St. Charles Avenue November 2021 by Renaissance Publishing

ST. CHARLES AVENUE MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2021

LOUISIANA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM’S “CHAIRISH THE CHILDREN”

GIVING THE GIFT OF BOOZE

FALLING IN LOVE WITH FASHION

C o n te n t s

VOLUME 26 ISSUE 4

On the Cover Event Chairs Mike and Jennifer Marsiglia, Louisiana Children’s Museum (LCM) CEO Julia Bland, Derrick Strozier representing Lead Corporate Sponsor J.P. Morgan Chase and LCM Board President Colleen Levy for LCM’s “CHAIRish the Children.”

Features Falling in Love with Fashion Owner Rachel Hall Taravella shows us how to work, play and stay cozy this season 38 Giving the Gift of Booze 30+ recommendations 44

In Every Issue Bev's Note A letter from Executive Editor Bev Church 8 What's New on the Web StCharlesAvenue.com 9 Morgan's Note A letter from Editor Morgan Packard Griffith 10 Nonprofit Events Calendar 10 Arts Calendar 12

On November 6, enter through the famous “Vestiblue” front door and proceed to the courtyard and lush grounds of the Louisiana Children’s Museum for the 2021 “CHAIRish the Children,” celebrating the LCM’s 35th birthday! Start with a signature patron drink or spirit provided by The Goldring Family Foundation and then move on to dishes provided by Dickie Brennan & Co. (operators of the Acorn Café at LCM), Louisiana Seafood and Rouses Markets. Presenting Sponsors the Marsiglia and LaCorte families also promise live entertainment courtesy of LagniAPP featuring John “Papa” Gros, a raffle to win a $4,500 shopping spree sponsored by Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry and a virtual auction showcasing the signature “CHAIRish the Children” decorated chairs. The evening begins with a Patron Party at 7 p.m. followed by the gala at 8:30 p.m. Chairs Jennifer and Mike Marsiglia encourage attendees to wear “outdoor cocktail chic” and remind everyone that the event will abide by current state and local health and safety regulations for public gatherings (currently that means masks are required when inside and proof of COVID vaccination or negative PCR test taken within 72 hours). To learn more and purchase your ticket today call 504-266-2421 or visit LCM.org/2021-chairish-the-children. Special thanks to Leslie Doles for her invaluable assistance. Photo by Jeff Johnston

STCHARLESAVENUE.COM

C o n te n t s

Celebration How to Host A Hassel-Free, Yet Impressive, Holiday Dinner at Home 58 Vintage Wedding Deborah Dellaye Smythe Weds Harry Edward Kuhner II on June 23, 1971 60

Style

Society

What's Hot Holiday Fashion Accessories 14

Along The Avenue Pilgrims, Babies & Birthdays 22

Designer Spotlight Marianne Mumford and Alan Mumford, Founders of Landscape Images 16

Philanthropic Faces Jee Park, Executive Director of Innocence Project New Orleans 24

What to Wear Laura Ashley suggests outfits to wear to New Orleans Film Festival 18 Changemakers Ashley Ledet, Founder of Bon Temps Blooms 20

Philanthropic Events NOMA’s “Art in Bloom 2021 | Home Grown” presented by IBERIABANK | First Horizon 26 Philanthropic Events Dress for Success’ “Suits & Salads Luncheon” presented by Capital One Bank & Valero Energy Foundation 28 Philanthropic Events NOCCA Institute’s “Art of the Feast” 30 Philanthropic Events New Orleans Women & Children’s Shelter’s “Bubbles and Bubbly Family Picnic” 32 Philanthropic Events Raphael Village’s “Soraparu Soirée”” 34 Snapshots Quick looks at nonprofit events around town 36

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With This Ring Gardner – Holbrook 62 Looking Back The Ghisalberti Apartments: From luxury apartments to drug store and back again 64 Finishing Touches Crazy for Kombucha 72

Associate Publisher Kate Henry EDITORIAL

Executive Editor Bev Church Editor Morgan Packard Griffith Art Director Ali Sullivan Food & Dining Columnist Jyl Benson Web Editor Kelly Massicot Event Photo Coordinator Jeff Strout ADVERTISING

Associate Publisher Kate Henry Kate@myneworleans.com or 504-830-7216 Senior Account Executives Meggie Schmidt, Rachel Webber Account Executives Meghan Sumrall, Erin Chiartano Advertising Consultant Penn Iarocci

MARKETING

Coordinator Abbie Dugruise PRODUCTION

Designers Rosa Balaguer, Meghan Rooney CIRCULATION

Subscriptions Jessica Armand Distribution John Holzer ADMINISTRATION

Office Manager Mallary Wolfe Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne For subscription information call (504) 828-1380

A Publication of Renaissance Publishing, LLC 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123 Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 MyNewOrleans.com The entire contents of this magazine are copyrighted by Renaissance Publishing, LLC, © 2021 with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. St. Charles Avenue is not responsible for photos or artwork and assumes that all releases have been cleared upon submission to the magazine. St. Charles Avenue is published monthly by Renaissance Publishing, LLC, 110 Veterans Blvd., Ste. 123, Metairie, La. 70005, (504) 828-1380. Subscription rate: one year $17.95, two year $31, three year $43 — foreign rates vary call for pricing. It is the policy of this magazine to employ people on the basis of their qualifications and with assurance of equal opportunity and treatment regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or handicap.

Let te r f ro m t h e Ed i to r

A Note from Bev Fashion-filled issue & holiday help With all of the problems thanks to the pandemic and Hurricane Ida, we’re so excited to present “CHAIRish the Children,” which will be celebrated in person on Saturday, November 6, at the Louisiana Children’s Museum in City Park! Thanks so much to Chairs Mike and Jennifer Marsiglia, LCM’s Board President Colleen Levy, Derrick Strozier representing Lead Corporate Sponsor J.P. Morgan Chase and LCM’s CEO Julia Bland for gracing our cover! Jennifer and Mike promise a night that you won’t forget complete with dining at the water’s edge amid the “firefly lighting” reflecting off the lagoon. You will also be able to enjoy a cocktail on the floating classroom, dance on the event lawn and bid on their signature chairs created by local artists. Be sure to get your tickets now by calling 504-266-2421 or visiting LCM.org/2021-chairish-the-children and support this treasured museum in City Park! Many of you remember Mike and Joe Marsiglia’s mom, Nancy Marsiglia, who was a major sponsor of the Louisiana Children’s Museum from the beginning and helped to raise so many of the funds to make it a reality! While you’re at the gala, be sure to check out

her beautiful bench that honors her hard work; we miss her and loved her so much. Now that we’re all starting to go out to these wonderful fundraisers, you’re going to need something to wear and accessories to go with it! Look to our annual holiday fashion feature, modeled this year by Monomin Owner Rachel Taravella! Then look to What’s Hot for Holiday Fashion Accessories for the perfect piece to top off your new or favorite outfit. Now that we are close to the holidays, both Thanksgiving and Christmas, we’re bringing you “Giving the Gift of Booze” by Jyl Benson; this gift guide features more than 30 recommendations from some of the best in the business! All bottles are available locally, which will support our New Orleans businesses! Please continue helping families and businesses affected by Hurricane Ida and give to many of the relief efforts that we spotlighted in our last issue. It will take a long time for us to be back to normal, but we can do it! Sue Strachan's new book,The Cafe Brulot, is a must read for all of us who adore this famed New Orleans drink that makes a meal at Arnaud's, Antoine's and Galatoire's have a per-

fect ending! Sue was the editor of St. Charles Avenue for 10 years and she’s a contributing writer for us now. This is a perfect book for all of our friends who are obsessed with cocktails for Thanksgiving or Christmas! Happy Thanksgiving! Beverly Reese Church

“Just Say YAYA” is back in person on Friday, November 19! Chairs Kimberly Allen, Nic Brierre Aziz, Rebekah Capers and Ashley Webber and Honorary Chairs Stephanie and Terrance Osborne promise a night that will feature YAYA students’ artwork as well as alumni artwork, art, glassware, glass demonstrations and a fabulous silent auction. The theme is “Art is Essential,” which we have all come to understand is important to educating our youth. Call 504-529-3306 and visit YAYAInc.org for more information and to purchase your tickets today!

Pictured left: Terrance Osborne, Sarah Martzolf and Meg Miles Photo by Jeff Strout

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O n Th e We b

NEW

On StCharlesAvenue.com

ShopTalk Blog

Online Extras • An Extra Bite Looking for one more taste? This month we have tips for easy bites to serve with cocktails when holiday well-wishers turn up unexpectedly

• Philanthropic Faces Go here to learn more from Jee Park, Executive Director of Innocence Project New Orleans, on what they do and how they do it.

• Nonprofit Events Calendar Continually updated with the latest information on when fundraisers are happening around town.

Penn Iarocci believes “Autumnus Confidmus (In Fall We Trust)” this month in her weekly blog, Shop Talk.

“

November is full of promise – I promise! Not only because it’s the penultimate month of a very difficult year but because: 1) The Saints are getting better; 2) It isn’t that hot anymore; 3) The holidays are coming! On the Shop Talk blog this month we’ll touch on opportune topics like: Thanksgiving flower arranging, hangover detox tips, bespoke clothing options and how to purchase art as a holiday gift. The focus is, as always, to put the spotlight on the droves of talented local artists, designers and business owners, etc., at our disposal!

Find Shop Talk every Wednesday on StCharlesAvenue.com and additional interviews and highlights Fridays on Instagram live @StCharlesAvenueMag and Facebook @StCharlesAvenue.

What local finds should we feature next? Email shoptalk@myneworleans.com.

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Let te r f ro m t h e Ed i to r NOVEMBER NONPROFIT EVENTS CALENDAR

A Note from Morgan Adoring autumn & staying thankful I believe the corridor between Halloween and Thanksgiving may be the best period on the calendar. The weather is beautiful. We get to go from obsessing about costumes and candy to who’s cooking which dish for the big meal. And always in the background is the oncoming present gathering and event scheduling for the winter holidays. To that end, make sure to check out our holiday fashion feature and What’s Hot for Holiday Fashion Accessories to find your new favorite fall outfit and the perfect piece to update your go-to. We also have our inaugural alcohol gift guide, featuring more than 30 recommendations for everyone from your best pal who loves a straight whisky to a bottle of fine Bordeaux to impress your boss. If you don’t imbibe, or have imbibed too much, look to Finishing Touches for an introduction to two locally made kombucha brands. That and so much more – Parties! Hosting suggestions! Weddings! – can be found in this issue. We hope you love it as much as we do! Available now is Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer’s Guide. The way it was described to me is as: “an immersive cabinet of culinary curiosities brimming with over 500 compelling entries spanning all seven continents and 50 states.” And since it’s food- and drink-related, of course New Orleans is mentioned thanks to our famous Ramos Gin Fizz. You can also learn amazing things like: How giant prehistoric sloths are a key reason avocado exist today; that Fidel Castro loved ice cream so much so he built an ice-cream cathedral in the 1960s that still stands today; and why Champagne was once thought to be an energy drink. Full disclosure: when I was offered an early copy of this book, I jumped at it. Gastro Obscura is part of Atlas Obscura, a database (also newsletter, books and even a Page-A-Day Calendar) of the world’s most wondrous places and foods – 20,453 entries so far with more every day. Find out more, including where to purchase the new Gastro Obscura book locally, at AtlasObscura.com. As we move through this month, let’s stay thankful. Thankful for each other, for ourselves, for our families and for those who help us every day, even if we don’t know who they are. Happy Thanksgiving, Morgan Packard Griffith

4 American Cancer Society Honoree Ball, benefiting American Cancer Society, ACSHonoreeBall.com 4 Celebrating The Kohlmaier Legacy!, benefiting Louisiana Museum Foundation, 504-558-0493; TheLMF.org 5–21 32nd annual New Orleans Film Festival, benefiting New Orleans Film Society, 504-309-6633, NewOrleansFilmFestival.org 5 Gala Celebration, benefiting Jefferson Community Foundation, 504-264-1237, JeffersonCommunity.org 6 CHAIRish the Children, benefiting Louisiana Children’s Museum, 504-266-2421, LCM.org/2021-chairish-the-children 6 New Orleans Jazz Orchestra’s Big Beat Gala hosted by Big Freedia, benefiting New Orleans Jazz Market, 504-371-5849, @NOJazzMarket 7 Ninth annual Moonlight and Miracles, benefiting Ochsner Health, Ochsner.org/moonlight 7 NOCTURNE XVIII, benefiting Musical Arts Society of New Orleans, 504-899-4826, MASNO.org 8 Gleason Golf Classic, benefiting Team Gleason Foundation, 504-453-7102, TeamGleason.org 8 Curtain Call Ball, benefiting Le Petit Théâtre, 504-522-2081, LePetitTheatre.com 10 One Night Only, benefiting YLC / WATS, YLCWATS.com 11 Judah Touro Society Award Reception, benefiting Touro Infirmary Foundation, 504-897-8435, Touro.com/jts 11 25th annual Prayer Breakfast, benefiting University of Holy Cross, 504-398-2206, bit.ly/UHCPrayerBreakfast 12–13 Supernova, benefiting Friends of Lafitte Greenway, LafitteGreenway.org/supernova 12 Odyssey Ball 2021 presented by First Horizon, benefiting New Orleans Museum of Art, 504-658-4121, NOMA.org/event/odyssey2021 12 Victory Ball: Celebrating Those Who Serve presented by Ray and Jessica Brandt Family Foundation, benefiting The National WWII Museum, 504-528-1944 extension 508, Victory-ball.org/home 12 Signature Chefs Auction, benefiting March of Dimes, SignatureChefs.org/NewOrleans2021 12 Zoo-To-Do for Kids presented by Children’s Hospital New Orleans, benefiting Audubon Nature Institute, KidsZooToDo.org 13 March for Recovery, benefiting Bridge House / Grace House, 504-821-7134, BridgeHouse.org/events/march-for-recovery 14 New Orleans Kidney Walk, benefiting National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana, 504-861-4500, KidneyLA.org/kidney-walk, Facebook.com/NKFLA 14 Boys Hope Girls Hope Golden Gala, benefiting Boys Hope Girls Hope, 504-484-7744, BHGHNola.org 18 Historic Houses Society Gala, benefiting Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses, 504-274-0744, HGGHH.org 18 10th anniversary Sleep Out, benefiting Covenant House, 504-584-1141, NewOrleans.SleepOut.org 19 Just Say YAYA, benefiting YAYA (Young Aspirations Young Artists), 504-529-3306, YAYAINC.org 19 WYES Worlds of Hemingway Gala Auction 2021 presented by the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust, benefiting WYES-TV, 504-486-5511, WYES.org/events 30 Stake Out for Justice Patron Party, benefiting New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation, 504-236-5630, NOPJF.org November 30-December 3 Closet Tours, benefiting Dress for Success New Orleans, 504-891-4337, bidpal.net/closettours

10 ST. CHARLES AVENUE NOVEMBER 2021

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A r t s C a l e n da r

Nov 20

N OW T H R O U G H

Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose: Found Object Art Contest, National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St., 504-528-1944, NationalWW2Museum.org

Adult Art Class, Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St., 504-539-9650, OgdenMuseum.org, Facebook.com/ogdenmuseum

26-28

3-7

John Mulaney From Scratch, Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts, 1419 Basin St, (504) 525-1052

4 & 18

Ogden Museum Meditation, Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St., 504-539-9650, OgdenMuseum.org, Facebook.com/ogdenmuseum

After School Art Club, Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St., 504-539-9650, OgdenMuseum.org, Facebook.com/ogdenmuseum

WARdrobe: Fashion on the Rations, National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St., 504-528-1944, NationalWW2Museum.org

Soul Sister’s 15th Annual Birthday Jam, Tipitina’s, 501 Napoleon Ave., Tipitinas.com

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Broadway musical Rent took the world by storm when it premiered in 1996. Now the legendary show will come to the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans November 26-28. A wild night is preordained! Rent, Saenger Theatre, 111 Canal St., 504-525-1052, SaengerNola.com Visit StCharlesAvenue.com to submit your Arts Event.

O First Friday Free for College Students, Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St., 504-539-9650, OgdenMuseum.org, Facebook.com/ogdenmuseum

5-6

The Gorgeous Offerings: The Black Ophelia, A Film Screening & Community Discussion, Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St., 504-528-3805, CACNO.org, Twitter.com/cacno

Abita Fall Fest, Abita Trailhead, Abita Springs, AbitaFallFest.com

9-14

Tootsie, Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St., 504-525-1052, SaengerNola.com

Willie Nelson and Family, Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St., 504-525-1052, SaengerNola.com

17-20

Words & Music Festival, Virtual, 205-310-8537, WordsAndMusic.org

14th Annual International Conference on WWII, National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St., 504-528-1944, NationalWW2Museum.org

NOMA Book Club: The Last Leonardo, New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park, 504-658-4100, NOMA.org

December

Allman Family Revival, Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St., 504-525-1052, SaengerNola.com

Vivica A. Fox: Funny by Nature, Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts, 1419 Basin St., 504-5251052, SaengerNola.com/calendar/ mahalia-jackson-theater

Bert Kreischer: The Berty Boy Relapse Tour, Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St., 504-525-1052, SaengerNola.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SAENGER THEATER

St y l e W hat ’s H ot

4 5

Holiday Fashion Accessories The holidays are upon us, and your social calendar is buzzing with a bevy of invitations. Whether gallivanting with friends to toast the season with celebratory sips of Brandy Milk Punch or RSVP’ing to an intimate dinner party where dazzle is on the menu, oh what fun it is to be accessorized to the nines. By Amy Gabriel

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SELECT PHOTOS BY CHERYL GERBER

11 9

1. A flute of champagne is best accented with a natural white zircon Ray Griffiths ring. Sotre, 711 O’Keefe Ave. & 3933 Magazine St., 504-304-9475, SotreCollection.com

3. A pair of party shoes with a black satin flower on the back of the ankle is an instant conversation. The Elizabeth Chronicles, 5430 Magazine St., 504-571-5258, TheElizabethChronicles.com

2. Sparkle the night away in a pair of Divine Decadence 24 karat gold-plated brass clip earrings decked with Swarovski® Crystals. Ella Bartlow, EllaBartlow. com and Angelique Boutique, 7725 Maple St., 504-866-1092, ShopAngeliqueBoutique.com

4. Suit up in style in a streetcar bow tie made of 100 percent silk. Nola Couture, 3308 Magazine St., 504-319-5959, NolaCouture.com 5. Is a holiday engagement on the horizon? A custom beaded bag with marvelous mono-

gram options is just the way to celebrate the occasion. Hemline, 609 Chartres St., 504-592-0242, ShopHemline.com 6. Don a vintage inspired classic hat made of 100 percent Australian wool, featuring a tall triangle crown in teak brown, trimmed with luxe deep orange velvet. Monomin, 2104 Magazine St., 504-827-1269, Monomin.com 7. The darling is in the details and your child will delight in a

pair of pink knitted gloves with red “painted nails”. Sayings Kids, SayingsKids.com 8. Cinch in style with an artistic rhinestone and leather string belt by Marni. Pilot & Powell, 3901 Magazine St., 504-827-1727, PilotAndPowell.com

10. Make putting formal shoes on a cinch with a supremely chic, limited edition shoehorn, handmade in Italy. Q Clothier, 795 O’Keefe Ave., 504-264-7788, QClothier.com

11. LSU fans will love a dapper pair of tiger tortoise frames as a striking way to take in the season9. Tote your to-be-gifted treasures al Crescent City scenery. Warby in a brag-worthy weekender bag Parker, 3964 Magazine St., 504in Bordeaux croc with black trim 799-2830, WarbyParker.com and gold-dipped hardware. BENE, BeneHandbags.com

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St y l e D e si g n

Marianne Mumford and Alan Mumford Founders, Landscape Images By Stephen Maloney

After working in the design business for nearly four decades, Marianne Mumford says she often finds herself working with generations of clients from the same family. “What’s fun to me is kind of working with that younger generation, where they’re trusting you to show them the way,” she says. “Their family has trusted us, and it’s interesting to keep going with that philosophy.”

How do you want to feel when you pull into your driveway at the end of a long day? While that may be one of the probing questions a life coach or psychologist asks a client early on, it isn’t a question many landscape architects are known to ask. But Marianne Mumford isn’t your average landscape architect. Marianne Mumford and Alan Mumford started Landscape Images 37

years ago, and from the very start, the husbandand-wife team have approached each project from a unique angle. “We are a design, build and maintenance company,” she says. “I would say that the whole complete follow through is what makes it satisfying. You can start from the creation to making sure it’s tended the way you want.” The initial seeds of any design come from the cli-

16 ST. CHARLES AVENUE NOVEMBER 2021

ent’s lifestyle and can vary drastically from project to project, Mumford says. “I really like the gardens to spin off of the client’s personality, so we don’t push one way or another,” she says. “That’s a huge part of our philosophy – that the garden doesn’t just reflect the style that we like; that it reflects the personality of the client.” Doctors and finance gurus tend to want orderly lines and clear boundar-

ies, Mumford says, while artistic types are more prone to ask for a garden that grows freely. “One of my favorite gardens that I’ve worked on over the past three years is really a small garden, but the client Sheelah Black has become one of my very best friends,” Mumford says. “She wanted a swing in her garden. She’s super young at heart, and it’s just totally fun. It’s just a perfect match.” ✦

Landscape Images Ltd. 655 Central Ave., 504-734-8380 LandscapeImagesLtd.com Instagram @Landscape_Images_Nola Facebook @LandscapeImagesLtd

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St y l e Fa shio n

What to Wear Laura Ashley, Secretary of the New Orleans Film Society, wears a dress by Haney, cashmere coat by Anine Bing, Cult Gaia earrings (SoSusu), Single Stone ring (Jack Sutton)and Benedetta Bruzziches bag (Joseph) to hit all the upcoming movie premieres for this year's New Orleans Film Festival. Styled by Melissa Coleman Photographed by Theresa Cassagne King

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Hitting a premiere? We’ve got you red carpet ready.

➺

Opening November 5 'til the final curtain November 21, the New Orleans Film Festival is back in person and virtually for eager moviegoers to have a chance to see some of the 170 selected films to view.

Friday Night Stripes

The Curious Case of Cutouts and Buttons

Snakes on a Dame

Jonathan Simkhai vegan leather pleated dress works at a premiere and then dinner after to talk all things film. SoSusu, 3427 Magazine St., SoSusuBoutique.com

Mint Green Dress button down dress with cutouts keeps you covered while showing some skin. Monomin, 2104 Magazine St., Monomin.com

Grab your pointed toe black boots to pair with this Proenza Schouler halter dress for the perfect transitional piece. Cold in the theatre? Add a chic blazer. Pilot and Powell, 3901 Magazine St., PilotAndPowell.com

STCHARLESAVENUE.COM

St y l e C ha n g e maker s

Ashley Ledet Founder, Bons Temps Blooms By Lindsay Mack

By giving floral arrangements from weddings and other events a second life, Bons Temps Blooms brings joy to people throughout New Orleans while providing a green, sustainable service. Here’s what Founder Ashley Ledet had to say about her creative and uplifting organization. While working as an assistant wedding planner in college, Ashley Ledet was devastated to see all the flowers going into the trash at the end of the night. At the time, she brought some of the blooms back to campus for her fellow students to enjoy.

20 ST. CHARLES AVENUE NOVEMBER 2021

Now, with her organization Bons Temps Blooms, Ledet delivers these event flowers to local hospice and nursing homes to help brighten the residents’ living space. “The push to pick up at this point in life came from the pandemic, because so many folks in hospice centers and nursing homes were isolated,” says Ledet. This past spring, Ledet connected with a few weddings and brought the flowers to St. Joseph’s Hospice Center. They were a hit with the residents. “Flowers were able to bring them a smile and bringing joy and smiles to others has been a great success.”

Bon Temps Blooms is currently looking to partner with more events that use flowers, such as weddings or corporate gatherings, to source more floral arrangements. In addition, Ledet is open to more volunteers (aka “flower friends”) to help arrange and deliver flowers. Lastly, Ledet would like to partner with more florists who can recommend Bons Temps Blooms to clients, so they know this option is available for using flowers after the event. “Keep the Bons Temps blooming one bouquet at a time and keep going green!” says Ledet. ✦

GET INVOLVED If you’re having an event with flowers, reach out to Bons Temps Blooms directly and Ledet will contact you soon afterward. Currently, Bons Temps Blooms works with St. Joseph’s Hospice Center, and Ledet is always open to more connections. Reach out through email at bonstempsblooms@ gmail.com, or on Facebook or Instagram @BonsTempsBlooms.

PHOTO BY CHERYL GERBER

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S o cie t y A l o n g T he Avenu e

Pilgrims, Babies & Birthdays By Diane Sustendal

First, I never want to celebrate my birthday again; I suspect neither does Patti Jahncke. Our birthdays fall on August 29 and 30 – big days for hurricanes, evacuations and all hell breaking loose. Which is how we found ourselves in the same car headed to Texas the day after Hurricane Ida blasted through town, creating mayhem and power outages. With her calm, sensible husband Tommy behind the wheel, we headed to Patti’s mother’s house in Longview, Texas, and then Tommy drove me another two hours to drop me at DWF airport. Now that’s a gentleman and a pal! Two hours later I was off to Madrid to begin walking the Camino Santiago de Compostela with 16 other pilgrims lead by Rev. Kit McLean and her husband Bill. In six days, our group tackled last 62 miles of roads that have been walked since 1211 AD. The

roads were narrow and wide, and lined with pastures of sheep and cows, small family-owned taverns, stone houses, babbling streams and beautiful flowers from orchids to bougainvillea. The route is dotted with holy sites and makeshift monuments marked by short columns decorated with scallop shapes of gold and arrows pointing the way. As they walk, pilgrims leave rocks, rosaries and even shoes to honor loved ones or mark the end of their journey. There was chatter, contemplation, laughter and, when we finally arrived in front of the magnificent cathedral, tears of joy before a celebratory lunch in the bar of the Posada de Santiago Hostel Reis Católicos, once a 14th century hospital turned five-star hotel. Among the group were expectant grandmothers Debbie Poitevent and Christa Montgomery, who

22 ST. CHARLES AVENUE NOVEMBER 2021

restrained their grandbaby buying sprees until after Compostela’s end – then lit out like bees! These are going to be some very well dressed and well prayed for kiddos. At home, little Millie Poitevent Sanders, whose birthday is October 2, painted a banner for her baby brother, Charles Eads Sanders, born October 5. And Erin and Robert Montgomery’s ardent work on their new home aroused an excited baby Robert II who decided to arrive two weeks early on October 1. Skipping a few generations but in time for the new James Bond flix, Billy Treadway walked into Tipitana’s and was met with shouts of “Surprise!” The martinis were on tap – shaken not stirred – while Shaon & The Girls with Success rocked out and guests danced among life-sized cutouts of a tuxedoed 007. Here’s the thing: Billy has had a man crush

on Bond for years, so for his 70th his wife and children pulled off the theme – and he loved every minute of it. Among the throng were the Billy Langensteins, the Richard Rousels, the Waldo Otises, the Hardie Fowlers, Janie Eshleman, Alice Parkerson, Brooke Duncan and lots of others. Rounding out birthday news is none other than the gracious, lovely and smiling Edna Colton who turned 100! She’s so spry and game she was spotted wearing a blue chiffon pantsuit and a tiara while dancing with family members to the music of Johnny Parker’s “Ain’t She Sweet?” The answer is yes, she is, and fun, too. Happy Birthday, Edna! The season is now in full swing with benefits, deb parties, weddings, tailgating and Thanksgiving. Neither Ida nor Covid can keep New Orleans down! ✦

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S o cie t y P hila n t hro p ic Faces

Jee Park Executive Director, Innocence Project New Orleans By Sue Strachan

How many years have you been with this organization? I started in January 2017 as IPNO’s senior policy attorney then moved into the executive director role in June 2018. Education: Bachelor of Arts degree, Wesleyan University; JD, University of California, Berkeley School of Law; LL.M, Georgetown University Law Center. Age: 47

When Innocence Project New Orleans holds its annual benefit, there are posters of IPNO clients, men, most of whom are Black, placed around the room with information about them. What stands out are the numbers: 20, 35 – and 45 for Wilbert Jones. It is the years they were in prison before the organization was able to exonerate them and/or get their release. Jones, who was released in 2017 and exonerated in 2018, is the client who had been in prison for the longest. The path from incarceration to freedom is guided by IPNO Executive Director Jee Park and IPNO’s dedicated staff, which has taken on the case of its first woman client, Cheri Hayden, who “is innocent and has been wrongly convicted and imprisoned for over 10 years for a crime she knew nothing about and did not commit,” states the IPNO website. Hayden, who battled lung cancer in prison, now has terminal brain cancer. For Park, her path to this job started as a teenager when her father was murdered. “I became aware of and exposed to the criminal legal system as result of this horrific tragedy to my family,” she says. “I saw for the first time the over-representation of Black people in the criminal legal system. I have always been conscious of race and racism as an Asian American growing up in a predominantly White community, and yet the stark racial disparity I saw in the criminal legal system was eye opening.” She saw people being criminalized for their poverty, addiction, mental health issues, homelessness and choice of profession such as sex work. “Not a lot of this made much sense until I went to work for Equal Justice Initiative,” Park says. She began to see what was happening currently in the U.S. criminal legal system through the historical lens of slavery, convict leasing, Jim Crow law, lynching of Black people, racially discriminatory housing policies and government programs and the war on drugs. “I think my dad would be really proud that I was a public defender and now represent people wrongfully convicted,” she says. “He believed in forgiveness and redemption, treating everyone with dignity and humanity, and doing what’s right, even at a cost.”

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Tell us what IPNO does. IPNO frees innocent people sentenced to life in prison and those serving unjust sentences. Founded in 2001 – this is our 20th anniversary year – to date IPNO has freed or exonerated 46 individuals who spent a combined 1,060 years in prison. IPNO is one of the most successful innocence organizations in the country. The organization supports our clients living well and fully in the world after their release by providing them with wraparound support and services. IPNO endeavors to address the root causes of wrongful convictions and unjust sentences by advocating for just and equitable criminal legal policies. What have been the biggest, or most important, accomplishments while you’ve been with the organization? • Under my leadership IPNO has freed or exonerated 10 innocent men who were sentenced to life in prison for crimes they didn’t commit • Started the Unjust Punishment Project, which has freed seven men who received unjust life sentences for nonviolent crimes • Received federal grant

funding to begin a Wrongful Conviction Clinic at LSU Law Center this fall • Expanded IPNO’s client services, investigations and operations • Increased wrongful conviction compensation to innocent exonerees • Reformed eyewitness identification law and procedures • Helped to pass Louisiana Amendment Two in 2018, returning unanimous jury verdicts to criminal trials. Is there a person who inspired you? Before law school, I worked at the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) in Montgomery, Alabama, with Bryan Stevenson. EJI attorneys represented individuals sentenced to die with dignity and humanity, truly embodying the organization’s ethos that each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done. Additionally, I clerked for Judge Emmet G. Sullivan, a federal district court judge of the District Court for the District of Columbia after law school. He is a fearless, principled, independent jurist who didn’t bow to political pressure or popular opinion and always sought to do what was just. Secret ambition? I would love to train for and run another marathon! *Extended version online at StCharlesAvenue.com ✦

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NOMA’s “Art in Bloom 2021 | Home Grown” presented by IBERIABANK | First Horizon Five days that brought together exhibitors and speakers to celebrate the beauty you can create at home.

➺ By Shelby Simon

Fantastic floral designs and beautiful blooms filled the newly renovated Lapis Center for the Arts for a five-day “Art in Bloom 2021 | Home Grown” presented by IBERIABANK | First Horizon. The programming offered both virtual and in-person experiences with proceeds benefiting both educational projects and exhibitions at the New Orleans Museum of Art and community projects of the Garden Study Club of New Orleans. This year’s theme celebrated the creativity and resilience of our city and showcased the floral designs of more than 75 exhibitors and creative talents from across New Orleans. The entire program took place May 5-9, with floral displays were on view for all museum visitors to enjoy starting on the sixth. The events began with the lecture series on Thursday, May 6, with limited capacity for in-person attendees with additional virtual access to the lectures available. Featured speakers included Margot Shaw, founder and editor of Flower Magazine and author of Living Floral: Entertaining and Decorating with Flowers, and Richard Keith Langham, renowned interior designer and author of About

Decorating: The Remarkable Rooms of Richard Keith Langham. In lieu of the annual Parton and Preview Party, NOMA hosted a one-hour Patron Preview & Wine Tours on the evenings of May 5 and May 6. On Thursday, May 6, to-go lunches by Café NOMA were available to enjoy at home or to picnic in the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. For the first time, NOMA offered a virtual package for those who wished to experience “Art in Bloom” from home. The virtual package featured three pre-recorded creative instructional videos, including a baking demonstration by renowned Pastry Chef Beth Biundo, floral design by Margaret Ludwig of Giverny Design and a container gardening demonstration by landscape architect and horticulturalist Karl Becnel. Additionally, virtual ticket holders had access to livestreams of both lectures and a virtual tour of the floral displays throughout NOMA’s galleries hosted by stage and screen star Bryan Batt. Kim Roddy of the NOMA Volunteer Committee and Brett Lapeyre of The Garden Study Club Co-Chaired this year’s event. ✦

Look for “Philanthropic Events” on StCharlesAvenue.com to see more from this event Follow the New Orleans Museum of Art on Facebook @NOMA1910 and on Instagram @NewOrleansMuseumOfArt 26 ST. CHARLES AVENUE NOVEMBER 2021

P hi la n t hro p ic E ve n t s

EVENT AT A GLANCE

WHAT “Art in Bloom 2021 | Home Grown”

WHEN May 5-9

presented by IBERIABANK | First Horizon, benefiting New Orleans Museum of Art and The Garden Study Club

of Art's Lapis Center for the Arts and Virtual

Photos courtesy of New Orleans Museum of Art

WHERE New Orleans Museum

1. Co-Chairs Brett Lapeyre and Kim Roddy with Anne Redd 2. Kaylea and Hunter Hill with Deputy Director Anne Banos and Montine McDaniel Freeman Director Susan Taylor 3. Katherine Koerner and NVC Chair Robyn Dunn Schwarz 4. Sally and Jay Lapeyre 5. Nina Sloss, Liz Sloss, Susan Gundlach and Susu Stall 6. Kara and Daryl Byrd STCHARLESAVENUE.COM

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Dress for Success’ “Suits & Salads Luncheon” presented by Capital One Bank & Valero Energy Foundation This year’s experience was virtual and in-person to honor and support DFS’ past, present and future clients.

➺ By Shelby Simon

Dress for Success New Orleans hosted the 11th annual “Suits & Salads Luncheon” with a virtual program and on-site luncheon, including a staggered on-site experience with lunch pick up, swag bags, a fabulous silent auction, giveaways by Kendra Scott, a jewelry pull and a raffle. The program honored the 2020 Client of the Year Helise Madden, the 2021 Client of the Year Monica Betts and Volunteers of

the Year, awarded to Ulta Beauty. The video portion of the program highlighted testimonies from the Clients of the Year. Meaghan Ryan Bonavita and Colleen Snyder Filostrat served as Co-Chairs. Patrons received an exclusive discount card to participating retailers in their swag bag. All the proceeds from the 2021 luncheon supported Dress for Success meeting their goal of suiting more than 400 women annually. ✦

Follow Dress for Success New Orleans online at @DFSNewOrleans.

28 ST. CHARLES AVENUE NOVEMBER 2021

P hi la n t hro p ic E ve n t s

EVENT AT A GLANCE

WHAT “Suits & Salads Luncheon” presented by Capital One Bank & Valero Energy Foundation, benefiting Dress for Success New Orleans

May 7

WHERE Dress for

Success & Virtual

Photographed by Jeff Strout

WHEN Friday,

1. Co-Chairs Meaghan Ryan Bonavita and Colleen Snyder Filostrat 2. Executive Director Lori Byargeon, Katie Darbone, Brianna Reddeman and Monette Naquin 3. Anne Comarda, Kewana Pate, Aimée Gowland and Joyce Delery 4. Leslie Sullivan, Shannon Brice, Andrea Gilich Roussel and Chelsey Richard Napoleon 5. Honorees Helise Madden and Monica Betts 6. Richard Roth, Arie Roth Kaller, Desiree Petitbon and Cindy Livaudais Roth

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NOCCA Institute’s “Art of the Feast” A night supporting NOCCA’s artist community with an evening full of original art, culinary marvels and more.

➺ By Shelby Simon

The NOCCA Institute and friends gathered both in-person and from the comforts of home for “Art of the Feast,” a celebration of music, food and fine art. Patrons experienced a fabulous meal, great music and a chance to win original artwork, vacation and staycation packages, gift certificates and more in the silent auction and raffle. For the in-person party at Press Street Station and NOCCA’s Chevron Forum, guests enjoyed a five-course seasonally inspired chef’s dinner and wine pairing, a one-time menu designed and executed by 2017 Culinary Arts alum Quentin Jackson and the six-time James Beard Award-winning chefs of Link Restaurant Group: Stephen Stryjewski, Donald Link, Ryan Prewitt and Maggie Scale. Live entertainment was provided by alumni Kevin Gullage and Doreen Ketchens, as well as an alumni jazz ensemble. Guests were also able to peruse artwork and other items in the silent auction. Those who opted for the at-home celebration enjoyed a

four-course dinner for two with the option to choose a meal from Galatoire’s or one prepared by James Beard Award-winner and NOCCA’s Chef-in-Residence Frank Brigsten. Patrons could pick up their dinner and savor it while listening to one of the custom-made music playlists for Spotify and YouTube as well as scan the silent auction and place bids from their mobile devices. An “art, wine and spirits raffle” for one lucky winner included three great prizes, including a canvas print giclée by Becky Fos, donated by Gallery B. Fos, a spirits collection from local distillery Seven Three Distilling Co. and a wine tasting for up to eight people at NOLA Wine Merchant’s private tasting room led by Geoff Worden. This benefit, sponsored by the Pamela and Warner Williams Charitable Fund, generated important funds for The NOCCA Institute, which oversees programs such as support for students, artist residencies and many other initiatives that benefit the young artists at NOCCA, their teachers and the community. ✦

Look for “Philanthropic Events” on StCharlesAvenue.com to see more photos from this event Follow the NOCCA Institute on Facebook @NOCCAInstitute, on Twitter @NOCCA and on Instagram @NOCCA.NOLA

30 ST. CHARLES AVENUE NOVEMBER 2021

P hi la n t hro p ic E ve n t s

EVENT AT A GLANCE

WHAT “Art of the Feast,” benefiting

WHEN Saturday,

The NOCCA Institute

May 22

NOCCA’s Chevron Forum & Virtual

Photographed by Jeff Strout

WHERE Press Street Station,

1. Sharyn Booker, Sally Perry and Anne Raymond 2. Suzie and Ted Bloch 3. Gregory Holt, the Honorable Sally Shushan and Ralph Brennan 4. Bill and Anne Richardson and Jenny and Bob Kottler 5. Cristina Wysocki and Maury Herman 6. Aulston Taylor, Danielle and Charles Gaspard and Oley Sassone

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New Orleans Women & Children’s Shelter’s “Bubbles and Bubbly Family Picnic” This fun, family-friendly picnic benefited our community’s only homeless shelter for intact families

➺ By Shelby Simon

The “Bubbles and Bubbly Family Picnic,” presented by Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company, served as a fundraiser to support our community’s only homeless shelter for intact families: the New Orleans Women and Children’s Shelter. Picnic participants at the sold-out event enjoyed a fun day of food from local restaurants, bubbles for adults (including champagne and beer), actual bubbles for the kids to play with, games, live entertainment, a live auction and more at The

Peristyle at City Park. Participating restaurants included Dat Dog, Fiorella’s, Gracious Bakery, St. James Cheese Company, Tartine and Toups’ Meatery. Joshua “Mr. Have a Great Day” Starkman and Friends provided live entertainment. A live auction included prizes such as a private dinner by Chef Isaac Toups. The 2021 Chair Families were: the ChaissonLinares Family, the Reade Family, the Starr Family, the Toups Family and the Walner Family. ✦

Look for “Philanthropic Events” on StCharlesAvenue.com to see more photos from this event Follow the New Orleans Women and Children’s Shelter online @NOWCS.

32 ST. CHARLES AVENUE NOVEMBER 2021

P hi la n t hro p ic E ve n t s

EVENT AT A GLANCE

WHAT “Bubbles and Bubbly

WHEN Saturday,

Family Picnic,” benefiting New Orleans Women and Children’s Shelter

May 15

Photographed by Jeff Strout

WHERE The Peristyle at City Park

1. Kirk Gasperecz, Devon Heflin, Mamie Gasperecz, Laura and John Sillars 2. Louis Scott, Dr. Hyacinth McKee-McGuire, Bubba Diggs and Logan Soriano 3. Jessica Borne and Allen Kirkley (standing) with Colleen Kirkley and Bob Perret 4. Joy Cohen, David Schlakman, Danyel Nicole Black and Jen Walner 5. Chef Isaac, Ivy, Poppy and Amanda Toups 6. Dawn Bradley-Fletcher, Kimberly Rivers-Roberts and Jackie and Dan Silverman

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S o cie t y

Raphael Village’s “Soraparu Soirée” An engaging evening held to aid the lifelong enrichment of differently labeled individuals.

➺ By Shelby Simon

Raphael Village hosted the 10th annual “Soraparu Soirée” themed “Spreading Our Wings” in support of differently labeled people in becoming fully engaged in life and community. The evening included gourmet delicacies, delicious libations, a silent and live auction and an electric bike raffle. Dr. Julia Garcia-Diaz was recognized as the Honoree. A parent at Raphael Academy for many years, Dr. Garcia-Diaz is an infectious disease doctor at Ochsner and has been

working diligently to help put an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Garcia-Diaz is serving as Ochsner’s Principal Investigator on the efficacy of the Pfizer vaccine for adolescents. John Gros and The Freddie Lonzo Jazz Ensemble provided live entertainment. The Committee included Jerry and Ida Gaughan; John and Stacey Olson; Yvonne Sartin; and Catherine Robbins. Mary Perrin served as Food & Libations Chair, and the Auction Co-Chairs were Monique Sobrino and Margo Lulich Whiteside. ✦

Look for “Philanthropic Events” on StCharlesAvenue.com to see more from this event Follow Raphael Village online on Facebook @RaphaelVillage and on Instagram @raphael_village

34 ST. CHARLES AVENUE NOVEMBER 2021

P hi la n t hro p ic E ve n t s

EVENT AT A GLANCE

WHAT 10th annual “Soraparu Soiree,”

WHEN Saturday,

benefiting Raphael Village

May 15

Photographed by Kenny Martinez

WHERE Raphael Village

1. Board Chair John Melton, Board Secretary Mary Perrin, Executive Director Jacqueline Case and Mark Redding 2. Raphael Academy Administrator Megan Riley with Committee Members John and Stacey Olson 3. Auction Co-Chair Monique Sobrino, Auction Co-Chair and Board Member Margo Lulich Whiteside and Committee Member Yvonne Sartin 4. Committee Member Stephen Griffin, Food Co-Chair Catherine Robbins 5. Guild Program Coordinator Laura Mooney, Guild Members Leah Melton, Matthew Griffin and Arielle Brown 6. Guild Members Connor Barilleaux, Parker Nash, Andrew Hennington and Charlotte Bose

STCHARLESAVENUE.COM

S o cie t y

➺

SNAPSHOTS

Look for this button on StCharlesAvenue.com to see more Snapshots from these events, and to learn how your event can be included

1. A young guest showed off her headpiece at Longue Vue House and Gardens during the 2021 “Family Equality Day” in June. The event featured family-friendly activities, performances, a resource fair and more. 2. Children played in the fountains at Longue Vue House and Gardens during their fifth annual “Family Equality Day,” a free pride event in June. 3. Shannon Warren modeled a flower crown at Longue Vue House and Gardens’ “2021 Family Equality Day” in June, a Pride event to celebrate and recognize families of all shapes, sizes and definitions. 4. Organizers Becker Hall, Rene Louapre and Zandy Rainold celebrated with Team Lard and In Charge for their first-place win at “Hogs for the Cause,” an annual celebration of year-round fundraising efforts to benefit pediatric brain cancer research. 5. Organizers Becker Hall, Rene Louapre and Zandy Rainold congratulated team Fleur de Que for raising $700,000 for pediatric brain cancer, earning them the top-fundraising title at the 2021 “Hogs for the Cause” festival. 6. Co-Founder Rene Louapre closed out the 2021 festival, held in June at the Plaquemines Parish Government Facility in Belle Chasse. For over a decade, the acclaimed barbecue and music festival has raised millions of dollars and raised awareness about pediatric brain cancer.

36 ST. CHARLES AVENUE NOVEMBER 2021

S na p sh ot s

7. Jewish Children’s Regional Service Development Director Mark Rubin attended “Jewish Roots Jubilee,” the organization’s virtual gala. Held in April, the event raised vital funds for JCRS’s camp, college and special needs scholarships for Jewish children and students. 8. JCRS Executive Director Ned Goldberg celebrated the 75th anniversary of the modern-era of Jewish Children’s Regional Service at the 2021 “Jewish Roots Jubilee.” Since starting the Jewish Roots series in 2011, JCRS has raised more than $1,200,000 in support of vulnerable Jewish children. 9. “Jewish Roots Jubilee,” Co-Chairs Carole Neff and Barbara Kaplinsky raised a glass at the 10th annual gala, which was held virtually in April. The event featured exclusive, prerecorded performances by the JCRS “Success Story” Ensemble, a group of current and former JCRS educational scholarship recipients, four of whom are pursuing advanced degrees in musical performance. 10. Friends gathered at Lilette in September, hosted by Charlotte Bollinger, to celebrate Phyllis Taylor’s milestone birthday. 11. Grant Lustig, Nick Mitidiero, Pierre Thomas, Founder and CEO Bivian “Sonny” Lee and Eddie Mahoney competed in the 2021 Son of a Saint Classic golf tournament in May at the Lakewood Golf Club. 12. New Orleans Saints defensive end Cam Jordan posed with a group of Son of a Saint mentees at the nonprofit’s golf tournament in May, which raised more than $25,000 to support of the nonprofit’s mission to transform the lives of hundreds of fatherless boys in the greater New Orleans community. 13. Founder and CEO Bivian “Sonny” Lee and Alex Goss attended the Son of a Saint Classic golf tournament in May, which attracted 120 players split into 30 teams of four to help raise funds for the organization’s mentoring programs. 13

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FALLing

LONG LUNCHES TO HAPPY HOURS Pleated top at Monomin; leather skirt by Tibi at Pilot & Powell; necklace by Cult Gaia; shoes by Saint Laurent; bag stylist’s own

38 ST. CHARLES AVENUE NOVEMBER 2021

in Love

With in person meetings and nightlife returning, Monomin Owner Rachel Hall Taravella shows us how to work, play and stay cozy this season

with

Fashion

By Melissa Coleman Photographed by Theresa Cassagne Hair by Jessica Palma / Palma Pro Artistry Makeup by Midori Tajiri-Byrd / Midori Makeup Artistry

SHE’S THE BOSS Suit and knit bustier at Monomin; necklace by Lizzie Fortunado at Pilot & Powell; shoes by Schutz at Em’s Boutique

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BEST DRESSED PARTY GUEST Linen organza dress by Zimmermann at Joseph; boots by Zimmermann; earrings by Roxanne Assoulin

40 ST. CHARLES AVENUE NOVEMBER 2021

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL Top and pant by Smythe; heels by Gianvito Rossi at Joseph

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COLOR BLOCKED & COZY Dress by Stateside at Monomin; coat by ALC at SoSusu; boots by Ulla Johnson

42 ST. CHARLES AVENUE NOVEMBER 2021

SWEATER WEATHER IS BETTER WEATHER Sweater dress and hat at Monomin; boots by Ulla Johnson; bracelet by Laura Lombardi at Pied Nu

STCHARLESAVENUE.COM

44 ST. CHARLES AVENUE NOVEMBER 2021

e m m o + rec

By Jyl Benson

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STCHARLESAVENUE.COM

Under $50 $ $50-200

$200-500

$$$

Over $500 $$$$

Tenuta di Fessina Erse Etna Rosso

Caparzo Rosso di Montalcino Bold and juicy flavors taper off to minerals and a hint of red licorice. On the nose there are notes of rose, bright strawberry and cherry.

This very interesting wine has plenty of red fruit and white pepper with great texture and amazing minerality. It finishes with a deep smoky aroma. Like drinking a volcano.

Recommended by Jessica Norris Available at The Wine Seller, Acquistapace Market

Recommended by Jessica Norris Available at Acquistapace Market, Spirit Wine

Who Says? Jessica Norris is the Advanced Sommelier for Vineyard Brands. She handles the company’s exclusive, members only/invitation only Wine Club and assists those members with their private events, private cellars and collections. She's an internationally trusted authority on top-tier wines, earned Wine Spectator’s Grand Award in 2016 and is certified as a Master Sommelier in Theory, Service and Blind Tasting. Norris recommends nine wines available in the New Orleans market for holiday gifting.

46 ST. CHARLES AVENUE NOVEMBER 2021

Patrick J. Brady is a French Wine Scholar, WSET Level 2 Wine & Spirits Certified Executive Bourbon Steward and Owner of Brady’s Wine Warehouse. Brady offers three suggestions for over-the-top holiday gift giving, all available at Brady's Wine Warehouse.

Terry Quire is the Store Manager of Grand Krewe, a premier neighborhood fine wine and spirits shop in its seventh year of business in the Marigny. Grand Krewe features an international selection of small production wines and an eclectic selection of hard-to-find spirits. The shop hosts frequent tastings and seminars, including "Thirsty Thursdays" every week, 5:30-8 p.m. Quire offers three suggestions for memorable holiday gifting.

Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2014 DOCG “This is the highest-end Sangiovese varietal from Tuscany we carry.” The color is an intense ruby red with garnet reflections. The bouquet is ethereal, violet and vanilla with hints of licorice, and the taste is full, soft, velvety, with traces of spice. Recommended by Christian Havener Available at Rouses on Tchoupitoulas Street

Umani Ronchi “Jorio” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo The full-bodied palate is serious, and the wine is bold and fragrant and ready to drink with a rich bouquet of oregano, sage, forest notes, blackcurrant and citrus. This blows many Montepulcianos out of the water for an amazing price. Recommended by Jessica Norris Available at Elio’s Wine Warehouse, Acquistapace Markets

Marc Pelletier is a Wine and Spirits Consultant with Martin Wine Cellar & Spirits.

Christian Havener has worked in retail, fine dining and as a wine brand representative for the past 20 years. Presently, he's the Certified Sommelier for Rouses Markets and he can be found most days at the Tchoupitoulas Street location. He recommends four bottles, all of which are available at Rouses on Tchoupitoulas Street, for spirited holiday gifts.

Chateau Miraval Côtes de Provence Rose A consistent favorite from the Perrins (in partnership with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie), one of France’s leading wine producing families. The color is a beautiful light pink with a bouquet of delicate white fruit, strawberries and floral notes. Recommended by Jessica Norris Available at Acquistapace Markets, Brady’s Wine Warehouse, Dorignac’s. $

Bill deTurk is the Author of The Big Easy Bartending Guide. You can find him working with Christian Havener at the Rouses on Tchoupitoulas Street as they strive to satisfy a thirsty Uptown crowd. DeTurk offers suggestions for gifts of holiday spirits, three of which are exclusive to Rouses. “As one might expect,” deTurk says, “exclusive store selections generally will be finer quality than the regular style of the same product."

The affable Ben Lazich of The Wine Seller suggests two premium bottles of red wine.

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Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot 2017

Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay 2017

“It’s Duckhorn!” Havener says. “Merlot is one of the things Duckhorn does exceedingly well.” A classic expression of Napa Valley Merlot, this wine offers alluring aromas of lush cherry, raspberry, cocoa and freshly baked pie crust. The cherry and raspberry notes are echoed on the silky palate, where finegrained tannins and flavors of ripe plum, blueberry, licorice and subtle baking spice draw the wine to a long, elegant finish.

“Before this, it was thought that good wine only came from France, maybe some from Italy,” Havens says. “This winery won the Chardonnay category at the 1976 Judgement of Paris. That moment is considered the first time American wines were recognized on a worldwide stage.” Driven by lemon curd, the palate leans toward creaminess but with enough bright acid, green apple and toast to bring balance and finesse. The ripeness of the vintage drives the mouthfeel as the flavors exude freshness and vibrancy, a unique combination.

Recommended by Christian Havener Available at Rouses on Tchoupitoulas Street

Ridge Vineyards Montebello 2018 This is the flagship wine from one of California’s most iconic wineries. This Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend is a stunningly beautiful expression of the mountaintop Montebello Vineyard in Santa Cruz. Recommended by Marc Pelletier Available at Martin Wine Cellar & Spirits

$$$

Recommended by Christian Havener Available at Rouses on Tchoupitoulas Street

Grande Krewe Barrel Select 1792 Full Proof Bourbon

Macallan 18-Year Double Cask Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pinhook Bourbon Heist Bourbon – Rouses Small Batch Select

“In February of 2021, we went to the Barton 1792 distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, to taste through multiple barrels of their award-winning Full Proof Bourbon. We were able to purchase an entire barrel of our favorite expression and it’s available at the store now! Made from 1792’s signature high-rye recipe, it’s bold, rich and smoky with a surprisingly soft and sweet finish with notes of vanilla and caramel.”

This is a “perfectly balanced single malt whisky matured for 18 years in both American and European sherry seasoned oak casks. Sherry seasoned American oak adds delicate vanilla to the subtle spice of European oak, delivering a whisky with a sweeter, warmer taste and character.”

With an average age of three years and four months, the 2021 vintage of Pinhook’s flagship bourbon shows bright aromas of orange blossom, nutmeg and fresh roasted coffee. This transitions to a vibrant palate of butterscotch, toasted coconut, almond and sassafras. Pinhook owner, Sean Josephs, lives in New Orleans and was the restaurateur behind the former Kenton’s at Nashville Avenue and Magazine Street.

Recommended by Terry Quire Available at Grande Krewe

$$$ Recommended by Terry Quire Available at Grande Krewe

Recommended by Bill deTurk Available at Rouses on Tchoupitoulas Street

48 ST. CHARLES AVENUE NOVEMBER 2021

Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon Lyndenhurst 2018 Part of Spottswoode’s storied history inspired the name Lyndenhurst, a tribute to the fragrant linden trees that still bloom there today. This dynamic wine made from grapes grown at the family’s estate vineyard blended with those from other family-owned neighboring vineyards, making it a collaborative wine. There are notes of raw fresh blackberries, crushed graphite, cassis, baking spices and cocoa powder

The Mascot 2016

2011 Penfolds Grange Bin 95

A very limited-edition Napa Red wine from the younger vines of Harlan Estate, BOND and Promontory. The Mascot shares a unique glimpse into the evolution of a collection of wine-growing estates. This is only for the serious wine collector who will appreciate its rarity.

Although the 2011 is considered early in drinkability, Penfolds Grange is an icon of Australian wine. Developed by Max Schubert – Penfolds’ first chief winemaker – as his answer to the French cellaredstyle wines he experienced on a trip to Bordeaux, the wine has only grown in influence. On its 50th birthday in 2001, Grange was listed as a South

Recommended by Ben Lazich Available at The Wine Seller

Australian heritage icon. The 2011 is only the sixth vintage to ever consist of 100 percent Shiraz.

$$ Recommended by Patrick J. Brady Available at Brady’s Wine Warehouse

Recommended by Ben Lazich Available at The Wine Seller

$$$$

Peerless Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye Double Oak Selection – Donny Rouse Select

Peg Leg Porker Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Pitmaster Reserve

Bottled at barrel proof (111.7 proof) and wellbalanced. It is bolstered by sweet tones of maple, brown sugar and light citrus, with a hint of oak in the finish.

This is Peg Leg’s extremely allocated, top of the line Signature Series offering. It is aged 15 years, bottled at 90 proof and comes in a satin-lined wooden box for an exceptional gift presentation. It also has a cool peg leg porker stopper!

Recommended by Bill deTurk Available at Rouses on Tchoupitoulas Street

Imperio del Don Extra Anejo 10 Year Old Tequila This bottle still shows amazingly fresh Agave flavor after 10 years in barrel. Notes of cocoa and cinnamon add to the beautiful complexity of this aged Tequila. Recommended by Marc Pelletier Available at Martin Wine Cellar & Spirits

$$$

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Thierry et Pascale Matrot Bourgogne Blanc A creamy white Chardonnay with citrus aromas, white flowers and light almond touches. On the palate it’s unctuous, mineral and rich. A rounded wine with a long and persistent finish. Recommended by Jessica Norris Available at Whole Foods, Total Wine, Faubourg Wines

Famille Perrin Côtes-du-Rhône Réserve Rouge Fresh and medium-bodied with notes of jam and pepper. A bargin. Recommended by Jessica Norris Available at Rouses on Tchoupitoulas Street, Rouses on Baronne Street, Brady’s Wine Warehouse

2012 Gérard Bertrand Minervois La Livinière “Clos d’Ora” Located at the convergence of two distinct terroirs – Bartonian and Lutetian – and composed of chalk, sandstone and marl soils, the Clos d’Ora vineyard is located in the Minervois La Liviniere AOP, LanguedocRoussillon, and is farmed using only biodynamic methods. 2012 is the very first vintage of this wine to be released and comprises Syrah, Grenache, Carignan and Mourvèdre. Full-bodied and concentrated, there’s a meaty, savory edge to the nose and it still has years to go before reaching its prime. Recommended by Patrick J. Brady Available at Brady’s Wine Warehouse

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Comtesse de Malet Roquefort Bordeaux Rouge Considered one of the best discoveries in value-priced French Bordeaux, this wine is made by the traditional family that owns and makes Château La Gaffelière in Saint Emilion. This is a well-structured, yet subtle red wine. It is silky and fresh with juicy red fruits. The tannins are soft and nicely harmonized. This pairs well with grilled meats, rich pasta dishes and complex cheeses. Recommended by Jessica Norris Available at The Wine Seller, Zuppardo’s.

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Egly-Ouriet “Les Crayères” Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes

Nicolas Feuillatte Palmes d’Or Vintage Brut Champagne 2008

“This truly outstanding single vineyard Champagne comes from some of Egly’s oldest vines dating back to 1947. Made from 100 percent Pinot Noir, the pure

“This is to Feuillatte what Dom Perignon is to Moët.” Aromas of bracingly fresh white fruits, dried almonds and apricots, and a slight hint of spice. Upfront, permeating

chalk soils of ‘Les Crayères’ showcase one of the best terroirs in Ambonnay. It’s full-bodied and powerful with refreshing notes of honey, ginger and spice with toasty aromatics.”

flavors of redcurrant and citrus fruits. A second wave of pinot noir freshness and streak of minerality, underpinned by a distinctive chalk signature and acutely delicate smoky edge.

Recommended by Terry Quire Available at Grande Krewe

Recommended by Christian Havener Available at Rouses on Tchoupitoulas Street

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1998 Krug “Clos d’Ambonnay” Brut Champagne In 1994 the Champagne House of Krug secretly bought Clos d’Ambonnay – a tiny, walled vineyard of less than 1.7 acres at the southern edge of the Montagne de Reims – after first setting its sights on the vineyard sometime in the 1980s. After patiently waiting for the then-owner to sell, Krug waited a further 13 years before releasing its first vintage (1995) to the market. Krug Clos d’Ambonnay represents the absolute pinnacle in Champagne and to even put together a six-pack of this vintage one would probably have to call not just multiple states, but multiple countries. Recommended by Patrick J. Brady Available at Brady’s Wine Warehouse

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E. Guigal Côte Rôtie Their treasured single vineyards always rank among the world’s most collectible Syrahs. These 2017 vintage wines from the vineyards La Turque, La Mouline and La Landonne showcase the dense structure of this rugged appellation without losing the floral essence of great French Syrah. They’ll age for decades if you can keep your hands off of them for that long! Recommended by Marc Pelletier Available at Martin Wine Cellar & Spirits

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Marques de Caceres Rioja Gran Reserva Full-bodied and intense with cherry, tobacco, licorice, vanilla and allspice flavors mingling through a spicy, floral finish. Recommended by Jessica Norris Available at Dorignac’s, The Wine Seller

RESOURCES

Acquistapace Market 125 E. 21st Ave., Covington 985-893-0593 Acquistapace.com Brady’s Wine Warehouse 1029 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., C 504-662-1488 BradysWineWarehouse.com Dorignac’s Supermarket 710 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie 504-834-8216 Dorignacs.com

Warre’s Otima 10 Year Tawny Port Racy, fresh and light amber in color, with notes of green fig, dried cherry and hazelnut. Drink now or age for 8 to 10 years. A bargain. Recommended by Jessica Norris Available at Total Wine, Whole Foods, Faubourg Wines

Elio’s Wine Warehouse 6205 S. Miro St. 504-866-1852 EliosWineWarehouse.com Faubourg Wines 2805 St. Claude Ave. 504-342-2217 FaubourgWines.com Grande Krewe 2305 Decatur St. 504-309-8309 GrandeKrewe.com Martin Wine Cellar 3827 Baronne St. 504-899-7411 MartinWine.com

Rhum J.M’s 2003 Vintage Agricole Rum A wonderful expression of the terroir of Martinique. Bottled at a (relatively low) cask strength, this is a rum-sipper’s delight. Recommended by Marc Pelletier Available at Martin Wine Cellar & Spirits

$$$

Rouses 701 Baronne St., 504-227-3838 4500 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-896-7910 Rouses.com Spirit Wine 3500 Magazine St. 504-309-8744 Spirit-Wine.com The Wine Seller 5000 Prytania St. 504-899-6000 benlazich.wixsite.com/winesellernola Total Wines and More 3780 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie 504-267-8866 TotalWine.com

Bayou Rum – Rouses Select Special Release Single Barrel Bayou Rum is distilled in Lacassaine, Louisiana, from locally sourced sugar cane. This limited edition is aged in California red wine barrels for three years. It offers rich aromas of oak, figs, red berries, spices, plum, black pepper and earthy flavors with a long, round finish. Recommended by Bill deTurk Available at Rouses on Tchoupitoulas Street

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Whole Foods 300 N. Broad St., 504-434-3364 5600 Magazine St., 504-899-9119 3420 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie 504-888-8225 3450 Highway 190, Mandeville 985-231-3328 WholeFoodsMarket.com Zuppardo’s Family Supermarket 5010 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie 504-887-1150 Zuppardos.com

C e le b rat io n H ow to H os t

A Hassle-Free, Yet Impressive, Holiday Dinner at Home And here we are. In this most stressful of years, holiday season is upon us. Whatever your family’s holiday traditions may be, perhaps this is the year to really treat yourself, take it easy and hire a private chef from a noteworthy restaurant to come to your home and pamper you and your guests at a time when we could all use some extra TLC. By Jyl Benson

T he Chef The Table Setting The tranquil oasis that is Dunn & Sonnier Antiques, Florals & Gifts is generously stocked with carefully chosen selections for setting a beautiful, eclectic table for a memorable occasion. Stephen Sonnier recommends starting with Casa Nuno dinnerware, available in both pink and green on white, made in Portugal for Abigail’s of Alexandria.

Executive Chef Michael Gottlieb of Tchefuncte’s Restaurant is the son of a Jewish baker. His childhood home life was rich in the Jewish culinary traditions he now works into the menu at his stunning Madisonville waterfront restaurant. What follows is the chef’s Dream Menu for a private dinner. It can be altered to suit different culinary and cultural traditions. House Cured Ora King Salmon & Osetra Caviar is a sophisticated take on traditional Jewish flavors representing his childhood food memories with an elevated approach, the silky Ora King salmon and caviar sit atop of horseradish and crème fraiche on a crispy potato latke. His blackened prime tenderloin of beef is served with caramelized onion and duck fat-fried potatoes. And his house cured duck prosciutto muffuletta is completed with pickled vegetables and aged provolone cream.

A Sophisticated Sommelier’s Suggestions As Advanced Sommelier for Vineyard Brands and the company’s extremely exclusive, members only/invitation only Wine Club as well as their resource for private events, private cellars and collectors, Jessica Norris is an internationally nationwide trusted authority on top-tier wines. She recommends the following wines for holiday dinner party entertaining: The Chocolate Block (available at Whole Foods, Total Wine and Brady’s) Champagne Delamotte Brut (available at The Wine Seller) Champagne Delamotte Blanc de Blancs N/V (available at NOLA Wine Merchant) Warre’s Vintage Port (available at Acquistapace in Mandeville and Covington, Total Wine and The Wine Seller) Famille Perrin Les Sinards Blanc (available at Rouses on Baronne Street, and Zuppardo’s Economical)

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C e le b rat io n V in t a g e We d d in g

Deborah Dellaye Smythe Weds Harry Edward Kuhner II June 23, 1971 By Bev Church

Deborah "Debby" Smythe met Harry Kuhner during her debut year when he received a “please escort” for her for one of the fabulous parties her year. She actually had Harry take her home early because she had another date for a later party that night!

Harry attended Tulane Law School while Debby attended Newcomb College, so they had plenty of time to see each other. Soon after, Harry saw her again at Bruno’s and decided she was the one! They dated for a couple of years, and one night while

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sitting on the sofa, Harry said, “What do you think about getting married?” Debby thought it was a great idea and voila, a summer wedding was born! Actually three weddings; Debby’s sister and Harry’s sister got married the same summer, so there were wed-

dings in June, July and August! There were parties galore, about 15 in all, but two parties stood out. Matilda Stream had a dinner party around her pool for about 40 people, and there was a house party for Debby and Harry at Avery Island!

The rehearsal dinner given by Harry’s parents was at the Pontchartrain Hotel, complete with Mile High Pie for dessert. Phyllis Smythe, Debby’s mom, planned the whole wedding, which was on a Wednesday night at 6 p.m., at Holy Name with the

reception at the Orleans Club. At both the church and the reception Shirley Heumann of Rohm’s Florist had huge bouquets of pink peonies, stock and clematis. Debby’s dress, as well as the bridesmaids’ dresses were from Town & Country and her bou-

quet included lilies of the valley, stephanotis and sweet peas with bouvardia. Her cake was a fabulous Swiss Confectionary creation. After the wedding Debby changed into her red-and-white gingham dress and jacket. Before their honeymoon to

Cozumel, Mexico, they spent the night at the Pontchartrain Hotel and had breakfast at the Silver Whistle Cafe. Debby and Harry have two sons and three grandchildren, and they just celebrated their 50th anniversary here in New Orleans! ✦

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C e le b rat io n W i t h T hi s Rin g

Gardner – Holbrook By Megan Holt

While living in Denver, Cheney Behrens Gardner drove to Boulder, Colorado, to meet a friend who was there for a wedding. As luck would have it, Henry Peter Holbrook was also attending the wedding. Cheney and Henry were part of a large group that had breakfast and went on a hike, and the two hit it off. Henry’s flight after the wedding was leaving from Denver, so they

planned to meet for Indian food. Over dinner, he changed his flight and stayed a few extra days. The next week Cheney moved from Denver to Bozeman, Montana. Henry drove all night to meet her for a three-day backpacking trip in Yellowstone. By the end of that trip, they were a couple. They knew they would be a long-distance couple, as Henry had already made plans to

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travel the world for a year. Cheney joined him for part of his adventure, and together they explored Uruguay, Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar. After returning to the United States, Henry decided to propose the same way they met – on a hike – this time in Cashiers, North Carolina, accompanied by Cheney’s parents. However, Cheney, who was back in graduate school, had an exam and

didn’t want to go! Fortunately, the Gardners were in on the secret and helped Henry convince her. Henry proposed with a ring made with diamonds from his grandmother, and Cheney happily said yes! Because their families were such an important part of their engagement, it seemed natural that family would be at the center of their wedding celebrations. The rehearsal dinner took place on Henry’s 30th birthday, and his mom found a baker to recreate his favorite childhood cake. The next day, April 17, 2021, the couple was married in the Gardners’ backyard in Cashiers. Cheney wore a family dress dating back to the 1880s, as well as her grandmother’s jewelry. During the reception, the newlyweds toasted using silver goblets from Cheney’s grandparents’ 1949 wedding. As they raised their glasses, guests enjoyed the views from the Gardners’ floor-to-ceiling windows; the light coming through them accented the soft pink and peach hues of the décor. While the Indian meal created by Chai Pani – a nod to their first date – was spectacular, the highlight was the groom’s cake, topped with a fondant sculpture of the couple’s dog, Mavis. A local bluegrass added to the ambiance, and Henry and Cheney chose “Love Like Me” by Billy Strings for their first dance. Its lyrics about traveling seemed like the perfect fit for a couple that has seen the world together. They are looking forward to the next adventure, a honeymoon in Sri Lanka this spring! In the meantime, they’re enjoying married life in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where Cheney is a dual MBA and Master of Environmental Management candidate at Duke/UNC and Henry is a senior product manager of semi-autonomous solutions at Recursion Pharmaceuticals. ✦

Rehearsal Dinner Location: Lonesome Valley, Cashiers, NC Celebrant: Reverend Toby Summerour Ceremony & Reception Music: Nitrograss Wedding Gown: Handmade family dress from 1880s, altered by Sophie Tran of Sophie Sewing, New Orleans; custom slip dress by Sophie Tran for dancing Groom’s Attire: Custom three-piece suit, Julian’s of Chapel Hill Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands: custom ring, Nicole Hendry Florist: Meghan Lock Florals, Cashiers, NC Invitation: Write On, New Orleans Wedding Cake: Canyon Kitchen, Cashiers, NC Groom’s Cake: Sugarcloud Bakery, Cashiers, NC Photographer: Mary Gillan, Cashiers, NC Videographer: Max Renfro, Cashiers, NC Hair: Atlas Beauty, Brevard, NC Makeup: Kristen Calloway/Doll Box Productions, Brevard, NC

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C e le b rat io n Lo o k in g B ack

The Ghisalberti Apartments From luxury apartments to drug store and back again By Seale Paterson

John B. Ghisalberti was born in Genoa, Italy, in 1847, and worked as a mess boy aboard a steamer that ran between New Orleans and Genoa for five years before deciding at age 17 to make New Orleans his home. He started his business career dealing in seafood, but then moved into candy manufacturing; at his death he was the director of the Washington Ice Company. His brother, Angelo, followed him to New Orleans in the 1880s and together, they built the Ghisalberti Apartment House in 1904. When John died in 1919, in his apartment at the Ghisalberti, his shares went to his brother. When Angelo died in 1926, the building was inherited to Mrs. Rosita Pittaglia, widow of both the brothers. When the Ghisalberti Apartments first opened in April of 1905, they were lauded as beautiful, with hot and cold water running to the private bathrooms, janitorial services, a staffed elevator and steam heat to warm the apartments. The building was full of people who filled the society pages, such as the Popps – philanthropists who funded the bandstand and fountain at City Park and gardens at Audubon Zoo. The ground-level floor was reserved for commercial enterprises. The Ghisalberti Brothers confectionary and ice cream shop operated there until 1920, when Katz and Besthoff (K&B) moved in, opening its third drugstore in New Orleans. In the mid-1960s, K&B demolished the apartment building and replaced it with a modern two-story, 15,000-square-foot building. When it opened in September of 1967, it was the city’s largest drugstore, with the city’s largest soda fountain (complete with a newfangled “pizza oven”). A modern photo department, which processed film for all the K&B stores and

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offered photography classes, occupied the second floor. In 1998, Rite Aid took over the store, where it operated until 2018, when 11 Rite Aids in New Orleans closed after a buyout.

The Ghisalberti Apartment House was built in 1904 by the Ghisalberti brothers at 3401 St. Charles Ave., on the corner of Louisiana Avenue. The five-story brick Italianate building was one of the first apartment buildings in New Orleans. Photo by Charles L. Franck, c 1948. Provided courtesy of the Charles L. Franck / Franck-Bertacci Photographers Collection, The Historic New Orleans Collection 1979.325.1606

The building remains empty, but there are plans for the property to be redeveloped into new build-

ings that are reminiscent of its past as a mix of residential and commercial use. ✦

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