New Orleans Magazine October 2024 by Renaissance Publishing

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In the new, four-part series MASTERPIECE

“The Marlow Murder Club,” Judith, Suzie and Becks investigate a series of killings in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. They must piece together clues, grill suspects and face down real danger as they work against the clock to stop a killer in their tracks. The series is based on Robert Thorogood's novel of the same name. For all WYES program and event details, go to wyes.org.

FROM THE EDITOR

Things are starting to look a little spooky around the city. From the annual Krewe of BOO to creepy decorations and haunted house happenings, New Orleans embraces spooky season with plenty of frightful fun for all.

Around here fall is indeed the perfect time for scaring up good fun. Hurricane season is winding down, the weather is turning, football and festival seasons are in full swing. It’s a great time to get together with friends for a casual dinner party, before the big press of the stressful holiday season next month. Our cover feature is a study in the lost art of the dinner party, with plenty of hosting tips, décor ideas, lighting design and more. Plan your next get-together and share with us your own ideas on making a night of it with friends.

Speaking of haunts, our featured essay asks the question, “What do you do when you’re married to a horror aficionado?” We learn what it’s like to embrace all of the ghoulish fun, without getting too much of a fright.

Plus we have your go-to guide for the best fall festing across the city, the state and on down the road that will keep music lovers, foodies, families and more, busy from now through the end of the year.

Outside of Carnival season, fall in New Orleans may be one of the busiest, and best, times of the year. So get your dancing shoes, costumes and festival checklist in order. It’s time to celebrate the season!

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

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Scream Time

Check out our latest seasonal blog, Scream Time. Writer Jeremy Marshal reviews the best haunted houses, spooky shows and frightful events this month.

Podcast

Want to hear a scary story? Sit back, grab your favorite warm beverage and join us for season three of Beyond the Grave…if you dare.

Editors’ Picks

Each week, find out what our editors recommend for the best of the best around town. From the best places in the CBD to eat and drink during Saints games and concerts to happy hours, brunches, shopping and more, we share with you our top picks.

Calendar

Wondering what to do this weekend? Be sure to stop by MyNewOrleans.com every Friday, where we have your one-stop highlight list of where to go and what to eat all weekend long.

Saints and Spirits

Hey Julia,

There are two “solemn” feast days, Ash Wednesday and All Saints Day. Both, however, are celebrated on the day before as big party days, Mardi Gras and Halloween respectively. Is that a coincidence?

Ralph Phargas, St. Gabriel, La.

Interesting question Ralph. The two spiritual days are both Catholic creations — although one has a distinctly New Orleans spin. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent which is the church’s 40 days of sacrifice leading to Easter. All Saints (Nov. 1) is a way of remembering the heaven-sent deceased.

Some cultures, such as the Celtics in Ireland (not the basketball team from Boston) believed that on the evening after All-Saints Day the spirits of the deceased would rise and romp through the region. They also regarded the end of October as being the beginning of the dark days of winter — which fits in perfectly with ghostly galivants and, eventually, jack-o-lanterns lighting the way.

The idea would be embraced by the living, including in Mexico, Spain and their American counterparts which celebrate the “Day of the Dead.” Festivities would also evolve into kids, and increasingly, adults, wearing horror-themed costumes and partying.

New Orleans, because of its Mardi Gras heritage, tends to do the costuming and parading better than most places. Poydras says he worries that with new events, such as the Krewe of BOO, Halloween is become more of a mini-Mardi Gras with little attention paid to the ghosts on the Celtic fields.

Hey Julia,

We know about sheriffs operating jails, but I have heard that New Orleans once had a sheriff who operated a haunted house. Is that true?

Ferd

Simpson, Opelousas

Sure, doesn’t every city have that? At one time the sheriff’s office in Orleans Parish was separated into two positions: the criminal sheriff and the civil sheriff. (Note that did not necessarily imply that the holder of the first office was a criminal.) The civil sheriff handled the boring stuff like tax collections and record keeping. The criminal sheriff operated the jail, which, believe me was more tense than boring.

From 1974 to 2004 the criminal sheriff was Charles Foti who was known for being tough on crime. But, rather than just having the convicted sit in jail all day he created civic projects that had public appeal and gave the inmates a project. Murals, for example, were created around town. For one Northshore community, the public buildings were even painted by volunteer inmates who were bussed in each day.

Associate Publisher Kate Henry

Editorial

Editor Ashley McLellan

Creative Director Tiffani Reding Amedeo

Digital Media Editor Kelly Massicot

Style Editor Andy Myer

Executive Editor Errol Laborde

Contributing Writers Jyl Benson, Cheré Coen, Lee Cutrone, Fritz Esker, Scott Gold, John Kemp, Misty Milioto, Liz Scott Monaghan, Elizabeth Pearce, Eve Crawford Peyton

Advertising

Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Kate Henry, Kate@MyNewOrleans.com

Account Director Meggie Schmidt

Senior Account Executives Erin Chiartano, Brooke Genusa

Account Executive Lauren McCanse

Happy, Happy Hour!

New Orleans is known for its unparalleled drinking scene, and happy hour is the perfect time to imbibe. At Hummingbird Lounge, a gorgeous space located above 14 Parishes Jamaican Restaurant, enjoy Irie Hour Thursday through Saturday from 5 p.m.-midnight with $5 off all signature cocktails (like the house margarita and rum punch) and $5 off select food items (such as salmon sliders, fried cauliflower and fried jerk wings).

Every day from 4 -7 p.m. at the WXYZ Bar, located within Aloft New Orleans, enjoy $4 draft beers, $5 glasses of select wine, $6 well liquors and half off select menu items. On Wednesdays, enjoy half off of all wine, and, on Thursdays, take advantage of $4 draft beers all night long. There’s also live music every Wednesday through Saturday night.

At Seaworthy, the Oyster Happy Hour, 4-6 p.m. daily, includes a selection of oysters sourced from the Gulf to the East and West coasts (priced at $1.50-$3.75 per oyster) and $6 glasses of house wine.

During lunch service on Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., enjoy $1 martinis at Criollo within Hotel Monteleone. 8227 Oak St., 504-264-7457, 14parishes.com; 225 Baronne St., 504-581-9225, AloftNewOrleansDowntown.com; 630 Carondelet St., 504-930-3071, SeaworthyNola.com; 214 Royal St.,504- 681-4444, criollonola.com

Swifty Soirees

Virgin Hotels New Orleans is celebrating Taylor Swift’s upcoming Eras tour through an array of new offerings. Check out the Taylor Swift drag and burlesque brunch from Trixie Minx Productions at Commons Club Oct. 25-27, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a two-course prix fixe boozy brunch and a performance based on Swift’s albums. Show times are at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Elektra Cosmetics also will set up a glitter bar. Meanwhile, head bartender Heather Blanchard has created themed pre-concert cocktails available at The Pool Club like Shake It Off (Sazerac Rye, amaretto, pineapple, lemon and meringue) and Bad Blood with Casamigos jalapeño tequila, kumquat, lime and soda. There’s also the This is Our Era: Swifties Pre-Concert Party taking place all weekend long with DJ entertainment, photo opportunities, airbrush tattoos, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks with the New Orleans Girls Club upstairs at Dreamboat from 4-6 p.m. The Bead Shop will be on site offering a friendship-making bracelet bar. 550 Baronne St., 504-603-8000, virginhotels.com

Women in Wine

A number of talented women are pioneering the natural wine scene in New Orleans with a focus on education, sustainability, quality and innovation. For example, Really Really Nice Wines, owned by Miriam Matasar and her husband, offers a top-notch selection of natural wines, carefully curated to highlight small producers and sustainable practices. Meanwhile, Patron Saint Wine, founded by PUNCH editor Leslie Pariseau, combines a curated wine list (showcasing organic and biodynamic wines from around the world) with a cozy ambiance. And at Tell Me Bar, Uznea Bauer focuses on natural wines from small producers and unique varietals. 3500 Magazine St., 504-309-8744, reallyreallynicewines.com; 1152 Magazine St., Ste. 101, 504-321-7771, PatronSaintWine.com; 1235 St. Thomas St., thetellmebar.com

Louisiana Spirit

Sugarfield Spirits, a distillery, winery and cidery in Gonzales, offers an array of spirits that celebrate the terroir of Louisiana. Among the most popular spirits, the original Sugarfield Rum is an agricole-style rum produced from a blend of Louisiana cane sugar and molasses. The distillery also just released its Port Finished Single Barrel rum made with raw cane sugar and black strap molasses from Belle Rose, Louisiana. Expect flavors of dark cherries and plums, with a hint of vanilla, a touch of pepper and spiciness from the French oak. Also be sure to try the purple butterfly pea vodka, which is the official vodka of Louisiana State University Athletics. Available at Avenue Wine, 2025 St. Charles St., 504-522-3864

Meanwhile, local distillery Atelier Vie has expanded its line of absinthe expressions with Toulouse Blue, Absinthe Blau. Joining Toulouse Red, Absinthe Rouge; and Toulouse Green, Absinthe Verte; Toulouse Blue is inspired in part by Swiss blanche absinthe and has been 10 years in development. Toulouse Blue is fennel-forward and is made with distillerygrown wormwood. In addition to a light blue hue, expect a balanced flavor profile with subtle botanical notes. Available at Really Really Nice Wines, 3500 Magazine St., 504-309-8744, reallyreallynicewines.com

Lunch Like a Local

The Grill Room at The Windsor Court is now offering discounted plate lunches for $28. Choose one main dish (such as beef short ribs, pan-seared salmon, crispy chicken or Gulf shrimp) and three side dishes (such as chicken and andouille gumbo, crispy Brussels sprouts with spiced honey or fingerling potatoes with caramelized onions and chives). The special also includes complimentary valet parking, $5 cocktails (including Windsor Martinis, Cosmopolitans and lemon drops) and a sommelier’s choice of wine for $8. Additionally, Le Salon at The Windsor Court is hosting a number of themed afternoon teas. Upcoming events include Swift Tea: The Eras Pour on Oct. 11, 12 and 13; Halloween Tea on Oct. 26 and 27; and Holiday Tea Nov. 29-Dec. 31. Each afternoon tea takes place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and includes loose-leaf variety brews; English tea sandwiches; house-made seasonal scones served with raspberry preserves, Devonshire crème, lemon curd and vanilla bean whipped cream; and sweets like the chocolate-covered strawberry and truffle, miniature cake and tartlet. 300 Gravier St., 504-522-1994, thewindsorcourt.com

Meanwhile, Chef Michael Gulotta has launched lunch service at TANA, his new upscale Italian restaurant in the heart of Old Metairie, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Fridays through Sundays. Menu highlights include a blue crab, Creole tomato and grilled peach salad with saffron vinaigrette and stracchino cheese; Gulf shrimp paccheri with pistachio, tomato and cream; and red snapper alla piastra with basil aïoli, pesto trapanese and chili oil. 2919 Metairie Road, 504-533-8262, tanaitalian.com

Best of the Best

The James Beard Foundation is returning to New Orleans with its Taste America culinary series Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Sazerac House. Chef Serigne Mbaye of Dakar NOLA (winner of the 2024 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant and a 2024-2025 TasteTwenty chef) is serving as the culinary committee chair. The walk-around tasting will also feature more than 10 food stations helmed by other local guest chefs (including Chef Martha Wiggins of Café Reconcile, Chef Charly Pierre of Fritai, Chef Sophina Uong of Mister Mao and Chef EJ Lagasse of Emeril’s, among others), plus specialty cocktails, and sponsor and partner activations. Tickets ($150-$225) are available at jamesbeard.org/ tasteamerica. 101 Magazine St., 504-910-0100, sazerachouse.com

Sliders and More Michigan-based Savvy Sliders has expanded into Louisiana, recently opening its first restaurant in Metairie. In addition to sliders made with certified Angus beef, English cod, chicken and even a falafel vegetarian option, Savvy Sliders also offers handbreaded chicken fingers and hand-spun custard shakes. 2565 Metairie Road, 504-3452182, savvysliders.com

Vietnamese Lagniappe

A Big Welcome

Virgin Hotels New Orleans has appointed Jesse Carr as director of food and beverage. In his new role, Carr will oversee the hotel’s signature restaurant, Commons Club, and the popular rooftop spot, The Pool Club. Carr previously served as general manager at Jewel of the South, food and beverage director for QED Hospitality and Pontchartrain Hotel, and director of food and beverage at The Eliza Jane. 550 Baronne St., 504-603-8000, virginhotels.com

Chef, instructor, “Top Chef“ contestant and native New Orleanian Nini Nguyen has released a new cookbook, “Dac Biet: An Extra-Special Vietnamese Cookbook.” In Vietnamese culture, to be dac biet is to be special and luxurious, or, as Nguyen interprets it — to add a little something extra (like salty caviar on top of squid-stuffed pork). The cookbook blends Vietnamese heritage with Louisiana influence and includes a collection of contemporary Vietnamese recipes such as Hanoi-style vermicelli with grilled pork, three variations of phở, Southeast Asian jambalaya and sticky fried shrimp bánh mì.

Style

BY ANDY MYER

Witchy Woman

It’s spooky season in New Orleans and high time to craft some magic.

1. With a design inspired by popular spider web dresses from the ‘40s and ‘50s, the Charlotte’s Web dress features pewter beaded and embroidered webs at the shoulder and hip with a flattering full-length skirt. Available at Trashy Diva, trashydiva.com.

2. This spellbinding charm features a 55-carat natural amethyst, in a cage setting with a Mexican Fire Opal-carved skull. Add this piece to your favorite chain to create your own pendant. Available at Porter Lyons, porterlyons.com.

3. Every good witch needs a parasol, and this vintage style option is made from beautiful light weight cotton Battenberg lace. The fringed base adds an extra layer of glam and sun protection which also works great at festivals. Available at Bella Umbrella, bellaumbrella.com.

4. Loeffler Randall’s Serena Clutch is crafted from soft silver snake embossed leather. Charm even the toughest serpents in your life with this chic bag that comes complete with a removable chain. Available at Febe, febeclothing.com.

5. Hannah Jewett’s sculptural candles look like a character straight out of a Tim Burton movie. These festive works of art are available in a perfect array of mix and match Halloween colors (black, green, purple and orange) at Blue Dream, bluedreamneworleans.com.

BY KELLY MASSICOT

Oak Street Po-Boy Festival

The poor boy sandwich - known more colloquially as the “po-boy” – has been a staple of New Orleans food culture since the 1920’s when the Martin brothers created a hearty, cheap sandwich for workers on strike. The sandwich itself has seen many varieties and flavors but nothing beats a classic. The Oak Street Po-Boy Festival has been honoring the humble, classic fare since 2007

with no signs of slowing down. Kari Shisler is the woman in charge of making sure the festival runs smoothly for the over 50,000 festivalgoers each year.

Q: How did you get involved with the festival?

I moved almost 20 years ago to New Orleans for its music and culture. Oak Street became my primary stomping ground. Hank Staples took over the leadership of the festival in 2010 and

needed someone to run logistics. As a lover of the Oak Street corridor and with a background as a film producer, it was a perfect fit and became my labor of love.

Q: Can you share a little of the festival’s history?

The festival started in 2007 by the Oak Street Association. The association eventually united with the Merchants Residents and Property Owners to form the Oak Street Merchants Residents

Kari Shisler

/ PHOTO BY JESS KEARNEY

Property Owners (OSMRPO), who now produces the festival along with our presenting sponsor, Tony Chachere’s. What started out as a mission to drive business to the street has now grown into a robust partnership with incredible sponsors and a collaboration with off-Oak and Oak Street restaurants in a festival that honors what Hank once called, “New Orleans’ greatest contribution to world cuisine.”

Q: What all goes into planning the festival? While a solid six months goes into prepping this event, sponsor calls can occur as early as the start of the new year to get ahead of corporate budgeting and get in front of their marketing teams. At the two-month mark, food applications are due and permit deadlines drop. Thirty days out it is non-stop through to the end of the festival.

Q: How does it get the community and businesses involved? We’ve been truly fortunate to engage and partner with major businesses such as Tony Chachere’s, Fox 8, Urban South, evamor, Uniti Fiber, Blue Plate and Jameson, to name a few. These brands have been invaluable in supporting the festival’s infrastructure as well as creating an environment that celebrates the city’s most iconic sandwich. Son of a Saint, our nonprofit, 501(c)3 partner, grounds this event’s mission to support the community who produced the po-boy. The festival would be nothing without all the restaurants who bring the flavors and the local bands who deliver the music.

Q: What is your favorite part of the festival? Definitely how the day-of plays out in these technicolor “snapshots” - the opening parade with its walking krewes and brass bands, friends and families sharing poboys, kids having fun in School of Rock’s Kids World, and all of those tantalizing po-boys!

Q: Why do you think it’s one of people’s favorite festivals each year? I think a big factor is how many different versions of the po-boy are available within one, enjoyable, event. Many participating restaurants are also fan favorites. There is something about how all of the food vendors finesse the ingredients that honors the traditional po-boys and elevates others into award-winning interpretations.

Q: Is there anything new this year that people can expect? We are bringing back panel discussions that will present the history of the po-boy along with the history of the Oak Street/Carrollton neighborhood. Location of these panels will be on our website next month along with the names and menus of participating food vendors.

Q: What’s your favorite po-boy? I think every single one is worthy, however, being a pescatarian (fish only) one of my favorites has to be Parkway Tavern & Bakery’s Buffalo Shrimp Bahn Mi which won Best Shrimp in 2022.

Fun facts about the festival:

1. Over 8,500 loaves of po-boy bread are served in the course of the day.

2. 100 + versions of this iconic sandwich are offered.

3. This festival footprint, boasting 40K+ attendees, is built, used, and wrapped in a 24 hour period.

Kids grow up too fast. Sometimes they don’t even like it their own selves.

My youngest daughter Gladiola is 18, but she don’t want to face the rest of her life without trick or treating on Halloween. These days she goes trick-or-treating with her Aunt Gloriosa’s kids. She wears a ghost costume and sort of squats down to walk the kids to the door and holds out her bag right along with them. She does pretty good. She and I live in the French Quarter in an apartment in the back of my gentleman friend Lust’s bar.

Usually, when trick-or-treating with the kids is over, she takes her bag of loot and comes home to the Quarter to ogle the more sophisticated version of Halloween until I make her stash her candy and go to bed.

Last Halloween, she planned to do her usual walk with Gloriosa and the kids, but afterward, she had a date. She was careful not to let me know, but she was meeting one of her college boyfriends to go bar hopping — even though she was not legally old enough.

I drive up to Folsom early in the evening, like I always do, to see my older daughter Gumdrop’s kids in their costumes. I decide to give them a little scare this year, and I walk in wearing a full-face lizard mask that somebody forgot at the bar last year. But they just look at me and say, “Oh hi, Grandma!”

Hmph. Somebody tipped them off.

I hope.

I take pictures of them looking adorable in their sweet little Frankenstein costumes; tell them to be sure to brush tonight or their teeth will rot out of their little heads, and turn around for the long drive home.

I finally get to the Quarter and park, and I’m walking to the Sloth Lounge. On the way, I pass the Oops Bar with a line outside— there’s lines outside of a lot of bars on Halloween Night — and a bouncer in a pumpkin mask is checking drivers licenses to be sure everybody is of legal age. All of a sudden, he pulls it up

Tricks and Treats

Beware what’s behind the mask

and yells, “Modine!” I realize it is Vance Veizer, a guy I know from back when I lived in Chalmette. He says, “Help me out a minute. I got an urgent call of nature here—would you stand in for me? For a couple minutes? Please?”

So I put on my lizard mask and stand in the doorway and start checking licenses while he runs off to the bathroom.

Most people are legitimate customers, over 21, and then up walks this evil clown and his girlfriend, Miss Piggy, both in full face masks.

Miss Piggy hands me an old, battered license with the date smeared that says —my eyeballs almost pop out—Gargoyle Gunch. Now I personally gave birth to Gargoyle Gunch 22 years ago. But this ain’t Gargoyle Gunch. I stare. This is his baby sister, my daughter Gladiola.

“Your idiot of a brother lent you his old license?” I yell through the mask.

It takes a couple seconds. Then she squeaks, “Ma?”

“And YOU don’t get in either,” I tell the boyfriend. “I should have you arrested for misleading a

child.” Actually he’s probably a child himself. I get out my phone. “I am going to report you both to the French Quarter Bouncer Network.” (Which of course I made up.)

They scurry away.

Somebody in line says, “Geez. Don’t piss off the lizard lady.”

Later I found out them two did what I figured they would once their bar-hopping excursion was derailed — sneaked into our apartment behind the Sloth Lounge and watched scary movies on TV.

When I got home later, the boyfriend had slunk off; Gladiola was asleep in her footie pajamas, and there were candy wrappers and almost-empty glasses of chocolate milk on the coffee table.

I got to face facts. In a couple years, Gladiola will be old enough to legally use her own license to get into bars.

But for now, she better remember that the bouncer she encounters might turn out to be her mother.

Halloween Town

Welcoming visitors to the dark side

Dear Salem,

I write today with a warning: Something wicked this way comes.

With Halloween nigh, the dark tourists lurk, eager to revel in your city’s macabre past under the moon’s wan light. We in New Orleans can certainly relate.

Admittedly, the dark-and-stormy brand of heebie-jeebies sought by visitors to your neck of the woods are a different flavor than that found here. For you, it is all about witchcraft and whisperings of black magic. Down here, we are more about vampires and voodoo.

OK, and witchcraft and black magic. And swamps and pirates and rougarous and fifolet and ghosts and Madam Lalaurie and …

Suffice it to say, we’ve got more than our share of darkness down here at the end of the world, and a costuming tradition to go with it – which helps explain why darkhearts and dreadheads haunt the city this time every year.

The point is, as different as they are, Salem and New Orleans share enough in common to be kindred spirits of sorts.

We both, for example, bear the mark of Hanna-Barbera, which puts us in exclusive company. (Can you name another real-world city outside of Salem and New Orleans that has figured prominently in a “Scooby-doo” cartoon?)

But in the interest of setting the record straight, and in an ongoing effort to explain New Orleans customs to the world, we must confess a dark little secret: We have not always been a true Halloween town.

There’s no debating the region’s goblin-friendly mystique, mind you. But it is only recently — say, in the past 20 years — that New Orleans has become a bona fide Halloween tourist destination.

The once-annual Voodoo Music Experience was an early force in that movement. Anne Rice’s popular Vampire Ball and those bloodsucker books of hers were even earlier ones.

But in the past couple of decades, we’ve seen the addition of haunted house attractions, dark festivals and even a Carnival-style Halloween parade. In the process, the spooky season down here has become a Halloween lover’s dream.

A dive into The Times-Picayune archives reveals that D.H. Holmes, Solari’s and other local merchants were marketing seasonally inspired cakes and candies for Halloween parties as early as 1925, but the phrase “trick or treat” didn’t make its first appearance in the paper until 1944.

It was still such a relatively new practice in 1947 that the newspaper saw fit to explain it to its readers.

“In many Northern cities,” it wrote, “the little folk mask and clothe themselves in outfits reminiscent of New Orleans Carnival costumes, then troup through their home neighborhood, ringing doorbells and giggling ‘Tricks or Treats!’”

The most telling part of that story, however, are its opening words. It begins: “All Hallows Eve, the night before All Saints’ Day …”

you know: Who Dat and all).

Rather, it is a central element in our burial traditions, a day on which the faithful trek to local cemeteries, where they clean the graves of their dearly departed. Flowers are left behind, prayers said and tears shed.

A far cry from the more festive customs for which the city is better known, it is a somber, sacred day, at once melancholy but also beautiful with its poignant intermingling of faith, love and loss, and a touching manifestation of our collective preoccupation with death.

Sadly, All Saints’ Day isn’t observed as universally here as it once was. A hundred years ago, local cemeteries were packed with people. “Throngs” is the word the Picayune used to describe it then.

Ask Mike

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

There’s nothing wrong with that, of course. I’m sure our local businesses are only too happy to sell them all the eye of nutria they can fit in their cauldrons.

But – and here comes the real warning – one must wonder if we’re not unwittingly trading something precious for that.

It seems New Orleanians of the time couldn’t be expected to know when Halloween was – but everybody and their meemaw knew All Saints’ Day.

Imported from Europe through the city’s French-Catholic traditions, it has long been a special observation in New Orleans, and not just because it happens to be the day on which the New Orleans Saints were founded in 1966 (but,

Nowadays, a steady trickle of visitors can be spotted at our more prominent graveyards every Nov. 1. The throngs, however, are largely absent, presumably sleeping off the previous night’s potent mix of pumpkin juice and candy corn. Which is exactly how traditions wither and die.

Scary thought.

Insincerely yours, New Orleans

1889

Haunted houses are everywhere in Louisiana, or so they say. What self-respecting plantation house or French Quarter garçonnière doesn’t have a benign ghost or two biding its time somewhere up in the garret. None, however, are more famous, or infamous, than Madame Delphine Lalaurie’s early 1830s mansion, or haunted house, seen here in 1889 on the corner of Royal and Hospital streets in the Vieux Carré. By the way, in 1909 the city changed the name of Hospital Street to Governor Nicholls to honor the “valorous conduct” of Francis T. Nicholls, Louisiana’s two-time governor and Confederate general who fought at the Battle of Bull Run.

Who was Madame Delphine Laurie and what’s the story behind her “haunted house?” Herbert Asbury, in his delightfully written 1938 “informal” history of New Orleans titled The French Quarter, described Madame Lalaurie, born Marie Delphine Macarty in 1787, as a “bewitching and engaging creature.” She was, he continued, “a member of a very powerful New Orleans family, and herself so prominent in society that when Lafayette visited the city in 1825, she entertained him at dinner. Delphine was famous throughout Louisiana as a charming and gracious hostess, and is said to have been one of the most beautiful women of New Orleans of her time.” As to her third husband, Dr. Louis Lalaurie, Asbury pictured him as a “meek, mousy little man, wholly under her domination.”

Behind the façade, this “bewitching and engaging creature” apparently

lived a Jekyll and Hyde life in the dark recesses of her mansion. Rampant stories of Madame Lalaurie’s barbaric cruelty to her enslaved servants prevail to this day – and, according to legend, so do their spirits. According to historian Carolyn Morrow Long, “rumors of her atrocities had been circulating for years.” It all came to light on April 10, 1834, when the house caught fire and seven enslaved people were found “starved, tortured, and chained.” Long continues the story in the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities’ 64 Parishes Encyclopedia: “As the day went on and the sheriff did not arrest the culprit, an increasingly angry crowd gathered around the Lalaurie home. Finally, her carriage burst out of the gate and sped to Lake Pontchartrain, where she boarded a schooner. The mob, enraged by her escape, nearly demolished the empty house.”

The Haunted House Corner of Royale and Hospital Streets, 1889 albumen (egg white protein). The Historic New Orleans Collection.

Lalaurie and her family fled first to Mobile and then to New York and finally Paris, where she remained the rest of her life. According to Long, Delphine died on Dec. 7, 1849, and was buried in the Cimetière de Montmartre, Paris. Two years later her body was returned to New Orleans and entombed at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.

More recently, Madame Lalaurie’s haunted house was briefly owned by actor Nicholas Cage. And this past July, its current owner put it up for sale with a price tag of $10.5 million. The ghostly legend, however, is free.

The OF THE LOST ART dinnertr

Virginia Woolf once famously said, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well if one has not dined well.” Dinner parties, while once de rigueur in one's calendar, has been overshadowed by casual hangs and Uber Eats. Shelley Dee Girgrah, along with her husband Dr. Nigel Girgrah, invited New Orleans Magazine into their home for a bit of dining magic. And with Chef Jason Goodenough at the helm, we can’t wait to indulge in every last bite.

Styled by Melissa Coleman | Photography by Jess Kearney

Create a big batch specialty cocktail unique to the event or occasion. In this case, Girgrah worked with bartender Matt McBride to create a pomegranate Champagne cocktail for the evening.

Passed appetizers

Croque Monsieur

Smoked Ham, Gruyère Cheese, Brioche

Cajun Caviar Tartlets

Whipped Potato, Creme Fraiche, Crispy Phyllo

First Course

Creole Tomato Tart

Whipped Chèvre, Fresh Thyme, Parmigiano Reggiano

Second Course

Slow-Cooked Filet of Salmon

Tarragon Aioli

Roasted Butternut Squash

Baby Arugula, Pepitas, Ricotta Salata

Roasted Beef Tenderloin

Smoked Paprika Emulsion, Chimichurri

Poached Baby Potatoes

Red Wine Vinaigrette, Fresh Herbs

Jason Goodenough, New Orleans Magazine Chef of the Year for 2017 created and prepared the menu. Goodenough, known for his iconic restaurant Carrollton Market, now has the Goodenough Supper Club and recently started a new venture, a 10-restaurant chain in Florida called The Chicken Spit.

Borrow from friends. Does you best friend have to prettiest set of blush champagne coupes or the most amazing floral platter? Don’t hesitate to make it a collaborative affair instead of feeling the pressure to purchase really specific things.

Flowers, flowers everywhere. Whether you enlist the help of a floral designer, as Girgrah did with Leaf + Petal NOLA, or arrange your own, flowers always add the perfect finishing touch to any table.

If possible, hire a chef or caterer. No one wants to cook while their guests are sipping on Champagne and chatting. Goodenough planned the menu full of fresh seasonal ingredients to reflect the changing seasons and robust wine pairings to match.

Same goes for a bartender and servers. While Girgrah loves a DIY Champagne station, having a bartender handy for mixed drinks helps with the flow. Additionaly, a server or an extra pair of hands to pass food will help with the coursing of the menu and cleanup at the end of the night!

People love variety on a menu. Girgrah opts to offer more than one entrée so her guests can choose what suits their palate. In this case, working with Goodenough, the menu included both salmon and steak.

If hiring a server isn’t in your party budget, a beautifully styled buffet is a classic option. It’s the perfect chance for guests to serve themselves (and come back for seconds!) Long taper candles and a floral centerpiece makes for the prettiest display.

by melanie warner spencer

FALL FEST FUN FALL FEST FUN

FALL CELEBRATIONS THAT WILL KEEP YOU DANCING, JAMMING, FEASTING AND FESTING

Festing is a yearround pastime in New Orleans and throughout the state. But fall is arguably the start of the festival season, which extends into winter.

Whether you’re into grooving to your favorite bands, tucking into delectable Louisiana staples (it’s gumbo weather, y’all) or celebrating your culture—or someone else’s—there’s a fest for that. While this list doesn’t include every single festival in the region—we’d need a lot more space—we’re confident that if you are a fest lover, you’ll be well-occupied between now and the new year.

For Music Lovers

NOLAxNOLA

From Sept. 26-Oct. 6, jam out to the music of your favorite regional bands during NOLAxNOLA. Brassaholics, Kermit Ruffins, Preservation Allstars and Dwayne Dopsie and The Zydeco Hellraisers are a few of the notable names performing at iconic New Orleans venues such as D.B.A., Chickie Wah Wah and The Orpheum, as well as breweries and bars throughout the city. Fans of early iterations of Austin’s South by Southwest won’t want to miss this one. nolaxnola.com

Gretna Fest

If the chance to see 60 acts in three days from Oct, 4-6, isn’t enough of a draw, the food, arts and crafts at Gretna Fest might grab your attention. This year, the fest turns 30 and organizers are turning it up with local favorites like Galactic and The Revivalists, plus national acts, including Morris Day & The Time, Foghat, Dierks Bentley and the Steve Miller Band. gretnafest.com

Gentilly Fest

Oct. 11, celebrate all things Gentilly and help raise money for the community and its first responders during Gentilly Fest. Groove all day at the main stage, emceed by the always energetic WWLTV “Great Day Louisiana” host Malik Ming, get your soul nourished at the Gospel Tent, sample good eats from your favorite local restaurants and have fun with your littles in the Kid’s Village. Admission is free. gentillyfestival.com

Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival

Devotees of the free, Oct. 11-13, Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival held at Lafayette Square Park have been treated to three days of music, art and ‘cue for nearly two decades. For this year’s installment, Lil Ed & the Blues Imperials and Irma Thomas & the Professionals headline the event presented by the nonprofit New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, with heavy hitters like Marcia Ball and Little Freddie King rounding out the talented lineup. This year

sees the return of the oral history stage at Gallier Hall. crescentcitybluesfest.com

The Louisiana Music and Heritage Experience’s NOLA Funk Fest

The Louisiana Music and Heritage Experience’s NOLA Funk Fest, held at the New Orleans Jazz Museum on the edge of the French Quarter and the Frenchman live music corridor, lives up to its name with a down-anddirty lineup you won’t want to miss. From Oct. 18-20, your favorite local funk bands, such as Dumpstaphunk, the Soul Rebels and the Bucktown Allstars, are layin’ it down. Big Freedia closes out Friday night, Saturday ends with Geo Leo (featuring George Porter Jr. and Leo Nocentelli playing the music of the Meters with Ivan Neville and Stanton Moore) and Sunday, turn it out with Tank and the Bangas. Two oral history symposiums with musical performances, tell the story of Blues and Jazz and its evolution into R&B, Rock and Roll, and Funk. nolafunkfest.com

NOLA Zydeco Fest

On Nov. 2, cha cha your way down to Crescent Park for NOLA Zydeco Fest to dance to the tunes of Dwayne Dopsie, Harold Guillory and more, find your favorite roux at the gumbo cookoff and try your turn on the mechanical bull. This free, one-day festival has your Saturday unlocked. nolazydecofest.com

Sober Fest

For its second annual installment on Nov. 18, Sober Fest, brings its alcohol-free music festival downtown to the Sugar Mill. Listen to live performances, purchase local eats and enjoy games for the kids during this free event benefitting Bridge House Grace House and its recovery programs. Attendees can also buy and try a variety of non-alcoholic beverages during the fest. bridgehouse. org/events/sober-fest

Nearby

Abbeville

Oct. 4-6

74th Louisiana Cattle Festival louisianacattlefestival.org

Raceland Oct. 4-6

La Fête Des Vieux Temps lacajunbayou. com

Abita Springs Oct. 11-12

Abita Fall Fest abitafallfest.com

Lafayette Oct. 11 - 13

Festivals Acadiens et Créoles festivalsacadiens.com

New Iberia Oct. 12-13

World Championship Gumbo Cookoff iberiachamber. org/gumbocookoff

Baton Rouge Oct. 17, 19 and 20

8th Annual A Taste of the Deep South Festival htjday.com

Houma Oct 18-20

Rougarou Fest rougaroufest.org

Lafayette Oct. 19

Gulf Brew acadianacenterforthearts. org/events/gulfbrew-2024

Lake Charles

Oct. 19

Chuck Fest chuckfest.org

Thibodaux

Oct. 19

Acadia Music Fest acadiamusicfest. net

For Food Lovers

National Fried Chicken Festival

Ranked one of the Best Specialty Food Festivals in America in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice awards the Oct. 5-6, National Fried Chicken Festival presented by Cane’s features nearly 40 restaurants from across the country and is a fried chicken lovers fever dream. Now in its seventh year, the fest features a heavy contingent of local establishments known for their delectable takes on the southern staple, including Willie Mae’s and Picnic Provisions & Whiskey. The festival is held at the New Orleans Lakefront behind the UNO Lakefront Arena and is free to children under 12. friedchickenfestival.com

Oak Street Po-boy Fest

Does it get any better than a day devoted to po-boys and music? If that sounds like your favorite way to pass a good time, the Oct. 27, Oak Street Po-boy Fest is the place for you. With five stages and the piano truck, po-boys of every kind from your favorite local restaurants as far as the eye can see, an opening parade, contest, activities for the kids and a Saints game-watching VIP area, there’s no reason not to make this event your Sunday hang. poboyfest.com

Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival

There is no better location in all of New Orleans than Louis Armstrong Park for the Nov. 9-10, Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival. Sampling the many variations of gumbo while listening to brass bands and shopping the arts market featuring hand-crafted art, crafts and furnishings is the recipe for a perfect day in the Crescent City. jazzandheritage.org

Beignet Fest

New Orleans’ iconic pastry, beignets, come in sweet and savory versions and during Beignet Fest on Nov. 16, you can try your fill of both. The familyfriendly event at City Park Conservancy’s festival grounds features live music, great food, kid’s activities and, of course, beignets. Proceeds benefit the Beignet Fest Foundation, which serves autistic youth and their families. beignetfest.com

For Arts Lovers

Art for Art’s Sake

See and be seen while taking in fabulous art (and architecture) during the Oct. 5, Art for Art’s Sake event on Magazine Street. Businesses stay open late during this annual event so you can dip in and out of the galleries, boutiques, coffees shops, restaurants and bars, while sipping wine and strolling down one of the city’s most beautiful and bustling avenues. magazinestreet.com/event/ art-for-art-sake

Prospect.6

For its 2024 installment of what’s touted as the longestrunning, citywide contemporary art triennial, the Nov. 2-Feb. 2, Prospect.6: The Future is Present, The Harbinger is

Home, features 49 artists in 20 venues and spaces across New Orleans. This year, the event explores the themes of climate change, colonialism and belonging. prospectneworleans.org

New Orleans Film Festival

At the Oct. 17-27 New Orleans Film Festival, movie buffs and aspiring filmmakers alike can get their film fix during screenings; rub elbows with industry pros at the parties and receptions; catch panels, workshops and talks and even pitch their own films during the conference. neworleansfilmsociety.org

For Spooky Season

Ghosts in the Oaks

Kids of all ages will thrill at the Oct. 17, Ghosts in the Oaks festivities at City Park Conservancy. Don costumes for Halloween trick-ortreating in Storyland then roast hot dogs, do crafts and enjoy the rides at the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. neworleanscitypark.org

Krewe of BOO

Since 2007, Krewe of BOO has taken to the streets to delight and fright paradegoers who dare come out after dark. On Oct. 19, the krewe will roll in floats by Kern Studios and with some of New Orleans’ favorite marching and dancing krewes reimagined for Halloween zombie walking in their wake. kreweofboo.com

Madisonville Oct. 19-20

Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival maritimemuseumlouisiana.org/woodenboatfestival

New Iberia Oct. 20

Beneath the Balconies explorelouisiana.com

Lafayette Oct. 25-26 Black Pot Festival blackpostfestival.com

Monroe Oct. 25-27 Chennault Festival chennaultfest.com

Shreveport Oct. 30-Nov. 17 State Fair of Louisiana statefairoflouisiana. com

Thibodaux Nov. 2

2nd Annual Barbecue and Bourbon on the Bayou Fest facebook.com/BBQBourbonBluesFestival

Hammond Nov. 2 Brews Arts Festival hammondarts.org/ brews-arts-festival

Port Barre Nov. 7-10 37th Annual Cracklin Festival cracklinfest.com

Lake Charles Nov. 16

Smoke & Barrel smokeandbarrel org/ smoke-barrel

Natchitoches Nov. 23-Jan. 6 98th Natchitoches Christmas Festival

Lutcher Dec. 13-15

Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Levee festivalofthebonfires. org

CHERYL GERBER PHOTO

For Culture

Oktoberfest

The Deutsch Haus in Bayou St. John flings open its doors to the public for not one, not two but three weekends for Oktoberfest beginning Oct. 11. Don your lederhosen and use the words schnitzel and weisswurst with abandon while quaffing some of the 20 German beers and local German-style beers by Urban South and Faubourg Brewing. A dog parade and the requisite Chicken Dance (performed daily) make for a fun family event. oktober festnola.com

Tremé Fall Festival

Tremé comes alive on Oct. 25 for the 9th Annual Tremé Fall Festival. Gates open at 11 a.m. as the James Rivers Movement gets the show started. The fest (and the Patron Party on Friday night) is thrown by the Friends of Tremé Culture. Get there early on Saturday for the second line kick-off, featuring the Southern Belle Baby Dolls. The fest wraps up with a performance by the TBC Brass Band featuring Ha Sizzle and Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, a show guaranteed to bring the house down. tremefest.org

51st Annual Bayou Classic

To say the 51st Annual Bayou Classic is just a football game is like saying Mardi Gras is just a street party. Once again, throw

the records out the window as the Grambling State Tigers battle the Southern University Jaguars on Nov. 30 at the Caesars Superdome. The ultimate “if you know you know” weekend kicks off on Friday, Nov. 29, with the Battle of the Bands and Greek Show. If you haven’t seen the show, drop everything you’re doing, get those tickets and plan your week of events. mybayouclassic.com.

Bayou Bacchanal

Grab your friends and see what’s shakin’ at the 22nd annual Bayou Bacchanal on Nov 1-2. Go hungry and wear your dancing shoes to enjoy the tastes and sounds of Caribbean culture. It’s a weekend of festivities. The Wear White Dance at the Ashé Powerhouse Theatre on Friday night is a must. friendsofculture.org

For the Holidays

LUNA Fête

Take a trip downtown to get lit and light up the night at the 11th Annual LUNA Fête. This free festival goes from Nov. 14-17 and is a mindblowing mashup of light and art. Bring the kids, bring your buds. The weather should be perfect for taking a nighttime stroll around this light fantastic. lunafete.com

Celebration in the Oaks

City Park Conservancy is one of the crown jewels of New Orleans and is decorated with thousands of lights during the annual Celebration in the Oaks. The holiday celebration goes from Nov. 23 to Dec. 30 and has been a local family tradition since the 1980s. To this day it still captures the imaginations of kids and adults alike. Driving and walking tours are offered and don’t forget Bike Nights. You may want to reserve your tickets ahead of time as some evenings sell out. Have your cameras ready for a Mr. Bingle sighting. neworleanscitypark.org

Thanksgiving at the Fairgrounds

If you’re not gambling on a Thursday afternoon, have you even celebrated Thanksgiving in New Orleans? Thanksgiving at the Fairgrounds, Nov. 28, is the unofficial opening day of the Fairgrounds Race Course & Slots’ biggest day of the winter season (the track actually opens its doors on Nov. 22.) Wear a costume, don vintage style or your Derby best, bet longshots, eat a turkey dinner and enjoy the people watching along the rail. fairgroundsracecourse.com

Algiers Holiday Bonfires & Concert

Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade

It’s all about family fun as the Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade rolls through the French Quarter into the CBD on Dec. 7. Kids delight in the magic of the season watching Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and the Ginger Bread Man float by. The older set smile right along as the legendary Mr. Bingle makes the scene. It’s all good tidings and vibes. nolaholidayparade.com

As the only holiday bonfire in New Orleans, the Dec. 7, Algiers Holiday Bonfires & Concert is a must. This local tribute to the Louisiana parish holiday bonfires tradition is free and includes music, food and a holiday artisan market. algierseconomic. com/algiersbonfire

Krewe of Krampus’ NOLAuf Parade

On Dec. 7, after two years as a stationary parade, Krewe of Krampus’ NOLAuf Parade makes its return as a walking parade.

According to central European legend, Krampus is a half-man, half-demon sent to punish naughty children before the Feast of Saint Nicolas. Billed as “the largest Krampus parade in America” attendees can expect to view larger-than-life, other-worldly beasts created by performers from all over the world. kreweofkrampus.com

Christmasfest

Step into a winter wonderland Dec. 20-30, at NOLA Christmasfest. Carnival rides, an ice-skating rink, gingerbread village and giant wreath are a few of the highlights of this family-friendly event. Don’t forget to plan time for a visit with Santa. nolachristmasfest. com

New Year's Eve Fireworks

At the stroke of midnight on Dec. 31, the sky over the Mississippi River bursts to life during the New Orleans New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show. Start your day-of festivities early with the Allstate Sugar Bowl Parade, which rolls at 2:30 p.m. pmcrescentcitycountdown.com

Down the road

Florida Sandestin, Oct. 11 and 12: Baytowne Beer Festival, baytownebeerfestival.com

South Walton, Oct. 12, The Market Shops Bloody Mary Festival, themarketshops.com/ bloody-mary-festival

Pensacola, Nov. 9: Night Moves Fest Returns to Pensacola for Second Year as Part of the Eleventh Annual Pensacola Foo Foo Festival (Nov. 11) Featuring Silversun Pickups, Alvvays & Beach Fossils, nightmovesfest.com, foofoofest.com

Mississippi Natchez, Oct.18-19: Natchez Balloon Festival, natchezballoonfestival.com

Bay Saint Louis, Oct. 26: 10th Witches Walk, baystlouis-ms.gov/ special-events/page/ witchs-walk

Ocean Springs, Nov. 2-3: 46th Peter Anderson Festival, peterandersonfestival.com

Gulfport, Nov. 9-10: Scottish Highland Games & Celtic Music Festival, mshighlandsandislands.com

Alabama

Gulf Shores, Oct. 10-13: 51st National Shrimp Festival, myshrimpfest. com

Theodore, Nov. 29Jan.5: Bellingrath Gardens and Home’s 29th Magic Christmas In Lights, bellingrath. org

Mobile, Moonpie Over Mobile, Dec. 31: moonpieovermobile.com

BY GENEVIEVE RHEAMS / ILLUSTRATION BY AMBER DAY

IT’S ALL FUN…AND FRIGHTS MARRIED TO A HAUNTER

Idecided to stack the plastic skulls in a laundry basket because I didn’t know where else to put them. This is a problem I never imagined having. Before I married Melanie my Halloween decorations included one strand of orange lights and window clings of cute black cats. Now my living room, bedroom, and front yard are strewn with bones, zombies, and drooling spiders. My wife loves to haunt. She’s alive and everything. She’s not an actual ghost. By day she is a zoologist who works with reptiles. Technically that makes her a herpetologist, but when I say “My wife is a herpetologist,” people immediately think that her job involves herpes. But from September to October every year for the last 18 years, she has gotten off work, changed into blood-stained clothing, and scared the pants off of people at The Mortuary.

This is funny because she’s married to me and I’m a total weenie. Ask anyone. One Halloween when I was in the sixth grade, I bailed on my cousin Danny literally outside the door of the St. Rita Elementary School haunted house because I heard a growl. Danny and I had been waiting in line to get in for almost an hour. But when we got to the door and I heard that growl, I said, “I can’t do this,” and ran. The last thing I heard as I fled in terror was Danny saying, “Seriously?” He had a point. It was a grade school haunted house in a gym. Most likely the person who was growling was a cafeteria lady with plastic vampire teeth saying, “Rawr.”

Years later, when I was a senior in high school, my friends convinced me to go with them to Sheriff Foti’s Haunted House in City Park. I thought, “I’m older. I can do this.” Not 30 seconds into the place, someone jumped out at me, claws bared, and I grabbed the 10-year-old boy in front of me and used him as a shield.

And now I’m married to a person who wears “Night of the Living Dead” T-shirts any time of the year. Her love of everything horror both fascinates and confuses me. When she was a kid, her dad took her on a photoshoot that he was doing for a funeral home. She decided to climb into one of the open caskets to see what it was like to lie inside of one. Her dad, also a fan of the macabre, took a picture of her in mock repose. I’ve never seen this picture, and I’m glad. Because I have a fear of death and would never sleep again.

But she loves the adrenaline rush of fear. Hence her love of jumping out at people at the Mortuary.

“What do you like about working at the haunted house?” I asked her once.

“I love scaring people,” she said.

“So, what’s the difference between scaring people and being a bully?”

“The people who come into the house want to be scared. I’m giving them what they’ve paid for.”

Since I’ve only been dragged kicking and screaming into them, I forget that people go into haunted houses willingly. Their nervous systems understand the thing that mine clearly doesn’t – that it’s all acting and make believe. The haunter and the haunted play pretend together.

Of course, one could argue that working in a den of venomous snakes is also a way to terrify people. In either case whoever walks into the reptile house or the haunted house does so by their own volition. It just depends on whether or not you’d like Melanie to hand you a cobra or come at you with a chainsaw.

But over the years, I have discovered an interesting flipside to her dark side. She has a sweet spot for the underdog, and that includes poor souls that people usually fear; both human and animal.

One time she came home from work and said that a goose bit her (because these are the situations she gets herself into). It wasn’t bad, just a small red mark on her hand. When I asked what happened she said, “Well, I provoked him.” She explained that geese like to feel tough. So, she approached him, called him a few names or something, and in her words, “let him bite me a couple of times and then I threw up my hands and yelled ‘ahhh’ and ran away. Geese like to know they can scare you. He walked away feeling good about himself.”

“But why?” I said.

“Those small critters so seldom get to feel tough,” she said. “He needed to feel like he did a good job.”

I still don’t understand why he couldn’t have just muttered positive affirmations in the mirror like the rest of us, but I’m not a zoologist. She said that geese, like snakes and lizards, are just misunderstood.

This sympathy crosses over into monsters. When she moved in with me, she hung a wooden plaque of Frankenstein’s face on the wall. I said he looked grim. She said he looked sad because he was misunderstood.

“And he’s called Frankenstein’s monster, baby, not Frankenstein,” she said, the way that a someone would correct you at Comicon if you called Batman a Marvel superhero.

Halloween is her absolute favorite holiday because it’s the time of year when the underdogs own the night.

And so, after four years of marriage the thing that I thought would never happen has happened - I’m less afraid. You could say that exposure to all the creepy things has desensitized me, and I’m sure there’s some truth in that, but you still won’t find me in a haunted house. I’m too jumpy. I think it has more to do with the concept of the misunderstood monster. I also have a soft spot for an underdog. Melanie is my sweet monster, delighting in playing pretend in the dark.

This brings us back to the basket of skulls. She makes her own horror props and she’s a scientist, which means that some of the skulls lying around our house are real and some are for fun but all are for display. This begs the question: can one have too many skulls? (yes)

She’s talked about corpsing them and scattering them in our front yard cemetery (note: “corpsing” is a process by which you take a plain plastic skeleton and give it fake rotting flesh), but we’ve both been so busy that, so far, they’ve just sat in the basket as if waiting for the wash. Personally, I think they’ve got their own charm hanging out in there as if we’re ogres and this is just another day where we’ve let the bones pile up like so much laundry.

So, if you have any ideas about what to do with piles of skulls let me know. And if you’re looking for something to do on Halloween and love a good fright, let Melanie know. She will happily jump out and scare you. I’ll be inside with all the lights on.

A special thank you to SOSUSU, The Cannery, Toulouse Gourmet, and H2O Salon & Spa.

Photography by Theresa Cassagne / Styled by Julia Stall

Clothing by Sosusu From left to right: Prabal Gurung on Coleena Zimet; Vazquez on Elizabeth Ward; Prabal Gurung “WNDRLUST” on Ari Kaller; Bibhu Mohapatra on Dr. Lauren Agnew; JU-NNA, Sara Roka, and Sylvia Toledano on Victoria Giglio; Staud on Dr. Heather Vinet; Edeline Lee on Tiffani Calix; and Greta Constantine on Hedy Kraft.

Dr. Lauren Agnew

ANorthshore staple who has found great success in Old Metairie and Uptown New Orleans, Dr. Lauren Agnew and Eye Wares NOLA provide the finest comprehensive eye care and eyewear services in the Greater New Orleans area. Taking over an existing practice in 2020, Dr. Agnew has thrived and expanded in recent years, with clients flocking to her aesthetically pleasing offices for personal eye services, high-end frames, and luxury optical services such as personal styling. Also offering the city’s only exclusive dry spa with intense pulse light therapy and radio frequency, Dr. Agnew is primed to continue revolutionizing dry eye solutions mixed in with some fabulous eyewear no matter what side of the lake you reside on!

Clothing from SOSUSU Boutique: Tata Naka dress and Cult Garcia earrings

Eye Wares NOLA

Tiffani Calix

Wigs By Tiffani, a woman-owned and led business dedicated to empowering women and children experiencing various types of hair loss, is the brainchild of creator and founder Tiffani Calix. After struggling to find wigs or hairpieces that fit her style following postpartum hair loss, Tiffani took the risk of starting her own wig-manufacturing company to help alleviate this need in others like her. Through the runway success of Wigs by Tiffani and The Wigs By Tiffani Children’s Fund, which provides free wigs, toppers, and hair products to children suffering hair loss, she has been able to offer both adults and children a chance to reclaim their style and feel confident, powerful, and beautiful every single day.

Clothing from SOSUSU Boutique: Susan Bender

Owner, Wigs By Tiffani

Hedy Rose Kraft

Owner, Kraft Development LLC

Since 2019, Hedy Rose Kraft has remained dedicated to expanding the economy in the New Orleans area with projects including historic buildouts with specialized engineering, architectural, and design needs. More recently, Hedy has opened a boutique fitness studio and completed a residential renovation, both in the Warehouse District. In addition to her New Orleans-based consultancy, Hedy maintains a long-time career in the male-dominated public safety tech industry. She remains dedicated to educating young women about career opportunities in technology and the defense industry. This is evident by her involvement in the FBI’S InfraGard and local leading non-profits, including the Junior League and American Cancer Society Gala.

Clothing from SOSUSU Boutique: Vivetta pants set and Costarellos blouse

Dr. Heather Vinet, PhD, CFNC

Founder, Scientifically Natural

Dr. Heather Vinet is the founder of Scientifically Natural, a holistic medicine and functional nutrition practice whose mission is to fill the gap in healthcare by focusing on the root cause instead of only the symptoms. A Tulane Biomedical Engineering graduate, Dr. Vinet began her career as an infectious disease research scientist before transitioning into the clinical research setting, where she realized her passion for helping others. At Scientifically Natural, Dr. Vinet offers holistic healing modalities with a comprehensive researchbased perspective to real-world health issues. Through these proven methods, Dr. Vinet helps her clients attain optimal physical and mental health, naturally while also showing compassion in her community by supporting numerous children’s advocacy programs.

Clothing from SOSUSU Boutique: ERDEM

Coleena Zimet

NOLA Lending Group, Senior Loan Officer NMLS#: 394007

Coleena Zimet wants to be your first call when you begin your home-buying journey. A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and acclaimed mortgage expert, Coleena was instrumental in building the NOLA Lending Group network and has become a calming force for her clients in often volatile markets. A champion for financial literacy, Coleena is passionate about educating her community through the Junior League, where she has been an active member for ten years and recently began her first year as a sustainer. In her free time, Coleena and her husband Nathanial devote themselves to Humble Bumble, a local non-profit organization dedicated to innovating ways to help children eat more nutritiously toward a fuller, happier life.

Clothing from SOSUSU Boutique: Greta Constantine

Victoria Giglio

Owner, Victoria’s Indigo Boutique

An acclaimed stylist and dedicated local philanthropist, Victoria Giglio has dedicated herself to transforming her dreams, and the dreams of her community, into glittering, fashionable reality. Twenty years after opening her first boutique in college, Victoria has opened a flagship store, Victoria’s Indigo Boutique, at Canal Place. With an eye toward serving customers from age sixteen to sixty, Victoria features a wide selection of styles to mix & match and make your own. Through her charitable work with ‘Dress for Success’, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women entering the job market receive clothes to help them succeed, Victoria is always finding ways to use her gifts to ensure her community looks, and feels, their absolute best.

Clothing from SOSUSU Boutique: Costarellos top and SIMKHAI pant

Elizabeth Ward, CCIM

Associate Broker REACH Real Estate Solutions

As the leader of the Commercial Services Division at REACH Real Estate Solutions, Elizabeth Ward offers a relationshipfocused approach to commercial real estate. A seasoned broker and developer, she has played a key role in major projects in New Orleans, including a 74-unit mixed-use Historic Development in the Bywater. However, it’s her commitment to her community that truly sets her apart. As a dedicated mother of two boys and a passionate volunteer with “The Adoptable Dog,” a non-profit dedicated to training shelter dogs for their forever homes, Elizabeth’s holistic approach to real estate and life is truly inspiring.

Clothing from SOSUSU Boutique: Beatriz Camacho

Arie Kaller, PhD

Regional Supervisor, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

Arie Roth Kaller, PhD, the Regional Supervisor of the Office of Environment in the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management that manages activities in the Gulf of Mexico in an environmentally responsible manner, is a passionate supporter of Dress for Success New Orleans, where she serves as vicepresident. With a mission “to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life”, Dress for Success is able to help our neighbors sustain long-term financial freedom while supporting families here at home.

Clothing from SOSUSU Boutique: Jorge Vázquez

A Spirited Destination

Haunting locations

any tales from spirit guides to health reasons relate how spiritualist George Colby came to central Florida to develop the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp in 1895. Located at Lake Helen, and a short drive to the historic and quaint town of Deland, Cassadaga sits on 57 acres with several buildings and homes and is the oldest active religious community in the southeastern United States.

It’s here that one can speak to those on the other side through certified mediums, healers and teachers. There’s also classes in metaphysics, services, the Fairy Trail Park, a labyrinth and places to meditate in gardens.

Despite its name, visitors can’t camp in Cassadaga, but they can enjoy a full-service hotel, the Ann Stevens House bed and breakfast or the many accommodations in delightful nearby Deland.

Stay

Along with George Colby, Ann Stevens helped create the historic town of Cassadaga. Today, her Victorian home and its more modern Carriage House serve as a bed and breakfast with its present owner a native of Louisiana. It’s said that Stevens, as well as a few

other spirits, still frequents the house. The 1927 Cassadaga Hotel sits within the camp’s historic district but is privately owned. The multi-room hotel includes Sinatra’s, the only restaurant in town, and psychic readers.

Deland has many options including two historic properties—the Deland Hotel and The Artisan Downtown— plus the comfortable Courtyard by Marriott close to Deland’s historic downtown and Stetson University.

Dine

Downtown Deland contains fun places to enjoy Florida beers and wines and a wide variety of outstanding dining options. Tour the world for breakfast by sampling the arepas breakfast at Parva Deland Columbian Bakery and Restaurant or sangria and tapas for brunch at De La Vega. For something truly unique, try breakfast and lunch at Trilogy Kitchen with a visit next door to the Deland Cat Café, the latter sans food but a feline adventure where all, with the exception of the very young kittens, are available for adoption.

Choose a flight to sample Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co.’s collection of local brews or enjoy a craft beer or coffee while perusing the midcentury furniture, clothes and eclectic décor of Sidecar Market. Half Wall mixes

drinks and great pub fare.

For dinner, Bakechop serves up scratch kitchen, hand-crafted entrees that are locally sourced. Meats are hormone-free and desserts created in-house.

Take a Stroll

Cassadaga offers one-hour walking tours of the camp Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Spirited tours after dark examine how to investigate and classify the manifestations of spirit, many times caught on camera by participants. We enjoyed the “Nighttime Encounter the Spirits (Orb) Tour” for the paranormal information as much as the walk through the camp by twilight. As much as you might want to visit the Lake Helen Cemetery after dark, the gates close at twilight. Daylight provides a better view at what some deem the devil’s work — a beer placed on a brick bench at the grave of a loved one, where the beer turns up empty! Folks who witnessed the event, or heard of its happening, quickly labeled it evil, calling the innocuous stone benches placed by graves, “the devil’s bench.” If it was Louisiana, we would assume visitors drank it before they left, which is exactly what really happened, pranksters tapping the beer cans.

What is Spiritualism?

Call it science, philosophy or religion, spiritualism embraces the idea that life continues after death, that energy cannot be destroyed, and that those on the other side may be reached through mediumship. One does not need to be a medium to be a spiritualist. The movement originated in New York in the 1800s.

Ann Stevens House bed and breakfast

Nori Pritchard and Lisette Constantin

Creating festive jack o’lanterns and more

Traditionally, a decorated jack-o-lantern outside the home welcomes trick or treaters. A decorated pumpkin is also a form of creative self-expression. Nori Pritchard and Lisette Constantin, owners of NOLA Craft Culture and goddesses of all things glitter, patch us in to pumpkin ideas for fall.

Pritchard and Constantin suggest starting with the theme or vibe you wish to conjure: for instance whimsical, mod or scary. NOLA Craft Culture recommends and sells artificial pumpkins. They’re durable and lightweight for storing and can be collected. Foam options can be carved, hard plastics are not for carving, papier mâché versions should be used indoors only.

“Artificial pumpkins are great because you can let your imagination run wild,” said Constantin.

Pritchard and Constantin’s decorating tips also can be applied to real pumpkins with a few caveats. They advise using non-toxic materials and biodegradable glitter for real pumpkins because they are discarded or composted.

Next, pick the decorative materials that speak to you. For classes or workshops, the duo sets out an “embellishment buffet” with something for everyone. Necessary supplies include butcher paper or newspaper to protect your work surface, several paint brushes, glue, a glue gun, and two wooden chopsticks or skewers. Pritchard also recommends a “Holy Trinity” of cleanup supplies: a Swiffer for surfaces, a Dustbuster for spills and a lint roller for clothing.

Skewer the pumpkin so you can hold it like a lollipop and work on its surface. Use one paint brush to apply glue and then sprinkle glitter as desired. Let it dry and use the dry paint brush to brush off

the excess. Repeat the process for a second coat. Using a glue gun, add embellishments such as rhinestones, sequins, skulls and flowers. Traditional ideas include painting a jack-o-lantern face or seasonal images such as witches and ghosts; novelty ideas run the gamut from Pritchard’s go-to unicorn to Constantin’s annual eyeball. With the recent release of the “Beetlejuice” sequel, the crafting partners say that black and white stripes, acid green and orange will be on trend. For a centerpiece that rolls into Thanksgiving, they suggest mixing in cornucopias, gourds, and autumn leaves, and using different sizes and odd numbers of pumpkins for balance.

When crafting Halloween pumpkins with kids, they stress three things: let the kids be the creative brains, don’t micromanage (let them do their own pumpkin) and leave the carving to the adults.

“Every crafting project is selfexpression,” said Pritchard. “Letting your kids express themselves is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.”

Pick a theme before you get started.

Select the materials and colors that speak to you.

Don’t be hard on yourself. Crafting should be fun.

NOLA Craft Culture offers classes and workshops, a community crafting space available to anyone who purchases something (there is no minimum) and private events can be booked. The stores 4th annual Pumpkin Patch of pre-crafted pumpkins – each wrapped and ribboned, and an art market takes place October 12th and 13th and October 19th and 20th.

About the Experts

New Orleans natives Nori Pritchard and Lisette Constantin started NOLA Craft Culture as a one-stop shop for crafters. The business caters to all members of the crafting community including carnival krewe members, Mardi Gras Indians and costumers.

A whirlwind month of warm temperatures, chilly college visits, and lots of soup and bread.

In New Orleans, October means … absolutely nothing, weather-wise. It’s still hot outside; the leaves don’t change color; and as we learned in 2020, it is definitely still hurricane season. But for the past several years, I’ve tried my very best to force fall into existence with regular applications of soup and bread.

Soup has been my favorite food since childhood – chicken noodle with crumbled saltines, vegetable beef with chunks of cheddar cheese (a culinary twist courtesy of my Wisconsin-raised mother), gumbo after Thanksgiving, oyster-andartichoke at Christmas, gazpacho all summer long.

Now, in my own kitchen, I go into a soup frenzy every time the calendar says it’s fall, even if the weather disagrees. I am happy to try to turn almost anything into a soup; I’ve made (with varying degrees of success) buffalo chicken soup, eggplant Parmesan soup, and beef fajita soup. And of course, each family member has a different favorite soup, from broccoli cheddar (Rowan) to minestrone (me) to matzah ball (Georgia).

One thing we all agree on, though,

Bittersweet Autumn Comfort food season

because we are right-thinking people, is that soup is not a complete meal without some accompanying bread to dunk into it, whether that takes the form of soft milk rolls or hard crusty sourdough.

Every autumn, we all share the same delusion that if we are eating soup and bread, it must truly be fall, even if we still have the AC running at its highest setting.

This year, we’ve gotten more than our typical taste of fall weather, though, as we have gone on college visits for Rowan that have taken us to

Asheville, North Carolina, and New York City. Navigating hilly campuses and glossy brochures and trying not to compare every dorm room to the one she currently inhabits amidst mountains of laundry, 15 dirty water glasses, Oreo wrappers, and empty Taki bags is a skill I’m still perfecting. It’s impossible to fathom that this time next year, she will be living in one of those dorm rooms … and I will be making soup and bread for one fewer mouth. (Somehow employing synecdoche makes it easier to bear; I can’t fully

acknowledge that it will really be for one fewer person.)

The one thing she has been firm on in her college search is that she will attend school in a region that has actual fall – vibrant leaves, frosty mornings, pink cheeks, sweatshirts, apple-picking, bonfires, the whole shebang.

I support her in this quest, although I desperately wish that every region that has actual fall was not quite so far away from me.

As the school year rolls along, I’m trying (again, with varying degrees of success) to embrace this season of transition. Each day of Rowan’s senior year is a blend of the familiar past and the exciting future – one last Spirit Week; one more draft of her college essay – and I’m hanging on to every second with my very fingernails. As I gear up to do the teen years one more time with Georgia and move Rowan into some college dorm room in a faraway city that has real fall, I know these October soup-and-bread nights will become cherished but distant memories. I want to remember to stop and enjoy them while they’re still happening.

So join me in raising your soup bowl in a toast to autumn in all its forms – and to accepting that life is always changing, even if the leaves are not.

Southern Comfort From

food truck to a new Metairie home

f all the specific culinary delights in New Orleans that have amassed the kind of bone-deep passiona that borders on obsession – from dark roux gumbos to rich roast beef debris po-boys – you might not think that a simple fried chicken sandwich would rise above the delicious fray. And you would be dead wrong. We all know about the infamous Popeyes chicken sando craze that raged like a fever through the country during the pandemic lockdown, but there was another, superior version that came before, and has since captured the hearts of New Orleanians. That credit goes to Southerns, whose humble origins as a festival popup has since blossomed into a thriving business including multiple food competition victories, three food trucks, catering, and, as of this past August, a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Metairie.

Of course, Anthony Cruz and Gene Colley, Southerns’ chef-owners, didn’t start out with the intention of becoming the fried chicken sandwich kings of the Crescent City. Like all good culinary success stories, their origins are simple and charming. Cruz and Colley met through mutual friends in 2014, and in true New Orleans fashion the pair bonded playing music together, cooking and eating. “I was working for Sven at Bratz Y’all on the weekends doing festivals,” Colley said. “I knew that Anthony was a chef, so I told him, ‘Man, we’ve got to do these festivals!’ But you have to come up with something that no one else is doing. I found out that Woody’s Fish Tacos was getting out of the festival scene. We came up with a fish taco, a shrimp taco and a pork belly taco, started getting all

these festivals, and we won the fan favorite award at Seafood Festival.”

It wasn’t long before the pair decided that slinging fish tacos on the festival circuit wasn’t quite ambitious enough, and by 2018 Colley and Cruz were eager to expand. “It’s almost like we painted ourselves in a corner with Gulf Tacos,” Cruz explained. “I made a mental note that if ever I start something else, I would keep it very open ended. If you told me that the best burger you ever had is in Covington, I will drive to Covington to get that burger. And I thought, ‘Why don’t we have that for a fried chicken sandwich?’ So I just obsessed over it. I think I spent like, six months just trying recipe after recipe.”

Cruz and Colley decided to pivot to their chicken sandwich project, and their combination of sophisticated culinary techniques and worldly ingredients to craft fast food staples quickly caught on with locals. It wasn’t long before they took the concept to the streets with a food truck. “The gears started turning as soon as I stepped on a truck. I was like, ‘this is perfect,’” Cruz said. Cruz and Colley’s mobile platform – not to mention their savvy use of social media – turned Southerns into the “it girl” of Big Easy sandwiches. A second truck followed, and then a third. After that, realizing that a fourth truck would add little to the business, Colley and Cruz knew that a permanent home for Southerns was the next logical step. In August, Southerns opened its official home on Veterans Boulevard. The fact that Southerns’ opening resulted in long lines and frenzied food buzz should come as little surprise to anyone who’s tasted their fare. Southerns expertly employs sophisticated culinary techniques and

an intense focus on fresh ingredients prepared to order. Take, for instance, the flagship chicken sandwich, a thick portion of dark meat (Cruz prefers the thigh) that’s dry rubbed and painstakingly marinated before being gently dredged in a precise ratio of cornmeal and flour. Dressed with a simple slaw, house-made bread and butter pickles and a yuzu aioli, the experience can be almost transcendent. That same attention applies to the rest of Southerns menu. The chicken tenders explode expectations with a crispy exterior bursting with golden crannies that Cruz describes as resembling a coral reef. “In fine dining, one thing they teach you is the care of the product and how you treat it,” he said. “And I thought, man, what if we can apply that to something that’s $11? So

we do, and it’s those little details that are important to me.”

The rest of Southerns’ menu items share a similar attention to detail, from the outstanding hamburgers – a traditional version as well as one adorned with gooey queso, pickled jalapenos and crispy fried onions – to the to-die-for fish sandwich, a direct homage to Cruz and Colley’s Gulf Tacos project. It is quite possibly the best fried fish sandwich in New Orleans. The combination of hot, flaky fish with a perfectly crispy beer-battered exterior results in a shockingly light dish that all but melts in your mouth. And save room for Southerns’ sides. You’ll want the crispy crinkle fries, of course, as well as the fan-favorite cracklins, which sport an adobo seasoning and a garlic peanut rub inspired by Cruz’s Filipino

About the Owners

heritage. With either, you will definitely need to try all of Southerns’ house-made sauces. The honey mustard is a solid choice, as are the Crystal mayo and a tomato aioli, but the real standout is the Vietnamese-inspired “Phuket sauce,” which adds a creamy depth of flavor and gastronomic worldliness that few might expect in a fast-casual operation in the heart of Metairie.

New Orleanians have enthusiastically adopted the restaurant into the local culinary landscape, and that enthusiasm hardly goes unnoticed or unappreciated.

“The people here know food in a way that most places don’t,” says Cruz. “When people that eat as a way of life love your food and give you praise, it just feels so nice. That’s one of the things that I love the most about cooking here.”

Toups Meatery

With a moniker like the one Isaac and Amanda Toups chose for their Mid-City restaurant, you’d likely surmise that it’s a place that revels in carnivorous glories. And oh, how it does! The Toups family, which has been in Louisiana for three centuries, knows a thing or two about Cajun cuisine, and they take it to the next level by introducing elevated culinary ideas to the traditional rustic fare of Acadiana, featuring everything from crispy turkey necks with pepper jelly and boiled peanuts to Gulf fish Couvillion, mustardcrusted venison loin, and a decadent foie gras torchon. They not only have fantastic cracklins but also a seriously killer fried chicken sandwich, which you’ll only find offered on Tuesdays, but it’s definitely worth the wait!

Sylvain

Originally from California, Anthony Cruz moved to New Orleans not long after Hurricane Katrina for one purpose: to cook. After seeing that the recipe for Oysters Rockerfeller originated in the kitchen at Antoine’s Restaurant, Cruz decided to take a direct approach. “I literally just called them up and asked, ‘Are you guys hiring? I’ll be there in three days.’ I didn’t get that job, but I [did] across the street at the Napoleon House.” From there, Cruz went on to refine his skills at Emeril’s, NOLA, and Bayona. Cruz and Colley started cooking together at festivals, earning copious accolades along the way, including four trophies at last year’s Oak St. Po-Boy Fest.

A New Orleans native, Gene Colley was working for his family’s warehousing company when he caught the culinary bug. “I was working there since I was 13, driving forklifts. I did it my whole life, and I absolutely hated it. So then I started working those festivals. It was so fun, something different.” After joining forces with Cruz, Colley knew that his path involved a certain leap of faith. “It was scary, and our wives thought we were insane” he said. “I was cutting grass because we didn’t make enough for me to live on.” Faith and hard work paid off, though, as Southerns reputation and success grew. “To think back on that journey from then to this, it’s unbelievable. We’re really doing this and making it work.”

Perhaps the first restaurant in recent NOLA history to have a cult following for its fried chicken sandwich, this local fave in the French Quarter specializes in a delightful blending of low and high brow cuisines that’s kept it popular since opening in 2010. The combination of french fries and Champagne is a good indicator of their gastronomic ethos, and we’re here for it. The brunch offerings are outstanding (we love the smoked brisket and eggs), and while the dinner menu has standouts like pan seared striped bass and blackened king trumpet mushrooms, it’s nigh on impossible not to go straight for that glorious chicken sammy, which always lives up to its vaunted reputation and never fails to satisfy.

NOSH

BY JYL BENSON / PHOTO BY SAM HANNA

Earthy Delight

A new comfort food favorite

This unorthodox pairing is the brainchild of chef Marcus Woodham of The Bower, his foliage-bedecked bistro in Lower Garden District. With the much welcomed shifting of the seasons and the pending arrival of Halloween the vaguely creepy nature of a mountain of mushrooms seems apropos. This is also an easy-ish thing to plunk out if you are having a trick-or-treat to-do, or some such.

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

Mushrooms weigh practically nothing so hauling in two solid pounds of the things can become financially taxing. For the best rate on ‘shrooms hit up the Hong Kong Market (925 Behrman Hwy #3, Terrytown, 504-394-7075. shophongkongmarket.com).

Any assortment of mushrooms will do but a 50 percent blend of maitakes with the rest a jumble of shiitake, oyster, royal trumpets, beech, or cremini (if you must) is a solid move.

Don’t skip on salting and draining the cucumbers for the tzatziki, which can be made a day in advance.

Mushroom Conserva with Tzatziki

Shared by Marcus Woodham, Executive Chef. The Bower Serves 8-10 as an appetizer

Tzatziki

2 cucumbers

Kosher salt

2 cups plain whole milk yogurt

1 teaspoon garlic, chopped

1 lemon (zested and juiced)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon black pepper

2 tablespoons dill, chopped

1 teaspoon honey

Kosher salt to taste

1. Grate cucumbers then add 4 tablespoons of salt. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes.

2. While the cucumbers rest combine all other ingredients.

3. Rinse and squeeze all excess moisture from cucumbers. Really crush it to get it as dry as possible.

4. Combine the cucumbers with the yogurt mixture. Set aside.

Mushroom Conserva

2 pounds mixed mushrooms (see #2, left)

2 shallots, thinly shaved

5 cloves garlic, thinly shaved

2 tablespoons unseasoned rice wine vinegar

1 teaspoon grain mustard

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon honey

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Pita bred or crackers for serving

1. Heat a skillet on medium heat. Add the mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Continue to cook mushrooms until crispy and drained of moisture.

2. While mushrooms are roasting, combine all other ingredients in a separate bowl.

3. Once the mushrooms are crispy add to the shallot and vinegar mixture while still hot. Let mushrooms cool in the vinaigrette, this allows the mushrooms to absorb the sauce.

4. Serve in a large bowl. First add the tzatziki to the bowl, with a large spoon make an indention in the middle.

5. Add the mushroom conserva in the middle.

6. Serve with warm pita or crackers.

Singing the Blues A jamming

cocktail

Colin Williams arrived behind the bar at Saffron two years ago and has no plans to leave. “It’s been my favorite restaurant job,” he said. “I love the Vilkhu family, because everyone feels welcomed here.” Colin thrives under the challenge of incorporating Indian flavors and techniques into each cocktail. His drinks utilize spices like cinnamon and garam masala, and one martini features tandoori oven-roasted pineapple. Colin worked in restaurant kitchens before moving behind the bar. Bartending required a different, challenging skill set - talking to people. “My wife will attest I am very much an introvert at home!”

Colin strongly believes that the job of hospitality professionals is to provide a space that’s warm and welcoming. “I think that is the biggest life lesson that I could give anyone is if you focus on people and make sure they are having a good time… it’s hard to go wrong.” It’s even better if you are serving them a drink.

Podcast

Listen to Elizabeth’s podcast “Drink & Learn;” visit elizabeth-pearce.com

The Blue Steel cocktail served at Saffron features a blueberry chutney instead of regular jam. To mimic the chutney’s spice, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg or both to your shaker.

Sherry and madeira can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three months. Drink them on the rocks with a twist or an olive. Replace vermouth with either in a martini. Oloroso sherry also stars in cocktails like the Bamboo or Adonis. Colin and his wife throw a “cheese party” with leftover sherry. “We have that for dinner and pretend we are in Spain,” he said.

Blueberry dust is a key ingredient. It will slowly sink into the drink as the ice melts, adding more flavor. Blueberry dust is available online and can be added to a smoothie or any cocktail you want blueberry flavor in.

Blue Steel

1/2 ounce Rainwater style Madeira

1 ounce Oloroso sherry

1/2 ounce apple brandy (or regular brandy)

½ ounce lemon juice

1/4 ounce rich simple syrup *see recipe

2 bar spoons blueberry preserves (star anise, black pepper and cinnamon)

3 dashes Angostura add spice notes

Glassware: A julep cup, beer mug or other glassware that can hold a lot of ice. Avoid anything with a stem.

Garnish: Blueberry powder and mint sprig

Rich Simple Syrup

2 parts sugar

1 part water

Mix both ingredients until sugar is dissolved. This can be done in a blender, on the stove or in a microwave. Syrup keeps in the refrigerator for up to six months. Use in place of regular simple syrup when you don’t want added dilution, like in an Old Fashioned.

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Give the mixture a short shake to break up the preserves, but don’t overshake or it will dilute the drink. Double strain over pebble ice into glass, and ensure no preserves end up in the drink. Mound more ice on top. Sprinkle dried blueberry dust on top and add mint sprig. Best served with a straw.

Education

It’s never too early to plan for your child’s educational future. Find their new scholastic home, or get them outfitted for the new year, at one of our fine New Orleans educational institutions.

Mount Carmel Academy

The Mount Carmel Academy experience is filled with opportunities for each student to pursue her passions, uncover new talents, grow spiritually, and discover the person God created her to become. Students collaborate with peers, view failures as opportunities for growth, and approach an ever-changing and complex world with an inquisitive mind.

Small class sizes (average of fifteen) ensure an interactive and inclusive learning environment. Students are encouraged to expand their interests as they navigate through more than 50 extracurricular activities and become active participants in the community through the school’s service learning program. Graduates depart from Mount Carmel Academy with confidence in themselves and a love for each other. They are well-prepared for college and beyond.

Explore the Mount Carmel Academy campus, meet students and teachers, and learn more at an Open House on October 10 from 3 - 7:30 p.m. RSVP on mcacubs.com.

Perlis Clothing

From classes to games to parties, your one-stop clothing store is PERLIS in Uptown New Orleans, French Quarter, Mandeville, and Baton Rouge. Compliment your activewear, gameday, casual, and dress casual wardrobe with the latest selections from top-quality labels: Barbour, Bonobos, Duck Head, Johnnie O, Patagonia, Peter Millar, Smathers & Branson, Southern Tide, Tasc, Vuori, 34 Heritage, and more.

“We are continuously adding to our iconic crawfish logo collection of polos, tees, sun shirts, sport shirts, and other items that are recognizable not only locally but around the country,” says David W. Perlis, President. “We constantly seek the best quality clothing and fashion for our customers.”

For 85 years, PERLIS has been committed to complete customer satisfaction and unparalleled service including complimentary lifetime alterations.

Stop by any PERLIS location, call 800 725-6070, or shop online at perlis.com

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 graduated its first class of high school seniors in May of 2023 and is proud to continue its tradition of academic excellence and cultural enrichment through its college preparatory curriculum.

Horse stables, a petting farm, a STEAM Lab, art studios, band, music rooms, and a 300-seat theater make the Arden Cahill Academy campus unique. The academy also hosts Cahill Camp Corral, a 10-week summer camp that has been voted the #1 summer camp for FOUR consecutive years in a row by readers of Gambit Weekly.

Families are invited to attend our Open House on October 24th from 4 to 7 pm or schedule a private tour to experience the Cahill way. Interested High School students are encouraged to come be a WhaleFor-A-Day. Register online at ardencahillacademy.com.

Kehoe France Schools

Kehoe-France Schools, with campuses in Metairie and Covington, offer a nurturing educational experience for children from 8 weeks to 7th grade. Our small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive International Baccalaureate® (IB) curriculum create a dynamic

environment where students explore their passions, develop critical thinking skills, and become compassionate, globally-minded leaders. At Kehoe-France, we blend tradition with innovation, ensuring a wellrounded education that prepares each child for future success. Join our community and experience the legacy that has made Kehoe-France Schools a cornerstone of education for over 60 years.

CATHEDRAL MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Celebrating fifteen years of educating New Orleans students, Cathedral Montessori School (CMS) utilizes 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 visit campus for an Open House on October 19th from 10 am - 12 pm. Please call the office at 504-252-4871 to secure your appointment on that day. To learn more information, please visit cathedralmontessori.org.

Stuart Hall

Stuart Hall immerses boys in a supportive, character-based culture in which they can thrive inside and outside the classroom. From our boy-centered curriculum to our supportive atmosphere to the breadth of extracurricular, athletic, and after-school activities, Stuart Hall’s focus on formation produces young men of character, integrity, and boundless capability.

Founded in 1984 and named for Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ, a wellknown religious of the Sacred Heart, Stuart Hall focuses on upholding her philosophy through a modern, robust curriculum based around the belief that “education is formation, not just information”. Faculty and staff are dedicated to working with parents to help each child build a foundation for a life centered on a love for learning, a desire to help others, and a commitment to Faith, Scholarship, Leadership, and Honor.

Private tours of the campus are given daily by appointment. To schedule a tour or for more information, visit stuarthall.org/private-tours.

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. To learn more, please visit uanola.org. •

Fall Weekends

Enjoy some leisure time as the weather gets better.

Travel Central

On October 24, Travel Central will be hosting an exclusive lunch at Ralph’s on the Park to dive into the wonders of Alaska, Antarctica, and the Arctic Circle with Seabourn Cruise Line!

Since 1988, Travel Central has been delivering the finest curated travel opportunities to travelers in the Greater New Orleans Area. What truly sets Travel Central apart is the incredible team of 15 travel advisors, most with over 20 years of experience, dedicated to crafting unforgettable vacations. Enjoy a delicious meal while discovering breathtaking destinations, luxurious accommodations, and unforgettable adventures.

Let our expert guides share fascinating insights and inspire your next grand journey. Seats are limited, so RSVP today at (504) 8347000 and join us for an afternoon of exploration and excitement! travelcentralvacations.com

Foo Foo Festival

Pensacola has always been known for white sands and pristine beaches, while over on the mainland, there is a whole wide world of music, food, and fun to be had throughout the year. Most notably, in the Fall, the local community rolls out the seasonal staple, Foo Foo Festival, a twelve-day city-wide event where local Pensacola nonprofits are gifted county funding to put on a show for tourists and locals alike. A showcase for the vibrant community of non-profit and arts organizations throughout the city, Foo Foo Festival is an ever-shifting kaleidoscope of once-in-a-lifetime events and experiences. Featuring thirteen unique grant-funded events in 2024, Festival organizers hope to offer something for everyone each year, allowing the grant recipients to stretch their creative impulses and craft something extraordinary for visitors. Pensacola has always been the best way to beach on the Gulf Coast. With the success of Foo Foo Festival, this bustling community is showcasing something new; an Artful Way To Beach, and everyone is invited to join the festivities.

Learn more at foofoofest.com.

Scarlet Pearl Casino

If you want a world-class experience for your next travel destination, look no further than Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort. Treat yourself to modern amenities in the 300-room all-glass tower, featuring breathtaking design, superior service, and bathrooms that feel more like a spa.

Hustle or hit, Scarlet Pearl Sportsbook never quits with 24/7 betting kiosks and more than 20 HD screens surrounded by an entertainment screen measuring an astounding 144 square feet. Place a bet on your favorite teams while sipping on a cold one at our full-service bar, playing video poker, or catching a game day feast at Sportsbook Eats for the premiere sports fan experience. Now accepting wagers for as little as $10.00, and offering in-play betting, it’s always game time at Scarlet Pearl Sportsbook.

Sportsbook Eats is open Monday – Sunday: 11AM – 9PM. Please call 888-752-9772 or visit ScarletPearlCasino.com for details.

Briquette

Located right in the nightlife hotbed of the Warehouse District, Briquette features some of the finest contemporary seafood in New Orleans, with fresh fish prepared over red-hot briquettes bestrewed in the finest flavored oil. Featuring a picturesque 18-foot seafood display filled with fresh Bronzino, halibut, Faroe Island Salmon, Louisiana Redfish, and many other fresh whole fish, Briquette is proud to showcase contemporary and coastal dishes like Snapper Pontchartrain, Louisiana Redfish on the Half Shell, and Prime 14oz Ribeye.

This Fall, Briquette is offering a new Seasonal menu beginning in late September.

On Oct 18th, join Briquette for a night of fine wine and seafood dining during their annual Chef AJ’s Creole Italian Wine Dinner. Enjoy five courses of delicious pasta, seafood, and veal along with exquisite wine pairings for only $150 a person, all-inclusive.

New Orleans Creole Cookery

New Orleans Creole Cookery prides itself on offering the finest in Cajun and Creole cuisine in a stylish and innovative fashion that excites audiences and ignites appetites. Created by A.J. and Anna Tusa, this French Quarter staple and local favorite is a delicious repository and cultivator of traditional Creole recipes and cooking techniques, going back generations.

As the fall returns, NOCC is your hub for families and friends to sit down for the finest in courtyard dining room, offering Saturday and Sunday Brunch as well as our NEW Oyster happy hour in the Oyster Bar along with our Game Day Happy Hour in the Oyster Bar for all Football games on Saturday & Sunday. For families, visitors, or longtime residents, there is nowhere better to find an authentic Creole culinary experience than the New Orleans Creole Cookery.

Located at 508 Toulouse Street. For more information, reservations, or to book a private event, call the restaurant at 504-524-9632 or visit neworleanscreolecookery.com

Mischief Creations

Mischief Creations was born from a desire to create something new. In 1997, Connie Born felt the drive to craft a new kind of doll that could represent Louisiana culture, not just a voodoo doll, but something more culturally representative with a Mardi Gras twist. Her creations have taken on a life of their own, originally sold by Mr. Mardi Gras himself Blaine Kern and soon set to be a permanent inclusion as an art installation in Louisiana Marketshops At The 115 in Henderson, LA near Breaux Bridge. Here Connie’s Mischief Dolls will be able to take their place as the regional representatives they were always meant to be, with classic shapes and styles ranging from priestesses to clowns to the mythical Rougarou. Awarded the distinction of Honorary Louisiana Ambassador by Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser in 2019 for her art and service, you can learn more about Connie, her creations, and installations across Louisiana at kreweofmischief.com

Foo Foo Festival, Pensacola

The Lodge

Tired of the typical beachfront vacation of crowded beaches and feeling as though hotels are stacked on top of each other? Here at The Lodge at Gulf State Park, you can reunite with nature. Enjoy relaxing views of the sugar white sand beaches and emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico or walk/bike our 28 miles of trails through 6,150 acres covering nine ecosystems. Highlighted by 350 guest rooms and suites, 4 dining outlets overlooking the Gulf, live music, a beachside infinity pool, and 40,000 square feet of event space, The Lodge is a resilient, environmentally friendly coastal development where sustainability and connectivity to the outdoors are a central focus. Book a room at Lodgeatgulfstatepark.com or call 251-540-4000.

Chouette

Fall is in the air, which means getting back into the kitchen to cook. Upgrade your culinary life with new kitchen essentials from Chouette. The deBuyer Affinity cookware line embodies French elegance. With its polished exterior, the sleek 5ply stainless-steel body offers excellent performance and precise temperature control for uniform cooking, performing similarly to copper cookware without endless polishing. For those of us who love to bake, the revival of one of France’s true heritage brands, Manufacture Digoin is producing some of the most beautiful bakeware ever imagined Stunning ceramic mixing bowls pair with baking dishes that are the perfect combination of elegance and utility. And if it’s new table settings you’re after, Sabre Paris flatware coupled with Degrenne place settings and glassware is one of the most stylish holiday combos we can think of. Find it all, or let us help you custom order, in-store now at Chouette.

The Village of Baytowne Wharf

Nestled along the shore of the Choctawhatchee Bay in Northwest Florida, The Village of Baytowne Wharf is a charming community bustling with incredible local restaurants, cozy boutiques and galleries, and bountiful nightlife. Located within the gates of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, the Village of Baytowne Wharf is the perfect place to visit this fall with friends, spouses, or even the whole family. Come by for the 16th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival to sample unique suds and ales and enjoy live music and VIP events. Or start making plans for endless Holiday events like Night of Lights of the signature Winter Event - Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights, where guests can walk the streets of Baytowne while sampling a selection of premium champagnes to celebrate the holidays. The merriment and atmosphere make the Village of Baytowne Wharf your fall solution for food and fun in the sun.

Live Nation

Don’t miss your favorite artists this fall! Live Nation has your fall calendar sorted with epic artists & unforgettable nights.

• BLXST - October 3 - Fillmore

• Lola Young - October 3 - House of Blues

• Atsuko Okatsuka - October 4 - Orpheum Theater

• Joywave - October 5 - House of Blues

• The Used - October 7 - House of Blues

• Qveen Herby - October 10 - House of Blues

• 49 Winchester - October 15 - House of Blues

• TK Kirkland - October 18 - Fillmore

• Sixpence None The Richer - October 20 - Parish at House of Blues

• Thee Sacred Souls - October 22 - Fillmore

• Microwave - October 30 - House of Blues

• Chameleons - October 30 - Parish at House of Blues

• The Fab Four - November 7 - House of Blues

• David Kushner - November 8 - Fillmore Head to LiveNation.com for even more shows! •

Cancer Care

When the diagnosis is not what you would prefer, it matters where you go for care and these New Orleans cancer care providers will be with you every step of the way.

Skin Surgery Centre

The Skin Surgery Centre provides the region’s highest quality treatment of skin cancers and are experts in all surgical issues of the skin and nails. Mohs Micrographic Surgery is the gold standard for removal of high-risk skin cancers which allows for the least amount of normal tissue to be removed while still achieving the highest cure rate possible. Every physician at The Skin Surgery Centre is double board certified in Dermatology and Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery having completed an ACGME-accredited fellowship training program. Having undergone years of comprehensive, rigorous training, including advanced reconstructive techniques, Dr. Bucher, Dr. LeBlanc, Dr. Cox, and Dr. Rougelot can expertly remove a patient’s skin cancer and perform reconstruction which preserves function and cosmesis all within the same day under local anesthesia.

A network of three state-of-the-art facilities ensures patients from the Southshore, Northshore, and Biloxi can improve the health and appearance of their skin with a personal touch.

Tulane Cancer Center

A cancer diagnosis can be frightening- exploring and identifying the best treatment options for you is key to recovery, survival, and a better quality of life.

The distinguished team of experts at Tulane Cancer Center offers the most advanced treatments for patients with cancer and the opportunity to participate in Clinical Trials locally. Tulane provides quality care, leading innovation, and personalized treatment plans for each patient to treat a broad range of cancers. These physicians work as a multidisciplinary team, with a full range of medical services, to provide truly comprehensive cancer care.

Tulane Cancer Center services include cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation with an emphasis on convenience for patients and their families. That means patients are able to visit with a number of Tulane specialists in one location, often in one appointment, providing them with onestop cancer care.

For more information, or to make an appointment, please call 504-988-6300 or visit tulanedoctors.com. •

Specialty Medicine

For all maladies and procedures, your trusted New Orleans specialty medicine providers are here to see you to a healthy outcome.

Dr. Sean Weiss

A New Orleans plastic surgeon who specializes in procedures of the face, head, and neck, Dr. Sean Weiss brings world-renowned expertise and unique attentiveness to his patients. By focusing exclusively on surgery of the face, head, and neck, Dr. Weiss has become one of the select few surgeons in the world who is double board certified in Facial Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Though his surgical skills are unparalleled, Dr. Weiss prides himself on his relationships with his patients above all else, offering himself as a guide throughout every step of the surgical and recovery process. One of his prime specialties is extended deep plain Facelifts; a procedure meant to empower those looking for a more youthful look as they age and to enhance their natural beauty. Every face is different and Dr. Weiss is ready to help you find your ideal look to last a lifetime.

To see before and after photos of Facial plastic surgery performed by Dr Sean Weiss, visit seanweissmd.com.

NOLA Childrens Dental

New Orleans Childrens Dental Center is in the heart of Lakeview New Orleans, Louisiana. With over 50 years of combined dental experience, Dr. Claudia Cavallino, Dr. Kellie Axelrad, and Dr. Nicole Boxberger work together to provide their patients with the highest standard of dental care. As pediatric dentists, our doctors are specially trained to care for the oral health of children throughout their growth and development into adulthood. In addition to general dentistry degrees, they completed an additional two years of training in the dental care of infants, children, teens, and those with special needs. They make every effort to ensure your child is comfortable, treated with expert care, and is actually EXCITED about coming to the dentist! New Orleans Childrens Dental Center is designed to create a warm, family-like environment, and extra effort is given to provide each child with the time, special attention, and individualized care they need.

Oral Surgery Services

With state-of-the-art facilities in Metairie and Gretna, Oral Surgery Services (OSS) offers a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgeries including dental implants, jaw surgery, tooth extractions, bone grafting, full arch restoration, and much more.

Dr. Demarcus Smith and Dr. Michael Ferguson are proud to welcome Dr. Kelly Chuang to the practice as an associate. Dr. Chuang received undergraduate and graduate degrees from Johns Hopkins University and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry with a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. Her expertise focuses on facial trauma management, orthognathic surgery, and fullscope dentoalveolar surgery. Her skills and passion for patient-centric care are a perfect fit for the practice’s mission, and OSS is excited for her to fulfill the oral and maxillofacial surgery needs of our patients in Greater New Orleans.

Committed to clinical excellence, the doctors at OSS are members of numerous professional organizations, including the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Dental Association, Louisiana Dental Association, New Orleans Dental Association, and Louisiana Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Ochsner Andrews Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute

At Ochsner Andrews Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute, we understand the importance of getting you back in the game. Whether your injury is minor or something more complex, our team of highly trained orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine specialists provide the most advanced and comprehensive treatment options in the region. Our diverse team offers a full range of surgical, diagnostic, and rehabilitation services to enhance your healing and keep you active, healthy, and painfree.

Equipped with the latest technology and enriched by Dr. Andrews’ expert knowledge, Ochsner is innovating orthopedic and sports medicine care and recovery throughout the Gulf South. Visit ochsner.org/sportsmed to learn more.

Ochsner is proud to be the official healthcare provider of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans. •

FOUR-PART SERIES PREMIERES

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 AT 8PM

When murder strikes the quiet riverside town of Marlow, retired archaeologist Judith Potts, along with a group of eager, but unlikely sleuths, investigate the case.

PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS

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

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “The American Vice President”

Tuesday, October 1 at 7pm

What happens when the president is unable to serve? Explore the dramatic period between 1963 and 1976, when a grief-stricken, then scandal-stricken America was forced to define the role of the vice president and the process of succession. Pictured: Lyndon B. Johnson taking the oath of office on Air Force One in 1963. To his right is Lady Bird Johnson and to his left is Jacqueline Kennedy. Photo Credit: Cecil Stoughton. White House Photographs. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston

CITIZEN NATION

Tuesdays, October 8-29 at 8pm

This four-part documentary series is an inspiring coming-of-age story that follows teenagers from across America as they face off in the nation’s premier civics competition. Culminating in a championship showdown in the nation’s capital, high school students with diverse personal and political backgrounds grapple with critical questions about democracy. Photo Credit: Singeli Agnew/Retro Report

NATURE

Beginning Wednesday, October 23 at 7pm

Explore the survival strategies of animals all around the globe, from the most remote and harsh parts of the planet to our own backyards, in season 43 of the Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning series NATURE. The new season opens with “Silverback,” which follows filmmaker Vianet Djenguet as he comes face to face with the largest gorilla in the Congo. Episodes to follow are “Dracula’s Hidden Kingdom,” “San Diego: America’s Wildest City” and “Lions of the Skeleton Coast” — just to name a few. Photo Credits: gorilla: Vianet Djenguet / © Off The Fence: wolf: Martin-Prochazkacz/ Shutterstock; squirrel: © Terra Mater Studios GmbH & Day’s Edge Productions

MORGUS

THE MAGNIFICENT MARATHON

Saturday, October 26 at 9pm

Viewers will love reliving the experience of watching MORGUS THE MAGNIFICENT who was a fixture on local television since 1959. The local tv icon was created and portrayed by Sid Noel, who died in 2020. WYES has secured permission from his family to present this Morgus speciala magnificent way to appreciate the creative genius of a New Orleans icon.

In the digitally remastered vintage episodes, Morgus and his assistants Chopsley and E.R.I.C. experiment with the scientific method and create a device Dr. Morgus says can end crime and empty jails. Later, an invisible mad scientist who cannot return to normal visits Morgus’ lab for help. Then, in the final episode, Morgus decides he needs an heir to carry on his work and must marry the right girl. But who?

MASTERPIECE “The Marlow Murder Club”

Sundays, October 27 – November 17 at 8pm

An all-new adaptation of Robert Thorogood’s novel The Marlow Murder Club is a new, four-part series on PBS. Join Judith (Samantha Bond), Suzie (Jo Martin) and Becks (Cara Horgan) in investigating a brutal murder. Along with Detective Tanika Malik, they must piece together clues, grill suspects, and face down real danger as they work against the clock to stop a killer in their tracks. Photo Credit: UKTV

Two-part series premieres November 18 on WYES.

PRESENTS

MORGUS MADNESS

Enjoy food from a variety of local restaurants and caterers, plus wine & beer, and live music from Consortium of Genius. There will be prizes, so be sure to wear your most ghoulish or spirited Halloween costume. This event is for ages 21 and older.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18

7-10pm | WYES Studios | $45 per person Tickets and event details at wyes.org/events.

Thank you to our event co-chairs Cheryl Cotten and Wendy Lodrig Bart.

PAINT

BOB ROSS

with Nicholas Hankins

Tuesday, October 29 at 7pm

Ticket sales end October 4 at 4pm, sign up now at wyes.org/events.

Learn to paint like the legendary Bob Ross and create your own work of art with certified Bob Ross Instructor and TV host Nicholas Hankins via Zoom on Tuesday, October 29 (Bob Ross’ Birthday!) at 7pm.

Your $150 ticket Includes:

• Access to the Zoom Webinar

• 3-Hour Instruction by Certified Bob Ross Instructor Nicholas Hankins

• (1) Art kit which includes acrylic paint set, brushes, canvas and palette paper delivered to your home

More Ways to Support WYES!

1 TUESDAY

6pm

PBS NEWS HOUR

7pm

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “The American Vice President” explores the littleknown story of the second-highest office in the land, tracing its evolution from a constitutional afterthought to a position of political consequence. Pictured: Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson (left) and Speaker of the House John W. McCormack sit behind President John F. Kennedy delivering his annual address to Congress on the State of the Union in 1963. Photo Credit: Cecil Stoughton. White House Photographs. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston

8pm

PBS NEWS SPECIAL: CBS VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE Just weeks before voters head to the polls on Tuesday, November 5th, Republican Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio and Democratic Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota will face off in a vicepresidential debate hosted by CBS News. The debate will be followed by PBS NEWS special coverage co-anchored by Amna Nawaz and Geoff Bennett.

10pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

11pm

AMERICAN MASTERS “Orozco: Man on Fire” Explore the life of Mexican muralist José Clemente Orozco through his greatest works and in his own voice through personal letters.

2 WEDNESDAY

6pm PBS NEWS HOUR

7pm BIG CATS 24/7 (Pt. 4/6)

8pm

NOVA “The Solar System: Storm Worlds” (Pt. 1/5) New discoveries and stunning animations reveal the bizarre worlds in our cosmic neighborhood.

9pm

SECRETS OF THE DEAD “Returning to Babylon” Archaeologists search for Assyrian artifacts that survived the Isis occupation of Mosul.

10pm

THE NIGHTLIFE THAT WAS Host Peggy Scott Laborde's reminiscences of New Orleans’ most beloved entertainment spots.

11pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

3 THURSDAY

6pm PBS NEWS HOUR

7pm STEPPIN’ OUT

7:30pm

BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

8pm

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT “The Dream” (Pt. 10/10) Eccentric millionaire Benedict Farley tells Poirot that he has repeatedly dreamed of killing himself, but when he is later found dead, Poirot suspects murder by hypnosis.

9pm

MISS FISHER’S MURDER MYSTERIES, SEASON 2 “Murder A La Mode” (Pt. 5/13)

10pm

MARIE ANTOINETTE “Deus Ex Machina” (Pt. 6/8) Surprisingly, the person who comes to Versailles to save the royal marriage is Marie Antoinette’s brother, Joseph, who realizes he will have his work cut out if he’s going to unite the couple and save the Franco-Austrian alliance.

11pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

4 FRIDAY

6pm

PBS NEWS HOUR

7pm

INFORMED SOURCES

7:30pm

LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN

8pm

WASHINGTON WEEK WITH THE ATLANTIC

8:30pm

FIRING LINE WITH MARGARET HOOVER

9pm

VOCES AMERICAN HISTORIA: THE UNTOLD HISTORY OF LATINOS

“Threads in the American Tapestry” (Pt. 2/3) Despite facing severe discrimination and violence, Latinos were present and contributed in pivotal ways to the fabric of this nation. This episode illustrates how Latinos helped build the United States we know today. Series creator and host is John Leguizamo.

Photo Credit: NGL Studios

10pm

VOCES “Mambo Legends: The Music Never Ends” The Orchestra is committed to keeping the sounds of the great Afro-Cuban bandleaders Machito, Tito Puente and Tito Rodriguez alive for future generations.

11pm STEPPIN’ OUT

11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

5 SATURDAY

6pm THE LAWRENCE WELK SHOW “Salute to Male Singers”

7pm ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Virginia Atlantic City, Hour 2”

8pm

FINDING YOUR ROOTS WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR. “Watchmen”

9pm

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “Reagan: Lifeguard” (Pt. 1/2) An encore of the two-part biography of the actor, governor and president that premiered in February 2011.

11pm

AUSTIN CITY LIMITS “Gary Clark Jr./ Black Pumas” Blues rock musician Gary Clark Jr. performs highlights from JPEG Raw and Black Pumas present selections from Chronicles of a Diamond.

WEEKDAYS ON 6 SUNDAY

Noon MOLLY OF DENALI

The Peabody Award-winning animated PBS KIDS series, with accompanying podcast and games, follows the adventures of curious and resourceful 10-year-old Molly Mabray, an Alaska Native girl who lives in the fictional village of Qyah, Alaska. Over 60 Indigenous writers, advisors, producers, voice-over actors and musicians are involved across the productions. Photo Credit: © 2018 WGBH Educational Foundation

5am ARTHUR

5:30am ODD SQUAD

6am WILD KRATTS

6:30am ALMA’S WAY

7am LYLA IN THE LOOP

7:30am WILD KRATTS

8am DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD

8:30am ROSIE’S RULES

9am SESAME STREET

9:30am WORK IT OUT WOMBATS!

7pm

RIDLEY, SEASON 2 “The Hollow Tree, Pt. 2” (Pt. 4/8) When another body is found murdered, with links to disgraced ex-copper Jean Dixon, the pressure builds to find the killer.

8pm

MASTERPIECE “Moonflower Murders” (Pt. 4/6) Susan meets with Alan’s ex-partner and learns about the relationship between Alan and Frank. In the Conway novel, Algernon discovers that Leonard and Samantha are concealing a secret from him.

9pm

10am DONKEY HODIE

10:30am PINKALICIOUS & PETERRIFIC 11am ELINOR WONDERS WHY 11:30am NATURE CAT NOON MOLLY OF DENALI

12:30pm XAVIER RIDDLE AND THE SECRET MUSEUM

1pm

DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD

1:30pm ARTHUR

MASTERPIECE “Van Der Valk, Season 4” ‘Hope in Amsterdam, Pt. 2’ (Pt. 4/6) After more shocking murders, the team moves in on billionaire Freddie Klink. Is he the mastermind?

10pm

SISI: AUSTRIAN EMPRESS (Pt. 4/6) In German with English subtitles.

11pm

MISS FRIMAN’S WAR (Pt. 4/6) In Swedish with English subtitles.

7 MONDAY

6pm

PBS NEWS HOUR

7pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Vintage Denver 2024, Hour 1” This episode includes a 1941 C. F. Martin 00042 guitar, a Louis XVI-style mirror, and a Maria Koogle schoolgirl needlework. One item almost tripled in value to $115,000 to $150,000.

8pm ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Vintage Philadelphia”

9pm

A PLACE OF HOPE: THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR

9:30pm

BURIED HISTORY: FINDING OUR PAST Journalist Warren Bell discovers unknown parts of his own family history and aspects of New Orleans’ unique multicultural history, after taking over a neglected family tomb at the historic St. Louis Cemetery No. 2.

10pm POV “In the Rearview” Using a handheld camera, the documentary shares an intimate look at a group of people, of all ages, cramped in a back seat, who are leaving their home country after experiencing war firsthand.

11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

8 TUESDAY

6pm

PBS NEWS HOUR

7pm

FINDING YOUR ROOTS WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR. “Where Did We Come From?

HIGHLIGHT

8pm

CITIZEN NATION “Chasing Victory” This four-part documentary series is an inspiring coming-of-age story that follows teenagers from across America as they face off in the nation’s premier civics competition. Culminating in a championship showdown in the nation’s capital. Photo Credit: Moriah Ratner/Retro Report

9pm

FRONTLINE “The VP Choice: Vance Vs. Walz” Those who know the candidates reveal the influences and ideas they would bring to the White House.

10pm

FRONTLINE “The Choice 2024: Harris Vs. Trump” FRONTLINE investigates the lives and characters of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump as they seek the presidency. In a historic election, those who know the candidates best reveal key moments that shape how they would lead America.

9 WEDNESDAY

6pm PBS NEWS HOUR

7pm

BIG CATS 24/7 (Pt. 5/6) The team witness a baby boom in the Delta. Lioness Matho must protect her cubs alone, whilst leopard mum Xudum reveals her newborns with danger looming nearby.

Photo Credit: Mark Davenport/ BBC Studios

8pm

NOVA “The Solar System: Strange Worlds” (Pt. 2/5)

9pm

SECRETS OF THE DEAD “Mozart’s Sister” Maria Anna Mozart was a musical prodigy just like her younger brother Wolfgang. Although the children toured together, once Maria Anna came of age, she was left behind while her brother became a star. What happened?

10pm

JEWISH NEW ORLEANS

11pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

7pm STEPPIN’ OUT

7:30pm BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

8pm

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT, SEASON

2 “The Peril at the End House, Pt. 1” (Pt. 1/10)

9pm MISS FISHER’S MURDER MYSTERIES, SEASON 2 “Marked for Murder” (Pt. 6/13)

10pm

MARIE ANTOINETTE “The Ostrich” (Pt. 7/8)

11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

11 FRIDAY

6pm PBS NEWS HOUR

7pm

INFORMED SOURCES

7:30pm

LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN

8pm

WASHINGTON WEEK WITH THE ATLANTIC

8:30pm FIRING LINE WITH MARGARET HOOVER

9pm

VOCES AMERICAN HISTORIA: THE UNTOLD HISTORY OF LATINOS “Solidarity in a New Era” (Pt. 3/3) Host John Leguizamo discovers that while Latinos were often relegated to the fringes of mainstream society, they made profound contributions to the nation and that Latino history is the history of the United States.

11pm STEPPIN’ OUT

11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

12 SATURDAY

6pm THE LAWRENCE WELK SHOW “MorningNoon-Night”

7pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Vintage Denver 2024, Hour 1”

8pm

FINDING YOUR ROOTS WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR. “Where Did We Come From?”

9pm AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “Reagan: An American Crusade” (Pt. 2/2)

11pm

AUSTIN CITY LIMITS “Maggie Rogers/ Gracie Abrams” Enjoy a hit-filled hour with Grammy-nominated Indie pop singer-songwriters Maggie Rogers and Gracie Abrams. Maggie Rogers shines with dancefloor gems from Don’t Forget Me and Gracie Abrams performs standouts from her latest The Secret of Us.

13 SUNDAY

7pm

RIDLEY, SEASON 2 “Fool for Love, Pt. 1” (Pt. 5/8) When a man is shot dead during an illegal rave on a building site, Ridley investigates.

10 THURSDAY

6pm PBS NEWS HOUR

10pm

NEXT AT KENNEDY CENTER “Snarky Puppy: The Family We Make” The Grammy Award-winners bring the audience to their feet during a sold-out show at the Kennedy Center’s Concert Hall honoring Afro-Peruvian icon Susana Baca’s music. Photo Credit: Mauricio Castro

HIGHLIGHT

8pm

MASTERPIECE “Moonflower Murders” (Pt. 5/6) The Endicotts reveal that Martin Webster had a motive to kill Cecily. Liam Corby tells Susan that he knows a secret of Lisa’s. In the Conway novel, Pünd reveals several conclusions he’s drawn about the murder of Melissa James.

Pictured: Tim McMullan as Atticus Pünd

Photo Credit: Jonathan Hession; Eleventh Hour Films and MASTERPIECE

9pm

MASTERPIECE “Van Der Valk, Season 4” ‘Secrets in Amsterdam, Pt. 1’ (Pt. 5/6) Van der Valk reunites with his ex-flame to uncover the truth behind a scientist’s death.

SATURDAYS ON

11am LIDIA'S KITCHEN

In a brand new season, host Lidia Bastianich, from her home kitchen, shares her thoughts about cooking, family, the importance of practicing traditions and making new ones. The series continues with easy, approachable Italian recipes and cooking for everyone.

5am MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD

5:30am ARTHUR

6am WILD KRATTS

6:30am ALMA’S WAY

7am

J. SCHWANKE’S LIFE IN BLOOM

7:30am WOODSMITH SHOP

8am THIS OLD HOUSE

8:30am ASK THIS OLD HOUSE

9am KITCHEN QUEENS: NEW ORLEANS

9:30am KEVIN BELTON’S COOKIN’ LOUISIANA

10am

THE DOOKY CHASE KITCHEN: LEAH’S LEGACY

10pm SISI: AUSTRIAN EMPRESS (Pt. 5/6) In German with English subtitles.

11pm

MISS FRIMAN’S WAR (Pt. 5/6) In Swedish with English subtitles.

14 MONDAY

6pm PBS NEWS HOUR

7pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Vintage Denver 2024, Hour 2”

8pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Vintage Salt Lake City 2020”

9pm

GERMAN NEW ORLEANS

10pm POV “Twice Colonized”

11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

15 TUESDAY

10:30am CHEF PAUL PRUDHOMME'S ALWAYS COOKING 11am LIDIA’S KITCHEN

11:30am AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN FROM COOK’S ILLUSTRATED NOON COOK’S COUNTRY

12:30pm CHRISTOPHER KIMBALL'S MILK STREET TELEVISION 1pm GREAT CHEFS

1:30pm SARA’S WEEKNIGHT MEALS

2pm PATI’S MEXICAN TABLE

2:30pm LES STROUD’S WILD HARVEST

3pm NATURE 4pm NOVA

6pm PBS NEWS HOUR

7pm

FINDING YOUR ROOTS WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR. “Laughing on the Inside”

8pm

CITIZEN NATION “In the Fray” (Pt. 2/4) The pressure builds as students tackle the first round of competition. They must answer judges’ questions in the style of Congressional hearings, showing a thorough understanding of democracy and the ways it connects to their lives today.

9pm

FRONTLINE “A Year of War: Israelis and Palestinians” The horrifying accounts of living through the Hamas attack and the war in Gaza. Told by the people directly impacted on both sides of the conflict, the death, despair and ongoing trauma.

10:30pm

TELL ME MORE WITH KELLY CORRIGAN “Judy Woodruff” 11pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

16 WEDNESDAY

6pm

PBS NEWS HOUR

7pm

BIG CATS 24/7 (Pt. 6/6) With the lion pride now the biggest in Africa, competition for food is fierce.

8pm

NOVA “The Solar System: Volcano Worlds” (Pt. 3/5)

9pm

SECRETS OF THE DEAD “The Herculaneum Scrolls” Computer scientist Brent Seales attempts to read inside hundreds of carbonized ancient scrolls found at the archaeological site of Herculaneum in Italy.

10pm

A PLACE OF HOPE: THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR In 1924, the Ursuline nuns dedicated a place for visitors to pray: the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor. To commemorate the centennial, this documentary by Karen Swensen explores its history.

10:30pm BURIED HISTORY: FINDING OUR PAST 11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

17 THURSDAY 6pm PBS NEWS HOUR

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. All episodes available on WYES’ YouTube channel at wyes.org/ steppinout. Pictured: movie critic for WWLTV Alfred Richard, executive director of the New Orleans Ballet Association Jenny Hamilton, host Peggy Scott Laborde, WWNO radio host and author Poppy Tooker and theater critic Alan Smason

7:30pm

BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

8pm

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT, SEASON 2 “The Peril at the End House, Pt. 2” (Pt. 2/10)

9pm MISS FISHER’S MURDER MYSTERIES, SEASON 2 “Blood at the Wheel” (Pt. 7/13)

10pm

MARIE ANTOINETTE “Queen of Hearts” (Pt. 8/8) Marie Antoinette embraces life at the Petit Trianon where she becomes enamored by a familiar face—Count Axel von Fersen. Photo Credit: © Caroline Dubois - Capa Drama / Banijay Studios France / Les Gens / Canal+

11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

18 FRIDAY

6pm PBS NEWS HOUR

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LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN

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8:30pm FIRING LINE WITH MARGARET HOOVER

9pm

NEXT AT THE KENNEDY CENTER

“Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet: Deep River” The dance company makes its

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10:30pm STEPPIN’ OUT

11pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

19 SATURDAY

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THE LAWRENCE WELK SHOW “Island Show”

7pm ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Vintage Denver 2024, Hour 2”

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FINDING YOUR ROOTS WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR. “Laughing on the Inside”

9pm

JAZZ MUSIC AWARDS 2023 The inaugural broadcast was hosted by Dee Dee Bridgewater and Delroy Lindo, under the musical direction of Terri Lyne Carrington, with performances by Dianne Reeves, Kenny Garrett, Orrin Evans, Ledisi, Somi, Lizz Wright, Braxton Cook, Brandee Younger, Jazzmeia Horn, The Baylor Project, Lindsey Webster and Dee Dee Bridgewater.

11pm

AUSTIN CITY LIMITS “Jacob Collier/ Nickel Creek”

20 SUNDAY

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RIDLEY, SEASON 2 “Fool for Love, Pt. 2” (Pt. 6/8) With Carol off the case, Ridley races to discover who shot Oliver in the hope of protecting Jack from becoming the team’s prime suspect. But things take a turn for the worse when Ridley finds the murder weapon hidden in a shocking location.

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MASTERPIECE “Moonflower Murders” (Pt. 6/6) In the series finale, with help from Pünd, Susan puts the pieces together to solve the cases of both Frank and Cecily. In the Conway novel, Pünd reveals the identities of the killers with a shocking twist.

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MASTERPIECE “Van Der Valk, Season 4” ‘Secrets in Amsterdam, Pt. 2’ (Pt. 6/6) After more shocking murders, seemingly by a professional killer, the team moves in on billionaire Freddie Klink. Is he the mastermind? Could he be trying to stop a medical breakthrough from becoming public? Photo Credit: All3Media International and MASTERPIECE

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MISS FRIMAN’S WAR (Pt.6/6) In Swedish with English subtitles.

21 MONDAY

6pm PBS NEWS HOUR

7pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Vintage Madison 2024, Hour 1”

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ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Vintage Los Angeles 2020”

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NEW ORLEANS VOODOO: FROM THE INSIDE Learn about the origins of Voodoo dolls, candles, potions and gris gris. Witness rituals with Priestess Ava Kay Jones in and around the Crescent City.

10pm POV “Tokyo Uber Blues” 11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

22 TUESDAY 6pm PBS NEWS HOUR

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FINDING YOUR ROOTS WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR. “No Irish Need Apply”

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CITIZEN NATION “The Hustle” (Pt. 3/4) Stakes are high as teams across the country advance to a civics competition final.

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8am WASHINGTON WEEK WITH THE ATLANTIC

The weekly public affairs roundtable that is moderated by The Atlantic editor in chief Jeffrey Goldberg, is known for its depth, balance and civil discourse. The program features journalists from print, broadcast and online news organizations.

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VOCES LATINO VOTE 2024 focuses on the key issues that will drive Latino voter turnout in some of the most hotly contested battleground states, including Nevada, Arizona, Wisconsin, Florida and Pennsylvania.

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CROSSROADS: A CONVERSATION WITH AMERICA Judy Woodruff explores issues that divide Americans and values that bring them together.

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FIRING LINE WITH MARGARET HOOVER

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KEVIN BELTON’S COOKIN’ LOUISIANA

11:30am THE DOOKY CHASE KITCHEN: LEAH’S LEGACY

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1:30pm OUTSIDE: BEYOND THE LENS

NEW SEASON!

7pm

NATURE “Silverback” Follow filmmaker Vianet Djenguet as he documents a grueling but vital mission to habituate a notoriously protective 450-pound silverback, in a last-ditch effort to save the critically endangered Eastern lowland gorillas from extinction. Photo Credit: Vianet Djenguet / © Off The Fence

8pm

NOVA “The Solar System: Ice Worlds” (Pt. 4/5)

9pm

SECRETS OF THE DEAD “The Civil War’s Lost Massacre” Historians, descendants and archaeologists search for information about the deaths and lost burial site of more than 20 African American Civil War soldiers.

10pm NEW ORLEANS FOOD MEMORIES

AND COMPANY

24 THURSDAY

6pm PBS NEWS HOUR

7pm

7:30pm

BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

8pm

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT, SEASON 2 “The Veiled Lady” (Pt. 3/10)

9pm

MISS FISHER’S MURDER MYSTERIES, SEASON 2 “The Blood of Juana the Mad” (Pt. 8/13)

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LUNA AND SOPHIE, SEASON 3 “Day X” (Pt. 1/13) In German with English subtitles.

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AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

25 FRIDAY

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PBS NEWS HOUR

7pm

INFORMED SOURCES WYES’ longest running series, now in its 40th year, continues to share the top news stories in our area. Marcia Kavanaugh is host. Errol Laborde is producer and panelist.

7:30pm LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN 8pm WASHINGTON WEEK WITH THE ATLANTIC

8:30pm FIRING LINE WITH MARGARET HOOVER 9pm

GREAT PERFORMANCES “Émigré: A Musical Drama with the NY Phil” Enjoy this semi-staged oratorio with the New York Philharmonic and an international cast telling the story of Jewish refugees in World War II Shanghai set to music by Aaron Zigman with lyrics by Mark Campbell and additional lyrics by Brock Walsh. 11pm STEPPIN’ OUT

11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

26 SATURDAY

6pm

THE LAWRENCE WELK SHOW “Halloween Party”

7pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Vintage Madison 2024, Hour 1”

8pm

FINDING YOUR ROOTS WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR. “No Irish Need Apply”

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MORGUS THE MAGNIFICENT MARATHON

Join Dr. Morgus, Chopsley, E.R.I.C. and more for an evening of horror. WYES is excited to present restored and digitally remastered vintage episodes of MORGUS PRESENTS.

11pm

AUSTIN CITY LIMITS “Brittany Howard” The Nashville-based musician and frontwoman for Alabama Shakes performs from her album What Now.

27 SUNDAY

7pm

RIDLEY, SEASON 2 “The Memory Jar, Pt. 1” (Pt. 7/8) Ridley investigates when Tara Dunning, beloved wife and mother, vanishes from her tranquil village home.

8pm

MASTERPIECE “The Marlow Murder Club” (Pt. 1/4) When a brutal murder shocks the peaceful town of Marlow, Judith begins her own investigation, enlisting help from the vicar’s wife Becks and local dog walker Suzie Harris. Pictured: Suzie Harris (Jo Martin), Judith Potts (Samantha Bond), Becks Starling (Cara Horgan) Photo Credit: MASTERPIECE, Monumental Television, and UKTV

9pm MASTERPIECE “Wolf Hall” (Pt. 1/6)

10pm

MASTERPIECE “Sherlock, Season 1” ‘A Study in Pink” (Pt. 1/3)

28 MONDAY

6pm PBS NEWS HOUR

7pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Vintage Madison 2024, Hour 2”

8pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Kooky & Spooky”

9pm

NEW ORLEANS RESTAURANTS WITH A PAST

10pm

VOCES “Our Texas, Our Vote”

11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

29 TUESDAY

6pm PBS NEWS HOUR

7pm

FINDING YOUR ROOTS WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR. “The Shirts on their Backs”

8pm

CITIZEN NATION “Agree to Disagree” (Pt. 4/4) At a thrilling championship showdown in the heart of Washington, D.C., civics competition finalists are jittery and dressed in their best as they prepare for the judges’ final challenges. A winner is crowned.

9pm

FRONTLINE “American Voices 2024” Following the changing views and experiences of Americans from the 2020 election to today. The special returns to voters filmed four years ago, to see how their hopes and fears have changed amid another polarizing election season.

10:30pm

BEYOND DEBATE: A REVOLUTION IN EDUCATION

11:30pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

30 WEDNESDAY

6pm

PBS NEWS HOUR

7pm

NATURE “Dracula’s Hidden Kingdom” Discover Transylvania, a mystical region in central Romania where its mountain ranges, vast ancient forests and medieval villages are a sanctuary for wolves, lynxes, brown bears, bats and more.

8pm

NOVA “The Solar System: Wandering Worlds” (Pt. 5/5)

9pm

SECRETS OF THE DEAD “Field of Vampires” Uncover the mystery behind the 2022 discovery in Eastern Europe of more than 50 errant burials that indicate a perceived threat of vampirism in the 17th century. Pictured: The unsettling ‘vampire’ skeleton found in rural Pień, Poland, was buried over 350 years ago with a sickle across the neck and padlock on a toe to keep the corpse in the grave. Photo Credit: © A. Poznań / TSE”Ewolucja

10pm NEW ORLEANS VOODOO: FROM THE INSIDE

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31 THURSDAY

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AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT, SEASON 2 “The Lost Mine” (Pt. 4/10)

9pm

MISS FISHER’S MURDER MYSTERIES, SEASON 2 “Framed for Murder” (Pt. 9/13)

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LUNA AND SOPHIE, SEASON 3 “Death on the Havel” (Pt. 2/13) In German with English subtitles.

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BY ERROL LABORDE / ART BY ARTHUR NEAD

A Jarring Search

In pursuit of red gravy

In front of me is a jar of recently purchased Tony Mandina’s Red Gravy. As far as I know the brand is the only commercially prepared red gravy anywhere in the world. Red gravy has been a subject of concern, at least in my world, with the announcement that Tony Mandina’s restaurant on the West Bank was closing. (Yes, there are family connections to the Mandina’s on Canal Street, but they are totally different businesses.)

My concern was, what would happen to the jarred red gravy? Fortunately, the Tony Mandina’s hierarchy was quick to relieve anxiety by announcing that the supermarket product (prepared in upstate St. Gabriel) would still be on the market even with the restaurant closed.

That was good news, but still unresolved was the question of what exactly is red gravy and how does it differ from other sauces? Is it the same, for example, as marinara, carbonara, ragu or any other reddish sauce ladled over pasta?

Of greater concern though is that the phrase “red gravy” seems to be disappearing.

Tony Mandina’s menu would include meatballs or Italian sausage both served over angel hair pasta topped with “red gravy.” No equivocating with some other sauces. This was the real thing.

Liuzza’s on Bienville Street in Mid-City might now be the epicenter of red gravy on the menu. There are several dishes that capitalize on the sauce including, most notably, the house specialty, embracing eggplant casserole, meatball, pasta and the “gravy” on top. Kitchens in Palermo would be challenged to create a better dish.

Then there are the domestic variations such as that of a friend who would serve the family roast bathed in red gravy.

Speaking of Sicily: With the flow of immigrants that settled in New Orleans during the 1890s there could have been many that brought recipes from home folded in their pocket. Tony Mandina’s claims that its recipe evolved in the hills of Salaparuta, Sicily, as created by “Maw Maw” Mandina. There are three words in the boast that give legitimacy to the culinary quality of the claim; “Sicily” and “Maw Maw.” What could be better?

“Maw Maw” aside, there are variations of what the gravy might be; some call it a “creole sauce” or “red eye gravy,” but the safe course is to not stray from the Sicilian roots which includes tomatoes, green peppers, onions and spices. Some recipes add chicken stock. But, and this is important, “NO FLOUR.” Why? I am not sure, but I have no doubt that Maw Maw knew best. Besides, in Louisiana flour is already part of all our roux-based dishes, such as gumbos and étouffées, so its absence gives the gravy is own character. Some recipes call for adding heavy cream. I say keep the gravy as intended.

OK, we are at the moment I have been waiting for: While you have been reading the above paragraph, I went to the office kitchen, got a plastic spoon from the coffee service and opened the jar. There is no microwave, so I am tasting the red gravy at room temperature, as God intended it to be. As might be expected: It is really good. There is an overall sweetness, but the bold tomato flavor clearly dominates, as it should. It is light enough that it could be eaten as a soup, but the flavor burst clearly calls for warm pasta.

A 2018 article in The Times-Picayune quoted restaurateur Sal Impastato comparing red gravy to marinara sauce: “Red gravy is hearty and can stand up to meatballs, Italian sausage, pigs’ feet and beef,” 1mpastato said, “While marinara is better suited for pasta and vegetables, such as eggplant or squash.”

Sounds good to me; though I would keep the pig’s feet on the side. There is, however, always room for an extra meatball.

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