December 2019/January 2020 Issue of Inside New Orleans by JBLPublishing

495

DICK VAN DYKE •

SYMMETRY JEWELERS • ADELE UDDO • HOLIDAY GIFTS

DECEMBER 2019-JANUARY 2020 VOL. 6, NO. 6

December 2019-January 2020

Vol. 6, No. 6

Publisher Jonée Daigle-Ferrand –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Editor-in-Chief Anne Honeywell

Managing Editor

Art Director

Leah Draffen Brad Growden

Contributors are featured on page 11. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Account Executives

Poki Hampton

Barbara Roscoe

Susie Welch

Barbara Bossier Ashley Meteye Pemmie Sheasby Morgan Wynne

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

Chief Financial Officer

Patrick Daigle

Executive Assistant

Summer Tallant

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

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(504) 251-4818

email InsideNewOrleansMag@gmail.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Contribute Please send items for Inside Scoop to ScoopINOLA@gmail.com. Photos for Inside Peek, with captions, should be sent to PeekINOLA@gmail.com. Submit items for editorial consideration to InsideNewOrleansMag@gmail.com. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Subscriptions 1 Year $18 2 Years $30 email InsideNewOrleansMag@gmail.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

On the cover

Artist Pam Soileau. Find more on page 12.

INSIDE NEW ORLEANS is published bi-monthly (February, April, June, August, October, December) by JBL Publishing, LLC, PO Box 7603, Metairie, LA 70010-7603 as a means of communication and information for greater New Orleans, Louisiana. Bulk Postage paid - New Orleans, LA. Copyright ©2019 by JBL Publishing, LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent of publisher. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and artwork. Inside New Orleans Magazine is created using the Adobe Creative Suite on Apple Macintosh computers.

December 2019-January 2020 5

page 43

page 30

contents table of

Features

Departments

12 Influences in the Abstract Cover Artist Pam Soileau

8 Reader’s Resources 9 Publisher’s Note

30 The First Dick Van Dyke Show

10 Editor’s Note

34 Gifts of Emotion Symmetry Jewelers creates heirlooms.

11 Contributors

36 The Sum of Her Parts New Orleans-born model hits the big time and gives back to the city she loves.

16 INside Scoop

40 Delgado to Space

42 Get Fit Setting Yourself Up for Success in the New Year

43 Women’s Jewelry

29 INside Story Unconventional Conventions

page 36

52 Cable & Craftmanship David Yurman

44 Holiday Gift Guide 54 IN Love and Marriage 55 INside Peek Featuring: Roberto Coin Event at Lee Michaels Fidelity Bank’s Carondelet Street’s Union Row Redevelopment Launch Colors of the Mind Longue Vue House & Gardens Design Symposium

60 IN Great Taste 62 Drinks with Anna 63 Haute Plates

64 IN the Spirit The Cypress Bar at the Southern Hotel pagepage 40 42 6

I n s ide N ew Or lean s

page 32

66 Last Bite Antoine’s Restaurant

Reader Resources Contact Us: Telephone: (504) 251-4818

Receiving Inside New Orleans in Your Mailbox? You are on our mailing list courtesy of Inside New Orleans and our advertisers. Please join us in thanking our advertisers, who make this possible.

Pick Up a Copy: At one of our advertisersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; locations, or at Barnes & Noble, 3721 Veterans Blvd., Metairie.

Subscribe: To subscribe to Inside New Orleans, or if you have a question about your subscription, please contact us by telephone or e-mail us at insideneworleansmag@gmail.com. Subscriptions are $18 for one year, or $30 for two years. To change your address, please send both your old address and new address. The post office does not forward magazines.

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A Leap of Faith by Jonee Daigle-Ferrand

After seventeen years in advertising sales and at the brink of turning forty, I have decided to take a leap of faith. I am pleased to announce my new role as Publisher/ Owner of Inside New Orleans Magazine. I will be blessed throughout this new adventure with the amazing support of my husband, Brad Ferrand, and daughter, Lilette, who both helped make this possible. I am also joined on this journey by my brother, Patrick Daigle, who provides me with financial advice, and my mom and dad who support me every step of the way. Inside New Orleans is celebrating five years of high-end publishing. This includes beautiful cover artwork, personal and imaginative editorials, and the promotion and exposure of many wonderful and successful businesses. The talented Brad Growden will continue producing beautiful magazines as Senior Art Director. His skill and creativity will help usher in some new and exciting layout changes. Anne Honeywell, Editor in Chief, will continue to lead Editorial staff as Editor in Chief. Anne oversees the dynamic and newsworthy articles and photographs that make Inside New Orleans what it is. Thanks to the multi-talented Leah Draffen, our readers can continue to enjoy Scoop, Peek, and many other editorial features. Inside New Orleansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fierce and dynamic sales team will include Barbara Bossier, Poki Hampton, Barbara Roscoe, Pemmie Sheasby, Susie Welch and Morgan Wynne. I hope you continue to enjoy reading Inside New Orleans. We will continue to deliver first-class stories and editorial features, but be on the lookout for some new and upbeat local stories, new dining features, and something special from my daughter, Lilette. Sincerely,

’Tis the season to go shopping … Fa la la la la, la la la la! by Anne Honeywell

Whether you like to stuff your shopping bags and then your stockings on Christmas Eve, or have everything wrapped and ready the first week of December, everyone has a method to their holiday madness. The online shopping world has changed some things for us, but there is nothing like shopping out and about – everyone in the holiday spirit! Here are some shopping tips to have a Holly Jolly Holiday! Make your list and check it twice! Before you even start your holiday shopping, make a gift list and set yourself a budget for each gift. Wise Men bring gifts paid for in cash. One of the best ways to shop smart this season is to avoid charging more on your credit cards than you’ll be able to pay off in the New Year. If the gift works for Dasher, Prancer will love it, too! If you find that perfect gift that you know several people on your list would enjoy, don’t be afraid to buy it in multiples. A trip to the North Pole can be as much fun or more! Instead of buying material goods that your family members might not be super excited about, consider giving them a day or weekend trip that you share together. It’s Christmas time… Saturdays and Sundays are the busiest shopping days during the holiday season, so why not try shopping on weekday evenings? Check your favorite stores’ holiday hours; many are open a bit later to accommodate week-night shopping. There’s only one Santa. While shopping alone doesn’t sound like as much fun as going with a friend, it will save you time and potentially prevent you from being influenced to make big spur-of-the-moment purchases. HO HO HO! I hope you enjoy the holidays and this issue of Inside New Orleans! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Contributors

Leslie Cardé

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

Other Voices: Leah Draffen, Thomas B. Growden, Poki Hampton, Anne Honeywell and Trent Spann.

Anna Tusa

Anna Tusa is the Director of Operations for Briquette, Briquette Wine Room and New Orleans Creole Cookery. On page 62, Anna recommends wine to fit every occasion this holiday season including brunch with friends!

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. See Leslie’s article about Adele Uddo on page 36.

Joey Kent

Ingrid Rinck

Ingrid Rinck is a self-made entrepreneur and CEO of Sensible Meals and has been helping people eat healthier and achieve their weight loss goals since 2014. Ingrid shares her secrets to success in the New Year on page 42.

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 30, Joey shares a story about Dick Van Dyke.

Influences in Cover Artist the Abstract Pam Soileau

IF I HAVE LEARNED ANYTHING while writing cover artist stories, it is that artists love to create and painters love to paint. It is their passion above all others. And their inspiration comes from both the likely and unlikely. For more than 35 years, Pam Soileau, who is just as vivacious and charming as her paintings, has used the influences in her life for inspiration to create paintings, ever evolving and always interesting. As a child, Pam’s family lived in her grandmother’s home in Opelousas. Her grandmother was very artistic; she influenced Pam, as did three of Pam’s aunts, 12

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who studied art at Newcomb College. Aunt Marie Celeste created pottery and painted portraits, and the floor, she put her easel in a playpen to keep them from running into her paintings. Both women created pottery at Newcomb, and Pam has some of their pieces today. Pam’s grandmother gave her art supplies and then got out of the way, letting Pam be creative on her own. Some of the sketches Pam drew on discarded envelopes while with her grandmother are part of her composition titled Autobiography. When her children were small and until they went off to school, Pam put her>>

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

by Poki Hampton

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photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

creative energy into her home, entertaining and cooking. Around 1979, her husband, Jim, said that she needed to paint—and he kept saying it. Finally, she signed up for a workshop with Lyndon H. Neubig, her first formal teacher, who became famous for his mud paintings of rural Louisiana scenes. Neubig’s wife, Linda, advised Pam to keep her mouth shut and her ears and eyes open. She did just that. “And that opened the door to more workshops,” says Pam. At a workshop with Ed Whitney, Pam was so intimidated by the other artists that she painted her quarter-page watercolors behind the bushes. Harry Ahysen, who taught at Huntsville College in Texas, came by her breakfast table and said, “Today, I want you to come sit by me and bring your stuff.” “He used a full sheet of paper and painted with a house painting brush. That opened my eyes that painting didn’t have to be so precise, but could be done freely,” says Pam. As she spent days and weeks studying, she honed her skills by experimenting passionately. “I have greedily absorbed the wisdom, techniques, discipline and sense of adventure from my fellow artists and teachers,” she says. At first, Pam’s medium of choice was watercolor. When she grew as an artist, her colors became stronger and more emphatic. As she says, “This was no longer watercolor.” Acrylics on paper were the next logical choice; then she progressed to acrylics on canvas. Pam also creates mixed media pieces using found objects. “My grandchildren

are a wonderful source for all sorts of things that I incorporate into the paintings. They bring me corrugated cardboard and other little treasures.” She also uses onion paper, stamping and a palette knife to create texture on the canvas before beginning the painting part of the process. Back in the day, Pam sold her first painting to her hairdresser—framed, for $50. Because she liked her own painting so much, she bought it back from the hairdresser, but later gave her another one. “At that point, I had to learn to let it go so that I could get to the next one,” she says. What looked to be a great opportunity was a show at the Baton Rouge Hilton put together by a woman from then Agriculture Commissioner Bob Odom’s office. Pam convinced her Aunt Ruth, who was 70 at that time, to join her and two other artists for the show—one was a wood carver and the other was Lyndon H. Neubig, from whom she had taken classes. The show was Louisiana artists, with Louisiana food and wine. The only thing that sold was a $500 wood carving that Pam’s husband bought. It turned out that also in the hotel that night was a “starving artist” show in the grand ballroom. “We all had a good laugh,” says Pam. But that show opened doors for Pam when Odom’s people introduced her to valuable contacts. A while back, Pam showed a variety of styles in 30 paintings at a large show in Donaldsonville. There, she was introduced to an academic couple, a woman who taught her grandchildren piano and her Ph.D. husband. As they

were leaving the reception, the man asked Pam where she had gone to school. Pam thought, “Oh, goodness.” She answered that she did not have a college degree. The man turned to his wife and said, “See, I told you so. Her work is so fluid and experimental, with so much freedom—you can’t teach that.” “Bold colors, geometric shapes and textures bursting on canvases reveal the true joy and passion of Pam’s work,” says art dealer Bobbie Chassaignac. “Her flowers begin with control, then explode into colorful abstracts. On our first meeting, I knew I had found a treasure, both in art and in Pam. She had so many great works to choose from for her show.” Four years ago, Pam’s house was struck by lightning. Most of the electronics were ruined. As one repair person after another came to report the bad news, it was always “the mother board has been fried.” This inspired Pam to start a new series called Mother Board, which incorporated some of the broken mother boards from the junk pile. Today, Pam and her wonderfully supportive husband, Jim, live in Mandeville, where she paints almost every day, always looking at the world around her for its influences. “There is a song that says, ‘Lord, don’t let me die with all my songs in me.’ I have changed the lyrics to say, ‘Lord, don’t let me die with all my paintings in me.” Recently, Pam had a showing through Resource Bank in New Orleans and on the Northshore. Her work is available on Facebook and at psoileau.art@gmail.com. December 2019-January 2020 15

Audubon Zoo Lights

INSIDE December Smoothie King Center, 1501 Dave Dixon Dr. 4pm. ba.com/pelicans. 1-3 Cyber Funday. Gift with purchase. Palm

region. 671-5012. dcc.edu 1-23 Christmas in the Country. Special

All ages welcome. Louisiana Children’s Museum, 15 Henry Thomas Dr.,

shopping events, strolling musicians,

City Park New Orleans.

carolers, refreshments and door prizes

lcm.org/events/festival-of-trees. 1-30 Audubon Zoo Lights. Celebrate the

Village, A Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store, 2735

sponsored by the Covington Business

US 190, Mandeville. (985) 778-2547.

Association, Lee Lane Merchants and the

holiday season with Audubon Zoo’s Light

1-13 Winter Session Registration. Enroll

City of Covington. Downtown Covington.

Showcase presented by Children’s Hospital.

gocovington.org.

Through a special partnership with the

and register for Delgado Community College’s Winter Session through Dec

Children’s Hospital, attendees are invited

13. Delgado Community College, seven

Street. From decorating needs, pampering

and encouraged to create special holiday

locations throughout the New Orleans

and shopping, all can be found on

crafts to be delivered to patients at the

region. 671-5012. dcc.edu.

Magazine. magazinestreet.com.

hospital. Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St.

1-Jan 22 Spring Semester Registration.

1-25 Holiday Shopping on Magazine

1-29 Festival of Trees. Enjoy the Louisiana

Enroll and register for Delgado Community

Children’s Museum’s creative collection

College’s Spring Semester through Jan

of holiday trees created by local schools,

22. Delgado Community College, seven

artists, and community partners in various

locations throughout the New Orleans

gallery spaces throughout the museum.

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auduboninstitute.org. 1-Jan 1 Celebration in the Oaks. New Orleans City Park. neworleanscitypark.com. 1-Jan 5 Louisiana Contemporary. Presented by The Helis Foundation. Ogden

photo courtesy: AUDUBON ZOO

1 OKC Thunder at New Orleans Pelicans.

1-30 Audubon Zoo Lights. Celebrate the holiday season with Audubon Zoo’s Light Showcase presented by Children’s Hospital. Through a special partnership with the Children’s Hospital, attendees are invited and encouraged to create special holiday crafts to be delivered to patients at the hospital. Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St. auduboninstitute.org.

Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St. ogdenmuseum.org. 1, 7-8, 14-15, 19-24 Teddy Bear Tea. Holiday food, specialty teas, tasty pastries, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and sparkling wine and mimosas for mom and dad. The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans. 335-3129. therooseveltneworleans.com. 3 Dallas Mavericks at New Orleans Pelicans. Smoothie King Center, 1501 Dave Dixon Dr. 6:30pm. ba.com/pelicans. 5 Briquette Nola Absolut Dinner. Hosted by Elise Bleckman, Absolut Brand Ambassador. Briquette, 701 S Peters St. 7pm. $120 all inclusive. 302-7496.

6 Sips of the Season. Old Mandeville

Inside Scoop bars, pubs and restaurants. Mugs available at K. Geeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant, The Lemon Tree, Cameo Boutique, Blent Juice Bar, Das Schulerhaus Gift Gallery and Christmas Boutique. 5-9pm. (985) 6243147. oldmandevillebiz.com. 6 Yuletide Celebration. Performed by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Columbia Theatre, 220 E Thomas St, Hammond. (985) 543-4371. columbiatheatre.org. 6-8 Christmas in the Country. Oldfashioned family fun. St. Francisville. (225) 635-3873. stfrancisvillefestivals.com. 6, 13, 20 Movies on the Mississippi. Presented by the Downtown Development District and the Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans. Dec 6, The Grinch (2018 Version); Dec 13, Audubon Butterfly Garden & Insectarium; Dec 20, Elf. downtownnola. com/holidays. 7 Improvisations Gala. Presented by the New Orleans Jazz Museum. Improvisations features libations, gourmet local cuisine, a thrilling silent auctionâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;featuring an exclusive artwork by Emilie Rhys, entertainment by world-class musicians, all set within the Luna Fete Celebration of Light and Music. All proceeds help the Jazz Museum to globally promote jazz as one of the most innovative, historically pivotal musical art forms through highly-interactive exhibits, as well as support ongoing musical and educational programming. 400 Esplanade Ave. 7-11pm. gala.nolajazzmuseum.org. 7 Jingle Bugs. Enjoy balloons, a gumdrop hunt, face painting, and various holiday activities. See the bugs decked out in their festive attire! Sample some deliciously hoppy holiday treats such as bug nog, peppermint cricket bark, and fruit fly cake throughout the day. Audubon Butterfly Garden & Insectarium, 423 Canal St. 10:30am-4:30pm. audubonnatureinstitute. org/jingle-bugs. 7 Krewe of Jingle. Presented by the 18

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Downtown Development District and the Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans. Canal Street. 1pm. downtownnola.com/holidays. 7 Running of the Santas. Warehouse District, New Orleans. runningofthesantas.com.

7 Winter on the Water. Santa arrives by boat; marching parade from harbor to Gazebo; performances and lighting of the lakefront live oaks. Lakeshore Dr, Mandeville. 4-6pm. cityofmandeville.com. 7-9 Resort Ready Glamour Promo. Gift with purchase. Palm Village, A Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store, 2735 US 190, Mandeville. (985) 778-2547.

8 History and Holly Tour. Covington homes tour, holiday music and more presented by the Covington Heritage Foundation. Four homes beautifully decorated for the holidays; two historic downtown churchesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;one will host a free choir concert to kick off the festivities. Begins in downtown Covington. 2-5pm. $20. covingtonheritagefoundation.com. 8 San Francisco 49ers vs New Orleans Saints. Mercedes-Benz Superdome, 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr. 12pm. neworleanssaints.com. 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 Brunch with Santa. Featuring traditional brunch fare with flowing mimosas and poinsettias for adults. Musical entertainment by Meghan Stewart. Special guest appearances by Mrs. Claus & Santaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Helpers. Photos with Santa are available for purchase. Bourbon Orleans, 717 Orleans St. 10am or 2:30pm. For reservations, 5714672. bourbonorleans.com/santa. 9-Jan 1 New Orleans Polar Express Train Ride. Relive the magic of the famous movie through a one-hour journey from the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Enjoy the soundtrack and transport yourself into the magic. Hot chocolate, cookies and characters fill the train. New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal, 1001 Loyola Ave. $35-$60. 930-4408. nolathepolarexpressride.com.

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Inside Scoop 12-15 Luna Fête. LUNA Fête (which stands for Light Up NOLA Arts) blends New Orleans’ historic architecture with contemporary light and video mapping technology, sound installation and motion graphics. Lafayette Square, 602 Camp St. 6-10pm. lunafete.org. 13 Cher: Here We Go Again Tour. Smoothie King Center, 1501 Dave Dixon Dr. 8pm. smoothiekingcenter.com.

14 Christmas Past Festival. More than 100 artists, craftsmen and merchants, children’s village with arts & crafts, food court featuring a variety of local vendors, live performances from Box Office Giants and UMPHY, train rides, old fashioned horse and carriage rides, Santa Claus and more! Old Mandeville. 10am-4pm. oldmandevillebiz.com. 14 Holiday Spectacular. The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates the season with help from the 610 Stompers and local guest artists. Mahalia Jackson Theater, 1419 Basin St. lpomusic.com. 14 Reindeer Run & Romp. Annual holiday fun run for kids. Rudolph, Santa and friends will jingle their bells to signal the start of the race. After the race, participants “romp” around and enjoy healthy activities for kids and parents, music, games, crafts and more. Canal Place. Registration, 8am; race, 9am. downtownnola.com/holidays. 14-15 PRC Garden District Holiday Homes Tour. Tour seven stunning Garden District homes on December 14 and 15. Visitors can view and marvel at these private residence’s holiday decorations, chat with the homeowners, enjoy live music from local musicians and shop a holiday boutique. Proceeds from the tour help support the mission of the Preservation Resource Center, which is dedicated to preserving New Orleans’ unique architectural inventory. Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Ave. prcno.org. 14-15 Pouch Promo. Gift with purchase. 20

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Palm Village, A Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store, 2735 US 190, Mandeville. (985) 778-2547. 14, 15, 21, 22 The Nutcracker. Presented by the New Orleans Ballet Theatre. Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way. orpheumnola.com.

15 Third Sunday Concert Series: A Christmas Brass Spectacular. Produced by Erik Morales featuring the Louisiana Brass. Christ Episcopal Church, 120 S New Hampshire St, Covington. 5-6pm. 892-3177. 16 Indianapolis Colts vs New Orleans Saints. Mercedes-Benz Superdome, 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr. 7:15pm. neworleanssaints.com. 17-22 A Christmas Story The Musical. Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St. saengernola.com. 19 Baroque Christmas. Presented by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way. 7:30pm. lpomusic.com. 19 Briquette NOLA Martell Dinner. Hosted by Christophe Pienkowski. Briquette, 701 S Peters St. 7:30pm. $120 all inclusive. 302-7496. 20 Dashing Through the Dome. Indoor, 2-mile race through the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, up and around the Dome’s Ground, Plaza and Terrace Levels, then down the ramps finishing on the field. Mercedes-Benz Superdome, 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr. 6pm. neworleansbowl.org. 20-31 NOLA ChristmasFest. Ice skating rink, ice slides, holiday characters, themed inflatables, arts and crafts, gingerbread house exhibit, food, drinks and more. New Orleans Ernest M. Morial Convention Center, Hall H. nolachristmasfest.com. 27 Moscow Ballet’s Great Russion Nutcracker. Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St. saengernola.com. 31 Roaring Back to the 20s New Year’s Eve Party. Music, open bar, midnight pinecone drop and more. Southern Hotel, >> De c e mbe r 2 0 19 - J a n u ar y 2 0 20 21

Inside Scoop 428 E Boston St, Covington.

Elysée. French

9pm. (985) 400-5657.

Quarter. 7:30pm. mardigrasneworleans.com.

January 1 Allstate Sugar Bowl.

13 College Football Playoff National Championship. Mercedes-Benz Superdome,

Mercedes-Benz Superdome,

1500 Sugar Bowl Dr.

1500 Sugar Bowl Dr. 7:45pm.

2020nola.com.

allstatesugarbowl.org. 1 Celebration in the Oaks.

17 Chefs’ Dinner. An exclusive Chefs’ Dinner with Chefs

New Orleans City Park.

Nancy Oakes (Boulevard, San

neworleanscitypark.com.

Francisco), Nancy Silverton

1 New Orleans Polar Express

(Pizzeria Mozza, Los Angeles),

Train Ride. Relive the magic

Donald Link and Stephen

of the famous movie through

Stryjewski held the evening

a one-hour journey from the

before Bal Masqué. Calcasieu,

New Orleans Union Passenger

930 Tchoupitoulas St.

Terminal. Enjoy the soundtrack

linkstryjewski.org.

and transport yourself into the

18 Bal Masqué. A Carnival

magic. Hot chocolate, cookies

celebration to nourish,

and characters fill the train.

educate & empower the youth

New Orleans Union Passenger

of New Orleans. Auction,

Terminal, 1001 Loyola

live music and a host of

Ave. $35-$60. 930-4408.

nationally renowned celebrity

nolathepolarexpressride.com.

chefs and mixologists for an

1-5 Louisiana Contemporary.

unforgettable evening. Sugar

Presented by The Helis

Mill, 1021 Convention Center

Foundation. Ogden Museum

Blvd. linkstryjewski.org.

of Southern Art, 925 Camp St. ogdenmuseum.org. 1-22 Spring Semester Registration. Enroll

21-24 Miss Saigon. Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St. saengernola.com. 26 King Cake Festival.

and register for Delgado

Ochsner presents the 6th

Community College’s Spring

Annual King Cake Festival, a

Semester through Jan 22.

celebration benefiting babies

Delgado Community College,

and children at Ochsner.

seven locations throughout

Taste king cakes from the

the New Orleans region. 671-

finest bakeries, enjoy live

5012.dcc.edu.

music and support pediatric

6 Krewe de Joan d’Arc. Downtown.

programs. Champions Square. champions-square.com.

joanofarcparade.org. 6 Phunny Phorty Phellows.

scoop@insidepub.com to have it

phunnyphortyphellows.com.

featured in an upcoming issue of

6 Société Des Champs 22

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Send your event information to

St. Charles Ave. 7pm.

Inside New Orleans.

ASI Federal Credit Union is now OnPath Federal Credit Union We rose from the docks of Avondale Shipyards Inc., as ASI Federal

Lambeth House “We want people to spend their time living at Lambeth House, not just residing,” says Scott Crabtree, Lambeth House President and CEO. “We feel strongly about active aging and the benefits it has for people, not only physically, but mentally.” The Wellness Center at Lambeth House has over 21,000 square feet dedicated to promoting mind, body and spirit wellness. “Lambeth House is among the nation’s most progressive retirement communities as it relates to active aging,” says Jeré Hales, COO. “The term active aging describes the processes that optimize an adult’s health and wellbeing through physical, intellectual, mental and social stimulation. It embraces the notion that life as we age can be lived to the fullest.” “We’ve watched residents improve their life here. It is a comprehensive wellness program that goes beyond physical fitness. We offer stimulating educational programs and cultural amenities such as an extensive art and historical letter collection, as well as the opportunity for artistic self-expression,” says Scott. “We are committed to helping people age in a healthy way.” Within the Center, residents and outside members can benefit from the fitness center, indoor salt water pool, meditation room and garden, and art studio. “In addition to individual exercise programs, we offer Tai Chi, yoga, balance and strength training plans and aquatic programs,” says Jeré. “Residents are discovering talents they didn’t know they had. Some have become amazing artists and more. Lambeth House is not a place to find an easy chair. It is a place to discover yourself.”

Credit Union in 1961. Since then, we have grown our membership to almost 64,000 members and have extended financial services across Southeast Louisiana and beyond. We are excited to announce our re-designed brand and our name change, now operating as OnPath Federal Credit Union. Using the feedback of members and the community in general, the new brand design was created to include a new name that captures our past and represents our vision for the future. “We are very proud of our legacy with Avondale Shipyards, Inc. and are grateful to live the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” says Joey Richard, CEO of OnPath Federal Credit Union. “Our staff is passionate about finding solutions and helping our membership stay on track with their financial goals. We know it’s more than just providing a mortgage or a business loan. It’s being able to provide answers to questions that impact people’s financial lives and make their journey through life better.” Anyone can apply for membership as long as they live, work, go to school or worship in St. Tammany, Orleans, Jefferson or LaFourche Parishes. So, what are the some of the benefits exactly? Number one is being a “member-owner.” The profits OnPath Federal Credit Union makes go back to members in the form of lower interest rate loans and higher dividend returns in savings and investments. And the greatest benefit? A personal relationship. “We believe everyone who dreams big and works hard deserves a great local banking partner “. Joey Richard, says. “We take pride in actively listening to our members, answering their questions and building customized solutions to meet their financial needs. “

OnPath FCU is the Official and Exclusive Credit Union of the New

The campus includes 118 independent living apartment homes, 56 private nursing care residences, 15 secure memory care rooms and 61 assisted living apartments. Lambeth House is located at 150 Broadway St., New Orleans. 865-1960. lambethhouse.com.

Orleans Pelicans. Visit one of 11 branches including Mandeville, Covington and Slidell and learn more about the great things happening at OnPath Federal Credit Union. Bankingwithdirection.org De c e mbe r 2 0 19 - J a n u ar y 2 0 20 23

Gifts of Luxury 1. The hand-carved Alexandra Chair by Suzanne Kasler features a quatrefoil-shaped back making a graphic statement while creating visual interest from all angles, $999. 2. Holiday reflections mirrored Christmas trees with brass frames, multiple sizes, starting at $35. 3. Juliska Berry & Thread North Pole collection serving bowl featuring snow-covered pines in a gently sloping Nordic landscape, dotted by cozy chalets with charming thatched roofs, $125. 4. Maria D’Flores wax cast sculpture bearing gifts of flowers, $325. 5. Seashore Santa featuring bottle brush trees with starfish and seashell accents, $69. 6. Holy Night 6-piece hand-crafted driftwood and resin nativity scene including Joseph, Mary, Baby Jesus, and three kings (each piece is unique and will vary, faces rendered in cold cast porcelain), $375. 7. Oneof-a-kind Rebecca Vizard 16TH century European gold and silver metallic embroidery 6.

pillow hand-trimmed with vintage gold cording, 14” x 37”, $3,150. 8. Icy blue pine holiday candle highlighting honeyed fir balsam and cooling notes of camphor, cedar leaf and eucalyptus. Showcased in a glass tumbler with golden painted base, $35.

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10.

11. 12.

13.

9. Stag head footed vase in small and large, starting at $135. 10. Rebecca Vizard early Carnavalet Fortuny in faded blue backed with silver velvet and bordered with antique silver gallon, 19” x 20”, $850. Limited quantities. 11. Transparent vases with white waves and crackle detail, three sizes available, starting at $80. 12. Kendra Scott jewelry boxes and organizers, starting at $85. 13. NEST Fragrances Ocean Mist & Sea Salt 3-wick candle in a copper metallic

14.

maidenhair fern print vessel, $70. 14. Glittered 17” tall Santa figure designed to shimmer and shine as though St. Nick had been out in frosty weather, $59. 15. Cast stone Maria del Pilar with crescent moon,

15.

nickel aura and iron stand, $1,485. 16. Embedded jellyfish hand-blown glass paperweight sculptures in assorted colors, $60 each.

16. 2033 N. Hwy. 190, Covington • (985) 875-7576 • greigehome.com • De c e mbe r 2 0 19 - J a n u ar y 2 0 20 25

2. 1.

The Season to Sparkle

1. Studs crafted from a pair of uneven diamond bars, $495. 2. Two diamond bars weighing a total of 0.24 cts set in yellow gold, $915. 3. 4.18 carat radiant cut sapphire ring surrounded by 1.90 carats of white diamonds set in 18 karat white gold, $43,650. 4. Floral-inspired dangle earrings set in 14 karat white gold with round brilliant and marquise diamonds weighing 2.72 carats, $9,660. 5. Fancy yellow diamond earrings weighing a total of 4.03 carats set in titanium, $37,200. 6. Pear shaped dangle earrings set in 18 karat white gold weighing a total of 14.85 carats. GIA certification upon request, $372,000.

3230 Severn Avenue, Metairie â&#x20AC;˘ (504) 383-3900 â&#x20AC;˘ diamondsdirect.com 26

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Your Niche for Gifts 1. Emile Henry fondue set, $145. 2. Pre’ de Provence No. 63 Men’s

personal care hair and body wash, $14; after shave, $20; cube soap, $8; eau du toilette, $35. 3. Blue crab serving bowl, made in Italy, $99. 4. Oval Bond Street London mantle clock, $69. 5. Harry Barker gator dog toy, $16. 6. Stonewall Kitchen Holiday Cocktail Party Gift Set, $40. 7. Clementine Hunter Pickin’ and Weighin’ Cotton platter, $148. 8. Cole & Mason electronic mills set, $50.

7. 6. 8.

The Market at Chenier • 1901 Hwy. 190, Mandeville • (985) 624-4045 • nichemodernhome.com De c e mbe r 2 0 19 - J a n u ar y 2 0 20 27

Celebrate in Style 1.

2. 3. 6. 5.

4. 1. 24k vermeil blue lapis necklace, $660. 2. Platinum Art Deco 5.0ct diamond and sapphire bracelet, $13,500. 3. 24k vermeil Leilando cuff, $830. 4. 24k vermeil labradorite earrings, $475. 5. 18k Art Deco diamond and

sapphire earrings, $5,300. 6. 18k white gold .50ct diamond earrings, $1,500. 7. Platinum Art Deco emerald and diamond earrings, $3,500. 8. Ring Medley (from left to right): Platinum 1.2ct diamond Art Deco ring, $11,000; 14k rose gold moissanite ring, $2,300; 14k yellow gold 1.56ct emerald-cut diamond ring, $14,900; diamond bands starting at $1,025.

Open every Monday - Saturday in December! â&#x20AC;˘ 8138 Hampson Street, New Orleans â&#x20AC;˘ (504) 861-9925 â&#x20AC;˘ symmetryjewelers.com 28

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INside Story

My Name Is

Marie

by Michael Harold

My Name Is

Claude My Name Is My Name Is

Bob

Mae

My Name Is

Jim

My Name Is

Kevin

Unconventional Conventions

YOU CAN SPOT THEM THE MINUTE they step out of their hotel doors. The conventioneers. You recognize their tote bags covered in corporate logos and name badges around their necks. But for some reason, in New Orleans, they’re so much more noticeable. Of course, nothing screams tourist more than a person wearing summer clothes and Mardi Gras beads after Labor Day and before Twelfth Night. If the proverbial fashion police were to hire our meter maids to enforce its rules, citations would be issued in the blink of an eye. Let’s face it. And, I’m generalizing here. New Orleans might not lead the nation in terms of efficiency, but God love ‘em, our meter maids are the biggest exception to the rule. I’m convinced they’re just as important to our city’s income as are the taxes and the conventions. New Orleans hosts its fair share of doctor and lawyer meetings; however, what fascinates me most are the bizarre groups who come to town. I once shared a hotel with a group attending an African violet appreciation convention. It was obvious who were the litigators and who were the plant lovers. For starters, we didn’t have sashes over our jackets covered in violet medals. I couldn’t help gawking at their African violet headbands, sweatshirts, earrings and pins. The conversations were even more intriguing. “Oh honey, didn’t you think the cross hybridization of the Japanese variegated varietal was a travesty?” I finally had to sneak into the meeting room to check out all the violets which were in fact, captivating with their multitudes of colors and shapes. A hotel manager in Chicago once told me and my partner, Quinn, about his most bizarre convention. Who knew there was an annual meeting of “Vampire Brides who love episodes of Starsky and Hutch?” He posed the following question to us: “Of the two groups to stay at our hotel which do you think was the biggest nightmare? Mary Kay Cosmetics or Harley Davidson?”

Quinn guessed Harley Davidson and I agreed. We were wrong. According to the manager, the Harley folks were exceptionally polite. They tipped generously and treated staff with warmth and kindness, whereas the Mary Kay team squeezed in six or seven to a room and left heaps of towels and sheets with makeup stains. To add insult to injury, they were lousy tippers. Every few years New Orleans welcomes the Pirate’s Convention to town. It’s a raucous gathering of men and women who hit the streets in costume pretending to be pirates for the weekend. I discovered the group one Saturday evening at the Carrousel Bar with my now deceased friend, Walker Ronaldson. It was impossible not to notice the assortment of customers wearing eye patches, poofy white shirts, tricorn hats and pony tails. One guy even had a live parrot on his shoulder. Jean Lafitte would have been proud. The following morning, while entering Christ Church Cathedral, Walker noticed an unfamiliar gentleman with a black eye patch over his left eye. Without hesitation, he approached the man with a friendly “Ahoy Matey” and welcomed him to New Orleans. His wife gave Walker an odd stare. “I don’t recognize you,” Walker said. “You must be here for the Pirate’s Convention.” The woman looked appalled and responded, “What Pirate convention? My husband just underwent major eye surgery on Friday!” As for the wildest convention in New Orleans, most hotel managers and concierges in town agree that the Swingers Conference takes first prize. The stories are legendary. Hotel room doors are removed from their hinges in an effort to encourage friendly visits and birthday suits are de rigeur. They assure me, however, that the swingers are polite and tip generously. Plus, they were reared well and respect the rules. That group knows better than to wear white shoes after Labor Day. De c e mbe r 2 0 19 - J a n u ar y 2 0 20 29

by Joey Kent

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photo courtesy: The Historic New Orleans Collection, 2012.0208.1.7

WE ALL KNOW DICK VAN DYKE. For fans of classic television, he will always be Rob Petrie or Dr. Mark Sloan; in the theater world, Albert Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie; and in the movies, Mary Poppins’ lovable chimney sweep, Bert; Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’s Caractacus Potts; or Night at the Museum’s crotchety old security guard, Cecil. He’s been a professional actor/singer/dancer/comedian for over 70 years, and at one point in his earliest days of entertaining, Dick found his way to New Orleans in 1954 for a six-month stay at WDSU as their resident funny man. Settle in while I get you told. Richard Wayne Van Dyke was born just before Christmas 1925 in Danville, Illinois, and made his acting debut as Baby Jesus the following year in a nativity production at his parents’ Presbyterian church. He was remembered for crying throughout the entire performance. His father, Loren, was a salesman for the Sunshine Cookie Company and knew his way around a saxophone as well. Mother Hazel was a stenographer. As a teenager, Dick, as he came to be known, considered a number of careers including the ministry before enlisting in the Army Air Corps midway through his senior year of high school and serving a two-year stint as a radio announcer during World War II. Returning home, Dick became an announcer for local Danville radio station WDAN. (Side note: the first WDAN, a 10-watt station, was located on the campus of Centenary College in Shreveport in the spring of 1922, lasting only a few months before becoming WGAQ and eventually the stilloperating KEEL). In the latter part of 1947, Dick’s longtime friend Phil Erickson talked him into forming a comedy duo and hitting the club circuit. Known first as “Eric & Van – The Merry Mutes” and later simply as “The Merry Mutes,” the duo got off to a rocky start in Hollywood but eventually carved a niche for themselves doing ridiculous pantomimes while lip syncing to old 78 records by Bing Crosby, the Andrews Sisters, the Ink Spots and even opera from The Barber of Seville. Sensing “no time like the present,” Dick proposed to his high school sweetheart and, since they were pretty broke, the couple chose to be married on Bride & Groom, a national TV show that filmed the ceremony and paid for Dick and Margie’s honeymoon. Phil and Dick held court for 14 months at the Zephyr Room of the Chapman Park Hotel in Hollywood before migrating to Palm Springs in November 1948, premiering at the >>

Maggie Brooks and Dick Van Dyke at WDSU New Orleans in 1955.

De c e mbe r 2 0 19 - Ja n u ar y 2 020 31

famous Chi Chi Club—a giant supper club that was billed in the press as “the second biggest nightclub west of the Mississippi.” From there, the duo hit the road, doing gigs in New York, Chicago, Dallas and even here at the Blue Room of the Roosevelt Hotel before settling down in Atlanta. By this time, Margie was pregnant with the first of their children, Christian, who was born there in 1950, followed by Barry in 1951. The Merry Mutes became the staple of the Paradise Room at Atlanta’s Henry Grady Hotel, a typical night described by a local reporter thusly: “The Mutes come on stage, garbed in weird attire, and as someone backstage puts on a familiar record, they open their mouths and pretend they are singing the lyrics which come out of the record player speaker. Their ‘vocalizing’ is accompanied by a series of howling hilarious spasms which caused the audience last night to call them back for four encores.” In April 1950, the Merry Mutes were invited to appear on the televised Ed Sullivan Show, then called The Talk of the Town, which was featured in Atlanta on WAGA, Channel 5. Now a family man, Dick took a day job as a radio announcer with WCON to help pay for the home he and Margie had purchased in the suburb of Chamblee on the G.I. Bill. Four years later, the Merry Mutes got their own local television show on WSB-TV, Channel 2, an hour-long segment airing daily at 1 p.m., and this was where Dick’s 3-year-old son Barry got his first taste of performing, long before he and his dad would star together on their longrunning television show Diagnosis Murder. Life wasn’t bad for Dick Van Dyke, but he was yearning to strike out on his own, so, at the end of October, he bid farewell to his 32

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pal Phil and the Van Dykes headed to New Orleans for an opening at WDSU. WDSU-TV, Channel 6, was not quite six years old when Dick Van Dyke showed up with his family the first week of November 1954. Programming vice-president Tom Hicks announced the following week that the man with “a face as mobile as Jerry Lewis’” would be featured on his own daily 15-minute variety program beginning November 29. Van Dyke’s other duties as a staff announcer would include hosting music programs and appearing on the station’s noon newscast. Dick reported to the WDSU studios, which at that time were on Royal Street in the French Quarter, while the rest of the Van Dykes settled into their rented home on Press Drive near Pontchartrain Park in the Gentilly Woods neighborhood. From the start, Dick began to work out what would become his signature form of physical comedy, pratfalling for the cameras in the middle of his routine. The format for The Dick Van Dyke Show was described as including “Dick’s comic parodies on average occupations, how-to-do-it experts and culinary artists, as well as a viewer participation quiz”. It quickly proved popular with local audiences and was expanded to a half-hour on Valentine’s Day, 1955. Dick was accompanied by pianist Charlie Luckow, and singers Maggie Brooks and Loretta Branch filled out the cast of his variety show. Van Dyke’s antics were not without detractors, however. Mrs. Virgie Kerne of Thibodaux lobbied against the expanded show, complaining, “We see his program only because of those programs preceding and following his. We can’t turn the dial to another channel.” Mrs. Kerne had a point. WDSU was the only game in town when it came to television choices in 1955 unless you had a fancy new television that would pick up UHF channel 61, WJMR. We can only assume she did not. Apparently what really riled Mrs. Kerne was Dick’s jabs at the beloved kids program Ding Dong School, “the nursery school of the air” that predated the more familiar Romper Room I grew up watching. The show was before my time, so I can’t speak knowledgably about it, but the name alone seems worthy of at least a few cheap shots. Mrs. Kerne, however, took issue stating “… Van Dyke didn’t rate with our family at all, so you can imagine how he rates now. Many I have spoken to feel just as I do about the program in question.” So, maybe the up-and-coming comic wasn’t exactly

photo courtesy: JOEY KENT

the Toast of Thibodaux but he was making a mark for himself and beginning to be noticed. In fact, when Ding Dong School was cancelled the following year after only a four-year run, it was replaced by a new game show called The Price Is Right, hosted by jokester Bill Cullen since Dick Van Dyke had turned the job down. In 2002, legendary WDSU producer/director Paul Yacich published his memoirs on Bob Walker’s New Orleans Radio Shrine website. One story from Dick Van Dyke’s tenure at the station stuck out in his mind: “One bright and sunny day in the ’50s, the guys at WDSU-TV decided to have a party. The old White Kitchen, which once stood near where I-10 Poydras St. exit lies, was the chosen locale for the soirée, which is a rather high-class name for what might be called a ‘stag.’ Almost the entire male staff of WDSU-TV was in attendance. The gang was enjoying the entertainment narrated by a singer from the Midday show, John Gary, and a staff announcer/ comedian, Dick Van Dyke, who had a 15-minute daily show on Channel 6. Then it happened! The White Kitchen and the party was raided by the N.O.P.D. As the police began rounding up the startled TV guys, Dick van Dyke asked: ‘Why in the world do you guys want to break up a party of TV guys having a little fun?’ The blue-clad leader of the raid remarked: ‘TV guys? Hey, someone called us and said you were the Times Picayune. Go ahead, guys ... have your party!’ And the raiding party left, and the party continued.” Barely six months into his gig at WDSU, Dick received an offer that bettered his $40 weekly check. A friend at CBS had placed his name in the hat for consideration at the network, and they pulled him from obscurity. On May 20, 1955, Dick closed down operations in our city and reported to New York, having signed a seven-year contract with the national broadcasting giant. He was remembered in the local press as “a very talented performer, with a knack for making a laugh mountain out of a comical molehill. That’s the kind of fellow you have to be to do a daily TV show without a big, well-paid staff of gag writers. That’s the handicap he’s been under in working here and in TV in Atlanta, Ga. A lot of it just had to be made up with comic ingenuity virtually as he went along.” Dick became the anchorman for the CBS morning show, with Walter Cronkite serving as his newsman. He did, however, return to Louisiana in January 1957 to serve

as co-host of Shreveport’s first televised March of Dimes Poliothon. My father, David Kent, was the other host and never forgot the comedic genius of his partner as the two struggled to fill time on the 17½-hour live broadcast. “We pulled out all the stops,” my father recalled. “Dick and I had both been up since dawn the day of the show, which didn’t start until ten o’clock that night, so by the final tally the next afternoon, we were both pretty loopy.” Dick Van Dyke returned to his various duties in New York and, in April 1960, he landed the plum role of Albert Peterson in the Broadway smash Bye Bye Birdie, which garnered him a Tony award and placed him firmly on the world’s stage. When the show ended its primary run 18 months later, Dick auditioned for the lead in an unnamed show based on the life of Carl Reiner and won the part over fellow comic Johnny Carson. That fall, The Dick Van Dyke Show began its epic five-year run on CBS, winning three Emmy awards for Dick and four more for the show. (Another side note: In Episode 30 of Season 4 from 1965, “One Hundred Terrible Hours,” Van Dyke’s character Rob Petrie recalls his first meeting with future boss Alan Brady at the tail end of a stay-awake marathon for his disc jockey club. The story, my father recounted, drew heavily on their comical experiences during the March of Dimes Poliothon.) Dick Van Dyke went on to a varied and stellar career in television, movies and theater and remains busy at 93. You can still find him on WDSU after all these years. They show reruns of his ’60s show on Sundays at 10 p.m.—but now you know that the first Dick Van Dyke Show started right here in the Crescent City 65 years ago.

Dick Van Dyke and David Kent co-hosted Shreveport’s first televised March of Dimes Poliothon in 1957.

De c e mbe r 2 0 19 - Ja n u ar y 2 020 33

Gifts of Emotion Symmetry Jewelers creates heirlooms.

HAVE YOU EVER SEEN or admired an heirloom piece of jewelry? Have you held it in your hand, and imagined the person who wore it? The reasons they might have worn it? Or received it? Perhaps you knew that person, loved them even. Or maybe you only admired it from afar, as it proudly adorned a friend, or while it commanded the attention of a jeweler’s display case. Did you think of the person who made it? The countless hours of meticulous labor to create such a thing of beauty? No doubt, there’s a story behind it. Indeed, every impractical decision has a good story. Events based on emotion tell the best story. After all, it’s the dashing gent searching high and low for that perfect gem that will capture her heart. But it’s also the young

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mother desperate to replace her grandmother’s ring after Hurricane Katrina. It’s the groom-to-be that decides on a simple, thin gold band, because that’s what he saw on his father’s hand, and on his grandfather’s. It’s the great grandmother, who’s buying a new strand of pearls, so she can wear it—only once—just to say she wore it when she leaves it to her newest great grandchild. What could be more impractical than that? What could be more emotional? More beautiful? And what could possibly tell a better story? You may hear people talk about the jewelry industry and the “changing times”. They say it’s a tricky balance between traditional hand-made pieces and the hereand-now readymade items. But the real trick is keeping the stories going. The

photos: IMAGES BY ROBERT T

Rebecca Raney, Sebastian Dufrene, Connie Thompson, Anna Hollinger and Tim Nelson.

secret is providing a place where memories are made and preserved for generations. Believe it or not, there is such a place. And they have mastered this trick. Since 1975, Symmetry Jewelers has made it its business to create stories and preserve memories. Brothers and co-owners, Tom and Richard Lee Mathis have always combined their talents to merge the old world craftsmanship with the new technology of custom design. Designer, master jeweler and hand-engraver, Tom has utilized CAD design and 3D printing, incorporating them into his unsurpassed designs with hand-engraving and detail, rarely seen to this day. Whether it’s completely replicating a Victorian estate piece, or bringing to life an idea in one’s head, Symmetry’s staff has the knowledge and expertise to make it happen. But more than that, Symmetry has always been a concept. One that, even in 1975, the city of New Orleans hadn’t yet seen. It’s been the concept of restoring jewelry to its rightful place in the art world. Of creating works of wearable art—and being the gallery to display it. Today, Symmetry still proudly displays artists from all over the world, as well as local artists and estate pieces. In fact, three of the team members are also featured artists, with their own collections on display—Rebecca Raney,

experienced jeweler and sales associate; Anna Hollinger, GIA diamond gemologist and sales associate; and Tim Nelson, head jeweler and in-house hand-engraver. Up-andcoming artisan Sebastian Dufrene recently joined the crew of craftsmen, ensuring the goal of another generation of talent and attention to detail. Connie Thompson, general manager, oversees the operations of the shop, from the finances to Facebook. Symmetry is not only a full-service jeweler for on-site repairs and restorations, it’s also a fun place to visit. Champagne Saturdays are a favorite time to browse the gallery and explore all while having a piece of jewelry checked and cleaned, or a watch battery changed. It’s a place of possibilities, where you can actually see yourself wearing one of the unique pieces of art on display. Where you can watch a loved one’s eyes light up as they try on a piece just for fun, and then can’t seem to let go of it. Where you can imagine giving this new, sentimental item to a child or relative one day far in the future—and have a great story to tell. Who will hold your heirloom piece one day and tell its story? Symmetry can make it possible. Located at 8138 Hampson St. in the Riverbend, Uptown. Streetcar stop #299. De c e mbe r 2 0 19 - J a n u ar y 2020 35

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The Sum of

Her Parts New Orleans-born model hits the big time and gives back to the city she loves.

photo courtesy: ADELE UDDO

by Leslie Cardé

ADELE UDDO IS ONE of the most successful body parts models in the world. She likes to say she looks best “cropped”. That’s because her arms have been wrapped around famous faces like Colin Farrell and Hugh Jackman, her lips frequently seen sporting the latest Chanel color, and her long legs a mainstay of the highend Christian Louboutin line of red-soled stiletto heels, popularized by celebrities around the globe. The native New Orleanian is part of a long line of culinary stars. On the Uddo side, her father Peter owned the popular Riverbend Restaurant, her uncles Michael and Mark helmed the G & E Courtyard Grill, and on her mother’s side, the Riccobonos still own the Peppermill in Metairie, the Panola Street Café uptown, Sala at the lakefront, and Café Navarre in mid-city. And, did I mention her great grandfather Giuseppe Uddo founded Progresso Foods? So, how does a nice Italian girl from New Orleans end up a famous parts model living in Malibu and doing photo shoots all over the world? It’s been a long road that began when she was just a girl. “My parents divorced in the mid 70s, and my mother Clarita met a man named Lightning,” remembers Adele. “We left New Orleans in a converted school bus called the Mars Hotel bus (after a Grateful Dead album) and traversed the U.S. for a year until we landed in San Francisco, and eventually settled down on a six-acre farm in Sonoma County where we stayed clear through my high school years.”

It was the hippie era and living on a commune meant natural foods and alternative schools. As Uddo tells it, she went from meatballs to tofu, overnight. Her mother also kept a psychic on call, Ruby Flowers, who claimed to channel angels. The psychic strongly suggested to Adele while a student at the University of San Francisco that she should go into modeling. The notion seemed absurd to Uddo, since she was only 5’6” tall, when the minimum height requirement in the fashion industry was 5’9”. However, on a whim, she went to a local modeling agency. “I got a few print jobs,” says Uddo, “but eventually got a contract to model in Japan, where my height wasn’t a factor.” Gracing the pages of international fashion magazines, she returned to the U.S., where her agent asked if she had nice hands, because OPI nail polish needed a hand model. What she didn’t know at the time was that her mom’s oldest sister had done hand modeling for Godchaux’s in New Orleans. Uddo got the job, and the rest is history. Hands led to lips, when a photographer noticed she had great legs, as well. She’s now that rare parts model with multiple in-demand body parts. That, however, means keeping every part cameraready for what can be a $6,000 per day shoot. “I’ve always admitted to moisturizing obsessively because that’s key to staying in this business,” explains Uddo. “But, I also believe that health and beauty go hand-in-hand, and what you put into your body matters. >> De c e mbe r 2 0 19 - J a n u ar y 2 0 20 37

photo courtesy: ADELE UDDO

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manic organic, meaning they made a lot of their own natural products at home. And Adele has made her own lotion potions whipped up in her kitchen for years. Using essential oils like geranium to improve elasticity, frankincense to erase age spots, helichrysum to regenerate cells and lavender as a soothing agent, she has finally brought her homemade product to the marketplace. Launched last year, it’s called Essentiel by Adele. Free of anything artificial, the product has been a big hit, already garnering US Weekly’s Best Skincare Products of 2018, among other notable awards. Uddo wanted to give a percentage of her profits to a charitable endeavor. And, that’s where her aunt Connie Uddo, founder of the NOLA Tree Project, comes in. That project took shape in the wake of the destruction of 100,000 trees during Hurricane Katrina. “My niece Adele watched me run the Homecoming Center after Katrina, which

photo: YU TSAI

photo: LORIN CROSBY FOR LISA NIK AND BACHENDORF’S

I’m not one of these models who tells you she downs cake for breakfast. Who are these aliens who make these claims?” Perhaps they’re still in their 20s when their bodies are more forgiving. But, at 48, Uddo, who has never discussed her age before in the press, thinks it’s now time for a change in antiquated attitudes. “I’ve wanted to be known as a successful model, not a model in spite of my age,” explains Uddo. “And, I think the industry is changing regarding chronological age. “It’s more concerned about what you look like and most importantly, if you can do the job. Monica Bellucci has been a Bond girl in her 50s, J-Lo just turned 50 and looks terrific, and Christie Brinkley is still modeling at 65. Additionally, I don’t want to buy skincare products from a 20-year-old model who’s never seen a wrinkle.” When it comes to skincare, Adele grew up with a mother she describes as

assisted homeowners after the devastating floods, and then she saw me start planting trees,” says Connie Uddo. “She knew my work, she knows my heart, and she loves New Orleans. And, so far, we’ve replaced over 51,000 trees in this city.” Adele says she’s always wanted to do something positive for the planet (and contribute more to society than nice nail beds). Her product has been embraced locally at H2O Salon where the owners are thrilled to be the sole local distributor for a nationally recognized product. They’re also excited that a percentage of the profits are going toward building a greener New Orleans. “You know, my dad, who succumbed to addiction in his 40s, believed that you always give people exceptional quality at an affordable price, as he did in his restaurants,” remembers Uddo. “So, that’s my mantra. And now, I’m helping to plant trees in the city I love.”

Delgado to Space

Above: NASA’s Space Launch System rocket for the agency’s Artemis mission to the Moon. To complete assembed by engineers and technicians at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans East. Right: NASA engineers improved the proposed design of a new impeller for a jet-propulsion system using rapid prototyping. 40

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DELGADO COMMUNITY COLLEGE is all about education that works. Educating and preparing their students for their ideal jobs and careers. Delgado offers an education opportunity for every type of student, regardless of entry point. Founded in 1921, Delgado is Louisiana’s oldest and largest community college. Delgado is a comprehensive, multi-campus community college and a major institution of higher education in the state of Louisiana. In fact, today Delgado has become Louisiana’s secondlargest higher education institution offering 35 associate degree programs, 73 certificate, technical competency area and technical diploma programs, and more than 100 non-credit courses. And a recent grant award brings this local institution into the national spotlight. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recently announced a two-year $420,000 grant to Delgado Community College. The grant comes through the NASA Minority University Research and Education Program (MUREP) under its Innovations in Space Technology Curriculum (MISTC) initiative.

MONEY DOCTOR

photo: TODD TAYLOR

Stick to the Plan

The historic Delgado City Park Campus, established in 1921 and the seven-campus college’s hub, offers students, faculty, and visitors a tranquil setting for study and leisure that evokes the natural beauty of neighboring New Orleans City Park.

Q A

W. Mike Stewart AIF, RFC

Rick asks: I’m worried about Washington, should I move to safer investments?

Whether it’s a new tweet by the president, or the threat of impeachment, politics have an impact on the way people manage

their investments. However, even in times of political unrest, the stock The Delgado NASA MISTC grant is a collaboration between Delgado Community College, Northwestern State University of Louisiana, University of Louisiana at Lafayette and The 1881 Institute. The principal investigator is Joanna Rivers, assistant professor of physics at Delgado. Co-investigators are Ann Dugas of Northwestern State University of Louisiana, Jonathan Raush of University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and Bahiy Watson of The 1881 Institute. “This is an extraordinary opportunity to collaborate with our four-year higher education partners and with our esteemed industry partner, NASA,” says Larissa Littleton-Steib, chancellor of Delgado Community College. “This funding will enable Delgado to meet the needs of this industry by providing students with relevant training to prepare them for careers in space advanced manufacturing.” The grant will assist Delgado in preparing students for future employment at NASA, with an emphasis on advanced manufacturing in space applications. Eligible Delgado students may receive up to $5,000 in direct scholarships to take three newly created classes, Intro to Rapid-Prototyping, Prototyping w/CNC Machining, and Composite Design and Prototyping, over three semesters beginning this spring. The new classes will be offered within the Computer Aided Design and Drafting Department at the Delgado Sidney Collier Site, which is located near the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans East. “We’re excited that Delgado Sidney Collier, which exists in a traditionally underserved community, will act as a catalyst to NASA employment,” says Tamika Duplessis, executive dean of the Delgado Sidney Collier Site and the college’s acting vice chancellor of student affairs. Enrolled students will complete a week-long field trip to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to participate in the Additive Manufacturing Project for the In-Space Manufacturing of Lightweight Metal Alloys. High-performing students will complete internships at NASA facilities in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. “This funding will enable Delgado to meet the needs of this industry,” explains Littleton-Steib. “Delgado will be providing students with relevant training to prepare them for careers in space advanced manufacturing.” Education that works.

market has remained relatively resilient.

Recently, the market has successfully weathered the unprecedented

bitter partisan politics and is up double digits this year. I fully expect some volatility this fall, but unless there is a real economic reason to act, you are best (in my opinion) to stay the course of long-term investing. I like to tell my clients to act like “Rip Van Winkle” and go to sleep (not to look at their accounts during downturns). The only reason you would get emotional and make a mistake is because you try to time the ups and downs of the market.

As a Fiduciary Investment Advisor, I generally caution against making

changes to an investment portfolio based on political actions. The political arena is often reactionary and sensationalized by our modern day instant news media in a way that isn’t favorable to a stable investment strategy. “If it bleeds, it leads” is a phrase I heard to describe the way our instant news world selects what to report on. Most of what you see today is embellished and sensationalized.

It is imperative for you to focus on your own personal financial

objectives and personal risk tolerance. Construct a plan and portfolio designed to meet your specific goals and stick to it while avoiding getting caught up in the emotional rollercoaster of politics and instant news.

This is your money and your future, not the politicians’, or the news

organizations’. Make sure you limit how much they impact your decisions by tuning them out! You have financial questions? Call or email Mike today.

W. Mike Stewart AIF, RFC • Wealth Management Services 985-809-0530 • wmsgroup@advisormike.com Check out Research Materials and Video Library at: www.advisormike.com

De c e mbe r 2 0 19 - J a n u ar y 2020 41

Get Fit

by Ingrid Rinck

Setting Yourself Up for Success in the New Year

IT’S ALMOST THE END OF THE YEAR, which means that most of us have just five things on our minds—the Saints in the Super Bowl, pumpkin spice everything, Christmas decorations, how cold it is, and just how long we’re going to keep our New Year’s resolutions before breaking them. I’m right there with you on most of that, but fortunately, the latter doesn’t usually apply to me, as I have learned some surefire ways to set yourself up for success. Don’t mistake me—we all fail, myself included, but I’ve learned some strategies to keep the omit out of commit.

Here are some of my tips for setting yourself up for success in the New Year: Involve your Tribe. Make yourself accountable and share your hopes and goals with those around you. Not only will it help keep you on track, but the more you think about something, look at it, and discuss it, the more it will end up manifesting in your life. Schedule out your year. Yes, you heard me right, your year. Make sure to write your goals down on a planner, eCalendar, or whatever you use—and stick to them. If you have an important deadline at work, you prioritize it on your calendar. You’re just as important as your work. We all mess up from time to time, but if you write things down everywhere, when you flip the calendar page and see what you’ve written down, it will put you back on track. The Perfect Vision Board. Vision boards can give you the same clarity as buying a new pair of glasses (with laser focus). Go right now and google the things that you’ve always thought about or dreamed of. Print them out, cut them out and glue them to a vision board. Make sure it’s visible, and constantly updated each month. The key to this is that you actually need to update things each month. You’ll be surprised how quickly you have to remove items because you have achieved them! Eat Whatever You Want, In Moderation. When I started my Sensible Meals journey, it was after cooking 42

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meals for my son who has Type 1 Diabetes. I was measuring everything so carefully, and I realized that while everyone is quick to count calories and fat grams, they’re slow to watch out for portion sizes. A grilled chicken breast may seem healthy for you, but if you’re eating a gargantuan serving in one sitting you’re going to pack on the pounds. Take advantage of low calorie sized servings of your favorite foods. It’s all about moderation, and when you portion appropriately, you can have whatever you want to eat! A Workout Shouldn’t Feel Like Work. Find a work out you love to do and then commit to it. Walk-in gym sessions are fine, but by joining a team or group sport you’ll have more fun and won’t want to let your group down by missing a game or work out—and this will keep you from letting yourself down, too. If you’re stuck trying to find the perfect thing, think back to what you enjoyed most as a child. You’re still the same person and your energy level will come back once you start moving again. If you liked soccer, there are intramural adult leagues. If you love to dance, come join me at one of my totally free fitness dance classes. The full calendar is available online @builtbyingridrinck. Take Care of Yourself. A car can’t run on empty, so make sure to get your regular medical checkups, get to the gym, and make sure that you’re properly fueling your body with correct portions of extra food. Don’t forget to pamper yourself from time to time, and make time for friends. Mental health is important as well, and therapy can also be beneficial. If you don’t take care of yourself first, you won’t be able to take care of anyone or anything else around you. With all of these tips, you’re bound to succeed! Cheers to the New Year, I can’t wait to see all of you become your better selves in 2020! I would love to hear from you if you have questions or comments. Ingrid is the founder of Sensible Meals. Find her @SensibleMeals and @IngridRinck on Facebook and Instagram.

Women’s Jewelry

1. 18k yellow gold, yellow and white diamond necklace. $67,500. Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, Metairie, 832-0000. 2. 18” diamonds-by-the-yard. Available in a variety of total carat weights set in white, yellow gold or rose gold. Starting at $1,150. Diamonds Direct, Metairie, 383-3900. 3. Vintage 18.60ct diamond bracelet in 18k white gold, $44,500. Wellington & Company, 525-4855. 4. Fancy yellow diamond drop earrings featuring 2.06ct yellow diamonds and 1.15ct of round brilliant

diamonds set in 18k white gold, $19,995. Boudreaux’s Jewelers, Metairie, 831-2602. 5. 18k rose and white gold diamond pave ring with 470 round diamonds weighing 6.14 ctw, $15,000. Friend and Company, 866-5433. 6. Platinum Victorian antique cushion cut diamond ring with ruby accents, $18,500. Symmetry Jewelers, 8619925. 7. Reagan Charleston Magnolia earrings in bronze with sterling silver stamen on sterling posts, $300. Also available in sterling silver, $400. Reagan Charleston,

ReaganCharleston.com. De c e mbe r 2 0 19 - Ja n u ar y 2 020 43

H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

1 2 3

4 1. Vintage Murano glass table lamp hand-blown in the Empoli region of Murano Italy. Sold with your choice of handmade fiberglass shade. Lamp, $950; shade, $250. Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights, 522-9485. 2. Victoria + Albert Shropshire slipper tub painted black with unlacquered brass faucet. Southland Plumbing Supply, Metairie, 835-8411; Mandeville, 985-893-8883. 3. Personalized wooden serving boards, starting at $30 to $200 including etching. Variety of sizes and woods available. Order early for Christmas delivery! Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 985624-4045. 4. Beatriz Ball New Orleans melamine dishes, $7.50 to $59. Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 985-893-8008. 5. Hand-blown etched crystal paperweight from Prague, $150. The Southern Hotel, Covington, 985866-1907. 6. Give the gift of camp. 5

Riverview Camp for Girls, Mentone, AL, 256-634-4043. 7. Buy $100 in gift certificates and receive $25. Andreaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Metairie, 834-8583.

7 44

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H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

3 1

1. Silver bells of antiqued mercury glass, various styles and sizes, starting at $79. Greige Interiors, Covington, 985-8757576. 2. Becky Fos original oil 36â&#x20AC;? x 48â&#x20AC;? painting, VII, $7100. Gallery B Fos, 444-7403 or beckyfos.com. 3. Sterling silver tulip earrings, $245. Symmetry Jewelers, 8619925 or symmetryjewelers.com. 4. Louisiana 5

Ghost Stories, Tales of the Supernatural from the Bayou State, by local author J. Lee Wimberly. Available on amazon.com. 5. Writing instruments created with wood from a 150-year-old live oak in Audubon Park. Nola

Pens, 258-3916 or woodmenfurniture.com. 6. Elegant hinged cuffs with semi-precious stones and faceted jeweled end caps and embellishments, $345 each. 24k gold plate coin bangle, $95. The Southern Hotel, Covington, 985-866-1907. 7. Bronze sculpture, $950. The French Mix by Jennifer DiCerbo, Covington, 985-809-3152. 8. Tabletop rechargeable indoor/outdoor flame lantern, $174. Gulf Coast Lanterns, Covington, 800-910-3275. 6

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H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

1. 18k yellow gold, yellow

and

white diamond earrings. $48,500. Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, Metairie, 8320000. 2. Sweet and simple gift giving with Poof Cotton Candyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Peppermint Crunch or Hot Cocoa with Marshmallows flavors. Bundles of 25 favors with ribbon, $65. Poof Cotton Candy, 417-8198 or poofcottoncandy.com. 3. Reserve Traditional Fit nonpleated tuxedo shirt, $119.50; navy textured dinner jacket, $398; 100% silk pocket square, solid white, $24.50; solid black tie, 100% silk, $69.50. Jos. A. Bank, Metairie, 620-BANK, and New Orleans, 528-9491. 4. Maison Berger Festive Fir Collection. Auraluz, Metairie, 888-

3313 or shopauraluz.com. 5. 13â&#x20AC;? enamel and gold metal tray by Marigold Artisans, $75; gold leaf cocktail forks and spreaders by Zodax, each set, $35. Hilltop Shoppe, 533-9670. 6. Vintage Cartier diamond Love bracelet in 18k yellow gold with 10 diamonds, $12,950. Wellington & Company, 525-4855. 7. 18k yellow gold 5-row diamond bangle bracelet with 266 round diamonds weighing 26.01 ctw, $55,000; 18k white gold 5-row diamond bangle bracelet containing 255 round diamonds weighing 23.02 ctw, $50,000. Friend and Company, 866-5433.

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H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E 2

1. L’Amour Crisscut diamond band in 18k white gold, $9,995. Boudreaux’s Jewelers, Metairie, 831-2602. 2. Terry cloth robe, $119. The Pontchartrain Hotel, New Orleans, 800-708-6652. 3. Coco + Carmen faux fur coat, $58. Chateau Drugs & Gifts, Metairie, 889-2300. 4. Reagan Charleston sterling silver Magnolia cufflinks 5

with bronze stamen, $325. Also available in bronze, $225. Reagan Charleston, ReaganCharleston.com. 5. Hand-embroidered Christmas bubbles, available in newborn to 24m, $50. Auraluz, Metairie, 888-3313 or shopauraluz.com. 6. Zanzibar Blue Ruff Night ruffle PJ button front knit top, $58 and 4” ruffle PJ knit short, $48. Palm Village – A Lilly Pulitzer Store, Mandeville, 778-2547.

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Cable & Craftmanship David Yurman

photos courtesy: LEE MICHAELS FINE JEWELRY

DAVID YURMAN is a celebrated American jewelry company founded in New York by David Yurman, a sculptor, and his wife, Sybil, a painter and ceramicist. When these artists began collaborating, their goal was simply to make beautiful objects to wear. Today, along with their son, Evan, they create timeless, yet contemporary collections for women and men defined by inspiration, innovation, consummate craftsmanship and cableâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;their artistic signature. David Yurman is an artist with a lifelong passion for design and innovation. At the age of sixteen in Provincetown, David learned direct welding from Ernesto Gonzales. Direct welding is a sculpting technique he describes as drawing in metal and to this day, influences his designs. In the 1960s, he studied at the Art Students League in Manhattan and apprenticed

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with master sculptors Jacques Lipchitz and Theodore Roszak. David established his own sculpture studio in 1965 on Thompson Street in the heart of Greenwich Village while working as a sculptor for Hans Van de Bovenkamp in New York City. At Bovenkamp’s atelier, he met a painter, Sybil Kleinrock, who would become his wife, business partner and co-creator. In the American Craft Movement Era of the late 1960s through the 1970s, David exhibited his work at juried art and craft shows around the country. During this period, there was no separation between art and crafts, and his jewelry designs took a variety of sculptural and artistic forms. In 1983, the Yurmans created the first cable bracelet—a twisted helix in sterling silver and gold with brilliant gemstones on its finial ends. The bracelet became an icon, synonymous with craftsmanship, innovation and design. David Yurman transforms ideas and materials into beautiful forms and shapes—the static becomes dynamic with movement; the play of light reshapes objects into ever-changing configurations. He creates jewelry as sculpture for the body, not completed until worn. David Yurman is available at Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry.

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

Rebecca Suzanne Fos’ friends and family were in for a surprise when they gathered for what they thought was the couple’s engagement party. It was instead their wedding! Becky dressed in an elegant sheath dress, and Neil in a classic grey suit, exchanged their vows at the Mandeville Wharf on North Peters Street in New Orleans. Atta Boy kicked off the party with music and fun while guests enjoyed La Cocinita Food Truck and Drago’s chargrilled oysters. Salt & Light Pastry Co. created a festive and colorful cake fit for the artist bride. The newlyweds honeymooned in Santorini, Greece, before returning to their home in New Orleans.

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photos: TOMAS ORIHUELA

Navarro-Fos Neil Philip Navarro and

INside Peek

Roberto Coin Event at Lee Michaels

photos courtesy: LEE MICHAELS FINE JEWELRY

It was an exciting evening in New Orleans as Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry hosted Peter Webster, Co-Owner and President of Roberto Coin jewelry. Lee Michaels was selected as one of the few independent retailers to host Mr. Webster, where he showcased Roberto Coin’s latest designs. The evening began with cocktails while viewing his latest collections and concluded with a sitdown dinner at NOCHI with featured Chef Tory McPhail of Commander’s Palace. The Roberto Coin brand was started in Italy in 1996. His creativity took shape through the hands of the historical and most renowned Italian jewelry artisans, who brought Coin’s romantic and borderless imagination to life, telling his story through jewels that truly became works of art.

photos courtesy: FIDELITY BANK

Fidelity Bank’s Carondelet Street’s Union Row Redevelopment Launch New Orleans city officials and leaders of several local historic agencies joined Fidelity Bank executives at the historic 353 Carondelet Street site to celebrate the launch of the downtown redevelopment project. Fidelity officials recently announced the intent to purchase the historic downtown building, once occupied by the former Union Savings & Loan. The multimillion-dollar project, made possible in part by federal and state historic tax credits, will restore the four-story building and be the future site of Fidelity’s corporate headquarters and feature their 17th branch location. Fidelity officials estimate the redevelopment project will create as many as 125 construction jobs and infuse more than $6 million into the city’s economy.

De c e mbe r 2 0 19 - J a n u ar y 2 0 20 55

INside Peek Ochsner presented its inaugural Colors of the Mind–a celebration of the advances in neuroscience and the patients served each and every day by the Ochsner Neuroscience Institute. The evening, held at The Fillmore, included entertainment by D Play and a silent auction featuring vacations, experiences and more. Guests enjoyed specialty cocktails which were named for some neurological conditions including the “Deep Brain Stimulator,” “Purple Tonic Myoclonic,” and “Brain Wave”. Proceeds will help expand Ochsner Neuroscience Institute research efforts as well as enhancing the patient experience and caregiver support for individuals who are treated at Ochsner Neuroscience Institute.

photos courtesy: OCHSNER HEALTH SYSTEM

Colors of the Mind

Longue Vue House and Gardens held the annual Design Symposium featuring a patron party, luncheon and lectures. Guests had the opportunity to visit with Symposium speakers, Charlotte Moss and Margot Shaw at a cocktail reception catered by Ralph Brennan Catering and Events. More than 275 people attended the Symposium Luncheon & Lectures held at the Audubon Tea Room. Co-chairs for the event were Louis Aubert and Marian Gibbs. The highlight of the decor were the custom designed centerpieces created and donated by seven local florists, some of which incorporated greenery from the gardens of Longue Vue.

photos courtesy: LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS

Longue Vue House & Gardens Design Symposium

INside Peek 1. Lillian Ditta Uhl, John Uhl and Eugenia Uhl at thel University of Holy Cross (UHC) Rose Grilletta and Joseph “Jay” Carlo Ditta Scholarship Dinner. 2. UHC President Dr. Stanton F. McNeely III, Stephanie Davi, Kolette Ditta and Joey Ditta. 3. Anna Trafethan with Frank and Paulette 2

Stewart, and Joshua Joachim at a Tiffany Circle and Red Cross event hosted by Frank and Paulette Stewart. 4. Frank Stewart with Vanessa and Chad Berg. 5. Patsy Hunter enjoying

“An Evening in Paris” at the Lambeth House Foundation Gala.

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1. Jessica Kennedy Becker and Lacy Davillier at Ursuline Academy’s La Fête 293. 2. Lisa Zaccaria Barnett, Michael Kimble, Dr. Karen McNay and Suzanne Cromiller Thomas. 3. Deborah Elam, Cary Grant and Wendy Jones. 4. Anne Raymond, Stephanie Newell, Amanda Balhoff, Tina Flick and Executive Director Chuck Roth at Boys Hope Girls Hope Fall Gala Beyond the Stars. 5. Chris Kenny,

Susie Zeringue, Kelley Moreau and Rick Flick.

photos: WILL BIENVENU

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IN Great Taste by Yvette Jemison

THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE and so are cranberries—the obligatory holiday side dish that often gets overlooked. However, a great cranberry sauce can multitask as a condiment for cheese plates, an accompaniment for roast poultry or as a topping on toast. This festive recipe is a delightful side dish and does double duty as a tart topping. The sauce gets an upgrade with apricots which add a touch of sweetness to offset the tartness of the cranberries. This planahead recipe is great to keep on hand. Share it as a gift, serve it as a condiment or spoon it atop a tart as a memorable finale to a meal. We’d like to see your version. Share your creation by tagging us on Instagram at @InsideNewOrleans. For more recipes go to YDelicacies.com or follow on Instagram at @y_delicacies.

Chocolate Cranberry Tart Servings: 8 Crust 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs, (made from 8.8oz. box belVita breakfast biscuits finely ground in blender or processor) ¼ cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 8 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted Filling 12 oz. cream cheese, room temperature ¾ cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla

Festive Cranberry Sauce makes 4 cups 1 ½ cups sugar 1 cup water Zest of 1 large orange 12 oz. cranberries (about 4 cups) 1 large Honey Crisp apple, peel-on and diced 6 oz. dried apricots, julienned 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. In a large sauce pan, add sugar, water and orange zest. Bring to a boil and stir until sugar is dissolved. 2. Add cranberries, apples, apricots and vanilla. Return to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, until cranberries and apples are softened and liquid has thickened, about 20 minutes. 3. Let sit, uncovered, until sauce has thickened and cooled. Cover and keep chilled up to 5 days.

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Special equipment: 9-inch diameter tart pan with a removable bottom. Crust

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat tart pan with non-stick spray. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cookie crumbs, sugar and salt. Add butter and stir until crumbs are moist and hold together when pressed between fingertips. 3. Press crumb mixture into the bottom and sides of the of the tart pan. Start pressing in the center and work your way around toward the sides. 4. Place tart pan on a baking sheet and bake until fragrant and starts to set, 12-14 minutes. 5. Remove from oven and while hot, use the back of a spoon to press down any puffed areas. Let cool completely before filling, about 1 hour. Filling

1. In a medium mixing bowl using an electric mixer, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. 2. Spread onto cooled crust. Topping

1. Spoon cranberry sauce evenly over filling. 2. Cover and chill at least 2 hours but preferably overnight. Cut into wedges and serve chilled.

photos: YVETTE JEMISON

Cranberry recipes to make the most of seasonal fruit

Topping 1 ½ cups Festive Cranberry Sauce, room temperature

THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE and so are cranberriesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the obligatory holiday side dish that often gets overlooked. However, a great cranberry sauce can multitask as a condiment for cheese plates, an accompaniment for roast poultry or as a topping on toast. This festive recipe is a delightful side dish and does double duty as a tart topping. The sauce gets an upgrade with apricots which add a touch of sweetness to offset the tartness of the cranberries. This planahead recipe is great to keep on hand. Share it as a gift, serve it as a condiment or spoon it atop a tart as a memorable finale to a meal. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to see your version. Share your creation by tagging us on Instagram at @InsideNewOrleans. For more recipes go to YDelicacies.com or follow on Instagram at @y_delicacies.

De c e mbe r 2 0 19 - J a n u ar y 2020 61

Drinks with Anna

The Most Wonderful Wine of the Year! by Anna Tusa

THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS A SPECIAL TIME of year with family and friends. And with so many events to host or attend, why break the bank celebrating with expensive wines? Here’s a list of affordable wines that pair perfectly with every holiday event on your calendar this season—and will still leave a little jingle jangle in your pocket!

Brunch with your Girlfriends Bieler Pere et Fils Rose 2017 Aix -en-Provence This French Rose is mild and beautiful balance between red fruit and acid structure, without either element overpowering the other. It’s a straightforward wine to enjoy, and easy to drink during a fun brunch with your friends.

Wine Enthusiast Rating: 88 points Price: $12

Holiday Family Dinner Domaine A’dair Sancerre 2014 Loire Valley This Sauvignon Blanc is a deliciously balanced wine that drinks refreshingly early on. Ripe style with gooseberry fruit and vibrant minerals, along with grapefruit notes that give way to lemon, white peach and flint. The perfect way to start the night. It is easy and light and pairs well with cheese, antipasto and fresh fish.

Wine Enthusiast Rating: 90 points Price: $23

Siduri Pinot 2017 Willamette Valley This is an instantly appealing wine for its pretty boysenberry and cherry fruit, highlights of baking spices, and delicate tea touched tannins. This wine’s delicate nature makes it perfect for pairing with any holiday dish; whether it’s lamb, beef or fish. It will make family dinners less stressful and add more cheer.

Wine Enthusiast Rating: 90 points Price: $23

Couples Holiday Dinner Cakebread Chardonnay 2016 Napa Bright and creamy golden apple and melon aromas with hints of oak spice introduces rich, full bodied, apple, pear

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and melon flavors. This wine will pair well with everything and make the night so special.

Wine Enthusiast Rating: 91 points Price: $27

Daou Vineyards “The Pessimist” Red Blend 2017 Paso Robles The perfect blend of dark cinnamon, vanilla cream and ripe berries that combine to make an easy to drink wine with great food and friendship. This wine is a Syrah, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Tanat blend.

Wine Enthusiast Rating: 92 points Price: $25

Christmas Morning Poema Cava NV Catalonia Tons of bubbles to get Christmas morning off to a poppin’ great start. Enjoy a glass or mix with your favorite juice for a festive holiday mimosa.

Wine Enthusiast Rating: 84 points Price: $13

New Year’s Eve Perrier Jouet NV Grand Brut Champagne Smooth and soft, this wine has richness and a good balance between ripe, white fruits and zesty mineral textures. This is the perfect Champagne to ring in the New Year!

Wine Enthusiast Rating: 89 points Price: $45

All these wines can be found at any major wine retailer or most in restaurants. I hope you enjoy trying some new wines this holiday season, and maybe finding a new favorite. Season’s Greetings! Note: Wine prices are an average and may vary. Anna Tusa has been a part of the restaurant industry for 25 years. She is the Director of Operations for Briquette, Briquette Wine Room and New Orleans Creole Cookery.

Haute Plates

Annunciation

A selection of restaurants and haute dishes found around New Orleans and beyond.

Antoine’s

1016 ANNUNCIATION ST.

713 ST. LOUIS ST.

ANNUNCIATIONRESTAURANT.COM

504-581-4422

NEW ORLEANS 504-568-0245

Annunciation Restaurant,

NEW ORLEANS

Established in 1840, Antoine’s

located in New Orleans’ bustling

is the oldest French-Creole fine-

Warehouse District, is walking

dining restaurant in New Orleans.

distance to the New Orleans

Come see what it is all about and

Convention Center and WWII

enjoy great food along with a

museum. Specializing in Southern

memorable experience! Make your

and Creole cuisine, Annunciation is

reservation today.

the perfect setting for an intimate

The Bayou Bar at Pontchartrain Hotel

701 SOUTH PETERS ST.

NEW ORLEANS 504-323-1456

504-302-7496

2031 ST. CHARLES AVE.

BRIQUETTE-NOLA.COM

The Bayou Bar, where the New

Award-winning contemporary

Orleans Saints football franchise

coastal cuisine featuring Gulf

was christened in 1966, offers a casual tavern-style ambiance. Once a drinking den for both Sinatra and Capote, The Bayou Bar features an extensive whiskey and beer list and

4301 CLEARVIEW PKWY.

New Orleans Creole Cookery

The River Room at Jaeger’s Seafood

3547 N. HULLEN ST.

NEW ORLEANS 504-524-9632

JEFFERSON 504-818-2200

Caffe! Caffe!

METAIRIE, 504-885-4845 METAIRIE, 504-267-9190 CAFFECAFFE.COM

In 1992, Lisa and Gerald Beck opened the first Caffe! Caffe!, a friendly neighborhood café that would be a gathering place for business, pleasure and after dinner coffee and dessert. Meet me at … Caffe! Caffe!

508 TOULOUSE ST.

NEWORLEANSCREOLECOOKERY.COM Experience the traditional Creole tastes of New Orleans in the historic French Quarter. Specialties include jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, shrimp creole and raw and chargrilled oysters on the half shell. Craft cocktails and signature drinks with Happy Hour, weekdays 3-6pm.

NEW ORLEANS

THEPONTCHARTRAINHOTEL.COM

menu stocked with savory options.

evening out or a corporate dinner.

Briquette

901 S CLEARVIEW PKWY. JAEGERSSEAFOOD.COM

A New Orleans tradition for over 70 years. Now located on Clearview Pkwy. near Elmwood Shopping Center, Jaeger’s still offers the area’s freshest seafood nightly and provides it in heaping servings, such as: Jaeger’s seafood platter feast, flame broiled oysters, and award-winning gumbo.

seafood and fish, beef, lamb, chicken, Maine Lobster and unique chef specials daily. Lunch, Dinner, Happy Hour, Private Parties. Make your reservations on OpenTable.

Sensible Meals OVER TEN PICK-UP

LOCATIONS AVAILABLE

EATSENSIBLEMEALS.COM Sensible Meals offers convenient meal options that meet a common need—helping busy customers be able to get healthy. Enjoy tasty options that are quickly on the table or on the go like the pictured keto bacon cheeseburger and green beans.

De c e mbe r 2 0 19 - J a n u ar y 2020 63

The Cypress Bar at the Southern Hotel

GET WARM and in the spirit this holiday season at the Southern Hotel’s Cypress Bar. The talented bartenders will pour you a festive cocktail as soon as you and your friends pull up a seat! Sip a Bouché Mon Cheri made with Bolden Vodka, a special in-house honey syrup and Bouché Rosé hard cider. You will taste notes of ginger, cinnamon, honey, cloves, strawberries and apples while smelling honey, cinnamon and apples with a hint of thyme and citrus. If a hot toddy is what you crave, try a Mulled-Plum Cider Hot Toddy. Deep spices create a warming sensation while you taste the apple and plum favors. A nice mix of honey and citrus balances out the drink. We hope your holidays are tasty and bright! Cheers! Cocktails created by Zachary Leach, Cypress Bar Curator. 64

I n side N ew Orl ean s

by Leah Draffen

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

IN The Spirit

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Antoine’s Restaurant

WHERE BETTER to celebrate the holidays than at New Orleans’ oldest restaurant? Since 1840, Antoine’s Restaurant’s world-renowned cuisine, service and unique atmosphere has provided patrons with memorable dining experiences. Owned and operated by fifth generation relatives of founder Antoine Alciatore, Antoine’s continues to keep its culinary traditions alive. This December join Antoine’s for their Reveillon Menu for lunch or dinner. Prepared by Executive Chef Rich Lee, first course choices are Escargot en Croute or Alligator Bisque; second course, a Noel Salad with a festive lettuce blend, carrots, cranberries, walnuts, feta and satsuma vinaigrette; third course choices are Panneed Drum with corn maque choux and crawfish cream sauce 66

I n side N ew Orl ean s

by Leah Draffen

or the pictured Glazed Duck served with Roux Peas and fried carrot straws. Finish with Eggnog Bread Pudding or Holiday Meringue Glacée au Chocolat which features a toasted mint meringue shell, Angelo Brocato’s vanilla ice cream, choclate fudge sauce and toasted almonds. In the new year, enjoy Antoine’s famous “yearly” three-course lunch special for $20.20 and daily .25 cent cocktail specials.

Antoine’s Restaurant is located at 713 Saint Louis Street in New Orleans. Enjoy lunch Monday through Saturday, 11:30am-2pm; Jazz Brunch on Sunday, 10:30am-2pm; and dinner Monday through Saturday, 5:309pm. For reservations, call 581-4422. antoines.com.

photo courtesy: ANTOINE’S RESTAURANT

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