New Orleans Magazine May 2016

may 2016

myneworleans.com $4.95 l na o i t Na � e “ rt h t nce o nts y C a D ese l r V p oria -T S E em WY M

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MAY 2016 / VOLUME 50 / NUMBER 8 Editor-in-Chief Errol Laborde Managing Editor Morgan Packard Art Director Tiffani Reding Amedeo Contributing Editor Liz Scott Monaghan Food Edit­or Dale Curry Dining Edit­or Jay Forman Wine and Spirits Edit­or Tim McNally Restaurant Reporter Robert Peyton Home Editor Bonnie Warren web Editor Kelly Massicot Staff Writer Melanie Warner Spencer Interns Lani Griffiths and Starlight Williams SALES MANAGER Kate Sanders (504) 830-7216 / Kate@MyNewOrleans.com Senior Account Executives Jonée Daigle Ferrand, Lisa Picone Love Account Executives Claire Cummings, Jessica Marasco

Production Manager Staci McCarty Senior Production Designer Ali Sullivan Production Designers Monique DiPietro traffic MANAGER Jessica DeBold Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne President Alan Campell Executive VICE PRESIDENT Errol Laborde Vice President of Sales Colleen Monaghan DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND EVENTS Cheryl Lemoine Event Coordinator Margaret Strahan Distribution Manager John Holzer Administrative Assistant Denise Dean Subscriptions Manager Sara Kelemencky SUBSCRIPTIONS Assistant Mallary Matherne WYES DIAL 12 STAFF (504) 486-5511 Executive Editor Beth Arroyo Utterback Managing Editor Aislinn Hinyup Associate Editor Robin Cooper Art Director Jenny Hronek NEW ORLEANS MAGAZINE Printed in USA A Publication of Renaissance Publishing 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123 Metairie, LA 70005 Subscriptions: (504) 830-7231

MyNewOrleans.com

New Orleans Magazine (ISSN 0897 8174) is published monthly by Renaissance Publishing, LLC., 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005; (504) 828-1380.

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

The opinions expressed in New Orleans Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the magazine managers or owners.

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contents

68 FEATURES

IN EVERY ISSUE

ON THE COVER

58 Shrimp: a giant among seafoods

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INSIDE

“Shrimp Boats”

While shrimp recipes from around the world can be counted into the hundreds, our Food Editor Dale Curry brings you seven variations on local favorites. From new twists to the tried and true, find your new go-to starting on pg. 58.

Seven varied recipes

By Dale Curry

68

Afternoon Delight

Skin and spa treatments made for a weekday lunch break escapade

By Melanie Warner Spencer

18 speaking out

Editorial, plus a Mike Luckovich cartoon 20

JULIA STREET Questions and answers about our city

135 Try This

“Commander’s Dinner and Concert Series”

136 STREETCAR

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“The Man At the Track”

Photographed by Eugenia Uhl

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contents

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76

THE BEAT

LOCAL COLOR

THE MENU

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MARQUEE

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me again

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table talk

Entertainment calendar

“As The Go-Cups Go”

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PERSONA

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MODINE’S NEW ORLEANS

“South Market District: New neighborhood cuisine”

Timothy McConnell, Superintendent, New Orleans Fire Department

“Talking Dirty”

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Biz

44

Joie d’Eve

“Pump Slump”

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education

“Fiction As Fad: Analyzing ‘Downton Abbey’”

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health

“Double Surgeries”

50

JAZZ LIFE

34

HEALTHBEAT

“Indian Economics”

The latest news in health from New Orleans and beyond

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HOME

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CHRONICLES

“Richard Angelico’s ‘Back Story’”

“French Elegance:” This Country Club Gardens house was ”remodeled with style in mind”

76 restaurant insider

“Flying Solo”

News From the Kitchens: Chais Delachaise, Blue Oak BBQ & Josephine Estelle

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IN TUNE

78

LAST CALL

“Post Jazz Fest: More for May”

The Oliver

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Read & Spin

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DINING GUIDE

A look at the latest albums and books

DIAL 12 D1 The “National Memorial Day Concert” will broadcast live on WYES-TV/Channel 12 from our nation’s capital on Sun., May 29 at 7 p.m. Be sure to tune in every Saturday at 9:30 a.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. for New Orleans Cooking with Kevin Belton. The new national cooking series features seafood gumbo, pralines, shrimp remoulade, bananas Foster and many other New Orleans specialties. For WYES program and event details, visit WYES.org.

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inside

Shrimp Boats

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hrimp boats once docked in the small canal that lined the area best known as Bucktown. It was a quirky little neighborhood with a restaurant, Sid-Mars, a view of the sunset over the lake, a bridge from which boys in cut-off jeans still jumped – even at an age when they should have known better – and other restaurants on the crossing’s opposite side. At its best that stretch of Bucktown was the city’s own seaport village, still rustic in many ways. There were no vendors selling replicas of the shrimp boats, no ice cream parlors or T-shirt shops. The business of the street was seafood – gathering it and cooking it.

Bucktown comes to mind looking at the cover of this month’s issue, which features a pot of barbecue shrimp. In the neighborhood’s heyday people didn’t fix shrimp that way, it was mostly boiled or fried and served as a poor boy. Barbecue shrimp is a riverside-of-Claiborne-Avenue invention, particularly Pascal’s Manale restaurant, where the recipe was invented (though the shrimp are not really barbecued, but baked and served in a seasoned sauce that begs to be dipped into).

Fortunately the dish has survived better than Bucktown has.

To imagine what the once-charming little road with the canal at its side looks like now, picture Hoover Dam. The neighborhood sacrificed its life so that the 17th Street Canal will never flood again like it did after Katrina. The new flood control structure has the charm of a rock but we’re a lot safer now.

There still are shrimp boats in the neighborhood though less visibly. Over the levee near the new Coast Card facility there’s a small marina where some of the boats are parked.

It is good to see them and they’re charming in their own way, with their net poles locked in the upward position as though pointing to the crab constellation, but the setting just isn’t the same. There is no neighboring village, just an empty green space. I realize now that part of the charm of a shrimp boat is in the surroundings.

At least the descending sun will always be there. Each time it rises again there will be more nets in the water and more bounty heading for the kitchen.

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on the web

Wanted:

Your suggestions, please Top Female Achievers

Each year we present a class of local Top Female Achievers – women who provide inspiration through not only their accomplishments, but also through their deeds and advice.

We need you to tell us about those women who, year after year, are doing good works and for whom, as far as we know, the best is yet to come. Visit MyNewOrleans.com/ NominateTFA and tell us who you think should be acknowledged as a Top Female Achiever.

New Orleans Magazine is on the web, are you?

Follow New Orleans Magazine on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest for all of the latest in New Orleans cuisine, music and more.

Make sure to sign up for the daily MyNewOrleans.com newsletter, too. Be the first to read our blogs, get the 411 on top events around the city and see the features and columns from all seven of our publications all in one place.

Follow us:

Facebook: Facebook.com/NewOrleansMagazine Twitter: @NewOrleansMag Instagram: @NewOrleansMag

People to Watch

We define People to Watch as those who are doing something new and interesting in our community – whether they’re new faces or known faces moving in a new direction. Each year we highlight more than 30 selectees whose stories you should be aware of, since they’re likely to be part of our city’s future.

Do you know someone we should include? If so, go to MyNewOrleans. com/NominatePTW and let us know who and why!

Pinterest: Pinterest.com/NewOrleansMag Sign up for our newsletters at MyNewOrleans.com/Newsletter

Openings for “Cool Jobs” Do you know someone who has the type of job that not only makes the rest of us jealous, but that most of us might not even know exists?

We’re looking for the coolest jobs in New Orleans. Do you know someone who gets to play with toys, taste chocolate or drink beer all day? Do you know someone whose job is even cooler than that?

Go to MyNewOrleans.com/NominateCoolJob and fill out the form so this October we can highlight the most enviable gigs in New Orleans!

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meet our sales team

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

Kate Sanders Sales Manager (504) 830-7216 Kate@myneworleans.com

Jonee Daigle-Ferrand Senior Account Executive (504) 830-7257 Jonee@myneworleans.com

Lisa Picone Love Senior Account Executive (504) 830-7263 Lisa@myneworleans.com

Brittany Gilbert Account Executive (504) 830-7298 BrittanyG@myneworleans.com

Jessica Marasco Account Executive (504) 830-7220 JessicaM@myneworleans.com

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SPEAKING OUT

The Will Smith Tragedy What Sean Payton Can Do

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here are times (many of them) when New Orleans seems like the most special place on earth; then there are other times when the city seems hopeless. Sometimes those moments occur within the same hour.

Such was the case on the evening of April 9. The city was happy that night. The weather had been beautiful, all the better to make more festive the French Quarter Festival. Restaurants were busy; streets were full of activity; the hotels were packed with tourists who had joined the festivity. But then the evening got ugly.

We all know, as does seemingly most of the world, about the death on a city street of former Saints Defensive End Will Smith. This coming season the Saints franchise will celebrate its 50th anniversary. During that time players, if they chose, have lived and thrived peacefully here. Within that half-century of teams, there is one group that stands out as hallowed in the city’s history, and that is the 2010 Super Bowl

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Champions. And now one of that team was a victim of a homicide.

During the days to follow, the city was severely criticized in the national press, particularly by coaches and formers players who complained of a city that was broken.

Speaking out against guns, Head Coach Sean Payton told USA Today, “I am not an extreme liberal … I find myself leaning to the right on some issues. But in this issue, I can’t wrap my brain around it … I hate guns.”

“I know this,” Payton concluded, “our city is broken.”

We respect the coach’s comments, but the truth is no city is ever totally fixed. Urban areas carry the great weight of having to provide for an economic underclass that depends upon them for opportunities and services.

New Orleans did not invent road rage. It is a global phenomenon that has intensified as vehicles have gotten faster and life more connected

to roads. Where the city does suffer in comparison to other towns is in the availability of guns, particularly in the hands of people who should not have them. But this, too, is a national issue. The same highways that cause road rage can carry weapons from town to town.

Here, though, is where Payton can help. What if football coaches would speak out more about gun restrictions? What if that became a cause? The coaches have the ear of a largely male, conservative, sports-oriented base that would be suspicious of others criticizing guns.

Football coaches, many of whom are probably hunters themselves, are more revered in the male world.

Players who follow their lead could become important role models. Just as the NFL has taken a public position combating breast cancer taking a stance against gun violence can save even more lives. We know that guns will never be eliminated, but maybe they can be made to be less glamorous, particularly to an element that sees them as a source of power.

We honor the life of Will Smith and mourn his loss.

May we, with the help of the coaches, at least be able to do something about it. n

AN ORIGINAL ©MIKE LUCKOVICH CARTOON FOR NEW ORLEANS MAGAZINE

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JULIA STREET /

WITH POYDRAS THE PARROT

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

looked forward to seeing it every trip and would like to know what happened to it. I would love to see it again.

Thank you very much.

Deb Downing New Orleans

Dear Miss Julia, Years ago when we drove from Gentilly to Uptown to visit my father’s parents, we passed a building with a neon sign on the roof. It was the Sandman and he was dropping sand from his hand while holding a sack. I think it was near Broad Street, and it could have been a mattress factory near a water plant. I

You are remembering the Crescent Bed Company building at 600 S. Broad St. at Gravier Street. The nearby water plant you recall was actually a pumping station, not a water treatment plant. Having lost its factory in a fire, the decadeold Crescent Bed Company in 1910 purchased the entire block bounded by S. Broad, S. Dorgenois, Gravier and Perdido streets. Within a year, owner Peter Jung Sr. had not only built his mattress factory at that location, but turned a quick profit by selling to the National Brewing Company the unused half of the newly acquired square. If Peter Jung’s name sounds familiar to you, it should. In 1925 it was he who, with fellow family members and mattress company officers, established the Jung Hotel.

Perched atop the Crescent

Win a restaurant gift certificate

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

MAY 2016 / myneworleans.com

Bed Company was a neon depiction of the local company’s trademark – the Sandman standing on a crescent moon and sprinkling soporific sand from his hand. Sadly, like many landmarks I once knew and loved, it’s long-gone, but the 1921 advertisement accompanying this column does justice to the company mascot’s distinctive creepiness. I am not exactly sure how I imagined the Sandman of folklore might look, but I’m reasonably sure I wouldn’t envision him as a strange broken-nosed mix of Robin Hood, the Pied Piper of Hamlyn and King Richard III. However, it’s because of his somewhat peculiar and oddly menacing appearance that I remember him well.

By the early 1970s, the Broad Street mattress factory had become an outlet store for the Dameron-Pierson office furniture company and, by the 1980s, was home to the Whittaker Rattan company.

Dear Julia, As season subscriber of The Saenger for many years, I

have very fond memories of a dear elderly aunt and I shopping at Krauss on Canal Street before the 2 p.m.

Thursday matinee Broadway shows during the early 1980s through the mid-’90s.

Often we found ourselves in the lighting/lamp department, admiring the artistic, beautiful and huge lamps, some of which cost over $1,000. Most of the lamps had women in elaborate, low-cut long dresses and men wearing white wigs on the base playing harpsichords, straight out of the old European and Mozart era. My aunt would always tell me if she had the house to match the lamp she would buy it. When Krauss went out of business in the late 1997, she said she wished she had bought one.

Can you tell me some history on the lamps, style, the maker and is there any store in the New Orleans area selling them today?

Thanks, Beverly Hall Luling

cially those with French or English influence. Unfortunately, although the lamps your aunt so coveted would have been among some of Cecil and Provenzano’s more upscale decorative items, neither man mentioned them to their interviewer. I suspect the lamps were French or English imports and that they may have been the product of various porcelain works.

If you’re in the market for such a lamp, I recommend you systematically work your way though upscale furniture stores. With the right amount combination of time, persistence and cold hard cash, I suspect a large 18th-century style figural lamp wouldn’t be too hard to obtain. On the other hand, if money is no object, why concentrate your search on a modern reproduction? After all, $1000+ (in 1980s money) was a heck of a price for a modern look-alike.

I bet your aunt loved Royal Street.

I remember Krauss’ fourth floor lamp department but have been unable to identify the manufacturers or distributors of the lamps you described. Had you asked about the much more modestly priced and widely advertised brass lamps Krauss sold around that time, I would have been able to tell you that makers included Sedgefield and Sandel.

In October 1982, TimesPicayune writer Ed Fricke interviewed John Cecil and Mike Provenzano, Krauss’ fine furniture buyers. Noting that their customers tended to buy furnishings piece-bypiece rather than as matched sets, Cecil and Provenzano commented that many shoppers were particularly fond of elegant items reflecting 18th-century style – espe-

Dear Julia and Poydras, Back in my student days, my friends and I used to go out for beer and pizza, often ending up at the Pied Piper. Do you remember it? I don’t think it was around very long. Where exactly was it?

John Hammil New Orleans The Pied Piper’s Pizza Palace was hardly palatial. Any way you looked at it, it was a student dive in a suburban strip mall. However, the deep-dish pizza was good, the baskets of tater tots were hot and crispy and there was plentiful beer for washing it all down. I seem to recall Pied Piper’s Pizza Palace didn’t last terribly long, operating at 3300 Ridgelake Drive from about 1975 until the early ’80s. n

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

persona pg. 26

Timothy McConnell, NOFD superintendent, has been with the department for 32 years, but he still insists that it’s the firefighters who merely “make him look good.”

greg miles PHOTOGRAPH

THE BEAT / MARQUEE

OUR TOP PICKS FOR MAY EVENTS

BY LAUREN LABORDE

Mamma Mia!

Knight Time

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra finishes its first season back at the Orpheum with several big concerts, both in New Orleans proper and in surrounding areas.

Enjoy the last days of tolerable weather at its Concerts in the Park series in Slidell’s Heritage Park (May 1), Metairie’s Lafreniere Park (May 5) and Covington’s Bogue Falaya Park (May 7). “Beethoven’s Fifth” (Orpheum Theater, May 12, First Baptist Covington, Covington, May 13) and “A Hero’s Life,” a “concert exemplifying musical heroism,” (Orpheum Theater, May 20) follow. But perhaps most fun-sounding is an ABBA-themed concert featuring the “world’s most popular ABBA tribute band,” Arrival from Sweden (May 14, Orpheum Theater). Mamma mia – what a great month of music! Information, LPOMusic.com

The NOLA Project continues its spring tradition of staging performances at NOMA’s Besthoff Sculpture Garden. This month (May 4-22) ensemble member Pete McElligott’s new adaptation of Don Quixote will be performed in the company’s typical playful, immersive fashion. The comedic adaptation has Quixote instructing the audience on how life should be lived, tackling topics including bandits, romance and grade school math. Information, NolaProject.com

A Celebration for the Books The Historic New Orleans Collection, the historical repository, research center and publisher, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with Soirée d’Or, a black-tie gala (May 4). Held at the Orpheum Theater, the event features a patron party followed by a gala with entertainment by the Preservation Hall All-Stars, among others, and food by Ralph Brennan Catering. Information, HNOC.org

CALENDAR May 4, 11, 18, 25. Wednesday at the Square concert series, Lafayette Square Park. Information, WednesdayAtTheSquare.com

May 7. New Orleans Ballet Association presents Che Malambo, Mahalia Jackson Theater. Information, NOBADance.com

May 6. Whitney Zoo-to-Do, Audubon Zoo. Information, AudubonNatureInstitute.org/ZTD

May 10-11. The Cure in concert, UNO Lakefront Arena. Information, Arena.UNO.edu

May 6-22. How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts. Information, RivertownTheaters.com

May 13. Explosions in the Sky in concert, Joy Theater. Information, TheJoyTheater.com

May 7. Celtic Woman, Saenger Theater. Information, SaengerNOLA.com

May 13-15. Blue Man Group, Saenger Theater. Information, SaengerNOLA.com

May 8. The 1975 with the Japanese House and Wolf Alice in concert, Champions Square. Information, Champions-Square.com

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May 14-15. A Midsummer Night’s Dream ballet, Jefferson Performing

a raffle for $1,000 (a ticket is included with admission); Sunday night’s free admission for toga-wearers; and of course lots of wine and Ouzo. Gail Psilos, co-chair of the festival for the past 12 years, talks about this year’s fest. (Heads-up: like most of New Orleans, the area around Holy Trinity Cathedral is torn up from construction, so the festival will offer parking and shuttles from the former John F. Kennedy High School on Wisner Boulevard.)

SPOTLIGHT

Nectar of the Gods Gail Psilos, co-chair of Greek Fest, discusses this year’s event

N

ow in its 43rd year, Greek Fest is a mouth-watering feast for the senses happening Memorial Day weekend (May 27-29). Featuring Mediterranean staples like dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) and lamb by the pound, alongside cultural mash-ups like feta fries and baklava sundaes, the food here is the star. But the lively festival also features Greek bands with plenty of dancing; a kids’ area with a rock-climbing wall and other activities; canoeing on the bayou; annual traditions like

How has the festival grown since you’ve been involved? We went

from about 20,000 people over the weekend to anywhere to as many as 30,000 people who come through the gate.

Could you anticipate that the festival would be such a draw for all of New Orleans, beyond the Greek community?

It was very much always a New Orleans event. It’s a cultural event –it’s always been that – and people have always come for the food. It’s what we’re known for.

We’ve expanded significantly.

We have entertainment, the youth dancers dance inside … and we have church tours. Our cathedral is very beautiful; we have iconography on the ceiling and the walls. Our priest does tours and explains why the icons are where they are and talks a

little about orthodox Christianity. There’s a grocery store at the festival where you can buy cheese by the pound, hors d’oeuvres, a bottle of wine and sit on the bayou and enjoy the music because we have a Greek band that’s playing outside.

It’s really a great atmosphere.

We meld our New Orleans and Greek culture together, and people really appreciate it.

Because people like food, drink and dancing …

Absolutely! The Greeks are known for wonderful parties, and so is New Orleans.

What are some of the new things at this year’s fest?

This year we’re featuring grape leaves, everything grape leaves.

There’s vegetarian grape leaves, rice stuffed grape leaves, meat stuffed grape leaves and this year we’re going to be featuring shrimp-stuffed grape leaves.

They’re very healthy for you – the Mediterranean diet overall is a very healthy diet.

What your personal favorite aspects of the festival? The

lamb. The lamb is outstanding.

And the baklava sundae. Everything is wonderful. We have goat burgers that are extremely lean and juicy. Over the course of the weekend I’ll have one of everything, probably.

For more information on Greek Fest, visit GreekFestNola.com. n

Arts Center. Information, JPAS.org

TheBayouBoogaloo.com

May 17. Rihanna in concert, Smoothie King Center. Information, SmoothieKingCenter.com

May 25-June 9. Wicked, Saenger Theater. Information, SaengerNOLA.com

May 17. Eagles of Death Metal in concert, One Eyed Jacks. Information, OneEyedJacks.net May 18. Deftones in concert, Orpheum Theater. Information, OrpheumNola.com May 21. NOCCA Institute’s Art & Soul Gala, New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts. Information, NOCCA.com

May 26-29. New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, various locations.

Information, NOWFE.com June 4. New Orleans International Beer Fest, Champions Square.

Information, Champions-Square.com June 4-5. New Orleans Oyster Festival, Woldenberg Park. Information, NewOrleansOysterFestival.org

May 20-22. Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo, Bayou St. John. Information, Craig Mulcahy PHOTOGRAPH

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THE BEAT / PERSONA

Timothy McConnell Superintendent, NOFD

BY LAUREN LABORDE

T

he New Orleans Fire department has been busy lately. So far in 2016 there has been a six-alarm fire at a pair of historic buildings on Canal Street and more recently, smaller fires at Fiorella’s and The Presbytere in the French Quarter – and those are just some of the high-profile incidents. Leading the department through all this is Timothy McConnell, the 11th NOFD superintendent who has been with the department for 32 years, but he still insists that it’s the firefighters who “make him look good.”

Described as “a firefighter’s firefighter”

by Mayor Landrieu, the New Orleans native says he “eats, sleeps and breathes” the city, owns every Jazz Fest poster and refuses to eat at chain restaurants. We

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spoke to McConnell in his Uptown home that’s 125 years old – coincidentally, the same age as the NOFD.

Q: Where did you grow up? I’m origi-

nally from the 3rd Ward, the Mid-City area, but we moved to Metairie because we had seven kids living in half a shotgun. When I lived in Metairie it was like the sticks; there was hunting in the backyard. The minute I graduated from high school I moved to New Orleans and have never left. My parents just glorified New Orleans to us so much, and rightfully so.

Q: Did you ever imagine yourself in

a leadership role with the NOFD? I didn’t imagine I’d ever be the chief of the

NOFD. Katrina was one of those things that made me realize I had the ability and the opportunity. As horrible as Katrina was, it gave the first responders in this city the opportunity to really pull together more cohesively than they ever did. The police and fire department worked as one, and we still work that way more than we ever had before.

We had lost 22 out of 33 fire stations to flooding after Katrina, and others had significant damage from the storm. I asked them to let me take on the project of renovating them. It really took a life of its own; we wound up renovating 20 fire stations.

It proves that pulling yourself up by your bootstraps is really important in life. You can sit around and wait for somebody else to do something, or you can take on something and do it.

When people started seeing work on the firehouses, they’d say, “Hey, what are y’all doing? You coming back?” It had a real effect of people seeing, the community is coming back, and I’d like to think I played a part. greg miles PHOTOGRAPH

Occupation: Superintendent, New Orleans Fire Department Age: 55 Born/ raised: Mid-City/Metairie Family: wife Beth McConnell Education: Archbishop Rummel High School Favorite book: Martin Luther King Jr.: A Life Favorite movie: To Kill a Mockingbird Favorite band/musician: Old jazz classics like Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald Favorite New Orleans restaurant: Commander’s Palace Favorite vacation spot: “You’re going to think it’s corny, but it’s New Orleans. My wife and I have done ‘secret vacations’ where we tell people we’re leaving town and we stay here. We did that for our honeymoon.”

Q: What are some of the

unique challenges that face the New Orleans Fire Department? It is a challenge in the type of properties we protect, and the NOFD always rises to the challenge.

Other departments probably wouldn’t like me saying this, but I believe we have the best workforce in the city. They respond very quickly and do a fantastic job. I’m very fortunate: the firefighters make me look really good.

It’s a significant thing when you think about the history of the city and what the firefighters do and the challenges they have. It’s an old city. You can walk outside and see that the houses are six feet apart. And firefighters knowing where to attack the fire is important.

One of the things we’re trying to do is focus more and more on prevention. You read our mission statement, and it doesn’t say to fight fires; it says

to reduce incidents of loss and life to property and civilians and firefighters. So it’s our firefighters who risk injury and death, as well as citizens.

But when you think of the fact that the city had two massive fires early in its history in the late 1700s – they burned almost half of the French Quarter. But the result wasn’t growing and putting a huge fire department in place, it was changing the building codes. People started putting brick walls in between properties, and today that helps us still prevent the spread of fire. Today we think along the same lines. I’d like to think we’ll get some better codes out of the Canal Street fire to protect the citizens.

Q: What else are you

involved with in your spare time? I love this city. I eat, sleep and breathe this city. I don’t eat at chain restaurants; I don’t eat at restaurants outside New Orleans, unless my family makes me occasionally. If we’re out in Metairie, it better be a family-owned restaurant. So my passion is doing the things that would help support the city, and when I enjoy myself it’s usually out at a festival. When I was a young firefighter everyone knew not to take their vacations on Jazz Fest – firefighters pick their vacations by seniority. Everyone said, “Don’t pick that, it’s McConnell’s vacation.”

True confession I get a lot of credit, and I don’t deserve it. Without the firefighters and my wife – well, I couldn’t do what I do if it weren’t for her, and I mean that. They say behind every man’s a great woman, and it really holds true. myneworleans.com / MAY 2016

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THE BEAT / BIZ

Pump Slump Louisiana’s biggest industry gets tested, once again

By Kathy Finn

H

ow bad is the latest downturn in Louisiana’s oil and gas industry?

Consider this: A recent south Louisiana business luncheon for a few hundred guests opened with a request that the group pray for the industry’s unemployed.

It has been a few decades since the state has seen its biggest industry hit this hard. But then it has been a while since the price of the state’s most important commodity has reached such depths.

The price of oil, which the world for years had become accustomed

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to seeing somewhere around the $100 per barrel mark, has fallen nearly 70 percent since mid-2014.

“I don’t have to tell you how bad it is,” Don Briggs, president of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association, told the guests who gathered for that luncheon at Lafayette’s Petroleum Club.

Briggs doesn’t have to explain the problem because the nation’s economists are taking care of that.

The number of nonfarm jobs in Louisiana fell by 21,200 for the year ending in February, the latest month for which data are available,

according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

That was a 1.1 percent drop for the period.

More than half of those job losses came in the oil and gas industry.

While Louisiana’s unemployment rate actually fell to 5.9 percent from 6.7 percent during that year, economists say the improvement may stem from increased numbers of unemployed people giving up on looking for work.

As is often the case with the state’s economy, Louisiana is running somewhat counter to the rest of the country. Nonfarm employment increased in 43 states and the District of Columbia during the 12 months ending in February, and average unemployment was 4.9 percent nationwide.

The bureau’s figures show that even Texas, whose economy also skews heavily toward the oil and gas industry, gained more than 170,000 jobs during the one-year period.

But that’s likely because Texas holds more of the large exploration and production companies that tend to be able to withstand a slowdown and forestall job layoffs for a longer period.

The portion of the industry that predominates in Louisiana is the service sector, which encompasses wide-ranging businesses that provide services or supplies to production companies. Historically, that sector feels the pain of a downturn well ahead of the rest of the industry.

New Orleans-based Tidewater Inc., the largest provider of service boats to the oil and gas industry worldwide, has many times in the past felt the squeeze of a price downturn, and true to form, the company has again taken a big hit.

Tidewater lost $20 million in its latest quarter as demand for its boats slid. The company’s loss for the full year could amount to 50 cents per share.

Vanishing jobs Some industry analysts believe that oil prices may begin to rise from the mid-$30s per barrel later this year.

Meanwhile, about 40,700 people worked in the Louisiana’s oil and gas sector as of Feb. 29, 2016.

Some 11,700 jobs in the sector were cut within the previous 12 months.

Most of the jobs – both those lost and those remaining – are in companies that provide services or supplies to the firms that search for or produce oil and gas.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

And that loss may pale in comparison with expectations for the next fiscal year.

Stock analysts have said Tidewater could lose more than $3 a share in the coming 12 months.

The publicly traded company said recently that it’s negotiating with its lenders in hopes of avoiding a default on its debt.

Among many other localarea companies that are hurting is Morgan City boat builder Conrad Industries, which recently reported earnings that were less than half the company’s profit in the previous year.

Part of the reason for the prolonged downturn in oil prices is slackening demand by previously big consumers of oil that have experienced

slowdowns in their own economies.

But another source of the problem is political. Saudi Arabia, which is the heavyweight player in the world’s OPEC oil cartel and often controls oil prices by opening or closing the spigots of its own vast reserves, has dug in and refused to reduce output, thereby continuing to flood the world market with cheap oil.

Saudi Arabia is reacting to a big increase in oil output from the United States that occurred as this country began extracting massive volumes from onshore shale formations in several states.

The Saudis have, in essence, refused to allow the United States to profit on these new finds at the expense of foreign producers.

This game of chicken is what has led some of the world’s largest oil companies, including Shell, BP and others, to announce plans for thousands of job layoffs around the globe.

The only source of light at the end of the tunnel is the fact that even the Saudis cannot forever withstand the impact on their economy of exceedingly low prices. In the end, everybody may have to give a little, including the United States.

At some point, the price of oil will rise to a level that’s healthier for the industry.

But when that happens, the domestic industry likely won’t expand quickly back to its former capacity.

The oil industry is more keenly aware than ever of its vulnerability to global factors that affect prices. And the many oil field service companies in Louisiana know that the only thing they can do as countries on the other side of the globe contemplate their next move is wait. n

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THE BEAT / EDUCATION

Fiction as a Fad Analyzing “Downton Abbey”

by Dawn Wilson

SPOILER ALERT: Anyone who has not seen “Downton Abbey,” particularly the final episode, but plans to, needs to be aware that this column contains revealing information about the outcome.

“D

ownton Abbey,” the most popular PBS series in recent memory, ended in March to the dismay of its addicted fans, but it won’t disappear for long. Like most classics, its characters will live in memory and probably as many prequels and sequels as the Star Wars franchise.

The March 6 final episode, after six years of Sunday night drama, initiated farewell parties all over the country. Fans gathered to discover the fate of Lady Edith: Would she become Cinderella or remain in the shadow of the wicked sister?

Cinderella won; a relief, even for those who didn’t like Edith much. After all, in our heart of hearts we wish for a happy ending – probably because real life doesn’t usually end that way.

Before the series’ sappy but satisfying finale, its genre was questionable. It has been called soap opera, historical period drama and

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melodrama. In a January article about the final season, Atlantic.com writer Sophie Gilbert declared its best moments “genteel sex comedy.”

But by the time the 90-minute final episode ended, its genre was totally clear: It is pure historical romance. From ritzy upstairs personages to service-bound downstairs nobodies, everyone was either happily hitched or heading in that direction.

Only recovering villain Mr. Barrow ended the night without a partner-to-be. Finding romance for him may have been a stretch even for romantic-prone Julian Fellowes, writer and producer, considering Barrow is gay in 1920s England, where homosexuality was a crime. Yet even Barrow, a source of ill will, got a heart’s desire: to topple the superior Mr. Carson and ascend to head butler of Downton Abbey.

Historical romance is marked by the two

factors the name suggests: historical setting and a happy ending, usually a marriage.

Spanning more than a decade in the early 20th century, beginning with the sinking of the Titanic, “Downton Abbey” delivers both history and romance in abundance, especially the latter. Not only does victim-prone Lady Edith become a Marchioness, Lady Mary, Edith’s nemesis and sister, steps off her pedestal and marries again. Even aging bachelor Mr. Carson notices that the good-hearted housekeeper is the perfect match for a soon-to-be disabled butler.

It was sweet and tidy. Fellowes wrapped up the series in a bow, an elegant white tie, of course, to go with the shimmering gowns and aristocratic heritage of its upstairs characters.

So historical romance it is, a genre vilified by the literary crowd as sentimental claptrap, beloved only by female lonely hearts. Considering that historical romance is considered lower caliber fiction, why has this series been so loved and celebrated? Even Joseph Daniel Fiedler illustration

Gilbert, who called some of its plotlines silly, ended her article with these words: “We’re going to miss it when it’s gone.”

Though romantic at the core, thematically the series is about the inevitably of change. It focuses on the gradual breakdown of the class and gender divide in Great Britain, the technological advances of the early 20th century and how education is the key to bettering the lives of the powerless. Fellowes’ genius develops these significant themes punctuated with foxhunts, enviable hats and good humor.

The irrepressible Dowager Countess captures the essence of the time in many witty barbs. On technology she says: “First electricity, now telephones. Sometimes I feel as if I were living in an H.G. Wells novel.”

On women, she says that her granddaughter isn’t “entitled to have opinions until she is married, then her husband will tell her what her opinions are.”

“Downton Abbey’s” women push against such restraints. Daisy, a maid, furthers her education. Mrs. Patmore, the cook, starts an overnight lodging business.

Edith runs a magazine. Mary manages the estate. All these developments foreshadow the movements that eventually bring women the right to vote, to get a decent education and to voice their own opinions. In fact, it could be argued that of all the themes explored, gender inequality dominates.

The romantic fate of Edith didn’t become the big question until the final season. In the beginning, the conflict concerned the fate of Downton Abbey and

the title that went with it.

Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham, had daughters and no heir. Only a male Crawley could inherit.

When Robert Crawley died, his wife and daughters could have been evicted and their status much reduced. Mary, the firstborn, had no legal rights, so her family’s only hope to retain the estate was for her to marry the closest related Crawley male.

Mary secured the first inheritor, a distant cousin, but he drowned with the Titanic.

That event set the stage for everything that happened after. When Mary finally married the next Crawley inheritor and had her own Crawley son, that story line ended. Downton and its status were saved.

This same plotline occurs often in the novels of Jane Austen, an early 19th century English master of romance and manners. The unjust policy of entailment to a male heir causes hardship for two daughters in Sense and Sensibility and the uncertain financial futures of the five Bennet daughters in Pride and Prejudice.

Even the Dowager Countess’ tart comedy in “Downton Abbey” echoes the indomitable Elizabeth Bennet of Pride and Prejudice, who says things such as: “Follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can.”

Fellowes’ series marries traditional 19th century romance to the early 20th century social and technological changes that led us to the present day. And because he is no fool, he has all but promised that the “Downton Abbey” movie is on its way. n

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THE BEAT / HEALTH

Double Surgeries four hands are better than two

by Brobson Lutz M.D.

“I

t all started with earrings.

A friend gave me a pair last Christmas. I put them on for a picture and, oh my gosh, there was my neck, a florid turkey neck,” says Sarah Thomas, not her real name, an area resident who came to New Orleans for college and never left.

Thomas is in great shape for north of 55 and south of 60. She is a trim 5-foot-9-inch-tall dynamo weighing in at about 130 pounds. She attends exercise and yoga classes and is an avid walker. She is as comfortable at bridge tables and civic functions as she is on tennis courts. She is divorced and her children are all over age 21.

“All my friends were getting things done, like face lifts, but most of them were a few years older than me.

Except for a few little lines on my forehead, I didn’t have facial wrinkles. I didn’t have any crow’s feet or

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lines under my eyes. I didn’t need a face-lift but my turkey neck was driving me crazy. And then there were my muffin tops. They really were not all that noticeable unless I was wearing jeans or workout clothes, but they were not to my liking.”

For all those readers unfamiliar with muffin tops, join your faithful medical scribe. “When a woman wears a pair of tight jeans that makes her flab spill out over the waistband, just like the top of a muffin sits over the edge of the paper case” is the definition in Urban Dictionary, the online site that got me into hot water with a hospital administrator a few months ago. (I circulated an email link defining their oft-used word “provider” in a not-so-medical way.)

Thomas had miniature muffin tops compared to what you see in all those emailed pictures of Wal-Mart shoppers. Even though diminutive, her

midriff overlay was getting on her last nerve, as we say in New Orleans.

Thomas heard about the team of Drs. Parker Velargo and Russell Hendrick through friends.

She attended a question-and-answer session.

They showed before and after pictures from their actual cases. These two young plastic surgeons both attended Brother Martin, Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and LSU medical school. They went to different states after medical school for specialized training not available in Louisiana. Defying the frequently heard dictum that medical students practice in the state where they do their advanced training, both returned to New Orleans. They partnered to establish the New Orleans Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery in 2014.

Dr. Velargo focuses on head and neck plastic surgery working from the neck up for cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, laser therapy and injectables involving the face, nose, eyelids, lips, ears and neck. Dr. Hendrick takes over below the neck with breast augmentations and reductions, tummy tucks, liposuction and body lifts often needed after gastric bypass surgery. Hand rejuvenation with dermal fillers and skin resurfacing is a special interest.

“I could get my neck lift and liposuction to erase my muffin tops all at the same time with only one surgery center fee and one anesthesiologist fee. They saved me several thousand dollars even after adding in an additional surgeon’s fee,” says Thomas, echoing a team approach with both surgeons working on a different body region at the same time.

“A family member drove me to an out-patient surgery center just across the street from their office for 8 a.m. one Monday in February. I know nurses often explain procedures before surgery and what to expect after surgery, but Dr. Velargo and Dr. Hendrick themselves went over all the details again with my family member and me, including what medicines I would take. They both pulled out Sharpies making marks on my skin for landmarks.

“Dr. Velargo explained that I would be going home in a helmet device. It would be adjusted to cheryl gerber photograph

When are Two Surgeons Better Than One? There are many plastic surgery procedures out there. It is hard to be a jack-of-all-trades plastic surgeon these days.

This allows each surgeon to individualize his or her areas of expertise for a more comprehensive and specialized care.

Two surgeons operating on separate body areas at the same time cuts total operating time, meaning less anesthesia fees and operating room costs.

We perform rhinoplasty and breast augmentations in the same surgical setting. Face lifts and tummy tucks are two other common procedures that we do simultaneously.

One recovery period after two surgeries at the same time translates into a faster return to work.

Total recovery time is decreased compared to the time it would take to recover from two surgeries at different times.

Source: Excerpted from an interview with Dr. Parker Velargo and Dr. Russell Hendrick on eHealth Radio accessed from PlasticSurgeryNola.com put pressure on my neck incisions to reduce swelling. Dr. Hendrick described how my liposuction incisions would be below my bikini line and that I would wake up from surgery with a pressure girdle to wear overnight. It had

slits to open when I needed to go to the bathroom.

“Once I was under, both surgeons worked on me at the same time. I think it took about three hours, and then I was in recovery for a few more hours. I was back home in bed by 4 p.m. all decked out in that helmet and pressure girdle. I needed a few pain pills for incision pain, but the pressure devices, while not painful, were uncomfortable.

Once I took a sleeping pill, I slept well.

“The next morning my relative drove me back to see the doctors. Dr. Velargo removed the helmet and Dr. Hendrick got me out of that girdle. They inspected all the incisions and instructed us on cleaning each incision with hydrogen peroxide three times a day to keep down the ooze and to reduce scab and scar formation.

“I took some more pain pills after I got home, but I really didn’t have any pain after that. They said I could get out of the house by Thursday, so there I was walking a mile or two around my neighborhood with a scarf around my neck and concealer to cover minor bruising. They told me not to drive for a week, which meant one more trip back to the office with my friend a week later for suture removal.

“After two weeks I went to Florida to visit relatives, no grass growing under my feet. At first the plan was to stay away from exercise class and yoga for a month, but my recovery went so well that the doctors let me go back early. All my incisions healed beautifully and are inconspicuous, including the ones behind my ears.

“Both doctors made me feel so comfortable” Thomas says, “I love my new crisp neckline, and I don’t miss those muffin tops. They got me to my happy point.” n

Arwen Podesta, M.D. Podesta Wellness Arwen Podesta MD is a board certiiied psychiatrist sub-specializing in addiction medicine, forensic psychiatry, and integrative & holistic medicine. Since opening Podesta Wellness she has been voted into Best Doctors in New Orleans each year. She is clinical faculty at Tulane Psychiatry residency, Medical Director at Odyssey House, consults at Orleans Drug Court, Municipal Court and ACER. In Mid-City, Podesta Wellness is a collaborative practice offering Psychiatry, Integrative and Holistic Medicine, Addiction Medicine, Counseling, Nutrition, Massage Therapy and healing Biomat. Podesta Wellness uses a carefully tailored approach with robust collaboration to help patients achieve wellness and stability.

To make an appointment for psychiatry, counseling, nutrition or massage therapy, visit www.PodestaPsychiatry.com or call 504-252-0026.

4322 Canal St | New Orleans, LA 70119 504-252-0026 | podestapsychiatry.com

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THE BEAT / HEALTHBEAT

The Dead Sea and Me

I

have always wanted to see the world; climb mountains, jump out of planes, ride a camel – you name it. When I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at 19, those plans seemed to fly out the window. Since then it has been a journey of finding anything that would make the pain of just getting out of car a little easier.

Recently I stumbled upon an article about the Dead Sea. Of course I had heard of it before, but I never knew people with aches, pains or more debilitating illnesses flocked to the banks along Jordan for the lake’s healing effects.

Dead Sea salt is beneficial because of its high levels of natural minerals. According to Dr. Amy McNulty, a consultant for national sea salt company Salt Works, Dead Sea salt contains magnesium, potassium, calcium chloride and bromides. Magnesium combats stress, fluid retention and aging skin, and calms the nervous system. Calcium prevents water retention, increases circulation and strengthens bones and nails. Potassium creates energy and balances skin moisture. Bromides ease stiffness and relax muscles.

Sodium helps with lymphatic fluid balance. A bath with Dead Sea salt can help with health issues such as psoriasis, arthritis, eczema, stress, muscle aches and pains and even insomnia.

The Dead Sea is far away, so I looked for ways to bring it to me. There are stores around the city that sell natural Dead Sea salt, like Dr. G’s Sea Salts, but I found an all natural bath salt on Amazon and quickly fell in love. If the pure joy of just getting 30 minutes all to myself wasn’t enough, it became quickly evident that some of my pain was subsiding. Call it a placebo effect, but I’ll take a small glimmer of relief over pain any day. I also made sure to weigh myself before and after each bath and consistently lost two pounds of fluid from each.

Creating your own bath gives you the opportunity to make your own experience. Suggested ingredients are Dead Sea Salt, Eucalyptus Oil, Tea Tree Oil and Lemon Oil. If you want to let someone else do all the work, NOLA Float Tanks is a great way to get the feeling of floating in the Dead Sea. Visit NolaFloatTanks.com to make your appointment.

Final note, whether you create your own concoction or have someone else do the work for you, remember to hydrate and drink plenty of water before and after your Dead Sea salt bath.

– Kelly Massicot

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THE BEAT / CRIME FIGHTING

Richard Angelico’s “Back Story”

A crime draws links to a Civil War battle

By Allen Johnson Jr.

E

very crime has a “back story.”

A back story is the information that reporters are supposed to gather to help the public gain a fuller understanding of the people involved.

For example, a properly told back story of the armed carjacking last fall of Richard Angelico should help explain why the retired investigative reporter places a higher value on the recovery of his “disarmed” Civil War artillery shells and rifle barrels than on the return of his stolen F-150 truck.

Police recovered the fire engine red

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vehicle the day after four youths robbed Angelico on Sept. 14 in front of his house on Grand Route St. John, between Esplanade Avenue and Bayou St. John. The robbers allegedly tossed the Civil War relics from the cab of the stolen vehicle as they fled. “I’m not interested in the truck,” Angelico said.

“I’m interested in the artifacts. They have little or no value to anybody else.”

By early April, two of four juvenile suspects were under arrest and facing armed robbery charges in adult court. One boy is booked with two additional holdups; he

turns 15 at the end of May. All of Angelico’s missing relics were dug from behind Confederate lines at Port Hudson, Louisiana, a strategic Rebel fortress upriver from New Orleans on the Mississippi River.

A $1,000 reward for the return of the relics saw no takers.

Angelico says he has scoured junkyards, streets and canals for the battlefield treasures with no result.

“Unfortunately, I think they’re long gone; but you never know.”

Ironically, Angelico’s solitary search for battlefield treasures from Port Hudson has gone unnoticed in New Orleans, amid hot debate over the city’s plan to remove three statues honoring Confederate leaders and a fourth monument to rebellious white supremacists during the Reconstruction Era. *** Battle historians such as Edward Cunningham, author of The Port Hudson Campaign, 18621863, (LSU Press, 1991) have emphasized the seven-month Union siege of Port Hudson was the longest in U.S. military history.

The greatly outnumbered rebels held off the Yankees, surrendering only after Confederate troops gave up after the Union siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi.

The Union siege of Port Hudson also saw the historic introduction of black fighting troops in a major battle for the first time in U.S history. (Or as purists might argue, brian hubble illustration

for the first time since free men of color fought the British at the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812.)

On the morning of May 27, 1863, two all-black Union regiments mustered from New Orleans charged Fort Hudson six times, suffering heavy casualties.

In a New York Times column dated July 31, 2013, historian Stephen H. Ochs describes Captain Callioux, recounting the actions of “the first black warrior hero of the Civil War.” Captain Andre Callioux, a former slave and a leader of the free black population in New Orleans before the Civil War, led a company of black troops from the Louisiana Native Guards across open ground in the historic assault on the Confederate stronghold.

“At a distance of about 200 yards, the Confederates began to unleash withering musket and artillery fire at the advancing troops. The barrage threw the leading elements into confusion and they broke and ran to cover among the willow trees. Callioux and other officers rallied the men several times.”

Callioux, 38, was hit in his left arm but kept moving. He exhorted his fellow troops, both slaves and free men of color, until he was fatally struck in the head.

The bravery of the black troops at Port Hudson predated the charge of the 54th Massachusetts in South Carolina, which is celebrated in the movie Glory.

On July 29, 1863, black slaves, runaways and free men of color gathered in federally occupied downtown New Orleans to honor the late Captain Callioux. Born a slave in Plaquemines Parish, he later became free, a businessman who liked to boast he was “the blackest man in New Orleans.”

“Callioux’s funeral, with full

military honors, served as a black Unionist counterpoint to an earlier public tribute to Lt. Colonel Charles Didier Dreux, the first rebel Louisiana officer killed in the war,” Ochs writes.

A raised bust of Colonel Dreux is found near the intersection of Canal Street and Jefferson Davis Parkway, the street named for the president of the confederacy. There is no conspicuous monument to Callioux in New Orleans.

Captain Callioux became a national hero in the 1864 campaign to support ratification of the 13th Amendment banning slavery.

Frankly, this writer had not heard of Callioux or the historic role of black troops at Port Hudson, until Angelico’s carjacking. The “victim” provided a seminal link to the Corps d’Afrique (1862-1863) from the website BlackPast.org. *** Angelico is best known for his 40-year career as a TV investigative reporter. He reported on more than 100 stories that resulted in criminal indictments, from corrupt politicians to internet-based child molesters.

He retired in 2011.

Today, “I am a student of the War of 1812 and the Civil War, with a special interest in locating artifacts from those two conflicts,” Angelico said in a recent email. It is a passion that began as a hobby in the 1970s, he says, on days off from news assignments.

His Civil War relics became a casualty of New Orleans crime on the night of Sept. 14.

Acting on a citizen tip, cops found the truck – but not the artifacts.

“I don’t care about the truck,” Angelico reiterates.

His frustration is easier to understand once you’ve heard the back story, including a significant but forgotten battle in 1863. n

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THE BEAT / Chronicles

Memories on a Page The joys of scrapbooks

BY CAROLYN KOLB

“I

can brag about it because I really didn’t do any of the work,” John G. “Jack” Weinmann admits. “But my wife Virginia did a beautiful job!”

The object of Weinmann’s admiration is a scrapbook. As King of Carnival 1996, he received it as a gift from the Rex organization. According to Rex archivist Dr. Stephen Hales, similar gifts are made to all other monarchs and their Queens. Each becomes a prized possession.

“It’s big: about two feet by three feet. And it’s bound in leather,” Weinmann says. Filled with mementos of his reign, all properly captioned, the book occupies a place of honor in his library.

By the 1830s, people were already saving clippings and paper mementos on decorated pages in scrapbooks. In New Orleans, an advertisement for “juvenile scrap-books” for sale at the “New Orleans Literary Emporium, Number 14 Camp Street,” appeared Dec. 24, 1843 in the Daily Picayune.

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Susan Tucker, retired archivist for the Vorhoff Library at the Newcomb Center for Research on Women, is one of the authors of The Scrapbook in American Life, Temple University Press, 2006. Tucker notes that scrapbooks, with their personal collection of items, were made by people “trying to hold their world of knowledge – they didn’t have Google.”

Newcomb’s collection of scrapbooks includes early Newcomb College students’ college scrapbooks: “They made their books about growing up, becoming their own people.”

Other scrapbooks in the collection cover a debutante year and an overseas tour by Tulanian singers.

Tucker admits to making her own scrapbooks about family summer vacations – and giving them to the children for Christmas presents.

When she sold her mother’s house recently she made a “scrapbook of details: the wallpaper, the doorknobs.” This time, instead of a paper volume, “I uploaded it.”

The Loyola University Archives

hold scrapbooks of university activities, including students’ summer studies in Mexico as well as commonplace books (an earlier form of scrapbook including mainly written material). One bachelor’s book begun in the 1800s includes household hints.

A man kept a scrapbook of a trip to New York; a woman pasted in photos and wrote a narrative of two couples’ cross country trip (including all their expenses). Hand-drawn decorations illuminate the book kept as a girl by Lise Tallant, aunt of author Robert Tallant.

Scrapbook keeping went out of fashion around 1960, according to Tucker. But, by the ’80s, businesses selling scrapbook making supplies were proliferating and soon were online.

Michel Boudreaux has long been a consultant for Creative Memories, a direct sales scrapbook supply company. Supplies include “our albums – they’re sturdy and well put together, plus pages, page protectors, adhesives, pens and fun embellishments.” You can find her online at CreativeMemories.com/user/ michelboudreaux. She also creates online scrapbooks through a company called Forever.com.

Scrapbookers use stickers, illustrations and cut paper – using a tool called a “Cricut” that can stamp paper into fanciful cut shapes. According to Boudreaux they can meet each other at workshops (“on a specific topic”) or at an event called a “crop.”

“Scrapbookers say ‘crop till you drop,’” laughs Boudreaux. Groups of scrapbookers gather and work on their own materials. (Boudreaux regularly goes with a group of six women for a two-week “crop” in Orange Beach, Alabama.) “Crops” are held twice a year in Rayne, Louisiana, for several hundred participants.

Scrapbooker Lisa Arseneaux is currently making a “baby girl scrapbook” for a new mother. Arseneaux has posted things on Pinterest and does Google searches for supplies and layout suggestions. She also shops locally: “Wal-Mart has a little section and so does Tuesday Morning.” Craft store Michaels’ Clearview location (there’s also a location on Claiborne Avenue) stocks supplies, offers occasional courses and has a room for scrapbookers stocked with a selection of tools.

Arseneaux’s chief pleasure in scrapbook making is “all the creativity, using all the different techniques.” She is proud of her work: “I take photographs of every page of any scrapbook I make – if I give it away I can go back and re-create it.”

Scrapbooks are also meant to be appreciated in the future. “The old ones got yellowed and faded,” Arseneaux admits.

“Nowadays, with the clear sleeves and the acid free paper, I’ve been told they could last forever,” she says hopefully. n cheryl gerber photograph

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

On May 11, hop over to Gasa Gasa for Philadelphia-based punks Beach Slang. The group’s 2015 debut The Things We Do To Find People Who Feel Like Us was a standout from last year.

in tune pg. 48

Greg Pallante photograph

LOCAL COLOR / ME AGAIN

As the Go-Cups Go Society takes another hit

BY CHRIS ROSE

T

he New World Order is upon us. The very soul of our culture is at stake. They want to take away our most fundamental and cherished liberties. But let’s set the record straight: It’s not our guns they’re coming for; this is much more dire than that They are coming for our go-cups.

In the years of unfettered neighborhood gentrification since Katrina, our city has been beset by acrimonious debate over neighborhood identities, cultural values and historical iconography. At the heart of some of these civic skirmishes: go-cups.

The times, they are a-changing. Smoking bans. Increased parking meter fees. Noise ordinances. Curfews. Closing the dog parks.

Locking the cemetery gates. Tearing down monuments. Bike lanes. Uber.

That is all well and good. Testing the waters of the 21st century isn’t an entirely bad idea for post-K New Orleans. But it seems like New Orleans is dipping its whole leg into contemporary waters rather than a delicate toe.

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It is all happening too fast.

And when you come for my go-cup, to quote the late, great country crooner Merle Haggard: You’re on the fightin’ side of me.

To our credit, many New Orleanians have generally and peacefully acquiesced to the paradigm of the new New Orleans with our typical equanimity. But you can have my go-cup when you pry it out of my cold, dead hand – and it better be empty when you do.

By my thinking, New Orleans without go-cups is like New Orleans without street musicians, tap dancers, streetcars, painted coconuts and second lines. You might as well just go to Atlanta.

Does New Orleans have much more pressing and dire concerns than plastic cups?

Hell, yes we do. But some things are sacred. Some aspects of our culture will never die. You can’t stop our singing.

You can’t stop our dancing.

And you better not stop our go-cupping.

Consider that some French Quarter outlets don’t even have interiors – just windows on the sidewalk to serve walkup customers. In fact, this is the only location where you can procure a trademarked (literally: trademarked) Huge Ass Beer. I ask you: After the Sazerac and the Hurricane, what beverage is more synonymous with New Orleans than Huge Ass Beers?

City Councilwoman Latoya Cantrell is at least one public official coming down on the right side of history: “I do not see the City Council outlawing go-cups,” she recently said. “The residents would go crazy – me being one of them.

I remember when I was working on the smoking ordinance to ban smoking in bars and casinos and one man told me,

‘You can take our cigarettes, but you better not f--- with the go-cups!’”

But it’s happening, on a grand scale in some areas as general policy, and at smaller individual locations that have attracted the ire of neighbors and City Hall.

The entire Freret Street dining and entertainment district is a no-go-cup zone, the first neighborhood-wide ban to take effect in the city, a result of compromise with local residents in a burgeoning commercial and nightlife area.

Then there area more specific locations and isolated instances. When the St. Roch Tavern in Bywater was temporarily shut down for noise, litter and loitering violations, it had to surrender its go-cup privileges to get a permit to reopen.

Other locations are being required to put the name of their business on their go-cups so that the sources of residential neighborhood litter can be easily identified.

Despite these crackdowns, spokesmen from the Mayor’s Office repeatedly deny that there’s a coordinated effort or conspiracy afoot to completely erase go-cups from the city’s entertainment landscape.

We should hope not. The implications would likely be dire, maybe even dangerous.

The New Orleans go-cup controversy has been covered in media outlets as diverse as VICE and the International Business Times. In the latter, Elizabeth Pearce, a historian at the Southern Food & Beverage Museum, warned: “I do think if they f--- around with the gocup, the people will revolt.”

Tough choices, unwelcome changes. Revolution in the air.

Where is Merle Haggard to lead us when we need him? n jason raish illustration

myneworleans.com / MAY 2016

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LOCAL COLOR / MODINE’S NEW ORLEANS

Talking Dirty The trouble with words

BY MODINE GUNCH

I

don’t have a dirty mind. It is a problem.

I finally learned to be suspicious of any word that sounds funny or crops up in a sentence where it doesn’t belong. Rack.

Sausage. Peach. A nice pair of anything. And if somebody smirks, I know I’m right.

But still. Me and my daughter Gladiola are strolling along Decatur Street and we see this nice looking man hurry out of a toy store carrying a shopping bag. The handle on the bag breaks and two big rubber balls bounce out. He don’t notice.

“MISTER!” I yell, “GRAB YOUR BALLS!” And that’s why my daughter won’t go out in public with me no more.

It ain’t my fault. I had a very protected childhood. My mama taught me to say “hiney” and “crotch” instead of the real words for you-know-what and the other you-know-what.

My late husband Lout’s mama taught him to say “backside” and “underside” for these same body parts. It is a wonder we ever had children. We had to do a lot of guesswork.

So I made up my mind that I would teach my kids the correct anatomical terms. “Rear end” and “bottom.” (My son, Gargoyle, of course, also had a peep-peep.)

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When he’s 2-and-a-half, Gargoyle gets to that smartmouth stage where they say bad words real loud to get attention. One day, in the grocery store checkout line, he keeps yelling ESSYEX. Later on, I realize he must have heard my mother-in-law Ms. Larda whispering s-e-x.

I tell her and she comes up with an idea. She said pick some random words and whisper them to me when he’s in the room, and I’ll act all shocked. So I do. Monocle.

Plume. Yak. It works like a charm. The next time I have him at the grocery he yells out “Monocle!” Everyone turns and looks at him (Because why would a little kid yell that?) so he thinks it’s a real bad word.

Even better, it also works on his sisters. To this day, none of my kids ever says “monocle,” except in a whisper.

I knew God would eventually punish me for misleading my children, and He finally got around to it. I am babysitting my grandkids out in Folsom while my daughter Gumdrop and her husband are away overnight. Now, Folsom is a little country town maybe 90 miles north of here.

They got horses and cows and vegetables growing out the ground – weird stuff like that.

Before Gumdrop leaves, she gives me 1,002 important directions and says if I have any problems, here’s the phone number for her friend Dina who lives down the road.

Also, I should expect a CSA delivery, whatever that is.

That night I tuck the kids in and decide to relax in front

the TV. The local news ain’t relaxing – some convicts escaped – so I switch to a movie. Unfortunately, Killer Farmboys ain’t relaxing either.

I don’t sleep much.

Next morning, me and the kids wait for the school bus at an ungodly hour; then I hustle back to the house – I had locked the door even though the bus stop is only 20 feet away. Inside, the phone message light is blinking. I press “play.” A man’s voice says, “I’m coming over with a big cucumber for you and ...”

I don’t hear the rest. Maybe because I’m screaming.

I am in my car and five miles down the road when I realize I shouldn’t abandon the children. I take a lot of deep breaths and call Gumdrop’s friend Dina to ask if the Folsom police will arrest somebody for bragging about his cucumber. And I tell her what happened.

There is a silence on her end. Then she asks did I happen to watch Killer Farmboys last night. I say yes, and she says I should meet her back at Gumdrop’s.

So I go back and Dina is standing on the porch next to a bushel basket of vegetables.

It is a CSA basket, she says.

Turns out CSA means Community Supported Agriculture.

(Why couldn’t they just say “local farmer’s weekly vegetable delivery?” Because that would make too much sense?)

And one of the vegetables is a cucumber as long as my forearm. I guess I got a dirty mind after all.

Sometimes a cucumber is just a cucumber. n

LORI OSIECKI ILLUSTRATION

myneworleans.com / MAY 2016

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LOCAL COLOR / JOIE D’EVE

Flying Solo The emotion of letting go

BY EVE CRAWFORD PEYTON

J

ust before Halloween 2009, I wrote this: “Ruby’s only 2, so of course I’ll go with her tomorrow when she goes trick-or-treating. But I can’t imagine ever being willing to let her go alone. I know I have to, and I know I will. I’m just glad it’s not this year.

“But just because I don’t yet have to worry about letting her go out into the world alone doesn’t mean that I’m not already watching her become more independent. We were at the zoo a few weeks ago, and Ruby was climbing up the rocks at Monkey Hill. She refused to hold my hand, and so I followed her up the rocks, my hands right behind her back, ready to catch her if she stumbled. Whenever she turned to look at me, though, I pulled my hands away quickly so she wouldn’t see that they were there. As we went up the rocks and down and back up and down again (and again and again), I realized slowly that I was going to be doing that, metaphorically and otherwise, for the rest of her childhood … and probably for the rest of my life. I was going to let her believe she was on her own while my hands were always hovering just behind her back, poised to save her before she slipped too far.”

Almost three years ago, I wrote this: “Over the summer, Ruby

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has lost her top two teeth; learned to ride a bike without training wheels; and channeled hundreds of chicken nuggets, Toaster Strudels and plums into a serious growth spurt of at least an inch and a half. Her smile is indescribably charming, her knees are constantly scraped, and none of her pants fit – she’s just so perfectly 6 that I can barely stand it. When Ruby first realized she was pedaling her pink-and-purple Huffy all by herself, the look of pride and delight on her face was amazing. But I know my daughter well enough to know that if she isn’t given independence in tiny age-appropriate bite-sized portions, she’ll attempt to wrest away huge unwieldy chunks of independence and it will all end in tears for everyone.

“So last week, I asked her if she wanted to walk around the block by herself. Her eyes got wide. ‘By myself?’ she said. ‘Do you mean it?’ “‘Yes,’ I told her. ‘I know you’re going to want to start riding your bike around the block soon, but before I let you do that, I want to be absolutely sure that you know where the driveways are and where the pavement gets uneven. So go ahead and go if you want to. I know you’ll be careful.’

And she was off, just like that, confidently, chin up, blonde curls bouncing on her shoulders, pink shoes pushing against the hot pavement, off around the corner without so much as a look back.”

And then, just this past Tuesday, I put her on an air-

-

plane alone. She hugged me, shrugged her carry-on bag further up on her shoulder, screwed the top on her Barq’s and walked off down the jetbridge chatting to the flight attendant.

I watched her go and thought briefly about crying. It sort of seemed like the time to cry – my baby was leaving on a jet plane, and even though I knew precisely when she would be back again, it still made me a little melancholy.

But I got sucked into a conversation between two women flying to Atlanta for a conference, both of whom had packed tutus and wigs in their carry-ons, and by the time that discussion ended, the sadness had passed.

I’m not sad, honestly, about her growing up and becoming more independent. I’m proud of her and proud of myself as a parent.

It isn’t easy, that kind of letting go. It’s hard to go from growing her inside of me to carrying her in a sling to keeping my hands hidden behind her back while she climbs to letting her ride her bike around the block to letting her hurdle through the air alone on an airplane.

But it means I’m doing my job. It means she’s doing hers.

And though back when she was 2, I didn’t want her to know I literally was there to catch her, I hope now that she knows that I am always, always figuratively going to be there to catch her.

Safe travels, my love. For now and for always. n

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

jane sanders ILLUSTRATION

myneworleans.com / MAY 2016

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LOCAL COLOR / IN TUNE

Hangout

Wolf Alice

Post Jazz Fest More for May BY mike griffith

I

n May, the summer tours begin in earnest and we have a full lineup of excellent bands passing through town. If you haven’t quite gotten your fill of music from Jazz Fest, start the month with the all-female surf rock ensemble La Luz at Siberia on Sun., May 1. Crawfish bread may be gone for another year but the pierogis at Kukhnya will help ease that pain. The next night Australian psychedelic rockers King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard will be at Gasa Gasa.

On May 8, Wolf Alice will open for The 1975 at Bold Sphere Music at Champions Square. Wolf Alice’s record from last year, My Love is Cool, was one of my 10 best records of the year. The 1975 have recently released a very well received new record as well. Both groups inhabit the realm of alternative rock, with Wolf Alice tending more toward the garage end of the spectrum.

UK post-punk legends The Cure are coming through town May 10-11 for a two night stand at the UNO Lakefront Arena. The Cure remain an outstanding live band. Their headlining sets often stretch to three hours and include a mix

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of hits and deep cuts. Whether you’re a longtime fan or casually interested, this is one worth seeing.

If you can’t get tickets to see The Cure on the 11th, hop over to Gasa Gasa for Philadelphia-based punks Beach Slang.

The group’s 2015 debut The Things We Do To Find People Who Feel Like Us was a standout from last year. Just two nights later post-rock pioneers Explosions in the Sky will play the Joy Theater on the 13th. Explosions in the Sky are primarily an instrumental outfit with sweeping and complex arrangements that are prone to cathartic outbursts. This will be an amazing if introspective night of music. Keeping in the experimental vein, Montreal-based post-punks Ought will be at Siberia May 17. On their most recent effort, 2015’s Sun Coming Down, one can hear a lot of influence from bands like the Talking Heads. Ought have a kinship with bands like Protomartyr and Parquet Courts who are pushing the post-punk vibe into new territory. If you want to keep the party rolling in a similar vein, New York-based post-punks We

While it appears that we have a full month of post-punk around town, if you’re looking to get away for a bit the Hangout Music Festival is along the coast in Gulf Shores, Alabama. This year the festival runs May 20-22. The headliners are The Weeknd, Calvin Harris and Florence and the Machine. In addition, you can catch Haim, Grimes, Big Grams, Kurt Vile, Courtney Barnett, Bully and Miike Snow, among many others. Keep an eye on my web column, where I’ll have interviews and artist previews leading up to the event.

We will also post daily updates from the festival as well.

Are Scientists will be at Gasa Gasa the next night, May 18.

If you’re looking for something a bit more toward the pop end of the spectrum, Com Truise will be opening for STRFKR at Republic May 22. The band just released an excellent new record in February. Hopefully we’ll see some material from a new record on this tour.

On the more romantic side of the spectrum, Sam Beam (of Iron and Wine) and Jesca Hoop will bring their new collection of duets to The Civic May 27. Their collaborative record Love Letter For Fire is one of the best releases of the year so far.

Alt-country newcomer Marlon Williams is opening the night. His self-titled debut record is well worth your time.

Finally, close out the month with the Brooklyn-base indie pop of DIIV. The group has just released their fantastic second record Is the Is Are. You can catch them at Gasa Gasa on the 30th.

Note: Dates are subject to change. Playlist of mentioned bands available at: bit.ly/ InTune5-16 n

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

Jenn Five photograph

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LOCAL COLOR / READ+SPIN

FASHION: Milk and Sugar: The Complete Book of Seersucker by Bill Haltom delves into the history and iconography of the storied Southern staple – including its New Orleans roots – and explores the role of “wash suits” in fashion for both men and women. Haltom pays homage to New Orleanian Joseph Haspel, the clothier and master tailor credited with making seersucker a must-have in the closets of businessmen and lawyers in the South and ultimately an essential hot weather fabric all over the world. Haspel manufactured and sold seersucker suits through his eponymous Haspels of New Orleans. Haltom devotes a chapter to the company’s history, including the family’s sale of it in 1977, and slow reacquisition and path back to ownership of the brand by 2012. The 208-page, illustrated volume celebrates seersucker in all of its devil-may-care, dapper versatility.

JAZZ: Miss Sophie Lee and the Parish Suites’ newest release Traverse this Universe is your new lazy summer afternoon soundtrack. The Chicagoan turned New Orleanian is a mainstay at the jazz clubs on Frenchman and as co-owner of Three Muses.

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HISTORY: The Mathews Men: Seven Brothers and the War Against Hitler’s U-boats by William Geroux offers a detailed account of the hundreds of men from Mathews County, Virginia, who served the country during World War II. Geroux is appearing at Octavia Books on May 2.

ROOTS ROCK: Louisiana-based Roddie Romero & the Hub City All-Stars are finally back at it. After nine years of no releases, the Grammy-nominated band released Gulfstream. The album was available in early April regionally, and in September fans can get it nationally as well as on vinyl. Gulfstream is packed with a mix of sounds ranging from blues to soul to southern rock. From the opening track “I Hope” to the last note of “Rock ‘n’ Roll & Soul Radio” they keep you entertained whether they are jamming out or slowing it down.

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

myneworleans.com / MAY 2016

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LOCAL COLOR / JAZZ LIFE

Larry Bannock funeral with Spy Boy Dow Edwards

Indian Economics Commodifying the signifier

BY JASON BERRY

T

he 2016 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented

by Shell (an official mouthful, that!) featured 31 Mardi Gras Indian tribes, or gangs. About a third of them performed on stage, the rest in parades scheduled through the Fair Grounds infield. They are paid as entertainers.

One Jazz Fest booth sells beaded pieces and fine-art photographs of the Black Indian tradition, as part of a trend to provide remuneration for practitioners of a tradition that began in the 1880s as a symbolic rebellion, blacks-as-Indians on the ritual stage of Carnival.

The tradition is changing in subtle ways, while the larger presence of a resistance culture – particularly in its collisions with the police – endures.

The suiting art has taken on new meaning for those who do it best.

Traditionally, the Big Chief of a given tribe oversaw the suit-sewing and at season’s end insisted the suits be taken apart as a matter of purity. As Wild Magnolias’ Big Chief Bo Dollis

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sang on the 1974 breakout CD, They Call Us Wild: “Every year, for Carnival time We make a new suit Red yellow green Purple or blue We make a new suit” In time, art curators took interest in the suits; several museums purchased suits. Black Indian art, like the music, had value. Artists like to be paid.

Cherice Harrison-Nelson, daughter of the late Guardians of the Flame founder Big Chief Donald Harrison Sr., sold a suit she worked on to Anacostia Museum in Washington for “a nice little piece of money.”

As part of the Mardi Gras Indian Council, Nelson has worked on a Mutual and Fair Use policy in which photographers agree to share a portion of sale of images that feature Indians in the street. “It’s up to the photographer; we want to create an informed buyer’s market.”

The Arts Estuary at 1024 Esplanade Ave. has an exhibition of beaded

pieces by Spy Boy Ike (Isaac Edward), 92.

They sell in the $200 to $500 range.

“Spy Boy” Dow Edwards, 54, of the Mohawk Hunters since 2008, has an exhibition of his work being planned. His art-filled home is around the corner from the Magazine Street store where his father repaired shoes while he was growing up. Spy Boy Dow is the only lawyer in an Indian gang.

As a boy he saw Zulu and Rex on St. Charles Avenue, near his grandmother’s home on Baronne Street. “I was 6. My uncle said, ‘Let’s go see the Indians.’ My grandmother said, ‘Don’t take the boy.’ I had to go.”

They caught two tribes on Dryades Street off Washington Avenue. “I can remember feathers flying, one guy had a hatchet and another guy shot a shotgun over their heads.

Police took the shotgun.”

The thrill burrowed deep. “It wasn’t Mardi Gras – the sounds, the beats, the excitement – without the Indians’ mystique. Nobody in my family was a member.”

After playing football at Walter L. Cohen High School he won a scholarship to Oklahoma Panhandle State, then signed with the New England Patriots. An injury cut short his career.

Back home he worked as an insurance adjuster, then as a paralegal and in 1996 entered Southern law school in Baton Rouge. Meanwhile, through a friend he met Tyrone Casby, Big Chief of the Mohawk Hunters in Algiers. “Can I be an Indian?” Sure. “Can I use your old patches?” No. You gotta sew your own patches.

Realizing that suits take time, he put the Indian dream on hold. As a lawyer, he was made a partner at Lemle-Kelleher before moving to Irwin, Fritchie, Urquhart and Moore, specializing in transportation law.

After Katrina, Dow Edwards spoke publicly for the Indians in their strife with NOPD over parading rights. Under Big Chief Casby, he began sewing. He made his debut in 2008. “There is nothing more exciting than marching inside a Mardi Gras Indian suit,” he says. “I go through a spiritual journey in creating the suit, thinking about the enslavement of our people, paying homage to those who helped give freedom to slaves. The journey of needle and thread is thinking about ancestors and their plight to gain freedom. I get transformed.” n

LOCAL COLOR / HOME

French Elegance Remodeled with style in mind

BY BONNIE WARREN PHOTOGRAPHED BY CHERYL GERBER

T

he home of Shelley and Anthony “Tony” Barreca in Country Club Gardens, a quiet neighborhood just off Metairie Road, is reminiscent of a formal French setting pictured in a European magazine. “We love antiques, elegance and the warm feeling French design brings to a home,” says Shelley, a decorator with Barrera’s Interiors who’s credited with the interior design of their home. There was also the watchful eye of Tony, owner of Barreca Contractors, a company specializing in the remodeling and restoration of upscale homes. “We immediately fell in love with the neighborhood and we could see that the house had wonderful bones and would complement our collection of antique furnishing and art work,” he adds.

The pristine antique white house immediately welcomes you as you enter the iron gate and pass under the arbor of wisteria. Low boxwoods and white azaleas border the wide porch across the front of the house, and the white wicker porch furniture seems to beckon you to sit for a while and relax. “While we love a formal feeling we also want everything to be comfortable, beginning with the seating on the front porch,” Shelley says. Old-style fans add to comfort on warm days, and copper lighting fixtures match the copper gutters and downspouts. “We utilized authentic materials in keeping with the style of the house,” says Tony.

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Once inside, the French influence is very much in evidence in the front parlor. The chest between the two front windows, small table in front of the couch, table at the side of the couch and pair of silk covered Louis XV styled fauteuil chairs are all French, not to mention the grand Louis XVI giltwood mirror. Although the space isn’t large, the grand piano fits neatly in the front corner of the room. The fine antique and elegant silk drapes solidify the grand feeling of the space. “I feel elegant drapes place a finishing touch on a formal room,” Shelley says. “I wanted the lush feeling of a grand Parisian parlor to be emphasized with quality silk window coverings.”

A large mirror that once graced the walls

Facing page: A completely new all-white kitchen was created; the focal points of the new kitchen are the La Cornue stove from France and the antique lantern over the French bakers table.

Top: Located a quiet neighborhood just off Metairie Road at almost the end of the Orleans Parish boundary line, the pristine antique white house features a wide porch across the front of the house. Bottom, left: Low boxwoods and white azaleas border the wide porch across the front of the house; antique white wicker porch furniture provides comfortable seating, while old-style fans add to comfort on warm days and copper lights match the copper gutters and downspouts that surround the house. Bottom, right: Twelveyear-old Devron with her parents Shelley and Tony Barreca

of Edgewood Plantation in Natchez has a place of honor over the French antique marbletopped buffet that covers one wall of the dining room. The mirror, with its gilded camellia and ribbon motif, offers a reflection of the entire room, making it seem more spacious. “We especially enjoy the original sculpture on the buffet by famous glass artist Dale Chihuly,” Tony says.

The walnut table and chairs and the small chest between the windows with shelves continues

the elegant theme of the house. Adjoining the dining room is a small sitting room with an antique Duncan Phyfe settee covered in a plaidsilk fabric.

The surprise in the house is the space that Tony calls the “keep room,” instead of what may normally be called the den. Yes, there’s the usual leather-covered couch you expect in the room that adjoins the kitchen, but here the wide couch is propped with 13 elegant pillows cov-

ered in silk, velvet and needlepoint. Once again there’s an antique French mirror over the couch to further pay homage to the French style of the home. A pair of chairs covered in chocolate brown suede adorned with monogrammed cashmere throws provide additional seating in the room, and a glass coffee table rimmed in brass has an original Ida Kohlmeyer sculpture as its only decoration.

The major remodeling took place in the kitchen that Tony gutted and completely refigured. “I opened up the kitchen completely to the keeping room and added an overhead old cypress beam where the two rooms had been divided. The focal points of the kitchen are the La Cornue stove from France and the antique lantern over the French bakers table. “I am extremely proud of how the kitchen turned out,” Tony says. “We used our favorite Calacatta marble for the counter to as the finishing touch to the room.” myneworleans.com / MAY 2016

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Tony’s second major project was to totally remodel the master bathroom. “I gutted the original bathroom and took in the space that had been a laundry closet that originally opened into the hallway to create a modernized, refined master bathroom,” he says.

Two bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs com-

plete the 3,300-squarefoot floor plan. “Devron, our 12-year-old daughter, loves to call the upstairs her private quarters,” Shelley says. “The house definitely did turn out to be the perfect home for the three of us.” Tony adds.

“We completed the renovation in the fall of 2014 and we enjoy everything about our home.” n

Top, left: A large mirror that once graced the walls of Edgewood Plantation in Natchez has a place of honor over the antique French marble-topped buffet that covers one wall of the dining room; an original sculpture by famous glass artist Dale Chihuly is centered on the buffet. Top, right: Family meals are often enjoyed on the veranda when the weather is pleasant. Bottom: The master bedroom features an elegantly draped bed with a fabric teester attached to the wall; antique crystal sconces adorn either side.

Facing Page: Top: Furnished with fine French antiques, the lush feeling of a grand Parisian parlor is emphasized with heavy silk drapes and fine antique rug; there’s space for the family’s grand piano in a corner of the room. Bottom: The “keeping room,” a term often used in French architecture, is the name of open space adjoining the kitchen that features a handsome leather couch dressed with 13 elegant pillows covered in silk, velvet and needlepoint.

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Shrimp A Giant Among Seafoods 7 varied recipes

By Dale Curry Photographed by Eugenia Uhl

Boiled Shrimp

hen we decided to feature shrimp for our cover feature, my mind began working like a script from Forrest Gump. Bubba on shrimp, that is. “Shrimp is the fruit of the sea. You can boil it, bake it, pan fry it, deep fry it, stir fry it; put it in stew, gumbo or salad; make shrimp Creole, coconut shrimp, barbecued shrimp …”

And it didn’t stop there. Shrimp recipes from around the world could be counted into the hundreds.

Then how could I pick seven?

In the end I settled on variations of local favorites, some with new twists and others, tried and true, that we can’t live without.

Meanwhile, I checked with local experts and found out that the peak of shrimp season is May, June and early July, followed by another surge in the fall. The whole story is that shrimp are always available in south Louisiana, no matter how far out the shrimpers have to go to fill up their boats.

And if you want to provoke a person in the seafood industry, just say the word “imports.” Then run the other way. According to authorities such as the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, imports are the cause of any problem we have, from higher costs of Louisiana’s catch to scarcity at the marketplace.

“Imports are flooding our market, and that’s our biggest problem,” says Scott Couvillon, a LSPMB representative.

“American seafood is a higher quality,” he claims, while imports contain additives and are marketed with fewer restrictions.

“Know what you’re getting,” advises Thomas Hymel, a marine agent with the LSU Extension Service and the Louisiana Sea Grant program. And what’s the best way to do that? “Direct from the fishermen,” Hymel says.

If only I could go to a boat and

purchase the seafood right out of the water, I would.

Well, that may change, he says. According to Hymel, a dramatically successful fishermen-to-consumer project in Delcambre, south of Lafayette, is leading the way to establishing direct markets, some near New Orleans in fishing areas such as Lafitte. My dream come true!

It hasn’t been long since my husband and I regularly drove to Lafitte when the boats came in and loaded up on fresh shrimp.

What we didn’t cook, we froze.

Alas, the boats became harder and harder to locate, and we finally stopped going.

Last year fishermen sold 360,000 pounds, $1 million worth of seafood, directly to the public at the port areas near Delcambre.

“It’s just a matter of communities and fishing industries getting together,” Hymel says.

Approximately 30 percent of wild-caught shrimp in the United States are landed in Louisiana, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Nearly half of Louisiana’s brown shrimp harvest peaks in May and June, while white shrimp landings peak in the fall. Seventy percent of Louisiana’s annual shrimp landings are caught in state waters with the rest harvested offshore in federal waters or in waters of other states.

When seasons are restricted to allow shrimp growing periods, shrimpers go to deeper waters and flash freeze their catch.

Sometimes their boats are out for weeks at a time, but new-age equipment keeps shrimp at ultra-low temperatures and at

top quality for marketing.

Meanwhile, the next best way to shop is at seafood markets you can trust. Ask when the shrimp came in and where they came from. Get to know your market personnel and cater to those you trust. You might also make requests about the seafood you want. Last year brought unprecedented low prices at the dock, and the more locals buy local the better the prices will be, says Hymel.

I am a happy camper with the large shrimp that I buy for $5.99 a pound at a local market, because I know my friends in New York are paying two and three times that amount. When I visit my daughter in California and friends in Kansas and Atlanta, I can hardly find fresh shrimp, and what I find is at incredible prices.

We are lucky indeed to live in the heart of seafood estuaries near the great open Gulf of Mexico. Perhaps we should take the industry’s advice with a nod to our shrimpers when we put our money where our appetite is.

Shrimp Salad in Lettuce Wraps

Shrimp and Bacon Kebabs With Spicy Cheese Grits

Cajun Shrimp Stew

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Vietnamese Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup

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Barbecued Shrimp

Shrimp and Eggplant Linguini

Shrimp and Bacon Kebabs With Spicy Cheese Grits

Cajun Shrimp Stew

2 pounds large shrimp

3 Tablespoons butter

1/3 cup minced red onion

10 slices regular-cut bacon

3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/3 cup minced celery

1 cup stone-ground grits

1 onion, chopped

1/3 cup minced flat-leaf parsley

Salt

1 Tablespoon lemon juice

3 Tablespoons butter

4 green onions, chopped, white and green parts divided

½ teaspoon dill

1 Tablespoon minced fresh jalapeno pepper

½ bell pepper, chopped

2/3 cup extra-sharp Cheddar cheese grated

3 cloves garlic, minced

Boiled Shrimp

Shrimp Salad in Lettuce Wraps

3 gallons water

2 pounds shrimp (any size) in the shell or 1 pound frozen shelled

2/3 cups crab and shrimp boiling seasoning, such as Zatarain’s 1 dozen or more small red potatoes 5 pounds large shrimp, heads on 4 ears fresh corn, snapped into halves Juice of 1 lemon Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add seasoning and boil for 10 minutes. Add potatoes and cook until almost fork-tender. Add shrimp and corn, and bring water back to a boil. Boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat, add lemon juice and soak for 10 minutes. Drain and serve. Serves 6 Boiling shrimp is similar to boiling crawfish, but it can be done inside on top of the stove in smaller amounts. Leave out the corn and potatoes and use the shrimp in any number of appetizers – shrimp remoulade, shrimp ravigote or shrimp saladstuffed avocados. When serving crawfish-style, I like to accompany the shrimp with a cocktail sauce made of horseradish, ketchup, lemon juice, Worcestershire and Tabasco. This can also be served as classic shrimp cocktails.

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste ½ teaspoon Creole seasoning 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 Tablespoon Creole mustard 6 Iceberg or Boston (butter) whole lettuce leaves, rinsed and refrigerated If using shrimp in shells, boil according to instructions in accompanying recipe. If buying frozen peeled raw shrimp, bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Season liberally with Creole seasoning. Cook shrimp at a full boil for 1 minute. Remove shrimp immediately. Another alternative is to buy boiled shrimp in the shell and peel them. In any case, peel and devein shrimp.

Chop shrimp roughly and place in a medium bowl. Add onion, celery, parsley, lemon juice, dill, seasonings, mayonnaise and mustard. Mix well and refrigerate.

Divide shrimp salad into 6 portions and wrap each portion in a lettuce leaf. Place wraps seam side down on a platter or serve lettuce and salad separately and let diners prepare their own.

This makes a wonderful light lunch or first course for dinner, and also makes a good stuffing for avocado halves.

Serves 6 as appetizer or 3 as entrée

Peel and devein shrimp.

Cut bacon strips into thirds. Wrap each shrimp in a piece of bacon, lapping the edges. Using metal kebab skewers, thread shrimp onto skewers so that the skewer holds bacon on shrimp.

Each skewer should have about 6 shrimp.

Prepare grits according to package directions and salt to taste. Heat butter in a small skillet and sauté jalapeno pepper over low heat for 1 minute. When grits are done, add butter and cheese. When melted, stir, cover and keep warm.

Prepare a charcoal or gas grill fire until hot. Place skewers approximately 6 inches above fire and cook until bacon is done. Turn skewers as they brown.

The bacon will season the shrimp.

Remove shrimp onto plates and serve with grits.

This makes a wonderful combination. Serves 4

2 pounds large shrimp

1 stalk celery, chopped 2 large Creole tomatoes, peeled and chopped, or 1 14.5-ounce can whole plum tomatoes, chopped ½ teaspoon salt Freshly grated black pepper 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 bay leaf 2 teaspoons each fresh basil and thyme leaves, chopped, or 1 teaspoon each dried basil leaves and thyme 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped Peel and devein shrimp.

Melt butter in a medium pot, add flour and stir over medium-high heat to make a light brown roux. Add white onions, bell pepper and celery, and sauté over medium heat for several minutes.

Add garlic and sauté 1 minute more. Add tomatoes, ½ cup water and seasonings, cover and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.

Add shrimp and corn and continue to simmer, stirring often, until shrimp are just done, about 5 minutes. Remove bay leaf. Remove from heat and stir in green onion tops and parsley.

Serve over rice. Serves 6

Vietnamese Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup 1 pound shrimp 3 stalks lemongrass 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil 3 green onions, chopped, white and green parts separated 3 garlic cloves, cut into thin slices 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar Zest of 1 lime 1 Tablespoon lime juice 2 Tablespoons fish sauce ½ teaspoon chili oil ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon sugar 1 small to medium firm tomato, cut lengthwise into 8 slices 1 heaping cup white, shiitake or oyster mushrooms, stems trimmed if needed Sea salt if needed 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice or basmati 2 cups bean sprouts Peel and devein shrimp, reserving shells and heads.

Cut 1 inch off the larger end of the lemongrass and discard. Remove dry outside leaves. Cut green tops from lemongrass, leaving about 4 inches of white. Chop the green ends and use for stock.

Remove tough outer edges of white and mince by hand or in food processor. Use a cleaver or heavy knife to pound both green and white parts of lemongrass to release oils.

Place shrimp peelings and green lemongrass in a medium pot, cover with 5 cups of water and simmer for 30 minutes to make a stock.

Heat vegetable oil in a small skillet and sauté the white part of green onions until translucent.

Add garlic slices and sauté until golden. Drain and set aside.

Strain stock into a medium pot and discard shells and stalks. To the stock, add the sautéed onions and garlic, vinegar, lime zest and juice, fish sauce, chili oil, pepper, crushed red pepper flakes and sugar and bring to a boil. Add tomato, mushrooms and white lemongrass, and bring to a boil again. Reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes.

Add shrimp, bring to a boil and boil for 1 minute.

Taste and add salt if needed. Remove from heat and keep warm.

To serve, place 1/3 to 1/2 cup of rice in bowls.

Add a small to medium handful of bean sprouts to each bowl, pour soup over bean sprouts and garnish with green onion tops.

Serves 6 as appetizer or 4 as entrée

Barbecued Shrimp

Shrimp and Eggplant Linguini

3 pounds large shrimp with heads on

1 small to medium eggplant, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

2 sticks butter

Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

8 large cloves garlic, minced

2 pounds large shrimp

1 teaspoon salt

4 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 teaspoon Creole seasoning

1 bunch green onions, chopped, white and green parts divided

10 grinds on a pepper mill

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tablespoon Tabasco original hot sauce

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

¼ cup Worcestershire sauce

Juice of ½ lemon

½ cup lemon juice ½ cup white wine 1 Tablespoon liquid hickory smoke Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Rinse shrimp lightly being careful not to rinse away any fat in the heads as this is an essential ingredient. Drain.

In a 13-by-9-inch baking dish or pan, melt butter in oven. Add garlic and cook for several minutes. Take pan out of oven and mix in remaining ingredients.

Add shrimp and stir until all shrimp are coated.

Return to oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. When shrimp pull away from the shells they’re done. Taste for doneness after about 20 minutes and continue until just done. Do not overcook.

Remove from oven and let shrimp soak about 10 minutes before serving.

Serve in bowls with French bread for dipping. Serves 6 to 8

½ cup dry white wine ½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped 1/2 pound linguini ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for sprinkling Place eggplant cubes on a plate and sprinkle with salt. Place another plate over the eggplant and set aside to let eggplant release water, draining occasionally for about 30 minutes.

Peel and devein shrimp.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

When eggplant has sweated, drain and tap dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle with pepper.

Heat 2 Tablespoons of oil to a high temperature in a large skillet. Sauté the eggplant cubes over medium-high heat in a single layer, turning, until done and well-browned. Take up on paper towels. Keep warm by wrapping in foil and placing in a warm oven.

In the remaining 2 Tablespoons of oil, sauté the white onions until translucent, add garlic and sauté 1 minute more. Add shrimp and sauté until they turn pink. Add seasonings, wine and lemon juice and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in parsley and green onion tops.

Meanwhile, cook linguini until al dente, or just done. Drain and place in large bowl.

Toss with eggplant, Parmesan and shrimp.

Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve with extra Parmesan. Serves 4

Afternoon Skin and spa treatments made for a weekday lunch break escapade

By Melanie Warner Spencer Photographed by Theresa Cassagne

Delight There comes a time in every active, attractive and in-demand New Orleanian’s life when fitting in a luxurious and lingering trip to the spa is impossible, but skipping that much-needed pedicure or facial isn’t an option. When long-term commitment doesn’t fit in with the current demands of your life, perhaps it’s time to consider a fun, flirty alternative. There are several spas, dermatologists and medi-spas in town with quick, no-recovery treatments that’ll have you in and out of the office in less time than it takes to get a fully dressed poor boy at Parkway. This list of treatments is compiled with the following criteria: Completed in one hour or less, with

low or no downtime and maximum results.

Whether you’re headed to Gulf Shores for an impromptu weekend getaway and require a swiftly executed pedicure; work, the kids and other commitments have you dreaming of a quick massage to refresh and revitalize; or it’s just time for a little pick-me-up there’s something for everyone on this handy list of skincare and spa trysts. With skin aglow and a little pep in your step upon return from your lunch break, your co-workers will wonder what you’ve been up to while out of the office.

But don’t worry, we won’t tell a soul.

Note: Some services were provided complimentary.

Regenesis Medical Spa and Laser Skin Clinic

Like Water for Chocolate The Woodhouse Express Hydrafacial is fast and effective and yet feels somehow like you’re sneaking away from work to do something a little bit wicked. Skin is infused with antioxidants, peptides and hyaluronic acid for gentle resurfacing, anti-aging and an instant glow. The treatment is $115 and is completed in a speedy 25-minutes. You will have plenty of time to enjoy a cup of tea in the homey relaxation room before or after your services, or to pop over to Juan’s Flying Burrito for a post-treatment nosh.

Do not be surprised if the staff admires the rosy blush in your cheeks. You can thank them with a generous tip, a wink and a coy smile. To quote the French writer Antoine de Rivarol, “It is the dim haze of mystery that adds enchantment to pursuit.”

The Graduate At Regenesis Medical Spa and Laser Skin Clinic, housed in a cozy bungalow on Toulouse Street in Mid-City, you can select from a variety of efficient and effective treatments from waxing and fillers to microneedling and microdermabrasion. But medical director Dr. Will Hudson recommends the IPL Photofacial, $175 70

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Earthsavers

per treatment through the end of summer. “It’s great for color correction, pigment, freckles and age spots,” says Hudson. Short for “Intense Pulsed Light,” the IPL Photofacial is a non-invasive way to improve skin texture and manage sun damage. “No topical is needed,” Hudson says. “It feels like laser skin hair removal. Some say it’s like a rubber band snapping on your skin.” In 30 minutes, pigmentation is zapped away by a hand piece that transmits broad-spectrum light, penetrating tissues and “shattering the cells containing the pigment.” The treatment also can increase collagen production, which coupled with your newly creamy complexion sans spots will shave years off of your face, causing your friends speculate on whether you’re stealing away during the day to rendezvous with a young paramour.

Fifty Shades of Grey (or Red or Pink) Sometimes you just need a quickie – which must be why some naughty nail tech invented the express pedicure. Spa devotees and no-nonsense types alike flock to nail salons and spas for fast and fresh nail services, but a pedicure, even the bare bones style, still feels a little more indulgent. Slip off your shoes and sink into

Franco’s O Spa

the chair at Franco’s O Spa in Mandeville for the Express to Impress Pedicure, 30 minutes for $20. If there’s time, include the Express to Impress Manicure, also 30 minutes, for $30. Grab a latte and a pastry in the onsite Starbucks Coffee Lounge to sip and savor during your services, because under the care and attention of a skilled tech it won’t hurt a bit.

An Affair to Remember So many in Hollywood and Hollywood South seem to have discovered the fountain of youth. We think their secret might be regular medical facials. Dr. Deirdre Hooper and Dr. Sarah Jackson at Audubon Dermatology in the Garden District say this innovative $350 treatment will smooth, brighten and stimulate collagen. “It combines the benefits of Dermaplaning, Laser Genesis and a light Chemical Peel,” the doctors say. “There is no downtime and [it] can be done once a month for excellent skin health.” This treatment is for when you have a little extra time away from the office, so set aside an hour from the time you go back into the treatment room until you’re heading out the door. Consider yourself forewarned that attaining glowing and flawless Julianne Moore-like skin only

the woodhouse day spa

fuels the flames of your desire, sending you back to relive the experience again and again. Side effects include daydreaming and lack of concentration until your next appointment.

Not-So-Dangerous Liaison Slipping away from the office for a massage in particular feels not only indulgent, but also a little clandestine. With each of the locations in Uptown, Metairie and Mandeville offering easy parking, Earthsavers is at the top of our list for both its convenience and the simple but inviting atmosphere. Opt for the signature 30- or 50-minute massage ($55 to $75, respectively), which is far from basic due to the incorporation of hot towels and aromatherapy at no additional cost. Massage connoisseurs can choose their favorite between deep tissue, shiatsu and Swedish or an expert mix of all three. For those not sure what to pick, ask your therapist for a recommendation based on your needs that day. Grab a salad next door at Well if you’re at the Metairie location, or at Whole Foods if you’re on Magazine Street, and continue the spa vibes as you nibble at your desk. No one will ever guess your secret. n myneworleans.com / MAY 2016

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DINING LISTINGS

table talk pg. 74

The second location of The Company Burger anchors the corner of Girod and S. Rampart streets. You can look for it there, or else close your eyes and follow the scent.

jeffery johnston PHOTOGRAPH

THE MENU / TABLE TALK Company Burger dressed at The Company Burger

South Market District New neighborhood cuisine

by JAY FORMAN

I

t isn’t often that entirely new neighborhoods appear virtually overnight, but this is exactly what happened with the South Market District. The cornerstone of the project is the Paramount, a luxury apartment complex.

Yet apartments alone doth not a neighborhood make. For that you need a support system of grocery stores (Rouses – check), various-andsundry (CVS – check) and most importantly for New Orleans: restaurants. This last category gets an “A.” Housed in the ground floor is a collection of eateries spanning a range of cuisine.

The Company Burger, Magasin Kitchen, Blaze Pizza and Willa Jean are already there, with Phillip Lopez’s deli-based concept Part & Parcel

coming soon just across the street. Right out of the box South Market became a lunch destination for area workers, tourists and residents alike. Here is a closer look.

The second location of The Company Burger anchors the corner of Girod and S. Rampart streets. You can look for it there, or else close your eyes and follow the scent.

“During build out we needed about twice the ventilation they thought, so the workaround was a high-volume air system that blows out the side. It looks like a jet engine bolted onto a four-layer air filter,” owner Adam Biderman explains as to why much of South Rampart now smells like his burgers and fries. “It is the best

Paramount Offerings The Company Burger 611 O’Keefe Ave, Unit C7 309-9422 TheCompanyBurger.com Lunch and dinner daily

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Magasin Kitchen 611 O’Keefe Ave. 571-5677 MagasinCafe.com Lunch and dinner MondaysSaturdays, lunch Sundays

Blaze Pizza 611 O’Keefe Ave. 208-1028 BlazePizza.com Lunch and dinner daily

advertising we could have hoped for.”

The interior of the restaurant echoes the contemporary feel of his Freret Street location but with a bit more of a downtown vibe. Long and narrow, the space takes advantage of its corner location and allows for a lot of natural light.

And it has one major distinction from the Uptown outpost: its full-service bar with an emphasis on craft beer.

“Downtown, we knew what we were getting into,” Biderman explains. “We are by all the events and theaters, not to mention the Superdome – we knew it would be a more mature crowd.” Biderman brought on Evan Wolf, formerly of Bouligny Tavern, as his bar manager. Together they pulled together about 20 draft beers that are housed in a Brazilian wood clad walk-in cooler central to the bar area.

A mini-glycol unit as well as a nitrogen and CO2 mixing station with individual regulators for the taps helps them dial in perfect pours.

Bar aside, the heart of the operation remains the burgers. The patties are ground and shaped at Biderman’s offsite commissary using a mix of Creekstone beef chuck and brisket. The buns are also baked fresh there each day and sent out to the stores, where they’re brushed with butter and griddled to order along with the patties. An added plus is the wide-ranging condiment bar that will keep you coming back to try new variants with the assortment of housemade mayos with flavors like chipotle and basil.

“I’ve been super happy with location,” Biderman says of the Paramount. “It’s just jeffery johnston PHOTOGRAPH

Southern Focused One of the most heralded of the South Market bunch is chef Kelly Field’s popular new bakery Willa Jean, which anchors the corner of O’Keefe and Girod streets.

Part of the Besh Restaurant group, Willa Jean offers a range of pastries, breads and desserts as well as hot foods, including a “Build Your Own Biscuit” section.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the focus is mainly Southern but rounded out with a broader American vibe with allows for options like smoked salmon and grilled swordfish. a whole new way to get our food out there to a whole new group of people.” Going into May, look for a new bar menu featuring fried chicken sliders and pimento cheese crudités to accompany the draft beers and specialty cocktails.

Another Uptown transplant to the Paramount is Magasin Kitchen, an offshoot of owner Kim Nguyen’s popular Vietnamese restaurant Magasin Café. And much like The Company Burger’s expansion, Nguyen’s offers more of a lounge-like, contemporary vibe as well as a full bar to complement the business and after-work crowd which makes up the bulk of the downtown clientele.

Compared to The Company Burger’s aesthetic, Magasin Kitchen uses a darker palette which results in a broodier, atmospheric space. Also distinguishing the space is the open kitchen. “At our ‘Springroll Bar’ Uptown, people like to watch the spring rolls put together,” Nguyen explains.

“Therefore here I wanted people to be able to see what

was going on as well – to get some insight into the hustle and bustle of the restaurant.”

The menu is very similar to the Uptown location, with the main exception being the full bar and a deeper selection of entrée specials. “With Magasin Kitchen I wanted to emphasize a little more of the home-cooked meal aspect,” says Nguyen. To accomplish this, she created dishes like her bibimbap – a Vietnamese take on the Korean dish which gathers together pickles, vegetables, meat and sauces all elegantly portioned all in one rice dish.

“That has been one of our biggest sellers,” Nguyen says.

Specials aside, the menu relies on a well-executed list of Vietnamese dishes along with a dedicated section to pho, the traditional noodle soup.

Nguyen’s versions are built on a daily foundation of broth whose cooking process begins the night before when the stock is set to simmer overnight. Versions include one with oxtail as well as premium add-ins like filet mignon. A vegan option is offered as well.

For this, Nguyen builds upon a short list of vegetables that includes leeks, onion, carrot and bok choy. “We keep that broth very simple – to put a lot of stuff in it would really turn it into more of a soup base, and this is more like a light broth with a nice aroma.”

Blaze Pizza, the first New Orleans location of the fastgrowing pizza chain, is designed around a build-yourown pie concept. Think of it a bit like Subway, but with pizza instead of sandwiches.

Once assembled, the pizzas are fired to order with an impressive turn-around time, making it an attractive option for the lunch crowd. Flanked by burgers and Vietnamese, Blaze Pizza helps to round out the broad selection of offerings in the Paramount. n

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THE MENU / RESTAURANT INSIDER

News From the Kitchens

Chais Delachaise, Blue Oak BBQ & Josephine Estelle

BY ROBERT PEYTON

Chais Delachaise When Evan Hayes opened the Delachaise in the oddly-shaped building on St. Charles Avenue between Aline and Delachaise streets, it was an outlier. Back in the early 2000s there weren’t many restaurants serving multiple wines by the glass, craft cocktails and a menu largely composed of small plates. It proved a successful formula, due in part to the quality of the food and beverages put out by talented chefs Hayes has employed over the years, including Chris DeBarr and RJ Tsarov, the latter of whom currently holds the position.

Hayes, as I write, will shortly be opening a second operation, Chais Delachaise, which takes over the space on Maple Street formerly occupied by the Sammich. The similarity in names is an indication that the new operation won’t be a dramatic departure from the original in its menu of food and beverages, but there’s enough elbow room in the new location to allow table service, something that never entirely worked in the narrow confines of the St. Charles Avenue building. Additionally, the kitchen will offer larger versions of some of the usual offerings. Unlike the Delachaise, Chais Delachaise allows children to dine as well.

Chais Delachaise is located at 7708 Maple St., and will be open 3-10 p.m. during the week, and until midnight on the weekends. On Fridays and Saturdays, lunch will be served, and brunch is available on Sundays. Call 895-0858 to find out more.

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Blue Oak BBQ

Josephine Estelle

As I write, construction continues on the new location of Blue Oak BBQ, which will occupy the single-story structure at the corner of N. Carrollton and Dumaine streets that was most recently home to Fellini’s Café. Previously, Blue Oak has been serving smoked meats as a pop-up at Chickie Wah Wah, a music venue at 2828 Canal St. The smoked meats prepared by Blue Oak partners Ronnie Evans and Philip Moseley were an excellent fit for the live music, but the new location will ensure that the focus is always on the pulled pork, brisket, ribs, chicken and sausage coming off of the pit. In addition to traditional items, Blue Oak put out some interesting appetizers and sides, including egg rolls stuffed with barbecue and vegetables and served with a mango-habanero chutney; nachos topped with pulled pork, cheese, barbecue sauce and pico de gallo; and roasted garlic mac and cheese. The new location comes with more space, and an expanded menu is in the works.

As the restaurant has not yet opened in the new space, hours are to be determined, but call 621-9837 to get the latest.

Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman have been a part of Memphis’ restaurant renaissance, with their Italian-Southern restaurants Hog & Hominy, Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen and Porcellino’s Craft Butcher. Their first restaurant outside of Memphis, Josephine Estelle, opened earlier this year in the new Ace Hotel. The pair chose Philip Mariano as the restaurant’s executive chef.

The restaurant’s interior is beautiful, with large columns running through the middle of the dining room and banquettes that make up most of the seating. There is a bar that looks out onto Carondelet Street. Large shelves holding the bar’s stock divide that space from the single, large dining room, which is book-ended by the open kitchen to the rear.

The latter two menus are focused on the cuisine of Italy and separated into small plates, pastas and entrées. Standouts include snapper crudo with brown butter, hazelnuts, celery leaf and meyer lemon; and angolotti pasta with sweetbreads, wild mushrooms, black pepper and parmesan cheese.

Josephine Estelle is open 7 a.m.-11 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays, and 7 a.m.-10 p.m. on Sundays for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is located at 600 Carondelet St., and you can call 930-3070 to make a reservation.

SARA ESSEX BRADLEY photographs

THE MENU / LAST CALL

May Is a Thursday Sipping for the season BY tim mcnally

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In its own right, May can hold its head high. Yet, what May really delivers is the promise of soon-to-be-enjoyed summer at the beach or the arrival of exciting vacations. Those plans, and many more, have been made during May. Maybe there is an upcoming wedding, or a long-awaited visit from a beloved friend, former classmate or relative. The seeds for those lovely times are sown in May. May’s weather is predictable, heading towards the summer but not anywhere near the discomfort of earlier in the year or of months to imminently come.

Jasmine Linton, manager of the bar at Salon by Sucré, has created an easy to make and easier to enjoy seasonal cocktail, which should add to May’s already enticing allure.

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hursdays don’t get the respect they deserve, but they really should be recognized as wonderful. The bulk of the work or school week has been accomplished, and on the horizon is the promise of good times and a bit of relaxation.

Let us not get carried away and unequivocally proclaim that Thursdays are devoid of their own happy characteristics. To be fair, the social calendar on Thursday is suddenly abuzz with all manner of diversions and joyful gatherings.

Which is exactly what May, a lot like a Thursday, does in the general scheme of the months of the year. We start May with the second weekend of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – truly the times when crescendo is reached. We slide into Cinco de Mayo, giving us the chance to honor the heritage and customs of our brethren from Mexico.

And we move to the big finish with the staging of the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience.

Oliver 1 1/2 ounces Cat Head Honeysuckle Vodka 1 ounce fresh-squeezed blood orange juice Sparkling rose wine Combine all ingredients, except wine, with ice in shaker.

Shake. Strain. Top with wine in a coupe glass. Garnish with twist from peel of blood orange.

As created by Jasmine Linton, Restaurant Sucré, 622 Conti St.

sara essex bradley PHOTOGRAPH

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

American

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Poydras St., 309-6530, Walk-Ons.com. L, D, daily. Burger, sandwiches, wraps and more made distinctive with a Louisiana twist are served at this sports bar near the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. $$ Warehouse Grille, 869 Magazine St., 322-2188, WarehouseGrille.com. L, D daily, Br Fri-Sun. Creative fare served in an art-filled environment. Try the duck crêpes or the lamb spring rolls. $$ Wolfe’s in the Warehouse 859 Convention Center Blvd., 613-2882. B, L, D daily.

Chef Tom Wolfe brings his refined cuisine to the booming Fulton Street corridor.

His Smoked Kobe Short Ribs are a good choice. $$$

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

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

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

and Braised Lamb Necks with ricotta agnolotti represent the style. $$$ Continental Provisions 110 N Peters St., Stall 23, 407-3437. Open daily.

Artisan purveyors including Bellegarde Bakery and Cleaver & Company team up to reclaim a foothold for quality food in the tourist Ground Zero of the French Market. Sandwiches, breads, cheeses and more. $$ Hard Rock Café 125 Bourbon St., 5295617, HardRock.com. L, D daily. Local outpost of this global brand serves burgers, café fare and drinks in their rock memorabilia-themed environs. $$ The Pelican Club 312 Exchange Place, 523-1504, PelicanClub.com. D daily.

Serves an eclectic mix of hip food, from the seafood “martini” to clay-pot barbecued shrimp and a trio of duck. Three dining rooms available. $$$$$ Rib Room Omni Royal Orleans Hotel, 621 St. Louis St., 529-7046, RibRoomNewOrleans.com. L, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. Old World elegance and high ceilings, house classic cocktails and Anthony Spizale’s broad menu of prime rib, stunning seafood and on weekends a champagne brunch. $$$

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

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

New Spring Cocktails at Bayona Bayona, 430 Dauphine St., 525-4455, Bayona.com Sipping a delicious cocktail in a sun-filled courtyard is a classic New Orleans experience. World-renowned award-winning chef Susan Spicer just made the idea even sweeter. To celebrate “Spring at Bayona,” two cocktails are just $5 at lunch, Wednesdays-Fridays. Stormy Morning and Cucumber Julep are two new seasonal craft cocktails that can be enjoyed outside or inside the 200-year-old French cottage that houses the restaurant. The new drinks join a full list of cocktails that employ local fruits and herbs alongside small batch spirits and brews. – Mirella Cameran.

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

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

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

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

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

Uptown

Vega Tapas Café 2051 Metairie Road, 836-2007, VegaTapasCafe.com. D Mon-Sat. Innovative establishment offers fresh seafood, grilled meats and vegetarian dishes in a chic environment.

Daily chef specials showcase unique ingredients and make this place a popular destination for dates as well as groups of friends. $$

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

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

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

Tue-Sun, D Tue-Fri, Br Sun. Upscalecasual restaurant serves a variety of specialty sandwiches, salads and wraps, like the Chicago-style hot dog and the St. Paddy’s Day Massacre, chef Gotter’s take on the Rueben. $$ Martin Wine Cellar 3827 Baronne St., 899-7411, MartinWine.com. Wine by the glass or bottle with cheeses and snacks to-go. $ Slim Goodies 3322 Magazine St., 891 EGGS (3447), SlimGoodiesDiner.com. B, L daily. This diner offers an exhaustive menu heavily influenced by local cuisine.

Try the Creole Slammer, a breakfast platter rounded out by crawfish étouffée.

The laid-back vibe is best enjoyed on the patio out back. $ Stein’s Market and Deli 2207 Magazine St., 527-0771, SteinsDeli.net. B, L, D TueSun. New York City meets New Orleans.

The Reuben and Rachel sandwiches are the real deal and the half-sours and pickled tomatoes complete the deli experience. $ Surrey’s Café and Juice Bar 1418 Magazine St., 524-3828; 4807 Magazine St., 895-5757, SurreysCafeAndJuiceBar.com.

B, L daily. Laid-back café focuses on breakfast and brunch dishes to accompany freshly squeezed juice offerings.

Health-food lovers will like it here, along with fans of favorites such as peanut butter and banana pancakes. $$ Tracey’s Irish Restaurant & Bar 2604

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

French Quarter V Sushi 821 Iberville St., 609-2291, VSushiMartini.com. D daily, late-night.

Creative rolls and a huge list of fusion dishes keep party-lovers going late into the night at this combination sushi and martini bar. $$$

Garden District Hoshun Restaurant 1601 St. Charles

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Ave., 302-9716, HoshunRestaurant.com.

L, D daily. Offers a wide variety of Asian cuisines, primarily dishes culled from China, Japan, Thailand and Malaysia.

Five-pepper calamari is a tasty way to begin the meal, and their creative sushi rolls are good. Private dining rooms available. $$

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

Kenner Little Chinatown 3800 Williams Blvd., 305-0580, LittleChinatown.net. L, D daily.

One of the city’s best Chinese restaurants is secreted away on William’s Boulevard in Kenner. Try the roast duck or roast pork, either one is terrific, as well as their short menu of authentic dishes that (for the most part) avoid Americanized Chinese fare. $$

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

Metairie CoNola Grill & Sushi 619 Pink St., 8370055, CoNolaGrillSushi.com. L, D TueSun. Eclectic cafe with DNA from both Sun Ray Grill and Aloha Sushi Bar puts

out southern-inspired fare backed by an Americanized sushi menu, a kids menu and more. Along with a Sunday brunch, there’s something for everyone at this independent restaurant. $$$

by chef Michael Gulotta. Mix-and-match pho and an interesting poor boy menu rounds out the appeal. $$$

H Royal China 600 Veterans Blvd.,

5628. L, D Mon-Sat. The kitchen plays fast and loose with Vietnamese fare at this eclectic outpost on Maple Street. Try the caramelized pork “Baco”. $

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

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

Mid-City H Café Minh 4139 Canal St., 482-6266, CafeMinh.com. L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat. Chef Minh Bui and Cynthia Vutran bring a fusion touch to Vietnamese cuisine with French accents and a contemporary flair. $$ Five Happiness 3605 S. Carrollton Ave., 482-3935, FiveHappiness.com. L, D daily.

This longtime Chinese favorite offers up an extensive menu including its beloved mu shu pork and house-baked duck. $$

H MoPho 514 City Park Ave., 482-6845, MoPhoMidCity.com. L, D Wed-Mon. Vietnamese cuisine meets southern Louisiana in this upscale casual hybrid

Riverbend H Ba Chi Canteen 7900 Maple St., 373-

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

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

H Jung’s Golden Dragon 3009 Magazine St., 891-8280, JungsChinese.com. L, D daily. This Chinese destination is a real find. Along with the usual, you’ll find spicy cold noodle dishes and dumplings.

One of the few local Chinese places that breaks the Americanized mold. $

H Magasin 4201 Magazine St., 8967611, MagasinCafe.com. L, D Mon-Sat. Pho, banh mi and vegetarian options are

offered at this attractive and budgetfriendly Vietnamese restaurant. Café sua da is available as well. $ Kyoto 4920 Prytania St., 891-3644, KyotoNola.com. L, D Mon-Sat. A neighborhood sushi restaurant where the regulars order off-the-menu rolls. $$

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

Bakery/Breakfast Café du Monde Multiple Locations, CafeDuMonde.com. This New Orleans institution has been serving fresh café au lait, rich hot chocolate and positively addictive beignets since 1862 in the French Market 24/7. $ CC’s Coffee House Multiple locations in New Orleans, Metairie and Northshore, CCsCoffee.com. Coffeehouse specializing in coffee, espresso drinks and pastries. $

BROADMOOR Gracious to Go 7220 Earhart Blvd., 301-3709, GraciousBakery.com. B MonFri. Quick-service outpost of Gracious Bakery + Café serves artisan pastries, locally roasted coffee and grab-and-go sandwiches to meet the needs of commuters. Onsite parking a plus. $

CBD/Warehouse District H Merchant 800 Common St., 571-9580, MerchantNewOrleans.com. B, L daily. Illy coffee and creative crêpes, sandwiches and more are served at this sleek and contemporary café on the ground floor of the Merchant Building. $ Red Gravy 4125 Camp St., 561-8844, RedGravy.com. B, Br, L, Wed-Mon. Farm-to-table Italian restaurant offers a creative array of breakfast items such as Cannoli Pancakes as well as delectable sandwiches and more for lunch.

Homemade pastas and authentic Tuscan specialties like Cacciucco round out the menu. $$

H Ruby Slipper Café 200 Magazine St., 525-9355; 1005 Canal St., 525-9355, TheRubySlipperCafe.net. B, L daily, Br Sun. Homegrown chain specializes in breakfast, lunch and brunch dishes with unique local twists such as bananas Foster French toast and barbecue shrimp and grits. $$

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

City Park Morning Call 56 Dreyfous Drive, City Park, 885-4068, NewOrleansCityPark. com/in-the-park/morning-call. 24 hours a day; cash-only. Chicory coffee and beig-

nets coated with powdered sugar make this the quintessential New Orleans coffee shop. $

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

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

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

Catering options available. $

H Ruby Slipper Café 139 S. Cortez St., 525-9355, TheRubySlipperCafe.net.

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

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

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

Lower Garden District Voodoo BBQ 1501 St. Charles Ave., 5224647, VoodooBBQAndGrill.com. L, D daily.

Diners are never too far from this homegrown barbecue chain that features an array of specialty sauces to accompany its smoked meats and seafood. $$

Metairie Voodoo BBQ 2740 Severn Ave., 3534227, VoodooBBQAndGrill.com. L, D daily.

Diners are never too far from this homegrown barbecue chain that features an array of specialty sauces to accompany its smoked meats and seafood. $$

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

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DINING GUIDE restaurant – unless you’re cocktailing only, then it’s all about the Monsoons. $$

Lakeview Lakeview Harbor 911 Harrison Ave., 486-4887, NewOrleansBestBurger.com.

L, D daily. Burgers are the name of the game at this restaurant. Daily specials, pizza and steaks are offered as well. $

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

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

Uptown H The Company Burger 4600 Freret St., 267-0320, TheCompanyBurger.com.

L, D Wed-Mon. Custom-baked butterbrushed buns and fresh-ground beef patties make all the difference at this excellent burger hotspot. Draft beer and craft cocktails round out the appeal. $

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

Broussards.com. D daily, L Fri, Br Sun. Creole-French institution also offers beautiful courtyard seating. $$$$

H Marti’s 1041 Dumaine St., 522-5478, MartisNola.com. D daily. Classic French cuisine, small plates and chilled seafood platters like Grand Plateau Fruits De Mer are the calling cards for this restaurant with an elegant “Old World” feel. $$$

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

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

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

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

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

H La Crêpe Nanou 1410 Robert St.,

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

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

French Quarter

La Petite Grocery 4238 Magazine St., 891-3377, LaPetiteGrocery.com. L Tue-

Broussard’s, 819 Conti St., 581-3866,

Sat, D daily, Br Sun. Elegant dining in a convivial atmosphere. The menu is heavily French-inspired with an emphasis on technique. $$$ Lilette 3637 Magazine St., 895-1636, LiletteRestaurant.com. L Tue-Sat, D MonSat. Chef John Harris’ innovative menu draws discerning diners to this highly regarded bistro. Desserts are wonderful as well. $$$$$

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

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

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

A classic menu with an emphasis on local cuisine. $$$

H Patrick’s Bar Vin 730 Bienville St., 200-3180, PatricksBarVin.com. D daily.

This oasis of a wine bar offers terrific selections by the bottle and glass. Small plates are served as well. $$

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

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

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

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

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

CBD/Warehouse District H Domenica The Roosevelt Hotel, 123 Baronne St., 648-6020, DomenicaRestaurant.com. L, D daily. Chef Alon Shaya serves authentic, regional Italian cuisine.

The menu of thin, lightly topped pizzas, artisanal salumi and cheese, and a carefully chosen selection of antipasti, pasta and entrées features locally raised products, some from chef John Besh’s

La Habana Hemingway Cigar Bar Opens New Shop and New Dining Options La Habana Hemingway Cigar Bar, 533 Toulouse St., 522-5007; 522 ½ Bourbon St.; CigarBarNewOrleans.com La Habana Hemingway Cigar Bar in the French Quarter has launched new dining options to complement its extensive cigar selection, full bar, lounges and bottle service. Lobster De La Cuba features fresh Maine lobster served with Louisiana lump crab and a rib-eye steak that can be enjoyed by itself or with the lobster as surf and turf. As one of the few places downtown where visitors can smoke cigars and enjoy a drink at the same time, La Habana is a popular hangout for tourists and locals alike. There is now also a second location on Bourbon Street that is more of a “grab and go” spot. – M.C.

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Northshore farm. $$$$ Tommy’s Cuisine 746 Tchoupitoulas St., 581-1103, TommysNewOrleans.com. D daily. Classic Creole-Italian cuisine is the name of the game at this upscale eatery.

Appetizers include the namesake oysters Tommy, baked in the shell with Romano cheese, pancetta and roasted red pepper. $$$$$

French Quarter Café Giovanni 117 Decatur St., 529-2154, CafeGiovanni.com. D daily. Live opera singers three nights a week. A selection of Italian specialties tweaked with a Creole influence and their Belli Baci happy hour adds to the atmosphere. $$$$ Chartres House, 601 Chartres St., 5868383, ChartresHouse.com. L, D daily. This iconic French Quarter bar serves terrific Mint Juleps and Gin Fizzes in its picturesque courtyard and balcony settings.

Also famous for its fried green tomatoes and other local favorite dishes. $$$ Irene’s Cuisine 539 St. Philip St., 529881. D Mon-Sat. Long waits at the lively piano bar are part of the appeal of this Creole-Italian favorite beloved by locals.

Try the oysters Irene and crabmeat gratin appetizers. $$$$

H Italian Barrel 430 Barracks St., 569-0198, ItalianBarrel.com. L, D daily.

Northern Italian dishes like Braciola di Maiale as well as an exhaustive pasta menu tempt here at this local favorite that also offers al fresco seating. $$$

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

with the more cosmopolitan influence of chef Rick Tramonto. Chef de cuisine Chris Lusk and executive sous chef Erik Veney are in charge of day-to-day operations, which include house-made charcuterie, pastries, pastas and more. $$$$$

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

harahan

Ralph Brennan’s Red Fish Grill 115 Bourbon St., 598-1200, RedFishGrill.com.

L, D daily. Chef Austin Kirzner cooks up a broad menu peppered with local favorites such as barbecue oysters, blackened redfish and double-chocolate bread pudding. $$$$$ Arnaud’s Remoulade 309 Bourbon St., 523-0377, Remoulade.com. L, D daily.

Granite-topped tables and an antique mahogany bar are home to the eclectic menu of famous shrimp Arnaud, red beans and rice and poor boys as well as specialty burgers, grilled all-beef hot dogs and thin-crust pizza. $$

H R’evolution 777 Bienville St., 5532277, RevolutionNola.com. L Wed-Fri, D daily, Br Sun. An opulent place that combines the local flavors of chef John Folse

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

Family friendly with patio seating to boot. $$

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

Metairie H Andrea’s Restaurant 3100 19th St., 834-8583, AndreasRestaurant.com. L Mon-Sat, D daily, Br Sun. Osso buco and homemade pastas in a setting that’s both elegant and intimate; off-premise catering. $$$ Semolina 4436 Veterans Blvd., Suite 37, 454-7930, Semolina.com. L, D daily. This casual, contemporary pasta restaurant takes a bold approach to cooking Italian food, emphasizing flavors, texture and color. Many of the dishes feature a

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

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

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

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

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DINING GUIDE Pascal’s Manale 1838 Napoleon Ave., 895-4877, PascalsManale.com. L MonFri, D Mon-Sat. Vintage neighborhood restaurant since 1913 and the place to go for the creation of barbecued shrimp.

Its oyster bar serves icy cold, freshly shucked Louisiana oysters and the Italian specialties and steaks are also solid. $$$$ Vincent’s Italian Cuisine 7839 St. Charles Ave., 866-9313, VicentsItalianCuisine.com. L Tue-Fri, D Tue-Sun. Snug Italian boîte packs them in yet manages to remain intimate at the same time. The cannelloni is a house specialty. $$$

Louisianian Fare CBD/Warehouse District H Annunciation 1016 Annunciation St., 568-0245, AnnunciationRestaurant. com. D Mon-Sat. Chef Steven Manning brings a refined sensibility to this refined Warehouse District oasis along with his famous fried oysters with melted brie. $$$ Balise 640 Carondelet St., 459-4449, BaliseNola.com. L Mon-Fri, D nightly.

Chef Justin Devillier turns back the clock at this turn-of-the-century inspired bistro in the CBD. Decidedly masculine fare – think venison tartare with horseradish and pumpernickel – is carefully crafted and fits well alongside the excellent cocktail and beer list. $$$

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Bon Ton Cafe 401 Magazine St., 5243386, TheBonTonCafe.com. L, D Mon-Fri. A local favorite for the old-school business lunch crowd specializing in local seafood and Cajun dishes. $$$$ Café Adelaide Loews New Orleans Hotel, 300 Poydras St., 595-3305, CafeAdelaide.com. B, D daily, L Mon-Fri. This offering from the Commander’s Palace family of restaurants has become a powerlunch favorite for business-people and politicos. Also features the Swizzle Stick Bar. $$$$

H Cochon 930 Tchoupitoulas St., 588-2123, CochonRestaurant.com. L, D, Mon-Sat. Chefs Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski showcase Cajun and Southern cuisine at this hot spot. Boudin and other pork dishes reign supreme here, along with Louisiana seafood and real moonshine from the bar. Reservations strongly recommended. $$ Drago’s Hilton Riverside Hotel, 2 Poydras St., 584-3911, DragosRestaurant. com. L, D daily. This famous seafooder specializes in charbroiled oysters, a dish they invented. Great deals on fresh lobster as well. $$$$ Emeril’s 800 Tchoupitoulas St., 5289393, EmerilsRestaurants.com. L MonFri, D daily. The flagship of superstar chef Emeril Lagasse’s culinary empire,

this landmark attracts pilgrims from all over the world. $$$$$

corridor helps train at-risk youth for careers in the food service industry. $$

H Herbsaint 701 St. Charles Ave.,

Darrow

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

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

Mother’s 401 Poydras St., 523-9656, MothersRestaurant.net. B, L, D daily.

Locals and tourists alike endure long queues and a confounding ordering system to enjoy iconic dishes such as the Ferdi poor boy and Jerry’s jambalaya.

Come for a late lunch to avoid the rush. $$

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

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

Central City Café Reconcile 1631 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., 568-1157, CafeReconcile.org. L Mon-Fri. Good food for a great cause, this nonprofit on the burgeoning OCH

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

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

French Quarter Acme Oyster House 724 Iberville St., 522-5973, AcmeOyster.com. L, D daily.

Known as one of the best places to eat oysters. $$

H Arnaud’s 813 Bienville St., 523-5433, ArnaudsRestaurant.com. D daily, Br Sun. Waiters in tuxedos prepare Café Brûlot tableside at this storied Creole grande dame; live jazz during Sun. brunch. $$$$$

plush British décor features live music during the week and late dinner and drinks on weekends. Nouveau Creole menu includes items such as Bombay drum. $$$$ Café Maspero 601 Decatur St., 523-6250, CafeMaspero.com. L, D daily. Tourists line up for their generous portions of seafood and large deli sandwiches. $ Court of Two Sisters 613 Royal St., 522-7261, CourtOfTwoSisters.com. Br, D daily. The historic environs make for a memorable outdoor dining experience.

The famous daily Jazz Brunch buffet and classic Creole dishes sweeten the deal. $$$$$

dame. Tradition counts for everything here, and the crabmeat Sardou is delicious. Note: Jackets required for dinner and all day Sun. $$$$$ House of Blues 225 Decatur St., 3104999, HouseOfBlues.com/NewOrleans. L, D daily. Surprisingly good menu complements music in the main room. Worldfamous Gospel Brunch every Sunday.

Patio seating available. $$ Killer Poboys 811 Conti St., 252-6745, KillerPoboys.blogspot.com. L, D WedMon. This quasi-popup operating out of the Erin Rose Bar serves some of the city’s best poor boys, including one featuring glazed pork belly. $

Antoine’s 713 St. Louis St., 581-4422, Antoines.com. L, D Mon-Sat, Br Sun. This pinnacle of haute cuisine and birthplace of oysters Rockefeller is New Orleans’ oldest restaurant. (Every item is á la carte, with an $11 minimum.) Private dining rooms available. $$$$$

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

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

H The Bistreaux New Orleans Maison

H Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House 144

H MiLa 817 Common St., 412-2580,

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

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

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

Galatoire’s 209 Bourbon St., 525-2021, Galatoires.com. L, D Tue-Sun. Friday lunches are a New Orleans tradition at this world-famous French-Creole grand

NOLA 534 St. Louis St., 522-6652, Emerils.com. L Thu-Mon, D daily. Emeril’s more affordable eatery, featuring cedarplank-roasted redfish; private dining.

The Bombay Club Prince Conti Hotel, 830 Conti St., 586-0972, TheBombayClub. com. D daily. Popular martini bar with

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

H Tableau 616 S. Peter St., 934-3463, TableauFrenchQuarter.com. L, D daily, Br Sun. Gulf seafood such as trout amandine and classic Creole brunch dishes like eggs Sardou are the highlights of this Dickie Brennan restaurant that shares space with Le Petite Théâtre on the corner of Jackson Square. $$$

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

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

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

Metairie/Jefferson Acme Oyster House 3000 Veterans Blvd., 309-4056, AcmeOyster.com. L, D daily.

Known as one of the best places to eat oysters. $$ Austin’s 5101 W. Esplanade Ave., 8885533, AustinsNo.com. D Mon-Sat. Mr. Ed’s upscale bistro serves contemporary Creole fare, including seafood and steaks. $$$ Copeland’s 1001 S. Clearview Parkway, 620-7800; 701 Veterans Blvd., 831-3437, CopelandsofNewOrleans.com. L, D daily, Br Sun. Al Copeland’s namesake chain includes favorites such as Shrimp Ducky.

Popular for lunch. $$ Crabby Jack’s 428 Jefferson Highway, 833-2722, CrabbyJacksNola.com. L MonSat. Lunch outpost of Jacques-Imo’s.

Famous for its fried seafood and poor boys including fried green tomatoes and roasted duck. $ Drago’s 3232 N. Arnoult Road, 888-9254, DragosRestaurant.com. L, D Mon-Sat. This famous seafooder specializes in charbroiled oysters, a dish they invented.

Great deals on fresh lobster as well. $$$$

Mid-City H Katie’s Restaurant and Bar 3701 Iberville St., 488-6582, KatiesInMidCity. com. L, D Mon-Sat, Br Sun. Creative poor boys, local dishes such as gumbo and

Sunday brunch make this a neighborhood favorite. $$

cuisine makes this cozy cottage a true foodie destination. $$$$$

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

Uptown H Apolline 4729 Magazine St.,

H Mandina’s 3800 Canal St., 482-9179, MandinasRestaurant.com. L, D daily.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

H Gautreau’s 1728 Soniat St., 899-7397, GautreausRestaurant.com. D Mon-Sat. Upscale destination serves refined interpretations of classics along with contemporary creations. $$$$$ Jacques-Imo’s Cafe 8324 Oak St., 8610886, Jacques-Imos.com. D Mon-Sat. Reinvented New Orleans cuisine served in a party atmosphere. The deep-fried roast beef poor boy is delicious. The lively bar scene offsets the long wait on weekends. $$$$ Joey K’s 3001 Magazine St., 891-0997,

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

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

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

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

Uptown H Ancora 4508 Freret St., 324-1636, AncoraPizza.com. D Mon-Sat. Authentic Neapolitan-style pizza fired in an oven imported from Naples. The housemade charcuterie makes it a double-winner. $$ Pizza Domenica 4933 Magazine St., 301-4978, PizzaDomenica.com. L Fri-Sun,

Louisiana Seafood at Andrea’s Restaurant Andrea’s, 3100 19th St., Metairie, 834-8583, AndreasRestaurant.com After 31 years, chef Andrea Apuzzo has earned a reputation for what he won’t cook as much as what he will. If seafood isn’t fresh, it won’t be on the menu at his Northern Italian restaurant and banqueting space. Luckily shrimp, crab and crawfish are plentiful from April to September, and you can experience Apuzzo’s creations Monday to Friday and at Sunday Champagne brunch. Alternatively, pop in for pizza or a craft cocktail at Capri Blu, a cocktail bar with live music at the weekends. Happy Hour, 4-7 p.m. Monday to Friday, offers a wide selection of wines by the glass and $3 house martinis. – M.C.

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cheryl gerber photograph

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

Seafood

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

Akers

French Quarter

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

Bourbon House 144 Bourbon St., 5220111, BourbonHouse.com. B, L, D daily.

Local seafood, featured in both classic and contemporary dishes, is the focus of this New Orleans-centric destination.

And yes, bourbon is offered as well. $$$

CBD/Warehouse District H Borgne 601 Loyola Ave., 613-3860, BorgneRestaurant.com. L, D daily.

Coastal Louisiana seafood with an emphasis on Isleños cuisine (descendants of Canary Islanders who settled in St. Bernard Parish) is the focus of this high-volume destination adjacent to the Superdome. $$$

H Pêche 800 Magazine St., 522-1744, PecheRestaurant.com. L, D Mon-Sat. Award-winning southern-inspired seafood destination by chef Donald Link

Crazy Lobster 500 Port of New Orleans Place, Suite 83. L, D daily. Boiled seafood and festive atmosphere come together at this seafood-centric destination overlooking the Mississippi River. Outdoor seating a plus. $$$ Creole Cookery 508 Toulouse St., Suite C110, 524-9632, NewOrleansCreoleCookery.com. L, D daily. Crowd-pleasing destination in the French Quarter offers an expansive menu of Creole favorites and specialty cocktails served with New Orleans flair. $$$ Deanie’s Seafood 841 Iberville St., 5811316, Deanies.com. L, D daily. Louisiana

seafood, baked, broiled, boiled and fried is the name of the game. Try the barbecue shrimp or towering seafood platters. $$$

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

H Kingfish 337 Charters St., 598-5005, CocktailBarNewOrleans.com. L, D daily.

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

Pier 424, 424 Bourbon St., 309-1574, Pier424SeafoodMarket.com. L, D daily.

Seafood-centric restaurant offers long menu of traditional New Orleans fare augmented by unusual twists like “Cajun-Boiled” Lobster prepared crawfish-style in spicy crab boil. $$$

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

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

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

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

Steakhouse CBD/Warehouse District H Besh Steak Harrah’s Casino, 8 Canal St., 533-6111, HarrahsNewOrleans. com. D daily. Acclaimed chef John Besh reinterprets the classic steakhouse with his signature contemporary Louisiana flair. $$$$$ Chophouse New Orleans 322 Magazine St., 522-7902, ChophouseNola.com. D daily. In addition to USDA prime grade aged steaks prepared under a broiler that reaches 1,700 degrees, Chophouse offers lobster, redfish and classic steakhouse sides. $$$

H Desi Vega’s Steakhouse 628 St. Charles Ave., 523-7600, DesiVegaSteaks.

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

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

Garden District H Mr. John’s Steakhouse 2111 St. Charles Ave., 679-7697, MrJohnsSteakhouse.com. D Tue-Sat, L Friday. Wood paneling, white tile and USDA Prime

Beef served sizzling in butter are the hallmarks of this classic New Orleans steakhouse. $$$

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

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

Metairie Ruth’s Chris Steak House 3633 Veterans Blvd., 888-3600, RuthsChris.com. L Fri, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. Filet mignon, creamed spinach and potatoes au gratin are the

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

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

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

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

Catering is offered as well. $$

World Byblos Multiple Locations, ByblosRestaurants.com. L, D daily. Upscale Middle Eastern cuisine featuring traditional sea-

food, lamb and vegetarian options. $$

Bywater H Booty’s Street Food 800 Louisa St., 266-2887, BootysNola.com. B, L, D daily.

Street food culled from countries around the globe is the muse of this creative establishment, where papadum from India resides confidently alongside Peruvian ceviche. $$ The Green Goddess 307 Exchange Place, 301-3347, GreenGoddessRestaurant.com. L, D Wed-Sun. One of the most imaginative local restaurants.

The menu is constantly changing, and chef Paul Artigues always has ample vegetarian options. Combine all of that with a fantastic selection of drinks, wine and beer, and it’s the total (albeit small) package. $$

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

H Lüke 333 St. Charles Ave., 378-2840, LukeNewOrleans.com. B, L, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. Chef John Besh and executive chef Matt Regan serve Germanic specialties and French bistro classics,

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

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

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

French Quarter Bayona 430 Dauphine St., 525-4455, Bayona.com. L Wed-Sat, D Mon-Sat. Chef Susan Spicer’s nationally acclaimed cuisine is served in this 200-year-old cottage. Ask for a seat on the romantic

patio, weather permitting. $$$$$ El Gato Negro 81 French Market Place, 525-9752, ElGatoNegroNola.com. Central Mexican cuisine along with handmuddled mojitos and margaritas made with freshly squeezed juice. A weekend breakfast menu is an additional plus. $$

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

Lakewood H Mizado 5080 Pontchartrain Blvd.,

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

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

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

H Milkfish 125 N. Carrollton Ave., 267-

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

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

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

METAIRIE Vega Tapas Café 2051 Metairie Road,

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

H Mona’s Café 3901 Banks St., 482-

H Taqueria Guerrero 208 N. Carrollton Ave., 484-6959. B, L, D, Tue-Sat. Friendly staff and authentic Mexican cuisine

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DINING GUIDE make this affordable neighborhood restaurant a neighborhood favorite. $

Upper 9th Ward Kebab , 2315 Saint Claude Ave., 3834328, KebabNola.com. L, D Fri-Mon. The menu is short and tasty at this kebab outpost along the revitalized St. Claude Avenue corridor. $

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

H Irish House 1432 St. Charles Ave., 595-6755, TheIrishHouseNewOrleans. com. L Mon-Fri, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. Irish pub dishes such as shepherd’s pie and fish and chips are featured here, as well as creative cocktails like Irish iced coffee. Check the schedule of events for live music. $$ Jamila’s Mediterranean Tunisian Cuisine 7808 Maple St., 866-4366. D TueSun. Intimate and exotic bistro serving Mediterranean and Tunisian cuisine. The Grilled Merguez is a Jazz Fest favorite and vegetarian options are offered. $$ Juan’s Flying Burrito 2018 Magazine St., 569-0000, JuansFlyingBurrito.com. L, D daily. Hard-core tacos and massive bur-

ritos are served in an edgy atmosphere. $

H Mona’s Café 4126 Magazine St., 8949800; 1120 S. Carrollton Ave., 861-8174.

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

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

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

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

Specialty Foods

Uptown

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

French Quarter Antoine’s Annex 513 Royal St., 5258045, Antoines.com/Antoines-Annex.

Open daily. Serves French pastries, including individual baked Alaskas, ice cream and gelato, as well as panini, salads and coffee. Delivery available.

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

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

Blue Frog Chocolates 5707 Magazine St., 269-5707, BlueFrogChocolates.com.

Open daily, closed Sundays in summer.

French and Belgian chocolate truffles and Italian candy flowers make this a great place for gifts.

St. James Cheese Company 5004 Prytania St., 899-4737, StJamesCheese. com. Open daily. Specialty shop offers a selection of fine cheeses, wines, beers and related accouterments. Look for wine and cheese specials every Friday.

Sucré 3025 Magazine St., 520-8311, ShopSucre.com. Desserts daily & nightly.

Open late weekends. Chocolates, pastry and gelato draw rave reviews at this dessert destination. Beautiful packaging makes this a great place to shop for gifts.

Catering available. n

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

A STUNNING COLLECTION OF 50 TRADITIONAL (AND SOME NON-TRADITIONAL) LOUISIANA RECIPES. AN ABSOLUTE MUST HAVE FOR YOUR KITCHEN, OR THE PERFECT GIFT FOR A LOUISIANA FOOD LOVER.

$16.95 TO ORDER VISIT LOUISIANACOOKBOOK.COM

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Andrea's Restaurant

Antoine’s Restaurant

Arnaud’s

AndreasRestaurant.com 3100 19th St., at Ridgelake, Metairie 504-834-8583

Antoines.com 713 St. Louis St., New Orleans 504-581-4422

ArnaudsRestaurant.com 813 Bienville Ave., New Orleans 504-523-5433

Andrea's Italian, Steak and Seafood Restaurant is not just for special occasions; it's elegant, casual and affordable. Chef Andrea serves only the freshest fish amberjack, speckled trout, flounder, red snapper and redfish. Book one of their private rooms for up to 500 people.

Andrea's is the perfect choice to take your mom for Mother's Day.

It all started here. Antoine’s Restaurant has a 176-year-old legacy and is still owned and operated by fifth generation relatives of the original founder, Antoine Alciatore. The worldrenowned French-Creole cuisine, impeccable service & unique atmosphere have combined to create an unmatched dining experience in New Orleans since 1840. Antoine’s 14 dining rooms each have a unique history and charm, hosting private parties and events for up to 700+ guests.

Located in the heart of the French Quarter, Arnaud’s Restaurant offers classic Creole cuisine and exemplary service, with live Dixieland Jazz in beautifully restored, turn-of-the-century dining rooms. Arnaud’s is a quintessential New Orleans dining experience for locals and visitors alike.

Boulevard American Bistro

Broussard's

Caffe! Caffe!

BoulevardBistro.com 4241 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie 504-889-2301

Broussards.com 819 Rue Conti St., New Orleans 504-581-3866

Boulevard is a Classic American Bistro offering simple, well composed dishes.

General Manager Robert Hardie welcomes you to the casual yet sophisticated dining room with an all-day, à la carte menu. The large bar imparts the feeling of a favorite neighborhood bar, with an extensive wine list and hand-crafted, specialty cocktails.

In a city that joyously celebrates fine dining as an art form, Broussard's has been a New Orleans fixture for nearly a century.

Located in the heart of New Orleans’ venerable French Quarter, Broussard's offers Chef Neal Swidler's creative contemporary renditions of classic Creole cuisine in a timeless historic setting.

CaffeCaffe.com 4301 Clearview Parkway, Metairie 504-885-4845 3547 N. Hullen St., Metairie 504-267-9190

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Caffe! Caffe! is known for their delicious fresh salads. Try the popular Avocado Salad with Mango Vinaigrette or one of their new Eat Fit NOLA Menu options! Two locations in Metairie serving breakfast and lunch and serving until 8 p.m. at Clearview weekdays. Top off your meal with one of their homemade specialty desserts!

Compère Lapin CompereLapin.com 535 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans | 504-599-2119 Compère Lapin (kom-pare la-pan) n. 1. French for “brother rabbit” 2. Traditional Caribbean and Creole folktales featuring a mischievous rabbit named Compère Lapin 3. Restaurant helmed by Chef Nina Compton in the heart of the Warehouse Arts District in New Orleans.

ADVERTISING SECTION

Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse

Five Happiness

TheCrazyLobster.com 500 Port of New Orleans Place, Suite # 83, New Orleans 504-569-3380

DickieBrennansSteakhouse.com 716 Iberville St., New Orleans 504-522-2467

FiveHappiness.com 3605 S. Carrollton Ave., New Orleans 504-482-3935

Enjoy Riverside dining on the banks of the Mississippi River. Their signature dish is the Bounty of Sea, featuring a two-pound Maine lobster, shrimp, crawfish, snow crab, clams, mussels, corn and potatoes. Listen to the sounds of live music featuring the best entertainment straight off Frenchmen Street.

A locally owned restaurant, Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse has graced the pages of national publications as one of the best Steakhouses in America. With their emphasis on prime steaks and the freshest, local seafood, it’s no wonder why critics have taken notice. Their chateaubriand for two is a new addition that’s destined to become a signature dish.

Come to Five Happiness and let the ambience and friendly staff take you to a new level of dining experience. This award-winning restaurant always strives to achieve its best. Private party and banquet rooms are available

French Market District

Hoshun Restaurant

Hotel Monteleone

FrenchMarket.org 1008 N. Peters St., New Orleans 504-522-2621

HoshunRestaurant.com 1601 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans 504-302-9171

HoteMonteleone.com 214 Royal St. | 504-523-3341

The 30th Annual French Market Creole Tomato Festival is June 11 & 12, 2016 from Dutch Alley to Crescent Park, with activities in the Farmers Market and at the Old U.S. Mint. Fresh tomatoes, live music, food booths, kids activities.

Chinese or Japanese? Can’t decide?

Hoshun is your answer! They offer an extensive menu from classic Chinese dishes to Japanese sushi and everything in between (like Vietnamese pho or pad thai). Stick with one cuisine or mix and match! Open daily until 2 a.m.

Fifth generation family-owned and operated for 130 years, the historic Hotel Monteleone is located in the heart of the French Quarter. The hotel has 570 guest rooms, Criollo Restaurant, famous Carousel Bar & Lounge, heated rooftop pool, fitness center and Spa Aria.

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Crazy Lobster

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Katie’s Restaurant KatiesInMidCity.com 3701 Iberville St., New Orleans 504-488-6582 A hollowed out Gendusa French loaf (the original New Orleans French bread), “the Legend” is stuffed with BBQ Shrimp and Cochon de Lait. Call to ask about our wonderful daily specials. Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday and Sunday brunch.

Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum MaritimeMuseum.org 115 E. First St., Biloxi 228-435-6320 When you travel to Biloxi, take a step back in time and sail aboard a twomasted 68’ Biloxi Schooner. 2.5 hour, 1/2 day and full day charters for up to 44 passengers. Or you can take a 2.5 hour walk-on sail for individuals. Call Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum 228-4356320 for information.

La Habana Hemingway Cigar Bar CigarBarNewOrleans.com 533 Toulouse St., New Orleans 504-522-5007 Enjoy a premium cigar paired with your favorite whiskey or cocktail – the only place in the French Quarter where you can smoke AND drink. Daily special on Nicaraguan Jon Carlos Nola house blend cigars: buy three and get one free! Open Monday through Thursday noon-midnight and weekends 11-2 a.m.

New Orleans Creole Cookery NewOrleansCreoleCookery.com 510 Toulouse St., New Orleans 504-524-9632 Savor authentic Creole dishes prepared

by Chef John Trinh, formerly of Eleven 79. Delight in traditional dishes such as Gumbo, Shrimp Creole and Crawfish Etouffee as well as oysters grilled and raw, boiled seafood and more. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails and signature drinks in the historic French Quarter.

Mandina’s Restaurant MandinasRestaurant.com 3800 Canal St., New Orleans 504-482-9179 Mandina's is the quintessential neighborhood restaurant. "There are some items that have been on the menu for 75 years," says Cindy Mandina. "My grandmother always said, 'Take care of the neighborhood people and locals that come here… cater to their needs and desires’.

That's what we're all about." Mandina's is open for lunch and dinner daily.

Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro OrleansGrapevine.com 720 Orleans Ave., New Orleans 504-523-1930 Enjoy true New Orleans atmosphere in a beautiful, tropical, climate controlled courtyard. Serving high quality cuisine and one of the largest selections of wine by the bottle or by the glass. Don’t miss the popular Bacon Happy Hour, where you’ll enjoy free bacon with your cocktails and wine. 4-6 p.m. and 10 p.m.midnight daily.

ADVERTISING SECTION

Ralph Brennan Catering

Red Gravy

PascalsManale.com 1838 Napoleon Ave., New Orleans 504-895-4877

RalphBrennanCatering.com 504-539-5510

RedGravyCafe.com 125 Camp St., New Orleans 504-561-8844

This famous restaurant has been family- owned and operated since 1913.

Pascal’s Manale Restaurant is the origin of the well-known Bar-B-Que Shrimp. The old-time oyster and cocktail bars offer raw oysters on the half-shell and all types of cocktails, as well as a great selection of fine wines. Fresh seafood, Italian dishes and delicious steaks are featured. Pascal's Manale is Open for Mother's Day.

New Orleans' premier caterer for groups from 100 to 1,200 people! Let them match your palate, theme and budget in your home, restaurant, or venue of your choice. They are dedicated to servicing a seamless, professional and above all memorable experience.

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Pascal’s Manale

Gluten free? Try Roseann’s fresh glutenfree/paleo fettuccini with her hearty sugo Bolognese – also available with handmade penne. Red Gravy is Open Table’s 2016 No. 1 Brunch in New Orleans!

Stop in Wednesday through Monday 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Tchoupitoulas Beer Garden

The Court of Two Sisters

The Ruby Slipper

TBGNola.com 840 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans 504-224-2889

CourtofTwoSisters.com 613 Royal St., New Orleans 504-522-7261

TheRubySlipperCafe.net Mid-City, Marigny, CBD, French Quarter 504-525-9355

TBG is the New Orleans version of an Oktoberfest-style beer garden where authentic street food, the best beer and great times are shared at communal picnic tables in their open indoor space.

Menu items include brats, goulash, catfish schnitzel and daily chef specials. Lunch and dinner served Tuesday through Sunday.

The Court of Two Sisters, known for its large dining courtyard, serves a lavish daily Jazz Brunch buffet. At night, choose from its a la carte dinner menu or a fourcourse dinner. Complete menus available at CourtofTwoSisters.com. Reservations are recommended.

The Ruby Slipper Café is a scratchkitchen that adds New Orleans flair to Southern breakfast standards, brunch classics and fresh lunch dishes. Try their signature Eggs Cochon; house specialties like BBQ Shrimp & Grits or Gulf Fish St. Peter; or Miami Slice or Rubyn sandwiches. Mimosas, Bellinis and award-winning Bloody Marys are the perfect complement to your meal!

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1. Boudreaux's Jewelers BoudreauxsJewelers.com 701 Metairie Road, Metairie 504-831-2602 "Oval Emerald and Diamond Cluster Earrings containing 1.33 ct tw Emeralds and 1.13 ct tw in diamonds set in White Gold"

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2. Trashy Diva TrashyDiva.com 2048 Magazine St., New Orleans 504-299-8777 Adorn your deserving mother in an elegant statement piece fit for a queen with this Elizabeth Cole Firework Wreath Necklace, available at Trashy Diva's Uptown dress store (2048 Magazine St.) Its shades of green and pink are perfect for spring!

3. Symmetry Jewelers SymmetryJewelers.com 8138 Hampson St., New Orleans 504-861-9925

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The hand engraver, a nearly extinct species. Fortunately, Symmetry Jewelers and Designers still have three. The master and senior of the group is also an incredible artist and designer, Tom Mathis. Symmetry still offers the classics as well as dozens of new monogram designs.

4. Donald J Pliner at the Shops at Canal Place DonaldJPliner.com 333 Canal St., #208, New Orleans 504-522-1720 Give mom something that shines this Mother’s Day. The CAMDYN wedge and matching DORINDA bucket bag will make her the envy of all her friends this summer.

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5. Lee Michael’s Fine Jewelry lmfj.com | LakesideShopping.com Lakeside Shopping Center Sterling silver locket has a cut-out floral design with pave diamonds, milgrain and beaded accents on a polished bail and adjustable 16- to 18-inch chain, $85.

6. Grandmother’s Buttons GrandmothersButtons.com 2105 Magazine St., New Orleans 504-249-5821 Mothers are like buttons; they hold everything together. No one understands the bond between mothers and daughters better than Grandmother’s Buttons! Choose a piece of their beautiful jewelry for your mother and receive this thoughtful card to go with it. Pictured is their Marais bracelet, created with an antique button, Swarovski crystals, and a vintage pearl button.

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7. Cristy Cali CristyCali.com 504-407-5041 Cristy Cali is bringing mothers and daughters together with this beautiful duo pendant that doubles as a bonding experience. Mother and daughter pull apart the two sides of the sterling silver heart to keep each other close in her own.

Cristy Cali, available exclusively at select jewelers and online.

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8. Chateau Sew & Sew ChateauSew.com 1115 St. Mary St., New Orleans 504-533-9221 Get Mom ready for all of her summer travels with a new cosmetic bag, train case or travel jewelry bag from Chateau Sew & Sew. Make it extra special with a beautiful custom monogram or her name!

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9. Jaci Blue Boutique

10. Preservation Tile Co.

11. QUEORK

12. Judy at the Rink

13. Auraluz

JaciBlue.com 2111 Magazine St., New Orleans 504-603-2929

PreservationTiles.com

Queork.com 838 Chartres St., French Quarter 3005 Magazine St., Garden District 504-481-4910

2727 Prytania St., New Orleans 504-891-7018

ShopAuraluz.com 4408 Shores Drive, Metairie 504-888-3313

A gift a mother – or anyone – would love! Local artist Danny Find the perfect summer frock Chinn recreates the historic for Mom like this comfy cotton New Orleans street tiles by Allure Tunic by Peppermint Bay hand. No two are alike to paired with Lyssé White Denim ensure a unique collection.

Leggings, available at the Each comes framed and ready recently opened Jaci Blue – a to hang. Give a piece of history fashion forward boutique for and share in the spirit of New sizes 12 and up.

Orleans and its local art.

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Stop by Judy at the Rink for a great selection of Mother's Day gifts. Judy The Boho Cork Handbag by New has a unique collection of Orleans-based QUEORK is the original paintings, jewelry and perfect way to show Mom how artwork. Pick out something unique and special she really is! special for your mom for These cork bags are durable like Mother's Day. leather, waterproof, lightweight,

and becoming one of the most popular brands New Orleans has to offer ($219). Free shipping and returns at QUEORK.com.

LAMPE BERGER: The perfect Mother's Day gift! It's both decorative and functional.

Made in France for over 117 years, each Lampe Berger cleanses, purifies and fragrances the air with over 50 fragrances to choose from – all available at Auraluz.

ADVERTISING SECTION

14. Exterior Designs, Inc. ExteriorDesignsBev.com Beverly Katz, Landscape Designer 504-866-0276

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Exterior Designs, the original New Orleans courtyard designer, specializes in transforming outdoor areas into additional living space.

From pool to historic landscape renovations, they offer a full range of services to commercial and residential clients. As a full-service designer and builder, problem yards are their specialty!

15. California Closets CaliforniaClosets.com/Metairie 3211 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie 504-828-5705 As Mother’s Day approaches, nothing feels better than an organized and refreshed home.

Offering unique and innovative designs, California Closets can help you start the season with confidence and style. With more than 35 years of experience in creating homeorganization systems customers love, California Closets.

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16. Southern Aesthetics PTreeceMD.com 3815 Hessmer Ave., Metairie 504-779-774 Mother can tell you what she does NOT want for Mother's Day… waggling chins, wrinkles and frown lines! Join us May 4th and win FREE Peels, Botox, Radiesse, Belotero, Coolsculpt and Kybela. Click on “What’s New” at ptreecemd.com for special pricing through May 31st as we give Mama all month long.

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17. Perlis Perlis.com 6070 Magazine St., New Orleans 504-895-8661 A GiGi New York leather handbag makes the perfect Mother's Day Gift.

Shop the Perlis ladies department for mom this year!

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L’Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge

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ummer just isn’t summer if you don’t hit the road, and fortunately New Orleans is surrounded by – and includes – some worldclass destinations for fun both in the sun and in the shade. Vacation season is here, and whether you’re looking for a big city or a secluded beach, options for spending quality time with family and friends are plentiful and versatile. From Texas over to Florida, and from Arkansas down to Central America, the following nearby destinations will have you relaxed

and rejuvenated, whether it be through spas and shopping or exploring and learning. The region’s cities and states welcome New Orleanians with open arms, while various attractions greet visitors with tours and photo opportunities. Hotels and resorts supply the comforts of home, and restaurants await to satisfy your appetite for flavor and fun.

Start planning your adventure with the following destinations, and take advantage of summer while it’s warmest and most welcoming.

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Cities & States Head to Dallas with plenty of room in your suitcase – you’ll need it! Get ready for summer shopping, Dallas style!

From luxury shopping to bargain hunting, Dallas is ready for your big shopping spree. Step into historic West End for lunch and get some unique souvenirs at Wild Bill’s Western Store. Need some cowboy boots? Bill himself may be around to fit you for a custom pair! If you’re in the mood for upscale, treat yourself at NorthPark Center or Galleria Dallas – the luxury malls present an impressive array of trendy designer stores interspersed with retail favorites.

Need a break from shopping? Galleria Dallas has a massive ice-skating rink that’s open all year. Then, head Downtown to the flagship Neiman Marcus, the crown jewel of shopping in Dallas.

Need more? Stroll through Deep Ellum or Bishop Arts District for your pick of quirky finds and antique pieces in the neighborhoods’ vintage shops. Check out a variety of shopping trip options and ideas at VisitDallas.com.

When you visit the Mississippi Gulf Coast, plan to have plenty of time to visit the large variety of attractions.

Lodging along the coast ranges from B&Bs to fancy fullservice resorts.

Along Mississippi’s 62 miles of beaches, opportunities abound to get in and on the water. Down here, fishing is a way of life. Mississippi’s charter boat captains are

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Natchitoches CVB

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Jackson, Mississippi

internationally recognized for their skills, so they know where the big ones bite! Shopping ranges from unique boutiques to premium outlet malls. Additionally, historic sites greet you around every turn. Art galleries and museums dot the coast as well. Kids will find exciting water parks, a nationally recognized children’s museum, and the new INFINITY Science Center.

Whether you stay for a day or a week, you’ll never run out of exciting activities and attractions on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. For information, deals and more on Mississippi Gulf Coast Attractions, visit MississippiFun.org.

With over 300 years of history, Natchitoches is the oldest city in Louisiana, and summer brings a variety of events and celebrations for travelers of all kinds. From its famous meat pies to its charming 33-block National Historic District, attractions abound as well!

This year’s Steel Magnolias-inspired “Girls Getaway” weekend takes place with special events June 3-5.

Simultaneously, the Cookin’ on the Cane BBQ Competition heats up June 3-4. On Saturdays throughout summer, visit the Cane River Green Market for fresh vegetables and more.

Sports fans won’t want to miss a chance to rub elbows with elite athletes at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction, June 23-25.

Whether you’re spending a weekend with friends or taking a family trip to see the variety of sights, Natchitoches welcomes with an abundance of southern charm and a large dose of small-town hospitality.

Experience Natchitoches and unique Cane River Country this summer. Call 800-259-1714 or visit Natchitoches.com.

Take a short drive to Jackson, Mississippi, where the Lefleur Museum District Passport offers your family limitless wondrous opportunities and savings this summer!

Save 20% on your stay at the Hilton Jackson and feel right at home with Drago’s next door, where you can enjoy a complimentary order of a ½-dozen oysters. Or book your room at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jackson Downtown Coliseum or Fairfield Inn & Suites for only $89/night.

The passport itself is a 25% savings for entry to four uniquely amazing museums. Relive unforgettable moments in sports history at the Sports Hall of Fame and experience the magic of small-town life, early aviation, and agriculture at the Ag Museum. Explore the expanses of your imagination at the Children’s Museum and live on the wild side at the

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Musuem of Natural Science with its living creatures, huge aquariums and dinosaurs.

A fun-filled trip with your family awaits this summer in Jackson, the “City with Soul.” Visit LeFleurMuseumDistrict. com for more details.

Pensacola’s beaches are just the beginning! No trip to the area is complete without exploring the rich heritage of America’s first settlement. Come experience history being brought to life in Historic Pensacola, located downtown just minutes from Pensacola’s world famous sugar-white beaches and emerald-green waters.

Historic Pensacola, which includes the T. T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum, the Pensacola Children’s Museum, the Museums of Commerce, Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center and Historic Pensacola Village, shares the history and stories of America’s first settlement through museum exhibits, guided and self-guided home tours, and interaction with period-dressed living history interpreters.

“One Ticket, Seven Days to Explore” ticketing allows access to all museums, tours, and activities for seven days. Tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for senior citizens, military personnel and dependents and AAA members, and $4 for children ages 3 to 15. For more information, visit HistoricPensacola.org or call 850-595-5985.

Situated in the heart of Arkansas, Little Rock is celebrated for its charming hospitality, genuine people, and new Southern style. The city features Locally Labeled craft ales, wines and spirits, award-winning restaurants, and unique shops, and hosts a number of special events and festivals

each year, including the state’s largest music festival, Riverfest (June 3-5), held in Riverfront Park.

History comes to life at the William J. Clinton Presidential Center, historic Central High School, and the Esse Purse Museum.

The Arkansas River Trail embraces 17 miles of natural fun, including the Big Dam Bridge, North America’s longest pedestrian-intended bridge. Additionally, the “River Lights in the Rock” bridges host spectacular nightly light shows.

The route to Little Rock has never been easier thanks to GLO Airlines’ direct flights (FlyGlo.com). Book yours today and discover the pleasant surprise of Little Rock. You’ll see why the locals say, “Life is Better with a Southern Accent.”

For more information and to request free vacation planning materials, go to LittleRock.com.

Attractions, Properties, & Accommodations Built circa 1830 by Louisiana Creoles of French descent and family owned since 1877, St. Joseph Plantation offers a glimpse into Louisiana’s history – from the sugar, or “white gold,” it produces to the numerous customs and lifestyles that have come and gone. Located 50 miles from New Orleans in Vacherie, Louisiana, St. Joseph Plantation has been lovingly restored by family members, many of whom are tour guides who add their own personal touch to the tours.

Along with sister plantation Felicite, St. Joseph has become a recent hotspot for filming thanks to its unmistakable historic ornamentation. Movies and

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Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

television programs filmed at one or both of the plantations include WGN’s Underground, the History Channel’s Roots remake, as well as popular films Skeleton Key, 12 Years a Slave and All the King’s Men. Tours are offered six days a week (closed on Wednesdays), and the guided mansion tour is one hour followed by a self-guided grounds tour. Photography of the interior is welcomed. The ground floor and gift shop are handicap accessible. For more information on St. Joseph Plantation, tours, and private events, visit StJosephPlantation.com or call 225-265-4078.

The beach is calling your name! Located in the heart of Florida’s Panhandle in popular South Walton is the iconic Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, rated the No. 1 Resort in Destin by U.S. News and World Report.

This sprawling 2,400-acre playground is a four-season resort for all.

Time spent on Sandestin’s world-famous beaches with its white sand and warm emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico is priceless! And, with a full array of beach services, it’s effortless as well. Complimentary activities encourage exploration of the fun-filled resort, children’s activities, bicycle rentals, kayaks, boogie boards, miniature golf, YOLO boarding, and more. Sandestin also offers complimentary weekly entertainment all summer long. From Wednesday Night Concerts to Tuesday night fireworks, the events are endless.

Start planning your summer vacation and enjoy 25% off. This summer, take a trip to the Emerald Coast for fun, sun, and Sandestin! Visit Sandestin.com/NOM or call 866-544-1026. (Promo code: FUNSUN)

Nottoway Plantation & Resort, a magnificent 1850s sugarcane estate and AAA Four-Diamond property, is the home of the South’s largest existing antebellum mansion. Stunningly restored to her days of glory, she rests majestically on lush, oak-draped grounds along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. myneworleans.com / MAY 2016

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In addition to daily audio and guided mansion tours, Nottoway offers 40 deluxe rooms, fabulous dining, beautiful event venues and unforgettable southern hospitality. The Mansion Restaurant features exquisite southern Louisiana cuisine and is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, cabana and hot tub, tennis courts, fitness center, salon and spa and nighttime grounds gorgeously transformed into a magical world by thousands of sparkling white lights.

Nottoway Plantation & Resort welcomes you to visit and experience for yourself the history, the luxury, and the hospitality of Nottoway, truly the extraordinary crown jewel of southern antebellum plantations. For more information, visit Nottoway.com or call 225-545-2730 or 866-527-6884.

A partnership born of a shared passion for supporting local artists, The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery – a historic hotel housed in the Warehouse Arts District – and Where Y’Art – a community of lovers and cultivators of New Orleans art – present their third collaborative exhibition, “Ooh Poo Pah Doo: Rhythm & Hues Set One” at the Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery.

Exploring the intersection of music and art, “Ooh Poo Pah Doo: Rhythm & Hues Set One” is a vibrant tribute to Allen Toussaint, one of the city’s greatest musicians and supporters of emerging artists, whose soul, creativity and vision shaped the rhythm of New Orleans. The

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Newman-Dailey Resort

exhibition presents a collection of 30 selected works by local artists Tony Hollums, Tony Nozero and Andy Levin, whose music-themed works of art have, like Toussaint’s music, drawn inspiration from the city itself.

Last year, The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery was named to USA Today’s 10 Best New Hotels and Fodor’s Top 25 New Hotels of 2015. For more details about Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery and the collaborative exhibition with Where Y’Art, visit Old77Hotel.com.

A taste of summer is in the air and it’s time to escape to Cancun and Punta Cana! The calendar is inching closer to the start of Vacation Express’ seasonal, non-stop flights from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to the most popular destinations in Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway or a weeklong stay in paradise, Vacation Express’ exclusive, non-stop flights leave every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 2- Aug. 5, 2016 to accommodate your vacation schedule. The threeto seven-night packages include non-stop flights, myneworleans.com / MAY 2016

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stays at top-notch all-inclusive resorts, all meals and drinks plus taxes. For those of you that already have accommodations arranged, Vacation Express has flight deals for you, too.

Vacation Express is an expert in affordable, quality vacation packages to the Caribbean, Mexico and Costa Rica. Visit VacationExpress.com or your local travel agent to find the right deal for you!

Louisianians enjoy escaping to the beaches of South Walton and Destin, Florida. New for 2016, families will enjoy Destination Segway Tours, the Jelly Jump at Lulu’s Restaurant, and Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone, a family entertainment center on Okaloosa Island. Along Highway 30A, new restaurants such as Chiringo in Grayton Beach and Trebeache (sister restaurant of Trenasse) have joined the South Walton culinary scene with positive reviews.

Whether travelers enjoy being in the heart of the action or within a quiet oasis, there is a beach community to suit every taste. From Sanctuary at Redfish in Blue Mountain Beach to Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort and Mediterranea in Miramar Beach, Jade East Condos in Destin, and spacious rental homes in Crystal Beach, Newman-Dailey Resort Properties offers premier vacation rentals along Florida’s Emerald Coast.

Considering a last minute getaway for Mother’s Day? Take advantage of Newman-Dailey’s “Love Mom” Mother’s Day special with discounts on vacation rentals and a gift for Mom. Call 800-225-7652 or visit

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DestinVacation.com.

L’Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge spans across 575 acres of land in the heart of South Baton Rouge. This truly unique casino entertainment complex captures the feel of a Southern river lodge. Embracing local culture and cuisine, L’Auberge Baton Rouge offers a genuine Louisiana experience and exudes a Laissez les bon temps rouler atmosphere of fun.

L’Auberge Baton Rouge features an expansive 74,000-square-foot casino with nearly 1,500 slot machines, 50 table games, a 12-story hotel with over 200 rooms and a rooftop pool, as well as three restaurants and a casino bar with breathtaking views of the Mississippi River. L’Auberge also features a multi-purpose event center for concerts, banquets, and other events, and additionally, the complex includes outdoor festival grounds.

To find out more about L’Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge, visit MyLauberge.com or find them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

This summer, head East on I-10 and escape to one of Conde Nast Traveler’s top resorts: Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa in Pt. Clear, Alabama. After an easy drive from New Orleans, plunge into one of the resort pools. Play golf or discover daily FootGolf. Experience great spa treatments. Sail a Hobie cat or charter the historic schooner Joshua. Fish on the

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Grand’s pier and let the Grand Hotel chefs prepare your catch for dinner. Create memories and sandcastles on the Grand beaches. Salute the military with daily cannon firings followed by afternoon tea in the resort lobby.

Explore the boutiques and art galleries in Fairhope.

End the day with a sunset stroll along Mobile Bay and experience the relaxation you deserve.

From drive-in movies and bike rides to croquet and crafts, families will find activities to keep everyone happy at the Grand Hotel. Visit GrandHotelMarriott.com for package options or call 251-928-9201.

Named the 2016 Hotel of the Year by the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association, the Southern Hotel has revived over 100 years of history in its return as a retreat for visitors and a gathering place for community. Located in quaint Covington, just across the lake from New Orleans, the Southern Hotel is committed to elevating the art of hospitality and providing guests with an experience that is rooted in the past, connected to the community around it, and celebrating all of the elements of a good life – good food and drink, comfort and communion, creativity and culture. From the furniture in the guest rooms to the artwork in the common areas, the hotel honors Covington’s legacy as an artists’ community by showcasing the work of many local artists.

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The family-owned hotel features 40 luxurious guest rooms with two lavish suites, meeting and event spaces to accommodate executive and social events of all kinds, the lively Cypress Bar and upscale southern bistro Oxlot 9, a relaxing Day Spa, and a beautiful courtyard and outdoor pool. To book, visit SouthernHotel.com or call 844-8661907.

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.

Events This summer, a world-class soccer opportunity is making its way to the New Orleans area – the world’s best soccer club, FC Barcelona, is sending its top youth developmental coaches to work with Louisiana youth.

The FC Barcelona Summer Camp is an extension of the club’s official youth academy, La Masia, which has produced all-stars such as Lionel Messi. The academy is recognized globally as the best soccer development program in the world, and official coaches from the academy will lead the camp for boys and girls of all skill levels, ages 6-18.

In addition to the incredible camp opportunity, two players from the camp will be selected by the club to attend the FC Barcelona Select Clinic in Barcelona, Spain.

One lucky camper will win an official Nike FCB jersey signed by the entire 2015-’16 team.

The camp runs June 6-10 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day and takes place at Pelican Park (63350 Pelican Drive, Mandeville, LA 70448). Registration is currently underway, and spots are filling up fast. Visit FCBarcelonaSoccer. camp or call 1-844-FCB-CAMP to reserve your spot today. •

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Resources for Mental health & Peace of Mind According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, approximately one in every five adult Americans experiences mental illness. This can range anywhere from high levels of anxiety and depression, to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

In our fast-paced technology-driven world, it’s no wonder why people feel overwhelmed or panicked by their environment. Taking the time out of your hectic schedule to give yourself peace of mind is more important than ever, and can save you from other health problems and relationship issues down the line. In this resource guide, our readers can find a professional to help guide them towards a life of mental well-being and stability. Read on for more about the private practices and treatment options available in and around New Orleans.

With early positions as both a massage therapist and a biochemist, Dr. Arwen Podesta has merged her interests in mind-body wellness and biology by opening Podesta Psychiatry LLC. Now operating as Podesta Wellness, she collaborates closely with a tremendous team of providers with experience and expertise in whole health.

Tricia Brown, LPC-S, trained in EMDR and CBT, specializes in addiction, anxiety, depression and trauma. Jeffrey Dupuis, LCSW, has extensive training in addiction treatment and intervention and also treats co-occurring issues. Enrica-Anne Montalbano, a licensed massage therapist, specializes in Ortho-Bionomy, deep tissue, sports massage, craniosacral and healing touch.

She works well with clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, injuries and lymphedema. Nutritionist and Functional medicine specialist, Jan Johnson RD, LDN, CLT, helps people achieve whole health by addressing the underlying disease etiology through nutrition and habits.

In addition to individual appointments, Podesta Wellness also offers group session, including MusiCares: Musicians in Recovery, Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Depression, Men’s Support Group, and Crescent City Shanga Meditation.

Visit PodestaPsychiatry.com or call 504-252-0026 to schedule an appointment.

Positive Family Solutions is the private practice of New Orleans native Gerard Woodrich, LCSW, offering affordable counseling with evening and weekend appointments available.

They accept most insurance and offer a sliding fee scale for those with limited income. They provide psychological assessments for school and courts, marriage counseling and much more.

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environment for clients experiencing hardship. In practice for four years, Woodrich has experience counseling those with severe mental illness and trauma such as PTSD, sexual assault, bullying, violence, abuse, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and depression, as well as disruptive behavior such as ADHD and developmental disabilities such as Autism. Positive Family Solutions sees clients of all ages and also offers family, grief and relationship counseling.

Gerard Woodrich, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has been trained in various evidence-based interventions including: ABA Therapy, CBT Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy and Play Therapy. For more information, visit PositveFamilySolution.net. Schedule an appoint by calling 504-339-4938 or by emailing gerard@positivefamilysolutions.net.

River Oaks Hospital has provided quality treatment to individuals with mental illness since 1970. Services are available in three levels of care. When patients don’t require medical supervision 24 hours a day, River Oaks Hospital’s partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs allow patients to receive the clinical and therapeutic treatment they need while being able to return home each day.

For those needing the highest level of care, River Oaks offers inpatient psychiatric treatment for children, adolescents and adults. They also provide a medical detox on their dual diagnosis unit and treat trauma-based disorders for adults as well as eating disorders for adolescents and adults. A wide variety of private insurances are accepted in addition to Medicare and Tricare.

If you or a loved one is considering treatment, River Oaks provides confidential assessments. To schedule an assessment, call 504-734-1740. To learn more about services, trauma-based disorders or eating disorders, visit RiverOaksHospital.com. •

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ur ability to hear and see the world is crucial to our interactions and relationships with those around us. According to statistics presented by the Center for Hearing and Communication, no one is immune to hearing loss. More than 48 million Americans have significant hearing loss. In fact, 15 percent of children between the ages of 6 to 19 have measurable hearing loss in at least one ear. They also suggest that it’s never too early to test a baby’s hearing, that 15 million Americans with hearing loss avoid seeking help and that it takes people an average of seven years to seek help once hearing loss begins. In this resource section we learn about the specialists throughout New Orleans who are eager to help us see and hear the world with clarity. Read on for a quick hearing quiz, information about qualified surgeons and doctors in the area, and much more.

Doctors of Audiology Daniel Bode, Alaina Johnson and Courtney Cooke would like to welcome you to Associated Hearing. As AudigyCertified™ experienced professionals, Associated Hearing offers comprehensive hearing testing, state-of-the-art hearing aid technology, and a patient centered approach focused on finding the best solutions for your hearing needs. Their office also provides patients with the latest in hearing aid technology by leading manufacturers such as Starkey, Oticon, Siemens and Widex 116

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Here is quick hearing health quiz: Feel as though people mumble?

Frequently ask people to repeat themselves?

Have hissing, buzzing or ringing in your ears?

Often hear what people are saying but fail to understand them?

Experience difficulty hearing in background noise, such as at a restaurant?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, please contact Associated Hearing today to begin improving your quality of life through better hearing. For more information, visit AssociatedHearingInc.com or call their Metairie location at 504-833- 4327, or Covington office at 985-249-5225.

Patients suffering from persistent hearing and balance disorders can now seek treatment at CNC Hearing and Balance Center. Neurotologist Moises Arriaga M.D., FACS, leads a medical staff trained to provide the latest in hearing healthcare. Hearing loss can be an indication of a more serious condition and even contribute to dementia and risk of falling. The CNC medical staff is uniquely qualified to provide a full hearing health evaluation and solution. CNC Hearing Solutions offers a wide array of treatment options from assistive devices to microsurgical hearing restoration, surgically implantable hearing devices, digital hearing device fittings and follow-up service, cochlear implants, hearing tests and tinnitus evaluation and treatment.

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They pride themselves on educating patients about their unique hearing health issue and offering the best available treatment for their particular need. The CNC Hearing and Balance Center has offices in Marrero and Uptown New Orleans. Call 504-934-8320 for an appointment or visit CNCHearing.com.

Eyecare Associates physicians Ronald Landry M.D.; Donald Cerise M.D.; William Perez M.D.; Leni Sumich M.D.; Chuck Stumpf O.D.; and Terrell McGinn O.D., are recognized leaders in vision care, providing quality medical and routine eye care to patients in the New Orleans area.

These local doctors understand the special needs of their patients and how cultures vary by neighborhood and parish. They are dedicated to patient care and

customer service, which has created a practice that covers generations of families from the first eye examination to refractive surgery and cataract removal.

Advanced technologies at Eyecare Associates give cataract and refractive surgery patients more choices for treatment to improve their vision than ever before. After careful examination and recommendation from Eyecare’s highly skilled surgeons, advanced IOL technology now allows cataract patients a choice in deciding what type of intraocular lens is best for them.

Additionally, Eyecare Associates offers the availability of contact lenses and glasses. For more information or to schedule an appointment at their Metairie-based clinic, call 504-455-9825 or visit EyecareNewOrleans.com. •

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TRY THIS

Historic CBD Building Offers Luxury Apartment Living Four Winds, 210 Baronne St., 524-2400, FourWindsNola.com Four Winds, formerly home to a bank for almost 90 years, has been restored and renovated and is now offering some of the most luxurious living in the city. Its original grandeur and intricate details have been restored (thanks to Kailas Companies). Amenities include the largest residential rooftop pool and sundeck in the CBD complemented with grills and outdoor TVs. There is a state-of-the-art fitness center complete with yoga studio and a dry sauna; a 3-D movie screening room; and unlimited WiFi building wide.

All one- and two-bedroom apartments now available include white marble baths, hand blown light fixtures, stone kitchen countertops and 90 year old reclaimed wood floors.

Insider Tip to Staying Cool: Fest Cola FestCola.com One of the sweetest tastes celebrating the state’s many festivals is Fest Cola.

The craft sodas are made from scratch by a Northshore family, using only Louisiana cane sugar and natural ingredients.

There are four to choose from: Pecan Root Beer, Almond Cola, Bourbon Cream and Satsuma Mint Soda. Each has a nickname with cultural significance, respectively: Papa Joe, Bamboula, Lulu and Flambeaux. Fest colas taste delicious and are available all year round throughout Louisiana and Mississippi.

– Mirella Cameran

Pairing Pairings

Commander’s Dinner and Concert Series by morgan packard

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lmost everyone in New Orleans knows of Commander’s Palace, the grande dame restaurant on Washington Avenue. It was originally built by Emile Commander as a wedding gift for a daughter who never married and is now under the watchful eyes of Ti Adelaide Martin and Lally Brennan, continuing the Brennan family’s dedication to what has become a culinary legend.

Though I live close by and have celebrated many events – and occasionally the event of getting through a Monday – in one of Commander’s many rooms, my co-editors’ experience with the restaurant ranged from having tried a few meals to never having stepped foot inside its walls.

To rectify that and to learn more about Commander’s upcoming Dinner Concert Series, we tried out the popular $.25 martini lunch. The menu’s cheeky disclaimer reads: “Limit of three per person ’cause that’s enough.”

First, we consulted with “Wine Guy” Dan Davis to learn more about the upcoming series, entitled “The Sound (and taste) of Music: a wine dinner in three movements.”

The series debuts June 11. A string quartet led by virtuoso and Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Assistant Principal Cellist Daniel Lelchuk will perform selections

by Haydn, Brahms and Hugo Wolf. A second dinner, date to be announced, will be arranged by Master Sommelier Laura Williamson with a German/Austrian theme.

Amidst the chamber music concert crafted by Lelchuk, Davis will create pairings from the restaurant’s more than 2,700 wine selections to the music – specifically to each movement of each piece – and then a multi-course meal is composed by James Beard Award-winning Executive Chef Tory McPhail.

After our conversation, we were led to the Garden Room, where we enjoyed three courses and, some of us, three martinis. Beginning with a crispy pork belly amuse-bouche and Commander’s always-impressive ballet of service, each course was a show in and of itself. The menu primarily offers Creole and Louisiana cuisine; McPhail’s culinary philosophy is respectful of tradition but often takes a contemporary spin and includes turtle soup and gumbo; crisp salads; a variety of seafood; and decadent Southern dishes. It also has lighter options as part of its “Eat Fit Nola” menu, which are nonetheless filling and satisfying. The option to sample more than one style of the stupendously priced martinis is the olive on the toothpick.

Tickets for the debut dinner are $250 plus tax and gratuity, and reservations are required. For more information and to make reservations, call 899-8221 or visit CommandersPalace.com. n

cheryl gerber photo

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The Man At the Track By errol laborde

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orse racing is about the hunch, the odds, the hocus pocus, the hope that something that seems like nothing is actually a good sign, the faith in the right move and the proper moment.

So it was that on the day of the Louisiana Derby at the Fair Grounds we were stalled in the parking lot looking for a space.

By the time we got there, four of the day’s 11 races had been run so the lot was already packed for the track’s biggest day of the year. Still, we persisted like a jockey looking for an opening in a crowded race. Then I noticed a man with a slight limp walking away from the grandstand. His direction told me he was leaving; his limp suggested that he might like a ride. I waved to the man, who welcomed a lift to his vehicle that was parked at the far end of the lot. In return I would get his spot.

Along the way he explained that he was part of a group that coowned a horse that had run, unsuccessfully, in the third race.

With that he was done for the day.

Since I had a horse owner in my confines, I thought I would take advantage of his wisdom and ask if he had any tips. He hesitated, thought a moment, pulled out a list of the races and then mentioned two horses – one in the 10th and the other in the 11th race. One, he confided, was a Florida horse, and that

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sounded fast.

When we got to his spot we switched spaces and he was off; for us the day at the races was just beginning Races five through nine underscored why I had been right to seek help. Where I bet on a favorite, a longshot won. Money on a longshot, and the favorite galloped in.

Finally for races 10 and 11 I desperately looked for professional guidance as I unfolded the man’s tip sheet.

Miracles are anticipated at racetracks. There we were in a crowded parking lot and a man who owns a horse happened to pass nearby. He needed a ride; we needed a parking space. Was this a cosmic moment? Were the stars aligning? Was my totally winless record for that day meant to be so that we could finish strong by comparison? Would there be stories to tell about an angel in the parking lot? I placed the bets.

Somewhere in the grandstands there were cheers and high fives, but not where I stood. Both horses finished last.

Miracles are not always around when we need them, but if there is a law of averages my number has improved. As the man drove way I wondered about his long term ability to pick the right horse. His bumper sticker read “Trump.”n

ARTHUR NEAD ILLUSTRATION