New Orleans Magazine July 2023

DIAL 12, D1

Exploring faith, forgiveness and redemption, the explosive eighth season of MASTERPIECE

“Grantchester” tests

Will and Geordie to the limit. Watch it starting on Sunday, July 9 at 8pm on WYES-TV and stream on the WYES and PBS Apps. For all WYES program and event details, and to become a member, visit wyes.org.

Photograph

FROM THE EDITOR

July marks that mid-way point of summer where you’re often left in the entertainment doldrums wondering what to do next and how much hotter is it going to get (spoiler alert: a lot). This month, we have a packed planner with ways to enjoy summer, keep your cool and still look great while getting out and about.

While the heat is getting to its maximum right about now, you don’t have to confine yourself to a darkened living room with the a/c on full blast. There’s still plenty of great summer fun to be had right here at home. From learning a new skill (ever wanted to sew your own swimsuit cover up? Learn to rock climb?) to dining out, soaking up some art and culture, enjoying a day spa or just chilling by the pool, we’ve got your summer plans unpacked right here at home.

Skincare in the summertime is no joke. It’s hot. You’re sweating. The sun is relentless. We have our cooldown guide to keeping your skin hydrated, clean and ready for going out, despite the heat. Plus we have special tips for kids and teens in an Instagram world.

July also marks our annual celebration of senior living. In this issue, we have a bevy of the best 65-and-older seniors truly in their Golden Age. These seniors continue to inspire with their contributions to the community, commitment to making life better for themselves and others and imparting wisdom and knowledge to a new generation. I can’t wait for you to meet them and to celebrate them, too.

As always, our columns will give you all the best places to eat, drink, and shop, plus style tips, family fun and more. So grab an icy beverage, stay hydrated and enjoy New Orleans in July. It’s not as bad as you think.

ASHLEY MCLELLAN, EDITOR

Highways and Byways

DEAR JULIA,

At the corner of St. Charles Avenue and Common Street there is an obelisk-shaped marker announcing that the spot was the southern terminus of Jefferson Highway which ran between New Orleans and Winnipeg, Canada. It is dated 1918. I know Jefferson Highway runs through part of the New Orleans area, but to Winnipeg? Is this correct? Why would anyone want to go from New Orleans to Winnipeg?

THOMAS SMITH, RIVER RIDGE.

Thomas, Winnipeg, though separated by 1600 miles, is almost exactly due north of New Orleans. The highway, which was built in the 1910s, was seen as a route up the center of the nation going through Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Minnesota. The largest American cities along the route are Kansas City, Missouri, Des Moines, Iowa and Minneapolis. (More famously was the Lincoln Highway which ran across the country from East to West.) Jefferson Highway was also hyped as the “Palm to Pine” road for the different trees along the route.

As the federal highways system grew, numbers were used to designate the highways. The name Jefferson Highway is still used for short stretches along the original route, but in most places the road is marked differently. In Louisiana what remains of the original route is officially listed as U.S. Highway 71. Its path includes Bunkie and Shreveport before crossing into Texas.

We doubt if anyone ever drives between New Orleans and Winnipeg per se, though Winnipeggers, we presume, might like to escape to New Orleans, especially during the Canadian winter. There are no great mountains or valleys along the route, mostly flat lands. However, visitors can at least appreciate that they have arrived in a city that was founded by Iberville and Bienville, the Lemoyne Brother, two Canadians. They came by boat.

DEAR JULIA AND POYDRAS, What was so fat about Fat City?

COLLEEN KERSHAW, RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA

What was fat? Only the ambition, which proved to be way overweight. In the early 1970s, a nighttime entertainment district near Lakeside Shopping Center was planned partially as a suburban alternative to the French Quarter. Condo developments were planned around it. No one took it very seriously until the original Morning Call coffee and beignet stand left the Quarter and opened on Severn Avenue. This seemed to be the ultimate statement of city interests moving to the suburbs. There were a few night clubs and some buzz at first, but ultimately it did not work. The problem is that Fat City was not real—there was no history, no architecture, no artistry. The buildings, which were faux French Quarter, did not impress.

One of the developers had the idea of naming the area after the nearby “Fat City” snoball stand. The idea caught on and the whole area becoming known by that name, and eventually getting official sanction from the parish. The snoball stand was named after a movie about a boxer. Never fully explained is what the movie or the snowball stand had to do with the neighborhood. But that didn’t matter.

Many of the original places have since closed. There have been efforts to revive the neighborhood. Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng has been interested in revitalization and so has current council member Jennifer Van Vranken. One model that is mentioned is Times Square in New York City, which was once popular, then became seedy, and has been redeveloped toward having a better class of businesses and to being more of an artistic area. Poydras also recommends a retirement village for parrots, but that assumes that the parrot he has in mind actually worked for a living.

SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS

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

Associate Publisher Kate Henry

EDITORIAL

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New Podcast!

Foodies and culinary fans, take note. Something’s coming later this summer, so be sure to watch for updates on MyNewOrleans.com! And be sure to catch up on all of our “Beyond” New Orleans podcasts where we take a deep dive into the stories, music, culture and history of the city. Like and subscribe!

NOSH

Each month we bring you into the kitchen and behind the scenes on Instagram. Top chefs from across the city cook up our monthly Nosh recipe, with their own tips and tricks. This month, Chef Suda Ounin from Thai D’Jing whips up a sweet treat that’s perfect for summer.

BLOG

For fans of our monthly “Growing Pains” column, be sure to check out writer Eve Crawford Peyton’s weekly blog “Joie D’Eve” for her take on raising teens, life in New Orleans and all of the ups and downs of parenthood.

SAM HANNA PHOTO

SPILLWAY CLASSIC TRAIL RUN

Runners looking for a little extra challenge should try the Spillway Classic Trail Run in Norco. It’s open to runners and walkers of all speeds, but the course is off-road and can be very muddy and/or wet depending on conditions. RunNOTC.org

BY FRITZ ESKER

TALES OF THE COCKTAIL

Check out inperson education and tastings of delicious cocktails at the beverage industry’s premier event in various locations throughout the city, July 23-28. TalesOfTheCocktail.org

Celebrate Independence Day on the evening of July 3 at Lafreniere Park in Metairie with “Uncle Sam Jam, “a free festival at the Al Copeland Concert Meadow Stage. The lineup has not been released as of press time but will feature local and national acts. A fireworks show will conclude the festivities. VisitJeffersonParish.com

HAPPY

3RD OF JULY

New Orleans City Park celebrates Independence Day a day early with a red, white and blue celebration on July 3. The free event, held on the Great Lawn, features live music, food and refreshments available for purchase, plus a fireworks display. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the evening of festivities. neworleanscitypark.org/calendar

4TH

FEST IN CRESCENT PARK

Celebrate the 4th of July in Crescent Park. There will be live music, food and drink, as well as a killer view of the fireworks over the Mississippi River. FrenchMarket.org/ Event/4th-fest-in-crescent-park

ESSENCE FESTIVAL

ESSENCE Festival of Culture returns to the Crescent City June 29-July 3. Musical highlights at the Superdome this year include Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, Megan Thee Stallion, and Ice Cube. essence. com/EssenceFestival2023

ALICIA KEYS

Grammy-award winner

Alicia Keys brings her “Keys to the Summer” tour to the Smoothie King Center on July 23. SmoothieKingCenter.com

JACKSON BROWNE

Singer-songwriter Jackson Browne of “Running on Empty” and “Somebody’s Baby” fame (and more) will perform at the Saenger on July 22. SaengerNOLA.com

NEW ORLEANS BEATLES FEST

The Jefferson Performing Arts Center will host “New Orleans Beatles Fest” on July 22, featuring tributes to the Beatles’ biggest hits from 19641970. jpas.org

BASTILLE DAY

FETE 2023

Celebrate Bastille Day, July 14, at the Alliance Française in New Orleans on Jackson Avenue. There will be live music, a French DJ, cocktails, drinks and food trucks. Put on a beret or French-themed attire and get a free drink ticket! Af-NewOrleans.org

SAN FERMIN EN NUEVA ORLEANS 2023 - XVII

If you’ve never been chased through downtown by roller girls wielding rubber bats, you’re missing out. Check out the 17th San Fermin in Nueva Orleans July 14-16. The location of this year’s festivities has not been announced as of press time for this issue, but you can find the most up-to-date information at NOLABulls.com

“DISNEY’S NEWSIES”

Playing at Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts in Kenner from July 13-23, this Broadway hit is based on the 1992 Disney film starring Christian Bale about a reallife newsboy strike in 1899. RivertownTheaters.com

The best-selling female artist in country music history brings her “Queen of Me” tour to the Smoothie King Center on July 24. SmoothieKingCenter.com

BERT KREISCHER’S FULLY LOADED COMEDY FESTIVAL

Stand-up comedian and actor Bert Kreischer, who recently headlined the film “The Machine,” brings his comedy festival to the Smoothie King Center on July 7. Performers also include Tiffany Haddish of “Girls Trip,” Mark Normand and Chad Daniels. SmoothieKingCenter.com

SHANIA TWAIN

UNCLE SAM JAM

CHERYL GERBER PHOTO

BY MISTY MILIOTO BAR TAB

In the Spirit

Tales of the Cocktail, the world’s premier cocktail festival, returns to New Orleans July 23-28 with a week of more than 300 unique sessions and panels, Beyond the Bar activations, Days of Service, Meet the Distillers, New Orleans Cocktail Tours, the annual Spirited Awards, the first-ever Catalyst Luncheon, the popular Brand-Hosted Events and more. In the meantime, Tales of the Cocktail Foundation has named its Cocktail Apprentice Program Class of 2023 (a renowned group of up-and-coming bartenders from around the world). These apprentices, including Zen Castro of NOLA’s Espiritu Mezcaleria, will have the opportunity to learn alongside some of the world’s most respected bartenders and cocktail experts during this year’s festival. TOTCF also has announced its regional top 10 nominees for the 17th annual Spirited Awards, which celebrates global excellence in the cocktail industry. Broken down by region, top 10 nominees for the U.S. Central category include: Arnaud’s French 75 Bar (Best U.S. Bar Team); Manolito (Best U.S. Cocktail Bar); Bar Marilou at the Maison de la Luz, Chandelier Bar at the Four Seasons New Orleans, Hot Tin at the Pontchartrain Hotel, loa at the International House and The Elysian Bar at the Hotel Peter and Paul (Best U.S. Hotel Bar); Arnaud’s French 75 Bar, Bakery Bar, Lengua Madre, Margot’s and Mister Mao (Best U.S. Restaurant Bar); and Dovetail Bar at the Schaeffer Hotel (Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar). The Spirited Awards winners will be celebrated July 27 at the Fillmore New Orleans. TOTC attendees can choose from a variety of daily and weekly ticket passes, discounted bartender passes, event tickets and complimentary tickets to TOTC’s philanthropic- and wellness-focused events, including Beyond the Bar and the Days of Service. talesofthecocktail.org

BEST OF THE BEST

Jewel of the South, boasting the exceptional cocktail skills of Chris Hannah, has been named No. 5 on the North America’s 50 Best Bars 2023 list. The bar and restaurant also was named The Best Bar in South USA 2023, sponsored by Torres Brandy. Be sure to try the French 75 or the Jewel Sazerac. Meanwhile, Neal Bodenheimer’s Cure took No. 36 on list. Popular cocktails here include the Barrel-Rested Corpse Reviver #2 and the Chilcano. 1026 St. Louis St., 504-265-8816, jewelnola.com; 4905 Freret St., 504-302-2357, curenola.com

SUMMER DELIGHTS

Bakery Bar—a locals’ favorite spot for cocktails, weekday brunch and Latin Americanmeets-Creole cuisine— has launched Club BB: Summer Classics Remix. The weekly cocktail program is available all day on Thursdays through Aug. 24 and features a lighter, tropical twist on several of New Orleans' famed classic cocktails. The specialty cocktail menu includes drinks like the Cafe Carib (a tropical remix of the classic Café Brûlot); the Chillin Mantis (a frozen twist on a Grasshopper); the Detonator (a smoothed-out version of the Hand Grenade); and the Rum Crispy (a tiki-inspired Brandy Crusta). 1179 Annunciation St., 504-2108519, bakery.bar

SUMMER SIPS

Commander’s Palace has once again partnered with Swirl Wine Bar & Market for the second annual CP Sips event, which kicked off June 28. The next two events (5:30-7 p.m. each night) are scheduled for July 26 (California Dreaming, showcasing wines from the Sunshine State) and Aug. 30 (Coast to Coast, highlighting wines from across the Mediterranean). The wine tasting series, which brings together local wine professionals to lead an exploration of premier wine brands from around the world, includes an educational look into a curated selection of more than 40 wines, plus gourmet cheeses, seafood and other bites from Executive Chef Meg Bickford and the restaurant’s culinary team. Representatives from the Swirl Wine Bar team will be onsite to facilitate delivery orders of any wines included in the tasting. Each event also will feature a Commander’s cocktail mixer station highlighting spirits from local distiller Porchjam Distillery. 1403 Washington Ave., 504899-8221, commanderspalace.com

BY MISTY MILIOTO THE DISH

Summer Dining

Couvant, the signature French-inspired Louisiana brasserie located within The Eliza Jane hotel, has extended its brunch service, now offering brunch Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Additionally, the restaurant has added new items to its brunch menu, including duck and Brie spring rolls, Louisiana crawfish hash, and shrimp and grits. Other popular items include duck confit and waffles, the Croque Madame, pain perdu and, of course, the $25 bottomless brunch cocktails (bloody Marys, mimosas, palomas, sangria and brunch punch). 315 Magazine St., 504-342-2316, couvant.com

The onsite restaurant at the W French Quarter, 3rd Block Depot Kitchen + Bar, has introduced new dishes to its menu. The seared scallops and lion’s mane mushrooms with charred scallions and pecan pesto pairs well with Prosecco or dry sparkling wines and Champagnes. Meanwhile, the smoked Creole tomato and Gulf shrimp pappardelle pasta incorporates smoked local Creole tomatoes, plus garlic, onion, Italian herbs and Crystal Hot Sauce. 316 Chartres St., 504-552-4095, marriott.com

CARIBBEAN-CREOLE FUSION

Celebrity Chef

Nina Compton has opened Nina’s Creole Cottage in the new food hall section of Harrah’s New Orleans Casino (which will soon be Caesar’s Hotel and Casino). Open for lunch and dinner daily, the casual Caribbean-inspired restaurant features menu items like the Caribbean chopped salad, the hot fire chicken sandwich, fried catfish with Creole slaw, and the chicken and plantain waffle with spiced hot honey. Meanwhile, Compton’s Compère Lapin restaurant in the Old No. 77 Hotel has revived Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Starters include tater tots with crème fraiche and caviar; an everything bagel with tuna tartar and chili cream cheese; and the famed CL buttermilk biscuits with jam and whipped ricotta cheese. Main plates include hot fire chicken, braised pork, smothered rabbit and French toast. Boozy cocktails also are on the menu, plus a bottomless brunch punch. 8 Canal St., caesars. com/caesars-neworleans; 504-535 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-599-2119, comperelapin.com

FISH DISHES

GW Fins is hosting an Ocean Conservation Cuts Dinner on Wednesday, July 12 in the restaurant’s private dining room. This dinner is part of Executive Chef Michael Nelson’s mission to increase seafood sustainability by using various parts of the fish that have previously been discarded. Throughout the five-course meal (with wine pairings), every part of the fish—from fin to tail—will be showcased in innovative ways. Nelson’s uniquely inspired Seacuterie and dry-aged fish also will be highlighted, as well as specialty cuts like Fin Wings and fish bellies. $100 per person; seating is limited, and reservations are required. 808 Bienville St., 504-581-3467, gwfins.com

NEW DIGS

Mason Hereford and the team behind Turkey and the Wolf and Molly’s Rise and Shine have opened Hungry Eyes on Magazine Street. Expect 1980s kitschy decor, shareable plates and refreshing cocktails. Be sure to order the artichokes on the half shell with morita chili butter, garlic and Parmesan, and served with sourdough ciabatta baked in-house. 4206 Magazine St., hungryeyesnola.com

On the other side of town, Larry Morrow and his mother Leonora Chong have opened Sun Chong as a follow-up to Morrow’s on St. Claude Avenue and Monday in Mid-City. The pan-Asian menu includes small plates like crab rangoon dip, crawfish fried rice, lettuce wraps and dumplings; handhelds like a crawfish poboy and bulgogi po-boy; and big plates like glazed salmon, Yum Yum fried ribs and Fishin-a-Boat (deep-fried red snapper nuggets served with a side of sticky rice). 240 Decatur St., 504-355-0022, sunchongnola.com

Style

BY ANDY MYER

This beachy treasure by Emilie Shapiro was crafted by taking an impression of a sun pyrite and casting in brass with a lost wax casting method that dates back to the Egyptians. Paired with an aquamarine, and hanging on an adjustable brass chain, you will want to wear this day and night. Available at NOMA Museum Shop, shop.noma.org.

Perfect for outdoor entertaining, serve up your favorite cocktails or dishes on Avenida Home’s Round Marine Tray and you may soon see Ariel herself swim up for a seat at the table. The delightful seaside composition of octopus, seahorse, coral, shells and other marine life were selected from original paintings by artist Nathalie Lete. Available at Sotre, sotrecollection.com.

Under the Sea

Dive into this month’s slow summer pace with marine-inspired finds from around town.

Handwoven “with love” in Columbia, Hola Guava’s adorable Fish Clutch is the perfect summer catch. With a vibrant hot pink tassle and zipper closure, throw in a larger bag as a catch-all or cast your net and use alone for a festive finishing touch. Available at Hola Guava, holaguava.com.

Ocean lovers take note! Goods That Matter’s Help Coral Reef Bar Soap is handmade in New Orleans and raises funds for restoring coral reefs. Made with olive oil, coconut oil, rhassoul clay, and a blend of essential oils including spearmint and patchouli, you’ll do double duty keeping clean while saving the planet. Available at The Good Shop, thegoodshopnola.com.

The Temma Dress by Marie Oliver in this painterly, rich color palate is made from 100% breezy linen. With a groovy climbing coral pattern and flattering square neckline, this flowy piece will become a summer staple. Available at Azby’s, azbys.com.

BY KELLY MASSICOT PERSONA

MICHAEL RICHARD

New Orleans is full of so much character and personality that it’s surprising it took seven seasons for the Netflix show “Queer Eye” to make its way to the Big Easy. Finally, in May 2023, the Fab 5 debuted the New Orleans season with seven episodes highlighting some of our best personalities - or “heroes.” One of these heroes was Michael Richard, a native New Orleanian and farm director of local non-profit Recirculating Farms. Richard has spent many years promoting urban farming, teaching the community vital skills and helping to grow the farm to what it is today. This month, Richard shares his story and insight into his time on the show.

Q: How did you get involved in farming? I definitely did not expect to be doing this. If you told 21-year-old me, “you’re going to be farming,” I would have laughed at you. Well, maybe. Maybe not. Until you start to look into the world, you don’t picture urban farms. I didn’t even know that people really did that at a productive scale. I thought that was more of just like a hobby type of thing. My original goal was to do law. That was always my goal growing up to try to create change by changing the rules that we play by. I was doing criminal justice up at Southeastern, and I really didn’t like the way the curriculum was going. So I switched over to sociology, which was one of the best things that I could have ever done. In that track, that is when I was introduced to urban

farming through one of my teachers. I took a few sociology classes and we took field trips down to the city to see different urban farms and food access programs. That was really my introduction into this world of addressing lots of different issues such as climate change, economic inequality, environmental injustice.

Q: What was your first job working with urban farming? I was looking for a place where I could maybe apprentice. I came across a job at Second Harvest Food Bank. It was a child nutrition education, and aquaponics position. I had no experience, but I went in there gave a great interview. And they hired me. I really got a good taste of what real holistic food programming can look like. That just really got me hooked. Once that one-year position was over, I met Marianne while I was at Second Harvest, who is my my nominator for “Queer Eye” and my current boss.

Q: How did you get involved with Recirculating Farms? Marianne liked my work ethic. She liked my passion. I was already really impressed with Recirculating Farms anyway, because of the research I did with them before we decided to partner with them at Second Harvest. So yeah, I jumped into that, man. I’ve been with Recirculating Farms ever since. I was originally a just a parttime farmer. And then I became the outreach coordinator. And I am now the farm director. I’ve been basically managing the farm for the past four or five years.

Q: What was the experience of Queer Eye like? It was very surreal. Because I am a big fan of the show, we’ve rewatched so many episodes. When you’re watching, we always kind of thought, “Wouldn’t it be so crazy if I got on it?” And then it happened. I remember the moment I turned around, and then they were on the farm. Just to see them in person was like, wow, this is a dream. But it was super cool. They were all very, very nice. What you see on the show is exactly what you get from them. They’re super authentic. Filming was an interesting process. Our days were very long. I had a driver. I was like a movie star for a week. Part of it was a little stressful, just because I’m a very hands-on person, with my farm especially. It’s very hard for me to let go of control. But that was also kind of part of the process, you know. They were like, you’ll get more out of this if you just kind of lean into it and be vulnerable and just kind of just trust us. They do a good job of getting you in a comfortable place to be vulnerable, to really lean into the process. It’s weird to be so vulnerable in front of so many people. They made all of that go away, the film crew, and everyone really became like your friends by the end of it. Looking back, seeing the show, there was a lot of therapeutic cathartic moments and things that aren’t shown. And so that made me feel pretty good too.

Q: What are some take-aways looking back? I journaled a lot. That was one of the things Karamo had me do. I will go back and read that sometimes and remember how I felt in those moments, and how it wasn’t just a performative thing. I’m a very passionate person. I go all in when I do things. If I’m going to do this, I’m gonna do it. And so that’s what I did. It could have been a very dark episode. But they told my story in a

very passionate way and authentic way, but also showed a lot of joy that is created in my life by doing the work that I do. Ultimately, you see this at the end of the episode. They made me realize, I’ve done a lot. I’ve accomplished a lot to get where I am. And to me, it’s just everyday life, you know, I just grind and grind and grind. My life is hard. It is what it is. But to take a moment and step back and really appreciate the work that you’ve done for yourself was something I hadn’t really done.

Q: Was there a standout moment? There’s two moments that really stuck with me, that I think about pretty often. One is with Bobby, which they didn’t use on the show. He has a very nontraditional past as well. He doesn’t have a degree and he has to fight imposter syndrome and stuff like that. We had a moment where we really got into the details about that type of stuff. That was a very touching moment. Even though we all know that there’s other people going through lots of hard things, it always feels like you’re the only one in that situation. So to have a person of his stature tell me, it’s okay to feel this way. It’s normal, but you don’t have to let that hold you back. You don’t have to let these things define you, you can still find success. And then even when you find success, that doesn’t mean that you’re automatically going to stop feeling like an imposter. It was just reassuring to have that and really connect with him on that level. The other moments, not to diminish any of them, which I have with all the other people, and there are tons of amazing ones, but Jonathan was hilarious. So funny. We were cracking up the whole time. We were just having a great time.

When I was in my 20s and new to adulting, I took my dog to the veterinarian. She was the first living creature I had ever taken care of myself.

She was coughing and sniffling and doing what dogs do when they try to sneeze. When she was on the vet’s table, to show that I was indeed a knowledgeable pet owner, I said, “I don’t like her being so stuffed up, even though I know that dogs can breathe through their ears.”

There was a pause.

“What did you say?” asked the vet.

“I know that dogs can breathe through their ears…” and the vet stifled a laugh. And then gave up and laughed out loud. And laughed some more.

My sister had done it again.

Mary Jane, nine-and-a half years older than me, had salted my childhood with bits of  “information” that still trip me up once in a while. (No, you don’t catch shrimp by spearing them individually.) To be fair, maybe she thought some of it was true. But I doubt it. Not from the long-distance peals of laughter I heard when I called her that night.

That was my sister.

The prankster, the knowledgeable one - and the one I could count on when I was in trouble.

Back when I created the Modine column, she supported me, both by laughing at the right times, and by coming up with Modine stories of her own.

Scary Mary

The sister behind Modine

Mary Jane had been an only child for nine-and-a-half years before I appeared. Later in life she thanked me for arriving in time to distract our mother from whatever she planned to do as a teenager.

Momma probably read something about preventing jealousy between siblings, because she allowed Mary Jane to choose my name— after a saint, of course.  Momma handed her a Catholic book of the saints, and Mary Jane chose Elizabeth of Hungary - because, she told me later, Elizabeth was neither a virgin nor a martyr.

I followed along in her footsteps. We both went to Ursuline and Loyola; we both studied education and journalism, and we both married

men whose names started with A. She was matron of honor at my wedding. That morning, we were gathered with the bridesmaids at the back of the church; the music started; the first bridesmaid began her slow walk up the aisle; and Mary  Jane turned to me frantically and said “I left my bouquet in the limo.” Which had driven away, for some reason.  Hysterical whispering as the next bridesmaid stepped out; then the next one. Finally I shoved my missal at her and hissed “Do something!”

- it was our late father’s  and I was carrying it for sentiment.

She flipped it open, raised it to shoulder level, and marched solemnly up the aisle. Perfect. At the reception, I heard her telling people that the

carrying of the dead father’s missal was an old Irish tradition.

Momma had always complained because she didn’t have the large family she had envisioned, and we tried to make up for that. Mary Jane and her husband, Al Lacoste, produced eight children, and Art and I produced six.

After she had her seventh child, she decided to go back to school for her PhD in education. Astounded, I asked why. She said, “How else am I going to get out of the house?”

Even after she became Dr. Lacoste, she thought like Modine. When Modine tried to light a Yule log that turned out to be a creosote-soaked piece of telephone pole somebody had picked up from the side of the highway, that was Mary Jane. (Don’t try it.)

And when Modine’s sister-inlaw had a gender reveal party and asked her son to read the announcement, and he instead read aloud the instructions for scrotal care after the vasectomy of his dad - that was Mary Jane’s idea.

She served as principal of two special education schools, taught at Xavier University, wrote “Death Embraced;” a book about New Orleans burial customs, and led French Quarter tours, introducing herself as “Scary Mary.”

She left us April 13, at age 90.

Yesterday I told one of the grandkids that dogs can breathe through their ears.

Some stories are meant to live forever.

Talk about vertigo. Remember when driving across the Huey P. Long Bridge in Jefferson Parish was as frightening to a flat-lander New Orleanian as a stroll along the rim of the Grand Canyon? Those 9-foot, shoulderless “cantilevered” lanes skirted along the very edge of the bridge. With a hesitant side glance out the car’s side window, you were sure the cosmic forces of gravity would pull you through those seemingly weak railings for a long fall into the dark river below.

Nevertheless, the Huey P. Long Bridge, constructed in the 1930s, was an engineering wonder then and now. It was the first automobile and railroad bridge to cross the Mississippi in the New Orleans region. Before that, trains and cars were transported across the river on steam-driven ferries that wasted a great deal of time.

Building a bridge across the Mississippi had been a dream for Southern Pacific Railroad throughout the late 19th century. With the creation of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad in the early 1900s, a bridge became necessary to service the city’s port and economy. In 1916, Louisiana voters approved a state constitutional amendment, giving New Orleans exclusive authority to build a bridge across the river. The engineering firm of Modjeski, Masters and Chase drew up a design in 1925 and the state issued a permit in 1926. Construction, however, didn’t begin until December1932 and not until the Public Belt received $13 million in bonds. To pay off those bonds, the Public Belt Commission planned to charge Southern Pacific an annual rental fee plus impose a small toll on automobile traffic.

The project moved quickly after that, finally opening on Dec. 16, 1935, with a massive celebration beginning with a crossing by an 1860s “primitive puff locomotive” with 1,200 railroad and political dignitaries aboard, a fly-over by squadrons of Navy and Army planes, a ribbon-cutting by Rose Long, wife of the late Huey P. Long (Long had been assassinated three months earlier), and scores of speeches. In one speech reported the next day in the Times-Picayune, A.D. Danziger, representing the state highway commission, said the bridge should be named for Long who made the project possible with $7 million in state highway bonds.

“That day,” said Danziger, “when an Association of Commerce Committee obtained a pledge of assistance from Senator Long, then governor, coupled with the provision that the highway bridge be toll-free, marked the major step in translating the dream of many years, and putting it into a way of becoming an actuality. I express the earnest wish that there be acquienscence in every quarter to the naming of this structure, the Huey P. Long bridge.”

Huey P. Long Bridge, Main River Bridge, Pier D Complete, April 30, 1934, Library of Congress

The Times-Picayune went on to give a few construction details. The center span was 790 feet long and the roadway stood 135 feet above the river’s highwater level. It contained over 400 tons of concrete and 60 tons of steel. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, “the dual-track railroad portion was the longest, highest railroad bridge in the world at the time.”

The Huey P. Long bridge’s appearance changed little over the decades, not until it underwent a $1.2 billion expansion between April 2006 and June 2013.

Blame it on inflation. Or on that massive project due by the end of the summer. Or the need to tend to an aging parent…or pour money into the kids’ camp.

Whatever the reason, a big vacation is not in the cards. But that doesn’t mean you can’t think outside the travel box and rest, recharge and revitalize in your own geographic backyard.

As the story goes, the term “staycation” was first bandied about during the great recession of 2008, a time when even having a house to stay in was not a given. Since then, the notion of having fun at home can take the sting out of not making it to the Tetons or the south of France this summer.

Thankfully, New Orleans is loaded with ways to bemuse, amuse and exhilarate. More than 9.7 million people visited last year, and most of them had a blast. First order of the day, shake off the ‘been there, done that’ attitude that is the biggest stumbling block to rediscovering why we live here in the first place. Think about what you like to do when you’re on vacation. Is it shopping? Dipping into new cultures? Taking a history or architecture tour? Trying new restaurants and foods?

You can do all of those things here!

Give yourself a budget. How much would you spend on a vacation, total, and then break it down day by day. Parse out a number that you can afford and mull on a how to spend it. Whether you want to blow it all on a luxury resort-like experience, pamper yourself, learn something new, get social, experience a new restaurant or neighborhood or challenge both mind and body, this is going to be fun.

Windsor Court

Virgin Hotel New Orleans Ace Hotel

Pool Deals

Check resortpass. com for more day pass pool deals.

The Roosevelt’s starts at $65, NOPSI, $50 and for the especially budget minded, just $10 gets you a splash around Alto at the Ace Hotel. If you’ve never checked out swimply.com, it’s like the Airbnb of pools. Owners rent out their pools all over town by the hour, with larger groups and landscaped spaces in the mix.

LAPS OF LUXURY

The best place to be when it’s swampy summer in New Orleans is in a pool. If there isn’t one in your backyard, why not get a day pass at one of the hotels that offer access to their deep, blue waters?

The Windsor Court

The Windsor Court just debuted its newly renovated pool, cabanas and pool bar. A $75 day pass gives you access to the 65-foot saltwater escape, a rooftop sanctuary with its own restrooms (so important) along with poolside food and drinks, complimentary Wi-Fi, towels and sunscreen. For a luxe treat, $750 gets a cabana for two, with a daybed or a lounge and TV, a dedicated server, complimentary bottle of Veuve Clicquot, snacks, non-alcoholic drinks and parking for two cars, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Don’t miss a second of it. Windsorcourthotel.com, 300 Gravier St., 800-262-2662.

Virgin Hotel New Orleans

At the Virgin Hotel New Orleans, the groovy action is usually non-stop, from special food and drink promos and DJs to fun and games by the pool. Speaking of budgets, a day pass is just $30 Monday through Thursday and $50 on the weekends. Nothing but the rooftop pool is included. But there are drinks and bites to be had. And the panoramic rooftop views are free of charge. Virginhotels.com, 550 Barrone St., 504-603-8000.

The Country Club

There’s usually a young, lively crowd at The Country Club in Bywater, a pool party that’s been going on behind the restaurant for years. Just $20 gets you into the lushly landscaped outdoor patio and bar area, where food is served too. Open until 11 p.m. every night. Thecountryclubneworleans. com, 634 Louisa St., 504-945-0742.

NORD

For a real neighborhood experience, swim for free at one of the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) pools, which usually designate adult lap swimming and family times, if you check the website. There are indoor and outdoor options, although a shortage of lifeguards is keeping some outdoor pools closed – in case your kid still needs a summer job. Nordc.org.

SAY SPAAAAAAAHHHH

Indulging in a swank spa experience can transport both mind and body.

Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans

The Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans is the newest game in town, a fifth-floor inner sanctum that boasts exclusive to Louisiana product lines including Biologique Recherche and the organic Seed to Skin Tuscany.

Prices are as expected, but remember, you’re not flying to get here; this show-stopping hotel is just across town. Book a “triple lift facial,” an intensive face upgrade that promises to plump up your collagen and leave you glowing. Or try the “equilibrium body ritual,” which includes body brushing, a plaster of warm thermal mud and a full body massage, an 80-minute transforming experience that delivers blissful well-being and, like all the services, a glass of bubbles to celebrate. Fourseasons.com, 2 Canal St., 504-434-5100; Na.spatime.com, 504-434-5108.

Have lunch before at Chemin a la Mer, located within the Four Seasons, for views of the river. Sample summer specials like a spinach salad with poached chicken and warm sherry and bacon vinaigrette or the spectacular blue crab and creole tomatoes dish, best paired with a glass of Grüner. Cheminalamer. com, 504-434-5898.

Windsor Court Hotel and Spa

Locals get a 20% discount off the impressive array of services at the Windsor Court Spa every Monday and Thursday, a savings that can really add up. Guests can enjoy the steam room and sauna and settle into one of the “whisper rooms” for quiet contemplation. Try an “align massage” with assisted stretching, or the warmth option that uses hot stones to diffuse heat through your muscles. The “Method Augustinus Bader facial” is a bespoke, science-backed treatment that combines award-winning skincare technology with customized fascia massage to stimulate cell rejuvenation. The $28 gourmet meat and three plate lunch is also a great bargain at the Grill Room. Windsorcourthotel.com, 300 Gravier St., 504-523-6000.

Remember to pack some reading material to peruse while you spend the day unwinding — make it a vacation for the mind and body. And be sure to leave your cell phone in the locker.

BOOK A LUXURY OVERNIGHT STAY

A five-star resort specializes in pampering, doting service and upscale amenities. Check into a luxury property like the Four Seasons, Windsor Court, the Roosevelt New Orleans or The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, and you’re not far from home, and yet worlds away. On a boutique scale, get pampered at the Hotel Peter and Paul in the Marigny, The Chloe Uptown or the exclusive Audubon Cottages in the Quarter. The point of a staycation is to feel as if you got away, and staying at a high-end hotel is a good way to do that. Rates for these stellar hotel experiences will never be less expensive than a Sunday through Thursday stay in the middle of the hot, sleepy summer. Fourseasons.com; Windsorcourthotel. com; Therooseveltneworleans.com; Theritzcarlton.com; Ash.world/hotels/peter-and-paul/; Thechloenola.com; Auduboncottages.com.

Windsor Court

Four Seasons

The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel

Hotel Peter and Paul

The Ritz-Carlton

The Chloe

PAUL COSTELLO PHOTO

Confederacy of Cruisers

When was the last time you took a food tour? The Confederacy of Cruisers is one of the best - a cycling and eating adventure that combines easy biking with stops for chow and commentary at local restaurants. Expect lots of seafood and pork, so folks with dietary issues should move along. For everybody else, the chance to see neighborhood restaurants with a fresh eye is swell. Confederacyofcruisers.com, 634 Elysian Fields Avenue, 504400-5468.

CHANNEL YOUR INNER FOODIE

NOCHI

Consider upping your cooking skills at the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) our own world class culinary school where the course work comes from esteemed Culinary Institute of America (CIA).

There are two ways to go: private threehour classes for eight to 16 participants, or public enthusiast classes for couples or smaller groups. Prices start around $115 and go up, depending on the topic. Private classes offer a more immersive, hands-on experience, with wine and the ingredients and equipment needed to prepare a themed three-course meal that caps the experience.

NOCHI’s public enthusiast classes, taught by local experts, might explore cheese mongering, take a deep dive into a wine region or specific style of cuisine. Does pie making intimidate you? The pros at Windowsill Pies can help. Always wanted to know how to make classic Latin American cuisine? Chef Adolfo Garcia (High Hat Cafe, La Boca Steakhouse, Ancora) might teach the ins and outs of empanada making. Is baking your thing? Chicory House chef Martha Gilreath can inspire her way around a king cake. Bring a pal with, invite your sweetie, get the kids involved. Best of all, everybody gets to eat their work. Nochi.org, 725 Howard Avenue, 504-891-4060.

SoFAB

The Deelightful Roux School of Cooking in the fascinating Southern Food and Beverage Museum (SoFAB) is the city’s only Black-owned cooking school taught by a New Orleans native. Dee Lavigne, a CIA grad who founded the school in 2022, offers a hands-on deep dive into local lore, gastronomy and culture as part

of the experience. From simple kitchen habits that will make your cooking better to the history of iconic New Orleans dishes, this 2 1/2 hour class serves a delicious interactive treat. Southernfood. org; 1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., 504-569-0405.

Drink & Learn

What’s food without drinks? Elizabeth Pearce, a Bywater-based author, drinks historian and cocktail guru (plus a New Orleans Magazine contributor), leads themed, interactive “Drink & Learn” tours that use famous drinks and ingredients to tell the rich history of New Orleans. She usually keeps to the French Quarter, regaling the group with yarns about rum, rebellion, whiskey and prohibition. Highly entertaining, heartily recommended. Drinkandlearn.com.

Distilleries, Tours and Tastings

Speaking of drinking, have you geeked out at all the New Orleans breweries and distilleries? Likely, not. The Sazerac House is always a “wow.” It’s a museum and distillery with all kinds of fancy exhibits and of course, a signature drink. There’s the woman-owned Happy Raptor for rum in Central City, and a private tour of Roulaison Distilling on Broad Street for more rum lore. At Seven Three Distillery on Claiborne Avenue, spirits are named for neighborhoods, like St. Roch Vodka, Gentilly Gin and Bywater Bourbon. Private tours with the distiller, premium tasting and cocktail classes are offered. Beyond handcrafted spirits, Nola Distillery offers tours, tastings, or you can rent that whole space out for a party. Lulu Restaurant Distillery is one of a kind. It’s the only place you can taste their house-made rum, vodka and gin while munching on the likes of boudin eggrolls and shrimp and grits. 504rum.com (Happy Raptor); Roulaison.com; Seventhreedistiling.com; Nola-distillery. com; Lulanola.com.

Wine Time

For wine drinkers, a private tasting at Ole’ Orleans Winery behind Jefferson Highway on Brooklyn Avenue is the ticket. Owned by New Orleans native Kim Lewis, the NOLA-themed wines are made in-house from grape to bottle. There are tastings from beginners to winemaker-hosted, along with tours of the facility. Oleorleans.com. Want to get social with a private wine tasting with a few pals? Book a spot at Faubourg Wines or The Tasting Room, sit back and relax. Faubourgwines.com; Ttrneworleans.com.

Brews Cruise

A beer tour can easily turn into a beer crawl with at least a dozen microbreweries around town. Try the funky microbrew taproom Parleaux Beer Lab by the tracks in the Bywater, Urban South located on Tchoupitoulas Street has a brew-pub-meets-game-room vibe, and Second Line Brewing in Mid-City, which offers a large outdoor patio that is family- and dog-friendly. Parleauxbeerlab. com; Urbansouthbrewery.com; Secondlinebrewing.com.

Coolinary

Stepping outside your neighborhood to sample new and new-to-you restaurants is a tasty way to staycation. Save bucks by hitting hot spots during Coolinary, the August-long promo that offers discounted prix fixe menus all over town. Happy hours are robust and deeply discounted around town as well, another way to sample fare from the likes of Mister Mao, Sukeban, Gris-Gris (sit on the balcony!) and Le Chat Noir, with its swell oyster bar. Neworleans.com/coolinary/

CROSS THE CAUSEWAY North shore fun

It takes less than an hour to cross the 24-mile Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, but there’s a big change of scenery waiting just on the other side. New Orleanians have been relaxing on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain since the antebellum years when the locals flocked to “l’autre cote du lac” (the other side of the lake) for fresh air and wholesome pursuits. Cross the causeway, with pelicans and jumping fish for company, and then spend a night or two on the north shore, where you can feed giraffes at Global Wildlife Center in Folsom, tour the local Abita Brewing Company in Abita Springs, visit a working alligator ranch at InstaGator Ranch near Covington, and shop and dine amidst Madisonville or Old Mandeville’s boutiques and small-town charm. Globalwildlife. com; Abita.com; Insta-gatorranch.com.

A tour of Covington

Stay overnight at the swanky Southern Hotel in Covington to be strolling distance to downtown shops, and dining at diverse restaurants including Del Porto Ristorante for authentic Italian, Cured. On Columbia, the city’s proudly queer-owned café for nibbles, wine, and charcuterie, and Tavi, an Israeli-cuisine inspired sister restaurant to Shaya, with Lebanese born chef Fariz Choumali leading both kitchens.

Book a room at the Southern Hotel from Sunday through Wednesday to save as much as $100 a night. Dine at The Gloriette while in residence for chef Steven Marsella’s local and French influenced cuisine. Southernhotel.com; Delportoristorante.com; facebook.com/ curedoncolumbia/; Tavirestaurant. com; Thegloriette.com.

Stay and ride

Up the road, the Abita Springs Hotel is a five-room beautifully restored 1890s home in the heart of town. Rates start at $139 a night. Bring your bike along or rent some wheels to take an early morning or twilight ride on the rails-to-trails Tammany Trace. Abitaspringshotel.com; Tammanytrace.org.

The Gloriette

Insta-Gator Ranch

Global Wildlife Center

Tavi

YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO…

Are there a few personal enrichment goals simmering on the back burner? Now’s the time to turn up the heat.

Get creative

The New Orleans Academy of the Fine Arts (NOAFA) is one place to turn to jump start your inner creativity. Whether painting in watercolor or oil, sculpting in ceramics or shooting video or film, NOAFA instructors can lead the way. Classes generally range from four to six weeks, with lessons once a week. Noafa.com.

The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) in City Park is another source for arts programming, much of it free with museum admission, for families, kids and adults. From gallery tours and lectures, to yoga and tai chi in the Besthoff Sculpture Garden, options abound. The Ogden Museum of Southern Art in the Warehouse District offers an equally robust calendar of workshops, gallery meditations and art talks. Noma.org; Ogdenmuseum.org.

Play music

What better place to be than New Orleans for an armchair singer, composer or musician? Support members of the local musician’s community with lessons at places like NOLA School of Music in Mid-City and Spreading the Music Uptown. The Ellis Marsalis Center for Music in the Upper Ninth Ward is a community hub in Musicians’ Village that offers piano lessons and access to recording, rehearsal and performance space. Or just ask one of the musicians in the next band you hear if they or any of their fellow musicians offer lessons on the side. That’s keeping it real, and local. Nolaschoolofmusic.com; Spreadingthemusic. com; Ellismarsaliscenter.org.

Make a dress (or something else)

RicRACK is a gem in Central City, a nonprofit that offers affordable sewing classes for beginners, primers on sewing machines, sewing camps for kids and teens and amazingly helpful instructors just brimming with good ideas. From sewing your own bra and panty set (!) to making a caftan and working with felt, there’s a class for every pronoun. Ricracknola.com.

Climb the walls

The Boulder Lounge next to the Healing Center in the Marigny is the epicenter of the New Orleans climbing community. All skill levels are welcome, with classes like Bouldering 101 and ClimbFit workshops. There is even a boulder league that competes in a four-week climbing and non-climbing challenge. Climbnobl.com.

Kayak the bayou

Seeing Bayou St. John from the water is balm for the soul. Kayak-iti-yat is a local outfit offering scenic kayak tours, including custom group paddles, through lakes and bayous. Solo paddlers can rent a boat from Bayou Paddle Sports. Paddling lessons are also available. Kayakitiyat. com; Bayoupaddlesports.com.

Learn a language

It takes eight weekly classes to get the fundamentals in Spanish from Casa de España, with evening meet ups at the Healing Center and Uptown. Dreaming of Paris?

Alliance Française offers month long, twice a week lessons ranging from beginner to brush up to intermediate and even private lessons. Casanola.com; Af-neworleans.org.

Art and A/C, and more

Thanks to The Helis Foundation, entrance to most city museums is free once a week: Sunday, Contemporary Arts Center; Wednesday, NOMA and the New Orleans Botanical Garden; and Thursday, the Ogden. Even the popular Louisiana Children’s Museum is free on the second Sunday of every other month. In the dog days of August, the Foundations’ “Art & A/C Program” helps Louisiana residents escape the heat with free admission to the Contemporary Arts Center, Ogden Museum of Southern Art, and New Orleans Museum of Art. Thehelisfoundation.org.

The Historic New Orleans Collection

The Historic New Orleans Collection, always free, is an underappreciated gem in the French Quarter aimed squarely at lovers of New Orleans and history buffs. Located in a historic complex of buildings, the Collection connects the dots in more than three centuries of city lore. Tour the galleries, with their interactive exhibits, then head for the shop. The selection of New Orleans curated gifts is impressive. HNOC.org, 520 Royal St., 504-523-4662.

Community Hub

The newest cultural attraction, so new that you may not have visited yet, is the 6,000 square feet, John Scott Center at the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH), a community hub of interactive innovative exhibits, programs, and experiences inspired by the late artist, educator, and humanist John T. Scott, who won a MacArthur Fellows Genius Grant in 1992. The space is home to a collection of 51 works by Scott and offers educational opportunities and programs that draw upon his work and respond to pandemics, environmental humanities, poverty and justice. The eye-popping mural on the outside of the building was painted by his son, Ayo Scott. Leh. org/our-work/the-helis-foundation-john-scott-center/, 938 Lafayette St., 504-523-4352.

Dig plants

From training to be a Louisiana master gardener to events like wildflower walks, orchid shows and native plant sales, Master Gardeners of Greater New Orleans offers a wide range of gardening tips, events, community garden workshops and training. Private classes are offered at Longue Vue House and Gardens on topics like flower arranging and foraging for the botanically inclined. Mggno.com; Longuevue.com.

Think outside the box

Do some touristy things or surprise yourself with a day of shopping and ride the streetcar Uptown for lunch. No matter what you choose to do on your staycation, don’t overschedule. While it’s fine to have a loose itinerary, as with any vacation, don’t overbook. Leave room for spontaneous discoveries, time to walk a different neighborhood, have a moveable feast between bars and restaurants or best of all, relax under a tree in City Park with a book. When was the last time you did that?

Skin There, Done That

What makes us human is our amazing human bodies. Our skin is the most obvious, as well as least obvious, part of who we are. It is also the simplest and most complicated part of us—it’s the first thing people see when they look at us.

But when you hear “health and wellness” or “self-care”, you may not think immediately of skincare. While some approach skincare the way they approach the care and maintenance of other parts of our body (heart, liver, kidneys) or our mental health, many of us don’t think about our skin until it demands it, whether it’s a first major sunburn, pimple, wrinkle, or a first skincare screening. After all, we are simply born into this magic layer of protection, and it grows with us; we learn to “live in our skin” and we learn to take care of it more intentionally whenever we notice it changing in ways we don’t like. We tend to forget that the skin is a living, breathing organ like all the rest.

But changing that mindset is not difficult. It all comes down to making skincare part of your daily self-care and basic routine, as basic and crucial as brushing your teeth or drinking enough water. Here’s one way to think about it: Begin each morning paying attention to your outermost layer, and move inward…Wash your face, moisturize, apply sunscreen, then move inward from there to ingesting coffee, stretching, exercising, walking the dog…and pretty soon, you’ve got everything covered, from outer to inner health.

BUT LET’S FACE IT: Developing a daily routine for skincare is hard. While anyone who wears makeup has some extra work cut out for them, everyone should be in the habit of washing their face and moisturizing before bedtime.

And—everyone should be applying sunscreen daily. That’s right, 365 days of the year, no matter where you live.

If this seems overwhelming, remember that just limiting time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., wearing clothing that covers arms, legs, and head, and other simple efforts can also go a long way in preventing sun damage.

If you are a parent, you must remember this for yourself as well as your kids. But if you start the summer with a daily routine (as noted above—remember, outer to inner?) before heading outdoors, it will become as streamlined as all the other things you’ve learned to do unconsciously in your daily parenting life.

By Amy A. Kirk Duvoisin

WHY SKIN CARE & SUN PROTECTION SHOULD BE PART OF YOUR DAILY SELF-CARE ROUTINE

Teens + Skincare

For teens, skin is nothing they need to be reminded about. Among the many things they are trying to adapt to all at once is to take care of their own evolving bodies, which for them includes skin and hair even more than the rest of us. Considering that up to 85% of Americans ages 12-24 deal with acne at some point, this is an unavoidable

focal point. Add to that the expense of skincare and acne products and you now have even more stress to clog your mental pores!

You can help your teens by reminding them to wash their face before bed, so that it becomes as habitual as brushing teeth. This sounds extremely obvious and basic (and, yes, a bit annoying) but if they get into this habit,

it will help with their longterm self-confidence and can become a key part in developing overall self-care habits.

Having a nighttime and morning self-care routine that is pleasurable can become a lifelong calming mechanism, as a time to wind down (or wake up) and to reflect. Washing your face and applying moisturizer

and/or sunscreen can act as a sort of meditation…And honestly, it could be one of the few times a device is not in anyone’s hands!

Skincare has come a long way in the past few decades, and some of today’s OTC products are enviable for those of us who grew up with very few options at the local drugstore. On the other hand, it can get costly. One fun thing to consider is making homemade masks and other skin products together. DIY skincare products can save money and offer another hands-on project during the long summer months. With recipes that use everything from items you already have on hand like honey, avocados and yogurt to cocoa powder, garlic and apple cider vinegar, it can also be a humorous and eye-opening experience to share together.

Here are some resources for finding DIY facial mask recipes. Most lifestyle magazines as well as YouTube have plenty of these types of recipes as well:

Helloglo.com

Healthline.com

Ecolivingmama.com

Skincare Basics

This advice is often repeated in most lists of “must do’s” for teenagers, but it applies to all:

Wash and moisturize and wear sunscreen face daily

Exfoliate once a week

Drink plenty of water

Don’t pop pimples

Get enough sleep

If you can master the above, you are well on your way to improving your skin’s health and your overall health.

Double Trouble: Acne & Sunscreen

While you might assume that sun is good for acne because it dries it out, the fact is that in the long term, sun exposure causes more damage. The skin produces extra sebum to help rebalance the moisture, and that causes more clogged pores. Another thing sunscreen does for acne prone skin is help to reduce the redness and pigmentation from breakouts.

From TeenVogue.com:  Sunscreen is a must 365 days of the year!

Look for non-comedogenic and oil free sunscreens.

Always use SPF 30 or higher.

Avoid oils like coconut oil, cocoa butter, and fragrances.

Find thinner, gel-like, or liquid facial sunscreens rather than thicker creams.

From Sun Gods and Goddesses to Sunscreen, Sunblock and SPF

Sunburn is caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light that can alter DNA and prematurely age your skin. Over time, DNA damage can contribute to skin cancers after many years, including deadly melanoma.

Even a single sunburn can increase a person’s risk of skin cancer. This is because when the skin absorbs ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, it can damage the genetic material in skin cells. In the short term, this damage can cause sunburns. In the long term, it builds up and raises the risk of skin cancer.

But before we knew the dark side of the sun, we thought it was cool. Ancient cultures worshipped sun gods and goddesses, from Ra the Egyptian sun god to Sol the goddess of light and solar deity in Norse mythology. How did we go from sun worship to sun fear?

Pale skin was the preference in Greek, Roman, and Elizabethan cultures and during the Victorian period, women wore hats and carried parasols to fashionably avoid the sun. Darker skin was associated with laborers or people who had to work outside. But by the late-1800s, sunlight became a “cure” for certain medical conditions,

In 1923, in what she claims was an accidental tanning in the French Riviera, Coco Chanel started the tanning trend, soon equated with health, money, and leisure.

After World War II, leisure time increased in the United States, and people spent more time at beaches and pools. In addition, surfing and beach culture entered the mainstream. By the 1960s, having a tan indicated relaxation, expendable income to travel to warm locales, and physical vim and vigor resulting from outdoor activities.

These habits began to change as the public became more aware of the link between long-term sun exposure, sunburns, tanning beds, and skin cancer, as well as the main cause of wrinkling. In the early 1960s, the concept of sun protection factor was introduced.

In the 1970s, Piz Buin introduced sunscreen with both UVB and UVA filters, but the SPF only ranged from 2 to 15. As scientists continued to study the sun’s rays throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, they first concluded that UVB rays are linked to skin cancer and then discovered UVA rays contribute, too. This brought on a new wave of sunscreens with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as UVA blockers. Lightweight sprays and gels were also introduced in the 1990s as more comfortable sunscreen options. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first proposed regulating sunscreens in 1978, it wasn’t until 2011 that the FDA issued new rules specifying that sunscreen products must protect equally against UVA and UVB rays to be considered “broad spectrum.”

Additionally, the FDA prohibited sunscreen brands from claiming their products are “waterproof” or “water-resistant,” since the FDA determined this is leading, and only sunscreen products with an SPF of 15 or higher can claim they help prevent sunburn or reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Hats

We are no stranger to hats in New Orleans. Whether you purchase something that has UPF protection or not, shopping for hats should become part of your annual spring ritual, right around festival time!

Not a hat person? Now’s the time to try on all the varieties that exist and stretch your comfort zone in the name of healthier skin. Who knows? You might discover that the practical has become a fashion statement for the new you. And who doesn’t want to be anonymous sometimes? Covering yourself with a hat and sunglasses can do wonders for your inner misanthrope. (Because, really, sometimes it’s just too hot to talk to people…!)

Sunglasses

According to Eyewearsnola.com, sunglasses protect your eyes from potentially harmful UV (Ultraviolet) light, preventing possible degenerative eye disease, uncomfortable growths, and even signs of aging!

Here are a few of the recommended styles of sunglasses that can become part of your sun blocking attire, as mentioned on Eyewearsnola.com:

“Sunglasses aren’t just for show. They also protect the sensitive skin around your eyes! The right sunglasses can prevent accelerated signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sunspots. However, not all sunglasses offer this benefit. Talk to your eye care professional to see which shades will give you the most protection. These sunglasses should have 100 percent UV protection and will likely be a wraparound style.”

SKIN TONE & SKIN CARE: DARKER SKIN AND SUNSCREEN

There is a misperception that people with darker skin don’t need to protect themselves from the sun as much as lighter skinned people, but this is not entirely true. Ultimately, skin cancer does not discriminate, and everyone needs to wear sunscreen.

According to the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), based on data from over 30,000 people, around 13.2% of Black people and 29.7% of Hispanic people experienced sunburn, compared with 42.5% of white people.

While people with lighter skin are significantly more at risk for developing cancer, people with darker skin are more likely to die from skin cancer due to delays in detection and a lack of awareness from physicians, according to a 2016 article in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention which notes: “Most people of

color have a misconception that they are immune to skin cancer but recent studies indicate that skin cancer does not discriminate, and can occur in all populations whatever their skin color.”

And according to Medical News Today: “Having darker skin provides protection from some forms of sun damage due to increased melanin in the skin. That said, it is still very possible for people with dark skin to experience sunburn. Melanin does not protect against all forms of damage. UV rays may still damage the skin cells and put people at risk of skin cancer. For this reason, doctors encourage people of all skin tones to use sun protection to prevent skin damage. As a result, it is still crucial that people with darker skin protect themselves from UV light with proper skincare and sunscreen.”

Sunburn Treatment

To help ease the discomfort from mild to moderate sunburns:

• Take cool (not cold) baths or showers.

• Take an over-thecounter pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

• Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of nonalcoholic beverages.

• Cover the burn area with a dressing or gauze to avoid any further friction

• Apply skin moisturizer early and often to help reduce dryness and peeling. If your skin has blistered and is turning purple, seek prompt medical attention. From UCLAhealth.org: “Be sure to treat the sunburned areas gently. Instead of rubbing the skin, blot and pat with a soft towel. Apply lotion while the skin is damp, which will help create a physical barrier to preserve moisture.”

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, moisturizers containing aloe vera can help soothe sunburn. You can also use the gel (or “juice”) directly from the leaves if you have aloe vera plants. Prepackaged aloe vera gel that contains 100% aloe vera is also recommended. Avoid using aloe vera on severe burns.

Most sunburns lose their pain and redness in three to five days and should heal completely in one week. If your sunburn lasts longer than a week, seek medical advice.

If you have large blistering on the skin or fever, dehydration, vomiting, infected blisters, severe swelling, or severe pain, you should seek medical attention.

Kids+ Sunscreen

"My Friend the Pediatrician" recommends mineral versus chemical sunscreens. According to her, “The FDA has acknowledged that more safety data is needed for several sunscreen ingredients such as oxybenzone and avobenzone…due to questions about skin absorption and he effects on the human body”. Mineral-based sunscreens, rather than getting absorbed into the skin, these contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide molecules that state on the skin’s surface and physically deflect the sun’s harmful rays. They leave a white or silver residue, which is normal. They are also gentler on sensitive skin and less toxic to the ocean’s coral reefs.

Her advice is to select a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 to 50. Make sure it does not ONLY contain titanium dioxide, as this alone does not filter out all UVA rays like zinc oxide does, so a combination of the two ingredients is preferable.

According to the AAD, sunscreen is not the preferred method of protection for babies younger than 6 months. Instead, dress them in lightweight long sleeves and pants, a wide brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect them from head to toe.”

Anyone who is spending time outdoors should follow these basic guidelines:

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or above.

Remember that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Sit or walk in the shade when possible.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that block UV rays. Wear protective clothing if out in the sun for extended periods. Check the skin at least once per month for changes.

Chemical sunscreen versus mineral sunscreen

Chemical sunscreens contain organic compounds such as oxybenzone and avobenzone, which absorb UV rays as they attempt to enter the skin. Physical or mineral sunscreens, on the other hand, contain active mineral ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which reflect UV rays.

“Mineral sunscreens have been around for decades, but in the past, the user experience was poor as the zinc oxide left a thick white cast on people’s skin,” explained Drake Blessum, founder of Svens Skincare, a mineral sunscreen product.

Now with growing consumer demand for natural and organic products, mineral sunscreen use is on the rise because they are broad-spectrum and protect your skin from both UVB and UVA rays. Additionally, some mineral sunscreens block blue light rays from the sun and digital screens.

MEN VS. WOMEN’S SKINCARE

It is stereotypical that most men do not pay as much attention to skincare as women. Taking skin and sun care a bit more seriously can become something that everyone can feel good about adding to their morning and evening routines.

First and foremost, men’s biggest enemy (besides the sun) is the razor. Not only do razors remove a layer of protective skin, dirty or old razors can contribute bacteria. Perhaps due to this significant difference and daily obstacle for so many men, shaving and shaving products have taken over men’s counters and store shelves rather than basic skincare and sun care for men, compared to these items for women and kids.

A few other notable differences in men and women’s skin that contributes to variations on skincare include:

Men lose collagen earlier and steadier than women, but their skin contains more collagen, which gives it a firmer appearance. Because men’s loss of collagen is steady throughout life whereas most women lose the most after menopause, the effects are usually more noticeable in women.

Men have bigger pores. Sebum (oil) production in men is double that of women, and they have more and larger pores. This means that not only is male skin oilier and shinier than female skin, but that they are also more prone to acne and less prone to dry skin.

Men have thicker skin which leads to deeper wrinkles. The deeper layer of your skin called the dermis is about 20% thicker than a woman’s dermis. This is why men and women get wrinkles in different ways. Men tend to have fewer superficial fine lines than women.

A woman’s skin is about 15 years older than men of the same age. But, since most men are don’t typically use sunscreen on their faces, the “15 year” skin age difference is not readily noticed. UV damage from the sun can add years to a man’s skin and negate the benefit of slowed intrinsic aging.

Inner Beauty

Beauty is not only skin deep. It is important to think of skincare and sun care as selflove and self-care. In other words, you are taking care of your body for yourself, and not for someone else’s judgement or approval.

“I finally realized that being grateful for my body was the key to loving myself.”– Oprah Winfrey

Romance novelist Kate Angell claims that “outer beauty attracts and inner beauty captivates”.

Bobbi Brown said: “Feeling confident, being comfortable in your own skin—that’s what really makes you beautiful.”

And Lady Gaga sums it up best: “You define beauty yourself. Society doesn’t define your beauty”.

When we asked locals online to tell us what the term “Inner Beauty” meant to them, here are some responses:

“Hard work is beautiful too! The art you make, the dancing alone in your room. That splash of color in your eyeliner that makes you feel creative. That act of kindness that made someone’s day or picking up litter to improve the environment. All those things make me think of inner beauty.” – Jennifer Day-Sully, 44, Australia

“Inner beauty is kindness and compassion. A love for your fellow woman without judgement. Striving to make this world a better place!” –Christine Thompson Briede

“My mother always told me ‘pretty is as pretty does’. In middle school I never really understood it but even then, it was somehow reassuring… that pretty was not some gift bestowed upon certain people but something you had control of.” – Kathleen

Whalen

“Compassion, patience, the art of truly listening. Kindness.” – Susan Landry

Clothing with Sunscreen Protection

Simply Google “sun shawl” or “cooling sun shawl” or “UPF 50+ clothing” or ask your favorite local athletics or lifestyle store what UPF protected clothing is available.

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor which indicates how much UV radiation (both UVB and UVA) a fabric allows to reach your skin.

“According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, A UPF 50 fabric blocks 98% of the sun’s rays, reducing your exposure risk significantly.”—skincancer.org

Brands like Coolibar® and UVSkinz® offer a variety of clothes, swimwear, hats and more with UPF fabric and materials. Whether you shop at Lands’ End or Wal-Mart for your or your family’s clothing, you can easily find UPF protected clothing, swimwear, and hats.

NOTE: Make sure you are getting both UVA and UVB protection. If they offer a UPF factor and SPF factor of 50 or higher, this means they provide both.

Why? Because regular fabrics like cotton and polyester are not tightly woven enough to provide UV protection. UPF fabrics are made of tightly woven materials that provide a stronger barrier. Average clothes block about 10% of UV light but some sun protective clothing can block up to 98%.

Good Advice

Here are some social media comments about skincare gathered from locals on Facebook:

“Moisturize and STAY OUT OF THE SUN! Hats are your friend. Advice from a 50 year old with still fairly decent skin.” –Danielle Tanguis

“Clean hair helps the most for avoiding breakouts, but my kid also uses probiotic cream.” --Louise Fenton

“Use sunscreen every day!”—Alyssa D’antonio Fortier

“Remember to include hydration and movement. I can’t stress enough the importance of hyaluronic acid and moisturizing oils!” –Sunni Gail Shafer

“I’m not a fan of sunscreen, preferring the loose, UV blocking long sleeve shirts that are on the market now, combined with a hat that at the very least, protects my face, and better, also shades my neck. I love the long sleeve kid swimsuits that are also available now.” –Cindy Wexler

Coolibar® Women's Revilla Convertible Sun Wrap UPF 50+

SUNNY SIDE UP: THE SUN IS NOT ALL BAD!

Basically, some sunlight is necessary and good. We don’t want to live our lives with only light coming at us artificially from a computer or phone, and with our main source of Vitamin D coming from a pill.

In his article “Sunlight: Good for the Eyes as well as the brain”, Dr. Phillip Maffetone, an internationally recognized researcher, educator, clinician, and author in the field of nutrition, exercise, and sports medicine, says “When sunlight enters your eyes, it stimulates the parts of your retina that then cue your brain to produce serotonin. Serotonin appears to play a role in regulating mood, emotions, appetite, and digestion.

And it offers us vitamin D for free. Vitamin D allows one to use calcium, improves the immune system, helps prevents cancer, and is important for the brain to function more effectively.”

Believe it or not, rickets has made a comeback and many Americans are low in Vitamin D. Perhaps we have taken our sun protection a bit too seriously? You do need the sun, and it is not entirely your enemy! Protect yourself, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying fresh air, recreation, and of course—festivals.

Umbrellas: Sunscreens + Secondlines

We already know umbrellas are useful in NOLA, whether for secondlines or the tropical weather bringing surprise showers throughout the year. But just like Victorian women and their parasols, umbrellas are making a comeback as fashionable sunshields. Consider decorating a UV blocker umbrella before the next festival, secondline, or your summer stroll through the Quarter….

You can use a regular umbrella to block the sun or purchase umbrellas that include UV protection. “An umbrella isn’t perfect nor a substitute for sunscreen, UVblocking clothing, or sunglasses—but it can block most of the direct UV rays” says tripsavvy.com.

Resources

The American Academy of Dermatology Association has many excellent, easy to understand pages on their website about everything from how to properly apply sunscreen to what to look for on your own skin in terms of skin cancer concerns, as well as skin types, acne prevention and treatment, and more. Visit them ataad.org.

ADAGE,

STAYING POWER

By Misty Milioto | Illustration Ryan Raphael

IS JUST

A NUMBER,” HOLDS TRUE

FOR THESE LOCAL SENIORS WHO ARE STAYING SHARP, FIT AND ACTIVE IN THEIR GOLDEN YEARS.

Jim MacPherson

Executive Director of the Maritime Museum Louisiana, Jim MacPherson, finds excitement in the nuances of the maritime community. When he began volunteering at the museum in 2016, little did he know that he would later go on to hold his current title. After spending 15 years in the Navy, followed by 22 years as a corporate executive and 12 years as a small business owner, MacPherson was ideally suited for the position.

In fact, MacPherson has led the museum through a boost in funding and membership, plus a name change and rebranding this year. “I think my biggest accomplishment has been generating excitement about the museum, which said more about the volunteers and staff than me,” he said. “They are the face of the museum, and I see my job as making their jobs easier and fun. That then radiates out to the visitors who then tell their friends about the museum. I think the word is spreading, causing the number of visitors and membership to grow exponentially. “

Regarding the rebrand, MacPherson points out that the museum is the only maritime museum in the state of Louisiana, hence the name change [from Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum] to the Maritime Museum Louisiana. “The name reflects the fact that we represent the whole of Louisiana and our rich maritime heritage,” he said. “We are working hard not only to preserve Louisiana’s maritime heritage, but to highlight all of the new and innovative work being done in the maritime community today. “

Currently, MacPherson and his staff are working on a new exhibit that includes an environmental education program that will demonstrate the interaction of fish, shellfish and marsh grasses in our rivers, lakes and marshes. “This exhibit was funded by the state legislature after our educator made a presentation to them describing our goal,” MacPherson said. “Once operational, we will be able to contribute marsh grasses to other organizations who will use it for habitat restoration and coastal resilience projects.”

MacPherson also was instrumental in bringing the Wooden Boat Festival back to the north shore after the pandemic. “The festival has been held for 32 years and draws upwards of 100 wooden and classic boats,” he said.

MacPherson finds it important to stay active in his senior years (he will turn 74 in August) because, when he was retired, he found it easy to put things off without having a set schedule. “I found out pretty quickly that I was getting a little fluffy, and it was more difficult to get up and get going,” he said. “Once I started volunteering at the museum, I found the activity invigorating, lost a little fluff and don’t have any problems getting going.”

THE

“AGE

Betty Thomas

Director of Operations for the Giving Hope Food Pantries, Betty Thomas, who turns 64 in August, was born and raised in the Ninth Ward. In 2013, she began working as the executive director for Giving Hope—a nonprofit that addresses food insecurity for New Orleans families and senior citizens—and, in 2015, she moved to chief of operations, director of the food pantry programs.

Today, she oversees operations of all Giving Hope Food Pantries, opens new pantries in other states, hires staff, writes grants to sustain operations and solicits partnerships with other nonprofits that can assist clients with other basic needs.

“My passion has always been fighting food insecurity,” Thomas said. “In the richest country in the world, there should not be so much hunger. Yet we have senior citizens having to make the choice to buy food or buy medicine, when both are needed for health and wellness. We have children who are going hungry when out of school for not having access to free breakfast and lunch. It never made sense to me, so I wanted to do my part.”

Giving Hope provides nutritional hot meals (prepared fresh daily) five days per week, plus 75 to 100 pounds of nutritional food boxes to clients once per month. “We provide these free services until our clients are able to supply their own basic need for food,” Thomas said.

Joseph Fay

Joseph Fay, who is 68, recently co-founded (along with his husband, Dan Garness) A Home Among Friends in order to provide affordable housing for low-income LGBTQ seniors in New Orleans. The organization is currently in the startup phase, but the board—consisting of Fay, Garness, Ellen Waguespack and Jim Meadows—has conducted focus groups among prospective clients, developed a case statement, created a website and secured 501(c)(3) status.

“Low-income LGBTQ seniors suffer a host of challenges, including loneliness, poor health outcomes and inadequate housing,” Fay said. “Without children to rely on for support, we often have no one to count on other than our friends, who may be in the same position. Our goal is to create community housing for low-income LGBTQ seniors by renovating and repurposing existing shotgun-style homes and converting them into multiple private apartments with shared indoor and outdoor space. Our vision is to enable low-income members of our community to have happy golden years in safe communities that blend into existing neighborhoods with amenities such as grocery stores, pharmacies and restaurants within walking distance. We estimate there is a

need for 600 housing units of the sort we propose in New Orleans.”

Fay also is involved with New Orleans Advocates for LGBTQ+ Elders, attending the organization’s events and monthly dinners. “Programs like NOAGE are critical to engaging LGBTQ seniors, as we hope ours will, too,” he said. “I believe our community can achieve far more than it has already by committing to help our most vulnerable members.”

Brent Mundt

Now 68 years old, Brent Mundt served on the volunteer board of PFLAG New Orleans from 2018 to 2021. He now volunteers as a communications and development resource for the organization, and he raises money for scholarships for LGBTQ students.

Since 1992, PFLAG has invested more than $800,000 in awards for LGBTQ high school students and those continuing their higher education. “For 32 years, PFLAG New Orleans has awarded about 25 students [per year] with scholarships,” Mundt said. “It’s not unlike a university alumni relations operation, but specific to us helping them as they struggle with their orientation, coming out, etc. We have approximately 300 former recipients who are functioning adults.”

By far, Mundt said that he loves watching kids grow up happy, healthy and out of the closet. “Gay folks of my generation had no PFLAG to turn to for help,” he said. “In fact, we had nowhere to turn, period. We endured bullying and isolation, lived in a closet and ‘paid our dues’ in a society that shamed and often literally beat us into submission. Our board is chocked full of battle-scarred veterans of the culture war on LGBTQ people. We seek one thing: to help our kids avoid a repeat of that sad closeted existence.”

In addition to scholarships, PFLAG is known for its ubiquitous family support groups. “Watching a parent today take up for their LGBTQ child and tap the resources we offer is like re-imagining what could have been for us ‘gray gays,’” Mundt said. “There is a canard that things are better, yet [things] over a 32-year period haven’t changed one iota. I consider it my duty to advocate for these frightened shell-shocked kids watching a wave of hate sweep across the South.”

Fay also was active in planning Pride Prom, held in June, which invited LGBTQ youth ages 16-20 to attend. “It’s the one spectacular night of the year for our kids, where a same-sex couple or a nonbinary person can frolic freely,” Mundt said. “No guilt. No shame. No stares. The community owes a huge debt of gratitude to Dr. Marc Behar and the Hyatt Hotel for this amazing experience. Fortuitously, this precise youth demographic,

looking for a carefree non-judgmental fabulous evening, are the same students who should be applying for a PFLAG scholarship. The circle remains unbroken.”

Dr. Linda Green

Dr. Linda Green earned her doctorate degree in microbiology (specializing in parasitology) at LSU Medical Center. She did a post doc at Tulane Primate Center, and then she taught for several years at Xavier University of Louisiana. She retired early in 2011, and she has been volunteering at Audubon Zoo in the Louisiana swamp exhibit for 10 years.

“I always wanted to work with animals, so, when I retired, I thought I wanted to either work at the zoo or an animal shelter,” Dr. Green said. “So I checked in to the Audubon volunteer program and took the orientation.”

Dr. Green helps the zookeepers by cleaning exhibits and dens, creating diets for some of the animals, answering visitors’ questions and giving talks during special events. “The keepers are amazing to work with,” she said. “They are very bright, dedicated people who care deeply for the animals, and they’re very knowledgeable about the animals in their section.”

At the age of 73, Dr. Green isn’t slowing down anytime soon. She also exercises five days per week (yoga, Pilates, kickboxing and pickle ball) at the New Orleans Jewish Community Center. She’s also thinking about revisiting hobbies like stained glass.

“Retirement gives you the opportunity to pursue interests that you may have had when you were working, but you don’t have the time or life gets in the way,” she said. “So when you’re retired, that’s the time to pursue those interests. Find something you’d love to do or something you always wanted to do, and go for it.”

Betty Wells

If you have been to the Ochsner Medical Center in the past 18 years, you’ve probably met Betty Wells. She’s the sweet lady who has greeted patients and visitors at OMC since 2005.

“These patients and their families love Ochsner,” she said. “I have met veterans and greeted them each time, thanking them for their service. It is incredibly challenging and interesting, but I love the people I meet. I have had patients come back from 20 years ago to see me. They come back married with a family, and they remember me and compliment me. The patients are a strength to me, and we are a strength to each other. I have gotten a different perspective on life, especially after Hurricane Katrina, and the patients make it a wonderful one. You try to bring out the best

in everybody that comes to this institution.”

While she has been a greeter since 2005, she has worked at the hospital since 1980 (previously in environmental services). “I want to thank Ochsner for hiring me 43 years ago and giving me a job,” she said. “When I was hired, I always did the first floor, and every day I would come in and look at all the pictures of the founders. I [decided] I wanted to be like them. I wanted to leave a legacy; I wanted somebody to know me. I consulted the lord before I accepted the job because I was going to retire, and I jumped up off my knees and made up my mind that I would continue to help people as long as I live and as long as God gives me the strength to do so.”

Indeed, it is helping people that Wells loves the most about her work. “I love getting up in the morning and coming here to help somebody today that I probably missed yesterday or that I might not see tomorrow,” she said. “If I can help people, I will enjoy life. I love education, and, when I come here, I come to an educational institution where learning is, and I hope that I can continue to teach, help and learn every day. I consider myself lucky that I can do this, and words cannot express the gratitude for the staff and patients.”

Now 88 years old, Wells works five days per week. In her free time, she enjoys attending church, going out to eat and visiting with friends.

Mackie Shilstone

A premier sports performance manager and career extension specialist, Mackie Shilstone has worked with more than 3,000 professional athletes and teams over the past 43 years. For example, he worked with Serena Williams—the 2019 Associated Press Female Athlete of the Decade—for 11 years. Shilstone also helped two-time Superbowl-winning quarterback Peyton Manning, Hall of Fame NFL kicker Morten Anderson and boxing greats such as World Light-Heavyweight and Heavyweight Champion Michael Spinks. Additionally, Shilstone has designed and directed fitness, nutrition, wellness and sports performance programs at medical facilities.

Health and wellness have always been important to Shilstone, but he got his start when he walked on to the Tulane football team in 1972. “In 1975, I earned a varsity letter,” he said. “I was the smallest player on a major university football team. After graduating from Tulane, I raised funds and built the first weight room under Tulane Stadium, and I became the school’s first strength and conditioning coach.”

Now 72 years old, Shilstone continues to stay active while maintaining a rigorous diet. “My eating strategy would be considered a modified

Mediterranean diet,” he said. “Chez Nous fixes meals to my specifications and delivers once to twice weekly. I use a pre-workout powder in water, which was created by my son, Spencer Shilstone (maxwellnutrition.com).”

His typical routine starts with waking up by 5:30 a.m., followed by a cup of coffee while he studies research journals. He then works out for an hour and a half. Four days out of the week, he follows strength training with a run on the track.

Shilstone also volunteers at a secret military unit based at Fort Bragg. “For those that want to learn more, go to [my son’s website],” he said. “My TV segment, now in year 26, is every Wednesday at 8:40 a.m. on the WWL/WUPL Morning Show.”

His secret to staying healthy is a commitment to do so. “We only rent our body during our time on this planet,” he said. “The key is to make a decision to Stop Renting Your Health (people can get a free copy of my book with that title on my son’s website). Either you own your health, or it will own you.”

Shilstone suggests that other seniors who want to become more active should start with a complete physical. He said to start slow with some form of supervision. “Have a program that encompasses flexibility, strength and core stabilization with interval training,” he adds. “It must become something that leaves you feeling refreshed and energized.”

Shirley Lee

Shirley Lee and her husband Tang ran the Royal China restaurant in Metairie for more than 40 years. While they sold Royal China in 2021 with plans to retire, they opened a new restaurant—Miss Shirley’s—one year later on Magazine Street at the former site of Jung’s Golden Dragon II.

“My daughter talked me into it,” Lee said. “I really missed my customers. When I retired, I traveled a lot and spent time with family. I loved it, but I knew eventually everyone needs to goes on with their schedule. I didn’t like having nothing to do. My loyal customers have been telling me for years that I needed to open a restaurant Uptown. My daughter found the place and told me about it. I always think things happen for a reason.”

The menu at Miss Shirley’s follows closely to what Lee cooks at home. “It’s everyone’s favorite dishes,” she said. “The ginger chicken and beef is my husband’s favorite; crabmeat udon is my youngest daughter’s favorite; my son-in-law likes the tong chow chicken; my older daughter likes the shrimp with bok choy; and my son-in-law likes the spicy seafood mushroom soup. My grandson loves the noodles I make for him, and that’s why they are named Logan Noodles.”

Now 64 years old, Lee is nowhere close

to slowing down. In addition to sewing, gardening and traveling in her free time, she is at the restaurant every day, cooking and running errands. “I would be sad if I didn’t have anywhere to go and no one to talk to,” she said. “I need to stay sharp.”

Charlie Gabriel

The Musical Director of the Preservation Hall Foundation, Charlie Gabriel, turns 91 this month and still plays regularly (at least once per week) with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Gabriel, who began playing music when he was 11 years old, got his start playing gigs with the Eureka Brass Band. “I’ve been playing clarinet and saxophone since the beginning,” he said.

Gabriel began playing at Preservation Hall in 2008 after being away from New Orleans for much of his adult life. In his current role, he supports teachers with mentorship and guidance regarding the lessons they give to students among various musical community outreach activities.

For Gabriel, music is a way of life. “I was born for one thing, and that was to play music,” he said. “God blessed me with that gift, and I’ve tried to nurture it the best way I know how. I’ve also always believed music is a universal language that transcends all barriers. When my horn is in my mouth, I change into a different person. I fill up with love and try to do everything that I’ve learned at least once. At my age, I’m able to separate what’s pleasing to the listener while also focusing on technique. I just want the listener to have an enjoyable experience and to make people happy.”

Gabriel also released his first album as a bandleader, titled 89, last year on Sub-Pop Records (famous for its Nirvana albums). “Making people happy is the main reason I recorded this album,” he said. “I’m lucky to be alive, so if I get an opportunity to reflect on my life and produce something, I’m going to take advantage of it. The album really expresses who we are as musicians. Recording during the pandemic was a way to express myself and live through those hard days. There are two originals (‘Yellow Moon’ and ‘The Darker It Gets’) and the others are jazz standards. The song ‘I’m Confessin’ (That I Love You),’ is my favorite. I heard Louis Armstrong sing that.”

This month, Preservation Hall Foundation presents Charlie Gras—a musical celebration for Gabriel’s 91st birthday—in three separate events. Catch him at a barbecue July 9 at Mother-in-Law Lounge; at an instrument giveaway July 10 at Preservation Hall; and at the Charlie Gras Show July 11 at Toulouse Theatre.

BY CHERÉ COEN TRAVEL

Land O’ Lakes

A summer getaway

The spring-fed, blue-green waters of Elkhart Lake attracted Native Americans for centuries, followed by Germans and other Europeans looking to settle in a pristine area of Wisconsin, an hour north of Milwaukee. Along the way, Elkhart Lake has attracted gangsters, gamblers and legendary sports car racers, the latter of which resulting in the establishment of Road America, one of the premier road racing tracks in the world.

For the average visitor, however, Elkhart Lake proves a charming summer destination for those seeking acclaimed accommodations, great dining opportunities, ways to enjoy both water and unique hiking landscapes and more, all within a quaint small-town vibe. It’s one reason for the area’s repeat visitation.

“Elkhart Lake has a long and genuine history of welcoming people since the 1800s,” said Kathleen Eickhoff, executive director of Elkhart Lake tourism. “A lot of our visitors have been coming here since they were kids and now their kids are coming here.”

STAY

The grand dame of Elkhart Lake remains the Osthoff Resort, an allsuite hotel that dates to 1885 with a four Diamond rating from AAA. This opulent resort faces 500 feet of lake shoreline with numerous ways to enjoy the waters, as well as the resort’s own amenities, such as dining options, a bowling lane, retail shops and an elaborate pool. Massages and body treatments at its Aspira Spa mirror Native American and Feng Shui beliefs.

Other historic accommodations on the lake include Siebkens Resort, a landmark, turn-of-the-century resort that duplicates the original Victorian building, and Shore Club Resort, originally known as Lakeview House when it was built in 1872, destroyed by fire in 1890 and rebuilt in 1891.

WINE

Award-winning sommelier Jaclyn Stuart hand-picks the wines at her Vintage Elkhart Lake shop, which also sells craft beer, spirits, Wisconsin artisan cheeses & chocolates (don’t miss these!), olive oils and vinegars that are bottled in-house, gifts and gourmet fare. Stop in her tasting room filled with vintage furnishings to try out some of her extensive wine selections. The experience is as enjoyable as the wines.

DINE

Lake Street Café in the heart of the small town contains the state’s third largest wine list, receiving the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 2003. Choose an outdoors table to enjoy Wisconsin’s delightful summer weather and the café’s California Bistro-style fare.

End any meal with a visit to Gessert’s Ice Cream and Confectionary, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor dating to the 1920s where ice cream sodas, phosphates, shakes and malts and old timey candy may be enjoyed.

LAKE AND LAND

There’s endless fun to be had on the lake, from a pontoon ride and paddle boats to fishing and swimming. The Osthoff rents kayaks, hydro bikes, stand-up paddle boards and the fun Swan paddleboat, to name a few. A short drive brings visitors to the Kettle Moraine State Forest, part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, a state-wide trail tracing Wisconsin’s unique landforms created by glaciers of the last Ice Age.

HIT THE ROAD

If you love car racing, a visit to Road America is a must for both the history and to watch today’s racing. It all dates to the 1950s when sports car drivers came to Elkhart Lake to race its curvy hills and sharp corners. The present Road America took over when the state banned street racing and today is one of the world’s fastest permanent road racing tracks. In addition, Road America offers group programs, go-karting, ATVs, geocaching and motorcycle and driving schools.

Peggy Stafford

Tile

Outdoor living spaces continue to be a strong trend – and with greater emphasis on exterior areas, the design market offers something for every taste and budget. This month’s Home Advice expert, Peggy Stafford of Stafford Tile & Stone, gives us a look at a few of the exciting options in tile and stone.

First, when designing an outdoor area, Stafford advises clients to understand their sense of style and taste.

“The environment naturally dictates some of your choices,” said Stafford.

Next, she emphasizes the importance of making sure the materials you select are appropriate for the outdoors. Considerations include durability, climate, sun exposure and slip resistance. Ratings range from exterior usage to indoor/outdoor usage (a good way to go if you’re trying to create continuity between inside and out), and materials that are submersible, which are suited to pools, fountains and showers, for example. Stafford says outdoor materials should be properly sealed for protection against the elements and wear and tear.

Traditionally, most outdoor stone and tile have had an

outdoorsy look – that is, they tend to look like natural stone. But since the 1990s, Stafford says there’s been an explosion in aesthetic and technological innovation. The wide array of solids, neutrals and natural looking materials are perennial sellers at Stafford Tile. Both natural products and an increasing number of manmade lookalikes designed to be affordable and durable are available. For example, there is natural Basalt (lava rock), but there is also a porcelain version, which is glazed and fired at a high temperature for strength. Stafford, who was ahead of the curve in color offerings, is also thrilled to report that color and pattern are important trends going forward.

“Color is making a firm footprint in design,” she said. Stafford adds that designers are using color and pattern in new ways. Case in point: Stafford’s Magazine Street showroom includes a selection of graphic-mod tiles that harken back to mid-century modern design, a trend that began in the 1990s. But when applied underfoot to an expanse of outdoor patio – once the domain of slate or brick – they look completely fresh and unexpected. She also notes that collaborations between small mosaic

1

Large format concrete or porcelain pavers are well-suited for exterior walkways, patios, pool decks and driveways.

2

Patterned encaustic cement tiles work well for outdoor kitchens in both floor and wall applications.

3

Select a watersubmersible tile or glass tile for  pool waterlines or outdoor showers.

companies and artists and large companies with wide distribution have resulted in some spectacular custom designs.

Another of Stafford’s favorite trends: botanicals. She recently completed a bathroom of her own featuring a shower with tile mosaics of hydrangeas and points to Winchester’s small format porcelain tiles with palm leaf motifs as an outdoor-friendly surface that’s beautifully in sync with our tropical surroundings.

ABOUT THE EXPERT

Louisiana native Peggy Stafford began her love affair with stone and tile, growing up in a 1930s Mediterranean-style house with a tile room, then honed it working for a small design business in Colorado and later opened Stafford Tile & Stone in New Orleans. After 22 years in business, her passion and expertise for tile and stone — not to mention her extensive inventory — is as strong as ever.

The Doldrums

Things Calm Wayyyyy Down in July

July is the month where it actually slows down for at least a second here.  August and September are filled with White Linen Night; back to school events; and the stressful period known as Holding Our Breath, Crossing Our Fingers, and Lighting Nash Roberts Prayer Candles During Hurricane Season. October is homecomings and Halloween. November is Thanksgiving. December and January are Réveillon dinners and parties and holiday celebrations and King’s Day and King Cake and my husband and my wedding anniversary. February is more King Cake and Valentine’s Day and sometimes Mardi Gras. March is sometimes Mardi Gras and sometimes spring break and sometimes Easter. April is sometimes Easter, French Quarter Fest, and Jazz Fest. May is more Jazz Fest,

Greek Fest, school fairs, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and graduations.

June is the Pride parade and Father’s Day and Creole Tomato Fest and Juneteenth in Congo Square. July starts off big with the fireworks over the Mississippi River and Essence Fest and it closes strong, too, with Tales of the Cocktail … but still, it feels like the first month we have had in a long time where we have actually had a moment to breathe.

Which is sort of funny because it’s also the month when the air is too thick to breathe and the heat outside feels like an actual act of violence. I think we as a city have collectively given ourselves the middle of July off because it is just too damn hot to function normally (or whatever passes as “normal” in New Orleans anyway).

July never stops being hot. Whether you wake up at 5 a.m. or noon, whether you get off work at 4 p.m. or 3 a.m.,

there is no part of the day when you are not sweaty as soon as you step foot outside, and sometimes even when you’re ostensibly in a cool, air-conditioned space.

July is the time when it doesn’t matter where you’re going or what time of day it is – you’re probably going to want to pack a change of clothes (or, not to be too indelicate, but … at least a change of underwear). July is the time when your morning commute is maybe kind of OK but your afternoon commute, when you climb into a car that has been baking all day, makes you wonder if it’s possible to get heat stroke even with the AC on full blast. I keep extra deodorant in my desk drawer just for the month of July, and it still doesn’t feel like enough sometimes. I can only wear

sandals in July. Putting socks on my feet and then putting my feet into closed-toed shoes is simply not a viable option for me. If it were socially acceptable, I would wear a swimsuit and flip-flops to work. (I am jealous of my younger daughter, Georgia, who gets to go to camp in exactly that, with a T-shirt thrown over and a pair of shorts packed in her bag just in case they have to briefly emerge from the water.) In July, I apply sunscreen liberally to both myself and Georgia every morning but it feels like the sun is laughing at us as soon as we step off the porch. The sunscreen mixes with sweat and pours into our eyes before it even hits 8:30 a.m.

July is the only month in which it’s acceptable to eat a sno-ball for dinner. The official meal of July, though, if you’re feeling fancy, is actually a Creole tomato sandwich, with Blue Plate mayonnaise, eaten over the sink while wearing a tank top and pajama bottoms, followed by a gin and tonic, a handful of blueberries (fresh-picked if possible), and some watermelon.

Despite all of this, or actually probably because of it, July might just be my favorite month.

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

Introverts in the North love winter; introverts in the South love summer. You can find me inside all month long, watching Netflix in my underwear, eating fresh produce, and drinking as many G&Ts as I can handle.

Stay cool, everyone – and I’ll see you at White Linen Night, if I decide to emerge from my reverse hibernation.

BY SCOTT GOLD TABLE TALK

Eat, Memory

Garden District elegance

Adinner at Lengua Madre, the chicly elegant Mexican restaurant helmed by Chef Ana Castro in the Lower Garden District, is not your typical New Orleans dining experience. If the neon pink hallway leading into their modest dining room doesn’t clue you into that, you’ll definitely notice it on the menu, a five-course fixed affair that’s constantly evolving according to the season and the chef’s whims. Dining there is a chef-led journey through Castro’s culinary imagination, flavored heavily with nostalgia from her upbringing in Mexico City and wide-ranging travels abroad.

“I’m a very sentimental person,” said Castro. “Nostalgia is our strongest suit at Lengua and our favorite ingredient. I’ve always said that the food here is going to be informed through the lens of traditional Mexican recipes, and nostalgia’s right there because I’m cooking from memory.”

Given the impressive list of accolades Castro and Lengua Madre have racked up since opening just two short years ago, it’s difficult to imagine that the restaurant almost never happened.

“It was 2021, and we had the space, but I was a little lost, I think,” the chef said. After spending time in several lauded Crescent City kitchens, she’d landed at Coquette, where, under Chef Michael Stoltzfus, she quickly rose from garde manger to sous chef. “I kind of knew that I wanted to do Mexican food, because I was just tired of cooking something that didn’t feel natural to me. And Michael and I were like, ‘Why don’t we give this a shot?’ Then we started realizing how easy everything started developing. As a chef and as a person, I never felt like the creative process flowed with such ease and in an organic manner as it did when I started thinking about the menu at Lengua. I’d never felt so relaxed and confident about everything. So I thought, ‘this is a good sign!’”

While the cuisine at Lengua pays deep homage to ingredients and traditional dishes

ABOUT THE CHEFS

Born in Texas and raised in Mexico City, Ana Castro grew up cooking in her grandmother’s kitchen before studying classical culinary technique at Le Cordon Bleu. After turns in restaurants in such far-flung places as India, Denmark and New York, she eventually landed in New Orleans, cooking at a number of lauded establishments, including Coquette and Jewel of the South, before opening Lengua Madre in 2021. Above all, Castro considers herself blessed to be cooking in the Crescent City, and sees her kitchen crew no less than family. “I love my kitchen and my entire team. They’re incredible,” she says. “I’m lucky to be in the exceptional company, and I have no idea what I did to deserve them. We take care of each other, and that’s important.”

of Mexico, their inspired execution is all uniquely Castro’s. A recent meal started off with a shrimp and rice “caldito,” a hot, intensely piscine drink typically served in Mexican restaurants to revive the senses. An aguachile was a delicate delight, combining marinated hamachi with golden beets, habaneros and Creole tomatoes topping a leche de tigre sauce garnished with cilantro flowers. More substantial fare included a crunchy, hand-made sope filled with Louisiana blue crab dressed in a mint aioli with English peas and a green pico de gallo, and a taco made with a pink xocoyul corn tortilla (fashioned from masa ground by hand in-house on a volcanic stone mill) filled with dragon tongue beans, epazote and smoked trout roe atop a pistachio and gordal olive mole verde. An outstanding lamb tapixte cooked inside plantain leaves was accompanied simply by grilled suyo cucumbers, nasturtium, mint, lime, and a simple salsa. By the time the meal concluded with a Ponchatoula strawberry sorbet and an arroz con leche artfully combined with their spin on kaya (fig leaf custard) garnished with young coconut strips and dried figs cooked in sake and vanilla, one’s head can’t help but swim with dreams of Mexican retreat.

Amidst the well-justified praise and laurels, Castro remains humble. “Right now we’re just riding the wave,” she said. “We’re all really happy, the systems are working...it’s exciting!” And with chefs like Ana Castro shaking up the dining scene with such inventive, memory-soaked gastronomic delights, it’s definitely exciting for New Orleans, as well.

BY ELIZABETH PEARCE

Practice Makes Perfect

A timely summer cooler

When Lydia Salter creates a new drink at Gianna, it’s likely to be as Italian inspired as the rest of the menu. “I taste a lot of Italian liqueurs and aperitifs to research and see what goes well together.” She has increased her knowledge of Italian spirits considerably, amaros in particular.

“I really like amaro,” she said. “It’s the backbone of the beverage program here.” Amaro features prominently in her summer cooler, “Sign of the Times.” Lydia notes the drink’s creation was a team effort from a bar staff where “we learn from each other…everyone has their own little tidbits of info.” Lydia praises her management, which encourages their collaboration and exploration. “They let me try things…it’s fun to experiment.”

Still, things don’t always end well. “I’ve definitely made drinks that never saw the light of day,” she ruefully admits. But that’s part of the creative process. “Trying and failing and trying and failing-- eventually you make something great.”

SIGN OF THE TIMES

1/4 oz. simple syrup

1/2 oz. lemon juice

1/2 oz. Amara d’Arancia or another light, floral amaro like Nonino

1 oz. Blackberry

Balsamic Shrub (see recipe below)

2 oz. Cathead Honeysuckle vodka

2 dashes Angostura bitters

Soda water

Lemon Twist

Place all ingredients except for the soda in a shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Top with a splash of soda in Collins glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

BLACKBERRY BALSAMIC

RECIPE

1 lb. blackberries

1 cup sugar

1 cup balsamic

Place blackberries and sugar in a mason jar. Mix well and close the lid. Keep at room temp, out of sunlight for 24 hours, shaking occasionally. Add balsamic, shake and place in the refrigerator for 48 hours. Strain through fine mesh, pressing berries to extract juice. Keep refrigerated for up to 6 months

SHRUB

BY JYL BENSON

The Sweet Spot

Thai tradition and dessert

“Khao Tom Mat is a native Thai dessert, one of my very favorites,” said Suda Ounin, chef and proprietor of Thai D’Jing in Old Gretna.

Thai Buddhists keep the dessert on hand to bring to Buddhist monks in celebration of Uposatha, which is observed about every seven days in accordance with the four lunar phases: the new moon, the full moon, and the two quarter moons.

For each portion, the banana and sticky rice filling is wrapped in a leaf, which is then wrapped in another leaf then sealed for steaming.

“The banana leaves used to make it are customarily held together with bamboo ties, which can be difficult to find so I advise using kitchen twine at home,” Ounin said.

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

KHAO TOM MAT

Serves 5-6

Shared by Chef Suda Ounin, Thai D’Jing

2 1-pound packages fresh banana leaves

3 cups raw sticky (sweet) rice, soaked for at least two hours of overnight

1/4 cup dried small red beans, soaked overnight

1/4 cup dried black beans, soaked overnight

3 dried or fresh pandanus leaves (bai-toey)

1 cup unsweetened coconut milk

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup palm sugar or granulated white sugar

3 teaspoons neutral oil

5 Asia Thai bananas, peeled and cut in half vertically Kitchen string or twine

1. Prepare the banana leaves: Fill a very large bowl or kitchen sink (preferred) with hot water (not boiling). Gently push the banana leaves into the hot water and allow them to soak and soften for 5 minutes. This will prevent them from ripping.

2. Use tongs to remove half of the leaves from the hot water. Gently wipe the leaves with paper towels to dry. Tear the leaves into strips approximately 7 1/2 inches wide, then tear them into 10-inch lengths. Set aside in a stack.

3. Use tongs to remove the remaining leaves from the hot water. Dry them with paper towels. Tear the leaves into strips approximately 6 1/2 inches wide, then cut them into 8-inch strips. Stack them in a pile.

4. Round off both ends of each banana leaf (just cut through the stacks) into an oval shape. Set the leaves aside into two stacks based on size.

5. Drain and rinse the rice three times until the water runs clear. Set aside.

6. Boil the red and black beans for 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

7. Tear the pandanus leaves into irregular pieces. Bring the leaves to a boil in 1/2 cup of water in a saucepot with a tight fitting lid. Remove the saucepot from the heat and steep the leaves for 1 hour. Remove the leaves and squeeze them over the water to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the leaves.

8. To a medium saucepot set over medium-low heat add the reserved water from soaking the pandanus leaves, the coconut milk, salt, palm sugar, and the drained beans. Stir to combine and cook until the sugar has dissolved. Add the rice and cook until the mixture is thick and sticky, like porridge, 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat. Cool.

9. Brush the opaque side of the smaller torn banana leaves lightly with oil.

10. Place a leaf in front of you, oiled side up, so a short corner is facing you and the longer corners are to your left and right. Center 1 tablespoon of the cooled porridge atop the leaf. Center a slice of banana atop the porridge. Top the banana with another tablespoon of porridge.

11. Set the smaller banana leaf atop a larger leaf. Gather the leaves in one hand and press inward so the longer corners come together atop the porridge mixture like a cone. Use your other hand to roll the corners down in a tight cylinder atop the now enclosed porridge. Fold the rolled leaves under each end of the enclosed cylinder as you would to wrap a package. Tie two packages together, seamed sides pressed together, with kitchen string. Repeat with remaining banana leaves, cut bananas, and porridge.

12. Place the joined rolls in a steamer basket, cover, and steam gently until the leaves turn from bright green to olive and the packets are firm to the touch, 45 minutes to 1 hour.

13. The khao tom mat may be served warm or cold. Fold the banana leaves back to expose the firm rice/banana filling.

Will keep, refrigerated, for 1 week, frozen for 1 month.

The Thai ingredients can be found locally at the Hong Kong Market (925 Behrman Hwy #3, Terrytown, 504.394.7075) or via Amazon.com.

DINING GUIDE

The Dining Guide is comprised of restaurants recently reviewed and visited by New Orleans Magazine

The list will change regularly to provide information on others that are also worth noting and acknowledging. Please check restaurant websites for up-to-date hours and locations. If you feel that a restaurant has been misplaced, please email Editor Ashley McLellan at Ashley@MyNewOrleans.com.

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

AMERICAN

Acorn City Park, $ AcornNola.com

Audubon Clubhouse Uptown, $$ AudubonInstitute.org

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

Caffe! Caffe! Metairie, $ CaffeCaffe.com

Café NOMA City Park, $ CafeNoma.com

Camellia Grill Riverbend, $ 309-2679

District Donuts Sliders Brew Multiple Locations, $ DonutsAndSliders.com

Five Happiness Mid-City, $$ FiveHappiness.com

Martin Wine Cellar Multiple Locations, $ MartinWineCellar.com

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

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

Restaurant August

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

Rib Room French Quarter, $$$ RibRoomNewOrleans.com

The Grill Room

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

The Pelican Club

French Quarter, $$$$$ PelicanClub.com

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

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

ASIAN FUSION/PAN ASIAN Blue Giant Lower Garden District, $$ BlueGiantNOLA.com

Hoshun Restaurant Uptown, $$ HoshunRestaurant.com

Little Tokyo Multiple Locations, $$ LittleTokyoNola.com

Lotus Bistro Lakeview, $$ LotusBistroNOLA.com

MoPho Mid-City, $$$ MoPhoNola.com

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

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

BAKERY/BREAKFAST

Breads on Oak Multiple Locations, $ BreadsOnOak.com.

Café du Monde Multiple Locations, $ CafeDuMonde.com

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

Gracious Bakery + Café Multiple Locations, $ GraciousBakery.com

Ruby Slipper Café Multiple Locations, $$ TheRubySlipperCafe.net

BURGERS

Bayou Burger French Quarter, $$ 5SportsBarNewOrleans.com

Port of Call French Quarter, $$ PortOfCallNola.com

The Company Burger Uptown, $ TheCompanyBurger.com

FRENCH

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

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

Coquette Uptown, $$$ CoquetteNola.com

Justine French Quarter, $$$ JustineNola.com

La Crêpe Nanou Uptown, $$$ LaCrepeNanou.com

La Petite Grocery Uptown, $$$ LaPetiteGrocery.com

Lilette Uptown, $$$$$ LiletteRestaurant.com

GASTROPUB

Bouligny Tavern Uptown, $$ BoulignyTavern.com

Cane & Table French Quarter, $$ CaneAndTableNola.com

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

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

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

Sylvain French Quarter, $$$ SylvainNOLA.com

The Delachaise Uptown, $$ TheDelaichaise.com

ITALIAN

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

Chartres House French Quarter, $$$ ChartresHouse.com

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

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

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

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

Liuzza’s Mid-City, $$ Liuzzas.com

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

Napoleon House French Quarter, $ NapoleonHouse.com

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

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

Tommy’s Cuisine CBD/Warehouse District, $$$$$ TommysNewOrleans.com

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

LOUISIANA FARE

Acme Oyster House Multiple Locations, $$ AcmeOyster.com

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

TRILLY’S CHEESESTEAKS

You don’t need to be an Eagles fan to recognize the glories of great Philly Cheesesteak. When you get that urge for a fresh roll loaded with griddled steak and melty American cheese, peppers and onions, Trilly’s has your cravings covered, even if you’re a devout vegan. With cheesesteak options for both meat-lovers and vegetarians, a visit to Trilly’s will make you feel like you’re in the land of Brotherly Love without ever leaving the Crescent City. Menu options range from the classic Philly to BBQ and even a Buffalo chicken version, all of which you can now enjoy in their larger Mid-City location. Make sure not to miss their spacious outdoor patio on a nice day!

BEARCAT CAFÉ

We know how it goesone minute you’re vowing to eat clean, the next you’re fantasizing about buttery biscuits drowning in gravy. Bearcat Cafe has the best solution for that daily dilemma by splitting their menu into ‘Good Cat’ and ‘Bad Cat’, ensuring your food mood is always catered to. Feel like being virtuous? Dig into vegan options that could make a carnivore reconsider, like the mushroom soft scramble or Vegan Ranchero. But when the naughty cravings hit, they’ve got your back. Surrender to the siren call of the decadent Cajun gravy biscuits or their sinfully delicious scallops with creamy grits. With locations in both the CBD and Updown, Bearcat will make sure you don’t leave hungry whether or not you decide to be a good kitty or a fearsome feline.

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

Austin’s Metairie, $$$ AustinsNo.com

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

Boucherie Carrollton, $$ Boucherie-Nola.com

The Bower Garden District, $$$ TheBowerNola.com

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

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

Café Reconcile Central City, $$ CafeReconcile.org

Casamento’s Uptown, $$ CasamentosRestaurant.com

Clancy’s Uptown, $$$ ClancysNewOrleans.com

Cochon CBD/Warehouse District, $$ CochonRestaurant.com

Copeland’s Multiple Locations, $$ CopelandsofNewOrleans.com

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

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

Crabby Jack’s Metairie, $ CrabbyJacksNola.com

Criollo French Quarter, $$$ CriolloNola.com

Dooky Chase Restaurant Treme, $$ DookyChaseRestaurant.com

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

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

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

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

Gris Gris Garden District, $$$ GrisGrisNola.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Palace Café CBD/Warehouse District, $$$ PalaceCafe.com

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

Richard Fiske’s Martini Bar & Restaurant French Quarter, $$$ RichardFiskes.com

Royal House French Quarter, $$$ RoyalHouseRestaurant.com

Saint John French Quarter, $$$ SaintJohnNola.com

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

SoBou French Quarter, $$ SoBouNola.com

Tableau French Quarter, $$$ TableauFrenchQuarter.com

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

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

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

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

PIZZA

Pizza Delicious Bywater, $ PizzaDelicious.com

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

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

Pizza Domenica Multiple Locations, $$ PizzaDomenica.com

SEAFOOD

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

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

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

Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House French Quarter, $$$$ BourbonHouse.com

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

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

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

Kingfish French Quarter, $$$ KingfishNewOrleans.com

Le Bayou French Quarter, $$$ LeBayouRestaurant.com

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

Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House Multiple Locations, $$$ MrEdsRestaurants.com/ oyster-bar

New Orleans Creole Cookery French Quarter, $$$ NewOrleansCreoleCookery. com

Oceana Grill French Quarter, $$ OceanaGrill.com

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

Pier 424 French Quarter, $$$ Pier424SeafoodMarket.com

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

SPECIALTY FOODS

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

STEAKHOUSE

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

Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse French Quarter, $$$$ DickieBrennansSteakhouse. com

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

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

La Boca CBD/Warehouse District, $$$ LaBocaSteaks.com

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

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

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

WORLD

1000 Figs Faubourg St. John, $$ 1000Figs.com

Barracuda Uptown, $ EatBarracuda.com

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

Bywater Brew Pub Bywater, $$$ BywaterBrewPub.com

Compére Lapin

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

El Gato Negro Multiple Locations, $$ ElGatoNegroNola.com

Lucy’s CBD/Warehouse District, $ LucysRetiredSurfers.com

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

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

Patois Uptown,$$$ PatoisNola.com

Saba Uptown, $$$ EatWithSaba.com

Saffron NOLA Uptown, $$$ SaffronNOLA.com

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

Shaya Uptown, $$$ ShayaRestaurant.com

Summer Specials

There’s no doubt about it—summer in New Orleans is hot. Fortunately for residents and visitors, the offerings from local destinations, stores, and restaurants are hot, too. Specials across the city will help you beat the heat and make the most of the summer months with new exhibitions, new styles, and new entrees and cocktails. Take pride in the city’s local small businesses and organizations and let your weekend plans revolve around their latest offerings.

HISTORY & CULTURE

The Historic New Orleans Collection

A free museum, publisher, and research center in the heart of the French Quarter, The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC) features permanent and changing exhibitions exploring the history and culture of the Gulf South, a courtyard café, and a nationally heralded gift store at 520 Royal Street.

On view through October 8, 2023, American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith, from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, examines the continuing evolution of America’s experiment in a government “of, by, and for the people.”  A THNOC companion exhibition, “Yet She Is Advancing”: New Orleans Women and the Right to Vote, 1878–1970, is on view through November 5, 2023. And registration is open now for the 2023 New Orleans Antiques Forum: “Music to My Eyes: Material Culture of the Southern Sound,” coming August 3-6.

Register to attend and plan your visit at hnoc.org.

FASHION Perlis Clothing

The summer is a great time to visit Perlis Clothing in Uptown New Orleans, the French Quarter, Mandeville, and Baton Rouge. Shop the summer sale going on now in all departments: men, ladies, and boys. Additionally, you’ll find top labels like Peter Millar, Queen of Sparkles, Southern Tide, 34 Heritage, Johnnie O, Sparkle City, Bonobos, Vineyard Vines, Tasc and more.

“We are your go-to store for all your southern style clothing needs,” says Bebe Rafferty, Marketing Coordinator. “Since 1939, Perlis has been committed to complete customer satisfaction and unparalleled service including complimentary lifetime alterations and gratis gift wrapping.”

Perlis continues to add to its iconic crawfish logo collection of clothing, accessories, and gifts for the entire family. The men’s formal wear sales and rental department is renowned for offering a wide proper dress selection.

Visit

DINING

Briquette

Welcome the summer season with delicious food and wine shared together at Briquette, the celebrated seafood destination from restaurateur Anna Tusa, Owner of New Orleans Creole Cookery. With Briquette, Tusa puts seafood and contemporary coastal cuisine at the center of the dining experience. Briquette is also known locally for its enthusiasm for high quality, often hard-to-find wines and spirits and boasts the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for its discerning, expansive wine list.

This summer, beat the heat with Briquette’s unbeatable summer specials. Cool off and wind down at the bar during happy hour, 5-6 p.m., and enjoy discounts on refreshing cocktails, beer, and wine. For dinner, try one of Briquette’s weekly three-course offerings of menu favorites for $50 per person plus an optional cocktail pairing for only $25 more.

Briquette is currently open for dinner Wednesday-Monday, 5-9 p.m. Briquette is located at 701 S. Peters Street in the Warehouse District. Book your table today by calling the restaurant at 504-302-7496 or via OpenTable.

Palace Café

Temperature Lunch, the popular New Orleans summer dining tradition, continues with its 29th year at Palace Café. Keeping with tradition, a daily lunch special is priced at the previous day’s high temperature; if the high is 85° on Tuesday, count on Wednesday’s $8.50 lunch. Temperature lunch is available Wednesday through Friday now through Labor Day. Daily lunch specials feature local, seasonal ingredients with a New Orleans-style flair. Past entrees have included Crawfish Gnocchi, Louisiana Crab Cake, and BBQ Shrimp. For this season’s daily specials, follow Palace Café on Facebook and Instagram, or check the events page at palacecafe.com.

Located at the foot of the French Quarter, this classic New Orleans restaurant honors the rich history of New Orleans cuisine in an upbeat and lively grand café. Palace Café has won numerous awards during its history, including Best New Restaurant from Esquire Magazine and USA Today, the prestigious Ivy Award from Restaurants and Institutions Magazine, and Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. •

Perlis Clothing

Palace Café

Travel Destinations

Summer is officially here, and that means good times are calling. Load up the car and choose your own adventure among vacation destinations all across the Gulf South. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway, some casual sightseeing, an easy staycation, or a weeklong escape for the entire family, there’s plenty to see and do this summer.

Red River Balloon Rally

This month, experience the magical balloon glow with friends and family at the CenterPoint Energy Red River Balloon Rally presented by the Louisiana Office of Tourism. Two full evenings of entertainment take place July 14-15 at Louisiana Downs in Bossier City. Events include the Team Logic IT and Stuarts Integrated Services balloon glow, AEP SWEPCO Kids Zone, and 50+ onsite vendors and food purveyors. Rock out to live music Friday from Barksdale Bubble and Flight Delay and dance to the sounds of Jimmy Wooten and Pat Mason & Bayou Boogie on Saturday. Gates open at 5 p.m. Guests can expect 20+ magnificent hot air balloons to light up the sky with a variety of colors, patterns, and characters.

Tickets are only $5 and available at area Brookshire’s/Super 1 Foods as well as online at redriverballoonrally.com. Kids under five years old attend free. For additional information and a full schedule of events, visit redriverballoonrally.com. Go to visitshreveportbossier.org for more area events and places in Northwest Louisiana to explore this summer and fall.

South Walton, Florida

With 26 miles of stunning sugar-white sand beaches and 16 unique beach neighborhoods, each with its own personality and style, South Walton offers endless opportunities for visitors to find their perfect beach.

Nestled on the Northwest Florida Panhandle along the Gulf of Mexico, South Walton is easily accessible from New Orleans, making it the ideal destination for a weekend getaway or an extended stay. South Walton is set apart by its unmatched natural beauty. Vast nature preserves create a relaxed respite not often found in similar destinations, offering adventureseekers more than 200 miles of hiking and biking trails, four state parks, a 15,000-acre state forest and 15 rare coastal dune lakes.

Unique landscapes, eclectic shops, luxury accommodations, and an abundance of award-winning dining options (200-plus restaurants) are all part of South Walton’s distinctive character and relaxing atmosphere. Learn more at visitsouthwalton.com

Big Bay Lake

Big Bay Lake is a one-of-a-kind planned community on one of Mississippi’s largest private recreational lakes. Located just outside of Hattiesburg and only 90 minutes from New Orleans, Big Bay Lake blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings.

Waterfront and water-view homesites in a range of price points starting at $50,000 are available for building custom homes and retreats. Additionally, several resale homes are usually available for immediate purchase. Both the homes and homesites within this community provide unique opportunities to create the perfect home or weekend getaway.

It’s time to relax, unplug, make memories and create new traditions at Big Bay Lake. Whether you are a boating or fishing enthusiast or just a family who loves to make a big splash, Big Bay Lake is simply about the lure of the water. Come enjoy fun-filled days and star-kissed nights at Big Bay Lake, where the little things make life…“Big!” Call for a boat tour today at 877-4BIG-BAY or visit bigbaylake.com.

The Royal Sonesta New Orleans

This summer, enjoy a Bourbon Street Revival at The Royal Sonesta New Orleans. Featuring luxury accommodations, creole favorites at Desire Oyster Bar, custom cocktails at Le Booze, and world-class fine dining at Restaurant R’evolution, The Royal Sonesta New Orleans offers a total escape right in the heart of the French Quarter. Guests can enhance their stay at Sonesta Sundays weekly poolside parties featuring refreshing beverages from Oasis Pool Bar, live music, and poolside eats.

Ready to make your warm weather staycation dreams come true? Book today and save with The Royal Sonesta New Orleans’ French Quarter Fling package, featuring rates from $159/night plus complimentary valet parking. Make your reservation online at sonesta.com/royalneworleans with promo code FQF.

Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort

Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort continues to redefine the VIP experience. In addition to over 800 slots and 36 table games, enjoy the Orchid Room where the property has redefined the high-limit gaming experience. The space features private gaming, personal televisions, top of the line slot machines and amenities that you cannot find anywhere else on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Scarlet and E.I.P. members of the Pearl Rewards loyalty program have access to the VIP Lounge, which offers three unique upscale experiences. Sip a deliciously curated cocktail at the gravity-defying, full-service bar and tantalize your taste buds with delectable light fare cuisine and scrumptious desserts in the dining area. E.I.P. guests can take a break from the action in the plush Parlor.

Gulf Coast players can book the ultimate staycation at the Scarlet Pearl’s 300-room modern hotel. With breathtaking design, superior service, and bathrooms that feel more like a spa, they have taken the definition of luxury into the clouds. Book your next stay at ScarletPearlCasino.com or call 888-BOOK-SPC. •

Red River Balloon Rally

Senior Living

Care for aging loved ones has improved dramatically over the years, and seniors have more options than ever on aging with independence and additional care when needed. From light assistance at home to communities outfitted with luxurious amenities and specialized programs, customized options exist for every budget and lifestyle.

Lambeth House

Nestled in the heart of Uptown, just blocks from Audubon Park and the Mississippi River, is Lambeth House—a true slice of paradise. Primarily known for its focus on healthy aging, Lambeth House offers its independent living adults amazing amenities such as upscale dining, a vibrant activities calendar, a saltwater pool, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Lambeth House recognizes that retirement is best lived when it’s full of things to do, so residents are offered everything from planned activities and off-site outings to lifelong learning.

Plus, as a Life Plan community, Lambeth House residents rest easy knowing that supportive care such as assisted living and 24-hour nursing care are conveniently available onsite should the need ever arise.

“For 25 years, we have worked to challenge the status quo in aging services,” says Chief Executive Officer Scott Crabtree. “Today, as we look to the future, we are proud to continue that mission.”

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

Home Care Solutions

With current availability, locally owned Home Care Solutions specializes in compassionate in-home sitting services, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Care as well as Aging Life Care Management™ services to help your elderly loved ones extend their independence at home.

“Our mission is to help our clients age in place gracefully while maintaining as much independence as possible,” says Rachel Palmer, Business Development Coordinator. “These days, many families feel they’re under additional pressure to provide care for an aging loved one. As they navigate their own busy schedules and lives, we can step in and provide an extra arm of support that provides flexibility while allowing for continued connection with family.”

Caregivers are carefully matched to meet your loved one’s needs and personality, and their familiarity with local resources saves you time and often saves you money while their compassionate understanding of the aging process relieves you of unnecessary distress. For more information, call 504-828-0900 or visit homecareneworleans.com.

Poydras Home

Open now, Poydras Home Reimagined is Louisiana’s first Green House® Project community—this revolutionary care approach makes each resident the central decision maker in their own daily life. Poydras Home constructed two new buildings to house five Nursing Care homes and one Assisted Living Memory Care home. The Green House model groups a smaller number of residents to share each house led by a small team of consistent Care Partners specially trained to make each day personally meaningful.

Homes feature open floor plans and access to Poydras Home’s ample green spaces. Poydras Home’s interior campus is also being transformed into a Center for Healthy Living to benefit all residents with yoga, a therapy gym, a library, meditative space and more. Poydras Home worked with Eskew Dumez Ripple architects to ensure the structural changes were adaptive while still rooted in aesthetic traditions.

For move-in information, visit poydrashome.com.

SummerHouse Vista Shores

SummerHouse Vista Shores, located on Bayou St. John, is a luxury senior living community offering the highest quality assisted living and SHINE® memory care. Chef-prepared meals, a relaxing lounge for coffee or cocktails, a wrap-around porch and diverse social, cultural, and fitness activities keep residents active and engaged. Weekly housekeeping, laundry, and transportation services ensure that residents can focus on living their best lives.

SummerHouse Vista Shores residents are provided with 24-hour personal care and individualized assistance plans. The Filmore Neighborhood is an entire floor dedicated to Memory Care residents in SHINE®, a nationally recognized program for Senior Living Memory Care. SHINE® makes use of the latest scientific principles to maximize engagement and comprehension as well as improve lifestyle quality for seniors living with memory-related conditions including dementia and Alzheimer’s. The specialized training that SummerHouse nurses and nursing assistants receive enables them to best care for residents. This includes personalizing exploration for your loved one touching on multiple important aspects of life.

Contact SummerHouse Vista Shores for more details by calling 504-288-3737 or visiting summerhousevistashores.com.

St. Margaret’s Family of Care

Currently known by several name locations, St. Margaret’s embodies the mission of its Catholic founders: to inspire, serve, and nurture the body, mind, and spirit of its community’s elders. St. Margaret’s strength lies with its staff, who treat each resident with dignity, privacy, and the utmost care. Staff members see each resident as a part of their own family.

Known as one of the oldest senior care providers in New Orleans, St. Margaret’s, a trusted community of exceptional caregivers, plans to rebrand this April to St. Margaret’s Family of Care and continue its long-standing legacy. While the name of several of its facilities and services are changing, families can expect the same devotion and dependability from the same, familial staff. St. Margaret’s Family of Care facilities will still be a place families can trust their loved ones to feel treasured and supported through personalized healthcare.

To learn more, visit its brand new website at stmmercy.org.

The Carrollton

The Carrollton is a luxury assisted living and memory care community that promotes independence while providing exceptional care. Nestled in the newly renovated Carrollton Courthouse, the community offers a variety of amenities and services including restaurant-style dining, studio and one-bedroom apartments, housekeeping and laundry services, and onsite parking.

As a Liberty Senior Living Community, The Carrollton is also the first senior living community in New Orleans to offer The INSPIRE wellness and activity programs that focus on whole-person wellness and the Genuine Engaging and Meaningful Memory Support (GEMMS) program, which provides residents unique ways to remain active, social, and engaged in their retirement years.

For more information, please call 504-290-0228 or visit  thecarrollton.com.

The Skin Surgery Centre

At The Skin Surgery Centre, Dr. Keith LeBlanc, Jr., Dr. Elizabeth Bucher and Dr. Corey Rougelot are fellowship-trained in Mohs micrographic surgery, today’s most effective and advanced treatment for skin cancer that offers the highest potential for cure even if the skin cancer has been previously treated by another method. The Mohs procedure allows removal of as little skin as necessary to cure skin cancer, and Mohs fellowship training includes advanced reconstruction techniques to achieve an excellent cosmetic result.

The Skin Surgery Centre physicians are your skin cancer and Mohs surgery experts of Greater New Orleans, the Northshore, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. If you or a loved one has questions or concerns about skin cancer and skin cancer prevention, contact your board-certified dermatologist right away. If you are facing a skin cancer diagnosis, you could be a good candidate for Mohs micrographic surgery.

For more information, visit theskinsurgerycentre.com or call 504-644-4226. •

Specialty Medicine

Healthcare resources that go above and beyond with specialized offerings and comprehensive approaches can make a huge difference in someone’s journey to wellness. People of every age deserve the best that modern medicine can offer, and fortunately for area residents, New Orleans offers a wealth of talented providers and innovative programs.

Tulane Doctors Connected Care

The expert providers at Tulane Doctors Connected Care (TDCC) specialize in caring for some of the most vulnerable patients—senior citizens. They often suffer with more complex, chronic health issues. TDCC’s unique care model is designed to promote patient convenience and qualitative care.

Primary care is delivered by a team of physicians, nurse practitioners, and other clinical experts directly to patients in their home, assisting living center, skilled nursing facility, nursing home or long-term care facility. This means that patients receive care in the comfort of their own residence. In addition to primary care services, Tulane Doctors Connected Care also offers palliative care services for its patients. The team also coordinates with emergency care physicians and hospitalists if inpatient admission is required.

To learn more about the services provided by Tulane Doctors Connected Care, please call 504-456-9199 or visit tulaneconnectedcare.com. •

MASTERPIECE

EXPLORING FAITH, FORGIVENESS AND REDEMPTION, THE EXPLOSIVE EIGHTH SEASON OF “GRANTCHESTER” TESTS WILL AND GEORDIE TO THE LIMIT.

STARTS SUNDAY, JULY 9 AT 8PM

PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS

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

A CAPITOL FOURTH

Tuesday, July 4 at 7pm, 8:32pm & 11:01pm

Celebrate our country’s 247th birthday with musical performances by top stars from pop, country, R&B, classical, and Broadway, featuring the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of premier pops conductor Jack Everly. Photo Credit: Capitol Concerts

HUMAN FOOTPRINT

Wednesdays, July 5 - August 9 at 8pm

A new six-part documentary series embarks on a journey to understand all the ways humans have transformed the planet. Stories of science, history and culture reveal the complicated, conflicted and remarkable species that is Homo sapiens. Photo Credit: Nathan Dappen / © Day’s Edge Productions

MASTERPIECE “Grantchester, Season 8”

Sundays, July 9 - August 6 at 8pm

Grantchester returns with Will happily married to Bonnie, and Geordie and Cathy content in their rebuilt relationship. But an accident and shocking announcements threaten the stability and happiness found by Grantchester’s vicar and police detective duo. Exploring faith, forgiveness and redemption, this explosive season of “Grantchester” tests Will and Geordie to the limit.

D.I. RAY

Sundays, July 9 - 30 at 9pm

In this four-part drama, D.I. Ray goes on a journey that sees her uncover a complex web of deceit within organized crime, while laying bare the wounds deep within herself that she’s spent a lifetime ignoring. Wounds that are born from a desperate desire to fit in, despite not looking the part. Photo Credit: © HTM (DI RAY) Ltd. 2022

SOUTHERN STORYTELLERS

Tuesday, July 18 – August 1 at 8pm

From the mountains of Appalachia to the Gulf of Mexico, the series reveals a vivid patchwork of diverse American stories that celebrate the resilience and joy of Southern people — and the magnitude of gifts from the region’s writers. Among the featured creatives are some of the most recognized storytellers from the worlds of literature, music, television and film. Photo Credit: Renaud Brothers Films

CONGRATULATIONS

to two of our most recent WYES documentaries — FOUNDED ON FRIENDSHIP & FREEDOM: THE NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM and DR. NORMAN C. FRANCIS: A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP — which were both awarded a 2023 Telly Award. We are very proud!

Enjoy

cuisine by CELEBRATE! Catered Events by Windsor Court. Dance the night away with The Party Starters 504 Band. Tickets & sponsorships available at: wyes.org/events

Your support of our gala is essential to sustain and grow both WYES’ programming and community outreach.

Special thank you to: Gala Co-Chairs Catherine & Will Hales, Juli Miller Hart, Mark Romig & David Briggs Junior Committee Chair: Mary Beth Benjamin

WYES ONLINE GALA AUCTION COMING SOON!

Bid on a wide array of fabulous items including:

Diamonds Direct Tennis Bracelet 14k white gold, 5.40 carats, H I2 color and clarity Contains 54 brilliant, round cut diamonds! Valued at $8,000

FOR ALL EVENT DETAILS AND TO PURCHASE TICKETS TO ALL EVENTS BELOW, VISIT WYES.ORG/EVENTS

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS!

WYES NORTHSHORE LUNCH & LEARN

Featuring Tulane University Business Professor and host of “Out to Lunch” on NPR Radio 89.9 WWNO Peter Ricchiuti

Discussion Topic: “What, In This Economy?”

Thank you to our event sponsor: Thursday, August 24 | 11:30am Noon – Seated 3-Course Lunch & Discussion

FRIDAY, JULY 14

6:30 p.m.

$125

CHEF PETER ISAAC PRESENTS

Pat Gallagher’s 527 Restaurant & Bar, Mandeville

Tickets $45

1st Course: BRIQUETTE HEIRLOOM SALAD

Menage de Trois Prosecco

2nd Course: BEEF CARPACCIO

Bieler Pere et Fils

Coteaux d’ Aix

Sabine Rose

3rd Course: BURGUNDY BRAISED SHORT RIB

Siduri Pinot Noir

4th Course: FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE TORTE

Roscato Rosso Dolce

Wines provided by Republic National Distributors

WYES & CREATE TV PRESENT

TAILGATING WITH KEVIN BELTON

Saturday, August 5 | 11:30am | WYES Studio | Tickets $40

Just before the start of football season, WYES & Create TV star Chef Kevin Belton shares some of his favorite tailgating recipes for the perfect game day menu! Guests will enjoy a cooking demo, food tasting & some beer sipping!

Chef will have his autographed cookbooks on hand to sell, plus goodies to giveaway.

Peter Ricchiuti

WEEKDAYS ON

1 SATURDAY

5pm

NEW ORLEANS FOOD MEMORIES

6pm

THE LAWRENCE WELK SHOW “Henry Mancini & Johnny Mercer”

7pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Tucson” (Hour 2 of 3)

8pm

FINDING YOUR ROOTS “On Broadway”

9pm

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN “Join or Die (1706-1774)” (Pt. 1/2) explores the revolutionary life of one of the 18th Century’s most consequential figures, whose work and words unlocked the mystery of electricity and helped create the United States. Produced by Ken Burns.

11pm

Aimed at preschoolers ages 3 to 5 and inspired by characters created by Fred Rogers, this series is the second spinoff of Rogers' television series MISTER ROGERS' NEIGHBORHOOD after DANIEL TIGER'S NEIGHBORHOOD.

AUSTIN CITY LIMITS “Stevie Ray Vaughan 30 Years On” features the guitar giant’s two classic appearances on the ACL stage.

2 SUNDAY

4pm

MASTERPIECE “Grantchester, Season 7” (Pts. 1-2/6) Rewatch Season

7 before Season 8 premieres on Sunday, July 9 at 8pm. Parts 3-6 air again on Sunday, July 9 beginning at 2pm before the series premiere.

6pm

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT, SEASON 2 “The Cornish Mystery” (Pt. 5/10)

7pm

RIDLEY “Hospitality, Part 1/2” (Pt. 3/8)

10pm

MASTERPIECE “Flesh and Blood” (Pt. 1-2/4) Lives of three siblings are disrupted when their recently widowed mother declares she’s in love with a new man. Tangled web of secrets, lies, rivalries and betrayals eventually leads to a murder.

3 MONDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Tucson” (Hour 3/3)

8pm

THE GREAT AMERICAN RECIPE, SEASON 2 (Pt. 3/8) Feel the love as the cooks prepare their favorite comfort food and a dish inspired by a loved one. The cooks pour their hearts and souls into recipes ranging from baconwrapped meatloaf and cornbread to crab cakes, elk stew and chicken curry. Repeats Fridays at 9pm.

9pm

PETE! On what would have been Pete Fountain’s 93rd birthday today, WYES celebrates the beloved clarinetist with an overview of his career and personal life.

10pm POV “A Story of Bones”

11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

4 TUESDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

8am DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD

8:30am ROSIE’S RULES

9am SESAME STREET

9:30am WORK IT OUT WOMBATS!

8pm

MASTERPIECE “Endeavour, Season 9”

‘Exeunt’ (Pt. 3/3) Someone is placing death notices for people not yet dead. As preparations for Joan’s wedding proceed, the shocking Blenheim Vale case reaches a climax. Photo Credit: Mammoth Screen and MASTERPIECE

7pm

A CAPITOL FOURTH Celebrate our country’s 247th birthday with musical performances by top stars from pop, country, R&B, classicalnand Broadway, featuring the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of premier pops conductor Jack Everly.

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

11:01pm CAPITOL FOURTH

5 WEDNESDAY

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

NATURE “Octopus: Making Contact”

7pm STEPPIN’ OUT

8pm

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S MARPLE, SEASON 4 “Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?” (Pt. 4/4) Miss Marple (Julia McKenzie) and an amateur sleuth (Sean Biggerstaff) try to solve the mystery surrounding a dying man’s last words.

9:35pm

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT, SEASON 2 “The Disappearance of Mr. Davenheim” (Pt. 6/10)

10:30pm

SEASIDE HOTEL, SEASON 7 “Singing and Vandalism” (Pt. 4/6) Danish with English subtitles.

11:30pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

7 FRIDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

HIGHLIGHT

8pm

HUMAN FOOTPRINT “Strangers in Paradise” A new six-part documentary series embarks on a journey to understand all the ways humans have transformed the planet. Stories of science, history and culture reveal the complicated, conflicted and remarkable species that is Homo sapiens. In the first episode, series host, biologist and Princeton University professor Shane Campbell-Staton wrestles a python, hunts Hawaiian pigs and gets suckerpunched by a carp to answer the question: in the Age of Humans, how does our species decide what belongs?

9pm

NOVA “The Planets: Inner Worlds” (Pt. 1/5)

10pm

GULF COAST MEMORIES Enjoy great memories from the 50s and 60s of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Narrated by Phil Johnson.

11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

6 THURSDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

INFORMED SOURCES

7:30pm

LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN

8pm

WASHINGTON WEEK

8:30pm

WALL $TREET WRAP-UP WITH ANDRÉ LABORDE

9pm

THE GREAT AMERICAN RECIPE, SEASON 2 (Pt. 3/8)

8 SATURDAY

5pm

STREETCAR STORIES

6pm

THE LAWRENCE WELK SHOW “Tour of Southern California”

7pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Tucson” (Hour 3/3)

8pm

FINDING YOUR ROOTS “The Shirts on Their Backs”

9pm

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN “An American (1775-1790)” (Pt. 2/2)

11pm

AUSTIN CITY LIMITS “St. Vincent/Joy Oladokun”

9 SUNDAY 2pm

MASTERPIECE “Grantchester, Season 7” (Pts. 3-6)

6pm

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT, SEASON 2 “The Disappearance of Mr. Davenheim” (Pt. 6/10)

7pm

RIDLEY “Hospitality, Part 2/2” (Pt. 4/8)

10pm

LA FRONTERA WITH PATI JINICH, SEASON 2 “Fronterizos of the Golden Coast” Experience the melding of cultures and cross-border collaborations with the fronterizos or borderlanders of the golden coast at the California part of the US-Mexico border.

11pm

STEPPIN’ OUT

11:30pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

8pm

MASTERPIECE “Grantchester, Season 8” (Pt. 1/6) Grantchester returns with Will happily married to Bonnie, and Geordie and Cathy content in their rebuilt relationship. But an accident and shocking announcements threaten the stability and happiness found by Grantchester’s vicar and police detective duo. Exploring faith, forgiveness and redemption, this explosive season of “Grantchester” tests Will and Geordie to the limit. In the first episode, Will and Geordie struggle to work out who would want to hurt a gifted young man.

SEASON PREMIERE

10am

THE DOOKY CHASE KITCHEN: LEAH’S LEGACY

Each 30-minute episode celebrates Chef Leah Chase, the “Queen of Creole Cuisine. Pictured with the late Mrs. Chase is grandson Edgar “Dook” Chase IV, who now oversees the restaurant’s kitchen. All cookbooks sold through WYES are signed by Chef Dook. Find out more at: dookychase.wyes.org Photo

Credit: Andrew J. Cohoon

SEASON PREMIERE

9pm

D.I. RAY (Pt. 1/4) In this four-part drama, D.I. Rachita Ray goes on a journey that sees her uncover a complex web of deceit within organized crime, while laying bare the wounds deep within herself that she’s spent a lifetime ignoring. Wounds that are born from a desperate desire to fit in, despite not looking the part. In episode one, D.I. Ray is promoted to Homicide but realizes instantly she’s there to ‘tick a box’.

10pm

MASTERPIECE “Flesh and Blood” (Pt. 3-4/4)

10 MONDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

FINDING YOUR ROOTS “Hollywood Royalty”

8pm

FRONTLINE “McConnell, The GOP & The Court” See how Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell helped transform the Supreme Court and U.S. politics.

9pm

ICONIC AMERICA: OUR SYMBOLS AND STORIES WITH DAVID RUBENSTEIN “Statue of Liberty” surveys the evolving meaning the Statue of Liberty has for a “nation of immigrants” and how it embodies our values and our conflicts, from abolition and women’s suffrage to the treatment of refugees.

10pm

10 PARKS THAT CHANGED AMERICA

11pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

12 WEDNESDAY

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

NATURE “The Whale Detective”

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 AMERICAN RECIPE

2pm SARA'S WEEKNIGHT MEALS

7pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Omaha” (Hour 1/3)

8pm

THE GREAT AMERICAN RECIPE, SEASON 2 (Pt. 4/8) Join the cooks as they prepare grab-and go-meals and home-baked treats.

9pm

CHASING THE MOON: THE CRESCENT CITY CONNECTION looks into how New Orleans area and Mississippi Gulf Coast residents helped win the United States’ space race with the first walk on the moon.

10pm

POV “Liquor Store Dreams” Two Korean American children of liquor store owners reconcile their own dreams with those of their immigrant parents.

11:30pm

8pm

HUMAN FOOTPRINT “Top Predator” From Yellowstone to Mozambique, biologist and Princeton University professor Shane Campbell-Staton discovers the impact of the planet’s Top Predator — us.

9pm

NOVA “The Planets: Mars” (Pts. 2/5)

KEVIN BELTON’S COOKIN’ LOUISIANA

10am

THE DOOKY CHASE KITCHEN: LEAH’S LEGACY

2:30pm STEVEN RAICHLEN'S PLANET BARBECUE

AND COMPANY

10pm

DR. JOHN OCHSNER: KING OF HEARTS Watch the true story of the New Orleans surgeon who pioneered modern open heart surgery.

13 THURSDAY

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

STEPPIN’ OUT

7:30pm

BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

8pm

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S MARPLE, SEASON 5

“The Pale Horse” (Pt. 1/4)

9:30pm

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT, SEASON 2 “Double Sin” (Pt. 7/10)

10:30pm

SEASIDE HOTEL, SEASON 7 “A

Gentleman from Copenhagen” (Pt. 5/6) Danish with English subtitles.

11:30pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

14 FRIDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

10pm

LA FRONTERA WITH PATI JINICH, SEASON 2 “Ancient Seeds and Desert Ghosts” (Pt. 2/3)

11pm

STEPPIN’ OUT

11:30pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

15 SATURDAY

5pm

CHEF PAUL PRUDHOMME: LOUISIANA LEGEND

“Compared to What” and “Ordinary People.”

16 SUNDAY

6pm

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT, SEASON 2 “Double Sin” (Pt. 7/10)

7pm

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

7:30pm

LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN

8pm

WASHINGTON WEEK

8:30pm

WALL $TREET WRAP-UP WITH ANDRÉ LABORDE

9pm

THE GREAT AMERICAN RECIPE, SEASON 2 (Pt. 4/8)

5:30pm

ANGELA GREGORY: A LEGACY CHISELED IN STONE explore the life (1903 – 1990) of trailblazing Louisiana artist and sculptor. Features interviews with Lauren Davis, Museum Curator at Louisiana’s Old State Capitol; Susan Hymel, Angela Gregory historian; Deborah Luke, sculptor and former student of Angela Gregory; and Elizabeth Chubbuck Weinstein, guest curator for West Baton Rouge Museum. Photo Credit: Tulane University Library Special Collection

6pm

THE LAWRENCE WELK SHOW “Famous Resorts”

7pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Omaha” (Hour 1/3)

8pm

FINDING YOUR ROOTS “Hollywood Royalty”

9pm

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “The Presidents: Reagan” (Pt. 1/2) A look at Ronald Reagan’s life through the testimony of family, friends, historians and biographers.

11pm

AUSTIN CITY LIMITS “John Legend & The Roots: Wake Up!” Originally broadcast in 2011, the hour-long episode features “Wake Up Everybody,”

7pm

RIDLEY “Swansong, Part 1/2” (Pt. 5/8)

After a chance encounter with jazz singer Eve Marbury, Ridley agrees to help find Eve’s brother Luke, missing for forty years. Photo Credit: West Road Pictures & A3MI

8pm

MASTERPIECE “Grantchester, Season 8” (Pt. 2/6) In the aftermath of a fatal accident, Will is devastated to be the cause while Geordie rushes to exonerate his friend.

9pm

D.I. RAY (Pt. 2/4) D.I. Ray races to track down Anjuli Kapoor, making some awful discoveries in the process.

10pm

MASTERPIECE “Unforgotten” (Pt. 1-2/6)

17 MONDAY

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Omaha” (Hour 2/3)

8pm

THE GREAT AMERICAN RECIPE, SEASON 2 (Pt. 5/8) Celebrate with the home cooks as they prepare dishes for holidays and special occasions.

9pm

NEW ORLEANS: THE FIRST 300 YEARS

10:30pm

POV “A House Made of Splinters”

18 TUESDAY

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

11am

KEVIN BELTON’S COOKIN’ LOUISIANA

In his fourth public television series with WYES-TV, Chef Belton explores the rich and multi-faceted foodways of Louisiana.

7pm

FINDING YOUR ROOTS “Off the Farm”

Princeton University professor

Shane Campbell-Staton discovers why dogs are more than man’s best friend – they’ve been reshaped by evolution into the perfect partner for our species. And just as we’ve transformed them, dogs have left an unmistakable paw print on us and the world we both share.

9pm

NOVA “The Planets: Jupiter” (Pts. 3/5)

10pm

CHASING THE MOON: THE CRESCENT CITY CONNECTION

11pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

HIGHLIGHT

8pm

SOUTHERN STORYTELLERS (Pt. 1/3) Celebrate Southern identity through the eyes of contemporary creators of literature, music, film and television. In the first episode, Southern creators of literature, music, and film

- Billy Bob Thornton, Adia Victoria, Jericho Brown, David Joy and Mary Steenburgen — reveal deep bonds with the South and the indelible imprint the region has made on their lives and work. Pictured: Poet and University of New Orleans graduate Jericho Brown Photo Credit: Renaud Brothers Films

9:30am INFORMED SOURCES

10am VARIOUS PROGRAMMING

11am

KEVIN BELTON’S COOKIN’ LOUISIANA

11:30am

THE DOOKY CHASE KITCHEN: LEAH’S LEGACY

NOON ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

9pm

ICONIC AMERICA: OUR SYMBOLS AND STORIES WITH DAVID RUBENSTEIN “The American Bald Eagle”

10pm

GOLDEN EAGLES: WITNESSES TO A CHANGING WEST takes you in the field with eagle researchers in Wyoming as they strive to discover how the birds are adapting to the many challenges facing them.

11pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

19 WEDNESDAY

20 THURSDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

STEPPIN’ OUT

7:30pm

BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

8pm

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S MARPLE, SEASON 5 “The Secrets of Chimneys” (Pt. 2/4)

9:30pm

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT, SEASON 2 “Adventure of the Cheap Flat” (Pt. 8/10) Poirot attempts to intercept a glamorous night club singer-turned-spy who has stolen secret submarine plans from the U.S. Navy.

10:30pm

SEASIDE HOTEL, SEASON 7

“Obsessed” (Pt. 6/6) Danish with English subtitles.

11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

WRAP-UP WITH ANDRÉ LABORDE

8:30am

LOUISIANA THE STATE WE’RE IN 9am FIRING LINE WITH MARGARET HOOVER

1pm RICK STEVES' EUROPE

1:30pm WILD RIVERS

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

NATURE “Undercover in the Jungle” Follow a team of naturalists as they embark on an expedition into the Amazon rainforest.

8pm

HUMAN FOOTPRINT “Man’s Best Friend” (Pt. 3/6) Biologist and

Photo Credit: Photograph from Kevin Belton’s Cookin’ Louisiana by Kevin Belton. Photography by Denny Culbert. Reprinted by permission of Gibbs Smith.

8:30pm

WALL $TREET WRAP-UP WITH ANDRÉ LABORDE looks at the past week’s market and brings local and national investment professionals to you. Have a question for André? Email andre@ benacapital.com. Pictured: Host André Laborde with guest Dana Telsey

9pm

THE GREAT AMERICAN RECIPE, SEASON 2 (Pt. 5/8)

10pm

LA FRONTERA WITH PATI JINICH, SEASON 2 “Back to the Middle” (Pt. 3/3) Pati travels from Nogales through the border region of New Mexico and Chihuahua, which offers some of the most unique and bio-diverse places in the world.

11pm STEPPIN’ OUT

11:30pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

22 SATURDAY

5pm

DR. JOHN OCHSNER: KING OF HEARTS

6pm

THE LAWRENCE WELK SHOW “Small Town, U.S.A.”

7pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Omaha” (Hour 2/3)

8pm

FINDING YOUR ROOTS “Off the Farm”

9pm

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “The Presidents: Reagan” (Pt. 2/2)

11pm

AUSTIN CITY LIMITS “Ray Wylie Hubbard”

23 SUNDAY

6pm

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT, SEASON 2

“Adventure of the Cheap Flat” (Pt. 8/10)

7pm

RIDLEY “Swansong, Part 2/2” (Pt. 6/8)

8pm

MASTERPIECE “Grantchester, Season 8” (Pt. 3/6) At one of Cambridge’s most prestigious colleges, a man is murdered and a valuable painting is stolen, leaving Geordie to determine if the two crimes are linked. Photo Credit: Kudos and MASTERPIECE

9pm

D.I. RAY (Pt. 3/4) The body count continues to rise as D.I. Ray and the team uncover more evidence suggesting they are dealing with highly dangerous organized criminals.

10pm

MASTERPIECE “Unforgotten” (Pt. 3/6)

11pm

LUNA AND SOPHIE “Fatal Attraction”

(Pt. 1/10) Luna’s father, Harald, who has been in prison for some time, believes he saw a murder in the prison. But: no corpse, no missing person, so no case either. Or is there? In German with English subtitles.

24 MONDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Omaha”

(Hour 3/3)

8pm

THE GREAT AMERICAN RECIPE, SEASON 2 (Pt. 6/8) Discover what happens when the cooks have to swap recipes and then prepare a treasured family dish.

9pm

LOST RESTAURANTS OF NEW ORLEANS looks into renowned restaurants of the Crescent City’s past.

10pm

POV “Eat Your Catfish” delivers a brutally frank and darkly humorous portrait of a family teetering on the brink, grappling with the daily demands of disability and in-home caregiving.

11:30pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

25 TUESDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

FINDING YOUR ROOTS “This Land is My Land”

8pm

SOUTHERN STORYTELLERS (Pt. 2/3) Six of the South’s most influential creators take us home to the places that define them: author Angie Thomas, singer/ songwriters Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires, author Michael Twitty, country legend Lyle Lovett and screenwriter Qui Nguyen.

9pm

ICONIC AMERICA: OUR SYMBOLS AND STORIES WITH DAVID RUBENSTEIN “Stone Mountain”

10pm

10 HOMES THAT CHANGED AMERICA highlights 10 architecturally adventuresome dwellings, which provided Americans with more than just a “roof over their heads” – these homes elevated living to an art form.

11pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

26 WEDNESDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

NATURE “Animals with Cameras: Oceans” (Pt. 1/2)

8pm

HUMAN FOOTPRINT “The Replacements” (Pt. 4/6)

9pm

NOVA “The Planets: Saturn” (Pts. 4/5)

10pm

NEW ORLEANS FOOD MEMORIES explores Crescent City food traditions including crawfish, po’ boys and the Italian salad.

11pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

27 THURSDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

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

7:30pm

BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

8pm

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S MARPLE, SEASON 5

“The Blue Geranium” (Pt. 3/4)

A superstitious woman dies of apparent fright after her fate is foretold by a medium, but Miss Marple is convinced of foul play.

9:30pm

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT, SEASON 2

“The Kidnapped Prime Minister” (Pt. 9/10)

10:30pm

CALL THE MIDWIFE, SEASON 9 (Pt. 1/8)

11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

28 FRIDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm INFORMED SOURCES

7:30pm

LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN

8pm

WASHINGTON WEEK

8:30pm

WALL $TREET WRAP-UP WITH ANDRÉ LABORDE

9pm

THE GREAT AMERICAN RECIPE, SEASON 2 (Pt. 6/8)

10pm

LA FRONTERA WITH PATI JINICH “Miles from Nowhere” (Pt. 1/2) Pati travels from El Paso and Ciudad Juarez to Big Bend National Park.

11pm

STEPPIN’ OUT

11:30pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

29 SATURDAY

5pm

LOST RESTAURANTS OF NEW ORLEANS

6pm

THE LAWRENCE WELK SHOW “My Blue Heaven”

7pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Omaha” (Hour 3/3)

8pm

FINDING YOUR ROOTS “This Land is My Land” The unexpected family trees of Queen Latifah and Jeffrey Wright challenge preconceptions about America’s past.

8pm

MASTERPIECE “Grantchester, Season 8”

(Pt. 4/6) Leonard is devastated when a halfway house resident is found dead. The man confessed suicidal thoughts to Will, but is this suicide or murder?

9pm

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “Citizen Hearst”

(Pt. 1/2) Born into one of America’s wealthiest families, William Randolph Hearst builds the nation’s largest media empire by the 1930s. Pictured: Hearst with his wife, Millicent, 1923

11pm

AUSTIN CITY LIMITS “Terry Allen & The Panhandle Mystery Band”

30 SUNDAY

6pm

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT, SEASON 2 “The Kidnapped Prime Minister” (Pt. 9/10)

9pm

D.I. RAY (Pt. 4/4) D.I. Ray makes a shocking discovery which has a huge impact on both her investigation and her personal life. Photo Credit: © HTM (DI RAY) Ltd. 2022

10pm

MASTERPIECE “Unforgotten” (Pt. 4/6)

11pm

LUNA AND SOPHIE “Diamonds and Thrills” (Pt. 2/10) In German with English subtitles.

31 MONDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Cleveland” (Hour 1/3)

7pm

RIDLEY “Numbered Days, Part 1/2”

(Pt. 7/8) Ridley and Carol are called out to investigate the suspicious death of a man after a fall.

8pm

THE GREAT AMERICAN RECIPE, SEASON 2 (Pt. 7/8) See how the cooks put it all on the plate in their last chance to impress before the finale.

9pm

STREETCAR STORIES

10pm

POV “Children of the Mist”

11:30pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

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THE DOOKY CHASE KITCHEN: LEAH’S LEGACY

The Melvin S. Cohen Foundation, Inc.

POIROT/MARPLE SERIES

BY ERROL LABORDE

There was once a flavorful morning ritual for some residents of the French Quarter’s Italian sector. Angelo Brocato Jr., son of the man who founded the city’s most famous baked goods and ice cream shop, once told me that neighborhood folks would begin their day at Central Grocery (the esteemed home of the muffaletta) to buy a warm loaf of Italian bread. From there, they would go to Brocato’s where a nickel would get their glass filled with lemon ice. Breakfast would consist of bread pieces dipped in the slushy ice. “You wouldn’t believe how good that was,” Brocato recalled.

Diamond Jim Moran was apparently convinced. He was one of the Quarter›s better-known characters, famous for his diamond studded wardrobe, which included sparkle in his belt buckle, braces and, yes, even his zipper. There was a rumor that at his restaurant, “La Louisiane,” he would sometimes slip a diamond into a meatball as a bonus for a special guest.

For Diamond Jim, whose ancestry included the Brocato linage, breakfast was a simple affair. He would send his sons to Brocato’s with a pitcher to be filled with lemon ice and then the requisite Italian bread. The Diamond

Lemon Iced

Jim family may have unknowingly been a prototype for the Quarter’s first “to-go” service.

Lemon ice comes to mind because it is summer and there is nothing quite like it. Brocato’s brand was introduced locally when the shop opened in 1905, so the dish even predates the cherished indigenous snowball for providing a frozen flavorful jolt.

(Over on Tchoupitoulas Street Hansen’s Sno-Bliz’s tart lemon flavor comes the closest to a snowball matching a lemon ice. The flavor was invented by Mary Hansen whose family name was Gemelli, so her ancestral roots traced back to the old country.)

Those same ships that carried immigrants from Sicily might have also been loaded with lemons. The fruit is plentiful and grows big, sometimes approaching softball

size, in the Mediterranean region. According to Justin Nystrom, a Loyola History Professor who has studied the local Italian culture, “As late as 1884, lemons represented New Orleans’ third most valuable imported commodity, behind only coffee and sugar. The ships also brought people: Most Sicilian immigrants to the U.S. came on ships operated by the Mediterranean citrus fleet.”

There are variations in the lemon ice recipe, but usually it included lemon juice, sugar, water and “zest,” made from the lemon peel, followed by timed boiling and then freezing. Done right it has a texture that is soft, not creamy, like ice cream, just right for slurping along a Mediterranean beach or Lake Pontchartrain.

Brocato recalls that diversity, as it always does, would have an impact on the product. In the early days his father experimented with a strawberry

ice, but the mostly Sicilian population never responded to it. Years later as the population grew more ethnically mixed, strawberry had gained acceptance as well as chocolate and peach among other flavors.

In the bar rooms you might find limoncello, kin to lemon ice, though liquid and fortified with hooch (usually a grain alcohol). The liqueur had been around for years but became a rage after the 2003 movie “Under the Tuscan Sun,” in which one scene even provides a lesson for making a homemade batch. Like ices, over time there has been a more variety of flavors. On the back streets of Naples offerings even include melon limoncello. Whatever the choice, the key is that the drink, for maximum pleasure, must be seriously chilled as though in defiance of the Tuscan sun.

Lemon sorbet is pretty much the same thing as lemon ice, but a tad smoother and a bit more highbrow. Fancy restaurants sometimes serve a cup-full during dinner as a “palate adjuster.” At a recent meal a scoop of the sorbet was served topped by a splash of Grey Goose vodka. Coincidentally, the sorbet came just as my palate was badly in need of adjusting, especially for something sweet, tart, and chilled.

I have a hunch it would have gone well with a loaf of Italian bread.