Every July, Bridge House/Grace House brings the heat with their annual Mr. Legs competition presented by the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust, now in its 18th year. Male contestants perform in homemade costumes all baring their legs of varying shapes, sizes, and levels of hairiness.
Emcees Laura Buchtel and Lauren “Fleurty Girl” Haydel will be keeping this hodge podge of risqué and hilarious skits moving along while judges Kristin Pierce from WWL-TV, Ryan Veuthey from NOLA Brewing, Denise Gerarve with The Pussyfooters, and Jana Blakes with Les ReBelles will have the difficult task of naming Skinniest Legs, Hairiest Legs, Sexiest Legs, Best Costume, and Best Performance. The contestant that raises the most money for Bridge House/Grace House through ticket sales, sponsors, or donations is awarded the coveted title of Mr. Legs.
Roberto Espinoza will be back to defend his Mr. Legs title, along with 17 other brave men including Jason Borja (2017 Best Costume), Max Cannon, Jeffery Carlson, Steve Carnes, Jeff Director, Ryan Haydel, Travis Henthorn (2017 Sexiest Legs), Chris Kazik (2017 Best Performance), Tucker Keatley, Dean Liljeberg, Eddie Overby, Ryan Schilleci, Max Shelton, Brock Songy, Kurt Valvis, Igor Voznesensky, and Michael Zarou (2017 Harriest Legs).
While this beauty pageant-esque competition is a raucous event of hollers and dollars the cause is one that is truly beneficial to those struggling with addiction in New Orleans. Bridge House/Grace House is a 24-hour, 7 day a week, residential treatment facility that provides gender specific treatment to men and women in three locations and treats over 800 homeless, indigent, uninsured, and/or unemployed men and women each year.
A whopping 40 restaurants are showing up in support of Bridge House/Grace House and guests can thank NOLA Brewing for keeping them cool with ice cold brews during steamy skin-baring performances. You can find the full collection of participating restaurants here, but whet your appetite with these 7 listed below!
*Photos sourced from Yelp do not reflect dishes being served but the quality of expertise that can be expected from these wonderful participating restaurants.
Copeland’s of New Orleans (VIP Restaurant)
1319 W Esplanade Ave
Kenner, LA 70065
“I had the Shrimp Copeland and my grandson had the fried chicken and red beans. Everything was delicious, even the biscuits with honey butter. My 10-year-old grandson ate almost the whole half of fried chicken, his red beans and biscuit… He never eats that much in one sitting. He told me to give Copeland’s a 5 star.”
-Yelper Anita W.
Café Reconcile
1631 Oretha C Haley Blvd
New Orleans, LA 70113
“Never have I had food that made me nearly cry from pure ecstasy. Everything from the sides to the entrees to the dessert is made with love and tastes just like it came straight from Grandma. The concept of this restaurant, the amazing people that work here, and all of the the food make this an experience in NOLA that you should not miss out on. ”
-Yelper Madison B.
Quarter Master Deli
1100 Bourbon
New Orleans, LA 70195
“Those guys in the back throw DOWN in the kitchen! I had spicy crawfish pie there that I still dream about 3 years later. Scratch made goodness of all kinds awaits you and at very nice prices. I go there EVERY time I’m in town.”
-Yelper L B.
Koz’s Restaurant
6215 Wilson St
Harahan, LA 70123
“Excellent oyster poboys. Great place for lunch. Excellent service. The onion ring orders are massive.”
-Yelper Keith E.
Marcello’s Restaurant & Wine Bar
715 Saint Charles Ave
New Orleans, LA 70130
“Beautiful dinner. We ordered all four of their specialty dishes. Two great bottles of wine and great company. Service was nice and people were friendly. Would go back again.”
-Yelper Lilly N.
Nacho Mama’s Mexican Grill
1000 S Clearview Pkwy.
New Orleans, LA 70123
“Clearly, I’m the luckiest person in town because I’ve been twice and each time was outstanding.”
-Yelp Elite Jessie E.K.
Nirvana Indian Cuisine
4308 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70115
“The food and service is always wonderful here!… I love their lamb korma and their boti kebab is to die for.”
-Yelper Caitlyn W.
If you’re looking for the full cornucopia of delicious bites that’ll be served up, check out our collection here, that also includes Gulf Tacos and CoolBrew Coffee. Tickets are hot so make sure to scoop up a pair here for you and your friend (’cause they’re not going to believe you otherwise) before they sell out!
