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MARVELOUS MELTING POT: Welcome to New Orleans!

Written by Barbara Toombs

INAUGURAL 2023 NEW ORLEANS AUCTION: SEPTEMBER 28-30, 2023

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more rich and culturally diverse city anywhere in America than New Orleans. Founded in 1718 by French colonialists, La Nouvelle-Orléans – as it was then known – later drew its influences not only from the French but also the Spanish, Native American, African and Caribbean cultures. Today, this multi-cultural melting pot is evident in nearly every aspect of the Crescent City (a nickname that stemmed from the French Quarter, now the historic heart of the city, being constructed on a sharp bend in the Mississippi River) – but most famously in its music, cuisine and architecture.

While known the world over for its Mardi Gras celebrations each year, there is much, much more of New Orleans to explore and enjoy. Be sure to make time while you’re in town for Barrett-Jackson to discover why the city is indeed a one-of-a-kind destination.

GET TO KNOW THE NEIGHBORHOODS: DINING AND MORE

It’s important to know that New Orleans is made up of an eclectic mix of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. There’s something to suit every taste in each part of town, whether you’re looking for authentic live music, historic and photogenic architecture, memorable meals or a vibrant nightlife scene. Navigating the city and its downtown neighborhoods can be easily achieved on foot, by taxi or ride-hailing service, or by experiencing a ride on one of New Orleans’ historic streetcars – particularly the St. Charles Avenue line. Running since 1835, it is the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world.

The Barrett-Jackson auction site at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is in the Arts/Warehouse District, a more contemporary, walkable area of the city known for its trendy restaurants, industrial renovated warehouses, and art galleries and museums (the National WWII Museum is outstanding for history buffs; another great option is the Ogden Museum of Southern Art). Top dining spots here include Compère Lapin (serving creative dishes that blend Caribbean flavors with French technique), Meril (Chef Emeril Lagasse’s lively contemporary American restaurant) and Pêche Seafood Grill for simply prepared, delicious coastal seafood. A great breakfast and lunch spot right across the street from the convention center is Two Chicks Café, while a nearby “hidden gem” is Vyoone’s (run by two dynamic local women who mix French-Creole cuisine and beautiful hospitality in a pretty setting).

Southwest of the Warehouse District is the sprawling Uptown neighborhood featuring the renowned Garden District. You can opt to take the St. Charles Avenue streetcar to experience this part of town, whether you just want to drink in the tree-lined streets and stunning Classic Revival mansions, get some high-end retail therapy along Magazine Street, explore the Audubon Zoo or one of the fascinating above-ground cemeteries (like Lafayette Cemetery #1), or indulge in a gin fizz and Creole cuisine at the venerable, award-winning Commander’s Palace restaurant. Other great dining options in this part of town include Coquette (offering gracious Southern hospitality combined with inspired modern Southern cuisine), San Lorenzo at the Hotel St. Vincent (a chic, Amalfi-inspired spot with house-made pastas) and Mister Mao (featuring small plates drawing from Mexican, Indian, and Southeast Asian cuisines).

Just a short distance northwest of the Warehouse District is the Central Business District (CBD)/Downtown – home to skyscrapers, rooftop bars, the Superdome and a number of upscale hotels and cocktail lounges. Here, too, you’ll find several restored theaters – including the Saenger, the Orpheum and the Joy – that host impressive acts and Broadway shows. For pre- or post-theater nibbles, try Bésame (serving tapas with a focus on fresh Gulf seafood, incorporating Latin and Caribbean flavors), while tucked away in the Wyndham Garden Hotel is Namaste Nola, offering both Southern and Northern Indian dishes on its vast menu. Also nearby is Olive, a Mediterranean eatery that brings homestyle Israeli street food to the table.

Less than two miles north of the Convention Center is what many call the Crown Jewel of New Orleans – the fabulous French Quarter. Founded in 1718, it is one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods and is best discovered on foot. Take in a jazz concert at the historic Preservation Hall, go barhopping on Bourbon Street or explore the open-air French Market – five blocks of local produce, specialty art, handmade crafts, retail shopping and more. Be sure to stop and rest in Jackson Square, a National Historic Landmark –

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By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: MARVELOUS MELTING POT: Welcome to New Orleans!
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/marvelous-melting-pot-welcome-to-new-orleans/
Published Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2023 16:29:56 +0000

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BEYOND THE STRIP: Discover the Cultural Gems of Las Vegas

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BEYOND THE STRIP: Discover the Cultural Gems of Las Vegas

Written by Barbara Toombs

Fremont Street in the heart of downtown Las Vegas.

Millions of visitors are understandably attracted to the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas’ renowned Strip each year, where world-class resorts, casinos, shows and incredible dining options are the name of the game.

What many don’t realize is that there’s another fascinating side to the Entertainment Capital of the World, headlined by two cultural districts known simply as Downtown and Chinatown.

Downtown Las Vegas (also known as DTLV) is really where this unique desert city got its start. In 1931, construction began on what is now known as the Hoover Dam, attracting thousands of workers to a site just east of the city. To capitalize on this growing workforce, savvy businessmen began building casinos and showgirl venues along Las Vegas’ only paved road at the time: Fremont Street.

Today, DTLV is comprised of three distinct districts. Many visitors to the city are already familiar with one of them: the Fremont Street Casino District, which contains museums, restaurants and bars, as well as the original Las Vegas casinos, including El Cortez, Golden Nugget and Golden Gate. Here you’ll also find the renowned Fremont Street Experience, which debuted in 1995. This pedestrian-only thoroughfare is covered by a canopy of more than two million LED lights and a state-of-the-art sound system that comes to life every night for a spectacular sound and light show called “Viva Vision.”

The Arts District

A popular attraction in this district is The Mob Museum (the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement), which showcases intriguing tales and the age-old dichotomy of good guys versus bad guys. Explore at your own pace, go on a guided tour or uncover museum surprises as part of a group scavenger hunt. Want a literal “taste” of old-school Las Vegas? Plan to dine at Top of Binion’s Steakhouse, perched on the 24th floor of Binion’s Gambling Hall. The restaurant dates back to 1965 when it was known as Top of the Mint, the signature dining spot at The Mint hotel tower. The interior design (and menu – think steak, prime rib, lobster and even Baked Alaska) is a throwback to an earlier era when the mob ran much of Las Vegas, but the real draw is the spectacular view through dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows.

Built in 2002, the Fremont East Entertainment District (FEED) is a six-block area that stretches from Las Vegas Boulevard East to 8th Street and from Ogden Street South to Carson. FEED is pedestrian-friendly, offering diverse street life and many eateries, cafes, bars and lounges, as well as ample shopping opportunities and lively entertainment. A must-see attraction in this district is the Downtown Container Park – a dining, shopping and live music venue made of 45 colorful repurposed shipping containers, all fronted by a two-story, fire-breathing praying mantis who made its original debut at Burning Man. Nearby is the popular Bin 702 – one of many great dining choices in the area – featuring a great selection of beer and wine, as well as a tantalizing choice of charcuterie and cheese, sandwiches and small plates for sharing.

18b sign in The Arts District.

In recent years, The Arts District – or the 18b as it’s also known (a reference to it occupying 18 blocks of Downtown Las Vegas, loosely outlined by Commerce Street, Colorado Ave, Fourth Street and Hoover Avenue) – has been growing in popularity. Its monthly “First Friday” block party and art walk features food trucks and live music, serving as a backdrop for artists showing their works off at a variety of open-air and indoor galleries. These include The Arts Factory, home to over 30 artists and art galleries, and ArtSquare, a hip establishment that houses design stores, designer’s studios, wellness spots, and food and drink outlets. Behind The Arts Factory sits one of many great dining choices in The Arts District: Taverna Costera, serving up delicious Coastal Mediterranean fusion that draws inspiration from coastal Spanish, French, Italian and Greek cuisines and beyond.

Just a couple of miles east of the Strip, along Spring Mountain Road (roughly between Rainbow Boulevard and Interstate 15), lies the city’s amazing Chinatown, which has grown in leaps and bounds over the past two decades. Here you’ll find the largest collection of Asian businesses in Southern Nevada, including a multitude of authentic Asian restaurants, gift shops, a hair stylist, a reflexologist, home decor, an Asian supermarket and the only Chinese bookstore in Nevada.

At Chinatown’s heart is the enormous and ornate Chinatown Plaza, featuring a colorful, dragon-adorned, Tang Dynasty-inspired gate and gleaming

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By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: BEYOND THE STRIP: Discover the Cultural Gems of Las Vegas
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/beyond-the-strip-discover-the-cultural-gems-of-las-vegas-2023/
Published Date: Fri, 19 May 2023 18:07:14 +0000

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2024 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe – No Reserve

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2024 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe – No Reserve

This red 1967 Corvette custom coupe received a complete custom restoration at Springfield Motorsports in Peachland BC, Canada. The build consists of a completely new jig-mounted tube chassis with C4 corvette front upper and lower control arms riding on coilover shocks and power rack & pinion steering. The rear differential is a custom narrowed 9-inch Ford with aluminum Dale Gerry center section with Wilwood disc brakes on all 4 corners. Filling out the wheel wells are custom offset Fikse wheels.

K&S machine in Kelowna, British Columbia took the 454ci engine and machined it to 496ci it is equipped with Comp Thumper camshaft and 800cfm carburetor and it creates a true hot rod sound through the ceramic-coated exhaust. Lee Baxter upholstery created the one-off hand-stitched red leather interior with a rear storage area. It features Vintage Air, Digital gauges, power windows and a leather-wrapped vintage-style steering wheel.

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By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: 2024 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe – No Reserve
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/2024-scottsdale-auction-1967-chevrolet-corvette-custom-coupe-no-reserve/
Published Date: Fri, 27 Oct 2023 15:52:01 +0000

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From Hamamatsu to Lisbon: A Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik Edition

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Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik Edition
The Honda CBX 1000 was only in production for four years, but that was enough time for it to leave a lasting impression on the motorcycle industry. First released it in 1978 as a screaming six-cylinder naked superbike, it later faced stiff competition from its stablemate—the equally iconic CB900F. So the Japanese marque redesigned it as a sport tourer, halfway through its tenure.

The updated ‘CBX-B’ had a touring fairing, optional panniers, and Honda’s new-at-the-time Pro-Link mono-shock setup. It was a hair less powerful than before, but that didn’t stop it from becoming a legend in its own right. If you park a CBX and CBX-B next to each other, you could argue that the latter has more presence.

Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik Edition

It’s that mystique that prompted the owner of this 1982 Honda CBX 1000 Pro-Link to buy it. Enamored with the fusion of modern technology and ancient traditions found in Japanese cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, he was on the hunt for a classic motorcycle that embodied that philosophy. When he found the CBX, the sheer brutalism of its six-cylinder engine was impossible to ignore.

“In the eyes of this enthusiast, the engine wasn’t just a mechanical marvel; it was the soul of the motorcycle, much like the heart in a human body,” says Tiago Gonçalves, founder of the Portuguese custom shop, Unik Edition. “This revelation laid the foundation for a transformative project, one that would honor the motorcycle’s origins while infusing it with a new identity.”

Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik EditionRead More

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By: Wesley Reyneke
Title: From Hamamatsu to Lisbon: A Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik Edition
Sourced From: www.bikeexif.com/honda-cbx-1000-restomod
Published Date: Sat, 28 Oct 2023 16:34:54 +0000

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