Expecting ?the best

Recently I was talking with a friend about education, crime, jobs and change in Baton Rouge and our state. All of the sudden, my friend pulled out the classic cliché: “Expect the worst and hope for the best.”

I get the point behind this saying. I know it means that we should prepare for unexpected circumstances in case our plans don’t work out. Nevertheless, it’s one cliché you’ll never hear from me. Addressing the annual Power Breakfast hosted recently by Baton Rouge Business Report, I reminded business and community leaders that the best is yet to come for our city. I believe expectation is a form of faith, and if you want good things to happen at school, work or any area of your life, you have to believe that what you’re hoping for is actually going to happen.

Think about it for a moment:

• You can’t hope for the best if you’re expecting the worst.

• You can’t get the job you want if you’re expecting to get turned down.

• You can’t hope that your kids are going to succeed in life if you’re expecting them to fail.

• You can’t hope to win in sports if you’re expecting to lose.

• You can’t hope Baton Rouge and Louisiana will get better if you expect us to remain the same.

Are you getting the point here?

All of this got me thinking about how Baton Rouge continues to evolve. The latest U.S. Census figures show East Baton Rouge Parish is now the most populous in the state. Our region—the 225 area code, which covers nine parishes—grew by 14% since the 2000 census, and all signs indicate  this positive trend will continue.

Job growth projections for our region are positive, and Baton Rouge’s employment outlook for this first quarter was No. 1 in the United States, according to Manpower Inc.  If that wasn’t enough good news, add to it that LSU football had a strong recruiting class, not to mention a CBSSports.com No. 1 pre-season ranking. I’m expecting a BCS Bowl appearance this year—and maybe another national championship. So hope for the best, expect the best and don’t be surprised when we get the best.

Heroes in our kitchens

Speaking of the best, Baton Rouge has a lot of great restaurants and chefs. You probably know your favorite restaurants well, but do you know who’s back there in the kitchen preparing your meal? This month’s cover story will introduce you to a dozen hard-working—and in many cases, not very well-known—professionals whose work makes going out to eat in Baton Rouge so fabulous. From iconic and familiar landmarks like Christina’s Restaurant and George’s to gourmet kitchens like French Market Bistro and Galatoire’s, contributing writer Lee Feinswog invites us into the “back of the house” to meet these busy culinary creators.

Best of 225 Awards

Plenty of great restaurants are honored each year in our July edition, along with boutiques, destinations and people, with the Best of 225 Awards. We recently invited our online subscribers to participate by nominating their favorites in 50+ categories. More than 1,500 readers stepped up and took part. By the time you read this, we’ll have counted the nominations and narrowed down the finalists, and we’ll have turned over the data to SCI Communications, an independent Baton Rouge-based market research firm.

This month, SCI will conduct a random-sample scientific survey of 225 online readers who will get the chance to pick this year’s winners. This process assures that the results are reliable, since there can be no ballot-stuffing like you find in other “awards” contests. The Best of 225 Awards are the real thing, which is why they are so coveted and why winners display their plaques so proudly. It’s a genuine honor bestowed by you, our 225 readers. You’re the judge.

However, to have a chance at being chosen for SCI’s survey, you must be signed up to receive one of our e-newsletters: 225Dine, 225Select, Avenue Rouge or our sister publication, Daily Report. Sign up by visiting 225batonrouge.com and clicking the “E-sign up” button in the left column. Our thanks to everyone who submitted nominations this year.

Ramos’s healthful mission

Long before Whole Foods Market came to town, long before our first gluten-free bakery, entrepreneur Lucy Ramos was catering to some very specialized dietary needs. Lucy’s Health Food store recently moved to a new spot on Bluebonnet Boulevard, but this Venezuelan native remains committed to keeping her clients safe from dietary perils that—in extreme cases—could kill them.

Distinguished concert performer

NPR program host and renowned pianist Christopher O’Riley continues in his role as LSU’s Distinguished Visiting Artist this month with a performance at 7:30 p.m. March 11 in the School of Music Recital Hall. O’Riley’s From the Top radio program showcases young classical music talent from across the country, and several episodes will be produced in Louisiana over the next few years as part of his four-year appointment at LSU. This month is your chance to hear this gifted musician and educator in person. Buy tickets to the concert at .