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If you have questions about coronavirus, please contact the Louisiana 211 Network by dialing dial 211. Or, you can text the keyword LACOVID to 898-211 for the most current information about the outbreak as it becomes available.
The Advocate is Louisiana's largest daily newspaper. Based in Baton Rouge, it serves the southern portion of the state, including Baton Rouge and Lafayette. A separate edition for New Orleans, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate, is published.
The Mississippi River is falling at New Orleans. Level now 16.61 feet. The highest was 17.61 feet. The Spillway opened Friday, April 3rd and will close Friday, May 1, 2020. There were a total of 90 bays opened. 20 bays closed Thursday, and the last 10 will close Friday.
Remember all that bad weather this past Tuesday? The NWS Survey Team report an EF-0 Tornado Tuesday night starting at 8:52 pm through 8:55 pm. Max winds 80 mph. On ground 1.4 miles. Width 150 yard. It was near Oakville which is South of Belle Chasse. The tornado destroyed a metal cooking area and threw the debris into power lines. It crossed highway 23, then the River and then moved into marsh. It did minor damage along the way.
Body camera footage was released Thursday of a shootout between a suspect and two New Orleans police officers who were wounded on April 14 in New Orleans East.
Mixed drinks to-go are not currently allowed in New Orleans | Shutterstock
A temporary rule during New Orleans’s stay-ay-home order forbids restaurants from selling mixed drinks to-go
A lifeline, by its very nature, is not conditional.
Which is why just about every chef and restaurateur in town is gobsmacked by the hard line taken by the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) when it comes to offering batch or single-serve mixed cocktails in closed containers to-go or for delivery. At a time when revenue from selling drinks is more critical than ever — and many states have loosened up in response — Louisiana restaurants are shut out of the game, unable to offer mixed drinks to go.
Pre-pandemic, New Orleans restaurants serving liquor typically had an on-premise license allowing them to sell drinks at the bar, including “walk-tails” — drinks ordered in what’s known as “go cups” to take with. Because of that, there wasn’t a need for an off-premise license allowing for delivery in most cases. But the new rule, enacted on a temporary basis, according to Ernest P. Legier, Jr., ATC Deputy Commissioner, is that only wine and beer in closed containers or pre-made frozen beverages from a machine can be offered for curbside pickup or delivery — not mixed drinks.
“Selling to-go food is hard as it is,” said chef Nina Compton, who has been doing occasional pop-up sales at Bywater American Bistro while her restaurant Compere Lapin remains closed. “Cocktails to-go should be allowed if we can sell beer and wine to-go — selling drinks is the saving grace for restaurants, especially now.”
“We are being trusted to prepare and package food for delivery and takeout,” said Michael Gulotta, chef/owner of MoPho and Maypop, both currently closed. “What’s the difference with cocktails? If I have a bartender in mask and gloves making a bunch of pre-batched cocktails — which we do anyway, to get through a busy service — how is that different?”
“For restaurants to thrive, we have to bring hospitality experiences to where the customer is — it’s not just about food,” said Robert LeBlanc, whose hospitality company includes Sylvain, Barrel Proof, Cavan, Longway Tavern and Meauxbar. “These are lean times. That $20 or $25 per ticket makes a huge difference. It doesn’t make sense that everybody else can do it and we can’t.”
“It seems silly to me. Why you can do one and not the other?” asked Phil Mosely, who co-owns Blue Oak BBQ in Mid City with partner Ronnie Evans. “A lot of people are struggling. Why not allow them to do as much as they can within the confines of following health guidelines? We’re not pouring shots and inviting people to the bar. But why not let people buy a couple of margaritas with their picnic? This is nothing out of the ordinary of regular business — it’s not outlandish or unprecedented. And at a time when the state and city could be collecting more taxes and helping businesses stay afloat — it’s a real lose/lose.”
Eric Cook, chef/owner of the currently-shuttered Gris-Gris in the Lower Garden District, is another restaurateur bewildered by the current ban on to go and delivered cocktails. Speaking to Eater New Orleans during the first weekend of what should have been Jazz Fest, Cook was glum.
“I budget to lose money in summer — all restaurants do, whether they’re seating 35 or 350. We survive because of times like Jazz Fest; that’s when we make our money. Right now, I’m looking at eight months of summer ahead of me. We are entrusted by the city, the state and our customers to be responsible food handling professionals. We are also responsible alcohol vendors. Take that away — and how can we make it? Let us have the small margins we need to survive.”
Still some restaurants are going rogue, defying the current rules and serving cocktails to-go anyway. “I’m a small local business,” said one owner, who requested anonymity. “Being able to serve drinks is the lifeblood of my achieving my dream. It connects me to the community. I’m staying under the radar — honestly I’m not even making money, but I’m just trying to let people know I’m here. I’m not closed and I want to serve them.”
Eater is tracking the impact of the novel coronavirus on the city’s restaurant industry. Have a story to share? Reach out atnola@eater.com.
Three current police officers in Meridian, Mississippi, and one former officer in the same department are charged with theft and embezzlement of public money.
The number of unemployment claims in Louisiana eclipsed a half-million since mid-March as businesses continue to shed jobs during the coronavirus outbreak.
Our next rain chance really doesn't come until maybe Tuesday or Wednesday, and the rain chance is not high. Temperatures will begin to climb at the first of the week. We may be hitting 90. That means plenty of evaporation, so it's going to be time to water the garden again as you go into Sunday mostly likely. Highs Sunday will be in the upper 80s.
No bays closed on the Spillway today because of the stormy weather in the morning. The River is at 16.68 feet. All bays should be closed by Friday, or during the day Friday. There are 26 minor seepage points in the Metro area.
At least four companies in the oil and gas industry in Louisiana said workers were being laid off due to a decrease in demand because of the coronavirus pandemic.
A Madison, Mississippi, barbershop owner said he was frustrated and tired of keeping his business closed while others remained open for business, so he opened his doors.
The Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force discussed some possible guidelines and mandates that Central Florida theme parks may have to follow whenever they reopen.
It was a rough go Tuesday evening, but we are not done. A cold front is moving our way and ahead of the cold front a squall line will develop and move through in the morning. Expect some strong gusty winds along the leading edge of the squall line. The rain will not last a long time. By Noon skies are beginning to clear, and by 3 in the afternoon we will have sunshine!
Gov. John Bel Edwards announced Tuesday that he will travel to Washington D.C. Wednesday to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss Louisiana's response to the coronavirus outbreak.
The French Quarter’s Cafe Lafitte in Exile on March 26 | Photo by EMILY KASK/30203169A/AFP via Getty Images
New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell said the governor’s revised stay-at-home order does not change the city’s own directive to close restaurant dining rooms and seating
In a statement Tuesday morning, New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell said that two key changes to the state’s revised stay-at-home order, announced by Governor John Bel Edwards yesterday, would not apply to Orleans Parish.
The Governor’s announcement will not result in any changes to the existing #StayHome mandate in Orleans Parish. Restaurants will not be allowed to host curbside seating and stores will not be allowed to open curbside delivery. Yesterday, I issued the following statement ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/IABw2BdvlO
This means that restaurants in New Orleans won’t be able to open outdoor seating on May 1 along with other parts of the state, where establishments will be able to offer takeout dining at outside tables. Retail stores in Orleans Parish malls will also not be allowed to open for curbside delivery/pickup.
The statement does not address the third key aspect of the Governor’s revised order, which requires all employees dealing with the public to wear masks or face coverings starting on Friday.
The state’s revised stay-at-home order now runs through May 15, putting its end date in line with New Orleans’s, which Cantrell extended last month. Under Cantrell’s order, restaurants are allowed to operate for takeout and delivery services only, and breweries and wine shops that hold a retail license can sell alcohol to-go.
Governor Edwards said Monday that he’ll make an announcement on May 11 about whether or not the state is ready to move into the first phase of reopening after May 15. During Phase One, Edwards said restaurants will be able to open dining rooms with modifications but bars will remain closed.
Eater is tracking the impact of the novel coronavirus on the city’s restaurant industry. Have a story to share? Reach out atnola@eater.com.
There are a few more details on former New Orleans mayor Ray Nagin’s release from federal prison. Although he’s now at his home in Texas, Nagin is officially still in federal custody according to federal officials.
Officials said the $21 million (for the months of March, April, May and June) is the estimated loss in revenue directly generated from visitors to the facilities in New Orleans, which have been closed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
After Gov. John Bel Edwards announced Monday that Louisiana's stay-at-home order was extended with some restrictions easing on restaurants and retail businesses, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is reminding residents to heed city restrictions.
The man did not make an attempt to remove himself from the tracks, after the train conductor activated the horn and attempted to stop the train, police say.
The Storm Prediction Center has put us under a low end risk for severe storms possibly late Tuesday into Wednesday. There is the potential for a couple of squall lines to move through with strong gusty winds, hail and an isolated tornado can not be ruled out. Stay weather aware.
The Mississippi River is at 16.9 feet. 10 bays closed on the Spillway today. That means 50 are now closed, and 40 remain open. The rest of the bays will likely close this week. There are 26 minor seepage points.
The weather improves Thursday through Sunday. Expect cool mornings, warm days and mostly sunny skies through Sunday. Monday highs may be around 80!
A Thibodaux police officer was fired Monday after he was arrested on a charge of sexual battery for an incident that took place earlier this month, investigators said.
A comprehensive guide to the suppliers, distributors, and restaurants currently offering alternatives to the grocery store
With at least three weeks left in New Orleans’s stay-at-home order, there’s still time to take advantage of some new, appealing alternatives to grocery store shopping that have emerged in the last two months, from local farmers and suppliers selling directly to the public to restaurants adding food essentials to their curbside pickup offerings.
Here is Eater New Orleans’s collective guide to the local suppliers, distributors, farms, and restaurants that have responded to the current situation by introducing options for delivery and curbside pickup for those hoping to avoid the supermarket.
A preferred source for some of New Orleans’s top chefs and restaurants, Covey Rise has added more direct-to-consumer sales with appearances around town at Thalia, Capulet, Gnarly Barley Brewing, and more. The large bags of fresh-harvested produce go for $30, estimated to be enough for 2 to 3 meals for a family of 4 to 5. The pickups are first come first serve — no preordering or prepay (unless marked with a star on the schedule; which means preorder is available and to contact the venue listed directly to order).
The city’s biggest wholesale produce supplier is selling directly to the public for the first time, offering curbside pickup at its Gert Town warehouse and limited delivery on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Fruit, vegetable, and even crawfish boil boxes can be ordered to pick up the following day, Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Order via email to orders@louisianafresh.com or by calling the office at (504) 620-2200.
Mistretta’s, typically supplies 100 restaurants in the New Orleans area, is offering four produce box options for free delivery local delivery, ranging from $25 to $100. Call (504) 244-4444 to order; for next day delivery between 8 and 10 a.m. call the night before and leave a voicemail with name and contact information.
Through the month of May, this nonprofit that works to improve access to fresh foods is doing free home delivery to a fairly large local zone. There are a bunch of offerings: a Crescent City farmers market box, a Growing Local NOLA garden box, vegetable and fruit boxes, and some proteins. Place an order on or before a Monday, it will be delivered on Tuesday or Wednesday; place it on or before Thursday and it will be delivered on Friday or Saturday.
The New Orleans facility of regional restaurant supplier Inland Seafood is now selling directly to the public, delivering to more than 20 local zip codes. The list of available products is extensive, and there’s even a NOLA-specific product page. In addition to meat, poultry, and seafood, Inland also offers some specialty items like local boudin, Cajun caviar, and truffle oil.
This regional restaurant supplier is now selling a huge menu of Louisiana wagyu, five cuts of steak, more than 20 seafood items, and poultry direct to consumers (as well as some produce). While the company slowly started home deliveries in late March by word of mouth, it has since implemented an ordering system for curbside pickup or deliveries for orders over $150. Customers can message JV Foods through Facebook or text (504) 416-7228 or (504) 343-0316 to place orders, with pickup available at their warehouse in Kenner, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
A typical supplier for restaurants, grocery and corner stores, and other wholesalers, Piazza shifted to direct sales (on top of donating product to Chef’s Brigade), now offering locals a menu of various fish fillets, shellfish, a slew of crabmeat and crab claw options, alligator meat, and more. Contactless pickup takes place at Piazza’s loading dock in Harahan Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
Major Louisiana meat supplier Natco jumped quickly to consumer sales, making product available at its warehouse and via pop-up “meat truck” locations in Metairie and New Orleans. The company, which has been selling to New Orleans restaurants for 95 years, has since completely rebuilt its website, where customers can now order beef, chicken, and seafood for next day pickup Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The two-year old coffee shop on Broad Street that serves world class coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and salads has added groceries and meals to its offerings. In addition to Covey Rise produce boxes, items like Creole cream cheese, eggs, bread, and flour are available, as well as packing up quarts of soup and “dinner for two” like chicken curry and fennel sweet potato, pasta primavera, and lasagna. All items can be ordered through the shop’s website for pickup.
The LGD cafe and juice bar that typically sticks to high-quality sandwiches, coffee drinks, and ice cream added fresh produce to its new online ordering system weeks ago. The wide range of fruit and vegetables can be ordered by 8 p.m. for pickup or delivery the next day, Monday through Saturday.
Sneaky Pickle rolled out a market in March, just months after it finally reopened following a fire that forced a nine-month closure. Sneaky Pickle Market, with help from New Orleans’s Veggi Farmer’s Cooperative offers a mix of local produce, products made in-house, and groceries. An order form opens for 24 hours on Thursdays, with orders picked up or delivered on Saturday. Sunday, Sneaky Pickle opens for market window hours, where no pre-order is required.
Steakhouse chain Saltgrass is going big with the grocery offerings, and the Metairie location is no exception. Dairy, meat, and seafood items as well as produce and pantry staples are available, and some bottles of wine are 50% off if you’re picking up. Call (504) 780-2668 to place an order to pick up, or use Waitr, GrubHub, DoorDash, or Uber Eats.
Louisiana's stay-at-home order is in effect for a few more days, and on Monday residents could get more of an idea of what restrictions may be lifted as the state continues to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
Officials with Jefferson Parish Schools have announced adjustments to how the district will handle student grades, grade promotions and graduation decisions.
Gov. Tate Reeves is issuing a new “Safer-at-Home” order that will replace the shelter-in-place order Mississippi has been under for the past three weeks.
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is working hard to combat the spread of COVID-19 and to recover from all of the severe weather the state has seen recently.
Louisiana could be in its last weekend under a statewide stay-at-home order, but details about what restrictions will ease up after are still minimal in a state that has more than 26,000 coronavirus cases and has recorded 1,600 deaths.
A cold front is moving our way. Right now there are strong storms over NW Louisiana and a Severe T-Storm Watch. These storms will impact North and likely Central Mississippi. They look to dissipate as they move our way into drier air. Storms over SE Texas are already diminishing.
Mississippi River is now at 16.97 feet. 10 bays closed on the Spillway today. 70 bays remain open. There are 21 minor seepage points.
There is an 80% chance tropical development for a low pressure 800 miles SSW of the Southern tip of Baja California. A tropical depression is forecast to develop within the next day or two as it moves NW 10 mph. After that conditions are expected to become unfavorable for development. Hurricane Season begins May 15th in the East Tropical Pacific. This would be very early development!
Great weekend ahead, and it would have been a Jazz Fest Weekend...
The start of the week looks nice too. Cool in the morning with lows in the low 50s to near 60. Sunny skies forecast with highs in the low 80s. Winds shift to onshore Tuesday. Clouds increase with a slight rain chance. Highs will be in the mid 80s. Rain chances increase Wednesday with the potential for the storms as another cold front moves our way.
10 Bays closed on the Spillway. That means 20 have now closed. 70 remain open. There are 21 minor seepage points.
80% chance tropical development in the East Pacific 750 miles SSW of Baja, California. Could become a depression. It would be the earliest development in the East Pacific Season. Hurricane Season officially begins May 15th in the East Pacific.
Some of New Orleans' most frequented spots continue to resemble that of ghost towns as restrictions remain in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
The new coronavirus appears to be causing sudden strokes in adults in their 30s and 40s who are not otherwise terribly ill, doctors reported Wednesday.
The stormy weather moved east, and now we have a cool Friday morning ahead. Sunny skies are forecast. The wind will become southerly ahead of a fast moving weak cold front that will move our way early Saturday with a few clouds.
The Mississippi River is at 16.92 feet. There are 20 minor seepage points in the Metro area. 10 bays have closed on the Spillway with a total of 80 bays open.
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