July-August 2018 Issue of Inside Northside Magazine by Inside Publications

495

INSIDEPUB.com

COOL FOOD • NORTHSHORE’S FINEST • JAMES DICKSON • BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP

JULY-AUGUST 2018 VOL. 33, NO. 4

July-August 2018

Publisher

Vol. 33, No. 4

Lori Murphy

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

Senior Editor

Managing Editor

Jan Murphy Leah Draffen

Contributors are featured on page 16. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Señor Art Director

Advertising Art Director

Brad Growden Jennifer Starkey

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

Business Manager

Senior Account Executives

Check us out online at insidepub.com. Barbara Bossier

Jane Quillin

Jonée Daigle-Ferrand

Poki Hampton

Candice Laizer

Barbara Roscoe

Account Executives

Louisa Holowesko

Amy Taylor

Margaret Rivera

Advertising Coordinator

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

Advertise phone

(985) 626-9684

fax (985) 674-7721 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. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

On the cover

Contact

mail P.O. Box 9148 Mandeville, LA 70470 phone

(985) 626-9684

fax (985) 674-7721 Cover Artist Peg Usner Find more on page 18.

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

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

Inside Northside

contents table of

page 65

page 34 page 45

Features 18 Painting in Open Air Cover Artist Peg Usner 34 A Dream Come True The Home Chapel of Dr. James Briggs 40 The Krewe of Le Moyne The First Lords of Mardi Gras 82 Northshoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Finest

Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Begins on page 54

2018 Business & Leadership page 69 8

Inside Northside

Begins on page 72

contents table of

12 Publisher’s Note

94 Inside Dining

14 Editor’s Note

98 Last Bite CC’s Coffee House®

16 Contributors 24 INside Scoop

page 58

32 IN Other Words Better Late Than Never, Right? 45 Traces James Dickson Found-Object Artist 48 At the Table Cool Food 52 Generous Hearts Doing Good is Good for Business 58 Flourishes Extraordinary gifts and home accents 65 INside Look 69 Travel The Grand Life Alabama’s Grand Hotel Complete Massive Transformation 86 IN Love and Marriage 89 Inside Peek Featuring Women IN Business Luncheon Children’s Museum of St. Tammany’s Celebration

page 52 page 124

Arms Wide Open by Lori Murphy I always think of a Southern welcome as a great big bear hug, arms wide open… accompanied by a smile. I think it’s one of the things we Southerners do best. This morning, my neighbor Charlotte reminded me that we haven’t gathered yet to meet the newest homeowners on our block. Everyone else on the Lane was welcomed with cookies, dinner, a gathering of some kind, going all of the way back to when we moved there eons ago, our two small daughters in tow. The first to arrive was Claire Heap with her daughter, McKenzie, carrying a big plate of cookies. Fast forward at the speed of life and my girls are all grown up, living out of town and McKenzie tied the knot over the weekend. Time moves fast–so we have to make special moments of the welcome when we can. As a community, the welcome is no less important. As people decide where to locate their business or raise their family we want them to feel as welcome in our community as we can. This spring, we created a newcomer’s guide to the northshore, including maps and resources on a myriad of services newbies might need access to. We have such a unique culture and lifestyle, with great schools, recreation options and lush natural scenery. Many of these things we take

NORTHS

for granted. This new project is hoping to share

some of these with new residents… or maybe

RTH OF YO

just remind us all of what it means to live

somewhere North of Your Expectations.

X E

up at the Chamber of Commerce offices throughout the northshore. This is a continuation of our pride campaign being coordinated throughout the northshore with a host of great participants. If you don’t have a sticker for your car yet, pop me an email at lori@insidepub.com and I will get one to you!

ps… Congratulations to our newly sworn-in United States Marshall, Scott Illing. Sometimes it is hard to imagine the great things life has in store for us.

Watch for a copy around town or pick one

Editor’s Note by Anne Honeywell Both of my children recently completed their educational journeys. My son, Jefferson, graduated with a BS in Finance from LSU, and my daughter, Katherine, completed her Juris Doctorate at Loyola College of Law. Those were positively two of the proudest mom moments in my life to date. They are determined and driven—and they are ready for the ‘real world’ and all that it entails. They have worked hard, and I am confident they are prepared for their respective careers in finance and the legal world. This issue features a special section called Business & Leadership in which we profile leaders in their fields. I always find it so interesting to learn more about these businessmen and -women and the journeys that got them to where they are today. How they determined what path was right for them. When they were well on their way to success, some were as young as my children are now. One of the profiles in this section is very special to me, and I am so proud to share it with our readers. It is about my brother, John Dunlap, who gave me another proud moment a few weeks ago when he was promoted to the rank of brigadier general in the Louisiana National Guard. The profile, on page 74, recounts in great detail the service and sacrifices he has made during his long and celebrated military career. Friends and colleagues traveled from near and far to witness his well-deserved promotion. Leaders appear throughout history, and on page 40, in the first of a tricentennial series, Joey Kent tells the story of the “Krewe of Le Moyne,” early trailblazers in the founding of New Orleans. And on page 34, Mimi Knight writes about a northshore man’s personal journey of faith and promises kept. Summer is here! If you are looking for a road trip, how about Point Clear, Alabama? In this issue, learn a bit more about the Grand Hotel experience on page 69. Tom Fitzmorris is full of suggestions for cooling off in the heat, including compressed watermelon cubes! Yummm! Don’t miss him At the Table on page 48. Enjoy the issue—and enjoy your summer!

Inside Northside

Contributors

Tom Fitzmorris 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 threehour 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 48. With the recent publication of Tom Fitzmorris’s New Orleans Food (Revised and Expanded Edition): More Than 250 of the City’s Best Recipes to Cook at Home, Tom is refreshing his bestselling cookbook New Orleans Food. The new book features all of the favorite recipes, steeped in the town’s Creole and Cajun traditions, but is updated to include a 16-page color insert with gorgeous food photography and an updated introduction.

Leslie Cardé

Joey Kent

Mimi Greenwood Knight

Veteran journalist Leslie Cardé began her career reporting for NPR in Los Angeles. From there, she landed in New Orleans as an anchor/health and science editor before moving on to anchor three hours of daily financial news and host an entertainment show for CNBC. She’s reported from the Middle East for CNN, worked as a producer and narrator for E! Entertainment and wrote, directed and produced the award-winning documentary America Betrayed. Leslie currently writes for The New Orleans Advocate and Los Angeles Magazine. She is also a producer/reporter for CBS Newspath. On page 54, she writes about prevention of knee injuries.

Joey Kent, a longtime author, historian and archivist, relocated his family from Shreveport to New Orleans several years ago to continue work in the movie industry. He has over 60 film festival awards for screenwriting and is wrapping up work on a coffee table book about the historic Louisiana Hayride radio and stage show, which is due for release next summer. The Kents—Joey, Amber and daughter Adelaide—love the rich history and culture of their new home. On page 40, Joey begins telling the story of the founding of New Orleans.

Mimi Greenwood Knight is a mother of four and a freelance writer with over five hundred articles and essays in print in national and regional magazines, devotionals and fifty anthologies, including two dozen Chicken Soup for the Soul books. She lives on a small hobby farm in Folsom with her husband, David, where she enjoys gardening, beekeeping, Bible study, knitting and chicken wrangling. In this issue, Mimi writes about Dr. James Briggs’s home chapel on page 34.

Other Voices: Gretchen Armbruster, Susan Bonnett Bourgeois, Leah Draffen, Candra George, Thomas B. Growden, Amber Guy, Marty Mayer, Becky Slatten and Angela Spencer, .

Inside Northside

All pictures painted inside, in the studio will never be as good as the things done outside. – Paul Cezanne

Painting in Open Air photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Cover Artist Peg Usner by Shauna Grissett THE VERY DEFINITION of plein air painting is leaving the four walls of one’s studio and experiencing painting and drawing in the landscape. The practice goes back for centuries but was made into an art form by the French Impressionists. Their desire to paint light and its ever-changing ephemeral qualities, coupled with the creation of transportable paint tubes and the box easel, the precursor to the plein air easels of today, allowed artists the freedom to paint “en plein air”—the French expression for “in open air.” Artists have long painted outdoors but, in the mid-19th century, working in natural light became particularly important not only to the Impressionists, but to the Barbizon and Hudson 18

Inside Northside

River Schools, as well. Mandeville artist Peg Usner concentrates on plein air painting, and she creates art in the natural landscape. In particular, she adores the geography of Southeast Louisiana and the Deep South and depicts the beauty and bounty of their landscapes and architecture. The moss hanging from oaks along a >>

Inside Northside

knew that it was going to be something in art. And, I thought if I was an interior designer, I could make a living in it. In all of the arts, whether it’s design, painting, commercial art or architecture, you use the same basic set of tools: line, shape, form, texture and color to create harmony and balance. It’s the same concept—just in a different medium.” Born and raised in New Orleans, Usner says, “I’m a New Orleans girl; you can’t take that away from me! But I’ve lived in Mandeville since 1991, and I’m very civic-minded. I completed Master Gardener training in 2000, and I’ve been a board member of Keep Mandeville Beautiful for 18 years.” Usner acknowledges artist Phil Sandusky as her mentor in plein air painting. “In 2001, I retired after 23 years of teaching and then began concentrating on painting. It wasn’t until 2010 or 2011 that I really started to paint in earnest, outside. And then I took a workshop with Phil Sandusky, and I said, ‘this is it.’ I knew that plein air painting would probably be what I’d do for the rest of my life.”

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

lazy bayou, a bright summer sun on graceful façades or an egret in the shallows of Lake Pontchartrain— each inspire her impressionistic style. Usner’s love of nature was innate, and she began painting at age 11. She says, “When I was little, I always loved being outside, planting sweet peas and lima beans. My mother never had to tell me to go outside.” The artist received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from Louisiana Tech and her Master of Arts in History from the University of New Orleans. Usner is an accredited professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers and worked first as an interior designer for various firms in and around New Orleans and then as a professor of interior design at Delgado College for 23 years. Usner headed the Interior Design Department at Delgado and started the ASID student chapter, all while continuing to work as an interior designer. Explaining her professional trajectory, she says, “In terms of a career, I always

The notion of plein air painting may sound romantic, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Usner explains, “You have the heat of Southeast Louisiana, the humidity, the bugs, the possible rainstorm in the middle of the day— there are just so many factors that you have to deal with. But I still like being outside because it’s just so different from painting in the studio. So, I generally paint in the mornings. I try to get outside by 8:30, especially in the summer. By noon, when the sun is at its highest point, the shadows have moved; everything has changed and looks completely different. That’s the reason I like to paint in one sitting—I know the scene, the landscape, is going to change. Sure, you can come back the next day, and I oftentimes do, but you can’t count on it to look the same.” Usner has been the Artist in Residence at Longue Vue House and Gardens in New Orleans since 2015 (2015 - present). “There is always something to paint out there,” she explains. “The flowers, plants and trees are constantly changing. What I like to capture is that one moment in time, in that particular place, with that particular light—it’s like history. I am catching a real moment in time.” At Longue Vue, Usner teaches painting, giving workshops, “Part of my position as Artist in Residence is teaching.” Usner explains her own process and well as how she teaches her students, “The most important thing is to find the composition, that’s how I start. I sketch directly on the >> July -August 2018 21

canvas, then, I put my darkest areas first down—most of the time—and work up to the lightest areas. It’s not always that cut and dry and I don’t always follow this process to the letter—but I try to give them a good foundation. Then, I’ll work all around the canvas. I start out very thin with the medium, usually oil. I painted with acrylics for years but, I really like the look and consistency of oils.” Loving all nature as she does, when asked if she has a favorite painting spot, Usner is hard put to come up with an answer. However, City Park holds a special place in her heart. “It’s a place that just hits me. My master’s thesis was on the founding of the parks, both Audubon and City parks, but I’m mostly interested in painting City Park. I love the water and how the light reflects on the water. Everybody thinks that water is blue because it reflects the sky. But, oh, there are so many colors, and there’s so much depth of color in water! And if the wind blows, 22

Inside Northside

suddenly you’ve got ripples that you didn’t have a minute ago, and everything changes. I love the fact that it’s so elusive like that! If I had to pick only one subject to paint, I think it would be City Park.” In addition to her beloved Southeast Louisiana, Usner also paints in western North Carolina, where she visits several times a year. She creates evocative scenes of the Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway. If tempted with the right project, occasionally Usner will stay inside her studio. Recently, she illustrated a book of poetry by David Campbell, Nature All Around Us. Explains Usner, “I went to this bed and breakfast in Little River Bluffs Nature Preserve for years, and the owner asked me to illustrate his book. Essentially, the illustrations are interpretations of his poems, and they aren’t all about landscapes.” Usner has clearly found her life’s passion—plein air painting—and says, “This is who I am. I’m an artist, and I paint. I paint what appeals to me, what catches my eye, what moves me. And I hope it will move someone else to enjoy that moment in time, that place.” For more information on Peg Usner’s work, call (985) 624-8557 or visit Facebook: Peg Usner, or pegusner.com. July -August 2018 23

INSIDE the definitive guide to northshore events and entertainment

Putting On The Glitz

1-4 Independence Day Weekend at the Grand. A full schedule of family activities, fireworks and special rates. marriotgrandhotel.com. 1-8 Recovered Memories: Spain, New Orleans and the American

New Orleans. (504) 568-6968.

Camp St, New Orleans.10am-5pm.

louisianastatemuseum.org.

ogdenmuseum.org.

1-8 Sarah Morris. Contemporary Arts

1-23 Matter of Balance: Managing

Center, 900 Camp St, New Orleans.

Concerns About Falls. Continuation

(504) 528-3805. cacno.org.

of 8-week structured group intervention

1-22 The Whole Drum Will Sound:

emphasizes practical strategies to reduce

Revolution at the Cabildo. Louisiana

Women in Southern Abstraction.

fears of falling and increase activity levels.

State Museum, 751 Chartres St,

Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925

Lakeview Regional Medical Center,

I n s i d e N orth s i d e

photo courtesy: CAMERON PAYNE PHOTOGRAPHY

July

August 11 Putting on the Glitz Annual Fundraiser. 50s-themed night of music, dinner, raffles, games and more. Sock Hop for Scholarships hosted by the Professional Women of St. Tammany. More than $150,000 in scholarships have been awarded. The Greystone, 935 Clausel St, Mandeville. 6-10pm. Members, $75; nonmembers and guests, $85. pwst.rocks.

Magnolia Room or Pelican Room, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd, Covington. 9-11am. 867-3900. lakeviewregional.com. 1-Aug 7 CIRCOVIA Summer Production Show. Beau Rivage Theatre, 875 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, Miss. 8pm. beaurivage.com. 1-Aug 12 Lee Friedlander in Louisiana. New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins >> July -August 2018 25

Inside Scoop Diboll Crl, New Orleans. noma.org. 1-Dec 21 EMPIRE. Newcomb Art Museum of Tulane, 6823 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans. newcombartmuseum.tulane.edu. 3 Happy 3rd of July. Fireworks and music by the

Annex, New Orleans. neworleansshakespeare.org. 6, 13, 20, 27 “Legacies for All” Estate Planning Day. Schedule time for a legacy/estate plan, which includes a will, power of attorney and living will.

6-9:30pm. neworleanscitypark.com.

Christie Tournet & Associates, 1795 W Causeway

4-9pm. covla.com. 4 Go Fourth on the River. Dueling barges fireworks

App, Suite 103A, Mandeville. 10:30am-2:30pm. $500. 951-2177. 7 Downtown Showdown. Hammond’s hottest car

on the downtown New Orleans riverfront.

show benefiting the Hammond Police Department.

go4thontheriver.com.

Live music by The Domino’s, 180 cars, awards,

4 Madisonville Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration. Water St, Madisonville. 11am until dusk. Free. 845-9824. madisonville4thjuly.com. 4, 11, 18, 25 Covington Farmers Market. Covington Trailhead, 419 N New Hampshire. 10am-2pm. covingtonfarmersmarket.org. 5-8 ESSENCE Festival. R&B, hip-hop, jazz and blues music, speakers, crafts and more. Mercedes-Benz Superdome. festival.essence.com. 6-22 Macbeth. In celebration of New Orleans

I n s i d e N orth s i d e

Tulane’s Lupin Theater, 16 Newcomb Blvd, Dixon

Marine Corps Band New Orleans. City Park.

3 Sparks in the Park. Bogue Falaya Park, Covington.

Shakespeare Festival’s 25th Anniversary Season.

contests and more. Downtown Hammond. Rain or shine. dtsdhammond.com. 7 The Westbank Beer Festival. Presented by NOLA Motorsports Park. 11075 Nicolle Blvd, Avondale. 12-6pm. nolamotor.com. 7, 14, 21, 28 Camellia City Farmers Market. 1808 Front St, Slidell. 8am-12pm. camelliacitymarket.org. 7, 14, 21, 28 Covington Farmers Market. 609 N Columbia St. 8am-12pm. covingtonfarmersmarket.org. 7, 14, 21, 28 Mandeville Trailhead Market. 675 Lafitte

St. 9am-1pm. mandevilletrailheadmarket.com. 8, 15, 22, 29 Abita Springs Art and Farmers Market.

11 King Lear Stage Reading. In celebration of New Orleans Shakespeare Festival’s 25th Anniversary

Trailhead Park. 12-4pm. townofabitasprings.com/

Season. Tulane’s Lupin Theater, 16 Newcomb

farmers-market.

Blvd, Dixon Annex, New Orleans. 7:30pm.

9-13 Believe Summer Camp Experience. Five-day performing arts day camp for 3rd-12th graders.

neworleansshakespeare.org. 12 Better Breathers Club. Better Breathers Clubs

Hosted at Living the World International, 2528 Old

are welcoming support groups for individuals with

Spanish Trail, Slidell. 8:30am-4:30pm. believecamp.

COPD, pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer and

com.

their caregivers. Magnolia Room, Lakeview Regional

9-20 MADD Camp. Two-week music, art, drama and dance camp for 1st through 7th graders. Cedarwood School, 607 Heavens Dr, Mandeville. 845-7111. cedarwoodschool.com. 9-27 Kaleidoscope Camp. For kids ages 2-6. Oneweek sessions. Cedarwood School, 607 Heavens Dr, Mandeville. 845-7111. cedarwoodschool.com. 11 All Amerian Educators. Mandeville Covington Christian Women Connection luncheon celebrating educators. Speaker Susan Werthem. Benedict’s

Medical Center, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd, Covington. 1-2:30pm. 867-3900. lakeviewregional.com. 12 Shining Stars Benefit. Benefitting Northshore Families Helping Families. Abita Brewing Company, 166 Barbee Rd, Covington. 7pm. fhfnorthshore.org. 13-15 San Fermin en Nueva Orleans. The 12th annual bull-run festival that pays homage to the world famous Encierro of Pamplona, Spain. Running with the bulls on Saturday, July 14. nolabulls.com. 13-22 Beauty and the Beast. Rivertown Theaters for

Plantation, 1144 North Causeway Blvd, Mandeville.

the Performing Arts, 325 Minor St, Kenner. $36-40.

Doors open, 11am; luncheon, 11:30am. $25.

rivertowntheaters.com.

cmcwc.org.

14 Bastille Day Fête. Celebrate France’s national

Inside Scoop Smart Women’s Day Out.

holiday with Bastille Day Fête presented

discussions with students about motor

by the Alliances Française of New

vehicle crashes, why they occur and how

Orleans, the Consulate General of France

they can be prevented. In conjunction

in Louisiana, the French-American

with the Louisiana State Police and

Chamber of Commerce-Gulf Coast

Trauma Injury Prevention staff at Lakeview

Chapter, and the New Orleans Tourism

Regional Medical Center. Lakeview

Marketing Corporation. New Orleans

Regional Medical Center, 95 Judge

Museum of Art, 1 Diboll Cl, New Orleans.

Tanner Blvd, Covington. 8:30am-3pm.

6-9pm. bastilledaynola.com.

867-3900. lakeviewregional.com.

14-Aug 18 53rd Annual National Juried

19 Smart Women’s Day Out. Women

Artists Exhibition Summer Show. St.

of Infinite Possibilites Presents Smart

Tammany Art Association Art House,

Women’s Day Out: It’s a Northshore

320 Columbia St, Covington. 892-8650.

Thing. Inspriational and expert

sttammanyartassociation.org.

speakers, breakfast, lunch, networking,

15 Bayou Liberty Jazz Combo. “Jazz in

entertainment and more. The Greystone,

July” Third Sunday Summer Concert

935 Clausel St, Mandeville. 8am-3pm.

Series. Christwood Atrium, 100

Members, $55; nonmembrs, $65.

Christwood Blvd, Covington. 5-6pm. Free. christwoodrc.com. 17 Sam Smith. Smoothie King Center, New Orleans. 8pm. smoothiekingcenter.com. 17-22 Tales of the Cocktail. The

Advance tickets only. womenofwip.org. 20 Southern Nights. A sophisticated summer soirée benefiting St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce. Southern Hotel, 428 E Boston St,

international bar and spirits industry is

Covington. 7-10pm. 892-3216.

welcomed to New Orleans for a week

sttammanychamber.org.

of seminars, tastings, networking and

20 Sunset at the Landing. Live concert

special events, including prix fix dinners.

series at the Columbia Street Landing on

Various locations. talesofthecocktail.com.

the Bogue Falaya River, Covington. 6-9pm.

18 By Any Scenes Necessary. Collaboration with The NOLA Project in

892-1873. sunsetattheLanding.org. 20-22 Northshore Home & Garden

celebration of New Orleans Shakespeare

Show. Northshore Harbor Center, 100

Festival’s 25th Anniversary Season.

Harbor Center Blvd, Slidell. Fri, 12-8pm;

Tulane’s Lupin Theater, 16 Newcomb

Sat, 10am-8pm; Sun, 10am-5pm.

Blvd, Dixon Annex, New Orleans.

northshoreharborcenter.com.

7:30pm. neworleansshakespeare.org. 18 Sudden Impact. One Bad Decision

21 Jewel of Madisonville. St. Anselm’s 11th Annual Gala with over 50

Changes Many Lives: No Drinking &

restaurants, live and silent auctions,

Driving, No Texting & Driving. Real

Groovy 7 and car raffle. The Castine

Center, 63350 Pelican Dr, Mandeville. Patron party, 6pm; gala, 7pm. $50. 8457342. 501auctions.com/stanselm. 23-24 Louisiana Cajun Zydeco Festival. Presented by The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation. Live music by: Bruce Daigrepont, Sean Ardoin, Les Freres Michot, Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Li’l Nathan & the Zydeco Big Timers, Chris Ardoin & NuStep, Corey Ledet & His Zydeco Band, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas, and Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers. Louis Armstrong Park, 701 N Rampart St, New Orleans. 11:30am-6:30pm. Free. jazzandheritage. org/cajun-zydeco. 27 Columbia Street Block Party. Downtown Covington. 6:30-9:30pm. covla.com. 27 Northshore’s Finest. Northshore Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Northshore’s Finest fundraiser. Fleur De Lis Event Center, 1645 N Causeway Blvd, Mandeville. 7pm. northshore.finestcff.org. 27 The Isley Brothers. Beau Rivage Theatre, 875 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, Miss. 8pm. beaurivage.com. 28 Northshore Family Fun Day. Northshore Harbor Center, 100 Harbor Center Blvd, Slidell. 10am-3pm. Free. northshoreharborcenter.com. 30 United Way West St. Tammany Red Beans & Rice Cook-Off. St. Scholastica Academy Gym, 122 S Massachusetts St, Covington. Proceeds benefit suicide prevention, mental health services and other United Way programs serving St. Tammany Parish. 11am-2pm. $10. unitedwaysela.org.

August 1-7 CIRCOVIA Summer Production Show. Beau Rivage Theatre, 875 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, Miss. 8pm. beaurivage.com. 1-12 Lee Friedlander in Louisiana. New >> July -August 2018 29

Inside Scoop Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins Diboll Crl, New Orleans. noma.org. 1-18 53rd Annual National Juried Artists Exhibition

4, 11, 18, 25 Mandeville Trailhead Market. 675 Lafitte St. 9am-1pm. mandevilletrailheadmarket.com. 5, 12, 19, 26 Abita Springs Art and Farmers Market.

Summer Show. St. Tammany Art Association Art

Trailhead Park. 12-4pm. townofabitasprings.com/

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

farmers-market.

sttammanyartassociation.org. 1-Dec 21 EMPIRE. Newcomb Art Museum of

6 United Way East St. Tammany Red Beans & Rice Cook-Off. Proceeds benefit suicide prevention,

Tulane, 6823 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans.

mental health services and other United Way

newcombartmuseum.tulane.edu.

programs serving St. Tammany Parish. Slidell City

1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Covington Farmers Market. Covington Trailhead, 419 N New Hampshire. 10am-2pm. covingtonfarmersmarket.org. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 “Legacies for All” Estate Planning

Auditorium, 2056 Second St. 11am-2pm. $10. unitedwaysela.org. 9 Better Breathers Club. Better Breathers Clubs are welcoming support groups for individuals with

Day. Schedule time for a legacy/estate plan, which

COPD, pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer and

includes a will, power of attorney and living will.

their caregivers. Magnolia Room, Lakeview Regional

Christie Tournet & Associates, 1795 W Causeway

Medical Center, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd, Covington.

App, Suite 103A, Mandeville. 10:30am-2:30pm.

1-2:30pm. 867-3900. lakeviewregional.com.

$500. 951-2177. 4, 11, 18, 25 Camellia City Farmers Market. 1808 Front St, Slidell. 8am-12pm. camelliacitymarket.org. 4, 11, 18, 25 Covington Farmers Market. 609 N Columbia St. 8am-12pm. covingtonfarmersmarket.org.

10 Northshore’s Finest Luncheon. Tchefuncta Country Club, 2 Pinecrest Dr, Covington. 11am-1pm. northshore.finestcff.org. 11 Putting on the Glitz Annual Fundraiser. 50s-themed night of music, dinner, raffles, games

and more. Sock Hop for Scholarships hosted by the Professional Women of St. Tammany. More than

6-10pm. myslidell.com. 23 Saints Fan Up Pep Rally. Indoor tailgate hosted

$150,000 in scholarships have been awarded. The

by the East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce.

Greystone, 935 Clausel St, Mandeville. 6-10pm.

Northshore Harbor Center, Slidell. 5-8pm. 643-5678.

Members, $75; nonmembers and guests, $85.

estchamber.com.

pwst.rocks.

25 Art Vue. Benefiting art and art education at Longue

17 Sunset at the Landing. Live concert series at the

Vue House & Garden. Ace Hotel, 600 Carondelet St,

Columbia Street Landing on the Bogue Falaya River, Covington. 6-9pm. 892-1873. sunsetattheLanding.org.

New Orleans. longuevue.com/artvue. 25 Ultimate Tailgate Party. Hosted by the St. Tammany

18 Covington White Linen. Art galleries, restaurants,

Exchange Club. Live music by Four Unplugged,

retailers and more showcase their summer best.

online silent auction, live auction to benefit the West

Some activity proceeds benefit the Covington Public

St. Tammany YCMA and the Youth Service Bureau

Art Fund. Downtown Covington. 5:30-9pm. Free.

CASA. Covington Trailhead, 419 N New Hampshire

facebook.com/covwhitelinen.

St, Covington. 7pm. ultimatetailgateparty.org.

18 Polos & Pearls. Strolling, shopping, music and

28 Shadow Day. St. Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School, 917 S Jahncke Ave,

food. Downtown St. Francisville, La. (225) 635-3873. stfrancisvillefestivals.com.

Covington. 892-3200. stpauls.com. 31 Columbia Street Block Party. Downtown

19 John Rankin. Third Sunday Summer Concert Series.

Covington. 6:30-9:30pm. covla.com.

Christwood Atrium, 100 Christwood Blvd, Covington. 5-6pm. Free. christwoodrc.com. 19 White Linen and Lagniappe. Art, live entertainment, drinks, shopping and dining. Olde Towne Slidell.

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

IN Other Words by Becky Slatten

Better Late Than Never, Right? HEY, DADS! This one’s for you! And, of course, it’s a month late because that’s just how it goes for dads, isn’t it? Except on Father’s Day, dads may be the most underappreciated people on the planet. And yet, unlike Mother’s Day, which involves brunch reservations, flowers and sentimental cards, dads are often out there alone, grilling the Father’s Day feast under a hot June sun, not unlike any other Sunday. I realize they come in all shapes and sizes, and not all dads are awesome, but the kind I know best are the guys who get up every morning, no matter what, and go to work. In fact, this dad’s main job is to bring home the bacon and to pay for stuff. Lots and lots of stuff. Of course, I can’t begin to capture the essence of every dad; my own father passed away when I was 12 and he was only 33 years old, so I’m at a disadvantage. But I was blessed with two amazing dads in 1985—a stepfather and a father-inlaw—and I couldn’t have asked for better father figures; they will forever be missed. I think Father’s Day is arguably one of the most important days of the entire year because it’s the one day out of 365 that we can genuinely thank them for their daily sacrifices. Not only do they 32

I n s i d e N orth s i d e

reach for their wallet all day long, but they also warm the bleachers at the football and baseball stadiums, they stand around with the other dads at the soccer and lacrosse fields and they fidget in their seat at the 4-hour dance recital. They just do what’s needed to be done and do their best to impart this sense of responsibility to their children. But it wouldn’t be Father’s Day without a little ribbing, right? I was recently looking for a card for Scott, one of the best dads I know, (only amongst the funny ones, of course) and some common themes were, “wearing socks with sandals,” “farting” and “offering advice.” I find this very amusing; stereotypes don’t create themselves, you know. My stepfather, whom we adored, was a big fan of the socks-and-sandals look; he could certainly come up with some eye-popping get-ups before my mother put a stop to it. Once, not long after they married, he was required to wear a suit to a function, and he actually produced a white polyester leisure suit with baby-blue top stitching from his closet. “Is this ok?” he asked. Um, no; no, it is absolutely not ok. Needless to say, it disappeared from his wardrobe the next day. He was also affectionally known for telling the same five stories over and over again and laughing hysterically at his own jokes, but that’s another story. Moving on to our next topic—just why is it so funny when dads loudly pass gas? It’s juvenile, sophomoric and such a cliché—and yet we still snicker every time. It just

never gets old (unless you’re trapped in a car with him), and that’s all I have to say about that. As for fatherly advice, just ask any teenaged girl or boy if dad has ever shared with them his hard-won, long-winded wisdom, and watch the kid’s eyes roll. But guess who she calls (crying) when she failed to heed his advice and she’s out of gas on the causeway, or he has a flat tire or gets a speeding ticket. And you can count on it, this same kid will be quoting wise old dad in just a few short years. Mark Twain said it best, “When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.” So, appreciated or not, what in the world do you buy the man? Think about it, if dads weren’t so hard to buy for, there wouldn’t be so many ridiculous gadgets with beer holders attached for sale in June. Most of the dads I know are simple men; they just buy the stuff they need, and they don’t want some newfangled gadget because they don’t really love change. So what is it that they really want? One dad’s dream of a perfect Father’s Day included a sofa, a sporting event, a remote control and a lot of peace and quiet. Ok, sure Dad … once the burgers are done, and don’t get too hot out there … I’ll take mine medium, please. July -August 2018 33

A Dream Come True

The Home Chapel of Dr. James Briggs

ONE SUNDAY MORNING when James Briggs was ten years old, he knelt beside his parents at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Baton Rouge (now St. Joseph’s Cathedral) and was so overwhelmed by the beauty and reverence surrounding him that he prayed, “God, it’s so beautiful. Can I just live here?” Later that day at lunch, he told his family about his prayer. “They laughed,” he remembers. “They just 34

Inside Northside

thought what a weird kid they had.” But a seed was planted that day; a seed that took 50 years and a lot of hard work to bear fruit. Fast forward to 1989. Young James was now Dr. Briggs, a successful New Orleans dentist. He and his friend, David Bourgeois, purchased what amounted to little more than a cow pasture on Highway 437 in Covington. The five acres was

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

by Mimi Greenwood Knight

raw, to say the least, but the two men shared a vision of turning it into a showplace they could share with family and friends. With an indomitable DIY spirit, they began work on what was to become their estate, working every weekend and doing much of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;heavy liftingâ&#x20AC;? themselves. First, they erected a 650-square-foot cottage in which to live while they constructed a stately and spacious, three-story Georgianstyle home, toiling most weekends and returning to New Orleans during the week. The cow pasture gave way to sweeping lawns. They dug and stocked a pond on the hillside in front of the home and installed seven private garden rooms surrounding it plus a main garden, each perfectly appointed and some intentionally hidden from view. As they planted crepe myrtles, azaleas and other native varieties, they were astounded at how the years of natural fertilizer left by the former inhabitants nourished the plantings, so they soon looked like theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d been there for years. And at every stage of their work, they invited friends to come enjoy their little piece of paradise. When construction on the main >> July -August 2018 35

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

house was completed, and Briggs and Bourgeois were able to move in, the cottage sat ready for its next calling. While Bourgeois had his heart set on an art house he could fill with works by local artists and some of his own, Briggs had never forgotten his prayer that morning at St. Joseph’s Church. He dreamed of turning the cottage into a private home chapel where he could meet with God and which he could share with others. “It took some convincing,” Briggs says, “but David finally said one day, ‘Oh, build your chapel. You won’t be happy until you do.’” In the end, they settled on something they dubbed “The Chart House”: half art house, half chapel. The beautiful estate was completed around 2012, although Briggs says it will never really be “complete.” Their guests and visitors enjoy wandering into the prim, yellow Chart House in the dappled light of the crepe myrtle trees, unsure of what they’ll find inside. Whatever they may have expected, there’s much jaw-dropping and stunned silence once the doors are opened revealing The Chapel of the Holy Family and St. Philomena. Visitors speak in whispers or don’t speak at all, so reverent are the surroundings. The single room is long and narrow but bathed in light from six-foot windows lining either side. The floors are highly polished, repurposed blonde wood. And the room is filled with a cache of Catholic art and artifacts Dr. Briggs spent years amassing. “During the 1970s, many Catholic churches were modernized, and artifacts were discarded,” he says. “Fortunately, there were people who had the foresight to salvage them, and I’ve been lucky enough to get my >> 36

Inside Northside

July -August 2018 37

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

hands on some real treasures.” The elaborate hand-carved, wooden altar, for instance, was constructed by German monks in the year 1900 and was the original altar for St. Benedict’s Mission Catholic Church off Stafford Road in Covington. The communion rail actually came from Dr. Brigg’s boyhood church, St. Joseph’s in Baton Rouge. “The church was established in 1792, but the original Carrera marble railing was discarded during a renovation in 1967,” he says. “The arches and base plate were stored in someone’s barn for 40 years. I was able to acquire them and have the upright posts constructed to match.” Along either wall are life-size paintings of Saints Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, once part of a large panoramic mural commissioned for the Church of the Holy Family in Pittsburgh. “The painting was commissioned by Cardinal Wyszynski of Poland in 1902 and was painted by the son of John Henryk de Rosen, 38

Inside Northside

who was the court painter to Alexander the III and Nicholas the II,” says Dr. Briggs. “Also from the Holy Family Church in Pittsburgh is a 500-pound plaster statue of the holy family by DePrato Plaster Works from the late 1800s.” A second altar, which is now in two sections at either side of the back of the church, was salvaged from the chapel at St. Scholastica Priory in Covington. “That altar was brought to the United States from Europe by Archbishop Philip Hannan, who was a close personal friend of President Kennedy,” says Dr. Briggs. The stations of the cross lining the upper walls of the chapel were constructed of horse hair, tar and plaster in the 1800s. A favorite painting in the chapel is the newest piece in the collection, a work Dr. Briggs commissioned from an unlikely place. “In 2003, I was watching a PBS special on the Angola Prison rodeo,” he says. “At the time, the cover of the

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

monthly missalette at St. Benedict’s Church had a painting of St. Joseph and the Christ Child. While visiting the rodeo, I met an Angola inmate who was displaying his artwork there. He had the ability to copy most artists, down to the brushstroke. I commissioned Jerald to do this picture and he truly captured Christ and St. Joseph for me.” There are other artifacts dating back as far as the 1500s, including a statue of the Madonna and Child carved from a single block of wood and a miniature diorama carved from ivory depicting each element of the passion story. There’s a Christ Child statue, which the women of St. Ben’s parish traditionally redressed for different Catholic feast days. And of course, there’s a circa 1913 statue of the patron saint of the chapel, St. Philomena. “I’m truly blessed that one of my life’s biggest dreams has come true,” says Dr. Briggs. “It was only possible through the help of our Lord, the Blessed Virgin, St. Joseph and St. Philomena that this chapel became a tangible reality. Now, whether I’m having a great day or a bad day, I can come here and say, ‘thank you’ or ‘can you give me a little more?’ And I can share this beautiful place with friends and strangers alike.” July -August 2018 39

Inside Northside

The Krewe of Le Moyne The First Lords of Mardi Gras

by Joey Kent

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 VilleMarie, 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 Norman-style fishing boats called traversiers; a couple of bark canoes; and a ragtag crew comprised of fellow Canadians, Spanish deserters from Mexico, Spanish 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 sagamity, was eagerly consumed. >> July -August 2018 41

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, egrets, opossums, raccoons, beavers, 42

Inside Northside

photo courtesy: JOEY KENT

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… July -August 2018 43

Traces by Mimi Greenwood Knight

James Dickson

photo: AMBER GUY

Found-Object Artist WHEN PROFESSIONAL FABRICATOR and pipefitter James Dickson looks at the tools of his trade, he sees things his coworkers don’t. He considers a length of refrigerator pipe, for instance, and imagines it sliced into circles and welded into a fluid sculpture or bubbling up from the mouth of a rusty, iron fish. He looks at railroad spikes and can see them connected end-to-end, twisting and turning and rising into the air. “He just sees it,” says his friend Kelly Cortine. “I can tell when he’s coming up with an idea. He gets very quiet and starts looking this way and that. I can see him thinking it through. Then he jumps on it.” As a fifth-generation welder, James didn’t give a lot of thought to his career path. After trade school, he landed a lucrative job working in the oil field. “We’d fiddle around making things, like a pencil holder or something practical we needed,” he says. “But work was so busy, I didn’t have time to do much more.” Still, he imagined what he might create and stored those ideas away in hopes of having time to make them someday. Then, something happened to pull the rug out from under him. “February 11, 2015, is a day I won’t soon forget,” he says. “It was my last day working as a project manager in oilfield construction, a job I loved. I was at a peak in my career, and it had taken a lot of hard work to get there. But the low price of oil dramatically reduced the amount of construction work available to guys like me. So, after sending out around 300 résumés, the phone not ringing, and a short fight with depression I’d wish on no man, I decided to use the skills I have to keep myself busy. So, I built a bench,

then a coffee table, then another coffee table. Then I discovered Pinterest, and things really got interesting. So many ideas, not enough daylight.” In one of those blessings that’s only visible through the rearview mirror, Dickson found himself with time on his hands and pent up energy that was ready to be expressed somewhere. “I needed something to do with my brain,” he says. So, he started pulling up all those long-neglected ideas and fabricator gave way to artist. “I started gathering anything I thought would be useful for a craft or piece of art or furniture project. It just felt good to have something to focus on, to feel productive and useful again. Then people >> July -August 2018 45

Inside Northside

photos: AMBER GUY

started wanting the pieces I made for their home, and that was extremely rewarding. I’d see a random piece of scrap metal, wood or something as simple as an old bed frame and automatically begin to think how to transform it. My newfound creativity really helped me through a rough time in life. Being able to collaborate with a customer and understand what they wanted and then making it happen; creating the perfect piece for them is very satisfying—a piece that will add value to their home and give them pleasure.” Dickson is back to his day gig now but rushing home to burn the midnight oil in his workshop. The Venice native also slips away, when he can, to wander the shore of the Mississippi River harvesting driftwood. That wood that spent years going from seed to sapling to mature tree to just so much jetsam floating amid Styrofoam cups and tangles of fishing line calls to Dickson. And back to the workshop it goes. “I love the idea of getting something for nothing and then seeing what I can create with it,” he says. “Several people could look at the same piece of driftwood and see something different. Often, it’s already shaped in a way that tells me what it wants to be. I generally have a rough idea where I’m going with any piece before I start. I sketch out a loose plan but, as the materials pull me along, I want to be open to whatever happens.” Angles are intriguing to Dickson. “I enjoy making things that are visually appealing but also functional,” he says. “The human eye is drawn to angles. Circles are my newest thing. I want to see where I can go with angles and circles. I love working with metal because of its strength. Metal is forever. I try to create conversation pieces from metal that contain depth and a message—that are rustic and earthy, yet modern and unique, at the same time.” Dickson constructed a side table from a diesel engine gear

that’s surprisingly intricate, even delicate. He’s fabricated a metal window guard from discarded rebar made to look like a giant spider web. He created a 7-foot dolphin from expanded metal grating. And waiting in the wings—waiting for Dickson to hear from them—are pieces of ploughs and garage doors, railroad spikes, old bed frames and metal piping of all sizes and widths. On his work table, an assortment of geometric shapes he’s cut from metal wait for inspiration. “I might look at them twenty times,” says Dickson. “Then suddenly, I see it. Once I see it, I have to go with it. I follow an interesting guy on Facebook, a life coach of sorts. One of his ideas is to come up with ten new ideas a day. They might be good ideas, or they might be duds. But it keeps the creative part of your brain in good shape. I try to do it daily, and it spurs a decent amount of experimentation and creativeness.” Dickson would like to return to creating art full time, perhaps to open a brick-and-mortar store where he can sell his work and the work of other local craftsmen. “St. Tammany is a very artsy place,” he says. “People are looking for ways to make their homes unique and interesting. And I love helping them do it.” July -August 2018 47

At the Table

Cool Food

SOMETHING YOU NEVER HEAR New Orleans people say is “summer came early this year.” As if there were something we can do about it. When summer arrives, it does so in a forcible way. Here it comes, in high waves pushed along by cold fronts and the first tropical waves. Some of this looks like flooding. In contrast, the same forces make May and June temperatures occasionally drop like rocks, along with massive rainstorms. But when that last chilly, watery line moves past us, we know what is next: a long, long, sweltering trend that will leave the temperatures in the 90s for hours after the sun goes down. Oddly, 2018 summer developments have been promising, with its snoballs, smoothies and the greatest summer pleasure of them all—raw oysters on their half shells, the 48

Inside Northside

ultimate Cool Food. Nothing compares the cooling accomplishment of a half-dozen raw oysters on the half shell in the roll call of Cool Food. The only possible improvement is to substitute a full dozen oysters for the half-dozen. This strategy continues to work as you add more oysters. That remains true even after some spoilsport points out that most of summer is in the months lacking Rs. Fortunately, that issue has zero effect. The “R” prohibition came from a law passed in New York city in the 1800s, to prevent contaminated oysters from reaching eaters. There is no reason whatever to apply the ordinance to your stock of oysters, unless you have an ailment that makes eating raw proteins verboten. As wonderful as ice-cold oysters can be, they’re only the beginning of the Cool Food possibilities.

illustration: GRETCHEN ARMBRUSTER

by Tom Fitzmorris

Have you investigated the phenomenon called compressed watermelon? It turns up with restaurants, bars, and perhaps even in your own kitchen. It sounds complex, but is simple enough. Let’s do it, shall we? 1. Select a medium-ripe watermelon of medium size. Cut away the rind and the top three inches beneath it. Cut what’s left of the sweet red inner layers into uniform cubes about an inch or more on a side. Stack all those cubes inside a food storage bag and refrigerate them. 2. Cut all the surplus red melon (a little green rind is okay) into chunks. Puree that in a food processor until it’s smooth, and then strain it. Now put the puree into a saucepan, and reduce the mostly liquid puree until half its original volume has cooked away. Next, refrigerate this in a food storage bag. That ends Day One, but Day Two will be easier. Add the chilled puree to the watermelon cubes, without toppling the cubes. Put all of this into the refrigerator either in a food storage bag, or on a plastic tray. 3. Taste what you have already brought together, and you may wonder how watermelon slush became so luscious. They’re almost like candy. You may not be able to stop eating them, so make more than you think you’ll need for your guests. You will need a lot of these compressed watermelon cubes for your friends, who will declare you a genius. They’re as fun to play with as they are mouthwatering. Watermelon aside, the many other melons in the market head our way during most of the summer. I like to do what the Italians do. (I have been named an honorary Italian twice, so I know.) They slice melons into crescents made by cantaloupes, then wrap thin slices of the famous Italian >> July -August 2018 49

dry-cured ham called prosciutto around the melons. This assembly is served at the naturally chilly temperature of the mountainside. Wonderful. Even if prosciutto is missing from the menu of every well-respecting Italian restaurant, I can assure you the chef has his own supply. Especially in the summer. It is a necessity to have a cocktail-or a glass of white wine, or an iced tea at this time of year. Cocktails lately get a lot of attention now, most of it along the lines of how refreshing they are. But there’s such a range of components awaiting the bartender that inevitably some drinks are better than others. Here’s an example. I am a fan of the Manhattan. But the aged, blended whisky involved has a smoky flavor that doesn’t taste ideal when it’s 90-plus degrees outside. A Negroni cocktail has roughly the same high alcohol as a Manhattan would, but its herbal mixers makes it seem much

Inside Northside

fresher. Must I report that this report was investigated with Negroni in my hand at the Windsor Court Hotel’s Club Room? It was high in alcohol, but its main flavors are botanical, not smoke. The magic of the splashes transforms the experience. In other words, have a cocktail or two, but consult with all those great bartenders we are reputed to have to remove all these wrinkles. And remember: a quick spritz of club soda adds to the refreshing quality of most cocktails. You will not go to cocktail jail for adding that touch. Back in the kitchen, our chefs to advance with many examples of new coolness. Not just with a few random dishes, but entirely new categories of cool dishes and adventuresome menus that make you peruse the menu again and again. The most interesting to me this summer year are the dishes from the Middle East—Saba, for example.

And Southeast Asia—Momo, Ramen, and Poke from Vietnam, China, and Hawaii. And how about the new practice of serving big vegetables chilled? Finally, there are always new salads. I like the three-way wedge salad at Porter & Luke in Metairie. Speaking of three-way appetizers, it wouldn’t be summer without the most famous of all Creole seafood starters. It offers that chilly refreshment with its most famous shellfish: shrimp remoulade, crabmeat ravigote and red crawfish remoulade. Here is the way I make those classics: What all these remoulade/ravigote recipes have in common is the main active ingredient: Creole mustard, a rough, brown, country-style mustard that has a bit of horseradish mixed in. The shrimp used for the for the white shrimp remoulade should be of medium size—about 25-30 count to the

pound. If you’re making only the red style of remoulade, a good trick is to slightly under-boil the shrimp, then marinate them in the rather acidic sauce. That will finish the “cooking,” in much the same way the marinade of ceviche does. The words “remoulade,” by the way, is an old French dialect word that refers to a kind of radish that hasn’t been part of the recipe for centuries. Red Crawfish Shrimp Remoulade is something of a rarity, but it’s a good way to use excess crawfish. Using the red remoulade seems perfect.

1/2 cup Creole mustard 1 Tbs. paprika 1/2 tsp. salt 2 Tbs. lemon juice 1/4 tsp. Tabasco 1/2 tsp. pureed garlic 1/2 cup green onion tops, finely sliced 1 cup olive oil

Finally, here’s the lightest version of remoulade, made with mayonnaise at the base. Use your choice of crawfish, shrimp or crab with white remoulade sauce. 1 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup Creole mustard

Leafy tops of a bunch of celery

2 Tbs. lemon juice

5 bay leaves

1/2 tsp. garlic-flavored Tabasco

3 cloves

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

2 Tbs. Tabasco garlic marinade

1/2 tsp. salt

1 large lemon, sliced

1/2 cup green onion tops, finely sliced

1/2 cup salt 1/2 cup chili sauce (bottled) or ketchup

1. Bring a gallon of water to a boil and add all the ingredients except

the shrimp. Boil the water for fifteen minutes, then add the shrimp. Remove from the heat immediately, and allow the shrimp to steep for four minutes, or until the shell separates from the meat easily. 2. Remove the shrimp and allow to cool enough to handle. Peel and devein the shrimp. 3. To make the red remoulade sauce, combine all ingredients except green onions and olive oil in a bowl. Add the oil a little at a time, stirring constantly, until all oil is absorbed. Taste the sauce and add more mustard or chili sauce to taste. Stir in green onion tops. 4. For the white remoulade sauce, just blend all the ingredients except the green onions. Then add the green onions last. Finally, feel free to use whichever sauce or shellfish above that appeals to your taste. But do make sure of this: Stay cool.

July -August 2018 51

Generous Hearts

Doing Good is Good for Business

Stirling Properties Olympiads having fun while raising money for charity. 52

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY. Giving Back. Investing in the communities we serve. Whatever the wording, businesses today are an ever-growing part of the global philanthropic economy. According to Double the Donation. com, last year corporations in the United States donated more than $17.77 billion to nonprofit organizations. They see corporate philanthropy as an essential business function that helps support the communities in which companies are based, fosters employee engagement and generates business value. The northshore is no exception. Companies large and small in our region are making it a point to serve the greater good, and they are doing it in some very creative ways. Companies like CLECO and Chevron have a reputation for robust philanthropy, and their impact is undeniable. But there are other, perhaps unknown, ways local companies are using their

Inside Northside

business for the greater good. Stirling Olympics. Each year, Stirling Properties holds the “Stirling Olympics,” a daylong celebration, competition and fundraiser to generate support for nonprofit organizations selected annually by their employee stewardship committee. The founding partners, executive staff, every department and partner vendors participate, and the byproduct is a win-win for Stirling and the communities they serve. Through their efforts, more than $320,000 has been distributed to date to local nonprofits. Stirling partners with the Foundation to provide the back-office administrative philanthropic services so they can focus on what they do best— tricycle races and musical chairs. Inside Publications. Not every valuable gift comes in the form of a check. If you have ever heard the saying “the power of the pen,” you understand the worth of sharing a message. Inside Publications is very good at sharing a message. Each year, using this publication and Inside New Orleans as her tools, Lori Murphy donates more than $50,000 to the causes and organizations she loves—all in the form of ink. One of the most valuable assets to any charitable cause is getting the word out, and Lori puts her money where her mouth is when it comes to her passions. Because of her vast distribution, her gifts are not only good for the organizations she serves, but they are valuable to everyone who reads the story. From community pride to acute calls to action, her donation of “ink”

photo courtesy: NORTHSHORE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

by Susan Bonnett Bourgeois

makes a tremendous difference in the lives of people in our region, and that in itself is incredibly powerful. Donahue Favret and Voelkel McWilliams. Cranes building high-rise hotels, steel frames coming together for new hospitals and hard hats on commercial job sites do not automatically generate warm, fuzzy pictures of giving and kindness. But the commitment at these two local companies to give back is engrained in their corporate culture, as well as efficiency and maximizing resources. So, these companies, like many others, use Corporate Advised Funds at their local community foundation to make sure the investments they are making in our nonprofit sector are impactful. St. Tammany Parish School System. While not a typical business, it does happen to be the largest employer in St. Tammany Parish, with nearly 6,000 employees. Couple that with its 39,000 students, and you have a philanthropic force to be reckoned with. Philanthropy is a big part of their world at every level, from the superintendent and the entire school board to students and faculty. In fact, four times during the school year, the system sponsors a “Jeans Friday,” where students and faculty can bring $1 for a local charity and wear jeans for the day. Sounds charming and sweet— which it is. What it also is, however, is powerful. Each one of those “Jeans Fridays” raises about $20,000 to support a local mission. Harnessing their collective philanthropy makes the whole far greater than the sum of its parts. Investments of money, donations of products, in-kind services and technical assistance, employee volunteerism and other business transactions are all part of the charitable business mix, and we are humbled that, oftentimes, the Northshore Community Foundation is in the middle of those efforts. July -August 2018 53

Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Preventing Knee Injuries

by Leslie Cardé

OUR KNEES TAKE THE BRUNT of virtually every move

Building strong bones should be supplemented with other elements in a total program to prevent bone loss. A balanced, calcium-rich diet is essential for strong bones. Foods that contain large amounts of calcium

we make. Whether it’s walking, jumping, running or

are: Milk; poppy, sesame, celery and chia seeds;

climbing stairs, the full impact and weight of these

cheese; low-fat yogurt; sardines and canned

movements rests on those two hinge joints within our

salmon; beans and lentils; dark leafy greens; figs;

knees. And, although medical advances have allowed us to

edamame; and tofu.

surgically replace our knees in minimally invasive ways with newer, improved implants, optimally we would all like to keep our knees intact for the duration of our lives. A lifetime of walking and exercising wears down the smooth

The recommended daily intake for calcium is 1000 milligrams. If you’re not getting enough of this nutrient from your food, consider taking a daily supplement. When the body doesn’t intake enough

rubbery connective tissue, known as cartilage, which covers and protects

calcium from the diet, it extracts calcium from your

the ends of the bones in our knees. The result is the loss of cushioning, in

bones, resulting in loss of bone mass, a precursor to

which bone is now rubbing against bone. This can produce bone spurs,

osteoporosis. Remember to accompany the calcium

can lead to inflammation, and can make simple walking painful. This

supplement with Vitamin D, which helps the body

situation can lead to swelling, and ultimately osteoarthritis.

absorb the calcium.

So, how do we preserve our knees—those vital weight-

To maintain healthy knees, it is imperative

bearing bones and joints? Exercise, accident prevention

to prevent injuries. According to the American

and sports nutrition are all a part of keeping the knees

Medical Society for Sports Medicine, overuse

in tip-top shape. The following recommendations from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons will help you stay healthy. Since your bones actually become stronger when they are being used, it is essential to exercise with weights. As we age, our bones can

injuries are largely responsible for damage to our knees. These injuries can include everything from stress fractures to runner’s knee to shin splints. The Society recommends commonsense ways to avoid these overuse injuries. Warm up before you start doing strenuous lunges. Use well-

become weak, fragile and thin. This condition is called osteoporosis.

maintained shoes with good cushioning. If you have knee pain

(X-rays of osteoporotic bone resembles Swiss cheese, with pervasive

following an injury, remember r-i-c-e (rest, ice, compression, and

holes throughout the bone.) This bone thinning puts everyone at risk

elevation). While knees are swollen or sore, avoid the following

for broken bones. Much like muscles become stronger with weight

positions: squatting, kneeling, twisting and pivoting or dance aerobics.

lifting, so too do bones. With regular exercise using weights, bone

Orthopedists point out that obesity is linked to chronic knee pain.

adapts by building more cells and becoming more dense. Another perk

For the millions of people who are carrying extra weight, even a small

of exercising is improving balance and coordination, making falls and

weight loss can help reduce pain and lower the risk of osteoarthritis.

possible breaks less likely.

The excess load on your knee joints causes an accelerated rate of

To engage in weight-bearing and strength-training exercises, the following activities are recommended: brisk walking and

using your own body weight (push-ups, pull-ups).

deterioration of the knee cartilage and the support tissues. Exercise, eat well, and try to prevent injuries. But, if you sustain

hiking; jogging or running; dancing; jumping rope; playing

an injury in which pain and swelling persist, call your orthopedic or

tennis; stair climbing; using weight machines or free weights; and

sports medicine specialist for a professional diagnosis.

Inside Northside

INTRODUCING OCHSNER PERFORMANCE TRAINING Whether you’re anticipating a 5K run, or your child is sustaining injuries on the soccer or football field, or you’d just like to get yourself in better shape with some comprehensive and custom-tailored training, help is just around the corner in St.

or rehabilitation. That includes all of our student athletes to the adult weekend warriors.” “In fact, we currently provide athletic trainers at ten of the local high schools

Tammany Parish at Ochsner Performance Training—an innovative new division of

in St. Tammany Parish,” recounted David Pilet, Supervisor of the Athletic Training

Ochsner Health Center – Covington. The program is part of a major expansion at

Outreach Program at the Ochsner Sports Medicine Institute. “We work with these

the facility. It’s already gotten the approval of NFL athletes who have remarked that

student-athletes every day at their practices, and if they need specialized care, we

it’s the best weight training facility they’ve ever seen. The program is headed up by

work to ensure that they get the appropriate treatment and performance training

a former New Orleans Saints defensive end and Super Bowl XLIV Champion, Jeffrey

before returning to the field.” Ochsner Performance Training’s Return to Activity

Charleston.

program is designed specifically for athletes wishing to regain strength and

“We’re here to teach the fundamentals for proper motor development, which include sprint techniques, for instance, or learning how to stop and turn while

confidence after an injury. Cutting-edge equipment like the HydroWorx pool involves an underwater

dealing with forces exerted on the body,” explained Jeff Charleston, Supervisor and

treadmill, complete with underwater cameras and tv screens, so physical therapists

Head Coach for Ochsner Performance Training – Northshore. “It’s important that

and coaches can evaluate your gait while jets increase resistance. These evaluations

adolescents train early for whatever sport they’re in because, by age 12, it’s really

are critical for joggers or long-distance runners who want to improve their stride.

hard to unlearn bad habits developed over time. With proper training, they’re better and safer athletes.” Ochsner Performance Training offers agility and injury prevention training for

“And, we have a 60-yard training field that enables athletes recovering from injuries to practice on actual industry-grade turf,” said Head Coach Charleston. Between strength training, body weight movement and even plyometrics,

virtually all ages, starting at age 7 to adults. This involves training before injuries occur,

this Ochsner Performance Training gives you the biggest bang for your fitness buck.

with pinpointed exercises to make your body exceedingly agile and more impervious

Whether you want to improve your performance on the track, the field or the court,

to injuries. However, if you’ve already had an injury, this is an all-encompassing facility

optimizing your overall fitness quotient begins at Ochsner Health Center – Covington.

which includes physical therapy to get you on the road to recovery. “We aim to provide a customized experience for every patient, regardless of their activity level, based on their own goals and their overall health,” said Benjamin Guevara, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Ochsner Health Center – Covington. “We have a fully integrated electronic medical record (EMR) system that allows the physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers and performance coaches to communicate and coordinate the care at every level. Our goal is to get everyone back to their desired performance level or even beyond after surgical procedures

Text “likeapro” to 21000 for a free trial or visit performance.ochsner.org for more information. Interest in scheduling a Sports Medicine appointment? Visit ochsner.org/sportsmed. July -August 2018 55

Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Your Best Time to Exercise

Trying to find the best time for exercise? The truth is, it’s personal! Follow these tips to figure out what fitness routine works best for you. Dawn, dusk or dead of night—when’s the best time to work out? Well, that depends on when’s the best time for you, because the benefits of physical activity depend upon how consistent you are. You might have heard that the best time to exercise is early in the morning — to get your metabolism going or to avoid unexpected distractions during the day that could derail your workout. But if you’re not a morning person, it may not work for you to try to get up at dawn to work out. The key is to do what’s most likely to work for you consistently. If your schedule isn’t predictable, you may need to be flexible and have a plan for various times of day. If you find that working out too late in the evening keeps you from falling asleep easily, shift your exercise session earlier in the day or try less intense, more mindful forms of movement.

What May be More Important than When

To stay motivated, choose activities you enjoy. If you’re a social

person, do something that engages you socially. Take a group exercise class, join a recreational team or walk with a group of friends. If you prefer having time alone, walking, swimming or biking solo might be a better fit for you. 56

Inside Northside

If you’d like to spend more time with your family, find an activity you can all do together, like an after-dinner walk or game of soccer. There are so many choices; don’t limit yourself to just one. Having a variety of fitness activities to choose from may keep you from getting bored or burned out. Here are some activities you can do any time of day: Walking, running and jogging Swimming Biking Dancing and aerobics Climbing stairs Playing sports Strength training and weights Yoga and Pilates Boxing and kickboxing Martial arts and Tai Chi There’s no one right time of day to get moving. So do it at the time that’s right for you. July -August 2018 57

Flourishes

1. DCS Outdoor Kitchen (grill, beer dispenser, refrigerator drawers, beverage chiller, storage options, etc.) Price varies and is based on products selected. Southland Plumbing Supply, Mandeville, 893-8883. 2. Three-tier chandelier composed of hand-selected solid natural quartz stone and a sculptural brass frame. Greige Home Interiors, Covington, 875-7576. 3. Pink striped NOLA Baby baby book with fluffy stuffed bunny; book, 5

$58; bunny, $15. mélange by kp, Mandeville, 807-7652. 4. Deconstructed upholstered bar stool with nail head trim, 22” W x 22.75” D x 42.5” H. American Factory Direct, Covington, 871-0312. 5. Bright Red Corkcicle tumbler, $31.98. Braswell Drug Store, Covington, 892-0818. 6. Hola Beaches tote, $24. Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 624-4045.

Inside Northside

July -August 2018 59

Inside Northside

Flourishes 1

1. Insulated beach tote, $39. Shoefflé, Covington, 898-6465. 2. Anywhere 15-inch outdoor ceiling fan, matte black with black blades. Pine Grove Lighting and Electrical Supply, Mandeville, 893-4003. 3. Flame Boss 300 WiFi Kamado smoker controller, $329. Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 893-8008. 4. Binxy Baby Shopping Cart Hammock, $49.99. Baby’s Corner, Covington, 8925300 or thebabyscorner.com. 5. Seasonal arrangements starting at $65. Florist of Covington, Covington, 892-7701. 6. Insulated coffee tumblers. CC’s Coffee House of Covington, 900-2241.

July -August 2018 61

Flourishes

1. Handmade glass pedestal cake plate by Annieglass, $402. Bliss Clothing + Home, Mandeville, 778-2252. 2. 100% New Zealand Wool Dryer Balls with Acadian 3

Pride Fragrance Oil. Set of 4 dryer balls, $20; oil, $10. Hestia, Covington, 893-0490. 3. Hand-carved pelican made of mango wood, $99. deCoeur Gifts & Home Accessories, Covington, 809-3244. 4. French antique oval mirror on board, $950. Serendipity, Mandeville, 951-2262. 5. Textured cadet gray pillow, 19” X 19”, with classic frog clasp; hand-twisted 12” X 20” Gladiator Ivory Lumbar pillow. Rug Chic, Mandeville, 674-1070. 6. Meticulously made by hand, warm white goose feather headdress transforms into wall hanging; from 18”-30” in diameter,

starting at $225. French Mix by Jennifer DiCerbo Interiors, Covington, 809-3152.

6 62

Inside Northside

July -August 2018 63

Inside Northside

INside Look

2 3

1. Contemporary acrylic necklace,

$122. CDN Clothing, Covington, 327-9525. 2. Star earrings, $28. The Villa, Mandeville, 686-9797. 3. 100% wool fully lined, two-button, notchlapel Traveler Collection Tailored Fit Plaid Sport Coat with side vents is water repellant and stain resistant; Traditional Fit Point Collar Check Sport Shirt. Sport coat, $498; shirt, $89.50; silk pocket square, $24.50. Jos. A. Bank, Mandeville, 624-4067. 4. Blue cotton halter dress. The Villa, Mandeville, 686-9797. 5. Men’s Gucci G Chrono 44 m Quartz Watch with metal bracelet, $1820. Beau Rivage Resort and Casino, Biloxi, Miss., 888-567-6667. 6. V-neck, onesize-fits-all; one-of-a-kind top with pom poms, $54;

cami, $14; jeans, $64. The Lifestyle Boutique at Franco’s, Mandeville, 792-0200. 7. Baby Onesie with Lilly Lace details at neckline, with matching men’s and boys’ swimsuits. Palm Village, a Lily Pulitzer Store, Mandeville, 778-2547. July -August 2018 65

INside Look

4 6

1. Men’s ring, 10KT white gold with blue topaz and diamond; regular, $1,095; sale price, $795. DeLuca’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts, Covington, 892-2317. 2. Navy blue layered maxi dress with double slit in the front, $56.

Brighton necklace, $98. Columbia Street Mercantile, Covington, 8091789 and 809-1690. 3. Star printed fleece skirt, $32; print tee, $30. Olive Patch, Covington, 327-5772. 4. Tassel 8

necklace, $16.99. Private Beach, Mandeville, 674-2326. 5. Blue and white striped linen button-down shirt, $188. Ultra-soft trouser short in white, $128. Suella, Covington, 302-5000. 6. Blue Gingham Luxe Pima Cotton Pajama short set, $90. Cloud Nine, Mandeville, 951-2299. 7. Organic cotton multi-stripe boyfriend shirt, $176. Ballin’s LTD, Covington, 892-0025. 8. Large jute tote bag with gold metallic pineapple design available in navy and white, $24.50. Layton Family Pharmacy,

Inside Northside

July -August 2018 67

Inside Northside

photos: courtesy: GRAND HOTEL

The Grand Life

Alabama’s Grand Hotel Completes Massive Transformation

ANNA CLAIR OWENS AND SCARLET ANDREWS packed their swimsuits, tiaras and matching pink pajamas preparing for an adventure. They could not wait to see the new changes at the historic Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama. The girls’ families have been coming to the Grand from Louisiana all their lives, and they were in for a real treat. They discovered the new splash pad while their moms eyed the beachside cabanas. Massive oaks, afternoon tea and daily cannon firing remain Grand traditions, as do the iconic fireplace, tropical pools and spectacular sunsets. Grand families play together on the resort’s new activities lawn before parents step away to explore updated golf and spa options. The Grand Hotel’s Southern charm remains, while new amenities and room upgrades were added. “Opened in 1847, “The Queen of Southern Resorts” has never looked better,” says Scott Tripoli, general manager of the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa. “From pool, spa and golf upgrades to exceptional indoor and outdoor improvements, the excitement continues to build at the Grand. The resort will become part of the Autograph Collection hotel brand in early August and be renamed as the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa.” The Autograph Collection properties are high end and remarkably independent while still benefitting from Marriott’s expertise. These >> July -August 2018 69

GRAND DINING AND DRINKS Eating well is unquestionably the grandest of the Southern arts. With three new signature restaurants coming soon and a reinvention of all our dining experiences, the Grand pays homage to this great art magnificently. Southern Roots. Modern Southern cuisine with breathtaking views overlooking Mobile Bay, Southern Roots combines a picturesque ambiance and exceptional signature service. Chef-driven menus focus on high quality, locally sourced and estategrown, farm-to-table fare to create a chic yet casual experience. Infused with flavor and fun, Southern Roots showcases signature quality, inviting a return. 1847. Every great hotel has a great bar to steal away to, and 1847 is the Grand’s. Tucked in at the 70

Inside Northside

entrance of Southern Roots, and showcasing an upscale yet amiable personality, 1847 is home to the beverage arts, with Grand Garden-to-glass crafted cocktails, local libations and signature wines by the glass. Bayside Grill. Bayside Grill’s casual, relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and gorgeous, bay-front scenery make it the perfect place to share lunch or dinner. Enjoy mouth-watering local fare, including shareable appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, salads, wood-stone pizzas, flatbreads, pasta, fresh local seafood or a steak cooked to perfection—all with ingredients sourced from local farms and estate gardens. Dine inside or on the outdoor patio while the kids have fun playing on our activities lawn. Bucky’s Lounge. The signature lounge of the Grand Hotel, Bucky’s celebrates the iconic Bucky Miller, a time-honored associate of the Grand and legend in the hospitality industry. With a piano bar beckoning inside, and additional fire pits outside,

photo courtesy: GRAND HOTEL

international hotels focus on great design, are located in preferred locations and are beacons of good taste.

guests pull up to some of the finest mixology in this part of the state, enhanced by an outstanding selection of rare whiskies, fine wines and an excellent Southern small-plates menu. The Grand Hall. Generations of families have long enjoyed our exquisite breakfast buffets and award-winning Sunday brunches in the Grand Hall. Combining old traditions with new, the Grand Hall will feature High Tea each afternoon. The daily event has a modern outlook that features savories to balance out the sweets and sparkling wines as a counterpoint to traditional teas, tempting a variety of palates. Jubilee Poolside Grill. Dining al fresco is one of life’s best pleasures, served up in style at the Jubilee Poolside Grill. Jubilee is casual, comfortable and convenient from a pool-side chaise. Featuring an open-air setting, with a rooftop to cool yet welcome the bay breeze, Jubilee welcomes families and friends. Local Market. Wake up to Grand Gourmet

Coffee, roasted exclusively for the Grand Hotel, as well as a wonderful assortment of pastries, muffins and the world’s best coffee cake. Located just off the lobby, Local Market serves breakfast sandwiches and barista-inspired drinks, shifting to on-the-go specialties for lunch and late day, with wraps, salads, snacks and sweets. Try the macaroons, truffles, tortes, cakes and other delectable treats from our Grand Hotel pastry team. Re-staking its status as a glorious gem on Mobile Bay, the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa shines with reimagined rooms and reinvented dining experiences, freshly cast meeting and event venues and thoughtfully curated amenities—all of it laced with the timeless essence that has made this place “The Queen of Southern Resorts” for generations. Anna Clair and Scarlet could not agree more. For more on the Grand Hotel, visit grand1847.com. July -August 2018 71

table of contents

73 Building on our Strengths 74 Sensible Meals 76 Louisiana National Guard 77 Chevron

78 Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Louisiana 79 Mullin Landscape 80 Thrive Academy 81 Northshore Swim 81 MetaGlow Health + Beauty

Inside Northside

Building on our Strengths Economic development is vital to a healthy and

the federal co-chairman of the Delta Regional Authority

thriving community. It is essential to our quality of life,

from 2010-2017. The DRA works to improve regional

building local prosperity, growing a flourishing middle

economic opportunity by helping to create jobs, build

class, diversifying the economy, increasing the local tax

communities and improve the lives of

base and creating and retaining quality jobs.

the 10 million people who reside in

The northshore is a great place to live, work and

the 252 counties and parishes of the

raise a familyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;but we need to be proactive in keeping

eight-state Delta region. As federal

our children and grandchildren here instead of their

co-chairman, Masingill answered to a

moving away seeking better economic opportunities.

board composed of the governors of

Technological and industry advancements are changing

the eight states.

the job landscape. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s imperative as a community that we

Chrisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clear vision, excellent

work to attract high-quality jobs of the future to ensure

communications abilities and proven

that our long-term investment in our young people is

track record of building sustainable,

contributed back into our local economy, and that they

collaborative partnerships among government entities,

grow to become productive participants.

businesses and community leaders made him the

Companies pursue a skilled workforce; skilled workers choose where to live based on quality-of-life factors. Here on the northshore, we are lucky to have

Chris Masingill.

perfect candidate for this role! We welcome him and his family to St. Tammany Parish. North of Your Expectations pretty much sums up all

both. Now, it is more important than ever to have a vision

the reasons why the northshore is such a great place to

and strategic plan for smart, effective growth of our area.

be. We hope that local businesses, community groups,

The St. Tammany Parish Development District

and individuals will embrace it. Together we can continue

seeks to recruit, retain and grow companies in our

the upward trajectory of our remarkable region, now and

region by creating an attractive business climate. It

well into the future.

This article originally

appeared in our sister publication, Welcome To The Northshore.

formed out of the successful consolidation of several economic development entities to combine resources and strengthen our capabilities to better serve the community. In doing so, we are pleased to have Chris Masingill as CEO to lead the STPDD. As a U.S. Senateconfirmed presidential appointee, Masingill served as

Marty Mayer President & CEO, Stirling Properties Vice Chair, St. Tammany Parish Development District, Board of Commissioners stpdd.org July -August 2018 73

Business and leadership

Inside Northside

Ingrid Rinck In four short years, Ingrid Rinck has created the largest

As Ingrid continues to be hands-on with her customers and

meal-prep company in the United States, Sensible Meals. “We have

company, she hosts monthly Facebook live question and answer

done no major marketing campaigns but have been able to grow

sessions. “It’s like my customers get a motivational coach with

incredibly fast all through word of mouth—I guess it’s a good

their meals!” In addition to the food and personal support from

problem to have,” smiles Ingrid.

Ingrid, Sensible Meals is the only meal-prep company that provides

Ingrid never imagined herself at the helm of such a large

live assistance to its customers from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Central

enterprise of over 1,000 employees. She doesn’t take her success

Time), seven days a week, 365 days a year. “We have staff available

lightly, and that commitment has not gone unnoticed. Ingrid has

to answer your questions within an hour. Whether it’s a billing

been awarded Top Female Achiever, Entrepreneur of the Year, and

question or you need an extra push of motivation, customers can

Best Weight Loss and Meal Prep company, among many other

honors.

Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.”

It is because of Ingrid’s focus on her customer’s weight loss

Although the company has expanded nationwide, it’s

success—and the success in sustaining the loss—that she has

important to Ingrid to continue supporting Louisiana and the

been able to flourish so quickly. With over 20 years of experience

regional economy. “All of our employees, even our vendors—the

in the health and fitness industries, Ingrid explains: “It’s about

people from whom we buy our food products—are local. We try

sustainability and making choices easier. My clients would often

to keep our resources in Louisiana rather than buy from the big

ask me how to eat and how to lose weight, and I would give them

national brands.”

written meal plans. But there was only so much I could do since I couldn’t watch everything that they ate.” Sensible Meals offers fresh, affordable (15 meals for five days costs $80 to $120), chef-prepared meals made in a licensed, certified and insured facility with an A+ health rating. Ingrid

The breakdown of Sensible Meals’ workforce is 98 percent women, of whom 90 percent are moms. As a former-single mother of three, Ingrid says, “I don’t hire people based on their résumé. I hire them based on their work ethic.” So, whether you want to lead a healthier lifestyle, shed

describes the food: “The meals are half diet food and half fun food.

those few extra pounds or make a huge change, Sensible Meals is

We give you things like jambalaya, gumbo or chili cheese fries

for you. Clients lose five to 12 pounds their first week and three to

on a diet! Our nationwide customers are definitely enjoying the

six each week following. As a goal weight is obtained, maintenance

traditional Cajun dishes that we incorporate.”

remains easy with real food that even the pickiest eaters will love.

Sensible Meals has 11 easy pick up sites, including Mandeville, Slidell, Hammond and Bogalusa, on the northshore and shipping is available for $15. Learn more about Sensible Meals at eatsensiblemeals.com. July -August 2018 75

Business and leadership

Dunlap served as the 256th’s inspector general and the assistant state inspector general, and he also served as the deputy staff judge advocate for the 61st Troop Command and 256th. While acting as the SJA for 256th in 2004, the 256th had the busiest special court martial jurisdiction in the Army, with over 110 courts martial and more than 400 Article 15s. In 2008, Dunlap was appointed as the state judge advocate. He served as the SJA for 10 years. He was responsible for advising the adjutant general on legal issues that affected the Homeland Defense mission or the LANG’s mission. “When I think about John, there are a lot of things that come to my mind, but in service to our nation probably the quality that comes out more than any other to me is loyalty,” says Maj. Gen. Glenn H. Curtis, adjutant general of the LANG. “Through his career and through all those tough times, he’s finally deserved the right to wear the rank of Brigadier General.” Dunlap’s awards include the Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with one silver oak leaf cluster and two bronze oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star, Southwest Asia Service

BRIGADIER GENERAL JOHN B. DUNLAP III Louisiana Army National Guardsman John B. Dunlap III was recently promoted to the rank of brigadier general during an official ceremony at Jackson Barracks in New Orleans. He will become the Louisiana National Guard’s new assistant adjutant general – Army.

Medal with one bronze service star, Iraq Campaign Medal with three bronze campaign stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal with two bronze service stars, and Kuwait Liberation Medal for Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Dunlap is a graduate of St. Paul’s High School

Dunlap, a Baton Rouge resident, will serve as a principal military advisor to the adjutant general of

and graduated from Louisiana State University

the LANG and be responsible for assisting in the deployment and coordination of programs, policies and

with a Bachelor of Arts in History and earned a

plans for the Louisiana Army National Guard.

Juris Doctorate from Loyola University. He also

“I’ve spent my entire career working with soldiers and airmen and their leaders to set conditions for

graduated from the Command and General Staff

them to be successful in their mission in order to better take care of the men and women of the Louisiana

College and the U.S. Army War College. Dunlap

National Guard,” says Dunlap.

practices private law and is a principal in the Baton

Dunlap was commissioned as a Judge Advocate General officer in the Army in 1989, where he served as a prosecutor from 1989-1992. During this time, he tried over 40 courts martial that included

Rouge law firm, Dunlap Fiore, LLC. He is also a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association.

larceny, murder and kidnapping. He joined the LANG in 1992 and was assigned to the 256th Infantry Brigade as the assistant logistics officer. Dunlap deployed with the LANG in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has also responded to over 25 state emergencies, most notably Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the flood in August 2016. 76

Inside Northside

geauxguard.com

Youth Service Bureau’s Chef Soirée. “I am constantly motivated by our employees and their efforts to ignite change and growth in people’s lives, and Chevron—a company that puts people at the center of all they do,” says Leah. Passionate about promoting hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities, Leah says, “You never know what’s going to spark something in a child’s mind that could be life changing. Elementary school science experiments and STEM summer programs facilitated my love of science, and I hope something we support will ignite a similar love in another child.” Leah’s interest in science was cultivated by her fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. T. Woods, who used interactive experiments and activities. “Unlike other children who asked for dolls for Christmas, I wanted a chemistry set. That was largely in-part to Mrs. Woods and her ability to make science interesting and fun for an 11-year-old girl,” says Leah. When discussing her secrets to success, Leah says her motto is pretty simple—work hard and be nice. She believes cutting corners is never an option, and it’s free to be nice. She thinks our communities

LEAH BROWN

are strengthened when we look for commonalities as opposed to differences. “If you get to know someone, you’ll usually find more things in common

When personal passions align with a company’s mission—magic happens.

than not. Those common ties help bind us together

This is exactly the case for Leah Brown, whose passions for education, science and community

and foster a spirit of creating transformational

involvement enable her to enthusiastically lead Chevron’s efforts in social investment on the northshore and across the Gulf Coast. From an early age, Leah expressed her leadership skills and knack for science and academics. She

change in our community.” As she and her staff continue their efforts in carrying out Chevron’s 85-year legacy of investing

credits her natural leadership abilities and strong work ethic to her role as the oldest of four and to her

in Louisiana, Leah is excited to continue working

mother, who immigrated to the United States from the Caribbean and always emphasized the motto “do

with the northshore community and looks forward

well in whatever path you choose.”

to seeing the lasting impact the company will make.

While Leah did not take a linear path to her current position as Public Affairs Manager for Chevron’s Gulf of Mexico Business Unit, she explains, “I knew the position at Chevron would be a perfect coalescence of my passions that allowed me to utilize my prior experiences with a synergy I could have never imagined.” After beginning her career as a chemist at Conoco Phillips, Leah transitioned into several other roles, including high school engineering teacher, which she believes to be one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of her career. Leah joined Chevron in 2013, five years after the company moved to St. Tammany Parish following Hurricane Katrina. With the move and through Leah’s leadership, Chevron has greatly increased its investments in the area. The company has developed strong relationships with organizations such as the Covington Unit - Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Louisiana, The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum’s Aquatic Robotics Summer Camp, the St. Tammany Parish School System and annual events like

Chevron is located at 100 Northpark Blvd. in Covington. 985-773-7639. chevron.com July -August 2018 77

Business and leadership

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA The need for afterschool care is prevalent in Louisiana. Every day, 147,333

volunteer in their community at least once per month. With forty percent of

kids leave school with nowhere to go, risking being unsupervised, unguided and

children ages 10-17 overweight or obese in Louisiana, physical fitness is a

unsafe. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Louisiana is aiming to lower that

focus. The Club engages its members in positive behaviors that help overall

number. President and CEO Thomas Falgout says, “Everything we do gives them

well-being including how to manage stress, eat right, keep physically fit and

a sense of belonging, power, influence, usefulness and competence. Kids come to

demonstrate good teamwork. In keeping with physical exercise, 68 percent of

our Club from all backgrounds and walks of life. We create hope and opportunity

Club members ages 9 and up report getting at least an hour of physical activity

where there may not be any.”

five or more days a week.

Covington Unit Advisory Board Chairman Molly Smith says, “The core of

Club member Christian says: “I feel like I’m in a safe place. A safe

the Club’s mission statement is ‘to enable all young people, especially those

environment to be myself. I don’t want to be one of those people that goes

who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible and

nowhere. I want to be some body, and I think that this is the right place to start

caring citizens.’” Boys & Girls Clubs provides high-quality programs for children

me off. I’m glad that I have people that actually care about me. People that

ages 6-18 that are designed to address summer learning loss while providing

really want me to do good in school and go somewhere in life. That’s why I’m

safe, fun and structured summer enrichment activities. During the school year,

thankful being here.”

the Club also provides evidence-based curriculum and structured after-school

As an independent local 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Boys & Girls

activities designed to ensure youth are prepared to graduate from high school

Clubs of Southeast Louisiana depends on the generosity of local partners,

ready for college or career, committed to living healthy lifestyles and being good

supporters and investors. Each is vital to the organization’s continued ability

citizens of our community.

to save the lives of at-risk kids across Southeast Louisiana in the communities

In 2017, the four Boys & Girls Club sites in Southeast Louisiana gathered

that we serve. Honored by the strong commitment of individuals, businesses

56 adult staff and 470 volunteers, ultimately serving 4,941 youth. Boys & Girls

and foundations, the Club appreciates every gift—large and small. All donations

Clubs not only fills the gap between school and home, but also makes a positive

are investments in the lives of Club members. Every dollar invested in the Club

impact for kids and teens in academics, character and health. Educational

generates a return of around $10 to the surrounding community.

programs assist kids so that they can become successful in school and beyond into the summer months. Among the teen-aged Club members, 92 percent are expected to graduate from high school, and 82 percent complete some kind of post-secondary education. The Club’s leadership and volunteer service programs nurture good character and citizenship while empowering youth to make good decisions, and refrain from altercations. Impressively, 27 percent of Club teen members 78

Inside Northside

To donate, volunteer or learn more, visit bgcsela.org.

array of professional landscape services. What sets his firm apart from the rest of the pack? Chase says, “We have a layered project management system, and we operate more like a commercial construction company, with a manager assigned to each project, which is outside of industry standards for the landscaping business. Whenever our clients have a concern or question, they know who to go to, which makes the project run more efficiently. Often, small things can get overlooked while building a pool or other outdoor space. We enjoy presenting a wellfinished product to our clients on time and on budget.” Because Chase has been able to streamline and organize his business operations to such an efficient level, 50 percent of his client base is commercial. He explains, “Because we operate like construction companies, we’re a little more sophisticated, which lends itself to more complicated jobs. That and our attention to detail and high quality have made us stand out and above in the commercial arena. I think most of our

CHASE MULLIN

commercial construction clientele appreciate that we’re structured similarly. We’re able

Chase Mullin, founder and president of Mullin, happened into his future career while helping

to communicate better, schedule better and

with the rebuilding efforts in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Chase says, “A family friend was

work a little bit faster and more efficiently.

a landscape architect. She recruited me for an installation, and it sparked an interest in me. I had

We’re different from the mold of an old-

worked in construction in high school during the summers, but it didn’t appeal to me as a lifelong

school landscape contracting business, and it’s

career. However, landscaping is heavily creative and dynamic. You put something in today and it

exciting to be a part of this.”

looks one way, and next year, it looks different. It grows and changes indefinitely.” Chase started the company when he was only 22 years old, and it doubled in size after one year. Eleven short years later, the company has grown to nearly 100 employees and has a clientele that spans New Orleans, the Northshore, Baton Rouge and Mississippi Gulf Coast areas. “My vision from the beginning has been to offer more value to people—a better overall experience—while maintaining competitive pricing. We made landscape construction, the whole ‘outdoor living experience,’ available to our clients very early on. In other markets, the outdoor living experience happened about 15 to 20 years ago but here, in our market, it has really only picked up major traction in the last eight or ten years. It has snowballed in popularity, and we offer the whole package—the pool, the pool house, the pavilion, the pool deck, the landscaping, the fencing, the bricks, the masonry walls. We’re full-service, and we make sure it all comes together to meet our client’s expectations. I believe that’s a cornerstone of our good reputation.” Mullin is a comprehensive landscape design, build and maintenance firm that offers a wide

Mullin Landscape Associates offers services to residential and commercial clients in New Orleans, Mandeville, Covington, Slidell and the Gulf Coast region. 10356 River Road, St. Rose, LA 70087; 504275-6617; mullinlandscape.com. July -August 2018 79

Business and leadership

Thrive Academy students, with Executive Director Sarah Broome (left) and School Leader London Moore (second from left), break ground for new dorm.

THRIVE ACADEMY Founded in 2011, Thrive Academy in Baton Rouge is Louisiana’s first

During the school day, the students are taught by their teachers as they

and only state-funded, public boarding school serving at-risk students.

would be at any other school. In the early morning, afternoon and evening,

Following the death of a student at her school, Teach For America alum

mentors work with and supervise the students; a security team monitors the

Sarah Broome started Thrive to be a place where students could have their

students overnight. Transportation is provided for students to go home from

needs met. She says, “At Thrive Academy, we believe in providing students

Friday afternoon to Sunday evening.

with resources to be the best version of themselves.” Thrive opened with a class of 20 sixth graders in 2012. Students saw

In 2015, Thrive broke ground on a permanent campus at 2585 Brightside Drive. Construction on the first dorm was completed in August

incredible academic gains, making it one of the highest-performing schools

2016, and students moved in that month. A capital campaign to fund Phase

in Baton Rouge. Thrive continued to grow and now has 160 students in

2, a permanent academic building, is currently underway.

grades 6-11. Next year, there will be 180 students in grades 6-12 living on the Baton Rouge campus. In 2016, Governor John Bel Edwards signed Act 672, creating Thrive

Thrive’s success is best summed up by this quote from an 11th grade student: “Before I came to Thrive, I didn’t think I would make it to see high school. But now, I see myself graduating from college.”

as a legislatively authorized school effective July 1, 2017, making Thrive available to students across the state. Currently, Thrive students come from 14 parishes, including Lafayette, Orleans and St. Tammany parishes and those surrounding Baton Rouge. They come from every background, from those experiencing homelessness to victims of human trafficking to students living in kinship care. Each student has a unique reason to be at Thrive. With a five-day-a-week boarding model, students receive holistic services designed to meet their unique needs and geared towards ensuring a promising future after graduation. While on campus, students attend classes, learn life skills, participate in athletics and extracurricular activities, and have the opportunity to prepare for both college and career pathways. 80

Inside Northside

Thrive Academy is located at 2585 Brightside Drive; Baton Rouge, LA 70820; (225) 367-6855; info@thrivebr.org; thrivebr.org.

GITTE KLEIN Celebrating 20 years, Gitte Klein’s Northshore Swim is home to year-round swim instruction with a fully certified staff. Klein and her staff are passionate about their work because drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death of children ages 1-14, according to the World Health Organization. Even more alarming, Louisiana has the highest rate of drowning in the United States. Northshore Swim’s instructors receive extensive training throughout the year from Klein, who was trained in her native Denmark, and from U.S. Swim

EMMA KRUGER, M.D. “A NEW AGE FOR AGING”

Dr. Kruger is the founder and driving force behind MetaGlow, an Anti-Aging Center

Association programs. Each instructor must complete 40 hours of training, CPR

with branches in Baton Rouge and Covington. Dr. Kruger believes in a personalized and

certification, Infant Toddler Online Course certification and an additional 40 hours

integrated approach to both the biomedical inside, as well as the cosmetic outside in

of in-pool training with different age groups before being assigned their own

slowing or reversing the natural process of aging. She utilizes the latest advances in

classes and private swimming lessons.

modern technology and diagnostics to offer treatment options, combining regenerative

Northshore Swim students range from two months to adults. Aqua Baby classes teach ages 2 to 24 months how to become comfortable in the water, including blowing bubbles and beginner strokes to be able to swim to their parents, who participate in the classes. As swimming is a skill to be built upon like reading, each student progresses based upon their individual skill level. Lessons are offered throughout the year in order for children to continue to practice their swim skills. Klein’s former students may be found participating in swim team competitions all over the northshore as well as at the collegiate level! Parents may watch their children’s progress from umbrella-covered tables or the air-conditioned pool house. Northshore Swim is the only indoor facility in

medicine and aesthetic procedures, tailored to the individual. “Statistically many of us will live considerably longer than previous generations. With a growing understanding of the aging process and advances in modern medicine, the way we age is quickly becoming a choice. It’s exciting to be able to offer clients real alternatives against what has long been considered an inevitable physical, mental and cosmetic decline.” For Dr. Kruger it’s all about offering options to feel just as youthful, energized and balanced as ever, no matter your age. What individual clients needs to achieve varies. Sometimes hormone replacement therapy or specific supplements are the answer, while

the area, compliments of an air-filled dome that covers the pool and deck area

other times getting a cosmetic procedure, solving hair loss, making nutritional changes

from September to April. In addition, the pool is sanitized with a Solar Eclipse Del

or mitigating stress mitigating is what it takes. Most often, a combination of these

Ozone UV Sanitation System, allowing it to operate with a much lower chlorine

approaches offers the best results. “There’s other places where you can get a cosmetic treatment, and a massage

level. Gitte Klein’s Northshore Swim prides itself on staying up-to-date with the

or a spa treatment once in a while can have a great temporary effect. But through the

latest in water safety and swimming skill trends, including Infant Swim Rescue in

contact with my clients I see every day how true, lasting results enhance the quality of

which children from 6 months to 6 years of age learn water survival skills.

every aspect of their lives and relationships. That truly fuels my passion.”

Northshore Swim is located at 690 Albert St. in Mandeville. (985) 626-9456. northshoreswim.com.

MetaGLow is located at 1331 Ochsner Blvd., Ste. 101, Covington. 985-212-7972. Also at 8460 Bluebonnet Blvd., Ste. C, Baton Rouge. 225-767-0646. Metaglow.net. July -August 2018 81

Northshore’s THE CYSTIC FIBROSIS FOUNDATION is the world’s leader in finding a cure for cystic fibrosis. The Foundation funds more CF research than any other organization, and nearly every CF drug available today was made possible because of its support. The Foundation excels at supporting individuals with CF in our community and others by providing funding for and accrediting more than 120 care centers and 53 affiliate programs nationwide. Based in Bethesda, Maryland, the Foundation funds and accredits a national care center network that has been recognized by the National Institutes of Health as a model of care for a chronic disease. The highquality specialized care available throughout the network has led to the improved length and quality of life for people with cystic fibrosis. The Foundation’s drug development success has been recognized by Harvard Business School and by publications such as Forbes, Discover magazine, and The Wall Street 82

Inside Northside

Journal. As a nonprofit donor-supported organization dedicated to attacking cystic fibrosis from every angle, the focus is to support the development of new drugs to fight the disease, improve the quality of life for those with CF, and ultimately to find a cure. Every year, Northshore’s Finest honorees are nominated to help raise the funds necessary to add tomorrows for those with CF. The campaign culminates with a final celebration to raise additional proceeds. Join the honorees for an evening of dinner, live music by The Groovy 7, live and silent auctions and a ceremony on July 27 at 7 p.m. at the Fleur De Lis Event Center in Mandeville. The evening is a who’s who gathering of honorees who show exemplary leadership, are active in their communities and have excelled in their profession or business. Read on to learn more about this year’s honorees and visit finestcff.org for tickets and to donate.

photos: ANGELA SPENCER

Finest

Courtney Farnet of Franco’s

Whitney Froeba of HPC

Sean Glynn of BXS

Emily Lassus of Ballard

Health Club and Spa

Specialty Pharmacy

Insurance

Brands

About Courtney: “On my 23rd

About Whitney: “My fiancé,

About Sean: “My wife, Misty, is

About Emily: “I was born and

birthday, my parents surprised me

Benjamin Condon, and I have been

an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner at

raised in Mandeville and went on

with a golden doodle. Gracie is my

together for almost 7 years and are

Ochsner and has been there for 5

to attend LSU to study construction

little sunshine and my sidekick. My

getting married this November. Most

years. We moved to the northshore

management. I graduated in 2015

favorite pastime is taking her to play

importantly, we have a little love

from Metairie in 2017 and have

and started my career in oil and gas

at the Mandeville Lakefront.”

whose name is Molly Mae, a 4-pound

really enjoyed the community thus

in Midland, Texas. I chose to make a

What does being an NF honoree

toy poodle—we are getting married

far. Believe it or not, one of my

career change to pursue real estate

mean to you? “As a Northshore’s

on her birthday.”

favorite (and most therapeutic)

development, and this landed me in

Finest honoree, I have the opportunity

What does being an NF honoree

things to do is maintaining my front

my current role at Ballard Brands.”

to help so many individuals suffering

mean to you? “One of my best

yard—call me a lawn nut.”

What does being an NF

with cystic fibrosis. I consider them

friends, Garrett Simoneaux, was

What does being an NF

honoree mean to you? “It is

God’s little warriors, and I am

diagnosed with CF as a child.

honoree mean to you? “Prior

an honor and privilege to be able

honored to play a role in supporting

Throughout college, I was inspired by

to my current career, I was an RN

to give back to the community I

the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as we

Garrett’s positive attitude despite his

for 6 years and took care of several

have lived in most of my life. It is

raise money for life-saving research

daily struggles and his strength by not

patients with CF and witnessed

motivating to know that together

and treatments. As Danny Thomas

letting CF define him. Honestly, when

firsthand the impact that CF can

with the CF Foundation, we are

once said, ‘Success in life is not about

Garrett asked me if I was interested

have on adults and children. It

making a powerful and meaningful

what you gain or accomplish for

in becoming an honoree, I was so

means that I have a conduit to give

impact by raising funds and

yourself; it’s what you do for others.’”

excited. I have supported Garrett

back to my community and put

spreading awareness to those we

and CFF in the past by attending the

others’ needs ahead of my own.”

can reach locally and nationwide.”

CFF Walk as a part of Team Geezy, and I am truly honored to continue supporting the CFF as a Northshore’s Finest honoree.”

July July -A-A ugust ugust 2018 2018 83 83

Eric David McVicker of

Andrea Erwin Potter of

Casey Revere Justice of the

John D. Stephens of John D.

Principal Engineering

The Law Office of Andrea

Peace, and New York Life agent

Stephens Law Firm

About Eric: Eric lives in Mandeville

Erwin Potter, PLC

About Casey: “I was elected as

About John: “Attended Louisiana

and has a girlfriend who lives in

About Andrea: Andrea has

Justice of the Peace at 24 years old

State University, graduated in 2009

Metairie. He has one cat named

been married to James Carl Potter

and ran for State Representative of

with a bachelor’s degree in creative

Winston F. Churchill who has a

for 9 years. They moved to the

District 77 in 2017. I started my own

writing. Attended Loyola University

serious attitude.

northshore in 2014 to be closer to

nonprofit, Casey Cares Community

New Orleans College of Law,

What does being an NF

family. They also welcomed their

Charities, which does a variety of

graduated from the Civil Law Division

honoree mean to you? “It’s

daughter, Adelyn Elise Potter, into

events that have benefitted Mary

in 2013. Attended the Master of Fine

a humbling experience to meet

the world that year.

Bird Perkins Cancer Center, St. Jude’s

Arts program at University of Colorado

families affected by CF, and it’s

What does being an NF

Research Hospital, Susan G Komen,

at Boulder in 2014. Astutely married

an honor and a privilege to work

honoree mean to you? “I am

underprivileged children during

a northshore gal, and moved to

toward finding a cure. I hope to

humbled to be selected to raise

Christmas, and more.”

Covington in 2016. Our first child—

raise the $5,000 goal, but more

money for the Cystic Fibrosis

What does being an NF

Gray Edward Stephens—will debut

importantly raise awareness of CF in

Foundation. There have been so

honoree mean to you? “When

this July.”

St. Tammany Parish and how others

many people in my life who have

I was asked to be an honoree, I’m

What does being an NF honoree

can help.”

helped in times of need. It is only

not going to lie—I had a million

mean to you? “It means a lot,

fitting that I am capable to give

and one things going on in my life

frankly. It has provided insight and

back in the same way.”

already keeping me busy. However,

opportunity in that I have been given

you have to weigh your priorities

awareness of the true difficulty faced

and take advantage of helping

by individuals with CF, and I have been

someone else when you are able

humbled by the opportunity to help.

because one day you may be the

Programs like Northshore’s Finest really

one asking for help.”

bring to reality the sense that we are, as a community, greater than the sum

that reality by making a positive impact for those who need and deserve it.”

84 84 Inside InsideNN orthside orthside

photos: ANGELA SPENCER

of our parts. I can only hope to solidify

Bo Thibaut of Northwestern

Nick Young of Hornbeck

Mutual

Offshore

About Bo: “I have three amazing

About Nick: “I live in Madisonville

daughters who are 6, 9 and 11.

with my wife, Sarah Young, who

They enjoy karate, volley ball,

is an elementary teacher at

dance and competitive horseback

Pontchartrain Elementary.”

jumping. I live in Madisonville

What does being an NF

and loved growing up on the

honoree mean to you? “I am

northshore. I am a single dad and

humbled to have been nominated.

love being a part of my girls’ lives.”

It is very rewarding to be recognized

What does being an NF

by your peers and know that they

honoree mean to you? “I am

believe you to be a good candidate

honored to learn more about CF,

to raise awareness and money to

the struggle that the families go

battle cystic fibrosis. My hope is

through and being a part of the

to not only bring more funding to

solution. I am honored to serve.”

the foundation and awareness to the community but to gain a better understanding of cystic fibrosis as well. It is not talked about enough, and hopefully we can change that.”

July -August 2018 85

M A R R I A G E A N D L O V E I N

Gottfried-Abarca Amanda Mabrey Gottfried, daughter of David and Susan Gottfried, and Augusto Cesar Abarca Jr., son of Augusto and Alicia Abarca, exchanged vows at The Greystone in Mandeville. Music by the Original Magnolia String Quartet welcomed the bridal party and soon-to-be newlyweds into the ceremony. Amanda wore a V-neck gown with a fitted bodice and full handkerchief-cut organza skirt. Her eight attendants were dressed in navy chiffon. Candlelight and fresh blooms of white hydrangeas, curly willow and white orchids filled the venue. At the close of the ceremony, family and friends celebrated with music by RockIt Productions and an abundance of passed hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres, barbeque shrimp over creamy polenta, corn and crab bisque and chicken andouille gumbo. The celebration was captured briefly honeymooned in Atlanta for opening day of the Atlanta Braves. They plan to visit London in September for a second getaway. The two will return to their home in Covington. 86

Inside Northside

photos: LAINEY REED

by photographer Lainey Reed. The happy couple

July -August 2018 87

M A R R I A G E A N D L O V E I N

Bateman-Green

Dr. Marjorie Elizabeth Bateman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Bateman, and Dr.

Erik Anders Green, son of Drs. Daniel and Ulrika Birgersdotter-Green, joined in matrimony at the Royal Garden Terrance at the Omni Royal Orleans. A moss-covered arch cascading with foliage, hydrangeas and roses centered the ceremony where the two exchanged vows. Marjorie, known to friends as Betsy, was dressed in a vintage-inspired gown of embroidered lace with a sweep train. She carried a hand-tied bouquet affixed with a Belgian lace II. The bridal party gathered from throughout the United States and beyond to celebrate with the coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Texas, California, Florida, Illinois and Sweden. Guests reconvened at the Grand Salon of the Omni Royal Orleans for the reception, where they enjoyed cocktail hour, dinner and sweets. Louisiana Spice Band played throughout the evening, and Dr. Jazz and the New Orleans Sound led the second line out onto St. Louis Street. The fun was captured by Elizabeth Burris Photography and Tim McAskill videography. The newlyweds snow skied in Breckenridge, Colorado, before returning home to New Orleans. 88

Inside Northside

photos: ELIZABETH BURRIS PHOTOGRAPHY

handkerchief that was a gift to Betsyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grandmother from her grandfather during World War

INside Peek 1. Lakeview Regional Medical Center celebrating the 2018 Frist Humanitarian and Excellence in Nursing Awards. 2. Harold Bartholemew presenting Robby Ferrente with

the Senior High District Attorney’s Award for Saint Paul’s School. 3. Jessica Gilmore, Stephanie Hines Milner and Mary Martin France at Emma’s Shoes and Accessories for a Mother’s Day pop up with Hilltop Shoppe and the Pastry Princess. 4. Rehab Dynamics staff enjoying their Doggie Dash fun run. All event proceeds benefitted the Northshore

Humane Society. 5. Nick and Mallory went home from Doggie Dash with their newly adopted Wynona! 6. Seniors Anna Kate Broussard and CeCe Falkenstein were among the youth honored by the Archdiocese of New Orleans during the Annual Leadership Celebration mass at St. Louis Cathedral in April.

Women IN Business Luncheon Inside Northside 2018 Women IN Business gathered at the Holiday Inn Covington for an afternoon of lunch, inspiration and great conversation. Publisher Lori Murphy welcomed all and introduced presenting sponsor Fidelity Bank’s Tammy Gennusa O’Shea, who spoke inspirationally to the women and shared the details about Fidelity’s P.O.W.E.R. program. My Hospitality’s Hannah Patel spoke, as well as many other powerful women.

July -August 2018 89

INside Peek

1. MiMi and Bill Dossett hosting a Nine, Wine and Dine on a Sunday afternoon at Money Hill. 2. Couples enjoying the best-ball scramble. 3. The United Way of Southeast Louisiana presentating a donation to the Northshore Food Bank. 4. Lesley Burke, Johnny Bruhl, Lira Casborne and Alia Casborne at the St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce Legislative

Wrap-Up luncheon. 5. Kenny Hodges, Mayor Donald Villere, Scott Forte, Bonnie Laurent, Tanya Travers, Christina Rusca, Cheramie Antoon and Terry LeBlanc at the 2nd anniversary celebration of Assurance Financial Mandeville. 6. Fontainebleau High graduates celebrating after the ceremony. 7. Covington Heritage Foundation members 1

Gina Rowbatham, Alice Couvillion and Mary

Pratt Lobdell lending a hand at the Veterans Appreciation Reception. 8. Yvette Jemison and a fun group of ladies enjoying her Art of Elevating Your Brunch event at Rug Chic Home Décor. 9. Dressed in black and white, patrons celebrate the grand opening of Mercedes-Benz of Covington. 10. Col. Mark Sigler, USAF, Retired; Paul Campo; Brigadier General John Dunlap; Mark

Dixon; Richard Grant; and John DeMartini,

all members of St. Paul’s class of 1981, celebrating Dunlap’s promotion at Jackson Barracks. 11. Greg Pellegrini, Patti Ellish, and Nicole Suhre at the St. Tammany Hospital Foundation Donor Celebration. 12. Lori Cage, Jeanne Denson and Carmen Fouquet. 13. Larry Rase speaking at the Special Olympics Champions Together Breakfast. 14. Springfield High School Lady Bulldogs Head Baseball 6

Coach David Knight, Madison Knight and North Oaks Sports Medicine Head Athletic Trainer/Supervisor Matt Rabalais after the North Oaks Sports Medicine Student Athletes Spring Season Announcement. 15. Mayor of Covington Mike Cooper, Jay Lozes and St. Tammany Parish Councilman David Fitzgerald at the name-changing ceremony for the Northshore Humane Society. 16. John Crosby,

8 90

9 Inside Northside

Sarah Davis, Michelle Crosby and Scott Discon.

16 July -August 2018 91

INside Peek Children’s Museum of St. Tammany Celebration The Children’s Museum of St. Tammany’s Celebration patrons were able to truly celebrate this year in the brand-new interim museum location at the Koop Drive Trailhead. Back by popular demand, the Culinary Showcase featured a delicious twist— the 7th annual Celebration’s Choice competition! Patrons sipped and

photos: LAUREN RENWICK

savored throughout the evening to their heart’s content and then—using a wooden spoon received at check-in— cast a silent vote for their favorite dish of the night. In addition to excellent cuisine, guests enjoyed live and silent auctions, handcrafted cocktails and an evening of live entertainment.

1. Warren Illing, Bob Rosamond, Fred Aldridge, Paul Gement, Scott Illing, Rick

Murphy, Jimmy Rosamond, Lyle Moreau after Scott was sworn in as U.S. Marshall. 2. U.S. Marshall Scott Illing with Eastern District Chief Federal Court Judge Nanette Brown, wife Susan and daughter Olivia. 3. Home Bank granting $2,000 to Madisonville Junior High School to fund their “Shoveling for Seniors”

photo: PHILLIP COLWART PHOTOGRAPHY

project. 4. The Greater Hammond Chamber honored five special women during the 2018 Annie Awards Luncheon. Pictured left to right, Chamber President and CEO Melissa Bordelon, award winners Mari Ann Callais, Erin Moore Cowser, Lacy Landrum, Stacey Neal and Susan Spring, Chamber Chairman Elsbet Smith Hollywood, and Annie Awards Committee Chairman Elizabeth Reno.

4 92

Inside Northside

July -August 2018 93

INside Dining

Bud’s Broiler, 1250 N. US 190, 985-

MCC: Major credit cards accepted

Buster’s Place, 519 E. Boston St.,

ME: Menu Express delivery

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

RR: Reservations recommended

Lunch, dinner. MCC.

ABITA SPRINGS

803-8368. Hamburgers. MCC.

Carreta’s Grill, 70380 Hwy. 21,

Abita Brew Pub, 72011 Holly St.,

871-6674. Great Mexican cuisine and

892-5837. Good fun and great

margaritas served in a family-friendly

beer. On the Trace. Lunch, dinner.

atmosphere for lunch and dinner. Kids

abitabrewpub.com. MCC.

eat free every Wednesday! Private events and catering also provided.

Abita Springs Café, 22132 Level

carretasgrill.com. MCC.

St., 400-5025. Open 7 days a week. CC’s Coffee House, 1331 N Hwy

MCC.

190., 900-2241. Catering, coffee, Camellia Café, 69455 Hwy. 59,

pastries and more. Open 7 days a

809-6313. Traditional seafood and

week. Easy drive thru. ccscoffee.com.

New Orleans cuisine. thecamelliacafe.

MCC.

com. MCC. The Chimes, 19130 W. Front St., Mama D’s Pizza & More, 22054

892-5396. Catering, Sunday brunch,

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

daily lunch specials, 72 beers on tap.

mamadspizza.com.

Lunch and dinner. chimesbeeru.com. MCC.

COVINGTON Abita Roasting Company,

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

1011 Village Walk, 246-3345.

6158. Soup and salad specialists.

abitaroasting.com.

coffeerani.com. MCC.

Acme Oyster House, 1202 Hwy.

Columbia St. Tap Room & Grill,

190, 246-6155. Lunch, dinner.

434 N. Columbia St., 898-0899.

mamdspizza.com. MCC.

Lunch, dinner. covingtontaproom. com. MCC, ME.

Albasha, 1958 Hwy. 190, 867-8292. Mediterranean cuisine.

Copeland’s. 680 N. US 190, 985-

albashabr.com. MCC.

809-9659. Creole. MCC. RR.

Annadele’s Plantation, 71518

Dakota Restaurant, 629 N. Hwy.

Chestnut St., 809-7669. Yellow fin

190, 892-3712. Contemporary

tuna, domestic lamb & much more.

Louisiana cuisine using local

annadeles.com. MCC, checks.

and seasonal ingredients. thedakotarestaurant.com. MCC, RR.

bacobar, 70437 LA-21, 893-2450. International street food with South

Del Porto Restaurant, 501 E. Boston

Louisiana soul. bacobarnola.com.

St., 875-1006. Northern Italian cuisine.

MCC.

delportoristorante.com. MCC, RR.

Barrel Wine Bar at Barrel and Roll,

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, 69292 Hwy.

69305 LA 21, Ste. E, 272-8485. Wine,

21, 871-2225. Locally-owned and

small plates and sushi. MCC.

-operated franchise. Kids eat free on Sundays. MCC.

Bear’s Restaurant, 128 W. 21st St., 892-2373. Best po-boys in the world.

DiCristina’s Restaurant, 810 N.

MCC.

Columbia St., Ste. C, 875-0160. Italian and seafood. dicristinas.com.

Beck ‘n’ Call Cafe, 534 N. New

MCC.

Hampshire, 985-875-9390. Lunch Cafe, Breakfast. MCC.

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

Inside Northside

prices. Lunch, dinner. dimartinos.com.

Megumi of Covington,

fries, coleslaw, texas toast, signature

Tommy’s on Thomas, 216 W.

MCC.

1211 Village Walk, 893-0406.

secret dipping sauce. Dine-in, to-go

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

megumirestaurant.net.

and catering. MCC.

Lunch, dinner. tommysonthomas.com.

Dr., 327-7111. Lunch and dinner.

Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers,

Rob’s Rockin’ Dogs, 400 N. Theard St,

donsseafoodonline.com. MCC.

1645 Hwy. 190, 327-5407. Salads,

234-9201. Gourmet hotdogs, pet friendly

Tope là, 104 N. Cate St., 542-7600.

pizzas, calzones. 20 craft beers on

restaurant. robsrockindogs.com. MCC.

Contemporary delights. topela.com.

Don’s Seafood Hut, 126 Lake

MCC, checks.

The English Tea Room, 734 Rutland

tap. Open 7 days a week. Lunch and

St., 898-3988. Authentic English

dinner. MCC. mellowmushroom.com.

6990. Sun-Thurs, 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat,

Yellow Bird Café, 222 E. Charles St.,

Mugshots Grill & Bar, 300

11am-10pm.Lunch buffet weekdays,

345-1112. A great place to start your

River Highlands Blvd., 893-2422.

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

day. Breakfast, lunch. MCC, checks.

cream teas. Mon-Sat, 7:30am-6pm. englishtearoom.com. MCC, RR. Fat Spoon Café, 2807 N Highway

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

mugshotsgrillandbar.com. Sweet Daddy’s, 420 S. Tyler St.,

190., 893-5111. Breakfast, Lunch,

LACOMBE

Tues-Sun. 7am-2pm. Breakfast

New Orleans Food and Spirits, 208

898-2166. Pulled pork, brisket and ribs.

Sal & Judy’s, 27491 Hwy. 190, 882-

severed until 10:30 on weekdays and

Lee Ln., 875-0432. Family owned and

sweetdaddysbarbq.com. MCC, ME.

9443. Veal is the house specialty.

all day Saturday and Sunday. Reserve

operated. neworleansfoodspirits.com.

Fat Spoon Café for your next party.

MCC.

fatspooncafe.com. MCC.

salandjudys.com. MCC, RR. TCBY, 70488 Hwy 21, 892-9000 tcby. MADISONVILLE

com. MCC. Nonna Randazzo’s Italian Bakery

Abita Roasting Company, 504 Water

Gallagher’s Grill, 509 S. Tyler

and Cafè, 2033 N. Hwy. 190, Ste.

Vasquez Seafood & Po-Boys, 515

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

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

E. Boston St., 893-9336. Cuban

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

bakery. Luncheon salads, panini,

sandwiches and more. vazquezpoboy.

Crabby Shack & Po-Boys, 305

gallaghersgrill.com. MCC.

catering, donuts, kingcakes, cupcakes

com. MCC, checks, ME.

LA-21, 845-2348. Fresh Louisiana

and wedding cakes. Tues-Sun, open at Garcia’s Famous Mexican Food,

7am. nonnarandazzo.com. MCC. Osaka West, 804 N. US 190, 871-

Italian Pie, 70488 Hwy. 21, 871-

neighborhood favorites .MCC. Keith Young’s Steakhouse, 165 Hwy. 21, 845-9940. Lunch, dinner,

Zea Rotisserie & Grill, 110 Lake Dr., Ox Lot 9, 428 E Boston St., 400-

327-0520. Inspired American food.

5663. Hotel. Dinner, Sunday brunch.

zearestaurants.com. MCC.

oxlot9.com. MCC.

Tues-Fri. keithyoungs.net. MCC. Morton’s Boiled Seafood & Bar, 702 Water St., 845-4970. Lunch,

HAMMOND

5252. Dine in or carry out. italianpie. com. MCC, checks.

St., 809-3840. MCC.

8199. Japanese. MCC.

Lake Dr, 898-6380. Signature salads made to order. MCC.

seafood dishes and New Orleans Yujin Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar, 323 N. New Hampshire

200 River Highlands Blvd., 327-7420. The Green House Salad Co, 104

St., 246-3340. abitaroasting.com.

Papi’s Fajita Factory of Covington,

Brady’s, 110 SW Railroad Ave., 542-

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

6333. bradysdowntown.com.

dinner. MCC, checks. Orlando’s, 304 Hwy. 22 West, 985-

La Carreta Authentic Mexican

Kids eat free on Tuesday nights. Open

Cuisine, 812 Hwy. 190, 624-

7 days a week for lunch and dinner.

Don’s Seafood & Steak House,

2990. Festive Mexican atmosphere,

MCC.

1915 S. Morrison Blvd., 345-8550.

Water Street Bistro, 804 Water St.,

donsseafoodonline.com. MCC.

985-845-3855. Contemporary Creole.

fresh food from traditional recipes,

845-4446. Seafood. MCC.

outstanding service and value. Live

Pardos, 69305 Hwy. 21, 893-3603.

music. Lunch and dinner seven days a

Lunch, Tues-Fri; Dinner, Tues-Sun;

Jacmel Inn, 903 E. Morris St., 542-

week. carretasrestaurant.com. MCC.

Happy hour, Tues-Fri, 4-7pm. Private

0043. Fresh fish, small plate classics,

parties and catering. pardosbistro.

house cut steaks, Sunday brunch.

Another Broken Egg Cafe, 1901 US

com. MCC.

jacmelinn.com. MCC.

190, #7, 985-951-2246. Breakfast.

Pat’s Seafood Market and Cajun

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

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

8888. kirinjapanesecuisine.com. MCC.

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

MCC.

4992. Lunch, Mon-Fri; Dinner, Fri-Sat. Closed Sundays. lolacovington.com.

MANDEVILLE

MCC.

Mac’s On Boston, 324 E. Boston St.,

Jambalaya, gumbo, stuffed artichokes.

985-892-6550. Contemporary Creole.

MCC, checks, ME.

MCC.

The Barley Oak, 2101 Lakeshore Dr., 727-7420. Serving 130 styles of beer,

La Carreta Authentic Mexican

call and premium liquors. Lunch and

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

dinner. thebarleyoak.com. MCC.

PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 70456 Hwy.

9990. Festive Mexican atmosphere,

Mattina Bella, 421 E. Gibson St.,

21, 875-7894. Catch your morning

fresh food from traditional recipes,

Beach House, 124 Girod, 985-

892-0708. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

buzz at this convenient drive-thru!

outstanding service and value. Live

624-9331. Neighborhood Cafe.

MCC, checks.

Catering. MCC.

music. Lunch and dinner seven days a

beachhousemandeville.com. MCC.

week. carretarestaurant.com. MCC. McAlister’s Deli, 206 Lake Dr., Ste.

Pizza Man of Covington, 1248 N.

15, 898-2800. Great sandwiches,

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

salads, overstuffed potatoes. mcalistersdeli.com. MCC, checks.

Bistro Byronz, 1901 Highway 190, Salty Joe’s BBQ, 43344 S. Range Rd,

985-951-7595. American. MCC.

956-7099. New southern BBQ.,daily Raising Canes, 1270 N. Hwy. 190, 809-0250. Chicken fingers, crinkle-cut

specials, lunch and dinner. MCC.

Bosco’s Italian Café, 2040 Hwy. 59, 624-5066. boscositalian.com.

July -August 2018 95

Café Lynn Restaurant and

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

Pat Gallagher’s 527 Restaurant and

com. MCC.

Bar, 527 N. Causeway Blvd, 778-2820.

Catering, 2600 Florida St., 624-9007.

week. carretarestaurant.com. MCC. SLIDELL

Lunch, Tues-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm.

Casual fine dining for lunch, dinner and

La Carreta Authentic Mexican

Dinner, Tues-Sat 5-9:30pm.

A Touch of Italy Café, 134

Sunday brunch by Chef Joey Najolia.

Cuisine, 1200 W. Causeway

gallaghers527restaurant.com.

Pennsylvania Ave., 639-0600. Lunch,

Tues-Fri, lunch: 11am-3pm. Dinner,

App., 624-2990. Festive Mexican

5pm. Catering provided. cafelynn.

atmosphere, fresh food from traditional

Pinkberry, 3460 Hwy. 190, 612-7306.

com. MCC.

recipes, outstanding service and value.

Pinkberry is the original tart frozen

dinner. kathrynandcompany.com. MCC, checks.

Live music. Lunch and dinner seven

yogurt with premium fresh fruit and dry

Assunta’s, 2631 Covington Hwy.,

Coffee Rani, 3517 Hwy. 190, 674-

days a week. carretasrestaurant.com.

toppings. pinkberry.com.

985-649-9768. Italian. assuntas.com.

0560. Soup and salad specialists.

MCC.

MCC. PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 2963 Hwy.

Coscino’s Pizza, 1809 N. Causeway

La Madeleine, 3434 US 190, 985-

190, 674-1565. Catering. pjscoffee.

Bear’s Grill & Spirits, 550 Gause

Blvd., 727-4984. Italian. MCC.

626-7004. French. MCC.

com. MCC.

Blvd., 201-8905. Po-boys and more.

Daisey Dukes, 1200 W. Causeway

The Lakehouse, 2025 Lakeshore

Pontchartrain Po-Boys, 318 Dalwill

Approach, Ste 13, 951-2140. Authentin

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

Dr., 985-626-8188. Sandwiches.

Blue Bayou Cafe, 1101 East Howze

Cajun, all day breakfast and lunch.

Restaurant open. Call for reservations.

MCC.

Beach Rd., 985-649-3264. American.

MCC.

lakehousecuisine.com. MCC.

bearsgrillandspirits.com. MCC.

MCC. Raising Canes, 3801 Hwy. 22, 674-

El Paso Mexican Grill, 3410 US 190,

LaLou, 200 Girod St., 985-231-7125.

2042. Chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries,

Blue House Grill, 2170 Gause Blvd

624-2345. Daily specials, happy hour,

Breakfast. doyoulalou.com. MCC.

coleslaw, texas toast, signature secret

W., 985-288-5544. Sandwiches. MCC.

2-7pm. elpasomex.com. MCC.

dipping sauce. Dine-in, to-go and Leonardo’s Trattoria & Pizzeria,

catering. MCC.

Bonnie C’s, 1768 Front St., 985-288-

Fat Spoon Café, 68480 Hwy. 59.,

2625 Florida St, 788-2550. Authentic

809-2929. Breakfast served until

Sicilian dishes, desserts and bar with

Rip’s on the Lake, 1917 Lakeshore

10:30am on weekdays and all day

wine and beer. Closed Sundays. MCC.

Dr., 727-2829.

Spoon Cafe for your next party.

Little Tokyo, 590 Asbury Dr., 504-

Rusty Pelican, 500 Girod

fatspooncafe.com. MCC.

727-1532. Japanese. littletokyosushi.

St., 778-0364. Lunch, dinner.

Carreta’s Grill, 137 Taos St., 847-0020.

com. MCC.

rustypelicanbythelake.com. MCC.

Great Mexican cuisine and margaritas

1841 N. Causeway Blvd., 624-

Liz’s Where Y’At Diner, 2500 Florida,

SWEGS Kitchen, 4350 Hwy 22, Ste

9704. Fresh fish daily, aged beef,

985-626-8477. Breakfast, Diner. MCC.

H, Mandeville, 951-2064. Healthy pre-

5061. Creole Homestyle. MCC.

Saturday and Sunday. Reserve Fat

6211. thecamelliacafe.com. MCC.

Fazzio’s Seafood & Steakhouse,

served in a family-friendly atmosphere for

traditional Italian. Lunch, dinner. fazziosrestaurant.com. MCC, ME, RR. Franco’s Grill,100 Bon Temps

Camellia Cafe, 525 Hwy. 190, 649-

lunch and dinner. carretasgrill.com. MCC.

made comfort food. SwegsKitchen.

Copeland’s, 1337 Gause Blvd., 985-

Mande’s, 340 N. Causeway App.,

com, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook.

643-0001. Creole. MCC.

626-9047. Serving breakfast and

MCC. El Paso Mexican Grill, 1100 Robert

lunch, daily specials.

Roule, 792-0200. Fresh organic foods for breakfast, lunch and takeout.

Mandina’s, 4240 Hwy. 22 in Azalea

myfrancos.com/dining. MCC.

Square Shopping Center, 674-9883.

TCBY, 1680 HWY 59 #100, 626-4770

Blvd, 445-1450. Daily specials, happy

tcby.com. MCC.

hour. elpasomex.com. MCC.

Seafood, Creole and Italian. Lunch and

Times Bar & Grill, 1896 N. Causeway

Felipe’s Taqueria, 176 Town Center

George’s Mexican Restaurant,

dinner, Mon-Sat. mandinasrestaurant.

Blvd., 626-1161. Lunch, dinner.

Pkwy., 985-288-1210. Mexican.

1461 N. Causeway Blvd., 626-4342.

com.

timesgrill.com. ME, MCC.

felipestaqueria.com. MCC.

nachos, Carne al la Parrilla. Best

New Orleans Hamburger &

Trey Yuen Cuisine of China, 600 N.

Michael’s, 4820 Pontchartrain

top-shelf margaritas in town.

Seafood Co., 3900 LA 22, 985-624-

Causeway Blvd., 626-4476. Quality

Dr., 985-649-8055. Creole French.

georgesmexicanrestaurant.com. MCC,

8035. Sandwiches. MCC.

China cuisine with Louisiana flair. Lunch,

michaelsrestaurantslidell.com. MCC.

Family owned. Fajitas, George’s

ME.

dinner. treyyuen.com. MCC, checks. Nuvolari’s, 246 Girod St., 626-5619.

Nathan’s, 36440 Old Bayou Liberty

Gio’s Villa Vancheri, 2890 E.

In Old Mandeville. Italian cuisine for

PONCHATOULA

Causeway App., 624-2597. Sicilian

fine dining daily for dinner or special

Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant,

specialties by 5-star chef Gio

events. MCC. nuvolaris.com.

30160 Hwy. 51, 386-6666.

Vancheri. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat. giosvillavancheri.com. MCC. RR.

middendorfsrestaurant.com. The Old Rail Brewing Company,

Rd., 985-643-0443. Contemporary Creole. MCC. Palmettos on the Bayou, 1901 Bayou Ln., 643-0050.

639 Girod St., 612-1828. Homemade

La Carreta Authentic Mexican

K. Gee’s, 2534 Florida St., 626-0530.

American cuisine with fresh,

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

Featuring Louisiana seafood with

local ingredients. Family-friendly

0930. Festive Mexican atmosphere,

Peck’s Seafood Restaurant, 2315

raw oysters 1/2 price on Tuesdays.

atmosphere. Lunch and dinner. Closed

fresh food from traditional recipes,

Gause Blvd. E., 781-7272. Po-boys,

Express lunch and daily lunch specials

Mondays.

outstanding service and value. Live

seafood, burgers and lunch specials.

music. Lunch and dinner seven days a

MCC.

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

Inside Northside

palmettosrestaurantslidell.com.

Speckled T’s, 158 S Military Rd., 985-

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

646-1728. Seafood. MCC.

504-581-1316. Louisiana seafood prepared in Creole seasonings, available in Bucktown

The Blind Tiger Slidell, 37330

or the French Quarter for lunch and dinner.

Lakeshore Marina Dr, 707-1082. Fun

deanies.com. MCC.

waterfront restaurant. MCC. Gautreau’s, 1728 Soniat St., 504-899Vera’s, 2020 Gause Blvd W., 985-690-

7397. Open Monday through Saturday.

9814. Seafood. MCC.

Dinner. gautreausrestaurant.com. MCC, RR.

Young’s, 850 Robert Blvd., 985-6439331. Steak. MCC.

Gumbo Shop, 630 Saint Peter St., 504-525-1486. Award winning gumbo

NEW ORLEANS/SOUTHSHORE Andrea’s, 3100 19th St, 504-834-

and soups, ship nationwide. Lunch and dinner. gumboshop.com. MCC.

8583. Northern Italian and local seafood. Lunch, dinner, Sunday

Louisiana Pizza Kitchen French

brunch. andreasrestaurant.com. MCC.

Quarter, 95 French Market Place, 504-522-9500. Casual dining in a fine

Antoine’s Restaurant, 713 Saint

dining atmosphere with experienced

Louis St, 504-581-4422. antoines.

waitstaff, fresh dishes and made-from-

com. MCC.

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

Bayona, 430 Rue Dauphine, 504-5254455. Fresh local ingredients, balanced

Mellow Mushroom, 3131 Veterans

yet complex dishes. Lunch and dinner.

Memorial Blvd., 504-644-4155. Pizza,

bayona.com. MCC.

30 craft beers on tap, lunch and dinner. mellowmushroom.com. MCC.

Brennan’s, 417 Royal St., 504525-9711. Creole traditions and

Messina’s Runway Cafe, 6001

contemporary influences. Breakfast,

Stars and Stripes Blvd., 504-241-

lunch and dinner. brennansneworleans.

5300. Tues-Sun, 8am-3pm.

com. MCC. RR.

messinasterminal.com. MCC.

Briquette, 701 South Peters St,

Nola Beans, 762 Harrison Ave.,

504-302-7496. Contemporary coastal

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

cuisine. briquette-nola.com. MCC. Opal Basil, 719 S Peters, New Caffe! Caffe!, 4301 Clearview Pwky.,

Orleans, opalbasil.com. MCC.

504-885-4845; 3547 N. Hullen, Metairie, 504-267-9190. Breakfast, lunch and

Restaurant R’evolution, 777 Bienville

coffee. caffecaffe.com. MCC.

St., 504-553-2277. Located at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Triptych of

Carreta’s Grill, 2320 Veterans Blvd.,

Quail and Oysterman’s spaghettini.

504-837-6696; 1821 Hickory Ave.,

Revolutionnola.com. MCC. RR.

Harahan, 504-305-4833. Mexican, lunch and dinner. carretasgrillrestaurant.com.

Riccobono’s Peppermill, 3524

MCC.

Severn Ave., 504-455-2266. Seafood, filets and Italian. Breakfast and

Criollo Resturant and Lounge at

lunch. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday.

Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St., 504-

riccobonos.com. MCC.

523-3340. Creole dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. hotelmonteleone.com/

Sala, 124 Lake Marina, New Orleans

criollo/. MCC, RR.

504-513-2670. Cocktails and shareable plates. salanola.com. MCC.

Dat Dog, 5030 Freret St., 504-8996883; 3336 Magazine St., 504-324-

Warehouse Grille, 869 Magazine

2226; 601 Frenchmen St., 504-309-

St, 504-322-2188. Lunch and dinner

3363. datdog.com. MCC.

specials, Monday-Friday. Brunch, Saturday-Sunday, 9am-3pm.

Deanie’s Seafood Restaurant, 1713

warehousegrille.com. MCC.

July -August 2018 97

CC’s Coffee House

by Leah Draffen

CC’S COFFEE HOUSE, which began in 1995, embraces a tradition built on the Saurage family’s almost 100 years of roasting and selling Louisiana’s favorite coffee and weaving that experience into the fabric of local neighborhoods. CC’s Coffee House Covington, creating its own tradition, is “becoming a place where good friends and family gather to share great coffee and conversation, served by people who love their guests.” Owner Martha E. Sassone enjoys serving her guests the experience of enticing aromas, rich taste, a cup of ambition, social atmosphere and tradition. In the heat of Louisiana summers, CC’s menu provides cold drink options such as the Sparkling Espresso, Lemonade Smoothie and guest favorite Mochassippi®. The original frozen espresso is a perfect drink to cool down, with numerous flavors choices for everyone—turtle, caramel, vanilla peppermint and more. To complement the cool treats, 98

Inside Northside

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

photo courtesy: CC’S COFFEE HOUSE

Last Bite

CC’s summer pastries are great for breakfast, an afternoon snack or evening dessert. The menu serves slices of Sweet Street Lemonade Cake with Lemon Meyer Curd, Oreo Stacks, Peruvian Chocolate Manifesto Brownies, Vie de France Raspberry Cream Cheese Croissants, oatmeal raisin cookies and, of course, strawberry lemonade or cookies and cream cake balls. If it’s a hot cup of coffee you need to get going, try CC’s Honduran

Manzanal Single Origin Coffee, a medium roast with a rich floral and citrus aroma. And for those without time to sit, CC’s in Covington has a drive through. They can also cater office meetings or parties no matter the size or time of day or night. CC’s Coffee House ® is located at 1331 US 190 in Covington. Open Monday through Friday, 5am to 8pm, Saturday, 6am to 8pm, and Sunday, 6am to 7pm. 900-2241. ccscoffee.com.