SALES Lauren Cunningham, Alyssa Hauptmann, Bennett Geston, Abigail Bordelon, Kelly Sonnier, Charlie Thomas
CONTRIBUTOR Sarah Ravits
TRAFFIC MANAGER Jason Whittaker
SENIOR CONTRIBUTING CREATIVE Emma DaVia
CONTRIBUTING CREATIVES Maria Boue, Gavin Donaldson, Scott Forsythe, Jasmyne White
White Sand Homestead Lamb Caramelle with spring peas, mint, and carrot-Pedro Ximenez emulsion from Gautreau’s (1728 Soniat
PHOTO BY RANDY SCHMIDT
PHOTO BY RANDY SCHMIDT
STAYCool
Spoiler alert: Summer is really hard for New Orleans businesses. Tourism is down, students are gone, and many flee for vacations or extended stays in other places. If you’re hunkering down, make the most of the readily available reservations and amazing deals that many restaurants and bars are offering throughout the season. In Sip, Snack, Save , we highlight 1 9 specials worth checking out. From game nights to all day happy hours, there is a deal waiting for you!
You could also check out Oak Street, which was recently recognized as a historic district. In Simply Charmed , Sarah Ravits details why the street continues to be a hub for shopping, dining, music, and more. For that charming “Main Street” vibe, be sure to visit and support some of the over 60 locally owned businesses that call Oak Street home.
Currently reading:
Broken Dove by Dani Francis (the sequel to Silver Elite !)
Must try:
The Txeequitini from Dolfy's — if you like martinis and spice, you'll love this tiny tini!
Summer plans:
I escaped the heat for a few days last month and will be in New Orleans for the rest of the summer. I'm taking my own advice and enjoying the many deals around town. I'm also slowly but surely completing our bucket list which has a ton of fun ideas! You have until Monday, August 31, to complete it for a chance for fun prizes. Download yours at bestofneworleans.com/ bucketlist.
In the same vein, be extra kind to your servers, bartenders, and baristas this summer. In this month’s A-List , we wanted to highlight Olivia McCoy of WeHelp NOLA, a nonprofit that focuses on providing hospitality workers with free therapy! It’s an amazing organization that over 75 hospitality venues in the city work with, including MaMou, where we shot the fun and vibrant photos (and the perfect spot for a nice dinner this summer). We’re excited to see where Olivia takes WeHelp next!
National Tequila Day is Friday, July 24, so in its honor (I’m slightly kidding here), we rounded up everything you need for a cute taco night at home in Lime After Lime ! The story has a little lagniappe from Gris Gris Cocktail Magic. If you haven’t tried this syrup, you’re truly missing out — find it online or locally at Maisonette in The Rink. Keep an eye on our Instagram for a fun giveaway this month!
Other shopping stories include everything fruit and veggie in Farm Fresh and items inspired by nature in Touch Grass . Lastly, you’ll meet Ivy, a petite pup that has probably traveled to more places than most New Orleanians, in Shop Dog Michaela Bechler
Now Ne w +
BY MICHAELA BECHLER
PARDON MY French
SUMMER Reading
If you’re looking for a new book that travels oceans and time, Stephanie Soileau’s debut novel should be on the top of your TBR list. Should the Waters Take Us (available July 14) follows one family across four centuries from France to Acadia to coastal Louisiana with a present-day oil spill and its consequences. Readers can expect an immersive family drama that will stick with them long after reading the final chapter.
Celebrate all things français during an early Bastille Day celebration at the Pitot House. On Thursday, July 9, gather at the historic home for live music by Pardon My French, indulge in delicious cuisine from Café Degas, and mingle with local French and Creole organizations in a fun atmosphere overlooking Bayou St. John. There will be opportunities to converse in French and learn about Kouri-Vini and Louisiana Creole culture. Le Pique-Nique Français is hosted by Louisiana Landmarks Society and the Nous Foundation with additional support from Gulf Coast Bank & Trust. The fun will take place from 6-8 p.m. — tickets are $10 for adults and free for children (please register in advance).
1440 MOSS STREET
Eau SO FUN
Perfume lovers will sniff, spritz, and swoon during Fragrance Fête , a scented gathering arranged by Madame Aucoin Perfume and Luxe Niche Brands in the French Quarter. Taking place Friday, July 10, through Sunday, July 12, the event will bring together a curated selection of perfume houses from around the globe offering a one-of-a-kind experience. Meet brands old and new, explore rare and unique fragrances, and shop directly with the people who create and represent them.
Held in Hotel Monteleone’s Exchange Place banquet hall (just steps from Madame Aucoin Perfume), Fragrance Fête is designed to be an intimate and relaxed experience. “Perfume should be fun, expressive, and part of getting dressed,” said Adriana Linares, co-organizer and owner of Madame Aucoin Perfume, in a statement. “We change our outfits and accessories based on mood and place — fragrance should be no different. Fragrance Fête is about discovering scents that make you feel confident, transported, curious, glamorous, nostalgic, or whatever! We want people to come sniff, spritz, ask questions, meet the brands, and fall in love with perfume.”
Tickets must be secured in advance and include admission during your selected timed session, access to brands, educational presentation, and a complimentary tote with samples.
612 BIENVILLE STREET
Stephanie will be in conversation with J. Bruce Fuller at The Garden District Book Shop on Monday, July 20, at 6 p.m. and will sign copies of the book. The event is free and open to the public, but interested parties are encouraged to RSVP and reserve their book in advance on Eventbrite.
2727 PRYTANIA STREET
Farm TO TABLE
Locally grown food just became a lot more accessible. Caroline Rogers and Mike Bertel, the team behind Farmer’s Butcher and Farmstop, are bringing a more transparent approach to food in New Orleans. The concept grew from their family farm in Poplarville, Mississippi, where they raise cattle and grow blueberries. “Over the years, we built a following and created real demand for the meat we were raising,” Caroline says.
Inspired by a consignment-based farm market model, the pair began developing Farmer’s in 2024 to connect local farmers directly with the community. Open daily, the shop functions as a farmers market with extended hours and a constantly rotating inventory based on what’s in season. “All of the produce and meat we carry comes directly from the farms and farmers. There’s no middleman. Farmers set their own selling price and retain 70% of it. That means the void we’re filling isn’t just about access; it’s about trust. Customers know exactly where their food comes from and who grew it, and by working directly with the farms, we can keep that transaction transparent while keeping prices competitive and accessible.”
A standout feature is the full-service butcher counter led by Leighann Smith from Piece of Meat. It is stocked with great cut selections and produces in-house boudin, fresh daily sausages, stuffed chickens, primal blend ground meats, and more.
519 HAGAN AVENUE
PHOTO COURTESY OF PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE
PHOTO BY CASEY JOINER
PHOTO COURTESY OF LOUISIANA LANDMARKS SOCIETY
Clai re El izabeth Galler y Presents New Work by Mary Singleton
Claire Elizabeth Galler y is honored to present a new body of work by local ar tist Mary Singleton. Drawing inspiration from nature, ever yday life, and images gathered along the way, Singleton creates paintings that feel “grounded and welcoming, offering moment s of pause and recognition.”
Singleton received her Bachelor of Fine Ar ts from Louisiana St ate University and has ex hibited her work throughout the United St ates. For this newe st collec tion, presented alongside paintings by Logan Ledf ord, Singleton turned to her immediate surroundings for inspiration. The movement and fluidit y throughout the work reference the region’s dist inct ive geography. Influenced by rolling waters and dense foliage, each piece is la yered with lush color and te xt ure, creating a visual ex pres sion of the tensions and transf ormations that ha ve shaped New Orleans-the city Singleton proudl y calls home.
In addit ion to her st udio prac tice, Singleton is also an accomplished muralist . In 2024, she completed a large-scale botanical mural for the
Garden Room at Copper Vine Wine Pub & Inn in New Orleans’ Cent ral Busine ss Dist rict , a projec t later feat ured in Garden & Gun magazine In 2025, she completed her larges t mural to date for Volunteers of America Southeas t Louisiana’s Canal Pointe, New Orleans’ only familycentered re sident ial treatment and recovery facility for pregnant women and mothers with children. Created for the children’s area and li ving room, Singleton’s vibrant, te xt ured mural was de signed to foster comf or t, re spite, and inspiration.
Claire Elizabeth Galler y welcomes ar t enthusiasts and collectors to experience Singleton’s vibrant new work. An opening reception will be held on August 8 from 5:00-8:00 p.m., with the ar tist in at tendance. The event is free and open to the public.
For inquiries regarding available work s or commis sion opportunities, please contac t Claire Elizabeth Thriffiley at claire@claireelizabethgaller y.com
PH
Custom mural for Copp er Vine Wine Pub & Inn. Design by Studio West
A List The
BY MICHAELA BECHLER | PHOTOS BY KAT KIMBALL
Olivia McCoy
FOUNDER OF WeHelp NOLA
Gambit 40 Under 40 (2023) and Gambit Best of New Orleans: Top Mental Healthcare (2022, 2023, 2024)
While working as a manager in the French Quarter, Olivia McCoy dreamed up WeHelp NOLA, a nonprofit dedicated to providing mental healthcare to hospitality workers in the area. “After years in hospitality, I watched as my friends and I struggled with the mental and emotional weight of the industry,” she says. “I made it my mission to help break down the stigma surrounding mental health and create tangible resources for an at-risk workforce that has historically had very little support.”
WeHelp launched in 2019 and provides hospitality workers with no-cost, confidential therapy sessions offered in person and virtually. Clients are also connected with low-cost psychiatric care, substance abuse treatment, and specialized services. Since 2020, over 8,000 sessions have been provided by 68 clinicians.
The nonprofit has partnered with more than 75 hospitality venues including MaMou, Cure, and Zasu. In 2025, surveys reported increases in team morale, employer-employee relationships, and staff retention as well as a decrease in substance abuse.
“I wish people understood how much work goes into creating the incredible culture and experiences that shape our city and their special nights out. Behind the scenes, those smiling workers are often exhausted, overworked, and in need of support… Hospitality workers give so much of themselves to our city and to each other, yet remain one of the most under-supported workforces.”
Olivia’s favorite part about WeHelp is giving back to the city, industry, and community that has given so much to her and being able to support those who may feel alone or overwhelmed. Her long-term vision is to help hospitality workers across the country, and WeHelp is officially expanding to a new city in 2027.
Olivia photographed at MaMou (942 N Rampart Street), one of the hospitality venues that WeHelp works with.
WHAT ARE YOU PROUDEST OF IN YOUR CAREER?
Building WeHelp from the ground up as a woman with no formal business background, no investors, and no certainty about what would happen next. I’m proud of what I’ve built and grateful for every person who believed in my vision along the way.
NAME SOMETHING THAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT NEW ORLEANS:
The love New Orleanians have for their neighbors, the way we rally around each other in good times and bad, the support, the mutual aid...that’s the heart of this city. No matter how many times I see it, it still blows me away.
WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I’m a dancer and performer outside of the office! People are often surprised to learn that when I’m not talking about mental health, I’m usually off dancing somewhere to improve mine.
FAVORITE SIMPLE INDULGENCE:
Frozen Mocha Au Lait and a stroll through City Park
PODCAST YOU RECOMMEND:
Good Hang with Amy Poehler is my go-to for some feel-good giggles
SOMETHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT:
A good beat to dance to
LIFE HACK:
Rest! Ask for help. You don’t have to earn your worth through exhaustion. We were never meant to do this alone.
Bucket List
Get out an d ab out in Ne w Or le ans thi s season! Fr om uniq ue even ts to ch oose-yo ur-own -a dven ture pr om pt s, use this buc ke t lis t to cur at e a fu n- filled su mmer witho ut leaving town. Chec k off as many it ems as yo u can from June 1 through Au gust 31 for a ch ance to win pr izes!
Ho w to En te r:
1 2 3
Ta ke a photo of ea ch prom pt and/or have it si gne d by the business/event.
Submit a photo or scan of yo ur co mp leted bucke t list and ac com pany ing phot os by Tu esd ay, Sept ember 1 .
5 com pleted prom pt s = 1 en tr y; Bo nu s en tr ies will be gi ve n fo r sh arin g on In st ag ram and ta ggi ng @the pe arlne wo rl ea ns an d @gambitn eworleans.
Priz es:
A few lu cky winn er s will be selected for grand prizes from all eligible entr ies.
Vi ew more de tails and ente r now at be stofnewo rl eans .c om/b uc ke tl is t
GRASS Touch
16 oz Corkcicle Canteen $38.99, Nola Gifts & Decor nolagiftsanddecoronline.com 2
Signed Nolan Miller Vintage Brooch $85, Avis Aldine @avisaldine
Blue Floral Dress $90, Alice & Amelia shopaliceandamelia.com
SNACK, Sip, Save Summer Specials Across New Orleans
BY MICHAELA BECHLER
Bars and restaurants are getting creative this summer with interesting food and drink specials. Support local, stay cool, and save money all season long.
Arnaud’s
This summer, Arnaud’s is o ering specially priced cocktail and oyster flights from 5-7 p.m. in the French 75 Bar and Richelieu Bar. If you find yourself wanting more, the French Quarter restaurant also has a $56 3-course dinner available through Sunday, September 13.
813 BIENVILLE STREET
Avegno
After a brief summer break, Avegno reopens its doors Tuesday, July 21, with its fabulous all day happy hour during business hours every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Happy hour specials are also available on Friday and Saturday evenings from 8-10:30 p.m.
1726 SONIAT STREET
Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits
On Wednesdays, enjoy 50% off bottles of wine under $50. The wine shop has a vast selection of reds, whites, rosés, and more that can be paired perfectly with the restaurant’s selection of meats, cheeses, and small plates. The shop is also hosting free wine tastings from 5-7 p.m., which is a great start to a summer evening on the lush back patio.
600 POLAND AVENUET
Barrel Proof
Try a di erent cocktail each SundayWednesday at Barrel Proof for just $9. Available all summer, enjoy Sazerac Sundays, Dirty Martini Mondays, Frozen Marg Tuesdays, and Daiquiris Wednesdays. The bar is also hosting FIFA World Cup watch parties with food and beverage specials for each match.
1201 MAGAZINE STREET
Junebug
PHOTO BY RANDY SCHMIDT
Dolfy’s
PHOTO COURTESY OF DOLFY’S
Dolfy’s
This summer, Dolfy’s is opening its doors for Pizza Mondays each week from 5-9 p.m. The weekly special pays tribute to Ancora Pizzeria and celebrates the special history between Chef Adolfo Garcia Jr. and his father. The three handcrafted sourdough-crust pizzas are all inspired by Ancora and will be available on Mondays until August 31.
4508 FRERET STREET
Dough Nguyener’s Bakery
A small Caesar salad, fries, and a specialty martini can all be yours for just $20! Every Monday-Friday from 4-8 p.m., take part in Dough Nguyener’s Summer Girl Dinner Special. The promotion is valid through Sunday, August 30.
433 LAFAYETTE STREET ( GRETNA )
Felix’s
Enjoy water views and summer deals when dining at Felix’s this summer. For the season, the restaurant serves $1 raw oysters, $1.50 chargrilled oysters, and $3 draft beer and select cocktails. The happy hour specials are available Monday through Friday from 2-5 p.m. exclusively at the Lakefront location.
7400 LAKESHORE DRIVE
Four Seasons Hotel and Residences New Orleans
Relax this summer during Weekday Rejuvenation, an exclusive offer to Louisiana residents MondayWednesday. When booking a spa treatment (which is already 20% o ), locals can purchase a pool pass for the day for $75 and enjoy 20% savings at the hotel’s restaurants during their visit.
Liveb ra nd presentat ions by luxur y &i ndependent frag ra nceh ouses
Me et fo unders,f ra gran ce ex perts, &fellow enthusiast s
Exclusives ce nts &l imited oferings
Co mplimen ta ry fragran ce sa mple tote ba g
Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans PHOTO COURTESY OF FOUR SEASONS HOTEL NEW ORLEANS
Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits
PHOTO BY JILLIAN GREENBERG
Gabrielle
Every Wednesday-Friday, stop by for “Air Conditioning and Appetizers Happy Hour!” From 5-6 p.m., try $10 Duck Fat Fries, $10 Cheese Plates, and $10 Duck Liver Mousse Pate alongside drink specials like BOGO free glasses of wine and house mocktails and $5 martinis.
2441 ORLEANS AVENUE
Good Catch |
Thai Urban Bistro
Good Catch’s summer lunch specials feature new rice bowls like Chicken Satay and Krapow. Their classic lunch dishes (noodle dishes, stir fry, fried rice, and curries) start at $14.99 and can be upgraded to a combo (with an appetizer and drink) for just $5 more.
828 GRAVIER STREET
Gris-Gris
Chef Eric Cook is taking things back to 2018 with a relaunch of the restaurant’s original menu with 2018 prices for the month of July. The menu will run all day and feature original customer favorites like the Oyster Salad ($14), Pork Belly and Watermelon ($9), and Seafood Stu ed Crab ($28). Each week, Gris-Gris will also feature weekly rotating specials from the OG menu.
1800 MAGAZINE STREET
Junebug
Hump day just got a lot more fun! Junebug has launched an all-day happy hour every Wednesday with discounted shareable plates alongside $5 beers, $7 wines, and $9 cocktails.
744 CAMP STREET
Oak and Ale
Grab a friend for this happy hour deal! Indulge in a bottle of bubbles and a large plate of fries for $20 every Monday and Thursday.
8118 OAK STREET
Safta’s Table
Every Sunday from 2 p.m. until close, Safta’s Table o ers a tasty end to the weekend with Lasagna Nights. Each dish (Lasagna Bolognese or Vegetarian Lasagna) is served with a small Caesar salad and the option to add side dishes
like golden garlic pita. This o ering is available first-come, first-served until sold out but is also available for takeaway during daily service.
129 ALLEN TOUSSAINT BOULEVARD, SUITE 103
Saint John
From daily happy hour from 3-6 p.m. to live music on Thursdays, Saint John always has something fun going on. As part of the Downtown Development District’s #SummerStartsDowntown campaign, the restaurant is o ering a Burger and Bordeaux Special: order two burgers and a bottle of Bordeaux for just $50. This special is available each day through August.
715 SAINT CHARLES AVENUE
Smoke & Honey
Gather with friends every Wednesday at Smoke & Honey for Board Game Wednesdays. Each week from 5-8 p.m., play chess, backgammon, cards, or whatever your heart desires while enjoying wine of the week bottle specials and pastitsio!
3301 BIENVILLE STREET
The Bower
‘Tis the season at The Bower! The Lower Garden District restaurant will be serving a holiday themed cocktail menu complete with festive décor the week of July 10-19.
1320 MAGAZINE STREET
The Kingsway
Dining at a Michelin Guide recognized restaurant is a treat in itself. When visiting The Kingsway on a Wednesday this summer, enjoy 50% o all bottles of wine, all evening long.
4201 MAGAZINE STREET
Val’s
Now through Monday, August 3, kids 10 and under eat free from the kid’s menu at Val’s! The o er is available from 4-6 p.m. every Monday-Thursday, and children must be accompanied by an adult. The restaurant recommends making a reservation, especially if your table (including children) is over six people.
4632 FRERET STREET
The Kingsway PHOTO BY RANDY SCHMIDT
Safta’s Table PHOTO COURTESY OF SAFTA’S TABLE
The Bower
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BOWER
Acrylic Napkin Holder w/ Lemon Weight Set $27, Alice & Amelia shopaliceandamelia.com 2
Strawberry Tea Towel $16, Home Malone homemalonenola.com 3
Loqi Watermelon Recycled
Tote Bag $16, Alice & Amelia shopaliceandamelia.com
Paddywax Heirloom
Tomato Candle $32, Alice & Amelia shopaliceandamelia.com 5
Blueberry Dangle Earrings $30, Home Malone homemalonenola.com 6
Hello Summer Garden Flag $24.99, Nola Gifts & Decor nolagiftsanddecoronline.com 7
Olives Button Down $99, The Rising Son therisingsonnola.com
8
Travel Jewelry Case $18.99, Nola Boo nolaboo.com 9
$14.99 / Set of 4, Nola Gifts & Decor nolagiftsanddecoronline.com
Enamel Bag Charm
$14.99, Nola Boo nolaboo.com
Merriton Golden Orchard
Scented Drawer Paper
$28, Maisonette maisonetteshop.com
Citrus Serving Tray
$7.99, Nola Gifts & Decor nolagiftsanddecoronline.com
SIMPLY Charmed
A Walk Down Oak Street
BY SARAH RAVITS | PHOTOS BY CHRIS GRANGER
The historic, charming corridor of Oak Street in New Orleans’ Riverbend neighborhood is home to over 60 shops, restaurants, and locally owned businesses that draw in residents and tourists alike. It’s a place where visitors can take a hot yoga class, grab an iced coffee, meet up with friends to shop for clothing and art, or go out for live music when night falls.
The eight-block stretch from South Carrollton Avenue to the Mississippi River is home to spots like Blue Cypress Books, Yes, Yoga. studio, Castellon Pharmacy, the plant-based bakery Breads on Oak, several clothing and vintage boutiques, and more.
“The overall atmosphere is like an old, historic Main Street,” says Keith St. Pierre, the Vice President of Operations at Eclectic Home, a home décor and
furnishings store that also provides custom interior design services. “It still carries that character and feel to it.”
Cozy coffee shops like Rue de La Course and Zotz are perfect for students, remote workers, and friends catching up. When the sun goes down, Oak Street transforms into a bustling nightlife destination, with many visitors dining at Jacques-Imo’s Café before catching a late-night show at the Maple Leaf Bar.
And there are celebrations that bring the masses to the street. Every year in November, the neighborhood hosts the annual Po-Boy Festival, which celebrates the iconic sandwich and features live music and other entertainment. Vendors are also currently preparing for the Krewe of Oak’s Mid-Summer Mardi Gras, which
parades through the neighborhood in late August. There’s even an Oak Street scavenger hunt this month, where participants can check items off a to-do list and compete for prizes until July 31.
Oak Street began to take shape as a shopping and commercial hub in the 1890s. The area was once known as the city of Carrollton in Jefferson Parish, but it became the Carrollton neighborhood in the city of New Orleans in 1874. Riverfront land was accessible by the New Orleans and Carrollton Railroad, which is now the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line. This transportation line helped connect the growing population of the city to commerce.
By the early 1900s, it had become a destination for shopping and doing business due to its centralized location and its size. Historian Richard Campanella, who researched the street’s history and wrote the text for historic markers that were unveiled in April, has pointed out that the corridor is at least 10 feet wider than parallel streets. That extra width now allows for plenty of parking options on the two-way street. Notably, the Haase’s Shoe Store opened in 1921, and the original owners’ family members still operate it to this day. Some businesses have called the street home for decades, serving generations of families, while newer additions have fit naturally into its diverse retail community.
The area’s charm and sense of community make it an exceptional place to operate a small business, vendors say. Jessica Rhoades, who sells handmade, small batch apothecary goods at her shop Southern Rhoades, says it’s “fueled by a community that shows up.” Chamain O’Mahony, who opened Breads on Oak in 2012, says she was quickly embraced by customers and fellow business owners in the area, including those from nearby Jefferson Parish.
Chamain was drawn to the street because “it’s homey, it’s cozy, there’s no big box stores. It’s walkable... It’s got everything. It checked off all our boxes. We
Chamain O’Mahony of Breads on Oak cut the ribbon on the new Oak Street historical marker during its unveiling in April 2026.
wanted tourists to come from downtown on the streetcar. We wanted to be like that old-time neighborhood bakery with baked goods and fresh sourdough. We wanted to be a destination.”
Elizabeth Ahlquist, owner of Blue Cypress Books, opened her popular shop in 2008. It has become a hub for bookworms and students at nearby universities. It also hosts book clubs and discussion panels dedicated to different literary genres, author signings, and other community-oriented events. There’s a strong sense of camaraderie among the neighbors and vendors. “When new merchants come in, we like to introduce ourselves and welcome them to the street, find out who they are and what they offer, and help promote them,” says Keith of Eclectic Home. “We want vendors to thrive.”
More than ever, he says it’s important to go out and support local shops, especially as business slows down in the summer. It’s also one of a dwindling number of shopping corridors filled with 100% locally owned shops,
as corporate takeovers and e-commerce continue to threaten the livelihoods of small businesses across the country. Keith notes that Oak Street vendors offer unmatched hospitality and a deep care for their customers that simply can’t be found online or at corporate chains. There is also a strong sense of support not only from visitors, but among the shop owners themselves, who make a point to visit and support one another.
“One of my favorite things is walking to work in the morning and waving to the accountant down the street and running into Elizabeth from Blue Cypress who will tell me what’s going on in the book world,” he says. “I love the variety of what we have on our street, and the camaraderie and the pride that everyone has in taking care of this area and holding it and honoring its historic traditions and caring for it.”
Mary Jacobs says she’s been hanging out on Oak Street since she was a teenager. At the time Zotz was one of the only late-night places that catered to people under 21. She later spent a summer working at the coffee shop Rue de La Course. Now she’s come full circle and owns Mary’s Rack, a second-hand clothing store on the street, where she helps customers with styling and repurposes thrifted and vintage clothing goods and accessories. “I think it’s a sacred thing to have a community of small businesses like Oak Street that exist in our world today,” she says. “It gives me hope for a more community-centered world where we uplift our neighbors.”
For information on happenings, events and shops, visit oakstnola. com.
LIME LIME After
1
Tequila Made Me Do It Book $18, Phina phinashop.com
2
Tequila Fiesta Paper Plates
$10 / Set of 8, Sparkle and Swag sparkleandswag.com
3
Spicy Margarita Slush Mix $16.99, Nola Boo nolaboo.com
4
Diecut Taco Napkins
$12 / Set of 20, Sparkle and Swag sparkleandswag.com
5
Margarita Charm
$9.99, Nola Gifts & Decor nolagiftsanddecoronline.com
6
Taco Night Charmed Juice Glass $25, Phina phinashop.com
7
Text Your Ex Cocktail Napkins $8 / Set of 20, Sparkle and Swag sparkleandswag.com
8
Salty but Sweet Margarita Pajama Shirt $32.99 and , $26.99, Nola Boo nolaboo.com
9
Fiesta Sombrero Plates
$10 / Set of 8, Sparkle and Swag sparkleandswag.com
Spicy Watermelon Marg
Courtesy of Gris Gris Cocktail Magic
2 oz tequila
3 oz fresh watermelon juice
1/2 oz Gris Gris Cocktail Magic Basil Habanero Syrup Juice of 1 lime Club soda
Blend fresh watermelon until smooth and strain the juice. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, watermelon juice, Gris Gris Cocktail Magic, and lime juice with ice and shake well. Pour the contents into an ice-filled glass and top with club soda. Garnish with a small watermelon wedge and a slice of lime. Omit the tequila and follow the same steps for a non-alcoholic version!
"Working with The Pearl has been such a joy for our small business ! We love collaborating each month to choose the perfect vintage pieces for their magazine and advertisements – it’s always a fun and inspiring process.
The feature continually brings new customers into our shop, and we are grateful for the opportunity to connect with more people who appreciate vintage treasures and timeless design."
— Angela DiSimone OWNER, AVIS ALDINE
" We couldn’t be happier with the results we’ve seen since we began advertising in The Pearl! Since our opening in late August, our ads and featured products have led to multiple sales and new customers seeking out the shop. We launched our website the same day as our latest ad publication and we received our first online order within hours of going live ... thanks to ad they saw in The Pearl!"
— Josh Saladino | OWNER, THE RISING SON
ShopDog
BY MICHAELA BECHLER
I vy
Age: 2 years old | Breed: Cavalier King Charles Toy Spaniel Business: Sully Mansion
For a taste of old-world New Orleans with modern ease, a stay at Sully Mansion is just what the travel agent ordered. Louisiana native Melanie Dees purchased the bed and breakfast in October 2025 and has focused on refining the guest experience while preserving the property’s charm.
“The home retains much of its historic character and architectural detail, which was very important to preserve,” Melanie explains. “At the same time, we’ve incorporated updated furnishings, layered textures, wellness influences, art, and softer contemporary elements to create a space that feels both historic and livable rather than frozen in time.”
As co-proprietor, Melanie wears many hats, from concierge-style guidance to drawing on her culinary experience from her time in Maine and France. Guests are treated to a daily continental breakfast with coffee, pastries, fruit, and yogurt, often elevated with hearty, home-cooked additions like crawfish cornbread or biscuits and gravy. Sully Mansion serves everything from arepas to Nola Sourdeaux’s jalapeño cheddar bread, as well as several EatFit dishes.“We’ve also partnered with a fabulous young chef who caters for Alliance Française, bringing an elevated touch.”
It wouldn’t be mealtime without Ivy, Melanie’s lively and food-loving pup, who has quickly become part of the guest experience. Whether hanging out in the large courtyard or supervising in the kitchen, Ivy takes her role as unofficial concierge, emotional support, and security seriously. When she’s off-duty, Ivy is lounging among silky pillows, sun patches, and cool spots around Sully Mansion.
While Ivy loves New Orleans, she is a seasoned traveler: she’s spent time in Paris, carries a French pet passport (allowing her to cross European borders with ease), and has walked the red carpet at Cannes. Don’t let all the glamour fool you — this pooch is just as at home in quieter spots like Paradise Island in the Bahamas, Galveston, and Cypress Lake near Sam Houston Jones State Park.
Despite its central location, Sully Mansion feels like a peaceful retreat that fosters human connection. “Every week brings people from different places and different walks of life. There’s something meaningful about creating an environment where people can slow down, celebrate, rest, reconnect, and make memories.” With plans for expanded wellness offerings, creative retreats, and community partnerships, Sully Mansion is evolving into a haven grounded in hospitality and meaningful connection. “We want guests to leave feeling not only like they visited New Orleans, but like they truly experienced a quieter and more intimate side of it.”
Favorite toys: Her stuffed lamby and ping pong balls
Story behind her name:
“We wanted a name that felt timeless, elegant, and a little whimsical — something that fit both her personality and the atmosphere of the Sully. ‘Ivy’ also felt very Garden District to us: lush, historic, and quietly beautiful.”
Fun fact:
“She’s already preparing fun throws and recruiting friends to join her as a returning Duchess in the Krewe of Barkus.”
