January-February 2017 Issue of Inside Northside Magazine

450

$

JOHN PERKINS • MYSTERY & HISTORY • POPPY TOOKER • HEALTH & WELLNESS

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2017 VOL. 32, NO. 1

January-February 2017

Vol. 32, No. 1

Publisher Lori Murphy –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Editor-in-Chief Anne Honeywell

Senior Editor Jan Murphy

Managing Editor Leah Draffen

Contributors are featured on page 16.

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

Art Director Brad Growden

Graphic Designer Jennifer Starkey

Production Intern Madison Hutson

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

Business Manager Jane Quillin

Senior Account Executives Poki Hampton

Candice Laizer Barbara Roscoe

Account Executives Barbara Bossier Jonée Daigle-Ferrand Amy Taylor

Advertising Coordinator Margaret Rivera

Sales Intern Faith Saucier –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For advertising information phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 email sales@insidepub.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Please send items for Inside Scoop to scoop@insidepub.com.

Photos for Inside Peek, with captions, should be sent to peek@insidepub.com. Submit items for Inside Input or Dining Guide to editor@insidepub.com.

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

Contact Inside Northside P.O. Box 9148

Mandeville, LA 70470-9148 phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 website www.insidenorthside.com

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

On the cover

Artist Pio Lyons

St. Joseph Abbey

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

page 30

contents table of

page 86

Features 18 Finding the Artist Within Cover Artist Pio Lyons page 50

30 Farmhouse Retreat

The Williamson House 36 Mystery & History

Top Five Must-See Monuments in Metairie Cemetery 50 Life Has Been A Dream

Crew-Cuts Crooner John Perkins 62 Poppy Tooker

Local Food Guru 72 It’s Carnival Time!

Bryan Batt’s Mardi Gras Designs 84 Renovations

De Boscq Fine Jewelry’s New Look 94 President’s Arts Award

98 Communicating Without Words

Artist Rhenda Saporito page 104 8

104 Advancing Cancer Treatment at LSU

Inside Northside

contents table of

Departments 12 Publisher’s Note 15 Editor’s Note 16 Contributors 22 INside Scoop 29 IN Other Words

There’s Always Tomorrow…

page 79

46 Traces Lisa Laurent Volksmarch to Crazy Horse Memorial 60 Generous Hearts North of Your Expectations 68 IN the Bookcase

Drinking In America: Our Secret History,

by Susan Cheever page 46

70 Traces Michelle Kidd Sutton President/CEO North Oaks Health System 79 Flourishes Extraordinary gifts and home accents 86 INside Look

Winter Blues 113 At the Table Souperman!

116 INside Dining 119 Reader Resources 120 INside Peek Featuring JLGC Harvest Cup Polo Classic

Deo Gratias Garden Party at Summergrove Farm

Camp Swan Men Who Cook 130 Last Bite Nonna Randazzo’s

page 130

10

Inside Northside

“New Year’s Day is every man’s birthday.”

by Lori Murphy

This is a quote I found attributed online to an 18th century Englishman, Charles Lamb. Intrigued, I delved further into the site to see what other pearls of wisdom he offered, and the search reminded me of what we have all come to know—consider the source. I was buoyed by the fact I found several different listings that cited him as the originator of the idea, so hopefully, it is his quote. I know that I am going to hold on to it as my motto for 2017. I hope to begin this new year and, in fact, every new day with some resolutions. Do more, do less, be happy, be healthy, be kind, be thoughtful, be ready and be grateful.

Everyone at Inside Publications is grateful for the resounding support we received from our readers and clients alike during 2016. Our magazines shared many inspiring stories and shined a light on some incredibly talented people. Just as we have done every year since 2001, we hope to surprise, delight and inform you with this issue and the ones to follow in 2017. I hope you will keep us in mind when you meet interesting people or hear of stories that deserve sharing. I can sometimes be hard to reach on the telephone, but I am great at email! Send me a message at lori@insidepub.com. I am happy to say that Inside Publications now reaches over 150,000 people in the region through Inside Northside and Inside New Orleans. With so many ears to the ground, we are sure to have plenty of great stories to share.

Another popular quote attributed to Mr. Lamb is: “I am always late to the office, but I make up for it by leaving early.” That mindset is unlikely to produce a very successful year for any of us. My suggestion is to follow that idea in moderation!

On a personal note, best wishes and congratulations to my beautiful, newlywed daughter, Maggie, and her husband, Jérémy! Laissez les bon temps rouler!

12

Inside Northside

Editor’s Note

by Anne Honeywell I read a Tale of Two Cities in school. I don’t remember much of the book, but the title is ringing in my head while working on this issue.

As someone who lives on the southshore and works in Covington, I am an opposite commuter. When the thousands of cars are headed to and from work on the southshore, I am out of the traffic. I make this point to say that we all have a shore-toshore connection of some sort. Family, friends, a job, a doctor, a hairdresser. It seems to me that we are crossing the lake in both directions more than just once in a while.

As the editor of Inside Northside, I believe our readers appreciate our stories about the opposite shore, its history, its people and its events. In this issue, on page 36, Karen Gibbs tells us about some of the “Mystery & History” of Metairie Cemetery, named as one of the ten most interesting cemeteries in the world.

And those of you who listen to Poppy Tooker on the radio, watch her on TV, or who met her as a judge with Tom Fitzmorris at the northshore Men Who Cook event will enjoy Mimi Knight’s article on page 62.

As always, we are true to our unique northshore focus. In this issue, Kim Bergeron tells the story of Slidell crooner John Perkins on page 50, and the St. Tammany Parish Commission on Cultural Affairs celebrates the President’s Arts Award winners on page 94.

You don’t want to miss Poki Hampton’s design story on page 30 about the Williamsons’ “Farmhouse Retreat” in Folsom.

I do hope you enjoy our tales of two shores. I have learned a lot about the northshore while working for this magazine—especially about our Inside Northside readers, who do not look through a narrow lens at this region. You all don’t miss a beat. On either shore. You’re tops on my list.

Happy New Year—and Happy Mardi Gras!

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

Kim Bergeron Kim Bergeron is a creative professional and arts advocate whose work has garnered regional and national accolades. She is the owner of Kim Bergeron Productions, a boutique advertising, marketing and public relations agency, and of Artists & Causes, working to bring together artists of all genres and nonprofit organizations for successful fundraising efforts.

Her blog, RightBrainDiaries.com, is the recipient of the NOLA Public Relations Society of America’s 2015 and 2016 Award of Excellence. In this issue, she writes about Slidell crooner John Perkins (page 50).

Linda Trappey Dautreuil

Mimi Greenwood Knight

Becky Slatten

Linda Trappey Dautreuil is a painter and writer on Louisiana arts and culture. A native of New Iberia, she moved to Covington in 1996.

Linda received a BA in English and a BFA in visual arts from the University of Louisiana–Lafayette.

An active member of the local arts community, she was the first artist to receive the St. Tammany Parish Arts Award for Visual Artist of the Year and is a recipient of a Louisiana Fellowship in the Visual Arts from the State Arts Council. Her paintings are in many corporate and private collections, including the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum in Lafayette. On page 18 in this issue, Linda writes about our cover artist, Pio Lyons.

Mimi Greenwood Knight is a mother of four and freelance writer with more than 500 article and essays in print in national and regional magazines, devotionals and 50 anthologies, including two dozen Chicken Soup for the Soul books. She lives in Folsom with her husband, David, where she enjoys martial arts, gardening, Bible study and knitting. In this issue, Mimi shares her interview with Poppy Tooker on page 62.

Becky Slatten is a native of Natchitoches, an LSU alumna, the mother of three children and a newlywed.

She divides her time between the northshore and New Orleans, writing for both Inside Northside (since 2007) and Inside New Orleans.

Becky loves telling the stories of people and events unique to the area and puts her own twist on topics in her monthly feature, IN Other Words (page 29).

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Inside Northside

Other Voices: Gretchen Armbruster, Susan Bonnett, Kate Brevard, Leah Draffen, Tom Fitzmorris, Candra George, Karen Gibbs, Thomas B. Growden, Poki Hampton, Stacey Rase, Alison Lee Satake and Terri Schlichenmeyer.

a woman interested in culture.

Elsa Lyons enjoyed meeting talented people, and her involvement with the symphony included entertaining visiting musicians. On one occasion, she introduced her grandson to a visiting classical pianist.

Pio remembers that the gentleman was congenial and asked young Pio if he had a special request. Without hesitation, Pio pronounced Managua Nicaragua, a popular wartime tune. He still remembers his grandmother’s stricken face. The classical pianist, internationally acclaimed for his interpretations of Chopin, was Polish American Arthur Rubenstein.

One summer, when visiting his grandmother in Abita Springs, Pio was introduced to Dom Gregory de Wit, a Benedictine monk and artist, whose most notable paintings were in St. Joseph Abbey and Seminary College. His assistant, Milo, and several young seminarians were often poolside throughout the summer, and Pio became friends with many of them. Years later, Pio would visit Covington again with artist Jane Brown, who was organizing an event to benefit the Abbey. Lyons’ watercolor painting, which graces the cover of this issue, was made for the occasion. It is a study in luminous light falling onto the surfaces of the Abbey church. The connection of

Finding the Artist Within

by Linda Trappey Dautreuil

PIO LYONS, ARCHITECT, artist and teacher, sits before the computer during a studio break in a brief exchange with an online community of artists working as professionals and amateurs in the medium of watercolor. He pauses to welcome me into the spacious room with a wide view of the garden for a conversation about art, architecture and the journey from one to the other and back. His working space is large and comfortable, a place where he approaches pristine white surfaces with an array of skills and fluid color developed over time. Surrounded by furnishings and objects he fancies and books and photographs of his family, Pio speaks fondly of his early engagement with drawing and memories of his grandmother, Elsa, 18

Inside Northside

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Cover artist Pio Lyons

shadows as fluid shapes and the subtle use of color to excite the eye in long passages demonstrate his exceptional handling of the medium. The painting sold in auction for a tidy sum, benefitting the Abbey. It was a generous donation of art from Lyons, who remembered the maker of the unique murals at his grandmother’s pool.

The richness of Pio’s childhood experiences was not fully realized until one day in the early 1950s when he noticed a book featuring the watercolors of Hungarian artist Ted Kautzky, Ways with Watercolor. Today, the book sits in his studio, aged with the patina of his hands as evidence of hours spent examining the pages. Lyons often recreated Kautzky’s images as a means of learning. He repeated some subjects many times, refining and training his eye, perfecting techniques he would make his own. He also took workshops and classes while networking with professionals working in the field. Lyons describes the unique qualities highly prized in watercolor: “The paper itself is essential in achieving luminous effects.

One must reserve the white of the paper.

The degree of difficulty seems daunting unless the artist approaches it with

authority. In oil painting, it is acceptable to paint over areas with layers of opaque color. In the practice of watercolor, the whole composition may fail if the paper is not considered.” Having such plans and maintaining the fresh, spontaneous feel of the medium is one of the characteristics of a Pio Lyons watercolor.

After his first “romance with Kautzky’s book,” as Lyons tells it, 30 to 35 years went by before he picked up his brushes again and seriously continued his pursuit of the medium. He describes his career choice with a grin: “I told my mother that I thought I had a little bit of the doctor in me. She promptly said, ‘No, you are going to be an architect.’ So off I went to architecture school at Tulane University. I did well in my classes, and I had the good fortune to start out with a prestigious firm, Nolan, Norman & Nolan.

I learned a lot about the importance of business ethics from Mr. Ulisse M. Nolan, a gentleman who believed ethics were important in any practice.”

In 1973, Lyons founded Lyons & Hudson Architects, Ltd., where he practiced for 40 years. Notable projects undertaken by the firm include the first phases of the National D-Day Museum, the Chapel at the Touro Synagogue, the new Louisiana Supreme Court Facility at the Wildlife and Fisheries Building in the French Quarter and the Lowe’s Hotel. A member of the American Institute of Architects, Lyons continues to practice part-time today with Angela O’Byrne at Perez Architects, APC. Over the years, Pio Lyons continued to cultivate his intense interest in watercolor, surrounding himself with some of the leading figures in the arts in New Orleans. He enjoyed friendships with Henry Casselli and Roland Golden.

“Henry encouraged me to experiment. >> January-February 2017 19

20

Inside Northside

compared to architecture.”

Lyons also studied with the highly respected international artist, Alvaro Castagnet, participating in five workshops. According to Pio, “Under Castagnet’s tutelage, I learned about the passion required for making art and watercolor paintings. He frankly told me I needed to find the artist inside, that technique was never enough. He urged me to always examine what I was trying to say and how I wanted to say it.”

Pio Lyons not only found the artist inside—he continues to share his vision in local, national and international exhibitions. He has received numerous honors, and his work has been selected for exhibit in more than 18 national shows and eight exhibitions with the Louisiana Watercolor Society. He is a member of the Mississippi Watercolor Society, the Watercolor Society of Alabama and the Southern Watercolor Society. He has increased online connections with artists working worldwide who share an interest in this most fluid of mediums. One day, Pio received a call from a would-be artist who saw his work and wished to study painting with him. Without hesitation, he agreed.

Now, several days a week, students paint along with this master of the medium who continues to pursue his lifelong passion for watercolor.

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

In 2002, I began considering the idea that I might seriously become a decent watercolorist. My friendship and admiration for Casselli led to one of the best deals I ever made: design work for Henry Casselli’s house in exchange for a number of his watercolors.”

After taking the plunge and committing to his artistic pursuit, Lyons gathered as many instructional manuals as possible, books, DVDs and occasions for direct observation of the finest works he could access.

He joined the Louisiana Watercolor Society, one of the oldest and most respected organizations in the United States, conversed with peers, signed up for workshops and refined his skills with watercolor in the studio. He received first place in the first exhibition he entered as a member of LWS. He refers to his submission as “the first volley into watercolor exhibitions.” Lyons, a self-taught artist, continues, “It was the initial taste of professional success, and I found that I enjoyed winning ribbons. It seemed a nice payday to be recognized. Being an architect, I was accustomed to envisioning and seeing buildings crafted over time. It can take years for the project to be completed, for the vision to be realized, and one always hopes the final outcome will match the original idea. Watercolor is a much more direct process, almost instant gratification

INSIDE the definitive guide to northshore events and entertainment

January Watercolor Society. Atrium Gallery, 100

1-Feb 19 George Dunbar: Elements of

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

Christwood Blvd, Covington. Free. 898-

Chance. New Orleans Museum of Art,

0515. christwoodrc.com.

One Collins C. Diboll Crl, City Park, New

Theatre, 1111 Canal St, New Orleans.

Orleans. (504) 658-4100. noma.org.

(504) 525-1052. saengernola.com.

1-7 Napoléon: General. Emperor.

Legend. M.S. Rau Antiques celebrates

1-March 25 Clarence John Laughlin and

4-29 Disney’s The Lion King. Saenger

4, 11, 18, 25 Covington Farmers Market.

the life of Napoléon with an exhibit. 630

His Contemporaries: A Picture and

Covington Trailhead, 419 N New

Royal St, New Orleans. rauantiques.com.

a Thousand Words. The Historic New

Hampshire St. 10am-2pm. Free. 892-

Orleans Collection’s Williams Research

1873. covingtonfarmersmarket.com.

Masterworks from the Paul G. Allen

Center, 410 Chartres St, New Orleans.

6 Anne-Marie McDermott Plays Mozart.

Family Collection. New Orleans

Tues-Sat, 9:30am-4:30pm. (504) 523-

Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Crl,

4662. hnoc.org.

concert. First Baptist Church, Covington.

1-15 Seeing Nature: Landscape

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

1-28 Explorations: Work by Jason

22

892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

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

7:30pm. lpomusic.com.

6, 7 Comedy Night with Tee Ray

The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533

Bergeron. 30 by Ninety Theatre, 880

Kofke. St. Tammany Art Association Art

Royal St, New Orleans. (504) 532-4662.

Lafayette St, Mandeville. 8pm. Age

House, 320 N. Columbia St, Covington.

hnoc.org.

18+ only. $17.50. (844) 843-3090.

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

photo: ANTHONY “CHOPPER” LEONE

1-3 Paintings of the Louisiana

Krewe of Tchefuncte Feb 18 The parade sails fom Salty’s Marina to Marina del Rey before returning to dock on the north and south sides of the bridge for a toast, float awards and plenty of bead throwing! Tchefuncte River in Madisonville. 1pm. kreweoftchefuncte.org.

30byninety.com.

7 Bal Masqué. Link Stryjewski Foundation presents the 2nd annual Bal Masqué with 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, New Orleans. (504) 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 >> January-February 2017 23

Inside Scoop Museum, 1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd,

Rug Chic Home Décor, 4240 Hwy 22,

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

Mandeville. 11am-2pm. 674-1070.

natfab.org.

7 St. John Fools of Misrule Feast

19 Family Stem Night. Ages 2-13.

Cedarwood School, 607 Heavens Dr,

and March. Covington. 4-10pm.

Mandeville. 6:30-8pm. RSVP, 845-7111.

foolsofmisrule.com.

cedarwoodschool.com.

7 9th Annual Camellia Show. Exhibitors

20 Kindergarten Come and Play Day.

and novices display their camellias for

Northlake Christian School, 70104

judges and the public. Various camellia

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

varieties will be available for purchase

northlakechristian.org.

starting at 9am. Southern Hotel, 428 E

20-21 Jazz in January. World-renowned

Boston St, Covington. Bloom judging,

jazz musicians on both days including:

10:30am-12pm. americancamellias.com.

Les DeMerle with Bonnie Eisele and

7, 14, 21, 28 Camellia City Market. 1808

Jamil Sharif; Don Vappie & Creole Jazz

Front St, Slidell. 8am-12pm. Free. 640-

Serenaders with Quiana Lynell on Jan.

7112. camelliacitymarket.com.

20 and The Tim Laughlin Trio (dedicated

7, 14, 21, 28 Covington Farmers Market.

to Pete Fountain) and Tuba Skinny on

Covington City Hall, 609 N Columbia

Jan 21. Christ Episcopal Church, 120

St. 8am-12pm. Free. 892-1873.

S New Hampshire St, Covington. $40

covingtonfarmersmarket.com.

per night or $50 at door. 892-3177.

7, 14, 21, 28 Hammond Farmers Market. #2 West Thomas St. 8am-12pm. Free. hammondfarmersmarket.com.

7, 14, 21, 28 Mandeville Trailhead Market. 675 Lafitte St. 9am-1pm. Free. mandevilletrailheadmarket.com.

8,10 Open House Tours. Northlake

christchurchcovington.com.

21 Mardi Gras Pet Photos. Petcetera, 3205 Magazine St, New Orleans.

11am-2pm. (504) 269-8711. petceteranola.com.

22 Jazz Mass. A tribute to Duke Ellington.

Free jazz Mass at Christ Episcopal

Christian School, 70104 Wolverine Dr,

Church, 120 S New Hampshire St,

Covington. Jan 8, 3pm; Jan 10, 9am.

Covington. 9am or 11:30am. 892-3177.

635-0508. northlakechristian.org.

christchurchcovington.com.

13 Northlake Newcomers Club

26 Preschool-7th Grade Open House.

Luncheon. Guest speaker Chef Holly

Cedarwood School, 607 Heavens Dr,

Clegg, author of the Trim and Terrific

Mandeville. 9am. RSVP, 845-7111.

cookbooks. Tchefuncta Country Club,

cedarwoodschool.com.

2 Pinecrest Dr, Covington. Doors open,

27-29 NOLA Home Show. By Marketplace

10am. Members, $26; guests, $29. (803)

Events. Over 200 experts; latest in

730-7831. northlakenewcomers.com.

home design and improvement trends,

15 Kindergarten Open House. Northlake

products and techniques. HGTV’s Yard

Christian School, 70104 Wolverine

Crashers and Vacation House for Free

Dr, Covington. 3pm. 635-0508.

Matt Blashaw on the mainstage as well

northlakechristian.org.

as Big Easy Reno’s Holly Baker, and PBS’

17-20 Take Me Away Event. Palm Village,

This Old House’s Kevin O’Connor. Ernest

A Lilly Pulitzer Signature Story, 2735

N. Morial Convention Center, Hall I, 900

Hwy 190 Ste. C, Mandeville. 778-2547.

Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans.

shoppalmvillage.com.

800-395-1350. marketplaceevents.com.

18 Artist Lorraine Gendron Trunk Show.

nolahomeshow.com.

27-29 Ronald K. Brown Evidence.

Co-presented with the NOCCA Institute.

Freda Lupin Memorial Hall, NOCCA, 2800 Chartres St, New Orleans. (504) 5220996. nobadance.com.

28 Girls Health Day. Mother and daughter day out for girls 8-14 years old. Free health screenings, health talks and demonstrations. Lakeview Regional Medical Center, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd, Covington. 9:30am-12:30pm. RSVP, 8673900. lakeviewregional.com.

February 1-5 Cirque Du Soleil’s TORUK-The First Flight. Inspired by James Cameron’s AVATAR, TORUK-The First Flight transports you to the world of Pandora.

Smoothie King Center, 1501 Dave Dixon Drive, New Orleans. cirquedusoleil.com/ toruk. ticketmaster.com.

1-19 George Dunbar: Elements of Chance. New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Crl, City Park, New Orlenas. (504) 658-4100. noma.org.

1-March 25 Clarence John Laughlin and His Contemporaries: A Picture and a Thousand Words. The Historic New Orleans Collection’s Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres St, New Orleans.

Tues-Sat, 9:30am-4:30pm. (504) 5234662. hnoc.org.

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

The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal St, New Orleans. (504) 532-4662. hnoc.org.

1, 8, 15, 22 Covington Farmers Market.

Covington Trailhead, 419 N New Hampshire St. 10am-2pm. Free. 8921873. covingtonfarmersmarket.com.

4 FATS. The difference between good and bad fat. Rouses Culinary Innovation Center by Jenn-Air, Southern Food & Beverage Museum, 1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, New Orleans. 2pm. (504)

>>

Inside Scoop 267-7490. natfab.org.

4, 11, 18, 25 Camellia City Market. 1808

New Orleans. 5-8pm. In advance, $25; at

7112. camelliacitymarket.com.

door, $30. unitedwaysela.org.

Covington City Hall, 609 N Columbia St. 8am-12pm. Free. 892-1873. covingtonfarmersmarket.com.

4, 11, 18, 25 Hammond Farmers Market. #2 West Thomas St. 8am-12pm. Free. hammondfarmersmarket.com.

4, 11, 18, 25 Mandeville Trailhead

11 Krewe of Bilge. Slidell. 12pm. kreweofbildge.com.

11 Krewe of Poseidon. Slidell. 1pm. mardigrasneworleans.com.

11 Mona Lisa and MoonPie. Slidell. 7pm. monalisaandmoonpie.com.

11-18 Lee Loves Local Event. Featuring works by Emily Ryan Smith and Cindy

Market. 675 Lafitte St. 9am-1pm. Free.

Trist. Special pricing on all Lee orders.

mandevilletrailheadmarket.com.

Rug Chic Home Décor, 4240 Hwy 22,

10 Northlake Newcomers Club Luncheon and Game Day. Tchefuncta Country Club, 2 Pinecrest Dr, Covington. Doors open, 10am. Members, $26; guests, $29.

(803) 730-7831. northlakenewcomers.com.

10 17th Annual Got Gumbo? Experience.

Presented by the United Way of Southeast Louisiana to benefit a “gumbo”

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

Royal Sonesta Hotel, 300 Bourbon St,

Front St, Slidell. 8am-12pm. Free. 640-

4, 11, 18, 25 Covington Farmers Market.

26

of United Way services in our community.

Mandeville. 674-1070.

12 Krewe of Slidellians. 1pm. slidellwomensciviclub.org.

12 Mystick Krewe of Perseus. Slidell.

1pm.kreweofperseus.com.

12 Pearl River Lions Club. 12:30pm. mardigras.com.

14 Pre K-12th Grade Open House Tours.

Northlake Christian School, 70104 Wolverine Dr, Covington. 9am. 635-0508. northlakechristian.org.

16- May 21 A Life of Seduction: Venice

19 Krewe of Dionysus. Slidell. 1pm. mardigras.com. kreweofdionysus.com.

18 Krewe of Tchefuncte. Madisonville.

1pm. kreweoftchefuncte.org.

in the 1700s. Exclusively at The New

19 Krewe of Claude. Slidell. 1pm.

Orleans Museum of Art. One Collins C.

mardigrasneworleans.com.

Diboll Crl, City Park, New Orelans. (504) 658-4100. noma.org.

17 Krewe of Eve. Mandeville. 7pm. kreweofeve.com.

17-19 Family Gras. Veterans Memorial

22 Krewe of Druids. Uptown. 6:30pm. neworleans.com/mardi-gras.

22 Krewe of Nyx. Uptown. 7pm. neworleans.com/mardi-gras.

23 Krewe of Babylon. Uptown, New

Boulevard, across from Lakeside

Orleans. 5:45 pm. neworleans.com/

Shopping Center, Metairie.

mardi-gras.

mardigrasneworleans.com.

18 Krewe de Paws Canine Carnival Club.

Slidell. 10am. mardigras.com.

18 Krewe of Push Mow. Abita Springs.

11am. pushmow.com.

18 Mystic Krewe of Olympia. Covington.

6pm. kreweofolympia.net.

18 Mystic Krewe of Titans. Slidell. 6:30pm. kreweoftitans.com.

23 Krewe of Chaos. Uptown, New Orleans.

6:15 pm. neworleans.com/mardi-gras.

23 Krewe of Muses. Uptown, New Orleans.

6:30 pm. neworleans.com/mardi-gras.

23 Preschool-7th Grade Open House.

Cedarwood School, 607 Heavens Dr, Mandeville. 9am. RSVP, 845-7111. cedarwoodschool.com.

24 Krewe of d’Etat. Uptown, New Orleans.>>

Inside Scoop 6:30pm. neworleans.com/mardi-gras.

24 Krewe of Hermes. Uptown, New Orleans. 6 pm. neworleans.com/mardi-gras.

24 Krewe of Morpheus. Uptown, New Orleans. 7pm. neworleans.com/mardi-gras.

24 Krewe of Selene. Slidell. 6:30pm. kreweofselene.net.

24 Original Krewe of Orpheus. Mandeville.

7pm. mardigrasneworleans.com.

25 Krewe of Bush. 9am. mardigras.com.

25 Krewe of Endymion. Mid City, New Orleans. 4:15pm. neworleans.com/mardi-gras.

25 Krewe of Iris. Uptown, New Orleans.

11am. neworleans.com/mardi-gras.

25 Krewe of Tucks. Uptown, New Orleans.

12pm. neworleans.com/mardi-gras.

26 Krewe of Bacchus. Uptown, New Orleans. 5:15 pm. neworleans.com/ mardi-gras.

26 Krewe of Mid-City. Uptown, New Orleans. 11:45 am. neworleans.com/ mardi-gras.

26 Krewe of Okeanos. Uptown, New Orleans. 11 am. neworleans.com/mardi-gras.

26 Krewe of Thoth. Uptown, New Orleans.

12pm. neworleans.com/mardi-gras.

27 Krewe of Orpheus. Uptown, New Orleans. 6 pm. neworleans.com/mardi-gras.

27 Krewe of Proteus. Uptown, New Orleans. 5:15 pm. neworleans.com/ mardi-gras.

28 Covington Lions Club, Mystic Krewe of Covington, Krewe of Lyra. 10am. mardigrasneworleans.com.

28 Krewe of Chahta-Ima. Lacombe. 1pm. mardigras.com.

28 Krewe of Folsom. 1:30pm. mardigras.com.

28 Krewe of Rex. Uptown, New Orleans.10 am. neworleans.com/mardi-gras.

28 Krewe of Zulu. Uptown, New Orleans. 8 am. neworleans.com/mardi-gras.

Parade dates and times are subject to change. Send your event information to scoop@insidepub.com to have it featured in an upcoming issue.

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

IN Other Words

by Becky Slatten

RAISE YOUR HAND if you’re a procrastinator!

Or, you can do it later if you don’t feel like it right now…yeah, me too. If Procrastination were an Olympic Event, I’d win Gold, Silver AND Bronze. No one can come close to my prowess at procrastinating—and piddling; I’m also exceedingly good at piddling. I’m so good at wasting time that I put off last year’s New Year’s resolutions for so long that I can just dust them off and reuse them this year…maybe. I don’t really like to commit.

Stroll with me for a moment into the mind of a professional procrastinator—watch your step, it’s cluttered in here. To the right, you’ll find the crossword puzzle, Sudoku and Words with Friends department—all excellent distractions from tasks that actually need to get done. To the left, you’ll see my delusional time-folding machine, which allows me

organize my closet right now). If that makes no sense to you, congratulations! I envy you. If you share my disorder, I’d say we start a support group, but we all know we’d never get around to it.

Occasionally though, my procrastinating pays off; I once put off buying a wedding gift so long that the couple divorced before I bought the present. That’s probably a bad example, but there you go.

I don’t know how my poor husband puts up with me. Being one of the most organized, efficient and disciplined people on the planet, the word ‘piddle’ doesn’t exist in his vocabulary. He gets more done in an hour than I accomplish in a week; I

There’s Always Tomorrow... to believe I can do a week’s worth of work in one day. My ADD is also around here somewhere, along with all the little chores that never quite get done, like the button that needs to be sewn on, or the thing that needs to be glued back together. Those of you with tidy, organized minds and to-do lists are likely clamoring to get out about now. I don’t blame you; I would too, except I live here.

Deadlines are my natural enemy. However, without them, I might not get anything done at all. For example, if owe my editor 600 words by Wednesday (which is today, by the way), I’ll first tackle any other chore I can find to do—things I’ve been putting off, things that can wait—just to avoid doing the one thing that can’t. When staring down a deadline, the most unpalatable task becomes strangely appealing, but only if there’s no deadline attached (I’m fighting the urge to

guess opposites do attract, thankfully. But I like to think we all have our gifts; it’s possible that being a right-brained, creative soul puts me at odds with a regimented, disciplined, buttoned-up life … that’s my story anyway, and I’m sticking to it. It’s really an amazing blessing that we all possess different abilities. If everyone resembled my husband, the world would run like a well-oiled watch, but might be a little lacking in the arts. There would likely be no symphonic masterpieces, no Mona Lisa, no Tales of Two Cities; he’s just not the artsy type. If everyone were like me, we’d all be late, there would be zero technology, deadlines would float by like clouds, but our caves would be beautifully decorated. Like it or not, we need each other (even if we like to roll our eyes at “them” occasionally). Perhaps appreciating each other’s differences would be a noble resolution this year … or next. I don’t really like to commit.

January-February 2017 29

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Inside Northside

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

photos: PEGGY DUNN

by Poki Hampton

Farmhouse Retreat The Williamson House

WALKING INTO THIS ONCE-ABANDONED derelict farmhouse located in the rolling hills outside Folsom was a delight. Three years ago, April and Paul Williamson began restoring the shell of the house, which was on property they had owned for 38 years.

The farm was used to raise cattle, horses, sheep and peacocks. Originally, the house was built around 1840 from timber on the land, and it was known for years as the Old Bankston Place.

The whole house was gutted, old plaster was taken off the walls and some of the heart-pine boards were sanded, left natural and varnished. Others were dry-walled over and finished to look like old

plaster. A new roof and new wiring were a must. Air conditioning and heating were added, as were the bathrooms—the original house had an outhouse.

Some of the heart-pine floors were replaced and others repaired. The floor of the front porch was in bad shape, but some boards were salvageable, so Gabe Motichek, the general contractor who oversaw the entire project, turned them upside down and used them in the den. “We also had to replace the sills under the house where armadillos had dug holes and replace the rafters so the new roof was stable,” says Gabe. Some window sills and frames were rotten, so he had to mill the moldings to match the existing trim. >> January-February 2017 31

The glass and iron cocktail table from Rug Chic adds a touch of industrial chic to the room; it is topped by a large faux orchid from Niche Modern Home.

What is now the dining room was the original side porch. It was enclosed, and the ceiling boards were roughly hand sanded, leaving a lot of the original paint to add character. Tall antique cypress pocket doors were repurposed to make the back wall of the dining room, adding more architectural detail.

Popular French-style cafĂŠ chairs in a weathered oak finish surround a long farmhouse trestle table, which has a white distressed-salvaged look.

Structural heart-pine beams from Albany Woodworks were added to delineate the dining room and the open concept kitchen and den. A Hard Tan brick wall in the den provides more texture and interest; the flooring in the dining room and kitchen are of Hard Tan brick as well.

Slipcovered pieces in neutral colors add a fresh modern look to the den. The soft colors of the rug, from Rug Chic, keep the palate light and airy. Over a tall weathered oak console cabinet hangs a horse painting, Rhodee,

by Scott Ewen, Inside Northside’s cover artist for September 2014. Perhaps the >> 32

Inside Northside

General contractor Gabe Motichek refinished the wood walls in the entrance hall and was able to salvage the colored glass in the transom windows. A large painting by Hattiesburg artist Blake O’Brien of a young girl feeding chickens in a farmyard hangs across the hall from a long, cushioned wooden bench. Three black-iron and glass hanging

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

light fixtures give ample light.

January-February 2017 33

One guest room, which was originally the living room, holds two French farmstead-style beds in a rust finish. The bedcovers are crisp and clean in natural linen and textured oatmeal. The fireplace mantle

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

photo: PEGGY DUNN

was removed and restored and the fireplace put into working order.

The smaller guestroom has a queen four-poster bed in a white distressed finish with a quilted gray duvet cover and crisp white bedding. An antique map of Louisiana showing the location of the property hangs on the wall. On the opposite wall is a landscape painting titled Guadalupe by Ewen.

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Inside Northside

livestock on the property inspired the Williamsons’ love of paintings by Ewen.

They worked with Danny Saladino of Saladino Gallery in downtown Covington to acquire the Ewen paintings for the house.

The master bedroom is serene and comfortable. Keeping the furnishings simple creates the illusion of space. The king-sized, French Neoclassic-style bed has off-white Belgian linen-upholstered head and foot boards and exposed wood in a distressed white finish; it is dressed in ice blue and white bedcovers.

In the master bath, Gabe added white wainscoting to lighten the original tongue-and-groove pine walls. The floor tile, from Noel Maestri Flooring, is in a white Moorish design. An antique-style, claw-foot tub and pedestal sink, along with a modern, subway-tiled oversized shower make for modern living.

The kitchen cabinets were built

by Gabe, who worked for six months to get the coloration of the boards to match and then build the cabinets.

The reclaimed weathered cypress barn boards came from Gabe’s father’s barn, which was being torn down at the same time the house was being restored. The pantry doors care also from Gabe’s barn, and the back doors are vintage from the Bank in New Orleans. The large island, countertops and backsplash are Carrera marble from Tritan Stone. Completing the look are the deep, apron-front farm house sink from St. Tammany Supply, an early 20th century-style pendant light from Pine Grove Electric and the iron and leather mid-century-style counter stools.

With the renovations now complete, the Williamsons and their daughter Chablis and her family have a very restful, modernized and comfortable retreat to visit on weekends and holidays.

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Mystery &History

MAYBE YOU’VE ATTENDED FUNERALS THERE. Maybe you’ve seen the glow of its eternal flame as you drive past at night. But if you’ve never taken a tour of Metairie Cemetery, are you in for a treat!

Named by Forbes.com as one of the 10 most interesting cemeteries in the world, Metairie Cemetery has a history as rich and storied as that of many of its occupants. It was built on the site of the Metairie Race Course, which in the mid-1800s was the South’s finest racetrack, regularly attracting crowds of 5,000-25,000. During the Civil War, it served as Camp Walker, a Confederate army base. After the war, it fell on hard times. With money scarce and dissension growing within its governing ranks, hope for 36

Inside Northside

the race course was slipping away.

At the same time, the idea for Metairie Cemetery was coming to life.

Because the yellow fever epidemic had taxed existing graveyards beyond their limits, locals were looking for a place to establish new burial grounds. Charles T. Howard and the other members of the Metairie Cemetery Association made an offer to purchase the 80-acre race track from the Metairie Jockey Club. On May 25, 1872, the deal was sealed.

Ironically, the race course was “laid to rest” in the soil of the newborn cemetery, its one-mile oval track re-purposed to immortalize the ultimate “finish line.” >>

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

by Karen B. Gibbs

Top Five Must-See Monuments in Metairie Cemetery

January-February 2017 37

monument to his wife’s memory is the tallest private structure in Metairie Cemetery.

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for people to relax and enjoy a bite to eat after journeying there by horseback or on foot. Strange as it sounds, Metairie Cemetery soon became the perfect setting for social outings. In fact, in the early 1900s, the picturesque graveyard was the place to go for “Kodak parties”—a chance to photograph and be photographed.

Gerard “Jerry” Schoen III, fifth generation funeral director and the cemetery’s community outreach director, has one explanation for this social activity—All Saints Day, November 1. Traditionally, New Orleanians visit their family cemeteries just before All Saints Day to spruce up the gravesites for the religious feast. With many of the graves in the cemetery enrolled in perpetual care, there was little maintenance for family members to do. Not wanting to abandon tradition, they nevertheless came to the

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Daniel Moriarity’s

Col. Benjamin Morgan Harrod, a war veteran and prominent engineer, was chosen to design the new cemetery. Much to his credit, Harrod envisioned burial grounds unlike any others in New Orleans.

Eschewing the traditional walled cemetery concept, he designed Metairie Cemetery to look more like a park than a graveyard. Using the original oval racetrack as a guide, Harrod added three concentric ovals within it, connecting them with cross avenues and diagonal streets. In 1890, he enhanced the cemetery with a series of meandering lagoons. He also designed picturesque, rustic stone bridges to span the lazy waterways and embellished the area with lush greenery, trees, flowering bushes and shrubs.

In another break with tradition, Harrod provided welcoming grounds replete with picnic tables at the entrance of the cemetery. This offered a place

cemetery, paid their respects at the grave sites and then spent the rest of the time socializing on the welcoming grounds. Just as they do today, 19th century New Orleanians could party anywhere, even among the tombs of their loved ones.

That brings us to another reason to tour Metairie Cemetery—its tombs and the fascinating stories they hold. To stoke your curiosity, Jerry Schoen, along with Robert Florence, author of New Orleans Cemeteries: Life in the Cities of the Dead and owner of Historic New Orleans Tours, share their top-five must-see graves in Metairie Cemetery. The stories that follow are a gumbo of mystery and history, bitesized biographies of some of New Orleans’ fabled personalities.

When Daniel Moriarity first met the wealthy Mary Farrell, she owned a grocery and barroom.

Although 22 years younger than she, Daniel wooed and eventually married Mary. As a couple, they amassed a fortune investing in real estate. Upon her death in 1887, Mary was buried temporarily in St. Patrick Cemetery No. 1 while Daniel set about erecting a monument in Mary’s memory that would surpass all others. That edifice, located at the original entrance to Metairie Cemetery, is the tallest private monument on those hallowed grounds, rising 60 feet in height and surrounded by a circular plot 85 feet in diameter.

In 1905, after acquiring the plot for the monument, Moriarity began construction. According to Henri Gandolfo’s book, Metairie Cemetery, An Historical Memoir, Moriarity must have kissed the Blarney Stone because he talked the owners of a Vermont quarry into giving him a low price on >>

The Morales tomb once belonged to renowned madam Josie Arlington.

Coincidentally, her initials still grace the tomb today.

January-February 2017 39

Harrington. Right: The Langles cenotaph.

the promise that he would help them corner the memorial market in New Orleans. Unfortunately, the owners of the quarry underestimated the huge cost of shipping the granite to Louisiana and went broke before Moriarity could make good on his promise.

Once in New Orleans, the granite posed another problem. It was too heavy to transport across the 40

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Above: The tomb of Joseph “Never Smile”

New Basin Canal Bridge. Moriarity smooth-talked the Illinois Central Railroad into laying a spur track from Carrollton Avenue, along the New Basin Canal, to the cemetery. He hired another contractor to erect the monument after it arrived in New Orleans but he, too, ran out of money re-installing the massive cross that was less than an inch off plumb.

Daniel Moriarity had the remains of his wife exhumed and relocated to the magnificent gravesite in Metairie Cemetery. Although he was in California when he died in 1924, Moriarity’s remains were shipped back to New Orleans, and he, too, was laid to rest with his wife in the grass surrounding the monument.

One of Storyville’s most renowned madams, Josie Arlington (née Mamie Duebler) must have contemplated the afterlife in her later years because she selected the design and ordered the construction of her own tomb three years before she died. She even threw a much-publicized champagne supper to thank the craftsmen for finishing her memorial ahead of time.

Completed in 1911, the monument features a life-size bronze figure of a lady holding an armful of roses and knocking on the door of the tomb. Folklore says it represents Josie being turned away from her father’s door. (Not true. She was an orphan, according to Florence.) Another says it’s Josie knocking at heaven’s door. No one knows but Josie, and she’s not talking.

But she surely had others talking shortly after her burial when crowds of curiosity-seekers reported

seeing a red glow coming from the grave at night. Carried away with emotion, some people even reported seeing the statue walking around. This created such a stir the cemetery had a cross carved on the back wall of the tomb hoping to direct people’s thoughts heavenward. It didn’t work. However, a bit of commonsense sleuthing did reveal the source of the red glow—a signal light on the New Basin Shell Road across the street from the grave. Once the light was removed, the visions disappeared and Josie could once again rest in peace. At least for a little while.

After Josie died, she left her impressive estate to her niece and her former business manager. The two soon married and, within 10 years, squandered their inheritance. To raise money, they sold Josie’s magnificent house on Esplanade and North Dupre.

The house was moved to Grand Route St. John, and the lot was used to build a school. After going through that cash, they had the audacity to sell Josie’s tomb! To the outrage of many, Josie’s remains were exhumed. Out of respect for her privacy, they were placed in an unmarked grave somewhere in the cemetery.

The Morales family subsequently bought Josie’s tomb, but locals like to say that Josie Arlington still has a presence there. Morales’ first two initials are “J.A.” With all these goings on, it seems Josie Arlington is still entertaining the people of New Orleans a hundred years after her death.

The memorial to Angele Marie Langles isn’t a grave, it’s a cenotaph—a monument without a body. Marked only with Angele’s name and the cryptic inscription “105 La. 39,” this obelisk commemorates the untimely deaths of Angele Langles and her mother, Pauline, who were aboard the SS La Bourgoyne >> January-February 2017 41

Community Outreach

“Metairie Cemetery is for the living,” says Gerard “Jerry” Schoen, the cemetery’s community outreach director. To that end, Schoen personally conducts history tours for eighth grade classes studying Louisiana governors. “There’s nothing cooler than seeing the spot where the guy you’re learning about is buried. It’s a pure view of death that I want to show the kids, not the macabre internet view.” The cemetery also opens its doors to students of art, sculpture, law and architecture as well the National Association of Stained Glass. Plus, every year Louisiana’s slain police officers are honored at a ceremony at the Louisiana Law Officers Memorial. “There’s no more fitting place than this historic, reverent ground to pay tribute to these brave officers,” Schoen says with a sense of pride.

All Saints Day is a big event, with thousands of people coming to pay their respects. The three days of activity culminate with Archbishop Aymond celebrating an outdoor Mass in front of the All Saints Mausoleum. It’s not uncommon to draw 750 people for that event alone.

As a further outreach to the community, the cemetery opens its grounds daily to runners and walkers and even invites them to bring their dogs along. (The owners always clean up after their pets, too.) Finally, this year Metairie Cemetery will host its 14th Annual Run through History cemetery road race, the largest in the country.

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Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

when it sank off the coast of Nova Scotia July 4, 1898. Before sailing, both women had drawn up wills, each naming the other as beneficiary of her estate. Not knowing who died first, the heirs asked the courts to decide succession. With the jury unable to reach a decision, the judge took charge. Considering the mother was older (although more robust) and only the daughter knew how to swim, the judge ruled that Angele was the last to die. Surprisingly, Angele’s heirs did not want to follow the request in her will that $3,000 be set aside to erect her tomb. Who needs a tomb when you don’t have a body to put in it? That argument went nowhere with the judge, who ruled that the $3,000 stipulated in Angele’s will had to be used to erect her memorial monument.

At the direction of the attorney, only Angele’s name and the number of this precedent-setting case, 105 La. 39, are inscribed on the obelisk memorial.

Mrs. Jules Aldigé, her sister and her niece also perished aboard the SS La Bourgoyne and are buried only 60 feet down from the Langles memorial.

Following the precedent set by the Langles case, succession was much easier to determine for these heirs. What makes this grave so noteworthy is the dramatic sculpture sitting atop the tomb.

It depicts two angels clinging to each other in the bow of a sinking ship with the anchor of hope at its base—a fitting tribute to the deceased and a permanent reminder of their tragic story.

Joseph “Never Smile” Harrington was a well-known gambler in the early 1900s whose poker face earned him a living and a nickname. One July night in 1924, after an especially profitable evening playing cards, Harrington was gunned down in a robbery attempt as he drove to his Constance Street home.

His widow, Bertha, wished to erect a >>

The Lacosst tomb.

January-February 2017 43

fitting monument to her husband and selected a design by the noted Weiblen Company. Her plans hit a snag when the judge handling the succession denied the widow permission to build the memorial. He reasoned that the proposed expense exceeded her assets.

Undaunted, Bertha returned to the judge with a satchel filled with twenty- and hundred-dollar bills—plenty enough to cover the cost of the monument.

(Everyone knows gamblers don’t keep all their money in the bank.) No doubt these “undeclared assets” convinced the judge that he was wrong.

The memorial’s most striking feature is the bronze figure of a grieving woman seated next to the entrance of the tomb, her head resting on her arm in grief and her hand holding a bouquet of roses.

Who but Lady Luck bidding a final farewell to her good friend.

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Located near the Moriarity monument at the original entrance to the cemetery is the Lacosst tomb, considered one of the most beautiful memorials in Metairie Cemetery. The centerpiece of the 1918 monument is a sarcophagus that was carved from a solid block of Alabama marble and finished on both sides by Italian artisans brought in to do the intricately detailed work.

Schoen comments that the architect was so selective in choosing only absolutely perfect marble for the $60,000 memorial he rejected enough first quality marble to make 15 other tombs.

What’s surprising about this elaborate tomb is that its owner, Eugene Lacosst, was a Bourbon Street hairdresser. (Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau was also a hairdresser, adds Florence.) In case you’re wondering how a hairdresser could ever earn

Opposite: The Angel of Grief in the tomb of Chapman Hyams.

Above: Statue in the mausoleum of Charles T. Howard, one of the founders of Metairie Cemetery.

enough money to pay for such an elaborate monument for himself and his mother, it is said that Lacosst invested well in the stock market.

Perhaps he overheard some of his wealthy patrons discussing their spouse’s investments … perhaps.

This is only a tiny fraction of the stories of those buried in Metairie Cemetery. There are hundreds more to tell. As a service to the community, the cemetery provides free CD tours to visitors. Stop by the arrangement office and borrow either Great Families and Captains of Commerce or Soldiers, Statesmen, Patriots and Rebels. Each tour takes about 80 minutes, allowing time for driving and getting out of the car to take a closer look at the monuments and memorials. Another option is to pick up a copy of Gandolfo’s Metairie Cemetery: An Historical Memoir or Florence’s New Orleans Cemeteries: Life in the Cities of the Dead and savor the history and mystery in the comfort of your own home.

January-February 2017 45

Lisa Laurent Volksmarch to Crazy Horse Memorial

by Stacey Rase

46

LISA LAURENT has never been one to sit still. For 27 years, she dedicated her life to the field of emergency medical services, working at a fast pace as a paramedic provider, flight medic, dispatcher and EMS supervisor.

Her work was quite busy in 2006 just following Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath, but it was also around that time that something slowed Lisa down.

“I started getting really short of breath doing ordinary things I’d done for years,” she remembers. “It was severe, and I

Inside Northside

couldn’t tolerate any cardiac endurance at all. I was unable to continue in my line of profession.”

Her diagnosis was cardiomyopathy, a disease in which the heart muscle becomes enlarged, causing it to become weak as it’s less able to pump blood through the body and maintain a normal electrical rhythm. Results from a test that measures how much blood her heart pumped out with each contraction— called ejection fraction—showed her level to be 30 percent. A normal heart’s ejection fraction is 60 percent. She was told that if her heart dropped to 20 percent she would need a heart transplant.

“I was put on disability and taken off the ambulance and out of the emergency medical service that I had been my career since 1989. For the next two years, it seemed my doctors tried every medication imaginable to help my condition improve,” she says. But the symptoms persisted, and Lisa became increasingly discouraged.

Things turned around, however, when she returned to work in 2008 as a stress technician at Lakeview Regional

photos courtesy: LISA LAURENT

Traces

Medical Center. “For the next five years, I worked alongside some great people,” she says, “and that’s where I met Dr. Gabriel Lasala, who became my cardiologist and caretaker.”

Dr. Lasala took a comprehensive look at Lisa’s treatment plan. She underwent an angiogram and subsequently had a stent inserted. She also had a cardiac monitor implanted to record her heart’s electrical activity.

But one of the most life-changing aspects of Dr. Lasala’s treatment was his encouraging Lisa to commit to a more active lifestyle.

“He helped me with a workout plan. He’s very active himself! He was very persistent,” says Lisa. Dr. Lasala told Lisa that if she passed a stress test after sticking to a workout program, he would clear her to do something she had only dreamed about doing since her diagnosis—the renowned Volksmarch up to Crazy Horse Memorial in the southern Black Hills of South Dakota.

He provided particular inspiration by climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro himself. “I got to watch it on a live feed as he made progress,” says Lisa.

Lisa took to the gym three times a week, usually with her two daughters, Jennifer and Krystal Guidry. When she wasn’t in the gym, she got her heart rate up simply by playing Wii with her granddaughter Aubrie. Her

>>

January-February 2017 47

determination certainly paid off. Within six months, she had lost 30 pounds, and her ejection fraction reading reached a promising 49 percent. She passed Dr. Lasala’s stress test. Krystal and Jennifer purchased an airline ticket for their mom. Lisa was ready to accomplish her goal.

The hike that she would undertake is an elevated 6.2 miles (10K) on hilly, rough terrain with steep inclines.

The trek takes place twice a year as participants climb to see the world’s largest mountain carving in progress.

The massive carving of Native American Lakota warrior Crazy Horse stands at 641 feet long and 563 feet high and is the result of a project ongoing since the memorial’s dedication in 1948.

The Mission of Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation is to protect and preserve the culture, tradition and living heritage of the North American Indians.

Lisa had two connections that drew her to this specific volksmarch—her brother Scott Laurent, who lives and works on a reservation there, and her lifetime love for Native American culture.

“I was always told we had a Native American bloodline but both of my parents are deceased, and I’m not sure if it’s true or what tribe. I’ve just always been fascinated with their culture,” says Lisa. “And the pictures of the area don’t do it justice. It’s so vast and beautiful.”

The hike itself is estimated to take two to four hours to complete, with the turnaround point at the arm of Crazy Horse directly in front of the nine-story-high face.

Hikers are offered a stunning view of the mountains from that vantage point nearly 6,500 feet above sea level. Lisa made the trek with her brother Scott, his wife Elena and their daughter Angelica.

“They gave me a traditional walking stick and were very supportive of me,” she says. “I had to go a bit slower than 48

Inside Northside

photo courtesy: LISA LAURENT

most, but even if it took me eight hours, I didn’t care. I was determined to do it.”

There were four stages of the climb, and Lisa stopped along the way for quick assessments. She did use an inhaler, but was never truly out of breath, and she finished the march without any cardiac problems. When she reached the finish, there was an EMS crew nearby. “I didn’t need that ambulance,” she says proudly, “but I did take a picture with the paramedic crew!”

With a newfound outlook, Lisa now has a new goal. She’s applied for a parttime position to work as a paramedic at her local fire department so she can get back to her first love. “Doing that march made me realize I don’t need to be scared,” she says with confidence.

“I’m eternally grateful for Dr. Lasala’s care and commitment. He enabled me to accomplish what, at one time, would’ve been an impossible task for me.”

Note: A volksmarch is a form of noncompetitive fitness walking that developed in Europe.

January-February 2017 49

by Kim Bergeron

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photo: KIM BERGERON

Crew-Cuts Crooner John Perkins

WHILE JOHN PERKINS is best known as the lead singer for the popular Crew-Cuts band, the tenor’s professional music career actually began 20 years prior to his band’s chart-topping hits Sh-Boom, Earth Angel and more.

In the mid-1930s, when he was only 3 years old, John’s father landed him a gig as a performer on a local radio station in his hometown of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Every week, John would sing a few songs and was paid in cash—two shiny quarters per episode. For the next two and a half years, he was known as Wee Jackie, the “BonKora Boy,” named after one of the products offered by the show’s advertising sponsor. But following the 1939 passing of the Coogan Law regulating child labor, the station opted to end its arrangement with young John. “So then my dad took the show on the road, and we visited more stations,” says John. This would continue for a

few more years, at which time the almost-8-yearold’s music career was put on hold for schooling.

“I spent half a year in first grade, skipped second and finished the year in third grade at St. Michael’s >>

January-February 2017 51

Cathedral Choir School,” he chuckles.

John is very soft spoken, but his eyes light up as he shares the tales of his childhood and the path that led him to his celebrated career. Sitting in the living room of the Slidell home he has shared with his wife and children since 1967, we are surrounded by memorabilia documenting a life filled with adventures.

On the wall to his left is a collection of framed Crew-Cuts album covers, displayed in five vertical rows of two. Propped up on the fireplace mantle is a golden album mounted on a wooden plaque, a gift from Ed Sullivan. And

a nearby glass case houses numerous accolades for his work in the arts and in the community.

The crown jewel of the collection is the award he received when the Crew-Cuts were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1984, following the inductions of Paul Anka, Joni Mitchell and Neil Young, and preceding so many more, including The Guess Who, Leonard Cohen, Rush, David Foster, Bryan Adams, Shania Twain, k.d. lang, Bachman-Turner Overdrive and Alanis Morissette. He is a quiet legend in great company.

The showcase also includes a handful of awards from the Slidell Little Theatre, including two for which he seems most proud: his Ginny Awards for Best Actor and Best Play for Forever Plaid, an autographical production based on the Crew-Cuts’ story. Rounding out the collection are the St. Tammany Parish President’s Arts Award, the City of Slidell Commission on the Arts’ Bravo Award, plaques from the Knights of Columbus and Slidell Elks Lodge, and the Order of St. Louis IX Medallion, in recognition of the time and talent he has contributed to the Catholic Church.

photo courtesy: JOHN PERKINS

Yet for such an accomplished man, he is remarkably humble.

The stories take us through John’s quest to find his musical footing. He and his classmates at St. Michael’s Choir School in Toronto formed several different bands, but in the end, they disbanded so each could focus on finishing high school. It would be at a future homecoming celebration that John would run into former classmate Rudi Maugeri, and the two discussed the possibility of creating a new band. In March of 1952, they were joined by John’s younger brother, Ray, and another classmate, Pat Barrett; the resulting quartet dubbed themselves “The Four Tones.”

Toronto disk jockey Barry Nesbitt took notice of the band and featured them on his weekly teen show. They were embraced by the station’s audiences, who dubbed the foursome “The Canadaires.” At the time, each was working with the Ontario government, but soon all four quit those jobs to pursue their musical careers on a full-time basis. Their efforts led to bookings in small night clubs in Ontario and northern New York, but they set their sights on a competition in New York City—Arthur Godfrey’s television and radio show, Talent Scouts. Though the group came in second place, bested by a comedian, they >>

photo courtesy: JOHN PERKINS

still landed a small record deal with Thrillwood Records, recording their Chip, Chip, Sing a Song Little Sparrow. It was not as well received as the band had hoped.

It was about this time that the Perkins brothers’ parents, Arthur and Agnes, laid down the law for their sons: make it or leave it. The guys were given one last chance to launch their musical careers, or they would have to pursue more traditional professions. The pressure was on.

The quartet was performing in a small Ontario night club when they learned of an invitation to appear as guests on The Gene Carroll Show, a television program in Cleveland, Ohio. The guys drove 600 miles in subzero temperatures to make it to the performance, hoping it would be that break they needed. And indeed it was. What initially was supposed to be appearances on two episodes of the show was extended to a period of over three weeks, much to the musicians’ delight.

During this time, the guys met local disc jockey Bill Randle, who dubbed the foursome “The CrewCuts,” a moniker inspired by their short hair styles. The name stuck. Randle was so impressed 54

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by the singers that he arranged an audition for Mercury Records. The label was equally impressed and signed the group.

What happened next was a whirlwind of activity that left the guys’ heads spinning. The Crew-Cuts’ first hit was Crazy ‘Bout You, Baby, written by Maugeri and Barrett (and an uncredited John.) But it was the 1954 cover of R&B vocal group The Chords’ Sh-Boom, that proved to be the band’s most successful effort ever. That recording is the one that many in the music industry have proclaimed the first official rock ‘n’ roll song in history, long before the music of Bill Haley and Elvis. Of equal significance is that the song was a white quartet’s cover of a black band’s original recording, broadening audiences and paving the way for the desegregation of the music industry.

The Crew-Cuts’ version of the song hit Billboard’s number one spot, remaining at the top of the charts for ten weeks in Canada and nine in the United States. This success was followed by the 1955 release of Earth Angel, which charted in the number three spot. Soon, the band was touring around the United States and abroad. >>

photo courtesy: JOHN PERKINS

A chance encounter in Florida with young brewery heirs led to a gig at a birthday party for a Budweiser executive’s daughter, which in turn led to contracts for three years of work performing in the company’s television commercials. “We were recording the spots at Universal Studios in Hollywood,” says Perkins, “and in the studio right next door, Frank Sinatra was filming one of his movies, so we got to meet him. We were star struck.” At the time, John could not have imagined that his group would go on to sell over a million albums, a feat he believes was celebrated long before Sinatra achieved the same.

The touring led the Crew-Cuts to New Orleans, which included publicity rounds at local radio stations. It was here that he met a young Gilda Casella, then a teen host working on the Sid Noel show. John invited the 17-yearold Warren Easton High School student to the teen matinee at which he was performing on the following day. When asked if the invitation was a courtesy

or of a romantic interest, he leans forward and quietly states that he was taken aback by her beauty, but tried his best to appear cool about it. She reacts to the revelation with a sweet, teenage-crush smile.

After the show ended, John offered to drive Gilda home in lieu of her calling her parents for a ride. What the two didn’t realize was that destiny was about to intervene. “The radio in my car was broken, so we couldn’t listen to music on the way,” says John. “But it just so happened that her father, Peter, fixed radios—it was his profession. So, it was kind of fate.”

When the pair arrived at Gilda’s home, John spoke with her father about the radio, and the patriarch offered to fix it. The process of repairing it required a few weeks, a delay which delighted John—it meant he could stop by daily to check on the progress, a great excuse for him to visit with Gilda.

“By then I was totally smitten,” says Gilda. “He was this big star, and he was in my house, and he was such a gentleman. It was so different from all the other boys my age. I was 17, and he just…. oooh!” And some 60 years later, her infatuation is still quite evident.

Theirs is a love story created by destiny and filled with charms and challenges.

The band’s obligations found John back on the road. He shared the story of a gig at the Empire in Liverpool, where he met at the stage door exit a young fan named Paul. The teenager was enthralled with the Crew-Cuts, asking many questions about their chosen profession, oblivious that his eager inquiries had extended far past the 10 p.m. cutoff time for bus transportation. So, the ever-gracious John offered to walk the young man home, continuing the conversation along the way. Years later, John learned that the story of that encounter had been published, and he was stunned to discover the identity of that young man—it was none other than Sir Paul McCartney, one of the most iconic musicians of all times.

While the touring continued, John would fly to New Orleans for a visit whenever possible, but such opportunities were short and sweet.

In the meantime, the couple spent many evenings on the telephone, and their relationship continued to blossom. “And then there were the letters,” says a swooning Gilda. “He wrote such beautiful letters.” About a year later the two married. The following year, they welcomed their first son, Michael, though John was on the road at the time, regretfully missing the birth. Shortly afterwards,>> January-February 2017 57

the couple made the decision to make the move from New Orleans to Long Island so they would have more time to spend together between the band’s performances. The next year, they welcomed their second son, Brian.

“Sometimes it was challenging,” says Gilda. “Here I was, a young mom with two babies, away from the home I loved, away from my family, and John was on the road a lot. It was tough at times. But then he’d come home, and we’d fall in love all over again. And everything was good.”

Between tours, the Crew-Cuts recorded 11 albums in all. Technically, says John, it was 12 if you count the 1960 remake, The Crew-Cuts Have a Ball. The album featured previously released songs on the front side, and on the flip side, tips about bowling, the sport that was gaining popularity throughout the country. It was an unusual marketing tactic that produced respectable results.

But by 1964, several of the band members and their spouses were weary of the touring life. When one refused to make the second trip to Japan, it marked the beginning of the end. John and Gilda moved back to New Orleans, and John took a job as an insurance salesman. The couple welcomed their third son, John. The singer continued to perform whenever possible, joining forces with many other local musicians to provide entertainment at various fundraisers. Included among those were acclaimed pianist Ronnie Kole, Harry Connick Sr. and a very young Harry Connick Jr. “Little Harry used to sit on a stack of books atop the piano bench, and when he played, we knew he had something very special,” says Gilda.

“At the time, John had a thick, black beard, so Harry called him ‘Uncle Abe,’ 58

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photo: KIM BERGERON

citing the resemblance to President Lincoln.” This amused her greatly.

The family moved to Slidell in 1967, where their fourth child, Lisa, was born. John secured a position as the choir director at St. Margaret Mary Church, which he holds to this day.

He and Gilda took up square dancing with the Tammany Twirlers, and they enjoyed frequent camping outings with the group. The couple also worked as entertainment writers, first for the Slidell Daily Times, then The Sentry News, the latter of which was flooded by Katrina in 2005. Though the publishers attempted to resurrect the publication, those efforts proved futile. While Gilda had retired shortly before the storm, the paper’s demise prompted John’s retirement as well.

The two remain actively involved in

the community, volunteering their time and talent to various causes.

When asked if he has any advice for up and coming musicians, John’s reply is simple and direct. “Work hard and get good advice, which is something we didn’t do,” he says, a reference to an early advisor’s quickly spending more than the band was earning. “You need that advice from someone who knows what they’re talking about, who has your best interest at heart.”

The couple will celebrate their 60th anniversary next year, and both feel that they’ve led charmed lives. It seems fitting that their story can be summed up in the lyrics of the CrewCuts’ first number one hit: Life could be a dream. Indeed, for John and Gilda Perkins, it has been.

Generous Hearts

by Susan H. Bonnett

The Northshore isn’t just another Louisiana neighborhood. It’s one of those rare places that combines quality of life with accessibility, a progressive business climate with natural beauty, and vibrant culture with community. For those who love Louisiana’s way of life, there’s no place better. Come exceed your expectations on the Northshore.

– Northshore Visioning Project

IF YOU’VE READ THIS COLUMN frequently, you are familiar with countless references to the intermingling of nebulous concepts like regionalism, economic vitality and philanthropy. Technical terms such as strategic planning, SuperRegion inclusion and donor-advised funds. Feeling terms like pearls, quality of life and charity. Where the technical and the feeling intersect is what is at the heart of our place. And if you’re not already convinced, we have the research study to prove it.

Recently, in the Northshore Community Foundation’s effort to identify, capture and message our region’s identity not only now, but aspirationally for our future, the study’s outcome made those of us involved in the process nod with a common echo of, “Yes, that’s IT!” While we had not previously articulated the exact descriptive words, when we heard them, we all knew they 60

Inside Northside

were just spot on: North of your expectations.

That is so us—in so many ways. The accompanying descriptive words—a rare place, natural beauty, sense of community … It just works on so many levels, both large and small. Dr. John Crain, president of Southeastern Louisiana University can say, “Yes, that is us.” Our good friends interested in downtown development for the City of Slidell can say, “Yes, that is us.” Kathy Foley, who leads the amazing recreational asset of Pelican Park can say, “Yes, that is us.” They are all illustrations of expectations being exceeded in our area.

Those words work so well because IT is all of us.

What it boils down to, and this is the important part, is that we as a region believe our quality of life is our IT. The pinnacle, the reason, the value of this place … And while we who live here know this, it is still a

photo: LORI WASLECHUK

North of Your Expectations

well-kept secret outside of this place.

Herein lies the irony. When someone experiences this place, they often want to become part of it themselves. This brings both our opportunity and our challenge for our future. We must preserve and enhance all that is good about our place, while we accept that growth is unavoidable for the very reason that all of us are here— we love it, because what’s not to love?

That is where philanthropy comes in, in a very big way. Churches growing by leaps and bounds to build facilities for their youth groups and the elderly.

Specially equipped playgrounds and ball fields for our ever-growing population of special-needs kids. Symphonies, public art space and beautification projects that make our neighborhoods, towns and cities look and feel their best. Forty million dollars of private philanthropy to fund this work in the last three years alone. That is what makes us exceed expectations, every day.

We must keep it that way. Our quality of life IS our value proposition.

Other communities can’t buy what we have. It is our equity, our commerce, a commodity that should be treated as such. This “IT” is to us what white sandy beaches are to Florida; it is what the Research Triangle is to North Carolina; and it is what embracing weirdness is to Austin. It is our brand. So, every decision, every policy, every gift and every plan we make should be seen through that lens first and foremost. If we are to honor our commitment to this region and the legacy we leave, we must embrace the lens, use the lens and share the lens. It is how we see ourselves, who we are, and what we want to be. It is our brand.

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photo: DARK ROUX PHOTOGRAPHY

I’M A BIT OF A POPPY TOOKER GROUPIE. After years of listening to this bundle of energy interview everyone from celebrity chefs and Hollywood starlets to bashful f armers and unsung heroes of the farmer’s market scene, it was more than a little exciting for me to interview her in her Central City studio. This larger-than-life high priestess of the Slow Food movement did not disappoint.

For decades, Tooker has talked and laughed her way into the hearts of listeners of her popular radio show, Louisiana Eats, and viewers of the weekly arts and entertainment program, Steppin’ Out. Her uber-upbeat, never-met-a-stranger attitude and her passion for all things culinary have made her a fixture in the Louisiana food scene and have seen her sharing the TV screen with celebrities such as

tossed in for good measure.

As she tells it, Tooker’s love of food began at a young age, thanks to a great-grandmother who “loved me with food.” She says, “My early years were all about food. My great-grandmother laid a beautiful table and served fabulous, five-course Sunday dinners with me at her elbow.” When Tooker was ten, her great-grandmother died. Another woman who’d been central to her early years was a beloved housekeeper, an astounding and generous cook who also left the family that year. “She’d been my great-grandmother’s housekeeper. When my mother married and moved out, she went with her, knowing my mother knew nothing about cooking or running a house. That year my parents moved into a larger home, and she decided it was time for her to retire,

Poppy Tooker Local Food Guru

Extreme Cuisine’s Jeff Corwin, Foodography’s Mo Rocca and restaurateur Bobby Flay. Her advocacy work to preserve and revive endangered local foods has garnered a Community Service Award from The International Association of Culinary Professionals and a Hero of the New South award from Southern Living magazine. And her unrelenting work to help local restaurants return after Hurricane Katrina earned her a Hero of the Storm award from the Times Picayune.

But who exactly is Poppy Tooker? She’s a chef, a cookbook author and a dynamic cooking teacher. She’s a socialite, a raconteur, a Southern food historian, a culinary preservationist and a force to be reckoned with behind the microphone. She’s Ellen meets Julia Child, with a bit of Joann Worley

by Mimi Greenwood Knight

so I lost them both at the same time.”

There she was with these two dynamic women gone and a mother who didn’t know anything about cooking. “When you hate to cook the way my mother did, the things you make aren’t worth eating,” says Tooker. So by age 12, Poppy was cooking for the household. “My mama would throw grand parties, and I’d do all the cooking. When her friends found out I was the one responsible for the food, they asked me to do the same for them; by high school, I had a catering business.”

Tooker had another love—theatre. After graduating from Ursuline Academy, she headed off to the California Institute of the Arts to study acting. She needed a part-time job while in school, and before she knew it, she was running her >> January-February 2017 63

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photo: DARK ROUX PHOTOGRAPHY

dorm’s café, where she fed 60 people a day and instituted the school’s first Sunday champagne brunch. It didn’t take her long to figure out she wanted to devote her life to food, not theatre.

“I discovered I got the same charge from cooking that I did from acting,” she says. But fans of her radio and TV shows would agree that she’s integrated the two passions quite nicely.

After school, she went to work in a few local restaurants but quickly found her way to working alongside locally renowned culinarian Lee Barnes at her Lee Barnes Cooking School on Oak Street. “Once I proved myself, she started turning classes entirely over to me,” says Tooker. “Then I was lucky enough to meet Madeleine Kamman, who took over my classical training.”

After obtaining her chef’s and cooking teacher’s diplomas, she made a lifeaffirming trip to France, where she studied classical French cooking. And the rest is history.

Through her radio show, Louisiana Eats, Tooker introduces her half-amillion weekly listeners to the people and personalities behind Louisiana’s restaurants, bars, farms, fisheries, bakeries, cafes, distilleries and breweries.

Over the years, she’s chewed the fat with chefs and owners of five-star restaurants, greasy spoons, holes in the wall and even food trucks, offering them a forum to share their passion and advocate their causes. This week, she might be throwing down with Wynton Marsalis.

Next week, it might be Brennan, Besh or Folse—or just as likely a fourthgeneration farmer or fisherman who hasn’t left the farm or waterways in weeks. But she affirms them all equally for the part they play in the Louisiana food culture. “I always try to keep a thin thread of food running through each show, but I like to let the stories

go where they want, so you never know who might show up,” she says. “Because the radio show is archived and available on pod cast, it creates an oral history and preserves the stories of these culinary heroes, making them permanent.”

Her four cookbooks are so much more than collections of recipes. In them, Tooker weaves the back stories of classic Louisiana dishes and biographies of the people who loved them into existence—some well-known, some forgotten and some previously unrecognized. Each story unfolds with her signature passion and respect for the people and the tradition. Her first book, The Crescent City Farmers Market Cookbook, received a Tabasco Cookbook award. This mélange of recipe, biography and local lore was no doubt born of Tooker’s love for the market she helped rise in record time after Hurricane Katrina. It includes introductions of local farmers, fishermen, artisans, chefs and customers, a chronicle of the journey back after the storm and recipes that run from classic Creole dishes to innovative culinary creations.

Her second cookbook, Louisiana Eats!: The People, the Food, and Their Stories, received the Literary Award of the Year in 2014 from the Louisiana Library Association and was recently named a Best Book of the Year by Amazon. It, too, is the delightful blend of homage to the past and innovation for the future, as seen in recipes such as Fried Red Beans and Rice. Then there are heart-wrenching stories about world-renowned New Orleans restaurateurs scrabbling and clawing their way back after Katrina, many with the help and encouragement of Tooker, and delightfully quirky stories such as the vignette about President Obama being scolded by Leah Chase, owner of Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, for adding salt before tasting his meal at her restaurant. Poppy’s optimism, creativity and energy are the true essence of everything that draws so many to New Orleans foods and New Orleans people.

Tooker contributed updated recipes and wrote the foreword for a new edition of the historic Mme. Bégué’s Recipes of Old New Orleans Creole Cookery, originally published in 1900 from Madame Bégué’s handwritten notes and then reprinted in 1937. And that project introduced her to her latest book, Tujague’s Cookbook: Creole Recipes and Lore in the New Orleans Grand Tradition, which was published in October 2015. “I spent a summer taking cooking classes from a 19th century ghost,” Tooker laughs. “Pelican Publishing originally contacted me to ask me to write a forward to the book. But when I got a look at the recipes, I realized they needed to be updated for modern cooks, who might not>> January-February 2017 65

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photo: DARK ROUX PHOTOGRAPHY

be used to selecting, killing and plucking their own chicken.”

Tooker approached this project like she does any other—with every molecule of her being. “In 2016, Tujague’s was 160 years old,” she says. “It’s the second-longest continually running restaurant in this country, with America’s oldest stand-up bar. They didn’t even have a menu until the 1980s. Diners just ate what was prepared each day.” Get her talking about this iconic New Orleans landmark, and all time stands still. It’s obvious that the people and time have become very much present to her over the two years she researched, wrote, updated and preserved.

“This great woman, Madame Bégué, was about to be forgotten,” says Tooker. “I don’t think she liked that idea, so she and other spirits of Tujague’s worked with me to put together the photos, recipes and information I needed to tell their stories.” In fact, Tooker firmly believes the reason she survived a heart attack that saw her “dead on the table twice” is that these spirits weren’t about to let her go until their story was told.

“I now know more about these people than they knew about themselves,” she says. “I spent hours digging through the attic at Tujague’s, but there were just some pictures I couldn’t find.” Then, through a series of extraordinary circumstances, she found herself back up in the attic with everything she needed laid out before her. “The dining room was being painted, and it turns out the very photographs I still needed to find—the ones I’d given up on ever finding— had been hanging up high out of sight in the dining room. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that they appeared at the very moment I needed them. They wanted their stories told, and I was determined that everyone’s story would be told.”

To say any more would be to say too much, except for this—if Poppy Tooker has her hand in the telling, the stories will be rich and will be told as only this native New Orleanian can tell them: with heart, with an open mind and with deep respect for the people of this place she has loved for six decades.

Here’s a peek into Poppy Tooker’s Tujague’s Cookbook: Creole Recipes and Lore in the New Orleans Grand Tradition.

The literal translation of “bonne femme” is “good woman,” but it is usually meant as “good wife.” Any good French housewife would have this simple dish in her repertoire. This garlicky favorite has always been an offmenu special request at Tujague’s since it was introduced by Madame Clemence Castet.

Persil is French for parsley. The finely chopped combination of garlic and parsley known as persillade is the most important ingredient in Tujague’s repertoire, where it doesn’t just crown the Bonne Femme, but also finds its way into vegetables, sauces and stuffings. Once you begin to experiment with it, you’ll always have a jar at the ready in the refrigerator.

CHICKEN BONNE FEMME Serves 4 to 6 1 fryer chicken cut into 10 pieces (cut the breasts in half) Salt, pepper and granulated garlic to taste Vegetable oil for frying 2 large Idaho potatoes, unpeeled, cut into 1/8-inch thick slices, preferably on a mandoline Persillade (recipe follows)

Dry the chicken thoroughly, then season liberally with salt, pepper and granulated garlic.

Add 2 1/2 inches of oil to a large, heavy skillet, preferably cast iron. Heat the oil until smoking. Carefully add the chicken pieces. Just as the chicken begins to color, add the potatoes and cook until both the chicken and the potatoes are golden, about 15 minutes, turning and moving as necessary.

Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken and the potatoes from the oil to drain on paper towels. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper.

Immediately arrange the chicken and potatoes on a platter and sprinkle the persillade generously on top.

Persillade Makes about 1 cup Leaves from one large bunch flat leaf parsley—take care to discard all stems 3 heads (about 40 cloves) fresh garlic, peeled

Combine the parsley and the garlic in a food processor.

Using the pulse button, chop the mixture until fully blended, but do not purée. Cover well, and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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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.

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Traces Officer, a position she held for 18 years. During that time, she also taught marketing at her alma mater.

In 2006, Sutton was promoted to Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer. With a zest for professional development, she completed a fellowship program with the American College of Healthcare Executives and became board certified in healthcare administration in 2009. An added responsibility was presented to Sutton in 2012 when she was named Administrator/Chief Executive Officer of North Oaks Medical Center, the system’s 330-bed acute care hospital.

“Be assured that North Oaks is in the most competent of hands,” states Cathey.

“Michele’s leadership and insight have been a large factor in the growth of the health system.”

When she first arrived at North Oaks, 70 physicians were on staff. Today, under Sutton’s guidance, the number of doctors, nurse practitioners and physician President/CEO, North Oaks Health System assistants exceeds 400. Sutton also played WHEN MICHELE KIDD SUTTON came to North Oaks Health an integral role in the strategic plan to System 28 years ago, she never imagined that one day she would initiate the health system’s recent $250 be responsible for overseeing a nationally recognized health care million expansion project, as well as organization with 2,600 employees. numerous new product and service lines.

But in January, Sutton will become North Oaks’ President/ Initially, Sutton will hold forums Chief Executive Officer. She is replacing James E. Cathey Jr., who with staff, schedule civic presentations is transitioning into a yet-to-be defined role with the organization and sponsor town halls for the public. after 30 years of service at the helm.

She also will create consumer councils Sutton, 53, is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University and add community members to and a Metairie native. She and her husband Wayne have called North Oaks’ quality committees. Open Hammond home for years. She has an extensive résumé of communication and collaboration with community service and honors. the community are priorities.

“My heart and soul have been in this community for decades,” “I’m going to be asking for lots she notes. “This is where I chose to live as a young professional of input from the public. There is no entering the work force, and I’ve never regretted that decision.” question that community support is After receiving both a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a paramount to our continued success,” she master’s degree in business administration from SLU, Sutton joined promises. a local bank as a marketing officer. In 1988, she came to North Sutton is especially enthusiastic Oaks as a member of Senior Leadership as Community Resources about town hall meetings.

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photo courtesy: NORTH OAKS HEALTH SYSTEM

Michele Kidd Sutton

“It will be a great chance for people to let us know what’s important to them in terms of wellness and health care.

And in turn, we will be sharing news about North Oaks,” she explains. “I don’t think that everyone is fully aware of the breadth of services and the quality of health care North Oaks offers.”

Sutton offers up the medical center’s recent designation as a Level II Trauma Center as an example: “This is a gamechanger for those suffering traumatic injuries in our region, because receiving immediate care vastly increases the odds of survival and recovery.”

She adds, “Did you know that North Oaks is in the top 3 percent in the world for successfully helping people recover from stroke and traumatic brain injuries? Or that patients rank our clinics and diagnostic services in the top 5 percent in the nation for excellent patient experience? We are very honored by the recognition, but I’m proudest of our incredibly dedicated team.”

Additionally, she points out that the organization has been recognized by leading health care groups for excellence in maternal and child care, inpatient and outpatient medical rehabilitation and fighting infections.

Sutton credits North Oaks’ organizational values as the foundation for its success: a focus on caring, compassion, communication and commitment. And, she intends to make sure those values continue to guide the delivery of high quality care and patient experiences.

“Our culture is at the heart of what we do,” Sutton remarks. “We are committed to be at our best when you, your family or your friends are at their most vulnerable and need help.”

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It’s

Carnival Time!

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Bryan Batt’s Mardi Gras Designs IN THIS UNCERTAIN WORLD in which we live, you can still count on a few things. Within the first five minutes of being introduced, a New Orleanian will ask you where you went to high school—also, your mother’s maiden name. And most people born in the Big Easy will end up living back home in New Orleans.

Bryan Batt, favorite local son, proved the old adage right and moved back to his roots, the Crescent City, after living in New York City for 25 years. “I do love home. I grew up thinking I lived in a magical city! Even my apartment in New York looked like New Orleans.

It had high ceilings, and my first real piece of furniture was from Wirthmore Antiques. It was a beautiful 18th century armoire,” Bryan reminisces nostalgically.

Bryan is one of those people you want to dislike

because he’s seemingly got the golden touch and succeeds at anything he sets out to do. But, no matter how hard you try, you can’t. The man is too darn nice. But, no, “nice,” doesn’t begin to encompass all that Bryan Batt is. He’s enthusiastic, charming, funny, interesting, charitable, talented, successful, handsome—the adjectives are never-ending. How about: take one part Mother Theresa, one part Nathan Lane, one part George Clooney and mix. “I always try to find the positive. In the face of any adversity, if you lose your sense of humor, then the adversity has won.

I have to laugh. It’s an ongoing process, because who knows what is going to be next?” Bryan says, with his trademark enthusiasm and positive energy.

Acting—no problem. Credits too numerous to >>

by Kate Brevard

Hazlenut’s reverse decoupage plate collection designed

by Bryan is available in 20 different designs featuring themes such as New Orleans, Carnival, antique maps and Audubon prints.

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Hazelnut’s latest Carnival-themed pattern. It is featured on the same assortment of items as the New Orleans Toile.

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list: Salvatore Romano on Mad Men, Jeffrey, 12 Years a Slave, La Cage Aux Folles, Sunset Boulevard, Starlight Express, two SAG awards among many other accolades.

Acting projects have included The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, NCIS— New Orleans and Los Angeles.

Writing—a cinch. Not one, but two books, She Ain’t Heavy, She’s My Mother and Big, Easy Style.

The latter is a home design book with pages of rich photography featuring the work of many designers. It’s framed by Bryan’s own entertaining mottos on color, pattern, living spaces and more. The reader can wander through rooms Bryan has personally designed—he is an interior designer in addition to his many other talents.

In fall 2003, Bryan and his partner of 26 years, Tom Cianfichi (now husband), opened Hazlenut on

Hazelnut has been a smashing success, not only popular with locals but with visitors as well.

“We have a lot of different customers; they aren’t only New Orleanians. One of my favorite things is when people come into the store and say, ‘Every time I come to New Orleans, I have to come to Hazlenut!’ It really warms my heart,” says Bryan.

One of Hazelnut’s most popular lines is the New Orleans Toile collection, which was Bryan’s brainchild. “New Orleans Toile is a celebration of the city’s rich culture, architecture, style and elegance. One morning, I was looking at the shower curtain in our bathroom at home.

It’s an Asian Toile. I asked myself, ‘What’s so special about these Bonsai trees and pagodas? In New Orleans, we have oak trees, streetcars and the Cathedral.’ That was

Magazine Street. “We always had a dream of opening a home furnishings store in New Orleans. Tom was originally an actor; that’s how we met. But then he went into retail and managed several boutiques on Madison Avenue. Opening Hazelnut was one of the best things for me as an actor. Actors are myopic and insular in their world. Acting defines them. With this store, I realized that there is an entire world of artistry and design out there besides show business.”

The store was named for Bryan’s grandmother. “My grandmother’s name was ‘Hazel Nuss.’ ‘Nuss’ in German means, ‘nut.’

She was a much-beloved dancing maven in New Orleans and had many dancing schools. Little old ladies would come up to me and say, ‘Your grandmother taught me how to dance and how to be a lady!’

(Laughs) I like to say her name was Hazel and she was a NUT!”

the birth of the New Orleans Toile! It was an idea that came to fruition. Ideas are great, but they’re even better when they become reality. If I could get paid for all of my ideas, I’d be so wealthy!” Hazelnut’s New Orleans Toile collection is available in four colors: Magnolia - black/ ecru, Café au Lait - chocolate brown/tan, Delphine - blue/ ecru and Claret - red/ecru. There are 15 to 20 different pieces in the Toile line, including but not limited to sheets, shower curtains, hand towels, frames, waste paper baskets and trays.

Because Hazelnut’s priority is to give its customers the most innovative and compelling products, last year Bryan and Tom were excited to reveal their latest creation—a Carnival-themed pattern which is featured on the same assortment of items as the New Orleans Toile. Bryan designed this Mardi Gras motif and explains its genesis, “I’ve >>

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“There’s an elegance to Mardi Gras that doesn’t have to be garish, that doesn’t have to be purple, green and gold. Although I do love that as well! New Orleans and Carnival are unique, and that’s why I designed these decoupage plates.”

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

- Bryan Batt

always wanted to do this Parade pattern. It’s almost like a stripe, with the king’s float, then the flambeaux, then the bands and finally, the lieutenants on the horses. It’s really fun, and it is a more elegant take on Carnival.

It’s been in my head for the longest time.” It will be available in the shop for Mardi Gras.

Hazlenut’s reverse decoupage plate collection is designed by Bryan and is available exclusively at the store. This unique assortment features 20 different designs with the following themes: New Orleans, Carnival, antique maps and Audubon prints. The square- and rectangular-shaped plates are stunning and have become much-sought-after collectors’ items. Hazelnut also offers a custom design service.

“If someone would like us to put their wedding invitation on the plate, we are happy to do that,” says Bryan. The plates are versatile and can be used as a catchall for jewelry, an objet d’art on a coffee table, to serve food (they are food-safe), or on a wall as part of a collage, for example. “I love art that has other

purposes … re-usable art,” says Bryan.

Two of Bryan’s favorite plate designs are of the first Comus presentation and of the first flambeaux carrier, “The flambeaux carrier has such vibrancy, such life to it. There’s an elegance to Mardi Gras that doesn’t have to be garish, that doesn’t have to be purple, green and gold. Although I do love that as well! New Orleans and Carnival are unique, and that’s why I designed these decoupage plates.”

Even with Hazelnut and Bryan’s professional design, acting and writing careers, he still makes time for civic activism and philanthropy. There’s hardly a cause or charity that Bryan has said “no” to! “I am very interested in the arts in this city. I’ve been on the board of Le Petit Theatre for over 10 years, since right after Katrina. I’m so glad the theater is up and running.

And, this city? I’m very proud of it. Now, is everything perfect? No, we still have our problems, like every city.

After Katrina, we could have just sat down and cried, but we put on our shrimp boots, cleaned up and made the city even better than before. I think there is a great synergy here. And I welcome all of the new people coming here and bringing new ideas.”

That’s a wrap!

Bryan with his husband, Tom Cianfichi, at home

Visit Hazelnut in its new location at 5525 Magazine Street, New Orleans.

with their dogs, Pip (front) and Peggy.

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Flourishes 1

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5 1. Original lithograph, Reverie,

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30” x 21” unframed, $750.

Rolland Golden Gallery, Covington, 888-6588.

2. Alakan hawk pillow, $88.

Gild Home Décor, Mandeville, 629-4002. 3. Cast crown wall hanging, $95. mélange by KP, Mandeville, 807-7652.

4. Gilded gold and white porcelain lamp with crystal glass base and finial, 26” H, $296. Pine Grove Electric,

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Mandeville, 893-4003.

5. Gold leaf metal martini tables with marble tops; sizes and prices vary. EMB Interiors, Mandeville, 626-1555. 6. Gold leaf, pressed-tin, heart-shaped angel wings, $95. mélange by kp, Mandeville, 807-7652.

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1. Bronze crown wind chime, $29. deCoeur Gifts & Home Accessories, Covington, 809-

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3244. 2. Hand-painted chest made in the USA. 42” x 52”

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x 20”, $3,850. The French Mix, Covington, 809-3152.

3. Hand-crafted and -painted festive burlap Mardi Gras wreath. Water Street Wreaths, Madisonville, 792-7979.

4. Kiss Me in the Garden bubble bath and body lotion with botanicals. The fragrance

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is a blend of orange, grapefruit, geranium, vanilla, apple, clove and anise. The Oasis Day Spa, Mandeville, 624-6772. 5. Shiloh table lamp has gold tones with 4

antiqued distressed finish; 29” tall with shade, $229.

American Factory Direct, Mandeville, 871-0300.

6. Celebrate the places you love in Covington with etched rock glasses. Exclusive to the Southern Hotel and

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History Antiques, set of four, $56. History, Antiques & Interiors Covington, 892-0010. 7. Seasonal arrangements, starting at $85.

Florist of Covington, 892-7701.

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1. Crawfish boil set for children. $35. Olive Patch, Covington, 3275772. 2. Mardi Gras floats handcrafted and hand-painted by local artist Lorraine Gendron, starting at $50. Rug Chic Home DĂŠcor, Mandeville, 674-1070.

3. Louis Bowron sheepskin rug in ivory, $125. Hestia Luxury in Linens, Covington, 893-0490. 4. Oyster shell hurricane, $198; pillar candle, $21. Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 624-4045.

5. Casual Fireside fire pit from O.W. Lee. Starting at $1,355 from Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 893-8008.

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De Boscq Fine Jewelry’s New Look

Aaron Capdeboscq, owner of De Boscq Fine Jewlery.

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WHEN YOU THINK OF RENOVATIONS, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Home renovations?

Have you ever thought of jewelry renovations? Aaron Capdeboscq has. “Sometimes repair or appraisal customers ultimately want a fresh piece. We can take the stones or gold from your current jewelry and turn it into something new. In fact, we can reuse any part of the existing jewelry if it meets our standards of reliability and quality,” says Aaron.

A fear often associated with custom jewelry is that the finished product will not be exactly what you want. “People come in every day looking for a specific piece of jewelry. Usually, they have photos of two or three pieces that if combined would be perfect. I draw the ‘dream piece’ on paper, which often entails a, ‘wow, how did you do that?’ I reply, ‘It was easy.

I asked you questions about what you wanted, you told me, I saw it in my head, and now you see it, too.’

While working for a jewelry designer in California, I learned that if you just listen, people tell you

Inside Northside

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Renovations

everything you want to know.”

Since 2003, De Boscq has offered fine jewelry and estate jewelry. “Recently, we were contacted to assess a jewelry estate for a well-known New Orleans family. The daughter of the woman who passed away lived in Mandeville and recommended us. The collection consisted of 80 pieces from the late 1800s to modern vintage valued at over $3 million. We facilitated the sale of the entire collection in less than two weeks. Estate and vintage jewelry is becoming more and more popular. De Boscq is proud to offer an exquisite selection of estate pieces. We are the largest vintage and estate jewelry buyer and broker on the northshore.”

Aaron travels all around the world each year to source gemstones and diamonds. “There tends to be a misconception that a small-town jewelry store will not have the best in stones and prices, but this guy [pointing to himself] has a passport,” jokes Aaron. “We keep hundreds of loose diamonds and colored stones in stock—thousands if you count the tiny ones!”

Now, back to renovations. Aaron recently completed a five-month renovation of his store. “We went back to the traditional design of jewelry shops, with a smaller showroom and private meeting rooms,” says Aaron. “It’s more personal.”

Aaron’s craftsmanship is not only seen in the cases at De Boscq, but also in the building itself. He made the new door that welcomes customers as well as an iron spiral staircase, the monument sign out front, the front door handles, the display cases, the iconic diamond-shaped window and 97 diamond accents for the custom diamond wainscoting in the showroom. He’s currently building a table for the private diamond viewing room.

“I create millions of dollars worth of jewelry, but I tell a customer I made a door and they’re impressed,” says Aaron. “We believe that there’s no substitute for craftsmanship—in our jewelry and now in our brick and mortar.”

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1. Boudreaux’s Signature oval sapphire and diamond pendant set in white gold.

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Boudreaux’s Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-1666. 2. Velvet top, $52.

The Lifestyle Store at Franco’s, Mandeville, 792-0200. 3. Dropwaist, flare-skirt dress, $202. Vine, Mandeville, 951-0005. 4. Mikimoto 7” bracelet with 8mm black South Sea pearls and a 18K white gold diamond ball clasp, $3,800. Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, Metairie, 504-832-0000.

5. Taupe textured bucket bag, $50. Stone 7

Creek Club and Spa, Covington, 801-7100.

6. 2.75 ct blue sapphire surrounded by .5ctw round brilliant diamonds set in 18kt white gold, $6,280. De Boscq Fine Jewelry, Mandeville, 674-0007.

7. Odell Block Heel Bootie, $149. Shoefflé, Covington, 898.6465.

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Winter Blues 1. Choker necklace. Private Beach, Mandeville, 674-2326. 2. Skye one-piece swim suit in Ultra Marine features tummy control and available in sizes S-XL. $100.

Bra Genie, Mandeville, 951-8638 or theBraGenie.com. 3. “Go To� no-cling shirt in 20 colors, sizes S-XXL, $70. CDN Clothing, Covington, 327-7300. 4. Embroidered top.

The Villa, Mandeville, 626-9797. 5. Abba earrings by Loren Hope Jewelry feature

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hand-colored, hand-set glass stones with an antiqued gold finish, $78. Cameo Boutique, Mandeville, 231-1332. 6. Traveler Collection tailored-fit suit made of 100% wool. Wrinkle, water, stain resistant. Two-button coat

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with notch lapel and side vents. Plain front trousers with quarter top-pockets, comfortrange waistband with self-adjusting stretch.

Shown in Grey and Bright Navy, $598. Jos A. Bank Clothiers, Mandeville. 624-4067.

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Winter Blues 1. Breaded dress with sequins.

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Columbia Street Mercantile, Covington, 809-1789, 809-1690.

2. 100% rabbit skinny fur coat

by Arielle, $770. Eros Home & Clothing, Mandeville, 727-0909.

3. Tacori Dantela engagement ring in 18K rose gold. Boudreaux’s Jewelers, Metairie, 831-2602.

4. Gray cashmere poncho with front pockets and cowl neck. Ballin’s LTD., Covington, 892-0025. 5. Ooh La La lingerie travel bag in Midnight Garden by PurseN. Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor, Mandeville, 727-9787. 6. Sapphire and diamond bracelet, 3.0 ct tw sapphires and .50 ct tw diamonds set in white gold, $2,000. DeLuca’s Jewelry and Gifts, 892-2317.

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Winter Blues 1. Jon and Lenor Drusy gift set

by Kendra Scott, $95. Paisley, Mandeville, 727-7880. 2. Grey maxi

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tank dress with earth motif, $48.95.

Cashmere scarf, $184.95. Earthsavers, Mandeville, 674-1133. 3. Shu Uemura Art of Hair Muroto Volume Collection includes shampoo, conditioner and masque. For fine hair; infuses longlasting volume, creates a rebalance of natural oils, and leaves strands supple with a weightless finish. Safe on color-

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treated hair. H2O Salon Northshore, 951-8166. 4. 100% silk Kimora dress in Oh Shucks print, $278. Palm Village, a Lilly Pulitzar Signature Store, Mandeville, 778-2547. 5. Grey tie-up sweater, $58. The Lifestyle Store at Franco’s, Mandeville, 792-0200.

6. Daddy and toddler matching t-shirts. Baby & Me, Mandeville, 6260627.

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Gary Mendoza, Emery Clark, Cindy Pulling, David Armand, Adam Sambola and Michael Frederic.

St. Tammany Parish

President’s Arts Awards ST. TAMMANY PARISH PRESIDENT Pat Brister and the Commission on Cultural Affairs will present the 12th annual President’s Arts Awards on January 28. The awards recognize local artists and arts patrons who have contributed to the culture of the parish.

This year’s recipients have been recognized regionally, nationally and internationally as special talents in their disciplines.

Gary Mendoza earned a master’s in acting from the University of New Orleans. He worked as an actor, director and stage technician for Tulane Summer Lyric, Skyfire Theatre, Cutting Edge Theatre and Slidell Little Theatre, where he earned several Ginny awards for acting and lighting design. Since 2005, he has been the Talented Theatre Teacher at Covington High School.

Lifetime Achievement: Emery Clark Artist Emery Clark has received many honors, including the Thomas J. Watson Traveling Fellowship for research on art and architecture integrated into the environment in Europe, North Africa and the Near East.

Her work is in museums, private collections and galleries throughout the United States. Her recent focus is on a multi-sensory approach to healing through the use of the arts in hospitals and clinics.

Literary Award: David Armand David Armand teaches at Southeastern Louisiana University and is associate editor of Louisiana Literature Press.

In 2010, he won the George Garrett Fiction Prize for his first 94

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novel, The Pugilist’s Wife. Since then, he has written Harlow, The Gorge and The Deep Woods. David’s memoir, My Mother’s House, was published in 2016; he is now working on his sixth book, The Lord’s Acre.

Visual Artist: Adam Sambola Adam Sambola is the creator of RedBean the Crawfish.

In each of his paintings, he represents RedBean engaging in traditional activities. His award-winning Cajun Series includes seafood characters enjoying the lifestyle of the Vieux Carré.

RedBean has attracted collectors worldwide and is a festival favorite. Adam continues to search for new ways to bring imagination into RedBean’s Cajun world.

Culinary Award: Michael Frederic of Michael’s Restaurant In 1996, Michael Frederic was executive chef and owner of le Petit Chateau Restaurant and Frederic Catering in Slidell, followed by Frederic’s. He then opened Michael’s Restaurant & Catering on the water, which continues to be a highly rated, fine-dining experience. He has participated in community fundraisers for 14 years and has also mentored culinary students from Delgado, Slidell High and Northshore High. >>

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Performing Artist: Gary Mendoza

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Patron of The Year: David Fennelly and Carlos Sanchez

David Fennelly and Carlos Sanchez.

Carlos Sanchez and his partner, David Fennelly, have a home in New Orleans, but see their northshore Summergrove Farm as home base. Carlos shifted his focus from a business career to the arts in 2006 and remains active in the Covington arts scene. He supports the Covington Public Art Fund, New Heights Therapy Center, Northshore Community Foundation and many others.

Co-founder and chair of Associated Terminals and Turn Services, David has maintained civic affiliations throughout his career. He has received many awards, including 2015 Outstanding Philanthropist by the Association of Fundraising Professionals and 2015 Alexis de Tocqueville United Way Award Recipient. He is the founder of Associated Efforts and One Good Turn, organizations focused on the wellbeing of children and the disadvantaged.

Musical Award: Bobby Ohler After graduating from Loyola University’s Music School, Bobby Ohler taught music and performed with luminaries such as Doc Severinson, Bob Hope, Gladys Knight, and Bing Crosby. He earned a master’s degree in education and has served as principal of St. Margaret Mary School in Slidell for 25 years. Bobby continues to pursue music as an authentic music professional who is sensitive to the environment in which he performs.

Bobby Ohler.

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

President’s Award: St. Tammany Art Association The St. Tammany Art Association exhibits work by local and national artists and provides arts education and community events such as Spring/Fall for Art. Outreach includes taking art to senior centers, schools and community groups. STAA also hosts art and theater camps and workshops and offers scholarships to at-risk youth. Representing STAA are Executive Director Cindy Pulling and Board President Duane Cormier.

Duane Corrmier.

Not pictured is Marty Sixkiller, who will receive the Native Son Award. The awards ceremony is Saturday, January 28, at 6 p.m. at the St. Tammany Parish Justice Center in Covington. For details, call 898-3011.

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Communicating Artist Rhenda Saporito Without Words ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM is considered the first American art movement to exert influence internationally. The first wave of artists advancing the movement worked in New York as early as the 1940s. By the ’50s and ’60s, the second wave continued to extend and expand the movement.

One of the prominent figures in the second wave was American painter and printmaker Joan Mitchell. Her legacy continues today through the Joan Mitchell Foundation, an organization recognized for its role in the recovery of the arts community after Hurricane Katrina and its continuing support for emerging and established artists, as well as those who suffer losses in their ability to work after declared disasters.

In 2010, the Joan Mitchell Foundation and Newcomb Art Gallery at Tulane University, most >> 98

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photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

by Linda Trappey Dautreuil

recently the Newcomb Art Museum, presented a symposium and exhibition of large-scale pastel drawings by Joan Mitchell with interpretative documentation and lectures by scholars, artists and collectors. The response was memorable as people from New Orleans and the surrounding communities in South Louisiana filled the auditorium and then the gallery viewing her work. For most, even those who had previously seen her large-scale paintings, the grandeur and intense feeling conveyed through the medium of pastel renewed awareness of the power and freshness of her work.

Rhenda Saporito is one of the most ardent admirers of Mitchell’s work. She describes seeing the pastel drawings for the first time in New Orleans as “a game-changing experience” in her art practice.

Working in oils for a short time, and then acrylic paint, Saporito did not consider pastel as an option until she saw the possibilities of the medium in the hands of a master. “I was reduced to tears when I entered Newcomb Gallery and saw her pastels. I began using pastel in my own abstract way.”

Born in Dallas, Rhenda moved to Louisiana

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

She made an effort to find the name of the artist in order to discuss the painting, but she was unsuccessful. The idea came to her that she could learn from the painting by exploring how it was made. In the process, she discovered an intense desire to learn more.

Contact, both personal and online, distinguishes Saporito in her effort to learn about the arts. She

is a firm believer in the ability of the individual to acquire skills in a variety of ways. Her path has been non-traditional in that she took her first step toward art instruction not by enrolling in a university, but on advice from a friend, from the acclaimed designer, Rebecca Vizard. Rhenda had a specific goal at the time, learning about color theory. The result of Vizard’s suggestion that she take a class from Auseklis Ozols at New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts turned into much more. Saporito says, “I formally began my art career at NOAFA. I took classes, including special projects, abstract painting, life drawing, and sculpture at the academy for over 15 years. I enjoyed the art work as much as I enjoyed the friendship with other students.”

Naturally gregarious and generous in her friendships, Rhenda possesses the confidence to converse with other professional artists, even those she has never met before, regardless of where they are located. “Social media has assisted me in this endeavor,” she says, “but even before this network was available, I found myself picking up the phone and having conversations with artists whose work I liked.

It is amazing how congenial and generous the ones I contacted were. I was occasionally invited for studio visits. I learned a great deal in these informal settings.”

Travel is intrinsic to Saporito’s practice.

“An interest in art makes traveling so much fun.

There are usually wonderful museums or exhibits wherever I go. I’m ‘artist struck’ instead of ‘star struck’, seeking out favorite artists when I visit their cities. I met artists Robert Kingston, represented

by Ruth Bachofner Gallery in Bergamot Station, >>

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Rhenda’s paintings and drawings may be found at the Degas Gallery; Sofa and Chairs; Dixon Smith Interiors, Baton Rouge; and Pryor Fine Art, Atlanta.

Look for Rhenda’s paintings in Forbes Magazine, Art Galleries and Artists of the South and Fresh Paint Magazine, London.

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Santa Monica; and Gary Komarin, who invited me to meet with him in New York City. I followed the work of these artists for over 20 years, so meeting them in person was a thrill.”

A willingness to travel also makes extended education in skills and applications possible for Saporito. She recalls that New Orleans-based artist Allison Stewart said in her art class that artists are always evolving. Rhenda acted on that observation, and continues the practice today.

She has taken at least one class or workshop or accepted an artist residency every year since embarking on the path of an artist. In addition to Ozols and Stewart, Saporito studied with Adrienne Deckbar and Katherine Chang Lu. She has taken workshops and participated in residencies in Big Sur, California, with Nicholas Wilton and a Master Series Workshop Residency at the Atlantic Center for the Arts in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, offered

by Aimone Art Services with Steven and Katherine Aimone. Saporito describes what she finds valuable about continuing education: “Workshops give artists a focused work time. The sheer volume of uninterrupted time makes for a cohesive body of work.”

In February, Kelli Kaufman Studio and Gallery presented an exhibition of Saporito’s work in Lafayette. Kelli Kaufman, artist and gallery owner, describes Rhenda’s paintings as “authentic and intuitive expressions of life experiences through mixed-media applications on paper, panel or canvas. With no regard for the end result, the paintings begin to take on a life of their own. She reacts to colors, marks, and shapes, painting into and out of chaos.”

Saporito elaborates, “The ultimate goal is an emotional response to work communicating without words.”

In March 2016, the New Orleans Academy of Fine Art presented a collection of her abstract paintings and drawings. The occasion is memorable for Saporito; NOAFA is where her skills developed and her eyes opened to a greater understanding of the meaning and practice of art making. She acknowledges the influence of “incredible teachers, mentors and facilitators.”

Rhenda Saporito has deep feelings for the city of New Orleans and the community of artists who continue to encourage and nurture her intuitive approach to abstract painting. “I communicate with artists around the world through social media, and I am also present and involved every day in one of the most active and exciting arts communities anywhere. I am constantly learning. We should all be more emotional and passionate about life, our surroundings, and most importantly, our craft.”

H E A L T H

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W E L L N E S S

Advancing Cancer Treatment at LSU LOUISIANA’S CANCER RATES are 15 percent higher than the national average. More than 60 of our state’s citizens are diagnosed daily, and we lose just under 200 Louisianans to the disease every single week.

But, thanks to scientists like those at LSU, there is a silver lining. The survival rate of cancer is increasing due to advances in detection and treatment. According to the National Cancer Institute, there were about 14.5 million cancer survivors in 2014, and experts project that that number will grow to about 19 million survivors by 2024.

“As a researcher, you’re trying to look over the horizon and develop the things for 10, 15, 20 years from now. What’s going to be the next big need?” asks Wayne Newhauser, director of the Medical Physics and Health Physics program at LSU, one of only a few such programs in the country. LSU undergraduate students can pursue a degree in physics with a concentration in medial physics, and graduate students can opt for either a master’s or Ph.D. in the field.

Newhauser and his students and colleagues are working on ways to continue to improve radiation treatment. He says, “My vision is to further improve cancer survivorship by reducing the side effects of radiation therapy. As a research community, we have in the past concentrated on curing the primary cancer, and rightly so. In the future, research will discover ways to make treatments gentler on the patient’s healthy tissues.

About two out of every three cancer patients will receive radiotherapy, often together with surgery and chemotherapy.

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unlike surgery, and it is highly focused on the tumor, unlike systemic chemotherapy. However, a disadvantage is that low levels of unwanted stray radiation reach the entire body. This can cause side effects. Our laboratory is working on reducing those side effects. This requires research on the physics of the radiation transport in the patient’s whole body, which in turn requires novel approaches to imaging the whole body quickly and with no additional radiation exposure. Once this research is completed, we will be able to calculate the dose to all the tissues and use that information to design treatments that have fewer side effects.”

For example, breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. And because of the proximity to the lungs and heart, which are sensitive to radiation, researchers seek to further minimize exposure of those organs to the lowest level physically possible. Newhauser says, “If we can develop personalized treatments that both eradicate the tumor and spare the heart and lungs, then we can expect to improve survivorship by keeping women free from major complications down the road.”

To do so, Newhauser has turned to what may seem like unlikely collaborators: faculty in the LSU School of Architecture and the College of Art and Design. Utilizing 3D scanners and printers, this transdisciplinary team has been able to create models, or phantoms, of cancer patients to research personalized radiation treatment and better target cancer cells.

The researchers created a phantom of a patient who had undergone surgery that removed a tumor on his >>

photo courtesy: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

by Alison Lee Satake

Want to be a doctor or dentist?

Let LSU prepare you. Of 323 LSU students who applied to medical school, 174 of them were accepted.

That’s 53.8 percent, significantly higher than the national average of med school acceptance rates of 39.7 percent. Of the 64 LSU students who applied to dental school, 37 of them were accepted. That’s 57.8 percent, compared to the national dental school acceptance rate of 36.4 percent. Eightythree percent of the accepted premed students and 88 percent of the accepted pre-dental students from LSU were in the College of Science.

says Newhauser. He relies on the high-performance computing power at the LSU Center for Computation and Technology, or CCT, for this research.

Access to the supercomputers and scientific computing staff was a major draw for him to come to LSU from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. “The capacity of the high-performance computing clusters like SuperMike-II are just so far beyond what’s available at academic medical centers. There’s no comparison.”

Although many universities have computational centers that foster transdisciplinary work, LSU may be the only one that jointly funds research faculty through the center. CCT has joint faculty positions with the departments of physics and astronomy, chemistry, math, biology, College of the Coast and Environment, College of Human Sciences and Education, College of Engineering, College of Science, Manship School of Mass Communication, the E. J. Ourso College of Business, and the College of Music and Dramatic Arts.

“I’m not aware of any other center in the United States with this many faculty supported by a computational center jointly with departments drawn from such a diverse variety of disciplines. The way we’re going, I think we’re going to expand even more,” says J. “Ram” Ramanujam, CCT director.

photo courtesy: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

nose. After surgery, radiation is often prescribed to remove any residual disease. But because the topographical area in this case was complex, the detailed phantom was helpful to locate specific areas that needed radiation.

In addition to the physical 3D-printed models, Newhauser’s team is working on a mathematical model of the whole body that can simulate radiation treatment of a primary tumor and calculate the radiation dose to the whole body.

“It’s a very detailed yet comprehensive way to simulate radiation therapy. One needs a lot of computing power and lots of memory,”

January-February 2017 107

H E A L T H

A N D

W E L L N E S S

Trainer Jason De Melo. “We offer three free training sessions for the Off Ramp program to get patients in motion. D1 provides training and techniques to transition into a personal medical wellness program with direct clinical oversight by Pinnacle Medical. For workers, it helps to accelerate their ‘return to work’ and ‘fit for duty’ determinations.”

Speaking of fit for duty, Pinnacle has

Pinnacle Medical Network

also added a Back the Blue Program for the wellness of law enforcement. “The program ties into our Corporate Wellness

to check flexibility, range of motion and

program,” says Chase. “Jason and I met

accurately describes it. It’s a network. Each

common areas of deficits that can prevent

with several law enforcement agencies to

aspect of Pinnacle and D1 Northshore

an employee from successfully doing their

see what their needs were and how they

Sports Training work together to form a

job. This allows us to refer these clients if

could utilize our facilities. From there, we

thriving treatment program whether your

needed.”

have been able to determine a baseline

Pinnacle Medical Network’s name

needs are orthopedic, sports medicine,

For clients who need treatment,

assessment for officers depending on

Pinnacle’s Physical Therapy aims to

the agency and its standards. Officers are

return its clients to the highest level of

able to undergo screenings, cardiovascular

Dwight, PT, DPT, says: “The nature of

functioning in the quickest and safest

assessment and athletic assessment

Pinnacle’s building construction allows

manner. Believing that injuries are treated

from D1 to see if there are any areas for

for us in Physical Therapy to work closely

most effectively when the treatment

improvement.”

with D1. It’s an open space that looks down

professionals are trusted and the

into the sports performance area. Many

surroundings are comfortable, Pinnacle

system for musculoskeletal health

times, my patients move downstairs to

has created a progressive and healing

care dedicated to complete care, from

sports training coaches that I am able to

environment for patients.

assessment to full recovery.

physical therapy or physical fitness.

Director of Physical Therapy Chase

collaborate with. It’s a close relationship

Another integrative program is the

that can provide a well-rounded program

Off Ramp Medical Wellness Program that

for our clients.”

transitions patients by continuing their

To keep your company well rounded,

recovery and healing while also reaching

Pinnacle offers a Corporate and Executive

their fitness goals. “This is done hand-in-

Wellness Program to assist in the health

hand with D1. While our name says sports

management of your team. “The program

training, it’s not just for athletes. We also

begins with health assessments from a

work with adults of all ages and those

Physical Therapy standpoint,” says Chase.

looking to get fit in one of our personal

“We screen the client’s upper quarter

training or boot camp programs,” says D1

(shoulders, cervical, thoracic posture)

General Manager and Lead Performance

108

Inside Northside

Pinnacle is South Louisiana’s premier

Pinnacle Medical Network is located at 1200 Pinnacle Parkway in Covington.

674-1700. pinnaclemedicalnetwork.com.

H E A L T H

A N D

W E L L N E S S

We're All Heart

with Dr. Ennis for several years. Dr. Ennis and Jennifer Love strive to minimize the anxieties and hassles of seeing a heart specialist.

“We strive to take the time to answer all of your questions in a friendly and accessible environment. We’ll address all of your concerns, and propose diagnostic and treatment options with you and your family in mind,” says Dr. Ennis. “We work

North shore Heart and Vascular We at North Shore Heart and Vascular

closely with primary care doctors and favor a ‘team’ management approach.

We go to all of the hospitals on the north Claire M. Ennis, R.N., B.S.N. Bruce M. Ennis, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.S.C.A.I. Jennifer M. Love, P.A.-C.

doctor does not go to your local hospital

office. We have all been, will be, or have

because of employment restrictions, or

friends or family members who have

that they are not fully trained, experienced

medical or cardiac issues. The possibility

or credentialed to handle all cardiac

of having a heart or vascular problem

conditions including heart failure, open

is an anxious, worrisome and humbling

blockages, rhythmic problems, implant

experience. We are aware of the anxieties

devices and vein problems. Complex

and concerns that are associated with

heart or vascular interventions are often

seeing any doctor, especially a heart

“referred” out to another colleague who

doctor.

has the requisite credentials.

impersonal automated phone systems,

experience and ability to treat all of your cardiovascular and vein problems.”

know what it is like to learn that your

know what it is like to be in a doctor’s

We have all encountered complex or

shore and ‘go where you go.’ We have the

We at NSHV hear you.

That is why Bruce Ennis, M.D., and

delays in getting an appointment, limited

Jennifer Love, P.A.-C., founded NSHV.

options to see the doctor as a walk-in

Dr. Ennis has been in practice for over

patient, visits with staff members instead

25 years and has had fellowship training

of with your doctor, traffic jams and road

in Cardiovascular Disease, Heart Failure

construction obstacles, parking difficulties,

and Interventional Cardiology. He is

long waits in waiting rooms, abrupt

Board Certified in Internal Medicine,

doctor visit times that make your feel as

Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional

if your questions are not fully addressed

Cardiology. Certified Physician

or that the staff is more interested in

Assistant Jennifer Love has trained at

typing into the computer than listening

Louisiana State University has extensive

to you—we know how it feels. We also

cardiovascular experience, and has worked

The office is conveniently located at the foot of the Causeway bridge in Mandeville.

The office provides easy accessibility, amply parking, same-day visits, no traffic jams and the type of personalized treatment that could actually be a good experience, instead of a bad one.

675 North Causeway Blvd. in Mandeville.

200-3530.

At the Table

illustration: GRETCHEN ARMBRUSTER

by Tom Fitzmorris

NEW ORLEANS IS A RICH PLACE for soup lovers to find themselves. And there’s no better time to get a steaming saucepan going than the cooler months. At our house, we make two or three homemade soups a week when we see a mist inside the windows.

The various versions of gumbo dominate the soup sections of most restaurant menus. Turtle soup—whether it’s made with turtle meat or one of the many common substitutes—gives us another defense against the cold outside. That it has a distinctive flavor, one not found anywhere else in America, makes one feel even more secure.

But these signature Creole soups are so often encountered that I would probably get fired for filling magazine space with more recipes for them.

Which is why I present the following selection of soups for your wintertime enjoyment. All of these have the robust flavors of our locale, while at the same time a certain uniqueness.

will be baked. “Petite marmite” has come to mean an intense, clear soup based on a consommé, with beef and vegetables. The best of these have an amazing flavor and are at their best when infused with a good shot of black pepper. I love this one. It’s no little project to make it (in fact, it’s so ambitious that cooking schools give this to chefs as a test of their skills). But don’t let me scare you off. The results are wonderful, even elegant.

Stock Stage:

Consommé Stage:

6 lbs. oxtails

1 lb. ground round, chilled

1 large onion, cut up

1 medium carrot, chopped

2 ribs celery, cut up

1 rib celery, chopped

1 carrot, cut up

1 small onion, chopped

1 bay leaf

2 egg whites

1/4 tsp. thyme

4 eggshells, well broken

1/4 tsp. marjoram

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. black peppercorns

1/4 tsp. Tabasco

Soup Stage:

Petite Marmite Serves eight to twelve.

A marmite is a covered crock, usually made of earthenware, designed to hold a soup or a stew that

4 small carrots, sliced into thin sticks 4 small potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch dice 2 ribs celery, cut into thin sticks Salt and pepper

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January-February 2017 113

1. In a large kettle over high heat, brown the oxtails until rather dark.

Add the onion, celery, carrots, bay leaf, thyme, marjoram and peppercorns, along with a gallon of water (or more if necessary to cover). Bring the pot to a low boil. Cook for two hours (or longer if possible). Skim the fat and scum from the surface as it cooks.

2. Strain the stock. Remove the oxtails and reserve. Discard the vegetables. Set the strained stock aside to cool. (You can do this a day or two ahead and refrigerate the stock. It should congeal into a jelly, with any remaining fat easily removable from the surface.)

3. When you’re ready to go to the consommé stage, rinse the stockpot and put the stock back into it over medium heat.

4. While waiting for the stock to boil, combine the ground round, the chopped carrot, onion, and celery. Flatten it out into a sort of gigantic hamburger patty. Float this on top of the stock. (It 114

Inside Northside

might sink, but the boiling will make it rise.) Pour the egg white over this raft, and break the eggshells atop that.

5. When the pot comes barely to a boil, punch a few holes in the raft so that the stock bubbles up and over the raft. Keep the stock at a very light boil for about two hours, punching the raft down every now and then. Add the salt and Tabasco in there somewhere.

6. While waiting, pick the lean meat from the oxtails and make small bundles of it, tied with a thin green onion or a chive. Set aside.

7. Remove the raft and anything else floating in the stock, which should now be clear or close to it. Carefully skim the fat from the top of the pot.

Strain the soup through a very fine sieve or (better) double cheesecloth.

8. About a half hour before serving, bring the consommé to a simmer. Add the carrots and potatoes and cook until tender. Ten minutes after adding the carrots and potatoes, add the celery. Add

salt and pepper to taste if necessary.

9. Place a bundle or two of the oxtail meat on a soup plate and ladle the broth with its vegetables around it.

Pasta Fagioli Soup (Pasta and White Bean Soup) Serves eight.

This is the famous bean soup of Southern Italy, the one referred to in the slang Italian expression “pasta fazool.”

It’s a hearty, delicious, very healthful potage, great in the wintertime in particular but light enough that it can be eaten throughout the year. What makes it particularly good is the use of fresh herbs, especially basil. Or even pesto, if you made a bunch of that before your basil plants froze last winter. This recipe is adapted from La Cucina di Andrea’s, which Chef Andrea Apuzzo and I collaborated on.

4 oz. cannellini beans (Great Northern white beans) or borlotti beans

1/4 cup olive oil 2 strips pancetta or bacon 1/2 cup chopped onions 1/2 cup chopped carrots 1/4 cup chopped leek, bulb only 2 tsp. chopped garlic 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper 1/4 cup dry white wine 1/2 cup peeled, seeded, and crushed canned Italian tomatoes, with lots of juice 6 cups chicken stock 3 cups veal stock Tops (with leaves) of 2 ribs celery, chopped 1 1/2 tsp. fresh oregano (or 1 tsp. dried) 1 1/2 tsp. shredded fresh basil (or 1 tsp. dried) 2 cups small shell or tube pasta, cooked al dente

1. Sort through beans to pick out bad ones and foreign matter, and soak beans in water three hours to overnight.

2. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, cook onions and pancetta in olive oil over medium heat until onions become brown slightly. Add carrots, leeks, garlic and crushed red pepper and sauté until tender.

3. Add beans and wine, and bring to a boil. As soon as bubbles appear, add tomato, three cups of the chicken stock, all the veal stock, celery, oregano and basil.

4. Let soup simmer slowly for at least two hours, stirring every now and then. Add the rest of the chicken stock and three cups of water as needed to keep the soup liquid. Skim excess fat from the soup, but don’t be too thorough about this—a little fat adds richness. The aroma should be wonderful.

5. When the beans in the soup begin to get tender, cook the pasta, drain it, and add it to soup. Stir well and serve with grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled over the soup at the table.

Brisket and Vegetable Soup Serves about eight, with lots leftover for the next day.

I love homemade vegetable soup.

My mother used to make this from time to time—which was never often enough for me.(She also served us Campbell’s vegetable soup, which instructed us in the differences between prepared and homemade.)

I rediscovered this style of vegetable soup when, in my twenties, I developed a liking for old places like Tujague’s, Galatoire’s, and Maylie’s, where they used the stock from boiling briskets to make the soup.

The way to give this soup a great modern edge is to boil all the vegetables except the carrots (which lend a nice color to the soup) separately, not in the soup itself. That way, when you add them right before serving, they’re all vivid and firm and full of flavor.

1/2 tsp. Tabasco 2 Tbs. salt

1. Put the brisket stock into a kettle or stockpot. Add the canned tomatoes and juice, after crushing them with your fingers. Bring the stock to a light boil, then lower to a simmer. Cut the brisket (if you’re including it) into large cubes, removing any interior fat. Add the meat to the stock.

2. Bring a separate stockpot threequarters full of water to a light boil. As you cut the vegetables in the order given in the ingredient list, add them to the pot. (Some vegetables take longer to cook than others.)

3. When the potatoes and carrots are soft, strain them and add them to the brisket stock. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for at least a half hour 4. When ready to serve, season to taste with Tabasco and salt. Add all the vegetables and return to a light boil until everything is heated through.

1 1/2 gallons beef stock (preferably from boiling a brisket) A pound or two of boiled beef brisket (optional) 1 28 oz. can whole tomatoes, crushed by hand, with juice 1 small cabbage, cored and chopped coarsely 1 onion, cut up 1 turnip, peeled and cut into half-inch cubes 2 lbs. carrots, cut into coins about a half-inch thick 2 lbs. red potatoes, peeled and cut into half-inch cubes 1 lb. fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into one-inch pieces 4 ribs celery, cut into three-inch-long,

Crawfish Bisque Serves six to eight.

Crawfish bisque—one of the greatest dishes in all of Cajun cooking—is not like any other bisque. It’s not creamy or thickened with rice, as in the classic French style, but made with a dark roux. Most of the ingredients, even the crawfish, are made into a rough puree, which further thickens the soup. This may seem like a long, involved recipe (it’s the longest one in my cookbook, Tom Fitzmorris’s New Orleans Food, but there are no great challenges in it. What comes out is unforgettable. Serve it with crawfish boulettes, instead of those wretched stuffed heads.

narrow sticks 2 ears corn, kernels cut off the cobs

5 lbs. boiled crawfish

1/2 tsp. basil

1/2 medium onion, cut up

1/4 tsp. thyme

2 cloves garlic, crushed

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January-February 2017 115

1 rib celery, cut up chopped 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

INside Dining

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

1/2 cup dry white wine

MCC: Major credit cards accepted

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

1/2 cup brandy

ME: Menu Express delivery

5396. Catering, Sunday brunch, daily

RR: Reservations recommended

lunch specials, 72 beers on tap. Lunch

1 small lemon, sliced

and dinner. chimesbeeru.com. MCC.

2/3 cup flour 5 sprigs Italian parsley leaves, chopped 2 green onions, sliced finely Salt Tabasco

1. Rinse the boiled crawfish with lukewarm water to remove some of the salt, which will otherwise get concentrated later. Peel all of the crawfish and reserve the tail meat and the shells separately. Get some kid to pull off all the claws from the shells. Put all the claws into a heavy plastic bag. Using a meat mallet, bash the claws enough to break most of them.

2. In an eight-quart (or larger) saucepan, sauté the onions, garlic, celery and bell pepper over medium heat until the vegetables are browned at the edges.

3. Add the crawfish claws, shells and wine, and bring to a boil. When most of the liquid has evaporated, pour the brandy over the shells. If you are comfortable with flaming dishes and have a fire extinguisher nearby, carefully touch a flame to the brandy. Let the flames die out. Otherwise, just let the brandy boil away.

4. Add the lemon and enough water to cover all the shells.

Bring it to a boil, then lower to the lowest possible simmer.

Simmer for thirty minutes, spooning out the scum from the top of the pot every now and then.

5. Strain the stock into another saucepan and discard the solids. Simmer until reduced to about three quarts. Strain through a fine sieve. (At this point, the stock can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for later use.)

6. In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, make a dark roux with the flour and butter, stirring constantly to avoid burning. When the roux is the color of chocolate, stir it into the crawfish stock with a wire whisk until completely blended.

7. Add parsley and green onions. Reserve six large crawfish tails per person. In a food processor, chop the rest of the crawfish tail meat to a near-puree. Add this to the soup and return to a simmer for five minutes. Add salt and hot sauce to taste.

6. Place the whole crawfish tails in soup plates, and ladle the bisque over them. Add crawfish boulettes (optional) to the bisque at the table.

116

Inside Northside

ABITA SPRINGS Abita Barbecue, 69399 Hwy. 59,

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

400-5025. Ribs, brisket, chicken,

6158. Soup and salad specialists.

pulled pork and boudin. MCC.

coffeerani.com. MCC.

Abita Brew Pub, 72011 Holly St.,

Columbia St. Tap Room & Grill,

892-5837. Good fun and great

434 N. Columbia St., 898-0899.

beer. On the Trace. Lunch, dinner.

Lunch, dinner. covingtontaproom.

abitabrewpub.com. MCC.

com. MCC, ME.

Abita Springs Café, 22132 Level

Dakota Restaurant, 629 N. Hwy.

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

190, 892-3712. Contemporary Louisiana cuisine using local

Camellia Café, 69455 Hwy. 59,

and seasonal ingredients.

809-6313. Traditional seafood and

thedakotarestaurant.com. MCC, RR.

New Orleans cuisine. thecamelliacafe.

Del Porto Restaurant, 501 E. Boston

com. MCC.

St., 875-1006. Northern Italian cuisine.

Mama D’s Pizza & More, 22054

delportoristorante.com. MCC, RR.

Hwy. 59, 809-0308. Lunch, dinner. mamadspizza.com.

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

COVINGTON Abita Roasting Company,

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

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

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

Acme Oyster House, 1202 Hwy.

-operated franchise. Kids eat free on

190, 246-6155. Lunch, dinner.

Sundays. MCC.

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

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

867-8292. Mediterranean cuisine.

Italian and seafood. dicristinas.com.

albashabr.com. MCC.

MCC.

Annadele’s Plantation, 71518

Don’s Seafood Hut, 126 Lake

Chestnut St., 809-7669. Yellow fin

Dr., 327-7111. Lunch and dinner.

tuna, domestic lamb & much more.

donsseafoodonline.com. MCC.

annadeles.com. MCC, checks.

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

Rutland St., 898-3988. Authentic

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

English cream teas. Special event

MCC.

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

Buster’s Place, 519 E. Boston St.,

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

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

englishtearoom.com. MCC, RR.

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

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

871-6674. Great Mexican cuisine and

Sun. 7am-2pm. Breakfast severed until

margaritas served in a family-friendly

10:30 on weekdays and all day Saturday

atmosphere for lunch and dinner. Kids

and Sunday. Reserve Fat Spoon Café

eat free every Wednesday! Private

for your next party. fatspooncafe.com.

MCC.

i Gallagher’s Grill, 509 S. Tyler

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

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

bakery. Luncheon salads, panini,

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

catering, donuts, kingcakes, cupcakes

gallaghersgrill.com. MCC.

and wedding cakes. Tues-Sun, open at

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

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

Glory Bound Gyro Company, 500

oxlot9.com. MCC.

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

Papi’s Fajita Factory of Covington,

dinner. A new age American restaurant

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

concept with Mediterranean influences.

Kids eat free on Tuesday nights. Open

gloryboundgyroco.com. MCC.

7 days a week for lunch and dinner.

MCC.

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

Pardos, 69305 Hwy. 21, 893-3603.

com. MCC, checks.

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

La Carreta Authentic Mexican

parties and catering. pardosbistro.

Cuisine, 812 Hwy. 190, 624-

com. MCC.

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

Pat’s Seafood Market and Cajun

outstanding service and value. Live

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

music. Lunch and dinner seven days a

Jambalaya, gumbo, stuffed artichokes.

week. carretasrestaurant.com. MCC.

MCC, checks, ME.

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

PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 70456 Hwy.

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

21, 875-7894. Catch your morning

Closed Sundays. lolacovington.com.

buzz at this convenient drive-thru!

Catering. MCC.

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

Pizza Man of Covington, 1248 N.

MCC, checks.

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

McAlister’s Deli, 206 Lake Dr., Ste.

Raising Canes, 1270 N. Hwy. 190,

15, 898-2800. Great sandwiches,

809-0250. Chicken fingers, crinkle-cut

salads, overstuffed potatoes.

fries, coleslaw, texas toast, signature

mcalistersdeli.com. MCC, checks.

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

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

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

megumirestaurant.net.

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

Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers,

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

1645 Hwy. 190, 327-5407. Salads,

11am-10pm.Lunch buffet weekdays,

pizzas, calzones. 20 craft beers on

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

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

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

Mugshots Grill & Bar, 300

cakes and assorted sweets. Tues-Sat.

River Highlands Blvd., 893-2422.

sugarbearsweetshop.com.

mugshotsgrillandbar.com.

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

898-2166. Pulled pork, brisket and ribs.

Lee Ln., 875-0432. Family owned and

sweetdaddysbarbq.com. MCC, ME.

operated. neworleansfoodspirits.com.

MCC.

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

Nonna Randazzo’s Italian Bakery

sandwiches and more. vazquezpoboy.

and Cafè, 2033 N. Hwy. 190, Ste.

com. MCC, checks, ME.

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January-February 2017 117

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g MADISONVILLE

al la Parrilla. Best top-shelf margaritas in

events. MCC. nuvolaris.com.

Yujin Japanese Restaurant and

Abita Roasting Company, 504

town. georgesmexicanrestaurant.com.

Sushi Bar, 323 N. New Hampshire

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

MCC, ME.

Friends Costal Restaurant, 407

Gio’s Villa Vancheri, 2890 E.

American cuisine with fresh,

Zea Rotisserie & Grill, 110 Lake Dr.,

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

Causeway App., 624-2597. Sicilian

local ingredients. Family-friendly

327-0520. Inspired American food.

geauxfriends.com.

specialties by 5-star chef Gio

atmosphere. Lunch and dinner.

Vancheri. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat.

Closed Mondays.

St., 809-3840. MCC.

639 Girod St., 612-1828. Homemade

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

The Old Rail Brewing Company,

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

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

and Bar, 527 N. Causeway

301 Lafitte St., 778-2552.

Blvd, 778-2820. Lunch, Tues-Fri

Morton’s Boiled Seafood & Bar,

Contemporary Louisiana cuisine for

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

Don’s Seafood & Steak House,

702 Water St., 845-4970. Lunch,

dinner, lunch by Chef Tory Stewart.

5-9:30pm. gallaghers527restaurant.

1915 S. Morrison Blvd., 345-8550.

dinner. MCC, checks.

Casual fine dining, daily lunch/dinner

com.

Tues-Fri. keithyoungs.net. MCC.

6333. bradysdowntown.com.

donsseafoodonline.com. MCC.

specials, private events, catering.

MANDEVILLE

jubileerestaurantcourtyard.com.

Pinkberry, 3460 Hwy. 190, 612-7306.

Jacmel Inn, 903 E. Morris St.,

The Barley Oak, 2101 Lakeshore

542-0043. Catering, special events,

Dr., 727-7420. Serving 130 styles of

K. Gee’s, 2534 Florida St., 626-0530.

yogurt that is the perfect balance of

weddings. jacmelinn.com. MCC,

beer, call and premium liquors. Lunch

Featuring Louisiana seafood with

sweet and tangy paired with high

checks.

and dinner. thebarleyoak.com. MCC.

raw oysters 1/2 price on Tuesdays.

quality, fresh cut fruit and premium dry

Express lunch and daily lunch specials

toppings. pinkberry.com.

Pinkberry is the original tart frozen

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

Bosco’s Italian Café, 2040 Hwy. 59,

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

8888. kirinjapanesecuisine.com. MCC.

624-5066. boscositalian.com.

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

PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 2963 Hwy.

com. MCC.

190, 674-1565. Catering. pjscoffee.

La Carreta Authentic Mexican

Café Lynn Restaurant and

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

Catering, 2600 Florida St., 624-

La Carreta Authentic Mexican

9990. Festive Mexican atmosphere,

9007. Casual fine dining for lunch,

Cuisine, 1200 W. Causeway

Raising Canes, 3801 Hwy. 22, 674-

fresh food from traditional recipes,

dinner and Sunday brunch by

App., 624-2990. Festive Mexican

2042. Chicken fingers, crinkle-cut

outstanding service and value. Live

Chef Joey Najolia. Tues-Fri, lunch:

atmosphere, fresh food from

fries, coleslaw, texas toast, signature

music. Lunch and dinner seven days

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

traditional recipes, outstanding

secret dipping sauce. Dine-in, to-go

a week. carretarestaurant.com. MCC.

provided. cafelynn.com. MCC.

service and value. Live music. Lunch

and catering. MCC.

com. MCC.

and dinner seven days a week.

Tommy’s on Thomas, 216 W.

Coffee Rani, 3517 Hwy. 190, 674-

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

0560. Soup and salad specialists.

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

The Lakehouse, 2025 Lakeshore

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

carretasrestaurant.com. MCC.

Coscino’s Pizza, 1809 N. Causeway

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

Rusty Pelican, 500 Girod

Blvd., 727-4984. MCC.

Restaurant open. Call for reservations.

St., 778-0364. Lunch, dinner.

lakehousecuisine.com. MCC.

rustypelicanbythelake.com. MCC.

Tope là, 104 N. Cate St., 542-7600.

Contemporary delights. topela.com.

Fat Spoon Café, 68480 Hwy. 59.,

MCC.

809-2929. Breakfast, lunch, Tues-

Macaroni Grill, 3410 Hwy. 190, 727-

Times Bar & Grill, 1896 N.

Sun. 7am-2pm. Breakfast served

1998. Lunch, dinner. macaronigrill.

Causeway Blvd., 626-1161. Lunch,

Trey Yuen Cuisine of China,

until 10:30am on weekdays and all

com. MCC, ME.

dinner. timesgrill.com. ME, MCC.

2100 N. Morrison Blvd., 345-6789.

day Saturday and Sunday. Reserve

treyyuen.com. MCC, checks.

Fat Spoon Cafe for your next party.

Mande’s, 340 N. Causeway App.,

Trey Yuen Cuisine of China, 600 N.

fatspooncafe.com. MCC.

626-9047. Serving breakfast and

Causeway Blvd., 626-4476. Quality

lunch, daily specials.

China cuisine with Louisiana flair.

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

Fazzio’s Seafood & Steakhouse,

your day. Breakfast, lunch. MCC,

1841 N. Causeway Blvd., 624-

Mandina’s, 4240 Hwy. 22 in

checks.

9704. Fresh fish daily, aged beef,

Azalea Square Shopping Center,

traditional Italian. Lunch, dinner.

674-9883. Seafood, Creole and

Vianne’s Tea House, 544 Girod St.,

fazziosrestaurant.com. MCC, ME, RR.

Italian. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat.

624-5683. A full café menu with over

mandinasrestaurant.com.

120 loose leaf and speciality teas.

LACOMBE La Provence Restaurant, 25020

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

Hwy. 190, 626-7662. Dinner, Sunday

Franco’s Grill,100 Bon Temps

brunch. laprovencerestaurant.com.

Roule, 792-0200. Fresh organic foods

N’Tini’s, 2891 N. Hwy. 190, 626-

MCC, checks. RR.

for breakfast, lunch and takeout.

5566. Steaks, martinis. Lunch

VooDoo BBQ & Grill, 2999 Hwy.

myfrancos.com/dining. MCC.

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

190 E., 629-2021. “Taste our Magic.”

9443. Veal is the house specialty.

George’s Mexican Restaurant, 1461

Nuvolari’s, 246 Girod St., 626-5619.

salandjudys.com. MCC, RR.

N. Causeway Blvd., 626-4342. Family

In Old Mandeville. Italian cuisine for

PONCHATOULA

owned. Fajitas, George’s nachos, Carne

fine dining daily for dinner or special

Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant,

Breakfast, lunch. viannes.com. MCC.

Sal & Judy’s, 27491 Hwy. 190, 882-

118

Inside Northside

voodoobbq.com. MCC.

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n

s

i

d

e

d

i

n

i

n

g

30160 Hwy. 51, 386-6666.

Criollo Resturant and Lounge at

middendorfsrestaurant.com.

Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St., 504523-3340. Creole dining for breakfast,

La Carreta Authentic Mexican

lunch and dinner. hotelmonteleone.com/

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

criollo/. MCC, RR.

Reader Resources

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

Deanie’s Seafood Restaurant, 1713

outstanding service and value. Live

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

music. Lunch and dinner seven days a

St., 504-581-1316. Louisiana seafood

week. carretarestaurant.com. MCC.

prepared in Creole seasonings, available in

Contact Us: You may contact us by mail, phone, fax or on our website:

Bucktown or the French Quarter for lunch SLIDELL

and dinner. deanies.com. MCC.

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

Gautreau’s, 1728 Soniat St., 504-

dinner. kathrynandcompany.com.

899-7397. Open Monday through

MCC, checks.

Saturday. Dinner. gautreausrestaurant.

Mail: Inside Northside P.O. Box 9148 Mandeville, LA 70470-9148 Telephone: 985-626-9684

com. MCC, RR.

Fax: 985-674-7721

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

Gumbo Shop, 630 Saint Peter St.,

bearsgrillandspirits.com. MCC.

504-525-1486. Award winning gumbo

Website: insidenorthside.com

and soups, ship nationwide. Lunch Camellia Cafe, 525 Hwy. 190, 649-

and dinner. gumboshop.com. MCC.

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

Quarter, 95 French Market Place,

Great Mexican cuisine and margaritas

504-522-9500. Casual dining in a fine

served in a family-friendly atmosphere

dining atmosphere with experienced

for lunch and dinner. carretasgrill.com.

waitstaff, fresh dishes and made-from-

MCC.

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

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

Mellow Mushroom, 3131 Veterans

palmettosrestaurantslidell.com.

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

Peck’s Seafood Restaurant, 2315

dinner. mellowmushroom.com. MCC.

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

Messina’s Runway Cafe, 6001

MCC.

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

NEW ORLEANS/SOUTHSHORE

messinasterminal.com. MCC.

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

Nola Beans, 762 Harrison Ave.,

seafood. Lunch, dinner, Sunday

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

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

Bienville St., 504-553-2277. Located

525-4455. Fresh local ingredients,

at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Triptych

balanced yet complex dishes. Lunch

of Quail and Oysterman’s spaghettini.

and dinner. bayona.com. MCC.

Revolutionnola.com. MCC. RR.

Brennan’s, 417 Royal St., 504-

Riccobono’s Peppermill, 3524 Severn

525-9711. Creole traditions

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

and contemporary influences.

and Italian. Breakfast and lunch. Dinner,

Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Wednesday-Sunday. riccobonos.com.

brennansneworleans.com. MCC. RR.

MCC.

Carreta’s Grill, 2320 Veterans Blvd.,

Warehouse Grille, 869 Magazine

504-837-6696; 1821 Hickory Ave.,

St, 504-322-2188. Lunch and dinner

Harahan, 504-305-4833. Mexican,

specials, Monday-Friday. Brunch,

lunch and dinner.carretasgrillrestaurant.

Saturday-Sunday, 9am-3pm.

com. MCC.

warehousegrille.com. MCC.

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January-February 2017 119

INside Peek

JLGC Harvest Cup Polo Classic

photos courtesy: JUNIOR LEAGUE OF GREATER COVINGTON

The Junior League of Greater Covington celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Harvest Cup Polo Classic on the beautiful grounds of Summergrove Farm in Folsom. The event, while centered around polo, offered additional fun, with local food, signature drinks, and silent and live auctions, as well as live music by Four Unplugged. Auction items included a live painting by New Orleans-based artist Alex Harvie, a 2017 Masters Golf Tournament Package, a Guided Fishing Trip, and a Sip and Soar Through Napa Valley Trip. The day’s proceeds benefitted JLGC’s various civic projects and community grants, particularly Girls’ Health Day, Project Prom and Project Homecoming.

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INside Peek

Saint Joseph Seminary College hosted its annual fundraising gala Deo Gratias on the beautiful grounds of Saint Joseph Abbey. The evening began with vespers in the Abbey Church with the Benedictine monks. Guests enjoyed dinner prepared by Chef John Folse, desserts by Zoë’s Bakery, fine wines and cheeses from Acquistapace’s Covington Supermarket, and beautiful floral arrangments from Leslie Boudreaux.

The evening’s raffle included a lady’s diamond cross necklace donated by Boudreaux’s Fine Jewelers. A silent auction featured a variety of items, including the Deo Gratias-featured artwork by Jim Seitz titled Weathering the Storms of Life.

All proceeds benefited the seminary, which began the semester with the largest enrollment in its history as a college.

Support for the Seminary College has been vital following the March flood, which inundated the Abbey and Seminary College with over two feet of water, resulting in the delay of the new construction portion of a strategic plan that would help accommodate the steady rise in enrollment.

The Saint Joseph Abbey and Seminary College deeply appreciate the outpouring of love and support.

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photos courtesy: SAINT JOSEPH ABBEY

Deo Gratias

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photo: KIM BERGERON

photo: PHILLIP COWART PHOTOGRAPHY

photo: PHILLIP COWART PHOTOGRAPHY

INside Peek

3

1. Elsbet Smith Hollywood, Jay Seale, Ken Ross and Frank Divittorio showcasing the Hammond Northshore Regional Airport at Flight Fete. 2. Joe Mier, David Lobue, Mark Rolling, Melody Woodworth, Michael Gray, Mayor Pete

4

5

Panepinto, Robby Miller, Eric Gray, Brian Shirey, Stacey Neal, Ken Ross, Melissa Bordelon and Joe Thomas. 3. Artists & Causes artist Caron Sharpe presenting Alison Condon an egret giclée as a donation to the Christopher Condon Cool Doctor Foundation for the Taste of Slidell fundraiser. 4. Rehab Dynamics physical therapists Kelly Villars and Kay Lahasky enjoying You Night with their husbands Rennie and Jeff. 5. Mary Lee Holmes, Marcia Holmes, Connie Seitz, Peggy

6

7

Perino, Sharon Brasseaux and Nadja Hays at the opening night of Marcia’s Syncopation exhibit at Degas Gallery. 6. Jeanne Emory and her staff at Bra Genie hosting the Anita MOVEMENT130 event. 7. Matt Standefer, Julie Agan and Kevin Lavalle after Matt and Kevin won first place representing The Windsor as the Windsor We Dats at the COAST Recipe Rumble fundraiser.

8. Jan Fontenot, Head of Northlake Christian

8

School Monty Fontenot and NCS parents Micah and Sara Burns at NCS’ Joie de Vie: Taste of the Northshore. 9. Lower School Principal Missie Arnold and NCS parent Peggy Swan. 10. Greg Pellegrini, Allyson Sanderson, Jennifer Grigsby, Sue Zaunbrecher and Alan Zaunbrecher at the Celebration of Philanthropy hosted by the Greater New Orleans Foundation and the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Northshore Chapter at Christwood Community Center.

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photo: MILTON HANAUER photo: MILTON HANAUER

photo: MILTON HANAUER photo: MILTON HANAUER

photo: KIRSTIE MONTGOMERY

photo: RON JENKINS

photo: MILTON HANAUER photo: KIRSTIE MONTGOMERY

New Heights Therapeutic Riding Center presented its 13th annual Garden Party at Summergrove Farm, graciously hosted by David Fennelly and Carlos Sanchez. Over 550 guests strolled the elegant grounds, partaking of libations and an amazing selection of signature dishes from 20 of the northshore’s finest. “Celeb” equines Lola and Lilly and “mini-celebs” Mustang Sally and her son Maverick walked among the guests, who fed them carrots and apples.

Musicians of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and returning harpist Judy Seghers and guitarist Timothy Gates performed throughout the day.

A silent auction boasted 150 artifacts, antiquities and art from well-known artists and collectors. The prestigious live auction conducted by auctioneer extraordinaire David Fennelly featured three unique and exciting items, plus a coveted piece of history, the authentic halter worn by the 2015 Triple Crown winner and horse racing world champion, American Pharaoh.

Funds from the Garden Party will enable New Heights to provide equineassisted therapies to people with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities, regardless of ability to pay.

photo: KIRSTIE MONTGOMERY

photo: KIRSTIE MONTGOMERY

Garden Party at Summergrove Farm

January-February 2017 125

INside Peek

3 1 1. David Wolf, Matt Schwartz, Chris Papamichael and Morris Adjmi at the Standard’s kick-off party at The Ace Hotel.

2

2. Julie Wells and Leslee Schulz at Franco’s Holiday Market. 3. Rikki Gallup of Cameo Boutique, Emily Robin of Posh Boutique, Molly Smith of J. Hilburn Custom Clothiers and Danielle Franco of Elle Boutique. 4. Sandy Franco, Jami Brumfield, Holly Quick, Amy Boothe and Elizabeth Cloen. 5. Gretchen Goetz and Stephanie McDaniel of DeCoeur and Shoefflé with Elizabeth Miller of Paisley.

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Camp Swan

photos courtesy: CANON HOSPICE

Camp Swan gathered boys and girls to enjoy outdoor living at Camp Living Waters in Loranger. Sponsored

by Canon Hospice and the Akula Foundation, the camp aims to facilitate grieving in a fun and naturalistic setting for children ages 7-12 who have lost someone significant in their lives. The staff of volunteer counselors led the campers in many therapeutic activities, including art, music, drama and recreation, which included an obstacle course. Camp Swan hopes to provide a healing experience for bereaved children and further enhance a feeling of service and goodwill in the community. The camp is fully funded by donations.

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January-February 2017 127

INside Peek 2

3

1 1. Kelly Villars, DPT, CLT, and Maura Donahue celebrate Pink Day at Rehab Dynamics LLC. 2. Marty Mayer, Mike Bucher and Mayor Mike Cooper at the unveiling of plans for Stirling

in conjunction with St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours. 3. Ryan Juneau, Kyle Domangue and Mark Salvetti.

4. The outpatient staff of Lakeview Regional

4

5

Medical Center looking spooky at BooFest! 5. Dr. Joan Archer, Greg Cromer and Irma Cry at The Leadership Northshore Alumni Association’s Meet the Class of 2017 event at Caretta’s Grill in Slidell, where Joan and Irma were honored for over 25 years of service to the program. 6. Jenny Gensler, Kim Melvin and Nicole Castleberry of Lakeview Regional Medical Center bringing Halloween trickor-treat fun to patient Andrea Ridgley.

7. Kayla Byrne and Amy Pasentine admiring

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the handcrafted works at the Arabella holiday Open House and Russian Santa Trunk Show.

8. Betsy Dancisak, Susie Amick, Tasha Daniel, Kimberly Woods and Kirsten Riney celebrating North Oaks Medical Center’s achievement of the state’s highest breastfeeding quality designation, The GIFT. 9. Dr. Charles Baier, Dr. Michael Hill and Dr. Mark Jones after Charles and Mark received the St. Tammany Quality Network 2016 third quarter Medical Director’s awards. 10. The Home Bank Covington branch won the Home Bank Northshore Halloween Contest with a Rosie the Riveter theme! 11. St. Paul’s HOSA club members Andrew Norlin, Blake Ramsey, Jakob Massey, Christopher Wilson, Jacques DuPassage, Joshua Verges, Joshua Devier, and club moderator Ann Pfalzgraf presenting a donation to Leslie Landry of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.

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photo: KIM BERGERON

Properties’ newest office space, River Chase I,

photo: JOEY MICHEL PHOTOGRAPHY

photo: JOEY MICHEL PHOTOGRAPHY photo: JOEY MICHEL PHOTOGRAPHY photo: JOEY MICHEL PHOTOGRAPHY

Sixteen teams of local celebrity cooks partnered with local restaurants in a fun competition to help end child abuse. Guests tasted the delectable food, enjoyed wine and danced to the music of Lost in the 60s as the sun set in downtown Covington.

Among the dishes served were braised pork shoulder atop cheddar grits cake with soaked Gouda cream, tomato-chipotle compote, and spinach and chorizo-stuffed Tuscan seared pork with truffle wild mushrooms over creamy polenta. Lakeshore High School and Fontainebleau High School ProStart teams prepared dessert for guests, including mini pecan pies from Fontainebleau and homemade cherry vanilla ice cream on a bed of crushed graham crackers with pistachio brittle from Lakeshore.

Winners were: Joe Leimkuhler with Abita Roasting raised the most money for Hope House, Bryan Huval and Chav Piece with Tchefuncta Country Club won People’s Choice and Jack Donahue with Zea took home Judge’s Choice. The men who cooked raised over $54,000 to support the children of our community and to end the cycle of child abuse.

photo: HOPE RICHARD PHOTOGRAPHY

photo: JOEY MICHEL PHOTOGRAPHY

Men Who Cook

January-February 2017 129

Nonna Randazzo’s

IT’S KING CAKE SEASON! At Nonna Randazzo’s, home of the Authentic Randazzo Family King Cake Recipe, they’re celebrating more than just king cake season—they’re celebrating Felix Forjet’s 30th anniversary with Randazzo’s!

“I can’t believe it’s been that long.

Everything I learned about baking was from my father-in-law, Lawrence Randazzo. I love that I work with my family. My wife, children and son-inlaw all work at the same location that I do. Hopefully, our grandchildren will eventually want to learn about the bakery business so we can keep the family tradition. I teach my kids like I learned—no cutting corners on ingredients.”

Nonna Randazzo’s now has four locations where Felix and his family enjoy developing customer relationships. “This is more than a job to me; younger generations come in and talk about their grandparents going into Hi Lan Bakery and how they enjoy some of the same traditional bakery products that they did, like Italian cookies. That’s why we keep the bakery open year-round, because we enjoy being a part of the customers’ family tradition.”

Some of Felix’s favorites to bake are Belgian slice cookies, lemon meringue pie, lemon fried pies and strawberry shortcake. Have a sweet tooth yet? Visit one of Nonna Randazzo’s to pick up a king cake (and maybe a few more sweet treats).

by Leah Draffen

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Last Bite

Felix enjoys baking and tasting new desserts to keep up with bakery trends. He

Nonna Randazzo’s has locations in Covington, Mandeville, Chalmette and Pontchatoula. 985-893-1488. nonnarandazzo.com.

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invites you to try one of Nonna Randazzo’s king cakes this Mardi Gras season!