Every season one local watering hole becomes the place to hang-out and unwind after the races. It usually starts out with a few people meeting after the races and attendance gradually increases each week. This season, the place to be after the races on Sunday is Salvatore's Ristorante in Metairie. Salvatore's is located at 3226 North Arnoult Road, in what is still referred to as Fat City. A couple of other eating establishments familiar to race trackers, Crazy Johnnie's and Drago's, are located on the same intersection of North Arnoult and 18th Street.
Years ago, Fat City was the happening place, with lots of lounges and nite clubs, and local music talent was abundant. One group that has stood the test of time, for a long time, and has maintained a very loyal following is the band, Harvey Jesus and Fire. In addition to the new audience of race trackers, the loyal followers of the band are regulars at Salvatore's, and for good reason. Frontman Harvey Jesus is one of the most charismatic and versatile singers in the business. Ask anyone who's ever witnessed one of his performances and they will tell you that before the end of his show, you'll feel like you've known him forever. Audience participation is one of the reasons why Harvey Jesus and Fire are a "feel good", fun band.
Harvey Jesus was born and raised in the 9th Ward and started singing professionally in 1964. After performing locally with the Jokers, Harvey formed the band Together and opened shows for groups like Lynerd Skynerd, Ted Nugent and Chaka Khan. From there, Harvey Jesus and Fire were formed and the band played for 10 years at the Bounty (on Lake Ponchartrain's West End). Another long-standing engagement was at Frankie G's Night Club, located in the Rodeway Inn in Kenner. During that time, many Jefferson Downs horsemen became familiar with the band and became regular customers on Saturday night's after the races. In 1998, Harvey Jesus was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.
Now, the band has emerged as Louisiana's premier dance band with an extensive song list and talent to back it up. The band can be heard at venues all around New Orleans, the Gulf Coast and as far away as Las Vegas. In addition to Harvey, the group is made-up of three other talented musicians. Robert Sturcken plays just about every instrument you can imagine and has his own song list he performs. Back when Fat City was rockin', Robert played a regular house-gig at the Quarter Note. Jay Fiorella plays lead guitar and sings back-up vocals, while Scott (Scottie D) Frischertz completes the group playing drums and also croons a few crowd favorites.
When you arrive at Salvatore's you'll be greeted by owner, you guessed it, Salvatore. Always decked-out all in black and speaking with an Italian accent, Salvatore is quick to welcome and thank you for coming to his restaurant. I'm always waiting for Tony Soprano and Paulie "Wallnuts" to come-in and join us for dinner. Hostess "Monique" is like the public relations director for Salvatore's and her main concern is that no one goes thirsty. She is very good at her job, because no one has ever died of thirst at Salvatore's.
On Sundays dinner and dancing are the two main courses at Salvatore's. Guests can always enjoy great Italian food on a daily basis, but Sundays offer a dinner buffet in addition to the regular Italian delicacies always available on the menu. Either way, it's a win-win situation.
After you've filled-up on everything from pasta to Italian desserts, its time to rock and roll. The band (Harvey Jesus and Fire) starts to perform at 5:30 p.m. and plays until around 9:30 p.m. On any given Sunday (hmm - that could be a good name for a football movie) you could be surprised at who's rockin' out on the dance floor. You might see (jockey) Corey and Shantell Lanerie doing the Zydeco Shuffle; Casey and (trainer) Michelle Lovell doing the Texas Two-Step; (tack shop owners) Jamie and Laura Sisson doing the Electric Slide; (ex-jockey and now trainer) Ray and Dot Sibille doing the Harlem Shuffle; or (horseplayer) Darren "Spot" Darres doing the Bird, all by himself.
Sometimes you may (no you will) even hear a surprise guest singer, but the one thing I do guarantee is this: you will have a great time. So make plans to eat, drink and rock and roll with us at Salvatore's on Sundays after the races.
*****Harvey Jesus and Fire also perform on Wednesday night's at Salvatore's from 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. For other weekly engagements for Harvey Jesus and Fire, please check the Times Picayune Entertainment section or log-on to www.harveyjesusandfire.com*****