New Orleans Magazine March 2014 by Renaissance Publishing

March 2014 VOLUME 48 NUMBER 6 Editor Errol Laborde Managing Editor Morgan Packard Art Director Eric Gernhauser Associate Editors Haley Adams and

Lauren LaBorde Contributing Editor Liz Scott Monaghan Food Editor Dale Curry Dining Editor Jay Forman Wine and Spirits Editor Tim McNally Restaurant Reporter Robert Peyton Home and Garden Editor Bonnie Warren Interns Kristen Himmelberg, Erika Vaughn,

Lexi Wangler SALES MANAGER Shannon Smith Senior Account ExecutiveS Jonée Daigle Ferrand Account Executives

Sarah Daigle, Kate Sanders, Elizabeth Schindler Sales Assistant Erin Maher Azar, Jenni Buckley Web/Production Manager Staci Woodward McCarty Production Designers Sarah George, Antoine Passelac Web Editor Haley Adams Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne President Alan Campell Executive VICE PRESIDENT/Editor-in-Chief Errol Laborde Vice President of Sales Colleen Monaghan Executive Assistant Kristi Ferrante Distribution Manager Christian Coombs SUBSCRIPTIONS Erin Duhe

WYES DIAL 12 STAFF (504) 486-5511 Executive Editor Beth Arroyo Utterback Managing Editor Aislinn Hinyup Associate Editor Robin Cooper Art Director Jenny Dascenzo-Hronek

NEW ORLEANS MAGAZINE Printed in USA A Publication of Renaissance Publishing 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123 Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 Subscription Hotline:

(504) 828-1380 ext. 251 or fax: (504) 828-1385

Online at www.MyNewOrleans.com

New Orleans Magazine (ISSN 0897 8174) is published monthly by Renaissance Publishing, LLC., 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005; (504) 8281380. 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 2014 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.

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

CONTENTS 3.14 VOL.48 NO. 6

NEW NEW ORLEANS ARCHITECTURE PAGE

FEATURES 78 10 Top Places to Stay Along the Gulf Coast by Cheré Coen

84 Beach Crawl A progressive bar crawl across the Gulf Coast by Tim McNally SPEAKING OUT PAGE

86 New New Orleans Architecture 6 buildings among the best by John P. Klingman

IN EVERY ISSUE 8 12 14 119 120 4

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

INSIDE speaking out Editorial, plus a Mike Luckovich cartoon JULIA STREET Questions and answers about our city Try This ”Trying at Flying” STREETCAR “Dinner With Tennessee’s Brother”

ON THE COVER 10 Top Places to Stay on the Gulf Coast

TABLE TALK PAGE

CONTENTS

PERSONA PAGE

THE BEAT 20 22 25 26 30 32 33 34 36

MARQUEE Entertainment calendar PERSONA Actress, director and writer Diane Ladd newsbeat “Regulating Backyard Breeders” Biz New Orleans’ housing market tipping in sellers’ favor Education ”Moving Forward With Common Core” HEALTHBEAT The latest news in health from New Orleans and beyond newsbeat “ULL Launches Online Teaching Program” Crime Fighting “The Cop Who Stayed” newsbeat “Rebuilding the Nature Center”

LOCAL COLOR 38 42 43 46 48 50 52 54

THE SCOOP Where to enjoy golf this spring music Musicians behind the scenes Read & Spin A look at the latest albums and books CAST OF CHARACTERS “Hogman and Hogabe: Courting gone wild” MODINE’S NEW ORLEANS “Branson Bound” Joie d’Eve “Remembering Mrs. Foxworth” CHRONICLES The business and passion of preserving precious objects HOME Janet Daley and Stanwood Duval’s Uptown home

THE MENU 60 62 64 68 70

table talk “Uptown Turf ‘n’ Surf: New and newly revised” restaurant insider MoPho, Good Eggs and Atomic Burgers FOOD Cooking for St. Joseph’s and St. Patrick’s days LAST CALL The Mox Ruby DINING GUIDE

DIAL 12 D1 This March, WYES-TV/Channel 12 has it all – everything from Mardi Gras highlights to the most useful travel secrets to inspirational selfhelp lectures. On Fri., March 21 at 7 p.m. “Informed Sources” celebrates its 30th anniversary! The show includes a discussion of the top news stories over the last three decades (D8). Two of PBS’ hottest shows (“Call the Midwife, Season 3” and “Masterpiece Classic: Mr. Selfridge, Season 2”) kick-off their season premiere (D10).Visit wyes.org for all WYES program and event details. 6

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

MUSIC PAGE

THE SCOOP PAGE

IN SID E

Best of Architecture: Cheers for Tableau

f arch i tecture was theater , th i s maga z i ne ’ s

choice for the “best of the new” would win a Tony Award. As it is, the architecture shares space with a theater that it has enriched. Appropriately named “Tableau,” restaurateur Dickie Brennan’s conversion of part of the building that houses Le Petit Théâtre in the French Quarter is a masterpiece. The older, more historic part of the building that contains a 300-plus seat auditorium remains, and is considerably spruced up from the sale of the other part of the building which now houses the restaurant. This magazine long endorsed the idea of sharing the building’s space with a restaurant as a way of providing support for the elegant but historically financially troubled theater. For as much as we believed in the project – though we were always a little concerned that the fit would seem awkward, like ramming something into a space where it didn’t belong – our worries were unfounded. The restaurant not only looks like it has always been there, but has also taken advantage of previously underused elements of the property, such as balconies overlooking the street and the courtyard. In every way the theater building is enriched by Tableau’s presence, not only in faithfulness to the Spanish Colonial style architecture motif, but in the little things: a handsome interior staircase, for example, was patterned after the Pontalba Apartments and handcrafted by Jason & Clayton Hartdegen, third generation master craftsmen. There was much controversy behind the decision of selling part of the building to be used as a restaurant. Le Petit’s board at the time faced a sometimes bitter battle, but in the end the right decision was made. Now the corner of St. Peter and Chartres streets, at the edge of Jackson Square, is busy practically all the time – as it should be – and not dark as it was all too often when the building housed just a theater. Originally a project of architects Koch and Wilson, the renovation was in the hands of architects Robert Boyd, John Conkerton, Conor Gibson and Raymond Armant. Jennifer Kelly of Design Lab handled the design. Broadmoor construction was the contractor. Steve Pettus, a partner in the Dickie Brennan company, oversaw the project. All should take pride for a great design that not only reflects the character of the French Quarter but also enhances it. Elsewhere in this issue we note other commendable projects as judged by Tulane architecture professor John P. Klingman. They are all worthy. Tableau, though, gets a standing ovation.

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

On The Web Relive ‘Top Chef: New Orleans’ Bravo’s “Top Chef: New Orleans” may be over, but in case you missed any episodes, catch up with Annie Drummond’s recaps. She shared her thoughts for every episode, so read them all, plus see more Louisiana reality TV coverage, at MyNewOrleans.com/TopChef.

Follow Us on Vine! We’ve started posting videos on Vine, and we’re planning on posting a lot more during Mardi Gras and the spring festival season. Follow New Orleans Magazine on Vine so you don’t miss a video.

Did You Get Married Recently? Our sister publication, New Orleans Bride, is always looking for local weddings to feature in the magazine. If you’re interested in submitting your recent New Orleans wedding, visit MyNewOrleans. com/weddings.

facebook.com/NewOrleansMagazine

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

twitter.com/neworleansmag

pinterest.com/neworleansmag

S P E A KI N G O U T

Considering Ray Nagin S ome thoughts on the conv i ct i on of former M ayor R ay N ag i n :

In 2002, when Nagin was first elected, part of his appeal was that he sold himself as a businessman. That attracted conservative voters who argued that more sound business practices should be incorporated into government. Overlooked though was that Nagin, who at the time was CEO of the local Cox Cable operation, might have been from the business world but he was really more of a branch manager of a monopoly. That is far different than a businessperson who has to survive on his own, make his own payroll and face competition. Michael Bloomberg in New York City is a successful businessman who was also a successful mayor. But business background does not always guarantee success. Indeed some people from the business world may be naïve to the social concerns of government that do not always fit into a profit and loss statement. Nagin, who projected a fresh non-political image, was not what people thought they were getting. B Not only were voters misled by Nagin, so too were the media, which may account, at least partially, for the electorate’s misdirection. All of the major media that do endorsements selected Nagin. Once he was elected, they were enamored by him, totally buying into Nagin’s “Crackdown on Corruption” campaign. The mayor was portrayed as a new sheriff in town. Nagin’s Chief Administrative Officer Kimberly Williamson Butler stood by the mayor’s side as the two gloated at the cleansing of government. In the end, though, little happened. Most of the arrests were linked to taxi operators but nothing really stuck, though some innocent people were bruised. Nagin and Butler would have a falling out. As revenge, she ran for Clerk of Criminal Court, was elected, proved ineffective – was even arrested for contempt of court – then ran for mayor against Nagin but finished toward the bottom. Years later there would be another crackdown on corruption, only Nagin would be the target. B Nagin will be remembered for his Chocolate City speech delivered on Martin Luther King Day 2006. Part of the speech was actually good, as the mayor addressed the issue of blackon-black violence, but then the speech, which teetered on being silly if it had not been so offensive, went on to say that the wave of recent hurricanes were due to God being angry over the war in Iraq. Speaking of the town becoming a “chocolate city,” Nagin made reference to the people “Uptown” (code for “white”) not liking to hear that. Curiously, when Nagin ran for reelection in 2006, some of that “Uptown” vote went for him. To hardcore conservatives being stereotyped by the mayor was less offensive than voting for a Landrieu. B No American mayor ever faced a greater challenge than Nagin did after Katrina. The public would have been willing to cut him some slack, but he was staffed with a largely incompetent administration unable to face the challenge. Some of the charges for which Nagin was convicted preceded Katrina. Had he not run for reelection, the city could have at least had a faster start at rebuilding. He might have survived as a peacetime mayor, but Katrina was war. Nagin’s attorney says he will appeal. A reversal is unlikely, but if that happens, it will be on a legal technicality (likely having to do with the web commenting scandal) and not on the merits of the case. For that the fact will always be that a jury found him guilty on 20 of 21 charges. There was a sinister turn in the career of a man whose initial election caused so much excitement. Whatever went wrong, he will likely have a lot of time to think about it. B

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

AN ORIGINAL ©MIKE LUCKOVICH CARTOON FOR NEW ORLEANS MAGAZINE

JULIA STREET

W IT H P O Y D R AS THE PARROT

T H E P U R S U IT T O A N S W E R E T E R N A L Q U E STI O N S

Spanish moss was once far more prevalent in our municipal parks but has been in decline for decades.

Dear Julia, Prior to Hurricane Katrina there was Spanish moss on the big oaks in Audubon and City parks. I see Spanish moss on trees in Harahan. Why hasn’t it come back to the trees in the big parks? Drew Dodenhoff N ew O rle a ns

Contrary to popular belief, Spanish moss isn’t a parasite and doesn’t damage the trees it inhabits. The plant, whose scientific name is Tillandsia usneaides, is a bromeliad related to the pineapple. It is an epiphyte, not a parasite, and derives its nutrition from the air rather than the trees on which it grows. Although both parks have 14

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

trees that are devoid of Spanish moss, they also have trees that appear to have healthy Spanish moss plants draped from virtually every available limb. During recent visits to both Audubon and City parks, I had no difficulty locating entire groups of oak trees festooned with dense layers of Spanish moss. I also saw numerous Crepe Myrtle trees, leafless because of the winter season but generously draped with the grayish hairlike plants. Spanish moss was once far more prevalent in our municipal parks but has been in decline for decades – long before Hurricane Katrina and the floods that followed. Both air pollution and disease have

been cited as contributing to Spanish moss’ diminished presence. Twenty-five years ago, TimesPicayune columnist Frank Schneider called attention to the disappearance of Spanish moss. Schneider had grown up near City Park and recalled bygone days when his grand-

mother had a moss-stuffed couch and Spanish moss could be found nearly everywhere in our municipal parks. Alarmed by the rate at which the plant was disappearing, Schneider criticized conservationists who remained silent as Spanish moss, a natural asset closely associated with Southern

Win a Court of Two Sisters Jazz Brunch Here is a chance to eat, drink and listen to music, 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 one of two Jazz Brunch gift certificates for two at The Court of Two Sisters in the Vieux Carré. 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: Wuanita Browne Talley, Pearl River; and Chris Duncan, Opelika, Ala.

RAY DEVLIN PHOTOGRAPH

cultural identity, quietly slipped away. Dear Julia, We just moved into a new house in Metairie off of Causeway Boulevard on one of the “numbered” streets. We became curious that the last street before the Lake Pontchartrain levee is Fifth Street. Looking at a map, we see that from West Metairie Avenue all the way to the lake, the streets are consecutively numbered from 49th Street to Fifth Street. Can you tell us why the naming starts at Fifth Street, and what ever happened to First through Fourth Streets? Could it be that the planners had laid out a street grid starting with First Street at what was once the lake shoreline, but the Levee Board took over that land to construct their shoreline protection, levee and berms? Or perhaps there was once a plan to reclaim a portion of the lake and build out a subdivision with First through

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

Fourth streets? If Poydras could possibly fly to Metairie to research this perplexing situation, we’d finally be able to sleep well in our new home! The Lundgrens Metairie

In the early 19th century, part of Jefferson Parish around the modern-day intersection of Causeway Boulevard and River Road was known as the community of Harlem. A large thoroughfare, Harlem Avenue extended from Harlem through the undeveloped land lying between the original Harlem and Lake Pontchartrain. During World War I, developers actively promoted the Harlem Avenue area as farmland. In the mid-1920s, United Realty developed Harlem Drive and Harlem Parkway, parallel subdivisions flanking Harlem Avenue and extending from near Metairie Road to the Lakefront. It

wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say United Realty had delusions of grandeur as they envisioned the area one day becoming a luxurious waterfront destination rivaling Chicago’s Gold Coast. In 1954, Harlem Avenue was renamed Causeway Boulevard in anticipation of its connection to the Causeway. It appears the subdivisions may have initially, at least on paper, extended a bit beyond Hammond Highway towards the lake. Because lakefront protection levees were being discussed at the time Harlem Drive and Harlem Parkway were being developed, it seems possible that residential development of any squares lying north of Hammond Highway may have been abandoned in favor of levee protection some time after the subdivisions’ street grids had been laid out. I am, however, neither a real estate attorney nor a surveyor, so this is just an educated guess.

Dear Julia, Music is one of the magnets that draws our family back to New Orleans year after year! I have a particular interest in the turn-of-the-century roots of jazz in New Orleans, and I’m curious about the bottlemen musicians that brought blues music into neighborhoods over 100 years ago. Could you give some information on the bottlemen (or ragmen) who travelled the streets of New Orleans with their carts, mules and long tinhorns, influencing future jazz giants such as Kid Ory and Louis Armstrong? Chris Duncan Opel ik a, A L

Although bottlemen, rag men and street vendors of all sorts contributed to the sounds one heard in 19th- and early 20th-century neighborhoods, I wouldn’t go so far as to describe them as “the bottlemen musicians that brought blues music into neighborhoods.” In

order to notify people of their approach, so households could have their goods ready for pickup, street merchants made loud noises, either with their voices or with some form of noisemaker, such as a bell or horn. While there were some melodious street vendors – Sam the Waffle Man comes to mind – there were others who simply made loud noises to call attention to their presence. Bottlemen, as their name suggests, collected and sold used bottles. Think of them as early recyclers. Bottlemen were especially popular with children because they would give the kids candies or small toys in exchange for used bottles. The rag men or rag pickers, many of whom were foreign, collected used rags and worn out clothing. These rags were later sold, in bulk, to paper mills. In late February 1912, the New Orleans Item noted that

bottlemen, rag men and other street vendors had largely vanished from the modern streetscape. Around ’18, local noise ordinances took a toll on the few remaining street merchants who could no longer loudly proclaim their presence as they wandered the streets of New Orleans. Dear Julia, I visited my old Hurtsville neighborhood this week and was delighted to find that the former LaSalle School on Perrier Street is being renovated from a dilapidated mess to its lovely new life as condominiums. Here are my questions. Can you find a photo of LaSalle that shows the original staircase that led to the second-floor entrance, or otherwise tell me when and why the stairs disappeared? Also, is my memory correct that there was a streetcar line throughout the length of Camp Street? Also, please tell Poydras that while I was visiting this neigh-

borhood, I saw and heard his wild cousins (parrots) flying back and forth. I certainly hope for your sake, Julia, that Poydras isn’t as sociably noisy! Wuanita Browne Talley Pearl River

Wuanita, Poydras does not hang around with those tree parrots. He says they all look alike, plus they drink his rum. LaSalle School first opened in 1901. Although I was unable to locate an image of the school with its secondstory entrance intact, I believe the entrance was most likely changed in the mid-’40s. On Dec. 14, 1945, The Times-Picayune reported that LaSalle School’s ParentTeacher Association had inspected the building at 6048 Perrier St. and sent the school board a list of defects and safety concerns. Among the problems the PTA noted was that, “At the basement entry, there is a crack across the entire ceiling where the

sinking of the front stairway has pulled the entryway away from the main building.” It seems likely the front entry was later discarded as a direct result of this major structural problem. As far as a Camp Street streetcar is concerned, you’re partially correct. The Prytania line, which was originally known as the Camp and Prytania line, ran on Camp, but not along the entire length of the street. As of 1919, the outbound route began at Canal and Camp streets, and ran up Camp to Prytania Street before turning on Joseph and Hurst streets and ending at Exposition Boulevard. The route later changed, beginning at Canal and Camp streets but traveling out Magazine Street to Poeyfarre Streets before turning on Camp to Prytania, Joseph, Coliseum and Henry Clay streets before turning once again into Camp Street. The Prytania line was discontinued on Oct. 1, ’32.

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

THEBEAT MARQUEE

PERSONA

BIZ

EDUCATION

HEALTH

CRIME FIGHTING

NEWS

PERSONA:

Diane Ladd PAGE 22

Actress, writer and director Diane Ladd, a distant cousin of Tennessee Williams, attended a finishing school in New Orleans that “finished her.”

DAVID SPRAGUE PHOTOGRAPH

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

T HE BE A T OUR

MARQUEE

T O P P I C K S O F T H E M O N T H’S E V E N T S BY

LAUREN

LABORDE

TOO BUKU

Glow stick-toting neo-ravers in furry animal hats, serious hip-hop fans and indie-rock scenesters can all find something to love at the BUKU Music + Art Project, now in its third year. Headliners at this year’s fest, March 21-22 at Mardi Gras World along the Mississippi River, include The Flaming Lips – known for shows along the festival circuit that typically include confetti bombs and frontman Wayne Coyne riding the crowd in a plastic bubble – French house music purveyor David Guetta and effervescent electro-pop star Ellie Goulding. Rapper Nas, performing his debut album Illmatic in its entirety; post-rock band Explosions in the Sky; the noisy pop-rock of Sleigh Bells and many others round up the lineup. Information, TheBukuProject.com

TO TENNESSEE!

New Orleans hosts its annual celebration of one of its most famous residents, Tennessee Williams, featuring panel discussions, performances, master classes and more. The 2014 Tennessee Wiliams/ New Orleans Literary Festival’s notable guests scheduled to attend include actress, writer and director Diane Ladd, a distant cousin of Williams (see interview with her, pg. 22); Dorothy Allison (Bastard out of Carolina); Lorrie Moore (Self Help, Birds of America); and Hilton Als (White Girls). Guests will get a chance to see some of Williams’ work brought to life; one event includes Williams’ “hotel plays” performed in the rooms of the Hermann-Grima House. Events take place at locations around the French Quarter, March 19-23. Information, TennesseeWilliams.net

SUPER SUNDAY

For those already missing Mardi Gras, scope out the annual gathering of Mardi Gras Indians – dressed to the nines in their full regalia, gathering to meet up with the other Indian “gangs.” In goodspirited competition, the tribes and their Big Chiefs try to top the other gangs with dances and chants. The Super Sunday procession typically begins at A.L. Davis Park on Washington Avenue and LaSalle Street Uptown and is held on the Sunday closest to St. Joseph’s Day, March 19.

March 6. Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks in concert, The Parish at House of Blues. Information, HouseOfBlues.com March 7. Willie Nelson & Family in concert, House of Blues. Information, HouseOfBlues.com March 8. Louisiana Oyster Jubilee, 300 block of

Bourbon Street. Information, OysterJubilee.com March 11-16. Memphis, Saenger Theatre. Information, SaengerNola.com March 11. 311 in concert, Smoothie King Center. Information, NewOrleansArena.com

March 12. Broken Bells in concert, Civic Theater. Information, CivicNola.com

Got Gumbo? Cook-Off, Royal Sonesta Hotel. Information, UnitedWaySELA.org

Park Lark in the Park, Pavilion of the Two Sisters. Information, FriendsOfCityPark.com

March 12-April 6. The Night of the Iguana, Art Klub. Information, SouthernRep.com

March 14. Molly’s in the Market St. Patrick’s Day parade, French Quarter. Information, MollysAtTheMarket.net/ St-Paddys-Day

March 15. Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day parade. Information, IrishChannelNo.org

March 13. United Way

March 14. Friends of City

Willie Nelson & Family, March 7

MARCH 2014

March 15. Italian American Marching Club parade. Information, IAMCNola.org

myneworleans.com

Louisiana Oyster Jubilee, March 8

NOLA PERRIN PHOTOGRAPH

SPOTLIGHT

Piggin’ OUT Hogs for the Cause co-founders Becker Hall and Rene Louapre discuss the upcoming festival-fundraiser.

Friends Becker Hall and Rene Louapre just wanted to have a Southern-style pork roast to raise money for a friend; five years later, the two are sitting high on the hog in local festival royalty. The first Hogs for the Cause was in 2009, intended to be a traditional Southern pork roast on the Fly in Audubon Park. After meeting 4-year-old Ben Sarrat Jr., who was suffering from a brain tumor, they decided to dedicate funds from the event to Sarrat’s family (the boy died in 2010). Since then the festival has grown in scope – the event is now a cook-off at City Park’s festival grounds drawing competitors from all across the culinary spectrum – but it still maintains its laid-back sensibility and fundraising aspect (the event now benefits a Hogs for the Cause fund at Children’s Hospital, which supports families of children with cancer). Besides the cook-off March 29, there’s a gala dinner March 28 with live music and seafood dishes by Southern chefs. The cook-off Saturday includes the usual barrage of pork creations from 90 competitors, who include both well-known New Orleans chefs and amateurs. In the past they’ve cooked up traditional barbecue plates, pulled pork beignets, cracklin’ topped with nacho cheese, bacon-infused Champagne and everything in between. Also notable is this year’s music line-up, which includes country star Pat Green, the much buzzed-about New Orleans folk band Hurray for the Riff Raff and The Hold Steady, a Brooklyn pop-rock band with a sizable cult following. Hall, an investment banker, and Louapre, lawyer and prolific tweeter, talk about this year’s fest. When you first started this event, could you ever have imagined that the music line-up would be just as big a draw as the food? Louapre: At the first event we plugged in an iPod and had

music playing from that. Now we have great local, regional

March 18. Miley Cyrus, Icona Pop and Sky Ferreria in concert, Smoothie King Center. Information, NewOrleansArena.com March 19-20. Art in Bloom, New Orleans Museum of Art. Information, noma.org March 21. Elton John in concert, Smoothie

King Center. Information, NewOrleansArena.com

and national acts playing … it makes people want to come outside, eat barbecue and listen to music. How much do you dislike vegans and vegetarians? L: I don’t dislike vegetarians. My favorite animal is one. Hall: I guess we give them a hard time, but we have them covered, too – we serve beer. A lot of it. I guess that opens me up to the Celiacs, though. The only thing we vehemently dislike is cancer. What advice would you give to attendees to avoid pork fatigue? H: It’s an epidemic at Hogs, really. Stay hydrated by your

preferred means, and if that doesn’t work channel your inner Hall & Oates. That method has proven seminal and faultless for us. L: Drink a beer in between each sample of pork. I read that works on the Internet and they can’t put anything on the Internet that isn’t true. At what point does creativity with pork cross the line? Bacon snoballs? L: A lot of people figured Columbus would fall off the face

of the Earth when he set out for India, but instead he discovered the Americas. So there’s a giant pork idea out there. And one of our teams will find it. H: There are no boundaries with something as versatile as pork. A very sagacious man once said, “nobody puts Baby in a corner.” That was an obvious reference to pork. Bacon sno-balls actually fared quite well in the past. For more information on Hogs for the Cause, visit HogsForTheCause.org.

in Burlesque-land,” One Eyed Jacks. Information, FleurDeTease.com

March 21-29. NOLA Project presents Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Le Petit Theatre. Information, NolaProject.com

March 23. Louisiana IrishItalian Parade, Metairie. Information, LaIrish-Italian.org

March 22-23. Congo Square Rhythms Festival, Lafayette Square. Information, JazzAndHeritage.org/CongoSquare

March 22. Fleur de Tease Burlesque presents “Alice

March 29. New Orleans Ballet Association presents Joffrey Ballet, Mahalia Jackson Theater. Information, NobaDance.com

Home Tours, French Quarter. Information, SpringFiesta.com

March 28-30. Symphony Book Fair, UNO Human Performance Center. Information, SymphonyVolunteers.org/ Book-Fair

March 22-30. New Orleans Spring Fiesta and Historic

March 29. Louisiana Derby Day, Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. Information, FairGroundsRaceCourse.com

Elton John, March 21

Louisiana Derby Day, March 29

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

T HE BE A T

PERSONA

Diane Ladd BY LAUREN LABORDE

actor Bruce Dern, who starred in the critically-acclaimed 2013 film t isn ’ t often that non - N ew O rleanians Nebraska. In this interview, Ladd talks about New Orleans, which appear on the pages of “Persona,” but consider Diane she calls her favorite city, her family and her cousin, Tennessee. Ladd an honorary native daughter. While she was born in Is it true you went to finishing school in New Orleans? I went to Mississippi and would eventually live in many other placfinishing school there and it finished me, so [the school] shall be es, Ladd attended a New Orleans finishing school, was Empress nameless ... The diction teacher had a worse accent than I did. of a Metairie Carnival krewe and it was her role in a play at the They had me walk around with a book on my head. They wanted bygone Gallery Circle Theatre near Jackson Square that led to her me to shave off my eyebrows and paint them on like the models discovery and launched her career as an actor at age 16. She is in New York did at that time; it was a new fad. I wasn’t shaving off also a distant cousin of Tennessee Williams, and she’ll be in town my eyebrows. And then they gave me a brassiere – it was the Jane to take part in an interview for the festival held in his honor. She Russell era – that you blow up with a straw. You carry around the also has a connection to the literary dimension of the fest, having straw in your purse and if you start to leak when you’re out to dinauthored two books and working on another. ner, you can blow yourself up again. Ladd is most known as an actress, earning Academy Award New Orleans is a great city. I did everyand Golden Globes nominations for her roles thing. I stared up at where Tennessee in Wild at Heart, Rambling Rose and Alice Williams wrote Streetcar and thought “I’ve Doesn’t Live Here Anymore; she also appeared gotta write, too, someday.” in the television adaptation of that film, Alice, How did you become Carnival royalty? I was and won the Golden Globe for her role. She Age: 71 Profession: actress, starring in the Alice TV series ... I was offered starred with her daughter, Laura Dern, in Wild director and writer Born/ the opportunity to be Empress of the Krewe at Heart and Rambling Rose, and most recently raised: Meridian, Miss. of Argus in Metairie. ... I took my daughter, in the HBO series “Enlightened,” which was Resides: Ojai, Calif. Family: Laura; this was in 1981. I came down there cancelled after its second season despite critiPartner, Robert Hunter; and they were fantastic. I had a dinner in cal raves. She will also play alongside Laura in daughter, Laura Dern my honor, they had a ball in New Orleans the Watergate love story Woman Inside, which – maybe 3,000 people attended. The City she hopes to film this year. Her ex-husband is

At a Glance

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

DAVID SPRAGUE PHOTOGRAPH

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

of New Orleans had invited guests to be on the dais with me; [they were] the hostages from Iran. I got an earful, let me just say that. It was quite interesting. ... These weren’t the six that got out; these are the ones they kept for forever and a day. I loved “Enlightened” and was sad that it was cancelled. We’re

sad, too. ... I can’t tell you how many people when I’m doing my book signings come up to me and say “Why, why, why did they take that series off? It was the best series.” Time magazine called it the best series [of 2013]. That’s not chopped liver. You know how bad TV is today. It would be nice if we could get some more great shows on it. And it’d be nice if we can get some great shows where nobody’s being killed, tortured or murdered. What is it like to work with your daughter, Laura? To be

allowed to work in the work that you love is a great opportunity. A lot of people try to get their children into the same business [they’re in]. I didn’t try to get Laura into the same business. I screamed, “No, do not be an actress – be a doctor, a lawyer, a housewife, a leper missionary.” Because it’s such a subjective business where you’re not just judged by your work, you’re judged by, does your chin point? Did you put too much weight on your backside? And on and on and on like a puppy dog or a marionette doll. And I love the work of acting and holding up a mirror for the world to see – I consider myself a teacher, and the stage or screen is my blackboard. I love working with Laura. Once when we were doing Wild at Heart … she said, “How was your day, Mom?” And I said, “It was great. I worked with someone that everyone loved and respected and was incredible” and she said, “Who is that?” and I said “It’s you, Laura … I’m proud of you as a professional – not just a talent, but the way you conduct yourself 24

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

with humility as a human being, protecting your work.” She said, “I wanna thank you and Dad for the genes.” And I said, “Your father and I made the car, but you’re the driver. It’s your soul that’s driving that car.” So I’m proud of Laura because she’s an incredible talent and an incredible actress and, in my own opinion, she’s an incredible, gracious human being who cares a lot about mankind ... She’s tireless in donating her time to help people. On ex-husband, actor Bruce Dern: Bruce is a great actor.

I’m privileged to have directed him in a movie [Mrs. Munck]. In fact, I’m the only woman in history to direct her exhusband. I make a joke, “I say ladies, if you want revenge, direct your ex-husband.” But I’m only kidding. I chose Bruce because he can do comedy and tragedy. I said “You weren’t a great husband, Bruce, but you’re a great actor.” We laugh, we get along together. On Christmas Eve, we all go out to dinner together as a family. I loved his performance [in Nebraska] ... it was like velvet. On her cousin, Tennessee Williams: Tennessee Williams

was a great influence on my life. He’s a distant cousin, my third cousin. But he took me to his heart, he took me to plays, he and his partner Frank. He was kind and loving and brilliant. He helped me; he fought for me. It’s important that somebody has somebody to fight for. He’s one of the greatest writers who ever lived. He’s our heritage. His favorite play was The Glass Menagerie and … his second favorite play was Streetcar, and his most frustrating play was Orpheus Descending. It took 20 years for that to be a hit and I was in the first production Off-Broadway. “A Conversation with Diane Ladd” is 4 p.m. Sat., March 22, at the Hotel Monteleone as part of the Tennessee Williams/ New Orleans Literary Festival. Visit TennesseeWilliams.net for more information.

NE WSB E A T

Regulating Backyard Breeders Supporters of the Intact Animal Permit Law are calling for enforcement of the city law that requires a permit number when advertising animals for adoption, hoping to cut down on the number of neglected animals in the community. Currently, hundreds of ads for adoptable pets are run every day without displaying permit numbers. Supporters of the Intact Animal Permit Law have reached out to both The Times-Picayune and the New Orleans Advocate asking for the publications’ backing, and to require the listing of permit numbers as per the city ordinance unanimously by the City Council and signed into law by Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “We have received hundreds of letters of support from virtually every humane and rescue group in the New Orleans area as well as statewide and national groups,” says Nita Hemeter, co-founder

of Supporters of the Intact Animal Permit Law. The problem, according to Supporters of the Intact Animal Permit Law, lies with the “backyard breeders,” or anyone who breeds and sells animals, intentionally or unintentionally, without proper oversight or licensure. The activity of these backyard breeders impacts the safety and health of people and animals, as well as overall quality of life in the community. Specifically, the law in question is designed to regulate the uncontrolled breeding of animals by irresponsible owners. It requires dog owners to spay or neuter their pets or pay for a permit that allows their pet to remain intact or not “fixed,” and if that dog has puppies, that permit number must be listed in any advertisement for their sale. Furthermore, backyard breeders are not paying taxes on the animals they sell without permits. “Given the thousands of unwanted animals that die in shelters every year, we would prefer that citizens not breed their animals at all,” Hemeter and Jennifer Farwell, the other founders of Supporters of the Intact Animal Permit Law, agree. “If they are going to breed, they should at least care for the animals properly and pay their fair share of taxes and license fees that they make off these creatures.” – L E X I W A N G L E R myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

T HE BE A T

BIZ

Homes for Sale New Orleans’ housing market tipping in sellers’ favor

B y K a t h y F inn ave you noticed more “ for sale ” signs

in front of homes in your neighborhood lately? Been thinking about putting one in your own yard? If so, you’re not alone. Many local homeowners are getting restless, judging by the number who have decided to list their properties for sale. And while an itch to move up, scale down or simply relocate is one reason for the action, owners are also responding to changing dynamics in the marketplace. “Homeowners are feeling a general optimism that their property values have risen and that, if they sell, they won’t be selling at the bottom of the market,” says Richard Haase, president of Latter & Blum Inc. The attitudes stand in contrast to the past few years of uncertainty and sluggish improvement in consumer confidence. While home sales and prices edged up here and there during the national economic recession, across-the-board strengthening in the housing market has been lacking. The turn of the calendar year seemed to change the picture. The number of pending local home sales by Latter & Blum during the first three weeks of January was 54 percent higher than in that 26

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

same period in 2013, Haase says. The fact that nearly 6,000 homes were on the market at the beginning of 2014 – 227 more than a year earlier – shows “more owners have decided that now is the time to sell,” he adds. Many sellers who have made that decision recently have been rewarded. Not only are houses moving off the market faster than in recent years, but the gap between asking prices and actual sale prices has narrowed. Average sale prices in greater New Orleans rose about four percent in the past year, Haase says. While that increase may not sound as impressive as the news of 15 percent to 25 percent increases in states such as California and Florida, Haase points out that those housing markets had to climb out of a very deep hole carved by a weak economy and collapsing real estate prices. Louisiana experienced very little of the real estate weakness felt in those states because the local market never became overheated as those did. Seen in that light, Haase says: “A four percent increase in valuation is a nice healthy increase.” It is also important to understand that the strength of the local housing market overall is adversely affected by areas that have become “chronic” underperformers in real estate. Property valJOHN S. DYKES ILLUSTRATION

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

ues in large sections of eastern New Orleans, for instance, never fully recovered from a population loss that followed Hurricane Katrina, and as a result, the housing market there struggles. Standing in contrast to such areas are hot spots such as Uptown and the Garden District. High demand for homes in those areas coupled with a thin supply of houses for sale is driving prices higher. Whereas the average price of homes sold across the metropolitan area is $292,000, Uptown and Garden District home sales have averaged $451,000. During the last quarter of 2013, pending sales in Uptown and the Garden District were up 14 percent from a year earlier, Haase says. “When you have areas like New Orleans East that are really tough right now, it emphasizes the strength of these hot spots even more,” he says. A few of the other areas that are heating up include Faubourg Marigny and Bywater in New Orleans, and West St. Tammany Parish on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. The pace at which homes in these areas are selling shows the strength of the demand, Haase says. Real estate agents characterize housing markets according to how fast buyers gobble up the inventory of homes that are up for sale. In a “normal” market, it takes three to six months to sell all the homes listed at any given moment. When it takes longer than six months the market is said to favor buyers, and when it takes less than three months the market is leaning in sellers’ favor, Haase says. The market in Uptown and the Garden District now holds less than three months worth of supply, he says. And in terms of homes priced under $500,000, those areas are down to a supply of less than two months. The pickup in home sales and the contrast with past years has many agents, including Haase, feeling good about 2014. “We’re extremely optimistic about the market,” he says. “With job growth outperforming most of the country and the fact that we’re not trying to climb out of a crashed real estate market like many other cities are, we feel good about what we see in New Orleans,” he says. Haase cites factors including job growth and growing economic diversity that indicate the city is becoming less dependent than in the past on primary sources of jobs, including tourism.

Going up: Home prices on the rise

The New Orleans Metropolitan Association of Realtors recently released a report on home sales in an eight-parish region. For the six-month period ending in June 2013, the most recent figures available, metropolitan area home sale prices averaged $111 per square foot, up four percent from the first six months of 2013, the report showed. Below are key figures, by parish, for that period. The prices are for sales of homes that were undamaged by flooding. Home sale prices in greater New Orleans Average Average price Change in price Parish sale price per square foot per square foot

Orleans

$327,498 $150

Jefferson $196,970 $104

6.1% –1%

Plaquemines

$315, 401

$127

St. Bernard

$118,492

$70

St. Charles

$194,316

$98

St. John

$131,108

$78

St. Tammany

$220,229

$103

Source: Metropolitan Association of Realtors, Multiple Listing Service 28

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

T HE BE A T

EDUCATION

ventually the national controversy about the

Common Core State Standards adopted by 45 states for K-12 schools will die down. Before long all the best schools will be cheerfully applying them, even if they call them something else. In Louisiana, even as some politicians draft legislation to back away from the more rigorous grade-level standards, many New Orleans educators are already teaching in new ways. Over time, old ways of instruction that emphasized quantity over quality, memorization over understanding and teacher-focused drills over student interaction will be all but forgotten. “We are moving forward with Common Core,” says Kirsten Feil, director of Academic Support for FirstLine Schools, an organization that operates BY six charter schools in New Orleans. “We get to make our own decisions about whether to continue.” Most New Orleans schools are charters these days, which operate semiindependently. They are able to ignore the ruckus over standards at the state and national level, and continue planning for the inevitable. The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has agreed to slow down some of the more stressful aspects of the new standards to satisfy reasonable objections to testing consequences. But so far, state education leaders and State Education Superintendent John White are standing firm on their belief that higher standards are necessary in the long run. Even Gov. Bobby Jindal, who’s thought to have national political ambitions, has shown consistent support for the kind of rigorous standards that compose Common Core. He has been widely reported in the media opposing any nationally mandated curriculum, but since the standards evolved from a cooperative effort among state governors and are implemented at the district and school level, the qualification is a moot point. Jindal’s comments about not supporting a “federalized” academic curriculum stem from the blooding that Common Core has taken from neo-antifederalists. In some ultra conservative quarters, the word “federal” is synonymous with “evil,” not a word deriving from “federalism,” the founding principle of state and national power sharing

that created the globe’s only superpower. The Common Core Standards were spearheaded by the National Governors Association and adopted by 45 states and the District of Columbia of their own free will, but when the U.S. Department

Moving Forward With Common Core Schools Making Their Own Decisions

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

D A W N R U TH

ROBERT LANDRY ILLUSTRATION

of Education got too chummy with them after the fact, they suddenly took on an atomic glow. In St. Tammany Parish, NOLA. com reported in October, opponents calling the standards an “anti-American, anti-God curriculum” received enthusiastic applause at a school board meeting. Such venom spooks some Republican governors. Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer tried renaming the standards to soften opposition, but according to Arizona news reports, the effectiveness of that strategy is iffy. The standards’ giant leap to critical thinking and problem solving across the curriculum, at the same time teachers face other stressful reforms, has also caused alarm at the school level. Preliminary testing based on the Common Core in other states resulted in lower student test scores. The same results in Louisiana could cause schools’ overall performance ratings to take a nosedive. Recent adjustments to testing policies, however, provide protections against academic sanctions for the first few years of implementation. BESE and the DOE have responded to district and teacher concerns with a number of initiatives to make the transition easier. For example, paper and pen testing will continue for students whose schools haven’t yet prepared them for taking tests on computers. In January, the DOE also posted a notice on its website that quoted White promising “as much support as possible to districts.” Among other initiatives, the DOE promised to train 4,000 teacher leaders to “re-deliver” training. Officials and many schools are moving forward with the standards because they were developed for good reasons: Researchers say that the typical high school graduate’s skill level is one to two years below what’s needed to succeed in college. The gap between current high school expectations and college expectations explains why so many first-semester college freshmen end up in remedial classes or flunk out. American students also lag behind many of their international counterparts in academic achievement. Students in the small Eastern European country of Hungary do better in math and science than U.S. students, a 2012 Harvard University study found, and students in China and Japan far outpace U.S. performance. The study, reported by the Huffington Post last year, said American students taking international tests scored 25th in math, 17th in science and 14th in reading. And Louisiana students still score in the lowest ranks on national standardized tests. Last year, only 75 percent of the state’s fourth graders scored basic or above in math and only 26 percent scored proficient or above on the National Assessment of Educational Progress test. National Center of Education Statistics data show that most states scored better. For example, 84 percent of Texas’ fourth graders scored basic and 41 percent reached proficient or above in math. Common core standards are designed to bridge the achievement gaps nationally and internationally. “We have seen a lot of change in math,” says Greta Anderson, a math instruction specialist and teacher at John Dibert Community School. “It’s really exciting.” Math instruction geared to the Common Core is much more “hands-on,” Anderson says. For example, lesson plans include visual modeling exercises. Students examine a photograph of a structure, such as a staircase, and then write mathematical expressions to guide the construction of a matching model cut from foam. The assignments are also discussion based, and students take turns critiquing the reasoning behind the methods chosen to solve the problems. “I think our kids are going deeper in math,” Anderson says. “They are going to be better problems solvers.”

The Hainkel Home

INTRODUCING NEW PARKSIDE RED UNIT: • Private and Semi- Private Rooms • Skilled Services including Speech, Physical, Occupational Therapy • Licensed Practical and Registered Nurses on duty 24 hours a day. • Respiratory & IV Therapy & Tracheotomy Care • Adult Day Health Care Services and more! 612 Henry Clay Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118 Ph: 504.896.5904 Cell: 504.616.3714 Fax: 504.896.5904 myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

HEALTHBEAT More people in Louisiana are signing up for health plans offered through the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare. Data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (found

on aspe.hhs.gov) released Feb. 12 says, as of Feb. 1, 32,800 Louisiana residents were signed up for health insurance through the federal marketplace – which is nearly double the number of residents enrolled in January. The marketplace opened Oct. 1, 2013, and many users had problems enrolling due to a glitchy website. After March 31, those without a health insurance plan will have to pay a penalty.

Figures from the 2013 LSU Economic Impact Study: Estimating the Economic Impact of LSU on Louisiana say the LSU Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) New Orleans generated almost $900 million in sales, more than $390 million in earnings and created almost 7,000 jobs in the

New Orleans Metropolitan Statistical Area that fiscal year. LSU’s E. J. Ourso College of Business conducted the study, which is the first to measure the combined impact of the nine LSU campuses on state and regional economies. Louisiana State University President and Chancellor F. King Alexander presented the figures to the LSU Board of Supervisors at a meeting in late January.

Cancer patients and survivors head to the fifth floor of Ochsner’s Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center every week to participate in the hospital’s Healing Yoga Program.

Each class is a one-hour session followed by yoganidra, a form of yoga meditation. Yoga specialist Louanne Cho designs the classes for the specific people attending the class – and how they feel – that day. Yoga and meditation can promote self-confidence and optimism, and studies have shown that people with chronic illness can have a better quality of life if they stay positive. The classes are open to patients and survivors of all ages and are held on Thursdays at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

– LAUREN LABORDE AND ERIKA VAUGHN 32

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

NE WS B E A T

ULL Launches Online Teaching Program The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has launched a new online program for instructional coach certification. Structured to accommodate working teachers, the program aims to train participants to assist other educators, with the ultimate goal of improving teacher and student performance. The first program of its kind in the state, the graduate certificate is “designed to give certified teachers knowledge and skills that will benefit them in advising administrators, teachers and other professional educators in the planning and implementation of educational programs,” according to Dr. Luke Dowden, the director of distance learning at University of Louisiana Lafayette. The graduate certificate is a 12-hour, non-degree program approved by the Louisiana Department of Education, and is aimed at teachers looking for more experience and more mentoring certification. The program was originally designed to be completed in 10 months. Four seven-week online courses are spaced out over three semesters, with a smaller course load during the academic year and more courses during the

summer months to better accommodate the working teachers’ busy school schedules. One course will be offered this semester, another this summer and two more during the fall 2014 semester. Current courses include Advanced Professional Strategies, Leading Teacher Learning, Supporting Instruction in the Classroom and Capstone in Curriculum and Instruction. Accrued credit hours could apply towards a master’s of education degree in curriculum and instruction, and be beneficial in obtaining a Louisiana Department of Education Instructional Coach Endorsement. Besides providing an additional teaching background, this kind of program also opens the door for teachers to eventually become administrators as their communication and cooperation skills improve, as completion displays their dedication to self-improvement as teachers and mentors. “If mentoring is something that you really enjoy doing, this is an opportunity for you to do it and have a formal credential attached to it,” Dowden adds. ULL is the largest University of Louisiana campus, with more than 18,000 students. More information is available at online.louisiana.edu/ programs/education. – L E X I W A N G L E R myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

T HE BEA T

CRIME FIGHTING

The Cop Who Stayed William Trepagnier’s Legacy by A llen J o h n s on J r .

“When an old man dies, a library burns.” – African proverb

ayor M itch L andrieu and P olice C hief R onal

Serpas have unveiled a crisp “Get Behind the Badge” recruitment campaign to shore up a 1,200-officer force depleted by retirements, firings and resignations. The goal is to hire 150 new recruits this year and lateral transfers from other agencies. A strategy for retaining older, experienced veterans wasn’t apparent from the NOPD’s initial media blitz. They will be needed to both train and supervise the new recruits, and to implement “constitutional policing” practices at every level of the NOPD – as required by a court-supervised consent decree. “Citizen complaints are often higher for less experienced officers,” according to a recent study by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. In addition, “new, inexperienced officers tend to have more automobile accidents.” Dwayne Orrick, an IACP expert and author of a “Best Practices Guide” for police retention and recruitment, recommends that law enforcement agencies trying to stop the loss of cops should perform “stay interviews” with “highperforming” officers who remain on the job.

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

The goal is to determine “individual traits in persons who are more likely to stay and fit within an agency.” Until recently, no officer has stayed on the New Orleans Police Department longer than William “Trap” Trepagnier, now 70. “Trap” retired July 6 as one of the NOPD’s longest-serving patrol officers with nearly 50 years of service. He left as lead fugitive investigator, with extensive contacts in prisons, police departments and courthouses nationwide. “Trap has a sterling reputation,” says Anthony Radosti, vice president of the private Metropolitan Crime Commission and a retired NOPD detective. “He is well-known, well-trusted and well-respected.” He could have retired with the full benefits of a 30-year police pension and built a second pension,” Radosti continues. “It was dedication that kept him with the New Orleans Police Department.” In the tough Sixth Police District, where he spent 15 years as a patrolman, Trepagnier was “legendary.” “He treated people like he wanted to be treated and it worked out for him,” says retired Detective John Montalbano, who worked with Trepagnier as a patrol officer and later as an investigator assigned to the District Attorney’s Office. This columnist caught up with Trepagnier at a small retirement party, hosted by residents and business owners from the Lakeview Crime Prevention District (LCPD) at Gulf Coast Bank & Trust. “If you really want a good cop, go find one with gray hair!” Trepagnier says, prompted by a middleaged officer. A group of NOPD veterans roar with laughter. The younger cop smiles, repeats the catchy adage and forks a slice of cake. Trepagnier’s name appears on the retirement cake along with Sergeant Joseph F. Bouvier, who would retire two days later with 34 years on the NOPD. Both officers worked part-time details for the LCPD, a model for the neighborhood security districts in New Orleans. “He was always on time and never left early,” Bouvier says of Tregpanier. “I’ve seen him work sick as a dog when he should have been at home or in the hospital.” Someone in the neighborhood group asks Trepagnier to say a few words. “I started at the age of 18 and left at the age of 69,” he says. He joined the NOPD in 1964 – the same year the department changed the colors of patrol cars from solid-black to powder blue-and-white. He quit three months later, citing a family illness. He rejoined the force Nov. 11, ’65. On his first day on the job, he worked an undercover assignment with the vice squad, canvassing bars for illegal gambling payoffs on pinball machines. He also worked stints for the NOPD intelligence division, monitoring demonstrations against the Vietnam War. GREG MILES PHOTOGRAPH

There was no air-conditioning in police cars, which were equipped with police radios. Police didn’t have hand-held radios then and the murder rate was far lower than today. “When I first started, we had 30 murders a year; most homicides were barroom violence,” he says. “We hit 50 murders one year and everybody got chewed out. Joe Giarrusso was chief back then. He said, ‘We’ve got to put a stop to these murders!’” Several Lakeview residents gasped with surprise at the low numbers of homicides Trepagnier cited. (The city recorded 155 murders in 2013.) Trepagnier spent 15 years in the Sixth Police District, a highcrime area with four housing projects. He says he preferred the St. Thomas development in the Irish Channel. “I knew all the people in the St. Thomas. I used to walk St. Thomas from 11 at night to 7 in the morning. I’d go sit on the porches and talk to people.” He says his best years on the force were in the Sixth District under Manuel Curry and Perry White, white and black sergeants, respectively, who lifted their squads above the racial tensions of the day. From 1979 to 1989, he served as a police investigator assigned to District Attorney Harry Connick. He began working fugitive extraditions until he retired last summer. “I got the traveling criminals,” he deadpanned. He recalled nights of broken sleep and late-night phone calls to his home and weighty decisions over the fates of suspects in handcuffs. “You have to make sure the suspect is the same fugitive sought on a warrant. You don’t want the wrong person in jail.” With the help of old newspaper clippings, he recalls colorful details of the arrests of fugitive killers, robbers and scam artists found hiding in New Orleans. In 1994, Trepagnier and fellow Detective Yvonne Farve arrested a man here who was wanted in Houston for a murder and armed robbery 30 years earlier. “This is the guy who looked like Andre the Giant,” Trepagnier says, pointing to the name of the suspect. “The murder happened in 1964. He killed the guy in Texas but kept his car.” The car was found near Flint-Goodridge Hospital in New Orleans. Other incidents require no cues. In 1973, Trepagnier was in the second patrol car to respond to the so-called “Howard Johnson’s” hotel sniper attacks. Begging New Year’s Eve ’72, a gunman’s bloody rampage and ensuing police siege left nine people dead, including five police officers. Trepagnier helped rescue a firefighter who was shot and seriously wounded by sniper fire, while scaling a ladder leading to the burning hotel. Trepagnier today insists he exchanged gunfire with two snipers. The official police report listed only self-styled militant Mark Essex, who was killed by police on the roof of the hotel. In November 1972, Trepagnier rode in the third patrol car responding to the Rault Center fire, which left five people dead including four women who jumped to their deaths. Fighting crime wasn’t his only duty. He once arrived ahead of fire trucks called to an apartment fire in the Magnolia housing project. “A woman said there’s a baby in there. I got on my hands and knees and crawled inside. I could hear the baby crying.” He carried the child outside to safety. A crowd applauded. The department didn’t have a life-saving award at the time, he said, expressing surprise at a reporter’s question. “That was normal occurrence. That’s what you were expected to do. I’d help anybody.” But why did he stay so long? “I loved it,” he says. “It was an honor to serve.” A citizen asks how he’s adjusting to retirement. “It’s hard,” he says. “I’ve been doing the same thing since I was a teenager.” Several weeks later, “Trap” celebrated his 70th birthday. myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

N EWSBEAT

Rebuilding the Nature Center The Audubon Louisiana Nature Center opened in March 1980 but has been abandoned since Hurricane Katrina. More than eight years after the storm, and 34 years since its opening day, the center is finally beginning the renovation project that will revitalize it as a place of education about Louisiana’s natural attractions. Located in eastern New Orleans, the parent Audubon Nature Institute’s first phase of renovations is an $8.4 million project. It will bring back many of the popular features that were built in the years after the original opening, such as classrooms, trails, landscaping, an outdoor pavilion and much more. Situated in Joe W. Brown Memorial Park, the center is one of the few nature destinations in eastern New Orleans. The project faced some challenges last year when the Department of Homeland Security inspector general’s office recom-

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

mended that the $7.6 million in FEMA grant money set aside for the project be rescinded, as the renovations didn’t appear to be moving quickly enough in the years after the storm. But talks with FEMA and the Army Corps of Engineers removed the concerns, and Audubon was able to keep funds and continue designing projects. The organization has initiated nine of 29 such projects. After Katrina, the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center was left under six feet of water for a month as institute officials focused on the Audubon Zoo, Audubon Park and Audubon Aquarium, all of which generate more revenue and attract more foot traffic. Now, the center sits poised on the edge of renovations, scheduled to open in autumn of 2015. – LEXI WANGLER

LOCALCOLOR THE SCOOP

MUSIC

READ+SPIN

CHARACTERS

JOIE D’EVE

MODINE GUNCH

CHRONICLES

HOME

MUSIC:

TheVisual Side of Music PAGE 42

David Spielman’s photograph of Dave Bartholomew from his book When Not Performing: New Orleans Musicians: “I came to realize and understand how this musical mosaic is a continuous work in progress. These men and women were and are part of something bigger than themselves, their group or their song.”

DAVID SPIELMAN PHOTOGRAPH

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

L OCAL C O L O R

T H E S C O O P

Playing the Course Where to enjoy golf this spring By Haley Adams

City Park’s driving range

hen N e w O rleanians thin k o f w hat

they love to do outside in the springtime, there are lots of activities that come to mind: There’s sailing on Lake Pontchartrain, running in City Park, hanging out at festivals ... The list is a long one. But one activity many New Orleanians might not think about is golf. While New Orleans and its surrounding areas have plenty of golf courses, the city isn’t a golf mecca, especially when it comes to public courses with a New Orleans address. Just like the rest of the city, the golf community was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina. “The problem with New Orleans is, since Katrina, City Park got washed out,” says Joseph Giorlando, the director of instruction for Rabito Golf at City Park. City Park’s North Course is open now, but there used to be more. There are

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

plans for a new championship golf course at City Park, but that won’t be ready for a while (see box for more details). “If you’re not a member of a country club, you don’t have a lot of options,” Giorlando says. But even though the number of New Orleans golf courses for the casual golfer might seem small, there are plenty of ways to get involved in the game this spring and summer. Here are a few ideas for getting into golf this year, whether you want to hit the links or watch from the gallery. Get to Know Some Local Courses.

The Joseph M. Bartholomew Municipal Golf Course originally opened in 1956. If you haven’t been to the course in a while, March 2014 is a good time to go because the new clubhouse CRAIG MULCAHY PHOTOGRAPH

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

is slated to open later this month. The new to the game. “It’s cheaper to do it clubhouse will feature a bar and restauthat way,” Giorlando says. “If they really rant, a ballroom and a pro shop. like it, and they have some aptitude for it, City Park fans love the North Course, then they have a private lesson.” which includes an 18-hole course, as The North Course at City Park offers well as a driving range and a practice private lessons and video lessons. A facility. In addition to the typical rates, video lesson entails an instructor recordCity Park offers a Practice Pass, which ing a golfer’s swing and pointing out includes unlimited range balls and ways to make the swing better. Audubon other perks. Park Golf Course also offers lessons, as For Uptown golfers, there’s Audubon does Lakewood, along with other coursPark Golf Course, which Golf Digest es in the area. once voted the No. 1 course of “Courses Golf is challenging even though many Over 100 Years Old.” It opened in 1898, non-golfers think the sport is just about “chasbut Director of Golf and Head Pro Stan ing a little white ball around,” Giorlando Stopa calls the course the “course of the says. “For the most part, it has nothing to do future” because it’s short – a nice choice with chasing a white ball around.” for people who don’t want to spend five hours on the course. “If somebody’s Get the Kids Involved looking to play quickly and get a qualThere has been a big push in the ity experience, Audubon is certainly it,” golf world to get kids into the sport Stopa says. to keep golf growing. One way to get On the West Bank, there’s Lakewood your own kid involved is to enroll him Golf Club, which is open to both memor her in a junior golf program, such bers and non-members. The as the Lakewood Junior course is working on a proGolf Program. The pro4 Golf Courses to gram for women golfers, but gram, which Lakewood Try This Spring details were not available PGA apprentice Chris at press time. If you’re interHoward calls “the best in Audubon Park Golf Course ested, check LakewoodGolf. the state,” features weekly 6500 Magazine St., 212com or follow Lakewood 5290, AudubonInstitute.org/ classes, access to the Golf Club New Orleans on course at a discounted rate visit/golf Facebook. and more benefits. Visit City Park North Course LakewoodGolf.com/junior_ 1051 Filmore Ave., 483Take a Lesson golf for details. 9410, CityParkGolf.com For those who are new If your kid already knows Joseph M. Bartholomew to golf, and don’t even how to play and is hoping Municipal Golf Course know what to do once on to play a lot this summer, 6514 Congress Drive, 658a course, you’re going to Audubon Park Golf Course is 3387, PlayNolaGolf.com need a lesson. One method offering a new youth special Giorlando suggests is taking Lakewood Golf Course called the Junior Summer a group lesson with friends, 4801 General Degaulle Pass. For $500, kids can play a strategy that’s especially Drive, 373-5926, from May 1 through Aug. 31. popular for women who are LakewoodGolf.com This is the first time Audubon 40

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

CRAIG MULCAHY PHOTOGRAPHS

The North Course at City Park

City Putt

has offered the deal, Stopa says. “I just felt like it was time to get some juniors involved,” he says. “We haven’t been seeing too many juniors out here.” Hang Out at City Putt

For those looking for a less serious version of golf, there’s always mini golf; for that, the newest and most prominent mini golf option is City Park’s City Putt. Opened in 2013, City Putt features two courses, one inspired by Louisiana and the other inspired by New Orleans. While City Putt is a popular choice for family outings with the kids, it can also serve as a night without them thanks to a new social putt-putt league. Sean Gaubert, a community coordinator for WAKA Kickball and Social Sports, started the social league, which invites adults 21 and older to come out and play at City Putt on Monday nights. After mini golf,

the team heads to a bar to socialize – the winter league hung out at Shamrock on S. Carrollton Avenue. Registration for the league costs $72. A schedule for spring play has not been released yet, but interested players should watch the league’s website, KickBall.com/ season/LaCityPuttPuttWinter2014, for details on the next season. See the Pros Play

If you would rather spend your time watching golf instead of playing it, the Zurich Classic is happening April 21-27 at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La. The PGA Tour tournament has been around since 1938 and still attracts top golf talent; past players have included Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson. Day passes cost $25 and week passes cost $75. Call 342-3000 for tickets, or visit ZurichGolfClassic.com for more details.

Is there still a new golf course coming to City Park? A championship golf course is planned for City Park, but golfers won’t be able to play there any time soon. John Hopper, the chief development officer and public relations director for City Park, says the plans have been drawn. Hopper says the golf course “will happen, we just don’t know when,” and a course can take two years to develop. The new course will be located between Harrison Avenue and Filmore Avenue.

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

L OCAL C O L O R

MUSIC

The Visual Side of Music Musicians behind the scenes By Jason Berry Photographer David Spielman captured musicians in environments of their choosing. Pictured here is Little Freddy King.

‘‘

MARCH 2014

eople in N e w O rleans f orm identity f rom all sorts o f

things – music, oysters, crawfish, parades, Creole cottages, the Saints, and for some reason, the city’s area code, 504,” reports Fred Lyon in one of the mini-essays that accompany 71 photographs by David G. Spielman in When Not Performing: New Orleans Musicians (Pelican). After a brief recitation of culturally commercial use to which the area code is put in certain names, Lyon goes on: “There is also Darryl Young, known as Dancing Man 504.” The photograph on the page opposite has Young in running shoes, pants and a T-shirt traversed by a sash emblazoned “Dancing Man 504.” He stands on a sidewalk, hands behind his back, framed by a doorway with security bars. The dancing man of the outside world gazes placidly at the camera. After playing sports at a 9th Ward high school, the agile Young, who looks to be late 20s, came back post-Katrina and “wanted to do something about the crime, to give kids an alternative,” as he tells

myneworleans.com

D A V I D S P I E L M A N P H O T O G R A P H , top

MEMOIR As America’s favorite political odd couple, James Carville and Mary Matalin share a candid look into their lives in Love & War: Twenty Years, Three Presidents, Two Daughters and One Louisiana Home. The book alternates between Carville and Matalin’s first-person, candid accounts of living their life of politics while dealing with family and marriage. New Orleanians will love the first chapter, since the book opens on their move from Washington D.C. to New Orleans.

COOKBOOK If you have a little chef in your family, pick up Cool Kids Cook: Fresh & Fit. Written by 12-year-old “Kid Chef” Eliana and her mom, Dianne de Las Casas, the book includes healthy recipes for kids. The recipes are definitely for youngsters with sophisticated palates, but all of the dishes look tasty and nutritious and the recipes are short and easy to follow.

FOLK New Orleans-based Hurray for the Riff Raff is one of America’s new favorite folk groups. Helmed by Alynda Lee Segarra, a Bronx native, the group released Small Town Heroes last month. Judging by the national attention and accolades Segarra and her group have already been receiving for this album, it looks like Hurray for the Riff Raff will continue to gain momentum in the folk world.

JAZZ It isn’t hard to find a good jazz album in New Orleans, but just in case you’re looking for a new one to add to your collection, try Calvin Johnson Jr.’s Native Son. The New Orleans saxophonist, a NOCCA alum, has toured all over the U.S., performing at impressive locations such as the White House and the Kennedy Center. Native Son shows why Johnson’s resume keeps growing. – H a l e y ADAMS

Please send submissions for consideration, attention: Haley Adams, 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005. myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

Lyon. He found a vehicle in second-line dancing which he calls “structured chaos, an outlet to help people expel pent up energy ... we have a responsibility to use our culture to help our kids.” The short essay matches the picture as a life story condensed into five paragraphs. This was part of the calculated approach by Spielman, a veteran photographer who believes in “working quickly and simply,” as he showed in Katrinaville Chronicles, an autobiographical photo-essay on life on the ground during the 2005 storm and days thereafter. Spielman has photographed many musicians over the years, some of them since departed. He explains in the preface: “I came to realize and understand how this musical mosaic is a continuous work in progress. These men and women were and are part of something bigger than themselves, their group or their song.” In a recent presentation on his work, Spielman explained that he wanted to capture musicians away from the stages or parade, posing in environments of their choosing. The pictures in the book convey certain artists in a self-idealized pose. Many of them wanted to be pictured with the instruments, “an extension of their being, their soul mate and partner and not unlike what my camera is to me,” he writes. That sense of being registers in James Andrew, wearing a shortsleeved shirt of floral design, seated on a building block in front of a wooden fence, left hand holding the trumpet upright on his thigh, the head slightly a-tilt and a facial expression full of gravitas – the face of a trumpeter who has played hundreds of funerals, many for youngsters gone too young. The slice-of-bio approach hangs nicely opposite Deacon John holding a guitar and Tom McDermott leaning on the piano with a gleaming smile. I do wonder what Johnny Vidacovich had in mind with one hand flat on the drum skin, the opposite elbow

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

propping the hand whose fingers reach up the cheek toward the etched forehead, conveying the intensity of Hamlet on whether to be. Is it that bad, John? Say it ain’t so! The span of personalities captured in moments of their choosing gives When Not Performing quite a sparkle. Singer Mia Borders, who graduated from Loyola in 2010 with a degree in English, now has two albums; the smile in her photograph speaks volumes. Of a beaming Clarence “Frogman” Henry, Lyon writes: “At the time of this interview, Frogman had been married eight times and had 10 children, 17 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren, explaining, ‘It’s really the only way I can keep track of everybody’s names.’” Spielman captures an ageless Pete Fountain, looking dapper, a hand cupped to his ear, smiling at what he can or cannot hear. John Boutté stands on his back porch with elephant ears waisthigh, as if the man with the golden voice sprouted up from tropical flora. “Hurricane Katrina convinced me to move to New Orleans,” writes Lyon of his role in the book. “In order to help preserve what was almost lost – its music, its legends – I needed to have my feet planted firmly on the city’s scarred and sacred ground. I found that whatever damage had been done on the surface, the roots of the city’s music were still deeply entrenched in the ground, destined to flourish as the city’s musicians helped bring their community back to life.” That sense of a community restored glows in the photograph of Dave Bartholomew, seated in a suit and comfortable chair, a potted palm behind him in the Roosevelt lobby, the studio maestro and bandleader of the Fats Domino sound with a distinguished air, not like a man near 90, poised, no trace of the relentless travel of years gone by.

L OCAL C O L O R

C A S T O F CH ARAC TERS

“He liked my antlers!” – Suzanne “Hogbabe” Howard on what first attracted partner John “Hogman” Schmidt to her

t is said that “ per f ect love matches ” are made in heaven .

For John “Hogman” Schmidt and Suzanne “Hogbabe” Howard, however, the confluence of their lives began running together some three years ago. By day, Hogbabe is better known as Suzanne Howard, R.N. – an ombudsman for patients at Ochsner Hospital on the West Bank. “My specialty is that I resolve problems between patients and People’s Health (insurance company), their doctors and Medicare,” she says. “I’m like a liaison patient advocate. … Just about anything that has to do with a patient having a problem, I deal with it. It’s all about keeping the patients happy and keeping things running smoothly. That’s my job 8 to 5. Then at 5 or sometimes 6 when I get off …” When she leaves her day job, Suzanne Howard, R.N. goes to her pickup truck where she has jeans, boots and “whatever,” and becomes “Hogbabe” also known in some quarters as “Suzy Trapper,” a nuisance wildlife control operator licensed by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Department and ready to go anywhere to remove a pesky raccoon from somebody’s henhouse or a possum with a nasty attitude out of an attic. “There are about 100 trappers like John and me across the state,” Hogbabe says with a tinge of pride in her voice. “Of that number, only five or six are women.” Hogman on the other hand, is on call 24/7. His

full-time passion for his life’s work is easily evident by the pickup trucks filled with traps and cages, and the body of a lone armadillo in the back of one of those trucks that line the drive way of the fashionable home off River Road that he and Hogbabe share. The living room, walls lined with trophy deer heads, adds to the picture. The neat stacks of antlers around the house do nothing to refute the image that these are “outdoor people.” “When I was a little boy I was fascinated with bugs,” the 55-year-old Hogman says. “When I got a little bigger, around 3 years old, I became fascinated with birds and my dad built me a trap to catch birds. It just took off from there … full time. My grandfather lived in Mississippi. Well, the lady next door to him had a chicken farm and she sold eggs. She was bothered by possums. I had been saving my birthday money to buy traps and she gave me

Hogman & Hogbabe

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

Courting Gone Wild B Y G EOR G E G U R T NER

FRANK METHE PHOTOGRAPH

the job of getting rid of those possums. So that was my first paying job – trapping possums – I was 8 years old.” But these days when you spend your workdays depleting the pigeon population at Louis Armstrong Airport and your nights trapping 1,000-pound feral hogs, life can get a little lonely. It was no less lonely for a registered nurse in Dallas who had just returned from a 10-year stint as a nurse for the Choctaw nation on a windswept plane in Oklahoma. Though worlds away from each other, they both hit on the idea of searching for “the right person” on one of those “mate matching computer” sites. “I had no idea how to use that service,” Hogman says. “A friend of mine told me that’s how he had met his wife. They were both happy. So I tried it. I Googled one of the services. Then I made a profile. That’s as far as I got. I had no idea how to proceed.” He continues, “I found one of my work pictures. I didn’t really have any pictures of myself. It took me three tries. The very next day, I had 120-something replies. I paid the money required so I could read them. And the very first one I read was from Suzy.” When the service asked Hogbabe about a radius for the search she requested, she wanted to type in 50 miles, but accidently wrote “500 miles.” “When the reply came back, I asked, ‘Where in the world is St. Rose, Louisiana?’” Hogbabe says. “But it really didn’t matter. He would have flown to Australia.” Hogman and Hogbabe forsook all others and zeroed in on each other’s reports. Next step: they exchanged photos. “She sent me a picture with her feet up on a table,” Hogman recalls. “She was out in the sun and on the table was a little deer antler …” “He didn’t zone in on me and my beautiful feet,” Hogbabe says. “All he could see were those antlers. He writes to me and says, ‘What nice little antlers you have.’ Hey! What does he expect? I was born and raised in Antlers, Oklahoma … that’s the deer capital of the world.” “I came down and I absolutely fell in love with New Orleans,” Hogbabe says. “I had no idea there were all these wild animals around this city. Anyway, I would go with him on his jobs and I thought, ‘This is so cool!’ I fell in love with what John does. But I knew I couldn’t even touch the animals until I had a license. I took the test and today, I’m a licensed nuisance wildlife control operator.” She continues, “I love it because I never know what the next telephone call is going to bring. It may be bats in some building in the French Quarter to beavers, nutria or coyotes in Belle Chasse, to hogs rooting up the polo fields on the Northshore … Or maybe just squirrels in somebody’s attic. You never know.” As if to make her point, Hogbabe reaches into one of many cages that fill the back of pick up trucks in the backyard. She comes out with “Fatty Patty,” a pregnant possum who’s none too happy to be awaked from her sleep. “Isn’t she sweet?” Hogbabe asks. “When she has her babies, I’m going to keep one and that’s going to be my pet.” Hogman and Hogbabe walk off hand-in-hand as he’s telling a friend nearby about how he could’ve saved Jefferson Parish a “ton of money,” had the late Sheriff Harry Lee hired him to thin out the nutria population rather than declare open season on the rodents by allow his deputies to pick them off at night in the canals. Hogbabe is stroking Fatty Patty’s coat with one hand and telling how she removed the possum from the registrar’s office in Harahan. Somehow you just know that if Walker Percy had written this love story, it wouldn’t have been titled Love in the Ruins, but Love in Hog Heaven. myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

L OCAL C O L O R

M O D I N E’S N EW O RLEAN S

Branson Bound Passing the security check

B Y MOD I NE G U N C H hristmas , N e w Y ear ’ s , S aints , C arnival ,

Carnival, Carnival. Enough already. I can’t stand no more celebrating. Bring on Lent. I can’t wait. Then I get a better offer. My mother-in-law, Ms. Larda, and three of her old high school friends are taking a little trip to Branson, Mo. Branson, in case you don’t know, is the opposite of the French Quarter. It is all about nice, wholesome entertainment. Everybody keeps their shirts on. Perfect for families and old ladies. It was supposed to be Larda, Earline, Dottie and Lunalee. But Lunalee run into an old boyfriend at the Chalmette Emergency Room – they were both there for heart attacks which turned out to be just gas – and they been inseparable ever since. It is their second chance, and Lunalee ain’t going to waste a minute of it. So she bows out of the trip. And they ask me to come instead. Ms. Larda says it’s just what I need. I will come home completely relaxed and ready for St. Pat’s. My son, the computer genius, finds me a good deal on the plane ticket and everything else is paid for, even the rustic hotel. The night before we leave, Ms. Larda warns me not to pack no hangnail clippers or a large snow globe in my carry-on because the TSA says they can be used as weapons. Well. I never travel with any size snow globe, but I do take my nail clippers out of my carry-on. I don’t want no trouble. Earline’s grandson, Little Bubba Jr., chauffeurs us to the airport in his minivan. Like a gentleman, he helps us haul our luggage out the back and stack it on the curb before he drives off. Ms. Larda warns the others about hangnail clippers and snow globes, and we get our big bags weighed and checked through to Branson. Then we notice one bag is left over. Ms. Larda opens it, shrieks “OHMYGAWD!” and slams it shut. (She don’t say “Oh. My. Gawd” with periods in between, like my daughter does when she is aggravated. This is a panic scream.) We all peer into this bag. There is one thing inside, and it ain’t hangnail clippers. It is a gun. A huge one. I guess you would call it a rifle. We all gasp and clutch ourselves in various places. We can’t take it on the plane. We can’t leave it on the curb. I tell Earline to call Bubba Jr. right now. She brings out her cell phone. Then she informs me it’s brand-new and she don’t know how to use it yet. But Bubba Jr.’s number is programmed in because he did that himself. Desperate times call for desperate measurements. I see a lady getting out of a cab holding a little boy by the hand, and I ask her if she knows how this phone works. She takes it, looks at it, then hands it to the little boy. He taps the screen a few times, and Bubba says 48

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

“Hello?” Earline snatches it and screams “Bubba! Come get this (bad word) gun right now!” I go to thank the lady and her little boy, but they have disappeared all of a sudden. Dottie and Ms. Larda go ahead to the gate, but me and Earline have to stay and guard the bag for 10 whole minutes, until Bubba screeches up to the curbside and grabs it. “Been carrying it around since duck season,” he says. “Carry it out of here,” I say. Now we got to run for the plane. We get to security and Earline sails through. I am right behind her, but when I step into the X-ray scanner, the TSA agents suddenly get serious. They take me to one side. They wave their electric wand over me. They pat me up and down. It is almost time to board, and Ms. Larda comes back from the gate to see what’s wrong. An agent tells her to stand aside. “Modine! Did you get rid of that gun?” she yells to me. Everybody freezes. I think fast. “Gum? I spat it out in the trash,” I say. “I don’t like Dentyne.” Everybody relaxes. Finally, a lady agent reaches under my shirt and feels the waistband of my underwear. “Oh,” she says. “Spanx. With metallic thread.” And she waves me through. “Next time, don’t wear spangly panties when you fly,” she calls as I’m rushing away. Guns, globes, spangly panties. This ain’t relaxing. And neither is Branson, it turns out. Ms. Larda and them are committed to see all the attractions, and I need to take pictures of them smiling in front of every one: The Maze of Mirrors, the Titanic, the Hollywood Wax museum, “Hits of the ’60s”... I had no clue three old ladies could move so fast. Then, on the morning we leave, I sleep late. Ms. Larda shakes and screeches me awake, and I throw myself together: cotton panties, no spangles, no nail clippers, no snow globe – no time for makeup. And would you believe, the TSA agent tells me I don’t look like my government-issued ID. So I got to run to the ladies’ and put on my face and run back, and then he laughs and says, “Just kidding, pretty lady.” Wholesome family humor. Ms. Larda says he deserves a kick in the snow globes. I am mad all the way to Houston, where we change planes for home. The last leg of a flight to New Orleans is always the best, because when you get to the waiting area, it’s almost like you are home already. Nobody is too skinny or too uptight. Everybody talks normal (“Where y’all been?”) and they pass food around and laugh, and somebody is lugging a trombone case. For the first time in a week, I relax. I should have stuck with Lent. LORI OSIECKI ILLUSTRATION

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

J OIE D’ E V E

BLOGS FROM THE NEW NEW ORLEANS

Everyone can see where this is going, of course. Mrs. Foxworth research everything : D evelopmental died in late January, leaving behind a school – a whole city, in milestones; worst-case scenarios; organic versus nonorfact, as she taught for more than 20 years at both the old Morris ganic foods; charter schools versus public schools; types Jeff and Live Oak elementary schools – in mourning but better for of charter schools; vaccinations, with and without thimerohaving known her. sal. When Ruby was freakishly good at puzzles at age 2: Signs of I always want to research. I want facts, statistics, numbers giftedness. When she was a bit slow to learn to read at age 5: Signs and data. Mrs. Foxworth didn’t need any of that. I’m not sayof dyslexia. Any time she’s sick: Signs of allergies? Signs of a cold? ing she was simple, far from it. She was an extremely smart Signs of cancer? woman – smart enough to know that research can only get you And so, of course, when she was about to start pre-K I had so far. I am sure she had read the studies about at-risk youth, scoured the school’s website, way in advance, to figure out who she might get for her first year of Big Kid School. Everyone looked OK, but I really, really wanted her to get this one woman – I’ll call her Ms. L. – who just seemed so fantastic and young and fun. According to her bio, she was into yoga and vegetarian cooking, and I could just imagine her, full of verve and vigor, teaching the kids about by Eve Crawford Peyton the health benefits of tofu while doing a perfect downward dog. about the importance of pre-K programs for social development, Ruby didn’t get Ms. L. My friend’s daughter did, and I still about socioeconomic blah, blah, blah. She knew all of that, but remember feeling a little bit bitter and a little bit disappointed research, facts and statistics were not what fueled her, not what that my friend’s daughter got the fun teacher, and Ruby got Mrs. kept her coming in to school early and staying late. She was Foxworth, an older woman, widowed with two daughters, who motivated entirely by love, and the only data that mattered to had a bio full of experience and awards but nothing so splashy as her was what she could see with her own eyes as her students yoga. “It will be fine,” I told myself. “But still …” blossomed in her care. After Meet the Teacher Night, I was even more skeptical. Mrs. There are many good people in this world, but Mrs. Foxworth Foxworth seemed nice, but she was so quiet. She read a book to was more than that. She was magic. She exuded calm, she broadall of the kids, and I could barely hear her. I felt certain my spirited casted patience, she screamed love and acceptance – all without daughter was going to run roughshod over this sweet, soft-spoken ever speaking much louder than a whisper. woman. I could hear Ms. L. from down the hall, talking excitedly For someone like me, who’s loud, anxious, awkward and full of to the kids and parents, and I just shook my head. “That was who nervous energy, being in Mrs. Foxworth’s presence was incredibly Ruby should have gotten,” I thought. “That would have been a soothing. For someone like Ruby, who has me for a mother, I can good match. This is just not going to work out.” only imagine Mrs. Foxworth’s presence was a welcomed change What an idiot I was. How shortsighted. of pace. Ms. L. was a great teacher. She was young and full of energy, “She never corrected me,” Ruby said sadly when I told her the and every kid who had her for pre-K had a terrific experience. news. “She just loved me.” But Mrs. Foxworth was magic. Without ever raising her voice, My first reaction was, ironically, to correct her: “Of course she she had all the kids entirely under her spell. She was loving, nurcorrected you. She was your teacher. Correcting you was her job.” turing, thoughtful – and totally in control. The kids, all of them, But I didn’t say that. I took a page from Mrs. Foxworth and lisworshipped her. As they got louder, she would get quieter, until tened to the feelings instead of the words. they were all silent and gathered close to her, looking up and What Ruby meant was that she felt loved instead of judged, and listening – a neat trick I have never managed to master. She had that allowed her to learn and grow. I can’t believe I was ever so the easiest smile, the warmest eyes. In an age where there are wrong-headed as to think that anything else was important or that school-wide bans on hugging, Mrs. Foxworth never even hesitated any bell or whistle in a teacher’s biography could trump plainto embrace a student who was crying or scared. and-simple love. Ruby moved on to kindergarten and now first grade, but she Mrs. Foxworth was down-to-earth and practical, but there is never forgot Mrs. Foxworth. When I made cupcakes for Ruby’s no doubt that she was magic, and the world is a little less special birthday, she made sure there was an extra for Mrs. Foxworth, and without her in it. she and I walked over and hand-delivered it. Same for Valentines My heart goes out to her family, as well as to everyone else and Easter goodies. Each time Ruby walked in, Mrs. Foxworth’s whose life she touched over the years. Losing Mrs. Foxworth face would light up – the way it lit up for every one of her “kids” – leaves a huge hole. But the loss is nothing compared to her legacy. and she would go, “Ooohhh, there’s my Ruby!” She was Ruby’s teacher. But she taught me so much. Every time she left, Ruby would say, “I love you, Mrs. Foxworth,” and Mrs. Foxworth would say, “I love my Ruby!” Excerpted from Eve Kidd Crawford’s blog, Joie d’Eve, which “You’d better still be teaching for Georgia,” I would admonish appears each Friday on MyNewOrleans.com. For comments: Info@ her, and she would laugh and say, “I’m making no promises. I NewOrleansMagazine.com. need to retire someday.”

Remembering Mrs. Foxworth

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

L OCAL C O L O R

C H R O N I C L ES

Art conservator Shamil Salah

Restoring the Past The business and passion of preserving precious objects. by Carolyn Kolb

The lace-making skill came in handy when a friend from church accidentally washed a family for old familiar objects. Our treasures are precious to us, whethlace tablecloth. Asked to repair it, Reveley comer or not they have great value. pleted the job and then managed to restore the Sometimes, there’s a happy coincidence that something we entire cloth to a proper color. This led to courses at cherish also has historic worth. One local, a many times great-grandson of Pierre the American Institute of Textile Arts. “What was a Derbigny, the last Governor of Louisiana born in France, is the proud possessor hobby became a profession,” she says. of a dessert plate strewn with tiny flowers, part of a family set associated with Today, Bryce Reveley’s Gentle Arts (895-5628, the 1825 visit of the Marquis de Lafayette to the city. GentleArtsNola.com) is the place to go if you have a New Orleanian Bryce Reveley also cherishes a piece of china passed down 1940s era wedding dress with stains from the cedar in her mother’s Arkansas family, an “ambrosia bowl” from a family plantation chest in which it was kept. (The dress in question lost in the 1927 flood. came out white as new!) For about 30 years, Reveley Reveley’s reverence for objects from the past has become a career. She is curhas been the local go-to person for linens and laces rently restoring her father’s family home, a two-story 1846 log cabin in Arkansas’ Ozarks. A tiny scrap in the chinks between logs “turned out to be a doll’s sun bonnet,” “It’s in an acid-free box, I’ve dusted it but I haven’t cleaned it yet,” she noted. When she’s ready to conserve that bonnet, she has Even modern metal needs an expert hand to look the professional skills for the task. its best. Shane Runnels at Precision Metal Services A veteran of restorations – she and her in Metairie has brought out the best in copper, brass, husband rebuilt and live in an 1870s house aluminum and stainless steel since 1992. “We just did Uptown and also restored Belle Alliance planthe Lakefront Airport,” he says, and now he has moved tation near Napoleonville – Reveley, whose on to the Union Passenger Terminal, making modern graduate studies were in ancient languages, 20th-century metal accents look their best. “We do all the brass in the entrance to the Monteleone admits, “I have a kinship with older things. I Hotel, too,” Runnels says. One difficult project? “Some old brass fire extinguishers that had been play the harp. I make lace.” through Katrina.” ost N e w O rleanians can con f ess to a love

Spit and Polish

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

J O R D A N H A R O P hotograph

that show the ravages of time. Employee Nicole Blais has learned from Bryce both textile conservation (making the item look its very best without alteration) and restoration (bringing a piece back to its former glory with additional work). “Right now we’re restoring a 200-year-old wedding dress for a client who‘s wearing it next year: it’s a tiny little dress and we’re hand beading it with pearls,” Blais says. Jessica Hack, at Textile Restoration in Algiers (366-0786 Textile-Restoration.com), began as a weaver. Between commissions for her weaving, she learned to repair oriental carpets and her work with fabric art grew from that. “Predominantly I do work for institutions,” she says, “but I still have private clients.” At the moment she’s working on a tattered Confederate flag, an early 17th-century tapestry and a mantle for a Queen of the Krewe of Hermes. One remarkable piece she recalls? “A 3-foot-long stuffed doll of Superman flying. It was made out of various satin materials that had faded over time. The man who sent it to me wanted to refurbish it because he wanted to give it to his son. He said, ‘My son is a Superman to me.’” Blake Vonder (944-7900, Art-Restoration.com) has been around almost 20 years, and she and her team of craftsmen deal with a variety of objects. At the moment they’re working on “a site attached to the LSU Medical School, restoring a plaster frieze that was done as part of the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s.” Some posters from the 1884 Cotton Exposition in Audubon Park fare are also getting attention from the guild. Rene Deville (895-7366, devilleconservation@gmail.com) deals with works on paper. With a degree in Fine Arts from Loyola University, she went to the University of Texas for a Master’s in preservation and conservation studies. “I am legally a state certified paper conservator,” she says. A regular client is the Historic New Orleans Collection. “They have conservation needs for rare books – sometimes things going on exhibit, sometimes it’s maintenance.” De Ville is also the go-to person when you find a prized drawing has a spot of mold on its glass, something not unusual in this climate. If your paintings need help, seek out Shamil Salah (948-2695). A New York native, he studied conservation at the University of Buffalo (N.Y.). When he moved to New Orleans he eventually bought Phyllis Hudson’s painting conservation business. Like other art conservators, he had some difficult Katrina work. “One modern painting had a dried gecko squashed into it – I had to decide if it was part of the art.” Today, Salah has enough work for four assistants. Bobby Franks of Uptown Antique Restoration (865-9622, UptownRestoration.com) will handle your damaged or tired furniture. After helping his father in his wooden boat-building hobby, Franks chanced on woodworking as an interim job before he could put his biology degree to work. Thirty-nine years later, he’s still working magic on furniture. “We repair, but we can make a matching chair if you need one for a set. We are also able to do leather inlays with gold tooling for desks.” The oldest piece he’s worked on? “Probably a 17th-century desk for a collector,” Franks says. Even the youngest client might have need of restoration work. If it’s a china doll’s head that needs repair, check with Nancy Holford at Bric a Brac Studio (837-8111, Restore-Pro.com). A UNO Fine Arts major, she answered an ad and apprenticed to the former owner of the shop. Today she works with dolls, figurines, vases, porcelain and pottery. Should the Lafayette dessert plate or the Arkansas ambrosia bowl crack, could they be fixed? “When dinner ware is repaired it may not be good to use,” Holland says. “I do more decorative things.” So, if the porcelain objects were only intended for decoration – there might be hope. New Orleans heirlooms deserve the best. myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

L OCAL C O L O R

HOME

Judging for Themselves Janet Daley and Stanwood Duval saw the light in this Uptown home. B Y B ONN I E WARREN

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

ph o t o g r a ph e d b y c H ERYL G ER B ER

Facing page: The large picture window in the living room provides an unobstructed view of the rear garden and courtyard. New bookcases were added and the yellow walls were done by interior designer Ned Marshall, who gave them a hand-washed Tuscan look; John Stanford was commissioned to paint the landscape over the bibliotheque, which is a view from the deck at their camp in Grand Isle. This page top: The circa 1900 house began life as a camelback shotgun; contractor Willem Sypesteyn did a complete renovation of the structure located in the old Faubourg Hurtsville neighborhood near the Mississippi River and added four feet to the side, thus allowing for the present setback side entrance. Right: Janet Daley and Stanwood Duval

he com f ortable home o f J anet and

Stanwood Duval in the old Faubourg Hurstville area of New Orleans began life in 1900 as a camelback shotgun. After a careful renovation by contractor Willem Sypesteyn that included adding four feet to the side to allow for the present setback side entrance, the house took on a new façade and the interior floor plan was completely changed. “The front porch was converted to a closet for the master bedroom, the original living-dining room was changed to an 18-by-22-foot master bedroom and an enormous spa-inspired master bathroom was added,” Janet says. The couple purchased the house in November 2003, the week they were married. “We fell in love with the house,” she says. “We were drawn to the immense amount of light that pours through the windows. The living room feels like a solarium since the house opens onto a charming courtyard and garden.” “We immediately liked the mixture of old and new,” adds Stanwood, Senior United States District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Flooring throughout the house is charcoal gray slate, with old reclaimed doors adding interest to the historic structure.” The couple also liked the way the contractor used pickled pine pillars and beadboard to define the space between the entrance and the dining room and kitchen. “The slate floors, which are in reality roofing tiles, also intrigued us,” Janet says. “And then there’s the steeland-glass stairway railing that adds a fresh new touch to the old.” Not one who minds a bit of drama, Janet, an attorney myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

Top left: The large master bedroom was created in the front of the original historic camelback shotgun. Top right: An old tub fits neatly in the new master bathroom; the nude on the wall was done by artist Phil Sandusky. Photographs of Versailles and Le Hameau by Janet hang above the bed in the guest bedroom; the copper plate over the desk is of a page out of a book written by Janetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great-grandfather, Judge Felix Voorhies, called Acadian Reminiscences: The True Story of Evangeline; the prints to the left of the dressing table are of Gov. Alexandre Mouton and his wife Zelia Rousseau, Janetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great-great grandparents.

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

and law clerk who is also an actress, painted the dining room Ralph Lauren Indian Red, and a warm yellow custom finish was used for the walls in the adjoining living room. Ned Marshall, an interior designer, created the living room wall color to evoke a hand-washed Tuscan feeling. “When we purchased the house everything was white, and about a year after we moved in, Stanwood said he was tired of living in a sanitarium,” Janet says. “I joyfully took his cue to heart and rushed to the paint store.” Ned also helped with the selection of the Bergamo-style fabric on the wingchair and chairs that flank the piano in the living room. The large master bedroom is a private hideaway for the couple with enough room to accommodate a velvetcovered chaise longue and Stanwood’s recliner. “We both enjoy our large spa-inspired master bathroom,” Janet says. Janet, who finds time in her busy schedule to serve as the president of the Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival, enjoys having her own upstairs office in the house. “It’s my private lair with a window that frames a mimosa tree,” she says. “I find peace in the wonderful space that I painted aqua. It’s where I have a special corner just for writing, one of my favorite hobbies.” Stanwood is an avid hunter and he has a special space upstairs for some of his trophies, where he has displayed a mounted mallard drake and a male pheasant on the wall over a desk. There is also a watercolor of a pintail duck that Stanwood’s father, Stanwood Sr., painted. Both Janet and Stanwood appreciate relaxing on the back deck. “We love having this outdoor seating area which leads to our courtyard that is surrounded by a wooden fence for complete privacy,” she says. “We enjoyed the fountain, old brick patio and the lush planting that was designed by landscape architect Michael McClung of Four Seasons Inc.”

Top: Ralph Lauren Indian Red was used to paint the dining room that is separated from the new kitchen by folding doors. Left: The rear private garden adjoins the porch and features a brick patio with a low-bordered garden in front of the fence.

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

THEMENU TABLE TALK

RESTAURANT INSIDER

FOOD

LAST CALL

DINING LISTINGS TABLE TALK:

Turf ’n’ Surf PAGE 60

Neil McClure of McClure’s BBQ doesn’t sauce anything, leaving that up to the customers. And that is one of McClure’s big appeals: a selection of seven sauces representing various regional styles.

JEFFERY JOHNSTON PHOTOGRAPH

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

T HE M E N U

T A B L E T A L K

concession to some nearby residents who had objected to the scent of smoky goodness. “Barbecue has been my passion from the beginning, and the pop-up gave me a good platform to test things,” McClure says. “My customers told me that I was good enough to do a brick-and-mortar rather than just once-a-week.” All smoking is done over firewood, no charcoal, and he burns through about a cord of pecan wood a week. “I’m probably influenced the most by Carolina style,” says McClure, who grew up in Pensacola. “Though growing up in Florida we didn’t really have a predominate style. There was a lot of straight-off-the-shelf KC Masterpiece and – God forbid – Kraft Barbecue Sauce.” McClure mixes his own “Creole” base rub, then finetunes it to complement each type of meat. “What I vary the most from meat to meat is the salt and pepper content,” he says. “Ribs I don’t put any salt on. I do brine them a bit, but too much salt on a rib and it turns into ham. Whereas the chicken is an even spread, and the brisket is heavy on the pepper. Texans would kill me for putting rub on it, but I think we do meat better here in New Orleans.” About his brisket – if you go, start with that. “Brisket is pretty McClure’s All Meats/All Sides Platter much what set me off on my mission. Going to the Joint and eating my friend Pete (Breen’s) brisket – I’ve never really been a brisket guy before. And I fell in love with it and then decided that I wanted to learn how to cook it. And learning how to cook it led to all of this.” McClure doesn’t sauce anything, leaving that up to the customers. And that is one of McClure’s big appeals: a selection of seven sauces representing various regional styles, including a mustard-based South Carolina style and a white Alabama-style that goes well with the smoked chicken. Kansas City, Texas and Memphis round out the tomato-based options. All are homemade and the NOLA East is entirely his own invention, a spicy concoction that includes hoisin and soy sauce in a nod to the Vietnamese community in the east. For sides, try the coleslaw, which is vinegar-based and offers a sharp and refreshing complement to the smoky meat. The barbecue jambalaya is studded with tasty morsels of all the meats as well as some smoked vegetables tied together with a touch of the Kansas City sauce. And if the stewed greens are available,

Uptown Turf ‘n’Surf New and newly revised

By Jay Forman oo d ne w s for c as u a l d i n i ng i n Upto w n :

recent months have seen the opening of McClure’s BBQ and the reboot of Frankie & Johnny’s. The former is a welcome addition to the local barbecue scene, while the latter marks the return to form of a neighborhood favorite. Both are family- and budget-friendly options with a lot of appeal as we roll into the warmer months. To open McClure’s BBQ, owner Neil McClure built on his success with his Tuesday night pop-up at Dante’s Kitchen, where he formerly worked as the general manager. Large plate glass windows look out over the corner of Bordeaux and Magazine streets, and the inside is furnished with surreally humorous art by Scott Guion. A Lang smoker parked across Bordeaux Street serves as his pit, a 60

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

JEFFERY JOHNSTON PHOTOGRAPH

try them as well. You won’t be Finding a favorite disappointed. McClure’s BBQ Countless locals have fond 4800 Magazine St. memories of Frankie & Johnny’s, 301-2367 the quintessential neighborMcCluresBarbecue.com hood seafood joint that feels Lunch and dinner daily like a little slice of Bucktown Frankie & Johnny’s on Arabella Street. Recently the 321 Arabella St. building’s owners sold the res243-1234 taurant (but not the property) to FrankieAndJohnnys.net restaurateur Anthony Macaluso, Lunch and dinner daily who embarked on a top-to-botBlue Dot Donuts tom renovation. Along the way, 4301 Canal St. Macaluso brought on business 218-4866 partner Woody Valls. 5236 Tchoupitoulas St. The restaurant maintains its 941-7675 original character, down to BlueDotDonuts.com its checkered floor, but everyBreakfast and lunch, Tuesdaysthing is brand-new. Booths Sundays were installed where there was once bench seating and the bar underwent a complete overhaul. Covered patio seating was added out front. Other changes include a new oyster bar. “They never served raw oysters before, and that has been a tremendous success,” Valls says. “We’ve been very fortunate in our oyster supplier who’s providing us an excellent quality of oysters.” Parents might appreciate one other addition: the old downstairs office was gutted and made into a mini-arcade for kids. Squatting on the floor in there as well is a large cabinet safe. “Too heavy to move,” Valls explains. The menu itself was left essentially unchanged, including their famous fried green pepper rings and a few modest upgrades, such as tuna steak. The focus is on fried and boiled seafood, poor boys and plate lunches that vary by the day. These include Beef Stroganoff, chicken and dumplings, ham steak with yams and yellow rice, for example. Red beans and rice is served daily. In line with the arcade, a kid’s menu is offered as well. The bar menu has also been beefed up and now offers 14 draft beers along with a more substantive wine list. A weekday happy hour from 2 to 6 p.m. offers a discount on drinks and oysters. So how was the re-launch received? “That was the most rewarding aspect of all this,” Valls says. “So many people were happy as can be to have their iconic local neighborhood restaurant back. I for one was overwhelmed by the community’s response,” Valls says. Ed. Note: A kitchen fire last month temporarily affected the availability of some menu offerings, especially fried items. You might want to check ahead.

On the Dot Doughnut lovers rejoice! MidCity favorite Blue Dot Donuts has expanded into Uptown, with a new location at 5236 Tchoupitoulas St. Stop by in the morning to admire their gleaming cases and fill a few boxes with their decadent offerings, including a wide array of cake-style donuts as well as multiple glazed, cream-filled and specialty items such as Red Velvet with Cream Cheese. Their signature Maple and Bacon Glazed Long Johns, above, are available as well. myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

R E S T A U R A N T IN SID ER

Mopho, Good Eggs and Atomic Burgers

B Y RO B E R T P E Y T ON

b y R o be r t P e y t o n H appy M ar c h , k i d s ! F or those of yo u p l ay i ng

at home, this marks my 45th year on the planet. If you’re a scientist and working to perfect “putting one’s consciousness into a perfect, cloned body,” it’d be great if you could pull that off some time in the next few years. Not that I need a cloned body; it’s all fine! Happy birthday to me!

When I first wrote about Mopho in November of last year, the Mid-City restaurant had yet to open. I have been back multiple times since that first visit, and while not everything has been perfect every time, I’m a real fan of the place. Chef Michael Gulotta has gone on record as saying that his food isn’t “traditional” Vietnamese, but that doesn’t mean it’s “fusion” either. It is an interpretation, and while that may be a fine distinction, it’s one worth making. Take the soup after which the restaurant is named: pho; in its most traditional form it’s a spiced beef broth with rice noodles and garnishes including various cuts of meat, herbs, bean sprouts and lime. The choices here include the non-traditional – tendon, flank, oxtail and tripe – and the traditional – beef cheek and rib-eye. Pork and poultry varieties of the dish are also on the menu, including choices such as duck confit and slow-cooked cockscomb. Mopho also does vermicelli

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

Good Eggs is part of what seems to be an everincreasing movement to bring local producers together with local customers. The basics are simple: it’s a website (GoodEggs.com/nola) that features six categories of food stuffs from local farmers, bakers, ranchers, cooks and probably some combination of those people I’ve yet to discover. You select from a changing list of vegetables, dairy products, meats and seafood, baked goods, prepared foods and other items, and then either pick up your

purchases at one of a number of spots or pay a little more for home delivery. The list of vendors is way too long to provide here, but if you visit area farmers markets, bakeries or restaurants for that matter, you’ll recognize a lot of them. My advice: Go check out the website and see if you don’t find something worth buying. There is no minimum order, and there’s probably a pickup location not too far away from you.

Atomic Burger

Mopho Chef Michael Gulotta

and rice bowls with interesting garnishes such as crispy pork belly with sausage and peanut, and fermented black bean-braised crab. The green curry with lamb neck and beets with a Creole cream cheese roti is one of the best things I’ve had in a very long time. It is comfort food for people with a taste for spice and an appreciation for things cooked slowly, and the combination of a traditional green curry – spicy, aromatic and rich – with beets is brilliant. Mopho, located at 514 City Park Ave., is open every day but Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and you can call them at 482-6845 or visit MophoNola. com to find out more.

In yet another “these things seem to be popping up all over” entry, I offer Atomic Burger, the newest restaurant on the high-end hamburger craze located on a section of Veterans Boulevard that you’d rightly associate more with fast food than hand-packed and custom-ground burgers. But, while Atomic has a drivethrough window and is clearly designed to be a chain, the food is anything but mass-produced. They have the requisite hand-cut fries and the ice cream is made daily, but here the shakes are chilled with liquid nitrogen and you can order steamed edamame as a side. The edamame aren’t quite as incongruous as you’d think; there are also turkey and portobello mushroom options for burgers, though I have to confess I haven’t tried either. Atomic Burger is located at 3934 Veterans Blvd. and open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and you can call them at 309-7474 or visit TheAtomicBurger.com to learn more.

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Email rdpeyton@gmail.com

S A R A E S S E X B R A DL E Y P H O T O G R A P H S

T HE M E N U

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

THE MENU

FOOD

When the l ast bea d goes

Feast Day Festing Cooking for St. Joseph’s and St. Patrick’s days by Dale Curry 64

F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 4

myneworleans.com

into the attic or in the mail to needy friends who live in places without Mardi Gras, I get ready for the best throws of the year: cabbage, bell peppers, carrots and potatoes. Oh yeah, this is the only place I know where you go to parades to catch dinner. The first time a 1-pound cabbage almost knocked me flat on Magazine Street, I swore I’d practice my catch and never miss another one. Since then, I’ve left St. Patrick’s Day parades with five or six cabbages and sculpted them into cabbage rolls and other family favorites. The late 19th century Creoles made a spicy cabbage gumbo that included round steak, ham and sausage, indicating their legacy of dressing up vegetables with plenty of seasoning. They also were fond of stuffing cabbage with sausage and ham, and they learned from the Germans, who settled upriver from New Orleans, to make sauerkraut. The French used not only vinegar but – wouldn’t you know – wine and brandy as well. In my travels, I’ve observed that cabbage and pork seem to be the universal choices for sustenance and taste appeal in the daily diet, and much of the time the two find themselves together in the same pot. I recently experimented with a two-ingredient dish – cabbage and pork – and came up with a winner. I cut a cabbage into four pieces and draped a piece of thick-cut bacon over each one. Baked, uncovered, for about an hour, it became a crispy, crunchy side dish that I’ll be repeating frequently. Another favorite of mine is stuffing bell peppers not only with ground beef but also with a wellseasoned sausage, such as spicy Italian. Bell peppers are an easy catch at St. Pat’s parades, because you can reach out and grab EUGENIA UHL PHOTOGRAPH

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

them with one hand. Same goes for potatoes, and this year I think I’ll add a little French technique to the pot and produce a lovely vichyssoise. With leeks added and a little chicken broth, it comes close to an Irish cock-a-leekie soup. I love the way we mix up styles into our New Orleans cooking. I think the secret is that whatever works, works. The combination that gets the most taste out of something is the name of the game. We also have St. Joseph’s Day coming up, and that calls for a good Italian pasta Milanese, a simple dish to make but oh, so good. Because the saint’s day is observed in the middle of Lent, March 19, the dish is meatless and often infused with anchovies. The following is my favorite version as it appeared in my cookbook, New Orleans Home Cooking (Pelican, 2008).

Easy Cabbage and Bacon 1 medium cabbage 6 pieces bacon Freshly ground black pepper Creole seasoning

Cut cabbage in half starting at stem. Remove most of stem. Cut halves into 2 or 3 wedges each, depending on size of cabbage. Rinse carefully, keeping wedges in tact, and leaving cabbage wet. Place cabbage in a baking pan or dish, and add about 1/4-inch water to bottom of dish. Sprinkle cabbage with seasonings. Place pieces of bacon over each wedge, covering as much of the cut part as possible. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake, uncovered, for about an hour, until bacon is crispy and cabbage is tender. Serves 4 to 6

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

Potato Leek Soup 3 or 4 leeks 2 Tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 5 large potatoes or 6 medium 6 cups chicken stock, homemade or low-sodium canned Freshly ground black pepper to taste Salt, if needed 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup chopped chives, flat-leaf parsley or green onion tops to garnish

Trim leeks down to the tender white and light green parts, carefully rinsing to remove all sand and soil. Discard tough dark green parts. Chop parts you’re using. Heat oil in a medium pot and sauté leeks and onion until transparent. Peel potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Add potatoes and chicken stock to pot and season with pepper. Cover and simmer until potatoes are fork tender. Taste and add salt if necessary. Cool for about 30 minutes. If you have a hand blender, use it to purée the soup in the pot, or, transfer to a blender or food processor and purée. Do not overprocess or soup might become sticky. Return to pot if necessary and add cream. If serving hot, heat but don’t boil, when ready to serve. Otherwise, refrigerate and serve cold as vichyssoise. Serve in bowls topped with garnish. Serves 6

Stuffed Peppers 6 bell peppers 1 Tablespoon olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced

3/4 pound lean ground beef 1/2 pound Italian sausage, hot or mild 1 14.5-ounce can whole tomatoes, chopped 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs 2 Tablespoons minced Italian flat-leaf parsley 1 egg, beaten Parmesan cheese, grated

Slice peppers in two lengthwise and remove stems, seeds and membranes. Parboil in a pot of boiling water for about 3 minutes, drain and place in a greased baking pan. Heat oil in a large skillet and sauté onion until transparent. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute more. Add ground beef and Italian sausage and sauté until browned. Add tomatoes and seasonings, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and add breadcrumbs, parsley and egg, and mix well. Stuff mixture into pepper shells and sprinkle liberally with Parmesan cheese over tops. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 30 minutes. Serves 6 to 8

Pasta Milanese 2 Tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 1 stalk celery, chopped 4 cloves garlic, whole 2 14.5-ounce cans Italian plum tomatoes 1/2 cup fresh fennel bulb, chopped 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Pinch crushed red pepper

1 teaspoon sugar Salt and pepper to taste 6 anchovy fillets, chopped 1/4 cup small black olives, pitted 2 Tablespoons drained capers 2 Tablespoons chopped flat-leaf Italian parsley 1 pound spaghetti Breadcrumbs, seasoned, and/or Parmesan cheese

Heat olive oil in medium, heavy pot. Saute onion, celery and whole garlic cloves over medium heat for several minutes until garlic is slightly coloring. Add tomatoes, fennel, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, sugar, salt and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Add the anchovies, olives and capers and simmer a few minutes more. Stir in parsley, taste and adjust seasonings. Cook spaghetti in large pot of salted, boiling water until al dente. Drain and place in a large pasta bowl, toss with sauce and top with breadcrumbs and/or grated cheese. Serves 4

On the Q.T.? The end of Carnival signals a quiet time in New Orleans, or does it? Well, maybe for a few days, but that’s all before a full lineup of parades and parties begin celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, and St. Joseph’s Day, March 19. Somehow locals have found a way to span two days of observance into nearly a month of celebration. At least the food is in line with Lent, mostly vegetables and meatless pasta.

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

THE MENU

LAST CALL

March Merriment The Mox Ruby From Little Gem Saloon B y T i m McN a l l y

“Dance as though no one is watching you, Love as though you have never been hurt before, Sing as though no one can hear you, Live as though heaven is on earth.” – ALFRED D. Souza

f there ’ s any p l a c e that f i ts those sent i ments , i t ’ s N e w

Orleans. And if there’s any month that embodies them, it’s March. We start with Mardi Gras, rush headlong into St. Patrick’s Day, then pause not a moment before commemorating St. Joseph’s Day, revel in City Park’s Lark in the Park and soak up a little culture with The Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival. No regrets and no slow-down. All along the way there will be parades and music: brass bands, high school bands, bagpipes, concertinas, clarinets, tambourines and singing, in a loud voice, as if no one can hear. With our celebrations of history, culture and heritage, we happily pay homage to our jazz roots. New Orleans jazz without a smile is like a New Orleans day without coffee. One of the buildings recently lovingly restored so that we can actually hear and see our musical history is the Little Gem Saloon, originally opened in 1903 and lauded as one of the true birthplaces of jazz. At the corner S. Rampart and Poydras streets the bar and the music room are as one, wailing the good news. Dance. Love. Live. No one is watching. Let it all out.

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

The Mox Ruby 1 ounce house- or self-infused cranberry gin 1 ounce Zirbenz Stone Pine Liquor of the Alps 1 ounce green chartreuse 1 ounce lime juice

Combine all ingredients together in a shaker, add a bit of ice, shake and strain into a coupe with a twist of lime. As created by Tim Russell, mixologist at Little Gem Saloon

S A R A E S S E X B R A DL E Y P H O T O G R A P H

THE MENU

DINING GUIDE

$= Average entrée price of $5-$10; $$=$1115; $$$=$16-20; $$$$=$21-25; $$$$$=$25 and up.

in the French Quarter; live jazz during Sun. brunch. New Orleans Magazine’s 2011 Honor Roll winner. $$$$$

cuisine is served in this 200-year-old cottage. Ask for a seat on the romantic patio, weather permitting. $$$$$

sine featuring traditional seafood, lamb and vegetarian options. $$

5 Fifty 5 Restaurant Marriott Hotel,

Audubon Clubhouse 6500 Magazine St.,

Besh Steak Harrah’s Casino, 8 Canal

555 Canal St., 553-5638, French Quarter, 555Canal.com. B, L, D daily. This restaurant offers innovative American fare such as lobster macaroni and cheese. Many of the dishes receive an additional touch from their woodburning oven. $$$$

212-5282, Uptown. B, L Tue-Sat, Br Sun. Nested among the oaks in Audubon Park, the beautifully situated clubhouse is open to the public and features a kid-friendly menu with New Orleans tweaks and a casually upscale sandwich and salad menu for adults. $$

St., 533-6111, CBD/Warehouse District, HarrahsNewOrleans.com. D daily. Acclaimed chef John Besh reinterprets the classic steakhouse with his signature contemporary Louisiana flair. New Orleans Magazine’s Chef of the Year 2007. $$$$$

300 Poydras St., 595-3305, CBD/Warehouse District, CafeAdelaide.com. B, D daily, L Mon-Fri. This offering from the Commander’s Palace family of restaurants has become a power-lunch favorite for businessmen and politicos. Also features the Swizzle Stick Bar. $$$$

7 on Fulton 701 Convention Center Blvd.,

August Moon 3635 Prytania St., 899-5122, Uptown, MoonNola.com. L, D Mon-Fri, D Sat. Lots of vegetarian offerings and reasonable prices make this dependable Chinese/ Vietnamese place a popular choice for students and locals. Take-out and delivery available. $

Bistro Daisy 5831 Magazine St., 899-6987, Uptown, BistroDaisy.com. D, Tue-Sat. Chef Anton Schulte and his wife Diane’s bistro, named in honor of their daughter, serves creative and contemporary bistro fare in a romantic setting along Magazine Street. The signature Daisy Salad is a favorite. $$$$

Café Burnside Houmas House Plantation,

Austin’s 5101 W. Esplanade Ave., 888-5533, Metairie, AustinsNo.com. D Mon-Sat. Mr. Ed’s upscale bistro serves contemporary Creole fare, including seafood and steaks. $$$

The Bombay Club Prince Conti Hotel,

Café Degas 3127 Esplanade Ave., 945-5635,

830 Conti St., 586-0972, French Quarter, TheBombayClub.com. D daily. Popular martini bar appointed 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. $$$$

Mid-City, CafeDegas.com. L Wed-Sat, D WedSun, Br Sun. Light French bistro food including salads and quiche make this indoor/outdoor boîte a Faubourg St. John favorite. New Orleans Magazine’s 2010 French Restaurant of the Year. $$$

525-7555, CBD/Warehouse District, 7onFulton.com. B, L, D daily. Upscale and contemporary dining destination. $$$$

13 Restaurant and Bar 517 Frenchmen St., 942-1345, Faubourg Marigny, 13Monaghan. com. L, D daily, open until 4 a.m. Late-night deli catering to hungry club-hoppers. Bar and excellent jukebox make this a good place to refuel. $

Abita Brew Pub 72011 Holly St., (985) 892-5837, Abita Springs, AbitaBrewPub.com. L, D Tue-Sun. Famous for its Purple Haze and Turbodog brews, Abita serves up better-thanexpected pub food in their namesake eatery. “Tasteful” tours available for visitors. $$

Acme Oyster House Multiple locations: AcmeOyster.com. L, D daily. Known as one of the best places to eat oysters. $$

Ancora 4508 Freret St., 324-1636, Uptown, AncoraPizza.com. D Mon-Sat. Authentic Neapolitan-style pizza fired in an oven imported from Naples keeps pizza connoisseurs coming back to this Freret Street hot-spot. The housemade charcuterie makes it a double-winner. New Orleans Magazine’s 20011 Pizza Restaurant of the Year. $$ Andrea’s Restaurant 3100 19th St., 8348583, Metairie, AndreasRestaurant.com. L Mon-Sat D daily, Br Sun. Indulge in osso buco and homemade pastas in a setting that’s both elegant and intimate; off-premise catering. New Orleans Magazine Honor Roll honoree 2009. $$$

Antoine’s 713 St. Louis St., 581-4422, French Quarter, Antoines.com. L Mon-Sat, 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 are available. $$$$$

Arnaud’s 813 Bienville St., 523-5433, French Quarter, ArnaudsRestaurant.com. D daily, Br Sun. Waiters in tuxedos prepare Café Brûlot tableside at this storied Creole grande dame

The Avenue Pub 1732 St. Charles Ave., 586-9243, Uptown, 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.” $

Bacchanal Fine Wines and Spirits 600 Poland Ave., 948-9111, Bywater, BacchanalWine.com. L, D daily. The pop-up that started it all, this ongoing backyard music and food fest in the heart of Bywater carries the funky flame. Best of all, the front of house is a wine shop. $$

Barcelona Tapas 720 Dublin St., 861-9696, Riverbend, LetsEat.at/BarcelonaTapas. D TueSun. Barcelona Tapas is chef-owner Xavier Laurentino’s homage to the small-plates restaurants he knew from his hometown of Barcelona. The tapas are authentic, and the space, renovated largely by Laurentino himself, is charming. $

Bon Ton Cafe 401 Magazine St., 524-3386,

Café du Monde 800 Decatur St., 525-4544, French Quarter; multiple other 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. $

Boucherie 8115 Jeannette St., 862-5514,

Café Equator 2920 Severn Ave., 888-

Riverbend, Boucherie-Nola.com. L, D Tue-Sat. Serving contemporary Southern food with an international angle, Chef Nathaniel Zimet offers excellent ingredients, presented simply. New Orleans Magazine’s Best New Restaurant 2009. $$

4772, Metairie, CafeEquator.com. L, D daily. Very good Thai food across the street from Lakeside Mall. Offers a quiet and oftoverlooked dining option in a crowded part of town. $$

Brigtsen’s 723 Dante St., 861-7610, Uptown, Brigtsens.com. D Tue-Sat. Chef Frank Brigtsen’s nationally-famous Creole cuisine makes this cozy Riverbend cottage a true foodie destination. $$$$$

Broken Egg Cafe 200 Girod St., (985) 231-

St., 302-7391, Uptown. L Thurs-Sun, D daily. The focus is on seafood at this uncluttered, contemporary joint venture between Colombian chef Edgar Caro from Barü Bistro & Tapas and Louisiana fishing guide Tommy Peters. Their generally lighter approach is represented in dishes such as whole grilled snapper as well as traditional favorites such as spicy boiled crawfish (in season). $$

7125, Mandeville. B, Br, L daily. Breakfastcentric café in turn-of-the-century home offers a sprawling assortment of delicious items both healthy and decadent. $$

Quarter, Bayona.com. L Wed-Sat, D Mon-Sat. Chef Susan Spicer’s nationally acclaimed

40136 Highway 942, (225) 473-9380, Darrow, 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. $$

CBD/Warehouse District, TheBonTonCafe. com. L, D Mon-Fri. A local favorite for the oldschool business lunch crowd, it specializes in local seafood and Cajun dishes. $$$$

Basin Seafood & Spirits 3222 Magazine

Bayona 430 Dauphine St., 525-4455, French

Café Adelaide Loews New Orleans Hotel,

Brooklyn Pizzeria 4301 Veterans Blvd., 833-1288, Metairie, EatBrooklyn.net. L, D daily (drive thru/take out). Pie shop on Vets specializes in New York-style thin crust. The pizza is the reason to come, but sandwiches and salads are offered as well. $

Byblos Multiple locations: ByblosRestaurants. com. L, D daily. Upscale Middle Eastern cui-

Café Freret 7329 Freret St., 861-7890, Uptown, CafeFreret.com. B, L, D Fri-Wed. Convenient location near Tulane and Loyola universities makes this a place for students (and dogs) to indulge in decadent breakfasts, casual lunches and tasty dinners – and their “A la Collar” menu. $$ Café Giovanni 117 Decatur St., 529-2154, Downtown, CafeGiovanni.com. D daily. Live opera singers three nights a week round out the atmosphere at this contemporary Italian dining destination. The menu offers a selection of Italian specialties tweaked with a Creole influence and their Belli Baci happy hour adds to the atmosphere. $$$$

Café Luna 802 Nashville Ave., 333-6833, Uptown. B, L daily. Charismatic coffee shop in a converted house offers a range of panini, caffeinated favorites and free Wi-Fi. The front

Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House is Open and Ready to Expand Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar and Fish House, 3117 21st St., Metairie, 833-6310, MrEdsOysterBar.com

Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House is open and renovations are complete. The restaurant, which had been the site of Bozo’s since 1979, is the newest addition to Mr. Ed’s Restaurant Group and fulfills a lifelong dream by Ed McIntyre: to own an oyster bar. The new décor and menu is a tribute to the previous owners and clientele, and offers fresh, local raw oysters as well as oysters prepared in the most popular styles. The gumbo, poor boys, salads and hot plates complete a varied menu. A second location at 512 Bienville St. in the French Quarter is set to open in May. – M i r e l l a c a m e r a n 70

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

porch is a prime spot for people-watching along adjacent Magazine Street. $

Café Maspero 601 Decatur St., 523-6250, French Quarter. L, D daily. Tourists line up for their generous portions of seafood and large deli sandwiches. $

Café Minh 4139 Canal St., 482-6266, MidCity, CafeMinh.com. L Mon-Fri., D Mon-Sat. Chef Minh Bui and Cynthia Vutran bring their fusion-y touch with Vietnamese cuisine to this corner location. French accents and a contemporary flair make this one of the more notable cross-cultural venues in town. New Orleans Magazine’s 2010 Maître D’ of the Year. $$

Café Negril 606 Frenchmen St., 944-4744, Marigny. D daily. This music club draws locals in with their lineup of live reggae and blues. Tacos and barbecue in back are a plus for late-night revelers. $

Café Nino 1510 S. Carrollton Ave., 8659200, Carrollton. L, D daily. Nondescript exterior belies old-school Italian hideaway serving up red-sauce classics like lasagna, along with some of the more under-the-radar New York-style thin crust pizza in town. $$

Café Opera 541 Bourbon St., 648-2331,

a whole lot more, including fresh baked goods and a full breakfast menu along with sandwiches. A popular place to while away a slow New Orleans morning with a coffee and a slice. $

Camellia Grill 626 S. Carrollton Ave., 3092679, Uptown; 540 Chartres St., 522-1800, Downtown. B, L, D daily, until 1 a.m. SunThu and 3 a.m. Fri-Sat. The venerable diner has reopened following an extensive renovation and change in ownership (in 2006). Patrons can rest assured that its essential character has remained intact and many of the original waiters have returned. The new downtown location has a liquor license and credit cards are now accepted. $ Capdeville 520 Capdeville St., 371-5161, French Quarter, CapdevilleNola.com. L, D Mon-Sat. Capdeville is an upscale bar-bistro with a short but interesting menu of food that’s a mix of comfort and ambition. Burgers are on offer, but so are fried red beans and rice – a take on calas or Italian arancini. $$

Carmo 527 Julia St., 875-4132, Warehouse District, CafeCarmo.com. L Mon-Sat., D TueSat. Caribbean-inspired fare offers a creative array of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free fare in a sleek location on Julia Street. One of the few places in the city where healthy dining is celebrated rather than accommodated. $$

Inside Four Points by Sheraton, French Quarter. B, L daily, D Thu-Sat. Chef Philippe Andreani serves Creole and Continental classics on the site of the old French Opera House. Choices include crabmeat beignets with corn maque choux as well as fried green tomatoes with shrimp remoulade. Validated parking is offered for dine-in. Free valet parking. $$$

Carmelo Ristorante 1901 Highway 190, (985) 624-4844, Mandeville, RistoranteCarmelo.com. L, D Wed-Mon, Sun-Mon. Italian trattoria serves old-world classics. Private rooms available. $$

Cake Café 2440 Chartres St., 943-0010,

Casamento’s 4330 Magazine St., 895-9761,

Marigny, NolaCakes.com. B, L Wed-Mon. The name may read cakes but this café, helmed by head baker Steve Himelfarb, offers

Uptown, CasamentosRestaurant.com. L TueSat, D Thu-Sat. The family-owned restaurant has shucked oysters and fried seafood since

1919; closed during summer and for all major holidays. $$

CC’s Community Coffee House Multiple locations: CCsCoffee.com. Coffeehouse specializing in coffee, espresso drinks and pastries. $

Chateau du Lac 2037 Metairie Road, 831-3773, Old Metairie, ChateauduLacBistro. com. L Tues-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. A Provençal-inspired atmosphere and French wine round out the appeal. $$$$

Checkered Parrot 133 Royal St., 592-1270, French Quarter; 3629 Prytania St., Uptown; CheckeredParrot.com. B, L, D daily. The Checkered Parrot is an upscale sports bar with a large menu, featuring nachos, fajitas, wings in seven flavors, wraps and burgers and an outdoor patio. $$

Cheesecake Bistro by Copeland’s 4517 Veterans Blvd., 454-7620, Metairie; 2001 St. Charles Ave., 593-9955, Garden District; CopelandsCheesecakeBistro.com. Br Sun, L, D daily. Dessert fans flock to this sweet-centric Copeland establishment which also offers extensive lunch and dinner menus. $$$

Chiba 8312 Oak St., 826-9119, Carrollton, chiba-nola.com. L Wed-Sat, D Mon-Sat. Contemporary Japanese restaurant on Oak Street features an extensive list of special rolls, steamed buns and fusion-y fare to go along with typical Japanese options. Late night hours are a plus. $$$

Chophouse New Orleans 322 Magazine St., 522-7902, CBD, 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. $$$

Clancy’s 6100 Annunciation St., 895-1111, Uptown, ClancysNewOrleans.com. L Thu-Fri, D Mon-Sat. Their Creole-inspired menu has been a favorite of locals for years. $$$ Cochon 930 Tchoupitoulas St., 588-2123, CBD/Warehouse District, CochonRestaurant. com. L, D, Mon-Sat. Chefs Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski showcase Cajun and Southern cuisine at this Warehouse District hot spot. Boudin and other pork dishes reign supreme here, along with Louisiana seafood and real moonshine from the bar. New Orleans Magazine named Link Chef of the Year 2009. Reservations strongly recommended. $$

Commander’s Palace 1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221, Uptown, CommandersPalace. com. L Mon-Fri, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. The Grande Dame in the Garden District is going strong under the auspices of chef Tory McPhail. The turtle soup might be the best in the city, and its weekend Jazz Brunch is a great deal. $$$$ Cooter Brown’s 509 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-9104, Uptown, CooterBrowns.com. L, D daily. Riverbend-area sports bar serves up the city’s largest selection of beers along with great bar food. The cheese fries are a rite of passage, and the Radiator’s Special poor boy makes for a great late-night meal. $

Copeland’s Multiple locations: CopelandsofNewOrleans.com. L, D daily, Br Sun. Al Copeland’s namesake chain includes favorites such as Shrimp Ducky. Popular for lunch. $$

Coquette 2800 Magazine St., 265-0421, Uptown, Coquette-Nola.com. L Wed-Sat, D Wed-Mon, Br Sun. A bistro located

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

Dong Phuong 14207 Chef Menteur

T HE M E N U at the corner of Washington and Magazine streets. The food is French in inspiration and technique, with added imagination from chef Michael Stoltzfus (New Orleans Magazine’s Best New Chef 2009) and his partner Lillian Hubbard. $$$

Corky’s Bar-B-Q Restaurant 4243 Veterans Blvd., 887-5000, Metairie, CorkysBarBQ.com. L, D daily. Memphisbased barbecue chain offers good hickorysmoked ribs, pork and beef in a family setting with catering service available. $ Court of Two Sisters 613 Royal St., 5227261, French Quarter, 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. $$$$$

Crabby Jack’s 428 Jefferson Highway, 833-2722, Jefferson. L Mon-Sat. Lunch outpost of Jacques-Imo’s chef and owner Jack Leonardi. Famous for its fried seafood and poor boys including fried green tomatoes and roasted duck. $

DINING GUIDE Poydras St., 581-3111, CBD/Warehouse District, LePavillon.com. B, D daily; L, MonFri. Franco-American cuisine with Louisiana influences is served in the environs of the Le Pavillon Hotel. The Southern-style breakfast features its decadent Bananas Foster Waffle “Le Pavillon.” $$$

Dakota 629 N. Highway 190, (985) 8923712, Covington, TheDakotaRestaurant. com. L Tues-Fri, D Mon-Sat. A sophisticated dining experience with generous portions. $$$$$ The Delachaise 3442 St. Charles Ave., 895-0858, Uptown, TheDelachaise.com. L Fri-Sun, D daily. Elegant bar food fit for the wine connoisseur; kitchen open late. $$ Dick and Jenny’s 4501 Tchoupitoulas St., 894-9880, Uptown, DickAndJennys.com. Br Sun, L Tue-Fri, D Mon-Sat. A funky cottage serving Louisiana comfort food with flashes of innovation. $$$$

866-236, Uptown, CrepeCaterer.com. B, L, D daily. Open late. An extensive menu of tasty crêpes, both savory and sweet, make this a great spot for a quick bite for college students and locals. $

Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House 144 Bourbon St., 522-0111, French Quarter, BourbonHouse.com. B, L, D daily. Classic Creole dishes such as redfish on the halfshell and baked oysters are served with classic Brennan’s style at this French Quarter outpost. Its extensive bourbon menu will please aficionados. New Orleans Magazine’s 2011 Oyster Bar of the Year. $$$$

Crescent City Brewhouse 527

Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse 716

Decatur St.,866-2362, French Quarter, CrescentCityBrehouse.com. L, D daily. Contemporary brewpub features an eclectic menu complementing its freshly brewed wares. Live jazz and good location make it a fun place to meet up. $$$

Iberville St., 522-2467, French Quarter, DickieBrennansSteakhouse.com. L Fri, D daily. Nationally recognized steakhouse serves USDA Prime steaks and local seafood in a New Orleans setting with the usual Brennan’s family flair. $$$$$

Crescent City Steaks 1001 N. Broad St., 821-3271, Mid-City, CrescentCitySteaks.com. L Tue-Fri & Sun, D daily. One of the classic New Orleans steakhouses, it’s a throwback in every sense of the term. Steaks, sides and drinks are what you get at Crescent City. New Orleans Magazine’s Steakhouse of the Year 2009 and Honor Roll honoree 2007. $$$$

Domenica The Roosevelt Hotel,

Crépes a la Carte 1039 Broadway St.,

Criollo 214 Royal St., Hotel Monteleone, 681-4444, French Quarter, 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. $$$ The Crystal Room Le Pavillon Hotel, 833

123 Baronne St., 648-6020, CBD, DomenicaRestaurant.com. L, D daily. New Orleans Magazine’s 2012 Chef of the Year Alon Shaya serves authentic, regional Italian cuisine in John Besh’s sophisticated new restaurant. The menu of thin, lightly topped pizzas, artisanal salumi and cheese, and a carefully chosen selection of antipasti, pasta and entrées, feature locally raised products, some from Besh’s Northshore farm. $$$$

Domilise’s 5240 Annunciation St., 8999126, Uptown. 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. $

Highway, 254-0214, N.O. East. L Wed-Mon. Vietnamese bakery and restaurant in the community of Versailles makes great banh mi sandwiches and interesting baked goods both savory and sweet. Unbeatable prices. $

Drago’s 3232 N. Arnoult Road, 888-9254, Metairie; Hilton Riverside Hotel, 2 Poydras St., 584-3911, CBD/Warehouse District; DragosRestaurant.com. L, D daily (Hilton), L, D Mon-Sat (Metairie). This famous seafooder specializes in charbroiled oysters, a dish they invented. Raucous but good-natured atmosphere makes this a fun place to visit. Great deals on fresh lobster as well. $$$$

Dry Dock Cafe & Bar 133 Delaronde St., 361-8240, Algiers, TheDryDockCafe.com. L, D daily, Br Sun. Fancier daily specials have been added to the menu of this casual neighborhood seafood joint in historic Algiers Point near the ferry landing. Burgers, sandwiches and fried seafood are the staples. $$

El Gato Negro Multiple locations: ElGatoNegroNola.com. Popular spot serves up authentic Central Mexican cuisine along with hand-muddled mojitos and margaritas made with freshly squeezed juice. A weekend breakfast menu is an additional plus. $$

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

Emeril’s 800 Tchoupitoulas St., 528-9393, CBD/Warehouse District, EmerilsRestaurants. com. L Mon-Fri, D daily. The flagship of superstar chef Emeril Lagasse’s culinary empire, this landmark attracts pilgrims from all over the world. $$$$$ Feelings Cafe 2600 Chartres St., 945-2222, Faubourg Marigny, FeelingsCafe.com. D WedSun, Br Sun. Romantic ambiance and skillfully created dishes, such as veal d’aunoy, make dining here on the patio a memorable experience. A piano bar on Fridays adds to the atmosphere. Vegan menu offered. $$$$ Fellini’s Café 900 N. Carrollton Ave., 4882155, Bayou St. John. L, D daily. With décor inspired by its namesake Italian filmmaker, this casual indoor/outdoor spot serves large portions of reasonably-priced Mediterranean specialties such as pizza, pastas and hummus. $ Fiesta Latina 1924 Airline Drive, 468-2384, Kenner, 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. New Orleans

Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails in FQ tempts with new lunch options Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails, 337 Chartres St., 598-5005, CocktailBarNewOrleans.com

The recently opened French Quarter restaurant Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails is now open for lunch as well as dinner with an extended happy hour in-between. Chef Greg Sonnier will oversee a lunch service Monday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Half-priced brews, wines by the glass and $8 appetizers will also be available from 2 to 7 p.m. No time to stop? Counter by Kingfish, a market and deli located next door, is a takeout way to enjoy the robust flavors and reinterpretations of Louisiana classics for which Sonnier’s team has quickly gained a reputation. – M . c . 72

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

Magazine’s 2010 Latin Restaurant of the Year. $$

Five Happiness 3605 S. Carrollton Ave., 482-3935, Mid-City, FiveHappiness.com. L, D daily. This longtime Chinese favorite offers up an extensive menu including its beloved mu shu pork and house baked duck. A popular choice for families as well. $$

Flaming Torch 737 Octavia St., 895-0900, Uptown, FlamingTorchNola.com. L MonSat, D daily, Br Sun. French classics including a tasty onion soup make this a nice place for a slightly upscale lunch while shopping along Magazine Street. $$

Frank’s 933 Decatur St., 525-1602, French Quarter. L, D daily. Locally inspired Italian sandwiches such as muffulettas and Genoa salami poor boys are served here in the heart of the French Quarter. $$$ Galatoire’s 209 Bourbon St., 525-2021, French Quarter, Galatoires.com. L, D TueSun. Friday lunches are a New Orleans tradition at this world-famous French-Creole grand dame. Tradition counts for everything here, and the crabmeat Sardou is delicious. Note: Jackets required for dinner and all day Sun. $$$$$ Galatoire’s 33 Bar & Steak 215 Bourbon St., 335-3932, French Quarter. L Fri, D Sun-Thurs. Galatoires33BarAndSteak. com. Steakhouse offshoot of the venerable Creole Grande Dame offers hand-crafted cocktails to accompany classic steakhouse fare as well as inspired dishes like the Gouté 33 – horseradish-crusted bone marrow and deviled eggs with crab ravigote and smoked trout. Reservations are accepted. $$$ Galley Seafood 2535 Metairie Road, 832-0955, Metairie. L, D Tue-Sat. TheGalleySeafood.com. A great local place for seafood, both fried and boiled. Famous for its softshell crab poor boy, a Jazz Fest favorite. $$ Gautreau’s 1728 Soniat St., 899-7397, Uptown, GautreausRestaurant.com. D, Mon-Sat. Upscale destination serves refined interpretations of classics along with contemporary creations in a clubby setting nested deep within a residential neighborhood. New Orleans Magazine named Sue Zemanick Chef of the Year 2008. $$$$$ GG’s Dine-o-rama 3100 Magazine St., 373-6579, Uptown, GGsNewOrleans.com. B Sat, L, Tue-Sun, D Tue-Fri., Br Sun. Upscalecasual restaurant serves a variety of specialty sandwiches, salads and wraps, like the Chicago-style hot dog and the St. Paddy’s Day Massacre – chef Gotter’s take on the Rueben. $$ Gracious Bakery + Café 1000 S. Jeff Davis Parkway, Suite 100, 301-3709, MidCity, GraciousBakery.com. B, L Mon-Sat. Boutique bakery in the ground floor of the new Woodward Building offers small-batch coffee, baked goods, individual desserts and sandwiches on breads made in-house. Catering options are available as well. $

The Green Goddess 307 Exchange Place, 301-3347, French Quarter, GreenGoddessNola.com. L, D Wed-Sun. Located in a tiny space, the Green Goddess is one of the most imaginative restaurants in New Orleans. 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. $$ The Grill Room Windsor Court Hotel, 300 Gravier St., 522-1994, CBD/Warehouse District, GrillRoomNewOrleans.com. B, L, D daily, Br Sun. Jazz Brunch on Sunday with live music. Featuring modern American cui-

sine with a distinctive New Orleans flair, the adjacent Polo Club Lounge offers live music nightly. $$$$$

GW Fins 808 Bienville St., 581-FINS (3467), French Quarter, GWFins.com. D daily. To ensure the best possible flavors at GW Fins, owners Gary Wollerman and New Orleans Magazine’s 2005 and 2001 Chef of the Year Tenney Flynn provide dishes at their seasonal peak by flying in products from around the globe. That commitment to freshness and quest for unique variety are two of the reasons why the menu is printed daily. $$$$$

Herbsaint 701 St. Charles Ave., 524-4114, CBD/Warehouse District, Herbsaint.com. L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat. Enjoy a sophisticated cocktail before sampling Chef Donald Link’s (New Orleans Magazine’s Chef of the Year 2009) menu that melds contemporary bistro fare with classic Louisiana cuisine. The banana brown butter tart is a favorite dessert. $$$$$ Horinoya 920 Poydras St., 561-8914, CBD/ Warehouse District. L, D daily. Excellent Japanese dining in an understated and oftoverlooked location. The chu-toro is delicious and the selection of authentic Japanese appetizers is the best in the city. $$$ Hoshun Restaurant 1601 St. Charles Ave., 302-9716, Garden District, HoshunRestaurant.com. L, D daily. Hoshun offers a wide variety of Asian cuisines, primarily dishes culled from China, Japan, Thailand and Malaysia. Their five-pepper calamari is a tasty way to begin the meal, and their creative sushi rolls are good as well. $$ House of Blues 225 Decatur St., 310-4999, French Quarter, HouseOfBlues.com. L, D daily. World-famous Gospel Brunch every Sunday. Surprisingly good menu makes this

a complement to the music in the main room. Patio seating is available as well. $$

Il Posto Café 4607 Dryades St., 895-2620, Uptown, ilPostoCafe-Nola.com. B, L, D Tue-Sat, B, L Sun. Italian café specializes in pressed panini, like their Milano, featuring sopressata, Fontina, tomatoes and balsamic on ciabatta. Soups, imported coffee and H&H bagels make this a comfortable neighborhood spot to relax with the morning paper. $ Impastato’s 3400 16th St., 455-1545, Metairie, Impastatos.com. D Tue-Sat. Bustling Italian restaurant on the edge of Fat City serves homemade pasta in a convivial atmosphere. Chef/Owner Joe Impastato greets guests warmly and treats them like family. The prix fixe options are a good way to taste a lot for not much money. $$$$ Irene’s Cuisine 539 St. Philip St., 5298811, French Quarter. D Mon-Sat. Long waits at the lively piano bar are part of the appeal of this Creole-Italian favorite beloved by locals. Try the oysters Irene and crabmeat gratin appetizers. $$$$

Iris 321 N. Peters St., 299-3944, French Quarter, IrisNewOrleans.com. L Fri, D Mon, Wed-Sat. This inviting bistro offers sophisticated fare in a charming setting. The veal cheek ravioli is a winner. New Orleans Magazine’s Best New Restaurant 2006. $$$$

Jack Dempsey’s 738 Poland Ave., 9439914, Bywater, JackDempseys.net. L Tue-Sat, D Wed-Sat. Local favorite nestled deep in the heart of the Bywater is known for its stuffed flounder and baked macaroni served in generous portions. $$$

Jacques-Imo’s Cafe 8324 Oak St., 8610886, Uptown, Jacques-Imos.com. D MonSat. Reinvented New Orleans cuisine are served in a party atmosphere at this Oak

Street institution. The deep-fried roast beef poor boy is delicious. The lively bar scene offsets the long wait on weekends. $$$$

Jamila’s Mediterranean Tunisian Cuisine 7808 Maple St., 866-4366, Uptown. D Tue-Sun. Intimate and exotic bistro serving Mediterranean and Tunisian cuisine. The Grilled Merguez is a Jazz Fest favorite and vegetarian options are offered. $$

Jeff’s Creole Grille 5241 Veterans Blvd., 889-7992, Metairie, JeffsCreoleGrille.com. L, D Mon-Sat. This quaint, upscale restaurant offers a variety of classic New Orleans cuisine, fresh fish and homemade soups and salads with early bird and daily chef specials. $$

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Café 1104 Decatur St., 592-2565, French Quarter, MargaritavilleNewOrleans.com. L, D daily. Parrotheads and other music lovers flock to Jimmy’s outpost along the more local-friendly stretch of Decatur. Strong bar menu and stronger drinks keep them coming back. $$

Joey K’s 3001 Magazine St., 891-0997, Uptown, JoeyKsRestaurant.com. L, D MonSat. A true neighborhood New Orleans restaurant with daily lunch plates keeps it real; red beans and rice are classic. $

The Joint 701 Mazant St., 949-3232, Bywater, AlwaysSmokin.com. L, D Mon-Sat. Some of the city’s best barbecue can be had at this locally owned and operated favorite in Bywater. $ Juan’s Flying Burrito 2018 Magazine St., 569-0000, Uptown; 4724 S. Carrollton Ave., 486-9950, Mid-City. L, D daily. Hard-core tacos and massive burritos are served in an edgy atmosphere. $ Jung’s Golden Dragon 3009 Magazine St., 891-8280, Uptown, 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. This is one of the few local Chinese places that breaks the Americanized mold. New Orleans Magazine’s 2010 Chinese Restaurant of the Year. $

Kosher Cajun New York Deli and Grocery 3519 Severn Ave., 888-2010, Metairie, KosherCajun.com. L Mon-Fri & Sun, D Mon-Thu. Great kosher meals and complete kosher grocery in the rear make this Metairie eatery a unique destination. The matzo ball soup is a winner and catering is available for parties of any size. $

K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen 416 Chartres St., 596-2530, French Quarter, 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. $$$$

Kyoto 4920 Prytania St., 891-3644, Uptown, KyotoNola.com. L, D Mon-Sat. A neighborhood sushi restaurant where the regulars order off-the-menu rolls. $$

La Boca 857 Fulton St., 525-8205, Warehouse District, 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. New Orleans Magazine’s Chef of the Year 2010 & 2006 Steakhouse of the Year. $$$ Lakeview Harbor 911 Harrison Ave., 486-4887, Lakeview, BestNewOrleansBurger. com. L, D daily. Burgers are the name of the game here at this restaurant which shares a pedigree with Snug Harbor and Port of Call. Rounded out with a loaded baked potato,

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

T HE M E N U

DINING GUIDE

their half-pound patties are sure to please. Daily specials, pizza and steaks are offered as well. $

this favored Creole soul restaurant known for homey classics like fried chicken and Trout Baquet. $

La Macarena Pupuseria & Latin Cafe

Lilette 3637 Magazine St., 895-1636,

8120 Hampson St., 862-5252, Uptown. PupusasNewOrleans.com. L, D Mon-Sat, Br, L, D Sat & Sun, Br Sun. This cash-only and BYOB restaurant has recently overhauled their menu, now including a large selection of vegan and vegetarian items, as well as a tapas menu. $$

Uptown, LiletteRestaurant.com. L Tue-Sat, D Mon-Sat. Chef John Harris’ innovative menu draws discerning diners to this highly regarded bistro on Magazine Street. Desserts are wonderful as well. $$$$$

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

La Provence 25020 Highway 190, (985) 626-7662, Lacombe, LaProvenceRestaurant. com. D Wed-Sun, Br Sun. John Besh (New Orleans Magazine’s Chef of the Year 2007) upholds time-honored Provençal cuisine and rewards his guests with a true farm-life experience, from house-made preserves, charcuterie, herbs, kitchen gardens and eggs cultivated on the property, an elegant French colonial stucco house. $$$$$

La Thai Uptown 4938 Prytania St., 8998886, Uptown, LaThaiUptown.com. L, D TueSun. Uptown outpost of the Chauvin family’s ingredient-driven Thai-Cajun fusion cuisine. The summer rolls are good as is the tom kar gai soup. Lunch specials are a good deal and vegetarian dishes are offered as well. $$ Latil’s Landing Houmas House Plantation, 40136 Highway 942, (225) 473-9380, Darrow, HoumasHouse.com. D Wed-Sun. Nouvelle Louisiane, plantation-style cooking served in an opulent setting features dishes like rack of lamb and plume de veau. $$$$$

Le Salon Windsor Court Hotel, 300 Gravier St., 596-4773, CBD/Warehouse District. Afternoon Tea, Thu-Fri, seating at 2 p.m., Sat-Sun, seating at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. Formal afternoon tea with harpist or string quartet served in a sophisticated atmosphere. A local mother-daughter tradition. $$

Lola’s 3312 Esplanade Ave., 488-6946, Mid-City. D daily. Garlicky Spanish dishes and great paella make this artsy Faubourg St. John boîte a hipster destination. $$$

Lüke 333 St. Charles Ave., 378-2840, CBD, LukeNewOrleans.com. Br Sat-Sun, B, L, D daily. John Besh (New Orleans Magazine’s Chef of the Year 2007) and executive chef Matt Regan characterize the cuisine “Alsace meets New Orleans in an authentic brasserie setting.” Germanic specialties and French bistro classics, house-made patés and abundant plateaux of cold, fresh seafood. New Orleans Magazine’s Best New Restaurant 2007 and 2012 Raw Bar of the Year. $$$

Mahony’s 3454 Magazine St., 899-3374, Uptown, MahonysPoBoys.com. L, D MonSat. 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. $ Mandina’s 3800 Canal St., 482-9179, MidCity, MandinasRestaurant.com. L, D daily. Quintessential New Orleans neighborhood institution reopened following an extensive renovation. Though the ambiance is more upscale, the same food and seafood dishes make dining here a New Orleans experience. New Orleans Magazine’s 2010 Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year. $$

Manning’s 519 Fulton St., 593-8118, Warehouse District. L, D daily. 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. $$$

MarignyBrasserie.com. L, D daily. Chic neighborhood bistro with traditional dishes like the Wedge of Lettuce salad and innovative cocktails like the Cucumber Cosmo. $$$

Martin Wine Cellar Multiple locations: MartinWine.com. Wine by the glass or bottle to go with daily lunch specials, towering burgers, hearty soups, salads and giant, delistyle sandwiches. $ Mat & Naddie’s 937 Leonidas St., 8619600, Uptown, MatAndNaddies.com. D MonTue, Thu-Sat. Cozy converted house along River Road 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. $$$$

Maximo’s Italian Grill 1117 Decatur St., 586-8883, French Quarter. MaximosGrill. com. D Daily. Italian destination on Decatur Street features a sprawling menu including housemade salumi and antipasti as well as old school classics like veal osso bucco. Private dining is offered for special events. New Orleans Magazine’s 2012 Continental Italian Restaurant of the Year. $$$

Middendorf’s Interstate 55, Exit 15, 30160 Highway 51 South, (985) 386-6666, Akers, 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 transitioned to its next generation of owners when Horst Pfeifer purchased it in 2007. More than a restaurant, this is a Sunday Drive tradition. $$ MiLa 817 Common St., 412-2580, French Quarter, MiLaNewOrleans.com. L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat. Latest offering from husbandand-wife chefs Slade Rushing and Allison Vines-Rushing focuses on the fusion of the cuisines of Miss. and La. New Orleans Magazine’s Best New Restaurant 2008. $$$$ Mona’s Café 504 Frenchmen St., 949-4115, Marigny; 4126 Magazine St., 894-9800, Uptown; 1120 S. Carrollton Ave., 861-8174, Uptown; 3901 Banks St., 482-7743, Mid-City. 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. New Orleans Magazine’s 2012 Middle Eastern Restaurant of the Year. $

Liborio’s Cuban Restaurant 321 Magazine St., 581-9680, CBD/Warehouse District, LiborioCuban.com. L Mon-Sat, D Tue-Sat. Authentic Cuban favorites such as Ropa Vieja and pressed Cuban sandwiches along with great specials make this a popular lunch choice. $$$

Maple Street Café 7623 Maple St., 314-

Lil’ Dizzy’s Café 1500 Esplanade Ave., 569-8997, Mid-City. B, L daily, D Thu-Sat. Spot local and national politicos dining at

The Marigny Brasserie 640 Frenchmen

Mondo 900 Harrison Ave., 224-2633, Lakeview, MondoNewOrleans.com. Br Sun, L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat. New Orleans Magazine’s 2010 Chef of the Year Susan Spicer’s take on world cuisine isn’t far from her home in Lakeview. Make sure to call ahead because the place has a deserved reputation for good food and good times. $$$

St., 945-4472, Faubourg Marigny,

Morton’s, The Steakhouse The Shops at

9003, Uptown. L, D daily. Casual dinner spot serving Mediterranean-inspired pastas and Italian-style entrées, along with heartier fare such as duck and filet mignon. $$

Whiskey Dinner Series at Tivoli & Lee Restaurant in The Hotel Modern Tivoli & Lee, Hotel Modern, 2 Lee Circle, 962-0909, TivoliAndLee.com

Tivoli & Lee in the Hotel Modern has introduced a whiskey dinner series. The restaurant’s “Whiskey Evangelist” Kimberly Patton-Bragg and its executive chef Marcus Woodham created a revolving series of dinners with complementary whiskey pairings at each course. Major distilleries from the South are collaborating with the series including High West, Jim Beam, Bulleit and Heaven Hill. Reservations are recommended and more information is available at TivoliAndLee.com/events. – M . c . 74

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

Canal Place, 365 Canal St., 566-0221, French Quarter, Mortons.com/NewOrleans. D daily. Quintessential Chicago steakhouse serves up top-quality slabs of meat along with jumbo seafood. Clubhouse atmosphere makes this chophouse a favorite of Saints players and businessmen alike. $$$$$

Mosca’s 4137 Highway 90 West, 463-8950, Avondale. D Tue-Sat. Italian institution near the Huey Long Bridge dishes out massive portions of great food family-style. Good bets are the shrimp Mosca and chicken à la grande. New Orleans Magazine’s 2010 Honor Roll winner. Note: Cash Only. $$$

Mother’s 401 Poydras St., 523-9656, CBD/ Warehouse District, 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. $$

Mr. Ed’s Seafood and Italian Restaurant 1001 Live Oak St., 838-0022, Bucktown; 910 W. Esplanade Ave., Ste. A, 463-3030, Kenner. AustinsNo.com L, D MonSat. 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. $$

Muriel’s Jackson Square 801 Chartres St., 568-1885, French Quarter, Muriels.com. L, D daily, Br Sun. Enjoy pecan-crusted drum and other New Orleans classics while dining in the courtyard bar or any other room in this labyrinthine, rumored-to-be-haunted establishment. $$$$

Naked Pizza 6307 S. Miro St., 8650244, Uptown (takeout & delivery only), NakedPizza.biz. L, D daily. Pizza place with a focus on fresh ingredients and a healthy crust. The Mediterranean pie is a good choice. $

Napoleon House 500 Chartres St., 5249752, French Quarter, 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, muffulettas and for sipping, a Sazerac or lemony Pimm’s Cup. $$ Nine Roses 1100 Stephen St., 366-7665, Gretna, NineRosesResturant.com. L, D SunTue, Thu-Sat. The extensive Vietnamese menu specializes in hot pots, noodles and dishes big enough for everyone to share. Great for families. $$ NOLA 534 St. Louis St., 522-6652, French Quarter, Emerils.com. L Thu-Sun, D daily. Emeril’s more affordable eatery, featuring cedar-plank-roasted redfish; private dining. $$$$$

Nuvolari’s 246 Girod St., (985) 6265619, Mandeville, Nuvolaris.com. D daily. Dark woods and soft lighting highlight this Northshore Creole Continental-Italian fusion restaurant famous for crabmeat ravioli, veal dishes, seafood specialties and delectable desserts. $$$$

Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro 720 Orleans Ave., 523-1930, French Quarter, OrleansGrapevine.com. D daily. Wine is the muse at this beautifully renovated French Quarter bistro, which offers vino by the flight, glass and bottle. A classic menu with an emphasis on New Orleans cuisine adds to the appeal. $$$

Palace Café 605 Canal St., 523-1661, CBD/ Warehouse District, PalaceCafe.com. L MonSat, D daily, Br Sun. Dickie Brennan-owned brasserie with French-style sidewalk seating and house-created specialties of chef Darrin Nesbit at lunch, dinner and Jazz Brunch. Favorites here include crabmeat cheesecake,

turtle soup, the Werlein salad with fried Louisiana oysters and pork ”debris” studded Palace Potato Pie. $$$$$

Parkway Bakery and Tavern 538 Hagan Ave., 482-3047, Mid-City, ParkwayBakeryAndTavernNola.com. L, D daily, closed Tue. Featured on national TV and 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. $

Pascal’s Manale 1838 Napoleon Ave., 895-4877, Uptown. L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat. Vintage New Orleans neighborhood restaurant since 1913 and the place to go for the house-creation of barbecued shrimp. Its oyster bar serves icy cold, freshly shucked Louisiana oysters and the Italian specialties and steaks are also solid. $$$$ Patois 6078 Laurel St., 895-9441, Uptown, PatoisNola.com. Br Sun, L Fri, D Wed-Sat. The food is French in technique, with influences from across the Mediterranean as well as the American South, all filtered through the talent of Chef Aaron Burgau (New Orleans Magazine’s Best New Chef 2009). Reservations recommended. $$$ Paul’s Café 100 E. Pine St., (985) 3869581, Ponchatoula, PaulsCafe.net. B, L daily. Best known for its strawberry daiquiris, Paul’s also cooks up egg breakfasts and lunches including all manner of sandwiches and poor boys. $

The Pelican Club 312 Exchange Place, 523-1504, French Quarter, PelicanClub.com. D daily. Tucked into a French Quarter alley, Pelican Club 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. $$$$$

PJ’s Coffee Multiple locations: PJsCoffee. com. The city’s first iced-coffee spot that pioneered the coffee house experience in New Orleans and introduced us all to velvet ices, drinkable granitas and locally made Ronald Reginald vanilla. A wide assortment of pastries and bagels are offered as well as juices and fresh ground or whole bean coffees. $ Port of Call 838 Esplanade Ave., 523-0120, French Quarter, 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. $$

Praline Connection 542 Frenchmen St., 943-3934, Faubourg Marigny, PralineConnection.com. L, D daily. Downhome dishes of smothered pork chops, greens, beans and cornbread are on the menu at this Creole soul restaurant. $$

Ralph Brennan’s Red Fish Grill 115 Bourbon St., 598-1200, French Quarter, RedFishGrill.com. L Daily, D Mon-Thu & Sun. Chef Austin Kirzner cooks up a broad menu peppered with Big Easy favorites such as barbecue oysters, blackened redfish and double chocolate bread pudding. $$$$$

Ralph’s On The Park 900 City Park Ave., 488-1000, Mid-City, RalphsOnThePark.com. Br Sun, L Tue-Fri, D daily. A modern interior, a view of City Park’s moss-draped oaks and contemporary Creole dishes such as City Park salad, turtle soup, barbecue Gulf shrimp and good cocktails. $$$$ The Red Maple 1036 Lafayette St., 3670935, Gretna, TheRedMaple.com. L Tue-Fri, D Tue-Sat. This West Bank institution since 1963 is known for its seafood, steaks, wine list and some of the best bread pudding around. $$$$

Reginelli’s Pizzeria Multiple local locations: Reginellis.com. L, D daily. Pizzas, pastas, salads, fat calzones and lofty focaccia sandwiches are at locations all over town. $$

Arnaud’s Remoulade 309 Bourbon St., 523-0377, French Quarter, 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. $$

René Bistrot 700 Tchoupitoulas St., 613-2350, CBD/Warehouse District, LaCoteBrasserie.com. Br Sun, L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat. Fresh local seafood, international ingredients and a contemporary atmosphere fill the room at this hotel restaurant near the Convention Center. $$$

Restaurant August 301 Tchoupitoulas St., 299-9777, CBD/Warehouse District, RestaurantAugust.com. L Fri, D daily. James Beard Award-winning chef (New Orleans Magazine’s Chef of the Year 2007) John Besh’s menu is based on classical techniques of Louisiana cuisine and produce with a splash of European flavor set in a historic carriage warehouse. $$$$$

R’evolution 777 Bienville St., 553-2277, French Quarter, RevolutionNola.com. L WedFri, D Mon-Sun, BR Sun. R’evolution is the partnership between chefs John Folse and Rick Tramonto. Located in the Royal Sonesta Hotel, it’s an opulent place that combines the local flavors of chef Folse with the more cosmopolitan influence of chef Tramonto. chef de cuisine Chris Lusk and executive sous chef Erik Veney are in charge of day-today operations, which include house-made charcuterie, pastries, pastas and more. New

Orleans Magazine’s 2012 Restaurant of the Year. $$$$$

Ristorante Da Piero 401 Williams Blvd., 469-8585, Kenner, RistoranteDaPiero.com. L Tue-Fri, D Tue-Sat. Homemade pastas and an emphasis on Northern Italian cuisine make this cozy spot in Kenner’s Rivertown a romantic destination. $

Rib Room Omni Royal Orleans Hotel, 621 St. Louis St., 529-7046, French Quarter, RibRoomNewOrleans.com. L, D daily, Br SatSun. Old World elegance, high ceilings and views of Royal Street, house classic cocktails and Anthony Spizale’s broad menu of prime rib, stunning seafood and on weekends, a Champagne Brunch. $$$ Riccobono’s Panola Street Café 7801 Panola St., 314-1810, Garden District. B, L daily. This breakfast spot has been waking up bleary college students for years. The omelets and Belgian waffles are good. $ Rio Mar 800 S. Peters St., 525-3474, CBD/ Warehouse District, RioMarSeafood.com. L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat. Seafood-centric Warehouse District destination focuses on Latin American and Spanish cuisines. Try the bacalaitos and the escabeche. The tapas lunch is a great way to try a little of everything. Save room for the Tres Leches, a favorite dessert. New Orleans Magazine’s Chef of the Year 2006. $$$$ Ristorante Filippo 1917 Ridgelake Drive, 835-4008, Metairie. L, D Tue-Sat. CreoleItalian destination serves up southern Italian specialties bathed in red sauces and cheese alongside New Orleans classics like pan-fried Gulf fish and plump shellfish. $$$ River 127 Westin New Orleans Canal Place, 100 Rue Iberville, 533-5082,

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

T HE M EN U

DINING GUIDE

French Quarter. B, L, D daily. Continental cuisine with Louisiana flair overlooking the Mississippi River and French Quarter. $$$$

styles (thin- and thick-crust) as well as pastas, seafood, paninis and salads. $

Rivershack Tavern 3449 River Road, 834-

891-EGGS (3447). B, L daily. This diner offers up an exhaustive menu heavily influenced by local cuisine. Try the Creole Slammer, a breakfast platter rounded out with Crawfish Étouffée. The laid-back vibe is best enjoyed on the patio out back. $

4938, Jefferson, TheRivershackTavern.com. L, D daily. Home of the Tacky Ashtray, this popular bar alongside the Mississippi levee offers surprisingly wide-ranging menu featuring seafood, poor boys and deli-style sandwiches along with live music. Open late. $

Rock-N-Sake 823 Fulton St., 581-7253, CBD/Warehouse District, RockNSake.com. L Fri, D Tue-Sun. Fresh sushi and contemporary takes on Japanese favorites in a club-like setting. Open until midnight on Fri. and Sat.; a unique late-night destination. $$$

Root 200 Julia St., 252-9480, CBD, 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. New Orleans Magazine’s 2012 Maître D’ of the Year. $$$$

Royal Blend Coffee and Tea House

Slim Goodies Diner 3322 Magazine St.,

SoBou 310 Chartres St., 552-4095, French Quarter, SoBouNola.com. B, L, D daily. There is something for everyone at this “Modern Creole Saloon,” the latest offering from the Commander’s Restaurant Family. Decidedly unstuffy with an emphasis on craft cocktails and wines by the glass, diners will find everything from $1 pork cracklins to an extravagant foie gras burger on the accomplished yet eclectic menus. $$

Snug Harbor 626 Frenchman St., 9490696, Faubourg Marigny, SnugJazz.com. D daily. The city’s premier jazz club serves cocktails and a dining menu loaded with steaks, seafood and meaty burgers served with loaded baked potatoes. $$$$

621 Royal St., 523-2716, French Quarter; 204 Metairie Road, 835-7779, Metairie; RoyalBlendCoffee.com. B, L daily. Known for their frozen Café Glace and a wide selection of coffees and teas, as well as pastries, daily specials and hearty breakfasts. $

Stein’s Market and Deli 2207 Magazine

Ruth’s Chris Steak House 3633 Veterans Blvd., 888-3600, Metairie. L Fri, D daily, Br Sat-Sun; 525 Fulton St. in Harrah’s Hotel, 587-7099, L, D daily, Br Sat-Sun; RuthsChris. com. 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. $$$$$

Stella! 1032 Chartres St., 587-0091, French Quarter, RestaurantStella.com. D daily. Global cuisine with a Louisiana blush by native son chef Scott Boswell. Dishes are always inventive and flavorful from appetizer to dessert. The wine list is bold and the service “stellar.” Boswell was New Orleans Magazine’s 2005 Chef of the Year. $$$$$

Sake Café 2830 Magazine St., 894-0033,

SunRayGrill.com. L, D daily, Br Sun (at Annunciation). This local chain offers a globally influenced menu with burgers, steaks, sesame crusted tuna, sandwiches and salads. $$

Uptown, SakeCafeUptown.com. L, D daily. Creative and traditional Japanese food in an ultramodern décor. Sushi and sashimi boats, wild rolls filled with the usual and not-sousual suspects and a nice bar with a number of sakes from which to choose. $$$

Sammy’s Po-Boys and Catering 901 Veterans Blvd., 835-0916, Metairie, SammysPoBoys.com. L Mon-Sat, D daily. Bucktown transplant offers a seafood-centric menu rounded out with wraps, kid meals and catering options all at a reasonable price. $

Satsuma Café 3218 Dauphine St., 3045962, Bywater; 7901 Maple St., 309-5557, Uptown; SatsumaCafe.com. B, L daily (until 5 p.m.). Two locations offer healthy, inspired breakfast and lunch fare, along with freshly squeezed juices. $

Semolina 4436 Veterans Blvd., Suite 37, Metairie, 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. $$

St., 527-0771, Uptown, SteinsDeli.net. B, L, D Tue-Sun. New York meets New Orleans. The Reuben and Rachel sandwiches are the real deal and the half-sours and pickled tomatoes complete the deli experience. $

Sun Ray Grill Multiple locations:

Surrey’s Café and Juice Bar 1418 Magazine St., 524-3828, Coliseum Square; 4807 Magazine St., 895-5757, Uptown; 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. Note: Cash only. $$

Tan Dinh 1705 Lafayette St., 361-8008, Gretna. B, L, D Wed-Mon. Roasted quail and the beef pho rule at this Vietnamese outpost. New Orleans Magazine’s 2010 Vietnamese Restaurant of the Year. $$ Theo’s Pizza Multiple locations: TheosPizza.com. L, D daily. The cracker-crisp crust pizzas are complemented by a broad assortment of toppings with a lot of local ingredients at cheap prices. $$ Three Muses 536 Frenchmen St., 252-

Mid-City, SerendipityNola.com. D daily, Br Sun. An eclectic and far-ranging style of cuisine with classically inspired cocktails at an outpost in American Can. A late-night option as well. $$

4801, Marigny, TheThreeMuses.com. L FriSun, D Sun-Mon, Wed-Sat. Three Muses is a bar-restaurant serving the eclectic cuisine of chef Daniel Esses. The menu changes, but expect Esses’ take on Italian, Spanish, North African and Korean cooking. Local bands provide music on a regular basis. $

Slice 1513 St. Charles Ave., 525-7437,

Tommy’s Cuisine 746 Tchoupitoulas

Uptown; 5538 Magazine St., 897-4800; SlicePizzeria.com. L, D Mon-Sat. Order up slices or whole pizza pies done in several

St., 581-1103, CBD/Warehouse District, TommysNewOrleans.com. D daily. Classic

Serendipity 3700 Orleans Ave. 407-0818,

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

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. $$$$$

Tony Angello’s 6262 Fleur de Lis Drive, 488-0888. Lakeview. D Tue-Sat. CreoleItalian favorite serves up fare in the completely restored Lakeview location. Ask Tony to “Feed Me” if you want a real multi-course dining experience. New Orleans Magazine’s 2010 Traditional New Orleans Italian Restaurant of the Year. $$$$ Tout de Suite Cafe 347 Verret St., 3622264, Algiers. B daily, L Tue-Sat, Br Sun. Neighborhood coffeehouse/café in historic Algiers Point offers a light menu of soups, salads and sandwiches for a quick meal or carryout. $$ Tracey’s Irish Restaurant & Bar 2604 Magazine St., 897-5413, TraeysNola.com, Uptown. 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.” $

Trey Yuen 600 N. Causeway Blvd., (985) 626-4476, Mandeville, TreyYuen.com. L Mon-Fri, D Daily. Chinese cuisine meets with local seafood in dishes like their Szechuan Spicy Alligator and Tong Cho Crawfish; private rooms available. $$ Tujague’s 823 Decatur St., 525-8676, French Quarter, TujaguesRestaurant.com. L Sat-Sun, D daily. For more than 150 years this landmark restaurant has been offering Creole cuisine. Favorites include a nightly six-course table d’hôté menu featuring a unique Beef Brisket with Creole Sauce. New Orleans Magazine’s Honor Roll honoree 2008. $$$$$

Upperline 1413 Upperline St., 891-9822, Uptown, Upperline.com. D Wed-Sun. Consummate hostess JoAnn Clevenger and talented chef Dave Bridges make for a winning combination at this nationally heralded Uptown favorite, New Orleans Magazine’s 2012 Honor Roll winner. The oft-copied Fried Green Tomatoes with Shrimp Remoulade originated here. $$$$

Vega Tapas Café 2051 Metairie Road, 836-2007, Metairie. 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. $$ Venezia 134 N. Carrollton Ave., 488-7991, Mid-City, VeneziaNewOrleans.com. L Wed-Fri & Sun, D Wed-Sun. Casual neighborhood Italian destination known for its thin-crust pizzas. Good lunch specials make this a popular choice as well. $$

Vincent’s Italian Cuisine 4411 Chastant St., 885-2984, Metairie, L TueFri, D Mon-Sat; 7839 St. Charles Ave., 866-9313, Uptown. L Tue-Fri, D Tue-Sun; VicentsItalianCuisine.com. Snug Italian boîte packs them in yet manages to remain intimate at the same time. The cannelloni is a house specialty. $$$

Wolfe’s in the Warehouse 859 Convention Center Blvd., 613-2882, CBD/ Warehouse District. 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. $$$ Ye Olde College Inn 3000 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-3683, Uptown, CollegeInn1933. com. D Tue-Sat. The institution moved next

door into brand-new digs but serves up the same classic fare, albeit with a few new upscale dishes peppering the menu. $$$

Yuki Izakaya 525 Frenchmen St., 943-1122, Marigny. D Mon-Sat. Authentic Japanese Izakaya serves small plates to late-night crowds at this unique destination. Try the Hokke Fish or the Agedashi Tofu. An excellent sake menu rounds out the appeal, as does the sexy, club-like ambiance. $ Zea’s Rotisserie and Grill Multiple locations: ZeaRestaurants.com. L, D daily. This popular restaurant serves a variety of grilled items as well as appetizers, salads, side dishes, seafood, pasta and other entrées, drawing from a wide range of worldly influences. Zea’s also offers catering services. $$$

Zoë Restaurant W New Orleans Hotel, 333 Poydras St., 2nd Floor, 207-5018, ZoeNewOrleans.com. B, L, D daily. Completely redone both in décor and cuisine, each section features a separate menu by executive chef Chris Brown. $$$

SPECIALTY FOODS Antoine’s Annex 513 Royal St., 525-8045, French Quarter, Antoines.com/AntoinesAnnex. Open daily. Around the corner from the oldest continuously operated restaurant in the country, Antoine’s Annex serves French pastries, including individual baked Alaskas, ice cream and gelato, as well as panini, salads and coffee. They also deliver. Bittersweet Confections 725 Magazine St., 523-2626, Warehouse District, BittersweetConfections.com. Open MonSat. Freshly baked cookies, cupcakes and specialty cakes. Serving handmade chocolate truffles, fudge, caramels, gelato, ice coffee, chocolate-dipped strawberries and freshly squeezed lemonade. Children’s birthday parties, chocolate tasting parties, custom chocolates and truffle party bar. Blue Dot Donuts 5236 Tchoupitoulas St., 941-7675, Uptown. 4301 Canal St., 218-4866, Mid-City, BlueDotDonuts.com. B, L daily. Heard the one about the cops that opened a donut shop? This is no joke. 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. New Orleans Magazine’s 2012 Doughnut Shop of the Year.

Blue Frog Chocolates 5707 Magazine St., 269-5707, Uptown, BlueFrogChocolates. com. French and Belgian chocolate truffles and Italian candy flowers make this a great place for gifts. Calcasieu 930 Tchoupitoulas St., 588-2188, Warehouse District, 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.

Magic Seasonings Mail Order (800) 457-2857, ChefPaul.com. Offers chef Paul Prudhomme’s famous cookbooks, smoked meats, videos, seasonings and more. Online shopping available. St. James Cheese Company 5004 Prytania St., 899-4737, Uptown, 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; 3301 Veterans Blvd., 834-2277; ShopSucre.com. Desserts daily & nightly. Open late weekends. Chocolates, pastry and gelato draw rave reviews at this new dessert destination. Beautiful packaging makes this a great place to shop for gifts. Catering available.

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

Springtime arrives and thoughts of emerald waters and sugar white beaches come to mind. Heading east from New Orleans, heaven exists in our neighboring Gulf states, and the beachside destinations run the gamut from quaint bed-and-breakfasts and inns, to fullservice resorts with all the amenities. Here are 10 to choose from, from the Mississippi Gulf Coast to Panama City BY CHERĂ&#x2030; COEN

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

Marriott Grand Hotel Point Clear, Ala. The Grand Hotel owns a colorful history. First opened as a resort in 1847, the hotel was used as a makeshift hospital during the Civil War and allowed military to secretly train on the grounds during World War II. Today, a cannon is fired daily after a procession in honor of the hotel’s military past. This family-friendly resort located right on Mobile Bay continues to win accolades, including being named to the “Top 500 Hotels in the World” for 2013 by Travel + Leisure, its spa named as one of the top in the country by Condé Nast Traveler and the No. 1 Marriott resort for guest satisfaction in North America for 2012. People visit for its championship golf courses, the AAA four-diamond restaurant, an elegant spa with one of the finest quiet rooms – at least for women – and water activities. There are also plenty of ongoing events held throughout the year, such as the Opus One Wine Dinner March 22, and the annual Easter celebration. Charming Fairhope, with its restaurants and shopping, is only minutes away. The 62nd annual Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival is happening 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily March 14-16 on the streets of downtown Fairhope, and admission is free. Website: MarriottGrand.com

The Beach Club Gulf Shores, Ala. There are several reasons to choose The Beach Club at Gulf Shores. First, the massive property is located on Highway 180, halfway from the heart of Gulf Shores to secluded Fort Morgan at the end of the peninsula, far enough away from the maddening crowds to offer a more peaceful beach experience. There are 86 acres left to nature, lined with walking trails and vast private beaches. Second, the property offers variety, from the multi-story condominium towers overlooking the Gulf to quaint lakeside cottages. Last, go for the variety. One of the reasons The Beach Club attracts snowbirds in winter (the Bermuda shorts wearing kind) in addition to the warm season visitors, is its long menu of amenities. There are five pools, a fitness room, a racquet club, an activities court, a spa and salon, several dining options, a children’s playground and

CHERÉ COEN PHOTOGRAPHS

shopping in The Village. In addition, weekly activities range from pickleball and aqua Zumba to happy hour and movie nights. Website: TheBeachClub.SpectrumResorts.com

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

Wyndham Bay Point Resort Panama City, Fla. The Gulf side of Panama City stretches as one long strip of hotels, condos, restaurants and beach attractions. Nestled along St. Andrews Bay on a peninsula just north of the Gulf beaches is Wyndham Bay Point Resort, and that location makes all the difference for those wanting a more natural beach experience. Visitors will travel down Lagoon Drive to road’s end where several buildings make up the resort. Shore birds flit among the sea grasses and golfers enjoy championship golf within a 1,100acre wildlife preserve. On the water is a boardwalk that stretches out to a private strip of beach, bayside café and access to the Bay Point Lady, which heads out to scenic Shell Island daily during the season at no charge to guests. The resort offers five clay tennis courts, five pools both indoor and outdoor, three hot tubs, the full-service Serenity Spa, sports equipment rentals and a children’s room with activities. The St. Andrews State Park with its fabulous beaches, hiking trails and access to Shell Island is but a short drive away, as is the heart of Panama City. Website: Wyndham.com

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa Mobile, Ala. Most people discount Mobile as a great coast getaway mainly because it isn’t located on the beach. What makes Mobile an interesting destination is that it’s close to Gulf Shores and Dauphin Island beaches, but even closer to Mobile Bay hotspots such as the 5 Rivers – Alabama’s Delta Resource Center with its outstanding kayaking and canoeing on, you guessed it, five rivers. Charming Fairhope is a short drive away as well as the Battleship Memorial Park, where rests the Battleship USS

Alabama, the submarine USS Drum and the Aircraft Pavilion. And when not thinking of Gulf beaches, there are plenty of things to do in Mobile central. First, the Battle House is a destination in itself, a circa-1852 hotel that’s seen its share of presidents and celebrities. Located in the heart of downtown Mobile, the historic building has been lovingly restored and now includes Mobile’s only four-diamond restaurant, The Trellis Room, a 10,000-square-foot spa, a rooftop pool, a colorful and com-

fortable lobby and a grand ballroom with its original architecture that’s popular with Carnival royalty. Places to visit in Mobile include the Mobile Museum of Art that offers great art both inside and out, several historic homes that are open to the public and the obelisk grave of Michael Frafft, a member of the ancient Carnival Cowbellion Society, which is decorated by modern Mardi Gras revelers every year in historic Magnolia Cemetery. Website: Marriott.com

Henderson Park Inn Destin, Fla.

Beau Rivage Casino and Resort Biloxi, Miss. Beau Rivage on the Mississippi Gulf Coast offers 32 stories and 85,000 square feet of casino. The resort offers a variety of amenities, so gambling doesn’t have to be why you visit. There are plenty of dining and lounge options including two gourmet restaurants, a spa and salon, a retail promenade and the Tom Faziodesigned golf course, Fallen Oak. In addition, there’s the Beau Rivage Theatre, which hosts ongoing entertainment. Upcoming events include the musical production Chicago March 7-9, Jack Hann’s Into The Wild March 14-15, Michael Bolton on March 21 and Alan Jackson on April 11. One great aspect about the Mississippi

Gulf Coast is its ongoing historic charm, despite Hurricane Katrina’s wrath and the advent of casinos. The new Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art spotlights the modern architecture of Frank O. Gehry but inside lies the unique ceramics of George E. Ohr, the self-proclaimed “Mad Potter of Biloxi” who died in 1918. Mary Mahoney’s, Biloxi’s old landmark restaurant downtown, continues with art-filled walls, a charming courtyard and an old bar boasting of the Katrina waterline, as well as photos of dignitaries and former presidents. A quick drive from New Orleans to Biloxi, Beau Rivage makes it easy to enjoy Gulf beaches. Website: BeauRivage.com

In the midst of the concrete condos and shopping marts of Destin lies the New England-styled Henderson Park Inn bed-and-breakfast. Even though the excitement of Destin is only a short drive away, visitors here will feel as if they’ve relocated to Cape Cod. Unlike New England, however, there’s the warm emerald water of the Gulf of Mexico right outside your door. The inn is located next to Henderson Beach State Park, which means that at least one side of the property enjoys more dunes and wildlife than human wild life. There are large verandas to relax upon and sip wine and watch the sun set (happy hour is on them), or enjoy fine dining on the water at the inn’s Beach Walk Café. Everything is included, including wine and chocolates on arrival and a gourmet breakfast in the morning to beach chairs, bicycles and other beach essentials. Henderson Park caters only to adults, however, one of the reasons why it’s tops for weddings. It was also voted No. 1 in a listing of Destin’s best hotels on the beach by Trip Advisor, and one of the most romantic in the country. Website: HendersonParkInn.com

Magnolia Springs Bed and Breakfast Magnolia Springs, Ala. Turpentine brought timber folks to sleepy Magnolia Springs, Ala., and when both ran dry, the town never developed much further. That is a good thing for tourists looking for a true southern small town experience. Magnolia Springs rests at the headwaters of the sleepy Magnolia River, which eventually makes its way into Mobile Bay, and many of the town’s residents live right at water’s edge. In fact, mail is still delivered by boat year-round. Ancient live oaks provide a welcome canopy over city streets, offering a cooling effect even in the sweltering months of summer. Owners David Worthington and Eric Bigelow have transformed one of the town’s historic properties into the Magnolia Springs Bed and Breakfast, with its five unique rooms, sprawling veranda and gourmet breakfast. The home was even featured on Bob Villa’s “Restore America” on HGTV. Staying in Magnolia Springs definitely falls under getaways and romantic retreats, but visitors aren’t far from the Alabama coast and all

CHERYL GERBER PHOTOGRAPH, MIDDLE RIGHT; CHERÉ COEN PHOTOGRAPH, BOTTOM

its attractions. If you want to remain in town, Jesse’s Restaurant offers fine dining inside the former Moore Bros. Store built in 1922 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The restaurant is named for Jesse King, the cheerful shopkeeper of Moore’s who reportedly never missed a day of work in 60 years. Website: MagnoliaSprings.com

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

Rosemary Beach Rosemary Beach, Fla. Highway 30-A stretches east of Destin, featuring planned communities, house rentals, a variety of wonderful dining options and, of course, beautiful beaches. At the highway’s end lies the elegant community of Rosemary Beach, with properties ranging from sweet carriage houses and rooms at the newly remodeled Pensione Inn, to those in the million-dollar-plus range. Snaking through the subdivision are meandering trails leading to the town center, bike rentals, pools, a fitness center, tennis courts, a full-service spa, a racquet club, a butterfly garden and shopping. It is a beach experience where just about everything you need is within walking distance. The beaches, with their environmentally significant dunes, have been lovingly taken into consideration when building this property. Nine walkovers (two for wheelchair access) take visitors down to the beach over the dunes. At water’s edge visitors can obtain umbrellas and rent sailboats or surf. Rosemary Beach is home to several dining establishments, from Restaurant Paradis’ seafood and beef creations with a Louisiana flare, to the fun casual breakfast at the Cowgirl Kitchen. Website: RosemaryBeach.com

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort Destin, Fla. Sandestin offers a variety of accommodations to suit any taste or budget. There are four distinct areas of the property – Beachside, Bayside, Lakeside and The Village and Grand Complex – along with four championship golf courses, 15 tennis courts of both HydroGrid clay and hard surfaces, a 98-slip marina, a fitness center and spa and a village of boutiques, restaurants and nightlife venues at the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Included in the daily price of accommodations is the use of the fitness center and four pools, two bicycles for four hours (and you’ll want to take advantage since the property is so large), one hour of boogie boarding, kayak and/or canoe use and an hour of tennis court time. Children’s

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

WaterColor Inn & Resort Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. This award-winning fullservice resort received the Forbes 4-Star travel rating for 2014, the second year in a row. Chalk it up to the vacation houses and newly redecorated inn rooms, the numerous amenities from six luxurious pools to shopping, championship golf and tennis and the endless activities to keep the family happy. A one-stop family resort, included in your stay are complimentary use of bikes, canoes and kayaks; supervised children’s activities; acres of natural gardens and foot paths along with hiking and bik-

ing through woodlands and beaches, a fitness center, WaterColor InnSpa and so much more. Visitors may rent films from the DVD library or enjoy a movie night. The resort neighbors Grayton Beach State Park with its nearly 2,000 acres of dunes, lakes, beaches and a unique salt marsh ecosystem. There are more than four miles of hiking and biking trails in the park, plus fishermen and paddlers may access the inland lake by a park boat ramp. Website: WaterColorResort.com

activities and admission to family events are sometimes free as well. In other words, park your car and never touch the gas pedal until you leave. Seasonal transportation around the property is included, so you can stay at the Village of Baytowne Wharf condo and catch a ride to the beach. Or view the Gulf from your seaside accommodations and grab fish tacos and margaritas at the Lazy Gecko Deck Bar or zip line at Baytowne Adventure Zone. This spring the resort hosts the Sandestin Wine Festival April 10-13 at The Village of Baytowne Wharf, featuring wine tastings of more than 800 domestic and international wines. Website: Sandestin.com

CHERYL GERBER PHOTOGRAPH, TOP RIGHT; CHERÉ COEN PHOTOGRAPHS, LEFT AND BOTTOM

ters and reptile encounters begin in the spring. For more information, visit AlabamaGulfCoastZoo.org.

Panhandle Parks The home of William Henry Wesley with its collection of Louis XVI furniture – the second largest in the United States – is open for tours at Eden Gardens State Park.

Zoo Encounters

CHERÉ COEN PHOTOGRAPHS, TOP LEFT

Visitors get up close and personal at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, including petting a baby white tiger.

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo at Gulf Shores offers everything you could want in a zoo: more than 500 animals in various habitats, daily animals shows in the summer and a petting zoo. Aiming to give visitors a little more is the zoo’s “Animal Encounters,” where for a fee, folks get up close and personal with zoo residents. For instance, young Bengal tigers are released in an enclosed environment, allowing visitors to pet, scratch and feed the cubs. The “encounters” are for adults and children ages 4 and up accompanied by an adult, and all animals are small enough to be safe for human contact. Participating tigers arrive when available through the Marcan Tiger Preserve. The zoo’s kangaroo encoun-

The Florida Panhandle is home to numerous state parks, from natural springs to historic properties – not to mention plenty of beaches. Eden Gardens State Park, below, near Grayton Beach allows visitors a chance to tour the 5,500-square-foot home of William Henry Wesley with its collection of Louis XVI furniture: the second largest in the country. His Wesley Lumber Company harvested the area’s longleaf pine forests from 1890 until around World War I. Around the home are 163 landscaped acres that include a rose garden, picnic areas and Tucker Bayou. Between Grayton Beach and Panama City is the rustic Camp Helen State Park, the site of a former textile mill camp for employee family members. The park includes historic buildings and a long boardwalk to the beach with

protected dune areas and marsh. For more information on Florida state parks, visit FloridaStateParks.org.

be said for the Shearwater Pottery Showroom, the only retail outlet for the pottery.

Free Mississippi

Cooking Up Fun

You can watch potters at work at Shearwater Pottery in Ocean Springs, many of them descendants of Peter Anderson and his brothers, Walter and James.

The Grand Hotel Marriott Resort in Fairhope, Ala., wants to teach visitors how to cook.

Your wallet will thank you for visiting the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as there are plenty of great attractions that don’t cost a dime. In Ocean Springs, you can visit Shearwater Pottery, where ceramics begun by the late Peter Anderson and his brothers, Walter and James, are still being handcrafted, and if you arrive before 4:30 p.m., you can watch the potters in action. Shearwater creates distinctive art pottery, decorative tiles, figurines and other pottery pieces. The permanent home for the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum should be finished by April, but until then the 6,500-squarefoot museum showcases Gulf Coast maritime history at Edgewater Mall in Gulfport. Admission is free, but the quaint gift shop that sells maritimerelated gifts and local arts and books helps support the museum. The same can

The yearlong series of culinary weekends start with a “Beverage Academy” on a Friday night and range from making Grand Hotel drinks to pairing fine wines with the right meals. The next morning chefs from the hotel restaurants will teach culinary classes appropriate for both novice and advanced cooks. For instance, March’s class teaches a “History of the American Cocktail” and how to utilize the freshest ingredients for salads. The beverage classes begin on Friday nights at 5:30 p.m. and cost $10 each. The culinary classes begin at 10 a.m. Saturdays and typically cost $25 each. For information and to register, call (251) 928-9201. Participants must be 21 or older in classes incorporating alcohol.

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

A progressive bar crawl across the gulf coast By Tim McNally

A t some point in the very near future , maybe even

this month, a multitude of our neighbors – maybe even us – will be traveling to the East, returning like a migratory flock of gulls, heading to “The Beach.” It is amazing that for a place surrounded by water, like the Isle d’Orleans, we don’t have a good beach for miles away. And, since we are water-based carbon units, we like being near the water. The French, in their best Age of Discovery mode, founded our city almost 300 years ago and the nearest beaches were then days, not hours, away. They settled those areas also, but La Nouvelle-Orléans was going to be Louis XIV’s Utopia, a place with grand promenades, laden with culture and wealth, birthing grand philosophies and philosophers and offering its residents the products and grand existence of a Golden Age – but without beaches. So we’ve made the best of an obviously erroneous geographic placement and from time to time head for the most beautiful pristine beaches in America, if not the world. Sugar sand, it’s called, and it’s fine, soft and white. The waters are emerald and the rays of the sun on the beach never accomplish those, “ouch, ouch, ouch” moments of pain on bare feet. And we, being the people we have turned out to be, never quite achieving the Sun King’s lofty goals, require the comforts of a watering hole or two along the way – and certainly so when we reach journey’s end. The

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

modern challenge since we’ve overcome the distance issue is that the road we have constructed, Interstate 10, is not conducive to leisurely travel, nor to enjoying the sights of nature and community. What has been built along that mega-highway isn’t to the standards of comfortable travel at an easy pace. Getting off the road and going the “old way” – hugging the Gulf’s waters – while not the most rapid path, is much more satisfying to the soul. Old towns, fighting for prosperity and even existence, dot the entire journey. But the bars, ahh, the bars, tell the tales of days gone by and provide today’s version of gracious Southern hospitality. These along-the-way “comfort stations” are for your drinking pleasure. I suggest light snacks at these stops – the culinary arts aren’t their specialty. Good drinks and meeting the natives are the stockin-trade.

Shaggy’s Pass Harbor What could be more coastal than a place called Shaggy’s in a former bait shop at The Pass? These guys don’t have a lot of old stories since this has been one, among many, of the success stories rising from the devastation after Hurricane Katrina. But the place is cool – Key West cool. Against my previous warning, this is a place where you may want to sample the culinary fare. The founders, Ron Lacher and Thomas Genin, spent some time with Emeril Lagasse and are committed to offering food better than the

usual expectations.

120 Hiern Ave.,Pass Christian, Miss., (228) 452-9939, Shaggys.biz

Irish Coast Pub When the Irish came to the Gulf Coast in the early- to mid-19th century, they worked in a number of industries – most notably the hospitality business. They ran boarding houses, and appropriately, bars. The gang over at Irish Coast Pub doesn’t mess with history. They feature a revolving menu number of craft and specialty beers on tap, and loads of other beers and ales from all over the world in bottles and cans. 1307 25th Ave., Gulfport, Miss., (228) 867-7022, IrishCoastPub.com

Shaggy’s Pass Harbor, Pass, Christian, Miss.

EUGENIA UHL, PHOTOGRAPH, FAR LEFT; DAN PETERS PHOTOGRAPH, BOTTOM

The Whale’s Tail, Destin, Fla.

Breeze Bar

Kwitzky’s Dug Out

Beau Rivage Hotel and Casino Maybe dive bars aren’t your deal. Maybe you like them but would appreciate a break. Maybe you’re the swanky, swell-elegant type. OK, gotcha covered. Stop by The Beau, one of Mississippi’s grandest gambling halls, which also has no end of watering holes all under one roof, and each with a different theme. Even if the weather outside is frightful, this place can be delightful. The Breeze Bar is located in the heart of the action. The considerate folks at The Beau have placed a complete, full-service bar in a location where you only have to trek a few steps to be at “the tables.” Or, if you already had your fill of exercise for the day (likely navigating the entire length of the buffet line), then you can just sit at the bar and play video poker on machines conveniently located right on the bar.

Do you like baseball? Well, this baseballthemed bar in the most unlikely of communities, Ocean Springs, can satisfy your desire to immerse yourself in the grand pastime and quench a stadiumsized thirst. Kwitzky’s Dug Out can not only prepare an excellent beverage, but they also encourage you to bring your own grill items and use their equipment for your hamburgers, hot dogs or whatever suits you. It isn’t a big place and the intimacy makes it that much more interesting. It can probably hold 25 folks, tops. The bonus is if you’re fan of the St. Louis Cardinals; the owner hails from there and while he’s not in mid-America any more, he has transported his love for the Cards to the Gulf.

875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Miss., (228) 386-7111, BeauRivage.com

1025 Government St., Ocean Springs, Miss., (228) 875-7827, KwitzkysDugOut.com

Taste Wine Bar Do not let the name throw you – this bar can prepare a darn good cocktail too. If you’re a beer fan, the list isn’t really complete. Mobile isn’t a town renowned for its ability to serve

the finer wines and a good drink. Taste is the destination, however, for those items. There is a heavy lounge feel with couches and comfortable chairs that’s chic, not funky. It is located right near the downtown hotels, and lately there has been a de-emphasis on the wines with more effort in the cocktail area. 2033 Airport Blvd., Mobile, Ala., (251) 287-1490

My Place In the dictionary when you look up “local watering hole,” there should be a photo of My Place. It isn’t a big photo in keeping with the theme of “intimate.” You will make friends fast because you’re not that far from everyone in the joint. You will also not be confused that you’re anywhere else but the South as the menu is given to barbecue and slaw. Keep your drink orders simple and you’ll be well rewarded with cold and refreshing fare. Fancy doesn’t cut it at My Place. 68 N. Bancroft St., Fairhope, Ala., (251) 928-1300

Flora-Bama Lounge More visitors have learned more subject

matters at the FloraBama than in the finest schools within a 250-mile radius. This cinderblock house of alcoholic pleasure straddles the state line of Alabama and Florida, and sits right on the sugar-sands of Perdido Key. Walk left or right and visit another state; walk straight to the Gulf and tickle your toes in the clear waters; or stay in the bar and listen to rock ’n’ roll and country western. It is raucous. Right now, the majority of your fellow readers of this publication have visions and memories of past afternoons spent here. 17401 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola, FL, (850) 492-0611, FloraBama.com

Landshark Landing Beach Bar Jimmy Buffet doesn’t just write music and lyrics about the beach; he builds places that make sense to his memory bank. This bar is located at his Pensacola Margaritaville Hotel, and is an open air, right on the beach, true parrot-head destination. Open only March through October, but rocking every day of that period, experience volleyball, hammocks

under palm trees and a drink menu with names of cocktails taken from Buffet songs. 165 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach, Fla., (850) 916-9755, MargaritavilleHotel.com

The Whale’s Tail When you’re in Destin, where do you go to applaud the sunset? You visit Whale’s Tale on Old 98. Open to the beach and the Gulf, no shoes are required for service here, which is pretty much you walking up to the bar and ordering your favorite tropical drink – something with rum, of course, like a Planter’s Punch, rum and tonic or maybe just a Red Stripe beer. Then go off and roam with the surf at your ankles. 100 Seascape Drive, Destin, Fla., (850) 650-4377, Seascape-resort. com/ResortWhalesTail.aspx

The Red Bar For this one you can haul out the word “funky.” Grayton is easily the most laid-back community along the entire length of the Emerald Coast, and Red Bar is a must-stop watering hole. There is music, menus, beverages and plenty of young people shaking the place to drain every drop of party out of a beach weekend. But don’t even think of going home early. 70 Hotz Ave., Grayton Beach, Fla., (850) 231-1008, TheRedBar.com

Irish Coast Pub, Gulfport, Miss.

The Red Bar, Grayton Beach, Fla.

Southern beaches, Southern beach places for drinking and Southern tempos. Allen Toussaint had it exactly correct, “Southern Nights.”

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

NEW ARCHIT NEW ORLEANS

Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

ECTURE 6

buildings among the best

By John P. Klingman Photographed BY JEFFERY JOHNSTON

2013 marked another fine year for contemporary buildings in Greater New Orleans. Of particular note were over a half-dozen new school buildings that have been completed, two of which weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re showcasing. There are also two fine religious structures, a childcare Head Start facility and a remarkable adaptive reuse project.

Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy L ocated in rural

Avondale on the West Bank, a dramatic new building has arisen in the open landscape. It is the Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy, a school that engages students in a college preparatory curriculum focused on science, technology, mathematics and engineering. The building was designed to provide inspiration to the curricular agenda, and it succeeds. From the outside, the front facade is a bit stagey, with canted second floor walls overlooking the parking area. There is a generous sculptural metal canopy, punctuated by skylights, a dynamic invitation extending to the main entrance. Once inside, the school unfolds in a very clear, expansive fashion. The entry lobby forms the middle of a double height circulation space that runs the full length of the building. A mezzanine looks down upon the ground level, providing visual access to a platform in the open “commons,” where school-wide meetings and events can occur, as opposed to the more typical gymnasium or auditorium spaces of assembly. Nearby are the library and a monumental stair connecting 88

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

the two primary levels. At the other end of the spine is the bright, open cafeteria with an outdoor terrace. Adjacent are a series of well-equipped lab spaces on the second floor. Plugging into the circulation space are three twostory “pods” that contain the classrooms. The pods, named for famous scientists selected by student vote, hold the classrooms – and more. Differentiating this institution

from the more typical high school are the many groupings of informal furniture in the pods and throughout the building. These are utilized by the students working individually or in groups with their laptops, pursuing subjects with independence in an environment more typical of a university. The building

exudes a raw energy from the aggressive forms, the almost primitive exposed concrete and the visible mechanical system elements. Perhaps the building’s most important lesson is that the seemingly abstract world of science and technology are intimately engaged with the creation of our inhabited world.

Joint Venture; Perez, APC; Angela O’Byrne principal-in-charge; Christian Pazos, architectural design and project manager; Verges Rome Architects; Chip Verges, principal in-charge; Michael Roussel, project manager; David Stephens, programming; Concordia Architects, initial concept; David Dempsey, Ian Dreyer, Jonathan O’Rear, Joe Crowley, Robert Brownfield, Sam Blimling Stephen Braquet, architects; Ashley Heitzman, Emmanuel Edwards, Jenn Lilos, Jesse Stephenson, Josh Mings, Lukas Kaplan, Qiana Oden, Richard Quelch, Rodney Dionisio, Victoria Yee, architectural design; Ingrid Adrianza, Katie Logan Kris Lowry, interior design; Brandon Adams, Charlotte Cox, site design

Turn Services

A long the river in Bywater is an active three-story building that is a completely transformed industrial structure now serving as the headquarters for Turn Services. The complex, originally a two building molasses factory, had been empty and derelict for decades. An earlier attempt at renovation demonstrated the potential for reinhabitation. Turn Services, a barge fleeting company, became intrigued with moving their offices to a location where their activities on the river would actually be visible. They hired WDG Architects, who oversaw the complex project. Only the basic steel structure and two brick endwalls could be reused. Everything else is new, yet the project has a consistency of architectural attitude thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highly evident, particularly on the interior. The idea was to maintain and enhance the industrial aesthetic around which the building was originally designed. Emblematic of this is the treatment of the bridge connecting the two buildings. It originally allowed carts of molasses to move on rails across the space between the buildings.

The architects maintained the rails, now flush with the new finished floor surface but maintaining the historic artifact and the memory of original use. Similarly, the structure is exposed on the interior, as are the new systems that provide 21st-century comfort and convenience. The metaland-glass partition system is open at the top so that a sense of activity can be felt throughout the building, and the great amount of interior glass allows everyone visual access to the river throughout the day.

WDG | Architects Engineers; Jeffrey Stolier, design director; Andres Johnson, Kristine Kobila, architects

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

Brother Martin High School Chapel The campus of

Brother Martin has been enhanced with a new chapel strategically located on the school’s main quad. The latest in a series of transformative projects for Brother Martin by Waggonner and Ball Architects, the building has a solid, almost geological exterior effect, marked by the introduction of exterior stone panels not seen elsewhere on the campus. Its glazed entry faces and reflects the lobby of the recent Science and Mathematics Building. Although the chapel has an exterior with its own presence, particularly enhanced by the designed wetlands surrounding it on the sides, it’s the interior that’s most memorable. Not surprisingly, it’s bilaterally symmetrical, but the interior is dynamic, drawing you in. The sequence begins with a pair of beautifully designed doors into the sanctuary. They are tall, fashioned from a rich, dark hardwood and paneled, including vertical strips of translucency. Within the space daylight is carefully balanced. Ambient light enters through a slot in the roof, redirected onto the ceiling by a metal mesh shroud. Sunlight enters from 90

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

the sides, but thick walls act as light reflectors, controlling the glare as the position of the sun changes throughout the day. The focus of the space is the reredos, a chancel screen of wood with small glazed elements. Its pattern of 12 open-

ings is complex, providing an appropriate vertical focus for the space. Backlit, the strong contrast provides a final example of light-induced mystery. The simplicity of the building is redolent of the character of the school.

Waggonner and Ball Architects; David Waggonner, principal-in-charge, Mac Ball, Kwan-Yi Lo, Allen Tufts, Charles Sterkx, Dennis Horchoff, David Curtis

Jefferson Presbyterian Church T here is a new small, unobtrusive building along Jefferson Highway on the riverside near Causeway. From the thoroughfare, you might notice a stark white walled box with the name of the church on its surface. Behind is a larger orange box with a big window, perhaps not easily recognizable as high quality contemporary architecture. However, the architectural intension becomes immediately apparent from the entry side around the block, where the forecourt reveals a reversal and the white box opens and frames an orange wall with the simple, elegant entry. The interior holds surprise

and delight. This is an axial plan, common in church design, but its simple organization is complemented by a dynamic, tactile volume. The dominant element is a cypress slat structure that emanates from the sides of the space and extends upward to reveal a curved fish-shaped ceiling plane. Light enters copiously from a north-facing clerestory thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s balanced by sidelights at the entry doors from the narthex. The ceiling slopes gently upward toward the altar, which holds a crucifix important to the congregation. It is the only artifact from the previous building, which was destroyed by a fire from light-

ning. Behind the metal cross is a complex surface of small hexagonal white marble tiles that catch and reflect light compellingly. A combination of serenity and energy is difficult to achieve, but here theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re fused together through a dexterous combination of materials and light.

Studio WTA; Wayne Troyer, principal; Julie A. Babin, project architect; Ross Karsen, architect, Sadi Brewton

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

James Singleton Head Start Center H ere is a contemporary building designed for the very young and the staff who nurture them. Total Community Action was the client, and they were interested in a contemporary building treatment appropriate to the mid-20th century neighborhood of Little Woods in eastern New Orleans. Trapolin-Peer Architects has engaged this building type at Kingsley House, but designing a freestanding building on an open site presented new opportunities. Residentially scaled when approached from the street, the building morphs into a series of elegant classroom pavilions on the garden side, perhaps helping the children learn to count to eight as well as to identify the room that’s 92

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

“theirs.” The classrooms are north facing, toward Lake Pontchartrain a few blocks away. Each has a porch, framed beautifully by sidewalls and a parapet, forming a protective enclosure. The porches are linked together, and they look out onto a won-

derful play area with mature live oaks that provide shade and a sculptural presence in the landscape. The classrooms are designed for flexibility so that the staff and children can utilize the rooms creatively and with differing configurations throughout the day.

The children’s work, taped to the glass walls of the garden façade, provides evidence of the lively spirit within. Trapolin-Peer Architects; Peter Trapolin, principal; Daniel Zangara, project architect; Ashley King, project manager

Akili Academy of New Orleans at the William Frantz School

T here is an abundance of new school construction throughout New Orleans generated by the Recovery School District and their multinational consort, Jacobs Engineering. Typically, they’re large new buildings on very small sites. While true in this case, this project differs strikingly from the norm, in that the new structure expands a 1937 building. The William Frantz School is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its importance during the struggles of the Civil Rights era. The new building and the

beautifully restored older structure complement each other architecturally, both inside and out in a striking manner. The restored traditional local St. Joe brick façades play off the contemporary palette of metal panels and glass, particularly in conjunction with a finely detailed aluminum sunscreen system. Together, the buildings participate in forming a U-shaped, well-proportioned courtyard, which is accessible to the students from the cafeteria and the gymnasium above. Inside daylight abounds, both in the new structure that

contains all of the school’s special program spaces and in the historic building with all of the elementary grade classrooms. The architects introduced interior lightshelves into the restored classrooms and utilized high performance glazing in the new building. Along the courtyard edge, an all-glass hallway on three levels offers shaded daylight and a fine view of the activity below and the neighborhood beyond. The walls of the rooms on the other side of the hallway are angled slightly to introduce dynamic interest as the children move between the historic and the 21stcentury structure. The gymnasium is lit with large clerestory lighting all around, and there’s also a double-height black box performance space, that can also be opened to the

view when complete lighting control isn’t necessary. This is a building that truly celebrates its past while supporting aspirations toward the future. Billes Partners; Gerald W. Billes, CEO, principal; Richard S. Kravet, principalin-charge, Ian C. Welcome, project manager; Elena Soto Jervis, interior design; William Petersen, Patrick Kraft, Erin Porter, Senait Kassa, Lauren Flanagan, Steve C. Tubre, Lauren Hickman, Rachel Chotin-Lincoln, Gabriel Mitchell, designers

John P. Klingman is a registered architect and holds a Favrot Professorship in Architecture at Tulane University. His 2012 book, New in New Orleans Architecture, featuring 80 outstanding projects from the past 15 years, from Pelican Publishing Co., is available at local bookstores. His most recent design project, the shelter at the terminus of the St. Charles Streetcar Line, was completed in 2013. myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

ADVERTISING SECTION

Thank You to our readers, winners, sponsors and everyone who came to our Tops of the Town 2014 party. We look forward to another celebration next year. To see a video highlight of the event visit myneworleans.com/tops.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS

LAGNIAPPE SPONSORS

SUPPORTING BUSINESSES

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

ADVERTISING SECTION

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

ADVERTISING SECTION

Travel Destinations

Time to grab your favorite music, your spring clothes, your closest family and friends, and hit the road! Spring has sprung, bringing color back to the grass, the trees, the skies and not to mention, the skin. Whether fun in the sun involves a beach, a festival or a restaurant’s outdoor patio, get out and enjoy the new warm weather by traveling the Gulf Coast’s five-state region. Take a break from the office and hit the links, or take a break from the kids to enjoy a romantic getaway. Make a day trip to a nearby culture and food fest, or spend a full week at one of Alabama or Florida’s many beach resorts. As you can see here, great options abound all around Louisiana and beyond.

Alabama The transformation begins the moment your toes touch the sugar-white sand and you hear the sound of waves lapping the shore. Suddenly, you’re in a whole different state of connection. Life seems to slow down, senses are magnified and families are strengthened on the Alabama Gulf Coast. The area boasts 32 miles of pristine beaches and turquoise water, a variety of familyfriendly attractions, numerous restaurants for sampling fresh coastal cuisine, nearby outlet shopping and more. Take a dip in the turquoise Gulf waters, enjoy a day at the zoo or waterpark, step back in time at historic Fort Morgan or feast on local seafood. There’s something for everyone on the 96

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

Alabama Gulf Coast and with a vast selection of accommodations including condos, hotels and beach houses, you’re sure to find the perfect place for your family to make memories and reconnect. Visit GulfShores.com/NewOrleans to start planning your trip today. Beauty, history and adventure all come together in Alabama, a place where each meal is a celebration, each town has a story and each day brings new discoveries. Alabama is perfect for exploration and adventurous road-trips, where visitors find unique, off-the-beaten-path treasures. Foodies can taste their way around the state with famous barbeque joints such as Dreamland in Tuscaloosa and Big Bob Gibson BBQ in

the grand Decatur, or award-winning culinary destinations such as Highland’s Bar & Grill and Hot & Hot Fish Club in Birmingham. Explore the 100 dishes to eat in Alabama before you die mobile app on your smartphone or tablet and check out the Art of Alabama Food to discover more places to find fresh seafood or generations-old soul food. For more vacation ideas and attractions, visit Alabama.travel. Spring and summer are the perfect months for a beach vacation with warm sun, cool breezes and water lapping at your feet. Vacation this season at Alabama’s Gulf Shores or Orange Beach and see why Gulf Shores Rentals has been one of the region’s favorite vacation services for more than 20 years. Gulf Shores Rentals ensures terrific properties from private homes to condos and remarkable deals so that you and your family or friends can enjoy fun in the sun in no time. Not only does Gulf Shores Rentals help you find your dream vacation rental property, but complimentary golf, fishing and entertainment can be included as well. Springtime offers perfect golfing weather, so gather up a foursome and hit the links. Want a relaxing, romantic retreat or an exciting fullfledged family vacation? Take advantage of spring weather with great deals, updated daily at GulfShoresRentals.com. By phone, call 866-9668715 for details.

ADVERTISING SECTION Celebrate life at The Grand, the top historic hotel in America according to Historic Hotels of America. New Orleanians have visited The Grand since 1847 and this spring, their visit will be even better. Experience the Fairhope Arts & Craft Festival March 14-15. Escape to one of Conde Nast Traveler’s top spas. Plunge into their five pools. Try great steaks and local seafood in the Grand Steakhouse and the Saltwater Grill. Play a round of golf, experience the daily cannon firing and enjoy afternoon tea before strolling along Mobile Bay at sunset. For couples, their cozy fire pits, awardwinning wines and great cuisine are a terrific recipe for romance. From sailboats and bikes to croquet and crafts, families will find activities to keep everyone happy. Ask about their special culinary weekends. Visit MarriottGrand.com or call 251-928-9201.

houma house plantation & gardens

L o u is ia n a Spring means unbeatable weather in Lafourche Parish and with unbeatable weather comes a smattering of events, outdoor festivals and exciting things to do and see. Head to Nicholls State University campus March 21-23 for the Louisiana Swamp Stomp Festival, which features regional music, dance, food, arts and crafts, as well as cultural educational opportunities. On Saturday, March 29, make plans to attend the Leeville Arts & Heritage Festival held at Boudreaux’s Waterfront Motel. The all-day event features a cultural cooking competition, demonstrations, live music, an arts market, paddling and plenty of food. Bayou Cajun Fest takes place at the Larose Civic Center & Regional Park April 4-6 and

features a carnival midway and Cajun food, music and dancing. The Bateau de Bois Festival keeps alive the art and craft of boat building with special oldtime, handmade boat exhibits, woodworking techniques, decoy carving, art and more on Saturday, April 12 in Lockport at the Center for Louisiana Traditional Boat-building. Additionally, don’t forget to take the kids by the new Bayou Country Children’s Museum in Thibodaux for a day full of fun and adventure. For more information, events and destinations, go to VisitLafourche.com. St. Landry Parish offers lots to do, so plan a weekend. Take the Zydeco Cajun Prairie Scenic Byway to shop the Seven-Mile Yard Sale on March 15 and the Semi Annual Antique Fair & Yard Sale in Washington on April 11-13, featuring more than 200 vendors. That same weekend, travel along the Corridor des Arts April 12-13 to visit art galleries and working artists’ studios. Take home a piece of original artwork tax-free. The next week is La Semaine Francaise from April 18-23, when the Parish greets visitors from France and a week of cultural activities ensues between Arnaudville and Baton Rouge. Events culminate with the Arnaudville Etouffee Festival, April 25-27. Finally, welcome spring flowers on May 3 at the Sunset Annual Herb & Garden Festival. For more information, please visit CajunTravel.com or call 877-948-8004. Nestled between Baton Rouge and New Orleans is Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, the “Crown Jewel of Louisiana’s River Road.” This historic property boasts the South’s most beautiful, lush and vibrant gardens. Stroll the 38 acres of gardens, tour the magnificent mansion and dine in your choice of several restaurants. New to the property is a magnificent restaurant, The Carriage House, modeled after James Gallier’s original drawings for the property. Houmas House has become an important venue for local and destination weddings, which you may witness when visiting the grounds. Further enhancing the plantation experience is the new Inn at Houmas House. Guests can spend the night in the luxurious cottages surrounded by sprawling live oak trees and verdant gardens. Each room is unique and complete with old world furnishings, porcelain spa-like bathrooms and private porches. Houmas House provides its guests the opportunity to not only learn about the great sugar barons, but to live a day in their life. From the experiential tour to upscale dining and overnight accommodations, one can experience the South the way it was meant to be. For more information, visit HoumasHouse.com.

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

ADVERTISING SECTION

hyatt french quarter

Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter is located in the heart of the French Quarter on world-famous Bourbon Street. They offer 186 comfortable guest rooms, more than 4,000 square feet of market-leading meeting facilities, an outdoor pool, tropical courtyard, 24-hour fitness and more. Café Opéra, the Four Points’ full-service restaurant, features a classic New Orleans menu of Creole and continental cuisine. Guests can also enjoy a wide selection of specialty drinks at the Puccini Bar. Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter is located on the site of the French Opera House (1859-1919), a legendary New Orleans cultural venue. Their performance series, “Opera Returns to Bourbon Street” features local operatic talent from the New Orleans Opera Association and local classical vocalist group Bon Operatit! For more modern musical tastes, Four Points’ hosts the weekly “Live & Local” musical series, featuring local jazz and contemporary music. Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter is located at 541 Bourbon St. in New Orleans. For reservations and more, call 504-524-7611 or visit FourPoints.com/FrenchQuarter. Located in the heart of New Orleans’ Arts District and within easy walking distance to the Convention Center and the French Quarter, The Hotel Modern New Orleans is a must-visit destination for sophisticated travelers. Understanding that the spirit of New Orleans is about laissez-faire and relaxation, The Hotel Modern greets guests with complimentary drinks and escorts them to their room as if they were staying at a close friend’s guesthouse – there is no front desk or lengthy check-in process.

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

The 135 comfortable guest rooms at The Hotel Modern were designed in-house with a modern eclectic aesthetic that mirrors New Orleans’ juxtaposition of Old World charm with New World diversity. The Hotel Modern goes beyond the basics, offering an array of cultural amenities, such as thoughtfully curated books in every room and their new, full service restaurant, Tivoli & Lee. The Hotel Modern’s lounge, Bellocq, takes its name from photographer E.J. Bellocq, who secretly photographed the madams of preprohibition New Orleans. It was named one of the Best Bars in America by Esquire in 2013. For information and reservations, visit TheHotelModern.com. The Hyatt French Quarter New Orleans is a renovated historic hotel in one of the city’s oldest and most popular neighborhoods: The French Quarter. The property resides in the former D.H. Holmes building and offers more than 10,660 square feet of customizable function space located in one central area of the hotel’s first floor. With 10 meeting rooms, the Hyatt French Quarter New Orleans can accommodate meetings, events and weddings, from three to 300 people. The Hyatt French Quarter also boasts their market-inspired eatery, Powdered Sugar, and the artisan Batch Bar, which showcases a collection of quality bourbons and flask service. The popular and award-winning Red Fish Grill, owned and operated by Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group, is also part of the Hyatt French Quarter New Orleans. Additionally, the Hard Rock Café serves casual cuisine and offers live music during the week. The Hotel is located at 800 Iberville St. For more information, visit: FrenchQuarter.hyatt.com.

T e x as Visiting Houston this spring? The Hilton Garden Inn Houston Galleria Area hotel is located in the heart of Uptown District, just a few steps from the world-renowned Galleria Shopping Mall. Exclusive boutiques, moderate shops, restaurants and cafes are all within walking distance and HGI Galleria also provides complimentary shuttle service within a three-mile radius of the hotel. The hotel makes the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. The Great American Grill serves a full cooked-to-order breakfast, dinner and evening room service – try the delicious new dinner menu or grab a quick bite from the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry. Start your day off in the fitness center and unwind later with a cocktail in the lobby bar. It’s always sunny in Houston. Visitors can enjoy a dip in the tropical outdoor pool or relax in the heated whirlpool. Standard rooms feature a king-size bed with sofa bed or two queens, mini-fridge, microwave, Keurig coffee maker, complimentary high-speed internet access, remote printing, a spacious work desk with an ergonomic chair and much more. Your weekend stay awaits. Stay HGI Houston Galleria Area – upscale yet affordable. Call 713-629-0101.

Mississippi Big Bay Lake is a one-of-a-kind planned community on Mississippi’s largest private recreational lake. Located just outside of Hattiesburg, Big Bay Lake blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings. Homesites are available on the water starting at $100,000. Both the homes and homesites within this community provide unique opportunities to create the perfect home or weekend getaway. It’s time to relax, unplug, make memories and create new traditions at Big Bay. Whether you are a boating or fishing enthusiast, or just a family who loves to make a big splash, Big Bay Lake is simply about the lure of the water. Come enjoy sun-kissed, fun-filled days at Big Bay Lake, where the little things make life ... BIG! Big Bay Lake is only 90 minutes from New Orleans. Call for a boat tour today at 877-4BIG-BAY or visit BigBayLake.com.

Florida Get a little sand in your soul in Destin, Ft. Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island, the Heart of Florida’s Emerald Coast. Go snorkeling, tubing, kayaking or parasailing. Take the kids on a dolphin or pirate cruise, or visit the Gulfarium.

ADVERTISING SECTION

Love to fish? You will find some of the best angling Florida has to offer here. Of course, where there is great fishing there are usually great seafood restaurants and the Emerald Coast is no exception. Here, you’ll find cuisine that is inventive and fresh, brought in daily by Florida’s largest fishing fleet. If shopping is your passion, you won’t be disappointed either. Choose from traditional malls, open-air complexes and distinctive boutiques. And when the sun goes down, it’s time to get off the boogie board and boogie the night away. There’s something for everyone at the Heart of Florida’s Emerald Coast. Start planning today by visiting EmeraldCoastFL.com. Spring to a great festival getaway at the 28th annual Sandestin Wine Festival. At Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, rated the No. 1 resort in the Destin, Fla., area and the Emerald Coast, is April 10-13. Pictureperfect, the festival is complete with white tents, flowing wine, food and live music at the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin. Take part in wine tastings showcasing hundreds of domestic and international wines. Don’t miss this very popular event.

Sandestin offers more than 1,250 accommodations from the beach to the bay. The resort features a winning combination of accommodations, events, activities, dining and shopping, unmatched by any other vacation destination. To thoroughly enjoy the events surrounding the Sandestin Wine Festival,

many people take advantage of staying at one of the many beautiful units on the resort. Take advantage of savings up to 30 percent off this Spring (code: SPF30) or great offers for the Sandestin Wine Festival (code: WINE14). Visit sandestin.com/nom or call 866-5441026 for more information.

san destin

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

ADVERTISING SECTION

Spring Fever Fever running high this spring? A dose of springtime activities will take care of it in a flash! One of the busiest times of the year, March and April present the perfect months for getting out and having some fun or staying in and getting some work done, such as those household projects just simmering on the backburner. No matter the cure for your spring fever, you’ll find an abundance of options in the New Orleans region. Let arts and entertainment, shopping, dining and home renewal be the elixirs that get your spirit up and your fever down.

Arts & E n t e r ta i n m e n t No place explores the celebrated history of the Crescent City better than The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC). Located in the French Quarter, this gem of a museum preserves the area’s eclectic past and distinctive culture, and maintains an active schedule of programming. THNOC’s spring Concerts in the Courtyard series kicks off March 14 with traditional jazz band Hot Club of New Orleans. On March 19, the latest free exhibition at THNOC’s Royal Street complex opens: Shout, Sister, Shout! The Boswell Sisters of New Orleans, exploring the story of one of the city’s most successful musical exports; an opening reception will be held March 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. And on March 22, THNOC hosts the annual Tennessee Williams Scholars Conference, where literary and theater experts share their insights on the creative work of the great American playwright. 100

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

Call 504-523-4662 or visit hnoc.org for details. Ninth in a line of steamboats dating back to the 1880s, 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. Even locals are surprised to get this view of the city from the decks of an authentic sternwheeler. Their day cruises liven the excursion with the toe-tapping music of Duke Heitger’s Steamboat Stompers. Step aboard and listen to the calls of the Steam Calliope as you depart from the heart of the French Quarter. Make your way through the museum-quality steam engine room and listen as the river comes alive through the live historic and port narration during the two-hour cruises. Delicious New Orleans cuisine and libations are available with lunch and snacks. 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 decadent entrees and dazzling specialty drinks. Weddings, birthdays and holiday celebrations are always special on the Steamboat Natchez. Visit the steamboat online and make reservations at SteamboatNatchez.com. Nobody does live music better than New Orleans and nowhere in New Orleans can you receive the VIP experience while enjoying live music, exquisite dining and nightlife better than that of Foundation Room at House of Blues. Foundation Room is the one and only, “Rock and Roll Country Club.” Members enjoy an intimate dining room, exotic lounge and bar, and secluded prayer rooms perfect for private meetings or social gatherings. Membership benefits include, but are not limited to: • Bronze, Silver and Gold membership levels with local and national Foundation Room access (Atlantic City, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and New Orleans) • One touch personal concierge service • Advance notification and ticket purchasing privileges for House of Blues concerts • Quarterly member appreciation events with premium hosted bar • Monthly gourmet dinners and themed parties • Complimentary access to live entertainment in the lounge and late-night DJs • Discounts on food and beverage Please contact Jacqueline Alford at 504-310-4974 or jacquealford@livenation.com for a complete list of benefits and pricing.

Shopping Since 2005, the Northshore has been home to a locally owned and nationally known boutique that has rescued women from years of discomfort and misguided purchases. Bra Genie, the creation of bra-fitting expert Jeannie Emory, has grown from a one-on-one home fitting service to a full-scale 3,500-square-foot Mandeville store with a team of 16 experienced fitters and an inventory of more than 10,000 bras, panties, shapewear, bra-sized swimwear and accessories. With the largest inventory in the south, Bra Genie stocks sizes 28-50 in bands and AA-KK in cup size, with prices as low as $30. The results of a proper bra fitting at Bra Genie often surprise women. Proper fitting bras can make a woman appear 10 lbs. lighter by elongating the torso and lifting the breasts. In some cases, they can eliminate back or neck pain. Bra Genie even offers a unique “Fit Guarantee” for your bra purchases. Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and located at 2881 Highway 190, Bra Genie welcomes walk-ins. For more information on Bra Genie, visit TheBraGenie.com or call 985-951-8638 to schedule your personal bra-fitting appointment. Check out their amazing Google reviews and their Facebook page.

ADVERTISING SECTION While Trashy Diva is a distinctly New Orleans clothing company with seven locations spread across the city, their vintage-inspired designs are known and coveted worldwide. Trashy Diva’s original dresses, shoes, lingerie and accessories have been featured on popular blogs and in esteemed publications such as Lucky, Elle, Time, The New York Post and City Life. Additionally, many of their dresses have been utilized by stylists in feature films and worn by celebrities during noteworthy public appearances. For more than 17 years, Trashy Diva has provided New Orleans customers with vintage flair and classic style. Original and vintageinspired designs by Candice Gwinn suit a modern sensibility. Each piece is timeless and ageless with inspiration taken from antique and vintage clothing, with a focus on creating feminine styles that flatter a variety of body types. Sizes range from 2 through 18. From special occasions to simply upgrading your wardrobe, Trashy Diva’s complimentary personal stylists are eager to fit your needs. For more information, visit TrashyDiva.com or contact customer service at 504-299-3939. Mark your calendars! Acclaimed fashion designer Donald J Pliner will make a personal appearance to present his Spring 2014 Collection at Saint Germain on Friday, March 14 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Pliner and his wife, Lisa, will present their new Italian-made Signature Collection featured as an exclusive to Saint Germain and 20 other selected stores across the nation. There will be music, beverages and desserts at the store located at The Shops at Canal Place. In addition to Pliner’s award-winning shoes and handbags, Saint Germain carries French hair accessories and fine jewelry, and handbags by designers from all over the world as well as Arche, a timeless line of French-made, comfort-focused shoes reintroduced to Saint Germain over the summer. Arche designer boots, shoes and sandals are hand-crafted by artisans located just outside of Paris and are constructed with a 100 percent natural Latex cushioning system for maximum durability, flexibility and unrelenting shock absorption. To see the latest designs, or for more information, visit SaintGermainNewOrleans.com or call 504-522-1720. Dale Gedert has focused on foot care for more than 40 years. He brings his expertise to Greater New Orleans with the opening of Therapeutic Shoes, a shopping resource for those suffering from a wide variety of conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, flat feet, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, bunions, calluses, edema, leg length discrepancies, as well as knee, hip, and back pain and more. “We specialize in custom accommodative foot orthotics, stylish extra depth shoes, diabetic shoes, custom shoes, shoe modifications, compression wear, and diabetic socks,” says Gedert. “We’ve got over 175 styles and colors of men’s and women’s shoes.” Therapeutic Shoes features an in-house orthotic lab with certified personnel who handle all custom orthotics and shoe modifications. They

offer a large selection of compression wear. Their socks are hand-made with bamboo charcoal fiber, seamless, and shaped to fit the foot for reducing fatigue and preventing circulation problems. The science your feet need—the comfort you deserve. Therapeutic Shoes is located at 408 Maine St. in Jefferson, LA. For more information and hours, call 504-832-3933.

D in in g Congratulations are in order for SoBou, the latest venture of the Commander’s Family of Restaurants. Named one of “The 25 Most Important Restaurants of 2013” by Zagat, SoBou, a “Spirited Restaurant,” elevates the adult beverage to a level of esteem, a pleasurable accompaniment to a whimsical yet Commander’s-quality meal. SoBou, short for “South of Bourbon,” offers guests a customizable dining experience, from small plates and cocktails to a full three courses. This spring, venture out to SoBou Sips, a monthly series exploring the ever-increasing variety of spirits and liqueurs. Led by Bar Chef Abigail Gullo, SoBou Sips is open to industry professionals and the drinking enthusiast alike. Every session includes a tasting of spirits, a palatecleansing cocktail and a blind tasting. Meanwhile, these are perfect months to enjoy a “Sunset in the Courtyard” cocktail in SoBou’s verdant courtyard connected to the W French Quarter Hotel. This flavorful concoction consists of Reposado Tequila, Blood Orange Liqueur, fresh lime juice and drizzle of Grenadine and comes with a free pair of SoBou sunglasses. For more information and reservations, contact SoBou at 504-552-4095 or online at SoBouNola.com. Enjoy the beautiful breezes this season with the unparalleled views and atmosphere at Dickie Brennan’s Tableau. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, on picturesque Jackson Square, Tableau offers both balcony and courtyard dining for guests looking to enjoy a refined meal

during the finest weather of the year. Between the fantastic food and the festive atmosphere of Jackson Square, Tableau is a must-visit dining destination this season. The culinary team revisits classic New Orleans cooking with a combination of European refinement and rustic simplicity. Using local ingredients, chef Ben Thibodeaux updates New Orleans dishes, adjusting them ever-so-slightly to make them signature items at Tableau. One example is his Oysters en Brochette, Gulf oysters broiled on rosemary skewers with a roasted garlic buerre blanc. Tableau is pleased to announce its new twocourse chef’s lunch, which changes daily, for only $14 per guest. Additionally, Tableau offers specials from 3-7 p.m. daily, featuring $3.50 draft beers and $5 classic cocktails and wines, as well as specially priced small plates. Visit TableauFrenchQuarter.com. Experience the thrilling combination of an expertly crafted meal and a Broadway show in New Orleans with “High Drama for Your Tastebuds,” the latest offering from café b and Ralph’s on the Park, which features a pre-theater three-course dinner for $35/person and a limo ride to and from the Saenger Theater for an additional $20/person. Avoid parking and arrive downtown in style with a Carey® Limo Bus 20 minutes before show time. The dine-and-ride offering is available all season at the Saenger Theater for Broadway Series evening shows only. Limo reservations must be made 24 hours in advance. Limited seating is available with tax and gratuity not included. At café b, enjoy either a Chilled Wedge Salad or steaming Chicken & Andouille Gumbo before an entrée of Gulf Shrimp & Lobster Ravioli or Pan Sauteed Gulf Fish & Crabmeat, and a decadent dessert. Ralph’s on the Park’s menu includes either Turtle Soup or the City Park Salad, four tantalizing entrees of BBQ Shrimp, Flat-Iron Steak, Gnocchi, or Fried Chicken and choice of dessert. For more information, visit CafeB.com or RalphsOnThePark.com.

sobou

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

101

ADVERTISING SECTION 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 and Vietnamese spring rolls, pad Thai, sushi, General Tso’s Chicken, Hunan steak, Kung Pao shrimp and more. Open daily until 2 a.m., Hoshun is a favorite late-night spot for locals and visitors alike. Visitors can look forward to the addition of sharable small plates to the menu in the near future. 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 Hoshun Pork Ribs and Butter Pepper Mignon round out a few of the meatier possibilities. 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. For more than 170 years, Antoine’s Restaurant has been making history in the heart of the French Quarter, serving FrenchCreole cuisine with excellent service in an inviting comfortable setting. With 14 unique dining rooms, each offering its own historical charm, it’s no wonder Antoine’s has served guests such as General Patton, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, President Roosevelt and more. Look for Antoine’s booth this year at French Quarter Festival. Enjoy happy hour at the famous Hermes Bar daily from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Specials include $2 domestic beer, $3 imports and $4 house brands. Live music on Friday and Saturday nights goes from 9:30 p.m. until midnight. The Hermes Bar is located at 725 Rue St. Louis in the French Quarter. For a casual lunch, visit Antoine’s Annex for artisan paninis, snacks and locally roasted organic coffees, comfortable courtyard seating and complimentary Wi-Fi for those working on the go. Located at 513 Royal St., Antoine’s Annex is open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. For more info, including the Hermes Bar and Antoine’s Annex menus, visit Antoines.com or call 504-581-4422. Spring brings one of the most beautiful times of year to South Louisiana, making Greater New Orleans a popular spring wedding destination. Already known for its superb cuisine crafted by Chef Andrea Apuzzo, Andrea’s is also a local top choice for weddings and private events. With private rooms able to accommodate parties from six to 500 Andrea’s is a memorable destination for rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, bridal showers, luncheons and more. Serving New Orleans seafood and Northern Italian and continental cuisine, Andrea’s also features wines from the restaurant’s own Italian vineyard. 102

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

hoshun restaurant Andrea’s Restaurant is not just for special occasions. Guests can enjoy full lunch, brunch and dinner menus. The Capri Blue Piano Lounge offers happy hour daily (11 a.m.-7 p.m.), live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and daily specials such as $5 house martinis. Small plates start at $6 and the bar features an extensive list of wines by the glass. Visit Andrea’s for lunch, Monday-Friday and take advantage of the threecourse, $20 lunch with martini specials. For menus, reservations, specials and more, visit AndreasRestaurant.com. This spring, try the healthiest long-term weight loss plan available. Well, located next to Earthsavers in Metairie, has made losing weight simple and fun. The Well Weight Loss Plan retrains your metabolism with healthy, whole foods and supplements – no gimmicks. You’ll lose fat, not muscle, accelerate your metabolism and feel energized. Women lose up to two pounds per week and men are losing up to four pounds a week. Well Weight Loss is customized to meet your personal needs by a licensed dietitian, all without food deprivation – eat more, not less, of the right foods. First, choose your plan. The three-week plan includes three weekly visits with a dietitian or health expert and one organic smoothie per visit. The 12-week plan includes 12 weekly visits with your dietitian or health expert, 20 percent off all supplements associated with the plan, one smoothie per visit, a free grocery tour and weekly biomat sessions for meeting goals. Add in the Well circle online support group, helpful recipes, tips and ideas, and you’ll experience what it is to live Well. Visit WellCompany.com or call 504-593-6955 to schedule an appointment. One of New Orleans, favorite familyowned, neighborhood restaurants has resided in the heart of Mid-City since 1947. In the tradition of New Orleans’ Italian heritage, Liuzza’s Restaurant & Bar offers specialties that include the “Frenchuletta” (a robust sandwich filled with Italian meats and seasonings), Italian stuffed artichokes, lasagna and pastas, as well as New Orleans favorites such as po-boys, gumbo and red beans and rice. Named New Orleans Magazine’s Best

Neighborhood Restaurant in 2012, Liuzza’s is open 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday and for lunch on Sunday and Monday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. For menus and more, visit Liuzza’s on Facebook or at Liuzzas.com. On Sunday, April 6, Liuzza’s will present the second annual Liuzza Palooza mini-festival at St. Margaret’s parking lot, across the street from Liuzza’s on Bienville Street and N. Telemachus Street. The fest will once again bring food, music and fun to Mid-City, benefiting two great causes: continued financial support for Michael Bordelon, co-owner of Liuzza’s, who suffered traumatic brain injuries from the result of a drunk driver, and also for St. Margaret’s at Mercy. For more on Liuzza Palooza, visit LiuzzaPalooza.com. It’s said that the word Carnival derives from the Latin “farewell to meat.” As Lent arrives, many of us will indeed be saying farewell. But who needs meat in New Orleans, with all the bounty of the Gulf of Mexico at our disposal? Come to RioMar, the seafood destination, and enjoy the most original and satisfying presentations of Louisiana seafood to be found anywhere in the Crescent City. Whether you’re in the mood for oysters, crawfish, grouper, snapper, drum or jumbo shrimp, they’ve got you covered. RioMar celebrates the Latin roots of New Orleans cuisine. In Cuba, jambalaya becomes paella. In Venezuela, beignets become buñuelos. And in New Orleans, no one does seafood better than RioMar. Reservations are recommended. For more information and hours, visit RioMarSeafood.com or call 504-525-FISH (3474). Stop by any Tropical Isle, Home of the Hand Grenade®, New Orleans’ Most Powerful Drink®. Also enjoy a Hand Grenade® at Funky Pirate Blues Club or Bayou Club. Experience live Trop Rock, Cajun/Zydeco & the blues with Tropical Isle’s nightly entertainment, the best on Bourbon, that keeps you dancing all night at Tropical Isle Bourbon, Tropical Isle Original, Little Tropical Isle, Funky Pirate Blues Club and the Bayou Club. Tropical Isle® is currently celebrating 30 years in business. They proudly sponsor Dr. John this year at French Quarter Festival on April 11

ADVERTISING SECTION This spring, enjoy a dynamic, sophisticated dining experience already lauded by both locals and visitors to New Orleans. Guests to Chophouse New Orleans have awarded this prime steakhouse with Opentable Diners’ Choice awards for Best Food, Best Service, Best Ambiance and Best Overall Restaurant. Additionally, Chophouse recently topped the “steakhouse power-rank” list by Thrillist. Chophouse New Orleans serves only USDA Prime for every steak, including filets. The menu also offers notable seafood selections, such as fresh Florida stone crabs; served cold, the succulent and juicy claws are accompanied with a special house sauce. At Chophouse New Orleans, every detail counts. From prime, aged steaks, barrel cut filets and colossal sized shrimp to top-of-the-line cooking techniques and carefully chosen breads and coffee, guests can expect the freshest, best tasting steak, seafood and sides. Chophouse New Orleans is open daily at 5pm and features live music nightly. For information and reservations, call 504-5227902 or visit them on the web at chophousenola. com or Facebook.com/ChophouseNola. Lords and ladies! Your presence is requested this March 25th and 26th at Bayona, Susan Spicer’s cozy, acclaimed French Quarter restaurant, for an encore presentation of Bayona’s Downton Abbey Dinner. A recreation of a Grand English dinner preceded by a Champagne reception with passed hors d oeuvres, the Downton Abbey Dinner allows fans of the PBS Masterpiece series a chance to regale in pithy conversation alongside elegant patrons dressed as their favorite Downton characters with white glove service liuzza's restaurant & bar around a table of Chef Susan Spicer's brilliant culinary creations. Past menus included Smoked Salmon and Crab Roulade en Gelée with Sauce Emeraude, Saxe-Coburg Soup with Duck Confit and StiltonWalnut Beignet, Shellfish Gratinée Newburg, and Beef Wellington Sauce Perigourdine with a selection of vegetables. The Downton Dinners are available for groups or individuals to make up tables of 8-10, for $100 per person, or $145 with wine pairings, plus tax and gratuity. Limited seating is available. For more information or to make reservations, call 504-525-4455. Copeland’s of New Orleans combines New Orleans flavor and comfort in a casual dining atmosphere. Known for its from-scratch cuisine, Copeland’s blends the freshest premium ingredients, sauces and seasonings to bring out the robust signature flavors of New Orleans in every dish—seafood, pasta, salads, steaks and more. Enjoy exceptional food and hospitality by stopping at one of their locations today.

at 4:30 p.m. This is Dr. John’s first appearance at the Fest since 1987 and his only appearance at a major spring festival in the metro New Orleans area for 2014. For more on Tropical Isle, 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. For sample menus and wine lists, visit OrleansGrapevine.com. Enjoy their new specialty drink, the Hand Grenade® Martini. Taste the rich history of New Orleans this season by going to Pascal’s Manale, home of the original BBQ Shrimp. Founded in 1913, this New Orleans tradition is now in its third, fourth and fifth generation of family involvement and still serves the classic dishes for which it’s been famous for decades. A blend of Italian and Creole, Pascal’s Manale’s menu includes both New Orleans and Italian favorites as well as steaks and seafood dishes. Perhaps start your night with raw oysters from the oyster bar before indulging in the succulent BBQ shrimp. The Veal Gambero and Fish Pascal specials have flavors all their own while also incorporating the richness of the BBQ Shrimp and its sauce. Other Pascal’s Manale favorites include the Oysters Bienville, baked oysters topped with a mushroom, shrimp and bacon dressing, or the Combination Pan Roast, which consists of shrimp, oysters and crabmeat chopped together with shallots and seasoning. World-famous Pascal’s Manale is located at 1838 Napoleon Ave., right off the St. Charles streetcar line. Call 504-895-4877 for reservations, or visit them on OpenTable.com.

Copeland’s Happy Hour is Monday-Friday, 4pm – 7pm, and all week from 9pm-close, in-lounge only. Happy Hour features half-priced well drinks, glasses of house wine, domestic bottled beer and all draft beer, $5 martinis, frozen daiquiris, peach bellinis and piña coladas, as well as $9.99 Crash & Burns, and half-priced selected appetizers. For more information on Copeland’s of New Orleans, including menus and locations, visit copelandsofneworleans.com.

Home Re ne w al , Design & Purchasing One way to cure your spring fever is a common annual household tradition: spring cleaning. Get organized this spring with help from New Orleans’ organization experts, California Closets. Located at 3211 N. Causeway Blvd. in Metairie, California Closets is a local leader in enhancing the storage and organization of any space. From closets and pantries to garages, offices and media centers, California Closets’ custom designs and quality materials add comfort and elegance to any room of your home and accessories such as drawer dividers, belt and tie racks, valet rods, pull-out baskets, bins and more make organizing easier than ever. For more information, visit their Metairie showroom or call 504-828-5705. For an online gallery of various storage options and info, visit them on the web at CaliforniaClosets.com Metairie. For other specials and updates, like them on Facebook. Welcome the newness of spring with a new look for your home. Visit Floor & Decor Design Gallery at 2801 Magazine St., and prepare to be inspired by their vast selection of tile, wood, bamboo, laminate, marble, travertine, granite and slate. With thousands of square feet of material in stock, Floor & Decor also promises unbeatable prices, even on specialty high-end decorative tile. With the largest in-stock selection of Carrara Marble in New Orleans and multiple varieties of Reclaimed Heart Pine flooring, Floor & Décor can provide a look that will wow your guests for years to come. Conveniently located with off-street parking, Floor & Decor offers complimentary design services from their staff of friendly designers happy to help with any project, large or small. Floor & Decor offers delivery, installation and financing. For more info, call 504-891-3005 or visit FloorAndDecorOutlets.com. In Gretna, visit 4 Westside Shopping Center (504-361-0501). On a beautiful tree-lined street in the historic Garden District sits a classic turn-of-the-century, double gallery Italianate-style home owned by Dr. and Mrs. Rand Voorhies. Mrs. Terry Voorhies is a principal at Piranesi Classic Antiques and Decoration on Magazine Street. With her fine eye for craftsmanship and appreciation for decorative arts, it was no surprise when her architect contacted Albany Woodworks to provide cypress plantation shutters, pine beams, patinated antique pine flooring, stairs and a custom cypress mantle for her renovation project. Regarding the myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

103

ADVERTISING SECTION completed project, Mrs. Voorhies remarks, “We continue to receive raving compliments on the room, especially on all the wood elements. The quality is so wonderful that people are shocked to learn that they were not original to our circa 1860’s home.” Albany Woodworks is a well-known local source for quality antique architectural materials and has worked on local historic renovations in private residences and large-scale projects such as the U.S. Customs House. For more information and to see examples of their quality woodwork, visit AlbanyWoodworks.com. Take a little drive and visit their showroom, open daily on the Northshore, or call 225-5671155 or 800-551-1282. Imagine coming home after work and retiring to your backyard to escape the stresses of your day. Exterior Designs by Beverly Katz, New Orleans’ original courtyard designer, helps homeowners find solitude in creating unique meditation gardens that soothe the soul and rejuvenate the mind. By combining calming colors with neatly pruned plants, bushes and shrubs, Beverly Katz creates an outdoor haven where homeowners can relax and unwind. Often fountains or other water features are incorporated to drown out city noises. An interior designer before realizing her talent for landscape architecture, Beverly Katz has a keen eye for detail combined with an affinity for perfection. Because of her background, her

104

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

creations are an extension of her clients’ homes. When Beverly visits for the initial consultation, she takes note of the client’s design aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the home’s interior. Exterior Designs is a full-service design and build company offering construction, installation and project management. They also service commercial entities, with recent projects at St. George School, Touro Synagogue and Bisso Towboat. Visit ExteriorDesignsBev.com for design inspiration or call 504-866-0276 for a consultation. For those looking for a new spring project in the form of a fixer-upper or those looking for a move-in ready home, Keith Dugas and his Team make it their mission to guide you through the loan process, helping you make educated decisions about the variety of mortgage options available. At InterLinc Mortgage Services, they have first-time home-buyer programs to help you purchase your dream home and a full service team of professionals that specializes in refinancing your current mortgage. The InterLinc Team is committed to providing the highest quality of service. They have on-staff underwriters, a history of guaranteed closing and multiple loan programs to fit everyone’s needs. InterLinc Mortgage Services’ ultimate goal is to create lasting relationships with each client and provide highest quality service for years to come. At InterLinc Mortgage Services, their motto is “On Time and As Agreed.”

Most importantly, InterLinc Mortgage Services is a company that gives back to the community (InterLincFamilyFoundation.org), working with numerous charitable organizations to help underprivileged youth. InterLinc Mortgage Services NMLS# 205696, Keith J. Dugas II NMLS# 86270 For a custom closet, pantry, home office or garage, superior service is available in your Northshore neighborhood. Since 2003, Louisiana Custom Closets has tailored rooms, shelves, hampers, hutches and more to fit the needs of residents in South Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast. Don Wise, the company’s founder, has been designing closets for more than 18 years. Wise has an unparalleled commitment to customer service, sometimes spending hours listening to the unique wants and needs a client has for the space in his or her home. Louisiana Custom Closets uses leading technology and software for design, providing clients with computer-generated images. They use high quality materials and custombuild each closet in their warehouse – from the slanted shelves for shoes and the various rods and valets for hanging clothes, to the spacious hutch drawers and cubicles for purses, sweaters and more. With competitive pricing, Louisiana Custom Closets will find an affordable solution to your home needs. Visit LouisianaCustomClosets.com or call for a free estimate: 985-871-0810 or 504-885-3188.

ADVERTISING SECTION

Gastroenterology at MetairieGastro.com or call 504-456-6701. Their office is located at 4228 Houma Blvd., Suite 120, in Metairie.

Health Awareness Spotlight:

Colon Cancer & General Health Excluding skin cancer, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in adults in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. It is also the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. when men and women are considered separately – second when both sexes are combined. However, colon cancer in many cases can be prevented, and when detected early, is highly treatable. Consulting a physician, knowing your risks, improving your health and scheduling a screening are the best ways to steer clear of a cancer diagnosis. Find a resource for your needs among these area leaders in gastroenterology and other health care fields.

Colo n Can c e r A w a r en es s At Metairie Gastroenterology, patients can expect convenience, compassion and the highest quality care. Drs. David R. Silvers, Nicholas J. Persich and Vernon J. Carriere Jr. have built Metairie Gastroenterology’s outstanding reputation by providing exceptional care on a one-toone basis over the past 30 years. As board certified gastroenterologists, they treat numerous GI diseases including Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Ulcers, Acid Reflux, Abdominal Pain, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Constipation, Diarrhea, Liver disease and many more GI disorders. Metairie Gastroenterology’s focus is to be the premier practice in the region for disorders of the digestive tract and to provide a positive experience for every patient. Colorectal cancer screenings are life-saving procedures. Colon cancer, if diagnosed early, is curable. Colonoscopy is done under sedation as an outpatient procedure and is the gold standard for detecting and removing colon polyps, which are precursors of colon cancer. Drs. Silvers, Persich and Carriere specialize in this life-saving procedure and strongly encourage men and women 50 and older to consider an exam. Visit Metairie

Residents of New Orleans, Jefferson Parish and the River Parishes looking for expert and personalized care in gastroenterology need to look no further than East Bank Gastroenterology. With locations in Metairie and LaPlace, East Bank Gastroenterology offers services including evaluation and treatment of common GI disorders such as reflux (GERD), colon polyps, ulcers, irritable bowel, liver disease, Crohn’s disease and colitis. Drs. John Harrington and Christopher Barrilleaux are Board Certified in Gastroenterology and maintain faculty appointments at Tulane University School of Medicine in addition to their practice. Colon cancer is generally preventable if screening is begun at an appropriate age. For most, this age is between 40 and 50 years old, depending on a variety of factors such as family history. The physicians and staff of East Bank Gastroenterology can advise patients of their level of risk and schedule appropriate screenings. Endoscopic procedures including screening colonoscopy are generally painless and can be performed at two affiliated locations: Alliance Endoscopy Center in Metairie and the South Lake Surgery Center in Laplace. For more information, visit ebgastro.com or call 504-456-7484 (Metairie) or 985-652-1156 (LaPlace). West Jefferson Medical Center’s Endoscopy Department on the West Bank, recognized by the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, promotes screening and early detection of colorectal cancer. Physicians and staff at West Jefferson remind readers that this form of cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. Many people with the early stages of colon cancer do not have symptoms. That’s why early detection by screening is so important. Most colon cancers start with polyps, which can slowly develop into cancer. Polyps can be found by screening and removed before they can develop into cancers. Early diagnosis often leads to a cure. West Jefferson Medical Center Endoscopy offers a comprehensive range of testing including colonoscopies. Additionally, the West Jeff Fitness Centers offer wellness and nutritional services to help individuals embrace healthier lifestyles. To find a gastroenterologist, visit wjmc.org, call 504-349-2054 or visit your personal doctor. One condition that predisposes a person to having colon cancer is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or more specifically, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s colitis. Patients with IBD have an increased risk of colon cancer and require more frequent screening colonoscopies especially if they have had the disease for greater than seven years. Studies have also shown that there is an increased risk of colon cancer in those with a more active disease state. The Tulane Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center specializes in the care of these chronic diseases. The center’s director, Dr. Nabeel Khan, has a special interest in studying the association of ulcerative colitis and colon cancer and has received a federal grant to study the association of certain drugs with colon cancer in the setting of ulcerative colitis. Under the guidance of Dr. Khan, the center provides a comprehensive treatment plan in a dedicated Inflammatory Bowel Disease clinic with access to the latest, cutting edge experimental treatments.

myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

105

ADVERTISING SECTION

For more information on IBD and the Tulane IBD Center, call 504-9885110 or e-mail Christine.Cottrell@hcahealthcare.com.

Urol ogy Crescent City Physicians, Inc., a subsidiary of Touro, offers the latest in urological care and technology. Dr. Richard Vanlangendonck is a board certified urologist fellowship-trained in minimally invasive urologic surgery with a primary focus on prostate and kidney cancers. Due to advances in robotic technology, prostatectomies and nephrectomies can now be performed in such a way that surrounding nerves may be spared, which offers patients many potential benefits. Patients having robotic prostatectomies typically have reduced side effects from prostate cancer surgery over traditional open surgery. Reduced side effects, as well as the possibility of a partial nephrectomy, are advantages of robotic surgery in dealing with kidney cancer. In partial nephrectomies, only the diseased part of the kidney is removed while sparing the healthy, functioning kidney tissue. Dr. Vanlangendonck uses the state-of-the-art da Vinci® Surgical System in performing these procedures. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 504-897-7196 or visit Crescent City Physicians online at CrescentCityPhysicians.com.

Nurs ing and Re habil itation Chartered in 1891, The John J. Hainkel, Jr. Home and Rehabilitation Center and Adult Day Health Care is located in Uptown New Orleans and provides health care services including a full range of skilled services offered in its new Parkside Red Rehabilitation Wing. These services are available to individuals with private pay, private insurance, VA benefits and Medicaid/ Medicare benefits. In 1979, the facility was sold to the state. The original nonprofit organization leased it back from the state on April 19, 2011. As a privately operated non-profit it exhibits the highest quality of care; Hainkel received “0” deficiencies in its most recent annual surveys conducted by the Department of Health & Hospitals in both the Nursing Home and the Adult Day Health Care. The Hainkel Home promotes quality of life as a unique and caring alternative for the elderly and those who suffer from serious illnesses and disabilities. Please call 504-896-5904 today to schedule a tour of The Hainkel Home facilities and see why it is the right choice for your family. You may also visit HainkelHome.com for more information.

Pa in Ma nage me nt As of December 2013, New Orleans residents suffering from pain have a new option with a group of exceptional physicians led by Dr. Eric I. Royster, founder of Integrated Pain and Neuroscience (IPN). Physicians at IPN believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy life in health and wellness. Their vision is to offer the most comprehensive treatment experience for patients suffering from chronic pain, from acupuncture to more invasive techniques offered exclusively at IPN. Physicians with expertise in Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine, Neurology, Medical Acupuncture, Spine Surgery and Psychiatry work closely together to provide the best possible treatment and include Dr. Eric Royster, Dr. Andrea O’Leary, Dr. Aaron J. Friedman and Kim Adkins, PA-C. These physicians coordinate care to determine the most suitable, individualized treatment. At IPN, common conditions such as spine pain, orthopedic pain, neurologic pain and headaches are successfully treated. Additionally, Medical Therapy, Non-Surgical Intervention, Spinal Cord Stimulation, Intrathecal Drug Delivery, Medical Acupuncture and Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression are available treatments. For more information, visit PainIsAPuzzle.com or call 504-300-9020. IPN in located Uptown at 2801 Napoleon Ave.

106

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

118

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

TRYTHIS

The author tries her skills.

E L ENA RI C C I P HOTO G RA P H

Trying at Flying Navigating the aerial arts at Gravity Defying Fitness

By Lauren Laborde here seems to be a renewed interest in

the circus arts. It isn’t uncommon to see aerialists as the hired entertainment at weddings. The singer Pink dazzled at the 2014 Grammy Awards with an act that had her hanging from a trapeze above the audience, while singing a love ballad. Touting its fitness benefits, many places offer aerial arts classes – hanging upside down might be the new yoga.

Shopping

H O W - TO

F OR T H E MO N T H

But while twirling around colorful strands of silk looks fun, are these tricks even possible for an adult with no chance at getting into Cirque du Soleil? Gaining aerial skills are hard, and they require a lot of upper body strength and dealing with dry, calloused hands, but Lorelei Ashe of Gravity Defying Fitness seems to think it isn’t too far out of reach. Operating in the back of Temple Gym (4521 Magazine St.), Ashe, a tiny but strong retired aerialist, leads individuals and small groups in training on the trapeze, aerial silks (those colorful fabrics you often see in aerial performances) and aerial hoop, or lyra. Her business’ motto is “Defy your age. Defy your fears. Defy your expectations.” When I arrive to the gym for my sample session Ashe, who is 48, is wrapping up a session with a woman in her 40s, so it’s apparent that one’s physical prime can be at any age. I quickly learn that my relative youth doesn’t give me much advantage in navigating the aerial arts. I remove my shoes to reveal my embarrassingly mismatched socks – which will be on full display when I pathetically dangle from the trapeze later – and Ashe leads me in some warm-up exercises to stretch and get my blood flowing. My first task is to attempt the trapeze bar. I put chalk on my hands like Olympic gymnasts do and grab on. Pulling myself up is difficult, much less kicking up my legs to swing back and forth on the bar, and I can see where Ashe gets the cracked palms. But the whole time, Ashe is encouraging and patient. I have similar struggles climbing the silks, which are soft and beautiful but deceptively difficult to climb. I don’t look like Pink at all. But when I hold onto the lyra – a Hula Hoop-looking ring hanging from the ceiling – lift my legs into a straddle position and spin myself around, I feel graceful and weightless. Sure, I’m not doing anything very complicated, nor am I that high off the ground, but I see what draws people to aerial arts: the feeling of being in the air is addictive. I want to try it again. For more information, visit GravityDefyingFitness.com.

New Creative Direction for Cristy Cali Cristy Cali, from local retailers and online at CristyCali.com

Cristy Cali, a jewelry designer from Metairie is expanding her collection to Texas. Until now, Cali’s creations have been inspired by the local art, culture and history of New Orleans. Now she’s designing a new collection inspired by the iconography of Texas cities such as San Antonio, Houston and Dallas. Cali says, “My goal is to create jewelry for other cities, which reflects the essence of the place, just as I have done in New Orleans.” – M i r e l l a c a m e r a n

Events

Liuzza’s Restaurant Stages Second Palooza Liuzza’s Restaurant & Bar, 3636 Bienville St., 482-9120, Liuzzas.com

The Mid-City restaurant Liuzza’s Restaurant & Bar, along with St. Margaret’s at Mercy skilled nursing facility, is staging the second Liuzza Palooza (“Two Dat”) mini-festival on Sun., April 6. The event will raise money for St. Margaret’s at Mercy, which includes the world’s second ALS dedicated household (The Team Gleason House at St. Margaret’s). The money raised will also support continued physical, occupational and psychological therapies for Michael Bordelon, co-owner of Liuzza’s, who suffered traumatic brain injuries as the result of a drunk driver. The event will bring together food, music and fun in Mid-City in St. Margaret’s parking lot, located across the street from Liuzza’s on Bienville Street and North Telemachus Street. – M . C . myneworleans.com

MARCH 2014

119

STREETCAR

Dinner With Tennessee’s Brother

B Y ERROL LA B ORDE eing

invited

have

dinner

with

Tennessee

Williams’ brother would ordinarily be considered to be a great honor – and it was. Only, anyone who knew Dakin Williams knew that with him things could be different. Dakin was an annual visitor to the Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival. He wasn’t a shy man. The semi-retired St. Louis lawyer often wore a gold jacket with loud-colored pants, and always traveled with an entourage since he was convinced there was a conspiracy to kill him. Theatrically, he had been known to wear a woman’s slip and to forcefully recite lines from his brother’s plays. Dakin Williams believed until the day he died that his brother, about whom the New York City Coroner had ruled accidental choking from inhaling a medicine cap as the cause of death, had actually been murdered as part of some sort of backstage intrigue to control his estate. Subsequent investigations never supported Dakin’s contention, but he persisted. And that’s why, he believed, he was a target. Had there been a killer on the loose, Dakin’s entourage could not have done much to stop him. At various times his group consisted of his wife, who was a nice but feeble woman; his adopted daughter, an attractive lady who drew lots of attention; a former cop, who was also his driver; a young man with long brown hair, whose role in the entourage was unclear but who was totally passive; and another man, we’ll call him Farley, who had great stories to tell. Among Farley’s tales were those of his father, whose insurance business in Memphis specialized in the needs of rhythm and blues performers. One of his clients was Elvis Presley. Because of Presley’s stature, Farley’s dad would open his office on Sundays to deal with the performers’ needs while sparing him the inevitable groveling from a waiting room crowd. Farley, who was a kid, would go to the office with his dad. Elvis would get restless while the older man was processing forms so to pass the time he would wrestle on the lawn with Farley. They became friends, and Elvis would invite Farley to parties at Graceland. Eventually Farley stopped going, he lamented to me, as drugs became more a part of the scene. Oh for the simple days of just wrestling with Elvis. Dakin was a man of some wealth, and his dinners, always held at an upper-end French Quarter restaurant, were lavish affairs where food and booze flowed. The honor of being there was tempered only by Dakin’s tendency to, on the days of the dinner, invite just about anyone whom he met that day, providing they were not trying to shoot him. On this particular night, Dakin had returned from an afternoon at Harrah’s. The expanded guest list included the members of a band he met there. There must have been about 20 guests, including a few who might have actually heard of Tennessee Williams. So I sat at the end of the table opposite Dakin and heard stories from Farley about Elvis. Dakin’s wife tried to be gracious, despite this really not being her type of crowd. Meanwhile a local attorney who was ogling Dakin’s daughter had gotten himself invited and continued his pursuit. The kid with the long hair ate quietly. The band members gobbled up the grub. The setting could have provided characters for a play. Dakin was in his glory. He lived in the shadow of his brother but always cast his own light. 120

MARCH 2014

myneworleans.com

ARTH U R NEAD I L L U STRATION