Eateries to Explore

Photo Courtesy: Osteria Lupo

An entire social media universe recently emerged about the unprecedented surge of New Orleans’ hip, new, in-demand Uptown eateries, most notably among fans trying to land a table at Osteria Lupo. A buzzy vibe prevails in the industrial-chic, cavernous dining room with an open kitchen and massive wood-fired oven for Chef Brian Burns’ Northern Italian creations (osterialupo.com). The nautically-themed Pigeon and Whale offers the illusion of dining below deck while splurging on caviar and rare seafood (pigeonandwhalenola.com). Beggars Banquet is the new artsy hot spot for an intimate, romantic dinner of French-Asian fare amid whimsical murals (beggarsbanquetneworleans.com). Hungry Eyes now ranks as the essential late-night haven for bougie cocktails and retro snacks, but the real draw is the dope 1980s setting with gumball machines and cartoons galore (hungryeyesnola.com).

Houma
A Landmark Restored

Southdown Plantation & Museum recently reopened after extensive post-Hurricane Ida renovations with new exhibits and meticulous restorations. Southdown’s Fall Marketplace Reimagined (November 4) features more than 300 vendors showcasing arts and crafts, holiday décor, and diverse collectibles. The annual Winter Wonderland (December 16) brings Santa and his elves, ice-skating, and free train rides (southdownmuseum.org).

Lafayette
Spin, Twerk, and Twirl

Acadiana’s latest fitness obsession — pole dancing — has expanded into downtown Lafayette with the opening of Magnolia’s Playground, a new pole fitness center. Daily classes, ranging from beginner to professional, include Beginner Pole, Beginner Twerk, Spinning, and Tease & Seduction. Private pole parties and portable pole rentals are available. Check out the sexy lace-up platform heels in the shop (magnoliasplayground.my.canva.site).

Breaux Bridge
Full Circle

Lafayette restaurateur Frank Randol, owner of the celebrated Randol’s Restaurant that closed in 2021 after 50 years of Cajun bands and fans, recently announced the opening of a new Randol’s in Breaux Bridge and the appointment of Jimmy LaGrange as general manager. LaGrange was with Randol’s for 12 years and Mulate’s for 25 years. Returning as a combination Cajun restaurant, dance hall, and seafood processing plant, Randol’s is located at the former Pont Breaux property that originally gained fame as Mulate’s in 1980.

Help for Holiday Blues

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) recently launched a new helpline campaign to broaden statewide awareness. If you’re feeling isolated, triggered by the holidays, suicidal, or simply overwhelmed, text 988 to speak with an experienced counselor 24/7 (confidential and free).