New Orleans Magazine April 2016 by Renaissance Publishing

APRIL 2016

myneworleans.com $4.95

ns Orlea ton” el “New in B nts h Kev prese t ES ing wi Y W k Coo

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APRIL 2016 / VOLUME 50 / NUMBER 7 Editor-in-Chief Errol Laborde Managing Editor Morgan Packard Art Director Tiffani Reding Amedeo Contributing Editor Liz Scott Monaghan Food Editor Dale Curry Dining Editor Jay Forman Wine and Spirits Editor Tim McNally Restaurant Reporter Robert Peyton Home Editor Bonnie Warren web Editor Kelly Massicot Staff Writer Melanie Warner Spencer Interns Lani Griffiths and Starlight Williams SALES MANAGER Kate Sanders (504) 830-7216 / Kate@MyNewOrleans.com Senior Account Executives Jonée Daigle Ferrand, Lisa Picone Love Account Executives Brittany Gilbert, Jessica Marasco Production Manager Staci McCarty Senior Production Designer Ali Sullivan Production Designers Monique DiPietro traffic coordinator Jessica DeBold Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne President Alan Campell Executive VICE PRESIDENT Errol Laborde Vice President of Sales Colleen Monaghan DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND EVENTS Cheryl Lemoine Event Coordinator Margaret Strahan Distribution Manager John Holzer Administrative Assistant Denise Dean Subscriptions Manager Sara Kelemencky SUBSCRIPTIONS Assistant Mallary Matherne WYES DIAL 12 STAFF (504) 486-5511 Executive Editor Beth Arroyo Utterback Managing Editor Aislinn Hinyup Associate Editor Robin Cooper Art Director Jenny Hronek NEW ORLEANS MAGAZINE Printed in USA A Publication of Renaissance Publishing 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123 Metairie, LA 70005 Subscriptions: (504) 830-7231

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New Orleans Magazine (ISSN 0897 8174) is published monthly by Renaissance Publishing, LLC., 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005; (504) 828-1380. Subscription rates: one year $19.95; Mexico, South America and Canada $48; Europe, Asia and Australia $75. An associate subscription to New Orleans Magazine is available by a contribution of $40 or more to WYES-TV/Channel 12, $10.00 of which is used to offset the cost of publication. Also available electronically, on CD-ROM and on-line. Periodicals postage paid at Metairie, LA, and additional entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to New Orleans Magazine, 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005. Copyright 2016 New Orleans Magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. The trademark New Orleans and New Orleans Magazine are registered. New Orleans Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and artwork even if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. The opinions expressed in New Orleans Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the magazine managers or owners.

APRIL 2016 / myneworleans.com

contents

Crochet bell sleeve tunic at Blink Lakeside; De Petra Tassle Evil Eye necklace and beaded leather hoop earrings at Sotre; Jenny Bird Palm Rope necklace at Stonefree Styled by Lisa Tudor, Model Morgan Rees, Hair by Niki Walker, Makeup by Meggan Ory Dupre

64 FEATURES

IN EVERY ISSUE

ON THE COVER

Musical Muse

INSIDE

Setting the stage with festival fashion By Lisa Tudor

“ A Different Place”

South Market District

A guide to the newest neighborhood By R. Stephanie Bruno

Jazz Fest and Newport

Two festivals that influenced each other By Mike Griffith

Festival fashion has become a national trend, and with all the festivals we have in our city and our state, we should be leading the charge on these trends. For your next great festival outfit, look no further than our “Musical Muse,” starting on pg. 56.

18 speaking out Editorial, plus a Mike Luckovich cartoon 20

JULIA STREET Questions and answers about our city

135 Try This

“A Different Twist: Hoopdancing at Broadmoor Arts and Wellness Center”

136 STREETCAR

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“The Workers”

Photographed by Theresa Cassagne

contents

THE BEAT

LOCAL COLOR

THE MENU

MARQUEE

me again

table talk

Entertainment calendar

“A Matter of Manners”

“Next Gen Poor Boys”

PERSONA

MODINE’S NEW ORLEANS

76 restaurant insider

Big Freedia: The Queen of Bounce

“Out of the Picture”

Biz

Joie d’Eve

News From the Kitchens: Revel, Cavan & Poseidon

“Checking In: Local hotel growth is booming”

“Ten Years: The child that might have been”

FOOD

“We Got Berries!: Recipes for the season”

education

IN TUNE

LAST CALL

“Lobbying for Learning: The struggle to get educated”

“April Offerings: Indie, Geek and more”

The Doctor’s Orders

health

Read & Spin

DINING GUIDE

“Soul Survivors: Dealing with aching feet”

HEALTHBEAT

The latest news in health from New Orleans and beyond

CHRONICLES

“Cards on the Table: Bridging the time”

A look at the latest albums and books

JAZZ LIFE

“Local Spin: New records as Jazz Fest approaches”

HOME

“Rice and Shine: Katy Morris’ life in the lofts offers a visual feast”

DIAL 12 D1 “New Orleans Cooking with Kevin Belton” premieres on Sat., April 16 at 9:30 a.m. on WYES-TV/Channel 12. The new 26-part series will air on public television stations across the country and explores the diverse mix of cultures that contribute to the distinctive food of the Crescent City. Series details, companion cookbook and Favorites DVD available at WYES.org.

APRIL 2016 / myneworleans.com

inside

A Different Place

Wanted:

Your suggestions, please Top Female Achievers

f you haven’t been in the vicinity of the area now called the South Market District for a while, you’ll be stunned. You might think you’ve been beamed to another city – a very stylish city that offers swank business district living. For proof that New Orleans will survive, and get stronger, visit the area (for which we offer a guide in this issue) as well as the other ongoing projects in the nearby Warehouse District. South Market can probably best be pinpointed by the site of the former Sewell Cadillac building on one side and the nearby main post office on the opposite side of Poydras Street. Only the post office has shown a decline in recent years. More encouraging is the Sewell building, which now houses a high-end Rouses supermarket, When big-time grocery stores open in a neighborhood once known for its empty buildings and a desert of parking lots, that’s a good sign. People are coming to live in the neighborhood and with that comes more services and street life both day and night. In the case of South Market there’s also creative thought. In our March issue we offered our annual review of best new architecture. Parking lots never make the list, but this time author John P. Klingman, an architect himself, praised a building in the district appropriately named The Park. Sure it contained parking spaces, but Klingman was impressed by “the large scale frame that rises the full height of the building” and “the varying pattern of horizontal precast beams that form the structure’s bright-white façade.” Now we know even a parking lot can be innovative. We suspect there’s plenty more innovation to come from this neighborhood, and that will spill over into the surrounding areas. Within walking distance of South Market are the Superdome and the Arena (where we’re reminded that MercedesBenz and Smoothie King do indeed mix well together), as well as a burgeoning sports entertainment district. Victories in this neighborhood are coming in many forms.

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Each year we present a class of local Top Female Achievers – women who provide inspiration through not only their accomplishments, but also through their deeds and advice. We need you to tell us about those women who, year after year, are doing good works and for whom, as far as we know, the best is yet to come. Visit MyNewOrleans.com/ NominateTFA and tell us who you think should be acknowledged as a Top Female Achiever.

People to Watch

We define People to Watch as those who are doing something new and interesting in our community – whether they’re new faces or known faces moving in a new direction. Each year we highlight more than 30 selectees whose stories you should be aware of, since they’re likely to be part of our city’s future. Do you know someone we should include? If so, go to MyNewOrleans. com/NominatePTW and let us know who and why!

Openings for “Cool Jobs” Do you know someone who has the type of job that not only makes the rest of us jealous, but that most of us might not even know exists? We’re looking for the coolest jobs in New Orleans. Do you know someone who gets to play with toys, taste chocolate or drink beer all day? Do you know someone whose job is even cooler than that? Go to MyNewOrleans.com/NominateCoolJob and fill out the form so this October we can highlight the most enviable gigs in New Orleans!

on the web

New Orleans Magazine is on the web, are you? Follow New Orleans Magazine on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest for all of the latest in New Orleans cuisine, music and more. Make sure to sign up for the daily MyNewOrleans.com newsletter, too. Be the first to read our blogs, get the 411 on top events around the city and see the features and columns from all seven of our publications all in one place.

Facebook: Facebook.com/NewOrleansMagazine Twitter: @NewOrleansMag Instagram: @NewOrleansMag Pinterest: Pinterest.com/NewOrleansMag Sign up for our newsletters at MyNewOrleans.com/Newsletter

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meet our sales team

Colleen Monaghan Vice President of Sales (504) 830-7215 Colleen@myneworleans.com

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SPEAKING OUT

Standardizing Easter, Part 2 Impact on spring festivals

elcome to April: the month in which Easter is usually observed, but not this time around. This year Easter was early, which accounted for Mardi Gras being early, too: Feb. 9, only 45 days after Christmas. As we reported in our March issue, there’s a movement to standardize the date of Easter, which is celebrated on different, mostly lunarbased weekends by different Christian sects. In the West, the date has traditionally been set on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox. This is not an issue that has been impulsively debated. Movements to standardize the date can be traced back to the second century. This time around the idea seems to have traction. It has been advanced by the Coptic Orthodox Church and other related religions. Significantly, Pope Francis has also

APRIL 2016 / myneworleans.com

endorsed the idea, as has the Archbishop of Canterbury, who has predicted the change will come within the next five to 10 years, Most of the discussion suggests that the standard date should be the second Sunday in April. If that were in place, this year Easter would be April 10 and Mardi Gras would have been Feb. 23. Each year those two holidays would be within the same week. Twelfth Night, Jan. 6, would remain as the start of the Carnival season; only now the number of days from Twelfth Night to Mardi Gras would be more uniform. For most of the world the date of Easter is no big issue; for places such as New Orleans that celebrate Mardi Gras, the change is more complex. Overall, the switch from early-dated Carnivals, which often tend to be colder and draw fewer people because of their proximity

to the holidays, would be for the better. Though not at all connected to the lunar calendar, the change would also effect the local French Quarter Festival and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, both of which could find themselves a week or more later than their usual dates. Neither, it seems, would be adversely effected by the change. Though there seems to be good momentum for the change, there are few bumps along the way. One is long term calendar listings, which would have to be reworked. The other is that in some countries church holiday changes need to be approved by the government. We expect little objection. Overall the change seems on course, especially with the support of Pope Francis and other leaders, who see the spiritual significance of having Christianity’s most sacred day celebrated at the same time globally. For now planners, priests, paraders and parents of debutantes-to-be should at least be aware that there might be a change coming that has been two centuries in the making. In New Orleans that means that from Twelfth Night to the closing performance at Jazz Fest the spring celebratory season will be a little longer. Maybe on the Vernal Equinox we can even dance to the light of the moon. n

AN ORIGINAL ©MIKE LUCKOVICH CARTOON FOR NEW ORLEANS MAGAZINE

myneworleans.com / APRIL 2016

JULIA STREET /

WITH POYDRAS THE PARROT

TH E PUR S UIT TO AN S W E R E T E RNA L Q U E S TION S

Dear Julia and Poydras, First, let me say how much I really enjoy reading your column and how much I’ve actually learned about our city. Having said that, I have a question and I feel if anyone could answer it, the two of you could. I occasionally travel down Esplanade Avenue toward City Park. A few years back, I noticed a small park that makes a triangle between Grand Route St. John, Mystery Street and Esplanade Avenue. What caught my eye was a sign that said “Fortier Park,” since my last name is Fortier. There were trees, a few benches and a very small walking path. My daughters say that in the past few years, they have even seen a “Fortier Fest” ad-

vertised on Esplanade. A few weeks back I passed the park and noticed that nothing had changed but the sign that now says “Mystery Park.” I need to know if either one of you could find out the history behind this small park and why the name has been changed. Any information would be appreciated. Lucien Fortier Chalmette Despite the sign your daughter reported seeing and the fact that some sources, including this publication, have sometimes referred to the pocket park at the intersection of Esplanade Avenue, Grand Route St. John and Mystery Street as “Mystery Park,” its official name

appears to remain Alcée Fortier Park. Not only have I found no ordinance or article to indicate otherwise, but the city’s own official map of New Orleans parks and green spaces clearly labels the site as Alcée Fortier Park. When I recently visited the park, I found no sign reading “Mystery Park,” though in the neighborhood it’s still referred to by that name. On Oct. 26, 1926, the City of New Orleans honored Alcée Fortier’s memory, passing ordinance No. 9,356 Commission Council Series designating the small block bounded by Esplanade Avenue, Grand Route St. John and Mystery Street in the late scholar-historian’s honor. A native of St. James Parish, Alcée Fortier (1856-1914) was fluent in 11 modern and classical languages and was one of the city’s foremost scholars of his day. He was laid to rest in St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 – a short walk from Alcée Fortier Park. The park’s current look dates to 1999, when it was re-landscaped and decorated through a partnership of the City of New Orleans, the Faubourg St. John Association and others. Students in the Arts Council of New Orleans Urban Arts Training Program created its tile signs and decorative tile stepping-stones. Unfortunately time and funding haven’t been kind to the little park, which, when I recently visited it, was weedy and worn. After only 17 years, its distinctive screened folk-art tiles are fading and largely hidden under mud, weeds and leaf litter. A tile crediting by name each of the young artists is now scarcely legible. Dear Julia, There is a first for everything, and this is my first time writing you. It is very true Bacchus was first introducing the “super krewe” to Mardi Gras. But consider another short-lived krewe that had, I think, the first doubledecker floats. It was Cynthius on Feb. 11, 1947. The

Win a restaurant gift certificate

Here is a chance to eat, drink and have your curiosity satiated all at once. Send Julia a question. If we use it, you’ll be eligible for a monthly drawing for a tour and Creole breakfast for two at Degas House or a Jazz Brunch for two at The Court of Two Sisters. To take part, send your question to: Julia Street, c/o New Orleans Magazine, 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005 or email: Errol@MyNewOrleans.com. This month’s winners are: M. K. Neville, Metairie; and Nikki Camhout, New Orleans.

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krewe only lasted a few years. I was a Maid in the first court and the theme was “The Emerald City of Oz.” I have The Times-Picayune clipping. I remember well the lack of checking the trees for the height of the floats. The parade was held up and it seemed we waited forever at Gallier Hall. I believe the Mendelsons were the originators of the krewe. M. K. Neville Metairie

No. 3, “The Wishing Horse of Oz” – a large animated float – hit a traffic signal at the intersection of St. Charles and Washington avenues. Despite its mishap-filled debut, Cynthius paraded several more times, but its bad luck continued. A flu outbreak and bad weather caused the krewe to cancel its 1951 parade; it didn’t roll the following year.

Thank you for your delightful letter. Your memory and your penmanship are both excellent – far better than my own! The short-lived Cynthius, which only paraded four times, was named for the Greek god of music and song. It debuted in 1947 when, on the Tuesday before Mardi Gras, it became the first of 12 parades to roll that Carnival season. Organizer Harry Mendelson’s Thius Club sponsored Cynthius, which took its name from Apollo’s birthplace, the island of Cynthus. While the King’s identity remained secret, Ruth Mary Gaudet reigned as Queen Cynthius 1947. Cynthius 1947 was big, bold and elaborate – the Endymion of its day. It also had an unusually eventful debut. As the parade was lining up, two horses got spooked and ran off with the Captain’s carriage; the carriage was soon retrieved and the horses replaced with mules. The excitement continued when, shortly after leaving the krewe’s Uptown den, Float No. 17, “Glinda’s Magic Book of Oz,” caught fire, allegedly the result of a flambeau accident; nobody was injured but the float burned to the ground. It is sometimes said that bad things happen in threes. Cynthius ’47’s third incident occurred when Float

Hello, I noticed in your Sept. 2015 online edition, in the Julia section, that my great-grandfather’s bakery, Judice’s Bakery, was mentioned. I would love it if Julia could provide me with any information about the bakery. I was told they made the best French bread in the city and that their millionaire pie was to die for. I have searched for info for years without any success. I also know he was one of the founders of the Camellia Society on the Northshore. Nikki Camhout New Orleans Yes, your great-grandfather was a famous horticulturist and baker. In other words, he was noted for his work with both flowers and flours. In the 1940s, Ernest Judice operated the Broadmoor Bakery on Washington Avenue, later moving to 2113 S. Claiborne Ave., where it remained until the late ’60s, when Warren Gambino purchased it and changed its name to Gambino’s. Judice’s Bakery was in its heyday in the ’50s and ’60s and was famous for its unusual cakes. Among its signature creations were its Sweet Potato Cake, “One Meal” Cake and the Peppermint Twist Cake – a four-layer cake with peppermint filling and a butter cream-and-peppermint candy icing. n

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the beat MARQUEE / PERSONA / BIZ / EDUCATION / HEALTH / CRIME FIGHTING / CHRONICLES

persona pg. 26

”I’m always steady making my music, and making my music grow into a new audience and making the culture of bounce music grow even further. ... I got a lot of projects.” – Big Freedia, The Queen of Bounce

THE BEAT / MARQUEE

OUR TOP PICKS FOR APRIL EVENTS

cheryl gerber photo

BY LAUREN LABORDE

Festing

French Quarter Fun

Tosca

This year’s Jazz Fest, held April 22-May 1, features a lineup of crowd-pleasing headliners including: Stevie Wonder, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Neil Young and Paul Simon. Other highlights include yacht rock favorite Steely Dan, soul singer Van Morrison and heartthrob Nick Jonas. As usual, Jazz Fest features excellent R&B acts new and old. Dystopian soul singer Janelle Monae, a Jazz Fest vet, always puts on a big show; neo-soul legend Maxwell is touring again; and Jazmine Sullivan is a captivating songwriter and singer. Also watch for Elle King, whose raspy “Exs and Ohs” is the pop-rock earworm of the moment; My Morning Jacket, an ideal festival band; and last year’s Album of the Year Grammy Award-winner Beck. Local legends round out the lineup of the two-weekend festival. Information, NOJazzFest.com

Get warmed up for Jazz Fest at the locals’ version, the sprawling, free (if you don’t count the tempting food booths) French Quarter Fest, April 7-10. The lineup features Cowboy Mouth, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Sweet Crude and Tank and the Bangas. Extra events include a second-line and an Allen Toussaint tribute at House of Blues. Information, FQFI.org

A “fan favorite” among opera lovers, Tosca wasn’t always loved by critics, who took issue with Puccini’s grungy, intense work. Characterized by melodrama and a fiery diva of a protagonist, the opera follows Floria Tosca, a volatile, jealous woman. The opera is presented April 8 and 10 at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre. Information, NewOrleansOpera.org

CALENDAR April 2. Freret Street Fest. Information, FreretStreetFestival.com April 6, 13, 20, 24 and May 4. Wednesday at the Square concert series, Lafayette Square Park. Information, WednesdayAtTheSquare. com April 5-10. Cabaret, Saenger Theater. Information, SaengerNOLA. com

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April 6. M83 and Yacht in concert, Civic Theater. Information, CivicNOLA.com April 8-10. Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, Ponchatoula. Information, LAStrawberryFestival.com April 9. Run for the Shadows: An Evening of Bowie, One Eyed Jacks. Information, OneEyedJacks.net

At last year’s gala, Matthew McConaughey made a speech that went viral. How do you plan to top that? We

SPOTLIGHT

Hollywood South Throws A Party

The scoop from NOFS Executive Director Jolene Pinder

s Hollywood South has grown, so has the New Orleans Film Society, which last year hosted a gala that included a speech by Matthew McConaughey – a flawed love letter to a flawed city – that spread like wildfire all over New Orleans. But beyond that moment, the NOFS and its flagship New Orleans Film Festival has consistently brought in big films and talent. On April 16, the NOFS hosts its annual patron party and gala again, this time at the grand Romanesque Revival Brown Mansion on St. Charles Avenue. After last year, it’s established that this is an event not to miss.

April 18. Comedian David Cross, Orpheum Theater. Information, OrpheumNOLA.com April 18. Ben Folds in concert, Joy Theater. Information, TheJoyTheater.com

were thrilled with the amazing homage to our city that Matthew McConaughey delivered at last year’s gala. It will certainly be hard to top, but we’re working to make this year’s event just as special. That speech certainly took us by surprise, but it seems like it’s always the surprises that capture our attention and let an event linger in our memories.

Why did you choose the Brown Mansion for the location? We like the gala to feel

both intimate and unique, so the location becomes really important in striking that balance. One of our strong supporters, Jason Waggenspack of The Ranch Studios, actually introduced us to John and Yulia Houghtaling, the wonderful owners of the mansion. It’s such a special home with absolutely stunning grounds – we thought it would be the perfect venue for this event.

How has the NOFS changed in the past year? What do you have planned? We are work-

ing together with the board and staff on a strategic plan that takes the organization into the next five to 10 years. Given that the New Orleans

Film Festival has grown by leaps and bounds over the last five years, we have to take a serious look at our operations and devise a way to sustain and continue to grow the festival. We are looking to shine more of a spotlight on some of our events, particularly this year’s French Film Festival, which will be moving to earlier in the year. We also have redoubled our efforts to provide more resources for local filmmakers as we launched the Create Louisiana Filmmakers Grant last year with our partners Deep South Studios and the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. With Louisiana film tax credits in peril, how do you think this will affect the film industry in New Orleans? This

is indeed a challenging time, but our film tax incentives continue to be among the most competitive and generous. At NOFS and at NOFF we’ll continue to promote the incredible stories being told here by both our local filmmakers and the larger industry. Now more than ever, it’s critical that we all work together to demonstrate the larger economic impact of the film industry. For more information on the NOFS and film gala, visit NewOrleansFilmSociety.org n

April 25. WWOZ Piano Night, House of Blues. Information, WWOZ.org April 25-May 1. Zurich Classic, TPC Louisiana. Information, ZurichGolfClassic.com

April 24. Duran Duran in concert, Smoothie King Center. Information, SmoothieKingCenter.com

Craig Mulcahy PHOTOGRAPH

myneworleans.com / APRIL 2016

THE BEAT / PERSONA

you can catch live at Jazz Fest on Sat., April 30, has many more projects in the works. As she warned, she came to slay.

Q: You’ve been touring a lot. What’s it like being home? Good. Trust me. I love being home.

Q: What do you miss about New Or-

leans when you’re away? The food, most of all. My family, my friends. Just being at home knowing where everything is. You know how when you’re out of town you gotta GPS everything and you gotta find this, find that. But at home you know where everything is, you go straight to it.

Q: Did you know when the Beyoncé

video was going to drop, or was that a surprise to you like it was for everyone else? I knew it was gonna come out, once I talked to her, in the next maybe three or four days. I didn’t know if that was going to happen right on time or not. The morning it did drop, I just started getting all these texts on my phone. I was just very excited, overwhelmed and very grateful.

Big Freedia The Queen of Bounce BY LAUREN LABORDE

mid all the familiar New Orleans imagery in Beyoncé’s latest video, “Formation,” which dropped unexpectedly sometime on Endymion Saturday, there’s a sound that many locals know: the telltale bellow of Big Freedia. “I did not come to play with you hoes!” the rapper proclaims over a menacing beat. “I came to slay, bitch.” A cameo on a Beyoncé track is just another addition to the Queen of Bounce’s impressive empire that already includes a highly

APRIL 2016 / myneworleans.com

rated TV show (the Fuse reality series “Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce,” which has been renewed for a fifth season), an emotional memoir (God Save the Queen Diva), and a critically acclaimed album (2014’s Just Be Free). She undoubtedly sparked national hysteria over twerking, and has given us catchphrases like “Girl, down!” and bounce hits like “Azz Everywhere” and “Gin in My System” that will remain in the New Orleans party canon for years to come. And Freedia, whom

Q: Had you seen the finished video before it came out or did you see it with everyone else? No. I probably saw it later than everyone because I was sleeping, and everyone was blowing up my phone. Q: What was it like seeing it come

together? It was amazing. Well, the day it was shot I was out of town, and then me getting a call maybe two weeks later and knowing I was going to be a part of it and kind of visualizing it in my own brain. It was just like, amazing to know I would even be a part of it.

Q: Have you been following the elec-

tion much? Oh yeah, definitely. I’m all on it. I’m down for Hillary. I’m definitely a Democrat, so I’m pushing for that.

Q: You had a show in Mississippi that

got cancelled because of potential “gyrating.” When I think of bounce and twerking, I think it’s not so much about being sexual but more about expressing yourself. Is that how you feel about it? Of course, hell yes! It’s about expressing

Age: 38 Occupation: The Queen of Bounce Born/raised: New Orleans, on Josephine Street Education: Walter L. Cohen High School, University of Louisiana at Lafayette (nursing program) Favorite movie: Straight Outta Compton Favorite TV show: “Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce” Favorite band: “There are so many, but right now the Soul Rebels” Favorite food: Yaka mein Favorite New Orleans restaurant: Neyow’s Creole Cafe Favorite hobby: Decorating and working with flowers Favorite vacation spot: Amsterdam

yourself, having fun. It’s a culture of a music and a style of dancing. People around the world are free to express themselves through dance and music, through speech, whatever. And it’s just like how all of the sudden twerking becomes, you know violating some type of civil right or whatever type of bullshit in Mississippi. We fixed that now, so we [were in Mississippi at the end of March] and we’re excited about that, and excited to see the fans come and twerk that day.

Q: What was the whole

process of writing a book like? It was a fun process. It was emotional; it brought a lot of emotions back up. It kindled a lot of memories that I hadn’t been through in a while. It was complicated at the same time, because we did it in two and half months, tops. But it was also something I needed to get off my chest, and so it was an amazing process of all the

things I went through and we got the job done.

Q: Besides music, you’ve

written a book and star in a reality show. What other things are you venturing into? I’m always steady making my music, and making my music grow into a new audience and making the culture of bounce music grow even further. So I stepped into a few movie roles I’m working on, a little bit more acting. I’m trying to venture off into some different things, steady branding myself. Still working on my cookbook as well, and some other stuff. I got a lot of projects.

Q: What’s going to be

in your cookbook? New Orleans classic meals and some of my own creations – everything with a Freedia twist. All of the things I try out at home that come out to be amazing. n

Editor’s note: At press time Big Freedia was the subject of an investigation involving inappropriate use of housing subsidy funds. She is accused of not having reported a substantial increase in her earning as a performer and continuing to receive the housing payments. Freedia has taken full responsibility as quoted in Pitchfork, a music culture website: “It was an oversight — but one that I take full responsibility for. From the moment I was contacted by Government agents, I have fully cooperated and have already begun making arrangements to pay full restitution (of approximately $34,000). This is an incredibly unfortunate situation.”

True confession I’m an ice eater. I like to eat ice all day, every day. I stay cool, literally. myneworleans.com / APRIL 2016

THE BEAT / BIZ

Checking In Local hotel growth is booming By Kathy Finn

or people who live in New Orleans, it can be difficult to keep up with the inventory of accommodations available for those who come for short visits. It is particularly unlikely in an environment where local lodging is expanding rapidly. The chances are, for instance, that few locals noticed when a stylish new boutique called the Henry Howard Hotel opened in the Garden District. The hotel holds just 18 rooms in a renovated structure that retains features of the 1860s townhouse-style mansion built by 19th century New Orleans architect Henry Howard. Its Greek revival touches include Corinthian columns, a double gallery and walk-through windows, and its Prytania Street location puts guests in the midst of a historic district that features many similarly endowed buildings. Several miles away, another new hotel is also making its debut. The MOXY New Orleans, opening on O’Keefe Avenue just off Canal Street, is one of the first U.S. locations of the hip European hotel line. Like a few

APRIL 2016 / myneworleans.com

other recent entrants on the scene, such as the new Ace Hotel New Orleans that stands nearby, the MOXY caters to young travelers, with inviting common areas, self-service features and free Wi-Fi. Hotel analysts say some 5,000 hotel rooms are either under construction or on the drawing boards in and around New Orleans. Demand is driving the activity. More than 9.5 million people visited New Orleans in 2014, according to figures compiled by the University of New Orleans Hospitality Research Center. It was a 2.6 percent rise over the previous year. Total tourism spending also rose, jumping 5 percent to $6.8 billion, a local record. Local hotel occupancies in 2014 surpassed all previous peaks and have held steady since then. A report from global hospitality consultant HVS indicates that local occupancies are well above U.S. averages. Strength in the market has analysts predicting that New Orleans demand will hold up even as some other regions decline.

“Unlike many other markets, which are expected to experience occupancy declines as new supply opens over the next several years, occupancy in New Orleans is expected to stabilize through 2018, even with the introduction of new hotels,” according to an article by hospitality publisher Hotel Management, which cited an HVS report. New Orleans has rebounded smartly from the punch its hotels took from the hurricane and flood of 2005. After a period of wondering whether new development in the city would be feasible, the industry returned to New Orleans with a vengeance, producing a veritable renaissance in hotel development. HVS indicates that greater New Orleans, with 252 hotel properties and more than 37,000 rooms, ended 2015 with as many hotel rooms as it had in early ’05. And the activity won’t slow anytime soon. Interest in the New Orleans market among hotel investors remains high, which means hotel purchases continue to make market news. One of Kathleen Fitzgerald photo

Keeping rooms full Springtime events such as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and French Quarter Festival generally pump up tourism numbers in the second quarter, according to the University of New Orleans Hospitality Research Center. The center’s 2015 tourism report showed that, of visitors surveyed: • 77 percent visited New Orleans for vacation/ pleasure • 12 percent came for conventions/meetings • 10 percent came on general business • 58 percent of convention and business visitors extended their stay by two nights

the largest deals in recent years was the sale of the DoubleTree by Hilton New Orleans for $83.5 million. In a later transaction, Ashford Hospitality Trust bought the 226-room Le Pavilion Hotel for $62.5 million – or $277,000 per room. HVS reported that, after a huge jump in hotel values of almost 50 percent in 2010 – as it became clear that the city’s recovery was reigniting demand – values have continued to increase annually, though they could begin to level off during the next few years as new supply comes online. Openings in 2015 included a 188-room Aloft Hotel by HRI Properties, and a $29 million conversion of a for-

mer W Hotel into a 410-room Le Meridien. Al Copeland Investments completed a $16.4 million renovation of Copeland Tower in Metairie, which created a 250-room Best Western Plus Landmark Hotel & Suites. And a partnership involving Provenance Hotels, GB Lodging and Woodbine Development renovated the former Ambassador Hotel into a 167room boutique called the Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery. Others under development include a New Castle Hotels & Resorts’ $10 million conversion of an existing inn into a 100-unit Fairfield Inn & Suites. As boutiques and mid-size inns come on line, tourism officials are anxious to see a few larger projects get under way. A highlight is the planned redevelopment of the World Trade Center into a Four Seasons Hotel. Officials are hoping that the $380 million project, which will include condominiums on several floors, might spark local interest by other top-line hotels. Meanwhile, another downtown project, a $30 million renovation of the former New Orleans Public Service Inc. building on Canal Street, is creating a new luxury hotel on Baronne Street. Still another potentially big project could arise in plans for redevelopment of the area next to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Discussions for the area have included plans for a major hotel, along with new meeting space and, some say, an extension of the Riverwalk outlet mall that opened a few years ago. All of which should make locals feel comfortable that when out-of-towners call and ask for hotel recommendations, the city will have no shortage of options. n

myneworleans.com / APRIL 2016

THE BEAT / EDUCATION

Lobbying for Learning The struggle to get educated by Dawn Wilson

atimah Hankins, mother of three, stood on the steps leading to the Louisiana Legislature in February, shivering and windblown. She drove 90 miles to Baton Rouge instead of attending classes at Southern University in New Orleans to gather with hundreds of other worried college students across the state who fear the consequences of staggering state budget deficits on their academic futures. A SUNO professor offered extra credit for students who were willing to join the Feb. 24 student protest of budget cuts to higher education, but Hankins said she would have made the journey anyway. “I thought it was important to come,” she said. “We can’t afford any more cuts. We are down to the bare minimum as it is.” The protest, sponsored by student body presidents and the state Board of Regents, the state’s coordinating board for higher educa-

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tion, was organized to pressure the Legislature into coming up with the money to prevent wide-spread staff and faculty layoffs, increased student fees and possibly cancelling classes before the end of the spring semester. The Division of Administration, facing a $943 million state budget deficit, told the Board of Regents in a January letter that colleges needed to prepare for a possible $131 million cut in funding. Responding to a request for information about the effects of a mid-year cut, Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge anticipated the elimination of hundreds of courses, stiff increases in student fees and the possibility of capping enrollment to protect academic quality. The LSU Health Science Center in New Orleans anticipated a reduction of up to 264 faculty and staff, almost 12 percent of its workforce. Such cuts would also lead to closing five academic programs, including the B.S. in nursing. A LSU document said that “this scenario

would disrupt the education of 877 students.” The same kind of catastrophic results threatened public-funded health care because health care and higher education always carry the brunt of mid-year budget cutting. Louisiana’s constitution protects almost everything else. Those who favor reductions over raising new revenue called the institutions’ responses “scare tactics,” but a Board of Regents document countered those charges. In a web posting entitled “Louisiana Higher Education: Fact vs. Myth,” the board said schools receive one 12th of their state funds each month, and if that money doesn’t arrive, institutions “would likely be forced to suspend operations and cancel courses.” Gov. John Bel Edwards told students at the rally that he didn’t want to close campuses. But as a Democrat, his influence over the Republicanled Legislature is weaker than Jindal’s was. He welcomed the protesters and urged them to Michael Buck photograph

contact their legislators. Wearing red T-shirts printed with their rallying cry of “Bring on the Heat!” the student protestors chanted, “No More Cuts! No More Cuts! No More Cuts!” in response to a number of speakers that day, but over the long-haul it’s doubtful that their protests will save colleges and universities from a crises that has been brewing for years. The state faces an even bigger deficit in 2016-’17 – a projected $2 billion – that will likely produce the same scary predictions. The outcome of the special legislative session that Gov. Edwards called to avert the 2015-’16 budget crises was unknown at the time that this column was written. But even as protesting students were releasing red balloons outside to symbolize their cause, Legislators were inside considering their options. One of those options was a temporary, 1-cent sales tax increase proposed by Gov. Edwards to help keep colleges and other state agencies functioning until the end of the fiscal year, which ends June 30. The day after the energetic but peaceful student protests, the House voted to adopt the sales tax hike, an indication that some kind of temporary solution was in sight. Maybe the students’ chants were heard through the dense walls that left them out in the cold after all. Then again, maybe legislators are finally beginning to understand the dire situation facing higher education after nearly eight years of continuous budget cuts – a total of $700 million according to the governor’s comments when he addressed

rally participants. A few days before the rally, Belle S. Wheelan, president of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the southern region’s accrediting agency, informed Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne that Louisiana’s public institutions of higher education are in danger of losing accreditation because of financial instability. “If the institutions are unable to demonstrate continued financial stability or continue to enroll students, the Board of SACSCOC would have to consider a public sanction of the institutions or a withdrawal of their accreditation,” Wheelan wrote in a letter posted on the Board of Regent’s website. Loss of accreditation also leads to the loss of federal financial aid, she said, and the “lack of state funding is putting Louisiana colleges and universities in SERIOUS risk and placing students’ academic careers in jeopardy.” Hankins knows all about the jeopardizing of academic careers. She said that when she first started taking classes at SUNO, she was able to take some classes at night. Now, she said, “There’s no teachers in my field at night.” Because of the reduction in course offerings, Hankins said she will graduate a semester later than she expected. She also was planning to get a master’s degree at a Louisiana university after she graduates in December, but now she’s reconsidering her plans. “I am really thinking about looking out of state,” she said. “There’s just so much hardship here.” n

myneworleans.com / APRIL 2016

THE BEAT / HEALTH

Sole Survivors Dealing with aching feet by Brobson Lutz M.D.

hey are the feet of the reporter who exposed Jim Garrison as a fraud in the persecution of Clay Shaw, cofounded the Pirate’s Alley Faulkner Society and continue to walk up and down the steep stairs of Faulkner’s former digs, now a bookstore run with her husband, Joe. Rosemary James has feet made for reporting as well as walking. Like James, those feet have stories to tell. In 1964, The New Orleans States-Item assigned James to cover a Lady Bird Johnson whistle-stop blitz by train covering eight southern states. During her interview with the First Lady on the “Lady Bird Special” between Biloxi and New Orleans, James wore “my best dress of modest length, a good string of pearls and high-

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heeled pumps.” “The pumps, which I previously had only worn for a dinner date, were rubbing blisters on my toes and heels. [By the time the train arrived in New Orleans], I wanted to cut my feet off they hurt so bad,” says James. She persevered following Lady Bird, who had been met by her significant other for a short ride to the Jung Hotel where President Johnson gave a speech. Off the train and off came the shoes for a barefoot walk out of the train station. James had to put her feet back into her instruments of torture to get past security at the Jung. Once inside the hotel and firmly seated at the press table, off again came the shoes. After the speech, James walked out barefoot, leaving the shoes under the table.

The Jung is now undergoing renovation. If developer Joseph Jaeger searches all the nooks and crannies in that old ballroom, he just might find those pumps of torture. “The best ticket for blisters is an ill-fitting shoe,” says Dr. Field Ogden, a New Orleans orthopedist known for his expertise in treating complex foot problems. “A woman can wear a four-inch heel all day if the shoe is the correct fit and broken in.” The human foot is a biomechanical wonder of 26 bones and 100-plus tendons, ligaments and muscles all hooked up to a blood transport network of arteries, capillaries and veins. While feet were made for walking, standing, jumping and running, more things that can go wrong with our lower appendages than there are recipes for gumbo. Arthritis, diabetes, gout and vascular disease can cause specific foot problems. Sprains, strains, fractures and bruises are other common factors that disrupt foot comfort and functioning. The most important cofactor in causing foot problems, as well as aggravating other foot disorders, is improper shoe choices. Good footware cushion and support for stability and motion control. Like Gaul, shoes can be divided into three groups. Casual sneakers and athletic shoes are the most foot friendly. The second group comprises what most sensible folks wear, with hard leather or rubber soles or work boots. And the third general group is those lacking sound support and structure; high-heeled shoes, sandals and slippers that are most likely to cause foot problems when worn or years later. Trying on new shoes just sitting down isn’t a good idea. Feet change shape with standing. The arch flattens and the foot becomes both longer and wider. And getting fitted for the right sized shoe is as much an art as a science, as shoe sizes often vary by brand. Bunions are prime examples of what happens over time when people crowd their toes into ill-fitting and tight shoes. A cramped big toe bends in towards the smaller toes. Over time, the boney protrusion known as the bunion develops. The smaller toes shift direction and size, becoming deformed into hammertoes and claw toes. Distorted toe alignment fuels foot pain, corns and calluses. High heels and pinched-in toe compartments are the leading contributors to bunion formation, explaining why women are more affected. But flat feet or wearing shoes that are too narrow are bunion risk factors among men, and there’s also a strong genetic component that breeds bunions. In a move from high heels at press conferences to footwear for gardening, I contacted Jim Delery, a community activist and urban farmer blooming with stories of splinters, thorns, glass chards, nails and little pieces of gravel in shoes.

Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Spurs “Plantar fasciitis is the common cause of foot pain,” says Dr. Field Ogden, a New Orleans orthopedist known for his expertise in treating complex foot problems. The plantar fascia is a flat piece of gristle under the foot connecting the heel to the front of the foot and supports the arch. Too much pressure or wear and tear of this fascia causes the tissue irritation and heel pain known as plantar fasciitis. The good news about plantar fasciitis is that simple treating techniques, including stretching exercises and time, heal most heels. When plantar fasciitis is especially severe or turns chronic, lasting over a year or two, it’s time to see a specialist. A steroid injection into the area of irritated fascia often helps. Shoe supports, heel pads and night splints are other tools in the trick bag to help treat plantar fasciitis. Tiny boney outgrowths from the heel, termed heel spurs, are common radiographic findings unrelated to plantar fasciitis. According to Ogden, routine surgery to remove heel spurs is obsolete and almost always unnecessary. A recommendation for surgery to remove a heel spur signals the need for a second opinion. In very rare cases there are some surgical techniques that have a good track record, but surgery should never be the initial recommendation.

“My feet get sore. I work constantly in my gardens and farm on what I call mud rocks, dried soil especially clay formed by tilling. It is difficult to find a lightweight cooler shoe with hard soles preventing the balls of my feet from getting sore. This might be why old farmers wear those funky looking old boots,” says Delery. “I recommend heavy socks, the short runner ones. Wal-Mart seems to have the best thick sole heavy cotton sockletts. I also find buying a longer shoe, one to two sizes up, gives a better bend and spreading the impact of each step with less toe cramp. “If you’re one of those who like those little thin sole loafers, the expensive designer type, remember good socks can be you friend. When buying shoes or work boots bring the type of sock you expect to wear with that shoe type to insure a good comfortable fit,” says Delery. “Thick cotton socks can help prevent blisters,” said Dr. Ogden. “Cheap shoes a size or two larger with thick socks might be a short term solution, but a good quality leather shoe is your best bet in the long run. Over time, shoes with leather uppers of the correct size will stretch to your individual foot. Wet leather in particular stretches. Plastic, vinyl and nylon will not stretch even with heat. They just melt. And runners who wear oversized shoes are more prone to stress fractures.” n Rosemary James’ remembrances of her aching feet related to a 1964 train ride with Lady Bird Johnson and press coverage of a speech by President Johnson in New Orleans were extensively edited for this column. The entire dispatch is available at MyNewOrleans.com.

myneworleans.com / APRIL 2016

THE BEAT / HEALTHBEAT

A research team at LSU Health New Orleans, led by Walter Lukiw, Ph.D., has been able to show that a protein found in the body, used to remove waste products from the brain and retina, isn’t only diminished in a brain diseased with Alzheimer’s, but also in age-related macular degeneration. The findings, published March 7, state that during the brain and retina’s normal day-today operations, they each produce large quantities of waste products. In order to not clog up the parts of our thinking and visual systems, these waste products must be cleared away. The

paper says, “part of the waste disposal system consists of a very special waste-sensing transmembrane protein located in highly specialized cells called microglial cells found in the brain and retina.” This protein is referred to as a “triggering receptor expressed in microglia,” or more simply TREM2 protein. Dr. Lukiw says that their research has discovered a lowered amount of this TREM2 protein is found in age-related degenerative diseases of the brain, like Alzheimer’s, and agerelated macular degeneration in the retina. The backup of waste caused by a lack of TREM2 protein contribute to insoluble lesions called senile plaques, which contribute to episodes of age-related inflammatory degeneration. The team has also discovered a small piece of ribonucleic acid, called miRNA-34a, which is in part responsible for insufficient TREM2 protein. According to Dr. Lukiw, “the findings indicate that getting rid of the excessive miRNA-34a to restore normal TREM2 abundance may provide a highly effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of both degenerative diseases of the brain and progressive diseases of the retina.”

New research and studies provided by The New England Journal of Medicine supports claims that early exposure in babies to peanuts and other allergycausing foods is more likely to protect the child than cause them additional problems. The AP reports that in a study produced last year, researchers found “that the early prevention strategy leads to persistent, long-lasting results in children at risk for food allergies.” – Kelly Massicot 34

APRIL 2016 / myneworleans.com

myneworleans.com / APRIL 2016

THE BEAT / Chronicles

John Lowenstein at Bridge Club

Cards on the Table Bridging the time BY CAROLYN KOLB

“W

ell, when we’re on vacation I play cards with my grandchildren,” attorney Edward “Ted” Martin admits. An avid Bridge player, Martin has enjoyed cards since he was young. “My parents liked to play, I played as a teenager and I played in college,” he says. In fact, the monthly Bridge games that he and his wife enjoy with his cousins have been going on for “four decades or so.” And, he has a weekly Bridge game with friends. “We have fun, but you try to do well, make your contract, upset the opponent. It matters if you win,” he adds. Martin isn’t alone. New Orleanians have always liked their cards. The Picayune had barely started publication in 1837 when playing cards were advertised for sale at a downtown store, and cards were probably being dealt here when the city was just a gleam in Bienville’s eye. Most card players start young. Judy LaBorde remembers her parents taking all the kids to a friend’s

APRIL 2016 / myneworleans.com

house for an evening of Bourée – a favorite betting card game from French Louisiana. “Everybody would bring food: gumbo and potato salad. What a big treat it was!” Even when some players had lost everything, they stayed in the game: “They just called it ‘being in poverty’ so you could keep betting even when you couldn’t match the pot.” Cards are a portable amusement. LaBorde recalls her cousins, who rented a camp at Little Woods, set out the crab nets and taught her to play 21. “I learned how to bluff,” she says. Adelaide Benjamin remembers riding a train to a football game at Louisiana State University as a child with her father and his friends. The men played gin rummy the entire time. “Pop told me they complimented me afterwards because I didn’t turn a hair at their language,” she says. Cards are a way to keep up with your friends. Mizie Licciardi regularly plays piano with bands, including the Last Straws, but her free time is most often spent at the card table

– not the fold-up old fashioned kind but, “a little round table that’s always there, I don’t have to get it out of the closet.” She grew up playing with her sisters. “We like a game called 31, but I also play barbu and we love onze (French for 11).” Where does she get her playing cards? “Usually at K-Mart or Walgreen’s, we like the jumbo size.” Andrée Herrington learned the game from her father and regularly plays Bridge. She also has a monthly Bridge game with a women’s group, Aces and Spaces, a long-lasting assembly of women from different neighborhoods. Herrington likes the Christmas custom of card group members finding special gifts for each other: “the limit is $5, but we’ll look all year for the right thing.” Once a week Herrington plays at the Wes Busby Bridge Center, 2709 Edenborn Ave. in Metairie, home of the Louisiana Bridge Association. The center is named for the late Wes Busby, longtime Sewerage and Water Board engineer and Bridge player. There, the game is Contract Bridge. The Times-Picayune’s first column mentioning Contract Bridge appeared in 1927, and columnist Milton C. Work noted that the game “has now passed its first birthday.” Nearly 90 years later it’s still going strong. John Lowenstein once worked at the Louisiana State Department of Insurance, but he found his real vocation at the card table. He teaches Bridge, specifically Contract Bridge and the competitive level called Duplicate Bridge. “It’s the most challenging, humbling and rewarding card game out there,” Lowenstein says. “Once you get the taste of a win, you want to keep going. Players realize they have to study conventions, they have to read books in order to be competitive,” Lowenstein insists. “And, as much as you learn, you will not master it, you will just keep growing.” In Duplicate Bridge, tables of four will play the same hands dealt to other tables. Depending on how well each pair of players does, players might earn points in certain game situations. The competition at higher levels, for master points, can be fierce. As Lowenstein explains, “Some people play Bridge because it’s so much fun, they get to be with their friends, they have great conversations. But, when I’m playing competitively, I don’t want to talk at all.” “Afterwards, I’m very sociable,” he smiles. n cheryl gerber photograph

myneworleans.com / APRIL 2016

APRIL 2016 / myneworleans.com

LOCAL COLOR ME AGAIN / MODINE GUNCH / JOIE D’EVE / in tune / READ+SPIN / JAZZ LIFE / HOME

On April 17, “Kurt Vile and the Violators will be at Republic. Kurt Vile is one of the most engrossing entertainers I’ve seen in quite some time. The skill of his band accentuates the power of his songwriting.”

in tune pg. 46

Marina Chavez photograph

LOCAL COLOR / ME AGAIN

A Matter of Manners Are we becoming more polite? BY CHRIS ROSE

pulled up at my local gas station in Mid-City one day recently when I came upon a woman in distress. Well, actually, she just needed air in her tires. She was youngish – late 20s, maybe early 30s – a thoroughly modern woman, no doubt, dressed in business attire, hunched over with the air hose. When I got out of my car, I asked if she needed any help. She was dressed nice and I wasn’t, and tire maintenance can be dirty business. Without rising from her hunched position, she shot me a venomous glance and hissed: “How hard does this look?” She really said that. I continued on, abashedly. And I felt a bit of a jerk. Did I insult her? Had I, in that instant, presented myself as a forbear of the oppressive patriarchal hierarchy which has kept independent women down for so many years, decades and centuries? F---- that, I thought. I was just trying to be nice. I recount that story to point out what I believe is more of an anomaly than a symptom of prevailing winds in our city these

APRIL 2016 / myneworleans.com

days. In fact, dare I suggest: New Orleans is actually more polite than it used to be? Call me crazy. The woman at the gas station was obviously not having a good moment. But I also don’t think her behavior was indicative of the way folks treat each other around here these days. At least, in our normal, day-today interactions with strangers. In what I understand is anything but scientific proof, I offer the following anecdotal examples as evidence of kinder, more cooperative culture in our beloved Crescent City. First, the Lafitte Greenway. The strip of public parkway that stretches from Tremé to the border of City Park is a civic wonder, a great place to see, smell and feel the city. And at the intersections where it crosses major throughways there have appeared signs in recent months directing drivers to yield to bicyclists and pedestrians. Now, any New Orleanian knows that “yield” isn’t part of the vocabulary of our local motorist culture. But here’s the thing: I live by the Greenway and have marveled in recent weeks at how many drivers are, in fact, yielding to bicyclists and pedestrians. I see it every day. It is really happening, people! I am not making this up. Then there’s this: Over the years I developed a sublimely passive-aggressive response to folks who walk through a door which I have held open for them – without they’re saying thank you or at least acknowledging my effort. As they walk past me, I whisper – “hiss” is probably more accurate – “You’re welcome!” into their ear when they brush past me. Infantile behavior, I admit, but it works as a wonderful

salve for wounded manners. But here’s the point: That almost never happens anymore. I haven’t hissed at a stranger in months. People in New Orleans are saying ... “thank you.” Then there’s the traffic construction thing. It is like that proverb: Be careful what you wish for. For 30 years we’ve been wishing the city would fix its streets. And they finally decided to do so. All at the same time. You would think this would be cause for an epidemic of road rage, but I have experienced the exact opposite: People waving their hands for me to cut ahead of them in traffic. In New Orleans! There are other signs to inform me of this opinion. Am I correct in suggesting that there is less litter on the streets – in parks and at bus stops – than in years and decades past? Or am I just wearing, as the saying goes, rose colored glasses? People in line at the bank these days seem civil if not downright congenial. At the Rouses the other day a guy with about 20 items in his cart waved me ahead because I had only a loaf of bread and some onions. Maybe it’s because our national political discourse has become so coarse that we’re finding our inherent civility on a micro level – at corner stores and city intersections. None of this is to suggest that New Orleanians in the past have been particularly rude, but anyone who lives here knows: Sometimes our public manners can be decidedly – What is it the kids say these days? – unchill. The point is: Everybody just keep doing what you’re doing. It is working. It is, as the saying goes, “yielding” great benefits. And you’re welcome. n jason raish illustration

myneworleans.com / APRIL 2016

LOCAL COLOR / MODINE’S NEW ORLEANS

Out of the Picture The curse of the camera BY MODINE GUNCH

K, I ain’t no Cindy Crawford. The camera don’t love me, it feels sorry for me. I am always the one with lipstick on my teeth. It has been this way since I was little. My mother never sent family photo Christmas cards. Either I had my finger in my nose, or I was scratching my armpit, or I had turned completely around to look at a squirrel. When we went on vacation to Washington D.C. there was a photographer taking souvenir pictures of families in front the Capitol. We all lined up and said “cheese,” and I glanced across the street and saw a car about to hit a dog. The camera clicked, the car missed, the dog was fine and nobody saw it but me. So in the picture, which was mailed to us in a red-white-and-blue frame, everybody else is smiling all happy and I look like I’m watching a horror movie. I don’t even want to think about class pictures. I was the one who sat behind the potted plant on the end of the stage and had to peek out between the fronds like I was one of the Three Stooges. Even today, I can’t even take a decent selfie for my Facebook profile. I got to use the cat. He takes a good picture. But this year, at my Celibacy Academy class reunion, when

APRIL 2016 / myneworleans.com

they line us up for the group picture, I decide that finally I’ll beat this curse. I plop down in the center of the front row, plant my feet together like the nuns taught us, check for lipstick and smile with all my teeth. I am sitting right in front of Mimette Fulton, the senior class president, who suddenly remembers she has her frozen daiquiri in her hand and tries to put it down quick. And spills it down my back. Click, click, click goes the camera, and then the photographer is out of there because he got a wedding to do. We all get free copies of the picture in the mail, courtesy of Celibacy Academy. And yes, the curse is still with me. I got my teeth clenched; my eyes are bugging out and my legs are splayed apart in an unladylike fashion, if you know what I mean. Then I read the little note from Mimette that’s also in the envelope, saying that the photo will appear in the community section of the papers next week. Before I can call Mimette, she calls me. “I don’t know how to tell you this, Modine,” she says, “but we’re going to have to Photoshop you out of this picture.” I understand. It got nothing to do with my looks, she says. It is my – um – sitting position. (By which she means any pervert with a magnifying glass can plainly see that I’m wearing the pink lace drawers I caught at the Krewe of Shangri-LA parade.)

She is going to ask the photographer – he ain’t our usual school photographer; he is her nephew, it turns out – to put a potted plant in the front row to block me out. A potted plant. Again. I think about it. “Why would a bunch of women be sitting around a potted plant?” I say. “Have him Photoshop in Penny the Penguin.” Penny is the Celibacy Academy mascot. She leads our dance team, the Prancing Penguinettes. Well, Mimette thinks this is brilliant and she calls her nephew, and he says OK, send him a picture of the penguin. So she does. And that should solve that. Except this nephew ain’t the brightest bulb, and he got a whole lot to do this week. Besides us and the wedding and God knows what else, he does a little work for a friend of his who sells car insurance. The car insurance has a mascot, too: that lizard with a British accent. And that’s what’s in the picture in the Sunday paper. The headline is “Celibacy Academy Holds Class Reunion,” and in the middle of the front row is (You saw it coming?) a lizard. In this picture he’s human-sized, not lizardsized. And because somebody slipped up, he’s identified as Modine Gunch. I thought one of my friends might call and say that I seem to look like a lizard in the paper, but nobody does. Like I said, I take really bad pictures. n

LORI OSIECKI ILLUSTRATION

myneworleans.com / APRIL 2016

LOCAL COLOR / JOIE D’EVE

Ten Years The child that might have been BY EVE CRAWFORD PEYTON

en years. March 7 marked 10 years since I lost my first pregnancy early in the second trimester. Ten years since I sent my now-ex-husband emails just before our doomed ultrasound in which I said, “We MIGHT find out the sex of the baby this afternoon, so we NEED TO AGREE ON NAMES SOON!!!” Ten years since we left the doctor’s office and I made him go back into the house, while I waited in the car, and throw away the copy of What to Expect When You’re Expecting and the Preggie Pops and all of the congratulatory cards I’d been saving for the baby book. Ten years since I hunched sobbing over the hospital intake form that asked, the morning of my D&C, “Is it possible you might be pregnant? Yes or No.” “I don’t knowwwww what to puuuuuuut,” I wailed, and my mother took the form away from me and finished filling it out herself. Ten years since I insisted, still bleeding and high as a kite on painkillers, on baking and assembling a from-scratch straw-

APRIL 2016 / myneworleans.com

berry Napoleon for my family just to prove that I could make something successfully, even if that “something” wasn’t a baby. Ten years since my milk came in, unexpectedly and excruciatingly painful both physically and emotionally, and the Internet told me that cold cabbage leaves could help, but it was so close to St. Patrick’s Day that the supermarket was sold out of green cabbage, so I used purple cabbage and stained all of my bras and my entire torso with bright streaky pink. It didn’t really help, either. Ten. Years. It seems like forever ago. It seems like yesterday. Everything is the same still. And everything is different. “I think,” Ruby told me once, “that that baby was me, only I wasn’t right somehow, and so, like, God or whoever just took me out and fixed me and put me back a month or so later so that I would be exactly perfect for you.” “Maybe so,” I told her. I don’t believe it, but I also don’t not believe it. I don’t know what I believe. “Were you lonely?” she asked me another time. “When you were pregnant with me after your miscarriage, were you ever lonely?” She was 5 then. I was shocked. Lonely. Out of all the feelings in the world she picked lonely, which was so exactly what I was the whole time I was pregnant. I felt separate from my husband, who seemed much less affected by the miscarriage than me. I felt separate from my mother, who had enjoyed

an effortless pregnancy with me and didn’t know exactly what to make of my high-risk status. I felt separate from the happy pregnant women in my birth class and the happy perky teacher who told us that we had to let go of our expectations. Looking back, I was almost certainly clinically depressed and in a constant state of near-crippling anxiety. But yes. Yes, Ruby, I was lonely. And that’s what I said: “Lonely? Yes, I was very lonely.” She laughed. “Silly Mommy,” she said. “You shouldn’t have been lonely. I was with you the whole time.” Another time, maybe a year later. “Were you scared, Mom?” she asked. “After you lost the first baby, were you scared when you got pregnant with me?” “Oh, yes,” I said. “I was scared every minute of every day that I might lose you, too. I was very scared.” “But you did it anyway?” “Yes.” “Mom?” “Yes?” “Thank you.” I laughed and cried and told her she was welcome, that I’d do it a thousand times over to have her in my life. This is all I ever wanted when I got pregnant the first time. I wanted babies in my arms, babies to love, babies who would turn into fascinating, thoughtful, fun kids. I have that in spades. But I also will forever wonder about the baby that never was. I am happy. I am sad. I am grateful. I am fulfilled. I am still, sometimes, lonely. n

Excerpted from Eve Crawford Peyton’s blog, Joie d’Eve, which appears each Friday on MyNewOrleans.com.

jane sanders ILLUSTRATION

myneworleans.com / APRIL 2016

LOCAL COLOR / IN TUNE

TWIABP

Fest Forwards

April Offerings

It is time to break out the festival gear. This year French Quarter Fest runs April 7-10. The lineup for FQF is bigger and better than ever. The organizers have done a superb job of putting the sound of the city front and center. Once you’ve warmed up in the French Quarter, it will be time to head out to the track. This year The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival will be held April 22-May 1. Like Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest is coming early this year. To my mind, this is the best lineup for Jazz Fest that we’ve seen in recent memory. Keep an eye on my blog for daily recommendations and updates.

Indie, geek and more BY mike griffith

pril is always a busy time for music in New Orleans. In addition to French Quarter Fest and the Jazz & Heritage Festival, we’re catching a lot of groups at the beginning of their summer tours. They Might Be Giants start off the month in style at the House of Blues on April 2. These stalwart rockers helped create both the indie and geek music scenes. Their shows are always a blend of high powered performance and wacky theater. On April 6 the electronic consortium M83 will be playing at the Civic. Led by Anthony Gonzalez, this group helped define the shoegaze and post-rock scene of the early oughts. Their eagerly anticipated new record should be out sometime this year. Hopefully we’ll get a preview. The night of April 8 presents a real conundrum as two of the best shows of the month are lined up against each other. At One Eyed Jacks there’s a night of emo revival with Into It. Over It. and The World is a Beautiful Place and I Am No Longer Afraid to Die (TWIABP), while in

APRIL 2016 / myneworleans.com

the Bywater at Siberia, Frankie Cosmos is playing with Eskimeaux. All four of these acts are great bets, it’s a shame that they conflict. Frankie Cosmos and Eskimeaux each released records that were among my favorites of last year. TWIABP and Into It. Over It. both beautifully combine the immediate emotional impact of emo with the aesthetics of post-rock. Brooklyn transplant Lindsey Baker, who performs under the name Guts Club, will be opening for Frankie Cosmos at Siberia. She will also be playing on the 6th at The Neutral Ground and on the 19th at Circle Bar. Take the opportunity to see her heart-wrenchingly beautiful brand of music. Analog post-punks the Operators will be at Gasa Gasa on April 16. The band will release their full length follow up to their excellent EP 1 on the first of the month. The next night Kurt Vile and the Violators will be at Republic. Kurt Vile is one of the most engrossing entertainers I’ve seen in quite some time. The skill of his band accentuates the power of his songwriting.

Once we hit the gravitational pull of Jazz Fest, the month accelerates again. There is more to list than I can fit here, so keep an eye on my blog for the weekly details. I would, however, be remiss if I didn’t mention what looks to be the highlight of the festival night shows so far: On the 22nd The Meters will play at The Orpheum with guest Ivan Neville and a horn section consisting of Tracy Griffin, Jeff Albert, Khris Royal and Clarence Johnson III. It doesn’t get much better than this. Finally, Dan Auerbach’s project The Arcs will play the House of Blues April 30. Check out this excellent garage rock as your Jazz Fest begins to wind down. n

Note: Dates are subject to change. Playlist of mentioned bands available at: bit.ly/ InTune4-16

To contact Mike about music news, upcoming performances and recordings, email Mike@MyNewOrleans.com or contact him through Twitter @Minima.

myneworleans.com / APRIL 2016

LOCAL COLOR / READ+SPIN

SPORTS: Peter Finney informed and entertained readers of The New Orleans StatesItem and The New Orleans Times-Picayune for nearly 70 years with his columns covering everything from baseball and boxing to horse racing and the Olympics. The Best of Peter Finney Legendary New Orleans Sportswriter captures the newsman’s trademark storytelling in 75 of his finest pieces focusing on great moments in Louisiana sports history. With an introduction from his son, Peter Finney Jr., a newspaper man himself as a former sportswriter for The New York Post and New York Daily News and current executive editor and manager of the Clarion Herald, newspaper of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, the book is a must read not only for long-time Finney fans, but also fans of Louisiana sports.

SOUL: Maroon 5 keyboardist PJ Morton has come home to his native New Orleans. To celebrate, he released Bounce and Soul Volume 1 in a partnership with PJs Coffee. Get the “mixtape” featuring Louisiana artists such as Juvenile, Lil Wayne, Trombone Shorty and Dee-1 at select PJs locations, as well as on iTunes and other music outlets.

APRIL 2016 / myneworleans.com

HISTORY: From its founding as an orphanage for young girls to its current life as a retirement community and assisted-living facility, New Orleans Women and the Poydras Home by Pamela Taylor chronicles the storied and vivid history of this local institution. The book, published by the Louisiana State University Press, is available this month at local booksellers and LSUPress.org.

JAZZ: New Orleans trumpeter Leroy Jones’ sixth independent album, I’m Talkin’ Bout New Orleans was released in March. The 11-track album is as smooth as it is creative. It allows you to be at complete peace while listening, which is something that can’t be said for many artists. Jones showcases the musical know-how that has gained him respect in the jazz community for decades now. In a time when the overall quality of music is less than appealing, Leroy Jones is a breath of fresh air.

Melanie Warner Spencer, “Jazz” by Johnny Heatrock Please send submissions for consideration, attention: Melanie Spencer, 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005.

myneworleans.com / APRIL 2016

LOCAL COLOR / JAZZ LIFE

Local Spin New records as Jazz Fest approaches BY JASON BERRY

pril is the sweetest month for Crescent City music mavens, yielding new releases like spring rain. The first weekend at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Presented by Shell has become a launch time for artists with product. You can find vaunted CDs and vinyl at the Louisiana Music Factory, a temple of culture in the city where jazz began; they also deliver by mail. New Direction is the latest and arguably best recording yet from the drummer Herlin Riley, who plays the fest on Sunday, April 24. A third-generation musician from a storied family of New Orleans jazz, Riley has a long background performing with Wynton Marsalis. Riley’s grandfather, Deacon Frank Lastie, introduced drums into Spiritual Church rituals in the late 1920s; his mother Betty Anne Lastie Williams is a well-regarded gospel singer. Riley attended services as a boy at the deacon’s Guiding Star church in the Lower 9th Ward, where his uncle, Walter “Popee” Lastie, a mainstay drummer for many

APRIL 2016 / myneworleans.com

jazz and R&B groups, also played at services. Popee died in 1980. Another uncle, David Lastie, a tenor saxophonist who played on Dr. John’s Gumbo among other albums, passed away in ’87. Growing up, Riley played trumpet and drums, a combination that registers in the fluid lyricism of his percussive style and made him a mainstay with Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Riley composed most of the songs on New Direction, which was recorded in New York for Mack Avenue. Along with Jeffrey Jones and Gretchen Valade, Riley produced the CD, which has a stellar lineup: Emmet Cohen on piano, Russell Hall of Jamaica on bass, Bruce Harris on trumpet, Godwin Louis of Haiti on alto and soprano sax, esteemed guitarist Mark Whitfield and Pedrito Martinez of Cuba injects sinuous conga lines on three of the tracks. Herlin Riley’s years in the saddle, riding rhythms and backbeat, yield a polished, easy interplay with the horns and piano. In “Shake Off the Dust,” he plays a gentle trumpet weave among solos by Louis and Cohen.

“Spring Fantasy” has warm Latin colorations and “Connection to Congo Square” gathers the surges and undulations we imagine of the place where Africans transplanted rhythms of the mother culture in the wedge of earth now contained in Louis Armstrong Park. The finale, “Tootie Ma” is a Danny Barker romp from the 1940s in which Riley, wielding shimmering tambourines, sings of the bawdy street moll Tootie Ma who “took my pa away from ma.” Leroy Jones, who also plays the festival on April 24, has a new release as well: I’m Talkin’ Bout New Orleans, produced with his partner in art and life, Katja Toivolo, a trombonist and graphic artist. Jones and Toivolo have major talent on various cuts – among them, Wess “Warm Daddy” Anderson on alto sax, Helen Gilet on cello, Larry Sieberth on keyboards, Jason Stewart on contra bass and drummer Shannon Powell. A trumpeter in the New Orleans Style idiom, Leroy Jones has long appeared at Preservation Hall and Palm Court Jazz Cafe, and plays many of the European summer venues. Like Dr. Michael White and Aurora Nealand, Jones approaches the classic form not as a static idiom of standards played and replayed with unceasing familiarity, but with a solid grip on the fundamentals, using the tradition as a base from which to branch out and adding songs to a repertoire that in many minds was defined long ago by the likes of Armstrong and Jelly, marching bands like Dejan’s Olympia in their prime or Pete Fountain and clarinetist Tim Laughlin. Leroy Jones has range and poetic articulation as a trumpeter; as a vocalist and original composer he shows a mellow mood on the title cut: “Rolling down the river in a boat for two Back to the city where I met you A city full of charm where the climate is warm The people there, they don’t fear storms.” Boosted by a grant from Threadhead Cultral Foundation, I’m Talkin’ Bout New Orleans is Jones’ sixth independent album. For readers familiar with Jones’ CD of Yuletide brass music, the bonus track, “Wonderful Christmas,” will have long reach. n

myneworleans.com / APRIL 2016

LOCAL COLOR / HOME

RIce and Shine Katy Morris’ life in the lofts offers a visual feast BY BONNIE WARREN PHOTOGRAPHED BY CHERYL GERBER

aty Morris has a great view of the Mississippi River from the large windows in her Rice Mills Lofts apartment. Located in the Bywater neighborhood just blocks from the French Quarter, the unique building dates from 1850 and was once the largest rice mill in North America. “This is the perfect place for me,” she says. “I love the windows that offer a broad, unobstructed view of the river, and there’s something magical about being able to open them and take in the sights and sounds of the ships and tugs on the water and feel the fresh breeze. Bywater is a vital neighborhood with an abundance of eclectic people and good restaurants nearby.” The large third-floor apartment is Morris’ sanctuary from her busy career as an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, where she serves as team physician for Southeastern Louisiana University as well as high schools in the area. “The building is unique with its huge beams and exposed brick walls and the graffiti that was added during its period of neglect,” she says. “I also enjoy having a corner space that feels extra private to me.

APRIL 2016 / myneworleans.com

The brainchild of Sean Cummings, founder and CEO of ekistics, a design-centric real estate business in New Orleans, the building was renovated in 2012 with New Orleans architect Wayne Troyer and Los Angeles interior designer LM Pagano heading the team that created the dramatic, fresh look unlike any other apartment building in New Orleans. “There is so much to like about the Rice Mill Lofts,” Morris says. “The 55-foot saltwater pool is amazing, and I have a perfect view of it from my windows. Then there’s the 6,000-square foot roof deck where

you’ll always find some of the interesting residents of the building hanging out.” Then she waxes fondly about the perfect natural light, 12-foot ceilings and spaciousness of her place. Morris’ eclectic furnishing fit well in the space that features an entry where she keeps her bicycles. “The entry sold me on this apartment,” she says. “I like my bikes to be easily accessible, so I keep them right by my front door. The long hallway from the entry to the large open space that features the living room, dining room and kitchen is my gallery. It’s wide enough for an old sofa that I had recovered, while the wall above is perfect to showcase my collections of hats.” Two walls in the open living area

show off the original exterior brick walls of the building. “They give the main living space a historical connection to the old building and a special unique patina that I love,” Morris says. A large pine table on rollers is pushed against the wall to make the room more spacious and pulled out for sit-down dining. Kitchen cabinets are neatly tucked at the end of the space. “The wall above the cabinets is a perfect place to display the old record covers my mother collected when she worked for Capricorn Records in Macon, Georgia in the 1970s. Two of the well-known groups Capricorn recorded were the Allman Brother Band and The Marshall Tucker Band.” Completing the apartment are two

FACING PAGE: The large living room features two brick walls and large operable windows with a view of the Mississippi River and the New Orleans skyline; the old exposed beam adds interest to the space, while eclectic furnishings include a large sectional that includes a chaise lounge on one end. TOP, LEFT: Rice Mill Lofts in Bywater with the words “YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL” added to the top of the building. BOTTOM, LEFT: Public areas of the Rice Mill Lofts feature original art and graffiti that was added during a period the building was neglected. RIGHT: Dr. Katy Morris is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond where she serves as team physician for Southeastern Louisiana University as well as high schools in the area. myneworleans.com / APRIL 2016

bedrooms and two bathrooms. “I found the perfect headboard for the bed in my master bedroom,” Katy says. “It is made of solid mango wood and carved to represent a lotus flower.” She adds, “I love to wake up with an eye-level view of the river from the window next to my bed and see the sunrise downriver behind the ships – the sight never gets old to me, and I don’t know how many times I have captured the beauty of it all with my iPhone. What else can I say? This is a true sanctuary for me and a perfect home.” n FACING PAGE: TOP, LEFT: The wall in the hallway shows off Morris’ collection of hats. TOP, RIGHT: An entry to the apartment features an ideal spot to keep bicycles. BOTTOM, LEFT: Morris’ desk is placed behind the sofa facing two large windows so she can enjoy the view of the bend Mississippi River just below the French Quarter while she works; she keeps the windows open much of the time to embrace the never-ending breeze. BOTTOM, RIGHT: The 1910 workbench in the kitchen features working vices and serves as a work surface and to store wine. TOP: The wall above the cabinets in the kitchen displays old record covers Morris’ mother collected when she worked for Capricorn Records in Macon, Georgia in the 1970s; two of the well-known groups Capricorn recorded were the Allman Brother Band and The Marshall Tucker Band. LEFT: The large bathroom features a shower with a rain showerhead at the end of the room.

myneworleans.com / APRIL 2016

Somedayslovin fringe suede vest at Stonefree; Cobain Awesome Baggies by oneteaspoon at Jean Therapy Lakeside; elk antler arm wrap and elk antler tip earrings at Small Change Finery; brass ring at Sotre; leather multi strand bib at Blink Lakeside

Hot and dry or wet and muddy, music festivals always get down and dirty by the end of the day. Counter the grime with a cool and comfortable look that layers fringe, flowers, feathers and leather for a pretty throwback vibe.

Musical Muse By Lisa Tudor • Photographed by Theresa Cassagne • model morgan rees • Hair by Niki Walker • Makeup by Meggan Ory Dupre • Silk Floral designs by cristina desoto

Thejetsetdiaries Mystic Romper over embroidered Castello bustier at Stonefree; suede fringe crossbody bag at Francescaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lakeside; brass and stone ring at Sotre; feather earring at A. Renee; enameled Tibetan horn pendant at Small Change Finery

Spellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hotel Paradiso floral print bell sleeve dress and Vanessa Mooney feather tab suede wrap and beaded chokers at Stonefree; porcupine coral drop earrings by De Luxe at Trashy Diva; wire-andstone bangle bracelet at Judy at the Rink

Handkerchief floral print halter and matching shorts (not shown) at Blink Lakeside.

Calypso St. Barth embroidered striped tunic with gold tassel at Saks Fifth Avenue; Parcel & Journey fringed tote at Sotre; “Graceful” antique lace Birkenstocks at Good Feet

APRIL 2016 / myneworleans.com

Alice + Olivia “Bohemian Garden” peasant top at Saks Fifth Avenue; Sugar + Lips Date Night black shorts at A. Renee Boutique; Missoni Mare Italian head band; YSL baby chain serpent fringe bag at Saks Fifth Avenue; African Porcupine Quill Bar necklace at Small Change Finery

myneworleans.com / APRIL 2016

Rosewater Maxi Dress at stonefree by Minkpink Swim; cristina desoto vintage fringed scarf; De Petra beaded leather hoop earrings at Sotre; red Buddha ring at Trashy Diva; iPhone case with shoulder strap at Queork, The Cork Store

Bell sleeve geo-print mini dress at Blink Lakeside; Vanessa Mooney yellow suede choker at Stonefree; flower crown by cristina desoto, cristinadesoto@ gmail.com.

SOUTH MARKET DISTRICT A Guide to the Newest Neighborhood By R. Stephanie Bruno

Photographed by Eugenia Uhl

ew Orleans is a city of neighborhoods. Picture Faubourg Marigny with its Creole cottages, the Irish Channel with its double shotgun houses or Broadmoor with its raised basement bungalows. Each has its own identity, derived in large part by its distinctive architecture and the people who settled it. The newest neighborhood riding the urban living wave is the South Market District, bounded roughly by Poydras Street on the north, Howard Avenue on the south, Carondelet Street on the east and Loyola Avenue on the west. Named to honor the legacy of the historic Poydras Market, the South Market District is adjacent to the Central Business District, the Warehouse District and the Superdome/Sports District. Development of the area got a jumpstart in 2010 when the Domain

Companies announced that it would build new mixed-use buildings on four square blocks then occupied by surface parking lots. Spurred by the construction of the Loyola Avenue streetcar and the development of the biosciences district surrounding the new University Medical Center complex, Domain set out to transform what preservationists had long lamented as the “parking lot district” into a walkable neighborhood featuring dozens of urban amenities. They have succeeded so well that the term “South Market District” is now used to describe the new neighborhood, not just the five square blocks at the center developed by Domain. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a guide to New Orleans’ newest neighborhood so that you’ll be in the know about what it has to offer. Think of this set of lists as a starting point and use it to explore on your own.

Where to EAT Like any neighborhood in this food-crazed city, the South Market District is home to an astonishing array of tempting restaurants and cafes, with menus including Vietnamese, Mexican, Southern and beyond. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick sandwich or a fine meal, you can find it – and everything in between – right here. Allegro Bistro (Entergy Centre, 1100 Poydras St., AllegroBistro.com): The long-time restaurant anchor on the ground floor of the Energy Centre offers Creole inspired dishes in an upscale Art Deco atmosphere. Back to the Garden (833 Howard Ave.): A favorite lunch spot for nearby office workers, this order-atthe-counter venue offers a vegetarian and health conscious menu.

Blaze Pizza (611 O’Keefe Ave., BlazePizza. com): Fast-fired, custom-built, artisanal pizzas by this national chain keep company with artful salads and a “s’more pie” for dessert.

Johnny Sánchez (930 Poydras St., JohnnySanchezRestaurant. com): This chic Mexican restaurant operates under the flag of celebrity chef John Besh and business partner Aaron Sanchez.

Horinoya.Weebly.com): The family-run restaurant features traditional Japanese fare including sushi, sashimi and specialty rolls, plus some surprising specialty dishes.

Balise (640 Carondelet St., BaliseNOLA.com): James Beard nominated chef Justin Devillier opened this downtown offshoot of his Uptown staple, La Petite Grocery, to feature Louisiana fare accented by European style. City Greens (909 Poydras St., EatCityGreens.com): Seasonal, hydroponically grown greens are the focus of this salad bar, where wraps, juices and soups are also on the menu. Company Burger (611 O’Keefe Ave., TheCompanyBurger. com): National award-winning burgers are served with shakes

and fries at this downtown outpost of chef Joe Biderman’s Freret Street flagship spot. Jimmy Johns (900 Poydras St., JimmyJohns.com): Saints quarterback Drew Brees owns this chain restaurant that offers subs, club sandwiches and signature fries. Juan’s Flying Burrito (515 Baronne St., JuansFlyingBurrito.com): The popular locally owned restaurant’s third location offers burritos, enchiladas, margaritas and tacos. Horinoya (920 Poydras St.,

Magasin Kitchen (611 O’Keefe Ave.): The owners of Magasin Uptown (MagasinCafe.com) opened this downtown counterpart, where they serve Vietnamese fare including pho, bun and bánh mì. Reginelli’s Pizzeria (930 Poydras St., Reginellis.com): One of several locations of the locally owned Italian bistro, the restaurant offers pizzas, sandwiches, salads and pasta dishes. Willa Jean Bakery (611 O’Keefe Ave., WillaJean.com): Chef John Besh collaborates with chefs Kelly Fields and Lisa White on a “contemporary bakery” purveying Southern food (think shrimp and grits), baked goods, specialty coffee and cocktails.

Cellar Door (916 Lafayette St., CellarDoorNOLA. com): Housed in the 1830s-era SwoopDuggins house, a former brothel, this gastropub exudes a clubby atmosphere while serving swanky small plates and fine spirits.

Stonefree (611 O’Keefe Ave.): Clothing inspired by the 1960s and ’70s takes center stage at this shop for women.

Barre3 (611 O’Keefe Ave., barre3.com): Fitness classes at this studio combine principles of yoga, Pilates and ballet barre to tone and strengthen major muscle groups while increasing heart rate.

Where to Exercise Residents of the South Market District tend to walk to restaurants, bars and the grocery store, but even in this pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, workouts help with staying in shape (and meeting neighbors). Crescent City Pilates (901 Carondelet St., CrescentCityPilates. com): The facility offers both traditional and non-traditional Pilates based on human anatomy and biomechanics. Iron Tribe Fitness (733 St. Joseph St., IronTribeFitness.com): Forty-five minute fitness classes at this membership venue are aimed at improving health and athleticism.

Where to shop South Market District teems with new residents and investment, attracting an increasing number of retail establishments. Some of the newest shopping ops include furniture stores, accessory shops and clothing boutiques. Arhaus (939 Girod St., Arhaus.com): The sophisticated furniture store with a national presence features handcrafted, one-of-a-kind designs for the home environment. Hattie Sparks (939 Girod St., HattieSparks.com): The boutique’s collection of home décor, clothing, cosmetics, jewelry, books, art and gifts has been carefully curated to appeal to urban dwellers. On the fringes: Dozens of art galleries in the vicinity of Julia Street in the Warehouse District.

Where to Make Groceries How many times have you heard residents of other neighborhoods bemoan the lack of an accessible, well-stocked grocery store? Never in the South Market District.

Rouses (701 Baronne St., Shop.Rouses. com): New Orleans residents from the neighborhood and beyond flock to this store for its selection of wine and spirits, deli, bakery, meals to go and seafood. On-site parking makes it easy to access.

Walk-On’s (1009 Poydras St., Walk-Ons.com): As the nation’s “No. 1” sports bar (according to ESPN), this bar and restaurant is a favorite locale for watching sports as well as a destination for pre- and post-Saints game socializing

Where to PLAY Downtown New Orleans, including the French Quarter and Warehouse District, are magnets for music, theater and performance-lovers of all stripes. The South Market District fits right in. The Civic Theater (510 O’Keefe Ave., CivicNOLA.com): Built in 1906, the historic theater has been meticulously restored and re-opened as a venue for music concerts and more. On the fringes: The Orpheum Theater (129 Roosevelt Way, OrpheumNOLA.com); Canal Street’s Joy (TheJoyTheater.com) and Saenger theaters (SaengerNOLA. com); the Little Gem Saloon (445 S. Rampart St., LittleGemSaloon.com); Champions Square at the Superdome (Champions-Square.com); Lafayette Square for free “Wednesday at the Square” concerts in spring and fall (WednesdayAtTheSquare.com).

Buff Beauty Bar (720 Carondelet St., BuffBeautyBar. com): Everything an urban dweller would want can be found here, including manicures, pedicures, brow and lash tints, waxing, make-up and face peels.

Where to Live Developers of the South Market District led the way in that area of downtown with The Paramount and plan to develop additional apartment and condo buildings, including The Beacon (124 apartments and retail now under construction) and The Standard (89 condos and retail). On the fringes: One-time banks and other commercial buildings in the Central Business District and Warehouse District have been converted to residential use by developers including HRI, Wisznia, Gibbs Development, Green Coast Enterprises and others. Their apartment and condo developments include 200 Carondelet (200 Carondelet St.); 925 Common (925 Common St.); 930 Poydras (930 Poydras St.); Civic Lofts Apartments (547 Baronne St.); Gravier Place Apartments (837 Gravier St.); The Hibernia Tower (812 Gravier St.); The Maritime (800 Common St.); The Pythian (234 Loyola Ave., under construction); The Saratoga (212 Loyola Ave.); The Strand (909 Gravier St./225 Baronne St.); and The Union Lofts (334 Carondelet St.)

The Paramount (Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Keefe Avenue and Girod Street): Offering 209 apartments with access to The Park, a five-floor garage for bikes and cars providing electric car charging stations, and both bicycleand car-sharing programs.

Where to Get Pretty Hallmarks of the savvy urbanist are well-designed hair, carefully cultivated skin and properly groomed nails. Niki Walker Salon (625 Baronne St., NikiWalkerSalon. com): The salon offers hair care services, including cuts and coloring, for male and female clients. On the fringes: Salon du Beau Monde (810 St. Charles Ave., SalonBeauMonde.com) and City Looks Salon (337 Baronne St., CityLooksOfNola.com)

Jay Sweet and George Wein

Jazz Fest and Newport Two festivals that influenced each other

By Mike Griffith

orty-six years ago George Wein, founder of both Newport Jazz and Folk festivals, was invited down to New Orleans in order to help establish the event that would become the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. This fateful invitation set off a series of events that would perpetually entwine the sounds of New Orleans with the Rhode Island shores of Newport. Each summer around the world the great rituals surrounding music festivals gear up to unfurl themselves. To a great degree we have George Wein to thank for this proliferation. The 1954 Newport Jazz Festival featured a series of live performances on

APRIL 2016 / myneworleans.com

an outdoor stage with attendees lounging on the lawns of the Newport Casino. The success of this arrangement set the wheels in motion for the proliferation of these events around the world. One of the key elements that distinguishes festivals from one another are the people that naturally gravitate to them. They really flourish when a community of mutual appreciation forms among the attendees, artists and organizers. When I spoke with Wein, it became clear that he understands this better than anyone. He talked about his time in New Orleans and his vision for the festival, “Well, I wasn’t steeped in New Orleans … but I knew about gospel. I knew about Louis (Armstrong). I knew about funk. I knew about the Fats Dominos, the Allen Toussaints and that side of New Orleans music. I

Ryan Mastro photo

knew about the jazz side of New Orleans music. I had played with Sidney Bechet … I’d worked with him in Europe and Bechet was pure New Orleans. The whole element of working with the gospel, the blues, the funk, the jazz – I realized there was a street culture there. And I mean literally, a street culture that no other city in the world had. The totality of a culture that was New Orleans is still there.” Wein’s vision for the festival would encapsulate not just New Orleans culture but the culture of Louisiana as well. “That was my purpose, that’s not just to go with one direction in New Orleans, to bring in the entire element of the city, as you say, the uptown, the downtown. New Orleans is a history of different cultures, between the Creole and the African-American and the Spanish, and the French, and the English. The whole thing is, you have to hit it all or you don’t get anything.” In order to effect this vision, Wein began to look for allies and, more importantly, recruits. Quint Davis was recommended to Wein by Dick Allen, who was the director of the Tulane University Hogan Jazz Archive at the time. The rest, as they say, is history. According to Wein, Davis hit the ground running. “I just threw the book at him, I said, ‘You gotta do this.’ I’ve always done that. It’s like, I take people and throw them in the water, if they could swim, good; if they can’t, they can’t. But Quint swam pretty good.” Wein wanted Davis to take the New Orleans festival in a different direction. Davis and I chatted quite a bit about Wein’s vision. According to Davis, Wein said, “If you have something the same as the Newport Jazz Festival, then you will always be second to that. You’ll always be a festival like Newport, and Newport will be the most famous.’ And George knew a lot about New Orleans. I mean, he personally worked with Louie Armstrong, he worked with Mahalia Jackson. When I met him, he was staying with Allan Jaffe of Preservation Hall. So he said, ‘Rather than copying it ... The one thing that New Orleans has that no one else in the world can lay claim to is the birthright of jazz. The birthright.’” The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Newport Jazz and Newport Folk all share a common origin story. Each festival takes as its mission the delivery of music in its purest form to the devout faithful in attendance. Each festival focuses on the culture that makes that music blossom. Each festival generates a space where musicians are free to experiment. The shared heritage of these festivals sets them apart from the field. These environments create moments that are truly immortal. Davis recalls one of these unlikely moments from the early years of Jazz Fest, “The whole reality of the premise and the whole reality of the culture that George understood happened. He brought Mahalia and Duke out … there’s a picture of George and Duke Ellington. Duke was holding a little umbrella, a second-line umbrella, and Mahalia’s standing next to him in a checkered dress. Well, the Eureka Brass Band, ’cause we had second-lines, came marching down through the park … and they see Mahalia Jackson, and they stop. And somehow, we handed Mahalia a mic off of a stage … and they start playing ‘Just a Closer Walk with Thee,’ and she starts singing it with them. So now, we got the birth of jazz in a jazz funeral where these African musicians with Western instruments were playing hymns in a funeral procession and the greatest gospel singer that there ever was, who was also from New Orleans, is singing with them.” Most uniquely, these festivals were founded to be, and remain, family friendly. Part of the strength of the communities around these events is directly built by the passing of the fire from gen-

eration to generation. According to Davis, “George gave us the gift of maintaining that [generational heritage]. When the Jazz Fest opens, we have a saying that it’s ‘wheels to wheels.’ It’s people who are too young to walk and people that are too old to walk. And it’s not often that you’ll have a big popular event like this where people wanna take their children with them, or the children wanna take their parents with them.” This philosophy applies to the programming of the festivals as well. Jay Sweet, who has been programming Newport Folk Fest since 2008 and is the newly named Executive Producer of the Newport Festivals Foundation, spoke to me about the role that history plays in these festivals. “I think if we can turn people on by having a Jack White get up there and in the first couple of songs he’s doing Son House and Lightnin’ Hopkins, that makes a lot of younger people go back into the (19)70s people … the ongoing story of Newport Folk is continuously written every single year. It’s just a new chapter. It’s all tied to what has come before it.” The weight of that history for both the Newport festivals and the New Orleans Jazz Festival draws these performances from the musicians. Together the fans, musicians and organizers create a vibe. The best of these vibes are self-amplifying; they propagate a resonance that sustains the excitement for the next installment almost immediately after the last one is over. Ultimately, George Wein, Quint Davis and Jay Sweet are bound together through a love of New Orleans. The impact of our past and present echoes through the fundamental elements of these festivals. New Orleans doesn’t just inspire these men; the city instructs them as well. I think Wein put it most succinctly: “When I came to New Orleans, I utilized what I’d learned from New Orleans to bring it back to New Orleans.” There is a profound love for the blends of genres, cultures and styles that swirl around our city. Sweet identified it not just as a culture but as a sound. For him it’s the sound that’s truly unique. “When [music fans] talk about jazz or folk in the aspect of how we, meaning we as in people who love New Orleans, [the fans say] ‘that’s a totally New Orleans sound.’ I feel like Newport is the same; when people talk about Newport [they say] ‘it’s totally a Newport Festival’…they use Newport as comparison because it is what it is. It’s self-defined.” These unique sounds have inspired those who love them to create and share spaces where the music and musicians can flourish. The key to these spaces is that they preserve without stagnation and foster growth without diminishing the past. According to Davis, “the incredible thing about New Orleans culture, going all the way back even before Louis, King Oliver and Baby Dodds … There’s a gene pool, there’s a talent pool here in all these forms of music that keeps regenerating; it’s unbelievable. It’s amazing that we’ve had generation after generation of heritage, I think people sometimes think of it as a rear view mirror kind of thing, ‘Oh it’s heritage, it’s history, you can look back.’ But here heritage is through the front windshield, too; it’s what’s down the road, it’s what’s coming.” These festivals are built to bring us together to celebrate not only history, but also the evolution of that history moving forward. We may call it history, but we’ are really living the vital cultural moments that make life worthwhile. On of the last things that George Wein said to me was, “My whole life is history.” We have grown with these remarkable festivals as individuals and communities in such a way that our lives are history as well, and that’s exactly how it should be. n myneworleans.com / APRIL 2016

APRIL 2016 / myneworleans.com

the MENU TABLE TALK

RESTAURANT INSIDER

FOOD

LAST CALL

DINING LISTINGS

table talk pg. 74

“Big Killer Poboys started as a quasipopup in the Erin Rose bar several years back and quickly gained a reputation as a go-to sandwich shop for locals; an oasis of authenticity in the touristy morass of the French Quarter.”

jeffery johnston PHOTOGRAPH

THE MENU / TABLE TALK

Seared gulf shrimp poor boy at Big Killer Poboys

Next Gen Poor Boys Best of the loaf by JAY FORMAN

oday we celebrate the expansion of two notable sandwich shops that now present their deliciousness to a far wider audience. The first, Big Killer Poboys, expanded from its home base in a French Quarter bar to include an independent stand-alone location while the other, Bevi Seafood, now slings its goodness in Mid-City. Bring plenty of tall-fold napkins because it’s time to talk poor boys. Big Killer Poboys started as a quasi-popup in the Erin Rose bar several years back and quickly gained a reputation as a go-to sandwich shop for locals; an oasis of authenticity in the touristy morass of the French Quarter. Owned by husband-and-wife team Cam and

April Boudreaux, Big Killer was a hit from the start, and last November they opened the doors to Big Killer Poboys, a spin-off location at 219 Dauphine St. Along with an expanded menu, Big Killer offers more seating with breakfast and lunch service to boot. In fact the two locations are complementary, with Big Killer open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Monday, and the original location meeting the needs of lunch, dinner and late-night. Owner Cam Boudreaux doesn’t consign his poor boys to the usual fried shrimp or oyster loaves. Instead, he takes a more cosmopolitan approach with the initial spark of inspiration com-

Not So Poor Boy Big Killer Poboys 214 Dauphine St. 462-2731 KillerPoboys.com Breakfast and Lunch Wednesdays-Mondays 74

APRIL 2016 / myneworleans.com

Bevi Seafood 236 N. Carrollton Ave. 488-7503 BeviSeafoodCo.com Lunch and Dinner Tuesdays-Sundays

Crabby Jack’s 428 Jefferson Highway 833-2722 CrabbyJacksNOLA.com Lunch Mondays-Saturdays

ing from New Orleans East. “Growing up here we used to go out to Vietnamese restaurants,” Boudreaux says. “Back then you’d see the sandwich name in Vietnamese, and alongside it in English it would just read ‘Vietnamese poor boys.’ Back then they never called them bánh mì. That idea just stuck with me. I thought of all the different varieties and realized that the form allows for other cuisines to enter the New Orleans iconic sandwich lexicon. World flavors in a sandwich, right?” That was the impetus. The execution came from a craftstyle approach. “We didn’t want to be shredding lettuce and opening jars of pre-made mayonnaise,” he says. “We wanted to do something different and work with good ingredients.” His biggest seller, the Seared Gulf Shrimp Poboy, is heavily grounded in the Vietnamese influence. Dressed with marinated carrot, daikon and a cucumber and spicy Sriracha aioli, it comes on Dong Phuong bread. “The local connection is we use nothing but wild-caught Louisiana shrimp seared in a cast iron skillet.” Another choice, the Dark and Stormy, features pork belly glazed with a gingerrum sauce atop lime slaw jeffery johnston PHOTOGRAPH

Crabby Jack’s Crabby Jack’s isn’t new, but it is notable. And when talking about creative poor boys it’s a place that begs to be mentioned. Chef Jacques Leonardi’s iconic seafood shop supplements the usual suspects with some excellent outliers like slow-roasted duck. Be prepared to wait, as they’re only open for lunch and they get slammed daily. Avoiding peak hours does help.

with garlic aioli. Vegetarians don’t need to feel neglected either, as there are meatfree and even vegan options available, like the Roasted Sweet Potato with black-eyed pea and pecan spread. “We always have an option for those who don’t care to eat meat,” says Boudreaux. Finally, as befitting its boozy roots, expect the Jameson Grilled Cheese to migrate over from Little Killer to Big Killer by press time. Made with aged cheddar and Jameson whiskey on Susan Spicer’s Wildflour Bread, this item quickly became a cult sandwich. “Irish whiskey just seems to have an affinity for aged cheese with the salt and caramel tones,” Boudreaux says. “It has this little kick – we get a run on these at Erin Rose; a little ‘hair of the dog’ for our customers.” Bevi Seafood started as a corner seafood joint on Airline Highway in Metairie and quickly caught on, especially among local chefs who appreciated the craft approach to traditional poor boys. Chef and owner Justin LeBlanc makes many of the condiments used, such as the mayonnaise, in house. LeBlanc took over the old K’Jean’s seafood shop on the corner of Bienville Street

and North Carrollton Avenue, and last October opened the doors to his second Bevi Seafood location there. “We offer most of the same menu as the one in Metairie,” he says, “But we have a bigger kitchen and can offer a wider range of choices, and we also have some outside seating, which is a plus.” LeBlanc is very particular about his seafood, and Bevi benefits from being a combination seafood and sandwich shop. “I think what sets us apart is that we have a great rotation of product. Seafood is so perishable. Having multiple menus, for example selling shrimp fresh, boiled and in sandwiches, we’re just able to go through it three times faster than if it was only poor boys.” This virtuous cycle allows for high turnover of inventory, keeping the core ingredients fresh. The bread of choice here is Seeded Leidenheimer. “The seeded bread makes for a better sandwich for me – has a little more pop on outside. We also warm the bread before using it because it puts that crunch back in,” LeBlanc says. On this bread is an array of classic sandwiches like shrimp and oyster, as well as belly busters like the Peacemaker featuring shrimp, roast beef debris and Swiss cheese. More creative options include the Fried Green Tomato with Shrimp Remoulade and the uber-indulgent Messi Swine made with pork belly, cochon de lait, ham and – oh dear – bacon fat mayo. “That one is only available at our Mid-City Location,” LeBlanc says. Bevi also sells live and boiled crawfish and has a catering rig available for parties and events. Seasonal items rotate through the menu, so stop by often to peruse what LeBlanc has to offer on the ice bar in front. n

myneworleans.com / APRIL 2016

THE MENU / RESTAURANT INSIDER

News From the Kitchens Revel, Cavan & Poseidon BY ROBERT PEYTON

Revel

Cavan

Poseidon

Chris and Laura McMillian have opened Revel, a bar and café, in the former Juicy Lucy’s location. Chris is the definition of “old school” where it comes to bartenders. He is capable of mixing original cocktails, but his strength is his deep knowledge and respect for traditional drinks. He is one of the founders of the Museum of the American Cocktail, housed in the Southern Food & Beverage Museum at 1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., and among other stops was the man behind the bar at the Ritz-Carlton’s Library Lounge. At Revel, Chris and his wife Laura are running their own show, with food by their son-in-law, Jose Ayala. The menu includes appetizers like tempura shrimp over pickled vegetables, chicken wings and a daily tartine (open faced-sandwich) special, along with sandwiches on bread made in-house by Alaya, whose background is in baking. Choices include a cheesesteak with charred green onions, peppers and provolone cheese, and pepperoni, pancetta and capicola on olive focaccia with roasted peppers, arugula, provolone and aioli. Revel is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with plans to open for breakfast in the near future as well. Call 309-6122 to learn what’s on the menu today.

Cavan is an interesting place. With multiple dining areas spread over a large former residence, the atmosphere is one of casual elegance. The restaurant is operated by the Leblanc + Smith group, which is also responsible for Sylvain, Barrel Proof and Meauxbar. Chef Kristen Essig, the executive chef at the latter restaurant, has taken on the same duties at Cavan. In renovating the interior of the structure, Leblanc + Smith went for a mix of luxury and age; the architectural details from the home’s glory days were maintained, but the design also includes cracked and aged-looking plaster at the intersection of the ceiling and the walls in some rooms. The menu features a variety of small plates, including a section for raw dishes, “snacks,” like peel-and-eat shrimp, hushpuppies with whipped lardo, and toasts topped with fried oyster and kimchee, crab and butterbean and roasted tomato with goat cheese and bacon marmalade. There are entrée-sized offerings, such as whole fish with roasted poblano and potato salad, and a bone-in ribeye for two that comes with creamed greens and fries. Cavan is located at 3607 Magazine St., and is open 5-11 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, to midnight Fridays and Saturdays, and until 10 p.m. on Sundays. Call 509-7655 to make a reservation and visit CavanNOLA.com to learn more.

When the HBO series “Treme” wrapped production, the space that served as Desautel’s on the Avenue was left vacant. I was fortunate to get a tour of the space while “Treme” was still filming and was amazed that, with only a few changes, the kitchen set could be fully functional. I periodically checked to see what had become of the place, but only recently noticed that Poseidon, a sushi restaurant and oyster bar, had opened there. In fact, Poseidon started business in October 2015, and the main dining room and bar are largely unchanged, though there are now Asian accents – bamboo-themed glass inserts between the banquettes at the rear of the main dining room for example. There are also four private rooms available, each with flat-screen televisions, two that fit 30 guests and two that hold 12. There are five televisions in the bar as well, and during happy hour (2-6 p.m.) a dozen oysters are only $3 with the purchase of a cocktail. The menu hits the Japanese standards – sushi, hibachi and noodle dishes – but also includes raw and chargrilled oysters, as well as a few Chinese dishes, a New York strip steak, shrimp alfredo and gumbo. Poseidon is located at 2100 St. Charles Ave. and is open Mondays through Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., until 2 a.m. on Fridays, from 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturdays and noon to 10 p.m. on Sundays. Call 509-6675 and visit PoseidonNOLA.com to find out more.

APRIL 2016 / myneworleans.com

SARA ESSEX BRADLEY photographs

THE MENU / FOOD

We Got Berries! Recipes for the season by Dale Curry

EUGENIA UHL PHOTOGRAPH

APRIL 2016 / myneworleans.com

O Strawberry Tarts

2 pints fresh strawberries 6 large egg yolks at room temperature ¾ cup sugar 3 Tablespoons cornstarch ¼ teaspoon salt 1 ¾ cups milk, brought almost to a boil 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon almond extract 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter 2 Tablespoons heavy cream 8 to 10 frozen mini pie shells or puff pastry shells 1/3 cup strawberry jelly Rinse strawberries and drain. Pat dry and remove stems. Set aside. In an electric mixer, beat egg yolks and sugar on medium-high speed for 4 minutes. Reduce speed to low and add cornstarch and salt. Slowly mix in hot milk. Pour mixture into a medium saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens – about 5 to 7 minutes. If the mixture lumps, whisk rapidly until lumps disappear. The mixture should have the texture of a thick custard. Stir in vanilla, almond extract, butter and heavy cream, cool, cover with plastic wrap directly on the custard and refrigerate until cold. Meanwhile, bake pie or puff pastry shells according to package directions. Cool. To complete tarts, fill pie or pastry shells with custard and top with whole small strawberries or halved large strawberries, seed sides up. Melt strawberry jelly in a small pot with 1 teaspoon water, stirring until smooth. With a small pastry brush, brush jelly over tops of berries. Serves 4 to 6

ur food-famous region is known in some circles as the Louisiana Berry Belt. And soon is the season for our favorites to arrive – strawberries, blueberries and blackberries. We like to go over the levee to snitch blackberries off the bushes. If you try it, carry a big stick to beat the bushes to scare off snakes before you pick. Some of us grow blueberries in our own backyards, and the Northshore is alive with strawberry and blueberry farms. Picking at these places is much more civilized, but the levee battures can be fun. You can put these gems in every course, but I like to focus on desserts because nothing compares to a bubbling hot cobbler bursting with berries served à la mode. Berries cry out for brandy and cream, and there’s no better match for them than an English custard. The original Louisiana strawberry, small and sweet, can still be found although new

breeding has produced larger, firmer specimens. Sometimes I wish the LSU AgCenter would quit fooling with our strawberries because I liked them better the old way. In case you didn’t know, strawberries got their name from the straw used to pack around the plants like mulch and to hold the moisture in. There are many other explanations, but that’s what we say in Louisiana. We should know: Pontchatoula’s nickname is “The Strawberry Capital of the World.” Other regions shout about their tiny blueberries, but it’s hard to beat our fat Rabbiteyes. They fill up a bag, or a pie, in no time flat and freeze well for cooking in the future. Seasons are running early this year due to weather changes. Some of our strawberries appeared this year, or I should say last year, in October and November. Whichever berry you like, there should be plenty of them in the next couple of months.

Blackberry Cobbler à la Mode

Blueberries in Brandy Custard

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

½ cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 Tablespoons cornstarch

2/3 cup shortening such as Crisco

2 ¼ cups whole milk

2 Tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

1 ½ teaspoons brandy

½ cup ice water

4 cups fresh blueberries

Filling:

½ pint whipping cream

5 cups blackberries, rinsed and stemmed

½ teaspoon vanilla

1 cup sugar

2 Tablespoons sugar

¼ cup all-purpose flour

In a medium bowl, beat egg yolks and whisk in sugar and cornstarch until mixed well.

Crust:

Zest of 1 lemon 1 Tablespoon lemon juice 2 Tablespoons butter, cut into ¼-inch pieces Vanilla ice cream In a food processor, combine flour and salt. Add shortening by the spoonful and butter by pieces. Pulse until crumbly. Slowly add ice water and pulse until the pastry begins to form a ball. Remove from food processor and place on a lightly floured surface. Roll to form a smooth ball. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. Roll dough out to ¼-inch thickness with a floured rolling pin. Cut a pastry to fit an 8- to 9-inch baking dish or pan, including the sides. Refrigerate crust and remaining dough until filling is mixed. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. To make filling, place blackberries in a medium bowl. Add sugar, flour, lemon zest and juice, and mix well. Place in the chilled crust and top with dots of butter. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, cut remaining dough into ½-inch strips and place them cross-wise the top of the cobbler. Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until bubbly and browned on top. Serve warm with scoops of vanilla ice cream. Serves 6

4 egg yolks

Heat milk in medium saucepan over medium-high heat just to a simmer or until small bubbles form around the edges. Reduce heat to low and pour a little of the simmering milk into the egg mixture and mix well. Increase heat to medium-low and gradually add the egg mixture back into the remaining milk. Whisk constantly over heat until custard has thickened, about 7 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk until custard is smooth throughout. Stir in brandy. Cool slightly, then place in the refrigerator with plastic wrap on top of the custard, and refrigerate until custard is cold. Rinse blueberries, drain and pat dry. When ready to serve, whip cream in an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add vanilla and sugar, and whip until stiff peaks form. In stemmed, clear dessert glasses or wine glasses layer custard, about 1/3 cup per serving, then blueberries, about ¾ cup per serving, and top each with a large dollop of whipped cream. Serves 6 myneworleans.com / APRIL 2016

THE MENU / LAST CALL

Revel With A Cause What the doctor ordered BY tim mcnally

here are not many months around here when the gods of frivolity and festival do not smile kindly on this former French and Spanish outpost. On any given week during any given year, sitting at home alone in your room isn’t an option. And it is, maybe ironically, April, the month of settling your account with Uncle Sam, when matters seem to rise to a frenzied party crescendo. These 30 days deliver to our doorstep the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, French Quarter Festival, Freret Street Festival, Jammin’ on Julia and the 9th Ward Festival. No neighborhood left behind seem to be the watchwords. All of that music and all of those fabulous foods sure to be featured at every festival (must be alliteration season here at Last Call), make a body thirsty and in need of a comfortable place to settle in, even if just for a little while. There is a new place right in the heart of it all, in Mid-City appropriately enough, ready to receive and to serve. Revel is the new bar from the dean of New Orleans bartenders Chris McMillian and his delightful wife, Laura. Being served the perfect cocktail is one thing. Chris has been doing that for all of us for years. But at Revel, you’ll learn the real story about what you’re enjoying in your glass. Chris is quite

the historian and raconteur. Settle in. Chris’ stories are compelling and not necessarily short. Old school in every endearing sense of the term. Revel may be just what the doctor ordered for your festival-weary body and soul.

Doctor’s Orders 2 ounces Woodford Reserve .5 ounce Marie Brizard White Cacao liqueur 3 drops Benedictine Combine ingredients in mixing glass. Add ice and stir until chilled. Strain into chilled cocktail glass – Doctor’s Orders. Created and prepared by Chris McMillian at Revel Café and Bar, 133 N. Carrollton Ave. 80

APRIL 2016 / myneworleans.com

sara essex bradley PHOTOGRAPH

THE MENU / DINING GUIDE H= New Orleans Magazine award winner / $ = Average entrée price. $ = $5-10 / $$ = $11-15 / $$$ = $16-20 / $$$$ = $21-25 / $$$$$ = $25 and up.

American

nightly. Jazz Brunch on Sunday. $$$$$

Zea’s Rotisserie and Grill Multiple Locations, ZeaRestaurants.com. L, D daily. Drawing from a wide range of worldly influences, this popular restaurant serves a variety of grilled items as well as appetizers, salads, side dishes, seafood, pasta and other entrées. Also offers catering services. $$$

Manning’s 519 Fulton St., 593-8118. L, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. Born of a partnership between New Orleans’ First Family of Football and Harrah’s Casino, Manning’s offers sports bar fans a step up in terms of comfort and quality. With a menu that draws on both New Orleans and the Deep South, traditional dishes get punched up with inspired but accessible twists in surroundings accented by both memorabilia and local art. $$$

Bywater Elizabeth’s 601 Gallier St., 944-9272, ElizabethsRestaurantNola.com. B, L MonFri, D Mon-Sat, Br Sat-Sun. This eclectic local restaurant draws rave reviews for its praline bacon and distinctive Southern-inspired brunch specials. $$$

H Maurepas 3200 Burgundy St., 2670072, MaurepasFoods.com. D Thu-Tue, Br Sat-Sun. Pioneering farm-to-table restaurant with an ingredient-driven menu that changes daily. Clever cocktails a plus as well. $$ Satsuma Café 3218 Dauphine St., 3045962, SatsumaCafe.com. B, L daily (until 5 p.m.). Offers healthy, inspired breakfast and lunch fare, along with freshly squeezed juices. $

carrollton Bourré 1510 S. Carrollton Ave., 5104040. L, D Tue-Sun. “Elevated” street food along with quality daiquiris and reconsidered wings are the draw at this newcomer from the team behind Boucherie. $$

CITY PARK Café NOMA 1 Collins Diboll Circle, NO Museum of Art, City Park, 482-1264, CafeNoma.com. L, (snacks) Tue-Sun. Sleek bar and café in the ground floor of museum offers a thoughtful array of snacks, sandwiches and small plates that are sure to enchant, with a kids’ menu to boot. $$

CBD/Warehouse District The Grill Room Windsor Court Hotel, 300 Gravier St., 522-1992, GrillRoomNewOrleans.com. B, L, D daily, Br Sun. Featuring modern American cuisine with a distinctive New Orleans flair, the adjacent Polo Club Lounge offers live music

Pete’s Pub Intercontinental Hotel, 444 St. Charles Ave., 585-5401, IcNewOrleans.com/dining/petes_pub. D Mon-Fri. Casual fare and adult beverages are served in this pub on the ground floor. $$ Q&C Hotel/Bar 344 Camp St., (866) 247-7936, QandC.com. B, D daily. Newly renovated boutique hotel offering a small plates menu with tempting choices such as a Short Rib Poor Boy and Lobster Mac and Cheese to complement their sophisticated craft cocktails. $$

H Root 200 Julia St., 252-9480, RootNola.com. L Mon-Fri, D daily. Chef Philip Lopez opened Root in November 2011 and has garnered a loyal following for his modernist, eclectic cuisine. Try the country fried chicken wings and the Cohiba-smoked scallops crusted with chorizo. $$$$

H Restaurant August 301 Tchoupitoulas St., 299-9777, RestaurantAugust.com. L Fri, D daily. James Beard Award-winning chef John Besh’s menu is based on classical techniques of Louisiana cuisine and produce with a splash of European flavor set in an historic carriage warehouse. $$$$$ Tivoli & Lee 2 Lee Circle, 962-0909, TivoliAndLee.com. B, L, D daily, Br SatSun. Progressive Southern cuisine is the focus. Rabbit sliders, poke salad and pickled shrimp redefine locally sourced ingredients, and craft cocktail and bourbon menus round out the appeal. Craft cocktail bar Bellocq serves specialty and locally influenced libations. $$$ Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar 1009

Poydras St., 309-6530, Walk-Ons.com. L, D, daily. Burger, sandwiches, wraps and more made distinctive with a Louisiana twist are served at this sports bar near the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. $$ Warehouse Grille, 869 Magazine St., 322-2188, WarehouseGrille.com. L, D daily, Br Fri-Sun. Creative fare served in an art-filled environment. Try the duck crêpes or the lamb spring rolls. $$ Wolfe’s in the Warehouse 859 Convention Center Blvd., 613-2882. B, L, D daily. Chef Tom Wolfe brings his refined cuisine to the booming Fulton Street corridor. His Smoked Kobe Short Ribs are a good choice. $$$

Downtown The Grill 540 Chartres St., 522-1800. B, L, D daily. A diner with local character staffed by local characters. $

Faubourg Marigny Langlois 1710 Pauger St., 934-1010, LangloisNola.com. L Fri-Sat, D Wed-Sun. *Reservations only Supper club and boutique cooking school in the Marigny serves up culturally informed, farmto-table fare with the added bonus of instruction. Dishes include Spiced Quail and Lemongrass Meatballs with Smoked broth. Open kitchen and convivial atmosphere add up to a good time. $$$ The Marigny Brasserie 640 Frenchmen St., 945-4472, MarignyBrasserie.com. L, D daily. Chic neighborhood bistro with traditional dishes like the Wedge of Lettuce salad and innovative cocktails such as the cucumber Cosmo. $$$ Snug Harbor 626 Frenchman St., 949-0696, SnugJazz.com. D daily. This jazz club serves cocktails and a dining menu loaded with steaks, seafood and meaty burgers served with loaded baked potatoes. $$$$

French Quarter Angeline 1032 Chartres St., 308-3106, AngelineNola.com. B Mon-Fri, Brunch Sat & Sun, D nightly. Modern southern with a fine dining focus is the hallmark of this bistro tucked away in a quiet end of the French Quarter. Southern Fried Quail

and Braised Lamb Necks with ricotta agnolotti represent the style. $$$ Continental Provisions 110 N Peters St., Stall 23, 407-3437. Open daily. Artisan purveyors including Bellegarde Bakery and Cleaver & Company team up to reclaim a foothold for quality food in the tourist Ground Zero of the French Market. Sandwiches, breads, cheeses and more. $$ Hard Rock Café 125 Bourbon St., 5295617, HardRock.com. L, D daily. Local outpost of this global brand serves burgers, café fare and drinks in their rock memorabilia-themed environs. $$ The Pelican Club 312 Exchange Place, 523-1504, PelicanClub.com. D daily. Serves an eclectic mix of hip food, from the seafood “martini” to clay-pot barbecued shrimp and a trio of duck. Three dining rooms available. $$$$$ Rib Room Omni Royal Orleans Hotel, 621 St. Louis St., 529-7046, RibRoomNewOrleans.com. L, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. Old World elegance and high ceilings, house classic cocktails and Anthony Spizale’s broad menu of prime rib, stunning seafood and on weekends a champagne brunch. $$$

GARDEN DISTRICT Cheesecake Bistro by Copeland’s, 2001 St. Charles Ave., 593-9955, CopelandsCheesecakeBistro.com. L, D daily. Shiny, contemporary bistro serves Cajun-fusion fare along with its signature decadent desserts. Good lunch value to boot. $$ District Donuts Sliders Brew, 2209 Magazine Street, 570-6945, DonutsAndSliders.com. B, L, D daily. Creative sliders (hello, pork belly) and super-creative donuts (think root beer float) are the hallmarks of this next-generation café. $

Metairie Boulevard American Bistro 4241 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 889-2301. L, D daily. Classic American cuisine including steaks, chops and more are augmented by regional favorites like Boulevard Oysters at this Metairie bistro. $$$

Purloo – An Edible History Lesson Purloo, 1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., 324-6020, NOLAPurloo.com The Southern Food & Beverage Museum in Central City is a treasure trove of historical culinary artifacts. However, a visit there is incomplete without taking a seat at Purloo, the restaurant located inside. Owner and chef Ryan Hughes offers visitors an edible tour of the South, from Texas to the Carolinas, incorporating high cuisine and comfort food. Hughes pulls inspiration from culinary traditions spanning decades and executes them with skill and modern touches. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays, Hughes is often seen in the dining room, sharing historical and geographical menu notes with his diners. – Mirella Cameran.

APRIL 2016 / myneworleans.com

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café B 2700 Metairie Road, 934-4700, cafeB.com. D daily, L Mon-Sat. Br Sun. Ralph Brennan offers New American bistro fare with a Louisiana twist at this family-friendly neighborhood spot. $$$ Caffe! Caffe! 3547 N. Hullen St., 2679190. B, L Mon-Sat. & 4301 Clearview Parkway, 885-4845. B, L daily; D MonSat. CaffeCaffe.com Healthy, refreshing meal options combine with gourmet coffee and espresso drinks to create a tasteful retreat for Metairie diners at a reasonable price. Try the egg white spinach wrap. $ Heritage Grill 111 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 934-4900, HeritageGrillMetairie. com. L Mon-Fri. This lunch-only destination caters to the office crowd and offers a freshly squeezed juice menu to go along with its regular menu and express two-course lunch. $$

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

NORTHSHORE Dakota 629 N. Highway 190, (985) 892-3712, TheDakotaRestaurant.com. L Tue-Fri, D Mon-Sat. A sophisticated dining experience with generous portions. $$$$$

Riverbend Carrollton Market 8132 Hampson St., 252-9928, CarrolltonMarket.com. D TueSat. Modern Southern cuisine manages to be both fun and refined at this tasteful boîte. $$$

Martin Wine Cellar 714 Elmeer Ave., 896-7300, MartinWine.com. Wine by the glass or bottle to go with daily lunch specials, towering burgers, hearty soups and salads and giant, deli-style sandwiches. $

Uptown

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

Camellia Grill 626 S. Carrollton Ave., 309-2679. B, L, D daily. A venerable diner whose essential character has remained intact and many of the original waiters have returned. Credit cards are now accepted. $

Audubon Clubhouse 6500 Magazine St., 212-5282, AudubonInstitute.org. B, L Tue-Sat, Br Sun. A kid-friendly menu with local tweaks and a casually upscale sandwich and salad menu. $$

GG’s Dine-O-Rama 3100 Magazine St., 373-6579, GGsNewOrleans.com. B Sat, L,

Tue-Sun, D Tue-Fri, Br Sun. Upscalecasual restaurant serves a variety of specialty sandwiches, salads and wraps, like the Chicago-style hot dog and the St. Paddy’s Day Massacre, chef Gotter’s take on the Rueben. $$ Martin Wine Cellar 3827 Baronne St., 899-7411, MartinWine.com. Wine by the glass or bottle with cheeses and snacks to-go. $ Slim Goodies 3322 Magazine St., 891 EGGS (3447), SlimGoodiesDiner.com. B, L daily. This diner offers an exhaustive menu heavily influenced by local cuisine. Try the Creole Slammer, a breakfast platter rounded out by crawfish étouffée. The laid-back vibe is best enjoyed on the patio out back. $ Stein’s Market and Deli 2207 Magazine St., 527-0771, SteinsDeli.net. B, L, D TueSun. New York City meets New Orleans. The Reuben and Rachel sandwiches are the real deal and the half-sours and pickled tomatoes complete the deli experience. $ Surrey’s Café and Juice Bar 1418 Magazine St., 524-3828; 4807 Magazine St., 895-5757, SurreysCafeAndJuiceBar.com. B, L daily. Laid-back café focuses on breakfast and brunch dishes to accompany freshly squeezed juice offerings. Health-food lovers will like it here, along with fans of favorites such as peanut butter and banana pancakes. $$ Tracey’s Irish Restaurant & Bar 2604

Magazine St., 897-5413, TraceysNola. com. L, D daily. A neighborhood bar with one of the best messy roast beef poor boys in town. The gumbo, cheeseburger poor boy and other sandwiches are also winners. Grab a local Abita beer to wash it all down. Also a great location to watch the game. $

H Upperline 1413 Upperline St., 891-9822, Upperline.com. D Wed-Sun. Consummate hostess JoAnn Clevenger and talented chef Dave Bridges make for a winning combination at this nationally heralded favorite. The oft-copied fried green tomatoes with shrimp remoulade originated here. $$$$

H Wayfare 4510 Freret St., 309-0069, WayfareNola.com. L, D daily. Creative sandwiches and southern-inspired small plates. $$ Ye Olde College Inn 3000 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-3683, CollegeInn1933.com. D Tue-Sat. Serves up classic fare, albeit with a few upscale dishes peppering the menu. $$$

Asian Fusion/Pan Asian Little Tokyo Multiple locations, LittleTokyoNola.com. L, D daily. Multiple locations of this popular Japanese sushi and hibachi chain make sure that there’s always a specialty roll within easy reach. $$

Bywater Red’s Chinese 3048 St. Claude Ave., 304-6030, RedsChinese.com. D Wed-Mon.

myneworleans.com / APRIL 2016

DINING GUIDE Assertive, in-your-face Chinese fare by chef Tobias Womack, an alum of Danny Bowien’s Mission Chinese. The Kung Pao Pastrami and Delta Broccoli are good options. $$

CBD/Warehouse District Horinoya 920 Poydras St., 561-8914. L, D daily. Excellent Japanese dining. The chu-toro is delicious and the selection of authentic Japanese appetizers is the best. $$$ Rock-N-Sake 823 Fulton St., 581-7253, RockNSake.com. L Fri, D Tue-Sun, late night. Fresh sushi and contemporary takes on Japanese favorites in an upbeat, casual setting. $$$

Faubourg Marigny Bao and Noodle 2700 Charters St., 272-0004, BaoAndNoodle.com. L, D daily. Housemade noodles and a more authentic take on Chinese fare sets this neighborhood startup apart. Try the soup dumplings if available $$

Ave., 302-9716, HoshunRestaurant.com. L, D daily. Offers a wide variety of Asian cuisines, primarily dishes culled from China, Japan, Thailand and Malaysia. Five-pepper calamari is a tasty way to begin the meal, and their creative sushi rolls are good. Private dining rooms available. $$

Sun. Eclectic cafe with DNA from both Sun Ray Grill and Aloha Sushi Bar puts out southern-inspired fare backed by an Americanized sushi menu, a kids menu and more. Along with a Sunday brunch, there’s something for everyone at this independent restaurant. $$$

H Tan Dinh 1705 Lafayette St., 3618008. B, L, D daily. Roasted quail and the beef pho rule at this Vietnamese outpost. $$

831-9633. L daily, D Tue-Sun. Popular and family-friendly Chinese restaurant is one of the few places around that serves dim sum. $$

Kenner

MARRERO

Little Chinatown 3800 Williams Blvd., 305-0580, LittleChinatown.net. L, D daily. One of the city’s best Chinese restaurants is secreted away on William’s Boulevard in Kenner. Try the roast duck or roast pork, either one is terrific, as well as their short menu of authentic dishes that (for the most part) avoid Americanized Chinese fare. $$

Daiwa, 5033 Lapalco Blvd., 875-4203, DaiwaSushi.com. L, D daily. Japanese destination on the Westbank serves an impressive and far-ranging array of creative fusion fare. $$$

French Quarter

Lakeview

V Sushi 821 Iberville St., 609-2291, VSushiMartini.com. D daily, late-night. Creative rolls and a huge list of fusion dishes keep party-lovers going late into the night at this combination sushi and martini bar. $$$

Lakeview Pearl 6300 Canal St., 3095711, LakeviewPearl.com. L, D Mon-Sat. A long list of specialty rolls rounds out the offerings of this Asian-Fusion restaurant. $$

Garden District

CoNola Grill & Sushi 619 Pink St., 8370055, CoNolaGrillSushi.com. L, D Tue-

Hoshun Restaurant 1601 St. Charles

APRIL 2016 / myneworleans.com

Metairie

H Royal China 600 Veterans Blvd.,

Mid-City H Café Minh 4139 Canal St., 482-6266, CafeMinh.com. L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat. Chef Minh Bui and Cynthia Vutran bring a fusion touch to Vietnamese cuisine with French accents and a contemporary flair. $$ Five Happiness 3605 S. Carrollton Ave., 482-3935, FiveHappiness.com. L, D daily. This longtime Chinese favorite offers up an extensive menu including its beloved mu shu pork and house-baked duck. $$

H MoPho 514 City Park Ave., 482-6845, MoPhoMidCity.com. L, D Wed-Mon.

Vietnamese cuisine meets southern Louisiana in this upscale casual hybrid by chef Michael Gulotta. Mix-and-match pho and an interesting poor boy menu rounds out the appeal. $$$

Riverbend H Ba Chi Canteen 7900 Maple St., 3735628. L, D Mon-Sat. The kitchen plays fast and loose with Vietnamese fare at this eclectic outpost on Maple Street. Try the caramelized pork “Baco”. $

H Chill Out Café 729 Burdette St., 8729628. B, L daily, D Mon-Sat. Thai food and breakfast favorites like waffles and pancakes can both be had at this affordable college-friendly hangout. $

Uptown Chiba 8312 Oak St., 826-9119, Chiba-Nola.com. L Wed-Sat, D Mon-Sat. Contemporary restaurant features fresh, exotic fish from all over the world and fusion fare to go along with typical Japanese options. Extensive sake list and late night happy hours are a plus. $$$

H Jung’s Golden Dragon 3009 Magazine St., 891-8280, JungsChinese.com. L, D daily. This Chinese destination is a real find. Along with the usual, you’ll find spicy cold noodle dishes and dumplings. One of the few local Chinese places that breaks the Americanized mold. $

H Magasin 4201 Magazine St., 8967611, MagasinCafe.com. L, D Mon-Sat. Pho, banh mi and vegetarian options are offered at this attractive and budgetfriendly Vietnamese restaurant. Café sua da is available as well. $ Kyoto 4920 Prytania St., 891-3644, KyotoNola.com. L, D Mon-Sat. A neighborhood sushi restaurant where the regulars order off-the-menu rolls. $$

WEST BANK

sandwiches to meet the needs of commuters. Onsite parking a plus. $

CBD/Warehouse District H Merchant 800 Common St., 571-9580, MerchantNewOrleans.com. B, L daily. Illy coffee and creative crêpes, sandwiches and more are served at this sleek and contemporary café on the ground floor of the Merchant Building. $

H Ruby Slipper Café 200 Magazine St.,

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

525-9355; 1005 Canal St., 525-9355, TheRubySlipperCafe.net. B, L daily, Br Sun. Homegrown chain specializes in breakfast, lunch and brunch dishes with unique local twists such as bananas Foster French toast and barbecue shrimp and grits. $$

Bakery/Breakfast

CARROLLTON

Café du Monde Multiple Locations, CafeDuMonde.com. This New Orleans institution has been serving fresh café au lait, rich hot chocolate and positively addictive beignets since 1862 in the French Market 24/7. $

Breads on Oak, 8640 Oak St., 324-8271, BreadsOnOak.com. B, L Wed-Sun. Artisan bakeshop tucked away near the levee on Oak Street serves breads, sandwiches, gluten-free and vegan-friendly options. $

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

Morning Call 56 Dreyfous Drive, City Park, 885-4068, NewOrleansCityPark. com/in-the-park/morning-call. 24 hours a day; cash-only. Chicory coffee and beignets coated with powdered sugar make this the quintessential New Orleans coffee shop. $

BROADMOOR Gracious to Go 7220 Earhart Blvd., 301-3709, GraciousBakery.com. B MonFri. Quick-service outpost of Gracious Bakery + Café serves artisan pastries, locally roasted coffee and grab-and-go

City Park

Faubourg Marigny H Ruby Slipper Café 2001 Burgundy St., 525-9355, TheRubySlipperCafe.net.

B, L daily, Br Sun. Homegrown chain specializes in breakfast, lunch and brunch dishes with unique local twists such as bananas Foster French toast and barbecue shrimp and grits. $$

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

H Ruby Slipper Café 139 S. Cortez St., 525-9355, TheRubySlipperCafe.net. B, L daily, Br Sun. Homegrown chain specializes in breakfast, lunch and brunch dishes with unique local twists such as bananas Foster French toast and barbecue shrimp and grits. $$

Barbecue Bywater The Joint 701 Mazant St., 949-3232, AlwaysSmokin.com. L, D Mon-Sat. Some of the city’s best barbecue can be had at this locally owned and operated favorite. $

French Quarter BB King’s Blues Club 1104 Decatur St., 934-5464, BBKings.com/new-orleans. L, D daily. New Orleans outpost of music club named for the famed blues musician features a menu loaded with BBQ and southern-inspired specialties. Live

music and late hours are a big part of the fun. $$$

Lower Garden District Voodoo BBQ 1501 St. Charles Ave., 5224647, VoodooBBQAndGrill.com. L, D daily. Diners are never too far from this homegrown barbecue chain that features an array of specialty sauces to accompany its smoked meats and seafood. $$

Metairie Voodoo BBQ 2740 Severn Ave., 3534227, VoodooBBQAndGrill.com. L, D daily. Diners are never too far from this homegrown barbecue chain that features an array of specialty sauces to accompany its smoked meats and seafood. $$

Burgers French Quarter Bayou Burger, 503 Bourbon St., 5294256, SportsBarNewOrleans.com. L, D daily. Sports bar in the thick of Bourbon Street scene distinguishes its fare with choices like Crawfish Beignets and Zydeco Bites. $$ Port of Call 838 Esplanade Ave., 5230120, PortOfCallNola.com. L, D daily. It is all about the big, meaty burgers and giant baked potatoes in this popular bar/ restaurant – unless you’re cocktailing only, then it’s all about the Monsoons. $$

Lakeview Lakeview Harbor 911 Harrison Ave., 486-4887, NewOrleansBestBurger.com. L, D daily. Burgers are the name of the

myneworleans.com / APRIL 2016

DINING GUIDE game at this restaurant. Daily specials, pizza and steaks are offered as well. $

METAIRIE Cheeseburger Eddie’s, 4517 W. Esplanade Ave., 455-5511, AustinsNo. com/Cheeseburger-Eddie-s.html. L, D Mon-Sat. Hickory-grilled burgers are the main draw at this casual spot but tacos, tamales, poor boys and more are also served. $

Riverbend H Cowbell 8801 Oak St., 298-8689, Cowbell-Nola.com. L, D Tue-Sat. Burgers and homemade sauces on potato rolls are the specialty here, along with other favorites like skirt steak. $$

Uptown H The Company Burger 4600 Freret St., 267-0320, TheCompanyBurger.com. L, D Wed-Mon. Custom-baked butterbrushed buns and fresh-ground beef patties make all the difference at this excellent burger hotspot. Draft beer and craft cocktails round out the appeal. $

French CBD/Warehouse District Chateau du Lac 857 Fulton St., 3010235, ChateauduLacWarehouse.com. L Tue-Fri, D Mon-Sat. This casual French bistro, run by chef-owner Jacques Saleun, offers up classic dishes such as escargot, coq au vin and blanquette de veau. $$$$ Le Foret 129 Camp St., 553-6738, LeForetNewOrleans.com. D Mon-Sat. Sophisticated fine dining melds southern cuisine and classic French with modernist influences in an elegant setting. $$$$

platters like Grand Plateau Fruits De Mer are the calling cards for this restaurant with an elegant “Old World” feel. $$$

Lacombe H La Provence 25020 Highway 190, (985) 626-7662, LaProvenceRestaurant. com. D Wed-Sun, Br Sun. Chef John Besh upholds time-honored Provençal cuisine and rewards his guests with a true farm-life experience, from housemade preserves, charcuterie, herbs, kitchen gardens and eggs cultivated on the property. $$$$$

Metairie Chateau du Lac 2037 Metairie Road, 831-3773, ChateauduLacBistro.com. L Tue-Fri, D Mon-Sat. This casual French bistro, run by chef-owner Jacques Saleun, offers up classic dishes such as escargot, coq au vin and blanquette de veau. $$$$

Uptown Bistro Daisy 5831 Magazine St., 8996987, BistroDaisy.com. D Tue-Sat. Chef Anton Schulte and his wife Diane’s bistro serves creative and contemporary bistro fare in a romantic setting. The signature Daisy Salad is a favorite. $$$$

H Coquette 2800 Magazine St., 2650421, CoquetteNola.com. L Wed-Sat, D Wed-Mon, Br Sun. The food is French in inspiration and technique, with added imagination from chef Michael and his partner Lillian Hubbard. $$$ Flaming Torch 737 Octavia St., 8950900, FlamingTorchNola.com. L Mon-Fri, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. French classics including a tasty onion soup and often a sought-after coq-au-vin. $$

Faubourg St. John H Café Degas 3127 Esplanade Ave.,

H La Crêpe Nanou 1410 Robert St.,

945-5635, CafeDegas.com. L, D Wed-Sat, Br Sun. Salad Niçoise, Hanger steak and frites are served in a lovely enclosed courtyard at this jewel of a French bistro. $$

899-2670, LaCrepeNanou.com. D daily, Br Sun. Classic French bistro fare, including terrific moules and decadent dessert crêpes, are served nightly at this neighborhood institution. $$$

French Quarter

La Petite Grocery 4238 Magazine St., 891-3377, LaPetiteGrocery.com. L TueSat, D daily, Br Sun. Elegant dining in a convivial atmosphere. The menu is heavily French-inspired with an emphasis on technique. $$$

Broussard’s, 819 Conti St., 581-3866, Broussards.com. D daily, L Fri, Br Sun. Creole-French institution also offers beautiful courtyard seating. $$$$

H Marti’s 1041 Dumaine St., 522-5478, MartisNola.com. D daily. Classic French cuisine, small plates and chilled seafood

Lilette 3637 Magazine St., 895-1636, LiletteRestaurant.com. L Tue-Sat, D Mon-

Sat. Chef John Harris’ innovative menu draws discerning diners to this highly regarded bistro. Desserts are wonderful as well. $$$$$

Gastropub Abita Springs Abita Brew Pub 72011 Holly St., (985) 892-5837, AbitaBrewPub.com. L, D TueSun. Better-than-expected pub food in its namesake eatery. “Tasteful” tours available for visitors. $$

CBD/Warehouse District Gordon Biersch 200 Poydras St., 5522739, GordonBiersch.com. L, D daily. Local outpost of this popular chain serves specialty brews made on-site and crowdpleasing lunch and dinner fare. $$ Victory 339 Baronne St., 522-8664, VictoryNola.com. D Tue-Sat. Craft cocktails served by owner and acclaimed bartender Daniel Victory, as well as refined small plates and gourmet pizza. $$

French Quarter H Cane & Table 1113 Decatur St., 5811112, CaneAndTableNola.com. L Sat-Sun, D daily. Open late, this chef-driven rustic colonial cuisine and rum and “protoTiki” cocktails make this a fun place to gather. $$ Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro 720 Orleans Ave., 523-1930, OrleansGrapevine.com. D daily. Wine is the muse at this beautifully renovated bistro, which offers vino by the flight, glass and bottle. A classic menu with an emphasis on local cuisine. $$$

H Patrick’s Bar Vin 730 Bienville St., 200-3180, PatricksBarVin.com. D daily. This oasis of a wine bar offers terrific selections by the bottle and glass. Small plates are served as well. $$

Lower Garden District The Tasting Room 1926 Magazine St., 581-3880, TTRNewOrleans.com. D WedSun. Flights of wine and sophisticated small plates are the calling cards for this wine bar near Coliseum Square. $$

Mid-City Trèo 3835 Tulane Ave., 304-4878, TreoNola.com. L Wed-Sat, D Tue-Sat. Craft cocktail bar also serves a short but excellent small plates menu to accompany its artfully composed libations. $$

Uptown The Avenue Pub 1732 St. Charles Ave., 586-9243, TheAvenuePub.com. Kitchen open 24/7. With more than 43 rotating draft beers, this pub also offers food, including a cheese plate from St. James Cheese Co. and the “Pub Burger.” Counter service only. $ Bouligny Tavern 3641 Magazine St., 891-1810, BoulignyTavern.com. D MonSat. Carefully curated small plates, inventive cocktails and select wines are the focus of this stylish offshoot of John Harris’s nationally acclaimed Lilette. $$ The Delachaise 3442 St. Charles Ave., 895-0858, TheDelaichaise.com. L SatSun, D daily. Cuisine elevated to the standards of the libations is the draw at this lively wine bar and gastropub. Food is grounded in French bistro fare with eclectic twists. $$

Italian Avondale H Mosca’s 4137 Highway 90 West, 4638950, MoscasRestaurant.com. D Tue-Sat. Italian institution dishes out massive portions of great food, family-style. Good bets are the shrimp Mosca and chicken à la grande. Cash only. $$$

Bywater H Mariza 2900 Charters St., 598-5700, MarizaNewOrleans.com. D Tue-Sat. An Italian-inspired restaurant by chef Ian Schnoebelen features a terrific raw bar, house-cured charcuterie and an array of refined adult beverages served in the industrial/contemporary setting on the ground floor of the Rice Mills lofts. $$$

CBD/Warehouse District H Domenica The Roosevelt Hotel, 123 Baronne St., 648-6020, DomenicaRestaurant.com. L, D daily. Chef Alon Shaya serves authentic, regional Italian cuisine. The menu of thin, lightly topped pizzas, artisanal salumi and cheese, and a carefully chosen selection of antipasti, pasta and entrées, features locally raised products, some from chef John Besh’s Northshore farm. $$$$ Red Gravy 4125 Camp St., 561-8844, RedGravy.com. B, Br, L, D, Wed-Mon. Farm-to-table Italian restaurant offers a creative array of breakfast items such as Cannoli Pancakes as well as delec-

Kingfish Offers “The Governor’s Lunch Plates” Kingfish, 337 Chartres St., 598-5005, KingfishNewOrleans.com Nathan Richard, Executive Chef of Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails, is a thoroughbred when it comes to Southern cooking. His pedigree includes raising livestock and vegetables with his grandfather, cooking with his father, time in France and Italy honing his charcuterie skills and working with James Beard award-wining chefs such as Donald Link and Tory McPhail. All this experience bears fruit in the Cajun cuisine on offer for lunch and dinner and in “The Governor’s Lunch Plates.” In honor of former Gov. Huey P. Long, these daily specials feature Southern comfort favorites such a Smothered Pork Chop and a BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich. – M.C.

APRIL 2016 / myneworleans.com

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table sandwiches and more for lunch. Homemade pastas and authentic Tuscan specialties like Cacciucco round out the dinner menu. $$ Tommy’s Cuisine 746 Tchoupitoulas St., 581-1103, TommysNewOrleans.com. D daily. Classic Creole-Italian cuisine is the name of the game at this upscale eatery. Appetizers include the namesake oysters Tommy, baked in the shell with Romano cheese, pancetta and roasted red pepper. $$$$$

Maiale as well as an exhaustive pasta menu tempt here at this local favorite that also offers al fresco seating. $$$ Muriel’s Jackson Square 801 Chartres St., 568-1885, Muriels.com. L, D daily, Br Sun. Enjoy pecan-crusted drum and other local classics while dining in the courtyard bar or any other room in this labyrinthine, rumored-to-be-haunted establishment. $$$$

Café Giovanni 117 Decatur St., 529-2154, CafeGiovanni.com. D daily. Live opera singers three nights a week. A selection of Italian specialties tweaked with a Creole influence and their Belli Baci happy hour adds to the atmosphere. $$$$

Napoleon House 500 Chartres St., 524522-4152, NapoleonHouse.com. L Mon-Sat, D Tue-Sat. Originally built in 1797 as a respite for Napoleon, this family-owned European-style café serves local favorites gumbo, jambalaya and muffulettas, and for sipping, a Sazerac or lemony Pimm’s Cup are perfect accompaniments. $$

Chartres House, 601 Chartres St., 5868383, ChartresHouse.com. L, D daily. This iconic French Quarter bar serves terrific Mint Juleps and Gin Fizzes in its picturesque courtyard and balcony settings. Also famous for its fried green tomatoes and other local favorite dishes. $$$

Ralph Brennan’s Red Fish Grill 115 Bourbon St., 598-1200, RedFishGrill.com. L, D daily. Chef Austin Kirzner cooks up a broad menu peppered with local favorites such as barbecue oysters, blackened redfish and double-chocolate bread pudding. $$$$$

Irene’s Cuisine 539 St. Philip St., 529881. D Mon-Sat. Long waits at the lively piano bar are part of the appeal of this Creole-Italian favorite beloved by locals. Try the oysters Irene and crabmeat gratin appetizers. $$$$

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

French Quarter

H Italian Barrel 430 Barracks St., 569-0198, ItalianBarrel.com. L, D daily. Northern Italian dishes like Braciola di

H R’evolution 777 Bienville St., 553-

2277, RevolutionNola.com. L Wed-Fri, D daily, Br Sun. An opulent place that combines the local flavors of chef John Folse with the more cosmopolitan influence of chef Rick Tramonto. Chef de cuisine Chris Lusk and executive sous chef Erik Veney are in charge of day-to-day operations, which include house-made charcuterie, pastries, pastas and more. $$$$$

harahan Oak Oven 6625 Jefferson Highway, Harahan, 305-4039, OakOvenRestaurant. com. L, D Mon-Sat. Wood-fired pizza and seasonal Italian cuisine with a locavore philosophy brings respite to the burbs. Family friendly with patio seating to boot. $$

Lakeview H Tony Angello’s 6262 Fleur de Lis Drive, 488-0888, TonyAngellos.com. D Tue-Sat. Creole-Italian favorite serves up fare. Ask Tony to “Feed Me” if you want a real multi-course dining experience. $$$$

Metairie H Andrea’s Restaurant 3100 19th St., 834-8583, AndreasRestaurant.com. L Mon-Sat, D daily, Br Sun. Osso buco and homemade pastas in a setting that’s both elegant and intimate; off-premise catering. $$$ Semolina 4436 Veterans Blvd., Suite 37, 454-7930, Semolina.com. L, D daily. This casual, contemporary pasta restaurant

takes a bold approach to cooking Italian food, emphasizing flavors, texture and color. Many of the dishes feature a signature Louisiana twist, such as the muffuletta pasta and pasta jambalaya. $$ Vincent’s Italian Cuisine 4411 Chastant St., 885-2984, Metairie, VicentsItalianCuisine.com. L Tue-Fri, D Mon-Sat. Snug Italian boîte packs them in, yet manages to remain intimate at the same time. The cannelloni is a house specialty. $$$

Mid-City H Liuzza’s 3636 Bienville St., 482-9120, Liuzzas.com. L, D daily. Classic neighborhood joint serves favorites like the “Frenchuletta,” stuffed artichokes and andouille gumbo. Kid’s menu offered. $$ Ralph’s On The Park 900 City Park Ave., 488-1000, RalphsOnThePark.com. Br Sun, L Tue-Fri, D daily. A modern interior and contemporary Creole dishes such as City Park salad, turtle soup, barbecue Gulf shrimp and good cocktails. $$$$

NORTHSHORE H Del Porto Ristorante 501 E. Boston St., (985) 875-1006, DelPortoRistorante. com. L, D Tue-Sat. One of the Northshore’s premier fine dining destinations serving Italian food that makes use of locally sourced meats and produce. $$$

Uptown Amici 3218 Magazine St., 300-1250, AmiciNola.com. L, D daily. Coal-fired pizza is the calling card for this destination, but the menu offers an impressive list of

myneworleans.com / APRIL 2016

DINING GUIDE authentic and Creole Italian specialties as well. $$

and fits well alongside the excellent cocktail and beer list. $$$

Pascal’s Manale 1838 Napoleon Ave., 895-4877, PascalsManale.com. L MonFri, D Mon-Sat. Vintage neighborhood restaurant since 1913 and the place to go for the creation of barbecued shrimp. Its oyster bar serves icy cold, freshly shucked Louisiana oysters and the Italian specialties and steaks are also solid. $$$$

Bon Ton Cafe 401 Magazine St., 5243386, TheBonTonCafe.com. L, D Mon-Fri. A local favorite for the old-school business lunch crowd specializing in local seafood and Cajun dishes. $$$$

Vincent’s Italian Cuisine 7839 St. Charles Ave., 866-9313, VicentsItalianCuisine.com. L Tue-Fri, D Tue-Sun. Snug Italian boîte packs them in yet manages to remain intimate at the same time. The cannelloni is a house specialty. $$$

Louisianian Fare CBD/Warehouse District H Annunciation 1016 Annunciation St., 568-0245, AnnunciationRestaurant. com. D Mon-Sat. Chef Steven Manning brings a refined sensibility to this refined Warehouse District oasis along with his famous fried oysters with melted brie. $$$ Balise 640 Carondelet St., 459-4449, BaliseNola.com. L Mon-Fri, D nightly. Chef Justin Devillier turns back the clock at this turn-of-the-century inspired bistro in the CBD. Decidedly masculine fare – think venison tartare with horseradish and pumpernickel – is carefully crafted

APRIL 2016 / myneworleans.com

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

H Cochon 930 Tchoupitoulas St., 588-2123, CochonRestaurant.com. L, D, Mon-Sat. Chefs Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski showcase Cajun and Southern cuisine at this hot spot. Boudin and other pork dishes reign supreme here, along with Louisiana seafood and real moonshine from the bar. Reservations strongly recommended. $$ Drago’s Hilton Riverside Hotel, 2 Poydras St., 584-3911, DragosRestaurant. com. L, D daily. This famous seafooder specializes in charbroiled oysters, a dish they invented. Great deals on fresh lobster as well. $$$$ Emeril’s 800 Tchoupitoulas St., 528-

9393, EmerilsRestaurants.com. L MonFri, D daily. The flagship of superstar chef Emeril Lagasse’s culinary empire, this landmark attracts pilgrims from all over the world. $$$$$

Blvd., 568-1157, CafeReconcile.org. L Mon-Fri. Good food for a great cause, this nonprofit on the burgeoning OCH corridor helps train at-risk youth for careers in the food service industry. $$

H Herbsaint 701 St. Charles Ave.,

Darrow

524-4114, Herbsaint.com. L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat. Enjoy a sophisticated cocktail before sampling chef Donald Link’s menu that melds contemporary bistro fare with classic Louisiana cuisine. The banana brown butter tart is a favorite dessert. $$$$$

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

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

Latil’s Landing Houmas House Plantation, 40136 Highway 942, (225) 473-9380, HoumasHouse.com. D Wed-Sun. Nouvelle Louisiane, plantation-style cooking served in an opulent setting features dishes like rack of lamb and plume de veau. $$$$$

Mulate’s 201 Julia St., 522-1492, Mulates.com. L, D daily. Live music and dancing add to the fun at this worldfamous Cajun destination. $$ Palette 700 Tchoupitoulas St., 613-2350, B, L, D daily. Creole, Cajun and French flavors all come together at this restaurant in the Renaissance Hotel near the Convention Center. $$

Central City Café Reconcile 1631 Oretha Castle Haley

Faubourg Marigny Feelings Cafe 2600 Chartres St., 9452222, FeelingsCafe.com. D Wed-Sun, Br Sun. Romantic ambiance and skillfully created dishes, such as veal d’aunoy, make dining here on the patio a memorable experience. A piano bar on Fridays adds to the atmosphere. Vegan menu offered. $$$$ Horn’s 1940 Dauphine St., Marigny, 459-4676, HornsNola.com. B, L daily, D Thu-Mon. This casual, eclectic watering hole offers offbeat twists on classics (the

Jewish Coonass features latkes to go with the crawfish etouffée) as well as the usual breakfast and lunch diner fare. $ Praline Connection 542 Frenchmen St., 943-3934, PralineConnection.com. L, D daily. Down-home dishes of smothered pork chops, greens, beans and cornbread are on the menu at this Creole soul restaurant. $$

French Quarter Acme Oyster House 724 Iberville St., 522-5973, AcmeOyster.com. L, D daily. Known as one of the best places to eat oysters. $$

H Arnaud’s 813 Bienville St., 523-5433, ArnaudsRestaurant.com. D daily, Br Sun. Waiters in tuxedos prepare Café Brûlot tableside at this storied Creole grande dame; live jazz during Sun. brunch. $$$$$ Antoine’s 713 St. Louis St., 581-4422, Antoines.com. L, D Mon-Sat, Br Sun. This pinnacle of haute cuisine and birthplace of oysters Rockefeller is New Orleans’ oldest restaurant. (Every item is á la carte, with an $11 minimum.) Private dining rooms available. $$$$$

H The Bistreaux New Orleans Maison Dupuy Hotel, 1001 Toulouse St., 5868000, MaisonDupuy.com/dining.html. L, D daily. Dishes ranging from the casual (truffle mac and cheese) to the upscale (tuna tasting trio) are served in an elegant courtyard. $$

The Bombay Club Prince Conti Hotel, 830 Conti St., 586-0972, TheBombayClub. com. D daily. Popular martini bar with plush British décor features live music during the week and late dinner and drinks on weekends. Nouveau Creole menu includes items such as Bombay drum. $$$$ Café Maspero 601 Decatur St., 523-6250, CafeMaspero.com. L, D daily. Tourists line up for their generous portions of seafood and large deli sandwiches. $ Court of Two Sisters 613 Royal St., 522-7261, CourtOfTwoSisters.com. Br, D daily. The historic environs make for a memorable outdoor dining experience. The famous daily Jazz Brunch buffet and classic Creole dishes sweeten the deal. $$$$$

Galatoires.com. L, D Tue-Sun. Friday lunches are a New Orleans tradition at this world-famous French-Creole grand dame. Tradition counts for everything here, and the crabmeat Sardou is delicious. Note: Jackets required for dinner and all day Sun. $$$$$ House of Blues 225 Decatur St., 3104999, HouseOfBlues.com/NewOrleans. L, D daily. Surprisingly good menu complements music in the main room. Worldfamous Gospel Brunch every Sunday. Patio seating available. $$ Killer Poboys 811 Conti St., 252-6745, KillerPoboys.blogspot.com. L, D WedMon. This quasi-popup operating out of the Erin Rose Bar serves some of the city’s best poor boys, including one featuring glazed pork belly. $

Criollo Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St., 681-4444, CriolloNola.com. B, L, D daily. Next to the famous Carousel Bar in the historic Monteleone Hotel, Criollo represents an amalgam of the various cultures reflected in Louisiana cooking and cuisine, often with a slight contemporary twist. $$$

K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen 416 Chartres St., 596-2530, ChefPaul.com/KPaul. L Thu-Sat, D Mon-Sat. Paul Prudhomme’s landmark restaurant helped introduce Cajun food to a grateful nation. Lots of seasoning and bountiful offerings, along with reserved seating, make this a destination for locals and tourists alike. $$$$

H Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House 144

H MiLa 817 Common St., 412-2580,

Bourbon St., 522-0111, BourbonHouse. com. B, L, D daily. Classic Creole dishes such as redfish on the halfshell and baked oysters served. Its extensive bourbon menu will please aficionados. $$$$

MiLaNewOrleans.com. L Mon-Fri, D MonSat. Latest offering from husband-andwife chefs Slade Rushing and Allison Vines-Rushing focuses on the fusion of the cuisines of Miss. and La. $$$$

Galatoire’s 209 Bourbon St., 525-2021,

NOLA 534 St. Louis St., 522-6652, Emer-

ils.com. L Thu-Mon, D daily. Emeril’s more affordable eatery, featuring cedarplank-roasted redfish; private dining. $$$$$ Richard Fiske’s Martini Bar & Restaurant, 301 Dauphine St., 586-0972, RichardFiskes.com. D nightly. Just a few steps off of Bourbon Street you can find this relaxing bar featuring an innovative menu with dishes like Crawfish, Jalapeno-and-Bacon Mac and Cheese garnished with fried oysters. Live music a plus. $$$ Royal House, 441 Royal St., 528-2601, RoyalHouseRestaurant.com. L, D daily. B Sat and Sun. Poor boys, jambalaya and shrimp Creole are some of the favorites served here. Weekend breakfast and an oyster bar add to the crowd-pleasing appeal. $$$ SoBou 310 Chartres St., 552-4095, SoBouNola.com. B, L, D daily. There is something for everyone at this “Modern Creole Saloon.” Decidedly unstuffy with an emphasis on craft cocktails and wines by the glass. Everything from $1 pork cracklins to an extravagant foie gras burger on accomplished yet eclectic menus. $$

H Tableau 616 S. Peter St., 934-3463, TableauFrenchQuarter.com. L, D daily, Br Sun. Gulf seafood such as trout amandine and classic Creole brunch dishes like eggs Sardou are the highlights of this Dickie Brennan restaurant that

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DINING GUIDE shares space with Le Petite Théâtre on the corner of Jackson Square. $$$ TujaguesRestaurant.com. L Sat-Sun, D daily. For more than 150 years this landmark restaurant has been offering Creole cuisine. Favorites include a nightly six-course table d’hôté menu featuring a unique beef brisket with Creole sauce. $$$$$

com. L, D Mon-Sat, Br Sun. Creative poor boys, local dishes such as gumbo and Sunday brunch make this a neighborhood favorite. $$

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

Lil’ Dizzy’s Café 1500 Esplanade Ave., 569-8997, LilDizzysCafe.com. B, L daily, Br Sun. Spot local and national politicos dining at this favored Creole soul restaurant known for homey classics like fried chicken and trout Baquet. $

Uptown H Apolline 4729 Magazine St.,

Kenner

H Mandina’s 3800 Canal St., 482-9179,

Copeland’s 1319 W. Esplanade Ave., 6179146, CopelandsofNewOrleans.com. L, D daily, Br Sun. Al Copeland’s namesake chain includes favorites such as Shrimp Ducky. Popular for lunch. $$

MandinasRestaurant.com. L, D daily. Though the ambiance is more upscale, the food and seafood dishes make dining here a New Orleans experience. $$

H Tujague’s 823 Decatur St., 525-8676,

Lakeview H Cava 789 Harrison Ave., 304-9034. D Mon-Sat. Fine dining (and excellent wine list) at this high-end Cajun and Creole restaurant that makes customer service a big part of the experience. $$$

Metairie/Jefferson Acme Oyster House 3000 Veterans Blvd., 309-4056, AcmeOyster.com. L, D daily. Known as one of the best places to eat oysters. $$ Austin’s 5101 W. Esplanade Ave., 8885533, AustinsNo.com. D Mon-Sat. Mr. Ed’s upscale bistro serves contemporary Creole fare, including seafood and steaks. $$$ Copeland’s 1001 S. Clearview Parkway, 620-7800; 701 Veterans Blvd., 831-3437, CopelandsofNewOrleans.com. L, D daily, Br Sun. Al Copeland’s namesake chain includes favorites such as Shrimp Ducky. Popular for lunch. $$ Crabby Jack’s 428 Jefferson Highway, 833-2722, CrabbyJacksNola.com. L MonSat. Lunch outpost of Jacques-Imo’s. Famous for its fried seafood and poor boys including fried green tomatoes and roasted duck. $ Drago’s 3232 N. Arnoult Road, 888-9254, DragosRestaurant.com. L, D Mon-Sat. This famous seafooder specializes in charbroiled oysters, a dish they invented. Great deals on fresh lobster as well. $$$$

Mid-City H Katie’s Restaurant and Bar 3701 Iberville St., 488-6582, KatiesInMidCity.

H Redemption 3835 Iberville St., 3093570, Redemption-Nola.com. L Wed-Fri & Sun, D Wed-Sun. Chef-driven “Revival” Creole fare served in an inspiring former church. $$$

H Toups’ Meatery 845 N. Carrollton Ave., 252-4999, ToupsMeatery.com. L, D Tue-Sat. Charcuterie, specialty cocktails and an exhaustive list of excellent à la carte sides make this restaurant a carnivore’s delight. $$$

Upper 9th Ward St. Roch Market 2381 St. Claude Ave., 615-6541, StRochMarket.com. B, L, D daily. Beautiful restoration of historic St. Claude Marketplace with open dining space houses a broad collection of independent eateries including craft cocktails and more. $$

NORTHSHORE Acme Oyster House 1202 N. Highway 190, Covington, (985) 246-6155, AcmeOyster.com. L, D daily. Known as one of the best places to eat oysters. $$ Gallagher’s Grill 509 S. Tyler St., (985) 892-9992, GallaghersGrill.com. L, D TueFri, D Sat. Chef Pat Gallagher’s destination restaurant offers al fresco seating to accompany classically inspired New Orleans fare. Event catering offered. $$$

Riverbend H Boucherie 1506 S. Carrollton Ave., 862-5514, Boucherie-Nola.com. L, D Tue-Sat. Serving contemporary Southern food with an international angle, chef Nathaniel Zimet offers excellent ingredients presented simply. $$ Brigtsen’s 723 Dante St., 861-7610,

894-8881, ApollineRestaurant.com. D Tue-Sun, Br Sat-Sun. Cozy gem serves a refined menu of French and Creole classics peppered with Southern influences such as buttermilk fried quail with corn waffle. $$$ Casamento’s 4330 Magazine St., 8959761, CasamentosRestaurant.com. L Tue-Sat, D Thu-Sat. The family-owned restaurant has shucked oysters and fried seafood since 1919; closed during summer and for all major holidays. $$ Clancy’s 6100 Annunciation St., 8951111, ClancysNewOrleans.com. L Thu-Fri, D Mon-Sat. Their Creole-inspired menu has been a favorite of locals for years. $$$ Commander’s Palace 1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221, CommandersPalace. com. L Mon-Fri, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. The grande dame is going strong under the auspices of James Beard Award-winner chef Tory McPhail. Jazz Brunch is a great deal. $$$$ Dick and Jenny’s 4501 Tchoupitoulas St., 894-9880, DickAndJennys.com. L Thu-Fri, D Mon-Sat, Br Sun. A funky cottage serving Louisiana comfort food with flashes of innovation. $$$$ Domilise’s 5240 Annunciation St., 899-912. L, D Mon-Wed, Fri-Sat. Local institution and rite-of-passage for those wanting an initiation to the real New Orleans. Wonderful poor boys and a unique atmosphere make this a one-of-a-kind place. $

H Gautreau’s 1728 Soniat St., 899-7397, GautreausRestaurant.com. D Mon-Sat. Upscale destination serves refined interpretations of classics along with contemporary creations. $$$$$ Jacques-Imo’s Cafe 8324 Oak St., 8610886, Jacques-Imos.com. D Mon-Sat. Reinvented New Orleans cuisine served in a party atmosphere. The deep-fried roast beef poor boy is delicious. The lively bar scene offsets the long wait on

weekends. $$$$ Joey K’s 3001 Magazine St., 891-0997, JoeyKsRestaurant.com. L, D Mon-Sat. A true neighborhood restaurant with daily lunch plates; red beans and rice are classic. $ Mahony’s 3454 Magazine St., 899-3374, MahonysPoBoys.com. L, D daily. Along with the usual poor boys, this sandwich shop serves up a grilled shrimp and fried green tomato version dressed with remoulade sauce. Sandwich offerings are augmented by a full bar. $ Mat & Naddie’s 937 Leonidas St., 8619600, MatAndNaddies.com. D Mon-Tue, Thu-Sat. Cozy converted house serves up creative and eclectic regionally inspired fare. Shrimp and crawfish croquettes make for a good appetizer and when the weather is right the romantic patio is the place to sit. $$$$

WEST BANK Copeland’s 2333 Manhattan Blvd., 3641575, CopelandsofNewOrleans.com. L, D daily, Br Sun. Al Copeland’s namesake chain includes favorites such as Shrimp Ducky. Popular for lunch. $$

Pizza Reginelli’s Pizzeria Multiple Locations, Reginellis.com. L, D daily. Pizzas, pastas, salads, fat calzones and lofty focaccia sandwiches are at locations all over town. $$ Theo’s Pizza Multiple Locations, TheosPizza.com. L, D daily. The crackercrisp crust pizzas are complemented by a broad assortment of toppings with a lot of local ingredients at cheap prices. $$

Bywater H Pizza Delicious 617 Piety St., 6768282, PizzaDelicious.com. Authentic New York-style thin crust pizza is the reason to come to this affordable restaurant that began as a pop-up, but they also offer excellent salads sourced from small farms and homemade pasta dishes as well. Outdoor seating a plus. $

Uptown H Ancora 4508 Freret St., 324-1636, AncoraPizza.com. D Mon-Sat. Authentic Neapolitan-style pizza fired in an oven imported from Naples. The housemade charcuterie makes it a double-winner. $$

St. Roch Gives Back to Local Charities St. Roch Market, 2381 St. Claude Ave., 609-3813, StRochMarket.com St. Roch Market, the indoor fresh and prepared food market in the historic St. Roch neighborhood, is holding monthly “Roch the Cause” benefits. Five percent of proceeds made 6-8 p.m. on Wednesdays will be donated to local causes. Charities that have already benefited include Project Homecoming and The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Louisiana. The market reopened in 2014 after a $3.7 million renovation, which preserved the original 1930s design. Winning national acclaim from the likes of Architectural Digest, Forbes Magazine and the Boston Globe, it was recently named one of the top restaurants in the city by Foodable TV. – M.C.

APRIL 2016 / myneworleans.com

cheryl gerber photograph

Pizza Domenica 4933 Magazine St., 301-4978, PizzaDomenica.com. L Fri-Sun, D nightly. James Beard Award Winning Chef Alon Shaya’s pizza centric spinoff of his popular Restaurant Domenica brings Neapolitan-style pies to Uptown. Excellent salads and charcuterie boards are offered as well. $$ Slice 1513 St. Charles Ave., 525-PIES (7437); 5538 Magazine St., 897-4800; SlicePizzeria.com. L, D daily. Order up slices or whole pizza pies done in several styles (thin- and thick-crust) as well as pastas, seafood, panini and salads. $

Seafood

Award-winning southern-inspired seafood destination by chef Donald Link serves whole roasted Gulf fish from its massive, wood-burning oven. An excellent raw bar is offered as well. $$$ Sac-A-Lait 1051 Annunciation St., 324-3658, Sac-A-LaitRestaurant.com. D Tues-Sat, L Fri. Cody and Sam Carroll’s shrine to Gulf Coast and Louisiana culinary heritage melds seafood, game, artisan produce, and craft libations in an ambitious menu that celebrates local and southern cuisine. The striking buildout in the Cotton Mill lofts adds to the appeal. $$$$

Akers

French Quarter

Middendorf’s Interstate 55, Exit 15, 30160 Highway 51 South, (985) 3866666, MiddendorfsRestaurant.com. L, D Wed-Sun. Historic seafood destination along the shores of Lake Maurepas is world-famous for its thin-fried catfish fillets. Open since 1934, it’s more than a restaurant, it’s a Sun. drive tradition. $$

Bourbon House 144 Bourbon St., 5220111, BourbonHouse.com. B, L, D daily. Local seafood, featured in both classic and contemporary dishes, is the focus of this New Orleans-centric destination. And yes, bourbon is offered as well. $$$

CBD/Warehouse District H Borgne 601 Loyola Ave., 613-3860, BorgneRestaurant.com. L, D daily. Coastal Louisiana seafood with an emphasis on Isleños cuisine (descendants of Canary Islanders who settled in St. Bernard Parish) is the focus of this high-volume destination adjacent to the Superdome. $$$

H Pêche 800 Magazine St., 522-1744, PecheRestaurant.com. L, D Mon-Sat.

Crazy Lobster 500 Port of New Orleans Place, Suite 83. L, D daily. Boiled seafood and festive atmosphere come together at this seafood-centric destination overlooking the Mississippi River. Outdoor seating a plus. $$$ Creole Cookery 508 Toulouse St., Suite C110, 524-9632, NewOrleansCreoleCookery.com. L, D daily. Crowd-pleasing destination in the French Quarter offers an expansive menu of Creole favorites and specialty cocktails served with New Orleans flair. $$$

Deanie’s Seafood 841 Iberville St., 5811316, Deanies.com. L, D daily. Louisiana seafood, baked, broiled, boiled and fried is the name of the game. Try the barbecue shrimp or towering seafood platters. $$$

H GW Fins 808 Bienville St., 581-FINS (3467), GWFins.com. D daily. Owners Gary Wollerman and twice chef of the year Tenney Flynn provide dishes at their seasonal peak. On a quest for unique variety, menu is printed daily. $$$$$

H Kingfish 337 Charters St., 598-5005, CocktailBarNewOrleans.com. L, D daily. Regionally inspired seafood dishes with carefully sourced ingredients and southern influence is the focus at this chef-driven French Quarter establishment. $$$ Landry’s Seafood 400 N. Peters St., 5580038, LandrysSeafood.com. Kid-friendly and popular seafood spot serves of heaping platters of fried shrimp, Gulf oysters, catfish and more. $$ Le Bayou, 208 Bourbon St., 525-4755, LeBayouRestaurant.com. L, D Mon-Sat. Blackened redfish and Shrimp Ya-Ya are a just a few of the choices at this seafood-centric destination on Bourbon Street. Fried alligator is available for the more daring diner. $$$ Oceana Grill 739 Conti St., 525-6002, OceanaGrill.com. B, L, D daily. Gumbo, poor boys and barbecue shrimp are served at this kid-friendly seafood

destination. $$ Pier 424, 424 Bourbon St., 309-1574, Pier424SeafoodMarket.com. L, D daily. Seafood-centric restaurant offers long menu of traditional New Orleans fare augmented by unusual twists like “Cajun-Boiled” Lobster prepared crawfish-style in spicy crab boil. $$$

Kenner Mr. Ed’s Seafood and Italian Restaurant 910 W. Esplanade Ave., Ste. A, 463-3030, AustinsNo.com. L, D Mon-Sat. Neighborhood restaurant specializes in seafood and Italian offerings such as stuffed eggplant and bell pepper. Fried seafood and sandwiches make it a good stop for lunch. $$

Metairie Austin’s Restaurant, 5101 W. Esplanade Ave., 888-5533, AustinsNo.com. D MonSat. Signature steak, seafood and Italian specialties reign at this dinner-only destination. Catering offered as well. $$$ Deanie’s Seafood 1713 Lake Ave., 8314141, Deanies.com. L, D daily. Louisiana seafood, baked, broiled, boiled and fried, is the name of the game. Try the barbecue shrimp or towering seafood platters. $$$ Mr. Ed’s Seafood and Italian Restaurant 1001 Live Oak St., 838-0022, AustinsNo.com. L, D Mon-Sat. Neighborhood restaurant specializes in seafood and Italian offerings such as stuffed eggplant and bell pepper. Fried seafood and sand-

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DINING GUIDE wiches make it a good stop for lunch. $$

Uptown Frankie & Johnny’s 321 Arabella St., 243-1234, FrankieAndJohnnys.net. L, D daily. Serves fried and boiled seafood along with poor boys and daily lunch specials. Kid-friendly with a game room to boot. $$

West End Landry’s Seafood 8000 Lakeshore Drive, West End, 283-1010, LandrysSeafood. com. Kid-friendly and popular seafood spot serves of heaping platters of fried shrimp, Gulf oysters, catfish and more. $$

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

Charles Ave., 523-7600, DesiVegaSteaks. com. L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat. USDA Prime steaks form the base of this Mr. John’s offshoot overlooking Lafayette Square, but Italian specialties and a smattering of locally inspired seafood dishes round out the appeal. $$$

H La Boca 870 Tchoupitoulas St., 5258205, LaBocaSteaks.com. D Mon-Sat. This Argentine steakhouse specializes in cuts of meat along with pastas and wines. Specials include the provoleta appetizer and the Vacio flank steak. $$$ Morton’s The Steakhouse 365 Canal St., One Canal Place, 566-0221, Mortons. com/NewOrleans. D daily. Private elevator leads to the plush, wood-paneled environs of this local outpost of the famed Chicago steakhouse popular with politicians and celebrities. $$$$ Ruth’s Chris Steak House Harrah’s Hotel, 525 Fulton St., 587-7099, RuthsChris. com. D daily, Br Sat-Sun. Filet mignon, creamed spinach and potatoes au gratin are the most popular dishes at this area steak institution, but there are also great seafood choices and top-notch desserts. $$$$$

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

Garden District H Mr. John’s Steakhouse 2111 St.

H Desi Vega’s Steakhouse 628 St.

Charles Ave., 679-7697, MrJohnsSteakhouse.com. D Tue-Sat, L Friday. Wood

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paneling, white tile and USDA Prime Beef served sizzling in butter are the hallmarks of this classic New Orleans steakhouse. $$$

French Quarter Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse 716 Iberville St., 522-2467, DickieBrennansSteakhouse.com. L Fri, D daily. Nationally recognized steakhouse serves USDA Prime steaks and local seafood. $$$$$

H Doris Metropolitan 620 Chartres St., 267-3500, DorisMetropolitan.com. L SatSun, D daily. Innovative, genre-busting steakhouse plays with expectations and succeeds with modernist dishes like their Classified Cut and Beetroot Supreme. $$$$ Galatoire’s 33 Bar & Steak 215 Bourbon St., 335-3932, Galatoires33BarAndSteak. com. L Fri, D Sun-Thu. Steakhouse offshoot of the venerable Creole grande dame offers hand-crafted cocktails to accompany classic steakhouse fare as well as inspired dishes like the Gouté 33: horseradish-crusted bone marrow and deviled eggs with crab ravigote and smoked trout. Reservations accepted. $$$

Metairie Ruth’s Chris Steak House 3633 Veterans Blvd., 888-3600, RuthsChris.com. L Fri, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. Filet mignon, creamed

spinach and potatoes au gratin are the most popular dishes at this area steak institution, but there are also great seafood choices and top-notch desserts. $$$$$

Mid-City H Crescent City Steaks 1001 N. Broad St., 821-3271, CrescentCitySteaks.com. L Tue-Fri & Sun, D daily. One of the classic New Orleans steakhouses. Steaks, sides and drinks are what you get. $$$$

Uptown Charlie’s Steak House 4510 Dryades St., 895-9323, CharliesSteakHouseNola. com. D Tues-Sat. This quintessential New Orleans neighborhood steak house serves up carnivorous delights including its 32-ounce T-Bone in a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere. An upstairs dining room accommodates larger parties with ease. $$$

Vegan/Vegetarian Lower Garden District H The Green Fork 1400 Prytania St., 267-7672, GreenForkNola.com. B, L Mon-Sat. Fresh juices, smoothies and vegetarian-friendly fare make The Green Fork a favorite for lovers of healthy food. Catering is offered as well. $$

World Byblos Multiple Locations, ByblosRestaurants.com. L, D daily. Upscale Middle

Eastern cuisine featuring traditional seafood, lamb and vegetarian options. $$

Bywater H Booty’s Street Food 800 Louisa St., 266-2887, BootysNola.com. B, L, D daily. Street food culled from countries around the globe is the muse of this creative establishment, where papadum from India resides confidently alongside Peruvian ceviche. $$ The Green Goddess 307 Exchange Place, 301-3347, GreenGoddessRestaurant.com. L, D Wed-Sun. One of the most imaginative local restaurants. The menu is constantly changing, and chef Paul Artigues always has ample vegetarian options. Combine all of that with a fantastic selection of drinks, wine and beer, and it’s the total (albeit small) package. $$

CBD/Warehouse District Johnny Sanchez 930 Poydras St., 3046615, JohnnySanchezRestaurant.com. L, D daily. Contemporary Mexican mecca offering celebrity chef cachet to go along with the locally sourced produce accompanying the Bistec a la Parilla. Popular happy hour and downtown locale next to South Market District add to the appeal. $$$

H Lüke 333 St. Charles Ave., 378-2840, LukeNewOrleans.com. B, L, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. Chef John Besh and execu-

tive chef Matt Regan serve Germanic specialties and French bistro classics, house-made patés and abundant plateaux of cold, fresh seafood. $$$ Palace Café 605 Canal St., 523-1661, PalaceCafe.com. L Mon-Sat, D daily, Br Sun. Dickie Brennan-owned brasserie with French-style sidewalk seating and house-created specialties of chef Darrin Nesbit. Favorites here include crabmeat cheesecake, turtle soup, the Werlein salad with fried Louisiana oysters and pork “debris” studded Palace potato pie. $$$$$

Faubourg Marigny H Mona’s Café 504 Frenchmen St., 9494115. L, D daily. Middle Eastern specialties such as baba ganuj, tender-tangy beef or chicken shawarma, falafel and gyros, stuffed into pillowy pita bread or on platters. The lentil soup with crunchy pita chips and desserts, such as sticky sweet baklava, round out the menu. $

Faubourg St. John H 1000 Figs 3141 Ponce De Leon St., 301-0848, 1000Figs.com. L, D Tue-Sat. Vegetarian-friendly offshoot of the Fat Falafel Food Truck offers a healthy farmto-table alternative to cookie-cutter Middle Eastern places. $$

French Quarter Bayona 430 Dauphine St., 525-4455, Bayona.com. L Wed-Sat, D Mon-Sat. Chef Susan Spicer’s nationally acclaimed

cuisine is served in this 200-year-old cottage. Ask for a seat on the romantic patio, weather permitting. $$$$$ El Gato Negro 81 French Market Place, 525-9752, ElGatoNegroNola.com. Central Mexican cuisine along with handmuddled mojitos and margaritas made with freshly squeezed juice. A weekend breakfast menu is an additional plus. $$

Kenner H Fiesta Latina 1924 Airline Drive, 4682384, FiestaLatinaRestaurant.com. B, L, D daily. A big-screen TV normally shows a soccer match or MTV Latino at this home for authentic Central American food. Tacos include a charred carne asada. $$

Lakewood H Mizado 5080 Pontchartrain Blvd.,

METAIRIE Vega Tapas Café 2051 Metairie Road, 836-2007, VegaTapasCafe.com. D MonSat. Fun, eclectic small plates destination offers creative fare keeps guests coming back with frequent regionally inspired specialty menus served with humor and whimsy. $$

Mid-City Juan’s Flying Burrito 4724 S. Carrollton Ave., 486-9950, JuansFlyingBurrito. com. L, D daily. Hard-core tacos and massive burritos are served in an edgy atmosphere. $ Lola’s 3312 Esplanade Ave., 488-6946, LolasNewOrleans.com. D daily. Garlicky Spanish dishes and great paella make this artsy boîte a hipster destination. $$$

885-5555, MizadoCocina.com. L daily, D Mon-Sat. Sleek restaurant offers modern Mexican cuisine featuring pan-Latin flavors and influences. Small batch tequila and a ceviche bar make it a party. $$

H Milkfish 125 N. Carrollton Ave., 267-

Lakeview H Mondo 900 Harrison Ave., 224-2633,

7743. L, D daily. Middle Eastern specialties such as baba ganuj, tender-tangy beef or chicken shawarma, falafel and gyros, stuffed into pillowy pita bread or on platters. The lentil soup with crunchy pita chips and desserts, such as sticky sweet baklava, round out the menu. $

MondoNewOrleans.com. L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat, Br Sun. Chef Susan Spicer’s take on world cuisine. Make sure to call ahead because the place has a deserved reputation for good food and good times. $$$

4199, MilkfishNola.com. L, D Thu-Tue. Filipino cuisine like adobo and lumpia is served, further expanding dining opportunities. $$

H Mona’s Café 3901 Banks St., 482-

H Taqueria Guerrero 208 N. Carrollton

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DINING GUIDE Ave., 484-6959. B, L, D, Tue-Sat. Friendly staff and authentic Mexican cuisine make this affordable neighborhood restaurant a neighborhood favorite. $

Juan’s Flying Burrito 2018 Magazine St., 569-0000, JuansFlyingBurrito.com. L, D daily. Hard-core tacos and massive burritos are served in an edgy atmosphere. $

Upper 9th Ward

H Mona’s Café 4126 Magazine St., 894-

Kebab , 2315 Saint Claude Ave., 3834328, KebabNola.com. L, D Fri-Mon. The menu is short and tasty at this kebab outpost along the revitalized St. Claude Avenue corridor. $

9800; 1120 S. Carrollton Ave., 861-8174. L, D daily. Middle Eastern specialties such as baba ganuj, tender-tangy beef or chicken shawarma, falafel and gyros, stuffed into pillowy pita bread or on platters. The lentil soup with crunchy pita chips and desserts, such as sticky sweet baklava, round out the menu. $

Uptown H Café Abyssinia 3511 Magazine St., 894-6238. L, D daily. One of a just few authentic Ethiopian restaurants in the city, excellent injera and spicy vegetarian fare make this a local favorite. $$

H Irish House 1432 St. Charles Ave., 595-6755, TheIrishHouseNewOrleans. com. L Mon-Fri, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. Irish pub dishes such as shepherd’s pie and fish and chips are featured here, as well as creative cocktails like Irish iced coffee. Check the schedule of events for live music. $$ Jamila’s Mediterranean Tunisian Cuisine 7808 Maple St., 866-4366. D TueSun. Intimate and exotic bistro serving Mediterranean and Tunisian cuisine. The Grilled Merguez is a Jazz Fest favorite and vegetarian options are offered. $$

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H Panchita’s 1434 S. Carrollton Ave., 281-4127. L, D daily. Authentic, budgetfriendly Mexican restaurant serves tamales, mole and offers free chips and salsa as well as sangria. $

H Patois 6078 Laurel St., 895-9441, PatoisNola.com. L Fri, D Wed-Sat, Br Sun. The food is French in technique, with influences from across the Mediterranean as well as the American South, all filtered through the talent of chef Aaron Burgau. Reservations recommended. $$$

H Shaya 4213 Magazine St., 891-4213, ShayaRestaurant.com. L, D daily. James Beard Award-winning chef Alon Shaya pays homage to his native Israel with this contemporary Israeli hotspot. Fattoush Salad and Matzo Ball Soup made with

slow-cooked duck are dishes to try. $$$

Uptown

Specialty Foods

Blue Frog Chocolates 5707 Magazine St., 269-5707, BlueFrogChocolates.com. Open daily, closed Sundays in summer. French and Belgian chocolate truffles and Italian candy flowers make this a great place for gifts.

CBD/Warehouse District Calcasieu 930 Tchoupitoulas St., 5882188, CalcasieuRooms.com. For gatherings both large and small, the catering menus feature modern Louisiana cooking and the Cajun cuisine for which chef Donald Link is justifiably famous.

French Quarter Antoine’s Annex 513 Royal St., 5258045, Antoines.com/Antoines-Annex. Open daily. Serves French pastries, including individual baked Alaskas, ice cream and gelato, as well as panini, salads and coffee. Delivery available.

Metairie Sucré 3301 Veterans Blvd., 834-2277, ShopSucre.com. Desserts daily. Open late weekends. Chocolates, pastry and gelato draw rave reviews at this dessert destination. Beautiful packaging makes this a great place to shop for gifts. Catering available.

Mid-City H Blue Dot Donuts 4301 Canal St., 2184866, BlueDotDonuts.com. B, L Tue-Sun. The Bacon Maple Long John gets all the press, but returning customers are happy with the classics as well as twists like peanut butter and jelly.

St. James Cheese Company 5004 Prytania St., 899-4737, StJamesCheese. com. Open daily. Specialty shop offers a selection of fine cheeses, wines, beers and related accouterments. Look for wine and cheese specials every Friday. Sucré 3025 Magazine St., 520-8311, ShopSucre.com. Desserts daily & nightly. Open late weekends. Chocolates, pastry and gelato draw rave reviews at this dessert destination. Beautiful packaging makes this a great place to shop for gifts. Catering available. n

If you feel that a restaurant has been misplaced, please email Managing Editor Morgan Packard at Morgan@MyNewOrleans.com.

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Celebrations abound in spring, and from arts and food to culture and community, excuses to explore and experience festive fun are sure to have you planning your weekend agendas in April and May. Neighborhood festivals draw area residents while nearby festivals draw visitors from all over the country. Regional special events, activities and attractions, dining and shopping benefit from the bustling season and offer family fun for the remaining hours of long spring days. Whether you’re looking for an excuse to travel and sight-see or looking forward to your favorite festival food booth, the following ideas for fun in and out of the sun will have your belly full, your eyes and ears amazed and your spirit renewed. Annual traditions and new adventures await you, your family and friends – from the southernmost bayous to the panhandle of Florida, festival season promises countless reasons to celebrate. New Orleans City Park

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Festivals

Downtown Lafayette transforms into an entertainment complex during Festival International de Louisiane, April 20-24, one of the largest Francophone festivals designed to celebrate cultural expression in a variety of performance arts and to encourage understanding and appreciation for the different cultures that shape Acadiana. This year’s lineup includes international acts such as Alpha Blondy from the Ivory Coast, CharlElie Couture from France and A-WA of Israel. Returning by popular demand this year are The Waifs from Australia, Chic Gamine of Manitoba, Burundi Drummers of Burundi and Dédé Saint Prix of Martinique/France to honor the past 30 years of Festival International. Particularly exciting this year are the collaborations with various arts organizations for the 30th anniversary, exhibiting the history of the Festival. The Festival Pass offers an additional way to experience Festival International with perks such as express drink lines, a seated viewing area and private rest stops. Visit the festival website for more information at FestivalInternational.org. Great live, local music kicks off the

Bayou Cajun Festival on Fri., May 6,

at 5 p.m. and the fun continues until 6 p.m. on Sun., May 8, at the Larose Civic Center, just 40 minutes south of New Orleans! Parking and admission are free of charge and guests are invited to bring a chair and stay the weekend under the shady covered pavilion. Bayou Cajun Festival will feature favorite Cajun foods from local vendors and a craft market with a variety of items. Saturday will be all about the kids, with several activities planned for the little ones. The Glow Run takes place Saturday evening, so grab your running shoes and light the night with glow sticks. Additionally, old-fashioned carnival rides will excite friends and families all weekend. Celebrate Mother’s Day with Mom on Sunday with a special reservation-only Mother’s Day Brunch prepared by a celebrity chef. Find out more information by calling the Larose Civic Center Office at 985-6937355, or visit BayouCivicClub.org. The 11th annual Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo comes to the beautiful and historic banks of Bayou St. John on May 20-22, 2016. With an art

market, music from three stages and diverse food offerings, the Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo is a family-friendly event and local favorite. Music lovers can look forward to the sounds of The Wailers, Irma Thomas, Buckwheat Zydeco and The Lowrider Band among numerous other fantastic acts. The Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo is produced by the not-for-profit MotherShip Foundation, a 501c3 organization that uses proceeds from the annual festival for a variety of community improvements in the arts, culture and recreation and for its ongoing Restore the Bayou Canopy Campaign. Festival goers who join the MotherShip Foundation at the $250 level will receive access to The Canopy Club for all three days of the 2015 Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo. A V.I.P. area located next to the main stage, the Canopy Club offers a tax-deductible way to enjoy backstage access, shade, comfy seating, cooling units, special catered food and stagelevel viewing. Visit MothershipFoundation.org and TheBayouBoogaloo.com for an updated music schedule and more information.

Art Week South Walton is a collaboration of visual, performing and literary arts events presented in diverse formats and various venues throughout South Walton, located along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. Art Week South Walton actually makes up more than two weeks of events, including ArtsQuest (the 28th annual fine arts festival in Grand Boulevard’s Town Center), Digital Graffiti (in which the beach-front town of Alys Beach is turned into a vibrant canvas of light) and the Seaside Writers Conference (a full week of workshops, seminars readings and events in the iconic town of Seaside, FL). Art Week South Walton begins with ArtsQuest May 7 and 8th followed by Digital Graffiti May 13-15 and then the Seaside Writers Conference May 14-21. Art Week South Walton is an initiative of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. For more information, including tickets, registration and lodging options, visit ArtWeekSouthWalton.com. Memorial Day Weekend brings a yearly tradition of outdoor dancing, Greek wine and food, cultural performances and fun for kids along the beautiful Bayou St. myneworleans.com / APRIL 2016

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John at New Orleans Greek Festival. Now in its 43rd year, New Orleans Greek Festival showcases all things Greek – traditional Greek pastries, dinners and gyros, feta fries and calamari, Greek wines, cheeses, olives and dips in the Greek Grocery and live Greek music complete with a dance floor in addition to demonstrative dancing by the Hellenic Dancers. Located at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, the first Greek Orthodox church in the Americas, the festival offers fun for the whole family with a variety of entertainment, shopping opportunities and activities for children. The festival kicks off Fri., May 27 (5-11 p.m.) and the Festival Run/Walk Race registration begins at 6 p.m. The fest runs 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on Sat., May 28 and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sun., May 29. Entrance is $7 and free for children under 12. Togawearers on Sunday get in free. For more information, including directions, parking and shuttles, visit GFNO.org. Holy Trinity New Orleans is located at 1200 Robert E. Lee Blvd.

Activities & Attractions

French Quarter Phantoms has been named one of TripAdvisor’s Top Ten Ghost Tours in the World and The Discovery Channel’s “Official Best of Louisiana 2015!” For skeptics and believers alike, this tour is the perfect way to enjoy an evening in the French Quarter. Join French Quarter Phantoms Master Story Tellers for a lot of great laughs and some disturbing chills up your spine! True tales of hauntings and horrors – you’ll be surprised to hear what some “nice” ladies and gentlemen are capable of doing! Family-friendly fun for locals and visitors, the tours begin at 6- 8 p.m. nightly. Music lovers enjoy walking (or dancing!) along with the Music of New Orleans Tour through the Tremé, one of New Orleans most historic neighborhoods. Listen to the sounds of the city’s most talented musicians while learning their inspirations and the hidden meanings in their words. Tours begin at 3 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. Reservations required. Authorized tours of St. Louis No.1 Cemetery are available daily. Reservations are suggested. Don’t miss it! Call 504666-8300 or visit FrenchQuarterPhantoms.com. Join French Quarter Phantoms for the most interesting and unique tours in New Orleans.

It is with excitement that New Orleans City Park invites you to join in an extraordinary new opportunity for the Louisiana community. It’s an event that will appeal to everyone. Locals will love it, families will embrace it and visitors will come to New Orleans to experience it. The New Orleans Botanical

Jefferson Performing Arts Center (JPAC)

Garden inside City Park will be transformed like never-before! From Feb. 23, 2016, through May 1, 2016, China Lights will fill the Botanical Garden in City Park with more than 30 extraordinary, blazingly bright silk covered structures with 100s of lanterns. Picture an incredible glowing dragon 131-feet long or a three-story, lit-from-within spinning pagoda towering high enough to be seen from almost any vantage point. Plus, be dazzled by dozens of colorful lighted displays created at City Park by a team of over 100 artisans and technical staff from Sichuan Tianyu in Zigong, China. Details and tickets are available on CityParkPresentsChinaLights.com. Through Sun., April 10, the Newcomb Art Museum of Tulane University presents “Andrea Dezsö: I Wonder” and “Kate Clark: Mysterious Presence.” Each artist revisits traditional crafts in new and unexpected ways for the 21st century. Starting Mon., May 9, the museum will host one of the world’s most important books for “First Folio! The Book that Gave Us Shakespeare,” a national traveling exhibition organized by D.C.’s Folger Library in honor of the 400th anniversary of the bard’s death. Also on view will be “Elena Dorman: Syria’s Lost Generation” and “Diana Al-Hadid’s Culture Ruins.” Such shows reflect the museum’s new mission of presenting exhibitions and programs that utilize the frameworks of diverse disciplines in conceptualizing and interpreting art and visual culture. The museum is open Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Learn more at NewcombArtMuseum.tulane.edu or call 504-865-5328. The museum and its programs are free and open to the public. Centrally located in Metairie, Jefferson Performing Arts Center (JPAC) is the only professional theater of such magnitude in Jefferson Parish. With a seating capacity of 1,061, JPAC is able to accommodate all forms of entertainment from theater, concerts and dance, to lectures, meetings, graduations and more. The expansive lobby is suitable for hosting a variety of functions with regional catering favorite Messina’s as the exclusive food and beverage provider of the facility. With floor-to-ceiling glass windows, an open floor plan and a spacious second-level and terrace, JPAC offers a unique and customizable space for your event, whether you opt for a sun-filled, daytime event or a fully-lit lobby for your evening gathering. An additional Hospitality Suite with chic décor and a matching bar is also available. For upcoming news and events at Jefferson Performing Arts Center, visit JeffersonPAC.com or follow JPAC on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Managing the center is SMG, known as the world leader in venue management, marketing and development with venues in Europe, Latin America, Canada and across the United States. Locals know there’s no better way to experience the power and history of the mighty Mississippi River than with a trip aboard the last remaining authentic steamboat on the river. The Steamboat Natchez provides guests with a magnificent, one-of-a-kind view of New Orleans and an unparalleled atmosphere of New Orleans tradition, food, music and romance. Step aboard to the calls of the Steam Calliope as you depart from the heart of the French Quarter. Enjoy a sunset on the river during the Dinner Jazz Cruise. Tap your toes to the Grammy-winning Dukes of Dixieland Jazz band as you feast on a delicious buffet, while considering craft beers, a wine list and

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dazzling specialty drinks. Holiday and family events are extremely popular with locals as well as visitors. The new, completely renovated Captain’s Salon is available for events and wedding parties, with custom menus by the Steamboat’s new Executive Chef. Sail away with the Steamboat Natchez! Find out more and purchase tickets at SteamboatNatchez.com or by calling 504-569-1401. New Orleans native Tinka Jordy returns to her beloved hometown for a solo exhibition of new life-size figurative sculptures at Carol Robinson Gallery, 840 Napoleon Ave., New Orleans. The exhibition will open with a reception, Sat., April 2, 2016, at 6 p.m. When asked what compels her to create, Jordy speaks of expressing deeply felt emotions through her work: “The surfaces of my sculptures are full of surface cracks and imperfections that express the earth, the passing of time, our mortality and the search for spirituality. For over 36 years I have worked in clay, as it is the one material that, if I listen closely, communicates these sentiments so beautifully.” In viewing these extraordinary sculptures one is immediately drawn to the sensuality of the clay. Jordy’s sculptures portray the relationship between earthbound fragility and spiritual transcendence. The figurative sculptures are high-fired stoneware clay that is suitable for outdoor landscapes or indoor installation. For exhibition details, visit CarolRobinsonGallery.com. Tinka jordy

Built circa 1830 by Louisiana Creoles of French descent and family owned since 1877, St. Joseph Plantation offers a glimpse

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into Louisiana’s history – from the sugar, or “white gold,” it produces to the numerous customs and lifestyles that have come and gone. Located 40 miles from Baton Rouge in Vacherie, Louisiana, St. Joseph Plantation has been lovingly restored by family members, many of whom are tour guides who add their own personal touch to the tours. The month of October brings the annual Mourning Tour, which explores the customs and traditions of mourning during the 1800s, when life expectancies were shorter and family deaths were more common. During the annual tour, the entire main house is dressed for mourning. Photography of the interior is allowed and welcomed. Tours are offered six days a week (closed on Wednesdays) and the guided mansion tour is one hour followed by a self-guided grounds tour. The ground floor and gift shop are handicap accessible. For more information on St. Joseph Plantation, tours and private events, visit StJosephPlantation.com or call 225-265-4078. Recently reopened, the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum was established in 1986 to preserve and interpret the maritime history and heritage of Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Biloxi-based museum accomplishes this mission through its array of exhibits on shrimping, oystering, recreational fishing, wetlands, charter boats, marine blacksmithing, wooden boat building, catboats/schooners and one-of-a-kind historic photographs and artifacts, all the while telling the tale of over 300 years of history, culture and heritage. Featured in the Grand Hall is the “Nydia,” which was built in 1898 with mast stepped and sails raised. The Museum has brought life to local maritime history through two replicated 65-foot, two-masted Biloxi Schooners that sail the Mississippi Sound and waters of the north central Gulf of Mexico almost daily. The Museum also conducts year-round educational programs and a summer Sea-n-Sail Adventure Camp (June 6-July 22). The upcoming Gulf Coast Memorial Billy Creel Wooden & Classic Boat Show will be held May 21-22 at the Schooner Pier Complex and welcomes visitors to walk aboard the wooden yachts and experience the Biloxi Schooners sailing throughout the show. For more information, visit MaritimeMuseum.org.

Degas Gallery, located in the heart of Julia Street’s Arts District, is housed within an 1832 Julia Row townhouse complete with original cypress doors and boasting its own artful architecture. According to director Cybèle Gontar, it celebrates the city, its art and the French Impressionist Edgar Degas, whose work influences the painterly, curated exhibitions. “Degas is one of my favorite artists—I love the paintings that he produced here, especially ‘A Cotton Office in New Orleans.’ The works I show are meant to evoke his aesthetic in one form or another,” says Gontar. Currently on exhibit is “Sea & Sky,” which includes a series of impressionistic Jazz Fest scenes (oil on canvas) by Isabelle Jacopin. Jacopin divides her time between Bordeaux and Louisiana, painting in the French Quarter for eight months of the year. Recently, Jacopin was honored by the appearance of her painting on the 2016 French Quarter Festival poster. Additionally featured are the delicate Louisiana marsh scenes (oil on linen) by Dolores Justus of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Degas Gallery is located at 604 Julia St. and open MondaySaturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit TheDegasGallery.com or call 504826-9744. 100

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Dining & Imbibing

Located in the Lower Garden District and just blocks from Downtown New Orleans, Hoshun Restaurant delivers a flavorful punch of pan-Asian flavors with their own take on traditional dishes from China, Japan, Vietnam and other South-Asian countries. Popular menu items include pho soup and Vietnamese spring rolls, pad Thai, sushi, General Tsao’s Chicken, Hunan steak, Kung Pao shrimp and more. Enjoy family-style dining in an elegant atmosphere while sharing your favorite appetizers, entrees, combination dinners and sushi specials. Open daily until 2 a.m., Hoshun is a favorite latenight spot for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for seafood, steak, or vegetarian fare, Hoshun’s extensive menu provides options for everyone. Salt & Pepper Shrimp and Ahi Tuna Seared are a couple of Hoshun’s seafood specialties, while Butter Pepper Mignon offers a meatier possibility. For menu and information, visit HoshunRestaurant.com or call 504-302-9716. Located at 1601 St. Charles Ave., Hoshun offers a private party room overlooking the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line fitting between 25-70 people. Festival season in Louisiana means music, fun and lots of good food. Rice serves as a crucial component of Cajun cuisine, providing the soft and subtle base for everything from jambalaya, etouffée and gumbo to shrimp creole and – of course – red beans. Elevate your home cooking with rice produced here at home by the local experts at Cajun Country Rice. Cajun Country Rice is milled in the heart of Cajun country in Crowley, LA, at one of the state’s few rice mills still run by the original family. Whether it’s long grain, medium, or healthy whole grain brown, Cajun Country Rice has been the leading brand of rice in Louisiana for those that demand quality. And for the foodies and home chefs, try the distinctive rice that many famous New Orleans restaurants rely on- Cajun Country Popcorn Rice. With its warm essence and unmistakable aroma, popcorn rice is sure to make any Cajun dish pop. For cooking ideas, nutrition facts, or to purchase Cajun Country Rice to cook for your family and friends, visit CajunCountryRice.com. Cajun Country Rice can also be found at most local retailers. Visit the Tropical Isle Hand Grenade® booth near the company’s music stage at French Quarter Festival. After the fest, stop by any of the Tropical Isles, home of the Hand Grenade®, New Orleans’ Most Powerful Drink® and the Hand Grenade® Martini. Also, enjoy a Hand Grenade® at Funky Pirate Blues Club or Bayou Club. Experience Trop Rock, Cajun/ Zydeco & the Blues with Tropical Isle’s nightly entertainment, the best on Bourbon. State-of-the-art sound systems plus great live bands will keep you dancing the night away at Tropical Isle Bourbon, Tropical Isle Original, Little Tropical Isle, Funky Pirate and the Bayou Club. For more information visit TropicalIsle.com. For a quiet escape, visit local favorite The Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro right off of Bourbon at 720 Orleans Ave., which has more than 200 varieties of wine by the bottle and plenty of wine by the glass, plus a Bacon Happy Hour! For sample menus and wine lists, visit OrleansGrapevine.com.

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Celebrate the spring season with the oldest familyrun restaurant in the country, Antoine’s Restaurant. This charming, festive and acclaimed French-Creole establishment celebrates 176 years of French Quarter service this year. Whether you’re looking for a meal or beverage to enjoy with friends during festival season or a special threecourse menu on a special occasion, Antoine’s French-Creole menu has the flavors you love. Antoine’s popular three-course lunch menu continues this year, changing as it does by a penny a year. The new $20.16 Lunch Menu includes three courses with three options each and features items such as Creole Charred Oysters, Shrimp and Grits and Pecan Bread Pudding. A special 25-cent cocktail, which changes daily, will also be available, made fresh from the bartender. Make Easter and Mother’s Day extra special this year with an unforgettable meal at Antoine’s. The restaurant will feature a three-course prix-fixe menu on Easter, accompanied by favors, live jazz music and visits from the Easter Bunny. A special menu and live music will also be available on Mother’s Day. For more information and reservations, visit AntoinesRestaurant.com or call 504-581-4422. Known as the go-to cigar bar in the French Quarter, La Habana Hemingway Cigar Bar, located at 533 Toulouse St., offers a sophisticated and friendly locale for enjoying premium imported cigars complemented by a fine scotch, a signature mojito, or other luxurious libations in its bar and smoking lounge. Now with state-of-the-art lighting and sound, La Habana provides Latin jazz, salsa and AfroCuban beats that complement the various flavors offered by

Rocky Patel, Arturo Fuente, Cohiba, Macanudo, Partagas and Padron – just a small sampling of the bar’s cigar selection. La Habana recently opened a second, new location with a future lounge underway at 522 ½ Bourbon St. As of this year, La Habana Hemingway Cigar Bar is partnering with Rocky Patel in blending and presenting the bar’s in-house, signature cigar, the Jon Carlos Nola. Peruse a vast selection of cigars at both La Habana locations or enjoy a smoke and a drink at 533 Toulouse St. For more information or to book a party or table, visit CigarBarNewOrleans.com or call 504-522-5007.

The Bombay Club and Martini Bar at the Prince Conti Hotel in the French Quarter is celebrating a year of martinis, with a different martini special featured each week. Bar Manager Blake Kaiser is a craftsman, not just a bartender. He’ll serve you a straight martini if that’s what you desire, but more likely he’ll pour you an expertly crafted cocktail like you’ve never experienced. Come try a new twist on an old favorite or settle into a classic. Either way, you can’t miss at Bombay Club this year. Grab a bite to eat from chef Phil Todd’s southern inspired menu with an homage to the club’s British heritage and enjoy live music nightly in the lounge – classic jazz, modern jazz, new Orleans jazz, or solo piano. For more information on the Bombay Club and Martini Bar and its signature drinks or dinner menu, please visit BombayClubNewOrleans.com or call 504-577-2237 to make reservations. Boulevard is a classic American Bistro offering simple, well

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composed dishes for the whole family. The casual but clubby dining room serves an all-day, à la carte menu while the large bar imparts a feeling of your favorite neighborhood bar with an extensive wine list and hand-crafted specialty drinks. The menu features appetizers such as deviled eggs with sweet pickle relish, wood-fired artichokes and crispy Gulf oysters. Grilled chicken salad, seared tuna salad and an American blue wedge salad are joined by burgers, Gulf fish sandwich, prime rib sandwich and a lobster roll. Entrées range from rotisserie chicken, slow roasted pork chop and seared sea scallops to prime rib, filet mignon, crab cakes and barbequed ribs. Boulevard is open seven days a week. For more information, or to view the menu, please visit BoulevardBistro.com or call 504-889-2301 to make reservations.

says Calder.

Travel & Real Estate

When Kay and Roy Fausset bought Judy at the Rink 21 years ago, the shop was located on Magazine Street and had already established a reputation for innovative decorative accessories and one-of-a-kind art objects. After moving to the Rink in 1996, Judy at the Rink has built on that reputation to become the go-to destination for bridal, debutante and seasonal gifts, as

Explore Historic Pensacola! Experience the history of America’s first settlement through museum exhibits, guided home tours and interaction with period-dressed living history interpreters. Throughout April, visitors can also enjoy a special one-hour walking tour of downtown Pensacola’s historic architecture. Participants will view a sampling of the many architectural styles used in Pensacola from the time of Spanish colonists through the turn of the 20th century and learn the techniques historic preservationists use to keep life in these buildings, including restoration and rehabilitation. The tour leaves from the Tivoli High House, 205 East Zarragoza, at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday. The tour is included in admission to Historic Pensacola. “One Ticket, Seven Days to Explore” ticketing allows access to all properties and activities for seven days. Historic Pensacola is located in downtown Pensacola, Florida, just minutes from Pensacola’s world famous sugar-white beaches and emeraldgreen waters. For more information, visit HistoricPensacola.org or call 850595-5985.

St. John Trace offers modern luxury with a historic New Orleans charm. In this city, location is everything. At St. John Trace, you will get to enjoy not just comfort and quality, but you will be located next to Fairgrounds, City Park, Bayou St. John, New Orleans Museum of Art and a culturally rich neighborhood of coffee shops, eateries and local nightlife. In addition, streetcars and bike paths surround the community, allowing for easy transit to all of your favorite places in the city. To learn more about the homes being built at St. John Trace, visit StJohnTraceNOLA.com or call 504-478-2295.

Shopping

Now that the sun has kissed our noses and warmed our winter-weary souls, it’s time to take our relationship with the sunshine to the next level—the beach! Break up with winter and welcome the spring and summer in sunny Cancun, luxurious Riviera Maya, or tropical Punta Cana. Vacation Express is back with exclusive non-stop flights from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to the Caribbean and ready to take you to an all-inclusive paradise, be it for a quick weekend getaway or a week-long escape. Hop aboard one of their charter flights any Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday starting May 21 through Aug. 5, 2016 and Vacation Express will jet you away to your chosen destination. As experts in affordable quality vacations, Vacation Express feels confident that you and the beautiful, spring Caribbean weather will get along just fine. Visit VacationExpress.com and take advantage of all-inclusive packages. You deserve it. In a recent interview with New Orleans Magazine, Heather Calder, Owner and Broker at Realty Point NOLA, made it clear that it’s time to buy in the Crescent City, as 2016 is expected to be a big year for New Orleans real estate. “We are just wrapping up our most recent development with Chisesi Signature Homes, Bienville Trace in Mid-City and starting a brand-new development close to Bayou St. John,” Bra Genie 102

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Symmetry jewelers and designers

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well as for home decorative items such as lamps, paintings and artisan-crafted glass and ceramics. In addition, the shop has recently diversified its inventory to include fashion purses, scarves and casual tops while expanding its selection of highdesign costume jewelry. “The covered, secure and easily accessed parking at the Rink location is appealing to our customers, as are our free gift wrap and free delivery to select areas in New Orleans and Metairie,” says Fausset. “Customers also appreciate and support the diverse local artisans and artists that lend a distinctive New Orleans flavor to our Judy merchandise.” Visit Judy at the Rink at 2727 Prytania St., or call 504-8917018 to hear about what unique items Judy at the Rink has in stock today. It is a pretty sure bet that if you don’t keep up with technology in your business these days, you can lose your competitive edge or possibly even your business. The same lesson applies even in the jewelry industry. For years, Symmetry Jewelers and Designers has combined the design and master hand-engraving talents of Tom Mathis with his continuing and constantly growing knowledge and experience using CAD-CAM technologies. Computer-aided design has allowed Tom to translate many of his new and timeless creations spanning his 40 plus years of work into 3D sculptural jewelry. One of the latest examples is a new collection of charms, small pendants and cake pulls, available in all precious metals. Whimsical, contemporary and traditionally themed pieces are being added to the growing collection on a weekly basis. As always, custom work is a specialty and the designers of

Symmetry can work with you on your special piece. Start your tradition at SymmetryJewelers.com or by calling 504-861-9925 or 800-628-3711. While Trashy Diva is a distinctly New Orleans clothing company with five locations spread across the city, their vintage-inspired designs are known and coveted worldwide. For almost 20 years, Trashy Diva has provided customers with vintage flair and classic style. Original designs in dresses and separates by Candice Gwinn suit a modern sensibility with a focus on feminine styles that flatter a variety of body types, from size 0 through 24. Whether you’re a fan of solid colors, beautiful florals or kitsch novelty prints, Trashy Diva has you covered year-round. Look to Trashy Diva for timeless collections that incorporate a range of vivacious patterns. From light, airy seersucker to cheeky gingham and flowing rayons, they have fashionable and functional options to suit all bodies. Although renowned for retro-inspired dresses, Trashy Diva also offers a curated selection of shoes, accessories and lingerie. From lace parasols to classic sun hats, cross-body purses, lightweight cardigans, chic sandals and the perfect shade of lipstick, Trashy Diva is a one-stop shop for all your spring festival needs. Visit TrashyDiva.com or call 504-299-3939. Spring has arrived in New Orleans and so have the festivals and visitors! Shoppers looking for style that combines natural beauty with eco-friendliness and superior function will want to visit Queork – a French Quarter and Magazine Street boutique that’s the first of its kind not only in New Orleans, but in the United States. Queork is a local business that specializes in fine

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handbags, shoes and accessories for fashion, home and office that all prominently feature natural cork, “the new leather.” Cork leather comes from the same raw material as wine corks – the bark of the cork oak tree. Once the bark is removed by hand, which allows the tree to continue growing, it is processed into a supple, waterproof, scratchproof, stain resistant, hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and durable fabric that Queork transforms into luxurious products. Visit Queork in the French Quarter and on Magazine Street and see the stunning array of colors and designs they offer. From handbags, wallets, belts, bowties, boots, jewelry, aprons, hats, etc. – there’s something for everyone, even four-legged friends, at Queork. Visit Queork at 838 Chartres St. and 3005 Magazine Street, or shop online at Queork.com. In just one year, Grandmother’s Buttons NOLA has racked up quite a few accolades: it was voted Best New Retail Store by Gambit readers, featured in the Southern Living Holiday Gift Guide and listed among the Top Five New Orleans Boutiques by Racked.com. The bright and eclectic boutique features Louisiana-made jewelry created with antique buttons, as well as unique home goods, accessories and apparel. It is located at 2105 Magazine St. in the Lower Garden District. Grandmother’s Buttons’ original store is in a 1905 bank building in St. Francisville, just two hours north of New Orleans, and features a button museum in the old bank vault. All of the company’s jewelry is made in the bank’s second floor studio. The company’s jewelry is carried in some 500 other stores and boutiques around the country and the world, including the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC and the British Museum in London. For more information, visit GrandmothersButtons. com, call 504-249-5821, or follow on Facebook (Grandmothers-Buttons-New-Orleans) and Instagram (@ grandmothersbuttons_nola). During French Quarter Festival – and festival season in general– take a break from the heat, the rain, or the masses by popping into Fleur d’ Orleans for some of the most iconic and traditional New Orleans designs in art, jewelry, accessories and gifts. Located just around the corner from Jackson Square at 818 Chartres St., as well as at 3701-A Magazine St. (Uptown), Fleur d’ Orleans has designed more than 150 different pieces of sterling silver jewelry, inspired by art and architectural designs found around the city. Whether you need handmade sterling silver earrings, brooches or pendants, semi-precious jewels set in sterling, beautiful silk scarves, or handmade paper notecards, you will find a rich array of designer accessories at Fleur d’ Orleans. Their newest line of earrings, inspired by the wrought iron and cast iron of the French Quarter, is available just in time for festival season and priced from $27- $60. Fleur d’ Orleans designs are exclusive to their shops. You can view their designs online and order with free shipping from fleurdorleans.com. For more information and hours, call 504-475-5254 (Chartres Street) or 504-8995585 (Magazine Street). •

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rom pre-school handprints and finger-painting to advanced robotics wired by soon-to-be grads, activities for advancing various skills and knowledge are important for students even in the summer months. Opportunities for engagement in arts, academics and athletics run the gamut, from school-sponsored summer camps to programs from national organizations. Students can explore a variety of subjects, both in the classroom and out in the world. With more flexibility and fun than a typical school day, area summer camps offer enriching opportunities to exercise teamwork, think creatively and critically, and spend more time exploring specific interests while strengthening abilities. Children are welcome to be physically active with swimming, dancing, soccer and lacrosse, as well as mentally tested with problemsolving in mathematics and science. Theatre students and singers can show off their vocal prowess, while young sewers and painters show their dexterity of hand and pursuit of a vision. Find a camp or program just right for your young camper among the following area schools and organizations. 108

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Have a “whale” of a summer on the 12-acre country campus of Arden Cahill Academy’s Camp Corral. Cahill Camp Corral offers a relaxed environment where children continue to grow and develop during the summer months under the supervision of qualified teachers and experienced instructors. Activities and amenities include horseback riding, swimming, art, theater, sports, game room, petting farm, computer games, academic and enrichment classes, field days, dances, fishing, water slide, bounce house, camp-in, archery, riflery and much, much more. Campers ages 3 (camper must turn 4 by Sept. 30, 16) through 14 are welcome to attend. Conveniently located on the West Bank (10 minutes from the GNO Bridge), the camp runs 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., with before and after care available. Hot lunches can be provided for an additional fee. Session dates are May 31-July 1 and July 5-Aug. 5 with options for weekly, session and full summer rates. To find more information or to register now, please visit Camp Corral online at ArdenCahillAcademy.com.

Ursuline Academy’s Summer Arts Camp offers a variety of fun classes for girls age 3 through eighth grade in art, acting, singing, cooking, cheer and dance, music, ceramics, science, fashion design, sewing, sports, swimming and more! Campers will also enjoy Wonderful Wednesdays, which include entertainment by visiting artists and swimming at Beach Club. Each session will culminate with a Fabulous Friday, when campers put on performances and display their artwork. Super Week is an all field-trip experience with age-appropriate, well supervised activities. This action-packed week includes a variety of fun places and activities such as bowling, swimming, IMAX, skating and so much more!

Session I is June 6-24, and Session II is June 27-July 15. Super Week takes place July 18-22. Camp hours are 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Before and after care are available. For more information, visit UANOLA.org, call 504-866-5260, or email mvanryckeghem@uanola.org. Lacrosse is the fastest growing game on two feet. Over the past eight years in Louisiana, the game has grown exponentially and now has more than 20 men’s/boys’ teams statewide. The sport continues to grow rapidly in the New Orleans region, with more schools adding it to their athletic programs. Southern Lacrosse is excited to announce a new partnership with North Shore Lacrosse (NSLAX) and Rogue Lacrosse. The new “Rogue Louisiana” teams combine NSLAX’s vision to enrich the lives of student-athletes through promotion of the sport of lacrosse in Louisiana with Rogue Lacrosse’s vision to enhance long-term athletic development. Their visions fit seamlessly with Southern Lacrosse’s mission to educate, equip and encourage all of those interested in learning and growing the game. Southern Lacrosse currently runs youth leagues for girls ages 8-12 and boys ages 7-10. Boys and girls are taught by athletes from all over the country right here in New Orleans. For more information, call 504-826-9425 or email info@southern-lacrosse. com. Their retail store is located at 1517 Kuebel St. in Harahan.

Louisiana Fire Soccer Club is a nonprofit organization that has been developing youth soccer players across Greater New Orleans for the past 40 years. Last year alone, Louisiana Fire Soccer Club helped over 20 boys and girls obtain soccer scholarships to colleges and universities across the country. Working with children and adolescents ages 3-19 from all

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socioeconomic backgrounds, the club provides extensive recreational and competitive soccer programs that are the most comprehensive in the state with unparalleled expert training, supervision and support. This summer, Louisiana Fire Soccer Club will offer six, five-day outdoorcamps toimproveplayerknowledgeandskill,enhanceplayer understanding and emphasize team play and good sportsmanship. The camps, which include one five-night camp specific to Strikers/ Goalkeepers (competitive players U10 and up), begin May 30, June 6, June 13, July 25, Aug. 1 (Striker/GK camp) and Aug. 8. Day camps are open to girls and boys ages 5 to 17, and campers will be divided by age and ability. For more information, including options and discounts, visit LouisianaFireJRS.com or call 504-621-4557. For 34 summers, Country Day Creative Arts, on the campus of Metairie Park Country Day School, has transformed children’s lives. Boys and girls ages 7-14 select five classes from over 30 choices in the visual arts, performing arts and sports. In an environment of mutual respect, professional artists from New Orleans and around the country guide the natural talents in each young artist to new heights of individual creativity, affirmation, and pride. The Country Day curriculum is unique, inventive, and filled with playful energy. Intricate and imaginative projects are designed to immerse each young person in the exploration of their own ideas and creative choices. The daily schedule includes five classes and two CDCA gatherings. At the end of the program, young artists celebrate all they have accomplished with a magnificent Arts Festival for family, friends, and the greater community. Visual, performing, and literary arts combine into

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an extraordinary expression of creativity that bursts from every corner of CDCA. Country Day Creative Arts runs June 13 through July 15. Learn more at CountryDayCreativeArts.com or call 504-849-3188. Summer shines at Sacred Heart, where the call is out for all boys and girls! Academy of the Sacred Heart is excited to offer Summer Fun Day Camp for girls and Sports and More Day Camp for boys, ages 1-12. Popular camp sessions include the early childhood Summer Hearts for boys and girls, Creative HeARTS, Middle School Creative Choice, Joyful Journey, Theater Camp (You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown), Sports and Cheer Camp, “I Can Be” (engineering and computer) and their kick-off to the 2016-’17 school year, Jump Start. Lunch is included in tuition, and before-care and after-care are available for all camps, which take place May 31-July 15, 2016. Founded in 1867, the Academy of the Sacred Heart is a Catholic, independent, college prep school for girls, toddler through grade 12. The school is committed to values of faith, intellectual advancement, social awareness, the building of community and personal growth. For more information on the summer camps and school, visit AshRosary.org/SummerCamp or call 504-269-1230.

Holy Cross School is proud to be the only Catholic school in New Orleans for boys grades Pre-K through 12. The school has been educating young men since 1849 and operates with a strong understanding of how they act and how they learn. Instruction is tailored around the high-energy nature of boys, engaging fine and gross motor skills that promote an excitement and love for learning early on.

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The heart of Holy Cross School’s mission is to guide students on the path to become confident, independent, respectful Holy Cross Men. Students are challenged and inspired by their lessons, by their teachers and by their peers. The school’s graduates are successful and lead the community by Building Respect, Educating Hearts and Minds, Being Family and Bringing Hope. Holy Cross School offers a summer camp program for boys and girls, ages 4-12. Six weeks of focused fun, enrichment and skill development run from June 6-July 15, 2016. Before and after care are available at no additional charge. To register online, visit HolyCrossTigers.com/SummerCamp or call 504-942-1884. For more information about the primary, middle or high school, visit HolyCrossTigers.com or call 504-942-3100. Since 1960, Trinity Episcopal School has graduated students of exceptional academic and intellectual ability. It is a community for the young, where intellectual and social aspirations are unrestrained and new heights and pursuits are encouraged and explored. Trinity Episcopal School offers over 30 specialty camps, ranging from Hip Hop Dance to Rocketry each June and August. Camps are led by Trinity faculty and staff and include a variety of options for students ranging from grades Pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade. Summer camp runs over four consecutive weeks in June and for two full weeks and one partial week in August. It includes both half- and full-day scheduling options. Before and after camp care is available 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. each day. Trinity strives to maintain excellent staff-to-camper ratios; therefore, space is limited in all camps. Smaller camps contribute to the individualized activities and personal attention campers and staff enjoy. For more information on summer camp at Trinity,

contact Summer Camp Director Chris Core by email (ccore@ trinitynola.com) or at 504-525-8661, ext. 761. The Lusher Summer Arts Intensive is a month-long course of study for young artists in grades four through 12. The camp runs from June 6-30. Participants have the opportunity to choose from classes across an array of disciplines; courses are offered in theatre, creative writing, dance, music (instrumental and vocal), media arts and visual arts. Classes run 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and are supplemented by field trips to local performances, museums and galleries, as well as visits from guest artists. Louisiana’s highest performing K-12 public school, Lusher Charter School, a National Blue Ribbon School in partnership with Tulane University, offers a rigorous, interdisciplinary, collegefocused curriculum. Lusher students engage in a comprehensive academic program, enhancing critical, analytical, and creative thinking. Serving 1,700 students, Lusher maintains two Uptown campuses: the Lower School on Willow Street (504-862-5110) and both the Middle and High schools on Freret Street (504-304-3961). For more information on the Lusher Summer Arts Intensive and the school, please visit LusherSchool.org. Located in the Lower Garden District at 1115 St. Mary St., Chateau Sew & Sew is a little neighborhood fabric and sewing studio with so much to offer, from classes for students of any skill level to colorful fabrics, gifts and toys. Stop by and you may find the girls at the shop leading a class, cutting fabric, chatting with a customer or neighbor or sewing up a new project to sell in store. Chateau Sew & Sew offers three camps this summer for children ages 7-13. Sessions run June 27-July 1, July 11-15 and July

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18-22, all 9 a.m.-12 p.m., and at a cost of $165 per week. Students will learn basic sewing skills, machine and hand work. Several projects will be sewn during the week such as a skirt, softie, headband and more. For more information or to shop online, visit ChateauSew.com, or call 504-533-9221.

Jesuit High School offers boys ages 5-12 a full six-week Summer Day Camp Program (May 3-July 8) and two three-week Day Camp Programs (May 31-June 17; June 20-July 8). Beforeand after-Day Camp Care is available. Day Camp activities feature field trips, picnics, movies, tours, bowling, kickball, soccer, basketball, flag football, softball, laser tag, water slides, skating, putt putt and outdoor games. In addition to three Academic Camps (Robotics, Science and Study Skills), Jesuit also offers a variety of Sports Camps, including Baseball, Basketball, Football, Lacrosse, Soccer and Wrestling. Parents may rest assured that Jesuit’s Summer Camps are well supervised, safe and fun. The school’s Mid-City location at Carrollton and Banks makes it accessible from anywhere in the metro region. Information, fees, and registration forms for all of Jesuit’s Summer Camps are posted on the school’s website at JesuitNOLA.org. Prepping for an exam is as important as its results. With the right prep, an excellent score can help a student stand out from the crowd. In addition, higher test scores increase your child’s chances of receiving both merit-based financial aid as well as a vast range of scholarships. The Princeton Review offers students a wide variety of prep options, ranging from private tutoring and small group

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instruction to self-guided online courses and the LiveOnline Classroom. The Princeton Review’s SAT, ACT and PSAT programs provide students with a personal prep experience that fits their unique learning style, schedule, and budget. Find the option that works best for your future graduate! Program components vary and include several hours of in-class instruction, practice tests, personalized feedback, interactive multimedia lessons and more. For more information on prep possibilities, visit PrincetonReview.com or call 504-826-8406. Find out if your student will make the grade with a free practice test at PrincetonReview.com/FreePracticeTest. In addition to prep programs, a complete line of prep books for the SAT and the ACT are also available at PrincetonReview.com/Bookstore.

Broadway Theatre Connection (BTC) presents a five-day Musical Theatre Intensive July 25-29 at NOCCA with Broadway’s finest mentors. BTC offers an exciting curriculum in Musical Theatre for young artists ages 8 to 20 years old who are interested in becoming well-rounded performers. Space is limited and scholarships are available through the support and generosity of New Orleans Theater Association. Broadway Theatre Connection’s faculty is comprised of currently working professionals in the theatre industry. Classes include: Theatre Dance, Tap, Voice, Acting a Song, Monologues and Sides, Mock Auditions and Tips, Original Broadway Choreography and a Faculty Q+A. This program guarantees a well-rounded experience with an unmatched caliber of teachers. Visit the BTC Facebook page for announcements about the BTC faculty members coming to New Orleans in 2016! For acceptance to the Summer Intensive, BTC requires that a student have training in one of the three

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disciplines of Musical Theatre: Dance, Acting, or Voice. Visit BroadwayTheatreConnection.com for details and registration. Tuition for the BTC NOLA 2016 Summer Intensive is $495+ a $45 non-refundable registration fee.

Thinkerella, a New Orleans-based enrichment program, provides handson education in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) for children ages 3-13. Cherie Melancon Franz, Founder/CEO, has been honored a number of times; she was included in Gambit Weekly’s 2014 Top 40 Under 40 and in Silicon Bayou’s 2014 Top 100 Innovators, she won the 2015 Millennial award for Outstanding Business, and she made the Top 10 in Blackstone’s 2016 Big Idea Competition for NOEW. ThinkerKids after-school program uses an approach for kids to learn applied science through simple, handson play. Both educational and super fun for kids, the program also employs local teachers at the schools that carry the program. After this year, Thinkerella will have paid out over $40,000 in supplemental income to local teachers. Thinkerella offers children's birthday parties, scout sessions, and workshops at their location at 260 Hickory Avenue in Harahan as well as travelling to client locations. Call 504-232-1394 or visit MyThinkerella.com for more details. Create your child’s perfect summer at

St. Martin’s Episcopal School’s Summer Experience 2016, located in Metairie. Summer Day Camp is a great way for your camper to explore many different interests such as art and science classes, fun outdoor games, swimming, field trips and more. Summer Cottage Camp provides a nurturing environment for St. Martin’s youngest campers, ages 1-3. Enrichment Camps provide an infinite number of possibilities: athletics, performing arts, visual arts, science, technology, engineering, academics and more! St. Martin’s also offers babysitting certification, counselor-in-training sessions and driver’s education for older students. St. Martin’s Summer Experience 2016 has over 50 camps to choose from for students ages 1-18 with before-care, after-care and lunch plan choices all available. See the full schedule, download a brochure and register online at StMSaints.com/summer. For more information, contact the Camp Office at 504-736-9925. • myneworleans.com / APRIL 2016

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Home Care Solutions

s you enter your golden years, it’s more important than ever to have a plan in place should you need living assistance or at-home medical care. Setting up a comfortable living situation in a retirement community is easier than you may think, and more exciting. New Orleans is home to various reputable communities and equipped with some of the best doctors in the region. In this month’s aging parents section, you will find a multitude of resources as you decide on the best accommodations according to your or your loved one’s needs. From house call physicians to hospice care and independent living retirement communities, read on to find some of the most reliable options this city has to offer.

Retirement Living Located on three acres in scenic Uptown New Orleans,

Poydras Home is a continuing care retirement community that has been serving the needs of the local area since 1817. Poydras Home is known nationally for its quality of care and innovative programs that allow our residents to enjoy life to the fullest in a beautiful and historic setting. Poydras Home offers a full continuum of care consisting of Garden House (independent living), Oak House (assisted living), the Historic House (nursing care) and PHASE (adult day program). All rooms are private and overlook beautifully landscaped grounds. Poydras Home’s state-of-the-art memory support areas, Seasons and Hunter House, provide unparalleled services with unique individualized activities and a secured outdoor garden and walking path. Poydras Home’s professional and committed caring staff delivers compassionate, quality supportive services. From independent living to highly individualized care, Poydras Home is the only full continuum of care community with dementia care and an adult day program in the Greater New Orleans Area. For more information, visit PoydrasHome.com or call 504-897-0535.

The Landing at Behrman Place, managed by Sunshine Retirement Living, is a warm and welcoming community on the 114

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scenic West Bank of New Orleans and voted Best Senior Living this year by SeniorAdvisor.com. The Landing is just minutes from the French Quarter, shopping, restaurants and healthcare, and has an on-site salon, library and a computer center. Residents are provided with transportation, housekeeping, home maintenance and 24/7 onsite staff. Residents can also enjoy a multitude of activities such as bell choir, chorale, games and exercise classes. The Landing’s top-notch chefs prepare three meals days with fresh and locally sourced ingredients when available. Their dishes can rival any Louisiana restaurant! Come see for yourself and join us for a scrumptious Easter Omelet Bar with Caesar salad, roasted pork loin, stuffed eggs, cornbread casserole, carrot soufflé and a variety of desserts. Or bring the whole family on Mother’s Day for our famous Omelet Bar, served with carrot soup, potato salad, baked ham, mac and cheese, creamed spinach and variety of desserts. Both Easter and Mother’s Day meals are only $15 per guest. For more information on The Landing call 504-208-2080, or visit TheLandingRet.com and Facebook.com/LandingAtBehrmanPlace.

Lambeth House

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When it comes to aging well, Lambeth House, a full-service retirement center, offers the best of all worlds: independent living for active adults – ages 62 plus – in addition to a full continuum of care, including Assisted Living, Nursing Care and Memory Care. Lambeth House is proud to offer public access – for ages 55 plus – to its fitness center. Nestled in the heart of Uptown New Orleans, Lambeth House offers a cultural program committed to enrichment of the mind, body and spirit. The full array of amenities for active seniors includes the Wellness Center with a stunning indoor, salt-water swimming pool, an art studio, meditation room and garden, fine and casual dining options and engaging activities and social events. In the words of one resident, “It’s like living on a cruise ship. There’s always something to do!” “Today’s new generation of retirees want choices. They want to be active and to age well,” says President/CEO Scott Crabtree. At Lambeth House, residents do just that. It is a great place to live a full life! For more information, call 504-865-1960. Touro’s Woldenberg Village is one of the region’s premier healthcare and retirement communities, located just minutes from downtown New Orleans. Offering quality care and an engaging lifestyle across the full spectrum of senior living, residents in the community experience independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing care. As a premier Touro Retirement Community specializing in Alzheimer’s and dementia, aging loved ones at Woldenberg are comfortably accommodated with more than 120 skilled nursing beds, 60 assisted living apartments and 60 independent living apartment homes on 18 acres of land. The campus is pet-friendly and features group transportation for activities, errands and

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appointments, housekeeping and laundry service, meals served daily in a community dining area and private dining for small gatherings or family visits. From 24-hour emergency response system to short-term rehabilitation and in-patient hospice services, your loved ones are kept safe and healthy at Woldenberg Village. To learn more or to schedule a tour, call 504-367-5640.

At Home Care As our parents age, getting them to a doctor requires tremendous effort and may seem impossible. For those who struggle with mobility and chronic illness, the convenient and reputable services of NOLA Doc provide a vital solution. Providing physician house calls for urgent and primary care, palliative care, hospital consultations, care coordination, IV therapy and more, NOLA Doc physicians are dedicated to keeping patients safe and healthy at home. “Dr. Berenson took his time to listen to my mother’s concerns,” a patient’s son said about NOLA Doc. “He had a genuine interest in making her feel better and was able to provide immediate relief. She felt like someone really cared about her.” Board-certified physicians are available for appointments after hours when needed and travel throughout the Greater New Orleans area. To make an appointment, call 504-383-3828 or visit NolaDoc.com to learn more.

Home Care Solutions specializes in compassionate In-Home Care and Alzheimer’s care, in addition to Care Management services to help elderly loved ones in the Greater New Orleans area extend their independence. All services begin with a professional assessment visit. A care

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manager then designs a plan of care tailored to the client’s needs while incorporating family input. Carefully selected and trained caregivers provide assistance with activities of daily living and companionship, supported by routine care manager supervisory visits. Many clients need additional care management services and support beyond home care. These services provide peace of mind for out-of-town families and include exploring the options and costs of elder care services in the area, attending medical appointments with clients and reporting back to family members, coordinating legal and financial referrals and managing crisis situations. “Home Care Solutions and the caregivers they provided, were as goodasgoldtoourfather.Itis,whatwewouldcall,‘APerfectFit,’”saida family member of a Home Care Solutions client. Home Care Solutions is a member of the Home Care Association of America and the Aging Life Care Association and is also a licensed Personal Care Attendant Agency. For more information call 504-828-0900 or visit HomeCareNewOrleans.com.

Hospice Care Anyone seeking compassionate and dignified care for their terminally ill loved ones should consider the outstanding services offered by Canon Hospice. Canon Hospice is dedicated to helping patients and families accept terminal illness positively and resourcefully, to preserve dignity and to endure the challenges that accompany this critical time of life. Their stated goal is to “allow our patients to live each day to the fullest and enjoy their time with family and friends.” With special expertise in pain management and symptom control, Canon

Hospice designs individualized plans of care for each patient based on their unique needs. Home Based Services provide doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, pastoral care and volunteers. For patients with more intensive symptom management needs, Canon has an Inpatient Hospice Unit located on the fourth floor of the Ochsner Elmwood Medical Center. This unit provides 24-hour care in a home-like environment where patients are permitted to receive visits at any hour. Canon now offers private rooms. For more information, visit CanonHospice. com.

Research & Resources The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Their mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Their vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. While the Alzheimer’s Association is a national organization, they offer help on a local level, too. Community Resource Finder, Alz.org/crf is a place that you can find support groups, programs, events and community services from at-home care to medical services. There are a variety of resources available to help those living with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones. On Alz.org, you can also find ways to personally help end the disease by becoming a champion for the cause. For additional help or guidance, call their 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900. Locally, visit Alz.org/ Louisiana or phone 504-613-6505. •

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From the New Orleans French Quarter to the Warehouse District and Central Business District, nothing is more exciting than living downtown in such an eclectic city. Famous for its cuisine, its history and culture, New Orleans’ downtown area is layered with great eateries, unique boutiques, beautiful housing opportunities and brilliant artists. In this section you’ll find an array of markets, restaurants, realtors, retail shops and more, all eager to make your downtown living experience in New Orleans one to cherish. Whether you’re getting off of work and need a new hotspot to unwind, you need a new outfit for the upcoming festivals this season or if you’re searching for a new weekend brunch go-to, read on to see what this vivacious area has to offer.

Shopping

The French Market District is comprised of a scenic sixblock stretch along the Mississippi River in the New Orleans French Quarter from Café du Monde to the Farmers and Flea Markets and includes The Shops on the Colonnade on Decatur Street, The Shops at the Upper Pontalba on Jackson Square and the newly opened Crescent Park on the river. Experience historic architecture, sidewalk dining, live music, boutique shopping and plenty of affordable souvenirs, from locally made pralines and spices to artwork and cookbooks. Enjoy complimentary walking tours, fitness classes, children’s concerts and workshops, author signings, cooking demonstrations and various cultural events throughout the year. The French Market District is open seven days a week, 365 days a year, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (with some restaurants open later). Every Wednesday, the Crescent City Farmers Market produces a fresh farmers market 1-5 p.m. The 30th annual French Market Creole Tomato Festival will be held June 11- 12, 2016. View the full calendar of events, maps and shop listings at FrenchMarket.org. Get out of the winter blues and into something new this spring! Donald J Pliner’s full assortment of luxury footwear, handbags, jewelry and accessories is found at The Shops at Canal Place. Many shoppers may remember the store as St. Germain, and Donald J Pliner is still the same store customers know and love, continuing to offer incredible jewelry from brands like Mizuki, as well as the full assortment of men’s and women’s shoes. Fashion jewelry events continue all season long with jewelry designer Ray Griffiths presenting his collection on April 15- 16. Fashionistas can truly dress from head to toe when they shop during the trunk show. For those looking for the perfect pair of shoes this season, stop by their store in The Shops at Canal Place or call 504-522-1720 for a personal appointment. Preview this season’s stunning collection at DonaldJPliner.com. 118

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Carol Peebles

Offering a classic, tasteful touch to homes and studios in the historic French Quarter, art by Carol Peebles is captivating and adored by locals in love with New Orleans. “Phoenix Rising” is the iconic representation of the River Crescent. With the Mississippi River embellished in gold leaf on canvas, it celebrates the growth and revitalization of our beloved city. Popular hangouts and historic landmarks decorate its framework, with references to Louis Armstrong, Huckleberry Finn and Ignatious J. Reilly, illustrating our city’s rich history of jazz music, literature and art. It serves as a functional map as well, as most streets are listed. Have your own home or memorable spot commemorated by the artist, with your address and a gold star. Prints are available in many sizes, in both paper and canvas, at CarolPeebles.com.

Housing Opportunities New Orleans is by far one of the best places to live! Take it from John Schaff, fifth generation New Orleanian and renowned real estate agent. The real estate market in the Warehouse District/CBD is hotter than it has been in years, and New Orleans’ cost of living is still lower than most cities with half the offerings. As a big town with a small town mentality, New Orleans is a place where you can shop and eat at some of the finest restaurants in the world that reflect the unique flavor of the Big Easy. Most apartment buildings that are being built in the downtown area are usually leased before construction is even completed. There are more new restaurants and hotels in the area then ever before, including a recent announcement of the Four Seasons coming to New Orleans that has the whole town talking. The World Trade Center, which has been vacant now for years, will be the future site for the new hotel and 70 plus elite-scale condos, which rumor has it will sell for more than $1,200 per square foot. Call John Schaff at 504-343-6683 or visit NOLARealtor.com for more information. Allured by all that downtown living has to offer, but still want a backyard? Bakery Village in Irish Channel offers spacious lots – up to 6,000 square feet – and brand-new

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single-family homes just minutes from the Central Business District. Bakery Village is a great alternative to living in the cramped buildings downtown and remains surrounded by restaurants, shops and local pubs. The Irish Channel Historic District truly offers the best of both worlds. Live in the same zip code as Lafayette Square, the Riverwalk, numerous museums and other New Orleans favorites, without the noise or the traffic. Bakery Village has several house plans to choose from, featuring historic grade exteriors, off-street parking and balconies with views of the Mississippi River and the downtown skyline. Or, you may purchase a lot as a blank slate and build your own dream home. Find out more about the housing opportunities awaiting you at BakeryVillageNOLA.com. Spring is house-hunting season. The months of April, May and June typically account for 40 percent of all home sales for the year, according to economist Freddie Mac. If you’re ready to buy your first home or upgrade to a new one this spring in the French Quarter or CBD, NOLA Lending Group, a division of Fidelity Bank is ready to help. Since opening in 2002, NOLA Lending Group has rapidly grown to become one of the largest mortgage lenders in New Orleans. What makes NOLA Lending Group different from other mortgage companies? They believe in keeping things local. NOLA Lending Group controls all aspects of the loan process: processing, underwriting and closing – all is done locally in house. Lenders even attend the closings to make sure the process goes smoothly. You live, you work and you play locally, shouldn’t you use a local lender? As a

Red Gravy

division of Fidelity Bank, NOLA Lending Group has access to a wide array of financial products and services. Find your local Nola Lending Group by visiting NolaLending.com/ Locations.

Restaurants & Bars

Mr. Ed’s has been a local favorite since 1989 and is still regarded as among the best eateries in New Orleans today. Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar serves your choice of chargrilled, fried or raw oysters as well as long time favorites such as oysters Rockefeller and Bienville. Offering both a stand up oyster bar and cocktail bar, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy. Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House will soon be offering three unique locations, including a brand new location two blocks from Lee Circle. Currently operating in Metairie and the French Quarter, the third location is projected to open at 1327 St. Charles Ave. near the Garden District. Situated in the Maison St. Charles Hotel, this up-and-coming hotspot will feature a banquet hall that holds up to 200 people, room service and daily lunch specials. Ed McIntyre also oversees Mr. Ed’s Seafood & Italian Restaurant of Metairie and Kenner and Austin’s Seafood & Steakhouse of Metairie. Explore their menus on MrEdsRestaurants.com. Get into the groove this April with The Crazy Lobster, located on the Banks of the Mississippi River and steps from the French Quarter and the Central Business District. Situated on Port of New Orleans Place, The Crazy Lobster is notorious for steamed seafood buckets, hurricane and voodoo juice cocktails. With live music seven nights a week and all day on the weekends, treat yourself to authentic New Orleans cuisine and entertainment! Surrounded by the Riverwalk shopping outlet, the Aquarium, along with its proximity to the streetcar and Canal Street, The Crazy Lobster is in the center of a great day spent in Downtown New Orleans. Bringing outdoor dining to indoor seating, rain or shine The Crazy Lobster keeps restaurant goers satisfied. Call 504-569-3380 to make reservations and check out their sensational authentic cuisine and cocktails on TheCrazyLobster.com. It is the best time of year to be outside in New Orleans, and where better to enjoy an open courtyard and live music than the historic French Quarter. New Orleans Creole Cookery is the perfect venue to sip on hand crafted cocktails while dining on fresh seafood and authentic creole dishes. Bringing a truly traditional taste to restaurant goers, chef John Trinh is acclaimed for his menu creations. The charm of New Orleans Creole Cookery’s courtyard and bar makes it a perfect venue for gatherings as well as celebrations, and the historic location is known for being haunted with the souls of New Orleans’ battered past. Listen to live music this weekend at New Orleans Creole Cookery and be sure to try their oyster bar. Located on 508 Touluse St., call 504-524-9632 to make reservations and view their savory menu at NewOrleansCreoleCookery.com. Where can you get the atmosphere of a hip city with the fresh taste of locally sourced food? New Orleans’ Red Gravy is truly a farm to fork restaurant, with their own fishers, bakers and ranchers, along with handmade pastas and jams. Nestled in the heart of downtown near Canal Street, myneworleans.com / APRIL 2016

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Tableau

the House of Blues, the Central Business District and more, stop by Red Gravy 8 a.m - 2 p.m. WednesdaysMondays for a business lunch or breakfast. Also available for catering, bring the natural and authentic taste of Red Gravy to your next event. New Orleans loves supporting business owners in Louisiana, and restaurant goers can also go to Red Gravy on the weekends for live music and one of the best brunches in town. “Red Gravy is a dedicated farm to fork restaurant. While I know many people like to say that, we really are,” explains Roseann Melisi Rostoker, owner of Red Gravy Cafe. “We are proud of our farmers, bakers, fishers and ranchers and we are pleased to support them.” Located at 125 Camp St., call 504-561-8844 to make reservations, or go online and browse the menu at RedGravyCafe.com. Springtime in New Orleans is beckoning us back to our front porches, favorite patio bars and restaurants. Tableau offers some of the best in outdoor dining in the French Quarter. Soak in the beautiful weather on the balcony overlooking Jackson Square or by the whispering fountain in the cozy courtyard. Breakfast is new to the menu at Tableau. Stop by for Tableau’s signature Eggs Benedict or order their famous Bread Pudding Pain Perdu. Tableau now offers Brass Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays beginning at 10 a.m. Listen to the rhythmic sounds of a New Orleans-style 120

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brass band while enjoying a wonderful brunch in the heart of the French Quarter. Lunch and dinner never disappoints, with entrées like the renowned Chicken Tableau and the noteworthy Les Petits Filet Mignon & Frites. Tableau also features a Happy Hour from 2-6 p.m. every day of the week, offering half price beer and wine on tap, $5 classic cocktails and discounted small plates. For menus, reservations and more, visit TableauFrenchQuarter.com. Located in the heart of the New Orleans Warehouse District, Tchoupitoulas Beer Garden is the perfect spot to unwind with coworkers after a long day and enjoy an Oktoberfest-style beer garden. With an expanded food menu, great beer, activities such as shuffleboard and ping pong and picnic table seating, TBG makes a great spot for parties, events and small get-togethers, both private and semi-private. Aside from the beer selection, the menu at TBG is also hard to beat. Offering a different kind of flavor than New Orleans usually sees, TBG has goulash, sausages and a savory pork belly melt. Sip on a pint of great imported beer, such as Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier or local brew Covington Kolsch, play foosball or table games and feel right at home. Open Tuesdays-Sundays, you can enjoy TBG this week or weekend. For more information on the beer selection and menu, visit TBGNola.com. •

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According to American Heart Association statistics, a stroke is the No. 5 leading cause of death and disability in America. Considering this fact, you’re more than likely to have a friend or family member affected by this dangerous phenomena. The most important action one could take against the risks of a stroke is prevention and awareness. This section draws important points from various medical experts in and around the city on how to spot the symptoms, how to take effective preventative measures and the best options for recovery and rehabilitation. The more you know about how to act when a stroke strikes today, the better equipped you may be to become a hero in someone’s life tomorrow. Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke. Stroke kills almost 130,000 people each year – that’s one out of every 20 deaths – according to the Centers for Disease Control. The most common symptoms of stroke may be sudden and include: • Weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body • Confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding • Problems with vision, such as dimness or loss of vision in one or both eyes • Dizziness or problems with balance or coordination • Problems with movement or walking • Loss of consciousness or seizure • Severe headaches with no other known cause, especially if sudden onset Stroke is an emergency. If any of these symptoms are present, call 9-1-1 immediately. Treatment is most effective when started immediately. Choose Touro’s Emergency Department at the first sign of a stroke. Touro was recently awarded Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers by The Joint Commission. Learn more at s. Cardiovascular disease is a major risk factor for stroke. Do you know the signs? Call 9-1-1 if you notice face drooping, arm weakness or speech difficulty. Other lesser-known signs of stroke may include: sudden numbness in the leg, confusion, vision impairment, trouble walking, bad coordination or a severe headache with no known cause. Heart disease can be a silent killer, with no symptoms until a heart attack or stroke occurs. That is why it’s important to determine your risk factors, take preventative measures to lessen your risk and visit a cardiologist regularly. With 15 locations throughout South Louisiana, Cardiovascular Institute of the South has an international reputation for providing state-of-the-art cardiovascular care and is known as a world-leader in preventing and treating both cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease. Trust the experts with your heart. To learn more, call CIS at 800-425-2565 or visit Cardio.com. “Time is Brain” when stroke strikes. No one should ever ignore its symptoms: sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body) and vision problems or dizziness. If you think you’re having a stroke, go immediately to the Emergency Room. It is possible to prevent a stroke from happening. “Control of blood pressure, cholesterol and lipid levels in the blood is very important in stroke prevention,” says Dr. Frank Culicchia, medical director of Culicchia Neurological Clinic and chairman of the LSU Health Sciences Department of Neurosurgery. See a doctor if you’re at 122

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risk for stroke. An ultrasound of the carotid artery can identify one’s risk for stroke. The staff of neurologists, neurosurgeons and interventional neuroradiologists at Culicchia Neurological Clinic are able to evaluate and offer treatment. The clinic has offices conveniently located Uptown, on the West Bank and on the Northshore in Slidell and Covington. Call 504-3406976 for an appointment or email cnc@culicchianeuro. com. For more information visit their website, CulicchiaNeuro.com, or like their Facebook page. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and is a leading cause of serious long-term disability. New advances in medicine can reduce the effects of a stroke if they’re given to the patient as soon as the stroke symptoms occur. Getting to the hospital immediately can greatly improve one’s chances for recovery and decrease the effects of the stroke. Rehabilitation after a stroke is important to help regain lost function and improve independence. Inpatient rehabilitation programs are typically the first step in the recovery process. The Rehabilitation Center of Thibodaux Regional, located in Thibodaux, has an acute care hospital-based rehabilitation program that provides intensive therapy, such as physical, occupational and speech therapy as well as medical management involving a physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. The Center has Stroke Specialty Accreditation by The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. For more information regarding Inpatient Rehabilitation after a stroke, call the Rehabilitation Center of Thibodaux Regional, 985-493-4731. From paramedic care and EMS, throughout the Emergency Department, Neurosciences Division and recuperative therapies, the response and treatment stroke victims receive at East Jefferson General Hospital stands out as a leader in our region. No hospital in this area has earned more accolades and accreditations than EJGH, and most importantly, none has such a commitment to remaining on the leading edge of stroke prevention, education, response and care. In an ideal world, we’ll prevent strokes from happening. However, when tragedy strikes the experts at EJGH want you to feel confident that they are committed to saving your life and limiting the negative, long-term affects your stroke will have on you and your life. Visit EJGH.org to learn more, or call 504-454-4000 to request an appointment.

Tulane Medical Center’s Comprehensive Stroke Program is a Gold Plus Stroke Center offering wide-ranging stroke services. Patients are rapidly evaluated and treated by the Stroke Team and cared for in a dedicated Stroke Unit. Tulane offers advanced treatments, including clot-busting drugs and surgical procedures that can minimize disability caused by stroke. According to one patient, Tulane’s Stroke Team saved her life: “I suffered a massive stroke at home. An ambulance quickly responded and called the Tulane ER to activate the stroke team. The care at Tulane saved me and was instrumental in helping me retain a high quality of life. I have no vision loss or speech issues and I continue to work and drive. I credit Tulane’s Neuro-ICU and Inpatient Rehabilitation program for my recovery! They took excellent care of me and showed my family compassion and kept them well informed.” TMC’S Comprehensive Stroke Program was recently awarded the Target: Stroke Honor Roll-Elite Plus Award by the American Stroke Association for efficient stroke treatment. TMC is a StrokeNet participating hospital, offering access to National Institutes of Health funded clinical trials of hopeful new therapies for stroke prevention, acute treatment, and rehabilitation. For more information visit TulaneNeurology.com or call 504-988-5030. •

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TRY THIS

HNOC’s New Exhibit on Women Who Changed New Orleans The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal St., 523-4662, HNOC.org. This exhibit: Tuesdays-Saturdays, 9:30 a.m-4:30 p.m., Sundays 10:30 a.m/-4:30 p.m. A new exhibition is opening this month celebrating the role women have played in shaping the history of the city. Called, “Voices of Progress: Twenty Women Who Changed New Orleans,” it presents the stories of contributions ranging from a 19th-century campaign for child welfare, through the early 20th-century suffragette movement to the mid-20th century fight for civil rights and equality. Letters, objects, photographs and film are some of the artifacts that showcase these women, their beliefs and their campaigns to bring about fundamental societal progress. The exhibit runs April 13-Sept. 11.

Partnership Brings Top Tier Lacrosse Coaching to North Shore RogueLacrosse.com Rogue Lacrosse has partnered with the LA Jazz Lacrosse Club and will now operate as Rogue Louisiana. Players around the state will now have access to the best professional players and coaches available. The Rogue coaches play at professional levels, and six are currently on Team USA. Rogue also brings in outside coaching during the year to enhance the education and instruction of its players. – Mirella Cameran

A Different Twist Hoopdancing at Broadmoor Arts and Wellness Center Sarah Ravits

ula hooping builds core strength, increases coordination and balance and reduces stress. I have been pretty hooked on it for years, ever since I housesat one summer and noticed an enticing silver hoop leaning up against the wall. I felt compelled to try. Shortly afterward, hula hooping became a regular, albeit casual, hobby. But my moves were mostly amateur and informal until I discovered a class that combines hula hooping and dance. The weekly classes are held at the Broadmoor Arts and Wellness Center and taught by Jennette Ginsburg of Hey Now Hooping, a small business with a mission to create memorable movement and fun fitness programs specializing in hula hoop fitness and hoopdance. “Taking time out of our busy schedules for playfulness has significant therapeutic benefits,” says Ginsburg, who says she likes that it can be slow and meditative or fast and high-energy. It can be creative or repetitive, social or solitary. The sessions at Broadmoor are beginner and intermediate level, explains Ginsburg, who also teaches free beginner-level classes through the FitNola/NORDC program in recreation centers and parks around town. “It’s a good fit for many people who are looking for a fun movement activity. I see the greatest shift in the students who come in with no experience. They have some challenges initially, but then it’s so gratifying when they go from thinking they can’t do something to feeling like they’re mastering it and bringing their own twist to it.” Throughout the hour-long class, Ginsburg guides students through warm-ups, freeform routines and choreography while offering tricks and tips to the soundtrack of energetic, mostly New Orleans-centric beats – think brass bands and bounce remixes. The class atmosphere is laid-back and supportive, attitudes that reflect the hula hooping community in the Crescent City, which Ginsburg says is expanding. “As a way to support and build the hoop community, Hey Now Hooping hosts a free monthly hoop jam every second Sunday in City Park,” she says, explaining that a “hoop jam” is an informal meet-up of hoopers of all levels. The next series of classes starts April 20. If you want to stay informed of hoop classes and events, you can sign up for monthly emails on Facebook: Facebook. com/HeyNowHooping, email HeyNowHooping@gmail.com, visit HeyNowHooping. com or call 215-9090. n

cheryl gerber photo

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The Workers By errol laborde

uring the early days of the Katrina recovery we called a local construction company for estimates on repairs to our house. Compared to others the damage was modest, but still, four feet of water had scarred the floors; mold was beginning to climb the walls; there were leaky spots in the ceilings throughout and scattered structural needs. After surveying the damage, the company gave an estimate. The cost was exorbitant. As for the floor, they couldn’t do anything until the electricity was back on and that couldn’t happen until the underside of the house was cleared for fear of dead animals and syringes. Did they do that work? “No,” was the quick reply. Then we happened to see a guy who had done some miscellaneous house painting for us before the storm. The El Salvador native was eager for work. His English was challenged but not his enthusiasm. I showed him the floor. “I can do,” he said. “But how about the electricity?” I asked. “I can get a generator,” he answered without hesitation. “But under the house?” “We can clear it out.”

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Then came his rate, which was totally affordable. When could he start? “I will be back later this afternoon.” Working informally as our organizer/contractor, the El Salvadoran and his revolving pick-up crew of mostly Latinos did an unbelievable job. The floor was restored. The walls were fixed. There were no more spots in the ceiling. One worker in particular could have qualified as a master carpenter. The work he did in our kitchen bordered on artistic. He did not speak a word of English but if he did, I thought, and if he lived in New Orleans, he could have been in high demand. Our house has a second level deck and one day, as I came home, I saw three men doing work there. Each of them had classic Mayan features, including their skin color and size. I smiled when I realized that the deck was being restored by the descendants of the same people who built the Yucatan’s Chichen Itza and other great Mayan pyramids. One morning, through the curtain on the front door, I could see the image of a young man standing on the porch carrying what looked like a gun. “Can I help you?” I asked through the door. “I have come to caulk the windows,” his Mexican-accented voice answered. “OK,” I said, “let me get the key,” “That’s OK,” this total stranger answered, “I have a key.” He jangled a ring full. I never hesitated. That is the way it was in the postKatrina world; life was upside down, strangers with keys were dropping by to caulk. We just had to trust. In the end there was never a reason for me to regret the trust. Truth is, the workers saved us. Our personal recovery would have taken much longer and been much more expensive had it not been for them, and that would have altered the speed of the rebuilding of the rest of our lives. In the months, and even years, after the recovery, it became common to see Latino men clustered outside of home improvement stores looking for work. A neighbor complained that the gatherings were unsightly. I argued to the contrary. Blessed are the huddled masses looking for honest work. Our world was built by virile young men migrating from one country to another hoping for opportunity. Louisiana’s Sicilian population descended from men who were imported here to work in the sugar fields once slave labor was lost. They came and sent money home; many intended to return to the old country; many stayed. My dad was also an example. He was raised poor in rural French-speaking Central Louisiana. There were no jobs. Because of a sister who had come to New Orleans earlier, he moved to town hoping for a chance. I am only here now because he found it. We know that the burgeoning Mexican population is a delicate issue, particularly in border states. Just as in any place where there’s an influx of one mostly poor population on another, there will be serious social problems. It is a timeless story. Nevertheless, it disappoints me to see people degraded as ammunition for political discourse. I have been close enough to see the humanity. n

ARTHUR NEAD ILLUSTRATION