Southern Breeze 2008 Spring Issue

6 Literary Cult Classic New Orleans is a literary town; there’s no denying that. Faulkner, Hemingway, and Tennessee Williams all found inspiration among the gaslights of the Crescent City. But none ever captured the essence of New Orleans quite so beautifully—and tragically—as John Kennedy Toole and his masterpiece, A Confederacy of Dunces. It’s the story of Ignatius J. Reilly, an obese, pretentious slob, prone to self-serving delusions. The irony of his pretension is that, even though he is highly educated and ostensibly intelligent, he lives at home with his overbearing mother where he writes indictments of the world he disdains, curses the fates for his station in life, and suffers from severe waves of flatulence. When Ignatius is forced to find a job, his subsequent search leads to hilarious and often poignant adventures. Critics usually refer to Ignatius as a modern-day zaftig Don Quixote, and through our hero, we meet the characters that inhabit the back streets and alleys of the French Quarter. The influence of New Orleans on Toole’s novel is apparent; it’s not hard to recognize the streets, the people, even the language that fills the pages. Sadly, John Kennedy Toole committed suicide in 1969, 11 years before his work was published. Walker Percy wrote in the foreword to A Confederacy of Dunces that the only thing he could do was make sure the novel was “made available to a world of readers.” Percy’s wishes certainly came true. In 1981, A Confederacy of Dunces won the Pulitzer Prize and has since been published in 18 languages. A bronze statue of Ignatius J. Reilly was erected in 1996 in front of the Canal Street entrance of the Chateau Sonesta Hotel, the former location of the D.H. Holmes 7 34 s o u t h e r n b re e z e . c o m department store, in front of which Ignatius stands in the book’s opening scene. It’s an appropriate fixture, a tangible representation of when the world was introduced to one of literature’s most inimitable and memorable characters, flatulence and all. —Derek Bagley Sushi at Sunset SUSHI BY DAVID GALLENT (GUMBOGOOD.COM), SUNSET IMAGES BY DEBORAH BURST. Sizzling food, hot drinks, spectacular views, and a hip atmosphere—all of this and more can be found at Tsunami Sushi. Atop Baton Rouge’s Shaw Center for the Arts, this swanky restaurant is the hottest spot for sushi at sunset—or any time for that matter. Seating is available outside offering sweeping views of the city, around the eventful sushi bar, and throughout the posh dining room. The only thing that beats the views is the food. Using the freshest ingredients, Tsunami chefs create unique sushi that guests can’t get enough of. Baton Rouge’s prime sushi bar proves that almost anything can be used in sushi with famous rolls like the Green Monster, which combines coconut shrimp, cream cheese, kiwi, and strawberries. With tasty appetizers like Eggplant Miso, diners won’t go hungry. Whether sushi is the main course or just an added bonus to a delectable meal, this is the place to get it! Tsunami is also a great place to meet for drinks, offering a bar stocked with everything for your favorite cocktail. The balcony, overlooking the stunning cityscape, is always full of martini-sipping up-and-comers. As the sun sets over buzzing Baton Rouge, this is the one place you absolutely must be. Don’t forget the fresh ginger! —Courtney Austin http://southernbreeze.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Southern Breeze 2008 Spring Issue

Editor's Letter Contributor Gumbo Seen & Heard Coastal Calendar Storefronts - Keepin' it Reel Sweet Dreams - Grand Hotel Art of Living - Marking Time Fixtures - A Fitting End Our Backyard - Reasonable Drought Make Yourself at Home - Light up Your Life The Southern Breeze Hot List Unexpected Destin-ation Visual Zydeco We're an American Band The Good Life From Halter Tops to Maternity Tops Reader Services Cheers - Lazy Libations Dish - Mississippi Yearning Chef's Table - Welcome to The Doll House Let's Eat - Sunrise Sensations Last Bite

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