see NOLA traffic ordinances here). The streetcar stops two hours before and two hours after a parade. Hailing a taxi? Forget about it in this congestion. Busses, well I guess busses work if you’re willing to face constant detours and delays. So I maintain, you should walk or ride a bike.

I hope this answered some of your questions. Happy Mardi Gras!

Todd Berner | Hobbies & Interests

A blog centered around Todd's hobbies and interests