April-May 2016 Issue of Inside New Orleans by Inside Publications

450

WOMEN IN BUSINESS • AN ARTFUL REPOSE • WHIDBEY ISLAND • DR. SOPHIA OMORO

APRIL-MAY 2016 VOL. 3, NO. 2

April-May 2016 3

April-May 2016

Vol. 3, No. 2

Publisher Lori Murphy –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Editor-in-Chief Anne Honeywell Senior Editor Jan Murphy Associate Editor Maggie Murphy Managing Editor Leah Draffen Editorial Intern Rebecca Perrette Contributors are featured on page 16. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Art Director Brad Growden Graphic Designer Jennifer Starkey –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Business Manager Jane Quillin Senior Account Executives Poki Hampton Candice Laizer Barbara Roscoe Account Executives Angelle Albright Barbara Bossier Kim Camet Jennifer Forbes Lindsay Gardner Francesca Lupo Amy Taylor Advertising Coordinator Margaret Rivera –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 Rhenda Saporito Got GPS!, Too

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ©2016 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 New Orleans Magazine is created using the Adobe Creative Suite on Apple Macintosh computers.

Inside New Orleans

contents table of

page 34

page 75

Features 18 Communicating Without Words Cover Artist Rhenda Saporito 34 An Artful Repose The Kersteins’ Urban Retreat 41 Downtown Living The CBD and Warehouse District 42 Dr. Sophia Omoro Kenyan Angel page 42

48 Destination: Whidbey Island, Washington 62 What’s Up, “Doc?” Jazz Fest Fan David “Doc” Mancina 65 Jazz Fest 2016 82 Abstract Lyricism Artist Nissan Engel

page 48 8

Inside New Orleans

Women In Business Follows page 86.

contents table of

page 67

Departments 12 Publisher’s Note 14 Editor’s Note 15 Reader Resources 16 Contributors 22 INside Scoop 33 INside Story Spring Break with Scarface 46 IN Better Health Patrick Keating 56 At the Table Buon Appetito! 67 Flourishes Extraordinary gifts and home accents

80 IN Development Mid-City Vibe

72 Trade Secrets Ho-hum House?

119 IN the Bookcase Where We Belong, by Hoda Kotb with Jane Lorenzini

75 Inside Look Shades of Spring

120 IN Great Taste Jam Session

page 72

122 INside Dining 126 INside Peek Featuring: CAC SweetArts 2016 Réveillon for Boys Hope Girls Hope Stafford Tile & Stone Creating Mosaics Fidelity Bank Rally A Pair of Events Celebrating WYES and Downton Abbey 134 Last Bite The Blue Crab Restaurant & Oyster Bar

page 120

Inside New Orleans

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” – Henry David Thoreau

by Lori Murphy The postcard taped to my computer celebrates this quotation. On most mornings, it reminds me that I have the blessing of doing exactly what I love to do. Most mornings, that is true. But some days just don’t seem to be at all as we had imagined they would be, no matter how hard we try. Leading a small company like ours can be exhilarating, exciting, exhausting and sometimes daunting. Thankfully, on most days, the courage to press on comes— sometimes from out of nowhere. The women we celebrate in this issue are all living the lives they have imagined. Though every featured Woman IN Business is unique, the common themes of enthusiasm and passion run throughout. They have each set a course toward their dreams and press on. A friend sent me a post that said you don’t get strong by having everything go right; you gain strength from learning to overcome the things that went wrong. That is so true, and these women have found a way to make it work. I know you will be inspired by them and their stories. Transcendentalists like Thoreau believe that people are at their best when truly selfreliant and independent. It might be that to break out into their own direction, leaders need a certain amount of that ideal. You need to be sure that the approach you are going to take in the execution of your business is the right thing to do. But I also know that no one succeeds alone. Really successful women surround themselves with the right kind of energy, the best people and a real sense of purpose. It is such a joy to live the life you imagined. It isn’t easy, but it is worth it! Thank you to all of those around me who support the dreams that bring this magazine to life with every issue. They are my inspiration.

And speaking of fabulous women, one of New Orleans’ finest, Genevieve Munson Trimble (pictured here between Ruthie Frierson and Anne Redd), was in the spotlight a few weeks ago. A cocktail reception and book signing was held for Trimble at The Pavilion of the Two Sisters in City Park’s Botanical Gardens to introduce her beautiful new coffee table book, Afton Villa: The Birth and Rebirth of a Nineteenth-Century Louisiana Garden.

Inside New Orleans

Editor’s Note by Anne Honeywell

In this business, I get to work with and meet a lot of different people. And putting together this particular issue, a lot of women. Talented women. Each of whom, in her own way, is an important part of the fabric of New Orleans. I have said it before, and I will say it again. Women are strong and powerful. I am fortunate to have always

A selfie with

had a strong woman role model in my life. My mother is a steadfast example of strength for me. Underneath her soft-spoken elegance is a tenacious spirit, which has guided me my entire life. And her network is like something you’ve never seen. I now stand in awe of how interwoven she is into that New Orleans fabric. Her network has helped me to carve out my own path, and I never shy from answering proudly, “Yes, I am Alma Dunlap’s daughter.” This issue includes our annual Women IN Business special section, which highlights a collection of amazing women who work in a great variety of businesses all around our wonderful city and region. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to meet many of them and look forward to seeing the rest at our Women IN Business luncheon. There, we will celebrate this group of accomplished ladies, their companies and this April/May issue. Within these pages, you will also find the stories of two other incredible women: cover artist Rhenda Saporito, page 18, by Linda Trappey Dautreuil, and Sophia Omoro, page 42, by Karen Gibbs. And some interesting and talented men, too! Kate Brevard introduces us to artist Nissan Engel (page 82) and Webb Williams (page 62) writes all about Jazz Fest die-hard “Doc” Mancina. Speaking of Jazz Fest, enjoy our picks on page 65 and Mid-City Vibe by Tom Hancock on page 80. As April turns to May, we will be celebrating Mother’s Day—and I will be celebrating my mom and her quiet strength. I hope you will celebrate a strong woman in your life as well! Happy Reading!

Inside New Orleans

my mom.

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 advertisersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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.

April-May 2016 15

Sandra Scalise Juneau Freelance writer Sandra Scalise Juneau is happy to contribute to Inside New Orleans while continuing her many years of writing for Inside Northside. Sandra’s passions as a culinary arts historian and cultural/ community events coordinator and fundraiser keep her involved. She represented her Sicilian heritage to the Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, tracing the influences of la cucina Italiana on Louisiana’s cuisine. Sandra and her husband, Roland, have been married for over 50 years. On page 48, she shares about their trip to Whidbey Island.

Other Voices: Gretchen Armbruster, Kate Brevard, Linda Trappey Dautreuil, Leah Draffen, Tom Fitzmorris, Lisa Fremont, Karen Gibbs, Tom Hancock, Michael Harold, Trudy Hurley, Yvette Jemison, Meri Monsour and Terri Schlichenmeyer.

Candra George is a wife, mother, travel junkie and collector of all things vintage and shiny. She’s been a professional photographer since 2007, and has been blessed to work with some of the best in the industry. When Candra isn’t traveling and shooting, she spends her days at home, attempting to take photos of her messy toddler and stubborn French bulldog. In this issue, Candra’s photos accompany several articles, including the one on Dr. Sophia Omoro on page 42. 16

Inside New Orleans

Webb Williams

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Maggie Murphy photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Candra George

Maggie Murphy is an associate editor at Inside New Orleans. Growing up around the business, she has always held a passion for magazines. After receiving her bachelor’s degree from SMU in Dallas, Maggie moved to the United Kingdom to obtain her master’s degree in communication studies from the London School of Economics. Maggie is happy to be back in her hometown doing the work she loves most. She writes consistently for Inside Publications, with her favorite assignments being Last Bite (page 134) and all things New Orleans—from parties to urban living (page 41).

photo: STEPHEN FAURE

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.

In this issue, Webb Williams brings his unique style to writing about Jazz Fest aficionado David “Doc” Mancina on page 62. Inside Northside readers have enjoyed Webb’s “voice” since 2002; he adds humor and warmth to tales of history and stories featuring interesting characters. After serving in the Air Force, Webb decided to become a writer. He learned camera, lighting and audio on his own to prepare for a career in advertising. Formerly Popeyes’ national creative director, Webb works as a freelance advertising copywriter/producer.

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Contributors

Communicating Without Words by Linda Trappey Dautreuil

ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM is considered the first American art movement to exert influence internationally. The first wave of artists advancing the movement worked in New York as early as the 1940s. By the ’50s and ’60s, the second wave continued to extend and expand the movement. One of the prominent figures in the second wave was American painter and printmaker Joan Mitchell. Her legacy continues today through the Joan Mitchell Foundation, an organization recognized for its role in the recovery of the arts community after Hurricane Katrina and its continuing support for emerging and established artists, as well as those who suffer losses in their ability to work after declared disasters. In 2010, the Joan Mitchell Foundation and Newcomb Art Gallery at Tulane University, most recently the Newcomb Art Museum, presented a symposium and exhibition of large-scale pastel drawings by Joan Mitchell with interpretative documentation and lectures by scholars, artists and collectors. The response was memorable as people from New Orleans and the surrounding communities in South Louisiana filled the auditorium and then the 18

Inside New Orleans

age of three. She has lived in New Orleans for over 40 years and maintains studios in her Old Metairie home and Pass Christian. Her interest in the arts began in grammar school when she attended the Louisiana Tech Laboratory School in Ruston. Art was encouraged for all grades, and often faculty from the art department taught her classes. Rhenda’s mother was a home economics teacher; after high school, Rhenda went on to follow in her mother’s footsteps. Her interest in making things grew into a design ethic with an emphasis on interiors. While doing research in Architectural Digest, Rhenda was drawn to the picture of a painting by an unknown artist. Her budget as a collector was very small at the time. She made an effort to find the name of the artist in order to discuss the painting, but she was unsuccessful.>>

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Cover Artist Rhenda Saporito

gallery viewing her work. For most, even those who had previously seen her large-scale paintings, the grandeur and intense feeling conveyed through the medium of pastel renewed awareness of the power and freshness of her work. Rhenda Saporito is one of the most ardent admirers of Mitchell’s work. She describes seeing the pastel drawings for the first time in New Orleans as “a game-changing experience” in her art practice. Working in oils for a short time, and then acrylic paint, Saporito did not consider pastel as an option until she saw the possibilities of the medium in the hands of a master. “I was reduced to tears when I entered Newcomb Gallery and saw her pastels. I began using pastel in my own abstract way.” Born in Dallas, Rhenda moved to Louisiana at the

The idea came to her that she could learn from the painting by exploring how it was made. In the process, she discovered an intense desire to learn more. Contact, both personal and online, distinguishes Saporito in her effort to learn about the arts. She is a firm believer in the ability of the individual to acquire skills in a variety of ways. Her path has been non-traditional in that she took her first step toward art instruction not by enrolling in a university, but on advice from a friend, from the acclaimed designer, Rebecca Vizard. Rhenda had a specific goal at the time, learning about color theory. The result of Vizard’s suggestion that she take a class from Auseklis Ozols at New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts turned into much more. Saporito says, “I formally began my art career at NOAFA. I took classes, including special projects, abstract painting, life drawing, and sculpture at the academy for over 15 years. I enjoyed the art work as much as I enjoyed the friendship with other students.” Naturally gregarious and generous in her friendships, Rhenda possesses the confidence to converse with other professional artists, even those she has never met before, regardless of where they are located. “Social media has assisted me in this endeavor,” she says, “but even before this network was available, I found myself picking up the phone and having conversations with artists whose work I liked. It is amazing how congenial and generous the ones I contacted were. I was occasionally invited for studio visits. I learned a great deal in these informal settings.” Travel is intrinsic to Saporito’s practice. “An interest in art makes traveling so much fun. There are usually wonderful museums or exhibits wherever I go. I’m ‘artist struck’ instead of ‘star struck’, seeking out favorite 20

Inside New Orleans

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

artists when I visit their cities. I met artists Robert Kingston represented by Ruth Bachofner Gallery in Bergamot Station, Santa Monica, and Gary Komarin, who invited me to meet with him in New York City. I followed the work of these artists for over 20 years, so meeting them in person was a thrill.” A willingness to travel also makes extended education in skills and applications possible for Saporito. She recalls that New Orleans-based artist Allison Stewart said in her art class that artists are always evolving. Rhenda acted on that observation, and continues the practice today. She has taken at least one class or workshop or accepted an artist residency every year since embarking on the path of an artist. In addition to Ozols and Stewart, Saporito studied with Adrienne Deckbar and Katherine Chang Lu. She has taken workshops and participated in residencies in Big Sur, California, with Nicholas Wilton and a Master Series Workshop Residency at the Atlantic Center for the Arts in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, offered by Aimone Art Services with Steven and Katherine Aimone. Saporito describes what she finds valuable about continuing education: “Workshops give artists a focused work time. The sheer volume of uninterrupted time makes for a cohesive body of work.” In February, Kelli Kaufman Studio and Gallery presented an exhibition of Saporito’s work in Lafayette. Kelli Kaufman, artist and gallery owner, describes Rhenda’s paintings as “authentic and intuitive expressions of life experiences through mixed-media applications on paper, panel or canvas. With no regard for the end result, the paintings begin to take on a life of their own. She reacts to colors, marks, and shapes, painting into and out of chaos.” This issue’s cover painting, Got GPS!, Too, exemplifies her work. Saporito elaborates, “The ultimate goal is an emotional response to work communicating without words.”

In March, the New Orleans Academy of Fine Art presented a collection of her abstract paintings and drawings. The occasion is memorable for Saporito; NOAFA is where her skills developed and her eyes opened to a greater understanding of the meaning and practice of art making. She acknowledges the influence of “incredible teachers, mentors and facilitators.” Rhenda Saporito has deep feelings for the city of New Orleans and the community of artists who continue to encourage and nurture her intuitive approach to abstract painting. “I communicate with artists around the world through social media, and I am also present and involved every day in one of the most active and exciting arts communities anywhere. I am constantly learning. We should all be more emotional and passionate about life, our surroundings, and most importantly, our craft.” Rhenda is exhibiting through May 7 in Spring: Art is in the Heart of Downtown at the Poydras Center, 650 Poydras St. Her paintings and drawings may be found at the Degas Gallery; Sofa and Chairs; Dixon Smith Interiors, Baton Rouge; and Pryor Fine Art, Atlanta. Look for Rhenda’s paintings in Forbes Magazine, Art Galleries and Artists of the South and Fresh Paint Magazine, London. April-May 2016 21

INSIDE a handy guide to events and entertainment in and around New Orleans

China Lights in City Park

April 1-2 Hogs for the Cause 2016. Enjoy

on the energy and influence behind

St. Tammany Parish Library, 555 Robert

great BBQ and live music; benefits

New Orleans’ art glass movement.

Blvd., Slidell. 7-9pm. (512)589-9802.

children with pediatric brain cancer.

St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N

New Orleans City Park, Zachary Taylor

Columbia St., Covington. 892-8650.

Dr. Adults, $20; kids under 12, free.

sttammanyartassociation.org.

1-2 J’Envie & E.L.I. Trunk Show. Ballin’s in New Orleans, 721 Dante St. 866-4367. 1-2 Tulane Contemporary Glass. Gene Koss’ exhibit with a spotlight 22

Inside New Orleans

1-3 Tennessee Williams Literary Festival. French Quarter. Free. 581-1144. tennesseewilliams.net. 1-19 Fill in the Blank…With Art. The Slidell Art League presents local artists artwork.

Frederick Nichols. The Atrium Gallery at Christwood, 100 Christwood Blvd., Covington. Free. christwoodrc.com. 1 - May 1 China Lights. Colorful lighted displays created in Zigong, China, at the Botanical Gardens in New Orleans

photo courtesy: NEW ORLEANS CITY PARK

hogsforthecause.org.

slidellartleague.org. 1-29 Photorealism Collection of

April 1 - May 1 China Lights. Colorful lighted displays created in Zigong, China, at the Botanical Gardens in New Orleans City Park; both daytime and nighttime viewings available. 10am-6pm. For ticket information, call 482-4888 or visit neworleanscitypark.com/chinalights.

City Park; both daytime and nighttime viewings available. 10am-6pm. For ticket information, call 482-4888 or visit neworleanscitypark.com/chinalights. 1-May 7 Spring: Art in the Heart of Downtown. The Poydras Center is hosting an Art Show featuring artists including Rhenda Saporito, this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cover artist. 650 Poydras St., rhendasaporito.com.

April-May 2016 23

Inside Scoop Men in Kilts

2015 Men in Kilts contestants.

April 16 Men in Kilts. Cast your vote for this year’s “King of the Kilts.” Benefitting the Ronald McDonald House of Greater New Orleans, this event asks local men in the community to don kilts for a good cause. There will be food, drinks, music and merriment, so come and “get your Gaelic on!” Irish House, 1432 St. Charles Ave. 7-9pm. Visit rmhc-nola.org/kilts to cast your vote for King of the Kilts!

1-May 15 Celebrating Music. George Rodrigue exhibit including paintings of musical giants such as Clifton Chenier and Mahalia Jackson; Jazz Fest posters featuring Louis Armstrong, Pete Fountain and Al Hirt. Rodrigue Studio, 730 Royal St. georgerodrigue.com. 1-June 16 Adam Pendleton: Becoming Imperceptible. Exhibition at the Contemporary Arts Center of New

by the New Orleans Ballet Association. Mahalia Jackson Theater, 1419 Basin St. 8pm. 522-0996. nobadance.com.

2 New Orleans Food Festival. French Market. Free. roadfood.com. 2 Race to the Lake. Jefferson Parish 5K and 10K supporting Susan G. Komen New Orleans. Racetothelake@gmail.com. Racetothelake.com. 2-3 Spring Garden Show. Plant and

Orleans, 900 Camp St. General

garden products. Kids Discovery Area,

admission, $10; students and seniors,

educational programs, music, arts and

$8. 528-3800. cacno.org/exhibitions.

crafts, more. New Orleans Botannical

2 69th Big Bass Fishing Rodeo and

Gardens in City Park. 10am-5pm. Adults,

Fishtival near Popp’s Bandstand.

$8; children 5-12, $4; under 5 and

New Orleans City Park. 6am-12pm.

Friends of City Park, free. 483-9471.

Free. 482-4888 or info@nocp.org.

neworleanscitypark.com/calendar.

neworleanscitypark.com. 2 Freret Street Festival. Vendors, food,

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Yoga/Pilates in the NOMA Sculpture Garden. Wellness classes.

music, and activities. Freret St. Free.

NOMA, in collaboration with the East

freretstreetfestival.com.

Jefferson Wellness Center. 8am. $5; free

2 Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Hosted

for NOMA and East Jefferson Wellness

Center members. To register, call East Jefferson Healthfinder, 456-5000. noma. org/events. 3 Adventures in Space! Presented by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Roussel Hall, Loyola University of New Orleans, 6363 St Charles Ave. 2:30pm. Adults, $15; children 16 and under, free. For information and to purchase tickets, visit lpomusic.com. 3 Morning Meditation. Led by natural healing specialist Dr. Jess Tregle. Guests are encouraged to bring their own mat. Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Rd. $10 suggested donation. 293-4721. jcohn@longuevue.com. 4, 11, 18, 25 Tai Chi/Chi Kung in the Galleries of NOMA. Wellness classes. NOMA, in collaboration with the East Jefferson Wellness Center. 6pm. $5; free for NOMA and East Jefferson Wellness Center members. To register, call East Jefferson Healthfinder, 456-5000. noma.org/events. 7-10 French Quarter Festival. A music lover’s paradise with food. Free. 5225730. fqfi.org. 7, 14, 21, 28 Thursdays at Twilight Garden Concert Series. Pavilion of the Two Sisters, New Orleans City Park. Gates open at 5pm; music begins at 6pm. $10. 483-9488 or garden@nocp.org. 8 Sentimental Journeys: Coming Home to Longue Vue. Food, bubbly and jazz inspired by the romance of the pre-war era; proceeds support Longue Vue’s historic site and ongoing educational programming. Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Rd. Patron party, 6:30-7:30pm; Sentimental Journeys, 7:30-10pm. 293-4723. longuevue.com. 8-10 Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. Jefferson Performing Arts Center in Metairie. 7:30pm; matinees at 2pm. $25. 731-4700. jeffersonpac.com. 8-11 Iris Trunk Show. Ballin’s in New

April-May 2016 25

Inside Scoop Orleans, 721 Dante St.. 866-4367.

13 Ghost Town to Havana. Co-presented

8, 10 Tosca. Tosca presented by the New

15 Osorio Plays Brahms. Louisiana

by The Contemporary Arts Center of New

Philharmonic Orchestra. Orpheum

Orleans Opera. Mahalia Jackson Theater.

Orleans and the New Orleans Film Society.

Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way. Pre-concert

8pm. Call for tickets 529-3000, or visit

New Orleans Contemporary Arts Center,

discussion, 6:30pm; concert, 7:30pm.

neworleansopera.org.

900 Camp St. $8; Free for CAC and

Tickets from $20. For more information and

NOFS members. 528-3800. cacno.org/

to purchase tickets, visit lpomusic.com.

9 Light Up Your Life: 4th Annual Gala Fundraiser. Live music, food and auctions benefiting the Women’s

special-events/ghost-town-havana. 14-16 Finley Trunk Show. FeBe, 474

15 Sippin’ In Seersucker. Benefiting the Ogdan Museum of Southern Art.

Center for Healing & Transformation.

Metairie Rd. Ste. 102, Metairie. 835-5250.

The Shops at Canal Place, 333 Canal

The Abita Quail Farm, 71667 Leveson

febeclothing.com.

St., 6-9pm. Advance $30 members,

St., Abita Springs. 7-10pm. $65. womenscenterforhealing.org. 9 Super Saturday Volunteer Day at

15 Concerts in the Courtyard. Roddie

members, $60 non-members. 539-9616.

presented by the Historic New Orleans

Ogdenmuseum.org/events/sippin.

City Park. City Park Volunteer Center,

Collection. 533 Royal St. Doors open at

1009 Harrison Ave. 9am-12pm. For

5:30pm, show, 6-8pm. $10. 523-4662.

information and to sign up, 483-9459.

hnoc.org.

neworleanscitypark.com/calendar.

$50 non-members; At the door $40

Romero and the Hub City All-Stars

15 Dominican Golf Tournament.

15-16 Ronen Chen Trunk Show. Ballin’s in New Orleans, 721 Dante St. 866-4367. 15-17 20th Annual Great Louisiana BirdFest. Trips will visit varied habitats

10 Festival of Balloons. Balloon art from

Benefiting the Sr. Mary Anne McSweeney,

including swamps, wetlands, pine

across the globe. Hilton Riverside,

O.P., Faculty Endowment Fund. Audubon

savanna and hardwoods. Various times

2 Poydras St. 11am-3:30pm.

Park Golf Course, 6500 Magazine St. For

and places. rue@northlakenature.org.

Adults, $10; children under 12, free.

information and to reserve a space, 606-

northlakenature.org.

festivalofballoons2016.eventbrite.com.

1616 or svaldes10@gmail.com.

16 Academy of the Sacred Heart Congé.

Spring fair and day of fun, food, music,

655-2030. angolarodeo.com or

shopping and games. Academy of the

stfrancisville.us.

Sacred Heart Back Square (4500 block

17 7th Annual Pinch-A-Palooza Festival.

Great Lawn. 6:30pm. Free.

lpomusic.com.

20 Artist Lecture: Elena Dorfman,

of Carondelet St.) 11am-8pm. Open to

Hosted by Deanie’s Seafood; music, art

Syria’s Lost Generation. Discussion

the public. 269-1232.

and crawfish eating contest. St. Louis King

by Elena Dorfman of exhibit to begin at

of France School, 1600 Lake Ave., Metairie.

the Newcomb Art Museum May 9. Stone

11am-9:30pm. pichapalooza.com.

Auditorium, Woldenberg Art Center, Tulane

16 Innovation Celebration. St. Martin’s Episcopal School, 225 Green Acres Rd, Metairie. Board of Trustees Patron Party,

18 New Orleans Botanical Garden

6:30-8pm; Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Gala,

Foundation Spring Symposium.

8-11pm. 736-9960. stmsaints.com/gala.

Cocktail reception, lecture, garden tours

16 Men in Kilts. Come out and cast your vote

University. 6:30-7:30pm. Free. 865-5328. newcombartmuseum.tulane.edu. 20 City Year New Orleans Annual School

and a rare-plant auction. Pavilion of Two

House Rock Gala. Celebration of

for this year’s “King of the Kilts,” benefitting

Sisters, New Orleans Botanical Garden

corps members’ service in New Orleans.

the Ronald McDonald House of Greater

in City Park. 5pm. $45. 483-9473 or

Rosey’s Jazz Hall, 500 Valence St.

New Orleans. Irish House, 1432 St. Charles

neworleanscitypark.com/calendar.

6-9pm. Individual ticket, $100; educator

19 Dinner with the Curator: Protecting

tickets or 35 and under $40. 324-4242.

Ave. 7-9pm. rmhc-nola.org/kilts. 16 Nissan Engel Show. Meet the artist in

Italian Art During WWII. American

cityyear.org. 21 Collective Media III Opening. Opening

person. Elliott Gallery, 540 Royal St. Call

Sector at The National WWII Museum,

for information, 523-3554.

945 Magazine St. 6:30-8pm. $60.

reception features senior graduate work

nationalww2museum.org.

from Shavondria Jackson of Xavier

elliottgallery.com. 16-17 Angola Spring Rodeo and Craft

19 Concerts in the Park Swing in the

University. Longue Vue House and

Show. Angola State Prison, Angola.

Oaks presented by Fidelity: New

Gardens, 7 Bamboo Rd. 5-7pm. Free.

Gates open, 9am; rodeo, 2pm. (225)

Orleans City Park, Goldring Woldenberg

293-4724. longuevue.com.

April-May 2016 27

Inside Scoop 21 Dedication of P-51 and An Evening with Tuskegee Airmen. US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center at The National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St. 5-7pm. 528-1944. nationalww2museum.org. 21-23 Theory Trunk Show. FeBe, 474 Metairie Rd. Ste. 102, Metairie. 835-5250. febeclothing.com. 22-24, 28-May 1 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Featuring music genres such as jazz, rock, hip-hop, pop, funk, indie, blues, and zydeco. The New Orleans Fair Grounds, 1751 Gentilly Blvd. $60, advance tickets; $75 at gate; $5, children. nojazzfest.com. 25-May 1 Zurich Golf Classic. Benefiting the Fore!Kids Foundation. Tournament Players Club of Louisiana, 11001 Lapalco Blvd., Avondale, La. $25, individual daily pass; $75, individual weekly pass. 342-3000. zurichgolfclassic.com. 26 Meet the Author: Howard Blum. Howard Blum presents The Last Goodnight: A World War II Story of Espionage, Adventure and Betrayal. US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center, the National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St. 5-7:30pm. Free. RSVP online or at 528-1944. nationalww2museum.org. 27 Opera on Tap. Presented by the New Orleans Opera. Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter, 541 Bourbon St. 7-8:30pm. Free. neworleansopera.org/opera-on-tap. 29 Comfort Event. Ballinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in New Orleans, 721 Dante St. 866-4367. 29 Zoo-To-Doo for Kids. Games and activities for the entire family, benefiting the Audubon Nature Institute. Audubon Zoo. Sponsor and patron party, 5-9pm. General admission, 6:30-9pm, $25. 861-6160. audubonnatureinstitute.org/ztdk. 30 Kinder Garden: Creep, Crawl, and Fly. Hands-on class for children aged 18 months to five years and their accompanying adult. Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Rd. 28

Inside New Orleans

9:30-10:30am. $10, members; $12, nonmembers; siblings discounted; $5 each additional adult. 293-4722. longuevue.com. 30 Mother’s Day Tea and Floral Workshop. Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Rd. 1-3pm. 2934722. longuevue.com.

May 1 Concerts in the Park: Some Enchanted Evening presented by Fidelity. Slidell Heritage Park, Slidell. 6pm. Free. lpomusic.com. 1-15 Celebrating Music. George Rodrigue exhibit including paintings of musical giants such as Clifton Chenier and Mahalia Jackson. Rodrigue Studio, 730 Royal St. georgerodrigue.com. 3 GiveNOLA Day Northshore. 24-hour online giving day benefiting nonprofits in St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes. 12:00:01 am to 11:59:59 pm. giveNOLA.org. 5 Cinco de Mayo at Carreta’s Grill. All day festivities starting at 11a.m. Block party and live music starting at 5p.m. Costume contest, specials, and prizes. Metairie, Slidell, Covington and Harahan locations. carretasgrillresturant.com. 5 Concerts in the Park: Swing in the Park presented by Fidelity. Lafreniere Park, Metairie. 7pm. Rain date May 6, 7pm. Free. lpomusic.com. 5 Shatner’s World: We Just Live In It. Orpheum Theatre, 129 Roosevelt Way. 8pm. Tickets from $42. 274-4871. orpheumnola.com. 6 39th Annual Zoo-To-Do. Restaurants, cocktails, live music, auction and raffle. The Audubon Zoo. 7pm-12am. Tickets starting at $85. 861-6160. audubonnatureinstitute.org/ztd. 6 Paul Rodriguez and the Latin Kings of Comedy. Orpheum Theatre, 129 Roosevelt Way. 8:30pm. Tickets from

April-May 2016 29

Inside Scoop $29. 274-4871. orpheumnola.com. 6-8 Jazz in the Park’s 1st Annual

7 Concerts in the Park: Swing in the Pines presented by Fidelity. Bogue

Festival. Celebrate 5 years of Jazz in the

Falaya Park, Covington. 6pm. Free. Rain

Park! Armstrong Park, 901 N Rampart St.

date May 8, 6pm. lpomusic.com.

Free. pufap.org. 7 Aioli Dinner Supper Club. Unique

7 New Orleans Botanical Gardens Plant Sale. The Pelican Greenhouse, New

culinary tradition made famous by George

Orleans City Park. 9am-12pm. Free. 483-

Rodrigue’s Aioli Dinner painting; proceeds

9464 or plants@nocp.org.

benefit the George Rodrigue Foundation

7 Painted Pots for Mothers Day.

of the Arts. Frierson Plantation; 10985

Decorate a clay pot and design a

Hearts Island Rd; Shreveport, La.

card using recycled materials. The

6:30pm. Prix-fixe menu, $250. 324-9614.

Crosby Arboretum; 370 Ridge Rd;

aiolidinner.com.

Picayune, Miss. Members’ children,

7 Che Malambo from Argentina. Hosted

$3; non-members’ children, $4. Must

by the New Orleans Ballet Association.

Mahalia Jackson Theater, 1419 Basin St.

crosbyarboretum.msstate.edu.

8pm. 522-0996. nobadance.com. 7 Crawfish Mambo Cook-off. University

8 Kiddos for a Cure. Lemonade stand event benefiting Alex’s Lemonade Stand

of New Orleans Sandbar and Cove,

New Orleans. 5931 St. Charles Ave.,

2000 Lakeshore Dr. Day-of tickets, $25;

11am-2pm. alexslemonade.org.

children 7 and under, free. 11am-7pm. 280-2586. crawfishmambo.com.

8 Mother’s Day Brunch. Jazz band, mimosas and buffet. Steamboat Natchez.

11:30am and 2:30pm. Adults, $67.50;

For information and to sign up, 483-

children, 6-12, $29; under 6, $10. 569-

9459. neworleanscitypark.com/calendar.

1401. steamboatnatchez.com. 9-31 First Folio! The Book that Gave

14-15 Bundibar. A musical fable performed by local children in partnership with the

Us Shakespeare. Commemorating the

New Orleans Opera Association. US

400th anniversary of the bardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death.

Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center, The

Newcomb Art Museum of Tulane, Tulane

National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St.

University. 865-5328. firstfolio.tulane.edu.

7:30-8:30pm. Adults, $20; children, $5.

12, 13, 15 Beethovenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fifth Symphony. Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. The Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way.

Purchase tickets online or at 528-1944. ticketing.nationalww2museum.org. 15 Third Sunday Concert Series. The

7:30pm. Tickets from $20. Additional

Swing Set, a group of three female

performance Friday, May 13, at First Baptist

singers who sing in the style of the

Church in Covington. lpomusic.com.

Andrews Sisters and are backed by

14 Arrival from Sweden: The Music of

a four-piece band. Christ Episcopal

ABBA. Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.

Church, 120 S New Hampshire St,

Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way.

Covington. 5pm. Free. (985) 892-3177.

7:30pm. Tickets start at $20. lpomusic.com. 14 Super Saturday Volunteer Day at City

18-Sept 18 The Spirit of the Game. George Rodrigue exhibit of paintings

Park. Community volunteer event to

celebrating sports. Opening reception:

clean-up City Park. City Park Volunteer

Thursday, May 19, 6pm to 8pm.

Center, 1009 Harrison Ave. 9am-12pm.

Rodrigue Studio, 730 Royal St.

April-May 2016 31

Inside Scoop georgerodrigue.com. 20 A Heroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Life. Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way. 7:30pm. Tickets start at $20. lpomusic.com. 20 Concerts in the Courtyard. Performances by the Honey Island Swamp Band presented by the Historic New Orleans Collection. 533 Royal St. $10. 523-4662. hnoc.org. 20-22 Bayou Boogaloo. Family-friendly arts and music festival located along Bayou Saint John at Orleans Ave. and N. Jefferson. Free. thebayouboogaloo.com. 21 Butterfly and Moth Gardening. The Crosby Arboretum; 370 Ridge Rd; Picayune, Miss. Free to members; non-members, $5. Register by May 20. (601) 799-2311. crosbyarboretum.msstate.edu. 24 Dinner with the Curator: The Russo-Japanese War 1904-1905. American Sector at The National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St. 6:30-8pm. $60. ticketing. nationalww2museum.org. 25 Opera on Tap. Presented by the New Orleans Opera. Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter, 541 Bourbon St. 7-8:30pm. Free. neworleansopera.org/opera-on-tap. 26-29 New Orleans Wine and Food Experience. More than 250 wineries, over 100 local eateries. 529-9463. For ticket information, nowfe.com. 27-29 Greek Fest. Celebrating Greek culture in New Orleans. 1200 Robert E. Lee Blvd. Donation, $5; under 12, free. 282-0259. greekfestnola.com.

Send your event information to scoop@insidepub.com to have it featured in an upcoming issue of Inside New Orleans. 32

Inside New Orleans

INside Story by Michael Harold

THE LOOK ON MY PARENTS’ FACES the day I arrived back from my first Spring Break was unforgettable. At the time, I didn’t fully appreciate what a rite of passage that trip was. The year was 1981. I was a sophomore in high school, and it was my first time away from New Orleans without parental supervision. Kim Carnes’s smash hit, Bette Davis Eyes, played so continuously on the radio during the drive to and from Destin that we almost looked forward to the tunnel under Mobile Bay when all radio reception vanished. It wasn’t the F-bomb I dropped within 30 minutes of arriving home that shocked my parents—nor my alarmingly tanned face—but rather, my black-and-blue left eye. The shiner earned me the charming nickname “Scarface” for at least a month. Fortunately, it never stuck. What did stick was a great appreciation for Mother Nature, who blessed our Spring Break that year with magnificent, blue skies as well as surf so strong that it had the power to slam unsuspecting teenagers, head first, to the bottom of the sandy Gulf of Mexico. I so wanted to blame the bruise on a shark attack

Scarface was all ears. “Spring Break” is the product of the ’70s and ’80s. Prior to that, the term barely existed. In New Orleans, the “break” was the religious holiday, Easter. In the ’50s and ’60s, most young New Orleanians escaped the city by driving to the Mississippi Coast, where they stayed in cheap motels. The lucky ones were invited to “Easter House Parties” in grand, summer homes along the Pass. And the really lucky ones stayed in the winterized ones with heated bathrooms. If you grew up in New Orleans, you know the Gulf Coast in April can be hit or miss. Most of us, at least once, have suffered the discomfort of sporting a bathing suit on a brisk, windy beach, pretending it’s the Caribbean when in reality, it’s as comfortable as wearing a paper gown inside a doctor’s airconditioned office. Someone invariably has to shout, “Are we having fun yet?” If someone asked me to rename Spring Break, I would probably call it “Teenagers Do Stupid Things Week.” Fortunately for me, we were not as dumb as the kids who

or some drunken, beach brawl, but instead, it was a pathetic wave that did me in. Our parents were reluctant to let us go to Florida that year unless we could secure an adult chaperone. We weren’t having much luck finding someone cool or sane enough to spend a week with seven teenagers. But one day, my friend Beau ran into a former camp counselor named Matt who was up for the challenge. Beau’s mother was the strictest of all the parents, so when she referred to Matt as “just darling,” we knew we were golden. Florida, here we come! At that time, background checks were either too expensive or deemed unnecessary for a week with 17-yearold nerds. Otherwise, the fact that Matt was a former beach bartender who smoked pot every day and had a police record would have probably sealed our fate. Conversely, we thought Matt was the coolest with his Puka shell beads, Ray-Ban sunglasses and his preference for the Grateful Dead over Kim Carnes. We also learned that he had a penchant for young sorority girls and plenty advice on how to pick up women.

jumped into pools from balconies or ended up in the hospital with alcohol poisoning. I like to think we were more civilized than the wild, college kids in Daytona Beach or Cancun. Sure, there were moments from my first Spring Break that still make me squirm. My lily-white classmate defied her mother by lying in the sun for six hours too many. The next morning, she awakened with such a bad sunburn that her skin was purple. Or, my friend Andy, who poured vodka into his bowl of Cap’n Crunch and subsequently gained enough confidence to make a pass at Kathy, the strikingly attractive girls’ chaperone. We survived Spring Break 1981. We came back in one piece. We thought we were so crazy that Destin would never be the same, but sure enough, Destin survived. The same group of misfits returned the next year armed with K&B booze and cheap beer from Schwegmann’s. I carried my battle scar from the prior year with a deep respect for you know who, The Matron of the Seas with the Bette Davis eyes. Lesson learned. I quote the Chiffon Margarine commercial, “It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature!”

Spring Break with Scarface

April-May 2016 33

Inside New Orleans

An Artful Repose

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

by Lisa Fremont

EVERY YEAR ABOUT THIS TIME, in the early part of the evening the soulful tunes of local New Orleans bands drift up above the oak trees in Lafayette Square and waft through the open balcony doors of Geneva and David Kersteinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stylish condo on St. Charles Avenue, where they have created the perfect urban retreat in the heart of >>

April-May 2016 35

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Above: A vivid diptych by Allison Stewart commands attention in the dining room. Inset: The dining room’s stunning antique Murano glass chandelier. Right: A beautifully carved antique console table is surrounded by the Kersteins’ collection of original Italian red chalk drawings.

Inside New Orleans

downtown New Orleans. “David and I just love being downtown. Everything we could ever want is within walking distance of our home,” says Geneva. The Kersteins completely renovated their expansive condo two years ago. When they purchased it, the space had a very formal feel; the walls were painted dark colors, the floors were stained in dark ebony tone and the windows were covered in heavy corniced draperies. “The windows are the real beauty of the condo. Every room has huge floor-to-ceiling windows that drink in the cityscape of New Orleans,” says Geneva. “I wanted our space to be bright and airy.” So down came the heavy drapes, the floors were lightened to a pale ash and the entire space was washed in a creamy white paint. Geneva knew she wanted a clean, streamlined aesthetic to showcase the couple’s extensive art collection. She enlisted the help of longtime friend

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

and designer Trudy Hurley. The duo quickly got to work, deciding on clean lines, snowy whites and wisps of soft green and blues. “Geneva is always a dream to work with,” says Hurley. “‘She’s very decisive and assured. She poured herself into this project, and it reflects her refinement as well as her sense of fun.” The Kersteins also have a home in the mountains of Vail, Colorado. “The house in Vail embodies the architecture of a mountain retreat, but we brought a lot of our love of New Orleans and French provincial style to that house.” Having a second residence gave Geneva and David the opportunity to create a completely different environment. While the house in Vail is a charming destination for family gatherings, the condo in New Orleans boasts a cleaner aesthetic with more serene elements to spotlight the couple’s love of art. As president of the Hellis Foundation, David >>

Above: The guest bedroom is awash in natural light, with billows of dreamy vanilla silk taffeta at the windows.

April-May 2016 37

Above: The most fabulous view from the condo is from the den. Two expansive windows make up the corner walls that gaze over the horizon of the city. Right: The kitchen has gorgeous Statuary marble and Statuary

Tile & Stone. Far right: A pair of handsome white linen sofas flank the marble fireplace in the living room. 38

has been responsible for hundreds of significant public art installations around the New Orleans area. His efforts have afforded the city vastly popular exhibits such as the Enrique Alferez Sculpture Garden in City Park and the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition. For the Kersteins, it is a pleasure to live downtown amongst some of them.

Inside New Orleans

The biggest transformation in the condo was in the kitchen, which was originally shrouded in a large-scale floral wallpaper, deep-cherry wood cabinetry and dark granite countertops. The Kersteinsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first order of business was to brighten the entire space by painting the cabinetry, updating the hardware and using gorgeous statuary marble for

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

backsplashes from Stafford

the countertops and backsplashes from Stafford Tile & Stone. Hurley removed the upper cabinets on one wall and showcased the entire wall in tile. The feature lends a contemporary vibe to the space and dimensionally opens the area to make it appear larger. The Kersteins widened the opening between the living and dining spaces, creating a seamless flow. The living room features a pair of handsome white linen sofas flanking the marble fireplace. Over the mantle hangs a painting by Betsy Eby. Above a striking bronze sculpture by David Borgerding rests a work by James Kennedy. A wonderfully impressive and much larger Borgerding bronze stands alone on the wall that divides the living room and dining room. Playfully suspended over the doorway between the two rooms is an ethereal and almost mystical blue fabric boat by artist Raine Bedsole. Delicate holes allow light to shimmer though the fabric and create a luminous constellation in the room. Commanding attention in the bright and inviting dining room is a vivid diptych by Allison Stewart. The stunning antique Murano glass chandelier is reflected above the custom black lacquer dining table. Surrounded by the Kersteinsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; collection of original Italian red chalk drawings, a beautifully carved antique console table from Balzac Antiques anchors one end of the room. A stunning glass sculpture by Gene Koss is reflected in a fabulous 18th century Louis XVI painted trumeau, which has a finely carved cartouche of laurel branches. The Kersteinsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; guest bedroom is awash in natural light, featuring billows of >> April-May 2016 39

dreamy vanilla silk taffeta at the windows. Cream and blue linens adorn the queen bed. Above the upholstered headboard hangs a painting by Jamie Meeks. The most fabulous view in the condo is from the corner den. Two expansive windows making up the corner walls gaze over the city’s horizon. The only room in the condo not painted white, the tones are warm and cozy hues of taupe and green. “The rest of the condo provides a tranquil backdrop for the art we’ve collected, but we wanted this one corner den to be a cozy, inviting retreat where we can withdraw at the end of the day and relax.” The room features a comfortable chair for David that is covered in a Holly Hunt paisley velvet. The sofa boasts a moss-green, cloudsoft chenille, and the drapes are Rose Tarlow. Adding a contemporary spark to the space is a Lucite cocktail table from Alan Knight. Urban living suits Geneva and David Kerstein to a T. “Downtown is so busy and alive with restaurants and museums. And then in a minute’s elevator ride, we’re eight stories above all the hustle and bustle, gazing at the sun setting over the French Quarter.” 40

Inside New Orleans

photo: THOMAS B GROWDEN

The serene master bedroom.

by Maggie Murphy

Downtown Living

Restaurants Herbsaint Restaurant, 701 St. Charles Ave., 524-4114. herbsaint.com. Marcello’s Restaurant &

The CBD and Warehouse District

Wine Market, 715 St. Charles Ave., 581-6333. marcelloscafe.com. Willa Jean, 611 O’Keefe Ave., 509-7334. willajean.com.

Entertainment Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St., 5399650. ogdenmuseum.com. Contemporary Art Center, 900 Camp St., 528-3805. cacno.org. The National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St., 528-1944. nationalww2museum.com. The Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way, 274-4871. orpheumnola.com. The Saenger Theater, 1111 Canal St., 525-1052. saengernola.com. W.I.N.O., 610 Tchoupitoulas St., 324-8000. winoschool.com. Fulton Alley, 600 Fulton St.,

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

208-5593. fultonalley.com.

GENEVA AND DAVID KERSTEIN, whose stylish condo is featured in “An Artful Repose,” are not the only New Orleans residents loving the downtown lifestyle. The New Orleans CBD and Warehouse District have seen dramatic growth over the last five years, making them some of the hottest neighborhoods in town. It’s no surprise that these urban neighborhoods offer everything you could want within walking distance of your front door. Simple additions to the neighborhood, such as the new Rouses and CVS, have made it possible for residents to run basic errands without having to get into a car. In addition, the neighborhood puts you

right in the center of some of the best food, cultural activities and nightlife that New Orleans has to offer. If you do not feel like cooking dinner tonight, you are in luck! Some of the finest eats in town are just around the corner; this includes Herbsaint Restaurant just off Lafayette Square and Marcello’s, an Italian restaurant featured by Tom Fitzmorris (page 57). With the opening of Willa Jean, the newest John Besh venture, even breakfast is covered. Interested in some culture this afternoon? Why not check out one of the many museums in the neighborhood, including the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, the Contemporary Arts Center or the National WWII Museum. Or maybe going to a show is more your style? The reopening of several historic theaters, including the Orpheum and the Sanger, has brought concerts, musicals and other spectacles back to downtown. For a different night out, you could check out W.I.N.O., a high-tech wine bar, or Fulton Alley, a bowling alley for grown-ups! In New Orleans, it’s easy to find a good time—but the best part about the CBD and Warehouse District is that the opportunities are just a few footsteps away. April-May 2016 41

Inside New Orleans

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

THE STORY OF DR. SOPHIA OMORO should come with a warning label: Known to cause frequent inspiration. A board-certified ENT specialist with Ochsner Clinic, Dr. Omoro has gained a reputation not only as an excellent physician but also as a most caring human being. While this alone is impressive, it is only a small part of this amazing woman’s life. Born the sixth of eight children in Kenya, East Africa, Sophia came from a poor family, but they were not the poorest in the village. As was customary, her mother took in a child from a poorer family to help with housework. Not only did she pay a stipend to the family, she also made sure the child received an education. “The child was treated just like the rest of the children,” recalls Sophia. “In fact, for years, I thought she was my sibling!” This planted the seed of caring in young Sophia’s heart. Sophia’s father, a postal worker, did not even have an elementary school education. In spite

would never get to see her complete it. Despite this misfortune, Sophia continued with her studies, graduated from college and eventually was accepted into the Tulane University School of Medicine. She was in her fourth year of residency in Seattle when Katrina struck. “I got a call from the department chair at Tulane. He asked if I’d consider coming back to New Orleans and finishing my residency program there to help keep the program open.” Sophia’s response was an enthusiastic “yes.” Her boyfriend, Jed Malitz, was incredulous. “Why do you want to go to New Orleans?” he asked. “They’ve just suffered the greatest natural disaster in the country’s history.” “That is why I want to be there,” Sophia responded. She says, “I was heartbroken for the city and the people after Katrina. I wanted to help but I couldn’t see a way to do it. When this opportunity came along, it was a no-brainer.” As a show of support, Jed came to New Orleans, too. (In 2007, he proposed to his altruistic best

Dr. Sophia Omoro of this—or perhaps because of this—he stressed education with his children. “My dad expected all of us to be first in our class. He woke us up at 3 a.m. every day to study for an additional 1-1½ hours. He stayed up with us to make sure we studied, too. After we studied, it was okay to go back to sleep for a little cat nap before going to school.” His insistence that his six daughters get an education was unusual because in Kenya, girls did not often go to school. His efforts paid off, and all eight of his children earned college degrees or better. At age 16, Sophia won the only scholarship offered in Kenya that year by United World Colleges. Founded by philanthropists to promote international peace, United World Colleges had seven campuses worldwide at that time. Sophia’s scholarship was to their college on Victoria Island in Vancouver. “I was very young, and the first in my family to leave the country—the first to ride in a plane.” Sophia was only three months into the two-year international baccalaureate program when her father was tragically killed in an auto accident. It saddened her that the one who’d worked so hard to assure her education

Kenyan Angel

girl. The two were married and now live in the New by Karen B. Gibbs Orleans area, where he is a glass sculpture artist.) After completing her residency, Sophia felt a higher calling. “I always knew I was not just to leave Kenya, come here and be a good doctor. I knew I had to give back.” And give back, she did, especially to 300 HIV-infected orphaned children in Kenya. Taken in by poor relatives and friends, the children lacked the basics, like shoes. Sophia took her cause to Pastor Mike Callahan’s True Life Church of Slidell, and they agreed to help. To date, they have supplied thousands of pairs of flip flops for the orphans of Kendu Bay. Soon, others came on board to help the orphans. One woman makes pillowcase dresses for the children. The local chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority provides shoes and clothing. Sophia supplements these donations with other supplies that she distributes in Kenya three or four times a year. Although pleased with these endeavors, it took a family tragedy—the death of her sister, Lily—to motivate Sophia to do even more. Lily was married to a mentally and physically abusive man who refused to “allow” his wife to get a life-saving colostomy. Lily didn’t want to challenge him. >> April-May 2016 43

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

“She was an educated and powerful woman, but it only takes an abuser to diminish that,” explains Sophia. Lily died in 2010—a totally preventable death. Overcome with grief, Sophia channeled her sadness into founding the Blooming Lily Foundation, named for her sister. “A vision came to me of a lily. We are all flowers that need to bloom, give off a fragrance and help others. But in order to bloom, women must overcome social, physical, mental and economic barriers. Then they can fulfill their destiny and give back to the community.” Eighteen months after she submitted the application for 501(c)(3) status, Sophia’s Blooming Lily Foundation was approved as a tax-exempt charitable organization. The foundation supports the immediate needs of the villagers as well as a series of health fairs in Kenya. These day-long events serve to empower villagers to take control of their health by learning about their body, health risks and mental/physical/emotional health, plus how to seek help for problems. She hopes it will help to remove the stigma attached to emotional and mental illness, which Kenyans link to witchcraft, demonic possession or laziness. A six-month research project proved to Sophia that mental health is an issue in Kenya. “Poverty, hopelessness, the stress of feeding the family—all of these factors weigh on the people.” Since much of the stress stems from poverty, Sophia came up with an idea to teach Kenyan women—who are already master beaders—to knit and

Inside New Orleans

crochet. Sophia will then buy their wares and market them. “I admire the will of a woman. She works while carrying a child on her back. If we empower a woman, all will fall in line.” To help it “all fall in line,” in August 2014, Sophia opened a specialty shop, odAOMO, at 839 Chartres Street in New Orleans. (“OD” means “house of;” “AOMO,” Sophia’s given name, means “born during harvest time.”) Here, she sells handcrafted items such as bags, belts, accessories and sandals. All are made in Kenya on two sewing machines in an 8-by-10-foot room. The shop also features Sophia’s own line of clothing, the Lady Sophia Nee Collection. Showcasing Sophia’s Kenyan roots, the Lady Sophia line features vibrant color and design complemented with dramatic accessories. Sophia hopes to use the profits from odAOMO to build a factory in Kenya. “That will create jobs and feed more families.” There’s one more venture this talented lady has undertaken. In response to women who want to maintain a youthful appearance, Dr. Omoro opened Jeunesse, a facial rejuvenation boutique, in Covington. There, she rejuvenates all skin types with three non-invasive techniques: Botox, Dermapen (to stimulate collagen production) and a deep-cleaning hydrafacial machine. Doctor. Wife. Blooming Lily Foundation. odAOMO. Trips to Kenya. Jeunesse. If you’re wondering how Dr. Omoro manages to do it all and still stay sane (and happy), you’re not alone. Husband Jed, too, is in awe of his wife’s remarkable ability to be deeply involved with so many projects at the same time. “She’s one in a billion,” he says. “It really helps that Sophia’s a natural-born leader. When she sees a need, she prays and reaches out to people. Remarkably, help comes—and invariably, it’s spectacular help.” April-May 2016 45

IN Better Health

by Leah Draffen

with Patrick Keating HAVING BATTLED NECK PAIN for several years, Patrick Keating was no stranger to spinal fusions, pain medication and pain-relieving procedures. After an auto accident in the spring and summer of 2015, he began experiencing headaches, back pain and shooting pain down his right leg. “The MRI showed nothing. It was basically inoperable,” says Patrick. “Through a friend, I met Dr. Chad Domangue of Domangue Neurology and decided to pay him a visit.” The option of a spinal cord stimulator was offered to relieve the leg and back pain. Willing to give it a try, Patrick went through the trial process to see if he would benefit from the stimulator. He did. “After the five or six days with the temporary stimulator, it was clear that it worked. In November 2015, I went in for the permanent stimulator, which was only a 45-minute surgery.” 46

Inside New Orleans

Sent home the same day, Patrick’s pain was shortly relieved, allowing him to stop taking half of his pain medications. “Pain medication makes you either want to sleep all day or makes you foggy,” explains Patrick. “As a dad to a 6-year-old and an 8-year-old, I wanted to be active and present for them; this stimulator has allowed me to do that so far.” A spinal cord stimulator can be an effective and safe treatment for chronic pain. “The stimulation is considered for patients who don’t have surgery as an option or when the side effects of current therapy impact their quality of life,” says Dr. Domangue. “The implant is a fine wire inserted into the spinal cord. It sends electrical currents to the sensory portion of the spinal cord, allowing it to intercept the pain before it reaches the brain.” Patrick, impressed by the results, considered using

a stimulator to help with his neck pain and headaches. “I didn’t think about have another stimulator for my neck, because I was just getting yearly rhizotomies for the pain, but the rhizotomy would always require at least a two-week recovery.” A radiofrequency neurotomy, or “rhizotomy,” is an injection procedure used to treat pain caused by injury, arthritis or other degenerative changes. The procedure creates heated lesions on certain nerves with the goal of interrupting the pain signals to the brain. Patrick was undergoing at least one rhizotomy a year to treat the pain. “The way I saw it was that I could get this one stimulator procedure done and not have to do anything else for another 10 to 12 years except maybe battery replacement with even less downtime.” In February 2016, Patrick underwent his second spinal cord

photo: LEAH DRAFFEN

Health Concern: Shooting leg pain, neck pain and headaches. Treatment: Two spinal cord stimulators.

stimulator procedure to address his neck pain and headaches. A week later, the stitches were removed and Patrick was back to enjoying life with little to no pain. “Other than the incisions where they implant the battery and wires, recovery isn’t terrible at all,” laughs Patrick. “Of course, I was out of the house five days after surgery. I’m a bad patient.” Two remotes for each stimulator control the frequencies of the stimuli. The frequencies can be adjusted by area—head, neck, back, legs. And no, Patrick does not have a plug-in to charge his battery. “Similar to a smart phone battery platform that you can just set the phone on to charge, I just throw on a belt that holds the charger next to the battery inside my back. Everything is charged internally,” explains Patrick. Now back to being a dad, Patrick is enjoying life with less pain and less medication. “I highly recommend the procedure and Dr. Domangue,” smiles Patrick. “He is a great guy and very intelligent. His bedside manner as well as his staff are extraordinary.” April-May 2016 47

Destination:

Whidbey Island Washington by Sandra Scalise Juneau

EVER SINCE OUR DAUGHTER Jeanne moved to the Pacific Northwest, we have escaped Louisiana’s summer heat for cooling retreats at her home on Whidbey Island in Washington. With mornings averaging from mid-50s gradually rising into comfortable highs of mid-70s, those luscious summertime days are long, with sunsets well after eight o’clock. Spectacular beach-front sunsets prompt gatherings round warming fire-pits, and even in mid-summer, for these Louisianians sweaters or jackets are de rigueur. Nestled along the Puget Sound and just a short ferry ride from Seattle, Whidbey Island is a world away from the hustle and bustle of big city living. For comfortable transport from 48

Inside New Orleans

airport to island and efficient online reservations, Whidbey SeaTac Shuttle offers nine transfers daily. Riding across the Puget Sound aboard a Washington State Ferry is a voyage of sensations. As soon as boarding is complete, head for the second-level snack bar, grab a bowl of Ivar’s famous Clam Chowder and get outside deckside to breathe in the aroma of the Sound while savoring the creamy richness of this regional indulgence. Then take in the magnificent views, scanning across churning waters for possible whale sightings. Being in the shadow of the Cascades with Mt. Rainer majestically crowning the horizon casts the island in an ambience of slowed-down charisma. Time seems to have >>

Admiralty Head Lighthouse in Coupeville on the grounds of Fort Casey State Park. April-May 2016 49

stood still here, where neither neon nor franchises have yet to invade most of the communities within this sacred space. Each town on the island has its own distinctive allure, presenting luscious local cuisine gathered from surrounding waters or picked fresh from neighboring farms; family-run cafes serve artisanalquality cookery created with loving detail that can only be produced by hands-on chef-owners. Exploring the island makes for adventurous driving or boating, punctuated by nearly private beaches and pristine Pacific Northwest forests, with hiking and bike trails threaded through its many Washington State Parks. Within woodlands and surrounding waters, Whidbey is refuge to an amazing assemblage of native animal and marine wildlife, all reveling in their protected status. The island stretches along 145 miles of saltwater shoreline, a natural aviary populated with nesting bald eagles, great blue herons, surf scoopers and red-throated loons, with migratory snow geese filling the skies during spring and fall as they travel through this Pacific Flyway path. Getting around the island is easy. Island Transit offers free bus service with convenient stops at key locations along the route. We have traveled the length of this land stretch, always on lookout for black-tailed deer wandering at will through unfenced gardens, devouring low-hanging apples and tasty shrubs. The sport of whale-watching is celebrated each spring with a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Welcome the Whalesâ&#x20AC;? festival and parade. Each time a whale is sighted offshore, a bell is rung in the town of Langley. At the Visitor Center, a map highlights the various sites where whales gather, drawn to waters for seasonal feasting on salmon. A popular spot for sightings of resident orcas, humpbacks and gray 50

Inside New Orleans

photo: ROBIN FARRAND

The view from one of Whidbey Island’s numerous beaches offering activities such as whale watching and kayaking.

whales is at Deception Pass, situated on the northern edge of the island. Twin pedestrian bridges there offer views of a dramatic seascape, where quickly moving tidal flows create large whirlpools and rolling eddies, challenging thrill-seeking experienced kayakers to brave the torrents. Because of its proximity to the Pacific, Whidbey’s annual temperatures are mild, averaging at lower 50s. With nearly year-long “misting”, the island is a yearround blaze of colorful flowers growing wild along roadsides or cultivated in gorgeous gardens. A special treat is stopping at roadside stands for fresh-picked bouquets, a mix of velvety dahlias, rhododendron and bougainvillea in vibrant purples and pinks with rich golden yellows. These home garden stands operate on the honor system—just pick your bouquet and leave your few dollars in the provided cash box or Mason jar. Meandering the six blocks of downtown Langley is a heady sensual experience as you breathe in fresh cool air scented by the lavender, wisteria, mint or sage that border neatly tended storefronts and village cottages. You might begin with breakfast at The Braeburn, welcomed with fresh-baked smells of daily specialties like cinnamon raisin-bread French toast over honey-glazed apples. Just within steps is Callahan’s Firehouse Studio Gallery, housed in Langley’s 1950s fire station. Owner glass artist Callahan McVay keeps the kiln going,

catering to locals, island visitors and private party groups by creating one-of-a-kind glass treasures. Nothing can match the excitement in a child’s eyes as they watch a piece of molten glass being blown into life! For a glimpse of sophisticated island artistry, step >>

A scenic hiking tour along the shoreline of Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve. April-May 2016 51

inside Museo, an exquisitely appointed contemporary gallery showcasing the works of cutting-edge glass art, sculpture, paintings and fine jewelry handcrafted by local artists. In easy walking distance is Gregor Rare Books, owned and operated by David Gregor, an author, lecturer and book collector specializing in 20th century literature, first editions and author-inscribed books. Not to be missed in Langley is my favorite, The Garden Shed, the town shop of the Chocolate Flower Farm. All things chocolate entice you inside, where farm-made, chocolate-themed products fill the air. Chocolate candles flicker, drawing you to the selection of chocolate teas, chocolate-infused bath and body products, Chocolate Garden Seed Kits for growing your own chocolate-colored flowers, and my pièce de résistance, Hot Chocolate & Raspberry Jam, peppery spiced with chipotle. The Garden Shed is my go-to for gift giving, as products ordered online are delivered fresh, still deliciously chocolate scented! Driving north on Washington State Route 525, we have ventured into Greenbank Farm, situated on 522 acres of rolling fields, with a working farm, herb gardens, restaurants and a wine and cheese

shop. A great stop for lunch there is Whidbey Pies and Café, where we have enjoyed fresh-baked quiche or chicken pot pie, always leaving room for their famous dessert pies; strawberry rhubarb, salted caramel apple, cherry, loganberry and boysenberry selections are made daily from their own farmgrown fruit. The adjacent gallery shops offer new temptations—intricately crafted jewelry, hand-painted silk and loomed woolen scarves, blown artisan glass, contemporary paintings, ceramic art and sculpture. A magical stop along the way is a visit to Meerkerk Gardens, where 100-year-old flowering trees color the landscape through year-round blooming. A fairyland atmosphere permeates, surrounding you with towering bloom-filled rhododendrons that perfume the air with their individual scents. With miles of nature trails through sculpted scenery to explore, this woodland preserve on 43 acres encompasses 10 acres of display gardens. Originally a private garden bequeathed to the Seattle Rhododendron Society, the garden is maintained now as an independent not-for-profit organization, open to the public at a nominal fee.

Nearby Coupeville has its own treasures to explore. Situated in the heart of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, the town maintains its mid-1800s charm. At the Jan McGregor Studio on Main Street, we found a cache of Japanese art and antiques—Tansu, handcrafted Japanese cabinetry; porcelain clay pottery hand thrown by Ms. McGregor in the technique of celebrated Japanese ceramic artist Kenkichi Tomimoto; and delicately handcrafted music boxes made from imported Japanese woods and decorated with specially designed Washi papers. Strolling the Coupeville Pier leads you on a labyrinth of more shops and restaurants. Take the time to gaze into the waters lapping at the pilings. There you will be mesmerized, as we were, with the discovery of tiny starfish playfully dancing beneath the shallows. Continuing down the pier toward the marina, you can connect with charter captains for day-long Puget Sound tours or extended trips navigating the nearby San Juan Islands. For a delicious taste of tradition, make a breakfast or lunchtime stop at the Knead & Feed, where for over 40 years the Kroon family has been baking and

serving up “made from scratch” specialties that feed both body and soul. Pick a window-side table open to Penn Cove breezes, then settle in for a hefty cup of coffee alongside the biggest, most luscious cinnamon roll imaginable. Always-fresh sandwiches, soups and salads are generously satisfying. Indulge in a taste of the locals’ favorite, Penn Cove mussels, farmed fresh in surrounding waters. Described as “Bold, Briny and Blue”, they are brought to your table at The Oyster Catcher steaming in flavorful broth, ready for dunking deliciously dense bread that accompanies each order of these plump, tender and sweet delicacies. Connections via Amtrak or Washington State Ferry make Whidbey Island a great launch spot for nearby travel adventures. A delightful three-and-a-half-hour journey hugging the Pacific Coast going northward took us from Amtrak’s Everett Station up to Vancouver in British Columbia. We opted for a two-day stay at a small marina-hotel, where we walked to nearby cafes and galleries, encountered classy chic cuisine and toasted the stunning Canadian Pacific Rim. We celebrated a memorable anniversary with >>

April-May 2016 53

Above: Deception Pass, Whidbey island’s most iconic bridge, offers breathtaking views. Inset: Coupeville Ferry that brings visitors to the island from Port Townsend offers calming scenery. 54

a weekend stay at Rosario Resort on Orcas Island in the San Juans. Our private suite aside a trickling waterfall was a short walk to the Moran Mansion for total pampering. The home of shipbuilder and former Seattle mayor Robert Moran, Rosario was built in early 20th century Craftsman Style. Dining at the Mansion Restaurant was a step back in time, where world-class cuisine with exquisite service catered to our individual tastes. Our last night there, relaxing aside a massive fireplace with warm toddies of spiced rum, we heard loud music bellowing from down the hall. Intrigued, we followed the sound into the media room, where an immense screen showed images of silent film actor Lon Chaney, accompanied by the original Phantom of the Opera score played on the Mansion’s colossal Aeolian organ. In every season, the arts are alive on Whidbey. Most weekends, island towns are abuzz with casual

Inside New Orleans

concerts of jazz, blues, marimba and zydeco, especially in Langley during the week of DjangoFest, when hundreds of musicians converge there from across the globe to pay tribute to Gypsy Jazz legend Django Reinhardt. Celebrations of music, theatre, dance, visual arts and crafts fill a year-round calendar of events with festivals fostering inspiration and featuring lively entertainment. Lingering on Whidbey puts you in sync with the locals who live by “Island Time.” It’s an exercise in de-stress where your most pressing engagements are whale watching or starfish gazing, strolling along beaches, skipping stones over surf, watching eagles soar overhead or just listening to the soothing sounds of lapping waves coming in against the shore. For a last taste of Pacific Northwest before heading home, allow enough airport time at Sea-Tac for a stop at Anthony’s, where breakfast begins with a basket of warm homemade scones served with honey butter. My choice to order is Chinook’s Famous Salmon Cake, Poached Eggs and Hollandaise, with a side of Chinook’s red-eye potatoes—Seattle’s comfort food for lulling you into a contented in-flight snooze during the first leg of your journey before bustling to your connecting flight back to Louisiana!

At the Table

illustration: GRETCHEN ARMBRUSTER

by Tom Fitzmorris

Inside New Orleans

Buon Appetito! ANYMORE, NOT MANY PEOPLE TALK MUCH about the origins of New Orleans cooking. We just eat it. It’s only after a few glasses of wine that we salute our well-known Creole roots in France, Spain and Africa. But it’s possible that the most important culinary force in New Orleans may be Italian. The Italians have been saying that for decades, if not centuries. They make the point even in Europe, where Italians say that the French learned to cook from them. Avoiding that debate, I recommend a book entitled How Italian Food Conquered The World. Author John Mariani is a restaurant critic who covers the whole world, and has written several books about the way we eat. I’ve known him personally for many years, and he is no wacko. (Full disclosure: he is, as his name attests, Italian-

American.) I think he’s right. You find Italian food everywhere you travel. We certainly have more than our share of it in New Orleans. Every time I set about writing a topdozen list about Italian restaurants, I usually wind up with two lists, each of two dozen, just to cover all the variations on the theme. The past few years have been interesting for those of us who like to dine out in the Italian style. It’s even more true for those of us who have traveled a bit. In doing so, we make the shocking discovery that the way our mothers cooked Italian food in New Orleans bears almost no resemblance to what is eaten in Italy itself. Some of us even come home from our trips thinking that Italian cooking in its homeland is overrated. That erroneous idea comes from people too shy to try Italian restaurants where the Italians >>

Cioppino.

April-May 2016 57

themselves go, where menus are hard to puzzle out. (The ones that are easy were made for American tourists and are not to be taken seriously. Beware restaurants offering a menu turistico.) The Italian cooking we have been exposed to in the newest local Italian restaurants is the exact opposite of menu turistico. It’s what the chefs found when they went to Italy for inspiration. Here are three such latterday establishments. All three call themselves Sicilian. That’s a good thing, because the overwhelming majority of Italian families in New Orleans hail from Sicily. But that influx happened over a century ago, when Sicilian cooking was much different from what it’s like now. The new places are not only different from the standard New Orleans Italian flavor; they’re also different from each other. That certainly explains the novelty of Marcello’s. Pronounced the Italian way (“mar-CHELL-ohs”), it took over a space on St. Charles Avenue near Girod, formerly the music club Le Chat Noir. After two years of success—you need a reservation most nights— Marcello’s opened a second location in Metairie. Both Marcello’s venues offer the same menu, which claims that it’s all Sicilian in style. Well, yes and no. Marcello’s goes through a lot of crabmeat and more seafood than the average New Orleans Italian restaurant. They make a great cioppino, the great Tuscan answer to bouillabaisse. And an excellent pasta Bolognese. Once we are past all that, the Sicilian flavors do indeed dominate, in fresh dishes ranging from the simple Parmigiana dishes with their longcooked, thick, sweet red sauces to 58

Inside New Orleans

pork cheeks Marsala and other dishes based on that intense Sicilian wine. And lasagna, chicken cacciatore, veal or eggplant Palermo, or the same items with artichokes, mushrooms, and capers. All this is great, but lends a different flavor palette than the ones we love at Impastato’s or the like. The most appealing aspect of Marcello’s may be its inspired wine program. The restaurant is an offshoot of a couple of wine stores in Lafayette. Almost as if they couldn’t decide whether to build a restaurant or a wine cellar, they have both. Racks of wines separate the rows of tables. You can walk among them and the adjacent customers having dinner and study the wines first-hand, literally. You pick up a bottle that looks good and bring it to your table. The prices are closer to retail than typical restaurant mark-ups, and there’s no corkage fee for wines bought in house. Also claiming Sicilian roots is Avo. It added a new sparkle to Magazine Street last year, featuring the food of owner and chef Nick Lala. The Lala family has been in the restaurant and seafood businesses for decades, best known for its classic stall in the old St. Roch Market. The chef himself was previously the chef de cuisine at Gautreau’s—a strong resume item. The name Avo is a general reference to all this heritage. It also means “grandfather,” pictures of whom are here and there on the walls. The restaurant itself has an interesting heritage. For about 20 years it was Martinique Bistro, whose finest attraction was the hedge-surrounded courtyard. The new owners enhanced this al fresco area by making it more or less weatherproof, allowing it to be in service unless it’s really cold or rainy. Tables in there have become the most-

demanded in the restaurant, although the indoor space adjacent to the bar is also very pleasant, having undergone its own renovation. The menu is an interesting mix of genuine Sicilian dishes with those that were almost certainly devised here in New Orleans, if long ago. “Polpette,” for example, is the Italian word for “meatballs.” But meatballs are seldom found in Italy, except in places with the ever-lurking menu turistico. And here they are at Avo, probably straight out of the cookbook of one of Chef Nick’s ancestors. But there’s nothing wrong with the reality. The meatballs are unusually juicy, stopping just short of falling apart. The flavor is more like that of a good hamburger. This is a great improvement over the standard meatball, which tends towards either dry or flavorless.

On the other side of the menu we find more wide-ranging eats. The gnocchi alla Romano (that suffix tells is that this is made not so much with potatoes as with flour) involve wild mushrooms and Fontana cheese in a very pleasant pasta course. We have seen crudo (Italian sashimi or ceviche), octopus with lardo, squid-ink pasta with crabmeat and a cioppino different from the one at Marcello’s. But now here’s a Sicilian-style lasagna, made with beef short ribs. How much of this was on your Italian grandmother’s table? Specials wind up being the best food on any given night. They are barely as likely to be Italian as American, with mixtures of the pedigrees. Service is unusually good, the servers happy to give advice and joke around a bit. All this and the handsome surroundings have made Avo not only good but >>

Polpettes, or “meatballs.” April-May 2016 59

Braciolone. 60

popular enough that you’d better reserve a table, especially if you want to dine in the courtyard. And now we travel down Magazine Street to the four or five blocks with the greatest density of eateries. In the middle of that stretch is Amici— Italian for “friends.” It opened about two years ago under the management of Phil and Jack Rizzuto and chef Chad Matrana, all of whom have bona fide Sicilian heritage. On top of that, Amici has some sort of connection with Jasper’s, a famous, 60-yearold Sicilian restaurant in Kansas City. Shake all that up and you have a distinctive style of eating. All of this is pulled together in the former Byblos, after a renovation that gave the dining room a stylish modern look. The kitchen also got a makeover, reopening with a coal-fired pizza oven— the only one in town. The pizza here is very good, and perfect for the whole table’s splitting as a first course with cocktails. But don’t think of this as a pizza house. The kitchen ranges from the most familiar red-sauceand-cheese dishes. Here, for example, is a fine,

Inside New Orleans

big braciolone, but one that varies far from the standard. It’s made with pork, beef, and eggs, then baked in enormous portions. Also right out of the Sicilian-Creole connection are shrimp diavolo (good and spicy), Italian sausage with broccoli raab, and spiedini (skewered beef slices stuffed with provolone). And anything Marsala. This, however, is only the beginning. The chef rolls out highly original dishes with only limited references to either Sicily or New Orleans. He is not afraid of running a high-price item if the results are worthwhile, as they are with the veal chops. Another possibility is making a dinner out of the many appetizers, which are more Sicilian in flavor than anything mentioned previously in this piece. I like the direction these three restaurants are headed. But I still wait eagerly for the day when the cuisines of Tuscany, Romana and Piemonte finally show up on New Orleans menus. We haven’t had a really great Northern Italian restaurant since the early years of Andrea’s. The closest we get to it is Del Porto—in Covington.

Jazz Fest Fan David “Doc” Mancina

What’s Up,“Doc?” “DOC” MANCINA IS A DIFFERENT kinda guy. Although his passions are shared by many, it is his contagious enthusiasm for all things New Orleans, especially the music, that sets him apart in the crowd. Among other things. David “Doc” Mancina was born the fourth of five sons in New Orleans at Baptist Hospital. His dad, a bus driver for New Orleans Public Service for 44 years, was a gregarious character who had great influence over the boy. He told his five boys that he owned the bus, but couldn’t bring it home ’cause it wouldn’t fit in the driveway. “My momma was a great sidekick to him,” says Doc. “Whenever those two were with people, it was a party! My dad was a serious New Orleans music lover. He’d drive his bus route, stop in at the record store on Friday night, bring home a stack of records, put them on the record player and we had our weekly Friday Night Music Night at the Mancinas. Dad loved New Orleans rhythm and blues and Dixieland jazz—especially Louis Prima, Louis Armstrong, Sharkey Bonano, Pete Fountain and Al

Inside New Orleans

Hirt. We danced with Mom and each other to the music, each of us creating his own unique dance steps. I looked forward to Friday Night Music Night throughout my childhood and into my teens. I was the only son who continued the music appreciation and collection in the family. Still do. Today, I have over 10,000 CDs and 10,000 records—45s, 78s—all kinds of stuff.” Doc’s music collection is priceless to him. “I can hear a few notes of a tune and tell you the name of the song and who sang it.” He’s like a human Shazam, the popular music-identifying smart-phone app. He recalls a very different era. “When we were kids, it wasn’t hard to get into bars to hear music. Nobody carded in those days, and I even got in with a group when I was 13. My actual introduction to the blues was when I was 15 at a Leadership Convention in Baton Rouge and I caught B.B. King live at the Prince Murat Inn. Having heard his records, I was in heaven seeing him live. When the British invasion gave way to a resurgence of New Orleans R&B in the early ’70s, I hooked into it, catchin’ Fess, Booker,

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

by Webb Williams

K-Doe and many other great musical acts. Even back then, I intermingled with crowds. I don’t see color and just danced and had good times enjoying the music.” Doc’s dad got the boys to play music, too. “Larry played clarinet, Garry and I played the trumpet, Greg played trombone and John played the drums. It only lasted a few years; since the music taught in junior high and high school was not what we boys enjoyed, we all dropped playing and concentrated on listening.” Doc enrolled at LSUNO the year before it changed to UNO, and got a perfect score in math on the SAT, eventually earning a degree in accounting. He was my CPA, and my wife, mother and daughters all relied on his expertise at tax time for many years. However, in spite of the organizational requirements it takes to be an accountant, Doc Mancina’s office is a disaster area. “I call myself a ‘collector,’” he corrects. “Although I have all this stuff, I know exactly where everything is!” The love of Doc’s life is Mary. “MareMare.” They met at Doc’s sister-in-law’s Christmas party years ago. “My sister-in-law was always trying to hook us up, but I knew that Mare-Mare was too good for me. My ‘I am not worthy’ Catholic guilt was workin’. I called her, and she agreed to a date. We went to a movie, then dancing at Georgie Porgies, 4141 and had a blast.” Then came carnival season. “In the Mancina family, we loved Mardi Gras. We all masked. It’s in your veins if you’re from New Orleans. If there were five parades, my Dad knew all the street shortcuts so we could make each one! I love the marching bands, and I’m the one dancing in the street revvin’ up the crowds. Mare-Mare shared my love of Mardi Gras. We went to a bunch of parades, danced at Tipitina’s, the Maple Leaf, Jed’s— she kept saying ‘yes’ when I called. After six weeks, I was getting exhausted. We needed to do something. I was head over heels in love and asked her to marry me. Eleven

months after that, we were married. Thirtyfive years later, with two grown children, life is still wonderful. Masking today at Mardi Gras has pretty much gotten down to mostly in the French Quarter. Now that the kids are grown, that’s where the masking is, and that’s where the craziness is, and that’s where you’ll find me!” Jazz Fest is another major passion of Doc’s. “Forget about seein’ me elsewhere the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May.” He gets all his clients’ taxes done before French Quarter Fest so he can warm up for the main event, Jazz Fest. The late Louie ‘The Nooge’ Nugent, Doc’s male soulmate, shared his love for Mardi Gras, New Orleans R&B and jazz, and Jazz Fest. Dressing up in outrageous outfits, they showed the crowds how to really celebrate the music with funky dance steps. “You can tell who’s from New Orleans at Jazz Fest. We don’t just sit and clap—we participate!” Doc and his friends frequented all the dives and places like Ernie K-Doe’s Mother-In-Law Lounge on Claiborne. K-Doe originally proclaimed himself as “Emperor of the World” in the mid’90s. One night at the Mother-in-Law Lounge, Doc told him that he was bigger than that. He smiled and exclaimed, “I’m the ‘Emperor of the Universe.’” It stuck. K-Doe’s bar was a rockin’ joint where he would hold court with Doc and the Nooge, chiming in on his records playing on the jukebox, just like he did on his radio show on WWOZ. One year, Doc rented a school bus to go to and from Jazz Fest in style, with K-Doe, Al “Carnival Time” Johnson, J. Monque’D, Ronnie Virgrets and other local luminaries on board. They rocked to a special boom box created out of a large ice chest and had cold beverages on board, as well. What a ride that must have been. And then there’s Doc’s love of the Saints. “I fell in love with the Saints from >>

From top: Doc with Allen Toussaint; Harold Battiste, Doc Mancina, Oliver Morgan and Clarence “Frogman” Henry; Doc with Mitch Woods and J. Monque’D; Beatle Bob and Doc at Jazz Fest. April-May 2016 63

Top left: Doc with Jimmy Buffet, Mary Mancina and Quint Davis. Top right: Getting funky in the Gospel Tent. 64

the very beginning. From the first kickoff by John Gilliam of the first game in Tulane Stadium, I’ve been a super fan. As a kid, my uncle could get tickets on the 50-yard line, and I loved it! Even when my brothers would get his spare tickets, I’d listen intently on the radio. I can honestly say I’ve never missed a Saints game either in person or broadcasted.” And Doc hasn’t just been a fair-weather Saints fan. He always cheers on the boys in black and gold, no matter what. “When Sean Payton first got hired, my friends and I bought season tickets in the highest seats in the Dome. They were cheap, way up in the nosebleed section, but we’ve always loved it, and referred to our group as the ‘Ceiling Fans.’ We had all been to LSU games where the partyin’ was outrageously fun. We decided to bring that attitude to the Saints home games. When someone says ‘tailgate,’ I think grandiose. I know to have a fun party you need food, spirits, and you have to have music. If those are all good, it’s bound to be a helluva party.” After Katrina, Doc brought his DJ music system to a spot he and his fellow tailgate organizers found under the Poydras Street ramp beside the Dome. “We started with three families, and we had the basics: food, booze, and music! Oh, and we had a Port-O-Let, which was another critical component for party success. As the season progressed, we had about 20-25 people, and by the end of the season, we had at least 100 people! The ‘Down-Undas’ were on a roll! The Down-Undas needed more than just

Inside New Orleans

DJ music, so we took up collections and hosted the J. Monque’D Blues Band, some players from the Dukes of Dixieland, the Treme Brass Band—all people I know—Young Tuxedo Brass Band, and it grew. “But when I invited Quint Davis from Jazz Fest, he showed up on the night of the NFL Championship with none other than Jimmy Buffet! Folks were sayin’, ‘Doc, Doc, Quint Davis is here!’—not realizing that he was with Jimmy Buffet! The Creole Stringbeans were playin’, and Quint came over and shook my hand, sayin’, ‘This is one helluva tailgate, Doc.’ I said hello to Jimmy and invited them both to some char-grilled oysters. I had one of the first baseball caps with blonde hair growing out of it, and Buffet really took a liking to it. ‘Man, Doc, I love your cap—I’d love to have that baseball cap.’ I told him he could have it if he’d jump on stage and play a couple of tunes for us. Quint nodded his approval, and Buffet told me, ‘Doc, you’ve made the biggest deal of your life: a $5 baseball cap for a live Jimmy Buffet performance!’ It was heaven-sent!” Leave it to Doc to create the ultimate New Orleans experience under the Poydras Street ramp. Doc continues to spread his love of music everywhere he goes, including posting a weekly Doc’s Playlist, musical selections and commentary that go to more than 600 friends all over the world who are learning about New Orleans music and other related genres. He smiles and says, “Like Ernie K-Doe said, ‘I’m pretty sure all music came from New Orleans.’ I’m havin’ fun.”

Jazz Fest

2016

FRIDAY, APRIL 29

FRIDAY, APRIL 22 Steely Dan, Janelle Monáe, Gov’t Mule, Michael McDonald, Grace Potter, The Subdudes, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbeque Swingers, Buckwheat Zydeco, Cowboy Mouth, The Black Lillies, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys and Hot 8 Brass Band.

Paul Simon, My Morning Jacket, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Irma Thomas, Elvin Bishop, Los Lobos perform La Pistola Y El Corazon, Bonerama, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, The Revivalists, John Boutté, Wayne Toups, Creole String Beans, C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Shamarr Allen & the Underdawgs, Astral Project, The Dynamic Smooth Family Gospel Singers of Slidell, and J. Monque’D Blues Band.

SATURDAY, APRIL 23

image courtesy: ART4NOW

Pearl Jam, Van Morrison, Maxwell, Boz Scaggs, Galactic, Brothers Osborne, Mystikal, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Anders Osborne, Tab Benoit, Leo Nocentelli, John Hammond, Bobby Cure Band & the New Orleans R&B Revue and Rosie Ledet & the Zydeco Playboys.

SUNDAY, APRIL 24

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell poster for 2016, House of Swing - Portrait of the First

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Family of Jazz, by Paul Rogers.

THE NEW ORLEANS JAZZ AND Heritage Festival is a time-honored, much-loved ritual that has had New Orleanians flocking to the Fair Grounds for years. Here are just a few of our favorites that will be hitting the stage this year, day by day. For the full schedule of performances, visit nojazzfest.com.

Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nick Jonas, J. Cole, Herbie Hancock & Wayne Shorter Duo, Julio Iglesias, Jonny Lang, Better Than Ezra, Elle King, Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars, Taj Mahal & The Trio, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet and Don Vappie & The Creole Jazz Serenaders.

THURSDAY, APRIL 28 Tedeschi Trucks Band & Friends, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Gary Clark Jr., Flo Rida, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Cyril Neville & SwampFunk, Sonny Landreth, George Porter, Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners, Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, New Birth Brass Band, The Breton Sound and Mia Borders.

SATURDAY, APRIL 30 Stevie Wonder, Snoop Dogg, Beck, Buddy Guy, Dr. John & the Nite Trippers, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Jon Batiste & Stay Human, Rebirth Brass Band, Big Freedia, The Soul Rebels, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha-Chas, Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Deacon John’s Jumpers, Cyril Neville’s Royal Southern Brotherhood, Paul Sanchez & The Rolling Road Show, Jeremy Davenport, Big Chief Bo Dollis, Jr. & The Wild Magnolias, Treme Brass Band and Kim Carson Band.

SUNDAY, MAY 1 Neil Young + Promise of the Real, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Bonnie Raitt, Arlo Guthrie, Isley Brothers featuring Ronald and Ernie Isley, Aaron Neville, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Zigaboo Modeliste’s Funk Revue, Marcia Ball, Rockin’ Dopsie & the Zydeco Twisters, Charmaine Neville Band, Stooges Brass Band, Luther Kent & Trickbag and Lena Prima and The Lena Prima Band. April-May 2016 65

Inside New Orleans

Flourishes

2 3 1. Insulated purse with refillable bag by Vivajennz hides your favorite beverage in style; hidden

spigot under flap. Many styles available, $55. Arabella Fine

Gifts and Home Décor, Mandeville, 985727-9787. 2. Tunnel of Love, 27” x 19” painting, $9,500. Michalopoulos Gallery, 558-0505. 3. Compact and lightweight Clarisonic “Mia Fit” for on-the-go, $189. Le Visage Day Spa, 265-8018. 4. Colorful assortment of napkins by Kim Seybert and napkin rings. Napkins starting at $20; napkin rings starting at $14. Hazelnut, 891-2424. 5. Porcelain oyster plates;

dishwasher, oven and microwave safe; $30 each. Shades of Blue, 891-1575. 6. Large 36” rustresistant sunflower, dahlia or poppy garden torches, $85. Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 985-893-8008. 7. Crisp white chest with hand-painted leafy botanical acrylic doors and stone top; 50”W x 18”D x 36.5”H, $2,835. Eclectic Home, 866-6654.

7 April-May 2016 67

Flourishes 1

1. ROUX 9” x 12” handcrafted cutting board made with cherry, maple and walnut

woods, $55; maple and walnut hand-turned bowl, $42. NOLA Boards, 352-1985. 2. Walker Zanger hand-painted ceramic tile from the Daquesa Collection, price upon request. Stafford Tile & Stone, 895-5000. 3. Unique threedimensional matted and framed Intaglios, $325. French Mix, Covington, 985-8093152. 4. White Narcissus 6

Pagoda Candles from Seda France, starting at $45. The Linen Registry, Metairie, 8318228. 5. French blue jewelry box, $70. Niche Modern 7

Home, Mandeville, 985624-4045. 6. Blue and silver abstract art, $395 each. EMB Interiors, Mandeville, 985-6261555. 7. Octopus napkin ring, $32 for set of 4; Vietri grey whip-stitch napkin, $45 for set of 4. Mélange by kp, Mandeville, 985-807-7652.

Inside New Orleans

April-May 2016 69

Inside New Orleans

Flourishes 2

5 3

1. Wood Craig pocket square by Harley London; $55. The Shop at The Collection, The Historic New Orleans Collection, 598-7147. 2. Framed shields on glass;

frames are distressed in white with gold trim, $1,300 each. Beth Claybourn Interiors, 342-2630. 3. Wooden lotus bowl, $48. Fur.Nish, Metairie, 702-8514. 4. Stoneware plate, $14; Stoneware honey dipper, $20; Stoneware mug, $14; all

three part of a set. Little Miss Muffin, 482-8200. 5. Voya Porefection gel toner, $60. Woodhouse Day Spa, 4826652. 6. Melange Landon Hall Console from a one-of-a-kind collection offering an eclectic blending of colors, textures and materials. American Factory Direct, Mandeville, 985-871-0300. April-May 2016 71

Trade Secrets

Ho-hum House? As the center of your living space, this oversized ottoman, taking the place of a traditional cocktail table, gives extra seating and comfort. 72

YOU LOVE YOUR HOUSE. It’s a great house. It took a lot of time and a lot of hard-earned funds to get it just right. Fully decorated and beautiful. Everyone says so. But it seems you’ve got the itch. Everything is lovely, but it’s been lovely for years, and you just want to shake things up a bit. You don’t want to gut the kitchen or anything, but there must be some little something you can do. Ta da! There is! You can make a few little

Inside New Orleans

changes that will have a big impact. They’ll satisfy that itch and add a wow factor to your look without breaking the bank.

Pillow Talk Forever, we’ve all carefully placed a pair of pillows on either end of our sofas. Just recently, I’ve enjoyed mixing things up a bit with a third pillow, usually a cloud-soft, solid velvet to blend with the sofa fabric. Okay, it’s not earthshaking but it is a

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

by Trudy Hurley

photos courtesy: GREEN PARROT DESIGN

quick cure for the ho-hums. Remarkably, it adds another dimension of texture and depth of color.

Visit the Darkside Pick a room—a powder room, a guest bedroom, a study. Now, paint it dark charcoal gray, or a deep rich chocolate brown, or perhaps a classic navy blue. I love all the white paint, y’all, but c’mon, let’s paint just one room in a deep inky shade. Dark paint envelopes a room and draws in its visitors with drama and coziness. And contrary to popular belief, a very dark color actually makes the space bigger, not smaller. Think infinity.

Drape with Drama No matter what type of bed you have, there’s a simple piece of hardware that can be installed on the ceiling above the bed and—voila! The bed can be draped on all four sides to create a stylized and very romantic focal point in the room. The fabric need not be expensive. There are a myriad of reasonable linens and taffetas that work beautifully to create this dreamy retreat.

Positively Pleather Call it faux leather or leatherette or Naugahyde— what is a nauga anyway? But fake leather has come a long, long way in the past few years. It’s now so close to the buttery soft texture of real leather that it’s hard to tell the difference. It comes in a vast array

of colors and grains and is far less expensive than its moo-cow counterpart. And since it can be ordered by the yard instead of by the hide, there is essentially no waste. The greatest attribute of pleather is that it is virtually indestructible and impervious to staining. So let’s take those tired dining chairs and vamp them up in pleather! Not only practical (seldom one of my strongpoints), but very bold and terribly chic.

Tweak the Table Your cocktail table should be fabulous. It’s literally the center of your living space. If it’s already wonderfully chic, then I’m not talking to you. But if it is from your husband’s college apartment, or if it was considered “cool” at any time in the 1980s, it’s time for an upgrade. In your living room, the cocktail table can be staged with stacks of books, objets d’art and a graceful orchid to really dress up the room. In a den, an oversized ottoman in place of the traditional cocktail table can provide comfort and relaxation as well as extra seating for a large gathering. Or perhaps you’ll decide to replace your grandmother’s table with two or three cubes to really jazz things up. You should absolutely be smitten with everything in your house. So one by one, give those tired pieces to your newlywed nephew, and start replacing them with things that excite you. Your home is charming, but don’t let it get stale. Stay excited...love your house!

Above left: An extra pillow adds another dimension of texture and depth to the sofa. Above right: The guest room takes on dark charcoal gray walls that draw visitors in with drama and coziness. April-May 2016 73

Inside New Orleans

INside Look

Shades of Spring 1. Randall dress by Likely in Lip,

$155. FeBe, Metairie, 835-5250. 2. Leo & Ugo Gold top, $165. Elizabethâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Metairie, 833-3717. 3. Kevan Hall scuba jacket in Leopard from Spring 2016 collection, $150. Priorities, 8992212 or online at kevanhallsport. com. 4. 18k yellow and white gold diamond ring with 6.80 ct (approximate) center yellow diamond and 1.80 ct (approximate) round diamonds, $60,000. Friend & Company, 866-5433. 5. India Gladiator cracked mixed metallic leather flat sandals with ankle strap closure and braided leather by Rachel Zoe. Emmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shoes and Accessories, Metairie, 407-0668. 4

April-May 2016 75

INside Look 2

Shades of Spring 1. Gold Blaque Label dress, $162. Angelique, 304-9050. 2. Platinum and diamond ring, $60,000. Adlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 523-5292. 3. Graphic-Print Modern shift by Milly, $375. FeBe, Metairie, 835-5250. 4. Anna wedge by Stuart Weitzman in gold summer linen, $398. FeBe, Metairie, 835-5250. 5. SHAPE Swing Tank in Sunset. Box pleat at back, sweat evaporative fabric, $48. Basics Swim & Gym, 894-1000.

Inside New Orleans

April-May 2016 77

Inside New Orleans

INside Look 1 3 2

4 5

Shades of Spring 1. David Tutera embellished drop necklace. Bustles and Bows, Metairie, 780-7090. 2. J.O.A high-low scuba party dress in chartreuse, $72. Elle Boutique, 522-4929.

3. Sleeveless mock neck shift dress. The Villa, Mandeville, 985-626-9797. 4. Magnolia top with lace detail shown in Banana Daiquiri, $118; white Worth Skinny Jean; gold Kristin Wedge. Palm Village, Mandeville, 985-778-2547. 5. Halo ring in 18kt white gold with 2.02 ct tw cushion-cut fancy yellow center diamond and .80 ct tw round diamonds, $36,996. Boudreauxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine Jewelers, Metairie, 831-2602. 6. Traveler suit, $795; Traveler shirt, $79.50; and signature gold tie, $99.50. Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, 528-9491. April-May 2016 79

IN Development by Tom Hancock

ABOUT A YEAR AGO, I told all of you that this is my absolute favorite time of year in New Orleans. I could gush on and on about how amazing the weather is and come up with an existential metaphor relating boiled crawfish and Abita Strawberry to Springtime in New Orleans, but I promise I will spare you all of a weak attempt at being poetic by a former frat boy. Instead, let’s play a game. The name of the game is “Two truths and a lie.” This is a game in which I tell you two statements that are true, one that is a lie, and you differentiate which of the three is a lie. Sound good? Here goes … 1) The Better than Ezra Jazz Fest set in 2009 has gone down in the record books as the greatest performance of all time at the event. 2) Stevie Nicks singing Landslide with Fleetwood Mac at Jazz Fest 2013 was so moving that my eyes

the ongoing rebuilding from Hurricane Katrina, but much of it is credited to this being one of the most aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods in the city. The stately mansions on Esplanade Avenue are enough to catch the eye of the otherwise uninterested, and the less-sizable homes lining secondary thoroughfares such as Grand Route St. John, Ponce De Leon Street, Moss Street along the bayou and all in between are equally as charming and eye-grabbing. When I speak with real estate agents who specialize in this area about what the main selling point is for homes here, the common theme is Jazz Fest. Hundreds of thousands of music and festival enthusiasts from around the world flock to the Fair Grounds every year for one of the largest music festivals on the planet. The sights and sounds of the multi-weekend event are as intoxicating and memorable as any other event that we put on in this great city. The selling point to avid Jazz Fest fans of living in a relatively safe and beautiful neighborhood paired with being within walking distance to the event is seemingly a no-brainer. When festival goers exit the Fair Grounds after a long day of music and food, it is absolutely impossible to avoid the sense of pride that the neighbors feel in their neighborhood, as many open their doors to family and friends for “post-fest” parties, which essentially become extensions of the festival with more food, drink, and sometimes even live music right out in the front or back yard. With such great selling points, there is no wonder that home sales activity temporarily ticks upward before and after Jazz Fest every year. If you are the type that likes to strap on the flip-flops (or mud boots if it rains), march out to the Fair Grounds, set up the tarp and take in the sights and sounds, it seems as if a purchase in the neighborhood is a winning combination. Since last year’s Jazz Fest, two couples who are among my best friends have made home purchases within two blocks of the Fair Grounds. One couple’s house has a towering sky deck in the back yard with a breathtaking view of the city, and the other house came equipped with a tiki bar and swimming pool-hot tub combo. With friends like these, and houses like those, when Jazz Fest rolls around this year, the real winner will be … well … me!

Mid-City Vibe fogged up with tears (and my friends still make fun of me relentlessly about it to this day). Before we go into the third statement, if you are reading this and know me personally, the answer is “no”—the next statement is not about Widespread Panic and/or Juvenile. Moving on … 3) Homes in the Mid-City/Bayou St. John neighborhood are currently one of the fastest-appreciating real estate sectors in New Orleans. The question now is which two are true and which one is a lie. Well, it depends on who you are. If you are me, then they are actually all true; however, many of you might disagree with the first statement, and many of you are probably surprised by the third. With the history and charm of so many neighborhoods in New Orleans, the Mid-City/Bayou St. John area is sometimes an afterthought of many who only grace it with their presence during Jazz Fest (technically the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, but we are sticking with the vernacular here) every year. Not only is this one of the fastest-growing areas in terms of population, it is also seeing record amounts of dollars spent in renovations. Part of this is attributed to

Inside New Orleans

April-May 2016 81

Inside New Orleans

photos courtesy: ELLIOTT GALLERY

Artist Nissan Engel WORLD-RENOWNED PRINTMAKER, painter, sculptor and collage artist Nissan Engel will make his first visit to New Orleans to appear at his one-man exhibit on April 16 at Elliott Gallery, his first show in 18 years. Featuring Engel’s newest original works, the unique pieces incorporate New Orleans jazz and classical French opera sheet music as well as antique architectural renderings of local buildings. In a telephone interview from Venice, Italy, Engel said, “I am very excited. I have been working on the theme of jazz in Marciac, France. The more I work, the more I love jazz, so I cannot wait to see New Orleans.” Musical themes are often the artist’s subject, giving his work its remarkable sense of harmony and rhythm; Engel refers to his art as, ‘Abstract Lyricism.’ He says, “I have always been interested in music … in opera, in jazz. I had a dear friend, who died recently at the age of 94. He taught great opera singers; Pavarotti was a student. Many years ago, my friend gave me some music by Mozart. I used it in a piece of artwork, and that was my first collage. Music became a permanent interest of mine.” Translating the lyricism of music and color into the visual arts, Engel holds his compositions together by their likeness to the tonal and harmonic qualities of music. Speaking his own visual language, he “paints” music with an optical power to challenge our emotions. Gallery owner Catherine Martens Betz explains:

“Nissan’s visual compositions by Kate Brevard are bold yet soft, with hints to architecture and fabric design from his study of costume and stage design. It’s very hard to make collage look seamless. People are quick to write ‘mixed media’ off. Nissan has this wonderful eye for doing collage while making it look so easy.” Born in Haifa, Israel, in 1931, Engel is an artist’s artist, having progressed through all of the classical phases of study and apprenticeship before arriving at his own unique style of collage. He graduated from the Beaux-Arts Bezalel in Jerusalem in 1956, where he studied painting, printmaking, and design; in 1957, he studied stage and costume design at Centre Dramatique de l’Est, in Strasbourg, France. In 1965, Engel moved to New York City. While in the United States, he worked with a series of stained glass windows for synagogues in New York and Maryland, his dramatic sense of light, color and emotion transferring easily to the art of stained glass. This form of working in blocks of color led Engel away from his figurative works and towards more abstract collage forms. Realizing the power of colored forms coupled with the play of transparency in the windows, he found a new technique for his mixed-media paintings. Engel explains the evolution of his creative Opposite page: work over the years: “I have had two phases in Carmen II. my career. When I was in Paris, it was figurative. Above: Artist Then, I was in New York City with Warhol and >> Nissan Engel April-May 2016 83

photos courtesy: ELLIOTT GALLERY

Rauschenberg and all of these wonderful American painters. That’s when I moved away from figurative work and started to do very personal work with color.” The collage technique reflects Engel’s graphic approach to his art, creating a style that expresses 84

Inside New Orleans

his ideas. His highly individual style is a masterful combination of acrylics, oils, pastels, inks and collage elements. In the 1980s, Engel began to do engravings. His engravings stem from his collages, often following the same compositional format. In 1975, after spending 10 years in America, Engel returned to France and settled in Paris, where he and his wife still live. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in February of this year. Engel has been represented by Elliott Gallery since the 1980s. Betz says, “The two loves of Nissan’s life are music and making art. We sent him a box of ‘material,’ original New Orleans sheet music and architectural drawings, and Nissan is going to assimilate some of these items into his collages for the opening. This connection is important to us, as New Orleanians.” Nissan Engel’s one-man show at Elliott Gallery, 540 Royal St., is on Saturday, April 16, 2016, with a reception from 5 to 9. For more information, call 523-3554 or visit elliottgallery.com.

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 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

LONG-TERM SESSSIONS 1st Session: June 5-June 17 2nd Session: June 19-July 1 3rd Session: July 3-July 15 4th Session: July 17-July 29 A B C D E F

SHORT-TERM SESSIONS Session: June 5-June 10 Session: June 12-June 17 Session: June 19-June 24 Session: June 26-July 1 Session: June 17-July 22 Session: July 24- July 29

2016

a publication of

Women business leaders inspire other women to pursue their dreams. And research shows that women reinvest 90 percent of their earnings in their families and communitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;which means that investing in women is an investment in our collective future. Did you know over 30 percent of area businesses are owned and operated by women? Collectively, we women certainly impact the bottom line of South Louisiana. That is an achievement we can be proud of! Operating a business also requires big-picture perspective, attention to detail, fearless optimism and boundless ingenuity. The ambitious women featured in the following pages have found a way to thrive in their respective industries, and they are our inspiration. --Lori Murphy publisher

Inside New Orleans

2016 Feature 4 Beth DePass Kevan Hall Sport 7 Terri Hogan Dreyer, AIA, LSBID NANO LLC 7 Linda Hattier First Bank and Trust 8 Dr. Katherine Williams Southern Institute for Women’s Sexual Health 10 Susan Currie, Allied ASID, CAPS Susan Currie Design 10 Nicole Rogers, MD, FAAD Hair Restoration of the South 11 Merry Sorrells Head of School, St. Martin’s Episcopal School 12 Lynn Dow California Closets New Orleans 13 Cynthia W. Nunez Antiques de Provence 13 Jennifer Rice Dorian Bennett Sotheby’s International Realty 14 Danielle Franco Elle Boutique 14 Trudy Hurley Green Parrot Design 15 Dr. Rachel L. Moore Moore Metabolics

19 Susan Zackin Z Event Company 19 Penny Francis Eclectic Home 20 Eileen Friel Powers Louise S. McGehee School 20 21

Beth Fisackerly Boat Stuf Kathy Phillips, Tina Orgeron, Eileen Dillmann, and Tracy Fury New Orleans Steamboat Company

22 Susan J. Burkenstock Elkins, P.L.C. 23 Peggy Rodriguez everyBody Wellness 23 Dede Redfearn Zounds Hearing 24 Effie Boihem and Bessie Papazis FeBe Clothing 25 Sandy Franco Franco’s on Magazine 26 Diane Lyons ACCENT-DMC and FestiGals 27 Sarah Louise Wood Ham Wood Resources, LLC 27 Nina Friend Friend & Company

16 Grace Piro and Billie Comeaux American Factory Direct Furniture

28 Angelique Palumbo Weiser and Heather Catalanotto Shop Angelique

16 Kea Sherman Sherman Law Firm, LLC

28 Charlotte Hailey Dorion Gardner Realtors

17 Mary P. Lupo, M.D.; Kate Z. Holcomb, M.D. Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology

29 Beth Claybourn Beth Claybourn Interiors

18 Jeanne Andry Landry Attorney at Law

30 Gretchen Armbruster Armbruster Artworks

Women IN Business 3

Kevan Hall Sport by Meri Monsour

Beth DePass

WHEN BETH DEPASS CO-LAUNCHED Kevan Hall

business ventures, and served in a number of

Sport, a women’s golf and leisurewear collection,

non-profit capacities. Following Hurricane Katrina,

she assumed she would have plenty of time to model

DePass’ family traveled between New Orleans

the clothing on the golf course. But instead of hitting

and Boca Raton, where they briefly relocated and

the links, DePass has been hitting the runway and

eventually purchased property because they “really

showcasing her line at golf retailers and country

enjoyed” the atmosphere and the escape it offered.

clubs nationwide.

It is also where DePass returned to the game of

“That’s the big joke on me,” laughs DePass. “I

golf and became inspired during her hours on the

haven’t been able to play nearly as much golf as I

course. “I saw that there was a real void in ladies’

thought—I’ve been too busy!” And that’s just the way

golf clothes and I just decided to go for it,” she says.

she likes it. A mother of two, DePass says she “doesn’t have

Launched in January 2014, Kevan Hall Sport is a collaboration between Beth, a dear friend of hers from

the quit gene.” She and her husband both grew

New Orleans and fashion designer Kevan Hall, whom

up in New Orleans, where DePass has worked as

DePass met years ago at a trunk show; she became

an attorney, managed real estate and other family

an instant fan and collector of his fashions. Together,

Inside New Orleans

they are creative and

at the PGA Merchandise Show in January, features

design co-directors, and

dresses, skirts, shorts, pants, cardigans and jackets

DePass has taken on

in 19 different patterns.

an extremely active role

“Industry insiders are shocked by how quickly

in the development of

we’ve risen,” says DePass, “but I think it’s because

styles and custom prints.

we’ve spent so much time on the ground listening

By combining Hall’s

to our customers and talking about their needs

experience designing

and wants.”

luxury ready-to-wear

Of course, DePass herself is one of the line’s main

pieces and DePass’

customers. “I’m the demographic. I know what I like to

vision and savvy, Kevan

wear, and I know what I need functionally in everyday

Hall Sport offers chic,

life,” which is why she designed her pieces to take a

modern, versatile pieces

woman “from the fairway into her every day.”

that are as feminine as they are functional. DePass believes

DePass says that the decision to launch her own clothing line was “one of the least thought-out decisions” she has ever made, but several aspects of her life

women respond to the

came together to help her reach it. Including being

fact that Kevan Hall

encouraged from a very young age. “I think my parents

Sport pieces go beyond

forgot to tell me that there was something I couldn’t do,”

the basic yoga pant

she laughs. “They always believed in me.”

without sacrificing comfort. “I wear my yoga pants

DePass says she has “always been creative,”

to the gym,” says DePass, “but not all day. I like to

and took sewing- and jewelry-making classes

dress up, and now I can be just as comfortable.”

when she was younger. From a fashion standpoint,

Though rooted in golf, the pieces go beyond the

she was fortunate to grow up with a very creative

fairway and are both stylish and functional enough

and talented mother and mother-in-law who could

for travel, errands or lunch. Best-sellers include

“basically make me anything I wanted to wear.”

the mock scuba top and matching dress as well

DePass has always enjoyed customizing clothing

as the “flippy skort.” This season, Kevan Hall Sport

and would not hesitate to bring her tailor a new

introduced its own version of a gym or yoga pant, but

item to change a neckline or hemline to match her

it still retains its golfer style, offering pockets for a golf

particular tastes.

glove or scorecard. While jumping into the world of fashion has been

Though she is quick to admit that she is not a competitive golfer, DePass has always enjoyed

a bit daunting for DePass, she says it has also been

the sport and the camaraderie it offers. She has

“so rewarding just to create something from nothing.

cherished memories of playing with her husband,

I can dream it up, talk to our amazing production

who has been an avid golfer since his youth, and her

manager and textile artist and it’s done!”

two sons, but DePass is especially fond of golfing

The line is made in Los Angeles using the highest quality athletic materials that are moisture

with other women. “The golf course is the most welcoming place

wicking, UV protectant, wrinkle resistant and easy

among other women,” says DePass. “It’s women

care. Its Fall 2016 collection, which made its debut

acting their best and encouraging each other. When >> Women IN Business 5

by wearing Kevan Hall Sport just about everywhere. “My husband cannot remember the last time I wore something other than Kevan Hall Sport,” she says. “We even make cocktail dresses out of breathable, wrinkleresistant athletic mesh, so why should I?” Her attention to detail and dedication to the success of the brand has helped DePass gain “tremendous support” from local retailers like Priorities on Magazine Street and the pro shops at both Metairie and New Orleans Country Clubs. And while DePass says that she “can’t remember the last time I had a day off,” the workload is just fine with her. “When I made this decision, I made a promise to myself that I would challenge myself and create that which I wanted,” says DePass. “I knew I had to do this the way I wanted to do it, and I wanted to be heavily involved creatively. If I just wanted to invest, I could go buy stock. I want to actually DO this! So many people want to retire, but I’m not the type of person you spend four-plus hours with someone on a golf

who can just sit. I wanted to set a good example for

course, you get to know them well! The friendships

my children and for myself. And you know what? I feel

that develop and the business and networking

like I’m getting younger everyday! I’m having a ball!”

opportunities are just incredible!” Obviously, for DePass, the golf course is also a

or follow @KEVANHALLSPORT on Facebook and

have the chance to play as often as she would like,

Instagram.

DePass embodies the versatility and style of her brand 6

For more information, visit KevanHallSport.com

great source of inspiration, and while she does not

Inside New Orleans

Terri Hogan Dreyer, AIA, LSBID NANO LLC

“The beginning and end of a project are my favorite parts,” says Terri Hogan Dreyer. “The beginning allows for endless possibilities, including a client’s wants and needs. At the end, we see our hard work in fruition. It’s a ‘hallelujah’ and a proud moment.” Terri and her husband, Ian, started NANO LLC in 2001 with a mission to consistently design quality architectural environments. “The name NANO is based on a nanometer, a spatial measurement. No matter the size of the project, we focus on ‘detail at every scale.’” Born into a family of architecture and art, Terri has always loved the profession. With 30 years of experience, she provides comprehensive architectural and interior design services for commercial, municipal, historic preservation and residential projects. She received her masters of architecture from Tulane University, winning the coveted “Best Thesis” Award, and bachelor of interior design from LSU and is a graduate of Parson’s School of Design-Environmental Design and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. She has also completed the Tuck Executive Education Program at Dartmouth College. “A woman in business, especially a mother, is a superwoman who must focus to be intense in all aspects of life. I depend on my team to help me produce an outcome on design, budget and schedule. “Our team’s combined 65 years of experience encompasses a multitude of architectural project types, including new construction, renovations and historic preservation, for military, civic, commercial and private clients.”

NANO LLC is a certified DBE with the City of New Orleans and a certified Woman Owned Business with WBENC. The firm is located at 432 N. Anthony St., Suite 303, 486-3272. www.nanollc.net.

Linda Hattier First Bank and Trust

“I was born and raised in Metairie, but the city has always drawn me in. The culture and history are second to none, and I would not want to work anywhere else,” says Linda Hattier. For the last four of her 16 years in the banking industry, she has worked in corporate real estate and construction lending at the First Bank and Trust Tower in the New Orleans CBD. “When I was in high school, my dad shared with me the importance of saving for retirement, and I became interested in finance and money management. In college, I attended a job fair where several New Orleans banks were recruiting for teller positions,” says Linda. “I was hired immediately and shortly thereafter promoted to relationship banker which gave me the opportunity to obtain my Series 6 investment license. “After 12 years of retail banking I challenged myself to get more involved with larger, more complex lending; this led me into corporate real estate and construction lending,” says Linda. She is grateful for the opportunity to work with Gary McNamara and for his help in advancing her career and reaching more customers. First Bank and Trust strives to make banking easy for customers. “I gain satisfaction knowing that I am able to help customers and take the worry and stress out of banking. The best part about banking is getting to know my customer.”

First Bank and Trust is located at 909 Poydras St., Ste. 1700, 586-2808. fbtonline.com. Women IN Business 7

Dr. Katherine Williams

Southern Institute for Women’s Sexual Health Sexual Dysfunction in Breast Cancer Patients More now than ever, women confronting breast cancer are prevailing in their campaign against the disease. That’s the magnificent news. Unfortunately, many breast cancer survivors struggle to lead a post-treatment life they recognize— one resembling their life prior to their illness. Dr. Katherine Williams, chief gynecologist-obstetrician (OBGYN) of the Covington-based Center for Women’s Health, has now opened the Southern Institute for Women’s Sexual Health (SIWSH) to not only aid breast cancer survivors but help all women suffering from sexual dysfunction. “I want to improve breast cancer survivors’ quality of life, and that includes healing any sexual dysfunction they may be experiencing,” explains Williams. “For survivors to achieve quality intimacy again, many women must have their breast reconstructed and their health return, but they lose their sexual being. I want to provide a place where they can learn to regain that and truly live again.” 8

Inside New Orleans

For too long, whether because of society or culture, women have internalized their physical intimacy obstacles, says Williams. “There could not be a worse time for this phenomenon than when a woman wrestles with the physical trauma and mental anguish that accompany taxing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.” The National Cancer Institute (NCI) cites research that suggests at least 50 percent of breast cancer patients “experience long-term sexual dysfunction,” and yet there is little indication that sexual counseling factors into oncology treatment or is addressed by any of the patient’s healthcare professionals. This is despite the evidence that dysfunction issues may persist well past the first couple of years of disease-free survival and may “remain constant and fairly severe or even continue to increase” into the future, reports NCI. “I think we as the medical community for so long have been focused on finding the cure for cancer, and with great results—I have more and more patients who are 10-, 15-, 20-year survivors,” affirms Williams. “Now, progressing forward, it is time we talk about how to live with cancer. I think this is the moment to encourage more dialogue. It is time for women to stop suffering.” Breast cancer patients have increased susceptibility to sexual

“It is time we talk about how to live “This is a vital element in all of my strategies—listening to my patient’s individual needs. On the second visit,

with cancer. I think this is the moment I perform a vulvoscopy to examine the area of concern to encourage more dialogue. It is time with a microscope, allowing me to discern any physical for women to stop suffering.” - Dr. Katherine Williams dysfunction issues because of the nature of their disease and its treatment, explains Williams. “Their hormones are often diminished because they have had their ovaries removed as a preventative measure, or as risk reduction for recurrence of breast cancer. Also, (hormones may be diminished) if their ovaries were overwhelmed by the chemotherapy, forcing them into early menopause, or as a result of the medication they are taking.” Moreover, body changes arising from surgery—such as a mastectomy, for example—may lead to disturbances of a woman’s self image, clinically known as Body Dysmorphic Disorder. “They just don’t feel like a sexual female anymore,” Williams clarifies. The conditions Williams witnesses most among her breast-cancer surviving patients include: - Pain with intercourse, often severe, preventing an ability to have sex; - The absence of, or a diminished sex drive; and - Depression or anxiety from underactive reproductive hormones, stress, Body Dysmorphic Disorder or any combination of these. At SIWSH, Williams and her partners offer expert, curative strategies to assist all women, including breast cancer survivors, over these hurdles associated with sexual dysfunction. “The best course of treatment is a comprehensive history and evaluation that allows the doctor to understand the whole patient. This cannot be done with a simple office visit, period,” emphasizes Williams. “In order to formulate the best treatment plan, I start most consults with a discussion that allows the patient to tell me her story and verbalize her problems. I do an exam that gives me a preliminary diagnosis, and I order a battery of tests specific to female dysfunction.” Williams also provides a 140-part questionnaire— something her patient can complete at home, in privacy— which she reviews before the patient’s next visit. She says,

abnormalities. I review her questionnaire with her. All of this provides me with better understanding of the patient, her history and medical condition, in order to formulate the best treatment plan. “Again, you can only do that once you understand the patient,” declares Williams. “And you can only understand them when you promote openness and honesty. The extensive questions and health information I assimilate is designed to best help the patient.” She gives an illustrative example: “Some breast cancer patients who come to see me are so miserable. They tell me they are very unhappy—the hot flashes, the menopause— all of it. I ask them, ‘What is the scariest thing to you: not living the life you had before or getting cancer again?’ When they say, ‘Not living the life I had before,’ I discuss multiple options to assist each patient, encompassing the risk and benefits related to all plans of care.” Williams believes most treatment plans apply a multifaceted approach—one that endows strategies specific to each individual woman’s needs—and which she roots in three main tiers: physical therapy, medical therapy and psychotherapy. Her ambition to equip patients with every necessary resource during the healing process motivated Williams to recruit a well-respected oncologist, Dr. Jay Saux, to SIWSH. Saux, much beloved in the oncology community because of his excellence and dedication, provides risk counseling for patient treatment relative to their diagnosis. This adds to a robust arsenal of expertise, allowing Williams and her SIWSH team to restore patients’ sexual health.

Dr. Williams is a board certified OBGYN and fellow of the International Society of Women’s Sexual Health. Currently, she accepts patients at two locations: Center for Women’s Health, 104 Innwood Drive, Covington, LA 70433; and at the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery, 1717 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130. For additional information or to schedule a new patient appointment, call 985-871-0707. Women IN Business 9

Nicole Rogers, MD, FAAD Hair Restoration of the South

Susan Currie, Allied ASID, CAPS Susan Currie Design

Bold and vibrant colors are a trademark of Susan Currie’s design. She says, “I start with subtle shades of neutral hues as a backdrop. Then identify the color that a client is most attracted to and introduce pops of that color through artwork and accessories to create focal points in a room.” Susan’s keen eye for color leads to interiors reflective of her client’s style and sensibilities. Her expertise allows Susan to navigate through design options that are creative and functional. She says, “Interior design is about life. It’s about how we move through a space, how we enjoy things and what we do in that environment. Listening is one of the most important things I do when working with a client. Whether designing a new home or updating a current one, I work very closely with my clients to help them realize how their design dreams can fit their lifestyle.” Susan brings a lot of playfulness to a project. “I always make time to have fun,” she says. “Renovation or new design projects can be overwhelming so I love to take my clients on a shopping adventure to spark their enthusiasm whether it’s visiting antique shops or selecting new stone for their kitchen. If they’re excited about it, my job is that much more rewarding.” Continually inspired by designing in both Atlanta and New Orleans, the different markets keep Susan’s designs fresh. “I can’t imagine doing anything else. Interior design is definitely a part of my soul.”

Reach Susan at susan@susancurriedesign.com or 237-6112. susancurriedesign.com. 10

Inside New Orleans

“I thought it was magic,” Dr. Nicole Rogers smilingly says about watching a friend’s hair transplant procedure while in college. “It was amazing. When I was offered a hair transplant fellowship with Dr. Marc Avram in Manhattan, I accepted— and the rest is history.” A board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Rogers graduated with honors from Harvard University, received her medical degree from Tulane Medical School and completed her dermatology residency there. After attending the year-long fellowship in Manhattan, she returned to New Orleans to join Dr. Patricia Farris in practice and open Hair Restoration of the South. She is the co-editor of two textbooks, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Tulane, a contributing editor for the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery and the immediate past-president of the Louisiana Dermatologic Society. With the help of her highly trained team, Dr. Rogers can offer her patients a variety of therapies to not only restore their hair, but their confidence. “Not everyone will need to undergo hair surgery. Many can benefit from topical minoxidil, oral medications, or PRP (platelet rich plasma) a newer therapy. “I love all aspects of hair restoration. I see the consultation as a very important part of the process focusing on the patient-physician dynamic,” says Dr. Rogers. “After procedures, I follow up closely with each patient to make sure they are happy and comfortable. The greatest reward is the boost of self-esteem I see in patients. It can bring about a real transformation!

See before and after photos of real patients at www.hairrestorationofthesouth.com. 701 Metairie Road, Ste. 2A205 Metairie, Louisiana 70005. 836-2050.

Merry Sorrells

Head of School, St. Martin’s Episcopal School Perhaps one of the reasons Merry Sorrells is so effective as a head of school is that she loves being a student herself. “I’ve always loved school. I’ve never not been in school or volunteering in a school,” explains Sorrells, who holds a master’s degree in educational administration and a bachelor’s degree in international relations. She is currently working on her doctorate in executive leadership. Sorrells became the head of St. Martin’s Episcopal School in 2012, and since that time the school has thrived; great strides have been made in the school’s academic, athletic, performing arts, visual arts, international students, early childhood, and extracurricular programs. In the four academic years that Sorrells has been with St. Martin’s, she has helped triple enrollment in the George Cottage, a Reggio Emilia-inspired, child-centered, preacademic program for children from eight weeks to three years old. She has created an international student program, which currently includes nine Chinese students enrolled in the middle and upper schools; developed the Innovation + Design program; and continues to expand the school’s academic and athletic offerings. “I’ve always been interested in what I would call ‘21st century education,’” says Sorrells. “Our school’s philosophy is to prepare and give students the skills to thrive in college and in life through faith, scholarship, and service.”

Today, St. Martin’s is at the forefront of an educational movement that is doing just that. The school’s unique Innovation + Design program, launched in 2013 as the first of its kind in the region, fosters adaptability, brainstorming, communication, collaboration, and teamwork, in order to develop the skills and mindsets necessary to succeed in college and in the workplace. Sorrells is particularly excited about the Fall 2016 semester, when the 5,000-square-foot Gibbs Family Center for Innovation + Design (pictured below) is slated to open as a design studio, prototype lab, classroom, production studio, woodworking and build shop, and community partnership workspace to meet the needs of this revolutionary program. “Technology has become such an integral part of our students’ everyday lives,” says Sorrells. “Information is so readily available, and part of our job is to teach them how to determine reliable sources and properly process that information. The critical thinking they learn inside the Idea Lab and other Innovation + Design programs is a well-articulated route to reach those conclusions.” This focus on technology is extended throughout the entire St. Martin’s curriculum, with the goal of helping students learn by doing. In the lower school, students begin to learn coding, robotics, electronics, programming, and 3D printing. Sorrells says they are “starting students at a young age and continuing to grow with them. We’re meeting them at their level and fostering a love of learning, giving them tools to solve real-world problems throughout their school years and into the future.”

St. Martin’s Episcopal School is located at 225 Green Acres Rd., in Metairie. 733-0353. stmsaints.com Women IN Business 11

Lynn Dow (seated, left) and her team.

Lynn Dow

California Closets New Orleans Everyone dreams of being organized, but for Lynn Dow and her husband, Doug, organization is a reality. Lynn and Doug’s story with the California Closets franchise began in 2008. After years of successfully helping loyal clients, the couple began looking for new prospects. They visited California Closets in Metairie, whose owner was ready to retire. In perfect timing, the two moved to Louisiana to take a chance on a new market for them. Now with nearly two years in the drawer, Lynn is enjoying assisting clients from New Orleans to the northshore to Baton Rouge and Lafayette. With a design team of six, the women work to meet each need and want for clients. Barbie Ross, Dena Jackson, Erin Philley, Michele Roberts, Naomi Carter and Regan Zibilich love assisting customers all the way from the beginning stages to the end result. “Our design consultants obtain a lot of satisfaction working with clients to get the perfect customized system,” says Lynn. “The process begins with a consultation in the desired space, followed by many questions about the space’s use. For instance, if we are planning a couple’s closet, we take into account the height of the couple. If one spouse is 6 foot 5 inches and the other petite, we build the plans to fit. We don’t want a tall client’s clothes to drag nor do we want a petite client to be unable to reach their clothes. We even count pairs of shoes to have the appropriate amount of shoe storage or shelving.” The completely custom plan is then developed in proprietary 3-D software for the client to view. This allows you to visualize the space once it’s completed. The final design includes the client’s choice of finishes, accents, lighting and accessories. From there, the manufacturing process begins at their local shop in Kenner. 12

Inside New Orleans

Many of the finishes offered by California Closets are exclusively made. From sustainable materials to innovative accents, they meet the highest quality of standards, backed by a limited lifetime guarantee. Lynn and her team can provide a look that reflects the rest of your home. “Esthetically, we want the closet, media cabinet or whatever it may be to complement the rest of the space we are working in,” says Lynn. After the system is manufactured, it is installed with a white-glove service at the client’s convenience. Installers treat the home as their own, leaving it spotless with the new system ready to be used. The next task after installation is, of course, loving and enjoying the closet. “The finished product is a functional space that allows life to be simple and organized,” says Lynn. “When they visit our showroom, we always like to remind customers that no matter the space, we can take any system and scale it to meet your needs. That’s what we do best.” The organization provided by Lynn and the team is not limited to closets. Whether you have a modern townhome in the Garden District where you’d like to combine a guest room and home office to maximize space, or you have a historic home near the French Quarter in which you’d like to create closet space where none currently exists, the team can create a one-of-a-kind solution tailored to your specific needs. Lynn says, “We can design walk-in closets, reach-in closets, media centers, pantries, laundry room, wall beds and anything in between.” Visit the Metairie showroom to get an up-close look at California Closets’ high-quality systems, unique finishes and accessories offered. Organization can be a reality.

Visit California Closets at 3211 N. Causeway Blvd. in Metairie. 828-5705. californiaclosets.com.

Cynthia W. Nunez Antiques de Provence

Cynthia W. Nunez, owner of Antiques de Provence in the French Quarter, realized at a young age that she had three burning desires: to learn everything she could, to see the world, and to somehow exploit her innate, effortless talent for design, scale and proportion. After making a bet with her roommate upon which path to pursue first, LSAT vs. GMAT, she graduated two years later with her MBA. Determined to be the new hire for IBM, she knocked on their door. After a successful ten-year career, she returned to education to pursue law at Tulane. The day after taking the bar, she and her husband, the late Sammy Nunez, flew to the South of France to visit Chef Chris Kerageorgiou in St. Tropez. It was on that flight that she knew it was time to start her business. Twenty-three years ago, Antiques de Provence was born on Boston Street in Covington. Known for her exquisite interiors and gardens, her grand shop on Royal Street has become a resource for loyal nationwide and local clientele and trade. Featuring French furniture, mirrors and lighting from Antiquity to Art Deco, LaCornue French Ranges, a Gallery for French contemporary artist Georges Ferrato, rare vintage CHANEL jewelry from Paris, and recently a Showroom for Verellen custom upholstered and slipcovered sofas and chairs, the shop is a veritable feast for the eyes. Cindy expressed joyfully, “I am blessed with amazing friends, a loving family and an extraordinary career. I am truly living my dreams.”

Antiques de Provence is located at 623 Royal St., New Orleans. 529-4342, antiquesdeprovence.com

Jennifer Rice

Dorian Bennett Sotheby’s International Realty In the luxury real estate market, Sotheby’s real estate agent, Jennifer Rice has artfully united extraordinary properties with extraordinary lives for over 20 years, building a foundation on relentless customer service and professional integrity. Years ago, Jennifer moved to St. Tammany from New Orleans with her husband, Tim. “We wanted acreage for a polo field and a nice home site,” she says, “but there weren’t many agents specializing in rural property. It took three years to find what we wanted. During that time, I got my real estate license and have never looked back.” Jennifer now brings practical experience to her emphasis on horse farms and waterfront properties, from small parcels to country estates. The vibrancy of the New Orleans area real estate market and her affiliation with Dorian Bennett Sotheby’s International Realty have led Jennifer to expand her team to broaden geographic coverage and include subdivisions in her specialty. Her longtime business associations and friendships in New Orleans are critical to her assisting buyers and sellers of estates, condos and apartments throughout the metro area. Whether a small condo in the city or large estate, Jennifer believes luxury comes at all levels. On May 1, the Rices’ Innisfree Farm will host the second annual Southern Hotel Polo Cup to benefit the Covington Public Art Fund’s Walker Percy sculpture. Among Jennifer’s other philanthropic activities are the Tiffany Circle of the American Red Cross, the St. Tammany Parish Hospital Foundation Advisory Council and New Heights Therapy Center. Jennifer’s office is located at 729 East Boston St. in Covington. 985-892-1478. jenniferrice.net. Women IN Business 13

Danielle Franco Elle Boutique

Danielle Franco has always loved retail—she has enjoyed helping customers since age 16. “Every day is new and different,” says Danielle. “I started Elle in March 2012 as a pop-up shop. I never thought that it would turn into a store, but after a few months of traveling around, the word had spread and the front room of my house turned into a store!” As friends and friends of friends became customers, Danielle realized she needed a bigger space. The Elle storefront opened on Magazine Street in December 2012. Since opening, Elle has moved to their third location on Magazine. “Many of the customers who shopped at my house and tried on clothes in my bedroom are still shopping with me three years later. They have definitely grown with me, and I feel that they are all a part of it.” Elle’s style is classic but fun, and incorporates a selection of staples with colorful pieces. Price points, designers and styles vary, allowing everyone to find something they love. With a laid-back atmosphere, Danielle tries to make every customer’s experience personal. She says, “I always tell my customers, ‘Love what you wear and feel great it in. Your style is your own, so be confident and it will be remembered.’” For spring and summer 2016, Danielle is looking forward to offering the feminine trends of pastels, two-piece sets and spring suedes. “It’s going to be a really fun season.” Also this spring, customers can now shop Elle’s online store, shopelle.com.

Elle Boutique is located at 2108 Magazine St., 522-4929. 14

Inside New Orleans

Trudy Hurley Green Parrot Design

“I am never bored!” says designer Trudy Hurley of Green Parrot Design. “Every client is so very different— young, old, traditional, contemporary, budget, no budget. It’s always a challenge, and it’s always fun.” More than 26 years ago, Trudy’s heartfelt hobby turned into a full-time job when she began Green Parrot Design. The name originated from a shop her mother owned on St. Charles Avenue in the ’70s. Since then, Hurley’s interiors have graced the covers of dozens of local and national publications showcasing her work. Approachable beauty and classic elements define Trudy’s unique interiors. She is known for her sophisticated approach and attention to detail, but prides herself on not having a particular “look.” She says, “I would rather encourage and refine my client’s good taste than impose mine on them.” As a contributor to Inside New Orleans, Trudy shares “Trade Secrets” with readers in every issue. Her tips and tricks cover a variety of topics from room renovations to decorating hints. Trudy’s projects range from just a few hours of design consultation to long-term construction and renovation exploits. She often works shoulder to shoulder with architects and contractors in the planning and construction phases of the design venture. “It’s not rocket science,” says Hurley, “but to help create a space that the client is just thrilled to come home to—it’s a very rewarding vocation.”

Contact Trudy at thurleygreenparrot@yahoo.com. trudyhurley.com.

Dr. Rachel L. Moore Moore Metabolics

Dr. Rachel L. Moore is a weight loss expert who offers a wide variety of therapies. She is an LSU-trained surgeon with 14 years of bariatric surgery experience, but her practice also includes non-surgical methods like nutrition counseling, weight loss medications and new procedures such as the Orbera intragastric balloon that are done endoscopically through the mouth. Whether you need to lose 20 pounds, or 200, Dr. Moore will discuss your medical and surgical history and your goals with you and develop a plan to work toward success. “Helping people become healthier is the most rewarding part,” says Dr. Moore. “Whether a patient chooses nutritional counseling, surgery or something in between, research shows that losing even just 10 percent of excess weight improves your health.” She adds, “Calorie counting and exercise tracking with smart phone apps are the 21st century version of the food diary that dieticians have been recommending for decades, and reduced calories and increased activity are the foundation upon which all other interventions stand.” It may seem surprising for a surgeon to use non-invasive treatments, but Dr. Moore’s philosophy is that weight loss is a complex problem that many patients must combat for decades and that providing options is helpful. “The FDA has approved several new medications that are both safer and more effective than the ‘diet pills’ of the past. We are seeing good results. Sometimes, I prescribe them in post-surgical patients who are starting to regain, too.” The Orbera intragastric balloon is a new non-surgical option, and Dr. Moore is the only American physician that the manufacturer employs as faculty to train other doctors. It is placed endoscopically through the mouth and remains in place for six months. Patients meet with a dietician and Dr. Moore monthly for 12 months during the time that the balloon is in place and for six more months after it is retrieved. The device is approved for patients with a body mass index of 30 to 40. “My Orbera patients have been so successful that one was on NBC Nightly

News and another was featured in Prevention magazine!” says Dr. Moore. For patients who need to lose more than 50 pounds, Dr. Moore starts to consider laparoscopic surgery. The surgical options include laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy, laparoscopic gastric bypass and the LAP-BAND adjustable gastric band. “In experienced hands like mine, laparoscopic weight loss surgery is safer than having your gallbladder removed,” says Dr. Moore. “If you have type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, infertility from polycystic ovarian syndrome or problems with weightbearing joints, these surgeries can be incredibly effective at restoring your health.” In addition to her medical practice, Dr. Moore spends time advocating for increased insurance coverage for weight loss medications and procedures. She holds leadership positions in the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons and the Louisiana American College of Surgeons. Dr. Moore is the Louisiana State Medical Society representative on the Louisiana Health Care Commission that meets in Baton Rouge and advises the insurance commissioner. She says, “Two million Louisianians with obesity do not have insurance coverage for treatment. Furthermore, the Affordable Health Care Act that people call Obamacare does not provide obesity surgery in Louisiana, but 23 other states do.” Dr. Moore lives in New Orleans with her husband, bariatric surgeon Michael Thomas, and their three children.

Moore Metabolics is located at 4720 S. I-10 Service Rd. West, Suite 501, in Metairie. 400-0721. mooremetabolics.com. Women IN Business 15

Grace Piro and Billie Comeaux American Factory Direct Furniture

During American Factory Direct Furniture’s 20 years, Billie Comeaux and her family have seen unbelievable growth. “Our vision was to give clients a large selection of furniture with a designer look, factory-direct pricing and local service,” says Billie. Billie and her husband, Bob, opened their first location in Mandeville in 1996 after years of working in Bob’s family’s furniture store in New Orleans. While Bob has always been about price, Billie has always been about design. “As a family-operated business, we are able to work hard to keep overhead costs low, which allows lower prices for our clients,” says daughter Grace Comeaux-Piro. With over 125,000 square feet in three locations, AFD has grown from its original 10,000-square-foot showroom to one of the Gulf South’s leading furniture retailers. AFD now also offers a Weekends Only Clearance Center in Covington. Though the business has grown far beyond Bob and Billie’s expectations they still continue to stay true to their original vision of “Designer looks, Exceptional Pricing with Local Service”. By attending over four markets a year, AFD ensures the latest trends are offered while bringing rooms together with both function and style. “Our stores have been complimented as some of the most beautiful showrooms in the region,” smiles Billie. “We are honored by how the Lord has blessed us.”

AFD Furniture Mandeville ~ Baton Rouge Long Beach ~ Covington ~ Clearance Center 985-871-0300. afd-furniture.com. 16

Inside New Orleans

Kea Sherman

Sherman Law Firm, LLC As a female plaintiff’s attorney, Kea Sherman is a bit of an anomaly. As a legal one-woman-show, she’s even more unusual. But you won’t hear her clients complain on either account. During her years working for large law firms, Kea saw partners who delegated to associates the day-to-day work of preparing briefs and researching cases and then stepped in only for depositions and court appearances. She says, “With many people working on a case, a lot can fall through the cracks— and it often did. There are just too many opportunities for miscommunication.” Kea decided to streamline the process in her own firm, providing her clients direct access to her every step of the way. “When they call, they speak to me,” she says. “I do all of the preparation myself; when I take a case to trial or attend a deposition, I know all the ins and outs firsthand and the faces and lives behind each case. And each one matters to me.” At a time when New Orleans is experiencing a renaissance, Kea also acts as general counsel to companies primarily involved in the entertainment and hospitality industries, such as Cure cocktail bar, Cane & Table, The Civic Theatre and Latitude 29 to name a few. She says. “I have worked with most of my commercial clientele since day one, so it is particularly rewarding to watch them flourish over time.” Many of those clients enthusiastically refer her to others. When not on the job, Kea enjoys time with her husband, Neal, her daughter, Hayden, and volunteering with Travelers Aid Society of GNO.

SHERMAN LAW FIRM

Sherman Law Firm, LLC, is located at 4905 Freret St., Suite B. 896-7304 keashermanlaw.com

Mary P. Lupo, M.D.

Kate Z. Holcomb, M.D.

Helping New Orleans Look Naturally Younger and More Vibrant As New Orleans natives and board certified dermatologists who specialize in non-surgical skin rejuvenation, Dr. Mary Lupo and Dr. Kate Holcomb understand what local patients are looking for: a natural, younger-looking appearance with little to no downtime. Their individualized approach for cosmetic treatments helps each patient look and feel like the best versions of themselves. Dr. Lupo graduated as salutatorian from Benjamin Franklin High School, and Dr. Holcomb graduated as valedictorian from St. Mary’s Dominican High School. They both received a Bachelor of Science degree from Newcomb College of Tulane University and a medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine and graduated with honors. Their leadership and investment in the cosmetic field began when they were both selected as chief resident during their dermatology residency. Since 1984, when Dr. Lupo began her private practice, she has been highly respected as an innovator, educator, researcher and artist in the area of non-surgical

rejuvenation. While training Dr. Holcomb during her residency, Dr. Lupo could tell they were both working toward the same professional goal: to give patients unique, innovative care with natural results. After completing a four-year commitment to the Navy where she served as a clinical professor and staff dermatologist, Dr. Holcomb joined the Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology in 2012 and has played an integral part in enhancing the practice. When patients are treated at the Lupo Center, they know they are getting expert care no matter their age, lifestyle or profession. Drs. Lupo and Holcomb offer a variety of stateof-the-art treatments with injectables, light and radiofrequency devices, lasers, chemical peels and at-home skin care products to help each patient achieve their personal goals – whether they are trying to land a dream job or promotion, trying to look better for a wedding or reunion, or just trying to look more rested and refreshed. While Dr. Lupo and Dr. Holcomb are very involved in their own patients’ care, they have become advocates for other patients to receive

proper cosmetic care. Often times new patients come to them after suffering complications as a result of untrained or uncertified physicians and nonphysicians performing procedures with injectables and lasers. Even more frightening is when those patients are treated with illegal products. They believe all patients deserve to know the truth and qualifications of their treating physician and advise all patients do their homework before having any procedure done. Their drive to help others doesn’t stop with their medical practice. Like most New Orleanians, home is where the heart is and both Dr. Lupo and Dr. Holcomb have a passion for giving back to the Crescent City. Following the aftermath of Katrina, Dr. Lupo helped to rebuild Lakeview, as well as her practice, from the ground up. Outside her neighborhood, she is a proud supporter of the National WWII Museum, New Orleans City Park, Second Harvest Food Bank, New Orleans Women & Children’s Shelter, Louisiana Children’s Museum, Tulane University School of Medicine and Tulane’s Yulman Stadium. While Dr. Holcomb also contributes to New Orleans City Park, Tulane University School of Medicine and WWOZ New Orleans, her focus these days is starting the local chapter of Brighter Days, an organization whose mission is to enhance the life of cancer patients by educating them on the proper way to manage the changes of their skin, hair and nails brought on by chemotherapy or radiation treatments.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Lupo or Dr. Holcomb, contact the Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology at 288-2381 or info@drmarylupo.com. Visit www.drmarylupo.com for a complete listing of cosmetic and medical treatments as well as before and after pictures. Women IN Business 17

Jeanne Andry Landry Jeanne Andry Landry was born to be an advocate. As a child, Jeanne watched her father, a lawyer, help others. Before she fully understood his career, she recognized that if he was on someone’s side, it was until the bitter end. “My father was one of the most generous people I’ve ever known,” she says. “He taught me to keep in mind that a lawyer has many cases, but a client only has one.” This is the philosophy behind her own legal career—to treat each client as if he or she is her only client, giving her full attention and best effort. “My father died at 78, practicing law almost to the end of his life,” Jeanne says. “It was what he loved to do. When I joined my father and uncle’s law firm, Andry and Andry, in 1991, I was thrown into the deep end. I learned by doing, but always had support. When I returned from court, a full debriefing was expected—lawyers love war stories. I learned, among other things, to thoroughly investigate all facts of a case, never to be afraid to try a case, and the old adage, ‘prepare for war but hope for peace.’ It’s as important to be prepared for a basic hearing or deposition as for the most difficult oral argument. But cultivating good relationships with my opponents is ultimately the best thing I can do to represent my clients. My father and uncle embodied respect and professional courtesy as members of the bar.” These were invaluable lessons about law and life. Jeanne graduated from St. Martin’s Episcopal School in 1982. She received her bachelor’s degree cum laude in 1986 from Wellesley College, while being a member of Tau Zeta Epsilon Art and Music Society and second alto in the Wellesley Tupelos, a close-harmony, a cappella group. As a graduate of Emory Law School in 1989, she was on the Dean’s List and a member 18

Inside New Orleans

of the Moot Court Society. She then worked as a law clerk to the Honorable Robert Lobrano at the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal from 1989-1991. After the elder Andrys retired in 2006, Jeanne and her husband, Arthur, formed Arthur W. Landry and Jeanne Andry Landry, Attorneys at Law, L.L.C. As a plaintiff’s personal injury lawyer, Jeanne handles a wide variety of cases, including premises liability, products liability, medical malpractice and automobile accidents. She has represented clients in class actions and other complex matters. When not working, Jeanne and Arthur spend time with their two grown children, Katherine and Robert. “We love getting away to our home in Pass Christian, Mississippi to recharge,” she says. “And in New Orleans, I’m lucky to have dear friends and a great book club. I love to read, cook and paint with watercolors.” Jeanne volunteers as a Twinbrook Security District Commissioner and is on the board of the Twinbrook Neighborhood Association, serving as secretary. Jeanne prides herself on compassion for her clients and her availability. “I believe that a lawyer should be accessible. If a client retains me, that client speaks directly to me. I rarely screen my calls and have my support staff forward messages so that I can return clients’ calls as soon as possible.”

Arthur W. Landry and Jeanne Andry Landry, Attorneys at Law, L.L.C. is located at 710 Carondelet St., 581-4334, landrylawnola.net.

Jessica Talbot and Susan Zackin.

Susan Zackin Z Event Company

Working nights and weekends might sound a little “sketchy”! But that is the life of a busy event planner/ decorator. Susan Zackin and her staff are based in New Orleans, have an office in South Florida and will travel just about anywhere for an event. Susan’s motto is: “Don’t invite me unless you mean it, because I WILL come!” Her love of travel inspires some of the creativity and inspiration she brings to her work. “We personalize every event we produce, tailoring it to our client’s taste, dreams and budget.” Susan has been in the event business for over 25 years and uses her design background to create unique environments for every wedding or party she plans. Her diversity keeps it all fresh. A mantra she uses is “Imaginate! You imagine it and we will create it!” This past year, Susan and her team have worked on everything from weddings, intimate dinner parties and large fundraisers to a multi-use development launch and a party for the new governor. Photos and videos are on her website and in many online and print publications. An athlete at heart, which goes all the way back to her Country Day youth, Susan uses that mentality to achieve the success she envisions for her events. Her team members work together as a cohesive group with no “stars”; they rely on each other to be there to get the job done for their clients. What is her favorite kind of event? “The one we are focused on at the moment!” says Susan. “They are all special. We love our brides, debutantes and non-profits/corporate clients alike.”

For more information, visit zeventco.com or contact Susan at (800) 714-9050 or info@zeventco.com.

Penny Francis Eclectic Home

Penny Francis, the vivacious and talented owner and principal designer at Eclectic Home has been “obsessed with furniture and design” since she was five years old. “I always knew this was something I wanted to do,” says Francis, a member of both ASID and IIDA. Inside the two-story, 7,000-square foot space, Francis and her team, including her daughter Casi Francis, Interior Design graduate from Savannah College of Art and Design, offer complete interior design services and a curated selection of décor, furnishings and accessories from a variety of styles and manufacturers. She opened Eclectic Home on Oak Street in 2000 to “fill a huge void for diverse home products in this market” and to help showcase her unique style. “The store explains my point of view and allows me to showcase what I truly am, eclectic!” Though formal, traditional décor tends to be the norm in New Orleans, Francis says the city’s diverse mixture of cultures and styles support her design philosophy. “We have an appreciation for the architecture and history, but our décor doesn’t have to all be from one period or style,” says Francis. “We juxtapose styles in a way that come together looking collected and evolved.” At Eclectic Home, Francis enjoys making “style more accessible and attainable” by helping customers visualize their project in a way that is both affordable and personal. “I get feedback from customers all the time who say, ‘when you want something different, this is where you have to go,’” smiles Francis. “I’m so passionate about what I do, it means so much to know that my customers are, too!”

Eclectic Home is located at 8211 Oak Street, 866-6654. eclectichome.net. Women IN Business 19

Eileen Friel Powers Louise S. McGehee School

“In 1998, I was ‘discovered’ by a consulting firm hired by McGehee’s Board of Trustees to find a headmistress,” Eileen Friel Powers says. “Intrigued by the historic nature of McGehee’s campus and most importantly by the school’s mission of educating girls, I relocated to New Orleans from New York City.” Before coming to Louise S. McGehee School, Eileen spent over 20 years in independent schools in New York and an additional 10 years working in public, private and parochial schools. Founded in 1912, McGehee is dedicated to educating girls with the best methods, practices and curriculum. “I am a firm believer in what I like to call ‘the McGehee experience,’” Eileen explains. “Experts tout research indicating that successful girls possess a combination of self-esteem, resilience and perseverance. My favorite part of being headmistress in an all-girls school is watching the incredible growth the girls experience as they explore, ask questions, then pursue answers to those questions in an environment that both supports and challenges them academically, socially and emotionally.” In Eileen’s 18 years at McGehee, the enrollment has increased nearly 50 percent, the school has acquired four major historical properties to house the increase and over $30 million in grants and gifts has been raised. “As a mother of two daughters, grandmother of three granddaughters and head of school with 510 plus girls, I think the message that is most important to give our girls is that they can be confident, competent makers of their own fates when it comes to education, career and personal choices.”

Louise S. McGehee School is located at 2343 Prytania St. in New Orleans. 561-1224. mcgeheeschool.com. 20

Inside New Orleans

Beth Fisackerly Boat Stuf

There is nothing more satisfying than working with my family in a fun and dynamic business. No two days are ever the same. It’s a pleasure to help people get out on the water and enjoy boating. My grandfather started Frank L. Beier Radio, Inc., in 1945 selling marine radio equipment and radars to supply boats. In the mid-’80s, my father and uncle opened Boat Stuf to service the recreational boating industry. When I graduated from Tulane University in 1991, I joined the family business. In 1992, I hired my future husband, Jimmy Fisackerly. After transforming Boat Stuf into a real retail store, we convinced my father to buy out a boat dealer so we could sell boats. Since then, Boat Stuf has consistently been a “Best In Class” Yamaha dealership thanks to our top-notch staff. At our two locations, Boat Stuf sells inshore and offshore fishing boats, as well as flat boats and pontoon boats. Our brands include Regulator, Sea Fox, Ranger, Blue Wave, Silver Wave, Twin Vee, and Alweld boats. The family aspect of Boat Stuf is growing, with our son joining us. He loves going on test rides. Our daughter is still in high school, so we will have to see if she ever comes on board. She may have it in her blood, too, since she landed her first blue marlin last summer on our boat—aptly named Good Stuf.

Boat Stuff is located at 2499 Peters Rd. in Harvey, 504-340-4991, and at 662 Old Spanish Trail in Slidell, 985-649-9044. boatstuf.com.

Kathy Phillips, Tina Orgeron, Eileen Dillmann, and Tracy Fury New Orleans Steamboat Company

The New Orleans Steamboat Company, owner and operator of the Steamboat Natchez and Gray Line Tours, has recently celebrated 40 years in business. Currently, 40 employees have been with the company for more than 10 years—and eight for all 40 years. With such loyalty and dedication, the company has grown to be the beloved tourist entity that it is today. Among these faithful employees, four women have been the backbone for many, if not all, of those years: Kathy Phillips, Eileen Dillmann, Tracy Fury and Tina Orgeron Kathy Phillips started as a receptionist in August 1975, when the office consisted of only six people. She moved up first to group and charter sales and eventually to her current position as executive assistant to the founder, the president and the marine operations manager. Kathy says, “I worked for an exclusive men’s clothing store before I came here. I love the family atmosphere and camaraderie among all the employees that we have in this company.” Head controller and accounting supervisor Eileen Dillmann has been with NOSC for 37 years. “Having only worked at a clothing store, I was anxious to get experience in accounting,” says Eileen. “I started between my junior and senior years of college when they were looking for an accounting student to help out. I’ve never wanted to leave and have made many friendships with people I’ve met while working here.” Shortly after graduating from St. Mary’s Dominican College, Tracy Fury began her 34 years with New Orleans Steamboat. She is presently the assistant controller handling the accounts payable, accounts receivable and daily financial activity for

the Steamboat Natchez and Gray Line Tours. In her spare time, Tracy helps out at her family’s restaurant. “I enjoy my work here, but more importantly, I enjoy the people. It has truly become my extended family. We were fortunate to have owners committed to staying in New Orleans after Katrina. And today, we all enjoy the success of tourism in New Orleans.” Tina Orgeron, IT manager who often assists in accounting, is pleased to say that she has grown up here. Tina began her career at NOSC 27 years ago, selling tickets when she was 18 years old. Since then, she has developed a customized reservation system that the whole company uses. “I am so proud to have a son selling tickets here as I once did,” Tina says. “I’m very close with my co-workers—we know each other’s children and our children’s children.” This family dynamic among employees is the glue that keeps the company together. Every one of these women has enjoyed working here so much that each has brought at least one of her relatives “onboard” over the years—a child, a sibling or both in some cases. Among the four, they have a total of 10 children, all of whom were born after their mothers joined the Steamboat family. They have shared their own marriages (some held on the Natchez), as well as their children’s marriages (some also held on the Natchez). Family always comes first, and at the New Orleans Steamboat Company, that is always remembered.

569-1401 NewOrleansSteamboatCompany.com Women IN Business 21

one of our daughters in college when we were hit from behind.” Bryan sustained a traumatic brain injury, an incomplete spinal cord injury and four strokes, which left him completely dependent. He was in ICU for a month, followed by five months in a rehabilitation hospital in Houston with Susan by his side every day. “We were told he probably would not survive. We faced hurdle after hurdle, bonding in hospital hallways with other families going through similar horrific circumstances and found solace in our Catholic Church

Susan J. Burkenstock Elkins, P.L.C.

During her years at Loyola School of Law, Susan Burkenstock was drawn toward the fields of tax law and estate planning. As part of her tax and transactional practice, Susan also handles corporate and trademark law, as well as large-scale transactions involving federal and state tax credits. Through her tax credit expertise, she’s assisted over 60 Habitat for Humanity affiliates all over the country in providing low-cost housing to thousands of homeowners. “These people often wouldn’t be able to purchase homes,” says Susan. “By utilizing certain tax incentives, we have assisted Habitat in getting families into their own homes in areas where they can both live and work, helping them access the money they need at a rate they can manage.” Presently serving as chair of the Louisiana State Bar Association Section on Trusts, Estates, Probate and Immovable Property Law, Susan is the incoming president of the New Orleans Estate Planning Council. In recognition of her talents and expertise, she has been selected as a Louisiana Super Lawyer many times over. Board-certified in both tax law and estate planning and administration, Susan works with everyone from Mom and Pop businesses to large, complicated and litigated estates. “Estate work can be very intimate,” she says. “Families are disclosing their private lives to me. It’s imperative that I gain their trust so I can foresee potential problems. Family dynamics are another matter. A family squabble can arise over something with little monetary, but great sentimental value. I assure them that they are not alone in having a ‘quirky’ family member or two.” In 2012, Susan’s own family life was dramatically altered when she and her husband, Bryan, were involved in a devastating accident. “We were driving to visit 22

Inside New Orleans

community.” Since that fateful day, Susan and her family have counted it a blessing to care for Bryan. By coordinating his care, they’re able to keep him at home. Susan has made it her personal mission to reach out to others dealing with the life-altering injury of a loved one. The compassionate nature with which she approaches and advises her estate planning clients has been extended to other families faced with the types of challenges that Susan deals with on a daily basis. “‘No two brain injuries are alike’; ‘this is a marathon not a sprint’; and ‘two steps forward, one back’ are the mantras preached from day one,” she says. “It helps to talk with someone who ‘gets it.’ Life is very different after an injury, but if you choose joy, it can still be good.” Caring, contemplative and thorough, Susan’s temperament is well-suited for her role as advisor and planner to families and estates.

Elkins, P.L.C. is located at 201 Saint Charles Ave. Ste. 4400 in New Orleans, 529-3600, elkinsplc.com.

Peggy Rodriguez everyBody Wellness

Peggy Rodriguez believes the decision to be healthy is a personal one. And she also believes in the personal touch when helping her clients to be proactive about their health and weight. Peggy began everyBody Wellness in 2007, to continue helping people as a registered nurse and have more flexibility as a mom. Her business has evolved from a wellness studio to a wellness and weight loss studio. “The weight loss component was stimulated by the alarming rate of obesity—and it works! I should know. I did it myself. Clients relate to me because I understand the struggles of what they are going through. I was a prime example—I thought I was eating healthy and exercising, but I was just adding pounds.” The Ideal Protein weight-loss protocol she offers, designed over 25 years ago, uses your own fat for fuel to protect your lean mass, which drives your calorie-burning engine. Peggy says, “It is dependable, repeatable and predictable. And Ideal Protein not only helps clients lose the weight, it helps them maintain their weight.” Peggy and the other coaches and dieticians on her team have all used Ideal Protein. Now, working one-on-one, they personally guide clients through the protocol and help them incorporate the program into real life long-term. Peggy says, “I love to see people catapult in their careers or in their personal lives. When they shed the weight, they bloom.” everyBody Wellness partners with Grow Dat Youth Farms at City Park to offer clients locally grown produce. Peggy says, “Supporting healthy food choices is another way to promote wellness. And that’s what it’s all about.”

8216 Oak Street, New Orleans. 2901 Ridgelake Drive, Metairie. 287-8558. peggy@everybodynola.com.

Dede Redfearn Zounds Hearing

The most rewarding part of any day for Dede Redfearn is enabling someone to reconnect with family and friends. “When a person isn’t hearing properly, there’s a ‘disconnect’ between them and the hearing world,” she says. “If someone you love begins avoiding social situations, even with family and close friends, it may be due to untreated hearing loss.” For Dede, there’s nothing like helping them restore those precious connections through the use of a hearing aid. After years as a special education teacher and then advocating for children in state custody, Dede opened Zounds Hearing of Metairie with her husband, Charlie. “Zounds was born out of a father’s love for his daughter who lost most of her hearing as a toddler but hated and refused to wear hearing aids. Her father, who is an electrical engineer, created fully digital hearing aids that incorporate advanced technology and comfort.” Zounds Hearing now holds 57 exclusive patents, including the ability to block up to 90% of background noise. Several models of hearing aids are rechargeable, some as small as a dime, and others fit entirely out of sight in the ear. Dede emphasizes individualized customer services that focuses on education. “We offer free hearing assessments and spend time educating customers about hearing loss in general as well as their own loss,” she says. “Early on, we follow up with customers weekly, making any adjustments they need. Our hearing specialist is hearing impaired and wears our products himself.”

Zounds Hearing of Metairie is located at 801 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite D, 249-6700. metairiezounds.com. Women IN Business 23

Effie Boihem and Bessie Papazis FeBe Clothing

In 2003, sisters Effie Boihem and Bessie Papazis had the idea of opening a boutique with a welcoming shopping environment and the exclusive feel of having a personal stylist. Today, women of all ages love FeBe for the variety it offers from coveted icons like Diane von Furstenberg, Halston, Stuart Weitzman, Vince and Theory, as well as trendier designers such as Milly, Tibi, Joie, Elizabeth and James, and Rachel Zoe. “Our customers love that can get everything under one roof, from jeans to ball gowns. They stop by often because they know new collections arrive every day,” says Bessie. “A big part of our success is the personal service offered by our dedicated team, including Ron Jones and Sugar Weil,” says Bessie. “This allows each client searching for the perfect outfit for any occasion to leave happy and confident. We’re surrounded by art and culture. There is a never-ending list of fun activities and events, and we’re here to make sure New Orleans women are dressed for the part!” FeBe’s recently expanded its shoe department to meet customers’ high demand for more accessories. The curated collection boasts Stuart Weitzman, Vince, Joie, Delman, Diane von Furstenberg and Cordani, as well as Pedro Garcia, which is exclusive to FeBe in the New Orleans area. The sisters have enjoyed working together so successfully. Though each has her own unique look and style, Effie says they strike a balance, giving clients a more diverse selection. Bessie agrees, adding, “We have so much fun helping customers. Plus, I get to work with my best friend!”

FeBe is located at 474 Metairie Rd., Suite 102. 835-5250. febeclothing.com. 24

Inside New Orleans

“I surround myself with a team of energetic, passionate and dedicated women, and I feel like the sky is the limit.” – Sandy Franco

Sandy Franco Franco’s on Magazine

Sandy Franco is known throughout the region for her ever-growing lineup of fitness clubs and programs. One of her latest expansion projects amplifies the appeal of Franco’s on Magazine Street. As is often the case for serial entrepreneurs, Sandy has called on the talents of a savvy group of fitnessforward females to make it happen. Sandy and Ron Franco opened Franco’s Magazine Street fitness facility just two short years ago with the help of manager Christine Beavers. The club quickly began to attract a long list of loyal members, a steady stream of visiting celebrities and more than its fair share of talented instructors and trainers. Propelled by the response and inspired by Magazine Street’s Mother-daughter Pilates historic surroundings and Instructors Theresa Collins progressive population, they and Meghan Trufant set out to grow the club.

NOW OPEN! The Pilates Studio at Franco’s On Magazine

Sandy and Christine recently announced the opening of a new, 2000-square-foot Pilates studio at Franco’s on Magazine. After equipping the new studio with Stott Reformer/ Towers, Wunda Chairs, a Cadillac and a Barre, they brought on mother-daughter duo Theresa Collins and Meghan Trufant to run the new program. Meghan and Theresa’s long list of impressive credentials—including training with the best Pilates instructors in New York City and Comprehensive Certification through Body Arts and Sciences International—were eclipsed only by the tremendous passion they share for the Pilates Method. The Pilates Studio at Franco’s allows members easy access to top-notch Pilates training to enhance their current routines without having to leave the club. The studio is open to non-members, and Franco’s top-of-the-line strength and cardio equipment provides Theresa and Meghan the opportunity to offer fusion classes and Suspended Barre. While Pilates practitioners and converts enjoy the expertise and atmosphere offered by the new studio, Sandy and her team are moving on to upgrade more projects at all three Franco’s health clubs. Up next for the Magazine Street club is the expansion of its wildly popular cycling program. Under the direction of innovative cycling instructor Sarah Dewey, Franco’s is introducing a full lineup of cycling classes that combine strength training with cardio and challenge multiple parts of the body simultaneously. Much like upscale retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom have transformed their department stores to feel more like a collection of posh little boutiques, leading health clubs are taking the appeal of specialty boutique fitness and combining it with the convenience of full-service gyms. Sandy Franco and her team have created clubs that are at the forefront of this trend.

Franco’s on Magazine is located at 2116 Magazine St., 218-4637. francosmagazinest.com. Women IN Business 25

Diane Lyons

ACCENT-DMC and FestiGals Diane Lyons works tirelessly to promote New Orleans as a place to live, work and visit. A pioneer in the convention industry, Diane was an entrepreneur long before the term became fashionable. She is a visionary who believes in New Orleans, gives back to the community and recognizes the importance of women helping women. Her journey to success is inspirational. A former educator and special event planner, in 1991 Diane founded ACCENT on Children’s Arrangements, the first US company to create on site children’s programs for meetings and events globally. Diane launched a destination management company in 2002—ACCENT-DMC. Her passion for showcasing New Orleans inspired Lyons to create the award-winning company that impacts the local economy and leaves a lasting impression on her clients. Diane weathered the devastation of New Orleans and the convention industry by Hurricane Katrina, the national economic plunge and the BP oil spill—resulting in questions about New Orleans being under water and oil on Canal Street. Because of her commitment to re-building the New Orleans Convention industry, she was awarded the opportunity to create special events, tour and shuttle programs for the 17,000-delegate American Library Association conference, the first city-wide convention to return to New Orleans post-Katrina. With Lyons’ encouragement, ALA members completed more than 22 volunteer projects to help restore local libraries and assist with other building efforts. In 2008, Lyons worked with the Louisiana Legislative team as director of the National Association of State Legislatures host committee to showcase the re-birth of New Orleans to legislators worldwide by creating award-winning events at the Louisiana Superdome, WWII Museum and CAC for over 6,000 26

Inside New Orleans

attendees. In 2009, New Orleans hosted the Professional Convention Management Association. ACCENT kicked off the meeting by creating a one-of-a-kind New Orleans experience showcasing the NEW Mardi Gras World, which helped re-establish New Orleans as a premier destination for meetings. Diane has received numerous awards, including being named one of the top 50 businesswomen by CityBusiness twice, in ’04 and ’14, and the Top Female Achiever by New Orleans Magazine in 2013. In 2014, The Times-Picayune featured her in front page article on women who “jump financial hurdles to build businesses.” Her company, ACCENTDMC, is the exclusive New Orleans member of the DMC Network; it continues to receive awards by prestigious organizations like the Association of Destination Management Executives International for the most innovative and creative special events over the last 10 years. In 2011, the dynamic Lyons premiered as a champion of women by creating FestiGals, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting, educating and inspiring women through seminars and events that empower, showcase the culture of New Orleans and raise awareness and resources for targeted women’s causes. The annual women’s weekend has grown from 150 to 2,000 participants from 16 states. The Bodacious Bras for a Cause has generated $95,000 to aid local women during cancer treatment and recovery and was instrumental in Diane’s selection as a 2013 Handcraft Hero—one of three women chosen nationally. FestiGals has benefitted the Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans, Breastoration, Dress for Success, the New Orleans Women & Children’s Shelter, the Metropolitan Center for Women & Children, American Heart and Heart N Hands. In 2015, the City Council proclaimed “FestiGals Week,” and the Superdome glowed pink honoring FestiGals. Lyons continues to create special events that portray New Orleans at its best, joining forces in 2012 with New Orleans Morial Convention Center to produce NOLA ChristmasFest, a family-friendly holiday festival that attracts visitors during a non-peak season. Since its inception, attendance has skyrocketed to nearly 40,000. As for Diane, the best is always yet to come. She never stops creating and innovating, never gives up and sees each day as an opportunity.

FestiGals 2016, The Original New Orleans Girlfriend Getaway Weekend, is set for July 28-30 at the JW Marriot New Orleans Hotel. For more information, visit festigals.org or follow us on Facebook, FestiGalsNewOrleans. ACCENT-DMC, a DMC Network Company can be followed on Facebook, ACCENTNewOrleans or visit accent-dmc.com.

Sarah Louise Wood Ham Wood Resources, LLC

At 16, Sarah Louise Wood Ham mopped fuel docks for her family’s marine business, and it has never occurred to her to work anywhere else. Also, she has never been fazed by being a woman leader in a male-dominated industry. “What, I’m a girl? I forget that when it comes to business!” Ham laughs. “Honestly, I just go for it without thinking of it as an advantage or a disadvantage.” Sarah Louise is the president of Wood Towing Company, a subset of marine company Wood Resources, LLC, founded by her grandfather in 1958. She and her brothers represent the company’s third generation. They attribute their success to being “motivated by our family’s values of honesty, communication, respect and harmony.” Sarah Louise admits that the marine industry has an affinity for “good old boy” networking activities like hunting or fishing retreats. So she makes client entertaining a family affair and plans couples’ activities with customers’ wives. “It’s better for a million reasons. The wives appreciate it, it’s unique and it’s just more fun getting to know the families!” Today, with her three children becoming more independent, Sarah Louise says she works harder than ever as she shifts to a greater focus on work and the growth of her company. “In the past five years, our fleet has tripled and our aggregate product line has quadrupled,” she says, crediting the success to her team of 100 employees. “I love the entrepreneurial aspect, but I also love the people. I know we would be nowhere without our dedicated, loyal team.”

Wood Resources, LLC, is located at 5821 River Road in Avondale, La. 436-1234. woodresources.com.

Nina Friend Friend & Company

Nina Friend has a passion for entertaining and the wellappointed home—and she is pleased to see that her passions are shared by the next generation of Southern hostesses. “I grew up in a home where we entertained, and my mother set a beautiful table,” says Nina, who oversees the Bridal Registry and Gift Department at Friend & Company. “I want to make sure this appreciation for tradition is passed on to today’s young brides.” For more than 20 years, Nina has worked with her husband, Ken, and her mother-in-law, Pat Friend, at the family’s jewelry business. As demand grew for a bridal registry, she launched the full tabletop and gift collection in 2003. In a boutique setting on the second floor of the shop, it includes William Yeoward, Herend, Haviland, Waterford, Anna Weatherley, Bernardaud and Baccarat. Nina loves to educate young women about the brands and their histories as she guides them in their selections. “I try to offer the same expertise they would get if they were with Ken buying a diamond.” Nina feels blessed to continue her family’s legacy of service and quality in New Orleans, where entertaining is “such an important part of our cultures and homes. Our beautiful traditional dining rooms make brides want fine china. I think it’s unique to the South, and I’m so passionate about this tradition I’d like to see it continue in other markets.”

Friend & Company is located at 7713 Maple St., 866-5433. friendandcompany.com. Women IN Business 27

Angelique Palumbo Weiser and Heather Catalanotto Shop Angelique

Charlotte Hailey Dorion Gardner Realtors

Angelique Palumbo Weiser opened the original Angelique Boutique on Maple Street in 2001. She says, “I always had a love for fashion, and I helped friends dress all the time. With a family of entrepreneurs, opening my own store was a natural fit.” With great feedback from her first location, Angelique recruited Heather Catalanotto to manage the store. Heather says, “Shortly after I began managing the Maple Street shop, we became business partners, which led to new locations.” The Magazine Street store was added, offering shoes, and later, a collection of quality ready-to-wear pieces. Just a short walk down Magazine is Angelique Kids, another endeavor of Angelique. The boutique locations carry versatile, high-end clothing and accessories in an eclectic, but classic, style. The original boutique features exclusive brands such as 10 Crosby By Derek Lam, Vince and Veronica Beard. Shop Angelique’s relaxed and welcoming atmosphere has now extended into a third location, on Harrison Avenue. “We wanted to offer our clientele everyday wear that is less highend,” says Heather. The Harrison store offers budget-friendly options, including BCBG, Splendid, Cupcakes and Cashmere, Charles David and many other exclusive lines. “Our variety gives us the unique ability to dress not only a mother, but her young adult daughter and even the grandmother,” says Angelique. “No matter what age, we love putting our customers in clothes that make them feel good about themselves. That’s why we love what we do.”

“My career in real estate began over 20 years ago the same year I married Chris Dorion, who joined me three years ago as my real estate partner” says Charlotte Dorion. Having been born and raised in New Orleans by parents who owned several investment properties, however, Charlotte was no stranger to real estate. “My greatest influence was my mother, who was a successful realtor specializing in the Uptown market. I would shadow her through house showings and watch her negotiate sales. I learned the importance of being a good listener and always having a client’s best interest in mind,” says Charlotte. Charlotte sells in all areas of metro New Orleans, but specializes in Uptown and the Garden District. “Of course, while ‘location’ is always number one, my experience is that if a home has three other qualities—right price, good condition and staged—it will sell quickly. “I have a five-step process in listing a property for a client. It includes: gain as much knowledge as possible about the home, history, neighborhood and other important aspects; provide my thoughts on how to improve the property for the highest return for my seller; run a comparative market analysis to set the most competitive price; advertise heavily in print media and on more than 30 websites nationally and internationally; broker open houses and public open houses; SOLD!” With the help of her assistant, Mary Carstens, Charlotte also advertises listings on social media. “I love making my sellers happy by getting them their price and my buyers happy by finding their dream home.”

Shop Angelique has three locations: 7725 Maple St., 866-1092; 5421 Magazine St., 891-8992; and 902 Harrison Ave., 304-9050. angeliquestores.com.

Charlotte’s office is located at 7934 Maple St., 237-8615. Charlottedorion3@gmail.com.

Inside New Orleans

Beth Claybourn Beth Claybourn Interiors

Licensed interior designer and ASID member Beth Claybourn has been making homes beautiful for more than 30 years. She has a loyal client base across the country, but her design projects in New Orleans hold a special place in her heart. “It has been a lifelong dream of mine to own a business in New Orleans,” says Claybourn, who founded Beth Claybourn Interiors in 1985 in Baton Rouge and opened her downtown New Orleans retail gallery in the summer of 2015. “I’ve always loved this city, and I feel my job as a designer is to showcase New Orleans’ sense of class and culture.” Though she has only had a showroom in New Orleans for a few months, Beth Claybourn has been working with local clients for decades and has had the opportunity to work with several generations of a single family. “My clients come to me because I’m a little bit different,” says Claybourn. “I’m not trendy. My work tends to be more refined and elegant. Clients choose me for my ability to bring that traditional New Orleans look to life, but make it comfortable and make it their own.” While Claybourn certainly has her own signature style, she knows that to be successful as a designer, she has to be able to bring her clients’ tastes to life. “My job is not to impose what I want, but when I do a home, I am the tool that helps my client to accomplish their goal,” says Claybourn. “People want a trusting relationship with their designer, and I’ve been blessed to work with so many wonderful clients and maintain those clients for 20 to 30 years!” In that time, Beth Claybourn has built a full-service design firm with locations in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Miramar Beach, where she and her knowledgeable team offer a comprehensive range of design services. Her philosophy of serving as the design project coordinator who guides her clients through the creative process has contributed to her success. Clients have come to trust that the merchandise they purchase from Beth Claybourn Interiors will be of the finest possible quality offered at a fair price. Part of that process involves bringing clients’ visions to life with pieces from her carefully curated collections of furniture, antiques, artwork, home decor, linens and

more, showcased in her 12,000-squarefoot Baton Rouge showroom and 5,000-square-foot New Orleans retail gallery. While these offerings span many tastes and styles, Claybourn says her clients choose her designs because they offer a return to traditional Southern elegance. For Claybourn, this signature look is more than just aesthetic, it’s a lifestyle. “I’ve always been passionate about preserving culture,” says Claybourn, who is also a member of The Historic New Orleans Collection. “Getting back to that class and culture that makes New Orleans great is very important to me. Now that I have a business here, I’m seeing where I want to invest my time and determine where my efforts are needed most.” Outside of her skills and passions as a designer, Claybourn has always had this strong work ethic, to which she credits much of her success as a businesswoman. “It takes a lot of responsibility to be an entrepreneur,” she says, “but it also takes effort! You have to be honest and true to yourself and to your client. It’s a commitment in this business.” Claybourn recalls the challenges she faced as a woman starting her own business more than 30 years ago, when she says “people didn’t think of women as being entrepreneurs.” Today, with decades of hard work and accolades under her belt, Claybourn says that she is most proud of the recognition she has gained in the industry. “My biggest accomplishment has been earning the trust and respect of my clients, as well as of the contractors and craftsmen committed to our standards of excellence.”

Beth Claybourn Interiors is located at 401 Tchoupitoulas Street, next to Mother’s Restaurant, 342-2630. bethclaybourninteriors.com. Women IN Business 29

Gretchen Armbruster Armbruster Artworks

Gretchen Armbruster opened her fine art school and studio in Covington more than four years ago. Her workshop classes are popular, attracting students from Metairie, New Orleans and the entire region. She teaches classes in all mediums, with a special focus on oils. She says, “I couldn’t have imagined loving a job so much. Teaching such talented and wonderful people is truly a great thing to wake up and do every day!” With the success of her school, Gretchen has outgrown her current building, and she is relocating to 502 Columbia Street in downtown Covington. “I am so excited to be moving to a larger space. There will be room for the school and a gallery,” she says. Gretchen and her students will be right in the middle of every downtown activity. “The location will be ideal for the many arts festivals that take place in Covington. We are looking forward to the traffic the festivals bring as well as being able to participate in so many great events.” Gretchen’s paintings have graced the walls of countless galleries over the years, including Southern Breeze in Jackson, Mississippi; Taylor Clark Gallery in Baton Rouge; Pineapple Gallery and Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor in Mandeville; and Gallery 526 in New Orleans. Her commissioned portraits don the walls of some of the finer homes in Louisiana. No matter the subject, an Armbruster is always identifiable. “It’s my use of light and contrast of values in a painting,” Gretchen explains. “It’s very dramatic.” Her notable works include the 2004-06 30

Inside New Orleans

Crescent City Classic posters, 12 years of elaborate Bacchus designs and extensive murals in the historic French Quarter Old Absinthe House. Her paintings can also be seen in St. Tammany Parish Hospital, West Jefferson Hospital, Ochsner hospitals and many restaurants and homes in the area. She was featured in the Art of the Horse issue of the national American Art Collector magazine. Her work was even on the big screen in the movie He Said, She Said. Gretchen’s original 24-by-36 painting The Dictator, which appeared on the cover of the February 2015 issue of Inside New Orleans, portrayed a very colorful Carnival scene. She says, “I moved to the northshore about 18 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.” As a young artist, Gretchen studied with local artists such as David Robert Rossbach, Alan Flattmann and David Jinks. She studied at LSU, the John McCrady School of Fine and Applied Arts and the New Orleans Art Institute. As an instructor now, Gretchen loves fostering the talents of students of all age levels and experience. “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,” says Gretchen. “I love working with a student who has never received instruction and helping them discover, little by little, that they have great ability.”

Armbruster Artworks School is at 502 Columbia St. in Covington. 985-630-6295. armbrusterartworks.com.

IN the Bookcase

Below: Hoda Kotb speaks at

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

a recent signing of Where We Belong: Journeys That Show Us The Way.

Lindley DeGarmo, the move away from a sales career meant moving toward a job closer to his heart—and to his soul. So where’s your turning point? It won’t be identical to the ones you’ll find inside Where We Belong, but you’ll get a lot of inspiration just the same; you’ll also get a lot of same. Indeed, the stories here are all very similar and, with one exception, pre-existing wealth shows up quite often in the tales. That may turn a few readers off. And yet, who doesn’t struggle with New Year’s Resolutions? At this point in the new year, if you’ve made

Where We Belong: Journeys That Show Us the Way by Hoda Kotb

YOU HAVE TO BE somewhere today. There’s no hurry or schedule to follow, but you must get there on time. You don’t have a map or itinerary, and the destination might be a surprise, but once you arrive, as happens in the new book Where We Belong by Hoda Kotb (with Jane Lorenzini), you’ll be in exactly the right place. It’s natural: a turn of the calendar, and you’re feeling some inner restlessness. It’s okay to admit it, says Kotb: you sense that there’s more to life, and you yearn to find it. The good news is that it’s never too late to start working toward that perfect spot in your world; in fact, here, Kotb introduces readers to people who did. Michelle Hauser grew up in Mason City, Iowa, living sometimes with her mother and sometimes with her father. By age 10, she skillfully ran a household; at 12, she landed a paying job because she sensed a need for self-sufficiency; at 14, she worked in a restaurant, where her love of cooking

was cemented. She ultimately became a chef, but throughout her life, she always harbored a dream of being a doctor. It would be even better if her two passions could unite … Craig Juntenen never wanted children and had taken steps to ensure that it didn’t happen; his wife, Kathi, had known about his tenets when they were dating, and she accepted them. She was, therefore, very surprised when Craig came home after a golf outing and announced that he had an idea that ultimately changed their lives and their family, when two became five … Kay Abrahams grew up in the lap of luxury with everything she wanted—except parental attention, which she longed for. Her parents loved her, that was a fact, but they were busy with careers and had little time for her. Eventually, she fell into the same situation, but a move halfway across the country helped her find the “family” she needed. And for successful businessman

photo: DEBBY WONG

with Jane Lorenzini

’em, you probably do, and author Hoda Kotb (with Jane Lorenzini) offers something here that’ll energize you: true, encouraging stories. And so, in the end, I mostly enjoyed Where We Belong. It’s a happy book, and if those everyday people can identify, find, and accomplish lifechanging goals, surely you can, too. If you’re eager for that, then this book belongs in your hands. April-May 2016 119

IN Great Taste

photo: YVETTE JEMISON

by Yvette Jemison

120

Inside New Orleans

IT’S STRAWBERRY SEASON, and you’ll find that Southeast Louisiana grows some of the sweetest strawberries in the country. It’s the perfect time to make strawberry jam. Making a batch of jam doesn’t have to be intimidating. This jam recipe is easy to prepare and doesn’t require processing the jars for long-term storage. Simply store the jars in your refrigerator. Trust me—it won’t last long. When there’s homemade jam in my refrigerator, it

gains a new life with both sweet and savory dishes. Whisk a spoonful into vinaigrette to balance acidity. Stir red-pepper flakes into jam and glaze chicken or ribs. Layer into cake batter for a sweet surprise such as my Strawberry Poppy Seed Cake. For a dreamy dessert, drizzle strawberry jam on cloudlike meringues, which are always a springtime favorite. For additional recipes, visit Ydelicacies.com. For the latest kitchen scoop, visit y_delicacies on Instagram.

Jam Session Chocolate Meringues Servings: Makes 12 6 egg whites 2 teaspoons cornstarch >> 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup powdered sugar 2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 2 ounces dark chocolate, chopped into thin chips 1/2 cup strawberry jam

1. Preheat oven to 275°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, whisk the egg whites, cornstarch and salt on medium speed until

frothy, 1-2 minutes. 3. While beating the egg whites, slowly add the granulated sugar and beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, 5-7 minutes. Slowly add the powdered sugar, and beat on high speed until glossy and stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes. 4. Fold the cocoa powder and chocolate into the egg whites to create chocolate streaks. 5. Mound 12 meringues on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until dry and firm, 1 ½ hours. Serve with a drizzle of strawberry jam.

Strawberry Jam Makes 2 cups

2 pounds strawberries, stems removed 1 cup sugar 1 Tablespoon lemon juice Two 8-ounce jars with lids

1. Crush each strawberry with your hands until almost falling apart. 2. Place crushed strawberries and any released juices, sugar and lemon juice into a medium heavy pot. Bring to a boil, frequently stirring, until sugar is dissolved and more juices are released, 3-5 minutes. 3. Reduce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook until the juices reduce to a jam-like consistency, 30-40 minutes. >> 4. Divide between jars, cover and chill. >> April-May 2016 121

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,

Strawberry Poppy Seed Cake

723 Dante St., 504-861-7610

Servings: 10-12

Cooter Brown’s Tavern aaa

2 cups granulated sugar

Sandwiches, 509 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-866-9104

1 cup butter, softened

Cowbell aa Hamburgers, 8801 Oak

4 large eggs

St., 504-866-4222 Dante’s Kitchen aaaa Eclectic,

2 teaspoons almond extract

736 Dante St., 504-861-3121

2 cups all-purpose flour

Dat Dog a Craft Hot Dogs,

2 Tablespoon poppy seeds

1 teaspoon kosher salt

Hana aaa Japanese, 8116

5030 Freret St., 504-899-6883 Hampson, 504-865-1634

2/3 cup strawberry jam

Jacques-Imo’s aaa Cajun, 8324

2/3 cup sliced almonds

Oak St., 504-861-0886 Lebanon’s Café aaa Middle

1 Tablespoons powdered sugar

Eastern, 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-862-6200

122

Inside New Orleans

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., 504-861-8174 Panchita’s aaa Central American, 1434 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-281-4127 Pupuseria La Macarena aaa Central American, 8120 Hampson St., 504-862-5252 Riccobono’s Panola Street Café photo: YVETTE JEMISON

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line the bottom of a 10” x 3” round pan with parchment paper. Grease and flour the sides and the parchment. 2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the sugar and butter until combined into a pebbly texture. Add the eggs and almond extract and beat until light and creamy, 2-3 minutes. Add the flour, poppy seeds and salt and mix until combined. 3. Evenly spread half the batter into the prepared pan. Spread the jam on top of the batter leaving a 1-inch border of batter. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top, and evenly smooth the batter. Sprinkle the almonds on top, and bake until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, about 90 minutes. Cool completely before removing from pan. Dust the top with powdered sugar and serve.

aa Breakfast, 7801 Panola St., 504-314-1810 Vincent’saaaa Italian, 7839 St. Charles Ave., 504-866-9313 Ye Olde College Inn aaa

Neighborhood Café, 3000 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-866-3683 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT Blue Room aaa American, 123 Baronne, Roosevelt Hotel. 504-648-1200 Bon Ton Café aaa Cajun, 401 Magazine St., 504-524-3386 Borgne aaa Seafood, 601 Loyola Ave. (Hyatt Regency Hotel), 504-613-3860 Café Adelaide aaaa Contemporary Creole, 300 Poydras St., 504-595-3305 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 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 Poppy’s Crazy Lobster Bar & Grill a Seafood, 500 Port of New Orelans Pl., Suite 83. 504-569-3380 Poppy’s Time Out Sports Bar & Grill. Hamburgers. 1 Poydras St. (Riverfront). 504-247-9265 Restaurant August aaaaa Eclectic, 301 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-299-9777 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., 504-522-1994 ESPLANADE RIDGE AND GENTILLY Liuzza’s By The Track aaa Neighborhood Café, 1518 N. Lopez St., 504-218-7888 Lola’s aaa Spanish, 3312 Esplanade

Ave., 504-488-6946 Sammy’s Food Service aaa Neighborhood Café, 3000 Elysian

St., 504-598-5005 Louisiana Bistro aaa Contemporary Creole, 337

Fields Ave., 504-947-0675

Dauphine St., 504-525-3335

Santa Fe aaa Mexican, 3201

Louisiana Pizza Kitchen aaa

Esplanade Ave., 504-948-0077

Pizza, 95 French Market Place, 504-522-9500

FRENCH QUARTER Acme Oyster House aaa Seafood, 724 Iberville St., 504-522-5973 Antoine’s aaaa Creole French, 713 St. Louis St., 504-581-4422 Arnaud’s aaaa Creole French, 813 Bienville St., 504-523-5433 Bayona aaaa Eclectic, 430 Dauphine St., 504-525-4455 Bombay Club aaa Contemporary Creole, 830 Conti St., 504-577-2237 Bourbon House aaa Seafood, 144 Bourbon St., 504-522-0111 Brennan’s Contemporary Creole, 417 Royal St., 504-525-9711 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., 504-522-7261 Crescent City Brewhouse aaa Pub Food, 527 Decatur St., 504-522-0571 Criollo aaa Creole French, 214 Royal St., 504-681-4444 Dat Dog a Craft Hot Dogs, 601 Frenchmen St., 505-309-3362 The Davenport Lounge Small bites and cocktails, 921 Canal Street (The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans) 504-670-2828 Deanie’s Seafood Seafood, 841 Iberville St., 504-581-1316 Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse aaa

M Bistro aaaFarm to Table Restaurant 921 Canal Street (The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans) 504-670-2828 Mr. B’s Bistro aaaa Contemporary Creole, 201 Royal St., 504-523-2078 Muriel’s aaaa Contemporary Creole, 801 Chartres St., 504-568-1885 Napoleon House aa Sandwiches, 500 Chartres St., 504-524-9752 New Orleans Creole Cookery Classic Creole, 510 Toulouse St., 504-524-9632 Nola aaaa Contemporary Creole, 534 St. Louis St., 504-522-6652 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 SoBou aaa Contemporary Creole, 310 Chartres St., 504-552-4095 Stanley aa Breakfast, 547 St. Ann St., 504-587-0093 Tujague’s aaa Creole, 823 Decatur St., 504-525-8676

Steak, 716 Iberville St., 504-5222467 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 Steak, 215 Bourbon St., 504-335-3932 Gumbo Shop aaa Creole, 630 St. 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

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, 2018 Magazine St., 504-569-0000 Mr. John’s Steakhouse aaaa Steak, 2111 St. Charles Ave., 504-679-7697 Sushi Brothers aaa Japanese, 1612 St. Charles Ave., 504-581-4449 Tracey’s aaa Sandwiches, 2604 Magazine St., 504-897-5413

Cajun, 416 Chartres St., 504596-2530 Kingfish aaaa Cajun, 337 Chartres

LAKEVIEW Café Navarre aa Sandwiches, 800

April-May 2016 123

Navarre Ave., 504-483-8828 Cava aaaa New Orleans Style, 785

Street, 504-833-6310 Parran’s Po-Boys aaa Sandwiches, 3939 Veterans Blvd.,

Harrison Ave, New Orleans LA 70124, 504-304-9034 El Gato Negro aaa Mexican, 300

504-885-3416 Peppermill aaa Creole Italian, 3524

Harrison Ave., 504-488-0107

Severn Ave., 504-455-2266

Lakeview Harbor aaa Hamburgers,

Pho Orchid aaa Vietnamese, 3117

911 Harrison Ave., 504-486-4887 Mondo aaa Eclectic, 900 Harrison

Houma Blvd., 504-457-4188 Ristorante Filippo aaa Creole Italian, 1917 Ridgelake Dr.,

Ave., 504-224-2633 Munch Factory aaa Contemporary Creole, 6325 Elysian Fields Ave.,

504-835-4008 Ruth’s Chris Steak House aaaa

Ralph’s On The Park aaaa

504-888-3600 Sandro’s Trattoria aaa Creole Italian, 6601 Veterans Blvd.,

Park Ave., 504-488-1000 Steak Knife aaa Contemporary Creole, 888 Harrison Ave.,

504-888-7784 Shogun aaaa Japanese, 2325

504-488-8981 Tony Angello’s aaa Creole Italian, 6262

Veterans Blvd., 504-833-7477 Taqueria Corona aaa Mexican,

Fleur de Lis Dr., 504-488-0888

3535 Severn Ave., 504-885-5088

Blvd. (Clearview Mall),

504-833-2722 4426 Transcontinental Blvd., 504-885-6885 Dat Dog a Craft Hot Dogs, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd. (Lakeside Mall), 504-304-7005 Drago’s aaaa Seafood, 3232 N. Arnoult Rd., 504-888-9254 Heritage Grill Contemporary Creole, 111 Veterans Blvd., 504-934-4900 Impastato’s aaaa Creole Italian, 3400 16th St., 504-455-1545 Little Tokyo aaa Japanese, 2300 N. Causeway Blvd., 504-831-6788 Martin Wine Cellar Deli aaa Deli, 714 Elmeer Ave., 504-896-7300 Mellow Mushroom aa Pizza, 30 craft beers on tap, 3131 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 504-644-4155 Mr. Ed’s aaa Neighborhood Café, 1001 Live Oak St., 504-838-0022 Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House aaa Seafood, 3117 21St.

124

Inside New Orleans

504-822-9503

Girod St., Mandeville, 985-626-5619 Ox Lot 9 aaa Contemporary, 428 E

NORTHSHORE Acme Oyster House aaa Seafood, 1202 US 190, Covington, 985-246-6155 Café Lynn aaaa Contemporary Creole, 2600 Florida St., Mandeville, 985624-9007 Camellia Café aaa Neighborhood

Slidell, 985-649-6211 Carreta’s Grill a Mexican, 1340 Lindberg Dr., Slidell, 985-8470020; 70380 LA Hwy. 21,

Coffee, 214 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-486-0078 Café Degas aaa French, 3127 Esplanade Ave., 504-945-5635 Café Minh aaaa Vietnamese, 4139

Casablanca aaa Mediterranean,

Cypress aaa Contemporary Creole,

Covington, 985-875-0432 Nuvolari’s aaaa Creole Italian, 246

Harahan, 504-738-0799 MID-CITY

1821 Hickory Ave., Harahan,

428 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson,

Seafood, 208 Lee Lane,

Chicken, 2401 St. Ann St.,

504-780-9090; 1655 Hickory Ave.,

Angelo Brocato aaa Dessert and

Rye St., 504-888-0078

Crabby Jack’s aaa Sandwiches,

Carrollton Ave., 504-488-7991

Rd., Slidell, 985-643-0443 New Orleans Food & Spiritsaaa

Willie Mae’s Scotch House aaa

Covington, 985-871-6674

Carreta’s Grill a Mexican, 2320

Arnoult St., 504-887-3295

Venezia aaa Italian, 134 N.

Creole, 36440 Old Bayou Liberty

Boston St., Covington, 985-400-5663 Pardo’s aaaa Contemporary Creole, 69305 Hwy 21, Covington, 985-893-3603 Ristorante Del Porto aaaa Italian, 501 E. Boston St., Covington, 985-875-1006 Highway 190, Lacombe, 985-

Esplanade Ave., 504-888-5533

China Rose aaa Chinese, 3501 N.

Carrollton Ave., 504-252-4999

985-809-6313; 525 190 Hwy. W.,

Austin’s aaaa Creole, 5101 West

3030 Severn Ave., 504-888-2209

Toups’ Meatery aaa Cajun, 845 N.

Mandeville, 985-626-5566 Nathan’s aaaa Contemporary

Chastant St., 504-885-2984 Zea aaa American, 4450 Veterans

504-834-8583

504-305-4833

504-483-1571

Sal and Judy’s aaaa Italian, 27491

Andrea’s aa Italian, 3100 19th St.,

Veterans Blvd., 504-837-6696;

Creole, 127 N. Carrollton Ave.,

190, Covington, 985-327-5407 N’Tini’s aaa Creole, 2891 US 190,

Café, 69455 LA 59, Abita Springs,

3000 Veterans Blvd., 504-309-4056

Café East aaa Pan-Asian, 4628

Rue 127 aaaa Contemporary

craft beers on tap, 1645 N. Hwy.

Vincent’s aaaa Creole Italian, 4411 METAIRIE Acme Oyster House aaa Seafood,

Cortez St., 504-309-5531

Steak, 3633 Veterans Blvd.,

504-324-5372 Contemporary Creole, 900 City

Neighborhood Café, 139 S.

Canal St., 504-482-6266 Cafe NOMA Contemporary Creole,

1 Collins Diboll Circle, 504-482-1264

Canal Street Bistro aaa Mexican, 3903 Canal St., 504-482-1225 Crescent City Steak House aaa Steak, 1001 N. Broad St., 504-821-3271 Dooky Chase aaa Creole, 2301 Orleans Ave., 504-821-0600 Five Happiness aaa Chinese, 3605 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-482-3935 Juan’s Flying Burrito aaa Mexican, 4724 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-486-9950 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

The Chimes aaa Cajun, 19130 W. Front St., Covington, 985-892-5396 Dakota aaaa Contemporary Creole, 629 N. US 190, Covington, 985-892-3712 DiCristina’s aaa Italian, 810 N.

Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, 985626-4476 Young’s aaa Steak, 850 Robert Blvd., Slidell, 985-643-9331 Yujin aaa Japanese, 323 N. New Hampshire St., Covington, 985-809-3840 Zea aaa American, 110 Lake Dr., Covington, 985-327-0520; 173

Columbia St., Covington,

Northshore Blvd., Slidell,

985-875-0160

985-3270520

DiMartino’s aaa Italian, 700 S. Tyler St., Covington, 985-276-6460 Fazzio’saa Italian,1841 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, 985-624-9704 Gallagher’s Grill aaaa Contemporary Creole, 509 S. Tyler St., Covington, 985-892-9992 George’s aaa Mexican, 1461 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, 985626-4342 Keith Young’s Steak House aaaa Steak, 165 LA 21, Madisonville, 985-845-9940 La Carreta aaa Mexican, 812 Hyw

OLD METAIRIE 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 Vega Tapas Café aaa

190, Covington, 985-400-5202;

Mediterranean, 2051 Metairie Rd.,

1200 W. Causeway Approach,

504-836-2007

Mandeville, 985-624-2990 La Provence aaaa French, 25020 US 190, Lacombe, 985-626-7662 Lakehouse aaa Contemporary Creole, 2025 Lakeshore Dr., Mandeville, 985-626-3006 Mandina’s aaa Italian, Seafood, 4240 La 22, Mandeville, 985-674-9883 Mattina Bella aaa Breakfast, 421

Sandwiches, 538 Hagan Ave.,

E. Gibson St., Covington,

504-482-3047

985-892-0708

Ruby Slipper Café aaa Breakfast,

882-9443 Trey Yuen aaa Chinese, 600

Mellow Mushroom aa Pizza, 30

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., 504-891-9626 Baru Bistro & Tapas aaa Caribbean, 3700 Magazine St., 504-895-

i 2225 BistroDaisyaaaaCreoleFrench,5831 Magazine St., 504-899-6987 Casamento’s aaa Seafood, 4330 Magazine St., 504-895-9761 Charlie’s Steak House aaa Steak, 4510 Dryades St., 504-895-9323 Clancy’s aaaa Contemporary Creole, 6100 Annunciation St., 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 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., 504-754-1336 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

Annunciation aaaa Contemporary Creole, 1016 Annunciation St., 504-568-0245 Café Reconcile aaa Lunch Café, 1631 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., 504-568-1157 Chateau Du Lac aaaa French, 857 Fulton St. 504-301-0235 Cochon aaa Cajun, 930 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-588-2123 Emeril’s aaaaa Contemporary Creole, 800 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-528-9393 Grand Isle aaa Seafood, 575 Convention Center Blvd., 504-520-8530 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 Rock-n-Sake aaa Japanese, 823 Fulton St., 504-581-7253 Root aaaa Eclectic, 200 Julia St., 504-252-9480 Tomas Bistro aaaa Creole French, 755 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-527-0942 Tommy’s Cuisine aaaa Creole Italian, 746 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-581-1103

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 Pascal’s Manale aaa Creole Italian, 1838 Napoleon Ave., 504-895-4877 Patois aaaa Creole French, 6078 Laurel St., 504-895-9441

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., 504-828-2220 Tommy’s Cuisine aaaa Creole Italian, 746 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-581-1103

Rum House aaa Caribbean, 3128 Magazine St., 504-941-7560 Salú aaa Eclectic, 3226 Magazine St., 504-371-5809 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., 504-891-9822

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., 504-828-2220 R&O’s aaa Seafood, 216 Old Hammond Hwy., 504-831-1248 Two Tony’s aaa Creole Italian, 8536

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT AND CENTRAL CITY American Sector aa American, 945

Pontchartrain Blvd., 504-282-0801 Wasabi aaa Japanese, 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., 504-267-3263

Magazine St., 504-528-1940

April-May 2016 125

The Contemporary Arts Center hosted Disco Throwback at SweetArts 2016, a fundraiser supporting the CAC’s year-round programming in visual and performing arts and arts education. The annual gala recognizes those who have contributed to the New Orleans arts and culture community. This year, the CAC fêted Philanthropist Françoise Billion Richardson, Visual Artist Jacqueline Humphries, Performing Artist CCH Pounder, and Arts Educator Jill Basile. The attire was ’70s Chic, paying homage to the decade in which the CAC was founded—the 1970s. Presented by Smith & Fawer, LLC, the evening kicked off with a patron party in the CAC’s theater, which had been transformed into Studio 54 by the decor committee of Raine Bedsole, Susan Gisleson, Sara Paradis, Gregg Porter, Staci Rosenberg, Jennifer Rowland, Robyn Dunn Schwarz and Elizabeth Shannon. Guests were then led into the warehouse for the main event, where Anaïs St. John performed an unforgettable night of dancing to ’70s soul and disco hits with her Donna Summer Tribute show. Cuisine was provided by 12 local restaurants and food trucks. 126

Inside New Orleans

photos courtesy: JEFF POUNDS

Contemporary Arts Center SweetArts 2016

INside Peek

1. Remi Ottelin, Rebecca Worley, Chris Fransen, Remy Fransen and Matt Fransen celebrating at Matt’s birthday crawfish boil. 2. Kim Reeves, Anna Tusa and Vicki Collins celebrate at a preride brunch at New Orleans Creole Cookery. 3. Torey Greig, Queen Cleopatra Myra Cancienne and Stacey Guidry are ready to ride just before the Krewe of Cleopatra hits the streets! 4. Perrin Rome, Adele Harlow and Rene Paysse at the annual Caliphs of Cairo Queens’ Luncheon. 5. George White, Yvette Stouse and Sam Rosamond celebrate the reign of this year’s queen. 6. 2016 Queen of Caliphs of Cairo Callee Rome, Alan Brackett, and 1966 Queen Millie Ball Marshall. 7. Melissa Gordon, Penny Baumer, and Virginia Eckholdt at the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon committee meeting. 8. Hostess Erin Flemming, Doris Liukkonon and Bette Marks at the committee meeting. 9. Seated: Betsy Dowling and Mary Dana Dandry; Standing: Margaret Milke, Anton Heine, and Karen Villavaso. 10. Anthony Lala, Melissa Gordon and Bruce Gordon at the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon Patron Party at the Opera Guild Home. 11. Chris Saporito, Heidi Saporito, Jerry Saporito, Rhenda Saporito, Jordana Civetti and Robert Richmond celebrate the work of this month’s cover artist. 12. Sandra Scoggin, Robert Moore and Rhenda Saporito.

April-May 2016 127

INside Peek

1. Yvette Jemison, CJ Ladner, Molly Gambel, Susan Blanchard, Lori Murphy and Lee de la Houssaye retreated to a Royal Street balcony to continue the fun after the Rex Luncheon. 2. Following the annual Rex Luncheon at Antoine’s, revelers Baker Smith, Stacey Williams, Lisa Smith and Marjorie McKeithen take to the street. 3. Bill and Karyn Kearney. 4. Shelly and John Ellinghausen with Susie and Vaughn Cimini in Antoine’s Twelfth Night Room for the Rex Luncheon. 5. Caroline Calhoun, Alma Pettit, Liz Healy, Alma Dunlap, Becky Slatten, and Bob Pettit at the Rex Luncheon at Antoine’s. 6. Becky and Scott Slatten enjoying a Mystical evening during carnival. 7. Stuart Weese, Rick Murphy and Semmes Hughs were among the Athenian revelers celebrating a successful Alabama duck outing. 8. Michelle and Kevin Reed. 9. Swapping beads and baubles—and toasting champagne—kept everyone celebrating until the parades rolled. 10. John and MiMi Farrell at the Bourbon House on the Friday before Mardi Gras. 11. Apollo pages James Joseph Reiss IV, Brent Conway Schwing, Avery Elizabeth Summerour and Patricia Becker Seemann. 12. Greg Hoffman, General Manager of Gray Line New Orleans, at “Friday Gras.” 11 128

Inside New Orleans

Réveillon for Boys Hope Girls Hope Réveillon, an annual food and wine “party with a purpose” benefiting Boys Hope Girls Hope of Greater New Orleans, took place at the home of Laurie and Jeff Young. Guests dined on a Gulf Coast-inspired menu prepared by the Duplantier family and friends and sipped high-quality wines and specialty craft brews by Sticky Foot Brew Co. Partygoers enjoyed live music by One Lan Band, Aziza and the Cure and Josh Piesecki. The mission of Boys Hope Girls Hope is to help academically capable and motivated children-in-need to meet their full potential by providing value-centered, family-like homes, opportunities and education through college. BHGH New Orleans was founded in 1980 and currently operates two homes in Mid-City with the capacity to serve eight children between the ages of 8 and 18 in each residence from the time of their admission to their high school graduation. Financial and emotional support continues through college graduation. Over the last 20 years, this Réveillon event has grown from the vision of a group of friends who wanted to make a difference in the lives of the young BHGH scholars to over 200 guests coming together to do the same. April-May 2016 129

Stafford Tile & Stone Creating Mosaics Guests of Stafford Tile & Stone sipped wine and noshed delicacies at the Magazine Street gallery while viewing the latest collections from New Ravenna, premier manufacturer of handcrafted stone and glass mosaic tile. Peggy Stafford and staff were thrilled to host an afternoon cocktail event and “meet and greet” for Wes LaBlanc from New Ravenna and Allison Eden Goldenstein from Allison Eden Studio and Mixed Up Mosaics. Local designers and Stafford’s clients all enjoyed the event.

Fidelity Bank Rally Fidelity Bank unveiled a new branding campaign at a bank rally for its 400-plus employees. The Fidelity Bank Stompers and the 610 Stompers entertained attendees at the New Orleans Sheraton with a few dance numbers. Speakers included Fidelity President/CEO Alton McRee and Cajun Cannon Bobby Hebert, who gave the keynote address. 130

Inside New Orleans

INside Peek

4 1. Bill and Anne Hughs were among the wellwishers at the Caliphs of Cairo ball. 2. Anne Honeywell with her daughter, Katherine, and her mother, Alma Dunlap. 3. Wayne and Susie Zeringue. 4. Monique and Don Bennett. 5. Queen Callee Rome with her mother, Mary Grace, and her sister Addie Grace Rome. 6. Phil Straub, Diane Fee and Susan Wallace at the Metropolitan Opera National Council Dinner at the Ritz Carlton New Orleans. 7. Claire Stahel and Michael Harold. 8. Adrienne Laborde and Charles Macgowan sailed the beautiful West Indies with friends to usher in the spring. 9. Deenie and Dan Reese took turns at the helm for the island hopping. 10. Fellow sailors Sam and Jill Giberga particularly enjoyed Petit St. John. 11. The Robertson/Stropolo family celebrates Carnival in the Quarter.

11 April-May 2016 131

A pair of events celebrating WYES and Downton Abbey

Presented by Russ and Sandra Herman, An Afternoon with WYES Downtown Abbey Tea and Wine, Too! was held at the home of Frances and Calvin Fayard on St. Charles Avenue. Guests in period dress sipped tea and wine while dining on food by local caterer Laura Arrowood. Prior to the tea, patrons enjoyed a Champagne reception. Proceeds from the event benefited WYES. 132

Inside New Orleans

photos courtesy: WYES

An Afternoon Tea

photos courtesy: WYES

Going Out in Style Gala WYES gave a proper New Orleans send-off to Downton Abbey at the home of Lisa and Trip Ludwig in Old Metairie. Guests dressed in period attire or black tie were greeted when they entered by a Rolls Royce, which was the backdrop for photographs. Attendees were treated to food by Celebrate! Catered Events by Windsor Court and cocktails by the Goldring Family Foundation. The Cigar Factory served hand-rolled cigars, and everyone danced the night away to music by Deacon John and the Ivories. At the gala, the WYES Chairmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Award was presented to Paulette and Frank Stewart, and Paul Spencer was honored with the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Award. April-May 2016 133

The Blue Crab Restaurant & Oyster Bar

WHO DOESN’T LOVE a day spent relaxing on the New Orleans Lakefront, soaking in the sun while drinking an ice-cold beer and eating some freshly boiled crawfish? The Blue Crab Restaurant & Oyster Bar, one of the newest additions to the New Orleans Lakefront, is a locally owned and operated spot bringing back this much-loved New Orleans past time. Situated right on the docks of Lake Pontchartrain, it serves fresh Louisianan seafood cooked to order. That includes local favorites such as boiled crawfish, crabs, a raw oyster bar and traditional seafood dinners. A crowd favorite is the Basin BBQ Shrimp and Grits. The seafood is as fresh as it gets. “We don’t even have a walkin freezer. That was a decision we made on purpose,” says co-owner Nick Asprodites. Reminiscent of the old West End eateries, The Blue Crab is providing the community with a place to gather and enjoy the classics and good company. As Nick explains, “We have a lot of regulars but always love to see new faces. You never know who you will see here on a Friday night!” The Blue Crab is a breath of fresh air contributing to the revitalization of the New Orleans Lakefront.

Nick Asprodites welcomes you to visit The Blue Crab

134

Inside New Orleans

expanded deck seating or the scenic downstairs bar.

photo: LEAH DRAFFEN

to enjoy the newly

The Blue Crab Restaurant & Oyster Bar is located at 7900 Lakeshore Dr., 284-2898. thebluecrabnola.com.

by Maggie Murphy

photo courtesy: THE BLUE CRAB

Last Bite