A journal for South Louisiana.
HIDDEN GEM- Fat Boy's Seafood Kitchen in Manchac is Tangipahoa Parish's "best-kept secret". Photo by Jesse Brooks. By Jesse Brooks Fat Boy's Seafood Kitchen, a short-order eatery in Manchac has recently re-opened for business for weekend hours only after COVID-19 pushed them into hiatus. While diners far and wide are familiar with Manchac because of... Continue Reading →
Chicken pho Photo by Jesse Brooks By Jesse Brooks Pho Queen, Tangipahoa Parish's newest Vietnamese restaurant, is a game-changer for Ponchatoula. For a small city, Ponchatoula has a number of eateries that feature local favorites like po-boys, gumbo, and burgers. Some of Ponchatoula's restaurants serve breakfast and lunch only and options can be limited... Continue Reading →
Our editor and resident Tangipahoa Parish songwriter Jesse Brooks shares how going back to the country roots of music can lead to the redirection of American music. Photo by Matthew C. Roy. By Jesse Brooks I’ve been doing a lot of tweaking to my music act while in the extra solitude we have these days.... Continue Reading →
By Jesse Brooks While the world was sleeping, the city of Hammond, Louisiana quietly has become a kingdom for wings. No meetings were held, and a formal declaration may not have even been made, but Hammond has become a center for the best locally made wings in the last 15 or so years. So let's... Continue Reading →
HOT LIKE CURRY- Punjabi Dhaba Indian Cuisine is the first culinary venture of its kind in Hammond, Louisiana. Photo by Jeremy Rhodes. By Jeremy Rhodes Scientists say that our sense of smell holds the strongest potential of memory. I claim this to be self evident being that I wish to relive the memory of walking... Continue Reading →
TRUST THE PROCESS- Oak Forest Academy point guard Janero Porter has received his first college offer from Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas. Photo by Matthew Roy. By Jesse Brooks AMITE- Patience paid off for Janero Porter, a recent graduate of Oak Forest Academy, as he has finally received his first athletic scholarship to play basketball.... Continue Reading →
REFLECTIONS- Hammond rapper J. Quick (a.k.a. Jarius Burton) attempts to small town dreams into big city realities. Photo submitted. By Jesse Brooks For anyone young in America right now, figuring out how to manage day-to-day living while facing an ever growing income inequality gap is a harsh reality. This especially rings true for young African-Americans... Continue Reading →
GROWING- The Jay Artigues Sportsplex has announced new training services and a full summer program that includes camps for kids. Photo by Jesse Brooks. By Jesse Brooks HAMMOND- The Jay Artigues Sportsplex, a multi-sport training facility located on Highway 51 northbound, has announced the availability of new services and full program of summer activities. The... Continue Reading →
NEW ERA- Independence High Magnet School graduating senior Melvin Baker has signed a letter of intent to play basketball for Coastal Alabama Community College. He is seen here seated next to Tigers coach Ace Misita and his mother Jennifer Cook. Behind him are Principal Chasity Collier and Sun Chiefs coach Robby Robertson. Photo by Jesse... Continue Reading →
Baton Rouge musicians Clay Parker and Jodi James will perform at the Hammond Regional Arts Center on July 27. Hammond, LA, April 20, 2018 – The Hammond Regional Arts Center is pleased to announce the launch of its original listening room series, "Playing the Staircase." This exciting new concept to Hammond, Louisiana will see the... Continue Reading →
Small Town Stories 