November-December 2016 Inside Northside Magazine by Inside Publications

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STEAMBOATS • GEORGE DUNBAR • FLOOD RELIEF • YVONNE ALCIATORE BLOUNT

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016 VOL. 31, NO. 6

JLGC Harvest Cup Polo Classic

November-December 2016

Vol. 31, No. 6

Publisher Lori Murphy –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Editor-in-Chief Anne Honeywell Senior Editor Jan Murphy Managing Editor Leah Draffen Contributors are featured on page 16. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Art Director Brad Growden Graphic Designer Jennifer Starkey Production Intern Madison Hutson –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Business Manager Jane Quillin Senior Account Executives Poki Hampton Candice Laizer Barbara Roscoe Account Executives Barbara Bossier Jonée Daigle-Ferrand Amy Taylor Advertising Coordinator Margaret Rivera Sales Intern Faith Saucier –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For advertising information phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 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 Inside Input or Dining Guide to editor@insidepub.com. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Contact Inside Northside P.O. Box 9148 Mandeville, LA 70470-9148 phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 website www.insidenorthside.com Subscriptions 1 Year $18 2 Years $30 email subscriptions@insidepub.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

On the cover Artist Gretchen Armbruster White Beauties

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– INSIDE NORTHSIDE MAGAZINE is published bi-monthly (January, March, May, July, September, November) by M and L Publishing, LLC, PO Box 9148, Mandeville, LA 70470-9148 as a means of communication and information for St. Tam many and Tangipahoa Parishes, Louisiana. Bulk Postage paid at Mandeville, 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 Northside Magazine is created using the Adobe Creative Suite on Apple Macintosh computers.

page 36

contents table of

page 101

Features 18 Color and Light Cover Artist Gretchen Armbruster 34 Women’s Jewelry

page 58

36 Après le déluge (with apologies to Madame de Pompadour) Restoring an A. Hays Town home after the flood 46 Visiting a Vieux Carré Legend Yvonne Alciatore Blount 58 Rollin’ on the River Steamboats of the Mississippi 70 Elements of Chance Artist George Dunbar 78 Creative Flood Recovery 88 Disaster Philanthropy 90 The Northshore Cajun Army 06 Satisfying Hunger and Hearts 1 Candia Love’s Country Diner 112 Preserving History 50 Years of The Historic New Orleans Collection

page 70 8

Inside Northside

18 Harvest Cup Polo Classic 2016 1 President’s Letter Poster Artist Auction Items

contents table of

Departments

12 Publisher’s Note 14 Editor’s Note 16 Contributors 24 INside Scoop 57 Wine Cellar Sancerre 67 Travel For the Powder Hounds Wolf Creek Ski Area 93 Flourishes Extraordinary gifts and home accents 1 01 INside Look Touches of Taupe 116 IN the Bookcase Political Suicide, by Erin McHugh 124 IN Development Certified Sites Foster Growth 126 At the Table King of the Dinner Table 128 INside Dining 132 IN Love and Marriage Notable northshore weddings 135 INside Peek Featuring Power of Women Luncheon Harvest Cup Polo Patron Party Unleashed! Rescue Me Gala Kickin’ Parkinson’s North Oaks Level II Trauma Center Designation 142 Last Bite Boulevard American Bistro page 67

page 93

Silver Linings by Lori Murphy

My husband, Rick, is a self-described

were preparing to build a home in 2003 when Jennifer Rice said, “Don’t do anything until you look at the A. Hays Town I have listed in Covington.” I am probably crazy to admit that, at the time, what she said meant nothing to me—but Rick was all in. It was love at first sight. He started scouring the area for olive jars and sugar kettles. The home featured many signature elements that Mr. Town treasured in Southern design, and for Rick, who admired many of his homes through his work as an appraiser, it was a dream come true. Fast forward 13 years. After weathering hurricanes and more, in March the unthinkable happened. Our home, like so many others that had NEVER flooded before, did when the Bogue Falaya topped its banks. Laid on slight piers, the heart pine floorboards were first to tell the story of the water. Our dogs went crazy, barking as water started rushing below them. Almost immediately, the water poured in, first through the clean-out of the fireplace in the living room. It rose eight inches in a matter of 15 minutes. I now understand exactly what is meant by “flash flood.” The experience brought back many memories, but this was different. Yes, trees crashed across the roof in 2005, but there is really nothing like slogging through everything after a flood. I understand why some said they were strangely relieved when Katrina swept everything away. They did not get to, or have to, go through drenched boxes of photographs and memories. We had to pull out everything that was in the bottom four feet of our home. Every cabinet, closet and drawer. It all went into outside PODS. We lived for months upstairs in bedrooms and on the porch, with one small TV, a toaster oven and only a wine cooler for refrigeration. Rick immersed himself in the project—finding the right source for this, and the perfect solution for that. Though we’d joke about empty nesters living in such a family house, I don’t think we will ever get him to move now. He restored everything exactly as he wanted it to be. It was a fun and exhausting ordeal, and hopefully Mr. Town is looking down somewhere with an exacting and approving eye. We share our experience on page 36.

Inside Northside

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

fan of classical Southern architecture. We

Editor’s Note by Anne Honeywell The northshore continues to impress me. Both the community and the people. I always enjoy putting together Inside Northside— gathering the stories and especially meeting the people behind them. One such impressive person is Angelle Albright. Wow. She is the most passionate philanthropist I have ever come across—on either shore of Lake Pontchartrain! Whether she puts her strength behind curing cancer, helping our police officers or, as she explains in this issue, helping Louisianians recover from the recent massive flooding. On page 90, she tells her heartfelt story of creating the Northshore Cajun Army. She is truly an amazing Pied Piper of sorts, so inspiring to others that they want to help her and her mission to help any cause she has set her sights on! This issue came together beautifully, and it is filled with a number of caring and giving residents of the northshore. Erin Cowser tells us of three artists who are making a difference and donating proceeds from the sales of their works to flood relief. On page 78, learn more about these talented and generous artists. George Dunbar has spent his life inspiring those around him. This month his Elements of Chance exhibit opens at the New Orleans Museum of Art. Karen Gibbs helps us get to know him a bit better in her story on page 70. Tom Fitzmorris advises us on where he thinks you can get the best steak on either shore on page 126. And speaking of dining, if you haven’t ever had the pleasure of meeting Yvonne Alciatore Blount, then enjoy reading about this lovely lady whose great-grandfather Antoine Alciatore fulfilled his dream of creating a fine restaurant in New Orleans. Sandra Scalise Juneau sat down with Yvonne and shares her story with us on page 46. I hope you and yours have a wonderful November and a very Happy Thanksgiving! And thanks to people like Angelle Albright for all that they give!

Contributors Our contributors give Inside Northside 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.

Leah Draffen Leah Draffen, managing editor at Inside Northside, sat crosslegged on the floor of her grandparents’ den intently listening to her brother, cousin and uncle played their guitars as her pawpaw played the fiddle and sometimes the mandolin. While she never picked up an instrument, she quickly picked up a pen, learning to write poety and creative essays. After earning a bachelor’s degree from LSU in mass communications, Leah joined the Inside Publications team to continue her passion for writing. For this issue, Leah has written several articles, including the story of Candia Love and her Country Diner on page 106.

Erin Cowser

Tom Fitzmorris

Karen B. Gibbs

Sandra Scalise Juneau

As executive director of public and governmental affairs for Southeastern Louisiana University, Erin Cowser represents the third largest university in Louisiana in both legislative and public arenas. With her daughter Eliza Kate as her muse, she authored SLU’s first-ever children’s book, Let’s Lion Up with Roomie. On page 78, she writes about some creative responses to the recent floods.

Tom Fitzmorris grew up in Treme, ate red beans every Monday from his CreoleFrench mother until he left home. Not long after that, he began writing a weekly restaurant review column that has continued 42 years. In 1975, he began a daily radio feature, which grew into his current three-hour daily talk show on 1350, 3WL. He is the author of several cookbooks, more than a dozen restaurant guidebooks, a daily online newsletter (nomenu.com), and joins us At the Table on page 126.

Longtime contributor and former managing editor of Inside Northside, Karen B. Gibbs enjoys writing about the fascinating people and places of the northshore. On page 70, she tells the story of Slidell artist George Dunbar. A contributor to Today.com and iVillage. com, Karen recently completed the biography of her father-in-law, a WWII paratrooper. When not writing, she enjoys traveling with her husband and spoiling their grandchild.

Freelance writer Sandra Scalise Juneau continues 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 46, she writes about Vieux Carré legend Yvonne Alciatore Blount.

Other Voices: Angelle Albright, Gretchen Armbruster, Susan Bonnett, Kate Brevard, Candra George, Thomas B. Growden, Poki Hampton, Anne Honeywell, Bill Kearney, Julie Landry and Terri Schlichenmeyer.

Inside Northside

THE FIRST GRETCHEN ARMBRUSTER PAINTING I ever saw was a portrait of two young girls. Sisters in fact. I admired it and took note of the artist. Soon, I was calling her to paint my own children. That was almost 20 years ago. I remember Gretchen came to our home, met my 4-year-old daughter and photographed her in her

of countless galleries over the years. Her beautiful commissioned portraits don the walls of some of the finer homes in Louisiana. You can always tell it is an Armbruster, no matter the subject. “It’s my use of light and contrast of values in a painting,” Armbruster explains. “It’s very dramatic.” In all of her paintings, whether they are landscapes with natural light or the

Color and Light favorite blue jean overalls on her rope swing. I had explained to Gretchen that Katherine was not the lace dress, formal portrait type, and that was not what I was looking for. Gretchen assured me that if I let her be comfortable and natural the painting would show her personality. She was right! A short three years later, I was ready for Gretchen to paint my son’s portrait. This time, it took me a while to find her; she had moved to Mandeville. She happily came across the lake to meet Jefferson and photograph him. A few short weeks later, I had my children’s beautiful Gretchen Armbruster watercolor portraits hanging together in my family room. Later, I was excited to find Gretchen again and to discover that she is so much more than a portrait artist. Armbruster’s paintings have graced the walls 18

Inside Northside

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Cover Artist Gretchen Armbruster

lights illuminating the side of a carnival float, her paintings create a mood with her use of color and light. Armbruster can paint anything in any medium. She primarily works in oils, watercolor and pencils. “I have worked in them all: acrylics, pen and ink and pastels. But I would have to say oil is my preference.” Regardless of the type of work—portraits, murals, landscapes or still life—Gretchen’s choice of media depends largely on the subject matter and the situation. An informal child on the beach, for example, has a laidback feeling that is appropriate to pencils and watercolors. Conversely, according to Gretchen, for that same child decked out in his Sunday best, ready for a formal portrait intended for a dining room or other large space in the home, the richness of oil paints lends itself to the grandeur of the work. Gretchen says, “If it’s a beautiful floral, a lot of times I think that it looks prettier in watercolor. If it’s a landscape, I think landscapes look prettier in oil. What it looks like and what you’re trying to make your subject look like dictate what medium best portrays the subject.” Gretchen has had her hands in some sort of art form since she first started taking art instruction at age 11. From then on it was always a part of her world—she has been painting professionally since she was 12 years old. “That’s how old I was when I sold my first painting in an art show,” she says. She studied under the direction of Robert Rosbach, David Jinks and Alan Flattman. After majoring in art at Louisiana State University, she continued her art education at the John McCrady School of Fine and Applied Arts and the New Orleans Art Institute. “I moved to the northshore about 17 years ago. As a New Orleans girl, born and raised, I have to say I was >> November-December 2016 19

Inside Northside

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

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.” Gretchen has done many things with her talent. Her paintings can be seen in many cities, including New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Mandeville and Jackson, Mississippi. Her notable works have ranged from several Crescent City Classic posters to artwork for the Krewe of Bacchus to extensive murals in The Old Absinthe House, and from the 2010 Lombardi poster design to cover paintings for Inside Northside magazine and a label design for a California vintner. In addition, Gretchen has completed many commissions for local area hospitals, businesses and restaurants. Her paintings of horses have been

featured in the national magazine American Art Collector and shown in several galleries in Colorado. Her artwork has even appeared on the big screen in the movie He Said She Said. Throughout her career, Armbruster has taught privately and conducted various workshops. Eight years ago, she started giving lessons in her garage after a request from a friend to teach a few classes to a group; it soon expanded. She discovered her love for teaching and attributes it to the wonderful teachers that she had coming up as an artist. The garage eventually became too small to accommodate the growing number of students and she opened Armbruster Artworks School three years ago on North Vermont Street in Covington. Before long, that space was also too small. Now, she is in a beautiful building on North Columbia Street with room enough to show art work in the front. “Our location is wonderful. We are in the heart of the Covington Cultural District and the center of downtown Covington. The studio is filled with natural light from all of the windows. I could not be happier with the space and the location. We are home.” Gretchen now teaches classes every day to an ever-growing number of students. She currently has about 70 students per month who come to receive her instruction and participate in her workshops. They come from all areas, including Laplace, New Orleans, Lacombe, Hammond and even Baton Rouge, as well as throughout St. Tammany. The students range in both age and experience levels; many have gone on >>

Inside Northside

every medium and learn all the different techniques, because you don’t know your style until you try.” Armbruster loves teaching. “It makes me revisit everything I know, and explaining it to someone else really helps keep the fundamentals fresh.” It’s good for her art. “I have tried some different things within my own work—I think it has even more dimension in recent years.” Gretchen feels the ability to draw is paramount. She says, “You can teach somebody how to paint, and it’s very easy, but if you can teach somebody how to draw, you can make a painting out of it.” Gretchen’s feelings on drawing are so strong that she has even taught drawing at

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

to sell their work and thrive in the art world as well. “Some of my students come to class to learn art and go on to sell and show paintings. But many times, it is a retired teacher or nurse or architect who has always had a desire to paint but never had the time, until now. It is a very relaxing and fulfilling thing to do,” explains Armbruster. At the end of the year, the school celebrates with an art show showcasing the students’ work. This year, more than 400 patrons enjoyed the original work of the artists from Armbruster Artworks. Many of the original paintings were sold, for a total of more than $10,000. “I tell my students they need to try

the grade school level. “A lot of kids can follow what you are teaching step by step. That doesn’t necessarily mean they are talented, but their drawings do come out wonderful. And there’s always the one kid in the class who follows along and gets it, and the next time they pick up their pencil, they draw something truly phenomenal. That’s true talent. I love working with a student who has never received instruction and helping them discover, little by little, that they have great ability. I enjoy fostering their talent.” I asked Gretchen to tell me about her favorite thing about her school. “Watching artists grow in their talent and soaking up everything about art just gives me a great thrill. There is so much competition in the art world, and I believe it is the right thing to do to help other artists find their talent and confidence like my teachers did for me. Our little area in St Tammany has some of the most amazing artists, and it’s great to be a part of it. I get to be around creative talented people every day. It doesn’t feel like a job.” Armbruster is very proud of the work of her students at Armbruster Artworks. “Having watched their works of art develop during our classes, seeing my students’ paintings displayed on the walls of my gallery is such a great feeling!” Gretchen Armbruster has been very busy and very successful in the years since she painted my young children. I count myself among the fortunate— owning not one, but two commissioned Armbruster portraits. But as Gretchen sees it, she is the fortunate one. “I have the most relaxing job in the world, and I love what I do.” Visit armbrusterartworks.com to view Gretchen’s work and for information on classes and workshops. November-December 2016 23

Harvest Cup Polo Classic November 6 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Junior League of Greater Covington’s Harvest Cup Polo Classic including polo matches, live auction, Lee Michaels Hay Pull and live music by Four Unplugged. Summergrove Farm, 18379 Hwy 40, Folsom. 11am. jlgc. net. 501auctions.com/jlgcpolo.

INSIDE the definitive guide to northshore events and entertainment

November Graffiti. The Ogden Museum of Southern Art’s Center for Southern Craft and Design, 925 Camp St, New Orleans. (504) 539-9650. ogdenmuseum.org. 1-13 Zombie Prom! The Musical.

City Park, New Orleans. (504) 658-4100.

sttammanyartassociation.org.

noma.org.

1-Dec 8 A Golden Fall. Rolland Golden

1-April 9 Goods of Every Description:

Gallery, 317 N Columbia St, Covington.

Shopping in New Orleans, 1825-1925.

888-6588. rollandgoldengallery.com.

The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533

1-Dec 23 Mixed Media 2016. Slidell

Playmakers Inc, 19106 Playmakers Rd,

Cultural Center, 2055 2nd St. 646-4375.

Covington. 893-1671. playmakersinc.com.

myslidell.com.

1-26 Reginald Pollack and the Dance

Columbia St, Covington. 892-8650.

Royal St, New Orleans. (504) 532-4662. hnoc.org. 2 MonaLisa Touch Seminar. Hancock

1-Jan 15 Seeing Nature: Landscape

Women’s Center presents a seminar on

of Death: Selections from the New

Masterworks from the Paul G. Allen

the MonaLisa Touch procedure. Southport

Orleans Museum of Art. St. Tammany

Family Collection. New Orleans

Hall, 200 Monticello Ave, Jefferson, La. To

Art Association Art House, 320 N.

Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Crl,

reserve a seat, (504) 312-3800.

I n s i d e N o rt h s i d e

Inside Northside is proud to partner with

the Junior League of Greater Covington.

photo: BOBBY GILBOY PHOTOGRAPHY

1-6 Top Mob: A History of New Orleans

2 Tocqueville Society Award Ceremony. Honoring Alexis Hocevar for his exemplary leadership in community, volunteerism and philanthropy. Hyatt Regency Hotel, 601 Loyola Ave, New Orleans. Reception, 6pm; dinner, 7pm. $250; table of 10, $2,500. unitedwaysela.org/Tocqueville. 3 Historic House Specialist Seminar for Real Estate Agents. Detailed information about historic house types and neighborhoods as well as financial incentives, renovation financing and permitting. Preservation Resource Center, 923 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans. 8:30am-3pm. $75-$85. Space is limited. Registration required. (504) 636-3040. prcno.org. 3 SIA with Special Guests Miguel and Aluna George. Smoothie King Center,1501 Dave Dixon Dr, New Orleans. 7pm. livenation.com. 3 SSA Open House. St. Scholastica Academy, 122 S. Massachusetts St, Covington. 6-8pm. To reserve a tour time, 892-2540, ext. 104, lyran@ssacad.org. ssacad.org. 3-Feb 19 George Dunbar: Elements of Chance. New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Crl, City Park, New Orleans. (504) 658-4100. noma.org. 4 Jojjo Wight New Orleans Family Band. Dew Drop Jazz Hall, 430 Lamarque St, Mandeville. 6:30-9pm. dewdropjazzhall.com. 4-6, 11-13 The Jewelerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shop. Presented by 30 by Ninety Theatre, written by Pope John Paul II and directed by Stephen Dale. 880 Lafayette St., Mandeville. Nov. 4, 5, 11 and 12, 8pm; Nov. 6 and 13, 2:30pm. (844)THE-3090. 30byninety.com. 4-30 Syncopation: The Paintings of Marcia Holmes. The Degas Gallery, 604 Julia St, Ste. 101, New Orleans. Opening reception, Nov. 4, 6-8pm. (504) 8629744. marciaholmes.com.

November-December 2016 25

Inside Scoop 5 American Factory Direct 20th Anniversary Celebration. AFD will be giving away $20,000 of in-store credits and prizes. 210 New Camellia Blvd, Covington. 871-0300. afd-furniture.com. 5 Covington Art Market. Juried art

Summergrove Farm, 18379 Hwy 40, Folsom. 11am. jlgc.net. 501auctions. com/jlgcpolo. 6 Men Who Cook. Community leaders cook to end child abuse. Music by Lost in the 60s, raffle, food and drinks hosted

market in partnership with the City of

by the Children’s Advocacy Center/

Covington. Covington Trailhead, 419 N

Hope House. Justice Center Parking

New Hampshire St. 9am-1pm. 892-8650.

Garage, Covington. 4-7pm. 892-3885.

sttammanyartassociation.org.

cachopehouse.org.

5 Lecture and book signing with

7 St. Anselm Golf Classic. Tournament

Peggy Scott Laborde. Author Peggy

including breakfast, lunch, dinner and

Scott Laborde will discuss her work

prizes to benefit future building projects

The Fairgrounds through the Lens:

at St. Anselm. Beau Chêne Country Club,

Photographs and Memories of Horse

Mandeville. $125; team of four, $500.

Racing in New Orleans and sign copies.

845-7342.

The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal St, New Orleans. 2-4pm. Free, reserved seating. (504) 532-4662. wrc@hnoc.org. 5 Magic Microbiome. The Southern Food

7 Tahari Sportswear and Conrad C Fall Event. Ballin’s LTD., 806 E Boston St, Covington. 892-0025. ballinsltd.com. 9 Book Signing. Ti Martin, author and contributor to Ella Brennan’s

& Beverage Museum, Eat Fit NOLA and

new autobiography, Miss Ella of

The University of Queensland–Ochsner

Commander’s Palace, will sign books.

Clinical School team up to address health

Hazelnut, 5515 Magazine St, New

maladies through culinary medicine

Orleans. 4-6pm. (504) 891-2424. Pre-

and dietary practices. Rouses Culinary

order, hazelnutneworleans.com.

Innovation Center by Jenn-Air, Southern

10 Open House. Cedarwood School, 607

Food & Beverage Museum, 1504 Oretha

Heavens Dr, Mandeville. 9am. 845-7111.

Castle Haley Blvd, New Orleans. 2pm.

cedarwoodschool.com.

(504) 267-7490. natfab.org. 5-6 Lilly’s Birthday Event. Gifts with

10 Uncork the Cure. The Louisiana Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation presents

purchase including a $200 travel set,

the champagne and sparking wines event

$500 jewelry set, $800 garment bag and

with food tastings from New Orleans’

$1,400 suitcase. Palm Village, A Lilly

best restaurants, the New Orleans’ Finest

Pulitzer Signature Store, 2635 US 190 C,

Honoree Recognition program, a silent

Mandeville. 778-2547.

auction and live music. The Cannery,

5-Jan 7 Napoléon: General. Emperor.

3803 Toulouse St, New Orleans. VIP

Legend. M.S. Rau Antiques celebrates

party, 7-8pm; general admission, 8-11pm.

the life of Napoléon with an exhibit. 630

$50-$100. (504) 455-5194. louisiana.cff.

Royal St, New Orleans. rauantiques.com.

org/uncork.

6 Harvest Cup Polo Classic. 20th

11 Moonlight & Miracles Gala. Food,

Anniversary Celebration of the Junior

music and car raffle to win a Mercedes-

League of Greater Covington’s Harvest

Benz all to benefit cancer services and

Cup Polo Classic including polo matches,

research programs at Ochsner Cancer

live auction, Lee Michaels Hay Pull

Institute. Chaired by Gayle Benson and

and live music by Four Unplugged.

more than 100 other “miracle makers.” >>

Inside Scoop Mercedes-Benz Superdome, 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr, New Orleans. 6pm. moonlightandmiracles.org. 11 Northlake Newcomers Club Luncheon. Guest speaker, Sheriff Randy Smith. Tchefuncta Country Club, 2 Pinecrest Dr, Covington. Doors open,

New Orleans Museum of Art, City Park, New Orleans. $155. (504) 658-4100. noma.org. 12-13 Three Rivers Art Festival. Artists from over 28 states with 200+ tents. Downtown Covington.

northlakenewcomers.com.

10am-5pm. Free admission. threeriversfestival.

Opera. Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts, 1419 Basin St, New Orleans. (504) 529-3000. neworleansopera.org. 11-19 Ticket to Ride: The Karen Carpenter

com. 12-13 Treme Creole Gumbo Festival. Armstrong Park, 701 N. Rampart St. 11am-7pm. jazzandheritage.org. 12-Jan 3 Paintings of the Louisiana Watercolor

Story. Cutting Edge Theater, 767 Robert Blvd,

Society. Atrium Gallery, 100 Christwood Blvd,

Slidell. 649-3737. cuttingedgetheater.com.

Covington. Opening reception Nov. 12, 4:30-

12 A Night in Rio. Benefitting West Jefferson Medical Center. Special guest, Olympian Shannon

6:30pm. Free. 898-0515. christwoodrc.com. 13-15 Oyster Festival. St. Clement of Rome

Miller. Boomtown Casino and Hotel, 4132 Peters

School, 3978 W. Esplanade Ave, Metairie. Free.

Rd, Harvey, La. (504) 439-2525. wjmc.org/rio.

experiencejefferson.com.

12 Big Green Egg Demo. Kevin Quigley will

I n s i d e N o rt h s i d e

12 50th Odyssey Ball. Presented by Iberiabank.

10am. Members, $26; guests, $29. 730-7831.

11-13 Macbeth. Performed by the New Orleans

N. Hwy 190, Covington. 11am-3pm. 893-8008.

15 Open House Tours for Pre-K through 12th.

demonstrate the Big Green Egg and offer 10

Northlake Christian School, 70104 Wolverine

percent off your Egg purchase, just in time for

Dr, Covington. 9am and 7pm. 635-0508.

Thanksgiving turkey. Outdoor Living Center, 1331

northlakechristian.org.

17 Anita Movement Event. Bra Genie, chosen as one of five US boutiques to host the event, will have give-aways, a drawing, food and drinks

Orleans. 10am-2:30pm. $100-$125. (504) 4885488. longuevue.com. 18 The Planets. The Louisiana Philharmonic

all day to celebrate the Anita brand known for

performs. First Baptist Church, 16333 Hwy

its German engineering, value and comfort. Bra

1085, Covington. 7:30pm. (504) 523-6530.

Genie, 2881 US 190 Ste. D-3, Mandeville. 951-

lpomusic.com.

8638. thebragenie.com. 17 Essence of Style Design Symposium

18 Tom McDermott and Meschiya Lake. Followed by Meschiya Lake with Little Big Horns. Dew Drop

Designer Reception. Mingle with guest speaker

Jazz Hall, 430 Lamarque St, Mandeville. 5:30-

René van Rems; enjoy libations and fare.

6:30pm; 7-9pm. dewdropjazzhall.com.

Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Rd,

18-20 Camp Swan. Three-day, two-night camp for

New Orleans. 6-8pm. $150. (504) 488-5488.

children 7-12 years old who have lost someone

longuevue.com.

significant in their lives. Sponsored by Canon

17 French Market Tree Lighting Ceremony. Annual tree lighting. Washington Artillery Park, 749 Decatur St, New Orleans. Entertainment, 5pm; tree lighting, 6pm. frenchmarket.org. 18 Essence of Style Design Symposium and Luncheon. Lecture “Flowers, Foliage and Botanicals” by René van Rems, AIFD. Lunch,

Hospice and the Akula Foundation. Camp Living Waters, Loranger. Free. (504) 720-6920. 18-Dec 16 Deck the Walls with Art. The Slidell Art League presents Deck the Walls with Art. Open reception, Nov. 18 7-9pm. St. Tammany Parish Library, 555 Robert Blvd. slidellartleague.org. 18-Dec 23 Stop the Madness! Presented by the

silent auction and book signing. Longue Vue

Cultural Economy Coalition. Slidell Cultural Center,

House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Rd, New

2055 2nd St. myslidell.com.

November-December 2016 29

Inside Scoop 19 Beatriz Ball Trunk Show. Hazelnut, 5515 Magazine St. 3-5pm. (504) 8912424. hazelnutneworleans.com. 19 Abita Springs Opry. Last Chance

the Woods. Slidell Little Theatre, 2024 Nellie Dr. 643-0556. slidelllittletheatre.org. 25-27, Dec 2-23 Celebration in the Oaks. City Park, New Orleans. Sun-

Bluegrass Band, Western Sweethearts,

Thurs, 6-10pm; Fri.-Sat, 6-11pm.

Necessary Gentlemen and The All-Female

neworleanscitypark.com.

New Orleans Jazz Band. Abita Springs

29 The Roosevelt Hotel Lobby Lighting.

Town Hall, 22161 Level St, Abita Springs.

The block-long, gilded Waldorf

892-0711. abitaopry.org.

Wonderland Lobby returns with 44

19 Snakes, Mosquitoes and Bees,

birch trees, over 22,000 twinkling

Oh, My! Stroll through the Northlake

lights and festive Christmas trees. The

Nature Center trails and participate

Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf

in three presentations with hands-on

Astoria Hotel Lobby, 130 Roosevelt

opportunities including native snakes,

Way, New Orleans. 5:15pm. 648-1200.

mosquito trapping and larval samplings tools and a traveling observation

waldorfastoria.com/theroosevelt. 30 Dolly Parton. Smoothie King Center.

beehive. Reservation required. Northlake

1501 Dave Dixon Dr, New Orleans. 8pm.

Nature Center, 23135 Hwy 190 E,

livenation.com.

Mandeville. 9am-12pm. Members,

30 Holiday Open House and Russian

free; nonmembers, $5. 626-1238.

Santa Trunk Show. Holiday shopping,

northlakenature.org.

champagne and hors d’oeuvres. Arabella

20 Third Sunday Concert Series. Zion Harmonizers. Christ Episcopal Church,

Fine Gifts and Home Décor, 3902 Hwy 22, Mandeville. 727-9787.

120 S. New Hampshire St, Covington. 5pm. Free. 892-3177. 22 The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra. Columbia Theatre, 220 E Thomas St, Hammond. 543-4371. columbiatheatre.org. 24 Northshore Run for Hope Turkey Trot. 5K and 1-mile run benefitting the 13th

guest RO James. Smoothie King Center. 1501 Dave Dixon Dr, New Orleans. livenation.com. 1-8 A Golden Fall. Rolland Golden Gallery,

honoring Vince Lombardo. TerraBella

317 N Columbia St, Covington. 888-

Village, 111 Terra Bella Blvd, Covington.

6588. rollandgoldengallery.com.

terrabellavillage.com. 25 Black Bra Friday. Product giveaways, black and fashion bra discounts, $100

1-11 Over the River and Through the Woods. Slidell Little Theatre, 2024 Nellie Dr. 643-0556. slidellittletheatre.org. 1-16 Deck the Walls with Art. The Slidell

gift card drawing and libations. Bra Genie,

Art League presents Deck the Walls with

2881 US 190 Ste D-3, Mandeville. 951-

Art. St. Tammany Parish Library, 555

8638. thebragenie.com.

Robert Blvd. slidellartleague.org.

25-27 Colorful Friday. Gifts with purchase including $75 earrings, $150 bracelet and $500 jewelry box. Palm Village, A Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store, 2635 US 190 C, Mandeville. 778-2547. 25-Dec 11 Over the River and Through I n s i d e N o rt h s i d e

1 Maxwell and Mary J. Blige. With special

Annual Lung Cancer “Run for Hope”

Registration, 7:30am. 871-7171.

December

1-23 Mixed Media 2016. Slidell Cultural Center, 2055 2nd St. 646-4375. myslidell.com. 1-23 Stop the Madness! Presented by the Cultural Economy Coalition. Slidell Cultural Center, 2055 2nd St. myslidell.com.

1-Jan 3 Paintings of the Louisiana Watercolor Society. Atrium Gallery, 100 Christwood Blvd, Covington. Free. 8980515. christwoodrc.com. 1-Jan 7 Napoléon: General. Emperor. Legend. M.S. Rau Antiques celebrates the life of Napoléon with an exhibit. 630 Royal St, New Orleans. rauantiques.com. 1-Jan 15 Seeing Nature: Landscape Masterworks from the Paul G. Allen Family Collection. New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Crl, City Park, New Orleans. (504) 658-4100. noma.org. 1-Feb 19 George Dunbar: Elements of Chance. New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Crl, City Park, New Orleans. (504) 658-4100. noma.org. 1-April 9 Goods of Every Description: Shopping in New Orleans, 1825-1925. The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal St, New Orleans. (504) 532-4662. hnoc.org. 2 Barney Floyd Jazz Band. Dew Drop Jazz Hall, 430 Lamarque St, Mandeville. 6:309pm. dewdropjazzhall.com. 2 Home for the Holidays. Performed by Northlake Performing Arts Society. Our Lady of Lourdes, 3924 Berkley St, Slidell. 276-9335. npas.info. 2 Yuletide Celebration. The Louisiana Philharmonic performs. Columbia Theatre, 220 E Thomas St, Hammond. 7:30pm. (504) 523-6530. lpomusic.com. 2-3 Christmas Tour of Homes. Ferdinand and Royal Streets, St. Francisville, La. (225) 635-3873. stfrancisvillefestivals.com. 2-3, 9-10 Christmas Under the Stars.

nce upon a time there was a little girl named Sara O’Krepki. Sara had a little brother named Ryan who was just 15 months younger. Sara and Ryan both loved to learn. They began preschool at Cedarwood and continued at Cedarwood all the way through the 7th grade. While at Cedarwood both Sara and Ryan were student council leaders and student athletes. Sara moved on to Saint Scholastic Academy where she became President of the Foreign Language Club, was an Advanced Placement Scholar, earned membership in four academic honor societies, and was a competitive JV and Varsity Cheerleader. Ryan attended high school at St. Paul’s School where he was a member of the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, an LHSAA All-Academic Scholar Athlete, the football team quarterback, and an award-winning baseball and golf athlete. Purple and gold through and through, Sara and Ryan are both on the Dean’s & President’s lists at Louisiana State University. Sara is pursuing a degree in Political Science with a Spanish minor, and Ryan a degree in Finance and Accounting. Sara and Ryan both have big dreams and an educational foundation that will pave their way to living happily ever after…

Success begins in preschool! Come and see for yourself at our Open House! November 10th at 9:00 a.m.

Griffith Park, 333 Erlanger Ave, Slidell. myslidell.com. 2-4 Christmas in the Country. Tree lighting. Breakfast with Santa, parade, art walk, tour of homes, live nativity and more. St. Francisville, La. (225) 6353873. stfrancisvillefestivals.com. 2-23 Celebration in the Oaks. City Park,>> November-December 2016 31

Inside Scoop New Orleans. Sun.-Thurs, 6-10pm; Fri.-Sat, 6-11pm. neworleanscitypark.com. 3 Covington Art Market. Juried art market in partnership with the City of Covington. Covington

10am-6pm. 778-2200. 9 Northlake Newcomers Club Holiday Luncheon. Tchefuncta Country Club, 2

892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

Pinecrest Dr, Covington. Doors open, 10am.

Museum, Eat Fit NOLA and The University of Queensland–Ochsner Clinical School team up to address health maladies through culinary medicine and dietary practices. Rouses Culinary Innovation Center by Jenn-Air, Southern Food &

Members, $26; guests, $29. 730-7831. northlakenewcomers.com. 9-11, 16-18 Tuna Christmas. Playmakers Inc, 19106 Playmakers Rd, Covington. 893-1671. playmakersinc.com. 10-11 Preservation Resource Center’s Holiday

Beverage Museum, 1504 Oretha Castle Haley

Home Tour. Tour eight stunning homes dressed

Blvd, New Orleans. 2pm. (504) 267-7490.

for the Holidays in New Orleans’ historic Garden

natfab.org. 4 Yuletide Celebration. The Louisiana Philharmonic

District. (504) 581-7032. prcno.org. 10-11, 17-23 Build Your Own Gingerbread

performs. Slidell Municipal Auditorium, 2056 2nd

House. The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans,

St. 2:30pm. (504) 523-6530. lpomusic.com.

921 Canal St. 12pm or 3pm. Table of four,

4 8th Annual Christmas at TerraBella.

gingerbread house and decorating

Benefitting the Samaritan Center-Coat

essentials, $100. (504) 524-1331.

Drive for the Homeless. 3-6pm. 871-7171.

ritzcarlton.com/neworleans.

terrabellavillage.com.

I n s i d e N o rt h s i d e

and Accessories, 3904 Hwy 22, Mandeville.

Trailhead, 419 N New Hampshire St. 9am-1pm.

3 Sugar Series. The Southern Food & Beverage

8 Wendy Mignot Trunk Show. Emma’s Shoes

10-11, 17-24 Papa Noel Tea. Children enjoy

cookie decorating, the one-of-a-kind gingerbread

only indoor skating rink, a gingerbread house

display and holiday surprises. The Davenport

exhibit, carnival rides, Santa, Christmas displays

Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, 921

and trees, walk-through maze and more. Hall

Canal St. 11am or 2:30pm. $55. (504) 524-1331.

I, New Orleans Morial Convention Center,

ritzcarlton.com/neworleans.

900 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans.

10-Jan 28 Explorations: Work by Jason Kofke. St. Tammany Art Association Art House,

nolachristmasfest.com. 18 A Christmas Brass Spectacular III. Third

320 N. Columbia St, Covington. 892-8650.

Sunday Concert Series. Christ Episcopal Church,

sttammanyartassociation.org.

120 S. New Hampshire St, Covington. Doors

13 Open House Tours for Pre-K through 12th. Northlake Christian School, 70104

open, 4:30pm; 5pm. Free. 892-3177. 20 Breakfast with Papa Noel. Cookie decorating,

Wolverine Dr, Covington. 9am. 635-0508.

festive crafts, breakfast and holiday cheer.

northlakechristian.org.

The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, 921 Canal St.

16 Baroque Christmas. The Louisiana Philharmonic performs. First Baptist Church, 16333 Hwy 1085, Covington. 7:30pm. (504) 523-6530. lpomusic.com.

9:30am. $52. (504) 524-1331. ritzcarlton.com/neworleans. 31 Amy Schumer. Smoothie King Center. 1501 Dave Dixon Dr, New Orleans. livenation.com.

16 Don Vappieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Creole Christmas. Dew Drop Jazz Hall, 430 Lamarque St, Mandeville. 6:30-

Send your event information to

9pm. dewdropjazzhall.com.

scoop@insidepub.com to have it

16-30 NOLA ChristmasFest. Indoor, familyfriendly holiday festival with New Orleansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

featured in an upcoming issue.

1. 18kt yellow gold pave diamond hoop earrings. Friend & Company, New Orleans, 504-866-5433. 2. Checkerboard-cut rose quartz necklace accented with .25ctw diamonds set in 14kt rose gold. Thomas Franks Fine Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-5098. 3. 1.50ct light fancy yellow radiant cut, emerald shaped diamond accented by 1.25cttw white diamonds and set in 18kt white gold. Thomas Franks Fine Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-5098. 1. 2.

4. 18kt white and yellow gold bracelet with four-petal pave diamond flowers of 2.25cttw, rope edges and a push-button clasp from Roberto Coin’s Princess Flower Collection.

Women’s Jewelry

Lee Michael’s Fine Jewelry, Metairie, 504-832-0000. 5. 18kt yellow gold earrings from Marco Bicego have large, satin-finish gold petals with prong-set pink tourmalines on clip post backs. Lee Michael’s Fine Jewelry, Metairie, 504-832-0000.

Inside Northside

6. Lady’s oval sapphire and diamond

8. .58 ct antique-style diamond among

ring in 18kt white gold. Boudreaux’s,

French-cut blue sapphires set in 18kt

Mandeville, 626-1666. 7. 6.06ct

yellow and white gold. De Boscq Fine

Tsavorite, or green garnet,

Jewelry, Mandeville, 674-0007. 9. 18kt white gold ring with 3.04 ct

complemented by 60 white diamonds weighing .56cttw set in

aquamarine and .38 cttw diamonds.

platinum. M.S. Rau Antiques, New

DeLuca’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts,

Orleans, 888-557-2406.

Covington, 892-2317.

9. November-December 2016 35

Après le déluge (with apologies to Madame de Pompadour)

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Inside Northside

by Poki Hampton

Restoring an A. Hays Town home after the flood

DESIGNED BY RENOWNED Louisiana architect A. Hays Town, the original construction of this home for Bob and Stevie Mack took 16 months before its completion in 1985. “Mr. Town was a wonderful gentleman, and at age 82, he was as spry as a 50-yearold,” says Bob. “He was so knowledgeable and had a fabulous eye for proportions and the use of old materials in modern construction. Stevie and I were able to work with Mr. Town to pick out the handmade soft red New Orleans jumbo bricks from an old late-1800s building on St. Charles Avenue. We picked out cypress beams and ceilings and the 12-inch-wide heart pine >>

November-December 2016 37

Antique maps frame an old church pew accented with a bench cushion in golden eyelash-fringed silk from Hestia Luxury in Linens and pillows from The French Mix.

Above: Ellen Bajon of EMB Interiors used natural fabrics that incorporated a touch of iridescence to add formality to the relaxed feeling in the dining room. Above right: The living room is transformed in neutral tones of white, cream and touches of light blue under the direction of Jennifer Dicerbo of The French Mix. The hand-knotted wool rugs from Rug Chic anchor rooms without hiding the old heart pine floors that are an A. Hays Town trademark. 38

Inside Northside

flooring that came out of an old New Orleans school. Working with him was a wonderful experience.” Together they created a beautiful example of ideals. “From the day Rick and I moved into our Covington home, it felt like a stewardship,” says current owner Lori Murphy. “Living in Louisiana in an A. Hays Town home carries with it some responsibilities to preserve his style and even his idiosyncrasies. When we made alterations, it was

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

always with a mind toward minimal impact on his trademarks. When the flood waters rose in our home last spring, we were freed from strict adherence to that idea because things were going to change whether we wanted them to or not. Our contractor knew how much the details meant to us, and the whole team carefully preserved whatever they could. They meticulously numbered each board of trim and casing, although not all survived to be re-used.

Choosing options to replace Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curated collection of materials was a painstaking process. When the firstfloor sheetrock was stripped out to four feet high, we were able to reimagine what a 2016 A. Hays Town home might feel like.â&#x20AC;? After the gutting was complete, a cadre of designers stepped up to help with the restoration. The new wall color, Benjamin Moore Ballet White, was a breath of fresh air that played beautifully off the wood and brick >> November-December 2016 39

framing every room on the first floor. The walls of the entrance hall are lined with framed antique maps of places special to the couple that Rick has collected over the years. Anchoring that hall is an antique church pew that Town himself might have selected. Jenifer Dicerbo of The French Mix began the process of reimagining the interiors with the paint color and choosing furnishings and finishes for the living room. The result is more modern and lighter in so many aspects. The living room, with its wide-plank heart pine floors, is transformed in neutral tones of white and cream with touches of pale blue. The slipcovered sofa in a creamy Belgian linen dominates the room, while a pair of custom chairs beautifully upholstered in a faux shagreen add texture and interest to the timeless French BergĂ¨re. Highlighting an assortment of throw pillows is a white faux-fur oblong pillow that brings a touch of whimsy. In lieu of traditional, heavy wood furnishings, Jennifer and her associate, Chris Piazza, selected pieces featuring glass, burnished metal and bright, crisp acrylic. The antique trumeau mirror in a soft off-white glaze with burnished gold accents hangs between French doors accentuated with billowing white silk draperies. A large contemporary painting by Michele Y Williams infuses the room with drama and color. One departure from a Town trademark of lamp lighting for the living room was the addition of a chandelier from Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights. Its grace and scale are perfectly at home in the room. Reflecting the architectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dramatic use of color, the original dining room

had deep red walls and an antique brass candle chandelier. As the house took on its lighter personality, Lori called Ellen Bajon of EMB Interiors to help her select a new wall color. In lieu of color, she suggested the painted architecture of wainscoting and framework to provide definition. The Murphys had the round walnut table that Ellen surrounded with clean-lined contemporary dining chairs upholstered in textured pewter/bronze linen with a slight iridescence. They chose soft, pleated draperies in shades of oyster with a pearlized shimmer to hang on custom iron rods. A tranquil landscape scene by local artist Gretchen Armbruster was the color inspiration for the room. On another wall, a family portrait was placed above a French marble-top sideboard. The floor-to-ceiling cypress windows of the alcove are a feature often found in A. Hays Town homes. Tucked into the alcove, a pair of arm chairs flank an antique writing table highlighted with a marble

Glazed lower cabinets are topped in a honedfinish, Taj Mahal quartzite from Stone Source in the refurbished kitchen. A painting by James Michalopoulos hangs to the right of the kitchen, which is framed in reclaimed cypress beams.

and brass table lamp and accessories from EMB. Adding a rustic touch is the six-arm iron chandelier, which is original to the house, though not to this room. Four contemporary art pieces from Michele Y Williams flank the alcove. Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cypress cabinets in the >> November-December 2016 41

kitchen, which he had bench made for each home, were topped with Saltillo tile. Though the lower cabinets needed replacement after the flood, carpenters were careful not to disturb the wallmounted backsplash of cream-colored handmade tiles dotted with classic imagery. Rick took control of the kitchen. A native of Baton Rouge, Ellen knew Town and offered suggestions on ways to keep the feeling of the design while adapting it to new ideas. Though the tile was striking, it was also soft and porous, not the best choice for this family hub. She suggested a Taj Mahal quartzite in a honed finish to tie the backsplash into the new cabinets and stand up to everyday abuse. Monique Bennett of Cabinets by Design suggested raised-panel Wood-Mode cabinets in a light grey/green finish to complement the original cypress upper cabinets and the brick floor. New appliances were added, including Rickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite upgrade, a 150-bottle wine cooler. Copper pendants from Bevolo tie in with the original copper vent hood, which was taken down and reworked. It had to be. During demolition, it was found that the hood hid a small vent wedged into a beam, making odd twists and turns. With a little ingenuity, the original copper vent now looks great and is up to code. Surrounded by five French-style bentwood bar stools, the large island 42

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Painting by Mary Helen Seago.

provides a great place to sit and converse with the cook. It features the original thick cypress plank top over new WoodMode cabinetry. The wood-paneled ceiling and beams run from the kitchen into the breakfast room. A French-style rectangle table and four antique ladderback chairs sit on the brick floor in front of a Louis Phillipe buffet á deux corps from the late 1880s. It occupies a spot that before the restoration was given up to an air return that has been relocated into the back hallway. Adjacent to the breakfast room is

A rustic lantern and soft velvet pumpkins from deCoeur sit atop the handmade cypress table. The Louis Phillip buffet á deux corps holds several entertaining necessities from Niche Modern Home.

a small den with a wood-burning fireplace and original cypress cabinets. The post-flood work provided an opportunity to revive a forgotten corner of those builtins. Designed as a wet bar, it had been sacrificed to the television, which now hangs over the fireplace. Though such a placement wouldn’t likely be a feature of the architect’s interior design choices, it does return the symmetry he strived for in his plans. A group of stacking tables in gold leaf and marble from >>

Top left: A Jackie Ellens painting hangs over the master bed, which is dressed in linens from Hestia. The 1860s marble-topped Directoire chest serves as an oversized nightstand. Left: Cappuccino marble countertops contrast nicely with the bench made cabinets from Susan Currie Designs. November-December 2016 43

Cast aluminum dining set and cushions from Outdoor Living Center.

Arabella sits between two swivel rockers upholstered in an oyster crushed velvet. A white linen slipcovered sofa faces an oversized cocktail table—and the roaring fire on a chilly evening. The master bathroom, with his and hers areas, is the last spot that got an overhaul après déluge. What constituted “well-appointed” 30 years ago has certainly changed, but the fact is Mr. Town didn’t really put much stock in bathrooms even then. The Jack-and-Jill style of the bathroom suite was complicated even more with too many walls and doors to be viewed as a modern space. The signature materials are used in the new room, double the size of its 1985 rendition. The focal point of a wall-sized window is now set amidst a brand-new set of bench made cabinets. “Remembering the home’s heritage, we used raised-panel cabinets, which fit with the A. Hays Town original aesthetic,” says designer Susan Currie. “The Cappuccino marble counters and tub surround from Stone Source contrast nicely with the cabinets’ Warm Cottage Tan finish with a brown glaze.” 44

Inside Northside

The gold leaf iron sconces with natural paper shades are from Circa Lighting, flanking the trumeau mirrors finished in distressed dark charcoal. “The paint color for the walls, Edamame by PPG Paint, was inspired by nature found just outside the large window and is a perfect complement to the cypressboard walls and the antique brick floor.” Shown above the tub is a fluid floral abstract painting by Mary Helen Seago. Finishing touches were added by Jenny Mutter of Hestia Luxury in Linens. “This should be a sanctuary,” she says. Bringing softness to the brick and wood enclave, she used rich warm taupes in the towels and rugs. In 1985, in A. Hays Town’s time, practical, luxury elements like soft-close drawers and self-closing cabinet hinges were not in wide use. The post-flood restoration took his classic Southern style and blended it with a few fresh alternatives. “We believe Mr. Town would approve if he were building this home today,” say the Murphys. Footnote from Lori Murphy. In the restoration of our home, we benefitted from the outpouring of care and expertise from so many professionals working across the northshore. They have helped us love our home even more. In addition to those mentioned here, I need to specifically thank contractors Jared Riecke, Bryant Caruso and Gerald Fischer, Jerry Dupont and Steve King, who carefully navigated between us and them, designer Matt Voelkel, Don Wise of Louisiana Custom Closets, Stephanie Hendry of deCoeur, Steve Macloud of Niche Modern Home, Southland Plumbing, Paul Gement of Pine Grove Electric, artist Jim Seitz, Mary Wiley from Artistry of Light, CJ Ladner, Margarita, Abraham and so many other clients, friends, family and members of my “it takes a village.” Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. November-December 2016 45

by Sandra Scalise Juneau A VISIT WITH YVONNE ALCIATORE BLOUNT is like a delectable banquet enjoyed at her family’s fabled restaurant—flavored with her effervescent zest for living, spiced with her marvelous wit and sweetened by fascinating reminiscences shared with elegant panache. Recounting the succession: from her greatgrandfather, Antoine Alciatore, who arrived from France with classical culinary training and fulfilled his dreams of creating a fine restaurant by establishing Antoine’s in New Orleans; to her grandfather, Jules Alciatore, who was sent to France for studying culinary arts; to her father, Roy Alciatore, who ran the restaurant through most of the 20th century.

Foremost among her family’s traditions is a deep heritage of Catholic spirituality. As Yvonne affirms, “Both my mother’s and my father’s families were from a tradition of staunch Catholicism. Our faith was nurtured in our home and within our extended family. My Aunt Marie Louise, whose two sons became priests, was a great influence on our Catholic spirituality.” Faced with the responsibilities of being a single parent following divorce, Yvonne had no idea how she would sustain her family, but held firm to her faith, attesting, “God has His reasons for everything.” Like her father, Yvonne had a love for international travel, so for the next 30 years, she planned group tours while working for a local travel agency. Best of all, just like her father, Yvonne was able to taste the best of international cuisines while exploring the world’s great capitals. As a true New Orleanian, Yvonne

Visiting a Vieux Carré Legend

laments, “Nowhere in the world has good food like New Orleans. In Paris, I once ordered Truite Amandine. I was served a whole fish complete with tail attached.

Yvonne Alciatore Blount Yvonne says, “Initially, my father was very shy, but he took over on a moment’s notice when his father died. My father traveled the world making friends in the restaurant business. He truly was the one who brought both the national and international acclaim that established Antoine’s as a world-famous restaurant. He was gifted with genuine charm.” It was Roy Alciatore who, from the early 1930s, steered Antoine’s through lingering desolation from the Great Depression through World War II and the destructive forces of hurricanes into the late 1960s. With remembrance and a prayer, “Thank you Lord,” Yvonne recalls having learned the art of French cooking at the knee of her father, a skill she has relished—and one that has been greatly enjoyed by her seven children, seven grandchildren and now, two great-grandchildren. 46

Inside Northside

It was only embellished by three small almonds.” Having traveled the world, Yvonne is now at home in her Vieux Carré apartment, where from her gallery overlooking St. Louis and Royal streets, she says with delight, “The Quarter walks by me.” The rooms above the restaurant, which through the years have served as a residential rental unit and intermittently as assorted storage space and the law office for brothers Roy and Billy Guste, were repurposed after Katrina to >>

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

November-December 2016 47

Inside Northside

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

create Yvonne’s stunningly chic living space. Customized to suit her charming personality, her home reflects both New Orleans traditions and resilience, mirrored from legacies established at Antoine’s since its 1840s founding. Views of 1800s-era wrought-iron scrollwork give a mystical vision to the space within, but walking through the full-length windows opening onto the wrap-around gallery affirms the sense of history that abides there, poised above the vibrant pulse of rhythm right in the heart of the French Quarter. Filled with light from every angle, each room flows with easy elegance, welcoming with an unruffled sense of calm. For Yvonne, surrounded by her collections of favorite memorabilia, each piece evokes a memory. Aside treasured antiques, as a testament to her droll sense of humor, is her collection of frog figurines, lovingly placed on a sideboard, each with its own story to tell. Her striking coffee-table display of beaded and glass zebras brought Yvonne back to fond memories of her deceased husband, David Davis. She regaled the story of their romance. “It was on bike ride around the Quarter. I often enjoyed riding along, window shopping on Royal Street and visiting friends in their shops. That day, David was helping out, minding a friend’s store, and as I passed by the open door, he said, ‘Hello, would you like to come in for coffee?’” After a nine-year friendship, during which David repeatedly declared, “I’ll never get married,” fate intervened. While at a convention for travel agents, Yvonne’s name was pulled as the winner of two tickets to Paris, after which she insisted to David, “OK, it’s now or never.” In 1988, they were married in Paris at L’église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine. About her affinity for zebras, Yvonne says, “Passing a shop while in Spain, >> November-December 2016 49

photos courtesy: YVONNE BLOUNT

there, prominently displayed among the other rugs, was a gorgeous zebra skin. It just seemed to beckon to me, but not being prone to snap decisions, I went into a nearby restaurant, ordered a bottle of wine, ate some fish and then returned to that shop. Zebra came home with me, rolled up like a rug. After we settled zebra into our Lakeview home, David said, ‘We’ll just have to stay married; it would be a sin to cut that gorgeous zebra in half!’ It became the signature piece for David and me.” But, as Yvonne recalls, “Katrina changed everything.” As the hurricane approached, and with no thought that it might become their permanent home, Yvonne and David left for Florida. When David returned to Lakeview, he found their prized zebra, in shreds among the molded remnants of their floodedout possessions. Yvonne and David decided to stay in Florida, which although pleasant, was bereft of the traditions, the food, the people they both loved most. As Yvonne describes, “Each day, we would wake up >>

Left: Yvonne with her late husband, David.

November-December 2016 51

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

and look out at the water and say, ‘Isn’t this beautiful!’ But then, there was nothing more to do.” It was just months before Katrina’s ruthless devastation that the baton at Antoine’s had been passed into the hands of Yvonne’s son, Rick Blount. This fifthgeneration proprietor determined to maintain stability by following those principles which have sustained Antoine’s tradition of excellence—always being true to the family legacy, continuing the standards of hard work and keeping to the ethic of his predecessors by treating employees fairly. Those attributes paid off, especially in the months of rebuilding after Katrina’s destruction. The outer wall of Antoine’s had fallen into the street, but within a mere few months, Rick was successful in rallying forces for repairing and restoring. He reunited his staff with a grand reopening of Antoine’s on December 29, 2005. With Antoine’s fully functioning, Yvonne began the process of building out the 2,300-square-foot apartment upstairs. Original wood flooring and the antique lace ironwork around the gallery were restored under the supervision of the Vieux Carré Commission. At Yvonne’s direction, a master suite was created and

guest bedroom and bath were added. Even with the realization that the world’s greatest restaurant was just downstairs, Yvonne insisted on installing a fully equipped gourmet kitchen, complete with a butler’s pantry that would be the envy of any master chef, and the coziest little nook for sharing coffee and conversation with friends. “We moved in to the apartment in 2007.” But for Yvonne and David, the work of customizing continued—collecting just the right furnishings and having them exactly tooled to fit, adapting antique doors into decorative wall niches for sheltering family mementos and vintage crystal. With Yvonne’s eye for elegance coalescing traditional and eclectic styles that seem to have been created just for her and the soft muted palette that sets the stage for her amazing collection of art, each element establishes her ambiance of style with the softest impression of graceful comfort. Once completed, Yvonne looked around and felt something was still missing. In the central room above the massive dining room table was a perfectly serviceable antique brass fixture that somehow lacked the sparkle that Yvonne envisioned. Her search was on

for just the right crystal chandelier, which she found, and had delivered on the Friday before hosting a Monday ladies group to her home. When the package arrived, she realized to her dismay that it was a kit that came in pieces, each piece inside separate boxes numbered and labeled. With typical determination, she worked through the weekend to fit together and hang each piece. By Monday, just in time for her guests’ arrival, it was fully assembled and in its place of honor. From the comfort of her demi-sofa facing into the dining room, and with a twinkle in her eye, Yvonne pointed to the chandelier and said to me, “You see that largest crystal dangling beneath the prisms? That’s the one that was labeled #1,157!” Our conversation continued downstairs at lunch when Miss Yvonne, as she is affectionately known by all at Antoine’s, was greeted by friends and staff who stopped by her table to pay respects, as to the Queen Mother. Throughout our lunch, Yvonne regaled us with more delightful stories. When a mystified waiter brought over an unsigned, rough pencil-sketch of a camel that a diner had scribbled onto a cocktail napkin for Yvonne, she immediately chuckled, knowing exactly>>

November-December 2016 53

and practiced daily with spirituality and prayer as a professed lay member of the Dominican Sisters, known as the Third Order or the Dominican Laity. She spoke of the legacy established by her great-grandparents and passed along to each successive generation, beyond the classic FrenchCreole restaurant that is celebrated internationally as a hallmark of excellence to their consistency in support of all the things that make New Orleans special—the arts, music, theatre—and of education, amenities to secure and enhance traditions going into our future.

We had 298 people, representing four generations, who gathered here at Antoine’s for the reunion. They traveled from all over the United States and internationally from Brazil and London.” She spoke of family traditions enjoyed here at Antoine’s and at home— of weddings and birthdays, of cooking greens for New Year’s Day, of their tradition of burning trees on Twelfth Night. She spoke of how her life was formed around a tradition of service to community, first instilled by family heritage, reinforced by her education by the Ursuline Sisters of New Orleans

On the day we were there, a group of local school children were touring the restaurant, learning of the lore and legacy of Antoine’s. We finished our delicious lunch with Yvonne in Antoine’s style, with Meringue Glacée au Chocolat followed by a luscious cup of steaming Creole Café Noir. I asked Yvonne, “What is your favorite spot in your home?” She replied without hesitation. “On my gallery, the best place to people watch. It’s where I say my prayers in the morning, and it’s where I have a cocktail in the evening!”

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

who it was from. She explained, “This is a reminder from one of my traveling friends. On one of our trips down the Nile, a sheik stood on the bar of the hotel where we were staying and offered 200 camels for me!” She told of the recent family reunion, the 175 Years Founding Celebration. “Our cousin, Henri Alciatore, who was interested in genealogy, began to explore with Ancestry.com the history of Antoine’s children and their descendents. He spent two years contacting and tracking down most of the living descendents.

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Wine Cellar by Bill Kearney

THERE IS AN UNDENIABLE IMPACT that movies have on our society. While there are many different perspectives as to whether this impact is positive or negative, the end result on our behavior is without debate. In particular, watching a certain product item and how it is presented can have fascinating and unpredictable results on our purchasing patterns. The literary trilogy (I will not pass a quality opinion here) Fifty Shades of Grey and the movies that have ensued have had a massive impact on the sale of Sancerre in America; demand for the beautiful white wine from the Loire Valley of France has seen tremendous growth in the last several years. While American wine-loving enthusiasts have long appreciated this mineral expression of sauvignon blanc, our exposure and familiarity with Sancerre has certainly been enhanced. I recently was fortunate enough to have been the guest of one of the finest producers of Sancerre in the Loire Valley, and I came away with an amazingly heightened appreciation of this wonderful French white wine. Henri Bourgeois is certainly one of the premium wine houses of the Loire Valley, and it produces many extraordinary expressions of Sancerre as well as other wines of this unique viticultural area. The soils of this region are fascinating as they are littered with fossilized remains of a salt-water landscape that enveloped this area millions of years ago. It is very common to walk among the vines in Sancerre and find stone sea shells by the hundreds. The effect of these ancient remains on the soils that produce these sauvignon blanc wines is profound. The Kimmeridgian Age saw massive seas blanketing these areas, and we are the fortunate consumers of Mother Nature’s by-product. Additionally, large flintfilled rocks that also cover the area absorb the heat of the sun and pass it along to the soils and vines that cover thousands of wine-producing acres. The particularly remarkable nature of this area creates a

micro-climate that is without equal, and this allows for the creation of the vibrant and mineral-like wines we know as Sancerre. Chablis, which is located nearby, also has the Kimmeridgian Marl effect on their soils, though the impact on the wine is somewhat different. The grape varietal in Chablis is primarily chardonnay as opposed to sauvignon blanc, which is grown in Sancerre. One can only imagine how these crisp wines grown in soils impacted by thousands of years of saline seas would go with our marvelous seafood from the Gulf of Mexico. The combination of sea salt, lemon zest and minerality in these white

Sancerre wines when paired with shrimp, oysters and crab is a delightful and pleasant gastronomic experience. Sancerre can be found by many different producers in an area that also produces some of the world’s finest goat cheeses. While Henri Bourgeois enjoys an elite status, there are other quality wines from Chateau de Sancerre, Domaine Vacheron and Joseph Mellot. Unlike their neighbor in Burgundy, the white wines of Sancerre are much more moderately priced and can be found in wine stores throughout the city. In addition to our cuisine, our climate also creates many opportunities to enjoy these wines. The crisp and refreshing nature of Sancerre certainly will have you wanting more. As with many wines, there are some premium cuvées that cost more but also bring about greater richness and layers of complexity. Sancerre is a wonderful wine for our climate and cuisine that I hope you seek out.

November-December 2016 57

The Natchez steamboat. Natchez has been the name of several steamboats, and current one has been in operation since 1975.

Right: Riverboats unload cotton and other goods on the levee in New Orleans, Louisiana. Chromolithograph ca. 1884. 58

Inside Northside

image courtesy: EVERETT HISTORICAL

Livingston and Fulton’s The Clermont, which made its maiden voyage up the Hudson River in 1807.

Steamboats

by Kate Brevard

photo: PIERRE JEAN DURIEU

of the Mississippi

image courtesy: EVERETT HISTORICAL

PICTURE A STEAMBOAT chugging sleepily along the Mississippi River and imagine the word associations. Impressions flood in—Showboat, the Natchez, the sounds of a calliope, Mark Twain, Huckleberry Finn, the muddy Mississippi, commerce, trade, New Orleans … The riverboat with its trailing plume of smoke conjures up romantic visions of life along the Mississippi. These steam-powered riverboats not only inspired artists and captured the public’s imagination but also led to the rapid expansion of port cities along the river. The vessels could navigate in shallow waters up-river against the waterway’s currents, which encouraged the movement of larger freight loads. Travel became easier as people found themselves completing trips in weeks as opposed to months. In addition, as steamboats linked cities all over the young United States, the Mississippi became an integral route of trade and travel. John Fitch was the first person in >> November-December 2016 59

and supplies at the Vicksburg landing, c. 1905. Above: Birdsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; eye view of New-Orleans in 1880, with dense riverboat traffic on the Mississippi River.

Inside Northside

images courtesy: EVERETT HISTORICAL

Top: Riverboats on the Mississippi River receiving cargo

the United States to build a steam-powered boat. In 1787, members of the Constitutional Convention watched as he sailed it down the Delaware River. Fitch built four more vessels, but they were expensive to construct and to operate and thus proved unsuccessful. In 1803, Robert Fulton and Robert Livingston met and outlined an agreement to build a steamboat to ply a route on the Hudson River between New York City and Albany, New York. Livingston owned extensive land on the Hudson River. Because of this, he was able to facilitate a monopoly on Hudson River traffic. This monopoly could make their boat, The Clermont, named after Livingstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s estate, profitable. The Clermont made its maiden voyage up the Hudson River in 1807. The steamboat traveled 150 miles to Albany in a little over 32 hours and made the return trip in about eight hours. After this successful first voyage, the boat made regular trips from Albany to New

York. Livingston and Fulton’s timing was perfect, and they benefited from the new technology as well as the worldwide political changes that were happening. The United States bought the Louisiana Purchase from France in 1803. As a result, the United States was now free to expand westward out of the Ohio valley and into the Great Plains and the Southwest. The Clermont’s success proved the concept of the steamboat. In 1811, Fulton and Livingston commissioned the New Orleans. The boat left the dock at Pittsburgh and steamed down the Ohio River to the Mississippi and on to New Orleans. It was then that New Orleans became the great port on the mouth of the Mississippi. Once steam navigation was shown to be profitable and practicable, the number of steamboats in service increased rapidly. The Treasury Department’s annual reports of commerce and navigation show this dramatic rise over a 43-year period, from 1817 to 1860. According to Steamboats on the Western Rivers, by Louis C. Hunter, there were 17 riverboats in use in 1817, 187 boats in 1830, 536 boats in 1840 and 735 boats in 1860. Freight as well as passenger carriers such as the Cincinnati and the Belle of the South, which were referred to as “opulent floating palaces,” connected enormous stretches of the Mississippi River. The river ranks as the fourth longest and ninth largest in the world by discharge; it meanders southwards for 2,320 miles from northern Minnesota to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the massive Mississippi’s watershed drains all or parts of 31 states and two Canadian provinces between the Rocky and >> November-December 2016 61

Inside Northside

The Canal Street levee on the Mississippi River in New Orleans, photochrom by William Henry Jackson, c. 1900.

image courtesy: EVERETT HISTORICAL

Appalachian Mountains. Captain Clarke “Doc” Hawley is uniquely qualified to speak about the Mississippi—he has worked on it and its tributaries for over 60 years. Captain Hawley has served as mate, pilot and captain on the Avalon, Belle of Louisville, Delta Queen, sidewheel President, Natchez, Mississippi Queen and American Queen, all steamers, as well as on several diesel sternwheelers. Not only a river legend but a New Orleanian for over 40 years, Captain Hawley taught river history at Tulane University and co-authored Moonlite at 8:30. He has seen more of the Mississippi system than any living boatman, having worked on nine rivers in 17 states. Captain Hawley’s pilot’s license extends over 1,300 miles. And, last but not least—he can play a mean calliope. Playing the calliope and popping popcorn were his first jobs on

Left: Delta Queen steamboat. Below: Samuel Clemens, aka

a steamboat on the Kanawha River when he was 16 years old. Captain Hawley fell in love with life on the river—and eventually with New Orleans. “I worked on the Delta Queen for 10 years before I worked on the Natchez. During those 10 years, I must have made over 70 trips from St. Louis or Cincinnati down here to New Orleans. Every time we’d arrive here in New Orleans, I realized how special this place was. The wharf used to be where the Moon

Walk steps are now, and, you’d smell the beignets and the coffee roasting in the air. You’d walk over to the levee and there would be Jackson Square, and you could see all of the beautiful buildings and the architecture and hear the music.” Before becoming a writer, the young Samuel Clemens worked as a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi. The river was to be a central theme in many of the works he wrote as Mark Twain. It’s not an easy thing to become a river >>

image courtesy: EVERETT HISTORICAL

photo: JOSEPH SOHM

Mark Twain, c. 1864.

Belle Pike at the Bluff, oil on

pilot. Clemens meticulously studied over 2,000 miles of the ever-changing river before receiving his pilot’s license. Like Clemens, Captain Hawley received his riverboat license when he was 23 years old. “You have to memorize the river and draw a map of the river by memory. You want to know what’s under the water so, for example, if you drop the anchor, you don’t want to bust into a gas line. There aren’t many captains, especially for steam-powered boats.” Hawley explains the appeal of the river, “The Mississippi has fascinated people from the get-go. I attribute this to two big things that put the Mississippi on the map. First, the writings of Mark Twain were read in every school at that time. And, in 1870, there was a famous non-stop steamboat race from New Orleans to St. Louis called ‘The Race Between the Natchez and the Robert E. Lee.’ It was famous all over the world. Bookies sold tickets for that race in London, Paris and St. Petersburg. The writings of Mark Twain

and that 1870 race are what made the Mississippi River famous.” In addition, Currier and Ives immortalized the 1870 race in a print. This cemented steamboats and the Mississippi River in the iconography of America. Steamboats created prosperous and glamorous years in Louisiana’s history. Everyone who lived near the Mississippi, or on one of the river’s tributaries, depended upon the riverboat not only for commerce but also for communication. The residents would ask the captains of the craft to deliver messages to certain ports of calls. Back then, the river was like the highway of today. According to Captain Hawley, “The river had excursion boats, overnight boats where people could spend the night, sawmill boats, steamboats, showboats, railroad transfers or ferries that took whole trains across the river. There was every kind of boat that you could imagine.” Mark Twain wasn’t the only artist influenced by the Mississippi and

image courtesy: JEAN BRAGG JEANBRAGG.COM/ DOWN ON THE LEVEE, ROBERT MALCOLM RUCKER, PAINTER OF LOUISIANA

canvas by Robert M. Rucker.

the steamboats that plied her murky waters. Robert Rucker, the well-known Louisiana landscape artist, often made the sentimental boats the subjects of his paintings. Rucker, born in New Orleans in 1932, painted the landscape, history and customs of his native state in an impressionistic style. Descended from two generations of riverboat captains, Rucker had an innate fascination with the river and steamboats. His paintings of famous boats, such as the J.M White and the City of Cincinnati provide a glimpse into the grandeur and gentility of the Antebellum Southern lifestyle. These vessels represent a shared nostalgia for a bygone era. The Friends of Louisiana Public Broadcasting named Rucker a Louisiana Legend in 1997, four years before his death in 2001. His work is in the permanent collections of many museums, including the Historic New Orleans Collection, and the collections of Louisiana governors David C. Treen, John J. McKeithen, Jimmy Davis, Edwin Edwards, Representative F. Edward Hebert and the screen star Eva Gabor. The golden age of the steamboat seemingly evaporated into thin air like smoke from its storied smokestack, but the boats’ place in history as one of the world’s most important inventions is assured. The coming of the railroad, car, truck and airplane may have made the majestic boats obsolete long ago, but the steamboats embody apple-pie wholesome Americana that will always appeal across the board. Whatever your interest in the steamboat, if you have a hankering to go steamin’ on the river, hop aboard the Steamboat Natchez for one of her daily cruises on the Mississippi. You may just luck out and run into Captain Hawley. On occasion, he still plays the calliope and gives tours of the river on the Natchez. Bon voyage! November-December 2016 65

For the Powder Wolf Creek Hounds Ski Area WHILE THE AREA IS LARGELY UNKNOWN outside of Colorado, Wolf Creek Ski Area in south central Colorado is beloved by the powder hounds. Wolf Creek boasts epic snowfall, generally more than 430 inches of the fluffy white stuff each year, more than any other ski resort in Colorado. Nothing compares to a winter forest buried in waist-deep powder, dampened silence, crystal-clear air and breathtaking vistas shrouded in sun-sparkling snow. Snow is so prolific here that the resort typically opens in October, giving it one of the longest seasons in the ski industry nationwide. Wolf Creek is a three- to four-hour easy, scenic drive from Colorado Springs, where you can access nonstop flights—avoiding the crowds and hassle of Denver.

And Wolf Creek is so affordable you can stretch a two-day vacation budget for other areas into at least four days here. Downhill skiers and snowboarders alike will love the family-oriented atmosphere and short lift lines. With 1,600 acres of terrain, seven chair lifts provide access to 77 trails, with 20 percent for beginners, 35 percent intermediate, 25 percent advanced and 20 percent for experts. Adult lift tickets are only $66 per full day ticket. Yes, really! Wolf Creek also offers individual and group ski lessons for all ability levels starting at the age of 5. The Wolf Pup center is for smaller children, where access to the “magic carpet” Nova lift and private kid-friendly lodge create the perfect haven for youngsters to learn a new sport. The Hot Shots program is specifically designed for adventurous children ages 9-12. There are several restaurants and bars at the >> November-December 2016 67

Wolf Creek Pass. 68

mountain base for après ski, including Alberta Grill and the Pathfinder Bar. The Raven at the top of Raven chair is a local favorite, and you can warm up at the espresso shop at the top of Treasure Chair. At the numerous Powder Portraits locations, professional photographers take your memory photo for you to take home at the end of the day. South Fork, located 18 miles down The Wolf Creek Pass, is the nearest town to the ski area. Lodging options, restaurants, grocery store and gift stores are found in this quaint town. Check out the three ski rental shops in South Fork for deals and equipment rental discounts. 8200 Sports is located on Highway 160 on the way up to the ski area from South Fork. It offers excellent pricing on the performance ski and snowboard packages. This is a one-stop-shop for all of your ski and snowboard gear, apparel, t-shirts and souvenirs. Lodging options are abundant in South Fork, from hotel rooms to cabins to family homes. Rio Grande Vacation Rentals is South Fork’s premiere lodging accommodation service. Luxury rentals

Inside Northside

with soaking tubs, entertainment-style floor plans, master suites, garages and fireplaces are among some of the amenities these homes have to offer. They also offer concierge services for those looking to have the kitchen stocked with groceries before arrival, maybe a catered dinner or two while on vacation, or planned recreation days while taking a break from the slopes. Snowshoeing, crosscountry skiing, ice fishing, and sledding are other outdoor activities, as is snowmobiling on 255 miles of groomed snowmobile trails with innumerable off-trail opportunities on wide open ridges, rolling parks and steep climbs. Access to Colorado’s most scenic wintertime vistas at 12,000+ feet will take your breath away! Affordable snowmobile rentals will not. And when staying with Rio Grande Vacation Rentals, you get the advantage of discounted lift tickets for your group as well. For more information, visit RioGrandeVacationRentals.com, southfork.org, and 8200Sports.com.

The deep lines, wide in the beginning, narrower at the end, resemble meteor-like streaks. And yes! The energy is there! Eyeing the sculpted leaves covering the canvas, he selects another, and another— transforming the lovely painting into a living work. Two assistants watch as the master artist turns teacher. They’ve seen it before, but they’re still mesmerized. “Would you get me some clay?” he asks Lizzie Shelby. “Lizzie started coming to work for me when I was in Chamale, one of my land developments, where I kept a studio,” he says. “How old were you then, Lizzie?” “I was in high school,” the beautiful brunette responds. “Then she went to Colorado State University to study art. After she graduated, she came to work for the summer,” adds Dunbar. “And I never left,” Lizzie says with a laugh. “That was 15 years ago.” She presents him with a board and some modeling paste. Like primordial dust in the Creator’s hands, Dunbar works the sculpting clay with a trowel, smoothing it, scooping it. Then, with one masterful

Elements of Chance by Karen B. Gibbs

ENERGY! CREATIVITY! You feel it as soon as you step into George Dunbar’s spacious studio on Bayou Bonfouca. He greets you warmly, clad in pressed jeans and a chambray shirt. His white hair and moustache pay homage to his age; his gentlemanly speech to his Garden District roots. In his hands—strong working hands—he holds a rasp, less a tool and more a treasured instrument. The two become one as with quick, decisive movements he carves lines into dried, sculpted leaf shapes that are part of his latest work. The canvas rests on a massive table, perhaps 15 feet long. “You see that?” he asks, carving into another leaf shape. “Can you see how that gives energy to the work?”

Inside Northside

swoop of the trowel, he forms one side of a leaf. Then, swoosh! And the other side appears. It’s hard to tell which is more impressive, the elegant draping of the shape’s edges or the masterful movements of the man. It isn’t important. It’s art—and George Dunbar is the consummate artist. Despite his larger-than-life persona, cover artist George Dunbar is as real as the bayou that flows past his studio; his art, as changing as the colors of the marsh. He talks about his career, its nascent roots in caricatures of classmates at Metairie Country Day School, its passion awakened during lingering visits to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Artist George Dunbar

“My mom was a sugar planter’s daughter, educated in Europe. She loved the theatre and travelled to New York to see plays. Between the ages of 7 and 10, I’d accompany her on these trips. She’d drop me off at the Met and I’d meander by myself. I began making decisions about what art I liked. If there’s one thing that made me become an artist, that’s it.” By the time he graduated from high school, however, World War II was in full swing, and Dunbar’s life took another course. “My older brother, Charles, was already fighting overseas, so I enlisted in the Navy. Because I was only 17, my parents had to give permission for me to join.” Stationed in the Philippines, he was “on loan” to the Army to work on diving barges. “It wasn’t dangerous work like the Navy SEALs do,” he says, eschewing praise. “We dove in relatively shallow water, bringing up bodies and patching ships so we could pump air into them and raise them.” He pauses, then continues. “I was standing next to McArthur in 1946 when we gave the Filipinos their full independence,” he says, a smile dancing across his face. Dunbar views his stint in the military as crucial to his career as an artist. He was from a family of lawyers, and it was assumed he’d join his father and his brother in the Phelps-Dunbar law firm. But law

was not his career choice; he wanted to study art. “If I’d gone straight from high school to college, I might have been talked into taking a few other things. Being in the service gave me time to think about what I wanted to do. By the time I got out, I decided to take a shot at art.” Adds Dunbar, “I think it would be wise for all high school graduates to put in a year of service to the country before going to college. It gives you time to think about what you want to do, and it makes you grow up.” Dunbar used the GI Bill to attend Tyler Art School at Temple University in Philadelphia. “At the time, it was one of the country’s finest art schools. Plus, it was close to New York City, where the contemporary art scene had relocated from Paris and was in full swing.” Captivated by this art movement, Dunbar made frequent trips to New York. After graduating from Tyler, Dunbar spent a year in Europe—a gift from his mother. “I had hoped to make a living there making art and sending paintings back to be sold in the States, but my mother got sick and I returned home to care for her.” His mother suffered with a long illness. “After she died, I, along with several other serious artists (Bob Helmer, John Clement, Jimmy Lamantia, Marilyn Conrad, Shirley Gordy, Jack Hastings and Lin Emery) formed the >> November-December 2016 71

Orleans Gallery, a co-op overseen by a board of non-artists. Located on 533 Royal Street, it only sold art and was the first contemporary art gallery of its kind in New Orleans.” Not long after the Orleans Gallery opened, Simonne Stern founded the Stern Gallery, one of the city’s first professional galleries. Because it featured New York and local artists, there was no longer a need for a co-op gallery. Subsequently, Orleans Gallery closed, and Dunbar began showing at the Stern Gallery. In retrospect, the Orleans Gallery was a giant step forward for the arts in New Orleans, but so was Dunbar’s role in introducing contemporary art to Louisiana. Remarks Katie P. Pfohl, curator of modern and contemporary art at the New Orleans Museum 72

Inside Northside

of Art, “George Dunbar truly helped create a context and place for contemporary art in New Orleans. In the 1950s and 1960s, he introduced New Orleans to vanguard, new ideas in art-making, experimenting with the relationship between accident and intention, and embracing elements of chance in his art-making in ways that were brand new for most artists in New Orleans at the time.” While his revenue from art was steady, by the time Dunbar married and had a child, he needed to supplement his income with other work. “I did some guest teaching for Tulane and LSU, plus, I had a school >>

An Insider’s Guide to the Art of George Dunbar Planning to visit George Dunbar’s retrospective exhibit, Elements of Chance, at NOMA? Look for these trademark techniques. The medium: Sometimes George Dunbar doesn’t paint with paint. He uses a mixture of very fine clay (finer than ceramic slip) and rabbit skin glue (a 1,000-year-old painting item that secures the clay to the board or canvas). Applying multiple fine coats of each color gives Dunbar some leeway when mining the surface to reveal hidden colors or textures. (Coin Du Lestin 1999, Iphis 2001, Le Grand Rouge 2015) Colors: In many works, Dunbar’s colors come from the earth tones of the clay. No other tints are used. (Coin Du Lestin 1999, Untitled Abstraction, Early Coin Du Lestin 1970, Le Grand Rouge 2015) Glass-like finish: Dunbar’s shiny finish comes from finely sanding the 20 to 60 layers of clay paint he’s applied. It is not from shellac or varnish. (Coin Du Lestin 1999, Iphis 2001, Le Grand Rouge 2015) Mining the surface: Going down into the depths of a painting brings to the surface what’s already there. (Le Grand Rouge 2015) Leafing: Dunbar seals gold, silver or platinum leaf onto the painting with rabbit skin glue and water, making it become part of the art. (Coin Du Lestin 1999, Iphis 2001, Untitled Abstraction, Early Coin Du Lestin 1970, Le Grand Rouge 2015) Gesturing: Gesturing is a term derived from Action Painting, a process popular in the ’50s and ’60s. In gesturing, the artist uses the whole arm too make brush strokes more vigorous, giving spontaneity to the painting. (Red M) Distressing: Note how Dunbar resists to polish a piece to perfection. Look for pockmarked leafing—that’s a sign the piece has been sandblasted. (Coin Du Lestin 1999) How it’s made: The artist is, in effect, acknowledging the use of the gold leaf by showing the edges on the surface instead of having them run off the edge of the work. (Coin Du Lestin 1999, Iphis 2001, Early Coin Du Lestin 1970, Le Grand Rouge 2015) Accidental triumphs: Unplanned, but Dunbar liked it. (Red M)

on Chartres Street with artist Bob Helmer. We used live models. I was the one who was sent to find the models,” he says, flashing a quick smile. “It was a lot of fun, but we weren’t making a lot of money. That’s when I started developing land on the northshore.” This was at a time when, with I-10 to pave the way and NASA to lure workers, New Orleans residents were moving to the north side of the lake. With rented equipment and no experience, Dunbar cleared land and put in roads. Over the years, there were 70 developments, from single-home, oneacre lots to canal-digging subdivisions like Chamale and Coin Du Lestin, where he and his family moved. He developed land from five in the morning till three in the afternoon. The rest of the day and into the night, he painted and taught art in New Orleans. He even had an attic apartment in the Pontalba building so he’d have a place to sleep on late nights. “I put in very long days,” he recalls, “but I liked doing two totally different things.” “For George, it was a form of sculpture,” says Louisette Brown, his companion of 18 years. Guided by his artist’s eye, Dunbar cleared curving roads through bayou brush and created waterfront vistas with manmade canals. His developments complemented nature instead of intruding on it. Indeed, the highest compliment for Dunbar is to have someone look at a canal he dug and say, “That bayou was here before.” Dunbar continued developing land until the ’80s, when interest rates hit 22 percent, the housing market plummeted and a creosote dump into Bayou Bonfouca polluted the water in his Chamale development. With a nest egg from his land projects and steady income from his art, Dunbar hung up his hard hat, picked up his paint brush and never looked back. 74

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photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

One of the hallmarks of Dunbar’s works is that it keeps changing. “I find it more interesting—more fun—to try something new,” he says. “The other day, for example, we tried painting with a mop.” Dunbar’s art has gone through several different periods over the years. “There was the Multiples period when I repeated the same item—like rows and rows of envelopes or abstract dollar bills. There was also the Hard Edge period, with its intricate geometric designs.” In the Marsh Grass period, Dunbar perfected the art of building up the surface with torn strips of canvas before adding modeling paste. “All painters get to a point where they want to come off the surface—get more and more threedimensional. You’d be surprised at what we add to the canvas.” Taking her cue, Lizzie says, “We’ve used denim, old T-shirts, even zippers.” “Then, we do what I call ‘mining the surface,’” adds Dunbar. “After we cover it with 10-30 very thin layers of clay, we go back and retrieve a portion of these items by scraping through some of the layers. This introduces a change that comes from

within and not one that’s added at the last minute. It’s very important to realize that elements in a good painting are ‘brought up’ at the same time—that there’s a sense of belonging.” Dunbar’s current period, Rouville, is another example of three-dimensional work. The leaf shapes described earlier exemplify this. Part sculpture, part painting, there’s much more motion in these works. “To some extent, it’s gestural painting,” says Dunbar. “You give up control to make that fast motion, but it gives the painting energy.” Energy also comes into a painting by sheer mistake. “I have pieces where something happens that I didn’t plan, and I realize it’s better than what I intended to do. I call that an ‘accidental triumph.’ Those are exciting!” The Red M painting in NOMA’s >>

current retrospect exhibit of Dunbar’s work is an example of this. Red M is a freestyle, action painting. “I’m not trying to make a perfect M,” says Dunbar. “I used my whole arm and gave up control to create something that is aesthetically appealing. It’s like individual handwriting. The irregularities make it more interesting.” Another accidental triumph occurred in Coin Du Lestin. “I sanded the edge around the side of a hard edge piece and discovered that it gave it a painterly quality,” says Dunbar. “The first time I did it was by mistake; but I liked it and decided to keep it.” When asked to name his favorite work, quite unexpectedly Dunbar points to photos of his three children—artist Nina, restaurateur Kirk and writer Folwell—and unabashedly declares, “These are my best creations.” Then, he quietly motions toward a

painting of a nude figure watching a swimmer. The energy of its bold strokes is reminiscent of Dunbar’s gestural work. That’s Nina’s painting,” he says, his voice filled with pride. A few moments later, he circles back to the question about his favorite painting. “I don’t have a favorite piece, and I don’t want to have one. When you do that—when you’re satisfied—then you stop moving forward. Trying to do the ultimate painting would take away the excitement I feel every morning when I go to the studio. And that is something I want to feel always.” The George Dunbar retrospective, Elements of Chance, will be on exhibit at the New Orleans Museum of Art from November 3, 2016 to February 19, 2017. View the exhibit during the 50th Odyssey Ball presented by Iberiabank at NOMA on November 12. noma.org.

Creative d o o l F Recovery by Erin Cowser

MOTHER NATURE IS A MUSE TO MANY. Even when she’s a real #!@%. This was certainly the case when she unleashed horrific flooding upon tens of thousands of unsuspecting victims in Southeast Louisiana. Residents across the northshore, in Baton Rouge and even our neighbors to the south near Lafayette and Lake Charles were inundated with floodwater. This time Mother Nature’s wrath equally wreaked havoc on those who had previously been spared flooding and those who had previously suffered its nightmares—some of whom were just now getting

back into homes that flooded last spring. Thankfully, the floodwaters weren’t the only thing that rose in Louisiana. Countless individuals rose to the occasion to help neighbors in need. The heroics of many were only outnumbered by the donations that swelled the inventories of food banks and donation sites throughout the region. In true Louisiana fashion, everyone pitched in as best they could to help. Many also lent their creativity and artistic talents to recovery efforts.

Amanda Hammonds.

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By day, Amanda Hammonds is a relatively mild-mannered employee of Southeastern Louisiana University. She uses her skill set and talents for good as an academic advisor in the Center for Student Excellence, assisting students who are working toward degrees in the Languages, Communications and Fine and Performing Arts programs. But when away from her work desk on campus, her creativity takes flight as she fights to protect the noble and true artistry of graphic design. It all began on family road trips as a child. She would sit in the back seat and cut apart magazine pages—the headlines, the body copy, the photos,

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Amanda Hammonds

the quote boxes—and put them back together according to her own layouts. Fast forward to 2016, and Amanda maintains Artful Happiness (same letters as her initials), a one-woman design agency, as her after-work creative outlet. Previously contracting for design jobs through word of mouth via friends, family and colleagues, Artful Happiness can now also be found on Etsy. Her talents are lent to designing logos, stationery, invitations and the likes. As the muck and misery of the mid-August flooding began to play out on social media, Amanda went to bed that Tuesday evening with a sense of sadness and despair. By the time she woke up, her mood had completely changed. “I know it sounds hokey, but I really did envision the design in a dream,” she says. “When I woke up, I had the outline of the state in my head, and I knew there were words on it, but they were too fuzzy for me to read.” So she got to work doing what she loves to do—graphic design. She was inspired to create something positive to counter all the anguish and affliction that was filling social media feeds. Once she started working on the design, the words came to her. Then came the fun part—combining the imagery with the >>

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text. She says she obsessed over the typography (as she always does) because in her opinion, that is the most important part of any design. “I wanted the font to be light to convey that everything’s going to be OK,” she says. “And then I had to get all the stems and letters to fit together on the silhouette of the state. It had to be the perfect font.” She found it, according to the 498 people who have purchased her t-shirts emblazoned with her design in the first month since they became available. “It’s a distressed font, just as we who live in South Louisiana were distressed at the time. And, it has a personally handwritten look because we do things by hand. Louisianians know how to take care of themselves and their neighbors,” she says. “It’s what we do.” Once completed, Amanda posted the design on Instagram in hopes that it would bring some much-

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needed smiles to the faces of her followers during that difficult time. She also added it to her Etsy shop inventory as 5-inch x 5-inch and 8-inch x 10-inch prints. And she went ahead and had it copyrighted— just in case anyone might want to purchase one. That Instagram post led to a Facebook post. The Facebook post led to over 200,000 views in the first two days, which led to almost immediate requests for t-shirts. They also led Amanda to two individuals who would help her with what was becoming a worrisome project for one person to undertake. A message arrived in her inbox from Ashley Baham in Gonzales. It read: “Thank you so much for creating this design. I want to help you.” It turned out that Ashley works in marketing and has a connection with Faux Pas Prints in Metairie. She offered to reach out to the company on Amanda’s behalf and make arrangements for them to print and distribute shirt

orders. They jumped on the opportunity to help. They collect the $22 per shirt and only keep $4 for the cost of the shirt, printing and shipping. Amanda decided the remaining $18 per shirt would be donated to Team Comeback Kids—an umbrella organization that would be providing funds to various schools damaged by the floods. Robyn Keller was also an instant fan of Amanda’s design. She ended up sharing it on a t-shirt that could be bought on booster.com, an online fundraising shop. After a few initial hiccups, in three days’ time, $3,000 worth of shirts sold. Those funds were donated directly to Ascension Parish Schools. All in all, over $9,000 has been donated to flood recovery efforts thanks to an uplifting design Amanda dreamt about that Tuesday night. And it’s not too late if you’d like to purchase a shirt and provide help to those who will be in recovery mode for months and

maybe even years to come. As a good Louisiana girl would do, Amanda made sure the shirts would be available in colors coordinating with football teams— black/gold (Saints), green/gold (SLU) and purple/gold (LSU). Go to geauxla.org to place orders and find out more about the Team Comeback Kids organization. In the meantime, Amanda will continue enjoying the surreal sensation that comes over her when she spots complete strangers sporting her artwork. “It’s a fantastic feeling,” she says. “Not just seeing people at the grocery store or in the Red White and Brew wearing the shirts, but knowing that the shirts reminded people that we would overcome the floods—just as Louisianans overcome everything else that is thrown at us.” She may not be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, but her design sure helped people think they could beat seemingly insurmountable odds and do so in heroic fashion. >>

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Dayna Breaud.

It’s fair to say that Dayna Breaud’s piece Louisiana Flood 2016 is a big deal. It’s also really small—at least compared to standing collections. An artist well known for her vivid, vibrant images on large, wooden remnants of architectural ornaments, she said she never imagined her work on a petite painting that measures only 11 inches by 26 inches would be the source of so much attention. “I usually paint BIG. The fact that out of ALL my pieces, this small little painting on a shutter brought the biggest response and captured the hearts of so many makes it even more special to me,” she says. “It just goes to show that an artist never knows which piece is going to be that one ‘big’ piece for them.” Dayna had actually finished painting the piece’s central focus, the man with the fish catch on his back, before the rains began. She’s pretty sure she saw the image that served as her inspiration in one of her

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photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Dayna Breaud

husband’s fishing magazines. She thought it would end up similar to a piece she completed previously that featured Lake Pontchartrain. Her technique involves “heavy texture,” so her process for completing any pieces entails several days in order for the thick paint to dry at different stages. The man with the fish catch on his back was left to dry, but she hadn’t yet decided on the wording, which is a signature component of her work. Once the flooding hit, the man with the fish catch on his back was not a priority. She spent her days, as countless others in South Louisiana did that week, helping friends muck out their homes and part with lifetimes’ worth of belongings. With schools closed, she didn’t have to report to her job as a registered nurse with the Tangipahoa School System. Instead, she spent every day helping at a different friend’s home because so many flooded. “I experienced their pain with them,” she says. “I shared the sadness with everyone who was suffering.” About a week in, she took a break and was able to return to her painting. She knew the man with the fish catch on his back was not destined to represent a Louisiana lake or waterway as she had originally thought. He had a bigger purpose. He now represented the flooding that wounded the souls and sensibilities of so many. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” Isaiah 43:2. Dayna says her Catholic faith is a part of everything she creates. Bible verses adorn many of her pieces. And those pieces often feature churches, steeples and the Blessed Mother, whose image has become a favorite for fans of Dayna’s art. She’s received notes and letters from women who’ve purchased Blessed Mother pieces that have brought many tears to her eyes. They say they feel so connected to the art because the Blessed Mother truly knows the struggles of a mother. They often share their circumstances and say the art helps them not feel so alone anymore. Dayna’s gift for portraying religious symbolism certainly carried over into her Louisiana Flood 2016 piece, as it was later titled, to the point that some >>

Anthony Donze.

Dayna says she’s still amazed at her piece’s meteoric popularity. After finishing the painting, she remembers sitting on the couch, drinking coffee the next morning. “I have an App that lets me put a border and words around photos,” she says. “I was playing around with it, and I thought to myself how cute it would be as a poster. I hit ‘post’ and within minutes starting getting requests to place orders.” Lots of requests. Lots and lots and lots of requests. Lots of requests times a thousand. For an artist who previously had only shared her talent with a handful of friends and sold pieces at Bayou Booksellers in downtown Hammond, the response was overwhelming. “I was so completely

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unprepared,” she laughs, thinking back. She had no online store. She didn’t even have a PayPal account to receive payment online. With the help of friends and family, she created an LLC, had her work copyrighted, designed an online store and set up the means for secure online payment transactions—all within one week. And it’s a good thing, because the requests kept coming. She enlisted the help of friends and family in an attempt to respond to all the emails, messages and posts that continued to overwhelm her inbox. “It still bothers me that I wasn’t able to respond personally to each person who contacted me,” she says. “But I knew there was just no way I could do it singlehandedly. I am eternally grateful for everyone who helped me throughout this entire process.” The 500 first-edition, signed and numbered giclées sold out almost immediately. Within days, more than 350 posters found their way into peoples’ homes and offices—some as far away as California, New Mexico, Wisconsin and Ohio. After paying sales taxes and for the costs of production, three organizations will be the beneficiaries of $7,000 raised from the sale of Louisiana Flood 2016. “As a school nurse, I see firsthand the vital role that CASA (Child Advocacy Services) plays in children’s lives,” Dayna says of the organization that suffered complete destruction of its Denham Springs location. “Many times, they are the sole voice for a neglected or abused child. As long as God allows me to create, I will be a sponsor of this wonderful organization.” Ginger Ford Northshore Fuller Center for Housing, a Christian ministry that works with volunteers to build and repair houses for low-income, elderly and disabled individuals, will also receive funding, along with Double Diamond Veterinary Services in Amite, which tended to the needs of horses that required intense medical care and costly supplies after having been stranded in floodwaters for days. When asked what’s next after the success of Louisiana Flood 2016, Dayna says she’s still awake until about 2 a.m. every night catching up on orders; she pointed to a new piece she somehow >>

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

owners have told her they find religious symbolism in every aspect of the painting—the flood, the water, the fish, the sun, the tree, the roots and more. “I’ve been told by several that it brings them peace,” she says. “And, that it’s a beautiful way to remember such an unfortunate time.” One Facebook message reads: “Hi. My name is Amy, and our home was flooded twice in five months, as so many others were as well. The Louisiana Flood 2016 picture is absolutely beautiful, and when we rebuild for the second time this year, I would love to have one in our home. It will be a beautiful picture to go with the stories for my now 3-month-old when he grows up!”

found the time to complete, which is already enjoying its own wild popularity. Like Louisiana Flood 2016, Fishers of Men also carries heavy symbolism. Dayna says she was inspired to create a piece to celebrate the Cajun Navy and all those who got in their boats to help their fellow man. “No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another,” the piece reads. “And the fish represent the impacted parishes, except one that’s not a parish—there is a Southeastern Louisiana University fish that’s right smack in the middle. Southeastern got its own fish.” As the school nurse assigned to Perrin Early Learning Center in Ponchatoula, Dayna is in charge of helping make students feel better. It’s no surprise that her artwork does the same for grown-ups. Louisiana Flood 2016 second-edition, numbered giclées, canvas giclées and note cards featuring the design are available at Bayou Booksellers and online at www.mycolorfulsoul.com.

Anthony Donze Anthony Donze wears his penchant for art on his sleeve—or rather, on his forearms. He designed the tattoos that adorn them. Don’t believe me? Ask Ben Franklin. Anthony designed the décor in Blackened Brew, too, which includes a larger-than-life photo of the Founding Father who has been attributed in jest with the famous “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy” quote. Creativity comes naturally to >>

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Anthony. Most recently, it came in the form of a David Letterman-esque Top 10 list as floodwaters rushed through communities and neighborhoods throughout South Louisiana. As owner of a relatively new restaurant in downtown Hammond (opened in February), he had a responsibility to his staff and customers to keep his doors open despite the natural disaster that was wreaking havoc around him. “Hammond proper didn’t suffer from the flooding,” he says. “You felt guilty.” For obvious reasons, business was slow. Anthony saw a friend post that he had a boat and was heading out to Denham Springs if anyone wanted to join him. Anthony and Mike Hendry spent the day handing out food and water to anyone they could find. “There was just so much water—up to 10 feet and higher for miles,” he says. “Unless you saw it for yourself, I don’t think you can truly comprehend.” Back at the Blackened Brew the next day, he sat down to take a quick break. Suddenly, inspiration hit, and the 10 Things we in Southern Louisiana and surrounding areas learned in the 500- and 1000-year floods was born. “It was weird,” he says. “The ideas just started coming and I wrote them down as soon as they popped in my head.” He hit ‘post’ and didn’t think much about it. Unbeknownst to him, it took off like wildfire. Between shares, likes and comments, Anthony was greeted with over 700 notifications when he checked his phone an hour later. 10 Things was shared over 100 times in the first hour. Overnight saw nearly 5,000 shares. Over a month’s

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photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

time, it was shared more than 60,000 times—not counting the various versions that people tweaked to fit their cities and regions—making the post go viral. In fact, even rapper Mystikal felt compelled to re-tweet it. “I guess he appreciated how it showed him what we’re workin’ wit,” Anthony jokes. He said the wild popularity of the post can only be explained by the fact that everyone needed a good laugh at that point. It resonated because it made people smile rather than fret and cry as they’d been doing for days. A radio deejay reached out to Anthony after tracking him down as the actual author of 10 Things. He asked Anthony if he minded people plagiarizing his post. “If it’s making people smile, it’s cool,” he replied. But when he saw people begin using his words for profit, that wasn’t cool. Friends posted what a shame it was that even things posted on Facebook, such as his 10 Things list, will be looted during a disaster, and that it’s too bad he couldn’t get some sort of royalties from the post. His response? “I’d donate it, if I did.” And then inspiration hit again. Why couldn’t he have his post lead to donations? He decided to have his uplifting list help make money for recovery efforts. With help from Hammond artist Lane Grigas, who crafted a design to reflect the vibe of the 10 Things, Anthony had a batch of t-shirts printed with the 10 Things featured on the backs. Once the shirts and printing are paid for, $10 of every $15 shirt purchase goes toward local families in need of recovery help. Two friends with connections to local school systems helped him identify families in most dire need to receive the donations. Anthony’s path to becoming a restaurateur in downtown Hammond was a rather circuitous one. All along, however, his gumption and can-do entrepreneurial sense were accompanied by creativity and appreciation for artistic savvy. And there’s also his unwavering support for organizations that help others. His fundraising via t-shirts inspired his friend Jared Hartley, formerly of Covington and now living in Ft. Meyers, Florida, to coordinate “Lifting Up Louisiana,” a fund-raiser WOD (workout for any

non-Crossfitters out there) event at Crossfit 239. Jared had hoped to maybe raise $500. Once the workout was over and the donations tallied, he was able to send over $2,000 to Anthony to add to the funds raised from t-shirt sales. Most recently Anthony orchestrated a “RendezBrew” fundraiser throughout downtown Hammond in conjunction with Louisiana Craft Beer Week. He

recruited the locations. He had the punch cards made so participants could indulge in the various beer offerings at the discounted rates he negotiated with vendors, coordinated the drawings for those with full punch cards and even hosted the “After Party” with Will Vance for participants. TARC, which provides services to individuals with disabilities and their families, received a $1,000 donation from his efforts. “I’ve always been a firm believer that if you give, you get back,” says Anthony. Not a bad philosophy for a guy who serves truffle parmesan fries as well as he serves his fellow man and community.

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Generous Hearts

photo: KEN DURDEN

by Susan H. Bonnett

is not just about money, and this disaster response needed more than checks. It needed people with giant hearts, boats and 4-wheel-drive. What became known as the “Cajun Navy” showed the country the power of local people helping people. Folks who owned boats became a powerful force that rescued thousands of people and animals from floodwaters. And from that, the Northshore

Disaster Philanthropy Left: Roughly 100,000 homes were affected by the flood. Right: Eleven rescued horses were housed at New Heights Therapeutic Riding Center for more than a month.

THIS YEAR, we have twice seen historic flooding in our region. In August, those of us in dryer areas could only watch as 24 inches of rain fell in 48 hours, 40,000 people had to be rescued, 13 people died, more than 100,000 homes were destroyed and multitudes were suddenly homeless and in shelters. These tragedies brought the immediate response of “What can I do to help?” That is what we do best—help our neighbors in times of need. That help comes in all shapes and sizes. The infrastructure of the Northshore Community Foundation was one resource through which help began to flow. The Foundation’s Weather Relief Fund quickly raised nearly $600,000. That money was pushed out quickly to the organizations that were rescuing, feeding, gutting homes and rebuilding lives. National media outlets, including a shout-out from Stephen Colbert, recommended the fund as an effective support. Thousands of dollars came in quickly from around the country. But philanthropy

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Cajun Army arose. The local humane society took in hundreds of pets from flooded homes, stressing their limited resources. Food banks collected and distributed hundreds of thousands of pounds of food. New Heights Therapeutic Riding Center took in eleven horses because they were standing in 24 inches of floodwater and were bitten continually by fire ants. Michael Delahoussaye, leader of the Grants Gift Support Fund, immediately deployed his mission-based resources held at the Foundation to house traumatized families with autistic kids. Sadly, unexpected disasters seem to be our new normal. Having a healthy infrastructure of churches, organizations and people is vital to enable affected communities to rebuild faster, stronger and better than before. The Foundation is pleased to support these amazing nonprofits and act as a facilitator for this infrastructure.

Northshore Cajun Army members Michelle Peccoraro, Gianna Schlottman, Representative Regina Barrows of East Baton Rouge Parish, Liz Gary and Angelle Albright.

by Angelle Albright

the northshore

Cajun army ON THE DAY of the August flood, I longed to help. But how could I possibly make a difference? Then I saw a post from a pastor’s wife not just asking for “help”—she was asking for specific items! I thought, “Wait, this elephant is big, but I can take a bite out of it.” I posted on Facebook, and within two hours, I was with dozens of friends piling in mountains of toilet paper, underwear, towels, blankets, paper towels, bleach, etc. Off we went to Christ’s Community Church in Denham

Springs. We were blown away by how grateful the people were for a bottle of bleach and some semi-cold pizza. Normal life was gone—normal just didn’t exist anymore. We went back day after day with new lists of ever-changing needs, doing everything from handing out diapers to interpreting Spanish. The generosity of St. Tammany citizens was truly overwhelming, so we knew we had to start a foundation. Luckily for us, the Northshore Community Foundation is

set up to handle such ventures. Within an hour, we were the Northshore Cajun Army. (Although day after day, we are called the Northshore Angels!) One big take-away we have seen is the importance of local food banks. The Covington Food Bank stepped up with goods and also materials to redo 30 of the thousands of damaged housesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;but they will still need flooring, cabinets, appliances, countertops, furniture, household goods and personal items. We still have so much farther to go. We are sticking with the philosophy of one bite of the elephant at a time. It is powerful to see the strength of the human spirit when one seemingly cannot take another step. We are working with government groups and other non-profits to make sure no one gets left behind. Little by little, house by house, family by family, we are determined not to leave our neighbors alone. For if the rain had fallen twenty miles east, there go I. To see current needs or to donate, visit us on Facebook or at northshorefoundation. org/northshore-cajun-army.

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Flourishes

1. Crimson Sunset,18” x 23” acrylic on paper, $3,200 unframed. Rolland Golden Gallery, Covington, 888-6588. 4

2. Hand-sculpted and -painted cross by John Hodge on glass beads, $78. Rug Chic, Mandeville, 674-1070. 3. Crackled putty finishes with

gold leaf and cream stripes on the hand-painted shade of this buffet lamp, which has a striped, washed stem base collared with crystal accents atop a two-tier, star-shaped base. 9” W x 45” H x 9” D, $406. Pine Grove Lighting and 6

Electrical Supply, Mandeville, 893-4003. 4. Aqua Flame flameless candle fountain, $55, mélange by KP, Mandeville, 807-7652. 5. Lampe Berger, starting at $30. AURALUZ, Metairie, 504-888-3313. 6. Two copper trays, $96 for both. Fur.Nish, Metairie, 504-702-8514. 7. Seasonal arrangements starting at $65. Florist of Covington, 892-7701. 7

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Flourishes 2 1

1. A Gourmet Guide to Oil and Vinegar, $24.95. Oil & Vinegar, Covington, 809-1693. 2. 18” x 5 4

18” animal throw pillows with more than 75 different image options, $35. Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 893-8008. 3. Michael Aram Gourd and Vine wood, copperplate and

stainless steel cheese board and knife, $225; matching pedestal nut dish, $139; matching salt/pepper shakers, $125. Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor, Mandeville, 727-9787. 4. Little Billy Goat boutique chalk paint now available in a variety of colors, $36. DeCoeur Gifts & Home Accessories, 8093244. 5. Growler insulated tote made of waxed canvas with shoulder strap, $40. Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 6264045. 6. A custom-designed, handmade-finished mahogany stand-up side table. French Polish, Metairie, 504-289-6287. 7. Shabby Chic table lamp with 7

linen shade. American Factory Direct, Mandeville 871-0300.

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Inside Northside

Flourishes

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1. White and silver hand-crafted wreath with blue accents and hand-painted wooden monogram snowflake centerpiece, $65. Water Street Wreaths,

Madisonville, 792-7979. 2. You, Me, and a cuppa tea! $32.95. Nonna Randazzo’s, Covington, 893-1488 or Mandeville, 898-

2444. 3. Louis XV French gilt mirror, $2,600. Antiques and Décor, Mandeville, 635-2035. 4. Handthrown pottery wine glasses by local artist Annie Redd, $95/set of 4. mélange by KP, Mandeville, 8077652. 5. Large trophy urn, $185. Gild Home Décor, Mandeville, 629-

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4002. 6. A network of metal cords cinched in the center form the table’s pedestal base. Forty-eight-inch tabletop completes the look, pending chairs of your choice, $979. Doerr Furniture, New Orleans, 504-947-0606. 7. Create your own custom sideboard. Hand crafted in the USA. The French Mix, Covington, 809-3152. November-December 2016 97

INside Look 3

1 2

Touches of Taupe 1. Adrianna Papell mink-colored sequined lace sheath dress, $169. Columbia Street Mercantile, Covington, 809-1789 or 809-1690. 2. Ramy Brook drop-waist silk dress, $395. Eros Home and Clothing, Mandeville, 727-0034. 6

3. Multi-shape and -color pearl bracelet, $39. Columbia Street Mercantile, Covington, 809-1789 or 809-1690. 4. Kevyn Aucoin limited edition Essential eyeshadow set in Bloodroses Palette, $58. H2O Salon Northshore, Mandeville, 951-8166. 5. Chinese Laundry leather boots featuring a knee-high shaft with a scrunched design, side zipper, stiletto heel and pointed toe, $99. The Lifestyle Store at Francoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Mandeville, 7920200. 6. Wine lace bell dress, $64. Posh Boutique, Covington, 898-2639.

Inside Northside

November-December 2016 99

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Inside Northside

INside Look 3

5 1 2

Touches of Taupe 1. Polished rose-colored beaded necklace with natural bone horn pendant, $68. The Oasis Day Spa, Mandeville, 624-6772. 2. Sleeveless, scoopneck, front-zip dress with reversible grosgrain ribbon belt, $228. Exclusive at Ballin’s LTD., Covington, 892-0025. 3. Taupe knit drop-waist dress by Ella Moss, $235. Vine, Mandeville, 792-5045. 4. Morganite ring with 2.19ct tw Morganite and .5 cttw diamonds set in 14kt rose gold, $3,300. DeLuca’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts, Covington, 892-2317.

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5. Rain slicker with gold snap and zipper detail, attached hood and roll-back cuffs. Available in different colors, $196. The Villa, Mandeville, 626-9797. 6. Reserve Collection Herringbone V-Neck Tailored Fit Sweater, $149.50. Reserve Collection Tailored Fit Flat Front Corduroy Pants, $89.50. Jos A. Bank Clothiers, Mandeville, 624-4067. 7. Lightly molded Anita “Ophelia” plunge bra in café au lait with pink crystal detail, $82; matching panty, $34. 30 B-36 E. Bra Genie, Mandeville, 951-8638. November-December 2016 101

INside Look

Touches of Taupe 1. Cozy Barefoot Dreams robe, $115.95. Earthsavers, Mandeville, 674-1133. 2. Kendra Scott Elle rose gold earrings in natural brown pearl. Paisley, Mandeville, 727-7880. 3. 14kt yellow gold ring with round smoky quartz center with pave diamond halo and pave

diamond shank. Quartz totals approximately 4.83cttw and diamonds total approximately 0.17cttw, $525. Lee Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine Jewelry, Metairie, 504832-0000. 4. Long-sleeved cotton button-down shirt in evergreen tree print with red trim comes with matching pants with adjustable tie at the waist, $153. Hestia Luxury in Linens, Covington. 893-0490. 5. Beatrice Ditsy print dress, $78; poppy print dress $78. Olive Patch, Covington, 3275772. 6. Navy blue and white check romper with a pumpkin 6

appliquĂŠ from Rosalina. Sizes 6 to 24 months, $36. Baby & Me, Mandeville, 626-0267.

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Inside Northside

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Inside Northside

INside Look

2 3

Touches of Taupe

1. Natural stone beaded bracelet with an accent stone, $21.99. Private Beach, Mandeville, 674-2326.

2. Blush v-neck sweater with lace-up back detail and drop shoulder hem, $62. Brown Eyed Girl, Mandeville, 6

626-0100. 3. Satin bomber jacket, $49. JuJuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boutique, Mandeville, 624-3600. 4. Taupe crinkle top with square buttons, $98. CDN Clothing, Covington, 327-7300. 5. Brea Wrap style shown in Heathered Wheat, $138. Palm Village, a Lily Pulitzer Signature Store, Mandeville. 7782547. 6. 1.10ct natural cognac

diamond ring accented with .83cttw white brilliant cut diamonds and set in 18kt white and yellow gold, $8,170. De Boscq Fine Jewelry, Mandeville, 674-0007. 7. Take a walk on the wild side in street-chic booties by Seychelles, $149. ShoefflĂŠ, Covington, 898-6465. November-December 2016 105

by Leah Draffen

106

“YOU CRAVE WHAT YOU NEED, whether it’s your hunger or your soul,” says Candia Love. “I always offer what I crave on the buffet, because if I need it, someone else needs it, too.” Right past the Louisiana-Mississippi line is the quaint Highway 35 Country Diner. While most restaurants’ names do not denote what’s inside, the Country Diner’s certainly does. It’s on Highway 35 and you’ll find country comfort food inside. Candia, affectionately known as Ms. Candy or whatever you want to call her “as long as it’s sweet,” opened the diner in 2004. Ms. Candy made her way from Clinton, Mississippi, with her then-husband, who wanted to

Inside Northside

start a landscape venture in the area. “I agreed to come for the summer,” says Ms. Candy. “It has now been 12 years!” She knew nothing about cooking when she opened the diner. Her specialties were sandwiches and hamburgers. “I opened the restaurant with a strictly sandwich menu in mind. Little did I know that these country folks don’t want sandwiches—they want real food.” About a year into the sandwich shop, Ms. Candy kept watching possible-customer after possible-customer stick their head in the door to ask if she had plate lunches. “I then knew what I had to do, but of course, that’s when Katrina hit.” The building was extensively damaged; Ms.

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Satisfying Hunger Candia Love’s and Hearts Country Diner

Candy’s marriage had ended; and she was left to decide her next move. “I had to make it work, and that’s what I did,” she grins. “Days following the storm, I had no idea what was going on around me. I offered a utility crew out of North Carolina food if they put my restaurant on the top of the list for power. The next morning, I had power, and they had breakfast. I didn’t realize that I was the only open restaurant for many miles. The entourage of power trucks drew more people, and that’s when the blessings poured in. “It was a man cave for a while. Construction crews, tree crews, volunteers—but I credit what I now know to 18 railroad men.” The railroad runs behind the diner, with a stop not far away. The 18 men served as “guinea pigs” for Ms. Candy, telling her what they liked to eat, what fixings went with what meats and so on. The buffet, like the diner itself, came about by happenstance. “There was man who stopped to eat one day, and I noticed he had a steam table in the back of his truck. I asked him what he was doing with it and if I could offer him something for it. We made a deal, and that’s how the buffet started.” The original steam table still keeps all of Ms. Candy’s delectable buffet offerings warm. One glance at the buffet and her common question, “Did y’all come hungry?” makes perfect sense. Fried chicken, fish, baked chicken and a selection of vegetables including stewed okra and tomatoes, lima beans and turnip greens are some of the everyday options. However, if you let Ms. Candy know you’re coming, she’ll put your favorite on the buffet. Some of her other specialties include chicken and dumplings and >> November-December 2016 107

newly added chicken and grits. “You often hear about shrimp and grits, but I decided to do it a little different. I cooked down the grits with chicken, added tomatoes and some other good things and ended up very happy with the result. It’s now requested.” For a woman who didn’t know how to cook 12 years ago, she certainly knows how now. And she believes in making her food healthy—even if you don’t notice. All food served at the Country Diner is fresh and never processed or pre-packaged. When you step in the front door, there are produce boxes filled with potatoes, rutabagas and whatever else Ms. Candy wants to serve that day. She says her food inspiration often comes from dreams. “There was once a solid month where all I dreamed was orange. I tried everything orange. I even made a carrot soufflé, but that wasn’t it. It was carrot salad—I make a good one, too,” she smiles. “So I served carrot salad until I didn’t crave it anymore. I firmly believe that we crave what we need even if you don’t know you need it.” Ms. Candy finds ways to make everything a bit healthier, whether it’s mixing in a little turmeric or apple cider vinegar or maybe even some mustard seeds and cilantro. “It’s subtle,” she snickers. “These country folks don’t want healthy! You say healthy and they run!” 108

Inside Northside

Opposite: At the entryway of the diner, boxes of potatoes, rutabagas and other produce sit under letters, photos and stories from Ms. Candy’s beloved customers.

Above: Ms. Candy’s well-known fried chicken next to fresh cornbread and rolls on the buffet. Left: Ms. Candy with Pastor Kathy Pfleider of

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Varnado United Methodist Church.

(Having eaten the food myself for many years, I never knew it was healthy. I always thought it was just like my grandmother made it—pounds of butter, fat and all.) Eating in the diner, you can tell that each dish is made with love. “I always cook each dish like it’s the only thing I’m cooking that day.” And that is certainly how it feels. Outside of the buffet, Ms. Candy still offers a menu complete with original sandwiches and burgers, including the Colossal, which is a full pound of meat. Speaking of pounds, Ms. Candy had to admit that she noticed herself gaining a little while working. “I mentioned it to Renee Creppel, who has been with me for a very long time, and she asked me, ‘Well, what did you eat today?’ I had no clue. She said her grandfather always said, ‘If you can’t remember what you ate that day, you ate too much.’ At the end of the next day, she handed me a guest

receipt with everything I ate that day, including each customer I ate with! I had eaten 17 times. 17! She got me there,” laughs Ms. Candy. “So, I cut back. I eat little portions—beans here, chicken there.” It’s easy to eat until your heart is content at the Country Diner. She greets everyone with a smile, a hug and sometimes a kiss. She likes to call these her “sugar breaks” when she sees a regular customer come in for lunch. No one is a stranger at Country Diner. Ms. Candy makes sure of it. She says that she always wants the food to taste good, but she wants her customers to feel even better. “A lot of restaurants worry about the décor. I worry about the food and the atmosphere. This place is held together by duct tape,” she jokes. “So I’ve gotten very good at distracting people from looking too long!” A conversation with Ms. Candy >>

is always one of value. You learn something or find comfort in something she says. In 2007, after Ms. Candy’s house burned, the community rallied to help her and her four children get back on their feet. She felt that she needed to stay to give back. And that is what she’s done. “This is more than just a restaurant to this community. I don’t understand it. I just show up everyday.” Ms. Candy has learned a lot since opening the diner—how to cook, how to manage and how to teach. Every crewmember’s restaurant experience started at the diner. “You wouldn’t know it, but not one of these people had food experience before coming here. I’ve learned to teach and train them as I’ve learned. We call it ‘on the job training’ for sure,” she laughs. But, she says she has learned best from those around her. “I credit every person that comes through that door as a teacher. I learn something from each of them.” An interesting bit of knowledge Ms. Candy has learned is about rutabagas. Yes, that’s a real word. “You know, I kept having people calling in to ask if we served “rutabagers.” I called my sister to ask what “rutabagers” were. She told me about them and how 110

Inside Northside

each member of our family had served them in the past. I then asked what the real name of them was and she said ‘rutabagas.’ So, I learned how to cook them. They’re very simple, but people love them. I haven’t quite figured that out yet—my question is do they go to bed thinking about rutabagas or do they wake up thinking about rutabagas? Why do they call every morning to see if I’m serving them? I have no clue.” Jokes are often on the menu, and so is laughter. Ms. Candy’s laugh is loud and bright, easily filling the room with a sense of happiness. Stepping into the Country Diner, you know it’s different. You know you’re not going to leave hungry, and you can sense that you’ll leave changed for the better. “I feel like the Lord picked me up and set me here and said ‘this is where you’re suppose to be,’” Ms. Candy smiles. “I have had little confirmations every day for 12 years that keep me here.” The Country Diner is open six days a week Monday through Saturday from 6 am to 4 pm and closed on Sunday. (If you’re wondering where Ms. Candy is, she’s in the third pew at Varnado United Methodist.) The diner is located at 1504 Highway 35 in South Foxworth, Mississippi.

Preserving History

Clockwise: The reading room at the Williams Research Center, 533

IN 1938, GENERAL L. KEMPER WILLIAMS and his wife, Leila, purchased their first two properties in the French Quarter as part of a preservation movement that sought to revitalize one of America’s most treasured neighborhoods. They called the Quarter home for 18 years, during which time they amassed a substantial collection of important Louisiana materials meriting public access. With this goal in mind—of making the materials available for the public to visit, study, and enjoy—they established The Historic New Orleans Collection in 1966. With the deaths of Leila and Kemper Williams, in 1966 and 1971 respectively, a foundation bearing their names established THNOC as an endowed institution supervised by a seven-member board of directors. Today, the Williams’ legacies are alive and well. THNOC is a museum, research center, and publisher dedicated to preserving the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South. In its near-50-year

Chartres Street; the portrait gallery in the Counting House, 533 Royal Street; portrait sketches of Leila Hardie Moore Williams and General L. Kemper Williams drawn in 1938 by Clarence Mattei. 112

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history, THNOC has augmented its physical structure to include several historic buildings at two French Quarter campuses: 533 Royal Street and 410 Chartres Street. Its holdings comprise more than one million items from more than three centuries, documenting moments both major and minor. The Williams’ devotion to architectural preservation paved the way for THNOC’s expansion and preservation of its 11 French Quarter buildings, many of which house original exhibitions and programming year round. Readers also have something to gain: since the late 1970s, THNOC’s publications have encompassed a broad range of historical subjects ranging from art, music, culture and photography to manuscripts and biographies and the popular Quarterly magazine. THNOC’s four exhibition spaces—the Williams Gallery, the Louisiana History Galleries, the Boyd Cruise Gallery and the new Laura Simon Nelson Galleries for >>

photos courtesy: THE HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION

50 Years of The Historic New Orleans Collection

114

Inside Northside

The Historic New Orleans Collection’s flagship

photos courtesy: THE HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION

location, 533 Royal Street.

Top: The Williams Gallery at 533 Royal Street hosts rotating exhibitions throughout the year. This photograph shows Pipe Dreams: Louisiana under the French Company of the Indies, 1717–1731, which was on view in 2013. Above: Assorted titles published by the Historic New

Louisiana Art—faithfully depict the multicultural stories of the region, from permanent displays exploring the evolution of Louisiana to rotating exhibitions showcasing history and fine art. Researchers—dedicated scholars and casual history buffs—can access THNOC’s materials through the Williams Research Center. After a half century of chronicling the past, The Historic New Orleans Collection looks forward to an expansion of museum and educational space to coincide with the city’s approaching tricentennial. In addition to a May gala that celebrated the 50th anniversary, the museum at 533 Royal St. is offering 50-cent tours on the first Friday of every month. Docents will lead tours of THNOC’s courtyards and architecture, a special themed tour of the Louisiana History Galleries, or the Williams Residence where The Historic New Orleans Collection was born.

Orleans Collection including Vaudechamp in New Orleans, Printmaking in New Orleans and In Search of Julien Hudson.

For detailed information about The Historic New Orleans Collection and its many programs and exhibitions, go to hnoc.org. November-December 2016 115

IN the Bookcase

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

Political Suicide by Erin McHugh

WHO WILL YOU VOTE FOR, come November? No doubt you probably know who you’re not voting for, but maybe at least one of many candidates from your party ticket has captured your attention. Now, you just have to hope nobody does anything to jeopardize that or make you change your mind. In the new book, Political Suicide by Erin McHugh, you’ll see that all kinds of things can go wrong. Politicians are human. There are surely times when you’d like to think otherwise, but the truth is that they laugh, they cry, they love— and they do boneheaded things. Their greed gets the better of them. Their egos need stroking, or their tempers take over. Take, for instance, Daniel

Sickles. Though the New York State assemblyman was a known philanderer himself, he was furious that his missus enjoyed a dalliance. Sickles killed his wife’s lover and went to trial but pleaded temporary insanity, becoming the first person to successfully be acquitted in that manner. Also lucky was a California Congressman who killed a man over a lack of breakfast; he likewise served no jail time. Throughout history, there have been many scandalous quirks in politics. One sitting Congressman served his country from an insane asylum. One was re-elected to Congress while in jail. And one notable Congressman told a mega-whopper of a lie to gain his seat, then tried to explain it by saying that he was “a

prisoner” of his own story. There’s money to be found in politics—although, unfortunately, it doesn’t always belong to the politician. That doesn’t always stop them from taking the cash, however: one state treasurer who called himself Honest Dick, “in fact, was not.” Questionable loans are altogether too common. And imagine the shock when one small town discovered that its comptrollertreasurer “stole $53 million… money right out of the pockets of her friends and neighbors.” There have been sex scandals aplenty in politics, words that went awry and a lot of big mouths. Racism has reared its terrible head, as has double-crossing and blame-laying. History repeats itself in contentious elections and Supreme Court nominations. And at least one political “man among men” wasn’t a man at all… Looking for a little levity in the wreckage of this political year? You’ll find some between the lines in Political Suicide, but don’t expect belly laughs or goofy stories. No, author Erin McHugh gives readers lots of true (and outrageous!) tales, but the humor comes from the situations themselves more than from the author. McHugh is quick to point out the ridiculousness of what happened, but she also puts things into historical and cultural perspective; what’s more, her accounts seem sympathetic now and then, especially when naiveté is involved. That gives readers a nice balance of silly, sad and scandalous. What’s not to like about that? Nothing, that’s what. So, White House watchers, voters, fed-up folks and historians should want to read this book. If you need a hint of disgracefully laden lightheartedness, Political Suicide is just the ticket. November-December 2016 117

President’s Letter

Harvest Cup Polo Classic 2016 Highway 190 Beautification Project, to name a few.

What are some of the first things that come to your mind when you think of the Junior League of

women, we continue to develop projects that impact

Greater Covington? Volunteers, Harvest Cup Polo

the community. Current Community Impact Projects

Classic, Project Prom? We are all of those things

include Project Homecoming, Project Prom and Girls’

and more! The Junior League of Greater Covington

Health Day. We conducted our second annual Project

is a women’s not-for-profit volunteer organization

Homecoming in August; JLGC provided dresses, shoes,

committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the

accessories and hair and make-up tips to 100 high

potential of women and improving the community

school young ladies. It was great to see them light up

through effective action and leadership of trained

with excitement over the clothes, make-up and hair

volunteers.

styling—and the generosity of the League members

Nine women who shared a vision of voluntarism

and community! Speaking with some of the parents

and a commitment to their community established

really showed us that we are making an impact in the

the Junior League of Greater Covington in 1977.

lives of these young women. They have the opportunity

Our Founding Members’ vision lives on today as we

to participate in a high school experience feeling

approach our 40th Anniversary in 2017. Over the

confident and comfortable in what they are wearing, all

years, JLGC has developed many projects-turned-

while decreasing the financial burden on the families.

independent-organizations that are still in existence.

118

With our growing membership of over 200

In addition to our Community Impact Projects,

JLGC was instrumental in the development of the

JLGC also supports The Children’s Museum of St.

YMCA for Western St. Tammany, Meals on Wheels,

Tammany, our Signature Project. League volunteers

Youth Service Bureau, Kris Kringle (now called

assist the museum project throughout the year at

Toys for Tots), the Northlake Nature Center and the

programs such as Museum without Walls and Kids

Inside Northside

Inside Northside is proud to partner with

the Junior League of Greater Covington.

photo: BOBBY GILBOY PHOTOGRAPHY

Dear Friends,

Town. Our newest committee, Community Research,

seventh Northshore Designer Showhouse. Thank

is evaluating issue-based needs within the community

you to Forshag Construction and our ten designers

to guide future planning of our Community Projects.

for this wonderful opportunity. The Showhouse was

Community Assistance Grants that match our focus

a huge success because of the hard work of Casey

areas of education, youth, elderly, cultural enrichment

Forshag, the designers, our volunteers and those

or community awareness are available annually

in the community who supported us by touring the

through application and review.

Showhouse.

The Junior League of Greater Covington hosts

I hope you now have a better idea of what the

fundraising events during the year to support

Junior League of Greater Covington is and what our

our community projects and allow us to fulfill our

volunteers do for the community. Join us at one of

mission statement. This year, we celebrate the 20th

our community or fundraising events to see JLGC in

Anniversary of our Harvest Cup Polo Classic on

action. A special thanks to our Community Partner,

November 6, 2016. We are proud to partner with our

Inside Northside, for supporting our fundraising

presenting sponsor, Techcrane, to offer a unique

events and community projects throughout the year!

opportunity to view live polo matches and enjoy

If you are interested in learning more about the

tastes from the best restaurants on the northshore!

Junior League of Greater Covington or becoming a

While strolling along the picturesque white tents, you

member, you can visit our website at www.jlgc.net.

can participate in the Pretty Woman Hat Contest, the Divot Stomp, silent and live auctions, the VIP

Sincerely,

Experience, Lee Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hay Pull, and much more. Visit www.501auctions.com/jlgcpolo to purchase

Molly D. Burns

tickets and learn more about our event.

President, 2016-2017

During the month of September, we hosted our

Junior League of Greater Covington

Get Your Harvest Cup Polo Classic Tickets Now! November 6, 11am Summergrove Farm

The JLGC Harvest

Go to www.harvestcuppolo.com or www.jlgc.net to purchase tickets.

Cup Polo Classic Committee.

Harvest Cup Polo Classic 2016 Event Sponsors 2016 PRESENTING SPONSOR

2016 COMMUNITY PARTNERS Fine Jewelers & Distinctive Gifts

Special thanks to our Sponsors: Associated Terminals/David Fennelly, J. Edgar Monroe Foundation, Golf Cart World, Truitt Law Firm, Summers Neurology and Fidelity/NOLA Lending. Pretty Woman Hat Contest Sponsor: Haute Dames Couture. Divot Stomp Contest Sponsor: ShoefflĂŠ. November-December 2016 119

Poster Artist

Poster Artist Catherine Camp Harvest Cup Polo Classic 2016 AS AN ARCHITECT, Covingtonresident Catherine Camp has always enjoyed the “art” side of architecture. She says, “I love the renderings and the creative side of it. It’s the reason

look realistic. I think that’s why I enjoy painting

I took watercolor courses throughout

Louisiana landscapes and settings. They don’t

college.” Catherine’s love of art

have to look as exact as people do, for example.”

followed her into motherhood as

Outside of landscapes, Catherine often

she began to stay at home with her

paints horses as her subjects. Her daughters

three daughters. It was then that she

ride horses in Folsom, which gives her plenty

found time to begin taking classes at

of time to study them. “My daughters are my

Armbruster Artworks.

equestrian consultants,” she laughs. “I always

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

“I was one of Gretchen

check with them while painting horses to make

Armbruster’s first students when her

sure everything is correct. They’ll say, ‘oh mom,

school was still at her house. She is a

that would never go there’ or ‘that polo sock

wonderful teacher and has taught me

needs to be raised!’ They certainly helped me

so much! While I have a designated

with the painting chosen for this year’s Harvest

art room at home, I prefer to go to

Cup poster.”

the studio. I enjoy getting her input as well as my classmates’.” Catherine began working in oils

Catherine’s painting was submitted after Gretchen encouraged her to do so. She says, “The showing and selling aspect of painting is

over eight years ago as she continued

recent for me. “I was shocked when my painting

to develop her impressionist style.

was chosen.” As poster artist, Catherine is thrilled

“With my architecture background,

to share her work with this year’s Harvest Cup

I had a hard time accepting the

attendees. “I’m excited to be a part of it. It’s an

fact that everything did not have to

honor to help raise money for the Junior League.”

Inside Northside is proud to partner with

the Junior League of Greater Covington.

November-December 2016 121

photo: DANNY E HOOKS

Auction Items

1. 6L Methuselah Bottle Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne - Valued at $975. 2. Masters Golf Tournament Package with 3-night stay and admission for two to the 2017 Masters final rounds. 3. Sip and Soar Through Napa Valley Package with a hot air balloon ride for two including champagne, private tours and wine tastings, 3-night stay at the Meritage Resort and Spa and round-trip, coach-class airfare for two. 4. Hopedale Guided Fishing Trip for two with full-day charter, all fishing equipment and tackle, bait, and ice for fishing, and cleaning and packaging. 5. 3-Course Gourmet Pizza Party for 30 guests from Isabellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizzeria & Mobile Wood-Burning Oven - Valued at $1,200.

122

Inside Northside

Inside Northside is proud to partner with

the Junior League of Greater Covington.

November-December 2016 123

IN Development by Julie Landry

AT THE ST. TAMMANY Economic Development Foundation, we work to bring new businesses into our parish and enrich the local economy with new jobs, new dollars and new growth. We want to remain competitive, and in order to do so, we rely on a number of business development and retention practices, including regional marketing, workforce development and land development—specifically, site certification. As technology improves and information becomes more readily available, businesses looking to build new facilities take less time to decide where to locate. For companies considering relocation or expansion into Louisiana, Certified Sites are a powerful time-saver and a selling-point for St. Tammany.

offers quick access to major infrastructure hubs, connecting businesses to the Gulf-South region and beyond while offering some of the lowest business costs available. As part of the Greater New Orleans metro region, St. Tammany recently ranked no. 4 in KPMG’s list of metro-areas in the southeastern United States with the lowest business costs. St. Tammany has already proven itself as a successful and favored home for national and international corporate headquarters such as POOLCORP, Hornbeck Offshore Services, Nestlé Health Science-Pamlab, Netchex, Rain CII and more. By working with developers to ensure that our parish offers a dynamic selection of Certified Sites, STEDF paves the way for even more companies to establish

Certified Sites Foster Growth Louisiana Economic Development—the statewide economic development organization—designates available sites as development-ready or “shovel-ready” after a strenuous pre-qualification process, ensuring Louisiana’s Certified Sites are primed for a speedy groundbreaking. Developers value Certified Sites for their considerable documentation and extensive prescreening, which mitigate the risks associated with land development. STEDF works diligently with local land developers to certify their sites, promoting maximum exposure to the largest clientele of businesses nationwide and positioning St. Tammany for strategic growth. With more than 800 acres distributed among seven Certified Sites, St. Tammany offers wide-ranging, diverse opportunities for growing businesses—and we expect to announce two more Certified Sites before the end of the year. Site selectors demonstrate particular interest in St. Tammany’s Certified Sites because they are deliberately housed in close proximity to the Interstate 10-12 corridor. Each Certified Site in St. Tammany 124

Inside Northside

their operations quickly and easily, creating new jobs for our residents. STEDF also works with land developers to expand the business parks in our parish. Across the country, campus-style business parks have become the norm for accommodating, attracting and growing industry. Many business parks—in St. Tammany and elsewhere—now include a residential component, and these mixed-use parks help to minimize commutes. As some of these parks are close to capacity, STEDF continues to collaborate with local land developers to identify new opportunities for strategic planning and to certify eligible sites. When a business decides to relocate or expand, we want St. Tammany to be ready to accommodate that need with speed and dexterity. Certified Sites improve the chances for both. More information about Certified Sites in St. Tammany can be found online at www.stedf.org. Julie Landry is the Communications Specialist at the St. Tammany Economic Development Foundation.

November-December 2016 125

At the Table by Tom Fitzmorris

King

Dinner Table

NEW ORLEANS IS SO WELL KNOWN for seafood that it doesn’t sound quite right to say that it’s a great steak town as well. With the possible exception of New York City, where the steakhouse as we know it was created, New Orleans is at least the equal of Chicago in its steak cookery and better than any other town. Yes, better than Kansas City. Former Saints Coach Bum Philips once said, “The worst steak in New Orleans is better than the best steak in Texas.” He should know. For most Americans, steak is never far from our minds when we sit down to dinner. Even those who usually eat other entrées almost always give a thought to the filet mignon that appears on every white-tablecloth menu in town. They will ruminate over the duck, fish, 126

Inside Northside

scallops and veal dishes, then say, “You know, I think I’ll just have the steak tonight.” Just the steak? They are fooling no one. By God, they want that steak. Unlike most cities, New Orleans has long considered USDA Prime aged beef as a standard. We can thank John Vojkovich for that. He opened the Crescent City Steakhouse with top-end beef back in 1934. He had another good idea: serving the steak sizzling in butter on a hot plate. That became the New Orleans steak style. Vojkovich also picked the perfect location for his steakhouse. In the 1930s, people leaving the Fair Grounds racetrack were likely to drive right in front of the Crescent City. If they had a good day at the parimutuels, they liked the idea of blowing some of their

illustration: GRETCHEN ARMBRUSTER

of the

winnings on a good steak. Not long after, Chris Steak House opened nearby and tapped into this rich stream. After Ruth bought it, it grew into the world’s top premium steakhouse, which it remains. (When Ruth Fertel still walked among us, she was the most successful female restaurateur in the world.) Now as then, steakhouses give anyone the chance to spend big dollars in a restaurant without actually knowing anything about food. Even in the best steakhouses, the high-pedigree beef and other entrées are prepared very simply, accompanied by gigantic portions of the most basic side dishes. Such steakhouses boomed across the country in the 1990s and ever since. To us, these newcomers are only additions to what we already had here. But very welcome. Because the thought of a great steak inspires lust. I’ll bet you’re thinking about having one right now, in fact. (I know I am.) Steakhouses play two different image games. One category makes a big deal over the pedigree of its beef, claiming high USDA grades, special breeds, aging and other matters that they hope will keep customers distracted from the lofty prices such steaks command. (Although a case could be made that many steakhouse customers actually like to spend top dollar on their steaks.) Another steakhouse variety puts its efforts into finding excellent steaks at a lower price. These often don’t sport high USDA codes. But most of the time they don’t need them. The grading system is, let us note, not exactly scientific. I have bought many choice-grade steaks that had better marbling (the little streaks and flecks of fat that give the best beef its richness of flavor and tenderness) than the USDA Prime right next to it. Below is my list of the ten best steakhouses. I have ordered them by location, but doing that sets them more or less in the order of excellence. This is not the same as a list of the best steaks served around town. A lot of excellent steaks come from restaurants that aren’t really steakhouses. For the purposes of this list, a steakhouse is defined as a restaurant where steak is offered in many cuts and dominates the menu. Paradox: steakhouses with few entrées other than steaks, or with ordinary appetizers and sides, will not rank as highly as they would if they did. If you don’t see your favorite steakhouse here,

send me an angry letter that tells me which places might be better.

NORTHSHORE Keith Young’s Steak House. Madisonville: 165 LA 21. 985-845-9940. One of the northshore’s handsomest and best restaurants in any category, always busy. Keith Young selects his meat by hand and is always standing in front of the grill. Unusually good appetizers and sides. Best cut: large filet mignon. Gallagher’s Grill. Covington: 509 S. Tyler. 985892-9992. Also Pat Gallagher’s 527. Mandeville: 527 Causeway Blvd. 985-778-2320. Pat Gallagher has operated many excellent restaurants over the decades, but something got under his skin after he spent a few years as the executive chef of Ruth’s Chris in Metairie. His current restaurant doesn’t call itself a steakhouse, but it is one, with prime beef hand-cut in house, sizzling in butter. Great chops and a full menu of contemporary Creole eats. Best cut: filet.

UPTOWN Mr. John’s Steakhouse. Uptown: Garden District and environs: 2111 St. Charles Ave. 504-679-7697. Everything is prime and so closely trimmed that it winds up being a better deal than most of the other restaurants in this list. The steaks are served with New Orleans-style sizzling butter. The rest of the menu includes not only the requisite few seafood dishes but also a rather extensive line of Italian entrees—a good match with the steaks. Best cut: New Orleans-cut strip (a double-thick sirloin strip cut into two pieces the size and shape of filets).

FRENCH QUARTER Galatoire’s 33 Bar & Steak. French Quarter: 215 Bourbon St. 504-335-3932. A prime steakhouse was a great idea for the newly-annexed building on Galatoire’s right. The steaks and chops (the lamb in particular) are excellent by any standard, broiled deftly, and served with a wide range of sauces. Best cut: New York strip. Doris Metropolitan. French Quarter: 620 Chartres St. 504-267-3500. The newest game in town, just off Jackson Square, with a glass-walled, walk-in cooler displaying large primal cuts of beef undergoing lengthy dry aging. What comes to the table may be >> November-December 2016 127

intrinsically the best beef being served in New Orleans right now. Some of the cuts are literally indescribable. Work is needed on the sides and desserts. Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse. French Quarter: 716 Iberville. 504-522-2467. The concept is terrific, the surroundings elegant in a masculine way and the important cuts (but not all anymore) are prime. When it’s on, DBS is fantastic. But it can be inconsistent, especially when packed with insurance salesmen and the like. (It seems that every convention in town learns that this is the place to eat in New Orleans.) Best cut: black-iron-skillet sirloin strip.

INside Dining

events and catering also provided. carretasgrill.com. MCC.

MCC: Major credit cards accepted

The Chimes, 19130 W. Front St., 892-

ME: Menu Express delivery

5396. Catering, Sunday brunch, daily

RR: Reservations recommended

lunch specials, 72 beers on tap. Lunch and dinner. chimesbeeru.com. MCC.

ABITA SPRINGS Abita Barbecue, 69399 Hwy. 59,

Coffee Rani, 234-A Lee Ln., 893-

400-5025. Ribs, brisket, chicken,

6158. Soup and salad specialists.

pulled pork and boudin. MCC.

coffeerani.com. MCC.

Abita Brew Pub, 72011 Holly St.,

Columbia St. Tap Room & Grill,

892-5837. Good fun and great

434 N. Columbia St., 898-0899.

beer. On the Trace. Lunch, dinner.

Lunch, dinner. covingtontaproom.

abitabrewpub.com. MCC.

com. MCC, ME.

Abita Springs Café, 22132 Level

Dakota Restaurant, 629 N. Hwy.

St., 867-9950. Tues-Sun. MCC.

190, 892-3712. Contemporary

METAIRIE Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Metairie: 3633 Veterans Blvd. 504-888-3600. After New Orleans-born Ruth Fertel sold the world’s most successful premium steakhouse chain to corporate investors, the two local restaurants slipped in quality. Their behavior after Katrina made a lot of people angry, to boot. But those executives are gone, and for the past few years Ruth’s in our area has improved steadily. The Metairie restaurant in particular is consistent and exciting. The downtown place is handsomer but not quite as good. Best cut: porterhouse for two.

Louisiana cuisine using local Camellia Café, 69455 Hwy. 59,

and seasonal ingredients.

809-6313. Traditional seafood and

thedakotarestaurant.com. MCC, RR.

New Orleans cuisine. thecamelliacafe. Del Porto Restaurant, 501 E. Boston

com. MCC.

St., 875-1006. Northern Italian cuisine. Mama D’s Pizza & More, 22054 Hwy. 59, 809-0308. Lunch, dinner. mamadspizza.com.

Crescent City Steak House. Mid-City: 1001 N Broad. 504821-3271. This is the steakhouse that set the standard for New Orleans’s great beef-eating tradition. The bubbling butter idea started here, as did the idea of serving only top-quality beef aged in house. In its second generation, the Crescent City hasn’t changed much over the years. It still looks like a neighborhood cafe. Prices are significantly lower than in any comparable steakhouse. Best cut: porterhouse for two or more.

LAKEVIEW Steak Knife. Lakeview: 888 Harrison Ave. 504-488-8981. After 40 years, the Steak Knife buys prime and handles steaks well. It continues to evolve away from a strictly steakhouse character, with a menu of great dishes in every category. This has not taken anything away from the steaks, however. They still have all their chops—literally. Best cut: ribeye.

WEST BANK O’Brien’s Grill. CBD: 2020 Belle Chasse Hwy. 504-566-0221. Easily the best steak place on the West Bank, this place looks like a warehouse on the outside, but inside it has the elegant atmosphere of a speakeasy. First-class steaks and chops and a lot of substance in the starters and sides. Best cut: New York strip. 128

Inside Northside

Di Martino’s, 700 S. Tyler St., 2766460. Great food and reasonable

COVINGTON

MID-CITY

delportoristorante.com. MCC, RR.

Abita Roasting Company,

prices. Lunch, dinner. dimartinos. com. MCC.

1011 Village Walk., 246-3345. abitaroasting.com.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, 69292 Hwy. 21, 871-2225. Locally-owned and

Acme Oyster House, 1202 Hwy.

-operated franchise. Kids eat free on

190, 246-6155. Lunch, dinner.

Sundays. MCC.

mamdspizza.com. MCC. DiCristina’s Restaurant, 810 N. Albasha, 1958 Hwy. 190,

Columbia St., Ste. C, 875-0160.

867-8292. Mediterranean cuisine.

Italian and seafood. dicristinas.com.

albashabr.com. MCC.

MCC.

Annadele’s Plantation, 71518

Don’s Seafood Hut, 126 Lake

Chestnut St., 809-7669. Yellow fin

Dr., 327-7111. Lunch and dinner.

tuna, domestic lamb & much more.

donsseafoodonline.com. MCC.

annadeles.com. MCC, checks. The English Tea Room, 734 Bear’s Restaurant, 128 W. 21st St.,

Rutland St., 898-3988. Authentic

892-2373. Best po-boys in the world.

English cream teas. Special event

MCC.

teas, English scones, crumpets and cakes. Serving breakfast and

Buster’s Place, 519 E. Boston St.,

lunch. Mon-Sat, 7:30am-6pm.

809-3880. Seafood, po-boys, steaks.

englishtearoom.com. MCC, RR.

Lunch, dinner. MCC. Fat Spoon Café, 2807 N Highway Carreta’s Grill, 70380 Hwy. 21,

190., 893-5111. Breakfast, Lunch, Tues-

871-6674. Great Mexican cuisine and

Sun. 7am-2pm. Breakfast severed until

margaritas served in a family-friendly

10:30 on weekdays and all day Saturday

atmosphere for lunch and dinner. Kids

and Sunday. Reserve Fat Spoon Café

eat free every Wednesday! Private

for your next party. fatspooncafe.com. MCC.

i Gallagher’s Grill, 509 S. Tyler

5, 893-1488. Full service, year-round

St., 892-9992. Lunch, Tues-Sat

bakery. Luncheon salads, panini,

11:30am-2:30pm. Dinner, 5-9:30pm.

catering, donuts, kingcakes, cupcakes

gallaghersgrill.com. MCC.

and wedding cakes. Tues-Sun, open at

7am. nonnaskingcakes.com. MCC. Garcia’s Famous Mexican Food, 200 River Highlands Blvd., 327-7420.

Ox Lot 9, 428 E Boston St., 4005663. Hotel. Dinner, Sunday brunch.

Glory Bound Gyro Company, 500

oxlot9.com. MCC.

River Highlands Blvd., Ste. A, 8710711. Open 7 days a week, lunch and

Papi’s Fajita Factory of Covington,

dinner. A new age American restaurant

1331 N. Hwy. 190 Ste. 100, 893-1382.

concept with Mediterranean influences.

Kids eat free on Tuesday nights. Open

gloryboundgyroco.com. MCC.

7 days a week for lunch and dinner. MCC.

Italian Pie, 70488 Hwy. 21, 8715252. Dine in or carry out. italianpie.

Pardos, 69305 Hwy. 21, 893-3603.

com. MCC, checks.

Lunch, Tues-Fri; Dinner, Tues-Sun; Happy hour, Tues-Fri, 4-7pm. Private

La Carreta Authentic Mexican

parties and catering. pardosbistro.

Cuisine, 812 Hwy. 190, 624-

com. MCC.

2990. Festive Mexican atmosphere, fresh food from traditional recipes,

Pat’s Seafood Market and Cajun

outstanding service and value. Live

Deli, 1248 N. Collins Blvd., 892-7287.

music. Lunch and dinner seven days a

Jambalaya, gumbo, stuffed artichokes.

week. carretasrestaurant.com. MCC.

MCC, checks, ME.

Lola, 517 N. New Hampshire St., 892-

PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 70456 Hwy.

4992. Lunch, Mon-Fri; Dinner, Fri-Sat.

21, 875-7894. Catch your morning

Closed Sundays. lolacovington.com.

buzz at this convenient drive-thru! Catering. MCC.

Mattina Bella, 421 E. Gibson St., 892-0708. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Pizza Man of Covington, 1248 N.

MCC, checks.

Collins Blvd., 892-9874. Checks, ME.

McAlister’s Deli, 206 Lake Dr., Ste.

Raising Canes, 1270 N. Hwy. 190,

15, 898-2800. Great sandwiches,

809-0250. Chicken fingers, crinkle-cut

salads, overstuffed potatoes.

fries, coleslaw, texas toast, signature

mcalistersdeli.com. MCC, checks.

secret dipping sauce. Dine-in, to-go and catering. MCC.

Megumi of Covington, 1211 Village Walk, 893-0406.

Sala Thai, 315 N. Vermont St., 249-

megumirestaurant.net.

6990. Special salads, spring rolls, soups, noodle and curry dishes.

Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers,

Sun-Thurs, 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat,

1645 Hwy. 190, 327-5407. Salads,

11am-10pm.Lunch buffet weekdays,

pizzas, calzones. 20 craft beers on

11am-3pm. salathaibysu.com. MCC.

tap. Open 7 days a week. Lunch and dinner. MCC. mellowmushroom.com.

Sugarbear’s Sweet Shop, 100 Tyler Square, 276-2377. Creative

Mugshots Grill & Bar, 300

cakes and assorted sweets. Tues-Sat.

River Highlands Blvd., 893-2422.

sugarbearsweetshop.com.

mugshotsgrillandbar.com. Sweet Daddy’s, 420 S. Tyler St., New Orleans Food and Spirits, 208

898-2166. Pulled pork, brisket and ribs.

Lee Ln., 875-0432. Family owned and

sweetdaddysbarbq.com. MCC, ME.

operated. neworleansfoodspirits.com. MCC.

Vasquez Seafood & Po-Boys, 515 E. Boston St., 893-9336. Cuban

Nonna Randazzo’s Italian Bakery

sandwiches and more. vazquezpoboy.

and Cafè, 2033 N. Hwy. 190, Ste.

com. MCC, checks, ME.

November-December 2016 129

g MADISONVILLE

al la Parrilla. Best top-shelf margaritas in

events. MCC. nuvolaris.com.

Yujin Japanese Restaurant and

Abita Roasting Company, 504

town. georgesmexicanrestaurant.com.

Sushi Bar, 323 N. New Hampshire

Water St., 246-3340. abitaroasting.com.

MCC, ME.

Friends Costal Restaurant, 407

Gio’s Villa Vancheri, 2890 E.

American cuisine with fresh,

Zea Rotisserie & Grill, 110 Lake Dr.,

Saint Tammany St., (985) 246-3370.

Causeway App., 624-2597. Sicilian

local ingredients. Family-friendly

327-0520. Inspired American food.

geauxfriends.com.

specialties by 5-star chef Gio

atmosphere. Lunch and dinner.

Vancheri. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat.

Closed Mondays.

St., 809-3840. MCC.

639 Girod St., 612-1828. Homemade

zearestaurants.com. MCC. Keith Young’s Steakhouse, 165 HAMMOND Brady’s, 110 SW Railroad Ave., 542-

The Old Rail Brewing Company,

giosvillavancheri.com. MCC. RR. Pat Gallagher’s 527 Restaurant

Hwy. 21, 845-9940. Lunch, dinner, Jubilee Restaurant and Courtyard,

and Bar, 527 N. Causeway

301 Lafitte St., 778-2552.

Blvd, 778-2820. Lunch, Tues-Fri

Morton’s Boiled Seafood & Bar,

Contemporary Louisiana cuisine for

11:30am-2:30pm. Dinner, Tues-Sat

Don’s Seafood & Steak House,

702 Water St., 845-4970. Lunch,

dinner, lunch by Chef Tory Stewart.

5-9:30pm. gallaghers527restaurant.

1915 S. Morrison Blvd., 345-8550.

dinner. MCC, checks.

Casual fine dining, daily lunch/dinner

com.

Tues-Fri. keithyoungs.net. MCC.

6333. bradysdowntown.com.

donsseafoodonline.com. MCC.

specials, private events, catering. MANDEVILLE

jubileerestaurantcourtyard.com.

Pinkberry, 3460 Hwy. 190, 612-7306.

Jacmel Inn, 903 E. Morris St.,

The Barley Oak, 2101 Lakeshore

542-0043. Catering, special events,

Dr., 727-7420. Serving 130 styles of

K. Gee’s, 2534 Florida St., 626-0530.

yogurt that is the perfect balance of

weddings. jacmelinn.com. MCC,

beer, call and premium liquors. Lunch

Featuring Louisiana seafood with

sweet and tangy paired with high

checks.

and dinner. thebarleyoak.com. MCC.

raw oysters 1/2 price on Tuesdays.

quality, fresh cut fruit and premium dry

Express lunch and daily lunch specials

toppings. pinkberry.com.

Pinkberry is the original tart frozen

Kirin Sushi, 223 S. Cate St., 542-

Bosco’s Italian Café, 2040 Hwy. 59,

under $10. Mon-Thurs, 11am-9pm;

8888. kirinjapanesecuisine.com. MCC.

624-5066. boscositalian.com.

Fri-Sat, 11am-10pm. kgeesrestaurant.

PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 2963 Hwy.

com. MCC.

190, 674-1565. Catering. pjscoffee.

La Carreta Authentic Mexican

Café Lynn Restaurant and

Cuisine, 108 N.W Railroad Ave., 419-

Catering, 2600 Florida St., 624-

La Carreta Authentic Mexican

9990. Festive Mexican atmosphere,

9007. Casual fine dining for lunch,

Cuisine, 1200 W. Causeway

Raising Canes, 3801 Hwy. 22, 674-

fresh food from traditional recipes,

dinner and Sunday brunch by

App., 624-2990. Festive Mexican

2042. Chicken fingers, crinkle-cut

outstanding service and value. Live

Chef Joey Najolia. Tues-Fri, lunch:

atmosphere, fresh food from

fries, coleslaw, texas toast, signature

music. Lunch and dinner seven days

11am-3pm. Dinner, 5pm. Catering

traditional recipes, outstanding

secret dipping sauce. Dine-in, to-go

a week. carretarestaurant.com. MCC.

provided. cafelynn.com. MCC.

service and value. Live music. Lunch

and catering. MCC.

com. MCC.

and dinner seven days a week. Tommy’s on Thomas, 216 W.

Coffee Rani, 3517 Hwy. 190, 674-

Thomas St., 350-6100. Pizza, pastas.

0560. Soup and salad specialists.

Rip’s on the Lake, 1917 Lakeshore Dr., 727-2829.

The Lakehouse, 2025 Lakeshore

Lunch, dinner. tommysonthomas. com. MCC, checks.

carretasrestaurant.com. MCC.

Coscino’s Pizza, 1809 N. Causeway

Dr., 626-3006, events 778-2045.

Rusty Pelican, 500 Girod

Blvd., 727-4984. MCC.

Restaurant open. Call for reservations.

St., 778-0364. Lunch, dinner.

lakehousecuisine.com. MCC.

rustypelicanbythelake.com. MCC.

Tope là, 104 N. Cate St., 542-7600. Contemporary delights. topela.com.

Fat Spoon Café, 68480 Hwy. 59.,

MCC.

809-2929. Breakfast, lunch, Tues-

Macaroni Grill, 3410 Hwy. 190, 727-

Times Bar & Grill, 1896 N.

Sun. 7am-2pm. Breakfast served

1998. Lunch, dinner. macaronigrill.

Causeway Blvd., 626-1161. Lunch,

Trey Yuen Cuisine of China,

until 10:30am on weekdays and all

com. MCC, ME.

dinner. timesgrill.com. ME, MCC.

2100 N. Morrison Blvd., 345-6789.

day Saturday and Sunday. Reserve

treyyuen.com. MCC, checks.

Fat Spoon Cafe for your next party.

Mande’s, 340 N. Causeway App.,

Trey Yuen Cuisine of China, 600 N.

fatspooncafe.com. MCC.

626-9047. Serving breakfast and

Causeway Blvd., 626-4476. Quality

lunch, daily specials.

China cuisine with Louisiana flair.

Yellow Bird Café, 222 E. Charles St., 345-1112. A great place to start

Fazzio’s Seafood & Steakhouse,

your day. Breakfast, lunch. MCC,

1841 N. Causeway Blvd., 624-

Mandina’s, 4240 Hwy. 22 in

checks.

9704. Fresh fish daily, aged beef,

Azalea Square Shopping Center,

traditional Italian. Lunch, dinner.

674-9883. Seafood, Creole and

Vianne’s Tea House, 544 Girod St.,

fazziosrestaurant.com. MCC, ME, RR.

Italian. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat.

624-5683. A full café menu with over

mandinasrestaurant.com.

120 loose leaf and speciality teas.

LACOMBE La Provence Restaurant, 25020

Lunch, dinner. treyyuen.com. MCC, checks.

Hwy. 190, 626-7662. Dinner, Sunday

Franco’s Grill,100 Bon Temps

brunch. laprovencerestaurant.com.

Roule, 792-0200. Fresh organic foods

N’Tini’s, 2891 N. Hwy. 190, 626-

MCC, checks. RR.

for breakfast, lunch and takeout.

5566. Steaks, martinis. Lunch

VooDoo BBQ & Grill, 2999 Hwy.

myfrancos.com/dining. MCC.

specials. Mon.-Sat. ntinis.com. MCC.

190 E., 629-2021. “Taste our Magic.”

9443. Veal is the house specialty.

George’s Mexican Restaurant, 1461

Nuvolari’s, 246 Girod St., 626-5619.

salandjudys.com. MCC, RR.

N. Causeway Blvd., 626-4342. Family

In Old Mandeville. Italian cuisine for

PONCHATOULA

owned. Fajitas, George’s nachos, Carne

fine dining daily for dinner or special

Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant,

Breakfast, lunch. viannes.com. MCC.

Sal & Judy’s, 27491 Hwy. 190, 882-

130

Inside Northside

voodoobbq.com. MCC.

i 30160 Hwy. 51, 386-6666.

Criollo Resturant and Lounge at

middendorfsrestaurant.com.

Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St., 504-

523-3340. Creole dining for breakfast, La Carreta Authentic Mexican

lunch and dinner. hotelmonteleone.com/

Cuisine, 147 N.W. Railroad Ave., 370-

criollo/. MCC, RR.

0930. Festive Mexican atmosphere, fresh food from traditional recipes,

Deanie’s Seafood Restaurant, 1713

outstanding service and value. Live

Lake Ave., 504-831-4141; 841 Iberville

music. Lunch and dinner seven days a

St., 504-581-1316. Louisiana seafood

week. carretarestaurant.com. MCC.

prepared in Creole seasonings, available in Bucktown or the French Quarter for lunch

SLIDELL

and dinner. deanies.com. MCC.

A Touch of Italy Café, 134 Pennsylvania Ave., 639-0600. Lunch,

Gautreau’s, 1728 Soniat St., 504-

dinner. kathrynandcompany.com.

899-7397. Open Monday through

MCC, checks.

Saturday. Dinner. gautreausrestaurant. com. MCC, RR.

Bear’s Grill & Spirits, 550 Gause Blvd., 201-8905. Po-boys and more.

Gumbo Shop, 630 Saint Peter St.,

bearsgrillandspirits.com. MCC.

504-525-1486. Award winning gumbo and soups, ship nationwide. Lunch

Camellia Cafe, 525 Hwy. 190, 649-

and dinner. gumboshop.com. MCC.

6211. thecamelliacafe.com. MCC. Louisiana Pizza Kitchen French Carreta’s Grill, 137 Taos St., 847-0020.

Quarter, 95 French Market Place,

Great Mexican cuisine and margaritas

504-522-9500. Casual dining in a fine

served in a family-friendly atmosphere

dining atmosphere with experienced

for lunch and dinner. carretasgrill.com.

waitstaff, fresh dishes and made-from-

MCC.

scratch menu items. Lunch and dinner. lpkfrenchquarter.com. MCC.

Palmettos on the Bayou, 1901 Bayou Ln., 643-0050.

Mellow Mushroom, 3131 Veterans

palmettosrestaurantslidell.com.

Memorial Blvd., 504-644-4155. Pizza, 30 craft beers on tap, lunch and

Peck’s Seafood Restaurant, 2315

dinner. mellowmushroom.com. MCC.

Gause Blvd. E., 781-7272. Po-boys, seafood, burgers and lunch specials.

Messina’s Runway Cafe, 6001

MCC.

Stars and Stripes Blvd., 504-2415300. Tues-Sun, 8am-3pm.

NEW ORLEANS/SOUTHSHORE

messinasterminal.com. MCC.

Andrea’s, 3100 19th St, 504-8348583. Northern Italian and local

Nola Beans, 762 Harrison Ave.,

seafood. Lunch, dinner, Sunday

504-267-0783. nolabeans.com. MCC.

brunch. andreasrestaurant.com. MCC Restaurant R’evolution, 777 Bayona, 430 Rue Dauphine, 504-

Bienville St., 504-553-2277. Located

525-4455. Fresh local ingredients,

at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Triptych

balanced yet complex dishes. Lunch

of Quail and Oysterman’s spaghettini.

and dinner. bayona.com. MCC.

Revolutionnola.com. MCC. RR.

Brennan’s, 417 Royal St., 504-

Riccobono’s Peppermill, 3524 Severn

525-9711. Creole traditions

Ave., 504-455-2266. Seafood, filets

and contemporary influences.

and Italian. Breakfast and lunch. Dinner,

Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Wednesday-Sunday. riccobonos.com.

brennansneworleans.com. MCC. RR.

MCC.

Carreta’s Grill, 2320 Veterans Blvd.,

Warehouse Grille, 869 Magazine

504-837-6696; 1821 Hickory Ave.,

St, 504-322-2188. Lunch and dinner

Harahan, 504-305-4833. Mexican,

specials, Monday-Friday. Brunch,

lunch and dinner.carretasgrillrestaurant.

Saturday-Sunday, 9am-3pm.

com. MCC.

warehousegrille.com. MCC.

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Warren-Schwaner

photo: RICK KING PHOTOGRAPHY

Golf & Country Club. Guests enjoyed food and drinks catered by Chateau and a four-tier cake from Gambino’s Bakery. With glimmers of blush and gold throughout the reception décor, family and friends danced to the music of 5 Finger Discount. Matthew and Lindsey got in on the action by joining the band on stage for a song. The lively celebration ended with a second line to see the couple off to their honeymoon in St. Lucia. They returned home to live in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Shepherd-Hodgins Jordan Anastacia Shepherd and Ryan Taylor Hodgins were united at Holy Name of Jesus Church in New Orleans. On the wedding’s eve, the couple’s family and wedding party rehearsed and enjoyed a dinner at Restaurant August. The bride wore an ivory lace Liancarlo gown, which featured a sweetheart neckline with a scalloped-lace train, and a cathedral-length veil, both from

photo: KRISTEN SOILEAU PORTRAITS

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Matthew Warren and Lindsey Schwaner exchanged vows at Immaculate Conception Church in New Orleans. The bride donned a custom Sophia Tolli Australia white gown with lace overlay, intricate beading and a classic V-neckline from The Bridal Boutique by MaeMe. Her bridesmaids wore blush gowns from Bella Bridesmaid and carried a mixture of roses and peonies by Beth’s Florist. Following the ceremony, the newlyweds and their wedding party rode a streetcar bus to the Chateau

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I Do Bridal Couture in Baton Rouge. She carried a loose bouquet of peonies, garden roses, gardenias and spray roses in shades of white by florist Meade Wenzel. The bridesmaids were in assorted silk gowns of dove grey by Natalie Deayala Collection. The reception was held at the Audubon Tea Room. Guests enjoyed New Orleans food and drink, danced to The Boogiemen, had photos taken by HD Photobooth, and second lined before snacking on late-night parmesan truffle fries. Denise Hopkins Fine Art painted live painting during the event. The bride’s cake with alternating tiers of pecan praline and strawberry was prepared by Maple Street Bakery in Abita Springs. Elizabeth Burkhardt Events skillfully coordinated the wedding weekend. The happy couple continued celebrating with a honeymoon in Switzerland, Italy and France before returning to their home in Baton Rouge and preparing for a move to New Orleans.

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INside Peek

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Power of Women Luncheon Guests of the local American Red Cross and its Tiffany Circle gathered at the Sheraton New Orleans for the Power of Women luncheon to honor extraordinary female volunteers and community leaders who have made a significant contribution to the local community. A festive second line carried the women into the luncheon. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s honorees were: Kim Bergeron, Lynne Burkart, Tanya Harris-Glasow, Colonel Cindy H. Haygood, Sandra Herman, Teresa Lawrence, McKenzie Lovelace, Diane B. Lyons, Marjorie A. McKeithen and Ingrid Rinck. The keynote speaker was Jaime Primak Sullivan, star of the Bravo series Jersey Bell, host of the daily digital Facebook series #cawfeetawk and author of The Southern Education of a Jersey Girl. Proceeds from the luncheon benefited the work of the American Red Cross in Louisiana.

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1 1. The board-certified podiatrists of Gulf South Foot & Ankle, Dr. Anthony Perry, Dr. Maria Markiewicz, Dr. Leon Watkins and Dr. Charles Caplis, at the grand opening. 2. Rehab Dynamics Physical

Therapy celebrating the opening of the new Mandeville location. 3. STOPS Coordinator Lynette Savoie, STOPS Vice President Erica Dufrene and Lakeview Regional Director of Behavioral Health Outreach Cindy Quigley at the 3rd annual St. Tammany Outreach for the Prevention of Suicide 5K in Abita Springs. 4. L’Oreal Professional Brand Building dinner at Del Porto Ristorante with the H2O Salon Northshore team. 5. Lakeview Regional Medical Center responding to the August floods by donating 75,000 servings of vegetables to Operation BBQ Relief. 6. Meredith Soniat, Casie Duplechain, Natalia Weil and Leigh Thorpe at Friends of City Park’s Martini Madness. 7. St. Tammany Parish President Pat Brister, YEA Program Director Carla Mouton, YEA Founder/ Licensee Shelby P. LaSalle Jr. and Councilwoman Maureen O’Brien with Young Entrepreneur Academy Northshore students. 8. Laurel Colpitts, Roberta Bruck; (back) Gwen Byars, Jacinta Kehoe,

Pat Betts, Art Instructor Laura Mitchell, Peggy Kirby Paradise and Julie Loper at the opening reception for Watercolor through New Eyes in the Atrium Gallery at Christwood. 9. Amy Hollis, Caitlin Hunter and Lauren Buggs at the Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West’s Women Build Kick Off. 10. Patsy Lang, Shannon O’Toole, Lizby Eustis and Lauren Lee. 11. Michelle Kiral, Sonia Perez and Parish President Pat Brister. 136

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Harvest Cup Polo Patron Party

photos courtesy: JUNIOR LEAGUE OF GREATER COVINGTON

In celebration of the return of the Designer Showhouse, the Junior League of Greater Covington hosted a joint Patron Party for the Showhouse and Harvest Cup Polo Classic 2016. The party included a sneak peek tour of the completed Showhouse followed by a special reception hosted at the home of Walter and Sylvia Berger. The evening, themed “Roaring ’20s,” was a nod to the 20th anniversary of the Harvest Cup Polo Classic. Guests donned in flapper dresses, slick suits, pearls and feathers enjoyed delightful food and a dessert table. The Grayhawk Jazz Band played for partygoers. The Showhouse, Harvest Cup Polo Classic and Patron Party help to support the Junior League’s community projects and grants such as Project Prom, Girls’ Health Day and the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany. The Harvest Cup Polo Classic will be held at Summergrove Farm on November 6.

photos courtesy: EXCHANGE CLUB OF WEST ST. TAMMANY

Ultimate Tailgate Party With over 600 tailgaters in attendance, the Exchange Club of West St. Tammany hosted another successful Ultimate Tailgate Party at the Tchefuncta Country Club. As a part of the fun, the annual BBQ competition brought friendly rivalry and good food! The Swine Krewe was crowned UTP VI Grand Champion, Barbacoa Brotherhood took home second and Geaux Creole third. The evening was complete with music by Four Unplugged and a dance off featuring Covington Mayor Mike Cooper and Mandeville Councilmanat-Large Clay Madden. The Exchange Club hosts this annual event in order to bring awareness to child abuse prevention in St. Tammany. Over $55,000 was raised to benefit the three 2016 beneficiaries: Upward Community Services, Children’s Advocacy Center-Hope House and Danielle Inn. November-December 2016 137

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photos: IMAGES BY TILLIE

INside Peek

Unleashed! Rescue Me Gala

Unleashed! Rescue Me Gala, presented by First Castle Federal Credit Union, was held at the Pontchartrain Yacht Club on Mandeville’s lakefront. The event, which benefitted the St. Tammany Humane Society, was nothing short of incredible. Between the sunset view from the venue, the sounds of Four Unplugged, the delicious food, premium cocktails and all of the supporters, Unleashed! 2016 will go down in St. Tammany Humane Society history. “St. Tammany Humane Society cannot thank our sponsors, auction donors, volunteers and committee members enough for their hard work and dedication to this fundraiser,” says Susie Kaznowitz, STHS development director. “It is only through the continued generosity of our community that STHS is able to continue to help thousands of animals each year.” November-December 2016 139

INside Peek

photos courtesy: KICKIN’ PARKINSON’S

Kickin’ Parkinson’s

The 7th annual Kickin’ Parkinson’s fundraiser raised $381,700 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2016, bringing their threeyear total to $1,020,000. The party at the Stone Creek Club and Spa in Covington featured live music from The Molly Ringwalds, an open bar and food by local restaurants, a silent auction and many special guests. “Year after year, Kickin’ Parkinson’s amplifies the Team Fox spirit of combining passion and commitment to speeding a cure— now to the tune of $1 million,” says Deborah W. Brooks, co-founder and executive vice chairman for The Michael J. Fox Foundation. “We’re grateful for all that Quentin, Penny and the Kickin’ Parkinson’s committee do to transform patients’ lives, including through Quentin’s leadership as part of our Patient Council, energizing the local Parkinson’s community and pushing research forward.”

North Oaks Level II Trauma Center Designation

photos courtesy: NORTH OAKS HEALTH SYSTEM

The North Oaks Health System team joined with community partners to celebrate North Oaks Medical Center’s verification and designation as a Level II Trauma Center. North Oaks is the only Level II Trauma Center serving Region 9 and one of five designated trauma centers in Louisiana. Those in attendance included: Dr. James Nelson, Staci Arceneaux, Stan Dameron, Tammy Nichols, Willie Nichols, Louisiana Emergency Response Network (LERN) Executive Director Paige Hargrove, LERN’s Chairman of the Board Dr. William Freeman, North Oaks Board of Commissioners Vice Chairman Dr. Ann Carruth, North Oaks President/ CEO James E. Cathey Jr., President of Southeastern Louisiana University Dr. John Crain, North Oaks Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer and Administrator Michele Sutton, North Oaks Director of Trauma and Certified Programs Katie Sheets, and North Oaks Shock Trauma Center’s Medical Director Dr. Juan Duchesne. 140

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1 1. Carol Hallock and Ben Bensen at Armbruster Artworks for a class taught by Ben. 2. Mary Vinson, Mary Monk and Cathy Schroder. 3. David Comeaux, Chip Gaines, JoAnn Gaines, Billie Comeaux

and Grace Comeaux-Piro at High Point Market in North Carolina. 4. Julie and Catherine Hughs, enjoyed champagne and king cake at a Covington party in honor of Catherine’s debut. 5. Elinor Dorsey, Elizabeth Hughs and Kelly Rudolph. 6. Hostesses for the fête included Priscilla Morse and Susan Blanchard. 7. Stephanie Miller Murphy and Janet Fabre Smith at

the Professional Women of St. Tammany’s Putting on the Glitz. 8. St. Tammany Parish

School Superintendent Trey Folse with Parish President Pat Brister and others celebrating Black & Gold Day in support of the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany. 9. Jenny Boyd, Kim Melvin, Jennifer Baird and Sherry West of Lakeview Regional Medical Center supporting the American Cancer Society at the Northshore Gleaux

Run on the Mandeville Lakefront. 10. Sharon

Lo Drucker and Mamie Henry celebrating Krewe of Iris’ 100th Year Anniversary kickoff at Painting with a Twist. 11. Law enforcement officers at the Praying for Our Peacemakers event at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium.

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Last Bite

Boulevard American Bistro

STEPPING INTO THE WARM and friendly atmosphere of Boulevard American Bistro, there’s no doubt that the food will be just as good. General Manager Robert Hardie, who has been with Boulevard since its opening in the summer of 2015, says that he and his staff take pride in doing things the right way. “We try to keep things simple,” says Robert. “Great food, great service and a clean and comfortable restaurant—that’s all you need.” The great food includes American bistro cuisine of steaks, prime rib, made-in-house burgers, fresh fish and an extensive salad selection. A crowd favorite is the Blackened Ribeye. Served with a loaded baked potato, it makes for a filling late lunch or dinner. Marinated and lightly dusted with creole seasoning, Boulevard’s steaks are grilled to perfection over a bed of hickory chips. “Our menu offers many options that make it easy to dine here multiple times a week,” Robert says. “You can have a salad for lunch, pan-seared crab cakes for dinner and something completely different the next day!” Newly added to Boulevard’s menu options is the Monday-through-Friday Social Hour from 3 to 6 p.m. Small plates can be enjoyed with discounted drinks and wine. “We’re offering tuna tartare, smoked salmon dip, petite ribeye steak sandwiches and more. The upscalecasual menu and after-work atmosphere make for a great social hour.”

by Leah Draffen

Robert, born and raised in New Orleans,

Boulevard American Bistro, A Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concept, is located at 4241 Veterans Memorial Blvd. in Metairie. 889-2301. boulevardbistro.com.

of experience in the restaurant industry. He takes pride in the culinary prowess of his hometown.

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photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

has over 27 years