New Orleans Magazine February 2024 by Renaissance Publishing

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / FEBRUARY 2024

2 FEBRUARY 2024 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / FEBRUARY 2024

Contents F E B R UA RY 20 24 / VOLUME 5 7 / NUMBER 5

STANDARDS

FEATURES 22

From the Editor

MIsty Milioto

Julia Street

Love Your Heart Positive changes, big results

Marquee

Bar Tab

The Dish

Style

Persona

Modine

New Orleans Playbook

Vintage

Travel

Home Advice

Growing Pains

Table Talk

Cheers

Nosh

Streetcar

Raise Your Glass Iconic cocktails and more!

Amy Kirk Duvoisin

Planning Ahead Investing in your future Michael Patrick Welch

Dial 12, D1

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. speaks with dozens of clergymen, singers and scholars about their connection to gospel music in GOSPEL, a new four-hour docuseries, exploring the rich history of Black spirituality through sermon and song. Watch it on WYES-TV Friday, February 16 at 9:00 p.m. For all WYES event and program information, go to wyes.org.

11 44

On the cover: The Green Door cocktail at Loa Bar, International House Hotel

Season Change

Carnival Knowledge Top Things to Do Best Bars, Drinks & More News from NOLA Kitchens Beadazzled JP du Plessis Bugging Out Moderation Mode

1907

History Lessons Terri McCormack & Jennifer Uddo Pinterist Phaseout Good Morning, Marigny Parade Ready Parade Provisions Carnival Tale

Photograph by Kat Kimball

New Orleans Magazine, (ISSN 0897 8174) is published monthly by Renaissance Publishing, LLC., 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005; (504) 828-1380. Subscription rate: one year $19.95; no foreign subscriptions. 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. Periodicals postage paid at Metairie, LA, and additional entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to New Orleans Magazine, 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005. Copyright © 2024 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.

4 FEBRUARY 2024 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / FEBRUARY 2024

FROM THE EDITOR

ONLINE

Listen Up!

Catch up on the past, present and future of Carnival with our own Mardi Gras expert, Errol Laborde, in our exclusive "Beyond the Beads" podcast. Season five is out now with a full cast of characters, movers and parade shakers.

alf of this month will bring plenty

Editors’ Picks

From best bars to top parade watching food, snacks and beverages, find out what our editors choose as their favorites each Friday, only at MyNewOrleans.com.

of purple, green and gold fun and festivities across the city. Cocktail culture is perhaps as deeply entrenched in the fabric of New Orleans as Carnival itself. In this

issue, we highlight some of the most popular cocktails and iconic drinks, many of which were invented right here at home. We also get inside tips from the pros behind the bar and the inspiration behind many classic

Stay informed

and innovative libations.

Be sure to sign up for our daily, curated newsletters including New Orleans Magazine and 5@4 for five top stories from New Orleans each afternoon at 4 p.m. It’s a win-win!

The latter half of the month remains to clean up the glitter, rehydrate and get our healthy habits in order. It’s a great time to show yourself some love and embrace your heart health with some easy tips and tricks from the pros to make sure yours sticks to the beat, whether dancing in the streets during Carnival or getting back on track afterwards. Lent is also a great time to take stock (literally) in your financial health. We’ve got investment tips from the pros to guide planning for your future, whether you are just getting started or are ready to retire. It’s never too late to look ahead.

Best of all the rest

Whether you are looking for the best new restaurant, a top doctor or dentist, or are looking for a real estate professional, our “Best in New Orleans “resource lists have you covered.

As in every issue, we have a complete round up of places to enjoy the city, the latest restaurant news, recipes, home advice and much more. Celebrate and dance no one is watching, because, well, they are dancing too. And when Ash Wednesday finally rolls around, be sure to rest up! Festival season is right around the corner.

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JU LI A S T R EET WITH POYDRAS THE PARROT

Carnival Knowledge

Associate Publisher Kate Henry

Hey Julia, What are the earliest and latest dates that Mardi Gras can be—and why? - Frank Jay Bordelon, Winnfield

Dear Julia, In this year’s “Arthur Hardy’s Mardi Gras Guide,” New Orleans Magazine’s February 1976 Carnival issue is mentioned because of an article it ran entitled “The Ten Greatest Carnival Parades of All Time.” That mention was part of a feature about the Krewe of Carrollton which celebrated its Centennial that year. I assume a Carrollton parade was on the list. If so, which one? -Judd Jones, Marrero

Send us your questions!

Poydras is looking for something to do. Send your questions to julia@ myneworleans. com and be sure to include your name and information. For the subject line use: Julia and Poydras Question.

Yeah, you’re right Judd. According to the author, Jay Clark, the krewe’ 1966 parade entitled “Reveries Over A Scrapbook” was a “nostalgic look at the past themes.” John Deutchmann & Sons was one of the of the top float builders at the time. Clark added that the parade was called “Deutschmann’s finest effort,” Clark, incidentally, made a bit of Carnival history himself. Writing under the pseudonym “Mardi McGraw” for the now defunct suburban Guide newspaper, he was the first Carnival parade critic. He loved and respected the parades and could look at them critically, even noting the number of horses. After the Guides closed, a new critic, with the pseudonym, Rex Duke, would write for Gambit. He attracted quite a following, including krewe Captains who needed some independent critical commentary to improve their product. (A riding krewe member was even kicked out of a krewe because Duke reported that he did not wear a mask during a parade.) He also took a strong stand against commercialism. In his prime he was a powerful voice. Both McGraw and Duke made Mardi Gras better. I am not sure if anyone is evaluating the next generation of all-time great parades, but someone should. It is a lot of work to cover all the parades while dodging traffic and meeting deadlines. Whoever takes on the responsibility should be knowledgeable and take the responsibility seriously for the sake of protecting the quality of Carnival.

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Frank, February 3 is the earliest date in can be (Poydras adds, “brrrrr”). March 9 is the latest (Poydras adds: “ahhh”). Though the true date of Easter is uncertain, ancient events were often dated according to lunar cycles since there were no documented historical dates. In effect, the moon was the calendar. Mardi Gras’ dates are based on Easter, which the ancients determined to be the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox - the beginning of spring. That is a moveable event, varying each year by weeks. The time of penance because of Christ’s suffering, known as Lent, is the 40 days period before the crucifixion. (Because Sunday is not considered a Lenten day the entire period lasts 46 days, so, count back those many days and that will take you to Ash Wednesday (unless Poydras who doesn’t know much about counting makes a mistake). Then the day before is Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) which is celebrated as the last day of feasting before the solemn period of fasting. Fortunately, the figuring out for those dates was conducted by monks and clerics who, lacking much night entertainment, spent their evenings looking at the stars for celestial shows. (That lunar time period is also a factor, with some variation, of the Jewish celebration of Passover.) Oh, next year Mardi Gras is March 4 near the end of the allowable dates and more likely to be warmer and better at giving would-be spectators a little more breathing room from Christmas. The next really early date will be Feb. 6 in 2035 and, the latest, March 9 in 2038. That is the last possible date, assuming the monks got it right. They always have so far.

Editorial Editor Ashley McLellan Creative Director Tiffani Reding Amedeo Digital Media Editor Kelly Massicot Style Editor Andy Myer Executive Editor Errol Laborde Contributing Writers Jyl Benson, Cheré Coen, Lee Cutrone, Fritz Esker, Scott Gold, John Kemp, Misty Milioto, Liz Scott Monaghan, Elizabeth Pearce, Eve Crawford Peyton Advertising Vice President of Sales and Marketing Kate Henry, Kate@MyNewOrleans.com Account Director Meggie Schmidt Senior Account Executives Erin Chiartano, Brooke Genusa Account Executive Lauren McCanse Sponsored Content Coordinator Jeremy Marshall Marketing Marketing Manager Greer Stewart

Renaissance Publishing Production Manager Rosa Balaguer Arostegui Designer Ashley Pemberton Circulation Distribution John Holzer Administration Office Manager Mallary Wolfe Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne

WYES DIAL 12 Staff (504) 486-5511 Executive Editor Aislinn Hinyup Associate Editor Dominic Massa Art Director Tiffani R. Amedeo New Orleans Magazine Printed in USA A Publication of Renaissance Publishing 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005 MyNewOrleans.com

Subscription information (504) 828-1380

MARQ UEE

BY FRITZ ESKER

Jurassic World Live Tour

Feb. 3-4 The Smoothie King Center will host a live arena show where the audience is front and center as a team of scientists try to save the dinosaur Jeanie from a terrible fate while experiencing some of the iconic dinos from the beloved film franchise. SmoothieKingCenter.com

“Ain’t Too Proud: The Life And Times Of The Temptations” “Les Miserables”

Jan. 30-Feb. 4 The classic Broadway musical returns to the Saenger. Victor Hugo’s timeless tale of Jean Valjean’s efforts to survive poverty, war, and other adversity while evading the relentless Inspector Javert features iconic musical numbers like “On My Own” and “One Day More.” SaengerNOLA.com

Debbie Fleming Caffery: In Light of Everything

Through March 3 New Orleans Museum of Art in City Park is showcasing 100 dramatic black-and-white photographs as part of the first career retrospective for Louisianaborn photographer Debbie Fleming Caffery. Noma.org

“…And the Ball and All”

Feb. 2-4 Ricky Graham’s comedy features the Yat ladies of the Krewe of Terpsichore arguing over their

krewe’s ball and float themes. The play will be making a brief run at Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts in Kenner just in time for Mardi Gras season. RivertownTheaters.com

Têt Fest

Feb. 10 Celebrate Vietnamese New Year at the Mary Queen of Vietnam Church in New Orleans East. There will be a parade, food, fireworks show, and cultural displays for families to enjoy.

Eagles

Feb. 17 The American rock band of “Hotel California” fame (and many more) will play one night only at the Smoothie King Center as part of “The Long Goodbye - the Final Tour.” Special guest Steely Dan will also perform. SmoothieKingCenter.com

Check all event websites for the most up-to-date information.

Liverpool Legends

Feb. 24 Liverpool Legends is a Beatles tribute band hand-picked by George Harrison’s sister, Louise Harrison. The group has toured worldwide and will perform at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center for one night only. Jpas.org

Feb. 27-March 3 This 12-time Tony Awardnominated Broadway musical follows The Temptations legendary rise to Motown superstardom. SaengerNOLA.com

Stevie Nicks

Feb. 28 The legendary Fleetwood Mac singer extended her wildly successful 2023 tour with additional performances, including a stop at the Smoothie King Center. SmoothieKingCenter.com

A Sweetheart of a Valentine’s Show

Feb. 17 BB’s Stage Door Canteen at the National World War II Museum will host a special Valentine’s Day event featuring a live 1940s band, a three-course meal, and a glass of wine. NationalWW2Museum.org

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / FEBRUARY 2024

B AR T A B

BY MISTY MILIOTO

Your New Cocktail Manual

Suds with Buds Brewery Saint X, the new brew pub in the CBD on Loyola Avenue, is introducing its inaugural spring beer festival next month. On March 23, discover nearly one dozen craft breweries both from New Orleans and across the country. The festival is from the same team (led by award-winning beer expert Greg Engert) behind the wildly popular Washington, D.C., beer festival, Snallygaster. Food also will be available onsite from chef and pit master Shannon Bingham. 734 Loyola Ave.,504-788-0093, brewerysaintx.com.

Commanding the Cocktail

Commander’s Palace, which recently launched its own cuvée, has reintroduced its line of signature cocktail mixers. The three options - Tequila Mockingbird #2 (notes of sweet Meyer lemon and dark Angostura bitters, best mixed with gin, whiskey or brandy), Lime Daiquiri (notes of Caribbean lime and Louisiana cane sugar, best mixed with white rum or gin) and Adelaide Swizzle (notes of tart island lime, Peychaud’s bitters and Caribbean spice, best mixed with light or dark rum) - are available individually or in a pack of three. Created in collaboration with fellow New Orleans-based and female-owned craft cocktail company El Guapo, the cocktail mixers are a great way to bring the famed restaurant’s cocktails to your home bar. Available at El Guapo, 3300 Gravier St., 504-444-2914, elguapobitters.com and at shop. commanderspalace.com.

Speed Rack co-founders Lynnette Marrero and Ivy Mix (along with Megan Krigbaum) have released a new book, “A Quick Drink: The Speed Rack Guide to Winning Cocktails for Any Mood” due out in April. The cocktail book features nearly 100 drink recipes from more than 80 international bartenders, including recipes from New Orleans-based J’Nai Angelle and Abigail Gullo. A portion of proceeds will benefit those impacted by breast cancer. Local booksellers will be announced in March.

Beads & Bevvys

The Pool Club at Virgin Hotels New Orleans is offering specially crafted cocktails, developed by lead bartender, Heather Blanchard, just in time for Mardi Gras. The Carnival-inspired cocktail menu, available through Feb. 13, includes drinks like the Espresso Flambeaux (made with vodka, Amaro Averna, Evangeline’s Praline Pecan Liqueur, Baileys Irish Cream, La Colombe cold brew concentrate and El Guapo chicory pecan bitters) and the Carnival King (made with Cenote reposado tequila, Evangeline’s Praline Pecan Liqueur, king cake reduction, lime juice, almond milk and a cinnamon sprinkle). 550 Baronne St., 504-603-8000, virginhotels. com/new-orleans.

Cheers to Rare Champagnes!

Raise a glass to Carnival with a huge selection of rare Champagnes (such as the Jacques Selosse ‘Millesime’ Blanc de Blancs Brut 2007) at Brennan’s. A grande dame of New Orleans’ restaurants, Brennan’s offers 175 different labels of true Champagne (from the Champagne region of France as opposed to sparkling wine from the United States). Brennan’s wine and spirits program has been recognized with the coveted Grand Award by Wine Spectator since 2021, and, in 2023, the Champagne Bureau, USA named Brennan’s to its annual list of the Top 10 Bars and Restaurants across the United States for Enjoying Champagne. Also be sure to check out the Champagne menu during Bubbles at Brennan’s—the restaurant’s happy hour that takes place Monday through Thursday from 2 to 6 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (with courtyard Champagne sabering Fridays at 5 p.m.). 417 Royal St., 504-525-9711, brennansneworleans.com.

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Carnival Cocktails

Porgy’s Seafood Market - known for its sustainable, wild-caught seafood - is located in Mid-City on the corner of Carrollton Avenue and Bienville Street in the midst of the Endymion parade route. A perfect spot for grabbing Mardi Gras to-go drinks, Porgy’s offers seasonal fresh fruit daiquiris and bushwhackers, canned cocktails, beer and wine. 236 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-429-3474, porgysseafood.com.

Veuve in the Vieux Carre Criollo, the signature restaurant located within Hotel Monteleone, has introduced an endless Veuve Clicquot special ($95) during its Weekend Jazz Brunch (held every Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Guests who dine at the restaurant receive free all-day parking at the Solaris Garage, making Criollo a great first stop before exploring more of the French Quarter. 214 Royal St., 504-681-4444, criollonola.com.

Cool Beans

Just in time for Mardi Gras, The Bower Bar has unveiled a new caffeinated cocktail menu to keep the party going. Available through Fat Tuesday (Feb. 13), the caffeinated cocktails feature an array of house-made brews, matchas and more. Developed by beverage director Mickey Mullins, the cocktails are balanced with ingredients from The Bower’s partner farm, Sugar Roots. The buzzy cocktails also are available at adjacent sister restaurant, The Bower. 1320 Magazine St., 504-582-9738, thebowernola.com.

TH E D I S H

BY MISTY MILIOTO

Deli Dining

Columns

Tulane grad and longtime NOLA resident William Kulick has brought his love of Philadelphia to the Crescent City with the opening of PrimoHoagies. The restaurant (founded in 1992 in south Philadelphia) is known for its classic Italian-style hoagies, juicy Philly cheesesteaks and hot meatball sandwiches. The menu also features a variety of cold and hot hoagies, cheesesteaks, wraps, vegetarian options, antipasti salads, chips, drinks, fresh-baked cookies and more. Catering also is available with hoagie trays, meat and cheese platters, sides and plenty of dessert options. 8228 Oak St., 504-315-1335, primohoagies.com

Expanded Menus Criollo at the Hotel Monteleone has expanded its animated dining series, Le Petit Chef, to new weekend brunch (now available Saturday and Sunday at 12:30 p.m.). The immersive dining experience features a three-course menu consisting of burrata, lobster Benedict and la bombe (a gelato-based dessert with a chocolate biscuit and torched meringue). 214 Royal St., 504-681-4444, criollonola.com Chef Eric Cook at Gris-Gris has expanded the menu to include a pecan-crusted pork chop, a chef’s seasonal house salad, stewed Mississippi rabbit and a crab cake, and, for brunch, the Gris-Gris Slam featuring two eggs, Texas toast, Brabant potatoes, grits and a choice of applewood smoked bacon or breakfast sausage. Cook also recently released a new Creole seasoning blend, dubbed Put the Gris-Gris On It! The new seasoning blend is available in regular and hot, and can be purchased at Gris-Gris, Saint John, Gris-Gris to Go Go and online. 1800 Magazine St., 504-272-0241, grisgrisnola.com Chef Paul Terrebonne and the team at Columns have launched an official lunch service available weekdays, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The menu, which also is available for dinner, features tasty dishes like lobster bisque with butter-poached lobster and creme fraiche; a blistered half chicken with roasted carrots, orange and ginger; and the Columns burger with bacon marmalade, arugula and provolone. 3811 St. Charles Ave., 504-899-9308, thecolumns.com Fine dining at its best just got even better with a new winter dinner and dessert menu—crafted by chef de cuisine Alex Kuzin and executive chef Vlad Kogan—at The Grill Room at The Windsor Court. Additionally, The Windsor Court’s Le Salon has released dates for its acclaimed Afternoon Tea events (featuring fine loose-leaf teas; English tea sandwiches; house-made seasonal scones and more). This month, join in for The Windsor Court’s Birthday Celebration Tea, Feb. 17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 300 Gravier St., 504-522-1994, thewindsorcourt.com

Gather a Group!

Josephine Estelle, the Italian restaurant located within the Ace Hotel New Orleans, has introduced a new chef’s table that offers an up-close-andpersonal look at the happenings within the open kitchen. The chef’s table, which is great for larger parties (eight to 22 guests), can be booked year-round and features a prix-fixe, large-format menu with items like porchetta, gem lettuce salad, bucatini pasta and pistachio tart. Also be sure to check out Josephine Estelle’s pasta-making class on Feb. 24. 600 Carondelet St., 504-9303070, josephineestelle.com

Devil Moon BBQ

Sweet Endings

Ayu Bakehouse has brought back three cakes that it debuted during its inaugural Mardi Gras last year: the Croissant City Classic (cinnamon and cream cheese); chocolate babka (chocolate and buttery babka in full king cake form); and King Muffuletta (a riff on Ayu’s muffuletta breadstick, studded with olives, cheese and Italian charcuterie). 801 Frenchmen St., 504-302-7985, ayubakehouse. com At Devil Moon BBQ, be sure to try the popular Boudin King Cake (topped with cracklin’ sprinkles and pork belly burnt ends) and the Root Beer-Glazed Ham King Cake (a savory-sweet cake with whipped cream cheese and strawberry pepper jelly). And at Chef Alon Shaya’s Saba, try the Babka King Cake with pomegranate caramel, available by the slice. 5757 Magazine St., 504-324-7770, eatwithsaba.com

New Bakeshop on the Block Pastry Chef Jeremy Fogg has opened Mae’s Bakeshop Uptown on Baronne Street in the space formerly occupied by Beth Buindo Sweets. The bakeshop features American pastries with strong Southern influences, such as biscuits, cinnamon rolls, muffins, cakes (including pound cakes and wedding cakes), cupcakes, cookies and pies, plus toasts, sandwiches and seasonal items. 3917 Baronne St., maesbakeshopnola.com

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / FEBRUARY 2024

Style BY ANDY MYER

Beadazzled It’s February in Nola, but your most coveted throws don’t have to come from a float. Try these styles for a year-round show of festive appreciation.

5 3

1. The Party Line Beaded Bag by GANNI will carry you straight from the parade route to the ball in Carnival style. Reminiscent of the beloved glass beads of years past, this will be your most useful catch of the season. Available at Pilot and Powell, pilotandpowell.com.

2. Wow the crowd in this stunning Alana beaded scarf necklace by Mignon Gavigan. Inspired by an abstract painting of orchids and poppies, this cheerful piece spotlights a range of brilliant embroidery and is light as a feather to wear. Available at NOMA Museum Store, shop. noma.org.

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3. For a tropical twist while keeping the doctor away, try these hand-beaded Apple Slice earrings from Saint Claude Social Club. Maker Olivia Dar is a world-traveler with a lifelong passion for Indian craft and artisanal traditions. Available at Saint Claude Social Club, saintclaudesocialclub.com.

4. Trovelor’s Farm Rooster broach is made by artisans in India in small batches. Hand crafted from beads, sequins, cotton and felt, this charming piece will add flair to any ensemble. Available at Sotre, sotrecollection.com.

5. For the ultimate “Throw me something mister!” moment, illuminate this striking chandelier with a warm glow. Featuring curvy black metal branches with crystal beads throughout and five candelabra lights, it’s time to shine like Mardi Gras royalty. Available at Perch, perch-home.com.

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / FEBRUARY 2024

PE RSO NA

BY KELLY MASSICOT / PHOTO BY DAVID LESLIE ANTHONY

Q A

JP du Plessis NOLA Gold Rugby Pro

didn’t expect a

man who makes a living off of basically getting into tussles with other men would

be so nice, but that’s exactly what JP du Plessis was… really, really nice. The Cape Town, South Africa-born rugby captain recently signed on with local team NOLA Gold Rugby until 2026, so when I caught up with him I wanted to see how the Big Easy was treating him.

Q: What’s the best part about being a rugby player? Competing. I’m a competitor, I love to compete. Specifically, as I say to my wife, I’m 32 at the moment, and I’m dreading the day that I’ve got to hang up the boots, hopefully not for the while, at least for the next three years. But absolutely, I think it’s for me to compete. And then

you’re playing, you’re competing

community within rugby. That’s

apart from that, it’s building the friendships

and you’re having a crack at each

the hardest thing about thinking

Q: You were in San Diego before

within my team and with within the

other, but afterwards you’re having

about retirement is that you’d be

coming to New Orleans, but from

rugby community, even some of our best

a beer or whatever, and it’s a social-

missing that. Combined with being

South Africa to New Orleans I

friends play for the opposing teams. While

izer. Again, it’s just such a beautiful

competitive.

assume would be a big culture

14 FEBRUARY 2024 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

change for you and your family?

already have the basics and the

San Diego is very much like Cape

foundation. At the moment, we

Town, but the culture in Louisiana

are reaching out to a lot of schools,

is a lot more like us, so we’ve been

clubs, and getting personally involved

we’ve been extremely, extremely

in coaching and getting involved

happy. My family, we’ve settled in

with the kids as well. They love it,

so nicely, we’ve made really good

so it’s amazing. We’ve also been in

friends. The club has been unbeliev-

touch with three or four schools in

able since the first year 2021. They

Jefferson Parish to get rugby into

took me and my family under their

the PE curriculum.

wing and let us settle in seamlessly. It’s been really amazing. We actually

Schools can sign up for through

just bought a home four months ago.

Nola Gold. We provide flags, balls,

Yeah, so we’re looking at staying

everything and we provide a player to

more permanently.

go out and help do this one-on-one coaching with the PE teachers. They

Q: What would you tell someone

also get a guide handbook to kind of

about rugby to get them excited to

know the sport, learn the basic things

go to a NOLA Gold game? I think it’s

and then our players will actually

nonstop action. What I’ve picked up is

go back once they’ve embedded the

that Americans do love contact sport.

curriculum into one of their teaching

Rugby is very much a contact sport…

modules, wherever that falls in their

without the pads. It’s an extremely

season of sports, and do a one on

interesting sport; very intriguing

one at the school where these kids

sport. And it’s nonstop action, so

are learning this now.

that really makes it interesting. As more and more people are starting to understand the rules, I think it’s going to be extremely interesting to watch. We can already see a massive growth from the first year to this year. [Additionally for the fans] we start with a tailgating [event] beforehand with bands and food trucks. Then, before the game, we have fans on the field interacting with the players as we warm up. After the games there are fireworks and every fan is invited to a rugby social. There’s a place for everyone in the stadium. Q: Tell me a little about the youth

True Confession I love to go fishing!

rugby initiative you’re involved with. It’s amazing to see kids starting to play more and more, and starting to understand the game. It’s such an unbelievable game. It’s all flag rugby that they play, so it’s just teaching them the basic skills and rules about rugby - passing, running, shifting the ball to space - so that that next transition when they actually walk into the next level of rugby, they

Favorite café: French Truck! I’m a big coffee lover and that’s my favorite hangout spot. Favorite parade or Carnival activity: Last year we loved being on St. Charles, this year living on the north shore, we’re excited to explore the parades over there.

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / FEBRUARY 2024

MODINE G UNC H

I live in the French Quarter and every single Mardi Gras I get up early and go out with my phone camera ready, looking for naked people. And every year, the same thing. They are all perfectly modest. They must cover up when they see me coming. It’s a good thing I don’t work for no girlie magazine. I would get fired. Then, after I get fed up with seeing people fully covered, I go meet up with the Gunch family at my sister-in-law Gloriosa’s house. The Gunches usually dress alike, including myself, (also modest), and take the streetcar all the way to St. Charles and Napoleon avenues, and then we walk up the parade route until we find a place where we can squeeze into the crowd to watch the parade. A couple years back, my motherin-law, Ms. Larda got COVID around December, and felt too bad to make us new costumes like she usually does, so she drug out our old cockroach costumes from a long time ago. Gloriosa stomps her foot down and says she ain’t going to appear in public again dressed like a cockroach. A butterfly maybe, even a ladybug,

ART BY LORI OSIECKI

Bugging Out

Carnival costume conundrums but a roach - absolutely not. So, she talks Ms. Larda into moving into her house to babysit her three kids while she and her husband, Proteus, take a ski trip to Aspen, just like all her snooty friends who ain’t actually Mardi Gras royalty this year. Not that either Gloria or Proteus ever saw a ski before. But they figure, how hard can it be? So anyway, they leave on Sunday, already booked into a resort called Purgatory Plus. This should have given them a heads-up about what this vacation was going to be like. Meanwhile back in New Orleans, Ms. Larda is sewing up little roach costumes for their kids. They actually turn out cute, and it’s hard to make a roach cute. Well, the rest of us don’t look cute, but we do look like roaches. We got bendable antennae attached

16 FEBRUARY 2024 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

to the hoods on our heads. We have brown, shiny backs made of Styrofoam covered in Carnival satin. She even added a line of slimy-looking fur down our arms and our extra four legs. And the best thing she did is, on the ends of our arms, she put claws that we can take on and off our wrists and free up our hands to catch stuff. We each wear the costume like a dress over our own long pants, which makes it possible to use any bathroom we are lucky enough to find. And we take turns holding up a sign that says, “We are really very rare palmetto bugs.” On this Mardi Gras day, the rest of us Gunches meet up at Gloriosa’s like usual and get on the streetcar like usual, and then we walk until we find a good spot, pulling the

kids in a wagon. It’s easy this year, because people already waiting for the parade naturally back away when a bunch of roaches come along. Meanwhile, things haven’t gone so good up in Purgatory. It turned out Proteus has a fear of falling. He never realized this, since he’s lived in New Orleans all his life and we got no hills except Monkey Hill in Audubon Park. He was always terrified of Monkey Hill, and he never knew why. But now his hands get clammy at the top of a practice slope called Bunny Hill. They move to a real slope, which is named Satan’s Crotch. Gloriosa went flying down it, out of sight. Proteus looked down it and said “Nope.” He said it again because it made him feel better. “Nope. Nope. Nope. Nope. Nope. NOPE!” When Gloriosa come limping back to their room - she fell halfway down the slope - he was packing. And the two of them agree that the good times should roll, not ski. They get on a plane home that night (it is almost empty because everybody is going the other way) and arrive home in New Orleans on Mardi Gras morning - in time to get home and then walk the parade route, looking for roaches.

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / FEBRUARY 2024

NE W O RL EA NS P L A YBO O K

BY MIKE SCOTT / ART BY AMBER DAY

Moderation Mode Lenten tradition

Dear Cincinnati, In my most recent correspondence, I attempted to explain to you some of the customs of our Mardi Gras. By the time you receive this, that date of revelry will have since passed. My liver is exhausted just thinking about it. As I was catching my breath recently over a bowl of Old Sober, it occurred to me that Carnival, like football season, delivers upon this city’s denizens a curious sort of Southern amnesia. As it nears, it cannot come fast enough. Once it arrives, it feels as if it might never end. He who said one can never get enough of a good thing clearly never spent a Fat Tuesday pleading for coconuts at the circle formerly known as Lee. Thank goodness, then, for the merciful moderation of Lent, that hallowed, solemn season invented by our forebears to detoxify our minds and spirits in preparation of Jazz Fest. Or so I am told. I could very well be wrong on that account. For you, I am sure, Lent is a time of reflection and sacrifice. It is much the same here, but it is in addition a time of recuperation and great water retention, the latter being owed to the weekly fried catfish feasts we like to pretend prove our piety. As with most things, New Orleanians have a way of making even abstinence enjoyable – or at least not as unenjoyable as it might otherwise be. The deprivation all starts, of course, the day after Mardi Gras, on Ash Wednesday, a time of fasting, repentance and the administration of ashes to the foreheads of the faithful to remind them of their mortality. This year, Ash Wednesday also happens to fall on Valentine’s Day, which must be a blow to the folks at Elmer’s Candy but an undeniable godsend to absent-minded and skinflinted Romeos. Ask Mike

Have a question or a thought to share about New Orleans etiquette or tradition? I’d love to hear it. Email it to NewOrleansPlaybook@ gmail.com.

18 FEBRUARY 2024 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

One of my favorite of our relatively recent Lenten traditions is the administration of drive-through ashes. I wish I could claim New Orleans invented that now-commonplace concept. If I had the energy, perhaps I could. Such a lassaiz-faire display of faith feels very much as if it would have bubbled up organically through the peat on which the Big Easy is so uneasily perched. Alas, in the cursory-est possible search of old newspapers, the earliest reference I could find to “drive-through ashes” was in 1988 Philadelphia, reinforcing my appreciation for the inhabitants of that cheesesteak-scented city. Allow me to pause here for a caveat: I realize the fashion today is to spell it “drive-thru,” in apparent deference to Associated Press style and Ronald McDonald. To me, it is a reflection of willful linguistic ignorance for which I have no patience and therefore did not stoop to search. But even if New Orleans is not the only place in the United States to honor the ashand-dash culture, we are almost assuredly the only one in which you can get ashes and a neon-tinted frozen daiquiri without once fully extending your knees. At any rate, we now enter the Lenten season, our foreheads besmudged, our eyes bleary and our intentions focused on spiritual selfimprovement. To that end, the tradition here, as in so many other parts of Christendom, is to abstain from something substantive in an effort to bring us closer to God.

You know, important things. Like chocolate, Popeyes or coffee. As you might surmise upon reading that above list, this city can be a generally grumpier place during Lent. I suppose that means we are doing it correctly. If my 12 years of Catholic school education in New Orleans taught me anything, it is this: If religion is painless, you are probably not trying hard enough. If my subsequent decades in the city have taught me anything else, it is that the same goes for sinning. I cannot be certain, but I suspect New Orleans wouldn’t weather the 40 days of Lent as well as it does if not for Sundays, which bring a weekly, Church-sanctioned reprieve in which the faithful are given permission to ignore their Lenten promises to their god and themselves. Also known as “Cheat Sundays,” they are to me a sign of mercy from the Holy See. Clearly, His Holiness is well aware of the medical and psychic dangers of Popeyes withdrawal. In fact, today being Sunday, I think I am going to go pour myself a stiff tumbler of Popeyes now. Until next time … Cheers, New Orleans P.S. – I recently had some of your Cincinnati chili. Unlike others here, I found it tasty and hearty. You might be interested to know we have a similar dish here, minus the cinnamon. We call it “spaghetti sauce.”

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / FEBRUARY 2024

VINT A G E

BY JOHN R. KEMP

1907 ex, King of Carnival, arrives in New Orleans from the As the Stranger proceeded along the river, it fired its guns in reply misty and mythical reaches of Mount Olympus in “to the salutes from the royal gunboat Wisdom and the Mayflower, and style. For several decades in the late 19th and early boats and tugs and ships all along the river sounded the most delightfully 20th centuries, Rex arrived, as seen here on Feb. 11, excruciating noises.” 1907, the Monday before Mardi Gras, on his royal yacht After His Majesty’s ship docked at the Canal Street ferry landing, to be greeted by his royal carriage and entourage. aides quickly escorted Rex to “the great royal float” while the “royal The following day, the Daily Picayune, today’s Times-Picayune, described police and royal Dock Board men” controlled onlooking crowds. At that events in the most effusive and colorfully entertaining style of the time. point, continued the Daily Picayune, “six great gray horses pranced “It was a glorious day, when Rex came to his city on his annual visit and pawed, and when the equerries were mounted and the King’s jolly of 1907,” the story began. “Sunlight chased the shadows of the early attendants were in their places beside him, and the parade started, the morning along the great river and when the royal fleet went out to crowds rushed together and tumbled about and scattered and ran and meet the King’s yacht [Stranger], it shone brilliantly on river and shore melted in all directions, hurrying to get to another vantage point, and the and among the green fields below the city, so familiar to the King and King of the Carnival was among the masses of his subjects, the fun had his party. Never was there a better day, and the royal party was met by begun and everybody was looking to see what the next thing would be.” a fleet of boats and a multitude of sightseers such as had From the ferry landing, Rex proceeded up Canal Street and never before gone out to welcome the sovereign to his own.” St. Chares Avenue to City Hall where the mayor presented the Royal Chariot with “Gaily over the swift running waters of the greater Mississippi,” reigning Monarch keys to the city. According to Rex historian Rex, 1907, Detroit continued the paper, “streamed the notes of the royal air Stephen W. Hales in his 2010 book Rex: An Illustrated History Publishing Comp. Library of Congress played by the King’s own band and a dazzling array of gay of the School of Design, Rex’s arrival by boat on Monday flags and bunting, King’s colors and sunshine mingled with ended in 1917 but was revived for one year in 1971 to celebrate laughter and shouting, and when the signal gun announced the transfer Rex’s hundredth anniversary. New Orleans loves its traditions, however. complete and the Royal array ready to start to the city, the multitudinous So, beginning in 1987, thanks to a group of civic and Carnival leaders and many-toned whistle mingled together and made that music which led by Mardi Gras historian Errol Laborde, the Rex organization revived the King and his people love so well on the great day, even if at other “Lundi Gras” with the arrival of Rex by boat on the Monday prior to times it might be considered a little too much.” Shrove Tuesday.

20 FEBRUARY 2024 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / FEBRUARY 2024

RAISE YOUR GLASS ICONIC NEW ORLEANS COCKTAILS… AND MORE

By Misty Milioto | Photography by Kat Kimball

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / FEBRUARY 2024

Q+A NOWN FOR ITS FESTIVALS AND PARTY ATMOSPHERE, NEW ORLEANS ALSO HAS ITS FAIR SHARE OF TOP-NOTCH RESTAURANTS AND BARS SERVING UP SOME SPLENDID LIBATIONS. WE TAKE OUR COCKTAILS SERIOUSLY HERE, AND THE PROOF IS IN THE FLUTE, COUPE, ROCKS GLASS, DAIQUIRI GLASS, MARTINI GLASS OR EVEN GOCUP - DEPENDING ON YOUR DRINK OF CHOICE. HERE, WE ROUND UP SOME OF THE BEST COCKTAILS IN THE CITY FROM SOME OF THE FINEST BARTENDERS AROUND.

Mojabi Ghost, Fives Bar Fives Bar, a happening new spot on Jackson Square, has a bevy of tasty and inventive cocktails from which to choose. A favorite for guests, however, is the Mojabi Ghost.

t. nn t.,

, ves.bar

New Orleans Magazine: How did this cocktail come about? James O’Donnell: The Mojabi Ghost is a conceptual cocktail that Kevin Londoño and I collaborated on and refined over the course of several weeks. This cocktail shares a name with a song that expresses the difficult emotions, lingering thoughts and coping mechanisms of the narrator as they attempt to move on from a past love. NOM: What does it include? O’Donnell: The drink itself is essentially a clarified lychee martini with heavy Japanese influence. We use Haku Vodka, yuzu juice and liqueur, lychee and Sakura bitters. Then, we use the same crème fraîche that [our] chef serves alongside our caviar service to clarify the drink. The clarification process requires a few days of behind-the-scenes work, then we keg the cocktail and serve it from our draft system. The result is a light and bright beverage that is simultaneously crowd pleasing and cocktail nerdy.

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25 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

MOJABI GHOST

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PALM& PAIN

Palm&Pain, Palm&Pine Mike “Cookie” Cook, lead bartender at Palm&Pine, created the Palm&Pain after a close friend and previous coworker inspired him to make a play on the Suffering Bastard. Made with El Buho Mezcal, Benchmark Bourbon, Peychaud’s Aperitivo, fresh lime juice, ginger beer, and garnished with fresh mint and an orange slice, the cocktail is crisp and clean with a distinctive smoky note. “Most people think of bourbon and mezcal as having heavy or overwhelming flavors in cocktails, but the alm

ain is so refreshing with a bite of ginger beer and the aroma of a fresh mint garnish,” Cook said.

“Not only do our guests love this drink, but it is also a favorite of the Palm&Pine team.”

N. ampart t.,

, palmandpinenola.com

Purple Haze, Columns Created by Eric Solis, bar manager at Columns,

Magazine Margarita, The Bower

the Purple Haze gets its inspiration from the

For an enlivening margarita, look no further than

pre-prohibition classic, the Clover Club cocktail.

The Bower. The restaurant and bar’s Magazine

“This drink came to me after we hosted a

Margarita, a fresh play on the classic cocktail,

spirited tequila dinner at Columns, and I had

features house-infused strawberry tequila.

made a very rich hibiscus syrup for one of

“Tequila has been a very popular spirit for a

the cocktails highlighted in the dinner,” he

few years now, and we don’t see that trend

said. “The beautiful deep magenta/purple

dying down anytime soon,” said beverage

color of the hibiscus drove me to create this

director Mickey Mullins. “It’s versatile and

cocktail. Using tequila as the base, and a

plays well with fresh-fruit flavor profiles. We

little bit of gin to highlight the floral notes

like to use local strawberries, especially when

of the agave and hibiscus, really made it

they are in season. There is nothing better

pop. Adding just a touch of my house-made

than Ponchatoula strawberries - they are the

tonic syrup rounded out the cocktail, giving

perfect natural sweetener. This drink is such a

it a layer of complexity with bitter and sour.

crowd-pleaser because it’s not overpowering,

It’s elegant, fun and interesting - just like

making it a great drink to enjoy with a nice

Columns - and I think that’s what makes

meal or happy hour snacks.”

it special at my bar.” 3811 St. Charles Ave.,

t.,

aga ine

, thebowernola.com

504-899-9308, thecolumns.com

Chris McMillian, local cocktail historian, legendary barman and owner at Revel Cafe & Bar, is known for his creative cocktails—and the stories he tells to go along with them. own. “The Gin Basil Smash was created by Jörg Meyer at Le Lion Bar de Paris in Hamburg, Germany,” McMillian said. “It was an inspired variation on Dale DeGroffs modern classic, the Whiskey Smash. Dale’s drink was a fusion of two classic drink structures: the mint sling and the sour whiskey with mint, sugar and lemon. Jörg simply substituted the gin for whiskey and basil for the mint. The popularity of this drink spread across Germany in the summer of 2008 and is now being served by bars around the world. We love this drink because it represents what we believe in: Good food, good drinks, good service and good friends equals good times.”

N. arrollton ve.,

, revelcafeandbar.com

Costera G&T, Costera On a busy night at Costera, the coastal Spanish restaurant and bar located in Uptown, it’s not uncommon to see a Costera G&T on every table. This house cocktail - created in 2019 by veteran bartender Steve Groom - combines cardamom-infused Hendrick’s Gin, housemade tonic syrup, bitters and soda with fresh grapefruit segments, mint leaves and a squeeze of lime. It’s served in a large Burgundy wine glass as an homage to the Gin and Tonics served in bars across Spain.

rytania t.,

, costerarestaurant.com

27 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

Indeed, his Gin Basil Smash has a story of its

FEBRUARY 2024 /

Gin Basil Smash, Revel Cafe & Bar

Q+A

The Grasshopper, Tujague’s In 1918, when Philip Guichet (co-owner of Tujague’s) traveled to New York City to compete in a national cocktail contest, his frothy mint-hued Grasshopper concoction won second place. When he returned to New Orleans and put his creation on the menu, it became a patron favorite and remains so to this day. It’s made with crème de menthe, crème de cacao, white crème de menthe, brandy, heavy cream and whole milk.

ecatur t.,

tu aguesrestaurant.com

Amaretto Sour, Manolito The dark horse of Manolito’s blended drinks, said managing partner Konrad Kantor, is the Amaretto Sour. “It is far less cloying than any Amaratto Sour I’ve had in the past, as it gets a healthy boost of tartness from fresh lime juice and also added texture from fresh-juiced pineapple (think egg-white without the mess and that vegans can drink),” he said. “We add a bit of rum to boost the ABV, and the combination of the rum and extra ice in the cocktail (compared to a shaken version of the drink) makes it a zesty and nut-flavored cocktail that is perfect for any season.” It features Lazzaroni Amaretto,

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Don Q Cristal, lime, pineapple, granulated sugar and crushed ice. umaine t.,

, manolitonola.com

The Baudin, Twelve Mile Limit The signature cocktail at Twelve Mile Limit is The Baudin, made with bourbon, honey syrup, lemon juice and a dash of Tabasco. “Dare I say, [it’s] one of the best cocktails in the city,” said owner and proprietor T. Cole ewton. “The honey syrup is two parts unfiltered local honey thinned with one part water to make it easier to mix. The trick to making the best version of The Baudin is to find good, local, unfiltered honey. Try sourcing from a farmers’ market. Ounce for ounce, we spend more on honey than we do on bourbon. [This is] also a reliable template for a cocktail: Swapping the spirit,

S’mores Milk Punch, Chandelier Bar

sweetener, spice or all of the above, can produce a winning riff.”

Hadi Ktiri, beverage director at the Chandelier Bar

. elemachus t.,

, twelvemilelimit.com

within the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, has always believed that great cocktails should connect people

Café Brûlot, Arnaud’s

to fond memories. For him, that meant combining

Ordering Caf Br lot at Arnaud’s is quite an enchanting spectacle.

the memory of making s’mores as a child (a memory

As part of an intricate table-side show, Arnaud’s waiters peel a

that many people share) along with the recipe for a

long, continuous curl of orange peel and stud it with cloves every

classic New Orleans Brandy Milk Punch.

anal t.,

, fourseasons.com neworleans

inch in a cross pattern. The waiter then holds the curled peel over a copper Br lot bowl and pours flaming brandy from a ladle, down the spiral and into the bowl. At Arnaud’s, the waiters also use a

New Orleans Magazine: What goes into the drink?

special Br lot ladle that strains out spices as the drink is poured

Hadi Ktiri: We use Park Cognac, which is made from

into glasses. It’s made with coffee, sugar cubes, lemon and orange

100 percent Ugni Blanc, a beautiful, high-quality creme

rinds, cloves, cinnamon sticks, orange Curaçao and brandy. To

de cacao from Tempus Fugit, a dash of Madagascar

note: Legend has it that famous adventurer Jean Lafitte invented

bourbon vanilla and local cream. Then the whole

this sensational after-dinner drink.

thing is topped off with vanilla marshmallow, dark

ienville t.,

arnaudsrestaurant.com

chocolate and graham cracker crumbles all flamb ed to perfection.

Gin Brigitte, Gris-Gris Made with Hendricks Gin, St. Germaine, ruby red grapefruit and

NOM: What makes the S’mores Milk Punch at Chandelier

fresh basil, the Gin Brigitte at Gris-Gris was inspired by Chef Eric

Bar so special?

Cook’s wife, Robyn, who loves the combination of flavors. The name

Ktiri: It’s not sweet, although we can certainly make

of the drink comes from Maman Brigitte, wife of the voodoo Loa

it that way if our guests prefer. It is Cognac-forward

Baron Samedi, from whom Gris-Gris derived its logo and vibe. The

and a proper cocktail, indeed. And putting a s’more

drink also is available at Cook’s French Quarter restaurant, Saint

on top is our way of saying, ‘Take cocktails less

John.

seriously, take life a little less seriously and have fun.’

aga ine t.,

, grisgrisnola.com

S’MORES MILK PUNCH

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / FEBRUARY 2024

French 75, Arnaud’s French 75

O Fortuna, The Elysian Bar

While the precise origins of the French 75 are

The Elysian Bar’s head bartender, Timothy Bryan,

difficult to trace, some say the drink was first

created the O Fortuna after deciding he wanted to

created in 1915 by barman Harry MacElhone

add another tequila drink to the menu that was

at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. The name,

stirred rather than shaken (as tequila cocktails often

which comes from the 75-millimeter field gun

are). Best described as a tequila white Negroni, the O

used by soldiers in World War I, is also now

Fortuna is made with tequila reposado, Amaro Meletti,

the namesake of Arnaud’s famed French 75 Bar

Lillet Blanc, cardamom and tiki bitters. Fun fact:

(a James Beard Award winner for Outstanding

The drink’s name is in reference to Ignatius J. Reilly,

Bar Program). The drink, which was a favorite

the main character in the book, “A Confederacy of

of the restaurant founder’s daughter, Germaine

Dunces” by New Orleans author John Kennedy Toole.

Cazenave Wells, is made with Courvoisier VS,

2317 Burgundy St., 504-356-6769, theelysianbar.com

sugar, lemon juice and Moët & Chandon, and is served in a signature tulip-shaped Champagne glass, garnished with a lemon twist. At Arnaud’s French 75, the drink is made as it was originally intended (with cognac rather than gin), however, the bartenders are happy to make a gin version upon request.

ienville t.,

arnaudsrestaurant.com bars french

Barrel Proof House Old Fashioned, Barrel Proof “We consider our Old Fashioned among the best in the city and a workhorse of Barrel Proof,” said managing partner Liam Deegan. “This drink is solid because, while it’s incredibly simple, we’ve put a lot of thought into each ingredient, and why. It uses what we think is the best option for the drink to shine. It has everything it needs to be a good drink, and, while we love a Wisconsin-style Old Fashioned, and the fruit salad that entails, this has everything you need and no frills to make it a killer and quick drink to whip up.” aga ine t., drinkbarrelproof.com

Ramos Gin Fizz, The Sazerac Bar A favorite drink of Governor Huey P. Long, the Ramos Gin Fizz dates back to 1888 when Henry C. Ramos concocted the cocktail at his New Orleans bar in the Meyer’s Table D’Hotel Internationale. After Prohibition, Ramos sold the rights to his drink to The Roosevelt New Orleans, where Long often imbibed on the frothy cocktail. He loved the drink so much, that once, when he was a Senator staying at the New Yorker Hotel, Long flew the head bartender from The Roosevelt ew Orleans, Sam Guarino, up to New York to teach the staff the proper technique. It’s made with Hayman’s Old Tom Gin, lemon and lime juice, sugar, cream, egg white, orange flower water and seltzer. Just be prepared to wait patiently for this dream drink, as it can take up to 15 minutes of shaking to create the proper frothy head. oosevelt Way,

, hilton.com

House pina colada, Cane & Table The house pina colada at Cane & Table

LA LUZ ESPRESSO

is a modified version that brings luster back to an overdone drink. “Our Covid-19 modified opening required we only serve frozen drinks,” said Partner and Bartender, Kirk Estopinal. “So we had to develop a daiquiri machine-friendly drink that we could be proud of. You can’t just pour a giant version of what we do at the bar (here or at Cure) in a machine and have it come out good. You have to modify it. I hate kitsch for the most part, but I love the culture of famous things culinarily that just become terrible over time. But there are places in old cities keeping these things respectable in a sea of deplorable versions. When something feels yucky, I get interested because you something they were proud of. I just want to return some of these things to the quality they once had.” t.,

ecatur

, caneandtablenola.com

The Sazerac initially came about when a French family-owned company began sending their world-renowned cognac to bars (formerly known as coffee houses) in New Orleans. This particular cognac was a favorite of Antoine Peychaud, inventor of the eponymous bitters, and it was used to create the original Sazerac cocktail. By the 1850s, the first Sazerac House opened and served what many consider to be the first Sazerac cocktail. While the spirit of the original Sazerac remains the same today, the

La Luz Espresso, Bar Marilou

actual spirits used have changed over the

From the moment Bar Marilou opened, customers constantly asked for

years (rye whiskey has taken the place of

espresso martinis. However, the bar team wasn’t that excited or inspired by

the original cognac, and Herbsaint has

the drink, so they set out to make something new. Lead bartender Lindsey

taken the place of absinthe). In 2008, the

Hawes concocted a version using a house-made tincture with habanero and

Louisiana State Legislature named The

overproof rum, coupled with Bittermen's Xocholatl mole bitters, to make a

Sazerac as the official cocktail of ew

version with a Mexican-spiced, chocolate-inspired flavor profile. “The use of

Orleans. The new Sazerac House, which

tequila instead of vodka, as well as the addition of mole bitters, give this drink

opened in 2019 just a few hundred feet

a layer of dimension and interest that's lacking in many espresso martinis,”

from the original, offers a daily cocktail

Hawes said. “All are very strong flavors that would overpower lighter ingredients.

class (The Sazerac Cocktail Tasting,

I’m looking for the coffee to be one or two notes in the song of a good cocktail.

$30).

The espresso is the main focus, but [it] lets the spice and sweetness really shine

sa erachouse.com

through.” 544 Carondelet St., 504-814-7711, barmarilou.com

aga ine t.,

31 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

The Sazerac, Sazerac House

FEBRUARY 2024 /

know it started with a person making

Irish Negroni, Restaurant R’evolution An aperitif that perfectly combines Italian and Irish elements, the Irish Negroni at Restaurant R’evolution features Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin with Sardinian citrus, Aperitivo Cappelletti and Cocchi Dopo Teatro Vermouth Amaro, garnished with an orange peel. The hints of gunpowder tea combined with Sardinian citrus in the gin, and mixed with Aperitivo Cappelletti, yields a less sweet taste that produces a balanced, flavorful cocktail with a dry finish. ienville t.,

, revolutionnola.com

Vieux Carré, Carousel Bar In the mid-1930s, Hotel Monteleone’s lead bartender Walter Bergeron created one of New Orleans’ most popular drinks - the ieux Carr - as a tribute to the many cultures that existed in the French Quarter. “To honor the French, he used B n dictine and cognac; for the Italians, sweet vermouth; the Americans, rye whiskey; and lastly, the bitters for the Islanders of the Caribbean,” said Marvin Allen, beverage manager at Hotel Monteleone. The Carousel Bar is the

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perfect place to imbibe on one these classic cocktails. oyal t.,

, hotelmonteleone.com

Basque in the Orchard, Plates Restaurant & Bar Lead bartender at Plates, Paula Echevarria Zamora, took inspiration from her hometown in the Basque region of northern Spain to create Basque in the Orchard - a spiced sour that uses a bone-dry, unfiltered cider (Ordago Sidra Iberiko) made in the region. Blended with Templeton Rye, Alma de Trabanco Quinquina, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, lemon juice, Demerara sugar, Ordago Sidra Iberiko and garnished with a dehydrated lemon and an anise star, Basque in the Orchard is a refreshing cocktail that

Dita Von Teese, Jewel of the South

conjures the aroma of apple orchards.

Located within a cozy Creole Cottage on St. Louis Street in

t.,

nnunciation

, platesnola.com

the French Quarter, Jewel of the South offers an innovative approach to classic cocktails. Chris Hannah, who directs

Speed Dial, Cure

the award-winning cocktail program, said the Dita Von

The Speed Dial, which bar lead Liz Kelley created for Cure’s

Teese is a fan favorite. 1026 St. Louis St., 504-265-8816,

spring menu last March, has been a best-seller ever since

jewelnola.com

(even though it’s now off the menu). Guests continue to ask for the Mediterranean riff on a Paloma, made with

New Orleans Magazine: How did the Dita Von Teese

Gentian, dandelion and Aleppo pepper, resulting in a bright,

get its name?

effervescent tequila cocktail. “Cure is the only place that

Chris Hannah: The Dita Von Teese is a jewel off the menu

you can get it!,” says Cure’s Founder, Neal Bodenheimer.

because the sultriness of the drink is a fun play on its

reret t.,

, curenola.com

name—the sexy, sultry and famous burlesque dancer.

Hurricane, Pat O’Brien's

NOM: What makes the Dita Von Teese so special?

The famous Pat O’Brien's Hurricane came about during

Hannah: It’s a split base tequila and mezcal cocktail with

World War II when there was a short supply of liquor but

green chartreuse, lime, fresh-juiced verdita and sugar. Our

a plentiful amount of Caribbean rum. The folks at Pat

verdita is pineapple, ginger, cilantro and Serrano pepper.

O’Brien's tested different recipes with rum and came up with the Hurricane using a passion fruit mix. Whether you

NOM: How would you describe the overall bar program

get one in a plastic to-go cup, or you choose to enjoy a

at Jewel of the South?

pretty glass version in the courtyard, it’s a quintessential

Hannah: We love our cocktail history and keeping New

New Orleans drink that had to make our list.

Orleans’ classics alive for guests to enjoy, as well as coming

t.,

, patobriens.com

t. eter

up with new combinations of spirits to share with guests.

The Cardamarg, Anna’s For a specialty frozen drink, head to Anna’s in the Marigny and ask for the Cardamarg. A staple drink at this quaint neighborhood joint, the Cardamarg is made with Vida Mezcal, tequila, Cardamaro, orange juice, lime juice, agave and cardamom tea. For an extra special touch, ask for the optional bottle of Underberg bitters. 2601 Royal St., annasnola.com

THE CARDAMARG

THE GREEN DOOR

Q+A

a sophisticated tropical note, while the smoky mezcal keeps it grounded. NOM: How does the Green Door speak of the cocktail culture at Loa Bar? Gullo: At Loa, we celebrate New Orleans’ singular culture that permeates our food and drink. Steeped in three centuries of soulful history, our cocktails are crafted using regional bounty that transports

The Green Door, Loa Bar

New Orleans Magazine: What ingredients does

[guests] across distant shores. One can

Abigail Gullo, beloved local mixologist and creative

it include?

savor the living legacy of New Orleans in

director at Loa Bar within the International

Abigail Gullo: Lemongrass infused mezcal, reposado

its spices, citrus, liquors and heritage—each

House hotel, is known for her creative concoc-

tequila, Chartreuse elixir, butterfly flower green

ingredient tells a story, every flavor a

tions. She developed the Green Door in homage

tea syrup, pineapple juice and lime. I have always

thread into the marvelous tapestry of

to another popular cocktail from Loa’s recent

created most of the syrups and tinctures used at

humanity that makes New Orleans a

past (The TKTKTKT). While she wanted to bring

Loa, and one of my favorite syrups is the special

sensory feast for the ages. The Green

the TKTKTK back, Gullo wanted to make it her

blend of tea made specifically for this drink. It

oor, specifically, spotlights two culinary

own. “It’s been a huge hit, because regulars

brings a certain element of Bruja magic potion

threads entwined here: the vibrant herbs

who remember the drink are eager to try this

to the cocktails.

and citrus of Mexico, and the tropical

version,” she said. “In addition, new guests have

coastal French styles that continue to

been coming in hearing tales of this pale green

NOM: What makes the Green Door so popular?

redefine

beauty of a drink that sends you to another

Gullo: I think the combination of agave spirits,

Green Door, with its pale green color

dimension: through the Green Door.

which are very popular right now, and the stunning

in a vintage crystal glass adorned with

visual appearance, appeals to our guests. It’s also

fresh sage, also fits in beautifully with

very tasty. The lemongrass and pineapple lend

the sensibilities of the [bar].

t.,

, ihhotel.com

amp

OLA’s culinary future. The

Uncle Butthead, Mister Mao Created by co-owner William “Wildcat” Greenwell, the Uncle Butthead features mezcal, amaro, lime and cane sugar. Almost like a Mexican twist on a Caipirinha, the balanced and refreshing cocktail is served in a rocks glass. 4501 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-345-2056, mistermaonola.com

LOVE YOU R H EA RT By Amy Kirk Duvoisin

ove is in the air. Mardi Gras fills the first half of the shortest month

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: “Smoking is

of the year with purple, green and gold joy. Following that is the

bad for your heart because it damages your heart and blood vessels. The

pink, red, and purple of Valentine’s Day. On that same day, we also

chemicals you inhale when you smoke increase your heart rate and blood

welcome the black and gray of Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent.

pressure and reduce the oxygen delivery to your tissues. Smoking also

This seems an ideal time to remind you why your heart is so

increases the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries, which can lead to heart

important and offer up some guidance for loving it more mindfully. We do

attack or stroke. Smoking has no safe level, and even occasional smoking

not want to “cease to live,” just as we never want to “cease to love,” as the

can harm your heart.”

Mardi Gras anthem goes…so let’s talk about all the ways you can help live your longest and best life.

The American Heart Association recommends these eight lifestyle behaviors for optimal heart health: 1. Following a healthy sleep schedule.

What is the heart and why is it important?

2. Not smoking. (Worth repeating!)

Your heart is the engine of the body, pumping oxygen and blood to your

3. Getting regular physical activity.

body and delivering “waste” (carbon dioxide) to your lungs for removal.

4. Adhering to a healthy diet.

Blood contains nutrients that your organs need to function. A healthy heart

5. Maintaining a healthy body weight.

means a healthy body.

6. Maintaining healthy blood glucose levels. 7. Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

THE BASICS OF HEART HEALTH

8. Maintaining healthy blood pressure.

“Your heart deserves to be loved for all the work it does. It started pumping

Many of the above can be summed up in the mantra of Eric “Doc” Griggs,

blood before you were born and will continue pumping throughout your

the founder and executive director of the Doc Griggs Foundation, a New

whole life.” –kidshealth.org

Orleans-based, community-driven, student-activated, and professionally

There are countless lists of dos and don’ts related to keeping your heart

mentored organization that promotes community health by empowering

happy and healthy. They can seem repetitive at best and overwhelming at

the community to “Get checked. Get fit. Get moving! ”

worst. But one is always mentioned: Do not smoke.

Getting Checked: Getting your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and glucose

36 FEBRUARY 2024 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

levels regularly checked is key. These can show risk factors and make you

can reduce their risk of heart disease with massage. A much-referenced 2013

aware of lifestyle changes that need to be made.

study published in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine, found

Getting Fit: According to Doc Griggs, “We truly are what we eat!” He recom-

massage therapy was effective at helping control blood pressure in women

mends “eating more real foods…shop the perimeter of the grocery store. Eat

with pre-hypertension. Researchers concluded that pre-hypertensive women

foods that will spoil in the sunshine!”

experienced lowered blood pressure for up to 72 hours after receiving a

We are also what we drink: “The one thing you should be most concerned

moderate-pressure massage.

about putting in your body every day is water since 70% of your body is water.”

How does massage therapy lower an individual’s blood pressure and

According to Griggs, “Salt is the second biggest enemy next to smoking.

protect against heart disease? By naturally releasing oxytocin and serotonin

As salt enters your body it’s like water entering a closed pipe. The higher

which lowers stress levels. Since high stress is a key contributor to many

the salt, the higher the pressure, and eventually…you will pop the pipe, i.e.

cardiovascular disease predictors, you can consider your next massage as

have a stroke. When your blood pressure goes down, the pressure on your

more than a treat…it’s preventative medicine!

arteries goes down.” of 150 minutes a week of exercise. “The more cardiovascular exercise, the

BUT, IT’S ABOUT WHAT YOU EAT AND DRINK THAT MAY AFFECT YOUR HEART HEALTH THE MOST

less energy your heart takes to beat, and the stronger this muscle becomes,”

“Laissez les bons temps rouler” may be good for the soul, but it’s not always

he explains.

good for the heart. Heart disease may be the leading killer in the U.S. for

Get Moving: Griggs says that the recommendation from the CDC is a minimum

“Your heart is one size. If you have more body to pump blood to, the harder your heart must work. This is the ‘why’ for losing weight. However, he notes, “You can’t out-exercise a bad diet.” Your heart health begins first with what you take in rather than what energy you put out.

both men and women, but statistically New Orleans also has the second highest rate of stomach cancer in the nation. Why? Because we love our salty foods (especially our fried, smoked, and pickled foods). Salt not only increases stomach cancer risk, but it increases your blood

EXERCISE YOUR POSITIVITY, TOO

pressure, even if you are taking blood pressure medication, according to local

One of the “10 small steps for better heart health” that Harvard Medical School

registered dietitian Kimberly Hemenway M.S., R.D., L.D.N.

recommends (https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/10-small-steps-

“We are not designed to eat lots of salt or fat”, she notes, adding, “Fat

for-better-heart-health# ) is to count your blessings. “Taking a moment each

causes heart blockage, and even too much ‘good fat’ is a bad thing.” She also

day to acknowledge the blessings in your life is one way to start tapping into

emphasizes that reading food labels is critical. “I always say, the numbers

other positive emotions. These have been linked with better health, longer

tell the story, not the words…food manufacturers have gotten very clever

life, and greater well-being, just as their opposites — chronic anger, worry,

about what words they put on packages, but you need to read the numbers.”

and hostility — contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease.” A 2020 article in sychology oday titled “The Heart’s Electromagnetic

Here are some good number guideposts: • “High Fiber” means 3 grams or more of fiber per serving.

Field is Your Superpower: Training Heart-Brain Coherence” references The

• “Low Salt” means 140 milligrams per serving.

Heartmath Institute, which has been researching heart intelligence since

• “Low Fat” is 3 grams per serving.

1991. Says Heartmath Research Director Dr. Rollin McCraty, “Coherence is

Hemenway has been a dietician for 35 years and she has seen diet trends

the state when the heart, mind, and emotions are in energetic alignment

come and go. But two current widely accepted plans are both aligned with

and cooperation.”

and supported by The American Heart Association: The DASH Eating Plan

According to the article, “Positive emotions such as compassion and love

and the Mediterranean Diet.

generate a harmonious pattern in the heart’s rhythm, leading to coherence

ASH ( ietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is a flexible and balanced

and greater emotional regulation. With an electrical component about 60

eating plan that requires no special foods and instead provides daily and

times greater and an electromagnetic energy field 5,000 times greater than

weekly nutritional goals. This plan recommends:

the brain’s, the heart has a significant influence on the body down to the

• Eating vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

cellular level. The brain’s rhythms along with the respiratory and blood pressure rhythms entrain with the heart’s rhythm. This is the optimal state for human functioning. In the same way we build mental habits, we can develop new heart habits. Whatever the heart informs the brain, the brain responds accordingly.”

• Including fat-free or low-fat dairy products, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and vegetable oils. • Limiting foods that are high in saturated fat, such as fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and tropical oils such as coconut, palm kernel, and palm oils. • Limiting sugar-sweetened beverages and sweets. According to the American Heart Association, a Mediterranean-style diet

FLOSS MORE—AND GET MORE MASSAGES! Wishing you flossed more regularly and got regular massages The good news is that both are good for your heart, so maybe you can reward improving your gum tissue with more deep-tissue massages?

typically includes: • Plenty of fruits, vegetables, bread and other grains, potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds. • Olive oil as a primary fat source.

“Dental health is a good indication of overall health, including your heart,

• airy products, eggs, fish, and poultry in low to moderate amounts.

because those who have periodontal disease often have the same risk factors

Think you can’t live without that salty taste or sweetness? According to

for heart disease. Studies have shown that bacteria in the mouth involved in

Hemenway, you must give yourself 2-3 weeks for your taste buds to acclimate.

the development of gum disease can move into the bloodstream and cause

Given that Lent is twice that long, this may be the perfect time to start trying

an elevation in C-reactive protein, a marker for inflammation in the blood

out less salt, less sugar, and less fat.

vessels. These changes may in turn increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.” -- ClevelandClinic.org.

You’ve been enjoying the positivity of Mardi Gras, so keep it going. Throw your heart some love!

According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), individuals

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / FEBRUARY 2024

PLANNING AHEAD INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE by Michael Patrick Welch

he last several tumultuous years of America’s economy, with continually increasing inflation, has many people concerned for their financial futures. While inflation is reported to be stabilizing, it is still not a bad idea to enter 2024 with a solid financial plan. As such, we spoke with two of the area’s best and most experienced professional financial advisors and asked for their expert advice regarding good investment paths and ideas to implement in the new year. ST EP BY STE P Robert Alvarez boasts 23 years of experience as a professional financial advisor. Currently a financial advisor specializing in wealth management at NOLA Financial, Alvarez gave New Orleans Magazine some helpful tips to share with our readers regarding general ways to create a comprehensive financial plan. “The first step in a prudent financial planning process is to sit down and actually review your financial goals,” advised Alvarez. “Whether you are single or married, clearly identifying what it is that you are interested in achieving

38 FEBRUARY 2024 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

financially should be your starting point. The most common goals that I assist people with include but are not limited to tax reduction strategies, estate planning, retirement income planning, investment planning, social security planning, education funding, protection, and insurance planning. “Once you have determined what it is that you are interested in achieving, or concerned about possibly not being able to achieve, you will then be able to do a deeper dive,” said Alvarez. “If you have a family, you might be surprised how often you and your significant other are not aware of each other’s goals; you may have different goals, and in many instances this process may spark a healthy and necessary dialogue. At that point, most people find a great deal of benefit from visiting with a financial professional who specializes in comprehensive financial planning. The advisor is in a unique position to guide you through the ins and outs of the financial planning process. This third party can also help to create a safe environment where you and/or your significant other can feel free to be honest about your individual and collective feelings and priorities. “In a typical financial planning process, the professional should establish

your goals and then move on to the data gathering phase of the process. This will typically include information on what you may already be doing from a financial standpoint, and it may include gathering existing investment account information, workplace retirement plans and benefits information, insurance policies, educational savings plans, or estate planning items that you may already have.” Assuming that you feel comfortable with the advisor, he or she should disclose the scope of any professional relationship that they might be proposing to you and inform you of any costs associated with continuation of the process. “The remaining steps of the process would include having the advisor create an actual written financial plan for you which considers multiple factors,” Alvarez added. “At a basic level, those factors should include your goals, your mutual objectives, risk tolerance, your age, time horizon, where you are presently with each goal, where you want to go financially, and how best to get you there. “Upon completion of your written financial plan, the advisor should meet with you and discuss the results of that financial plan and walk you through different options on how to best achieve your goals. Once you understand the recommendations and alternative solutions, you should be able to expect your advisor to help you with actual implementation of those strategies. “Once the process has commenced, you should establish, along with your advisor, a regular review schedule. This is an extremely important part of the process and has a great deal to do with your long-term success. Obviously, changes will occur for you, and in the ever-fluctuating economy in general. By maintaining a regular review schedule and ongoing relationship with your advisor, you tend to maximize your chances for success and in the end be happier with your advisory relationship in general.” Alvarez concluded, “If there is one thing that you can do to maximize your chances for financial success this year, consider getting or updating your existing financial plan under the guidance of a qualified financial professional.” A SPECIFIC PLAN Ted Longo, President, Senior Wealth Management Advisor at his firm, The Longo Group added some more precise advice regarding financial planning, savings, and investments for our readers desiring to up their financial game in 2024 “In terms of retirement plans,” began Longo, “401k contributions are going up to a maximum of $23,000 with the catch-up provision for people 50 and above remaining at an additional $7,500. If you can afford to do so, max out your 401ks, as there is no better savings tool. At a minimum, if it fits in your budget, you should meet the match amount offered by your employer. The match equates to a 100% return on your money before investment. So, if possible, you want to take advantage of this. For business owners and people employed as contractors, there are options available including plans like SEPs and Individual 401ks. When properly used, these are worth looking at for all the same advantages that a retirement plan can bring. IRA contributions are going up to a maximum of $7,000 in 2024 if you are under the age of 50. If you are 50 or older, you can contribute up to $8,000, which offers a $1,000 catch-up provision. “For educational planning,” Longo continued, “the 529s are still an excellent way to go. 529s impose no income limits, are easy to open and maintain, their growth is tax deferred, and withdrawals are tax-free if used for educational purposes. There are also flexible options in case the child does not ultimately use the money for education. “If you are charitably-oriented, then make sure to also plan your gifting. For those who have already started taking required minimum distributions from

their retirement accounts, those can be given directly to a charity, which avoids the entire tax issue on the withdrawal. If you are fortunate enough to have appreciated securities, those are wonderful gifts to tax-exempt organizations because those organizations can then turn around and sell the securities, avoid taxes, and you get your deduction. “Finally, if you have not had the opportunity to look into donor-advised funds, they are excellent gifting-planning tools due to their flexibility and the control you maintain over the account.” Longo added, “Regarding any outstanding debts/loan: if variable rates are involved, this is a good time to see what you are currently paying for those dollars. Interest rates have gone up tremendously since the beginning of 2022 and many people are unaware of what they are paying for interest on their credit cards or other lines of credit. It may be worth checking these and trying to find more favorable rates. “Lastly, plan your spending. Obviously you do not want to spend more than you can afford to, but how much is that? The beginning of each year is a good time to sit down and figure out what your spending can be for the year. It’s comforting not to spend too much but if there are things you want to do in life, there’s no reason to under-spend either. Money is meant to be enjoyed and it can add a lot to life if used properly.” Longo then moved on to savings and investments: “The easiest thing to do for the start of 2024 is to check and see what your savings balances are earning, return-wise. I mentioned earlier that interest rates have increased since the beginning of 2022. With that said, the average savings and checking account in the US is paying less than one-percent. With little or no risk, you can get higher rates by utilizing money markets, certificates of deposits (CDs), and treasuries. On short-term CDs (one year or less) you can still get a five-percent interest rate–not bad for a Federally-insured savings vehicle.” “Also, make sure you have a disciplined investment process and that the risk level of that process matches your needs and temperament. The stock market again proved in 2023 why there’s no reason to try and time it. Many of the so-called experts have been calling for a recession for the last two years. I’m not saying one is not out there, but so far one hasn’t shown up and the market is hitting new highs. Those new highs however are being driven by just a handful of very large companies’ stocks. Wall Street nick-named them the Magnificent Seven (Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Nvidia Corp, Tesla, and Meta Platforms) and they are all concentrated in one area of the market. With other areas of the market not performing as well and trading at more attractive values, this is a great time to rebalance your portfolios if they are overweighted in one area. But again, all of this is part of a disciplined investment process that should meet your needs and personality. “Lastly, regarding portfolios, it’s been many years since fixed income investments have paid the yields they currently are with the ability to get five-percent or more on bonds and still be able to stay high-quality. It’s a good time to review that part of your portfolio as well. On a total return basis, bonds had an awful year in 2022 thanks to the inverse relationship of interest rates and bond prices. Ultimately what this means is that bonds have become more attractive in price and yield. That still doesn’t mean that a smart strategy shouldn’t be put in place, but it does mean that it will contribute more to the total return of your portfolio right now.” While the current financial climate may intimidate some, if you take the advice of these experts, it should create more monetary stability in 2024, better peace of mind, and an overall higher quality of life for you and your loved ones.

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / FEBRUARY 2024

40 FEBRUARY 2024 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

SPONSORED SPONSORED

Valentine’s Day Gifts Dazzle your date this Valentine’s Season with these glittering, glamorous gifts.

PERLIS Clothing

Perlis.com 6070 Magazine Street, New Orleans, 504895-8661; 600 Decatur St, French Quarter, 504-523-6681; 1281 N Causeway Blvd, Mandeville, 985-674-1711; 8366 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, 225-926-5909 Your Valentine will love this Julie Vos luxuriously textured 24K gold plated alligator pendant suspended beneath a 36” rolo chain that can be worn long or doubled up.

Sazerac House

Cristy Cali

Sazerachouse.com 101 Magazine St. 504-910-0100 Puppy love? That’s something worth raising a glass to. From collars to squeaky toys, The Sazerac House has the perfect accessories for even the furriest loves of your life. Nola Couture Dog Leash, $35. Please visit The Sazerac House at 101 Magazine Street, New Orleans, or shop online atsazerachouse.com.

Cristycali.com Private showings available on Saturdays or by appointment. Book online or text 504-722-8758. Show your hometown love with this Please Return to New Orleans Heart Charm in 18kt gold vermeil, $85, $173 with an 18-24” adjustable chain.

Greater New Orleans Healthcare Providers

or seasonal sniffles or chronic maladies, you can trust your local healthcare providers to offer calm guidance and worldclass care to help you on the path to wellness. When it comes time to consult a medical professional, consider the following Greater New Orleans healthcare providers.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is devoted to its mission to improve the health and lives of Louisianians. Start the New Year in good health by making plans for a checkup with your healthcare provider. Everyone should have at least one checkup per year. People with long-term health conditions like heart disease or diabetes may need multiple checkups. This annual visit is a great way to stay on top of your health and well-being and to know your numbers for key indicators like blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. If you need to have any preventive screenings, shots, or tests this year based on your age and health history, your provider can start working with you now to get those scheduled. Call your healthcare provider and schedule your 2024 checkup today – especially if it’s been more than a year since your last one.

Thibodaux Regional Health System

Thibodaux Regional Health System, located in adjacent Lafourche Parish, recently earned Advanced Certification as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission. Thibodaux Regional is the first and only hospital in Region 3 to achieve this designation, meeting the highest standards for the treatment of stroke patients. “Thibodaux Regional has worked diligently to establish comprehensive neurosciences services to meet the needs of the region,” said Greg Stock, CEO, Thibodaux Regional. “We have recruited four neurologists and two neurosurgeons to complement existing clinical services and support staff; constructed a 30-bed acuity adaptable Critical Care Unit featuring state-of-the-art technology; and acquired advanced technology to provide minimally invasive image-guided procedures in our Interventional Radiology Suite.” “We understand the critical nature of a rapid and precise diagnosis and prompt treatment during a stroke event,” said Dr. Tashfin Huq, Board Certified Neurologist and Stroke Medical Director with Thibodaux Regional. “The Primary Stroke Center designation not only benefits patients but also the region as a whole, as it promotes accessibility to superior stroke care, leading to improved outcomes and a higher quality of life for individuals impacted by stroke.” For more information visit thibodaux.com. • MYNEWORLEANS.COM / FEBRUARY 2024

54 FEBRUARY 2024 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

FEBRUARY 2024

A Special Section of New Orleans Magazine WYES-TV/Channel 12 PROGRAM & EVENTS GUIDE

CELEBRATING

31 YEARS!

Save the Date!

Now through July, guests can enjoy dinners that highlight a wide variety of cuisines with wine pairings at 10 iconic New Orleans restaurants.

WYES GALA IT’S 5 O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE

Seats sell out fast, so be sure to make your reservation at wyes.org/events.

Thursday, May 9, 2024 7pm – Patron Party 8pm – Gala

Dinner prices vary from $110-$275 and include tax and gratuity. All dinners begin at 6:30pm.

Co-Chairs: Alicia and Douglas Higginbotham, Erin and JP Hymel, Alison Toussaint-LeBeaux

Thank you to this season’s participating restaurants.

TICKETS & DETAILS wyes.org/events 504.486.5511

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1

TUESDAY, MARCH 5

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6

$110

$125

$200

CHEFS DANA HONN AND CHRISTINA HONN

CHEF PAPILLON ANDERSON

CHEF DIEGO

FIRST COURSE

Enjoy an Animation Dining Experience" with TableMation Studios. Your tabletop will come magically ALIVE, right before your very eyes. WYES is not the wine dinner host.

FIRST COURSE AMUSE-BOUCHE

Introductory cocktail - Beijo do Boto (Kiss of the Pink Dolphin) SECOND COURSE CHONTADURO PALM SALAD

Fresh Hearts of Palm, Avocado, Red Onion, Aromatic Pepper, Passion Fruit Vinaigrette Rotondo Sauvignon Blanc, Peru or Xingu Gold Beer THIRD COURSE TACACA

The Iconic Soup from the Brazilian Amazon Made With Tucupi (Fermented Cassava Juice), Dried and Fresh Shrimp, Cumari Peppers and Jambu (Amazonian paracress) FOURTH COURSE PERU: JUANE DE PESCADO

A Traditional Dish from the Peruvian Amazon of Seasoned Rice, Fish, Hard-Boiled Egg and Other Ingredients Cooked in a Banana Leaf Wapisa Pinot Noir, Argentina FIFTH COURSE CUPUAÇU MOUSSE

Community Coffee Breakfast Blend

SEARED SCALLOPS

Citrus Beurre Blanc Jean Francois L’Arpent Sauvignon Blanc, Loire

FIRST COURSE

SECOND COURSE

Arugula, Heirloom Tomato, Easter Radish, Pine Nut, Basil Pesto, 50 Year Aged Balsamic

TUSCAN SAUSAGE AND GNOCCHI SOUP

BURRATA

Routas Rose, Provence

2021 Le Garenne Sancerre, Loire Valley

THIRD COURSE

SECOND COURSE

BABY SPINACH SALAD

with Warm Bacon

Domaine de Colette Beaujolais Villages FOURTH COURSE BRAISED SHORT RIBS OVER POLENTA

Pellegrini Zinfandel FIFTH COURSE SAFFRON POACHED PEARS

Doris Moscatto, Oregon Community Coffee Breakfast Blend

BOUILLABAISSE

Octopus, Clam, Shrimp, Snapper, Saffron-Garlic Rouille 2020 Mary Taylor Bordeaux Rouge, Bordeaux THIRD COURSE BUTTER POACHED LOBSTER TAIL

Truffle Herb Butter Sauce

2020 Robert Mondavi The Estates Fume Blanc, Oakville, Napa Valley FOURTH COURSE WAGYU BEEF TENDERLOIN

Prosciutto, Asparagus, Celeriac Mash, Bordelaise Sauce 2018 Robert Foley Vineyards Charbono, Napa Valley FIFTH COURSE LA BOMBÉ

Strawberry, Chocolate and Vanilla Gelato atop a Chocolate Biscuit, nestled in torched Meringue Maraschino Cherry and Guanaja Chocolate Sauce Bach Gabrielsen Very Old Pineau Des Charentes Community Coffee Signature Blend

TUESDAY, MARCH 19

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19

$125

$115

$135

CHEFS SUSAN SPICER AND JACOB ANGUIANO

CHEF BRIAN LANDRY

CHEF BOBBI MILLER

FIRST COURSE

PICKLED SHRIMP AND CORN FLAKES

GARLIC BUTTER POACHED SHRIMP AND GRITS

FIRST COURSE AMUSE

Conch Fritter with Dipping Sauce 2016 Gramona Corpinatt Brut Imperial, Spain SECOND COURSE JERKED DUCK

Fried Plantains and Pineapple Habanero Sauce Hemingway Daiquiri THIRD COURSE

WEST INDIES SEAFOOD SALAD

Grilled Corn Flakes, Grape Tomatoes, Jalapeño, Cilantro 2018 Trimbach Gewurztraminer Alsace, France SECOND COURSE SUMMER SQUASH SALAD

Lemon Vinaigrette, Red Onions, Parmesan, Herbs 2020 Château de Ségriès, Côtes du Rhônes Rouge Rhône Valley, France THIRD COURSE

2021 Brunn Gruner Veltliner, Austria

Potato Galette, Blue Cheese

BONE-IN SHORT RIB

2019 Blason d’Issan Margaux Bordeaux, France

ROPA VIEJA

Black Beans and Rice 2020 Durigutti PROYECTO Criolla, Argentina FIFTH COURSE FLAN DE QUESO

Homare “Aladdin” Shuzo Nigori, Japan Wines provided by: VINO Wholesale Wines Community Coffee Café Special

SECOND COURSE SCALLOP CRUDO

Avocado and Lime

FOURTH COURSE

Les Glories, Crémant de Loire Rose

Citrus and Chili

J de Villebois Sauvignon Blanc, Vin de Loire 2021 THIRD COURSE CRISPY FRIED DUCK LEG

Cauliflower Puree, Frisée Salad, Blackberry Gastrique Copain Tous Ensemble Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2021 FOURTH COURSE LAMB LOLLIPOPS

FOURTH COURSE STRAWBERRY FIELD

Pomegranate Tabbouleh, Goat Cheese Crema

Fresh Strawberry Ice Cream, Strawberry Balsamic Compote, Candied Basil

Jean Luc Colombo “Les Fees Brunes” Croze-Hermitage 2019

June’s Rosé (Zweigelt) Austria

FIFTH COURSE

Community Coffee Breakfast Blend

FRESH FRUIT AND PASTRY CREAM TARTLET

Chateau Laribotte Sauternes 2019 Community Coffee Breakfast Blend

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26

THURSDAY, JULY 18

TUESDAY, JULY 30

$125

$150

$275

CHEF KNUT MJELDE

CHEF ARVINDER VILKHU

CHEF RICHARD HUGHES

FIRST COURSE

WELCOME COCKTAIL

CREOLE TOMATO SOUP

MASALA FISH CROQUETTES

Anne Amie ‘Amrita’ Sparkling Yamhill-Carlton NV SECOND COURSE CITY PARK SALAD

Baby Red Oak, Romaine, Granny Smith Apples, Stilton Blue Cheese, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Creamy Vinaigrette Melanie Pfister ‘Tradition’ Pinot Gris Alsace 2015 THIRD COURSE BRAISED SHORT RIB

Chive Whipped Potatoes, Sautéed Spring Peppers and Onions K Vintner’s ’The Hidden’ Syrah Walla Walla 2014 FOURTH COURSE BLACKOUT DOBERGE

Devil’s Sponge Cake and Chocolate Filling, Rich Chocolate Ganache, Vanilla Creme Anglaise Quinta do Noval LBV Port 2016 Community Coffee D&B Espresso Roast

Ginger Tomato Remoulade Dip

SECOND COURSE SERVED BUTTERNUT SQUASH

Spiced Hung Yogurt, Tamarind Pepper Chimi Churi NV Brut, Haute Cabrière, “Pierre Jourdan,” Méthode Cap Classique, Franschhoek, South Africa THIRD COURSE TRUDY CARLSON AMRITSARI SHRIMP

Malabar Tomato Chutney 2021 Grüner Veltliner, Nastl, “Klassik,” Niederösterreich, Austria FOURTH COURSE ARRANGEMENTS BEEF BRISKET CURRY

Served with Upma Eggplant Hyderabad Saag Paneer (Spinach and Housemade Cheese) Plain Naan, Garlic Naan, Chili Cheese Naan 2019 Malbec, Vista Flores Estate, Reserve, La Consulta, Uco Valley, Argentina

FIRST COURSE GAZPACHO WITH SCALLOP CEVICHE

Piper Sonoma Brut Rose NV SECOND COURSE YELLOWFIN TUNA & FOIE GRAS TORCHON & PADDLEFISH CAVIAR

Banquette, Chives, Balsamic Reduction Schlosskellerei Gruner Veltliner Gobelsburger 2022 THIRD COURSE AVOCADO & LOBSTER SALAD

Green Goddess Dressing, Chives, Little Gem, Radicchio Far Niente Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2022 FOURTH COURSE SEARED GULF SWORDFISH

Pineapple Crab Chimichurri, Shoe Peg Corn Maque Choux, Fingerling Potatoes, Swiss Chard Henri Bourgeois Sancerre Rouge ‘Les Baronnes’ 2019 INTERMEZZO FROZEN WATERMELON AND COCONUT RUM SHOT

FIFTH COURSE SEARED USDA PRIME TENDERLOIN

Creamed Spinach Stuffed Heirloom Tomato, Mache, Fried Onion Rings, Truffle Bordelaise Chateau Saint Georges, Saint Georges Saint Emilion 2018

FIFTH COURSE

SIXTH COURSE

STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING CAKE AND BERRIES

STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING

Community Coffee Café Special

Lavender Ice Cream, Hazelnut Tuille Terrassous Rivesaltes, Hors d’Age 12 Year Wines provided by: Wines Unlimited Community Coffee Café Special

WYES has Carnival covered! Head to wyes.org/mardigras for a full list of Carnival programs

Buy your copy at wyes.org/shop

Not parading this year? tune in to WYES Mardi Gras Day, Tuesday, February 13, for a full lineup of your favorite Carnival programming beginning at 9am! PHOTOS COURTESY: PABLEAUX JOHNSON, KATHY ANDERSON, CHERYL GERBER, ARTHUR HARDY

SPRING HAS SPRUNG! Come mix and mingle in your finest spring attire and celebrate with WYES-TV on the Northshore. WYES NORTHSHORE SPRING FLING presentd by LCI Workers’ Comp

Friday, March 1 Home of Jen and Seth Smiley: 1717 Lakeshore Drive, Mandeville 5-6pm Patron Party $150pp 6-8pm Event $100pp

Tickets & Sponsorships: wyes.org/events | 504-486-5511 Attire: Floral & Festive

Live music, food, wine, beer and champagne included.

Honorary Chairs: Sue & Jack McGuire and Cathy & Mike Saucier Event Co-Chairs: Paula Kelly Meiners and Phoebe Whealdon

The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in St. Tammany Parish.

THANK YOU TO THE EVENT COMMITTEE: Vicky Bayley Kay & Everett Bonner Jessica Brewster R. Timothy Brown, MD Simone Bruni Dr. Joe & Janice Bullock Molly D. Burns, DDS Catherine & Mike Cooper

Michelle Mayne Davis & Emmett G. Dupas III Cathy Deano Tess & Rick Dennie Terri & Rick Fogarty Desiree Forsyth Caroline France Leah & Darron Goodgion Lisa Hingle Karen Hollis

Cynthia & Bob Kemp Debbie Langenhennig Karen & Marc Leunissen Maria & Dwyre McComsey Rene & Otto Mehrgut Carol Miles & Keith Villere Susan & Michael Mire Jenny & Shane Mutter

Lisa & Allen Naquin Shelley & Scott Naquin Cindy & Brett Petry Lori Rase Patty & Phil Riddlebarger Larry Rolling Susan & Randy Russell Charles A. Schof, DDS & Mary Elise Schof

Frances Strayham & Jerome Fournier Francis & Bill Treadway Christy Verges & Doug Brennecke Susan & Pierre Villere Leigh Ann Wall Meg Williams Jan & Ricky Windhorst Shelley & Guy Winstead

PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS WYES-TV/CHANNEL 12 PROGRAM GUIDE | FEBRUARY 2024

Watch all WYES programs on WYES-TV and stream on wyes.org/live and on the free WYES and PBS Apps

MASKED FOR BATTLE: MARDI GRAS INDIAN CULTURE CONFRONTS COVID Saturday, February 3 at 8pm; Monday, February 5 at 9pm; Sunday, February 11 at 3pm; Tuesday, February 13 at 5pm; The documentary captures the stories of Black masking Indians, devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic but equally determined to persevere. The lockdown also deprived Black masking Indians of practices essential to the century-old tradition: communal craft work, community gatherings and open-air street performances. With a second consecutive Carnival canceled in 2021, some wondered if they would ever return to the streets in intricately crafted suits of beads and feathers—or if their unique New Orleans tradition would become another victim of the pandemic. Photo Credit: Pableaux Johnson

GOSPEL Part 1 of 2: Monday, February 12 at 8pm; Part 2 of 2: Friday, February 16 at 9pm; Parts 1-2 of 2: Saturday, February 17 at 8pm From the blues to hip hop, African Americans have been the driving force of sonic innovation for over a century. Musical styles come and go, but there’s one sound that has been a constant source of strength, courage and wisdom from the pulpit to the choir lofts on any given Sunday. GOSPEL, the latest history series from Henry Louis Gates, Jr., digs deep into the origin story of Black spirituality through sermon and song. New Orleans native Mahalia Jackson is prominently featured. Pictured: Tyrell Bell and the Belle Singers, featuring Ian Johnson, perform “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus” Photo Credit: McGee Media

THE 2024 REX BALL AND THE MEETING OF THE COURTS OF REX AND COMUS Tuesday, February 13 at 7pm and 11:30pm WYES host and producer Peggy Scott Laborde, along with Errol Laborde, Carnival historian and author of Mardi Gras: Chronicles of the New Orleans Carnival and Will French, Rex Organization historian, provide commentary throughout the evening. The live program contains interviews with past and present Rex and Comus royalty along with historical video vignettes. Photo Credit: Kathy Anderson BURIED HISTORY: FINDING OUR PAST Wednesday, February 14 at 10pm; Saturday, February 17 at 5pm; Wednesday, February 21 at 3pm & 10pm The documentary takes viewers on a journey with veteran journalist Warren Bell, who discovers unknown parts of his own family history and lesser known, but important, aspects of New Orleans’ unique Black history, after taking over a neglected family tomb at the historic St. Louis Cemetery Number 2. Experts also share resources available to those wanting to start their own family research. Produced by Warren Bell and directed and edited by David M. Jones. D8

1 THURSDAY

3 SATURDAY

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

3pm STEPPIN’ OUT “It’s Carnival Time”

7pm STEPPIN’ OUT covers the region’s arts and entertainment scene with host Peggy Scott Laborde and guests.

3:30pm BIG CHIEFS OF CARNIVAL: THE SPIRIT MOVES MY NEEDLE

8pm AGATHA CHRISTIE’S MARPLE “A Murder is Announced” (Pt. 4/4) 9:30pm AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT, SEASON 2 “The Lost Mine” (Pt. 4/10) 10:30pm CALL THE MIDWIFE, SEASON 12 (Pt. 2/8) 11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

2 FRIDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

5pm NEW ORLEANS PARADES FROM THE PAST 6pm THE LAWRENCE WELK SHOW: FAVORITE LOVE SONGS 7pm BLAINE KERN: THEY CALL HIM MR. MARDI GRAS The business Blaine Kern built 75 plus years ago opened Carnival to people of all races and backgrounds and continues to build spectacular parades here and around the world. Hear his story through interviews with family, friends, Carnival insiders and Kern himself.

NEW & LOCAL

7pm INFORMED SOURCES

8:30pm WALL $TREET WRAP-UP WITH ANDRÉ LABORDE

10pm NINA “The Return” (Pt. 1/8) On her first day as a trainee nurse, Nina questions the diagnosis of the head of the internal medicine service, who is none other than her ex-husband. In French with English subtitles. 11pm LUNA AND SOPHIE, SEASON 2 “Family Disgrace” (Pt. 3/10) In German with English subtitles.

5 MONDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Old Sturbridge Village” (Hour 2/3)

7:30pm LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN 8pm WASHINGTON WEEK WITH THE ATLANTIC features a roundtable of journalists from print, broadcast and online news organizations who provide analysis of the week’s major national news stories and their impact on the lives of Americans.

9pm FUNNY WOMAN (Pt. 5/6) Barbara is banished to Blackpool to await her fate and wonders if her career is over. A remorseful Clive decides to win her back. Will Barbara forgive him?

8pm MASKED FOR BATTLE: MARDI GRAS INDIAN CULTURE CONFRONTS COVID captures the stories of Black masking Indians response to the pandemic and how they preserved their culture and traditions. Photo Credit: Pableaux Johnson

WYES-TV/CHANNEL 12 PROGRAM GUIDE | FEBRUARY 2024

7:30pm BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

4pm MARDI GRAS: THE PASSING PARADE

8pm MASTERPIECE “All Creatures Great and Small, Season 4” ‘Papers’ (Pt. 5/7) A dinner with Gerald leaves Mrs. Hall with a dilemma but watching James and Helen brace for their future gives her a new perspective.

8pm ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Austin” (Hour 1/3) 9pm MASKED FOR BATTLE: MARDI GRAS INDIAN CULTURE CONFRONTS COVID captures the stories of Black masking Indians response to the pandemic

9pm ALL ON A MARDI GRAS DAY 10pm CHAPPY GOES TO MARDI GRAS New Orleans native Chappy Hardy explores the history, traditions and festivities of Mardi Gras in 1985.

9pm AMERICAN MASTERS “Little Richard: The King and Queen of Rock and Roll” provides an intimate exploration of the renowned, electrifying and multifaceted individual. 11pm STEPPIN’ OUT 11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

11pm AUSTIN CITY LIMITS “Tanya Tucker/ Britney Spencer”

4 SUNDAY 7pm MASTERPIECE “Miss Scarlet and the Duke, Season 4” ‘The Calling’ (Pt. 5/6) Eliza and Nash are still struggling to work together when an explosive case takes them into a cutthroat industry where people will kill to keep their secrets.

10pm INDEPENDENT LENS “Sister Úna Lived a Good Death” A wisecracking nun with stage IV cancer teaches others to live fully until death. 11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

6 TUESDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

WYES-TV/CHANNEL 12 PROGRAM GUIDE | FEBRUARY 2024

WEEKDAYS ON

7pm FINDING YOUR ROOTS WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR., SEASON 10 “Far and Away” Journalist Sunny Hostin and actor Jesse Williams learn that their ancestors come from very diverse places. 8pm AMERICAN MASTERS “How it Feels to be Free” The inspiring story of how six iconic African American female entertainers – Lena Horne, Abbey Lincoln, Nina Simone, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson and Pam Grier – challenged an entertainment industry deeply complicit in perpetuating racist stereotypes, and transformed themselves and their audiences in the process.

10pm AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “Goin’ Back to T-Town” Revisit a thriving Black community in Tulsa, which rebuilt after a 1921 racially-motivated massacre 11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

7 WEDNESDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

5am ARTHUR

10am DONKEY HODIE

5:30am ODD SQUAD

10:30am PINKALICIOUS & PETERRIFIC

6am MOLLY OF DENALI 6:30am ALMA’S WAY 7am LYLA IN THE LOOP 7:30am WILD KRATTS 8am DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD

11am ELINOR WONDERS WHY 11:30am NATURE CAT NOON CURIOUS GEORGE 12:30pm XAVIER RIDDLE AND THE SECRET MUSEUM

8:30am ROSIE’S RULES

1pm DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD

9am SESAME STREET

1:30pm ARTHUR

9:30am WORK IT OUT WOMBATS!

7:30pm BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW 8pm AGATHA CHRISTIE’S MARPLE, SEASON 2 “Sleeping Murder” (Pt. 1/4) 9:30pm AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT “The Cornish Mystery” (Pt. 5/10) 10:30pm CALL THE MIDWIFE, SEASON 12 (Pt. 3/8) 11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

7pm NATURE “Flyways” A conservation movement of bird-lovers and citizen scientists focuses on understanding and saving shorebirds.

9 FRIDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

8pm NOVA “Easter Island Origins”

7pm INFORMED SOURCES

9pm SECRETS OF THE DEAD “Graveyard of the Giant Beasts”

7:30pm LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN

10pm ALL ON A MARDI GRAS DAY

8pm WASHINGTON WEEK WITH THE ATLANTIC

11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

8:30pm WALL $TREET WRAP-UP WITH ANDRÉ LABORDE

8 THURSDAY

9pm GOSPEL LIVE! PRESENTED BY HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR. is a concert celebration honoring the legacy of gospel music in America. As a companion to GOSPEL, hosted by Henry Louis Gates,

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

D10

7pm STEPPIN’ OUT “It’s Carnival Time” Host Peggy Scott Laborde and special guests Arthur Hardy and Errol Laborde get you ready for Mardi Gras 2024. This year’s topics include the increase in activity of women’s krewes; krewes celebrating special anniversaries, including Carrollton’s 100th and remembering the 75th anniversary of when Louis Armstrong reigned as Zulu (pictured). Photo Credit: Celeste Armstrong

11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

Jr., secular and gospel artists sing their favorite gospel classics. Watch the premiere of GOSPEL on Monday, February 12 at 8pm.

13 TUESDAY

10pm STEPPIN’ OUT “It’s Carnival Time”

9am MARDI GRAS STORIES

11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

10 SATURDAY 5pm MARDI GRAS: THE PASSING PARADE 6pm THE LAWRENCE WELK SHOW “Salute to the Big Bands” 7pm ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Old Sturbridge Village” (Hour 2/3)

9pm FUNNY WOMAN (Pt. 6/6) The team reunites to record the last show. It is a triumph, but there are a few surprises still in store for Barbara as the series reaches its finale. Photo Credit: ©Potboiler Productions; ©Sky UK Limited 10pm NINA “For Better or For Worse” (Pt. 2/8) In French with English subtitles. 11pm LUNA AND SOPHIE, SEASON 2 “The Container (Pt. 4/10) In German with English subtitles.

8pm FINDING YOUR ROOTS WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR., SEASON 10 “Far and Away”

12 MONDAY

9pm IRMA: MY LIFE IN MUSIC Revel in the life and career of Grammy Awardwinning artist Irma Thomas and her impact on R&B, featuring archival concert footage from performances filmed at The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

7pm ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Old Sturbridge Village” (Hour 3/3)

10:30pm STEPPIN’ OUT “It’s Carnival Time” 11pm AUSTIN CITY LIMITS “Noah Kahan/Flor de Toloache”

11 SUNDAY 7pm MASTERPIECE “Miss Scarlet and the Duke, Season 4” ‘The Fugitive’ (Pt. 6/6) Eliza is on the trail of a fugitive who is charged with murder. She must find him before the police do or risk losing everything. 8pm MASTERPIECE “All Creatures Great and Small, Season 4” ‘The Home Front’ (Pt. 6/7) Buried family secrets threaten a relationship. Gerald’s beloved dog needs veterinary help. Mrs. Hall pushes him to do the right thing.

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

10am CARNIVAL MEMORIES Meet Rex longtime parade costume designer Susu Kearney, learn of the historic visit of the Russian Grand Duke Alexis Romanov and experience past Carnival memories captured through the lens of awardwinning photographer Syndey Byrd.

WYES-TV/CHANNEL 12 PROGRAM GUIDE | FEBRUARY 2024

10:30pm VARIETY STUDIO ACTORS ON ACTORS

11am CHAPPY GOES TO MARDI GRAS takes viewers on an insider’s tour of Mardi Gras during the 1985 Mardi Gras season.

HIGHLIGHT

Noon THE BIG CHIEFS OF CARNIVAL: THE SPIRIT MOVES MY NEEDLE

8pm GOSPEL (Pt. 1/2) From the blues to hip hop, African Americans have been the driving force of sonic innovation for over a century. Musical styles come and go, but there’s one sound that has been a constant source of strength, courage and wisdom from the pulpit to the choir lofts on any given Sunday. GOSPEL, the latest history series from Henry Louis Gates, Jr., digs deep into the origin story of Black spirituality through sermon and song. Pictured: Grammy Award-winning singer, Dionne Warwick, talks with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Photo Credit: McGee Media

12:30am THE BIG QUEENS OF CARNIVAL: IT’S YOUR GLORY They do not inherit their crowns: they create their own. In this documentary, based on interviews that Ohio State University students conducted in spring 2015, gives voice to the powerful women in a tradition best known for its male leaders.

10pm SONS OF TENNESSEE WILLIAMS is a 2010 documentary produced and directed by Tim Wolff. The film spans five decades of gay Carnival balls in New Orleans, and the efforts of the gay community to celebrate Mardi Gras, without being discriminated against and without fear of police intervention.

1pm FROM THE GROUND UP: MARDI GRAS FLOATS 2pm ALL ON A MARDI GRAS DAY 3pm MARDI GRAS: THE PASSING PARADE 4pm BLAINE KERN: THEY CALL HIM MR. MARDI GRAS The business Blaine Kern built 75 plus years ago opened Carnival to people of all races and backgrounds and

D11

WYES-TV/CHANNEL 12 PROGRAM GUIDE | FEBRUARY 2024

SATURDAYS ON

failures that led to the creation of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. 9pm SECRETS OF THE DEAD “The Woman in the Iron Coffin”

HIGHLIGHT

1:30pm THE KEY INGREDIENT WITH SHERI CASTLE In each episode, Sheri features one ingredient from North Carolina tracing its journey from source to kitchen, where she will introduce viewers to local farmers, growers, fishermen and chefs and share approachable home cooking recipes and tips.

5am MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD 5:30am ARTHUR 6am MOLLY OF DENALI 6:30am ALMA’S WAY 7am J. SCHWANKE’S LIFE IN BLOOM

10:30am CHEF PAUL PRUDHOMME'S ALWAYS COOKING 11am LIDIA’S KITCHEN 11:30am AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN FROM COOK’S ILLUSTRATED NOON COOK’S COUNTRY

7:30am 12:30pm WOODSMITH SHOP CHRISTOPHER KIMBALL'S 8am MILK STREET THIS OLD HOUSE TELEVISION 8:30am ASK THIS OLD HOUSE

1pm GREAT CHEFS OF NEW ORLEANS

9am 1:30pm KITCHEN QUEENS: THE KEY NEW ORLEANS INGREDIENT WITH SHERI CASTLE 9:30am KEVIN BELTON’S 2pm COOKIN’ PATI'S MEXICAN LOUISIANA TABLE 10am 2:30pm THE DOOKY CHASE SARA'S KITCHEN: WEEKNIGHT MEALS LEAH’S LEGACY

D12

continues to build spectacular parades here and around the world. Hear his story through interviews with family, friends, Carnival insiders and Kern himself.

DIAL 12 | January 2019

5pm MASKED FOR BATTLE: MARDI GRAS INDIAN CULTURE CONFRONTS COVID captures the stories of Black masking Indians response to the pandemic and how they preserved their culture and traditions. Photo Credit: Pableaux Johnson 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

HIGHLIGHT 7pm THE 2024 REX BALL AND THE MEETING OF THE COURTS OF REX AND COMUS WYES host and producer Peggy Scott Laborde, along with Errol Laborde, Carnival historian and author of Mardi Gras: Chronicles of the New Orleans Carnival and Will French, Rex Organization historian, provide commentary throughout the evening. The live program contains interviews with past and present Rex and Comus royalty along with historical video vignettes. Photo Credit: Kathy Anderson 11:30pm THE 2024 REX BALL AND THE MEETING OF THE COURTS OF REX AND COMUS

14 WEDNESDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

10pm BURIED HISTORY: FINDING OUR PAST takes viewers on a journey with veteran journalist Warren Bell, who discovers unknown parts of his own family history and lesser known, but important, aspects of New Orleans’ unique Black history, after taking over a neglected family tomb at the historic St. Louis Cemetery Number 2. Experts also share resources available to those wanting to start their own family research. Produced by Warren Bell and directed and edited by David M. Jones. 10:30pm LIGHT & LIFE: THE PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY OF DAVE MCNAMARA 11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

15 THURSDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm STEPPIN’ OUT 7:30pm BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW 8pm AGATHA CHRISTIE’S MARPLE, SEASON 2 “The Moving Finger” (Pt. 2/4) 9:30pm AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT “The Disappearance of Ms. Davenheim” (Pt. 6/10) 10:30pm CALL THE MIDWIFE, SEASON 12 (Pt. 4/8)

7pm NATURE “Attenborough and the Jurassic Sea Monster”

11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

8pm NOVA “Building the Eiffel Tower” An overview of three decades of engineering, innovations, successes and

16 FRIDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

18 SUNDAY 3pm GOSPEL (Pts. 1-2/2)

7:30pm LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN 8pm WASHINGTON WEEK WITH THE ATLANTIC 8:30pm WALL $TREET WRAP-UP WITH ANDRÉ LABORDE

8pm MASTERPIECE “All Creatures Great and Small, Season 4” ‘On a Wing and a Prayer’ (Pt. 7/7) In the final episode of the season, James tries to get home for Christmas and Skeldale House prepares for a new arrival. 9:30pm VARIETY STUDIO ACTORS ON ACTORS 10pm NINA “Bruised Heart” (Pt. 3/8) In French with English subtitles. 11pm LUNA AND SOPHIE, SEASON 2 “The Suicide Tree" (Pt. 5/10) In German with English subtitles.

19 MONDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

8pm AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “Fly with Me” Meet the pioneering women who changed the world while flying it. Maligned as feminist sellouts, “stewardesses,” as they were called, knew different: they were on the frontlines of a battle to assert gender equality and transform the workplace. 10pm BEYOND THE POWDER: THE LEGACY OF THE FIRST WOMEN’S CROSS-COUNTRY AIR RACE follows a team of two women air racers in the 2014 Air Race Classic, mirroring the story of the original Air Race of 1929 (also known as the Powder Puff Derby). 11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

9pm GOSPEL (Pt. 2/2) From Mahalia Jackson to Kirk Franklin, in the last century, gospel music has become the dominant form of African American religious expression and provided a soundtrack of healing and uplift to those at the front lines of protest and change. Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. is executive producer, host and writer. 11pm GREAT PERFORMANCES “The La Phil Celebrates Frank Gehry”

17 SATURDAY

21 WEDNESDAY

7pm ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “LSU Rural Life Museum” (Hour 1/3) Recorded on location in Baton Rouge, this episode features a collection of important letters written by noted abolitionists, including Frederick Douglass and Harriet Beecher Stowe, in response to an invitation to attend the 100th anniversary of the Freewill Baptist Church. Photo Credit: GBH, © 2023 WGBH Educational Foundation

5pm BURIED HISTORY: FINDING OUR PAST

8pm GOSPEL (Pt. 2/2)

5:30pm SAFE HAVEN: LOUISIANA’S GREEN BOOK

10pm INDEPENDENT LENS “Breaking News”

6pm THE LAWRENCE WELK SHOW: TRIBUTE TO IRVING BERLIN

11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

7pm ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Old Sturbridge Village” (Hour 3/3) 8pm GOSPEL (Pts. 1-2/2) the latest history series from Henry Louis Gates, Jr., digs deep into the origin story of Black spirituality through sermon and song.

WYES-TV/CHANNEL 12 PROGRAM GUIDE | FEBRUARY 2024

7pm INFORMED SOURCES Now in its 39th year, the weekly series hosted by Marcia Kavanaugh and produced by Errol Laborde, gives an in-depth look into the important news of metro New Orleans and Louisiana. Repeats Sunday mornings at 9:30am.

Anthony Ramos, both native New Yorkers, map their family trees.

20 TUESDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm FINDING YOUR ROOTS WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR., SEASON 10 “Mean Streets” Comic Tracy Morgan and actor

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm NATURE “Patrick and the Whale” 8pm NOVA “Hunt for the Oldest DNA” 9pm SECRETS OF THE DEAD “The Alcatraz Escape” 10pm BURIED HISTORY: FINDING OUR PAST Journalist Warren Bell discovers unknown parts of his own family and more. 10:30pm LIGHT & LIFE: THE PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY OF DAVE MCNAMARA 11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

22 THURSDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm STEPPIN’ OUT

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WYES-TV/CHANNEL 12 PROGRAM GUIDE | FEBRUARY 2024

SUNDAYS ON

24 SATURDAY

8pm AGATHA CHRISTIE’S MARPLE, SEASON 2 “By the Pricking of my Thumb” (Pt. 3/4) 9:30pm AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT “Double Sin” (Pt. 7/10) 10:30pm CALL THE MIDWIFE, SEASON 12 (Pt. 5/8) 11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

23 FRIDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 1:30pm IRELAND WITH MICHAEL

7pm INFORMED SOURCES

Combining glorious video footage from the Emerald Isle, fascinating travel destinations, exciting cultural experiences and performances from Irish stars, host and Irish native Michael Londra, explores the hidden treasures and majestic beauty of this breathtaking country.

7:30pm LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN

5am MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD

9:30am INFORMED SOURCES

5:30am ARTHUR

10am VARIOUS PROGRAMMING

6am MOLLY OF DENALI 6:30am ALMA’S WAY 7am WILD KRATTS 7:30am CURIOUS GEORGE 8am WALL $TREET WRAP-UP WITH ANDRÉ LABORDE 8:30am LOUISIANA THE STATE WE’RE IN 9am FIRING LINE WITH MARGARET HOOVER

D14

7:30pm BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

11am KEVIN BELTON’S COOKIN’ LOUISIANA 11:30am THE DOOKY CHASE KITCHEN: LEAH’S LEGACY NOON ANTIQUES ROADSHOW 1pm RICK STEVES' EUROPE 1:30pm IRELAND WITH MICHAEL

8pm WASHINGTON WEEK WITH THE ATLANTIC

7am LIVING WILD: PLANT-SPIRATION WITH HILTON CARTER Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or just getting started on your green journey, these insights can help inspire and transform your space. 8:30am RICK STEVES’ TASTY EUROPE 9am KITCHEN QUEENS: NEW ORLEANS 9:30am KEVIN BELTON’S COOKIN’ LOUISIANA 10am THE DOOKY CHASE KITCHEN: LEAH’S LEGACY 10:30am CHEF PAUL PRUDHOMME’S: ALWAYS COOKING! 11am AMERICA’S HOME COOKING: GADGETS & GIZMOS

8:30pm WALL $TREET WRAP-UP WITH ANDRÉ LABORDE looks at the past week’s market and brings local and national investment professionals to you. Have a question for André? Email andre@benacapital.com. 9pm GREAT PERFORMANCES “George Jones: Still Playin’ Possum” A tribute concert honoring country musician George Jones features Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Jelly Roll, Tanya Tucker, Wynonna, Sam Moore, Travis Tritt, Jamey Johnson, Uncle Kracker and more. 10:30pm STEPPIN’ OUT 11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY features wide-ranging, in-depth conversations with global thought leaders and cultural influencers on the issues and trends impacting the world each day, from politics, business and technology to arts, science and sports.

1pm SUPERCHARGE YOUR BRAIN: MAXIMIZING YOUR COGNITIVE ABILITIES Join neuroscientist and bestselling author Dr. Lisa Genova to discover ways to enhance brain health for the rest of your life. Packed with actionable, science-backed steps, the program is a roadmap for improving brain health through lifelong learning. 2:30pm JOHNNY MATHIS: WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL 4pm THE ALL NEW ROCK, POP AND DOO WOP

6pm THE LAWRENCE WELK SHOW: FAMILY OF NATIONS 7pm KEN BURNS CIVIL WAR

2pm ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL: TOURING THE DALES 4pm SUZE ORMAN’S ULTIMATE RETIREMENT GUIDE 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm ITALY MADE WITH LOVE: GENERATIONS

10:30pm GREGG ALLMAN LIVE: BACK TO MACON, GA In 2014, Gregg Allman returned to the town where he got his start. See Gregg perform fan favorites, including “Whipping Post,” “Melissa” and “Midnight Rider,” plus Gregg reflects on the Allman Brothers’ history.

8:30pm RICK STEVES’ EUROPEAN EASTER Journey through Spain, Slovenia, Switzerland, Italy and Greece during Holy Week. 10pm RICK STEVES HEART OF ITALY

25 SUNDAY

11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

10am SUZE ORMAN’S ULTIMATE RETIREMENT GUIDE

27 TUESDAY

Noon EASY YOGA FOR ARTHRITIS WITH PEGGY CAPPY 1pm RICK STEVES MIGHTY ALPS 2:30pm GREAT SCENIC RAILWAY JOURNEYS 30TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL 4:30pm MEMORY MAKEOVER WITH DANIEL AMEN, MD 6:30pm MICHAEL FLATLEY’S LORD OF THE DANCE: THE IMPOSSIBLE TOUR The legendary dance show returns with a new generation, led onstage by Michael Flatley’s handpicked successor: Lord of the Dance Matt Smith, one of only four people in the world capable of performing Michael’s legendary Feet of Flames solo. 8pm ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL: TOURING THE DALES Discover the Yorkshire Dales of “All Creatures Great and Small” with behind-the-scenes insights into locations for the TV adaptation. 10pm SUZE ORMAN’S ULTIMATE RETIREMENT GUIDE

28 WEDNESDAY

2pm IRELAND MADE WITH LOVE 3:30pm MICHAEL FLATLEY’S LORD OF THE DANCE: THE IMPOSSIBLE TOUR 5pm EASY YOGA FOR ARTHRITIS WITH PEGGY CAPPY Join yoga teacher Peggy Cappy as she demonstrates movements to use at home to strengthen muscles and help increase mobility for people who are challenged by arthritis or the stiffness that comes with age or injury. 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm KEN BURNS: THE NATIONAL PARKS 9pm JOHN DENVER’S ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic title track from Denver’s 1972 album with a 1974 concert filmed at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheater. The concert features Denver in his prime performing at this stunning outdoor venue. 10:30pm RICK STEVES’ TASTY EUROPE 11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

2pm YOUR DNA SECRETS REVEALED Hosted by author, educator and genetic genealogist Diahan Southard, the program explains why genealogical science is critical to understanding who we really are. 3:30pm MARIAN ANDERSON: ONCE IN A HUNDRED YEARS 4:30pm JOHNNY MATHIS: WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm MEMORY MAKEOVER WITH DANIEL AMEN, MD

WYES-TV/CHANNEL 12 PROGRAM GUIDE | FEBRUARY 2024

9pm THE HIGHWAYMEN: LIVE AT NASSAU COLISEUM

26 MONDAY

9pm YOUNG FOREVER, WITH MARK HYMAN, MD 11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

29 THURSDAY 2pm KEN BURNS: THE NATIONAL PARKS 4pm GREAT SCENIC RAILWAY JOURNEYS 30TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm STEPPIN’ OUT 7:30pm ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL: TOURING THE DALES 9:30pm EASY YOGA: THE SECRET TO STRENGTH AND BALANCE WITH PEGGY CAPPY 10:30pm CALL THE MIDWIFE, SEASON 12 (Pt. 6/8) 11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

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Streetcar

BY ERROL LABORDE / ART BY ARTHUR NEAD

Carnival Tale

Why the Lafcadio Hearn saga still floats — and a sidestory

ost of the people in the crowd watching this year’s Rex

According to Starr, “Hearn conjures up a lost New Orleans which later

parade, I suspect, will have never heard of Lafcadio

writers such as William Faulkner and Tennessee Williams used to evoke

Hearn. Yet this Mardi Gras he is the subject of a Rex

the city as both reality and symbol.”

parade for the second time. In 1989 the krewe’s theme

Later in his career, Hearn would live in Japan where he wrote tales

was “Lafcadio Hearn’s Fantastics.” This year it is “The

(including ghost stories) of the faraway island that was (at the time) little

Two Worlds of Lafcadio Hearn—New Orleans and Japan.”

known to the rest of the world. This year’s Rex parade theme keys in on his

In ’89 the floats mostly emphasized the writer’s impressions of

Orleans; this year there is more about his favorite foreign destination.

Japanese legacy. In the eyes of the Rex organization (which takes seriously its official designation as the “School of esign” and is sometimes inclined

Born in Greece, he lived for a while in Cincinnati, then relocated to

to esoteric themes) there are two places on the globe whose images were

ew Orleans where he became a prolific writer. He spent time in the

created by this literary traveler.

French Caribbean and Dublin, Ireland, and then was attracted to Japan

And now a stunning side story (stick with me on this, it all comes

where he fell in love with the island and

together at the end). In 1874, what is now

with the woman who would be his wife.

Jackson Barracks, the command home of the

Hearn’s writings covered a verbal march

Louisiana National Guard, was a U. S. Army

to fascinating destinations. Some of his

Military base. One of the officers stationed

writings were gritty yet compassionate,

there was Captain Arthur MacArthur from

including this famous comment about

Massachusetts. According to his biography,

New Orleans:

while serving there he was invited to attend

“Times are not good here. The city is

a Carnival ball, (Because it was during

crumbling into ashes. It has been buried

Reconstruction, there were no traditional

under taxes and frauds and maladmin-

balls held then, but quite often any social

istration’s so that it has become a study

events held during carnival season are

for archaeologists...but it is better to live

referred to as balls.) At that event he met

here in sackcloth and ashes than to own

Mary Pinkney Hardy from Norfolk, Va. The

the whole state of Ohio.”

meeting went well. They fell in love and

That observation is true of course (though

the captain’s most lasting march would be

Ohio is reportedly not for sale) yet its

down the aisle with Mary. Six years later

outspokenness is an indication of why

the couple gave birth to their third son

Hearn inspired not only parade themes,

who would one day be known as General

but books (his own and those about him),

Douglas MacArthur whose place in history

plus high praise, especially from historian

would be established for commanding the

Fredrick Starr whose collection included

.S. acific forces during World War II.

“Inventing New Orleans: Writings of Lafcadio Hearn.” Hearn (1850-1904) graced New Orleans

MacArthur, who could be brash, would eventually be fired by resident Harry Truman for insubordination, but his best

from 1877 to 1888 where he worked for various newspapers and magazines.

days were after the Japanese surrender when the General (who co-signed

It is during that time where, according to Starr, he “crystallized the way

the peace treaty) was given Allied Supreme Commander military control

Americans viewed New Orleans and its south Louisiana environs.” Hearn

over the island. He was one of the best things to ever happen to Japan.

provided prolific essays about the city, plus sketches (he was also an artist)

Life was modernized. emocracy was established. The Japanese emperor

and translations in French and Spanish (he was bi-lingual too). Among

was no longer a god but a mere mortal with a symbolic crown. Women

his most popular topics was the death of Marie Laveau, voodoo and the

were given better opportunities and were no longer restricted to the home.

seamy side of the city.

Because of MacArthur, Japan became a major technological powerhouse.

Yet he also praised the Creole wonders of the town including writing

In the end the country that Lafcadio Hearn from New Orleans had made

cookbooks (he was also a gourmet) that helped establish the city’s culinary

into a literary fascination was reconstructed by a general whose parents

reputation.

had met in New Orleans—at Mardi Gras.

He may not have exactly invented New Orleans, but he created the exotic and flavorful reputation that the world would come to know.

72 FEBRUARY 2024 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

MacArthur would be memorized with statues. erhaps even better, Lafcadio Hearn’s memory would be preserved by floats.