Latest news with #Voodoo
Eater
10-07-2025
- Business
- Eater
High-End Halal Chain Meat Moot Is Coming to Seattle
South Lake Union will soon be home to a swanky new spot specializing in smoked meat and fire. Meat Moot is a chain that was founded in Istanbul in 2021 before spreading across the Middle East and planting locations in Miami and the Chicago suburbs. In August, its 3,200-square-foot 'West Coast flagship' restaurant will debut on the corner of Fairview Avenue and Republican Street, says spokesperson Pria Dalrymple, serving an 'upscale' menu of smoked lamb and beef, plus rice and side salads. Meat Moot is obviously centered around its meats, which are slowly smoked on wood and then chopped and seasoned by line chefs who perform made-for-Instagram flourishes with knives and blowtorches (they got training at the Chicago location, says Dalyrmple). The cuts of lamb and beef will sell for around $47 a pound, according to a menu on the Seattle Meat Moot website. What sets Meat Moot apart from some of the other high-end international chains that have shown up in the Seattle metro area recently is that it is entirely halal. That means no pork and no alcohol — Dalrymple says that there will be a bar with nonalcoholic drinks, which is what a growing number of diners seem to prefer over cocktails anyway. A Green Lake dive is fighting to stay open The Little Red Hen, a 92-year-old bar known for hosting live country music and line dancing, may soon have to close because of a dispute with its landlord, reports the Seattle Times. According to the paper, the disagreement stems from landlord Ruoxi Zhang's ending an informal agreement between Hen owner Dominic Shim and a neighboring bar that allowed the two businesses to split trash collection costs. In response to this change, which Shim said would cost the Hen $40,000 a year, Shim fired off a late-night 'emotional' email to Zhang, who then issued a notice to terminate the month-to-month lease. Shim wants to stay, and Zhang told the Times that 'I remain hopeful that the situation can be resolved peacefully — including if the tenant is willing to discuss a future lease respectfully and in good faith.' If an agreement isn't reached, the Hen will have to leave at the end of July. Voodoo Doughnut is expanding to the Eastside Less than a year after opening a Seattle location, the quirky Portland-based chain Voodoo Doughnut is already expanding across Lake Washington. The Puget Sound Business Journal reports that Voodoo has started work converting a former Rudy's Barbershop in downtown Bellevue into its latest shop. 'We're excited to bring Voodoo to Bellevue' Voodoo CEO Chris Schultz said in a press release. 'The city has a great energy and a strong sense of community that fits perfectly with our brand. We can't wait to share our doughnuts and a little bit of magic with everyone in the area.' Food with a side of violin The Tasting Notes series from the Seattle Chamber Music Society is back for a second year. This is an event hosted by violinist James Ehnes and James Beard Award–winning author-slash-overall-food-guy J. Kenji López-Alt. For one night only (July 25), guests can watch some of Seattle's top chefs silently prepare dishes while listening to live classical music. This year the chefs include boldfaced names like Renee Erickson (the Walrus and the Carpenter, among other restaurants), Lee Kindell (Moto Pizza), Kelly Van Arsdale (Spinnaker Chocolate), Kevin Smith (Beast and Cleaver), and Food Network star Shota Nakajima. Tickets are $65, and include access to a Spinnaker 'chocolate experience' and an afterparty with Moto pizza. For more information, go here. Eater Seattle All your essential food and restaurant intel delivered to you Email (required) Sign Up By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Haunted America: Eerie legends and paranormal truths from Louisiana
Louisiana's long and storied history is full of ghostly sightings and paranormal encounters. Some of the most haunted sites are available for a visit across the state. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, New Orleans Voodoo priestess (or mambo) Marie Laveau is one of the many famous residents buried in and said to haunt New Orleans' oldest cemetery. Hoards of followers have left offerings and marked three 'X's' on her crypt in hopes of having their wishes granted. Built in 1789, the cemetery spans only a block but supposedly houses 100,000 of the city's dead, many of whom are thought to still walk the cemetery's grounds. Take a cemetery tour to get insider knowledge and a glimpse into New Orleans' past. LaLaurie Mansion, New Orleans Mystery, intrigue and bone-chilling true crime stories have surrounded this home since the 1830s. The influential, French-Creole Delphine LaLaurie was a well-respected member of society known to throw lavish parties. When fire engulfed the house, Madame LaLaurie's image crumbled, revealing horrifying secrets of tortured slaves whose souls are said to still haunt the mansion. Future owners, plagued by ghosts, each left soon after buying the property. Oak Alley Plantation, Vacherie In Oak Alley Plantation, the staff has seen a ghostly shadow gazing out of a window and heard the distinct sounds of an invisible horse and carriage coming up the alley. Perhaps the strangest experience occurred when 35 visitors touring the mansion saw a candlestick fly across the room. The TV show Ghost Hunters was filmed on location there in August 2008. Louisiana's Old State Capitol, Baton Rouge Great orator and defender of the common people, Avoyelles Parish Legislator Pierre Couvillon suffered a heart attack in the capitol's chambers after a spirited speech about corrupt politicians. Couvillon's large footprints have appeared on the Senate floor, and a rumpled bed in the exhibit hall could have been his resting spot for the night. While making rounds, a security guard felt a tap on his shoulder and heard invisible people moving around in the dark. Others have seen the motion detectors going off but when they went to investigate no one was there and nothing was caught on security tapes. Arnaud's Restaurant, New Orleans The ghosts at this upscale restaurant are some of the most popular ghostly entities in New Orleans. Count Arnaud, who is said to appear in the main dining room dressed in his tuxedo, surveying the guests and smiling at the energetic atmosphere. Guests have reported seeing a woman in a hat stroll through the dining room only to disappear into a wall, apparently seeking to ascend the staircase that was once there before the wall was added. Another group of well-dressed ghostly gentlemen enjoys themselves at the bar after hours. Calcasieu Courthouse, Lake Charles Toni Jo Henry's crime of passion to break her new husband out of prison made her the only woman ever executed in Louisiana's electric chair. 75 years after her death, jail officers think Toni Jo's spirit still hangs around the holding cell in Calcasieu Courthouse. Workers encounter unexplained electrical malfunctions, random wafts of burnt hair and cheap perfume, and some have claimed to have heard the screams of a woman echoing from the stairs. Magnolia Plantation, Natchitoches During the 2009 investigation by Travel Channel's Ghost Adventures, investigators heard chanting of voodoo rituals, tapping noises, and unexpected lights while filming in a former slave cabin. Those who live and work here tell a story of an overseer murdered by Union soldiers when they took over the main house. Meanwhile, the spirits of former slaves haunt the plantation's hospital and a cabin where anthropologists have found evidence of voodoo. Today, the mansion is a private residence, but the National Park Service owns the remainder of the complex and it is open for tours. Loyd Hall Plantation, Cheneyville The black sheep in his London-based family, the original owner of Loyd Hall Plantation brought his money stateside around 1820. He did well for himself until the Civil War when his dealings as a double spy led to his hanging by Union soldiers. He was the first of several tragic deaths on the property, including a Union soldier deserter discovered in the attic and a slave nanny reputedly poisoned. Their spirits show up to ring doorbells, move tableware and play the violin during a full moon. Bed and breakfast guests are in for a spooky surprise. Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, Shreveport Watch out, ladies! 'Sarge' loves to play with women's hair, ruffling shorter hair in an upward pattern, while longer hair is stroked. Another young girl runs around the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium arena floor and opens and closes doors. This occurrence has been caught on video by visiting guests on a tour. 'Mary' walks about on stage, and others have shown up in photographs sitting in the otherwise empty arena seats. Dauphine Orleans Hotel, New Orleans Tales of twisted fates are retold through the generations at the Dauphine Orleans Hotel and its bar, May Bailey's Place. Through sightings, paranormal research and documented letters, there seem to be four main characters who keep establishing their presence from beyond the grave. Do not miss May Bailey's, it has been the site for two different & overnight lockdowns & by the hosts of Travel Channel's Ghost Adventures TV series. The Mortuary, New Orleans The Mortuary, originally built in 1872, is a mansion that operated for about 80 years as an actual mortuary. Since it first opened its doors as a haunted attraction in 2007, it has been featured on top ghost-hunting shows including Discovery Channel's Ghost Lab, Syfy Channel's Ghost Hunters; Ghost Hunters's International, and The Travel Channel's Ghost Adventures. While the venue is famous for its Haunted Mansion during the Halloween season, you can get your chills and thrills year-round at the Mystere Mansion and play live escape games at the Mystere Escape Rooms. The Hanging Jail, DeRidder Built in 1915, the Gothic Jail of DeRidder is believed to be haunted by the two men hanged for the slaying of their taxi cab driver – hence the nickname 'The Hanging Jail.' After murdering taxi driver Joe Brevelle and dumping his body in Pickering Mill Pond, Genna and Brasseaux were convicted and hanged in 1928. The jail features a spiral staircase circling around a noose that hangs ominously and an underground tunnel that allows prisoners to get to the courthouse next door. It has even been featured on The Travel Channel because of its peculiar reputation. Myrtles Plantation, St. Francisville It is said the hauntings began with Chloe who was a slave punished for eavesdropping on the family. For her revenge, she baked a poisoned birthday cake, killing three family members. Chloe's ghost is still reported to haunt the Myrtles Plantation. Subsequent owners suffered death and murder tragedies in the years that followed. The ghosts of these former residents have been documented in photos, featured in national TV shows, and witnessed by residents and tourists alike. Stay the night in one of the most haunted homes in the country or take a mystery tour on Friday or Saturday evening.
Fast Company
25-06-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
BeReal is back. Can it stick around this time?
Is it time to BeReal again? In 2022, the photo-sharing app surged in popularity, won Apple's 'App of the Year,' and even earned its own SNL skit. Once a day, at a random time, users were prompted to post a picture of whatever they were doing. With a 2-minute timer and one shot to make it count, the app's premise was to capture real moments in real time. But like most viral sensations, the novelty wore off. Downloads dropped, usage stagnated, and in 2023, the app was sold to French gaming company Voodoo for €500 million. Now, BeReal wants a second chance. At Cannes Lions this year, Managing Director Ben Moore shared the company's comeback plan. 'We have people that are committed to building the next big thing with BeReal,' Moore told Business Insider. 'We can make something that really answers the demands of Gen Z, who are sick and tired of the filters, of the lenses, of the social pressure of posting something that's not going to get them the level of views and likes they would want.' Moore claims the app still has around 40 million active users, mainly in Japan, France, and the U.S. In 2023, worldwide downloads totaled an estimated 31.5 million, which dropped 60% year-over-year to 12.7 million in 2024. According to Sensor Tower, year-to-date downloads are down 50% compared to last year. For its relaunch, BeReal is trying to win back users by investing in advertising, primarily on other apps owned by Voodoo Games. The team is also hoping to generate buzz through micro ambassadors on college campuses and by sponsoring parties where entry requires downloading the app. They are giving the app a facelift too, with new features like 'nearby,' which lets users discover others in their area, and suggestions for people who post similar kinds of pictures. 'We really want to bring back the social aspect of what social media was built for,' Moore said. But BeReal's magic wasn't in its features. It was in the cultural moment—a collective pause from the algorithm for a fleeting sense of connection (even if it was just a selfie at your desk four days in a row).
Daily Mirror
24-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Tragic update in hunt for 'beautiful' missing boy, 14, who vanished on bike
Cleveland Police issued a major update following the search for 14-year-old Jacob Ker from Stockton - the force believes it has located a body belonging to the teen Tributes have poured in for a "beautiful" missing boy after police searching for him discovered a body. Police searching for Jacob Ker, from Stockton, believe they have found his body following his disappearance on Sunday evening. The 14-year-old was last seen riding his mountain bike in the area. In a tragic update, Cleveland Police confirmed the search has come to an end after locating a body. Formal identification is yet to take place. The update issued on Monday stated: "Very sadly, officers looking for missing Stockton teenager Jacob Ker, 14, have this afternoon found the body of a teenage boy. Whilst formal identification has yet to take place, Jacob's family has been informed; our thoughts remain with them at this most difficult time." Facebook has since been flooded with tributes and support offered to the family and friends of Jacob, reports Yorkshire Live. He was described as a "lovely friend". One person wrote: "I miss him so much, he was my best mate and he left so young - I miss him so much." Another responded: "May he rest in peace. He was a lovely friend and a beautiful person, I can only wish him the best up in heaven." There were many messages of support towards the family, echoing the similar sentiments: "So so tragic, my sincerest condolences to Jacob was riding a black Voodoo mountain bike and had been seen down Eastbourne Road before he went missing. Police have not confirmed where the body was found. This comes after a West Yorkshire police officer who had been reported missing has been found dead, the force confirmed. Charlie Mitchell, a 26-year-old patrol officer from Halifax, was reported missing from his home in Leeds on Saturday. West Yorkshire Police said officers searching St Aidan's Nature Reserve, near Leeds, found his body at around 5.30pm on Sunday. His family have been informed and officers are providing support to his family. Mr Mitchell's death is not being treated as suspicious and the coroner has been informed, police confirmed. Assistant Chief Constable Robert McCoubrey said: 'Charlie's death in these circumstances is absolutely tragic, and we offer our sincere condolences to his family and will be continuing to give them all the support we can at this very difficult time. 'His death has also come as a terrible shock to his colleagues in Calderdale District and the wider West Yorkshire Police family and we will be making sure that all necessary support is in place for everyone who worked with him or knew him.'
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Say 'I Do' At This Iconic Oregon Donut Chain That Hosts Weddings
Weddings are a traditional part of many cultures. It's not uncommon for the happy couple to do something special for both the ceremony and what they're serving, as this sets the tone of the event and speaks for their partnership. This is especially true as the food is one of the biggest parts of the day that wedding guests will remember. In that spirit, there are many ways to make both the wedding and its food as unique as the couple getting married. You can add a groom's cake, which helps to celebrate and recognize the lucky fellow in a sweet way, order a wedding cake from an uncommon place, or have it made from unexpected ingredients like blue cheese and Earl Grey tea. You could also host the ceremony and reception at an unexpected venue, one of which could be Voodoo Doughnut, the iconic Oregon-based establishment. In addition to its menu of eccentric donuts, Voodoo offers patrons the opportunity to host their special day at 11 of its 23 locations across the United States, including ones in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. There are three package tiers to do so, ranging from an Intimate Gathering, which includes up to nine guests and a dozen donuts, to a Sweet Celebration, which covers up to 40 guests and four dozen donuts. Adding to the meaningful day, all of Voodoo Doughnut's wedding ceremonies include two 12-inch, custom-made newlywed dolls; a heart centerpiece donut; and enough cups of its signature Magic Roast brewed coffee for your guests. Certainly, whichever one suits the happy couple, it would prove to be an occasion to remember. Read more: The 10 Best Places To Get Italian Beef In Chicago Having a wedding at a world-famous donut shop is certainly something to brag about. However, if donuts aren't your thing, plenty of other fast food and restaurant chains offer their spin on quirky, one-of-a-kind weddings. The most comparable to what Voodoo Doughnut offers is likely the Taco Bell Cantina in Las Vegas. Here, the fast food chain took inspiration from the city's culture of fast and easy weddings, and added its spicy flair to it, providing the soon-to-be newlyweds with Taco Bell-themed wedding souvenirs, a Taco 12-Pack, and a Cinnamon Delights cake. Fans of the Vegas-style wedding may also be interested in booking their special ceremony at the Las Vegas Denny's location. The popular diner chain offers similar use of its chapel, a champagne toast, a cake made from its Pancake Puppies, among other celebratory items. Interestingly, many of these quirky wedding ceremonies have the potential to be legally recognized, but aren't automatically so. It's important to note that the happy couple may have to obtain their marriage license before the booking date. Ultimately, while it being legally confirmed might depend on the venue (Voodoo Doughnut's catered wedding packages include legal ceremonies), most will likely still happily throw the ceremony even without the license present. Sure, it would just be a celebration of the couple's relationship, but it would be perfect for vow renewals — sprinkles and all. Read the original article on Chowhound.
