450
$
METAIRIE CEMETERY • CELEBRATING ST. JOSEPH • LAFRENIERE PARK • PAUL SANCHEZ
FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015 VOL. 2, NO. 1
February-March 2015
Vol. 2, No. 1
Publisher Lori Murphy –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Editor Anne Honeywell Senior Editor Jan Murphy Contributing Editor Poki Hampton Editorial Assistant Leah Draffen Contributors are featured on page 16. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Art Director Brad Growden Graphic Designer Jennifer Starkey –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Business Manager Jane Quillin Associate Publisher Candice Laizer Advertising Account Executives Caroline Battaglia Barbara Bossier Deyette Danford Anne Honeywell Candice Laizer Barbara Roscoe Amy Taylor Advertising Coordinator Katie Brooks Sales Assistant Lindsay Gardner –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For advertising information phone (504) 934-9684 fax (504) 934-7721 email sales@insidepub.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Please send items for Inside Scoop to scoop@insidepub.com. Photos for Inside Peek, with captions, should be sent to peek@insidepub.com. Submit items for editorial consideration to editor@insidepub.com. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Contact Inside New Orleans P.O. Box 6048 Metairie, LA 70009 phone (504) 934-9684 fax (504) 934-7721 website www.insideneworleans.net Subscriptions 1 Year $18 2 Years $30 email subscriptions@insidepub.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
On the cover Artist Gretchen Armbruster
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– INSIDE NEW ORLEANS is published bi-monthly (February, April, June, August, October, December) by M and L Publishing, LLC, PO Box 6048, Metairie, LA 70009 as a means of communication and information for greater New Orleans, Louisiana. Bulk Postage paid - New Olreans, LA. Copyright ©2015 by M & L Publishing, LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent of publisher. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and artwork. Inside Northside Magazine is created using the Adobe Creative Suite on Apple Macintosh computers.
6
Inside New Orleans
contents table of
page 79
Features
page 38
18 Color and Light Cover artist Gretchen Armbruster 30 A House Full of Love The Rodrigue Home 38 Metairie Cemetery Top Five Must-See Monuments 56 Making the Nine Altars Celebrating St. Joseph 61 A Streetcar Named Landmark 62 Continuing the Tradition Restaurateur Ralph Brennan 70 A Suburban Oasis Metairie’s Lafreniere Park 76 Amazing Grapes A Toast to the Hermann Grima + Gallier Historic Houses 90 Curator Wayne Phillips Guardian of Carnival’s Most Valuable Treasures
page 30
Celebrations
98 Hi, Society! A Season of Celebrating 102 Deb Spotlight Boot Scootin’ Brunch 105 Deb Spotlight Destination Celebration 106 Deb Spotlight Breakfast at Brennan’s 110 IN the Spotlight Jesuit High School Celebration Gala and Auction 108 Behind the Scenes of a Great Party 112 The Ultimate New Orleans Wedding
Summer Camps page 90 8
Inside New Orleans
114 Summer Stretch Camp is a place to grow 117 Summer Camps Listing
contents table of
Departments 12 Publisher’s Note 15 Editor’s Note
page 85
16 Contributors 22 INside Scoop 48 At the Table The Bountiful Feast of Lent
85 INside Look Red, Black and White
54 Get Fit From Sweethearts to Sweathearts
104 INside Story Mardi Gras, You Say?
66 IN the Bookcase Five Days Left, by Julie Lawson Timmer 68 IN Rhythm Paul Sanchez: Love’s the Key
120 IN the Spotlight Meet the Artist Party 121 Peek 125 IN the Spotlight STAIR Affair
74 Trade Secrets Little Hints, Big Impact
129 IN the Spotlight United Way Alexis De Tocqueville Award Celebration
78 Wine Cellar Red Burgundy—The Greatest in Pinot Noir
130 IN Great Taste Lenten “Sacrifices” Recipes for the Seafood Season
79 Flourishes Extraordinary gifts and home accents.
133 INside Dining
82 IN Style Exceptional Style Jeweler Robert Procop
page 54
137 Reader Resources 137 Directory of Advertisers 138 Last Bite Sucré
The Mardi Gras Game by Lori Murphy Being a lifelong Carnival lover surrounded by friends and family involved in every aspect of the sport, I know that there is a lot that can’t be seen on the field. Not the least of which are the countless hours and generous contributions made by the players in presenting our “superbowl” of parties.
Those men and women are some of our most valuable treasures. Though many of their organizations have similar endeavors, I would like to give special kudos to the men of Rex and their Pro Bono Publico Foundation.
Over the past seven years, the Rex Organization has supported education in New Orleans with a large force of volunteers and with grants made through its Foundation. Central to this focus has been Teach for America, which is very close to my heart. Recently the young teachers of TFA were welcomed to the den, where they learned about Rex, its traditions and the process of building a parade. Rex officials also presented checks to schools and organizations that were awarded grants from Pro Bono Publico this year.
Teach for America has been instrumental in bringing new ideas to education. It gathers recent graduates from top universities with a myriad of experiences and majors, asking them to share a couple of years in the classroom with the children of our future. TFA has inspired many students, but sometimes it is the temporary teachers who are changed forever by the experience. One of those is my niece, Sarah Broome, who decided to stay in education. She has since, with the help of many of her TFA friends, created the only public boarding school for at-risk kids in Louisiana. That is a story for another day!
In the meantime … enjoy the celebration!
12
Inside New Orleans
Editor’s note by Anne Honeywell Don’t you just adore the cover of this issue? This one is special for me. As you will read in my cover artist article on page 18, I have two priceless Gretchen Armbruster paintings, and I was excited to tell her story. She perfectly captures The Dictator’s float from one of my favorite parades, Le Krewe d’Etat. We will all be literally hitting the streets the next couple of months for Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day parades. We begin with the Carnival season, which is such a wonderful time of year. Preparing for this issue, I was able to go behind the scenes of the Louisiana State Museum’s Carnival Collection and meet curator Wayne Phillips (page 90). What a wonderful treat that was! In New Orleans, where there is Carnival, there are debutantes. This 2014-15 season has been just spectacular! We had a great time with a few of the girls and some young men from Mid-Winter Cotillion (page 98). Some of the season’s celebrations are IN the Spotlight in this issue. Enjoy. After Mardi Gras comes to a close, it’s time for that burning question, “What are you giving up for Lent?” I don’t necessarily give something up; I add something to my daily life—something good or worthwhile. One thing I definitely won’t be giving up is seafood. Tom Fitzmorris is making Lent easy for us with his magnificent feature, “The Bountiful Feast of Lent” on page 48 and some special recipes (page 130). And have you checked out our Tom’s NOMENU dining guide? Restaurants are listed by neighborhood. I can’t tell you how many times I have picked it up to browse for a restaurant for myself or to give a recommendation. It is awesome. See for yourself on page 133. Happy Carnivalling!
Above: My daughter Katherine’s 1997 portrait by Gretchen Armbruster. February-March 2015 15
Karen B. Gibbs
Tom Fitzmorris was delivered into New Orleans by a jazz musician on Mardi Gras 1951. He grew up in Treme, ate red beans every Monday from his Creole-French mother until he left home. Not long after that, he began writing a weekly restaurant review column that continues to be published with hardly a break after 42 years. In 1975, he began a daily radio feature, which grew into his current three-hour daily talk show on 1350, 3WL. He is the author of several cookbooks, more than a dozen restaurant guidebooks, a daily online newsletter (nomenu.com), and joins us At the Table (page 48) and IN Great Taste (page 130).
Longtime contributor and former managing editor of Inside Northside, Karen B. Gibbs enjoys writing about the fascinating people and places of the New Orleans area. On page 38, she tells the story of Metairie Cemetery. A contributor to Today.com and iVillage. com, Karen just completed the biography of her fatherin-law, a WWII paratrooper. When not writing, she enjoys traveling with her husband and spoiling their grandchild.
Michael Harold grew up in New Orleans and graduated from St. Martin’s Episcopal School, The University of the South and LSU Law School. Fluent in Spanish and French, he is also a classical pianist. Michael practiced law for more than 23 years and now owns his own legal recruiting company, YSR Search LLC. He is a contributing writer for Local Palate magazine in Charleston, South Carolina. In his spare time, he coordinates the renovation of a 19th century home in New Orleans. In this issue, Michael writes about restaurateur Ralph Brennan on page 62 and tells his Inside Story about Mardi Gras on page 104.
Other Voices: Eva Jacob Barkoff, Kate Brevard, Leah Draffen, Alice Fielding, Sandy Franco, Candra George, Anne Honeywell, Katherine Honeywell, Sandra Scalise Juneau, Coleen Perilloux Landry, Lauren Murphy, Terri Schlichenmeyer and Susan Zackin. 16
Inside New Orleans
photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com
Michael Harold
photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN
photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com
Tom Fitzmorris
Bill Kearney photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com
Our contributors give Inside New Orleans its voice, its personality and its feel. Here we are proud to highlight a few of them so that you can put a face with a name and get to know them.
Trudy Hurley New Orleanian Trudy Hurley was classically trained under her mother, Mary Helen Stall, who owned The Green Parrot, an antique shop on St. Charles Avenue. For more than 25 years, Trudy has worked in the finest homes in the New Orleans area and beyond for clients ranging from sports superstars to young couples. With dozens of local and national publications showcasing her work, Trudy has graced the cover of Southern Accents magazine and has been chosen for its “Four Under Forty” award—a prestigious group of decorators chosen for their talents in the field of design. Trudy shares little hints that make big impacts on page 74.
photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com
Contributors
Bill Kearney believes if you like a wine, it’s a great wine—and the best wine is shared with friends. For more than 20 years, he has added wines from many regions, grapes and friends to his private collection. Recently certified as a sommelier, he serves as the wine director for Galatoire’s Restaurant, Galatoire’s Bistro and 33 Bar and Steak, where he is also a partner. A graduate of Tulane, Bill is president of Yenraek, a governmental affairs firm. In each issue, Bill will take you on a journey to find a wine that you love in Wine Cellar (page 78).
Cover artist Gretchen Armbruster by Anne Honeywell
18
Inside New Orleans
MY MOTHER ALWAYS TOLD ME that you should have your child’s portrait painted before they lose their first tooth. About 16 years ago, I admired a friend’s watercolor portrait of her two young daughters. “I love your painting. I love the
photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com
Color and Light
style—and it really captures the girls perfectly,” I said. “Who is the artist?” The artist was Gretchen Armbruster, a New Orleans painter whom I easily tracked down. She came to our home, met my 4-year-old daughter and photographed her in her favorite blue jean overalls on her rope swing. I had explained to Gretchen that Katherine was not the lace dress, formal portrait type, and that was not what I was looking for. Gretchen assured me that if I let her be comfortable and natural the painting would show her personality. She was right! A short three years later, I was ready for Gretchen to paint my son’s portrait—he had a loose tooth! This time, it took me a while to find her; she had moved to Mandeville. She happily came across the lake to meet Jefferson and photograph him. A few short weeks later, I had my children’s beautiful Gretchen Armbruster watercolor portraits hanging together in my family room. Later, I was excited to find Gretchen again and to discover that she is so much more than a portrait artist. Armbruster’s paintings have graced the walls of countless galleries over the years. Her >>
Meet cover artist
Gretchen Armbruster and see some of her favorite works on display at
The Rusty Nail 1100 Constance Street New Orleans
Thursday, February 26 5:30-7:00 p.m. For more information, call
504-934-9684
Everyone’s Invited!
February-March 2015 19
beautiful commissioned portraits don the walls of some of the finer homes in Louisiana. You can always tell it is an Armbruster, no matter the subject. “It’s my use of light and contrast of values in a painting,” Armbruster explains. “It’s very dramatic.” Whether they are landscapes with natural light or the lights illuminating the side of a carnival float, her paintings create a mood with her use of color and light. Armbruster can paint anything in any medium. She primarily works in oils, watercolor and pencils. “I have worked in them all: acrylics, pen and ink and pastels. But I would have to say oil is my preference.” The 24-by-36 original of this issue’s cover painting, The Dictator, was done in oil. Regardless of the type of work—portraits, murals, landscapes or still life—Gretchen’s choice of media depends largely on the subject matter and the situation. An informal child on the beach, for example, has a laidback feeling that is appropriate to pencils and watercolors. Conversely, according to Gretchen, for that same child decked out in his Sunday best, ready for a formal portrait intended for a dining room or other large space in the home, the richness of oil paints lends itself to the grandeur of the work. Gretchen says, “If it’s a beautiful floral, a lot of times I think that it looks prettier in watercolor. If it’s a landscape, I think landscapes look prettier in oil. What it looks like and what you’re trying to make your subject look like dictate what medium best portrays the subject.” Gretchen has been painting professionally since she was 12 years old. “That’s how old I was when I sold my first painting in an art show,” she says. She studied under the direction of Robert Rosbach, David Jinks and Alan Flattman. After majoring in art at Louisiana State University, she continued her art 20
Inside New Orleans
photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com
education at the John McCrady School of Fine and Applied Arts and the New Orleans Art Institute. “I moved to the northshore about 17 years ago. As a New Orleans girl, born and raised, I have to say I was surprised at how quickly my family and I embraced life over here. Although I consider myself a South Louisiana artist, my favorite subject is New Orleans. I just love the energy that New Orleans provides in a painting.” Armbruster’s notable works have included several Crescent City Classic posters, artwork for the Krewe of Bacchus, extensive murals in The Old Absinthe House, the 2010 Lombardi poster design, cover paintings for Inside Northside magazine and a label designer for a California vintner. In add ition, Gretchen has completed many commissions for local area hospitals, businesses and restaurants. Her paintings of horses have been featured in the national magazine American Art Collector and shown in several galleries in Colorado. Her artwork has even appeared on the big screen in the movie He Said She Said. Throughout her career, Armbruster has taught privately and conducted various workshops. About five years ago, she began teaching classes in her garage. She opened Armbruster Artworks School three years ago on N. Vermont Street in the Covington Art District. Gretchen now has more than 100 students who come from all over the area to receive her instruction and participate in her workshops. The students range in both age and experience levels; at the end of the year, the school celebrates with an art show showcasing their work. This year, over 400 patrons enjoyed the original work of 40 artists from Armbruster Artwork on display at the Southern Hotel in Covington. Many of the original paintings were sold, for a total of more than $10,000. “I tell my students they need to try every medium and learn all the different techniques, because you don’t know your style until you try.” Armbruster loves teaching. “It makes me revisit everything I know, and explaining it to someone else really helps keep the fundamentals fresh.” It’s good for her art. “I have tried some different things within my own work—I think
it has even more dimension in recent years.” Gretchen feels the ability to draw is paramount. She says, “You can teach somebody how to paint, and it’s very easy, but if you can teach somebody how to draw, you can make a painting out of it.” Gretchen’s feelings on drawing are so strong that she has even taught drawing at the grade school level. “A lot of kids can follow what you are teaching step by step. That doesn’t necessarily mean they are talented, but their drawings do come out wonderful. And there’s always the one kid in the class who follows along and gets it, and the next time they pick up their pencil, they draw something truly phenomenal. That’s true talent. “I love working with a student who has never received instruction and helping them discover, little by little, that they have great ability. I enjoy fostering their talent.” Gretchen Armbruster has been very busy and very successful in the years since she painted my young children. I count myself among the fortunate. I own not one, but two commissioned Armbruster portraits. But as Gretchen sees it, she is the fortunate one. “I have the most relaxing job in the world, and I love what I do.” Fortunate indeed. Gretchen’s work may be found at Arabella in Mandeville, Pineapple Gallery in Mandeville, Taylor Clark Gallery in Baton Rouge and at Southern Breeze Gallery in Jackson, Mississippi. For information on classes, go to armbrusterartworks.com or call 985-630-6295. February-March 2015 21
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
INSIDE a handy guide to events and entertainment in and around New Orleans
February 1 Krewe of Little Rascals. Metairie. 12pm.
Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins Diboll
Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St, New
Cir. 658-4100. noma.org.
Orleans. 6-8pm. ogdenmuseum.org.
1 Sounds from the Heart. Concert featuring Kelly Love Jones and Bobby T, donations
1-Mar 29 Andrew Jackson: Hero of New
5-Mar 1 Longue Vue en Plein Air Exhibit.
to benefit the renovation of Busker’s
Orleans. Jackson’s role in the Creek
Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7
Bunkhouse. Morning Call, 56 Dreyfous Dr,
War and Battle of New Orleans. The
Bamboo Road, New Orleans. Opening
New Orleans. 6pm. Free. 300-1157.
Historic New Orleans Collection, 533
reception, 5-7pm. 488-5488.
Royal St. Free. 523-4662. hnoc.org.
Photographs from The Historic New
6 Krewe of Athena. Metairie. 6pm. 3-8 Annie. Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St, New Orleans. For tickets, (800) 745-
6 Krewe of Cork. French Quarter. 3pm.
Center, 410 Chartres St, New Orleans.
3000. saengernola.com.
6 Krewe of Excalibur. Metairie. 7pm. 6 Krewe of Oshun. Uptown. 6pm.
Tues-Sat, 9:30am-4:30 pm. Free. 523-4662. hnoc.org.
5 Clementine Hunter Sketchbook Book Launch. Celebration of the launch of
1-Mar 1 Exhibit of Degas’ Little Dancer Aged Fourteen. Stafford Gallery, New 22
6 Krewe of Cleopatra. Uptown. 6:30pm.
Orleans Collection. Williams Research
Inside New Orleans
6-7 Spring 2014 Kenneth Winston Trunk
Clementine Hunter: A Sketchbook containing
Show. Bustles and Bows, 3230 Severn
26 unseen oil-on-paper works. Ogden
St, Ste B, Metairie. 780-7090.
photo courtesy: STPATRICKSDAYNEWORLEANS.COM
1-Feb 28 Studio, Street, Self: Portrait
March 15
St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Metairie Road. The parade will start on Severn Avenue in front of Rummel High School, then to Metairie Road, ending at the parish line. 12pm. stpatricksdayneworleans.com.
7 Push Mow Parade. Abita Springs. 6pm. 7 Knights of Sparta. Uptown. 6pm. 7 Krewe of Caesar. Metairie. 6pm. 7 Krewe of Chewbacchus. Marigny. 8pm. 7 Krewe of Pontchartrain; Krewe of Choctaw and Krewe of Freret follow. Uptown. 1pm. 7 Krewe of Pygmalion. Uptown. 6:45pm.
7 Photographs by Sandra Russell Clark. Juju exhibition. Scott Edwards Photography Gallery, 2109 Decatur St, New Orleans. 610-0581.
7 The Mystic Knights of Adonis. Westbank. 11:45am.
>>
February-March 2015 23
Inside Scoop 7, 14, 21, 28 Grow Dat Farm Stand. Youth-grown produce including arugula, lettuce, kale and chard. 150 Zachary Taylor Dr, New Orleans. 9am. 598-2743. Growdatyouthfarm.org.
8 Krewe of Barkus. French Quarter. 2pm. 8 Krewe of Carrollton; Krewe of King Arthur and Merlin and Krewe of Alla follow. Uptown. 12pm.
11 Lunch and Learn on Balance and Falls. Presented by Kevin Mizell, physical therapist with St. Tammany Parish Hospital. Center at Christwood, 100 Christwood Blvd, Covington. 11:30am-1pm. RSVP to 292-1234 or email jportmann@christwoodrc.com.
11 Krewe of Druids. Uptown. 6:30pm. 11 Krewe of Nyx. Uptown. 7pm.
12 Knights of Babylon. Uptown. 5:45pm. 12 Knights of Chaos. Uptown. 6:30pm. 12 Krewe of Muses. Uptown. 6:30pm.
13 Krewe of Centurions. Metairie. 7pm. 13 Krewe d’Etat. Uptown. 6:30pm. 13 Krewe of Hermes. Uptown. 6pm. 13 Krewe of Morpheus. Uptown. 7pm.
13-14 Valentine’s Day at Bra Genie. Special gift with every gift card purchase, event details online. Bra Genie, 2881 Hwy 190, Mandeville. (985) 951-8638. facebook.com/thebragenie.
13-16 Mardi Gras Mask Market. Handmade masks by artisans from around the country. Dutch Alley, French Quarter. 10am-6pm. frenchmarket.org.
14 Krewe of Endymion. Mid-city. 4:15pm. 14 Krewe of Iris. Uptown. 11am. 14 Krewe of Isis. Metairie. 6:30pm. 24
Inside New Orleans
14 Krewe of NOMTOC. Westbank. 10:45am. 14 Krewe of Tucks. Uptown. 12pm.
15 Krewe of Bacchus. Uptown. 5:15pm. 15 Krewe of Mid-City. Uptown. 11:45am. 15 Krewe of Napoleon. Metairie. 5:30pm. 15 Krewe of Okeanos. Uptown. 11am. 15 Krewe of Thoth. Uptown. 12pm.
16 Krewe of Orpheus. Uptown. 6pm. 16 Krewe of Proteus. Uptown. 5:15pm.
16 Zulu 22nd Annual Lundi Gras Festival. Woldenberg Park, 1 Canal St, New Orleans. 10am-6:30pm. 565-3033. lundigrasfestival.com.
17 Krewe of Zulu. Uptown. 8am. 17 Krewe of Rex; Krewe of Elks Orleans and Krewe of Crescent City follow. Uptown. 10am. 17 Krewe of Argus; Krewe of Jefferson and Krewe of Elks Jefferson follow. Metairie. 10am. 17 Krewe of Grela. Westbank. 10am.
18-May 17 Edgar Degas: The Private Impressionist. Works on paper by the artist and his circle. Newcomb Art Gallery, 6823 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans. Tues-Fri, 10am-5pm; SatSun, 11am-4pm. Free. 865-5328. newcombeartgallery.tulane.edu.
21 Rachmaninov Symphonic Dances. Conductor Teddy Abrams will lead the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and pianist Alessio Bax in post-Romantic favorites by Rachmaninov, Debussy and Ravel. Mahalia Jackson Theater, 1419 Basin St, New Orleans. $20-$99. lpomusic.com.
21, 28 Writers and Readers Symposium: A Celebration of Literature and Art. (800) 789-4221. stfrancisville.us. >>
February-March 2015 25
Inside Scoop 26 Lynn Drury. Ogden After Hours. Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp
Blvd, New Orleans. 5pm. 944-5515.
and Battle of New Orleans. The Historic
fairgourndsracecourse.com.
New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal St.
St, New Orleans. 6-8pm. Adult, $10; Children 5-17, $5. ogdenmuseum.org.
Free. 523-4662. hnoc.org. 27, 28 Maaji Trunk Show. Gift with purchase and treats. Bora Bora, #2 St.
27-March 15 Sex Please, We’re Sixty.
Ann Dr, Mandeville. (985) 951-8454.
Humorous plot of a bed and breakfast and its neighbors. Teatro Wego!, 177
Impressionist. Works on paper by the artist and his circle. Newcomb Art
28 Black Grace. New Orleans Ballet
Gallery, 6823 St. Charles Ave, New
Sala Ave, Westwego. Fri-Sat, 7:30pm;
Association presents Black Grace from
Orleans. Tues-Fri, 10am-5pm; Sat-
Sun, 3pm. jpas.org.
New Zealand. Mahalia Jackson Theater of
Sun, 11am-4pm. Free. 865-5328.
the Performing Arts, 1419 Basin St, New
newcombeartgallery.tulane.edu.
27 Amazing Grapes. Wine auction at
Orleans. 522-0996. nobadance.com. 4 Walking Tour Guide Class. After an
Hermann Grima House, 820 St. Louis St. 7pm. wine@hgghh.org, hgghh.org.
March
27 Jasmine Collection & Couture Spring
1-15 Sex Please, We’re Sixty. Humorous plot
2015 Trunk Show. Bustles and Bows,
of a bed and breakfast and its neighbors.
3230 Severn St, Ste B, Metairie. 780-7090.
Teatro Wego!, 177 Sala Ave, Westwego. FriSat, 7:30pm; Sun, 3pm. jpas.org.
27 Starlight Racing Party. Food, beer garden and The Topcats. Fair Grounds Race Course, 1751 Gentilly
26
1-May 17 Edgar Degas: The Private
Inside New Orleans
interview, students learn how to become tour guides for Friends of the Cabildo and New Orleans. Kaydee Nenninger, 523-3939.
6 Julia Jump. 38th Annual Julia Jump presented by First NBC Bank. Music
1-29 Andrew Jackson: Hero of New Orleans. Jackson’s role in the Creek War
by The Wiseguys, raffle, auction, food and cocktails. Kingsley House, 1600
Constance St, New Orleans. 8-11pm. $75-$125. 636-3059. prcno.org.
7-8 San Francisco Plantation Frisco
13-15 New Orleans Home &
Festival. Crafts, Cajun cuisine, gardening
Garden Show. Mercedes-Benz
and kids activities. 2646 Hwy 44,
Superdome. Adult, $15; Military, $8;
Cabildo Concert Series. Old U.S. Mint,
Garyville. 9am-5pm. $5. (888) 322-1756.
Kids 12 and under, free. 835-6383.
400 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans. 7pm.
sanfranciscoplantation.org.
neworleanshomeshows.com.
6 Panorama Jazz Band. Friends of the
Members, $20; nonmembers, $30. 5233939. friendsofthecabildo.org.
8 Movie Magic Family Concert.
13, 15 Lucia Di Lammermoor. Mahalia
Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra
Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts,
performs music from favorite films. Louis
1419 Basin St, New Orleans. 8pm.
Bustles and Bows, 3230 Severn St, Ste
J. Roussel Performance Hall, Loyola
neworleansopera.org.
B, Metairie. 780-7090.
University, 6363 St Charles Ave, New
6-7 Bari Jay Bridesmaid Trunk Show.
Orleans. 2:30pm. Adults, $10; 12 and 7 Family Day: Fais Do-Do. Art activities,
under, free. 523-6530. lpomusic.com.
music and food in Cajun Fais Do-Do tradition. Ogden Museum of Southern
13-15, 20-22, 26-28 When Ya Smilin’. Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts, 325 Minor St, Kenner. 461-9475.
12-15 Drama Production: Little Women.
Art, 925 Camp St, New Orleans.
Lupin Hall at New Orleans Center for
10am-2pm. Free. ogdenmuseum.org.
Creative Arts, 2800 Chartres St. 7-9pm. nocca.com.
rivertowntheaters.com.
14 Irish Channel Parade. New Orleans. 1pm.
7 Pulmonary Hypertension 5k Race. Festival Grounds, City Park, 1 Palm Dr, New Orleans. 6am. neworleanscitypark.com.
13 Molly’s at the Market Irish Parade. French Quarter. 6pm.
14 Italian-American St. Joseph’s Parade. French Quarter. 6pm.
>>
Inside Scoop 14, 17 Parasol’s Block Party. 2533 Constance St, New Orleans. 10am-8pm.
14, 17 Tracey’s St. Paddy’s Day Party. 2604 Magazine St, New Orleans. 11am.
15 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Metairie Rd. 12pm.
17 Downtown Irish Club Parade. Downtown. 6pm.
17-22 Once. Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St, New Orleans. For tickets, (800) 7453000. saengernola.com.
18 Financial Health Checkup. Presented by Sean O’Neill, CPA. Center at Christwood, 100 Christwood Blvd, Covington. 11:30am-1pm. RSVP to 292-1234 or email jportmann@christwoodrc.com.
20 Drafts for Crafts. Open bar, food and live entertainment to benefit the restoration and preservation of important WWII artifacts. US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center, 945 Magazine St, New Orleans. $65. 7-10pm. 528-1944 ext. 365. nationalww2museum.org.
20 SweetArts 2015. Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans’ fundraiser and the opening preview of Double Edge Theater’s The Grand Parade. 900 Camp St, New Orleans. 8-11pm. 528-3805. cacno.org.
20-21 Dinner with Friends. La Petit Theatre, 616 St Peter St, New Orleans. 7:30pm. $35-$50. 522-2081. lepetitheatre.com.
20-22 Audubon Pilgrimage. Tour historic homes and gardens, antique sale, living history demonstration and cemetery tours. West Feliciana Parish Historical 28
Inside New Orleans
Museum, 11757 Ferdinand St, St.
Board of Trade, 316 Magazine St.
Francisville. 9:30am-5pm. $20-$100.
fashionweeknola.com.
(800) 789-4221. stfrancisville.us. 21-22, 28-29 Spring Fiesta. French Quarter 20-22 Captain Louie Jr. Presented by
walking tours, home tours and “Night
Jefferson Performing Arts Society Theatre
in Old New Orleans” parade. Schedule
Kids. Jefferson Performing Arts Center,
available online. 826 St. Ann St, New
400 Phlox St, Metairie. Fri, 7:30pm; Sat,
Orleans. 581-1367. springfiesta.com.
2pm and 7:30pm; Sun, 3pm. jpas.org. 22 Louisiana Irish-Italian Parade. 20-22 The Grand Parade (of the 20th
Metairie. 12pm.
Century). A collaboration of text, images and movement that shows
24 You Night Cancer Survivor Runway
the mythology of the 20th century.
Show. Funds generated will benefit local
Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp
cancer patient services. New Orleans
St, New Orleans. 7:30pm. $35-$40.
Board of Trade Ltd, 316 Magazine St.
528-3800. cacno.org.
6-10pm. $125. New Orleans Board of Trade Ltd, 316 Magazine St. 6-10pm.
20-22 Unión Tanguera in Nuit Blanche.
$125. younightevents.com.
New Orleans Ballet Association and The NOCCA Institute present Unión Tanguera
25-29 Tennessee Williams New
in Nuit Blanche (Sleepless Night). Freda
Orleans Literary Festival. Celebrity
Lupin Memorial Hall, New Orleans Center
interviews, performances, music, literary
for Creative Arts, 2800 Chartres St.
competitions and book fair. French
March 20-21, 8pm; March 22, 2pm. 522-
Quarter. 581-1144.
0996. nobadance.com. 27 Sugarplum Ball. Benefit for Children’s 21 Touch a Truck. Meet the people who
Hospital. Live music by Sha’on and the
protect, serve and build New Orleans while
Girls of Success, food samplings and
touring their vehicles, including emergency
silent auction. Children’s Hospital, 210
units, tractors, bulldozers and more. All
State St, New Orleans. 8pm-midnight.
proceeds to benefit Junior League of New
896-9373. chnola.org.
Orleans’ 10 community projects. Children’s Hospital, 210 State St, New Orleans. 10am-2pm. 891-5845. jlno.org.
21-22 Congo Square New World
27-29 New Orleans Food Festival. French Quarter. 10am-5pm. frenchmarket.org.
28 NOMA Egg Hunt. Hunt for eggs in the
Rhythms Festival. Louis Armstrong
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture
Park, 901 N Rampart St, New Orleans.
Garden. New Orleans Museum of Art, 1
11am-7pm. Free. jazzandheritage.org.
Collins C. Diboll Cir, City Park, New Orleans. 11am-1pm. 658-4100. noma.org.
21-28 New Orleans Fashion Week 2015. Southern designers, specialty boutique
Send your event information to
fashions and artisans on the runway.
scoop@insidepub.com to have
Runway shows March 25-27, doors
it featured in an upcoming issue of
open, 5:30pm; show, 7pm. New Orleans
Inside New Orleans.
by Anne Honeywell
House Love
a
full of
The foyer and sitting room of the Rodrigue home. 30
Inside New Orleans
photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN
The Rodrigue Home
Above: The main house’s back porch overlooks the pool and gardens.
LORI AND MIKE RODRIGUE were not looking for a new house. “I just happened to see that this one in Old Metairie was up for sale. We were leaving for Switzerland the very next day, but I really wanted to see it,” says Lori, “so we made arrangements to see it before our flight. We both fell in love with the house and immediately put in an offer. On our first stop in Atlanta, we made a counteroffer. By the time we arrived in Switzerland, we had bought a house!” “We got lucky,” says Mike. “As we were preparing to close on the house, Katrina hit, after which our current home had five feet of water in it. That being said, we really needed the new home, which had not flooded.” Lucky for sure. Not long after settling into their new home, the Rodrigues purchased the house next door. “It was a definite tear-down, and the lot was only 50 feet wide. We were worried that whoever would build would go tall since they couldn’t go wide, and that house would be overlooking our back yard,” says Lori. Within a week of closing on that property, they purchased another house on the block. “The house next door to the first teardown was owned by a sweet old >> February-March 2015 31
the traditional style of the music room. 32
Inside New Orleans
beginning with knocking down the staircase,” says Lori. “When I told Marc Banner, our contractor, that I wanted to tear the staircase down, I think he thought I was nuts, but he and his carpenters turned my vision to a reality.” An elegant curved staircase now greets you as you enter the home. The custom-built iron stair rail, created by Old South Lighting and Iron Works of Baton Rouge, serves as the opulent centerpiece of the foyer between the sitting and music rooms. The kitchen was demolished as well. “The kitchen was closed in. I wanted a more open area
photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN
A white cowhide rug adds a hip element to
lady who had passed away. Her son knew we had just purchased the house between us and wanted to see if we were interested in buying his mother’s, which was also on a 50-foot lot,” says Lori. “Long story short, we purchased both houses and knocked them both down to create our ‘side yard.’ I wanted a tennis court, my husband wanted a golf green—so we settled on a pavilion with a fountain in front.” The Rodriques loved their new house, but definitely wanted to change some things to make it their own. “We did a total renovation of the first floor,
between the kitchen and the family room. We have four children and four grandchildren, so we wanted a cozier atmosphere to be able to see everyone,” says Lori. “I spent about a year collecting pictures of how I wanted my kitchen to look. I could not be happier with the end result.” With the major construction of the foyer and kitchen complete, Lori was ready to decorate the rest of the house to her heart’s desires. She called on Millie Gaines of M. Design and Consultation to help her create the right look and feel. “Lori was great to work with—we talked about what she wanted and how best for us to accomplish a somewhat sophisticated style within a comfortable home,” says Gaines. “Paint is a beautiful thing, and it’s one of the quickest and easiest way to make a major change in a space,” says Gaines. “Once Lori saw the impact of painting all of the walls, trim, cabinetry in a neutral color, she painted the entire first floor of the home in the same color, Hush by Benjamin Moore. A monochromatic neutral wall paint allows ample opportunity to add color
with pillows, art, rugs and other fabrics.” The decorative projects began with transformation of the master bedroom and bath. The spacious master bedroom boasts a substantial four-poster mahogany bed dressed in monogrammed linens from New Orleans’ own Leontine Linens. The >>
Above: A cabana serves as additional outdoor entertaining space in side yard. Left: The beautifully renovated open kitchen features Italian quartzite countertops on painted maple cabinets. February-March 2015 33
crisp white bedding stands in stark contrast to the dark wood of the bed and the ebony hardwood floors that run throughout the first floor. The bedroom furniture is a mix of contemporary and antiques. Adding a touch of old is an ornate demilune with a mirror. The seating area, with linen swivel chairs trimmed in Greek Key, is perfectly placed in front of the large windows, offering a view of the pool and back and side yards. A mirrored writing desk allows a small work space in the room, and the Michelle Y Williams paintings bring a soothing element to this master retreat. Needlepoint pillows adorn a bench at the foot of the bed, while the leopard print in the rug brings an unexpected touch of whimsy to the traditional design of the room. “Of all the rooms we did, the master bathroom went through the most dramatic transformation,” says Gaines. “The bathroom cabinets were all cherry wood. Once they were painted and decoratively finished, the space felt much brighter and more open. The hand-painted finishing of the cabinets was beautifully done by Denise Litoff.” Another design element in the master bath is the decorative paint work on the tray ceiling above the whirlpool tub. Finished in a metallic silver/blue finish, this detail adds dimension to the room and complements the art work by local artist Nell Mabry that hangs above the tub area. A simple linen shade trimmed in a contrasting neutral fabric adds to the space’s clean and tranquil look. A mohair rug brings a fun touch to the space, and a fanciful Julie Neill crown chandelier and sconces elevate the design detail. The music room is a work of art in and of itself. Literally. The entire room was hand painted by Cat Kennedy. Chinese cherry blossoms are painted 34
Inside New Orleans
The family room and casual dining room face the grand back porch, which the Rodrigues
photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN
added to the home.
in ivory and accented with grey detail on a blue pearlescent painted background. “It took about two and a half months to complete. It is a true work of art and a good value when compared to the cost of French Chinoiserie wall coverings,” says Gaines. “The room’s colors look different during different times of the day and night—the light plays off the reflectiveness of the walls. The effect truly is spectacular. The color choices and the hand-painted walls give a fresh new look to a classic approach to wall coverings.” White velvet drapes trimmed in blue grosgrain ribbon adorn the music room’s windows; the custommade rods are finished in an antique gold. Two Marge Carson chairs were refinished in a light neutral color. In the corner behind the piano, a pedestal holds an urn from Tara Shaw that contains pussy willows. It creates a focal point in the room that does not distract from the hand-painted walls. A beautiful canapé with silk and cut velvet pillows brings additional seating, while a white cowhide rug adds a hip element to the traditional style of the room. Across the foyer from the music room is another beautiful space, the sitting room. The grand sofa was
reupholstered in a gold-toned velvet. “I love velvet on a sofa,” says Gaines. “You can’t kill it! It is so durable and a wonderful choice. The over-sized cocktail table worked well in the space, but it was too high for the sofa. A furniture fabricator cut the feet down to a comfortable height, an easy solution to make a great piece of furniture work in a different space.” Two ornate benches by Bliss Studio are placed near the cocktail table for additional seating. Pillows in beautiful fabrics, including a playful cheetah print, >>
The guest house is home to Mike’s black and gold man cave, also known as the theatre room.
February-March 2015 35
bedroom boasts a dramatic four-poster bed amidst other contemporary and antique furniture. Right: The master bathroom, the most dramatic transformation, displays handpainted, beautifully finished cabinets. 36
Inside New Orleans
made Tara Shaw Maison coffee table. The wool oushak rug in blues, ivories and tans brings the room together. The large, casual dining table is surrounded by eight chairs and sits upon a leather-bound sisal rug that helps to define the space. In the kitchen, the off-white finished maple cabinets are traditional in style, with Italian quartzite counter tops. A center island offers additional storage and counter work space. “Working with M. Design & Consultation makes my life so easy. Millie really listens to what I want and gives great advice. I always just let her roll with her vision, and I know it will be stunning—she couldn’t be easier to work with,” says Lori. “I truly love our home. I feel like it is inviting and full of love.” Sounds like just the look she was going for.
photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN
Above: The master
complement the blues, ivories and soft pastels of the Aubusson rug. Infusing color into the room is a Michelle Y William painting, with wall brackets on either side holding hand-painted porcelain vases that work perfectly with the color palette. The decorative sphere chandelier adds an element of interest. A bar cart on the back wall is filled with some of Lori’s favorite crystal decanters, trays and other decorative collectables. Adding a simple elegance are the white velvet drapes, which are the same as those in the adjacent music room. The powder room off the entrance features a custom-made vanity and sconce by Julie Neil. The walls are faux finished, and a stunning full-length trumeau mirror on the side wall creates the illusion of a larger space. The open-concept family room, informal dining and kitchen are large and comfortable spaces across the back of the house. The wall of windows and French doors allows them to be awash in natural light and offers a view of the gorgeous pool area, gardens, pool house, side yard and cabana. A large sectional sofa is accented with oversized throw pillows in a Pindler & Pindler fabric. Complementing the sofa in size and stature is a custom-
Metairie Cemetery Top Five Must-See Monuments
MAYBE YOU’VE ATTENDED FUNERALS THERE. Maybe you’ve seen the glow of its eternal flame as you drive past at night. But if you’ve never taken a tour of Metairie Cemetery, are you in for a treat! Named by Forbes.com as one of the 10 most interesting cemeteries in the world, Metairie Cemetery has a history as rich and storied as that of many of its occupants. It was built on the site of the Metairie Race Course, which in the mid-1800s was the South’s finest racetrack, regularly attracting crowds of 5,000-25,000. During the Civil War, it served as Camp Walker, a Confederate army base. After the war, it fell on hard times. With money scarce and dissension growing within its governing ranks, hope for 38
Inside New Orleans
the race course was slipping away. At the same time, the idea for Metairie Cemetery was coming to life. Because the yellow fever epidemic had taxed existing graveyards beyond their limits, locals were looking for a place to establish new burial grounds. Charles T. Howard and the other members of the Metairie Cemetery Association made an offer to purchase the 80-acre race track from the Metairie Jockey Club. On May 25, 1872, the deal was sealed. Ironically, the race course was “laid to rest” in the soil of the newborn cemetery, its one-mile oval track re-purposed to immortalize the ultimate “finish line.” >>
photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN
by Karen B. Gibbs
February-March 2015 39
monument to his wife’s memory is the tallest private structure in Metairie Cemetery. 40
Inside New Orleans
for people to relax and enjoy a bite to eat after journeying there by horseback or on foot. Strange as it sounds, Metairie Cemetery soon became the perfect setting for social outings. In fact, in the early 1900s, the picturesque graveyard was the place to go for “Kodak parties”—a chance to photograph and be photographed. Gerard “Jerry” Schoen III, fifth generation funeral director and the cemetery’s community outreach director, has one explanation for this social activity—All Saints Day, November 1. Traditionally, New Orleanians visit their family cemeteries just before All Saints Day to spruce up the gravesites for the religious feast. With many of the graves in the cemetery enrolled in perpetual care, there was little maintenance for family members to do. Not wanting to abandon tradition, they nevertheless came to the
photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN
Daniel Moriarity’s
Col. Benjamin Morgan Harrod, a war veteran and prominent engineer, was chosen to design the new cemetery. Much to his credit, Harrod envisioned burial grounds unlike any others in New Orleans. Eschewing the traditional walled cemetery concept, he designed Metairie Cemetery to look more like a park than a graveyard. Using the original oval racetrack as a guide, Harrod added three concentric ovals within it, connecting them with cross avenues and diagonal streets. In 1890, he enhanced the cemetery with a series of meandering lagoons. He also designed picturesque, rustic stone bridges to span the lazy waterways and embellished the area with lush greenery, trees, flowering bushes and shrubs. In another break with tradition, Harrod provided welcoming grounds replete with picnic tables at the entrance of the cemetery. This offered a place
cemetery, paid their respects at the grave sites and then spent the rest of the time socializing on the welcoming grounds. Just as they do today, 19th century New Orleanians could party anywhere, even among the tombs of their loved ones. That brings us to another reason to tour Metairie Cemetery—its tombs and the fascinating stories they hold. To stoke your curiosity, Jerry Schoen, along with Robert Florence, author of New Orleans Cemeteries: Life in the Cities of the Dead and owner of Historic New Orleans Tours, share their top-five must-see graves in Metairie Cemetery. The stories that follow are a gumbo of mystery and history, bitesized biographies of some of New Orleans’ fabled personalities. When Daniel Moriarity first met the wealthy Mary Farrell, she owned a grocery and barroom.
Although 22 years younger than she, Daniel wooed and eventually married Mary. As a couple, they amassed a fortune investing in real estate. Upon her death in 1887, Mary was buried temporarily in St. Patrick Cemetery No. 1 while Daniel set about erecting a monument in Mary’s memory that would surpass all others. That edifice, located at the original entrance to Metairie Cemetery, is the tallest private monument on those hallowed grounds, rising 60 feet in height and surrounded by a circular plot 85 feet in diameter. In 1905, after acquiring the plot for the monument, Moriarity began construction. According to Henri Gandolfo’s book, Metairie Cemetery, An Historical Memoir, Moriarity must have kissed the Blarney Stone because he talked the owners of a Vermont quarry into giving him a low price on >>
The Morales tomb once belonged to renowned madam Josie Arlington. Coincidentally, her initials still grace the tomb today.
February-March 2015 41
Harrington. Right: The Langles cenotaph.
the promise that he would help them corner the memorial market in New Orleans. Unfortunately, the owners of the quarry underestimated the huge cost of shipping the granite to Louisiana and went broke before Moriarity could make good on his promise. Once in New Orleans, the granite posed another problem. It was too heavy to transport across the 42
Inside New Orleans
photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN
Above: The tomb of Joseph “Never Smile”
New Basin Canal Bridge. Moriarity smooth-talked the Illinois Central Railroad into laying a spur track from Carrollton Avenue, along the New Basin Canal, to the cemetery. He hired another contractor to erect the monument after it arrived in New Orleans but he, too, ran out of money re-installing the massive cross that was less than an inch off plumb. Daniel Moriarity had the remains of his wife exhumed and relocated to the magnificent gravesite in Metairie Cemetery. Although he was in California when he died in 1924, Moriarity’s remains were shipped back to New Orleans, and he, too, was laid to rest with his wife in the grass surrounding the monument. One of Storyville’s most renowned madams, Josie Arlington (née Mamie Duebler) must have contemplated the afterlife in her later years because she selected the design and ordered the construction of her own tomb three years before she died. She even threw a much-publicized champagne supper to thank the craftsmen for finishing her memorial ahead of time. Completed in 1911, the monument features a life-size bronze figure of a lady holding an armful of roses and knocking on the door of the tomb. Folklore says it represents Josie being turned away from her father’s door. (Not true. She was an orphan, according to Florence.) Another says it’s Josie knocking at heaven’s door. No one knows but Josie, and she’s not talking. But she surely had others talking shortly after her burial when crowds of curiosity-seekers reported
seeing a red glow coming from the grave at night. Carried away with emotion, some people even reported seeing the statue walking around. This created such a stir the cemetery had a cross carved on the back wall of the tomb hoping to direct people’s thoughts heavenward. It didn’t work. However, a bit of commonsense sleuthing did reveal the source of the red glow—a signal light on the New Basin Shell Road across the street from the grave. Once the light was removed, the visions disappeared and Josie could once again rest in peace. At least for a little while. After Josie died, she left her impressive estate to her niece and her former business manager. The two soon married and, within 10 years, squandered their inheritance. To raise money, they sold Josie’s magnificent house on Esplanade and North Dupre. The house was moved to Grand Route St. John, and the lot was used to build a school. After going through that cash, they had the audacity to sell Josie’s tomb! To the outrage of many, Josie’s remains were exhumed. Out of respect for her privacy, they were placed in an unmarked grave somewhere in the cemetery. The Morales family subsequently bought Josie’s tomb, but locals like to say that Josie Arlington still has a presence there. Morales’ first two initials are “J.A.” With all these goings on, it seems Josie Arlington is still entertaining the people of New Orleans a hundred years after her death. The memorial to Angele Marie Langles isn’t a grave, it’s a cenotaph—a monument without a body. Marked only with Angele’s name and the cryptic inscription “105 La. 39,” this obelisk commemorates the untimely deaths of Angele Langles and her mother, Pauline, who were aboard the SS La Bourgoyne >> February-March 2015 43
Community Outreach
“Metairie Cemetery is for the living,” says Gerard “Jerry” Schoen, the cemetery’s community outreach director. To that end, Schoen personally conducts history tours for eighth grade classes studying Louisiana governors. “There’s nothing cooler than seeing the spot where the guy you’re learning about is buried. It’s a pure view of death that I want to show the kids, not the macabre internet view.” The cemetery also opens its doors to students of art, sculpture, law and architecture as well the National Association of Stained Glass. Plus, every year Louisiana’s slain police officers are honored at a ceremony at the Louisiana Law Officers Memorial. “There’s no more fitting place than this historic, reverent ground to pay tribute to these brave officers,” Schoen says with a sense of pride. All Saints Day is a big event, with thousands of people coming to pay their respects. The three days of activity culminate with Archbishop Aymond celebrating an outdoor Mass in front of the All Saints Mausoleum. It’s not uncommon to draw 750 people for that event alone. As a further outreach to the community, the cemetery opens its grounds daily to runners and walkers and even invites them to bring their dogs along. (The owners always clean up after their pets, too.) Finally, this year Metairie Cemetery will host its 14th Annual Run through History cemetery road race, the largest in the country. 44
Inside New Orleans
photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN
when it sank off the coast of Nova Scotia July 4, 1898. Before sailing, both women had drawn up wills, each naming the other as beneficiary of her estate. Not knowing who died first, the heirs asked the courts to decide succession. With the jury unable to reach a decision, the judge took charge. Considering the mother was older (although more robust) and only the daughter knew how to swim, the judge ruled that Angele was the last to die. Surprisingly, Angele’s heirs did not want to follow the request in her will that $3,000 be set aside to erect her tomb. Who needs a tomb when you don’t have a body to put in it? That argument went nowhere with the judge, who ruled that the $3,000 stipulated in Angele’s will had to be used to erect her memorial monument. At the direction of the attorney, only Angele’s name and the number of this precedent-setting case, 105 La. 39, are inscribed on the obelisk memorial. Mrs. Jules Aldigé, her sister and her niece also perished aboard the SS La Bourgoyne and are buried only 60 feet down from the Langles memorial. Following the precedent set by the Langles case, succession was much easier to determine for these heirs. What makes this grave so noteworthy is the dramatic sculpture sitting atop the tomb. It depicts two angels clinging to each other in the bow of a sinking ship with the anchor of hope at its base—a fitting tribute to the deceased and a permanent reminder of their tragic story. Joseph “Never Smile” Harrington was a well-known gambler in the early 1900s whose poker face earned him a living and a nickname. One July night in 1924, after an especially profitable evening playing cards, Harrington was gunned down in a robbery attempt as he drove to his Constance Street home. His widow, Bertha, wished to erect a >>
The Lacosst tomb. February-March 2015 45
fitting monument to her husband and selected a design by the noted Weiblen Company. Her plans hit a snag when the judge handling the succession denied the widow permission to build the memorial. He reasoned that the proposed expense exceeded her assets. Undaunted, Bertha returned to the judge with a satchel filled with twenty- and hundred-dollar bills—plenty enough to cover the cost of the monument. (Everyone knows gamblers don’t keep all their money in the bank.) No doubt these “undeclared assets” convinced the judge that he was wrong. The memorial’s most striking feature is the bronze figure of a grieving woman seated next to the entrance of the tomb, her head resting on her arm in grief and her hand holding a bouquet of roses. Who but Lady Luck bidding a final farewell to her good friend.
Located near the Moriarity monument at the original entrance to the cemetery is the Lacosst tomb, considered one of the most beautiful memorials in Metairie Cemetery. The centerpiece of the 1918 monument is a sarcophagus that was carved from a solid block of Alabama marble and finished on both sides by Italian artisans brought in to do the intricately detailed work. Schoen comments that the architect was so selective in choosing only absolutely perfect marble for the $60,000 memorial he rejected enough first quality marble to make 15 other tombs. What’s surprising about this elaborate tomb is that its owner, Eugene Lacosst, was a Bourbon Street hairdresser. (Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau was also a hairdresser, adds Florence.) In case you’re wondering how a hairdresser could ever earn
Opposite: The Angel of Grief in the tomb of Chapman Hyams. Above: Statue in the mausoleum of Charles T. Howard, one of the founders of Metairie Cemetery.
enough money to pay for such an elaborate monument for himself and his mother, it is said that Lacosst invested well in the stock market. Perhaps he overheard some of his wealthy patrons discussing their spouse’s investments … perhaps. This is only a tiny fraction of the stories of those buried in Metairie Cemetery. There are hundreds more to tell. As a service to the community, the cemetery provides free CD tours to visitors. Stop by the arrangement office and borrow either Great Families and Captains of Commerce or Soldiers, Statesmen, Patriots and Rebels. Each tour takes about 80 minutes, allowing time for driving and getting out of the car to take a closer look at the monuments and memorials. Another option is to pick up a copy of Gandolfo’s Metairie Cemetery: An Historical Memoir or Florence’s New Orleans Cemeteries: Life in the Cities of the Dead and savor the history and mystery in the comfort of your own home. February-March 2015 47
The
Bountiful THE GREATEST IRONY in the New Orleans culinary culture is the idea that it’s a penance to eat only seafood at times during Lent. To prove that point, here is a list of the 33 best finfish and shellfish that share our extended environment. We start with the best and end with the very good. It shows just how fine our local fishery is.
1. Oysters. Although the price and scarcity of oysters have risen since the oil spill, they still remain the glory of our local seafood repertoire and a tremendous value. This is the best time of year for oysters, as they get meaty and complex in cool waters. Best in restaurants: Oysters Arnaud, five of them baked with different sauces, at Arnaud’s. 2. Pompano. Pompano is the world’s most delicious fish, if you ask me. It’s not for everybody, though, with a fat content higher than most fish we commonly eat. The whole fish, grilled and then served with brown butter, is the best possible pompano recipe. Best in restaurants: Grilled meunière style at Galatoire’s.
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Inside New Orleans
3. Red Snapper. Red snapper is a favorite not only around New Orleans but all across America. That makes it more expensive and less available. My favorite cooking method for red snapper involves searing the fish in hot butter and olive oil in a pan, adding wine, lemon juice, onions, mushrooms or whatever. It comes out tender and perfect, the sauce and the fish exchanging their flavors. Best in restaurants: However they’re serving it today at GW Fins. 4. Soft-Shell Crabs. No food better illustrates how fortunate avid eaters are to live in Louisiana. Everywhere else, the very idea of a soft-shell crab is attended by connotations of rarity and exotica. We eat them all over the place, down to poor boy sandwiches. Best in restaurants: Smoked, fried and topped with crabmeat at Clancy’s.
5. Hard Crabs and Crabmeat. The favorite trick of waiters and chefs is making an ordinary dish seem irresistible by just throwing a little crabmeat on top. That’s how appealing crabmeat is. And with good reason. Aside from people
Feast of Lent by Tom Fitzmorris
who are allergic to it, who doesn’t love crabmeat? Crabmeat has shot up in price in recent years because our crabs have become part of the national market, particularly in the Northeast. Best in restaurants: Crabmeat au Gratin at the Bon Ton Café.
6. Speckled Trout. The favorite fish in New Orleans white-tablecloth restaurants for decades, speckled trout has become much less common on local menus in the past 20 years. Much of the speckled trout we eat now comes from North Carolina. The commercial quota on trout, given the very healthy population of the fish, is absurd. We need a campaign among eaters to change this unfair law. Best in restaurants: Trout Marianna (artichoke and mushrooms in a sherry butter sauce), Impastato’s. 7. Louisiana Shrimp. The shrimp we gather from local waters may be the best in the world. For years, they were the standard of all America. White shrimp in the fall are marginally better than the brown
shrimp in spring. Either kind is great for everything from basic fried to barbecued shrimp, one of the greatest dishes in our cuisine. Best in restaurants: Barbecued shrimp at Mr. B’s.
8. Sea Scallops. The big scallops have become omnipresent on local menus, even though they come from waters far away from New Orleans. Air shipping of seafood makes it possible to get dry-pack and diver scallops, the best in the business. They’re best cooked simply: just a quick crusty top and bottom, still bulging in the middle. Best in restaurants: Seared sea scallops with orange and fennel emulsion at Rue 127. 9. King Salmon. Five different species of salmon live in the Pacific Ocean and spawn in rivers on the American-Canadian West Coast. The main difference between this and the more common Atlantic salmon is that the Pacific fish build up a lot of fat so they can swim far upstream in spawning. Much fat equals much flavor. Virtually all Pacific salmon are wild-caught fish. Best in restaurants: salmon with Gewurztraminer sauce at Bayona. >>
February-March 2015 49
10. Halibut. A gigantic flounder, best caught wild in Alaskan waters. In New Orleans, halibut usually runs as a special. If you ever encounter it, first make sure that it’s fresh. Frozen halibut is a factory fish and is both tough and tasteless. The fresh fish is wonderful, with a very mild flavor so good that even those who prefer stronger-tasting fish look forward to eating it. Best in restaurants: Gautreau’s, where Chef Sue Zemanick cooks it many ways. 11. Tripletail. Found throughout the Gulf of Mexico, into the Caribbean and up the Gulf Stream into the Atlantic. The name arises from the positions and sizes of the dorsal and anal fins, about the same as the tail fin, creating an illusion that the fish has three tails. Because it’s either line-caught or turns up as a bycatch in shrimp nets, it’s not widely or regularly available. Finding tripletail on a menu means 1) you’re in a good seafood restaurant and 2) this is your lucky day. Best in restaurants: “reddened blackfish,” an occasional version at K-Paul’s. 12. Black Mussels. Mussels are closely related to oysters. Unlike oysters, however, they’re not especially good raw—either from a taste or health perspective. The best mussels are the blue (almost black) mussels from the north Atlantic coast, particularly in the Canadian Maritimes. It wasn’t until about 15 years ago that they became common on New Orleans menus. Now they’re steamed in their shells and accompanied by a pile of fresh-cut fries in every French bistro.
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Inside New Orleans
Best in restaurants: Moules Marinière at La Crêpe Nanou. 13. Lemonfish. Also called cobia and ling, lemonfish is a big Gulf fish much liked by both fishermen and cooks. It grows to about 100 pounds. Cut into steaks, it is as fine a grilling fish as I know. Its white, firm flesh makes it visually appealing, too. Best in restaurants: Grilled with shrimp at Gallagher’s Grill in Covington. 14. Maine Lobster. Lobsters do not live around New Orleans, which fact makes them less good than the ones you’d find in the Northeast or Canada. Even with efficient air shipping of live lobsters, the longer they’re out of the sea, the less delicious they get. The best locally come from sources that sell so many lobsters that they don’t get a chance to go hungry. Best in restaurants: Drago’s, where they sell thousands of lobsters a week, in several different ways. (They also have really big ones most of the time.) 15. Sheepshead. The most underrated of all the fish we eat around New Orleans has an image problem because of that name. It is a common imposter passing as redfish or trout because it’s cheaper. The joke is on the perpetrators: the flavor and texture of sheepshead are at least as good as what it’s being swapped for. Best in restaurants: Meunière style at Grand Isle. 16. Redfish. Redfish has returned to restaurants in recent years, thanks to the success of redfish farms, which is the only way you can buy redfish legally in Louisiana. It’s the most versatile of local fish. It’s exceptional on the grill and very good for poaching. You can blacken it and you can pan-sear it. The best dish of all may be redfish courtbouillon, a neglected classic stew with tomatoes and herbs. Best in restaurants: Redfish with pecans, crabmeat and satsuma meunière at Nuvolari’s in Mandeville.
17. Flounder. Except among its fans—for whom the thought of a whole broiled or fried flounder is highly appetizing—flounder is underrated. It’s a mild fish because of its low fat content, but it lends itself to our favorite fish recipes. I find it has a slight nuttiness that’s delicious. It may be the ultimate fish for preparing amandine style. It’s good with any variation on butter sauce, particularly those involving lemon. Best in restaurants: Whole flounder stuffed with crabmeat at The Pelican Club. 18. Black Drum. Once despised, black drum came to the rescue when redfish—a close cousin— was taken out of the marketplace. It’s not bad at all. The best are called puppy drum—small ones, two or three pounds. It works for most uses to which we put speckled trout. Drum is about the same off-white color, with flakes of approximately the same size and texture as speckled trout. Best in restaurants: Hickorygrilled drumfish on the half shell at Red Fish Grill. 19. Wild-Caught Catfish. The best catfish— small, wild-caught specimens from the freshwater bayous around Louisiana—are among the best eating fish we have. Unfortunately, almost all the catfish you are likely to find in markets and restaurants is raised in farms. But that is changing. We now have a few places serving wild-caught cat from Des Allemands. The smaller they are, the better they are. Best in restaurants: Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar and Fish Grill. 20. Yellowfin Tuna. Fresh tuna is obviously different from most other fish we eat. It’s never seen in fillet form—always in steaks. Its color spectrum is shades of deep red. It has the texture of meat, with flakes so big that sometimes a large piece of the fish shows no flake structure at all. Tuna is the most popular species of fish eaten raw. But it can be treated like beef in its cooking. No way of cooking >>
February-March 2015 51
tuna is better than blackening. Best in restaurants: Blackened tuna, K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen. 21. Choupique Caviar. About 30 years ago, it was discovered that the roe of the bowfin—known in in Louisiana bayou country as “choupique”—could be made into a more-than-acceptable caviar. It’s a first-class roe, perfect for any use you have for caviar, with the exception of showing off. It’s not cheap, but it is affordable. Best in restaurants: Mr. Dick Brennan’s oysters with caviar at the Bourbon House.
24. Mahi-Mahi. The Hawaiian name for a fish found in warm oceans worldwide, including in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a great fish to eat—not only delicious but also not endangered. Mahi-mahi breed and grow so fast that its populations are stable. It’s a fine candidate for the grill. You want fillets that are at least three-quarters of an inch thick in the center. It needs little preparation beyond a dusting of Creole seasoning. Fruit-based sauces work very well on mahi. Best in restaurants: Pan-roasted mahi-mahi with saffron seafood cream sauce, Christopher’s On Carey in Slidell.
22. Wahoo. Long and narrow, the wahoo is a big fish. It grows to a 100 pounds at times in the blue water of the Gulf of Mexico. The name, I hear, comes from what you say if you catch one; it’s supposed to be great sport. It shows up only sporadically on menus, because the fish are unschooled loners. A member of the tuna and mackerel family, its flavor is not overwhelming, but more assertive than most fish. You cook it like tuna: in steaks, on the rare side. Best in restaurants: Anywhere you’re lucky enough to find it.
25. Atlantic Salmon. Salmon is the most widely served fish in the fine restaurants of the world. The single Atlantic species occurs naturally throughout the northern Atlantic Ocean on both sides. Atlantic salmon is also grown in fish farms, which is why it’s so widespread. Fortunately, fresh salmon, nicely cut, even if it comes from a farm, is pretty good. It’s also easy to cook, particularly on the grill or under the broiler. Best in restaurants: seared salmon with pistachios and miso beurre blanc at Zea.
23. Crawfish. The best and worst quality of crawfish are the same thing: seasonality. When crawfish come into season (mid-winter through spring), it’s cause for celebration. We revel in scarfing down dozens of them from big piles, still hot from the boil. We remember all the other good times had while eating crawfish. And we use the tail meat in a thousand dishes, most of which are stews. Best in restaurants: Crawfish Bisque at Vincent’s.
26. Amberjack. The jackfish family ranges from excellent (pompano) to terrible (jack crevalle). Amberjack is about in the middle of that range. It’s a nice off-white fish, with enough fat to give it an interesting flavor, but not so much as to make it taste strong or oily. Good on the grill. The smaller the fish is, the better. It can also be cold smoked with great effect. Best in restaurants: Grilled amberjack, green tomato crab sauce at Jacques-Imo’s. 27. Squid (Calamari). Squid come in all sizes, but the most familiar are the small ones from the Gulf that restaurants (particularly Italian ones) serve under the name calamari. In the most frequently found squid dish, the cephalopods are coated with flour or cornmeal, deep fried, then served with some kind of tomato-based sauce. Frankly, I’ve seen the quality of this decline
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deeply in recent years. Best in restaurants: Fried at Sandro’s. 28. Not-So-Red Snapper. Aside from the famous red snapper, there are several fish in the family that are nearly as good. Lane snapper and mangrove snapper are the best. They all turn up as specials in restaurants that know their fish. Best in restaurants: Any way Chef Frank’s cooking it at Brigtsen’s. 29. Swordfish. After a brush with overfishing a decade ago, swordfish have returned, better than ever. It’s an example of an interesting effect: if a chef is hip enough to find and buy swordfish, he probably knows how to cook it well. Best in restaurants: Grilled swordfish, fennel, broccoli, puffed parmesan at Boucherie. 30. Mackerel. First, apply the anchovy test. Nobody’s indifferent to that little Mediterranean fish: you either love them or hate them. If you like anchovies, please join my movement to get mackerel back on local menus. They used to be everywhere. Now they only show up in sushi bars. Best in restaurants: Mackerel sashimi and fried head and tail, Sake Café on Magazine Street. 31. Triggerfish. It’s all over the Atlantic, from the Gulf to Ireland. It’s not often found in stores or restaurants, but when it is, the dense flesh makes superlative pan-sautéed or broiled fish dishes. Best in restaurants: Anywhere you find it; it will be a rare special. 32. River Shrimp. A rarity, river shrimp really do grow in the Mississippi and the Atchafalaya Rivers. They’re on the small side—perfect for an étouffée or a remoulade. You cook them with only a little lemon juice—no crab boil or anything else powerful. They have a charming sweet taste. If you ever encounter them, buy as many as you can. You may never see them again. I’ve never found them in a restaurant. 33. Groupers. The groupers are more popular in Florida than in Louisiana, but they show up ever more frequently on local menus. Some groupers are better than others. The best is Warsaw grouper, a big fish with enormous, very white flakes. Yellowfin grouper, a smaller fish, is more likely to be the one offered as the fish of the day on New Orleans menus. Best in restaurants: Grilled grouper with asparagus and citrus beurre blanc, Criollo. All right. Back to steak! For some of Tom’s Lenten recipe suggestions, see IN Great Taste on page 130. February-March 2015 53
Get Fit
by Sandy Franco
From Sweethearts to Sweathearts Fitness dates, the hot new thing
ARE YOUR CHEEKS FLUSHED? Are your palms sweaty? Is your heart pounding? You could be in love. Or, maybe you just finished working out! It is no coincidence that falling in love and getting in shape share certain outward signs. On the inside, they trigger some of the same physiological reactions. Exercise can cause the body to release endorphins, neurotransmitters that provide feelings of euphoria. Oxytocin, the “love hormone” known for its role in bonding and attachment, has been found to increase during the initial phases of an intimate relationship as well as after periods of prolonged exercise. So why not let your body’s chemistry do double duty and exercise with the one you love? Fitness dates can be fun, adventurous and may just help you to work out longer, harder and more consistently than you would alone. Here are some New Orleansstyle fitness dates that promise to spice up your workouts and your romance.
Whether you opt for a day of kayaking in City Park or go for some serious sculling on Orleans Canal, the motion and resistance of moving oars through water can offer a serious calorie-burning and muscle-building opportunity. Rowing tends to be easy on the joints while building muscles in the upper and lower body. Two-person rowing may just give your trust and cooperation skills a workout as well. As you and your partner synchronize your stroke, perfect your timing and put trust in each other to navigate the waters beneath you, you may find you develop skills that help you work together as you navigate the waters of life.
Go for a Run Together in the Park Audubon Park’s expansive landscape rarely feels crowded, and the protective arches 54
Inside New Orleans
photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com
Row a Boat Built for Two
of its oak trees provide an air of romantic privacy. Find a pace that works for both of you, then mix it up a bit. To optimize your cardiovascular effort and your time together, alternate a moderately paced jog that lends itself to conversation with sprints that rev up your heart rate and kick start the calorie- burning power of interval training. A romantic running partner can serve as a welcome distraction from the effort you are exerting and as an extra incentive not to slack, thus helping you to run farther and faster.
Remember the Movie Dirty Dancing Dancing is an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise that enhances strength, flexibility, endurance and body awareness, though any thoughts of the workout part are likely to get lost in the fun and the expressiveness of it. When done as a couple, the sensuality and non-verbal communication of dancing comes into play. Sign up for ballroom dance lessons or get light-hearted and loose with a Zumba class. Even if you (or your partner) have two left feet, you will have the chance to share in the lighthearted laughter of your fumbles and stumbles, and enough laughter can strengthen both your relationship and your abdominal muscles.
Find Your Zen Together Yoga has once again taken its place in the American College of Sports Medicine’s top 10 fitness trends for 2015. The ability of yoga to improve health and well-being is well documented, but its role in strengthening romantic relationships is a more recent discovery. Some psychologists have even begun incorporating partner yoga into couples counseling. Experience the serenity of side-by-side yoga against the breathtaking backdrop of the setting sun on Lake Pontchartrain, or try partner yoga to step up the closeness factor. Partner yoga involves supporting each other’s poses and can allow you to take each pose deeper and hold it longer. It also involves trust and physical contact, making this style of yoga more intimate.
this: The Steve Harvey talk show reported that the gym is the number one place to meet the love of your life, but not for the reason you think. The magnetism among gym-goers is less about how good people look and more about how good they feel after a great workout. The romance-exercise connection was supported by a study presented at the 2012 Society for Neuroscience meeting which took place here in New Orleans. William Kenkel, a doctoral candidate from the University of Illinois at Chicago, showed that prairie voles—a monogamous species often recognized for its unique style of pair bonding—that experienced six weeks of regular exercise displayed stronger bonding tendencies than their unexercised counterparts. “Lots of stresses can trigger oxytocin release, among them exercise,” Kenkel told the New York Times. “It stands to reason, then, that [exercise-related oxytocin release] could facilitate social bonding.” If exercising and spending more time with the one you love both made it to the top of your resolution list this year, remember—exercise doesn’t have to be solitary, and date night doesn’t have to mean dinner and a movie. Fun and flirty together-time can, and should, wiggle its way into all parts of life.
Want More Fitness Date Ideas? Try These: Go horseback riding on the levee.
Strengthen Your Relationship
Go for a bike ride together. Engage in a friendly and
Schedule your gym time together. An hour or two at the gym may not seem like the ideal date, but consider
flirtatious competition. Get crazy with fun runs. February-March 2015 55
Making the
Nine Altars Celebrating St. Joseph by Sandra Scalise Juneau
photo: JACK N. SICILIANO
Above: St. Francis Xavier Parish. Below: University Chaplin Fr. Jerome Etido at Xavier
photo: IRVIN JOHNSON
University of Louisiana.
THE FEAST OF SAINT JOSEPH, celebrated annually on March 19, is deeply rooted as a major festival within the bountiful calendar of New Orleans’ cultural events. For New Orleanians during the 1940s postWorld War II era, the annual springtime ritual of “making the nine altars” was an easy walk in innercity neighborhoods. Family-owned grocery stores dotted each corner. In their homes, either above their stores or attached in back, families of Sicilian heritage welcomed guests to join in their celebration of the Festa di San Guiseppe. Our family’s annual novena in tribute to Saint Joseph began at my grandparents’ home above their
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grocery, then progressed to nine individual Saint Joseph altars, all within walking distance. Each altar we visited was unique. Each reflected the individual artistry of the families who prepared them—a display of their specialty baked breads and cakes and their adornments of antique hand-embroidered linens, often decorated with treasured family photos. Yet, each of these altars was unified by their shared ancient tradition, a legacy of honoring San Giuseppe. From family to family, this sacred ritual provided an unbroken connection to their ancestral heritage. Over half a century after her arrival in New Orleans, my maternal grandmother, Angelina Caronna Accardo recalled her young years in Poggioreale, the Sicilian village of her birth. There she had learned from her Nonna the art of carving elaborate fig cake designs called cuccidate. She described to me reminiscences of her grandmother guiding her hand, a prayer with each cut in the pastry carving, an endless repetition of the trilogy, “Gesù, Maria e San Giuseppe.” Throughout her life, Angelina continued those prayers, with gratitude for the special privilege she had been given in perpetuating this treasured artistry and sharing it over many years with her New Orleans community. The making of Saint Joseph Altars is always a prayer—of thanksgiving, of promise, of petition. The story of Saint Joseph altars is interwoven with both deprivation and with abundance. What began many
photo: MICHAEL DALE
centuries ago in Sicily has sustained generations of artistry, this unwritten tradition was passed down the faithful despite years of famine, and wars, and from generation to generation. cultural displacement. The Saint Joseph altar tradition was brought by Since its beginning in the 12th century, la Festa Sicilians to New Orleans during waves of immigration di San Giuseppe in Sicily became a celebration of the that spanned the late-19th century into the new 20th blessing of the earth, with each village century. Drawn to Louisiana’s similar creating its own unique traditions. “I watched, listened and climate and recruited as workers Simple peasant foods, displayed with learned the true meaning of on large plantations, the majority creative flair, gave a look of total artistry and traditions from my of Sicilian families settled in New artistry that not only nourished their maternal grandmother creating Orleans and across South Louisiana. innate sense of beauty, but also told family St. Joseph altars.” They brought with them the customs the story of their beliefs and heritage. – Jack Siciliano, of their rich cultural heritage—a Every loaf of bread, fashioned into St. Francis Xavier Parish strong work ethic; a connectedness fanciful shapes, became a symbol of to the land, with an appreciation Christian lore, each representing different religious for its bounty; their creativity, especially through food symbols. The many confections displayed on the as art; and their strong sense of family. Like their altars, from simple fried and sugared dough formed ancestors, they were sustained by their gift of faith. into pignolata to the elaborately designed cuccidate, Despite the strangeness of new language and customs, represented and sustained the stories of la Famiglia these immigrants thrived with the opportunities Santa, the Holy Family. Through their culinary afforded them in the lushness of their chosen new land.>>
Anne Dale Jewelers in Mandeville. February-March 2015 57
Preparing their traditional Saint Joseph altars was their way of celebrating the continuity of their Sicilian heritage while giving thanks for the many blessings they had received here in Louisiana. By the 1920s, the Saint Joseph altar tradition had become firmly established among the many celebrations in Louisiana. Those earliest Saint Joseph altars were usually set up in the living rooms of private homes, but occasionally, particularly in the French Quarter in New Orleans, altars were displayed in storefronts and even in the restaurants of Sicilian families. Guests were invited to share in the feasts, and often public notices were placed in local newspapers. During the 1940s, many of the altars were made in petition or “promise� as a prayer for the safe return of husbands or sons who were away at war. I still remember seeing Purple Hearts displayed beneath crossed palms on windows and doorways while visiting Saint Joseph altars during the late 1940s. I knew the crossed palms were signs of welcome, inviting all into the altars being hosted in those homes. My mother explained to me that the Purple Hearts were displayed with patriotic pride and signified a family member in that home had been injured or had given his life for our country during the war. Inside, on the three-tiered altars laden with food, next to lighted candles and tucked in between bouquets of flowers, were framed photographs bordered in black of good-looking soldiers, their unblemished uniforms starched to military smartness, their smiling faces forever fixed in timeless youth. In those rooms packed with devotional families, amidst the aromas of fresh flowers and fruit in the fullness of ripeness, amidst the pungent biscotti flavors of almond and anise and lemon, there hovered in smothering sadness the quenchless odor of grief. Still dressed in ritual black and 58
Inside New Orleans
photo: DR. KIM M. VAZ
Left: Xavier University of Louisiana. Below: Southern Food and Beverage Museum, New Orleans.
clustered in their sorrow, the mothers and widows, the grandmothers, sisters and aunts remain in my memory as images of mourning for the loss of their boys. For those who had been blessed with safe return, many of the altars following the war were prepared with the help of these same husbands, fathers and sons who had come to appreciate the special protection which had been bestowed on them by Saint Joseph. Welcoming family and friends into their homes to share in the Saint Joseph Day feast required weeks of advance preparation and the help of countless volunteers, all working within the limitations of family-sized kitchens. Often, whole families would help in clearing the “front room� of their home so that the altar could be set up there, allowing a flow of visitors through the house into the back yard, where tables were assembled for serving the delectable feast. After World War II, the popularity of the altars made them outgrow most homes, and many religious institutions then opened their doors for magnificent displays, spreading the tradition and devotion to Saint Joseph to a larger community. >> February-March 2015 59
photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN
Over the years, it has been most gratifying for me to see the universal appeal of this ancient tradition as it transcends to other cultures. Within the rich diversity of our New Orleans heritage, Saint Joseph altars can be found in the homes and churches with influences of African-American, Hispanic and Vietnamese cultures. I have been privileged to teach about this tradition to individuals and groups across the United States from Seattle to Chicago, and I even spent time baking cuccidate with family and friends in my grandmother’s Sicilian village of Poggioreale. One of my most cherished memories is of a baking class I taught right in the heart of Cajun Louisiana in Cottonport at St. Mary’s Church Center, which stands aside the lovely old cemetery where my husband’s grandparents and great-grandparents are buried. When asked by Dr. Kim Marie Vaz of Xavier University of Louisiana to teach faculty, staff and students about the history and symbolism of Saint Joseph altars, I was thrilled with the opportunity of sharing this legacy. It was particularly rewarding during hands-on classes to see the amazingly creative cuccidate designs of young students 60
Inside New Orleans
during the process of layering and cutting those fig-filled pastries, which later were baked for adorning their first Saint Joseph altar in honor of the founder of Xavier University, St. Katharine Drexel. With an ever-shifting population, particularly since post-Katrina displacement, the treasured traditions of our heritage have become rooted wherever Louisianans settle. Just as our Sicilian ancestors brought this beloved tradition to us, today Saint Joseph altars can be found in small communities and in every major city across the United States. If you visit a Saint Joseph altar, allow the many elements you behold to permeate deep into your soul. Onto those three-tiered steps symbolizing the Holy Family will be endless varieties of sweets— biscotti in luscious flavors like anise, chocolate, clove, cinnamon or lemon—and cooked vegetables of every description, usually stuffed with locally caught seafood, all lovingly prepared by multi-generational groups of family and friends in a true confluence of community. There you will witness sacred symbolism in the shapes of the breads, in elaborate cuccidate designs, in the selection of saints’ statues and in the placement of heirloom linens. The altars will be filled with copious displays of fresh fruits and vegetables, and, centered on the top tier, surrounding the image of Saint Joseph will be fresh flowers and candles, each representing a prayer, a memorial of a loved one or a petition asked of Saint Joseph. I so clearly remember when I was selected to represent Mary as one of the “saints” for my grandmother’s Saint Joseph altar. During the “Tuppa Tuppa” procession, which imitates the Bethlehem story of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter for the birth of Gesù bambino, we began by knocking on the first door, asking for shelter, and were told, “There is no room for you here.” Knocking on next door, we were told, “No room for you here.” Finally, at our knock on the third door, I recall having the doors miraculously open into my grandmother’s dining room to reveal the magnificent three-tiered altar that not only filled the room with a wondrously amazing aroma, but so filled me with a sense of abundance that I barely heard the words, “Welcome. Come in, the feast has been prepared for you”! When you visit a Saint Joseph altar, my wish is that you too will experience abbondanza, a sharing in an abundance of blessings of faith, of hope and of love.
photos: JEFFREY STROUT
stamp image courtesy: JEFFREY B. BANKE
A STREETCAR NAMED LANDMARK
WHEN THE ST. CHARLES AVENUE STREETCAR was recently named a National Historic Landmark, members of the Saint Charles Avenue Association and local city officials did what this city does best. They threw a big party! City officials and Association members met on Howard Avenue to unveil a plaque commemorating the occasion. Following a press conference and a few celebratory remarks, guests boarded a streetcar and journeyed to the Iberia Bank on St. Charles Avenue at Louisiana Avenue for the party. For more than 10 years, the Association pursued this significant designation for its streetcar, the oldest operating streetcar system in America. This honor recognizes sites of historic importance to the entire country that are selected by the U.S. Department of the Interior based on, “high, not simply a good, level of historic integrity.” More than 11,000 locals and tourists ride the city’s streetcars each day. Joining Mayor Mitch Landrieu and several
council members and officials with the Regional Transit Association were many members of the St. Charles Avenue Association, including Camille Strachan, president, and past presidents Louise Hoffman, Ted LeClercq and Robert Hassinger, among others. Iberia Bank president Daryl Byrd and vice president Tommy Westervelt welcomed guests at the bank’s reception following the press conference. “It is a wonderful day for all of us who live in New Orleans,” said LeClercq. “The green Perley Thomas Streetcar and the St. Charles Avenue line symbolize some of the best of our city. They traverse the route, with a canopy from over 1,000 live oaks, through the history of New Orleans. The city of New Orleans is the big winner with this recognition for the St. Charles Avenue line.” The St. Charles Avenue Streetcar joins the San Francisco Cable Cars, listed in 1972, as the nation’s only moving landmarks. And this, according to the members of the St. Charles Avenue Association, is something for the entire city to celebrate! February-March 2015 61
Continuing the Tradition by Michael Harold
Opposite:The spectacular Queen’s Room is an upstairs private dining room. 62
ON THE MORNING that Ralph Brennan opened the doors to his newest and latest eponymous restaurant, Brennan’s, the French Quarter streets were covered by inhospitable dark clouds. Despite the gloomy day, Royal Street was ablaze in camera lights. The Supreme Court’s grey, austere marble staircase across the street paled in comparison to the Caribbean pink façade of the freshly painted restaurant. The only things absent were the gold letters that read “Brennan’s.” Walking into Brennan’s felt like a warm house on a cold Mardi Gras morning. A jazz combo played Dixieland melodies in the bar as black-tied servers passed trays overflowing with milk punches, bloody Marys and fried oysters on toasted brioche. While Ralph and his investor, Terry White, gave interviews to
Inside New Orleans
the press, the rest of the Brennan and White families sipped Veuve Cliquot around the bar’s magnificently painted glass mural. Interior designer Keith Langham toured guests around the various dining rooms, starting with the main room adjacent to the courtyard and ending with the upstairs Rex Rooms. The interior of the restaurant combines the graciousness of a 1950s Southern hotel with the charm of a colonial West Indies home. It’s part English country, part French brasserie, and most decidedly, creole. Picture an old statesman sipping brandy and telling stories in the Morphy Room while Dorothy Draper plays bridge on the pink-andgreen porch. It’s in essence purely New Orleans, traditional yet welcoming. F. Scott Fitzgerald once said, “Nothing is as >>
photos courtesy: RALPH BRENNAN RESTAURANT GROUP
Restaurateur Ralph Brennan
photo: JANIS TURK
February-March 2015 63
photo courtesy: RALPH BRENNAN RESTAURANT GROUP
photo: CHRIS GRANGER
obnoxious as other people’s luck.” If he had known Ralph Brennan, he would have made an exception to that statement. Yes, Ralph is a lucky man. He has good health, an infectious smile, a smart and charming wife and three overwhelmingly devoted children. As far as his success is concerned, luck has had nothing to do with it. The man is hard work personified. Working his way up from picking shrimp in an entry-level position at Brennan’s to owning six restaurants was no small feat. In 1974, the Brennan family spilt into two. One side continued to run Brennan’s and the other opened Commander’s Palace. Eager to change careers and get out of New Orleans, Ralph moved to New York where he landed a job at Price Waterhouse. One evening, he attended a party thrown by another New Orleanian named Susan who was working at the tony Kentshire Gallery. The two met and the chimes of wedding bells soon followed. In 1981, Ralph accepted an offer from his Aunt Ella to work at Commander’s Palace. This led to a job at Mr. B’s and
Inset: Executive Chef Slade Rushing. Right: The Morphy Room is a small parlor that can seat up to eight people. It is named
a renowned chess prodigy who lived in the house from 1837-1884. 64
Inside New Orleans
photo: KERRI McCAFFETY
for Paul Morphy,
eventually to his opening Bacco on Chartres Street. The location is now home to the hip Brennan restaurant Sobou, run by his cousin Ti Martin. In the wake of Bacco’s success, Ralph opened up Redfish Grill, which still serves some of the best raw and barbecued oysters in town. Now with a restaurant and catering empire, it comes as no surprise that Ralph Brennan is the only New Orleanian serving on the board
of the Culinary Institute of America. In spite of his astonishing success, he is the antithesis of the celebrity restaurateur. The type you find running from the spotlight rather than hogging it. Living with the Brennan name carries challenges. On one hand, Ralph appreciates its reputation; however, he is also acutely aware that the public expects excellence. It’s up to him to live up to a certain standard, one which he imparts to his son Patrick and daughter Kathryn who are working with him at Brennan’s. Kathryn is in the dining room and Patrick in the kitchen alongside the exceptionally talented chef, Slade Rushing. Ralph wants Patrick and Slade to have fun with the menu, while at the same time nourish guests with
creole favorites like Steak Diane, Eggs Sardou, and yes, Bananas Foster. As opening ceremonies came to an end, Ralph thanked his entire staff for its hard work in putting Brennan’s back together. The remaining crowd gathered around the green-and-white-striped awning as the sommelier uncorked a large bottle of Billecart-Salmon champagne. Ralph positioned himself next to the front door under a series of visible holes in the building’s exterior. As partner Terry White handed Ralph a series of brass letters, Ralph began fastening them to the pink stucco beginning with a B and ending with an apostrophe S. Friends and guests raised their glasses and cheered, “To Brennan’s!”
The Trellis Room is parallel to the courtyard patio of Brennan’s on Royal Street.
February-March 2015 65
IN the Bookcase
by Terri Schlichenmeyer
Five Days Left by Julie Lawson Timmer
GRANDMA WAS RIGHT. DARN IT. Every year, when November rolled around and you longed for the holidays, she told you not to wish your life away. Time moved fast enough, she said, and it went faster the older you get. Back then, a week lasted forever; today, you blink and where did it go? And in the new novel Five Days Left by Julie Lawson Timmer, even that’s not enough time. Texas lawyer Mara Nichols always did her research. It was something she prided herself on—until Huntington’s disease robbed her of her moods, memory and then her job. What horrified her more than this loss of identity, though, was that, if her disease progressed as she understood it, she would lose control of her body more and more, little by little, until there was no Mara left. She’d be a burden to her husband, Tom, and an embarrassment for their daughter, Lakshmi—and that, to Mara, was unacceptable. Four years prior, when she received 66
Inside New Orleans
her diagnosis and knew what was to come, she made a decision: if symptoms progressed beyond a certain point, she would take her own life. That was best—a gift, really—for her parents, and for Tom and Laks. She could never tell them this, but they’d understand later. She now had five days to wrap up her life. Laurie Coffman always wanted a family, but fostering a grade-school child from inner-city Detroit wasn’t what she had in mind, particularly since she was pregnant with her first baby. For her husband, Scott, though, having Curtis for a year was so incredibly rewarding. It had been a challenge, for sure; Scott was happy to get advice from friends on an online forum, and it really helped him and Laurie to raise Little Man. Scott fell hard for Curtis in the past, fleeting year, but he never forgot one thing. Curtis wasn’t his son, and in five days, the boy would return to his mother…
Here’s one thing you might as well warm up to: you will cry when you read Five Days Left. You. Will. Cry. First-time author Julie Lawson Timmer hasn’t merely penned a good novel; she leaps out of the chute here with this keeps-you-guessing story of two people who have a finite time—real or imagined—to spend with those they love. It’s the guessing part, the willshe-won’t-she on Mara’s behalf and the frustration from Scott, that kept me turning pages well into the night. I also found myself wondering what I’d do if I were in their shoes, which led me to ignore my clock as I got wrapped up in their lives and this story. And if that’s not the mark of an exceptional novel, I don’t know what is. This is one of those winners that’ll be passed from reader to fan to book group and beyond. It’s a novel that people will buzz about a while. Start it, and I think you’ll agree that Five Days Left is a right fine read. February-March 2015 67
IN Rhythm
by Leah Draffen
LOVE’S THE KEY TO MANY THINGS. For some, love’s a passion; for others, it’s a career; and for Paul Sanchez, it’s a priority. Paul’s history with music may not have been written without love. When Paul was 10, Trinity Episcopal Church held a summer day program for underprivileged kids in the area. Paul was accepted and made his first debut on stage as The Artful Dodger in Oliver. “To sing and wear a costume—it was great,” Paul says. “It was so much not like being a poor kid from the Irish channel.” After Paul dabbled in singing, his brother Andrew taught him how to play guitar. “He wanted to teach me hard songs, but I wanted to learn easy ones I could sing along to. So he would make deals with me to learn the hard ones—he was sneaky, but that’s how I got better.” Three years later, Paul played his first gig at a birthday party in Fat City. They wanted country songs, so he improvised. “I was 15 and didn’t know much country, but I knew Beatles songs, so I sang every Beatles song I knew with a country accent.” The payoff was $5, which Paul considered a way better avenue of earning money than mowing lawns. Paul’s acoustic gigs continued until the era closed and the new wave of rock and pop began. He joined The Backbeats, playing with Vance DeGeneres, Steve Walters and Fred LeBlanc. After the end of The 68
Inside New Orleans
Backbeats, Paul left the Crescent City to find himself in New York, where the anti-folk scene was on fire. During his time in New York, Paul brushed shoulders with artists such as Roger Manning and John S. Hall before returning home to New Orleans. “New Orleans born, New Orleans bred and when I die, I’ll be New Orleans dead,” Paul says with a grin. His former band mate and friend Fred LeBlanc asked Paul to join him in a new endeavor, which later became Cowboy Mouth. The band was soon signed by MCA Records and gained sponsorship from Southern Comfort. For seven years, the Mouth toured the country, supported by their sponsorship. However, in 2005, things changed with Katrina. “My life seemed so frivolous after the flood. People were fighting for their lives, and here I am sitting on a tour bus playing video games.” Paul was thankful for the opportunities the Mouth had presented but was unhappy with the music he was making. He did not love what he was doing—he wanted to focus on better song writing. Paul went back to the basics of an acoustic show to find that love of music again. Two years after the storm, Paul was playing with New Orleans musician and friend John Boutté for a Threadheads charity event. Threadheads is a group of music lovers who met on a Jazz Fest forum thread and became friends. At the show, a Threadhead
photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN
Paul Sanchez: Love’s the Key
approached John and Paul and told them that they should make an album together. “At that point, we barely had enough to cover rent, let alone pay for an album,” Paul says. Two weeks later, the gentleman called Paul to ask where he should send the check. It was then that Threadhead Records began, with a goal of helping New Orleans musicians to continue to produce music. “After the flood, people had so little—and here are these people who loved the music and wanted to make people feel empowered when everyone felt so powerless.” The Threadheads’ love for New Orleans artists expanded into a funding operation and foundation. Music fans fund artists to produce their albums, and the artists pay back the loans within 6-12 months after production. Paul stepped up as a contact for other artists after producing a solo album and an album with John Boutté. Years later, Threadheads Records has funded more than 55 CDs and has donated over $500,000 to the New Orleans Musicians Clinic.
With Threadheads’ love on his side, Paul was asked to write songs for a musical adaptation of Nine Lives, a New York Times Best Seller. The book, written by Dan Baum, shares the biographical stories of nine lives between Hurricane Betsy and Hurricane Katrina. Paul wrote 39 songs for the musical. “I recently got back to being Paul Sanchez which
has been fun because Broadway is hard—capital H, capital A, capital R, capital D.” Paul’s music has always been important to him, but another love has triumphed—his wife, Shelly. The two met at one of Paul’s shows in December 1992. By July 1993, they were married. For 14 years, Shelly traveled with Paul all over the world to pursue his music. In 2012, Shelly was diagnosed with breast cancer. “At the time, we didn’t know how bad it was, so I took a job as a salesman to get medical benefits.” Shelly recovered after a double mastectomy and returned to work six weeks later as a film set dresser. Paul continued to work as a “dreadful salesman.” “For those 18 months, I didn’t play; I couldn’t find music in me. I was so scared I couldn’t breathe, and I couldn’t sing because I couldn’t breathe.” Paul came home one day to find Shelly with her two best friends waiting for his arrival. A bottle of wine sat on the table as they pulled out his guitar. “They called it a music intervention. They told me to quit my job and get back to music.” Paul did just that, but in moderation. “When you love someone and something happens where you realize you might outlive them, moments become extremely precious, and playing music—no matter how important it is to me—didn’t seem as important anymore.” Paul played a few road gigs after the intervention but prefers to play at home near Shelly. “I recently played a few gigs in D.C. and Pittsburgh and made great money, but I can’t buy back the time that I didn’t get to come home and see her.” The musician-songwriter-actor is now also a set dresser for the film industry and has fewer road gigs. He works alongside Shelly, working the same hours. With 11 solo albums under his guitar strap, he just produced his latest album through the Threadhead Records Foundation. The World Is Round, Everything That Ends Begins Again, which is the title cut, leaves listeners with a mixture of smooth melodies and resonating lines. You’ll even hear the voices and beats of other artists on the 13-track album creating beautifully orchestrated songs. You’ll find Paul playing local gigs promoting his new album, but promoting his album isn’t the most important thing. “I loved writing the songs. I hope to continue having the opportunity to play shows whenever I can, but my priority is love—that’s what I try to make music work around, and I have since the day I met her.” February-March 2015 69
THE SETTING IS SERENE AND PEACEFUL inside Lafreniere Park as I join many others who are taking a walk just after sunrise on a cool and breezy morning. Suddenly, the serenity is shaken just a bit by the sound of a nearby rooster that begins to crow not once, but twice—at the top of his lungs. I wonder to myself, “Where am I? Am I in the middle of suburbia or have I been transported to a farm in another part of the state?” Barnyard animals, squirrels, birds and several species of water fowl, including black swans, are just some of the different creatures that make their home inside the park amid a man-made lagoon and more than a dozen varieties of trees. Lafreniere Park sits on what was once the Jefferson Downs Race Track in Metairie. The track was destroyed in 1965 by Hurricane Betsy, and the owners, who kept the property for possible purchase by Jefferson Parish, later relocated the race track to Kenner. In 1973, voters approved a $5 million bond issue for acquisition of the race track. A master plan for the park was devised and adopted in 1975. Construction began in 1977, and the 155-acre lush green space opened in November 1982. Barry McGuinness is the manager of Lafreniere Park. He notes that the park has
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undergone many changes since its opening 32 years ago. “Over the years, we have added many things to our green space, and we continue to make additions and improvements that we hope will attract more and more people,” he says. “For example, the dog park, which opened in January of 2012, is very popular. And from late spring through all of summer, a spray park, which also opened in 2012, is a feature that kids really enjoy.” The five-acre dog park is divided into two areas, one for large dogs and one for dogs 22 pounds and under. The spray park, for children 10 and under, is
special events; a waterfall; two fitness stations; two tot lot play areas; disc golf courses; and a music stage for live concerts that was named for the late Al Copeland. The 11 members of the Lafreniere Park Advisory Board oversee the park’s projects and programs; they are appointed by the Jefferson Parish Council. “The board members are the keepers of the park’s master plan, which is the overall design of the park,” says McGuinness. “Many of our projects are the result of fundraising efforts by local civic and philanthropic groups.” The Patrons of Lafreniere Park, a volunteer
A Suburban Oasis Metairie’s Lafreniere Park
organization, works to raise money for the park through special events and programs. “Over the years, parish council members whose district includes the park have designated funds toward a specific project. For instance, the money for the labyrinth project was raised by the non-profit group, Jefferson Beautification Inc., the Patrons of Lafreniere Park and also from Jefferson Parish Councilman Ben Zahn.” Since 1971, community activist Coleen Perilloux Landry has volunteered in numerous capacities for the benefit of the park, both as an individual and through several civic organizations. A longtime member >>
photo: COLEEN PERILLOUX LANDRY
about 4,000 square feet. It has 13 water features—five in the ground and five above ground—as well as three water cannons that alternate between features. Last September, the construction of a labyrinth was completed near the memorial garden for children that had been donated by the members of The Compassionate Friends. Considered a way to meditate, the labyrinth is 43 feet in diameter, including the surrounding pavers. Other features of the park include a carousel with 30 moving horses; Marsh Island, perfect for viewing native plant and animal life; the Foundation Center, for meetings, receptions and
by Eva Jacob Barkoff
February-March 2015 71
of the Patrons of Lafreniere Park, Landry went to the park’s first organizational meeting. “One of the things I wanted was for a portion of this park to be a place for birds to have a safe haven, a place where people could enjoy them,” says Landry, a resident 72
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of Metairie. “In 1973, I personally proposed an ordinance to the Jefferson Parish Council to declare, by law, the Lafreniere Park as a bird sanctuary. The ordinance passed unanimously.” The former public information officer for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Landry was the editor of the park’s newsletter from the late 1980s until the early 1990s; as an amateur photographer, she took many of the photos on the park’s website. One of the many clubs Landry belongs to is the Metairie Woman’s Club. In honor of the club’s 75th anniversary this year, a bronze sculpture depicting a woman reading a book to a child was recently donated to the park. “There is something for everyone at Lafreniere,” says Landry, who also serves as the park’s environmental consultant. “It’s a place for joggers, fishermen, dogs, sports activities or just sitting to enjoy the beauty of the park. And it’s a place where both city and suburban children have an opportunity to see wildlife up close.” One of the special programs held at the park during the year is the annual Holiday Light Display. “The light display started in 1994; over the years, it has expanded,” McGuinness says. “Following the death of Al Copeland in 2008, his family donated many items to the display that he had on display at his home in Metairie. That donation certainly
photos: COLEEN PERILLOUX LANDRY
increased our inventory of items.” Other events include a fishing tournament; fall and spring concert series featuring several local bands and musicians; soccer games and tournaments; the Uncle Sam Jam Fourth of July celebration, with live music and fireworks; and Park-A-Boo, a three-day Halloween celebration for children 13 and under. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Lafreniere Park lost between 600 and 900 mature trees. The park served as a staging area for wooden debris that was collected by the parish. “I remember walking into the park one week after Katrina and seeing mounds of debris as high as a telephone pole,” recalls McGuinness, who grew up just a few blocks from Lafreniere. “As a little kid, I watched this park develop from the very start, so it was very hard for me to see everything that was damaged and lost.” The park reopened about six months after Katrina; thus far, more than 500 trees have been replaced.
“After Katrina, the park experienced what I see as a sort of rebirth,” McGuinness says. “Everyone involved with the park’s daily operations really started to think about its future, what we could do to attract more people to the park and what we could do to modernize what we do here. The result is the addition of many new events and attractions, which I feel has allowed Lafreniere Park to really flourish.” Calling the park a “suburban oasis,” McGuinness says park officials are always looking for suggestions and new ideas. He encourages those who have never visited Lafreniere and those who have not been to the park in recent years to come take a look.
“I believe that people will be surprised when they see the beauty of this park and all that it has to offer,” McGuinness says. He notes that the 38 full- and part-time park employees take a great deal of pride in working to keep the park beautiful by maintaining it daily, from cutting grass and planting and trimming trees and bushes to picking up trash. “Our goal is to provide area residents with a beautiful park that has multiple recreational and leisure options throughout the year.” Lafreniere Park is located between Veterans Memorial Blvd. and West Napoleon Ave. at 3300 Downs Blvd. in Metairie. For more info, go to lafrenierepark.org. February-March 2015 73
Trade Secrets
by Trudy Hurley
Little Hints, Big Impact THE INTERIOR OF YOUR HOME should directly reflect your own personal style and character. As a designer, I try very hard not to impose my taste, but rather to encourage and refine my client’s good taste, so that the end result is a nest of luxury and happiness that they call home. Having said that, there are still certain rules-ofthumb that transcend personal taste. No matter what your sense of style, there is no denying that “room killers” do exist and should be avoided at all cost. Let’s look at some of the most common mistakes made in home design and their solutions. These little hints can add up to big impact.
Overzealous Paint Colors Color is such a great way to infuse life into your home—but not necessarily with a bucket of paint. Your walls should be a neutral backdrop to showcase your beautiful fabrics, fabulous art and fine furniture. Don’t let that luscious new sofa be upstaged by lime green walls! And moving from a yellow room into a blue room into a green room will not only chop up the house and make it seem smaller, but it will make people uneasy without knowing why. The calm flow of neutral walls from room to room creates harmony and allows the furniture and the artwork to be the stars of the show. If you desire a little color fix, the dining room and the powder room are routinely good rooms to satisfy your color craving.
Size Does Matter Nothing destroys the look of a room like a rug that’s too small. The bigger the rug, the larger your room will appear. It’s best when all the furniture in the room sits on the rug, or at the very least, the front legs of the furniture. A rug should never float in the middle of the room like a postage stamp. The perimeter of the rug creates the perimeter of the room. Therefore, a too-small rug will make the room appear smaller. A 6- to 12-inch border of floor space 74
Inside New Orleans
around the room is optimal. Simply don’t use the rug if it’s the wrong size. Give it to your nephew for his new apartment. A bare floor is much better than a bad rug. If your child’s college tuition is more important than that $30,000 antique Oushak, invest in a $1,000 piece of seagrass. Always chic, seagrass or sisal can be custom sized to the inch.
Pillow Talk Nothing dates a room like the size of the pillows on your sofa. Give yourself an instant update by giving that same nephew those old 16-inch pillows and stepping up to a pair of 22- to 24-inch pillows. Pillows are a great way to get another layer of color, pattern or texture in a room. They soften the look and feel of the space and scream luxury—but don’t overdo. If your guests have to remove pillows to make room to sit down, you know you’ve gone too far. And whose idea was the karate chop down the center? That look would never occur in pillow nature. Fluff your pillows then let them plop gently with slight creases on the two sides rather than the severe single karate chop to the center.
A Reader Writes In: “What is the most desirable drapery length? I believe my drapes ‘puddle’ on the floor a bit too much.” This drapery dilemma is a common one. Any drapery that ‘puddles’ more than an inch to an inch and a half on the floor is at flood stage and needs to be hemmed. Drapes that barely skim the floor tend to make the fabric, and therefore the room, look stiff and graceless. But let that hem just break enough to catch the floor and the room is instantly enveloped in soft billows of luxury. As an added note: Install your drapery rods right under the crown molding to make your ceilings appear higher—and extend the rod four to six inches outside the window frame so the drapery stack won’t invade the glass, allowing as much light as possible to flood the room.
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Amazing Grapes A Toast to The Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses
Amazing Grapes 2014. 76
“The Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic House museums are a window into Louisiana’s past, an important educational resource, and a model of what can and should be done in a city where history is our most precious legacy,” says Robert MacDonald, former director of the Louisiana State Museum. The Houses rely on the support of benefactors to operate and preserve the houses and offer exemplary education programming to the public. They offer an uncommon perspective on the diversity of life in 19th century New Orleans. Through the sharing of stories from the families that have lived in the homes and by keeping the homes set up as they would have been, visitors take a step back in time. The details preserved in the environment help even the unimaginative to see lives the homes have catered to. HGGHH are known for their outreach programs, educational offerings, summer and holiday camps as well as their nationally recognized historic hearth-cooking program. On February 27, 2015, HGGHH will host Amazing Grapes, the major fundraiser benefitting both museums. This event celebrates the appreciation for fine wines, inspired cuisine and elegant homes that New Orleanians have cultivated over many generations. Chaired by Elise Merlin and Pierce Young, Amazing Grapes returns to the French Quarter to be held at the
Inside New Orleans
historic Hermann-Grima House. HGGHH are delighted to announce that this year, they are partnering with Bizou Wines and Broussard’s Restaurant to bring an amazing food and wine experience to guests. The evening features incredible silent and live auctions with an emphasis on fine wines; the auctions also showcase original artwork, jewelry, specialty dinners, trips and other sought-after items. Support for this event directly impacts the thousands of school children who visit the two historic house museums annually and will ensure greater access to the programming and museums. “Amazing Grapes allows us to better meet the needs and demands of an ever-growing school audience and also provide a better guest experience to all who visit our museums,” says Pierce Young. HGGHH, like other historic house museums throughout the country, serve as stewards of our nation’s history and culture. Through commitment to research and education, they share remarkable collections and knowledge with the world. In addition to its role in the national preservation and interpretation movement, the organization has assumed an important position within the world of teaching and learning. Today, there are many challenges facing historic house museums and museums in general: changing demographics, declining participation
in traditional arts programming among younger audiences, changing audience expectations, rapid changes in technology and decreases in funding. In order to stay vibrant and continue to be of service to the community, HGGHH’s strategic plan calls for excellence in all areas of museum operations with a special emphasis on education, in line with American Alliance of Museums’ accreditation standards. The professional staff works throughout the year to implement procedures in management, collections care, visitor services and education to ensure good stewardship of the resources held in the public’s trust and to present accurate information in ways appropriate for various audiences. The programs of HGGHH foster inquiry and problem solving from the youngest to the most senior guests. Educational experiences include guided tours, an interpretive historic cooking program, curriculumbased school field trips and special programming and thematic tours throughout the year. In order to better connect with a broader section of our community, their educational programs have been designed to highlight, integrate and promote the stories of the various ethnic communities and societies that contributed to the eclectic traditions and cultural landscape of New Orleans. For example, if you visit the Hermann-Grima House during October, you will find the parlors draped in mourning, a tradition that was observed after the passing of a family member. In contrast, a visit to the Gallier House museum during the summer offers a glimpse into 19th century beat-the-heat style. In addition to school field trips, specialty programs for kids are offered during winter and spring school breaks as well as summer “camps” featuring historic games, archaeology, architectural scavenger hunts and arts and crafts. Recent adult offerings included handson 19th century cooking experiences and a two-part workshop, “Fundamentals of Letters Series,” that combined arcane and popular social media technologies to re-introduce the art of letter writing. Though the value of community outreach is immeasurable, education divisions of museums are not profit centers, nor are they designed to be so. Without philanthropy, many of the rich offerings that enhance our local, regional, and national schools’ curriculum would be lost, and certainly HGGHH’s programming would be among them.
A leading authority on historic preservation in the French Quarter, the museums of HGGHH offer entertaining and interactive programming designed to stimulate curiosity about the history of this great city of New Orleans. Located in the historic French Quarter, they represent a valuable resource, tying the experience of the families and enslaved workers who lived on the properties to New Orleans’ unique history and cultural heritage. As students encounter the past through the material culture of the period, they gain a rich, detailed picture of what life was like in 19th century New Orleans. Past support of Amazing Grapes has allowed the museums to revamp school offerings into a more interactive approach. Fields trips are designed to be engaging, content-rich learning experiences to exemplify hands-on-learning. Tours are focused on
meeting the grade level expectations of visiting classes and allowing students to interpret the material and engage in project-based learning. Their unique threetiered Touch, Create, Adventure field trip program offers students an exciting, meaningful opportunity to connect with our city’s history. Teachers are encouraged to consult with the museum’s education staff so students can have the most positive, engaging and educational field trip. To help continue Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses’ mission to educate, Amazing Grapes tickets are available for purchase at 525-5661. Amazing Grapes will be held at the Hermann-Grima House, 820 St. Louis Street, at 7pm on February 27, 2015. For more information, visit hgghh.org.
An educational program in action at the Hermann-Grima House.
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Wine Cellar
by Bill Kearney
IT IS OFTEN SAID in the world of red wine that “all roads lead to Burgundy.” This suggests that no matter where individuals start in their respective taste of wine, they will inevitably end up drinking Burgundy. While I cannot quite leave behind my wonderful Rhone Valley wines and the luxurious gulps of Bordeaux, good red Burgundy is certainly something I would not want to do without. Red Burgundy will pair with most any food, though there are simply better choices for hearty steaks and lamb. The marriage of pinot noir with seafood of all kinds is just outstanding. Like many regions in France, Burgundy remains a complex maze of puzzlements for many Americans; I hope to simplify this. The great red Burgundies come
the land and the terroir where the true expression of the grape comes from. Napa Valley has 43,000 acres of land planted for wine, whereas the Côte de Nuits in Burgundy has about 420 acres. These 420 acres produce 24 grand cru wines that are simply the finest pinot noir. Each of these is distinctive in style, with vineyards located literally across the street from one another producing prodigious wines that are unique and different from their neighbor. The red wines of Burgundy have names that may appear familiar. The more widely known villages of GevreyChambertin, Morey-Saint-Denis, Chambolle-Musigny and Nuits-Saint-Georges are truly reflective of the varying styles of elegant wines that Burgundy produces. There are
Red Burgundy The Greatest in Pinot Noir from a small area in northeastern France in the Côte de Nuits region of Burgundy’s Côte d’Or. But the important thing to remember about red Burgundy is that it is pinot noir. If you have only had pinot noir from California or Oregon, then please rush out and treat yourself to Burgundy. While many priests may disagree, the world’s greatest Burgundies have been described as paralleling a religious experience. They are a combination of harmony and elegance that few would object to. There are many areas in the New World that make very good pinot noir, but let me put this into perspective for you. The French who harvest these areas in Burgundy have often been doing so generationally for hundreds of years. They nurture the land that the vines grow on with painstaking care; it is a style of farming that truly praises the land from which they derive their source of living. Unlike their counterpart in Napa Valley, where a wine theme park could open, this area is understated and dedicated to growing the greatest pinot noir in the world. The wine in Burgundy is always about
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large producers from these villages, such as Maison Louis Latour, Maison Louis Jadot, Bouchard Père & Fils, Maison Joseph Drouhin and Domaine Faiveley, that produce wines that are worthy of regular quaffing. In many cases, these producers make amazing wines that are truly wonderful expressions of pinot noir and of Burgundy. But the most amazing expressions of Burgundy hail from people like Henri Jayer, Armand Rousseau, Roumier, Leroy, Dujac, Comte de Vogue and, of course, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. These producers create unparalleled experiences of wine that might just create that religious experience many are searching for. Finding these wines might also produce a level of frustration that will require prayer, but it is worthy of the effort. We are blessed to have many wonderful wine shops now in New Orleans and the recent opening of the reborn Martin Wine Cellar in their original location is a blessing for all of us. Their wine experts, John Charelbois and Marc Peltier, will guide you thru the intricacies of Burgundy. At Hopper’s Carts des Vins wine shop, you are likely to encounter some of the most enthusiastic and passionate Burgundians in our city. Ric Hopper and Sara Kavanaugh have institutional knowledge about the topic of Burgundy that will make every purchase worthwhile. I am still on my wine drinking road. While I am not sure that it will necessarily end in Burgundy, I can assure you that the trip would not be nearly as brilliant without it.
Flourishes
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1. Large double magnolia hanging bird feeder, $85. Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 985-893-8008. 2. 36” French 19th century gold gilt altar “Mary” crest, $1,950. St. Romain Interiors, Madisonville, 985845-7411. 3. Luxury, Inequity & Yellow Fever: Living Legacies and the Story of Old New Orleans, $45. Hermann-Grima House, New Orleans, 247-0747. 4. If Ever I Cease to Love glass tray designed by Bryan Batt exclusively for Hazelnut, starting at $98. Hazelnut, New Orleans, 831-2424. 5. 25” black Manhattan Urn, $198. Abode, Metairie, 266-2135. 6. Hand-painted stemless wine glasses by local artist Camille Quintana. $12 each. Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 985624-4045. 7. Multi-tiered pillar mercury glass candleholders. Starting at $22.50. the french mix, Covington, 985-8093152.
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1. Quoizel Lighting chandelier from the Tricia family with cascading crystal bead strands and a silver finish, $779.99. St. Charles Lighting, Metairie, 888-2801. 2. Blue and white acrylic on 18” x 18” wrapped canvas with resin finish by Lori Sperier, $425. Shades of Blue Inc., New Orleans, 891-1575. 3. Annieglass 8” heart-shape bowl hand-painted with 24kt gold, $74; scroll heart hand-painted with 24kt gold, $74. Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor, Mandeville, 985-727-9787. 4. 16” contemporary vase, $136. EMB Interiors, Mandeville, 985-626-1522. 5. Made-to-order, custom-designed Mardi Gras mask with skin adhesive, $29-$39. Make Me Up, New Orleans, 891-9688. 6. Café Du Monde, 16” x 20” oil, $650. Jovann Fine Art, Baton Rouge, 225-603-3381 or jovannarmstrong.com. 7. Turquoise hourglass stool with mother-of-pearl inlay, $950. Sotre, New Orleans, 304-9475.
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February-March 2015 81
FROM THE AGE OF 6, ROBERT PROCOP, perhaps the world’s most famous jeweler you’ve never heard of, walked up and down the streets of the Los Angeles Diamond District every day. Obsessed with the glittery rocks, he stared in the dealers’ windows and asked them for a job. At 16, Robert began working at a pawnshop, and his education about diamonds and colored gemstones was set in motion. The young prodigy soon began to buy and sell the precious stones and was able to support himself while studying business management at California State University, Northridge. During his final year there, Robert opened a retail store, Diamonds on Rodeo, on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. He began creating unique jewels for Hollywood’s elite and received his first presidential commission, from President Ronald Reagan. Since then, Procop has been commissioned by almost every sitting president of the United States. An internationally famous jeweler, an expert in the diamond industry and a master of colored gemstones, he sees clients on an appointment-only basis at his shops in Beverly Hills, Geneva and Hong Kong.
Exceptional
Style
Jeweler Robert Procop
On a lovely fall evening, Saks Fifth Avenue New Orleans is hosting a cocktail party in Robert’s honor at the Old Metairie home of one of his clients. A few select guests have been invited to meet the celebrated jeweler and to view his latest collection. Champagne is flowing, and models wearing Robert’s jewels weave in and out of the crowd, showing off their bijoux. This is my first meeting with Mr. Procop, so I scan the gathering in search of him. A statuesque brunette glides by, her diamond cluster earrings reflecting searing flares of white light. One after another, the models parade past me decked out in jewels. Completely engrossed with the precious gems, I hear my editor’s voice. “I’d like to introduce you to Robert.” As we greet each other, I sense warmth, sincerity and respect from the man. When the photographer asks if he may take a picture, Robert replies, “Thank you, but please, I’d prefer if you would 82
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photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com
by Kate Brevard
brought those to the jewelry industry. I not only consider how a jewel will look, but what colors will accent it best and the best way for it to be set in a mounting. We have developed a way to engrave a message on a colored gemstone and new ways to set fine jewelry that protect gems from damage and enhance their beauty.” Add innovator to his long list of talents. Robert Procop is to jewelry what Steve Jobs was to technology. Robert’s love affair is first and foremost with the best quality gemstones, for which he scours the earth. What about the most valuable gemstone? “True unheated colors of the Earth are some of the rarest discoveries on the planet, which also make them photograph the beautiful women.” He steps aside. How can someone who is so successful and who hangs out with the likes of the Queen of England be so grounded? “I’ve always valued time with family and friends above any material experience. So, while I want to be successful because of my passion for the business, at the end of the day what’s most important is being around my mother, my sisters, my friends.” Robert’s jewelry designs are truly spectacular, and he has the color sense of a painter. One model is wearing the most magnificent bracelet, a wide cuff covered entirely with blue and green stones—blue sapphires, tsavorites and diamonds. Robert explains, “It’s impossible to match any two green stones exactly. So, I mix them with blue stones and then the greens look like they match exactly. The blue will pick up any color of green—it’s a trick of the eye.” A friend of Robert’s joins our conversation. She is wearing an emerald and diamond ring that is stunning— but more than that, it looks like a small-scale version of a building, an architectural marvel. Robert says, “It took me seven or eight months just to create the setting. There’s a great deal of precision involved with being a jeweler.” This man clearly has the mind of an engineer in addition to being a great créateur. He smiles and answers the question I can’t articulate. “My father was an engineer, and my mother loved clothes. She would take me out of school early so that she wouldn’t miss the fashion shows at the department stores in Beverly Hills,” Robert laughs. “Having been surrounded by style and fashion as a child, plus the mechanical ingenuity of my father, I witnessed a broad array of talents. Hopefully, I have
the most valuable. Unheated gem-quality sapphires, Carolyn Elder, vivid green gem-quality emeralds, or fine pigeonDanielle Kavanagh blood rubies are very rare and thus, incredibly and Robert Procop. valuable. Colored diamonds such as ruby red, blue and pink untreated fine diamonds are the most valuable of all gemstones.” How does the design process work for Robert? “I like to hold a gem in my hand and look at it in every light. I see how it reflects in the morning, at midday and how it captures the light at night. I see how it lays with other gems, how it reflects against different precious metal colors to complement each other. I imagine how it would best complement a finger. The gem dictates the design around it. After thinking of each gem’s unique combination of shade, color and brilliance and what sculpture would complement the jewel, I start to craft out an initial design, sketch down my thoughts and the process is formed from there. Then, seeing the gem on the hand of a client is >> February-March 2015 83
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Tom Cruise, Johnny Carson, Merv Griffin, President Bill Clinton and Robert Downey Jr. Robert has worked with Jolie and Pitt for more than a decade and recently designed her engagement ring alongside Brad Pitt, as well as their wedding rings. During his tenure as CEO of the august British firms of Garrard & Co. and Asprey, Robert was the first American appointed as the Crown Jeweler to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, and also as curator and expert evaluator of the Crown Jewels, including Princess Diana’s engagement ring. “It was a privilege to have been entrusted by Her Majesty the Queen. There are so many significant and magnificent gems that make up the Crown Jewels.” What if Robert hadn’t walked the streets of Los Angeles’ Diamond District as a kid? What would he be doing now instead? “I would like to think I would have been an architect, because I love designing the interior, exterior and landscaping of homes.” Besides designing homes, Robert also enjoys collecting important royal historical artifacts from Marie Antoinette to Queen Victoria. American historical inventions pique his interest as well, including space. When I ask Robert what his proudest achievement is, he replies humbly and honestly. “I’m privileged that I get to do what I love every day. When you have a passion that you live for, it becomes about continuing to find ways of expressing that creatively. The rest, if you are fortunate, follows. I have been very honored to work with so many wonderful friends and clients around the world.” If you would like more information on Robert Procop Exceptional Jewels and The Style of Jolie, please contact Steven Putt at Saks Fifth Avenue, 432-0077.
photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com
always wonderful, because you see the results of the expert craftsmanship that has gone into the finished piece along with the client’s joy of the new treasure.” Robert’s business partner Sherry Sheaf joins our klatch, wearing an enormous pear-shaped yellow stone drop, a natural-colored sapphire named “The Golden Sundrop.” Cut like a diamond, it is set so that the entire stone is visible, 360 degrees around. Sherry was instrumental in the collaboration between Saks and Robert. Robert Procop Exceptional Jewels and The Style of Jolie collections debuted in select Saks Fifth Avenue stores in 2014. The Style of Jolie collection is a limited-number series, distinctive because of its saturated colored gems set in streamlined, 18 karat gold settings. These exquisite finished jewelry collections represent the finest in contemporary luxury brands, and have had record-breaking sales with Saks. Sherry says, “Most importantly, we have raised awareness for both Robert’s and Angelina’s charities.” (The Style of Jolie collection donates all of its profits to The Education Partnership for Children of Conflict.) Robert chimes in, “Our association with Saks Fifth Avenue is wonderful. They have been great partners, and we’ve really appreciated the time and expertise they have provided us.” Robert’s client list includes the world’s most celebrated personalities, including Sylvester Stallone,
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Red, Black and White 1. 18kt white gold necklace with 6.37 cttw of rubies and 2.0 cttw of diamonds; $12,995. Boudreaux’s Fine Jewelers,
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Metairie, 831-2602. 2. Stretch taffeta short bow dress in rich cranberry with spaghetti straps, $148. Vita, Metairie, 8311111. 3. Two Faced Perfect Red Lip Liner $17; Stiletto Red Color Drenched Lip Cream, $22; Eastwood Red Plumping 7
Lip Tint, $21; OPI nail polish, $8. About Face of New Orleans, Metairie, 304-1556. 4. François Pinton red eyewear, made in France, $410. Art & Eyes, New Orleans, 891-4494. 5. Black zip-up jacket with leather shoulders and gold accents, $158. The Villa, Mandeville, 985-626-9797. 6. Charlotte push-up bra designed for a full-bust by Parfait, sizes 30-40 DD-J, $46. Bra Genie, Mandeville, 985-9518638. 7. Yvonne one piece by Miraclesuit, 6
$181. Bora Bora, Mandeville, 985-951-8454. 8. Red suede sneakers, $149. Foot Solutions, Metairie, 833-3555.
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Red, Black and White 1. Velvety soft microfiber short robe and wrap in black-and-white fleur de lis pattern by Wrap Up by VP; robe, $149; wrap, 2
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$86. Bra La Vie, Hammond, 985-6625065. 2. Elizabeth and James Leda semisheer lattice two-tone cropped top, $285; Elizabeth and James Aeon lattice-overlay pencil skirt, $295. FeBe, Metairie, 8355250. 3. ‘Celeste’ Chantilly black lace sheer body suit by Simone Perele, $135. Basics Underneath, Mandeville and New Orleans, 985-727-9521 or 504-891-4494.
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4. Calabasas Swirl Dress in black and white dri-tex, $140. Available online at kevanhallsport.com. 5. Black Kate Spade flip-flop with white flower, $80. Emma’s Shoes and Accessories, New Orleans and Mandeville, 504407-0668 or 985-778-2200.
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1. Adler’s Exclusive Arthur Court Mardi Gras Collection. Wine bottle stopper, $20; catch all tray, $39; 4” crown bowl, $39. Adler’s New Orleans, 523-5292. 2. Lazaro ivory beaded and embroidered fit and flare gown with strapless sweetheat neckline and organza wave skirt. Town and Country, New Orleans, 523-7027. 3. Badgley Mischka satin platform Kiara pump with vintage-inspired embellishment on heel, $245. Bustles and Bows Bridal Boutique, Metairie, 780-7090. 4. Sleevelss lace and chiffon trumpet gown with deep V-back and curved bateau neckline, $478. The Bridal Boutique by Mae Me, Metairie, 266-2771. 5. Emily headpiece with ornate brooch clustered with Swarovski crystals and glass pearls on a double headband with French netting, $390. Bustles and Bows Bridal Boutique, Metairie, 780-7090. 4
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Curator Wayne Phillips by Kate Brevard
Curator Wayne Phillips. 90
WHEN I CALLED WAYNE PHILLIPS, curator of the Costumes & Textiles and Carnival Collections of the Louisiana State Museum, I was taken off-guard when he answered his phone on barely the second ring. In today’s high-tech world designed to avoid interpersonal communications, I fully expected to get his voicemail. While I was in college, I interned at the Louisiana State Museum one summer. I knew I was going to be a fashion designer from as far back as I could remember, so interning for the costume curator made perfect sense. I loved working in the chasms of the cool, silent archives with the historical clothing and formulating intellectual theories about the conundrums the antique threads often presented. As I approached the off-site archive to interview Phillips, I became introspective. How could 30 years have passed by so fast? Nostalgia vanished when he greeted
Inside New Orleans
me; he was a genial man with a beaming smile and sparkly eyes. It became clear to me straightaway that this wasn’t just a job to him. Wayne lived and breathed his curatorial position, in particular the stewardship of the Carnival Collection and its many treasures. As we made our way up and down the labyrinth of halls and stairs to his office, Wayne talked about the historical importance of Mardi Gras and its costumes to Louisiana’s history. Carnival’s theme song, “If Ever I Cease to Love”, popped into my head; I became certain Wayne Phillips will “never cease to love” Mardi Gras. We finally arrived in Wayne’s office, the site of the costume archive. My eye immediately trailed to a mannequin dressed in a beautiful, bias-cut gown made of “cloth of silver” and covered with clear glass sequins. When I asked about it, Wayne began, “That’s a Queen of Comus costume from 1939 that belonged to Veva
photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com
Guardian of Carnival’s Most Valuable Treasures
than 25,000 artifacts. “Carnival costumes during the 1930s were incredibly creative and flamboyant. We have a Queen of Carnival dress from 1931 that is completely covered in gold sequins. It looks like it’s straight out of a Hollywood movie. Hollywood offered such wonderful escapism for people who were suffering during the Depression. Even though the Carnival queens’ dresses had to be somewhat conservative because of the status of the wearer, Hollywood provided a great deal of inspiration for the dresses’ designs. For that reason, I love collecting Mardi Gras queens’ costumes.” Having worked on Seventh Avenue, I never imagined that the make-believe world of Carnival would intersect with the real world of fashion; how wrong I was. During the 1920s, when flappers reigned supreme, the popular silhouettes for queens’ dresses were short. But hemlines dropped back down to the floor again in the 1930s. In the 1940s and 1950s, dresses were reflective of Dior’s “New Look” and had cinched-in waists with full skirts. A bit of the counter-culture snuck into Mardi Gras during the 1960s and 1970s, when many of the queens’ dresses had empire-waists with full,
Miller. Notice the low back. It has the longest train on any queen’s costume in our collection.” The sexy, figurehugging number looked more like Jean Harlow than the traditional Mardi Gras queen’s costume that I knew. “Veva was the daughter of a very prominent doctor. Her family lived at One Audubon Place, now the residence of the president of Tulane. Veva was a fabulous woman who traveled the world, even into her 90s. I got to know her on the phone, and she generously donated both the dress and its sketch to the museum. The dress was custom designed for her by my new favorite Carnival designer, Helen Clark Warren! Veva died only recently, in 2013 at the age of 94.” As Wayne continued—in rapid-fire speech—I was more than a little impressed with his Rainmainlike memory and his ability to reel off in seconds the precise details of one dress in a collection of more >>
A Rex page costume retired by the krewe in 2001; the initials of all the boys who wore it dating back to 1979 are inscribed in the lining. February-March 2015 91
flowing sleeves, accented with very large sequins. Gold and silver lamé fabrications were both groovy and de rigueur. Bright gold lamé reappeared on the scene in the ’80s, partly because of the popularity of the drama series Dynasty. From the 1990s to the present, couture dressmaking has been emphasized. Wayne pulled Veva’s 1939 Comus gown from the archives for his upcoming exhibit at the Presbytere, From the Big Apple to the Big Easy; Two Carnival Artists in New York. The show runs from March 21, 2015, through the end of 2016. It’s part mystery, part history and plenty of beauty. The visitor will rediscover the previously mentioned, all-butvanished costume designer Helen Clark Warren, as well as John Scheffler, a New Orleans-born designer. Wayne’s particular area of expertise is costume designers of the post-Golden Age, and his admiration for them inspired the forthcoming exhibition. “Henri Schindler has done so much extraordinary work on the Carnival artists and designers from the Golden Age, the 1870s through 1930. His work motivated me to take up the study of costume designers who
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have been working post-1930. They don’t get the attention they deserve, even though some are every bit as talented as the designers from the Golden Age. That’s why I become so excited when I discover a new costume designer’s name.” It takes a curator who’s curious, tenacious and patient to solve the puzzles surrounding unknown artifacts. Wayne explained how he recently unearthed Helen Clark Warren. “We had an unsigned sketch of hers in our collection for a long time. Then I discovered a few more at auction that were signed ‘H.C. Warren,’ but I didn’t know the full name or if it was a man or a woman. I knew the style was the same as the other sketch we had. Then, totally out of the blue, completely out of the blue, I got an email from a woman in Florida who introduced herself as the great-niece of Helen Clark Warren. She said she had a collection of about 50 of her great-aunt’s sketches. I nearly fell out of my seat!” With that email in 2011, the entire mystery was solved, 32 years after the acquisition of the first unsigned sketch in 1979. The second artist featured in the upcoming
photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com
exhibit is John Scheffler, who was born and raised in New Orleans but moved to New York when he was 24. He was a Tulane-educated architect in addition to being a costume designer. Upon his death in 2012, he donated his collection of more than 3,000 costume sketches to the museum, the largest donation to the Carnival Collection in the museum’s history. Wayne’s journey to New Orleans, Mardi Gras and the museum began at an early age. He remembers his first two Mardi Gras experiences vividly. Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, he was the youngest of three children by more than 10 years. “I have such great memories of going to the parades as a child with my mother and stepfather. I still have the beads and doubloons that I caught at my first Mardi Gras when I was 10.” His second Mardi Gras was while on spring break during his senior year at Vanderbilt. “Coming to Mardi Gras as an adult for the first time is an eyeopening experience. It wasn’t just the wild craziness; it was the spectacle and the beautiful artistry. I just couldn’t get enough of the costumes on the street and in the Bourbon Street Awards. I remember distinctly these two identical seahorse costumes walking down Bourbon Street. I was so impressed at how beautiful they were and remember taking photos of them. By coincidence, those seahorse costumes were donated to the museum before I started working here. And now,
Above: Rhinestone and sequin detail on the 1927 Rex King’s costume. Left: The 1948 Krewe of Osiris King’s costume.
as the curator, I am responsible for them. So, it’s just an amazing confluence of events.” Wayne studied art history, languages and literature in college. “It’s wonderful how much of that varied focus and these esoteric subjects come into play in my job— ancient Greek history, Roman sculpture and Renaissance architecture. So much of what happens today refers to what happened centuries ago. That knowledge is more useful than I ever imagined it would be.” After graduating from college, Wayne moved to New Orleans, where he volunteered at the Louisiana State Museum to learn the inner-workings of museums. Not long after, his predecessor in the Costume Collection resigned. Wayne realized that he really wanted the costume curatorial position and put his name in the hat for the job. He was hired as the costume curator in 1998. >> February-March 2015 93
prepared for exhibit. Above: A child’s and an adult’s Mardi Gras Indian suits from the 1990s in storage at the Louisiana State Museum. 94
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around the Gulf Coast going to museums, historical sites and landmarks. That’s why I’ve always gravitated back to museums. Now that I’ve been in the museum world for 20 years, I equate those childhood museum visits with happiness, learning and making discoveries. The great thing about working directly with the objects is using them to tell a story. That’s what museums are all about, sharing our stories.” Although the Louisiana State Museum was founded in 1906, collecting the Carnival costumes that now tell their stories didn’t begin until the 1920s. According to the museum’s records, this is the first date when the curators reached out to Mardi Gras krewes and placed ads in local newspapers asking for costume donations for preservation. “That says to me there was this new recognition in the 1920s about the importance of saving the costumes, not just wearing them once, tossing them into the closet or throwing them into the trash. There have been a lot of important costumes lost through the years, sometimes to natural disasters. “I cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard women tell me stories about how they would play with their grandmother’s crown and scepter, sceptering grandly at their friends. And then the jewelry would break and get thrown away because they didn’t realize that it could be repaired and was worth preserving. I’ve had so many heartbreaks like this shared with me.” Wayne looks positively
photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com
Top: 1939 Comus Queen’s dress being
“I always wanted to be ‘The Curator.’ I just pinch myself every day that I get to be that person who is behind the scenes—the mystery person who handles, photographs, measures and moves things from building to building. Not to mention organizing exhibitions around the objects for which I am responsible. It’s a wonderful job that presents surprises and new opportunities for research all of the time.” One would have to have a passion for objects to be accountable for the 25,000 artifacts in the museum’s Costume Collection. The Carnival Collection represents about half of that number, most of which are paper items such as ball invitations, costume sketches and ephemera. There are roughly 300 to 400 kings’ and queens’ costumes. Wayne’s future profession was written in the stars. “I look back on my childhood and think on the experiences that led to this career. My dad and I shared a lot of fun times together traveling
depressed as he talks about the casualties among Carnival treasures. No disaster in recent times was more destructive than Katrina; Wayne has several examples in the collection. “I am aware that objects have very personal stories. Whenever I bring something into the collection, I always spend time talking to the donor about their memories about the object and document as much as I can. I try to maintain a connection, a relationship with the family or organization that donated the item. About 10 years ago, I received a phone call from a woman who said that her mother had been Queen of Proteus in 1910. And she still had her mother’s jewels, crown, scepter, bracelets and earrings. She wanted to donate them. The jewels were wonderful, exactly what I wanted. We brought them into the collection and put them on exhibit. I picked them up from her Metairie home in 2004, and Katrina hit in 2005. I know for a fact that this woman’s house was destroyed in the storm. The timing of the acquisition was fortuitous and makes me realize that museums, whether or not they want to admit it, rescue artifacts.” The King of Carnival’s Katrina experience didn’t have quite as happy an ending. Since the 1960s, Rex, along with most other Carnival krewes, began to reuse its kings’ costumes, altering them to fit the current king rather than incur the tremendous expense of creating new ensembles each year. The King of Carnival has two costumes for his reign on Shrove Tuesday, one for the parade and one for the ball later that evening. Sadly, when the floodwaters of Katrina swamped the Rex den on Claiborne Avenue, both of the costumes were ruined. The krewe donated Rex’s decaying togs to the museum. Wayne made the weighty >> February-March 2015 95
decision not to restore the costumes but to leave the royal garments exactly as they were found, ravaged by Katrina. As a custodian of antiquity, one of his most important jobs is to provide a factual narrative of the events of Louisiana and her people on history’s timeline. Wayne receives phone calls on a daily basis from prospective donors, which is one of his favorite parts of the job. “I love it when my phone rings! I can’t wait to answer because it could be my next great treasure on the other end,” Wayne said excitedly. (That explains why he answered my call so fast and with such enthusiasm!) “I never know if it will be someone calling to tell me they found their great-grandparent’s king’s costume squirrelled away in the attic. For example, I got a call from a family who wanted to donate their great-grandmother’s Queen of Mithras costume from 1899. It doesn’t get much better than that—those are the calls that I live for!” Wayne’s eyes become wide and twinkle with delight as he shares this story with me. The gown is currently on display in Baton Rouge at the Capital Park Museum. However, for every gem he unearths there are hundreds of tips that lead to dead ends. Wayne must be very discriminating about what he accepts into the collection. His rationale is based upon historical relevance, repetition, spatial constraints in the archives and condition issues. “I have to look many years into the future and decide whether or not an object will still be historically germane not only to our collection but to the Louisiana community. Oh! And, I simply cannot accept anything that is made with hot glue or duct tape because it breaks down chemically and doesn’t hold up over time,” Wayne laughs. 96
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photo courtesy: LOUISIANA STATE MUSEUM
The museum’s oldest garment is a King of Carnival costume from 1881. “Before the 1890s, Rex and the kings of the other old-line organizations— Comus, Momus, Proteus as well as the tableaux organizations—dressed up as historical figures, not in what we know as the traditional kings’ costumes of today, which include the tunic, short pants, stockings, boots, wig, crown, scepter, and mantle. The 1881 King of Carnival’s costume is a full-length robe with a train made of orange silk-velvet and has red, green and blue glass stones on it. The robe is trimmed with gold bullion fringe. It’s a magnificent piece, very special. As a curator I shouldn’t say this, but it’s my favorite costume in the entire collection. “The symbolism behind Rex’s role as King of the entire Carnival season and his authority over this make-believe kingdom say a lot. I cannot overstate the importance of Rex to Mardi Gras. By the 1890s, the King of Carnival was an established figure, and he didn’t need to impersonate anyone else. “Many more krewes have come and gone than people realize. Running a Mardi Gras organization is like running a business and I think of the captain as the CEO. I am always very excited when I am offered a costume from a defunct krewe. It’s hard to do the research because I am trying to find the name of the last captain. But, as you know, the names of the captain and members are almost always kept secret. So, off I go trying to solve a new mystery, looking for clues that may or may not lead to answers and can take years to unravel.” Once again the shroud of secrecy that surrounds Carnival organizations enters into the picture, and Wayne must add “private detective” to his job description. (Perhaps there should be another CSI TV crime show drama, Costume Scene Investigation.) Does Wayne consider Mardi Gras, certainly his most favorite day of the year, a working or a vacation day? “I always go out on the street and crawl around the French Quarter looking at the costumes. I try to go to the Bourbon Street Awards because that’s really where you see the best costumes. I love seeing the costumed groups. For the past few years, I’ve been lucky enough to be invited to the Rex Ball later that night. I love the dichotomy of starting out the day on Bourbon Street and seeing the craziness and the over-the-top costumes.
And, then switching gears and getting all dressed up in white tie and going to a ball that is the height of elegance and formality.” It’s a nice change to hear about Mardi Gras from Wayne’s perspective. We natives tend to take it for granted, and that is something Wayne Phillips never does. “The culmination of Mardi Gras for me is the presentation of the King and Queen of Carnival at the Rex Ball. But, in the end the best part about Mardi Gras is that there’s a way for everybody and every sector of society to enjoy it. At its core, Mardi Gras is an artistic celebration. There’s so much consideration that goes into the design of the costumes and the floats. Perhaps at no other time of the year do you see so much beauty and creativity on public display than during the Carnival season.” From the Big Apple to the Big Easy; Two Carnival Artists in New York runs from March 21, 2015, through 2016 at The Presbytere, 751 Chartres St., (504) 568-6968.
Silk velvet robe worn by Howard Stringfellow, Rex, King of Carnival, 1881.
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THIS YEAR, NEW ORLEANS SOCIETY has said “hello” to the 65 young women who are members of the 201415 Debutante Coterie. These debutantes have enjoyed the spotlight and all of the festivities of the season, which officially began last June with Le Debut des Jeunes Filles de la Nouvelle Orleans and will continue until the final bow at the meeting of the Rex and Comus courts at the Comus Ball on Mardi Gras night. This age-old ritual of families introducing their daughters who had come of age and were now ready to become members of society has been celebrated in the Crescent City for generations. A young lady making her debut in New Orleans is traditionally presented by one of the following organizations: Bachelors’ Club, The Debutante Club, Le Debut des Jeunes Filles de la Nouvelle Orleans, Mid-Winter Cotillion, The Original Illinois Club, The Pickwick Club and Young Men Illinois Club. The Mid-Winter Cotillion is the oldest continuing debutante presentation in New Orleans. Founded in the 1840s, each season it presents a small group of debutantes chosen by an elected committee of its members. The membership is composed of approximately 150-175 young men of college age, many of >>
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Left to right: Andrew Sherwood, Isabel Irvine, Lane Davis, Christopher Riess, Ryan Acomb , Todd Johnson, Claire Zeringue, Emily Tastet, Caroline Reed, Blake Brinson, Brooks Weaver and Madison Prince.
photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY
by Anne Honeywell
Hi, society!
A season of celebrating.
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Morning Call in City Park
plays) and a continuous cocktail and full-dinner buffet that includes the perennial favorite ice cream sundae bar. The parties thrown to honor the debs this season have been extraordinary. With everything from traditional afternoon teas and racetrack parties to huge black-tie blow outs with bands like Maroon 5 playing, this season has seen it all. The parties don’t end when the holidays are over—then, it’s Carnival time! Many of today’s krewes select the members of their royal courts from the coterie of debutantes, a tradition dating back to some of the earliest Carnival balls. Inside New Orleans got together with some of the young men of The Mid-Winter Cotillion and a few of this season’s debs for some fun and photos. The debutantes included: Lane-Larkin Davis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Paul Davis, is a student at Loyola University New Orleans, where she is on the dean’s list. Lane is the recipient of a Loyola Alumni Legacy Scholarship and is a member of Theta Phi Alpha sorority. She is a graduate of the Academy of the Sacred Heart. Isabel Irvine, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Richardson Irvine III of Mobile, Alabama, is attending the University of Mississippi in Oxford in the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, majoring in psychology with a minor in business. Isabel is a member of Kappa Delta sorority and has served as vice-president of community service and pledge class president. 100
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photo: JIM CRESSON PHOTOGRAPHERS photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY
whom are second- and third-generation members. Each year, in addition to several casual parties, the membership holds its annual Cotillion at the New Orleans Country Club on December 27 during which the debutantes are escorted by members of the Mid-Winter Board of Governors. In a given year, some of the debutantes will likely be the daughters, granddaughters and even great-granddaughters of previous Mid-Winter debutantes. The Cotillion evening begins with a reception given by the Board for the debutantes and their parents. Traditionally, turtle soup and champagne are served, and the girls are given engraved silver goblets as their gift from the organization. The formal presentation is followed by dancing (Deacon John traditionally
The Mid-Winter Cotillion.
Madison Prince is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond A. Prince and is attending Louisiana State University, where she is studying communication disorders with a concentration in speech therapy. She is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Madison is a graduate of Metairie Park Country Day School. Caroline Withnell Reed, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Patrick Reed, is majoring in political economics with a concentration in policy at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. At Rhodes, she is a member of Kappa Delta sorority and the Panhellenic Council. This past fall, Caroline participated in the European Studies Program offered by Rhodes and the University of the South. Emily Tastet, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David A. Tastet, is a student at Loyola University New Orleans. She is majoring in marketing and economics, and is on the dean’s list. Emily serves on the executive board of her sorority, Delta Gamma. She is a graduate of St. Martin’s Episcopal School. Claire Zeringue is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne G. Zeringue Jr. and is studying animal science at Louisiana State University, where she is on the dean’s list. Claire is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and serves as the public relations chair. She is a graduate of the Academy of the Sacred Heart. The debs are all loving their year, to say the least! “I have had the best time!” says Claire, who was presented at The MidWinter Cotillion and Bachelors’ Club earlier in the season. “This year has been a lot of fun—I have met a lot of new people and reconnected with some wonderful old friends. All the parties have been a blast, and really, the presentations have been as well. I have truly enjoyed the entire experience.” The rest of the girls concur. It has been the time of their lives!
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A “Boot Scootin’ Brunch” honoring Marylynn Beatrice Smitherman was hosted at the Orleans Club by her parents, Lois and John Smitherman; grandparents Buddy and Marylin Watkins; and aunt Lynn Watkins. Marylynn’s aunt Lynn, who had been ill for quite some time, passed six days after the brunch. Lynn’s love of family and Carnival was reflected throughout the planning of the event. Her niece’s brunch was her last social event and a happy one at that. Marylynn, who grew up in Texas, sported custom boots, a studded fringed skirt and suede jacket all from Texas. Her family also wore Texas-made ensembles, complete with black felt hats and bolo ties. The “Boot Scootin’” continued into the menu with passed churros, beer-braised short ribs, jalapeno cheese grits, Tex-Mex migas, guacamole and silverware wrapped in red bandannas. Burlap tablecloths, faux barbed wire and everything Texas complemented the tunes of Shoot Low Sheriff and Julio and Cesar. A Lone Star State flag waved over the Orleans Club during the event—a sight not many have seen.
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INside Story
by Michael Harold
I HAVE HAD A LIFELONG FASCINATION with accents. In my opinion, no city can top New Orleans when it when it comes to local dialects, except perhaps New York City. During my post-Katrina hurrication, I lived in Memphis for two months, where the accent is distinctly Southern and no one understands the concept of “Where y’at?” One afternoon, while shopping at Kroger, I overheard a woman ask her friend, “Do they sell Blue Plate ‘Mynezz’?” Despite not knowing these people from the side of a house, I ran to them like they were old friends. Who knew the power of mayonnaise?
the neighbors. On one corner lived a very cultivated and elegant European family. The father, George, grew up in Poland and married an Austrian. So, when it came to accents, he won the gold medal. I loved how he pronounced all words starting with an “s” like “sh.” For example, the word “simple” sounded like “shimple,” and sensible came out “shenshible.” One afternoon when his cocker spaniel escaped and sprinted to our front door, he arrived to pick her up, yelling the whole time for the dog to “SIT! SIT!” This of course, gave me the excuse to say the “s” word without getting into trouble, because I
I always say, if you want to hear the best variety of New Orleans accents, just stand in line at the DMV or get assigned jury duty on Tulane Avenue. These are the best cross sections the city has to offer. Or even better, go to a Mardi Gras parade. It’s the one time when all neighborhoods unite for a single cause—to catch beads. When someone screams, “Throw me something, Mister,” it’s likely to sound different all along the parade route. Most turn “Mister” into “Mista,” while others turn “something” into “sump’n.” Remember the days of answering machines? There was a lot of laughter at my expense when my roommates played messages from my mom that began with “Michael? It’s ya’ mutha.” Like so many New Orleanians, she loved to drop that “r.” I can’t think of any other American city with as many diverse pronunciations of its own name. Last year, my English friend Athena visited me in “New Or-LEENZ” for the entire week leading up to Mardi Gras. I did not have the heart to tell her that she was referring to the parish, not the city. Although newscasters add an extra syllable to the city’s name, I would sound ridiculous saying I was from “New Orlee-UNZ.” And, for God’s sake, why do airplane pilots insist on saying, “Well folks, we’re making our initial descent into ‘Nawlins’?” That particularly annoying variation is reserved for the same people who wear Mardi Gras beads all year round. The tourists. My obsession with accents started as a child when I discovered I could make my parents laugh by imitating
was just mimicking the neighbor. On the opposite corner of the street was a family from the Ninth Ward who referred to the city as “New Wallinz” and used the expression, “I be dern.” Sadly, that was not what Mista’ Joe said after one Mardi Gras parade when I spilled my cherry Icee on the seat of his brand new white Cadillac. What slipped out of his mouth sounded more like neighbor George yelling at his dog. Around the corner lived a “New Oyenz” socialite who was quick to correct me when I mentioned that friends were visiting for Mardi Gras. “Do you mean they are coming just for Shrove Tuesday?” she asked disapprovingly. I replied “no,” that they were visiting for the weekend and noted to myself to look up the word “Shrove.” She delighted in pointing out that “Mardi Gras” (French for “Fat Tuesday”) was only one day, while the rest of the season was “Caahhnival,” or “Carnival” to us mere mortals. Pardon moi! And, speaking of Mardi Gras, why is it that some people pronounce “Mardi” like a “party” and others like a “potty?” Where is Henry Higgins when you need him? I will never forget Mardi Gras 2006. The city was rebuilding from Katrina, and there was talk of canceling all parades. Thankfully, that never happened. It turned out to be a glorious and healing experience for everyone. King Cake never tasted so good; parades never seemed more spectacular. I rode a float that year and could not throw my beads fast enough, reveling in that unending chant, “Tro me sump’n, Mista.”
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photo courtesy: AMERICAN SPIRIT
Mardi Gras,You Say?
Deb Spotlight
photos: RUDY BIERHUIZEN posey-images.com
Destination Celebration Vintage luggage, world globes and postcards took guests on a trip to “Destination Celebration,” honoring debutantes Ellen Claverie Curry, Sydney Alexandra Lowe, Greer Elizabeth McKendrick, Caroline Withnell Reed and Natalie Danielle Tolar and commemorating their trips abroad. Enjoying the festivities at The Chicory along with their daughters were hosting parents Guy and Annie Curry, Cy and Martha Lowe, Stuart and Ann McKendrick, Kevin and Michele Reed and Ken and Jan Tolar. The band Sha’on and the Girls with Success played as partygoers snacked on passed hors d’oeuvres, including andouille sausage puffs, asparagus with phyllo and portobello mushroom puffs, which were followed by Chicken Florentine pasta, corn and crab bisque and crudités. Dessert sweetened the evening—wine-filled chocolates, mini-doberges and cookies decorated thematically with passports, globes and suitcases. The signature cocktail, “Passport Punch,” was a milkshake infused with vodka. Suitcases were placed on the buffet, accented with traveling gear and red roses, and large lit grapevine spheres draped over the dance floor. Each honored deb wore a shade of blue as they danced throughout the evening with family and friends.
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Deb Spotlight
photo: ARTE DE VIE
photos: LAUR EN MURPHY (except wh ere noted)
Adorned in everything Audrey, eleven of this season’s debutantes strolled through the courtyard of newly opened Brennan’s for “Breakfast at Brennan’s.” Pearl necklaces rested on the collar of each little black dress, which was complemented by long, black gloves and a tiara nestled gently atop a neatly pulled-back bun as the debs celebrated with a breakfast fit for Hepburn herself. Hosts Kathleen and Terry White honored Scout Beron, Grace Catherin Cary, Clare Conwill, Ellie George, Ashland Hines, Isabel Jackson, Sage Laborde, Laney Langenstein, Maddy Livaudais, Karoline Patrick and Nicole Wienmann. As breakfast began, hot mini-beignets dusted in sugar were passed in paper cones. Demitasse cups of turtle soup and bite-size truffle grilled cheese sandwiches warmed guests before Brennan’s breakfast specialties, including their newly updated grits and grillades, were served. From the bloody marys to the milk punches to the over-the-top dessert display, this event left everyone talking about what a fabulous morning they had. To remember the party, guests left with a chocolate lipstick wrapped in a real lipstick case. The breakfast certainly kept the “mean reds” away. Holly Golightly would agree.
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photo: LAUREN MURPHY
Breakfast at Brennan’s
Behind the Scenes of a Great Party by Susan Zackin, Z Event Co. BRINGING A THEMED party to life can be tricky. Did we go overboard with the theme? Did we do enough with it? The personality it creates can be a powerful asset if handled deftly. Planning any celebration is a series of choices. Setting the stage with the right invitation is the first step. Have you set a formal tone or a more fun and funky vibe? Guests walk through the door with expectations that are a direct result of the impression created by the invitation. The best party host or party planner takes that initial impression and brings it
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further. They embellish the environment with accents that carry that theme into the room, everything from props and accessories to tabletop design and party flow. We are fortunate to have so many interesting venues that can serve as a backdrop to great celebrations. Some need little adornment, and the details added are used to reflect the personality of the honorees. For instance, the style of the groom’s cake can tell you something about the guy who is marrying your friend from high school. The deb or bride who chooses a jazz band fills the room with a certain kind
with slick up-dos and high black collars. The menu was constructed exclusively for this party and was executed perfectly. From the menu cards on the buffet stations to the photo booth props to the decadent dessert table, there was a little piece of “Audrey Hepburn” throughout the party. And the parting gift of a chocolate lipstick wrapped in a real lipstick case? The men liked them more than the women!
photos: ARTE DE VIE
of energy. Every choice in a well-planned party offers a nod to the initial plan. For the debutante party “Breakfast at Brennan’s,” it was the details that brought our theme to life. From the invitation to the parting gift, we planned the party down to the pearls. Before the guests even arrived, the theme was evident in the invitation. Invitees received retro invitations featuring the debutantes’ faces imposed on Audrey’s signature photo as Holly Golightly—complete
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IN the Spotlight Jesuit High School Celebration Gala and Auction
photos:
JEFFREY
STROUT
Fabulous fare and blue-and-white décor topped off the “Play Like a Champion” evening, Jesuit High School’s 2014 Celebration Gala and Auction. The approximately 800 guests gathered at the Club XLIV adjacent to Champions Square were in high spirits because of the Blue Jays’ win against Brother Martin High School earlier that day. The event, which benefits Jesuit’s operational expenses, included a six-item speed auction, four silent-auction boards and a live auction. The Benchwarmers, including three former Blue Jays, provided music as guests enjoyed viewing vintage photos of past Jesuit teams.
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The
Ultimate Hersh and Molly Fernandes.
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NEW ORLEANS CELEBRATES like no place else in the world—and when we celebrate, we go all out. A New Orleans wedding can certainly be unique. But in order to get to the ultimate New Orleans wedding, you must have a plan to get there. Where do you start? What is your priority? The date? The church? The venue?
Inside New Orleans
For the France-Fernandes nuptials, the priority was the church. “We are French Quarter people. We knew we wanted to use St. Louis Cathedral. Molly and Hersh were the fourth generation of our family to be married there,” says Tricia France, Molly’s mother. France also knew that they wanted to host the reception downtown in order to treat their out-of-town guests to a true New Orleans experience. “Molly and Hersh live and work in Washington, D.C., and we had people here from all over the world. With so many beautiful choices, we settled on Pat O’s on the River; we just loved the beautiful view of the river.” And what would a New Orleans celebration be without
photos: SISON PHOTOGRAPHY
New Orleans Wedding
a police escort and a parade? This ultimate New Orleans celebration had both! The bride and groom led a marching brass band and their wedding party from the Cathedral through the French Quarter streets to their reception. The brass band was arranged through the Mixed Nuts, who provided the reception entertainment. “Organizing a second line is not just a matter of saying ‘come on y’all, let’s all parade down to the river.’ Nope, one must have a parade permit and police escort,” says Tricia. At the reception, traditional New Orleans fare was served and the good times and cocktails rolled. The cutting of the gorgeous wedding cake,
complete with pearl bracelet wedding pulls, was the perfect high point for the festive celebration. The groom’s cake? Why king cake of course! The wedding was in June, but this New Orleans favorite knows no boundaries. As so often in New Orleans, the party never ends. The good times continued to roll later at Pat O’s on St. Peter Street—the ultimate New Orleans ending to the ultimate New Orleans wedding.
Left: A king cake groom’s cake. Right: The festive reception was captured on canvas.
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Summer Stretch
by Katherine Honeywell AS A TULANE SENIOR, I look back fondly over the years to all of the summer camps I attended. My experiences include everything from day camps and a sports camp to a far-away, weeks-long resident camp and eventually work as a camp counselor, so I know my fair share about the topic! These summer camp opportunities helped me grow more confident and independent and I’ve made friends to treasure for the rest of my life. My first day camp memories are from St. Martin’s Episcopal School’s Summer Camp in Metairie. It was a natural fit, as I was a student in the school, and wanted to be a part of all of the summer fun. Our days included sports activities, swimming, arts and crafts and field trips—all the usual day camp activities! I loved it and went for years. Today, St. Martin’s new STEAM Camp, named for “science, technology, engineering, arts/ athletics and math,” includes fun with academics for budding superheroes, actors, rocket scientist and gamers to create, learn, and enjoy all summer long. stmsaints.com/steamcamp Another traditional day camp is Cahill Camp Corral in Gretna on the grounds of Arden Cahill Academy. Cahill Camp Corral offers a relaxed environment where children continue to grow and develop during the summer months. In addition to the customary activities, Cahill offers such interests as game room tournaments, Lego building, gardening, cooking, puppetry, etiquette, paddle boating, riflery and karaoke. ardencahillacademy.com/summer Some camps are specialty camps. A creative arts camp I attended was just that—creative. The atmosphere was one of whimsy and fantasy. Campers 114
Inside New Orleans
had the opportunity to get their creative juices flowing working on unique and interesting projects. I was there purely to have fun and was in awe of the amazing artistic work going on around me. Art? Not my strong suit. However, I did my best and had a fun time doing it. Louise S. McGehee teachers and Upper School students will be leading campers into some serious summertime fun! Mornings will be filled with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math), music, sports, and crafts. The afternoons will have exciting team challenges and special presentations. Other activities include yoga, pet training, ceramics, and more! Every Friday is Water Day—slides, outdoor games, and snoballs. Each session will culminate in a showcase where campers will share the fun with parents and friends. mcgeheeschool.com At Brother Martin Summer Camp, boys ages 6-12 participate in baseball, soccer, flag football, wrestling, basketball and soccer, as well as other activities like swimming and field trips such as Global Wildlife, Audubon Zoo, Laser Tag and a Zephyr’s game. brothermartin.com/summer-camp The Jefferson Performing Arts Society Summer Musical Theatre Intensives provide a challenging and high-quality musical theatre education to students in grades 3-7 and 8-12. Young performers have the opportunity to work with professional artistic staff. Productions will include Hairspray, The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast and Peter Pan. jpas.org In Mandeville, Cedarwood School’s Camp Kaleidoscope for ages 2-5 is the setting for exploration, discovery and the development of unique imaginations. Camp Colossal for rising
photo courtesy: ROCKBROOK SUMMER CAMP
Camp is a place to grow
kindergarteners to 6th graders offers a balance of summer fun with educational opportunities. At MADD Camp for 1st to 7th graders, professionals spark the imaginations and talents of young people in music, art, drama and dance. cedarwoodschool.com/curriculum/ summer-camps Sleep-away camps give campers the ability to gain independence, make friends from all across the country and learn how to do new activities like rock climbing or kayaking. At our camp, we did all this and more. Campers were split between tribes and throughout my three-week session competed as a team in the various activities and sports. We showed our tribe pride by wearing our colors and singing our tribe’s chant any chance we had. Sleepaway camp opened my eyes to all new aspects of summer camp. I grew as an individual while simultaneously having some serious fun. My summers in the Blue Ridge Mountains are treasured memories, and I continue to cherish the friendships I made there. Rockbrook is a traditional overnight camp in Brevard, North Carolina, for girls ages 6 through 16. Established in 1921, it is one of the area’s oldest sleep-away summer camps. Rockbrook is well known for its diverse program of activities, including horseback riding, outdoor adventure, crafts, sports, drama, swimming, and more. Rockbrook provides great benefits far beyond the activities and special events. It’s an ideal place to explore what it means to live a ‘wholehearted life’ rich with true connections. rockbrookcamp.com Riverview is a sleep-away summer camp for girls located in Mentone, Alabama, on Lookout Mountain. Riverview offers a combination of unique, exhilarating activities in an >> February-March 2015 115
Cahill Camp Corral.
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oasis of peaceful nature. Traditional camp activity choices include riding (both English and Western), swimming (heated pool), tennis, ropes course, climbing tower, canoeing, golf, archery, riflery, gymnastics, cheerleading, dance, flag-twirling, sports, outdoor-living skills class—and lifelong friendships. riverviewcamp.com As I grew older, those carefree days of summer camp were over, and it was time for me to make
Inside New Orleans
some summer money. Then it dawned on me—why not be a summer camp counselor and combine my love of summer camp and my need for a job? So, I returned to where I started and began working at St. Martin’s Summer Experience as a day camp counselor. I quickly realized that it was a huge responsibility to take care of children for eight hours a day, and I gained an entirely new respect for my old counselors. I found the job very rewarding; I was able to reminisce about the fun times I had at summer camp while simultaneously making money. I believe summer camp is an imperative part of growing up. It offers the opportunity for children to have fun, make new friends, thrive in a different setting and put those “dog days of summer” to good use. Memories made at camp last a lifetime! Some camp spaces fill up quickly, so it’s not too early for you and your child to consider possibilities for a summer camp experience. Pick a day camp or a sleep-away camp, an all-girls camp or an all-boys camp, a sports camp or an art camp—regardless of what your choice is, prepare your child to have the time of his or her life!
Camps Listing
Academic Academy of the Sacred Heart. Arts, theater, toddler day camp and more. Toddler-8th graders. 4521 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans. 269-1230. ashrosary.org. Camp Colossal. Swimming, teamwork activities and exploration. 1st-5th graders. Cedarwood School, 607 Heavens Drive, Mandeville. 985-845-7111. cedarwoodschool.com. Camp Corral. Art, horseback riding, sports, theater and swimming. 3-14 years old. Arden Cahill
Summergate at Louise S. McGehee School.
Academy, 3101 Wall Blvd., Gretna. 392-0902. ardencahillacademy.com. Camp Kaleidoscope. Poetry, literature, puppets, ecology, gardening, cooking and science
School, 225 Green Acres Rd.,
art, crafts, archery, swimming,
Metairie. 733-0353.
tennis, tumbling and various
stmsaints.com/steamcamp.
sports. 5-10-year-old girls.
exploration. 2-5 years old. Cedarwood School,
Summergate at McGehee.
607 Heavens Drive, Mandeville. 985-845-7111.
STEAM, music, sports and
River Rd., St Rose. 985-237-
cedarwoodschool.com.
crafts. Rising kindergarten-5th
0439. jimmyclubdaycamp.com.
Growing Gardeners Camp. Dye carnations, plant
grade girls. Louise S. McGehee
Jimmy Club Day Camp, 11842
Rockbrook Summer Camp
lima beans, decorate gardening gloves. 5-8 years
School, 2343 Prytania St.,
for Girls. Rafting, pottery,
old. Louisiana Children’s Museum, 420 Julia St., New
New Orleans. 561-1224.
swimming, horseback riding
Orleans. 523-1357. lcm.org.
mcgeheeschool.com.
and adventure. Rockbrook
STEAM Camp. Science, technology, engineering,
Adventure
Camp, 3460 Greenville Hwy.,
arts/athletics and math. St. Martin’s Episcopal
Jimmy Club Day Camp. Music,
Brevard, North Carolina. 828-
>>
February-March 2015 117
Brother Martin Crusader Camp 884-6151. rockbrookcamp.com. Riverview Camp for Girls. Horseback riding, ropes course, canoeing, sports, archery, crafts, art, cheerleading and music. 6-16 years old. Riverview Camp, 757 County Rd., Mentone, Alabama. 800-882-0722. riverviewcamp.com. Zoo Camp. Nature, hands-on activities, animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours. Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St., New Orleans. 212-5357. auduboninstitute.org.
Athletic Academy of the Sacred Heart. Basketball, conditioning, speed and volleyball. Rising 2nd-8th graders. 4521 St. Charles Ave. 2691230. ashrosary.org.
Sign up now for Summer 2015 Sessions! Riverview Camp for Girls is a community where your daughters grow in confidence and maturity - all while having a great time in a safe, carefree and wholesome environment. Susan and Larry Hooks, Owners and Directors For more information, call (800) 882-0722. Riverview Camp for Girls, P.O. Box 299, Mentone, AL 35984 www.riverviewcamp.com 118
Inside New Orleans
ACTIVITIES Horseback Riding Swimming Ropes Course Tennis Canoeing Golf Basketball Gymnastics Dance Archery Arts & Crafts Outdoor Living Campfire Fun Rope Swing Volleyball Soccer Riflery Aerobics Chorus & Drama Trip Day Counselors-In-Training Climbing Tower River Water Blob Cheerleading Flag Twirling Sports
Crusader Summer Camp. Baseball, soccer, flag football, wrestling, fieldstrips and swimming. 6-12-year-old boys. Brother Martin High School, 4401 Elysian Fields Ave., New Orleans. 283-1561. brothermartin.com. JCC Sports Camp. Basketball, baseball, football, kickball, soccer, racquetball, swimming and street golf. Rising 3rd-5th graders. New Orleans JCC, 5342 St. Charles Ave. 897-0143. nojcc.org. JCC Tennis Camp. 6-8 years old. New Orleans JCC, 5342 St. Charles Ave. 897-0143. Jesters Soccer Camp. Foot skills, technical drills, tactical practices and scrimmages. 6-12 years old. 312-3979. nolajesters.com. Nike Tennis Camp. Matches, drills and skill building. 9-18 years old. Tulane University, Goldring Tennis Center, 6823 St Charles Ave., New Orleans. 800-645-3226. tinyurl.com/niketennis. St. Martin’s Episcopal Athletic Camps. Basketball, baseball and top gun sports. 6-13 years old. St. Martin’s Episcopal School, 225
St. Martin’s STEAM Camp Green Acres Rd., Metairie. 7330353. stmsaints.com. Sports Camps at Tulane University. Basketball, football, tennis, swimming and volleyball. Ages vary. Tulane
Photography 101. Basic elements of photography. 8th-12th graders. Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St., New Orleans. 5399608. ogdenmuseum.org. Picture This Photography
Athletics, 6823 St. Charles
Camp. Composition, technique
Ave., New Orleans. 861-9283.
and art. Louisiana Children’s
tulanegreenwave.com/camps.
Museum, 420 Julia St., New Orleans. 523-1357. lcm.org.
Arts Art Basics. Nature walks and work
Summer Arts Camp. Visual arts, theater, dance, music and
on art projects that focus on basic
culinary arts. 5-14 years old.
principles. 5-7 years old. Longue
Contemporary Arts Center, 800
Vue House and Gardens, 7
Camp St., New Orleans. 528-
Bamboo Rd., New Orleans. 488-
3805. cacno.org.
5488. longuevue.com. Country Day Creative Arts.
Summer Arts at NOMA. Gallery exploration, art projects, skill
Visual art, performing arts and
building and creative learning.
sports. 7-14 years old. Country
5-12 years old. New Orleans
Day School, 300 Park Rd.,
Museum of Art, 1 Collins C. Diboll
Metairie. 849-3188. mpcds.com.
Cl., City Park, New Orleans. 658-
Fashion Camp. Garment basics and fashion show performing.
4100. noma.org. Summer Dance Boot Camp.
5th-8th graders. Ogden Museum
Ballet, pointe, variations, modern,
of Southern Art, 925 Camp
contemporary and more. The
St., New Orleans. 539-9608.
Studio School of Dance, 3225
ogdenmuseum.org.
Danny Pk., Ste 201, Metairie. 941-
Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra Summer
7345. thestudionola.com. Youth Musical Theater
Orchestra. Music training,
Intensive. Challenging musical
leadership skills and emotional
theater training. 3rd-7th graders.
expression. 7-19 years old.
Jefferson Performing Arts
Loyola University, 6363 St.
Society. East Jefferson High
Charles Ave., New Orleans. 861-
School, 400 Phlox St., Metairie.
1801. gnoyo.org.
885-200, eat 211. jpas.org. February-March 2015 119
IN the Spotlight Inside New Orleans’ Meet the Artist Party was held at Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights Museum in the heart of the French Quarter. Cover artist Jim Seitz shared some of his favorite works along the walls of beautiful gas lanterns. Jim’s original painting, Inside New Orleans’ December cover, Forever and a Day was displayed at the entrance of the party. His paintings as well as gift items from Bevolo were available for purchase. Over 100 guests enjoyed small bites from The Pelican Club and drinks provided by Bevolo. In the back of the museum, partygoers could watch and ask questions as Bevolo copper lanterns were being made.
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Inside New Orleans
photo: THOM AS B. GROW DEN
Inside New Orleans’ Meet the Artist Party
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INside Peek
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1. Grace Kaynor, Anne Redd, Winnie Brown and Susan Wormser at Sotre’s grand opening on Magazine Street. 2. Tony Mose, Virginia McCollam, Kathy Slater and Janet Tallerine at Sotre’s grand opening. 3. Katherine Honeywell and Jefferson Honeywell at Tulane’s Yulman Stadium for the 2014 homecoming game. 4. Gigi Dabezies Trello, Susan Taylor, Mary Marshall Seaver, (back) Jennifer Mann, Barbara FitzHugh, Susan Zackin, Kathryn Talbot, Marianne Pranikoff and Penny Autenreith at Susan Zackin’s annual holiday gathering. 5. Lana Lovick, Ward Rice and Susan Zackin. 6. Simone Rathle, Michael Harold and Charlee Williamson pose with the brass letters at the re-opening of Brennan’s on Royal Street. 7. Courtney Murphy, Stacy Head, Karyn Kearney, Mary Margaret Brewer and Helen LeBourgeois celebrate Karyn’s birthday at Galatoire’s.
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INside Peek
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1 1. Elise Kiser and Anne Redd at the Junior League
Raymond. 4. New Orleans Geological Auxiliary’s Mary Walther, Pat Williamson, Alma Dunlap and Judy Sabate at their 60th anniversary celebration at Ralph’s on the Park. 5. Krewe of Iris’ King John L. Eckholdt and daughter-in-law Queen Rhonda Pausina Eckholdt at their Coronation Ball.
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SCHMIT : DARRYL
Rosamond. 3. Jeanne Boughton and Katherine
photo co urtesy
2. Ginger Witherspoon, Nancy Gamble and Pat
T PHOTO G
of New Orleans sustainer party at the Redd home.
4 1 2
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1. Lindsey Benoit and Allison Olsen at About Face of New Orleans for Metairie Bank and Trust’s holiday sip and shop. 2. Alyssa Herbert and Alaina Orgeron. 3. The Metairie Bank and Trust group. 4. First grader Grace with dad Jude Olinger at Louise S. McGehee School’s Dads & Donuts event at book fair. 5. Linda Forest, Wayne Forest and Chad Berg at Lee Michaels Lakeside’s holiday customer appreciation party.
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1. Jill Nalty, Jan Kehoe, and Holly Gaspard at the Ladies for All Seasons charity luncheon benefiting the Seasons Grief & Loss Center, the New Orleans area’s only non-profit grief counseling center. 2. Tiffany Caldarera and Kim George at the Ladies for All Seasons charity luncheon. 3. Margo Whiteside, Marjorie McKeithen, Betsy Nalty Simmons, Dana Hansel and Patricia Lacoste. 4. Maria Franck and Maddy Greenbaum with baby Maurice at SNAP’s Metairie Road holiday open house party. 5. FestiGals fans Terry Snyder, Jacqueline Simon and Penny Baumer gather at the JW Marriott. 6. FestiGals founder Diane Lyons and Sandra Dartus. 7. Jeanne Emory at Bra Genie’s Black Bra Friday. 124
Inside New Orleans
IN the Spotlight STAIR Affair
photo
s: JIM HOWE LL
PHOTO
GRAPH
Y
Start the Adventure in Reading, one of New Orleans’ most prominent children’s literacy programs, held its “STAIR Affair” at the home of Suzanne and Matthew Wisdom. The cocktail party and silent auction gathered guests for New Orleans cuisine and adventurous cocktails that fit the Peter Pan theme. This year’s leading sponsors included Entergy Charitable Foundation, Raymond Foundation, Tesson Family Fund and Wells Fargo Advisors. The evening, which celebrated 29 years of service, raised the funds necessary to support the literacy program. STAIR sends hundreds of volunteer tutors to 29 tutoring locations in four parishes to teach reading and language skills. For volunteer tutor opportunities, call 899-0820.
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INside Peek
5 2
3
4
1. John Devlin, Janel Quitzal and 1
Kraig de Lanzac at Brother Martin High School’s Celebration of the Crest at the New Orleans Marriott. 2. Harrison Trepagnier, Steven Foundas, Brother Carl Bouchereau, S.C., and Colin Lovecchio. 3. Leigh Ann Bogran, Rebecca Bonis and Katie Stromboe. 4. The cast of Arden Cahill Academy’s Nutcracker play. 5. Karla Morris, Nicole Leche, Jackie Battaglia and Julie Haag at Christian Brothers’ 20th Anniversary of Magic in the Park Gala.
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1. Neema Patel and Martina Scheuermann at Bustles and Bows Bridal Boutique for a bridesmaid fitting. 2. Alfred E. Lemmon, Mary Ann Vial Lemmon and Harry T. Lemmon at the Laussat Society Gala presented by the Historic New Orleans Collection. 3. Laussat Society members Marilyn Dittman, Julie Breitmeyer and Mary Jane Becker. 4. Elizabeth Ogden, Cricket Lapeyre, Andrew Lapeyre and Lydia Blackmore.
IN the Spotlight United Way Alexis De Tocqueville Award Celebration
ELL NE HONEYW photos: AN
United Way of Southeastern Louisiana’s 2014 Alexis De Tocqueville Award Celebration honored John Hollowell, executive vice president of Deep Water Shell Energy Resources Company. Hollowell was recognized by the United Way Tocqueville Society for his philanthropic leadership and devotion to making a positive impact on the community. For the “western chic” evening at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, guests were invited to arrive in western attire and compete in the “Baddest Boot” contest. Sponsored by Entergy New Orleans, Peoples Health, Shell Oil Company and Supreme Service & Specialty Inc., the event benefited United Way partner programs in the community.
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IN Great Taste
by Tom Fitzmorris
Lenten
“Sacrifices”
Tom Fitzmorris’ Recipes for the Seafood Season Editor’s Note: Even with the abundance of fresh seafood we have available to us, it’s easy to rely on our old standbys, the same tried-and-true recipes we’ve used for years. With these suggestions, Tom offers us the opportunity to try new ways to highlight our favorites from the sea.
Shrimp Fra Diavolo Shrimp fra diavolo (“brother devil”) is the Italian answer to shrimp Creole. For reasons I’ve never been able to fathom, it’s a much better dish. Perhaps it’s because the sauce is lighter and other flavors rise in front of the tomatoes. The dish serves well either as an appetizer or entrée. Resist the temptation to serve it over pasta. It can also be made to a different but equally delicious effect with lobster of any kind. If you want to make this the best way possible, buy heads-on shrimp, peel them, and make a stock with the shells and a little onion, celery, and parsley. It only takes about a half-hour on a very slow simmer. Add the stock to the pan with the tomatoes. It’s a bit more work, but adds a flavor dimension I think you’ll like. 1/4 cup olive oil 2 Tbs. chopped onion 1 Tbs. chopped garlic 1 1/2 tsps. crushed red pepper 24 fresh shrimp, 10-15 count to the pound, peeled and deveined 2 Tbs. Sambuca, Galliano, Strega, ouzo, Herbsaint or some other anise-flavored liqueur (optional) 130
Inside New Orleans
1/2 cup dry white wine 4 cups chopped Italian plum tomatoes, with juice 1 Tbs. chopped fresh oregano 8 leaves chopped fresh basil 1 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. white pepper
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook the onions, garlic and crushed red pepper until they just begin to brown. Add the shrimp and cook until they begin to turn pink. Add the Sambuca (or whatever) and the white wine, and bring them to a boil. When shrimp are pink and firm, remove them from skillet and keep warm. Lean a little on the undercooked side to make them perfect. Add the tomatoes and tomato juice to the pan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, add the oregano and basil and simmer until sauce has thickened to the consistency of a thick soup. Add salt and pepper to taste. Return the shrimp to the pan and simmer another few minutes. Serve six shrimp per person with just enough sauce to make them wet, as an appetizer. Serves four.
Crabmeat St. Francis, New Style Crabmeat St. Francis was created by the legendary New Orleans chef Warren Leruth, whose restaurant in Gretna was the premier haute-Creole place to eat in the 1960s and 1970s. Warren once told me that the biggest thing he missed about not having the restaurant anymore was that he couldn’t eat crabmeat St. Francis whenever he wanted to. It was one of the most celebrated of his dishes, a fantastic appetizer. Like most of the rest of LeRuth’s food, the recipe for this dish was kept secret. But at a dinner in San Francisco celebrating the Chalone Winery’s 25th anniversary, Lee Leruth—Warren’s son, who had by then taken over the restaurant—cooked his version of crabmeat St. Francis. It’s a different recipe from the one actually used in the restaurant, which ultimately came out years later. But I think I like this one better. 1/4 cup dry white wine 1 quart heavy whipping cream 1 pint crab stock 4 bay leaves 6 oz. butter 1 large green onion, sliced finely 2 large cloves garlic, chopped 1/4 cup chopped white onions
3/4 cup hearts of celery, chopped 1/2 tsp. thyme Generous pinch celery seed 1/4 tsp. cayenne 1/4 tsp. white pepper 1 1/4 tsps. salt 1/2 cup flour 4 egg yolks 1 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley 2 lbs. fresh jumbo lump crabmeat 1/2 cup bread crumbs
In a saucepan, bring the wine, cream, crab stock, and bay leaves up to a simmer and hold there. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, and sauté all the remaining ingredients through the salt. Sauté until the vegetables are limp and translucent. Add the flour, and stir to make a blond roux with the vegetables. Take about five minutes to do this. Whisk in the cream mixture completely. Lower to just under a simmer, add the parsley, and cook for about 15 minutes. Remove the bay leaves. Whisk in the egg yolks, one at a time. Place 2 ounces of lump crabmeat in a ramekin or baking shell. Top with 1/2 cup of the sauce, sprinkle lightly with bread crumbs, and bake at 425° until the top is browned and bubbly. Serves 12 to 16. February-March 2015 131
IN Great Taste Oysters Au Poivre In 1997, my wife ordered me to enter the National Oyster Cooking Competition with this dish. The event takes place in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, where the Chesapeake Bay oysters are almost identical to the ones we have in Louisiana. I came in second. But I think you’ll enjoy this, one of my favorite fancy ways to eat oysters. Make sure you provide lots of fresh hot French bread with this—the sauce is the best part! 1 pint whipping cream 2 tsp. mixed dried peppercorns (black, white, green, pink) 8 sprigs fresh thyme Pinch saffron threads 1/4 tsp. salt All the reserved oyster water available, up to 1 cup Two dozen fresh oysters, the larger the better, preferably freshly shucked
Gratin of Crawfish Tails This is what I came up with when I tried to blend some of my favorite crawfish appetizers into a single dish. Don’t attempt this when crawfish are out of season. Freshness is essential. Best: crawfish you boiled (without crab boil) yourself and peeled. Worst: imported crawfish.
1 tsp. yellow mustard 1 tsp. Tabasco garlic pepper sauce 1 1/2 cups crawfish tails 1/2 stick butter 3 Tbs. flour 1 tsp. fresh, finely chopped garlic 2 Tbs. brandy 1 cup half-and-half, warmed 1/2 tsp. dried tarragon 1/2 tsp. dried chervil 1/2 tsp. dill
Marinade
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 tsp. white pepper
Juice of 1/2 lemon 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce 132
Inside New Orleans
Blend all the marinade ingredients and toss them
In a stainless steel or porcelain two-quart saucepan, combine the cream, peppercorns, two sprigs of thyme, and saffron. Bring to a very light boil. (Watch to make sure the pan doesn’t boil over, which cream likes to do.) Add the oyster water. Reduce about 30 minutes, to about one cup of liquid. Add six oysters. Let them cook in the sauce until it resumes bubbling—about two or three minutes. Using a slotted spoon or a skimmer, remove the oysters from the pan and keep warm while you cook the remaining oysters in batches of six. Allow the herbs, peppercorns, and sauce that coat the oysters to remain. When all the oysters are cooked, plunge them all back into the sauce for a few seconds to warm them back up. Arrange three to six (depending on size) on plates. Nap with a little extra sauce, stirring the pan to distribute the peppercorns and herbs. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs. Serves four to eight. with the crawfish tails. Marinate for about five minutes. Heat the butter over medium heat in a saucepan until it bubbles, then stir in the flour and make a light roux. Stir constantly until the texture changes, but don’t allow the roux to brown. Add the garlic and stir for about 30 seconds. Then lower the heat to the lowest setting and stir in the brandy. After about a minute, add the warmed half-and-half, and whisk until the sauce thickens. Add all the other
ingredients and simmer, stirring once or twice, for about two minutes. Stir in the crawfish gently. Continue to simmer for another minute, until the crawfish are heated through. Divide the contents of the pan into four to six ramekins or au gratin dishes. Place the dishes into a preheated 400° oven. When the sauce begins to bubble and brown at the edges, the dish is done. Serve immediately. Make sure French bread is on the table to help get the sauce. Serves four to six.
INside Dining New Orleans is home to more great restauruants than we could hope to list here. For a comprehensive listing of restaurants in the New Orleans metro area, please refer to Tom Fizmorris’ nomenu.com. In this guide, you will find some of the best bets around town. Tom’s fleur de lis ratings are shown. CARROLLTON, RIVERBEND AND BROADMOOR Babylon Café aaa Middle Eastern, 7724 Maple St., 504-314-0010 Barcelona Tapas aaa Spanish, 720 Dublin St., 504-861-9696 Basil Leaf aaa Thai, 1438 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-862-9001 Boucherie aaaa Southern Barbecue, 1506 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-862-5514 Brigtsen’s aaaa Contemporary Creole, 723 Dante St., 504-861-7610 Café Niño aaa Pizza, 1510 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-865-9200 Chiba aaa Japanese, 8312 Oak St., 504-826-9119 Ciro’s Cote Sud aaa French, 7918 Maple St., 504-866-9551 Cooter Brown’s Tavern aaa Sandwiches, 509 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-866-9104 Cowbell aa Hamburgers, 1200 Eagle St., 504-866-4222 Dante’s Kitchen aaaa Eclectic, 736 Dante St., 504-861-3121 Hana aaa Japanese, 8116 Hampson, 504-865-1634 Jacques-Imo’s aaa Cajun, 8324 Oak St., 504-861-0886 Lebanon’s Café aaa Middle Eastern, 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-862-6200 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen aaa Pizza, 615 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-866-5900 Maple Street Café aaa Creole Italian, 7623 Maple St., 504-314-9003 Mat & Naddie’s aaaa Eclectic, 937 Leonidas St., 504-861-9600 Mikimoto aaaa Japanese, 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-488-1881 Mona’s Café aa Middle Eastern, 1120 S. Carrollton Ave., 504861-8174 Panchita’s aaa Central American, 1434 S. Carrollton Ave., 504281-4127 Pupuseria La Macarena aaa Central American, 8120 Hampson St., 504-862-5252 Riccobono’s Panola Street Café
aa Breakfast, 7801 Panola St.,11.
504-314-1810 Sara’s aaa Pan-Asian, 724 Dublin St., 504-861-0565 Squeal Barbecue aa Barbecue, 8400 Oak St., 504-302-7370 Vincent’s aaaa Italian, 7839 St. Charles Ave., 504-866-9313
Lola’s aaa Spanish, 3312 Esplanade Ave., 504-488-6946 Sammy’s Food Service aaa Neighborhood Café, 3000 Elysian Fields Ave., 504-947-0675 Santa Fe aaa Mexican, 3201 Esplanade Ave., 504-948-0077
Ye Olde College Inn aaa Neighborhood Café, 3016 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-866-3683 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT Magazine St., 504-524-3386 Borgne aaa Seafood, 601 Loyola Ave. (Hyatt Regency Hotel), 504613-3860 Café Adelaide aaaa Contemporary Creole, 300 Poydras St., 504595-3305 Chophouse aaa Steak, 322 Magazine St., 504-522-7902 Desi Vega’s aaaa Steak, 628 St. Charles Ave., 504-523-7600 Domenica aaaa Italian, 123 Baronne St. (Roosevelt Hotel), 504-648-6020 Drago’s aaaa Seafood, 2 Poydras St., 504-584-3911 Herbsaint aaaa Creole French, 701 St. Charles Ave., 504-524-4114 Horinoya aaa Japanese, 920 Poydras St., 504-561-8914 Le Foret aaaaa French, 129 Camp St., 504-553-6738 Liborio aaa Cuban, 321 Magazine St., 504-581-9680 Lucky Rooster aaa Pan-Asian, 515 Baronne St., 504-529-5825 Lüke aaa French, 333 St. Charles Ave., 504-378-2840 MiLa aaaa Eclectic, 817 Common St., 504-412-2580 Morton’s The Steakhouse aaa Steak, 365 Canal St. (Canal Place Mall), 504-566-0221 Mother’s aaa Sandwiches, 401 Poydras St., 504-523-9656 Restaurant August aaaaa
Acme Oyster House aaa Seafood, Antoine’s aaaa Creole French, 713 St. Louis St., 504-581-4422 Arnaud’s aaaa Creole French, 813 Bienville St., 504-523-5433 Attiki Middle Eastern, 230 Decatur St., 504-587-3756 Bayona aaaa Eclectic, 430 Dauphine St., 504-525-4455 Bombay Club aaa Contemporary Creole, 830 Conti St., 504-5860972 Bourbon House aaa Seafood, 144 Bourbon St., 504-522-0111 Broussard’s aaaa Creole French, 819 Conti St., 504-581-3866 Café Giovanni aaaa Creole Italian, 117 Decatur St., 504-529-2154 Court of Two Sisters aaa Creole French, 613 Royal St., 504-522-7273 Crescent City Brewhouse aaa Pub Food, 527 Decatur St., 504522-0571 Criollo aaa Creole French, 214 Royal St., 504-523-3341 Deanie’s Seafood Seafood, 841 Iberville St., 504-581-1316 Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse aaa Steak, 716 Iberville St., 504-5222467 Eat aaa Neighborhood Café, 900 Dumaine St., 504-522-7222 El Gato Negro aaa Mexican, 81 French Market Place, 504-525-9752 Frank’s aaa Creole Italian, 933 Decatur St., 504-525-1602 Galatoire’s aaaa Creole French, 209 Bourbon St., 504-525-2021 Galatoire’s 33 Bar & Steak aaa
Eclectic, 301 Tchoupitoulas St.,
Steak, 215 Bourbon St., 504-
504-299-9777
335-3932
Ruby Slipper Café aaa Breakfast, Neighborhood Café, 200 Magazine St., 504-525-9355 Ruth’s Chris Steak House aaa Steak, 525 Fulton St., 504-587-7099 Windsor Court Grill Room aaa American, 300 Gravier St., 504522-1994
Galvez aaaa Spanish, 914 N. Peters St., 504-595-3400 Gumbo Shop aaa Creole, 630 St.
AND GENTILLY Liuzza’s By The Track aaa Neighborhood Café, 1518 N. Lopez St., 504-218-7888
525-3335 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen aaa Pizza, 95 French Market Place, 504-522-9500 Maximo’s Italian Grill aaaa Italian, Meauxbar aaaa French, 942 N. Rampart St., 504-569-9979 Mr. B’s Bistro aaaa Contemporary Creole, 201 Royal St., 504-523-2078 Muriel’s aaaa Contemporary Creole, 801 Chartres St., 504568-1885 Napoleon House aa Sandwiches, 500 Chartres St., 504-524-9752 New Orleans Hamburger & Seafood Co. aa Sandwiches, 541 Decatur St., 504-309-7902 Nola aaaa Contemporary Creole, 534 St. Louis St., 504-522-6652 Ole Saint Southern Coastal, 132 Royal St., 504-309-4797 Olivier’s Creole Restaurant aaa Creole, 204 Decatur St., 504525-7734 Orleans Grapevine aaa Contemporary Creole, 720 Orleans Ave., 504-523-1930 Palace Café aaa Contemporary Creole, 605 Canal St., 504-523-1661 Pelican Club aaaaa Contemporary Creole, 312 Exchange Place, 504-523-1504 Port of Call aaa Hamburgers, 838 Esplanade Ave., 504-523-0120 R’evolution aaaa Creole French, 777 Bienville (in the Royal Sonesta Hotel), 504-553-2277 Red Fish Grill aaa Seafood, 115 Bourbon St., 504-598-1200 Rib Room aaa American, 621 St. Louis St., 504-529-7045 Royal House aaa Seafood, 441 Royal St., 504-528-2601 SoBou aaa Contemporary Creole, 310 Chartres St., 504-552-4095 Stanley aa Breakfast, 547 St. Ann St., 504-587-0093 Sylvain aaa American Gourmet, 625 Chartres St., 504-265-8123 Tujague’s aaa Creole, 823 Decatur St., 504-525-8676
Peter St., 504-525-1486 GW Fins aaaa Seafood, 808 Bienville St., 504-581-3467 Irene’s Cuisine aaaa Italian, 539 St. Philip St., 504-529-8811 K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen aaaa
ESPLANADE RIDGE
Creole, 337 Dauphine St., 504-
1117 Decatur St., 504-586-8883 FRENCH QUARTER 724 Iberville St., 504-522-5973
Bon Ton Café aaa Cajun, 401
Louisiana Bistro aaa Contemporary
Cajun, 416 Chartres St., 504524-7394 Kingfish aaaa Cajun, 337 Chartres St., 504-598-5005
GARDEN DISTRICT Commander’s Palace aaaaa Contemporary Creole, 1403 Washington Ave., 504-899-8221 Coquette aaaa Creole French, 2800 Magazine St., 504-265-0421 Delmonico aaaa Contemporary Creole, 1300 St. Charles Ave., 504-525-4937 Juan’s Flying Burrito aaa Mexican, >>
February-March 2015 133
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2018 Magazine St., 504-569-0000 Miyako aaa Japanese, 1403 St. Charles Ave., 504-410-9997 Mr. John’s Steakhouse aaaa Steak, 2111 St. Charles Ave., 504-679-7697 Sake Café aaa Japanese, 2830 Magazine St., 504-894-0033 Slice aaa Pizza, 1513 St. Charles
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Andrea’s aa Italian, 3100 19th St., 504-834-8583 Andy’s Bistro aaa American, 3322 N. Turnbull Dr., 504-455-7363 Austin’s aaaa Creole, 5101 West Esplanade Ave., 504-888-5533 Byblos Market aa Middle Eastern, 2020 Veterans Blvd., 504-837-9777 Café East aaa Pan-Asian, 4628
Ave., 504-525-7437
Rye St., 504-888-0078
Stein’s Deli aaa Deli, 2207
Café Equator aaa Thai, 2920
Magazine St., 504-527-0771 Sushi Brothers aaa Japanese, 1612 St. Charles Ave., 504-581-4449 Tracey’s aaa Sandwiches, 2604 Magazine St., 504-897-5413 Zea aaa American, 1525 St. Charles Ave., 504-520-8100
Severn Ave., 504-888-4772 Carreta’s Grill a Mexican, 2320 Veterans Blvd., 504-837-6696; 1821 Hickory Ave., Harahan, 504305-4833 Casa Garcia aaa Mexican, 8814 Veterans Blvd., 504-464-0354 Casablanca aaa Mediterranean,
LAKEVIEW Café Navarre aa Sandwiches, 800 Navarre Ave., 504-483-8828 El Gato Negro aaa Mexican, 300 Harrison Ave., 504-488-0107 Lakeview Harbor aaa Hamburgers, 911 Harrison Ave., 504-486-4887 Mondo aaa Eclectic, 900 Harrison Ave., 504-224-2633 Munch Factory aaa Contemporary Creole, 6325 Elysian Fields Ave., 504-324-5372 Ralph’s On The Park aaaa Contemporary Creole, 900 City Park Ave., 504-488-1000 Steak Knife aaa Contemporary Creole, 888 Harrison Ave., 504488-8981 Tony Angello’s aaa Creole Italian, 6262 Fleur de Lis Dr., 504-488-0888
3030 Severn Ave., 504-888-2209 China Rose aaa Chinese, 3501 N. Arnoult St., 504-887-3295 Come Back Inn aa Neighborhood Café, 8016 W. Metairie Ave., 504467-9316 Crabby Jack’s aaa Sandwiches, 428 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, 504-833-2722 Creole Grille aaa Creole, 5241
Adolfo’s aa Italian, 611 Frenchmen St., 504-948-3800 Feelings aaa Creole French, 2600 Chartres St., 504-945-2222 Mona’s Café,**, Middle Eastern, 504 Frenchmen St., 504-949-4115 Praline Connection aa Creole, 542 Frenchmen St., 504-943-3934 Ruby Slipper Café aaa Breakfast, Neighborhood Café, 2001 Burgundy St., 504-525-9355 Snug Harbor aaa American, 626 Frenchmen St., 504-949-0696 Sukho Thai aaa Thai, 1913 Royal St., 504-948-9309 Wasabi aaa Japanese, 900 Frenchmen St., 504-943-9433
Acme Oyster House aaa Seafood, 3000 Veterans Blvd., 504-309-4056 Acropolis Cuisine aaa Greek, 3841 Veterans Blvd., 504-888-9046
134
Inside New Orleans
Ave., 504-309-7283
New Orleans Hamburger & Seafood Co. aa Sandwiches, 1005 S. Clearview Pkwy., Elmwood, 504734-1122; 817 Veterans Blvd., 504-837-8580; 6920 Veterans Blvd., 504-455-1272 Parran’s Po-Boys aaa Sandwiches, 3939 Veterans Blvd., 504-885-3416 Peppermill aaa Creole Italian, 3524 Severn Ave., 504-455-2266 Pho Orchid aaa Vietnamese, 3117 Houma Blvd., 504-457-4188 Ristorante Filippo aaa Creole Italian, 1917 Ridgelake Dr., 504835-4008 RocketFire Pizza Co. aaa Pizza, 612 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 504-828-8161 Royal China aaa Chinese, 600 Veterans Blvd., 504-831-9633 Ruth’s Chris Steak House aaaa Steak, 3633 Veterans Blvd., 504888-3600 Sake Café aa Japanese, 1130 S. Clearview Pkwy., Elmwood, 504-
889-7992
504-779-7253
4426 Transcontinental Blvd., 504885-6885 Drago’s aaaa Seafood, 3232 N. Arnoult Rd., 504-888-9254 Fausto’s aaa Creole Italian, 530
Sandro’s Trattoria aaa Creole Italian, 6601 Veterans Blvd., 504888-7784 Shogun aaaa Japanese, 2325 Veterans Blvd., 504-833-7477 Taqueria Corona aaa Mexican,
Five Happiness aaa Chinese, 3605 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-482-3935 Juan’s Flying Burrito aaa Mexican, 4724 S. Carrollton Ave., 504486-9950 Katie’s aaa Neighborhood Café, 3701 Iberville St., 504-488-6582 Little Tokyo aaa Japanese, 310 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-485-5658 Liuzza’s aaa Neighborhood Café, 3636 Bienville St., 504-482-9120 Mandina’s aaa Italian, Seafood, 3800 Canal St., 504-482-9179 Mona’s Café aa Middle Eastern, 3901 Banks St., 504-482-7743 Parkway Poor Boys aaa Sandwiches, 538 Hagan Ave., 504-482-3047 Redemption aaaa Contemporary Creole, 3835 Iberville St., 504309-3570 Ruby Slipper Café aaa Breakfast, Neighborhood Café, 139 S. Cortez St., 504-309-5531 Rue 127 aaaa Contemporary Creole, 127 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-483-1571 Toups’ Meatery aaa Cajun, 845 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-252-4999 Venezia aaa Italian, 134 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-488-7991 Willie Mae’s Scotch House aaa Chicken, 2401 St. Ann St., 504822-9503
Veterans Blvd., 504-833-7121
3535 Severn Ave., 504-885-5088
Fury’s aaa Seafood, 724 Martin
Vincent’s aaaa Creole Italian, 4411
NORTHSHORE
Chastant St., 504-885-2984
Acme Oyster House aaa Seafood,
Behrman Ave., 504-834-5646
Zea aaa American, 4450 Veterans
Café, 741 Bonnabel Blvd., 504-
Blvd. (Clearview Mall), 504-
835-8593
780-9090; 1655 Hickory Ave.,
Heritage Grill Contemporary Creole,
Harahan, 504-738-0799
111 Veterans Blvd., 504-9344900 Hillbilly Barbecue aaa Barbecue,
Angelo Brocato aaa Dessert and Coffee, 214 N. Carrollton Ave.,
504-738-1508
504-486-1465
Impastato’s aaaa Creole Italian, 3400 16th St., 504-455-1545 Korea House aaa Korean, 3547 18th St., 504-888-0654 Kosher Cajun Deli aa Deli, 3519 Severn Ave., 504-888-2010 Little Tokyo aaa Japanese, 2300 N. Causeway Blvd., 504-831-6788
Café Degas aaa French, 3127 Esplanade Ave., 504-945-5635 Café Minh aaaa Vietnamese, 4139 Canal St., 504-482-6266 Cafe NOMA Contemporary Creole,
Ave., Covington, 504-892-2373 Bear’s Grill & Spirits aaa Sandwiches, 4700 LA 22, Mandeville, 985-674-9090; 550 Gause Blvd., Slidell, 985201-8905 Bosco’s aaa Creole Italian, 141 612-7250, 2040 La Hwy 59,
3903 Canal St., 504-482-1225 Steak, 1001 N. Broad St., 504-
1001 Live Oak St., 504-838-0022
809-7669 Bear’s aa Sandwiches, 128 W. 21St.
TerraBella Blvd., Covington, 985-
714 Elmeer Ave., 504-896-7350
Memorial Blvd., 504-644-4155
Contemporary Creole, 71518
Canal Street Bistro aaa Mexican, Crescent City Steak House aaa
Mr. Ed’s aaa Neighborhood Café,
246-6155 Annadele Plantation aaaa
1 Collins Diboll Circle, 504-482-1264
Martin Wine Cellar Deli aaa Deli,
craft beers on tap, 3131 Veterans
1202 US 190, Covington, 985-
Chestnut St., Covington, 985MID-CITY
2317 Hickory Ave., River Ridge,
Mellow Mushroom aa Pizza, 30 METAIRIE
Vietnamese, 135 N. Carrollton
Street, 504-833-6310
733-8879, 4201 Veterans Blvd.,
Cypress aaa Contemporary Creole,
Doson’s Noodle House aaa
aaa Seafood, 3117 21St.
Veterans Memorial Blvd., 504-
Giorlando’s aaa Neighborhood MARIGNY
Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House
821-3271 Crescent Pie & Sausage Company
Mandeville, 985-624-5066 Café Lynn aaaa Contemporary Creole, 3051 East Causeway Approach, Mandeville, 985-624-9007 Camellia Café aaa Neighborhood
aaa Neighborhood Café, 4408
Café, 69455 LA 59, Abita Springs,
Banks St., 504-482-6264
985-809-6313; 525 190 Hwy. W.,
Dooky Chase aaa Creole, 2301 Orleans Ave., 504-821-0600
Slidell, 985-649-6211
i Carreta’s Grill a Mexican, 1340 Lindberg Dr., Slidell, 985-847-
aaa Seafood, 208 Lee Lane, Covington, 985-875-0432
The Chimes aaa Cajun, 19130 W.
Nuvolari’s aaaa Creole Italian, 246
Contemporary Creole, 2228 Carey St., Slidell, 985-641-4501 Dakota aaaa Contemporary Creole, 629 N. US 190, Covington, 985-892-3712 DiCristina’s aaa Italian, 810 N. Columbia St., Covington, 985875-0160 DiMartino’s aaa Italian, 700 S. Tyler
George’s aaa Mexican, 1461 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, 985626-4342 Gio’s Villa Vancheri aaa Italian, 2890 E. Causeway Approach, Mandeville, 985-624-2597 Jacmel Inn Contemporary Creole, 903 E Morris Ave., Hammond, 985-542-0043 Keith Young’s Steak House aaaa Steak, 165 LA 21, Madisonville, 985-845-9940 La Carreta aaa Mexican, 812 Hyw 190, Covington, 985-400-5202; 1200 W. Causeway Approach, Mandeville, 985-624-2990 La Provence aaaa French, 25020 US 190, Lacombe, 985-626-7662 Lakehouse aaa Contemporary
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St., Covington, 985-400-5663 Creole, 69305 Hwy 21, Covington, 985-893-3603 Ristorante Del Porto aaaa Italian, 501 E. Boston St., Covington, 985-875-1006 Sake Garden aaa Japanese, 1705 US 190, Mandeville, 985-624-8955 Highway 190, Lacombe, 985-
St., Covington, 985-892-9992
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Pardo’s aaaa Contemporary
Fazzio’saa Italian,1841 N. Causeway
Contemporary Creole, 509 S. Tyler
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Girod St., Mandeville, 985-626-5619
Sal and Judy’s aaaa Italian, 27491
Gallagher’s Grill aaaa
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Oxlot 9 Contemporary, 488 E Boston
St., Covington, 985-276-6460 Blvd., Mandeville, 985-624-9704
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Rd., Slidell, 985-643-0443
Covington, 985-871-6674
Christopher’s On Carey aaaa
s
New Orleans Food & Spirits
0020; 70380 LA Hwy. 21,
Front St., Covington, 985-892-5396
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882-9443 Thai Chili aaa Thai, 1102 N. US 190, Covington, 985-809-0180 Thai Orchid aaa Thai, 785 Robert Blvd., Slidell, 985-781-0240 Trey Yuen aaa Chinese, 600 Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, 985626-4476 Water Street Bistro aaa Contemporary Creole, 804 Water St., Madisonville, 985-845-3855 Winos & Tacos Mexican, 321 N. Columbia St., Covington, 985809-3029 Young’s aaa Steak, 850 Robert Blvd., Slidell, 985-643-9331 Yujin aaa Japanese, 323 N. New Hampshire St., Covington, 985809-3840 Zea aaa American, 110 Lake Dr., Covington, 985-327-0520; 173 Northshore Blvd., Slidell, 985273-0500
Creole, 2025 Lakeshore Dr., Mandeville, 985-626-3006 Little Tokyo aaa Japanese, 590 Asbury Dr., Mandeville, 504-727-1532 Lola aaa Contemporary Creole, Sandwiches, 517 N. New Hampshire St., Covington, 985892-4992 Mandina’s aaa Italian, Seafood, 4240 La 22, Mandeville, 985674-9883 Mattina Bella aaa Breakfast, 421 E. Gibson St., Covington, 985892-0708 Mellow Mushroom aa Pizza, 30 craft beers on tap, 1645 N. Hwy. 190, Covington, 985-327-5407 Michael’s aaaa Creole French, 4820 Pontchartrain Dr., Slidell, 985-649-8055 N’Tini’s aaa Creole, 2891 US 190, Mandeville, 985-626-5566 Nathan’s aaaa Contemporary Creole, 36440 Old Bayou Liberty
OLD METAIRIE Bear’s Grill & Spirits aaa Sandwiches, 3206 Metairie Rd., 504-833-9226 Byblos aaa Middle Eastern, 1501 Metairie Rd., 504-834-9773 Café B aaa Contemporary Creole, 2700 Metairie Rd., 504-934-4700 Chateau Du Lac aaaa French, 2037 Metairie Rd., 504-831-3773 Galley Seafood aaa Seafood, 2535 Metairie Rd., 504-832-0955 Porter & Luke’s aaa Creole Homestyle, 1517 Metairie Rd., 504-875-4555 Sun Ray Grill aaa American, 619 Pink St., 504-837-0055 Taj Mahal aaa Indian, 923-C Metairie Rd., 504-836-6859 Vega Tapas Café aaa Mediterranean, 2051 Metairie Rd., 504-836-2007
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February-March 2015 135
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e UPTOWN Amici aaa Italian, 3218 Magazine St., 504-300-1250 Ancora Pizzeria aaa Pizza, 4508 Freret St., 504-324-1636 Apolline aaaa American Gourmet, 4729 Magazine St., 504-894-8881 Atchafalaya aaaa Contemporary Creole, 901 Louisiana Ave., 504891-9626 Baru Bistro & Tapas aaa Caribbean, 3700 Magazine St., 504-895-2225 Bistro Daisy aaaa Creole French, 5831 Magazine St., 504-899-6987 Byblos aaa Middle Eastern, 3242 Magazine St., 504-894-1233 Casamento’s aaa Seafood, 4330 Magazine St., 504-895-9761 Charlie’s Steak House aaa Steak, 4510 Dryades St., 504-895-9705 Clancy’s aaaa Contemporary Creole, 6100 Annunciation St.,
New York Pizza aa Pizza, 4418 Magazine St., 504-891-2376 Ninja aaaa Japanese, 8433 Oak St., 504-866-1119 Nirvana aaa Indian, 4308 Magazine St., 504-894-9797 Pascal’s Manale aaa Creole Italian, 1838 Napoleon Ave., 504-895-4877 Patois aaaa Creole French, 6078 Laurel St., 504-895-9441 Rum House aaa Caribbean, 3128 Magazine St., 504-941-7560 Salú aaa Eclectic, 3226 Magazine St., 504-371-5958 Slice aaa Pizza, 5538 Magazine St., 504-897-4800 Sukho Thai aaa Thai, 4519 Magazine St., 504-373-6471 Taqueria Corona aaa Mexican, 5932 Magazine St., 504-897-3974 Upperline aaaa Contemporary Creole, 1413 Upperline St., 504891-9822
504-895-1111 Dat Dog aa Sandwiches, 3336 Magazine St., 504-894-8885; 5030 Freret St., 504-899-6883 Dick & Jenny’s aaaa Contemporary Creole, 4501 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-894-9880 Dominique’s On Magazine aaaa American Gourmet, 4213 Magazine St., 504-891-9282 Flaming Torch aaa French, 737 Octavia St., 504-895-0900 Gautreau’s aaaa American, 1728 Soniat St., 504-899-7397 High Hat Café aa Creole Homestyle, 4500 Freret St., 504-754-1366 Uptown,Jamila’s aaa Middle Eastern, 7806 Maple St., 504866-4366 Joey K’s aaa Neighborhood Café, 3001 Magazine St., 504-891-0997 Kyoto aaa Japanese, 4920 Prytania St., 504-891-3644 La Crepe Nanou aaaa French, 1410 Robert St., 504-899-2670 La Petite Grocery aaaa French, 4238 Magazine St., 504-891-3377 La Thai Cuisine aaaa Thai, 4938 Prytania St., 504-899-8886 Lilette aaaa French, 3637 Magazine St., 504-895-1636 Mahony’s aaa Neighborhood Café, 3454 Magazine St., 504-899-3374 Martinique aaa French, 5908 Magazine St., 504-891-8495 Midway Pizza aaa Pizza, 4725 Freret St., 504-322-2815 Mona’s Café aa Middle Eastern, 4126 Magazine St., 504-894-9800 New Orleans Hamburger & Seafood Co. aa Sandwiches, 4141 St. Charles Ave., 504-247-9753
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Inside New Orleans
WAREHOUSE DISTRICT AND CENTRAL CITY 7 On Fulton aaa Contemporary Creole,701 Convention Center Blvd., 504-575-7555 American Sector aa American, 945 Magazine St., 504-528-1940 Annunciation aaaa Contemporary Creole, 1016 Annunciation St., 504-568-0245 Café Reconcile aaa Lunch Café, 1631 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., 504-568-1157 Cochon aaa Cajun, 930 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-588-2123 Eleven 79 aaaa Italian, 1179 Annunciation St., 504-569-0001 Emeril’s aaaaa Contemporary Creole, 800 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-528-9393 Grand Isle aaa Seafood, 575 Convention Center Blvd., 504520-8530 La Boca aaaa Steak, 870 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-525-8205 Mais Arepas aaaa South American, 1200 Carondelet St., 504-523-6247 Pêche Seafood Grill aaa Seafood, 800 Magazine St., 504-522-1744 Rene Bistrot aaa Creole French, 700 Tchoupitoulas, 504-613-2350 Rock-n-Sake aaa Japanese, 823 Fulton St., 504-581-7253 Root aaaa Eclectic, 200 Julia St., 504-252-9480 Sun Ray Grill aaa Eclectic, 1051 Annunciation St., 504-566-0021 Tomas Bistro aaaa Creole French, 755 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-527-0942 Tommy’s Cuisine aaaa Creole Italian,
746 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-581-1103 Ugly Dog Saloon aa Barbecue, 401 Andrew Higgins Blvd., 504-569-8459 WEST END AND BUCKTOWN Blue Crab aaa Seafood, 7900 Lakeshore Dr., 504-284-2898 Brisbi’s aaa Seafood, 7400 Lakeshore Dr., 504-555-5555 Deanie’s Seafood aa Seafood, 1713 Lake Ave., 504-831-4141 New Orleans Food & Spirits aaa Seafood, 210 Hammond Hwy., 504828-2220 R&O’s aaa Seafood, 216 Old Hammond Hwy., 504-831-1248 Two Tony’s aaa Creole Italian, 8536 Pontchartrain Blvd., 504-282-0801 Wasabi aaa Japanese, 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., 504-267-3263
Reader Resources Contact Us: Telephone: (504) 934-9684 Fax: (504) 934-7721 Website: insideneworleans.net Receiving Inside New Orleans in Your Mailbox? You are on our mailing list, and you will continue to receive Inside New Orleans every other month at no charge. Please join us in thanking our advertisers, who make this possible. Pick Up a Copy: At one of our advertisers’ locations, or at Barnes & Noble, 3721 Veterans Blvd., Metairie. Subscribe: To subscribe to Inside New Orleans, or if you have a question about your subscription, please contact us by telephone or e-mail us at subscriptions@insidepub.com. Subscriptions are $18 for one year, or $30 for two years. To change your address, please send both your old address and new address. The post office does not forward magazines. Advertising Information: For advertising information, please contact us by telephone or e-mail us at sales@insidepub.com. Inquire and Share Ideas: Do you know a person, organization or endeavor we might consider featuring in our pages? Or a great storyteller who may want to write for us? Please contact the editor at editor@insidepub.com.
Directory of Advertisers ADVERTISER............................. CONTACT INFO PAGE 1-World Language........................... 504-388-0411 111 Abode.............................................. 504-266-2135 47 About Face of New Orleans.............. 504-304-1556 101 Adler’s............................................. 504-523-5292 IFC All American Healthcare................... 504-288-3888 81 American Factory Direct.................... 985-871-0300 25 Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor.... 985-727-9787 108 Arden Cahill Academy...................... 504-392-0902 115 Armbruster Artworks........................ 985-630-6295 81 Art and Eyes..................................... 504-891-4494 46 Artistry of Light................................ 225-247-8963 14 Attiki Bar & Grill............................... 504-587-3756 110 Basics Underneath........................... 504-891-1000 87 Benbow Veterinary Services.............. 504-304-7367 67 Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights............. 504-522-9485 5 Bora Bora......................................... 985-951-8454 127 Boudreaux’s Fine Jewelers................ 985-626-1666 103 Bra Genie......................................... 985-951-8638 112 Bra la Vie!........................................ 985-662-5065 88 Braud and Gallagher........................ 985-778-0771 111 Bridal Boutique By Mae Me.............. 504-266-2771 112 Brother Martin High School.............. 504-283-1561 119 Broussard’s...................................... 504-581-3866 11, 107 Brown Family Orthodontics............... 504-723-8677 50 Bustles & Bows................................ 504-780-7090 109 Cabinets by Design........................... 504-899-2300 26 Carreta’s Grill................................... 504-837-6696 24 Cedarwood School........................... 985-845-7111 116 Center for Restorative Breast Surgery.... 504-899-2800 128 Chateau Café................................... 504-286-1777 67 Christwood Retirement Center......... christwoodrc.com 28 Chronos Body Health Wellness......... 504-267-4549 34 Continental Underwriters, Ltd........... 985-898-5300 43 DA Exterminating............................. 504-888-4941 95 Deleon and Sons.............................. 504-628-1363 136 Dorsey & Company........................... 504-524-5431 43 Eclectic Home................................... 504-866-6654 24 EMB Interiors................................... 985-626-1522 15 Emma’s Shoes and Accessories......... 504-407-0668 87 Everybody Wellness.......................... 504-287-8558 95 Fabulous Fêtes................................. 504-400-5336 136 FeBe................................................ 504-835-5250 88 First Bank and Trust............................ fbtonline.com 19 Fitness Expo..................................... 504-887-0880 9 Foot Solutions.................................. 504-833-3555 88 Franco’s Athletic Club....................... 504-218-4637 IBC french mix, the................................. 985-809-3152 95 French Quarter Backdrop......................................... .........................frenchquarterbalconybackdrop.com 88 Gardner Realtor- Chris and Charlotte Dorion............ ....................................................... 504-237-8615 111 Glenn Michael Salon........................ 504-828-6848 17 GNO Property Management............. 504-525-2985 58 Green Parrot Design......................... 504-486-8128 29 Hazelnut.......................................... 985-626-8900 20 Hemline - Metairie........................... 504-309-8778 87
ADVERTISER............................. CONTACT INFO PAGE Hermann-Grima House............................hgghh.org 101 Historic New Orleans Collection........ 504-523-4662 20 Jefferson Ambulatory Surgery Center..... 504-274-3100 44 Jefferson Performing Arts Society................jpas.org 117 Jennifer Rice, Dorian Bennett Sotheby’s... 985-892-1478 126 Jovann Armstrong Fine Art Gallery.... 225-603-3381 67 Kevan Hall Sport.........................kevanhallsport.com 10 Khoobehi & Associates...................... khoobehi.com 13 La Bella Vita Laser & Vein................. 985-892-2950 47 Law Office of David Courcelle........... 504-828-1315 96 LCI Workers Comp............................ 985-612-1230 122 Louisiana Custom Closets................. 504-885-3188 123 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen.................... 504-522-9500 135 Louisiana State Museum.................. 504-568-6968 58 M Design and Consultation.............. 504-343-4672 66 Magazine Street Merchants Association................... ............................................... magazinestreet.com 53 Make Me Up.................................... 504-891-9688 109 McGehee School.............................. 504-561-1224 119 Mellow Mushroom........................... 504-644-4155 50 Mercedes Benz of New Orleans........ 504-456-3727 3 Michalopoulos Gallery................michalopoulos.com 25 National Preowned Cars................... 504-934-1650 136 New Orleans Home & Garden Show........................ ................................... neworleanshomeshows.com 12 Niche Modern Home....................... 985- 624-4045 28 Nola Boils..........................................nolaboils.com 66 Nonna Randazzo’s Bakery................ 985-893-1488 53 North American Insurance Agency..... 985-871-5480 126 Northshore Dermatology ................. 985-792-5959 23 Ole River LLC................................... 855-534-8330 44 Outdoor Living Center...................... 985-893-8008 96 Pan American Power......................... 985-893-1271 27 Paretti Jaguar of New Orleans.......... 504-888-5420 BC Performance Tile & Marble................ 985-651-6531 81 Ralph Brennan Rest. Group.......neworleans-food.com 135 Riverview Camp for Girls.................. 800-882-0722 118 Rockbrook Summer Camp for Girls.......................... ............................................... rockbrookcamp.com 115 St. Charles Lighting.......................... 985-758-2020 15 St. Martin’s Episcopal School ................................. ......................................stmsaints.com/steamcamp 118 St. Romain Interiors.......................... 985-845-7411 81 Sculpting Center of New Orleans...... 504-309-9456 7 Shades of Blue................................. 504-891-1575 136 Skin Science................................ skinsciencellc.com 4 Sotre................................................ 504-304-9475 34 Southern Hotel................................. 844-866-1907 108 Steamboat Natchez Riverboat........... 504-569-1401 101 Sucré............................................... shopsucre.com 113 Town and Country............................ 504-523-7027 101 Villa, The.......................................... 985-626-9797 87 Vita................................................. 504-831-1111 6 West Feliciana Parish Tourist Commission................. ....................................................... 800-798-4221 111 You Night..................................younightevents.com 37 February-March 2015 137
Sucré
Executive Chef Tariq Hanna prepares Sucré’s signature king cakes with Danish dough, cinnamon and raw cane sugar before lightly glazing and dusting the finished cakes.
138
Inside New Orleans
FRENCH MACARONS, homemade gelato, peppermint bark, drinking chocolates, handmade marshmallows, king cakes, candied pecans—is your mouth watering yet? At Sucré, A Sweet Boutique, you’ll certainly find your sweet tooth fix. Executive Chef Tariq Hanna, who has been named one of the top 10 chocolatiers in North America, skillfully creates the decadent macarons, chocolates and confections available in Sucré’s boutiques and its online shop. The experience of a Sucré visit is far from one dimensional, says Zack Pontious, the company’s visual brand manager. “We’re pretty unique in the pastry and confection realm. Everything has extreme attention to detail,
by Leah Draffen
from our small-batch confections to our handwrapped packaging.” All of Sucré’s detailed delights are made fresh daily in the confection studio and kitchen hub. Chef Tariq handcrafts the macarons with rich mousseline. The signature macaron flavors, including pecan, chocolate, salted caramel, almond, pistachio, strawberry, hazelnut and bananas foster, are in the store every day of the week. Sucré has three locations: the original boutique on Magazine Street, at Lakeside Shopping Center and at the newest address on Conti Avenue. Chef Tariq and founder Joel Dondis are exploring a new endeavor on the second floor of their Conti location—Salon Restaurant by Sucré. Enjoy sweet and savory shareables and wine before heading downstairs for dessert.
photos: SAM HANNA HANNAFOTO.COM
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