New Orleans Magazine January 2023

BY AMY GABRIEL

BY THUC DOAN NGUYEN

BY JAY FORMAN

DIAL 12, D1 The premiere of Season 3 of both MASTERPIECE series — “Miss Scarlet and the The Duke” and “All Creatures Great and Small” — debut on Sunday, January 8 at 7pm and 8pm. Viewers can tune in to WYES-TV or stream at the same time on wyes.org/live and on the free WYES and PBS Video apps. For updates on WYES program and event details, go to wyes.org.

ON THE COVER

Meggan Ory, owner Makeup by Meggan Cosmetics Studio and NOLA-based cosmetic line Makeup by Meggan Cosmetics, enjoys a glass of wine at Pluck.

Photograph by Sam Hanna

This month is all about continued celebration, not only winding down the holidays and toasting a new year, but that special time between the holidays and right before Carnival really gets ramped up. It’s like we’re in a collective celebratory holding pattern, taking stock of costumes, getting plans in order and making plans with friends. King cakes become “legal” again and resolutions are put on hold until spring.

For some, the best laid plans are made in our local pubs, neighborhood gathering spots, taverns, wine bars and cocktail meccas located across the city. This year, writer Amy Gabriel takes us on a virtual “pub crawl” and more, highlighting come of our best classic, iconic establishments, new and up-and-comingfavorites as well as the people behind the bar that make imbibing with friends, family and neighbors a welcoming experience.

While many of us popped the cork on bottles of bubbly and celebrated the new year as the clock strikes midnight on January 1, the Vietnamese New Year doesn’t get into full swing until January 22. Writer Thuc Doan Nguyen, a self-proclaimed member of the New Orleans “Viet Krewe,” takes an inside look at this special celebration and what the Year of the Cat has in store, plus how friends and families are celebrating traditions, both new and old.

Have something you want to share with us? Email ashley@myneworleans.com.

This month we also raise a glass to a hospitality icon, as well as all of the “top” restaurants, businesses, events and more that make New Orleans great. The Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to restaurateur Susan Spicer. We take a look at her career of excellence and culinary innovation. Our “Tops of the Town” also highlights the everyday excellence of New Orleans favorites, chosen by you, our readers. All are at the top of their class in our book.

Plus, as always, we have a jam-packed issue with things to do, places to go, great food to try, recipes, profiles and more. It's a new year and we're excited to share Carnival, festival season and more with family and friends in the community we love. Cheers!

BEAUTY REST

Julia and Poydras are recouperating from the holidays and getting their feathers ready for full Carnival glam. Be sure to get your questions in now for their purple, green and gold return in February. Email julia@myneworleans.com.

ASHLEY MCLELLAN, EDITOR

NOSH

Be sure to follow @ NewOrleansMag on Instagram to get our latest updates, as well as our monthly NOSH video, this month featuring an in-the-kitchen look at Arnaud’s Oysters Bienville, and how you can make them at home.

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, Jay Forman, John Kemp, Misty Mioltio, 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, Rachel Webber

Business Development Coordinator Becca Rubenstein

RENAISSANCE PUBLISHING

MARKETING

Coordinator Abbie Whatley PRODUCTION

Manager Rosa Balaguer Arostegui Senior Designer Meghan Rooney

Editor’s Picks

This month our editors weigh in on their favorite place to pick up a king cake, and what flavor is their go-to, in our weekly poll. See if your favorite made their list.

5@4

Sign up for our daily news round up with 5@4. Get up to date links to the news and stories that are buzzing about New Orleans, tailored to your likes.

THE LATEST

Stay informed on all the top events, happening and goings on in and around New Orleans throughout the day at MyNewOrleans.com. From exclusive menus, concert premiers, ticket sales, shopping deals and more, we’re the best one-stop spot to stay in the know.

BLOG SPOTLIGHT

Each week food writer Jyl Benson’s “Side Dish” features the culinary highlights of the weekend, plus a lagniappe recipe to inspire Sunday supper, to feature at your next family get-together or to entertain with friends.

Associate Publisher Kate Henry

“JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR”

The legendary musical from Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The story of the final weeks of Jesus’ life will come to the Saenger Theatre January 10-15. SaengerNOLA.com

KREWE DE JEANNE D’ARC

New Orleanians celebrate Joan of Arc and the start of Carnival season on January 6 with this stunning annual parade through the French Quarter. JoanOfArcParade.org

FAN EXPO NEW ORLEANS

Any sci-fi fan in the Crescent City will want to visit the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center January 6-8 for Fan Expo (formerly Wizard World.) There will be panels, costumes galore, and celebrity guests. This expo’s guests include “Stranger Things” actor Joseph Quinn and “Spider-Man” director Sam Raimi. FanExpoHQ.com

THE TEMPTATIONS AND THE FOUR TOPS

Motown royalty The Temptations and The Four Tops are on tour together. They’ll be bringing their beloved hits “My Girl,” “Baby I Need Your Loving,” and more to the Saenger on January 20. SaengerNOLA.com

“SISTAS, THE MUSICAL”

This musical tells the story of five women cleaning out their matriarch’s home and reflecting on their shared past, and features songs from artists ranging from Billie Holiday to Beyonce. Playing at Teatro Wego January 27-February 12. jpas.org

“THE COLOR PURPLE”

PHUNNY PHORTY PHELLOWS

The sadness of Christmas season ending is always balanced out by the joy of Carnival season starting. Have a piece of king cake, then check out Phunny Phorty Phellows’ annual streetcar parade along St. Charles on January 6. PhunnyPhortyPhellows.com

DINE AND DANCE WITH THE VICTORY SWING ORCHESTRA

BB’s Stage Door Canteen at the National World War II Museum hosts a night of dining and dancing to music form the great big bands of the WWII era on January 21. NationalWW2Museum.org

The Tony and Grammy-nominated musical based on Alice Walker’s novel (also an Oscar-nominated 1985 film) tells the story of Celie, a Black woman struggling to escape her abusive husband in the Jim Crow South. It is playing at Le Petit Theatre January 12-29. LePetitTheatre.com

“A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM”

LES BALLETS TROCKADERO DE MONTE CARLO

This all-male drag ballet troupe satirizes the conventions of romantic and classical ballet. They will be performing at the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts on January 28. MahaliaJacksonTheater. com

The classic Broadway farce centers on a crafty slave struggling to win the love of a beautiful courtesan for his master in exchange for his freedom. Catch it at the Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts in Kenner from January 13-29. RivertownTheaters.com

NOTRE-DAME DE PARIS: THE AUGMENTED EXHIBITION

Let the Historic New Orleans Collection take you on a trip to Paris with this augmented reality experience immersing viewers in the 850-year history of Notre Dame Cathedral. It is on display now until March 1. HNOC.org

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

SAENGER

THEATRE

PHOTO

CHERYL GERBER

PHOTO

MAHALIA JACKSON THEATER

PHOTO

NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM

PHOTO

Java Jolt

Addis NOLA has opened the Coffee Ceremony Stage, a dedicated larger space that serves as the backdrop for the traditional Ethiopian ritual of roasting coffee beans from the Yirgachafe Region. In the spirit of this tradition, cocktail guru Touré Folkes of Turning Tables has created the Kahltini—a cocktail made with hand-roasted Ethiopian coffee, Kahlua cream liqueur and vodka, served with house-made ice cream (upon request). Additionally, general manager and co-owner Prince Lobo makes in-house Prince’s Tej—a traditional Ethiopian honey wine that is used in many of the new cocktails, including The Woo (house-made Ethiopian honey wine and gin). The restaurant also is highlighting Black-owned wine and spirit producers with a variety of signature house-made cocktails, beers and wines such as O.P.P and Chasing Lions.

RARE RUM

ZERO-PROOF

Registered dietitian and nutrition journalist Molly Kimball, who spearheaded the Eat Fit program at restaurants and other outlets around New Orleans and South Louisiana, has written a new guide to low-sugar, zeroproof craft cocktails entitled “Craft: The Eat Fit Guide to ZeroProof Cocktails” ($22, Pelican Publishing).

In collaboration with bar expert Ethan Skaggs and executive editor Melanie Warner Spencer of Renaissance Publishing, the book features more than 50 elegant mocktail recipes (inspired by Ochsner Eat Fit restaurant partners) with stunning photography by Hope Fruge. The book also features guides for barware and glassware, DIY bitters and shrubs, and more. Available at local bookstores and at craftzeroproof.com

WINTER WARMERS

At Toups Meatery, head bartender Kenny Watson is showcasing an array of new winter cocktails and mocktails featuring seasonal ingredients. The Sloe Poke features Sloe gin, gin, Madeira and spiced orange syrup, while the Midwinter’s Swell features smoked Plantation pineapple rum, cardamom orgeat, pineapple, lime and a dash of saline. Meanwhile, mocktails include the Toups Cola made with winter spices, black pepper, thyme, raw vanilla, Luxardo cherry syrup and cola syrup, and the Winter Soda features house-made shrubs and syrups shaken with citrus and topped with soda. 845 N. Carrollton Ave., 252-4999, toupsmeatery.com

NEW YEAR, NEW COCKTAILS

Mister Mao has unveiled two new cocktails on the menu. The tiki-inspired Pithy Party features overproof white and dark rum, Amaro, grapefruit liqueur and pineapple, while the Spicy Pancho features tequila, aloe, melon, green Tabasco and Ancho Reyes, served with a mini bottle of Tabasco for additional heat. For Dry January, try the Libertad, made with Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Dark Cane, rose water, orange and Coke. 4501 Tchoupitoulas St., 345-2056, mistermaonola.com

At the Bower Bar, the Storyville Mai Thai features False River small batch spiced rum, Runamok maple cocktail glitter, grapefruit, lime juice, Triple Sec, orgeat and Angostura bitters. The Daydreamer is a take on an amaretto sour and features Amaro Montanegro, Luxardo amaretto, simple syrup, aquafaba and Angostura bitters. Finally, the Umami Martini is inspired by The Bower Bar’s use of seasonal vegetables. It features dry gin and a house-made tumeric solution, garnished with a pickled carrot and a spicy Cajun-pickled green bean. 1320 Magazine St., 582-9738, thebowernola.com

Destilería Serrallés Inc., producer of Puerto Rico’s No. 1 rum, Don Q, has released the final 500 bottles that remain from the exclusive batch of La Reserva de la Familia Serrallés Rum. The rum, initially barreled to age in 1994, was unveiled in 2015 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Destilería Serrallés. Only 1,865 bottles of this exceptional 20-year-old blend were bottled (a number that represents the year that the first sale of rum was crafted at Destilería Serrallés), and the company has now decided to share the last 500 bottles in existence. The blend of 100 percent, 20-year-old rums has been aged in 36 charred, American white-oak barrels, imbuing a natural golden amber hue. Expect notes of honey, warm tannins, and a lingering mahogany and fig finish with hints of apricot. Try this special spirit at Virgin Hotels New Orleans, The Hotel Monteleone and the Windsor Court Hotel. donq.com

KAT KIMBALL

PHOTO

Family Style

Saba’s Lounge, the newly opened space that connects with Chef Alon Shaya’s Saba restaurant, is hosting a special dinner series January 19 from 6-9 p.m. The specially curated dinner features a five-course, family-style tasting menu paired with wines chosen by California fine-wine broker and distributor Kimberley Jones. 5757 Magazine St., 324-7770, eatwithsaba.com

SUMPTUOUS STAYCATION

Now through March 31, 2024, Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans is offering an “Experience More” package that includes a dining credit to the hotel’s Miss River and Chemin à la Mer restaurants. Book two nights in a guest room or executive suite for a $100 credit, or a two-night stay in a one- or two-bedroom suite for a $200 credit. Tip: Try the whole buttermilk-fried chicken at Miss River or a specialty steak at Chemin à la Mer. 2 Canal St., 434-5100, fourseasons. com/neworleans

TASTES FOR ALL PALATES

The Hall on Mag, a collection of six diverse culinary offerings, has taken the place of the Auction House Market in the Warehouse District. Now in the space are restaurants Itzayana, El Greco, South & Common, American Culture, Ja-Nai and Amato Italia. The Hall on Mag also features a fullservice premium cocktail bar and event spaces. 801 Magazine St., 581-8911, thehallonmag.com

INDIAN STREET FOOD

Chef Manish Patel has debuted a new restaurant in the Warehouse District dubbed Tava. In addition to a fun and bright interior, the restaurant features a menu of tasty shareable plates, dosa (fermented rice and lentil crepes) with a variety of fillings, sandwiches and more. 611 O’Keefe Ave., Ste. 8, 766-9612, tavanola.com

TOP TOQUE

The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience will present the 2023 Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality Award to chef and mentor Susan Spicer this month at The Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans. The gala celebration, which takes place January 12, begins with a VIP reception at 6 p.m., followed by the main event at 7 p.m. Spicer, who began her cooking career as an apprentice to Chef Daniel Bonnot at the Louis XVI Restaurant in 1979, has an extensive list of accomplishments, including being named the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef Southeast in 1993. Tickets start at $150 per person or $1,500 for a table of 10. Proceeds from the awards gala benefit the many local nonprofit organizations that NOWFE supports throughout the year. nowfe.com

DONUTS & MORE

District All Day Delicious is the newest restaurant to join the District Donuts roster of eateries in New Orleans. Located in the Warehouse District, the restaurant offers a full bar and a menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner items. Selections include breakfast sandwiches, a morning Mexican pizza, pancakes, salads, wings, nachos, burgers, barbecue shrimp, steak and fries, and more. Of course, donuts are also on the menu. 611 O’Keefe Ave., Ste. C7, 493-7200, districtalldaydelicious.com

CROWN JEWEL

As part of its expansion into the historic building next door, Kimpton Hotel Fontenot is opening a new restaurant this month, dubbed King, along with 33 new guest rooms and suites, and more than 12,000 square feet of event space. Led by the hotel’s new Executive Chef Samuel Peery, King evokes the traditional neighborhood brasseries of France mingled with Mediterranean flare and the rich culinary traditions of New Orleans. The restaurant also will have outdoor patio seating on Tchoupitoulas Street. 501 Tchoupitoulas St., 571-1818, hotelfontenot.com

EMILY FERRETTI PHOTO

BY ANDY MYER

LouLou Studio’s Bicado off-theshoulder dress is made of a lightweight, stretch jersey knit. The slip on, ultra-flattering fit is simple to pack and easily pairs with heels, boots or slides for a multifunctional piece that can be layered and worn in summer, winter, spring or fall. Available at Weinstein’s, weinsteins.shop.

Vicnavin’s Kate medium bag in neutral olive green is a perfect everyday tote that works throughout the year. It’s a great size for fitting all that you need and the suede and leather combo work well with most looks, whether you’re heading to the gym or the office. Available at Angelique Boutique, shopangeliqueboutique.com.

Porter Lyon’s timeless Beetle necklace is a chunky, 14k gold pantherstyle chain studded with Scarab beetles and accented with diamonds to encourage restoration and good fortune. This piece will truly work with any outfit. Available in 16’’ or 18’’ through Porter Lyons, porterlyons.com.

Closet Mainstays

Classic staples that will take you from season to season

The Baddie shades in

Three cheers for the return of our beloved 90’s favorites, including the combat boot. Today’s versions have a slightly less bulky and heavy design, yet work with a ton of different looks and can take you from trudging through the snow or muck in the winter to a summer rainstorm. Available through the Elizabeth Chronicles, theelizabethchronicles.com.

by

have an Old Hollywood, sculptural silhouette with scratch-resistant, 100% UVA/B lenses. Pair with a tee and jeans or suit and you will instantly feel like a movie star. Moxlox, moxlox.com.

Snow Leopard

Moxlox

BY KELLY MASSICOT

JENNIFER SAMUELS

Each January 6, revelers rejoice as the first day of the Carnival is marked by Twelfth Night celebrations and the first pieces of king cake are shared amongst friends. With the origin of king cakes dating to France and the Middle Ages, companies such as King Cake Hub are doing all they can to shine light on what is a beloved local tradition. Will and Jennifer Samuels began King Cake Hub to bring a one-stop shop to all those looking to enjoy the multitude of king cake options offered throughout the city. After Will’s passing in 2021, Jennifer decided to continue the business in his honor and resume the work they do, which brings joy to many each Carnival season.

Q: What is the King Cake Hub? King Cake Hub is a one stop shop for all your favorite king cakes you have ever and never tasted!

Q: How did the idea for King Cake Hub come about? My family loves king cake. I started making them to sell through our restaurants, but we also love trying all king cakes. My daughter and I would make these long lists every year of all the cakes we wanted to try and then when my late husband, Will and I would be out moving around the city it was our job to go get these cakes. One day, Will had the epiphany 'What if there was one place where you could go to get all these cakes?' I answered I would shop there and from that moment on Will started work developing the concept.

The first two years we were at the Mortuary on Canal Street. While a little quirky, it was a great spot for us. We loved seeing zombies on a smoke break outside the shop. Our third year we were at the Broad Theater when they had to close temporarily due to COVID-19. Finally, we found our new home at Zony Mash.

Zony Mash has been a great partner for us. They are so easy and fun to work with. Not to mention they make great beer and I just love their space. It’s great for live music or just hanging out with friends. They even created a special beer to celebrate our collaboration. Last year they made a King Cake Stout, which will be back again for 2023 along with a barrel aged version.

Q: Why was it important to continue the legacy of the King Cake Hub after your husband’s passing? King Cake Hub has become a family passion. It was never a consideration to give it up. I started making king cakes for our restaurants 12 years ago and it has

evolved from there. My daughter has grown up obsessed with king cake and all things Carnival just like her father and I have always been. From the beginning, we were all involved. I remember making king cakes in our kitchen together. She would be so proud to sell them (and a little bit sad, too). Soon, she would help us by stocking shelves with cakes and eventually she started helping customers. She knows as much as anyone about king cake as this point. Now at 14, she is an amazing partner for me.

It’s really the customers who keep us going. Hospitality can be a tough business, but we are blessed to have found a niche where we can make so many people happy. I love seeing people come in and be completely overwhelmed by our selection and taking the time to help them find a cake they will love. We are very quality conscious. We offer a closely curated selection of cakes and one of my favorite jobs is king cake matchmaker. I love every cake and every bakery that we work with, and it is a honor to work with and to be able to highlight so many amazing bakeries.

Q: How many businesses are participating this year? As of Thanksgiving I’m up to 16 bakeries, but always looking to add more. I must add that we are a curated selection. Any cakes I sell have to be amazing, but out of respect for all my bakery partners I strive to find cakes that fill a niche. We want to present a wide variety of flavors, fillings and styles of king cake to keep variety up and still let all my bakeries thrive.

Q: Any new or exciting aspects this year? Because we want to start eating king cake the second it becomes legal, we are revamping the launch party to be a countdown to carnival when we will share the first slices. At 9 p.m. on January 5 we will co-host with Zony Mash the first ever King Cake Pageant. Our newly crowned King Cake Royalty

will cut the first cake at midnight and will open the doors to the hub the next morning. Like a traditional pageant, we will have contestants compete in a variety of events, only with a Mardi Gras slant. Categories will include best costume, parade route obstacle course and an interview. We must measure their fitness to protect and not spill their king cake and beer through a number of obstacles like ladders, throws, wagons and more. The event will be hosted by our longtime friends Professor Carl Nivale and The Grand Marshall Marty Graw.

True Confession

I grew up in central Illinois. I remember seeing the national news on Mardi Gras long before I ever knew what it was all about and being fascinated by the floats and costumes. I wanted to experience that and once I did I knew I had found home.

Lagniappe

Favorite king cake flavor (plain, cream cheese, jelly, etc.) Which child do you like best?

Favorite Mardi Gras parade: Muses has the best floats. I’m amazed by the artists who take the satirical themes and make them so beautiful. I remember seeing Muses their first year and the beautiful goddesses on the floats and I wanted to be like them. I signed up shortly after and waited my turn. I had to try it once. That was 20 some years ago and I keep doing it. I also love my Krewe of Spank which is a sub krewe of Krewe du Vieux where we take an idea and work for months to turn it into a float which brings so much joy to the spectators and the participants.

To continue this conversation, visit our website for exclusive online content. MyNewOrleans.com

Back before Christmas, my mother-in-law Ms.. Larda started getting weird text messages.

The first one was from her friend Patsy Dematteo. “Who’s dead?” it said.

Ms.. Larda just assumed Patsy’s been going heavy on the eggnog again.

Then she gets a text from Awlette Bruni, “Hugs to you too!” Hmph. Ms.. Larda never hugged Awlette in her life.

Norma Noonan leaves a phone message. “You’re welcome for whatever it was. Was it a cat? I’m missing a cat, but I thought a coyote got him.”

I got to explain.

Ms. Larda still writes out individual Christmas cards - none of that “Merry Christmas Everybody!” business posted on Facebook on Christmas morning. Nope.

She sends religious ones to the Keep-Christ-in-Christmas-types like herself, and Happy Holidays for everybody else. Plus a couple of Festivus cards for people like my gentleman friend Lust, who just get cranky about the whole thing.

She signs them all in Palmer Script (She got a “A” in handwriting back at Celibacy Academy) and usually includes a note.

But this year she made the mistake of giving them to her sons Lurch and Leech to mail at the post office.

Naturally, they forget. They leave them on the bar at the Sloth Lounge that night, and the next morning,

Back from the Dead

Season’s greetings

they’re gone. Duffy, the morning bartender, has no idea where they went. Maybe out with the trash.

What to do? Lurch rushes to Walmart and buys a box of cards, and then he sneaks Ms. Larda’s address book out of her desk drawer.

It’s easy to figure who she sends Christmas cards to because she stuck little Santa Claus stickers by their names.

She also stuck little crosses by the members of her altar society, little fleur-de-lis by fellow Saints fans, and little skulls by people who kicked the bucket.

He and Leech sit down and address and sign them all. They learned to speed-write Ms. Larda’s signature back in school, whenever they had to forge permission slips and excuses for being absent and stuff. (Most kids learn to be forgers at an early age.

That’s one thing school teaches them.)

Neither of them look at the printed messages on the cards. So they didn’t realize when Lurch had reached into the sale bin, he grabbed, not Christmas cards, but all-occasion cards.

Which means Ms. Larda is congratulating random friends on their new baby, or their retirement, or offering sympathy for their loss, or informing them that they need a hug. Stuff like that.

Luckily, most of her friends don’t actually read them - just stick them in their pile of Christmas cards. Other people think it’s some kind of political statement. And, like I said, a few ask her about it, but lots of her friends are kind of crazy, so she don’t pay them no mind.

Meanwhile - about the cards she actually wrote.

Duffy the morning bartender really hadn’t seen them. That’s because Bitsie, the evening bartender, had found them. Quite a few of the regulars get their mail at the Sloth Lounge, so the mail carrier stops in every day. She puts the cards in a safe place (on top of the ice machine) to give to him when he comes in. But then she tests positive for COVID and has to be out for two weeks - even though she don’t get very sick at all - so it’s a while before they wind up at the post office.

So now it’s January, and my gentleman friend Lust (who owns the Sloth Lounge) and I are having Irish coffee and King Cake there when the mail comes. Lo and behold, we each got a Christmas card from Ms. Larda.

Strange. I walk back to my apartment and shuffle through my pile of Christmas cards (which I ain’t thrown out yet.) Sure enough, there’s one from Ms. Larda. “Thank you for adding to the joy of our wedding with your gift.”

Lust remembers his: “Happy kindergarten graduation!” He thought it was sarcastic.

Finally Bitsie spills the beans to Lust, and that evening Lurch and Leech admit it.

How to tell Ms. Larda?

We all decide she don’t need to know.

Even if some people are still wondering who’s dead.

Did New Orleans have its own Bastille? No, but some newspaper reporters joked about it in the early 20th century. In 1892, only months after the trial of 10 Italians accused of murdering New Orleans Police Chief David Hennessy and the lynching of almost a dozen Italian prisoners at the old parish prison in Tremé, the city council decided to build, as seen here in 1919, a new criminal court building and parish prison. It was located in a large square bounded by today’s Gravier Street and Tulane Avenue and by Loyola Avenue and Liberty Street, where the New Orleans Public Library and City Hall complex now stand. It was then a notorious neighborhood with its bawdy saloons and

nearby Chinatown.

On April 4, 1892, a special committee created by the council accepted the design and $350,000 bid submitted by Dallas architect M.A. Orlopp Jr., a U.S. Naval Academy graduate born in Brooklyn, N.Y. His firm had just completed a similar Romanesque Revival courthouse in Dallas that still stands today.

Orlopp’s Romanesque-Gothic design, with its red brick and stone trimmed castle-like multi-storied, four-building complex, looked more like a medieval fortress, complete with clock tower, turrets, circular towers and walls. The campus included a courthouse, prison, police headquarters, police patrol station, morgue, infirmary, chapel, execution yard, and sleeping quarters for jurors and prison staff. It was to be fireproof with

Criminal Courts and Jail. Loyola Avenue. 1919. Courtesy of the Charles L. Franck Studio Collection at The Historic New Orleans Collection

such form and style as to entirely avoid monotony. It is, in fact, the only modern public building, which New Orleans possesses. The interior is finished in Louisiana cypress, Georgian marble and mahogany.”

Criminals, police and judges were not the only inhabitants of the complex. Vagrants made themselves at home in the deep recesses of the basement. As the late New Orleans preservationist Leonard Huber noted in his 1991 book “New Orleans: A Pictorial History” - “Enterprising newspaper reporters at the time discovered that tramps had set up housekeeping under the ground floor. They had even tapped the electric current for lighting and were snugly ensconced in what the reporters nicknamed the ‘Hotel de Bastille,’ just a few feet from their traditional enemies, the police.”

1919all the then modern conveniences, including elevators.

During his presentation to the committee, Orlopp promised to use as much as possible only local materials, an announcement that left some public officials salivating. Orlopp also agreed to let committee members choose the bricks for the building (a lucrative contract for local brick-makers).

By mid-January 1894, the courts and police had moved into their new digs while other parts of the complex were getting final touches.

On Jan. 14, the Daily Picayune (later Times-Picayune) described the new courthouse and jail: “The exterior presents an imposing and handsome appearance. It is faced with pressed brick and trimmed with stone and terra-cotta molded into

That was only a minor issue. According to Tulane University School of Architecture geographer Richard Campanella, problems plagued the new courthouse and prison from the start. “Appearances aside,” he wrote in 2020, “Orlopp’s courthouse had serious structural flaws, and coupled with revelations of corruption in the bidding, the whole pile of bricks gained a bad rap. Worse, the facility swiftly became obsolete, as new technologies in calefaction and illumination came to architecture, and automobiles and radio communications came to policing. Architectural tastes changed in the 1910s and 1920s, after which the complex came across as flat-out medieval-looking.”

By the late 1920s, city officials felt the location was better suited for commercial development than a dark, brooding prison complex. In 1931, the city built a new courthouse, prison and police headquarters that stands to this day at Tulane and Broad. In the late 1940s, the city demolished the “medieval-looking” old courthouse on Loyola.

The Toasted of the Town

Intoxicating

in every way, the Crescent City has been known to leave us shaken, stirred and, from time to time, even on the rocks. As proven from our proudly stacked geaux cup collections, we New Orleanians appreciate and celebrate our local bar culture on a rather loyal basis. All the ink in Louisiana couldn’t cover the number of buzzy spots to wet your whistle, but we laissez les ice cubes rouler and did a city-wide sweep to compile a list of locales by neighborhood. From convivial cocktail lounges, dressed down dive bars and spirited pubs, to boisterous breweries and relaxed watering holes, there is no shortage of places to tickle your tipple.

By Amy Gabriel / Select photos by Sam Hanna

CBD + South Market District

Chandelier Bar at the Four Seasons New Orleans 2 Canal St., fourseasons.com/neworleans. A sparkling conversation starter, clink herbal mist spritzed martinis and indulge in a side of caviar beneath the gasp-worthy showcase chandelier that features 15,000 crystal and glass trimmings.

Bar Marilou 544 Carondelet St., barmarilou.com. A seductive spot for a rendezvous, the French-style sanctuary is where library books and libations inspire stories of blind dates and soul mates. Apéritif happy hours and caviar in the evening make the charismatic space a match made in romance. If you happen to hold a hotel key, inquire about the bookcase that leads to a discreet secret bar.

New Orleans Social House 725 Tchoupitoulas St., noshneworleans.com. An upscale lounge for champagne, craft cocktails and “social bites”, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better Friday invitation than the Bubble Bar featuring bubbles by the glass and half off all bottles of wine, sparkling and champagne.

Sidecar Patio & Oyster Bar 1114 Constance St., sidecarnola.com. Enjoy tropical Negronis beneath the courtyard palm trees of this urban oasis, and if you’re feeling peckish, the raw bar will provideth with dressed oyster and caviar servings.

Que Syrah Syrah

Are you more cork confused than connoisseur? Don’t let the rosé make you blush if you mispronounce a Meritage. Emily Walker, sommelier at Copper Vine, gives us tips on how to choose from a wine list when you don’t recognize any of the labels.

• Start with some bubbles and give yourself time to peruse the list and consider what you may order as a meal.

• Don’t be shy about asking for a recommendation based on what you like or embrace the unexpected and let us suggest a varietal you’re curious to try.

• Sipping shouldn’t be so serious. Trust your palate and don’t stress about the pairing.

Pluck 722 Girod St., pluckwines.com. Unwind with the vines at this grape escape that offers every zing from orange cuvées to trendy Pet Nats. Pair your pinot with jambon beurre amongst the minimalist interior or sip al fresco in the quaint patio space.

The Double Dealer 129 Roosevelt Way, doubledealernola.com. Located beneath the Orpheum Theater, be swept away by speakeasy vibes, persuasive cocktails named for short stories and poems from the original Double Dealer magazine and memory-making live performances.

Haute Tell

Some of our favorite hotel bars for when you want to go from beverage to bed.

The Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt New Orleans 130 Roosevelt Way, therooseveltneworleans. com.

Loa Bar at International House 221 Camp St., ihhotel.com.

Peacock Room at the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot 501 Tchoupitoulas St., peacockroomnola.com

The Pool Club New Orleans at Virgin Hotel New Orleans 550 Baronne St., virginhotels.com.

Above the Grid at NOPSI Hotel 317 Baronne St.,  abovethegridnola.com.

ALTO at The Ace Hotel 600 Carondelet St., acehotel.com.

Ingenue at The Troubadour Hotel 1111 Gravier St., monkeyboardnola.com

Rosie’s on the Roof at The Higgins Hotel 1000 Magazine St., higginshotelnola.com.

Observatory Eleven Bar at Westin New Orleans 100 Iberville St.

French Quarter’s Finest

Jewel of the South 1026 St. Louis St., jewelnola.com. A chic twist on a tavern, step inside the 19th-century Creole cottage and request a signature Brandy Crusta. Immerse yourself in the sublime ambiance and relish elevated sustenance by way of concepts like “casual caviar happy hour”.

Effervescence Bubbles & Bites 1036 N. Rampart St., nolabubbles.com. The fizzness of pleasure, this elegant champagne lounge houses the crème de la crème of corks. Swing by for bubbles by the bottle, still wines, flights and savory plates to the tune of truffle pommes frites.

Arnaud’s French 75 Bar 813 Rue Bienville, arnaudsrestaurant.com.

An iconic destination, partake in the eponymous cognac and champagne cocktail and a plate of Gougères.

If you (#havethisthingwithtile), pause to appreciate the patterned vintage floor and custom bar built in the late 1800s.

GEAUX FOR A DIVE

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop 941 Bourbon St., lafittesblacksmithshop.com. Weave your way to the oft-crowded bar for a signature “Purple Drank” and take in the historic vibes of the character-rich renown spot, said to be the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States.

Peychaud’s

727 Toulouse St., maisondeville.com.

Have a bitters sweet experience in the former home of Antoine Peychaud in the Hotel Maison de Ville. The bar, with its vintage heirlooms and cozy corners, and the private courtyard space with a fountain to fixate on, are booze-written invitations for a Peychaud’s Fizz.

The Carousel Bar & Lounge

214 Royal St., hotelmonteleone.com.

Ever had a round on a merry-goround? One of the most special places to get delightfully dizzy, cross fingers to score a spot at the 25 seat, circus themed bar that slowly revolves. Request a Vieux Carré and let the good times spin.

The Will and the Way 719 Toulouse St., thewillandtheway.com. The sexy and sophisticated bar beckons for day drinks and nightcaps. Whether you’re a High Life person or consider cocktails your calling card, all vibes are welcome to canoodle at this locale for a midnight – 2 a.m. happy hour featuring Southern-leaning snackables.

Molly’s at the Market

1107 Decatur St., mollysatthemarket.net.

Step 1: Attempt to snag the single window seat. Step 2: Order the frozen Irish coffee. Step 3: Throw some money in the jukebox and Geppetto the mood of the bar.

Good Friends Bar

740 Dauphine St., goodfriendsbar.com.

Both Southern and decadent, pop by for a signature drink called “The Separator” while making nice at the downstairs bar or head up the stairwell to the Victorian-outfitted Queens Head Pub for a bevvy and a balcony view.

Harry’s Corner

900 Chartres St.

Cash is king at this unassuming spot where locals gather – often with their small pups – for a no-frills swill. Grab a geaux cup and keep it moving or snag a seat at the extended outdoor space for more room to maneuver.

75 ¢ French 75’s

Criollo - Hotel Monteleone 214 Royal St., criollonola.com.

Newly launched this month at Criollo, for just a pocketful of pennies you can now partake in 75 cent French 75’s during brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

MRB

515 St. Phillip St., mrbnola.com. Even if a Saints game ends in a loss, this is the place to dry your tears over beers, a plate of frachos and a stack of oysters. Cheer yourself up in the courtyard with a frozen Green Drank and take in some live music.

Bar Tonique

820 N. Rampart St., bartonique.com. Subtly chic with exposed brick and a bottoms-up-view of the Southern inspired blue ceiling, snag one of the few bar seats to anticipate your crafted cocktail. If you’re in a decision-making deficit, let the daily specials at the petite respite inspire your desire.

Palm & Pine

308 N. Rampart St., palmandpinenola.com. Lights, camera, libations, partake in the agave and cane spirits program and latenight happy hour every Friday and Saturday from 11 p.m. – 1 a.m. A short jaunt to the Saenger, the theater-supportive spot typically creates a cocktail to highlight the current featured performance.

Sip It, Swap It

The Hermes Bar at Antoine’s: SIP: The French 75 SWAP: The French Gimlet

Tujague’s: SIP: Grasshopper SWAP: Pimm’s Punch

Tropical Isle: SIP: The Hand Grenade SWAP: Shark Attack

Pat O’Brien’s: SIP: The Hurricane SWAP: The Rainbow

Old Absinthe House: SIP: Absinthe Frappé SWAP: Mother's Milk

Napoleon House: SIP: Pimm’s Cup SWAP: Peychaud’s Spritz

Anna’s

2601 Royal St., annasnola.com.

A double-decker bar housed in a 19th-century bank building, follow the pink neon sign to a “fine diving” experience of cocktails, pool and a cozy upstairs quarters outfitted with local artwork and situated for conversation.

THE COFFEE BAR

Did you wake up with a Marigny-sized migraine? A remedy at the ready, look for the soothing mint green bistro chairs lining the path of Frenchmen All Day (630 Frenchmen St., frenchmennola.com) and order a spiked hangover helper from the “Boozy Brews” menu.

R Bar

Marigny

1431 Royal St., royalstreetinn.com.

Home to the haircut and shot combo on Mondays at 7 p.m., and the epicenter of local color on Mardi Gras day, this lively neighborhood gathering spot beneath the Royal Street Inn features screens for Saints games and Friday evening shrimp and crawfish boils.

Apple Barrel Bar

609 Frenchmen St.

The low-key, pint-sized bar is where you’ll find yourself finger-snapping to live jazz and blues nightly. Cash only, bring some extra duckets for the musician’s tip bucket.

Three Muses

536 Frenchmen St., 3musesnola.com.

If you like your sparkling sake with a side of soul and Tangerine Sour with a trumpet soundtrack, this is the spot for you. A kicked back atmosphere, drop in for live entertainment and plates with an Asian twist.

The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret 2240 St. Claude Ave., theallwayslounge.net. Entertainment reigns supreme at this theater meets bar. From burlesque bingo to peep show performances and indie music, be amused by the business of show.

Brieux Carré Brewing Co.

2115 Decatur St., brieuxcarre.com. Craft beer drinkers flock to this microbrewery to hit the Czech LUKR beer faucets. From coffee and coconut porters to Munich malts, grab a crowler or a six-pack of personality-plus cans for the road.

Hi-Ho Lounge

2239 St. Claude Ave

Funky and fun, bluegrass pickin’ parties, comedy acts and late-night DJ dance parties are the call of the wild. Boozy bonus: the drink prices won’t break the bank.

Pepp’s Pub

706 Franklin Ave., peppspub.com.

No better place for a hair of the dog than a bar that welcomes your pup while you peruse the wall of whiskey. Sit hip to hip with a French Bulldog while occasionally enjoying a pulled pork meat pie pop up.

Emporium Arcade Bar

2231 St. Claude Ave., emporiumarcadebar.com. Nothing wrong with a little friendly competition while you imbibe. Pool tables, pinball, vintage video games and more make adulting fun.

The Friendly Bar

2301 Chartres St. True to its name, this neighborhood haunt is known for its conversational and congenial pourers. Drop in for a stiff drink on the cheap and maybe even pick up a little local anecdote.

New Orleans Art Bar

2128 St. Claude Ave., nolaartbar.com.

A nip with non-fiction, this bookstoremeets-lounge offers a sophisticated approach to libations and literature. Small plates and bottle service add intrigue to the story.

The Elysian Bar 2317 Burgundy St., theelysianbar.com. Intimate and Instagrammable, this jewel box features Euro-style aperitivo, low ABV cocktails and all-American wines. A tip to toast on: the picturesque backdrop and overhang of the bar was carved at Mardi Gras World.

Pedal Pushers

nolabikebar.com.

BYOB on your 1 hour 45 minute tour of the Bywater on an electric assist pedal tour that seats 15 while a driver guides the way to local haunts, which may even include a visit to the “Barmuda Triangle”.

GEAUX FOR A DIVE

J&J’s Sport’s Lounge: 800 France St., jjssportslounge.com.

Bud Rip’s: 900 Piety St.

Vaughan’s Lounge: 4229 Dauphine St.

Markey’s Bar: 640 Louisa St., markeysbar.com.

HOTEL

PETER AND PAUL

PHOTO

Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits 600 Poland Ave., bacchanalwine.com. Follow the sound of corks popping beneath the treetops at this tried-and-true treasure. Embrace the romance of selecting just the right bottle from the charming cellar, along with a cheese plate, then make your way to the courtyard for live tunes wafting about day and night.

Bywater

Bar Brine 3200 Burgundy St., yousneakypickle.com.

The Sneaky Pickle by day, Bar Brine by night, come thirsty for creative plays on Negronis and hungry for charcuterie to share at the colorful bar or outside at the petite patio tables.

The Country Club New Orleans 634 Louisa St., thecountryclubneworleans.com. A bohemian retreat, social butterflies with an eye for design will enjoy the linger-perfect weekday happy hour. The weekend drag brunch is not to be missed.

Bywater Brew Pub 3000 Royal St., bywaterbrewpub.com.

Make nice over malty lagers, pals over IPAs and buds over bites of Viet-Cajun food at this friendly locale where colorful works of art cover the walls. Brewpub bingo, trivia nights, live music and gameday-watching vibes will keep you entertained.

Parleaux Beer Lab 634 Lesseps St., parleauxbeerlab.com

Grow friendships in the beer garden over swigs of small-batch brews with funky names and fresh local ingredients. Rotating kitchens pop up on the weekends to add to the party atmosphere.

Junction 3021 St. Claude Ave., junctionnola.com.

If beers make you want to burger and burgers make you want to beer, you’ll be at home with the knowledgeable bar krewe who will recommend a pull from the curated selection of 40 beers and creative-ingredient burgers to match. For a quick fix, hit the walk-up window for a frozen Irish.

Saturn Bar 3067 St. Claude Ave.

Country crooning, drag karaoke, piano nights, honky-tonk, hip hop and R&B come together at any given night of the week at this planetary party.

Bar Pomona 2352 Saint Claude Ave., barpamona.com.

A wine bar in a jam shop, this quaint locale provides rarified wines by the bottle and glass, lasagna specials on Mondays and rotating frozen drinks named after album tracks.

Play List

Always a good time, we checked in with Kermit Ruffins to get his top five song suggestions that go with his famous phrase, “We Partyin’!”.

• Second Line on Monday by Chuck Carbo

• I Gotta Feeling by Black Eyed Peas

• For the Love of You by The Isley Brothers

• Drop Me off in New Orleans by Kermit Ruffins

• Skokiaan by Louis Armstrong

Treme

Kermit’s Treme

Mother-in-Law Lounge 1500 N. Claiborne Ave., kermitslounge.com.

The historic locale, with its artistic murals on the exterior, opens daily at the ripe time of 4:20 p.m. Head over for New Orleans style eats made by Kermit Ruffins and others who know their way around a hot pot. With no shortage of local talent on the mic on any given night and proper pours from the bar, you’ll be in good hands and spirits.

Candlelight Lounge

925 N. Robertson St.

Situated near Tuba Fats Square, the local haunt is known for live brass and jazz that pays homage to the Crescent City’s local talent. Add to it a wellfilled cup for your enjoyment.

Bullet’s Sports Lounge 2441 A P Tureaud Ave.

Frequented by locals far before HBO’s Treme footage, the baby blue hued historical bar in the heart of the 7th Ward features live music and booze to add a little bounce to your step.

The Well 1600 Basin St. Late nights, stiff drinks, food, DJ beats, comedy, cigars, karaoke and hookahs make this spot one to add to your out and about list.

Treme Hideaway

1234 N. Claiborne Ave. A gathering spot with big party vibes, get loud and lively here during the week, then end your weekend on a high note with Brass Band Sundays featuring the Big 6 Brass Band. Bottle service and sections can also be booked in advance.

Garden District

Miel 405 Sixth St., mielbrewery.com. Home of the beer slushie, this microbrewery, taproom and beer garden offers plenty of space to enjoy a revolving menu of small batch brews. Foodie pop-ups and live music beneath the disco balls make this your foam away from home.

Barrel Proof 1201 Magazine St., barrelproofnola.com. This kicked-back neighborhood joint is where whiskey and beer become best friends amongst a selection of 350 whiskeys and craft brews curated for your consumption locally and from across the globe.

Tracey’s Original Irish Channel Bar 2604 Magazine St., traceysnola.com. A neighborhood sports bar located across Magazine Street from the Garden District, loyalists love the 22 tvs, noshables like duck and andouille gumbo and a festive pup-friendly atmosphere solidify the invitation.

Urban South Brewery 1645 Tchoupitoulas St., urbansouthbrewery.com.

The congenial and inviting brew krewe offers a consistently growing line-up of easy-drinking beers that are packed with personality. Add to it delish eats like beer cheese fries from the onsite food pop-up, Urban Smash.

The Rusty Nail 1100 Constance St., rustynailnola.com. An abundance of beers on tap, Old Fashioneds and Manhattans on Whiskey Wednesdays, live entertainment and a fun back patio are but a few of the reasons to hit this neighborhood bar.

The Courtyard Brewery 1160 Camp St., courtyardbrewery.square.site. A self-proclaimed “dive brewery” that has been “perfecting day drinking since 2014”, grab one of the colorful chairs in the courtyard of this nano-brewery and belly up for small-batch beers hand-crafted in house.

The Tchoup Yard 405 Third St., tchoupyard.com. Chandeliers suspended in the tree limbs, colorful pops from the table umbrellas, frozen French 75s, and weekly NOLA Vibe Yoga pop up classes will make you a regular.

The Bower Bar 1320 Magazine St., thebowernola.com

Field-to-glass cocktails abound at this lush libation destination. Wind down with a weekday happy hour of daily house punch and wines-bythe-glass while getting cute over a charcuterie plate.

RANDY SCHMIDT PHOTO

Hot Tin

2031 St. Charles Ave., hottinbar.com. Take the elegant elevator up to the rooftop of The Pontchartrain Hotel for sweeping views of the city and top tier tipples. Before grabbing a rideshare, have a nightcap at tavern-style Bayou Bar on the lower level.

Sake Centric

Trend spotting, Susie Bohnstengel, resident “alchemistress” of Wetlands Sake (634 Orange St., wetlandssake.com) spills the tea on six sake cocktails you’re likely to tip back at the femaleowned Lower Garden District taproom in the coming year.

Espresso Saketini Blueberry Lemon Sake Pomegranate Saketini Sake “Milk” Punch Cosmic Sake Spicy Sake Paloma

CHRISTIAN HORAN PHOTO

RANDY SCHMIDT PHOTOS

Mid-City/ Bayou St. John

Zony Mash Beer Project 3940 Thalia St., zonymashbeer.com. The 21-tap tasting room at the historic Gem Theater offers a fun space to give new sips a spin thanks to in-house weekly releases. Enjoy funky flavors with local twists, nosh pop ups and spiked ciders.

Twelve Mile Limit

500 S. Telemachus St., twelvemilelimit.com.

Serving up tasty swigs and chill vibes, this dive features entertainment to the tune of trivia nights, karaoke, comedy and queer dance parties. Check out their rotating daily $5 specials ranging from classic daqs to whiskey sours.

Bayou Beer Garden

326 N Norman C Francis Pkwy, bayoubeergarden.com. Begging the question “why play favorites?” comes the duo of Beer Garden meets Wine Garden. Indulge in a packed list of brews and house special disco fries, then meander to the expansive Wine Garden courtyard for charcuterie and chardonnay.

Wrong Iron On The Greenway 3532 Toulouse St., wrongiron.com. Roll up from the bike trail and drop your kickstand for beer, wine, cocktails and frozens. The spacious al fresco patio is suited for brews beneath the umbrellas in sunshine and nips by the firepits on chilly nights.

Pal’s Lounge

949 N. Rendon St.

Come one come all to this neighborhood bar where stool-sitting regulars rely on happy hour daily, beer and shot specials and signature cocktails like the Pal’s Paloma. Ring the buzzer if the door is locked, but only once for mannerly measure.

Vessel NOLA 3835 Iberville St., vesselnola.com.

Congregate over classic cocktails served in 12 unique vessels specific to your libation of choice at this iconic 1914 church-turned-bar while gazing at ship’s hull-inspired ceiling.

Revel Café and Bar 133 N. Carrollton Ave., revelcafeandbar.com.

The MidCity Irish Pub Trinity

Finn McCool’s Irish Pub 3701 Banks St., finnmccools.com

Mick’s Irish Pub 4801 Bienville Ave.

The Holy Ground Irish Pub 3340 Canal St., theholygroundnola.com

Let owner and legend Chris McMillian conjure up a concoction from his chorus-worthy cocktail collection (his songbook) of which there are over 50 songs to drink. A burger and pommes frites make for an additionally satiating melodic moment.

Second Line Brewing 433 N Bernadotte St., secondlinebrewing.com. Pick a picnic table in the beer garden and tip back Batture Blonde Ale at this neighborhood craft brewery. Foodie vendors, shop pop-ups, trivia nights and an actual bounce house add to the good vibes.

Parkway Bakery and Tavern 538 Hagan Ave., parkwaypoorboys.com. A New Orleans institution, come by for seafood poor boys and to-the-brim pours. If booze is more your move, opt for a Parkway Pimm’s Cup while enjoying the storied ambiance.

Ciao Tapas Bar & Lounge 4033 Tulane Ave., ciaonola.com.

Two words: midnight brunch. Pop in on Friday nights for DJ beats, and a happy hour between 8 – 10 p.m. In between rounds of black raspberry Sidecars, snag a selfie in front of the neon lit “The World Is Yours” sign.

Vandal 3835 Tulane Ave., vandalnola.com. All hail the hookah. With its golden chairs, greenery-accented walls and plush couches, this stylish lounge is the poshest spot to partake in a flavored puff.

EUGENIA UHL PHOTO

Uptown

Oak 8118 Oak St., oaknola.net. Carouse with the corks at this upscale wine bar located, appropriately, on Oak Street. Pop by for Prosecco and fries on Thursdays or a bottle from the curated yet approachable wine list. Or, take in live music every Friday and Saturday.

Columns

3811 St. Charles Ave., thecolumns.com.

A classic choice for a classic cocktail, make it a moment climbing the iconic stairs of the historic property. Procure a spot on the veranda, delight in an inventive concoction like a whisky-infused lavender cold press while watching the streetcar make its travels.

Lit Literature

Neal Bodenheimer, founder of Cure, a celebrated bar for its clout-worthy cocktails, and coauthor Emily Timberlake, have recently released Cure: New Orleans Drinks and How to Mix ‘Em, a page turner featuring 100 cocktails, interviews and anecdotes celebrating the drinking culture in the Crescent City. 4504 Freret St., curenola.com.

The Delachaise Wine Bar

3442 St. Charles Ave., chaisedelachaise.com

Romance ready, bat eyes over bites of house-made pâté and share a bottle of Barolo at this neighborhood hideout. Steal glances beneath strung lights on the patio as you wax poetic about the wine list.

St. Joe’s Bar 5535 Magazine St., stjoesbar.com. Feeling muddled over where to go? You’re "mint" to be at this local neighborhood bar nestled near Audubon Park that’s known for its fresh fruit blueberry mojitos and antique bar with wellappointed church pews.

The Vintage NOLA 3121 Magazine St., thevintagenola.com. Beignets, bubbles and bites are the cornerstone of this chic café. Settle in at a bistro table on the hustle bustle sidewalk and pair your pillowy powdered sugar bites with spiked frozen au laits or brut rosés.

Boulingy Tavern

3641 Magazine St., boulingytavern.com. The retro-inspired space, conjuring up an episodic scenario of Mad Men with a side of cigarette pants and martinis, will leave you romancing over aromatic tonics and whiling away the hours with a whiskey. On weather-friendly nights, the cozy patio is a must.

Port Orleans Brewing Co. 4124 Tchoupitoulas St., portorleansbrewingco.com. Featuring local craft beer that is “master brewed below sea level”, head to their expansive beer garden to make hops between their IPAs, ales and lagers. Save room for a scoop of small batch Lucy Boone Ice Cream served on site.

Dos Jefes Uptown Cigar Bar 5535 Tchoupitoulas St., dosjefes.com. This popular spot, known for its smoking selection of cigars and back bar swings, features craft cocktails and live music ranging from Jazz and Afro-Cuban to Blues and Zydeco.

QiQi 1515 Aline St. Cozy as can be, this spot showcases drag and burlesque shows alongside a rainbow of local beers, all-inclusive vibes and pop-up bites and outdoor seating.

Les Bon Temps

The Chloe 4125 St. Charles Ave., thecholenola.com.

Past the staircase with the alligator print carpet, you’ll find the luxe lobby bar of this boutique hotel, housed in a 19th century Uptown mansion, but the gem is the pool bar where pink chaise lounge chairs call for Audubon Spritzes, a nominal fee for non-hotel guests. Henry’s Uptown Bar: 5101 Magazine St. Snake & Jake’s Christmas Club Lounge: 7612 Oak St., snakeandjakes.com.

4801 Magazine St., lbtrnola.com. Open 24 hours a day, this iconic locale plays host to The Soul Rebels every Thursday, free oysters on Fridays, billiards and Bloody Marys that make for a full meal.

Ms. Mae’s 4336 Magazine St.

The Mayfair Lounge: 1505 Amelia St.

RANDY SCHMIDT

PHOTO

By Thuc Doan Nguyen Illustrations by Camelia Pham (Folio Art)

THE YEAR OF THE CAT

As many of us will be ringing in the January 1st New Year with our resolutions and hoping for auspicious outcomes, Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tết) celebrations will be happening on January 22, 2023, about a month prior to Mardi Gras (February 21). Some years, these events are closer together. How fortunate to have two New Years to ring in for another season of cross-cultural revelry. Dong Phuong Vietnamese Bakery is famous for their Mardi Gras King Cakes. It’s a great post-December holidays continued celebration that warms the early months of the year. While there’s no official Vietnamese Krewe in New Orleans represented with a parade, no overt integration into Mardi Gras, a collective of artists and filmmakers have started to get together and call themselves the “Viet Krewe” of which I am a member.

For many Asian-descendants, 2023 will mark the Year of the Water Rabbit, however, for members of the Vietnamese diaspora, it will be

the Year of the Cat. (Another Asian zodiac difference with the twelve animal signs is that we of Vietnamese heritage have the Year of the [Water] Buffalo when other Asian groups have the Year of the Ox, according to my dad who was born in that year.)

Many Vietnamese Americans in New Orleans today came over as refugees right after the Vietnam War in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with other waves coming over later in the 1990s and beyond. Some Vietnamese Americans have relocated to the New Orleans area from elsewhere, crediting the concentration of Vietnamese culture here as a key draw, myself included. I grew up in the south (North Carolina and southern Maryland) and transplanted from Los Angeles. I spoke with a Vietnamese American woman shopping for groceries in New Orleans East who moved from Idaho. Bau Nguyen, who owns Singleton’s Market Uptown, told me he moved from California. I officially move into my new permanent home a week before Tết. It’s a special homecoming. My parents will be in town to help me

What NOLA’s

Vietnamese American Luminaries

Are Doing for Lunar New Year

with setting up the house, so I’m especially excited to spend a real Lunar New Year with them, which hasn’t happened since I was a child. I didn’t see them for two and a half years over the pandemic. It’s extra special that we will get to have Tết in New Orleans together with new friends. I was born in the Year of the Dragon and so was my mom.

Even though most people in New Orleans are aware of the plethora of Vietnamese food available in the city and know about the population of those of Vietnamese ethnicity, to the world outside the Crescent City, this isn’t apparent. New Orleanians, for the most part, are very well versed in Vietnamese food like bánh mì and phở, and grocery stores like Hong Kong (don’t let the name fool you— it’s a Vietnamese market.) I spoke with a handful of Vietnamese Americans, who help make the culture of New Orleans what it is, about their Lunar New Year traditions and what Tết means to them.

Jane Chaisson is the owner of Golden File Nails and Spa, with one located on Magazine Street and one

on Tchoupitoulas Street. In 2006, when Jane was 15 years old, her mom told her that she would be moving from Vietnam to America. Jane recounted, “I had so many mixed emotions. At first, I was sad because I was leaving behind my family and childhood friends. Also I was sad that I would leave behind my brand new scooter that my grandma gave to me! In Vietnam I was driving a scooter at 15 that was not automatic. It had shift pedals. I felt cool when I was the only one with a scooter and my friends were riding bikes, but then all my friends got automatic scooters. The next emotion I felt was nervous that I was going to have a new dad - an American dad! Lastly, I was filled with excitement for the opportunities that America could present. With the benefit of hindsight now, I owe my mom and stepdad a big thank you for bringing me to America and raising me in New Orleans. I love living in New Orleans.”

Jane's been in the city now for a decade and a half. She got her college degree in visual arts at Loyola University. “I have been doing nails in

New Orleans ever since high school as a part time job and throughout my time as a college student. I’m very passionate about nails and about art. My fiancé, Niko, really pushed and inspired me to become the best version of myself and to take my nail game to the next level.”

As for Jane’s zodiac animal, “I don’t want to brag, but there is no easy way to say this! I am the GOAT!” This goat will also be welcoming a baby Tiger or a baby Cat into the family soon. Jane’s daughter is due on January 6, making her a tiger. If she arrives a couple weeks late (on January 22 or after), she may be a cat. (She will also be born half Vietnamese American and half Greek American.)

For Jane, Lunar New Year is all about tradition. “First and foremost, I love giving and receiving “lì xì,” a.k.a. lucky money in little red envelopes. I like seeing the dragon dances and all the food. I miss all the street food in Vietnam.” For most of my Lunar New Years, I spend them with my family and loved ones and I go to the Buddhist temple. My fiancé wants me to teach our daughter, Amalia, all about the Vietnamese traditions and wants me to bring her to the temple. I think it’s pretty cool to have someone like that to support you.”

“Before the pandemic, we would eat in New Orleans East at the Church. We plan to go do that again in 2023 if my doctor says it will be ok to go after the baby is born.”

Jane is also planning for the future, “My fiancé is so excited to buy our baby girl her first áo dài (Vietnamese traditional dress). He wants one too! I will teach her about the traditions of her sign, respect for her elders, and how to cook for us when we get old and lazy. It takes a village to raise good kids and we will depend on the Vietnamese community to help us teach our traditions to the new generation.”

Peter Nguyen is the founder of Bánh Mì Boys, a chain of restaurants in the New Orleans area where you can get “Vietnamese po-boys,” Vietnamese beers, as well as Big Easy standards like bread pudding. New Orleans is his hometown, and he started his eateries here because he “wanted something exciting, fun and delicious to bring to the community.”

Peter’s zodiac sign is the Snake. He says he’s a prime example of one for these reasons, “The most snake trait I have is that I’m calm and laid back. As I get older, I become more chill and patient in life.” In 2023, Peter hopes to bring Banh Mi Boys to Texas and South Carolina too. Peter is also ready for Lunar New Year, “My favorite thing about it is the celebrations and gathering of friends and family and also of course the massive amounts of food.” He plans to stay busy with Bánh Mì Boys

Bywater Brew Pub on Royal Street in the Bywater. She moved away from New Orleans to Portland, Oregon and then returned. “After over a decade of cooking Viet-Cajun/Creole food for Portland, I felt it was time I cooked this food for the people that inspired me to create it. After my mom passed away suddenly in 2017, the longing for home became too strong for me to ignore. I wanted to reconnect with so many parts of myself that I felt I had lost after living away from New Orleans for so long, especially my Vietnamese roots. I also missed the warmth of the sun and tropical vegetation. Portland was never going to feel like home to me.”

Anh was born in the Year of the Tiger. “I think it is very fitting of my personality, especially since I’m also a Leo. So, technically I’m a ‘Liger.’ Having tiger qualities has definitely helped me excel in becoming a manager and leader in the restaurant industry. Being self-motivated, driven, and resilient are my most tiger-like qualities that have helped me most in my journey as a chef.”

story about the holiday. “My mom always made bánh chưng for Tết every year— sticky rice cakes stuffed with mung beans and pork steamed in banana leaves. She would cut them into slices and pan fry them for us for breakfast. It’s very labor intensive, so I don’t make them every single year, only if I have time, but I have vivid memories of my mom sitting on a tiny wooden stool on a blanket of newspapers on the floor of the kitchen with a big tub of all her ingredients, stuffing them into these perfectly folded square banana leaf packages. Making these helps me to feel more connected to my mother’s spirit.”

and make time for a family gathering and the community fairs around the city. He says there are big events in Marrero and Woodlawn, as well as the main one in New Orleans East. Peter says the activities are announced and most often spread by word of mouth the week before Lunar New Year. Peter’s favorite things to eat are sweet sticky rice with steamed pork roll or bánh tét. He adds, “We stay pretty busy at the restaurant, but if things slow down, I might make time to create something special for the menu for Lunar New Year.”

Anh Luu is the owner and chef at

In 2023, Anh hopes to do more traveling and self-care. “Sometimes I completely lose myself in my job and forget about what’s important to me in my personal life.” She and her partner Sam want to start their own YouTube channel focused on food and cooking, and especially their “hilarious trips to the Asian market.” She wants to teach people how to cook with proper techniques and discover new ingredients from the Asian markets.

Anh’s favorite thing about Tết, has always been the dragon dance and lì xì. “The only person that still gives me money every year is my dad… because, let’s face it, I’m too old now. The dragon dance always brings back childhood memories of the big Tết Festival that happens at the Mary Queen of Vietnam church every year. The loud ass firecrackers really pump you up for the new year!”

She also tells me a personal family

Anh has a suggestion for where to go for Lunar New Year. “The festival out in New Orleans East is honestly the best place to go eat for the Lunar New Year. There are so many traditional foods, music and entertainment. It’s just a grand ole time. Another food I always associate with every major celebration is the Vietnamese eggroll, chả giò or nem rán. My family is from Hanoi, so they called them “nem” growing up. I was planning on making a version of these as a Tết special at the Brew Pub in January.”

Giuseppe Anthony Tran is the Parish Coordinator for Mary Queen of Vietnam Catholic Church in New Orleans East. He has the scoop on what’s going on there for 2023’s celebrations.

“Our Archbishop will be with all of us to celebrate the New Year’s Eve Mass on Saturday night, January 21, at 9:00 pm. According to our culture, the community gets together in this church to thank God, to appreciate the past year and to welcome the New Year of the Cat, ‘Xuân Quý Mão.’ After the mass, the Archbishop and the Pastor will bring out the lì xì envelopes to everyone who attends church. The lì xì is the lucky money or lucky gift that the ‘father is giving out to all children.’ After the church celebration, we will turn on the firecrackers and dragon dance outdoors to welcome another new year.”

Anthony joined the community in the 1980s and has been part of the festivities ever since. This year he’ll

also have a similar schedule as all the rest - “A week after celebrating the Lunar New Year’s Day, the parish opens the following three days of the weekend to celebrate Lunar New Year for all the people to get together. It doesn’t matter what ethnicity or religion they are. In this special festival, the Vietnamese people of Mary Queen celebrate in the exact styles and traditions as we had before in Vietnam. Mary Queen of Vietnam Parish always invites famous singers/ performers from all over the world to come and entertain during the three-day festival for immediate community people and for public visitors. Our church is the Vietnamese Cultural Center for everyone to maintain our Vietnamese traditions and to pass them onto the next generations.”

For Anthony, New Orleans is very much the “homiest place,” as it’s “very similar to Vietnam in temperature, atmosphere, and environment. Vietnam has the Mekong River that runs across the land. New Orleans has the same pattern with the Mississippi River which also runs across the city. The city of New Orleans is highly motivated for every culture to celebrate, so that the residents in this city can join in and enjoy each culture.”

Anthony outlines his hopes for 2023, “After the time of COVID pandemic, Mary Queen of Vietnam Parish would like to reach out to every parish in New Orleans (Eastbank and Westbank) and all the other cities in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida so that people can join in with the Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebrations— as everyone has waited too long. The main concern of our parish is to ensure that all people can gather together during this wonderful occasion.” He thinks it’s pretty cool that “many schools in New Orleans also let the Asian diaspora and Vietnamese American students have a day off to be with their families for the celebrations. This local government shows a very great

respect to all cultures in officially allowing for this special chance.”

We get a peek inside Anthony’s personal traditions. “In my own family, the Vietnamese Lunar New

leaders and aids the Vietnamese Americans of New Orleans. She grew up in San Francisco and moved here seven years ago. “New Orleans has a magnetism that cultivates a level of equanimity that is rare. It’s full of possibility and has constant reminders of history all at once.

I would say that chance has brought me and kept me here.”

“Jax” is a dragon who reveres and honors Tết. She’s “unapologetically ambitious about the future for the Vietnamese diaspora— how we can reimagine joy and cultivate community.”

city, I realized how welcoming and diverse the community really was. I specifically became very immersed in the Vietnamese community in New Orleans. There is a certain familiarity within the Vietnamese community that made me feel as if I have always lived here. Being a part of a Vietnamese community is something I haven’t experienced since I was a child. When I was about ten years old, my family began moving frequently and began to lose touch with the Vietnamese community. It wasn’t until I moved to New Orleans that I really began to reconnect with my Vietnamese heritage and identity.”

Year Day is indeed a very holiday. It doesn’t matter how busy we are or what schedule anyone has set up, everyone in the family is “required” to be together; therefore, my nephews, nieces, and cousins... from five different states: California to Florida all come home to join our hearts together in the Lunar New Year.” He adds, “Our time on earth is really short. If we can realize our presence is important to each other, we must be with one another.”

Here’s how Anthony’s Lunar New Year Day will go. “I will bring my family over to my mom’s house on the Westbank to join together with my five sibling families (a total of 43 young and old people) to eat many meals. The main food is “hủ tíu dai” (noodle soup). We also cook the original Vietnamese foods with pork, duck, and goat meat. Besides the main food, we’ll eat ‘bánh chưng and bánh tét’ (stuffed sticky rice cakes) as our dessert. Everyone on my Tran side of the family really loves these foods.”

Jacqueline Thanh is mixed heritage Vietnamese American and Chinese American. She’s the Executive Director of VAYLA, a nonprofit that trains Asian American

“Lunar New Year is hard as we get older and watch our elders age, but what has always made it special for me as someone who grew up Buddhist is my auntie’s canh chua chay and all the vegetarian staples we share as we visit each other’s homes. Jax’s wish for 2023 is “more integrated rest, more compassionate wisdom, more collective liberation through authentic presence.”

Christian Dinh is a renowned ceramics artist and Tulane University MFA graduate who’s had his work (which reflects upon his Southern upbringing in a Vietnamese refugee family) on display at The Ogden Museum here in town. He’s part of the foundation of the “Viet Krewe’’ which also includes musician and composer Dylan Tran, director Marion Hoàng Ngọc Hill, film producer Katie Pham and actress Amy Le.

Christian and his partner moved to New Orleans in 2018 from Pensacola, Florida. Prior to that, they had been visiting New Orleans for over a decade, sometimes driving over every other weekend, so they “inevitably decided to make the move.”

Christian is based in New Orleans for various reasons. “I have always been drawn to the unique culture here, which is what brought me to the city in the first place. Then, after spending more time here and getting to know the people and the

Christian was born in the Year of the Monkey. He feels like he aligns with a lot of the traits of his zodiac animal. “The monkey is supposed to be flexible and fluid in their pursuits and can find success and happiness in any route. In my life, I have constantly changed directions. I never thought that I was leaving something behind, but taking from those past experiences and applying them to something new to move forward.”

In 2023, Christian hopes to “slow down a little” and enjoy everything around him. “I have been very fortunate and had a lot of opportunities these past few years and it would be great to have a chance to sit back and take it all in.”

Christian always thinks of Tết very fondly. “My favorite part of the Lunar New Year is going to Tết where everyone from the Vietnamese community joins together. The atmosphere is always so exciting— with dozens of food booths, people singing and dancing, kids shooting those cans of silly string all over the place, and of course all of the performances like the dragon dance. My family usually cooks food at home for the Lunar New Year. My grandparents would cook phở, chả giò (eggrolls), bánh chưng and xối nước dừa (Vietnamese sticky rice).

Get your passion and your appetite ready for the Year of the Cat. We Vietnamese Americans are hopeful about the future and glad to be part of the culture that is New Orleans. See you out at the Tết fests!

ELLA BRENNAN LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Susan Spicer

By Jay Forman Photograph by Emily Ferretti

It was just another ordinary day when Susan Spicer was coordinating a photo shoot at Rosedale. She didn’t think much about it, although the photographer seemed to be encountering an unusual number of time-consuming “technical issues.” Then she heard the trumpet. “Hmm, that’s kind of loud for our sound system,” was Spicer’s first thought, when suddenly a second line paraded into the downstairs dining room. “I was like, what the hell?!” Spicer said as Ti Martin, Donald Link, Spicer’s family and a wide cast of others came marching in. Then she was presented with the New Orleans Food and Wine Experience’s 2023 Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement Award and it all made sense. “They totally surprised me,” Spicer laughed.

But selecting Spicer for this year’s award was really no surprise at all, per NOWFE Executive Director Aimee Brown. “She has been entrenched in the New Orleans community for decades now and has served as a mentor to many up-and-coming chefs,” Brown said. When Spicer’s colleague and friend Donald Link first heard about the award, his reply was, ‘Wait, she hadn’t gotten that yet?” He just assumed he had missed it. “Susan is so great – she taught me about patience and the bigger picture and not just being some hot-headed line cook.”

Susan’s career is remarkable in many ways. She blazed a trail for other women chefs in a time when such things were far less common. She came to her career relatively late, at the age of 26, but once she got started she was driven to make up for lost time. She hasn’t stopped since, as her portfolio attests. With outposts in the French Quarter, Navarre neighborhood, Louis Armstrong International Airport along with a wholesale bread baking partnership, her establishments underpin a wide slice of the local hospitality industry.

A Navy brat who has lived everywhere from Key West to the Netherlands, Susan had wanderlust from an early age, a passion that is reflected in the famously global reach of her compositions. “My mom is Danish; the European and Scandinavian influences come from her,” Spicer explains. Her father instilled in her a strong sense of fiduciary responsibility, traits that served her well in a trade with whisper-thin margins where one misstep can be the difference between making it or shutting the doors. She began

her career in New Orleans at the Louis XVI restaurant in the early 1970s. Trips to California and Europe – particularly a stint at the Hotel Sofitel in Paris with the Michelin-starred Chef Roland Durand -- expanded her repertoire. In 1986 she put it all together and made name for herself with the Bistro at Maison de Ville. Time spent there laid the foundations of her future businesses, introducing her to a network of key individuals with the eye for talent and the means to back her as well as the back of house staff critical for successful operations. Four years later in a partnership with Regina Keever she opened Bayona in the French Quarter, whose lush courtyard and intimate rooms timelessly frame one of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants.

Spicer is synonymous with an era of fine dining in the 1990s when New Orleans was emerging from a localized Creole/Cajun mindset to compete more directly with the contemporary sensibilities of major cities like New York. Part of the reason New Orleans punches above its weight nationally is because of the multinational influence chefs like Spicer injected into the DNA at this pivotal time. Peruse any of her menus and you will see it there: Scandinavian, Indonesian, U.S. South and other flourishes comfortably coexist.

But what you hear most from others when talking about Spicer is how much she loves the people who’ve worked with her and how much they care about her as well. Employees will tell you about the family-style gettogethers she throws at her Lakeview home. The personal care she takes with her staff makes a real impact in a trade marred by high turnover under grinding conditions. It’s a credit to Spicer how long many of her key staff have remained with her. Many have gone on to make names for themselves afterwards. Organizations such as Share our Strength and the hunger-relief charity Taste of the NFL, as well as conservation efforts with Gulf Coast fisheries, are just a few of the causes to which she lends her time and effort.

These days you will most likely find Spicer at Rosedale, her warm and welcoming outpost in the Navarre neighborhood that is at once eclectic (it is the site of a former jailhouse – visit the restrooms) and intimate, with its sun-splashed dining room and verdant patio. While a visit to any of her restaurants will show you the world, it is at Rosedale where you will find this year’s NOWFE award winner most at home.

TOPS TOWN OF THE 2023

As always, New Orleans has so many great things to shout out loud about. Even in a year with so many downs, we appreciate more than ever those places and things that rise to the top. Here is our list of the Tops of the Town as selected by our editorial staff. Readers were encouraged to make recommendations too, and suggestions were weighed into the discussion. To us, our readers remain at the very top.

Note: to make the list, a choice had to have a significant number of votes; places without enough votes were eliminated. Categories without enough voters were also removed. We know that there are some significant places that didn’t make the list, nevertheless we’re confident that those that are listed are all worthy and are among the tops in their field.

TOP PLACE FOR DOUGHNUTS

Winner: District Donuts Sliders Brew

Finalists: Baker’s Dozen, Blue Dot, Tastee Donuts

TOP ANTIQUES STORE

Winner: M.S. Rau

Finalists: Lucullus Antiques, Magazine Antique Mall, The Occasional Wife

TOP BAKERY

Winner: Hi-Do Bakery

Finalists: Antoine’s Famous Cakes, Bellegarde Bakery, Bywater Bakery, La Boulangerie

TOP BED AND BREAKFAST

Winner: Terrell House Bed & Breakfast Finalists: Canal Street Inn, Chimes Bed and Breakfast

TOP BURGERS

Winner: Port of Call

Finalists: Beachcorner Bar & Grill, Bud’s Broiler, Desi Vega’s Prime Burgers & Shakes, Three B’s Burger & Wine

TOP CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE

Winners: Banbury Cross, Zuka Baby Finalists: Bon Temps Boutique, Pippen Lane, Little Miss Muffin Children-Home

TOP COFFEE HOUSE

TOP PLACE TO BUY A WEDDING DRESS

Winner: Town & Country Bridal

Winner: Café du Monde, Finalists: French Truck Coffee, La Boulangerie, Mojo Coffee House, Spitfire Coffee

TOP CRAFT COCKTAIL BAR

Winner: Cure

Finalists: Arnaud’s French 75 Bar, Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29, Jewel of the South, The Will & the Way

TOP DESSERT MENU

Winner: GW Fins

Finalists: Commander’s Palace, Couvant, Jack Rose

TOP DIVE BAR

Winner: Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar

Finalists: Chart Room, Molly’s at the Market, Pal’s Lounge

TOP

Finalists: Salon M, Southern Shears, Spa Atlantis

TOP EVENT PLANNING AND PARTIES

Winner: Z Event Company

TOP FRENCH BREAD

Winner: Leidenheimer Baking Co. Finalist: La Boulangerie

TOP GARDEN SUPPLY

Winner: Perino’s Home & Garden Center Finalists: Banting’s Nursery, Charvet’s Garden Center, The Plant Gallery, Urban Roots Garden Center

TOP GOLF COURSE

Winner: English Turn Golf & Country Club Finalists: City Park Golf Courses, Grand Ridge Golf Club

TOP GULF COAST HOTEL

Winner: Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Finalists: The Pearl Hotel

TOP HAPPY HOUR

Winner: Couvant Finalists: The Bombay Club, Chemin a la Mer, Pizza Domenica, Saint John

TOP HOME ACCESSORIES

Winner: Eclectic Home Finalist: Home Malone

TOP HOT DOGS Winner: Dat Dog Finalists: Bratz Y’all, Bud’s Broiler

TOP HOTEL BAR

Winner: The Carousel Bar Finalists: Chandelier Bar, Hot Tin, Polo Club Lounge, The Sazerac Bar

TOP ICE CREAM/GELATO

Winner: Angelo Brocato Finalists: Creole Creamery, Drip Affrogato Bar, Piccola Gelateria

TOP JEWELER

TOP LOCAL DRUG STORE

Winners: Castellon Pharmacy, Patio Drugs

Finalists: Ciolino Drugs, Majoria Drugs, Uptown Delivery Pharmacy

TOP DRY CLEANERS

Winners: Liberto Cleaners, Royal Cleaners

Finalists: Russell’s Cleaning Services, Young’s Dry Cleaners

Winner: Aucoin Hart Jewelers Finalists: Lee Michael’s Fine Jewelry, M.S. Rau

TOP KING CAKES

Winners: Dong Phuong Bakery, Manny Randazzo King Cakes Finalists: Caluda’s King Cake, Haydel’s Bakery, Hi-Do Bakery

TOP LOCAL GROCERY STORE

Winner: Rouses Market

Finalists: Canseco’s Market, Central Grocery and Deli, Dorignac’s Food Center, Langenstein’s

TOP LOCAL RADIO STATION

Winner: WWOZ Finalists: WWNO, WWL Radio

TOP LOCAL SANDWICH SHOP

Winner: Cochon Butcher Finalists: Martin Wine Cellar, St. James Cheese Company, Turkey and the Wolf

TOP MEN’S CLOTHING STORE

Winners: Perlis Clothing, Rubensteins

TOP MUSEUM

Winner: National WWII Museum Finalists: M.S. Rau, Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, New Orleans Museum of Art

TOP NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT

Winner: Clancy’s Restaurant Finalists: Juniors on Harrison, Katie’s, High Hat Café

TOP NEW ORLEANS FESTIVAL

Winner: French Quarter Festival Finalists: Gretna Festival, Hogs for the Cause, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

TOP PET DAYCARE

Winner: Dogtopia Finalists: Camp Bow Wow, Pet Paradise

TOP PILATES STUDIO

Winner: SCULPT New Orleans

Finalists: Club Pilates, Romney Studios

TOP PLACE FOR A MARGARITA

Winner: Barracuda

Finalists: Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria, Juan’s Flying Burrito, Santa Fe

TOP PLACE FOR A POWER LUNCH

Winner: Galatoire’s Finalists: Commander’s Palace, Luke

TOP PLACE FOR BARBECUE SHRIMP

Winner: Mr. B’s Bistro

Finalists: Pascal’s Manale, Red Fish Grill

TOP PLACE FOR BRUNCH

Winner: Brennan’s

Finalists: Bearcat Café, Commander’s Palace, The Country Club, Ruby Slipper Café

TOP PLACE FOR CAJUN

Winner: Cochon

Finalists: GW Fins, Mulate’s

TOP PLACE FOR CASUAL BREAKFAST

Winner: Ruby Slipper Café

Finalists: Café Fleur de Lis, Elizabeth’s, French Toast

TOP PLACE FOR CHINESE

Winner: Five Happiness Chinese Restaurant Finalists: China Doll, Trey Yeun Cuisine of China

TOP PLACE FOR CREOLE

Winner: Dooky Chase Restaurant Finalists: Brigtsen’s, Chez Nous Charcuterie, Neyow’s Creole Café

TOP PLACE FOR FINE DINING

Winner: GW Fins

Finalists: Commander’s Palace, Galatoire’s Restaurant, Gautreau’s Restaurant

TOP PLACE FOR FRIED CHICKEN

Winner: Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Finalists: Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, McHardy’s Chicken & Fixin’, Willie Mae’s Scotch House

TOP PLACE FOR GUMBO

Winner: Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop Finalists: Chez Nous Charcuterie, Gris-Gris, Gumbo Shop, Mr. B’s Bistro

TOP PLACE FOR INDIAN

Winner: Mantra Indian Cuisine Finalists: Nirvana, Saffron NOLA

TOP PLACE FOR ITALIAN

Winner: Vincent’s Italian Cuisine Finalists: Irene’s, Rizzuto’s Ristorante & Chop House, Sofia

TOP PLACE FOR JAPANESE

Winner: Shogun Finalists: LUVI, Pearl Sushi Bar & Asian Bistro, Sukeban

TOP PLACE FOR LOCAL GIFTS

Winner: Home Malone Finalists: Hazelnut, Little Miss Muffin Children – Home, Phina

TOP PIZZA

Winner: Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza Finalists: Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, Pizza Delicious, Pizza Domenica

TOP LOCAL SHOE STORE

Winner: Feet First Shoes Finalists: Orleans Shoe Co., Shoe Be Do, Shoe Carnival

TOP CRAFT BREWERY Winner: Courtyard Brewery Finalists: Crescent City Brewhouse, Port Orleans Brewing Co., Second Line Brewing, Urban South Brewery

TOP GYM

Winners: Ochsner Fitness Center – Harahan, New Orleans Athletic Club Finalists: Krewe Fitness, New Orleans JCC Fitness Center

TOP PLACE FOR MEXICAN/ SOUTHWEST

Winner: El Gato Negro

Finalists: Barracuda, Felipe’s Mexican Tacqueria, Juan’s Flying Burrito

TOP PLACE FOR MIDDLE EASTERN

Winner: Saba Finalists: Lebanon’s Café, Shaya, Tal’s Hummus

TOP PLACE FOR RAW OYSTERS

Winner: Acme Oyster House Finalists: Casamento’s, Drago’s, Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House, Pascal’s Manale

TOP PLACE FOR SEAFOOD

Winner: GW Fins Finalists: Saint John, Station 6

TOP PLACE FOR STEAKS

Winner: Mr. John’s Steakhouse Finalists: Chophouse New Orleans, Desi Vega’s Steakhouse, Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse, Ruth’s Chris Steak House

TOP PLACE FOR TACOS

Winner: Barracuda Finalists: El Gato Negro, Felipe’s Mexican Tacqueria, Juan’s Flying Burrito

TOP PLACE TO BUY SAINTS

ACCESSORIES

Winner: Black and Gold Sports Shop Finalists: Citizen NOLA, Fleurty Girl

TOP PLACE TO GAMBLE

Winner: Harrah’s New Orleans Finalist: Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots

TOP PLACE TO GET A MANI/PEDI

Winners: Cindy’s Nail & Spa, City Nails & Spa Finalists: Essential Salon and NailSpa, MAD Nails

TOP PO-BOYS

Winner: Parkway Bakery & Tavern Finalists: Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar, Johnny’s Po-Boys, Mahony’ Po-Boys & Seafood, Mother’s Restaurant

TOP SALON

Winner: Root Salong & Studio Finalists: Keith Noonan Salon, Salon M, Spa Atlantis

TOP SNO-BALLS

Winner: Hansen’s Sno-Bliz Finalists: Sal’s Sno-Ball Stand, Williams Plum Street Snowballs

TOP FLORIST

Winner: Villere’s Florist Finalists: Dunn & Sonnier, Federico’s Family Florist, Mitch’s Flowers

TOP PLACE FOR TAPAS

Winners: Barcelona Tapas, Baru Bistro & Tapas Finalists: Bésame, Costera

TOP PLACE FOR TURTLE SOUP

Winner: Commander’s Palace Finalists: Mandina’s Restaurant, Muriel’s Jackson Square, Ralph’s on the Park

TOP PLACE FOR VIETNAMESE

Winner: Pho Bang Restaurant Finalists: Café Minh, Lilly’s Café

TOP PLACE FOR WOMEN’S CLOTHING

Winner: Saks Fifth Avenue

Finalists: Angelique Boutique, Hemline, Indigo Boutique, Monomin

TOP PLACE TO BUY EYEWEAR

TOP SPA Winner: Woodhouse Spa Finalists: The Ritz-Carlton, The Roosevelt New Orleans, Windsor Court Hotel

TOP SPORTS BAR Winner: Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux Finalists: The Avenue Pub, Cooter Brown’s Tavern, Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant

TOP SUSHI

Winner: Rock-n-Sake Bar & Sushi Finalists: Tsunami Sushi, Sake Café, Yakuza House

TOP WINE BAR

TOP FURNITURE STORE

Winner: Hurwitz Mintz

Furniture Finalists: Doerr Furniture, Georgian Furnishing

Winner: Art & Eyes

Finalists: Eye Wares, Krewe

TOP PLACE TO BUY LIQUOR AND WINE

Winner: Martin Wine Cellear Finalists: Dorignac’s Food Center, Elio’s Wine Warehouse, Vieux Carré Wine & Spirits

Winners: Copper Vine, Effervescence Finalists: Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits, Patrick’s Bar Vin, Stained Glass Wine House

TOP YOGA STUDIO

Winner: Yoga Unbound Finalists: Audubon Yoga Studio, NOLA Yoga Loft

Generous, durable and unflinching in character – the men of New Orleans who fit this archetype are known as Kingfish. They are the very essence of power and compassion and give more to others than to themselves. Whether sipping a sazarac or a beer; conducting a meeting or jumping into a secondline; spending time with his family or serving on the board of a favorite charity, a Kingfish does it all with that special brand of savoir faire perfected in New Orleans.

New Orleans Magazine would like to thank Rubensteins for providing the clothing and styling and Royal Sonesta New Orleans for providing the venue for our 2023 Kingfish photo shoot.

Clothing by Rubensteins (from left to right): Paul Smith suit, Stenstroms dress shirt, and Edward Armah tie. Canali suit, Eton dress shirt, and Dolcepunta tie. Canali suit, Ordean shirt, Edward Armah tie, and Eton pocket square. Munro suit, Stenstroms dress shirt, Edward Armah pocket square and tie, Anderson belt, and Santoni shoe. Jack Victor sport coat, Ballin pant, Eton dress shirt, and Dion pocket square. Zegna suit, Eton dress shirt, Brioni tie, Edward Armah pocket square, Maganni dress boot. Rubensteins sport coat, Eton dress shirt, Zanella dress pant, Edward Armah pocket square.

Attending open houses every weekend as a child, what was Christian Galvin’s budding interest in real estate has since matured into Christian Shane International. The four-division company, or “ecosystem” as it’s referred to, consists of Properties, Developments, Hospitality and Lifestyle branches that comprehensively tackle buying/selling properties, building/renovating, home staging, retail, and managing event spaces and luxury vacation rentals.

“Every day I get to work with the most inspiring group of people assembled under one roof,” said Christian.

Beyond real estate, Christian is a Real Men Wear Pink Ambassador for the American Cancer Society and in October, Christian Shane International held a masquerade ball fundraiser drumming up over $8,000.

CLOTHING BY RUBENSTEINS: WATERVILLE VEST, ELEVENTY JACKET, 34 HERITAGE JEAN, STENSTROMS DRESS SHIRT, AND EDWARD ARMAH POCKET SQUARE

Christian S. Galvin

Owner & Chief Strategist, Christian Shane International

G. Ferguson, DDS, MD Partner, Oral Surgery Services

Serving the country as an army medic for over a decade equipped Dr. Michael Ferguson with the experienced-backed know-how and tenacity to earn both his DDS and MD. Now partner and surgeon at Oral Surgery Services, Dr. Ferguson strives every day to embody the empathy and generosity his mother and grandfather instilled in him.

“It’s phenomenal to create relationships and trust with patients who may have come in with preexisting anxieties,” he says.

Over the years Dr. Ferguson has been involved in countless volunteer and fundraising efforts. Nowadays, Dr. Ferguson chooses to personally connect with members of the community through “Smiles for Soldiers,” a campaign in which he donates his services to local veterans in need of oral care.

CLOTHING BY RUBENSTEINS: MUNRO SPORT COAT, BRAX PANT, ETON DRESS SHIRT, AND MAGNANNI SNEAKERS.

Michael

Ryan D. Mayer

Owner, Mayer Building Company

His construction career spurred by a desire to meaningfully contribute to his hometown, Ryan Mayer founded Mayer Building Company in 2009 to do just that. A builder and general contractor, Ryan has completed commercial renovation projects for medical, educational, food service and business clients. French Truck Coffee, Loyola, and Alon Medical have improved multiple spaces with Mayer.

“I deliver physical spaces for the clients’ stories to be told, for the business to thrive, and create positive outgrowth effects on New Orleans,” he says. Ryan’s efforts to enhance the city don’t cease at construction. He is a graduate of NORLI and a supporter of the class of 2023, a persistent supporter of local schools, an involved parent, a member of Hermes and a student at Blue Easel Club.

CLOTHING BY RUBENSTEINS: JOHNNIE-O SHIRT, PETER MILLAR QUILTER VEST, MAGNANNI LOAFER, AND BRAX PANT.

Jatavian L. Williams, Esq.

Partner, Glago Williams LLC

A millennial attorney already partner at a premier law firm, Jatavian’s “why” is rooted in family. Following his mother’s death at age four, a lawyer aided his grandmother in building a legal case – the proceeds from which served as seed money for Jatavian to attend Dillard University. Knowing first-hand the impact of personal injury law, Jatavian now proudly walks in his purpose and feels honored to deliver justice for his clients. He has been named Super Lawyer and Top Attorney by various publications.

“My golden rule is to treat clients like family and to service them how I expect my grandmother to be treated,” he said. Jatavian is a dedicated husband to his high-school sweetheart and is a father of two.

CLOTHING BY RUBENSTEINS: MURO SUIT, RAFFI TURTLENECK, EDWARD ARMAH POCKET SQUARE, AND DI BIANCO SHOE.

Bivian “Sonny” Lee, III

While Sonny Lee navigated growing up following the death of his father, it wasn’t until he reached adulthood that he recognized the resources he had access to that most fatherless boys do not. Witnessing this issue and its outcomes consistently ignored, Sonny founded 501c3 nonprofit Son of a Saint in 2011 to provide fatherless boys mentorship, emotional support, life skills development, exposure to constructive experiences and foster long-term, positive peer-to-peer relationships. Supported by a system of staff, volunteers and partner agencies, Son of a Saint intervenes at a crucial age, equipping its mentees with the tools needed to accomplish their vision of success.

In partnership with the Renaissance Foundation

CLOTHING BY RUBENSTEINS: MAURIZIO BALDASSARI COAT, STENSTROMS SHIRT, AND 34 HERITAGE PANT.

Founder & CEO, Son of a Saint

J. Badeaux, Esq.

Deciding on a career in law from a young age, Tommy’s own catastrophic car wreck years ago would lead him to establish a leading personal injury practice. Crediting his success to a strong work ethic and the family who taught it to him, he has now provided guidance, hope and delivered proven results to clients for the last seven years.

“I’ve been in my clients’ shoes, know what they’re going through, and make sure to personally handle cases to get what they deserve,” said Tommy.

Tommy is very involved with youth sports, his children’s school, and more recently hurricane relief efforts back home in Cut Off, LA. “No matter where you find yourself in life, you should never forget where you came from.”

Law Office of Tommy J. Badeaux

CLOTHING BY RUBENSTEINS: JOHNIE-O JACKET, GOOD MAN HENLEY, FAHERTY PANT, AND TORINO BELT.

Tommy

Deacon Martin O. Gutierrez

VP Mission & Community Engagement, CCANO

Martin Gutierrez had been putting his faith into action working with the Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans (CCANO) long before he was ordained a deacon in 2018. Now the CCANO’s Vice President of Mission and Community Engagement, Deacon Gutierrez believes in the unique role we can play in serving our community.

“Each one of us has a set of gifts, talents, skills that can be used to make a difference in people’s lives, to have a positive impact,” said Gutierrez.

His work at the altar impelling his service in the community, Deacon Gutierrez helps individuals and families transition from crisis to stability – a role that he considers an honor and a privilege.

CLOTHING BY RUBENSTEINS: FAHERTY HENLEY, FAHERTY JACKET, AND BRAX PANT.

BY

them through the “circuit,” including aromatherapy steam room, multi-jet shower, clay steam room, ice room, sauna, rain shower and whirlpool, finished with an oversized “pool of sensation” filled with bubbles and floor geysers, water cascades and neck jets.

KIDZ CLUB

Another 40,000-square-foot space was created to appeal to children of all ages. Young tykes may shop in the Mercado or enjoy story time in the reading space while older kids can explore the ancient Mayan ruins (fake of course) in the outdoor space. There’s a computer bank, theater and video game arcade as well.

ISLA MUJERES

Beachy Keen

A Mexican Retreat

Got the winter blues now that the holidays are over and those cold, rainy days have set in? Emerald blue waters, soft sandy beaches and balmy weather exist a short flight from New Orleans in Cancun, Mexico.

There’s plenty of hotels to choose from along the “Hotel Zone” of the Cancun peninsula, but Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach provides an amazing array of possibilities — numerous dining options, an enormous world-class spa and one of the best beaches in Cancun — all in one place.

Here’s a sampling of what you’ll find at the all-inclusive resort with its 602 oceanfront guest suites with private balconies. For those who want an upgraded experience, the Infinite Club off additional amenities.

LE BASILIC TO LA JOYA

The resort offers several restaurants on property, including a lobby bar, coffee shop, beachside Isla Contoy and Vina Del Mar serving a wide variety of both American and Mexican dishes via an expansive buffet. Le Basilic is the property’s AAA Five Diamond restaurant, helmed by Chef Henri Charvet of Paris who will happily speak French to visitors. The elegant dinner consists of several courses with wine pairings and is complemented by a ballet performance and pianist. The colorful La Joya serves Mexican specialties, including delicious tequila cocktails, with a nightly Mariachi band.

THE TABLE

New to the resort is the immersive visual experience of The Table, open

twice a week for only 16 guests at a time. Visitors are served an eightcourse meal of traditional Mayan and Spanish dishes while learning Mexican history through video that surrounds them and is projected on the table. While a narrator tells of the history and culture of the Yucatan, music of the era is performed by a multi-talented folk arts band. Occasionally, interpretive dancers act out the scene. It’s a feast for all the senses.

GEM SPA EXPERIENCE

The Gem Spa replaced 14 tennis courts so imagine its size. The spa and salon comprise 40,000 square feet and offer a variety of massages, wraps and facials within its vast walls, but start any treatment with the 10-step Hydrotherapy Ritual. Guests receive their own guide who takes

Literally next door, a 45-minute ferry takes visitors to nearby Isla Mujeres where colorful stores and restaurants make up the picturesque town. Rent a golf cart and travel to the eastern end of the island where the sun first hits Mexico every morning and where, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot iguanas among the sculptures. Other attractions not to miss are the cemeteries, filled with elaborate tombs to honor the departed, a scene reminiscent of New Orleans’ Cities of the Dead.

IF YOU GO

You’ll need a passport to travel to Mexico and be required to enter customs when you disembark at both countries. Dollars (and credit cards) are accepted throughout Cancun so no need to change currency. The Cancun airport offers duty free shopping but the Selecto supermarket across from Grand Fiesta sells Mexican souvenirs and food products at much cheaper rates. For more information on the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach, call (888) 830-9008 or visit coralbeachcancunresort.com.

1

If you want a large slab of a natural material, choose your stone first, then design cabinets etc. around it.

2 Do your research. Talk to a knowledgeable salesperson about caring for the material you are selecting.

3 Quality matters. Premium-grade stone performs better.

JOHNNY ALTOBELLO III

Stone and Tile Trends for 2023

The start of a new year is a good time to take stock of one’s surroundings. If an update involving stone and tile is in your plans, there are newly emerging ways to beautify your home. Stone and tile expert Johnny Altobello III of The Stone Gallery brings us up to speed.

As in other areas of interior design, Altobello notes that color is making a resurgence. Nationally and locally, white marbles such as Calacatta Gold – a perennial favorite in New Orleans — have been the go-to in recent years. But Altobello says designers and clients are also

seeking marbles in shades of blue and green. According to Altobello, the use of natural wood tones in design has influenced the choice of these stones as customers frequently want slabs with warm gold veining running through them. Calacatta Viola (white with burgundy veining) and Calacatta Arabescato (white with prominent black veining) are also being requested. The biggest color shift that Altobello forecasts for this year is a new interest in pink, violet and wine tones. Unlike the poodle pink hard surfaces of the 1950s and 60s, he says today’s pink trend is “much more sophisticated” and runs toward rose gold and wine accents.

In the category of engineered stone, Stone Gallery does a steady business in quartz but Altobello says “there is an increased demand for porcelain slabs in recent years. Porcelain alternatives offer several advantages: they are made to look like real stone at a controlled cost and unlike resin-based quartz they can take direct heat. And they’re low maintenance. The thickness (most are half-inch but manufacturers are working to produce thicker products) limits the applications mostly to shower walls and floors.

Altobello says huge kitchen islands are a continuing trend as are patterned tile floors such as herringbone and

basket weave. In natural stone tile, Altobello says marble remains “King” and that mosaics are popular because they can be assembled for a one-of-akind look. In porcelain tiles, he says large format selections (24x48, 30x30 and slabs as mentioned above) are driving sales.

Altobello says New Orleanians’ tastes are on par with major trendsetting cities, thanks to the city’s architectural and cultural heritage and to platforms such as Instagram. But he adds that that the beauty and quality of a material is also a determining factor in its popularity.

“If a stone is beautiful, someone is going to find a place to use it,” he says.

ABOUT THE EXPERT

Johnny Altobello III began working for his family’s 23-year old business, The Stone Gallery, as a teen. Today, he is in charge of purchasing materials and works directly with both clients and suppliers. “It’s my job to find and curate unique and interesting things,” said Altobello. “It’s very rewarding.”

I’m really not a Christmas person. I’m not a total Scrooge or anything – I like baking and family bonding; I’m not a monster – but I’m also not the type to go crazy decorating, and I hate shopping, and I suck at wrapping presents.

So I’m always happy on Epiphany, Jan. 6, when we (like all right-thinking people) finally take down our Christmas things and start eating King Cake. I never feel more like a New Orleanian than when I ceremoniously replace my Christmas wreath with my Carnival King Cake door hanger.

In years past, though, I wasn’t necessarily all that much of a Carnival person either. I have one kid who is a super-fan and one kid who hates it all, and I’m somewhere in the middle: I love the laid-back first-weekend parades and I usually make it out on Fat Tuesday to drink a couple beers and eat some Popeyes with friends, but I’m 1,000 percent not going to camp out to hold a spot for Endymion or any other parade.

This year, though? I’m all in! (Although still not ever camping out on the neutral ground.)

I had a pretty typical Carnival season in February 2020. My older kid (the super-fan) and I hit all the first Saturday and Sunday parades, went to a couple of Endymion parties and a Thoth brunch, and caught Rex and the truck parades just a few blocks from our house.

And then?

Well, we all know what happened next – and kept happening, canceling Mardi Gras 2021 entirely and taking a devastating toll on our amazing city in every imaginable way.

House floats were cool and all – it’s a beautiful celebration of creativity that I hope continues for years to come – but I didn’t know how much

Throw Me Something!

Ringing in Carnival Season

I needed Carnival season until we couldn’t have it.

So last year, Mardi Gras 2022, was absolute catharsis and so very necessary.

That might not make sense to anyone else from anywhere else – we lost so many precious lives to COVID, and I lost my beloved mother in May 2021 (not to COVID), so how on earth could we celebrate in the midst of so much sadness and loss?

But this is New Orleans. This is the city of jazz funerals and dark humor. We do love and life and loss like nowhere else, and Carnival 2022

changed my mind about the holiday. People in Nebraska might think Mardi Gras is nothing more than getting drunk on Bourbon Street, showing your boobs for beads, and puking in the gutter, based solely on a trip they took in college or what they see on the Today Show. But this annual celebration is life-affirming and -sustaining for the actual citizens of the city.

The first post-Katrina Mardi Gras was similar – almost like laughing in the face of death and tragedy, trying to prove that it’s going to take more than this to break us. Screaming to

For more Eve, check out her blog “Joie d’Eve” on Tuesday mornings at myneworleans.com

the wider world, “We’re still here, dammit, and you can’t take our joy!”

Yes, there was joy this past Carnival, even though I cried when I heard the first marching band play and sobbed when I stood at the spot where I always watched parades with my mom … without her. But as they say in Steel Magnolias, “Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.” Because I also laughed. I threw my hands in the air and screamed with glee. I danced with my daughters.

And when all was said and done, I knew I was nothing if not still alive, in spite of it all.

So this Epiphany, when I take down my Christmas wreath and hang up my wooden glitter King Cake, I will be celebrating more than just the start of a new season of wonder.

I will be celebrating resilience and family and love and loss and life and death and joy and sorrow and change and tradition.

I will be celebrating New Orleans.

For all of our flaws, we are still here.

And there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.

Love Letter

From Senegal to New Orleans

Ahillock of crabmeat and black-eyed peas presents an island within ruddy sauce piquant. Fragrant rice and veg are tumbled with peppery seasonings and protein components that shift between land and sea. One might think they were dining at a Creole stalwart. But this is Dakar NOLA, Chef Serigne Mbaye’s love letter to the foods that shaped his childhood. Here he colors between the lines, drawing connections between to the cuisine of his native Senegal and NOLA in ways which are surprising and familiar all at once.

Slotted in a historic Creole cottage amid the artsy outposts of Magazine Street, Dakar is the realization of a dream honed by years of work in some of the finest restaurants in the country such as Atelier Crenn in San Francisco and L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon in New York. Most recently he was the chef for the insider-darling Mosquito Supper Club, also throwing pop-ups along the way to float his ideas. He is a chef that other chefs are talking about and is often shortlisted as the next breakout talent. But it doesn’t go to his head - Mbaye swiftly wins people over with his charisma and sincerity. For him, the job is straightforward. “Our mission is to let people know that Senegalese cuisine has a place at the table, just like anyone else,” Mbaye said. “And as there are a lot of similarities between Senegalese and Creole food, I believe New Orleans is a city that will appreciate what it is I want to do.”

Dakar’s approach takes some chances. Guests share tables (unless requested otherwise) and most dishes are served family-style. There is

just one tasting menu, an eight-course affair with (at press time) just one turn per night. Entering the restaurant, warm earth tones and burnished wood accents greet the guests. A cut out along the back wall lets diners peek into the orchestrations of the kitchen. It is an informal setting, but impressive in the way that Danish furniture is exceptional through its simplicity. Every element here is considered. Dakar is not a fancy restaurant – indeed, a great number of its ingredients are of intentionally humble origin - but all the signifiers of fine dining are clearly evident. The front of house moves as a team, running dishes to tables with precision as servers explain each course.

After a ritual handwashing, a warm tea of ginger and jasmine topped with a mint-infused foam helps direct your attention to what lies ahead. A meal here tells a story, and chances are that Mbaye will share its relevance along the way. Yeasty rolls bedecked with sea salt start things off, with a peppery seasoned butter that cuts across the sweetness. Fonio, a gluten-free grain that is a staple of Senegalese cuisine, grounds a salad of citrus and apple with its earthy nuttiness. Accoutrements with outsize supporting roles contribute greatly. Here is Roff – an aromatic pesto that adds herbaceousness to a pearlescent slab of perfectly cooked red snapper. There is a ramekin of fiery habanero, dollop as needed (the Senegalese like their heat). A jambalaya-like Jollof Rice is passed around. A precise row of heads-on shrimp is built upon a backbone of sour-sweet tamarind. Cubes of butternut squash with greens, their bright green color shock-locked in, work as a side. Courses follow each other with a coordinated precision. Will Senegalese cuisine catch on? Mbaye believes so for one foundational reason: “Our food just has so much in common with the cuisine of New Orleans. I don’t have to adjust it to fit the New Orleans palate -- people here already love it. They just don’t know it yet.”

Dakar NOLA, 3814 Magazine St., Uptown, (504) 493-9396. dakarnola.com

ABOUT THE CHEF

Born in Harlem, at age six Serigne Mbaye was sent to Senegal for schooling which is where his love of cooking took root. He eventually returned to the states and studied culinary arts at the New England Culinary Institute. From there his career took flight, eventually learning from such nationally acclaimed chefs as Joel Robuchon and Dominique Crenn. He fell in love with New Orleans while working at Commander’s Palace, and it was here that he decided he wanted to open his own business. Following a series of pop-ups and time spent with the Mosquito Supper Club, Dakar NOLA is the realization of that dream.

JEFFERY JOHNSTON

Manhattan State of Mind

Metropolitan inspiration

In the last few years, Barrel Proof managing partner Liam Deegan has watched Manhattan variations named for different New York neighborhoods emerge. He wanted to create one for his bar, and thus was born the “Lower Garden.” Liam appreciates that Barrel Proof is both “a whiskey destination for whiskey nerds” and “a neighborhood bar with lots of familiar faces.” During COVID, the staff really missed that neighborhood vibe. When they first re-opened, they could only offer table service and Liam remembers, “It seemed stuffy.” In particular, he missed something common in New Orleans: strangers sitting next to each other on a bar stool, and not leaving as strangers anymore. “The first few times after we reopened and people sat next to each other at the bar, it was pretty important.” This month, join Liam on a stool at Barrel Proof, have a drink, and meet a stranger.

1

If you are drinking low proof for January, you can swap the ratios of the rye and vermouth for a less boozy drink.

2

The quality of each is important to the final result. The brands given are ideal for the cocktail. If you can’t find Amaro CioCiaro, Montenegro is a good substitute. Whatever you do, don’t swap out the Tempus Fugit. It’s a really nice imported Creme de cacao and much better than other options.

3

For a slightly different drink, add .75 oz of lemon juice, and about a .25 oz more of creme de cacao, making it a Scofflaw variation. This is a great colder weather drink when you still want some bright citrus.

LOWER GARDEN

2 ounces Bonded Rye

1 ounce Dry Vermouth, (ideally Dolin dry)

½ ounce Amaro CioCiaro

½ ounce Tempus Fugit Crème de Cacao

Stir in a mixing glass with ice, and strain into a chilled coupe, with an expressed lemon peel, discarded.

BY JYL BENSON

Creole Classic

A historic recipe for the New Year

Named for Jean de Baptiste-le-Moyne, Sieur de Bienville, who founded New Orleans in 1718, Arnaud’s Oysters Bienville was created by and became popular under the restaurant’s founder, Arnaud Cazanave, in the1920s. Cazenave’s creation was a competitive response to the overwhelming attention Oysters Rockefeller was attracting at nearby Antoine’s Restaurant. Served baked on the half shell under a creamy dressing featuring shrimp, mushrooms, and Romano cheese bound with breadcrumbs, the elegant dish feels just right for a special occasion, but it is also simple and straightforward to prepare.

1

Shucking oysters is not for me. If it is not your jam either, you have some options. Most oyster bars are happy to set some shells aside for you or you can turn to Loftin Oysters (loftinoysters. com). Loftin’s stoneware oyster shells are sold by the dozen, and they are perfect for chargrilling oysters, as well as baking, broiling, stuffing, and smoking. The bottoms are flat, so no rock salt is needed for cooking. They are also reusable and can go straight into the dishwasher. Just purchase pre-shucked oysters and get after it.

2

Pour the brandy into a plastic cup before adding it to the hot pan. Never pour directly from the bottle unless experimenting with a Molotov cocktail.

3

The sauce can be made up to two days in advance and kept, refrigerated, in a sealed container.

COOK WITH US!

Join us each third Tuesday of the month and cook along with New Orleans Magazine and our featured chef on Instagram.

@neworleansmagazine

OYSTERS BIENVILLE

Shared by Chef Tommy Digiovanni, Arnaud’s Restaurant Serves 4

1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil

2/3 cup mushrooms, finely chopped 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 1/2 teaspoons finely minced garlic

1 tablespoon finely minced shallot

1/2-pound boiled shrimp, finely diced 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/2 cup brandy 1/2 cup heavy cream 6 tablespoons grated Romano cheese 4 tablespoons plain fine breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon white pepper 1/2 teaspoon cayenne 1/4 cup finely minced flat-leaf parsley

Salt to taste 2 dozen oysters on the half shell (see NOTES)

Special equipment: 4 round baking pans filled with rock salt (See NOTES)

1. Add the vegetable oil to a large, heavy saucepan set over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers add the mushrooms and sauté until they have softened. Do not brown. Remove from pan and set aside.

2. In the same pan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the garlic and shallots, stirring frequently, until softened. Take extreme care not to burn the garlic.

3. Add the diced shrimp, then sprinkle in the flour. Stir, then add the reserved mushrooms.

4. Deglaze the pan with the brandy while stirring constantly. Stir in the heavy cream and cook until smooth before adding the Romano cheese, dry breadcrumbs and parsley, white pepper, cayenne, and salt. Taste the mixture before adding salt. The Romano cheese is already packing a hearty dose of it, and you may not feel the need for more salt.

5. If the mixture seems too thick, thin it with a small amount of milk.

6. Remove the mixture from the heat, heat, allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 1 1/2 hours or overnight.

7. Remove the mixture from the refrigerator 30 minutes before you plan to bake the oysters.

8. Preheat the oven to 500 º F.

9. Nestle to oysters on their shells in the pans of rock salt, 6 oysters to a pan.

10. Top each oyster with 1 heaping tablespoon of Bienville sauce.

11. Bake the oysters until the sauce is browned and bubbling, 15 to 18 minutes. Serve at once.

DINING GUIDE

The Dining Guide is comprised of restaurants recently reviewed and visited by New Orleans Magazine The list will change regularly to provide information on others that are also worth noting and acknowledging. Please check restaurant websites for up-to-date hours and locations. If you feel that a restaurant has been misplaced, please email Editor Ashley McLellan at Ashley@MyNewOrleans.com.

$ = AVERAGE ENTRÉE PRICE $ = $5-10 $$ = $11-15 $$$ = $16-20 $$$$ = $21-25 $$$$$ = $25 & UP

AMERICAN

Acorn City Park, $ AcornNola.com

Audubon Clubhouse Uptown, $$ AudubonInstitute.org

Boulevard American Bistro Multiple Locations, $$$ BoulevardBistro.com

Caffe! Caffe! Metairie, $ CaffeCaffe.com

Café NOMA City Park, $ CafeNoma.com

Camellia Grill Riverbend, $ 309-2679

District Donuts Sliders Brew

Multiple Locations, $ DonutsAndSliders.com

Five Happiness Mid-City, $$ FiveHappiness.com

Martin Wine Cellar Multiple Locations, $ MartinWineCellar.com

New Orleans Social House CBD/Warehouse District, $$ NOSocialHouse.com

Parkway Bakery and Tavern Mid-City, $ ParkwayPoorBoys.com

Restaurant August CBD/Warehouse District, $$$$$ RestaurantAugust.com

Rib Room French Quarter, $$$ RibRoomNewOrleans.com

The Grill Room CBD/Warehouse District, $$$$$ GrillRoomNewOrleans.com

The Pelican Club French Quarter, $$$$$ PelicanClub.com

Ye Olde College Inn Carrollton, $$$ CollegeInn1933.com

Zea’s Rotisserie and Grill Multiple Locations, $$$ ZeaRestaurants.com

ASIAN FUSION/PAN ASIAN

Blue Giant

Lower Garden District, $$ BlueGiantNOLA.com

Hoshun Restaurant Uptown, $$ HoshunRestaurant.com

Little Tokyo Multiple Locations, $$ LittleTokyoNola.com

Lotus Bistro Lakeview, $$ LotusBistroNOLA.com

MoPho Mid-City, $$$ MoPhoNola.com

Rock-N-Sake Multiple Locations, $$$ RockNSake.com

Union Ramen Bar Lower Garden District, $$ UnionRamen.com

BAKERY/BREAKFAST

Breads on Oak Multiple Locations, $ BreadsOnOak.com.

Café du Monde Multiple Locations, $ CafeDuMonde.com

CC’s Coffee House Multiple Locations, $ CCsCoffee.com

Gracious Bakery + Café Multiple Locations, $ GraciousBakery.com

Ruby Slipper Café Multiple Locations, $$ TheRubySlipperCafe.net

BURGERS

Bayou Burger French Quarter, $$ 5SportsBarNewOrleans.com

Port of Call French Quarter, $$ PortOfCallNola.com

The Company Burger Uptown, $ TheCompanyBurger.com

FRENCH

Broussard’s French Quarter, $$$$ Broussards.com

Café Degas Faubourg St. John, $$ CafeDegas.com

Coquette Uptown, $$$ CoquetteNola.com

Justine French Quarter, $$$ JustineNola.com

La Crêpe Nanou Uptown, $$$ LaCrepeNanou.com

La Petite Grocery Uptown, $$$ LaPetiteGrocery.com

Lilette Uptown, $$$$$ LiletteRestaurant.com

GASTROPUB

Bouligny Tavern Uptown, $$ BoulignyTavern.com

Cane & Table French Quarter, $$ CaneAndTableNola.com

Copper Vine CBD/Warehouse District, $$$ CopperVine.com

Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro French Quarter, $$$ OrleansGrapevine.com

Patrick’s Bar Vin French Quarter, $$ PatricksBarVin.com

Sylvain French Quarter, $$$ SylvainNOLA.com

The Delachaise Uptown, $$ TheDelaichaise.com

ITALIAN

Arnaud’s Remoulade French Quarter, $$ Remoulade.com

Chartres House French Quarter, $$$ ChartresHouse.com

Domenica CBD/Warehouse District, $$$$ DomenicaRestaurant.com

Gianna Restaurant CBD/Warehouse District, $$$$ GiannaRestaurant.com

Irene’s Cuisine French Quarter, $$$$ IrenesNola.com

Josephine Estelle CBD/Warehouse District, $$$ JosephineEstelle.com

Liuzza’s Mid-City, $$ Liuzzas.com

Muriel’s Jackson Square French Quarter, $$$$ Muriels.com

Napoleon House French Quarter, $ NapoleonHouse.com

Pascal’s Manale Uptown, $$$$ PascalsManale.com

Restaurant R’evolution French Quarter, $$$$$ RevolutionNola.com

Tommy’s Cuisine

CBD/Warehouse District, $$$$$ TommysNewOrleans.com

Vincent’s Italian Cuisine Multiple Locations, $$$ VicentsItalianCuisine.com

LOUISIANA FARE

Acme Oyster House Multiple Locations, $$ AcmeOyster.com

Antoine’s French Quarter, $$$$$ Antoines.com

NEW ORLEANS CREOLE COOKERY

Crowd-pleasing Creole favorites are the name of the game at New Orleans Creole Cookery. With its elegant brick courtyard and its traditional French Quarter ambiance, this is a spot which works well for larger groups and private parties. Oysters – both char-grilled and raw – underpin its happy hour and everything from Gumbo to Jambalaya can be found on its classically Creole menu.

JUSTINE

The traditional French brasserie gets supercharged at Justine, whose beautifully appointed rooms play host to the best of what the French Quarter has to offer in terms of both food and entertainment. James Beard Awardwinning Chef Justin Devillier puts forth more of a party vibe here than at his more button-upped Uptown spot La Petite Grocery. This is a restaurant in the French Quarter that locals seek out, with a vibrancy and energy that makes it a favorite for parties and special (often slightly debauched) occasions.

Arnaud’s French Quarter, $$$$$ ArnaudsRestaurant.com

Austin’s Metairie, $$$ AustinsNo.com

BIrdy’s Behind the Bower Garden District, $$ BirdysNola.com

Boucherie Carrollton, $$ Boucherie-Nola.com

The Bower Garden District, $$$ TheBowerNola.com

Brennan’s French Quarter, $$$$ BrennansNewOrleans.com

Brigtsen’s Riverbend, $$$$$ Brigtsens.com

Café Reconcile Central City, $$ CafeReconcile.org

Casamento’s Uptown, $$ CasamentosRestaurant.com

Clancy’s Uptown, $$$ ClancysNewOrleans.com

Cochon CBD/Warehouse District, $$ CochonRestaurant.com

Copeland’s Multiple Locations, $$ CopelandsofNewOrleans.com

Commander’s Palace Garden District, $$$$ CommandersPalace.com

Court of Two Sisters French Quarter, $$$$$ CourtOfTwoSisters.com

Crabby Jack’s Metairie, $ CrabbyJacksNola.com

Criollo French Quarter, $$$ CriolloNola.com

Dooky Chase Restaurant Treme, $$ DookyChaseRestaurant.com

Drago’s Multiple Locations, $$$$ DragosRestaurant.com

Emeril’s CBD/Warehouse District, $$$$$ EmerilsRestaurants.com

Galatoire’s French Quarter, $$$$$ Galatoires.com

Gautreau’s Uptown, $$$$$ GautreausRestaurant.com

Gris Gris Garden District, $$$ GrisGrisNola.com

Herbsaint CBD/Warehouse District, $$$$$ Herbsaint.com

House of Blues French Quarter, $$ HouseOfBlues.com/ NewOrleans

Jack Rose Garden District, $$$$ JackRoseRestaurant.com

Katie’s Restaurant and Bar Mid-City, $$ KatiesInMidCity.com

Mandina’s Mid-City, $$ MandinasRestaurant.com

Mother’s CBD/Warehouse District, $$ MothersRestaurant.net

Mr. B’s Bistro French Quarter, $$$$ MrBsBistro.com

Mulate’s CBD/Warehouse District, $$ Mulates.com

NOLA French Quarter, $$$$$ EmerilsRestaurants.com/NolaRestaurant

Palace Café

CBD/Warehouse District, $$$ PalaceCafe.com

Ralph’s On The Park Mid-City, $$$ RalphsOnThePark.com

Richard Fiske’s Martini

Bar & Restaurant French Quarter, $$$ RichardFiskes.com

Royal House French Quarter, $$$ RoyalHouseRestaurant.com

Saint John French Quarter, $$$ SaintJohnNola.com

St. Roch Market Upper 9th Ward, $$ StRochMarket.com

SoBou French Quarter, $$ SoBouNola.com

Tableau French Quarter, $$$ TableauFrenchQuarter.com

The Bistreaux French Quarter, $$ MaisonDupuy.com/dining

The Bombay Club French Quarter, $$$$ TheBombayClub.com

Toups’ Meatery Mid-City, $$$ ToupsMeatery.com

Tujague’s French Quarter, $$$$$ TujaguesRestaurant.com

PIZZA

Pizza Delicious Bywater, $ PizzaDelicious.com

Reginelli’s Pizzeria Multiple Locations, $$ Reginellis.com

Theo’s Pizza Multiple Locations, $$ TheosPizza.com

Pizza Domenica Multiple Locations, $$ PizzaDomenica.com

SEAFOOD

Borgne CBD/Warehouse District, $$$ BorgneRestaurant.com

Briquette CBD/Warehouse District, $$$$ Briquette-Nola.com

Deanie’s Seafood Multiple Locations,$$$ Deanies.com

Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House

French Quarter, $$$$ BourbonHouse.com

Don’s Seafood Metairie, $$$ DonsSeafoodOnline.com

Grand Isle Restaurant CBD/Warehouse District, $$$$ GrandIsleRestaurant.com

GW Fins French Quarter, $$$$$ GWFins.com

Kingfish

French Quarter, $$$ KingfishNewOrleans.com

Le Bayou French Quarter, $$$ LeBayouRestaurant.com

Mr. Ed’s Seafood and Italian Restaurant Metairie, $$ AustinsNo.com

Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House

Multiple Locations, $$$ MrEdsRestaurants.com/ oyster-bar

New Orleans Creole Cookery

French Quarter, $$$ NewOrleansCreoleCookery. com

Oceana Grill French Quarter, $$ OceanaGrill.com

Pêche CBD/Warehouse District, $$$ PecheRestaurant.com.

Pier 424 French Quarter, $$$ Pier424SeafoodMarket.com

Red Fish Grill French Quarter, $$$ RedFishGrill.com

SPECIALTY FOODS

Antoine’s Annex French Quarter, $$$ Antoines.com/AntoinesAnnex

STEAKHOUSE

Crescent City Steaks Mid-City, $$$$ CrescentCitySteaks.com

Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse

French Quarter, $$$$ DickieBrennansSteakhouse. com

Doris Metropolitan French Quarter, $$$$ DorisMetropolitan.com

Galatoire’s 33 Bar & Steak French Quarter, $$$ Galatoires33BarAndSteak. com

La Boca

CBD/Warehouse District, $$$ LaBocaSteaks.com

Mr. John’s Steakhouse Uptown, $$$ MrJohnsSteakhouse.com

Ruth’s Chris Steak House Multiple Locations, $$$$$ RuthsChris.com

The Steakhouse at Harrah’s CBD/WarehouseDistrict, $$$$$ HarrahsNewOrleans.com

WORLD 1000 Figs

Faubourg St. John, $$ 1000Figs.com

Barracuda Uptown, $ EatBarracuda.com

Bayona French Quarter, $$$$$ Bayona.com

Bywater Brew Pub Bywater, $$$ BywaterBrewPub.com

Compére Lapin

CBD/Warehouse District, $$$$$ CompereLapin.com

El Gato Negro Multiple Locations, $$ ElGatoNegroNola.com

Lucy’s

CBD/Warehouse District, $ LucysRetiredSurfers.com

Lüke CBD/Warehouse District, $$$ LukeNewOrleans.com

Mona’s Café Mid-City, $ MonasCafeAndDeli.com

Patois Uptown,$$$ PatoisNola.com

Saba Uptown, $$$ EatWithSaba.com

Saffron NOLA Uptown, $$$ SaffronNOLA.com

Seaworthy CBD/Warehouse District, $$$$ SeaworthyNola.com

Shaya Uptown, $$$ ShayaRestaurant.com

Education

While the start of the calendar year doesn’t coincide with the beginning of most school years, it can still serve as a time to better get to know local schools and plan for the future. Whether it’s a toddler just embarking on their educational journey, a teenager soon to make that unforgettable leap to high school or college, or making plans to continue education as an adult, finding a school that can fulfill academic goals is crucial. Luckily, New Orleans and its surrounding areas are home to a great deal of esteemed academic institutions. Browse this list of schools and universities to unlock the path to a bright future.

EARLY EDUCATION

St. Andrew’s Episcopal School

Founded in 1957, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School is a co-educational, independent school serving children 12 months - Grade 8. It is the oldest Episcopal School in New Orleans with 64 years of inspiring and educating the mind, body, and spirit of each child.

At St. Andrew’s, students and teachers love to build. Whether building a rocket for science class, a set for a school play, building friendships or building upon the lessons learned, students are always building something. More importantly, teachers aim to build up each child’s self-esteem because helping them believe in themselves means they’ll have a strong foundation to build their future. With smaller class sizes, your child will have the individual attention they need to thrive.

If you are looking for a school that will nurture your child’s love of learning while helping to build their self-esteem, leadership skills, and

social skills, St. Andrew’s just may be the place for your child. Schedule a tour today to see for yourself what makes St. Andrew’s so special.

For more information, visit saesnola.org.

Kehoe-France

Kehoe-France is a school known for offering transformative and meaningful academic experiences that instill a lifelong love of learning, leadership and service. A nurturing and engaging environment for children as young as eight weeks through 7th grade, Kehoe-France sets children on a path to discovery while developing the skills they need to be productive citizens of a global community. Each student experiences a rigorous and balanced curriculum focused on developing the whole child and preparing them to succeed and make lasting relationships in an increasingly connected and innovative world.

As part of the International Schools Partnership, Kehoe-France is one of a growing group of private schools committed to improving schools and learning opportunities for students across the world. For more information on the school and admissions, call 504-733-0472 or visit kehoe-france.com.

Cathedral Montessori School

Celebrating over ten years of growth, Cathedral Montessori School (CMS) uses Montessori equipment and materials designed to inspire self-directed learning. A non-profit, co-educational, certified Montessori School, CMS now serves students ages three through twelve and changes the educational landscape of the city by providing

a preschool through sixth grade private school Montessori education in New Orleans.

CMS provides an education of hope, self-motivation and discovery to a greater population of students who will go on to contribute and problem-solve creatively in both the local community and across the world. Growth, transformation and change are celebrated at CMS, but the curriculum and culture remain constant to support independent academic inquiry and discovery, emotional confidence and empathy, and social justice and collective responsibility.

CMS welcomes you to call for a visit to the campus, learn about the school’s philosophy, and join its community. For more information, visit cathedralmontessori.org or email info@ cathedralmontessori.org.

Jewish Community Day School

Jewish Community Day School of Greater New Orleans (JCDS) is a coeducational independent school for students ages two months through 6th Grade. By fall 2025, we will offer two months through 8th grade. Balancing challenging academics with an enriching Jewish Studies program, a JCDS education is interdisciplinary, project-based and holistic.

The school’s small class size and differentiated instruction ensure each child is valued for their individual strengths. Students bring what they’ve learned at JCDS beyond the school’s boundaries, too, using their education to fulfill the Jewish value of Tikkun Olum, repairing the world.

JCDS is a nurturing school where families of all backgrounds are welcomed and children are prepared to be engaged, compassionate leaders. To learn more or schedule a tour, please call 504-887-4091 or email admissions@jcdsnola.org.

HIGH SCHOOL

De La Salle High School

Since 1949, De La Salle High School has educated New Orleans’ young men and women of varied backgrounds and abilities to develop spiritually, intellectually, physically and socially, in the charism of the Christian Brothers. With its students’ success at the root of the school’s mission, De La Salle inspires and prepares students with outstanding college preparatory programs and growth opportunities.

Operating under the Lasallian five core principles of Concern for the Poor and Social Justice, Faith in the Presence of God, Quality Education, Respect for all Persons, and Inclusive Community, De La Salle’s holistic approach encourages the development of successful, well-rounded individuals. Dynamic teachers inspire and challenge young minds to grow and develop, while outside the classroom students can engage in a full spectrum of sports teams, enriching clubs and organizations, and honor societies.

De La Salle provides not only academic, spiritual and social excellence, but also prepares students for college, career and life. To schedule a private tour or a Spend-a-Day experience, email admissions@delasallenola.com or visit delasallenola.com.

CONTINUOUS EDUCATION

Arden Cahill Academy

Arden Cahill Academy combines a strong education with the unique qualities of an outdoor country environment minutes from downtown. Nestled along Bayou Fatma in Gretna, the 12-acre campus currently serves students from six weeks in its Infant Center through 12th grade in its High School. Arden Cahill Academy enrolled its first class of high school freshmen in August 2019 and is proud to continue its tradition of academic excellence and cultural enrichment through its college preparatory curriculum. Arden Cahill Academy will be graduating its first class of high school seniors this spring.

Horse stables, a petting farm, a STEAM Lab, art studios, band and music rooms, and a 300-seat theater make the Arden

Cahill Academy campus unique. The academy also hosts Camp Corral, a 10-week summer camp that has been voted Best of New Orleans by Gambit readers for THREE consecutive years. For more information on registration, please call 504-392-0902 or visit ardencahillacademy.com. Tours are scheduled online by appointment. Interested families are encouraged to attend a tour or come to the Winter Open House on January 19.

Ursuline Academy

Ursuline Academy is an all-girls Catholic school offering a diverse educational environment from six weeks through 12th grade. Founded in 1727, Ursuline Academy of New Orleans enjoys the distinction of being the first all-girls Catholic school in the United States. As girls progress through the academy, a highly interactive approach exposes them to increasingly complex concepts in STEM and the arts that go beyond learning the material. Ursuline girls learn to think creatively, articulate their ideas confidently and compassionately, and solve problems collaboratively. Ursuline’s all-girls environment empowers students to challenge themselves, explore outside their comfort zones and expand what they are capable of achieving.

At Ursuline, students blaze their own trails—it’s the school’s legacy. Make it yours, too. Register for an open house at uanola.org. For more information, visit go.uanola.org or contact the Office of Admissions at 504-866-5292 or admissions@uanola.org.

St. Martin’s Episcopal School

For 75 years, St. Martin’s has prepared children from eight weeks old to grade 12 to thrive in college and life through faith, scholarship and service. A co-educational, independent school, St. Martin’s focuses on the development of the whole person — offering students the benefits of a strong, diverse community, and a shared commitment to core principles.

While St. Martin’s provides the highest caliber of college preparatory education, the student experience goes far beyond academics. Guided by caring and engaged faculty members, students can explore their individual interests and strengths in athletics, the arts, technology and religion, just to name a few.

Seeing that the school’s Episcopal identity is part of its foundation, St. Martin’s acknowledges, respects and accepts those within and outside of its community and uplifts each child to succeed in all aspects of life.

To learn more about how St. Martin’s fulfills its mission through the student experience, visit stmsaints.com, call 504-733-0353, or schedule a campus tour at bit.ly/3bITgFO

HIGHER EDUCATION

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has a reputation for academic and research excellence, community service and its Ragin’ Cajuns spirit.

The state’s second-largest university, UL Lafayette has earned the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s coveted R1 status, its highest designation. Just 3% of higher education institutions in the U.S. have achieved a place in Carnegie’s top tier.

Located in one of the nation’s most culturally distinctive regions, UL Lafayette is home to the Center for Louisiana Studies and the Cajun and Creole Music Collection. Both work to preserve the state’s rich musical and cultural heritage. UL Press specializes in Louisiana titles.

The University’s Francophone studies doctoral degree program is the only one of its kind in Louisiana. And students study roots music to earn a bachelor’s degree in traditional music, one of only a handful of such programs nationwide.

Visit louisiana.edu to learn more about UL Lafayette. •

Senior Care

There are typically quite a few components involved in making sure older loved ones have everything they need to live comfortably. As growing older presents its unique health issues, enrolling in coverage that addresses every medical need and forming a roster of trusted healthcare professionals is essential. Gaging a loved one’s independence level, social needs and desire to stay in their home will greatly inform the process of finding the perfect senior living community or in-home care provider. The new year will bring many changes to New Orleans’ senior living and care industries, resulting in better resources and better options when planning the later stages of life. Explore these senior care resources to enter 2023 confidently.

SENIOR LIVING

The Carrollton New Orleans by Liberty Senior Living

Liberty Senior Living is proud to announce the development of a new senior living community located in the historic New Orleans landmark, The Carrollton. The storied Greek revival courthouse, designed by noted 19th-century architect Henry Howard and opened in 1855, is being meticulously renovated and expanded to provide luxury residences for assisted living and memory care services.

At The Carrollton, our personalized approach to assisted living and memory care will help residents to maintain independence while enjoying a worry-free lifestyle. Exceptional care, social opportunities, life-enrichment activities, along with nutritious culinary offerings are just a few of the many benefits of becoming a resident of The Carrollton.

Scheduled to open in early 2023, the community will truly be a masterpiece in both aesthetics and lifestyle — providing residents with a vibrant and active lifestyle and their loved ones with peace of mind. Schedule a visit today to experience all that The Carrollton will have to offer. To learn more, visit thecarrollton.com.

Lambeth

House

Lambeth House, the region’s only Life Plan community located in Uptown New Orleans, offers Independent Living with Assisted Living and Nursing Care available onsite should the need for more support ever arise. But, it’s much more than a place to live; it’s an inspiring place to thrive, where you can trade the challenges of maintaining a house for a lifestyle that is more fulfilling — carefree, in the company of friends. Residents enjoy an astounding array of services and amenities that fill each day with choice and possibility. After all, you’ll always want to laugh, learn, contribute and celebrate, and Lambeth House offers a community where you can do just that.

At Lambeth House, you can attend musical events, join in a history discussion group, or nurture your mind and body with an exercise program designed just for you. Residents also enjoy fantastic cuisine prepared by the community’s Executive Chef, Jacques Saleun, and are able to take in breathtaking views over Audubon Park and the Mississippi River. It’s life, well lived.

For more information, visit lambethhouse.com or call 504-865-1960.

SummerHouse Vista Shores

SummerHouse Vista Shores is a luxury assisted living and memory care community built on the site of the legendary Vista Shores Country Club overlooking the historic Bayou St. John. This state-of-the-art assisted living and memory care community provides exceptional, highly personalized care to seniors in a therapeutic environment that honors the dignity and individuality of each resident. SummerHouse Vista Shores offers a unique blend of excellent care, lifestyle activities, amenities and personalized service, delivering a senior living experience like no other. The award-winning community offers private tours daily and welcomes new residents.

Courtney Bartholomew, Executive Director, oversees all community operations to ensure the highest quality of care for residents, and has over 19 years of experience in the senior care industry and is a Dementia Capable Care Trainer.

Residents enjoy chef-prepared meals, coffee and cocktails in the lounge, and beautiful sunsets on the wraparound porch as well as social and cultural activities, health and fitness classes, weekly housekeeping, laundry and transportation. To learn more about SummerHouse Vista Shores, browse floor plans and pricing, visit summerhouseseniorliving.com or call 504-308-1243.

The Laurel Senior Living

Coming in early 2023, The Laurel Senior Living is making its mission to let the good times live on. Located in a beautifully renovated property Uptown on Magazine Street, The Laurel will welcome 95 residents to its robust independent living, assisted living, and New Orleans’ only all-female Memory Care. With over 15 years of experience in the senior living industry, owner and operator Stuart Coleman believes that “every senior has the right to a quality of life that allows them to thrive and find joy and purpose every day.”

Residents will enjoy lush grounds, including a 3-story, sunlit atrium, restaurant-style dining, 24-hour nursing care, customized wellness & fitness programs, complimentary housekeeping services and transportation, a beauty salon, therapy rooms, sensory dens, and a secure courtyard with walking path, putting green and resident gardening areas.

To learn more about The Laurel Senior Living, take a virtual tour, or inquire about priority reservations, visit laurelnola.com.

The Peristyle at Bucktown

Located at 1443 Seminole Avenue in the heart of Bucktown, the Peristyle at Bucktown is the newest of the Peristyle Homes located just one block from Lake Pontchartrain. Peristyle Residences offer Residential Assisted Living and Memory Care in the comfort of luxurious, intimate homes complete with private bedrooms. At The Peristyle at Bucktown, the best of both worlds is at your fingertips. The Peristyle at Bucktown offers senior care services in a true residence that larger assisted living communities can emulate, but never truly compare. Peristyle Residences prides themselves in providing the highest level of care, comfort and compassion to seniors, offering peace of mind to their loved ones.

The Peristyle at Bucktown is specifically designed and built for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia and is now accepting priority reservations. Schedule a tour today at peristyleresidences.com or by calling 504-285-5188.

HOME CARE

Dependable In-Home Care

Aging in the home has always been the preferred choice for the elderly. However, many families experienced difficulties finding qualified caregivers during the pandemic due to the shortages of caregivers, unvaccinated caregivers or fear of exposure to Covid. Now these are mostly issues of the past. Dependable is fully staffed and ready to help find the caregiver you need, at times even with one day’s notice. Having helped thousands of families over the past 50 years, Dependable In-Home has earned its reputation as the go-to place to find home care. It is the only nationally accredited caregiver registry in the region.

Thousands of families have accessed our pool of highly vetted professional caregivers who can provide the help you need to care for your loved one at home. They can provide basic supervision, companionship, help with daily activities, meal preparation, transportation plus assistance in many other areas of home care.

Call Dependable today at 504-486-5044 to access the company’s vetted pool of over 100 experienced caregivers or visit dependablecare.net.

MEDICAL COVERAGE

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana (BCBSLA) is committed to helping families find health plan coverage that is the best fit for their needs. Healthcare.gov enrollment runs through Jan. 15. Thanks to recent federal changes, more people qualify for tax credits to help them pay for individual health plans. If you’ve been paying a lot to cover a spouse or dependents on an employer health plan, you might have more affordable choices on Healthcare.gov. Create an account and see what’s available to you.

Need help reviewing your plan options? You can work with a licensed, experienced agent at no cost. Connect with one by visiting GetPlanOptions.com or calling 1-844-GET-BLUE (1-844-438-2583). There is no obligation to buy because you speak to an agent. Visit StraightTalkLA.com or connect with us on social media @BCBSLA to get more enrollment tips.

For more information on BCBSLA, visit bcbsla.com or call 1-800-495-2583. •

Specialty Medicine

It’s no secret that wintertime tends to be rife with illnesses like the common cold and flu, but lesser-known health issues don’t lie dormant in the winter either. Chronic illnesses and injuries make themselves apparent in everyday activities while acute medical conditions can rear their ugly head at any time. Even though the spectrum of potential illnesses and injuries can appear endless, there’s an equally extensive list of specialized medical practitioners ready to treat them. New Orleans’ nationally recognized hospitals and medical universities ensure local healthcare providers are of the highest caliber, and these specialty medicine clinics are no different.

Westside Orthopaedic Clinic

Serving the West Bank and Greater New Orleans region, Westside Orthopaedic Clinic provides superior general orthopaedic treatment with a specialty in spinal care. Known for its excellent and personalized care, the clinic has been in operation since 1961, making it one of the longest-standing orthopaedic clinics in the city.

Dr. Ralph Katz is a board-certified and fellowshiptrained orthopedic surgeon who has been performing minimally invasive procedures for 20 years with consistently excellent outcomes. For the right patient who has failed conservative treatment (e.g. medication, physical therapy, injections), a minimally invasive procedure can be done in an outpatient setting. The procedure typically takes about an hour. Most patients can return to normal activities within three to six weeks. Additionally, Dr. Katz performs cervical and lumbar spinal fusions, utilizing small incisions with minimally invasive systems. He is one of few local surgeons who perform cervical disc replacements.

Westside offers in-house x-rays and an experienced, caring staff who pride themselves on knowing patients by name. Call for an appointment today. For more information, visit westsideortho.com or call 504-347-0243.

Southern Pain & Neurological

For those with degenerative disc disease, back pain is an unfortunate part of everyday life. At Southern Pain & Neurological, Doctors Paul Hubbell and Donald Richardson have introduced new technology that has proven effective in clinical trials at repairing degenerative discs and increasing function. A non-surgical, cuttingedge technology, VIA Disc is an injection that uses allogenic tissue and micronized disc material to reverse disc damage from the inside out and thereby reduce pain.

Until now, there was no way to repair damage caused by degenerative disc disease. The VIA Disc procedure is performed under local anesthesia or sedation, under the guidance of your doctor, via fluoroscopy. Computer images provide live-action visuals during the procedure allowing the doctor to see exact needle placement. The needle is then inserted into the center of the intervertebral disc.

To learn more about degenerative disc disease, VIA Disc, and Southern Pain & Neurological, call 1-800-277-1265. •

Premieres Sundays, January 8 February 12, 2023 Cozy up on Sundays with Season 3 of these British drama hits!

“Miss Scarlet and The Duke” With new mysteries and rivalries, Eliza and the Duke continue to juggle their fiery relationship.

"All Creatures Great and Small” Follow the adventures of James Herriot and his growing veterinary business.

Watch on WYES-TV, and stream on wyes.org/live and on the WYES and PBS Video apps.

PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS

WYES-TV’s broadcast streams simultaneously at wyes.org/live and on the WYES and PBS apps.

FINDING YOUR ROOTS

Tuesdays, January 3 - March 7 at 7pm

Renowned scholar Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. returns for Season 9. Over the course of 10 episodes, Gates uses genealogical detective work and cutting-edge DNA analysis to guide twenty-one influential celebrities through the branches of their family trees. Pictured: Actor Carol Burnett and Gates in “Secret Lives” airing Tuesday, January 17.

MASTERPIECE “Miss Scarlet and The Duke, Season 3”

Sundays, January 8 - February 12 at 7pm

Eliza finds herself in fresh and surprising mysteries, ranging from a disappearing magician to police corruption, as she struggles to build her detective agency. She has a new challenge on that front: a beautiful woman from her childhood has caught the Duke’s eye. Photo Credit: Element 8 Entertainment and Dunja Dopsa

MASTERPIECE “All Creatures Great and Small, Season 3”

Sundays, January 8 - February 12 at 8pm

The new season begins in spring 1939 as James and Helen prepare to walk down the aisle. James will have a new wife and a new stake in the business to think of. The pressure is on.

LIGHT & LIFE: THE PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY OF DAVE MCNAMARA

Monday, January 16 at 9pm; repeats Saturday, January 28 at 5pm

Local TV viewers know Dave McNamara as an award-winning reporter on Fox 8. What most of them don’t know is his passion for photography. In this new WYES special, TV legend Angela Hill talks to McNamara about his talent for capturing breathtaking images of the night sky, not just in Louisiana but across the country.

FIGHT THE POWER: HOW HIP HOP CHANGED THE WORLD

Tuesdays, January 31 – February 21 at 8pm

A four-part series with Rap Icon Chuck D explores four decades of Hip Hop history featuring interviews with legendary artists Ice-T (pictured), Fat Joe, Run DMC and MC Lyte, Grandmaster Caz, John Forté, will.i.am, B-Real (Cypress Hill), Melle Mel, Lupe Fiasco and more.

From January 2023 through July 2023, guests can enjoy dinners that highlight a wide variety of cuisines with wine pairings at eight iconic New Orleans’ restaurants.

Seats sell out fast, so be sure to grab your seat when reservations open on Wednesday, January 4 at 8am at wyes.org/events.

Dinner prices vary from $115-$250 and include tax and gratuity. All dinners begin at 6:30 p.m.

Thank you to this season’s participating restaurants.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18

$135

CHEF KNUT MJELDE PRESENTS

1st Course: CLASSIC TURTLE SOUP Topped with Sherry

2nd Course: CITY PARK SALAD Baby Red Oak, Romaine, Granny Smith Apples, Stilton Blue Cheese, Applewood Smoked Bacon

3rd Course: BRAISED SHORT RIB Red Wine Veal Reduction, Roasted Root Vegetables, Whipped Yukon Gold Potatoes

4th Course: APPLE PIE BREAD PUDDING Spiced with Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Seasonal Apples & Topped with Caramel Sauce, Whipped Cream and Candied Pie Crust Crumble

Wine Pairings

Coming Soon!

Wines provided by Republic National Distributors

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5

$125

CHEF DANA HONN & CHEF CHRISTINA HONN PRESENT South American Tasting Menu

1st Course: TIRADITO NIKKEI Peruvian Sashimi Prepared with Fresh Local Gulf Fish

Mind & Body Pinot Grigio

2nd Course: LOCRO DE PAPA Ecuadorian Potato Soup

Nitida Riesling

3rd Course: REGAÑONAS DE MAZORCA Colombian Corn Fritters

Porta Merlot Reserva

4th Course: MOQUECA Brazilian Seafood Stew Served with Rice, Cassava Grits, Brazilian Hot Sauce

Piemonte Pinot Noir

5th Course: DESSERT QUE SUPRESA! What a surprise!

THURSDAY, MARCH 2

$135

CHEF JIMI SETCHIM PRESENTS

1st Course: CRAWFISH & GRUYERE “FONDUE”

Fried Green Tomatoes, Pickled Red Onions

2nd Course: FOIE GRAS CHEESECAKE Gingersnap Crust, Pickled Peppers

3rd Course: REDFISH EN PAPILLOTTE Grilled Lemon, Smoked Shallot Remoulade, Seasonal Vegetables

4th Course: CHOCOLATE SIN CAKE Dark Chocolate, Raspberries, Chantilly Cream

Wine Pairings Coming Soon!

FRIDAY, MARCH 3

$200

*Dinner begins at 6pm CHEF JOE MAYNARD PRESENTS

1st Course: BURRATA Arugula, Heirloom Tomato, Easter Radish, Pine Nut, Basil Pesto, 50 Year Aged Balsamic

2018 Henri Bourgeois "Les Baronnes" Sancerre

2nd Course: BOUILLABAISSE Octopus, Clam, Shrimp, Snapper, Saffron-Garlic Rouille

2016 Chateau Lamothe Castera Bordeaux

3rd Course: BUTTER POACHED LOBSTER TAIL Truffle Herb Butter Sauce

2019 Reynolds Chardonnay, Napa Valley

4th Course: WAGYU BEEF TENDERLOIN Prosciutto, Asparagus, Celeriac Mash, Bordelaise Sauce

2016 Robert Mondavi Single Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

5th Course: DARK CHOCOLATE MOUSSE TULIP Valrhona Dark Chocolate, Mascarpone Whipped Cream, Morello Cherry Sauce

Henriques + Henriques 15-year Madeira

TUESDAY, MARCH 21

$115

EXECUTIVE CHEF SUSAN SPICER AND CHEF JACOB ANGUIANO PRESENT

1st Course: GULF FISH AND OCTOPUS EN ESCABECHE

2nd Course: PAPAS BRAVAS Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Manchego

3rd Course: RIOJA-BRAISED CHICKEN Cauliflower Purée, Leeks, Carrots and Mushrooms

4th Course: OLIVE OIL CAKE Candied Orange and Goat Cheese Crema Catalana

Wine Pairing Coming Soon!

Following the menu’s Spanish theme Sommelier & Wine Educator Michelle Gueydan will feature a sherry, sparkling, rosé and red.

TUESDAY, JUNE 6

$250

CHEF RICHARD HUGHES PRESENTS

1st Course: OYSTER & ABSINTHE DOME SOUP

Vignoble Dauny Sancerre ‘Terres Blanche’ 2021

2nd Course:

YELLOWFIN TUNA CARPACCIO & FOIE GRAS TORCHON

Toasted Banquette, Chives, Lemon Vinaigrette

Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir ‘ Whole Cluster’ 2021

3rd Course: TRIO OF LOUISIANA CITRUS SALAD Coconut, Fennel, Avocado, Bibb Lettuce

Domaine Bunan Bandol Rose ‘Moulin des Costes’ 2021

4th Course: GULF RED SNAPPER & SEA SCALLOPS IN PAPILLOTE

Sweet Corn, Heirloom Tomatoes, Haricots Verts, Lemon Garlic Compound Butter Far Niente Chardonnay 2021

INTERMEZZO

Lemon Sorbet with Splash of Grey Goose Vodka Poured at Table

5th Course:

RACK OF VENISON

Lardon & Sweet Onion Spoonbread, Wild Mushroom Port Sauce, Braised Swiss Chard

Guigal Chateauneuf du Pape 2019

6th Course: CRÈME BRULEE TRIO

Peppermint, Very Dark Chocolate, Orange Grand Marnier

Monmousseau Cremant de Loire Brut

Wines Provided by Wines Unlimited

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21

$135

CHEF AMARYS KOENIG HERNDON & CHEF JORDAN HERNDON PRESENT

1st Course: CRAB CLAW COCKTAIL Sweet Corn Custard, Fresh Chiles, Basil Vinaigrette

Chenin Blanc, L.A. Cetto 2019, Baja California, Mexico

2nd Course: BLACK EYED PEA FRITTERS Eggplant Chutney, Comeback Sauce

Carmenere, Dagaz 2019, Colchagua Valley, Chile

3rd Course: BEEF CHEEKS, RICE & GRAVY Cajun Popcorn Rice, Smoked Onion Gravy, Blackberry Jam, Green Tomato Pickles

Cabernet Sauvignon, Milliman, “Condor” 2020, Central Valley, Chile

4th Course: PEACH BUTTERMILK CHESS PIE Preserved Lemon Ice Cream

Lustav Palo Cortado Sherry

FRIDAY, JULY 14

$125

CHEF GUY D. SOCKRIDER PRESENTS

1st Course: BRIQUETTE

HEIRLOOM SALAD

Vine-Ripened Heirloom Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives, Spanish Manchego Cheese, Hydroponic Lettuce, Aged Balsamic Vinegar, Truffle Oil And Flor De Sal Menage de Trois Prosecco

2nd Course: BEEF CARPACCIO Arugula, Capers, Crème de Mustard

Bieler Pere et Fils Coteaux d’ Aix Sabine Rose

3rd Course: BURGUNDY BRAISED SHORT RIB Served on Polenta

Siduri Pinot Noir

4th Course: FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE TORTE

Roscato Rosso Dolce

Wines provided by Republic National Distributors

1 SUNDAY 2pm MASTERPIECE “Downton Abbey, Season 5” (Pts. 1-4/9) Be sure to check out the WYES member benefit, WYES Passport, where you can watch all six seasons of “Downton Abbey” before the hit drama leaves Passport on January 31st. Learn more at: wyes.org/passport. 7pm GREAT PERFORMANCES “From Vienna: The New Year’s Celebration 2023” 8:30pm ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL: THE NEXT CHAPTER Go behind-thescenes of Season 2 to learn more about the talent in front of and behind the camera. Season 3 premieres on Sunday, January 8 at 8:00 p.m. 10pm BROADCHURCH, SEASON 3 (Pt. 7/8) 11pm LA OTRA MIRADA “Alma Mater” (Pt. 13/13) 2 MONDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Filoli” (Hour 1/3) Kick off season 27 with fascinating Filoli finds from Woodside, CA including a 1928 English sterling silver horse, a Pairpoint puffy owl lamp, ca. 1907, and a 1967 Ansaldo Poggi viola (pictured). Can you guess which treasure is up to $330,000? Photo Credit: Katherine Nelson Hall for GBH, (c) WGBH 2022 7pm ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Fort Worth” (Hour 1/3) 9pm BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS: A MEANINGFUL VICTORY explores how the British misjudged their opponent and miscalculated the complexities of the battle ground.

10pm INDEPENDENT LENS “Children of Las Brisas” 11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY 3 TUESDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

FINDING YOUR ROOTS “Hidden Kin” Renowned scholar Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. returns for Season 9. Over the course of 10 episodes, Gates uses genealogical detective work and cutting-edge DNA analysis to guide twenty-one influential celebrities through the branches of their family trees. In the premiere episode, Gates helps actors Julia Roberts and Edward Norton discover their hidden connections to history—and each other. 8pm AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “Lie Detector” Discover the story of the polygraph, the controversial device that transformed modern justice. 9pm FRONTLINE “Global Spyware Scandal, Exposing Pegasus” (Pt. 1/2) Investigates the powerful spyware Pegasus, sold to governments around the world by the Israeli company NSO Group. 10pm 87TH ANNUAL ANISFIELD-WOLF BOOK AWARDS highlights the only national juried prize recognizing literature that has contributed to our understanding of racism and human diversity. Hosted by acclaimed scholar, lecturer, social critic, writer and editor Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. 11pm

4 WEDNESDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

NATURE “The Alps: The High Life” (Pt. 1/2)

8pm

FIRST CONTACT: AN ALIEN ENCOUNTER tells the dramatic story of an encounter with an extraterrestrial artifact and explores the new tools we have available in the search for life beyond earth.

9:30pm

HAWKING

10:30pm

PROJECT ASTEROID: MAPPING BENNU 11pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

5 THURSDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

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

7:30pm

BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW 8pm EMMA (Pt. 1-2/4)

10pm

SEASIDE HOTEL “A Midsomer’s Night” (Pt. 1/7)

11pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

6 FRIDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

INFORMED SOURCES

7:30pm

LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN 8pm

WASHINGTON WEEK

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@wallstreetwrapup.info

9pm

LEAH CHASE: THE QUEEN OF CREOLE CUISINE On what would have been Leah Chase’s 100th birthday, see the story of how humble beginnings inspired a young girl from Madisonville to become one of the top, multi-awardwinning chefs in the nation. Along the way, at her Dooky Chase restaurant, she managed to cook for Presidents and entertainment personalities, and helped shape the political and civil rights movement in New Orleans. Narrated by Michelle Miller. *Coming soon, WYES will air the new 26-part cooking series, THE DOOKY CHASE KITCHEN: LEAH’S LEGACY.

10pm

THE U.S. AND THE HOLOCAUST “The Golden Door (Beginnings-1938)” (Pt. 1/3)

7

SATURDAY

5pm

LEAH CHASE: THE QUEEN OF CREOLE CUISINE

6pm

LAWRENCE WELK: YOU’RE NEVER TOO YOUNG

7pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Filoli” (Hour 1/3)

8pm

FINDING YOUR ROOTS “Hidden Kin” 9pm UNRIVALED: SEWANEE 1899 10:30pm

BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME: JOURNEY TO CANTON tells the story of the formation of Black college football, the contributions that players from historically Black colleges and universities have made to the NFL, the founding of its Hall of Fame, and why the Hall is in the unexpected location of Canton. 11pm AUSTIN CITY LIMITS 8TH ANNUAL HALL OF FAME HONORS SHERYL CROW

8 SUNDAY

2pm

MASTERPIECE “Downton Abbey, Season 5” (Pts. 5-8/9) Be sure to check out the WYES member benefit, WYES Passport, where you can watch all six seasons of “Downton Abbey” before the hit drama leaves Passport on January 31st. Learn more at: wyes.org/passport.

PREMIERE

7pm

MASTERPIECE “Miss Scarlet and The Duke, Season 3” ‘The Vanishing’ (Pt. 1/6) In the new season, growing competition from a rival agency creates new problems, and all the while she is still juggling her relationship with Inspector William Wellington, the Duke. And she has a new challenge on that front: a beautiful woman from her childhood has caught the Duke’s eye. In the first episode, a famous magician does the ultimate disappearing act and vanishes into thin air. Photo Credit: Element 8 Entertainment and Slobodan Pikula

PREMIERE

8pm

MASTERPIECE “All Creatures Great and Small, Season 3” ‘Second Time Lucky’ (Pt. 1/7) Change is the order of the day as professional and emotional relationships mature in the rural Yorkshire veterinary practice immortalized by author James Herriot’s charming stories. Themes for Season 3 include new partnerships, ghosts from the past, and doing one’s duty—and of course doing right by the animals. In the first episode, a missing ring is just one snag as James and Helen’s wedding date approaches. Photo Credit: Playground Entertainment

9pm

VIENNA BLOOD, SEASON 3 “Deadly Communion, Part 1” (Pt. 1/6) In the season premiere, Detective Inspector Oskar Rheinhardt and psychoanalyst Max Liebermann return to solve a new series of shocking murders in 1908 Vienna.

10pm BROADCHURCH, SEASON 3 (Pt. 8/8)

11pm LA OTRA MIRADA “Fear of the Other” (Pt. 1/8)

9 MONDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Filoli” (Hour 2/3)

7pm ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Fort Worth” (Hour 2/3)

9pm

ANGELA GREGORY: A LEGACY CHISELED IN STONE

9:30pm

SAFE HAVEN: EXPLORING LOUISIANA’S GREEN BOOK Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) brings this digital first series to broadcast as we explore the Louisiana businesses and places found in The Green Book, a guide that made travel possible for African Americans during the Jim Crow era.

10pm POV “I Didn’t See You There” Shot from the director’s physical perspective, mounted to his wheelchair or handheld, the program serves as a clear rebuke to the norm of disabled people being seen and not heard. 11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY 10 TUESDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm

FINDING YOUR ROOTS “Salem’s Lot” Henry Louis Gates, Jr. takes guests Claire Danes and Jeff Daniels on a journey through primal scenes from America’s past—leading all the way back to an infamous witch hunt.

8pm AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “Riveted: The History of Jeans”

9pm FRONTLINE “Global Spyware Scandal, Exposing Pegasus” (Pt. 2/2) Investigates the powerful spyware Pegasus. 10pm THE U.S. AND THE HOLOCAUST “The Golden Door (Beginnings-1938)” (Pt. 1/3)

“The Alps: Winter’s Fortress” (Pt. 2/2) 8pm NOVA “Beyond the Elements” ‘Reactions’ (Pt. 1/3) Discover the fascinating chemistry that makes our world and everything in it— including us. 9pm NOVA “Rebuilding Notre Dame”

2/2)

7:30pm

LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN 8pm WASHINGTON WEEK 8:30pm WALL $TREET WRAP-UP WITH ANDRÉ LABORDE 9pm THE U.S. AND THE HOLOCAUST “Yearning to Breathe Free (1938-1942)” (Pt. 2/3) 11:30pm STEPPIN’ OUT 14 SATURDAY 5pm

ANGELA GREGORY: A LEGACY CHISELED IN STONE explore the life and work of a trailblazing artist who used her talent and tenacity to become “The Doyenne of Louisiana Sculpture” and an inspiration for women everywhere. Produced by Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB). Photo Credit: Tulane University Special Collection 5:30pm SAFE HAVEN: EXPLORING LOUISIANA’S GREEN BOOK 6pm LAWRENCE WELK:

out the WYES member benefit, WYES Passport, where you can watch all six seasons of “Downton Abbey” before the hit drama leaves Passport on January 31st. Learn more at: wyes.org/passport.

4pm

MASTERPIECE “Downton Abbey, Season 6” (Pts. 1-2/9)

6:30pm VARIETY STUDIO: ACTORS ON ACTORS

7pm

MASTERPIECE “Miss Scarlet and The Duke, Season 3” ‘Arabella’s’ (Pt. 2/6) Eliza bumps into Arabella Herbert, the girl who made her life a misery growing up. But as an adult, Arabella seems kind and considerate and everybody loves her. So when Eliza suspects she may be a criminal, no one wants to hear it, least of all Duke.

8pm

MASTERPIECE “All Creatures Great and Small, Season 3” ‘Honeymoon’s Over’ (Pt. 2/7) James and Helen enter married life, while James settles in uneasily as Siegfried’s partner at the clinic. Tristan too must make new adjustments.

7pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Filoli” (Hour 3/3)

8pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Fort Worth” (Hour 3/3)

15 SUNDAY

2pm

MASTERPIECE

9pm

VIENNA BLOOD, SEASON 3 “Deadly Communion, Part 2” (Pt. 2/6) Max and Oskar are once again thrust into the dark underbelly of glittering Viennese society.

Photo Credit: Petro Domenigg ©2022 Endor Productions/MR Film

10pm

ASTRID “Puzzle” (Pt. 1/9) Astrid Nielsen works in the library of the judicial police. She has Asperger’s syndrome. With an incredible memory she excels at analyzing files of ongoing investigations. In French with English subtitles.

11:30pm

LA OTRA MIRADA “What I Expect” (Pt. 2/8)

16 MONDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

HIGHLIGHT

9pm

LIGHT & LIFE: THE PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY OF DAVE MCNAMARA Local TV viewers know Dave McNamara as an award-winning reporter on Fox 8. What most of them don’t know is his passion for photography. In this new WYES special, TV legend Angela Hill talks to McNamara about his talent for capturing breathtaking images of the night sky, not just in Louisiana but across the country.

9:30pm

JUDY WOODRUFF: WOMAN OF THE HOUR WYES' Marcia Kavanaugh sits down with Judy Woodruff, who recently stepped down as anchor of PBS NEWSHOUR to take on a new assignment. She discusses that, plus her 50-year career in media and politics.

10pm

INDEPENDENT LENS “The Big Payback” The passage of the first-ever reparations for slavery bill in Illinois stirs up a national debate. Will the debt ever be addressed, or is it too late for this reparations movement to finally get the big payback?

11:30pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

17 TUESDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

FINDING YOUR ROOTS “Secret Lives” Henry Louis Gates, Jr. uses DNA to help comedians Carol Burnett and Niecy Nash solve deep family mysteries.

8pm

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “Zora Neale Hurston: Claiming a Space” explores the life of the influential author whose groundbreaking anthropological work would challenge assumptions about race, gender and cultural superiority that had long defined the field in the 19th century. Best remembered for her novel Their Eyes Were Watching God, Hurston was a key figure of the Harlem Renaissance. But even as she gained renown as a writer, she pursued anthropological studies at Barnard College, becoming the college’s first Black female graduate. Through her trailblazing work, Hurston would reclaim, honor and celebrate Black life on its own terms.

Yale University Library

2/3)

6pm

LAWRENCE WELK: BROADWAY MUSICALS

7pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Filoli” (Hour 3/3)

8pm

FINDING YOUR ROOTS “Secret Lives”

9pm

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “Zora Neale Hurston: Claiming a Space”

11pm

AUSTIN CITY LIMITS “Adrian Quesada’s Boleros Psicodélicos” The famed Austin guitarist and producer Quesada welcomes eight sensational guest vocalists to the stage.

22 SUNDAY

2pm

MASTERPIECE “Downton Abbey, Season 6” (Pts. 3-6/9) Be sure to check out the WYES member benefit, WYES Passport, where you can watch all six seasons of “Downton Abbey” before the hit drama leaves Passport on January 31st. Learn more at: wyes.org/passport.

7pm

MASTERPIECE “Miss Scarlet and The Duke, Season 3” ‘Hotel St. Marc’ (Pt. 3/6) Eliza is on the trail of a notorious conman and tracks him down to a hotel in a remote part of France. She believes she has finally caught Scotland Yard’s most wanted man, but she’s not the only hotel guest who wants to claim the reward.

8pm

MASTERPIECE “All Creatures Great and Small, Season 3” ‘Surviving Siegfried’ (Pt. 3/7) Siegfried’s First World War experiences resurface as he struggles to save a racehorse. Helen faces a decision over James’s TB testing plan.

9pm

VIENNA BLOOD, SEASON 3 “The God of Shadows, Part 1” (Pt. 3/6)

10pm

ASTRID “The Haunting” (Pt. 2/9)

11:30pm

LA OTRA MIRADA “Your History” (Pt. 3/8)

23 MONDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Santa Fe’s Museum Hill” (Hour 1/3) Visit the “Land of Enchantment” on the hunt for hidden treasures in Santa Fe, like a 1929 New York Yankees partial team-signed ball, a New Mexico mining league trophy & photos and a Plains Indian child’s beaded shirt. One is up to ??? Tune in to find out.

8pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Indianapolis” (Hour 1/3)

9pm FROM THE GROUND UP: MARDI GRAS FLOATS offers an inside look at the work of artists and craftspeople who design and build Mardi Gras floats.

10pm

MARDI GRAS STORIES

11pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

24 TUESDAY

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

FINDING YOUR ROOTS “Far From Home” Henry Louis Gates maps the family trees of pop icon Cyndi Lauper and actors Jamie Chung and Danny Trejo, exploring records in Italy, Korea, and Mexico to uncover ancestors whose stories were lost when their families immigrated to America.

25 WEDNESDAY

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

NATURE “Soul of the Ocean” Spectacular underwater cinematography reveals communities of interdependent marine species and highlights the critical role biodiversity plays in maintaining a healthy ocean.

8pm NOVA “Beyond the Elements” ‘Life’ (Pt. 3/3)

9pm

SECRETS OF THE DEAD “Bombing of Auschwitz” 10pm NATURE “Soul of the Ocean” 11pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

26 THURSDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

8pm

AMERICAN MASTERS “Roberta Flack” With exclusive access to music icon Roberta Flack’s archives of film, performances, interviews, home movies, photos, hit songs and unreleased music, the film documents how Flack’s musical virtuosity was inseparable from her lifelong commitment to civil rights. Interviews include Reverend Jesse Jackson, Clint Eastwood, Yoko Ono, Angela Davis, Eugene McDaniels, Joel Dorn, Peabo Bryson and more. Photo Credit: Warner Music Group

9:30pm

POV SHORTS “The Changing Same” A native Floridian runs a local marathon in Marianna, Fla., to commemorate the 1934 lynching of Claude Neal.

10pm

THE U.S. AND THE HOLOCAUST “The Homeless, The Tempest-Tossed (1942- )” (Pt. 3/3)

7pm

STEPPIN’ OUT Host and producer Peggy Scott Laborde welcomes regular guests Poppy Tooker, Alan Smason, plus new roundtable visitors every week to discuss New Orleans restaurants, arts and entertainment. Missed an episode? Head to WYES’ YouTube channel.

7:30pm BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

8pm

MASTERPIECE “Elizabeth is Missing” Glenda Jackson stars as Maud, a woman determined to find her missing friend Elizabeth – but can she solve the mystery of her disappearance before her dementia erases all the clues?

9:30pm

VARIETY STUDIO: ACTORS ON ACTORS 10pm

SEASIDE HOTEL “The Holiday Child” (Pt. 4/7)

11pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

27 FRIDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

INFORMED SOURCES

7:30pm

LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN 8pm WASHINGTON WEEK

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

9pm

AMERICAN MASTERS “Roberta Flack”

10:30pm VARIETY STUDIO: ACTORS ON ACTORS

11pm

AUSTIN CITY LIMITS “The War on Drugs” Led by singer/guitarist Adam Granduciel, from Philadelphia.

29 SUNDAY

2pm

MASTERPIECE “Downton Abbey, Season 6” (Pts. 7-9/9) Be sure to check out the WYES member benefit, WYES Passport, where you can watch all six seasons of “Downton Abbey” before the hit drama leaves Passport on January 31st. Learn more at: wyes.org/passport.

7pm

9pm

NEXT AT THE KENNEDY CENTER “The Roots Residency” features the Grammy Award-winning hip hop group The Roots. The special explores how the Hip Hop legends continue to push the boundaries of their art form while using their platform as the inaugural artist-in-residence of the Center’s Hip Hop Culture Program to foster the next generation of cultural leaders.

10pm

LIONEL RICHIE: THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS GERSHWIN PRIZE FOR POPULAR SONG 11pm STEPPIN’ OUT 11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

28 SATURDAY 5pm

LIGHT & LIFE: THE PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY OF DAVE MCNAMARA

5:30pm WHILE WE DANCED: THE MUSIC OF MARDI GRAS 6pm LAWRENCE WELK: "All Time Favorites” 7pm ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Santa Fe’s Museum Hill” (Hour 1/3) 8pm FINDING YOUR ROOTS “Far From Home”

MASTERPIECE “Miss Scarlet and The Duke, Season 3” ‘Bloodline’ (Pt. 4/6) Detective Fitzroy sees one of his colleagues plant evidence on a suspect. With Duke away, Fitzroy turns to Eliza and hires her to look into a case of police corruption.

8pm

MASTERPIECE “All Creatures Great and Small, Season 3” ‘What a Balls Up’ (Pt. 4/7) TB testing mistakenly puts a prize cow in danger. Helen struggles with her lifelong vocation. Mrs. Hall and Tristan have brushes with love.

9pm

VIENNA BLOOD, SEASON 3 “The God of Shadows, Part 2” (Pt. 4/6)

10pm ASTRID “The Haunting” (Pt. 3/9)

11:30pm

LA OTRA MIRADA “Forgotten Women” (Pt. 4/8)

30 MONDAY

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Santa Fe’s Museum Hill” (Hour 2/3) 8pm ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Indianapolis” (Hour 2/3) 9pm NEW ORLEANS PARADES FROM THE PAST 10pm INDEPENDENT LENS “The Picture Taker”

From his Memphis studio, Ernest Withers’ nearly 2 million images were a treasured record of Black history but his legacy was complicated by decades of secret FBI

service revealed only after his death. Was he a friend of the civil rights community, or enemy—or both?

11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY 31 TUESDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm FINDING YOUR ROOTS “Rising from the Ashes” 8pm

HIGHLIGHT

FIGHT THE POWER: HOW HIP HOP CHANGED THE WORLD “The Foundation” (Pt. 1/4) Authored by Public Enemy’s Chuck D, who famously labeled Hip Hop as “the Black CNN” for bringing the stories of the street to the mainstream, this story will include personal testimonies of the MCs, DJs, graffiti artists, filmmakers, politicians and opinion formers who created and shaped its direction as it grew from an underground movement in the Bronx to the most popular music genre in the U.S. and the fastest growing genre in the world today. Photo Credit: @BBC Studios 9pm FRONTLINE “Putin and the Presidents” 10pm VARIETY STUDIO: ACTORS ON ACTORS

10:30pm VARIETY STUDIO: ACTORS ON ACTORS 11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

Business partnerships

quality programming and events are brought to you through the generous support of the following businesses and corporations. To join our list of community-minded groups, contact Jim Tapley at (504) 837-8987, jtapley@wyes.org or Kerri Blache at (504) 483-8487, kblache@wyes.org.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

WYES Address 916 Navarre Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70124 Mailing Address P.O. Box 24026, New Orleans, LA 70184 Web Site wyes.org Questions or Comments info@wyes.org General (504) 486-5511 Membership (504) 831-1503 Programming Questions (504) 486-5511

A Day in January

The good and the evil

Never has a simple, innocent date developed such diverse meanings. That date is January 6. For 2,000 years or so it has been known as Twelfth Night, or the Feast of the Epiphany. The date is generally acknowledged as the last day of the Christmas season, the 12th day. In some cultures, January 6 is recognized as the time of the arrival of the three wise men, or “the magi.” Different places celebrate the date in different ways (some just barely) but not in New Orleans, because here the last day of Christmas is the beginning of the Carnival season. On that evening the Phunny Phorty Phellows ride a streetcar to announce Mardi

Gras’ prelude. There is music echoing along the path of the Phellows. King cakes make their debut on that day tempting us with their injected filings through Ash Wednesday. There are parties around town but none so eloquent as the ball of the Twelfth Night Revelers who since 1870 have been selecting their Queen from a ceremonial king cake.

Shakespeare wrote a play called “Twelfth Night.” Being by Shakespeare the play had many famous lines, including “If music be the food of love, play on.” That is worthy advice as the Storyville Stompers inside the streetcar play on and somewhere around town you may hear Al Johnson’s rollicking “Carnival Time”:

All because it’s Carnival Ti-i-ime

Whoa, it’s Carnival Time

Oh well, it’s Carnival Time And everybody’s drinkin’ wine

And at the Revelers ball, the king, by tradition known as the Lord of Misrule, and his newly anointed queen lead a procession graced by the noble sounds of Aida’s “Grand Mach.”

New Orleans is blessed because just when the rest of the world begins to experience post-Christmas let down, the same day brings early Carnival buildup.

But then there is the other January 6, a bad moment that struck like snake fangs. On January 6, 2021 there was the attack on the U.S. Capitol. Within the sacred grounds of a nation that is the guardian of democracy, rioters all of whom must have skipped

their civics classes tried to degrade the constitution and the nation for which it stood.

Many who were there that day have since been jailed; many others are awaiting sentencing. The disorder tarnished a date associated with spirituality and joy. As the case unwinds, we will be hearing reports from congress’s investigative “January 6 Committee.”

Like Franklin Roosevelt said of Dec. 7, 1941, the date will “live in infamy.”

New Orleans at least preserved the date’s dignity though we may need to distinguish the good January 6 from the evil one. We can always hope for our own epiphany and that the world will be filled with more wise men. May we all feast on the food of love.