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BY CARRIE MARKS
SHOPPING NEWS BY CARRIE MARKS
Wine and Dine he French Quarter is rife with fine dining establishments and cozy cocktail lounges, and Cafe Giovanni (117 Decatur St., 529-2154; www.cafegiovanni.com) has offered patrons both options at one address since its 2004 addition of the Belli Baci Lounge, which features wine specials, martinis and cocktails made with fresh juices. “It’s a great place for guests to relax, watch sports (and) hang out in a sophisticated but comfortable environment,” manager Nial George says of the lounge, where brick walls, red draperies and plush leather chairs lend warmth. Customers can sample the cocktail and tapas menus before ordering a full meal in the dining room. On Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings, dinner is accompanied by Cafe Giovanni’s salute to its Italian roots: opera singers performing around the Cafe Giovanni features American, restaurant’s white-clothed tables. Creole and Italian cuisine. “(The music) is perfect for the romantic ambience,” George says. Cafe Giovanni was founded in 1991 by chef Duke LoCicero, a New Orleans native who takes pride in his creative interpretations of traditional American, Creole and Italian cuisines. Classic Italian dishes like veal Marsala, cannelloni and pasta bolognese are interspersed with selections featuring native flavors, like the Southern-style Louisiana Voodoo shrimp and fried oysters Giovanni. Adept at multiple styles of cooking, LoCicero’s use of bold flavors and versatility as a chef have been key to Café Giovanni’s longevity and success, George says. Twenty years in the business haven’t stifled the inventive qualities of LoCicero’s menu. “The specials change almost every day,” George says. Specials include a ladies’ night dinner-and-drink deal and a daily happy hour. “It’s exciting to welcome people and be able to offer them so many choices,” he adds. The restaurant’s large space is available for private parties and events. LoCicero uses the restaurant’s size to its full advantage when he hosts an annual fundraiser for his Chef Duke Foundation for Kids. Established in 1992, the organization benefits children at area hospitals by providing funding for medical supplies.
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At 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18, the International Interior Design Association and the American Society of Interior Designers partner with Design Within Reach (3138 Magazine St., 8916520; www.dwr.com) for Parallels, a presentation series featuring designers from a variety of disciplines. The event features lectures by architect and jewelry designer Marion Cage McCollum and award-winning designer Suzanne Tick, followed by wine and appetizers from Martin Wine Cellar and Whole Foods. A $10 donation is suggested. Receive a 20 percent discount on your purchase from Loubat Foodservice Equipment (4141 Bienville Ave., 482-2554; www.loubat.com) when you shop at its showroom on Mondays through March 7 during its Mardi Gras Mondays promotion. The showroom is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Mary Frances Schaffer unveils her newest line of handbags from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, and Sunday, Feb. 20, at the Roosevelt Hotel’s (123 Baronne St., 648-1200; www.therooseveltneworleans.com) Roosevelt Emporium Gift Shop. Schaffer, creator of handbags carried by celebrities including Oprah Winfrey and Kate Hudson, celebrates 20 years in the fashion industry this year.
$99 CORONARY CALCIUM SCORING EX AM S I N RE COG N I TI O N O F AMER I CA N HE A R T M O N TH
For patients who: 1. Have a low risk for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) but have a family history of premature coronary heart disease, or 2. Are identified as being at “intermediate risk” of CAD without known family history • • • •
Scan checks for calcium buildup in the coronary arteries Scan results could prompt you to make healthier lifestyle choices Scan may provide your physician more information about your risk for heart disease, and adjust your treatment plan Physician’s referral order is required for the exam
© 2007, American Heart Association. Also known as the Heart Fund. ™Go Red trademark of AHA, Red Dress trademark of DHHS
Exam fee must be paid at time of service
Patient Scheduling: 504-883-5999
Visit www.disnola.com to schedule an appointment or to request more information
Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > febrUarY 15 > 2011
Talk to your Doctor about what is right for you • For “Heart Disease Risk Calculator” link, send request email to: patientinfo@disnola.com
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