October-November 2023 Issue of Inside New Orleans

THE SKIN SURGERY CENTRE

MOHS MICROGRAPHIC SURGERY AND SURGICAL DERMATOLOGY

The physicians at The Skin Surgery Centre focus on providing highquality care with a personalized touch for the treatment of skin cancer and other tumors of the skin and nails.

Dr. Keith LeBlanc, Jr. founded The Skin Surgery Centre after completing his residency in dermatology and accredited fellowship with the aim to curate a personal, attentive experience for each and every patient. Dr. Elizabeth Bucher and Dr. Corey Rougelot are now co-owners of the practice with Dr. LeBlanc, and the two are joined by Dr. Surget Vidal Cox; all four are boardcertified dermatologists and completed accredited fellowships in Mohs micrographic surgery. Mohs surgery is the gold standard for removal of skin cancers on the head and neck and certain types of skin cancer on other sites, such as if the cancer is recurrent, highly aggressive, or greater than 2cm in diameter. The Mohs procedure allows for minimal removal of skin by eliminating small areas incrementally until the site is cleared of cancerous cells. Mohs fellowship training includes advanced reconstruction techniques to achieve an excellent cosmetic result that maintains form and function. The Skin Surgery Centre’s operating rooms are equipped with televisions and speaker systems so that patients can relax with music or entertainment.

The most important factor to consider when seeking a skin surgeon is to find a board-certified dermatologist. Dermatologists have extensive, rigorous training in evaluating and treating skin cancers. If you are

recommended to have Mohs micrographic surgery, look for a surgeon who completed an American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) fellowship and is board-certified in Mohs micrographic surgery. This represents the highest level of training and expertise possible for a Mohs surgeon and ensures you will receive the best treatment for your skin cancer.

Drs. LeBlanc, Bucher, Cox, and Rougelot each attended medical school at the LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans. Dr. LeBlanc completed his dermatology residency at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta. Dr. Bucher completed her dermatology residency and fellowship at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. Dr. Rougelot completed his dermatology residency at Tulane University. Dr. LeBlanc and Dr. Rougelot both completed their Mohs surgery fellowships at Dermatology Associates in Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. Cox completed her residency at the University of California, Irvine and her Mohs fellowship at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, California under the tutelage of the Dr. Hugh Greenway, the worldrenowned Mohs surgeon and protégé of Dr. Fred Mohs.

All of the physicians at The Skin Surgery Centre are members of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American College of Mohs Surgery, and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. They are also members of the Louisiana Dermatological Society, where Dr. Bucher and Dr. Rougelot have held leadership positions, as well as the Louisiana State Medical Society.

The Skin Surgery Centre has three convenient locations in Metairie, Mandeville, and Biloxi. 504-644-4226. theskinsurgerycentre.com.

Dr. Keith LeBlanc, Jr., Dr. Corey Rougelot, Dr. Elizabeth Bucher, Dr. Surget Vidal Cox

Publisher Jonée Daigle-Ferrand

Editor Greta Honsberger

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On the cover

by Jonée Daigle-Ferrand

I’m excited to mark my fourth year as owner/publisher and look forward to spending the coming year preparing for the 10th anniversary of Inside New Orleans

I have many wonderful memories from the last four years, including events where we connected and empowered local business owners, celebrating my staff’s hard work, networking lunches, media sponsorships for non-profits and meeting new business owners. As we gear up for a busy fall events season, I look forward to being a media sponsor for many local nonprofit organizations and supporting their events. Check out our Scoop Calendar if you are looking to attend some great fundraisers and events around town.

The October-November issue cover artwork is a great depiction of a Southern Gentleman and old New Orleans mix. Andrew’s artwork has a historical style that bring you back to New Orleans during the Creole Culture. Come meet Inside New Orleans Magazine’s Southern Gentlemen and October- November issue cover artist, Andrew Lamar Hopkins, at our event on Wednesday, October 18th, from 6-8pm at The Sazerac House.

Happy Fall! Happy Halloween! Happy Thanksgiving!

Sign up to keep up with Inside New Orleans Magazine.

photo: SARAH DICKERSON

Contributors

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

I invite you “In the Kitchen” to share recipes and to cook with you in your home or restaurant. I am a former Zuppardo family restaurateur, and my grandma Mary Binder, was the founder of Binder’s Famous Bakery in the Upper Ninth Ward on St. Claude Avenue in New Orleans. As a child, I remember playing ball with “flour” in my grandma Mama Mae’s bakery attic with my 4 siblings Gregory, Michelle, Randy and Billy. My most vivid memories in the kitchen are of Grandma Binder, and my mother Rachel, cooking and baking, old-fashioned healthy, delicious homemade dishes. During Covid, I took a hiatus from my New Orleans radio show “The Cuisine Report.” I am excited to get back “In the Kitchen” to cook for fun and health with my New Orleans community, in the pages of Inside New Orleans Magazine.

Anna Tusa is the Director of Operations for Briquette, the Briquette Wine Room and New Orleans Creole Cookery. On p. 62, Anna shares her favorite cocktails from her travels.

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

Anna Tusa

Cynthia “Cindy” Clark

Leslie Cardé

by Cayman Clevenger

Vibrant Visions of the Past

Cover Artist Andrew LaMar Hopkins Illuminates

Creole Culture

WE HAVE MANIFESTED OURSELVES TO CREOLE PARIS, HONEY!

On a crisp September night in Paris, patrons of the arts converged steps from the Palais Garnier, the illustrious opera house in the pulsing heart of French fashion. Behind towering, ancient French doors, a dimly lit courtyard was the prelude to an awe-inspiring art gallery. Within the gallery, the “Outsider Art Show” featured artists from around the world, but it was the captivating work of folk artist Andrew LaMar Hopkins that drew the crowd, the cameras, and the interest of some of the world’s most esteemed art critics.

Hopkins is more than just an artist; he’s a storyteller, an historian, and a visionary. His passion for history, antiques, and art converge to create a truly novel and immediately distinguishable art collection. His is a distinct voice in the art world, resonating with authenticity and captivating power.

Born in Mobile, Hopkins moved to New Orleans during his formative years. As

Forgotten

a child, Hopkins became a Francophile and Antiquarian, drawn to French royal life, its architecture, and antiques. He voraciously consumed French culture, spending hours at the library pouring over every book on the subject.

Eventually, Hopkins began building miniatures of the architecture, antiques, and décor he admired and studied, leading him to paint. Hopkins’ creations brought a means of escape and allowed him to manifest a reality that transported him from his humble surroundings.

Hopkins’ insatiable appetite for knowledge animates his work. Creole life and culture became his muse, a guiding light that inspires and informs his works. He has manifested his dream life as an internationally acclaimed artist. Today, he lives and paints in France, Creole New Orleans, and Anglo-Saxon Savannah.

Hopkins’ works examine the heritage and celebrate the diversity of his subjects

while depicting them adorned and immersed in the period trappings of wealth, success, and opulence. In so doing, he reclaims role models from a whitewashed history. The Creole figures Hopkins paints, against all odds, each reached the pinnacle of success in their respective fields. Although their heritage is often largely unknown, many are household names, like Edgar Degas and John James Audubon. Hopkins also paints well-known icons of Creole history, like Toussaint Louverture and Marie Laveau, a favorite subject of the artist. His paintings are a detailed window of the time, people, and places he depicts, often in striking and mesmerizing miniatures that capture the essence of his subjects. Hopkins is not a professional historian, at least not in the academic sense, yet his artwork conveys a view of a forgotten history in simple but brilliant terms. In acrylic on canvas, Hopkins speaks a universal language. One that is remarkably accessible, encapsulating a depth of context beyond what any scholarly text could convey. In his art, history unfurls. It is told not through the esoteric jargon of the ivory tower but through a visual language everyone can understand.

Hopkins’ work is characterized by rich, bold colors and magnificent period details synonymous with opulence and success but rarely associated with historical depictions of people of color.

CREOLE NEW ORLEANS RIGHT NOW, HONEY!

I first met Andrew LaMar Hopkins a month before the Paris show at his home and studio, which he affectionally refers to as “Le Chateau de Hopkins,” in the heart of the French Quarter for a wide-ranging interview on his art and life.

An easel displays larger works, including his cover piece for “The Magazine Antiques, 100-year Anniversary Edition” and another large work he is completing for an upcoming show at the Los Angeles flagship gallery of Blum and Poe, which also has locations in New York and Tokyo.

His first easel allows him to paint in the natural light that flows abundantly from the French doors that open onto his wraparound balcony while catching a breeze off the Mississippi River. His second easel, a table just outside his kitchen, is where the artist toils late into the night, adding minute details to his works with singlehaired brushes under a focused light.

WE HAVE MADE IT INTO THE NEW YORK TIMES AGAIN, HONEY!

The art world has been ablaze for Hopkins’ unique work: Pulitzer Prizewinning art critic Jerry Saltz said of Hopkins’ work, “People should see it. It isn’t stuck in the trauma narrative or the pain fetish of art. His art is about life lived in peacock glory, dazzling, crazy, and it has this great sexuality.”

His sold-out debut show at the prestigious Venus Over Manhattan, titled “Creolite,” propelled a meteoric rise in his career. The show was organized by world-renowned curator and art historian Alison M. Gingeras, who was among the first internationally to recognize Hopkins’ genius.

One must not overlook the painstaking effort that Hopkins pours into his work. He stands apart from his contemporaries, producing extraordinarily detailed creations

that demand an immense investment of time. Hopkins’ commitment to delivering intricate works sets him apart in the art world. This dedication, while enhancing his reputation, comes with the trade-off of his time, leading to a critical level of scarcity in his highly sought-after original artwork.

Deferential to his roots, Hopkins chose the prestigious Louisiana State Museum in the Cabildo on Jackson Square in New Orleans for his first solo museum show exhibition. He became the first living artist and artist of color to host a solo show at the Cabildo. The beloved exhibit, titled “Creole New Orleans Honey! The Art of Andrew LaMar Hopkins,” was the most attended in the history of the Cabildo, ending after a one-year run on September 30, 2023.

Andrew LaMar Hopkins’ meteoric rise in the art world shows no signs of slowing, promising a future as bright as the captivating work he creates. His exceptional ability to breathe life into forgotten histories by incorporating stunning antiques, architecture, vivid colors, and undeniable joie de vivre firmly sets him apart. His work is a beacon of cultural enlightenment, leaving a profound mark on outsider and folk art. Undoubtedly, his influence will continue to educate, inspire, and resonate for many generations.

INSIDE

Games in the Gardens

October 26 Longue Vue House and Gardens. Raising funds for garden education at Longue Vue! Enjoy a croquet or table tennis game, sip a Pimm’s Cup, and take your chance on our signature seasonal raffle. Main Event: 5-7, Spanish Court and East Lawn. Sponsor Reception, 3:30-5, The Playhouse. 293-4710. longuevue.com

October

1 Kelsey Bradley Favrot Memorial Run Audubon Park (shelter #10). 5K Run Benefits Kelsey Bradley Favrot Brain Tumor Initiative. 919-8744 Kelseysgoal.com

1 The Marriage of Figaro New Orleans Opera - Mahalia Jackson Theatre. PreOpera Party 1:30pm. Performance 2:30pm. neworleansopera.org

1-7 What a Wonderful World: A New Musical About the Life and Loves of Louis Armstrong The Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal Street, New Orleans. A Broadwaybound new musical about jazz legend and singular American icon Louis Armstrong, starring Tony Award® winner James Monroe Iglehart. Told from the perspective of the women in Armstrong’s life, A Wonderful World charts Armstrong’s journey from the birth of jazz in his native New Orleans through his international stardom, featuring beloved songs he recorded and made popular. Saengernola.com

1-8 Cruisin the Coast Mississippi’s 27th Annual Cruise on the Gulf Coast Block

Party Cruise Ins, Headline Bands, Oldies Entertainment, and Swap Meet. Cruisinthecoast.com

3 Crescendo: Ella Project New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Ave. 5:30pm–7:30pm. nolajazzmuseum.org

4 Health and Wellness Committee Meeting Jefferson Chamber of Commerce. The Pontchartrain Center 4545 Williams Blvd, Kenner. 11:15am1:30pm. livewelljefferson.org

5 The New Orleans Mystics City Park ‘Thursdays at Twilight’ Concert Series. 5pm. Neworleanscitypark.org

6 Gretna Heritage Fest Downtown Gretna, 327 Huey P. Long Ave., 4-11pm. on Friday, 11am - 11pm. Saturday, 11am - 8pm. Sunday. gretnafest.com

6 Timeless Rx Grand Opening Timeless Rx brings proven health, wellness, beauty and vitality treatments to Metairie. 617 Metairie Road, Metairie. 985-893-6073; thetimelessclinic.com

7 New Orleans Pelicans Cure by Design

Gala The Sugar Mill, 1021 Convention Center Blvd. Benefitting the American Cancer Society. Secure.acsevents.org

7 Little Stompers Family Classes: Roots of New Orleans Music New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Ave. 10am- 1:30pm. nolajazzmuseum.org

7 Depeche Mode Smoothie King Center, 1501 Dave Dixon Dr. 7:30pm. smoothiekingcenter.com

8 Soiree in the Vieux Carre 1113 Chartres St. Benefitting BK House and Gardens. This year’s fundraiser will support the restoration of the main building’s envelope, the courtyard-facing and downriver facades. Sunday Supper by Pigeon Caterers & Music by The Y’at Pack. 5:30pm.

9 Fore the Families Patron Par-tee Louisiana Children’s Museum, 15 Henry Thomas Dr. Benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Louisiana. Rmhclsgolf. fundraise.org

10 Yusa & Victor Campbell & Dile Que

Nola Dancers Live New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Ave. 5 -6pm. nolajazzmuseum.org

12-22 Crescent City Chamber Music Festival: “Songs of the Earth” Seven Free Music Concerts Commemorating its 8th Anniversary. Benefitting The Crescent City Chamber Music Festival. Crescentcitychambermusicfestival.com

13 Light the Night Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Blvd. Benefitting The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. 5pm. lightthenight.org/events/new-orleans

13 Mission Possible Gala 23 “Denim & Diamonds” 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd. Benefitting New Orleans Medical Mission Services (NOMMS). Nomms.org

13 Marcia Ball New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Ave. 7-9pm. nolajazzmuseum.org

13-15 Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival

LaFayette Square Park, 602 St. Charles Ave. jazzandheritage.org/events/crescentcity-blues-bbq-festival/

14 Masterpiece Soiree - La Vie En Rose Gallier Hall, 545 St. Charles Ave. Benefitting You Night Events. Younightgala.org

14 LASPCA Carnival 1700 Mardi Gras Blvd.Benefitting Louisiana SPCA. Louisianaaspca.org

14 Dominican NOLA Festival Gala New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Ave. 6:30- 9:30pm. nolajazzmuseum.org

15 Boo Carre’ Halloween Haunt Costume Parade & Second Line French Market, 916 N. Peters Street frenchmarket.org

20 Oschner Open TPC Louisiana, 11001 Lapalco Blvd. Benefitting Oschner Health. ochsner.org/oschneropen

20-22 Friends of Jefferson Public Library Big Used Book Sale Ponchartrain Center, 4545 Williams Blvd., Kenner. 455-2665 Friendsofjeffersonlibrary.org

20-22 Boo at the Zoo Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St. 10am - 5pm. Daily audubonnatureinstitute.org/boo

20-22 NOLA Funk Fest New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Ave. Get ready to groove to the beats of the funkiest musicians in New Orleans. Nolafunkfest.com

22 Fleur de Bra 2023 Hotel St. Vincent, 1507 Magazine Street. Fleur de Bra is a stunningly curated couture bra showcase dedicated to raising funds for Breastoration and the Cancer Association of Louisiana. 1-4 pm. Cagno.ejoinme.org

23 32nd Annual Applied Underwriters >>

New Orleans Golf Invitational English Turn Country Club, 1 Clubhouse Drive. Benefitting: National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana. kidneyla.org/golftournaments

25 Prosper Jefferson Social Media Workshop JEDCO Conference Center 700 Church Hill Pkwy. Avondale. Jefferson Chamber of Commerce. 9:0010:30am Public.jeffersonchamber.org

25 Gershwin: Overture from Primrose Ibert: Divertissement New Marigny Theater, 2301 Marais Street. Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. 523-6530. lpomusic.com

26 City Park ‘Thursdays at Twilight’ Concert Series Paul Soniat with Special Guests 5pm. Neworleanscitypark.org

26 New Orleans All-Inclusive Top Taco & Tequila Fest Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Blvd. Metairie. The annual taco and tequila extravaganza kicks off the Halloween weekend. 6-11pm. Toptaconola.com

26 Games in the Gardens Longue Vue House and Gardens. Raising funds for garden education at Longue Vue! Enjoy a croquet or table tennis game, sip a Pimm’s Cup, and take your chance on our signature seasonal raffle. Main Event: 5-7, Spanish Court and East Lawn. Sponsor Reception, 3:30-5, The Playhouse. 293-4710. longuevue.com

27 Dark Gift ALLIANCE Covenstead The Howlin’ Wolf, 907 S Peters St Events are inclusive, welcoming vampires, witches, werewolves, fairies, and the like — even humans and familiars are allowed, with supervision. Full details available at 11pm-3am. CovenOfTheArticulate.com

27 Witches and Warlocks Luncheon Annunciation Restaurant, 1016 Annunciation St. 11am-2:30pm. annunciationrestaurant.com

27 New Orleans Music Fridays: Roderick Paul Quintet New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Ave. 6:309:30pm. nolajazzmuseum.org

November

1-12 MJ the Musical Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal Street. 525-1052. Saengernola.com

2 City Park Thursdays at Twilight Concert Series Sharon Martin. 5pm. Neworleanscitypark.org

2-4 Carnivale de Vin Fundraising Event

Weekend The Fillmore, 6 Canal Street. Benefits the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, whose mission is to create opportunities to inspire, mentor and enable youth to reach their full potential through culinary, nutrition and arts education. Carnivaleduvin.com

2-12 34th Annual New Orleans Film Festival Central Business District/ Downtown, Arts/Warehouse/ Convention District, Garden District/Uptown neworleansfilmsociety.org

3 Marigny Hemenway New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Ave. 2 -3pm. Nolajazzmuseum.org

3 Moonlight and Miracles for Ocshner Health Ceasar Superdome, 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr. The eleventh annual Moonlight and Miracles, presented by the Gayle and Tom Benson Foundation, will take place at the Caesars Superdome. This year’s black-tie gala will feature live music by Blue Rhythm, great food and drinks, the Mercedes-Benz raffle, presented by Gallagher, Latter & Blum and Securance Technologies. 6-10:30pm. ocshner.org/moolight

4 YMCA Corporate Classic

5K City Park Track, 12 Palm Drive. 8-11am ymcaneworleans.org

5 Mensches & Merriment Shir Chadash, 3737 W. Esplanade Ave, Kenner. Benefitting the Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation. shirchadash.org

10 BLUE - The Ranney and Emel Songu Mize Chamber Opera Series Mahalia Jackson Theater, 1419 Basin St., New Orleans. 6:30pm, Pre-Opera Party Nuts and Bolts Lecture at 6:30pm. Performance at 7:30pm; Sunday, November 12, 2023

1:30pm, Pre-Opera Party Nuts and Bolts Lecture at 1:30pm. Performance at 2:30pm. neworleansopera.org

17 Son of a Saint Annual Gala Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, 2 Canal St. 7pm. Sonofasaint.org

17 Founders Ball V The Cabildo, 701 Chartres Street. Hunt Slonem a Retrospective The Louisiana Museum Foundation.

8-10pm. thelmf.org

29-Dec. 17 Wicked Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal Street. 525-1052. Saengernola.com

25-Dec. 23 Merriment on Magazine Shop, eat, drink, and be merry on Magazine Street. magazinestreet.com

30 Galerie Galatoire’s Goes Pink Galatoire’s Restaurant, 211 Royal St. Benefitting Breastoration seeks to offer ancillary financial help to women seeking breast reconstruction in the state of Louisiana. Breastoration is a donor-advised fund, and our donors can choose to designate their monies to be used for education, patient assistance, public relations, administration, or where the greatest need is. 6pm. cagno.org

Scoop School

October 26 Ursuline Academy/HighSchool

Open House 2635 State Street, New Orleans. 4-6pm 504-866-5292. admissions@uanola.org

November 7 De La Salle

Open House 5300 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans. 4-7pm 504-895-5717. delasallenola.com

Jump Into the Classics

by Leslie Cardé

WHEN YOU INFUSE an already fabulous venue with $41 million in renovations, your plan is to exceed all expectations. In the case of the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and the Audubon Insectarium, there’s now more to see, more to do, and more to learn. The Aquarium is consistently ranked amongst the top five aquariums in the country, alongside the Monterey Bay Aquarium in northern California, the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, and the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California. The New Orleans landmark is now attracting more visitors than ever, thanks to its new look and feel.

Enter the imposing glass structure along the river and set your eyes on a pink katydid, among other unusual critters in the insectarium, or gaze at the white alligators slithering in and out of their watery hamlets at the aquarium. Whatever you choose, it’s a visual feast for the senses. And, within the aquarium, if you want to get up close and personal with manta rays and small sharks, there’s the large touch tank which invites you to quite

literally feel the creatures of the deep.

Ron Forman, the man who has been involved in running the Audubon Nature Institute for 50 years now, has overseen an umbrella entity that includes not only the Aquarium and Insectarium but also the Audubon Zoo, the Louisiana Nature Center, Audubon Park, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, the Freeport-McMoran Audubon Species Survival Center, the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, and the Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species. For Forman, whose raison d’etre has always been about global citizenship, there’s an elemental method to the madness and an underlying common denominator and purpose in running these organizations.

“It’s vital to teach the importance of conservation of wildlife, of their habitats, and of nature, generally,” said CEO Forman. “If you’re going to have animals on display, it must go beyond an attraction. It has to provide sustainable homes for wildlife, and we need to instill the notion, for example, of saving particular species like dolphins and sea turtles. We have families coming to us

Above: Mayan Reef at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas.

Inset: White Alligator at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas.

Award-winning venues around the city are amping it up.

photos: Audubon Aquarium

from all over the country and the world, and we have an important preservation message to impart. Since we at Audubon need to compete with other cities for tourism.... we want to be the economic engine which drives the train, enabling us to get our message out.”

There’s literally something for everyone inside this new adventure. The new butterfly exhibit inside the insectarium will have you marveling at these beautiful flying creatures as they spin around you, landing on your hands and on your head. Different species have been imported from other areas, and what may not be indigenous to the U.S., you can see on video. One particular butterfly has markings that appear to be the head of a snake. It’s camouflage at its very best!

What may have been familiar before will look different now. The Gulf of Mexico exhibit, for example, now has two vantage points... from the top of the tank as well as from below. The Amazon exhibit will expose children and adults alike to new varieties of reptiles

TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards have consistently ranked the museum # 1 in New Orleans, # 3 in the United States, and # 8 worldwide.

The museum came about when two University of New Orleans professors, Nick Mueller and Stephen Ambrose, wanted a museum to enshrine artifacts that had been collected. They wanted a place that would honor World War II veterans while explaining to the world why the war was fought, how it was won, and what it means today. However, after going to Congress for support, they were not getting traction and decided to take on the project themselves.

“Of course, they imagined something much more modest, like a little research museum that would be built at UNO,” said Pete Crean, V.P. of Education and Access at the National WWII Museum. “They thought they needed to raise $1 million, as Ambrose thought it would cost $4 million to build. Imagine, we have just completed a $400 million capital campaign. But the D-Day Museum was their

and birds. The Bayou exhibit makes learning about the wetlands fun, and the Mayan exhibit will give you a feel of our neighbors to the south in Mexico and Central America with their reef residents, like moray eels, slipper lobsters and parrotfish, amidst a backdrop of sunken treasure and beautiful orange sea coral.

For the truly adventurous, there is Bug Appétit, a café where insects become tasty food. In this take-out space, ants, grasshoppers, and crickets are prepared using recipes from the great chefs of New Orleans. Insects, it turns out, are a healthy and low-fat protein alternative. My particular favorite? Chocolate chirp cookies... that’s right, made with crickets.

Upriver just a couple of miles from the aquarium and insectarium, is the National World War II Museum, which has been lauded with awards since its initial opening in 2000 under its original name, the D-Day Museum.

brainchild. So, they started a board and formed a 501c3 non-profit corporation. Advisors early on decided the museum needed to be where tourists go... in the downtown corridor. By 2000, the museum had opened.” By 2004, it became the expanded National World War II Museum.

But nature was not cooperating. The following year, Hurricane Katrina hit the city, the levees broke, and the city sustained monumental flooding. While the museum itself did not incur massive flood damage because of its proximity to the Mississippi River, it was the end of tourism in New Orleans for some time to come. With a city underwater, the board met in Texas to decide the museum’s fate, and resoundingly that decision was to move forward with their vision and begin fundraising. By 2009, the museum re-opened with the Victory Theater. Since then, the expansion has been continual, with new exhibits opening every two years and new pavilions coming on board right up to present day.

photo: The National WWII Museum

The National WWII Museum.

The new Liberation Pavilion, opening November 3rd, will show in words, pictures, videos and actual artifacts what the cost of victory was about. It will show how we dealt with the refugee crisis, look at prisoner-of-war stories, the war orphans, and explore both the emotional cost of war by highlighting mental health issues like PTSD while spotlighting the physical costs, as well. The pavilion even has an exhibit showing how newly blinded soldiers learned to read Braille. And there is also an entire exhibit on the Holocaust.

“There is a really cool theater inside this pavilion called the Liberation Theater, explained Crean. “The half-hour film is not narrated and is in three ten-minute segments containing 25 oral histories of those who were either liberated or who did liberate those prisoners in camps. The theater is on a rotating platform that turns in its entirety after each segment. It’s a very emotional film. You’ll hear astonished servicemen arriving at the gates of a concentration camp, asking why anyone would do this to other human beings.”

Or how, when the Americans arrived, camp victims who didn’t speak English were singing “Yankee Doodle Dandy” as everyone broke down in tears. The stories are nothing short of inspiring and are too numerous to

recount, but the Liberation Pavilion was 11 years in the making, and nothing was missed.

The 2nd floor of the new pavilion explores how America emerged out of WWII as the leader of Western democracies and how the War paved the way for an international declaration of human rights. It takes a hard look at how African American GIs came home to a Jim Crow South. And it explores the technological advances which came out of WWII - - - plastics, the computer, remote phone technologies, medical advancements, even Tupperware. Prior to WWII, there was no Saran Wrap, there were no jet engines, or any satellite communications.

It’s hard to miss this museum while driving along I-10 through the downtown area. Its magnificent architecture, designed by Bart Voorsanger, is a symphony in projected metal. As many who know him say, he’s never met a right angle he liked. But the magnificent exterior is surpassed only by its thought-provoking interior.

Today, less than 167,000 American veterans are left who served in World War II, out of the original 16.4 million men and women. But this museum serves as a lasting tribute to them and will continue to long after the last veteran has passed on.

Venture across New Orleans to the towering oaks of City Park in Mid-City, and you’ll find the 55,000-squarefoot Louisiana Children’s Museum. It found a new home in 2019 when it moved from the Julia Street location in the CBD to its place on a lagoon surrounded by soaring greenery. Much of the storied structure is glass, bringing in natural light and, most importantly, connecting kids to nature. In 2022, the American Institute of Architects gave it their design award for just that reason.

Earlier this year, Tifferney White became the new CEO of the Museum, and she sees great things ahead. With her vast experience running museums in Charlotte and Las Vegas, she has been involved in community outreach since she first began working in museums and believes that there’s a way to bring in a new diverse population of kids to the museum--- but only if they know it’s here. In her past, that often meant introducing children to the museum by bringing some of the enticements remotely to community centers around their cities. But now, she’d like to find a way to get children to actually experience the joy of being in a uniquely designed space that encourages fun and learning. The purpose of any museum is to open up new horizons to children, and White believes that you’ll never know what children can become if they’re not exposed to new experiences. She took that theory quite literally when she brought a “guest” into a Charlotte community center.

“These were kids who didn’t frequent zoos or museums, so I decided to teach them about birds and reptiles, and that included snakes,” said CEO White. “I had to learn about these animals myself, so I found someone who could teach me how to handle a boa

photo: Leslie Cardé

The Louisiana Children’s Museum.

constrictor. Once I felt comfortable, I arrived at this community center and brought all of my boxes inside.

Toward the end of the session, I announced that I had brought a friend along and wanted to introduce him to everyone, but cautioned he didn’t like loud noises. The kids got very quiet. When I brought that snake out of the box, the gasps were audible. Some even moved to the back of the room.

I explained that reptiles were cold-blooded, and that my friend didn’t mind being touched if they promised to stroke him with two fingers in a certain direction. By the end of my visit, everyone had petted him.

You just never know who in that room might have been inspired to be a veterinarian --- all because they were exposed to something different at a young age.”

At the moment, the Museum encompasses exhibits specifically designed for children from birth to 3rd grade. There are infant areas with soft building blocks, bean bags to sit on, and even a waterbed surrounded by cushioning so that play and exploration can occur without hard surfaces’ physical dangers. And every area of the museum has a book nook with age-appropriate reading material reflecting the diversity in the community.

Elementary-age kids will be fascinated by the supermarket where they can buy items to cook in a recipe. And the museum considers it important that kids learn where the food on their plate comes from and how it gets there. The “Follow the Food” exhibit lets kids

experience what it’s like to shuck corn without actually getting out into the field.

Through pulleys and Velcro, the simulation all comes together. And through conveyor belts, they learn how food is sorted and comes to market.

White’s favorite exhibit is The River, which features a raised platform of meandering water that snakes through various states, starting in Minnesota and ending in Louisiana. Kids are encouraged to put boats in the river and move the locks so the thrust of the water waxes and wanes. In one exhibit, they learn about geography and the importance of engineering.

An artist-in-residence at the museum encourages creativity in a space that allows one to experiment and try one’s hand at different artistic pursuits. Children have a lot to say about the world if given the freedom to express themselves, whether it’s in paint, yarn, or even popsicle sticks.

White would like to see the Children’s Museum eventually include kids from the 4th grade and up on whatever level that means to get them in the door.

In a city of historical venues, what’s more historic than the Saenger Theatre in the heart of downtown New Orleans? On the National Register of Historic Places, it’s been around since 1927 and has seen its fair share of turmoil, including recovery from Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which prompted a $54 million renovation.

The theatre came to be when the Saenger brothers, who were pharmacists in Shreveport, put a mutoscope

in the drug store, enabling customers to use a hand-crank to see moving pictures. Realizing people were entranced by movies, they bought The Strand Theatre in Shreveport, where vaudeville players entertained the theatre patrons. The brothers began building their own theatres and eventually built the existing Saenger Theatre on Canal Street at a whopping cost of $2.5 million - - - a fortune back then. It was their biggest and most ornate theatre,

and the brothers moved their corporate headquarters to New Orleans. Today, part of its allure is bringing Broadway to the city.

I asked the longtime General Manager of the Saenger, David Skinner, how touring companies come about today. “Producers on Broadway determine whether their show can make money touring,” Skinner explained. “In other words, does it have broad appeal? Shows need to

photo: Matthew Murphy

“Les Miserables” at the Saenger Theatre.

tour for at least a year to recoup the cost of touring. “Les Miserables,” for instance, is a proven entity.”

That’s why it rotates through many theatres like the Saenger every so many years, as the successful hit finds new audiences and is seen again and again by many rabid theatergoers who love its unusual storyline and unforgettable songs.

The 2023-2024 Broadway in New Orleans season is a lovely mix of classic musicals, a brand-new musical premiering in New Orleans, and a comedy.

“First out of the box is “A Wonderful World,” the story of Louis Armstrong,” Skinner explained. “It will be seen for the first time, not on Broadway, but right here in New Orleans. It’s being produced by Vanessa Williams and contains 26 of Armstrong’s songs, including “We Have All the Time in the World”, written by John Barry, and originally recorded for the James Bond classic, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”, and later reprised in “No Time To Die”.”

The remainder of the season includes “MJ the Musical”, based on the life of entertainer Michael Jackson, followed by “Wicked”, the untold story of the witches of Oz, which won three Tony awards when it debuted on Broadway. Next up is “My Fair Lady” which won six Tonys, including best musical. If you haven’t seen this outstanding musical, now’s your chance.

“Les Miserables” is up next and tells the story of Jean Valjean, who is imprisoned for 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his family. It’s the winner of eight Tony awards, including Best Musical. “Ain’t Too Proud”

follows The Temptation’s extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock‘n Roll Hall of Fame. The classic “Annie” tells the story of Little Orphan Annie, and originally won seven Tonys, including Best Musical. If you loved “Mrs. Doubtfire,” the film with Robin Williams, the musical is coming to town with the same actor in the lead role who played it on Broadway. The season closer is “Clue,” a comedy based on the famous board game. It’s a murder mystery where the ending is decided by the audience.

But don’t ask Skinner what’s on tap for the 20242025 season. That’s a very well-kept secret.

The Saenger is awash with colorful stories and anecdotes, but perhaps my favorite involves the renovation of the starlit ceiling in the main theater. After years, many incandescent lights had burned out and couldn’t be reached to be replaced under decades of paint. During the massive renovation post-Katrina, the ceiling was redone, and fiber optic lights were installed where there had been no lights for decades. Someone commented that the night sky looked like a replica of the summer solstice of 1927. Skinner decided to confirm that notion with Neil deGrasse Tyson, the famous astrophysicist, who happened to be in the theater one evening. It seems half of the ceiling is correct, but the other half is merely a duplicate of the first half. Who but an astrophysicist would know the difference?

It’s just one more story that makes this magnificent theater one of a kind, in a city of classic venues that are all unique in their own very special ways.

with a touch of charm and grace.

27 Stephen Rue Rue Law Firm

28 Chris Beary Grace at the Green Light, Inc. The Louisiana Music and Heritage Experience, Inc. NOLA Funk Fest

30 Saul Rubio Rubio Enterprises

31 Drew Allen Voodoo Lounge French Quarter Phantoms Ghost Tours

Meet Inside New Orleans’ Southern Gentlemen and Cover Artist, Andrew Lamar Hopkins on Wednesday, October 18th, from 6-8pm at The Sazerac House, 101 Magazine Street.

32 Jordan McFaull, in memoriam Mouledoux, Bland, Legrand and Brackett

32 Vlad Stinikov Cristy Cali

33 Trip Goolsby, MD Infinite Health

33 Royd Anderson Writer & Filmmaker

by Greta Honsberger

Canvas and Cleats

A Southern Gentleman’s Double Playbook

NOT ONLY IS SAINTS RUNNING BACK Kirk Merritt talented on the field, but he is equally talented with a canvas and paintbrush.  Amid a demanding football career, Kirk, a dedicated athlete known for his exceptional performance on the field, shares a unique aspect of his life that most people don’t know: He turns to art as his creative outlet. Kirk has found the balance between his passion for football and the pursuit of creativity, “Football always comes first, but during the off-season or on my days off, I spend painting or focusing on my art. It’s also such a great outlet for me to be creative and be present. I think it’s helped me on the field tremendously.” His insight sheds light on the profound impact that artistic expression can have, even on the football field.

Kirk’s passion for art began in 4th grade when he used to sketch in class. At that point, his subjects were

his favorite cartoons. His first drawings evolved from pencil and paper, where he would draw characters from Spongebob to Mickey Mouse.

Continuing to sketch through his elementary and middle school years, it was when he got to high school that he left his pencil and paper behind and became curious about different mediums. He soon discovered an affinity for acrylics. Currently, acrylics are his favored artistic medium and his favorite.

A New Orleans boy, born and raised, Kirk genuinely appreciates his home and the art gracing every corner of the city. “Gosh, you just walk the streets, head to the French Quarter, look at the murals and artwork everywhere. It’s hard to not absorb it and carry it into your own work.”

Besides immersion in New Orleans art, Kirk is thrilled to return to his hometown. Returning to New Orleans to

>>

• Daily arts integration at 15 schools through our Creative Schools program

• Year-round professional development for educators

smART. The mission of KID smART is to empower children and educators through artistic expression. Through providing resources to public schools, KID smART is creating an opportunity for underserved children to access an education enriched with the arts, a privilege they might not have encountered otherwise. This year, as a partner to the program, Kirk will participate in a series of art events to raise funds and awareness for the important initiative.

• Curriculum and literacy initiatives

• Community and family engagement events

play for the Saints is a dream for this 26-year-old.

In explaining the full circle that has become his reality, Kirk says, “Every kid grows up thinking about what it would be like to play for their team. I had season tickets when I was 6, getting to watch the greats like Reggie Bush and Drew Brees, and to now be playing in the same place. Wow, it’s just surreal.” Regarding similarities between art and football, there are a few for Kirk.

Most importantly, he gives it his all whatever he does. He explains this simply but emphatically, “I’m gonna leave it all out there. On the field or on the canvas, I’m not holding back.” Coupled with appreciating the journey to success on the field or on the canvas, he understands what it takes and finds that patience, practice, and process are key.

Driven by his passion for art and wanting to share it with New Orleans youth, Kirk has partnered with KID

KID smART is a program that Kirk Merritt holds dear.  “I fell in love with the mission of KID smART the moment I heard about them, so I’m very excited to work with them this season and hopefully beyond. I hope that I can help be a voice for the positive impact of art, especially for our youth, and I hope I can be a role model for kids to go pursue their passions.” Thinking of an even bigger picture, Kirk appreciates that the program empowers a generation of children and supports art teachers by training them in the program. “We’re impacting many, many generations.”

This season, Kirk is participating in the My Cleats My Cause auction. Looking to some KID smART students for design inspiration and help, Kirk is excited about the cleat he will create, play in, and then watch it bring top dollar at the NFL-sponsored fundraiser.  The money that Kirk’s cleat brings in will go to KIDS smART. About his cleat, Kirk says, “OHHH, just you wait! The cleats are going to be fire!”

For this hometown boy whose dreams have come true, the advice he would give to someone who aspires to be an athlete or an artist is simple: Be unique and be you.

Making a Difference

A Life of Faith, Music, and Philanthropy

Chris Beary SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR

In a world where individuals increasingly seek ways to make a positive impact, Southern Gentleman Chris Beary’s journey into social philanthropy is an inspiring testament to the power of faith, music, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. I enjoyed learning about Chris’ motivations and the pivotal moments that have made him who he is today.

A strong religious upbringing laid the foundation for Chris and his desire to serve. Beginning as an acolyte and continuing his early career as a CPA, he dedicated time to performing free accounting work and financial consulting for various charitable organizations, including Christ Church Cathedral. Additionally, his involvement in the Cathedral community deepened administratively and spiritually, solidifying the sense of service and compassion instilled in his formative years.

Chris’ sense of service and compassion would come into play in 2005 after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. With the Dean of the Cathedral, Chris co-founded a charitable organization called Jericho Road Episcopal Housing Initiative, an affordable housing initiative to return low-income displaced residents to Central City New Orleans. Chris served as Treasurer and Board Member for 10 years, and Jericho Road focused on readying quality housing for persons to be able to move back to New Orleans who were in the 60—80% average median income range. Jericho Road’s goal is to transform lives and neighborhoods, such as one of the homebuyers who Chris said upon move

in made the comment “if I can buy a house, I can do anything.”

The motivation to help did not stop with affordable housing. When the call came in 2014 to help people experiencing homelessness, Chris did not balk. He formed an organization called Grace at the Green Light or “Grace.” This vital service offers aid for the unhoused’s basic needs in the New Orleans area, including water, a hot breakfast every day 365/7, clothing, and an initiative called “I’m Going Home,” which aims to reunite people without housing with their loved ones. One outstanding story is the recent milestone of sending Grace’s 3,000th person home. In this instance, Grace helped a mother fleeing domestic abuse find safety in Dallas with her three boys. The mother is now in a safe, loving home; she has a job, and her boys are in school. Chris says, “This remarkable achievement exemplifies Grace’s impact. Over nine years, we know from follow-up that we’ve helped a staggering 70% of the 3,000 individuals we’ve sent home successfully rebuild their lives with loved ones.”

Chris balanced coordinating and founding these services for many years while working as a businessman and lawyer. In 2018, he transitioned fulltime to business and service to the community. This was an important transition because, in 2020, when the COVID-19 Pandemic shut down the nation, Chris’ help was needed. On the ground working with Grace, Chris served three meals a day to the homeless for sixty days when no one else in New Orleans was open to feed those who needed help the most.

A love for music is another driving force for Chris, particularly songs with a social calling. The thought-provoking lyrics of tracks like The Meters’ “People Say,” with its rhetorical question, “People say, have I got a right to live?” inspired him to seek ways to help the New Orleans community and champion justice. The Pandemic hit the New Orleans tourist and hospitality industry hard, giving Chris the idea to couple his love of music and his passion for serving. As such, The Funky Uncle came to be. This charity was formed to help musicians and gig workers survive when there were no gigs to play and no money to be earned. Starting on April 3, 2020, and throughout the shutdown, The Funky Uncle produced 106 virtual weekly music shows, raising over $900,000 for nearly 1,000 musicians and gig workers.

Watching musicians tell their stories on The Funky Uncle episodes inspired Chris to create another charity - a museum that would

tell the Louisiana music story to inspire and educate. With the help and support of GRAMMY representatives and a broad section of the Louisiana music community, The Louisiana Music and Heritage Experience (LMHE) is developing into a 120,000-square-foot complex across the street from the Convention Center where the story of Louisiana music will be told from its beginning origins in Congo Square to where it is today. The project will have an annual impact of over 700,000 visitors, employ 234 persons at an average pay

of $60,000 annually, and bring hundreds of millions to the community’s economy. “It will be a worldwide institution on par with the Rock and Roll and Country Music Halls of Fame,” says Chris.

To provide a glimpse of the Experience, LMHE is throwing NOLA Funk Fest October 20-22 at The New Orleans Jazz Museum. The offerings include a Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew exhibit that will run for six months before touring other museums throughout the State. Also included are three days of local music highlighting

Louisiana artists to raise awareness for the need to open the Experience.

Chris has given much to the community for which to be proud, but adds, “In the end, I’m most proud of being a Dad. My four daughters are amazing.” The giving and compassionate nature shown by Mr. Chris Beary is a reminder that, with unwavering determination and a belief in the power of collective action, individuals can indeed make a significant difference in their communities and beyond.

wcbeary@bearyinterests.com

Saul Rubio RUBIO HOSPITALITY GROUP

Saul Rubio embarked on his American journey at the age of 24, leaving his hometown of Queretaro, Mexico. Upon arrival, he navigated various jobs, from house cleaning in LA to construction work in Miami. In 1998, he planted his roots in Hammond, envisioning a family and a close-knit community filled with hardworking, welcoming people. Shortly after settling in, he took a bold step and opened his flagship restaurant, La Carreta, now a cherished cornerstone in Downtown Hammond.

The initial year was tough, marked by relentless dedication and long hours. Yet, through unwavering determination, La Carreta garnered the affection and backing of the community, which remains steadfast in supporting its ongoing triumph.

Saul’s commitment extends beyond his restaurant’s success. Coming from modest beginnings, he’s deeply committed to nurturing social development and leadership within the community. He believes that these efforts will open doors to greater opportunities throughout Louisiana, and he takes immense pride in giving back. Saul has paved paths to upward mobility for community members of all ages and intends to persist in these efforts for as long as possible.

Rubio Hospitality Group, from the inception of the first La Carreta in 1998 to the introduction of Si Señor in 2019, thrives on the tireless dedication of its team members. The franchise’s growth stems from the collective compassion and hospitality that define this remarkable venture. Even amidst change, the Rubio family remains united, overcoming obstacles, striving to achieve their goals, and consistently aiming for excellence. Together, they embody the spirit of perseverance and community that has made their franchise what it is today.

Saul’s Journey A Tale of Perseverance and Community

Drew Allen

VOODOO LOUNGE

“One Night Out, I Ended Up Buying 3 Rum & Cokes, 2 Shots… and a Bar,” recalls Drew Allen, describing the night he learned his favorite hangout, Flanagan’s Pub, was for sale.

Drew graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Iowa with a degree in economics in 1987 and from The University of Illinois School of Law in 1990. Upon graduation, Drew eventually opened his own law practice.

Captivated by the excitement and romance of New Orleans, Drew eventually closed his civil trial practice in Illinois and moved to New Orleans in 2001.

Cindi Richardson came into his life in 2006, and together, they partnered to open French Quarter Phantoms Ghost Tours. In 2014, the pair opened The Voodoo Lounge and moved the bar

and the tour company to the new location on N. Rampart Street. With streetcar access and a scenic walk down Orleans Avenue from the back of St. Louis Cathedral, it was the perfect spot for both businesses to thrive. Combining Drew’s education and experience in business management with Cindi’s marketing and tourism background, the two made perfect business partners.

Open 24 hours, The Voodoo Lounge is bustling with thirsty tourists during the day and a preferred latenight stop for locals to enjoy a cocktail at the end of their workday, whenever it might be. French Quarter Phantoms is honored to be one of TripAdvisor’s Top Ten Ghost Tours in the World, as their tour guides are Master Storytellers who blend their education and passion for New Orleans to make history truly come alive.

frenchquarterphantoms.com

Vlad Stinikov

Vlad Stinikov, photographer for the local jewelry brand, Cristy Cali, came to the United States from Russia when he was eight and grew up in Madisonville. Undoubtedly, he learned to be a Southern Gentleman as a young man growing up in small-town Louisiana.

Vlad’s journey with Cristy began when they met during a collaborative photo shoot. Later, they connected on social media and met to discuss their shared philosophical interests. Over lunch, they had fascinating conversations about metaphysics, philosophy, and life.

Vlad was also interested in Cristy’s jewelry design business, and, as luck would have it, Cristy was searching for a reliable and talented photographer and videographer. Vlad eagerly agreed to work with Cristy, excited to expand his creative skills. These days, he enjoys the challenge of jewelry photography.

Although Russian-born, Vlad embodies the spirit of a Southern gentleman. His passion for his work and connecting with people shines through in the many networking events he attends. He seizes any chance to be creative and capture the beauty of life in the South in his work. Ever the consummate Southern Gentleman and incredible father of two daughters, this kind, considerate man opens doors for the women in the office and often brings them flowers.

About her friend, Cristy adds, “My favorite thing about Vlad is his radiant energy and optimistic outlook on life. He is the definition of “go with the flow.” He has a very laid-back approach to even the most stressful situations, and he’s constantly smiling.” Vlad Stinikov’s radiant energy, creative passion, and unwavering kindness make him a true Southern gentleman and a valuable asset to any endeavor.

Trip Goolsby, MD

Trip Goolsby, MD, with his wife, LeNae, is the co-visionary behind Infinite Health Integrative Medicine Center. For over a decade, he’s guided Louisiana patients to reclaim vitality and reverse aging. Dr. Goolsby’s unique four-pillar method rejuvenates through nutrition, fitness, metabolic balance, and the mind-body connection via their exclusive “Think and Live Longer” coaching program. His expertise extends to regenerative medicine, offering hope for neuro-cognitive diseases and musculoskeletal pain without surgery or harmful drugs. Tune in to the Your Infinite Health podcast hosted by Dr. Goolsby and LeNae, and discover more at www.YourInfiniteHealth.com – Look it. Feel it. Live it.

Royd Anderson

WRITER AND FILMMAKER

Royd Anderson was introduced to the wonderful world of literature and writing by his English teacher at Ganus High School, Mrs. Bjerke (Sharon Mathews). With his creativity chakra opened, he went on to get a B.A in English Literature at Loyola, an Associate degree in Science from Delgado (for balance), and his lifelong love for movies led him to pursue a Master of Science degree in Communication at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, specializing in filmmaking & broadcasting.

“My grandfather, Alfonso Cortina, owned a cinema in Havana, Cuba, so I grew up watching and appreciating films with my family. He and my family have had a strong impact on my life,” Royd says.

Royd’s stories focus on Louisiana disasters that are not usually mentioned in Louisiana history textbooks. He published his first book in 2021, New Orleans Disasters: Firsthand Accounts of Crescent City Tragedy, which peaked at number four on Amazon’s “New Releases in Disaster Relief” category. He also has produced many award-winning documentaries such as Pan Am Flight 759, The UpStairs Lounge Fire, The Continental Grain Elevator Explosion, Mother’s Day Bus Crash on 610, The Rault Center Fire, and The Luling Ferry Disaster. “My film on the ferry disaster served as my master’s thesis project at UL-Lafayette,” he says. “The success of this film led to the creation of a monument for the victims in 2009.”

When not working, Royd finds solace singing in the choirs of the St. Louis Cathedral and Transfiguration Of The Lord Catholic Church.

“I’m a proud ‘Yat,’ born at Mercy Hospital and raised in Gentilly,” he says. “Preserving local history is imperative; I’m blessed to do it in writing and also in film—it’s a dream come true.”

Meet Royd at the inaugural Abita Springs International Film Festival (Jan. 12 -14, 2024). His 2022 documentary

The Rault Center Fire will be screened and he’ll do a Q&A.

Royd can be reached at rcand@mygrad.loyno.edu.

Not Just Surviving, but Thriving

FLEUR DE BRA 2023

If you are like me, you might be unfamiliar with Fleur de Bra. Upon hearing the name of this important benefit, I was curious. After researching and reaching out to founder Dr. Suma Maddox, I was fascinated. This extraordinary event is where creativity converges with love and compassion.

Fleur de Bra is a stunningly curated couture bra showcase dedicated to raising funds for Breastoration and the Cancer Association of Louisiana. Directly benefitting local women facing breast cancer, the proceeds from the event lovingly give access to crucial reconstructive surgery.

Suma Maddox, MD, the visionary behind Fleur de Bra, states, “I founded FDB in 2021 to bring together artists and our community to raise awareness and inspire hope and beauty after breast cancer reconstruction. There are survivors of all ages all around us. These are our sisters, and to support and uplift them during these devastating times is everything I want to be doing in my life’s work.” Dr. Maddox’s dedication goes above and beyond. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction, she is the consummate professional. As a woman, she is a caring and loyal friend to those women who face breast cancer.

Artists Jill Maumus and Jennifer Zurik of MZ Architecture share their unique perspectives on this very meaningful endeavor: “This is a NEW way for us to give back. Usually, our art form allows us a chance to provide

sanctuary to people who work in or visit medical spaces, reduce stress that way, increase organization, etc. This is an opportunity to help raise money to bring relief in a new way and use our “making” skills a little differently! “

I was moved to learn about the important work of Fleur de Bra and the transformative power of art and compassion in the lives of breast cancer survivors. In a world where it is so needed, this beautiful fundraiser is a leader in offering hope, support, and a happier future for our sisters.

Hotel St. Vincent is the setting for this year’s annual Fleur de Bra event on October 22, 1-4 p.m.

THIBODAUX REGIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE

Thibodaux Regional Cancer Institute is not just a medical facility. For the people of Lafourche Parish and the surrounding areas, it is a lifeline with a deeply personal mission.

The Cancer Institute is where cutting-edge technology meets compassionate, caring experts who are more than professionals but friends and neighbors. For the folks at Thibodaux Regional Cancer Institute, the right team makes the difference in cancer care. Their oncology specialists support patients at every step of their journey. With the right team in place and cutting-edge technology, positive outcomes for patients are an everyday thing.

Thibodaux Regional Cancer Institute offers various

photo: Cameron Blake

advanced treatments and therapies tailored to individual needs. And it’s all under one roof: surgical, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, radiosurgery, or hormonal therapy. They aim to provide the most effective treatment plan and do it collaboratively, so the patient benefits from well-coordinated efforts, resulting in comprehensive treatment plans that are as individual as the people they treat.

The Cancer Institute understands that they are not just treating cancer; they are treating people. Director of Oncology Services Kay Areceneaux points out, “A diagnosis of cancer affects all aspects of a person’s life. Keeping in mind, our Cancer Institute includes a chapel for quiet reflection, a well-lit atrium for gatherings, an activity room for education, and a dedicated staff that treats all patients as part of our family.” They know that healing is not just about the body but the heart and soul as well.

MARY BIRD PERKINS CANCER CENTER

I have heard of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center for many years, but there’s a lot about Louisiana’s top cancer care organization that I did not know.

For starters, at MBPCC, they care for more cancer

patients than any other organization in the Greater New Orleans area. Their number one objective is to fight cancer by joining forces with local hospitals and doctors to go above and beyond to assist cancer patients in their recovery journey while making coping with cancer more manageable.

I was also unaware that the professionals at Mary Bird Perkins work as a team to give their patients the best of the best. Oncology specialists, scientists, and caregivers collaborate to provide top-notch and comprehensive cancer support for every patient at Mary Bird Perkins. You can rest assured that you are in the very best care.

The mission of Geaux Pink is to urge participation from individuals, schools, restaurants, businesses, sports teams, and everyone to rally together to fight cancer throughout National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

And at Mary Bird Perkins, in October, they embrace all that is pink! It is not unusual to see a doctor dressed like a pirate with a full pink beard, and at the very least, throughout October, the hospital is adorned in pink balloons with staff dressed in their own pink finery. All the funds from the Geaux Pink initiative remain within the community, aiding women impacted by cancer, offering free cancer screenings, fostering cancer education programs, and promoting early detection efforts.

CURE BY DESIGN GALA 2023

The New Orleans Pelicans Cure by Design Gala has an important goal: to meet Louisiana cancer patients’ needs by delivering life-saving programs, services, and advanced research.

You won’t want to miss this year’s Cure by Design Gala. Saturday, October 7th, at The Sugar Mill, is when and where the fun will begin. The evening promises to be delightful, beginning with a cocktail hour at 6 featuring the Grammy award-winning trumpeter Irvin Mayfield. Following a short program, the Paddle Raise Silent Auction with a Diamond Direct giveaway will surely cause some excitement. The 2023 Champion for Cures Honorees will be presented. Giving everyone a chance to raise a glass to the twenty dedicated men and women who have given their time and effort to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Association.

“GALERIE DE GALATOIRE GOES PINK” 2023

Another event whose proceeds aim to provide additional financial assistance to women pursuing breast reconstruction within Louisiana is the “Galerie de Galatoire Goes Pink.” Naturally, when I saw that this special dinner is held at Galatoire’s, I thought how perfectly marvelous. Not being a native New Orleanian, I only first dined at Galaroire last December, and what a delightful treat it was! If you know, you know. Galatoire’s is so much more than incredible food, although it is that. I could go on and on about it, but I will just say that it is a gorgeous setting of elegance and timeless beauty, very much like a lady. Galatoire’s decks out the spectacular space in all things pink, making it absolutely gorgeous. What better place to celebrate the beauty of women?

The “Galerie de Galatoire Goes Pink” fundraiser allows its generous donors to contribute to education, patient support, public relations, administrative needs, or wherever need is most pressing.

Join Breastoration and Galatoire’s for “Galerie de Galatoire Goes Pink” on November 30th at 6 pm, an event where the decor and attendees are adorned in pink, symbolizing support for breast cancer survivors who are determined to reclaim their lives and bodies.

A DANCE OF HEALING AND HOPE: BIONIC BABES, DANCERS OF HOPE

Gina Cherry’s journey with Bionic Babes, Dancers of Hope gave her solace during some incredibly

challenging times. Initially, it served as a lifeline during her battle with breast cancer, offering support and hope throughout her diagnosis and treatment. Later, it became a source of strength following the tragic loss of her oldest son in a devastating car accident.

Inspired by her own path to healing, Gina established Bionic Babes, Dancers of Hope. She explains her motivation: “My aim was to support others in staying physically active and nurturing a positive outlook when confronted with a cancer diagnosis. What better way to achieve this than through the therapeutic medium of dance?”

This dedicated group of twenty-three dancing “Babes” serves as an emotional support network and a means of engaging in physical activity for individuals affected by cancer, including patients, survivors, caregivers, and medical professionals. “I am proud of the medical professionals, caretakers, and supporters who are also Babes who believe in our mission and want to be a part of it,” adds Gina.

Additionally, the Bionic Babes aim to inspire and uplift others by performing at public events, participating in cancer fundraisers, and contributing to awareness campaigns. You may spot them dancing non-stop in parades in their signature colors: lavender, blue turquoise, and plum. These colorful dancers also make guest appearances and are on the scene dancing at many nonprofit cancer events, including several for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Cancer Awareness

Resources

Cancer is often a topic no one wants to discuss. Yet, it’s important to know who to call for prevention and treatment. The below is a list of resources available to Greater New Orleans.

Culicchia Neurological

New Orleans, Jefferson, Northshore 504-340-6976 culicchianeuro.com

Infinite Health Integrative Medicine Center

3900 Veterans Blvd #204, Metairie 504-323-0025

2002 W. Walnut St., Suite 2, Lake Charles 337-312-8234

yourinfinitehealth.com

New Orleans Aesthetics

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

The Skin Surgery Centre

Keith LeBlanc, Jr., M.D. Elizabeth Bucher, M.D.

R. Corey Rougelot, M.D. 1615 Metairie Rd. #101, Metairie 504-644-4226

theskinsurgerycentre.com

Thibodaux Regional Medical Center

602 N. Acadia Rd., Thibodaux 985-447-5500

thibodaux.com

LCMC Urgent Care

Algiers, Gretna, Lakeview, Marrero, Uptown, and Covington

Lcmchealthurgentcare.com

Thibodaux Regional Cancer Center.

Christwood Retirement Community

100 Christwood Blvd., Covington 985-898-0515

christwoodrc.com

The Laurel Kelly Martin

1101 Aline Street

New Orleans

504-350-2244

laurelnola.com

Senior Care

Infinite Health Integrated Medicine Center

3900 Veterans Blvd, suite 204 New Orleans, LA 70002

504-323-0025

yourinfinitehealth.com

Dignity Memorial

1-800-343-4464

dignitymemorial.com/aboutdignity-memorial

Dignity Memorial helps create remembrances that reflect the unique values, character and traditions of the families we serve. That is our passion, that is our purpose, that is our promise. Guaranteed.

Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine and Neurology

Resources

LCMC Health Urgent Care

Algiers, Gretna, Clearview, Lakeview, Covington, Marrero and Uptown

LCMChealthurgentcare.com

Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Dr. Robert Bostick

3001 Division St, Suite 204

Metairie

504-541-5800

metairiesportsmed.com

Thibodaux Regional Medical Center

602 N. Acadia Rd.

Thibodaux

985-447-5500

thibodaux.com

Westside Orthopaedic Clinic

Ralph Katz, MD

1301 Barataria Blvd.

Marrero

504-347-0243

westsideortho.com

Resources Banking, and Insurance

BANKING

Fidelity Bank

Multiple locations throughout the Greater New Orleans area. 504-861-7778 bankwithfidelity.com

FINANCIAL

Archer Hayes Tax Relief

3350 Ridgelake Dr. Suite 200, Metairie 504-308-1004 archerhayestax.com

CPA Realty, LLC

St. Charles Parish, New Orleans, St. Tammany and Jefferson (504) 812-8807

cparealtyllc.com

JDL CPA Forensic Accounting Business Consulting

812-7105 jessicaleblanccpa.com

Thibaut Financial Strategies

122 Terra Bella Blvd. Covington, LA 70433 985-807-6220

Thibautfinancial.com

Precision Payment Services

1912 Clearview Pkwy., Ste. 201, Metairie

504-229-6394 precisionpaymentsystems.com

INSURANCE

HUB International Gulf South

Annette Dowdle

3510 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie 504-834-2424

hubinternational.com

North American Insurance Agency of Louisiana, INC

2255 N. Hwy. 190, Covington 871-5480 naiala.com

Susan Geoghegan - State Farm Insurance Agent 6601 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Suite 17, Metairie 504-883-5553

sf247.net

Edward Jones

Jessica Marasco Illes

Member SIPC

606 N. Carrolton Avenue 504-486-8645

Edwardjones.com

Bennett Simeon Insurance

3100 Ridgelake Dr., Suite 204 Metairie, LA 70002 504-603-3333

bennettsimeonins.com

Jessica Marasco Illes

I am a native New Orleanian who went to Dominican High School as well as NOCCA. After that, I found myself at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA, home of Steel Magnolias.

I moved to New York City two months before Hurricane Katrina, where I stayed until well after the Saints won the Super Bowl. It was living in New York during the 2007-2008 financial crisis that piqued my interest in the stock market.

My husband and I chose Edward Jones as a place to build wealth for ourselves, which quickly led me to become an Edward Jones financial advisor myself.

I enjoy learning about my clients’ individual needs so that together, we can develop a strategy to help achieve long-term financial goals. Whether you want to plan for retirement, save for college, reduce your tax bills or plan your estate, you can expect personalized service and long-term investment strategies instead of the latest investment fads. Because Edward Jones is a privately owned company, I truly work for my clients – not shareholders – when giving advice and creating a strategy.

When not working for my clients, I am the wife of an audio mixer for film and television, Derek, and a mother to my human toddler, Scarlett, and my rescue fur babies, Baby Colston and Buster. Scarlett attends Ecole Bilingue where I am involved with the Parent Association. I am a lover of Mardi Gras and I ride in Cleopatra and march with the Krewe of Dolly! When not riding or walking, you can find our family on the parade route. Together, we love to travel (Dollywood is currently one of our favorite places), cheer on our beloved Saints and soak up everything that New Orleans and Old Gretna has to offer! In addition to the above, I am a member of The Touchdown Club of New Orleans, Fidelity Bank POWER, the Gretna Economic Development Association, the Irish Network New Orleans, and formerly served as President of the St. Martin’s Episcopal Moms’ Club.

Meet with Jessica at Edward Jones located at 606 N. Carrollton

MS. MARY KATHRYN SMITH

cannot say enough great things about ophthalmologist Dr. Barry Leader. In 2020, her optometrist discovered that Ms. Smith had abnormally high pressure in her left eye, a severe issue and a symptom of glaucoma. While a regiment of prescription eye drops is the standard treatment for increased pressure in the eye, Ms. Smith was unable to use them due to an allergy that was soon discovered. The eye drops caused her extreme pain, forcing her to discontinue them. Then, she was referred to Dr. Barry Leader, a comprehensive ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained glaucoma surgeon at EyeCare Associates.

Concerning treating Ms. Smith’s chronic open-angle glaucoma, Dr. Leader explains that it can be achieved in three ways. The first recourse is with glaucoma control medication in the form of eye drops. If that is unsuccessful, a trabeculoplasty laser treatment is the next course of action. Most people respond well to this treatment; however, it doesn’t work for everyone. For those people who do not respond to laser treatment, surgery is warranted. Unfortunately, that was the case for Ms. Smith.

Medical Condition: Chronic Open-Angle Glaucoma.

Treatment: The implantation of an XEN Gel Stent, a minimally invasive surgical procedure.

by Greta Honsberger

Under the care of Dr. Leader, Ms. Smith received a minimally invasive surgery where a tiny incision was made to implant a microscopic Xen stent. An incision in her eye and a stent placed in it made the healing process challenging for Ms. Smith, but she continued the treatment as prescribed. With any treatment related to glaucoma, prescription eye drops are a big part of the healing process. Lucky for Ms. Smith, considering her prior issues with prescription eye drops, Dr. Leader found drops she could tolerate to heal appropriately. Within three weeks, she could decrease the amount of eye drops, and within three months, her vision had fully recovered, with pressure levels in a normal range.

Ms. Smith could not be more pleased with her treatment outcome and overall experience, particularly with Dr. Leader. She says about Dr. Leader, “He is the best doctor because he is compassionate, takes time to listen, and genuinely cares about his patients.” Ms. Smith expresses her gratitude to Dr. Leader for his unwavering commitment to resolving her eye pressure issue and returning the vision to her left eye.

Barry J. Leader, MD, is a comprehensive ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained glaucoma surgeon who joined EyeCare Associates in September last year. A native Virginian and UVA graduate, Dr. Leader completed his medical studies at Tulane University, and New Orleans became home. He fulfilled his residency at Ochsner Clinic and completed an intensive fellowship at Louisiana State University on advanced glaucoma management and complex cataract surgery. Dr. Leader’s extensive contributions to glaucoma and optic nerve diseases include authorship of multiple journal articles, co-editing a book, and delivering presentations at various medical conferences worldwide. Dr. Leader expresses the importance of everyone having a yearly eye exam.

Above: Dr. Barry Leader. Inset: Mary Kathryn Smith.

with Dr. Barry Leader of EyeCare Associates

by Greta Honsberger

Morgan Moone of Barre3

MORGAN MOONE BECAME PASSIONATE about Barre3 when she moved to New Orleans in 2014. As a first-year law student, she knew she needed a physical outlet that would also restore her mind. She liked that the Barre3 classes were challenging, accessible, and centering, so she took her first class and was hooked, eventually becoming an instructor.  After being away from New Orleans for a while, Morgan returned to the city and discovered that the Barre3 studios in the area were for sale. She

purchased them without hesitation because, as she explains, “I wanted to pour back into the community that had sustained me for seven years.” Thus, in May of 2021, Morgan became the excited owner of the Barre3 Studios in Uptown and Old Metairie, followed by the Downtown location six months later.

Barre3 combines strength training, cardio, and mindfulness in a peaceful, thoughtful setting. Morgan explains, “Barre3 is focused on the mind-body connection that is loving, “grace-full,” and dedicated to the individual regardless of how they show up in the studio.” No matter your state of mind upon arrival, once in the confines of the Barre3 studio with the willingness to simply be there and participate, it is impossible not to gain mental clarity and an overall sense of wellness.

Morgan wants people to know that Barre3 surpasses the concept of a mere workout; it serves as a way to connect with inner wisdom, not despite setbacks, but because of them. The idea is that it’s okay not to be your best at something on a given day. The goal is simple: accept where you are, respect your body’s current state, and aspire for growth over perfection, the basic principles of the Barre3 philosophy.

Morgan’s favorite part of running the Barre3 Studios is the people. She appreciates the dedication of her staff, not hesitating to add, “Our team is truly outstanding- they pour their heart and soul into our clients and the experience in the studio.”  She also enjoys the clients because they are positive, joyful, and genuinely support each other.

As Morgan approaches the ten-year mark of calling New Orleans home, she reflects on all the good these years have brought her. She is grateful for her community and is committed to it, “...I have a deep passion for public health and work intentionally with organizations across the city, pushing for greater healthcare and wellness access for our community.”

For this intelligent, book-loving, nature-seeking, independent woman, what initially began as a simple physical and mental escape during her first year of law school has evolved into a life-altering journey. It has provided Morgan Moone with balance, a beautiful sense of purpose, and cherished relationships destined to endure for a lifetime.

1. Hilltop Halloween has Begun! Stop by the shoppe or shop online for all your festive treats! Hilltop Shoppe, 533-9670, hilltopshoppe. com 2. Warmly colored vases and much more have arrived just in time for the festivities. Fur.nish, Metairie, 702-8514, shopfurnishnola.com 3. “I Will Cut You” Kitchen Towel, $15. NOLA Boards, 256-0030, nolaboards. com 4. 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

Flourishes

1. New Navarrete Collection, great Modern Farmhouse style, 3 sizes and multiple finishes, gas or electric. Gulf Coast Lanterns, Covington, 800910-3275, gulfcoastlanterns.com

2. Add comfort and convenience with beautiful Real Fyre® gas logs by R.H. Peterson. A variety of sizes and styles on display. Starting at $580. Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 985-893-8008, outdoorlivingcenter.com

southlandplumbingsupply.com

4. With more than one thousand books on Hurricane Katrina, somehow not one work examines a collection of Crescent City calamity-until now. Here, seven tragedies and their fallout are explored through gripping firsthand interviews, planting readers amid the chaos. New Orleans Disasters: Firsthand Accounts of Crescent City Tragedy, by Royd Anderson. rcand@mygrad.loyno.edu

3. Bilal Chandelier Eucalyptus Coconut Shell. Southland Plumbing Supply, Metairie, 504-835-8411; Mandeville, 985-893-8883,

reminded to live in the present moment. In Latin America, skulls represent a celebration of life, not death, and serve as a powerful reminder to live in daily gratitude. Text VIP to 499-1080 for a special offer on Cristy Cali’s sterling silver Sugar Skull ring, $89. Cristy

1. Boudreaux’s Signature Collection diamond Fleur De Lis pendant in 14K Gold, $1,295. Boudreaux’s Jewelers, Metairie, 831-2602, boudreauxsjewelers.com 2. Antique diamond bracelet in platinum. Wellington & Company Fine Jewelry, 525-4855, store.wcjewelry. com 3. We need to be

Cali Collection, 722-8758, cristycali. com 4. Louisiana Bayou born, Swiss made. The new Bourbon Watch Company, Rue Canal Collection. Italian leather strap $985. Symmetry Jewelers, 504-861-9925, symmetryjewelers.com.

2.

delivers immediate and long-lasting hydration and can be used on any skin type. All Skin Better Science products are dermatologist-tested, paraben-free, fragrance-free, dye-free, and cruelty-free. New Orleans Aesthetics, 475-1000, neworleansaesthetics.com

3. Celebrate life daily with Cristy Cali’s Day of the Dead Onyx Signature Stretch bracelet, made with love in New Orleans, $125. Various sizes available. Cristy Cali Collection, 722-8758, cristycali.com

4. Let Indigo style you this Fall, Now serving two locations Metairie Road and Shops at Canal. Indigo Boutique & Interiors, shopindigoboutique.com

5.

1. Diamond Necklace in 18kt White Gold. Wellington & Company Fine Jewelry, 525-4855, store.wcjewelry.com

A dual-action moisturizer that

Sunglasses by Balmain. Eye Wares, 301-1726, eyewaresnola.com

McWhorter-Helmke

Anne Marie Delery McWhorter and Clinton Joseph Helmke finally shared the magical fairytale wedding they had dreamed of. Long-time friend and owner of Fleur de Lis Events, Natasha Alveshire, designed the event incorporating all the couple’s special needs and wants. The wedding was held at Jacmel Inn in Hammond, Louisiana. Anne wore a traditional ivory satin off-the-shoulder gown with lace drapery sleeves and a ruched bodice. Her attendants wore traditional floor-length chiffon dresses in teal. Clinton and his best man, Michael Edward, the bride’s son, wore navy blue modern suits.

The entire wedding was designed around a quote from the Book of Ruth and an ocean wave at sunset. All disabilities, from autism, lupus, mobility, and epilepsy, were considered when the design layout of the wedding was being established. It was important to Anne and Clinton that everyone be welcome and comfortable, not matter what.

The color scheme for the ceremony was based on Anne’s image of an ocean wave at sunset, capturing shades of blue, magenta, gold, purple, and burnt orange. Villere’s Florist fulfilled the bride’s vision for the floral arrangements, incorporating orchids, heather, roses, snapdragons, sunflowers, peonies, and draped greenery.

The reception was also held at the Jacmel Inn, where guests enjoyed a gastronomic delight that started with beef tenderloin filet skewers with hoisin sauce, fresh fried oysters, and shrimp devilled eggs with caviar. The main course was followed with a fresh green farm-to-table salad, spinach and ricotta gnocchi with truffle shavings, tenderloin of beef, grits and grillades, beef tenderloin steak tips with garlic mashed potatoes and greens, and shrimp and Tasso pasta. This extraordinary meal was enjoyed by all of Anne and Clinton’s guests.

The ocean at sunset wedding theme was reflected in the wedding cake and groom’s cake. The wedding cake was three tiers of raspberry white chocolate. It was decorated with layers of teal overlaid with gold leaf paisley. The groom’s cake was designed to look like an ocean wave at sunset and featured figures of Clint surfing into his new life with figures of Anne and her son Michael waiting on the beach.

The reception music was centered around one of the couple’s favorite songs, “Lucky.” Another highlighted music piece played at the reception in true New Orleans style was “Mardi Gras Mambo.” This crowd-pleaser put a smile on the faces of the guests and made the evening even more special to Clinton and Anne.

Kali Norton of Kali Norton Photography captured every moment for the couple to cherish forever.

The honeymoon had to be delayed for the future due to Anne’s medical status and the increase in COVID-19 rates. Argentina, Italy, and Croatia are favorite destinations of Clint, so one of these may be a honeymoon spot for the newlyweds. The couple will split their time between their homes in Houston, Texas, and Covington, Louisiana. Congratulations to this lovely couple.

Crown Me

On Saturday, September 16th, the Crown Me Foundation held its 2nd Annual Image Awards/Scholarship Gala 2023! Congratulations to our 2nd elite and distinguished class of awardees and our beautiful Beatrice Foster Scholarship recipients.

SassyA Cosmetics

5th Annual PopUp-Shop at Disco Warehouse Market.

Z Event Company celebrated its 35th year in business, a decade in New Orleans, and owner Susan Zackin’s 60th birthday with a grand event at the Orpheum Theater!

Cristy Cali has a private jewelry showroom near the New Orleans airport, open every Saturday to the public or by appointment at cristycali.com.

Fidelity Bank POWER program received this year’s President’s Award at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana Excelencia Gala.

White Linen Night

Arts District New Orleans (ADNO) threw a fantastic White Linen Night event on August 5th, thanks to the support of Fidelity Bank, the title sponsor. Thousands gathered in the historic Warehouse Arts District, specifically spanning the 300-600 of Julia Street. It was an evening filled with art and culture. Guests had the opportunity to stroll through the galleries in their stylish white linen attire, and they had the chance to meet Inside New Orleans Cover Artist Cathy Trione at Degas Gallery.

Indigo Grand Opening

Before this year’s annual White Linen Night, a special event at Indigo Boutique in Canal Place celebrating their Grand Opening was the scene for fun and fashion. Guests enjoyed champagne and tasty charcuterie boards. Plus, they had the opportunity to do a little shopping and pick out some of the newest and most stylish clothes from the Indigo collection.

by Cynthia Clark

Homemade Chicken Soup

WELCOME TO “IN THE KITCHEN.” I invite you to take a journey with me as we explore a variety of homemade meals, snacks, and dessert recipes each season.

Since it is fall, I am sharing my chicken soup recipe. This comforting and classic dish is known worldwide for its mysterious medicinal qualities, including boosting your immunity to relieve viral illnesses like the common cold and flu.

Tip: The longer you cook the chicken with the bone in, the greater the vitamin and mineral benefit to the soup broth.

HOMEMADE CHICKEN SOUP

Serves 8 to 10

1 Young Whole Chicken or pre-cut

2-3 Carrots

3 Celery stalks

1 Half of a large onion

1 Large Potatoe

3-4 Sprigs of Thyme

1-2 Bay leaf

1⁄4 cup Fresh parsley

1⁄4 cup Fresh parsley for garnish

2 Sprigs of oregano

5 Garlic toes

1 32oz carton chicken bone broth

1 48oz carton chicken broth

1 Box of Chickpea and Lentil Pasta spirals or your favorite traditional or plant-based pasta

Cut whole chicken into six pieces or buy precut. Season well with salt & pepper. Brown chicken with one teaspoon of coconut oil & olive oil in a hot sauté pan. Cut (mirepoix) carrots, celery, onion, and garlic while chicken browns. Add mirepoix to browning chicken. Add thyme & oregano, & cook vegetables for 5 minutes. Add a 1⁄2 cup of broth & scrape the brown caramelized bits left on the bottom of the pan. Transfer chicken to a second pot, cover with broth, add bay leaf & parsley, & simmer for at least 40 minutes; use a thermometer to ensure the breast is cooked at 160 and thighs at 185 degrees. Remove chicken & separate it from bones. Add browned vegetables & cubed cut raw potatoes to pot; continue to simmer vegetables for 10 minutes. Boil pasta al dente in a separate pot. Drain pasta, add a few dabs of butter & olive oil over the warm pasta; set aside in a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of oregano, and pepper to taste; serve with crackers or cornbread.

Traveling Cocktail Series Next Stop Croatia

THE COCKTAIL CULTURE while traveling abroad is an exciting part of experiencing the local culture. On my last fling of the summer, I visited the beautiful country of Croatia and its beautiful Dalmatian Coast. Croatia is rich in history, beautiful scenery, delicious cuisine, and fun cocktails. Several American mainstream cocktails were popular in the bigger cities, such as Split. On every menu in Split, you could easily find the Mojito, Sex on the Beach, Margarita, and a Dark & Stormy, but I wanted what the locals were drinking.

My first experience with the cocktail culture was at the World-Famous Hotel Esplanade in Zagreb, the capital city. The drink I tried first was The Hugo. The Hugo was a refreshing spritz cocktail featuring St. Germain, or Elderflower liquor served over ice in a wine glass. The Hugo was on every restaurant, bar, or poolside menu. It was a mainstay for me on the hot Croatian days.

1.5 oz St. Germain

1.5 oz Prosecco

½ oz fresh lime juice

Fresh mint

3-4oz Soda Water

THE HUGO

Next up, after a long day visiting the Krka National Park with its beautiful waterfalls, on the way back to the hotel, I spent the afternoon at the Bibich Winery sampling their delicious wines and hors d’oeuvres. I did not realize how many wineries were in Croatia. The red wines in Croatia were all deep in color, rich, and full of tannins. Several reminded me of a rich zinfandel. The white wines were also nice, crisp, and fruit-forward. The Bibich Winery is family-owned and operated. It is a MUST visit. They made me feel welcome

and educated me on the history of Croatian wines. Their outdoor seating area was lovely.

Croatia is also full of truffle farms, and the delicious truffles paired easily with the wine. If you want to visit a truffle farm, the Prodan Family Farm was a beautiful experience. The daughter prepared our lunch and educated us on all things truffle; then, her brother took the group on a truffle hunt with the dogs. The granddaughter, who is three years old, is learning to truffle hunt and already has her own shovel.

My last stop was Dubrovnik. In the Old Town, I ate in a restaurant called Taj Mahal. It was not an Indian restaurant, as the name would suggest. It was Serbian. At Taj Mahal, I hit the jackpot on craft cocktails. While dining at the Taj Mahak, I tried the Disaronno Fizz, a new, fun way to drink amaretto.

DISARONNO FIZZ

1.5 oz Disaronno Amaretto

¾ oz Monin Lemon

5 oz Sparkling Water

Next, with the entrée, I tried the Lemon and Pepper Gin and Tonic. Gin is a popular option all over Croatia. And the lemon and spice from the cocktail paired perfectly with the delicious lamb dishes.

by Anna Tusa

Drinks with Anna

LEMON AND PEPPER GIN AND TONIC

1.5 oz Tanqueray No 10

4 oz Tonic Water

8-10 Pink Peppercorns

Lemon Peel

Ginger Slice

My favorite, though, was the Dul Gin. This was a very Turkish-inspired drink, and so beautifully presented.

DUL GIN

1.5 oz Tanqueray No 10

¾ oz Monin Rose Syrup

½ oz Fresh Lime juice

4oz Tonic Water

8-10 dried miniature roses

Combine all ingredients in a wine glass filled with ice and stir gently.

A trip to Croatia would only be complete with sampling Rakija. Rakija is a term for fruit spirits or fruit brandy prevalent in the Balkans. The alcohol content of rakija is usually 40% ABV, but home-produced can be stronger. In every part of Croatia, I sampled different versions of this spirit. I would say it closely resembles Grappa. In the town of Korcula, the rakija is made with anise. In the town of Istria, the rakija is made with honey or mistletoe. My favorite was the rakija made with dried figs. When sampling rakija, it was always served with candied orange rinds.

If you can visit this beautiful country, do so and enjoy a rich culture deeply rooted in history. Enjoy all the fresh fish from the Adriatic Sea, the local wines, and delicious cocktails.

Cheers Y’all!

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

A Tavola

3413 VETERANS BLVD. METAIRIE 504-577-2235 ATAVO.LA

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!

Annunciation

1016 ANNUNCIATION ST. NEW ORLEANS 504-568-0245

ANNUNCIATIONRESTAURANT.COM

Annunciation restaurant is located in the New Orleans Warehouse district. It is the ideal spot, for an intimate evening, corporate dinner or celebrating any special occasion. Chef’s Choice Ravioli changes weekly. Pictured above, Seafood Ravioli with crab and crawfish topped with Monica sauce and garnished with basil.

The Blue Crab

7900 LAKESHORE DRIVE NEW ORLEANS, LA 504-284-2898

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Haydels Bakery

4037 JEFFERSON HWY. NEW ORLEANS 504-837-0190

HAYDELSBAKERY.COM

Haydel’s Bakery has been treating New Orleanians to the finest fresh-baked cookies, cakes, and pastries for over three generations. This family-owned business evolved into a beloved local institution nation known for its exceptional quality and service. Every Mardi Gras season, the bakery sends countless fresh and delectable King Cakes across the U.S. and worldwide.

Healthy Portions

1705 HWY. 59, STE. 9

MANDEVILLE 985-635-1132

EATHEALTHYPORTIONS.COM

Tired of spending hours cooking? Let Healthy Portions Meal Co. take care of your meals. Delicious, perfectly portioned meals are created based on your needs. They provide Keto, Low-Fat, Double Protein Meals, Vegetarian, or Paleo.

Order meals weekly to be delivered, pick-up or Grab & Go. Delivery to Northshore and Southshore. They are Ochsner Eat Fit NOLA provider. Let eating well, be easy for you!

Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails

337 CHARTRES ST. NEW ORLEANS 504-598-5005

KINGFISHNEWORLEANS.COM

At Kingfish, we tip our hat to the Huey P. Long era, serving up new-school twists on traditional New Orleans cuisine. Everyone who eats and drinks with us is treated like a king! Our bar, with its mix of signature and classic cocktails, is the perfect place to meet up with friends and family for a drink in the French Quarter.

La Carreta MANDEVILLE, COVINGTON, HAMMOND AND PONCHATOULA

CARRETARESTAURANT.COM

La Carreta Mexican restaurant, founded in 1998, is renowned for its sizzling and flavorful fajitas. Expertly grilled meats, vibrant peppers, and onions come together to create a mouthwatering Tex-Mex cuisine that has delighted guests for over two decades.

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.

Voodoo Lounge

718 N RAMPART STREET, NEW ORLEANS

504-666-8300

FRENCHQUARTERPHANTOMS.COM

Located a few blocks from Bourbon, the Voodoo Lounge offers a traditional Dive Bar atmosphere for those looking to wind down after a night in the Quarter. Come join us for two for one Hurricane drinks at Voo Doo Lounge.

OVER THE COURSE of a quartercentury, La Carreta has evolved into an iconic Mexican restaurant brand, stretching its influence from Lafayette to New Orleans in the vibrant heart of southeast Louisiana. The inception of this culinary legacy, masterminded by founder Saul Rubio, was a humble endeavor that has grown beyond imagination.

La Carreta, with its irresistible TexMex classics and renowned signature margaritas, quickly gained momentum, expanding its presence. Saul Rubio then launched 11 additional La Carreta locations, bridging communities from Baton Rouge to Amite, LaPlace to Mandeville, Denham Springs to Covington, Ponchatoula to Lafayette, and Houma to New Orleans.”People adore our restaurant because everything is crafted fresh,” Rubio explains. “We prepare chips, salsa, beans, and rice twice daily. The only things that find their way into the freezer are our beloved margaritas.”

Today, La Carreta’s extraordinary journey throughout the heart of Louisiana stands as a testament to unwavering dedication, adaptability, and the enduring legacy of culinary excellence. La Carreta continues to captivate the taste buds and hearts of numerous diners across the vibrant landscape of southeast Louisiana.

A REGENERATING EXPERIENCE

La Carreta invites you to immerse yourself in a tropical, exotic ambiance, offering the perfect setting to unwind with friends while savoring

internationally inspired-Mexican cuisine and indulging in our handcrafted margaritas.

12 LOCATIONS, ONE GRAND FIESTA

Spanning Southeastern Louisiana, La Carreta ensures there’s always a fiesta nearby. Each location promises a lively, vibrant atmosphere where Mexican cuisine, handcrafted margaritas, live music, and more come together to create a memorable experience for all.

1814 Magazine Street, New Orleans. 504-304-7063. carretarestaurant.com