December 2016/January 2017 Issue of Inside New Orleans

450

$

HOLIDAY HOME TOUR • A TALE OF TWO MISSIONS • ASHLEY LONGSHORE • MEMORIES FOR THE AGES

DECEMBER 2016-JANUARY 2017 VOL. 3, NO. 6

December 2016-January 2017

Vol. 3, 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 (504) 934-9684 fax (504) 934-7721 email sales@insidepub.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Please send items for Inside Scoop to scoop@insidepub.com.

Photos for Inside Peek, with captions, should be sent to peek@insidepub.com. Submit items for editorial consideration to editor@insidepub.com.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Contact Inside New Orleans P.O. Box 6048

Metairie, LA 70009 phone (504) 934-9684 fax (504) 934-7721 website www.insideneworleans.net

Subscriptions 1 Year $18 2 Years $30 email subscriptions@insidepub.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

On the cover

Artist Ashley Longshore

Audrey With Bejeweled Peacock Headdress and Gold Leaf

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– INSIDE NEW ORLEANS is published bi-monthly (February, April, June, August, October, December) by M and L Publishing, LLC, PO Box 6048, Metairie, LA 70009 as a means of communication and information for greater New Orleans, Louisiana. Bulk Postage paid - New Orleans, LA. Copy­right ©2017 by M & L Publishing, LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent of publisher. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and artwork. Inside New Orleans Magazine is created using the Adobe Creative Suite on Apple Macintosh computers.

contents table of

page 36

page 34

page 60 page 44

Features 18 Thoughts on Canvas Cover Artist Ashley Longshore 34 Women’s Jewelry 36 Holiday Home Tour

Preservation Resource Center 44 A Tale of Two Missions 60 Memories for the Ages Preservationist Ed Piglia 82 Fashion Update Anthony Davis From Hoops to Habiliment 92 When It Comes to Jewelers, You’ve Got a Friend

Friend & Company’s 40th Anniversary 94 Quintessentially New Orleans Christmas Eve at Antoine’s

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Inside New Orleans

contents table of

Departments

12 Publisher’s Note 14 Editor’s Note 16 Contributors 24 INside Scoop 32 INside Story O Christmas Tree!

42 Get Fit The New Society of Sweat 58 IN the Bookcase Drinking in America: Our Secret History, by Susan Cheever

page 74

69 Wine Cellar Réveillon Wines 70 At the Table The French Market Dining Scene Is Better Than Ever

74 Flourishes

Extraordinary gifts and home accents 85 INside Look Merry & Bright

page 85

98 IN Great Taste Holiday Cuisine with a Latin Flair 102 INside Dining 106 INside Peek Featuring: Power of Women Luncheon Country Day Cajuns Win Big Key to the Cure

Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré Curtain Call Ball

George Cottage Dedication 114 Last Bite

Poppy’s Crazy Lobster page 98

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Inside New Orleans

262 Messages of Love

by Lori Murphy

I have been ironing 262 vintage cocktail napkins. I love a fine linen napkin. I want my guests to feel special. When we welcome them to our home with a cocktail served on a crisp, white linen cocktail napkin, I hope they know the love behind that welcome. If ironing can translate into love—and I definitely think it can—they’ll know it comes from my heart.

Especially around the holidays, home is where the heart is. Families eagerly “come home,” gathering together with thankful hearts to celebrate their many blessings.

This holiday season will be uniquely memorable for Rick and me. Our girls will come home from Washington, D.C., and Paris to join our newly enlarged extended family for a special joyous celebration. Our oldest daughter, Maggie, and her fiancé, Jérémy, will be married on New Year’s Day at home. We will welcome Jérémy’s family from Paris to the United States, to our home and to our family. The ceremony and reception will be outdoors in our front and back yards, the same yards where Maggie played as a child and the same gravel drive she learned to drive on.

We will welcome family and friends with love—and with crisp, white linen cocktail napkins!

From my family to yours, we wish you joyful hearts this holiday season. Enjoy your time together at home, wherever that may be.

ps … All of us at Inside New Orleans want to thank our fabulous advertisers, who make it possible for you to receive our magazine. Please remember them and Shop Local during this holiday season!

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Inside New Orleans

Editor’s Note

by Anne Honeywell I love Christmas trees. I love everything about the entire tree process, which begins for us right after Thanksgiving. My son’s birthday is November 25; when he was little, he liked to go get the tree on his birthday or very soon after. I still make my now-older kids come with me to select the perfect tree from the lot, but they tell me it doesn’t’ matter—I decide on the final tree. I love setting it up, letting the branches settle and enjoying the wonderful holiday aroma in the house. And I love decorating them. I am a traditionalist by nature. I know some people have a theme or a different color each year, but I put up the same ornaments my children have made and that I have collected over the years. I do my best to create my own gorgeous tree every year. It is my Christmas present to myself and my children.

This holiday issue of Inside New Orleans is full of holiday gifts for you!

Michael Harold tells us his Inside Story, which includes begging for a flocked tree and accepting the decision of his mother, which we all had to do. Mothers made the Christmas tree decisions; we just thought we had input—just like my kids! And on page 94, Winnie Brown shares with us her family’s Christmas Eve tradition of lunch at Antoine’s.

This issue also introduces you to some very interesting people. Angelle Albright tells A Tale of Two Missions on page 44, a wonderful story of two New Orleanians in a very unlikely scenario. Don’t miss Ed Piglia and his amazing collections on page 60; that was a fun photo shoot and a very nice guy! And visit cover artist Ashley Longshore with Leah Draffen on page 18. Ashley is a firecracker of a talent!

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours! I hope you can spend a little extra time enjoying your Christmas tree this year—I know I will.

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Inside New Orleans

Contributors Our contributors give Inside New Orleans its voice, its personality and its feel. Here we are proud to highlight a few of them so that you can put a face with a name and get to know them.

Other Voices: Gretchen Armbruster, Brenda Breck, Rachel Cockrill, Mindy Cordell, Katy Danos, Tom Fitzmorris, Candra George, Karen Gibbs, Thomas B. Growden, Yvette Jemison, Bill Kearney and Terri Schlichenmeyer.

Angelle Albright Angelle Albright is the founder and chief marketing officer of Chemo Beanies, which supplies head coverings to women with cancer, a company she co-created with her niece after battling cancer herself. She has a BA in mass communications from Loyola University and was chief news editor at WVUE. After moving to the northshore in 1992, she taught English and journalism at St. Scholastica Academy. A branding expert for independent businesses, Angelle is also a photographer, videographer, speaker, social media expert and Huffington Post blogger. She and her husband, Dr. Anthony Albright, have three children. On page 44, she tells a WWII story with a unique family connection.

Leah Draffen

Michael Harold

Baton Rouge native and LSU graduate Winnie Brown says there is rarely a topic she is not interested in or can’t write about. On page 94, she writes about the Christmas Eve tradition of locals dining at Antoine’s. When not working as a business development consultant or on community endeavors, Winnie enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time at their Pass Christian house.

Leah Draffen, managing editor at Inside New Orleans, sat cross-legged on the floor of her grandparents’ den intently listening to her brother, cousin and uncle playing 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 poetry 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 cover artist Ashley Longshore on page 18.

Michael Harold grew up in New Orleans and graduated from St. Martin’s Episcopal School, The University of the South and LSU Law School.

Fluent in Spanish and French, he is also a classical pianist.

Michael practiced law for more than 23 years and is now a legal recruiter. He is a contributing writer for Local Palate magazine in Charleston, South Carolina. In his spare time, he coordinates the renovation of a 19th century home in New Orleans. In this issue, Michael tells his INside Story about Christmas trees on page 32.

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Winnie Brown

16

Inside New Orleans

Cover Artist Ashley Longshore

by Leah Draffen POP ARTIST ENCAPSULATES who Ashley

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Longshore is—pops of color, pops of huge personality, pops of fearlessness and, of course, pops of Veuve Clicquot. A glance into the windows of her Magazine Street gallery makes your knees weak.

There’s so much beauty and life to take in.

My first time viewing an Ashley Longshore painting is a memory I’ve never been able to forget.

We were shooting a breathtaking design home in

18

Inside New Orleans

the Lakefront area, and there she was. The stunning Audrey Hepburn under the foyer staircase. Jeweled to perfection, she made a simple sitting area gleam with interest and color. I kept returning to the foyer to see her while the photo shoot continued.

Is it too much to say, “love at first sight”? I followed Ashley on Instagram a few hours later.

Instagram is an intimate look into someone’s life.

Ashley has made it a diary, tell-all and cheerme-up for her followers. “My paintings are just a portion of my thoughts. The thing that makes an artist great is the artist as a person. This [the paintings surrounding her] is just a little bit of who I am. When we think back to well-known artists throughout history, we know a lot about their lives, which is why social media is so exciting right now.”

Not only has Ashley used Instagram as a way to connect with her collectors, fans and friends, she has also made it into a successful business platform. “It’s important to know your business, and it’s important to be able to talk about your work. Galleries don’t tell you who your clients are, and you’re really giving them all the power. Let’s say that gallery closes; you don’t know who bought your artwork. I know my clients. The best client is already a client,”

photo : CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Thoughts on Canvas

says Ashley. “This [Instagram] is very intimate— for someone to live with my thoughts. I want to know who you are. My collectors are my best friends. We have an understanding. They get me and I get them. That’s really important and a rare combination.” Ashley hopes to reshape the way that artists have sold their work in the past. “I’m not saying I have a bull’s eye on galleries. There are a lot of really great galleries out there, but 50

percent commission is way too much. I just want to empower other artists.”

Power and empowerment are two ideas often crossed in many of Ashley’s series, while empowerment alone is frequently the main theme of her Instagram feed. Her posts make you laugh. They make you cheer. They make you determined. “A lot of times when I make posts about ‘getting out there and grabbing life,’ it’s a pep talk to myself,” Ashley >> December 2016-January 2017 19

20

Inside New Orleans

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

smiles. “I’m not scared. You have to love yourself more than loathe yourself. I feel like women need to embrace that a lot more. That’s why I try to put these little messages, these thoughts that I have, out there. It’s amazing how relatable they are.”

Speaking of women, one of Ashley’s wellknown series is The Audreys. The beautifully elaborate silhouette of Audrey Hepburn is accompanied by whatever has inspired Ashley that day. Birds, butterflies, koi fish and detailed floral headdresses can be seen atop Audrey’s head. The background often varies from solid colors to related scenes to silver or gold leaf, like our cover of Audrey with a bejeweled peacock headdress. “Audrey Hepburn was a philanthropic and beautiful woman,

who to me is just a vessel representing something that I think every woman would want to be,” Ashley explains. “Whoever you are, I think it translates.

Beauty is universal.” Other women who often appear on Ashley’s canvas are Frida Kahlo, Kate Moss and Anna Wintour.

“I paint and surround myself with these women because I feel like this becomes my world where I feel safe. They become my team. In the same way people decorate their home to feel comfortable and surround themselves with things that are relatable, being able to paint my thoughts and make them tangible brings me peace. I feel stronger. I feel braver when I’m in here. This is my spot.”

Ashley’s gallery and studio have been open a little over seven years, but she has been painting for 20. “When I first started, I thought that galleries were the only way I could sell. I guess it takes someone like me to say, ‘wait, we don’t have to do it that old way.’ I had to do it this way, because I honestly can’t tell you how many galleries told me I wasn’t marketable. Not that it’s important, but it feels nice.” Her gallery is filled with finished and in-progress works, but few stay for very long before going to live in their new homes nationally and internationally. Ninety percent of Ashley’s paintings leave New Orleans.

Many ask Ashley, “Why not New York?” She >>

says: “New Orleans accepts the wildness and celebrates the arts like no other. I feel safe putting my thoughts on canvas here. I’ve been here for 13 years and love that you can absorb yourself into whatever chaos you want and the city embraces it. I also like that you can have a throw down on Monday night just ’cause. A calm night never ends up being a calm night. It’s like getting caught in a riptide, which is great if you know how to swim.”

And, oh, can Ashley swim—thanks to her fearlessness, positivity and successful mentors. “My work is my own exploration of being a woman in America. Of the new America we’re living in, with all of its opportunity. I’ve been exploring status and greed with my Trophy series—but also the roles my mother had and how liberated I’m feeling by being an entrepreneur. When I wake up in the morning, I don’t think ‘Oh, I’m a woman. I have something to prove.’ I just feel like this being that has opportunity. So, although my work is very feminine in so many ways, my main focus is to be a badass b**** and to be free. And to me, being free is making my own money. If there’s something I want, I work for it; if I have an idea, I paint it; if I’m having a thought, I say it. Being in that moment and being very present, that’s where I want to live.”

Ashley embraces the advice and opinion of her mentors, including Wendy Wurtzburger, former Anthropologie Global co-president and chief merchandising and design officer and now an independent entrepreneur; Fran Hauser, former president of Digital at Time Inc. and now partner at Rothenberg Ventures; and Nataly Kogan, founder of Happier. “These women are mothers running hundred-million-dollar companies. That layer of incredible wife 22

Inside New Orleans

photoS: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

and mother is what I respect more than anything. It shows that you can get out there and do what you want. I promise you one thing, real successful women are engaging, gracious and a pleasure to be around. When you’re around them you ask yourself, ‘how can I learn from this woman?’”

Many female collectors, friends and fans ask the same about Ashley and how she has found success in what she loves. She says: “I have worked my ass off. I’ve worked 14 hours a day. I’ve cried myself to sleep. My ribs have hurt from sobbing and snot bubbles. You know, it’s funny how it all happens, because it happens how it should— especially when you work for it and nobody gives it to you. If you really understand your business, understand who your client is and understand yourself (which I do more than ever as I become an older woman). When those three things come together, it’s a very powerful combination.”

The combination of artist, businesswoman, fashion collaborator and now writer is quite the example of a badass woman. You Don’t Look Fat, You Look Crazy, published by Regan Arts, will be out in February with 160 pages of art and Ashley’s story so far.

Through whatever medium—canvas, Instagram or paper—Ashley seems to stay humble in her success.

“Being able to sell my thoughts. It’s very empowering. I feel very grateful and joyous.

Every time throughout my entire career that someone has believed in me enough to pay me money for my thoughts, they have become a part of where I am right now. And I do not forget that. It’s a dream.”

Ashley’s work can be viewed online at ashleylongshore.com or in person at 4537 Magazine Street. 333-6951.

December 2016-January 2017 23

Gingerbread House Building Workshops

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

December Candy Tasting. Hazelnut, 5525 Magazine St. 891-2424.

1 LPO Yuletide Celebration. Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents holiday music. Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 6400 Airline Dr, Metairie. 7:30pm. lpomusic.com.

1 Maxwell and Mary J. Blige. Special 24

Inside New Orleans

guest RO James. Smoothie King Center.

1501 Dave Dixon Dr. livenation.com.

1-4 Christian Marclay’s The Clock.

898-0515. christwoodrc.com.

1-Jan 7 Napoléon: General. Emperor.

Legend. M.S. Rau Antiques celebrates

Presented by Prospect New Orleans.

the life of Napoléon with an exhibit. 630

Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St.

Royal St. rauantiques.com.

528-3805. cacno.org.

1-Jan 3 Paintings of the Louisiana

1- Jan 15 Seeing Nature: Landscape Masterworks from the Paul G. Allen

Watercolor Society. Atrium Gallery, 100

Family Collection. New Orleans

Christwood Blvd, Covington. Free. (985)

Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Crl,

photo: CALLIE FOLSE

1 Julie Vos Jewelry Trunk Show and

December 3, 10 Gingerbread House Building Workshops. Red Fish Grill’s annual gingerbread house building workshop with Pastry Chef Brett Gauthier and Executive Chef Austin Kirzner. 115 Bourbon St. 9-11am or 12:30-2:30pm seating. $55 includes 3 seats, 1 gingerbread house, decoration, chef’s hat, crayons, jingle bell and child t-shirt.

539-5508. redfishgrill.com.

City Park. 658-4100. noma.org.

1-Feb 19 George Dunbar: Elements of Chance. New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Crl, City Park. 6584100. noma.org.

1-April 9 Goods of Every Description: Shopping in New Orleans, 1825-1925.

The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal St. 532-4662. hnoc.org.

>>

December 2016-January 2017 25

Inside Scoop 2 Home for the Holidays. Performed by

required. The Roosevelt New Orleans—A

Northlake Performing Arts Society. Our

Waldorf Astoria Hotel, 130 Roosevelt

Lady of Lourdes, 3924 Berkley St, Slidell.

Way. Multiple times available. 335-3129.

(985) 276-9335. npas.info.

therooseveltneworleans.com.

2 Spartina Jewelry Show and Stonewall

3, 10 Gingerbread House Building

Kitchen Goodies Tasting. Hazelnut,

Workshops. Red Fish Grill’s annual

5525 Magazine St. 1-3pm. 891-2424.

gingerbread house building workshop

2-3 Christmas Tour of Homes. Ferdinand

with Pastry Chef Brett Gauthier and

and Royal Streets, St. Francisville, La.

Executive Chef Austin Kirzner. 115

(225) 635-3873. stfrancisvillefestivals.

Bourbon St. 9-11am or 12:30-2:30pm

com.

seating. $55 includes 3 seats, 1

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.

Sun-Thurs, 6-10pm; Fri.-Sat, 6-11pm. neworleanscitypark.com.

3 Christmas and New Year Pet Photos

gingerbread house, decoration, chef’s hat, crayons, jingle bell and child t-shirt.

539-5508. redfishgrill.com.

3, 10, 17, 24 Covington’s Christmas in the Country. Live music, mimosas, small bites and special deals. Downtown Covington. 10am-6pm. covla.com.

4 E.L.F. University The Musical. Presented by the Crescent City Sound Chorus

with Santa. Petcetera, 3205 Magazine

Sweet Adelines International. Fuhrmann

St. 11am-2pm. 269-8711. petceteranola.

Auditorium, 128 W. 23rd Ave, Covington.

com.

4pm. Adults, $20; children, $10. (985)

3 Covington Art Market. Juried art market in partnership with the City of Covington.

535-4533. crescentcitysound.com.

4 School of Music Christmas at Loyola

Covington Trailhead, 419 N New

Concert. Holy Name of Jesus Church,

Hampshire St. 9am-1pm. (985) 892-

6367 St Charles Ave. 3pm. loyno.edu/

8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

schedule.

3 Home Alone: Movie with Orchestra.

4 The Nutcracker Suite. A New Orleans

Mahalia Jackson Theater, 1419 Basin St.

Ballet Association production featuring

7:30pm. lpomusic.com.

200 local participants of NOBA dance

3 Sugar Series. The Southern Food & Beverage Museum, Eat Fit NOLA and The University of Queensland–Ochsner Clinical School team up to address health

programs for youth and senior citizens.

Tulane University, Dixon Hall. 3pm and 6pm. $10. nobadance.com.

7 All Strings Orchestra and String

maladies through culinary medicine

Ensembles Winter Concert. Montage

and dietary practices. Rouses Culinary

Fine & Performing Arts Series at Loyola

Innovation Center by Jenn-Air, Southern

University. Roussel Hall, 6363 St. Charles.

Food & Beverage Museum, 1504 Oretha

7pm. loyno.edu/schedule.

Castle Haley Blvd. 2pm. 267-7490. natfab.org.

3-4, 10-11, 17-24 Teddy Bear Tea. Santa

7-9 LUNA Fête. The Arts Council New Orleans presents the outdoor spectacle that combines contemporary art and

and Mrs. Claus, holiday food, specialty

street-based celebration. Lafayette

teas, pastries and sparkling wine and

Square, S Maestri St. Nightly, 6-9pm.

mimosas for mom and dad. Reservations

Free. artsneworleans.org.

8 Here Comes the Funny Tour. Presented

by Netflix with live performances by Adam Sandler, David Spade, Nick Swardson and Rob Schneider. Recommended for adult audience only. UNO Lakefront Arena. (800) 745-3000. livenation.com.

8 Wendy Mignot Trunk Show. Emma’s Shoes and Accessories, 3904 Hwy 22, Mandeville. 10am-6pm. (985) 778-2200.

9-10 Stew & Heidi: Notes of a Native Song. A genre-melding, blue-rock song cycle celebrating James Baldwin.

Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St. 528-3805. cacno.org.

9-10 Sennod Jewelry Trunk Show. FeBe, 474 Metairie Rd, Ste 102, Metairie. 8355250. febeclothing.com.

9-11 LPO Holiday Spectacular with the 610 Stompers. Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way. Dec 9 and 10, 7:30pm; Dec 11, 2:30pm. lpomusic.com.

10 A Christmas Past Festival. Oldtime holiday theme, arts and crafts, food, drinks, bands and caroling. Old Mandeville. 9am-3pm. Free. (985) 6243147. cityofmandeville.com.

10 Allstate Sugar Bowl Celebration in the Oaks Run/Walk. Run or walk the 2-mile course, followed by Celebration in the Oaks light display, hot cocoa, visits with Santa and more. Storyland, City Park, 7 Victory Ave. 3:30pm. ccc10k.com/ celebration-in-the-oaks-runwalk.

10 Cookies with Santa. Presented by St. Martin’s Episcopal School with appearances by Santa, Mrs. Claus and Santa’s elves. Enjoy cookies and hot cocoa, make your own reindeer food and listen to Mrs. Claus’ storytime. 225 Green Acres Rd, Metairie. 10am. 736-9913.

10 Jazz Brunch with Santa. Court of Two Sisters Restaurant, 613 Royal St. 10am or 12:30pm. Reservation required. 5227261. courtoftwosisters.com.

10 New Orleans Designer Sarah Ott

>>

December 2016-January 2017 27

Inside Scoop Trunk Show and Sugarfina Candy

kind gingerbread display and holiday

Dew Drop Jazz Hall, 430 Lamarque St,

Tasting. Hazelnut, 5525 Magazine St.

surprises. The Davenport Lounge, The

Mandeville. 6:30-9pm. dewdropjazzhall.com.

1-3pm. 891-2424.

Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, 921 Canal

10 Winter on the Water. Santa’s parade, lighting of the lakefront live oaks, boat parade and a visit with Santa.

16 The Art of Giving. The Odgen Museum

St. 11am or 2:30pm. $55. 524-1331.

of Southern Art, 925 Camp St. 5-8pm.

ritzcarlton.com/neworleans.

539-9650. ogdenmuseum.org.

10-Jan 28 Explorations: Work by

16, 17 Suzanne Kalan Trunk Show. Meet

Lakeshore Dr from harbor to gazebo, Old

Jason Kofke. St. Tammany Art

the designer and see the entire collection.

Mandeville. 4-6pm. Free. (985) 624-3147.

Association Art House, 320 N. Columbia

Jack Sutton New Orleans, The Shops at

cityofmandeville.com.

St, Covington. (985) 892-8650.

Canal Place, 365 Canal St. 522-8080.

sttammanyartassociation.org.

jacksutton.com.

10-11 Preservation Resource Center’s Holiday Home Tour. Tour eight stunning

11 History and Holly Holiday Home

16-30 NOLA ChristmasFest. Indoor,

homes dressed for the Holidays in

Tour. A “Now and Then” themed

family-friendly holiday festival with New

New Orleans’ historic Garden District.

holiday home tour. Covington. 4-8pm.

Orleans’ only indoor skating rink, a

10am-4pm. 581-7032. prcno.org.

covingtonheritagefoundation.com.

gingerbread house exhibit, carnival

10-11, 17-23 Build Your Own

15 Baroque Christmas. LPO concert.

rides, Santa, Christmas displays and

Gingerbread House. The Ritz-Carlton,

Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way.

trees, walk-through maze and more.

New Orleans, 921 Canal St. 12pm or

7:30pm. lpomusic.com.

Hall I, New Orleans Morial Convention

3pm. Table of four, gingerbread house

15 Simone Perele Bras Seminar. Seminar

and decorating essentials, $100. 524-

with Emily Drake of Simone Perele. Bra

1331. ritzcarlton.com/neworleans.

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

10-11, 17-24 Papa Noel Tea. Children enjoy cookie decorating, the one-of-a-

Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd. nolachristmasfest.com.

17 Running of the Santas. Fun run starting

(985) 951-8638. thebragenie.com.

at the South Pole (Manning’s, 519 Fulton

16 Don Vappie’s Creole Christmas.

St.) to the North Pole (Generations Hall,

310 Andrew Higgins Dr.) Christmas

Fireworks display and countdown.

costumes and contest, live music by

Jackson Square. Free.

Flow Tribe and Category 6. A portion of

31 The Revivalists’ Special NYE

Royal St. rauantiques.com.

1-15 Seeing Nature: Landscape Masterworks from the Paul G. Allen

proceeds to benefit That Others May Live

Celebration. Orpheum Theater, 129

Family Collection. New Orleans

Foundation. Advanced tickets, $25; VIP

Roosevelt Way. 9pm. 274-4871.

Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Crl,

tickets, $75. runningofthesantas.com.

orpheumnola.com.

City Park. 658-4100. noma.org.

18 A Christmas Brass Spectacular III.

31 Zoo Year’s Eve. Audubon Zoo, 6500

1-Feb 19 George Dunbar: Elements of

Third Sunday Concert Series. Christ

Magazine St. 10:30am-1:30pm. Price

Chance. New Orleans Museum of Art,

Episcopal Church, 120 S New Hampshire

included with general admission. 861-

One Collins C. Diboll Crl, City Park. 658-

St, Covington. Doors open, 4:30pm;

2537. auduboninstitute.org.

4100. noma.org.

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

18 NOVA Chorale: Herald Concert. Holy Name of Jesus Church, 6367 St Charles Ave. 7:30pm. loyno.edu/schedule.

20 Breakfast with Papa Noel. Cookie decorating, festive crafts, breakfast and

January 1-3 Celebration in the Oaks. City Park.

Sun-Thurs, 6-10pm; Fri.-Sat, 6-11pm. neworleanscitypark.com.

1-3 Paintings of the Louisiana

holiday cheer. The Ritz-Carlton, New

Watercolor Society. Atrium Gallery, 100

Orleans, 921 Canal St. 9:30am. $52.

Christwood Blvd, Covington. Free. (985)

524-1331. ritzcarlton.com/neworleans.

31 Amy Schumer. Smoothie King Center, 1501 Dave Dixon Dr. livenation.com.

31 New Year’s Eve in New Orleans.

898-0515. christwoodrc.com.

1-7 Napoléon: General. Emperor.

1-April 9 Goods of Every Description: Shopping in New Orleans, 1825-1925.

The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal St. 532-4662. hnoc.org.

2 Allstate Sugar Bowl. Mercedes-Benz Superdome. 7:30pm. allstatesugarbowl.org.

4-29 Disney’s The Lion King. Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St. 525-1052. saengernola.com.

5 Anne-Marie McDermott Plays Mozart.

Legend. M.S. Rau Antiques celebrates

Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way.

the life of Napoléon with an exhibit. 630

7:30pm. lpomusic.com.

>>

Inside Scoop 6 Bal Masqué Patron Party. Preview dinner hosted by Chef Mario Batali. 588-2189 ext 5. balmasque.linkstryjewski.org.

7 Bal Masqué. Link Stryjewski Foundation presents the 2nd annual Bal Masqué with musical line-up Dr. John & The Nite Trippers, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Cha Wa and The Roots of Music. World-renowned chefs including Donald Link, Stephen Stryjewski, Mario Batali, John Currence, Suzanne Goin, Paul Kahan, Mike Lata, Nancy Oakes, Richard Reddington, Andrea Reusing and Maggie Scales. Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way. 588-2189 ext 5. balmasque.linkstryjewski.org.

7 Fad Diets. Breaking down the Paleo craze. Rouses Culinary Innovation Center

by Jenn-Air, Southern Food & Beverage Museum, 1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.

2pm. 267-7490. natfab.org.

8 Musical Arts Society of New Orleans Piano Concerto Showcase. Roussel Hall, 6363 St. Charles. 2:30pm. loyno. edu/schedule.

11 Bon Operatit! Live opera entertainment at Puccini Bar, Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter, 541 Bourbon St. 7-9pm. fourpointsfrenchquarter.com.

12 Open House for Pre-K-12th Grade.

Louise S. McGehee School, 2342 Prytania St. 8:30-10am. 561-1224. mcgeheeschool. com.

12 Open House for K-Grade 5. Metairie Park Country Day. 8:30am. 849-3110. mpcds.com.

13-14 Edgar Meyer and “An American in Paris.” Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way. 7:30pm. lpomusic.com.

14-Feb 12 Rashaad Newsome: Mélange.

Exhibition with performances Jan 20 at 7:30pm and 9:30pm. Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St. 528-3805. cacno. org.

19 Open House for Grades 6-12. Metairie Park Country Day. 8:15am. 849-3110. mpcds.com.

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Inside New Orleans

20 Open House for George Cottage, Pre-K and Kindergarten Programs.

Families interested in St. Martin’s Reggioinspired George Cottage or the Pre-K and Kindergarten programs are encouraged to visit the campus, meet faculty and staff, and learn more about St. Martin’s Early Childhood and Lower School programs.

St. Martin’s Episcopal School, 225 Green Acres Rd, Metairie. 8:30-10am. smtsaints.com/openhouse.

20-22 Street Scene by Kurt Weill.

Presented by Loyola Opera Theatre.

Roussel Hall, 6363 St. Charles. loyno. edu/schedule.

21 Mardi Gras Pet Photos. Petcetera, 3205 Magazine St. 11am-2pm. 2698711. petceteranola.com.

26 Open House for Pre-K-12th Grade.

Louise S. McGehee School, 2342 Prytania St. 8:30-10am. 561-1224. mcgeheeschool.com.

27-29 NOLA Home Show. Presented by Marketplace Events. Over 200 experts will present the latest in home design and improvement trends, products and techniques. HGTV’s Yard Crashers and Vacation House for Free Matt Blashaw will share invaluable lessons and techniques on the mainstage as well as Big Easy Reno’s Holly Baker, Flipping the Block’s Anicka Jones Marshall and PBS’ This Old House’s Kevin O’Connor. Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Hall I, 900 Convention Center Blvd. 800-395-1350. marketplaceevents.com. nolahomeshow.com.

27-29 Ronald K. Brown Evidence.

Co-presented with the NOCCA Institute.

Freda Lupin Memorial Hall, NOCCA, 2800 Chartres St. Fri and Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm.

522-0996. nobadance.com.

Send your event information to scoop@insidepub.com to have it

featured in an upcoming issue of Inside New Orleans.

December 2016-January 2017 31

INside Story

by Michael Harold IT’S HARD TO ARGUE with a Christmas carol, but when I hear the two lines, “O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree. Thy leaves are so unchanging,” I want to shout out “WRONG.” Not at my house! Or, at least, not during the Christmas of 1975.

That was the year my mother went behind my father’s back and splurged on a fancy tree. It was still November, and my father was conveniently out of town. The tree was the type you find at a higher-end nursery, with the special, premade wooden stand nailed to the bottom of the trunk.

Unfortunately, the stand didn’t have a water container, and since it was put up so early, by the time New Year’s Eve rolled around, the poor tree resembled a stack

wagged its tail, he would be covered in tree sap.

That particular Monday after Thanksgiving, my father returned home to a majestic tree perfectly positioned in its annual location and already festooned with lights and dazzling ornaments. Until that year, we had always enjoyed the annual family outing on the first Sunday of December to choose our tree, transport it home in the paneled wagon and decorate it, usually with either Frosty or Rudolph playing in the background. As a child, it seemed so idyllic. Then, I came to realize that next to assembling children’s gifts on Christmas Eve, tree installation was one of the greatest tests of a happy marriage.

The anxiety the year before began when my brother and I kept nagging our parents in the car to buy a flocked tree. Our pleas were ignored, and the

of chopsticks. All you had to do was walk past it or sneeze and hundreds of dry, brown needles would cascade onto the carpet. Every time the poor Labrador retriever

look of disapproval on my mother’s face from the rearview mirror all but shouted, “We are NOT a flocked tree family.” The closest we got was the D.H. Holmes annual winter wonderland display at Lakeside Mall.

By the time we had a tree picked out, my father discovered it wouldn’t fit in the wagon, which meant having to admit defeat and ask for more assistance from the surly tree helpers. Then came the hinged ladder leading up to the attic, which never worked properly, and the task of handing down oversized boxes that broke apart. Nothing, however, and I mean NOTHING, induced more stress than testing

O Christmas Tree! out tangled Christmas lights. If one didn’t work, NONE of them worked. My brother and I unwrapped delicate ornaments with the finesse of a caged monkey, and we treated silver tinsel like it was confetti on New Year’s Eve, throwing it on the tree with wild abandon. After that year, tinsel was deemed anathema and never used again on any Harold Christmas tree, mostly because of its attraction to canines rather than kids.

Personally, I preferred the taste of Christmas cookies 32

Inside New Orleans

over tinsel, but our dog was indiscriminate and ate anything. The next day, little piles of tinsel could be found all over the house.

I love one Christmas tree story that involves my partner’s grandmother. Although he grew up in Memphis, Quinn’s entire family came from the other side of the Mississippi River in what is known as the Arkansas Delta. His grandmother would travel to Memphis every year with Lloyd, the foreman on the family farm, to pick out the tree. One year, after viewing hundreds of trees that Lloyd would have to stand up for inspection, the two finally decided on a proper tree. While driving back home, the tree flew out of the back of Lloyd’s pick-up and was promptly run over by an 18-wheeler. Lloyd was able to rescue the tree, but it was maimed almost beyond repair.

Since he was too close to home to go back for another one, he raced to the house and put up the tree in a corner with the gaping hole towards the back.

Quinn’s grandmother sensed something was wrong, but couldn’t figure out what it was, asking Lloyd way too many times, “Are you sure you didn’t get the wrong tree?” Lloyd steady lied to her, despite the fact that the tree was U-shaped and stuffed with other tree branches and ornaments to fill in the hole. Quinn’s grandmother would ask her friends, “Does this tree look straight to you?” and all of them would lie. It was not until New Year’s Eve that Lloyd finally ’fessed up.

As much as I love the fragrance of fresh pine or spruce around the house, I cannot say that I blame anyone for buying an artificial tree. Let’s face it, they’re easy! After too many years of pine needles, potential hazards, and trips to Perino’s, my parents finally took the easy road and purchased one. Not flocked and absolutely no tinsel. Now I can proudly look anyone in the eye and admit it, with conviction, “Yes, we are a fake tree family.” After all, what are Christmas greens and scented candles for anyway?

December 2016-January 2017 33

Women’s Jewelry

1. Radiant fancy yellow diamond 3.

double-halo pendant set in 18K white gold, starting at $3,250.

Boudreaux’s, Mandeville, 985-6261666; Metairie, 831-2602.

2. 18K ring with 2.30 ct sapphire and

1.

1 cttw of diamonds. Wellington & Company, New Orleans, 525-4855.

2.

3. Beautiful platinum, emerald and diamond necklace: 14.07 carats of diamonds and 14.47 carats of emeralds. Symmetry Jewelers and Designers, New Orleans, 861-9925.

Holiday Sparkle 5.

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Inside New Orleans

4.

4. Largest selection of eternity bands in the city. Jack Sutton, New Orleans, 522-8080, jacksutton.com. 5. Diamond bracelet with 14.11 carats of pure white diamonds: 112 round-cut diamonds totaling 9.84 carats encase 4.27 total carats of baguette-cut diamonds in 18k white gold setting. $48,500. M.S. Rau

6.

Antiques, New Orleans, 523-5660.

6. Fine chain with V-shaped pavé diamond bar, $775; fine chain with curved pavé diamond bar, $775; fine chain with straight 7.

pavé diamond bar, $415; infinity loop pavé diamond earrings in 14K yellow gold, $550. All in 14K gold. Lee Michael’s Fine Jewelry, Metairie, 832-0000. 7. Crisscross design ring with 2.8 cttw diamonds set

8.

in 14K rose gold, $6,550. DeLuca’s

9.

Fine Jewelry, Covington, 985-892-2317.

8. 18K white gold diamond bracelet, approximately 17.50 cttw, $37,500.

Friend and Company, New Orleans, 866-5433. 9. 18K white gold black rhodium finish, tourmaline and diamond necklace. Price available upon request.

10.

Adler’s, New Orleans, 523-5292.

10. David Yurman Supernova climber earrings with 1.098 cttw of diamonds set in 18K gold, $7,800. Saks Fifth Avenue, New Orleans, 524-2400.

December 2016-January 2017 35

ONE EVENING AFTER DINING OUT with a friend, Catherine Tremaine returned to her Lower Garden District home to find her front door standing ajar.

She called the Garden District Patrol, and within minutes they came roaring down the street driving in the wrong direction and jumped out of the car with their guns drawn. Immediately after running into her home, the guards screamed, “There’s a man in here!” to which she yelled back from her car,

“No, there isn’t!!!!”

There wasn’t a man in the house. There is, however, a Man in the Mirror, an art piece by Michelangelo Pistoletto that Mrs. Tremaine inherited from her parents-in-law, Emily Hall Tremaine and Burton G. Tremaine, the famed New York collectors of major modern and contemporary art, who were most active in the 1940s-1980s. Man in the Mirror confronts you as soon as you walk into Mrs. Tremaine’s home.

A life-sized profile of a man in a suit with his back to the viewer is affixed to a large mirrored steel surface; it hangs on the wall directly opposite the entrance to her home. The piece played a similar trick on her motherand father-in-laws’ guests in their Upper East Side

Holiday Home Tour Preservation Resource Center

by Rachel Cockrill

36

Inside New Orleans

she sang regularly in theaters across Manhattan.

She often performed at the Gramercy Theater and Light Opera of Manhattan, also known as LOOM. In addition, she was part of a small singing group at Columbia University for one summer, where they made the first recording of War Requiem, composed

by Benjamin Britten. >>

Don’t miss The PRC 41st Annual Holiday Home Tour December 10-11!

photo: SARA ESSEX BRADLEY

apartment; it spooked visitors as they stepped out of an elevator. The piece sets the mood for Mrs. Tremaine’s home, which is filled with glorious surprises on every wall and corner. Tour-goers can view her home on December 10 and 11, 2016, during the Preservation Resource Center’s 41st Holiday Home Tour.

Catherine Burns Tremaine was born in New Orleans and grew up in the Lower Garden District.

She graduated from the Louise S. McGehee School in 1942 and attended H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College for three and a half years before marrying her first husband. Her father was a doctor; her mother a singer. Mrs. Tremaine later moved to New York, and, encouraged by her mother,

December 2016-January 2017 37

38

Inside New Orleans

photos: SARA ESSEX BRADLEY

She also frequently performed in California and Connecticut.

In 1970, when her son was in college, Mrs. Tremaine went back to school and received a degree in art history at the University of Massachusetts, where she met Burton G. Tremaine Jr. and married him. She quickly became very close to his father.

She recalls that he and his wife, Emily, never purchased a piece of art without them both feeling equally as strong about the work. Remarkably, the couple never paid more than $5,000 for a piece, except for just one—Victory Boogie Woogie by Piet Mondrian, which Emily desperately wanted. Mondrian had already died at the time, and his widow was reluctant to give up the work, as the piece was unfinished and had scotch tape with colored-in squares—a rarity.

She told Emily, “I would let it go for a small chateau in France.” The Tremaines talked it over, and Emily finally said, “It’s a lot of a money for a painting, but not much for a chateau.” The Tremaine collection, which comprised over 400 pieces of fine art, has sold in major auctions, museums, and private collections.

The Man in the Mirror may >>

December 2016-January 2017 39

40

Inside New Orleans

photos: SARA ESSEX BRADLEY

distract you from the signed William DeKooning print hanging on the left wall as you enter Mrs. Tremaine’s home. Her impressive and enchanting modern and contemporary art collection seems to sneak up on you when you least expect it. Sitting on her couch, you slowly realize (after taking in her beautifully decorated living room) that an Andy Warhol Elizabeth Taylor print is to your left, a smaller Warhol piece, One Dollar Bills, 1962, hangs below it, and above your head is a small Picasso print. Two large pop pieces, one above the couch, and another above the piano, initially captivate your attention. The primary use of softer beige and white furniture and upholstery in the living room allows the works to truly pop and remain unchallenged.

The wall winding up the stairs to the second floor functions as its own small fine art gallery. Two large Joan Mirós, a variation of The Bathers by Paul Cézanne, three signed Roy Lichtenstein prints and many other paintings hang closely together. Mrs. Tremaine has kept more traditional pieces upstairs in her private rooms. Her favorite piece in her home is a bronze sculpture by Jean Arp titled Human Lunar Landscape that is placed in the outdoor space behind her pool. She wants to install a mirror behind the sculpture so onlookers can see its full profile.

Another favorite is a stunning painting by Franz Kline that hangs opposite the Elizabeth Taylor print in the living room.

Contemporary work by current and local artists is mixed into the space, naturally coexisting with the inherited major pieces. The best example of this natural cohesion can be seen in the hall leading to the living room. Mrs. Tremaine purchased a green wall sculpture by local New Orleans artist Wayne Amedee and hung it adjacent to the third Warhol in her home. “The color was perfect, and it picked up the background of the Warhol S&H Green Stamps on the other side of the doorway. So I thought that they matched very nicely,” says Mrs. Tremaine. And of course she is right; they do.

A Water Marker sculpture by Dawn DeDeaux, the locally based but nationally recognized artist and close friend of Mrs. Tremaine, leans next to the piano (location may change by the tour

date). The acrylic painted panel evokes clear water and belongs to a series of DeDeaux Water Marker panels featured in NOMA’s 2015 exhibition Ten Years Gone, a memorial of the tenth anniversary of Katrina.

Currently, Mrs. Tremaine’s collecting has generally slowed down.

When she and Mr. Tremaine lived in Connecticut, she was on the board of the Hartford Art School at the University of Hartford. She explains, “There were students I wanted to encourage, so I had not what I would call a collection, but an encouragement. And my encouragement has stopped since I’ve been here. If I buy anything, it’s because I really liked it and it had some place on the wall.”

Mrs. Tremaine says her taste in art formed from observing and being exposed to her in-laws’ collection. Yet, her mother-in-law’s taste was based on an intellectual response to work, while Mrs. Tremaine says hers is emotional.

“How can you pick apart your response to something? If you like it, really like it, respond to it, part of it has to be emotional,” she says. “I do know I love the things I have in this house. They may not be great, but they are good. I love them, and I love living with them.

My only real regret is that I’ve kind of run out of wall space.” The only space left is above the bathtub, and she is wary about hanging fine art in a bathroom.

Mrs. Tremaine currently serves on the Board of Trustees at McGehee and on five other local boards as well.

She takes private singing lessons once a week—with cocktails to celebrate the conclusion of each session. Hopefully, she will soon sing for New Orleans.

For more information on PRC’s 41st Annual Holiday Home Tour or to purchase tickets, visit prcno.org or call 504-581-7032.

December 2016-January 2017 41

Get Fit

by Mindy Cordell

Above: After work socials at Franco’s on Magazine Street.

Inset: A group visiting New Orleans for a bachelor party working out at Franco’s.

42

ONCE UPON A TIME, not so long ago, people who spent all their time in gyms were thought to be self-absorbed or vain. They pumped too much iron, consumed too many protein drinks and flexed in too many mirrors. But those were the days when a gym was just a gym. Today, the place where you get your sweat on might also be the place where you catch up on emails, close a deal, unwind with friends or even have a girls’ (or guys’) night out. The fast-food business model that led to ubiquitous self-service fitness centers—the strip-mall ones where rows of zombie-like treadmill walkers stared blankly out at parking lots—has given way to a “make fitness fun” movement that has people of all ages sweating and bonding in tandem.

New Orleans’ new generation of fit-conscious urbanites is at the forefront of this trend. People are looking for more than a great workout; they are looking for an experience. At Franco’s on Magazine Street, it is the members who make the club about so much more than working out, and the staff caters to their need to connect as much as to their need to sweat. Franco’s has partnered with many of the

Inside New Orleans

trendy restaurants and pubs along historic Magazine Street to make sure that social-fitness groups always have a place to celebrate a good workout with old and new friends. An ever-growing buffet of hip, new fitness groups, classes and programs ensures that every fitness personality will find its niche. Whether you are the yoga-and-sushi type, or prefer kettle bells and cold brew; whether you are in for a spicy cycling group (indoors or out) or feel the wanderlust of an adventurous running club, it won’t be long before you find your comrades (or they find you).

As this “society of sweat” grows in number and creativity, fitness parties are also increasing in popularity. Recently, a group of fit young gentlemen asked about hosting a bachelor party at Franco’s Magazine Street club. Franco’s staff created a celebration that was both chic and unique, carving out areas of the club that held a healthy dose of downtown ambiance.

The Magazine Street club is also home to a secret society of sweat. “Underground Fitness by Franco’s” takes brave participants on new and challenging fitness feats at different “underground” locations

photos courtesy: FRANCO’S

The New Society of Sweat

throughout the city. But don’t expect to stroll in and sign up for this one—this group is invitation only, and insiders are as tight-lipped as they are tight-tushed.

While it might seem that all this partying and social time could get in the way of the hard work of a good workout, just the opposite occurs.

Members of groups, clubs or tribes push each other to do more and to try new things. Few programs have demonstrated this phenomenon as palpably as Franco’s Lose Dat team weight-loss challenge. This program, which applies the concept of “teams” to people who want to lose weight and get in shape, has helped more than 2,600 members of Franco’s Mandeville club lose a total of more than 30,000 pounds.

In 2017, Franco’s will bring Lose Dat to New Orleans, and teams of determined exercisers wearing brightly colored shirts donning the Lose Dat fleur de lis will be seen at the lakefront, in City Park and running down St. Charles Avenue.

It is camaraderie and accountability that make the social fitness movement as effective as it is enjoyable. From cardio HIIT classes based on heart rate monitoring to every kind of Pilates fusion you can imagine, a steady stream of new group fitness programs is rolling out and filling up. People are more adventurous and more willing to push limits when they are surrounded by friends. And for whatever reason, those who don’t come with fitness-minded friends usually have plenty by the time they leave.

December 2016-January 2017 43

Two missions a tale of

by Angelle Albright

The modified B-25 bombers used in the Doolittle Raid had less defensive armament and additional fuel tanks in order to make their mission possible.

44

A LESSER-KNOWN EVENT in World War II intersected the lives of two New Orleanians in a most unlikely place after the famous Doolittle Raid on Tokyo in 1942.

Mechanic Robert Bourgeois enlisted in the war, as many from the “Greatest Generation” did. Sr. Celina Seghers was a missionary of the Daughters of Charity. Their chance meeting made both of them heroes as their lives collided in a moment in history that would be inconceivable even by Hollywood standards.

The setting for their meeting was a Vincentian

Inside New Orleans

mission church in the eastern province of China, a desolate place, pinpointed on U.S. military maps as the location now known for the brutal Japanese ZhejiangJiangxi Campaign.

After Katrina, my father handed me a manila folder filled with newspaper articles and archival papers that documented the journey of his greataunt Celina’s selfless acts that played a role in a horrific genocide that the world knows little about. I knew I was holding on to a piece of history that had to be told. With 2017 being the

75th anniversary of the Tokyo bombings, and after a chance meeting with an old friend, I knew it was time.

The bombardier The hospitality of any New Orleanian runs deep, but in 1942, Lt. Robert Bourgeois never expected to be affectionately greeted on a porch of a Catholic mission in eastern China.

He had just survived the unsurvivable, having parachuted out of a B-25 bomber that was almost certain to become his grave. Fighting

photo courtesy: Daughters of Charity Province of St. Louise, St. Louis, MO

Two New Orleanians meet in a most unlikely circumstance

for his life, injured and shell shocked, he moved blindly through the rugged terrain of the Chinese countryside. He was one of 80 men who selflessly volunteered for the necessary-yetimpossible mission now affectionately referred to as the Doolittle Raid.

Starting with Pearl Harbor, America’s morale and military had been badly bruised by a series of devastating blows, and Japan’s massive army was spread out all over the Far East, conquering everything in its path. The geographic location of their homeland spared them the burden of >>

Above: Sr. Celina Seghers.

December 2016-January 2017 45

Right: Crew 13 photo courtesy: B-25 HISTORY PROJECT

including Lt. Bourgeois, second from right.

having to defend it against the Allies. A frustrated President Roosevelt wanted a swift retaliation.

He had an epiphany, and met with then-Lt. Col. James Doolittle of the U.S Army Air Forces. They conceived an “out of the box” idea that most thought was impossible—a plan to bomb Tokyo that had never been attempted before; even if the bombing proved to be a success, the exit strategy for the airmen was nothing short of bleak—a suicide mission for Doolittle and his men.

Doolittle’s recruitment efforts were surprisingly well received. The mission was strictly voluntary, but every man approached willingly signed up, even though they were kept in the dark about what it entailed—and that they might not return home.

The mission remained a secret all during the long months of training at Eglin Air Force Base. The men were curious about their unorthodox training, but remained steadfast as experts trained them to do the impossible—take off in 500 feet of runway instead of the usual 1,400 feet that a B-25 aircraft needs to get airborne.

Local historian, author and lecturer Ronald Drez, who worked closely with D-Day Museum 46

Inside New Orleans

creator Stephen Ambrose, knew Lt. Bourgeois and his captivating story very well, and he highlights it in the first chapter of his book Twenty-Five Yards of War, in which he details every aspect of Bourgeois’ personal journey from mechanic to world-famous bombardier. Drez has penned many books on war, but after interviewing scores of veterans, he found himself with “leftover” stories that were remarkable. He says, “After finishing my other books, I had so many other personal stories in my possession. I just couldn’t let them sit there.

I just had to tell their stories.”

Drez says that when Bourgeois and the other volunteers boarded the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Hornet in San Francisco in April, 1942, the men still didn’t know exactly what they had signed up for. Although some had guessed, they only learned the truth when they saw their B-25 bombers being hoisted onto the carrier. Practicing the short

distance take-offs, flying at low altitudes and zeroing in on small targets in the Gulf of Mexico now all made sense. The men had volunteered to bomb Tokyo! A one-way mission to bomb key military targets in Japan.

Despite the success of short-field takeoffs at Eglin, it was not certain that the planes would even get airborne, and there was no plan to get them back. The bombers had been retrofitted to maximize fuel and handle the load of extra gas cans that would ride along with the five-man crew.

The extra cans of fuel would hopefully be enough to make it to a location in eastern coastal China agreed upon by both governments. The air field was nothing more than a grass strip, but lights wouldn’t be necessary as this operation was going to be taking place during the day. For the first time, the men had some hope that they could survive this mission. >>

USS Hornet’s flight deck crowded with B-25 bombers.

December 2016-January 2017 47

The U.S.S. Hornet was still 750 miles away from the target distance when it was spotted by a Japanese patrol boat. The Navy knew they had called in their positions, and the only way to defend the carrier was to get the 16 B-25s off their deck earlier than planned. The weather had turned bad, but the wind and the waves could serve as an aid on takeoff if timed right. Bourgeois watched as Doolittle prepared for a hurried takeoff. The revved engines were screaming loudly as he brought the speed up to full throttle and held the brakes while waiting for the signal from the flagman, who was timing the pitch of the ship against the waves.

As Drez describes in his book, all eyes were on Doolittle as he headed out to the unknown: “The big bomber lurched forward and seemed in slow motion as it gathered speed. The Hornet’s deck was now on the upstroke as she climbed the next wave.

Down the deck ran his plane. Up rose the Hornet’s deck, reaching for the sky as she crested the next wave. Doolittle’s bomber vaulted into the air, lifted by a combination of the spring-boarding deck and

48

Inside New Orleans

the 30-knot wind.” As he trimmed the plane and went airborne, the confidence of the remaining crews suddenly rose.

Bourgeois was in Crew 13. The twelve planes that took off before his used less of the runway then they had trained for. Just before Bourgeois climbed aboard, he was given last minute intelligence about the location of the carriers they were to hit in the Yokosuka dry-dock.

Leaving earlier than scheduled lengthened the distance to their targets, making the fuel situation even more bleak—if they could even make it to mainland China, the landing would be at night.

Now they understood why they had to fly so low on their final training mission when they departed Eglin Air Force Base and made their way to California to meet the Hornet. As they headed across the sea at top speeds only 25 feet above the crashing waves, the speed of the aircraft was amplified. Drez explains how Bourgeois looked down at the angry sea, recalling the memory of buzzing low over the Texas fields watching

chickens fly over fences beneath them. The crew members waved to each other across the waves as they flew for several hours.

An excerpt from Twenty-Five Yards of War tells how Crew 13 listened intently to Tokyo

Rose over the radio. “She taunted her American Navy Captain Marc listeners with her lilting voice. Her theme was how Mitscher, skipper of the beautiful it was to live in the land of the cherry USS Hornet (standing, blossoms where all the Japanese were free from at left), talks with the dangers of bombing and how wonderful it was >> Lt. Col. James Doolittle.

to feel such safety. As they flew on, Tokyo Rose brought her usual variety of music and propaganda. Suddenly, about an hour before they were scheduled to make landfall in Japan, they knew that Jimmy Doolittle had arrived. Tokyo Rose told them. Her voice, which had been so peaceful and content, was now frantic as she announced, ‘We’re being bombed!’

After a few panic-stricken minutes, she went off the air.”

Each crew had its own mission.

After they parted ways, Bourgeois’ plane headed towards Yokosuka.

According to Drez, as they approached land, they realized they were off course and flying directly over an airfield. They quickly corrected the error and headed toward the coast, but they were now taking on antiaircraft fire. They climbed to 1,500 feet, and as the bomb bay doors opened, Bourgeois could see the aircraft carrier was going to be easy to hit, as the targets he had been practicing on were much smaller. He released the bombs, and the co-pilot said the ships went flying into the air as the dock toppled along with the oil tankers and machine shop in a glorious ball of fire.

The mission was a complete success, but now it was time for part two—surviving. Drez explains that the aircraft then turned and headed to China as if it were any other mission.

The hour-long flight took on no anti-aircraft fire, but unfortunately, they found themselves flying over a Japanese naval task force with more than 25 ships. The crew made a wise decision to fly low right through the middle of the column, thinking the ships would never risk shooting at each other. The plan worked, but landing at the airstrip in Chuchow 50

Inside New Orleans

photo courtesy: Daughters of Charity Province of St. Louise, St. Louis, MO

was no longer possible; it was now nighttime and a violent storm had enveloped them. They were flying blind in “the soup” and had to climb up to 6,000 feet to avoid the towering mountainous terrain. The Chinese plane that was meant to guide them to the grass landing strip had crashed in the same storm, and now after 13 hours in the air, their engines finally quit, one at a time. With one still sputtering, the pilot said they had two choices: go down with the plane or get out. The men jumped one by one.

Drez recounts Bourgeois’ experience of the dread they suddenly felt, having to jump into the void after all they had accomplished on this day. They weren’t even sure they were over land. As he was falling into the abyss, he was imagining the worst, but surprisingly, he landed as gently as one could imagine, directly into a rice paddy fertilized with human waste. Bourgeois said, “Boy, did I stink!”

He cut his chute to keep from drowning in the thigh-high muck. As he tried to make his way out, he realized he was on a mountainside that had been carved

out into a series of rice paddies that were like steps and quickly thanked God as he realized how close they must have come to crashing into the towering mountains.

Exhaustion, fear of the unknown and barking dogs convinced him to wait out the night. Morning brought hope as he smiled at his first Chinese poppy farmer, hoping for a smile back—a sign he was taught would distinguish the locals from the Japanese. There is beautiful detail in Twenty-Five Yards of War about the overwhelming kindness Bourgeois experienced from the Chinese during his unorthodox visit to their country.

He had no idea what he would have to endure, and certainly no idea he was about to meet a friendly face from home.

The missionary The Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent De Paul of the St. Louis Province worked diligently to help the people of China. The Vincentian Order first went to the Mission of the Miraculous Medal in Joachow, China, in 1923. A civil war forced them out in 1927, and it wasn’t until 1935 that

>>

they returned. A ship from San Francisco carried a petite, 100-pound, steadfast, courageous nun from New Orleans, Sr. Celina Seghers, my father’s great-aunt. She too, like Bourgeois, was headed on her own blind mission a world away and was photographed sporting her “flying nun” habit as she departed the mainland. In April 1942, Sr. Celina was at the mission in Yukiang, helping to take care of 200 orphan girls.

When I read the stories about Sr. Celina from the documents my father gave me, I was moved in the same way Drez was, knowing I was holding on to a story that needed to be told someday— but when? As fate would have it, my daughter was in a play last year, and my 85-year-old father noticed that one of the cast members had the name Seghers. He reminded me of the story he had put in my hands years before. So I dug it out and contacted the girl’s father, who turned out to be an acquaintance of mine, a well-known Catholic author, speaker and radio host named Jimmy Seghers. I couldn’t believe this man I had long

admired was my second cousin. What a special day that was when I invited him over to meet my father to reminisce about their family days on Napoleon Avenue across from St. Stephen’s Church. They recalled how much they admired their Aunt Celina and how they learned about the remarkable life she led from newspaper articles and from stories told on the front porch of their childhood homes.

A story from the Daily Quill newspaper in Missouri quotes Sr. Celina as she recalls events following the Doolittle Raid. “Five of the American flyers who had bailed out of their planes dropped right into our yard, and of course we helped them.

The boys who came down in our dooryard, as well as all of the others, lost all of their belongings, and their clothing was torn and soiled. One had even lost his shoes. We gave them all kinds of supplies, including tooth brushes and paste, towels, and numerous other articles, and we washed their soiled clothing and did all we could to make them comfortable.

“I asked them how long they were over Tokyo

doing their bombing and one of them said quickly, ‘five seconds flat.’ They realized their task was a dangerous one and said frankly that they were ‘plain scared.’”

One of the boys was bombardier Lt. Robert Bourgeois of New Orleans, her home town. Both Jimmy Seghers and my father can still recall Sr. Celina telling the story on the family porch on Napoleon Avenue and how utterly excited she was to find that a man from home could wind up in her care in such an unlikely place.

Her joyful tale turned sour as she shared how, soon after the flyers left, the sisters had to flee the mission to escape the Japanese, who were performing atrocities village to village, looking for anyone who had laid eyes on the Tokyo bombers. The priest at the mission had only allowed the flyers to stay one night because of the risk, but the next morning the girls offered the soldiers flowers >>

December 2016-January 2017 53

Top: The first aircraft to depart, piloted by Lt. Col. Doolittle, had only about 450 feet of runway for take off.

and sang for them before they rushed away. Sr. Celina spoke of fleeing the mission later with the priest and the other sisters, taking the older orphan girls with them into the mountains, where they hid for months. They had been relatively safe at their mission, but twice, low-flying Japanese aircraft had bombed and shot aircraft fire around the mission.

They left behind an Italian priest and others, including older women and children, thinking they would be unharmed, but that was not to be.

After two months, when the group returned from the mountains, they found that as punishment for the shelter they gave to the American flyers, the Japanese forces came to steal, rape, murder and burn

everything. Sr. Celina said, “Not even the aged women escaped their brutality.” Three priests were dead, along with a number of other refugees who had fled to the mission to escape harm in other villages. Every man, women, and child at the mission perished.

The genocide that occurred on the people of China after the Doolittle raids is certainly one of the lesser-told stories of WWII. The Japanese were furious about the bombing of Tokyo, but even more so that the Chinese were helping the Americans survive. Sr. Celina told the press that many people didn’t like to hear about the brutality that went on as the killings were horrific, only falling short of cannibalism.

After the raid, Sister Celina and others were ordered to evacuate and make their way back to the United States. She told the St. Louis Post Dispatch upon her return home that they were thankful for the bad weather for the first few weeks, because it provided a shield from the bombers as they began their journey just moments before the Japanese arrived at the mission. By foot, rickshaw, bus and an old truck converted into a bus, the five nuns, three priests and children made their way to an airfield deep in the interior. They met an American pilot who was scheduled to join the American volunteer group the Flying Tigers, and he promised them a ride if they were around when he finally got his orders. The group sat up next to the plane all night to make sure they didn’t miss it. When they arrived, they met American soldiers who offered them coffee and donuts; the rest of their journey began in a jeep that had empty gasoline cans as seats. From there, it was more trains and planes, plus a 72-day boat ride—a journey >> December 2016-January 2017 55

through India to Central America and finally back to the United States. The exhausted, but grateful, group told the media that the Chinese people were undergoing a grave situation and a terrible ordeal. One of the priests, Fr. Yager, told the Dispatch, “The Japanese who take part in the inland expeditions are allowed to run wild. They sweep over the land like a locust swarm.”

After Bourgeois bid Sr. Celina goodbye, he journeyed 40 miles on foot, horse, train, bus and sedan chair to reunite with Doolittle and eight other crews eight days after leaving the U.S.S. Hornet. Each aircraft had hit their target, but with bad weather and fuel running out, most of the men had to parachute to safety. One of the only planes to execute a landing landed in Russia, where the men were taken into captivity. Another crashed into the sea, killing two, and eight other men were taken prisoner by the Japanese.

They were tortured in captivity for nearly two years, during which three were executed, and another died from disease. The rest all eventually made their way back home, but most, like Bourgeois went right back into warfare until America finally ended the war by bombing Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Sr. Celina told the Daily Quill that before heading back to St. Louis for her important work after her long, arduous journey, while visiting her family in New Orleans she had the unusual pleasure of receiving a surprise visit on her front porch from Lt. Bourgeois’ wife. Mrs. Bourgeois wanted to find out about her young husband, who was bombing the Axis in Europe and had not returned home since that fateful day over Tokyo. Lt. Bourgeois’ brother and mother also came along to hear firsthand news of the American fighter.

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Inside New Orleans

photo courtesy: Daughters of Charity Province of St. Louise, St. Louis, MO

Sr. Celina, fifth from left, in China.

Nearly seven years in the Orient wasn’t enough for Sr. Celina, who insisted on going back to help the people of China. Once it was thought safe, she returned for another two years before finally coming home to the Daughters of Charity in St. Louis, where she spent out the remainder of her years in education. One of the nuns in her convent said, “Sr. Celina Seghers left her heart in China,” as she eulogized her at her funeral after she died from cancer at the age of 66. Lt. Bourgeois’ life was complete and full and loaded with great friends like Ronald Drez, who made sure his story got told. Drez reminisced on his friendship with Bourgeois fondly, and shared how “He was such a down-toearth guy, with a great sense of humor.

The type of guy who looked in the face of doom and gloom and made a choice to get on with his life. He never looked

at his efforts as part of the Doolittle raid as heroic or special; he saw every person involved in the effort as a hero.”

In New Orleans, the front porch is a place of welcoming, a place for storytelling, and a place for social connections that have created communities and friendships far beyond what most people have known.

From a porch in Yukiang, China, to a porch on Napoleon Avenue, Sr. Celina Seghers and Lt. Robert Bourgeois received each other as their life experiences and heroism collided in a story that almost defies time and space. Everyone has a story. Some are told on porches time and again. Some become movies, some go the graves with our ancestors and some lie in manila envelopes in our parents’ attics.

Whether hero or ordinary, each of us has a story worth remembering.

Who will tell your story?

IN the Bookcase

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

Drinking in America: Our Secret History

by Susan Cheever

AT LEAST ONCE in recent memory, the spirit moved you.

It moved you to babble more than normal, glad-hand a little too much and generally become much more gregarious. The spirit moved you, and you paid dearly for it the next morning with cottonmouth and a good strong headache. So, read the new book Drinking in America by Susan Cheever, and you’ll see that you’re in good historical company.

It all started, says Cheever, with the Pilgrims. They set off from England to America in 1620 and arrived late in the fall, cold, hungry, and “running out of beer.” That wouldn’t have been a problem, except that beer for the Pilgrims was rather important. One of the first things they constructed was a brew house.

Within a decade after their first

(very rough) winter, the Pilgrims were joined by the Puritans, a group that was more aristocratic than Pilgrim “riff-raff.” They helped ensure that the New World had taverns; everybody drank then, including infants and small children. “By the time of the Revolution,” says Cheever, “the colonists’ drinking habits had escalated until each colonist was drinking almost twice as much as the average person drinks today.”

George Washington was happy to profit from alcohol, but John Adams’ family suffered from inherited alcoholism. By the early 1800s, drinking to excess was beginning to be seen as a bad thing. In 1805, the doctor to the Founding Fathers encouraged temperance. Then again, he also believed that alcoholism caused spontaneous combustion …

Americans rebelled over whiskey taxation before they ran to rum “with a side of cider,” thanks to Johnny Appleseed. Alcohol affected how Native Americans perceived white newcomers, who gave them stronger liquor than they could make themselves. Booze was a means for slaveholders to control their slaves, a way for doctors to perform surgery during the Civil War and a method for settlers to bond. It was famously prohibited (although “few people took the … ban seriously”), and it affected the health of countless men and women. Alcohol might have caused the death of a president. And it almost “brought this country to the brink of World War III …”

We are, by and large, a nation that likes its tipple, whether for church, relaxation or for fun. In Drinking in America, you’ll see how that’s nothing new: we’ve come from a long line of party animals.

And yet, some of us aren’t necessarily proud of that: author Susan Cheever adds a personal spin here through anecdotes about her father, who was an alcoholic, and the struggles he had. Those observations act as a buffer between tales of booze, bars, and bottles of all the things we drank (or not), people who encouraged drinking (or not), and how alcohol changed America, which makes for a book that goes down like a smooth glass of wine after a long day.

Whether you’re a drinker or a teetotaler, if you like a wee nip of history, then here’s the book you want.

Read Drinking in America—if the spirit moves you.

December 2016-January 2017 59

by Katy Danos

60

WHEN BRYAN BATT AND I started research for our retrospective about his grandfather Harry Batt Sr. and their family business, Pontchartrain Beach, we cast our net far and wide for personal stories, rarely seen photographs and unusual memorabilia. In our hunt for hidden treasures, we left no stone unturned, and our enthusiasm was contagious. One of our sources ended our meeting with a cheerful “You know who you really should talk to? Ed Piglia.” And so, we did.

And another story unfolded just as vividly—the story of popular culture across many decades in New Orleans.

We made an appointment to see Ed’s memorabilia at his warehouse in Kenner without asking a lot of questions. We had no idea what he was going to show us or any

Inside New Orleans

understanding of how many things he might have.

When we arrived at the warehouse, Ed offered to walk us towards his Pontchartrain Beach collection.

But we were stopped dead in our tracks. It was hard to even take one single step. Nothing could have prepared us for seeing and believing that this world-class collection of American pop culture memorabilia from the 1950s through the 1970s exists right here in New Orleans. And the Big Easy?

Oh yes, it is represented! Every beloved establishment from bygone days—Schwegmann’s, Kreeger’s, Time Saver, D.H. Holmes, you name it—is celebrated in artful displays of products, signage, advertising and logos that takes one back to New Orleans institutions of a different place and time. We were overwhelmed in the best possible way. >>

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Preservationist Ed Piglia

December 2016-January 2017 61

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

In 30 years of attending estate sales, flea markets and swap meets, Ed Piglia, a 61-year-old local businessman in real estate and hospitality, has amassed and curated an astonishing array of midcentury Americana artifacts. Vinyl records, transistor radios (some in original boxes), metal die-cast cars, plastic model kits of military vehicles, ceramic midcentury ashtrays in all the iconic colors, and a CocaCola vending machine advertising 10-cent bottles of drinks fill every nook and cranny in the cavernous warehouse. The categories and collections within collections go on and on in a stunning array of depth and detail. He has every copy of Playboy Magazine 62

Inside New Orleans

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

from the 1953 Marilyn issue through 2000, each copy in perfect condition complete with subscription inserts. And albums? Yes, he has 1,500, including the first item he ever purchased with his own money. “I bought the Rolling Stones Out of Our Heads album at the record department of Schwegmann’s on Airline and Labarre. It was $2.89 out of my allowance, and I didn’t get much past the first track, Satisfaction,” he says with a big grin. “The LP was mono, not stereo.”

Ed spends hours tinkering with his treasures, creating lively vignettes that amplify the visual power of each collection. Pontchartrain Beach canvas sun bathing chairs stenciled “Property of the Pontchartrain Beach” and a stash of “premium” prizes from the Midway arcade games sit below an Art Deco porcelain sign that once stood at the corner of Elysian Fields and Lakeshore Drive. In another area, three generations of K&B shopping carts—chrome to purple plastic—are filled with purple bags of unused cardboard ice cream cartons and purple and white plastic tubs, taking you right back to the aisles of the iconic drugstore chain of the past. Various K&B prescription pill bottles, bobby pins in original packaging and tiny tins of Bayer aspirin are arranged on glass shelves, reminding me of my grandmother’s medicine cabinet. Jax beer, Luziane coffee and all the flavors of Schwegmann’s canned soda are lined up in the “pantry,” while Krauss shopping bags, price tags and ladies’ hats hark back to the time when department stores were locally owned. Standout items >>

include a telephone booth from the Maison Blanche Canal Street lobby that Ed purchased 20 years ago and lovingly restored, a neon McKenzie’s Pastry sign hanging from the ceiling and a wooden Manuel’s hot tamales cart that reminds him of the one his dad frequented on the corner of Airline Highway and Airline Park Boulevard.

Born and raised in the Big Easy, Ed is deeply rooted here. His grandmother, Irma Gautreaux, worked in the fabric department at Krauss before working for 35 years at the Silver Whistle Cafe at the Pontchartrain Hotel, the legendary gem that has recently been renovated and reopened. His mother, Lynn Gautreaux Marino, worked as an executive secretary, one of the few professions open to women at the time, and as a single mother, raised Ed and his three younger sisters. She attended Loyola University at night and on weekends frequented yard sales and church fairs for clothing, furniture and other necessities. “As a child, that was somewhat embarrassing,” says Ed. “This was long before vintage was the in-thing, and we wanted things that were new. But I picked up her eye for spotting interesting

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items, and I certainly learned how to take care of things from her.”

He sure did. Surrounded by vintage Harley Davidson motorcycles and a 1956 Chrysler two-tone New Yorker automobile, Ed is quick to note that his passion for collecting originated from very humble beginnings. “I’d ride my bike as a 12-year-old to the streetcar barn on Willow Street,” he remembers. “I’d pick up discarded advertising signs that I thought were cool and hang them in my bedroom. I think that’s where it started.” When he was 20, he moved into his first apartment with a handful of things from his mother—a pendulum clock, lamps and a radio—and he decorated it with cool signs just as he had done as a child. “There was no defining moment when I said to myself ‘I am going to collect.’

It was more like I collected according to the space, as my mom did, and I bought things that tugged at my heart strings.” First his bachelor pad, then his first home, where he and his wife, Kathleen, raised a family and still live, followed by his garage and finally the warehouse. “I always told myself I would stop when I run out of room,” Ed says, looking around at

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

what he has created, almost not believing the magnitude himself.

Speaking of tugging at the heartstrings, the collection transcends New Orleans and richly mines the landscape of American pop culture in the second half of the 20th century.

If you grew up anytime in the ’50s thru ’70s, your heart will skip a beat at the sight of this time capsule on steroids. Record albums, lava lamps and shag carpeting are set up with the board games of the era—the Mating Game (yes, that’s the exact name), Twister and Password. In the “playroom” there are stacks and stacks of games. “The universal genderneutral Christmas gift.” Ed laughs as he fondly recalls hours of playing games with his sisters on rainy summer days. “Monopoly, Operation, Green Ghost and Mouse Trap were my favorites,” he says. “Do kids even really play board games together anymore?”

One of the first categories that Ed collected is the rotary dial telephone, which he has in 10 different colors, followed by princess phones in all of the

great pastels. “What would children think today, and adults for that matter, about sharing the one wallmounted, avocado-green phone with a 20-foot cord?”

Ed asks, referring back to the family phone he used.

You stretched the one phone in the house to a nearby closet for a private conversation. Today, we seem to skip the talking altogether as we text on gadgets that >>

December 2016-January 2017 65

everyone has in their back pocket.”

What started out as a man-cave in his detached garage is now a masterful work of art. As his friend and fellow collector, Joey Stephens, points out, “Ed is a preservationist of the first order. It is a privilege to view such a brilliantly organized and visually complex array of old New Orleans memorabilia.”

He is right. Students of pop culture, advertising and design; New Orleans history buffs; and simply anyone seeking a fantastic feel-good experience would be hard pressed to find a better teacher than Ed Piglia.

He says, “Nostalgia creates a common bond, but memory makes each person’s experience different. You see a logo or product from the past, and it is all there again inside your mind—who you were with, what you wore, what a place looked like and how you felt,” he says, gesturing to the few inches of space between his temples. “It’s powerful. I love to study how different people respond to different items, and everything triggers a personal story.”

It is clear that he revels in the details.

He watches closely for reactions to the smallest of items; things that may seem insignificant to most people are often the crown jewel of someone else’s memory lane. His recall is uncanny. I have been to the warehouse many times, and yet he remembers two of my funniest reactions from my very first visit. “You gasped when you saw the Swanson’s TV dinner 66

Inside New Orleans

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

box with its immaculate foil tray and the Hawaiian Punch can,” he says. And he is correct. The TV dinner jumped out at me from the “freezer section” as I laughingly told my childhood tale of lusting for what the family next door had but my mom refused to buy. And the Hawaiian Punch can Ed has perched on a “pantry shelf” above a mint-condition turquoise Lady Kenmore washer and dryer set circa 1965? That knocked me back, and hard, to my baby brother almost losing his finger in the jagged open top of the can as my mom screamed bloody murder for me to “go get your father.” There it was in full color, something I have not thought about in over 40 years.

Ed describes himself as highly energetic, intense and creative, and he is all that in spades. He is also very friendly, pragmatic and laser focused. “I can’t wait to get up every morning, and I can’t imagine not having a passion in life. I didn’t start out planning any of this; I just did what I loved. I guess I am a dreamer and romantic at heart.”

Kathleen, Ed’s wife of 27 years, has always supported his hobby, even in the days when curio cabinets of die-cast cars threatened to take over her living room.

“Ed cares passionately about education

and future generations. He is a builder with tremendous drive, and he believes that pop culture is truly the best reflection of the cultural values of its time. It makes me happy that he is happy!”

I’m eyeing the warehouse, brimming to the rafters, with every bit of space in use. His guiding motto—“collect only for the space”—is now tugging at my own heart in a big way. “What’s next?” I wanted to know. Ed may not have started out with an end result in mind, but nonetheless, he is now the >>

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Inside New Orleans

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

steward of some magnificent results.

“I’ve always considered this a hobby, and it has been a great ride. But things do not define me. I’ve made sure to only use discretionary funds, and at times that meant none,” he laughs. “I’ve had a wonderful life, and I love New Orleans. My dream is that one day the collection can be shared with students, visitors to New Orleans and historians.

There’s a lot that can be learned about mid-century America, when things were built to last, you took care of what you had and technology was in the distant future.”

During one of my last visits, I asked Ed, “If you had to leave here in a hurry and you could grab only one thing, what would it be?” I thought that would be a tough one for him to answer as I looked at several valuable and flashy things. “Oh, there’s no question,” he laughed. “No question at all. I would take my music, hands down. Any of my albums can take me right back in time to various ages, and it’s all up here,” he explains, as he points to his brain. “And no one can ever take that from you. I’d have my memories, and I could start all over again.”

Wine Cellar

by Bill Kearney MANY TIME-HONORED, cultural and religious culinary celebrations will take place over the next couple of months. One such storied meal that historically demands the finest wine dates back to a Christmas-time celebration from the 19th century: the Réveillon.

The Réveillon, a French-Creole tradition brought to America by French immigrants, means “waking,” from the root French word “reveil.” The period prior to Christmas provided for an abstinence, which thankfully came to an end that called for a celebratory feast. The “reveil” or “wakening” occurred after midnight on Christmas Eve and demanded the best foods and wines in recognition of the end of abstinence as well as the coming of Christmas Day. The strong, cultural French heritage of New Orleans

different options, whether the choice is seafood, beef or fowl.

Popular selections include trout meunière, beef Wellington or duck. Any of the above will provide a dizzying array of opportunities for a wonderful wine choice. While trout meunière can certainly find an amazing partnership with Puligny-Montrachet, the month is December and, hopefully, the weather is a little chilly, calling for a red Burgundy. Let your mind wonder to Gevrey-Chambertin or Volnay (and the trout meunière could easily add some almonds to become trout amandine).

If it is a little cooler, for a more substantive main course, such as a platter of beef, search out a wonderful bottle of Bordeaux to celebrate the birth of our Lord. The elements of cabernet sauvignon when blended with merlot result in a tasty and memorable marriage. If your humble abode has a sporting gentleman who has stocked the freezer with duck, I strongly urge you to find a Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

This extraordinary wine brings spice and gaminess to a bottle that results in a oneof-a-kind wine experience.

As we approach the culmination of an exceptionally planned culinary celebration, our Réveillon can feature a pot de crème or soufflé—or profiteroles might be the favored ending. Each will curry favor with a beautiful bottle of Champagne. The nectar of the Gods is certainly at home with dessert and is certainly called for in celebrating Christmas. If bubbles do not seem appropriate for your dessert, then please try port, for that will be where our next column leads us.

You will notice that each of the wines I chose to pair is French in origin, as are the roots of Réveillon. There are suitable New World alternatives that your wine consultant can lead you to. May you and your loved ones have the happiest of holidays and a very Merry Christmas.

Réveillon Wines pays homage to our history by celebrating this wonderful feast. Today, we see Réveillons across New Orleans at fine restaurants. Of course, classic French restaurants like Arnaud’s, Antoine’s and Galatoire’s lead the way in this effort.

A true Réveillon dinner is usually exceptional in nature and calls for several courses paired with wine and Champagne. Seafood plays an important part in these meals, as both the French and those of us in French “quarters” recognize the aspect this can provide in a multi-course effort. Oysters are generally a phenomenal choice, whether in a dressing or Rockefeller.

I recommend looking for a Loire Valley white wine from Pouilly-Fumé, Sancerre, Anjou or even Chablis. These ancient soils produce saline-like characteristics that mirror the flavor components of much of our local seafood.

A traditional favorite that we find on many Réveillon menus is a French-Creole specialty called daube glacé.

This unique item involves seasoned beef items like brisket that are filled into gelatin molds, chilled and then sliced and served as an introductory course with crackers or French bread. This wonderful and unusual dish creates a great opportunity to find a red wine with elements of spice that marry both the beef seasonings and gelatin.

While many find a Burgundy as ideal for this, I think a Gigondas is also a must to try with daube glacé.

The proper selection for the main course spans several

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At the Table

by Tom Fitzmorris locals matches its appeal to visitors. They combine with the new restaurants to make the French Market area as exciting as it has become.

Café Sbisa returns from the near-dead The opening of Café Sbisa in the mid-1970s was a turning point in the annals of New Orleans restaurants.

Dr. Larry Hill, a psychiatrist and gourmet, saw a new path opening in the restaurant community. It led to a younger clientele (the Baby Boomers, to be exact) interested in opening its palates to new style of eating.

One dish at Café Sbisa showed the possibilities.

Using an open charcoal grill like the ones at Bud’s Broiler, Café Sbisa became the first restaurant in modern

THE BLOCKS BOUNDED BY Chartres, Decatur, Dumaine and Ursulines streets have long been a center of New Orleans commerce. In the city’s earliest centuries, here were the business offices for companies serving the busy port’s concerns. In the late 1800s, it came to have a concentration of restaurants, in which the shipping magnates and their bankers ate the original business lunches.

As the 300th anniversary of New Orleans approaches, even though all the trappings of the port are gone from the French Market neighborhood, it is better stocked with interesting restaurants than it has ever been. In particular, three recent revivals of storied names and locations keep their auras alive, even after being closed for extended periods.

Café Sbisa is back again for its third or fourth incarnation, depending on when you started or stopped counting. A block away is the new Trinity, in what was for a long time Maximo’s. And a couple of years ago, the courtyard restaurant that became famous for Scott Boswell’s masterwork Stella! is now Angeline.

This says nothing about long-running stalwarts like Tujague’s, which had its big restoration a few years ago, and Irene’s Cuisine, whose popularity with 70

Inside New Orleans

times to grill fish over a smoky fire. Grilled fish is so prevalent now that it’s hard to imagine that in those days fish was either fried or broiled or (rarely) poached. Café Sbisa made grilled fish the talk of the town. Not long afterwards, Mr. B’s ran with the same idea, with a woodburning grill. And ever since, in the better restaurants as much fish is grilled as is cooked any other way.

Those new Creole bistros uptown stole Café Sbisa’s thunder, and after 1990, the restaurant had a spotty history. It closed for long periods at least twice as the ownership shifted. It would not be for the first time. The original Sbisa’s Café (that’s what the old neon sign said) had already been in business since 1899 when Larry Hill took over.

The latest renaissance involves Craig Napoli, who has owned the building for decades, and Alfred Singleton, a skillful chef who was here at some point in the Sbisa story. More recently, he was the chef at Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse. His chef’s jacket give his position as “Owner.”

When Café Sbisa made its soft re-re-opening in October of this year, it did so with a handsome renovation of the dining room. It’s still unmistakably a classic old-line New Orleans dining room, with white

illustration: GRETCHEN ARMBRUSTER

The French Market Dining Scene Is Better Than Ever

tablecloths, low lighting, a good bit of wood paneling, and a big bar. The most striking aspect of the dining room is that it rises through a rectangular opening that creates a mezzanine. Up there is the famous painting by well-known artist George Dureau.

The menu is equally familiar. We start off with a thick, excellent, old-style turtle soup, a generous crab cake or a fried variant of oysters Rockefeller. Past the salad standards we find three venerable entrées. The first is a fried fish fillet along the lines of trout, redfish or puppy drum, topped with a rich sauce including crab fingers, shrimp and crawfish tails. It’s enough for two people in terms of both its variety and sheer volume.

I think it’s a bit much, frankly. I also question the idea of crab claws tossed with the shrimp and crawfish in the sauce. I’d ask for them on the side.

Three other signature entrées top the menu. One is bouillabaisse, a dish that has lately come and gone a lot on local menus. This one combines shrimp, fish, mussels and crabmeat in a big flavor that has enough going on to give it a Creole quality.

Just below that on the list is a very good take on barbecue shrimp, reminiscent of Mr. B’s version. Finally, in lieu of the historic grilled fish, is blackened fish, with its convincing, spicy crustiness.

A couple more seafood items precede an appealing assortment of veal, beefsteaks, a rack of lamb and a confit of duck legs. The latter bring a Béarnaise sauce and truffled, freshcut pommes frites.

The most challenging task for a serious restaurant these days is to gather a competent staff of servers. I note that a lot of people who have never performed that job before are entering the field. I also can tell by certain aspects of the service that these new people have received rather intensive training.

The young woman who served me at Café Sbisa on my first visit told me that I was her first customer on her first day in the business—ever. But she was so well-versed in what she was doing that the service was flawless. Whatever this miracle training routine is, I hope it spreads.

Another problem in newly opened (or re-opened) restaurants is that not all questions have been asked. This night, for example, it seemed to me that the wines by the glass were too few and too uninteresting. Café Sbisa’s response was right on: the server repeated my complaint to the wine guy, who then and there decided to open a few of by-the-bottle wines. Problem solved.

The spirit of this edition of Café Sbisa recalls the Grand Dame restaurants. A love for Antoine’s, Galatoire’s, Broussard’s

and Arnaud’s translates easily into at least a liking for the newest Café Sbisa. All the place needs are local regulars. In other words, if you can overlook a few small glitches, you’ll find the returned Café Sbisa ready to please.

Cafe Sbisa. French Quarter, 1011 Decatur St., 309-7477.

Which Trinity is this?

Across St. Philip Street and half a block down Decatur is an historic cluster of long, narrow buildings, most of which have two other things in common. First, they were built by the Ursuline nuns very early in the history of New Orleans.

Second, many of these have served as restaurants and bars—a few of them very well.

The most auspicious of the current restaurants in the 1000 block of Decatur is Trinity. It occupies the spot where the excellent Italian restaurant Maximo’s had a long run. (It ended with Hurricane Katrina.) Maximo’s in its day performed the best renovation of one of the old Ursulines spaces, including a dramatic and fun food bar, with the full kitchen operation on the other side.

When the new owners of the place took over, they spent a good deal of money on improvements on the improvements.

The first reports from the resulting Trinity all glowed with enthusiasm about the handsomeness of the new dining room and the food bar. Which, of course, was kept and enhanced with a marble bartop. As for the name, it hasn’t been revealed whether it was a religious, business or cooking reference. (The latter as in onions, bell peppers and celery, the holy trinity of Creole cooking.)

As nice as the atmospherics are, they are outperformed by the kitchen, whose cooking is polished to a degree we rarely encounter these days. That point was made to me right away both times I’ve sampled the eats. The first dish was what they call simply “broiled oysters.” The oysters involved are in their shells afloat in a thick, pale orange sauce studded with bits of hot pepper, herbs and a light matrix of bread crumbs.

It reminded me of the kind of cooking we used to get at the extinct Louis XVI, Crozier’s, Sazerac and their ilk. It happened all over again the second time I was there.

The menu is a bit confusing. As is the vogue these days, the departments avoid the use of appetizer, soup, salad, entrée and dessert categories to arrange everything in reference to some pole not readily obvious. It helps that most of the dishes are small plates. This way, if you’re led in a direction that you weren’t expecting, you won’t have to go too far out. >> December 2016-January 2017 71

Example: First time I dined at Trinity, I ordered one of the six oyster dishes at the top of the page.

It was gazpacho—a very well-made one, served cold, and with oysters floating about. The waitress had a great deal of fun messing around with such possibilities. We enjoyed it, too.

Trinity’s eye appeal is not limited to its architecture. All the food comes with a great view, down to the uniquely fluted bread. (Which reminds me: they do all their own baking here.)

The background of chef Scott Maki is unimpeachable. At various times, he worked with Susan Spicer, Emeril and John Besh. The last time I was there before writing this, he was about to re-adapt the menu to the cooler seasons. But I would not expect the excellent seared scallops, the celery cup of jumbo lump crabmeat or the pork belly.

I am ready to say goodbye to the pumpkin cheesecake, but only because the changing seasons will force the issue.

This I am certain of: Trinity is the best of the new

restaurants near the French Market, and one of the two or three best white-tablecloth restaurants of 2016.

Trinity. French Quarter, 1117 Decatur St., 325-5789.

Following Five Fleurs De Lis at Angeline The all-time most impressive restaurant in the 1000 block of Chartres was certainly Stella!, the outerlimits restaurant created by Chef Scott Boswell in the years after Katrina. I don’t expect ever to encounter a restaurant that can surpass it in the brilliance of its cooking and the excellence of its foodstuffs. It was clearly too good to live.

After sitting empty for a few years, the space—a lovely one, just off the courtyard of a small hotel— welcomed Chef Alex Harrell. He had made a name for himself at Sylvain, a hip restaurant about five blocks up Chartres. Angeline found a customer base quickly, enough so that a reservation is essential, even on a weeknight.

Although Chef Alex never makes so much as a

feint in the direction of Stella!, most people who dine there expect a restaurant more sophisticated than it actually is. The music, for example, is a mix of country, folk and a touch of jazz. Whoever put this playlist together knows about this music. The tables are made of thick, handsome wood—but not clothed. Most important, the cooking has a decidedly rustic appeal, while using first-class but unpretentious ingredients.

My wife loves home-style cooking, requiring only that it tastes good. She is the deal customer for Angeline. The house soup, for example, is a broth made with collards, black-eyed peas, pork broth and bacon. I ordered that. She asked for warm potato soup. Two spoonfuls later, and she enforced a swap upon me.

Also in this dinner are fried pork cheeks and grilled oysters (whose garlic butter is tinged with Herbsaint). Another run of appetizers brings snapper crudo. Raw marinated fish— my kind of dish, not hers. She gets the grilled fish of the day, something simple and toasty-buttery.

My wife is not a dessert lover, but she has certain weaknesses. Chocolate pots de crème is one of them. Here they were, and there they went. I like the sound of Angeline’s

cinnamon apple crumble with pecans. And the taste, too.

We returned a week or so later. The soup had become pumpkin curry, with toasted pumpkin seeds. We got a board of charcuterie, made in an utterly unique style. Instead of sausages and pates and cured ham, we get fried cauliflower nubbins (about five times better than I would have guessed), pickles of many vegetables (beans, okra), hard-boiled eggs and a few other munchies.

The lead entrée is a pork chop so thick that it must be sliced across six times. Very tender, grilled to just pink. The style is fulfilled. It’s perfect for the French Market neighborhood’s inventory of good new and renewed restaurants.

Angeline. French Quarter,1032 Chartres St. 308-3106.

Music en route.

In my comings and goings as I visited the restaurants around the French Market, I found myself crossing Decatur Street at the Gazebo, the open-air casual restaurant at the corner.

They have a live jazz band there every night, and I couldn’t help but sit down and listen to a tune or two. The band has a superlative repertoire, and is worth a stop and a tip.

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1. A Life in Jazz by Danny Barker, $39.95.

The Historic New Orleans Collection, 598-7147.

2. Lampe Berger fragrance lamps, starting at $40.

Auraluz, Metairie, 888-3313. 3. UGG throw, $98; UGG over-the-knee socks, $45. Stone Creek Club and Spa, Covington, 985-801-7100. 4. Elements Collection torches feature contemporary lines 9 8

and organic materials. 42”, 50” and 60”, starting at $149.99. Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 985893-8008. 5. Streetcar Blues by Brad

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Budge, 36” x 36”, $600. Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 985-624-4045. 6. Sequined Christmas soldier tote, $28. All Wrapped Up, Mandeville, 985-778-2041. 7. ILLUME hand10

crafted scented candles; available in different styles and scents starting at $13.50. The Lifestyle Store at Franco’s, Mandeville, 985-792-0020. 8. Hand-carved pecky cypress open container with two magnetic sides, $120. NOLA Boards, 516-2601. 9. Rebel Waterford by Jo Sampson

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with golden metal and crystal in multiple shades.

Decanter, $195; martini glass, $50; cocktail glass, $50.

Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor, Mandeville, 985727-9787. 10. Zero Runner by Octane, easy-on-joints, zero-impact running, $2,999. Fitness Expo, Metairie, 887-0880. 11. Hand-crafted art glass tray; food safe; hand wash; starting at $90. Exclusively at Hazelnut, 8912424. 12. Antique brass 8-arm chandelier with magnified glass accents, $1,049. Eclectic Home, 866-6654.

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pieces such as a tourmaline bust of Napoléon and snuffboxes. The items explore the best of Napoléonic art and design that together reveal the imperial style championed by the Emperor during his reign in France.

William Rau, the President and owner of M.S. Rau Antiques, says: “Napoléon is one of the most compelling figures in all of Western history. During his short time in power he made an indelible impact not only in the political arena, but also in the arts and design. Some of our greatest treasures and finest masterpieces date to the Napoléonic age, all thanks to Napoléon and his quest for glory.”

For the fifth exhibition presented by M.S. Rau, an audio tour has been added. “If a viewer wants to know more about a piece, they are able to dial a number into their phone,” says Amanda. “It’s a fun and different element for us that adds depth to the works on display.” The free exhibition is one of the many ways M.S. Rau gives back to the city. Another initiative is the the Rau for Art Foundation, which encourages art appreciation and education in Greater New Orleans schools by helping young artists reach their academic and professional art goals.

M.S. Rau Antiques

Napoléon: General. Emperor. Legend.

About M.S. Rau Antiques Considered one of the world’s foremost experts on 18th- and 19th- century antiques and fine art, William Rau is President, CEO and third-generation owner of M.S. Rau Antiques, located in the

Celebrating the life of legendary soldier, statesman and conqueror

historic French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. Over a century

Napoléon Bonaparte, M.S. Rau Antiques opened the Napoléon:

old, M.S. Rau Antiques is one of the largest premier fine art and

General. Emperor. Legend. exhibition in November in their French

antiques galleries in the world. William Rau’s extensive knowledge

Quarter gallery. Napoléon was one of the Western world’s most

of the international antiques and art market has not only allowed

powerful leaders, as well as one of its greatest patrons of the arts.

him to help clients cultivate museum quality collections, but it has

The exhibition tells the intimate story of Napoléon through his

also afforded him the opportunity to amass the remarkable and

collection of art and design pieces. “We found Napoléon’s way of

important works in this comprehensive Napoléonic exhibition.

legitimizing his power through the decorative arts very intriguing,” says Curator Amanda Wallich, “and also the rich Napoléonic history we have in New Orleans. It’s an opportunity to bring to light his influence here.”

Amanda and the M.S. Rau team have worked to gather Napoléonic pieces not only from the M.S. Rau collection, but also from around the world. The exhibition, which is free and open to the public, boasts 60 pieces ranging from an entire bedroom set to small

Napoléon: General. Emperor. Legend. will be on view until January 7, 2017. M.S. Rau Antiques is located at 630 Royal Street in New Orleans, open Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm. Call 504-273-7391 or visit rauantiques.com/Napoleon for more information.

December 2016-January 2017 75

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Flourishes

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1 1. Pillows by Jax, $38. Judy at the

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Rink, New Orleans, 891-7018. 2. Bite Me Bones in numerous assorted colors; large, $19.99; small, $8.99. Petcetera, New Orleans, 269-8711. 3.

Seasonal arrangements starting at $65. Florist of Covington, Covington, 985892-7701. 4. 24” Mother Mary resin 5

statue, $84.95. Nonna Randazzo’s, Covington, 985-893-1488 or Mandeville, 985-898-2444. 5. Variety

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of cheese boards include five different cheeses, grapes, figs, apricots, almonds and walnuts; starting at

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$75. Acquistapace’s Wine and Cheese, Mandeville, 985-951-2501. 6. DIY superhero cape, $39.99; DIY tutu, $49.99. Olive Patch, Covington, 985-3275772. 7. The Very First Christmas Stocking and the Gifts of the Seven Coins by local author Terry Paul 9

Lafargue. Paperback, $18.99; hardcover, $31.99. theveryfirstchristmasstocking.com. 8. Nine-piece nesting nativity set of the Holy Family, $51. St. Joseph Abbey Gift Shop, St. Benedict, 985-867-2227. 9.

Christmas-themed hand-crafted wreath, $60.36. Water Street Wreaths, Madisonville, 985-792-7979. 10. Copper cookie cutters in various shapes, starting at $10, Niche

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Modern Home, Mandeville, 985624-4045. 11. Insulated cooler, $34; reusable insulated tumbler, $16; stemless wine glasses, $35; cocktail napkin set, $38.

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All items in exotic garden print.

Palm Village, a Lily Pulitzer Signature Store, Mandeville, 985-778-2547.

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Flourishes

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1. Hand-painted Lazy Susan, available in

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two sizes, starting at $99. Sea La Vie Designs, Mandeville, 985-373-8223.

2. Christmas ornaments made of drury and agate stones, prices vary.

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Chateau Drugs, Metairie, 899-2300.

3. Large glass dispenser with alligator top, $159. American Factory Direct, 9

Mandeville, 985-871-0300.

4. Wooden serving board with ceramic plate with slot for ornaments, $42.90. Ornaments starting at $6.95. Nonna Randazzo’s, Covington, 985-893-1488; Mandeville, 985-898-2444.

5. Antique Venetian glass liquor decanter with six matching glasses, $365.

Antiques and Décor, Mandeville, 985-635-2035. 6. Steamboat Natchez

New Orleans & The History of Mississippi River Steamboats, written by Kerri McCaffety and Captain Clark C. Hawley, paperback, $29.95; hardcover, $45. Steamboat Natchez, New Orleans, 587-0733. 7. New Orleans embroidered queen pillow, $140; king size, $160. Little Miss Muffin, 4828200. 8. Carved and gilded Louis XV side chair, $1,050. History Antiques & Interiors, Covington, 985-892-0010. 9. Vinrella, umbrella in a bottle, $20. mélange by kp, Mandeville, 985-807-7652. 10. White marble cheese plate; available with gold or silver trim, $78. Fur.nish, Metairie, 504-702-8514.

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Flourishes 1. Hand-crafted Edgar Berebi stemware with interchangable glass tops in Thames Watercress Green, Hanover-Garnet, and Costa-Azul all accented

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with gems and Swarovski crystals, starting at $275.

Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor, Mandeville, 985-727-9787. 2. Vintage glittered pine cone and pearl wreaths: 15”, $50; 19”, $125; 25”, $225. EMB Interiors, Mandeville, 985-6262

1522. 3. 30” Governor

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Pool House Lantern available in antique

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copper or stainless, $450. Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights New

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Orleans, 522-9485, and Mandeville, 985-249-6040.

4. Oil on canvas portrait of Rita de Acosta Lydig by Giovanni

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Boldini, signed and dated, commissioned by Lydig in 1910 and later owned by prominent art collector Baron Maurice de Rothschild, $3,650,000. M.S. Rau Antiques, New Orleans, 523-5660. 5. Ralph Brennan’s New Orleans Seafood Cookbook, a guide to New Orleans seafood cooking, $35. Autographed copies available. neworleans-food.com. 6. Enamelware

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shrimp dip set, $52. History Antiques & Interiors, Covington, 985-892-0010.

7. Madonna by Alyson Hessburg, 9 ½” wide by 24” tall, $165. mélange by kp, Mandeville, 985-807-7652. 8. Antoine’s 175th Anniversary Celebration Book, a mix of Antoine’s recipes and history of 10

America’s oldest family-run restaurant, $39. Antoine’s, 581-4422. 9. Swell bottles, starting at $26.99. Earthsavers, Mandeville, 985-674-1133. 10. Three-drawer wooden chest wrapped in German silver with patterned

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drawer fronts and end panels. American Factory Direct, Mandeville, 985-871-0300. 11. Antica Farmacista Prosecco-scented products for bath and home, starting at $14. The Linen Registry, Metairie, 831-8228.

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AD23

Fashion Update

Anthony Davis

by Brenda Breck

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ANTHONY DAVIS, the Pelicans’ forward/center NBA all-star and two-time Gold Medalist for Team USA at the 2012 and 2014 Olympics, has once again scored a winning goal! This time, it is not on the basketball court but in the fashion industry.

Saks Fifth Avenue debuted a new fall line of menswear in August 2016 that evolved from the alignment of the talent and creativity of the Saks design team with the “visionary imagination” of Davis—Saks Fifth Avenue X Anthony Davis.

“Since launching in 2009, Saks Fifth Avenue Collection has grown into one of our largest-selling menswear brands,” stated Tom Ott, senior vice president and GMM Saks Fifth Avenue. “We are thrilled to collaborate with NBA all-star Anthony Davis on an exclusive capsule for our beloved private label. Our customers will be pleasantly surprised by the combined ingenuity of the Saks design team and the visionary imagination of Davis—the result yields a bold look for the luxe athleisure.”

This is the first time that the SFA label has combined creative energies with an athlete on a fashion collection. The line, which features 11 pieces of unique

Inside New Orleans

athleisure, is priced between $58-$188; it includes a bomber jacket, neoprene shorts, graphic tees and black joggers. According to the 6-foot-10-inch, 23-year-old from Chicago, “I am tired of not being able to find clothes for myself. I wanted to bring athleisure to another level and to initially keep a price range that more people can afford. I want to see my designs on the streets everywhere. Collaborating with Saks Fifth Avenue on an exclusive capsule was a dream come true. I was very hands on with the entire process, from choosing the prints to designing the silhouettes—this capsule truly embodies my fashion perspective.”

As a tribute to Anthony’s jersey number, 23 Saks Fifth Avenue stores across the country will carry Saks Fifth Avenue X Anthony Davis. In February 2017, a launch of new designs from the SFA Collection and Anthony Davis will hit the stores In September, Davis personally launched his line at New Orleans Saks Fifth Avenue, one of only two in-store appearances nationally. Saks turned an area into a dynamic AD23 nightclub. Davis allowed photos to be taken with him, and a video interactive basketball game was on site for play. Fun was had by all!

photo courtesy: SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

From Hoops to Habiliment

December 2016-January 2017 83

INside Look

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Merry & Bright 1. Natural black stone wrapped in crystals and beads on thin gold chain, $15.99. Private Beach, Mandeville, 985-674-2326. 2. Sanibel embellished fringe-trimmed black dress with round halter neckline and shift silhouette, $398. FeBe, Metairie, 835-5250. 3. Signature Collection traditional fit, 100% pima cotton, quarter-zip sweater. Executive Collection traditional fit, 100% cotton crewneck sweater. Executive Collection traditional fit, cotton 4-button mock neck sweater. Sweaters, $109.50, available in a variety of colors. Jos A. Bank Clothiers; Mandeville, Metairie and New Orleans. 985624-4067; 528-9491. 4. Press black sequin 5

dress, $82. Paisley, Mandeville, 985-727-7880.

5. Bobi Black Los Angeles silver cowl neck dress, $86. Paisley, Mandeville, 985-727-7880.

6. 1905 Collection 100% wool plaid tie, regular length, $59.50. Executive Collection wool and silk blend, classic plaid tie, regular length, $49.50. Traveler Collection 100% silk stain-resistant, solid red tie, regular length, $59.50.

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Jos A. Bank Clothiers; Mandeville,

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Metairie and New Orleans, 985-6244067; 528-9491. 7. 18K yellow gold pave hoop earrings, $1,750. Friend & Company, New Orleans, 866-5433. 8. Onset black driftwood heel in hand-dyed, full-grain leather with peep toe,

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back zipper and cushioned insole, $199.99.

Cadence black rustic leather handbag with long strap, $129.99. Joe’s Family Shoe Store, Mandeville, 985-626-5633.

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Merry & Bright 1. St. Benedict necklace, $29. DeCoeur Gifts & Home Accessories, Covington, 985-809-3244. 2. Gisele pajamas by Eberjey styled after men’s pjs but sized and shaped for a feminine physique, $120. Basics Underneath Fine Lingerie, Mandeville, 985-727-9521; New Orleans, 894-1000. 3. SAXX Ultra boxer briefs with patented, hammock-shaped BallPark™ pouch keeps “everything in place” and prevents skin-against-skin friction;

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viscose fabric is breathable and moisture wicking; $80. Bra Genie, Mandeville, 985-951-8638. 4. Tia Lyn Chemise for the fuller bust in scarlet satin and lace with matching hipster; supportive cups, adjustable straps and lace on back to eliminate “fluff.” Bra Genie, Mandeville, 985-951-8638. 5. New Orleans-themed Murfree Scarf features a print of local symbols, $118. Palm Village, a Lily Pulitzer Signature Store, Mandeville, 985-778-2547. 6. Caroline dress

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by Olian for the mom-to-be, sizes XS-L, $110. Olive Patch, Covington, 8

985-327-5772. 7. Boy and girl handembroidered knit longalls, starting at $56. Auraluz, Metairie, 888-3313.

8. Mock Scuba Dress from the Leopard Collection shown in purple

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leopard, $190. Kevan Hall Sport, kevanhallsport.com.

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December 2016-January 2017 87

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INside Look

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Merry & Bright 1. Seasonal Whispers 24K gold and Swarovski crystals necklace

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handmade in New York, $149. Shoefflé, Covington, 985-898-6465. 2. Sleeveless jewel-

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neck sequined tulle shift dress, $525. FeBe, Metairie, 835-5250. 3. Lined popover dress with sleek fringes; adjustable spaghetti straps; $295.

The Villa, Mandeville, 985-626-9797. 4. Vintageinspired diamond and pearl tassel necklace in 18K, $4,950. Wellington & Company, 525-4855.

5. Mystree Taupe fur vest, $64. The Lifestyle Store

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at Franco’s, Mandeville, 985-792-0020. 6. Metallic knit top available in two colors, $36. Posh Boutique, Covington, 985-898-2639. 7. Seasonal Whispers

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24K gold and Swarovski crystals bracelet handmade in New York, $129. Shoefflé, Covington, 985-898-6465. 8. Gold-tone dress by Willbeth in sizes 12M-4T, $85. Baby and Me, Mandeville, 985-626-0267. 9. Mamey glitter and crystal pointtoe pumps by Jimmy Choo, $975. Saks Fifth Avenue, 524-2400.

December 2016-January 2017 89

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Merry & Bright 1. Floral velvet burnout kimono with fringe, $59; necklace, $44. Columbia Street Mercantile, Covington,

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985-809-1789 or 985-809-1690. 2. Inspired by vintage jewelry motifs, the Aya bracelet by Loren Hope features sleek, Swarovski encrusted, floral buds tipped with pearl stamens on an antiqued gold finish, $198. Cameo Boutique, Mandeville, 985-231-1332. 3. Tom Mathis

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14K yellow gold crescent and diamond fleur de lis, $750.

Symmetry Jewelers and Designers, New Orleans, 861-9925. 4. Shimmering brocade dress in teal and gold, $695. Elizabeth’s, Metairie, 833-3717. 5. Metallic wrap skirt with pleat detail, $46. JuJu’s Boutique, Mandeville, 985-624-3600.

6. Dazzling Dangles featuring 10.4 carats of brilliant white diamonds 9

set in 18K white gold. Jack Sutton, New Orleans, 522-8080, jacksutton.com. 7. SHE+SKY sleeveless metallic dress, $44. The Lifestyle Store at Franco’s, Mandeville, 985-792-0020. 8. Bamboo Chic Lite Ruana poncho, $98. Tri-color 16” ball beaded necklace in white, grey and gold, $50. The French Mix, Covington, 985-809-3152.

9. Sienna slipper with faux-fur floral detail, easy to slip-on. The Oasis Day Spa, Mandeville, 985-624-6772.

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December 2016-January 2017 91

IF EVER A NAME CAPTURED the essence of a business, it’s Friend & Company Fine Jewelers in New Orleans.

Since first opening her business under the name of Simply Gold in 1976, founder Patricia Friend has prided herself on “offering beautiful jewelry at a wonderful price.”

From the earliest days, that policy obviously resonated with her customers, because soon they were urging her to carry more than simple gold jewelry. They wanted diamonds. Pat listened to their request and took the next logical step. Dedicated to staying at the top of her game, she began studying with the Gemological Institute of America to earn a degree in diamonds. “If I was going to sell something, I wanted to know everything about it,” she says. Pat continued her studies with GIA, ultimately earning a graduate gemologist degree encompassing diamonds, colored stones, pearls, appraisals and more. As she expanded her expertise, she likewise expanded her

When It Comes to Jewelers, You’ve Got a Friend

by Karen B. Gibbs

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Inside New Orleans

inventory to include rubies, emeralds, sapphires and South Sea pearl collections.

Soon, more and more people were talking about the Maple Street jeweler—her friendliness, honesty and integrity. As a result, sales boomed, and in 1983, Pat’s son, Ken Jr., joined his mom in the venture, boosting business even more. Within six years, Simply Gold outgrew its location and relocated to 7713 Maple Street, where it has its own off-street parking lot—a real boon for customers on that bustling corridor.

Ken’s wife, Nina, came on board in 1997, bringing with her a unique style, taste and vision that appealed to customers of all ages and lifestyles. With three Friends in the business, Pat, Ken and Nina decided it was time for a more suitable moniker for the family venture, so they

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Friend & Company’s 40th Anniversary

changed the name from Simply Gold to Friend & Company Fine Jewelers.

With its new name came more upscale items like Breitling precision timepieces. (Friend & Company is the only dealer for Breitling watches in New Orleans.)

“For six of the last eight years, we have been designated the Preferred Jeweler of the New Orleans Saints,” adds Nina.

Friend & Company has another designation, one that’s been conferred on them by the customers themselves— “The Secret Room.” Actually, it’s Ken’s office, but because it’s where Ken meets privately with customers to select or design engagement, wedding and anniversary rings, as well as other fine jewelry pieces, that’s the name it’s inherited. “I didn’t name it that,” laughs Ken. “It’s what the guys called it. After all, the gifts chosen in that room are some of New Orleans’ best-kept secrets. New Orleans is a small city.

Men want to buy an engagement ring, or any special occasion gift, in private. We allow them to do that.”

More than the privacy, customers value Ken’s thirty-plus years’ experience in the fine jewelry and diamond business. Ken has earned the trust of customers, notably when designing or picking out the most important rings in their life. Not to mention, the ladies often give their wish lists to Ken, so he knows exactly what to suggest to each beau.

While Ken’s specialty is working with engagement and wedding rings, Nina’s focus is assisting brides-to-be with their bridal registry. To that end, she opened Friend & Company’s Bridal Registry and Gift Boutique in 2003. Beautifully displayed on the second floor of the building, this section is the “hidden gem” of Friend & Company. Caringly staffed by bridal registry coordinators, it is a room that begs customers to browse slowly and leisurely.

Brides, and grooms alike, revel in elegant Baccarat crystal, Bernardaud Limoges china, William Yeoward crystal and china, Vietri everyday pottery and glassware, as well as Anna Weatherley and

Herend distinctive Hungarian hand-painted china grace the displays.

“We go out of our way to make each bride’s experience as beautiful as their special day,” explains Nina. With extra touches like champagne and treats, the staff makes every bride’s visit magical and personal. And that’s just what you’d expect from a friend.

Another facet of Friend & Company that customers especially like is the estate and vintage jewelry department. “We create tremendous value for our customers by purchasing large estates,” says Ken. “In many cases, we are much less expensive than auction houses.” With an ever-changing collection of rings, pins, necklaces and watches to choose from, customers who are looking for that unique piece won’t be disappointed.

Whether it’s a classic piece of jewelry, a custommade design or an elegant choice from the vintage and estate jewelry collection, customers are inevitably delighted with the selections at Friend & Company.

For 40 years, customers have enjoyed shopping on Maple Street with their friends at Friend & Company.

And Pat, Ken, and Nina – and everyone on their staff - are dedicated to making the experience a memorable one. “We make friends with our customers” says Pat. “In fact, some families have been coming to us for three generations. Once people have an experience at Friend & Company, they always come back.”

Opposite: Pat Friend Above: Ken and Nina Friend.

December 2016-January 2017 93

Quintessentially New Orleans Christmas Eve at Antoine’s

by Winnie Brown

The Twelfth Night Revelers Room.

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WHAT ARE YOU DOING Christmas Eve? If you are like a thousand other New Orleanians—1,475 to be exact—you are enjoying your family’s annual tradition of celebrating Christmas Eve lunch or dinner at Antoine’s. While the rest of America is busy putting last-minute touches on the next day’s gifts or Christmas meal, locals are already in full holiday mode—one that will likely last through Mardi Gras—and quite a few are celebrating at the revered New Orleans institution.

When New Orleanians celebrate Christmas Eve (or just about any other occasion), you can bet it’s festive, involves eating and drinking and is steeped in history

Inside New Orleans

and tradition. So, where better to celebrate Christmas Eve than the legendary restaurant, Antoine’s, whose own annals have been indelibly woven into the social fabric of New Orleans for 176 years?

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when the tradition of going there on Christmas Eve began. Perhaps we should look to the city’s 19th century Catholic Creoles.

These early gastronomes followed in the footsteps of their European ancestors who cleverly devised a way to circumvent the Church’s imposed fast from Saturday until after Mass on Sunday that was required to receive Holy Communion. The solution? Midnight Mass and

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN photo: ROY GUSTE

a short-cut to dinner, the Réveillon. One may imagine that they emerged from Midnight Mass at St. Louis Cathedral eager to break their Advent fast and headed to a conveniently located Antoine’s!

“Golly, what a spirit,” Louis Armstrong sang about Christmas in New Orleans. The spirit is certainly alive on Christmas Eve at the classic denizen of the French Quarter, resplendent in its Christmas finery and Old World charm. It’s a moveable feast for the senses. It’s colorful, it’s crowded, and it’s loud—a symphonic cacophony of bonhomie exuding from the crowd of Christmas-clad clans of all ages filling every

nook and cranny of the colorful and storied rooms, as they have for generations. Many have histories with the restaurant that are as storied as the rooms and tables they inhabit year after year.

They’ve come for the annual victuals of soufflé potatoes, oysters Foch and Rockefeller, fish amandine and filet with marchand du vin (or, as my family affectionately calls it, chocolate steak), and maybe some milk punch and baked Alaska. It’s the same menu every year, one that will be repeated during the upcoming Carnival season.

“Locals like celebrations,” says Matthew Ousset, general manager of Antoine’s. And Christmas Eve at Antoine’s is definitely a local scene. Visitors are certainly welcome when there are open reservations.

But don’t count on it—especially at lunch. And don’t expect to get squeezed in if the restaurant is full.

Even the restaurant’s recorded message forewarns those seeking to make a reservation that preference is given to existing reservations (and these are usually made years in advance for years in advance). Most of all, don’t expect express service or special treatment.

Providing two turn-around services to hundreds of patrons (some of the lunch crowd doesn’t leave until 3 p.m. or after) and doing so with an abundance of holiday spirit is no small feat.

Yvonne Blount, whose father Roy was proprietor from 1935 to 1972 and whose son Rick Blount is the>> December 2016-January 2017 95

Above: Family, friends and lots of fun at the annual Brown-St. Paul Christmas Eve lunch at Antoine’s.

proprietor today, says “It doesn’t matter if you are famous or even the Pope— our regular reservations come first.”

“It’s just good business to take care of your repeat customers,” says Matthew Ousset, the general manager who has been with the restaurant for 48 years; he started as a bus boy. “We have repeat customers who make their reservations far in advance, requesting the same room, table and wait staff. It is probably one their grandfather had.”

It wouldn’t be Christmas Eve without the making the requisite trek through the restaurant to visit with friends and acquaintances and to see what’s going on in all those rooms. The term “table hopping” takes on a literal meaning. Making your way through the Annex is like navigating an obstacle course. The Annex is the large room,

just past the main dining room, and it glistens at Christmas. The lights on the giant Christmas tree reflect off the deep red walls, making it almost Christmas red, as if it were done just for Christmas. It has been the favorite room for decades, and the teeming crowd provides the testimony.

Dathel Georges has been celebrating Christmas Eve at Antoine’s in the Annex for as long as she can remember, “At our table, we now have three generations, and the table practically stretches across the room. It’s so much fun to see the same families each year, and all have additions to them. It’s rewarding to see that so many people love to keep this special tradition going through the generations.”

A visit to merrymakers in the various rooms unearths similar sentiments. “In addition to being regulars

at Christmas Eve, we have celebrated countless birthdays, anniversaries and all kinds of special occasions here for years.” “This was my dad’s table for many years dating back probably to early 1970s before we took it over.” “I like the Dungeon.” “We are new to this and thank the people who invited us.

Now it’s our tradition too!” “We like this room (1840 Room) because our family has a special duck dinner every year, and the silver duck press is in here.”

“It’s so special to be surrounded by all of the Carnival memorabilia and old photographs. There are pictures of my mother and grandmother and of family members no longer with us.” “We’ve created so many memories here for so many years, it’s hard not to love this place.” “For every important occasion and for Christmas, I am here with my family and my Antoine’s family. I’ve grown up with these people.”

And they likely grew up here, too.

The staff is long-tenured, often starting out in their teens, and some are secondor third-generation career waiters.

People love the waiters. “In most other restaurants, in most other places, waiters have sections,” says Yvonne Blount.

“They have a dining room, and if you sit in that section, you get Charles or Harry or Joe or whatever. Here, once you have a waiter, that’s your waiter from then on.” It is a love triangle of sorts between the patrons, the staff and the proprietors who have spent decades celebrating together—a family tradition all the way around. “When people say this is a family-run restaurant, it’s not just our family. This is my family—the waiters, the cooks. I love them all,” says Blount.

For my own family, Christmas Eve lunch at Antoine’s has evolved into our favorite Christmas tradition. It’s a day we all look forward to. It began with a small “inherited” table for four in the Annex

downstairs that we used episodically and that eventually migrated to a larger table in the Hermes Room, now the Hermes Bar. After a few years of sporadic seating and a group bursting at the seams, we were relegated upstairs (shudder at the thought!) to the Twelfth Night Room, replete with our own balcony, tree, entertainment and wait staff. We are happy there. It’s perfect for our lively (a modest description) crew that can range from 26 to as many as 40. It’s a cherished celebration that we share with another family. The room is filled with our two families, relatives who are in town for Christmas, an assortment of friends and the occasional holiday orphan or two. We have fun decorating the giant table and distributing our Christmas “favors.” And there is no escaping the imposed a cappella singalong of the 12 Days of Christmas, an activity that groups us to perform an “assigned” section of the song. It’s a performance that could be described as musically toxic, an assault on the ears that practically drowns out the sounds of the French Quarter below us. Santa pays a visit before we all disperse and head off to church and other holiday parties.

It’s a tradition we’ve nurtured and grown over the years, and hopefully one that will endure and that we will continue to enjoy with our children’s children.

If tradition defines New Orleans, our family and friends define our traditions. Antoine’s is a time-honored family tradition that I hope will continue for another hundred years. But whatever your tradition and wherever you celebrate, Christmas is the time to rejoice with our loved ones—to savor old memories and create new ones. An astute observer once said that celebrations in New Orleans are living festivals. Now that’s an idea I hope becomes a time-honored tradition!

December 2016-January 2017 97

IN Great Taste

by Yvette Jemison

Holiday Cuisine with a Latin Flair

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, whether you’re cooking for the family or entertaining friends, you’ll love the taste of my family’s Latinstyle dishes. My holiday recipes range from simple salsa martajada to recipes for the more adventurous cook, such as chilaquiles and buñuelos. When I was a child, the holiday season always involved a trip to Grandma’s house for buñuelos and Mexican hot chocolate.

Buñuelos signify celebration and revelry and often appear in Mexican homes on Christmas Eve, but more so on New Year’s Eve. Prepare these cinnamon-sugar coated, fried tortilla crisps for a treat that will please everyone.

Set aside a little time to prepare a few batches of salsa martajada for a time-saving staple during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. This salsa is delicious stirred into eggs and becomes a quick snack when warmed and served with chips. You’ll also savor this salsa in a hearty brunch dish of chilaquiles with fried eggs. Make an extra batch of salsa, as it’s a much appreciated edible gift when shared with others. So spice up your Christmas with these Latin-style recipes, which are certain to become your new family favorites for holiday gatherings and gift giving.

SALSA MARTAJADA Servings: 2 cups Salsa martajada refers to a salsa that has been hand blended in a mortar and pestle made of volcanic rock called a molcajete. My aunt taught me to make this version of salsa, which she hand blended in a molcajete for many years until she discovered that she could easily pulse it in her blender. I must admit I serve my salsa in my molcajete that belonged to my grandmother; however, I, too, use a few pulses of a blender to create this salsa. Fry a batch of tortilla chips in the chilaquiles recipe, bundle it with a jar of salsa martajada and you’ll have an edible gift that everyone will be eager to enjoy.

1 lb. ripe tomatoes Serrano peppers (1/2 for mild, 1-2 for spicy) 2 Tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup sliced onions 1 Tablespoon fresh minced garlic 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup reserved water in which the tomato and peppers are boiled 98

Inside New Orleans

1. In a medium saucepan, arrange the tomatoes and Serrano chili peppers in a single layer. Fill with enough water to cover the tomatoes and peppers. Bring to a boil. Let boil until the peppers are a dull green color and the tomato peels have split and loosened from the tomato, 10-12 minutes. Turn over each tomato and pepper half way during the cooking time.

2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until softened and fragrant, flavoring the oil, 3-5 minutes.

Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Use a slotted spoon to transfer onions and garlic to blender, draining the oil back into the skillet. Set aside skillet with oil.

3. Add salt to blender. Using a slotted spoon, transfer Serrano peppers to cutting board; remove stems and seeds. Add peppers to blender, and pulse until well blended. Using a slotted spoon, transfer whole tomatoes to blender. Add 1/4 cup reserved water and pulse until well blended.

4. Heat reserved oil in skillet over medium heat. Pour blended tomatoes and peppers into skillet.

Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Serve warm. Salsa can be made 5 days ahead; cover and chill. >>

photo: YVETTE JEMISON

December 2016-January 2017 99

IN Great Taste

BUÑUELOS Servings: 2 dozen buñuelos Buñuelos are a great party food because traditionally, you break off a piece and leave the rest for someone else to finish. These make great gifts, too. Fry a batch, break them into large pieces and fill cellophane bags or gift tins.

Your friends will thank you.

4 cups all-purpose flour, extra for dusting rolling surface 1 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup shortening 1 ¼ cups boiling water vegetable oil for deep frying 1 cup sugar 2 Tablespoons freshly ground cinnamon stick (ground in

Special equipment: electric skillet (optional) 1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add shortening, and, using your fingers, rub shortening into flour until well blended. Make a well in the center of flour mixture.

2. Pour 1 cup boiling water into the well and stir flour into the water. Not all flour will be incorporated. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of boiling water and mix until dough forms. If dough needs a little more water, add a tablespoon at a time.

3. On a lightly floured surface, knead dough until elastic and smooth, 3-5 minutes.

4. Pinch off a ping-pong-ballsize piece of dough, and, using your hands, shape into a ball.

Repeat with remaining dough, and transfer dough balls to bowl, loosely covered with a dishtowel.

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Inside New Orleans

photo: YVETTE JEMISON

blender)

Let sit for 30 minutes.

5. Meanwhile, in a heavy-bottom pot or electric skillet, pour oil to a depth of 1-inch. Heat on mediumhigh heat or until oil reaches 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with paper towels. Have a pair of tongs nearby. In a small bowl, stir sugar and cinnamon together and set nearby as you will work quickly after each buñuelo is fried.

6. On a floured surface, using a rolling pin, roll a dough ball into an almost transparent circle, about 7-8 inches in diameter. Lift from surface and gently stretch dough circle an additional inch. If it tears, just pinch back together; do not reroll.

7. Heated oil is ready when a small piece of rolled-out dough sizzles when it touches oil.

Working with one buñuelo at a time, place rolled and stretched circle of dough into oil. Buñuelo will sizzle and puff up. Use tongs to gently press the center, allowing to puff up but pressing dough into oil to evenly brown on the bottom side, 30-60 seconds. Flip buñuelo and brown the other side, 30-60 seconds.

8. Lift from oil and drain well, allowing oil to drain back into skillet.

Transfer to paper towellined baking sheets.

Immediately sprinkle each side generously with cinnamon sugar. Let cool,

and repeat with remaining dough balls.

Do Ahead: The dough can be made one day ahead, shaped into balls and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before rolling out. Completely cooled buñuelos can be stored in an airtight container or stacked in a cake dome at room temperature for up to 1 week.

MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE Serves: 4 Mexican hot chocolate is fragrant and frothy and pairs beautifully with buñuelos. It is prepared with chocolate that comes in a hard tablet form such as Ibarra and Abuelita brands. This form of chocolate, also known as table chocolate, is a blend of holiday flavors which includes dark chocolate, cinnamon and sugar.

1/2 cup water 4 oz. Mexican chocolate tablets (such as Ibarra or Abuelita), chopped 3 ½ cups whole milk

1. In a medium sauce pan over medium heat, add water and chopped chocolate tablets, stirring until dissolved.

2. Add milk and, stirring frequently, bring to a simmer. Cook until fragrant, about 10 minutes. Serve immediately. >> December 2016-January 2017 101

IN Great Taste

INside Dining

Neighborhood Café, 3000 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-866-3683

New Orleans is home to more great restauruants than we could hope to list here. For a comprehensive listing of

photo: YVETTE JEMISON

restaurants in the New Orleans metro

CHILAQUILES WITH FRIED EGGS Servings: 6 When salsa martajada is on hand, I often transform this staple into a hearty meal of chilaquiles. It’s an excellent breakfast or brunch dish when entertaining houseguests.

Chilaquiles make use of leftover corn tortillas and salsa, and the tortillas can be fried a day in advance. Skip this step by using extra thick tortilla chips often found in Latin markets.

Vegetable oil for frying 12 6-inch corn tortillas, quartered kosher salt 1½ cups salsa martajada 2 cups (8 oz.) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded 6 large eggs 1 cup (4 oz.) queso fresco, crumbled 1 avocado, sliced 1/2 white onion, thinly sliced 4 radishes, thinly sliced

2. Heat oil over mediumhigh heat. Working in batches, fry tortillas until crisp, about 2 minutes. Transfer chips to prepared baking sheet and season with salt.

3. In large bowl, toss half of the tortilla chips with half of the salsa martajada and arrange in a single layer in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with half of the Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat with the remaining chips, salsa and Monterey Jack cheese.

4. Bake in the preheated oven until the coated chips are heated through and the cheese is melted, 8-10 minutes.

5. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, pour oil to lightly coat. When oil is heated, add eggs and fry until whites are set but yolks are still runny, about 4 minutes.

6. Garnish chilaquiles with queso fresco, avocado, onions, radishes and cilantro.

Top with fried eggs and serve warm.

1/2 bunch cilantro, coarsely chopped

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Pour oil into large skillet to a depth of 1inch.

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Inside New Orleans

area, please refer to Tom Fizmorris’ nomenu.com. In this guide, you will find

Roosevelt Hotel. 504-648-1200 Bon Ton Café aaa Cajun, 401 Magazine St., 504-524-3386

some of the best bets around town.

Borgne aaa Seafood, 601 Loyola

Tom’s fleur de lis ratings are shown.

Ave. (Hyatt Regency Hotel), 504-613-3860

CARROLLTON, RIVERBEND AND BROADMOOR Babylon Café aaa Middle Eastern, 7724 Maple St., 504-314-0010 Barcelona Tapas aaa Spanish, 720 Dublin St., 504-861-9696 Basil Leaf aaa Thai, 1438 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-862-9001 Boucherie aaaa Southern Barbecue, 1506 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-862-5514 Brigtsen’s aaaa Contemporary Creole, 723 Dante St., 504-861-7610 Cooter Brown’s Tavern aaa Sandwiches, 509 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-866-9104 Cowbell aa Hamburgers, 8801 Oak St., 504-866-4222 Dante’s Kitchen aaaa Eclectic, 736 Dante St., 504-861-3121 Dat Dog a Craft Hot Dogs,

5030 Freret St., 504-899-6883

Hana aaa Japanese, 8116 Hampson, 504-865-1634 Jacques-Imo’s aaa Cajun, 8324 Oak St., 504-861-0886 Lebanon’s Café aaa Middle Eastern, 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-862-6200 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen aaa Pizza, 615 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-866-5900 Maple Street Café aaa Creole Italian, 7623 Maple St., 504-314-9003 Mat & Naddie’s aaaa Eclectic, 937 Leonidas St., 504-861-9600 Mikimoto aaaa Japanese, 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-488-1881 Mona’s Café aa Middle Eastern, 1120 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-861-8174 Panchita’s aaa Central American, 1434 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-281-4127 Pupuseria La Macarena aaa

For more recipes and information about YDelicacies upcoming cookbook, sign up to receive the newsletter at Ydelicacies.com and follow on Instagram at y_delicacies.

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT Blue Room aaa American, 123 Baronne,

Central American, 8120 Hampson St., 504-862-5252 Riccobono’s Panola Street Café aa Breakfast, 7801 Panola St.,

Café Adelaide aaaa Contemporary Creole, 300 Poydras St., 504-595-3305 Chophouse aaa Steak, 322 Magazine St., 504-522-7902 Desi Vega’s aaaa Steak, 628 St. Charles Ave., 504-523-7600 Domenica aaaa Italian, 123 Baronne St. (Roosevelt Hotel), 504-648-6020 Drago’s aaaa Seafood, 2 Poydras St., 504-584-3911 Herbsaint aaaa Creole French, 701 St. Charles Ave., 504-524-4114 Horinoya aaa Japanese, 920 Poydras St., 504-561-8914 Liborio aaa Cuban, 321 Magazine St., 504-581-9680 Lucky Rooster aaa Pan-Asian, 515 Baronne St., 504-529-5825 Lüke aaa French, 333 St. Charles Ave., 504-378-2840 MiLa aaaa Eclectic, 817 Common St., 504-412-2580 Morton’s The Steakhouse aaa Steak, 365 Canal St. (Canal Place Mall), 504-566-0221 Mother’s aaa Sandwiches, 401 Poydras St., 504-523-9656 Poppy’s Crazy Lobster Bar & Grill a Seafood, 500 Port of New Orelans Pl., Suite 83. 504-5693380 Poppy’s Time Out Sports Bar & Grill. Hamburgers. 1 Poydras St. (Riverfront). 504-247-9265 Restaurant August aaaaa Eclectic, 301 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-299-9777 Ruby Slipper Café aaa Breakfast, Neighborhood Café, 200 Magazine St., 504-525-9355 Ruth’s Chris Steak House aaa Steak, 525 Fulton St., 504-587-7099 Windsor Court Grill Room aaa American, 300 Gravier St., 504-522-1994

504-314-1810 Vincent’s aaaa Italian, 7839 St. Charles Ave., 504-866-9313 Ye Olde College Inn aaa

FRENCH QUARTER Acme Oyster House aaa Seafood, 724 Iberville St., 504-522-5973

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Antoine’s aaaa Creole French, 713 St. Louis St., 504-581-4422 Arnaud’s aaaa Creole French, 813 Bienville St., 504-523-5433 Bayona aaaa Eclectic, 430 Dauphine St., 504-525-4455 Bombay Club aaa Contemporary Creole, 830 Conti St., 504-577-2237 Bourbon House aaa Seafood, 144 Bourbon St., 504-522-0111 Brennan’s Contemporary Creole, 417 Royal St., 504-525-9711 Broussard’s aaaa Creole French, 819 Conti St., 504-581-3866 Café Giovanni aaaa Creole Italian, 117 Decatur St., 504-529-2154 Court of Two Sisters aaa Creole French, 613 Royal St., 504-522-7261 Crescent City Brewhouse aaa Pub Food, 527 Decatur St., 504-522-0571 Criollo aaa Creole French, 214 Royal St., 504-681-4444 Dat Dog a Craft Hot Dogs, 601 Frenchmen St., 505-309-3362 The Davenport Lounge Small bites and cocktails, 921 Canal Street (The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans) 504-670-2828 Deanie’s Seafood Seafood, 841 Iberville St., 504-581-1316 Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse aaa Steak, 716 Iberville St., 504-522-2467

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921 Canal Street (The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans) 504-670-2828 Mr. B’s Bistro aaaa Contemporary Creole, 201 Royal St., 504-523-2078 Muriel’s aaaa Contemporary Creole, 801 Chartres St., 504-568-1885 Napoleon House aa Sandwiches, 500 Chartres St., 504-524-9752 New Orleans Creole Cookery Classic Creole, 510 Toulouse St., 504-524-9632 Nola aaaa Contemporary Creole, 534 St. Louis St., 504-522-6652 Palace Café aaa Contemporary Creole, 605 Canal St., 504-523-1661 Pelican Club aaaaa Contemporary Creole, 312 Exchange Place, 504-523-1504 Port of Call aaa Hamburgers, 838 Esplanade Ave., 504-523-0120 R’evolution aaaa Creole French, 777 Bienville (in the Royal Sonesta Hotel), 504-553-2277 Red Fish Grill aaa Seafood, 115 Bourbon St., 504-598-1200 Rib Room aaa American, 621 St. Louis St., 504-529-7045 SoBou aaa Contemporary Creole, 310 Chartres St., 504-552-4095 Stanley aa Breakfast, 547 St. Ann St., 504-587-0093 Tujague’s aaa Creole, 823 Decatur St., 504-525-8676

El Gato Negro aaa Mexican, 81 French Market Place, 504-525-9752 Frank’s aaa Creole Italian, 933 Decatur St., 504-525-1602 Galatoire’s aaaa Creole French, 209 Bourbon St., 504-525-2021 Galatoire’s 33 Bar & Steak aaa Steak, 215 Bourbon St., 504-335-3932 Gumbo Shop aaa Creole, 630 St. Peter St., 504-525-1486

GARDEN DISTRICT Commander’s Palace aaaaa Contemporary Creole, 1403 Washington Ave., 504-899-8221 Coquette aaaa Creole French, 2800 Magazine St., 504-265-0421 Delmonico aaaa Contemporary Creole, 1300 St. Charles Ave., 504-525-4937 Juan’s Flying Burrito aaa Mexican, 2018 Magazine St., 504-569-0000

GW Fins aaaa Seafood, 808

Mr. John’s Steakhouse aaaa

Bienville St., 504-581-3467

Steak, 2111 St. Charles Ave.,

Irene’s Cuisine aaaa Italian, 539 St. Philip St., 504-529-8811 K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen aaaa Cajun, 416 Chartres St., 504596-2530

504-679-7697 Sushi Brothers aaa Japanese, 1612 St. Charles Ave., 504-581-4449 Tracey’s aaa Sandwiches, 2604 Magazine St., 504-897-5413

Kingfish aaaa Cajun, 337 Chartres St., 504-598-5005 Louisiana Bistro aaa Contemporary Creole, 337 Dauphine St., 504-525-3335 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen aaa Pizza, 95 French Market Place, 504-522-9500 M Bistro aaaFarm to Table Restaurant

LAKEVIEW Café Navarre aa Sandwiches, 800 Navarre Ave., 504-483-8828 Cava aaaa New Orleans Style, 785 Harrison Ave, New Orleans LA 70124, 504-304-9034 El Gato Negro aaa Mexican, 300 Harrison Ave., 504-488-0107 Lakeview Harbor aaa

>>

December 2016-January 2017 103

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Hamburgers, 911 Harrison Ave., 504-486-4887

Severn Ave., 504-455-2266 Houma Blvd., 504-457-4188 Ristorante Filippo aaa Creole

Munch Factory aaa Contemporary

Italian, 1917 Ridgelake Dr.,

Creole, 6325 Elysian Fields Ave., 504-324-5372

504-835-4008

504-822-9503

Italian, 6601 Veterans Blvd., 504-888-7784 Shogun aaaa Japanese, 2325 Veterans Blvd., 504-833-7477 Taqueria Corona aaa Mexican, Vincent’s aaaa Creole Italian, 4411

Acme Oyster House aaa Seafood,

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

Andrea’s aa Italian, 3100 19th St., 504-834-8583 Austin’s aaaa Creole, 5101 West

428 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, 504-833-2722

504-244-8446 Deanie’s on Hayne aaa Seafood, 7350 Hayne Blvd., 504-248-6700 Messina’s Runway Cafe Creole Stripes Blvd., 504-241-5300

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

3030 Severn Ave., 504-888-2209

Crabby Jack’s aaa Sandwiches,

speciality, 10826-1/2 Hayne Blvd.,

Homestyle, 6001 Stars and

Angelo Brocato aaa Dessert and

504-305-4833

Arnoult St., 504-887-3295

Castnet Seafood aaa Seafood

Acme Oyster House aaa Seafood, 1202 US 190, Covington, 985-246-6155

Camellia Café aaa Neighborhood

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

Cypress aaa Contemporary Creole,

Crescent City Steak House aaa

Covington, 985-871-6674

4426 Transcontinental Blvd.,

Steak, 1001 N. Broad St.,

The Chimes aaa Cajun, 19130 W.

504-885-6885

504-821-3271

Dat Dog a Craft Hot Dogs, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd. (Lakeside Mall), 504-304-7005 Drago’s aaaa Seafood, 3232 N. Arnoult Rd., 504-888-9254 Heritage Grill Contemporary Creole, 111 Veterans Blvd., 504-934-4900 Impastato’s aaaa Creole Italian, 3400 16th St., 504-455-1545 Little Tokyo aaa Japanese, 2300 N. Causeway Blvd., 504-831-6788 Martin Wine Cellar Deli aaa Deli, 714 Elmeer Ave., 504-896-7300 Mellow Mushroom aa Pizza, 30 craft beers on tap, 3131 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 504-644-4155 Mr. Ed’s aaa Neighborhood Café, 1001 Live Oak St., 504-838-0022 Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House aaa Seafood, 3117 21St. Street, 504-833-6310 Parran’s Po-Boys aaa Sandwiches, 3939 Veterans Blvd., 504-885-3416 Peppermill aaa Creole Italian, 3524

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Dooky Chase aaa Creole, 2301 Orleans Ave., 504-821-0600 Five Happiness aaa Chinese, 3605 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-482-3935 Juan’s Flying Burrito aaa Mexican, 4724 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-486-9950 Katie’s aaa Neighborhood Café, 3701 Iberville St., 504-488-6582 Little Tokyo aaa Japanese, 310 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-485-5658 Liuzza’s aaa Neighborhood Café, 3636 Bienville St., 504-482-9120 Mandina’s aaa Italian, Seafood, 3800 Canal St., 504-482-9179 Mona’s Café aa Middle Eastern, 3901 Banks St., 504-482-7743 Parkway Poor Boys aaa Sandwiches, 538 Hagan Ave., 504-482-3047

Gibson St., Covington, Mellow Mushroom aa Pizza, 30 craft beers on tap, 1645 N. Hwy. 190, Covington, 985-327-5407 N’Tini’s aaa Creole, 2891 US 190, Mandeville, 985-626-5566 Nathan’s aaaa Contemporary Creole, 36440 Old Bayou Liberty Rd., Slidell, 985-643-0443 New Orleans Food & Spiritsaaa Seafood, 208 Lee Lane, Covington, 985-875-0432 Girod St., Mandeville, 985-626-5619 Ox Lot 9 aaa Contemporary, 428 E Boston St., Covington, 985-400-5663 Creole, 69305 Hwy 21,

624-9007

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

3903 Canal St., 504-482-1225

985-674-9883 Mattina Bella aaa Breakfast, 421 E.

2600 Florida St., Mandeville, 985-

Café, 69455 LA 59, Abita Springs,

504-482-1264

4240 La 22, Mandeville,

Pardo’s aaaa Contemporary

Canal St., 504-482-6266

Canal Street Bistro aaa Mexican,

Mandeville, 985-626-3006 Mandina’s aaa Italian, Seafood,

Café Lynn aaaa Contemporary Creole,

Cafe NOMA Contemporary Creole, 1 Collins Diboll Circle,

Creole, 2025 Lakeshore Dr.,

Nuvolari’s aaaa Creole Italian, 246 NORTHSHORE

Veterans Blvd., 504-837-6696;

China Rose aaa Chinese, 3501 N.

Fortier Blvd., 504-254-4109

504-780-9090; 1655 Hickory Ave.,

MID-CITY

Carreta’s Grill a Mexican, 2320

Casablanca aaa Mediterranean,

Cafe Trang Vietnamese, 4637 Alcee

Blvd. (Clearview Mall),

Esplanade Ave., 504-888-5533

US 190, Lacombe, 985-626-7662 Lakehouse aaa Contemporary

985-892-0708 NEW ORLEANS EAST

Harahan, 504-738-0799

Café East aaa Pan-Asian, 4628

1821 Hickory Ave., Harahan,

Carrollton Ave., 504-488-7991

504-888-3600

3535 Severn Ave., 504-885-5088

Rye St., 504-888-0078

Venezia aaa Italian, 134 N.

Sandro’s Trattoria aaa Creole

Tony Angello’s aaa Creole Italian, 6262

3000 Veterans Blvd., 504-309-4056

Carrollton Ave., 504-252-4999

Chicken, 2401 St. Ann St.,

Creole, 888 Harrison Ave.,

METAIRIE

Toups’ Meatery aaa Cajun, 845 N.

Steak, 3633 Veterans Blvd.,

Steak Knife aaa Contemporary

Fleur de Lis Dr., 504-488-0888

504-483-1571

Willie Mae’s Scotch House aaa

Contemporary Creole, 900 City

504-488-8981

Creole, 127 N. Carrollton Ave.,

Ruth’s Chris Steak House aaaa

Ralph’s On The Park aaaa Park Ave., 504-488-1000

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Pho Orchid aaa Vietnamese, 3117

Mondo aaa Eclectic, 900 Harrison Ave., 504-224-2633

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Front St., Covington, 985-892-5396 Dakota aaaa Contemporary Creole, 629 N. US 190, Covington, 985-892-3712 DiCristina’s aaa Italian, 810 N. Columbia St., Covington, 985-875-0160 DiMartino’s aaa Italian, 700 S. Tyler St., Covington, 985-276-6460

Covington, 985-893-3603 Ristorante Del Porto aaaa Italian, 501 E. Boston St., Covington, 985-875-1006 Sal and Judy’s aaaa Italian, 27491 Highway 190, Lacombe, 985882-9443 Trey Yuen aaa Chinese, 600 Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, 985626-4476 Young’s aaa Steak, 850 Robert Blvd., Slidell, 985-643-9331 Yujin aaa Japanese, 323 N. New Hampshire St., Covington, 985-809-3840 Zea aaa American, 110 Lake Dr., Covington, 985-327-0520; 173 Northshore Blvd., Slidell, 985-3270520

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

OLD METAIRIE Byblos aaa Middle Eastern, 1501 Metairie Rd., 504-834-9773 Café B aaa Contemporary Creole, 2700 Metairie Rd., 504-934-4700 Chateau Du Lac aaaa French, 2037 Metairie Rd., 504-831-3773 Galley Seafood aaa Seafood, 2535 Metairie Rd., 504-832-0955 Porter & Luke’s aaa Creole Homestyle, 1517 Metairie Rd.,

Ruby Slipper Café aaa Breakfast,

190, Covington, 985-400-5202;

504-875-4555

Neighborhood Café, 139 S.

1200 W. Causeway Approach,

Vega Tapas Café aaa

Cortez St., 504-309-5531 Rue 127 aaaa Contemporary

Mandeville, 985-624-2990 La Provence aaaa French, 25020

Mediterranean, 2051 Metairie Rd., 504-836-2007

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Slice aaa Pizza, 5538 Magazine St., UPTOWN Amici aaa Italian, 3218 Magazine St., 504-300-1250 Ancora Pizzeria aaa Pizza, 4508 Freret St., 504-324-1636 Apolline aaaa American Gourmet, 4729 Magazine St., 504-894-8881 Atchafalaya aaaa Contemporary

504-897-4800 Sukho Thai aaa Thai, 4519 Magazine St., 504-373-6471 Taqueria Corona aaa Mexican, 5932 Magazine St., 504-897-3974 Upperline aaaa Contemporary Creole, 1413 Upperline St., 504-891-9822

Creole, 901 Louisiana Ave., 504-891-9626 Baru Bistro & Tapas aaa Caribbean, 3700 Magazine St., 504-895-2225 Bistro Daisy aaaa Creole French, 5831 Magazine St., 504-899-6987 Casamento’s aaa Seafood, 4330 Magazine St., 504-895-9761 Charlie’s Steak House aaa Steak, 4510 Dryades St., 504-895-9323 Clancy’s aaaa Contemporary Creole, 6100 Annunciation St., 504-895-1111 Dat Dog aa Sandwiches, 3336 Magazine St., 504-894-8885; 5030 Freret St., 504-899-6883 Dick & Jenny’s aaaa Contemporary Creole, 4501 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-894-9880 Flaming Torch aaa French, 737 Octavia St., 504-895-0900 Gautreau’s aaaa American, 1728 Soniat St., 504-899-7397 High Hat Café aa Creole Homestyle, 4500 Freret St., 504-754-1336 Joey K’s aaa Neighborhood Café, 3001 Magazine St., 504-891-0997 Kyoto aaa Japanese, 4920 Prytania St., 504-891-3644 La Crepe Nanou aaaa French, 1410 Robert St., 504-899-2670 La Petite Grocery aaaa French, 4238 Magazine St., 504-891-3377 La Thai Cuisine aaaa Thai, 4938 Prytania St., 504-899-8886

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT AND CENTRAL CITY American Sector aa American, 945 Magazine St., 504-528-1940 Annunciation aaaa Contemporary Creole, 1016 Annunciation St., 504-568-0245 Café Reconcile aaa Lunch Café, 1631 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., 504-568-1157 Cochon aaa Cajun, 930 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-588-2123 Emeril’s aaaaa Contemporary Creole, 800 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-528-9393 Grand Isle aaa Seafood, 575 Convention Center Blvd., 504-520-8530 La Boca aaaa Steak, 870 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-525-8205 Mais Arepas aaaa South American, 1200 Carondelet St., 504-523-6247 Pêche Seafood Grill aaa Seafood, 800 Magazine St., 504-522-1744 Rock-n-Sake aaa Japanese, 823 Fulton St., 504-581-7253 Root aaaa Eclectic, 200 Julia St., 504-252-9480 Tomas Bistro aaaa Creole French, 755 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-5270942 Tommy’s Cuisine aaaa Creole Italian, 746 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-581-1103

Lilette aaaa French, 3637 Magazine St., 504-895-1636 Mahony’s aaa Neighborhood Café, 3454 Magazine St., 504-899-3374 Martinique aaa French, 5908 Magazine St., 504-891-8495 Midway Pizza aaa Pizza, 4725 Freret St., 504-322-2815 Mona’s Café aa Middle Eastern, 4126 Magazine St., 504-894-9800 Pascal’s Manale aaa Creole Italian, 1838 Napoleon Ave., 504-895-4877 Patois aaaa Creole French, 6078 Laurel St., 504-895-9441 Rum House aaa Caribbean, 3128 Magazine St., 504-941-7560 Salú aaa Eclectic, 3226 Magazine St., 504-371-5809

WEST END AND BUCKTOWN Blue Crab aaa Seafood, 7900 Lakeshore Dr., 504-284-2898 Brisbi’s aaa Seafood, 7400 Lakeshore Dr., 504-555-5555 Deanie’s Seafood aa Seafood, 1713 Lake Ave., 504-831-4141 New Orleans Food & Spirits aaa Seafood, 210 Hammond Hwy., 504-828-2220 R&O’s aaa Seafood, 216 Old Hammond Hwy., 504-831-1248 Two Tony’s aaa Creole Italian, 8536 Pontchartrain Blvd., 504-282-0801 Wasabi aaa Japanese, 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., 504-267-3263

December 2016-January 2017 105

Power of Women Luncheon Guests of the 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. This year’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.

Country Day Cajuns Win Big Country Day’s big win over Newman, with a 51-21 final score, may or may not have come as a surprise.

But what wasn’t a surprise was the comradery between the two schools’ parent and alumni bases. Amy and John White, Sarah Louise and Scott Ham, and Stephanie and Jim Huger–with one son of twins at each school–hosted a party for all their Country Day and Newman fans and friends. The crowd then headed to Country Day’s Wenzel Field to cheer on their teams. The Cajuns’ victory over the Greenies was the first in 50 years.

106

Inside New Orleans

INside Peek 1. Beth DePass and Becca Bourgeois at Metairie Country Club for the Kevan Hall Trunk Show. 2. Ashley Bohn and Pat Walters. 3. Katie Tober, Bill Coe and Mary Coe Tober celebrating Bill’s Diamond Jubilee at an Elvis-themed party at the Orleans Club. 4. Rebeccka Coe, Pat Friend and Nina Friend. 5. Brian Lusher, Nancy Watts, Susan Wallace and Dee Dee Lancaster.

6. Partygoers enjoying arcade games at Adventure

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Quest Lasertag for Habitat for Humanity to help families affected by the floods. 7. Louise S. McGehee School and Little Gate Headmistress Eileen Powers and architect Harvey Burns accept the Preservationist of the Year Award from The Foundation for Historic Louisiana.

8. Tommy Mitchell, Carlo Maniglia and Scott Corrente at the 12th Annual Brother Martin High School Prayer Breakfast. 9. Janice Parmelee, Bill Hammock and Jeré Hales at the 9th Annual Lambeth House Foundation’s

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Operetta on Broadway Gala. 10. John Lange, Susan Lange, Malise Kearney and Clay Kearney. 11. Diane Lyons and Klassi Duncan at the New Orleans Chamber

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Women’s Business Alliance Seminar. 12. Alix Rico, Nora Holmes, Hostess Virginia Nelson and Lilly Hines at the Friends of Jefferson the Beautiful’s Autumn Affair.

13. Nora Holmes, Bruce Holmes, Cynthia Lee-Sheng, MaryBeth Rittiner and Breg Rittiner. 14. VP and GM of Saks Fifth Avenue New Orleans Carolyn Elder, Caitie

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Attarian, Bob Breck, Wynn Smith and Nicole Peyser at the launch of Anthony Davis’ menswear line. 15. St. Martin’s Episcopal School Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame inductees John Lehman and Sam Dozier with Head of School Merry Sorrells and Athletic Director Sue Bower.

16. Cecily Coats, Beibei Lin, Tyler Braddick, Charlotte Piotrowski, Darrin Piotrowski, Marshall Flaig and Nick Lauve at the opening of Rent-A-Nerd’s new Tulane Avenue location.

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Inside New Orleans

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16 December 2016-January 2017 109

INside Peek Key to the Cure The 2016 Key to the Cure Kickoff Gala at Saks Fifth Avenue New Orleans gathered designers, shoppers and supporters alike for the festive event. Susan Zackin and Penny Baumer chaired the evening, which featured a huge assortment of libations, compliments of Republic National Distributing Co., live music and entertainment, and food from several of New Orleans’ finest restaurants and caterers.

Each floor of Saks Fifth Avenue featured fabulous entertainment and a variety of food. The night closed with a fashion show featuring looks by Lela Rose.

The gala kicked off the Charity Shopping Weekend, which benefitted the cancer research programs of the Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium. Over the past years, the local Key to the Cure event has generated $2 million for cancer research.

110

Inside New Orleans

INside Peek Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré kicked off its Centennial Season with the second annual Curtain Call Ball at Le Petit Théâtre and Tableau Restaurant. Guests were welcomed with a glass of champagne, passed hors d’oeuvres and music in the courtyard by The Peter Harris Trio.

The program, held in the theatre, began with a sneak peek of the season opener, Pippin, featuring Patrick Thomas Cragin. An anniversary video was unveiled that featured distinguished members of Le Petit’s history and spotlighted the role of the theatre in the New Orleans’ theatrical community. Bryan Batt auctioned off two tickets to Hamilton on Broadway.

Guests enjoyed food including a lavish spread of artisan breads, cheeses and pâtés in the Drawing Room and a delectable buffet in the Green Room and in Tableau’s main dining room. Colorful flower arrangements donned tables adorned with exquisite Le Petit playbill collage table linens. Dickie Brennan’s Tableau Restaurant custom created “The Centennial Cocktail—The Streetcar” to commemorate the historic season.

George Cottage Dedication Members of the St. Martin’s Episcopal School community dedicated and blessed the expansion of George Cottage, the school’s early childhood program for children eight weeks to four years of age.

The addition includes more classrooms and multi-purpose spaces for the children “to play, celebrate, learn, and grow.”

The Rt. Reverend Morris K. Thompson Jr. joined Rev. Michael Kuhn in dedicating the facility. Merry Sorrells, Head of School, thanked Kim and Eric George, who provided funds for the original facility, which opened in 2004, and the many donors who made this project possible, including Suzie and John Graham, Virginia Davis, Seema and Tejas Godiwala, Laura and George Mueller, Karen and Mike Sullivan and Kerry and Gary B. Vogt.

112

Inside New Orleans

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photo: ASHLEY LORRAINE

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photo: CHERYL GERBER

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6 1. Tiffany Adler and Annie Morhauser at Adler’s Holiday Home Event featuring Royal Copenhagen, Annieglass and Leontine Linens

by Jane Scott Hodges. 2. Karen Brown, Chairman Tracy Copeland, Nicole Sexton, Marlyne Sexton and Al Brown at Ogden Museum of Southern Art’s O What A Night Gala. 3. Geneva Kerstein, David Kerstein, Julie Breeden and Bill Goldring enjoying the O What A Night Gala Patron Party. 4. Ben Allen, Kim Payne Allen, Sharon Payne and Tom Payne celebrating Martini Madness at City Park.

5. Angela Matias, Megan McNeill and Mary McCullough at The Standard’s Kick-off Party at The Ace Hotel. 6. David Wolf, Caitlin Brewster, Brandy Romig and Ashley Lengsfield.

December 2016-January 2017 113

Last Bite

Poppy’s Crazy Lobster

by Leah Draffen

A.J. and Anna

to come and experience Poppy’s Crazy Lobster on the bank of the Mississippi.

114

Inside New Orleans

AS THE ONLY SPOT IN New Orleans with riverside dining, Poppy’s Crazy Lobster is steamed with beautiful views of the Mississippi, live music and plenty of seafood. With a Poppy’s Voodoo Juice in hand, a meal by the river is a nice way to end the day or celebrate the weekend.

Best known at Poppy’s is the Cajun Boiled Seafood Bucket. Piled high, the bucket includes a 2-pound lobster, snow crab, shrimp, clams and mussels with boiled potatoes, corn on the cob and Cajun sausage. You can also find fried seafood, po-boys, creole dishes and savory pasta on Poppy’s menu, while the oyster bar serves up raw oysters on ice

or hot-and-delectable char-grilled.

Live music, performed by musicians right off Frenchmen Street, is offered nightly and on weekends. Poppy’s is the perfect place for parties on the river— private dining, reunions, celebrations and everything in between for groups of 20 to 3,000. Dining on the river has never been so fun!

photos: TIMOTHY ALEXANDER

Tusa invite you

Poppy’s Crazy Lobster is located on Spanish Plaza, across from Harrah’s Casino, 500 Port of New Orleans Place, Suite 83. Open seven days a week, 11am-’til. 569-3380. crazylobsterneworleans.com.