New Orleans is one of my favorite cities. Like Miami, it's one of the places that feel like you've stepped into an area outside of the United States (at least for me) due to the culture, the history, and let's not forget that NOLA accent that has some of us swooning. New Orleans is a tourist hot spot, so it can be challenging to find authentic gems if you're only using travel sites as your guide.
With my eight years of experience attending ESSENCE Festival, I've found tried and true places I love from hotels to breakfast spots I have to try every time I'm in town. Check them out below.
Where To Stay
The Pontchartrain Hotel
I stumbled upon the Pontchartrain Hotel thanks to HotelTonight because my hotel plans fell through just before the ESSENCE weekend started, but I am so glad they did. From the service, the decor, the beautifully decorated rooms, and their rooftop bar — the Garden District property is worth every penny.
The Inn On Ursulines
Finding a hotel in the middle of the action in the French Quarter during peak times isn't easy, but the fifteen-room inn gives you access to the hustle and bustle at a reasonable price point.
What To Eat
Willa Jean
Willa Jean's owner and chef is known for her baked goods, but the Central Business District restaurant has made it clear that Chef Kelly Fields can do it all — especially breakfast. The Hangover Bowl was one of my favorite items on the menu, along with the milk and cookies.
Majoria's Commerce Restaurant
Located just a few blocks from Canal Street, this local favorite is the only place I have breakfast, well at least until the weekend as the eatery is closed. If you get a chance to swing by during the week, don't miss out on the "CBB" Commerce Breakfast Biscuit. Oh, and tell Ms. Cassandra I said hi!
Loretta's Authentic Pralines
Loretta's Pralines has been around 35 years and was the first praline company in New Orleans to be successfully owned and operated by a black woman. You can pick up sweet treats like cookies, pralines, and brownies from their North Rampart or French Market locations. But, don't miss out on Ms. Loretta's Crab or Praline Beignets. We hear they're the best in beignets in the city!
Willie Mae's Scotch House
Willie Mae's has been serving up crispy, golden fried chicken since 1947. The James Beard Foundation awarded the late Willie Mae Seaton, who passed away in 2015 at 99, even calling her fried chicken the best in the world.
Cafe Dauphine
Offering creole fare for brunch (Sundays only) and dinner, this Lower Ninth Ward black-owned restaurant is one not the miss by review standards on Yelp and TripAdvisor. The Lizardi egg rolls, seafood, and the bread pudding with rum sauce should be at the top of mind when you place your order.
Dooky Chase's Restaurant
Like Willie Mae's Scotch House, Dooky Chase has long served the New Orleans community, opening its doors as a sandwich shop. It later grew into a family restaurant thanks to the vision of Leah Lange Chase, who is known to many as the "Queen of Creole Cuisine." Mrs. Chase may have left us at the age of 96, but her legacy and contribution to NOLA's food history will live on.
Po-Boys
Even after eight years of trying out po boys in the Big Easy, I wouldn't dare give one recommendation on where to go to get one. But, I will say that black-owned establishments like Gene's have a special place in my heart. While Killer Poboys is also one of go-to's because the menu offers sandwiches, you'd expect like the seared gulf shrimp po boy, they also provide options for vegetarians like their roasted sweet potato that comes loaded with black-eyed peas, pecan spread, and braised greens.
The Food Halls
There are two food halls in New Orleans. First up is, Pythian Market Food Hall where 14 Parishes offers authentic Jamaican cuisine like Jerk Chicken, Curry Goat, and Callaloo. Next up is St. Roch Market which provides a little more variety with twelve vendors. If you need to do a little morning juice cleanse before your next indulgent meal, have a smoothie at The Daily Beet or if you're ready for a bit of flavor, try Frita where chef Charly Pierre serves Haitian street food. The seared fish, crab mac and cheese, and fried plantains with creole sauce sounds like a movie. One more thing, don't pass up a chance to try a cocktail from The Mayhaw.
Things To Do
Bacchanal Wine
Bacchanal Wine is another NOLA spot that comes highly rated. Open seven days a week, the outdoor "wine laboratory" has live jazz, craft cocktails, cheese plates, and hundreds of wines from around the world.
Café Du Monde
This cafe isn't just a place to grab a powdery beignet —it's an experience. After all these years, I still love stopping by Café Du Monde, especially to have their Frozen Café Au Lait and take a moment to take the city in. If you're planning to stop by, be sure to carry cash as plastic still isn't accepted.
Hot Tin
If you want to see a beautiful view of New Orleans with a well-crafted cocktail (my personal favorite is the "Some Like It Hot"), Hot Tin is your spot. Since this rooftop bar can get a bit crowded, go just before sunset to get a good spot and take in the scenic view.
Frenchmen Street
After my first trip to New Orleans, I gave up Bourbon Street for Frenchmen. Last year, I stopped by the Spotted Cat to hear a little jazz and later made my way to Artists Alley, where I bought photographs and artwork created by local artists.
Featured image by Getty Images
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Bianca Lambert is a proud Atlanta native soaking up the Los Angeles sun. She is the founder of Mae B: a stationery company for women of color and a digital content creator on a mission to elevate the voices of women of color everywhere.
Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney & Jill Marie Jones On 'Games Women Play' & Dating Over 40
What do you get when you mix unfiltered truths, high-stakes romance, and a few well-timed one-liners? You get Games Women Play—the sizzling new stage play by Je’Caryous Johnson that’s part relationship rollercoaster, part grown-woman group chat.
With a powerhouse cast that includes Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney, Jill Marie Jones, Carl Payne, Chico Bean, and Brian J. White, the play dives headfirst into the messy, hilarious, and heart-wrenching games people play for love, power, and peace of mind. And the women leading this story? They’re bringing their whole selves to the stage—and leaving nothing behind.
From Script to Spotlight
The road to Games Women Play started over 20 years ago—literally.
“This script was written 20 years ago,” Jill Marie Jones said with a smile. “It was originally called Men, Money & Gold Diggers, and I was in the film version. So when Je’Caryous called me to bring it to the stage, I was like, ‘Let’s go.’” Now reimagined for 2025, the play is updated with sharp dialogue and modern relationship dynamics that feel all too real.
Demetria McKinney, no stranger to Je’Caryous Johnson’s productions, jumped at the opportunity to join the cast once again. “This is my third time working with him,” she shared. “It was an opportunity to stretch. I’d never been directed by Carl Payne before, and the chance to work with talent I admire—Jill, Claudia, Chico—it was a no-brainer.”
Claudia Jordan joked that she originally saw the role as just another check. “I didn’t take it that seriously at first,” she admitted. “But this is my first full-on tour—and now I’ve got a whole new respect for how hard people work in theater. This ain’t easy.”
Modern Love, Stage Left
The play doesn’t hold back when it comes to the messier parts of love. One jaw-dropping moment comes when a live podcast proposal flips into a prenup bombshell—leaving the audience (and the characters) gasping.
Demetria broke it down with honesty. “People don’t ask the real questions when they date. Like, ‘Do you want kids? How do you feel about money?’ These convos aren’t happening, and then everyone’s confused. That moment in the play—it’s real. That happens all the time.”
Jill chimed in, noting how the play speaks to emotional disconnect. “We’re giving each other different tokens of love. Men might offer security and money. Women, we’re giving our hearts. But there’s a disconnect—and that’s where things fall apart.”
And then Claudia, of course, took it all the way there. “These men don’t even want to sign our prenups now!” she laughed. “They want to live the soft life, too. Wearing units, gloss, getting their brows done. We can’t have nothing! Y’all want to be like us? Then get a damn period and go through menopause.”
Dating Over 40: “You Better Come Correct”
When the conversation turned to real-life relationships, all three women lit up. Their experiences dating in their 40s and 50s have given them both clarity—and zero tolerance for games.
“I feel sexier than I’ve ever felt,” said Jill, who proudly turned 50 in January. “I say what I want. I mean what I say. I’m inside my woman, and I’m not apologizing for it.”
Demetria added that dating now comes with deeper self-awareness. “Anybody in my life is there because I want them there. I’ve worked hard to need nobody. But I’m open to love—as long as you keep doing what got me there in the first place.”
For Claudia, the bar is high—and the peace is priceless. “I’ve worked hard for my peace,” she said. “I’m not dating for food. I’m dating because I want to spend time with you. And honestly, if being with you isn’t better than being alone with my candles and fountains and cats? Then no thanks.”
Channeling Strength & Icon Status
Each actress brings something different to the play—but all of them deliver.
“I actually wish I could be messier on stage,” Claudia joked. “But I think about my grandmother—she was born in 1929, couldn’t even vote or buy a house without a man, and didn’t give a damn. She was fearless. That’s where my strength comes from.”
For Jill, the comparisons to her iconic Girlfriends character Toni Childs aren’t far off—but this role gave her a chance to dig deeper. “If you really understood Toni, you’d see how layered she was. And Paisley is the same—misunderstood, but strong. There’s more to her than people see at first glance.”
Demetria, who juggles singing and acting seamlessly, shared that live theater pushes her in a new way. “Every moment on stage counts. You can’t redo anything. It’s a different kind of love and discipline. You have to give the performance away—live, in the moment—and trust that it lands.”
Laughter, Lessons & Black Girl Gems
The show has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments—and the cast isn’t shy about who steals scenes.
“Chico Bean gets a lot of gasps and laughs,” Claudia said. “And Naomi Booker? Every scene she’s in—she’s hilarious.”
But the play isn’t just about humor. It leaves space for reflection—especially for Black women.
“I hope we get back to the foundation of love and communication,” said Demetria. “A lot of us are in protector mode. But that’s turned into survival mode. We’ve lost softness. We’ve lost connection.”
Claudia agreed. “We’re doing it all—but it’s not because we want to be strong all the time. It’s because we have to be. And I just want women to know: You can have peace, you can be soft. But stop bringing your old pain into new love. Don’t let past heartbreak build walls so high that the right person can’t climb over.”
Final Act: Pack the House
If there’s one thing this cast agrees on, it’s that this play isn’t just entertainment—it’s necessary.
“Atlanta is the Black entertainment hub,” Claudia said. “We need y’all to show up for this play. Support the arts. Support each other. Because when we pack the house, we make space for more stories like this.”
Games Women Play is more than a play—it’s a mirror. You’ll see yourself, your friends, your exes, and maybe even your next chapter. So get ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe even heal—because the games are on.
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Feature image courtesy
It’s officially Miss Keri, Baby season again—and if you ask us, it’s been a long time coming. After 15 years away from the music scene, Keri Hilson has returned not only with a brand-new album, but also a captivating new role in Lifetime’s Fame—the latest installment in The Temptations film franchise.
Between the album We Need to Talk: Love and her leading role in Fame, this isn’t just a comeback—it’s a rebirth. The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter turned actress is letting us into her world like never before, unpacking themes of vulnerability, healing, and inner strength with grace, grit, and raw artistry.
Now streaming on Lifetime, Fame follows two superstar sisters—played by Keri and singer/actress Keshia Chanté—as they navigate the cost of stardom, sibling rivalry, and the dark side of desire. The film also stars Romeo Miller, Ecstasia Sanders, Nathan Witte, and Sophie Carriere, and is executive produced by Derrick Williams and Adriane Hopper Williams of the Seven Deadly Sins franchise.
As for the music? We Need to Talk: Love is a three-part album (Love, Drama, Redemption) that tells the story of a woman who’s been through it—and has risen from the ashes. “It was time to speak for myself,” Keri says.
We sat down with Keri to talk about her return to music, her passion for acting, the emotional depth of Fame, and how she’s learning to care for herself amidst the chaos.
From R&B Queen to Drama Star: Keri Gets Into Character
“Even though she’s famous—as am I—it was really her humanity that I wanted to portray.”
Keri plays Cherish, one half of a superstar sibling duo who must confront their fractured relationship in the wake of a traumatic robbery. For Keri, the role was more than a character—it was a psychological study.
“I enjoy departures from reality. That’s why I love acting,” she shares. “Psychology is one of my favorite things in life. I became a writer because I’m an observer of human nature, emotion, and behavior. I think I did a good job showing her humanity.”
The Fame Isn’t Always Worth the Price
“Keep the main thing the main thing.”
Keri doesn’t sugarcoat the industry. When asked about what Fame reveals about the dark side of celebrity culture, her answer is clear:
“It’s a cautionary tale. It reminds you to keep your family close and not allow anything to come between them—especially in pursuit of success. Keep the main thing the main thing. For me, that’s family, love, spirituality, and values.”
Three Chapters, One Story: Love. Drama. Redemption.
“I’ve shed the fear. It was time to tell my own story.”
Released April 18th, We Need to Talk: Love is Keri’s first album in 15 years—and a deeply personal one at that. The three-part project (Love, Drama, Redemption) represents a timeline of healing and growth.
“I’m finally in a place where I’m able and willing to open up more,” she says. “For a while, I became really guarded—shell-shocked, even—after making mistakes in the public eye. Whether it’s all your fault or not, the scrutiny takes its toll. But now, I’ve shed that fear. It’s time to tell my story.”
Cooking, Walks, and Recalibrating in the Chaos
“I’m not doing the best job—but I’m doing what I can.”
Between eight-hour rehearsals, press runs, and music releases, Hilson admits she hasn’t quite figured out the balance yet—but she’s trying. For her, the key is carving out small rituals of normalcy.
“I enjoy cooking. That’s my sanctity,” she says. “I’ll go home, take my makeup off, put on my rehearsal clothes, and cook a meal. I take walks. I run. These little things help me feel like myself again.”
Art Imitates Life (and Album Tracklists)
“Cherish goes from Love… to Drama… to Redemption.”
Asked which album chapter her Fame character would fall into, Keri doesn’t hesitate. “She fits into all three,” she says. “You see her go from love, to drama, to redemption. That arc mirrors the journey of so many women who’ve had to navigate pain and find their way back to themselves.”
No Pressure, Just Art: Keri Wants You to Feel Something
“Just enjoy the art. That’s it.”
After all the time, patience, and healing, Keri isn’t asking for much. She just wants fans to press play—and feel something.
“I just want people to enjoy what they’re seeing and hearing. Enjoy me on screen. Enjoy me through their ears. People have waited, and I feel blessed by that. That helps me keep it all pure and simple.”
As Keri Hilson steps boldly back into the spotlight, it’s clear this era is all about alignment, artistry, and authenticity. With Fame airing on Lifetime and the first chapter of We Need to Talk: Love setting the tone, we’re more than excited to see what’s next.
As she continues to unfold the album’s next two chapters—Drama and Redemption—one thing’s for sure: this isn’t just a comeback. It’s a reintroduction. And we’ll be watching, listening, and cheering her on every step of the way.
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Feature image by AFF-USA/Shutterstock