New Orleans Magazine June 2013 by Renaissance Publishing

June 2013 VOLUME 47 NUMBER 9 Editor Errol Laborde Managing Editor Morgan Packard Art Director Eric Gernhauser Associate Editors Haley Adams and

Sarah Ravits Contributing Editor Liz Scott Monaghan Food Editor Dale Curry Dining Editor Jay Forman Wine and Spirits Editor Tim McNally Restaurant Reporter Robert Peyton Home and Garden Editor Bonnie Warren Interns Elizabeth Heideman and Caroline Malouse

SALES MANAGER Shannon Smith Senior Account Executive Jonée Daigle Ferrand Account Executives Erica Northcott Adams,

Maegan O’Brien Sales Assistant Erin Maher Azar Web/Production Manager Staci Woodward McCarty Production Designers Jenny Dascenzo Hronek, Sarah

George and Casey Hano Web Editor Haley Adams Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne President Alan Campell Executive VICE PRESIDENT/Editor-in-Chief Errol Laborde Executive Assistant Kristi Ferrante Distribution Manager Christian Coombs SUBSCRIPTIONS Erin Duhe

WYES DIAL 12 STAFF (504) 486-5511 Executive Editor Beth Arroyo Utterback Managing Editor Aislinn Hinyup Associate Editor Robin Cooper Art Director Jenny Dascenzo Hronek

NEW ORLEANS MAGAZINE Printed in USA A Publication of Renaissance Publishing 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123 Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 Subscription Hotline:

(504) 828-1380 ext. 251 or fax: (504) 828-1385

Online at www.MyNewOrleans.com

New Orleans Magazine (ISSN 0897 8174) is published monthly by Renaissance Publishing, LLC., 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005; (504) 8281380. Subscription rates: one year $19.95; Mexico, South America and Canada $48; Europe, Asia and Australia $75. An associate subscription to New Orleans Magazine is available by a contribution of $40 or more to WYES-TV/Channel 12, $10.00 of which is used to offset the cost of publication. Also available electronically, on CD-ROM and on-line. Periodicals postage paid at Metairie, LA, and additional entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to New Orleans Magazine, 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005. Copyright 2012 New Orleans Magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. The trademark New Orleans and New Orleans Magazine are registered. New Orleans Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and artwork even if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. The opinions expressed in New Orleans Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the magazine managers or owners.

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CONTENTS 6.13 VOL.47 NO.9

NEW ORLEANS DISCOVERIES PAGE

136

FEATURES 76 New Orleans Discoveries In search of places and activities you may not know about. by Brian Boyles and Michael Patrick Welch, with Haley Adams, Errol Laborde, Morgan Packard and Sarah Ravits

85 The Biggest Party you never heard about Gayle Benson shares the story behind the huge NFL Owners Party at Super Bowl XLVII. by Morgan Packard

88 Top Dentists Our annual drill. profiles by Judi Russell

IN EVERY ISSUE ON THE COVER New Orleans Discoveries: One of the Riverwalk’s swings under the Crescent City Connection is a “Best Place to Steal a Kiss.” ELIZA MORSE PHOTOGRAPH

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8 10 11 12 135 136

INSIDE “Discovering New Orleans’ Oldest” LETTERS speaking out Editorial, plus a Mike Luckovich cartoon JULIA STREET Questions and answers about our city Try This “How to Host a Fête During a Fest” STREETCAR “Bouncing Through the Night: Shortwave Memories”

STREETCAR PAGE

136

MUSIC PAGE

EDUCATION PAGE

CONTENTS THE BEAT 18 20 23 24 26 28 30

MARQUEE Entertainment calendar PERSONA Artist Terrance D. Osborne newsbeat “Partying on the New Huey P.” Biz ”Bottling the Spirits of New Orleans” Education “Jindal and Creationism: Legends vs. Fossils” HEALTH “Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow” HEALTHBEAT The latest news in health from New Orleans and beyond 31 newsbeat “Growing Jobs in Their Backyards” 32 Crime FIghting “Remembering Joseph Massenburg” 34 newsbeat “Keeping Tabs on the Gulf”

HEALTH PAGE

LOCAL COLOR 36 40 41 44 46 48 50 52

THE SCOOP “Pamper Your Pop” music “A Banjo Bridge From Senegal” Read & Spin A look at the latest CDs and books CAST OF CHARACTERS Tia Torres: a look behind her reality show MODINE’S NEW ORLEANS “Cruising for Trouble” Joie d’Eve “A Very New Orleans Baptism” CHRONICLES “How Families Celebrated” HOME Donna and Tom Russell’s Lakefront home brings a fresh approach to modern design.

MODINE’S NEW ORLEANS PAGE

THE MENU 58 table talk ”Pork on the Fork” 60 restaurant insider “New on Julia Street and in the French Quarter”

62 FOOD Fruity recipes for the season 66 LAST CALL She Loves It – the cocktail 68 DINING GUIDE

DIAL 12 D1 Locally and nationally renowned artists, gallery owners and art collectors have donated over 950 pieces of art, sculptures, antiques, wood works, jewelry, pottery and mixed media to be auctioned off during the 31st annual WYES Art Collection Twelve. WYES’ live televised art auction begins Thurs., June 6 at 4 p.m. Don’t miss New Orleans’ best beer fest! On June 21 & 22, WYES presents two days of beer at one great venue: Mardi Gras World. For all WYES program and event details, visit wyes.org. 6

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TABLE TALK PAGE

C heryl G erber P hotograph

IN SID E

Discovering New Orleans’ Oldest

here is something that ’ s alive in N ew

Orleans today that was already living when Genghis Khan invaded China and when Pope Innocent III not-so-innocently ordered the Fifth Crusade. The year was 1213. We don’t know the exact year when the sprout that would one day become the McDonogh Oak in City Park first broke through the ground, but arborists confidently date the tree as being at least 800 years old. In this issue when we search for discoveries throughout the city, nothing nears the sprawling tree for age and grace. What would be known as Bayou Metairie meandered near the oak’s birthplace. Because the bayou provided a water path, there were likely tribal people who might have rested against its trunk. Over centuries, tribal societies would evolve, and from that would come a group of people to be known as the Choctaws. Their history along the bayou would ebb and flow, but the oak still stood. New Orleans wouldn’t be founded for another 505 years when the oak was born. The republic in which the tree would stand wouldn’t declare its independence until 563 years later. We will never know how many ancient tropical events the tree has endured, but we do know it stood strong through hurricanes Betsy, Camille and especially Katrina, when its neighborhood was transformed into a deadwood forest. Now the McDonogh Oak is the centerpiece of what has become a splendid park. There are other historic oak trees in the area, though named with a sense of fatality, “Dueling” and “Suicide,” in contrast to the philanthropist John McDonogh. Where Choctaws once sought shade, so might an artist working with a sketchpad while being visually overwhelmed by the surroundings. No less impressive are the three limbs from which life not only continues but also spreads.

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On the web Head to the new and improved MyNewOrleans.com for fresh content added daily. This month, impress your little ones with six recipes from New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles. With macaroni and cheese, fried catfish nuggets and more, they’re all quick, easy and kid-approved. Have a question about the new website? Email all comments to Web Editor Haley Adams at haley@myneworleans.com.

Exclusively Online: Award-Winning Daily Blogs Mondays:

The Editor’s Room: Editor-in-Chief Errol Laborde, three-time winner of the Alex Waller Award for print journalism, offers his take on the Big Easy, the state of Louisiana and the changing times. Named “Best Local Blog” by the Press Club of New Orleans. Tuesdays:

Morgan Packard, managing editor for New Orleans Magazine, and Annie Drummond, whom MyNewOrleans.com stole from Ohio, tagteam weekly columns on the different ways to enjoy life in our city.

Wednesdays:

After Hours: Nightlife savant and New Orleans Press Club award-winner Ian McNulty gives us the scoop on what to do when the sun goes down. You know, when he can get out of bed to write about it. Also... Nola Newbie: MyNewOrleans.com’s new web editor, Haley Adams, chronicles her adventures as a New Orleans resident. Thursdays:

Haute Plates: Our very own gastronome, Robert Peyton, offers the real dish on local dining. Also … Happy Hour: The yang to Mr. Peyton’s yin, Tim McNally, acclaimed wine judge and food writer, expounds on wine, cocktails and other draughts. Fridays:

Joie d’Eve: Editor Eve Kidd Crawford, who has won awards from the Press Club of New Orleans and the Society of Professional Journalists, writes about what it means to be a family in New Orleans.

Visit MyNewOrleans.com to see photographs and articles, even before they hit the newsstands. Enjoy our archived articles, leave us a comment or sign up for our newsletter.

myneworleans.com

JUNE 2013

LETTERS

The Room in the back of Antoine’s

Re: “Paul McIlhenny and the Back of Antoine’s,” Streetcar column by Errol Laborde. April 2013 issue. (Reference to the origin of the name for the room next to the wine cellar in the back of Antoine’s restaurant.) I wanted you to know the details of Chez Team Tabasco. My tennis group, which consists of the Reverend Jesse Adams, Bill Banta, George Griswold, Hans Jonassen and me, calls itself “Team Tabasco.” There are at least two theories for the name, one involving a peppery game once played on a wet court in the rain, and another our use of the eponymous red sauce on tuna salad sandwiches. In fact, our tennis club once had on its sandwich menu, “Tuna Team Tabasco,” whose ingredients are easily guessed. The Team Tabasco members have for many years celebrated birthdays and the holidays over lunch at Antoine’s, in the room once called The Last. Our holiday lunch is punctuated with gifts, many of which have a Tabasco theme. One year one of us brought, as a humorous gift, the red sign that now adorns the door. Another of us summoned a hammer and nails and installed the sign. We were always pleased and surprised when we returned to The Last and our sign was still there. Emboldened, we then began to hang pictures of Team Tabasco. We were pleased and surprised when they remained undisturbed. At some point, someone, we know not who, used U-shaped tacks to affix two golf clubs to the frame of the large window that occupies one wall. Each time we visited we removed the golf clubs and left them on the table, and each time we returned they had been reinstalled in the same location. We no longer remove them, but only one still survives – and the shaft has been severely shortened. We are still unaware of the source of the golf clubs. We learned at some point that Paul McIlhenny, a good friend of many in our group, had surveyed The Last and enthusiastically approved it being called the Tabasco Room. As a memento of his approval, Paul presented each of us with a biography of The McIlhenny Company that he autographed “To: Team Tabasco …” The Antoine’s website now officially calls the room the Tabasco Room. Team 10

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Tabasco refers to it simply as “The Room,” and you can find one or more of us there several times each year, including our mid-December holiday lunch, Christmas Eve lunch and frequently New Year’s Eve dinner. In January of last year, I saw Dan Aykroyd dining in the Tabasco Room. He was extremely friendly. Rumors abound that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt favor the privacy the Tabasco Room affords. It is my favorite room at what is, to me, the best restaurant in the entire world. Now you know “the rest of the story.” Louis Fishman New O rlean s

Ed. Note: That room also has a special meaning for us. In April 1966, three men had dinner there. As described in the premier issue of this magazine, which was published the following October, “… toward midnight, in a small room next to the wine cellar at Antoine’s, New Orleans got its first breath of life, and none of our lives have been the same.” This magazine, as described by James L. Townsend, its first publisher, was founded in that room. We respect the room now being named in honor of Tabasco, but to us it will always be the New Orleans Magazine room. FISHING IN LOUISIANA

Re: “Dropping a Line” by John Felsher, part of the “Toast to the Coast” feature. March 2013 issue. My husband and I have been annual visitors to New Orleans since 1972 and greatly enjoy your magazine. In your March 2013 Issue the “Dropping a Line” article praised the fishing along the Gulf coast of Mississippi, Alabama and Florida and omitted the Gulf Coast of Louisiana itself. Since a fishing license for the Gulf Coast of Louisiana costs $93 for one day we understand the omission. April Miller Ch atham, VA

Ed. Reply: Your point is well taken though the article was specifically about the Gulf coasts of Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. Louisiana’s Gulf Coast isn’t as much about the beaches but more about the bounty from the sea and the estuary system. As in many ways, Louisiana is in a category of its own.

SPEAKIN G O U T

How to Fight Crime: Old Arguments, Different Answers

very

often

horrible

crime

happens

that

arouses the passions in the city. That was certainly the case recently with the Mother’s Day second-line shooting. When such incidents occur there will be press conferences where victims’ families, flanked by ministers and politicians, call for the violence to stop. There will be a prayer vigil to show solidarity. And there will be discussion through the media, from pulpits, at police precincts and at City Hall, about what to do about it. Year after year, crime after crime, the talking points are the same. Each argument hovers around part of the solution though none totally provides remedy. Nevertheless, to move the discussion beyond repetition, here are some of the perennial arguments and the status thereof. Just arresting someone is OK for the short term, but crime needs long-term solutions. True. Of course the problem with the long term is that it takes so long to get

here. Long-term will not protect you tonight. We all know that this is a problem of education and social development. There is some good news on that front. With the charter movement there’s evidence that schools are getting better. The city is rebuilding its once-heralded recreation department. There is more of an emphasis on early childhood education. Even midnight basketball helps. Things are happening now that will probably prevent kids who might have otherwise gotten into trouble stay within the law. That is the good news. Meanwhile, in the short term, there are some suspects needing to be apprehended. Business needs to get more involved. That argument is always used, though its implications are unfair. Many businesses have historically been involved, quite often privately providing for individual schools. That is one way that business can see progress from their investment. Even the Carnival establishment has kicked in. Since Hurricane Katrina the Rex organization has established the Pro Bono Project. In the past year it has raised more than $2 million dollars targeted for charter schools. There is no measuring point when it can be said that business is involved enough. There can never be too much involvement. But it’s wrong to suggest that the business community hasn’t cared, if for no other reason that it understands that a crime-free community is good for business. There is a failure of the criminal justice system. There you have us. We know this, District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro Jr., a former criminal court judge, seems to be quite competent, but he may be too hamstrung by the rest of the system. Some judges are more conscientious than others, and the ones who are bad not only create a backlog in trials but their incompetence often results with people who should be jailed being set free. Parish prison has also been under heavy criticism. We wish it were not necessary that both the prison and the police department AN ORIGINAL ©MIKE LUCKOVICH CARTOON FOR NEW ORLEANS MAGAZINE

will be undergoing federal consent decree review, but in the long run that might be in the best interest. Street crimes quite often involve gang activity. That seems to be increasingly true. We have seen it through the centuries, throughout the world adolescent men, quite often linked to an ethnic minority, finding status and position in a gang. The gangs tend to provide the emotional home place that life never did. Crime, and the willingness to commit it, is a status symbol. Tragically, pulling a trigger can be a rite of passage. So how do we fight crime? All of the above can be by the first solution: the long-term one. At least in the past when people talked about the “long term” there was no reason to believe we were going there. Now there’s evidence of the right things being done. There has to be. We cannot wait much longer.

myneworleans.com

JUNE 2013

JULIA STREET

W IT H P O Y D R AS THE PARROT

T H E P U R S U IT T O A N S W E R E T E R N A L Q U E STI O N S

Oak-lined North Claiborne Avenue, circa 1960, prior to construction of Interstate 10.

Dear Julia, As we “celebrate” the 50-plus years since the elevated Interstate 10 was installed on the neutral ground of Claiborne Avenue, where beautiful live oak trees once grew, destroying one of the vibrant centers of the New Orleans black community, proposals are now being made to un-ring that bell. It causes me to reflect on what occurred. An uproar was raised as those lovely old trees were being cut down, to make room for the ugly concrete supports for the interstate. The response was to “transplant” some of those very old trees. Elaborate clamshell-like devices on trucks were employed to gouge up the balls of dirt containing part of the root system of those trees and the trees were then hauled off, hanging from the trucks, to be planted elsewhere. I liken it to telling the kids that the old, sick family dog is being picked up by the pound to be taken to a 12

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lovely farm, where the dog can happily romp and play. In other words, it was BS. I am betting that few, if any, of those magnificent trees survived this ordeal, that it was all just a public relations campaign. I am sure that you or Poydras can come up with the facts. Donald C. Burnham N ew O rleans

Donald, Poydras doesn’t believe in facts. He says they “cloud the mind.” Nevertheless, the eradication of the oak trees and the once-vibrant and ethnically diverse neighborhoods along Claiborne Avenue are cultural tragedies to people of all ethnicities. On Feb. 10, 1966, The Times-Picayune reported on a New Orleans Parkway Commission project to relocate oak trees removed from Claiborne Avenue.

August Catalano, Parkway Commission assistant superintendent, noted at the time that 35 to 40 trees were to be moved to “Orleans between Bayou St. John and Florida Avenue,” but work had to be completed within three weeks, before rising sap precluded transplantation. Once the brief seasonal window of opportunity shut, no more trees could be moved until the following year when, Catalano claimed, the city planned to “... move as many trees in 1967 as time and money will permit.” Unfortunately, the federal highway project contained no provisions for salvaging the trees and we know how the story ends. The city made no effort to save the oldest and most historic of the oaks; only the smallest and youngest were considered for transplanta-

Win a Court of Two Sisters Jazz Brunch or Lunch at the Rib Room Here is a chance to eat, drink and listen to music, and have your curiosity satiated all at once. Send Julia a question. If we use it, you’ll be eligible for a monthly drawing for one of two Jazz Brunch gift certificates for two at The Court of Two Sisters in the Vieux Carré. To take part, send your question to: Julia Street, c/o New Orleans Magazine, 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005 or email: Errol@MyNewOrleans.com. This month’s winners are: Don Burnham, New Orleans; and Mike Fitzwilliam, Picayune, Miss.

P hotograph C O urtesy N ew O rleans P ublic L ibrary

tion. Furthermore, not all trees transplanted to Orleans Avenue came from Claiborne Avenue. Some had been ripped up and carted there from Elysian Fields Avenue, which was also targeted for highway development. Dear Julia and Poydras, I was reading your story about bands playing music in City Park on Sundays. My family used to speak of it, as my dad played in a band made up of employees of the Pan American Life Insurance Company. It was way before my time. I found a picture of the band taken in 1924 among my family things. I was wondering if you could give me some information on the band and how long they played, when they stopped and started, etc. I know my dad worked for Pan American for many years, but by the time my memory starts there was no more band, and they spoke of it in passing. Maybe Poydras could

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ask some old birds in City Park for details. Rick Trotter La s Vegas

Rick, Poydras really doesn’t like hanging around with birds of any ages. He gets nervous perched on branches. Nor does he like to get wet, so he avoids the ducks. Poydras is very lonely. The Pan American Life Insurance Company Band was one of many such employee organizations and appears to have been in its heyday in the 1920s and ’30s. In early May ’25, the group held a series of concerts at local playgrounds. Sid H. Lemley was the committee chairman in charge of the series, which began at Bunny Friend Playground. In October 1925, your dad, J. Bruce Trotter, was toastmaster at a dinner honoring the band for its services during the past season. Festivities

took place at Arnaud’s restaurant and featured speeches by band organizer Dr. George Farrar Patton, bandmaster William J. Braun, band manager Charles J. Mesman and others. Dr. Patton, the group’s founder, died in early April 1934 at the age of 81. Prominent in medical as well as musical circles, Patton was a pioneer in yellow fever control and conducted a number of local bands, including that of the Pan American Life Insurance Company, where he had once been employed as the firm’s assistant medical director. Dear Julia, I was born in New Orleans, and grew up in the section of the city known as Tremé. In 1930, on Dumaine Street, in about the 1400 block there was a social club named the San Jacinto Club. Can you tell me something about the club? When was it organized and

who were some of the founders? When did the club disband and why? Any information you can provide would really be appreciated, and would prove to some of my young friends that I’m not making this up. My regards to Poydras. Roland Davidson New Orlean s

The San Jacinto Club was located at 1422 Dumaine St. Benjamin F. Blanchard was the first president of The San Jacinto Social and Pleasure Club, organized in 1903. The club building, an important musical landmark, was destroyed by fire on Jan. 9, 1957. Through the efforts of firemen Wallace “Bill” Bailey and William Burns, the cornerstones were saved and donated to the New Orleans Jazz Club. Prior to its destruction, the San Jacinto Club had been an important performance and recording site. Among

the many famous musicians who played and recorded there were George Lewis, Peter Bocage, Kid Shots Madison, Jim Robinson and Bunk Johnson.

white tiger brothers Rex and King Zulu arrived at the zoo. Rex passed away in 2012, at the age of 16. His brother, King Zulu, is the zoo’s sole surviving white tiger.

Dear Julia, When my grandchildren were little, they used to enjoy going to see the white tiger at the zoo and would ask for her by name. Do you happen to recall when Suri first arrived in New Orleans? Jake Jones

Dear Julia, Local lore in Picayune, Miss., is that Eliza Jane Nicholson was asked to rename the town from Hobolochitto to Picayune when the New Orleans & Northeastern Railroad was built between Meridian and New Orleans in the early 1880s. Other than a 1953 article from The Times-Picayune where someone claimed that the story was true, I found no firsthand or contemporary account of that happening. The corresponding legend is that she also named the town just south of Picayune in honor of her husband, George Nicholson. Is either story true? Mike Fitzwilliam

M e ta irie

Suri arrived at Audubon Zoo in July 1983. Her visit was supposed to be a brief one, since she was on a three-month loan from the Cincinnati Zoo, but she proved so immensely popular that her stay was extended and funds were raised for her purchase. Suri died of cancer in ’99. Soon after Suri’s demise,

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P ic a yune, MS

Like you, I have heard

the lore concerning the role the Picayune and its owners played in the naming of that pair of Mississippi towns. Unfortunately, I have yet to see a primary document validating those claims. I can, however, tell you of another Mississippi place and newspaper namesake. In March 1887, a writer with the Brookhaven Leader visited Picayune Farm and commented on its name. Located two miles north of Brookhaven, Miss., and east of the Union Church Road, Picayune Farm had formerly been known as the “Strong Place” but was renamed following a change of ownership. At the time the reporter visited the farm, it belonged to Daniel Dennett, who had renamed the property in honor of the newspaper for which he had served, for many years, as the agricultural editor.

Julia on TV

Look for the Julia Street question on “Steppin’ Out,” every Friday at 6:30 p.m. on WYES/Channel 12. The show features reviews, news and features about the New Orleans entertainment scene. Viewers who can answer Julia’s weekly question can call in for prizes. Tell ’em you read about the show in New Orleans Magazine.

THEBEAT MARQUEE

PERSONA

BIZ

EDUCATION

HEALTH

CRIME FIGHTING

NEWS

PERSONA:

Terrence Osborne PAGE 20

Artist Terrance Osborne has created three New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival posters: depicting Rebirth Brass Band in 2007, Uncle Lionel Batiste in ’10 and Trombone Shorty in ’12

Greg miles Photograph

myneworleans.com

JUNE 2013

T HE BE A T OUR

MARQUEE

T O P P I C K S O F T H E M O N T H’S E V E N T S BY

SARAH

RAVITS

Cajun-Zydeco Festival

A production of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, the 2013 Louisiana CajunZydeco Festival is a premier showcase for these types of music, taking place on two stages at the Old U.S. Mint. Wellknown acts to check out include Rosie Ledet, Beausoleil, Geno Delafose & the French Rockin’ Boogie, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas, the Lost Bayou Ramblers and numerous others who will get you to two-step. The festival takes place June 8 and 9. Information, JazzAndHeritage. org/cajun-zydeco

Rosie Ledet

Through June 2. Wicked; Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts. Information, MahaliaJacksonTheater. com

Miss Daisy; Northstar Theatre (Mandeville). Information, jpas.org

a Legend Most? The Blackglama Photographs from

Jefferson Performing Arts presents Driving “What Becomes a Legend Most,” Through June 30

JUNE 2013

The New Orleans-based Court 13 film collective made it to the big leagues last year in the film industry with the release of their debut feature film, Beasts of the Southern Wild, which was nominated for four Oscars. The film is a beautifully emotional depiction of life in a fictional Louisiana town called Bathtub, filled with characters, mythical beasts and rising waters. Through June 16, the Contemporary Arts Center displays the original artwork and installations created by the company, along with their earlier films and materials that relate directly to Beasts. Information, cacno.org

Creole Tomato Fest

Now that we’re in the midst of Creole tomato season, which ends during the late summertime, the delightful red fruit will be celebrated at the Creole Tomato Festival in the city’s French Market with a variety of food booths, demonstrations and contests heralding this delicious entity from June 8-9. Information, FrenchMarket.org

the Collection of Peter Rogers;” Ogden Museum of Southern Art. Information, OgdenMuseum.org.

myneworleans.com

Tribute to the Beastie Boys; House of Blues. Information, HouseOfBlues.com

Orleans Zephyrs home games; Zephyr Field. Information, milb.com

Zephyrs, June 6-9, 18-25

June 7. Sabotage: A NOLA

June 6-9, 18-25. New

Through June 30. “What Becomes

Through June 2.

Beautiful BEASTS

Mumford & Sons, June 13

M a r y l o u UTTERMOHLE N P HOTO G RA P H

SPOTLIGHT

Celebrating Women at FestiGals With so many themed, specialized festivals in this city, it’s surprising that an all-female festival was established only three years ago, thanks to tourism professional, Diane Lyons, the founder of FestiGals. FestiGals offers an essential New Orleans experience for women, both local and from afar, with a ton of opportunities to drink, dine, dance and celebrate with each other from June 20-23. It is a cultural as well as an educational experience, featuring business seminars, lively discussions and parties with an emphasis on charity and friendship. What’s the mission of this festival? This is a

nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a fun, safe and enriching weekend for women to relax, enjoy high-quality special events and explore the cultural diversity and rich heritage of New Orleans while contrib-

June 8. The O-Mazing

Race (benefit for the Ogden Museum of Southern Art); throughout the French Quarter. Information, OgdenMuseum.org.

uting to causes that benefit and empower women. It draws a variety of interesting women from across the country. What are some of the highlights? This year there will be private home tours in the Downtown Development District/ CBD area, a private cooking demonstration with [James Beard winner] chef Tory McPhail of Commander’s Palace, a “Stiletto Stroll,” a drag queen brunch, trade shows, private parties and more. What is your personal favorite? That’s a hard

question! I really like the Bodacious Bras luncheon. This year it will feature Rhonda Shear and take place at the historic Hotel Monteleone. Shear is part of a growing new breed of business executives often referred to as “boomerpreneurs” and a champion for breast cancer awareness, education and early detection. She

Orleans Arena. Information, arena.uno.edu. June 13. Mumford & Sons

in concert; Mardi Gras World. Information, MumfordAndSons.com.

June 11. The

June 15, 22. New

“X-Factor” Auditions; University of New

Orleans VooDoo

Diane Lyons, founder of FestiGals

will be joining women from throughout the nation for this uplifting event to support under-served women

with cancer. It will feature fabulous food and wine, along with incredibly decorated one-of-a-kind boda-

cious bras created by celebrities and artists. For more information on the festival, visit FestiGals.org.

home games; New Orleans Arena. Information, mbsuperdome.com.

June 19. Pat Benatar and

June 22. Bourbon &

Neil Giraldo in concert; House of Blues. Information, HouseOfBlues.com

Burlesque; Contemporary Arts Center. Information, cacno.org.

June 21-Sept. 21. “Rashaad

June 30. Cyndi Lauper

Newsome: King of Arms;” New Orleans Museum of Art. Information, noma.org.

& Hunter Valentine in concert; House of Blues. Information, HouseOfBlues.com

June 19. New Orleans

Bride Magazine’s Bridal Showcase; Hyatt Regency New Orleans’ Elite Hall. Information, BrideNewOrleans.com

Pat Benatar, June 19

Cyndi Lauper, June 30

myneworleans.com

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T HE BEA T

PERSONA

r t i s t T e r r a nc e D . O s b o r n e ’ s

work is unmistakable when you see it: colorful and kinetic – houses are a swirl of fuchsia, citrine, taxi-cab yellow; musicians play instruments in rhythm to a soundless tune; a streetcar hints at jumping out of a painting and into your lap. Life, it seems, in Osborne’s world is a kaleidoscope in constant motion. Osborne, a native of New Orleans, was drawn to art since childhood. But it was the fateful meeting of artist and mentor Richard Thomas that spurred Osborne from thinking about being artist to believing that he could be one. And he has accomplished it. In addition to his own artwork and commissions for such groups as the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club and Nike, Osborne has created three New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival posters: For Congo Square he depicted Rebirth Brass Band in 2007 and Uncle Lionel Batiste in ’10; and in ’12, he had the honor of doing the main Jazz Fest poster of Trombone Shorty. All have been noted hits with Jazz Fest audiences, with the Rebirth poster being a best-selling Congo Square poster. Osborne also has fun with his art: the Congo Square posters have connecting elements – so when you place them next to each other they could act as a diptych. And for the past two years, he has hidden his and his wife’s initials – T + S – somewhere in his paintings. Osborne’s work is also accessible at various price points – ranging from $50 for a lithograph to $55,000 for an original painting. So, whether it is a lithograph, giclée, silkscreen or painting – there’s an Osborne that can bring a bit of the colorful mélange of New Orleans into your life. What is your favorite piece that you have created? “For Nothing” (An acrylic on wood that you can see to the left of Osborne in the photo above.) How much of your work is planned vs. “of the moment”? The idea is 80 percent complete before I start. I may start with an idea, with a little sketch on paper; then, if I’m inspired by it, I’ll sketch onto the wood – I don’t work on canvas. Wood vs. canvas? I started off in wood, because as a college student it was a lot cheaper. An 8-foot-by-4-foot piece of wood you can get at Home Depot

Terrance D. Osborne

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At a Glance

Name: Terrance D.

Osborne Age: 38 Profession: Artist Resides: Stonebridge (Gretna) Born/raised: New Orleans Family: My wife, Stephanie, our oldest son, Terrance, our middle son, Seth, and our daughter Sydni; as well as Toaster (Great Dane), Sarah (ShiPoo) and Jango (Cocker Spaniel) Education: New Orleans Center

for Creative Arts, Sara T. Reed High School and a degree in Fine Arts from Xavier University Favorite book: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle Favorite movie: The Matrix Favorite TV show: “Survivorman” Favorite musician: Jason Mraz Favorite food: Sushi Favorite restaurant:

Sake Favorite vacation spot: Portland, Ore. Hobby: Landscaping

Greg miles Photograph

or Lowe’s costs $15 or $20; while for the same size canvas you would be paying hundreds of dollars. I can also do relief work in wood. What kind of paint do you use?

Acrylic Tell us about your relief work.

It’s hard to describe, but I would say it is sort of like a pop-up book. When did you start doing relief in your work? I started while I

was in college, 1998 or ’99. How do you paint? After I sketch it, I black it out, just enough so you can still see the sketch lines. Then, I starting add color. I have to slowly illuminate the image until it comes to the point where I’m happy with the amount of light and shadow. I’ve always been fascinated by light and shadow; and color is a way to express both. What is the hardest thing to do for a painting (for example, to draw or paint hands)? Whenever

I have trouble with something, I perfect it. What was the first piece of art that you sold? I was in the

10th grade – about 16 years old – and I was working with pastels; I hadn’t even touched paints, yet. So, the first thing I sold was a pastel piece. I was Richard Thomas’ assistant at the time, and the trade-off was that I would man the gallery and he allowed me to hang my work in there. The piece sold for $55 and it was a pastel of dancing figures. Tell us about Richard Thomas and his influence on you becoming an artist. He was a mentor,

and l see him like a father figure. I was fascinated that he was successful at being an artist. As a kid, you’re told by society, and even your parents, that you can’t be successful as an artist, you can’t make any money – be a doctor or a lawyer. So to see him was great. When I first met him and went to his gallery, he pulled out this big book that looked almost like a family album. Instead, it was cover-to-cover full of newspaper 22

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and magazine articles. I was amazed, and I said to myself, “That’s what I want. I want that kind of recognition.” What artist or artists inspires you? John Singer Sargent

– he’s a fascinating artist. Old Masters, and of course, Vincent Van Gogh for his understanding of color. Richard Thomas, and James Michalopoulos – he was probably my greatest second influence after Richard. Most of the time, I don’t care who the artist is, I just look at the work. I sometimes don’t remember their names or where they’re from, because their artwork tells me everything I need to know without words. Is your family artistic? My mom did art as a hobby – pastels, mainly serene and peaceful subjects. She probably had the biggest influence on me. My stepfather and oldest brother drew. My stepfather would do this thing, where he would get into almost a competitive thing with me – he would be, “I can draw hands better than you.” Then, I would really work on getting my anatomy right, so I could beat him at our next competition. My wife, Stephanie, does a little bit of everything, she designed the mosaics in our house, as well as sculpture, and she paints and draws. My oldest son, LT (Little Terrance), is taking art at University of New Orleans and he’s a fantastic artist. He likes figurative drawing, and he works his art into stories, much like graphic comics. My middle son, Seth, is a culinary artist. And my youngest child, Sydni, she’s actually probably more of a natural artist than I expected. She does this thing that I used to do, which is if she doesn’t finish what she’s working on, she gets frustrated. She has to finish. A true sign of an artist. What is your dream commission? To do a Jason Mraz

album cover. True Confession: I’m Buddhist.

NE WSB E A T

Partying on the New Huey P. When a road construction project wraps up, the normal response is a sigh of relief. But the completion of a project to massively expand one of the state’s iconic structures, the Huey P. Long Bridge, is inspiring a celebration. “We’ve definitely heard a desire from the public to go up there,” says Shane Peck, a spokesman for the state-run project. “There’s a sense of history and the scale of it.” Of course, the work on the bridge was no ordinary highway project. The $1.2 billion effort effectively doubles the width of the roadways on a combination auto/train bridge that had long tested motorists’ nerves with narrow lanes and close proximity to rumbling freight cars. Three wider lanes now replace two slimmer ones, and there are new approaches on either side of the bridge. June 16, Father’s Day, marks its official dedication. The day begins with a 5K run/walk over the bridge at 8 a.m., followed by a ribbon cutting at 10:30 a.m. The public will be allowed to walk around on the bridge until about 1 p.m., when it will be opened for traffic. In addition, on June 13, the Louisiana State Museum will host talks about the history of the bridge, the

widening project and Huey P. Long himself at its Old U.S. Mint property in the French Quarter. “The Huey P.,” as it’s widely called, was the first Mississippi River bridge in New Orleans when it opened in 1935. Prior to its construction railroad cars had to be ferried across the river, a timeconsuming process that limited the area’s potential as a rail hub. Today, the state is counting on a bigger, more efficient bridge to spur business development on both sides of the river. The wider bridge will also help speed hurricane evacuations. For all of the economic and practical considerations, though, Peck says the project has stirred something more personal for residents. “We hear from folks who remember when the bridge first opened. They tell us about seeing it being built or riding bicycles over it,” Peck says. “For younger people, they remember crossing the bridge as a rite of passage after they got their driver’s license. I think there’s an emotional connection people have to something that’s so large and has been part of the area for so long.” For event details, visit HueyPBridge.com and HueyPRun.com. – I a n M c N u l t y myneworleans.com

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T HE BE A T

BIZ

Bottling the Spirits of New Orleans Hometown rum, vodka and absinthe By Kathy Finn

u t t i ng a n a cc u r a t e d o l l a r v a l u e o n t h e a m o u n t

of alcohol that’s consumed in New Orleans in any given year would be impossible, but it’s safe to say the figure is high. Yet in a city that’s so closely associated with alcoholic beverages, doesn’t it seem odd that few spirits are actually produced here? Drip by drip, that picture is changing. Distilling enterprises are popping up around the region, raising hope in some circles that New Orleans may further solidify its longstanding connection with flavorful, boozy libations. At least five boutique distilleries have sprouted in just the last few years to join a single established local producer, Celebration Distillation, the maker of Old New Orleans Rum. That distillery, founded by visual artist James Michalopoulos, has enjoyed a near-monopoly on locally produced rum for the past 20 years, thanks to a provision in Louisiana law that restricted sales of such products directly to the public. Last year lawmakers saw fit to loosen the reins on craft distillers. They

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opened the way for distillers to sell their products from their production sites as well as through distributors, and the change prompted a spurt of activity by entrepreneurs who had been waiting in the wings. Jedd Haas was among those who jumped in. “I had planned for quite a while to start a manufacturing business, and the more I looked into distilling, the more I liked the idea,” he says. Haas had noticed a wave of small distillers starting up around the country, and he was impressed by the success of Old New Orleans Rum. When the city passed new micro-distillery statutes in 2011 and the state showed signs of easing its regulation, he believed his time had come. Now the founder and president of a fledgling distillery, Haas operates AtelierVie LLC, which produces a 125-proof vodka and a red absinthe from an unassuming warehouse beneath the Broad Street overpass at Euphrosine Street. While the company’s initial target product was the absinthe, Haas says that legal hurdles to the production of absinthe caused delays in introducing the product, so AtelierVie instead moved on to vodka. To avoid having to compete with a host of established makers of 80-proof vodka, Haas took aim at a higher-proof product that could be used to make customflavored spirits. The result was Buck 25, a 125-proof “infusion” vodka that’s becoming popular among chefs and bartenders who want to offer hand-crafted cocktails to their clientele. “There’s a cocktail renaissance going on in New Orleans and nationwide,” Haas says. “A lot of it is driven by bartenders and creative individuals who are coming up with their own flavors.” Haas says the higher alcohol content of Buck 25 enables it to stand up to flavor additions, ranging from strawberries and other fruits to herbs and seasonings. “Because it’s stronger than typical vodkas, when you build your drink, it doesn’t have to taste watered down,” he says. The higher proof also enables a faster infusion of flavors, he adds. Whereas it might take a week to infuse a standard-strength vodka with additional flavors, Buck 25 can be infused overnight. Shortly after Buck 25 hit the market last fall, the distiller finally released Toulouse Red, a 136-proof absinthe. Both spirits now are available in many local bars and restaurants, in retail stores including Dorignac’s, Rouses Market and Whole Foods Market and from the distillery on Broad Street. Meanwhile, other beverage entrepreneurs have also entered the market. In Thibodaux, DonnerPeltier Distillers opened its doors near the end of 2012, introducing a rice-based vodka and two rum products: a dark, 80-proof rum called Rougaroux

The Greyhound made with 2 ounces of Atelier Vie vodka and 3 ounces of grapefruit juice.

Haik adds that he and his family have injected a substantial Full Moon, and a 101-proof clear rum dubbed Rougaroux amount of money into the business as well. After many applicaSugarshine. tions, he finally landed a bank loan this year to fund part of the Co-founder Tom Donner says a praline rum is up next, with a operation, but he also has relied on capital contributions from citrus-and-pepper-flavored rice gin on tap, as well as an aged whisfamily members and his own savings. key, which could become the first whiskey distilled in Louisiana. “It’s been a struggle, but we’re almost ready to produce,” he says. The new Louisiana Spirits LLC distillery is plotting its course from a home near the Lacassine sugar mill, where its founders are producing two versions of Bayou Rum. And back in New Orleans, Ian Nygren, of Soc Au New and established distilleries around the region include: Lait Distillerie, LLC, plans to debut his new Seersucker Atelier Vie LLC Donner-Peltier Distillers Vodka soon. 1001 S. Broad St., New Orleans 1635 St. Patrick Highway, Thibodaux The common thread among the Louisiana vodka and Founder: Jedd Haas Founder: Tom Donner rum distillers is their easy access to a base ingredient AtelierVie.com dp-distillers.com – sugarcane. Producing Buck 25 Vodka and Producing Oryza (rice vodka), “We’re trying to buy directly from Louisiana producers Toulouse Red Absinthe Rougaroux Full Moon (dark 80-proof and give our products more of that local craft quality,” rum) and Rougaroux Sugarshine (101 says Kenneth “Gus” Haik, the founder of Cajun Spirits Cajun Spirits Distillery, LLC proof clear rum) Distillery LLC in New Orleans. 2532 Poydras St., New Orleans Haik and his partners are in the final stages of startup Founder: Kenneth Haik Louisiana Spirits LLC at a facility near Poydras and Broad streets. “We will CajunSpirits.com 20909 S. Frontage Road, Lacassine probably produce some experimental products soon, Soon producing Crescent Vodka and Founder: Timothy Litel starting with vodka and rum, but also working on a Tresillo Rum LaSpirits.net gin,” he says. Producing Bayou Rum Silver and Celebration Distillation Haik, who formerly worked at Celebration Distillation, Spiced rums 2815 Frenchmen St., New Orleans says he thinks the possibilities for branding additional Founder: James Michalopoulos Soc Au Lait Distillerie, LLC alcoholic beverages with New Orleans are wide open. OldNewOrleansRum.com 301 N. Claiborne Ave., New Orleans He hopes to have new products on the market by fall, Producing Old New Orleans Cajun Founder: Ian Nygren though at press time he was still awaiting delivery of Spice, Amber and Crystal rums, and a NewOrleansVodkas.com production stills being shipped from Germany. “We’re 10-year special edition rum (available Soon to produce Seersucker Vodka putting a huge effort into the quality of our products,” only at the distillery) he says.

Distilling the cocktail culture

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JUNE 2013

T HE BE A T

EDUCATION

Jindal and Creationism Legends vs. Fossils B Y D A W N R UTH

o v . J i nd a l ’ s b r i e f i n t e r v i e w i n Ap r i l w i t h N B C ’ s

Hoda Kotb shortchanged Louisiana’s educational achievements in recent years, but the governor has only himself to blame. Kotb’s questions to the governor focused on controversial subjects such as budget cuts to higher education, school vouchers and teaching creationism in public schools. Though Jindal can’t be faulted for the interview’s negative direction – that’s the nature of the media beast – he can be faulted for his role in the controversies themselves. The most embarrassing controversy is his support for teaching creationism in Louisiana’s public school science classes. It gives the rest of the country a reason to laugh at us, and surely Louisiana has had enough of that kind of derision. After some prodding on Kotb’s part, Jindal finally came right out and said he has “no problem” with teaching creationism, and its cousin Intelligent Design, in science classes. Though eloquent on other subjects, his reasoning on this subject was so lame that he negated all Louisiana’s advances into the 21st century in a few minutes. “I believe all of our students should be exposed to the best science,” he answered the first time Kotb asked him if he supports teaching creationism.

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That answer was the typical evasion tactic that politicians use when put on the spot – giving no answer at all. Then Jindal floundered around, talking about teaching creationism in non-public schools for a while. He was visibly searching for an answer that would throw a bone to both sides of the controversy. He seemed to know he was in trouble, why he was in trouble and couldn’t decide how to get out of it gracefully. When he didn’t answer the question directly, Kotb pressed him, and that’s when he finally admitted that he supports teaching creationism along with “the best science,” apparently his term for the dreaded “E” word, evolution. Even though the fossil record of earth and humankind’s development over time confirms gradual changes over thousands of years, there are people out there who refuse to believe it. J OSE P H D A N IEL F IE D LER ILLUSTRATIO N

Many of Jindal’s conservative base voters are religious literalists, and maybe he is himself, even though he’s a Rhodes Scholar and surely been exposed to the “best science” himself. These religious conservatives have long fought to bring the seven-day creation and Adam and Eve stories to public schools. Moreover, their actions have made it clear they only vote for Republicans who support what they want. With that reality likely in mind, Jindal’s concluding comments contained a contradiction so outlandish that he’s bound to regret it someday. “Let’s expose our kids to the best facts,” he said. Later, he added, “Let’s teach them what people believe.” Really, Governor, what people choose to believe is hardly a fact. Webster’s dictionary defines “fact” as “something objectively verified” and “something with real, demonstrable existence.” It is a “fact,” for example, that there’s no way to verify that humankind began with two people named Adam and Eve. On the other hand, there’s a fossil record that verifies evolution. That fact, however, doesn’t necessarily negate the strong belief that many Americans and people of other cultures have that there is more to human existence than liquid and cell formations. It is called spiritual “faith,” and most believers are content with balancing their faith with scientific records. They have no problem accepting that creation stories were ancient humans’ way of explaining the beginnings of their own existence. The first men and women didn’t have a way to date the earth’s formations and the scattered bones of their ancestors, so they used their imaginations to create lovely stories to tell on cold nights by the hearth. If the governor is fine with teaching Christian mythology in science class, then maybe he also would be fine with teaching the creation

story of the Pima, an American Indian tribe that lives in Arizona. According to the Norton Anthology of American Literature, the Pima’s explanation of the beginning of earth and humans goes like this: There was nothing in the beginning but a person called the “The Doctor of the Earth,” who floated in darkness until he rubbed his chest and the world was created from his perspiration. Then he created a person “out of his eye” and that person was called the Buzzard. He created mountains and seed, and then made the sun and the stars. Then he rubbed his chest again and created two dolls, the “first human beings, man and woman.” But the earth became too full and so human beings “killed and ate each other.” The Doctor of the Earth made the sky fall on them and created another set of humans, but that didn’t work out either. He had the sky fall on them, too. His third try led to humans that “made a vice of smoking” so the Doctor also destroyed them. Then he created a new humanity – the one that lives now. The Pima “believe” it happened that way so shouldn’t it be taught in science class, too? Maybe so, it could have the effect of discouraging kids from smoking. Then, of course, other creation myths would need equal time in this war between “belief” and the fossil record. The length of classes would need to be extended, though, because every culture, religion and country has a few: China, Choctaw, Comanche, Hindu, Aztec, Scandinavia, Greek, Norse, Celtic, Romania, Hopi, Africa, Japan, Egypt, Hungary, Iroquois, Inuit and on and on. Before long, teaching creationism would take over the entire academic year. The sheer weight of teaching what people “believe” will require moving creation stories into literature classes, where they belong anyway.

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JUNE 2013

T HE BE A T

HEALTH

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow The concerns of shaving B Y B R O B S O N LUT Z , M . D .

m a n ’ s h o m e m a y b e h i s c a s t l e , b u t m e n s p e nd

more time looking at their face than their front door thanks to that morning ritual called shaving. Shaving complications are not uncommon. Fortunately most cuts, bumps and rashes related to shaving are minor. Local dermatologists concur that the most serious shaving malady they encounter is pseudofolliculitis barbae. The sine qua non is a shaved face populated by dozens to hundreds of ingrown, irritated hairs causing a crop of small inflammatory nodules called razor bumps. With repeated close shaving over these small bumps, bacteria move into these inflamed ingrown hair nodules causing troublesome infections. Pseudofolliculitis barbae begins as freshly shaved hairs take an immediate twist as they grow out from a shaven area doubling back into the skin rather than growing straight. This condition is much more common for black men with thicker and curlier beards, especially if they have inherited a specific gene that runs in families that confers the sudden curl on reemerging shaved hairs.

Leaving the shaving to Cesar My vote for the top $40 thrill in town for any man is a shave by Cesar Rivera. His Magazine Street Barber Shop (4224 Magazine St., 267-7823, MagazineStBarberShop.com) is exactly that, a three chair traditional barbershop, not a retail store for expensive shaving supplies with a few barber chairs tucked into the rear. Late one recent Saturday afternoon, Cesar showed me around. An antique Premium Sterilizer was gurgling with boiling water as steam saturated the mounds of shaving towels. A latherizer machine nearby was primed to pump hot, creamy lather at the touch of a button. “A warning, this is a hot towel shave, not a warm one,” said Rivera who cautioned me to keep my eyes closed as he smothered my face with a steaming towel 28

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“I have that Mississippi sensitive, fragile skin. If I shave my neck closely against the direction of my beard growth, I develop pseudofolliculitis barbae. Us pinks get it too,” says Dr. John Yarborough, now retired but affectionately known as the emeritus “big bunny rabbit” dermatologist of New Orleans. Pseudofolliculitis barbae can be an aggravating condition to manage with continued shaving. The irritated bumps go away if the person stops shaving. An electric razor is sometimes kinder to skin surfaces for folks prone to pseudofolliculitis barbae, but some men need to avoid shaving altogether resorting to just a close trim if not a beard. “Pseudofolliculitis barbae can lead to keloids. I have treated black males with keloids at the back of their neck where their barbers have shaved closely leaving a nose hole for breathing. One hot towel, another hot towel, a rubdown with the hot lather and then the first pass with the razor. Another hot towel, an application of Cesar’s secret formula shave oil, a fourth hot towel and more razor passes with and against the direction of beard growth. “I use a new Mach 3 blade for each customer. I like the way the pivoting head glides across the skin unlike the less forgiving straight razor. I do like the straight razor for touchup, but the one I use isn’t a real straight razor. It is a disposable single blade,” Rivera said as he zeroed in on my sideburns and neck area. “Then I apply shave balm and finish with a fifth hot towel. The sixth and last towel comes from the freezer. It closes the pores and brings back the elasticity to the warmed skin. And, if you’ve fallen to sleep, it wakes you right up.” B RYA N TAR N O W S K I P HOTO G RA P HS

over time,” says Dr. William Coleman III, a local dermatologist who’s also editor of the peer-reviewed journal published by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Keloids are claw-like growths of abnormal skin that grow over and above normal skin as expanding scars around areas of irritation or trauma. Again, there’s a strong genetic predisposition to keloid formation. Irritated areas of blotched red skin after shaving in the absence of raised bumps is what most folks call razor burn. These minor skin rashes are more common on the neck than on the face, and those prone to such rashes qualify for the sensitive skin label. Most men shave against the direction of hair growth to achieve a closer shave. Those prone to razor burn on the neck should try shaving just with the direction of the hair growth or maybe switch to an electric razor. All sorts of theories abound on why men remove facial hair in the first place. The one I like is war-based. A beard is a readily available appendage that can be grabbed by enemy in battle. Cavemen raked sharp pieces of flint or broken shells to scrape off facial hair. Julius Caesar used tweezers to clear his face before battle. The introduction of the straight carbon steel razors simplified the task by the 1800s, as surgeons and barbers comingled their training and skills ushering in the sartorial revolution. Shaving as an industry began in Boston in the early 1900s. The Gillette Safety Razor Company opened a factory to manufacture safety razors with the double-edged disposable blade your grandfather used. Initial sales were sluggish, and then came World War I. The chemically savvy Germans turned deadly gases into battlefield weapons, and gas masks became de rigueur for our troops. Gas masks didn’t have a good fit over beards so the military turned to Gillette. The returning victorious and clean-shaven Doughboys vaulted Gillette into the forefront of American commerce. More recent shaving options exponentially increased decisionmaking for men. Since the 1991 debut of twin-blade cartridges,

the blade count continues to rise. In ’98 Gillette introduced the three-blade Mach III, a continued best seller. Schick countered with the four-blade Quattro. Gillette then upped the ante by two with the Fusion, six blades in all with five parallel for the beard and an accessory single blade for sideburns. But other options complicate the selection process – handle design, fixed or pivoting head, lubricating strips and battery-powered vibration. To sort out all these conundrums of which razor had the edge and to sort out all the shaving creams and lathers, I turned to male dermatologists. Yes, I realize women dermatologists are just as knowledgeable as their male colleagues, but most females don’t shave their faces. Besides, male dermatologists, while obviously not extinct, do seem to be a declining species since those days when doctors Betty McBurney and Nia Terezakis were local gender pioneers. Using names from the American Academy of Dermatologists “find a dermatologist” website, I spent a couple of hours calling around. The ones I reached weren’t a randomized sampling of male dermatologists in the area. I abandoned attempts to reach those surrounded by more than two telephone prompts to press this or that button or if waiting music or repeating messages became irritating. Only a couple of the dermatologists could recite the actual commercial name of their razor or shaving cream preference. I used their description to assign a brand name for each (see box). As goes the nation, so go area dermatologists. Gillette led the survey with their two- and three-blade models being the most popular. Next in popularity were various electric razors. Schick three and four blade models brought up the rear. “I have had a couple of hot towel shaves at Adrian Gill,” said Dr. Yarborough revealing his secret shaving vice. “I get in a high swoon lying back in that chair letting them shave away for 30 or 40 minutes. Getting messed over and made over like that is a fine treat.”

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HEALTHBEAT Maria Blanco, Assistant Professor at the Human Development Center in the LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Allied Health Professions, now serves as an Act Early Ambassador for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) “Learn the Signs, Act Early” Program. Her tasks include educating Louisiana parents, health care professionals and early educators about signs of autism and other develop-

mental disabilities as well as the importance of taking early action regarding concerns about childhood development. The Act Early Ambassadors project is a collaboration between the CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau, the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities.

St. Margaret’s at Mercy, the newest concept in nursing homes, recently opened in Mid-City. The 115,000-square-foot community living space accommodates 116 residents in a home-like environment, employs more than 125 individuals and will generate an estimated $10 million annual eco-

nomic impact for Mid-City. The facility features distinct household settings, allowing residents more dignity to live more independently in their own community. “St. Margaret’s community is geared to older individuals who appreciate living independently within a lively community, but who would also like occasional help with daily challenges, including housekeeping, cooking and maintenance,” says Larry Stansberry, CEO of St. Margaret’s.

Ochsner Health System has announced the move of its women’s services departments from the Jefferson Highway location to a state-of-the-art Women’s Pavilion at Ochsner Baptist hospital, which is currently under construction. It will open this winter on Napoleon Avenue. The Women’s Pavilion will provide the

ultimate in safety, comfort and quality care for women and their families in a top-notch, brandnew facility. All women’s services departments currently located at Ochsner Medical Center on Jefferson Highway, including OB/ GYN clinics, Labor and Delivery, Maternal Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Robotic Surgery, will move to the Women’s Pavilion at Ochsner Baptist. Ochsner’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit will also move to Ochsner Baptist. – Sarah Ravits

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Growing Jobs in Their Backyards Small vegetable patches have long flourished in the backyards of Village de l’Est, a predominantly Vietnamese neighborhood in far eastern New Orleans, where many residents grow greens and herbs for their traditional home cooking. More recently, however, these gardens and new communal farm plots have been fused into a collaborative network that’s supplying more and more New Orleans restaurants and providing new job prospects for neighbors. The network is called the Village de l’Est Green Growers Initiative Farmer’s Cooperative, or VEGGI, and it came about in response to the BP oil spill, which had an immediate impact on many local families here who earn their living through commercial fishing. “After the oil spill a lot of folks found themselves unemployed for the foreseeable future,” says VEGGI program coordinator Daniel Nguyen. “We found out fisher people were growing a surplus of vegetables in their backyard plots, and we figured we could connect that with a farmers market in the city.” From that simple idea, however, the cooperative has grown into its own

enterprise. With support from the neighborhood’s MQVN Community Development Corp., VEGGI helped household gardeners and erstwhile fishermen build a supply chain that goes directly from their neighborhood into the kitchens of some of the city’s finest restaurants. The growers produce their crops without chemical pesticides, following instead traditional farming techniques as well as aquaponics, which cultivates plants in water enriched naturally by marine life. It is hands-on, outdoor work, which suits the new farmers just fine. “This was a way to address workforce development without going 360 degrees on them, like one day you’re on a fishing boat and the next you have a desk job,” says Nguyen. VEGGI trains residents, helps them get started with micro-grants and handles distribution and marketing. “We have many growers but one brand so when we go out to buyers they know where it’s coming from,” Nguyen says. While the BP spill spurred this effort, VEGGI’s products made a timely entry to the marketplace, coming along as more chefs and restaurants have been searching for locally produced foods to feature on their menus. “There was a lot more demand than we anticipated,” says Nguyen. “Chefs now refer us to other chefs and that’s one way we keep growing.” For information about VEGGI, go to VeggiFarmCoop.com. – Ian McNulty myneworleans.com

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CRIME FIGHTING Chicago suburb of Matteson, Ill., struck a chord in New Orleans, a city long numbed by chronic violence. A racially mixed crowd of 200 New Orleanians participated in a solemn candlelight march to the bleak Carrollton neighborhood where he died. Mayor Mitch Landrieu recognized Joseph’s service in an address praising the tens of thousands of volunteers who have traveled to New Orleans to help the city rebuild since Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. Crimestoppers posted a $5,000 reward. One month later, police still had not announced any breaks in the case. The pastor and his wife Sharon Massenburg – Joseph’s mother – are planning to travel to New Orleans for a public memorial service. He will be remembered as the first AmeriCorps worker killed in the 20-year history of the national service organization – and as a son. B

Candles in the Wind Remembering Joseph Massenburg B Y ALL E N J O HN S O N J R .

he father of the murdered youth speaks slowly

into the phone. It is the same voice of the church pastor pictured on Chicago area television who exhorts large crowds to rise above their daily pains and burdens into a Christian chorus of hope, faith and song. The tone is rich, his vocabulary cultured. Today, however, Pastor Andre Massenburg is more subdued than the commanding Baptist messenger seen on church videos and television news clips. He is quietly answering a reporter’s questions about his slain son, Joseph Massenburg, 18. One of the more than 1,500 AmeriCorps service volunteers assigned to New Orleans, young “Joe” died here April 1, a few weeks after arriving to live and work in the city’s low-income neighborhoods. He was shot to death at approximately 11 p.m. as he walked alone near the corner of Birch and Eagle streets, in a gritty Uptown neighborhood, according to police. The murder of the young volunteer from the predominantly black middle-class

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Pastor Massenburg’s voice, so clear and commanding in church, fills with grief on the phone. He describes Joseph’s brief life, retracing his son’s steps as if trying to understand how the bright promise of youth can meet a sudden, tragic end on a dark street corner. “He was the youngest of four children; two brothers and a sister,” the pastor says. “He was healthy. He wrestled in high school. His two brothers were on the wrestling team ...” The pastor pauses, chuckles and continues. “Aside from chasing girls, he liked sports. He was going to do a year in AmeriCorps then go into the Army.” Joseph arrived in New Orleans with his AmeriCorps team in mid-March. “He liked it. He didn’t have any complaints,” his father says of New Orleans. Massenberg and his team were dispatched to Green Light New Orleans, a nonprofit group that promotes energy efficiency in low-income housing. He was part of a team of a dozen or so volunteers assigned to distribute energy-efficient light bulbs to the poor and elderly in the Carrollton area Uptown. “They were ready for action,” the pastor says. Massenburg called home often, his father said. He never told his parents about the dangerous sections of New Orleans where he so briefly lived and worked – then died. “When I found out how bad the area was – I couldn’t believe it,” the pastor says. Had he known, the father says, he would have taken no more drastic action than to urge his son to be more cautious and “more aware of his surroundings.” The Massenburgs are pastors, after all. Joseph, like his parents, had worked as a church volunteer to the poor and less fortunate in the tough streets of Chicago. Like his mother and father, he was volunteering to serve society’s disadvantaged – only in New Orleans. P HOTO G RA P H C OURTESY P ASTOR MASSE N B UR G

Andreas “Andi” Hoffman, the Swiss-born founder of Green Light, remembers Joseph Massenburg as a member of an AmeriCorps team that arrived in mid-March. They began a four-to-six week stint passing out energy-efficient light bulbs to residents of lowincome neighborhoods. During one routine meeting at Green Light, he recalls Massenburg expressing concern for a woman living in a large house. “She could only afford six light bulbs; that concerned him,” Hoffman says, noting a typical residence can use 18 to 24 bulbs. Regulations required that volunteers provide only free energy efficient light bulbs in exchange for replacing an equal number of the standard issue. “He could only give her six energy efficient light bulbs,” Hoffman said. Joseph resolved his dilemma, Hoffman recalls: “He got her more light bulbs.” Pastor Massenburg heard the story. “He had a heart for people, and that is one of the reasons why he was there,” the pastor said. “He wasn’t perfect. He was no angel. He balanced his life.” He would listen to gospel music and rap artists. Like many youths today he sported tattoos. “He was good in heart,” his father says. “He was growing up. He was traveling. You are happy to be away from home when you’re young. He loved life – Joseph loved life. He was happy; he was happy.” B

One week after Joseph’s murder, some 200 people gathered one block off South Carrollton Avenue – behind the Willow Street Streetcar Barn. The green hangar was built in 1893 to house and maintain the city’s historic trolleys, according to a self-guided tour map published by the Historic New Orleans Collection. Night-shift workers tending the 35 streetcars at the barn paused to watch. Knots of college students, middle-aged homeowners, and activists rallied for a solidarity march to protest the prevalence of violent crime in general and the murder of AmeriCorps volunteer Joseph Massenburg in particular. Billed as the “Community March Against Violence,” the silent candlelight vigil and march would “not be used as a forum for discussion, interviews or speeches,” according to a notice for the event. The protestors chatted quietly before the procession began, their hands cupped around flickering candles in the April night breeze. A streetcar swung off Carrollton Avenue and eased toward the barn. The crowd stepped off the tracks to let it pass. “Does anybody need a candle?” a young man said, holding a box in the air. Shortly after 8 p.m., the march began to take shape. The crowd formed a circle around Andreas Hoffman, an organizer of the march. “I want to make sure we all walk in silence,” he said. “Please have your thoughts and prayers with the family. Please have your thoughts and prayers with everyone else in the city, and please be considerate of the people in the neighborhood.” Escorted by three police cars, the marchers walked silently toward the neighborhood corner where Joseph Massenburg died from multiple gunshot wounds. In Chicago, Pastor Massenburg said organizers of the vigil called the slain volunteer’s family before invoking his name at the march. “They asked for our blessing; we gave it,” Pastor Massenburg recalls by phone from Chicago. “We were honored that people who didn’t know our son would march for him like that. It meant a lot to us as parents. It made us feel proud that they would grieve with us. They were hurting with us. They were outraged with us. They became one with us; it made us feel good.” myneworleans.com

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N.O.A.A. Photograph

N EWSBEAT

Keeping Tabs on the Gulf Oil flowed from BP’s Macondo well for 87 days following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion, a wrenching ordeal of watching and waiting for people along the Gulf of Mexico. But a recent report from the National Wildlife Federation shows how for the Gulf’s fragile ecosystem and its wildlife, the impacts of that spill are far from over. “Three years following the initial blast, the effects of the Deepwater Horizon catastrophe still continue to unfold,” says Doug Inkley, the NWF’s senior scientist and lead author of the report, Restoring a Degraded Gulf of Mexico. The NWF studied how various wildlife species across the Gulf were faring following the spill. In particular, it found that sea turtles and dolphins were dying at higher rates. The report assigned grades to environmental concerns that federation scientists have been tracking for the past three years. There was some good news, with brown pelicans and shrimp both rated “good,” though the report also pointed to threats to coastal habitat for both species. But in addition to concerns for dolphins (“fair”) and sea turtles (“poor”), the report noted declining bluefin tuna num34

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bers (“poor”), dead deep sea coral colonies (“fair”) near the spill site and the oiling of some 1,100 miles of coastal wetlands (“poor”), especially around the Mississippi River delta where erosion is already a grave issue. The NWF released its report while federal oil spill litigation against BP and other corporations involved in the disaster remain underway in New Orleans, and the timing is not coincidental. The report notes that fines from the trials, projected to be many billions of dollars, will create new sources of habitat restoration funding. The NWF included policy recommendations for how this funding could improve the outlook for the species discussed in its report. In particular, it recommends channeling fine money to rebuild Louisiana’s coastal wetlands. “There’s no one place where we can do more good more quickly, in terms of recreating wetlands, that have a big impact on the Gulf,” said David Muth, director of the federation’s Louisiana Coastal Campaign. The ongoing BP trial began in February and is scheduled to resume in September. To see the full NWF report, go to nwf.org. – Ian McNulty

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Family Celebrations PAGE 50 New Orleanians have made an art out of creating memories at family gatherings.

A large family celebration, circa 1949.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY THE HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION

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T H E S C O O P

Pamper Your Pop Treat dad to a day of relaxation for Father’s Day.

BY HALEY ADAMS ou m ight thin k spa gi f t certi f icates are a go - to

for Mother’s Day, but don’t forget about Dad on Father’s Day. According to the International SPA Association, while women are the most common spagoers, men now make up 47 percent of the clientele, which is an increase from previous statistics. “We have consistently seen the male spa-goer number around 30 percent until this last study,” says Lynne McNees, the president of the ISPA. One reason for the increase, McNees says, is men and women are always looking for a way to deal with stress. “Stress isn’t gender specific; we’re all more stressed out than ever before,” she adds. “The more we multitask and become stressed out, the more we need a much-needed escape that the spa can provide.” If you think your dad could use a break from his stress-filled life, a trip to the spa might do it. Whether you give him a massage, manicure or facial, many spas in New Orleans cater to men. Father’s Day is coming up on Sun., June 16, so here are a few local places to let Dad relax and refresh.

Guerlain Spa

Balance Spa and Fitness 300 Poydras St., 595-5333, BalanceSpaNewOrleans.com

While massages are the most popular among men, Debbie Williams of Balance Spa and Fitness at the Loews New Orleans Hotel thinks men should also try a facial. “Once they get a facial, they’re just hooked,” Williams says. Balance Spa and Fitness also offers the Backcial, which is the same idea as a facial just for the back. Williams recommends the treatment and says it’s “just a nice treat” for anyone with breakouts on their back as a result of exercising or the heat of the summer. If you think your dad would prefer a massage, Balance Spa and Fitness offers a wide variety of options, including a mini massage, which concentrates on 36

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CRAIG MULCAHY PHOTOGRAPH

the back, neck and shoulders. The Spa at the Ritz-Carlton 921 Canal St., 524-1331, RitzCarlton.com

“Everything that we offer, we do for men as well,” says Theresa Nixon, a spa concierge at the Day Spa at the Ritz-Carlton. Nixon says more men come into the spa than one would expect, and they’re usually calling for a massage. The spa has a long list of treatments, including manicures, pedicures, facials, scrubs and massages. The Ritz also does a Hot Towel Shave for men. For almost four hours of pampering, the Ritz-Carlton is currently offering the Gentlemen’s Getaway package, which includes the Monsieur Massage, Monsieur Facial, Monsieur Manicure and Monsieur Pedicure. Another good way to save money at the Ritz is to book services between Monday and Thursday; that’s when Louisiana residents get 20 percent off. Guerlain Spa 123 Baronne St., 335-3190, TheRooseveltNewOrleans.com

Cassandra Dyess, an esthetician at the Guerlain Spa at the Roosevelt Hotel, also recommends the facial, and she has noticed an interest in skincare from men. Even just one facial can make your dad feel better. “Overall, a facial’s going to be relaxing,” Dyess says. “For a man, it’s going to be something unique and different. It’s not something they usually do.” For men, the Guerlain Spa offers a few treatments specifically designed for men, including the Skin-Saver Facial, an 80-minute facial and the Energizing Facial, which lasts 50 minutes. If you really want to pamper Dad, treat him to the Ultimate Experience, which includes a facial plus a manicure and pedicure. The Guerlain Spa also offers a variety of massages. Spa at Windsor Court 300 Gravier St., 523-6000, WindsorCourtHotel.com

The Spa at Windsor Court offers many ways for Dad to relax, including the Man(ly)cure, the male version of a manicure or pedicure. Men can choose to pamper just their hands, just their feet or go for both with the combined package. A perk of the Spa at the Windsor Court is spa-goers also get access to the pool and fitness center, so it’s a good choice if your dad is a fitness buff. The spa also has a steam room and sauna, plus valet parking, says Michelle McOmber, the lead concierge at the Spa at Windsor Court. Spa Aria at the Hotel Monteleone 214 38

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Guerlain Spa

Spa Pointers What To Tell Dad Before He Goes to the Spa n Arrive on time. Most spas recommend that you arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment. n Stay quiet. Spas are a relaxing place. Keep your cell phone turned off and enjoy the peace. n Don’t shave the same day as your facial. If you’ve booked a facial for the afternoon, skip shaving in the morning. “Men might have some irritation, especially if they’ve never had a facial before,” says Debbie Williams of Balance Spa and Fitness. n Explain any relevant health problems. According to the International SPA Association Code of Conduct, spa guests are responsible for communicating “complete and accurate health information.” n Relax. “Just relax and bring yourself,” says Tara Harrison of Spa Aria. “That’s the best advice to ever give. A lot of people don’t know how to relax.”

For the Dad with Good Hair

Blo Blow Dry Bar 5530 Magazine St., 570-6101, BloMeDry.com/locations/blo-magazine Though it’s technically not a spa, a trip to Blo Blow Dry Bar can serve as a quick pamper session. If your dad is one of those men blessed with good hair, he’ll appreciate a blowout at Blo Blow Dry Bar. A chain with 28 locations around the globe, Blo is like a hair salon, but only offers blowouts, not haircuts. The salon offers the Blo Bro, which includes a wash, dry and 10-minute head massage. It doesn’t matter how long your dad’s hair is; the head massage is the main draw, says Owner Emily Kupperman. Keep in mind that Blo Blow Dry Bar is definitely marketed towards women, so if you’re not sure how your dad will handle a place with lots of pink, you might want to try somewhere else.

Royal St., 523-9990, SpaAria.com

Tara Harrison of Spa Aria says the spa’s clientele is just as much male as it is female. The spa, located on the Mezzanine Level of the Hotel Monteleone, offers a few treatments specifically for men. There is the Executive Men’s Facial, or the full pampering session, The Gentleman’s Treat, which includes a facial, massage and manicure. In addition to the services created specifically for men, Spa Aria also features the Jet Lag Package, which is meant to brighten up frequent travelers, and includes foot reflexology and eye treatment. The Woodhouse Day Spa 4030 Canal St., 482-6652, NewOrleans.WoodhouseSpas.com

The Woodhouse Day Spa offers the Gentleman’s Hot Towel Facial, “the masculine version” of the spa’s antiaging facial. Meisha Wright, an esthetician at the Woodhouse Day Spa, says she has a few regular clients for the Hot Towel Facial. “It is a very soothing and relaxing facial for men,” Wright says. While some men might think facials are only for women, Wright adds that the Hot Towel Facial is very masculine; it softens the pores so men can shave better. In addition to the skincare, a facial at the Woodhouse Day Spa also includes a scalp massage as well as a neck and shoulder massage. Massages are a popular choice for men who frequent The Woodhouse Day Spa, but the spot also offers the Gentleman’s Manicure. Another perk of the Woodhouse Day Spa? It is right next to Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza, which is sure to get you extra points with Dad. CRAIG MULCAHY PHOTOGRAPH

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Demme Dia

MUSIC

Carl LeBlanc

Don Vappie

A Banjo Bridge From Senegal

BY JASON BERRY he banjo has tra v eled a long and sinuous trail

from its origins in West Africa to varied outposts of the Americas. Dozens of plucked lute or stringed instruments joined the family of orchestral or ensemble performers across the map of the sub-Sahara. In New Orleans, the eye witness accounts of Congo Square in the early 1800s, particularly the famous sketch work of a small group of players by the architect Benjamin Latrobe, register the presence of transplanted African strings – no brass instruments. Louis Moreau Gottschalk, who absorbed some of the Congo Square rhythms as a child, did an 1855 composition, “The Banjo,” that stands as a kind of forerunner for the instrumental presence in later groups like A. J. Piron’s New Orleans Orchestra in the 1920s. In April, the Senegalese group Demme Dia and the Njum Waalo made several appearances in New Orleans on their first trip out of Africa. The mesmerizing string work by these five seasoned artists suggested one end of the bridge that the banjo has traveled over time with the improvisational replies by Don Vappie and Carl LeBlanc anchoring the here and now. The musicians performed for an event called The Banjo in the African Diaspora, as part at the EMP Pop Music Conference, hosted this year by Tulane University’s New Orleans Center for the Gulf South.

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Demme Dia performed with his four brothers, all fishermen in Senegal. They wore skullcaps and flowing robes, each in a different color, the leader, Demme Dia, in bright blue. One sibling played the guitar, which functioned more like a bass. Dia and the other siblings each played his own ngoni, a thin instrument made of a calabash or wood. The ancient African tradition of calland-response, a cultural pattern embedded in black music, sang in the long, wavering call lines of one ngoni player, as the instrumental weavings filled the room with a sensation of shimmering movement, like waves of water. Two of the men tapped their fingers on the faces of their ngoni, rippling a ground beat out of the meld of polyrhythms. The music had no chord changes, as in jazz or rhythm-and-blues, but the floating percussive clouds invited call-and-response work, while the men peeled away from the strings, turning to P ableau x J ohnson photographs

TRAVEL A self-proclaimed “compulsive reader,” author Terri Peterson Smith provides lots of travel advice for fellow book fans in Off The Beaten Page: The Best Trips for Lit Lovers, Book Clubs and Girls on Getaways. Smith shares some tips for how to plan the perfect book-centric trip, and includes a chapter on New Orleans. Smith’s itinerary for the Big Easy includes places frequented by famous writers in history, including Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop – one of Tennessee Williams’ favorite spots.

HISTORY As a band that’s been around for more than 100 years, you could assume the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band has a dynamic history. That is what author Sally Newhart explores in her new book The Original Tuxedo Jazz Band: More than a Century of a New Orleans Icon. The book includes a detailed history of the members and the phases of the band, including Louis Armstrong’s time with the group, the effects of World War II and how the late Bob French got an invitation to play for President Barack Obama.

JAZZ All New Orleans music fans know Kermit Ruffins, and his latest album is a testament to why. We Partyin’ Traditional Style! is like an ode to the city, with classics such as “When It’s Sleepy Time Down South” and “When The Saints Go Marching In” combined with the album’s first single, “Treme Second Line.” Ruffins’ style showcases the traditional jazz New Orleans is famous for and his new album shows how Ruffins is continuing one of the city’s most famous traditions.

ROCK/FUNK New Orleans band Bonerama calls their style “brass funk rock” and that’s what you’ll hear on the group’s latest album Shake It Baby. The rock influence is easy to pick up – Mike Mills of R.E.M. is a special guest and the closing song is a cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Manic Depression” – but the album also has a New Orleans feel thanks to the group’s brassy sound. Please send submissions for consideration, attention: Haley Adams, 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005. myneworleans.com

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hand-clap rhythms that pulled the Tribute to Justin Adams” – the tra“The following year [1993], Ray appeared at the fest on a set audience into the clapping like ditional jazz guitarist who came billed as Michael Ray’s Tribute to Sun Ray with Kidd Jordan dancers in a night club. from a storied musical family. His and Carl LeBlanc. They stayed in outer space mode the entire When the Senegalese artists were brother, Placide, plays drums on set as Jordan and LeBlanc wailed away.” done, Carl LeBlanc, the swinging the disc. – Jay Mazza, Up Front and Center: New Orleans Music dreadlocked banjo man and guitarWhen Don Vappie took the at the End of the 20th Century. (Threadhead Press) ist who plays in the New Orleans stage, he did more talking than Jazz Orchestra and at Preservation Hall, took the stage, alone, playing, telling story upon story about his relationship to the introduced his banjo as “Joniqua” (you could almost hear her banjo riffing out in other reflections. “Growing up on James chuckle) and launched into a version of the Mardi Gras Indian Brown and Earth, Wind & Fire,” he said, “I played guitar, wanted tune, “Jockamo” with the “hey-pocky-way” lines intertwined and to play bass and ended up on banjo.” Later, he explained, “I unspooled as he carried a percussive melody. The beauty of the wondered why so many of my generation – people of color – African string players was harmony. LeBlanc, the soloist, embroihated the banjo, why we hated something that came over here dered melody with his voice and lyrical lines. with the other instruments.” The banjo man shifted to what’s arguably the greatest jazz The banjo, he explained, “had too many chords, compared to song ever recorded, “West End Blues” as performed by Louis the guitar.” Armstrong, a work that has had endless variations that emulate Danny Barker, the legendary balladeer and guitarist who travthe fabled opening sequence of Pops’ trumpet cadenza that rings eled with the Cab Calloway Big Band in the 1930s, was known for purer than pure with every re-listening. Not to be outdone, Carl playing “the big fat chords,” as Nat Hentoff once told me. Danny LeBlanc took the sequence on banjo and then refashioned it with also played nice and fat on the banjo. Vappie did a version of “Eh his own lyrics as “Blues on West End.” The words below are an La-Bas,” the Creole patois dance tune that Danny recorded with exclusive with permission of the artist: his uncle, Paul Barbarin, and refashioned for many years as the “As I sit,  strumming chords of sad refrain  on Pontchartrain,  I elder statesman of New Orleans jazz. The “too many” chords of just can’t help  but wonder if  Satchmo played  his riff in the moonthe banjo were perfect for “Eh La-Bas.” light on a night like this. By a seafood house where he couldn’t As the afternoon deepened, Demme Dia returned to the stage, get in  on sandy beaches and sea walls  where he couldn’t swim.  seated between Vappie and LeBlanc, and as the three men played That’s why I’m drinkin’ and thinkin’ and makin’ a friend with the an improvisational, magic, lit up the room, music as mellow and blues on West End.” sweetly nuanced as has ever graced Freeman Auditorium. He has several CDs, including a Preservation Hall Recordings “I find it interesting,” LeBlanc wondered aloud, “what an entitled “Carl LeBlanc, New Orleans’ Seventh Ward Griot,” and African once told me: music and dance aren’t engaged – they’re a priceless self-released “Justin Case: Carl LeBlanc Presents a married for life, the dance and the song.”

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C A S T O F CH ARAC TERS

Tia Torres The stories and history behind her reality show BY GEORGE GURTNER

hen your le f t shoulder is highlighted by a

tattoo depicting a Hollywood-perfect image of Lon Chaney Jr. in his most famous role as The Wolf Man, and the late Chaney happened to be your godfather, you get some idea of how the wearer of this body art ended up in her present vocation. The right shoulder? That spot sports the visage of a lantern-jawed pit bull, the dog America loves to hate and sometimes hates to love – but does it anyway. But this particular pit bull on the shoulder of Tia Maria Torres is a tribute to “Duke,” who earned his place on her skin when he rescued her from an attacking Rhode Island Red rooster. After these first impressions of Torres, you know immediately her’s was a destiny written in the stars. The red-haired, slender Torres is the “star” of “Pit Bulls and Parolees,” the reality television show offered up weekly (and seemingly daily) on the Discovery Channel’s Animal Planet. Torres was born in Southern California and spent most of her “50-ish” years there, and we’re not talking Bel Air. Rather we’re talking about “rural areas” and the neighborhoods of the Los Angeles gangs, a stint in the U.S. Army and on the floor of more than a few trailers after her first husband “began to beat me senseless on a nightly basis,” according to one story she told a friend. “Little did I know it was spawned by his crack cocaine abuse. Oh, God, I can’t even tell you how long that went on. A couple of years or more.” Years later, she met her current husband, who is in a California prison on a bad rap, says Torres. The story goes that it all happened during that early 1980s era when she was part of the vampire craze, thus she entered her “vampire period.” She was trying to track down the owner of a dog so he could release the dog to her. The owner was in a California prison. Torres used an “inmate locator” Internet site and eventually found the guy. They became pen pals and she was smitten when she ran across a photo of him and decided he “looked like a vampire.” Long story, short: he was released from prison and the two were married on Halloween 2006. He later was returned to prison on that “bum rap” where he remains. Today, Torres sits on a chair in the yard of the Villalobos Rescue Center in a war zone area of the lower 9th Ward. It is a cool, sunny morning. She shakes her head and smiles as she recounts the strange odyssey that has been her life. As she talks, a camera crew from “Pit Bulls and Parolees” is shooting for a segment to air sometime this summer. Scattered around the massive area that’s dotted with warehouse type buildings whose uses include kennels and kitchens, parolees in hard worn jumpsuits and young volunteers walk dogs and handle a variety of other chores. “I grew up as a cowgirl on a ranch and was raised by my stepmom who was

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a single mom. She was a cowgirl, too. So animals were a part of my life from the very beginning. In fact, I didn’t know any other part of my life except animals. I did the typical things kids do; I had strays of every kind of animal you could think of. I started off working with wolf and dog mixes. My estranged brother who was in and out of my life showed up at my door one day with a wolfdog as a gift. Back in the late 1980s everybody in Los Angeles had a wolfdog. This was about the time the movie, White Fang came out and everybody wanted one.” But like most fads, the wolfdog craze had a short life and all of a sudden people were looking to get

rid of their animals. “People heard that I had these wolfdogs and they started bringing theirs to me. Next thing you know, I’m a wolfdog rescue. That’s where I came up with the name, Villalobos Rescue Center because Villalobos means ‘village of wolves.’” While on one of those rescue missions, Torres got a call about a shootout that left two cocaine dealers dead. These guys left behind their guard dog, a pit bull, tied to the axel of a truck. And just like that, Torres was in the pit bull saving business. FRANK METHE PHOTOGRAPH

That business grew exponentially and what with pit bulls being the main cog in her burgeoning dog saving industry, not too many communities around Southern California were inclined to show a lot of humane hospitality. “I moved out of L.A. County and bought property in the mountains. The weather and the desert were brutal, horrific. But I did everything by the book: I got my permits, and everybody seemed to be on board with us moving there. Literally, the day before we moved in and went to our meeting with the commissioner, they changed their mind.” She continues, “They decided we were dangerous and were a detriment to the neighborhood with our pit bulls and the parolees we were putting to work and helping to rehab. At that final hour they rejected our permit. So every penny I had saved and borrowed to buy this property, and I never got to live one day in that house. To say I was at the point of desperation would be putting it mildly.” But the memory of post-Hurricane Katrina round trips from California to New Orleans to rescue dogs left homeless by the storm stuck in Torres’ mind. “I remember those many trips to New Orleans and how, in spite of all the devastation, the people there were so incredibly friendly and welcoming. I particularly remember how pit bullfriendly New Orleans was. I had done my homework and looked at Arkansas and South Carolina as possible places for us to move. But I kept coming back to New Orleans. It was the people here. The people made up my mind. The police would stop by and wish us well and offer to help. Fire trucks stopped and the fireman said, ‘Welcome to the neighborhood!’ The SPCA said we need you here. The mayor’s office even sent somebody to welcome us to the city. We had four feet of trash covering everything when we got here. We moved 33,000 square feet of trash with some old

shopping carts we found in one of our buildings. Men came in after they left work to help us. The trash company donated a big dumpster. Restaurants donated food.” She continues, “My mind was made up. When we settled on this building we were told this neighborhood was where the bodies were dumped and where the cars with the bodies in them were burned. But the people from all over this neighborhood came over and welcomed us and offered to help us clean up. In California, the ranch we lived at for 17 years, we had neighbors we never met. That’s just the California way. Here in New Orleans everybody wanted to chip in. I love these people!” Just about as much as she loves her dogs – and not just pit bulls. Torres has taken in just about everything from German shepherds to Chihuahuas. She has even landed a “hospice … a house in the country,” as she puts it, so dogs that are terminal or are considered un-adoptable can live out their years in the open and won’t have to die alone in a kennel. “It breaks my heart to just think of that,” she says. “Now, we know, they’ll be with their friends.” Tia Torres’ Villalobos Rescue Center is home to about 250 dogs on a good day, and the cost of keeping all this up and running costs about $45,000 a month – all paid for by donations. “I have to really watch my pennies,” says Torres, who starts her day at 7 a.m. and ends it around 2 a.m. the next morning, seven days a week. And when you show amazement that she lives in an office at the kennel since Hurricane Isaac wiped out her house, she just shrugs here shoulders in one of those “I’ve been down and out before,” type gestures. “And with the type of people we have in New Orleans … well, you know a good day can’t be far behind.” Even Lon Chaney Jr., coming off a bummer of a full moon trip, would have to agree with that.

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M O D I N E’S N EW O RLEAN S

Cruising for Trouble BY MODINE GUNCH

n N ew O rleans we got two directions : ri v er side

and lake side. In St. Bernard, if it ain’t down the road, it’s up the road. That ain’t news if you live around here. But go someplace else and ask for directions, and people start jabbering about north, south, east, west and pointing every which way. You don’t know whether to spit or go blind. If you get on a ship, it’s worse. They got fore and aft; port and starbucks; a promenade deck, a main deck, and God help me, a poop deck. I know all this because I’m actually on a cruise. Not the Algiers ferryboat, but a actual romantic cruise ship going to Hawaii. With my mother-in-law. I got to explain. Ms. Larda bought a raffle ticket for a Hawaiian cruise for two at her church fundraiser. Unfortunately for the church, the raffle was in the same week that luxury cruise ship got stuck out in the Gulf, and all the passengers were on TV day in and day out saying it was awful, and the toilets were broken and they had to use plastic bags. Maybe on the poop deck. That was never explained. So the church didn’t sell a lot of raffle tickets. But they did sell one, to Ms. Larda. Her TV happened to be broken that week. Anyway, she won. Then she couldn’t find nobody to go with her. So I got drafted. Now, I like an excuse to get out of town during hurricane season, although, come to think of it, maybe fleeing to the open sea ain’t such a brilliant idea. Still, I look at this cruise as a dress rehearsal for the cruise me and my gentleman friend Lust will take one day when I talk him into it. So I’m hoping for no disasters. Once we figure out how to get around – “fore” means the pointy end of the ship and “aft” is the other end, for instance – we find plenty to do. We sign up for hula dancing lessons for the talent show. The ship provides grass skirts made out of cellophane strips and coconut bras, but we all wear exercise suits underneath for modesty. Leeloe, the hula teacher, has us all move to the right as we hula, and when the first dancer gets to the edge of the stage, Leeloe gently taps a little gong and we hula to the left. On talent show night, Ms. Larda gets seasick. They give her a pill for it, and it almost zonks her out, but she lurches to the show anyway. Since she’s a little unsteady, Leeloe says that instead of dancing she can be in charge of the gong. Bad idea. Ms. Larda clangs on it when we’re only halfway across the stage. Some of the dancers immediately hula to the left, like Leeloe said, but some keep hula-ing to the right, and we have a hula collusion. It ain’t a pretty sight. Me, I step out of line and keep on dancing, just like I learned way back in Mr. Tony’s Dancing School – no matter what happens, keep on dancing. By the end, I’m the only one still swaying and I get a big hand. And l got to keep the coconut

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bra and grass skirt. Ms. Larda takes home the gong. In Hawaii, we look at all these islands, and sample all the tropical cocktails, and completely forget to buy anything for the grandkids. But we got six hours between the time we leave the ship and we board our plane home, so we plan a shopping blitz. The last night, we’re supposed to put our luggage – except our carry-ons – in the hall before we go to bed. The crew will take it to the airport. We decide that, after we shop, we won’t have room for carry-ons, so we pack everything but our clothes and toothbrushes and makeup for the next day. We will shower and jump under the covers without nothing on. I shower first, and while Ms. Larda is in there, I wrap a towel around me and start shoving the suitcases into the hall. Right at that moment, the ship lurches bigtime. I lunge out the door and drop my towel. The door swings shut behind me. It locks. And Ms. Larda, singing away in the shower, can’t hear me pound on it. The suitcases are locked, but one has a combination instead of a key. I press 1-2-3 and open that. It has got our souvenirs: cups shaped like coconuts and bamboo and pineapples; the gong; plus my transparent grass skirt and coconut bra. Which I put on. I know what will happen. Ms. Larda will come out the bathroom, avert her eyes from my bed, thinking I’m naked under them covers, flip out the light, say “Good night Modine,” and I’ll be crouching out here in my hula girl outfit all night. I put my ear to the door. The singing stops. The bathroom door opens. I hear “Good night ...” and I hit that gong hard. Not once, but a whole bunch of times. People probably levitate in their beds all over the ship. Heads with their hair standing on end lean out up and down the hall, and I’m pressed up so hard against our door that when Ms. Larda – who took awhile because she had to wrap herself in a sheet – finally pulls it open, I fall in. She lets out a screech even louder than the gong, and keeps screeching, so the entire ship hears that Modine Gunch is dancing around in nothing but a grass skirt and coconuts and is she crazy? So that was the grand finale of our Hawaii cruise. Next day we get on a plane and head for home – the best direction. LORI OSIECKI ILLUSTRATION

J OIE D’ E V E

BLOGS FROM THE NEW NEW ORLEANS

A Very New Orleans Baptism B Y E V E K idd C ra w f ord

v erybody k new e v erybody , which o f course wasn ’ t

surprising in a town where a simple afternoon trip to Dorignac’s brings me into touch with my former P.E. teacher who also happens to be the mother of the ex-wife of a guy I dated in high school, and a Thursday night PTA meeting puts me back in touch with a girl I knew in junior high, my former middle school librarian and two people who know my mom. I mean, when I took Ruby to see Santa Claus this year, Santa turned out to be the father of her kindergarten teacher’s boyfriend. Imagine wrapping your 6-year-old brain around that! So Georgia’s baptism was no exception – everybody knew everybody in at least a few different ways. Present at the baptism were, of course, her four godparents – two of my husband’s best friends and two of mine, one of whom I have known since I was 7 (and also dated in high school) and one of whom is sitting about 6 feet away from me as I type this. Also there were two of my dad’s oldest friends, who turned out to be former neighbors of my husband’s best friends. And, of course, one of my dad’s best friends is also my ex-husband’s boss. Confused yet? Not if you’re from New Orleans. If you’re from New Orleans, this all makes perfect sense. My godmother and her family were there, along with my godfather’s sister, and it turned out that they were childhood friends from the same neighborhood. A high school friend of mine showed up, and she’s good friends with the childhood best friend of one of Georgia’s godparents. Performing the baptism was the Rev. Fred Devall, a childhood friend of Robert’s, who also knows a childhood friend of mine and the mother of one of Ruby’s best friends. My friend Catherine showed up, and I know her about eight different ways, and then she knew some other people there completely independent of me. If six degrees of separation is the norm anywhere else, here it might be about two. Recently, I got a text from a girl I’ve known since preschool. “I met Ruby’s Spanish teacher at a conference,” it said. When I told Ruby that Vera had 48

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met Señor Forbes, her greeny-gray eyes got huge. “Whoa,” she said. “They met each other, and they both know me!” “It’s New Orleans, kid,” I told her. “Get used to it.” It is hard to have secrets here, but that’s OK because no one really cares all that much. One Mardi Gras Day in the French Quarter, a group of high school friends and I ran into one of our teachers dressed in bondage gear with a whip between her teeth and a sign hung around her neck reading, “Spank me for a quarter.” We were all so shocked it didn’t even occur to us to hide our daiquiris. “Hey, kids,” she said, gesturing expansively to our illegal drinks and her black leather. “See y’all back in class on Thursday, and we’ll never speak of any of this again.” And we didn’t. But despite that sort of laissezfaire attitude toward casual scandal, I feel very lucky to be raising my daughters here. That might sound counterintuitive, but it really isn’t. As much as I expect that they’ll find their respective teenaged ways into trouble, I also feel like they’ll never be that far away from someone – a bartender, a former neighbor, a coworker, an old teacher – who knows either them or me or my mom or my dad or my husband or my ex-husband or my in-laws. Sorry, Ruby and Georgia, but we have this town wired. I might not care if they have a drink on Mardi Gras Day when they’re 17, but I’ll probably find out about it anyway. So Georgia’s baptism into the church was, in many ways, also her baptism into the city. And all I can say, to both, is, “Welcome, my sweet love. Welcome.” Excerpted from Eve Kidd Crawford’s blog, Joie d’Eve, which appears each Friday on MyNewOrleans.com. For comments: info@neworleansmagazine.com.

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L OCAL C O L O R

C H R O N I C LES

A multi-generational family gathers for a family photograph circa 1941.

Family Celebrations New Orleanians mark their calendars for special occasions and have made an art out of creating memories BY CAROLYN KOLB

eo T olstoy starts o f f his no v el A n n a K a r e n i n a by

declaring that, “All happy families are alike.” Tolstoy got it wrong. Happy families, the kind of families who celebrate events in particularly enjoyable ways, are all different. Having a special meal on your birthday is just one of the possibilities for families intent on celebrating. Anne Case as a child had four siblings, and each chose their birthday dinner menu. “My brother always had lasagna, but I usually asked for steak and potatoes,” she recalls. She offered the same choice to her children, but by then they also would have a party with their friends. “For my grandchildren, they have big birthday parties but the party has to be when everyone can come – sometimes it’s a month after their birthday,” she says. One novel birthday extravaganza was special to Graci Rickerfor’s son Patrick. “Patrick was born on the 18th of March, right after St. Patrick’s Day,” she explains. “We lived just off Metairie Road, and of course the parade came by, so we would have big parties. We always told him that was his parade.” (Patrick did catch on after a while.) Special celebrations don’t always have to fall on birthdays. Nell Nolan

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Young grew up as one of seven children, and as she remembers, “on Sundays, we would all go to Mass, and, if my mother and father were being very indulgent, after church they would take us all to the Frostop, and we could have root beers. That was really a special treat – we never drank soft drinks at home!” Holidays bring out the best in family festivities. For the Nolans, a favorite holiday was Christmas. “Our family’s house was on Coliseum Street – we called it two sevens because the address was 2727. Christmas dinner was terribly special. We all sat at the big dining room table. Then, we would have an informal open house,” she says. “If the meal was over around 2:30, the guests would come and stay until 6:30 or 7 o’clock. I remember standing around the piano and us all singing, and there would be at least three generations.” PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY THE HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION

Marcelle d’Aquin Saussy’s family celebration day is the day before Mardi Gras. Every year on that date Saussy, her sister, Ribby d’Aquin Fergusson and her brother, Jack, plus their adult children (with spouses or very significant others – “you have to have an engagement ring on your finger,” Saussy explains) gather at Commander’s Palace for an adults-only lunch. The guest list is currently up to 19. “It all got started when we gave a debutante party for one of my brother’s girls at Commander’s, maybe 15 or so years ago,” she says. As far as the menu goes, “everybody’s on their own – it’s just the dilemma of whether to have a milk punch or a Bloody Mary before lunch. “We started out in that little room with a balcony where we could see the cemetery (Lafayette No. 1,) but we got too big for that room. And, of course, after lunch we go to the cemetery,” she continues. “My parents and my grandparents on my mother’s side are buried in Lafayette No. 1, plus some aunts and uncles, and a child that died on the way to North Carolina during the Civil War. We’ll either bring flowers or the beads from the table to the tomb,” which was just done over last summer by a master plasterer. One new addition to the annual event: “we’ve added a limousine. You could never park on that Monday so near the parade route.” Maria Wisdom, her husband Andrew and children John, Helen and Tommy, celebrate Easter in the Greek tradition. “In most Greek American families Easter was bigger than Christmas,” she says, remembering her childhood. Lent is a time of fasting, with no meat, olive oil or dairy products during Holy Week. The Good Friday service is especially solemn, and young girls dressed in white have a special part. “My sister and I did that, and my daughter Helen did, too. You wear a beautiful new white dress.” On Saturday night the church will be dark, and then at midnight

when it’s announced, “Christ is risen,” lights come on. By this time, Easter eggs have been dyed red. Wisdom recalls “my mother would rub the eggs with olive oil to make them shine, and she would bring them to church wrapped in tulle.” After the service, families go home to a festive meal, with a special lamb soup and (just like the Cajun Easter game of “paque-paque”) they play a game with the dyed eggs. “It’s called Tsougrisma – cracking together – you do this around the dinner table starting with two players. You tap it against the end of the other player’s egg trying to crack it. Then, you go around the whole dinner table doing this until you have one winner,” she If your family has a birthday explains. “If you win, you to celebrate, chances are you have good luck. And the might order a decorated kids like to do it.” doberge cake from For mid-day dinner Gambino’s Bakery on Easter Sunday, lamb (4821 Veterans is the main course and Memorial Blvd., there’s a special bread Metairie); the recipe baked in a braid with is based on Beulah a rich eggy dough with Ledner’s invention of the red-dyed eggs in the the multi-layered concoction. Or, if braid. “It’s flavored with you’re dining out for your celebramahlepi, ground cherry tion, try Galatoire’s Restaurant pits. It’s more fragrant (209 Bourbon St.,) where you can than nutty, it tastes floral,” be serenaded with a song by the Wisdom says. waiters (and all the other patrons). And, like all New Orleans Antoine’s Restaurant (713 St. family celebrations, it Louis St.) will add to your fesleaves everyone eager to tivities by putting your name on a enjoy it again. baked Alaska if you like.

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L OCAL â&#x20AC;&#x2C6; C O L O R

HOME

New Vistas Donna and Tom Russell’s Lakefront home brings a fresh approach to modern design. B Y B O N N I E W A R R E N p hotogra p hed by c H E R Y L G E R B E R

n a par k - li k e L a k e Vista setting where

all the streets have bird names, Donna and Tom Russell found the perfect location for the contemporary home they envisioned. “We loved the lot but not the house,” recalls Donna, a designer who owns ProVisions Interiors, LLC. “The pie-shaped lot had an interesting view of the park and the large oak tree in the front yard. We also liked that the lot faced north to capture the breezes from the lake.” To create their dream home they called in architect Dodie Top: The handsome new great Smith (C. Spencer Smith, AIA). room features a 12-foot high “Dodie understood our vision ceiling, fireplace, clearstory from our very first meeting,” windows and large expanses says Tom, co-owner of The of glass to embrace the front Russell Marine Group. “She view of the park-like setlives in the area and appreciting. Bottom left: Located in ates the uniqueness of the origia park-like setting in Lake nal utopian land plan where Vista, architect Dodie Smith the fronts of the houses face the (C Spencer Smith, AIA) did a park with beautiful oak trees total transformation of the and winding pathways.” Donna existing traditional split-level adds, “We told her we wanted a house by creating an all-new modern-style home with clean structure for the main room lines that would incorporate and totally reconfiguring the much of the existing split-level existing two-story plan and façade. Bottom middle: A cottage, while also creating partially enclosed space was a completely new addition, added to the rear of the house façade, front and side raised that incorporates comfortporches and rear courtyard.” able seating and a waterSmith’s design involved fall. Bottom right: Thomas removing the porches and a “Tom” and Donna Russell, small living room, and creatwith Tyson, their American ing a large new space with Staffordshire terrier. 12-foot high ceilings, a myneworleans.com

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unique fireplace and a series of 10-foot high windows and sliding glass doors, topped by clerestory windows, to fully embrace the view of the park in the front and a handsome courtyard in the back. New front and rear doors were added at each end of the hallway that joined the new construction to the existing house. “The seamless connection between old and new was a key design feature,” Smith explains. “The final modern design is a fresh approach not typically seen in New Orleans.” “Once we had Dodie’s plan, I got busy with a plan of my own to renovate the remaining two-story structure,” Donna says. “Both Tom and I wanted to reflect a more modern flavor with an abundance of light-filled windows facing the park side. Once we began, I was like a kid in a candy store, and with the special help of Leo Galvan, a talented craftsman, we took the existing walls down to the studs. In the end, there was just a shell of the original space and we began our 14-month rebuild journey.” “I decided early on not to reenter the house until it was ready to reveal,” Tom says. “I wanted to save the ‘shock’ and ‘awe’ until it was finished.” Then he adds with a smile, “The ‘shock’ was writing the checks for the work, the ‘awe’ was walking into the house for the first time and seeing our beautiful new house.” Donna couldn’t be more proud of their home and adds, “It was a true labor of love, and today we have our dream house.” 54

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Facing page, top left: The master bedroom adjoins the upstairs hallway through double doors. Facing page, top right: One of the most unique features in the house is the open rain shower that occupies the center of the room in the master bathroom. Facing page, bottom: The sleek, state-of-the art kitchen unobtrusively adjoins the dining room. This page, top: Large windows in the master bedroom provide a treetop view of the park and lake beyond; a grid of 12-by-30 foot smoke-colored mirror adds dramatic flair to the space. Bottom left: French doors in the guest bedroom open onto the lush rear courtyard. The furnishings in the room are cutting-edge contemporary. Bottom right: Four large windows in the dining room incorporate the pastoral front view toward the park and levee; furnished with a teak table with stainless legs and Beechwood chairs, the space is illuminated by a Flos chandelier. myneworleans.com

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THEMENU TABLE TALK

RESTAURANT INSIDER

FOOD

LAST CALL

DINING LISTINGS RESTAURANT INSIDER:

New On Julia Street and the French Quarter PAGE 60

The sale of a portion of Le Petit Théâtre to the Dickie Brennan Restaurant Group brought forth the May opening of Tableau.

Tableau’s Chef Ben Thibodeaux, left, with Dickie Brennan

S a r a E sse x B r a d l e y P h o t o g r a p h

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T HE M EN U

T A B L E T A L K

Pork on the Fork BY JAY FORMAN

La Petite Grocery’s braised beef shortribs.

h e n Te a m “ S t a n d U p a n d S n o u t ” t o o k h o m e

the top prize at the Hogs for the Cause barbecue competition and fundraiser last March, a closer look at the roster explains a few things. Among the participants were Justin Devillier of La Petite Grocery, Aaron Burgau of Patois, Bart Bell of Crescent Pie & Sausage Company and New Orleans Police Captain Billy Ceravolo. One might think it was a team of ringers, and one might be right, but this wasn’t the first time they’d joined forces in the quest for pork glory. They had competed for the past three seasons. But this year’s crew was rounded out with a couple more all-stars – Three Muses’s Dan Esses and Boucherie’s Nathaniel Zimet – and the end result was as delicious as it was accomplished. Stand Up and Snout won Grand Champion along with first place in Ribs and second place in Shoulder categories, beating out approximately 80 other teams in the process. “We didn’t change our strategy too much. I think just coming into our third year of doing it we started to hit our stride, plus we also made an effort to delegate the different tasks,” recalls Devillier. “I’m sure you can imagine what it might be like having six chefs on the same team.” Some of the duties included maintaining a steady temp for 32 hours straight on the custom vault chamber smoker, capable of tackling two 200-pound hogs at one time, along with more essential duties. “I pretty much drank beer, too,” Devillier says. Chef Aaron Burgau agrees. “The idea was ‘Let’s

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go out and have fun.’ We didn’t think we were going to win but everyone was happy with what they turned in. When we heard our names called and we went up there to get the prize for the butt and the ribs, the guy was like, ‘Don’t go too far.’ That’s when we knew we got top honors.” But diners who missed this year’s event need not wait until next year to sample these guys’ skills with the most magical and delicious of animals. Devillier, Burgau et al. work wonders year-round with the pig. True, you might not want to wear shrimp boots to La Petite Grocery, but on the plus side you can enjoy a glass of wine and air conditioning along with your

Meat-ing Places Other team members doing good things with pork include Nathaniel Zimet, who recently served up a pulled pork poor boy with a Carolina-style slaw on his menu at Boucherie. Bart Bell of Crescent Pie & Sausage Company, left, makes a slew of fresh sausages and smoked meats that can be enjoyed in-house, provided through a catering arm or even shipped. His pizza restaurant, Pizzicare, features his meats as well. J E F F E RY J OHN S TON P HOTOGRA P H , TO P

braised pork cheeks. Pig Out La Petite Grocery At La Petite Grocery, Devillier 4238 Magazine St. recently featured an appetizer 891-3377 casually referred in the kitchen LaPetiteGrocery.com to as the “Pork Trifecta” – a tripleLunch Tuesdays-Saturdays; crown beauty of pork belly, pulled dinner nightly; brunch pork shoulder simmered in duck Sundays fat and smoked pork cheeks that get braised to tender perfection. Patois The porcine goodness gets paired 6078 Laurel St. with a purée of sweet potato and a 895-9441 little demi-glace to tie it all togethPatoisNola.com er, or put it over the top, depending Dinner Wednesdayson your perception. Saturdays; lunch Fridays; Devillier overhauls the menu brunch Sundays every few months to take advantage of seasonal changes, as well as roll specials that have performed, well into regular rotation. This includes proteins such as pork, as well as other things. In spring, fresh ramps were featured in a Florida little neck clam pasta dish. The clams were steamed in white wine and fish stock and removed from the broth, which then got emulsified with a compound butter made with ramp tops. The clams and fresh pasta went back into the sauce, adjusted with lemon juice and salt, tossed and served. “The dish was simple but really bright and ramp-y,” Devillier says. Taking bistro fare into new directions is a signature of Devillier’s approach. He lets the ingredients serve the dish in intuitive ways that might look surprising at first, but make sense once you try them. Take for example his hanger steak, the most traditional of bistro fare. Here it gets paired with a rich demi from their in-house sauce program but then gets accompanied by a dollop of bright chimichurri, which adds acidity to the richness and cuts through the fat while bringing out the flavor. “It wasn’t consciously a nod to Argentine cuisine but obviously it comes from there. It is just something that works well with the components,” Devillier explains. If you haven’t been in a while, La Petite expanded its hours to include Sunday and Monday. Parking is offered in a private lot across the street, and their fries are arguably the best in town. The burger is excellent as well, and is now featured on the dinner menu. Over at Patois, Burgau features pork from Chappapeela Farms in Husser, La. One recent appetizer tasted as good as it reads: Pecan Candied Pork Belly. Evocative of the uncannily red barbecue spareribs from the Americanized Chinese restaurants of our collective childhood, this food memory is elaborated upon with an accompaniment of high-quality shrimp toast and a garnish of pickled radish to cut through the sweetness. “One of my cooks, Nathan, came up with it. He had some syrup left over from candied pecans he made and he started messing around with that and the pork belly,” Burgau says about the dish. “We’d done the shrimp toast before and the pork belly before, but hadn’t put them together.” The dish is tied together with his “Red Dragon” sauce, a Korean-style sauce made in-house from soybean and chili pastes. Patois also offers pork lovers a charcuterie plate, with homemade hogshead cheese, pork rillettes and boudin. For novelty’s sake, consider the Mississippi rabbit, which comes stuffed with boudin and wrapped in fried chicken skin and drizzled with Creole mustard jus. If you’re seeking a lighter side, he offers a skin-on red snapper filet in a local ginger and coriander compound butter accompanied with basmati rice and lentils. For daytime dining, Patois is open for lunch on Friday and Brunch on Sunday. myneworleans.com

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T HE M E N U

R E S T A U R A N T IN SID ER

New on Julia Street and in the French Quarter BY ROBERT PEYTON

Chef Greg Sonnier’s return to a full-service, full-time restaurant is a cause for celebration. Greg and his dessert-specialist wife, Mary, were forced to shutter Gabrielle after Hurricane Katrina, then spent some frustrating years trying to open a restaurant Uptown. In April of this year, Sonnier opened Kingfish (337 Chartres St.), and those of us who’ve missed Sonnier’s hearty cooking have a place to experience it once more. Chris McMillian is heading the cocktail program, and he’s as beloved among the imbibing crowd as Sonnier is among foodies. The restaurant is owned by Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts, which to date has been best known for restaurants aimed at the tourist market. Kingfish is decidedly more ambitious, and the group is also behind the purchase of Broussard’s from the Preuss family. I have it on good word that they intend to treat the

beautiful French Quarter property with the same care and attention they’ve shown Kingfish, which bodes well. There are plans in progress to open a take-out sandwich shop adjacent to Kingfish, called Counter, which should be open by the time you read this column. Kingfish is open for lunch seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The bar remains open during the break between service, and dinner starts every evening at 5 p.m. with service until 10 p.m. during the week and 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. You can find out more by calling 598-5005.

La Casita (634 Julia St.) opened on March 7. It is a small place, with a bar running along most of a long, narrow room, and a few tables up front. Owners John Michael Wade and Mark Gonsoulin are natives of Biloxi, Miss., and that fact might make you question their decision to open a restaurant serving primarily tacos. Wade told me, however, that his grandmother’s family emigrated from Spain to West Texas a generation before she was born, and he grew up eating what he describes as “Hispanic food.” When he designed the menu, that’s what he wanted to serve. Wade came to New Orleans to run Foodies Kitchen, which formerly occupied La Casita’s space. When Foodies closed early this year, he and Gonsoulin took the opportunity to open their own shop. Like the rest of the place, the kitchen is small and the menu is accordingly focused on doing a few things well. Quesadillas, guacamole and/or salsa with chips, and a three-cheese dip “blessed” by St. James Cheese Company to which you can add carnitas, beef or chicken for an extra buck are the only appetizers offered. There are a couple of salads, including

Le Petit Théâtre is one of the oldest community-based theatres in the country, but in recent years it has faced financial pressures and as recently as 2011 was facing closure. The organization’s board decided to take the drastic step of selling a portion of the historic building on Jackson Square to the Dickie Brennan Restaurant Group. The sale allowed the organization to fund renovations to the theater, including spaces in the lobby and courtyard, which are now shared with Tableau (616 St. Peter St.), the restaurant the Brennan Group opened this May. Tableau is modeled on a classic Creole restaurant with the décor you’d expect, and for the most part, the menu as well. Chef Ben Thibodeaux is responsible for the latter, and in addition to shrimp rémoulade, crabmeat maison and fried eggplant batons, the appetizer section includes a classic escargot bordelaise as well as a regularly changing crêpe. One entrée of particular interest is the grilled rack of local lamb that’s served with a New Orleans-style barbecue sauce made with Abita beer. A few of the entrées are designed to be topped with one of several options for accompaniments. The St. Roch is jumbo Gulf shrimp, roasted mushrooms, garlic and green onions, and the Trist substitutes crabmeat for the shrimp and artichoke hearts for the mushrooms, but is otherwise the same. Tableau is open Mondays through Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., on Fridays and Saturdays the restaurant closes at 11:30 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays it opens at 10 a.m. If all that’s too complicated, you can get it straight from the source by calling 934-3463.

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one with spinach, jicama, avocado, fresh pineapple, radishes and red onion that’s dressed with a pineapple-cilantro vinaigrette, too, but the majority of the menu is divided between simple and specialty tacos. The fillings for the simple tacos – shredded chicken, pork carnitas, brisket or a vegetarian version – can be loaded into either corn or flour tortillas and topped with a variety of additions such as pickled cabbage, radish, avocado, Manchego cheese or crema. Specialty tacos include The Mission, in which broiled shrimp, pickled cabbage, onions, radishes, avocado and house-made jalapeño tarter sauce are folded into corn tortillas, and the Hasta LaVegan, which combines avocado, pinto beans, roasted corn, radishes and pickled cabbage. La Casita is open Mondays through Saturdays at 11 a.m., and they quit serving at 10 p.m. You can reach the restaurant by calling 218-8043.

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Email rdpeyton@gmail.com

S ARA E S S E X B RADL E Y P HOTOGRA P H S

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THE MENU

FOOD

Picking Time Fruity recipes for the season BY DALE CURRY

i v i n g b y t h e l e v ee o f t h e g r e a t Mississippi h a s

its advantages. For years, we went over the levee and down near the river to pick blackberries this time of year. When you saw a neighbor walking toward the levee with a bucket, it was the signal to get down there before all the berries were gone. We would take sticks to scare off any snakes, and we filled huge buckets with beautiful, plump berries. Later we made 62

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blackberry cobblers and served them warm with vanilla ice cream. Lately there have been “No Trespassing” signs nailed up and I haven’t walked through the paths down to the river in a while. I miss it because it was a wonderful sanctuary for turtles sunning themselves on logs and beautiful birds flying about. But I mostly miss those blackberry cobblers. I also became infatuated with picking blueberries around the time I stopped picking blackberries. It is so much more civilized, especially if you have a friend who owns a blueberry farm. We have been just that lucky, driving an hour or so each year northeast of New Orleans and again filling our buckets with the blue gems that are so readily available every June on tall bushes. You don’t even have to stoop over to get most of them, and they last for a year or more in the freezer. Now strawberries are so readily available, all you have to do is go to the store and select from overflowing tables. I love all strawberries but there are none quite as good as the Louisiana strawberry. I wish scientists would quit fooling around with them, because I like the old varieties that were small, juicy, sweet and red all the way through. Ours are still red but, to me, the bigger they are, the tougher they get. Sometimes the texture is almost like that of an apple. It is a marketing tool to make them prettier and ship better, but I’m selfish and want to keep them small, juicy and all to ourselves. As far as blackberries go, my favorite has always been the cobbler, served a la mode. It is so easy to make, especially with refrigerated pie dough that’s as good as homemade. You can get creative with blueberries in anything from sauces to salads. It is hard to resist them in cakes and pies. And I snatched this recipe from the Internet. Although strawberries are best out-of-hand or with whipped cream and shortcake, this parfait is delicious and easy enough to put together. E U G E N I A U HL P HOTOGRA P H

Blackberry Cobbler A La Mode 5 cups blackberries 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 3 Tablespoons butter 1 homemade or refrigerated store-bought pie crust 1 egg white, beaten

Rinse blackberries well. Drain and place in a 5-by-7-inch baking pan or dish. Stir in sugar and flour. Dot with butter cut into small cubes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Roll out pastry to fit top of pan, tucking just over the rim of the pan. Brush with egg white. Cut several vents in pastry. Place in oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes or until brown and bubbly. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Blueberry Cake 1 cup all-purpose flour plus 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt

JUNE 2013

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1 stick unsalted butter, softened 1 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon vanilla 2 large eggs 2 cups blueberries, rinsed and drained (if using frozen blueberries, thaw and drain first) 1 teaspoon lemon juice Powdered sugar for dusting

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter a 9-inch springform pan and dust with flour. (Or use a 9-inch round cake pan, butter and dust with flour and line the bottom with parchment paper.) Combine 1 cup flour with baking powder and salt and set aside. Using a mixer, beat the butter on medium high speed for 2 minutes. Then add the sugar and vanilla and beat until light and fluffy, a couple of minutes more. Add the eggs one at a time and beat until wellblended. Reduce the speed of the mixer to low, and slowly add the flour mixture, beating until

smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Combine the berries with the remaining teaspoon of flour and the lemon juice in a bowl. Spoon the berry mixture over the batter. Bake on middle rack in oven for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool cake in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully slide a thin knife around the edges of the cake and transfer the cake to a platter, berry side up. Dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving.

Strawberry Parfait 4 cups strawberries 2/3 cup sugar, divided 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 1/2 cup plain yogurt 3 teaspoons Amaretto, divided 1 cup almond cookies, coarsely crumbled 1/2 pint whipping cream

Save 4 small berries, stems on, for garnish. Slice others in half

for small, in fourths for large. Place in a bowl, mix in 1/3 cup sugar and set aside. In an electric mixer, mix 1/3 cup sugar, cream cheese, yogurt and 2 teaspoons Amaretto until well-blended. Set aside. Also in an electric mixer, whip cream until small peaks form. Add 1 teaspoon Amaretto and whip until stiff peaks form. Reserve 4 heaping Tablespoons of the whipped cream for topping, and fold the rest into the cream cheese mixture. In 4 large parfait or red wine glasses, place half the strawberries, top with half the cream cheese mixture and then half the crumbled cookies. After making 2 layers of each, top with reserved whipped cream and reserved whole strawberries on top. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. This is best made a couple of hours or more before serving. Serves 4.

THE MENU

LAST CALL

Gentle and Peaceful Moments BY TIM MCNALLY

u n e is p r o b a b l y t h e m o n t h t h a t m o s t t y pifies t h e

lives of New Orleanians. We have endured the rigors of Carnival and festival seasons, and we are on the edge of the higher temperatures to come accompanied by humidity in the same toward-the-top-ofthe-scale range. June is a buffer month between the celebrations and the joys of air conditioning. June is the month of love, with the bells of the grand cathedral getting quite a workout as limos and carriages greet newly married, happy people at the church door after they’ve promised lifetime commitments in front of hundreds of friends who are anxious to experience the great party to come. Schools are finally released and vacations, long-planned, can finally commence. Strolling though the French Quarter is still pleasurable, dining and drinking along the way, with frequent stops to partake of New Orleans’ great contribution to Western Civilization: the go-cup. What could be more “local” than walking around the French Quarter, peeking in doorways and windows, with a go-cup from the new dining and drinking establishment, Kingfish, located at the corner Chartres and Conti streets? Kingfish revels in New Orleans and Louisiana culture. Bar dude of some renown, Chris McMillian, this magazine’s Bartender of the Year for 2011, has created a refreshing cocktail with, of course, a story. You have to hear that from him in person.

JUNE 2013

myneworleans.com

She Loves It 3 strawberries 1 1/2 ounces Aperol 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice 3/4 ounce simple syrup Prosecco

In a mixing glass add the simple syrup and three strawberries. Muddle. Add lemon juice and Aperol, and fill shaker tin with ice. Combine and shake. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Top off with Prosecco. Created by Chris McMillian of Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails

S ARA E S S E X B RADL E Y P HOTOGRA P H

THE MENU

$= Average entrée price of $5-$10; $$=$1115; $$$=$16-20; $$$$=$21-25; $$$$$=$25 and up.

5 Fifty 5 Restaurant Marriott Hotel,

DINING GUIDE and homemade pastas in a setting that’s both elegant and intimate; off-premise catering. New Orleans Magazine Honor Roll honoree 2009. $$$

L Mon-Sat, D daily. Thai food and sushi bar with a contemporary spin is served in this date-friendly establishment; private rooms available. $$

offers excellent ingredients, presented simply. New Orleans Magazine’s Best New Restaurant 2009. $$

Brennan’s 417 Royal St., 525-9711, French

555 Canal St., 553-5555, French Quarter, 555Canal.com. B, L, D daily. This restaurant offers innovative American fare such as lobster macaroni and cheese, seasonal Gulf fish with crab and mâche salad with boudin. Many of the dishes receive an additional touch from their wood-burning oven. $$$$

Antoine’s 713 St. Louis St., 581-4422,

Bayona 430 Dauphine St., 525-4455, French

French Quarter, Antoines.com. L Mon-Sat, D Mon-Sat, Br Sun. This pinnacle of haute cuisine and birthplace of Oysters Rockefeller is New Orleans’ oldest restaurant. (Every item is á la carte, with an $11 minimum.) Private dining rooms are available. $$$$$

Quarter, Bayona.com. L Wed-Sat, D Mon-Sat. Chef Susan Spicer’s nationally acclaimed cuisine is served in this 200-year-old cottage. Ask for a seat on the romantic patio, weatherpermitting. $$$$$

Quarter, BrennansNewOrleans.com. Br, L, D daily. The institution that turned breakfast into a celebration and introduced bananas Foster to the world is one of the city’s most storied destinations. Enjoy a brandy milk punch in the courtyard while you’re there. $$$$$

The Beach House 2401 N. Woodlawn

Brigtsen’s 723 Dante St., 861-7610,

7 on Fulton 701 Fulton St., 525-7555, CBD/

Arnaud’s 813 Bienville St., 523-5433,

Warehouse District, 7onFulton.com. B, L, D daily. Upscale and contemporary dining destination. $$$$

French Quarter, Arnauds.com. D daily, Br Sun. Waiters in tuxedos prepare Café Brulot tableside at this storied Creole grande dame in the French Quarter; live jazz during Sun. brunch. $$$$$

St., 456-7470, Metairie. L Wed-Fri, D daily. Gumbo, steaks, lobsters, burgers and seafood are accompanied by live music each and every night. $$$

Uptown, Brigtsens.com. D Tue-Sat. Chef Frank Brigtsen’s nationally-famous Creole cuisine makes this cozy Riverbend cottage a true foodie destination. $$$$$

Besh Steak Harrah’s Casino, 8 Canal St., 533-6111, CBD/Warehouse District, HarrahsNewOrleans.com. D daily. Acclaimed chef John Besh reinterprets the classic steakhouse with his signature contemporary Louisiana flair. New Orleans Magazine’s Chef of the Year 2007. $$$$$

Broken Egg Cafe 200 Girod St., (985) 231-

13 Restaurant and Bar 517 Frenchmen St., 942-1345, Faubourg Marigny, 13Monaghan. com. B, L, D daily, open until 4 a.m. Latenight deli catering to hungry club-hoppers. Bar and excellent jukebox make this a good place to refuel. $

Abita Brew Pub 72011 Holly St., (985) 892-5837, Abita Springs, AbitaBrewPub.com. L, D Tue-Sun. Famous for its Purple Haze and Turbodog brews, Abita serves up better-thanexpected pub food in their namesake eatery. “Tasteful” tours available for visitors. $$

Acme Oyster House 724 Iberville St., 5225973, French Quarter; 3000 Veterans Blvd., 309-4056, Metairie; 1202 N. Highway 190, (985) 246-6155, Covington; AcmeOyster.com. L, D daily. Known as one of the best places to eat oysters. $$

Aloha Sushi 1051 Annunciation St., 5660021, Warehouse District, SunRayGrill.com. L, D Tue-Sat. A large list of rolls, hot rice bowls, Asian-inspired soups, salads, cocktails and more. Visit for Sake Hour: half-priced sake and three rolls for the price of two. $$

A Mano 870 Tchoupitoulas St., 508-9280, Warehouse District, AManoNola.com. L Fri, D Mon-Sat. A Mano is chef Adolfo Garcia’s take on authentic regional Italian cuisine. Executive chef Joshua Smith handles day-to-day duties at this Warehouse District spot. “A mano” means “by hand” in Italian; fitting for a restaurant where much of the pasta and charcuterie are made in-house. $$

Ancora 4508 Freret St., 324-1636, Uptown, AncoraPizza.com. L Fri-Sat, D Mon-Sat. Authentic Neapolitan-style pizza fired in an oven imported from Naples keeps pizza connoisseurs coming back to this Freret Street hot-spot. The housemade charcuterie makes it a double-winner. $$ Andrea’s Restaurant 3100 19th St., 8348583, Metairie, AndreasRestaurant.com. L Mon-Fri, D daily, Br Sun. Indulge in osso buco

Audubon Clubhouse 6500 Magazine St., 212-5282, Uptown. B, L Tue-Sat, Br Sun. Nested among the oaks in Audubon Park, the beautifully situated clubhouse is open to the public and features a kid-friendly menu with New Orleans tweaks and a casually upscale sandwich and salad menu for adults. $$

August Moon 3635 Prytania St., 899-5129, 899-5122, Uptown, MoonNola.com. L, D Mon-Fri, D Sat. Lots of vegetarian offerings and reasonable prices make this dependable Chinese/Vietnamese place a popular choice for students and locals. Take-out and delivery available. $

Bistro Daisy 5831 Magazine St., 899-6987, Uptown, BistroDaisy.com. D, Tue-Sat. Chef Anton Schulte and his wife Diane’s bistro, named in honor of their daughter, serves creative and contemporary bistro fare in a romantic setting along Magazine Street. The signature Daisy Salad is a favorite. $$$$

Blue Plate Café 1330 Prytania St., 309-

Metairie, AustinsNo.com. D Mon-Sat. Mr. Ed’s newest upscale bistro serves contemporary Creole fare, including seafood and steaks. $$$

9500, Uptown. B, L Mon-Fri, B all-day Sat. Breakfasts and lunches are the hallmarks of this neighborhood spot. The Ignatius sandwich comes equipped with 10 inches of paradise. $

The Avenue Pub 1732 St. Charles Ave.,

The Bombay Club Prince Conti Hotel,

586-9243, Uptown, TheAvenuePub.com. L, D daily (kitchen open 24 hours a day). With more than 47 rotating draft beers, this pub also offers food including a cheese plate from St. James, a crab cake sandwich and the “Pub Burger.” $

830 Conti St., 586-0972, French Quarter, TheBombayClub.com. D daily. Popular martini bar appointed with plush British décor features live music during the week and late dinner and drinks on weekends. Nouveau Creole menu includes items such as Bombay drum. $$$$

Austin’s 5101 W. Esplanade Ave., 888-5533,

Bacchanal Fine Wines and Spirits 600 Poland Ave., 948-9111, Bywater, BacchanalWine.com. L, D daily. The pop-up that started it all, this ongoing backyard music and food fest in the heart of Bywater carries the funky flame. Best of all, the front of house is a wine shop. $$

Barcelona Tapas 720 Dublin St., 861-9696, Riverbend, LetsEat.at/BarcelonaTapas. D TueSun. Barcelona Tapas is chef-owner Xavier Laurentino’s homage to the small-plates restaurants he knew from his hometown of Barcelona. The tapas are authentic, and the space, renovated largely by Laurentino himself, is charming. $

Basil Leaf Restaurant 1438 S. Carrollton Ave., 862-9001, Uptown, BasilLeafThai.com.

Bon Ton Cafe 401 Magazine St., 524-3386, CBD/Warehouse District, TheBonTonCafe. com. L, D Mon-Fri. A local favorite for the oldschool business lunch crowd, it specializes in local seafood and Cajun dishes. $$$$

Bouche 840 Tchoupitoulas St., 267-7485, Warehouse District, BoucheNola.com. L, D Wed-Sat. Bouche is a mix of lounge, cigar bar and restaurant with an open kitchen serving largely Southern food in portions Bouche calls “Partailles” – something larger than an appetizer but smaller than an entrée. $$$ Boucherie 8115 Jeannette St., 862-5514, Riverbend, Boucherie-Nola.com. L, D Tue-Sat. Serving contemporary Southern food with an international angle, Chef Nathaniel Zimet

7125, Mandeville. B, Br, L daily. Breakfastcentric café in turn-of-the-century home offers a sprawling assortment of delicious items both healthy and decadent. $$

Brooklyn Pizzeria 4301 Veterans Blvd., 833-1288, Metairie, EatBrooklyn.net. L, D daily (Drive thru/take out). Pie shop on Vets specializes in New York-style thin crust. The pizza is the reason to come, but sandwiches and salads are offered as well. $

Byblos 1501 Metairie Road, 834-9773, Metairie; 3218 Magazine St., 894-1233, Uptown; 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 8307333 Metairie; 29 McAlister Drive, Tulane University; ByblosRestaurants.com. L, D daily. Upscale Middle Eastern cuisine featuring traditional seafood, lamb and vegetarian options. $$

Café Adelaide Loews New Orleans Hotel, 300 Poydras St., 595-3305, CBD/Warehouse District, CafeAdelaide.com. B, D daily, L Mon-Fri. This offering from the Commander’s Palace family of restaurants has become a power-lunch favorite for businessmen and politicos. Also features the Swizzle Stick Bar. $$$$

Café Burnside Houmas House Plantation, 40136 Highway 942, (225) 473-9380, Darrow, HoumasHouse.com. L daily, Br Sun. Historic plantation’s casual dining option features dishes such as seafood pasta, fried catfish, crawfish and shrimp, gumbo and red beans and rice. $$

Café Degas 3127 Esplanade Ave., 945-5635, Mid-City, CafeDegas.com. L Wed-Sat, D WedSun, Br Sun. Light French bistro food including salads and quiche make this indoor/outdoor boîte a Faubourg St. John favorite. $$$

Café du Monde 800 Decatur St., 525-0454, French Quarter; One Poydras Suite 27, 5870841, New Orleans; 3301 Veterans Blvd., Suite 104, 834-8694, Metairie; 1401 West Esplanade, Suite 100, 468-3588, Kenner;

Austin’s Seafood and Steakhouse Orders a Refresh Austin’s Seafood and Steakhouse, 5101 West Esplanade Ave., Metairie, 888-5533, AustinsNO.com

The newly renovated Austin’s offers what they describe as “Modern New Orleans Charm,” delivered with contemporary artwork, furniture and lighting. The décor will only go so far though, so it’s a good thing the kitchen is still going strong with nightly specials and staple favorites from the farm and the sea. – M irella cameran

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4700 Veterans Blvd., 888-9770, Metairie; 1814 N. Causeway Approach, Suite 1, (985) 951-7474, Mandeville; CafeDuMonde.com. This New Orleans institution has been serving fresh café au lait, rich hot chocolate and positively addictive beignets since 1862 in the French Market 24/7. $

Café Minh 4139 Canal St., 482-6266, Mid-

Café Equator 2920 Severn Ave., 888-

Café Negril 606 Frenchmen St., 944-4744,

4772, Metairie, CafeEquator.com. L, D daily. Very good Thai food across the street from Lakeside Mall. Offers a quiet and oftoverlooked dining option in a crowded part of town. $$

Marigny. D daily. This music club draws locals in with their lineup of live Reggae and blues. Tacos and BBQ in back are a plus for late-night revelers. $

Café Freret 7329 Freret St., 861-7890, Uptown, CafeFreret.com. B, L, D Fri-Wed. Convenient location near Tulane and Loyola universities makes this a place for students (and dogs) to indulge in decadent breakfasts, casual lunches and tasty dinners – and their “A la Collar” menu. $$

Café Giovanni 117 Decatur St., 529-2154, Downtown, CafeGiovanni.com. D daily. Live opera singers three nights a week round out the atmosphere at this contemporary Italian dining destination. The menu offers a selection of Italian specialties tweaked with a Creole influence and their Belli Baci happy hour adds to the atmosphere. $$$$

Café Luna 802 Nashville Ave., 269-2444, Uptown. B, L daily. Charismatic coffee shop in a converted house offers a range of panini, caffeinated favorites and free WiFi. The front porch is a prime spot for people-watching along adjacent Magazine Street. $

Café Maspero 601 Decatur St., 523-6250, French Quarter. L, D daily. Tourists line up for their generous portions of seafood and large deli sandwiches. $

City, CafeMinh.com. L Mon-Fri., D Mon-Sat. Chef Minh Bui brings his fusion-y touch with Vietnamese cuisine to this corner location. French accents and a contemporary flair make this one of the more notable crosscultural venues in town. $$

Café Nino 1510 S. Carrollton Ave., 8659200, Carrollton. L, D daily. Non-descript exterior belies old-school Italian hideaway serving up red-sauce classics like lasagna, along with some of the more under-the-radar New York-style thin crust pizza in town. $$

Café Opera 541 Bourbon St., 648-2331,

has reopened following an extensive renovation and change in ownership (in 2006). Patrons can rest assured that its essential character has remained intact and many of the original waiters have returned. The new downtown location has a liquor license and credit cards are now accepted. $

Chateau du Lac 2037 Metairie Road, 831-3773, Old Metairie, ChateauduLacBistro. com. L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat. This casual French bistro offers up classic dishes such as escargot, coq au vin and blanquette de veau. A Provençal-inspired atmosphere and French wine round out the appeal. $$$$

Capdeville 520 Capdeville St., 371-5161, French Quarter, CapdevilleNola.com. L, D Mon-Sat. Capdeville is an upscale bar-bistro with a short but interesting menu of food that’s a mix of comfort and ambition. Burgers are on offer, but so are fried red beans and rice – a take on calas or Italian arancini. $$

Checkered Parrot 132 Royal St., 592-1270,

Carmo 527 Julia St., 875-4132, Warehouse

chiba-nola.com. L Thu-Sat, D Mon-Sat. Contemporary restaurant on Oak Street features an extensive list of special rolls, steamed buns and fusion-y fare to go along with typical Japanese options. Late night hours are a plus. $$$

District, CafeCarmo.com. L Mon-Sat., D TueSat. Caribbean-inspired fare offers a creative array of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free fare in a sleek location on Julia Street. One of the few places in the city where healthy dining is celebrated rather than accommodated. $$

Inside Four Points by Sheraton, French Quarter. B, L daily, D Thu-Sat. Chef Philippe Andreani serves Creole and Continental classics on the site of the old French Opera House. Choices include crabmeat beignets with corn maque choux as well as fried green tomatoes with shrimp remoulade. Validated parking is offered for dine-in. $$$

190, (985) 624-4844, Mandeville, RistoranteCarmelo.com. L, D Wed-Fri, SunMon. Italian trattoria serves old-world classics. Private rooms available. $$

Cake Café 2440 Chartres St., 943-0010,

Casamento’s 4330 Magazine St., 895-9761,

Marigny, NolaCakes.com. B, L daily. The name may read cakes but this café offers a whole lot more, including fresh baked goods and a full breakfast menu along with sandwiches. A popular place to while away a slow New Orleans morning with a coffee and a slice. $

Uptown, CasamentosRestaurant.com. L TueSat, D Thu-Sat. The family-owned restaurant has shucked oysters and fried seafood since 1919; closed during summer and for all major holidays. $$

Camellia Grill 626 S. Carrollton Ave., 3092679, Uptown; 540 Chartres St., 533-6250, Downtown. B, L, D daily, until 1 a.m. SunThu and 3 a.m. Fri-Sat. The venerable diner

Carmelo Ristorante 1901 Highway

CC’s Community Coffee House Multiple locations in New Orleans, Metairie and Northshore, CCsCoffee.com. Coffeehouse specializing in coffee, espresso drinks and pastries. $

French Quarter, CheckeredParrot.com. B, L, D daily. The Checkered Parrot is an upscale sports bar with a large menu, featuring nachos, fajitas, wings in seven flavors, wraps and burgers and an outdoor patio. $$

Chiba 8312 Oak St., 826-9119, Carrollton,

Chophouse New Orleans 322 Magazine St., 522-7902, CBD, ChophouseNola.com. D daily. In addition to USDA prime grade aged steaks prepared under a broiler that reaches 1,700 degrees, Chophouse offers lobster, redfish and classic steakhouse sides. $$$

Clancy’s 6100 Annunciation St., 895-1111, Uptown, ClancysNewOrleans.com. L Thu-Fri, D Mon-Sat. Their Creole-inspired menu has been a favorite of locals for years. $$$ Cochon 930 Tchoupitoulas St., 588-2123, CBD/Warehouse District, CochonRestaurant. com. L, D, Mon-Sat. Chefs Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski showcase Cajun and Southern cuisine at this Warehouse District hot spot. Boudin and other pork dishes reign supreme here, along with Louisiana seafood and real moonshine from the bar. New

myneworleans.com

JUNE 2013

T HE M E N U Orleans Magazine named Link Chef of the Year 2009. Reservations strongly recommended. $$

DINING GUIDE

Commander’s Palace 1403 Washington

post of Jacques-Imo’s chef and owner Jack Leonardi. Famous for its fried seafood and poor boys including fried green tomatoes and roasted duck. $

Ave., 899-8221, Uptown, CommandersPalace. com. L Mon-Fri, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. The Grande Dame in the Garden District is going strong under the auspices of chef Tory McPhail. The turtle soup might be the best in the city, and its weekend Jazz Brunch is a great deal. $$$$

The Creole Grille 5241 Veterans Blvd., 889-7992, Metairie, TheCreoleGrille.com. L, D Mon-Sat. This quaint, upscale restaurant offers a variety of classic New Orleans cuisine, fresh fish and homemade soups and salads with early bird and daily chef specials. $$

Cooter Brown’s 509 S. Carrollton Ave.,

Crépes a la Carte 1039 Broadway St.,

866-9104, Uptown, CooterBrowns.com. L, D daily. Riverbend-area sports bar serves up the city’s largest selection of beers along with great bar food. The cheese fries are a rite of passage, and the Radiator’s Special poor boy makes for a great late-night meal. $

866-236, Uptown, CrepeCaterer.com. B, L, D daily. Open late. An extensive menu of tasty crêpes, both savory and sweet, make this a great spot for a quick bite for college students and locals. $

Copeland’s 701 Veterans Blvd., 831-3437, Metairie; 1001 S. Clearview Parkway, 6207800, Jefferson; 1319 West Esplanade Ave., 617-9146, Kenner; 1700 Lapalco Blvd., 364-1575, Harvey; 680 N. Highway 190, (985) 809-9659, Covington; 1337 Gause Blvd., (985) 643-0001, Slidell; CopelandsofNewOrleans.com. L, D daily, Br Sun. Al Copeland’s namesake chain includes favorites such as Shrimp Ducky. Popular for lunch. $$

Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro 4517 Veterans Blvd., 454-7620, Metairie; 2001 St. Charles Ave., 593-9955, Garden District; CopelandsCheesecakeBistro.com. L, D daily. Dessert fans flock to this sweet-centric Copeland establishment which also offers extensive lunch and dinner menus. $$$

Coquette 2800 Magazine St., 265-0421, Uptown, Coquette-Nola.com. Br Sun, L TueSat, D daily. A bistro located at the corner of Washington and Magazine streets. The food is French in inspiration and technique, with added imagination from chef Michael Stoltzfus (New Orleans Magazine’s Best New Chef 2009). $$$ Corky’s Bar-B-Q Restaurant 4243 Veterans Blvd., 887-5000, Metairie, CorkysBarBQ.com. L, D daily. Memphisbased barbecue chain offers good hickorysmoked ribs, pork and beef in a family setting with catering service available. $

Court of Two Sisters 613 Royal St., 5227261, French Quarter, CourtOfTwoSisters. com. Br, D daily. The historic environs make for a memorable outdoor dining experience. The famous daily Jazz Brunch buffet and classic Creole dishes sweeten the deal. $$$$$

Crabby Jack’s 428 Jefferson Highway, 833-2722, Jefferson. L Mon-Sat. Lunch out-

Crescent City Brewhouse 527 Decatur St., 522-0571, French Quarter, CrescentCityBrehouse.com. L, D daily. Contemporary brewpub features an eclectic menu complimenting its freshly-brewed wares. Live jazz and good location make it a fun place to meet up. $$$

Crescent City Steakhouse 1001 N. Broad St., 821-3271, Mid-City, CrescentCitySteaks. com. L Tue-Fri & Sun, D daily. One of the classic New Orleans steakhouses, it’s a throwback in every sense of the term. Steaks, sides and drinks are what you get at Crescent City. New Orleans Magazine’s Steakhouse of the Year 2009 and Honor Roll honoree 2007. $$$$

Criollo 214 Royal St., Hotel Monteleone, 681-4444, French Quarter, HotelMonteleone. com/Criollo. B, L, D daily. Next to the famous Carousel Bar in the historic Monteleone Hotel, Criollo represents an amalgam of the various cultures reflected in Louisiana cooking and cuisine, often with a slight contemporary twist. $$$ The Crystal Room Le Pavillon Hotel, 833 Poydras St., 581-3111, CBD/Warehouse District, LePavillon.com. B, D daily; L, MonFri. Franco-American cuisine with Louisiana influences is served in the environs of the Le Pavillon Hotel. The Southern-style breakfast features its decadent Bananas Foster Waffle “Le Pavillon.” $$$ Dakota 629 N. Highway 190, (985) 8923712, Covington, RestaurantCuvee.com/ Dakota. D Mon-Sat. A sophisticated dining experience with generous portions. $$$$$ The Delachaise 3442 St. Charles Ave., 895-0858, Uptown, TheDelachaise.com. L Fri-Sat, D daily. Elegant bar food fit for the wine connoisseur; kitchen open late. $$

Dick and Jenny’s 4501 Tchoupitoulas St., 894-9880, Uptown, DickAndJennys.com. L Tue-Fri, D Mon-Sat. A funky cottage serving Louisiana comfort food with flashes of innovation. $$$$ Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House 144 Bourbon St., 522-0111, French Quarter, BourbonHouse.com. B, L, D daily. Classic Creole dishes such as redfish on the halfshell and baked oysters are served with classic Brennan’s style at this French Quarter outpost. Its extensive bourbon menu will please aficionados. $$$$ Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse 716 Iberville St., 522-2467, French Quarter, DickieBrennansSteakhouse.com. L Fri, D daily. Nationally recognized steakhouse serves USDA Prime steaks and local seafood in a New Orleans setting with the usual Brennan’s family flair. $$$$$

Domenica The Roosevelt Hotel, 123 Baronne St., 648-6020, CBD, DomenicaRestaurant.com. L, D daily. Executive Chef Alon Shaya serves authentic, regional Italian cuisine in John Besh’s sophisticated new restaurant. The menu of thin, lightly topped pizzas, artisanal salumi and cheese, and a carefully chosen selection of antipasti, pasta and entrées, feature locally raised products, some from Besh’s Northshore farm. $$$$

Domilise’s 5240 Annunciation St., 8999126, Uptown. L, D Mon-Wed, Fri-Sat. Local institution and rite-of-passage for those wanting an initiation to the real New Orleans. Wonderful poor boys and a unique atmosphere make this a one-of-a-kind place. $

Dong Phuong 14207 Chef Menteur Highway, 254-0296, N.O. East. L Wed-Mon. Vietnamese bakery and restaurant in the community of Versailles makes great banh mi sandwiches and interesting baked goods both savory and sweet. Unbeatable prices. $

Drago’s 3232 N. Arnoult Road, 888-9254, Metairie; Hilton Riverside Hotel, 2 Poydras St., 584-3911, CBD/Warehouse District; DragosRestaurant.com. L, D daily. This famous seafooder specializes in charbroiled oysters, a dish they invented. Raucous but good-natured atmosphere makes this a fun place to visit. Great deals on fresh lobster as well. $$$$

Dry Dock Cafe & Bar 133 Delaronde St., 361-8240, Algiers, TheDryDockCafe.com. Br Sun, L, D daily. Fancier daily specials have been added to the menu of this casual neighborhood seafood joint in historic Algiers Point near the ferry landing. Burgers, sand-

Lighter Lunch Options at Cheesecake Bistro

Cheesecake Bistro by Copeland’s, 2001 St. Charles Ave., 593-9955, CopelandsCheesecakeBistro.com

Few of us can live on cheesecake alone, so thankfully the Cheesecake Bistro by Copeland’s serves up a wide variety of other options for lunch and dinner. Recently, a new lunch menu has introduced more sandwiches, such as the Veggie Stack, the Cuban and the Asian Chicken. These sit alongside fresh salads, wraps and burgers and lunch plates. If you still want dessert but not the calories, consider Sweet Deceit, a new low-carb, reduced-sugar, you guessed it, cheesecake! – M . c .

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myneworleans.com

wiches and fried seafood are the staples. $$

El Gato Negro 81 French Market Place, 525-9752, French Quarter, B Sat-Sun, L. D daily; 300 Harrison Ave., 488-0107, Lakeview, L, D Tue-Sun; 3001 Ormond Blvd. (985) 307-0460, Destrehan, L, D Tue-Sun. ElGatoNegroNola.com. Popular spot near the Frenchmen Street clubs serves up authentic Central Mexican cuisine along with handmuddled mojitos and margaritas made with freshly squeezed juice. A weekend breakfast menu is an additional plus. $$

Elizabeth’s 601 Gallier St., 944-9272, Bywater, Elizabeths-Restaurant.com. B, L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat, Br Sun. This eclectic local restaurant draws rave reviews for its Praline Bacon and distinctive Southerninspired brunch specials. $$$ Emeril’s 800 Tchoupitoulas St., 528-9393, CBD/Warehouse District, Emerils.com. L Mon-Fri, D daily. The flagship of superstar chef Emeril Lagasse’s culinary empire, this landmark attracts pilgrims from all over the world. $$$$$ Fat Hen Grocery 7457 St. Charles Ave., 266-2921, Riverbend, FatHenGrill.com. B, L, D daily. Breakfast gets re-imagined and dressed up at this diner headed by Chef Shane Pritchett, formerly of Emeril’s Delmonico. The house special is the Womlette, an omelet baked on a waffle. $$

Feelings Cafe 2600 Chartres St., 945-2222, Faubourg Marigny, FeelingsCafe.com. D WedSun, Br Sun. Romantic ambiance and skillfully created dishes, such as veal d’aunoy, make dining here on the patio a memorable experience. A piano bar on Fridays adds to the atmosphere. $$$$ Fellini’s Café 900 N. Carrollton Ave., 4882155, Mid-City, FellinisNewOrleans.com. L, D daily. With décor inspired by its namesake Italian filmmaker, this casual indoor/outdoor spot serves large portions of reasonablypriced Mediterranean specialties such as pizza, pastas and hummus. $ Fiesta Latina 1924 Airline Drive, 469-5792, Kenner, FiestaLatinaRestaurant.com. B, L, D Tue-Sun. A big-screen TV normally shows a soccer match or MTV Latino at this home for authentic Central American food. Tacos include a charred carne asada. $$ Five Happiness 3605 S. Carrollton Ave., 482-3935, Mid-City, FiveHappiness.com. L, D daily. This longtime Chinese favorite offers up an extensive menu including its beloved mu shu pork and house baked duck. It is a popular choice for families as well. $$

Flaming Torch 737 Octavia St., 895-0900,

Uptown, FlamingTorchNola.com. L, D daily, Br Sun. French classics including a tasty onion soup make this a nice place for a slightly upscale lunch while shopping along Magazine Street. $$

Frank’s 933 Decatur St., 525-1602, French Quarter, FranksRestaurantNewOrleans.com. L, D daily. Locally inspired Italian sandwiches such as muffulettas and Genoa salami poor boys are served here in the heart of the French Quarter. $$$ Galatoire’s 209 Bourbon St., 525-2021, French Quarter, Galatoires.com. L, D TueSun. Friday lunches are a New Orleans tradition at this world-famous French-Creole grand dame. Tradition counts for everything here, and the crabmeat Sardou is delicious. Note: Jackets required for dinner and all day Sun. $$$$$ The Galley Seafood Restaurant 2535 Metairie Road, 832-0955, Metairie. L, D Tue-Sat. A great local place for seafood, both fried and boiled. Famous for its softshell crab poor boy, a Jazz Fest favorite. $$

Gautreau’s 1728 Soniat St., 899-7397, Uptown, GautreausRestaurant.com. D, Mon-Sat. Upscale destination serves refined interpretations of classics along with contemporary creations in a clubby setting nested deep within a residential neighborhood. New Orleans Magazine named Sue Zemanick Chef of the Year 2008. $$$$$

Gott Gourmet Café 3100 Magazine St., 522-7902, Uptown, GottGourmetCafe.com. B Sat-Sun, L, D Tue-Sun. Upscale-casual restaurant serves a variety of specialty sandwiches, salads and wraps, like the Chicago-style hot dog and the St. Paddy’s

Day Massacre – Chef Gotter’s take on the Rueben. $$

Gracious Bakery + Café 1000 S. Jeff Davis Parkway, Suite 100, 301-3709, MidCity, GraciousBakery.com. B, L Mon-Sat. Boutique bakery in the ground floor of the new Woodward Building offers small-batch coffee, baked goods, individual desserts and sandwiches on breads made in-house. Catering options are available as well. $

The Green Goddess 307 Exchange Alley, 301-3347, French Quarter, GreenGoddessNola.com. L, D Wed-Sun. Located in a tiny space, the Green Goddess is one of the most imaginative restaurants in New Orleans. The menu is constantly changing, and chefs Chris DeBarr (New Orleans Magazine’s Best New Chef 2006) and Paul Artigues always have ample vegetarian options. Combine all of that with a fantastic selection of drinks, wine and beer, and it’s the total (albeit small) package. $$

The Grill Room Windsor Court Hotel, 300 Gravier St., 522-1994, CBD/Warehouse District, GrillRoomNewOrleans.com. B, L, D daily, Br Sun. Jazz Brunch on Sunday with live music. Featuring modern American cuisine with a distinctive New Orleans flair, the adjacent Polo Club Lounge offers live music nightly. $$$$$

GW Fins 808 Bienville St., 581-FINS (3467), French Quarter, GWFins.com. D daily. To ensure the best possible flavors at GW Fins, owners Gary Wollerman and chef Tenney Flynn provide dishes at their seasonal peak by flying in products from around the globe. That commitment to freshness and quest for unique variety are two of the reasons why the menu is printed daily. $$$$$

Herbsaint 701 St. Charles Ave., 524-4114, CBD/Warehouse District, Herbsaint.com. L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat. Enjoy a sophisticated cocktail before sampling Chef Donald Link’s (New Orleans Magazine’s Chef of the Year 2009) menu that melds contemporary bistro fare with classic Louisiana cuisine. The banana brown butter tart is a favorite dessert. $$$$$

Impastato’s 3400 16th St., 455-1545, Metairie, Impastatos.com. D Tue-Sun. Bustling Italian restaurant on the edge of Fat City serves homemade pasta in a convivial atmosphere. Chef/Owner Joe Impastato greets guests warmly and treats them like family. The prix fixe options are a good way to taste a lot for not much money. $$$$

Horinoya 920 Poydras St., 561-8914, CBD/

8811, French Quarter. D Mon-Sat. Long waits at the lively piano bar are part of the appeal of this Creole-Italian favorite beloved by locals. Try the oysters Irene and crabmeat gratin appetizers. $$$$

Warehouse District. L Mon-Fri, D daily. Excellent Japanese dining in an understated and oft-overlooked location. The chu-toro is delicious and the selection of authentic Japanese appetizers is the best in the city. $$$

Hoshun Restaurant 1601 St. Charles Ave., 302-9716, Garden District, HoshunRestaurant.com. L, D daily. Hoshun offers a wide variety of Asian cuisines, primarily dishes culled from China, Japan, Thailand and Malaysia. Their five-pepper calamari is a tasty way to begin the meal, and their creative sushi rolls are good as well. $$ House of Blues 225 Decatur St., 529-BLUE (2583), French Quarter, HouseOfBlues.com. L, D daily. World-famous Gospel Brunch every Sunday. Surprisingly good menu makes this a compliment to the music in the main room. Patio seating is available as well. $$

Il Posto Café 4607 Dryades St., 895-2620, Uptown, ilPostoCafe-Nola.com. B, L, D Tue-Sat, B, L Sun. Italian café specializes in pressed panini, like their Milano, featuring sopressata, Fontina, tomatoes and balsamic on ciabatta. Soups, imported coffee and H&H bagels make this a comfortable neighborhood spot to relax with the morning paper. $

Irene’s Cuisine 539 St. Philip St., 529-

Iris 321 N. Peters St., 299-3944, French Quarter, IrisNewOrleans.com. L Fri, D Mon, Wed-Sat. This inviting bistro offers sophisticated fare in a charming setting. The veal cheek ravioli is a winner. New Orleans Magazine’s Best New Restaurant 2006. $$$$ Jack Dempsey’s 738 Poland Ave., 9439914, Bywater, JackDempseysLLC.com. L Tue-Sat, D Wed-Sat. Local favorite nestled deep in the heart of the Bywater is known for its stuffed flounder and baked macaroni served in generous portions. $$$

Jacques-Imo’s Cafe 8324 Oak St., 8610886, Uptown, JacquesImosCafe.com. D Mon-Sat. Reinvented New Orleans cuisine served in a party atmosphere are the cornerstones of this Oak Street institution. The deep-fried roast beef poor boy is delicious. The lively bar scene offsets the long wait on weekends. $$$$

Jamila’s Café 7808 Maple St., 866-4366, Uptown. D Tue-Sun. Intimate and exotic bistro serving Mediterranean and Tunisian cuisine. The Grilled Merguez is a Jazz Fest

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T HE M E N U

DINING GUIDE

favorite and vegetarian options are offered. $$

Magazine’s Chef of the Year 2006. $$$

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Café

4887, Lakeview, Lakeview-Harbor.com. L, D daily. Burgers are the name of the game here at this restaurant which shares a pedigree with Snug Harbor and Port of Call. Rounded out with a loaded baked potato, their halfpound patties are sure to please. Daily specials, pizza and steaks are offered as well. $

1104 Decatur St., 592-2565, French Quarter, MargaritavilleNewOrleans.com. L, D daily. Parrotheads and other music lovers flock to Jimmy’s outpost along the more local-friendly stretch of Decatur. Strong bar menu and stronger drinks keep them coming back. $$

Joey K’s 3001 Magazine St., 891-0997, Uptown, JoeyKsRestaurant.com. L, D MonSat. A true neighborhood New Orleans restaurant with daily lunch plates keeps it real; red beans and rice are classic. $ The Joint 701 Mazant St., 949-3232, Bywater, AlwaysSmokin.com. L, D Mon-Sat. Some of the city’s best barbecue can be had at this locally owned and operated favorite in Bywater. $

Juan’s Flying Burrito 2018 Magazine St., 569-0000, Uptown; 4724 S. Carrollton Ave., 486-9950, Mid-City. L, D daily. Hard-core tacos and massive burritos are served in an edgy atmosphere. $ Jung’s Golden Dragon 3009 Magazine St., Uptown, JungsGoldenDragon2.com. L, D daily. This Chinese destination is a real find. Along with the usual you’ll find spicy cold noodle dishes, dumplings and a Beijing-style breakfast on the weekends. This is one of the few local Chinese places that breaks the Americanized mold. $

Kosher Cajun New York Deli and Grocery 3520 N. Hullen St., 888-2010, Metairie, KosherCajun.com. L Mon-Fri & Sun, D Mon-Thu. Great kosher meals and complete kosher grocery in the rear make this Metairie eatery a unique destination. The matzo ball soup is a winner and catering is available for parties of any size. $

K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen 416 Chartres St., 524-7394, French Quarter, ChefPaul. com/KPaul. L Thu-Sat, D Mon-Sat. Paul Prudhomme’s landmark restaurant helped introduce Cajun food to a grateful nation. Lots of seasoning and bountiful offerings, along with reserved seating, make this a destination for locals and tourists alike. $$$$

Kyoto 4920 Prytania St., 891-3644, Uptown, KyotoNola.com. L, D Mon-Sat. A neighborhood sushi restaurant where the regulars order off-the-menu rolls. $$

La Boca 857 Fulton St., 525-8205, Warehouse District, LaBocaSteaks.com. D Mon-Sat. This Argentine steakhouse specializes in cuts of meat along with pastas and wines. Specials include the provoleta appetizer and the Vacio flank steak. New Orleans

Lakeview Harbor 911 Harrison Ave., 486-

La Macarena Pupuseria & Latin Cafe 8120 Hampson St., 862-5252, Uptown. L, D Mon-Fri, Br, L, D Sat & Sun. This cash-only and BYOB restaurant has recently overhauled their menu, now including a large selection of vegan and vegetarian items, as well as a tapas menu. $$

La Petite Grocery 4238 Magazine St., 891-3377, Uptown, LaPetiteGrocery.com. L Tue-Sat, D daily. Elegant dining in a convivial atmosphere quickly made this place an Uptown darling. The menu is heavily Frenchinspired with an emphasis on technique. $$$

La Provence 25020 Highway 190, (985) 626-7662, Lacombe, LaProvenceRestaurant. com. D Wed-Sun, Br Sun. John Besh (New Orleans Magazine’s Chef of the Year 2007) upholds time-honored Provençal cuisine and rewards his guests with a true farm-life experience, from house-made preserves, charcuterie, herbs, kitchen gardens and eggs cultivated on the property, an elegant French colonial stucco house. $$$$$ La Thai Uptown 4938 Prytania St., 8998886, Uptown, LaThaiUptown.com. L, D TueSun. Uptown outpost of the Chauvin family’s ingredient-driven Thai-Cajun fusion cuisine. The summer rolls are good as is the tom kar gai soup. Lunch specials are a good deal and vegetarian dishes are offered as well. $$ Latil’s Landing Houmas House Plantation, 40136 Highway 942, (225) 473-9380, Darrow, HoumasHouse.com. L Sun, D WedSun. Nouvelle Louisiane, plantation-style cooking served in an opulent setting features dishes like rack of lamb and plume de veau. $$$$$

Le Meritage 1001 Toulouse St., 522-8800, French Quarter, LeMeritageRestaurant.com. D Tue-Sat. This restaurant blends fine wines with Southern-flavored cuisine for a memorable fine-dining experience in a casual environment. Chef Michael Farrell’s well-rounded menu features suggested wine and food pairings, along with full or half servings both by the glass and by the plate. Complimentary valet parking. $$$

Le Salon Windsor Court Hotel, 300 Gravier St., 596-4773, CBD/Warehouse District. Afternoon Tea, Thu-Fri, seating at 2 p.m.,

Sat-Sun, seating at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. Formal afternoon tea with harpist or string quartet served in a sophisticated atmosphere. A local mother-daughter tradition. $$

Liborio’s Cuban Restaurant 321 Magazine St., 581-9680, CBD/Warehouse District, LiborioCuban.com. L Mon-Sat, D Tue-Sat. Authentic Cuban favorites such as Ropa Vieja and pressed Cuban sandwiches along with great specials make this a popular lunch choice. $$$ Lil’ Dizzy’s 1500 Esplanade Ave., 5698997, Mid-City. B, L daily. Spot local and national politicos dining at this favored Creole soul restaurant known for homey classics like fried chicken and Trout Baquet. $ Lilette 3637 Magazine St., 895-1636, Uptown, LiletteRestaurant.com. L, D Tue-Sat. Chef John Harris’ innovative menu draws discerning diners to this highly regarded bistro on Magazine Street. Desserts are wonderful as well. $$$$$

Lola’s 3312 Esplanade Ave., 488-6946, Mid-City. D daily. Garlicky Spanish dishes and great paella make this artsy Faubourg St. John boîte a hipster destination. $$$

Lüke 333 St. Charles Ave., 378-2840, CBD, LukeNewOrleans.com. Br Sat-Sun, B, L, D daily. John Besh (New Orleans Magazine’s Chef of the Year 2007) and executive chef Matt Regan characterize the cuisine “Alsace meets New Orleans in an authentic brasserie setting.” Germanic specialties and French bistro classics, house-made patés and abundant plateaux of cold, fresh seafood. New Orleans Magazine’s Best New Restaurant 2007. $$$

Mahony’s 3454 Magazine St., 899-3374, Uptown, MahonysPoBoys.com. L, D MonSat. Along with the usual poor boys, this sandwich shop serves up a Grilled Shrimp and Fried Green Tomato version dressed with remoulade sauce. Sandwich offerings are augmented by a full bar. $ Mandina’s 3800 Canal St., 482-9179, MidCity, MandinasRestaurant.com. L, D daily. Quintessential New Orleans neighborhood institution reopened following an extensive renovation. Though the ambiance is more upscale, the same food and seafood dishes make dining here a New Orleans experience. $$

Maple Street Café 7623 Maple St., 3149003, Uptown. L, D daily. Casual dinner spot serving Mediterranean-inspired pastas and entrées, along with heartier fare such as duck and filet mignon. $$

The Marigny Brasserie 640 Frenchmen St., 945-4472, Faubourg Marigny, MarignyBrasserie.com. L, D daily. Chic neighborhood bistro with traditional dishes like the Wedge of Lettuce salad and innovative cocktails like the Cucumber Cosmo. $$$

Martin Wine Cellar 714 Elmeer Ave., 8967300, Metairie, MartinWine.com. Br Sun, L daily, D Mon-Fri. Wine by the glass or bottle to go with daily lunch specials, towering burgers, hearty soups, salads and giant, delistyle sandwiches. $ Mat & Naddie’s 937 Leonidas St., 8619600, Uptown, MatAndNaddies.com. D MonTue, Thu-Sat. Cozy converted house along River Road serves up creative and eclectic regionally-inspired fare. Crab cakes with cucumber slaw makes for a good appetizer and when the weather is right the romantic patio is the place to sit. $$$$

Middendorf’s Interstate 55, Exit 15, 30160 Highway 51 South, (985) 386-6666, Akers, MiddendorfsRestaurant.com. L, D Wed-Sun. Historic seafood destination along the shores of Lake Maurepas is world-famous for its thin-fried catfish filets. Open since 1934, it transitioned to its next generation of owners when Horst Pfeifer purchased it in 2007. More than a restaurant, this is a Sunday Drive tradition. $$ MiLa 817 Common St., 412-2580, French Quarter, MiLaNewOrleans.com. L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat. Latest offering from husbandand-wife chefs Slade Rushing and Allison Vines-Rushing focuses on the fusion of the cuisines of Miss. and La. Signature dishes include Oysters Rockefeller “Deconstructed” and New Orleans-style barbecue lobster. New Orleans Magazine’s Best New Restaurant 2008. $$$$ Mona’s Café 504 Frenchmen St., 9494115, Marigny; 4126 Magazine St., 8949800, Uptown; 1120 S. Carrollton Ave., 861-8174, Uptown; 3901 Banks St., 4827743, Mid-City. L, D daily. Middle Eastern specialties such as baba ganuj, tender-tangy beef or chicken shawarma, falafel and gyros, stuffed into pillowy pita bread or on platters. The lentil soup with crunchy pita chips and desserts, such as sticky sweet baklava, round out the menu. $ Mondo 900 Harrison Ave., 224-2633, Lakeview, MondoNewOrleans.com. Br Sun, L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat. Susan Spicer’s take on world cuisine isn’t far from her home in Lakeview. Make sure to call ahead because the place has a deserved reputation for good food and good times. $$$ Morton’s, The Steakhouse The Shops at

New Chef Cooking Up Change at Maximo’s Italian Grill Maximo’s Italian Grill, 1117 Decatur St., 586-8883, MaximosGrill.com

The new executive chef at Maximo’s in the French Quarter, Justin Dawf, has wasted no time in making his mark in the kitchen. Perhaps putting his pedigree to use (he has experience at Lüke and R’evolution) he has already changed the homemade pasta recipe and is introducing more local seafood and locally grown fresh produce. For the bolognese sauce, he researched authentic recipes from Italy and came up with an eight-hour version using veal, lamb, sausage and porchetta. Next stop for Dawf will be new desserts. – M . c . 72

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Canal Place, 365 Canal St., 566-0221, French Quarter, Mortons.com/NewOrleans. D daily. Quintessential Chicago steakhouse serves up top-quality slabs of meat along with jumbo seafood. Clubhouse atmosphere makes this chophouse a favorite of Saints players and businessmen alike. $$$$$

Mosca’s 4137 Highway 90 West, 436-9942, Avondale. D Tue-Sat. Italian institution near the Huey Long Bridge dishes out massive portions of great food family-style. Good bets are the shrimp Mosca and chicken à la grande. Note: Cash Only. $$$

Mother’s 401 Poydras St., 523-9656, CBD/ Warehouse District, MothersRestaurant.net. B, L, D daily. Locals and tourists alike endure long queues and a confounding ordering system to enjoy iconic dishes such as the Ferdi poor boy and Jerry’s jambalaya. Come for a late lunch to avoid the rush. $$

Mr. Ed’s Seafood and Italian Restaurant 1001 Live Oak St., 838-0022, Bucktown; 910 W. Esplanade Ave., #A, 4633030, Kenner. L, D Mon-Sat. Neighborhood restaurant specializes in seafood and Italian offerings such as stuffed eggplant and bell pepper. Fried seafood and sandwiches make it a good stop for lunch. $$

Muriel’s Jackson Square 801 Chartres St., 568-1885, French Quarter, Muriels.com. L, D daily, Br Sun. Enjoy pecan-crusted drum and other New Orleans classics while dining in the courtyard bar or any other room in this labyrinthine, rumored-to-be-haunted establishment. $$$$

Naked Pizza 6307 S. Miro St., 8650244, Uptown (takeout & delivery only), NakedPizza.biz. L, D daily. Pizza place with

a focus on fresh ingredients and a healthy crust. The Mediterranean pie is a good choice. $

Napoleon House 500 Chartres St., 5249752, French Quarter, NapoleonHouse.com. L, D Mon-Sat. Originally built in 1797 as a respite for Napoleon, this family-owned European-style café serves local favorites: gumbo, jambalaya, muffulettas and for sipping, a Sazerac or lemony Pimm’s Cup. $$

Nine Roses 1100 Stephen St., 366-7665, Gretna, NineRosesResturant.com. L, D SunTue, Thu-Sat. The extensive Vietnamese menu specializes in hot pots, noodles and dishes big enough for everyone to share. Great for families. $$

NOLA 534 St. Louis St., 522-6652, French Quarter, Emerils.com. L Thu-Sun, D daily. Emeril’s more affordable eatery, featuring cedar-plank-roasted redfish; private dining. $$$$$

Nuvolari’s 246 Girod St., (985) 6265619, Mandeville, Nuvolaris.com. D daily. Dark woods and soft lighting highlight this Northshore Creole Continental-Italian fusion restaurant famous for crabmeat ravioli, veal dishes, seafood specialties and delectable desserts. $$$$

One Restaurant and Lounge 8132 Hampson St., 301-9061, Uptown, OrleansGrapevine.com. L Tue-Fri, D Mon-Sat. Black seating and herbaceous sage-colored walls form a dining room where every seat is a view into the open kitchen and the chefs creating contemporary comfort food on a seasonally changing menu. The bar is also known for cranking out clever cocktails. New Orleans Magazine’s Best New Restaurant

2005. $$$$

Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro 720 Orleans Ave., 523-1930, French Quarter, OrleansGrapevine.com. D daily. Wine is the muse at this beautifully renovated French Quarter bistro, which offers vino by the flight, glass and bottle. A classic menu with an emphasis on New Orleans cuisine adds to the appeal $$$

Palace Café 605 Canal St., 523-1661, CBD/ Warehouse District, PalaceCafe.com. L MonSat, D daily, Br Sun. Dickie Brennan-owned brasserie with French-style sidewalk seating and house-created specialties of Chef Darrin Nesbit at lunch, dinner and Jazz Brunch. Favorites here include crabmeat cheesecake, turtle soup, the Werlein salad with fried Louisiana oysters and pork ”debris” studded Palace Potato Pie. $$$$$

Parkway Bakery and Tavern 538 Hagan Ave., 482-3047, Mid-City, ParkwayBakeryAndTavernNola.com. L, D daily, closed Tue. Featured on national TV and having served poor boys to presidents, Parkway stakes a claim to some of the best sandwiches in town. Their French fry version with gravy and cheese is a classic at a great price. $

Pascal’s Manale 1838 Napoleon Ave., 895-4877, Uptown. L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat. Vintage New Orleans neighborhood restaurant since 1913 and the place to go for the house-creation of barbecued shrimp. Its oyster bar serves icy cold, freshly shucked Louisiana oysters and the Italian specialties and steaks are also solid. $$$$ Patois 6078 Laurel St., 895-9441, Uptown, PatoisNola.com. Br Sun, L Fri, D Wed-Sat.

The food is French in technique, with influences from across the Mediterranean as well as the American South, all filtered through the talent of Chef Aaron Burgau (New Orleans Magazine’s Best New Chef 2009). Reservations recommended. $$$

Paul’s Café 100 Pine St., (985) 386-9581, Ponchatoula, PaulsCafe.net. B, L daily. Best known for its strawberry daiquiris, Paul’s also cooks up egg breakfasts and lunches including all manner of sandwiches and poor boys. $

The Pelican Club 312 Exchange Place, 523-1504, French Quarter, PelicanClub.com. D daily. Tucked into a French Quarter alley, Pelican Club serves an eclectic mix of hip food, from the seafood “martini” to clay pot barbecued shrimp and a trio of duck. Three dining rooms available. $$$$$ PJ’s Coffee Multiple locations throughout Greater New Orleans, PJsCoffee.com. The city’s first iced-coffee spot that pioneered the coffee house experience in New Orleans and introduced us all to velvet ices, drinkable granitas and locally made Ronald Reginald vanilla. A wide assortment of pastries and bagels are offered as well as juices and fresh ground or whole bean coffees. $ Port of Call 838 Esplanade Ave., 523-0120, French Quarter, PortOfCallNola.com. L, D daily. It is all about the big, meaty burgers and giant baked potatoes in this popular bar/ restaurant – unless you’re cocktailing only, then it’s all about the Monsoons. $$

Praline Connection 542 Frenchmen St., 943-3934, Faubourg Marigny, PralineConnection.com. L, D daily. Downhome dishes of smothered pork chops,

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T HE M EN U greens, beans and cornbread are on the menu at this homey Creole soul restaurant. $$

Ralph Brennan’s Red Fish Grill 115 Bourbon St., 598-1200, French Quarter, RedFishGrill.com. L, D Mon-Thu & Sun. Chef Austin Kirzner cooks up a broad menu peppered with Big Easy favorites such as BBQ oysters, blackened redfish and double chocolate bread pudding. $$$$$

Ralph’s On The Park 900 City Park Ave., 488-1000, Mid-City, RalphsOnThePark. com. Br Sun, L Wed-Fri, D daily. A modern interior, a view of City Park’s moss-draped oaks and contemporary Creole dishes such as City Park salad, turtle soup and BBQ Gulf shrimp. The bar gets special notice for cocktails. $$$$

The Red Maple 1036 Lafayette St., 3670935, Gretna, TheRedMaple.com. L Tue-Fri, D Tue-Sat. This West Bank institution since 1963 is known for its seafood, steaks, wine list and some of the best bread pudding around. $$$$

Reginelli’s Pizzeria 741 State St., 8991414, Uptown; 3244 Magazine St., 895-7272, Uptown; 5608 Citrus Blvd., 818-0111, Harahan; 817 W. Esplanade Ave., 7126868, Kenner; 874 Harrison Ave, 488-0133, Lakeview; Reginellis.com. L, D daily. Pizzas, pastas, salads, fat calzones and lofty focaccia sandwiches are on tap at locations all over town. $$

Arnaud’s Remoulade 309 Bourbon St., 523-0377, French Quarter, Remoulade. com. L, D daily. Granite-topped tables and an antique mahogany bar are home to the eclectic menu of Famous Shrimp Arnaud, red beans and rice and poor boys as well as specialty burgers, grilled all-beef hot dogs and thin-crust pizza. $$

René Bistrot 700 Tchoupitoulas St., 613-2350, CBD/Warehouse District, LaCoteBrasserie.com. Br Sun, L Mon-Fri, D daily. Fresh local seafood, international ingredients and a contemporary atmosphere fill the room at this hotel restaurant near the Convention Center. $$$

Restaurant August 301 Tchoupitoulas St., 299-9777, CBD/Warehouse District, RestaurantAugust.com. L Mon-Fri, D daily. James Beard Award-winning chef (New Orleans Magazine’s Chef of the Year 2007) John Besh’s menu is based on classical techniques of Louisiana cuisine and produce with a splash of European flavor set in a historic carriage warehouse. $$$$$

R’evolution 777 Bienville St., 553-2277, French Quarter, RevolutionNola.com. L, D Mon-Fri, Br, D Sun, open late Fri-Sat. R’evolution is the partnership between chefs John Folse and Rick Tramonto. Located in the Royal Sonesta Hotel, it’s an opulent place that combines the local flavors of chef Folse with the more cosmopolitan influence of chef Tramonto. Chef de cuisine Chris Lusk and executive sous chef Erik Veney are in charge of day-to-day operations, which include house-made charcuterie, pastries, pastas and more. $$$$$

Ristorante Da Piero 401 Williams Blvd., 469-8585, Kenner, RistoranteDaPiero.com. L, D Tue-Sat. Homemade pastas and an emphasis on Northern Italian cuisine make this cozy spot in Kenner’s Rivertown a romantic destination. $

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DINING GUIDE Rib Room Omni Royal Orleans Hotel, 621 St. Louis St., 529-7046, French Quarter, OmniHotels.com. Br Sat-Sun, L, D daily. Old World elegance, high ceilings and views of Royal Street, house classic cocktails and Anthony Spizale’s broad menu of prime rib, stunning seafood and on weekends, a Champagne Brunch. $$$ Riccobono’s Panola Street Café 7801 Panola St., 314-1810, Garden District. B, L daily. This breakfast spot at the corner of Burdette and Panola streets has been waking up bleary college students for years. The omelets are good, as are the Belgian waffles. Offers daily specials as well. $

Rio Mar 800 S. Peters St., 525-3474, CBD/ Warehouse District, RioMarSeafood.com. L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat. Seafood-centric Warehouse District destination focuses on Latin American and Spanish cuisines. Try the bacalaitos and the escabeche. The tapas lunch is a great way to try a little of everything. Save room for the Tres Leches, a favorite dessert. New Orleans Magazine’s Chef of the Year 2006. $$$$ Ristorante Filippo 1917 Ridgelake Drive, 835-4008, Metairie. L, D Tue-Sat. CreoleItalian destination serves up southern Italian specialties bathed in red sauces and cheese alongside New Orleans classics like pan-fried Gulf fish and plump shellfish. $$$ River 127 Westin New Orleans Canal Place, 100 Rue Iberville, 566-5082, French Quarter. B, L, D daily. Continental cuisine with Louisiana flare in a dining room that overlooks the Mississippi River and French Quarter. $$$$ Rivershack Tavern 3449 River Road, 8344938, Jefferson, TheRivershackTavern.com. L, D daily. Home of the Tacky Ashtray, this popular bar alongside the Mississippi levee offers surprisingly wide-ranging menu featuring seafood, poor boys and deli-style sandwiches along with live music. Open late. $

Rock-N-Sake 823 Fulton St., 581-7253, CBD/Warehouse District, RockNSake.com. L Fri, D Tue-Sun. Enjoy fresh sushi along with contemporary takes on Japanese favorites in this club-like setting in the Warehouse District. Open until midnight on Fri. and Sat., this makes for a unique late-night destination. $$$

Root 200 Julia St., 252-9480, CBD, RootNola.com. L Mon-Fri, D daily. Chef Philip Lopez opened Root in November 2011 and has garnered a loyal following for his modernist, eclectic cuisine. Try the Korean fried chicken wings and the Cohiba-smoked scallops crusted with chorizo. $$$$ Royal Blend Coffee and Tea House 621 Royal St., 523-2716, French Quarter; 204 Metairie Road, 835-7779, Metairie; RoyalBlendCoffee.com. B, L daily. Known for their frozen Café Glace and a wide selection of coffees and teas, as well as pastries, daily specials and hearty breakfasts. $

Ruth’s Chris Steak House 3633 Veterans Blvd., 888-3600, Metairie. L Fri, D daily, Br Sat-Sun; 525 Fulton St. in Harrah’s Hotel, 587-7099, L, D daily, Br Sat-Sun; RuthsChris. com. Filet Mignon, creamed spinach and potatoes au gratin are the most popular dishes at this area steak institution, but there are also great seafood choices and top-notch desserts. $$$$$ Sake Café 2830 Magazine St., 894-0033,

Uptown, SakeCafeUptown.com. L, D daily. Creative and traditional Japanese food in an ultramodern décor. Sushi and sashimi boats, wild rolls filled with the usual and not-sousual suspects and a nice bar with a number of sakes from which to choose. $$$

Sammy’s Po-Boys and Catering 901 Veterans Blvd., 835-0916, Metairie, SammysPoBoys.com. L Mon-Sat, D daily. Bucktown transplant offers a seafood-centric menu rounded out with wraps, kid meals and catering options all at a reasonable price. $

Satsuma Café 3218 Dauphine St., 3045962, Bywater; 7901 Maple St., 309-5557, Uptown; SatsumaCafe.com. B, L daily (until 7 p.m.). Two locations offer healthy, inspired breakfast and lunch fare, along with freshly squeezed juices. $

Semolina 4436 Veterans Blvd., Suite 37, Metairie, 454-7930, Semolina.com. L, D daily. This casual, contemporary pasta restaurant takes a bold approach to cooking Italian food, emphasizing flavors, texture and color; many of the dishes feature a signature Louisiana twist, such as the Muffuletta Pasta and Pasta Jambalaya. Popular entrées include Grilled Chicken Alfredo, Chicken Marsala and Veal Parmesan. $$

Serendipity 3700 Orleans Ave. 407-0818, Mid-City, SerendipityNola.com. D daily. Chef Chris DeBarr brings his eclectic and far-ranging style of cuisine and classically inspired cocktails to an outpost in American Can. A late-night option as well. $$

Slice 1513 St. Charles Ave., 525-7437, Uptown; 5538 Magazine St., 897-4800; SlicePizzeria.com. L, D Mon-Sat. Order up slices or whole pizza pies done in several styles (thin- and thick-crust) as well as pastas, seafood, paninis and salads. $

Slim Goodies Diner 3322 Magazine St., 891-EGGS (3447). B, L daily. This diner offers up an exhaustive menu heavily influenced by local cuisine. Try the Creole Slammer, a breakfast platter rounded out with Crawfish Étouffée. The laid-back vibe is best enjoyed on the patio out back. $

SoBou 310 Chartres St., 552-4095, French Quarter, SoBouNola.com. B, L, D daily. There is something for everyone at this “Modern Creole Saloon,” the latest offering from the Commander’s Restaurant Family. Decidedly unstuffy with an emphasis on craft cocktails and wines by the glass, diners will find everything from $1 pork cracklins to an extravagant foie gras burger on the accomplished yet eclectic menus. $$ Snug Harbor 626 Frenchman St., 9490696, Faubourg Marigny, SnugJazz.com. D daily. The city’s premier jazz club serves cocktails and a dining menu loaded with steaks, seafood and meaty burgers served with loaded baked potatoes. $$$$ Stein’s Market and Deli 2207 Magazine St., 527-0771, Uptown, SteinsDeli.net. B, L, D Tue-Sun. New York meets New Orleans. The Reuben and Rachel sandwiches are the real deal and the half-sours and pickled tomatoes complete the deli experience. $

Stella! 1032 Chartres St., 587-0091, French Quarter, RestaurantStella.com. D daily. Global cuisine with a Louisiana blush by native son chef Scott Boswell. Dishes are always inventive and flavorful from appetizer to dessert. The wine list is bold and the

service “stellar.” Boswell was New Orleans Magazine’s 2005 Chef of the Year. $$$$$

Sun Ray Grill 619 Pink St., 837-0055, Old Metairie; 1051 Annunciation St., 566-0021, CBD/Warehouse District; 2600 Belle Chasse Highway, 391-0053, Gretna; SunRayGrill. com. L, D daily. This local chain offers a globally influenced menu with burgers, steaks, sesame crusted tuna, sandwiches and salads. $$

Surrey’s Café and Juice Bar 1418 Magazine St., 524-3828, Coliseum Square; 4807 Magazine St., 895-5757, Uptown; SurreysCafeAndJuiceBar.com. B, L daily. Laid-back café focuses on breakfast and brunch dishes to accompany freshly squeezed juice offerings. Health-food lovers will like it here, along with fans of favorites such as peanut butter and banana pancakes. Note: Cash only. $$

Tan Dinh 1705 Lafayette St., 361-8008, Gretna. B, L, D Wed-Mon. Roasted quail and the beef pho rule at this Vietnamese outpost. $$ Theo’s Pizza 4218 Magazine St., 8948554, Uptown; 4024 Canal, 302-1133, MidCity; 1212 S. Clearview Parkway, 733-3803, Elmwood TheosPizza.com. L, D daily. The thin, cracker-crisp crust pizzas are complemented by the broad assortment of toppings which include a lot of local ingredients. Cheap prices make this an economical and delicious choice. $$ Three Muses 536 Frenchmen St., 2524801, Marigny, TheThreeMuses.com. D Sun-Mon, Wed, Fri-Sat. Three Muses is a bar-restaurant serving the eclectic cuisine of chef Daniel Esses. The menu changes, but expect Esses’ take on Italian, Spanish, North African and Korean cooking. Local bands provide music on a regular basis. $ Tommy’s Cuisine 746 Tchoupitoulas St., 581-1103, CBD/Warehouse District, TommysNewOrleans.com. D daily. Classic Creole-Italian cuisine is the name of the game at this upscale eatery. Appetizers include the namesake Oysters Tommy, baked in the shell with Romano cheese, pancetta and roasted red pepper. $$$$$

Tony Angello’s 6262 Fleur de Lis Drive, 488-0888. Lakeview. D Tue-Sat. CreoleItalian favorite serves up fare in the completely restored Lakeview location. Ask Tony to “Feed Me” if you want a real multi-course dining experience. $$$$ Tout de Suite Cafe 347 Verret St., 3622264, Algiers. B, L, D daily. Neighborhood coffeehouse/café in historic Algiers Point offers a light menu of soups, salads and sandwiches for a quick meal or carryout. $$ Tracey’s Irish Restaurant & Bar 2604 Magazine St., 897-5413, TraeysNola.com, Uptown. L, D daily. A neighborhood bar with one of the best messy roast beef poor boys in town. The gumbo, cheeseburger poor boy and other sandwiches are also winners. Grab a local Abita beer to wash it all down. Also a great location to watch “the game.” $

Trey Yuen 600 N. Causeway Blvd., (985) 626-4476, Mandeville, TreyYuen.com. L Tue-Fri & Sun, D Tue-Sun. Chinese cuisine meets with local seafood in dishes like their Szechuan Spicy Alligator and Tong Cho Crawfish; private rooms available. $$

Tujague’s 823 Decatur St., 525-8676, French Quarter, TujaguesRestaurant.com. D daily. For more than 150 years this landmark restaurant has been offering Creole cuisine. Favorites include a nightly six-course table d’hôté menu featuring a unique Beef Brisket with Creole Sauce. New Orleans Magazine’s Honor Roll honoree 2008. $$$$$

Upperline 1413 Upperline St., 891-9822, Uptown, Upperline.com. D Wed-Sun. Consummate hostess JoAnn Clevenger and talented chef Dave Bridges make for a winning combination at this nationally heralded Uptown favorite. The oft-copied Fried Green Tomatoes with Shrimp Remoulade originated here. $$$$

Vega Tapas Café 2051 Metairie Road, 836-2007, Metairie. D Mon-Sat. Innovative establishment offers fresh seafood, grilled meats and vegetarian dishes in a chic environment. Daily chef specials showcase unique ingredients and make this place a popular destination for dates as well as groups of friends. $$

Venezia 134 N. Carrollton Ave., 488-7991, Mid-City, VeneziaNewOrleans.com. L Wed-Fri & Sun, D Wed-Sun. Casual neighborhood Italian destination known for its thin-crust pizzas. Good lunch specials make this a popular choice as well. $$ Vincent’s Italian Cuisine 4411 Chastant St., 885-2984, Metairie, L TueFri, D Mon-Sat; 7839 St. Charles Ave., 866-9313, Uptown. L Tue-Fri, D Tue-Sun; VicentsItalianCuisine.com. Snug Italian boîte packs them in yet manages to remain intimate at the same time. The cannelloni is a house specialty. $$$

Wolfe’s in the Warehouse 859 Convention Center Blvd., 613-2882, CBD/ Warehouse District. B, L, D daily. Chef Tom Wolfe brings his refined cuisine to the booming Fulton Street corridor. His Smoked Kobe Short Ribs are a good choice. $$$ Ye Olde College Inn 3000 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-3683, Uptown, CollegeInn1933. com. D Tue-Sat. The institution moved next door into brand-new digs but serves up the same classic fare, albeit with a few new upscale dishes peppering the menu. $$$

Yuki Izakaya 525 Frenchmen St., 9431122, Marigny. D daily. Authentic Japanese Izakaya serves small plates to late-night crowds at this unique destination. Try the Hokke Fish or the Agedashi Tofu. An excellent sake menu rounds out the appeal, as does the sexy, club-like ambiance. $ Zea’s Rotisserie and Bar 1525 St. Charles Ave., Lower Garden District, 520-8100; 1655 Hickory Ave, Harahan, 738-0799; 4450 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 780-9090; 1325 West Esplanade, Kenner, 468-7733; 1121 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 361-8293; 110 Lake Drive, Covington, (985) 327-0520, ZeaRestaurants.com. L, D daily. This popular restaurant serves a variety of grilled items as well as appetizers, salads, side dishes, seafood, pasta and other entrées, drawing from a wide range of worldly influences. Zea’s also offers catering services. $$$ Zoë Restaurant W New Orleans Hotel, 333 Poydras St., 2nd Floor, 207-5018, ZoeNewOrleans.com. B, L daily. Completely redone in both décor and cuisine, each section features a separate menu by executive chef Chris Brown. $$$

SPECIALTY FOODS

boutique a great place for gifts.

Antoine’s Annex 513 Royal St., 525-8045, French Quarter, Antoines.com/AntoinesAnnex. Open daily. Around the corner from the oldest continuously operated restaurant in the country, Antoine’s Annex serves French pastries, including individual baked Alaskas, ice cream and gelato, as well as panini, salads and coffee. They also deliver.

Calcasieu 930 Tchoupitoulas St., 588-2188,

Bee Sweet Cupcakes 5706 Magazine St., 891-8333, Uptown, BeeSweetCupcakes.net. Open Mon-Sat. Tiny shop sells its namesake treats with a New Orleans twist. Try the Bananas Foster or the Pralines and Cream flavors. Daily specials are offered, as well as catering orders for weddings and parties. Bittersweet Confections 725 Magazine St., 523-2626, Warehouse District, BittersweetConfections.com. Open MonSat. Freshly baked cookies, cupcakes and specialty cakes. Serving handmade chocolate truffles, fudge, caramels, gelato, ice coffee, chocolate-dipped strawberries and freshly squeezed lemonade. Children’s birthday parties, chocolate tasting parties, custom chocolates and truffle party bar. Call for details.

Blue Dot Donuts 4301 Canal St., 2184866, Mid-City, BlueDotDonuts.com. B, L daily. Heard the one about the cops that opened a donut shop? This is no joke. The Bacon Maple Long John gets all the press, but returning customers are happy with the classics as well as twists like peanut butter and jelly.

Warehouse District, CalcasieuRooms.com. Located in the second floor of a renovated warehouse, above Cochon and Cochon Butcher, is a place to host gatherings both large and small. Catering menus feature modern Louisiana cooking and the Cajun cuisine for which chef Donald Link is justifiably famous.

Magic Seasonings Mail Order (800) 4572857. Offers chef Paul Prudhomme’s famous cookbooks, smoked meats, videos, seasonings and more. Online shopping available at shop. ChefPaul.com/Seasonings. St. James Cheese Company 5004 Prytania St., 899-4737, Uptown, StJamesCheese.com. Open daily. Specialty shop offers a selection of fine cheeses, wines, beers and related accouterments. Look for wine and cheese specials every Friday.

Sucré 3025 Magazine St., 520-8311; 3301 Veterans Blvd., 834-2277; ShopSucre.com. Desserts daily & nightly. Open late weekends. Chocolates, pastry and gelato draw rave reviews at this new dessert destination. Beautiful packaging makes this a great place to shop for gifts. Catering available.

Blue Frog Chocolates 5707 Magazine St., 269-5707, Uptown, BlueFrogChocolate.com. Open daily. French and Belgian chocolate truffles and Italian candy flowers make this

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JUNE 2013

NEW ORLEANS

DISCOVERIES I n S ea r c h o f

Places ACTIVITIES

You May Not Know About

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INFAMOUS PLACES

ST. ROCH

STEALING A

KISS

NAKED N.O.

CHERYL GERBER PHOTOGRAPH, FACING PAGE

Funky UNDERGROUND NEW ORLEANS

DISCOVERIES

Since funkiness is hard to define, so too is it hard to quantify. That didn’t stop two local guys, Michael Patrick Welch and Brian Boyles, who have prowled the haunts of the French Quarter, Marigny and Bywater in preparation for the third edition of their book, New Orleans: The Underground Guide. Here are some of their discoveries:

SLAVIC WHILE ROCKIN’. You might be surprised at how amazing the Slavic cuisine is at loud downtown rock bar Siberia (2227 Saint Claude Ave., 265-8855, SiberiaNola. com). Owned by Luke

Allen of Happy Talk Band and music booker Matt Russell of Classhole, among other local characters, Siberia features a menu of pierogi, kielbasa, blini, cabbage rolls and other Slavic foods served up by chef Matt the Hat, right, who learned to cook from his Ukrainian grandma and great aunts.

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ONE MAN; ONE BAND. When we eat in the French Quarter, it’s usually an excuse to hear one-manband James Dee, Wednesday through Saturday nights at Star Steak & Lobster House (237 Decatur St., 5256151, StarSteak.com). Star serves two lobsters, two salads, two sides and one dessert for $50, and often offers 50 percent off on Groupon. But it’s Dee’s gravely voice, reverb-heavy saxophone, 1980s Casio keyboard and catalog of original songs that keep us returning.

BEANS AND BLUES. Rhythm and blues group the Special Men serve up their special red beans with sausage every Monday night in the Bywater at BJs (4301 Burgundy St., 945-9256). The Special Men agitate the dance floor with nearly forgotten New Orleans R&B “hits” from the likes of Roy Brown, Big Joe and Jimmy Horn himself. Back in the day, the Special Men used to convene Mondays at the Mother-In-Law Lounge, where Horn learned from Miss Antoinette K-Doe herself the secrets to perfect red beans.

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C heryl G erber P hotograph , top ; J onathan T ra v iesa P hotograph , bottom

Some mornings it’s back into the Marigny for brunch at Buffa’s (1001 Esplanade Ave., 949-0038, BuffasLounge. com). A dive bar in front,

Buffa’s back red dining room features hearty cocktails, seafood and fat sandwiches, while the featured Sunday brunch attraction is the mostly female jazz band, Some Like it Hot.

NEW ORLEANS

DISCOVERIES Funky UNDERGROUND

AND SAUSAGE, TOO. The free beans are likewise loaded with sausage at Checkpoint Charlie’s (501 Esplanade Ave., 281-4847), around the corner from Frenchmen Street. You never know what type of music Charlie’s will offer at what hour (probably either dirty rock, dirty blues or dirty folk), but count on red beans every Monday and a burger-and-fries-type menu 24-hours a day.

RAGE IN THE RING. Though sports may seem art’s opposite, there are a few odd sporting events for more athletic-minded folks. For instance, the Friday Night Fights Gym (1632 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., 895-1859) hosts actual Friday Night Fights every couple months with ring girls and live bands. Gym owner Mike Tata has trained fighters around the globe and carries the swagger of a man unafraid to put on a spectacle. Or, if you’d rather watch ladies rip each other’s arms off, New Orleans Ladies Arm Wrestling (NOLAW) (nolaw. org) hosts tournaments every other

month, combining WWE-style entourages, costumed performers, celebrity judges, halftime shows and serious post-match dance parties. And the best thing about these feats of strength: All proceeds benefit women-focused projects in the metropolitan area.

J onathan T ra v iesa P hotograph , top ; K A T I E K A T R I N A A R N O L D P H O T O G R A P H , bottom

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NEW ORLEANS

DISCOVERIES Funky UNDERGROUND

A MAN AND HIS BOOKSTORE. Anyone who loves writing and visual art as much as they do music must stop by FAB (Faubourg Marigny Art & Books) bookstore (600 Frenchmen St., 947-3700, FabOnFrenchmen.com). Though seemingly gayfocused from the outside, FAB carries one of the city’s best selections of both straight and gay New Orleans-bred literature, alongside a nice selection of new national releases and worn classics. When the original owner decided to call it a day in 2003 after 26 years, Otis Fennell bought the store, simply to save a cultural institution. Since then, Fennell has become the don of Frenchmen Street, standing beside his rainbow Napoleon statue outside on the corner of Chartres Street every single day from noon to midnight. “I’m open late because the street is a late-night spot,” he says smiling, watching the crowds pass. Fennell has added an overabundance of art to FAB’s walls, making it Frenchmen Street’s only de facto art gallery. FAB becomes more and more important as Frenchmen Street becomes more like the French Quarter; if Fennell were to for some reason give up, Starbucks would surely pay stacks for such prime real estate. “Now that Oscar Wilde in Greenwich Village has closed,” Fennell says, “FAB might be the only bookstore of its type in the states. You’ll go all over the country and not find anything like this.” Fennell also hosts readings by nationally famous, mostly gay authors almost weekly, and helps run the Saints and Sinners Literary Festival (SASFest.org) in mid-May, featuring top names in the gay and lesbian publishing and literary world.

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A WORD FOR THE RAPPERS. Rappers are another form of poet, and the SoundClash Beat Battle offfers up a slew of hip-hop poetry every month at the bar and restaurant Maison (508 Frenchmen St., 371-5543; MaisonFrenchmen.com). SoundClash founder Chuck “Lyrikill” Jones is but one of the many multimedia hiphop artists involved in the series, as every SoundClash begins with an open-mike hour for local MCs. The main event, pitting fledgling beatmakers against one another for cash and prizes, is broken up with appearances by even more guest rappers. Or for those who like their rap music all the way live, Rapper Slangton Hughes hosts Uniquity, which pairs world lyricists, singers and spoken word artists with seasoned live band, Four on the Flo. The four-year-old event now happens on the last Saturday of every month at Dragon’s Den.

A GATHERING OF POETS. When asked where the literary crowd hangs at night, Fennell suggests the Gold Mine Saloon (701 Dauphine St., 586-0765, GoldMineSaloon.net)

in the French Quarter, where bar owner Dave Brinks has booked America’s best non-mainstream poets, from Lawrence Ferlinghetti to Andrei Codrescu to local wordsmith Bill Lavender, every Thursday and beyond for more than 10 years. If your significant other doesn’t like poetry, tell him or her that Gold Mine also boasts a huge, beautiful collection of classic video games, many from the early 1980s.

ZACK SMITH PHOTOGRAPH, TOP

DANCE PARTIES. Dancing is the greatest way to burn off calories, and we suggest DJ Matty’s “Mod Dance Party” at Saturn Bar (3067 St. Claude Ave., 949-7532), a monthly New Orleans tradition for almost 15 years. Though his longtime partner, DJ Kristen, moved away, Matty continues to spin hundreds of upbeat 1960s vinyl soul and dance records from New Orleans and beyond. Then, every Monday at One Eyed Jacks (615 Toulouse St., 569-8361 OneEyedJacks.net), Matty and DJ Bunny also host “The Birthday Party,” spotlighting the music of one specific famous musician on their birthday, whether that’s Sam Cook, Johnny Cash or Iggy Pop. The Saint (961 St. Mary St., 523-0050, TheSaintNewOrleans.com) hosts dance

parties for young hipsters almost every night of the week, with sets by the likes of DJ Otto, DJ Pasta and the ActionActionReaction team. Or, if only pure electronic music gets you twirkin’, the intimate, infamous Dragon’s Den (435 Esplanade Ave., 949-1750) hosts Bass Church every Sunday, where Proppa Bear, Unicorn Fukr, Carmine P Filthy and other Louisiana DJs spin original mixes of dubstep, jungle and drum ’n’ bass.

IN PRAISE OF THE DAIQUIRI. The New Orleans Daiquiri Festival (NewOrleansDaiquiriFestival.com) was started in 2011 by OHNO Co (Open House New Orleans Company) event production company founder Jeremy Thompson. This annual celebration of New Orleans’ signature frozen alcoholic treat features a variety of frozen “craft daiqs” made with local Old New Orleans Rum and other fresh ingredients. Daiquiri competitions are judged by local daiquiri shop celebrities and cocktail world personalities, while local DJs such as Matty and Pasta spin New Orleans jazz, R&B, soul, brass and bounce. Accompanying local vendors selling homemade Daiquiri swag of all kinds, street food is provided by New Orleans’ quickly growing food truck movement. A pop-up “Open Container Museum” features everything from a survey of souvenir cups over the last 30 years, to educational diagrams explaining the mystery that is the brain freeze. The Daiquiri Festival doubles as an annual fundraiser for the Bywater Community Development Corporation. Though lacking a permanent home, the Daiquiri Festival is and always will be held in downtown New Orleans, generally the last Saturday in August.

J oshua B rasted P hotograph , T op ; N e w O R L E A N S D A I Q U I R I F E S T I V A L . c om P H O T O G R A P H , right

– Michael Patrick Welch and Brian Boyles Adapted from the third edition of New Orleans: the Underground Guide, to be published by Louisiana State University Press, 2014.

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NEW ORLEANS

DISCOVERIES

St. Roch, the saint, was best known for tending to 13thcentury victims of the plague. St. Roch, the neighborhood, is best known for tending to victims of boredom because it’s a quirky little part of town. There is, for example, Our Lady Star of the Sea Church (St. Roch Avenue at N. Prieur Street) where one of the stained glass windows is quite modern, at least by stained glass standards. Pictured is Pope Pius XI, who was fascinated with the invention of radio, initiating the first broadcast from the Vatican. Among those in the background is fellow Italian, Guglielmo Marconi, the inventor of radio. While most stained glass images are dated with “AD,” this particular event took place Feb. 12, 1931. As the Catholic News Service reports: “… with a flick of a switch, the pope’s words spoken from a tiny, bare-bones studio in Vatican City were heard simultaneously in New York, Quebec, London, Paris, and Melbourne and Sydney, Australia. With Christ, the word was made flesh; with radio, the pope’s words were made trans-Atlantic and truly universal.” Nearby is St. Roch Cemetery, which began as a chapel built in 1876 by a local priest in response to his belief that the saint helped his congregation survive a yellow fever epidemic. A cemetery was also built on the property in the above-ground vaults-style common at the time. The chapel contains a statue

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of St. Roch and his dog who, according to legend, rescued him from dying of the plague in the forest. Most notable, however, is a side room in which worshippers through the centuries have placed “ex-votos,” most often replicas of body limbs representing an infirmity needing saintly attention. St. Roch cemetery is in many ways the epicenter of traditional New Orleans Catholicism, including long having been a must-stop for the Good Friday tradition of visiting nine churches. Curiously, a young boy who grew up in this neighborhood must have been influenced by its spirituality so much that he became a devout Catholic, even meeting his wife-to-be at St. Louis Cathedral. It seems appropriate that Tom Benson would one day own a team called “the Saints,” and in the spirit of Marconi, a television station, too. –Errol Laborde

CHERYL GERBER PHOTOGRAPHS EXCEPT TOP RIGHT, ELIZA MORSE PHOTOGRAPH

BEST PLACES TO STEAL A KISS Top of the ferris wheel at City Park The swings UNDER the Crescent City Connection B right outside of Tipitina’s B under the tree of life at Audubon Park B the lobby of the Roosevelt Hotel B B

(bonus points if it’s during Christmastime when the lights are up) B

in the back of a pedicab in one of the booths at Bellocq at the Hotel Modern (But keep in mind that

Morning Call in City Park (with powdered

Robert E. Lee is watching you) sugar on your faces)

any dive bar with a stranger B The Algiers ferry B

– Sarah Ravits

At first glance there’s nothing visually special about the 500 and 600 blocks of Bordeaux Street, between Tchoupitoulas and Laurel streets, but then it depends on when the viewing is being done. Sometimes the off-green metal warehouse that takes up most of the right side of the 600 block (facing Tchoupitoulas) offers no enchantment – unless one of the big freight doors is open, which they often are. The last time I passed by, the open door revealed a sea nymph that was staring back at me. At her feet were two men applying a fresh coat of paint. In the background was the silhouette of Carnival floats. There are old warehouses clandestinely housing floats throughout town, what‘s different about this float den is the pedigree of the tenants. The history of the New Orleans Carnival passes through here where three “old line” krewes; Proteus, Chaos (originally Momus) and Comus store their antique floats. Two of the krewes, Proteus and Chaos, still parade – creating activity along the block, such as guys painting nymphs, yearround. On the two nights a year when the krewes parade, the block is a bazaar of color, music and activity. Left standing in the back of the den are a few surviving floats from the Comus parade. Comus is to Carnival history what

George Washington was to the presidency. It was Comus that started, way back in 1857, the New Orleans Carnival parading tradition as we would know it. Though the “Mistick Krewe” no longer parades, its place in Carnival history cannot be taken away. Few people get to see the old floats as they stand through time, but that they exist adds to the mystique of the neighborhood. At the end of the next block, at the corner of Tchoupitoulas Street, stands another New Orleans cultural treasure: the home of Hansen’s Sno-Bliz. There are snowball stands around town, just as there are lots of Carnival krewes, but like Comus, Hansen’s was a pioneer in its field. It was there that the late Ernest Hansen operated his own, personally made, one-of-a-kind ice machine that produced a snow so fine it made the Rockies jealous. Meanwhile, his wife, Mary, would create her own personal syrup recipes. Grandkids of the Hansens are continuing their ancestors’ legacy, just as Proteus and Chaos do down the block. The Hansens had a motto that they clung to: “There’s no substitute for quality.” For those who appreciate having both their parades and snowballs authentic, the message reverberates throughout the block. Amazingly, the cultural spillover flows throughout the neighborhood. Facing Tchoupitoulas Street from the front of Hansen’s, one block to the right, at Lyons Street, is F&M Patio Bar, a music club that competes with Tipitina’s for being the city’s most legendary. Down the block, at Lyons and Annunciation streets, is another landmark, Grits Bar, known for its cheese fries and its dance floor. In a neighborhood rich with so much culture, what more could a person want? – E . L .

myneworleans.com

JUNE 2013

NEW ORLEANS

DISCOVERIES

Notes on the Buff and Stuff In the Big Easy, not everything goes. New Orleans’ municipal code regarding obscene live conduct (54260) describes the “lewd exhibition … of the genitals … female breast nipples” etc., which doesn’t leave much room for public exposure. However, once inside there are places that have a more “European attitude” when it comes to clothing. The Dive Inn (TheDiveInn.com) offers a relaxed, clothing-optional atmosphere. In fact, the heated indoor pool and two hot tubs are open 24 hours, and their FAQ page is a must-read. The Green House Inn (TheGreenHouseInn.com) is an 1840 Greek Revival townhouse located in the Garden District that features a tree-shaped saltwater pool complete with waterfalls and fiber optic lighting connected to a Jacuzzi-style hot tub – both clothing-optional. There is also the more well-known Country Club (TheCountryClubNewOrleans.com), where it’s “always happy hour when it rains.” Dine at their restaurant at almost any time of day, enjoy spa services, have a cocktail in the Jacuzzi or pay a fee to join the clothing-optional “back private club.” For a little more, shall we say, entertainment, The AllWays Lounge (TheAllWaysLounge.com) offers the show “Big Dick’s House of Big Boobs” every few months where anyone can jump on the stage and perform an amateur strip tease. Or for a little less audience participation, you can visit any one of the many burlesque performances around the city, including those by Fleur de Tease (FleurDeTease.com), which most often still maintains the tease. If you really want to, ahem, put it all out there, the New Orleans Chapter of the World Naked Bike Ride (WorldNakedBikeRide.org) – which has the tagline of “As Bare as You Dare” – will celebrate its fifth anniversary by assembling at 4 p.m. on June 8 at Markey Park in Bywater, followed by an after party at the aforementioned Country Club. – Morgan Packard

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INFAMOUS GEOGRAPHY While New Orleans is known for fun, it’s also a place where some make bad decisions. Here are a few infamous mishaps and where they happened: Louis Armstrong Gets Arrested on Rampart Street Little Gem Saloon, 445 S. Rampart St.

One of New Orleans’ most famous residents got into some trouble near the Little Gem Saloon on New Year’s Eve 1912. Only 11 years old at the time, Louis Armstrong was outside the saloon and fired a pistol into the air to celebrate the New Year. He was arrested for the incident and was sent to the Colored Waif’s Home for Boys. While the arrest probably wasn’t the highlight of Armstrong’s life, he did join the band at the Waif’s Home, and most significantly, learned to play the cornet. Nicolas Cage Makes a Scene at Stella! Stella!, 1032 Chartres St.

If you’re going to have a rough night, you probably shouldn’t do it when the editor of a national magazine is sitting near you. When GQ editor-in-chief Jim Nelson witnessed a night of odd behavior from actor Nicolas Cage at Stella! in February 2011, he wrote about it for GQ in May ’11. “We were seated within wine-spitting distance of the bar,” Nelson wrote, “and could still see Cage literally bouncing off the walls, spilling vino down his sleeve, as if he were performing Leaving Las Vegas: The Musical for some perverse dinner theater.” Cage later broke a glass door panel and was escorted out by police. Cuba Gooding Jr. Gets in a Fight on Bourbon Street The Old Absinthe House, 240 Bourbon St.

A lot of people make interesting choices on Bourbon Street, and it was no different for Academy Award-winner Cuba Gooding Jr. when he stopped by the Old Absinthe House in 2012. According to a press release from the New Orleans Police Department, the actor “allegedly pushed a bartender” around 3 a.m. July 31, ’12. The charges were later dropped, but part of the scuffle was caught on tape and the story was a popular piece of entertainment news. – Haley Adams

The Biggest Party

YOU NEVER HEARD ABOUT Gayle Benson shares the story behind the huge NFL Owners Party at Super Bowl XLVII

“Once there was a wonderful party in a clear tent beside a chateau in Germany. Today and going forward, your party in a clear tent under a grove of trees in New Orleans sets the bar.” – Bronson Van Wyck, event planner and designer, Van Wyck & Van Wyck I n 2 0 1 1 , G ayle and T om B enson were in G ermany

By Morgan Packard

for the Mercedes-Benz annual meeting and gala. Gayle was immensely impressed by the amount of money the company was pulling in from their international dealerships, and had been telling her husband for years that they needed to approach Mercedes-Benz about the naming rights to what was then-called the Louisiana Superdome. Gayle says that Tom was wary, because as a long-time dealership owner (he owns one in San Antonio, Texas, and another in New Orleans) he was concerned that the company would ask him to put up some of his own money.

M ichael C . H ebert P hotographs

myneworleans.com

JUNE 2013

fill a swimming pool, and right in the middle of it all, an oasis of calm, this delightful woman in a Chanel suit.” Since Gayle had asked to meet him, Van Wyck introduced himself. “She said, ‘I’m throwing a party, and I could use a hand.’  How could I say no? Also, how could I pass up an opportunity to throw a party for my favorite team?” Van Wyck has been a Saints fan all his life, and says that some of his fondest memories are of “flying down from Arkansas for a football game with my grandparents and their friends, the Mecoms, to cheer on the Saints.” This wasn’t just a party with a prestigious guest list; it wasn’t even just a party to impress National Football League owners. The Super Bowl Owners Party needed to represent New Orleans. “We had all the owners in from all over the country,” Van Wyck says. “These guys had voted to hold the Super Bowl in New Orleans. The party was an opportunity to thank them by showing them a small slice of what New Orleans does better than anywhere else.” They felt that they wanted to show the “magical environment and fun spirit” of New Orleans, to make each guest “feel for one moment that he was the most important person in the world.” “I felt like if we would focus on how well of a party we can throw and how hospitable we are,” Gayle says, “if we could play up the city and what we do – our community and how we treat guests from out of town – they’d know that we’re the most hospitable city in which to have an event. That’s what we needed them to experience.” Gayle had a vision that no one understood. In her mind she could see the invitations, the colors – and the budget. It wasn’t until Van Wyck presented his first renderings that everyone began to come on board; “they liked it,” she says, “but they still didn’t understand it ... After (Van Wyck and I) talked in Germany, and then when he arrived in New Orleans for our first meeting, I knew we were going in the right direction. He had brought samples and he was just right on target as to the direction in which we needed to go. His ideas

Gayle persisted. Tom called the Saints office from Germany and asked them to put together a proposal. Everyone told Gayle that it wouldn’t happen, but thanks to the efforts of Dennis Lauscha, Ben Hales, Jean-Paul Dardenne, Jennie Guarisco and many others, the proposal was sent within the day. That night, the Bensons arrived at the gala event early and asked to speak with Ernst Lieb, the then-CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA. They presented Lieb with the proposal and, in Gayle’s words, “He loved the idea.” Three months later, the deal was signed. Gayle wasn’t just impressed by the company, she also considered the gala one of the most beautiful events she had ever attended. At this point, she already knew that New Orleans would be hosting the Super Bowl in 2013 (which meant there needed to be a lavish owners party), so when she met event designer Bronson Van Wyck, of Van Wyck & Van Wyck, a New York Cityand Charleston-based “environmental design, event production and experiential marketing team,” she was already planning. She told him that she loved the way the gala looked, but that there aren’t any castles in New Orleans. “Here we were in this German schloss,” Van Wyck says about first meeting Gayle, “with this wild party going on around us, waiters hustling back and forth, enough champagne flowing to

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and mine together made for a magical evening and event.” With her past experience as an interior designer, Gayle says planning the party took her back to what it was like to plan a large project. “It was just like a huge house or hotel being constructed from the ground up.” Her first thought was to have the party at the New Orleans Museum of Art, but the location was too small for the 32 owners and significant others; numerous coaches and their significant others; and invited New Orleans residents and their guests. Instead, she decided to host the ladies luncheon there (see box), and many of her guests told her that it was the most elegant afternoon they’ve ever had. all in; he was so pleased, I could tell by his comments he loved it, Instead Gayle decided on a space next to Storyland in City Park and I knew it would be a great evening for him and all our guests.” where everything could be built-out “Every detail, from the cherubs and completely customized for the wearing team hats to the saxophonoccasion. “The day of the site visist under the tree, to the music, food, its,” says Jennie Guarisco, Executive red accent chandeliers and chamFrom 11:30 in the morning until 2:30 in the afternoon, Assistant to Tom Benson who helped pagne,” was magical, Guarisco says. the New Orleans Museum of Art was transformed for 230 the Bensons and Van Wyck with the “The cocktail tents transporting you ladies. Red roses and purple hydrangeas bloomed on tables event, “we were driving through City to something out of an Arabian Nights within tall crystal vases adorned with crystal beads, as well Park when Bronson said, ‘Stop the classic tale to the oak tree as on the podiums alongcar; this is it!’” through the glass roof of the side the main staircase. From the wooden floors to the dinner tent and the magnifiTable settings were delitents, from the lighting in the oaks cent oak trees bathed in colcate and exquisite. The to the flowers on the tables and the ored lights. The event sparkled harp music of Rachel Van walls, there was no detail too small and was quintessential New Voorhees floated through and no angle overlooked. All the Orleans. It was an evening that the room while the guests tables were covered in white; crystal anyone that attended will fordined on a strawberry chandeliers hung inside each tent; ever remember fondly.” delight salad and a duel and fine china, flatware and crys“The Bensons were unbeentrée of pepper-crusted tal graced the tables. The flowers lievable hosts for the Super petite filet served with were all white – hydrangeas, roses, Bowl,” Mayor Mitch Landrieu pepper jelly glazed peonies and orchids. Chef Susan says. “They are a major reason shrimp and topped with a Spicer prepared dinner, and during why we got the Super Bowl in roasted garlic compound the meal the Louisiana Philharmonic the first place, and their hospibutter served with gouda Orchestra played against a wall cretality for the owners and team mashed potatoes and ated out of green foliage. “Everyone executives are a reason why freshly steamed baby carhad on their finest cocktail attire and I’m confident New Orleans will rots provided by Pigéon Caterers. beautiful jewelry, shoes and bags,” host another Super Bowl again soon.” For more entertainment, “Saks Fifth Avenue provided us Gayle says. “It was all so magical, “Our goal is to bring more NFL and with a beautiful Spring 2013 Fashion Show” Gayle Benson everyone matched the venue, which NBA events to New Orleans,” Gayle says. “We had many runway models who featured clothes, was perfection!” says – and she’s already started. New bags, shoes and jewelry all from Saks and Fendi.” And in Van Wyck’s favorite moments were Orleans will host the 63rd NBA Alladdition, “Fendi gave each of the guests a beautiful coffee spent “Working with Mrs. Benson. Star Game on Sun., Feb. 16, 2014, table book, along with Channel fragrance and a Fendi USB for She was involved in so many details and she’s already planning an event our computers.” from where the Governor was sitting at the Audubon Zoo. The Super Bowl It was a time when the women of the NFL could come to whether Mr. Benson’s microphone Owners Party, “could have been the together, “without our husbands and business,” Benson says. would be handheld or on a stand.” best party ever in New Orleans,” says “Seeing the excitement and anticipation of the ladies “When my husband and I drove Ron Forman, President and CEO of from the Ravens and 49ers,” was thrilling, Jennie Guarisco, up and everything was in place,” Audubon Nature Institute, Inc. “The Executive Assistant to Tom Benson says. “I don’t believe Gayle says, “it was awesome! It took NFL owners that I talked to were all any other host team had ever had this type of function a moment for my husband to take it blown away.” before. They loved it.”

Super Bowl Ladies Luncheon 2013

M ichael C . H ebert P hotographs

myneworleans.com

JUNE 2013

S ure , we know the best part about the experience

of going to the dentist is leaving, especially after the bill has been paid. There is also some satisfaction in having healthier teeth, especially if we know that they’ve had the benefit of a top-rated dentists. To aid that cause we present the results from an annual survey to determine the best of dentistry as prepared by topDentists of Augusta, Ga. TopDentists has provided the following explanation: This list is excerpted from the 2013 topDentists™ list, a database, which includes listings for more than 150 dentists and specialists in the New Orleans area. The Louisiana list was based on thousands of detailed evaluations of dentists and professionals by their peers. The complete database is available at USATopDentists. com. For more information call (706) 364-0853; write P.O. Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903; email info@usatopdentists.com or visit USATopDentists.com. “If you had a patient in need of a dentist, which dentist would you refer them to?” This is the question we’ve asked thousands of dentists to help us determine who the topDentists should be. Dentists and specialists are asked to take into consideration years of experience, continuing education, manner with patients, use of new techniques and technologies, and of course, physical results. The nomination pool of dentists consists of all dentists listed online with the American Dental Association, as well as all dentists listed online with their local dental societies, thus allowing virtually every dentist the opportunity to participate. Dentists are also given the opportunity to nominate other dentists who we have missed that they feel should be included in our list. Respondents are asked to put aside any personal bias or political motivations and to use only their knowledge of their peer’s work when evaluating the other nominees. Voters are asked to individually evaluate the practitioners on their ballot whose work they are familiar with. Once the balloting is completed, the scores are compiled and then averaged. The numerical average required for inclusion varies depending on the average for all the nominees within the specialty and the geographic area. Borderline cases are given a careful consideration by the editors. Voting characteristics and comments are taken into consideration while making decisions. Past awards a dentist has received, status in various dental academies (Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Periodontology, etc.) can play a factor in our decision. Once the decisions have been finalized, the included dentists are checked against state dental boards for disciplinary actions to make sure they have an active license and are in good standing with the board. Then letters of congratulations are sent to all the listed dentists. Of course there are many fine dentists who are not included in this representative list. It is intended as a sampling of the great body of talent in the field of dentistry in the United States. A dentist’s inclusion on our list is based on the subjective judgments of his or her fellow dentists. While it is true that the lists may at times disproportionately reward visibility or popularity, we remain confident that our polling methodology largely corrects for any biases and that these lists continue to represent the most reliable, accurate, and useful list of dentists available anywhere.

Our Annual Drill

Profiles by Judi Russell Photographs by Elizabeth Perrin 88

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myneworleans.com

Endodontics Covington

Allen Sawyer

Sawyer Endodontics 216 W. 21st Ave. (985) 327-7354 SawyerEndodontics.com

Dr. Barry James Cazaubon

Kenner

David Joseph Toca

2301 Williams Blvd., Suite B 466-3353

Operating on those who taught you

Mandeville

Ina L. Griffin

Aesthetic Endodontics 117 Moores Road, Suite A (985) 727-0991 MyEndoSpa.com

Catherine A. Hebert

Endodontic Center 4600 Highway 22, Suite 4 (985) 626-0111 EndodonticCenter.com

Charles Overton Roy

Northshore Endodontics 1510 W. Causeway Approach, Suite C (985) 674-0060

Metairie

Barry James Cazaubon Endodontic Specialists 4520 Clearview Parkway 885-0177 NewOrleansEndo.com D octoring the doctor who taught you

can be daunting for new practitioners. Dr. Barry Cazaubon, a dentist with a specialty in root canal treatment, found himself in exactly that situation early in his career. More than one of his instructors from the Louisiana State University Dental School came to Cazaubon when they needed root canals. He describes the experience as “challenging.” “It was a little anxiety-producing for me,” he says. He found the best approach was to treat his professors with the same methods he used to treat any other patients. “Once I realized that, (the treatment) went a lot smoother,” Cazaubon says. In fact, the profs wound up becoming patients of his. Cazaubon’s specialty is one that usually produces a lot of anxiety in patients. Root canals, while nowhere near as painful as they were years ago, are still no walk in the park, and the more anxious a patient is, the more likely he or she is to experience pain. “Pain is a tricky thing,” Cazaubon explains. People have widely differing pain thresholds, and even within an individual, identical treatments can cause larger or smaller degrees of pain, depending on the individual’s anxiety level at the time. A big part of his job, Cazaubon says, is making root canals as pain-free as possible, and reducing a patient’s nervousness prior to the procedure. Of course, the ideal solution would be to avoid root canals altogether. “Some people are blessed genetically,” Cazaubon says, because they inherit the type of teeth that resist cracking. Chewing ice and grinding one’s teeth because of stress

are habits that can lead to cracks. Trauma to a tooth also can result in cracking. When damage to the tooth’s pulp results, root canal therapy can become necessary. If infection is present, that can cause more pain, and it can take a while to clear up the infection with antibiotics. But usually, Cazaubon can treat the tooth, clear up the pain and send the patient back to his regular dentist for long-term care. He likes the specialty of endodontics because it resembles emergency room medicine: doctors treat patients in acute situations and bring relief fairly quickly. The positive side of a root canal is the fact that it reduces the need to extract a tooth. “It’s always better to save a tooth when possible,” Cazaubon says. Rarely, though, it’s in the patient’s best interest to remove the tooth. Cazaubon became interested in dentistry when a friend of his went to dental school. He earned undergraduate degrees from LSU School of Allied Health (in the field of medical technology) and the University of New Orleans (in biology), as well as a master’s of business administration. After graduating from the LSU Dental School, he did a three-year residency in the specialty of endodontics. At his • 13 years practicing as an practice in Metairie, he aims to make endodontic specialist • B.S. from LSU School of root canal therapy a welcome source Allied Health • B.A. and M.B.A. from of relief, rather than an anxiety-filled denUniversity of New Orleans • D.D.S. from LSU Dental tal procedure. That makes both him, and School in 1996 • Native of New Orleans his patients, happy.

Garrett Blair Morris

Endodontic Specialists 4520 Clearview Parkway 885-0177 NewOrleansEndo.com New Orleans

George H. Arch Jr.

Uptown Endodontics and Implantology 2633 Napoleon Ave., Suite 701 895-1100

Lisa P. Germain

Uptown Endodontics and Implantology 2633 Napoleon Ave., Suite 701 895-1100 Slidell

Scott E. Bonson

190 Cross Gates Blvd. (985) 649-4881 SlidellEndo.com

Arthur W. Dickerson II 190 Cross Gates Blvd. (985) 649-4881 SlidellEndo.com

Thomas McCall Flint

190 Cross Gates Blvd. (985) 649-4881 SlidellEndo.com

John Jared Harmon

Lakeshore Endodontics 102 Village St., Suite B (985) 643-4600 LakeshoreEndodontics.com General Dentistry

Amite

Paul M. Anzalone

211 E. Oak St., Suite A (985) 748-8434

Belle Chasse

Stuart J. Guey Jr. 8951 Highway 23 394-6200 DrGuey.com

myneworleans.com

JUNE 2013

F ear of dental visits can cause people to allow their teeth to suffer terrible decay. When fear and neglect continue too long, a person is left with a collapsed bite. Dr. Gizelle Poché Richard, a native of Algiers who has practiced general dentistry since 1985, says the most rewarding aspect of her job is helping these people achieve a beautiful, functional smile. These cases are a challenge, she says, because many times the decay has rendered every tooth unsalvageable. But the results of her care are immeasurable; sometimes patients even cry when they see the smile they thought they’d never have. The process is quicker than ever, Richard says. First, all the teeth are extracted by an oral surgeon, with the patient under anesthesia. That same day, implants are placed in the gum and a prosthesis (made ahead of time by a team of dental lab technicians) is firmly attached to the implants. Bite adjustments are made, and the patient leaves that same day with an excellent bite. After the gums heal for three or four months, the prosthesis is taken off and a final prosthesis is attached. This prosthesis has a metal substructure. It never has to be removed for cleaning or flossing. “The patient never goes without teeth,” Richard says. In days past, patients had to wait six to eight weeks after extraction before dentures could be made. The procedure can be performed on the upper, the lower or both arches of the mouth, and people of all ages are suitable. Richard says she has a 90-yearold patient who will soon undergo the procedure. Not only will she be able to chew her food better, she won’t have to bother with denture paste, soaking, etc. “The world of implant dentistry is fabulous,” Richard says. Implants can be used when just one tooth is missing, she says. But when an entire mouth is restored, the impact is major. Richard became interested in dentistry through a cousin who practiced in Gretna. “I always loved going to the dentist,” she says. She chose to practice general dentistry because she likes dealing with a variety of patients. “Restoring mouths to health is a new challenge every day,” she says. After dental school, Richard practiced in Village Aurora before building her own dental office nearby in 2000. The building was designed to be warm

and inviting, she says, so patients won’t feel the fear of dentistry so prevalent in the past. The building sustained very little damage during Hurricane Katrina; Richard says she was • 28 years practicing as back in operation in just three weeks. And she’s looking to a dentist • B.S. from Louisiana State expand her practice: her daughter is completing her freshman University, Baton Rouge • D.D.S. from LSU Dental year at Louisiana State University Dental School and will join the School in 1985 • Native of New Orleans practice when she graduates.

Dr. Gizelle Poché Richard

Restoring Smiles From Collapsed Bites

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myneworleans.com

Charles Haydel

8635 Highway 23 394-7456 Bogalusa

*Cosmetic dentistry offered Madisonville

Charles B. Foy Jr.

310 Mississippi Ave. (985) 735-9811

400 Pine St. P.O. Box 10 (985) 845-8042 *Cosmetic dentistry offered

Covington

Laurie L. Miller

Charles R. Mehle Jr.

Mary A. Beilman 426 S. Tyler St. (985) 893-5138 DrBeilman.com

Edward P. Burvant Jr.

601 W. 18th Ave. (985) 892-2403

Kathleen G. Engel

522 E. Rutland St. (985) 893-2270 *Cosmetic dentistry offered

James A. Moreau Jr.

More Smiles Dental Spa 7007 Highway 190 Service Road (985) 809-7645 MoreSmiles.com

Family Dentistry of Madisonville 198 Highway 21 (985) 845-8446 DrLaurieMiller.com

Melissa Hernandez Pellegrini Pellegrini Family Dentistry 198 Highway 21 (985) 845-2992 PellegriniDDS.com Mandeville

Martha Anne Carr

Duane P. Delaune

Delaune Dental, the Art of Smiles 3801 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 305 885-8869 DelauneDental.com *Cosmetic dentistry offered

Shelly Ereth-Barone

GNO Dental Care 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 105-A 832-1164 GNODentalCare.com

Nicole Hurban Hunn

3108 W. Esplanade Ave. 838-8118

Eva L. Jessup

Clearview Dental Care 2221 Clearview Parkway, Suite 202 455-1667 ClearviewDentalCare.com

224 W. Causeway Approach (985) 727-0047 MarthaCarrDDS.com

Wynn Kapit

Glen Joseph Corcoran

Nanette LoCoco

3024 Kingman St. 455-2984

3701 Highway 59, Suite E (985) 871-9733

4325 Loveland St., Suite B 888-9333

Family Dental Center 79132 Highway 40 (985) 893-3900

Gabriel F. Daroca III

Garry Stephen Salvaggio

Gretna

Joseph F. Fitzpatrick

R. Glen Spell

Kenneth Edward Alfortish 517 Whitney Ave., Suite A 368-2792

Damon Joel DiMarco 309 Gretna Blvd. 366-5611

Peter Michael Tufton 654 Terry Parkway 362-5270 Hammond

Bryan P. Daigle

1502 Martens Drive (985) 345-4242

Eugene Robert Graff Jr.

800 C M Fagan Drive, Suite A (985) 345-5888

Jonathan L. Kirkland

1003 W. Thomas St., Suite D (985) 542-7755

Sue C. LeBlanc

1007 W. Thomas St., Suite E (985) 345-8602

Jill Truxillo

Beautiful Smiles 20204 Highway 190 East (985) 662-5550 HammondBeautifulSmiles.com Harvey

Joseph Vincent Anzelmo

4001 Lapalco Blvd., Suite 10 340-0076

Barton Charles Barre

Barre Dental Care 1545 Lapalco Blvd., Suite D-5 367-0355 BarreDental.com Jefferson

Charles Marion Jouandot Jefferson Dental Care 3809 Jefferson Highway 833-2211 JeffersonDentalCare.com Kenner

James David Roethele

Roethele Dental Esthetics 283 W. Esplanade Ave. 461-0500 RoetheleDental.com

2140 Ninth St. (985) 624-8268

2900 E. Causeway Approach, Suite E (985) 626-9791

Michael J. McCracken

1200 W. Causeway Approach (985) 674-4441

3223 Eighth St., Suite 202 455-7717 SmileGenesis.com *Cosmetic dentistry offered

Gerard R. Tully Jr.

701 Metairie Road, Suite 2A-212 831-4837

Raymond J. Unland Jr.

1510 W. Causeway Approach, Suite A (985) 727-4848

GNO Dental Care 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 105-A 832-1164 GNODentalCare.com

Dennis R. Preau

Corky Willhite

Toby B. Moffatt

2140 Ninth St. (985) 624-8268

David L. Ruegsegger

4890 Highway 22, Suite B (985) 845-8244 Marrero

Maria Ribando Burmaster Barataria Dental Clinic 2272 Barataria Blvd. 341-3120 BaratariaDental.com Metairie

Debra Claire Arnold

The Smile 111 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 777 831-1131 SmileDesignCenter.com *Cosmetic dentistry offered

Lisa Wyatt

Wyatt Dental Group 5037 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 3-E 885-1039

Emmett Lawrence Zimmerman III

1900 N. Causeway Blvd. 833-4300

3426 Coliseum St. 895-6657 YourNewOrleansDentist.com *Cosmetic dentistry offered

899-3497

Wallace George Serpas III CBD Dental Care 316 Baronne St. 525-9990 CBDDentalCare.com

Denice Lorraine Derbes

6251 General Diaz St. 486-2876

Chet A. Smith

Jay Christopher Dumas

LSU School of Dentistry 1100 Florida Ave., Suite 127 914-8111 lsusd.lsuhsc.edu

4201 N. Rampart St. 941-6079

Willard L. Dumas Jr.

Kathryn L. Sturm

4201 N. Rampart St. 941-6079

Audubon Dental Group 6120 Magazine St. 891-7471 AudubonDentalGroup.com

John Raymond Gallo

LSU School of Dentistry 1100 Florida Ave., Suite 137 941-8110 lsusd.lsuhsc.edu

Kim M. Tolar

Tolar Family Dentistry 2502 Napoleon Ave. 891-1880 TolarFamilyDentistry.com *Cosmetic dentistry offered

Dov Glazer

3525 Prytania St., Suite 312 895-1137 Glazers.net

Sammy Tom

Leslie Parro Gottsegen

Audubon Dental Group 6120 Magazine St. 891-7471 AudubonDentalGroup.com

2633 Napoleon Ave., Suite 610 891-5000

Henry A. Gremillion

LSU School of Dentistry 1100 Florida Ave. 619-8500 lsusd.lsuhsc.edu

William R. Yeadon

LSU School of Dentistry 1100 Florida Ave. P.O. Box 140 619-8712 lsusd.lsuhsc.edu

Eric Hovland

LSU School of Dentistry 1100 Florida Ave. 619-8500 lsusd.lsuhsc.edu

River Ridge

William Keith deJong

DeJong-Plaisance Family Dentists 10154 Jefferson Highway 738-5171

William E. Kramer III

2801 Napoleon Ave., Suite A 891-2826 WilliamKramerIIIDDS.com

Warren James Palmisano III 2020 Dickory Ave., Suite 104 733-0871 WJPalmisanoDDS.com

Susan S. Lebon

2633 Napoleon Ave., Suite 605 899-5400

Kerry T. Plaisance Jr.

Deborah Elaine Lesem

De Jong-Plaisance Family Dentists 10154 Jefferson Highway 738-5171

100 Robert E Lee Blvd. 286-3880 DrLesem.com

Edward Emanuel Levy III

7037 Canal Blvd., Suite 206-207 283-5549

Jamie Maria Manders

13201 Patterson Road 394-7702

Francis G. Martello 1502 Amelia St. 891-9119

Slidell

Michael J. Appleton

Oak Harbor Family Dentistry 480 Oak Harbor Blvd. (985) 649-9455 MichaelAppletonDDS.com

James Kevin Curley

2800 Gause Blvd. East, Suite D (985) 649-7510 SmileNaturally.com

2732 Athania Parkway 837-4992

New Orleans

Darlene T. Bassett

Sherwood Dentistry 2316 Metairie Road 833-9552 SherwoodDentistry.com

Mid-City Smiles Family Dentistry 3625 Canal St. 485-6575 MidCitySmiles.com *Cosmetic dentistry offered

5809 Citrus Blvd., Suite 100 733-8551

George Philip Cerniglia

Donald Phillip Bennett

1534 Aline St. 899-2333

110 Village Square (985) 643-7516 SlidellSmiles.com *Cosmetic dentistry offered

Kendall P. Parker

Michael Thomas Robichaux

2727 Houma Blvd., Suite A 454-5880 DrCerniglia.com *Cosmetic dentistry offered

Hunter Lynn Charvet Sr.

Charvet Dental Center 2300 Veterans Memorial Blvd. 834-6504 DrCharvet.com

Joseph John Collura Jr.

3939 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 104 837-9800 DrCollura.com *Cosmetic dentistry offered

George Thomas Comeaux Jr.

2620 Metairie Road 834-2180

Mark David Anderson

1010 Common St., Suite 810 523-4882

Stephen C. Brisco, Sr.

LSU School of Dentistry 1100 Florida Ave., Suite 127 619-8721 lsusd.lsuhsc.edu

James Anthony Campo Campo Dentistry 2215 S. Carrollton Ave. 866-0681 CampoDentistry.com

Mark Stephen Chaney 1407 S. Carrollton Ave. 861-2523

Timothy Jude Delcambre

John H. Moffatt Jr. Jonah R. Moore

Parker Dental Center 5121 N. Claiborne Ave. 949-4547 PDCNola.com

Gizelle PochĂŠ Richard

4460 General Degaulle Drive 394-5330 DrGizelleRichard.com *Cosmetic dentistry offered

Elizabeth Riggs

3442 Magazine St. 891-1115 SmilesByRiggs.com *Cosmetic dentistry offered

Jeffrey Kent Roby

2633 Napoleon Ave., Suite 700

John J. Killeen Jr.

1101 Robert Blvd., Suite A (985) 641-8058 MikeRobichauxDDS.com

Stephen James Tomaszewski Camellia City Family Dentistry 1275 Seventh St. (985) 641-4444 Terrytown

Robert J. Graziano 848 Terry Parkway 391-0114

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Covington

Ben A. Almerico myneworleans.com

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Dr. Kendall P. Parker Treating the Girl Who Couldn’t Smile

W hen K endall P arker was a teenager he, like many other students, went through orthodontic treatment. But Parker, perhaps more perceptive than most teens, noticed that his orthodontist had a pretty nice lifestyle. “I saw he had a beautiful office, a nice car,” Parker says. As he got older, Parker looked further into dentistry and decided it was the career for him. He wasn’t daunted by the years of study awaiting him. A graduate of St. Augustine High School, Parker earned a bachelor’s degree at Howard University and received his D.D.S. from Meharry Medical College’s School of Dentistry. He completed a one-year residency and then worked at a community health center. In 1995, he opened his own practice as a general dentist, handling just about every form of dental care except orthodontia. Parker says he likes the variety that comes with his practice; he sees at least 20 patients in any given day and thrives on the challenges that come through the door. One of his biggest challenges happened two years ago, when a sad young woman appeared for her appointment. She told the dentist, “I don’t like my smile. I need my teeth pulled.” Parker reassured her that dentistry nowadays is advanced enough to save teeth that would have been extracted years ago. He felt confident that her statement was much too drastic. But after X-rays and an examination, Parker discovered the 18-year-old unfortunately was correct. She suffered from a rare, usually inherited condition known as dental 92

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dysplasia. The disease prevents the enamel from forming normally on the teeth. As a result her teeth were crumbling, and she was in a lot of pain. She had gone through school never smiling, avoiding pictures and living with a lot of discomfort. Parker did have to extract her teeth – 31 of them, a procedure that took six months. He also made her removable dentures. The dentures are made of plastic, rather than the porcelain that was used in the past. The end result of all this treatment was a much happier, smiling young lady. As she ages, the patient will have to return to see whether she needs new dentures to fit her changing face. Dental dysplasia is an unusual disease; Parker had never seen a case before, and he hasn’t since. Diagnosing such conditions is much easier now, he says, thanks to the Internet. “Technology helps every day in my practice,” he says. For those who can afford it, implant-fastened dentures can be used in cases of extraction. These types of implants do not need to be removed every evening for cleaning. Parker’s offices were flooded during Hurricane Katrina, but like so many New • 22 years practicing as a dentist Orleanians, he rebuilt and • B.S. from Howard University is as busy as before. He • D.D.S. from Meharry clearly enjoys fulfilling his youthful goal of practicMedical College School of ing dentistry and helping Dentistry, Nashville, TN, in 1991 • Native of New Orleans people keep their smiles.

Almerico Oral & Maxillofacial 195 Greenbriar Blvd., Suite 100 (985) 892-9993 Kenner

Jeffrey W. Dongieux

Hamada Orthodontics 159 Longview Drive, Suite A (985) 725-0509 HamadaOrthodontics.com

9537 Jefferson Highway 737-7324

Gretna

Slidell

Kay D. Daniel

1900 W. Esplanade Ave., Suite 101 468-8300 DrJeffDongieux.com

Philip James Puneky

250 Meadowcrest St., Suite 202 392-8484

Explore Orthodontics 2960 Gause Blvd. East (985) 641-2472 ExploreOrtho.com

Mandeville

Harvey

Michael J. Guevara

Russell L. Westfall

Jack Patrick Devereux Jr.

4600 Highway 22, Suite 4 (985) 624-8877 NorthlakeOFS.com Metairie

Michael S. Block

The Center for Dental Reconstruction 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 112 833-3368 CenterForDentalReconstruction. com

Edward Joseph Boos

4224 Houma Blvd., Suite 670 456-5033

Michael Gray Ferguson

Oral Surgery Services, L.L.C. 4420 Conlin St., Suite 203 455-9960 OralSurgeryServices.net

Walter Jackson

Jackson Oral Surgery & Implants 4051 Veterans Blvd., Suite 200 455-7161 JacksonOralSurgery.com

Robert Edward Lane

Southern Oral Surgery 4224 Houma Blvd., Suite 230 454-4515 SouthernOralSurgery.com

Demarcus D. Smith IV

Oral Surgery Services, L.L.C. 4420 Conlin St., Suite 203 455-9960 OralSurgeryServices.net

Paul Joseph Walters

Oral Surgery Services, L.L.C. 4420 Conlin St., Suite 203 455-9960 OralSurgeryServices.net New Orleans

Charles Patrick Silvia Jr.

Southern Oral Surgery 3525 Prytania St., Suite 216 899-8173 SouthernOralSurgery.com

Hugo St. Hilaire

Audubon Dental Group 6120 Magazine St. 891-7471 AudubonDentalGroup.com

Devereux & Nguyen Orthodontics 2800 Manhattan Blvd., Suite D 368-7513 DN4Smiles.com

Robert Michael Watzke 1929 Jutland Drive 341-0970 Houma

David Carl DeGenova 641 Corporate Drive (985) 851-5664 Kenner

David Victor Scaffidi

527 W. Esplanade Ave., Suite 101 468-6200 ScaffidiOrtho.com Mandeville

Denean A. Cervini

1510 W. Causeway Approach, Suite B (985) 626-6166

William R. Ledoux 260 Dalwill Drive (985) 674-1500

189 Greenbriar Blvd., Suite A (985) 892-5942 ToddBrasuellDDS.com

Miller Orthodontics 1002 Highway 59 (985) 626-0991 DrMillerSmiles.com Metairie

John O. Clotworthy

Clotworthy Orthodontics 1014 Veterans Memorial Blvd. 833-4361 ClotworthyOrtho.com

Hector R. Maldonado

Glenn Carl Dubroc Jr.

Covington

145 Robert E Lee Blvd., Suite 404 283-8873

Laurie Lee Fricke

George Bradley Gottsegen

Destrehan

River Ridge

Allison A. Hamada-Moise

Daniel Paul Bordes

Gottsegen Orthodontics 3424 Coliseum St. 895-4841 GottsegenOrthodontics.com

St. Tammany Periodontics and Implants 7020 Highway 190, Suite B (985) 778-0241 StTammanyPerio.com

Alika K. F. Yu

LSU School of Dentistry 1100 Florida Ave. 619-8721 lsusd.lsuhsc.edu

Gretna

Charles T. McCabe

250 Meadowcrest St., Suite 204 392-4734 NewOrleansPeriodontist.com Mandeville

Marija G. Lasalle

Metairie

Aymee Costales-Spindler

1008 W. Thomas St. (985) 542-6855 Harvey

Nicole R. Boxberger

Kids Dental Zone 4001 Lapalco Blvd., Suite 19 340-2004 TheKidsDentalZone.com Madisonville

704 Main St. (985) 845-3211 ChildrensDentalCottage.com

Claudia Anne Cavallino

New Orleans Childrens Dental Center 3116 Sixth St., Suite 201 833-5528 BayouChildrensDental.com

Pamela R. Shaw

Dentisitry for Children 701 Metairie Road 838-8200 PenguinDentist.com

New Orleans

LSU School of Dentistry 1100 Florida Ave., Suite 230 941-8234 lsusd.lsuhsc.edu

LSU School of Dentistry 1100 Florida Ave., Suite 224 941-8289 lsusd.lsuhsc.edu

Caesar Sweidan

Thomas Hamer Wingo Jr.

Shannon K. Simons

Paul C. Armbruster

Laurie Frances Moeller

Covington

Hammond

Stanley Corbett Simons

Carol A. Stuckey

Periodontics

189 Greenbriar Blvd., Suite A (985) 892-5942 *Cosmetic dentistry offered

4432 Conlin St., Suite 2B 455-5581 MaldonadoOrtho.com 3330 Kingman St., Suite 3 887-8480

P.O. Box 222 941-8287 lsusd.lsuhsc.edu

Northlake Periodontics Advanced Laser Center 1580 W. Causeway Approach, Suite 5 (985) 727-1133

Richard D. Olinde

Metairie

New Orleans

2301 N. Highway 190, Suite 7 P.O. Box 1827 (985) 892-2081 MakingSmilesNew.com

Todd S. Brasuell

Darren Miller

4010 Lonesome Road (985) 626-0160 MadereOrthodontics.com

New Orleans

Orthodontics

Covington

Katherine E. Vo

Oral Pathology

LSU School of Dentistry 1100 Florida Ave. P.O. Box 137 941-8257 lsusd.lsuhsc.edu

Pediatric Dentistry

Ronald A. Madere

Stuckey Orthodontics 701 Metairie Road, Suite 1A-204 835-1349 DrStuckey.com

Kitrina G. Cordell

Guevara Orthodontics 1251 Seventh St. (985) 641-3587 SlidellOrtho.com

2960 E. Gause Blvd. (985) 641-3988 BipposPlace.com

3020 Kingman St., Suite A 885-4794

Jill Donaldson

Bippo’s Place for Smiles 4061 Behrman Highway 368-1990 BipposPlace.com

Laura Pence Hogue

Westside Dental Group 4001 Macarthur Blvd. 368-7000 WestsideDentalGroup.com

Stephen C. Holmes

Uptown Pediatric Dentistry 3715 Prytania St., Suite 380 896-7435 UptownPediatricDentistry.com

Janice A. Townsend

Periodontal Health Specialists 2540 Severn Ave., Suite 402 887-8205

Hisham F. Nasr

The Perio Clinic 337 Metairie Road, Suite 301 831-0800 PerioClinic.net

A. Margarita Saenz

The Perio Clinic 337 Metairie Road, Suite 301 831-0800 PerioClinic.net

Steven J. Spindler

Periodontal Health Specialists 2540 Severn Ave., Suite 402 887-8205 New Orleans

Archontia A. Palaiologou LSU School of Dentistry 1100 Florida Ave. 941-8272 lsusd.lsuhsc.edu

Kristi M. Soileau

2820 Napoleon Ave., Suite 470 899-2255

100 Smart Place (985) 641-6607 SlidellImplantDentist.com This list is excerpted from the 2013 topDentists™ list, which includes listings for more than 150 dentists and specialists in the New Orleans area. For more information call 706-364-0853; or write P.O. Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903; by email (info@ usatopdentists.com) or at www. usatopdentists.com. topDentists has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Copyright 2010-2013 by Top Dentists, LLC, Augusta, GA. All rights reserved. This list, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without permission of topDentists. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of the information in this list without permission.

Thomas William Mabry

Slidell Periodontist 1241 Seventh St., Suite A (985) 646-1421 MabryPerioImplants.com Prosthodontics Metairie

Donna A. Palmisano

4324 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 103 885-2011

Roger A. Vitter

4228 Houma Blvd., Suite 210 883-3737 DrVitter.com New Orleans

Marco A. Brindis

LSU School of Dentistry 1100 Florida Ave. P.O. Box 222 941-8286 lsusd.lsuhsc.edu

Slidell

Luis E. Infante Gonzalez

Bippo’s Place for Smiles

Robert John Rooney II

Slidell

LSU School of Dentistry 1100 Florida Ave. 941-8250 lsusd.lsuhsc.edu

Tessa M. Smith

Slidell

LSU School of Dentistry 1100 Florida Ave.

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Dental Guide Everyone wants to be able to show off their pearly whites and smile or laugh with confidence, but maintaining a healthy smile is important for more reasons than aesthetics. Tooth and gum health can affect one’s overall wellbeing, so visiting the dentist should be a twice-a-year priority. Local dentists, pediatric dentists and specialists in periodontics abound in the region and provide a variety of services in prevention and education as well as restorative and surgical procedures. Take a look at the following respected dentists around the metro area and see why locals have plenty to smile about. General Dentistry Dr. Duane Delaune at Delaune Dental, The Art of Smiles, has been creating beautiful smiles through restorative and cosmetic dentistry for more than 25 years. His state-of-theart office, conveniently located near Lake Ponchartrain on Causeway Boulevard, offers a full range of dental services with a focus on comprehensive care including Smile Design,Porcelain Veneers, Bonding, Implants, Facial Esthetics (Botox and Juvederm), Short-Term Adult Orthodontics (Six Month Smiles), Cosmetic Gum Grafting, TMJ Treatment and Full Mouth Reconstructions. Dr. Delaune is committed to excellence in all areas of dentistry evidenced by his dedication to continue his education, accumulating more than 2,000 hours of post graduate training and earning the designation of “Master” of the Academy of General Dentistry, one of only 10 in the city. His artistic ability in creating beautiful smiles has also earned him the distinction as an Accreditation Candidate in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Some of his work can be seen in his Smile Gallery at DelauneDental.com. To schedule a free consultation or for more information, contact Shannan at info@delaunedental.com or 885-8869. Dr. Joseph J. Collura has worked at the forefront of cosmetic dentistry for more than 30 years, providing top quality care and brighter smiles to patients all over the New Orleans region. He specializes in cosmetic dentistry, advanced restorative dentistry, single-tooth to full-mouth implant treatment, root canal therapy, non-surgical gum care

and prevention and treatment of bite-related problems, and he has been honored with a guest faculty position with the prestigious Scottsdale Center for Dentistry. The Center, led by world-renowned faculty, provides the latest in programs, seminars and hands-on training. Dr. Collura’s Metairie-based practice features individualized care and advanced methods of cosmetic dentistry. He offers a full range of services to create a healthier, more attractive smile, including tooth-colored fillings, porcelain crowns (caps), porcelain fixed bridges, porcelain veneers, procera crown and tooth whitening. He is licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry for conscious sedation and nitrous oxide analgesia. For more information or to make an appointment, visit DrCollura.com or call 837-9800. At Charvet Dental Center, a family-owned practice, your family’s healthy, beautiful smile is a top priority. Offering a full range of dental services that extend from preventative and restorative dental care to cosmetic dental services, Drs. Hunter Charvet, Sr., and Hunter Charvet, Jr., are committed to providing the most advanced services and the most pleasant experiences. At Charvet Dental Center, doctors and staff take the time to inform patients of all possible treatment options, allowing patients the ability to make informed decisions regarding their oral health and smile. From simple cleanings and natural-colored fillings to straightening and implants, comprehensive dental care is available under the same roof. Highly experienced, Dr. Charvet, Sr., recently earned his fellowship with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and is a graduate of the Misch International Implant Institute. Combining the latest in dental technology with the exceptional skill of each doctor has made dental visits quicker, easier and more comfortable for patients than ever before. For more information, including testimonials, a smile gallery and available services, visit DrCharvet.com. To schedule an appointment, call 834-6504. As the name implies, CBD Dental Care is located in the heart of the Central Business District in downtown New Orleans. CBD Dental Care has delivered high quality care myneworleans.com

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for years, catering primarily to downtown professionals and nearby residents. As is necessary in a bustling setting, CBD Dental accurately and effectively assesses patients’ needs, gauging time requirements and keeping to a schedule for the benefit of clientele. Dr. Wallace Serpas leads the team of dentists, technicians and staff. With more than 20 years experience, Dr. Serpas specializes in general dentistry with a continuing education focus in dental implants. Since 1989, Dr. Stephanie Phillips has provided quality care with a special interest in implant dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and prosthodontics. Dr. Brian Schmidt is the newest addition to their team, joining in 2012 after graduating from LSU School of Dentistry. The team is adept at general and cosmetic dentistry, offering an array of procedures that include standard cleanings, whitening, crowns, bridges, implants, straightening as well as cutting edge technologies such as a new digital X-ray system. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, visit CBDDentalCare.com or call 525-9990.

For quality, comprehensive dental services, visit the Daughters of Charity Health Centers dental offices. Led by three respected dentists and leaders in the community, these two offices offer general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry with services that include comprehensive exams, digital X-rays, extractions, fillings, crowns and dentures, fluoride treatments, professional cleaningsand implants. Dr. Willard Dumas and Dr. Jay Dumas, father and son, practice at the Carrollton dental office at 3201 S. Carrollton Ave. and were recently named “Top Dentists” by New Orleans Magazine. Additionally, Dr. Cliff Davis practices at the Bywater/St. Cecilia dental office located at 1030 Lesseps St. All three Daughters of Charity dentists are affiliated with local dental associations. They treat patients of all ages and accept many insurance plans. Fees are also available on a sliding scale for the uninsured and underinsured. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 941-6079 (Bywater) or 212-9550 (Carrollton). For information on the Daughters of Charity Health Centers, visit dcsno.org.

Dr. Deborah Lesem provides family dental services ranging from preventive care to complete dental restoration and cosmetic makeovers. Preventive treatments include dental cleanings, performed by Dr. Lesem herself, and thorough examinations that include screenings for gum disease and oral cancer. Restorative treatments range from cosmetic procedures and white fillings to root canals, crowns, implant restorations and full and partial dentures. Regarded as one of the city’s top cosmetic dental providers, she uses her artistic skills to change patients’ look by improving their smiles. Of the services that Dr. Lesem provides, she says that her patients seem to truly appreciate the cosmetic procedures the most. “Patients really love it when they come in with teeth that they may be self-conscious about, and leave with a gorgeous smile that they can’t wait to show off.” Dr. Lesem says that many of the cosmetic procedures she performs only take one or two visits and do not require shots. For more information, check out Dr. Lesem’s website at DrLesem.com, or to schedule an appointment, call 286-3880.

At Clearview Dental Care, Dr. Eva Jessup wants her patients to feel at home and comfortable while receiving the quality dental care they deserve. The Clearview Dental Care team offers comprehensive general dentistry services for the entire family – everything from routine cleanings to tooth-colored fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, partials, veneers and implants. With more than 16 years of experience practicing in the Metairie area, Dr. Jessup remains committed to excellence in all areas of her practice, from utilizing advanced technologies and procedures to continued education for

Dr. Mark Anderson and Dr. Jessica Tingstrom pride themselves in their top-quality, patient-first approach to family dentistry. Conveniently located on the Canal streetcar line in Mid-City, Mid-City Smiles Family Dentistry offers complete dental care for all ages, everything from routine cleanings and cosmetic procedures such as Lumineers and the new SnapOn Smile, to advanced implant dentistry. Orthodontic care includes braces and Invisalign, and Dr. Anderson is recognized as a leading area Invisalign provider. A new, state-of-the-art office allows them to offer the most advanced technology and techniques in creating and restoring beautiful, healthy smiles. Dr. Anderson is a New Orleans native and graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School and LSU. Dr. Tingstrom is also from New Orleans and a graduate of Mount Carmel Academy and UNO. Both are graduates of the LSU School of Dentistry. Along with their caring staff, they provide a friendly, relaxed atmosphere in a beautiful office space. Uniquely positioned to serve the entire New Orleans community, Dr. Anderson and his staff are multilingual and fluent in Spanish. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, visit MidCitySmiles.com or call 485-6575.

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herself and her entire staff. A New Orleans native, Dr. Jessup is a graduate of Archbishop Chapelle High School, LSU Baton Rouge and LSU School of Dentistry. She completed her general practice residency at Charity Hospital and an externship at Guy’s Hospital in London. Clearview Dental Care is located at 2221 Clearview Parkway in Metairie. Interest-free financing is available for qualified patients and senior citizen discounts are also available. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 455-1667 or visit ClearviewDentalCare.com. Oral Surgery A top specialist in New Orleans, Dr. Michael Block is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon who utilizes state-of-the-art technology in his practice to ensure the best possible care for patients. He practices the full scope of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, including orthognathic surgical correction of facial deformities, TMJ problems, removal of tumors with reconstruction, as well as removal of teeth with sedation. His latest book on implant surgery is used by students, residents and professionals as a resource. Dr. Block teaches the procedure that replaces all of the patient’s teeth or one tooth within a few hours of their removal, eliminating the need for a removable denture. Patients come in with teeth or a tooth that need to be replaced, and leave the office with a new set of teeth, or a single crown, all within a few hours. Incredible technologies, such as the cone beam CT scanner, eliminate routine dental impressions for implant restorations. Also, advanced laser treatments facilitate efficient tissue healing with minimal pain. Dr. Block’s efficient office and dedicated staff carefully organize schedules to avoid delays in seeing and treating patients at the clinic. For more info visit CenterForDentalReconstruction.com or call 833-3368. Periodontics Periodontics, the treatment of gum disease and the tissues that hold the teeth in place, is a growing area of medicine that many people don’t know much about. Additionally, many people don’t realize that periodontal disease can be associated with very serious medical conditions, including heart attack, stroke, diabetes, arthritis and prostate cancer. This disease affects approximately 70-80 percent of the adult population at some point in their life, which translates to about three out of four adults. One of only a few dentists in the area able to provide laser periodontal treatment with the FDA approved LANAP protocol, Dr. Charles T. McCabe specializes in periodontics with a strong interest in cosmetic periodontal procedures as well as dental implants. Dr. McCabe’s office has the newest technology available today for periodontal care, the Millennium Periolase. Like LASIK surgery for the eyes, this laser is used to treat periodontal disease with a minimally invasive approach resulting in fast healing, little discomfort and numerous other benefits. For more information on Dr. McCabe, periodontal disease and to see if you are a candidate for laser periodontal treatment, visit NewOrleansPeriodontist.com or call 392-4734. For top quality treatment of periodontal disease, visit Drs. Steve and Aymee Spindler of Spindler Periodontic Specialists. Dedicated to the complete wellness of the

patient, their mission is to provide the latest, most comfortable periodontal treatment available for patients’ conditions and to do so in a pleasant environment. Their office, conveniently located in Metairie, offers a relaxed atmosphere with friendly staff and state-of-the-art technology for the most advanced surgical and non-surgical procedures. Services include conventional periodontal surgery as well as minimally invasive endoscopic procedures, laser, periodontal plastic surgery, tissue regeneration, implants, oral sedation, oral medicine, Botox and facial dermal fillers.Both doctors are fluent in Spanish and take numerous continuing education courses to ensure use of the latest, most efficient and effective techniques and standards of care. Located at 2540 Severn Ave. (Suite 402), Spindler Periodontic Specialists can be reached for more information and appointments by calling 887-8205. Pediatric Dentistry Did you know that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American Dental Association recommend your child’s first dental visit by his or her first birthday? Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dental and oral health. A Pediatric Specialist is specifically trained to treat children from birth through adolescence including children with special needs. They have two additional years of education, including advanced training in sedation/general anesthesia, child psychology and behavior management, growth and development and pediatric medicine. Not sure if your child’s dentist is a specialist? Ask specifically if he or she is a pediatric dentist and have completed a pediatric residency. Pediatric dentists in the New Orleans area include: • Dr. Stephen Holmes, Uptown Pediatric Dentistry (896-7435) • Dr. Claudia Cavallino & Dr. Kellie Axelrad, New Orleans Children’s Dental Clinic (833-5528) • Dr. Pamela R. Shaw Dentistry for Children (838-8200) • Dr. Ronald Curran & Dr. Elizabeth Thorson, Great Big Smiles (455-2213) For more information or to find the pediatric dentist nearest you, visit AAPD.org. For the same reason pediatricians focus their practices on children’s medical care, pediatric dentists Drs. Claudia Cavallino and Kellie Axelrad at the New Orleans Children’s Dental Center specialize in in the healthy smiles of children. Board certified in pediatric dentistry, Drs. Cavallino and Axelrad received two additional years of training after dental school and have advanced training in child psychology, behavior management, hospital dentistry and craniofacial growth and development. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association recommend a child first see a dentist by age 1. At the New Orleans Children’s Dental Center, parents can expect specialized and individualized care for their child, whether it be in prevention, restorative treatment or oral surgery. Treating only children and teens, Drs. Cavallino and Axelrad have additional advanced training in treating children with special needs and developmental disabilities. Both doctors are on staff at Children’s Hospital and Ochsner Medical center, where Dr. Cavallino also serves on the Cleft Palate and Craniofacial team. The New Orleans Children’s Dental Center serves families in several parishes from offices in Metairie and Houma. For more information, visit BayouChildrensDental.com or call 833-5228. • myneworleans.com

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Men’s Health Father’s Day on June 16th gives us a time to celebrate the men in our lives – the fathers, grandfathers and sons that bring joy, laughter and words of wisdom to family gatherings, backyard barbecues and the occasional “teachable moment.” While celebrating these men, it’s important to celebrate health and ensure a lifetime of father’s days to come. Along with specialists in cardiovascular care, urology, mental health and more, a special focus on orthopedics and sports medicine features some of the most renowned physicians and surgeons the region has to offer. Remind the men in your life that it takes more than an “apple a day” to remain, healthy, happy and active. The following specialists are here to provide the extra care your family may need. Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Tulane Orthopaedics doctors are elite, fellowship-trained surgeons who combine their expertise and sub-specialty areas into a single comprehensive program. Patients have access to some of the most capable surgical care in the nation as well as one of the finest rehabilitation programs. This ensures a faster and more effective recovery, regardless of whether you’re trying to get back on the sports field or back to daily life. Specialists offer care and prevention of sports medicine injuries, total joint replacements of hips, knees, shoulders, elbows and ankles, treatment of pelvic and other bone fractures, and treatment of spine-related conditions ranging from scoliosis in children to adults with disc herniations and spinal stenosis. Other conditions treated include painful foot ailments such as bunions, along with hand and wrist injuries and painful nerve compressions. With multiple locations, including the Institute of Sports Medicine, in Uptown, 104

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Covington and Slidell, Tulane-Lakeside in Metairie, and downtown at Tulane Medical Center, our doctors and staff are able to serve the entire Greater New Orleans community. For more information, call 877-Tortho-1 (877-867-8461), or 988-6032 or visit OrthoTulane.com. The NORTH Institute, Neurological Orthopedic Rehabilitation Total Health, offers a multidisciplinary practice with experts in the fields of neurosurgery and spinal surgery, rehabilitative medicine, orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. Their experts treat diseases and injuries of the muscles, bones, joints and spine while striving to maintain the most technologically advanced and safest treatment options. The North is proud to include on their team an orthopedic spine surgeon and a neurosurgeon, a general orthopedic surgeon, two physiatrists and a state-of-the-art, onsite physical therapy facility with two Certified Manual Therapists on staff. With an in-office Injection Suite, spinal/orthopedic injections can be performed on site, rather than in the hospital. Many advances have been made recently, and the treatment of sports injuries and orthopedics is unparalleled. The NORTH Institute incorporates a team approach with specially trained physical therapists, giving patients the benefit of Neurological and Orthopedic Rehabilitation Total Health treatment. They are now able to serve the entire Northshore and Southshore with locations in Lacombe, Metairie, Hammond and Bogalusa. Visit NorthInstitute.com. Westside Orthopaedic Clinic provides muscular and skeletal care for the West Bank and the Greater New Orleans region. The clinic has been in operation since 1961, making it one of the longest standing orthopaedic clinics in the city.

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Most major insurance plans are accepted, including workerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s compensation. Timely appointments are available. Westside offers full-service, in-house X-rays, EMG/NCS, as well as physical therapy services utilizing new rehabilitation equipment. The surgeons are trained in all areas of modern orthopaedic surgery and are both board-certified, as well as fellowship trained. Dr. Chris DiGrado and Dr. Ralph Katz are leaders in their field, performing advanced, minimally invasive procedures that restore strength and independence, allowing patients to successfully return to their regular activities quickly. High-quality patient care is of the utmost importance at Westside Orthopaedic Clinic. Dr. Chris DiGrado, a shoulder and hand specialist at Westside Orthopaedic Clinic, treats upper extremity problems. He specializes in arthroscopic techniques for repairing shoulder rotator cuff tears and minimal incision carpal tunnel surgery. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Tulane University School of Medicine. Additionally, Dr. Ralph Katz specializes in treating all spinal disorders and is one of the few surgeons in the Greater New Orleans Area who performs minimally invasive spinal surgery, including microdiscectomy and spinal fusion. For patients who fit the criteria, he is also one of the few local surgeons who perform both cervical and lumbar disc replacements. For more information on Drs. DiGrado and Katz and Westside Orthopaedic Clinic, visit WestsideOrtho.com or call 347-0243. The LSU Orthopedic Surgery Private Practice is comprised of 12 LSU physicians covering pediatric and adult orthopedic problems. Their areas of expertise include spine, shoulder, elbow, hand, hip, knee, foot, ankle problems and more. These LSU physicians utilize the most advanced techniques including computer-assisted surgery. As teaching faculty, they bring cutting edge technology to the Louisiana region and are responsible for guiding future generations of Louisiana physicians. As an academic practice, many of their doctors are nationally recognized in the field of orthopedic surgery and are involved in teaching courses and innovative research. Their research has been presented at international conferences and published in scientific journals. Working within the context of the LSU Health Science Center allows the physicians the flexibility for a multidisciplinary approach in providing quality patient care. In addition, the LSU Healthcare Network allows physicians within the system to utilize a state-of-the art electronic medical record in coordinating the most comprehensive medical team in the region. For Orthopaedic appointments call 412-1700 or visit LSUDocs.com. For leading care in Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine surgeries, the physicians associated with Omega Hospital in Metairie are some of the most well-known and respected leaders in their field. Practicing out of the Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine and affiliated with Omega Hospital are Dr. Charles Murphy, Dr. Thomas Lyons and Dr. Luis Espinoza. These exceptional doctors are all fellowship trained and board certified. The official doctors of St. Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School, they specialize in minimally invasive arthroscopic shoulder procedures as well as arthroscopic management of knee, elbow and ankle problems. One of the top hand surgeons in the country, Dr. Eric George, from Hand Surgical Associates, is known for practicing myneworleans.com

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the latest innovations in hand surgeries. Well known for his expertise, Dr. George has done more total wrist surgeries than any doctor in the country. Affiliated with Omega for more than seven years, Dr. Brad Bartholomew is a neurosurgeon specializing in spinal, back and neck surgeries. For more information, visit OmegaHospital.com. The Sports Medicine Center of Thibodaux Regional strives to improve the quality of care provided to young athletes. Athletic training services are provided to area high schools that do not have a sports medicine specialist on staff. Personnel is available to cover select practices and games, evaluate and refer athletic injuries, design and monitor rehabilitation programs and consult with coaches to improve athletic performance. “Thibodaux Regional’s sports medicine program offers seminars that focus on nutrition, conditioning, equipment fitting and reconditioning, and specific health topics such as concussion and athletic injury rehabilitation,” says Larry D‘Antoni, ATC, LAT, coordinator of the Sports Medicine Center of Thibodaux Regional. “These seminars are available for coaches, athletic trainers, physical therapists, physicians and any other individuals involved in working with athletes.” To learn more about the sports medicine program at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center, call 985-493-4502 or visit Thibodaux.com. One of the region’s top orthopaedic surgeons, Dr. Neil Maki, operates Thibodaux Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine

Clinic. Six staff members, including physician assistant, Nicole Orgeron Bourgeois, PA-C, ensure that patients’ individual needs are effectively met. Advanced services include digital X-ray, electronic medical records (EMR); ultrasound technology and DEXA scan. Although Dr. Maki does most orthopaedic procedures, he specializes in the shoulder and sports medicine. Dr. Maki pioneered many of today’s shoulder arthroscopic procedures including obtaining patents on some arthroscopic instrumentation. He performs shoulder replacements, including reverse shoulder replacement and resurfacing arthroplasty. He is one of few specialists who perform endoscopic carpal tunnel (wrist) and endoscopic cubital tunnel (elbow) surgery. Board certified in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine, Dr. Maki is on the active staff at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. He is also fellowship trained in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery. He has previously served on the medical staff of the N.O. Saints and currently is a team physician for Nicholls State University athletic programs. Visit ThibodauxOrthopaedic.com or call 985-446-6284. Dr. Alexis Waguespack is a fellowship-trained spine specialist, providing treatment of cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine disorders and trauma, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis (pinched nerve) and adult scoliosis. She performs minimally invasive lumbar fusion surgery. Dr. Waguespack uses kyphoplasty for osteoporotic fractures, where cement is injected into the bone to restore height and provide immediate pain relief, allowing patients to stand and walk again. Dr. Waguespack is a board certified orthopedic surgeon and a member of the North American Spine Society, Cervical Spine Research Society and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. She maintains two offices in the metropolitan New Orleans area to serve the needs of her patients. Her East Bank office is on Interstate-10, Service Road North at the corner of Lake Villa Drive. Her new West Bank office is located at 1849B Barataria Blvd. For more information, call 392-7123. Surgical Care For treatment that goes beyond the ordinary, Omega Hospital, located in Metairie, offers some of the nation’s top surgical specialists in a leading-edge medical facility. More than 50 physicians, representing 19 medical and surgical specialties, provide the highest quality care for patients. Associates are all board certified in one or more fields, and work as a team to ensure patients a complete, accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for the unique needs of each individual. All testing is done onsite, and physicians focus on holistic patient care and individualized plans for treatment. Omega prides itself on superior care, and all preoperative diagnostic requirements equal or exceed local, state and national standards. In addition to the newest technology and procedures available, Omega Hospital offers a full range of diagnostic and laboratory testing services. Highly qualified professionals with decades of experience are a devoted resource for patients seeking the most advanced medical techniques, with a commitment to comfort during recovery. Hospital facilities are designed for patient comfort as well and include guest suites, outpatient recovery suites, outpatient surgery suites

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and operating room suites. For further information visit OmegaHospital.com or call 800-535-4177. Long Term Care Chartered in 1891, the John J. Hainkel, Jr. Home & Rehabilitation Center is a non-profit home located in Uptown New Orleans that provides health care services to local Medicaid, Medicare and Veterans Affairs patients as well as those with private insurance or private pay. The Hainkel Home promotes quality of life through a unique and caring alternative for the elderly and those who suffer from serious illnesses or disabilities. The Hainkel Home is currently licensed and operates as a Long Term Care Facility, a Skilled Nursing Facility and has an adjunct Adult Day Health Care program. Adult Day Health Care is a fully licensed, community-based day care program that provides direct care up to five days a week, Monday through Friday. It provides a variety of health, therapeutic and social services to those who would benefit from a supervised day program. The program provides services to help seniors transition from total independence to assisted care, supporting individuals remaining in their own home. For more information on the Hainkel Home and its programs, visit HainkelHome.com or call 896-5900. Anyone looking for compassionate and dignified care for their terminally ill loved ones should take a look at the services offered by Canon Hospice. The caring team at Canon is dedicated to a hospice ministry that helps patients and families accept terminal illness positively and resourcefully.

Their stated goal is to â&#x20AC;&#x153;allow our patients to live each day to the fullest and enjoy their time with family and friends.â&#x20AC;? With special expertise in pain management and symptom control, Canon Hospice designs individualized plans of care for each patient based on their unique needs. Home Based Services provide doctors, nurses, social workers, pastoral care and volunteers. For patients with more intensive symptom management needs, Canon has an Inpatient Hospice Unit. This unit provides 24-hour care in a home-like environment where patients are permitted to receive visits at any hour. For more information, visit CanonHospice.com or call 818-2723. Cardiovascular Care Do you know your risk of cardiovascular disease? If you have family history, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure, or if you smoke, are obese, or live an inactive lifestyle, you could be at risk. It is important to determine your risk factors and take preventative measures no matter your age or gender. Cardiovascular disease can also surface as peripheral vascular disease, a hardening of the arteries due to build-up or blockage in any area of the body other than the heart, most commonly in the feet. Symptoms include ulcers and pain in the feet and legs at rest. Statistics show that 85 percent of amputations can be prevented through proper treatment. Cardiovascular Institute of the South cardiologists have received national recognition for preventing amputations and saving limbs affected by vascular disease. Before considering amputation, call us for a consultation at 800-425-2565 or visit cardio.com to learn more.

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Urological Care Wesley Bryan, M.D., Pablo Labadie, M.D., and Ryan Glass, M.D., all practice at West Jefferson Medical Center. Board certified by the American Board of Urology, these three urologists make up West Jefferson Urology Specialists. With an office in the Physicians Center at West Jefferson Medical Center, these physicians’ focuses include early detection of cancers of the genitourinary tract including prostate, kidney and bladder cancer; use of state-of-the-art technology and minimally invasive surgery; pelvic reconstructive surgery; care of persons with sexual health-related needs; and treatment of incontinence and kidney stones. Supportive of community outreach, Drs. Bryan, Labadie and Glass volunteer for the Cancer Center at West Jefferson, taking part in programs to increase cancer awareness and early detection. To schedule a free prostate screening and attend their Men’s Health Day on Thursday, June 20, from 5 p.m.-7 p.m., call 349-1789 or sign up on-line at wjmc.org/menshealth. The event is free and will include barbecue and a door prize. Crescent City Physicians Inc., a subsidiary of Touro, offers the latest in urological care and technology. Dr. Richard Vanlangendonck is a board certified urologist fellowshiptrained in minimally invasive urologic surgery with a primary focus on prostate and kidney cancers. Due to advances in robotic technology, prostatectomies and nephrectomies can now be performed in such a way that surrounding nerves may be spared, which offers patients many potential benefits. Patients having robotic prostatectomies typically have reduced side effects from prostate cancer surgery over traditional open surgery. Reduced side effects, as well as the possibility of a partial nephrectomy, are advantages of robotic surgery in dealing with kidney cancer. In partial nephrectomies, only the diseased part of the kidney is removed while sparing the healthy, functioning kidney tissue. Dr. Vanlangendonck uses the state-of-the-art da Vinci® Surgical System in performing these procedures. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 897-7196 or visit Crescent City Physicians online at CrescentCityPhysicians.com.

Has someone you love been diagnosed with prostate cancer or kidney cancer? The Department of Urology at Tulane University Medical Center, a national leader in providing minimally invasive surgical procedures for various urologic maladies, stands at the forefront of cancer treatment through state-of-the-art robotic procedures, breakthrough treatments and research. Tulane Urology’s highly trained surgeons along with the daVinci high-definition robot offer patients a highly advanced therapeutic option for prostate and kidney cancer treatment. This cutting edge, minimally invasive surgical technology, combined with the extensive experience of Doctors Benjamin Lee and Raju Thomas have made Tulane Urology the go-to center for the treatment of prostate cancer and kidney cancer. If you would like more information on the various treatments and procedures offered at Tulane Urology, visit SaveTheKidney.net or MyProstateCancer.com. Cancer Care Serving Thibodaux and the Bayou Region, the Cancer Center of Thibodaux Regional has been a leader in the fight against cancer for more than 18 years. Accredited with Commendation by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and the only program in Louisiana to receive the College’s Outstanding Achievement Award three times, the Center provides the most advanced and comprehensive cancer care in a quality based and compassionate environment. Thibodaux Regional’s Cancer Center provides many options for the treatment of prostate cancer. Prostate Seed Implants (brachytherapy), performed by the radiation oncologist and urologists, deliver radiation directly to the prostate while sparing nearby healthy tissue. The revolutionary daVinci Robotic Surgical System is a minimally invasive microsurgery procedure that allows the surgeon more pinpoint movement than traditional surgery, decreasing the risk of damage to nearby tissue. Additionally, the Cancer Center’s advanced Trilogy System can be utilized to perform Stereotactic Radiosurgery, which delivers a high dose of radiation to the targeted tissue without cutting. To find out more about the Cancer Center of Thibodaux Regional, visit Thibodaux.com or call 985-493-4008. Mental Health River Oaks Hospital has established a tradition of excellence in the treatment of trauma-based disorders, eating disorders, psychiatric illness and substance abuse for adults and seniors. Children and adolescents with psychiatric illness are also treated on campus in a separate, safe environment. River Oaks houses the nationally recognized New Orleans Institute for trauma-based disorders such as sexual trauma and/or physical abuse, combat trauma, complicated grief from severe loss and compulsivity. The Eating Disorders Treatment Center offers comprehensive inpatient and partial hospitalization programs for both adolescents and adults suffering from anorexia, bulimia and related disorders.Medicare, Tricare and most private insurances are accepted for each of the programs offered.For more information on programs available at River Oaks Hospital, please visit riveroakshospital.com or call 800-3661740. Confidential assessments are available 24 hours a day. •

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ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY LIST As seen in the November/December 2012 issue of Louisiana Life Magazine

Orthopaedic Surgery James C. Butler Southern Spine Care 1570 Lindburg Drive, Suite 4 Slidell (985) 661-2170 Lucas Thomas Cashio Jefferson Orthopaedic Clinic 920 Ave. B Marrero (504) 349-6804 George Chimento Ochsner Health System Ochsner Medical Center Department of Orthopaedics 1514 Jefferson Highway,  Fifth Floor New Orleans (504) 842-3970 Kevin Darr Covington Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Clinic 19343 Sunshine Ave. Covington (985) 892-5117 Vinod Dasa Louisiana State University  Health Sciences Center Department of Orthopaedic Surgery 1542 Tulane Ave. New Orleans (504) 568-4680 Luis M. Espinoza Orthopaedic Center  for Sports Medicine 671 W. Esplanade Ave.,  Suite 100 Kenner (504) 467-5900 Donald C. Faust 2633 Napoleon Ave., Suite 600 New Orleans (504) 899-1000 Mark J. Hontas Tulane University Medical  Group – Covington Clinic Department of Orthopaedic Surgery 71211 Highway 21, Suite A Covington (985) 893-9922 Deryk Jones Ochsner Hospital – Elmwood Ochsner Sports Medicine Institute Cartilage Restoration Institute 1201 S. Clearview Parkway Jefferson (504) 736-4800

Mark Juneau Jr. Jefferson Orthopaedic Clinic 920 Ave. B Marrero (504) 349-6804 Jefferson James Kaye Ochsner Health System Ochsner Medical Center Department of Orthopaedics 1514 Jefferson Highway,  Fifth Floor New Orleans (504) 842-3970 Andrew G. King Children’s Hospital  of New Orleans Department of Orthopaedic Surgery 200 Henry Clay Ave. New Orleans (504) 896-9569 Peter C. Krause LSU Healthcare Network St. Charles Multispecialty Clinic Department of Orthopaedics 3700 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans (504) 412-1366 James Monroe Laborde Orthopaedic Associates  of New Orleans 3434 Prytania St., Suite 430 New Orleans (504) 899-6391 Neil James Maki Thibodaux Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Clinic 525 St. Mary St. Thibodaux (985) 446-6284 Keith Melancon LSU Orthopaedics 200 W. Esplanade Ave.,  Suite 500 Kenner (504) 412-1700 Mark S. Meyer Ochsner Health System Ochsner Medical Center Department of Orthopaedics 1514 Jefferson Highway,  Fifth Floor New Orleans (504) 842-3970 Scott C. Montgomery Ochsner Hospital – Elmwood Ochsner Sports Medicine Institute Building B, Suite 104 myneworleans.com

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1201 S. Clearview Parkway Jefferson (504) 736-4800 J. Lockwood Ochsner Jr. Ochsner Health System Ochsner Medical Center Department of Orthopaedics 1514 Jefferson Highway,  Fifth Floor New Orleans (504) 842-3970 H. Reiss Plauche Covington Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Clinic 19343 Sunshine Ave. Covington (985) 892-5117 Jason L. Rolling Covington Orthopaedic  and Sports Medicine Clinic 19343 Sunshine Ave. Covington (985) 892-5117 Felix H. Savoie III Tulane Institute of  Sports Medicine 202 McAlister Extension New Orleans (504) 864-1476 Misty Suri Ochsner Hospital – Elmwood Ochsner Sports Medicine Institute Building B, Suite 104 1201 S. Clearview Parkway Jefferson (504) 736-4800 Robert Treuting Ochsner Health System Ochsner Medical Center Department of Orthopaedics 1514 Jefferson Highway,  Fifth Floor New Orleans (504) 842-3970 Fredric Harvey Warren Ochsner Health System Ochsner Medical Center Department of Orthopaedics 1514 Jefferson Highway, Fifth Floor New Orleans (504) 842-3970 Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery William Accousti Children’s Hospital  of New Orleans Department of Orthopaedic Surgery 200 Henry Clay Ave. New Orleans (504) 896-9569

James Toliver Bennett Tulane University  Medical Center Division of Pediatric  Orthopaedic Surgery 1415 Tulane Ave. New Orleans (504) 988-2177 Joseph A. Gonzales Jr. Children’s Hospital  of New Orleans Department of Orthopaedic Surgery 200 Henry Clay Ave. New Orleans (504) 896-9569 Stephen Douglas Heinrich Children’s Hospital  of New Orleans Department of Orthopaedic Surgery 200 Henry Clay Ave. New Orleans (504) 896-9569 Andrew G. King Children’s Hospital  of New Orleans Department of Orthopaedic Surgery 200 Henry Clay Ave. New Orleans (504) 896-9569 Fredric Harvey Warren Ochsner Health System Ochsner Medical Center Department of Orthopaedics 1514 Jefferson Highway,  Fifth Floor New Orleans (504) 842-3970 Best Doctors, Inc., has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list, but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person or other party for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Copyright 2012, Best Doctors, Inc. Used under license, all rights reserved. This list, or any parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without written permission from Best Doctors, Inc. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without the permission of Best Doctors, Inc. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of the information in this list without permission. BEST DOCTORS, THE BEST DOCTORS IN AMERICA, and the Star-inCross Logo are trademarks of Best Doctors, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries, and are used under license. •

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Lobby of Blake hotel New Orleans

Playing Tourist:

New Orleans & Beyond Everyone gets into vacation mode in the summertime, and whether you’re coming, going or “staycationing” this month, there are plenty of ways to enjoy fun both in and out of the sun. The region is home to world-famous restaurants, unique attractions and splendid shopping, and the following guide to playing tourist includes some of the city’s favorites. Creole cooking, steakhouses and ethnic offerings round out some of the city’s dining destinations, while CBD hotels and an Alabama resort make travel arrangements a cinch. Plenty of shopping and entertainment options help you fill the day with activities the whole family can enjoy. One doesn’t have to be a tourist to play tourist. Get out this month, and enjoy all the region has to offer. Dining & Imbibing For more than 170 years, Antoine’s Restaurant has been making history in the heart of the French Quarter, serving French-Creole cuisine with excellent service in an inviting comfortable setting. With 14 unique dining rooms, each offering its own historical charm, it’s no wonder Antoine’s has served guests such as General Patton, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, President Roosevelt and more. Throughout 2013, Antoine’s offers a seasonal $20.13 Lunch Special for parties of 15 or less. Perhaps start with the Tomato Andouille Basil Soup or the sweet and savory Ponchatoula Salad before delighting yourself with Basil Crusted Drum or the Ginger Currant Pork entrees. Perhaps you’d rather try the Hot 112

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Shrimp Ravigote Au Gratin appetizer or the Crawfish Etouffee entrée. For dessert, enjoy the Pecan Bread Pudding, Pineapple Upside-Down Cake or Peach Melba. While dining, sip on the day’s featured 25-cent cocktail. Enjoy happy hour at the Hermes bar daily from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. For more info or reservations, visit Antoines.com or call 581-4422. For a casual soup, panini or coffee experience, visit Antoine’s Annex at 513 Royal St. (525-8045). A self-described “Spirited Restaurant,” SoBou elevates the adult beverage to a level of esteem, a pleasurable accompaniment to a whimsical yet Commander’s-quality meal. The latest venture of the Commander’s family of restaurants, SoBou, short for “South of Bourbon,” offers guests a customizable dining experience, from small plates and drinks to a full three courses. Happier Hour begins at SoBou in June. From 3-6 p.m. seven days a week, guests can choose Happier Hour snacks as well as cocktails, beer and wine for only $3-$6. SoBou is excited to introduce three new lunch entrees to the already popular menu: Rosemary Crusted Oyster Salad, Char-Grilled Shrimp Salad, and a Soup & Salad all for a mere $12. SoBou, recently named one of America’s “Coolest New Businesses” by Business Insider, invites guests to cool off with a cocktail in their hidden courtyard this summer. For more information and reservations, contact SoBou at 552-4095 or online at SoBouNola.com.

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Both locals and visitors know Commander’s Palace as a place to enjoy great food and atmosphere in one of New Orleans most beautiful and historical neighborhoods. With its famous weekend jazz brunch and spectacular weekday entrees as low as $16 with 25-cent martinis, Commander’s Palace is perfect for a mid-day meal before exploring the city. Complimentary walking maps of the Garden District include historical houses and destinations complete with informative blurbs on each one. What better way to burn off the calories of an unforgettable meal than with a stroll around the picturesque Garden District. Or, stop by Commander’s early for a map, and enjoy a stroll before relaxing in the early evening with Commander’s new Happier Hour from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Beginning this month, guests choose two appetizers and a cocktail for only $20. Enjoy summer with a true New Orleans experience with Commander’s Palace. For more information and to make reservations, call 899-8221 or visit CommandersPalace.com. Amazing history, elegant old-world ambiance and delectable Creole cuisine come together at The Court of Two Sisters in the French Quarter. Located at 613 Royal St., this old-line New Orleans restaurant is where locals and visitors from around the world come to enjoy traditional Creole cuisine in the largest courtyard in the French Quarter. Dinner is a romantic, memorable occasion where entrees include Louisiana Shrimp & Grits, Veal Oscar and Char-Broiled Tenderloin of Beef. Guests are served under flickering gaslights in the courtyard or in one of three elegant dining rooms. During the day, the Jazz Brunch Buffet provides a lavish display of hot and cold dishes while Charlie Fardella’s Sensation Jazz Band plays Dixieland favorites. The restaurant is available to host special events. From birthday dinners to bridal showers, the Court of Two Sisters provides a beautiful setting, freshly prepared food and refreshing drinks all summer long. Open seven days a week, the Jazz Brunch Buffet is served from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and their romantic Creole Dinners are served nightly from 5:30-10 p.m. Reservations are recommended. For more information visit CourtOfTwoSisters.com or call 522-7261. Five Happiness, New Orleans’s award-winning Chinese restaurant, offers a delicious menu of Sichuan and Hunan specialties in a newly renovated sleek and elegant dining room. Enjoy the succulent shrimp with honey-roasted pecans, Antoine’s Restaurant

General’s Chicken or asparagus sautéed with garlic sauce in a comfortable and unique setting distinguished by its authentic Chinese décor of etched glass and Chinese paintings. The dining room, now split into three rooms, provides a more private dining experience for guests. The well-known and affordable Imperial Room is available at Five Happiness for private parties, receptions or other functions and can hold from 50-150 people. Serving options are customized for each party, ranging from sit-down dinners to buffets or cocktails with hors d’oeuvres and prices ranging from $20-$45 per person. For more information, call 482-3935 or visit FiveHappiness.com. Locals and tourists alike have been thrilled by the refreshingly uncomplicated menu of Chophouse New Orleans, awarding this prime steakhouse with Opentable Diners’ Choice awards for Best Food, Best Service, Best Ambiance, Notable Wine List and Good for Groups. Additionally, Chophouse was named “Best New Restaurant 2012” by readers of Where Y’at. The USDA Prime-only menu includes chilled Carpaccio, expertly broiled Filet Mignon, Bone-in Rib Eye and a monster 40oz. Porterhouse for two. The menu also offers notable fresh seafood selections such as Pan Sautéed Redfish Amandine, Sea Bass, Giant Lobster Tails (Broiled or Fried) and Baked Shrimp. Settle in to the dynamic sophistication of the restaurant or dine outside in the beautifully lit courtyard in the cool of a summer night. Live entertainment nightly complements an already decadent dining experience. Chophouse New Orleans opens daily at 5 p.m. and offers complimentary valet parking. Visit Chophouse on the web at ChophouseNola.com or Facebook.com/chophousenola for menu and reservations, or call 522-7902. Beat the heat with cool summer specials available at Ralph Brennan restaurants Ralph’s on the Park, café b and Café NOMA. Chef Chip Flanagan has revived his summer signature “three appetizers and a glass of wine for only $28” at Ralph’s on the Park. Now through August, choose three of 14 appetizers, like Cane Glazed Shrimp, Duck Confit & Mushroom Tart or Soy Glazed Pork Belly Ya-ka Mein. For reservations, call 488-1000 today. Throughout June and July, café b celebrates summer with “Crab Fête,” 10 dishes at dinner that feature Lake Pontchartrain crabmeat, including Warm Crab Beignets, Flash Fried Soft-Shell Crab or Crab & Truffle Pasta. Call 934-4700 or visit cafeb.com for online reservations. Learn professional cooking techniques made easy with Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group chefs at Café NOMA’s “Art You Can Eat,” every Friday at 6 p.m., June 7-Aug. 2. This year’s theme, “Think Global, Eat Local,” celebrates NOMA’s newest World’s Fair exhibition with cooking demonstrations highlighting each chef’s cultural heritage and global culinary passions. Art You Can Eat events are free of charge and instructive fun for all. Visit CafeNoma.com for more information. A French Quarter hot spot serving Northern Italian style roasting with a fiery New Orleans twist, Maximo’s is an oasis of sophistication featuring an open kitchen and a grill bar, where the discerning diner can watch and interact as Maximo’s staff prepares cuisine that rivals the best restaurants from New York to Rome. myneworleans.com

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Fresh local meats, cheeses and produce are delivered daily to create Maximo’s famous Fire Roasted entrées such as Fire Roasted Fish of the Day or New Orleans famous Crawfish Fra Diavolo. Pair the kitchen’s specialties with a bottle from Maximo’s extensive wine list. With a following of locals, celebrities and business people from all over the country, Maximo’s wine list, craft cocktails and gastronomic delights warm the soul. The energy of New Orleans music and culture blends with exquisite Italian food creating an experience you won’t soon forget. For menus and more, visit MaximosGrill.com, or call 586-8883 for reservations. Accommodations With a prime downtown location at the corner of St. Charles Avenue and Poydras Street, the new Blake Hotel New Orleans invites guest to experience the sophistication, innovation and convenience of this newly remodeled hotel. Plan a summer escape in New Orleans with complimentary wireless internet access, LCD TVs with free premium channels, access to an extensive on-site fitness center with state-of-the-art ProMaxima® equipment, and most importantly, easy access to the local restaurants and attractions for which New Orleans is known. The Blake Hotel makes you feel right at home in the center of America’s most unique city, whether you’re visiting or seeking a vacation in your own backyard. Located on the St. Charles streetcar line and Lafayette Square, the hotel features an onsite restaurant, Café at the Square, and a large event space with a wrap-around, 400-capacity balcony perfect for southern receptions. Just blocks from the charms of the French Quarter and the excitement of the MercedesBenz Superdome, the Blake Hotel’s unbeatable location promises only a walk, short drive or streetcar ride to whatever you choose to do. For more information and reservations, visit BlakeHotelNewOrleans.com or call 522-9000. Imagine an enchanting stay in a 19th-century building, once the heart of the Caribbean sugar and coffee trade in New Orleans’ Banks Arcade. In the spirit of its history, the newly and fully renovated St. James Hotel located in the New Orleans Central Business District features 86 refurbished guestrooms and suites boasting an elegant West 114

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Indies décor. Guests have access to balconies or patios, with captivating views of the city or St. James’s stunning courtyard. Contemporary amenities include free wi-fi and free access to a nearby fitness center. Conveniently located downtown, St. James Hotel is situated in the heart of all the action. Restaurants, music clubs, designer shopping, professional sports and convention activities are all within a short distance of the hotel. Whether you prefer a 10-minute stroll or a breezy streetcar ride, St. James allows you to see New Orleans in a way you haven’t before. St. James Hotel recently joined the Ascend Hotel Collection by Choice Hotels. For more information or to make reservations, visit SaintJamesHotel.com or call 877-424-6423. This spring and summer, enjoy the most exclusive resort experience on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Located on a secluded stretch of pristine white sand, with sweeping views of the sparkling emerald water, The Beach Club is the only fullservice resort in Gulf Shores. This is the quintessential beach escape, featuring elegant, gulf-front condos and lakeside cottages in an inviting community setting. At The Beach Club, your every need is cared for, from the pampering of full-service staff to an endless array of leisure activities and upscale amenities. Choose from five outdoor swimming pools or an indoor

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pool. Relax poolside in a private cabana or visit the poolside bar and grill. Enjoy private access to the area’s most pristine beach. Delight in fine dining and relaxing spa services. Go shopping, deep-sea fishing, or take the clubs to one of several nearby golf courses. Whether you’re looking for romance or family fun, you’ll find it at this unique tropical locale. Just be warned, once you arrive, you may never want to leave. For more information or to make a reservation, visit BeachClubAL.com or call 855-405-4219. Shopping Whether you live in the metro area or are visiting from near or far, take a piece of New Orleans home and add South Louisiana charm to your living space with fine art and custom framing from Fleur de Lis Framing & Gifts. Specializing in the manufacturing of handcrafted, custom-made, closed-corner picture frames exclusively for the fine art industry, all Fleur de Lis frames are handmade with quality materials that have proven to stand the test of time. They offer more than 1,000 frame samples, which range from traditional American, French, Spanish and Dutch to modern and contemporary, as well as a fine selection of frames available in 10-karat gold leaf, silver leaf and other finishes. Fleur de Lis Framing & Gifts is located in a unique and welcoming space in River Ridge, and attention to detail is the No. 1 priority in tailoring framing to fit individual needs and expectations. Additionally, their gift selection specializes in fleur de lis and New Orleans-inspired merchandise as well as locally crafted jewelry, artwork, candles and fragrance lamps. For more information and hours, call 738-1880 or visit FleurDeLisFraming.com. When Symmetry Jewelers was founded in 1975, it was a gallery ahead of its time, returning jewelry to its rightful place among the art forms. Today, tucked away in the heart of Riverbend, this small, family-owned jewelry store is the keeper of a lost art: original, handmade yet affordable pieces that combine unsurpassed craftsmanship with the freedom of creativity. To experience Symmetry’s long-standing tradition of the non-traditional, one only has to browse the welcoming showroom, a refreshing change from the norm that features local, national and international collections as well as a charming array of estate pieces. The showroom and workshop were recently featured in Remembering Sunday, a movie airing on ABC and Hallmark. People from around the world have recognized not only the remarkable showroom, but also the Symmetry name. Even more rare than its atmosphere, however, is the custom work of in-house artist, designer and master engraver Tom Mathis, a pioneer in his craft, who continues to accommodate 116

the imaginations of those who live in, around and far from a city that will not be tamed. Start your tradition at SymmetryJewelers.com or by calling 861-9925 or 800-628-3711. Visiting a special someone and looking for a way to say thanks? Looking for a Father’s Day gift for a man with a sweet tooth? Welcome to the World of Edible Arrangements®. The creator of and leader in fresh fruit bouquets, Edible Arrangements® brings happiness to all of life’s occasions with a beautiful array of irresistibly fresh products, including handcrafted fruit arrangements and gourmet chocolate dipped fruits such as pineapple, strawberries, banana, apples and oranges. Each store creates magnificent, fresh fruit arrangements and gourmet chocolate-dipped fruit to order, for pick-up or delivery, seven days a week. Ordering is made easy with three convenient options. Order online at EdibleArrangements. com, by phone at 367-7798, or visit your local store in Harvey at 1650 Gretna Blvd. Whether local or visiting, Edible Arrangements® invites you to Make Life A Little Sweeter® with Edible Arrangements® fresh fruit bouquets and chocolate dipped fruit for any occasion. “If it’s grown, caught, made or raised in Louisiana, you’ll find it at Rouses,” says Donald Rouse, son of Rouses Markets founder Anthony Rouse. With a history of serving South Louisiana since 1960, Rouses has expanded to 38 locations in Louisiana and Mississippi and stocks everything imaginable that originates in the region. Avoid the tourist shop mark-up, and find your favorite Louisiana brands in a local Rouses grocery. From Café du Monde Beignet Mix and Coffee to Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning, Tabasco hot sauce, Bluerunner Red Beans, and Louisiana Fish Fry Products such as fish fry, Cajun gumbo mix and crawfish, crab and shrimp boil, Rouses stocks everything you need to take the Louisiana experience to your home, whether it’s in Uptown New Orleans or Anchorage, Alaska. This summer, Rouses Bayou Boys will be boiling shrimp through the season with their time-honored South Louisiana recipe. Add some spice to your shopping experience and enjoy a bite before you shop, or take the party with you. For locations and more, visit Rouses.com. This past March, acclaimed fashion designer Donald J. Pliner made a personal appearance at Saint Germain to present his Spring 2013 designs. Pliner and his wife, Lisa, also debuted their new Italian-made Signature Collection, which is exclusive to Saint Germain and 20 other selected stores across the nation. Visit Saint Germain this month to see what’s new. Take your pick of the season’s hottest designs. In addition to Pliner’s award-winning shoes and handbags, Saint Germain carries French hair accessories and fine jewelry and handbags by designers from all over the world. For more than 30 years, owner Faye Cannon has brought the best in fashionable shoes and accessories to New Orleans and is known for catering to each customer’s individual style and

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desire. Fearless, passionate and knowledgeable, Cannon keeps both locals and international customers coming back to see what’s new at Saint Germain. To see the latest designs, or for more information, visit SaintGermainNewOrleans.com or call 522-1720. Ways to Spend the Day

A special visit to the Aquarium Prep Kitchen offers a sneak peak at food preparation and the special diets of this amazing species. Visitors also receive a penguin painting and a photo to capture the unforgettable moment. For more information on Audubon Aquarium and the Backstage Penguin Pass, including available hours and pricing, visit the Audubon Nature Institute online at AudubonInstitute.org.

Locals know there’s no better way to experience the power and history of the mighty Mississippi River than with a trip aboard the last remaining authentic steamboat on the river. Ninth in a line of steamboats dating back to the 1880s, the Steamboat Natchez provides guests with a magnificent, one-ofa-kind view of New Orleans and an unparalleled atmosphere of New Orleans tradition, food, music and romance. Step aboard and listen to the calls of the Steam Calliope as you depart from the heart of the French Quarter. Make your way through the museum-quality steam engine room and listen as the river comes alive through the live historic and port narration during the two-hour cruises. Delicious New Orleans cuisine and libations are available. Enjoy a sunset on the river during the Dinner Jazz Cruise. Tap your toes to the Grammywinning Dukes of Dixieland Jazz band as you feast on decadent entrees and dazzling specialty drinks. Private rooms are available for events and wedding parties, and menus can be personalized to your event. Sail away with the Steamboat Natchez. Visit the steamboat online and make reservations at SteamboatNatchez.com.

Take in a unique glimpse of the historic Vieux Carre from the waters of the mighty Mississippi, the river that brought us New Orleans. Kick back, sip a mint julep and indulge in a Creole dinner on one of the Creole Queen’s nightly jazz cruises or embark on a relaxing day trip to the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, site of the Battle of New Orleans. The award-winning Creole Queen authentic paddlewheeler boasts a large outer promenade deck for great viewing, and several beautiful newly re-decorated rooms perfect for weddings, birthday parties and private events. Additionally, just 25 minutes from Downtown, explore Louisiana’s infamous backcountry bayous teeming with wildlife and exotic plants. Jean Lafitte Swamp and Airboat Tours native captains will delight you with mysterious bayou tales and swamp stories as they meander along the remote murky backwaters. Come see why Louisiana is known as a “Sportsman’s Paradise” during this authentic adventure ride through Jean Lafitte Natural Park. Visit BigEasy.com for information and tickets to the Creole Queen and Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours.

New Orleans may be known for its history, music and entertainment, but just beyond the French Quarter, on the edge of the Mississippi River, sits a national gem that plays host to a world of aquatic excitement. The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is excited to offer locals and visitors alike a once-in-a-lifetime, interactive opportunity to enjoy a close-up encounter with an endangered African penguin. The Backstage Penguin Pass offers guests a behind-the-scenes, hands-on experience with a penguin and a knowledgeable penguin specialist. Guests learn about penguin natural history as well as how the Aquarium cares for the penguins in its colony.

In December 1911, the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) opened its doors with just 11 works of art and now features nearly 40,000 objects. Forty-six galleries house a wealth of American and European art-particularly French-make up much of the collection, with names such as Monet, Renoir, Picasso and Pollock. Louisiana artists also have a marked presence, and the museum boasts photography, ceramics, glassworks from cultures around the world, plus outstanding holdings in African, Pre-Columbian and Asian art. NOMA’s current exhibition, Inventing the Modern World: Decorative Arts at the Worlds Fairs, 1851-1939, on view through Aug. 4, showcases the technological and scientific invention, NOMA cross-cultural influence, modernism and historicism that defined the world’s fairs, which is especially resonant in New Orleans, the home of the 1884 and 1984 World’s Fairs. This summer, the New Orleans Museum of Art will celebrate the third installment of its Great Hall exhibition series with a solo show by renowned video, performance and collage artist Rashaad Newsome. Rashaad Newsome: King of Arms explores the artist’s interest in ornament, systems of heraldry and Baroque grandeur. For complete information, visit noma.org. • myneworleans.com

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New Orleans Magazine presents

The 27th Annual March of Dimes

Patron Party Saturday, June 8, 2013 Eiffel Society 2040 St. Charles Ave. 7:30-10:30 p.m. Spotlight on Success Friday, June 14, 2013 Generations Hall 310 Andrew Higgins 7:30pm-Midnight

For more information call (504) 264-9288

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On Friday, June 14, step into the spotlight at Generations Hall for a happening charity event that’s sure to rock New Orleans. Guests will delight during a night of fun, dining and dancing in support of the March of Dimes. Presented by New Orleans Magazine, Spotlight on Success is an annual event that selects and honors outstanding single business professionals in the Greater New Orleans area. Hosted by Camille Whitworth of WDSU-TV 6, the event promises to be the party of the year. Attendees can dance all night to the music of the The Bucktown All-Stars and taste fabulous food samplings from many of the city’s great restaurants, including Café Du Monde, LaBella’s, Zea’s, Acme Oyster House, K&G Party Services & Catering, VooDoo BBQ, Aurora Catering, Bravo!, Liberty’s Kitchen, Bauer Distributor’s, Pigeon Caterers and Mellow Mushroom . Melinda Clements and Chris Shirer act as this year’s event co-chairs. March of Dimes has set an event goal of $175,000. The event chairs and honorees have assembled great packages up for bid during the Silent Auction that will go towards achieving the fundraising goal. Money raised will help March of Dimes achieve its goal of all mothers having fullterm pregnancies and healthy babies. March of Dimes, the leading non-profit organization for maternal and infant health, celebrates its 75th anniversary this year and its ongoing work to help all babies get a healthy start in life. About 4 million babies are born in the United States each year, and the March of Dimes has helped each and every one through research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs. The March of Dimes launched the yearlong celebration today to honor its founder, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who was born on January 30th 131 years ago. Affected by polio himself, FDR established the Foundation in 1938 to “lead, direct and unify” the fight against polio. In FDR’s day, polio was an epidemic disease that paralyzed or killed up to 52,000 Americans, mostly children, every year. The March of Dimes got its name when

comedian Eddie Cantor asked Americans to send their dimes to FDR at the White House to help defeat polio. The foundation later funded the development of the Salk vaccine which was tested in 1954 and licensed a year later, as well as the Sabin vaccine which became available in 1962. Nearly all babies born today still receive a lifesaving polio vaccine. Throughout its history, the March of Dimes has supported many important research milestones that have benefitted newborn and child health. For example, in 1953, James D. Watson and Francis Crick identified the double helix structure of DNA, announcing, “We have found the secret of life.” Watson had received a grant from the March of Dimes that helped support his research on “protein patterns.” The team’s work won the Nobel Prize in 1962 and paved the way for modern genetic medicine, including the mapping of the human genome. Another research breakthrough came in the early 1960s when March of Dimessupported grantee Dr. Robert Guthrie developed the first screening test for PKU (phenylketonuria), allowing prevention of intellectual disabilities caused by PKU through diet. Since that time, the March of Dimes and family groups have campaigned tirelessly for expanded newborn screening. Today every baby born in every state in the U.S. receives screening for dozens of conditions that could cause catastrophic health problems or death if not detected and treated promptly at birth. “For 75 years, March of Dimes has dedicated itself to giving all children an equal chance at a healthy start in life,” says Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of March of Dimes. “Since our founding, research has been a key strategy that has led to many new treatments and saved thousands of lives.” Today, the March of Dimes is hard at work to prevent the epidemic of premature birth, which affects nearly a half million babies every year. It established the March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center at Stanford University School of Medicine that is bringing together the brightest minds

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Richard Arnold, Megan Hebert, Heidi Schwartzmann, Lori Koepp, Bradley Spieler Shamier Bouie, Alicia Corcoran, Cara Raymond, Erin Woods, Joshua Rubenstein

from many disciplines -- geneticists, molecular biologists, epidemiologists, engineers, computer scientists and many others -- to work together and find answers to explain and prevent preterm birth. The March of Dimes current research portfolio consists of about $100 million in grants to investigators throughout the United States and in about a dozen countries worldwide. Each year, more than 525,000 babies (1 in 8) are born too soon, some so small they can fit in the palm of a hand. Many of these babies must fight just to survive; others must struggle with lifelong health problems. March of Dimes Division Director Katherine Olivard says, “The honorees are

the future of New Orleans and are all outstanding individuals.” With the help and support of the American people, the March of Dimes has helped improve the lives of millions of babies over the past 64 years. Fundraising efforts like the Spotlight on Success provide the needed financial backing and ensure that March of Dimes continues its research, education and outreach programs. Now in its 27th year, Spotlight on Success is the March of Dimes’ second-biggest fundraising event in the New Orleans division. The 29 honorees at the Spotlight on Success were selected from a nominee pool of over 100.

The public is invited to don their cocktail attire and join the honorees as they celebrate while contributing to a good cause. Tickets are available through honorees or by calling the March of Dimes office at (504) 264-9288. Tickets are $75 in advance. However, if one party isn’t enough, the March of Dimes will also offer its Patrons Party Saturday, June 8 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Eiffel Society, 2040 St. Charles Ave. It will feature an open bar and buffet with a live band. Patron level begins at $50 per person, which also includes a ticket to the main event on June 14. Patron tickets are available from the March of Dimes office by calling (504) 264-9288. • myneworleans.com

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James Sims, Melissa Wiseman, Cassie Schwartzmann, Caitlin Rolling, Allison Gouaux, Andrew Remson Mona Chawla, Brittany Mulla, Jeremy Dazzo, Gretchen Lynn, Amarena Diaz

Kris Gabik, Lisa Ochomogo, Steven Aucoin, Mallory Eagan

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TRYTHIS A

HO W - T O

F OR T HE M O N T H

How to Host a Fête During a Fest By MORGAN PACKARD

ne of my dearest friends’ birthday is during the

second weekend of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. (It is what I imagine having a birthday during Christmas celebrations in any other part of the country is like.) Every year she stays with my husband and me, and every year we’re so exhausted by the time it comes around that we typically make it special by inviting a large group of people over after the last day of fest for some of her favorite dishes, home-cooked of course, and her favorite cake. This year was her big 3-0, and her parents were in town to show us how it’s done. We all met at Liuzza’s By the Track at 10 a.m., and her mother began producing celebratory items from her bag like she was Mary Poppins. First came plastic champagne flutes and multiple bottles of my friend’s favorite champagne. Then came paper napkins in her favorite pattern: paisley. Then the “birthday” stickers for each of us with glitter and arrows drawn on them so that we could all point out whose birthday it was (as long as we stood in the right spot). Those were followed by presents, hot beignets with birthday candles, a blinking button to hold her birthday pin-on money and the pieces de resistance: Afro wigs to match my friend’s most striking feature. We definitely made for a photo op, and walking with her through the fest all day reminded me how wonderful people can be. This just goes to show that though New Orleans has more festivals, balls and nonprofit events than there are days in the year, throwing a party within a party can be fun, easy and most of all, memorable.

Travel

New Steak Restaurant at L’Auberge Baton Rouge L’Auberge Baton Rouge, 777 L’Auberge Ave., Baton Rouge, (225) 224-4208, MyLAuberge.com

The latest challenge for chef Troy Deano, after serving 1,800 meals a day for the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Department in the days following Hurricane Katrina and seven years with the Besh Restaurant Group, has been to open a first class restaurant at the new L’Auberge Hotel Casino in Baton Rouge. 18 STEAK pays tribute to Louisiana as the 18th member of the Union and Deano’s role is to match the luxurious décor with sumptuous cuts of beef and fresh local ingredients. – M i r e l l a cam e ran

Services

Fix-Me! Program for Dogs Extended

Metairie Small Animal Hospital, 101 Metairie Road, Metairie, 835-4266, msah.com

Jefferson Parish residents can take advantage of the Fix-me! Spay and neutering program for dogs for only $100 until June 30. The program is offered through Metairie Small Animal Hospital (MSAH) in partnership with Jefferson SPCA, as part of an effort to reduce pet overpopulation and overcrowding in animal shelters. “We are thrilled to offer high-quality care to those who may not normally be able to afford it,” says Dr. Brian Melius, President of MSAH. – M . C . myneworleans.com

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Bouncing Through the Night: Shortwave Memories

B Y E R R O L L A B O R D E vendor at the New orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

programmed an app named “TuneIn” into my iPhone. “It’s free,” he told me, and with it you can reach 70,000 radio stations around the world. While the free part sounded good, I grinned and told him that I probably didn’t need more that 40,000 radio stations, even on a dull day. He gave me that kind of look of disdain that computer geeks give to people who just don’t get it. Since then I’ve played with the app several times, though I haven’t yet neared listening to 70 stations, much less 70,000. Nevertheless the experience is fascinating. With a few scrolls of the screen I can reach stations just about anywhere, including Antarctica where whoever runs the radio station on Snow Hill Island apparently likes folk music. I have heard Zouk music on a Martinique station, which didn’t sound too different from the Caribbean music that was being played on a station in Catania, Sicily, one afternoon. (At least they’re both islands.) Experiencing “TuneIn” reminded me of my old shortwave radio, which now collects dust next to the sofa where I sat when I first used the app. I was never a shortwave fanatic exactly, but there was something intriguing about spending a few minutes on Sunday evenings in effect checking in on the world – as though we were all preparing to start another week together. Shortwave stations aren’t as easy to pinpoint as modern apps allow. Most of the shortwave operations are on different frequencies at different times of the day depending where in the world they’re trying to reach. Sunday evening was a good time to reach the Americas, so some of the foreign broadcasts were aimed our way. Listening to shortwave was more fun during the Cold War, when propaganda bounced through the night sky. One time I caught Radio Moscow on which a man and woman, both speaking in a Soviet-tinged English accent like the villains in the James Bond movies, tried to make fun of free world stereotypes of the Russians, “They call us the Russian Bear” the man growled to the woman. She responded with a forced laugh and commented on how intolerant the rest of the world was being. No mention was made of the Berlin Wall. 136

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Most blatant though was Radio Cuba on which a typical newscast would be something like this: Dateline Havana. Chairman Castro today honored some local students as heroes of the revolution. Dateline Los Angeles. Three bodies were found in a garbage can. Dateline Havana. Chairman Castro todays praised the island’s hospitals for advancements in medical technology. Dateline Chicago. Four people were shot during a fight on a subway. Turn the dials enough and sooner or later there would be BBC Worldwide where crisp English voices seemed to invariably be giving New Zealand Cricket scores. Rah! Rah! Auckland. Voice of America, you would think, would counteract with baseball scores, but we weren’t the audience they were trying to reach. “And now,” a neutral sounding American voice would say, “the latest cricket scores from overseas.” Shortwave has changed since then. The Internet has made it less relevant. Now the broadcasts seem to be mostly a haven for preachers sending their messages across the oceans. There is also the calm dignity of the BBC keeping the former empire informed and Voice of America serving as a mother figure for the world. Even though I have an app, I still like to turn the dial on the old shortwave radio occasionally as it channels the pulses in the night air. Welcomed are the voices that descend from the heavens. ARTHUR NEAD I L L USTRATION