So far 2020 has been a really tough year so I’ve decided to lighten things up a bit with a fun story I found in the April 2020 issue of Southern Living. Brace yourself. It’s about the ducks (yes, you read that correctly) in the Peabody Memphis Hotel.

I have never read anything remotely like this in all my years as a researcher, copywriter, author and blogger so here goes. The talented writer of this piece, Elizabeth Passarella tells a great tale. “If you’ve ever been to the Peabody (or read anything about it) you’ll know that every morning a passel of live ducks descends from their rooftop home to the lobby via elevator.”

“Then, to the tune of John Philip Sousa’s ‘King Cotton’ march, the ducks strut down a red carpet and politely (because they are good Southern birds) take turns hopping up the tiny steps into the marble fountain where they swim all day. Around the cocktail hour they hop back out, waggle their tail feathers to get the last drop of water off and head back into the elevator.” (If you’re not laughing you don’t have a pulse.)

Now Passarella jumps back 31 years to 1989 when she was 12-years-old and a member of the dance company: Ballet Memphis. A group of the dancers who were all around the same age, ability and height were asked to put on a show and “play the ducks.” They were all fitted for mallard costumes with green heads as they walked out single file with their hands on their hips – to look like wings.

They performed this way: jump, wiggle, wiggle – then jump, wiggle, wiggle – while shaking their heavily padded tushes in the direction of the audience. Everyone collapsed with laughter! The headline in the local paper the next day read, “Ducks Steal Show at Memphis Ballet.”

CLICK HERE to listen to John Philip Sousa’s “King Cotton” march performed by the U.S. Marine Band.

THREE “BESTS” FOR LOUISIANA

In the April 2020 issue of Southern Living magazine, the city of New Orleans appeared three times for (a) the best BBQ joint, (b) the best bar and (c) the best dive bar. Let’s take a look.

THE JOINT (best BBQ) can be found at 701 Mazant Street and is described as a hidden gem in the Bywater neighborhood. One happy diner says, “Love their superb-tasting pink, rare ribs, beautifully cooked with that attractive grilled look on the outside – delicious beyond compare.” Another notes that “the vibe is super casual and the staff is great.”

SAINT GERMAIN (best bar) is also in Bywater – at 3054 St. Claude Avenue. It’s known as a “sparkling neighborhood gem.” This French wine bar and bistro is described this way by one patron, “My wife and I ate here two weeks ago and I’m still thinking about it. The shrimp wrapped in eggplant appetizer was truly amazing.”

PORT OF CALL (best dive bar) is at 838 Esplanade Avenue or, at the edge of the French Quarter. You’ll find great burgers at reasonable prices. According to one out-of-town visitor “the mushroom cheeseburgers are really outstanding. Will keep coming back when in town.” He also praises the bacon bits and chives: free and plentiful. Located only 3 blocks from Rathbone Mansions!

THE ANNUAL NEW ORLEANS FILM FESTIVAL: OCTOBER 16 TO 23rd, 2020

CLICK HERE TO READ about the 2019 New Orleans Film Festival and the 2019 Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival AND CLICK TO READ MORE about The Krewe of Boo, Halloween in New Orleans and The Voodoo Music + Art Experience (all in 2019).

Shaun Nelson-Henrick