New Orleans Magazine September 2014 by Renaissance Publishing

september 2014

Alexader Bourne Founder, Patina Shoe Parlor; Ellie Thomas, Owner, Fresh BAR; and Cristy Cali, CEO & Jewelry Designer, Cristy’s Collection, Inc.

: myneworleans.com

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september 2014 / VOLUME 48 / NUMBER 9 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 Intern Lexi Wangler, Ashley Monaghan SALES MANAGER Kate Sanders Senior Account Executive Jonée Daigle Ferrand Account Executives Sarah Daigle, Lauren Lavelle, Lisa Picone traffic manager Erin Duhe Production Manager Staci McCarty Production Designers Monique DiPietro, Antoine Passelac, Ali Sullivan 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 Lemonie Distribution Manager Christian Coombs Administrative Assistant Denise Dean SUBSCRIPTIONS Sara Kelemencky 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) 828-7231

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 2014 New Orleans Magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. The trademark New Orleans and New Orleans Magazine are registered. New Orleans Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and artwork even if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. The opinions expressed in New Orleans Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the magazine managers or owners.

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

contents

84 FEATURES

IN EVERY ISSUE

ON THE COVER

Our People to Watch cover models represent the 39 new faces featured on pg. 58; these New Orleanians are all doing amazing things – read on and find out more.

PEOPLE TO WATCH Class of 2014 By Morgan Packard, Sarah Ravits & Kimberely Singletary

People We Could Have Watched If we had been watching people way back when

INSIDE “Through the Lens”

14 speaking out Editorial, plus a Mike Luckovich cartoon 16

JULIA STREET Questions and answers about our city

151 Try This “Passionate for Penguins” 152 STREETCAR “The Beatles And Me”

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

Photographed by Jeffery Johnston

contents

THE BEAT 22

MARQUEE

Entertainment calendar

LOCAL COLOR 40

PERSONA

“Curtis “C.J.” Johnson”

Biz

“Films As a Festival”

newsbeats

News and Updates in New Orleans

Education

“Fortunato Wasn’t As Fortunate: Parallels between Nagin and classical characters”

HEALTH

“Bad Breaks at the Table”

HEALTHBEAT

The latest news in health from New Orleans and beyond

IN TUNE “Trendy Indie”

music “Dave Williams’ Apple Tree”

Read & Spin A look at the latest albums and books

CAST OF CHARACTERS “Rene Brunet: A man and his movies”

MODINE’S NEW ORLEANS

“Polish or Perish: The trouble with toenails”

Joie d’Eve

THE MENU 92

table talk

“Upper Crust: Pizza, Neapolitian-style”

94 restaurant insider

“New Places; Familiar Spaces ”

Food

“What Mom Made ”

LAST CALL Meauxbar’s Genepy 75

100 DINING GUIDE

“Not Kidding: The perils of parenting”

CHRONICLES “Wheeling Along”

HOME

“Blaze Star: New life for John Kirkendoll’s old firehouse ”

DIAL 12 D1 Ken Burns’ seven-part documentary, The Roosevelts: An Intimate History, weaves the stories of Theodore, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, three

members of one of the most prominent and influential families in American politics. The 14-hour series will air nightly on WYES-TV/Channel 12 from Sun.-Sat., Sept. 14-20 at 7 p.m. *Celebrate 50 years to the day that The Beatles played in New Orleans with the WYES Beatles Tribute Featuring The Fab Four concert on Tues., Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. at Tad Gormley Stadium. Tickets start at $35 and are available at wyes.org and 457-2934.

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

inside

Through the Lens

ne reason that magazines are expected to be able to survive the onslaught of the computer is that we’re better suited for photography. We have the paper quality and size to make images look nice – much better than the collisions of pixels on a screen can do. This issue provides a study in photography. There are the posed portraits of our People to Watch, shot last month, and then there’s a feature of folks from the past. Those pictures are posed, too, but taken when photography was young. Back then there was a true art of photography. Subjects had to be posed and then made to stand still long enough for the image to be exposed. Modern portrait photography demands less rigidness, but requires expertise because of lighting and color. What you’ll see through these pages are images taken by professionals trying to capture the essence of the subjects of their day. By contrast, there’s digital photography. The art has been replaced by the photographic equivalent of machine gun fire. Once people planned on and were respectful with the number of shots they took. Now the possibility is infinite. Why even bother to pose or set up a shot? Push the button enough times and something is bound to come out right – like the theory of a room full of monkeys with typewriters; leave them there long enough and someone is likely to pound out something significant. Several years ago I was excited to be experiencing my first hour in Venice. The route of the water taxi along the Grand Canal was lined with magnificent buildings, yet the two girls and guy at the front of the boat would never know. They were too busy taking selfies. At San Marco Square the wall of hands holding cameras high while their screens were being peered through blocked the view, Photography, like most art, is better when it involves work. These pages provide examples. We speak of people to watch, but there could be no watching at all were it not for the vision of the person on the other side of the lens.

OUR NEW LOOK

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

We debut a new look this issue, including redesigning some sections and using fonts and art elements that are more reader-friendly. Since many of you out there like to dine out, we have also redone our dining guide, starting on pg. 100, with listings that are not only by category, but by neighborhood as well. While we still include the classics and neighborhood favorites, we have also added many of the new rising stars. Check us out – we’re looking better than ever.

on the web SOCIAL MEDIA UPDATES New Orleans Magazine will be getting a boost across all our social media. More specifically, our Pinterest page has new and exciting content for everyone. Share favorite Personas, health tips and updates and everything related to food. Follow us at Pinterest.com/NewOrleansMag.

PEOPLE TO WATCH This year, the New Orleans Magazine annual “People To Watch” awards event is moving to a new location. The party is Wed., Sept. 17, 6-8 p.m. at Messina’s at the Terminal at the Lakefront Airport. For ticket prices and more information visit MyNewOrleans. com/People-to-Watch-2014.

AROUND THE CITY Starting Sept. 10, Galatoire’s restaurant is hosting a monthly wine dinner series. This month features the wines of Paul Hobbs Winery, Grgich Hills Estate and Duckhorn Vineyards. Spend a night wining and dining at one of New Orleans’ most famous restaurants. For more information & updates on other daily events around the city, visit our calendar at MyNewOrleans.com.

facebook.com/NewOrleansMagazine | twitter.com/neworleansmag | pinterest.com/neworleansmag

myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

SPEAKING OUT

The T-P and The Advocate Facing the Future

ome cities are one daily newspaper towns; a few have two. In terms of homedelivered publications, New Orleans has the distinction of being a one and fivesevenths newspaper town – at least between now and the end of football season. September is a significant month in chronicling the Newhouse publishing empire’s whittling of The Times-Picayune. This month two years ago was the last time that the newspaper published and provided home-delivered daily service before switching to a thrice-weekly format. A year ago the Baton Rouge-based Advocate newspaper began to rebrand its local edition as The New Orleans Advocate. This year, The T-P has announced that during the football season, which coincides with the peak shopping season, it will add two more home-delivered papers a week (Saturday and Monday) to be provided to subscribers only. That is a total of five issues published with the hope that nothing major happens that people would want to read about in print on Tuesday or Thursday. Meanwhile, The T-P’s newsstand-only tabloid, TP Street, will change format to broadsheet size, similar to a regular newspaper. Tangentially, the move shows the economic force of football, not only driving audiences to the news media but as a backdrop for holiday advertising. Many towns, New Orleans high among them, fill hotels during the slow weeks of Christmas by hosting bowl games. We suppose there’s something comforting about nations where games rather than wars are more pivotal to our everyday lives. Nevertheless the news continues and the reporting of it is a critical responsi-

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

bility. Having a daily and a partial daily, New Orleans, it could be hoped, benefits from the competition. Two years ago we wished that The TimesPicayune would return as a daily. Now, with The Advocate in place, The T-P’s move to less frequency might be the better alternative. It could be that a town with a daily and a less frequent alternative might be the way to go. Each could serve the city from its own perspective. Two years ago it seemed like the city was going backwards with its newspaper coverage. Now it just may be leading the way. n

AN ORIGINAL ©MIKE LUCKOVICH CARTOON FOR NEW ORLEANS MAGAZINE

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

400 block of Decatur St., May 16, 1953

Dear Julia, Can you help me to find the business my grandfather and his family had, possibly in the early 1920s or before? The name of the business was H. C. Bernard & Sons Public Weighers & Gaugers. Older members of the family always said it was above the Reese Candy Co. store near the French Market. They worked for the sugar plantations, taking samples from the hogsheads of sugar and bringing them to the Sugar Exchange Building to be analyzed. They were respectable gentlemen who also worked on the plantations during the sugar harvest season.

It was a very lucrative business and they lived very well. Relatives said it was near the railroad tracks and they had to climb into boxcars to gauge the syrup. I published a book all about them in 1985 called In the Land O’ Sugar and it became so popular that I’m working on publishing a second edition and would like to put a picture of their business in it if possible. I would really appreciate it if you could tell me the address and possible if there’s a picture of the Reese Candy Company somewhere. Mrs. Mary Louise Johnson Baton Rouge

H. C. Bernard’s sons most likely rented or leased the building at 407 Decatur St., which was down the block from the James J. Reiss Candy Company, but not above the confectionery. Although the candy company’s name was pronounced the same as that of the popular national peanut butter cup maker, it was spelled differently. The building where Henry Clay Bernard’s sons Rodolphe and Victor Bernard operated their business still stands. Sadly,

Win a Court of Two Sisters Jazz Brunch

Here is a chance to eat, drink and listen to music, and have your curiosity satiated all at once. Send Julia a question. If we use it, you’ll be eligible for a monthly drawing for one of two Jazz Brunch gift certificates for two at The Court of Two Sisters in the Vieux Carré. To take part, send your question to: Julia Street, c/o New Orleans Magazine, 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005 or email: Errol@MyNewOrleans.com. This month’s winners are: Mary Louisa Johnson, Baton Rouge; and Jane. C. Scheuermann, Metairie.

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

I have been unable to locate an image showing the building during the time the brothers worked there and when their business name may have appeared on the building or attached signage. Dear Julia, I was born and raised in New Orleans, as was my mother. She grew up on Constantinople Street at the corner of Constance Street. She always told me that her boyfriend was killed during the war and that his name was Johnny Lyons. She kept a jewelry box in her closet with athletic medals she said he won in his youth and had given to her. My grandmother also told me that Lyons was killed in the war and that my mother had married later “on the rebound.” I often wonder about Johnny Lyons and if the Lyons Center and playgrounds are named after him. Can you help me? And if you know of him, do you have a picture or know the whereabouts of any history or memorabilia about him? Jane C. Scheuermann Metairie According to a detailed biographical profile that appeared in the Times-Picayune’s Dec. 9, 1947 edition, John P. Lyons attended Jesuit High School where he showed a keen interest in sports. As a member of Boy Scout Troop 65, he played on championship basketball and softball teams and received a special award recognizing him as the troop’s outstanding athlete. During World War II, S-Sgt. John P. Lyons served with the Fifth Armored Division and was killed in action in February 1945, as the tank he commanded was crossing the Roer River, near Aachen, Germany. His brother, Pvt. Patrick Lyons, an infantryman, was killed

in October 1944 near Nancy, France. The brothers’ remains were later returned to New Orleans in May ’48, when they were laid to rest in St. Louis No. 3 cemetery. The Lyons Youth Center, named in honor of Sgt. John P. Lyons, was dedicated Dec. 19, ’48. During the dedication ceremony, Lyons’ brother Daniel presented to Mayor Morrison the American flag which had accompanied Sgt. Lyons’ remains on their journey home. A newspaper account of the ceremony indicates the flag was to be encased in glass and given a place on honor in the Lyons Youth Center. A separate facility, Lyons Playground was in existence prior to Sgt. Lyons’ death and doesn’t appear to have been named for him. Hello Julia, My sister, brother and I used to live Uptown when we were in elementary school, and would love to ride bikes to The Lemon Tree on Maple Street. Whatever happened to it? We have such good memories of the place, and loved the way it smelled inside. Could you tell me any history of The Lemon Tree? Any information would be appreciated. Jo Alch Dallas, Texas The Lemon Tree, located at 7538 Maple St., opened in mid-1969 and remained in business at that location until around August ’81. At that time, owners Rosemary and Bob McCarter elected to focus on oriental imports rather than the general decorative knickknacks found in their Lemon Tree store. The new focus brought with it a new name: the Pickwick Shop. The venture appears to have been short-lived as the Pickwick Shop corporation was dissolved in ’84. n

myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

the beat MARQUEE

PERSONA

The man at the helm of Tulane Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s football team is Curtis Johnson, who has been a revitalizing presence since taking the head coaching reins in 2011.

PERSONA pg. 24

greg miles PHOTOGRAPH

BIZ

NEWSBEATS

EDUCATION

HEALTH

CRIME FIGHTING

THE BEAT / MARQUEE

OUR TOP PICKS FOR SEPTEMBER EVENTS BY LAUREN LABORDE

Curtains up After the relative cultural drought of the summer, the many arts offerings starting in September quickly fill up calendars. Many local theater companies begin their seasons at this time. The NOLA Project begins its “Stand Up!”-themed 10th season with One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Sept. 4-21 at NOCCA’s Nims Black Box Theatre). Le Petit Théâtre kicks off its season with the new comedy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (Sept. 5-20). The Contemporary Arts Center launches an ambitious season – that also includes performances by music heavyweights Mishell Ndegeocello and Yo La Tengo, as well as its usual offerings of art, film and dance events – with An Illiad, a retelling of the epic poem starring Tony Award winner Denis O’Hare (Sept. 27-28). Watch out for shows at Rivertown Theatres (see Spotlight), Anthony Bean Community Theater and Mid-City Theatre at this time. Information, NOLAProject.com, LePetitTheatre.com and Cacno.org.

Manscaping

Bump & Grind

For whom growing and grooming facial hair is an art, strut your scruff at the New Orleans Facial Hair & Pleasure Club’s inaugural Beard and Mustache Championships. Contestants compete in several categories at the event, which features celebrity judges and music by the Breton Sound. Comedian Chris Trew, who has an impressive beard himself, hosts at One Eyed Jacks on Sept. 26. Information, OneEyedJacks.net.

Burlesque is ubiquitous in New Orleans, but for those who can’t get enough – and for performers who want to refine their art of the tease – the New Orleans Burlesque Festival (Sept. 18-21, House of Blues and Harrah’s) offers performances, workshops and parties. You won’t want to miss the crowning of the Queen of Burlesque. Information, NewOrleansBurlesqueFest.com.

CALENDAR Sept. 8-14. We Live to Eat New Orleans Restaurant Week, various locations. Information, WeLiveToEatNola.com

Sept. 13. Rodeo New Orleans, UNO Lakefront Arena. Information, Arena.UNO.edu

Sept. 12. Scales & Ales, Aquarium of the Americas. Information, AudubonInstitute.org/Scales-And-Ales

Sept. 17. New Orleans Magazine’s People to Watch party, Messina’s at the Terminal. Information, MyNewOrleans.com/Events.

Sept. 13. Rising Tide new media conference, Xavier University. Information, RisingTideNola.com

Sept. 17. Demi Lovato in concert, UNO Lakefront Arena. Information, Arena.UNO.edu

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

SPOTLIGHT

and husband also perform, about the season.

How did you choose the shows for the upcoming season? We always have a run-

Crowd Pleasers Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts Kicks Off its 2014-’15 season.

n 2012, performers/producers Kelly Fouchi and Gary Rucker took over what was once the staid Rivertown Repertory Theater and filled its seasons with splashy musicals, farcical plays, original works and plenty of programming for children. Shrek the Musical (Sept. 12-27) kicks off the new season, which also includes One Man, Two Guvnors; A Christmas Carol; The Will Rogers Follies; the New Orleans nostalgic When Ya Smilin’; and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. We talked to Fouchi, whose daughters

ning list of shows we want to produce … We go back to that list every year, factor in newly released titles and decide which shows fit together and complement one another. We like to offer a diverse line up, mixing new titles, a classic and a local original, but they all must be crowd-pleasing. … Artistic fulfillment is also a factor. We want to present titles that will excite us as a company as well as our audiences. Over the last two seasons, we have enjoyed sold-out runs for most of our shows. When we watch an oversold crowd leap to their feet and cheer at the end of a show, we’ve done our job.

How does one access an authentic Shrek costume?

There are actually five ogres in Shrek as well as all the fairy tale characters. Before we officially decided to produce Shrek, we did a lot of homework on the costuming, make-up and puppetry. Between our costume designer, our make-up designer and a Broadway costumes rental company, the costumes are an equal mix of our own original design and construc-

tion, some rented pieces and purchased prosthetics. The costume and make-up plot for this show, as you can imagine, is extremely detailed and lengthy.

Last season you produced Gypsy. Do you ever find yourself being a Mama Roseesque stage mother? Oh

gosh, I hope not – look how Louise and June turned out. … If our daughters decide they want to be a part of a show, we help them prepare for the audition so they can feel confident and do their best. … When my daughters are cast in a show, I purposefully stay in the background so they can feel like it’s their thing. The first thing I ask them when I pick them up from rehearsal is “Did you have fun?” This summer, I took my youngest daughter to the Annie National Tour auditions in New York City. It was a demanding process, and out of 400 girls she made it to the final two girls being considered for the role of Molly. I was so impressed with how she handled it all like a pro. Having spent three eight-hour days in a room full of stage moms, I feel confident in saying, “I’m no Mama Rose, but I can spot ’em a mile away.” For more information, visit RivertownTheaters.com.

Sept. 19. Martini Madness, New Orleans City Park. Information, FriendsOfCityPark.com

Sept. 27. New Orleans on Tap, New Orleans City Park Festival Grounds. Information, NewOrleansOnTap.org

Sept. 19. Tim and Eric & Dr. Steve Brule, Civic Theatre. Information, CivicNola.com

Sept. 27. Love in the Garden, New Orleans Museum of Art’s Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. Information, Noma.org

Sept. 21. New Orleans Saints at home vs. Minnesota Vikings, Noon, Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Information, NewOrleansSaints.com

greg miles PHOTOGRAPH

THE BEAT / PERSONA Louisiana players. It is the second day of training camp when I talk to Johnson, a deacon at First African Baptist Church and father of six children.

You’ve been referred to as “the best thing since sliced bread.”

(laughs) I don’t know. Sliced bread … I don’t know how good sliced bread is.

But you have really raised the expectations of this program, and your tenure has been characterized by a really quick turnaround of the team. Do you feel higher expectations with the new stadium and new conference going into the season? Ab-

solutely. I think guys come here they wanna play against the best, do the best, showcase their talent and skills. I’ve gotten a lot of help in raising the expectations but I’ll tell you, those kids are awesome. They play hard, they do the right things – it’s a good feeling. I don’t know how many games we’re going to win, but they think like winners. How would describe the typical Tulane football player? They’re

Curtis “C.J.” Johnson Coaching, Kidding, Nicknames and more BY LAUREN LABORDE

t is an exciting time for Tulane University’s football program. After much pushback from the surrounding neighborhood during its construction, the school’s new Yulman Stadium is slated to host its first home game on Sept. 6 against Georgia Tech. This season also marks Tulane’s entry into the American Athletic Conference. The man at the helm of the football team during this renaissance is Curtis Johnson, or C.J., who has been a revitalizing presence since taking the head coaching reins in 2011. Under the former Saints wide receiver coach’s tenure, the team had its most successful season in more than 15 years and amped its recruiting efforts of

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

very smart guys, kind of nerdy guys for the most part. They want to do the right thing; they want to win. They’re pleasers. They wanna please you as much as they can. You have a big focus on recruiting locally. Why was that such a big focus for you coming in? The

NFL has more players per capita in the state of Louisiana then anywhere else. It’s always in the top 3, 4 and 5 of signing classes … Florida is usually 1, then Georgia and Louisiana. So in my past, being from here and knowing the amount of talent that’s here, the great culture here, the high school coaches are phenomenal here – so it’s a win-win.

greg miles PHOTOGRAPH

Name: Curtis “C.J.” Johnson Age: 52 Born/Raised: St. Rose, Louisiana Resides: Harvey, Louisiana Education: St. Charles High School, University of Idaho Favorite movie: Coming to America Favorite TV show: “Criminal Minds” Favorite band/musician: Gap Band and Charlie Wilson Favorite hobby: Going out to dinner and to local festivals, swimming Favorite New Orleans restaurant: Li’l Dizzy’s for lunch, Wink’s for breakfast, Snug Harbor for burgers, Desi Vega for steaks, Oceana for seafood (“In Louisiana you gotta put them in categories. You can’t just have one favorite place.”) Favorite book: The Bible Favorite vacation spot: The Bahamas

You have the experience of working in a college setting and in the NFL. What do you like about coaching college teams? I love the kids and the

emotion. It’s not just business. We don’t teach as much football. We try to teach more about life – what to do in the classroom, what to do even on your date, how to treat people – things like that. Whereas the NFL is hard. Everybody’s good. It’s tough, but we were successful there also. I hear you and your wife are “inseparable.” She keeps

me in line. She dresses me. Everything I wear, she does it. She tells me about my weight. But she’s a good lady. Angel does a great job.

You’re a deacon? Yes. Just got ordained this summer. It was harder than a football game – a lot harder. The preparation was outstanding – the

amount of information, the amount of stuff that you just don’t realize goes into all of it. It was fun but it was a little bit stressful. I felt like I had a calling to do something special. You look at your life, the five domains in your life: physical, mental, social and emotional, and the most important thing is: spiritual. I wanted to learn more about God. Did becoming a deacon change the way you coach or approach the game? No,

it’s the same. I’m hard on the players, but I never did cuss or anything. It just tells me a different perspective on things. It makes me concentrate on guys doing the right thing, showing them a different option in their spirituality. I try to help them with that as much as I can.

Do you really feel the excitement in the air right now for the upcoming season?

Absolutely. If you think about it, it’ll be the first time in 40 years we’ll be playing back on campus. I think everybody in the community is really excited … Saints are doing great, LSU’s always been a good program and now everyone’s excited to see us from what we did last year. We had some great wins, some great games. And just to get in this new conference. This conference is awesome. It’s a very difficult, but exciting conference. n

True confession No one ever calls me Curtis or C.J., they really call me Tiger. So if anyone ever says “Coach” or “C.J.” or “Curtis” I know they really don’t know me, but when they call me Tiger, they really know me. myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

THE BEAT / BIZ

Films As a Festival Even before tax credits the industry was courted By Kathy Finn

nly if you’ve been living under a rock for some years could you miss the fact that New Orleans has become a “name” in Hollywood. Actually, the city may have something of a bad name in southern California given how much business it has “stolen” from the big movie hub in recent years. Louisiana’s film industry last year topped California – and everyplace else – in the number of major-studio productions shot here, according to Film L.A., the nonprofit film office of Los Angeles. The 18 movies that were shot substantially in Louisiana included the Oscar-winning 12 Years a Slave and Dallas Buyers Club, along with several other box-office winners. Louisiana’s generous tax credit program for the film industry is, of course, the main driver behind the soaring growth of movie-making in this state. But the business has also received a boost from efforts of local groups, at least one of which has been around a lot longer than the tax credits. The New Orleans Film Society, which today is doing its part to advance the local industry, has been promoting films in the city for nearly 25 years, starting with the launch by locals Don Marshall and John Desplas of a city film festival. Over the years the New Orleans Film Festival grew and gradually took on more responsibility

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

for enlarging the local movie audience and generating broader interest in movie making. Today, the festival bills itself as a “discovery” event that spotlights little known and overlooked films. More than 90 percent of the works shown at the festival come from filmmakers who qualify and submit their works directly to the organization. The remaining 10 percent are curated films that often become some of the industry’s most notable end-of-year releases. Last year’s festival, for example, included screenings of the Oscar-nominated Nebraska and August Osage County well ahead of their scheduled release dates. The festival also has helped raise the profile of talented individuals. In 1990, Louis C.K., now well known for his cable TV stand-ups and comedy series, showed his short film Caesar’s Salad at the festival and won a prize for Best Short. Another early winner was Todd Phillips (director of The Hangover and Old School), who won his first filmmaking award in New Orleans for a 1993 documentary he made about punk rocker GG Allin. Jolene Pinder, who relocated from New York four years ago to become executive director of the New Orleans Film Society, says the organization is taking on a bigger role in film promotion. Joseph Daniel Fiedler illustration

New Orleans Film Festival Oct. 16-23, 2014 The festival operates from the Contemporary Arts Center and presents screenings at sites around the city, including Canal Place, and the Prytania, Civic and Joy theaters. Last year, the festival offered a total of $80,000 in cash and prizes to winners of Jury Awards and Audience Awards. Actor John Goodman has become an industry “face of the festival,” and the STARZ Network has signed on as a marquis sponsor. Visit NewOrleansFilm Society.org for more information.

“What we’re trying to do is create a vibrant cinema culture,” she says. “Our mission is to engage, educate and inspire through the art of film.” While the fall festival remains a big focus, Pinder says the society in the past half-dozen years has expanded its activities to include the French Film Festival in August, a spring event called “filmOrama” and a children’s festival. “We also do the outdoor movies,” she says. A fan of showing films in outdoor venues, Pinder says the spring and fall seasons in New Orleans offer prime opportunities to draw people out. She says the reception in the first year was so strong that the society purchased a 30-foot inflatable screen that allows the movies to travel anywhere. The society showed 18 outdoor movies in the past year at sites ranging from the Bywater neighborhood to the sculpture garden at NOMA to

the lawn of the Milton H. Latter Public Library. Pointing out that local movie theaters can seat only a few hundred people at a time, Pinder says the outdoor films have played to as many as 1,000 people. “It’s a great way to engage a broader audience,” she says. Part of the society’s work involves getting young people interested in films and potential jobs down the road. In recent years, directors who have come to the fall festival spent time with local high schoolers, talking about the business. Right now Pinder and others at the society are focused on the October event. The New Orleans Film Festival will show about 225 movies, and mingling in the crowds will be some 300 directors, producers and other industry people evaluating reactions to their films, networking and scouting opportunities. The society helps ensure a good industry following by doing what New Orleans does best. “We really try to show them a good time,” Pinder says. She ticks off a schedule of activities that includes nightly themed parties and a brunch at Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World. In cooperation with local hotels, the society also offers free room nights to key people associated with the films. Last year the New Orleans Film Festival drew some 22,000 attendees, and Pinder is confident the number will top 25,000 this year. Noting that New Orleans has a deep association with novelists, playwrights and others who have found their storytelling muse in the city Pinder says, there’s no reason why moviemakers can’t do the same. “Film is one of our great methods of storytelling,” she says. “It’s an amazing vehicle for sharing stories.” n

myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

THE BEAT / NEWSBEATS

Performance Management Highest Honor

gauging performance over time. Performance management aids in cost reduction, program prioritization, and quality improvement. It also encourages accountability and transparency. Certificates are awarded at the levels of Achievement, Distinction and Excellence.

The City of New Orleans recently received a Certificate of Excellence for superior performance management efforts from the International City/County Management Association’s (ICMA) Center for Performance Analytics. The certificate program assesses a local government’s performance management program and encourages analysis of results by comparing to peers and gauging performance over time. The city is among 29 jurisdictions receiving the Certificate of Excellence – the highest level awarded. “When we took office in 2010, we made a commitment to set goals and track our performance so that our citizens could hold us accountable like never before,” says Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “I want to thank the International City/ County Management Association for this honor and for recognizing the City of New Orleans as a leader in performance management.” “Our goal is to promote better city services through data-driven management decision-making and accountability to deliver results for our citizens,” says Deputy Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer Andy Kopplin. “Once again, our aggressive work is being recognized on a national stage.” ICMA assesses a local government’s performance management program and encourages analysis of results by comparing to peers and

The Dauphine Orleans Hotel, a hotel of the New Orleans Hotel Collection announced its selection as one of the Top 100 Southern Hospitality Hotels for Groups by the editors and readers of Convention South Magazine. This honor, given to only five hotels in Louisiana, recognizes the ease of booking, warm southern welcome and charming appearance of the Dauphine Orleans Hotel’s group facilities, including its superior location. “It is with great honor that we recognize these exemplary hotels located at meeting sites across the south,” says Convention South’s Associate Publisher Marlane Brundock. “For a hotel to offer true Southern hospitality, its aesthetics, amenities and staff must present an all-around welcoming spirit for groups and attendees from across the country and around the world.” “We are delighted with this recognition of the Dauphine Orleans as a great hotel for small groups,” says Craig Hulford, Area General Manager. “This award reinforces what our clients have been telling us... As a locally owned and operated hotel, we strive to provide the southern experience that guests expect and deserve.” The Dauphine Orleans Hotel is a hotel of the New Orleans Hotel Collection, located in the French Quarter at 415 Rue Dauphine. n

DDD President and CEO Kurt Weigle. “Addressing the cigarette butt litter problem is key to that effort. We are especially pleased that the recycling fits in with our mission to promote a green downtown.”

News and Updates in New Orleans by Taylor Burley

Cigarette butt recycling kicks off Contrary to popular belief, cigarette filters are not biodegradable. They are made from cellulose acetate, which is produced from wood fiber and takes many years to break down in the environment. This summer the City of New Orleans and the Downtown Development District kicked off a new pilot program to collect and recycle cigarette butts downtown in the hopes of keeping the city’s streets cleaner. New Orleans is the first city in the United States to implement a city-wide collection system, which launched with the installation of 50 new cigarette-recycling receptacles on several blocks downtown. The receptacles are easily identified with stickers that say “Cigarette Butts Recycling.” “We’ve heard loud and clear that people want easy and convenient ways to keep our streets and public spaces clean,” says New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “This innovative recycling pilot project is a great example of how we are forming new partnerships to reduce waste, provide job opportunities, and keep New Orleans beautiful.” The New Orleans pilot program is an extension of the Cigarette Waste Brigade, meaning the program will be of no cost to the city. Cigarette butts collected through the nationwide program and now in New Orleans are recycled into a variety of industrial products, such as plastic pallets. Any remaining tobacco will be repurposed via tobacco-specific composting methods. The entire program is free to consumers. “The DDD is committed to keeping downtown New Orleans one of the cleanest areas in the city and continuously looking for ways to improve the quality of life for our downtown stakeholders,” says

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

Dauphine Orleans Hotel Named to “Top 100” list

myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

THE BEAT / EDUCATION

Fortunato Wasn’t As Fortunate Parallels between Nagin and classical characters by Dawn Ruth

nglish teachers like me love to compare literature to real life situations. What else are we to do with that liberal arts education that so many nowadays think of as worthless? So as I followed news reports of former Mayor Ray Nagin’s slow demise, I was struck by how often he was described as boastful, arrogant and non-apologetic, even as his gloomy destiny became obvious. These character traits get many classic figures in literature in trouble, and they often attract fates much worse than federal prisons that offer basketball and tennis as pastimes. Of Nagin’s sins, his prideful attitude apparently had as much to do with his fall from grace as the public corruption that actually brought about his 10-year prison sentence. His more or less passive collusion with public bribery seems to be the basis of his insistence of innocence, and was the judge’s stated reason for giving him a relatively light sentence. The deadly sin of pride, or hubris, gets Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex in serious trouble. He is so full of himself that when he comes upon a chariot at a crossroads that refuses to yield to him, he kills its driver and entourage in perhaps the first recorded example of road rage. Similar aggressive cockiness appears in a Naginism posted on NOLA.com. “If somebody approach me wrong,” Nagin says, “I’m just gonna cold cock ’em.”

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

Oedipus’ version of strike first, ask questions later, turns out really poorly. He finds out later that the slain driver was his biological father. That patricide leaves a widow, and that brings Oedipus to an incestuous marriage with his real mother. When the blind seer Tiresias tells Oedipus that his own sins have brought a plague to his kingdom, Oedipus, believing himself sinless, throws the man out in a rage of selfrighteousness and accuses another of betrayal. Unlike Nagin, though, Oedipus redeems himself by showing remorse. He stabs his eyes out with his mother/ wife’s brooch when he realizes what he has done. Oedipus is an authority figure who faces his misdeeds. Once he discovers how blind he’d been to his own faults he literally blinds himself to match his failings. Nagin, on the other hand, never budged in his insistence that he did no wrong, even as the evidence stood taller than he himself does. Nagin’s fictional mirror is also similar to Edgar Allan Poe’s character Fortunato, whose boastful pride leads him to being buried alive in The Cask of Amontillado. In that short story, Fortunato, a man of means and prestige, insults an acquaintance who belongs to an ancient but Daniel Zalkus illustration

declining European family long committed to vengeful actions. Montresor, Fortunato’s murderer, is a clever, patient, possibly insane fellow whose ability to carry out the perfect crime hinges on Fortunato reacting to Montresor’s trap in his usual incautious, prideful manner. This plot even happens during Carnival. As appropriate as the setting is for this contemporary New Orleans comparison, the timing is no coincidence in the fiction itself. Montresor intentionally chooses to stalk his prey on a day of drinking and costuming. Clad in the Fool’s garb – and a comic fool he turns out to be – Fortunato stumbles to his death with a man hidden from public view by cloak and mask. Montresor relates how he withstood the “thousand injuries” from Fortunato without ever showing offense or giving him any reason to doubt his good will. Therefore, when Montresor tells Fortunato that he has purchased a barrel of Amontillado, a rare Spanish sherry, Fortunato follows his murderer into an underground vault without hesitancy. Montresor uses Fortunato’s inflated ego against him by pretending that he could get another expert, Luchresi, to vouch for the wine’s authenticity if Fortunato isn’t able to do so. Drunk with self-love, Fortunato calls Luchresi an “ignoramus” and at one point implies Montresor isn’t important enough to be a Mason – “of the brotherhood” – as he is. Even after that insult, the Fool follows Montresor deeper into his catacombs. Not even the multitude of skeletons lining Montresor’s vaults deters Fortunato’s quest to

prove superiority. If he’d been sober, Fortunato may have suspected foul play, but between his gluttonous drinking and his drunken ego, he doesn’t flinch when Montresor tells him that his family motto is “Nemo me impune lacessit,” Latin for “No one attacks me with impunity.” Not long after, Montresor chains the real ignoramus to a niche in a wall and bricks him in. He leaves Fortunato to suffocate in a standingroom-only, walled up cell. Even then, Fortunato doesn’t make apologies. Just like Fortunato, Nagin is headed for a cell. Just like Fortunato, he has fallen from a man beloved to one victimized by his own self-image. His public show of casting out corruption in his first term in office backfired on him in the second. Just like Oedipus, he cast out villains in a great show of sanctimony only to be revealed as a villain himself. His willingness to accept expensive favors from contractors seeking business with City Hall, and his insistence to the public that those favors weren’t bribes shows blindness on par with Oedipus. Federal prosecutors have sent many power-blind local politicians to prison when they abuse their offices for personal gain. Even if Nagin doesn’t know his literature, the convictions of former Gov. Edwin Edwards and former U.S. Representative William Jefferson should have been lessons enough. Fortunately for Nagin, he can appeal the jury and judge’s decisions. If that fails, his prison sentence has a check out date. With good behavior he will be free in less than a decade. Fortunato wasn’t so fortunate. n

myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

THE BEAT / HEALTH

Bad Breaks at the Table Arm Wrestling à la masion by Brobson Lutz M.D.

slow week at Galatoire’s Restaurant was crawling to a finish one evening last July. The cool and comfortable interior of our city’s second-oldest restaurant offered a nice retreat from the heat and humidity that permeated the street outside 209 Bourbon St. But that Saturday night last July wasn’t typical. Some boisterous out-of-towners were at Table 40 – the table just to the right of the waiters exiting from the kitchen. They were making more noise than those hard drinking attorneys who shift from billable hours to endless cocktails every Friday afternoon. The men at Table 40 had that out-of-town look, but the waiters identified one as a repeat customer, a Texan known as a “big tipper.” The ringleader of Table 40 knew how to win friends and influence people. He sent bottles of

a not so funny humerus twist

Arm wrestling is a popular one-on-one sport often starting on a dare and fueled by alcohol. While rules are simple and equipment requirements are nil, except for two willing participants and a hard surface to anchor the elbows, injuries involving arm and shoulder structures are more common than most folks realize. “Putin in Russia popularized public arm wrestling bouts,” says Dr. Ollie Edmunds, Professor of Orthopaedics and an expert in upper extremity surgery at Tulane. “While uncommon, serious arm wrestling injuries are not rare.” Sudden onset of elbow, arm or shoulder pain during arm wres-

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

various French champagnes to all surrounding tables. Bottles flew down both aisles. Instead of rolling eyes and searing, dagger-like stares, the accompanying tables joined the party. They toasted their benefactors at Table 40 and shouts of “thank you” crisscrossed the room. As the evening customers washed down caramel custards with gifted champagne and began waddling home, the men at Table 40 turned up the volume. Their remaining audience was four or five lingering tables, including one with two younger local women. “I’ll pay anyone who can beat me arm wrestling $1,000, and if you lose you don’t have to pay,” shouted a big man with a bodyguard look. The stage was set. One of the waiters scurried to the kitchen to find the restaurant’s largest employee, a huge dishwasher-turned-frycook affectionately known as The Machine. Before The Machine could make an appearance, Bruce Pennington, a Galatoire’s assistant manager, jumped to the challenge. Neither man was a small dude. Both are muscular and well built, but the assistant manager is smaller for sure. The other men at Table 40 watched

tling usually means a tendon or ligament is injured. Strains are defined as stretched or torn muscles or tendons, while sprains refer to damaged ligaments. Most heal without surgery. The humerus is the long bone that connects the shoulder to the elbow. Actual bone fractures are more serious and often need surgery. In arm wrestling, the humerus is the bone most at risk for fracture. “Actively internally rotating the shoulder against the opponent’s opposite resistance can cause violent torque forces. An audible sudden ‘crack’ often signals a spiral like break of a humerus under tremendous pressure from powerful and opposing torques,” adds Dr. Edmunds. “The sharp points of the fractured humerus can Jason Raish illustration

intently as customers and other on-duty restaurant managers cheered for Pennington. One of the young women at the nearby table caught it all on her cellphone video. Pennington held his own and even seemed to be winning at first – but not for long. He shifted his position, and almost instantaneously nearby watchers heard a loud crunch. Pennington screamed in pain, unable to move his arm. The “Is there a doctor in the house?” call brought out an orthopedist who helped stabilize the arm. Someone called for an ambulance. “Probably a dislocated shoulder,” said the paramedic at the scene, according to an eyewitness report. The emergency department at University Hospital was as busy as usual on a Saturday night when EMS dropped off Pennington. Patients with gushing blood and gunshot wounds take precedent. Finally Pennington had an X-ray, which vividly showed his diagnosis. He had a spiral fracture of his humerus: the large upper arm bone that connects the elbow to the shoulder. Pennington had emergency surgery lasting about three hours, according to a friend. He was released from University Hospital the next day in a soft cast. Hopefully his down time will be minimal, as the regulars at Galatoire’s want the personable Pennington

back, whether he’s an arm wrestling champion or not. “That reminds me of the time Humphrey Bogart got beat arm wrestling,” says Dr. Rusty Oser, a neurologist at Ochsner and an old movie buff. “It delayed the filming of Beat the Devil. The problem then was Bogart. He was getting older, drinking more and still thought he was Bogart.” And Pennington has a great story to tell once he heals. Contrast this with poor Bogart – all he could ever claim is that he got beat arm wrestling the diminutive Truman Capote. The party resumed after the paramedics departed with the injured manager. Table 40 ordered their final bottle of champagne, supposedly a Mathusalem with a price equal to eight regular bottles. The final tab for Table 40 was $9,094.98, topped by a $10,000 tip for popular, soft-spoken waiter Shelly Landry. But you knew that part of the story, to borrow from Betty Guillaud, as a copy of the receipt posted on Instagram made local news. “You know I can’t talk about that with you,” says Melvin Rodrigue, head honcho at Galatoire’s, when asked the following week if PayPal co-founder and billionaire Jack Shelby was the man behind the broken arm and the $10,000 tip. An occasional thing that happens at Galatoire’s stays at Galatoire’s, but not much. n

damage the radial or median nerves causing a paralysis of the hand if not properly diagnosed and decompressed at surgery.” “These injuries often happen when one wrestler goes for a finish and the other counters with resistance. The very same spiral oblique humerus fracture can occur with the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu ‘kimura’ arm lock in mixed martial arts when the opponent refuses to ‘tap out.’” Other serious injuries requiring surgery include rupture of the biceps tendon and fracture into the elbow. Fortunately these complications are very rare. Source: Ollie Edmunds, MD, Professor of Orthopaedics, Chief of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

HEALTHBEAT

There is good news on the horizon for migraine sufferers who also are considering a little “maintenance” around in the eye area. Researchers at the Louisiana State University Heath Sciences Center New Orleans School of Medicine report high success rates with the new migraine trigger site decompression surgery. In a study set to publish in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, researchers cite that more than 90 percent of patients who underwent surgery to decompress the nerves that trigger migraines experienced relief. Migraines were eliminated in 51.3 percent of the patients, with about a fifth of them experiencing an 80 percent reduction of symptoms; and nearly a third of the patients had between 50 and 80 percent of their symptoms resolved. Patient’s responses to the bonus eyelift are not included in the study.

According to U.S. News and World Report’s 2014-’15 Best Hospitals rankings, Ochsner Medical Center ranked among the best hospitals in America in nine specialties. The rankings are: • Nationally ranked No. 28 in Diabetes & Endocrinology • Nationally ranked No. 36 in Ear, Nose and Throat • Nationally ranked No. 18 in Gastroenterology & GI Surgery • Nationally ranked No. 46 in Geriatrics • Nationally ranked No. 34 in Nephrology • Nationally ranked No. 24 in Neurology & Neurosurgery • Nationally ranked No. 41 in Orthopedics • Nationally ranked No. 26 in Pulmonology • Nationally ranked No. 46 in Urology Ochsner also ranked No. 1 in Louisiana and New Orleans.

In the new book, Safe and Effective Exercise for Overweight Youth, Melinda Sothern, Ph.D., Director of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences and Professor of Research at the LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Public Health aims to provide safe, effective exercise recommendations and guidelines tailored to the specific needs of young people. From challenges such as hypertension and asthma to type 2 diabetes and injury the book is based on Sothern’s decades of scientific research and clinical experience. — Melanie Warner Spencer 34

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

LOCAL COLOR IN TUNE MUSIC READ+SPIN CHARACTERS JOIE Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;EVE MODINE GUNCH CHRONICLES HOME

Real Estate will take over One Eyed Jacks on Sept. 22. In March the band released, Atlas, easily their best effort thus far.

in tune pg. 40

Shawn Brackbill PHOTOGRAPH

LOCAL COLOR / IN TUNE

Foxygen, too Foxygen has recently announced a new album and tour, destined to hit One Eyed Jacks on Sept. 29. Their latest record, We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic, was one of my favorite releases of 2012, and is a must-listen for anyone who traces their love of music back to the sounds of the Rolling Stones or the Kinks. Lead singer, Sam France, is known for his exuberant live performances and onstage antics. This will be a show not to miss. One Eyed Jacks, 615 Toulouse St., 5698361, OneEyedJacks.net.

Trendy Indie Folk fare, too BY mike griffith

eptember will be an excellent month for indie rock in New Orleans. Ty Segall will open the month at One Eyed Jacks on the 6th. Segall is touring on his 2013 record, Sleeper. This album is a bit of a departure; usually known for the intensity of his music, this album takes a step back to meditate on the development his sound. The show itself will be a wild blend of new and old, rock and reminiscences. On the 20th, the reunited The Afghan Wigs will bring their characteristic garage sound to the Civic. Expect the Wigs to preview some of the songs from their upcoming April release, which marks their first new record in 16 years. On the lighter side, Real Estate will take over One Eyed Jacks on the 22nd. In March the band released, Atlas, easily their best effort thus far. If they stick to their Bonnaroo setlist, you can expect a heavy dose of the new record with a smattering of old favorites. The guitar on this record is remarkably bright and clean and it matches perfectly with the vocal harmonies, think early Belle & Sebastian. In a similar vein, The Airborne Toxic Event will come to the Civic on the 27th. They especially shine in the blend of human and digital sounds to a swelling crescendo. Finally, if you’re looking for something a little folkier, The Head and the Heart are coming to the Civic on Oct. 1. After their remarkable eponymous first record in 2010, the band went on an extensive two-year tour opening for some of the heavies of the independent rock scene. They returned to the studio ready to develop their newly expanded vision and released the

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

excellent, Let’s be Still, in 2013. This show will be an opportunity to watch a young band straddle the space between the sound that got them started and the development of that vision as it interacts with a larger community of music. I would be remiss not to mention that Alex McMurray is bringing The Tin Men to do their usual fall residency at d.b.a. Look for The Tin Men to do the 7 p.m. show each Wednesday during September. Plan to stay all night as Walter Wolfman Washington and the Roadmasters usually hold down the 10 p.m. show. If you’d like to listen to two songs from each of the artists mentioned for free, visit bit.ly/ intune9-14. To contact Mike Griffith about music news, upcoming performances and recordings, email Mike@MyNewOrleans. com or contact him through Twitter @Minima. n *Dates are subject to change. Shawn Brackbill PHOTOGRAPH

myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

LOCAL COLOR / MUSIC

Dave Williams’ Apple Tree Cool sounds for scorching days BY JASON BERRY

n those scorching midsummer afternoons, with heat so horrid you pine for a hut in Maine, I pause from wordsmithery in a refrigerated workstation and turn to music for extra cooling on the day. Songs that gain popularity from one artist to another are a culture’s connective tissue. I think of Dave “Fat Man” Williams’s long reach from I Ate Up the Apple Tree, a 1975 album on the GBH label. Outside my shuttered window, a thundering truck just ignited some fool’s Toyota siren. The car’s banshee wail hectors my composition of these words. Williams (1920-’82) played piano in Preservation Hall Jazz Band. His parallel career as a blues singer brought a late-life spotlight. Trumpeter Clive Wilson produced the album and secured publishing rights for the original songs; Williams drew revenues from radio and cover versions of the song by other artists, from

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

which his daughter earns a modest revenue stream. Using stellar traditional jazzmen such as trumpeter Alvin Alcorn, Wilson’s arrangements sparkle through I Ate Up The Apple Tree. Williams reached his apex at the Jazz & Heritage Festival before it was presented by Shell, and through memorable shows at Tipitina’s. That Toyota outside my closed blinds is moaning like a speared beast. “I Ate Up the Apple Tree,” was his signature song. With an easy keyboard stride, Dave’s warm, resonant voice almost chuckles in a gentle satire of Genesis” Sittin’ down eating an apple one day Under the apple tree Apple taste so good to me I ate up your apple tree ... The apple with “juice come running out” makes the singer a surrogate for Adam in the Garden of Eden. Williams beckons the lady at that tree, “the apple of temptation / Oh, baby come see about me / I ate up your apple tree.” This fall from paradise motif may same anachronistic in an age so secular as ours. But the song showed wondrous properties of resurrection after he passed away. The Dirty Dozen was the first group to cover “I Ate Up The Apple Tree” on their first album in the 1980s. They turned a medium-tempo blues into a rollicking bebop march. That damn vehicle! I have to make a call! I open the blinds and see – my car. Well. Standing at the computer, I stab the keypad to close the

already locked car. That shuts it up. Hrumph. “We were playing those songs on the day shift at Maison Bourbon hotel,” Clive Wilson tells me by phone. “Clarence Ford on saxophone had a lot to do with how the arrangements evolved. The session was impromptu. It has the feel of a barroom gig.” He continues, “After the Dirty Dozen, one of the young brass bands did a version – it wasn’t so great. Then Dr. John recorded ‘Apple Tree’ and there was a lot of sales and radio play on that in Europe and Japan for several years. And recently Kermit Ruffins recorded it.” Jonathan Foose, my coauthor on Up From the Cradle of Jazz, was close to Dave Williams. “He had a real style about him,” says Foose, from Austin. “He’d paint apples on his white shoes with music notes. Dave was an absolute gentleman and a great songwriter. He had a little snow ball stand near his house, a side thing he did for money. He used to dream songs and wake up. Sometimes his wife would write them down or he would. I’ve heard that from other songwriters. They’re creating in the dream state.” Williams wrote most of the 14 songs on Apple Tree. He sings a few standards, like “Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans.” He had a voice for the ages. But his passion for melody gave the signature song its soaring afterlife. “I Ate Up the Apple Tree” has become a staple of many brass bands, a long echo in Mardi Gras parades and the second line processions by social aid and pleasure clubs that keep rolling along. n

myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

READ+SPIN DESIGN AND HISTORY: In the new coffee table book Luxury, Inequity & Yellow Fever: Living Legacies and the Story of Old New Orleans, published by the Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic houses, readers are offered a glimpse into antebellum New Orleans. With lush imagery and historic accounts written by photographer Kerri McCaffety, the 152-page, full color hardback volume details life in 19th century New Orleans via the prominent Grima and Gallier families, and the people who passed through their lives and the life of the homes themselves. The book is available at local bookstores, Barnes & Noble and in the Hermann-Grima Exchange Shop. POP: Fixtures on the national alt-pop stage throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, New Orleans-based Better Than Ezra this month released its first studio album in five years. All Together Now is a slick, electro-pop-infused effort from the trio best known for hits such as “Good” and “Desperately Wanting.” The first single on the album, “Crazy Lucky,” dropped earlier this year and sets the up-beat tone and tempo. The band recorded All Together Now in Los Angeles for six weeks with Beck as well as Phoenix producer Tony Hoffer. Fans of the band’s earlier work will gravitate toward the grittier track “Sunflowers,” featuring heavy guitar licks reminiscent of indie darlings Spoon and devoid of the more overt electronic flavor ever-present on other tracks. POETRY: In his new book, Human Crutches poet and novelist Damon Ferrel Marbut navigates gay bar life in the French Quarter with wit, a gimlet eye and sometimes tender, other times biting honesty. The verse is raw, the imagery visceral and themes vary from the day-to-day to the dramatic. Marbut holds a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from the University of South Alabama. His previous works include the novel, Awake in the Mad World and the poetry collection, Little Human Accidents. JAZZ: Best known as a member of New Orleans’ swingin’, harmonizing Victory Bells, Cristina Perez recently released her debut album, The Sweetest Thing. With music and lyrics by the sultry songstress, the independently and locally produced album weaves together influences from the World War II era swing familiar to fans of the Victory Bells, as well as blues and later era jazz standards. The CD release party is Oct. 11, at 2 p.m., at the Louisiana Music Factory. n

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

BY melanie warner spencer Please send submissions for consideration, attention: Melanie Spencer, 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005.

LOCAL COLOR / CAST OF CHARACTERS

Screen Saver Rene Brunet: A man and his movies

BY george gurtner

ho else could possibly belong to those eyes on that tie, the eyes peering out from between the lapels of 93-year-old Rene Brunet’s suit coat, but Bogey himself. It gives new meaning to Bogey’s famous line: “Here’s lookin’ at you, kid!” “They don’t make guys like that anymore,” says Brunet from his wheelchair in the lobby of the Prytania Theater. It is 10 a.m., and just like every Sunday and Wednesday at that hour, Brunet, the granddaddy of theaters in New Orleans can be found in the lobby of his one-screen theater welcoming fans of the “classic movies” that he runs at those special times on those special days. Special because they touch the core of what has made the Brunet family click for nearly a century. Between welcoming old regulars to this week’s classic offering, he’s rattling off memories of “Bank Nights” at the many theaters he’s owned over the last nearly 100 years, about playing the organ at the Saenger Theatre and of being “Movietone News” before Movietone News made it to the big screen. “I’ll never forget, we were giving away toys at Christmas time at the Imperial (Theater on North Hagen Street),” Brunet says. “The manager called me over to the foot lights. At first I told him I was too busy. Then he called me again. He was frantic. Well, he had a message for me. I had to announce that the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor. The reaction was shock throughout the audience. The thing is, most people didn’t even know where Pearl Harbor was.” He continues, “The Imperial had a big stage and I’d go up and an-

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nounce things that I knew would be of great interest. I announced the end of the War (WWII) also and I’ll never forget, I interrupted the show one night and announced that Joe Louis had won the world’s heavyweight championship. That was huge news.” Jimmy Hartenstein from Biloxi drives over every few weeks to catch one of the classics. “I grew up in New Orleans and we used to go to the shows Uptown a lot,” Hartenstein says. “We’d go to the Napoleon, the Fine Arts, the National … and of course, the Prytania. I used to like Jimmy Stewart and that broad he used to star with a lot, June Allyson. She was always cryin’ about something. I think it was in her contract, when they needed a crier they’d call her. But these were great movies, the old black and whites. We all loved ’em. Back then you had stars. Not like today.” Hartenstein nods toward the walls in the lobby that are covered with framed black-and-white prints of the biggies of yesteryear, household names like Mickey Rooney, Greer Garson, Walter Pigeon, Alice Fay, Jimmy Cagney, Bing Crosby and on and on around the lobby. “Today, you get some gal covered with tattoos and some guy with a three-day stubble of beard up there on the screen. Walkin’ clichés, know what I mean? You never heard of them before you walked in and you never hear of them again after you leave.” “The classic movies made

the industry,” Brunet says. “I don’t think so, I know so. They played in the big theaters in every city. Look at New Orleans. The classics always opened at the Loews State, the Saenger, the Orpheum, the Joy. People long for that today.” It is all about memories, the king of New Orleans theaters says. And he’s got a ton of them – enough to make a movie. Like the time he went to Casablanca as a promotional gimmick for the famous Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains classic and discovered that Winston Churchill, Josef Stalin and President Franklin D. Roosevelt were meeting right down the road. “Who would have ever thought that would happen?” he asks. “And back then I used to pay Al Hirt $65 a night to play at the Imperial,” Brunet says. “A few years later I’da had to pay him $65,000 to play that same stage.” On the Prytania’s screen, John Wayne is riding off into the black-and-white sunset and another showing of She Wore A Yellow Ribbon is coming to and end. Muriel, Rene Brunet’s wife of 54 years, will assist her husband out to the car and the two will return to their Lakeview home. How will Rene Brunet fill in the hours before he returns to his beloved Prytania Theater? “Watch movies,” he says without missing a beat. “I’ve got about 5,000 movies on disk at home and a big screen. Can you think of another way to spend a great afternoon?” n FRANK METHE PHOTOGRAPH

myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

LOCAL COLOR / MODINE’S NEW ORLEANS

Polish or Perish The trouble with toenails BY MODINE GUNCH

y daughter’s polish their toenails black and blue and green. I tell them it looks like somebody stepped on their foot. I believe ladies’ fingernails and toenails should be the color God intended: Bright red. And how come the names of the different shades of polish that ain’t got nothing to do with actual colors no more? “Naughty Girl Knickers.” “Sexy Kitten.” “Lovers’ Leopard.” You ain’t going to find that in no Crayola box. If that ain’t bad enough, they paint little-bitty designs on their nails. I can understand fleurs-de-lis during Saints season. That is natural. But lightening bolts? Kittens? Body parts? God help us all. My older daughter, Gumdrop, is maid of honor in her friend Tiffani’s wedding, and her job is to organize the toenail painting. The bridesmaids’ dresses will be short in front and long in back – all the better to frame the girls’ bare toes in their sexy stiletto sandals. Tiffani and Gumdrop spent a long time selecting the toenail polish. Finally they decided on “Pink Venus,” whatever that is. At least they ain’t going to paint tiny brides and grooms on their toes. The bridesmaids will all get their hair and toes done at my friend Awlette’s beauty salon on the afternoon of the wedding, and then hustle over to the church and put on their dresses in a dressing room in the back. Gumdrop has to inspect everybody’s toes, so she’s the last one to get hers done. Awlette has to leave early, so she leaves Gumdrop in the capable hands of Ms. Mai, an older Asian women who’s the best manicure artist in the shop. If they had wanted brides and grooms, Ms. Mai could have painted them on every single toe in the wedding party. Now, the girls had quite the bachelorette party the might before, and Gumdrop is exhausted. Ms. Mai asks Gumdrop what she wants on her toes, Gumdrop mumbles “Pink Venus,” then apologizes for being so tired from the bachelorette party, leans back in the reclining pedicure chair and falls asleep. Unfortunately there’s a slight language barrier. Ms. Mai hears “bachelorette party,” and concludes Gumdrop is getting ready for a night on the town. And she misunderstands “Pink Venus.” After Ms. Mai finishes, she straps Gumdrop’s stilettos on her feet, real careful so as not to mess up the polish, and wakes her up just in time to rush to the church. She goes straight to the dressing room, and is pulling her dress over her head, when Marigny, another bridesmaid, says “Oh! My! Gawd!” She points to Gumdrop’s feet.

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Ms. Mai has painted something pink on them all right. On all ten toes. All I am going to say about this image is that it rhymes with “Pink Venus.” These toes would have gotten Gumdrop arrested on Bourbon Street. To make it worse, Ms. Mai used that new gel polish, which won’t come off with polish remover, even if Gumdrop had polish remover, which she don’t. I am already in my pew when the shrieking starts up in the back room. Marigny rushes out and hisses that Gumdrop needs me to trade shoes with her. But I got also got on sandals, so that’s no help. I look around, and there ain’t a woman in the church not wearing strappy sandals. Every toe is exposed. And then Gus the groom’s great-grandmother, Mawmaw, hobbles up the aisle … in orthopedic shoes. I go over and introduce myself real polite and ask if Gumdrop can borrow her shoes to cover her toes. I try to explain why, but she’s hard of hearing, “Hose? Of course I’m wearing hose. Do I have a run?” Finally, I lead her to the back room. I point to Gumdrop’s feet. She gasps. She snorts. She clutches her chest. Then she wheezes, “Hah! You got some Viagra for them toes?” Anyway, Gumdrop clumps

up the aisle in Mawmaw’s shoes; Mawmaw wears my low-heeled sandals (over her pantyhose; but older ladies think that’s all right) and I totter to my pew in Gumdrop’s stilettos. But who cares? All eyes are on the bride. On the way to the reception, Gumdrop stops by Walgreens, buys “Boot Black by Jack” polish, slathers it over her toenail artwork, and climbs back into her stilettos in time to pose for the wedding pictures. Everybody says she looks lovely. With solid black toenails. Which goes to show. n LORI OSIECKI ILLUSTRATION

myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

LOCAL COLOR / JOIE D’EVE

Not Kidding The perils of parenting BY EVE CRAWFORD PEYTON

am not the kind of mother who insists that motherhood is for everyone. When my friends say that they don’t ever want to have kids, I’ve never once said, “Oh, you’ll change your mind.” Maybe they will – I have a friend who claimed to never want kids who now has three – but maybe they won’t. And I completely understand that. I have always wanted kids, always. I started babysitting when I was 11, worked as a camp counselor every summer in junior high and high school, tutored second-graders in college. When my dorm-mates and I would make our weekly treks to Wal-Mart in college, I would always make a detour to the baby aisle, looking wistfully at the tiny socks and fuzzy blankets. I struggled my way through a high-risk pregnancy to give birth to Ruby – and motherhood still knocked me for a complete and total loop. So listen, if you don’t want kids, I get it. But I love being a mom. In addition to the fact that I adore my kids, I think motherhood has made me a better person: less selfish, more patient and less judgmental. I still remember being at a friend’s house one Christmas Eve when I was maybe 19 and watching her 3-year-old cousin have an absolute shrieking meltdown because he didn’t like the toy her family had selected for him. “What a freaking brat,” I thought. “God. My kids will always say thank you when they get a present, even if they hate it. My kids will have manners. This is so embarrassing.” I kind of cringe remembering that now, because wow, what a clueless know-it-all teenage jerk I was. First of all, 3-year-olds are tiny

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

little terrorists, even under the best circumstances. And it was Christmas, the most over-stimulating time of the year. And it was nighttime, after church, so the kid was clearly tired, too and possibly hungry. It is the same thing with kids’ behavior in public. Pre-kids, I used to think that I would never allow my children to throw tantrums at the store or restaurants, although I don’t recall what brilliant game plan I had worked out to circumvent that. I am pretty sure I just believed that if I parented effectively, my kids would never be compelled to screech or stomp their feet or run away from me howling, “I want Cut and Style Barbie and the Princess Celestia doll. Whyyyyyyy are you the meanest mom everrrrrrrrrrrrrr?” I thought if I just took my kids to restaurants frequently and modeled good behavior, they would follow suit, sitting quietly with their napkins on

their laps, using their knives and forks and making polite conversation with me as we discussed the various highs and lows of our days. Ruby, at age 7, is now borderline (borderline) reasonable while out shopping, but I can still think of about 50 things I would rather do than take her to a toy store to pick out a birthday present for one of her friends. And restaurants? Oh, man. My husband and I don’t take the kids out to eat very often. We are both food nerds, and so a big part of our courtship was discussing recipes, using words like “fond” and “quenelle,” comparing arcane kitchen tools, hating on Food Network celebrities and going out to fancy restaurants. Those days are well behind us. The last time we took all three kids out to eat, we went to China Rose and the scene was thus: Elliot was playing games on his iPhone, Ruby had gotten up to go to the bathroom and somehow ended up chatting with an older couple at another table who really just wanted her to leave them alone and Georgia was either standing up in her high chair or attempting to escape the restaurant while Robert and I, both eating standing up, took turns chasing her. As I shoved an entire dumpling in my mouth and swallowed it mostly without chewing while Georgia flailed in my arms screaming, I turned to Robert and said, “The next time I suggest taking the kids out to lunch, just shoot me. It would be less painful.” So our lives are a little bit different now. But that’s OK. I can honestly claim that this is what I have always wanted. n

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

jane sanders ILLUSTRATION

myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

LOCAL COLOR / chronicles New Orleans Bicycle Club members in 1970s era. French Quarter Race sponsored by La Boucherie, a popular Chartres Street bar of that time.

Wheeling Along Bike riders put the mettle to the pedal BY CAROLYN KOLB

“O

h, I still ride. I try to get in about 100 miles a weekend.” Bob Perrin, award-winning cinematographer, has been a serious bike rider since the 1960s, when the popularity of the 10-speed bike changed bike riding into a ferocious fitness workout. The New Orleans Bicycle Club dates its founding to 1968, (NewOrleansBicyleClub.org), but there was an earlier New Orleans Bicycle Club founded in 1880. The 1968 resurgence of interest in cycling featured competitive events, including La Boucherie Grand Prix in the French Quarter (apparently the French Quarter’s twisting and uneven streets caused numerous spills). Another event is the “Tour de Louisiane,’ now “the oldest continuous bicycle stage race in the United States,” according to the NOBC website. Today, besides riding for exercise, Perrin still races occasionally in Senior Olympics events. He and ardent cyclist Joseph Fuselier both have their share of gold medals.

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For those who have cycled for many years, the greatest change has been in the bikes themselves. “We started getting pricey bikes,” Perrin says. “At first, a really nice bike was about $600 and it was made out of steel. Then, it went to aluminum bicycles and now everything is made out of carbon fiber – they cost anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000.” And price isn’t the only concern: “The amazing thing is, if you ride a bike and you race and you want to go on touring rides, you have more than one bicycle,” Perrin says. “I have a track bike, a mountain bike and I have three road bikes – I have five at the moment, and there are people with more than that,” he says. “Some of mine are almost collectibles – I’m talking about the ones from around 1975 – but I do have two carbon fiber bikes.” “I haven’t reached the point where my bike is more valuable than my car – but that could happen,” Perrin concedes. And, that doesn’t include padded bike shorts ($100 to $250), gloves ($40) and a helmet ($150 to $350). Bike Easy board president James Wilson explains that his organization advocates for more bicycle infrastructure in the city. The results are good. “New Orleans is flat, and the street grid is fan shaped: you can get pretty much anywhere and not have to use a busy road.” The city is now eighth in the country for prevalence of bike commuters. A popular route runs along the lakefront, there are marked bicycle lanes on

Finding A Place Having the equipment is one thing, finding a place to use it for those long rides is another. And for that, information is available at BikeEasy.org. Check it out, and download a map with local bike routes. Nashville Avenue and that, plus the upcoming Lafitte Greenway (folc-nola.org) will connect riders with routes in Audubon and City parks. The bike route along the levee is disrupted by construction at the moment, but when opens it will take riders far upriver. James Wilson now commutes to his job at Octavia Books on his “Truck Bike” (see it at TruckBike.org), a heavy-duty Xtracycle with pannier-type cargo holds beside the back wheel. “I can put a couple hundred pounds of weight on it, so I can go grocery shopping or to the hardware store, and be able to bring everything home,” he says. For a Bike Easy ride at the Bayou Bougaloo, Wilson was even able to give a lift to one young rider whose bike had a flat tire. Like most bicyclists, Wilson remembers his first solo ride. “My first bike was a blue Stingray with a banana seat – the kind with a sort of handle on it.” Wilson says. “My grandfather was holding it, teaching me to ride, and I was pedaling along and I said, ‘You can let go now, Pop-pop’ and I looked around. “He was standing there smiling, about 25 feet behind me.” n photo courtesy of bob perrin

myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

LOCAL COLOR / HOME

BLAZE STAR NEW LIFE FOR AN OLD FIREHOUSE BY BONNIE WARREN / PHOTOGRAPHED BY CHERYL GERBER

ohn Kirkendoll is a man with an imagination. “When I saw a ‘For Sale’ sign on the firehouse on Bienville Street in the French Quarter, I bought it,” he says as he gives a tour of the unique building that began its life in 1907 as Engine 7. “I had walked and driven by the firehouse for 10 years and always admired the bones of the place, and thought how cool it would be to remodel such an historic property. It may sound crazy,

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but the firehouse spoke to me and asked to be made great.” Kirkendoll’s dream home is now in what was once the only firehouse in the French Quarter. The spectacular space

Facing page: A Poliform sectional sofa and three Wendell Castle additional chairs provide plenty of seating in the living room; art over the sofa is by Chilean artist Jose Basso. Top: Built to serve the entire French Quarter in 1907, the team of Erin Christman, re: FORM NOLA, and Brian Bockman and Jack Forbes, Bockman + Forbes Design, transformed the space into spacious living quarters. Bottom: John Kirkendoll in the doorway of his French Quarter home that was once a firehouse.

doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give a hint of its original use once you step inside. With the help of architect Erin Christman, re:FORM NOLA, and Brian Bockman and Jack Forbes, Bockman + Forbes Design interior designers and architects, today the space is a comfortable 3,200 square-foot condo for Kirkendoll myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

Top: Bronze Acrilux cabinets are by Bryan Bowers Cabinets, while top-of-the-line appliances by Miele, Gaggenau and SubZero complete the contemporary kitchen. Bottom: The walnut table in the dining room was custom made by BDDW in New York City, while the chairs from the same company are mulled leather and walnut; the unique chandelier from is from Willowlamp in South Africa and called the “Faraway Tree.”

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on the first floor, and a 2,700-square-foot condo for his brother Al, his partner in Kirkendoll Management, on the second floor. “My goal was to create the finest residential project in New Orleans with a modern, minimalist, ‘out of the box thinking’ design,” says Kirkendoll, who purchased the property in 2005. “Brian is architect and interior designer, plus a construction manager all in one,” Kirkendoll says. “His vision for the firehouse was amazing. The taste of the Brian-Jack duo was impeccable, and along with Erin and Greg App of Historic Home Renovation as the general contractor on the project, we definitely had a winning team. Greg and his workers were more artisans than contractors; they delivered a perfect house.” The building was gutted back to bare bricks and a foundation of dirt. “We started with a clean palate and ended up with something magical,” he continues. “I can boldly say the firehouse is now a perfect home.” Everything about the condo is distinctive; especially the large space where a fire wagon or fire truck once parked that is now Kirkendoll’s office. “I like working late at night in my ‘garage,’” he says. “It’s also nice to put the door up and gather with friends to watch sports when the weather permits.

Top, left: A 10-by-50 lap pool was created in the original courtyard. Top, right: The Sicis glass mosaic wall tiles were designed by Jack Forbes – the vertical stripes create a rhythm and accentuate the ceiling height – and the custom inset teak wood floor mat conceals a hidden drain. Bottom: Lafayette firefighter Clay Judice Jr. is credited with the portrait of Peiper Hastings, who became Mrs. John Kirkendoll in the middle of this month, in the master bedroom.

“People joke about the irony of the firehouse being the only building I own in Louisiana that doesn’t have a pole in it,” he says in reference to the fact that Kirkendoll Management owns the Penthouse Club on Iberville Street in the French Quarter. “All joking aside, the condo feels just as great whether there are two people enjoying the space or a party with over a 100 guests.” Kirkendoll shares the condo and a historic 1899 Victorian home in Telluride, Colorado, (also renovated by Brian Brockman and Jack Forbes) with Peiper Hastings, his bride as of this month. “The firehouse condo is really a lovely oasis in the midst of the French Quarter, and it’s quite a treat to call it home,” Hastings says. Kirkendoll concurs, “The French Quarter is a special place. There is something in the air – a spirituality and edginess – that I’ve never experience in my travels. I’ve always found myself drawn back here and now with my firehouse-tocondo conversion I can truly call it home.” n

myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

During the course of photographing this year’s class of People to Watch, someone on our staff noted that this was an unusually good-looking bunch. We didn’t mean for that to happen. A person can be homely, even ugly, and still qualify for our listing, which we define as people who are doing something new and interesting in the community. Most often there are new faces; sometimes there are old faces doing something new. All are faces, pretty or not, that you should be aware of, because they’re likely to be a part of the city’s future. As our art director specified, this year’s class was photographed in front of a background of simple blue, as though not to distract from the faces themselves. When you have people who are especially watchable, sometimes it’s best to keep the watching simple. PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFFERY JOHNSTON

Vic Granata & Loc Pham Owners, Founders & Senior Art Director and Creative Director (respectively), Cathedral Creative Studios

Kiki Baker Barnes Athletic Director, Dillard University

As Athletic Director of Dillard University, Kiki Baker Barnes “provides strategic leadership, administrative direction and oversight of all intercollegiate programs.” In addition, she strives to maintain an athletic program that stresses the scholar-athlete, while fundraising and managing the budget and personnel. “I do what I do because I enjoy helping others become successful, especially students,” she says. She enjoys, “watching both my staff and students develop their potential.” This year she’s looking forward to seeing Dillard’s team win championships, as well as putting on a successful Gulf Coast Athletic Conference – of which she is the first black female president – Basketball and Track tournament. She was also named GCAC’s Athletic Director of the year in both 2013 and ’11. “My greatest accomplishments,” she says, “are seeing students and young professionals that I mentor succeed.” In addition to her directorship duties, she’s currently completing her Ph.D., learning to play the electric bass guitar and starting her own speaking and consulting business. – Morgan Packard

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

Located at L’entrepot, a creative arts hub, gallery and events space located in the center of the arts district, Cathedral Creative Studios uses its own artistic vision to support and promote others’. Specializing in work that’s “innovative, arresting and effective,” the creative marketing and photography studio routinely tackles challenges including company brochures (they won a Gold Addy Award this year for a leasing brochure for Time Warner), to celebrity photo and fashion shoots (including actress Keri Russell recently seen in the film Dawn of the Planet of the Apes). Cathedral was founded by partners Loc Pham and Vic Granata, who created the company in order to fulfill a longtime desire to spend their days doing what they love. “I regret the time I wasted not doing it,” says Granata. “Growing up, I was always interested in art and design, and as I got older, advertising. But I never pursued it.” Both agree that their home city plays a big part in fueling their creative spark. “One of the things we love about New Orleans is it’s unpredictable,” says Pham. “New Orleans refuses to allow anyone a comfortable rut, despite how often we may try and dig one.” – Kimberley Singletary

Ellie Thomas

Owner, FRESH BAR Three years ago Ellie Thomas was no different from any other careerminded professional on the go in that too frequently, in her rush to get through the day, her health was taking a back seat. “Lunch is sometimes not on your list of priorities, and that’s when you make bad decisions,” she says. What makes Thomas different, however, is that at the age of only 26 she decided to do something about it. In June 2012, Thomas opened FRESH BAR on Magazine Street. In a city packed full of incredible dining locations, Thomas’ FRESH BAR stands out as one of the few providing a wide variety of culinary offerings that are not only fast, but also healthy and flavorful. Celebrated for their wraps and salads – which offer more than 40 toppings and 12 homemade dressings – FRESH BAR has quickly gathered a loyal following, so much so that Thomas is already thinking about expanding into additional locations. “I am always striving to offer something new to our customers to keep things ‘fresh,’ while also staying consistent with our product,” she says. Responding to customer demand, FRESH BAR will add made-to-order juices to the menu this fall. “My goal is to make sure that any man, woman or child with any dietary restriction or need can walk into FRESH BAR and find something that appeals to them on our menu,” she says. – K.S.

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

Alexander Bourne

Founder, Patina Shoe Parlor

Cristy Cali

CEO & Jewelry Designer, Cristy’s Collection, Inc. In the past few years Cristy Cali’s jewelry pieces have become popular with famous names, including Sen. Mary Landrieu and the rock band Aerosmith. She is most excited, however about recently catching the eye of another big name. “My biggest accomplishment has been capturing the attention of one of the most well-known and successful jewelry businesses in New Orleans – Adler’s,” Cali says. “They understand who I am, what my goals are and they believe in my vision. They have helped me reach an audience larger than I imagined.” A New Orleans native, Cristi Cali began contributing designs to her mother’s jewelry business, Sterling Silvia, when she was just 16 years old. Following her graduation from Loyola University’s School of Business in 2012, she formed her own company, creating jewelry inspired by the rich history, architecture and culture of her native city. “Jewelry has sentimental value, and when people tell their story and how my jewelry means something to them, it creates an indescribable feeling of happiness and gratitude. That is why I do what I do.”

Alexander Bourne has big plans for Patina Shoe Parlor. It is New Orleans’ first shoeshine, refurbishing and repair establishment that also raises awareness around the repurposing and reuse of leather goods and to provide a service while limiting its environmental impact, including pick up and delivery service, as well as encouraging the reuse and repurposing of leather goods. Bourne offers more than 25 services, plus packages and specials, like providing a shoeshine booth for a company event. “My No. 1 goal,” Bourne says, “is to attend LSUHSC School of Dentistry and receive an advanced certification in Orthodontics all while taking the necessary steps to allow Patina Shoe Parlor to become a franchise around the world.” In addition, Bourne is seeking to address the issues of unemployment and quality of life by hiring – and encouraging the hiring – of “Opportunity Youth” to introduce them to different skill sets and into the workforce. OYs, according to the Cowen Institute of Public Education Initiatives, are young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 who are neither working or in school. “Research shows that effective solutions must be tied to the systems the youth are disconnected from – educational, social and economic,” Bourne says. “We believe this is an opportunity to reengage these youth through employment and ongoing civic participation.” – M.P.

– K.S.

myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

Lena Sendik, MPH

Founder and CEO, Balance Integrative Health

David Pierce

Head Baseball Coach, Tulane University David Pierce was named Head Baseball Coach at Tulane University on June 8, and since then has been supremely focused. “My goal is to coach this game as long as I can,” he says. Pierce has always been comfortable coaching baseball. “I’ve always felt comfortable behind and L-screen (throwing batting practice) and I’ve felt very comfortable in the dugout. It’s my office. It’s where I feel like I do my best work,” he says. While serving as head baseball coach of Sam Houston State University, he took the team to the NCAA Regionals in 2014 for the third consecutive season for the second time in the program’s history. He also earned the Southland Conference Coach of the Year in ’12 and ’13, as well as being named Regional Coach of the Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association in ’12. Pierce says he’s, “really looking forward to being a part of the Tulane family,” he says, “Tulane University, the city of New Orleans and watching this team – who we know has talent – develop into a great team.” And that his reward is seeing the development of the young men with which he works. – M.P.

Lena Sendik has some pretty ambitious goals. “My goal is to change the framework of our healthcare system, change and the business model and change the process of healing,” she says. On June 2, Sendik began chasing these goals by opening Balance Integrative Health – a new health care facility at 2121 Magazine St. The center offers physician visits, homeopathic visits, massage and acupuncture, nutritional counseling, meditation, biofeedback, kinesiology consults, personal wellness coaching, counseling and a variety of labs and testing. It is also the only source in the area to offer Shakuju Therapy, a traditional Japanese acupuncture that doesn’t use needles. “Our goal is to give our clients treatment options from both conventional and complementary medicine,” Sendik says. “We take into account not only the physical symptoms of discomfort, but look for the underlying cause and incorporate psychological and social aspects of health and illness.” Previously a senior sales consultant for a major pharmaceutical company, Sendik’s efforts have earned her the distinction of being named the 2014-’15 Woman of the Year by the National Association of Professional Women. She says her new healthcare center aims to treat the whole person, not just their specific ailment. “We have some really great health initiatives planned for the next few years, lots of free events, free services. We are hoping to engage our community to live a happier, healthier life.” – K.S.

Jon Smith

Executive Director, French Market Corporation Since 1791, New Orleans’ French Market District has stood as an architectural and cultural gem. For Jon Smith, who has served as executive director since September 2013, the challenge each day is to honor this rich history while also growing the district as a modern commercial retail corridor. “The thing that a lot of folks don’t realize about the French Market District is that, at the end of the day, we’re really just a Commercial Property Management company – one whose tenants generate over $40 million a year in retail sales,” Smith says. He says one of the biggest issues lately has been with leadership. There have been three different directors just since 2010. “We’ve had a bit of a patchwork quilt of different management ideas and practices,” says Smith. “My goal is to put together a system and operating plan that’s sustainable for decades to come.” So what does the future hold for the city’s iconic market? Two words: more food. This fall New Orleans’ original open-air produce market will honor its roots with the long awaited return of a weekly farmer’s market. Home to what Smith likes to call “the original golden arches,” the French Market will also welcome local food artisans with open arms. “The goal is to make the French Market’s open-air market a genuine food destination.” – K.S.

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

David Pierce

Lena Sendik, MPH

Joan Yvette Davis Chancellor, Delgado Community College

As Chancellor of Delgado Community College, Joan Yvette Davis says the possibilities are endless. “Every day is a new opportunity to help students have better lives.” Her goal is to take the college “from excellence to eminence” while focusing on expanding programs to better address the needs of the community, as well as businesses and industry. She is always on-duty. “I was recently waiting on a take-out order at a restaurant,” she says, “and talked one of the other waiting customers into enrolling. … I told him to apply at Delgado, and we would help him complete his degree and ‘get a lot of something great.’” Davis is also excited about the reopening of the Sidney Collier campus in Eastern New Orleans, closed since Katrina, as well as the completion of several construction projects that are currently underway. In addition, recent legislation has, as Davis says, “presented opportunities for funding some of our expansion projects – provided that we’re able to obtain matching funds.” Consequently, Davis and Delgado are looking to partner with individuals, businesses and the community. “It will take a great deal of heard work and faith,” she says, “but Delgado is well worth the effort.” – M.P.

Gregg Fortner

Executive Director, Housing Authority of New Orleans

As executive director for the Miami-Dade Public Housing and Community Development Department, Gregg Fortner managed a $435 million annual budget, a profile of 9,000 federal- and state-funded housing units and 18,000 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, as well as being responsible for the administration of the Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnership, Neighborhood Stabilization and Documentary Stamp Surtax programs for Miami-Dade County. On July 7, Fortner became the executive director of the Housing Authority of New Orleans. In this position he reports directly to the HANO Board of Commissioners, while managing the dayto-day operations of the agency and supervising all agency programs. “Sometimes you choose life and sometimes life chooses you,” Fortner says. “I do what I do because life has led me. It is fulfilling when you’re a part of providing quality housing to a family that otherwise may be unable to afford a suitable place to live.” His long-term goal is to restore the public’s trust in HANO through making sure the right decisions are made for the community. “New Orleans needs affordable housing strategies that meet the needs of an under-served population,” he says. And Fortner believes that HANO must be part of that strategy. – M.P.

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

Chancey Becnel & Shane Becnel Co-Owners, Global Recycling LLC

When you throw something away, there really is no “away.” That is the reality that 25-year-old twins Chancey and Shane Becnel embraced when they created Global Recycling, LLC in July 2012. The company provides residential and commercial curbside recycling services, school recycling programs and special event recycling. Graduates of Destrehan High School, the Becnels are proud of the fact that their company was created without the use of debt or loans. To raise the necessary funds, Shane took a job as a merchant mariner on the USNS Dahl. In exchange for working six months in Saipan, the job provided the brothers with quick liquid capital that was used to buy trucks and containers and create marketing materials. When the company reached about 150 customers, Shane took a second six-month tour to earn more money. In the coming year, Global Recycling plans to expand their services to the entire Metropolitan area and open a recycling facility. The Becnels say they also look forward to continuing to give back to their community in everything from Christmas toy drives to their annual summer fishing camps for children. “We never thought that by opening our business, we would be able to change so many lives,” they say. – K.S.

Hayley Sampson & Will Sampson

Co-Owners & Founders, Indywood Movie Theater A dynamic duo of siblings, Hayley and Will Sampson, who grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado, combined their skills (hers is business and sales, his is making movies) to open Indywood, a small movie theater and production space on Elysian Fields Avenue. Indywood, explains Will, is a platform for the independent film community in New Orleans to experiment with new ways to make and distribute movies. “We’ve found that people are very excited and supportive of cinema being brought back to life on the neighborhood level. Furthermore, we’re beginning to generate a community of aspiring filmmakers who are testing their films on the Indywood screen. Many of them have expressed interest in becoming early adopters for the online tools we’re developing.” Hayley, the financial brains of the operation, says, “My goal is to make Indywood a pillar of the film community in New Orleans. Hopefully we can help facilitate filmmakers making successful films.” Says Will, “New Orleans is the perfect place to test these new ideas. I, and many other aspiring filmmakers my age, grew up with the idea that Los Angeles and New York were the only cities we could build a career in film. It’s exciting that New Orleans is becoming a major player in film production.” – Sarah Ravits

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

Darren Philip Hoffman & Kristen McEntyre

CEO & Director of Product and President & Director of Operations, Tutti Dynamics

The name Tutti, meaning “all voices together,” captures the spirit of Tutti Dynamics, a company that uses the collaboration of artists, educators and organizations to create a cutting-edge learning platform. Darren Philip Hoffman has been pursuing a career in music since his early teens. When he was studying at the University of New Orleans, he “sought to accelerate (his) development with digital practice tools, but became frustrated with what was available.” With a long-term goal of helping students of music around the world learn from the masters, currently the software is helping 550 students study jazz with Wynton Marsalis and with the Lincoln Center Orchestra. And this is just the beginning. Hoffman and McEntyre are also excited to release the new music Tutti Dynamics has created. While they’ve been refining the platform, they’ve also created more than 100 pieces of music that they’ll be rolling out throughout the next year, as well as announcing exciting new partnerships. “My favorite part of Tutti is the sense of family we’ve created,” Hoffman says. “I feel like the luckiest person when I get to compensate the greatest minds and kindest people I know.” – M.P.

myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

Richard Alexander Pomes

Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer, RapJab

Lt. Gen. Richard P. Mills Commander, Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North

As a Marine infantryman for the past 39 years, Lt. Gen. Richard P. Mills has had the opportunity to serve all over the world. Today he serves as Commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North. Marine Forces Reserve includes 39,000 Marines and sailors home-based at 161 locations in 48 states and Puerto Rico. Marine Forces North works in conjunction with the United States Northern Command to defend the homeland and provide military support in the event of a disaster. “Over the past 40 years I’ve found the challenge and reward of leading Marines to be immensely satisfying,” Mills says. “I’ve served in war and peace and feel that I’ve done things that truly matter.” Mills’ long-term goal is to ensure that the Marine Forces under his command are adequately trained and resourced “so that they’re ready for deployment when this country needs them.” To ensure that their families are “equally prepared for the possibility of their Marines having to go to war,” it’s important to Mills that “the country knows about the commitment, dedication, sacrifice and accomplishments of its Marine Reserves and is aware that they’re ready for any crisis or contingency, now and in the future.” Mills and his wife, Pat, have six children, including a daughter who’s a member of the Navy and a son who’s currently deployed with the Army to Afghanistan. – M.P.

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

Richard Pomes grew up acting – doing plays at Le Petit, Rivertown and Jefferson Performing Arts Society. He even worked at Walt Disney World Resort as a performer. He says that his move from actor to marketer was a natural transition. “What I realized is that building a brand is similar to the way an actor builds a character for a role in a play,” he says. “The energy and passion that goes into that process is what I want to convey through marketing.” After serving as the national brand ambassador for Fireball Cinnamon Whisky and co-founding A&P Productions, a marketing agency whose clients included the National World War II Museum and Microsoft, Pomes and his business partner, James Braendel, started RapJab in 2012, Pomes provides the creative direction for all client marketing efforts for the new marketing agency. “We believe that successful marketing begins with a solid and robust brand that’s made up of true, human characteristics,” he says. “Therefore, much of my work involves the direction that goes into building a brand from the ground, up.” He says his biggest challenge for the year has been managing exponential growth. “Big picture-wise, we’re looking forward to becoming a major player in the New Orleans marketing scene.” – K.S.

Claire Bangser

Creator, NOLAbeings; Summer Film and Photography Leader, National Geographic Student Expeditions; Freelance Photographer & Filmmaker Visual storyteller Claire Bangser has always enjoyed striking up conversations with strangers. “I feel blessed to have a whole spectrum of people that I’ve met through random encounters that have had a profound effect on my life,” she says. A world traveler, Bangser says that she connects her experiences with her perspective that “many of the unjust things in the world are derived from a lack of empathy and understanding.” As a photographer and filmmaker, her goal is to break down the sentiment of “otherness” by creating images that draw the viewer to have a profound human connection or experience with an “other.” Inspired by Brandon Stanton, the creator of the wildly popular Humans of New York website that posts brief, touching interviews with all types of people accompanied by portraits, Bangser started a similar project here called NOLAbeings. “I love every part of the process,” she says, “from meeting the people, to interviewing them, to photographing them and then going home and listening to the recordings and editing photos. The process helps me internalize their messages even more deeply. … It’s such a joy.” This fall, after she returns home from a National Geographic Student Expedition for which she’s a film and photography leader, she hopes to expand NOLAbeings to incorporate film interviews with its subjects. – S.R.

myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

Elliot Sanchez

Founder & CEO, mSchool Students naturally want to learn, believes Elliot Sanchez, Founder and CEO of the mSchool, “So when they start to realize they’re making progress, it’s like a fire’s been lit inside them. A start-up, mSchool rapidly sets up “micro-schools” in community centers; these are blended learning environments where each student has an individualized, tailored learning plan. According to a description by Sanchez, mSchool strives to, “Provide pedagogical, technical and logistical back-end for community centers, allowing them to open micro blended-learning academies at their current site.” After working in education at the state and district level, it became clear to Sanchez that “technology could be a powerful tool if used correctly.” “My goal,” he says, “is to help millions of students reach their goals and see themselves as successful learners. It’s a staggering, complex challenge, so right now I’m focused on making sure the students we work with have a great experience and get the individual supports they need.” Sanchez’s wife is also in education, she is the Director of Teacher Support at New Schools for New Orleans, where she coaches teachers and is one of the first people in the country to hold her coaching certification. They have a daughter, Ada. – M.P.

Zeid Ammari

Chief Operating Officer, Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts

Bivian “Sonny” Lee III Founder, Son of a Saint

This November 10 more boys will be chosen to join the 40 already a part of the Son of a Saint program. Created by the son of former New Orleans Saints Defensive Back Bivian Lee Jr. in 2011, the program provides young men who have lost their father due to death or incarceration with a wide range of services, including assistance with their educational goals, group mentorship and behavioral health services, as well as a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. “I chose this profession because I have a passion for developing young minds, specifically those who have fathers absent from their lives,” Lee says. Lee knows first-hand the challenges of growing up without a father. He lost his to a heart attack when he was only 3 years old. He says it was the relationships he went on to form through sports that made him who he is today, and he’s determined to “pay it forward.” Lee also knows all about organizing incredible recreational opportunities. His previous job titles include serving as the director of programs for the New Orleans Jazz Institute, chief aide to owner of the New Orleans Saints and director of operations for the New Orleans Zephyrs. “My long-term goal is not only to grow and affect the lives of more boys in New Orleans,” he says, “but other cities as well.” – K.S.

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

As chief operating officer of Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts, Zeid Ammari oversees the daily operation of 17 drinking and dining locations. CCRC strives to “make our food and your dining experiences as authentic as New Orleans herself. … Whatever your preference, CCRC will leave you with a taste of New Orleans you will never forget or possibly never leave behind.” Among these locations are: Bayou Burger, Big Easy Daiquiris, Bourbon Vieux, Broussard’s, Café Maspero, Chartres House, Daquiri Paradise, Kingfish, Le Bayou Restaurant, Pierre Maspero’s, Pier 424 Seafood Market and Royal House Oyster Bar, along with private dining and event locations. “I love and enjoy the hospitality industry,” Ammari says. “It’s truly a pleasure to have a complete stranger walk into one of our restaurants and leave being a new friend.” Looking to expand their concepts to other cities and states, Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts is a very proud family owned and operated organization. Ammari’s brothers work with him; Marv is also a chief operating officer and his brother Richy is chief financial officer. – M.P.

Bivian “Sonny” Lee III

Elliot Sanchez

myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

Jamie & Scott Touchton

Owners, My Town Toy Company While you’ve probably heard of Kickstarter, and maybe have even helped fund a campaign or two, have you ever had an idea that you knew was too good to fail? Husband-and-wife team Jamie and Scott Touchton came up with the idea for My Town Toy Company while they were reading a book of “first words” to their little girl Charlotte, now 2 years old. After placing their campaign to fund a company that would create wooded puzzles to teach basic lessons and local culture on Kickstarter, they surpassed their funding goal on June 18. “We’re looking forward to receiving our first shipment and being able to deliver them to our initial Kickstarter supporters, and to having them placed on local retail shelves,” Scott says. The Touchtons hope that this puzzle will be just the start of a line of toys “to teach about the rich culture of New Orleans.” In addition, they’re “ecstatic and humbled by all of the local support and enthusiastic feedback we’ve received thus far and are excited to see what the future holds.” They are also looking forward to the birth of their son in October. – M.P.

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

Krista DeJoseph & Holly Williams Co-Owners, Tooth & Nail Trading Co.

Krista DeJoseph is an artist and the owner of Queens Metal; Holly Williams is an artist and the owner of Small Change Finery. Together they’re Tooth & Nail Trading Co. With their livelihood and their creative outlet being one in the same, “making jewelry is something that we can do for hours on end without growing tired or bored,” Williams says. The opening of Tooth & Nail Trading Co. in June was a way to have a permanent home for both of their jewelry collections, as well as a place to sell other’s works. “We reached out to other artists and homegrown businesses around the country,” DeJoseph says, “which enables our store to carry more than jewelry, including purses, kitchen wares, furniture and a great collection of beautiful, unusual items you won’t see anywhere else.” DeJoseph discovered the space on a Sunday, they signed the lease on a Monday, and after rallying their friends to help redecorate the space and create furniture, displays, signs and more, they opened their first brick-and-mortar location in less than a month. DeJoseph and Williams are looking forward to a successful and fulfilling first year as shop owners, as well as the freedom that the storefront will afford them to experiment with new ideas and products. – M.P.

myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

Katie Darling

General Manager, Celebration Distillation Corporation Celebrating its 20th birthday in 2015, Celebration Distillation Corporation is known as the company that makes the famed Old New Orleans Rum and Gingeroo. Since this past May, Katie Darling is known as the woman who makes sure it gets done. “As the general manager of a rum distillery, my first job is to walk in everyday and smell the sweet scent of Louisiana molasses,” Darling says. “My second job is to greet our Master Distiller, Bryan Carroll, with a smile and ask him how the stills are running. I oversee production, financials, marketing initiatives, sales and branding.” After years working with boutique spirits brands and behind world-class bars, Darling says she’s enjoying this opportunity to be a part of a creation from start to finish. It doesn’t hurt that the company culture also happens to rock. “Last week we closed our distillery so our entire team could volunteer at a local charter school,” says Darling. “That’s a small example of how we are taking steps toward a much bigger vision. It’s not just about rum; it’s about New Orleans.” – K.S.

Kara Van de Carr

Co-founder & President, Eden House Founded in 2011, Eden House offers long-term housing and services to survivors of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. It is the first organization of its kind in the state of Louisiana. “Our two-year residential program offers a holistic approach to recovery, including housing, food, mental and physical care, job training, legal services and education,” says Kara Van de Carr, co-founder and president of the nonprofit organization. Formerly a U.S. diplomat stationed in Kingston, Jamaica, Van de Karr says that though human trafficking is often thought of as a heinous crime that takes place abroad, it’s actually prevalent throughout the country. Eden House, she says, is one of few organizations in this country addressing the global problem. “According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the average age of entry for girls into prostitution is between 12 and 14 years old,” she says. “Many women who enter the doors of Eden House have never had proper legal documentation. Some have never received a doctor’s care, and most have lived a life of perpetual fear.” Van de Karr says her goal for the organization isn’t only to provide empowerment and recovery to as many survivors as possible, but also to inspire other states to set up similar organizations dedicated to conquering the problem. – K.S.

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

Troy J. Broussard

Executive Director of Operations, Cox Communications What is even more impressive than being half of an 18-year marriage with two children – Blythe, 15 and Brennan, 9? Providing cross-functional leadership and overseeing local market operations in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Charles and St. Bernard parishes as the Executive Director of Operations for Cox Communications. Troy Broussard does both. “By working closely with area leaders,” Broussard says, “I work to identify process improvements and implement solutions to help move our business forward.” He also serves as “the voice of our employees, our customers, key community leaders and the communities we serve.” A 16-year telecommunications and Desert Storm Gulf War veteran, his long-term goal with Cox is to “lead our New Orleans market employees’ efforts to deliver our Cox vision, which is to be the most trusted provider of communication and entertainment services in America … while continuing to place priority on diversity initiatives and educational programs.” Broussard is proud to have the opportunity to “serve as a business partner, collaborator, employee advocate and contributor to the functional team’s success in the local market.” Professionally his greatest accomplishments were receiving his bachelor’s degree from University of Louisiana at Lafayette and his Master of Business Administration from Southeastern Louisiana, while personally, he is most proud of his roles as father and husband. – M.P.

myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

Tess Monaghan

New Orleans City Lead, Good Eggs

Jennifer Hardin

Executive Director, Evacuteer.org

Potentially 35,000 New Orleans residents will use the free, public option that Evacuteer.org provides, which is working with their strong volunteer core based on a network of businesses and organizations to train and prepare to activate during a mandatory evacuation. In addition, Evacuteer.org works to better prepare the local community for evacuation through several preparedness programs including EvacuKids (a program designed to demystify climatic weather) and the Partner Program (which aims to support and collaborate with businesses, nonprofits, academic institutions and faith-based and community organizations. As of May, Jennifer Hardin became the first executive director of Evacuteer.org. “Our core mission is to streamline City Assisted Evacuation. It is increasingly crucial that we meet our training goals and specialize to cover gaps,” she says. “Preparing our community is a year-round operation.” Having received the Most Innovative Emergency Preparedness Initiative award from the Center for Disease Control, Hardin is looking forward to “completing the second phase of the Evacuspots project (statues around town, like the one Hardin is pictured with here) and sustainably lighting these sculptures so they’re visible at night.” Every day Hardin aims to empower residents to participate in emergency preparedness, and we should, too.

When it comes to buying things, it’s always a good idea to avoid the middleman. Good Eggs New Orleans allows you to do this with groceries – buy farm-fresh produce and food items directly from more than 100 farmers and food makers online and have it delivered (for free) directly to your doorstep. The idea for Good Eggs started in San Francisco. The company chose Tess Monaghan to open the New Orleans food hub just over a year ago. She says bringing the concept from the “all-organic, tech-savvy bubble of the Bay Area,” to New Orleans was a bit daunting. “I feel my greatest accomplishment – which is one that deserves to be shared with the entire Good Eggs team – has been taking a model that was developed in a very different cultural and economic climate and adapting it to work for our community,” she says. Monaghan says she keeps expecting the company’s growth to slow, especially during the hot summer months, but Good Eggs has done nothing but expand. In the past 12 months, Good Eggs in New Orleans has grown from a two-person team to a company with more than 30 employees. “We’re going to move into a new facility this fall,” Monaghan says. “It will be almost three times as large as our current space, so we continue to serve more customers.” – K.S.

Jeannie Paddison Tidy

Founder & Vice President, Community Visions Unlimited When Jeannie Paddison Tidy moved into her neighborhood in Faubourg St. John, it was not a thing of beauty. “At that time there were over 100 vacant, blighted properties in a four-by-five block area,” she says. Moved to action, Tidy formed the non-profit Community Visions Unlimited (CVU). “Within three years we had 75 renovations either underway or completed,” she says. While still maintaining her day job as executive director of Lakeview Shepherd Center, a nonprofit senior enrichment center, Tidy has led the CVU to creating a 16 chapter how-to manual for neighborhoods to address blight. “We are reworking this now to give an updated version that will be available to assist neighborhoods with everything from putting in a garden, to finding and working with blighted property owners, to how to become a 501c(3).” While off to a strong start, Tidy says she still has a long to-do list. “We want to raise enough money to hire staff and expand the program,” she says. “This would mean creating a resource center that would assist the neighborhood to not only survive, but to thrive. Helping people have vision for their area is an important part of reducing blight and replacing it with beauty.” – K.S.

– M.P.

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

Tess Monaghan

Jennifer Hardin myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

Michael A. Fitts

President, Tulane University In addition to welcoming its new freshman class and the brand-new state-of-the-art Yulman stadium, Tulane University welcomes another highly acclaimed individual: its new president Michael A. Fitts, former dean of the prestigious University of Pennsylvania Law School. “There is no greater honor than serving as president of Tulane University,” Fitts says. “The fact that Tulane is located in one of the country’s most culturally rich, historically significant and widely beloved cities makes furthering this critical academic mission even more exciting.” Leaving Penn was a challenge, he says – his roots to the school run deep, as his grandfather was dean of the Wharton School and his father was head of surgery at the medical school. Fitts spent his entire career at Penn before accepting his current position. “My experience has made me incredibly excited about this new chapter in life,” he says, adding that Tulane University and New Orleans are intellectually and socially vibrant settings. Fitts looks forward to welcoming the new class to campus this fall, attending the first football game in the new Yulman Stadium, “becoming a New Orleanian” and helping Tulane “realize its fullest potential as a university and a partner in the continued renaissance of the city.” – S.R.

Katy Simpson Smith

Writer & Adjunct Professor, Tulane University The past year has been full of milestones for Katy Simpson Smith, whose debut novel, The Story of Land and Sea, a historical fiction set in North Carolina during the dawn of the Revolutionary War, was published in July. The novel weaves together three generations and explores slavery, kidnapping, love and friendship. In addition to her literary accomplishment, Smith has also been learning how to navigate the spotlight on a national level. Admitting to be a natural introvert, she says that one of her biggest challenges this year was “figuring out how to create a writer persona that’s totally comfortable reading aloud in front of strangers. I had thought that writing was a wholly private enterprise, but in fact, writers do need to get out of their pajamas once in a while to promote their own work.” (A recent photo shoot and interview published in Vogue magazine shows Smith elegantly posing in the French Quarter, looking not just comfortable, but exquisite.) Smith will continue to promote her book and looks forward to traveling around the country to meet readers and visit bookstores (“my absolute favorite places to be,” she says). She is also teaching a freshman seminar at Tulane University, inspiring the next generation of readers and writers. – S.R.

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

Katie Schmidt

Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Passion Lilie

In 2012, Katie Schmidt traveled to India to help a home décor workshop become Fair Trade-certified. Chatting up a woman in a small impoverished village, Schmidt posed the question, “If you could have anything in the word, what would you have?” The woman responded, “happiness and prosperity for my children.” Her words resonated with Schmidt. “These women are in desperate need of good, reliable jobs, medical assistance and general community development,” she says. Thinking about ways she could help, Schmidt realized she could combine her background in costume design with her humanitarian efforts. “I noticed a lack of Fair Trade dresses that were affordable, casual and what I would wear,” she says. So she founded Passion Lilie in March 2013, a company that seeks to change the world through ethical fashion, selling Fair Trade clothing at retailers around the country and online. Schmidt’s duties entail designing and creating samples for the collection, and she continues to visit artisans in India to make sure all Fair Trade standards are met. “There are so many things I love about my job,” she says. “The humanitarian and creative aspect are really the driving forces. It isn’t easy working with artisans overseas – cultural differences, weather and festivals are just a few things that can create obstacles, but the women who do my stitching have become like a second family.” She hopes to grow the company and says that by purchasing a Fair Trade garment, “you may be saving a person’s life.” – S.R.

myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

Justin Lamb

Poet, Slam New Orleans; Organizer, New Orleans Youth Open Mic; Program Director, Bard Early College in New Orleans “I love creating,” Justin Lamb says. “I’m driven by putting something into the atmosphere that might not otherwise exist – whether it’s new writing I take to the stage at the Shadowbox Theatre or new, exciting initiatives at Bard Early College.” Lamb was part of the team – out of 72 teams – that won the 2013 National Poetry Slam tournament, which qualified him to represent Slam New Orleans at the Individual World Poetry Slam in October, and he was also the 2014 Slam New Orleans Grand Slam Winner. “I would love to see New Orleans host a big youth poetry festival where youth from schools around the city gather and share their stories to inspire each other,” Lamb says. “I’d like to think the New Orleans Youth Open Mic (a poetry open mic for seventh-12th graders of which he’s the organizer) is helping pave the way for a magical event like this to happen.” In addition to his poetry slam responsibilities, Lamb is also responsible for coordinating and managing all non-academic aspects of operations at Bard Early College in New Orleans, Bard’s satellite campus for public school students in New Orleans. Lamb also hopes to work on more creative projects, including a live poetry album and a chapbook. – M.P.

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

Emily Hull Bellaci, LBA, BCBA

Founder & Executive Director, Within Reach – Center for Autism; Licensed Behavior Analyst The sad reality is that New Orleans families with children diagnosed with autism or other developmental delays often face a challenge finding accessible, quality services. “Upon diagnosis, parents are told ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy is a must and intervention is key,” Hull says. “It is hard enough for a parent to hear that their 3-year-old child has been diagnosed with autism, but then add to that the hardship once they pursue this therapy and are told to wait.” In 2011 Emily Hull Bellaci, a native New Orleanian, sought to address this lack of services by opening Within Reach – Center for Autism. Located off Veterans Boulevard and Cleary Avenue in Metairie, the center provides ABA therapy to children age 2 through 6. “I am very proud that, upon opening several years ago, I was able to provide one of the first clinic-based therapy treatments in the area,” she says. Bellaci oversees all the daily operations of the center, as well as serves as the Licensed Behavior Analyst, which means she creating and updating treatment plans addressing language, social, play, academic, behavioral and self-help skills. As chair of the Louisiana Behavior Analyst Board, Bellaci is also continually looking beyond her own center to increase ABA services and quality statewide. – K.S.

Erica Enders-Stevens

NHRA Pro Stock Driver; VP of Marketing, Elite Motorsports Just two years after she became the first woman in the history of the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) to win a national event, Erica Enders-Stevens has won 11 national titles – thus solidifying her spot as the third-winningest woman in all of motorsports history. In a sport where the difference between winning and losing can be 10,000ths of a second, the Houston native turned New Orleanian says the secret of her success lies in part from never taking shortcuts. “Getting to the top is hard enough, but staying there is even harder,” she says. Enders-Stevens is currently leading the NHRA Pro Stock points standings – making her the first woman to do so in the sport’s 63year history. She also just set the Pro Stock world speed record in June, traveling at 215.55 miles per hour. “We have a great shot at winning the World Championship this year,” she says. Enders-Stevens began racings at the age of 8, building on success after success until turning pro in 2004. “My message to kids, especially young girls, is to dream big and never give up,” she says. “Anything is possible if you set your mind to it. Surround yourself with the right people and work hard.” – K.S.

myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

People We Could Have Watched If we had been watching people way back when

Our annual “People to Watch” issue focuses on contemporaries, but we thought it might be fun to also do some people watching from the past. Though they all belong to another century, look closely – they’re watching you too. Assistance from Mary Lou Eichhorn and John Magill. Photographs courtesy of The Historic New Orleans Collection These are men who you might hope were not watching you. They are employees of the Department of Public Finance’s Back Tax Department. Circa 1920.

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

Training to be future homemakers – the “Home Institute’s” first class, 1895.

Long before anyone ever heard of Destin, Florida or miniature golf, the children of the Barnes family frolicked in Pass Christian, Mississippi in Aug. 1916.

Too bad no one held up a sign. This family group remains unidentified. One gets the sense that the kids are ready to bust out of those fancy clothes the instant that the photographer is finished. Circa 1900.

In another era they would have been yelling, “Who Dat!” The Terminal Café operated at 123-129 N. Basin St.; this photo was taken May 11, 1911.

In the pre shorts and flip-flops era, folks dressed up to go visiting. This circa-1900 photo was taken near the French Market.

Prohibition had been over for five years by 1938 when these men, believed to be employees, posed inside an unidentified wine and liquor store.

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

Selling clothes poles was not exactly a growth industry, nevertheless there was still a high demand in the pre-electric dryer days of the 1900s.

Keeping people warm was dirty work. These men are aboard a coal barge in February 1891.

Milk was best known as a breakfast drink, and not familiar as an ingredient for Brandy Alexander, circa-1900 when this horse-drawn milk cart was on the streets.

myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

the MENU TABLE TALK

RESTAURANT INSIDER

FOOD

LAST CALL

Superneauâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pizzas get baked in a Mugnaini oven with a stone deck fired exclusively with oak. His have a thinner, crisper crust then some other Neapolitan-style pies around town and feature less char and more generous toppings.

table talk pg. 92

jeffery johnston PHOTOGRAPH

DINING LISTINGS

THE MENU / TABLE TALK

Upper Crust Pizza, Neapolitian-style BY JAY FORMAN

emember when one of the knocks on the New Orleans food scene was that you couldn’t find a decent pizza? Those days are long gone. Excellent pizza joints around town offer versions of everything from cracker-thin New York to Chicago Deep-Dish. Here is a look at some new places serving up Neapolitan – the style of pizza that has seen the biggest boom in the past year. Wonderful things are happening in a former Popeyes in Harahan, where chef and New Orleans native Adam Superneau opened Oak Oven with his business partners back in February. Considering they bring a farm-to-table ethos in the ’burbs – much of their produce is grown onsite – and deftly balance it with a menu that’s both intelligent and accessible is quite a feat.

TOP THESE

Ancora 4508 Freret St. 324-1636 AncoraPizza.com

Dolce Vita Pizzeria 1205 St, Charles Ave. 324-7674 DVPizzeria.com

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

Oak Oven 6625 Jefferson Highway Harahan 305-4039 OakOvenRestaurant.com

Much of that is a reflection of Superneau, who originally embarked on a career in finance before he fell in love with cooking after working at Vincent’s post-Katrina. But it was his Sicilian roots and time spent at cooking school in Italy that propelled him to work at Domenica, and later, to open Oak Oven. Superneau’s pizzas get baked in a Mugnaini oven with a stone deck fired exclusively with oak. His have a thinner, crisper crust then some other Neapolitan-style pies around town and feature less char and more generous toppings. He also cooks at a slightly lower temperature, usually around 730 to 770 degrees instead of the more than 800 that’s typical of the style. “When I worked in Colorno, Italy, the best pizza there didn’t have a lot of char on it,” Superneau says. “Char was just not my experience of what Neapolitan pizza is about.” The Lamb Meatball pizza uses lamb sourced from TwoRun Farms. The Salsiccia pizza is complex, with spicy and salty toppings including fennel sausage, capers and olives. But when Superneau sits down to eat, he likes the Margherita with its fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil and olive oil. “If it was me, I’d eat a margherita pizza every day. Simplest is still the best as far as I’m concerned,” Superneau says. On St. Charles Avenue near Lee Circle, chef and owner Bogdan Mocanu turns out excellent Neapolitan pizza at Dolce Vita Pizzeria. Originally from Romania, Mocanu grew up with Pizza Domenica 4933 Magazine St. 301-4978 PizzaDomenica.com

jeffery johnston PHOTOGRAPH

DOC Follower At Ancora on Freret Street, owner Jeff Talbot has been turning out its own Neapolitan pizzas since 2011. Talbot adheres strictly to DOC pizza rules, which determine almost all aspects of the pizza’s creation from crust to size to composition of styles. For pizza lovers seeking the most honest expression of true Neapolitan pies, this is the place to visit. Save room for the excellent market salads and cured meat plates. much of his food cooked over wood fire rather than gas. The heart of his kitchen, a beautiful domed Stefano Ferrara pizza oven, is the product of over 100 years of craftsmanship and a point of pride for Mocanu. “You can get a lot of ovens that are imported from Italy, but that doesn’t make them special necessarily,” he says, “Stefano’s ovens have a lot of knowledge behind them. It takes skill and craftsmanship to work this station as the pizzas cook so quickly.” Mocanu uses oak for its high heat and adds pecan wood for aroma. Simpler pizzas like the Margherita are a preferred way to let the crust take center stage, but there are plenty of other choices for diners who like to load on the toppings. Carnivores will like his Milano, with capicola, prosciutto, sopressata and pancetta, while the Florence offers an array of roasted vegetables. Mocanu also recently expanded the menu to include sandwiches served on woodfired focaccia bread he bakes in the oven. These include caprese, eggplant parmesan and meatball. Going into fall, he plans to add fresh homemade

pasta. Dolce Vita also offers catering and online ordering and while the Neapolitan pizzas are best enjoyed hot out of the oven on-site, take-out and delivery service is available. One commonality that Superneau and Mocanu share is that both chefs spent time with chef Alon Shaya at Domenica. Shaya, in turn, recently opened Pizza Domenica Uptown on Magazine Street. The idea for a pizza-centric spinoff of his award-winning Domenica came early on. “About a year after we opened Domenica I started talking about how I’d love to open a neighborhood place,” Shaya says. “A lot of our guests at Domenica live Uptown and pizza just seemed like the natural way to grow.” Though it shares a name, Pizza Domenica operates independent of Domenica in the Roosevelt hotel. The heart of its operation is his oven. Imported from Modena, Italy, it boasts a 1-ton rotating stone deck that makes it well suited to produce artisan pizzas at high volume. Shaya fires his with pecan wood. The crusts of the pizzas here tend to be complex and blistered, a landscape of soft dough interspersed with airy bubbles of char and a fairly crisp bottom. As behooves a Neapolitan-style pizza, the pies (like the others covered in this column) are personalsized at around 12 inches. Garnishes here are applied with a lighter hand to let the crust take a central role. Again, the Margherita with its tomatoes, basil and fresh mozzarella makes for a good starting point. There are also creative meatless choices such as the Roasted Carrot with goat cheese, red onion, beets, hazelnuts and Brussels sprouts. “But my favorite is the Pizza Enzo,” Shaya says. “I love the salt-cured anchovies.” n

myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

THE MENU / RESTAURANT INSIDER

New Places; Familiar Spaces Horn’s, Araña Taqueria Y Cantina and Ale BY ROBERT PEYTON

Horn’s I had a history with La Peniche that went back to the mid-1980s. In my memory it was a place that served pretty good food very late. My friends and I would roll in around 2 a.m., and it felt like a sophisticated alternative compared to the chains we’d otherwise have visited. I hadn’t been to La Peniche in 15 years, nor thought about it for that matter, so I was happy to learn earlier this year that the same folks behind Slim Goodies were taking over the space at 1940 Dauphine St. The menu at Horn’s will be familiar to anyone who’s visited Slim Goodies, at least where breakfast is concerned. Chef Greg Fonseca, who was previously at Booty’s Street Food, runs the kitchen. His lunch and dinner menus are full of local standards like trout almandine, barbecue shrimp, Natchitoches-style meat pies and an Italian salad. Horn’s is closed on Wednesday, but opens at 7 a.m. the rest of the week. On Tuesday they close at 2 p.m., and on Sunday and Monday they stay open until 10. Thursday through Saturday they stay open until 11 p.m., though you should call 459-4676 to be certain because there are plans to extend the closing.

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

Araña Taqueria Y Cantina

Ale

Araña Taqueria Y Cantina opened in August at 3242 Magazine St. It is another in the growing list of local restaurants serving the sort of Mexican food that goes beyond border cuisine and explores foods that were being prepared by indigenous peoples long before European contact. As I write, the menu isn’t entirely complete, but I’m looking forward to trying the braised lamb loin chips in a red mole and tacos with fillings such as carne asada, beef tongue in charred tomato broth and ancho-marinated duck with pickled red onion and poblano chiles. There are a few nods to less ambitious palates – the “el gringo” tacos combine ground beef with tomatoes, lettuce and queso fresco, and I can’t imagine anyone turning down fresh pico de gallo and chips. Chef Richard Papier is also serving tortas, a Mexican sandwich stuffed with a variety of meat options, black bean purée, tomato, avocado and crema (think really good sour cream). Papier has worked with some pretty big names locally including Emeril Lagasse, Donald Link, Susan Spicer and Nathaniel Zimet, but perhaps his biggest influence is chef Guillermo Peters, whose now-closed restaurant Taqueros/Coyoacan was ahead of its time. Araña is open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Call 8941233 for more information.

Oak opened a few years ago as an upscale wine bar and music location with a menu of small plates created by local chef Aaron Burgau of Patois. In July the folks behind Oak opened Ale, which is adjacent to and now shares a patio with Oak. Per the name, Ale is more focused on beer, and initial reports described it as more “manly” than its neighbor. I don’t know that the multiple craft beers and single-malt whiskies available at Ale are inherently more masculine than wine and live music, but I suppose the darker wood and multiple televisions can give that impression. For anyone confused by the apparent dichotomy, that patio space mentioned above allows you to order from either kitchen. I very much liked the food at Oak when I last visited, which is now made by chef Stew Freeman, and the menu at Ale (courtesy of chef Mike Ball – both kitchens managed by Via Fortier) looks to be similarly ambitious. Snacks include housemade bratwurst, soft pretzels with beer-cheese fondue and chicken wings in two varieties: spicy lemongrass and smoked-fried. Larger plates range from lamb sliders with mint chimichurri and aioli and Mexican coke-braised brisket with slaw and milk buns from Dong Phuong bakery. Ale is located at 8124 Oak St., and can be reached at 324-3445. n

sara essex bradley PHOTOGRAPHs

myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

THE MENU / FOOD

What Mom Made Recipes worth saving BY DALE CURRY

EUGENIA UHL PHOTOGRAPH

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

Stuffed Peppers 8 medium bell peppers, divided 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil 1 onion, chopped 4 green onions, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 pound lean ground beef 1/2 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings 1 14.5-ounce can Roma tomatoes, diced, or 1 cup chopped fresh ripe tomato 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Salt, freshly ground pepper and Creole seasoning to taste Dash or 2 Tabasco 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs, divided 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 3 Tablespoons Italian flat-leaf parsley, minced 2 eggs, beaten 3 Tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces Slice peppers in halves, cleaning out the white pulp inside. Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan and parboil 14 of the pepper halves for about 3 minutes. Place on a large baking sheet or pan. Set aside. Chop remaining 2 pepper halves. In a large skillet, heat oil and sauté onions, chopped pepper and garlic. Add ground beef and sausage and sauté until brown and crumbled. Add tomatoes and seasonings. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2-cup breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese and parsley. Stir in eggs and mix well. Spoon mixture into pepper shells and top with remaining 1/2-cup breadcrumbs and dots of butter. Bake in a pre-heated 350-degree oven for 30 minutes. (Note: If you prefer them browned on top, stick under broiler 1-2 minutes. Also, these freeze well.) Serves 6 to 8 Stuffed peppers and oyster dressing recipes are from New Orleans Home Cooking by Dale Curry (Pelican Publishing Co.).

e all have “Katrina Stories.” One of my best – or worse – is about my husband Doug unloading our chest freezer. Five years before, chefs from all over south Louisiana had gathered with their best presentations of nutria in Baton Rouge. We tasted the “river rat” in pasta, barbecued nutria, fried nutria and more, because some government officials wanted to illustrate that we could eat the frisky rodents and keep them from eating away our land. For the most part, the meat was smothered to the point that we couldn’t tell what we were eating. Upon leaving, I was handed a dressed nutria in an ice chest for my own cooking experimentation. Needless to say, I stuck it in the freezer and there it stayed for five years. Doug had already cleaned the indoor freezer when he dove into the huge chest freezer outside. It was filled with seafood, and he could hardly breath when he got to the bottom and found a long, mysterious package. He couldn’t imagine what it was so he peeked inside – it wasn’t a pretty scene. Needless to say, Doug will never eat nutria. Perhaps the greatest food story resulting from Katrina what that which inspired cookbooks, including mine, aimed at replacing favorite family recipes. In the few times we’ve evacuated, we’ve packed photo albums, important papers and keepsakes. I never thought about taking recipes. I still have my mother’s box of handwritten recipes, and if I ever evacuate again, I think I’ll take it.

Oyster Dressing

Rosie’s Sweet Potato Pies

1 long poor boy-style French bread, stale 3 10-ounce containers (about 3 dozen medium) oysters and their liquid 2 cups chicken or turkey stock, homemade or canned 1 stick butter 1 large onion, chopped 3 stalks celery, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 bunch green onions, white and green parts separated and chopped 1/4 cup parsley, chopped Salt, pepper, Creole seasoning and cayenne pepper to taste

3 pounds sweet potatoes (about 2 large) 1/2 (1 stick) cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 12-ounce can evaporated milk 2 cups sugar 2 Tablespoons ground nutmeg 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract 6 large eggs 4 unbaked 9-inch pie shells Ice cream or sweetened whipped cream for serving (optional) Scrub the potatoes but don’t peel. In a large saucepan, cover them with water, bring to a boil and boil until very tender – about 1 hour. Drain Preheat oven to 375 degrees. When cool enough to handle, peel potatoes and put them in the large bowl of an electric stand mixer. Add butter, evaporated milk, sugar, nutmeg, vanilla and eggs. Beat until mixture is smooth. (If making filling ahead of time, cover and refrigerate until ready to bake the pies.) Pour filling into pie shells and bake until crusts are golden brown and the filling is set – 30 to 35 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with ice cream or sweetened whipped cream, if desired. Makes 24 to 32 servings (4 9-inch pies)

Buy a poor boy loaf in paper, not plastic, several days before making your dressing and let it go stale. In a very large bowl, break up bread into small pieces and cover with strained water from oysters and chicken stock. Let soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet and sauté white onions and celery until soft. Add garlic and sauté a few minutes more. Add this, green onion tops and parsley to the soaked bread and mix well. Check oysters to eliminate any shell; chop them and stir into mixture. Add seasonings. Place in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, making sure there’s plenty of liquid. Add more stock or water if necessary to make dressing very moist. Bake at 400 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until dressing has firmed up and is lightly brown on top. This can be stuffed into a turkey and baked, but the turkey should be stuffed at the last minute to avoid salmonella poisoning. If baked inside the turkey, make sure the dressing reaches 165 degrees. Serves 8 to 10

This recipe is from Cooking Up A Storm, recipes lost and found from The TimesPicayune of New Orleans. The recipe, first published in 1997, came from Linda Barry Sevalia, who got it from her mother, Rosie Barry of Detroit. The family made these pies for Thanksgiving and Christmas. n

myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

THE MENU / LAST CALL

Still Hot, So Chill Meauxbar’s Genepy 75 BY tim mcnally

n September in the northern United States, they’re looking at clouds in the sky and lower temperatures in the evenings. For them, just a few weeks ago it was warm but now extra blankets are brought out for the bed and dogs are brought inside to be near the hearth. Here in the sea level, semi-tropical land of steamy dreams, air conditioners are still operating at full pace and the short-sleeved shirt season goes on and on. September offers no relief from higher temperatures, only a reminder that at some point in the near future, we will feel cooler, less humid breezes – but not now. We see national stores advertising flannel and clothes with weight; we don’t enthusiastically respond. Since football is a cool-weather sport, we constructed a great building with air conditioning to accommodate. In the interest of continuing our seasonal quest for cool refreshing adult beverages, Meauxbar, the charming French Quarter neighborhood restaurant and bar recently reopened on Rampart Street, has taken a local favorite, the French 75 cocktail, and instead of gin or cognac as the base spirit ingredient “introduces” a French Alpine herbal liqueur, Genepy des Alpes, first created in the early part of the 19th century. You don’t get much cooler than the French Alps.

Genepy 75 1 ounce Genepy des Alpes 3/4 ounce lemon juice 1/3 ounce rich simple syrup Cremant du Jura Shake first three ingredients. Strain into champagne flute and top with Cremant du Jura. Garnish with lemon twist. Thanks to Meauxbar (942 N. Rampart St.) and to Natalie Secco, for creating and preparing the Genepy 75.

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

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myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

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

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. $$$

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. $

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

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. $$ Wolfe’s in the Warehouse 859 Convention Center Blvd., 613-2882. B, L, D daily. Chef Tom Wolfe brings his refined cuisine to the booming Fulton Street corridor. His Smoked Kobe Short Ribs are a good choice. $$$

Downtown–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Camellia Grill 540 Chartres St., 5221800. B, L, D daily. A venerable diner whose essential character has remained intact and many of the original waiters have returned. This location has a liquor license and credit cards are now accepted. $

Faubourg Marigny–––––––––––––––––– 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–––––––––––––––––––––– 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. $$ The Pelican Club 312 Exchange Place, 523-1504, PelicanClub.com. D daily. Serves an eclectic mix of hip food, from the seafood “martini” to clay-pot barbecued shrimp and a trio of duck. Three dining rooms available. $$$$$ Rib Room Omni Royal Orleans Hotel, 621 St. Louis St., 529-7046, RibRoomNewOrleans.com. L, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. Old World elegance and high ceilings, house classic cocktails and Anthony Spizale’s broad menu of prime rib, stunning seafood and on weekends a champagne brunch. $$$

Metairie–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Martin Wine Cellar 714 Elmer Ave., 8967300, 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. $ 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. $$

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

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. $$$

Uptown–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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. $$ Camellia Grill 626 S. Carrollton Ave., 3092679. B, L, D daily. A venerable diner whose essential character has remained intact and many of the original waiters have returned. Credit cards are now accepted. $ Cheesecake Bistro by Copeland’s 2001 St. Charles Ave., 593-9955, CopelandsCheesecakeBistro.com. L, D daily, Br Sun. Dessert fans flock to this sweetcentric Copeland establishment which also offers extensive lunch and dinner menus. $$$

H The Company Burger 4600 Freret St., 267-0320, TheCompanyBurger.com. L, D Wed-Mon. Custom-baked butter-brushed buns and fresh-ground beef patties make all the difference at this excellent burger hotspot. Draft beer and craft cocktails round out the appeal. $ 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 3500 Magazine St., 894-7420, MartinWine.com. Wine by the glass or bottle to go with daily lunch specials, towering burgers, hearty soups, salads and giant, deli-style sandwiches. $ Slim Goodies 3322 Magazine St., 891 EGGS (3447), SlimGoodiesDiner.com. B, L daily. This diner offers an exhaustive menu heavily influenced by local cuisine.

Charcoal’s slides in new meat varieties 2200 Magazine St., 644-4311, CharcoalGourmetBurgerBar.com Want to try antelope, venison or elk but don’t want to commit in case you don’t like it? Charcoal’s Gourmet Burger Bar on Magazine Street is offering a new special on Tuesdays, where diners can sample three unusual burger meats in slider-size portions. The special price will depend on which meats are freshly available, and there will be a limited quantity. Charcoal’s also has a weekday happy hour (3-6 p.m.) where the house-recommended burger is $5 and draft beers and milkshakes are $3. – Mirella Cameran

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Try the Creole Slammer, a breakfast platter rounded out by crawfish étouffée. The laid-back vibe is best enjoyed on the patio out back. $

H Wayfare 4510 Freret St., 309-0069,

Garden District–––––––––––––––––––––––

WayfareNola.com. L, D daily. Creative sandwiches and southern-inspired small plates. $$

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. $

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. $$$

Hoshun Restaurant 1601 St. Charles 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. $$

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. Cash only. $$ 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 Tan Dinh 1705 Lafayette St., 361-

Asian Fusion/ Pan Asian 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. $$$

H Lucky Rooster 515 Baronne St., 5295825, LuckyRoosterNola.com. L, D MonSat. Eclectic pan-Asian hotspot melds Vietnamese, Chinese and Korean fare with playful results. Try the KFC Chicken Wings or Korean barbecue banh mi. $$ Rock-N-Sake 823 Fulton St., 581-7253, RockNSake.com. L Fri, D Tue-Sun, late night. Fresh sushi and contemporary takes on Japanese favorites in a club-like setting. $$$

H Upperline 1413 Upperline St.,

French Quarter–––––––––––––––––––––––

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. $$$$

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. $$$

8008. B, L, D daily. Roasted quail and the beef pho rule at this Vietnamese outpost. $$

Kenner–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Little Tokyo 3239 Williams Blvd., 466-0077, 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. $$

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–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Aloha Sushi 619 Pink St., 837-0055, SunRayGrill.com. L Tue-Fri, D, Tue-Sun. Fresh fish and creative rolls, along with gluten-free options such as rolls in bowls, sushi burritos and other lunch friendly Japanese fare featured. $$ Little Tokyo 4704 Veterans Blvd., Suite 101, 885-6125; 2300 Causeway Blvd., 831-6788; 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. $$

H Royal China 600 Veterans Blvd., 831-9633. L daily, D Tue-Sun. Popular and family-friendly Chinese restaurant is one of the few places around that serves dim sum. $$

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. $$ Five Happiness 3605 S. Carrollton Ave., 482-3935, FiveHappiness.com. L, D daily. This longtime Chinese favorite offers up an extensive menu including its beloved mu shu pork and house-baked duck. $$ Little Tokyo 310 N. Carrollton Ave., 485-5658, 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. $$

H MoPho 514 City Park Ave., 482-6845, MoPhoMidCity.com. L, D Wed-Mon. Vietnamese cuisine meets southern Louisiana in this upscale casual hybrid by chef Michael Gulotta. Mix-and-match pho and an interesting poor boy menu rounds out the appeal. $$$

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

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DINING GUIDE H Chill Out Café 729 Burdette St., 872-

WEST BANK–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

City Park–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

9628. 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. $

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. $$

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

Bakery/Breakfast

Faubourg Marigny––––––––––––––––––– H Ruby Slipper Café 2001 Burgundy

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. $ Little Tokyo 1340 S. Carrollton Ave., 861-6088, 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. $$

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. $$

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

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

H Ruby Slipper Café 200 Magazine St., 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. $$

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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. $

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., 353-4227, 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

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. $

French Quarter––––––––––––––––––––––– Port of Call 838 Esplanade Ave., 5230120, PortOfCallNola.com. L, D daily. It is all about the big, meaty burgers and giant baked potatoes in this popular bar/ restaurant – unless you’re cocktailing only, then it’s all about the Monsoons. $$

Riverbend–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– H Cowbell 8801 Oak St., 298-8689,

Metairie––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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. $$

Chateau du Lac 2037 Metairie Road, 8313773, 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. $$$$

French

Uptown–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

CBD/Warehouse District––––––––––– 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. $$$$

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

French Quarter––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 house-made preserves, charcuterie, herbs, kitchen gardens and eggs cultivated on the property. $$$$$

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. $$$

H Dominique’s On Magazine 4213 Magazine St., 891-9282, DominiquesOnMag.com. D Mon-Sat. The strikingly contemporary build-out compliments the exciting and progressive menu at this national award-winning destination. $$$ Flaming Torch 737 Octavia St., 895-0900, FlamingTorchNola.com. L Mon-Fri, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. French classics including a tasty onion soup and often a sought-after coq-au-vin. $$

H La Crêpe Nanou 1410 Robert St., 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. $$$

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

French Quarter––––––––––––––––––––––– H Cane & Table 1113 Decatur St., 581-

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. $$$$$

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 Martinique Bistro 5908 Magazine St.,

1112, CaneAndTableNola.com. L Sat-Sun, D daily. Open late, this chef-driven rustic colonial cuisine and rum and “proto-Tiki” cocktails make this a fun place to gather. $$

891-8495, MartiniqueBistro.com. D TueSun, Br Sat-Sun. French colonial fare served in a lovely covered courtyard as well as a tempting weekend brunch. $$

H Patrick’s Bar Vin 730 Bienville St.,

Gastropub

Lower Garden District–––––––––––––

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. $$ Victory 339 Baronne St., 522-8664, VictoryNola.com. D Tue-Sat. Craft cocktails served by owner and acclaimed bartender Daniel Victory, as well as refined small plates and gourmet pizza. $$

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

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. $

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DINING GUIDE Bouligny Tavern 3641 Magazine St., 8911810, BoulignyTavern.com. D Mon-Sat. 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, feature locally raised products, some from chef John Besh’s Northshore farm. $$$$ Mother’s 401 Poydras St., 523-9656, MothersRestaurant.net. B, L, D daily. Locals and tourists alike endure long queues and a confounding ordering system to enjoy iconic dishes such as the Ferdi poor boy and Jerry’s jambalaya. Come for a late lunch to avoid the rush. $$ 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. $$$$$

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

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. $$$

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 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. $$$$$

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

H Maximo’s Italian Grill 1117 Decatur St., 586-8883, MaximosGrill.com. D daily. Italian destination features a sprawling menu including housemade salumi and antipasti as well as old school classics like veal osso bucco. Private dining is offered for special events. $$$ Muriel’s Jackson Square 801 Chartres St., 568-1885, Muriels.com. L, D daily, Br Sun. Enjoy pecan-crusted drum and other local classics while dining in the courtyard bar or any other room in this labyrinthine, rumored-to-be-haunted establishment. $$$$

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. $$$$$

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.,

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, muffulettas and for sipping, a Sazerac or lemony Pimm’s Cup are perfect accompaniments. $$ NOLA 534 St. Louis St., 522-6652, Emerils.com. L Thu-Mon, D daily. Emeril’s more affordable eatery, featuring cedarplank-roasted redfish; private dining. $$$$$ 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

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. Cash only. $$ Ralph’s On The Park 900 City Park Ave., 488-1000, RalphsOnThePark.com. Br Sun, L Tue-Fri, D daily. A modern interior and contemporary Creole dishes such as City Park salad, turtle soup, barbecue Gulf shrimp and good cocktails. $$$$

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––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 similar sensibility to this refined Warehouse District oasis along with his famous fried oysters with melted brie. $$$ Bon Ton Cafe 401 Magazine St., 5243386, TheBonTonCafe.com. L, D Mon-Fri. A local favorite for the old-school business lunch crowd specializing in local seafood and Cajun dishes. $$$$ Café Adelaide Loews New Orleans Hotel, 300 Poydras St., 595-3305, CafeAdelaide. com. B, D daily, L Mon-Fri. This offering from the Commander’s Palace family of restaurants has become a powerlunch favorite for business-people and politicos. Also features the Swizzle Stick Bar. $$$$

Chiba Rolls for Son of a Saint 8312 Oak St., 826-9119, Chiba-Nola.com Chiba, the contemporary Japanese restaurant on Oak Street, has created a new NOLA Indy Specialty Roll with $1 of each one sold going to the charity, Son of a Saint. The charity works to enhance the lives of fatherless boys in the city. The roll is comprised of snow crab with asparagus, cucumbers topped with super white tuna, black and red tobiko and Chiba’s own spicy ponzu sauce. Other news at the restaurant includes a new hot entrée of Sautéed Thai Gulf Shrimp and half-price sake bottles on Thursdays. – Mirella Cameran

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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. $$ Drago’s Hilton Riverside Hotel, 2 Poydras St., 584-3911, DragosRestaurant. com. L, D daily. This famous seafooder specializes in charbroiled oysters, a dish they invented. Great deals on fresh lobster as well. $$$$ Emeril’s 800 Tchoupitoulas St., 5289393, EmerilsRestaurants.com. L MonFri, D daily. The flagship of superstar chef Emeril Lagasse’s culinary empire, this landmark attracts pilgrims from all over the world. $$$$$

H Herbsaint 701 St. Charles Ave., 5244114, Herbsaint.com. L Mon-Fri, D MonSat. 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. $$$$$ Mulate’s 201 Julia St., 522-1492, Mulates.com. L, D daily. Live music and dancing add to the fun at this worldfamous Cajun destination. $$

Darrow–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Café Burnside Houmas House Plantation, 40136 Highway 942, (225) 473-9380, HoumasHouse.com. L daily, Br Sun. Historic plantation’s casual dining op-

tion features dishes such as seafood pasta, fried catfish, crawfish and shrimp, gumbo and red beans and rice. $$ Latil’s Landing Houmas House Plantation, 40136 Highway 942, (225) 473-9380, HoumasHouse.com. D Wed-Sun. Nouvelle Louisiane, plantation-style cooking served in an opulent setting features dishes like rack of lamb and plume de veau. $$$$$

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. $$$$

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

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

H The Bistreaux New Orleans Maison Dupuy Hotel, 1001 Toulouse St., 5868000, MaisonDupuy.com/dining.html. L, D daily. Dishes ranging from the casual (truffle mac and cheese) to the upscale (tuna tasting trio) are served in an elegant courtyard. $$ The Bombay Club Prince Conti Hotel, 830 Conti St., 586-0972, TheBombayClub. com. D daily. Popular martini bar with plush British décor features live music during the week and late dinner and drinks on weekends. Nouveau Creole menu includes items such as Bombay drum. $$$$ Café Maspero 601 Decatur St., 523-6250, CafeMaspero.com. L, D daily. Tourists line up for their generous portions of seafood and large deli sandwiches. $ Court of Two Sisters 613 Royal St., 522-7261, CourtOfTwoSisters.com. Br, D daily. The historic environs make for a memorable outdoor dining experience. The famous daily Jazz Brunch buffet and classic Creole dishes sweeten the deal. $$$$$ Criollo Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St., 681-4444, CriolloNola.com. B, L, D daily. Next to the famous Carousel Bar in the historic Monteleone Hotel, Criollo represents an amalgam of the various cultures reflected in Louisiana cooking and cuisine, often with a slight contemporary twist. $$$

H Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House 144 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. $$$$ Galatoire’s 209 Bourbon St., 525-2021, Galatoires.com. L, D Tue-Sun. Friday lunches are a New Orleans tradition at this world-famous French-Creole grand dame. Tradition counts for everything here, and the crabmeat Sardou is delicious. Note: Jackets required for dinner and all day Sun. $$$$$ House of Blues 225 Decatur St., 3104999, HouseOfBlues.com/NewOrleans. L, D daily. Surprisingly good menu compliments music in the main room. Worldfamous Gospel Brunch every Sunday. Patio seating available. $$ 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 MiLa 817 Common St., 412-2580, MiLaNewOrleans.com. L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat. Latest offering from husbandand-wife chefs Slade Rushing and Allison Vines-Rushing focuses on the fusion of the cuisines of Miss. and La. $$$$ 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 crack-

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DINING GUIDE lins 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. $$$

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. $$

Br Sun. Al Copeland’s namesake chain includes favorites such as Shrimp Ducky. Popular for lunch. $$

Creole fare served in an inspiring former church. $$$

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. $

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. $$$

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. $$ 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. $

H Toups’ Meatery 845 N. Carrollton

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 8115 Jeannette St., 8625514, Boucherie-Nola.com. L, D Tue-Sat. Serving contemporary Southern food with an international angle, chef Nathaniel Zimet offers excellent ingredients presented simply. $$ Brigtsen’s 723 Dante St., 861-7610, Brigtsens.com. D Tue-Sat. Chef Frank Brigtsen’s nationally famous Creole cuisine makes this cozy cottage a true foodie destination. $$$$$

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. $$$

H Mandina’s 3800 Canal St., 482-9179,

Copeland’s 1001 S. Clearview Parkway, 620-7800; 701 Veterans Blvd., 831-3437, CopelandsofNewOrleans.com. L, D daily,

H Redemption 3835 Iberville St., 309-

University Area––––––––––––––––––––––– H Dunbar’s 501 Pine St., 861-5451. Be-

3570, Redemption-Nola.com. L Wed-Fri & Sun, D Wed-Sun. Chef-driven “Revival”

loved budget-friendly Creole institution in an unlikely spot – Loyola University’s

106

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

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

Broadway campus – but the excellent jambalaya, fried chicken and red beans and rice haven’t changed. $

Uptown––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– H Apolline 4729 Magazine St., 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., 899912. 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. $

daily, Br Sun. Al Copeland’s namesake chain includes favorites such as Shrimp Ducky. Popular for lunch. $$

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

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. $$ 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

of this New Orleans-centric destination. And yes, bourbon is offered as well. $$$

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. $$

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. $$$

Akers––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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 serves whole roasted Gulf fish from its massive, wood-burning oven. An excellent raw bar is offered as well. $$$

H Rio Mar 800 S. Peters St., 525-3474, RioMarSeafood.com. L Mon-Fri, D MonSat. Seafood-centric destination focuses on Latin American and Spanish cuisines. Try the bacalaitos and the escabeche. The tapas lunch is a great way to try a little of everything. Save room for the tres leches. $$$$

French Quarter––––––––––––––––––––––– Bourbon House 144 Bourbon St., 5220111, BourbonHouse.com. B, L, D daily. Local seafood, featured in both classic and contemporary dishes, is the focus

H GW Fins 808 Bienville St., 581-FINS (3467), GWFins.com. D daily. Owners Gary Wollerman and 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. Gulf seafood and nouvelle Creole dishes such as smoked rabbit gumbo are the main draws at this establishment helmed by Greg Sonnier, as well as the excellent bar program by mixologist Chris McMillian. $$$ Landry’s Seafood 400 N. Peters St., 5580038, LandrysSeafood.com. Kid-friendly and popular seafood spot serves of heaping platters of fried shrimp, Gulf oysters, catfish and more. $$ 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. $$

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 sand-

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

Metairie–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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. $$$ Mr. Ed’s Seafood and Italian Restaurant 1001 Live Oak St., 838-0022, AustinsNo. com. L, D Mon-Sat. Neighborhood restaurant specializes in seafood and Italian offerings such as stuffed eggplant and bell pepper. Fried seafood and sandwiches make it a good stop for lunch. $$

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. 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. $$$

and deviled eggs with crab ravigote and smoked trout. Reservations accepted. $$$ Morton’s, The Steakhouse The Shops at Canal Place, 365 Canal St., 566-0221, Mortons.com/NewOrleans. D daily. Quintessential Chicago steakhouse serves up top-quality slabs of meat along with jumbo seafood. Clubhouse atmosphere makes this chophouse a favorite of Saints players and business-people alike. $$$$$

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. $$$$$

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. $$$$

Mid-City––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– H Crescent City Steaks 1001 N. Broad

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. $$$$$

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

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 Charters 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

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. $$$$

H Milkfish 125 N. Carrollton Ave., 267-

Vegan/Vegetarian

Byblos Multiple Locations, ByblosRestaurants.com. L, D daily. Upscale Middle Eastern cuisine featuring traditional seafood, lamb and vegetarian options. $$

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

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––––––––––– 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, housemade 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., 949-4115. 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. $

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

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., 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. $$

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

New Flavors of New Orleans From Fest Cola FestCola.com The New Orleans craft soda maker, Fest Cola, is offering new ways to experience an alcohol-free taste. Four new flavors are now available: Bamboula (Almond Cola), Flambeaux (Satsuma Mint Soda), Papa Joe (Pecan Root Beer) and Lulu (Bourbon Cream Soda). Each, inspired in name and in ingredients by the culture of the city, is naturally flavored and sweetened with real Louisiana cane sugar, and can be found in restaurants and supermarkets throughout the area. – Mirella Cameran

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Mid-City–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

H Ivy 5015 Magazine St., 899-1330. D

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. $

Mon-Sat. James Beard Award-winning chef Sue Zemanick lets her hair down and her more casual side shine at this ingredient-driven small plates hotspot that, while elegant, is more fun than formal. $$$

Lola’s 3312 Esplanade Ave., 488-6946, LolasNewOrleans.com. D daily. Garlicky Spanish dishes and great paella make this artsy boîte a hipster destination. $$$

H Mona’s Café 3901 Banks St., 4827743. 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 Taqueria Guerrero 208 N. Carrollton Ave., 484-6959. B, L, D, Tue-Sat. Friendly staff and authentic Mexican cuisine make this affordable neighborhood restaurant a neighborhood favorite. $

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 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 burritos 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. $$$

Uptown––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– H Blue Dot Donuts 5236 Tchoupitoulas

Specialty Foods

St., 941-7675, 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.

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., 525-8045, 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.

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

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.

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

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Andrea's Restaurant

Antoine’s Restaurant

Broussard's Restaurant

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

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

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

Andrea's Italian, Steak and Seafood Restaurant is not just for special occasions, its 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. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.

Since 1840, world-renowned Antoine’s Restaurant has set the standard that made New Orleans one of the greatest dining centers in the world. Antoine’s excellent French-Creole cuisine, service and atmosphere have combined to create an unmatched dining experience for both locals and visitors to New Orleans.

Broussard’s Restaurant is now offering an Imperial Happy Hour in the newly renovated Empire Bar and courtyard—featuring $3 drink specials, $3 Moules et Frites, and $3 glasses of featured red, white and rose wines—seven days a week for three hours, from 4pm until 7pm.

Château du Lac

Chophouse New Orleans

The Court of Two Sisters

NEW Warehouse Bistro: 504-301-0235 Metairie Road Bistro: 504-831-3773 ChateauduLacBistro.com

322 Magazine St., New Orleans (504) 522-7902 • ChophouseNola.com

613 Royal St., New Orleans  (504) 522-7261 • CourtOfTwoSisters.com

The USDA Prime-only menu at Chophouse New Orleans also offers notable fresh seafood such as Florida Stone Crabs – served cold, the succulent and juicy claws are accompanied with a special house sauce. The restaurant's relaxed sophistication complements the great food and bustling, live entertainment nightly.

The Court of Two Sisters, known for its large dining courtyard, serves a lavish daily Jazz Brunch buffet. At night choose from its à la carte dinner menu or a fourcourse dinner. Complete menus available at CourtOfTwoSisters.com. Reservations are recommended.

Exhibiting a quietly elegant atmosphere true to the cuisine, Château du Lac lends itself as the perfect place for large parties, private dinners and intimate events. Chef Jacques Saleun delivers world-class cuisine with an authentic French touch featuring classics such as duck confit, seared foie gras and escargots.

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

ADVERTISING SECTION

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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

ADVERTISING SECTION

Daiwa

Five Happiness

Hoshun Restaurant

5033 Lapalco Blvd., B6, Marrero (504) 875-4203 | DaiwaSushi.com

3605 S. Carrollton Ave., New Orleans  (504) 482-3935 • FiveHappiness.com

1601 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans (504) 302-9717 • HoshunRestaurant.com

At Daiwa, the emphasis is offering their customers the best. They offer party platters for every occasion and also recently added five new private party rooms equipped with Karaoke (available until 2 a.m. on weekends).

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.

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 untill 2 a.m.

Martin Wine Cellar

Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House

Parkway Bakery & Tavern

714 Elmeer Ave., Metairie 504.896.7300 • MartinWine.com Since 1946, Martin's has been known for its extensive wine & spirits selection and friendly, knowledgable staff. Enjoy sandwiches, salads, entrées and cheese plates at their Metairie Deli/Bistro for lunch daily, dinner on week nights or Sunday Brunch.

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3117 21st Street, Metairie 504-833-6310 512 Bienville Street, New Orleans 504-309-4848 • Mredsoysterbar.com Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House has expanded to the French Quarter. Now offering two unique locations and one great menu. The location at 512 Bienville is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, serving seafood, po-boys, and raw & grilled oysters. Both locations offer a stand up oyster bar for guests to enjoy.

538 Hagan Ave., New Orleans (504) 482-3047 • ParkwayPoorBoys.com Parkway Bakery and Tavern is the oldest, most entertaining poor boy shop in New Orleans, overlooking the historic Bayou St. John at 538 Hagan Ave. in Mid-City, New Orleans. Come and enjoy a Parkway poor boy in our restaurant, covered patio or our classic New Orleans bar.

ADVERTISING SECTION

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Pascal’s Manale

Rock-n-Sake

Ralph Brennan Catering

1838 Napoleon Ave., New Orleans (504) 895-4877

823 Fulton Street, New Orleans (504) 581-SAKE

(504) 539-5510 ralphbrennacatering.com

This famous restaurant has been familyowned and-operated since 1913. Pascal’s Manale Restaurant is the origin of the wellknown 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.

3043 Perkins Road, Suite A, Baton Rouge (225) 615-7940 • Rocknsake.com

New Orleans’ premier caterer for groups from 100 to 1200 people! Let us match your palate, theme and budget in home, restaurant or venue of your choice. We are dedicated to servicing a seamless, professional and above all memorable experience.

Tableau

Tujague's Restaurant

Vega Tapas Café

616 St. Peter Street, New Orleans (504) 934-3463 • tableaufrenchquarter.com

823 Decatur Street, New Orleans 504-525-8676

2051 Metairie Road, Old Metairie (504) 836-2007 • VegaTapasCafe.com

Located on picturesque Jackson Square at Le Petit Theatre, Tableau is Dickie Brennan’s newest restaurant. The menu, developed by Chef Ben Thibodeaux, showcases regional ingredients and classic French Creole dishes with a unique twist. The cuisine is sophisticated, yet true to tradition, with great depth of flavor. Guests enjoy a front row seat to the culinary action beside the open kitchen in the restaurant’s main dining room.

Tujagues's menu is filled with traditional and modern dishes, crafted by our Executive Chef, Richard Bickford. A great Creole meal with us includes a bowl of Miss Brenda's Seafood & Andouille Gumbo, followed by our slow-cooked Brisket with Horseradish sauce. For something with a twist, Chef’s tangy Shrimp Creole set atop a crisp Grits Cake is a stellar bite!

Vega Tapas Café began more than 16 years ago and has defined small plates in the New Orleans area. Chef Glen Hogh presents Spanish inspired cuisine with his personal flair in this casual, chic Old Metairie eatery. Come linger over a delicious mosaic of flavors and bring your taste for adventure.

Exceptional Japanese cuisine with a contemporary twist in a fun, upbeat setting. Check out our newly renovated Kai Lounge @ Rock-n-Sake NOLA. Perfect for you next private party that seats up to 55 with its own sushi bar! Open early after all home Sunday noon games.

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’T

is the season to be studious, and students all across the metro area are returning for another year of math, science, reading and writing. Many schools across the area are increasing their course offerings and extra curricular activities as well as upgrading technology and campus facilities. Whether you’re looking for a strong religious foundation, a liberal arts education or schooling outside of a traditional learning environment, New Orleans area schools offer a little of everything. Open Houses run throughout the fall at many institutions, so if your student is ready for a change, check out one of the several tours or consider scheduling your own. From early and primary schools through high school and beyond, this collection only scratches the surface of New Orleans’ diverse education scene. Resources for adolescents and learning are also included in this guide to getting “Back to School.”

Early & Primary School Established in 1891, Holy Name of Jesus School is located in the Uptown area of New Orleans, adjacent to Loyola and Tulane universities. It is a Roman Catholic, co-educational school for grades Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 7. Serving the Greater New Orleans area, the educational philosophy of Holy Name of Jesus centers on teaching children confidence, compassion and integrity, while achieving academic excellence and maintaining the Catholic faith in an inclusive community. The school has flourished under the guidance of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and the Jesuit Fathers for over 100 years, and continues to guide their mission of educating the whole child both academically and spiritually. Open House for parents of prospective new students will be held Oct. 7, between 4:30 and 7 p.m. Private tours are available throughout the year by appointment. For more information, call 504-861-1466 or visit HNJSchool.org. “Experience the difference at Holy Name of Jesus: Faith, Family, Foundation for over 100 years.” For a strong primary education combined with the unique qualities of an outdoor country environment, check out Arden Cahill Academy, which is nestled on a 12-acre tract of land along Bayou Fatma in Gretna. Not only does the 114

SEPTEMBER 2014 / myneworleans.com

campus provide state-of-the-art classroom learning facilities, but an equestrian arena, stables and petting farm help the school provide unique learning experiences outside of the traditional classroom environment. The school focuses on cultural enrichment as one part of its primary education and tradition of academic excellence. Their 300-seat theater, art studios, music rooms and foreign language programs ensure students’ abilities to excel in the arts, while a football field, competition pool, gymnasium and extra-curricular athletics allow students to excel in physical competition as well. To provide familyfriendly support services, Arden Cahill Academy offers before and after school care and a specialized Infant Center which accepts children as young as 2 months. For more information on the school, including tours and admission policies, please call 504-392-0902 or visit their website ArdenCahillAcademy.com. Christian Brothers School is a private, Catholic school serving academically capable middle school boys in grades 5-7. Enrollment is 350 students. In addition to a grade-level accelerated curriculum, the school offers over two-dozen extracurricular activities in athletics, academics, the arts and community service. It is the only school of its kind in the greater New Orleans area. The annual Open House is Wed., Oct. 8 with two start

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times: 6 and 7:15 p.m. Prospective students and their families may attend either session. The school president/principal will greet visitors in the Cultural Center to explain the admissions process and the unique middle school experience awaiting young men of the greater New Orleans area. Guests will meet members of the faculty, administration, current parents and members of the alumni association. The school will also provide tours of the buildings and campus. Christian Brothers School is located at 8 Friederichs Avenue in City Park. Visit cbs-no.org or call 504-486-6770 for more information. St. Andrew’s Episcopal School is the oldest Episcopal school in New Orleans with 57 years of experience in educating the mind, body and spirit of young children. St. Andrew’s enrolls boys and girls from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8, offering 10 years of nurturing yet challenging education that focuses on the Decade of Childhood. St. Andrew’s has three full divisions: the KinderCottage (PK and K), the Lower School (Grades 1-4) and the Middle School (Grades 5-8). Under the direction of Head of School Mason Lecky, St. Andrew’s utilizes small classes to promote a challenging learning environment where students interact with teachers and grow spiritually, socially and intellectually. A strong academic program, enhanced by state-of-the-art technology, includes Spanish, Chinese, music, chapel, fine arts, athletics and library skills. Student publications, dramatics, interscholastic sports, and community service round out St. Andrew’s program. Come see their new classroom building at an upcoming Open House (Oct. 23, Nov. 13, Dec. 11, or Jan. 15) or call for a personal tour. For further information, visit the school’s website StAndrewsEpiscopalSchool.org. Trinity is a co-educational, Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8 school. Their campus is located in the Garden District and offers a pleasant and stimulating learning environment for students and faculty. Trinity continues in the tradition of its predecessor school, Miss Edith Aiken’s Little School, founded in 1917, and in that of Trinity Episcopal Church, which since its founding in 1847 has maintained a commitment to the educational and civic life of New Orleans. The school motto articulates their mission of: “Celebrating the Intellect, Nourishing the Spirit, Celebrating Community.” Trinity nurtures a child’s mind, body, and spirit through a fun and challenging program that offers the best in the academic disciplines, uses best practices and is taught by a skillful, experienced and loving faculty and staff. For more information or to schedule an individual tour, please visit TrinityNola.com or call the Admission Office at 504-525-8661. Open Houses for grades Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8 will take place on Oct. 17, Nov. 7 and 14, and Jan. 16, all at 8:45 a.m. Located in Lake Vista, St. Pius X is a co-educational Catholic school for Pre-Kindergarten 3 through Grade 7 and offers a comprehensive, challenging curriculum in religion, academics, music, art, technology, language and athletics in a loving, faith-filled environment. Founded in 1953, St. Pius X School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and was the

only school in New Orleans named a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the United States Department of Education in 2007. Please visit them online at StPiusXnola.org to see how they encourage students through works, actions and deeds to prepare them for tomorrow’s challenges. Admission Open House is scheduled for Thurs., Jan. 15, 2015, 6-8 p.m. and Fri., Jan. 16, 2015, 9-11 a.m. For more information, call 504-282-2811. Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orléans is the only private French school in New Orleans that’s accredited by the French Ministry of Education and State of Louisiana providing multilingual education for 2-year-old students to Grade 6. Since its founding in 1998, Ecole Bilingue’s mission has been to provide a strong and distinctive bilingual education for children in New Orleans by combining the best of French and American academics. Ecole Bilingue follows the curriculum of the French Education Nationale, considered to be one of the most rigorous educational systems in the world. Ecole Bilingue also offers a rich English language arts and American mathematics and social studies programs designed to balance out and complement the strength of the French curriculum. Classes are offered for children in preschool (2-years-old) through Grade 6. The student-to-teacher ratio is 8 to 1, al-

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lowing each student an opportunity to have personalized attention for a better, differentiated education. For more information on Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orléans, please visit EBNola.com. To schedule a tour, call 504-899-9796. Audubon Charter School offers one grade “A” school with two unique programs! Serving Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8, Audubon is a popular choice for families seeking a high performing public school with a diverse student population and strong academics. Audubon excels in fostering a culturally rich and academically rigorous program that uniquely combines French and Montessori curricula with a comprehensive arts curriculum. The school’s French program is the only public school program in Louisiana that is accredited by the French government through Grade 8. Audubon’s Montessori program utilizes specially trained teachers who direct self-motivated learning and exploration based on each child’s individual development. Audubon offers enrichment programs in Talented in Theater, Visual Arts and Music. Their extracurricular activities include ArtsReach, a nationally ranked Academic Games team and award-winning debate, chess and robotics teams. Audubon’s athletic teams have won numerous Metro League championships. For more information, visit AudubonCharter.com or contact admissions at 504-324-7110 or admissions@auduboncharter.com.

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Jewish Community Day School (JCDS), an independent school for boys and girls in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 5, is the Jewish day school of Greater New Orleans. Its mission is to instill a strong ethical foundation rooted in Judaism and a love of learning, invigorated by academic excellence. JCDS is grounded in Jewish tradition where it fosters spirituality (emunah), dedication to repair the world (tikkun olam) and a commitment to the entire Jewish people (klal Yisrael). JCDS is a nurturing school where families of all backgrounds are welcomed, and children are prepared to be engaged, compassionate leaders. With an average student to teacher ratio of 8 to 1, JCDS ensures that every child is known, nurtured and challenged to achieve. JCDS works to ensure that students become inquiring, capable youth, teachers are dedicated to best educational practices and families are engaged in their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s academic achievement and holistic development. JCDS is located at 3747 W. Esplanade Ave., in the heart of Metairie. Private tours can be arranged anytime by calling Director of Admission Deb Marsh at 504-780-5632. For additional information, visit JCDSNola.org. In 1984, William Gallop saw the need for an elementary Catholic boys school in New Orleans and decided to turn a dream into reality by founding Stuart Hall School for Boys. During Gallop's tenure, he oversaw the school's establishment of a permanent campus on Carrollton Avenue and the addition of a middle school as the student body grew both

in numbers and maturity. Shortly after becoming an accredited member of the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest, Stuart Hall embarked on an expansion and continued to increase enrollment under the guidance of the school's second headmaster, Kevin Avin, who is finishing his 18th year as head of school. Now in its 30th year, Stuart Hall possesses Blue Ribbon School of Excellence status and celebrates the continued success of its graduates. For more information on Stuart Hall School for Boys, or to tour the campus, please call 504-861-5384 or visit them online at StuartHall.org. The open house dates for 2014 are Thurs., Oct 2nd at 6:30 pm (Grades 5-7) and Wed., Oct. 22nd at 8:30am (Grades PK3-4). Private tours are also available by appointment.

K-12/Continuous Education Ursuline Academy, founded in 1727, is a Catholic school for girls offering a strong educational environment from early childhood (Toddler-2) through a college preparatory secondary program (Grade 12). Ursuline fosters spiritual formation, academic excellence, and a life-long commitment to Serviam: I will serve. The Academy values the uniqueness of the individual, nurtures the whole person and develops leaders of confidence and compassion. A High School Open House (Grades 8-12) will be held Thurs., Oct. 30, 3:30-6:30 p.m. Elementary School Tours (Toddler 2 through Grade 7) will take place on Nov. 5,

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12 and 19 at 8:30 a.m. Private tours are available by appointment. For more information, contact the Office of Admissions, 504-866-5292 or admissions@ ursulineneworleans.org, or visit UrsulineNewOrleans.org. Founded in 1903, Isidore Newman School is committed to the intellectual, ethical, emotional and physical development of each student. Newman offers a challenging, comprehensive and age-appropriate curriculum from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, one that encourages critical and independent thinking, leadership in academic and extracurricular activities, and provides superior guidance and support for high achieving students and families. In August 2015, GreenTrees Early Childhood Village at Isidore Newman School will open, enrolling children ages six weeks to 4 years. Newman invites guests to explore the school’s offerings by visiting the school website or by signing up for the many open houses available this fall and spring. Individual visits are always encouraged and welcome. Apply online or contact the school by calling 504-896-6323 or visit NewmanSchool.org for more information. The highest performing K-12 public school in Louisiana, Lusher Charter School, a National Blue Ribbon School in partnership with Tulane University, offers a rigorous interdisciplinary college-focused curriculum. Lusher students are engaged and challenged through a comprehensive, renowned

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academics program, which enhances critical, analytical and creative thinking. Serving 1,720 students, Lusher maintains two Uptown campuses, the Lower School on Willow Street and the Middle and High School on Freret Street. Beginning with arts integration in elementary school, Lusher’s arts program culminates with a Certificate of Artistry program for high school students. The program was recently awarded “Exemplary Arts School” status by the Arts Schools Network. Students may choose an area of concentration in Humanities/Communications/Art or Math/ Science/Engineering/Technology. Additionally, a Writing Across the Curriculum writing lab, Learning Resource Center, and state-of-the art science laboratories support academic excellence. Qualifying juniors and seniors benefit from Lusher’s partnership with Tulane University by earning college credit at Tulane. Lusher’s numerous extracurricular offerings include 27 sports teams that operate with the strong support of Drew Brees, evidenced by Brees Family Field, the campus football field. Visit LusherSchool.org or call 504-862-5110 (Lower School) or 504-304-3961 (Middle/High School). St. Martin’s Episcopal School is a coeducational, independent college preparatory day school for students from ages 12 months through Grade 12. The school prepares students to thrive in college and in life through faith, scholarship and service.

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All are encouraged to visit the beautiful 18-acre campus for a personal tour or at one of the upcoming Open Houses: Lower School on Sat. Oct 11 at 10 a.m.; Middle and Upper School on Sat. Nov. 15 at 10 a.m.; and an All School Open House on Thurs. Jan. 22 at 9:30 a.m. For more information or to schedule a personal tour, please call the Admission Office at 504-736-9917. Visit St. Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on the web at StMSaints.com. Founded in 1929, Metairie Park Country Day School believes that today's world demands more than a traditional education; it demands the values and practices that have made Country Day unique since its inception. An innovative, hands-on approach teaches Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 students how to think creatively and independently as they tackle an expansive, rigorous curriculum. High academic standards and expectations of personal accountability are sustained by a nurturing community, a low student-to-teacher ratio, robust athletics and outstanding creative arts programs. The Country Day faculty focus on individual achievement through depth of inquiry rather than mere recitation of facts, ensuring that every child's educational experience is exceptional. The successes of the school's graduates in college and beyond are testimony to the curiosity, involvement, and creativity engendered by the Country Day philosophy and community. Visit an Admission Open House or email admissions@

mpcds.com for a private tour, Monday-Friday. Fall Admission Open House is Nov. 4 (Pre-Kindergarten) and Nov. 18 (Middle & Upper, Grades 6-12). Spring Admission Open House is January 15 (Kindergarten-Grade 5) and January 22 (Middle & Upper, Grades 6-12). To RSVP: call 504-849-3110 or email admissions@mpcds.com. Visit mpcds.com to learn more. Founded in 1887 and part of a national and international network, the Academy of the Sacred Heart is a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school for girls, toddler through grade 12. The school is committed to values of faith, intellectual excellence, social awareness, the building of community and personal growth. The exchange program enables students to visit other Sacred Heart schools in the U.S. and abroad. In addition to the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s well-equipped labs and classrooms, the Arts and Athletics Complex has a tournament size gym; fitness center; elevated running track; and student rehab room. The Favrot Arts Center has a dance studio, a multi media center for television production, graphic design, a music wing for instrumental and choral music, and an art studio. Tuesday Tours for toddlers through 4th grade are: Oct. 21, 28, Nov. 11 and Jan. 13, 8:30-11 a.m. Open House from toddlers through Grade 4 is Wed, Oct. 5, 5-7 p.m. Open House for Grades 5-12 is Wed., Oct. 22, 5-7 p.m. For more information, call 504-269-1213 or visit AshRosary.org.

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High Schools Mount Carmel Academy, a four-time Top 50 Catholic High School in the United States and twice-recognized Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, is a secondary school for girls, Grades 8-12, conducted by the Sisters of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The school's mission is to provide young women the opportunity to develop their God-given talents through academic excellence and cocurricular programs, and empower them to develop zeal for their faith with a commitment to prayer and service. Prospective students and their parents are invited to their annual Open House Thurs., Oct. 9, 3-7 p.m. Private tours are available by appointment. For more information, visit MCACubs.com, contact the Office of Admissions at 504-288-7626, ext. 229, or email admissions@ mcacubs.org. De La Salle High School in Uptown New Orleans is a private, Catholic co-educational high school for Grades 8-12. The school is rooted in the 350-year old Lasallian heritage and the tradition of the Christian Brothers. Utilizing innovative technology and curriculum development and its excellent standards of quality teaching and extracurricular activities, the school has built a tradition helping students achieve their potential both in and out of the classroom. De La Salle exceeds the Louisiana TOPS requirements and offers a wide array of AP classes in which Cavaliers

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have consistently the topped national scores, earning them acceptance in colleges and universities across the U.S. In extracurricular activities, the Academic Games team, the Math team, the Speech team and the Maroon Legend have all won multiple state and national championships. The Cavalette dance team, Chess Club, Junior Classical League and Cheerleaders have also earned state and national awards. The school sports teams of cross country, football, volleyball, swimming, wrestling, basketball, soccer, tennis, softball, baseball and track have taken district and state titles. For more information, visit DeLaSalleNola.com or to do a spend-a-day, contact Admissions Director Mr. Francis Moises at 504-895-5717, extention 141. Benjamin Franklin High School, New Orleans’ most outstanding public charter school, has been preparing students for success through academic achievement since it was founded in 1957. Consistently ranked as a “top public high school in the nation” by U.S. News and World Report, Newsweek, and Business Week, Franklin has received the highest School Performance Score in Louisiana, making it the No. 1 public school in the state, year after year. Franklin is repeatedly named a National Blue Ribbon School, producing presidential and national merit scholars each year. The exceptional students, faculty and staff of Benjamin Franklin High School are the best and the brightest of New Orleans. For more information, visit bfhsla.org or call the admissions office directly at 504-286-2610.

Brother Martin High School, located at 4401 Elysian Fields Ave. in the Gentilly/Lakefront section of New Orleans, is operated by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. Educating young men in Grades 7-12, Brother Martin challenges its students to define their lives with Courage and Confidence. Brother Martin is committed to holistic education with a focus on personal attention, academic excellence, and strong character formation. A District 9-5A school, Brother Martin offers a full range of athletic teams at the 7th, 8th, 9th, JV and varsity levels, and students can choose from over 80 extracurricular activities. Permeated with the tradition of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, Brother Martin offers young men the opportunity to make positive contributions to their world. To quote our name sake, Brother Martin Hernandez, S.C., (1904 –’91), “We are not here to teach boys how to make a living, but how to make a life.” For more information, visit BrotherMartin.com.

Back to School Resources This Fall, visit Gulfport Premium Outlets®, located in nearby Gulfport, Mississippi to shop 70 designer and name brand outlet stores. You’ll find everything you need for back-toschool – exceptional brands with extraordinary savings of 25 percent to 65 percent! The center offers a vast array of merchandise including designer fashions, sportswear, children’s apparel, shoes, accessories, jewelry and much more. Enjoy shopping at Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, BCBG Max

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Azria, Coach, Fossil, Gap Outlet, Guess, J.Crew, Nautica, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Talbots, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour and the list goes on! For more information including directions, a complete list of stores, upcoming sales and events, accommodations and more, visit PremiumOutlets.com/Gulfport. Be sure to register for the VIP Shopper Club for exclusive coupons and savings offers. Prepping for an exam is as important as its results, which can affect one’s acceptance into college as well as possible scholarships and other financing. The Princeton Review offers area students a vast array of prep options, ranging from private tutoring and small group instruction to self-guided online courses and the LiveOnline Classroom. The Princeton Review’s SAT, ACT and PSAT programs provide students with a personal prep experience that fits their unique learning style, schedule and budget. Find the option that works best for your future graduate. Program components vary and include several hours of in-class instruction, practice tests, personalized feedback, interactive multimedia lessons and more. For more information on prep possibilities, visit PrincetonReview.com or call 504-826-8406. Find out if your student will make the grade with a free practice test at PrincetonReview.com/FreePracticeTest. In addition to prep programs, a complete line of prep books for SAT and ACT are also available at PrincetonReview.com/Bookstore.

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Lacrosse is the fastest growing game on two feet. Over the past seven years in Louisiana, the game has grown exponentially and now has more than 20 men’s/boy’s teams statewide. The sport continues to grow rapidly in the New Orleans region, with more schools adding it to their athletic programs. The game of lacrosse requires agility, speed, and good hand/eye coordination. There is no special age or size that makes a player good at the sport, simply the desire to stay in shape while having a great and competitive time. Southern Lacrosse will again sponsor clinics for coaches and players by Rogue Lacrosse. Fall clinic dates include a free clinic for coaches and players on Oct. 11-12 and an Advanced Skills clinic Nov. 22-23, which requires a letter of recommendation from your coach. Find all of your back-to-school lacrosse needs at Southern Lacrosse, located at 1517 Keubel St. in Harahan. You can also visit them online at Southern-Lacrosse.com or call the store for information at 504-826-9425. Children's Hospital's After Hours clinic is now open in Metairie at 3040 33rd Street across from the Galleria. Children's Hospital pediatricians Drs. John Firestone, Maria Treme, and Karen Kern will provide evaluation for injuries, treatment of common childhood illnesses and other general pediatric care services for newborns to children 21 years of age. Children's Hospital After Hours is open Mon.-Fri., 7

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p.m.-3 a.m.; Sat., 1 p.m.-1 a.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-1 a.m. No appointments are needed and walk-ins are welcome. For more information, visit chmpc.org or call 504-837-7760. Patients know from the moment they step into Dr. Jason Parker’s office, with its whimsical murals of sea creatures greeting them from the walls, that this isn’t your average visit to the dentist. This isn’t your average dentist either. Winner of the 2008 Louisiana New Dentist Award, Dr. Parker not only provides top quality care to children ages one through teens, he also works tirelessly in the New Orleans community to advance children’s and healthcare issues. For nearly 10 years, Dr. Parker was chairman for National Children’s Dental Health Month for the New Orleans Dental Association (NODA) and is a past recipient of NODA’s Award of Excellence. He was selected for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s Leadership Institute at the prestigious Kellogg School of Management. Dr. Parker’s practice now welcomes orthodontist Thomas Kiebach, the area's only dual trained specialist in Orthodontics (braces) and Pediatric Dentistry (growth & development), who combines over 25 years of private practice experience, teaching and research and is dedicated to providing the finest quality of age-appropriate treatment in a fun, friendly and caring environment. For more information, visit DocParker4Kids.com or call 504-831-2120. Positive Family Solutions is the private practice of New

Orleans native, Gerard Woodrich, LCSW. Displaying a commitment to the mental wellbeing of the community, Positive Family Solutions sees clients of all ages and offers affordable and accessible counseling with evening and weekend appointments available with a sliding fee scale for those with limited income. Woodrich’s Garden District practice offers a safe and nurturing environment for clients of all ages. Woodrich has experience counseling those with severe mental illness, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression, as well as serious emotional disturbances such as Autism, ODD, PTSD, ADHD and Conduct Disorder. Mr. Woodrich has intimate knowledge and experience working with individuals with Developmental Disorders and suffering from the effects of Bullying. The mission of Positive Family Solutions is to provide hope for individuals and families through specialized interventions focusing on individual strengths. Mr. Woodrich works with the child and parents to formulate therapeutic solutions to reduce negative behavior. 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 information and appointments, call 504-339-4938 or email gerard@positivefamilysolutions.net. •

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Traditional New Orleans N

ew Orleans is defined not just by its people, but also by its businesses, arts and organizations. From shopping destinations to tourist attractions, entertainment, signature cuisine and reliable businesses, there are a number of entities that can be considered “Traditional New Orleans.” Across several industries, these businesses and organizations help make up the fabric of the city, its neighborhoods and communities. Reacquaint yourself with the following longstanding local favorites and show your New Orleans pride. Enjoy all that makes this city a great place to live and play – shopping, arts, attractions, business and entertainment.

Shopping

For more than 30 years, Saks Fifth Avenue New Orleans has “Lived The Legacy” of their Fifth Avenue flagship store. SAKS features the largest collection of designer men’s and women’s clothing, accessories, jewelry, shoes and beauty in three states. “We continually update the shopping environment, most recently with our expanded Louis Vuitton, GUCCI and Prada boutiques. CHANEL Beauté is a one-of-a kind installation that I personally invite everyone to visit. With our new corporate leadership, we are expecting new collections and enhanced assortments,” says Carolyn Elder, VP and General Manager. As a philanthropic leader in the community, the store has supported and donated to more than 100 local and regional charities. Continuing this tradition, Fine Jewelry Designer Robert Procop will make a personal appearance Oct. 22-25 to feature the “Style of Jolie;” a jewelry collaboration with Angelina Jolie with proceeds benefiting her charity, “Education Partnership for Children in Conflict.” “Experience the superlative . . . Service . . . Shopping and Selection . . . which is iconic to the ‘Legacy of Saks Fifth Avenue.’” Visit SAKS in The Shops at Canal Place (301 Canal St.). The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk – the nation’s first upscale outlet center in a downtown setting – recently celebrated a major milestone by welcoming its millionth shopper in just 10 weeks since its grand opening! Featuring 75 retailers on the banks of the majestic Mississippi River, Riverwalk is set as a vibrant waterfront destination, offering upscale fashion, local culinary flavors and the revelry one would expect to find in the City of New Orleans. Shoppers not only visit the Riverwalk for the best views of the Big Easy, but Riverwalk’s retailers such as Tommy Bahama Outlet, Sunglass Hut and LOFT Outlet offer fabulous style at afford124

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able prices. Deal seekers can also enjoy discounted, validated parking with a $20 minimum purchase. For the ultimate shopping experience, join the Riverwalk Rewards Club, which offers special deals on top of the everyday savings of 25 to 65 percent off. Visit RiverwalkNewOrleans.com/ RewardsClub for your exciting offers today! A New Orleans native, artist and designer, Cristy Cali has a knack for capturing the spirit of New Orleans with designs in silver and gold. Cristy's Collection is a line of jewelry focused on and inspired by the architecture, rich culture and fascinating history of New Orleans. Cristy’s Collection features necklaces, bracelets, pendants, rings, earrings and more – each piece exhibiting a love of New Orleans and an appreciation of style. From well-known landmarks such as St. Louis Cathedral and the Superdome to popular local indulgences such as snowballs and the Roman Candy Co., Cristy’s Collection highlights not only the city, but also the community. Additionally, Cristy Cali has revolutionized the tradition of wedding cake pulls with Cristy Couture charms. Cristy Couture Pulls offer an exciting new way to approach the event. Brides have the option of classy pearl bracelets or colored satin ribbon to pull the charms, allowing bridesmaids to immediately wear their new charms. For a list of retailers or to shop online, visit CristyCali.com. While Trashy Diva is a distinctly New Orleans clothing company with six locations spread across the city, their vintageinspired designs are known and coveted worldwide. For more than 17 years, Trashy Diva has provided customers with vintage flair and classic style. Original and vintage-inspired designs in dresses by Candice Gwinn suit a modern sensibility with a focus on creating feminine styles that flatter a

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variety of body types, from size 0 through 20 and to 24 in select styles. Trashy Diva’s exclusive Grand Fleur Collection is now available for preorder online. Arriving this fall, this versatile retro fleur-de-lis inspired print dress is perfect for all seasons! Trashy Diva also offers great transitional prints for the season such as Turquoise Floral and Cherries. From bustiers to burlesque, Trashy Diva now offers the ultimate party experience for your closest group of girlfriends. Celebrating a bachelorette or birthday party? Hosting an after-hours event at a Trashy Diva Lingerie Boutique will make for a memorable night of femme fun. Shop online or find more info at TrashyDiva.com or call 504299-3939. Saint Germain welcomes the latest in fall designs. Western boots, as well as ankle and open-toed boots from acclaimed designer Donald J Pliner will be a big hit this

season. Pliner and his wife, Lisa, visited the store earlier this year and featured seasonal items and their new Italian-made Signature Collection, which is exclusive to Saint Germain and 20 other selected stores across the nation. Visit Saint Germain this month and see what’s new! In addition to Pliner’s award-winning shoes and handbags, Saint Germain carries French hair accessories and fine jewelry and handbags by designers from all over the world as well as Arche, a timeless line of French-made, comfort-focused shoes reintroduced to Saint Germain over the summer. Arche designer boots, shoes and sandals are hand-crafted by artisans located just outside of Paris and are constructed with a 100 percent natural Latex cushioning system for maximum durability, flexibility and unrelenting shock absorption. To see the latest designs, or for more information, visit SaintGermainNewOrleans.com or call 504-522-1720.

Arts Nestled among the live oaks of Tulane's uptown campus, the Newcomb Art Gallery was born out of the rich creative legacy of Newcomb College, internationally renowned for its fine arts program and pottery studio. The gallery sustains this heritage by presenting diverse shows in painting, photography, sculpture, video and mixed media by historically significant and noted emerging artists, all free of charge. Through Oct. 2 the gallery features two exhibitions: Chakaia Booker, Eradication: A Form of Obsession and Katherine Taylor,

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One and Together. The shows present the work of two contemporary American sculptors who utilize non-traditional materials in an investigation of identity, as influenced by environment, culture and history. The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Learn more at NewcombArtGallery.tulane.edu or call 504-865-5328. The New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA) is proud to announce its 2014-2015 Season of Dance. Performances at the Mahalia Jackson Theater include the return of MOMIX in the brand new show Alchemia on Oct. 17, Stars of American Ballet on Nov. 7, Black Grace from New Zealand on Feb. 28 and the Limón Dance Company on May 9. In partnership with The NOCCA Institute, Unión Tanguera will perform Nuit Blanche (Sleepless Night) March 20-22 at Freda Lupin Memorial Hall. For the complete schedule of performances, visit NobaDance.com. Season tickets packages are available and save up to 20 percent off of the single ticket price. Packages may be purchased by calling NOBA at 504-5220996, extension 201. Single tickets go on sale Sept. 2 and may be purchased by calling NOBA or through NobaDance.com or ticketmaster.com. Vonny Foster is all grown up! He is in the second grade and about to make his first confession at St. Rose de Lima Bean Church, which means life is full of mysteries. For instance, what happens to the doughnut holes at Picou’s Bakery? And who was driving the black Pontiac that ran over his friend Jimmy Broom in front of Bruno’s, the bar on the corner where his mother sends him to buy cigarettes for her? Was it an accident or “a incident?” Mid-City Errands is New Orleans native Ronald Fisher’s comic novel about the adventures of a seven-year old boy who, while running to neighborhood shops for his mother and hanging out at the Fair Grounds with his daddy, tries to figure out what happened to Jimmy Broom, and what are impure thoughts and where do they come from. The novel will be available Sept. 16. Pre-order and learn more at VonnyFoster.com.

Accommodations When living the New Orleans experience, it’s important to envelop yourself in the essence of New Orleans – a feeling captured by each upscale property in the New Orleans Hotel Collection (NOHC). Authentic, independent and quality-driven, each hotel offers its own story. From the chic, modern atmosphere of Hotel Le Marais to the historical and elegant Audubon cottages, the New Orleans Hotel Collection is set apart by its distinctive style, personalized service and superb location. Locally owned and operated, the collection consists of the Bourbon Orleans, Dauphine Orleans, Crowne Plaza (Airport), The Whitney Hotel, Hotel Mazarin, Hotel Le Marais and Audubon Cottages. The Bourbon Orleans Hotel boasts the most historic ballroom in the city, dating back to 1817. Its incredible proximity to St. Louis Cathedral has meant hosting more weddings than any other ballroom in the city. Elegant and grand, this ballroom has just benefited from a tasteful refurbishment to keep it fresh for the city’s most prestigious social events. To host your own special event at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel, visit BourbonOrleans.com. For reservations and more, visit NewOrleansHotelCollection.com. 126

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Business

Are you ready to stop the bite? Mosquito Squad of Louisiana Bayou Region is a locally owned, veteran-owned mosquito control franchise serving the Louisiana Bayou Region and Greater New Orleans, providing barrier sprays, misting systems and special event spraying to help you “Fight the Bite.” With a variety of services, Mosquito Squad can custom treat your mosquito problem, whether basic or severe. Proven and popular, Mosquito Squad’s Barrier Spray treats the area surrounding your home and yard eliminating mosquitos for a period of 21 days. For families and businesses with more severe needs, the Mosquito Squad Automatic Misting System is a perfect solution. This product is held in a secure container on the property and is mixed automatically to create a fine mosquito extermination mist delivered to targeted problem areas. Timer controlled, this system delivers protection against mosquitoes, gnats and fleas continuously, around the clock, with short bursts of spray protection. Additionally, Mosquito Squad mosquito control is available for events such as weddings, picnics, concerts, family reunions and other outdoor special events. Consultations are free, and they offer a 100 percent Satisfaction Guarantee. Visit Louisiana-Bayou. MosquitoSquad.com or call 985-872-0301. New Orleans is by far one of the “Best Places to Live!” Take it from John Schaff, a fourth generation New Orleanian and Associate Broker with Latter & Blum. The area’s real estate market is hotter and inventories are lower than they’ve been in years. With the new Medical Corridor coming to the foot of Canal Street and large companies taking a second look, realtors such as Schaff are expecting the local market to continue to rise. Tax credits have driven recent development in the city, and business doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. New Orleans’ cost of living is still lower than most cities with half of the offerings. More excitement began over the summer with the opening of a new, upscale, outlet mall in the Riverwalk. New Orleans is still a big city with a small-town mentality – a place where you can shop and dine at some of the finest restaurants in the world that reflect the unique flavor of the Big Easy! Let John Schaff of Latter & Blum find the perfect New Orleans home for you and your family. Call 504-343-6683. One of New Orleans’ most celebrated event spaces, Generations Hall was originally built in the early 1820s as a sugar refinery conveniently located for easy export along the Mississippi River. Today, this 36,000-squarefoot, three-room, multi-use venue is decorated with artwork by prominent artists George Schmidt and Xavier deCallatay and is complete with state-of-the-art audio and video technology with large video screens and monitors throughout the facility. An extensive renovation scheduled for completion this month will further dress up the décor for the year’s upcoming events. The venue is New Orleans’ most sought after venue for galas, award ceremonies, concerts and receptions. Their three primary spaces are: The Metropolitan One, The Metropolitan Two and The Big Room. Complete with seven high volume service bars and three full sets of restrooms, the facility is perfect for private functions, banquets, concerts, luncheons, weddings, trade shows and convention meetings of any size. From 50 to 5,000, Generations Hall provides a unique New Orleans atmosphere

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for any event. Open catering as well as catering and beverage packages are available. For more information on Generations Hall booking and events, visit GenerationsHall.com or call 504-581-4367.

Attractions & Entertainment Named The Discovery Channel's "Official Best of Louisiana 2014,” French Quarter Phantoms tours are the perfect way to enjoy a fall evening in the Quarter for skeptics and believers alike. Join French Quarter Phantoms Master Story Tellers for a lot of great laughs and some disturbing chills up your spine! True tales of hauntings and horrors – you’ll be surprised to hear what some “nice” ladies and gentlemen were capable of doing! Family-friendly fun, Ghost & Vampire tours begin at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. nightly. Don't miss their tour of St. Louis #1 Cemetery. Tours begin at 11 a.m., Monday-Saturday, and at 10 a.m. on Sundays. Listed on the National Register of Historic places, St. Louis #1 is eerily beautiful even in the daytime. This tour includes details of burial customs and practices and a visit to the final resting place of the infamous Voodoo Priestess Marie Laveau. Online discounts are available at FrenchQuarterPhantoms. com. For more information, call 504-666-8300. For a real New Orleans tradition and local favorite, stop by any of the Tropical Isles, home of the Hand Grenade®, New Orleans' Most Powerful Drink®. Also, enjoy a Hand Grenade at Funky Pirate Blues Club or Bayou Club. Experience Trop Rock, Cajun/Zydeco & the Blues with Tropical Isle's nightly entertainment, the best on Bourbon. State-of-the-art sound systems plus great live bands will keep you dancing the night away at Tropical Isle Bourbon, Tropical Isle Original, Little Tropical Isle, Funky Pirate and the Bayou Club. Tropical Isle® celebrates its 30th anniversary all year long. Join them for football at any location. Enjoy big screen TV's at Funky Pirate, Bayou Club, Tropical Isle Bourbon and Top of the Trop. For more on Tropical Isle, visit TropicalIsle.com. For a quiet escape, visit local favorite The Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro right off of Bourbon at 720 Orleans Ave., which has more than 200 varieties of wine by the bottle and plenty of wine by the glass. For sample menus and wine lists, visit OrleansGrapevine.com. Celebrating 20 years of music, food and fun, the Gretna Heritage Festival is back this Oct. 3, 4 and 5 like you’ve never seen or heard before! Under the direction of new entertainment producer Blue Deuce Entertainment, this year’s festival will shake things up with more than 50 musical acts, including CeeLo Green, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cherub, Gregg Allman Band, Phosphorescent, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, The Guess Who, Big Smo, DJ Wick-it the Instigator and so many more. In addition to big-name music, highlights of the 20th Anniversary celebration include a wide array of food, carnival rides, games, arts and crafts, the Italian Village and German Beer Garden. Free shuttle with free parking at Oakwood Center, and free parking at 3rd and Derbigny. Admission is $20 per person ($25 at gate), free for children 12 and under, and $47.50 for a weekend pass. Tickets on sale at Ticketmaster. For more info and music lineups, visit GretnaFest.com. •

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Fall Travel Escapes E

njoy the changing, colorful leaves on a drive this fall to one of several regional travel destinations. Cool breezes, rustling leaves and early sunsets create wonderful backdrops to a fall vacation, while sporting events and festivals fill every weekend with activity and fanfare. From open beaches to resorts and luxury hotels, to cultural experiences, music and dancing, find the perfect fall travel escape for a family vacation, a weekend with friends, or a romantic getaway among these regional favorites. 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 sunkissed, 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. 128

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Royal Sonesta New Orleans

Step onto the sugar-white sand, take a deep breath and find yourself in a whole different state of bliss. Warm, sunny days and thinning crowds make fall the perfect time of year for a trip to the beach on the Alabama Gulf Coast. The season brings lower rates, fewer people and exciting annual events you won’t want to miss. Visit the Alabama Gulf Coast in October for the Annual National Shrimp Festival (Oct. 9-12) and enjoy fresh local seafood, arts, crafts and entertainment. In November you’ll enjoy the sounds of talented and award-winning musicians during the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival (Nov. 6-16) as well as the annual Oyster Cook Off (Nov. 7-9), where you can sample the creations of competing chefs from across the country. Come experience the magic of a fall getaway on the Alabama Gulf Coast and be transformed. Learn more at GulfShores.com. Travel less than an hour southwest of New Orleans, and you’ll enter Louisiana’s Bayou Country –Houma, LA. Folks in Houma are big on fun! Consider attending any number of their annual events with several lined up this fall. On Sept. 27-28, celebrate Houma’s unique culture at Best of the Bayou, the city’s premier music festival! This free, two-day event features live music, local Cajun cuisine, a car show, arts and crafts, and toy alligator races. Help save the wetlands Oct. 10-12 with the Voice of the Wetlands Festival, a celebration to create awareness about the

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loss of the coastline in Southern Louisiana. Have some spooky fun on Oct. 25th at the Rougarou Fest, which pays tribute to the rich folklore that exists along the bayous of Southeast Louisiana. From the Rougarou Run to the Krewe Ga Rou Parade, there are activities for all! For a free Adventure Guide, call 1-800-688-2732 or visit HoumaTravel.com. Visit St. Landry Parish in Louisiana this month to hit the Exit 11 Yard Sale in Sunset and Grand Coteau on Sept. 20. Shop hundreds of vendors at more than a dozen shops to find the perfect gift. Both Sunset and Grand Coteau communities are Louisiana Cultural Districts where original works of art are sold tax free. In nearby Opelousas, Music & Market launches its fall series with a special tribute to Clifton Chenier, Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award winner. CJ (Clifton Jr.) Chenier will perform on Sept. 26 while other Cajun and zydeco performers will take the stage on the following Friday evenings through Oct. 24. If you’re looking for an adventure and haven’t budgeted for the Tour de France, sign up for the Tour du Teche Oct. 3-5. Paddle along Bayou Teche for three days and 130 miles from Port Barre to Berwick. Each night will be an unforgettable evening of new friends, good food and live music that can’t be duplicated. For more details on these and other experiences, visit CajunTravel.com or call 877-948-8004 to plan your trip. Nestled between Baton Rouge and New Orleans is Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, the “Crown Jewel of Louisiana’s River Road.” This historic property boasts 38 acres of the South’s most beautiful, lush and vibrant gardens. Visitors may also tour the magnificent mansion featuring a rare collection of period artwork and furnishings. While exploring Houmas House, dine in your choice of three restaurants featuring a contemporary progressive approach to Louisiana delicacies. The grounds offer both a casual and fine dining atmosphere for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The latest addition of the Inn at Houmas House completes this plantation destination, making it the most extensive experience of all the plantations along the Great River Road. Twentyone private cottages nestled along an alley of oaks create a serene environment, perfect for a romantic getaway. Each room is complete with marble bathrooms, old world furniture and a private porch for viewing the sunset along the Mississippi River. Houmas House invites you to slow down and enjoy a leisurely time of old. Experience the South the way it was meant to be at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens (HoumasHouse.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 RV parks and fancy full-service casino 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. Charter a boat to ensure a visit to the hot spots or ferry to offshore Ship Island. 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 an exciting 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. 130

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Newman-Dailey Resort Properties

Let’s go Emerald Coasting this fall! Emerald Coasting is 24 miles of sugar-white sand beaches and emerald-green water. It’s dolphin watching cruises, parasailing and jet skiing. It’s sailing adventures, legendary deep-sea fishing and world-class golf. It’s unique, open-air shopping. It’s marine shows at the Gulfarium. It’s dining al fresco on fresh fish, shrimp and oysters while watching a gorgeous sunset. It’s romantic strolls on a moonlit beach. It's great festivals like the Destin Beer Festival (Sept. 27), the Destin Fishing Rodeo (Oct. 1-31) and the Destin Seafood Festival (Oct. 3-5). Get a little sand in your soul at the Heart of Florida’s Emerald Coast: Destin, Ft. Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island. Find out for yourself why the Emerald Coast was named a “Top Place to Visit” by National Geographic and “One of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Places” by “Good Morning America.” Start planning your fall escape today at EmeraldCoasting.com. Fall is festival time in the Bayou Lafourche area! Youngsters love the yearly Cut Off Youth Center Hurricane Festival (Sept. 26-28) for its great Cajun food, music, dancing and a carnival midway. October kicks off with the Bayou Music Festival (Oct. 4) in Golden Meadow. Food lovers must check out two Southeast Tourism Society “Top 20 Events.” The 43nd Annual Louisiana Gumbo Festival (Oct. 17-19) in Chackbay, the "Gumbo Capital of Louisiana," which offers the best in Cajun food, music and dancing. This festival is also an American Bus Association “Top 100 Event” in the U.S. The 41st Annual French Food Festival in Larose (Oct. 2426) holds more than 30 local food booths, featuring traditional Bayou classics such as White Oyster Soup, Shrimp Boulettes, Jambalaya and more. Live entertainment and cultural exhibits add to the festival. The Thibodeauxville Fall Festival (Nov. 8) offers live music, a Cajun food court, arts booths and a duck race on Bayou Lafourche. Fall is an ideal season to experience the Cajun way of life. For more information, including special festival hotel rates, visit VisitLafourche.com or call 877-537-5800. Finally. The children are back in school. Saints have three away games in September and you could use some R&R. It is time to go Grand. Louisiana residents have loved the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa in Pt. Clear, Ala., since 1847. Come back and experience this relaxing resort and see why it was

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named the Top Historic Hotel from Historic Hotels of America. The Grand has five pools, two golf courses, beaches, sailboats, tennis and one of Conde Nast Traveler’s top spas. Try great steaks and local seafood in the Grand restaurants. Experience the daily cannon firing and enjoy afternoon tea before strolling along Mobile Bay. Shop in Fairhope, try a Grand spa treatment or root for your Saints and college teams from Bucky’s Birdcage Lounge. Even better, come during the week and recharge. Ask about the Grand special culinary weekends. Visit MarriottGrand.com or call 251-928-9201. With cooler ocean breezes and lower rates for accommodations, fall is a fantastic time for a beach vacation along the Gulf Coast. With more than 175 properties ranging from onebedroom condos to six-bedroom beach homes, Gulf Shores Rentals can help arrange the perfect beach package for you and your family. This Oct. 9-12, don’t miss the 43rd Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, which attracts more than 200,000 people for its succulent seafood, live music, diverse vendors, kids’ village and more. Additionally, guests of Gulf Shores Rentals receive complimentary tickets to area attractions such as championship golf, charter boats and deep-sea fishing. Other bonuses include 14 points to The Track Amusement Center daily and unlimited daily movie rentals. By planning your adventure with Gulf Shores Rentals, you'll be able to relax even before you arrive! Visit gulfshoresrentals.com and check out the regularly updated Hot Deals. You can also follow on Twitter (@GulfShoresRenta) or

visit the Gulf Shores Rentals fan page on Facebook for extra savings and updates at facebook.com/gsrentalsfanpage. Cool breezes, vibrant blue skies and crystalline emerald waters are abundant as autumn tides roll in along the white sand beaches of South Walton and Destin, Fla. With fall seasonal rates discounted up to 45 percent off, it is the perfect time of year for a fall beach escape. In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Newman-Dailey Resort Properties is introducing the Celebration Vacation, celebrating life while joining the fight against breast cancer. The special beach getaway includes a champagne welcome basket and gifts, a $100 gift card toward Silver Sands Premium Outlets, the Newman-Dailey Gift Card and more. For each package purchased, Newman-Dailey will donate $50 to the fight against breast cancer in the celebrant’s name. The Celebration Vacation is available with stays of three nights or more from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31. Visit DestinVacation.com or call 1-800-225-7653 to learn more about the Celebration Vacation or other special offers. South Walton will turn its sugar-white sand beaches into the perfect runway for high fashion set against the backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico’s turquoise waters on Oct. 6-12, in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. Designers, celebrities and runway shows will set the tone for the perfect fall getaway to South Walton. South Walton Fashion Week’s events will showcase South Walton’s premier fashion boutiques and local and national designers with exclusive runways shows, special events and trunk shows. Don’t miss the national Emerging Designer Com-

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petition and Model Competition, which launch careers of up and coming talent. The festivities will take place throughout South Walton in upscale boutiques and in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin’s Town Center. A Style Lounge with PopUp Shops, a Launch Party and Runway Shows will also shape South Walton Fashion Week. Tickets are now on sale with prices starting at $55 for daily tickets and $150 for VIP packages. Go online to check out special lodging packages. For additional information, please contact the Cultural Arts Alliance at (850) 622-5970, info@ swfw.org and swfw.org. Lafayette is at the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun Country, an area known for letting the good times roll, or as they say it laissez les bons temps rouler, and people are starting to notice. The Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch.com recently named Lafayette as the “Happiest City in America,” and with its distinctive blend of food, music and culture, it’s no wonder as to why. Lafayette comes alive in the fall with remarkable weather to compliment the multitude of events and festivals. Downtown Alive! is a local favorite offering a free concert from regional musicians of all genres every Friday starting in September. The second weekend of October welcomes Festival Acadiens et Creole, a free three-day festival filled with food, music, food, dancing and crafts. The third weekend in October hosts the annual fundraiser Gulf Brew where attendees can sample a variety of local and national brews all the while supporting the local arts culture in Lafayette. The final weekend in October hosts the Blackpot Festival and Cook-Off, a two-day camping festival that weaves together the art of blackpot cooking, music and crafts. Find what nourishes you at Lafayette.travel. This November, sip your way along 30A at the Seeing Red Wine Festival benefitting the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, a culinary event you won’t want to miss. Now in its 24th year, the festival brings four days of food and wine events to the beautiful beach community of Seaside, Fla. Located in the heart of South Walton, Seaside offers a relaxing atmosphere complemented by lovely beaches and charming, walkable streets. The wine festival is held throughout these streets, allowing visitors to meander while sampling wines, meats, cheeses, chocolates and more as they enjoy the fall beachside weather. The four-day festival begins Nov. 6 with a Vintner’s Dinner at Bud & Alley’s Restaurant. Friday’s events include the highly anticipated Al Fresco Reserve Tasting in Seaside’s Lyceum Lawn. The Grand Tasting occurs on Saturday afternoon, featuring numerous wines, local craft beers and high-end spirits, along with local restaurants and live music. The weekend closes with a Sunday Wine Brunch, A Celebration of Bubbles and the Fall Walkabout & Charity Auction. For more information on the events, tickets and lodging packages, visit SeeingRedWineFestival.com. Downtown Houma is set to host the third annual Rougarou Fest on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Rougarou Fest is a family-friendly festival with a spooky flair that celebrates the rich folklore of the werewolf-like “Rougarou” (or 132

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Rougarou Fest

“loup-garou”) that exists along the bayous of Southeast Louisiana. It is also the primary fundraiser supporting the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center, a nonprofit organization that is revolutionizing how we think, teach and learn about Louisiana’s disappearing coast. Festival events begin with a variety of children’s activities. A festival costume contest will take place on the courthouse steps at 5 p.m. At 6 p.m., the Rougarou Run begins. Each participant is given a flag football belt with three flags and must try to avoid the zombies and swamp monsters while attempting to make it to the finish line with at least one flag on their belt and survive the zombie apocalypse. Concluding the fest, the Krewe Ga Rou Halloween Parade will roll at 7 p.m. To sign-up as a volunteer, join the parade crew, or register for the run, visit RougarouFest.org or call 985-580-7289. Venture into the Vieux Carré to experience the NEW Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter! The 374-guestroom downtown hotel joined the Wyndham family in March of 2013 and the company is overjoyed to announce that a multimillion-dollar renovation is nearly complete! Wyndham wants to win your business when visiting the French Quarter and CBD area and aims to do so by providing affordable and secure onsite parking, beautiful views from the 20-story high-rise hotel, an indoor/heated swimming pool and over-the-top, service-oriented staff. All that along with a second-to-none, convenient location – what’s not to love! Spread the word and take advantage of Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter’s fall deals by visiting their Web site. You can even earn free goodies when you join their loyalty program, Wyndham Rewards. Visit the hotel online today at WyndhamFrenchQuarter.com or call 24/7 at 888-215-2756. You can also simply stop by the 124 Royal St. location and experience the welcome. Are you ready for some football? Whether you are a member of the Who Dat Nation, chant “Tiger Bait,” or roll with the Green Wave, the Royal Sonesta New Orleans is your all-access pass on game day serving up plenty of football spirit this season. On your way to the Dome, experience a spirited Sunday Jazz Brunch with Don Vappie’s Creole Trio at Restaurant

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Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter

R’evolution every Sunday from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. At kickoff, cheer on your favorite team at Le Booze on Bourbon on their five new 60” HD televisions. Pop in PJ’s Coffee Café to check the scores and quench your thirst, then satisfy your appetite

of fresh Gulf seafood at Desire Bistro & Oyster Bar. Close the night after a big win with live jazz at Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse. No ticket, no problem – the Royal Sonesta is your front row seat for all of the best games! For more information and to make reservations, visit Sonesta.com/RoyalNewOrleans or call 504-586-0300. The Fairhope Film Festival is a film lover’s film festival, offering world-class, award-winning films in a unique, picturesque location over a four-day period. The focus is on national and international film festival competition finalists of the past year: the “best of the best” in cinema arts. Directors, actors and screenwriters will participate in the screenings both in person and via live electronic transmission. Located at the geographic center of America’s Gulf Coast, the quaint, beautiful and historic bayside city of Fairhope, Alabama, is the home of the Festival. The four festival venues, within walking distance of each other, are located in the flower-filled downtown area convenient to restaurants, hotels, locally owned shops and the town bluffs, which boast sweeping views of the 413 square mile Mobile Bay. The 2014 Fairhope Film Festival takes place November 6th9th. Festival passes are available at FairhopeFilmFestival.org. •

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Prostate Cancer & Medical Resources

ccording to the American Cancer Society, there will be an estimated 233,000 new cases of prostate cancer in the U.S. this year, with an estimated 400 people dying from the disease in the state of Louisiana. A prostate cancer diagnosis is far from a death sentence, however, and Louisiana health care providers are beefing up services, contributing to research and helping increase the number of cancer survivors through advanced treatments and technologies. From learning your risks to cancer screenings and treatment, the following hospitals, physicians and clinics are great resources for anyone wanting to know more about what prostate cancer could mean for them. A patient with a prostate cancer diagnosis may experience a number of symptoms as well as side effects of treatment. But can prostate cancer cause vertigo and/or hearing loss? According to Dr. Gerard Gianoli of the Ear & Balance Institute, there are three possible causes: 1.) It’s caused by spread of the cancer to the brain. While this is a very rare scenario, it’s the one that most people fear. An MRI scan can exclude this possibility. 2.) It’s caused by one of the medications used to treat the prostate cancer. This is also pretty rare. Most medications used to treat prostate cancer are not toxic to the balance or hearing portion of the inner ear. A quick check with your doctor should be able to alleviate your concerns. 3.) It’s caused by something unrelated to the prostate treatment. This is by far and away the most common scenario. Your first step is to see your doctor for further evaluation and to get a hearing test. If no apparent cause is identified, then evaluation by a Neuro-otologist is appropriate. For more information, visit EarAndBalance.net or call 985809-1111. Has someone you love been diagnosed with prostate cancer? The Department of Urology at Tulane University Medical Center, a national leader in providing minimally invasive surgical procedures for various urologic maladies, stands at the forefront of cancer treatment through state-of-the-art robotic procedures, breakthrough treatments and research. Tulane Urology’s highly trained surgeons along with the daVinci high-definition robot, offer patients a highly advanced therapeutic option for prostate cancer treatment. This cutting edge, minimally invasive surgical technology, combined with the extensive experience of the Tulane Urology team, have

made Tulane Urology the go-to center for the treatment of prostate cancer. Visit MyProstateCancer.com for more information on the various treatments and procedures offered at Tulane Urology. With the recent unveiling of UroNav, East Jefferson General Hospital is the first center in the region to offer MRI/Ultrasound fusion-guided prostate biopsies. This gives physicians and their patients the clearest, most accurate, safest prostate biopsy yet. Doctor Donald Bell is a Urologist at EJGH. He was one of the first physicians in the state qualified to use UroNav. He strongly believes in what this new technology offers, “With UroNav we have yet another weapon in our fight against prostate cancer. It gives us new opportunities in the early detection and accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer. It isn’t an exaggeration to say it will help us save lives.” In this region, only East Jefferson General Hospital has UroNav. And only a handful of physicians are qualified to use it. To find a urologist who uses UroNav, call HealthFinder at 504-456-5000. Serving Thibodaux and the Bayou Region, the Cancer Center of Thibodaux Regional has been a leader in the fight against cancer for more than 20 years, and provides comprehensive, quality care in a compassionate environment. The Center is Accredited with Commendation by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and is the only program in Louisiana to receive the College’s Outstanding Achievement Award three times. Thibodaux Regional’s Cancer Center provides many options for the treatment of prostate cancer. Prostate Seed Implants (brachytherapy), performed by the radiation oncologist and urologists, deliver radiation directly to the prostate while sparing nearby healthy tissue. The revolutionary daVinci Robotic Surgical System is a minimally invasive microsurgery procedure that allows the surgeon more pinpoint movement than traditional surgery, decreasing the risk of damage to nearby tissue. Additionally, the Cancer Center’s advanced Trilogy System can be utilized to perform Stereotactic Radiosurgery, which delivers a high dose of radiation to the targeted tissue without cutting. To find out more about the Cancer Center of Thibodaux Regional, visit Thibodaux.com or call 985-493-4008.

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The new CrescentCare Health and Wellness Center provides a variety of primary care and specialty services for men, women and families. The holistic, community-based center, opening this month, is dedicated to providing affordable, accessible health care for all. Additional services offered at the wellness center include behavioral health, case management infectious disease referrals and pediatric care. Services are provided on a sliding scale based on income or through your current insurance provider. The new facility is open at 3308 Tulane Ave. in Mid-City (in the Marine Building, near the intersection of Jefferson Davis Boulevard). For more information, call 504-207-CARE (2273) or visit CrescentCareHealth.org. NOTE: As a National Health Service Core site, CrescentCare is seeking qualified health professionals dedicated to working in the heart of this community, making an impact in very powerful and personal ways. If you are interested in bringing better health care to New Orleans, please visit their website. Doctors Wesley Bryan, Pablo Labadie and Ryan Glass are in the practice of urology on the West Bank. Board certified by the American Board of Urology, these three urologists make up West Jefferson Urology Specialists. Located in the Physicians Center on the West Jefferson Medical Center campus in Marrero, these urologists focus on early detection of cancers of the kidney and bladder and genitourinary tract including the prostate. The urologic surgeons of West Jefferson Urology Specialists also perform minimally invasive surgery, pelvic reconstruc-

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tive surgery and take care of persons with sexual health-related needs. They treat incontinence, kidney stones and other urological conditions. Supportive of West Jefferson’s Cancer Center, these doctors join their colleagues in educational offerings by taking part in community programs to increase cancer awareness. For an appointment at West Jefferson Urology Associates, call 504-934-8100. Crescent City Physicians, Inc., a subsidiary of Touro, offers the latest in urological care and technology. Dr. Richard Vanlangendonck is a board certified urologist fellowship-trained in minimally invasive urologic surgery with a primary focus on prostate and kidney cancers. Due to advances in robotic technology, prostatectomies and nephrectomies can now be performed in such a way that surrounding nerves may be spared, which offers patients many potential benefits. Patients having robotic prostatectomies typically have reduced side effects from prostate cancer surgery over traditional open surgery. Reduced side effects, as well as the possibility of a partial nephrectomy, are advantages of robotic surgery in dealing with kidney cancer. In partial nephrectomies, only the diseased part of the kidney is removed while sparing the healthy, functioning kidney tissue. Dr. Vanlangendonck uses the state-of-the-art da Vinci® Surgical System in performing these procedures. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 504897-7196 or visit Crescent City Physicians online at CrescentCityPhysicians.com. •

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TRY THIS / A HOW-TO

Project Runway Star Headlines at South Walton Fashion Week Swfw.com Mychael Knight, the Bravo TV star who counts Khloe Khardasian and Jennifer Hudson as clients, is headlining at the South Walton Fashion Week (SWFW). Not only will he be showing his Fall/Winter 2014 collection but Knight will also be one of the judges of the Emerging Designer Competition. The SWFW runs Oct. 6-12 in Sandestin town center, and features the area’s top boutiques, local and national designers in runway shows, events and a Model Competition. SWFW is produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of South Walton in conjunction with Monark events and presented by Visit South Walton.

NOLA Rugs Unveils Global Deliveries 3944 Magazine St., 891-3304, Nola-Rugs.com Sharon Schenck, owner of NOLA Rugs, has spent the summer unpacking. A rug importer with more than 40 years expertise, Ms. Schenck travels the world finding hand-woven rugs from key weaving areas across the globe. She buys the best and then imports directly. Her store on Magazine Street is currently overflowing with her latest discoveries from antiques and classic Orientals, to European and cutting-edge contemporary designs. Ms. Schenck has more than 2,000 rugs in stock and each is selected for quality and affordability. – Mirella Cameran

Passionate for Penguins Backstage Penguin Pass By MORGAN PACKARD

hen we heard we could go “backstage” at Audubon Aquarium and not only interact with penguins, but also feed them and return to the office with paintings that penguins had created, we decided that this Try This would need all four of us to take part. Audubon Senior Aviculturist Darwin Long was our guide through the world of penguins – breeds, feeding habits, reasons for certain species inclusion on the endangered species list, mating habits and so much more. We helped prepare their afternoon meal; cuddled with baby Humpty and rockhopper Bunny; chose the colors in which they would create art for us; and went into the habitat to feed and cuddle with these amazing creatures some more.

Our impressions: Kelly Massicot: I thought I learned everything I needed to know about penguins from Happy Feet, but Darwin (Long) blew my mind with all of the interesting facts he shared with us. Who knew there were so many different kinds of penguins? Each type has different personalities, living habits and mating rituals. And those female Adelie penguins really know what they’re doing when it comes to finding a mate; maybe we should all take their dating advice.

jeffery johnston photo

Sarah Ravits: The penguins were much more social than I thought they would be, and a couple of them were real characters – like Sticky, who grabbed my sweater with his beak and tried to pull me into the water, and Georgie, who pooped on my foot right after I fed him! Melanie Warner Spencer: It’s surprising how affectionate the penguins are when you’re holding one. The baby, Humpty, was especially sweet and loved to nibble on my bracelets and my hair. Morgan Packard: I had such a great time cuddling with the penguins and watching them interact with each other that it wasn’t until I got home and was prattling on to my husband about everything I had learned that I understood what an educational experience this is as well. Backstage Penguin Pass at Audubon Aquarium Available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $115 per person for Audubon members; $125 for non-members (purchasing in advance is recommended) Limited to six guests, age 4 or older, for each pass (each person 16 or younger must be accompanied by an adult) Visit AudubonInstitute.org/backstagepenguin-pass for more information. n myneworleans.com / SEPTEMBER 2014

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The Beatles And Me By errol laborde

achieved Beatles immortality on the day that the group played in New Orleans, Sept. 16, 1964. I will admit that it’s a rather shaky link to glory and that it was appreciated by only one person who I didn’t even know. Nevertheless, given the improbability of my ever being associated with rock idols, I settled for what I could get. My lunge to fame began that afternoon after I had returned from school. The whole town was buzzing about the Beatles, who were performing that night at what was then called City Park stadium. My cousin, Marla, had come in from Central Louisiana to be there. I was to be her escort. She was more excited about the Beatles than I was. As a guy, I didn’t swoon over Paul McCartney’s cuteness. I didn’t know about John Lennon’s brilliance or George Harrison’s zaniness, which really hadn’t emerged yet. I might have been the only person going that night who was more interested in Ringo Starr, not because I knew much about his musicianship but because I thought he had the coolest name ever. We American boys grew up with westerns. None of the heroes of the range had a name that seemed more appropriate

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for fighting outlaws than did Starr. Such a name should have been native to Dodge City rather than Liverpool. When the Earp brothers faced down the Clanton gang on the streets of Tombstone, someone named Ringo should have been at their side. Instead, Starr’s fate was to be in the back rather than the forefront of his particular gang. I was interested in the cultural phenomenon, which was underscored that afternoon when the home phone rang. On the line was a girl who identified herself as a friend of a second cousin who had told her that my father worked for City Park. She asked if that was true. I confirmed that it was. That is when she became excited. She was actually talking to someone who was related by blood to a person who worked at the same place where the Beatles were going to be. “You must be the luckiest person in the world!” she gushed. At that moment my fame had reached its crescendo: I was her link to the Beatles. That night I could barely see the group perform. The stage was at the open end of the horseshoeshaped stadium and there was no big screen TV. The real spectacle was the screaming girls who rushed the stage and the gallant police who tried to restrain them. I never heard from the girl again. I was no doubt irrelevant to her by the end of the evening. Over time, the music from England would take its own course bouncing through posterity, like a rolling stone. To this day I think of the event as being less of a concert and more of a rodeo. Fittingly, keeping the beat was a guy named Ringo. n

ARTHUR NEAD ILLUSTRATION