February-March 2023 Issue of Inside New Orleans

Page 50

$495 FEBRUARY-MARCH 2023 VOL. 10, NO. 1 LEADING DOCTORS • WEDDING TRENDS • AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION • HEALTH AND WELLNESS

February-March 2023 Vol. 10, No. 1

Publisher Jonée Daigle-Ferrand

Associate Editor Kelly Hightower

Art Director Brad Growden

Senior Account Executive Genevieve Daigle-Buring Account Executives Megan Authement Sarah Daigle Stacey Lala

Amalie Murphy Renee Simon Summer Tallant

Executive Assistant Summer Tallant Marketing Assistant Renee Simon

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On the cover

Artist Kelly Boyett. Find more on page 12.

Visit InsideNewOrleansMagazine.com to view our online issue with direct links to our advertisers’ sites.

page 20

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 ©2023 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.

8 Inside New Orleans table of contents Wedding Trends Page 42 page 20 10 Publisher’s Note 14 INside Scoop 16 Mardi Gras Parade Schedule 48 IN Business Doll House Hair and Beauty Salon 50 IN Love & Marriage Caplis-Harvey 52 Flourishes 55 INside Look 58 INside Peek 62 Drinks with Anna 63 Haute Plates 66 Last Bite Kingfish Kitchen Departments Features 12 Painting the Party Cover artist Kelly Boyett 20 Taking the Lead Leading Care from Leading Doctors 28 Inside New Orleans Leading Doctors Readers Favorite 34 Health and Wellness Resources 38 American Heart Association Making a Local Impact 40 In Better Health Dr. Claire Melancon, Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery 42 Wedding Trends of 2023 49 Wedding Resources page 66

I was thrilled to be named as one of Fidelity’s POWER Woman of the Year nominees. We will celebrate all of the nominees at a luncheon where the winner will be announced.

Who doesn’t love a New Orleans-style wedding at Audubon Tea Room? The cover painting is special to me and my husband, Brad, because it is the live wedding painting of Brad’s cousin Corey Day and his wife Hannah’s wedding reception at Audubon Tea Room by talented artist Kelly Boyett. So, the funny thing is that Brad is in the original painting, but, unfortunately, I had to cut him out to fit the cover. Oh well!

Getting married or know someone who is? Read more about 2023 Weddings Trends from local business owners in Kelly Hightower’s inaugural editorial feature. We welcome Kelly as our newest Associate Editor.

King cakes and parades are in full swing now that Mardi Gras is upon us, and New Orleans knows how to celebrate!

Don’t forget about spoiling your loved one for Valentine’s Day. Take a minute and read through these pages to find the best gifts!

Looking for a new doctor this year? Check out Inside New Orleans Readers’ Favorites to find over 120 Leading Doctors in 25 different categories to help you select a new doctor for you or a family member. See your doctor on the list? Congratulations to them! It is an accomplishment to be selected by our readers who adore their doctors.

Join us at Kelly Boyett’s Cover Artist Party on Thursday, March 9th.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Note 10 Inside New Orleans
Publisher’s
February-March 2023 11

Painting the Party

SINCE MOVING to New Orleans in 2011, this month’s cover artist, Kelly Boyett, is grateful for the success this city has brought her. New Orleans has become her muse, and Boyett has drawn inspiration from Michalopoulos, Frenchy, and Alex Harvie to create her energetic, colorful art. It’s the live action of a party that defines what Kelly Boyett creates.

Boyett grew up in rural north Louisiana and quips that it was just like Steel Magnolias with her mother rolling perms and shaping mullets in her hair salon. Her mother, along with other members of both sides of her family, would dabble in painting landscapes in her spare time, but in a small town with little means, Boyett realized she would eventually have to break away to seek out a place with the resources to nurture her passion.

For Boyett, it was clear that she would be an artist, but it was not until high school that she realized art just might become her profession. Boyett credits her art teacher Mrs. Debbie Leggett as her mentor. Leggett gave Boyett the independence to create murals on the walls of the high school and local elementary school. Soon, the clubs and athletic teams turned to Boyett for their logos and t-shirt designs.

While pursuing a degree in graphic design, Boyett started teaching classes at the local Painting With a Twist. She transferred to the New Orleans location when she moved here.“Little did I know that corporate headquarters were located in Mandeville, and one night the founders happened to be sitting in one of my classes,” says Boyett. “They took a shine to me which landed me a position

12 Inside New Orleans

as a corporate artist. This new job had me flying all over the nation hosting grand openings of new franchise locations and training fellow artists on how to lead entertaining classes for novice painters. This was my first taste of real success as a professional artist. Cathy Deano, one of the original founders, continues to be a huge influence in my life and career. She helped set the foundation for where I am today.”

As the teacher and host of painting parties, it makes perfect sense that Boyett’s career has evolved into painting live venues. During her whirlwind adventure with Painting With a Twist, she was asked to perform her first live wedding painting. As far as she knows, Boyett was the first female on the scene. “It was an intimidating start,” she says, “but I soon developed my own unique

style and coined my signature ‘halo’ around the subjects of my paintings.” At first, she would hustle to finish the painting onsite, but over time she has decided to finish details in her studio later. This way she can incorporate any special requests that the host or newlyweds wish to include. Cats on tables? Dogs on the dance floor? Yep! Boyett was once asked to add a couple’s pet squirrels swinging from the chandelier. Another memorable addition was incorporating Beyoncé as a guest. It’s all about having fun with it and making people smile.

Boyett begins painting with acrylics roughly an hour before the event begins, just to lay down the bones of the piece and get a little jump start before the chaos ensues. She explains, “I don’t have a plan, and I don’t want to have a plan. I like to say the painting creates itself with the ever-changing surroundings. I’m just having a great time and guiding the brush.” Once she has created a painting, Boyett wants her viewers to enjoy the painting as if they are part of the scene. She wants to conjure the senses so that the painting allows the viewer to hear the music, taste the cold beer, feel the dampness of the humid Louisiana evening, and smell the moss in the oak canopy.

Boyett has not limited herself to live painting. Her in-studio process is a bit more structured. In the studio, she focuses on completely different subjects and arrangements. She considers herself a mixed-media artist because she works with an endless variety of materials, such as wood, styrofoam, found objects, and glitter —lots of glitter. While recovering from surgery from a broken ankle last year, Boyett studied simple electrical wiring and taught herself how to solder. Now she has incorporated LED neon lighting into some of her pieces. She is excited that they have been well received.

One of the most difficult times for Boyett was when she lost her mother to cancer in 2016. “I’ve always leaned toward capturing happiness in bold color to keep my spirits high. It gives me joy to bring that positive energy into other people’s lives.” Boyett continues, “Metaphorically speaking, I consider myself to be just as resilient as our beloved New Orleans. We may be beaten, but we always rebuild and drown our sorrows in color and confetti.”

You can see this color and confetti by joining us for our cover artist party on Thursday, March 9 from 6-8 P.M. at Kelly Boyett’s new gallery, 4516 Palmyra Street. kellyboyettart.com

February-March 2023 13

INSIDE

Hogs For The Cause

1 through March 19 Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition. The Historic New Orleans Collection brings world heritage to life with a 360-degree augmented reality immersion into the 850year history of Notre-Dame Cathedral and its ongoing restoration in the aftermath of the tragic fire of April 15, 2019. hnoc.org/ notredame. Free timed admission.

3 Student Visionaries of the Year Kick-off, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 225-262-9978 or llsstudentvisionaries.org/ student-visionaries-year-new-orleans.

7 Cancer Crusaders Bingo Bash Located at Chateau Golf Club, 3600 Chateau Blvd. 504-887-7879 or Cancercrusadersla.com for tickets.

7 Bourbon Is For Lovers: A Cocktail Class. Nola Boards, 4304 Magazine Street. 504-256-0030 or nolaboards.com

7 Jefferson Chamber Business Card Exchange. Join the Jefferson Chamber for a night of networking and basketball as the New Orleans Pelicans take on the Atlanta Hawks. Dixie Sports Bar at Smoothie King Center. carlos@jeffersonchamber.org

10 Making a Jazz Gumbo. Presentation by the New Orleans Jazz National Historical

FebruaryPark combines live music with a cooking demonstration, connecting the metaphors of “jazz” and “gumbo” ingredients. 11am. 19 French Market Place, New Orleans. frenchmarket.org

13 Galentines Cheese & Charcuterie Workshop. Nola Boards, 4304 Magazine St. 504-256-0030, sign up at nolaboards.com

16 2023 Annual Meeting of Jefferson Chamber. Alario Center, 2000 Segnette Blvd., Westwego. Please contact Melissa Chesterman at (504) 835-3880 or melissa@ jeffersonchamber.org

17 Geovane Santos Trio. 12:30pm, 2135 Decatur St., New Orleans. frenchmarket.org

March

2 Johnette Downing’s Family Music Series. 11am, 419 Decatur St., New Orleans. frenchmarket.org

3 New Orleans Go Red for Women Luncheon. Benefitting the American Heart Association, Greater New Orleans, New Orleans Marriott, 555 Canal St. 504872-3499 or neworleansgored.heart.org

4 Royd Anderson Book Signing The Rault Center Fire, West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, at 9:30 A.M.

4 WYES Antiques Showcase with New Orleans Auction Galleries. All proceeds benefit WYES. 916 Navarre Avenue. Visit wyes.org/events for events and tickets.

7 Mad Hatter’s Luncheon 2023. Benefiting Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association, HiltonNew Orleans, Riverside, 2 Poydras St. neworleansopera.org/womens-guild-ofthe-new-orleans-opera-associationy.

9 New Orleans Book Festival. Free event at Tulane University Uptown campus. bookfest.tulane.edu

9 Nous Foundation Gala. 1113 Chartres St. 504-470-5619 nous-foundation.org/ institute

10 Wine, Women, & Shoes. Benefiting Brightside Therapy Collective. winewomenandshoes.com/event/ neworleans

10 St. Elizabeth’s Guild 51st Volunteer Activist Awards Luncheon. Benefiting Catholic Community Foundation, Hyatt Regency New Orleans, 601 Loyola Ave. 504-909-9109 or bidpal.net/stelizabethguild

12 Men and Women of Fashion Prix d’Elegance Luncheon. Benefiting New Orleans Ballet Association, New

14 Inside New Orleans
March 31 Hogs for the Cause. Over 75 cooking teams gear up and compete for bragging rights and raise money for supporting families fighting pediatric brain cancer. Great food and music are the hallmarks of this great weekend. UNO Lakefront. hogsfest.org

Orleans Hilton Riverside Hotel- Grand Ballroom, 2 Poydras St. 504-522-0996 or Nobadance.com

14 Classic New Orleans Cocktail: A Cocktail Class. Nola Boards, 4304 Magazine Street. 504-256-0030 or nolaboards.com

18 Sugarplum Ball. Benefiting Children’s Hospital New Orleans, 1380 Port of New Orleans Place. 504-894-9375 or chnola. org/sugarplum

19 March Chef Soiree’ 2023. Bogue Falaya Park, Covington. To purchase tickets, please visit ysbworks.com

20 Cancer Crusaders 16th Annual Golf Tournament . Chateau Golf Club, 3600 Chateau Blvd. 504-606-7328 or cclagolf.com

21 Rosedale: WYES Season of Good Tastes. 801 Rosedale Drive, New Orleans. 504-486-5511.

22 Tennessee Williams and New Orleans Literary Festival. Various locations in the French Quarter. info2tennessewilliams.net

23-26 Louisiana Crawfish Festival. Frederick Sigur Civic Center, Chalmette. 504-5811144 or info@louisianacrawfishfestival.com

23 Cocktails for KID smART. 5 Homer Plessy Way. 504-940-1994 or kidsmart. org/cocktails-for-kid-smart

23 HeartGift Heroes Golf Tournament. Bayou Oaks-City Park, 1040 Filmore Ave. 504-676-4323 or heartgift.org

24 Red Tie Affair. Benefiting John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute. 504-842-711 or ochsner.org/redtieaffair

24 Rescue Nola. Benefiting New Orleans Mission. 21669 Old Hammond Hwy., Hammond. 504-523-2116 or neworleansmission.org.

24-26 Congo Square Rhythms and Creole Festival. Louis Armstrong Park, 835 N.Rampart St. jazzandheritage.org, free admission.

25 Spring Fest at Longue Vue Gardens. 7 Bamboo Rd. Please visit info@longuevue. com for more information.

25 Nola Zydeco Fest. For more information, go to nolazydecofest.com

26 Parkway Promenade. Benefiting Jefferson Beautification, Inc., Chateau Golf Club, 3600 Chateau Blvd. 504-450-4345 or jeffersonbeautification.org

30 Overlook Film Festival. A fourday celebration of all things horror. Prytania Theatres At Canal Place. info@ overlookfilmfest.com

31 Hogs for the Cause. UNO Lakefront. hogsfest.org

February-March 2023 15

Mardi Gras Schedule

February3 Krewe of Titans, Slidell, 6:30pm

3 Krewe Boheme, MarignyFrench Quarter, 7pm

4 Krewe of Bilge, Slidell, noon

4 Krewe of Poseidon, Slidell, 6P.M.

4 Krewe du Vieux,French Quarter, 6:30pm

5 Krewe of Little Rascals, Metairie, noon

5 Krewe of Pearl River Lions Club, Pearl River, 1pm

5 ‘tit Rex, Marigny, 4:30pm

5 krewedelusion, French Quarter, 7pm

10 Krewe of Cork, French Quarter, 3pm

10 Krewe of Oshun, Uptown, 6pm

Followed by Cleopatra

Followed by Allah

10 Krewe of Excalibur, Metairie, 6:30pm

10 Krewe of Omega, Hammond, 6:30pm

10 Krewe of Eve, Mandeville, 7pm

11 Krewe de Paws of Olde Towne, Slidell, 10am

11 Legion of Mars, Uptown, 11:30am

11 Krewe of Push Mow, Abita Springs, noon

11 Krewe of Tchefuncte, Madisonville, 1pm

11 Knights of Nemesis, Chalmette, 1pm

11 Krewe of Pontchartrain, Uptown, 1pm

Followed by Choctaw

Followed by Freret

11 Krewe of Mad Hatters, Metairie, 5pm

11 Krewe of Sparta, Uptown, 5:30pm

Followed by Pygmalian

11 Krewe of Olympia, Covington, 6pm

11 Krewe of Aquarius, Houma, 6:30pm

12 Krewe of Femme Fatale, Uptown, 11am

Followed by Carrollton

Followed by King Arthur

12 Krewe of Dionysius, Slidell, 1pm

12 Krewe of Barkus, French Quarter 2pm

14 Culinary Queens of New Orleans, Westbank, 6pm

15 Krewe of Druids, Uptown 6:15pm

Followed by Nyx

16 Inside New Orleans
Krewe of Athena, Metairie.

Mardi Gras Schedule

16 Krewe of Babylon, Uptown, 5:30pm Followed by Chaos Followed by Muses

17 Krewe of Bosom Buddies, French Quarter, 11:30am

17 Krewe of Hermes, Uptown, 5:30pm Followed by Krewe d’Etat Followed by Morpheus

17 Krewe of Selene, Slidell, 6:30pm

17 Krewe of Aphrodite, Houma, 6:30pm

18 Krewe of Bush, Bush, 9am

18 NOMTOC, Westbank, 10:45am

18 Krewe of Iris, Uptown, 11am Followed by Tucks

18 Endymion, Mid City, 4pm

18 Isis, Kenner, 6pm

19 Okeanos, Uptown, 11am Followed by Mid-City Followed by Thoth Followed by Bacchus

19 Athena, Metairie, 5pm Followed by Atlas

20 Krewe of Red Beans, Marigny, 2pm

20 Krewe of Dead Beans, Bayou St. John, 2pm

20 Krewe of Green Beans, Bywater, 2pm

20 Krewe of Proteus, Uptown, 5:15pm Followed by Orpheus

20 Krewe of Centurions, Metairie, 6:30pm

21 Half-Fast Walking Club, start at Commander’s Palace, 7am

21 Mondo Kayo Social and Marching Club, start at Third & Magazine, 7:30am

21 Zulu, Uptown, 8am Followed by Rex Followed by Elks Orleans Followed by Crescent City

21 Argus, Metairie, 10am Followed by Elks Jefferson Followed by Jefferson

21 Carnival in Covington, Covnigton, 10am

21 Krewe of Folsom, Folsom, 2pm

25 Krewe du Pooch, Mandeville, noon

26 Mardi Paws, Covington, 2pm

Scoop School

18 Inside New Orleans
18 Dominican: The Greatest School on Earth. Benefiting St. Mary’s Dominican High School. 7701 Walmsley Ave. 504-865-9401 or one.bidpal.net/stmdhs/welcome
Notre Dame Seminary Gala. 2901 S. Carrollton Ave. 504-8667426 ext. 375.
25

Taking the Lead Leading Care from Leading Doctors

Above: Keith LeBlanc, Jr., MD, Dermatological Mohs Surgeon.

Right: Irum Qureshi, MD, Allergist and Immunologist.

IT’S BEEN A TRYING YEAR for doctors and patients alike, with the pandemic still in full swing at the beginning of 2022. By year’s end the medical landscape reflected the triple whammy of flu, COVID, and RSV, a respiratory virus particularly problematic in children. In spite of adversity, doctors in the New Orleans area marched on, giving excellent care, and providing patients with the latest and greatest innovations in their respective specialties. Our readers, once again, weighed in with their picks for the best of the best in 24 different subspecialties. Following is a small sampling of the more than 120 doctors who made the list and discussed their thoughts on the current state of medicine with Inside New Orleans magazine.

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Detective work is the name of the game for doubleboard certified allergist and immunologist Dr. Irum Qureshi, whose practice is centered in Covington. Beyond treating her patients for everything from asthma to chronic coughs, her modus operandi is to dig beyond the symptoms to find the underlying causes of any malady.

“Rather than putting asthma patients, for example, on steroid inhalers for the rest of their lives, I try to go beyond the obvious to get to the real culprit which is causing the problematic symptoms,” explained Qureshi.

“So, if I’m targeting an allergen, my job is to delineate whether it’s a chemical entity, a food allergen,

an environmental toxin, or other causes of the troubling symptoms in my patients.”

Whether asthma is caused by dust mites or pollen, or an irritant like perfume, tracking the problem down to its source is what Qureshi believes is the only way to improve a patient’s quality of life. Qureshi says that employing biologics, which come from living organisms, is oftentimes the best way to treat her patient’s issues. They target the cells and pathways responsible. They are indicated for many problems, she says, particularly in patients who have been on medications but are still experiencing symptoms; or for those who have had surgery, for example, to remove nasal polyps that keep coming back.

photo courtesy: SKIN SURGERY CENTRE
Health & Wellness 20 Inside New Orleans
photo: MILESTONE PORTRAIT ART AND DESIGN

“You want to provide the sort of care that doesn’t lead to the exacerbation of symptoms or that can lead to emergency room visits in the future for side effects caused by years of steroids. Osteoporosis and osteopenia are just some of the many unfortunate results from years of corticosteroids. I want patients to be aware of the many different modalities of treatments that better target the precise causes of their problems, and stay away from endless treatment with drugs that have long-term consequences.”

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When it comes to our skin, the largest organ of the body, doing damage can start very early and have lasting effects. According to The Skin Surgery Centre’s Dr. Keith LeBlanc, Jr., a dermatological specialist known as a Mohs surgeon, most skin cancers that you get as an adult are actually due to sun exposure received from birth to ten years of age. So, if you’re debating about putting sunblock on your young child, there’s no question it’s important.

LeBlanc, who doesn’t practice general dermatology, is involved in the very specialized arena of removing cancerous lesions, the most common of which are basal cell carcinomas. This type of skin cancer is more prevalent than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer combined. Mohs surgery, which Dr. LeBlanc performs exclusively, involves cutting away thin layers of skin, which are examined closely in a lab for any signs of cancer. The process keeps going until all margins are clear and there is no sign of cancer. This can translate to one level or multiple levels, depending upon how deep the cancer goes beneath the skin’s surface.

“Not every cancerous lesion requires Mohs surgery,” says LeBlanc. “Appropriate use criteria dictates whether to do Mohs, or not. Size matters ... 3mm on an arm doesn’t qualify, but on the nose or eyelid, it does. So, the anatomical location, your family history, and the size of the cancerous lesion are all relevant.”

LeBlanc only performs Mohs surgery on lesions of 7mm or more. On the arm that still doesn’t qualify, but on the face, it would. Lesions are categorized as high, medium, or low-level conditions. High is on the face, hands, feet and genitalia. Medium would be the front of the leg between the knee and ankle, as well as cheeks, scalp and neck. Everywhere else is a low-level condition. But, it’s important to remember that a very large lesion on a low-level anatomical area will still need Mohs surgery to eliminate the cancer. Cutting away large swaths of skin can often mean reconstruction of the area, and every case is different.

“Certainly, the size of the defect matters,” recounts LeBlanc. “Some lesions will heal on their own. But, if I have to plane off the end of someone’s nose, it may not be cosmetically appealing. A patient may need a skin flap or a graft from another part of his/her body. The choices for reconstruction depend on the individual Mohs surgery that’s been done. My goal is to return the patient to as normal a look postoperatively as possible.”

Up to 5% of the population will develop some form of skin cancer over his or her lifetime, whether it’s a basal cell, squamous cell, or melanoma. Over the age of 65, one has a 50% chance of getting skin cancer. But, everyone over the age of 18 should have a general dermatologist do a thorough body check for any unusual lesions, and if something looks suspect, a biopsy can be done. If the result indicates some type of cancer, a referral to a board-certified Mohs surgeon like Dr. LeBlanc is often in order.

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Every person should have a primary treating physician, or internist, who has an overall picture of the health of the patient and who can order tests to determine such critical elements of health such as cholesterol, blood sugar, and various blood counts. These internists, many of

>>
February-March 2023 21

From top: Brobson Lutz, MD, Internist; Najeeb Thomas, MD, performing neurosurgery; and Rebecca Perret, MD, Obstetrician and Gynecologist.

whom specialize in infectious diseases, also order outpatient procedures like mammograms and colonoscopies, which can prevent diseases from occurring down the road.

Dr. Brobson Lutz, one of our Leading Doctors of 2022, has been in practice long enough to have been part of some watershed moments in public health. In 1982 he

found himself on the frontlines during the AIDS epidemic. As the former New Orleans Director of Health in 2005, he set up shop on the streets of the French Quarter to treat those suffering from the after-effects of Hurricane Katrina. Having been a part of an earlier bronchitis study at Tulane University, when Covid-19 hit New Orleans, he was all too familiar with the effects of a respiratory virus on those with pre-existing conditions and compromised immune systems. He has been a myth-buster since his early days in internal medicine and infectious diseases.

“I think Louisiana gets a bad rap, because our city’s wonderful food is often blamed for high cholesterol. But the truth of the matter is that both high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, which accounts for hypertension, are largely genetic,” explained Lutz. “Certainly, we want to eat healthy and exercise, but those will only change blood pressure and cholesterol numbers about 10% of the time.”

As distressing as the pandemic has been, Lutz believes we as a country have learned so much since the onset of Covid-19. We have figured out how to do rapid testing with home kits, and he’s looking forward to those same sorts of test kits on the horizon for both the flu and RSV. “Of course,” he notes, ”getting anything approved by the FDA is akin to flying a kite in a hurricane.”

Referring to screening tests for cancer, he weighed in with an opinion that many might find interesting. “At the moment, those tests cost between $600 and $1000, and are not covered by insurance,” said Lutz. “I’ve seen a lot of false positives, which then need to be chased with CT scans and blood work just to confirm the results. Right now, I don’t recommend them.”

What he does recommend in the way of screening tests are mammograms, tests for colorectal cancers, which can include the non-invasive DNA stool specimen tests like Cologuard, a PSA test for men, which can detect prostate cancer early, a complete blood count (CBC), a liver enzyme panel, and a check of creatinine levels, which can detect kidney disease. He’d also like to see screenings for hepatitis C, which, left undetected, can lead to very serious problems down the road.

Now a concierge doctor with Signature MD in New Orleans, Lutz believes it’s the best way for him to give his patients the time that they require.

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Ever since man got off of all fours and began to walk erect, people have been having problems with their spines. It can be as simple as a backache, or as complicated as herniated discs that don’t heal, or a narrowing of the spine called stenosis that may eventually require more complex surgery. Dr. Najeeb Thomas of Southern Brain & Spine in Metairie notes that spinal problems can be caused by a number of factors.

“People who engage in jarring sorts of activities or heavy lifting cause more wear and tear on the spine and surrounding apparatus,” explained Thomas, ”especially if they’re overweight.”

“Most problems show up around middle age or later, but when a number of younger patients in their twenties began to need discectomies, because their discs

photo courtesy: SOUTHERN BRAIN & SPINE photo courtesy: LCMC
22 Inside New Orleans
photo: DAVID G. SPIELMAN

were herniated, it turned out there was a common denominator in their activities. A form of high intensity interval training known as CrossFit which involves jumping on trampolines and lifting with weights, was causing a torquing of the spine. The exercises have now been modified to avoid injuries.”

According to Thomas, herniated discs usually resolve on their own, because they contain a lot of water and have the ability to shrink back to their former positions. However, he notes, if the disc doesn’t resorb, the nerve remains chronically inflamed, and the patient fails conservative therapy, it could be time for further action. That can include a discectomy or microdiscectomy where a piece of the offending disc is removed, or a laminectomy, which treats moderate spinal stenosis by removing bone spurs and tissues associated with arthritis of the spine. This enlarges the narrow spinal canal and relieves pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. More complex problems may require a spinal fusion, connecting two or more bones using metal hardware like plates, screws, and rods to immobilize specific levels of the spine causing pain.

“We are always making advances in the field of neurosurgery,” noted Thomas. “We continue to use assisted robotics for the placement of hardware, and there are currently biologics and stem cell therapies in clinical trials that remove pain from discs and increase disc volume. We are now attempting to intervene earlier in the degenerative process.”

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When it comes to the field of obstetrics and gynecology, there have been numerous strides that have benefited patients. Birth control, for example, is now recognized as preventive care, and is therefore covered by most insurance companies.

“And, let’s remember that contraceptive methods aren’t just used for birth control,” said obstetrician and gynecologist Rebecca Perret of Crescent City Physicians at Touro Infirmary. “It also provides help for those with heavy cycles, fibroids, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Contraception is now recognized as a tool to help preserve future fertility, which is often an overlooked factor.”

For decades, the only way to detect chromosomal abnormalities was with amniocentesis or chorionic villi sampling, both considered invasive procedures. With the advent of non-invasive prenatal testing, in which fetal cells can be taken from the mother’s blood, invasive procedures are no >>

February-March 2023 23

longer necessary.

In years past, there wasn’t much talk of post-partum depression after mothers gave birth. In fact, many mothers were reluctant to discuss such feelings. Now, patients are screened for post-partum blues, depression, and anxiety as part of their visit to Dr. Perret’s office after the baby is born. “Some form of post-partum depression/anxiety can affect 40% of new mothers,” explained Perret. “Reassuring patients that most cases usually resolve over time is important, but sleep strategies, nutrition, and exercise should also be addressed. For some patients, referral to a mental health provider may be warranted.”

With the advent of robotics now used in pelvic surgery, more complex cases can be completed in a less invasive manner, says Perret, with quicker recoveries for patients, in general.

POphthalmologist John Boyle of Gulf South Eye Associates knows that missing regular screenings can spell trouble. As a glaucoma specialist, he deals with a disease which is euphemistically called the “silent thief of sight” because there are no symptoms until the disease has progressed considerably, and peripheral and central vision can be lost.

Untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness.

“With treatment, we can lower the intraocular pressure in the eye,” explained Boyle. “This may involve eye drops, oral medications, and even lasers that can help slow the progression of the disease and prevent further vision loss. We can also do various types of surgeries which create more space for fluid to leave the eye. Now, the newer treatment for moderate glaucoma is a drug called Lumigan (which has been used cosmetically to grow eyelashes) that is placed in the front of the eye in the form of a slow release pellet that lowers pressure and lasts about a year. For most people, this is preferable to daily drops.”

Macular degeneration, which Boyle also treats, causes loss in the center of the field of vision. In dry macular degeneration, the center of the retina deteriorates, whereas wet macular degeneration means leaky blood vessels are growing under the retina.

“With dry MD, the treatment is eye vitamins, shown to be effective in a national study called AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Study), and involves supplements like vitamins C and E, copper, and zinc,” said Boyle. “With wet MD, we’re looking at medicines injected into the eye to slow the

photo: MILESTONE PORTRAIT ART AND DESIGN
24 Inside New Orleans
photo courtesy: CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

progression of the disease, by stopping the formation of new blood vessels and halting the ones that are already leaking.”

PFor pediatricians, the respiratory virus RSV has been a particular issue this season. The virus has been around for quite some time, and many have wondered why this year it’s been a particular problem.

“RSV had been here since this past summer, but I think the reason for the surge in cases may be that kids were quarantined the previous year and had been wearing masks,” said Mark Morici, a pediatrician affiliated with Children’s Hospital of New Orleans. “Now kids are back in school and daycare, without the sort of preventive measures they had employed previously, and they are spreading germs. But, it’s important to note that while some of the kids with more serious RSV must be hospitalized, many are running and playing with the virus.”

Pediatricians treat a whole gamut of diseases. They are front and center in providing vaccines to growing children at different stages of their lives. Morici notes that there is a broader spectrum of vaccines these days than when we were kids. These include those for HPV, given at the age of 9,

hepatitis A and B, and meningitis B at ages 11 and 16. There are also the Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine (HIB) and the pneumococcal vaccine now in use.

Although better technology is certainly contributing to the miraculous ability we now have to save premature babies, not everything involves high-tech solutions. Something as simple as putting babies to sleep on their backs has gone a long way to prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). “We’re not absolutely sure of why the “back to sleep” movement has been successful,” said Morici, “but it may be that babies sleeping on their tummies are breathing in their own carbon dioxide. We now encourage parents to put their babies to sleep on their backs until they begin to roll over at about four to six months.”

Dr. Morici says times have changed. It’s not uncommon now for mothers to interview pediatricians before their babies are born to make sure they have found the right doctor for their child, both in terms of philosophy and personality. After all, pediatricians are with the child from the time they’re born until well into their teenage years. P

Cinderella surgery? Botox and fillers for your feet? Yes, podiatry has come a >>

Opposite page, top: John Boyle, MD, Ophthalmologist. Opposite page, below: Mark Morici, MD, Pediatrician. Above: Kristina Robinson, DPM, Podiatrist.

photo courtesy: NOLA SOLE PODIATRY

long way and in the hands of those with extra training, can involve intricate and complex surgery like the complete foot and ankle constructions performed by Dr. Kristina Robinson of NOLA Sole Podiatry.

“Our most common surgeries are for bunions, both those that cause pain and those that are strictly for cosmetic reasons, called Cinderella surgeries,” said Robinson. “But, of course, in my practice I also do a lot of traumatic surgeries where I’m literally putting a foot back together, much like the pieces of a puzzle.”

Robinson is often called upon to re-do other’s surgeries, and that can involve re-breaking a foot in order to realign the improperly healing bones. Her training at a trauma center in Miami prepared her for the kinds of surgeries that can run 4–6 hours in the operating room.

But, if you thought Botox and fillers were only for the face, think again. They also have uses for problems in the feet. “Some people’s feet perspire excessively, and for that we can inject botox,” recounted Robinson. “Botox has long had other uses aside from paralyzing muscles of the face to prevent active reinforcement of facial lines. It can also be used to block the nerve signals responsible for sweating, and it’s one of the ways we can help our podiatric patients.”

For those with particularly bony appendages, sometimes the balls of the feet do not have enough natural padding, and that’s where fillers come in, according to Robinson. Foot pad augmentation, as the procedure is referred to, seems to make walking much more comfortable for these patients.

It’s important to remember that your feet take the brunt of walking, running, and standing, so maintaining a healthy weight helps take the pressure off of your feet. Likewise, wearing shoes that fit well is ultimately very important. As Robinson notes, she may love ballet slippers, but they don’t give her feet adequate support, so she uses orthotics inside for extra cushioning.

As with most other specialties, the name of the game is to do less invasive surgeries with smaller incisions and local anesthesia whenever possible. The innovative strides in medicine are making all of this possible.

For the complete list of our readers’ favorite doctors, please see the complete survey results, which follow. Leslie Cardé can be reached at leslieinolamag@gmail.com

Inside New Orleans readers voted for their favorite doctors, and here are the results!

Allergy and Immunology

Reena Mehta, MD

Uptown Allergy & Asthma, 2622 Jena St., New Orleans, 504-605-5351

Jennifer Olivier, MD

Slidell Memorial Hospital, 1051 Gause Blvd., Ste. 400, Slidell, 985280-5350

Irum Alisha Qureshi, MD

Asthma Allergy and Immunology, 160 Greenbriar Blvd., Covington, 985-893-5780

David L. Schneider, MDAPMC

Allergies Answered and Urgent ENT, 3225 Danny Park, Ste. 100, Metairie, 504-889-0550

Tammy Harvey, DO

Family Asthma Allergy & Immunology Clinic, 3321 W. Esplanade Ave. South, Metairie, 504-266-2444

Cardiovascular Disease

Carl J. Lavie, MD

Ochsner Heart & Vascular Institute, 1514 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, 504842-4135

James Perrien, MD

Cardiovascular Specialists, 4224 Houma Blvd., Ste. 500, Metairie, 504455-0842

Kenneth Wong, MD

Cardiovascular Institute of the South, 102 Twin Oaks Dr., Raceland, 985-537-4000

Frank Wilklow, MD

Crescent City Physicians, 3715 Prytania St., Ste. 400, New Orleans, 504-897-8276

Siddharth K. Bhansali

Tulane Doctors, 2633 Napoleon Ave., Ste. 500, New Orleans, 504-897-9686

Dermatology

William P. Coleman IV, MD

Coleman Center for Dermatologic Surgery, 4425 Conlin St., New Orleans, 504-455-3180

Deidre O. Hooper, MD

Audubon Dermatology, 3525 Prytania St., Ste. 501, New Orleans, 504-895-3376

Rachael Delahoussaye-Shields, MD and Elizabeth B. Grieshaber, MD

T & G Dermatology, 3800 Houma Blvd., Unit 310, Metairie, 504-454-2997

Zeena Al-Dujaili, MD

New Orleans Aesthetics, 3434 Prytania St., Ste. 420, New Orleans, 504-475-1000

Kate Holcomb, MD and Mara Haseltine, MD

Pure Dermatology, 3100 Galleria Blvd., Unit 203, Metairie, 504-2267873

Michelle S. Gerdes, MD, and Tamela L. Charbonnet, MD

Family Dermatology, 3421 N. Causeway Blvd., Ste. 202, Metairie, 504-832-6612

Kristy Charles, MD

Sanova Dermatology, 3434 Prytania St., Ste. 310, 504-897-5899

Keith LeBlanc Jr., MD, and Elizabeth Bucher, MD

The Skin Surgery Centre, 1615 Metairie Rd., Ste. 101, Metairie, 504-644-4226

Erin Boh, MD, PhD

Tulane Dermatology, 1415 Tulane Ave., 5th Floor, New Orleans, 504-988-1700

Facial Plastic Surgeon

Thomas H.M. Moulthrop, MD

Hedgewood Plastic Surgery, 2427 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, 504-895-7642

Parker Velargo, MD and Celeste Gary, MD

New Orleans Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, 2633 Napoleon Ave., New Orleans, Ste. 920, 504-533-8848

Claire Melancon, MD

Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery, 6001 Magazine St., Ste.. D, New Orleans, 504-264-7833

Family Medicine

Benjamin Springgate, MD

LSU Health Science Center, 1542 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, 504-412-1366

Brandon Cambre, MD

Personal Care MD, 3196 Hwy. 22, Ste. 2, Mandeville, 985-778-2330

Ronald Slipman

Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave., Ste. 1545, New Orleans, 504-988-4325

Gastroenterology

Vernon J Carriere Jr, MD, George E. Catinis, MD and David R. Silvers, MD

Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, 4228 Houma Blvd., Unit 120, Metairie, 504-456-6701

Herbert K. Mayer, MD

Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, 2820 Napoleon Ave., Ste. 720, New Orleans, 504-456-8020

Steven Guarisco, MD

Ochsner Health, 1000 Ochsner Blvd., Covington, 985-875-2828

Laura Ponter, MD

LCMC Health, 3434 Prytania St., Ste. 110, New Orleans, 504-547-7865

Hand Surgeon

Claude S. Williams IV, MD

Southern Orthopedic Specialists, 2731 Napoleon Ave., New Orleans, 504-897-6351

Eric R. George, MD

Hand Center of Louisiana, 4228 Houma Blvd., Ste. 600, Metairie, 504-454-2191

Russell G. Hendrick, MD

Ochsner Health Center Baptist, 2820 Napoleon Ave., Ste. 920, New Orleans, 504-842-4263

28 Inside New Orleans
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February-March 2023 29

Donald C. Faust, MD

Children’s Hospital, 2633 Napoleon Ave., Ste. 600, New Orleans, 504-899-1000

Richard L. Meyer Jr., MD

Orthopedic Specialists of New Orleans, 3434 Prytania St., Ste. 310, New Orleans, 504-897-7877

Nicholas Pappas, III, MD

Orthopaedic Center for Sports Medicine, 4921 Airline Dr., Metairie, 504-217-5319, 504-889-2663

Carol D. Meyer, MD

Ochsner Health Center, 2005 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 504-454-2191

Infectious Disease

Eric R. Ehrensing, MD, Katherine Baumgarten

Ochsner Medical Center, 1514 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, 504-842-4005

Brobson Lutz, MD

Signature MD, 2622 Jena St., New Orleans, 504-895-0361

Infertility

Warren Jay Huber III., MD, Belinda M. Sartor, MD and Peter Y. Lu, MD

The Fertility Institute, 4770S I-10 Service Rd. West, Metairie, 504-233-6789

Lindsay Wells, MD and Nicole Ulrich, MD

Audubon Fertility, 4321 Magnolia St., New Orleans, 504-891-1390

Internal Medicine

Brobson Lutz, MD

Signature MD, 2622 Jena St., New Orleans, 504-895-0361

Stephanie Sarrat, MD

LCMC Health, 2633 Napoleon Ave, Unit 400, Metairie, 504-897-3305

William Newman, MD

LCMC Health, Manhattan Clinic 2845 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 504-349-6930

Margaret Pelitere, MD and Jamie Lovitt, MD

Ochsner Health Center Baptist, 2820 Napoleon Ave., Ste. 750, New Orleans, 504-301-2515

Jeremy Dumas, MD

InclusivCare, 7001 Lapalco Blvd., Marrero, 504-341-4006

Dragana Lovre, MD

Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, 504988-9928

Nicole Giambrone, MD

Ochsner Health Center- Lake Terrace, 1532 Allen Toussaint Blvd., New Orleans, 504-846-9646

Dwight Greene, MD

Ochsner Health Center, 2005 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 504-836-9820

Genelle S. Price, MD

InclusivCare, 7001 Lapalco Blvd., Marrero, 504-341-4006

Trip Goolsby, MD

Infinite Health, 3900 Veterans Blvd., Ste. 204, Metairie, 504-323-0025

Medical Oncology

Alfred J. Colfry, MD, George Zacharia, MD

Touro LCMC Health, 3434 Prytania St., Ste. 410, New Orleans, 504-325-2900

George Zacharia, MD

Touro LCMC Health, 1401 Foucher St., New Orleans, 504-897-8970

David Oubre, MD

Pontchartrain Cancer Center, 120 Lakeview Circle, Covington, 985-875-1202

Jack E. Saux, MD

Northshore Oncology Associates, 1203 S. Tyler St., Ste. 230, Covington, 985-892-9090

Ashish Udhrain, MD

Thibodaux Regional Cancer Institute, 608 N. Acadia Rd., Thibodaux, 985-493-4346

Marc R. Matrana, MD

Ochsner Medical Center, 1514 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, 504-842-3910

Neurological Surgery

Frank Culicchia, MD, FAANS and John Steck, MD, FAANS

Culicchia Neurological Clinic, 1111 Medical Center Blvd., Ste. 750, Marrero, 504-340-6976

Alan M Weems, MD, FAANS, FACS

Culicchia Neurological Clinic, 502 Leontine St., New Orleans, 504-340-6976

Justin L. Owen, MD

DISC of Louisiana, 76 Starbrush Circle, Covington, 985-400-5778

Najeeb Thomas, MD, Rand Voorhies, MD, and Manish Singh, MD

Southern Brain and Spine Clinic, 3798 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Ste. 200, Metairie, 504-454-0141

Sebastion Koga, MD Koga Neurosurgery, 189 Greenbriar Blvd., Ste. C, Covington, 985-269-7676

Neurology

Steven Atkins, MD, R. Charles Fiore, Jr., MD, K. David Khoobehi, MD, Michael Puente, MD, Robert Dawson, MD

Culicchia Neurological Clinic, 1111 Medical Center Blvd., Ste. S-750, Marrero, 504-340-6976

Rex Houser, MD and Michael Becker, MD

Paradigm Neurology, 64301 LA 434, Lacombe, 985-882-4500

Rana Abusoufeh, MD LCMC Health, 2000 Canal St., New Orleans, 504-702-5700

Morteza Shamsnia, MD, FAAN, FAASM, FAANEM

Shamsnia Neurology, 2909 Kingman St., Ste. 2, Metairie, 504-717-2233

Thomas Francavilla, MD

Tulane Doctors Neurosciences, 101 Judge Tanner Blvd., Ste. 402, Covington, 985-951-3222

Bridget A. Bagert, MD, Dr. Richard M. Zweifler MD, Jose Posas, MD

Ochsner Health, 1514 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, 866-624-7637

Maria B. Weimer, MD and Ann Tilton, MD

Children’s Hospital, 200 Henry Clay Ave., New Orleans, 504-896-9458

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Ashley Van Wormer, MD and Robin Bone, MD

Ochsner Baptist Women’s Pavilion, 2820 Napoleon Ave., New Orleans, Ste. 520, 504-885-8563

Elizabeth Lapeyre, MD

Ochsner Health, 2820 Napoleon Ave., Ste. 340, New Orleans, 504-899-9311

Jody Morris, MD

Ochsner Health, 4429 Clara St. Ste. 640, New Orleans, 504-842-9616

Janet M. Ross, MD

Crescent City Physicians Touro Infirmary, 3525 Prytania St., Ste. 206, New Orleans, 504-897-8281

Donna S. Waters, MD

Crescent City Physicians, 3434

Prytania St., Ste. 320, New Orleans, 504-897-7142

Rebecca Perret, MD

Crescent City Physicians, 3434 Prytania St., Ste. 130, New Orleans, 504-897-7580

Michael E. Graham, MD

East Jefferson Women’s Care, 4228 Houma Blvd., Ste. 410B, Metairie, 504-503-7256

30 Inside New Orleans

Nancy N. Thomas, MD

Ochsner Women’s Health Center, 71380 Hwy. 21, Covington, 985-875-2828

Ophthalmology

John Boyle, MD and David Kennedy, MD

Gulf South Eye Associates, 4224 Houma Blvd., Ste. 100, Metairie, 504-454-1000

Scott Lanoux, MD and Leni T Sumich, II., MD

Eyecare Associates, 4324 Veterans Blvd., Ste.102, Metairie, 504-455-9825

Barry Leader, MD

Eyecare Associates, 3715 Prytania St., Ste. 250, New Orleans, 504-897-4567

Brandon Wool, MD

315 Metairie Rd., Ste. 302, Metairie, 504-835-2197

Gwen Cousins, MD

Retina Associates, 4315 Houma Blvd., Ste. 201, Metairie, 504-456-9061

Neil Notaroberto, MD

EyeCare 20/20, 3221 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, 504-737-3456

Orthopedics

Chad Millet, MD, Timothy Finney, MD, Gregor Hoffman, MD, R Field Ogden

Southern Orthopaedic Specialists, 2731 Napoleon Ave., New Orleans, 504-897-6351

Michael Wolfe, MD, Misty Suri, MD, Deryk G. Jones, MD, Andrew Gottschalk

Ochsner Hospital for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, 1221 S. Clearview Pkwy., Metairie, 504-7364800

Lance Estrada, MD, Kevin Watson, MD, Monroe Laborde, MD

Orthopaedic Associates of New Orleans, 3434 Prytania St., Ste. 430, 504-206-2193

Leland McCluskey, MD and Mary K. Mulcahey, MD

Tulane Doctors Sports Medicine Plus, 7030 Canal Blvd., New Orleans, 504-988-0100

Scott A. Buhler, MD and William Junius, MD

Crescent City Orthopaedics, 3600 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 504-233-0931

Robert D. Bostick, MD

Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, 3001 Division St., Ste. 204, Metairie, 504-541-5800

Ralph Katz, MD

Westside Orthopaedic Clinic, 1301 Barataria Blvd., Marrero, 504-3470243

Neil Maki, MD

Thibodaux Regional Medical Center, 602 N Acadia Rd., Ste. 101, Thibodaux, 985-446-6284

Richard L. Meyer, Jr. MD

Orthopaedic Specialists of New Orleans, 3434 Prytania St., New Orleans, 504-897-7877

William Accousti, MD

Children’s Hospital, 200 Henry Clay, New Orleans, 504-896-9569

Stephen D. Heinrich, MD

Children’s Hospital, 2121 Ridgelake Dr., 2nd Floor, New Orleans, 504-8405249

Otolaryngology

R. Patrick Cecola, MD

NOLA ENT, 120 N. Norman C. Francis Pkwy., New Orleans, 504-821-0244

Moises Arriaga MD FACS

Culicchia Neurological Clinic, 1111 Medical Center Blvd., Ste. S-750, Marrero, 504-340-6976

Jason Guillot, MD

SLENT, 1420 N Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, 985-327-5905

February-March 2023 31

Jacqueline M. Magne, MD, and N. Knight Worley, MD

Worley Magne,MD

3525 Prytania St., Ste. 606, New Orleans, 504-272-2766

Pain Medicine

Paul J. Hubbell, MD

Southern Pain and Neurological, 3348 W. Esplanade Ave., Ste. A, Metairie, 504-887-7207

Andrea Toomer, MD and Stephen Rynick, MD

Culicchia Neurological Clinic, 1111 Medical Center Blvd., New Orleans, 504-340-6976

Jonathan Finney, MD

Southern Orthopaedic Specialists, 2731 Napoleon Ave., New Orleans, 504-897-6351

William Chiang, MD

Avala Pain Management, 67252 Industry Lane, Covington, 985-8099888

Eric D. Lonseth, MD

Lonseth Interventional Pain Center, 4213 Teuton St., New Orleans, 504-327-5857

Kevin Martinez, MD

Southern Brain and Spine Clinic, 3798 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 504-454-0141

Pediatrics

Keith Capone, MD

Lake Vista Pediatrics, 6517 Spanish Fort Blvd., New Orleans, 504-283-7306

Annette Figueroa, MD, Mark V. Morici, MD

Children’s Hospital, 200 Henry Clay Blvd., New Orleans, 504-896-9474

Mark V. Morici

Children’s Hospital Pediatrics, 2201 Veterans Blvd., Ste. 300, Metairie, 504-833-7374

Reita Lawrence, MD

Pelican Pediatric Physicians, 3100 Kingman St., Metairie, 504-887-6355

Gabrielle Glasgow, MD, Lauren Hernandez, Suzy Kingston, MD

Sprout Pediatrics, 1041 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 504-267-9336

Diana Peterson, MD and Charles Kantrow, MD

Ochsner Health Center for Children, 1315 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, 504-842-3900

M. Nora Oates, MD

Hales Pediatrics, 3525 Prytania St., Ste. 602, New Orleans, 504-897-0744

Nancy Mula, MD Richard Kelt, MD, Katheyn Quarls, Brian Britton, MD

Fairway Pediatrics, 7020 Hwy. 190, Covington, 985-871-7337

Plastic Surgeon

Stephen E. Metzinger, MD, MSPH,

FACS

Aesthetic Surgical Associates, 3223 8th St #200, Metairie, 504-226-8200

Russell Hendrick, MD and Parker Velargo, MD,

FACS

New Orleans Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, 2633 Napoleon Ave., Ste. 920, New Orleans, 504-533-8848

Trey Sands,

MD

Sands Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, 3100 Galleria Blvd., Ste. 302, Metairie, 504-323-4311

Ravi Tandon,

MD

Tandon Plastic Surgery, 3900 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Ste. 200, Metairie, 504-455-1000

Jules Walters, MD

The Modern Plastic Surgery & Medspa, 3100 Galleria Blvd., Ste. 205, Metairie, 504-517-6200

David A. Jansen, MD and John Guste, MD

Jansen Plastic Surgery, 3900 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Ste. 200, Metairie, 504-455-1000

Hugo St. Hilaire, MD, FACS

LSU Plastic and Reconstructive Microsurgery, 3700 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, 504-412-1240

Suma Maddox, MD

1603 Second St., 3rd Floor, New Orleans, 504-439-9728

Benjamin J. Boudreaux

Boudreaux Plastic Surgery, 3401 East Causeway Approach, Mandeville, 985-237-6050

Podiatry

Edward Lang, DPM

New Orleans Podiatry Associates, 2626 Jena St., New Orleans, 504-897-3627

Rory Panepinto, DPM

Panepinto Podiatry, 1801 Clearview Pkwy., Metairie, 504-264-3668

Nicholas G. Pejic, MD

Atlas Psychiatry, 1301 Antonine St., New Orleans, 504-899-1682

Surgery

Kraig S. de Lanzac, MD, FASA

Tulane Hospital, 1415 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, 504-988-6958

Alfred Colfry, MD

James G. Redmann, MD, Matthew

S. French, MD and Thomas E. Lavin, MD

Surgical Specialists of LA, 3100

Galleria Blvd., Ste. 300, Metairie, 877690-2844, 877-691-3001

Urology

Wesley Bryan, MD

Kristina

Robertson, DPM and Taylor Robertson, DPM

NOLA Sole Podiatry, 3525 Prytania St., New Orleans, 504-302-1586

Marc S. Glovinsky, DPM, FACFAS

Marc S. Glovinsky, DPM & Associates, 3939 Houma Blvd., Ste. 224, Metairie, 504-454-2900

Psychiatry

Kendall Genre, MD 8438 Oak St., Ste. B, New Orleans, 504-322-3936

Touro LCMC Health, 3434 Prytania St., Ste. 410, New Orleans, 504-325-2900

William B. Bisland Jr., MD and Mark F. Hebert, MD

Thibodaux Regional Medical Center, 604 N. Acadia Rd., Ste. 207, Thibodaux, 985-446-1763

Timothy W. Pettit, MD

Children’s Hospital, 200 Henry Clay Ave., New Orleans, 504-896-3928

LCMC Health,1111 Medical Center Blvd., Ste. S-650, Marrero, 504-9348100

Eric Laborde, MD

Ochsner Health, 1514 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, 504-842-4083

February-March 2023 33

Aesthetics

Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery

Dr. Claire Melancon

6001 Magazine St., Ste. D 504-264-7833 audubonfacialplastics.com

New Orleans Aesthetics

Dr. Zeena Al-Dujaili 3434 Prytania St., Ste. 420, New Orleans 504-475-1000 neworleansaesthetics.com

Allergy and Immunology

Allergy Immunology Clinic, Slidell Memorial Hospital

Jennifer Oliver, MD 1051 Gause Blvd., Slidell 985-280-5350 slidellmemorial.org

Asthma & Allergy & Immunology

Irum Qureshi, MD 160 Greenbriar Blvd.,Covington 985-893-5780 aai-health.com

Exercise

Barre 3

5235 Magazine St., (504) 301-3082 600 Metairie Rd., (504) 301-2017 611 O’Keefe Ave., (504) 371-5297 barre3.com

Health and Wellness

Infinite Health Integrative Medicine Center

LeNae and Trip Goolsby, MD 3900 Veterans Blvd., Ste. 204 Metairie 504-323-0025 Yourinfinitehealth.com

slidellmemorial.org thibodaux.com

Heath & Wellness 34 Inside New Orleans
Resources
>>
Book couplesValentine’syourDaytreatment Gift Cards Book for your wedding party and special events Bride and Honeymoon Packages February-March 2023 35
To book, call or text “RELAX” to 985.231.7329 or email info@royalretreatdayspa.com

Insurance

HUB International

3510 Causeway Blvd., Ste. 102, Metairie 504-491-5576 Hubinternational.com

Jessica D. LeBlanc, CPA, LLC 504-812-7105 jessicaleblanc.cpa

Internal Medicine

Inclusive Care

Dr. Genelle Price 7001 Lapalco Blvd., Marrero (504) 341- 4006

Ophthalmology

Gulf South Eye Associates, APMC Riley Sibley, MD; John Boyle, IV, MD; and David Kennedy, MD 4224 Houma Blvd., Ste. 100, Metairie 504-454-1000 gulfsoutheye.com

Eye Care Associates

4324 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie 3715 Prytania St., Ste. 250, New Orleans 504-455-9825

Optometrist

Eye Wares

Lauren Agnew, MD 800 Metairie Rd., Ste. Q, Metairie 504-301-1726 eyewaresnola.com

Nutrition

EverydayKetoToGo

110 Athania Pkwy., Metaire 504-442-5435 everydayketotogo.com

Plastic Surgery

Dr. Suma Maddox

Reconstructive/Aesthetic

Plastic Surgery 1603 Second St., Hedgewood, 504-439-9728

Aesthetic Surgical Associates

Dr. Metzinger 504-309-7061 aestheticsurgical.com

Neurology

Southern Brain and Spine Clinic 3798 Veterans Blvd., Ste. 200, Metairie 504-454-0141 ext #1 sbsdocs.net

Orthopedics

Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

R. Douglas Bostick, III, MD 3001 Division St., Ste. 204, Metairie 504-541-5800 metairiesportsmed.com

Westside Orthopaedic Clinic

Ralph Katz, MD 1301 Barataria Blvd., Marrero 504-347-0243 westsideortho.com

Senior Care

Dependable In Home Care

702 N. Carrollton Ave., New Orleans 504-486-5044 dependablecare.net

Spa Syn 4244 LA-22 Suite 9 Mandeville 985-515-0198 synskinaesthetics.com

Urgent Care

LCMC Health Urgent Care Algiers, Gretna, Clearview, Lakeview, Covington, Marrero and Uptown LCMChealthurgentcare.com

Weight Loss

Healthy Portions Meal Co. 1705 Highway 59 #10 (985) 635-1132 eathealthyportions.com

36 Inside New Orleans
Resources Heath & Wellness

American Heart Association Making a Local Impact

HEART DISEASE is the leading cause of death in this country. That means, every day, every 33 seconds, a man, woman, or child dies from cardiovascular disease.

At the American Heart Association, we are working to make impactful community change throughout Greater New Orleans while we aim to reduce death from heart disease and stroke and improve cardiovascular health for all.

“The American Heart Association works daily to help build a healthier Greater New Orleans community,” said Coretta LaGarde, Executive Director. “We are committed to discovering and improving the role that social determinants, like healthy food access, education levels, equitable housing, and income, play in our long-term risk of heart disease, stroke, and other devastating illnesses. Together with our neighbors, volunteers, donors, and strategic partners,

BE THE BEAT FOR A WOMAN YOU LOVE

The American Heart Association is calling on New Orleans to “Be the Beat” and learn CPR to save lives through its New Orleans Go Red for Women Event and American Heart Month activities in February.

According to the American Heart Association, about 90 percent of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die. If you are called on to give CPR in an emergency, you will most likely be trying to save the life

we’re working to continue our impact because we want people to experience more of life’s precious moments.”
38 Inside New Orleans

of someone you love: a spouse, a parent, or a friend. This February during American Heart Month, the American Heart Association sheds light on the importance of knowing Hands-Only CPR. This year’s heart month theme, “Be the Beat,” urges people to be the beat it takes to keep someone alive by learning the two simple steps it takes to save a life.

• More than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States each year, with about 70% happening in homes.

• CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.

• Women are less likely to receive Hands-Only CPR because people fear accusations of inappropriate touching, sexual assault, or injuring the person.

• Hands-Only CPR involves two simple steps and anyone can learn it from a 60-second video available at heart.org/handsonlycpr

• Step 1: If a teen or adult in your home suddenly collapses, call 911 immediately.

• Step 2: Place one hand on top of the other as shown in the video and push hard and fast on the victim’s chest.

The culmination of American Heart Month will be the Go Red for Women event on March 3. This signature event, which will be held from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at The New Orleans Marriott, will feature a Purse-onality and silent auction, “Live Fierce” fashion show, and wellness expo. A short program will honor inspiring survivor stories and give information to help women reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke.

The Go Red for Women luncheon is designed to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the number one cause of death for women in the United States, as well as generate funds for lifesaving cardiovascular research for women.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the New Orleans event is locally sponsored by Entergy, United Healthcare, LCMC Health and LAMMICO. For more information visit www. neworleansgored.heart.org

February-March 2023 39

rhinoplasties

Treatment: Revision rhinoplasty

WITH HER FIRST RHINOPLASTY in 1999 and two more in 2001, J.P. was left with an asymmetrical nose and a collapsed airway that was worsening over time. As she began to research her condition, she discovered that there have been significant advancements over the last twenty years that could strengthen her nasal sidewalls.

Because her breathing issues were increasing, J.P. met with multiple doctors to determine which doctor would be best for her. She also figured she would ask for an additional, desired procedure, a lip lift, since she was already going ‘under the knife’. “Dr. Melancon was the only doctor that said ‘No,’” declares J.P., “and her reasoning made perfect sense.” Given the risks associated with performing a lip lift simultaneously with a revision rhinoplasty due to possible poor blood supply, Dr. Melancon advised against doing them together.

J.P. chose Dr. Melancon to perform the surgery

because it was evident that she had the calm patience to get it right. “Her talent alone is enough to make Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery the absolute best; however, she employs a staff of the most helpful, friendly, and accommodating professionals I have ever met in my life. This makes her office an absolute pleasure to visit.” According to J.P., “I feel totally back to normal and have a newfound confidence about my appearance.”

Many surgeon do not want to accept challenging revision cases, but Dr. Melancon finds these surgeries some of the most gratifying. “ There is nothing better than making a patient happy after years of dissatisfaction with prior surgeries. J.P. had a fantastic outcome after her revision rhinoplasty,” says Dr. Melancon. “ Her nose looks fantastic- more feminine, more refined. Most importantly, she can breathe through her nose again!”

ABOUT DR. MELANCON

C. Claire Melancon, M.D., is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery focusing only on the face and neck. After receiving a B.S. in biology from LSU, an M.S. in advanced biology from Tulane, an M.D. from LSU, and a residency at Wake Forest, Dr. Melancon completed a fellowship in facial plastic surgery in Houston. Specifically, she received in-depth training in handling challenging revision cases.

audubonfacialplastics.com @drclairemelancon

IN Better Health
Kelly Hightower Medical Condition: Nasal obstruction and cosmetic disproportion after previous
40 Inside New Orleans

WeddingTrends of 2023

42 Inside New Orleans
photo: STACY MARKS

AS WE ENTER the wedding season of 2023, the industry is evening out from the frantic pace of backlogged weddings that were finally able to take place in 2022. Wedding etiquette is no longer a rigid set of rules and requirements. Most couples want their unique personalities to clearly define their special day. The need to keep celebrations small and intimate post-pandemic highlighted the value of limiting the guest list to the couple’s inner circle. A meaningful lesson taken from our time in quarantine is longer celebrations with a closer group of friends and family. Yet, now that international travel has less restrictions, destination weddings are on the rise.

THE DRESS

I DO Bridal Couture sets itself apart from other bridal boutiques because it has the capacity to customize a gown to any bride’s vision. Raegyn Bouza of I DO says its dress designers are fully exclusive in Louisiana which allows a bride to find a dress that is not duplicated. Having just returned from viewing the latest collections in New York City, Raegyn is excited to see the return of traditional details like intricate beading and the use of pearls, but gloves are her favorite addition for 2023! Topping off your look with a bow will never go out of style.

CANDLES AND COLOR

Colored and floral gowns are also emerging as a unique way for the bride to express herself. Pale blue and pastel pink wedding gowns for the bride will shake up the 2023 wedding scene. Wedding guests will also see an emphasis on neutral bridesmaid dresses. For the gentlemen in the wedding party, suits in every shade of blue are being chosen for a more casual vibe.

Chloé T. Potter, owner and designer of GLO Event Decor, specializes in event design and decor, so candles, candles, and more candles are the most requested item to add drama and ambience to any event. Chloe works with a couple to get to know them and then incorporates their unique personalities into the details of their special day. Choosing colors with purpose and meaning can highlight the differences of the engaged couple, or combining colors can also represent the joining of two families in the marriage. Chloe has become an expert in combining color and light to complement the couple.

PERSONAL MESSAGES

Since 1974, Balcony Ballroom has delivered all-inclusive service and removed the many stresses of planning the perfect wedding. According to Vanessa Van Vrancken, as a family-

photo: SARAH ALLEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
>> February-March 2023 43
“Winter White” by GLO Event Decor.

Above: The Balcony Ballroom. Below: The elegant selection of dresses at I Do Bridal Couture

owned business, treating everyone as family is second-nature to their staff. With the experience that comes from continuously operating for 48 years, Balcony Ballroom has seen multiple trends over the decades. The most current novelty is the phone booth which gives guests the opportunity to record personal messages to the bride and groom.

Personal messages are a two-way street. What about the wedding guests who have traveled across the country to share your special day? Instead of leaving a welcome goody bag in their hotel room, opt for taking the time to pen a handwritten note expressing your gratitude.

GETTING READY TOGETHER

Who really knows where the superstition comes from that on the wedding day the couple should not see each other until the ceremony? The amount of couples taking posed photo shoots before the ceremony has been on the rise over the last decade. But, getting ready with your significant other is a new concept that just might catch on. Not only does it reduce the nerves and jitters, it also gives the couple more time together on a day that is supposed to be about celebrating their relationship.

FIRST LOOK

Stacy Marks has been a wedding photographer for over twentytwo years, capturing memories with his camera every weekend. What Stacy sees as the latest request before the nuptials is the First Look. This is a private moment shared between the couple when they see

>>
photo courtesy: BALCONY BALLROOM
44 Inside New Orleans

360 photo booth - New Orleans Photo Booth Company.

each other for the first time one-on-one as opposed to the big reveal occurring while walking down the aisle. It is a quiet, emotional time that sets the tone of the day.

FUN FOR THE GUESTS

Let’s face it; the guest got dressed up too! Everyone thought that the photo booth with props would die out, but it’s a great way to get everyone to relax and enjoy the party. Modern photo booths are actually open-air.

of New Orleans

Booth Company says the most popular style of wedding pictures from the photo booth is black and white images with a glam filter.

Get ready to step on the platform of a 360 photo booth which actually captures a slow-motion video and digitally transmits it via email or text message. This new technology allows music choice and immediate viewing of the video with automatic editing that changes the speed of the movement for a high energy recording of the fun. According to Matt, over the past year 360 photo booths have now become more affordable for vendors to offer for party rentals.

SAVE THE LAST DANCE

With more couples deciding to spend their time together to prepare for the actual celebration, having time together at the end of their reception perfectly bookends the day that focuses on the happy twosome. Kick the guests off the dance floor for the final song. Many newlyweds will be closing out their nuptials with a private dance; only the photographer is allowed.

46 Inside New Orleans
Matthew Reineke Photo photo courtesy: NEW ORLEANS PHOTO BOOTH COMPANY

April-May 2023

Who are the women in your company that will grow your business in 2023? Let Inside New Orleans tell our readers what sets them— and your business—apart from the others in your field!

Share their success stories in the Women IN Business 2023 special section of the April-May issue of Inside New Orleans. Bold New Look!

Women IN Business package includes:

• 2 seats at Women IN Business Luncheon

• Opportunity to speak in front of guests

• Promotional Items in goodie bags

• Women IN Business profile posted on social media through Instagram and Facebook

• Direct link to your businesses website through our virtual/online magazine

• Profile creation, photography and write up included

Women in Business Photo Shoot

Wednesday, February 15th at K Lyn Studio, 3399 W Esplanade Ave., Metairie.

Women IN Business Luncheon

Thursday, April 20th at Briquette Restaurant, 701 S. Peters Street, New Orleans. 11am Cocktails, 12pm lunch begins. $45 per ticket.

If you are a Women IN Business and would like more information, call or email insideneworleansmag@gmail.com. (504) 251-4818

Doll House Hair and Beauty Salon

AFTER GRADUATING from the University of New Orleans with a degree in business administration, Liz DeBoue knew she wanted to open her own business. Her professors advised her to enter an industry she enjoyed, so Liz’s next step was completing her education at the Aveda Institute.

Two years later, Liz opened the first location of Doll House Hair and Beauty Salon in 2011 and a second location in 2019.

Liz thoroughly enjoys her career and cannot imagine doing anything else. Liz particularly enjoys mentoring other stylists and helping them achieve their dreams in the industry. All stylists at Doll House Hair and Beauty Salon are committed to continuous development, so Liz provides regular meetings to focus on honing their skills. Liz and her stylists set themselves apart by providing free consultations and by building strong relationships with their clients. Liz strives to give her clients the best experience possible.

Doll House Hair and Beauty Salon makes it easy to book an online appointment with one click on the website. Liz also boasts a Glam Squad that can be reserved for entire bridal parties at one of her two locations or the location of your choice.

According to Liz, “I love that every day is different, and I never know what challenges the day will present. This year has been our busiest year ever, and I think that the growth we’ve shown says we are doing something very right around here. My salon staff is amazing. When we are all working together the salon just runs like a well-oiled machine, and I love that.”

Doll House Hair and Beauty Salon, metairiesalon.com

48 Inside
New Orleans Liz DeBoue of Doll House Hair and Beauty Salon.
IN Business

Apparel

I Do Bridal Couture

Covington and Baton Rouge 985-327-5598 Idobridalcouture.com

Beauty

Doll House Hair & Beauty Salon 4650 West Esplanade Ave., Ste. 103 Metairie 504-835-7474 metairiesalon.com

Royal Retreat Day Spa 3571 US Hwy. 190 Mandeville royalretreat.LA@gmail.com

The Gallery Salon & Spa 6312 Argonne Blvd. New Orleans (504) 482-2219 thegallerynola.com

Design and Decor

Glo Events by Chloe 985-630-0687 Chloe@gloeventdecor.com www.gloeventdecor.com

Dining and Sweets

Briquette 701 S Peters St. New Orleans 504-302-7496 briquette-nola.com

Broussard’s Restaurant 819 Conti St. New Orleans 504-581-3866 broussards.com

Everyday Keto To Go 110 Athania Parkway, Ste. B Metairie 504-442-5435 everydayketotogo.orders@gmail.com

Fluff Gourmet Fairy Floss 985-778-7870 fluff.northshore@gmail.com

February-March 2023 49
ResourcesWedding continued on page 51

Caplis-Harvey

Dr. Charles Anthony Caplis of Shreveport, Louisiana, and Thomas Joe Harvey, Jr. (TJ) of Foxworth, Mississippi, married at the Windsor Court Hotel on the 23rd floor terrace overlooking the city at sunset. The grooms exchanged handwritten vows for a personal touch, and the ceremony was presided by their friend, local attorney Ric Poirier.

The grooms wore elegant customtailored tuxedos from Peter Grant Clothiers of Biloxi, with classic, white dinner jackets from Jack Victor of Montreal, and black tuxedo pants with contemporary evening shirts designed by David Donahue of New York City with cutaway collars, French cuffs, and hidden button plackets.

Flowers were styled in a natural garden look yet set in a slightly formal

hors d”oeuvres including, cheeses and charcuterie, truffle herb goat cheese mousse on toast points; Peking duck and cucumber moo-shu wraps; petite crab cakes with remoulade; coconut shrimp with sweet chili sauce, bacon-wrapped dates with almonds and goat cheese, and Southern devilled eggs with caviar. The chefs at the Windsor Court continued the buffet-style reception with two styles of gumbo, prime rib carving station with rosemary jus and herbed aioli, garlic mashed potatoes, fresh seafood ceviche, lump crab meat and Louisiana crawfish tails in a creamy bechamel sauce with caviar, pork dim sum, sesame beef soba noodle salad, spicy tuna rolls, and Manchego cheese brûlée with toast points.

Guests indulged in a delectable Bananas Foster dessert station and macaroon towers by Sucre`. A large baked Alaska, filled with brandysoaked walnut chocolate cake and homemade cherry ice cream with dark chocolate flakes topped with flambéed meringue, was a spectacular twist on a traditional groom’s cake.

composition, which were provided and designed by Leaf + Petal NOLA. The design and color palette were rich, fall hues with accents of sand, taupe, and orange with trailing green.

The reception followed in Windsor Court’s La Chinoiserie Ballroom. The chefs created a menu of New Orleans inspiration with the spirit of East meets West. The culinary feast started with an hour of passed

During the champagne reception, guests had an opportunity to share memories and love for the couple. The doors opened to the main reception for an evening of food, libations, and music provided by Aa’Keela & The Beats. The party concluded in Nola style with a second line dance with the band to the Polo Lounge of the Windsor Court Hotel.

Following two weeks in South America, the couple will share time between Madisonville and the Mississippi coast in Biloxi.

50 Inside New Orleans
IN LOVE AND MARRIAGE
photos: ASHLEY MEYER, NOLA DARLINGS PHOTOGRAPHY

Haydel’s Bakery

4037 Jefferson Hwy. New Orleans 504-837-0190 haydelsbakery.com

New Orleans Creole Cookery

510 Toulouse St. New Orleans 504-524-9632 neworleanscreolecookery.com

Annunciation Restaurant 1016 Annunciation St. New Orleans (504) 568-0245 events@annunciationrestaurant.com

Jewelry and Gifts

Boudreaux’s Jewelers 701 Metairie Rd. Metairie 504-831-2602 boudreauxsjewelers.com

Judy at the Rink

The Rink Shopping Center 2727 Prytania St. New Orleans 70130 504-891-7018 judyattherink.com

Symmetry Jewelers 8138 Hampson St., New Orleans 504-861-9925 symmetryjewelers.com

Nola Boards 4304 Magazine St. 504-256-0030 nolaboards.com

Royal Events, Candles & Decor 2185 Hwy. 59 Mandeville (504) 481-9416

Wellington & Co. Fine Jewelry 505 Royal St. New Orleans 504-525-4855 store.wcjewelry.com

Venues

The Balcony Ballroom 4738 Utica St., Metairie 504-885-8001 Balconyballroom.com

Marché 914 N. Peter’s St. New Orleans 504-586-1155 marcheneworleans.com

Southern Oaks 7816 Hayne Blvd. New Orleans 504-245-8221 southernoaksweddings.com

February-March 2023 51
Resources
continued from page 49
Wedding

Flourishes

1. The Perfect Placemats fit for a king or queen. Fur.nish, Metairie, 702-8514, shopfurnishnola.com.

2. New Navarette collection, great Modern Farmhouse style, 3 sizes and multiple finishes, gas or electric. Gulf Coast Lanterns. 401 N. Columbia St., Covington, 800-910-3275, gulfcoastlanterns

3. Bud Vase Miss Daisy, Clear. Set of 4. $82, Judy at the Rink, 891-7018, judyattherink.com

4. Personalize your décor with an outdoor rug. Stocked in a variety of colors and sizes. Prices from $29.99 to $329. Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 985-8938008, outdoorlivingcenter.com

52 Inside New Orleans
4
2 1 3

5. The One, The Only, King Cake Knife! Exclusively at NOLA Boards. $40, NOLA Boards, 256-0030, nolaboards.com 6. Li Bird studio ceramic bowl. $290, Li Bird, 504-355-7528, libirdstudio.com 7. We have all your Valentine’s Day needs! Hilltop Shoppe, 533-9670, hilltopshoppe.com

February-March 2023 53
6 5 7

Flourishes

2

1 3

1. Lucas and McKearn Tivoli Chandelier. Hand painted shade, gold leaf, crystal. Southland Plumbing Supply, Metairie, 504-835-8411; Mandeville, 985-893-8883, southlandplumbingsupply.com. 2. Gold leafed giclee “Come as you are.” $350, Zana Brown Studio, 504-3557528, zanabrownstudio.com 3. Customize your home with creations from Closets By Design!  A gift that lasts a lifetime!  Closets by Design, Covington, 985-247-0230. neworleans.closetsbydesign.com

54 Inside New Orleans

6. Skinbetter science products are dermatologist tested, paraben free, fragrance free, dye free, and cruelty free. New Orleans Aesthetics, 475-1000, neworleansaesthetics.com

7. Chanel Pink colorblock sunglasses Eye Wares, 301-1726, eyewaresnola.com

8. 10% off All Natura Bisse products. Royal Retreat Day Spa, Mandeville, RoyalRetreat. LA@gmail.com

9. Skinbetter tinted sunscreen compact. Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery, 565-2779, audubonfacialplastics.com

4. Fashion-forward Diamond Bangle Bracelets, available in white or yellow gold (sold individually). Wellington & Company Fine Jewelry, 5254855, store.wcjewelry.com 5. Oval Emerald and Diamond earrings in the regal/traditional Princess Diana style. Featuring 1.3cts in emeralds and 1.10cts in diamonds set in white gold, $5,995. Boudreaux’s Jewelers, Metairie, 831-2602, boudreauxsjewelers.com

9

February-March 2023 55 INside Look
4 6 5 7 8

1. Lip goals, come see us for fuller, hydrated, and more kissable lips. Juvederm ultra XC and Botox for fine lines & wrinkles. Syn, 985-515-0198, synskinaesthetics.com

2. Something Blue.

Aquamarine 18-20” Necklace with Gold Focal Beads. $150, Jennifer Ponson Jewelry Design, 850-698-3183, JenniferPonson.com 3. Stunning and versatile stacker bands. Starting at $800. Symmetry Jewelers, 504-861-9925, symmetryjewelers.com

4. Couture Bridal gown. I Do Bridal Couture, 985-327-5598, Idobridalcouture.com

1 3 4

56 Inside New Orleans
INside Look 2

Improvisations Gala

The 5th annual New Orleans Jazz Museum Improvisations Gala was presented by the Herb Alpert Foundation. Guests were treated to specialties from Messina’s Catering, Drago’s, Acme, Dickie Brennan’s, and Galatoire’s. Music filled the air with performances by Germaine Bazzle featuring Charlie Gabriel, Irma Thomas, GALACTIC featuring Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, Tim Laughlin Trio, Detroit Brooks Quintet, Aurora Nealand Quintet, Treme Lafitte Band, Mahmoud Chouki, and other amazing talents.

INside Peek
58 Inside New Orleans
photos: JEFF STROUT

Cover Artist Party

Guests enjoyed celebrating Inside New Orleans December-January issue cover artist, Colors by Natalie, at Nola Boards on Magazine Street. Food was served by Blue Line Sandwich and Everyday Keto To Go, with desserts by Haydel’s Bakery and sparkling sake by Wetlands Sake.

1. Fox 8 interviewed Royd Anderson at the Metairie Library after his presentation of his Howard Johnson sniper documentary. 2. Inside New Orleans’ Sarah and Joneé enjoy The Gala “Golden Ticket” event presented by Hub at Tchefuncta Country Club with Katelyn and Annette with Hub and Lauren with EyeWare. 3. Ali Laborde of Hotworx celebrating the opening of the HOTWORX at Covington Beer Garden. Lizette Alvarado promoted Syn Skin Aesthetics & Wellness with Debbie Cox Denova and Megan Barrett. 4. The Furloughed Four transformed this home into a fine dining venue for a one of a kind holiday party experience.

5. Co-owners Deyette “DD” Danford and Laurie Reed of Ariodante Contemporary Art and Craft Gallery with jewelry artist Lisa Normand.

6. Joseph and Kolette Ditta, and Stephanie and Dr. Stanton McNeely III, President of University of Holy Cross, attended the annual Rose Grilletta and Joseph “Jay” Carlo Ditta Scholarship Dinner Fundraiser at the Southern Yacht Club. 7. Jordan Nami and Molly Sanders were married at St. Francis of Assisi. They were neighbors growing up...now they’re man and wife!

INside Peek 60 Inside New Orleans 2 1 3 4
5 7
6

Mixing Things Up at

Home!

FOR CHRISTMAS I WAS GIFTED the El Guapo Craft Cocktail Mixer Set from a friend. It is packaged as 5 glass bottles with all the ingredients to make a single drink. The set is zero proof with all fresh ingredients, so all you need to do is add your favorite spirits. El Guapo is a local, woman-owned company best known for their amazing bitters. I love creating hand crafted cocktails using their bitters every day at Briquette. My favorite El Guapo bitter is the Holiday Pie. If you know me, lol, I could not wait to experience these mixers. The set contained mixes for Bloody Mary, Hurricane, Salted Paloma, Lemon Drop, and Mojito cocktails.

First up was the Lemon Drop. I poured the contents of the Lemon Drop bottle into a cocktail shaker full of ice and added 2 ounces of Skyy vodka. After shaking up all the ingredients, I strained them into a coupe glass with a sugar rim and garnished with a lemon twist. I personally loved it. I like my Lemon Dmore on the tarter side, but if you like them sweeter then just add some simple syrup.

Next up was the Salted Paloma. I mixed the contents of that bottle into a cocktail shaker full of ice and added 2 ounces of Espolon Cristalino. After shaking up all the ingredients I strained them into a coupe glass rimmed with salt and garnished with lime and orange wedge. Voila! Perfection _ a nice combination of flavors. Pro tip: this one was delicious mixed in a blender.

Third in the lineup was the Bloody Mary. I was curious about this one because El Guapo used their Crawfish boil bitters in it. Again, I went with Skyy vodka, and added 2 ounces in a shaker tin filled with ice, along with the bottle of mixer. I poured the contents into a tall glass filled with ice and rimmed with a Cajun salt and. garnished with lime, lemon, and olives. This one did not fill up my tall glass and lacked the

rich bloody mary flavor that I’m accustomed to. No problem, I added some olive juice, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, lemon, and lime juice.

Hurricane, a New Orleans original was on the books next. For this one I used a Louisiana Rum from Bayou Distillery. I poured 2 ounces of the Bayou Rum and the bottle of El Guapo mixer into a shaker tin filled with ice and then tumbled a few times. I then strained the contents into a glass filled with ice and garnished with an orange wedge and a Boudreaux cherry. I really love El Guapo’s Polynesian Kiss Bitters for all my Tiki inspired cocktails, so I was excited to try this in the Hurricane. Pro Tip: this one was also delicious blended.

Finally, the Mojito. For this one I used some personal techniques. In a mixing glass I muddled mint and lime wedges with 2 ounces of Don Q Cristal rum. Next, I poured in the bottle of Mojito mixer and tumbled. After I tasted, it needed more lime juice, so I squeezed another ½ ounce , and added ¼ ounce of my mint simple syrup. I shook all the ingredients, poured into a tall glass, and filled it with ice. I then garnished it with a lime wedge and additional mint. Perfection for a hot NOLA Summer day - refreshing and easy. Pro Tip: You can easily muddle strawberries, blueberries, or pineapple to Jazz up this amazing Cuban creation.

The El Guapo cocktail mixers are fun, easy, and best of all you can take them anywhere (even on the parade route). They are perfect if you want to make fun creative cocktails at home with little mess and zero skill level. Impress your friends at your next get together with these mixers. They are available to purchase in the gift set, or as individual bottles. These mixers are zero proof, and perfect by themselves. If you want more information or to purchase visit: www.elguapobitters.com

Cheers!

62 Inside New Orleans
Drinks with Anna

Haute

A Tavola Modern Italian cuisine in a lively, family-friendly setting. Featuring a bright, spacious dining room, patio and bar offering daily happy hour from 2 – 6 pm. Join us for Italian favorites, wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, paninis, salads, and more!

ANNUNCIATIONRESTAURANT.COM

Annunciation Restaurant, located in New Orleans’ Warehouse District, is walking distance to the New Orleans Convention Center and WWII Museum. Specializing in Southern and Creole cuisine, Annunciation is the perfect setting for an intimate evening out, corporate dinner or your wedding celebration.

THEBLUECRABNOLA.COM

The Blue Crab invites you back to the golden days of lakefront dining. With the desire to reestablish dining on Lake Pontchartrain as a destination for families once again, The Blue Crab invites you to join us for the freshest seafood. Come enjoy the sunset. Let the little ones wave at the boats as they pass by.

BLUELINESANDWICHCO.COM

Farm fresh breakfasts and lunches at Blue Line Sandwich Co. Pictured above is the homemade, locally sourced St. Patty’s Day Massacre Corned Beef sandwich. Catering and Delivery available.

A selection of restaurants and haute dishes found around New Orleans and beyond.
ST.
Plates Annunciation 1016 ANNUNCIATION
NEW ORLEANS 504-568-0245
A
Tavola 3413 VETERANS BLVD. METAIRIE 504-577-2235 ATAVO.LA
Blue Line Sandwich Co. 2023 METAIRIE RD. METAIRIE, LA
504-309-3773
The Blue Crab 7900 LAKESHORE DRIVE
NEW ORLEANS, LA 504-284-2898
February-March 2023 63

Briquette

701 SOUTH PETERS ST.

NEW ORLEANS 504-302-7496

BRIQUETTE-NOLA.COM

Award-winning contemporary coastal cuisine featuring Gulf seafood and fish, beef, lamb, chicken, Maine lobster, and unique chef specials daily. Open Mardi Gras Day.

Boulevard American Bistro

5171 CITRUS BLVD.

NEW ORLEANS 504-410-5171

BOULEVARDBISTRO.COM

Boulevard American Bistro features classic American dishes, exceptional service, and consistent quality. Our Metairie, Elmwood, and Covington locations offer dine-in, curbside pick-up, and delivery. Visit our website to view our menu and make reservations.

Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard

819 RUE CONTI

NEW ORLEANS 504.581.3866

BROUSSARDS.COM

Since 1920, Broussard’s sensational French-Creole cuisine and historic French Quarter architecture have delighted locals and visitors alike. Enjoy brunch in the courtyard or dinner in our elegant dining rooms. Broussard’s offers an extensive brunch and cocktail menus carefully crafted by Executive Chef Jimi Setchim.

Everyday Keto To Go

110 ATHANIA PKWY, SUITE B

METAIRIE, LA 70001 504-442-5435

EVERYDAYKETOTOGO.COM

Healthy can be delicious! Gluten free, sugar free, low carb, and keto bakery delivering weekly to New Orleans and surrounding areas including the northshore! Dairy free and vegan options available for all of our cakes!

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

Furloughed Four

THEFURLOUGHEDFOUR.NET

The Furloughed Four specialize in seasonal tasting menus with wine pairings from the comfort of your own home. Chef Mario Reyes, Chef Doug Braselman, and sommeliers Ray Gumpert and Taylor Terrebonne, furloughed due to the pandemic, have transformed their passion into a unique dining experience redefining fine dining.

Healthy Portions

1705 HWY. 59, STE 10 MANDEVILLE 985-635-1132

EATHEALTHYPORTIONS.COM

If you want to reduce the time you spend on making food, let our chefs create your meals based on your preferences, whether it be keto, low-fat or double protien meals. We prepare New Orleans flavored, perfectly portioned and calorie restrictive meals for you weekly. Order your meals weekly or drop in and pick up meals to go from our refrigerator. Approved Ochsner Eat Fit NOLA food provider.

New Orleans Creole Cookery

508 TOULOUSE ST.

NEW ORLEANS 504-524-9632

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. Open Mardi Gras Day.

Southern Oaks

SOUTHERN OAKS

7816 HAYNE BLVD. NEW ORLEANS 504-245-8221

SOUTHERNOAKSWEDDINGS.COM

Southern Oaks’ famous praline chicken is a delicious savory-sweet option for guests to enjoy. The crispy fried chicken paired with southern praline syrup and topped with fresh pecans has been a crowd favorite for years! This is just one of the over 80 different New Orleans-style hors d’oeuvres Southern Oaks provides.

@FURLOUGHEDFOUR
504-319-9071 FB/IG:
February-March 2023 65

New Orleans Barbeque Scallop Fettuccine features seared scallops in a spicy New Orleans BBQ butter sauce.

AS THE RESTAURANT’S NAME suggests, every guest at KIngfish Kitchen is treated like a king.

Executive chef Jamaal Foley shares his wealth of culinary knowledge in an atmosphere that recalls the Huey P. Long era. The menu includes Louisiana Crawfish Bread and Cracklin’ Nachos, yet the Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich, dressed with applewood bacon, B&B pickles, and green tomato chow-chow slaw on a fresh potato roll, is quickly becoming one of the best sandwiches in the French Quarter.

Located on Chartres Street, Kingfish Kitchen is now offering Happy Hour from 2-5 P.M., Monday through Friday. As well as the classic cocktails, such as the Hurricane and the Sazerac, Kingfish Kitchen also

offers signature cocktails. The Blueberry Hill will certainly be a New Orleans classic in no time.

As a new twist on traditional New Orleans cuisine, Barbeque Scallop Fettucine is the signature entree at Kingfish Kitchen. The scallops are perfectly seared in New Orleans BBQ butter sauce. Be sure to order the Barbeque Scallop Fettucine for lunch or dinner. Kingfish Kitchen is also available for private events. Join friends and family in a fun, fresh atmosphere that’s just as charismatic as the Kingfish himself.

Kingfish Kitchen is open daily until 10pm and 11pm on weekends. Located at 337 Chartres St. in New Orleans. 504-598-5005. kingfishneworleans.com

66 Inside New Orleans
Last Bite
Kingfish Kitchen by Kelly Hightower

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