With a roadie this week, I’m kicking this edition of the Playpen off with something of a guide to Baton Rouge for those of you traveling to make the game.
First, and maybe most importantly, here’s the link to LSU’s parking guide. I get the impression we should expect tough sledding when it comes to parking, so check it out carefully.
Second, courtesy of And The Valley Shook’s Billy Gomila, here are some dining suggestions for Red Stick:
Okay, Baton Rouge recs:
First and foremost, I always suggest The Chimes, which is the quintessential LSU bar, right off campus. Fantastic beer selection, seafood, burgers and great pub food/appetizers. It’ll probably be jammed on Friday and Saturday, but if you really want to get the campus vibe that’s my go-to suggestion.
Other places — if you’re into the usual seafood fair when in Louisiana:
– Parrains. Great oyster bar, fantastic seafood. Parking can be a problem on a Friday, so I recommend a cab or Uber.
– Mike Andersons. Yeah, it’s a bit of a cliche, but it’s that way for a reason, and it rarely disappoints.
– Jolie Pearl. Downtown Baton Rouge — straight-up Oyster Bar with a few other items. Very casual, but fun atmosphere and chargrilled oysters 13 different ways.
– Stinky’s Fish Camp. Newer place, but I hear good things.
– Roberto’s — it’s on the outskirts of town along the river and a bit of a drive. But very much worth it.If you want to maybe step outside of the seafood realm:
– City Pork — they have two locations, the deli, which will have a limited menu, and the Brasserie, which is more of a full-sized restaurant. Fantastic smoked meats and charcuterie, with some exotic cheeses. They also just opened a new pizza place — City Slice, which is right by campus.
– Superior Grill — Mexican, great margaritas. Also a very crowded place.
– Flambe Cafe — More of a French/European vibe.
– Elsie’s Plate & Pie — Louisiana comfort food.For higher-end places, Mansur’s on the Boulevard and Ruffinos are really tough to beat. French Market Bistro and Juban’s as well.
Eh, what’s that, you say? What about local beers?
For the local brews, I recommend: NOLA Brewing, Urban South, Port Orleans and Wayward Owl out of New Orleans. NOLA and Urban South both have great tap-rooms. NOLA’s has great barbecue as well. In Baton Rouge, we have Tin Roof, which has a nice tap room between campus and downtown, and Southern Craft, which is a little harder to find but will be in lots of stores/bars.
That’s all I’ve got for now. Hope it helps those going. For the rest of you, on to your regularly scheduled political wankfest in the comments.
Those restaurants, and I can’t go. You’re killing me Blutarsky, YOU’RE KILLING ME!
LikeLike
I anticipate doing a fair amount of oyster depletion on this trip.
LikeLike
They will put a little lead in your pencil…if you have somebody to write to..(you said this was the playpen!)
LikeLike
If you’re looking for something to throw on the grill for your tailgate, I’d suggest the boudin (Cajun sausage) from Tony’s seafood (http://www.tonyseafood.com/shopping_additems.php?action=showitem&id=185) . They sell Cajun (pork), seafood and crawfish boudin. Unfortunately they don’t sell my favorite, red boudin (blood sausage). They also sell stuffed chickens and Turduckhen.
LikeLike
I’ve got a non-political question for the group: should instant replay be expanded to review other penalties beyond targeting? For example, should coaches/refs be able to initiate a review to determine if a facemask penalty occurred if it wasn’t called during the play?
LikeLike
You are no doubt proud of our efforts to lead the way in this regard, even going so far as to submit to the first replay penalty ever found while reviewing a different play. This occurred during our tough loss to Tennessee in 2016.
Just another Bulldog Point of Pride!
LikeLike
Where does the line get drawn? What about defensive holding? Defensive PI? Offensive holding?
Every game slow down ultimately rolls back into less football, as they try to “speed up the game.”
I would just like to see these conferences making hay off a billion dollar enterprise put a bit more money and effort into making the on-field officiating more competent.
LikeLike
Amen to that.
LikeLike
I’d limit it to procedural penalties and player safety penalties, in addition to what they already do now. Like they can review whether or not there were too many players on the field already, so why not review false start & offsides penalties? It shouldn’t take more than a minute to determine which side jumped first or if a defensive player got back out of the neutral zone before the ball was snapped. Same goes for facemasks or horse-collar penalties, shouldn’t take more than a minute to determine if an illegal tackle was made.
I agree that more needs to be done to improve the quality and consistency of the officiating too.
LikeLike
Rest assured, our efforts to obtain sponsors for each replay opportunity means that NO replay will be wasted anymore.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The CFL allows coaches challenges on penalties like pass interference. I kinda like that.
LikeLike
NO, but the refs should be held accountable for such misdeeds after the game. As in being suspended for a certain number of games, maybe a 3 strikes and you’re out rule.
LikeLike
No takes too much time and despite the frustration of missed calls the human element is part of the game.
LikeLike
I would hate to open that Pandora’s Box. Games would never end with the amount of awful officiating that goes on.
LikeLike
Bigger question?
Why are many referees of retirement age. Science tells us eyesite and reflexes are much better in the young. Therefore shouldn’t the refs be of younger age. I mean it is an anomaly to see someone older than 40 in the NFL. I do realize experience plays a part as well but that’s why 20 year olds probably wouldn’t make the cut.
LikeLike
Not surprising that there are so many food recommendations. I suspect he had to limit himself. Y’all have a good time and bring home a W.
LikeLike
Really enjoyed our last trip to Baton Rouge. The people are hostile in the stadium but actually pretty decent outside of it. They are damn serious about their drinking. Not going this year but If it’s not on your cfb bucket list it should be. Thinking about the over unders for this playpen
Fascist o/u. 6
Trump o/u 23?
Communist o/u 3
Kavanaugh o/u 11
Hillary o/u 3
Nazi o/u 4
LikeLike
Take the over on everything. 😉
LikeLike
Be sure to check out the Taco Bell on College Drive. Might be the best stuff ever. I recommend the Pintos and Cheese.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll admit it. I love Taco Bell.
LikeLike
Was anyone else as disturbed as I was at the side show that Supreme Court nomination became and still is? I don’t care which side of the aisle you are on what went down belonged on Jerry Springer not in our legislative branch.
It is ridiculous that unfounded accusations could potentially ruin the life of any man/woman in the country. If it can happen to BK it could happen to any of us..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agree with you on the Senate. An embarrassing exhibition all the way around.
As far as your second point, it’s not like Kavanaugh ran the risk of going to jail here, like some unfortunate people I can think of. It shouldn’t take some privileged white dude taking heat for some to suddenly find religion.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Senator, would you consider yourself a “privelaged white dude”?
Reading this blog for 10 years I’m 100% certain you are white, a dude, and have at least 2 post high school degrees.
Curious if your parents paid for most of that or did you put yourself through school.
LikeLike
Absolutely, I would consider myself a PWD. What’s your point?
LikeLike
I just find it humorous.
Kudos for self identifying.
LikeLike
Just because I’ve been lucky in life doesn’t mean I’m blind to reality. Glad you find humor in that.
LikeLike
When a guy that identifies as a “privileged white dude” sounds a bit resentful about another “privileged white dude”, that is a bit rich.
Do you know BK? Maybe he’s just like you – maybe he sees his privilege as well and has been atoning for his sins ever since that term came about (circa 2011).
One thing is for sure, it could make him feel better about himself.
LikeLike
I’m not resentful about BK. I simply find it a little sad that it takes a situation involving someone like him to get some folks to wake up to the possibility that life isn’t fair for a lot of people when it comes to accusations.
LikeLike
Safe travels, enjoy Louisiana, and Go Dawgs!
LikeLike
Life is not fair to a lot of people in a lot of different ways. Just being born in the US makes all of us extremely privileged. I’m not dismissing the raw deal that a lot of people get, but reality is what it is.
LikeLike
There are lots of reasons that people get a raw deal in life.
Among them should not be:
race
religion
gender
sexual orientation
You don’t need a fictional Utopia to have a goal of achieving fair outcomes for people no matter how God made them.
Being born in America is a good start, but its not an acceptable end and hasn’t been for millions upon millions.
LikeLike
Achieving fair outcomes is an impossible goal that is only used to justify more and more government intrusion into our lives. If it were possible to put every single person on equal footing (which it isn’t) that balance would be upset the very next moment when people started engaging in voluntary exchange. So the government has to interfere again, and again, and again.
LikeLike
I’m sure our dear Senator recognizes his privilege.
LikeLike
It’s terrible when it happens to white republicans.
Everyone else tho? Fuck ‘em, right?
The mango Mussolini was the self-proclaimed leader of a lynch mob against 5 innocent black kids, but so what right? He also was the public leader of an effort to falsely delegitimizating outcry first black president with NO evidence,much less a witness, but that’s cool right?
Lock her (them) up, but never lock us up!! That would be like a total witch hunt, everybody says so.
Typical hypocritical right wing bullshit.
LikeLike
The same dipshits complaining about “due process” for Kavanaugh are the same assholes chanting “lock her up” at Trump rallies, and the same assholes who rationalize police shootings of unarmed people by blaming the victim.
LikeLike
Rich white republican lives matter!
Eric garner being choked out for selling smokes? An acceptable and avoidable (by him) loss.
LikeLike
If anybody has gotten a raw deal in life, it’s Killary.
LikeLike
Of course, it was refreshing to see the left abandon all pretense of being in favor of the rule of law for unabashed identity politics. Men bad, women good, evidence not necessary.
LikeLike
Shouldn’t anyone who knowingly violates the law for mishandling classified information or exposing classified information go to jail? Regardless of political affiliation I think the answer is hell yeah.
All police shootings that result in a death should be thoroughly investigated by FBI and just like what recently happened to the Chicago cop they should be punished if found guilty.
The good news is you are more likely to killed by lightening/bees/lawn mower than killed by a cop. The other fact is more Caucasians are killed by cops….
Resisting arrest can lead to unforeseen consequences.
Unarmed vs armed has nothing to do it with it. If you feel you life is threatened you have the right to use deadly force. The important thing if you god forbid make that decision you will have to deal with that choice. If a judge/DA/jury find you had reasonable ground then it is what it is…. the social justice warriors just need to give it a rest. People can like it or not but we live in greatest country on earth. It isn’t perfect but it’s the best mouse trap yet. If you don’t agree and have such a problem with it I hear Venezuela is nice and nothing is stopping you.
Good bless the playpen
LikeLike
Call your congressman: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/trump-revealed-highly-classified-information-to-russian-foreign-minister-and-ambassador/2017/05/15/530c172a-3960-11e7-9e48-c4f199710b69_story.html?utm_term=.80af521ccc9d
LikeLike
Derek, you know NCA has the absolute right to declassify anything he wants, anytime he wants, right?
LikeLike
And you’re pointing that out because you have sincere concerns about our national security, right?
Where was the concern when Cheney and Scooter sold out a CIA undercover operative?
The folks on the right don’t have rules or even a country. Their allegiance is to a party and an ideology, period.
LikeLike
Pot, meet kettle. I’m sure you’re concerned about Hillary’s private email server and the likelihood that foreign governments hacked ALL the emails (including classified ones), not just the ones the president wanted to disclose? Of course not. The fact that she has a D after her name means all is forgiven and we’ll just worry about what some rich kid probably didn’t do in high school.
LikeLike
Evidently this Sony Michel hurricane really destroyed Florida.
LikeLike
Going to need a little more evidence than a Wapo article.
Having said that, I am pretty sure a sitting President can’t be charged with a crime. Plus I they could just pardon themselves. Not saying it’s right but of course that would lead to a legitimate impeachment and removal from office.
Unfortunately for the former Sec of State I don’t think the same rules apply. Right wrong of indifferent. It is what it is.. we can also explore the hot mic conversation between the former president and Putin at a summit….. So will you be calling your congressional representative?
With that I must get back to doing the evils of capitalism lol
LikeLike
Feel better? https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/erick-erickson-says-at-least-one-source-in-the-washington-post-story-is-pro-trump
At the alleged time she was the sitting SOS, not former.
The issue isn’t whether you can get away with it. The issue it seems to me is whether you take giving away classified intelligence seriously or you don’t. Is purposeful more serious than accidental/or potential? After all there’s no evidence of any actual release or capture of intel info from the server. There was a risk.
It appears to me that the degree that the right takes things seriously depends upon whether there is an (R) after their name or not.
Hillary’s server? Lock her up!!!
Valerie Plame? Who?
Lewinsksy? IMPEACH!!!
Grab them by the pussy? Humor.
19 sexual assault accusers? He’s got my vote.
Son coordinates to get Russian state sponsored oppo research? Nothing burger.
Candidate (D) hires oppo research firm who hires someone with Russian non-state actor contacts? COLLUSION!!!
Mexican Rapists? Obama is a divider.
Good people on the Nazi side? Obama is a divider.
Family Separations? Obama is a divider.
If Obama’s campaign manager, his deputy, his personal attorney, and his former National Security Advisor (among other), were all convicted felons it would still be running 24/7 on Fox almost 2 years later. They take Benghazi and fast and furious and make those bigger stories than these and the right does not care. At all. Not even a little bit.
They aren’t American’s. They are conservatives/Republicans instead.
There’s proof: https://bluevirginia.us/2017/10/video-neo-nazis-chant-russia-is-our-friend-the-south-will-rise-again-and-we-will-be-back-in-cville
Russia is our friend? Half of GOP voters take Russia’s side over our intelligence agencies AND Trump appointees. Not surprising since Trump has repeatedly covered for Russia. Even treason is ok if it means power for the right.
We know being a buffoon who leaks intel to the Russians is perfectly acceptable. Can’t find a FoxNews story on it. Shocking I know.
LikeLike
LikeLike
Richard Nixon would like a word.
LikeLike
Another hypocrisy: Common scary, but Kanye good….
https://www.foxnews.com/transcript/should-controversial-rapper-common-have-been-invited-to-white-house
https://video.foxnews.com/v/5846397947001/?#sp=show-clips
LikeLike
LikeLike
Anybody think it would be a good idea to hit a giant reset button and revert to our original constitution, bill of rights, and judicial system? I’m pretty fed up with the feds, always have been, and there’s no way to make it better. Otherwise, maybe every single thing a fed representative chooses to do should require ten things to be undone first.
LikeLike
You’re against the Federal Department of Asswiping? You must be in favor of dirty asses! Why, nobody wiped at all until the FDA was created in 1984. Millions will die!!!1!1!
LikeLike
Police misconduct is definitely a problem and short of moving to a private system, I don’t see a good solution. Minor misconduct is investigated internally by the police department being accused. Would we let burglary suspects gather the evidence to convict or exonerate themselves? Of course not. Major misconduct is usually investigated by a separate agency, but then turned over to the DA which works every day with the department he now has to decide whether to prosecute. That’s not much of an improvement.
And of course, assuming an impartial investigation occurs and the evidence is strong enough to overcome any bias by the prosecutor, we still have juries conditioned since childhood that police are the good guys, we can trust them, they’re under assault in the war on cops, and they have to decide whether to kill someone in a fraction of a second. That results in the vast majority of serious crimes alleged to have been committed by police either never coming to trial, or resulting in being acquitted.
Maybe increased involvement by state or federal authorities over local authorities would help. But probably not much. I think it’s as much a cultural problem as an institutional one.
LikeLike
How do those boots taste?
*Shouldn’t anyone who knowingly violates the law for mishandling classified information or exposing classified information go to jail? *
No. Why? Are you really that hard-up to live in a Fascist country?
LikeLike
LSU has one of the coolest bar (spots) I’ve ever seen. Literally inside one of the reserve parking sections close to the stadium is a very large, multi-level bar called “Walk On’s”
It’s in a ridiculously close location. The food is similar to a Loco’s (with less wings and more etouffee). If you’re going without a tailgate spot, I recommend it for a good pre-game bar.
https://walk-ons.com/food
LikeLike
IF in NOLA, I have to hit Drago’s for the Chargrilled Oysters….they have a spot in the Hilton….sit right at the grill and enjoy.
LikeLike
If you are bringing your golf clubs I recommend Copper Mill GC a public course outside BR. Won an award from Golf Digest several years ago.
LikeLike
Mayor, after all our Cocktail Party exchanges, I thought you knew I don’t golf. 😉
LikeLike
A lawyer that doesn’t golf? Wonders never cease.
Hell, I wouldn’t close many sales without mine…
LikeLike
I asked a friend’s uncle if he was joining us for morning golf a few years ago in P Vedra -Ga/Fla game. He responded “I’m not a golfer, I’m a drunk”.
LikeLike
There is a limited alcohol selection inside Tiger Stadium now. They just opened “The Chute” which is pretty much a pop up spot underneath the stands with TVs showing the game and other games of national interest. It’s hard to move from section to section in the stadium so not everyone can get to it but the visitor section does have access. There is a $20 cover that gets you two free drinks and then drinks are $6 after that. It’s almost entirely beer, not even wine. I was there for the Ole Miss game and the wife had to drink spiked seltzers. Another inside the stadium concession I recommend is the jambalaya. You can get it better in a restaurant but it’s pretty good for stadium food.
LikeLike
http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=5200&ATCLID=211666251
http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=5200&ATCLID=211770906
Food options are few around campus, but they make up for it at Tiger Stadium. I’ve had the Sausage Po-Boy and the Creole Gumbo Nachos at the Box. Both are very good.
LikeLike
Last time I was there which has been about a decade, fans were walking to their seats with red bans and rice. It looked good too. Sadly I didn’t go find it.
LikeLike
The dive bars for the younger crowd are in Tigerland, a parking lot near the south edge of the LSU golf course. Fred’s, Mike’s, and Reggie’s are a few I remember. Fred’s was the rowdiest.
LikeLike
All y’all in the vicinity of this latest hurricane PLEASE be safe. Hopefully most evac’d. It’s looking uglier by the minute around PCB.
LikeLike
As someone who is a big connoisseur in the craft beer scene but still isn’t snobbish enough to drink something from AB, I gotta say that I have tried about six beers now from Abita and not liked a single one. I like pretty much all styles and varieties, but nothing they make has done it for me. Maybe it’s that swamp water.
I wish we got beer more from Louisiana as I have not had anything else from there besides them since they are large enough to distribute here.
LikeLike
Swamp water? They use spring water from Abita Springs.
LikeLike
Senator. Just a heads up to your readers that Wayward Owl in New Orleans is closed currently due to a lease dispute. Their beer is amazing but the Taproom will not be available. I wanted to make sure your readers knew.
If anyone wants any New Orleans recommendations, hit me up. I’m a local.
LikeLike
In the beer arena, I would recommend hitting up Courtyard Brewing, Second Line Brewing and Parleaux Beer Labs.
LikeLike
You don’t need an invitation. 😉
Go right ahead and recommend a few places.
LikeLike
Anybody else notice James Cook’s funky foot plant ?
May lead to knee problems.
Watch slow motion replay of his called back TD run.
LikeLike
Abita’s Turbo Dog. Best beer ever
LikeLike
That is indeed a solid beer. I’m not a big fan of their other stuff and thus didn’t have the highest of hopes when I tried it for the first time, but hot damn- a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then.
LikeLike
For those staying in Baton Rouge (or getting there early Saturday), Poor Boy Lloyd’s downtown is fantastic for breakfast.
LikeLike
If you haven’t already done it, or visiting LSU for the first time, do check out Mike the Tiger’s habitat across from the stadium (early) and then head into the arena next door to catch the LSU marching band and dance team perform up close and personal. Gives a great appreciation for their traditions…not unlike some of our own…and more authentic than ESPN GameDay trailers, TV’s, etc. that are set-up elsewhere.
LikeLike
Buffa’s Bar on the corner of Esplanade and Burgundy is a fantastically underrated dive bar in NOLA. Great food and drinks, 24/7.
LikeLike