St. Charles Avenue November 2022

SOCIETY •

Associate Publisher Kate Henry

EDITORIAL

Editor Andy Myer

Art Director Ali Sullivan

Web Editor Kelly Massicot

Event Photo Coordinator Jeff Strout

Contributing Writers Jyl Benson, Mirella Cameran, Amy Gabriel, Megan Holt, Penn Iarocci, Lindsay Mack, Stephen Maloney, Seale Paterson, Shelby Simon, Sue Strachan and Jenny Vorhoff

ADVERTISING

Vice President of Sales & Marketing Kate Henry Kate@myneworleans.com or 504-830-7216

Account Director Meggie Schmidt

Senior Account Executives Brooke Genusa, Rachel Webber

Account Executive Erin Chiartano

Advertising Consultant Penn Iarocci

MARKETING

Coordinator Abbie Whatley

PRODUCTION

Manager Rosa Balaguer Arostegui

Designer Meghan Rooney

Jessica Armand

Distribution John Holzer

'Tis Almost the Season

We are gearing up for a festive holiday season filled with family, fun, events and more. This month’s Avenue is packed cover to cover with the latest trends, local happenings, décor and nonprofit news. Don’t forget to check out our Arts Calendar and new Around Town page for regional events as you plan your outings.

Our holiday fashion feature was shot at the stunning Maison de la Luz and Bar Marilou and will provide endless inspi ration for your upcoming festivities. For those of you planning celebrations, be sure to read our Private Dining feature highlighting a range of gorgeous private rooms and intimate spaces that can be rented out for smaller gatherings.

How to Host covers tips for cocktail hour entertaining and offers a slew of great-looking products from local bou tiques to consider for the occasion. What’s Hot will immediately conjure sugarplums dancing in your head. We also discuss the benefits of hot yoga in our new monthly Wellness column. And, oh do we have a treat (or many) for you! This month’s Eat + Drink covers the sinfully delectable and equally stunning confections crafted at Piety and Desire Chocolate. You’ll love learning more about their process and new space on Magazine Street.

Our November Change Maker is John R. Nickens, president and CEO of Children’s Hospital New Orleans, who has spent his entire career in pediatrics. We are thrilled to share details about all of the incredibly exciting new projects John and his team have been working tirelessly on for some time now, including the Campus Transformation Project and a new Trauma and Grief (TAG) Center.

If you’re having trouble brainstorming the perfect gift picks for certain recipients on your list, fear not, we have you covered with a themed gift guide coming next month. We also can’t wait to announce our annual Activists of the Year in our December issue.

November is a wonderful time here in our fair city and we hope your days and nights are filled with joy, surrounded by family and friends. We have much to be thankful for!

ANDY MYER, EDITOR

On the Cover

Sanja Alickovic Haynie, stylish health care executive, mom, wife and New Orleans sophisticate celebrates this holiday season at the exquisite Maison de la Luz hotel. Son Alec and husband Dr. Brandon Haynie joined in for a bit of seasonal joy.

See the full feature on page 25.

Photograph by Theresa Cassagne Styled by Melissa Coleman Hair and Makeup by Kelly Snezrud

Jerry Parker's Socks That Rock

Local breast cancer survivor Jerry Parker is organizing a sock drive to pro vide warmth and comfort to other can cer patients. She is asking for donations of new, clean socks in original packag ing for children and adults – all sizes are welcome. The goal is to collect over 1,000 pairs that will be delivered locally to cancer infusion centers. No monetary donations will be accepted.

Please donate at one of the following locations: Attn: Jerry Parker

1.Allied Express (Riverlands Shopping Center), 1420, Airline Highway #446, Laplace, LA 70068

2. The Medicine Shoppe (Pharmacy) 70 Dominican Drive, Laplace LA 70068

3. 7524 Avalon Way, New Orleans, LA 70127

*For more information please contact jpsocksforacancercause@gmail.com

SHOP TALK

Look for this and more every Wednesday in the St. Charles Avenue newsletter and catch Shop Talk live every Friday on our Instagram @stcharlesavenuemag at lunchtime!

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

In 2017, Mimi Holaday launched her label Halo Mimi with the mission, “to create luxury one-of-a-kind hats for one-of-a-kind people.” She earned her stripes working for dress maker, Ted Kim (former senior designer for Michael Kors) as well as serving as creative director for a textile design studio in Los Angeles. And now, the New Orleans native meticulously crafts both custom and ready to wear hats for everyday as well as weddings and other special events. Read on to learn more about Halo Mimi and the craft of millinery. Find the full interview on our website.

Meet Penn BLOGGER FOR SHOP TALK

Penn larocci is a born and raised New Orleanian. After graduating from Tulane Uni versity she lived in NYC for nine years working in sales and marketing at an invest ment bank. When she missed New Orleans more than she could stand, she moved back home, met her husband and started a family. She's now raising two rambunctious little boys and spending her free time on environmental sus tainability projects.

Artful Toppers

Hats are fabulous in theory but are they in practice? Sure, they help mask a bad hair day, keep you warm and elevate an outfit, but one wrong move and you wind up looking dowdy or “costumey.” How do you pick the right one (and save yourself potential embarrassment) when it’s so tempting to just grab the latest style? In researching this topic, one thing became clear rather quickly (as is the case with so many things in life) – consulting an expert is paramount to success. Don’t take a short cut. Your ideal hat is unique, just like you, and enlisting a trained professional for a custom fit will patently uplift your personal style.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram: @StCharlesAvenueMag / Facebook: @StCharlesAvenue

How/why did you choose millinery? New Orleans is iconic for the vintage inspired style of a formal hat, but I couldn’t find any options made with quality fur felts or premium Panama straw for a casual, contemporary look. This inspired my mission to create timeless designs made from premium materials that are “one of a kind,” and to ensure they are worn often.

What are the key things to con sider when buying a custom hat?

Wearing a hat well means it suits the shape of your face. The color should be complementary to your skin, wardrobe, and also fit comfortably. My job is to ensure the design is bal anced, striking, unique and timeless.

How can we support you? Visit my website at halomimi.com to see my gallery of work and follow me on Instagram @HaloMimi.label for new styles. If you are ready to create a custom piece, email me at mimi@ halomimi.com.

Nov 29 – Dec 4

Six Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St., 504-525-1052, saengernola.com Ever thought you’d hear amazing girl power songs belted out by the six wives of Henry VIII? Well, head on over to the Saenger Theatre No vember 29 through December 4 to catch the hit show Six live on stage.

NOVEMBER

1 – Dec 6

After School Photography Club: Session II Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St., 504-539-9650, o gdenmuseum.org, Facebook.com/ogdenmuseum

2 Craft Happy Hour: Indigo Dye Class 101 Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St., 504-539-9650, ogdenmuseum.org, Facebook.com/ogdenmuseum

4 The Music of Led Zeppelin and Zebra

Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts, 1419 Basin St, 504-525-1052

5 Bonnie Raitt

Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts, 1419 Basin St, 504-525-1052

12 Odyssey: To Your Heart’s Content

Presented by First Horizon

New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park, 504-658-4100, noma.org

17 An Evening with Justin Hiltner: Live Music, Art and More!

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

18, 19 & 20

Humperdinck's Hansel & Gretel Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts, 1419 Basin St, 504-525-1052

23 Gallery Talk

New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park, 504 658-4100, noma.org

25 Baby Shark Live!

The Christmas Show Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts, 1419 Basin St, 504-525-1052

25 Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St., 504-525-1052, saengernola.com

27 Holiday Dreams: A Spectacular Holiday Cirque Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St., 504-525-1052, saengernola.com

29

Virtual Book Club Discussion: Braiding Sweetgrass

New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park, 504-658-4100, noma.org

December _______________________________

4

Performance and Record Release: People Museum

New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park, 504-658-4100, noma.org

9 & 10

Home Alone with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts, 1419 Basin St, 504-525-1052

17 & 18

Delta Festival Ballet's The Nutcracker Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts, 1419 Basin St, 504-525-1052

Black and Gold Sensation Come watch the New Orleans Saints at the stylish Windsor Court Polo Lounge, where during home and away games a specialty Black and Gold cocktail and Who Dat Golden Ale Beer from Ur ban South will be poured, and it’s half-off select bot tles of sparkling wine (and Dom, Krug and Veuve until sold out). There’s even a $75 caviar service. Info. windsorcourthotel.com; @windsorcourt

Words & Music Festival

Words & Music Festival is back in-person after two virtual-festing years! Organized by One Book One New Orleans, the 2022 event is a combina tion of literature and music interwoven with an activist theme. Featured writers include Jarvis DeBerry and Sha’Condria “iCon” Sibley, while music is represent ed by the Stooges Brass Band discussing its book and Melissa A. Weber and Bryan Wagner talking about the 1976 album The Wild Tchoupitoulas. The event is Nov. 17-19 at the New Orleans Jazz Market. wordsandmusic.org, @OneBookOneNola

Holiday Glow Up

One Christmas tradition New Orleanians and visitors alike look forward to is when The Roosevelt lobby officially turns into the Waldorf Wonderland for the holi day season. This year’s illuminating kick-off is Nov. 29 at 5:30 p.m. when Gram my-winning musician Irma Thomas turns on the lighting extravaganza — did you know it uses more than 112,000 lights, 1,600 feet of garland and 4,000 glass ornaments? Don’t forget to stay after for cocktails at the Sazerac Bar. The Roosevelt Hotel, 130 Roosevelt Way, therooseveltneworleans.com; Instagram: @theroosevelt_no – By Sue Strachan

Hanging Out Dry

For its first-ever Sober Fest on Nov. 12, Bridge House / Grace House has put together a stel lar lineup of performers: Camile Baudoin, Cha Wa, Trombone Shorty Academy and as head liner, Dumpstaphunk. The family-friendly musical festival will also have a kids tent, food trucks and vendors, and mocktail options for purchase. The event is 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. at Mardi Gras World River City Plaza and is free. bridgehouse.org ; @bridgehousegracehouse

City Park Serenade

Music and mint juleps are the enticing lures for City Park’s Thursdays at Twilight featuring: Nov. 3, Raphael Bas and Harmonouche; Nov. 10, Bruce Daigrepont; and Nov. 17: Gal Holiday and the Honky Tonk Revue. Sponsored by the Louis and Virginia Clemente Founda tion, concerts are at the Pavilion of Two Sisters, 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. Admission is $15 per person. Drinks and food available for sale. Info.: neworleanscitypark.com; @neworleanscitypark

OH, THE PLACES YOU'LL BOW

By Amy Gabriel

Lovely up your lobes with a duo of bow earrings cast in brass with sterling silver posts and backings from the draped collection by Watersandstone jewelry. Saint Claude Social Club, 1933 Sophie Wright Place, 504-218-8987, saintclaudesocialclub.com.

The chicest way to soiree, the Rayne satin pleated bow frame clutch is crafted with intricate hand-pleated fabric and comes accompanied by a twisted dainty chain and Loeffler Randall's signa ture knotted bow accent. Saks Fifth Avenue, 301 Canal St., 504-524-2200, saksfifthavenue.com.

Sexy and sweet, step out on the town in a pair of Elara by Billini luxe stiletto heels featuring glam diamante encrusted detailing and a crystal bow. Hemline, 609 Char tres St., 504-592-0242, shophemline.com.

Top off your tresses this season with a burgundy Willie R. medium depth cat tleman crown fedora, made of 100% merino wool and accented with a grosgrain pinch bow. Goorin Bros, 709 Royal St., 504-5234287, goorin.com.

Bedeck your neck with a timeless twist bow necklace from the Mignon Faget knots and bows col lection. Designed in New Orleans, the statement piece mixes sterling silver or 14K gold with freshwater pearls. Mignon Faget, 3801 Mag azine St., 504-891-2005; 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 504-8352244, mignonfaget.com.

Lee Ledbetter

Owner, Lee Ledbetter & Associates

Lee Ledbetter sees the world through the eyes of a painter. In fact, the world-renowned architect said he had to teach himself to visualize his projects in 3D. A native of Monroe, Louisiana, Ledbetter said he always felt drawn to New Orleans, the city where his mother grew up and his father attended medical school.

“As a little kid, the city always seemed magical to me,” he said. “North Louisiana, where I grew up anyway, is quite suburban. Everything is spread out. It’s temper ate. This city had a density that I loved - a canopy of oaks and tropical vegetation.”

That living roof of interlacing oak branches took the sky completely out of the young Ledbetter’s field of view. Gorgeous architecture and fat banana leaves were among the eye-level delights that he became entranced by.

Ledbetter would grow up to study art before moving on to architecture. He lived and worked in New York for a time before moving to New Orleans. It was back here in the Crescent City where he really began to translate what he saw under the canopy of oaks into 3D, architectural ideas.

“People compare architecture sometimes to film direction, to making and directing a film,” he said. “I think architecture tells a story of the world, about the people who live in a building, about the people who inhabit or

use a building. It basically responds to what they love and what they want.”

Ledbetter’s designs often draw from what he sees in the surrounding area and his deep consideration of what people using the building will see. A perfect example of that process, Ledbetter said, can be seen in the sleek gallery building he designed in the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden in City Park.

The curved walls give way to an expanse of windows that perfectly frame the bayou running through the expanded section of the sculpture garden.

One can easily imagine a young Ledbetter gazing through the bank of win dows at the sculpture garden, amazed at the way the rectangle of the building frames the beauty of the world.

Over the years, shifting media preferences have actually helped Ledbetter better visualize potential projects. It all goes back to framing 2D concepts and translating them into the real world.

“Clients used to come to us with lots of magazine buildings, things that they love,” he said. “Now they all have Pinterest boards. That’s extremely helpful. We are not a firm that wants to impose a sort of architectural look on somebody. We want to take the things that they bring to a project and try to make it the best that it could be.”

Lee Ledbetter, leeledbetter.com, 504-566-9669.

– By Stephen Maloney

WHAT'S

HAUTE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

By Amy Gabriel

Festively tie the gathering table together by draping it in a Megève tablecloth by Beau villé. The frost-colored holiday scene depicted is printed in Alsace, France using a state-of-the art silk-screening process. Square 67" x 67"; rectangular 67" x 95"; large rectangular 67" x 122". Mai sonette Shop, 2727 Prytania St., Ste. 13, 504-437-1850. maisonettehop.com.

Photo credit: beauville.createur©

Bring merriment to the moment when presenting guests with charcuterie and snacks atop Santa's sleigh serving board. Generously sized and made of bamboo and iron, the nostalgic presentation alone will be a palate pleaser. Judy at the Rink, 2727 Prytania St., 504-8917018, judyattherink.com.

Photo credit: Two’s Company, Inc.

Showcase your stocking with a chic gift box stocking holder, bedecked with hundreds of hand-set clear European crys tals in cast pewter. The lidded package with hand-enam eled interior makes for an ideal hiding spot for a secretly stashing a surprise gift. Friend and Company, 7713 Maple St., 504-866-5433, friendandcompany.com

Photo credit: Olivia Riegel

If you prefer your holidays on the rocks, do so in style with a drum-inspired ice bucket. The party-perfect accoutrement keeps ice chilled for 3 – 5 hours, and the sleek metal handle allows you to bustle from bar cart to dining table with elegant ease. Adler’s, 722 Canal St., 504-5235292; 2937 Veterans Ste. B, 504523-1952, adlersjewelry.com.

When uncorking your bottle of cheer for celebratory sips, a silver metal stopper with a jingle bell will have a nice ring to it. Little Miss Muffin, 766 Harrison Ave., 504-482-8200; 3307 Severn Ave., 504-455-1444, shoplittlemissmuffin.com

Photo credit: Creative Co-Op

John R. Nickens

President and CEO, Children’s Hospital New Orleans

Inspired by his father’s role in hospital administration, John R. Nickens has spent his entire career in pediatrics. As the President and CEO of Children’s Hospital New Orleans explains, the chance to make a difference in young lives, as well as support fam ilies during a difficult time, creates a fulfilling work experience.

“At the end of the day, you are serving people at a vulnerable point in their life, when they are worried about their kid,” said Nickens. “We get to be their advocate, and maybe make their life improve a bit.”

Now, Nickens is eager to get the word out about some exciting ren ovations at Children’s Hospital New Orleans. Designed to help patients, families, and staff alike, these major changes transformed the hospital, making it easier than ever to provide quality care.

The hospital’s latest endeavor is all about creating a strong founda tion to help kids now, as well as set them up for a healthier lifestyle in the future.

Taking place on about 15 acres in uptown New Orleans, the Campus Transformation Project impacts the hospital in three key ways. First, the design of the phys ical space aims to create a pleasant experience. Nickens likens it to a university setting, with high ceil ings, plenty of natural light, gar dens, and a great cafeteria. There’s also a nook designed for people who may have sensory issues, with

a lowered ceiling and dim lights to promote feelings of safety.

Next, the project includes an investment in several noteworthy programs. Patterned after the top heart programs in the country, the new Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) includes redesigned surgical suites that help control the envi ronment and prevent the spread of infection. With state-of-the-art technology and 28 private patient rooms, the new CICU offers care for patients and their families alike.

Lastly, the project invests in the people who use Children’s Hospital New Orleans, whether as patients, family members, or employees. The hospital currently offers housing, simi lar to an Airbnb, with several rooms that families from out of town can access. A 22-room Ronald McDonald house is also set to open soon. In addition to family housing, the hospital also includes a free parking garage with 600 spaces so families don’t have to worry about parking. A child life play area reinforces the importance of play for all children and helps create a sense of normalcy.

pital New Orleans team includes graduates from top programs in the country, including Stanford and Duke. None of this happens without physicians, nurses, and all the other incredible healthcare profession als, as Nickens explains.

In addition to all the other inno vations with the Campus Transfor mation Project, Children’s Hospi tal recently launched the Trauma and Grief (TAG) Center as well. Designed to help children and ado lescents who have experienced loss or other stresses, the Center can offer tremendous support to the city’s young people.

to COVID-19, it’s a crucial time to help them face these challenges.

With the Trauma and Grief program, we are setting the standard for care in the United States.”

“Trauma and bereavement are predictors of future mental health,” said Nickens. Because these experiences can influence a per son into their teen age years and well into adulthood, the therapists with TAG help children nav igate their trauma with age-appropriate, effective treatments.

Outreach is another important aspect of the TAG Center. With the ThriveKids Program, healthcare pro fessionals partner with local schools to offer mental and behavioral health services. The comprehensive program allows these health liaisons to meet children where they are, and work to build trust. In addition, the trained healthcare workers can help identify children who are victims of trauma. In cases of concern, the liai sons can connect the children with a social worker for additional help or check in with their parents. Avail able for many local schools, includ ing all of Jefferson Parish, the pro gram offers another avenue for care and support right in the classroom.

“It’s a new day,” said Nickens. “We’re setting the standard for care in New Orleans, in Louisiana, and along the Gulf Coast. With the TAG program, we are setting the stan dard for care in the United States.”

Nickens is also incredibly proud of the staff and counts the abil ity to recruit and retain talented professionals for the hospital as a huge success. The Children’s Hos

The TAG program is also available to children in other cities, including Houston, in an effort to make a difference in young lives. As Nickens explains, process ing trauma in this way will be a big part of changing this generation. Because many children are still nav igating the effects of the pandemic, and possibly coping with losses due

The recent innovations to Chil dren’s Hospital New Orleans are all about serving and supporting New Orleans families, particularly those who may be facing a difficult time due to concerns about their chil dren’s health. Families do not need to leave the city to get great care for their children.

“This building marks a moment,” said Nickens. “It’s a game-changer. We’ve built a world-class hospital for a world-class city.”

– By Lindsay Mack

GET INVOLVED Visit chnola.org to learn more about Children's Hospital New Orleans

@ Private Affair

BY JYL BENSON

Whether you seek time out in a festive holiday atmosphere or a means of entertaining guests without bringing Turkey Talk, fa-la-la, or fireworks to your own home, many New Orleans restaurants and event venues have private spaces for all your entertaining needs – from casual to over-the-top.

Mile High Pie Club at Jack Rose in the Ponchartrain Hotel

The Rampart Room at Chefs Amarys Koenig-Herndon and Jordan Herndon’s Palm&Pine feels like a sexy secret. Decked out in shades of scarlet and rose with gilded mirrors and plush chairs that invite lingering, the private room can accommodate seated gatherings of up to 21 and up to 40 for a reception.

“The Rampart Room has its own entrance and is its own space both in ambience and privacy,” Koenig-Herndon said. “I love how flexible the space is and we custom ize the experience to fit whatever the event is. It can be posh for a rehearsal dinner, a sultry burlesque dining room for a bachelorette or bachelor party, or an energetic mingling space for a birthday or Saints viewing party.”

Of particular interest is Palm&Pine’s relationship with burlesque performer Bella Blue, who gives frequent late-night performances at the restaurant and is available for private events. Palm&Pine’s inventive, seasonally driven menu is heavily reliant on locally and regionally sourced produce, seafood, meats, and poultry, and the craft cocktail program is top-notch. Palm&Pine (The Rampart Room), 308 N Rampart St., 504-814-6200, palmandpinenola.com

An expansive, foliage-draped courtyard at Broussard’s fulfills the moonlight and magnolias vision so many conjure when they think of New Orleans. The restaurant can accommodate seated dinners for up to 225 and receptions from 50-650 when combined with the adjacent courtyards of the Hermann-Grima Museum.

Broussard’s, 819 Conti St., 504-581-3866, broussards.com

With 17 private dining rooms, each uniquely appointed in different styles that bespeak New Or leans’ singular sense of place, stately and historic Arnaud’s can accommodate private parties for romantic dining a deux or grand soirees for 1,000. Founded in 1918, Arnaud’s founder purchased adjacent buildings as they became available for sale to expand the restaurant’s capacity.

The Edison Park Room, with seating for up to 50 overlooks a verdant pocket park in a vibrant setting punctuated by chandeliers and luxuriously swaged window treatments. The grand Count’s Ballroom is lavishly adorned with Art Deco art, dramatic lighting, and mirrored windows. The space is large enough to accommodate 200 for a seated dinner with room for dancing. “With three balconies overlooking Bourbon Street and Bienville Street, an in-house Mardi Gras Museum, the French 75 Bar, and renowned Creole cuisine, we create an unforgettable experience,” said spokesperson Kaitlin Rodgers. Arnaud’s, 813 Bienville St., 504-523-5433, arnaudsrestaurant.com

Galatoire’s, the storied French Quarter restaurant with a nearly 120-year history of compelling otherwise responsible adults to indulge in naughty behavior, can be all yours for a private event. Two sister restaurants, Galatoire’s and Galatoire’s “33” Bar & Steak, are connected and all rooms are accessible through either restaurant, bringing the total available spaces to 10, including bars, a balcony overlooking Bourbon Street, and a myriad of dining rooms that can be joined and customized with other spaces to accommodate up to 306 guests for a seated affair. The private dining rooms located at Galatoire’s “33” Bar & Steak may use the menu from either restaurant. Galatoire’s is closed on Mondays but is available as a buyout option for private dining. Lundi Gras with a private balcony overlooking the action, anyone?

A few blocks away on Royal Street Galerie de Galatoire is outfitted in a formal European style with French and Italian influences. Located on the second floor of 211 Royal Street, the private space features 5,500 square feet and a capacity of 450 guests. Galatoire’s extensive French-Creole menu and courtly staff service this space. Galatoire’s, 209 Bourbon St., 504-525-2021, galatoires.com; Galatoire’s “33” Bar & Steak, 215 Bourbon St., 504-335-3932, galatoires33barandsteak.com; Galerie de Galatoire, 211 Royal St., 504-525-2021, galeriedegalatoire.com

Brennan's iconic pink building on Royal Street has eight glamorous dining rooms, some with adjoining courtyards, and each steeped in New Orleans architecture opulence. Private spaces will accommodate up to 120 seated or 160 for a reception. "This couldn't be done anywhere else in the world but the French Quarter,” said interior designer Keith Langham. “We're honoring the history, the richness, the drama, and the sassiness of New Orleans.”

Notably, the Queen's Room is a tribute to feminine reign. Shades of aquama rine, lavender, pink, and ivory play against golden touches to create a feeling of luxury. The chairs, replicas of the design from Queen Elizabeth's coronation, are deep aqua velvet embroidered with gold crowns. Five-hued French style curtains in silk taffeta drape against a backdrop of wallpaper patterned in fleur de lis.

Brennan's Paul Morphy Room

Boussard's foliage-draped courtyard

The Samedi Room above Gris Gris

Framed pictures of former carnival queens and a cache of bejeweled Mardi Gras mem orabilia are on loan from the Rex organization. A glorious nineteenth century crystal and ivory chandelier of local origin illuminates the stately room, which seats up to 32 and will accommodate 40 for a reception.

Also of note is the Paul Morphy Room, which was once part of the 1800s home of the chess prodigy. A cozy parlor on the second floor celebrates the enigmatic man considered one of the world's greatest players. The décor evokes the mood of a sophis ticated English study, with a red velvet sofa, cocktail table and, of course, a chessboard awaiting a match. Richly lacquered walls have panels of Scottish tartan. Above the fireplace's mantle is a portrait of the master himself. The space will accommodate 12 for a seated dinner, 20 for a reception.

Chef Ryan Hacker's menu of interpretations of classic New Orleans cuisine and private menus are available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and for both seated and reception-style events.

Brennan’s, 417 Royal St., 504-525-9711, brennansneworleans.com

Also on Royal Street, the literary-themed Hotel Monteleone features two private dining spaces. The Tennessee Williams Room offers single table seating for up to 16 or two tables of 10 for larger parties. The William Faulkner Room can seat 12 at one table. Both rooms feature coffered ceilings, and both are set with plush, dining armchairs. The decor in each space reflects the character of the author for whom it was named. Both spaces are serviced by Criollo, the hotel’s flagship Caribbean-Creole restaurant, and both have access to the celebrated Carousel Lounge.

Criollo in the Hotel Monteleone (Tennessee Williams Room and William Faulkner Room), 214 Royal St., 504-681-4444, criollonola.com

The Ramos Room at Kingfish Kitchen and Cocktails has exposed brick and tin walls that offer a throwback to the days of Huey P. Long, the former governor of Louisiana, who was nicknamed “The Kingfish.” Two sets of French doors opening to Chartres

Street bathe the room in natural light and afford guests a private entrance. The menu spins on classic Louisiana dishes and there is a library of specialty cocktails. The space can accommodate a maximum of 40 guests for a seated dinner. Kingfish Kitchen and Cocktails (The Ramos Room), 337 Chartres St., 504-598-5005, kingfishneworleans.com

Located in the historic French Market, Marché encompasses both indoor and outdoor spaces offering uninterrupted views of both the French Quarter and Mississippi River. For seated dinners, the Ballroom at Marché can hold a maximum of 120 guests, and the Terrace Room can hold a maximum of 50. Before opening Marché, the building was carefully renovated with hand-applied old-world Venetian plaster and the unused balconies were restored to open-air functionality. Marché, 914 N Peters St., 504-586-1155, marcheneworleans.com

Chef Eric and Robyn Cook designed the private space at their French Quarter restau rant, St. John, to feel like a home with plush sofas and chairs, grouped dining tables, a bar, a large flat screen television (should a Saints game be in order) and access to the balcony overlooking Decatur Street. The space is serviced by the restaurant downstairs with a menu rooted in 18th century Creole cuisine with complex dishes one might have found on a family dinner table. Cook turned to his extensive collection of vintage cook books and family traditions in crafting a Creole menu reflective of the cultural influenc es that came together over centuries to underpin New Orleans’ celebrated cuisine. St. John, 1117 Decatur St., 504-581-8120, saintjohnnola.com

Though the Provence-inspired Elysian Bar is a tiny, if glorious, space with very limited seating, it services all the gathering places in the former Rectory at The Hotel Peter and Paul: two elegant parlors (cozily warmed by fireplaces in winter), a glass atrium brimming with lush foliage, and a lavish outdoor courtyard ringed by the former church’s bell towers. The bar takes its name not just from the boulevard cleaving the Marigny neighborhood

The Hotel Peter and Paul

and the Marigny Triangle: in classical mythology, the Elysian Fields were paradise—the blissful destination of the righteous after death. It is a fitting moniker for a bar housed in a former Catholic Church. All spaces serviced by The Elysian Bar, including the bar itself, are available for private events.

The Elysian Bar in Hotel Peter and Paul, 2317 Burgundy St., 504-356-6769, theelysianbar.com

Located within the New Orleans Museum of Art, the newly renovated Café NOMA provides a stylish space that blurs the lines between an upscale sunlit café and an art gallery. Features include a dramatic 72-piece installation of colorful and distinctly shaped vessels for food and drink from NOMA’s decorative arts collection. The café space can expand for private events to include the enclosed patio, with a stunning sloping glass ceiling and walls of windows, overlooking historic City Park and a portion of the Besthoff Sculpture Garden. The expanses of glass also give a clear view of the Lapis Center for the Arts Room and its monumental bas-relief mural by the late New Orleans artist Enrique Alférez that has been rescued from the now-demolished Times-Picayune building and installed in the NOMA auditorium. Commissioned fifty years ago to embellish the lobby of the newspaper’s headquarters, the plaster panels, entitled Symbols of Communication, feature letterforms and symbols from throughout human history, creating a rhythmic surface pattern of delicate highlights and shadows. The Lapis Room will accommodate 140 for a seated event, 200 for a reception. The glass wall between the Coleman Courtyard and the Lapis Room opens to join the two spaces, offering seating for 220. Chef Chris Monte ro’s menu services the spaces for private events.

Café NOMA in The New Orleans Museum of Art, (Lapis Center for the Arts Room and the Coleman Courtyard), 1 Collins Diboll Cir., 504-381-5107, cafenoma.com

Overlooking City Park with some of the oldest and most dramatic live oak trees in the country, Ralph's on the Park affords beautiful views. This meticulously renovated histor ic building is matched by a menu that features innovative takes on beloved classics. Four second floor private dining spaces can be rented individually or together to accommo date parties from 25-150. Rental of the entire second floor provides full use of the building’s wrap-around balcony overlooking the park.

Ralph’s on the Park, 900 City Park Ave., 504-488-1000, ralphsonthepark.com

The Palace Café has several private dining and gath ering spaces, most notably The Black Duck Bar, the official home of the New Orleans Rum Society (aka NORS), an organization dedicated to the appreciation of fine rums. The society hosts regular spirit events and tastings catered towards the rum enthusiast and admis sion is open to all. Sugarcane has been an integral part of the south Louisiana economy and culture for more than 200 years, when the Jesuit priests first brought sugarcane to Louisiana in 1751. The site of the first suc cessful cane production was in downtown New Orleans, on Baronne Street, adjacent to the bar. This festive space will accommodate up to 50. The Palace Café will create a customized menu to accommodate a private event.

Palace Café (The Black Duck Bar), 605 Canal St., 504523-1661, palacecafe.com

A few blocks away the Wine Room at Briquette is a free-standing private facility with its own street entrance, kitchen, and bar. The space can accommodate seated dinners up to 40 or 60 for a reception. The beautiful décor incorporates ambient lighting, exposed brick, and tables of repurposed wood. Briquette is a winner of The Wine Spectator Certificate of Excellence for 2022.

Channel your inner Austin Powers and wow your guests at The Shag Room, tucked inside Commons Club at The Virgin Hotel The intimate yet playful space will ac commodate up to 50 and features colorful furniture for ample seating with luxurious fabrics, groovy decoupage wallpaper, and works from local artists. Or keep it classy with The Dreamboat Lounge adjacent to the hotel’s Pool Club on the 13th floor. The intimate indoor air-con ditioned space blurs the lines between indoors and out with lush greenery, lanterns, and latticework. Food and beverage service for both spaces are provided by Com mons Club headed up by Executive Chef Alex Harrell, who puts his creative contemporary spin on Southern seasonal cuisine with Mediterranean influences.

Virgin Hotel (The Shag Room and Dreamboat), 550 Bar onne St., 504-603-8000, virginhotels.com/neworleans

Pass a good time at Calcasieu, Chefs Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski’s private dining space above Cochon restaurant in the Warehouse District. With three dining rooms the space can host up to 200 for both seated

Galerie de Galatoire

Photo by Greer Gattuso

Cafe NOMA

Calcasieu

Briquette (The Wine Room) 701 S Peters St., 504-3027496, briquette-nola.com

dinners and receptions. The menu focuses on locally sourced ingredients to deliver authentic flavors from Cajun country and across the South as well as charcuterie from Butcher and housebaked bread from La Boulangerie, their uptown bakery.

Calcasieu, 930 Tchoupitoulas St., suite a, 504-588-2188, calcasieuevents.com

Warm, intimate, and clubby, the pri vate dining room at Herbsaint, Chef Donald Link’s flagship restaurant on St Charles Avenue, reflects his passionate style of cooking that has consistently made it one of New Orleans' top restaurants. The space is available for private events for up to 45 people for a seated dinner and up to 65 people for reception-style events.

Herbsaint, 701 St Charles Ave., New Orleans, 504-524-4114, herbsaint.com

Everything about Jack Rose feels vaguely otherworldly, like Andy Warhol might walk in at any time. There is the Mad Hatter-like, color saturated, Instagram-driven décor. The Champagne “bongs” allow users to down their glass of Champagne or sparkling wine in next to no time, effectively launching you off on that rocket to Russia that much faster. Enjoy it all in private at the Mile High Pie Club tucked within (full capacity 36). Larger private dining events can be hosted at The Parlor (seated 110, reception 220). Tucked away behind the iconic Pontchartrain Hotel, an unassuming garage door gives way to a dazzling, glamorous interior making it a stunner for larger events. Food and beverage service for all spaces is provided by Jack Rose. Jack Rose in the Pontchartrain Hotel (The Mile High Pie Club and The Parlor), 2031 St. Charles Ave., 504-323-1500, j ackroserestaurant.com

Spanning two floors, The Samedi Room above Chef Eric Cook’s flagship Gris Gris has an open kitchen and a dining room for 12 on one level. A stately staircase leads to a hang out space with plush furniture and a large screen television and a balcony to the rear overlooking Felicity Street and the Mississippi River (making it a cool spot to catch NYE and July 4th fireworks displays). Another large balcony with outdoor seating overlooks a chic block of Magazine Street. The space is serviced by the contemporary pan Southern menu and killer craft cocktail program at Gris Gris.

“We designed this to feel warm, intimate and inviting, reflect ing the welcoming culture that New Orleans always offers its guests,” Cook said. “Dining in this private space is like dining in a New Orleans home. “You are drawn in with rustic, New Orleans charm and any party or event feels easy and fun.”

Gris Gris (The Samedi Room) 1800 Magazine St., 504-272-0241, grisgrisnola.com

The Wine Room is the newest of the five private dining spaces at Commander’s Palace. The dining space will accommodate up to 14 guests, but management strongly advises keeping the guest list to no more than six. For this very exclusive experi ence Executive Chef Meg Bickford and “Wine Guy” Dan Davis will work together to create an unforgettable experience. The stunning custom wine table is set in the middle of a collection of over 20,000 bottles. Guests dine among the stars of the world of fine wines. Wine packages start at $125-$150 per person and rise to over $500 per person. Dining packages are $125 per person for the Standard Menu, $250 per person for the Platinum Menu.

Commander’s Palace (The Wine Room), 1403 Washington Ave., 504-899-8221, commanderspalace.com

The Rampart Room at Palm&Pine

The Wine Room at Commander's Palace

Herbsaint

BY THERESA CASSAGNE

STYLED BY MELISSA COLEMAN

MAKEUP BY KELLY SNESRUD

With the holiday season upon us, New Orleanian Sanja Alickovic Hainey celebrates all things festive and fashionable with her family and Avenue at Maison de la Luz Hotel and Bar Marisol.

All is Bright

THE GLITTERATI

for day? We’re good with that. This sequin maxi dress will take you from lunch at Galatoire’s to an evening gala.

: LA DOUBLE J, JOSEPH STORES, JOSEPHSTORES.COM BOOTS : PARIS TEXAS, MY THERESA, MYTHERESA.COM EARRINGS : DOLCE BOUTIQUE, SHOPDOLCEBOUTIQUE. COM BRACELET : LIZZIE FORTUNADO, PILOT AND POWELL, PILOTANDPOWELL.COM

VAMPING IT UP Sometimes you just need to have that moment. That dramatic, sparkling, decadent moment. We found ours in this gorgeous gown with attached train.

DRESS : BARNETT, CENTURY GIRL VINTAGE, CENTURYGIRLVINTAGE.COM EARRINGS : VINTAGE, CENTURY GIRL VINTAGE, CENTURYGIRLVINTAGE.COM

BLACK TIE BEAUTY

Nothing is more elegant than Old Hollywood glamour. Anything Grace Kelly might have worn we want to wear. It’s easy to envision her in this gown paired with the perfect baubles.

DRESS : BRANDON MAXWELL, SOSUSU BOUTIQUE, SOSUSUBOUTIQUE.COM COCKTAIL RING : ADLER’S FINE JEWELRY, ADLERSJEWELRY.COM NECKLACE : VINTAGE, LELE SADOUGHI

THE GRAND ENTRANCE

Everyone needs an “it girl” dress. We dare you to find a better one. Double. Dog. Dare you.

DRESS : MATICEVSKI, JOSEPH STORES, JOSEPHSTORES.

COM HEART CLUTCH : PEONY STORES, PEONYNOLA.

COM NECKLACE LIZZIE FORTUNADO, PILOT AND POWELL, PILOTANDPOWELL.

COM SHOES AQUAZZURA, NET-A-PORTER, NET-APORTER.COM

SUNDAY BRUNCHING

Late night? Cuddle up over coffee and keep it current in cashmere and velvet.

CASHMERE SWEATER : PIED NU, PIEDNUNOLA.COM VELVET

PANT : PROENZA SCHOULER, PILOT AND POWELL, PILOTANDPOWELL.COM ON

HIM : BRUNELLO CUCCINELLI, BRUNELLOCUCCINELLI.COM

SITTING PRETTY

Anything with a hint of ballerina is always a hint to take. Twirl under the mistletoe in silk chiffon and sequins and add a statement earring to sparkle next to the fire.

DRESS : TWINSET, PEONY BOUTIQUE, PEONYNOLA.

COM EARRINGS VINTAGE, CENTURY GIRL, CENTURYGIRLVINTAGE.

COM SHOES AQUAZZURA, NET-A-PORTER, NET-APORTER.COM

GOLDEN GIRL

Sometimes you just need to make a memorable exit. Turn all the heads as you leave to party hop in a bright colored gown that lights up the room.

GOWN : CAROLINA HERRERA, NEIMAN MARCUS, NEIMANMARCUS.

COM NECKLACE : LIZZIE FORTUNADO, PILOT AND POWELL, PILOTANDPOWELL.COM

CLOVER

Established in 1896 as Kingsley House, Clover’s mission is to educate children, strengthen families and build community. Programs include adult day care, career pathways, community & supportive services, early learning and youth services. The agency’s board of directors announced the retirement of the Kingsley House name in 2021 and debuted the name Clover in September 2022. The petals of Clover’s logo represent children, families and community, and the deeply held love, hope and faith the organization has for those it serves.

HOW TO HELP

Donations, volunteers and corporate sponsors help ensure that Clover’s legacy of service continues. To learn more and get involved, visit the agency’s new website following its launch in mid-October at www.clovernola.org.

1600 Constance Street, New Orleans 504-523-6221 Clovernola.org

SOCIETY

Jump

Museum's

Ogden Museum

of The Park Hat Luncheon

Orleans City Park and

Orleans Town Gardeners

Hall of Fame

Junior Achievement of

New Orleans

National WWII Museum

Heart of the Park Hat Luncheon

Patrons gathered in The Pavilion of the Two Sisters for the annual Heart of the Park Hat Luncheon on April 27, which benefits the care of City Park’s historic urban forest and the commu nity programs supported by the New Orleans Town Gardeners. Dr. Tlaloc Selway Alférez served as the 2022 Honorary Chair.

This year’s spring-themed, floral-filled event featured Enrique Alférez-inspired decor. An original plaster relief by Enrique Alférez, “Soccer Players,” was a prized live auction artwork.

The event, hosted by Jay Batt and Bryan Batt, featured entertainment by Harry Hardin Quartet, catering by New Orleans City Park Catering and Maurice’s French Pastries.

Prior to the luncheon, guests enjoyed a cocktail gathering in the New Orleans Botanical Garden, where they experi enced the works of Enrique Alférez with support from the Helis Foundation.

Karen Coaxum, Carmen Duncan, Boo Kallenborn and Chenier Taylor served as the 2022 Event Co-Chairs. Barbara Bush and Bev Church served as 2022 Patron Chairmen. First Horizon Bank presided as presenting sponsor. – By Shelby Simon

1. J ay Batt, Bev Church, Barbara Bush, Bryan Batt 2. Harriet Nelson, Poco Sloss, Susan Gomila 3. Chenier Taylor, Karen Coaxum, Boo Kallenborn, Carmen Duncan

Karen Knaak Wood, David Kerstein, Charlotte Bollinger 5. Megan Eustis, Cleland Powell, Claudia Powell

Ruthie Frierson, Blanche Dee McCloske

Women of Substance Luncheon

Since 1996, Bridge House / Grace House has held the Women of Substance Luncheon to honor local female role models for the many women in their substance use disorder treatment program. More than $135,000 was raised at this year’s 27th annual luncheon.

Joy Bollinger, Dian Tooley-Knoblett and Gwen Briggs were this year’s honorees. The award recipients and associated honors were: William Mimeles with the Richard “Buzzy” Gaiennie Award, Christina Illarmo with the Volunteer of the Year award and Christie Silvis with the Alumna of the Year award.

Felicia Kleinpeter served as Event Chair, and Mark Romig served as emcee.

NOLA Flora created white and pink floral centerpieces of hydrangeas and roses for each table, as well as a matching bold cen terpiece at the event entrance. The Audubon Tea Room provided catering of a delicious three-course meal.

111 total items were available for bid ding, including four in a live auction, which included a private chef door-to-door dinner with Chef Charlotte Martory, a JAMNOLA private tour for 10 plus a swag basket and a seven-night stay in Panama at Soul House Luxury Inn and Retreat Center.

The James P. Raymond Jr. Foundation and the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust returned as co-Presenting (Leadership) Sponsors for the sixth and fourth year in a row, respectively.

Approximately 350 patrons attended the luncheon. – By Shelby Simon

1. Dian Tooley-Knoblett, Kelly Commander, Else Pederson, Walton Goldring

W illiam Mimeles, Gabrielle Mimeles

Marilyn Ripoll, Angelle Verges, Mary Cannon

Christopher O’Shea, Felicia Kleinpeter

Mark Romig, Gwen Briggs, Joy Bollinger, Kevin Gardere

Leigh Director, Liz Copeland

Business Hall of Fame

Business Hall of

Established in 1984, the Business Hall of Fame honors local businessmen and women who have embraced the spirit of entrepreneurship in our community. These individuals are recognized for their signifi cant contribution to the success of their profession.

Eighteen members of the Business Hall of Fame in attendance were introduced in proces sion style by class year to begin the evening. Each 2022 honoree was featured in a special video tribute and introduced by a fellow Hall of Fame Laureate, also on video.

The 2022 Laureates were: Susan Brennan, Founder, Second Line Stages, LLC; Patrick Comer, Founder & CEO, Lucid; John Hairston, President & CEO, Hancock Whitney; Sonia Perez, President, AT&T, Southeast States; Tania Tetlow, President, Loyola University New Orleans; and Scott Wolfe, Jr., Founder & CEO, Levelset.

The Lifetime Achievement Honoree was Alden J. McDonald, Jr., President & CEO, Liberty Bank & Trust. Laitram was honored as the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust Business of the Year. Each awardee was given a crystal eagle as a symbol of their entrepreneurial spirit and excel lence in business leadership.

The Plant Gallery decorated the Ritz-Carlton ballroom with florals in shades of peach with sil ver and white accents. The Ritz-Carlton catered a three-course dinner, which ended with a chocolate doberge cake. Pianist Philip Melancon performed while the approximately 180 guests dined.

Bill Hines, Managing Partner at Jones Walker, served as Event Chair. Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust served as title sponsor. – By Shelby Simon

Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust

1. Alden McDonald, Ronnie Burns

2. Bill Hines, Ann Hairston, John Hairston

3. Neel Sus, Diedra Dias 4. Jay Lapeyre, Susan Brennan, Tania Tetlow, Sonia Perez 5. Larry Washington, Lisa Romano, Mason Couvillon

6. Tim Williamson, Patrick Comer, Scott Wolfe

PRC's 43rd Julia Jump

The 43rd Julia Jump gala continues to support the Preservation Resource Center’s (PRC) work to preserve New Orleans’ historic architecture, neigh borhoods and cultural identity.

The gala, themed “Jumping Through the NOLA Seasons,” was a black-tie encouraged affair.

Patron party guests were greeted by members of The Sirens dance and marching krewe and enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres from the Four Seasons Catering while sipping champagne. Gordon Towell and Hunter Burgamy performed smooth jazz stylings for all to enjoy.

For guests at the gala, Kern Studios provided thematic props, FAIT Nola provided flowers and centerpieces and The Topcats provided live musical entertainment.

The Four Seasons served as an appropriate venue for the evening and as a prime example of adaptive reuse and the potential to restore and revitalize historic buildings, as the former World Trade Center has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 2014. The Four Seasons also provided catering. Sazerac Company sponsored the bar alongside beer provided by NOLA Brewing Co.

Key auction items included a 30-bottle wine raffle valued at over $1,200, a custom suit from Fellow Menswear, an emerald ring from Beje Jewelers and vacations to Pittsburgh, Nashville, Telluride, Cabo San Lucas and Argentina. A raf fle featured 12 curated packages reflecting the many seasons of New Orleans.

Vivian Grandal and Ashleigh Taylor served as Event Co-Chairs. Landis Construction presented the gala with other major sponsors including: TruWealth Advisors, Dixie Construction and Thrive Landscaping, First Horizon, Murphy Appraisal Services, Roth Law Firm and Stonehenge Capital. – By Shelby Simon

Charles Urstadt, Anne Teague Landis, David Bernard 2. Clay Colton, Danielle Del Sol, Ashley King 3. Jessica Knox, Fred Holley 4. Marshall Hevron, Sarah Hevron, Peter Trapolin, Leah Tubbs, Christin Generes 5. Vivian Grandal, Barbara Lacen Keller, Ashleigh Taylor 6. Shammi Gupta, Nomita Joshi Gupta, Katie Witry, Todd Riche

Jump presented by

Construction.

The American Spirit Awards

National WWII Museum's American Spirit Awards

by Hancock Whitney's

The 2022 American Spirit Awards cele brated those whose work reflects the values and spirit of those who served our country during the World War II years. The events featured a Patron Reception on June 9, a luncheon and Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum and the Awards Gala on June 10.

Proceeds from the weekend’s trio of events, which took place between June 9-10, 2022, support educational programming at The National WWII Museum. This year raised $1,469,271 in support of the Museum’s mission.

The American Spirit Award Honorees were: Norman C. Francis, JD, Educator, Civil Rights Pioneer and Veteran; Karen Guenther, Founder, President and CEO of Semper Fi and America’s Fund; Rick Atkinson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Military Historian; Frederick W. Smith, Veteran, Philanthropist, and Founder and Executive Chairman of FedEx Corporation; and The Navajo Code Talkers, including Thomas Begay, John Kinsel, Sr., Peter MacDonald and Samuel Sandoval.

The American Spirit Medallion Honorees were: Charles C. Teamer, Ph.D., Veteran, Educator and Civic Leader; The Honorable Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson, Long-time New Orleans City Council Member, Public Servant and Trustee Emerita of The National WWII Museum; and Carol Rittner, RSM, Ph.D., Author, Activist and Educator.

The Silver Service Medallion Honorees included: Bradford C. Freeman, WWII Veteran and Member of Easy Company; Romay Davis, WWII Veteran and Member of Women’s Army Corps (WAC) 6888th Battalion; and Lt. Commander Louis A. Conter, USN (Ret.), WWII Veteran and Pearl Harbor Survivor.

The Museum’s Victory Six band performed at the Patron Reception. The American Sector Restaurant and Bar provided culinary creations and Hancock Whitney served as presenting sponsor alongside many generous supporters. – By Shelby Simon

1. Bradford C. Freeman, Norman C. Francis, Sam Sandoval, Peter MacDonald 2. Jennifer Weggeland, Ted Weggeland 3. Suzanne Mestayer, Charles Teamer Sr., Linda Teamer, Stephen Watson 4. Rick Atkinson, Jane Atkinson, Beth Mueller, Nick Mueller 5. Karen Guenther, Madlyn Hilliard, Paul Hilliard, Tracy Bame 6. John Doerner, Ann Doerner, Ann Hairston, John Hairston

Ogden Museum's Magnolia Ball

This year's Magnolia Ball celebrated Ogden Museum's current exhibi tion: "Luis Cruz Azaceta: What a Wonderful World."

In a collaborative spirit with the artist's use of bright and bold colors, the atrium in Goldring Hall was beautifully lit with blue, purple and green uplighting, and boasted dramatic floral center pieces with hanging greenery throughout. More than 400 partygoers enjoyed Elektra Cosmetics' glitter bar on their way to the photo booth and aeri alists and dancers with Trixie Minx Productions entertained the crowd. The Museum utilized its Patrick F. Taylor Library to showcase the evening's live music lineup where guests gathered for drinks as they danced the night away.

Live entertainment also included the People Museum Band, DJ Heelturn, DJ T-Roy, Shawan Rice, Marina Orchestra and DJ Jess. Culinary creations were provided by Diva Dawg, Highly Seasoned Catering, Manolito, Nola Snow Snoballs, Nothing Bundt Cakes on Prytania, The Delachaise and Reginelli's Pizza.

87 lots were featured in this year's silent auction and included artwork and lifestyle items from regional artists and businesses. This year's top items were artwork: the highest bid went to Cubs the Poet's "The Zulu Queen,” and the second high est sold item was Jennifer Odem's "Underpinning.”

2022 Magnolia Ball Co-Chairs included: Wendell Brunios, Nathalie Simon, John Isiah Walton, Jennie Cannon West and Jason Richards.

Benefactors for this event included Eclectic Home, The Times-Picayune, Charles D. Urstadt & David Bernard, The Helis Foundation, St. Charles Avenue Magazine and Michael Wilkinson. – By Shelby Simon

1. Wendo Brunior, Jennie Cannon West, Rene Lavoie, Nathalie Simon, Jason Richards 2. Huzefa Dossaji, Amanda Scott 3. Elise Johns, Kristi Sanford 4. Lori Lapatka, Kelly Smith, Ashley Shabankereh, Justin Powers 5. Claire Blue, Andrew Lamar Hopkins, Garlyn Gryder 6. Nicole Hershey, Dung Nguyen, Jade Aubert

Magnolia Ball supports the educational mission of the Ogden and celebrated the exhibition, "Luis Cruz Azaceta: What a Wonderful World."

IMAGINATION GALA BENEFITING OCHSNER HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN

WHEN: May 21

WHERE: Mardi Gras World

The evening raised nearly $400,000 for patients and programs of Ochsner Hospital for Children.

1. Jenny Longwell, Elizabeth Grimes, Dr. Erika Smith, Ashby Navarro, Meredith Claiborne and Riley Kennedy 2. Layne Court, Dr. William Lennarz, Rene Doucet and Warner Thomas 3. Shannon Brice, Shon Cowan Baker, PhD and Aimee Brice

AKHI WISH REVEAL HOSTED BY MAKE-A-WISH TEXAS GULF COAST AND LOUISIANA

WHEN: August 27

WHERE: Central City district and Audubon Park

Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana surprised 7-year-old Akhi at his home with a new tricycle and custom bike rack, installed by the Young Leadership Council. Under escort from the NOPD, a motorcade with Akhi and his family, and members of NOLA Social Ride made the trip down St. Charles Avenue to Audubon Park.

1. Make-A-Wish staff Erin Joubert and Brian Smith present wish kid Akhi with his custom tricycle (with mother Arnisha and father Andre). 2. Akhi with NOPD SPO N. Henry. 3. Akhi escorted to Audubon Park by NOPD and NOLA Social Ride.

HYNES CHARTER SCHOOLS 70TH ANNIVERSARY LUNCHEON

WHEN: June 4

WHERE: Ralph’s on the Park

The entire Hynes community celebrated Hynes Charter Schools’ 70 years of being a leader in quality public education in Orleans Parish with a luncheon at Ralph’s on the Park.

1. Shawn Persick, Anne Kramer, Leon Mathes and Michelle Douglas 2. Dana ClarkWilliams, Dawn Lobell, Ashlyn Williams, Margo Johnson, Tiffany Vega-Dermody and Tarynesa “Terri” Williams. 3. Jan Janz, Helene Derbigny, and Michelle Douglas pose for a picture on the balcony of Ralph's.

WELCOME RECEPTION FOR JOE W. RAMOS, PHD, DIRECTOR AND CEO OF THE LOUISIANA CANCER RESEARCH CENTER (LCRC)

WHEN: July 26

WHERE: LCRC in New Orleans

Governor John Bel Edwards joined the healthcare community in welcoming Cancer Biologist Joe W. Ramos, PhD as the newly hired director and CEO of the Louisiana Cancer Research Center (LCRC).

1. Prescott Deininger, PhD, Michelle Matter, PhD., John Cole, MD 2. Lee Hamm, MD, Joe W. Ramos, PhD, Richard DiCarlo, MD 3. Walter Leger, Jr., Andy Kopplin, Gov. John Bel Edwards

Our Expert Christopher Nobles, Founder and Choco latier, Piety and Desire Chocolate, pietyandde sirechocolate.com

What to Drink with Chocolate

“The ideal pairing is Buf falo Trace bourbon with one of our Brown Butter Bourbon bon bons. It’s an amazing combination.”

Chocolate

Food of the Gods, Currency of Mortals

Chocolate started out as a food for the elite among the Maya and Aztecs, and later European aristocrats, but officially stopped being a luxury item in 1894 when Hershey’s began mass producing it. Until 2006, most considered $4 for a chocolate bar to be robbery because they were used to buying it at the drug store. That year brought the advent of craft chocolate. Made with sourced cacao beans in small batches and with upscale packaging, chocolate started to get its mojo back. New Orleans native and musician Christopher Nobles did both front and back of the house stints in restaurants. Drawn to the intersection of food and science, but ultimately determined he did not want to work in a restaurant kitchen, he started mak ing chocolate. He travelled to Nicaragua to learn about the cacao fermentation process then studied the making of both chocolate and gelato at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners. He opened Piety and Desire Chocolate in a tiny space on a hip stretch of Broad Street near Toledano in 2017. There was a retail counter up front and a tiny “factory” behind the counter.

“I wanted a name that spoke of New Orleans but did not involve the fleur de lis,” Nobles said. “Chocolate was a food of the gods, but it was also a form of currency.” He sources organic, fair trade cacao beans directly from farmers and producers in Central and South America, Africa and Asia.

“We go from bean to bar to bon bon and beyond,” said Nobles. The entire process happens in the space on Broad with Nobles and two employees taking the cocoa beans from raw product to a works of art. He recently moved the retail portion of the oper ation to Magazine Street where he operates a chocolate café serving specialty coffee drinks, ice cream, and, of course, chocolate. In addition to a bar with counter seating, the new Piety and Desire Chocolate Café has grouped conversational areas outfitted with Hollywood Regency furnishings that invite guests to linger and indulge. – By Jyl Benson

All bars and bon bons are small batch, handcrafted and made with raw Louisiana cane sugar. The bon bons, each hand-painted, glit ter under soft lights in a temperature-controlled glass case and are sold a la carte. The flavors are locally and seasonal ly inspired and grouped into collections: Classic, Contemporary, Winter, Fall, Summer, Carnival, and Festival. Where New Orleans-made chocolate was once limited to waxy hollow chocolate bunnies, Piety and Desire has brought us world-class products that could eas ily compete on a world stage before the most discerning critics.

Ice ice baby

Keep the ice handy or stash your Chablis. Regardless, this accessory is a must for any cocktail party. Matte White Ice Bucket with Lid, Jade Nola, 504-875-4420, jadenola.com.

Cocktail Hour

No champagne problems

Serve bubbles in these beautiful Venetian glasses exclusive to Sotre. Rialto Glassware, Sotre, 504-3049475, sotrecollection.com.

The ultimate party trick:

Kyra Walker of The Drunk Connoisseur is a full-service beverage caterer. From Bloody Mary bars to a batch of your favorite cocktail, she’s got you covered. Drunk Connoisseur, 504-373-0640, kydrunkconnoissuer @gmail.com.

IG: @kydrunkconnoisseur

November, the holidays are a-knocking. Fear not, there’s still plenty of time to host non-holiday gatherings. And with all the cooking and meal preparation on the horizon, we’ll be inviting guests for a drink. Having friends for cocktails is a wonderful way to catch up without the effort of a dinner party. You can keep it sim ple and offer the old standards of wine, beer or something neat. And if so inclined, offer a specialty cocktail. I personally love to make or outsource a batch cocktail. It’s the equivalent of a make-ahead meal and frees me up to enjoy my company. New Orleans is home to many talented mixologists. Kyra Walker of Drunk Connoisseur can make you a batch of any cocktail that is far more nuanced than what I would make. Since she has my spicy margaritas under control, I will be dusting off my favorite, colorful glass ware. Unique glasses are the ultimate joy-sparker. Passing your guest a small piece of eye-candy will make the entire affair feel special. Throw a handful of Zapp’s in a pretty bowl, pull up a New Orleans 60’s soul music playlist, and you have yourself a lovely evening. Cheers! – By Jenny Vorhoff

Ring me never Coasters that are meant to be noticed won’t be accidentally overlooked by guests. Louise Bourgeois Ode A La Bievre Coaster Set, NOMA, 504-6584100, shop.noma.org.

Rose colored glasses Colorful, hand-blown wine glasses aren’t just for wine. Serve any cocktail in these elegant beauties. Fritsy Stemless, Sotre, 504-304-9475, sotrecollection.com.

Fill me up These generously sized, ribbed glasses can take a more refreshing cocktail, such as a spritz, to the next level. Gems Tumblers, Hilltop Shoppe, 504-533-9670, hilltop shoppe.com.

Hot Yoga

Is it worth turning up the heat?

Yoga uses slow movements and deep breathing to increase blood flow and warm up muscles, while build ing strength through holding poses. This develops mus cle tone and flexibility. By adding heat, muscles warm up faster, enabling your body to stretch further and burn more calories. Studies show an average calorie burn can go from 200 to 400 calories per hour by cranking up the mercury. As the muscles work harder, so does your heart, giving you a more intense cardio vascular workout. Your heart and lungs will pump faster than in lower temperatures. This boost will increase the circulation of the glucose (sugar) in your bloodstream and brings more oxygen and nutrient rich blood to your cells. Research clearly indicates that

the many benefits of practicing yoga can be enhanced by heat and that hot yoga is even more powerful at alleviating depression and anxiety and creating a sense of balance and wellbeing in many adults than traditional forms.

That said, dehydration is a major concern, drinking at least 32 ounces of water before performing hot yoga is highly recom mended, as well as consuming water during the class. Afterwards, it may be necessary to supplement your water intake with drinks offering added electrolytes. Pregnant women, people with low blood sugar levels and anyone with pre-existing health conditions can experience dizziness and fainting, and should consult with a physician before trying a class. – By Mirella Cameran

Erin Romney

Founder of Romney Studios, with two loca tions in New Orleans, says, “We are thrilled to offer HEAT, our infrared heated yoga studios now in both locations. The benefit of infrared is that it tar gets the body not the room, so your muscles warm up faster and the impact is deeper. Our instructors are specifically trained to maximise the strength and flexibility that can be achieved by bringing heat to this ancient art.”

Yoga Jaci Yoga Mat Towel

You can try a regular towel, but mi crofibre versions are light and easily folded into a bag while being the right size to cover your whole mat to provide the desired stickiness especially good for sweaty classes.

Cold water is an essential; this version of an insulated stain less-steel flask beats the competition with its ability to keep your beverage icy cold for 72 hours!

Lululemon Reversible Mat

Not all mats are equal. The New York Times and a slew of yoga titles consistently ranked this mat as being worth the extra dollars, combining comfortable cushiness with stickiness and an easy to wipe down texture.

Klean Kanteen

Both hoping to meet some one special, Adele Cassidy Abboud and Jonathan Loris Levy joined Tin der, a dating app. After they swiped right on each other’s profiles, they arranged to meet for a Sunday night at Delachiase Wine Bar. A drink quickly turned into dinner at Dick and Jenny’s. Jonathan asked Adele out three more times that week, and they soon became inseparable. Five years later, Jonathan planned to propose to Adele on one of her least favorite days of the year—the start of football season. Everything was set for the night of the Saints’ first preseason game, including a surprise celebration after the pro posal. There was just one catch. Not being a football fan, Adele decided to work late that night! When she finally made it to Jonathan’s house, he proposed, and she happily said yes. After a quick drink together, they headed to Oak Wine Bar, where friends and family from all over were waiting to toast the occasion.

While they were raising a glass that evening in 2019, they had no idea that a global pandemic would soon make wedding planning an arduous task. After rescheduling multiple times, Adele and Jona than married in a family-only cer emony at Temple Sinai on July 3, 2021. The ceremony was followed by a cocktail hour at the Windsor Court Polo Lounge and a private dinner at Restaurant August. After all the planning and replanning, the newlyweds found some time to

Abboud-Levy

A few months later, on December 11, 2021, they celebrated with all their loved ones at a reception held at the Contemporary Arts Center. The CAC was the perfect venue, because it was

a blank slate that could be transformed into their dream space. Adele sketched out her vision of a glamorous indoor garden/greenhouse, and Elyse Jennings Weddings helped bring it to life. The pièce de résistance was the installation of chandeliers and clouds of greenery

above the bar and dance floor, where Where Y’acht kept the party rolling.

Of course, the dancers needed fuel, and the menu created by Black Pearl Catering had everyone raving. Popular items included duck and andouille gumbo bit terballen, buffalo soft-shell crab wings, a steak au poivre grits bar and chicken coq au vin. As the party rolled into the wee hours, guests were treated to late-night duck fat fries, a nod to Adele and Jonathan’s first date at Delachaise.

The couple continued to enjoy amazing food during their hon eymoon in Italy soon after the reception. They currently live in New Orleans, where Jonathan is an entrepreneur and Adele works in medical sales.

– By Megan Holt

Reception Décor: Firefly Ambience, Element Event Rentals, See Hear Pro Coordinator: Elyse Jennings Weddings  Celebrant: Rabbi Edward Cohn  Wedding Gown: Carolina Herrera, Neiman Marcus Dallas, evening coat vintage, red dress Safiyaa Groom’s Attire:   Tuxedo, Indochino  Engagement Ring: Beje Fine Jewelry Bride’s Wedding Band: Beje Fine Jewelry Groom’s Wedding Band: Beje Fine Jewelry Florist: Bella Blooms Invitation: Empress Stationery Wedding Cake: Bittersweet Confections  Photographer: Lance Nicole  Videographer: Shotgun Films  Hair and Makeup: Kelly Snesrud

aveweddings@myneworleans.com

unwind together with a “mini-moon” in Mexico.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

1. Boudreaux’s Jewelers

BoudreauxsJewelers.com

701 Metairie Road, Metairie 504-831-2602

Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Diver 300M in Stainless Steel, $5,400.

2. Callan Contemporary

CallanContemporary.com

518 Julia Street, New Orleans 504-525-0518

George Dunbar "Coin Du Lestin", 2022; Asian leaf over yellow clay; 12 x 12 inches. Exhibition on view at Callan Contempo rary November - December, 2022.

3. Eye Wares

EyeWaresNola.com

6001 Magazine Street, New Orleans 800 Metairie Road, Suite Q, Metairie 3601 U.S. Hwy 190 B, Mandeville 504-830-5911

These oversized square sunglasses by French design house Balmain are a fashionable way to see and be seen. They're finished with a double nose pad, coordinated temples, reinforced with titanium and light as a feather. Eye Wares has luxury sunglasses from designers like Chanel, Cartier, Gucci, Anne et Valentin, and many more.

4. Lee Michaels

Lmfj.com

3301 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Suite 11-B, Metairie 504-832-0000

3ct Oval sapphire and double diamond halo ring in 18K white gold, available in store and online, $19,750.

5. Ballin’s LTD

BallinsLTD.com

721 Dante Street, New Orleans 504-866-4367

Give the gift of luxury fragrance this holiday season with Voyage et Cie's organic & sustainable 100% soy/coco nut blend candles, $56 each.

6. Hall Piano Company

HallPiano.com

901 David Drive, Metairie 504-736-0109

Experience the world’s finest high res olution player piano, Steinway & Sons SPIRIO, only at Hall Piano Company.

7. The Shop at The Historic New Orleans Collection ShopHnoc.com | 504-598-7147

520 Royal Street, New Orleans

This authentic Paella Kit is sure to impress any food lover in your life, $32.

8. Sazerac House Museum

SazeracHouse.com | 504-910-0100

101 Magazine Street, New Orleans

Crystal Decanter and Glass Set. Three-piece set featuring a Crystal Decanter and two crystal glasses, $150.

9. Indigo Boutique

ShopIndigoBoutique.com | 504-635-7874

605 Metairie Road, Suite C, Metairie

1795 Martin Luther King Blvd, Suite B, Houma Host any Holiday party with beautifully designed accent bowls from Indigo Boutique. Front to back: Gold Leaf Furman Decorative Bowl, $294.80. Breanne Gold Leaf Bowl, $294.80. Andrea Distressed Grey & Gold Decorative Bowl, $228.80.

10. Historic New Orleans Collection Hnoc.org | 504-523-4662

520 Royal Street, New Orleans Juneau Metalworks Bee Bracelet, $85.

11. Sophisticated Thread Sophisticatedthread.com

512 Metairie Road, Metairie

Linen hemstitch guest towels with nutcracker embroidery design.

12. Wren’s Tontine Shade & Design

WrensTontine.com | 504-525-7409

1533 Prytania St., New Orleans

Since 1937, Wren’s Tontine Shade & Design has been professionally decorating windows and enhancing homes. This experience has given the team a vast knowledge of all that is available in the window covering industry. Wren's Tontine specializes in custom drapery, window shades, blinds, interior shutters, bedding and upholstery.

13. Symmetry Jewelers

SymmetryJewelers.com | 504-861-9925

8138 Hampson Street, New Orleans

18k Victorian ring, featuring a 2.23ct oval Natural Ceylon Sapphire, surrounded by 0.60cts of diamonds (accompanied by GIA report). $12,500.

15. Art & Eyes

ArtandEyesNewOrleansLA.com | 504-891-4494

3708 Magazine St., New Orleans | @art.and.eyes Lapima’s in optical and in sunnies! Green IS the eyewear color for 2023, and one of our favorites is the deliciously feminine styles of Lapima. Hand sculpted in Brazil, $495 each.

14. PERLIS Clothing Perlis.com | 800-725-6070 6070 Magazine Street, New Orleans 1281 N Causeway Blvd, Mandeville 8366 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge

Modern style meets refined design with the Devotion earring by Brackish. Hand-crafted in artfully layered marine blue goose feathers for subtle texture in a one-of-a-kind silhouette. 24k gold plated stud with post push back.

16. Louisiana Children’s Museum

Lcm.org | 504-523-1357

15 Henry Thomas Drive, New Orleans

Hape Wooden Pull Along Frog Family. This lovely mama frog is taking her little ones for a walk. Pull the string and watch her mouth open & close. As you pull this frog family, you will see mama walk with her froglet and little tadpole wobbling along behind. $29.99.

17. Hilltop Shoppe

HilltopShoppe.com | 504-533-9670

3714 Magazine Street, New Orleans

Make any holiday party a hit with the ceramic Papa Noel Pitcher from Glitterville. 8” tall, 96 ounces, hand-glazed with real gold details, $99.

The Incredible Ruth Law

Ruth Law was the third American woman to gain a pilot’s license, granted to her in 1912 at the age of 25. She quickly set multiple flying records for distance and speed and worked as an exhibition flyer. She was hired by the New Orleans National Farm and Live Stock Show, held Nov. 10-19, 1917, to fly two exhibition flights each day of the Fair. It was on Nov. 17 that she broke her own world record of consecutive loop-de-loops; after soaring to 5000 feet, she performed 17 vertical loops in a row, until she was too close to the ground to fit in another. This record-setting event drew the largest crowd of any day at the fair.

Ruth Law with her plane at the Fair Gounds in 1917. Earning up to $1000 per performance, she was one of the best paid women in the country. At the Fair, she showcased her skills by performing thrill ing tricks: very low flights around the track, tail dives, dips, spirals, and other stunts.

Besides performing at the Fair, Law took some time to enjoy New Orleans… and break a non-flight record. She was the first woman ever to dine at Maylie’s, a men’sonly restaurant that had been open for 40 years. Wearing a khaki military outfit with her hair tucked under her hat, she had been mistaken for a man and not found out until she was halfway through her meal. She was allowed to finish

her meal, and Maylie’s officially opened to women 8 years later, in 1925. As the only woman Rotarian in the United States, she was the honored guest at a New Orleans Rotary club fundraiser. B. R. Bertaut, rice importer, donated 100 lbs of rice, and the menu consisted of rice soup, fish and rice, jambalaya, rabbit and rice, rice salad, and rice pudding. She also scattered recruit ment flyers for the Elks from her plane, and endorsed The New Orleans Item’s Tobacco Fund, raising money to send American cigarettes to US soldiers fighting in WWI.

Ruth’s greatest ambition was to join the US military as a commissioned officer and pilot. And although her campaign made it all the way to Congress a month after her New Orleans appearance, it did not pass. Five years later, her husband tired of her having a dangerous job and made the decision that Ruth was to retire from flying, announcing it publicly to the press before telling her.

– By Seale Paterson

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PUBLISHER’S

NOTICE: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Fed eral Fair Housing Ace and the Louisiana Open Housing Act, which make it ille gal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. For more information, call the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-273-5718.

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Cozy Comfort

Fall is the perfect time to snuggle up with a new throw

Local makers We Might Be On Fire craft blankets made from 100% cotton, perfect for those with sensitive skin who become particularly itchy during colder months. The charming prints are all New Orleans themed and make a perfect gift for yourself or someone you love. A portion of all sales also goes towards Gulf Coast and wetland restoration. Banana Tree #2 Blanket, We Might Be On Fire, wemightbeonfire.net