Shreveport - Bossier, Louisiana's Other Side

We’ve all been enjoying the cooler temperatures lately. And tomorrow is shaping up to be an absolutely perfect day to spend the day outside – sunny skies and a high of 88 degrees with no chance of rain. For those of you attending BREW . . . A Premier Beer Tasting Event & Concert, you just couldn’t ask for a nicer day, could you?

BREW was created to raise money for community programs like Mudbug Madness and the Red River Revel Arts Festival. So don’t think of BREW as just an afternoon of sampling internationally acclaimed and domestically brewed ales, pilsners, stouts and more. By attending, you’re also helping some other great events continue their rich tradition in Shreveport-Bossier. You can feel good about feelin’ good!

Beer is not the only thing you’ll enjoy at BREW. Some of the area’s finest restaurants will be there providing free samples of their signature dishes. And following the beer-tasting, hang around and groove to the sounds of Soul Asylum, a rock band out of Minneapolis, Minn.

The whole day promises to be tons of fun and full of memories, but BREW doesn’t start until 4 p.m. You could sleep in and enjoy a lazy morning at home, or you could get out early and take advantage of the beautiful weather. Here are some ideas for outdoor activities this Saturday:

Chimp Haven

Tomorrow from 9 a.m. to noon Chimp Haven is having their biggest Chimpanzee Discovery Day ever to celebrate their 15th anniversary. If you’ve never been out to Chimp Haven, you’re missing a really intimate look at how these animals live and interact with each other. With the cool temps, the chimps are likely to be more active. Be there first thing in the morning for the best chance to see them playing in their natural habitat.

Tomorrow’s event includes some special activities including a display of children’s art contest entries and announcement of winners, raffle prizes, and a performance that includes a second line by Woodlawn High School’s Marching Band.

Admission is free, but guests are encouraged to bring the following food items for the chimpanzees:  pumpkins, pomegranates, sugar-free juice, and sugar-free Jello.  Donations of used cell phones are also appreciated.  Chimp Haven recycles those phones to generate funds to support its mission. Get more info at www.chimphaven.org/view-news.cfm?id=147.

Spirit of the Red River Cruise

This is a great scenic tour of Red River and Cross Bayou. Capt. Sandy Jackson will tell you all about the river’s history, wildlife, and more. Tours are hourly beginning at 10 a.m. Last tour is at 4 p.m. The boat launches just across from Sci-Port: Louisiana's Science Center on Clyde Fant Parkway in Shreveport.

Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center

This place is a lot of fun, and it’s not just for kids. The world-class Space Center is the first of its kind in the nation. There’s a domed IMAX Theater that will make you feel like you’re in the middle of the action. More than 200 hands-on exhibits demonstrate anything from how the lock and dam system works to how the human body works. Of course, you can take your kids, but don’t think you have to bring children to have a good time.

Gators & Friends Alligator Park

Sure, you’ve seen alligators before. We’ve all seen alligators. But probably not as many as you’ll see at Gators & Friends. Call ahead (318- 938-1199) to be sure you’ll be there during the feeding show. You’ll be amazed at the number of gators that climb out of their habitat for some good old raw chicken! In addition to the alligators there are lots of other interesting animals – like coatimundis, goats, llamas, a camel, a capybara (the largest rodent in the world), and even a Scottish cow! Wear comfortable shoes.

There are many more fun things to do in Shreveport-Bossier. For more ideas go to www.Shreveport-Bossier.org or www.ShreveportBossierFunGuide.com. You can also call the bureau at 888-45-VISIT or 318-222-9391 and talk to one of our information specialists for some ideas on things to do and see.

Have a great Saturday!

I don’t know if you’ve ever been to Country Tavern, located at 823 Brook Hollow Dr. in Shreveport, but if you haven’t you sure are missing out on some legendary BBQ!

Country Tavern has been a favorite of Kilgore residents for more than 70 years, but in 1996 the owners brought their famous ribs and barbecue sauce to Shreveport. Boy, am I glad they did!

That fabulous smoky smell greets you as you step out of your vehicle, before you even get to the door. It’s like the smell of a Saturday afternoon backyard BBQ, only multiplied in intensity. When you walk through the door you’re greeted by smiles and country music. Tables, chairs and booths, all made of wood, fill the many different rooms. There is also an outdoor patio -- a perfect place to dine when the weather is nice.

The menu’s not big, but the portions sure are! A small two-meat platter is all it ever takes to fill me up. Piled high with turkey, sausage, or brisket and accompanied by two sides, sliced dill pickles and several slices of bread, it’s not hard to figure out why. This time, my husband ordered the small two-meat platter with turkey and brisket, mashed potatoes, and BBQ baked beans. The turkey was a bit on the dry side, but once you smother it in their sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, you would never know it. He paired his with a large, frosty beer that he claimed was one of the best draft beers he had ever tasted.

I decided to go with something new and ordered a steak salad. The salad consisted of a normal house salad, boiled eggs, topped with steak and choice of dressing. I chose Spicy Ranch, but it wasn’t really spicy at all. The steak, however, was absolutely incredible! I paired mine with a glass of some of the best sweet tea in town.

Our waitress was fast, accurate and friendly, as are all of the waitresses that have served us there. The only complaint we had was that it is too cold at times. Other than that, Country Tavern is a wonderful place for a relaxing meal, a family dinner, or a night out! Be sure to bring your appetite, though, because you’re gonna need it!

Ladies, put on your cut-off blue jean shorts and fellas, wear your best fittin’ jeans and head on down to the Country Tavern to enjoy some of the best BBQ Shreveport-Bossier City has to offer.

For more information Country Tavern or to see a menu, visit them at www.countrytavern.com.

For more comments and other reviews, visit out facebook page at www.facebook.com/LouisianasOtherSide. Next week’s blog will feature a Shreveport favorite: Blind Tiger. If you have any suggestions on places for review, or any other comments, please e-mail them to pgill@sbctb.org.

Shreveport-Bossier has enjoyed having the highest hotel occupancy rate in the state, thanks in large part to events like the Port City Classic.

Grambling Tigers and Tech Bulldogs fans are steadily booking their overnight stays in our area hotels. With the game just a few days away there are some vacancies left, but you should book as early as possible to be sure you get rooms at your favorite hotel chain. The Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau is making daily calls to our hotels and motels to check on availability. You can check for vacancies on our website at www.shreveport-bossier.org/vacancy or see a list of all our accommodations. You can also browse our website for great ideas on things to do and see, places to eat, etc. while you're in town.

There are lots of ways you can keep up-to-date on what's going on in Shreveport-Bossier:

Our events calendar, ShreveportBossierFunGuide.com has information on all the events associated with the Port City Classic. You'll also find lots of other fun things to do on the Fun Guide.

Visit our facebook page to interact with other people visiting and living in the Shreveport-Bossier area.

Follow us on twitter.

Or, if you just like to talk to a real person, call us toll-free at 888-45-VISIT. One of our information specialists will be happy to help you plan your trip to Shreveport-Bossier.

While you're planning, go ahead and put the Shreveport Classic, October 23, on your calendar. This is a gridiron contest between Prairie View A&M University and Southern University. Kickoff is at 4 p.m.

You'll also want to attend Red River Revel Arts Festival. This is one of our biggest festivals and is a Southeast Tourism Society Top Twenty event. The Revel starts on Saturday, Oct. 2 and runs through Saturday, Oct. 9. Enjoy art from more than 120 visual artists from across the nation - just in time for the holidays! Plus, five performance stages feature non-stop entertainment and will showcase some great Revel favorites.

Football, zydeco music, thrilling rides and games of all kinds all go together like a good pot of zesty gumbo at this year’s State Fair of Louisiana, Oct. 21-Nov. 7. Fair organizers have simply outdone themselves this year.

For the first time, the Shreveport Classic will be played in conjunction with the fair. Texas’ Prairie View A&M Panthers will take on the Southern University Jaguars, Oct. 23 at the nearby Independence Stadium. The halftime showdown of the two bands will be as competitive as the gridiron action between the two powerhouse football teams.

There will be big fun under the big top with a daily circus and an exciting midway of 60 rides including the Expo Wheel, Cliff Hangar and more. What’s a fair without turkey legs, nachos, funnel cakes, popcorn and other great festival foods? And, yes, you can probably even find a great bowl of gumbo. Come get your fill of it.

Take a camel ride and encounter elephants and tigers at this year’s Ultimate Safari. Other events and performances include PJ the Clown, Balloon-a-tics, Washboard Willy, and more.

If that’s not enough, there will be 14 days of toe-tapping, hip-swaying music – free. Some of the featured bands include the Dixie Traditions, the Bellamy Brothers, Wayne Toups & Zydecajuns, and Midnight Star. Check the State Fair’s website for a complete list of entertainment.

More exciting fair firsts are the World Championship Blacksmiths Competition, Oct. 22-24, at the nearby Louisiana State Exhibit Museum and the Arena Cross motorcycle competition at Hirsch Coliseum, Nov. 6. 

The State Fair has a special Opening Day deal for you. Admission and parking are free on Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. From 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., admission and parking are $1 and Bill Lowery Carnival rides are $1 each. Many food items also will be $1.

After opening day, ticket prices are $8 for gate admission or $28 for an all-inclusive pass that includes admission and rides. Fun passes cost $75 per person for all 14 days of fun.
For more information call 318-635-1361.

The State Fair has hotel packages starting at $74/night on their website (http://www.statefairoflouisiana.com/specials.aspx). Also visit, www.shreveport-bossier.org for a complete list of accommodations.

A great gumbo requires lots of great ingredients, full of spice and flavor. This year’s State Fair of Louisiana is cookin’ up a great time with something for everyone.

NEWS RELEASE

July 8, 2010
For immediate release

Contact:     Shenece Scott
318-221-1848 or 318-272-7067



Sing and Slam offers competition for music and word artists


SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, LA--- The Sing & Slam Talent Showcase & Competition Central Region preliminary events will be held in Shreveport, La.
 
Admission is $10 at the door. VIP passes for the Preliminary Final and After Party which includes dinner at Orleone's Bistro in Shreveport are also available for $25.

Event dates and times:

        Preliminary Qualifier, July 8, 2010, 7:00 p.m.
        The Naked Bean, 3307 Line Ave., Shreveport, La.

        Preliminary Final, July 29, 2010, 7:00 p.m.
        Artspace/Coolspace, 710 Texas St., Shreveport, La.

        Preliminary Final 2010 After Party, July 29, 2010, 9:00 p.m.
        Orleone’s Bistro, 204 Texas St., Shreveport, La.


The winners of the Preliminary Competition will progress to the Regional Competition which will also be held in Shreveport.

At the conclusion of preliminary and regional competition all competitors converge on Atlanta, Ga. for the National Championship Finals. The National Championship Finals will be recorded for a live or tape delayed broadcast on a national network. The broadcast will present the excitement of the SING & SLAM Championship competition with performances by professional artists and celebrities as part of the program that includes award presentations and guest appearances.

The Sing & Slam Talent Showcase & Competition is a national talent competition with a variety of entertainment for the entire family. The purpose of the SING & SLAM is to showcase, highlight, educate and empower everyone from new artists to individuals wanting to be involved in the entertainment industry. The SING & SLAM Competition unites talented artists with a platform to compete against their peers and perform for industry professionals. SING & SLAM returns to the showcase format and brings back the excitement of discovering new talent. The competition provides a venue for new music and word artists who are working to become professional entertainers.  This is all done with the assistance of the public’s participation at the grassroots level. SING & SLAM-2010 National Talent Showcase and Competition is family-oriented and targeted for audiences 18 to 54 years of age.
 
(Bossier City, LA) -  Horseshoe Casino and Hotel will be rolling in stitches when legendary comedian and actor Bill Cosby performs live Friday, July 23rd in the Horseshoe Riverdome!  First show starts at 7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m. Second show starts at 9:30 p.m., doors open at 9 p.m.

Over the past century, few entertainers have achieved the legendary status of William H. Cosby Jr. His successes span five decades and virtually all media, remarkable accomplishments for a kid who emerged from humble beginnings in a Philly project.

In the 1960s, his stand-up act was a coast-to-coast sensation, spawning a string of hilarious, best-selling comedy albums, which went on to win eight Gold Records, five Platinum records and five Grammy Awards. His role on TV’s I Spy made him the first African-American to co-star in a dramatic series, breaking television’s racial barrier and winning three Emmy Awards. In the 1980s, he again rocked the television world with the The Cosby Show, a gentle, whimsical and hugely successful series that single-handedly revived the family sitcom (and rescued NBC).

With hit movies like Uptown Saturday Night and best-selling books like Fatherhood, Bill Cosby is quite simply a national treasure with the unique ability to touch people’s hearts.

For more information

•­ Tickets on sale now for $65 & $55

• Reserved  Seating

•Purchase tickets at www.riverdome.com, 888-512-SHOW (7469) or the Horseshoe Gift Horse® Gift Shop


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A salad made of mixed greens topped with marinated cucumbers, avocado, bell peppers, sliced chicken & Asian crisps, served with Wasabi Vinaigrette dressing and Asian glaze sounds so good for lunch right now.

Not a salad fan? How does this sound? A sandwich made of a generous helping of ham, salami and Canadian bacon with a special blend of cheeses, combination of dressings, lettuce, tomato & black olives.

Still not what you’re looking for? Maybe this will get your stomach rumbling! Fork-tender pot roast served with garlic mashed potatoes with Creole gravy and home-style green beans. Now that I have your attention, let me tell you where you can find these fabulous lunches and many more.

Bistro Byronz, located at 6104 Line Avenue in Shreveport, is a classic French bistro that offers a New York style atmosphere and French-Louisiana cuisine. Opened in July of 2008, this neighborhood bistro offers an extensive and flexible catering menu that’s perfect for office meetings, engagement parties, baby showers, birthday gatherings and any other get-together you may be throwing.

Their lunch/dinner menu is available for pick-up or delivery (8+people). Browse their delicious menu at www.bistrobyronz.com and when you’re ready to order you can call them at 318.219.4848 or visit them at their Line Ave. location. If you want to have Bistro Byronz cater your next event, ask for Erin Laney, the catering manager.

If you’re planning on visiting any of the casinos soon, you may want to see what’s new at Diamond Jacks Casino and Resort. This riverboat casino has a new way for customers to remember them. Todd Hlavaty, owner and operator of Fine Line Tattoos, brings his years of experience to Shreveport-Bossier by opening up his newest studio at DiamondJacks. Hlavaty started tattooing in 1989 and in 1994 he opened the first Fine Line Tattoo studio in Dallas, Texas.

Hlavaty’s many years of experience in tattooing suggests he knows a thing or two about the industry. He says the average tattoo costs about $100-150 takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete.

“Our average client looks like the average person. While our average age is 21-25, we still do a lot of work for those who are out of that age bracket as well,” he said.

Business is growing and so are the tastes of the casino customers.  “We had a customer come in and get ‘13’ tattooed on him,” Hlavaty said. “This was his way of changing his luck before hitting the casino.”

Hlavaty had good reasons to choose DiamondJacks as the home for his new studio. Unlike other tattoo studios that have very little to offer customers while they wait, those waiting at Fine Line Tattoo can test their luck on any of the 1,000 slots or try their hand at the 32 table games.

DiamondJacks Casino and Resort is located at 711 DiamondJacks Blvd. in Bossier City. It offers the only Fine Line Tattoo location in Louisiana. Other Fine Line Tattoo studios can be found in Texas, Missouri and Japan. Besides their 30,000-plus square feet of gaming action, DiamondJacks offers 570 luxurious rooms with a casual, relaxing décor, four first-class restaurants, full-service spa, state of the art fitness center, and an arcade.

For more information on Fine Line Tattoo Studios, you can visit them online at www.finelinetattoos.com. For more information on Diamond Jacks Casino and Resort call 318.678.7777 or 866.552.9629 or visit them online at www.diamondjacks.com/bossiercity.

People looking for healthy, convenient food that taste great are in for a treat with the opening of a Good Eats in downtown Shreveport. This popular home-grown restaurant has a store in Bossier City, too. Some of my personal best dishes are the Panini, grilled chicken breast and pasta.

Though the downtown restaurant, located in the Regions Tower building at the corner of Texas and Market Shreveport in Shreveport, is much smaller than the Bossier City location, the operators are still big on taste.

The owner, Steve Watkins, said they’ve had a tremendous response from new customers just with their soft opening. People like the quick Good-to-Go items, as he calls them.

The downtown Good Eats has fewer menu items than the Bossier City one, but it’s unique in that it features breakfast items and grab-and-go salads and sandwiches. A local publication, SB Magazine, named its tomato basil soup as one of the Top 100 things to love about Shreveport-Bossier. I’ve tasted it and do agree that it is scrumptious.

It’s really interesting that the restaurant offers a dessert and ice tea happy hour daily from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. There is nothing more southern than tea and the fact that it’s a part of happy hour means it must be good.

Though this is a great lunch spot, Good Eats also offers breakfast for the early risers. Breakfast choices include breakfast croissants, quiches, a selection of muffins, and fresh baked cinnamon rolls topped with cream cheese or pecan caramel frosting. Yum, yum, yum.

 “We understand that our customers want quality food, and they need it fast,” said Watkins. That is what you will find at Good Eats.

Yes, Mardi Gras is coming to a close, but there are still fun activities to check out in Shreveport-Bossier before the party ends. Join local krewes on the Texas Street Bridge for the annual bridge closing ceremony. The Krewe of Aesclepius leads the annual Toast to the End of Mardi Gras on Feb. 16, joined by the kings, queens and captains of all the local krewes. Priests also distribute Lenten Ashes at midnight. This event is free to the public.

If you go:

What: The Krewe of Aesclepius Bridge Closing Ceremony

When: 11:30 p.m. to midnight, Feb. 16

Where: Middle of the Texas Street Bridge, Shreveport/Bossier City

The Krewe of Aesclepius will also host a Fat Tuesday Children's Parade that is geared toward families and children. Royalty will ride on the floats and in convertibles throughout the Louisiana Boardwalk entertainment complex. This event is free to the public.

If you go:

What: Krewe of Aesclepius Fat Tuesday Children's Parade

When: 6 p.m., Feb. 16

Where: 540 Boardwalk Boulevard Bossier City

Tickets are $25 per person and include food, non-alcoholic drinks, a Mardi Gras T-shirt, and beads. Alcoholic beverages will be available at the cash bar. Food will be served from 1-5:30 p.m.

Enjoy VIP Parking, networking, great food and Louisiana Music! The bash will be held Feb. 6, or Feb. 13 from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.

To purchase your tickets call (318)-222-9391 today!

Please RSVP by Thursday Feb. 4 for the first weekend, and Thursday Feb. 11 for the second weekend.