February-March 2018 Issue of Inside New Orleans

495

$

INSIDEPUB.com

WORKPLACE ROMANCE •

KREWE OF LEMOYNE •

SQUIRES •

HEALTH & WELLNESS

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2018 VOL. 5, NO. 1

February-March 2018

Publisher

Vol. 5, No. 1

Lori Murphy

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Editor-in-Chief Anne Honeywell

Senior Editor

Managing Editor

Jan Murphy Leah Draffen

Contributors are featured on page 16.

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

Art Director

Graphic Designer

Brad Growden Jennifer Starkey

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

Business Manager

Senior Account Executives

Candice Laizer

Jane Quillin Poki Hampton Barbara Roscoe

Account Executives

Barbara Bossier

Jonée Daigle-Ferrand

Corrinn Fisher

Amy Taylor

Margaret Rivera

Advertising Coordinator

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Advertise phone

(504) 934-9684

fax (504) 934-7721 email sales@insidepub.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Contribute Please send items for Inside Scoop to scoop@insidepub.com.

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

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On the cover

Contact

mail P.O. Box 6048

Metairie, LA 70009 phone

(504) 934-9684

fax (504) 934-7721 Artist Robert Santopadre Find more on page 18.

website insidepub.com

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

INSIDE NEW ORLEANS is published bi-monthly (February, April, June, August, October, December) by M and L Publishing, LLC, PO Box 6048, Metairie, LA 70009 as a means of communication and information for greater New Orleans, Louisiana. Bulk Postage paid - New Orleans, LA. Copy­right ©2018 by M & L Publishing, LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent of publisher. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and artwork. Inside New Orleans Magazine is created using the Adobe Creative Suite on Apple Macintosh computers.

contents table of

page 64

page 32

Features 18 Coloring Outside the Lines Cover Artist Robert Santopadre 32 A Gift of Home

The Evans House page 38

38 The Squires

A Galant Introduction to Carnival Traditions 42 Workplace Romance

Couples Who Work Together 48 The Krewe of Le Moyne

The First Lords of Mardi Gras 54 Finding Her Muse

Tara Leach Slater

Health & Wellness

68 Wellness Center of Thibodaux Regional

Making a Difference in the Bayou Region 70 Go Red for Women

Beating the No. 1 Killer of New Orleans Women page 54 8

Inside New Orleans

72 Healthy at Home 76 Resources

page 59

contents table of

Departments

12 Publisher’s Note 14 Editor’s Note 16 Contributors 24 INside Scoop 30 INside Story The Book Club 52 Wine Cellar Domaine Romanée-Conti 59 Flourishes

Extraordinary gifts and home accents 63 IN the Bookcase

Snippets of New Orleans

by Emma Fick

64 INside Look

page 78 10

Inside New Orleans

78 IN Great Taste Crowd-Pleasing Recipes for Your Parade Day Brunch 80 INside Peek

Featuring: Juleps and Jazz A Night at the N.O.P.S.I. Une Soirée Honors Debs WYES Shake, Rattle & Roll St. Jude in the Big Easy Uncork the Cure J. Wayne Leonard Prosperity Center Open House ASH Bicentennial Aloha ASH Auction

90 At the Table Save Your Life on Valentine’s Day with a Romantic Dinner 93 INside Dining 98 Last Bite

Rivershack Tavern

Who Was That Masked Man?

by Lori Murphy

I don’t always know the masked man who showers me with beads and trinkets. He can’t see that well with the lights and the mask. Perhaps he has had a cocktail or two before he and his friends boarded the float. I do have one of those faces—familiar, not quite sure if I am a neighbor, or a child’s teacher. He must know me because I am, after all, calling to him specifically.

Perhaps he really is named John. My brother swears that he yells for John with every float’s passing, and there is always at least one. Sometimes he will be directed to a rider on the other side, or friend-of-John will throw to him in case John doesn’t see him!

I am married to a dyed-in-the-wool Mardi Gras man. Rick loves everything about carnival. So, at least three times each season, I do know the man in the mask, and that can be a lot of fun. He has great stories to tell of what he and the other riders see on the route—not that we get all of the details! Each of his parades is unique—day, night, down the avenue or winding through town.

Now that we don’t have young children, we have stopped staking out territory for the ladders. I enjoy the flexibility of a long stroll down the back of the crowds listening to the bands and seeing the kids so excited.

However you celebrate Mardi Gras, I hope you have fun, stay safe and dance with the band. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

ps … The front cover of this issue features Robert Santopadre’s colorful painting of maskers on a ride. If you see my masked

you something!

12

Inside New Orleans

artist: ROBERT SANTOPADRE

man on a float this year, I hope he throws

Editor’s Note

by Anne Honeywell I had my first child on Bacchus Sunday. I mean, that’s what we call it, right? The calendar said February 21, but all of New Orleans knew it as Bacchus Sunday. I went into labor early that Saturday morning.

“Mom, I think I may be having contractions,” I said. “Oh, really? Hmm, you’re a little early. Well, I am getting on the float. I have my car phone with me if you go to the hospital.”

Did I mention it was Iris Saturday? That’s what it is to us. Mom wasn’t going to miss her ride for anything. I guess she knew she had some time, it being my first baby. “You go ahead, mom; we will call you if we go!”

And she did have time. Katherine Dunlap Honeywell was born at noon the next day. Most of my friends were uptown at a parade party; I was out in Metairie at Lakeside Hospital. A couple of revelers came by that day for a visit, complete with Mardi Gras umbrellas, beads and the whole nine yards.

Bacchus is celebrating its 50th anniversary this carnival. Right out of the gates, its parade set the bar very high for other krewes and super krewes. A beautiful and festive parade for all to enjoy, including magnificent floats and celebrity royalty—not to mention the enthusiasm of all who ride.

This issue (with its wonderful cover by Robert Santopadre) has a carnival story much older than Bacchus. As New Orleans celebrates 300 years, Joey Kent writes about the very first known Mardi Gras, which included Iberville and Bienville. Mimi Knight takes us behind the scenes of a Muses rider creating her prized shoes. And Winnie Brown writes about Les Galants and The Squires, which historically introduced young people to the carnival traditions of the city.

As you peruse the pages of this issue, look for a few more surprises that add to the carnival spirit—and we didn’t forget Valentine’s Day, either!

I hope you enjoy the carnival season and all the magical parades. And on Bacchus Sunday—remember my hospital revelers? Like every year, I will be with them—at the Bacchus Rendezvous! Life’s funny that way.

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

Other Voices: Gretchen Armbruster, Leah Draffen, Thomas B. Growden, Poki Hampton, Yvette Jemison, Bill Kearney, Joey Kent and Mimi Greenwood Knight.

Winnie Brown Self-described as ADD++, Baton Rouge native and LSU graduate Winnie Brown says there is rarely a topic she is not interested in or can’t write about. On page 38, she writes about the Squires.

She and her husband, Mark, have a blended family of five 20-somethings. When not working as a business development consultant or on community endeavors, Winnie likes to spend time at their Pass Christian house, on their boat or cooking and eating.

Kim Bergeron

Tom Fitzmorris

Michael Harold

Kim Bergeron, executive director of the St. Tammany Art Association, is a fierce advocate for the arts and artists. She is the founder of Artists & Causes, working to bring together artists of all genres and non-profit organizations for successful fundraising efforts. She is also an avid writer whose blog, RightBrainDiaries.com, has been honored with awards from the Public Relations Society of AmericaNew Orleans, the Public Relations Association of Louisiana and the Press Club of New Orleans. In this issue, she writes about cover artist Robert Santopadre (page 18).

Tom Fitzmorris grew up in Treme, ate red beans every Monday from his Creole-French mother until he left home. Not long after that, he began writing a weekly restaurant review column that has continued for more than 40 years. In 1975, he began a daily radio feature, which grew into his current three-hour daily talk show on 1350, 3WL. He is the author of several cookbooks, more than a dozen restaurant guidebooks, a daily online newsletter (nomenu. com), and joins us At the Table on page 90.

Michael Harold grew up in New Orleans and graduated from St. Martin’s Episcopal School, The University of the South and LSU Law School. Fluent in Spanish and French, he is also a classical pianist. Michael practiced law for more than 23 years and is now a legal recruiter. He is a contributing writer for Local Palate magazine in Charleston, South Carolina. In his spare time, he coordinates the renovation of a 19th century home in New Orleans. In this issue, Michael tells his INside Story about his book club on page 30.

16

Inside New Orleans

by Kim Bergeron

18

Inside New Orleans

WHEN HE WAS A CHILD, Robert Santopadre colored outside the lines. But it wasn’t until adulthood that he discovered what he believes he was born to do: paint.

The New Orleans native learned at a young age the value of rising early and working hard, ethics that were instilled by his parents, Robert Sr. and Suzanne. The family owned and operated the Tip-Top Shoe Repair shops founded by his great-grandfather, an immigrant from the village of Santopadre, just north of Rome, Italy.

It was in the shops that Robert learned a skill that later would serve him well—that of blending colors. The young lad was tasked with mixing shoe dyes. Those lessons in color were preceded by what his kindergarten teacher evidently deemed less successful efforts. “I was constantly berated for coloring hard, outside the lines and in different directions,” he says. “I couldn’t understand why >>

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Coloring Outside Cover Artist the Lines Robert Santopadre

20

Inside New Orleans

time the family’s summer home, just outside of Independence, Louisiana. It was here that one of his teachers, Sr. Mary Joel, recognized his talent for painting. She introduced him to the art of murals, an effort he believes was intended to inspire him to paint more. “But at the time, I was more interested in girls and recess,” he muses.

Those interests broadened shortly afterwards, when the family moved to what Robert calls “sixty of the most beautiful acres north of Lake Pontchartrain” in Folsom. “We enjoyed hunting and fishing and had horses, cows, chickens and

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

that mattered so much. I spent a lot of time studying shapes, colors and people. And I daydreamed a lot.”

That creativity was put to the test by his Cub Scout leader, who presented his den with a 30-second sculpting challenge. Utilizing the given media—a toothpick and gum—Robert fashioned a small snail. He says that though he thought little of his artwork, the den mother was quite impressed.

The event marked the first time that he recognized that he might have a bit of creative talent.

When he was 12, his family made the move from New Orleans to what was at the

pigs,” he says. “Sometimes, I would venture into the woods and lie at the base of the towering pine trees just to breathe in the air and to study the way that God’s beautiful sculptures waved in the wind and grew in so many different ways.”

To this day, Robert recalls those experiences and attempts to capture in his work what he fondly calls the melodies of nature, even with “the earthly limitations of color and brush strokes.”

While attending St. Paul’s School in Covington, the teen delved into another creative endeavor—music. He joined the school band and learned to play the baritone, valve trombone and tuba. The passion that he developed for classical music and musicians also would later carry over to his artwork.

After he graduated from high school and attended college, he returned to his roots in New Orleans to take over the family business.

It was here that he met and married Lisa Shames, and the couple bought his grandparents’ old house.

Their family grew with the birth of their son, Thomas, and daughter, Caroline. In 1994, the Santopadres sold their Tip-Top Shoe Repair location and moved back to the northshore, where Robert established and continues to flourish in a career in real estate.

It was just a little over four years ago, after Caroline left home for college, that Robert began to explore painting on a more serious basis. Initially, his works were quite precise and photographic in nature. Over time, he has loosened his technique, “letting the brushes work their magic.” He is enthralled by the translation of imagery that appears one way when viewed up close, then transforms into a more discernable image when stepping back. “During this translation from eye to mind

is where the magic happens, when your emotions become involved in the painting,” he says. “That is what I want to capture in my works.”

Though he favors working with oils on linen, he also enjoys working with charcoal on paper. The artist draws inspiration from his favorite Old Master, Toulouse Lautrec, whom Santopadre says had a great sense of humor and loved drawing and painting people having fun. Robert adds that Lautrec spent time in New Orleans. Additional influences are Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Claude Monet, Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele and Vincent van Gogh—in that order, he says.

Of all Robert’s creations, his favorite is Reflection Parlor at Preservation Hall, which recently was selected for inclusion in the Louisiana Contemporary exhibition at the Ogden Museum.

The artist says that he felt there was something special about the work even before its completion, a belief that was validated when the work was juried into the show.

Robert derives his greatest enjoyment from the conversations he has with those who are viewing his work, taking the time to explain his chosen subject >> February-March 2018 21

22

Inside New Orleans

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

matter and how and why he composed the painting the way he did.

This often includes a focus on the math and science of art, and the process of composing a painting in a way that captivates viewers.

One such equation is that of the Golden Ratio, a mathematical measurement that is naturally very pleasing to the eye. Robert says that no one knows who truly discovered the equation, which dates as far back as the ancient Sumerian civilization.

He is also clear on his beliefs of the timeless role of art as an essential part of life. “I feel that throughout the history of the world, people have needed to surround themselves with art,” he says. “Art keeps us from becoming truly lonely.” Whether created centuries ago or in modern times, there are elements of art that remain universal.

“Every original work of art comes from the mind and the soul of an artist,” he says. “Each work is a compilation of life experiences transformed into something beautiful and meaningful.

Artists are observers of life. They take the time to notice special things about a subject and shine a light on what they feel is its true essence and purpose. Even after death, artists have the power to speak to us and engage us through their works.”

While one will find the influences of nature, music, people and their emotions in Robert’s works, what viewers will not

find are political or racial views, the incorporation of which the artist says is one of his pet peeves. “Though I know this has been done throughout history, when I look at art, I want to see an individual’s skill of sifting through life’s beauty and creating something that makes me feel good,” he says. “When I create, I want the viewer to look at what is going on in the painting and to be entertained by how simple and seemingly accidental brushstrokes can make them feel like they are participants within the painting.”

His works are enhanced by the very medium used to create them. The artist makes his own paint, utilizing pigments from an old French company. What results, he says, are hues richer than those found in traditionally packaged paint tubes.

In the same way that he colored in different directions as a child, Robert continues to color his life in many directions.

He has earned a private pilot’s license, owns and races sailboats, is an avid cyclist, runs marathons, and even has secured the title of Iron Man. He is also a Master Gardner, which undoubtedly influences his paintings.

Or perhaps his paintings influence his gardening. Or a little of both.

“My paintings are derived from the beautiful things from my life’s events,” he says. “Quite possibly, the purpose of my earlier years was to gather my experiences of the senses and keep them safe, only to let them out now in a beautiful harmony.”

The artist currently is working on a number of oil paintings to be exhibited at Armbruster Artworks in Covington during the April 14 Spring for Art festival. The works will feature New Orleans bistros and eateries, and they will be known as the Green Fairy series. For artist Robert Santopadre, it’s a fitting title for a life that has been a fairy tale in its own right. And with each stroke of the brush, he continues to paint his very own “happily ever after.”

Celebrating 50 years—Krewe of Bacchus

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

February LTD, 2917 Magazine St. 891-4502.

prospectneworleans.org.

1-March 25 Clay In Transit:

2 Krewe of Excalibur. Metairie. 7:30pm. mardigrasneworleans.com.

1-4 An American in Paris. New Orleans

Contemporary Mexican Ceramics

2 Krewe of Oshun, Krewe of

Theatre Association. Saenger Theatre,

and Clay in Place: Highlights from

Cleopatra. Uptown. 6pm and 6:30pm.

1111 Canal St. (800) 982-2787.

the Collection. Newcomb Art Museum,

mardigrasneworleans.com.

broadwayinneworleans.com.

Tulane University, 6823 St Charles Ave.

3 Knights of Sparta, Krewe of

1- Feb 25 Prospect.4: The Lotus in Spite

newcombartmuseum.tulane.edu.

Pygmalion. Uptown. 6pm.

of the Swamp. Citywide triennial of

2 Krewe of Cork. French Quarter. 3pm.

mardigrasneworleans.com.

contemporary art. New Orleans.

24

Inside New Orleans

mardigrasneworleans.com.

3 Krewe of Caesar. Metairie. 6pm.

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

1-3 New Orleans Knitwear Event. Ballin’s

In the late 1940s, Owen E. Brennan Sr. realized that tourists, a large segment of his restaurant and bar clientele, were seasonally unhappy during Mardi Gras. At that time, Carnival balls were predominately closed to anyone outside of New Orleans’ society circles.

So, in 1949, Brennan decided to spend an enormous amount of money and revolutionize Mardi Gras by creating the brand-new Krewe of Bacchus, wide open to tourists. Brennan staged two Bacchus Carnival balls, one in 1949 and the other in 1950, before his death in 1955.

Regrettably, he did not live to see his idea develop into a new and lasting form.

Early in 1968, Owen “Pip” Brennan Jr., son of the late Brennan, held a meeting at Brennan’s Restaurant. What emerged was a rebirth of his father’s vision of almost 20 years earlier: the Krewe of Bacchus.

It was decided that the Krewe of Bacchus would break with Carnival tradition by staging a spectacular Sunday night parade. Its floats would be bigger and more spectacular than anything previously seen in Carnival, including having a national celebrity king lead its parade.

Today, with over 1,400 members and 33 animated super-floats, Bacchus is one of the most spectacular parades of Carnival. Celebrate with the Krewe of Bacchus February 11 at 5pm.

mardigrasneworleans.com.

3 Krewe of Pontchartrain, Choctaw and Freret. Uptown. 1pm. mardigrasneworleans.com.

4 Krewe of Barkus. French Quarter.

2pm. mardigrasneworleans.com.

4 Krewe of Femme Fatale, Carrollton, King Arthur and Merlin, and Alla.

Uptown. 11am.

>>

February-March 2018 25

Inside Scoop mardigrasneworleans.com.

6 Power Breakfast. New Orleans Chamber of Commerce. Sponsored

and Jefferson. Metairie. 10am. mardigrasneworleans.com.

13 Krewe of Rex, Elks Orleans and

by Fidelity Bank. 1515 Poydras St, 5th

Crescent City. Uptown. 10am.

Floor Auditorium. Registration, 8am;

mardigrasneworleans.com.

program, 8:30-9:30am. Members, free; nonmembers, $10. mardigrasneworleans.com.

7 Krewe of Druids. Uptown. 6:30pm. mardigrasneworleans.com.

7 Krewe of Nyx. Uptown. 7pm. mardigrasneworleans.com.

8 Krewe of Babylon. Uptown. 5:30pm. mardigrasneworleans.com.

8 Krewe of Chaos. Uptown. 6:15pm. mardigrasneworleans.com.

8 Krewe of Muses. Uptown. 6:30pm. mardigrasneworleans.com.

9 Krewe of Centurions. Metairie. 7pm. mardigrasneworleans.com.

9 Krewe of d’Etat. Uptown. 6:30pm. mardigrasneworleans.com.

9 Krewe of Hermes. Uptown. 6pm. mardigrasneworleans.com.

9 Krewe of Morpheus. Uptown. 7pm. mardigrasneworleans.com.

10 Krewe of Endymion. Mid City. 4:15pm. mardigrasneworleans.com.

10 Krewe of Iris. Uptown. 11am. mardigrasneworleans.com.

10 Krewe of Tucks. Uptown. 12pm. mardigrasneworleans.com.

11 Krewe of Bacchus. Uptown. 5pm. mardigrasneworleans.com.

11 Krewe of Mid-City. Uptown. 11:45am. mardigrasneworleans.com.

11 Krewe of Okeanos. Uptown. 11am. mardigrasneworleans.com.

11 Krewe of Thoth. Uptown. 12pm. mardigrasneworleans.com.

12 Krewe of Orpheus. Uptown. 6pm. mardigrasneworleans.com.

12 Krewe of Proteus. Uptown. 5:15pm. mardigrasneworleans.com.

13 Krewe of Argus, Elks Jefferson,

13 Krewe of Zulu. Uptown. 8am. mardigrasneworleans.com.

15-19 President Weekend. Gift with purchase event. Palm Village, A Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store, 2735 US 190 Ste. C, Mandeville. (985) 778-2547.

17 Writers & Readers Symposium: A Celebration of Literature and Art. Hemingbough, 10591 Beach Rd, St. Francisville. (225) 302-3524.

18 Mardi Paws. Mandeville Lakefront. 2pm. mardipaws.com.

19-24 Lee Loves Local Event. Works of local artists; special pricing on all Lee orders and floor samples. Rug Chic Home Décor, 4240 Hwy 22, Mandeville.

(985) 674-1070.

21-23 Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah: Stretch Music. New Orleans native and Edison-award-winning performer Christian Scott returns with his newest composition. Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans, 900 Camp St. 528-3805. cacno.org.

22-24 Eagle Expo. Boat tour to view eagle nests, presentations by wildlife professionals and photographers, and more. Morgan City. (800) 256-2931. cajuncoast.com. louisianatravel.com.

22-24 Lisette Perfect Pant Fit Event.

Ballin’s LTD. Feb 22, 806 E Boston St, Covington. Feb 23-24, 721 Dante Street.

(985) 892-0025 and 866-4367.

23 Business & Breakfast. Jefferson Chamber of Commerce. Zea’s, 5080 Pontchartrain Blvd. 7:45-9:30am.

Members, $10; nonmembers $20. jeffersonchamber.org.

23-March 4 The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Jefferson Performing Arts Center,

1118 Clearview Pkwy, Metairie. $20-$75. jpas.org.

24 American Factory Direct Furniture Outlets Grand Opening. New Covington location, 218 New Camellia Blvd, Covington. afd-furniture.com.

24 Artist Workshop with Michel Varisco.

Tour Prospect.4 then create a lantern using pieces of metal and wire armature with personal images. Odgen Museum of Art, 925 Camp St. 10am-1pm. Members, $30; nonmembers, $35. ogdenmuseum. org/events.

27-May 27 New Orleans the Founding Era. Sponsored by Whitney Bank. The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal St. Free. 523-4662. hnoc.org.

March 1 Women’s Business Alliance: Galatoire’s 33 Bar & Steak. New Orleans Chamber of Commerce.

Sponsored by Fidelity Bank. 209 Bourbon St. 5-7pm. Members, free; nonmembers, $10. neworleanschamber.org.

1-4 The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 1118 Clearview Pkwy, Metairie. $20-$75. jpas.org.

1- 25 Clay In Transit: Contemporary Mexican Ceramics and Clay in Place: Highlights from the Collection. Newcomb Art Museum, Tulane University, 6823 St Charles Ave. newcombartmuseum.tulane.edu.

1-May 27 New Orleans the Founding Era. Sponsored by Whitney Bank. The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal St. Free. 523-4662. hnoc.org.

2-3 Mack and Mack Trunk Show. Ballin’s LTD, 721 Dante Street. 866-4367.

2-18 Steel Magnolias. Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts, 325 Minor St, Kenner. 461-9475. rivertowntheaters.com.

6 Power Lunch. New Orleans Chamber of >> February-March 2018 27

Inside Scoop Commerce. Sponsored by Fidelity Bank.

12-1pm. neworleanschamber.org.

1515 Poydras St, 5th Floor Auditorium.

9-10 Arte Trunk Show. Ballin’s LTD, 721

Registration, 8am; program, 8:309:30am. Members, $10; nonmembers, $20. neworleanschamber.org.

9 Jefferson Chamber Gala Royale.

Casino games, open bar, silent auction

Dante Street. 866-4367.

9-25 The Marvelous Wonderettes.

Full-credit online and classroom 8-week courses begin. 671-5012. dcc.edu.

13 New Orleans Chamber Game Night at Tulane University. Networking, baseball

Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, 177

and fun as Tulane takes on UL-Lafayette.

Sala Ave, Westwego. $20-$35. jpas.org.

Greer Field at Turchin Stadium,

10 BeauSoleil Trio. Friends of the Cabildo

3000 Ben Weiner Dr. 6:30-9pm. $15

and live music by Bag of Donuts.

Concert Series. Old US Mint, 3rd floor.

includes game entry and food voucher.

Ochsner Sports Performance Center.

523-3939. friendsofthecabildo.org.

neworleanschamber.org.

VIP cocktails, 6:30pm; gala, 7:30-11pm. jeffersonchamber.org.

9 Lark Party in the Park. The Goldring/ Woldenberg Great Lawn, City Park. VIP party, 7-8pm; gala, 8-11pm. 483-9376. friendsofcitypark.com.

10 Free Family Day: A Tricentennial

16 Business & Breakfast. Jefferson

Celebration. Art activities and

Chamber of Commerce. Crowne Plaza

entertainment for the whole family.

New Orleans Airport, 2829 Williams Blvd,

Odgen Museum of Art, 925 Camp St.

Kenner. 7:45-9:30am. Members, $10;

10am-2pm. ogdenmuseum.org/events.

10 Italian-American St. Joseph’s

nonmembers $20. jeffersonchamber.org.

16 Molly’s at the Market & Jim

9 New Orleans Chamber 1st Quarter

Parade. French Quarter. 6pm.

Monaghan’s Parade. 1107 Decatur St.

Luncheon with Brandy Christian.

stpatricksdayneworleans.com.

6pm. stpatricksdayneworleans.com.

The Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans, 130 Roosevelt Way, Roosevelt Ballroom, Mezzanine Level. Registration, 11am-12pm; program with luncheon,

28

Inside New Orleans

11 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Metairie Rd. 12pm. stpatricksdayneworleans.com.

12 Second Start and Mini Session Classes. Delgado Community College.

16-17 Miguel Zenon: Típico.

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

16-18 Audubon Pilgrimage. Tour historic

homes and gardens, authentic 1820s costumes, living history demonstrations, night festivities and cemetery tours.

West Feliciana Parish Historical Museum, 11757 Ferdinand St, St. Francisville.

Metairie. 12pm. stpatricksdayneworleans.com.

cacno.org.

22-July 8 Sarah Morris. Exhibition of

20-23 New Orleans Entrepreneur Week.

painting, drawing and film, examining the

noew.org.

mythologies of contemporary urbanity

21 Chamber After 5: New Orleans

and the city of New Orleans during its

(225) 635-6330. audubonpilgrimage.info.

Entrepreneur Week Kickoff Party.

tercentennial year. Contemporary Arts

westfelicianahistoicalsociety.org.

Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925

Center New Orleans, 900 Camp St. 528-

Camp St. 5:30-7:30pm. Members, free;

3805. cacno.org.

16-18 Spring Break Promo. Gift with purchase event. Palm Village, A Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store, 2735 US 190 Ste. C, Mandeville. (985) 778-2547.

17 Downtown Irish Club Parade.

Bywater to Bourbon. 6pm. stpatricksdayneworleans.com.

17 Irish Channel Parade. 12:30pm. stpatricksdayneworleans.com.

17 Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day Club Block Party. 1500 block of Chippewa.

10am-6pm. stpatricksdayneworleans.com.

18 Louisiana Irish-Italian Parade.

nonmembers, $10.

23-24 Hogs for the Cause. Nationally

neworleanschamber.org.

recognized bands, amateur and

21-24 Jenvie & Eli Trunk Show. Ballin’s

professional BBQ competitors and an

LTD, 721 Dante Street. 866-4367.

Oktoberfest-style tent with thirty craft-

21-25 Tennessee Williams New Orleans

beer taps and more music. Proceeds

Literary Festival. tennesseewilliams.net.

support families whose child is being

22 Discover Delgado Day. Hundreds

treated for pediatric brain cancer. UNO

of area high school students visit the City Park Campus to learn about

Lakefront Arena. hogsforthecause.org.

31 Crescent City Classic. ccc10k.com.

opportunities. 671-5010. dcc.edu.

22-June 17 Jockum Nordström: Why Is

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upcoming issue of Inside New Orleans.

February-March 2018 29

INside Story

by Michael Harold

IN SIXTH GRADE, I discovered an unquenchable thirst for reading books. Prior to that, I equated reading with stuff like Hardy Boys mysteries, juvenile short stories and Highlight magazines— it was, for me, dull and overrated. And, if the truth be told, nothing compared to the mindless pleasures of after-school TV and characters like Marsha Brady, the Howells and Sergeant Carter.

During the summer of 1976, however, I stole a copy of The Exorcist from my parents’ library and was forever changed. It was then that I realized

16-year-old stays up all night page-turning Beowulf or The Canterbury Tales? Not I, and certainly not when there was The Shining to scare the living daylights out of me or Mommie Dearest to convince me that I had the best mother in the world. Mine certainly did not put a plate of raw meat in front of me every morning or misuse coat hangers.

In my 30s, I joined a reading club. I honestly wasn’t sure how long it would last or rather, how long I would last, but sure enough, the club is still alive and kicking. We discuss one book a month

the power of books. I had to hide the paperback from my parents because they would never have allowed me to read it—and with reason. The book was absolutely terrifying. Every night I had to stop myself from dragging my sleeping bag to the foot of my parents’ bed to keep Satan away. Rather than confess to reading it and having the book taken away, I manned up and slept alone with the lights on.

Once I realized books contained stories that were gossipy, erotic, chilling and disturbing, I was hooked. I raided my parents’ rooms and took all kinds of books. I swiped a copy of Sidney Sheldon’s The Other Side of Midnight and educated myself on racy subjects I never knew existed. I shed tears reading Brian’s Song and feared the ocean like everyone else after reading Jaws. I thought high

and alternate between classics and contemporary fiction. It’s been great fun, but admittedly, of the 250 or more book discussions in which I’ve taken part, some of the most noteworthy have been the ones attended by the authors themselves. Christina Vella attended our book club once and conversed about the life of Baroness Pontalba, and John Biguenet discussed his experience with Louisiana swamp life.

The problem with inviting a guest writer is how to critique a book when he or she is sitting across the table. We once welcomed an author who had published a memoir describing her life in Provence with a French businessman. Some of our preservation-loving members chose not to attend for fear they’d say something to the writer over a scene in which she saws a 17th century family

school would be different, but frankly, what 15- or

table in half because she didn’t like the shape of it.

The Book Club

30

Inside New Orleans

And unforgettable was the time a wellknown war correspondent attended our book club and accounted us with stories of dodging bullets in the Middle East.

We were left speechless when one of our members nodded her head in agreement and said, “Trust me, no one realizes what we journalists go through.” She wrote a gossip column.

Of all the captivating guest writers, no one will ever compare to our very own member, Don. Without question, Don was the greatest raconteur in the entire club. Quite the ladies’ man, Don Juan’s stories were legendary, and who knows, maybe they were all true. Let’s face it, how can you not be in awe of a guy who chooses The Happy Hooker as a discussion book and then talks about how Xaviera Hollander entrusted him with her “black book?” He told us about playing tennis in Hollywood while Elke Summer’s pet cheetah watched on the sidelines; he discovered a Spanish galleon off the coast of Bermuda and was given an honorary membership to the island’s most exclusive yacht club; he convinced Eileen Ford to start her modeling agency; and he once watched his car get sucked into the earth following a magnitude 4 earthquake in Ecuador. And, that’s only scratching the surface of Don’s adventures.

One-year, Don announced that

he had written a mystery novel and that it was to be published. Of course, when the book came out we all had to read it. Don’s novel had it all—murder, Italian jet setters, handsome detectives, jewels, and of course, sex. Although the plot had more holes than Swiss cheese, I couldn’t help admiring Don for getting a novel published. Sadly, all anyone could do was focus on the sex scenes and in particular, a water scene where the main character’s metaphorical “torpedo” enters its targeted silo. When someone finally got the liquid courage to mention it, poor Don didn’t even remember the scene.

I miss old Don. He moved to the Providence after Katrina but apparently still carries the gold coin he discovered from the sunken ship. Sadly, William Peter Blatty died last year at the age of 89, so we can’t invite him to New Orleans to discuss The Exorcist. Peter Benchley’s also gone, and so is Sydney Sheldon. I guess that leaves us with one more possible guest writer.

Christina Crawford. If she accepts, I’ll serve steak. Well done, of course.

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Inside New Orleans

A Gift of Home

by Poki Hampton

The Evans House

WHAT A THOUGHTFUL husband Scott Evans is! As a 50th birthday gift for his wife, Michelle, Scott called in Jennifer Dicerbo Interiors by The French Mix to update their home.

Using some of the couple’s existing pieces and adding furniture and accessories in a color palette of warm and neutral tones that fit seamlessly into the house, Jennifer helped to create a stylish, yet serene, setting. >>

February-March 2018 33

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Inside New Orleans

As you enter the home’s spacious foyer, the graceful, curved, iron railing of the staircase is the focal point. Two French-style arm chairs in champagne silk velvet sport pillows of cream plumage.

The round iron-and-glass table, with gold and silver leaf, is topped by an alabaster lamp with a coconut-white silk shade. Art above the table is by Michelle Tullos.

Accenting the arched stone fireplace, the centerpiece of the living room, is a modern acrylic tryptic by Michelle Y Williams. For extra storage, Dicerbo designed the custom bonnet-top armoire, which is painted in pewter grey with a soft warm glaze. The contemporary line sofa is upholstered in an icy-grey-blue silk velvet. Antique iron and mirrored glass form the cocktail table. The custom draperies are in embroidered linen in tones of oyster, taupe and soft blue. A >> February-March 2018 35

creamy buff leather chair near the fireplace is sculptural in shape with nail-head trim.

The rug is hand-knotted silk and wool in tones of soft grey, blue and cream. Atop a round table sits a crystal column lamp with a crisp, white linen shade.

With its warm Old Chicago brick walls and floors, cypress double door with cypress over-door and beams, and tongue-and-groove cypress ceiling, the keeping room is the perfect place for casual dining. Jennifer designed a custom banquette covered in dove grey faux shagreen. The dining chair cushions are in a durable performance fabric, as well.

Suspended over the homeowner’s original turned-leg table is an iron-and-clear-glass beaded chandelier.

An Old Chicago brick arch leads into the formal dining room. Anchoring 36

Inside New Orleans

the 18th century-style dining table and chairs is a hand-knotted, silk-and-wool rug in rich French blue and cream. The chair seats and arm chairs are covered in a textured bone velvet. An elegant, custom Julie Neil chandelier hangs over the table. Above the traditional sideboard is a French-style mirror in gold leaf. Two crystal lamps with painted parchment shades flank the mirror. Four French intaglios are framed in simple gold frames.

Custom draperies in oyster silk Dupioni with haze banding frame the arched French doors.

Complete with a spacious seating area, the master retreat is the perfect place to relax after a long day. The king-size bed boasts an upholstered headboard; a white matelassé coverlet and monogramed shams are the foundation for embroidered silk throw pillows in sea-glass blue that match the Belgian linen bed skirt. Over the bed is a resin-covered contemporary painting by Julie Gahagan. A leather bench in Knottingham Cream sits at the foot of the bed. The Debonaire blue of the antique Oushak rug is picked up in the mohair of the small sofa in the sitting room. A petite French chandelier and Dupioni silk embroidered draperies complete the room.

“Working with Michelle and Scott was such a pleasure,” says Dicerbo. “We were able to pick out exactly the items they wanted from our showroom and ordered customized pieces as well to make their home their own.”

“Jennifer was delightful! She was always responsive to our questions and choices,” says Michelle. “She worked in a timely manner to meet our deadline of my 50th birthday party!”

February-March 2018 37

by Winnie Brown

38

Galant

Introduction to Carnival Traditions EACH DECEMBER, Les Galants puts on its youthful Squires ball, ushering in the holiday season with a unique blend of Carnival and Christmas pageantry.

With the sound of the captain’s whistle, Santa arrives in his sleigh led by a red-nosed Rudolph and his or her team of reindeer amid flying snowballs for a fanciful presentation of the subdeb coterie.

The Squires, originally known as The Quins, began in the late 1950s as a way to introduce young people to the Carnival traditions of the city according to Peter Ives, who was a teenager at the time and with John Cavaroc served as one of the two original Squires lieutenants. Along with Bryan Wagner, the first captain, the three comprised the entire officer corps of the new organization.

The Quins, a diminutive of Harlequins, was formed when several of the club’s members deemed their teenage children the appropriate age to introduce them to the traditions of Carnival. The founders were Wiltz Wagner, John Singreen, Arthur Geary, and Falvey Fox, who presented their first

Inside New Orleans

queen in 1960, Cecile Grace. She was followed by Beatty Geary.

In 1963, the fledgling Quins established their independence from Harlequins and restructured as a new organization, Les Galants. Its krewe would be “The Squires.” Arthur Geary served as the first general chairman of the new Christmas ball and the first queen was Patricia Forsyth Strachan, who was succeeded by Louise Westfeldt McIlhenny in 1964. Each was attended by a small court of maids, and the new courts were initially re-presented at Harlequins. Pages first appeared in 1965, with the lead honor (and precursor to today’s Rudolph) going to Elisabeth Couret Joumonville Fox. The Squires archetypal shield with its motto of “Honor, Chivalry and Faith” first appeared in 1967.

Carnival doesn’t officially begin until Twelfth Night, but Squires participants are of school age—the young ladies presented in the court are in the 10th grade and the membership is comprised of young men who span high school grades. Accordingly, the

photos courtesy: WINNIE BROWN

A

annual bal masqué occurs during Christmas break is an elaborate tableau that includes the traditional with a combination of Carnival and Noel revelry Grand March to the strands of the Triumphal March once dubbed by Nell Nolan in her society column as from Aida and festivities are followed by a Queen’s “Carnival ‘n’ Christmas.”

Supper dance.

Yuletide mirth and merriment aside and true One past monarch’s youthful perspective is to its founding mission, Squires closely follows related by Michael Lewis, who reigned as king in Carnival conventions. The court of today includes 1976, and shared his experience in his 2005 New a captain, a king—and Santa, York Times article, “Wading too, whose identities in keeping “The queen, a freshman at Toward Home.” Lewis recounts, with protocol are secret. Filling “There was, for instance, a Mardi Sacred Heart got a taste Gras krewe for adolescents called out the court are lieutenants, pages (of the antlered variety), of champagne and an appetite Squires, which mimicked exactly dukes, maids and a queen. The the masked balls of the adults. young ladies of the court learn for the life of a debutante When I was 16, I was dubbed its of their honor months before king: a group of five young men Saturday night.” the ball during traditional home in suits, led by the departing king, “court calls” by the captain and turned up in our living room to — Betty Guillaud, States Item 1973 his lieutenants, as well as board tap my shoulders. After school for members of the organization. In debutante custom, the next several weeks, I went straight from baseball the maids wear long white dresses, appropriately practice to a school for royals in a cottage just off St. jeune fille style with short white gloves, and bouquets Charles Avenue, where a woman experienced in the in the season’s colors. The queen is resplendent in ways of European royalty had taken up residence— traditional monarchial garb—complete with Squires presumably because we had the one growth market diadem, scepter, mantle, and train. Kith and kin are in the world for kings and queens. The tone of her entertained by the monarchs prior to the ball. There sessions was serious, bordering on solemn. In that >> February-March 2018 39

40

Inside New Orleans

Clifton presided over the krewe, who were dressed as farmers carrying hoes and rakes, and bottles resembling salad seasonings labeled “Love, Hope, Joy, and Peace.” When Santa arrived, the farmers gave him the vegetables to place in the bowl with a generous amount of his seasonings of good wishes!

The young krewe was also thoroughly engaged in anticipation of the upcoming U.S. bicentennial.

In 1974, the Squires krewe waged war on the British in the Municipal Auditorium. The theme was “Christmas Eve 1776, Washington Crossing the Delaware.” The tableau recreated Emanuel Leutze’s famous painting and Washington (most likely the captain, Cove Geary) entered on the bow of the boat, resplendent in his tri-cornered hat, blue coat, white pants and black boots and flanked by colonial flag bearers with the 13 Stars and Stripes. Other krewe members portrayed frontiersmen in fur caps and French sailors with traditional berets and red pompoms.

The lively group of patriots reached the auditorium’s shores, surprising the British redcoats, who were drinking grog around a campfire, where they hoisted the American flag and claimed a symbolic victory for the Continental Army. Lucille Minor Wisdom reigned as queen, and her king was Michael Riess.

In 1978, the ball adopted the holiday version

photos courtesy: WINNIE BROWN

little cottage, I spent hours practicing to be king, a crown on my head, an ermine cape on my shoulders and a glittering scepter in my left hand that I waved over imaginary subjects, unaware that there was anything the slightest bit unusual about any of it.”

Throughout the years, the annual Christmas ball was presented with a variety of themes and a corresponding tableau and stage set.

These included “The Three Wise Men,” “A Search for the Star Under the Sea,” and by all accounts the unique 1977 “Santa’s Seasoned Salad,” which aroused much interest among the guests when the dance floor was transformed into a vegetable garden. According to the Times Picayune, “On the grass grew huge vegetables two and three feet high, and in the center, atop a big Christmas package, was a huge salad bowl.”

Queen Elizabeth Morris Dabazies and King Clay

with the full royal court in practice today. The honor of Rudolph, a new tradition, was bestowed that year on the young Oliver Clement (Clé) Dabazies, whose father, Oliver H. Dabazies, M.D., was a longstanding president of the organization.

George Bernard Shaw once said, “Youth is a wonderful thing.” And adolescent obliviousness has lent a sense of levity to the operations over the years.

Bob Williams, a longtime board member who has held many leadership positions in the organization and is also the father of the 1998 queen, Adair Smith-Lupo Monroe Williams, recounted some of the more amusing court calls, “Consistent with our policy of having the queen taken by surprise, on one occasion the chosen one had to be called in off the tennis court. Another year, the captain was dating the older sister of the queen. When he arrived at the queen’s house with the surprise invitation to be queen, she refused to be bothered to come down the staircase because when she saw who it was she assumed he was there just to see her sister. When it was my daughter’s turn, we told her that a group of appellate judges were coming over for dinner so that she would get dressed up. When the delegation of young men arrived, most of whom she knew, she still was not suspicious. We asked her what she thought when the young men showed up. She said she thought to herself, “Won’t the judges think it strange to have all these young guys here.” Totally clueless!

No mention of Squires would be complete without a nod to the krewe’s iconic snow balls. The silverinscribed orbs have long been a part of the evening’s celebration, with the whole lot—krewe and guests—engaging in a bit of winter frolic and even a snowball fight or two.

On December 22, 2017, Kathleen Pierce Gibbons reigned as the 55th Queen of Squires at

the New Orleans Convention Center. John R. Cook IV, general chairman, presided over the ball of 23 maids and just as many reindeer, along with a bevy of dukes, lieutenants, and of course, the captain, king, and Santa—many of whom are the children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren of previous Squires royalty, members and founders.

As Betty Guillaud, the States-Item society columnist, put it in the 1970s, “The names that make this youthful social scene have and will continue no doubt to make it again and again.” I think she would add these 40-plus years later that this is a celebration that no doubt will continue for another 55 years and longer.

As they say, “Start ’em young and raise ’em right”! And, like Carnival’s anthem, If Ever I Cease to Love, New Orleans will never cease to love its traditions, nor a good party—at any age.

February-March 2018 41

Workplace

Nina and Ken Friend.

Couples Who Work Together EVEN IN THE MIDST OF CARNIVAL, as Valentine’s Day approaches, you can’t help but notice the mushy, sweet love in the air. Flower shops are bustling with bouquets; frantic men are running through the grocery store looking for cards and chocolates; restaurants roll out their Valentine dinner menus.

And fellas, a plastic rose throw won’t work (hint, hint).

Couples of all ages celebrate the holiday in many different ways. Few, however, do so as partners at work as well as in marriage. We asked several such couples to share about running a business together. While many couples are admirably strong, it seems to us that those who work together deserve several boxes of chocolates!

Ken and Nina Friend of Friend & Co. Fine Jewelers How long have you been married? 25 years.

How long have you worked together? 20 years.

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Inside New Orleans

Why did you decide to work together? (Nina) I saw a growing demand for a local bridal registry, so we launched a full table-top and gift collection in a boutique setting on the second floor of the shop as an addition to the fine jewelry.

What’s your favorite part of working together? Because we’re in the same industry, but not the same department, at the end of the day we can come home and talk about our day and relate to each other and have an interest in each other’s “business.” There is a lot of overlap with the two as well.

Who’s the boss (or more bossy)? (Nina) It’s a true partnership at work, but at home my husband likes to say, “It’s just nice to have 49% of the vote.”

Anything else we should know? People say they can’t imagine working with their spouse, but we can’t imagine another other!

George and Stacey Messina Owners, Messina’s Catering and Events; Messina’s at the Terminal; Messina’s Runway Café How long have you been married/together?

We were high school sweethearts and have been married for 32 years. We have three children and one grandson.

How long have you worked together? Why did you decide to work together?

We didn’t exactly decide to work together. It just happened over time as our company has grown. Both of us grew up in our families’ restaurant businesses and worked together since dating. We eventually bought Messina’s Restaurant and expanded into offsite catering in 1991. Stacey oversees the company sales team, as well as all marketing, social media and public relations.

George oversees all financial aspects of the company including all business development, production and operations of the company. George is definitely more of the risk-taker by being the ultimate entrepreneur and Stacey is more of an analyzer and more conservative in new business opportunities. We complement each other and balance each other in that way. Luckily, our business is very diverse with different divisions and offices. We oversee different divisions, so rarely are we in the same office all day together.

What’s your favorite part of working together? (Stacey) Knowing that we both have each other’s back and experience the ups and downs of the business together. It’s been a blessing to grow the business together and develop a great team that has become a second family to us. (George) When we have success, my favorite part is that we both can share in the excitement and feeling of accomplishment that we did it together!

Who’s the boss (or more bossy)? Most people know that if you want to get George to do something, ask Stacey. George has always told me, “Why do you even ask me because you’re going to do what you want anyway?”

Anything else we should know? We learned that we have to make time for other blessings in life; if not, work and the business will take over your life.

When not working, we like to try new restaurants, spend time at home with family and traveling

Stacey and George Messina.

(especially Italy) when the calendar allows. George likes to handicap the horses and Stacey plays USTA tennis for a little R & R when work allows.

A. J. & Anna Tusa of Tusa Restaurant Group How long have you been married/together?

“We have been a couple for 10 years; married for 7.”

How long have you worked together? “23 years.”

Why did you decide to work together? “I started working for A. J. at his restaurant, Anthony’s Seafood House, inside the Riverwalk Mall while in college. I worked there all through college in various positions. After I received my degree, I left because >> Anna and A. J. Tusa.

February-March 2018 43

Mandy Simpson and Daren Sumrow.

it was family owned and operated, and there were no management positions available. About a year later, A. J. contacted me about an opportunity overseeing a new restaurant build out along with existing operations. So, it was a natural fit that we work together. To date, we have opened five locations together.”

What’s your favorite part of working together? “We both know our roles; I’m very hands on in the day to day operations with the staff, management and event planning, while A. J. is great at the PR aspect of the guest experience. He loves meeting new people, taking photos with guests for his Facebook, and kissing the babies. We are very excited and proud about what we do, so we get to work off each other’s energy, and I get to spend the day with my best friend (A. J.). We bring out the best in each other daily.”

Who’s the boss (or more bossy)?

“We both are strict and fair with our employees. At home, he wants to be the king of our castle, and thinks he is Mr. Right. However, little does he know I’m Always Mrs. Right!”

Extra little anecdote we should know?

“Our three Ds are: Desire, 44

Inside New Orleans

Dedication and Determination. We are both workaholics and have worked through milestone birthdays and our anniversary; once, we changed our wedding date to accommodate a large buy out at one of our restaurants. Talk about a passion for what we do!”

Mandy Simpson and Daren Sumrow of NOLA BOARDS How long have you all been married/together? “7 years together/ married 4.”

How long have you worked together? “We have worked together for 3 1/2 years now.”

Why did you decide to work together? “I (Mandy) left my role at Ochsner Hospital as a heart transplant social worker to help Daren run the business as it started to grow quickly.

Trying to juggle a full-time career and grow what was then really just a side hustle began to be overwhelming. Daren needed someone to take over the more administrative side so he could focus on the craftsman side of the business.

Everyone has their strengths, and we put ourselves in the roles that made the most sense.”

What’s your favorite part of

working together? Daren: “My favorite part of working together is knowing that we are working toward a larger goal. We are a blended family, and each have two amazing children; however, this business in a way is like our own baby that we are nurturing and raising together.”

Mandy: “My favorite part of working with Daren is when we get on a roll, bouncing ideas off each other. This happens almost daily and can be at all times of the day. When either of us has an idea, the other expands on it and the energy and excitement can be really high.

We’ve created something special together and are very future focused. Although there can be some very challenging parts of working together, at the end of the day, seeing both of our passions and ideas come to fruition makes it all worth it!”

Who’s the boss (or more bossy)?

“Mandy is definitely the boss, but Daren is more bossy!”

Anything else we should know?

“It’s been really fun watching our children (ages 19, 15, and 15) start to get involved in the business! This past holiday season they stepped in to help when we really needed it with various things, including working at the stores and even building projects. Having them see what our days really involve is priceless, and the skills they will gain by working with us are invaluable.”

Thomas and Jennifer DiCerbo of The French Mix by Jennifer DiCerbo How long have you been married? “Married for 16 years and together 20 years. We met 20 years ago at LSU—at Fred’s!”

Why did you decide to work together? “Professionally, we were both ready to make a change. And running a local business together made sense. Our >> February-March 2018 45

Thomas and Jennifer DiCerbo.

Who’s the boss? Tom says, “We both have very different and essential roles, but Jenn is the boss.”

Jenn adds, “I’m the boss, but he’s my favorite person, funny and generous—and there is no one that I️ prefer spending my time with more.”

Alan and Mona Vinturella of Southland Plumbing Supply and Outdoor Living Center

strengths and personalities complement each other.”

Favorite part of working together? “The fact that we are building something together—a business that we are both so proud of. It takes a lot more than people could ever imagine to run and grow a successful business.”

How long have you been married? “Married 44 years—grew up next door to each other as young children!”

Why did you decide to work together?

“Alan graduated from LSU in chemical engineering and went to work for his father at Southland. Mona graduated from LSU in interior design. After marriage, it was only natural to be a part of the family business in whatever role was needed, starting with showroom design for Mona and Alan running the business as his father retired.”

Favorite part of working together? “NOT working together!! We have separate roles and don’t

spend a lot of working time together, but we both enjoy watching the business grow, traveling to industry functions nationwide, networking with our peers, making sure the fine reputation that Southland has in the community is maintained. As the business has expanded to include lighting, appliances and generators, and our children have joined us, we have taken on the Outdoor Living Center in Covington and brought it into the Southland family.”

Who’s the boss? “Alan is the boss.

He has loved this business since the day he started. He likes to say he is the face of Southland (on the radio)!! The rest of us TRY to keep him in line, quite a task, but we try to reel him in, just under the radar!”

Anything else we should know?

“We just celebrated Southland’s 50th year in business and our personal 60-year relationship—and we still laugh MOST days and keep it fun.”

Mona and Alan Vinturella.

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Inside New Orleans

The Krewe of Le Moyne The First Lords of Mardi Gras

THE YEAR WAS 1699. The place was an area known today as the Head of Passes, or the Bird’s Foot Delta, where the Mississippi River branches off into three distinct directions at its mouth on the Gulf of Mexico. Let’s call it ten miles or so south of Pilot Town, way down in Plaquemines Parish at the end of the boot of Louisiana.

Five of the eleven boys born to Charles and Catherine Le Moyne at Ville-Marie, New France (now Canada) were on a mission for their King, Louis XIV, and had just stumbled upon their quest in the midst of a violent storm. With dusk approaching, any thoughts of rejoicing would have to keep till the morrow—if there was to be a morrow. At the present moment, they were busy fighting for their lives.

Gale-force winds and torrential rain complicated matters for the leader of the mission, who was faced with the decision to ride out the storm at sea or try for land. At 37, Pierre was the oldest of the Le Moyne brothers and the leader of this particular adventure to find the mouth of the Mississippi River and claim it for France before the pesky English could. He had under his charge two of the King’s small frigate ships, the Badine and the Marin; two stout Normanstyle fishing boats called traversiers; a couple of bark canoes; and a ragtag crew comprised of fellow Canadians, Spanish deserters from Mexico, Spanish

by Joey Kent

speaking Frenchmen, expatriate Canadian mercenaries known as “filibusters,” a priest, and four of his brothers—Joseph (30), Jean (19), Gabriel (17) and Antoine (15). The two frigates were safely anchored in deeper waters, and the canoes were strapped to the traversiers, which were essentially barges outfitted with sails and filled with various provisions related to the mission.

Better suited to the shallow inland waters, the barges were nonetheless being unmercifully battered as their crews fought the rising swells and the wind whipped their sails violently about. Ancient trees felled long ago, twisted roots and mud-clogged debris washed downriver since time immemorial presented themselves as dark, rocky crags, making landfall nearly impossible, but with both crews near exhaustion and the light of day fading fast, Pierre ordered his boat aground. Sauvolle, the lieutenant in charge of the other barge, followed suit. Both crews were surprised when the “land” before them was discovered to be little more than small hills of slime and sediment attached to branches and hardened in place. They busted through and, in that moment, found themselves upon the Mississippi.

The easternmost of three forks was chosen as the most navigable, and the ascent begun. The wind favored their sails, but the barges made slow progress against the mighty current. The rains continued in force, and the waters offered up many a hidden sand bar, but the crews pressed on until marshy grasses gave way to firmer ground and heavier growth. When darkness made further progress impossible, Pierre and his mates made landfall. A campground was slashed out of the dense wilderness, fires ignited, and a porridge of corn meal mixed with seasoned pork, known as >> February-March 2018 49

sagamity, was eagerly consumed.

As Pierre sat before the fire contemplating the day’s events, he wrote in his journal “We feel, stretched upon these rushes, sheltered from the bad weather, all the pleasure there is in seeing one’s self safe from evident peril.

It is a gallant enough work discovering the shores of the sea in barges not large enough to keep to sea with either sail or anchor, and too large to land on a flat coast, where they strand and touch a half league out.” With that, the thoroughly exhausted expedition party bedded down for the night, immensely satisfied with the day’s accomplishments and otherwise too pooped to party.

The following morning was a Tuesday, more specifically what we call “Fat Tuesday” or “Mardi Gras”—March 3, 1699. There was still much work to be done to prove beyond a doubt that the river Pierre and company were camped on was indeed the Mississippi, the same river charted from the north some years earlier by explorer RenéRobert Cavelier. Now was the time to fill in the blanks and connect the mouth with the rest of the river, but first, the troupe celebrated Catholic Mass, sang the Te Deum loudly and erected a cross to mark the point of landing. They ate “succinctly” from the provisions, rationed by Pierre most likely because of the losses incurred during the storm, and boarded the barges once more for the day’s journey upriver.

Soon thereafter, the weather changed, unleashing violent squalls and challenging the crews in their forward progress. In the melee, the mast broke on one of the barges, sending both crews to the bank to effect repairs where they found and enjoyed a large growth of blackberries.

Back on the river, the flotilla continued north, noting the abundant wildlife before them: various types of ducks and geese, 50

Inside New Orleans

photo courtesy: JOEY KENT

egrets, opossums, raccoons, beavers, wolves and deer. Up ahead, the river took a sharp turn to the west, and it was decided to make camp there for the night near what is now the town of Buras. The cannons were fired in celebration of the day and to announce their presence to any natives lurking about. Pierre named a nearby tributary Bayou Mardi Gras and their campsite Point du Mardi Gras in honor of the day.

Now, some of you may be aware of a certain rivalry that exists between Louisiana and Alabama. No, I’m not talking about football, but, rather, the claim over who had the first Mardi Gras celebration in America. The city of Mobile has long asserted this distinction for itself, citing the fact that the Le Moyne brothers built their first fort in the Louisiana territory on the edge of that city in 1702 and hosted a Mardi Gras parade the following year.

Fine and dandy, but I would contend that the events noted above—Mass, singing the Te Deum, toting about a cross, a flotilla of two ships parading up the Mississippi for twelve miles and feasting on fruit and game, and a celebration at the first point on the continent named “Mardi Gras” constitutes maybe not the finest all-out celebration of the holiday, but it was still first on the books!

To further bolster this claim, let me add that the Krewe of Le Moyne contained some of New France’s most noble sons.

For you see, each of the five brothers was a titled Lord, courtesy of a resolution

from King Louis XIV of France himself. It seems their father, Charles, once a lowly trapper, had distinguished himself many times over in battle for the King and had thus been rewarded with a parcel of land in Canada equal to 150 square miles and given the title of Sieur de Longueil— Lord of a territory of his naming we now know as Montreal. Additionally, the King gave Charles the right to extend titles of nobility to his sons, and so he did.

I find it odd that the two most famous of the Le Moyne brothers were recorded into history and mostly remembered not as members of this prestigious family of nouveau-riche French Canadians but for the land they commanded in the Dieppe region of France, the birthplace of their father, almost five thousand miles away.

Antoine, the youngest Le Moyne, was at 15 already known as the Lord of Chateaugué. His older brother, Joseph, was the Lord of Serigny and Gabriel was the Lord of Assigny. The feisty Jean, born Jean Baptiste Le Moyne, was the Lord of Bienville, and the oldest of the Le Moyne brothers, Pierre, was the Lord of Iberville—collectively “Bienville” and “Iberville” to students of Louisiana history.

Oh, and that other explorer guy I mentioned earlier, Réne-Robert Cavelier, got the same treatment. He was the Lord of La Salle. We’ll talk more about his legacy and the rest of the Le Moyne brothers’ expedition on the Mississippi in the next installment. Stay tuned…

Wine Cellar

by Bill Kearney

Domaine Romanée-Conti OFTEN CALLED THE HOLY GRAIL of wine, Domaine Romanée-Conti is amongst the world’s most sought-after wines. For pinot noir or Burgundy lovers, it is the enigmatic pursuit of that which is almost impossible to find. In addition to the insatiable quest for the perfect wine, DRC (as it is known to the faithful) commands a price that is certainly not for the faint of heart.

I recently had occasion to partake in a tasting of many of these wines at Galatoire’s Restaurant’s DRC Wine Dinner. It was heralded as an amazing evening of wine and food that was unparalleled in my memory. Indeed, the president of the DRC importer noted that he had never heard of such a tasting having been done before. It is not my habit to write about wines that are beyond the reach of the consumer, but this evening was so special in nature that I felt compelled to share my thoughts.

Having never had the opportunity to embark on such a tasting, I was understandably excited and curious.

Inevitably, my speculation traveled to the question as to whether anything was indeed this good. Could the wines possibly match the hype surrounding them, or was this simply another marketing event that withheld product from consumers so as to create greater demand?

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Inside New Orleans

Chef Michael Sichel created a menu that was ingenious in its simplicity as he correctly determined that the evening should be about the wines—the food should only serve as a complement to the wines and should never overpower or outshine what we came to drink.

His approach was brilliant, as nothing on the plate confused the palate with sauces or flavors that stood in contrast to the featured wine.

Chef Sichel’s selections were not about him and further cemented the notion that he is indeed an amazingly talented cook and creator.

We had the opportunity to try one white and three reds during the evening. Each wine was paired with a perfect dish that served to enhance its luscious nature. After being treated to a bright and amazing glass of 2004 vintage Gosset Champagne, we embarked upon a tasting that I will likely never forget. It started with a chardonnay wine that was simply without equal.

While I have been fortunate enough to have had Montrachet from several producers, the 2011 Domaine Romanée-Conti Montrachet was exceptional. I think what was even more significant was the fact that this wine has a much brighter future and will only get better with time. This chardonnay provides amazing harmony and pleasure and it comes from a producer that simply cannot get better. There are layers of complex fruit that make each sip a

never-ending pursuit of desire for more.

The evening showed three red wines that were as unique as one can imagine. Each was a different exhibition of pinot noir that was true to the land from whence it came. The DRC Grand Echezeaux was bold and delightful. The RomanĂŠe-St. Vivant was gorgeous in the feminine expression of fruit and floral components.

The La Tache is monopole from Domaine RomanĂŠe-Conti, which means that they have a monopoly on ownership and production. It is somewhat unusual that a company owns all of one wine, though it usually signifies something of excellence. The La Tache lived up to this hype and was integrated and harmonious. One need not wonder if this wine is anything other than extraordinary.

I hope you will pardon this reflection down memory lane that is difficult for many to find, much less travel. My hope is that it will inspire the Burgundy lover in us all to pursue a wine of incredible joyous consumption.

There are many wines that are great, but Burgundy might well provide endless hours of happiness for most of us.

February-March 2018 53

by Mimi Greenwood Knight

Finding

MARDI GRAS LOOMED LARGE in Tara Leach Slater’s childhood. Some of her earliest memories are of piling into her mom’s station wagon with her sisters and a passel of neighborhood kids to head downtown to catch a parade. “My mom loved Mardi Gras,” she says. “She used to make all our costumes and usually some for the neighbors.

Then she’d load the ice chest with sandwiches, and we’d make a day of it. Her favorite place to watch was on St. Charles in front of Delmonico where she’d let us roam the street, because you could back then.”

As soon as she was old enough, Slater found the cheapest apartment she could find on the parade route and moved herself in. “The kitchen was so small you couldn’t open the fridge and the oven at the same 54

Inside New Orleans

time,” she laughs. “But the parades passed right outside my door. We had a clean bathroom and a place to rest between parades and that’s all that mattered.”

For as long as she can remember, Slater wanted to join a Mardi Gras krewe. “We had friends in Bacchus when I was growing up,” she says. “I rode as a guest in Isis in Metairie and rode in a couple of truck parades.” But it wasn’t until 2004, when a coworker showed her how to go online and apply to ride in the all-female Muses parade, that Slater realized her dream. Muses was small back then, compared with the current 1,100-plus members.

Planning for the parade and decorating the coveted Muses shoes are a year-round pursuit for Slater now. “We usually find out next year’s theme on 12th Night,” she says. “By March or April—

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

HerTaraMuse Leach Slater

immediately after Mardi Gras but before Jazz Fest—I get together with the girls on my float and we start brainstorming around that theme.” And all the while, she’s designing and decorating shoes.

When Slater and her husband, Barry, relocated to Abita Springs after losing their Venetian Isles home in Katrina, they built a cottage on a sleepy stretch of bayou which Slater nicknamed “Taradise.” But there was a problem.

“The house was brand new, and glitter from my Muses shoes was everywhere,” she says. “It was in the grout, inside of light switches, floating on the surface of the pool. Barry even found it in his beard.” But decorating out on the patio was impossible with the heat and wind.

Barry proposed a solution and, with >> February-March 2018 55

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Inside New Orleans

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

the help of a friend, built Tara a 10’ x 12’ structure she christened the Glitter Palace.

She decorated her new “shoe-dio” like a Bahamian bungalow, painting it with blues, pinks and lime green and installing palm trees, pink flamingos and strings of shoe-shaped lights. Inside, she hung a whimsical, multi-colored chandelier above pink and white checked flooring. She painted the walls purple, installed lime green peg board to hold her spools of sequins and ribbon and filled her cabinets with pompoms, glitter and a crazy assortment of crafty googa. Now she can decorate her Muses shoes in the comfort of her Glitter Palace, and her house stays glitter-free.

“I have air conditioning, Direct TV, music and a fridge out here,” says Slater.

“I can have shoes in different stages and can work from shoe to shoe without having to pack anything away. I can listen to whatever I want as loud as I want. Winter and fall, I decorate shoes 15 hours a week. But as Mardi Gras gets closer, I’m in the Glitter Palace six or seven hours at a stretch.”

“Everybody wants a shoe, and my friends just expect one each year. I really love giving them to someone who doesn’t expect it—love the look on their face,” says Slater. To keep the coveted “throw” novel, each krewe member is only allowed to decorate and dispense 30 shoes during the parade. But Slater has undertaken some custom creations

for a few special people. “The Saints super fan, the ‘Whistle Monsta,’ came to our pre-pre-parade party last year, and I had a shoe decorated to present to him with his signature whistle hat on top.” She made another inspired by the LSU band hat, a graduation present for a friend’s son who’d been in the band.

This will be a big year for Slater and her floatmates. Because they won second place in the annual Muses headdress competition last year, they’ll be riding on the title float in this year’s parade. And Slater will be bringing her “A” game with the shoes she bestows on lucky parade goers.

Meanwhile, Barry is hard at work on a 10’ x 10’ expansion of her Glitter Palace.

The Krewe of Muses, launched in 2001, is New Orleans’ third official all-female krewe; the Krewe of Iris was introduced in 1917 and the Krewe of Venus began in 1941. In 2014, Muses added the first-ever female torch carriers, the Glambeaux.

Muses has no grand marshal, but each year selects an “Honorary Muse,” someone they believe has served as a role model to women and children in this area. The identity of the Honorary Muse is kept secret until the day of the parade when she appears riding in the krewe’s signature shoe float.

February-March 2018 57

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Flourishes

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4 1. For all your Mardi Gras needs! Carnival board, $160; Crawfish Boil & Gumbo Cocktail Bitters, $22 each; Southern Bloody Mary Mix, $12; Crown-stamped

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handmade cocktail glass, $45-$65; bottle opener, $40; mixing spoon, $12; NOLA Boards, 435-1485. 2. 24” round aluminum serving cart with stained-glass

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mosaic top, 34” high. $830. Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 985-8938008. 3. Tote bag in black or natural duck canvas; letters with “matchstick feet” spell NOLA; $25 plus tax. Buy at hotel or at shop.acehotel.com, 25. Ace Hotel, 900-1180 or shop acehotel.com.

4. Handmade wooden Mardi Gras pen, $39.95. Woodmen Furniture, 258-3916.

5. A locally curated selection of the finest caviars and artisanal roes. Orleans Caviar, (833) 4CAVIAR, concierge@orleanscaviar. com, orleanscaviar.com. 6. Ideal Workstation, stainless steel, with culinary

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kit available in natural bamboo, graphite wood composite, or white and gray resin.

Available in an array of sizes, colors, and features, starting at $2,100. Southland Plumbing, Metairie, 835-8411. 7. Home office desk; inspired by Old World farmstyle antiques. Drawer with drop-front for keyboard; bonded leather writing surface; 48 W x 24 D x 30.5H. American Factory Direct, Covington, 985-871-0300.

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Flourishes

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1. Petal pink Eleanor’s Ribbon boudoir pillow case by Nancy Koltes, $125. The Linen Registry, Metairie, 831-8228. 2. Get your game on with the gold-mirrored Xs and Os tic-tac-toe board in thick acrylic, $165. Also available in silver.

Hilltop Shoppe, 533-9670. 3. Unique framed intaglios wall dĂŠcor, $350. Various styles and sizes available. Greige Home Interiors, Covington,

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985-875-7576. 4. Alabaster candlestick set, $389. Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 985-6244045. 5. Avant-garde Kenzo mosaic tile shown in Calacatta Oro and Gunmetal with touches of brass. Palatial Stone and Tile, Covington, 249-6868. 6. Custom buffet with several finish options. The French Mix by Jennifer DiCerbo Interiors, Covington, 985-809-3152.

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IN the Bookcase THE LATEST WORK from illustrator and author Emma Fick is Snippets of New Orleans, a 248-page book of color illustrations and text vignettes devoted to the people, places and food of New Orleans.

Emma’s illustrations in the book are done by hand in watercolor and pen. She says, “I spent a year working on this book full-time. It is my most earnest and honest reflection of New Orleans: triumphant and tragic, gaudy and gritty, elegant and ugly, rich and poor, a city that embodies all these and other polar opposites with a perverse kind of grace. My account is flawed and incomplete in the way all our experiences are flawed and incomplete: there are always vistas left to see, flavors left to try, stories left to hear; there are assumptions made, words misunderstood, histories distorted.”

This is Emma’s second book of illustrations. Her first, Snippets of Serbia, was published in June 2015

Snippets of New Orleans

by Emma Fick

thanks to a grant funded by the U.S. Embassy in Serbia. It received national acclaim in Serbia and has been featured in international publications including Elle Serbia and Marie Claire Italy. She returned to New Orleans in October 2015 to begin working on Snippets of New Orleans.

Born and raised in Covington, Emma received her bachelor’s degree in English and art history from the University of Alabama, with plans to go into academia. However, she moved to Serbia for two years. “I was inspired by the Byzantine icons—a motif that still finds its way into my work regularly—and, for the first time in my life, found I had the time to paint every day. I quickly realized this was how I wanted to spend the rest of my life, and I returned to the United States determined to establish an art career. I’ve been painting full-time ever since.”

Emma still spends a lot of time traveling. When she’s not in New Orleans, she can be found in some distant land. She took the Trans-Siberian railway from Beijing to Moscow, sketchbook in hand, gathering inspiration for a new work. What is the next Snippets location? She says on her website, “The wind is blowing toward Brazil.”

For more information, visit emmafick.com or email contact@emmafick.com. Follow her daily ventures on Instagram or Facebook.

February-March 2018 63

INside Look

1. Gold plating over sterling silver Mardi Gras Crown pendant with chain, $195. Symmetry Jewelers, 861-9925.

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2. Purple, green and gold Mardi Gras feather earrings. Handmade locally.

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$25. M.Coe & Co, 339-1150, mcoeandco@gmail.com. 3. Mardi Gras dress, $64-$68; Mardi Gras boy bubble, $48. AURALUZ, Metairie, 888-3313 or shopauraluz.com. 4. 18k white and yellow gold, pink sapphire and diamond ring, $4,750. Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, Metairie, 832-0000. 5. 18k rose gold pink tourmaline and diamond ring, $11,500. Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, Metairie, 832-0000.

6. Sandal with rounded, woodgrain

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inset heel and ankle bow, $198. Ballin’s Ltd., New Orleans, 866-4367. 7. Mock scuba top and classic capri pant in

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royal blue. Kevan Hall Sport by Beth DePass, kevanhallsport.com.

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February-March 2018 65

INside Look

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1. 18k rose gold and pink sapphire ring, $7,000. Adler’s, 523-5292.

2. Krewe du Optic Conti sunglasses in Mambo 24K. Optical Shoppe, Metairie, 301-1726. 3. NOLA Couture Tie designed especially for The Pontchartrain Hotel, $65. The Pontchartrain Hotel, 941-9000.

4. Moonstone cabochon with light pink twin intaglio earrings set in gold, $385. Ballin’s Ltd., 866-4367. 5. Protect your baby from UVA & UVB Rays with the Iplaybaby lycra shirt, $20. Love Swimming, 891-4662.

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Inside New Orleans

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1. Lossi Designs and Cheldena Artwork tassel necklace, $56. The Shop at The Collection, The Historic New Orleans Collection, 5987147. 2. Men’s dress shirts and silk ties; shirts starting at $79.50; ties, $59.50. Jos. A Bank, Metairie, 620-2265; and New Orleans, 528-9491. 3.18K Yellow Gold Moonstone and Pink Tourmaline Hoop Earrings, $1,000. Friend & Company, 866-5433. 4. Sofia Ruffle Dress in Via Amor, $148. Palm Village – A Lilly Pulitzer Store, Mandeville, 985-778-2547. 5. Black and beige basket weave bag by Elena Ghisellini, made in Italy, $995. SOSUSU, 309-5026. 6. Tacori Dantela engagement ring in 18K rose gold. Boudreaux’s Jewelers, Metairie, 831-2602. 7. Autumn Flower leggings made of lightweight moisturewicking, 4-way stretch fabric, $98; scoop-hem tank, Virtuso™ fabric, luxe laser-cut details, lightweight, superior stretch and moisture wicking properties, $48. Franco’s Athletic Club, 218-4637.

February-March 2018 67

Health & Wellness 2018

Wellness Center of Thibodaux Regional Making a Difference in the Bayou Region

WITH A NEW YEAR COMES the inevitability of setting resolutions and

and general health and wellness resources to assist them in their

breaking them within a matter of days or weeks. Each January, you

wellness journey. The Center also offers a variety of classes on

resolve to better yourself in some way—by losing weight, exercising

health-related topics, from nutrition to diabetes management.

more, quitting bad habits like smoking or eating healthier. At the Wellness Center of Thibodaux Regional, we offer individuals and

contains technologically advanced workout equipment that can

families many opportunities to work toward better health.

rival any gym in the nation. The Fitness Center staff works with you

The Wellness Center of Thibodaux Regional opened its doors

to create a personalized plan to help you achieve your health and

in November 2016. Since that time, more than five thousand

fitness goals. The Fitness Center features an indoor track where

people have joined the Wellness Center’s Fitness Center and are

members can walk or run in comfort year-round and a full-sized

realizing the benefits. The vision of CEO Greg Stock, the Wellness

basketball court and volleyball courts. Members can participate

Center offers a wide range of facilities and specialty centers

in a variety of group exercise classes led by certified instructors

designed to give people the support, knowledge and resources

and can utilize the hot tub and sauna or steam rooms. Personal

they need to improve their health.

training, massage and childcare services are available as well.

Education is a critical component of health and wellness. The

Swimming is a great way to get regular exercise and improve

Wellness Education Center provides opportunities for individuals

flexibility and overall fitness. The Aquatics Center has an eight-lane

and small or large groups interested in improving their health

competition lap pool, a group exercise and therapy pool as well

status to be supported with excellent facilities, technology and

as a Hydroworx Therapy Pool. Using water resistance rather than

innovative services.

weights provides opportunities for those with limited mobility to

The three large video walls contain touch-screen interactive programming, helping visitors to learn about the Wellness Center, Thibodaux Regional, patient success stories, affiliated doctors, 68

The Wellness Center’s 60,000-square-foot Fitness Center

Inside New Orleans

exercise or receive therapy services.

Even moderate weight loss and management can reduce cholesterol, blood pressure and high blood glucose—and have a

significant impact on reducing risks associated

exemplifies the hospital’s leadership and

with heart disease. The Weight Management

continued commitment to the community. The

Center offers options to help you reach your

expansion will provide even more opportunities

weight loss goals. We can help you determine

for people to improve their overall health and

the right weight loss plan with options including

well-being.

food modification programs, exercise regimen or weight loss surgery.

Many clinical needs are being addressed

Phase 2, encompassing 17 acres of land, will be constructed behind the Wellness Center on the North Entrance side. The expansion

by the facility’s specialty centers, which include

project will feature tennis courts, sand volleyball

an Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine center,

courts, a football/multipurpose field, an eight-

rehabilitation center, Neurosciences center and

lane track, pavilion, restrooms, concession area,

spine center. The imaging center houses the latest

play area and spray park for young children.

in mammography, CT, ultrasound, and magnetic

The fields will further integrate services already

resonance imaging. Also in the Wellness Center

located in the Wellness Center, such as the

are medical specialties to help patients address

Sports Medicine and Sports Performance Centers,

issues dealing with endocrinology, pulmonology,

Imaging Center, Rehabilitation Center, Aquatics

rheumatology, neurology, neurosurgery and pain

Center, and Fitness Center.

management.

Thibodaux Regional has announced plans

For more information, or to get you or your

to construct Phase 2 of the Wellness Center.

family started on a journey of improved health and

Continuing our vision with Phase 2 further

wellness, visit thibodaux.com.

Health & Wellness 2018

Kelli Tinney, 27 Amanda Tinney, 29 Family history is the only risk factor for heart disease that cannot be controlled. Diet, exercise and knowing key health numbers are risk factors that you can work on and maintain daily. But as Kelli and Amanda Tinney found out, a family history of heart disease can impact you at any age.

At age 26, Amanda experienced her first heart attack. “I was aware that I have a family history of heart disease. Unfortunately, I did not take steps towards preventing it. I never thought it would happen to me. I believed heart attacks only happen to older people.”

Go Red for Women

Beating the No. 1 Killer of New Orleans Women HEART DISEASE IS THE NO. 1 KILLER in New Orleans.

Heart disease does not discriminate against age, race

work after suffering her second heart attack. She was diagnosed with a myocardial bridge in her anterior descending artery. As recently as April 2017, Amanda had her third heart attack at age 29.

When she first found out about her sister, Kelli was emotional and scared. She didn’t know much

than all forms of cancer combined. Unfortunately, the

about heart disease or what was happening to her

killer isn’t easy to see. Heart disease is often silent,

sister. But she would later go on to have her own

hidden and misunderstood.

heart episode.

Two years ago, at the age of 25, Kelli woke up

than a message. It’s a nationwide movement that

one night with severe chest pains and believed she

celebrates the energy, passion and power we have as

was having a panic attack. In the ER, she was treated

women to band together to wipe out the No. 1 killer.

for a heart attack and referred to a cardiologist.

Grandmothers, mothers, daughters, sisters and friends

She was diagnosed with myocarditis, which is

are dying at the rate of one per minute because they

inflammation of the muscle around her heart.

don’t know that heart disease kills.

Inside New Orleans

attack, Amanda was found on the bathroom floor at

or gender. Heart disease kills more women each year

The Go Red for Women campaign is more

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In November 2016, two years after her first heart

“I can remember thinking that this is crazy

photo:BILLIOT PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO

Sisters Amanda and Kelli Tinney.

that two sisters under 30 could both have heart disease,” says Amanda.

The sisters now know how big a role family history plays in heart health. “My advice to other women is to get checked, especially if you have a family history of heart disease. I know some things happen by chance, but work hard to prevent what you can,” says Kelli.

If you don’t know the full history, start with your immediate family. Find out if your brothers, sisters, parents or grandparents had heart disease or stroke and how old they were when they developed these diseases. Also, talk with your distant relatives; knowing more couldn’t hurt.

The sisters’ advice for women is to fight for your own heart health: “Spreading the word is the best way to make other women aware of the Go Red for Women movement. We need to stand by each other as women and talk about how serious of a health issue this is.”

Join The Fight The New Orleans American Heart Association will host the annual Go Red for Women luncheon on Friday, March 2, 2018 at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans.

Go Red for Woman is sponsored by Macy’s, CVS Heath, East Jefferson General Hospital and BHP. For more information, visit GoRedForWomen. org. Join in the conversation on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #NolaGoRed. February-March 2018 71

Health & Wellness 2018

Healthy at home Inside Northside asked Fitness Expo for their favorite ultimate workout machines to exercise on at home! All found exclusively at Fitness Expo.

The Matrix TF30 XIR Ultimate Treadmill is the industry’s most advanced frame- and-deck combination for the ultimate run in your own home. The TF30 Treadmill includes easy-folding design, durable Ultimate Deck, exclusive Johnson Drive System and convenience features that redefine the workout experience in amazing ways.

A stunning HD display and intuitive home screen offer easy access to entertainment.

The Octane xR6 is a seated elliptical that has redefined the recumbent exercise. With workout boosters that will activate certain muscle groups in short bursts, this machine can push you to reach new exercise limits. An effective workout with no impact on your knees, joints or back.

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Inside New Orleans

The WaterRower Natural rowing machine is handcrafted from solid ash and features Honey Oak stain finished in Danish oil. It offers a full-body, low-impact, joint-friendly workout. It features sounds of moving water and the rhythm of a rowing machine.

Ketamine Infusion Center “I hold myself to a high standard,” says Dr. Brian C. Ball of Ketamine Infusion Center, LLC. “If I’m not helping, I will tell you.” The level of care provided at Ketamine Infusion Center easily matches the success of its infusions.

“We are the first ketamine infusion center in Louisiana. I know it works; I’ve seen it work. We have a 100 percent improvement rate for fibromyalgia patients,” says Dr. Ball. Approved in 1970 by the FDA, ketamine has a long history of safety as an anesthetic. Within recent years, studies have revealed its success as a treatment for certain pain and psychological conditions.

The Inspire Fitness FT1 Functional Trainer offers a durable, maintenance-free modern design. The FT1 Functional Trainer works all of the muscle groups with easy-to-pull grips and cable pulley system for any level user. It has over 40 different exercises and a quick, one-handed adjustable high/low pulley system that adjusts to more than 30 height positions. The dual-weight stacks allow you to work each side of your body independently for a more balanced workout.

Ketamine can improve diabetic pain, treatment-resistant migraines, post traumatic stress disorder, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. “The depression spectrum has been a real eye opener for me,” says Dr. Ball. “Patients first come in withdrawn, and many times this is their last resort. I’ve seen patients who could barely get out of bed go back to work after a ketamine treatment.”

Dr. Ball and his team of highly qualified registered nurses work by referrals from patients’ primary care providers. He screens patients prior to any treatments and is on site for all infusions to adjust treatment dosage and address any problems that may arise. He smiles, “I call it the ‘ketamine dance.’ It’s a matter of giving just enough and not too much. We usually schedule three infusions first. If there’s improvement, we Mandeville Location will schedule an additional three infusions. I pride myself on not taking advantage of anyone. I do not string anyone along. I truly care about my patients.

“Our main goal is to deliver the best results at the lowest prices, safely.”

Dr. Ball, a board-certified anesthesiologist, is the medical director of the Ketamine Infusion Center. He is the current director of anesthesiology at Lakeview Regional Medical Center.

The Precor EFX 225 Elliptical provides a reliable workout with all of the quality and technology you expect from Precor. The moving handlebars complement the CrossRamp Technology, offering a full-body work out. The motorized cross ramp elevates from 15 degrees to 25 degrees, giving the user more options and variety.

Ketamine Infusion Center, LLC, is located at 1978 N. Highway 190, Suite B, in Covington. No ketamine storage at office. 985-317-9242. ketamineinfusioncenter.org.

February-March 2018 73

How often do you cross your legs when you sneeze or cough? Is it hard to run after your kids or grandkids without leaking urine? With the passage of time or after the birth of a baby, incontinence can become an embarrassing and frustrating part of daily life for women. Dr. Katherine Williams is pleased to offer the groundbreaking ThermiVa as a treatment for urinary incontinence, helping women regain what time or childbirth has taken away.

ThermiVa is a non-surgical procedure that uses temperature-controlled radiofrequency to generate the body’s own collagen production, healing the vaginal tissue and tightening the labial tissue to reduce a noticeable sag.

A gentle wand is used both in the vagina and externally around the vulva and clitoral area. Women who are suffering from incontinence, vaginal dryness, loss of vaginal elasticity, or a decreased response to sexual stimuli are seeking out ThermiVa treatments in record numbers to address their needs.

The results speak for themselves! Our patients report that they rarely need to wear panty liners any longer. We also hear from women who didn’t feel feminine for years that ThermiVa gave them back moisture and sensitivity in the vaginal area. As an added benefit, patients are having more intense orgasms and seeing their relationships improving, drawing closer to their partners as the intimacy improves.

Patients should expect their results to last for approximately one year. But with pelvic floor exercises and physical therapy, the results can last even longer. Without pelvic floor exercises, touch ups are recommended yearly to maintain the rejuvenating results of ThermiVa. ThermiVa is an appealing alternative to life-long expensive medications or risky surgeries to correct the same problems.

ThermiVa treatments are performed in Dr. Williams’ office in Covington. Dr. Williams is a board certified OBGYN and an expert in women’s sexual health; therefore, she can best optimize the treatment plan for the patient. The treatments occur monthly over a three-month period and take about 30 minutes each. Patients should expect to see an improvement in symptoms after each treatment and can resume sexual activity immediately!

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Health & Wellness 2018

Health & Wellness Resources Beauty

Hair Restoration of the South

everyBody Wellness, LLC

315-4247

Peggy Rodriguez, RN, BSN

hairrestorationofthesouth.com

287-8558 everybodywellnessnola.com

Le Visage Day Spa 265-8018 levisagedayspanola.com

Fitness Expo 887-0880

The Woodhouse Day Spa

fitnessexpostores.com

482-6652 nola.woodhousespas.com

Franco’s on Magazine 218-4637

Dental Care

francosmagazinest.com

Michael S. Block, DMD

Orthopaedic Care

Center for Dental Reconstruction 833-3368

Westside Orthopaedic Clinic

centerfordentalreconstruction.com

Ralph Katz, M.D. 347-0243

Hospice Care

westsideortho.com

985-626-3015; 818-2723

Pain Management

Canon Hospice

CanonHospice.com

Medical Centers

985-317-9242 ketamineinfusioncenter.org

thibodaux.com

Pediatrics

Tulane Medical Center

Children’s Hospital 899-9511

tulanehealthcare.com

chnola.org/pediatrics

Nutrition and Fitness

Surgical Specialists of Louisiana

985-898-0515

whyweight.com

Christwood Community Ctr. christwoodrc.com Core Meals

Inside New Orleans

Brian C. Ball, MD

Thibodaux Regional Medical Center

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Ketamine Infusion Center

Childhood Obsesity 877-691-3001

Women’s Care

Southern Institute for Women’s

985-542-3121

Sexual Health 985-871-0707

buycoremeals.com

siwsh.com

IN Great Taste

by Yvette Jemison

Andouille & Egg Bake Servings: 6 1 large bunch green onions, plus extra for garnish 1 Tablespoon olive oil 1 pound andouille sausage, cut into bite-size pieces 1 dozen large eggs 1 cup heavy cream 3 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 pound grated cheddar cheese,

A BRUNCH-STYLE MEAL is a good idea to send off your parade krewe members as it always makes the occasion feel special. Brunch straddles two meals and serves well for hours of parade watching, too.

A few quick and simple recipes and you’ll be set to feed a crowd. Try Andouille & Egg Bake, a twist on a classic breakfast casserole that gets a flavor boost from andouille. It’s an upgrade from everyday scrambled eggs and is prepared with little fuss. Lemon Blueberry Scones, from the cookbook Entertain Effortlessly Gift Deliciously, are a great addition to your brunch menu. These lightly sweet scones can be prepped a day ahead and quickly baked to be served warm with your favorite preserves. While the scones are baking, your Citrus Buratta Salad can be prepared in minutes for a beautiful dish with a refreshing flavor combination. Pair these recipes with endless mimosas and your Mardi Gras festivities will be off to a great start!

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Inside New Orleans

1. Preheat broiler.

2. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss green onions and olive oil to coat. Arrange onions in a single layer on half of a rimmed baking sheet.

Arrange andouille in a single layer on the other half of the sheet. Place sheet about 6 inches below broiler, and broil until onions and andouille are charred in spots, about 2 minutes. Set aside, and reduce oven temperature to 350°F. 3. In a large bowl, whisk eggs and heavy cream. Add andouille, onions, garlic, salt, pepper and cheese and whisk to combine.

4. Pour into 9 x 13 baking dish, and bake until eggs are set but still wobbly in the center, 25-35 minutes.

Cool 10 minutes; serve topped with sliced green onions and grated cheese.

photo: YVETTE JEMISON

plus extra for serving

Crowd-Pleasing Recipes for Parade Day Brunch Lemon Blueberry Scones

Servings: 8 large scones or 16 mini-scones 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for flouring surface 1/4 cup sugar, plus extra for topping 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 Tablespoon lemon zest 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled 1 cup fresh blueberries 3/4 cup sour cream 2 Tablespoons milk, plus more for brushing on top 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 large egg

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the lemon zest, and toss to coat with flour. Grate the butter into the bowl, and toss to coat with flour. Blend butter into the dry ingredients by rubbing between your fingers until the mixture is crumbly.

3. Add the blueberries, and gently toss to coat with the crumbly flour mixture. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, vanilla and egg. Pour into the flour well, and use your hands to gently combine just until the dough forms. Do not over mix as this will result in tough scones.

5. For 8 large scones: On a floured surface, pat the dough into a 1-inch thick disc (8-9 inches in diameter). Transfer the disc to the prepared baking sheet. For 16 mini scones: On a floured surface, divide the dough into two equal pieces. Pat each piece of dough into a 1-inch thick disc (about 5 inches in diameter each). Transfer the discs to the prepared baking sheet.

6. Brush dough with milk, and generously sprinkle with sugar. Dust a knife with flour and cut each disc into 8 wedges.

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown: large scones 25-30 minutes, miniscones 20-25 minutes. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

7. Serve with lemon curd, butter, clotted cream, whipped cream or your favorite jam.

Do Ahead: The prepared dough can be formed into a disc, sealed in plastic wrap and refrigerated overnight. Brush with milk, top with sugar and bake as directed when ready to serve. >>

February-March 2018 79

INside Peek

photo: YVETTE JEMISON

IN Great Taste

Citrus Burrata Salad Servings: 6 16 ounces fresh mozzarella 1 blood orange 1 navel orange 1 satsuma mandarin Maldon flaky salt Fresh cracked pepper Extra virgin olive oil Basil leaves

1. Tear mozzarella into medium pieces, and arrange on a platter.

2. Cut ends off each orange. Using a paring knife, work around the oranges, removing peel and white pith. Slice the trimmed oranges, discarding any seeds. Tuck the slices around the cheese.

3. Season with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil and garnish with basil. Serve chilled.

For more recipes and the cookbook Entertain Effortlessly Gift Deliciously, go to Ydelicacies.com and follow on Instagram @y_delicacies.

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Inside New Orleans

Juleps and Jazz Guests, including many University of Alabama friends, enjoyed Juleps and Jazz as they gathered for brunch to honor deb Bailey Batt., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John August Batt Jr. Hosted by Karyn and Bill Kearney and Mittie and Bill LeCorgne at Galatoire’s in the Balcony Room, the party featured strawberry mint juleps and a brunch menu. Everyone enjoyed the second line, complete with monogrammed handkerchiefs, and throwing beads from the balcony.

photos: NORRIS GAGNET

A Night at the N.O.P.S.I.

It was a black-tie affair for partygoers enjoying A Night at the N.O.P.S.I., a spectacular celebration in honor of debutantes Bailey Batt, Elle McLeod, Layne Nalty and Summers White hosted by their parents, Andree and Jay Batt, Colleen and Marty McLeod, Jill and Morgan Nalty and Amy and John White.

Greeting guests were costumed stilt walkers and wait staff, wearing either LED-outlined bow ties or glasses while offering cocktails with glowing ice cubes.

The NOPSI Hotel’s holiday decor of Christmas trees and other lighting added to festive ambiance.

Decorative lighting illuminated the hotel’s façade, while more Gobo effects appeared throughout the party and on the wall that featured photographs of the honorees. The hotel’s stylistic flourishes worked beautifully with the party’s décor and accoutrements, such as the invitations, napkins and ice sculptures.

Leslie McMichael with LESCO Productions was the event planner, and the night was captured by photographer Norris Gagnet.

Guests moved throughout the lobby and event rooms, finding delicious fare options at every turn. Three types of handmade ravioli were offered, braised short ribs, different gumbos, lobster rolls, boiled shrimp and even a slider station.

The grand ballroom boasts 30-foot ceilings, so the dramatic lighting, both chandeliers and floor lights, created a disco mood for the night’s main event, Boogie Wonder Band. Light-up balls bounced around the filled dance floor and guests boogied to the sounds of the ’70s classics.

The honorees shone in “NOPSI blues”: Layne wore an original by Yvonne Counce, while Bailey, Elle and Summers were in original designs by Kathleen Van Horn of KVH Designs.

February-March 2018 81

photo: JOSH BRASTED

photo: LANCE NICOLL

photo: JOSH BRASTED

photo: LANCE NICOLL

INside Peek

photo: LANCE NICOLL

Une Soirée Honors Debs

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Inside New Orleans

The neon signs read “Eugenie” and “Reese” outside the private entrance of The Ace Hotel, which was the perfect setting for Une Soirée, a debutante fête honoring Eugenie Stall and Reese Bickham. It was hosted by their parents, Susu and Andrew Stall and Elizabeth and Rob Bickham.

The Ace Hotel set the tone for this chic and edgy affair, but it was the vision of event planner Susan Zackin, of Z Event Co., that brought it to life. Her collaboration with the talents of Urban Earth, SeeHear Productions, The Ace Hotel and, of course, the hosts themselves, created a night to remember.

The honorees and their mothers set off the fashion for the night: Reese Bickham and Elizabeth Bickham wore Suzanne St. Paul designs, while Eugenie Stall chose Gucci and Susu Stall (of SOSUSU) was in Costarellos.

Hundreds of candles lined the walls of the entry corridor and guests were greeted by the sounds of musician Stephen J. Gladney. The courtyard, with a boxwood-covered champagne

photo: JOSH BRASTED photo: JOSH BRASTED

photo: LANCE NICOLL

photo: LANCE NICOLL

photo: JOSH BRASTED

photo: JOSH BRASTED

wall, had illuminated, suspended, custom-designed crystal clouds that dropped down and covered the ceiling.

The Barnett Dining Room was filled with a 10-footlong ice sculpture displaying fresh seafood under the two chandeliers. The party also featured two life-sized ice sculptures with the girl’s images frozen inside; beautiful, lush floral displays and custom lighting added to the setting.

In the concert hall, multiples of moving lights accented the dance floor and a custom-designed 28-foot wall of LED lighting provided the backdrop for the fabulous Gen8 band, brought in from Los Angeles. The lighting moved to the beat, alternating to displaying images.

Desserts were served in the “bubble lounge” (normally Ace Hotel’s Stumptown Coffee), as well as specialty coffee drinks and cocktails. The street-side glass wall was covered in balloon “bubbles” to create privacy from the public and another backdrop for photos.

February-March 2018 83

INside Peek To celebrate its inaugural year, 1957, WYES invited viewers to get out their poodle skirts, leather jackets and cuffed jeans and jitterbug on over to WYES SHAKE, RATTLE & ROLL, a sock hop benefiting WYES at the WYES Paulette & Frank Stewart Innovation Center for Educational Media.

The Patron Party was held inside the Collins C. Diboll Pavilion, with catering by Toulouse Gourmet featuring an open bar with specialty drinks, the Blue Hawaiian and Pink Cadillac. The live entertainment was

by The Big Easy Boys and Marguerita Warren. Patron guests had fun taking photos in front of a pink 1957 Cadillac Coupe De Ville courtesy of Penny Baumer.

The main event at WYES was inside the Charlie & Janette Kornman Performance Studio where guests enjoyed ’50s music, an open bar with food and dessert generously provided

by Angelo Brocato’s, Dat Dog, Happy Italian, Haydel’s Bakery, Joey K’s, Koz’s Lakeview, LULA, Mandina’s Restaurant, Mr. Ed’s Seafood & Italian Restaurant and Sun Ray Grill.

New Orleans personalities Becky Allen and Marshall Harris were on hand to judge the costume contest and auctioneer Chuck Mutz invited guests to bid high and bid often during a live auction featuring a commissioned painting by Carmen Waring and a package with a stay at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis with VIP entrance to Graceland.

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Inside New Orleans

photo courtesy: WYES

WYES Shake, Rattle & Roll

St. Jude in the Big Easy

photos: PARKER WATERS PHOTOGRAPHY

St. Jude in the Big Easy, a Legends for Charity Event®, gathered over 300 guests and raised over $160,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Held at the Hyatt Regency, the evening featured dinner, cocktails, silent and live auctions and a patient program. James Carville and Mary Matalin served as honorary chairs.

Paul Hoolahan, CEO of the Allstate Sugar Bowl, was honored with the New Orleans Regional Legends for Charity Award for his commitment to elevating athletic programs in Louisiana and for spearheading the Sugar Bowl’s community efforts throughout New Orleans.

February-March 2018 85

INside Peek Uncork the Cure The third class of New Orleans’ Finest gathered a large crowd at The Cannery to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Louisiana.

photos courtesy: CYSTIC FIBROSIS FOUNDATION OF LOUISIANA

The class included: Nicole Deshotels Dawson, Ashley Falkenstein, Joseph Finstein, Brittany Gilbert, Andre Lewis, Michael Meredith, Stephanie Osborne, Mary Petikas, Katie Schmidt and Ben Zapata. Guests received a commemorative tasting glass and enjoyed the honoree recognition program, delicious nibbles, fabulous auction items and live music by The Hangovers.

United Way of Southeast Louisiana, in partnership with the City of New Orleans’ Network for Economic Opportunity, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for the new J. Wayne Leonard Prosperity Center.

As the longest-serving chairman and CEO of Entergy, J. Wayne Leonard facilitated more than $50 million in charitable donations to move people out of poverty and improve earlychildhood education. Leonard is the 2017 UWSELA Tocqueville Society Award honoree and the newest member of UWSELA’s Million-Dollar Roundtable.

His recent, surprise $1 million contribution is supporting United Way’s mission to eradicate poverty in Southeast Louisiana.

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Inside New Orleans

photos courtesy: UNITED WAY SELA

J. Wayne Leonard Prosperity Center Open House

photos courtesy: ASH

ASH Bicentennial The Academy of the Sacred Heart joined more than 150 schools that are part of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools in celebrating the bicentennial of Sacred Heart education in North America and the arrival of foundress St. Rose Philippine Duchesne in New Orleans from France.

To commemorate the occasion, members of the Sacred Heart community gathered at St. Louis Cathedral for a Bicentennial Mass, which was celebrated by Archbishop Gregory Aymond and featured a procession that included Religious of the Sacred Heart sisters, students, alumnae and other members of the Sacred Heart community.

Vincent Sciama, French Consul General in Louisiana, presented Sacred Heart Headmistress Sr. Melanie Guste, RSCJ, with a proclamation from the French government honoring St. Rose Philippine Duchesne’s contribution to Catholic education in the New World. Following Mass, guests enjoyed socializing at a reception at the Old Ursuline Convent.

Aloha ASH Auction In luau attire and festive leis, more than 350 guests gathered in the historic front courtyard at the Academy of the Sacred Heart under bamboostrung lights for the Aloha ASH Auction. The event was chaired by Elizabeth Bush and Adele Ralston and featured food by Dickie Brennan & Co., music by Jerry Diaz and Hanna’s Reef and a wide array of auction items from dining experiences to student art to vacations and more.

Ellen and Cooper Manning hosted the patron party at their nearby Uptown home prior to the main event.

February-March 2018 87

INside Peek 1. Whitney Guarisco, Mandi Frischhertz, Katie Eddins, Alyson

1

Igoe, Caroline Parrish and Charlotte Benton enjoy the Academy of the Sacred Heart Mothers’ Club Christmas Luncheon at Tableau.

2. Kelly Beckendorf, Lori Pausina, Liz Broekman and Nicole Mackie at Fidelity Bank’s Women in Business P.O.W.E.R. Program launch at Saffron

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NOLA. 3. Loline Becker, Peggy Wooton, Kelly Lutman and Leslie Holley. 4. Jessica LeBlanc, Sandra Lindquist and Tina Meilleur at the VIP Kickoff of the NOLA ChristmasFest.

5. Brandon and Monica Dardeau with Better Than Ezra at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino.

1. William Andrews, Rita Benson LeBlanc, Alexa Georges and Jerry Armatis at Ogden Museum of Art’s O What A Night! Gala. 2.

David Kerstein, Julie Breeden and Bill Goldring.

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3. Pat and Henry Shane. 4. Honoree Pamela J. Joyner, Shirelle and Joel Vilmenay and Melissa Gibbs. 5. Beau Haynes, Jessie Haynes, L. Kasimu Harris and Ariel Wilson. 6. Jane Scott Hodges, Gogo Borgerding and David Borgerding. 7. Joseph Riccobono, Heather Riccobono and Vincent Riccobono celebrating the ribbon cutting of Sala Restaurant + Bar.

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At the Table

illustration: GRETCHEN ARMBRUSTER

by Tom Fitzmorris

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Inside New Orleans

Save Your Life on Valentine’s Day with a Romantic Dinner IF YOU’RE DATING SOMEONE SERIOUSLY (that would include being married), Valentine’s Day dining out is mandatory.

Restaurants are overwhelmed with occasional customers. All their best customers are there, too.

And, as if that weren’t enough of a problem, Valentine’s Day 2018 falls on Mardi Gras—the worst day of the year for dining in New Orleans. (A busy day to begin with.)

From a purely gourmet perspective, Valentine’s Day is not a good day to go to a restaurant. The food and service typically decline, and sometimes the prices rise. That explanation will not wash with your valentine, unfortunately.

Just have to be ready for it.

A book written by a pop psychologist years ago offered this observation: the nest-building instincts for which women are celebrated require feeding to set the stage for romance.

Unfortunately, the gut motivations of males are different. Most of us guys have one-channel paths of desire. We want … something. Food. Yeah, food works. Okay. Now I’m full. And sleepy.

Good night!

So the first rule of romantic dining is: Go to a restaurant where they serve small portions of beautiful, expensive food. I know you leave those places hungry, but that’s the right condition for romance for those who are likely to be interested in those pretty little portions.

On the other hand, we must remember that the two most romantic consumables are Champagne and chocolate.

Enough of these generalities. We move on to two lists of the most romantic restaurants around New Orleans. The first list limits itself to restaurants whose interior design and creature comforts are predominant in their appeal. These

will be the fanciest, the dressiest and the most expensive restaurants in these listings. The second grouping covers the less expensive, easygoing, familiar eateries. Especially when you’re a regular customer of such a restaurant, they may be as pleasant or even more pleasant than the big places—unless the target of your affections is impressed only by the spending of many dollars.

Big-Deal Romantic Places Antoine’s. French Quarter. For people with a taste for history and eternity (like me), no restaurant in New Orleans is more appealing. For those with an aversion to ancient restaurants (like my wife), maybe not the best Valentine’s venue.

Arnaud’s. French Quarter. The most atmospheric of the grande old French-Creole grande dames, with a classic service style we don’t see much anymore. Dinner of light tidbits in the bar with Chris Hannah’s cocktails is an evening unto itself.

Brennan’s. French Quarter. Three years of restoration and at least $22 million have turned this long-superb into the essence of romance. The chef is brilliant, and the several choices of dining rooms makes dinner here a spectacular evening.

Spend some time in the courtyard.

Broussard’s. French Quarter. Quiet, delicious, beautiful, very New Orleans … and you are unlikely to be seen by anyone you know.

Commander’s Palace. Garden District.

Generally considered to be the best restaurant in New Orleans. No argument will come from this quarter. If the food doesn’t get the girl, a walk through the courtyard might. >> February-March 2018 91

At the Table

Dakota. Covington. Dark, quiet, almost mysterious and remote. The food is still the best on the northshore.

Delmonico. Center City. One of the handsomest and best-served of New Orleans restaurants. The food is traditional without lacking in excitement, and the amenities (like Ron Jones playing his jazz) are hard to beat.

GW Fins. French Quarter. The city’s best seafood specialist, with about a dozen different finfish and shellfish every day, bought at the peak of excellence and cooked with imagination. The banquettes are cushy and conducive to cuddling.

Café Sbisa. French Quarter. The long-running restaurant across from the French Market has always been a superb environment for an intimate evening. The sound and the lighting are both kept low, so you can hold a nice conversion with sly, understanding smiles.

Curio. French Quarter. This is a new restaurant from the Creole Cuisine restaurant group in a block of the French Quarter with quite a few other restaurants, notably Mr. B’s, the Pelican Club and Criollo. What makes Curio alluring are the balconies that wrap around the building, giving great views from second-floor gazing. The cooking is original but also speaks to the familiarity your mind wants.

Keith Young’s Steakhouse. Madisonville.

Steakhouses are among the most successful restaurants when it comes to impressing your significant other.

The northshore’s best steak specialist stands up to the best others, both the chains and the local beefarees.

Emeril’s. Warehouse District. Brushes with celebrities are always sexy, but there’s more to Emeril’s than that. The service standards are unexcelled, the food is exciting and the premises are cool.

Pelican Club. French Quarter. With one of the two or three best contemporary Creole menus, chefowner Richard Hughes’s restaurant is very strong in its special menus. It’s brilliant in the festival season and even better the rest of the year.

La Provence. Lacombe (Northshore). The shortest possible trip to France from New Orleans. In the northshore woods, it’s rural and sophisticated at the same time. The nicest fireplaces. And a new owner, who is dedicated to keep the place solid.

R’Evolution. French Quarter. The collaboration of superstar chefs John Folse and Rick Tramonto. An extremely handsome facility, with different dining room décor from here to there.

Muriel’s. French Quarter. The place feels like an old New Orleans bordello. Perhaps this might be suggestive.

Windsor Court Grill Room. CBD. Handsome furnishings, a reasonably sharp wait staff, grand surroundings, beautiful food and the need to use liberal amounts of that greatest of all aphrodisiacs: money.

Nine Best Romantic Bistros Bayona. French Quarter. A little noisy in the main room, but that might work anyway. The food is understated and always perfect.

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Brigtsen’s. Riverbend. The rooms are small and intimate.

The food’s great. And if you can get the alpha or beta tables …

Inside New Orleans

Patois. Uptown. Atmosphere: a lightly converted former poor-boy shop and bar. Food: brilliant, original, Frenchinspired. Works for me.

Rizzuto’s. Lakeview. Two restaurants in one: Italian and steakhouse. Both sides are very well presented and cooked, with robust and offbeat Italian flavors and top-class beef. All this in the space that once was Tony Angello’s. With all due respect, this is quite a bit better than Mr. Tony’s. Lots of private nooks and corners make it the kind of place where you begin to see your partner’s best qualities.

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Ye Olde College Inn aaa Neighborhood Café, 3000 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-866-3683

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

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT Blue Room aaa American, 123 Baronne,

restaurants in the New Orleans metro area, please refer to Tom Fizmorris’ nomenu.com. In this guide, you will find

Roosevelt

Hotel. 504-648-1200

Bon Ton Café aaa Cajun, 401

some of the best bets around town.

Magazine St., 504-524-3386

Tom’s fleur de lis ratings are shown.

Café Adelaide aaaa Contemporary

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

5030 Freret St., 504-899-6883

Hana aaa Japanese, 8116 Hampson, 504-865-1634 Jacques-Imo’s aaa Cajun, 8324 Oak St., 504-861-0886 Lebanon’s Café aaa Middle Eastern, 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-862-6200 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen aaa Pizza, 615 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-866-5900 Maple Street Café aaa Creole Italian, 7623 Maple St., 504-314-9003 Mat & Naddie’s aaaa Eclectic, 937 Leonidas St., 504-861-9600 Mikimoto aaaa Japanese, 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-488-1881 Mona’s Café aa Middle Eastern, 1120 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-861-8174 Panchita’s aaa Central American, 1434 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-281-4127 Pupuseria La Macarena aaa Central American, 8120 Hampson St., 504-862-5252 Riccobono’s Panola Street Café aa Breakfast, 7801 Panola St., 504-314-1810 Vincent’s aaaa Italian, 7839 St. Charles Ave., 504-866-9313

Creole, 300 Poydras St., 504595-3305 Chophouse aaa Steak, 322 Magazine St., 504-522-7902 Desi Vega’s aaaa Steak, 628 St. Charles Ave., 504-523-7600 Drago’s aaaa Seafood, 2 Poydras St., 504-584-3911 Herbsaint aaaa Creole French, 701 St. Charles Ave., 504-524-4114 Liborio aaa Cuban, 321 Magazine St., 504-581-9680 Lucky Rooster aaa Pan-Asian, 515 Baronne St., 504-529-5825 MiLa aaaa Eclectic, 817 Common St., 504-412-2580 Morton’s The Steakhouse aaa Steak, 365 Canal St. (Canal Place Mall), 504-566-0221 Mother’s aaa Sandwiches, 401 Poydras St., 504-523-9656 Poppy’s Crazy Lobster Bar & Grill a Seafood, 500 Port of New Orelans Pl., Suite 83. 504-5693380 Poppy’s Time Out Sports Bar & Grill. Hamburgers. 1 Poydras St. (Riverfront). 504-247-9265 Rivershack Tavern Hamburgers, seafood, 3449 River Rd., 504834-4938 Ruby Slipper Café aaa Breakfast, Neighborhood Café, 200 Magazine St., 504-525-9355 Ruth’s Chris Steak House aaa Steak, 525 Fulton St., 504-587-7099 Windsor Court Grill Room aaa American, 300 Gravier St., 504-522-1994 FRENCH QUARTER Acme Oyster House aaa Seafood, 724 Iberville St., 504-522-5973 Antoine’s aaaa Creole French, 713 St. Louis St., 504-581-4422 Arnaud’s aaaa Creole French, 813 Bienville St., 504-523-5433 Bayona aaaa Eclectic, 430 Dauphine St., 504-525-4455 Bombay Club aaa Contemporary Creole, 830 Conti St., 504-577-2237

Bourbon House aaa Seafood, 144>>

February-March 2018 93

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g Bourbon St., 504-522-0111 Brennan’s Contemporary Creole, 417 Royal St., 504-525-9711 Broussard’s aaaa Creole French, 819 Conti St., 504-581-3866 Court of Two Sisters aaa Creole French, 613 Royal St., 504-522-7261 Crescent City Brewhouse aaa Pub Food, 527 Decatur St., 504522-0571 Criollo aaa Creole French, 214 Royal St., 504-681-4444 Dat Dog a Craft Hot Dogs, 601 Frenchmen St., 505-309-3362 The Davenport Lounge Small bites and cocktails, 921 Canal Street (The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans) 504-670-2828 Deanie’s Seafood Seafood, 841 Iberville St., 504-581-1316 Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse aaa Steak, 716 Iberville St., 504-5222467 El Gato Negro aaa Mexican, 81 French Market Place, 504-525-9752 Frank’s aaa Creole Italian, 933 Decatur St., 504-525-1602 Galatoire’s aaaa Creole French, 209 Bourbon St., 504-525-2021 Galatoire’s 33 Bar & Steak aaa Steak, 215 Bourbon St., 504-335-3932 Gumbo Shop aaa Creole, 630 St.

504-524-9632 NOLA aaaa Contemporary Creole, 534 St. Louis St., 504-522-6652 Palace Café aaa Contemporary Creole, 605 Canal St., 504-523-1661 Pelican Club aaaaa Contemporary Creole, 312 Exchange Place, 504-523-1504 Port of Call aaa Hamburgers, 838 Esplanade Ave., 504-523-0120 R’evolution aaaa Creole French, 777 Bienville, 504-553-2277 Red Fish Grill aaa Seafood, 115 Bourbon St., 504-598-1200 Rib Room aaa American, 621 St. Louis St., 504-529-7045 SoBou aaa Contemporary Creole, 310 Chartres St., 504-552-4095 Stanley aa Breakfast, 547 St. Ann St., 504-587-0093 Ted Brennan's Decatur Classic French Creole, 309 Decatur St., 504-525-7877 The Country Club Contemporary Creole, 634 Louisa St., 504-9450742 Trinity aaa Contemporary Creole, 117 Decatur St., 504-325-5789 Tujague’s aaa Creole, 823 Decatur St., 504-525-8676 Vacherie aaa Creole Homestyle, 827 1/2 Toulouse St., 504-2074532

Peter St., 504-525-1486 GW Fins aaaa Seafood, 808 Bienville St., 504-581-3467 Irene’s Cuisine aaaa Italian, 539 St. Philip St., 504-529-8811 K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen aaaa Cajun, 416 Chartres St., 504596-2530 Kingfish aaaa Cajun, 337 Chartres St., 504-598-5005 Louisiana Bistro aaa Contemporary Creole, 337 Dauphine St., 504-525-3335 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen aaa Pizza, 95 French Market Place, 504-522-9500 M Bistro aaaFarm to Table Restaurant 921 Canal Street (The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans) 504670-2828

GARDEN DISTRICT Caribbean Room 2031 St. Charles Ave., 504-523-1500 Commander’s Palace aaaaa Contemporary Creole, 1403 Washington Ave., 504-899-8221 Coquette aaaa Creole French, 2800 Magazine St., 504-265-0421 Delmonico aaaa Contemporary Creole, 1300 St. Charles Ave., 504-525-4937 Juan’s Flying Burrito aaa Mexican, 2018 Magazine St., 504-569-0000 Mr. John’s Steakhouse aaaa Steak, 2111 St. Charles Ave., 504-679-7697 Sushi Brothers aaa Japanese, 1612 St. Charles Ave., 504-581-4449 Tracey’s aaa Sandwiches, 2604 Magazine St., 504-897-5413

Mr. B’s Bistro aaaa Contemporary Creole, 201 Royal St., 504-523-2078 Muriel’s aaaa Contemporary Creole, 801 Chartres St., 504-568-1885 Napoleon House aa Sandwiches, 500 Chartres St., 504-524-9752 New Orleans Creole Cookery Classic Creole, 510 Toulouse St.,

94

Inside New Orleans

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

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

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3939 Veterans Blvd., 504-885-3416 Pho Orchid aaa Vietnamese, 3117 Houma Blvd., 504-457-4188 Riccobono’s Peppermill aaa

Ralph’s On The Park aaaa

Creole Italian, 3524 Severn Ave.,

Contemporary Creole, 900 City Park Ave., 504-488-1000

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Street, 504-833-6310

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

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Parran’s Po-Boys aaa Sandwiches,

Ave., 504-224-2633 Munch Factory aaa Contemporary

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504-455-2266 Ristorante Filippo aaa Creole

Sala Cocktails and Small Plates, 124

Italian, 1917 Ridgelake Dr.,

Lake Marina, 504-513-2670

504-835-4008

Steak Knife aaa Contemporary

Ruth’s Chris Steak House aaaa

Creole, 888 Harrison Ave.,

Steak, 3633 Veterans Blvd.,

504-488-8981

504-888-3600 Sandro’s Trattoria aaa Creole

METAIRIE

Italian, 6601 Veterans Blvd.,

Acme Oyster House aaa Seafood, 3000 Veterans Blvd., 504-309-4056

504-888-7784 Shogun aaaa Japanese, 2325

Andrea’s aa Italian, 3100 19th St., 504-834-8583

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

Andy's Bisro aaa American, 3322 N. Turnbull Dr. 504-455-7363

3535 Severn Ave., 504-885-5088 Vincent’s aaaa Creole Italian, 4411

Austin’s aaaa Creole, 5101 West Esplanade Ave., 504-888-5533

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

Caffe! Caffe! aa Breakfast, 4301

Blvd. (Clearview Mall), 504-

Clearview Pkwy., 504-885-4845;

780-9090; 1655 Hickory Ave.,

3547 N. Hullen., 504-267-9190

Harahan, 504-738-0799

Café East aaa Pan-Asian, 4628 MID-CITY

Rye St., 504-888-0078 Carreta’s Grill a Mexican, 2320

Angelo Brocato aaa Dessert and Coffee, 214 N. Carrollton Ave.,

Veterans Blvd., 504-837-6696; 1821 Hickory Ave., Harahan, 504-305-4833

504-486-0078 Café Degas aaa French, 3127

Casablanca aaa Mediterranean, 3030 Severn Ave., 504-888-2209

Esplanade Ave., 504-945-5635 Café Minh aaaa Vietnamese, 4139

China Rose aaa Chinese, 3501 N. Arnoult St., 504-887-3295 Crabby Jack’s aaa Sandwiches, 428 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, 504-833-2722 Cypress aaa Contemporary Creole, 4426 Transcontinental Blvd., 504-885-6885 Dat Dog a Craft Hot Dogs, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd. (Lakeside Mall), 504-304-7005 Drago’s aaaa Seafood, 3232 N. Arnoult Rd., 504-888-9254 Heritage Grill Contemporary Creole, 111 Veterans Blvd., 504-934-4900 Impastato’s aaaa Creole Italian, 3400 16th St., 504-455-1545 Little Tokyo aaa Japanese, 2300 N. Causeway Blvd., 504-831-6788 Martin Wine Cellar Deli aaa Deli, 714 Elmeer Ave., 504-896-7300 Mellow Mushroom aa Pizza, 30 craft beers on tap, 3131 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 504-644-4155 Mr. Ed’s aaa Neighborhood Café, 1001 Live Oak St., 504-838-0022 Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House aaa Seafood, 3117 21St.

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

1 Collins Diboll Circle, 504-4821264

Canal Street Bistro aaa Mexican, 3903 Canal St., 504-482-1225 Crescent City Steak House aaa Steak, 1001 N. Broad St., 504821-3271 Dooky Chase aaa Creole, 2301 Orleans Ave., 504-821-0600 Five Happiness aaa Chinese, 3605 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-482-3935 Juan’s Flying Burrito aaa Mexican, 4724 S. Carrollton Ave., 504486-9950 Katie’s aaa Neighborhood Café, 3701 Iberville St., 504-488-6582 Little Tokyo aaa Japanese, 310 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-485-5658 Liuzza’s aaa Neighborhood Café, 3636 Bienville St., 504-482-9120 Mandina’s aaa Italian, Seafood, 3800 Canal St., 504-482-9179 Mona’s Café aa Middle Eastern, 3901 Banks St., 504-482-7743 Parkway Poor Boys aaa Sandwiches, 538 Hagan Ave.,

>>

February-March 2018 95

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g 504-482-3047 Ruby Slipper Café aaa Breakfast, Neighborhood Café, 139 S. Cortez St., 504-309-5531 Rue 127 aaaa Contemporary Creole, 127 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-483-1571 SWEGS Kitchen Healthy comfort food, 231 N. Carrollton Ave., Ste. B, 504-301-9196 Toups’ Meatery aaa Cajun, 845 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-252-4999 Venezia aaa Italian, 134 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-488-7991 Willie Mae’s Scotch House aaa Chicken, 2401 St. Ann St., 504822-9503

Mandina’s aaa Italian, Seafood, 4240 La 22, Mandeville, 985674-9883 Mattina Bella aaa Breakfast, 421 E. Gibson St., Covington, 985892-0708 Mellow Mushroom aa Pizza, 30 craft beers on tap, 1645 N. Hwy. 190, Covington, 985-327-5407 Nathan’s aaaa Contemporary Creole, 36440 Old Bayou Liberty Rd., Slidell, 985-643-0443 New Orleans Food & Spiritsaaa Seafood, 208 Lee Lane, Covington, 985-875-0432 Nuvolari’s aaaa Creole Italian, 246 Girod St., Mandeville, 985-626-5619 Ox Lot 9 aaa Contemporary, 428

NEW ORLEANS EAST Castnet Seafood aaa Seafood speciality, 10826-1/2 Hayne Blvd., 504-244-8446 Deanie’s on Hayne aaa Seafood, 7350 Hayne Blvd., 504-248-6700 Messina’s Runway Cafe Creole Homestyle, 6001 Stars and Stripes Blvd., 504-241-5300

E Boston St., Covington, 985400-5663 Pardo’s aaaa Contemporary Creole, 69305 Hwy 21, Covington, 985-893-3603 Ristorante Del Porto aaaa Italian, 501 E. Boston St., Covington, 985-875-1006 Sal and Judy’s aaaa Italian, 27491 Highway 190, Lacombe, 985-

NORTHSHORE Acme Oyster House aaa Seafood,

882-9443 Zea aaa American, 110 Lake Dr.,

1202 US 190, Covington, 985-

Covington, 985-327-0520; 173

246-6155

Northshore Blvd., Slidell,

Café Lynn aaaa Contemporary Creole,

985-3270520

2600 Florida St., Mandeville, 985624-9007 Carreta’s Grill a Mexican, 1340 Lindberg Dr., Slidell, 985-8470020; 70380 LA Hwy. 21, Covington, 985-871-6674 The Chimes aaa Cajun, 19130 W. Front St., Covington, 985-892-5396 Dakota aaaa Contemporary Creole, 629 N. US 190, Covington, 985-892-3712 DiCristina’s aaa Italian, 810 N.

OLD METAIRIE Byblos aaa Middle Eastern, 1501 Metairie Rd., 504-834-9773 Café B aaa Contemporary Creole, 2700 Metairie Rd., 504-934-4700 Galley Seafood aaa Seafood, 2535 Metairie Rd., 504-832-0955 Porter & Luke’s aaa Creole Homestyle, 1517 Metairie Rd., 504-875-4555 Vega Tapas Café aaa

Columbia St., Covington, 985-

Mediterranean, 2051 Metairie Rd.,

875-0160

504-836-2007

Fazzio’saa Italian,1841 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, 985-624-9704 Gallagher’s Grill aaaa Contemporary Creole, 509 S. Tyler St., Covington, 985-892-9992 George’s aaa Mexican, 1461 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, 985626-4342 Keith Young’s Steak House aaaa Steak, 165 LA 21, Madisonville, 985-845-9940 La Carreta aaa Mexican, 812 Hyw 190, Covington, 985-400-5202; 1200 W. Causeway Approach, Mandeville, 985-624-2990 Lakehouse aaa Contemporary Creole, 2025 Lakeshore Dr., Mandeville, 985-626-3006

96

Inside New Orleans

UPTOWN Amici aaa Italian, 3218 Magazine St., 504-300-1250 Ancora Pizzeria aaa Pizza, 4508 Freret St., 504-324-1636 Apolline aaaa American Gourmet, 4729 Magazine St., 504-894-8881 Atchafalaya aaaa Contemporary Creole, 901 Louisiana Ave., 504891-9626 Baru Bistro & Tapas aaa Caribbean, 3700 Magazine St., 504-895-2225 Bistro Daisy aaaa Creole French, 5831 Magazine St., 504-899-6987 Casamento’s aaa Seafood, 4330 Magazine St., 504-895-9761

Charlie’s Steak House aaa Steak, 4510 Dryades St., 504-895-9323 Clancy’s aaaa Contemporary Creole, 6100 Annunciation St., 504-895-1111 Dat Dog aa Sandwiches, 3336 Magazine St., 504-894-8885; 5030 Freret St., 504-899-6883 Dick & Jenny’s aaaa Contemporary Creole, 4501 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-894-9880 Flaming Torch aaa French, 737 Octavia St., 504-895-0900 Gautreau’s aaaa American, 1728 Soniat St., 504-899-7397 High Hat Café aa Creole Homestyle, 4500 Freret St., 504-754-1336 Joey K’s aaa Neighborhood Café, 3001 Magazine St., 504-891-0997 Kyoto aaa Japanese, 4920 Prytania St., 504-891-3644 La Crepe Nanou aaaa French, 1410 Robert St., 504-899-2670 La Petite Grocery aaaa French, 4238 Magazine St., 504-891-3377 La Thai Cuisine aaaa Thai, 4938 Prytania St., 504-899-8886 Lilette aaaa French, 3637 Magazine St., 504-895-1636 Mahony’s aaa Neighborhood Café, 3454 Magazine St., 504-899-3374 Martinique aaa French, 5908

1631 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., 504-568-1157 Cochon aaa Cajun, 930 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-588-2123 Emeril’s aaaaa Contemporary Creole, 800 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-528-9393 Grand Isle aaa Seafood, 575 Convention Center Blvd., 504520-8530 Josephine Estelle Italian, 600 Carondelet St., 504-930-3070 La Boca aaaa Steak, 870 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-525-8205 Mais Arepas aaaa South American, 1200 Carondelet St., 504-523-6247 Opal Basil Artisan Sandwiches, 719 S. Peters St. Pêche Seafood Grill aaa Seafood, 800 Magazine St., 504-522-1744 Rock-n-Sake aaa Japanese, 823 Fulton St., 504-581-7253 Root aaaa Eclectic, 200 Julia St., 504-252-9480 Seaworthy Oysters and Cocktails, 600 Carondelet St., 504-930-3071 Tomas Bistro aaaa Creole French, 755 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-527-0942 Tommy’s Cuisine aaaa Creole Italian, 746 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-581-1103

Magazine St., 504-891-8495 Midway Pizza aaa Pizza, 4725 Freret St., 504-322-2815 Mona’s Café aa Middle Eastern, 4126 Magazine St., 504-894-9800 Pascal’s Manale aaa Creole Italian, 1838 Napoleon Ave., 504-895-4877 Patois aaaa Creole French, 6078 Laurel St., 504-895-9441 Rum House aaa Caribbean, 3128 Magazine St., 504-941-7560 Salú aaa Eclectic, 3226 Magazine St., 504-371-5809 Slice aaa Pizza, 5538 Magazine St., 504-897-4800

WEST BANK Kim Son aaa Vietnamese, 349 Whitney Ave., 504-366-2489 La Fiesta aaa Mexican, 1412 Stumpf Blvd., 504-361-9142 La Providencia aaa Central American, 2300 Belle Chasse Hwy., 504-368-5724 O’Brien’s aaaa Steak, 2020 Belle Chasse Hwy., 504-391-7229 Panda King aaa Chinese, 925 Behrman Hwy., 504-433-0388 Pho Bang aaa Vietnamese, 932 Westbank Expy., 504-872-9002

Sukho Thai aaa Thai, 4519 Magazine St., 504-373-6471

WEST END AND BUCKTOWN

Taqueria Corona aaa Mexican, 5932

The Blue Crab aaa Seafood, 7900

Magazine St., 504-897-3974 Upperline aaaa Contemporary Creole, 1413 Upperline St., 504891-9822

Lakeshore Dr., 504-284-2898 Brisbi’s aaa Seafood, 7400 Lakeshore Dr., 504-555-5555 Deanie’s Seafood aa Seafood, 1713 Lake Ave., 504-831-4141

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT AND CENTRAL CITY American Sector aa American, 945 Magazine St., 504-528-1940 Annunciation aaaa Contemporary Creole, 1016 Annunciation St., 504-568-0245 Briquette Contemporary Coastal Cuisine, 701 S. Peters St. Café Reconcile aaa Lunch Café,

New Orleans Food & Spirits aaa Seafood, 210 Hammond Hwy., 504-828-2220 R&O’s aaa Seafood, 216 Old Hammond Hwy., 504-831-1248 Two Tony’s aaa Creole Italian, 8536 Pontchartrain Blvd., 504282-0801 Wasabi aaa Japanese, 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., 504-267-3263

February-March 2018 97

Last Bite

Rivershack Tavern

A blend of a small-town restaurant, a sports bar, a live music club and a neighborhood tavern makes Rivershack Tavern a staple on River Road.

Adjacent to the Mississippi River, the Rivershack offers indoor-outdoor dining, freshly poured drinks, a flavorful menu and, on Wednesdays, Friday and Sundays at 4 p.m., hot boiled crawfish.

Known as New Orleans’ most unusual bar, it has been at various times a grocery store, a bar, a restaurant, a package liquor store and a pharmacy. As a tavern, Rivershack serves up fresh salads, burgers, po’boys, deli-style sandwiches and “see-food.” Shack-a-tizers include alligator sausage, fried green tomatoes, meat pies, buffalo wings and more.

The burger line up includes the classic 1/2 pounder; the Tex-Mex with bacon, pepper jack and sautéed onions and mushrooms; the Shank 98

Inside New Orleans

by Leah Draffen

You with a mix of fresh beef and Louisiana hot sausage; and a turkey burger for a lighter choice.

There are fried oysters, shrimp and catfish daily.

Surrounded by plenty of interesting memorabilia, the Rivershack is known for its famous bar stools and tacky ashtrays. In 1992, the tradition began where barstools were designed to reflect people from all walks of life. There’s the golfer, cowboy and shrimper, among many others. While enjoying a cold beer, you may look down to find you’re sitting on biker legs!

However, more than likely you won’t be sitting for long with a live music schedule sure to make you dance. Stay up-to-date on the music schedule by following Rivershack on Facebook.

Rivershack Tavern is located at 3449 River Road in Jefferson. Open daily 11am ’til. 834-4938. rivershacktavern.com.