July-August 2013 Issue of Inside Northside Magazine

450

$

NORTHSHORE’S FINEST • JOHN SNELL • BONERAMA • ADDISON RIECKE

JULY-AUGUST 2013 VOL. 28, NO. 4

July-August 2013

Vol. 28, No. 4

The community magazine of the northshore, serving St. Tammany and Tangipahoa parishes.

Publisher Lori Murphy ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Associate Publisher Poki Hampton Editor Jan Murphy

Art Director Brad Growden

Managing Editor Amanda M. Westbrooks

Editorial Assistant Lauren Smith

Contributors are featured on page 14 .

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Business Manager Jane Quillin Advertising Account Executives Brenda Breck

Poki Hampton Candice Laizer

Barbara Roscoe Hali Ungar Interns

Susan Broadbridge Betsy Eppling

Lizzie McCulla Sasha Steinberg –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For advertising information phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 email sales@insidenorthside.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Please send items for Inside Scoop to scoop@insidenorthside.com.

Photos for Inside Peek, with captions, should be sent to peek@insidenorthside.com. Submit items for Inside Input or Dining Guide to editor@insidenorthside.com.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Contact Inside Northside P.O. Box 9148

Mandeville, LA 70470-9148 phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 website www.insidenorthside.com

Subscriptions 1 Year $18 2 Years $30 email subscriptions@insidenorthside.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

On the cover Artist Ray Rouyer –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– INSIDE NORTHSIDE MAGAZINE is published bi-monthly (January, March, May, July, September, November) by M and L Publishing, LLC, PO Box 9148, Mandeville, LA 70470-9148 as a means of communication and information for St. Tam­m any and Tangipahoa Parishes, Louisiana. Bulk Postage paid at Mandeville, LA. Copy­r ight ©2013 by M and L Publishing, LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent of publisher. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and artwork. Inside Northside Magazine is created using the Adobe Creative Suite on Apple Macintosh computers.

features

16 A Lifetime of Art Cover artist Ray Rouyer.

34 Rustic Refined The Harrisons’ Tchefuncta home.

42 CFF Visionary Becky Gallagher.

page 99

44 Northshore’s Finest 2013 Honorees Supporting a cure for cystic fibrosis.

52 John Snell Behind the camera.

62 Mrs. Cocktail Tales of the Cocktail’s Ann Tuennerman.

72 Small Girl, Big Dreams Addison Riecke.

contents table of

page 34

75 The Living 4 Burke Foundation Saving young lives, one heart at a time.

76 Bonerama New Orleans brass meets classic rock.

82 Summer Learning Fun 124 Hot Dishes of Summer 2013

departments 10 Publisher’s Note

99 Inside Look Americana.

12 INput 14 Contributors 26 Points of Interest

09 IN the Spotlight 1 Hospice Foundation of the South Crawfish Cook-off.

31 Insider Sean Payton.

10 IN the Spotlight 1 YMCA’s Northshore Heroes.

32 IN Better Health Mary Louise Lagrange.

111 Inside Peek

20 Inside Scoop

page 52

page 88

page 124

19 IN the Spotlight 1 Inside Northside Meet the Artist Party.

129 Inside Dining 133 IN Development The Man Behind the House: Bobby Hurley.

137 Ad Directory 138 Last Bite Fazzio’s George and Francesca Saliba.

business profile

123 N’tini’s 60 Book Report Hot summer reads.

68 IN Good Company Kathy LeBlanc, Cedarwood School.

88 Flourishes Treasures for your pleasure.

97 IN Love and Marriage Notable northshore weddings.

page 76 July-August 2013 9

Helicopter Mom

by Lori Murphy Am I the only one having trouble figuring out how to be a good helicopter mom in the digital age? What is the proper amount of oversight? When do we move from being caring and concerned to being a stalker?

Some of these new communication methods are a bit hard to navigate and impossible to ignore. The push notifications that hit my phone when my daughters post something to Facebook are impossible to resist. I don’t want them to have to manage two different Facebook accounts, but some things are obviously not meant for me! I try to restrain myself from “like”-ing even fantastic pictures of them that friends post because I’m afraid it makes them have awkward conversations about who is Lori Murphy and why is she liking our party pics from last Friday night. I admit that the reason I restrain myself is to make sure I don’t get kicked off! I love seeing the pictures and messages; it keeps me close to them at a time when their lives are busy and complicated.

I am sure the rules vary by the child. Mine are in college and live in another state 10 months out of the year. Recently, both have started writing blogs. If not for those and Facebook, there are times when I would have to wonder if they are still breathing!

Well, that and the ATM card!

While riding across the Causeway with a friend who was texting her son, I asked her why she wouldn’t just call him. She explained that though her calls often go unanswered, texts were returned immediately. I am glad I am not alone. I guess this is a part of letting go. Many days I wish there was an “dislike” button to growing up too fast!

INput Editor’s note: We are grateful for the many enthusiastic messages we’ve received about our May-June issue. Here are just a few. It was especially gratifying for us to be able to support Covington’s bicentennial, local businesswomen and the work of non-profit organizations—all in one issue.

Lori, Thank you for the beautiful Inside Northside spread on the Children’s Museum. We’ve received many e-mails and compliments on that piece. And, this issue is amazing … still working my way through it.

Lisa Barnett Covington Hi Lori, The new edition of Inside Northside arrived yesterday, and it is simply spectacular. The pull-out section celebrating Covington’s bicentennial is just gorgeous.

Thanks, also, for being so kind in including the Train of Hope nod in the Women IN Business section. I haven’t yet had the opportunity to read from cover to cover, but will do so this weekend. Well done!

Kim Bergeron Slidell Lori, I really enjoyed reading the Inside Northside article about Covington as it embarks on its 200th birthday! Great issue, especially after going through the historic homes with Sally Reeves as our guide last Saturday.

Deborah Hopkins Covington Lori, Thanks for your generosity and wonderful article and gift of awareness you provided to Hope House in your recent issue. Our greatest challenge in child abuse prevention is breaking the silence 12

Inside Northside

and raising awareness. Thanks for giving us a platform to support St. Tammany and Washington parishes. Thanks.

Brigid De Loach Covington Hello Inside Northside, Congratulations on your fantastic Covington Bicentennial booklet. My wife and I moved to St. Tammany Parish nearly 20 years ago, and we’re still learning about it. This booklet is a great history lesson for those like us, and I’m sure it’s a pleasant walk down memory lane for longtime residents.

The photos are excellent, and as always, the writing is top-notch. I’m looking forward to the next treat from Inside Northside.

Christian Serpas Mandeville

photo: BILLIE WHITTINGTON

Hi, Every year St. Scholastica Academy puts flags on their front lawn on Memorial Day weekend. I went out and took a few pictures of them this morning. (I’m currently a Tulane photography student.) I thought it would be a nice picture for your magazine.

Billie Whittington Covington Billie, Thanks so very much for thinking about us! We decided to use it here to celebrate the Fourth of July—we didn’t want to wait until next Memorial Day to include it!

- Lori July-August 2013 13

Contributors

Contributors Rebecca Schoen After graduating from Louisiana State University with a degree in broadcast journalism, Rebecca Schoen moved to Dallas, Texas, where she spent the next 19 years. After a brief career there as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, Rebecca stayed home to raise her three children, Elie, 22, Beau, 18, and Mary Claire, 13. In 2002, she and her family returned to her beloved Louisiana where she relishes a slower pace, old friendships and the rich, eclectic culture of the Covington/New Orleans area. Rebecca enjoys tennis, cooking and writing about the unique characters of the South.

Sasha Steinberg A native of Mandeville, Sasha Steinberg is a graduate of Fontainebleau High School. (Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog!) This fall, she will be a senior at Mississippi State University, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communication with a concentration in journalism and a minor in French. In her free time, Sasha likes to exercise, spend time with friends and family, do word puzzles and shop. She is enjoying the opportunity to write feature stories for Inside Northside while learning about what it takes to put together a high-quality publication.

Amanda M. Westbrooks Raised in Baton Rouge by Midwestern parents, Amanda Westbrooks attended cooking classes in New Orleans to learn how to make proper jambalaya before running off to Chicago. By turns frozen and tempered in the Windy City for more than a decade, she’s written for The Pampered Chef, Custom Home Builder, Luxury Homes, the now-defunct Restaurants & Institutions, and was online editor for Restaurant Business magazine for six years. Having recently returned home to thaw out, Amanda’s joined the Inside Northside staff as managing editor. Living in Slidell yet still traveling the country as a professional foodservice writer, she spends her free time extending her education at Tulane University, exploring the restaurant and bar scene in Louisiana and yammering about it on her blog: FromTheDrink.com.

Contributors: Kaley Boudreaux, Mindy Cordell, Steve Faure, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Eric Suhre and Webb Williams.

with K&B Drugs in the advertising department and, after 15 years there, Ray was once again looking for a job when K&B was sold. He spent the next 10 years working for the Avondale Shipyard as a draftsman and enjoyed the graphic design aspect of that position until he retired about five years ago.

Ray never stopped painting. Though he didn’t really have a lot of time to paint until retirement, he was always experimenting with different mediums.

For a while, Ray worked with watercolors and produced some incredible pieces. Laura, his wife of almost 50 years, remembers one day finding two of the same watercolor on the table, a collection of leaves. She asked Ray why he painted the same subject twice, but then she realized one of them was the actual leaves he had reproduced so perfectly.

These days, Ray works only with oils and paints everything from statues in City Park to wildflowers in Waldheim, where he and Laura now live.

A Lifetime of Art Cover Artist Ray Rouyer RAY ROUYER LIKES TO RETELL his mother’s favorite story about the day he created his first work of art.

She left him with his grandmother to go to church, and while waiting for her to return, Ray entertained himself by sketching a little matchbox with a red and blue pencil. When his mom came to pick him up, Ray showed her his drawing, and she was speechless. “She didn’t believe I had done it,” Ray laughs. What really makes this story interesting is that Ray was only 4 years old at the time. Now 71 and retired, Ray finally has time to devote to his passion, and his talent is still very evident in his beautiful work.

From childhood on, Ray took every art class available to him. After high school, he attended the John McCrady School of Art in New Orleans for three years before going to work as an illustrator for a furniture company; he held the job for 20 years until the owner sold the business. Ray then took a position 16

Inside Northside

A native of New Orleans, Ray lived most of his life in Kenner; in fact, he and Laura grew up on the same block from the ages of 7 and 5, respectively.

The high school sweethearts will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this year in November. They have three grown children, eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild and another on the way. While they were planning to move to Waldheim when they retired to be near their two daughters (their son lives on the southshore), those plans were escalated because of Katrina.

The hurricane destroyed their home in Kenner, forcing the couple to relocate to the northshore. Not long after, Ray suffered a heart attack and was in the ICU for two weeks. Called a “poster boy for cardiac recovery” by his medical staff, he bounced back and returned to work. He and Laura had grueling commutes to Avondale and Elmwood from Waldheim >>

photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

by Rebecca Schoen

Meet cover artist

Ray Rouyer and see some of his favorite works on display at the

Tchefuncta Country Club 2 Pinecrest Drive, Covington, LA

Thursday, July 18 5:30-7:00 p.m.

For more information, call

626-9684 Music by Christian Serpas & Ghost Town Acoustic Duo

Everyone’s Invited!

Tchefuncta Country Club

July-August 2013 17

for about two years until they decided they’d had enough of that. And that’s when Ray got serious about painting.

Laura gave up a little real estate in a guest room for a studio, and Ray was in business. In the beginning, for about three years, he studied and copied the Old Masters, like Rembrandt and Monet, paying close attention to brushstroke and other techniques. For the past year and a half, Ray has produced only original art, about one painting a month, and the influence of the great artists weighs heavily in his paintings. Ray’s work has also been influenced by the beautiful countryside surrounding him; the postcard-perfect country lane he and Laura live on is truly inspirational, and much of his work reflects the rural nature. His subject matter varies, and his studio and home are filled with canvases of flowers, churches and trees, as well as fountains and statues from the city.

After a lifetime of illustrating and drafting for a paycheck, Ray loves to paint whatever and whenever he wants.

“I’ll paint for the rest of my life,” he says, and adds, “Whether they sell or not.” As of now, they sell.

Ray’s work is currently available at Three Rivers Gallery on Boston Street in Covington.

18

Inside Northside

INSIDE

Celebrating the Fourth 3 Fireworks Show. Ponchatoula Recreation Park, 19030 Ponchatoula Park

the definitive guide to northshore events and entertainment

Dr. Gates open, 5pm; entertainment, 5:308:30pm; fireworks at sunset. 386-2536. ponchatoulachamber.com.

4 Bicentennial Four on the Fourth Race.

4-mile State Championship Race. Hubie Gallagher Park, 1000 W. 15th Ave, Covington.

7:30am; kids’ race, 8:30am. covla.com.

4 Covington Bicentennial Celebration. Live music, fireworks, food and family entertainment.

Bogue Falaya Park, 213 Park Dr., Covington.

Free. covla.com.

4 Slidell Heritage Festival. Live music, food, art, children’s activities and fireworks.

Heritage Park, 1701 Bayou Lane, Slidell.

3-11pm. slidellheritagefest.org.

4-7 July Fourth Fireworks Over the River.

Bring your blanket or chair. Woldenberg

For a complete listing of events, please check our website, insidenorthside.com.

Park at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, 1 Canal St., New Orleans. 9pm. go4thontheriver.com.

July 1-8 National Golf Association Professional

Ave., Covington. 7-9am. 892-3200. covla.com.

7112. facebook.com/CamelliaCityMarket.

Chêne Country Club, Mandeville. Fred Schroeder

3-31 Covington Farmers Market. Wed,

6, 13, 20, 27 Mandeville Trailhead Community

or Ken Johnson, 845-3571.

Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire St.,

Market. 675 Lafitte St., Mandeville. 9am-1pm.

10am-2pm; Sat, 609 N. Columbia St., 8am-noon.

Free. mandevilletrailhead.org.

Golf Tour Florida Marine Open. Hosted by Beau

1-31 Culinary Kids. Activities and classes for

Free. covingtonfarmersmarket.org.

children and adults. Call or visit the website for

7 SEAlebration. Live music, stage shows

more information and reservations. 727-5553.

4-6 Mandeville City Seafood Festival. Music,

and more. Audubon Aquarium, 1 Canal St.,

culinarykidsNS.com.

food and crafts. Fontainebleau State Park,

New Orleans. 5-8pm. Free for members.

Mandeville. July 4, noon-midnight; July 5-6, 5 p.m.-

auduboninstitute.org.

1-31 STPH Parenting Center. Multiple classes

midnight. Admission, $15/day; $20/two-day pass;

for parents and children. Call or visit the website for

$30/three-day pass. mandevillecityseafoodfest.com.

more information. 898-4435. stph.org.

8-12 Peter Pan Summer Children’s Theater Camp. Children put on a theatrical

6, 13, 20, 27 Camellia City Market. 333

performance. Daily, 9:30am-2:30pm. $175/

2 Bicentennial Prayer Breakfast. St. Paul’s

Erlanger, corner of Second St., across from post

members; $185/nonmembers. 892-8650.

School, Briggs Assembly Center, 917 S. Jahncke

office. Old Town, Slidell. 8am-noon. Free. 640-

sttammanyartassociation.org.

20

I n s i d e N o rt h s i d e

9, 23 Nature Walk and Titivation. Two-hour guided walk through old and newly blazed un-mapped trails. Northlake Nature Center, 23135 Hwy. 190, Mandeville. 6pm. Free for members.

626-1238. northlakenature.org.

13 Madisonville Art Market. Water Street. 10am-4pm. Free. 643-5340. madisonvilleartmarket.com.

13-14 Christmas in July Sale. Downtown Ponchatoula. 386-2536 or Tangipahoa Tourism, (800) 617-4502. ponchatoulachamber.com.

13-Aug 10 National Juried Artists Exhibition.

St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington. July 13, reception, 6-9pm; awards presentation, 7pm. Free. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

13, 27 Hammond Farmers Market. W. Thomas St. and S.W. Railroad Ave., Hammond.

9am-3pm. Terry Lynn Smith, 277-5680 ext. 2. dddhammond.com.

14 Tour de Vin IV. More than 150 fine wines; savory dishes and artisanal cheeses. Presented by Martin Wine Cellar. Highland Room, Juban’s Restaurant, 3739 Perkins Rd., Baton Rouge. 4-7pm. $60/ person. (225) 610-1190. martinwine.com.

16-18, 23-25, 30-Aug 1 Art Dayz Art Camp.

Ages 6-12 learn new techniques and skills. St. Tammany Art Association Art House, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington. Tues, Wed, Thurs, 9:30am-3:30pm. Full three-day session, $120; daily rate, $45. Registration required one week prior to classes. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

17 Northshore’s Rising Professionals.

Sponsored by the St. Tammany West Chamber.

Homewood Suites by Hilton, 101 Holiday Square, Frontage Rd., Covington. 11:30am-1pm. $12/ members (before July 10); $14/members; $16/ nonmembers. 273-3008. sttammanychamber.org.

17-21 Tales of the Cocktail. New Orleans cuisine and culture. Seminars, demonstrations, tours of historic bars, tastings and more. Individual event tickets and special packages. Hotel Monteleone >> July-August 2013 21

and various locations, New Orleans. (504) 9480511. talesofthecocktail.com.

18 Smart Women’s Day Off. Women of Infinite Possibilities. Speaker: WWL’s Sally Ann Roberts.

Benedict’s Plantation, 1144 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. 9am-3:30pm. womenofwip.org.

18-19 Two-Day Special Babysitting Courses.

Girls ages 11 and up. Offered by Slidell Memorial Hospital Parenting Center. SMH Wellness Pavilion, 2nd floor, 501 Robert Blvd. 9am-4pm. Registration is required. $75. SMH Parenting Center, 280-8529.

19 Sunset at the Landing Concert. Columbia Street Landing, 102 N. Columbia St., Covington.

6-9pm. Free. 892-1873. covla.com.

20 Bird Watching. Identify birds in the wild. Ranger explains binocular and guidebook use. Bogue Chitto State Park, 17049 State Park Blvd., Franklinton, La. 10-11am. Free. 839-5707. crt.state.la.us/parks.

20 Jewel of Madisonville Gala. Benefits St. Anselm Church, Madisonville. Bobby Cure and the Summertime Blues, car raffle and more. Castine Center, 63350 Pelican Dr., Mandeville. Patron party, 6-7pm; gala, 7-11pm. 845-7342.

21 Andy Breaux. Live at K. Gee’s Restaurant, 2534 Florida St., Mandeville. 7-10pm. 626-0530. kgeesrestaurant.com.

21 Moonlight Hike and Snow and Ice with the Shiver Shack. A 1-mile quiet walk to explore the center at night. Refreshments at the Shiver Shack. Reservations required. Northlake Nature Center, 823135 Hwy. 190, Mandeville. 8pm.

Free for members; $5, nonmembers. 626-1238. northlakenature.org.

22-26 Young Photographers’ Camp. Old Towne Arts Center. Slidell Little Theatre, 2024 Nellie Dr. 285-2739 or info@otacenter.com.

25 Chamber after Hours. Networking.

Hammond Chamber of Commerce. Gabriel Building Supply, 510 W. Pine St., Ponchatoula.

5:30-7pm. 386-2536. ponchatoulachamber.com.

26 Christian Serpas. Live at K. Gee’s Restaurant, >>

Inside Scoop 2534 Florida St., Mandeville. 6-9pm. 626-0530.

audubonbirdfest.com.

Northshore Antiques and Auction House, 334 N. Vermont St., Covington. Preview Fri, 11am-5pm.

kgeesrestaurant.com.

27 Fore the Animals Golf Tournament.

Sat, auction, 10 a.m.; sale, 11 a.m. 626-7704.

26 Columbia Street Block Party. Covington.

Benefitting the St. Tammany Humane Society. Abita

northshoreauctionhouse.com.

6:30-9:30pm. Free. 892-1873. covla.com.

Springs Golf & Country Club, 73433 Oliver St., Abita

26 Lynn Stirling New Location Grand Opening.

Springs. Four-person scramble, all ages. $100/

3 Run for the Pearl Barrel Race. Florida

person. 893-2463 or michaelwatts@abitagolf.com.

Parishes Arena, 1301 N.W. Central Ave., Amite, La. 748-5914. fparena.com.

334 N. Vermont St., Covington. Preview European container sale. 5-8pm. 626-7704. lynnstirling.com.

27-29 European Estate Sale. Sat, 15% off; Sun, 30% off. Northshore Antiques and Auction House,

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Camellia City Market. Robert

26 Northshore’s Finest Cystic Fibrosis

334 N. Vermont St., Covington. 8am-3pm. 626-

and Front Sts., Slidell. 8am-noon. Free. 640-7112.

Leadership Luncheon. Presented by Inside

7704. northshoreauctionhouse.com.

facebook.com/CamelliaCityMarket.

Northside and Hornbeck Offshore. Tchefuncta

August

Country Club, 2 Pinecrest Dr., Covington. Ashley Mills, (504) 455-5194. louisiana.cff.org.

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Mandeville Trailhead

1-31 Culinary Kids. Activities and classes for

Community Market. 675 Lafitte St., Mandeville.

children and adults. Call or visit the website for

9am-1pm. Free. mandevilletrailhead.org.

26-28 Feliciana Hummingbird Festival.

more information and reservations. 727-5553.

Hosted by the Feliciana Nature Society.

culinarykidsNS.com.

3-31 Covington Farmers Market. Wed, Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire St.,

July 26: wine, cheese reception; speaker.

Rosedown Plantation, 12501 Hwy. 10, St.

1-31 STPH Parenting Center. Multiple classes

10am-2pm; Sat, 609 N. Columbia St., 8am-noon.

Francisville, La. 6 pm. $10. July 27-28: observe

for parents and children. Call or visit the website for

Free. covingtonfarmersmarket.org.

hummingbirds at two private gardens, 9485

more information. 898-4435. stph.org.

5 United Way’s East St. Tammany

Oak Hill Rd. and 15736 Tunica Trace, near St. Francisville. 7am-3pm. Free. (225) 635-4224.

2-3 Multi Estate Auction and Estate Sale.

Red Beans ’N Rice Cook-Off. Portion of

proceeds benefits the St. Tammany Suicide

Downtown Development District at (985) 277-

Prevention Support Program. Cooking team

5680 ext 2 or (985) 974-2065.

nonmembers. 273-3008. sttammanychamber.org.

29 United Way’s West St. Tammany Red

entries and sponsorships available. Knights of Columbus Hall, 1578 W. Hall Ave., Slidell.

16 Chillin’ with the Chamber Fundraiser/$10K

Beans ‘N Rice Cook-Off. Portion of proceeds

11am-2pm. $8/person. Jaime Burchfield, 778-

Raffle. Hammond Chamber of Commerce, 400

benefits the St. Tammany Suicide Prevention

0815 or jaimeb@unitedwaysela.org.

N.W. Railroad Ave. 6-8pm. Charlotte Banks, 345-

Support Program. Cooking team entries and

4457. hammondchamber.org.

sponsorships available. St. Timothy’s United

10 Madisonville Art Market. Water Street,

Methodist Church, 335 Asbury Dr., Mandeville.

Madisonville. 10am-4pm. Free. 643-5340.

16 Sunset at the Landing Concert. Columbia

11am-2pm. $8/person. Jaime Burchfield, 778-

madisonvilleartmarket.com.

Street Landing, 102 N. Columbia St., Covington.

0815 or jaimeb@unitedwaysela.org.

6-9pm. Free. 892-1873. covla.com.

10, 24 Hammond Farmers Market. W. Thomas St.

29-Sept 30 Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum

and S.W. Railroad Ave., Hammond. 9am-3pm. Terry

17 Ultimate Tailgate Party and BBQ Team

Festival. Rides, food, art, cultural exhibits,

Lynn Smith, 277-5680 ext. 2. dddhammond.com.

Cooking Contest. Exchange Club of West St.

children’s activities and more. 715 Second St.,

Tammany to benefit child abuse prevention. Silent

Morgan City. Free. 385-0703 or email

12 Blessing of the Backpacks. Kids take part

auction in air-conditioned tent, music by “Four

info@shrimp-petrofest.org.

in a special blessing and receive a gift for their

Unplugged” and more. Tchefuncta County Club,

backpacks. Hosanna Lutheran Church, 2480 Hwy.

2 Pinecrest Dr., Covington. 7-11pm. Individual

30 Columbia Street Block Party. Covington.

190, Mandeville. 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. 727-9200.

tickets, $75. wstec.weebly.com.

6:30-9:30pm. Free. 892-1873. covla.com.

16 18th Annual Hot August Night. Art exhibits,

21 Northshore’s Rising Professionals.

31 – Sept 1 Labor Day Getaway. Downtown

sales at retail stores, wine tasting, live music.

Sponsored by the St. Tammany West Chamber.

Ponchatoula. Stroll the streets while shopping

Downtown Hammond. 6pm-10pm. Free; wine

Location TBA. 11:30am-1pm. $12/members

quaint shops. 10am-5pm. 386-2536.

tasting, $20. dddhammond.com or Hammond

(before August 14); $14/members; $16/

ponchatoulachamber.com.

Points of INterest

St. Tammany Hospital Foundation Donation

Susan Wormser and Jeté Crosby.

Jeté Crosby, Heather Mahoney and Susan Wormser hosted a Leontine Linens trunk show/ fundraiser at Heather’s home in The Sanctuary as a way to continue their support for the St. Tammany Hospital Foundation. Ten percent of the $10,000 in sales was donated to the advancement of pediatric care in our community. “Every little bit helps!” says Jeté. “We love Leontine Linens and had been talking about hosting a trunk show for the northshore for about a year. The sales rep actually suggested the donation to St. Tammany. We had a wonderful turnout, with lots of interest in the product and what the hospital is trying to do!”

26 Inside Northside

Megan Barr State Winner of Google Contest Abita Springs Middle School sixth grader Megan Barr was named Louisiana’s overall state winner in the sixth-annual Doodle 4 Google competition. For this year’s theme of “My Best Day Ever,” she created a colorful rendition of her maw maw and paw paw’s camp on Bayou Cocodrie, which she titled “Good Times on the Bayou.” Megan’s original doodle, along with those of the other 49 state winners, is on display through July 14 in a special exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

Red Cross National Tiffany Circle Adds Two Louisiana Members The American Red Cross named Deidra Jackson, government affairs manager for BASF Corporation in Louisiana, and Kacie Kelly, program manager for VA/ DoD Integrated Mental Health, Washington, D.C., to its Tiffany Circle National Council. Originally from Monroe, La., Jackson has lived in Baton Rouge since 2007. “We are both honored to serve the American Red Cross locally and on a national level,” she says. “I am energized to serve my community and nation as a member of a dynamic team of women that are responsible for creating the strategic vision to raise funds to assist our communities in all types of emergencies.” Kelly, who hails from East Feliciana Parish and currently resides in New Orleans, says, “I am amazed and inspired by the

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

AT INSIDE NORTHSIDE, we regularly receive special news and announcements about people and businesses in our area, but frequently lack a way to share them in the magazine. Not anymore! What you’re seeing here is a curated collection of news briefs, some sent in by our readers.

At heart, all news and recognition is social.

People love noticing exciting happenings around them and sharing them with friends and neighbors.

Please send your submissions for consideration to editsupport@insidenorthside.com with “Points of Interest” in the subject line. We look forward to seeing stories from all of you!

collective power of women and the impact on services Red Cross is able to provide locally thanks to the women who have joined me in the Tiffany Circle.”

Local Companies on LSU Fastest Growing List Congratulations to the following northshore companies that were named 2013 honorees for LSU’s 100 Fastest Growing Tiger Businesses by the E. J. Ourso College of Business Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute: Innovative Advertising LLC, Mandeville; Netchex, Mandeville; Abita Brewing Company LLC, Abita Springs; Banner Ford, Mandeville; Mele Printing, Covington; AIM Technologies LLC, Madisonville; and Baldone Reina Dermatology, Covington.

Innovative Advertising Receives Six Pollie Awards On a similar note, Innovative Advertising was also recognized with six coveted Pollie Awards from the American Association of Political Consultants at its annual conference in Washington, D.C. The industry’s highest honor bestowed upon political consultants at the national and international level, the Pollie Award is presented to members of the political advertising and communications industry who have demonstrated superior work on behalf of their candidates and causes.

Southeastern Staff Members Honored at Small Business Meeting Several staff members of the Louisiana Small Business Development Center at Southeastern Louisiana University were recognized with awards at the state SBDC meeting in Baton Rouge. Wayne Ricks was honored with the Start Up Superstar Award, while >>

Scott Huffman was given the Top Sales and Top Job Generator awards. Ricks and Huffman joined Steven Baham and Ginger Cangelosi in receiving Million Dollar Club awards. Director William Joubert was presented with a certificate recognizing the center’s recent reaccreditation through the Association of Small Business Development Centers.

Since 1984, the Southeastern LSBDC has provided the tools and resources needed to help businesses grow and compete in an increasingly competitive and challenging economic environment.

Bob Breck to Receive Press Club Award In recognition of his 35 years of service, The Press Club of New Orleans will present Fox 8’s Chief Meteorologist Bob Breck with a Lifetime Achievement Award on Sat., July 20 during the 55th Annual Excellence in Journalism Awards at Harrah’s in New Orleans.

Bob says, “I have been doing what I do for a long, long time, and I think when you do something for a long time, that’s a reflection on acceptance from the community. I feel very humbled that they took an outsider and allowed me to become one of theirs, so for that, I’m grateful and very lucky. It took hard work, it took many hours, it took many hurricanes, but I feel that when you work hard and use the skills that God gives you, often times good things happen, and this is one of them.”

State Legislature Honors Local High School Students Louisiana State High School Student of the Year Jon Mitchell and the Salmen High girls basketball team were honored by the Louisiana State Legislature, with resolutions passed recognizing their outstanding accomplishments.

28

I n s i d e N o rt h s i d e

Jon was accompanied by his parents, Mack and Salome Mitchell, and Pearl River High School Principal Michael Winkler to the Senate chamber at the State Capitol in Baton Rouge, where they met Sen. A.G. Crowe, who authored Jon’s resolution. Jon will attend the LSU Honors College in the fall under a U.S. Senate Youth Scholarship.

The Salmen High School girls basketball team was commended by Legislative Resolution for winning the Class 4-A state basketball championship earlier this year, defeating St. Thomas More High School of Lafayette by 40 to 39. Their resolution mentioned that the team was undefeated during the regular season and had been ranked nationally by Maxpreps.com.

Lemonade Brigade Founder Mary-Brent Brown Named National Merit Scholar St. Scholastica senior MaryBrent Brown was recognized as a 2013 National Merit Scholar. In the fall, she will attend Washington University in St. Louis. In addition to a National Merit Scholarship and two scholar programs at Washington University, Mary-Brent is also the Louisiana recipient of the $10,000 AXA Achievement Scholarship in association with U.S. News & World Report. Brown plans to double major in biology and finance.

Sildell’s Main Street Program Receives National Accreditation Slidell’s Main Street program has once again been designated an accredited National Main Street Program for meeting the commercial district revitalization performance standards set by the National Main Street Center, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.>> July-August 2013 29

Slidell Mayor Freddy Drennan calls the news “a big deal for the city” that can help strengthen the local economy and be a plus factor in seeking project grants from public and private sources. Local Main Street Manager Catherine Oliver says, “Receiving national accreditation is like getting the ultimate stamp of approval for our local program and is a standard of recognition that reflects success in our continuing efforts to revitalize Olde Towne Slidell.” The city won its first accreditation in August 2009.

John Woodard Elected to LSU Board of Supevisors Covington native John Woodard was elected as the new student member of the Louisiana State University Board of Supervisors at an LSU System student body presidents’ meeting in Baton Rouge. He was also chosen as the new LSU student government president in April. John is currently a junior majoring in finance with a minor in leadership development. His term will begin June 1.

Rodney Holman Chosen

by Allstate Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame Rodney Holman, a member of the United Way of Southeast Louisiana St. Tammany Leadership Council, was recently chosen to be inducted this summer into the Allstate Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame. A graduate of Tulane University, Rodney was inducted into Tulane’s Hall of Fame in 1990. He also played professional football in Cincinnati and Detroit for 14 seasons.

Holman is the all-time leading receiver among tight ends in Tulane’s history, with 135 catches for 1,512 yards. His 47 catches in 1979 are still the most by a Green Wave tight end in a single season.

30

I n s i d e N o rt h s i d e

Insider

Sean Payton

photo: DOUG MILLER

Sean Payton is bringing back the Black and Gold Gala to raise funds for Payton’s Play It Forward Foundation. Created in 2008, the foundation’s mission is to raise funds and awareness for organizations working with families and children in the areas of health, education and social welfare.

“I am pleased to bring back our Black and Gold Gala on September 28, 2013, in the Mercedes Benz Superdome,” says Payton. “It promises to be an exciting evening filled with food, spirits and celebrities. This is an opportunity for me to spend an evening with all of our supporters and fans as we raise funds to help families and children in need.”

The last Black and Gold Gala, in October 2010, raised more than $800,000.

This year’s goal is to raise $1,000,000 for families in the Gulf Coast area.

“I am proud of what we’ve accomplished to date,” adds Payton, “and remain committed to giving back to a community that has embraced me since 2006. I hope you will join me as we PLAY IT FORWARD!” The Gala will feature an all-star line-up, including Jon Gruden, NFL analyst for ESPN, as master of ceremonies; a special appearance by country music artist Kenny Chesney; and honorary chair for the evening, Chef John Besh. In addition to a seated dinner and live entertainment, there will be both silent and live auctions.

Funds raised this year will be distributed to Feed the Children, The John Besh Foundation, the newly formed Saints Courage House and smaller organizations in the area.

Tickets and sponsorships are limited.

Sponsorship deadline is August 15, 2013.

To make a donation or obtain tickets, go to paytonsplayitforward.com, or contact Karen Hegner at karenhegner@aol.com or (214) 529-6681.

by Amanda M. Westbrooks

Sponsorship levels are: Super Bowl Champions - $20,000 Reserved table for 10 in the Super Bowl Champions Area. Tickets for 10 to attend Sean Payton’s pre-game party. Tickets for 10 for one-on-one locker room experience. Full-page ad in program. Sponsorship gifts.

NFC Championship - $10,000 Reserved table for 10 in the NFC Championship Area. Tickets for four to attend Sean Payton’s pre-game party. Tickets for four for one-on-one locker room experience. Half-page ad in program. Sponsorship gift.

NFC South Division Champions - $5,000 Reserved table for 10 in the NFC South Division Champions Area. Sponsorship gift.

NFC Wild Card - $3,000 Reserved table for 10 in the NFC Wild Card Area. Sponsorship gift.

Individual Ticket - $300 July-August 2013 31

IN Better Health

by Kaley Boudreaux

with Mary Louise Lagrange Diagnosed 12 years ago with sleep apnea, Mary Louise Lagrange slept every night wearing a breathing mask hooked up to a CPAP machine to treat the disorder. Assuming she would wear the mask for the rest of her life, Mary Louise was surprised and delighted a few months ago when she stumbled upon an ad for an alternative treatment—a painless nighttime mouth apparatus resembling a retainer that repositions the jaw to allow air to flow to the lungs more easily.

“I thought, ‘I have to give this a try. You put in a mouthpiece, go to sleep and wake up refreshed. This sounds too good to be true,’” Mary Louise says.

After discovering the appliance was covered by her health insurance, she made an appointment to see general dentist Dr. Jim Moreau for an evaluation. “Dentists are not allowed to diagnose sleep 32

I n s i d e N o rt h s i d e

disorders,” says Dr. Moreau. “My protocol is for a patient to receive a diagnosis from a board-certified sleep physician. After the diagnosis is received, the physician and I determine whether the patient may be a good candidate for oral appliance therapy. I then create a mandibular advancement device, commonly referred to as a sleep appliance.”

Because Mary Louise had previously received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Moreau worked with her physician to begin creating the appliance. He requested that she keep a log of any symptoms she experienced while sleeping and explained that the process would require several appointments for adjustments until the mouth appliance worked appropriately.

“Dr. Moreau wanted to know what was going on at night and how to make it right,” Mary Louise says.

“He took his time and was very conscientious and concerned. He is a total delight.”

After several visits to Dr. Moreau’s office for adjustments, the mouthpiece is working correctly.

Mary Louise is overjoyed with its ease of use. “I think it is the best thing since apple pie. I really do. It is wonderful. The change has been so convenient and so fantastic that I can’t get over it,” she says.

The success of the new mouthpiece has lessened the problems that Mary Louise experienced with sleep apnea and CPAP over the years. She first learned she had sleep apnea after her husband noticed she was snoring loudly and losing her breath while sleeping. Reluctant to accept that she had the disorder, Mary Louise woke up every morning feeling exhausted, irritated and just as tired as when she went to bed. She finally agreed to undergo her first

photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Health Concern: Sleep apnea Treatment: Oral appliance therapy

sleep study, which revealed she had obtrusive sleep apnea, the closing of the upper airway during sleep. The disease causes snoring, repetitive waking, decreased oxygen levels in the brain and excessive tiredness during the day.

As an interior designer by profession, daytime grogginess was not an option for Mary Louise. “I needed to pay attention to details and be alert. That is when I started using the CPAP machine,” she says. The purpose of a CPAP machine is to increase air pressure in the patient’s throat, which keeps the upper airway open and allows him/her to breathe throughout the night.

“The breathing machines are wonderful; they save people’s lives—they literally do,” Mary Louise says. But she adds, “The mask was hard to travel with and uncomfortable to wear. It took me eight months to get used to wearing it. Not to mention that the air blowing through it dried out my complexion. I was starting to wrinkle, and it was not completely age related.”

With the new mouth appliance, Mary Louise’s life has improved. “I am much more enthusiastic about interior design than I was before. I was becoming preoccupied with what the CPAP machine was doing to my appearance because of the dry skin and wrinkles. I think my life is a little more normal now,” she says.

Mary Louise is scheduled to undergo a follow-up sleep study in the next few months. Her physician will monitor her breathing and snoring to make the final determination of exactly how well the mouthpiece is working.

“From the refreshing way I wake up every morning, I would think this problem is now solved,” Mary Louise says. “Sleep apnea never goes away, but I think the mouthpiece is doing what the CPAP machine was doing—but without all the hassle.”

July-August 2013 33

Rustic Refined

WHEN REBECCA AND BLAKE HARRISON decided to build a new home, they wanted a comfortable house in a family-oriented neighborhood. After seeing Tchefuncta Estates, they knew it was the right place. “The children love it here,” says Rebecca. “They can play with their friends after school and all weekend.”

Once the location was chosen, the Harrisons turned to Matt Voelkel of Studio MV, who had designed houses for them in the past. They liked his signature classic style, which is both soft and rustic.

“The West Indies influenced our design of the house,” says Matt. The exterior is in true masonry stucco in subtle shades of grey with HardiPlank 34

Inside Northside

siding. Caribbean detailing, such as the exposed corbels under roof and the Bahama shutters, carry out that design.

Landscaper Brian Humphries used the theme to create a slightly more tropical garden. “The straight lines of the house are softened by the curving beds in the front. We added parasol plants, azaleas, hawthorns and an evergreen border,” says Brian.

Two tall, shaped holly trees balance the entrance.

An iconic antique syrup kettle with a bubble-up fountain is surrounded by colorful pansies.

As you walk into the house, you immediately see a stunning colonnade of six brick columns made of Old Chattanooga reclaimed brick and reclaimed

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

by Poki Hampton

cypress headers. The columns were designed by Matt, who says, “The rustic and timeless feel of the columns was our starting point on this house.”

Designer Holly Biggs of Studio MV collaborated with Matt on the interior plans. Warmth and simplicity make for a tranquil cohesive mood. The house’s color palette, inspired by French country homes, creates a nuance of color combinations that lends a sophisticated note. The floors are all reclaimed antique heart pine. Benjamin Moore’s Edgecomb Grey provides the thread of color that runs throughout the house.

The dining room to the right of the entrance is dominated by an oversized reclaimed thrasher >>

The hand-hewn mantel gives the stucco fireplace in the living room a rustic feel. Oatmeal linen curtains frame the large windows overlooking the back yard.

Inset: Curved lines in the landscaping contrast with the straight lines of the house.

July-August 2013 35

A reclaimed thrasher wood table dominates the dining room.

36

Inside Northside

wood table that Blake found in Sunset, La. Surrounding the table are Louis XVI-style chairs from the French Mix that have gilded frames and off-white cotton upholstery. The Visual Comfort rope-motif metal chandelier in an off-white gesso finish with antiquewhite paper shades illuminates the dining room. Atop the table, two terra cotta urns in a classic rustic Tuscan finish with a white glaze hold shrimp plants, adding a little pop color. An antique Ourshak rug that belonged to Rebecca’s grandmother anchors the room. The abstract painting is by New Orleans artist Renda Saparito. Light blue-grey silk dupioni draperies frame the tall windows; the ceiling is painted in Briarwood by Benjamin Moore.

The living room is lit by defused light from large windows looking out on the covered porch. An abstract painting in tones of cream, grey and camel by Renda Saparito is above the reclaimed cypress beam that serves as the mantel on the scored-sand plastered fireplace. “The painting was our inspiration for the colors in this room,” says Holly. On the mantel are a simple bowl and jar in a soft aqua and iron candlesticks designed by Matt. Two Hickory White fauteuil chairs, covered in a camel-toned silk fabric with bolsters in white cotton duck and camel piping for comfort, provide a contrast to the fireplace. The cocktail table in front of the cotton duck slipcovered sofa is in a silverleaf mirrored finish. Two concrete composite planters with greenery, along with a simple pair of antlers, top the cocktail table. Geometricpatterned custom throw pillows mimic the Ashland Avenue design of the >> July-August 2013 37

wool rug. A warm grey leather and iron bench is behind the sofa, while a hand-carved wooden bowl by Mitch Evans carries through the refined rustic theme. The draperies are in oatmealtoned Belgian linen.

The family gathers for most meals and homework in the breakfast room, which has a clean-lined, weatheredplank trestle farm table and two matching benches covered in charcoal tufted linen cushions. A sculpted bird bowl holding fresh artichokes and two tall bottles with brown reeds top the table. The four-light chandelier in a rusted aged-iron finish with paper shades and a natural sisal rug, banded in pewter cotton, complete the simple relaxed feel of the room.

Shimmering stainless steel, rich wood and clean lines create a wow factor in the kitchen. The oversized center island is topped with reclaimed heart pine. Surrounding the island are six barstools of rough-hewn, quartersawn oak in a grey wash with oatmeal colored Belgian linen upholstered seats. Two stunning large pendant lights in antique white with antique hand-rubbed brass hang over the >> 38

Inside Northside

Opposite: A soft palate of white and aqua creates a luxe backdrop for the handhewn furniture in the master bedroom.

Above: The keeping room is a cozy spot where the family gathers to watch television. Right: The brick columns are made of Old Chattanooga reclaimed brick, with reclaimed cypress headers.

July-August 2013 39

A sleek contemporary kitchen adds a sophisticated feel to the home.

The master bath is a spa-like oasis.

40

Inside Northside

island. Antique dough bowls hold a variety of fresh produce and flowering plants. The countertops are Alabama white marble with a backsplash of small rectangle tiles in Arctic Blend from the SoHo Styx series. Custom cabinets by Northshore Millworks are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter, which pulls the silver patina color of the cabinet hardware. The stainless steel appliances are by GE Monogram, and the sensor-touch Kohler faucet is from Tammany Supply. The vent hood is finished in the same plaster finish as the fireplace. White linen relaxed Roman shades cover the windows.

The keeping room off the kitchen is a cozy spot where the family gathers to chat and watch television. Weathered reclaimed boards and beams add architectural interest to the ceiling.

Four Seasons top-stitched cotton duck slipcovers cover the sofa and chairs, while throw pillows in charcoal linen and linen with geometric cowhide inserts add interest. A giclĂŠe abstract is hung over the sofa. One side of the sofa is anchored by a

Agents

distressed walnut vintner’s table and a large mercury glass lamp by Visual Comfort. On the cocktail table from Rug Chic are an hourglass-shaped rustic antique wooden vessel filled with silver-toned balls from Studio MV and two simple white bowls. A scalloped garden bench in a glossy blue-grey hue is beside one chair.

The hand-woven Oushak rug is from Rug Chic; relaxed Roman shades are in charcoal linen. Custom-made sliding barn doors leading into the well-planned mudroom are made of reclaimed pine with rustic hardware.

Soft aqua and white linen bedcovers by Bella Notte from Hestia Luxury in Linens create a luxe backdrop for the hand-hewn furniture in the master bedroom. Two column lamps with oatmeal linen drum shades add moody drama to the room. A club chair and ottoman in white duck from The French Mix provide a comfortable place to read; silk throw pillows complete the look. Renda Saparito’s abstract painting in soft aqua, gold and cream anchors one corner, while a rug from Rug Chic covers the floor. Roman shades and aqua linen draperies dress the windows.

The master bath is a spa-like oasis with white marble floors and a Carrera marble shower with frameless glass doors. Wainscoting in subway tiles of white marble and smaller rectangle tiles adds interest to the monochromatic space. The Kohler sinks, deep soaker tub and faucets are from Tammany Supply.

This summer, Rebecca and Blake can relax in their new home—while the kids enjoy the pool and fun times with their friends.

Robert W. Lanaux, President blanaux@naiala.com (985) 327-0214 Daniel D. Luke, Vice President dluke@naiala.com (985) 327-0212 Jon A. Cromwell jcromwell@naiala.com (985) 893-6747 Robert A. Sigerson bsigerson@naiala.com (985) 327-0211

Providing protection for: - General liability - Buildings & business personal property - Business income & employee dishonesty - Contractors Equipment - Computer equipment - ERISA compliance - Valuable and strategic documents reproduction

- Flood/Excess Flood - Accounts receivable reproduction - Money and securities theft - Employee benefits liability - Commercial auto - Workers comp - Umbrella coverage - Marine, all types

2255 North Highway 190 • Covington, LA 70433 (985) 871-5480 • (800) 229-2789 • www.naiala.com

Personal Customer Service Judith Fireck jfireck@naiala.com (985) 327-0213

Commercial Customer Service Deborah Murphy dmurphy@naiala.com (985) 327-0209 Michelle Richter mrichter@naiala.com (985) 871-5480 ext.118 Hynson Lanaux, CISR hlanaux@naiala.com (985) 327-0208

July-August 2013 41

Becky Gallagher BECKY GALLAGHER WAS BARELY three months old when she was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. That was in 1973, and she’s been beating the odds and living life to the fullest ever since.

“When I was diagnosed, the life expectancy was maybe three to five years,” says Becky. “So, for a new parent, it was a hard situation with hard questions and not many answers. ‘How do we feed her? How do we care for her? How do we help this child thrive until the inevitable?’ It was a lot of doom and gloom.

That’s what my parents were given.”

A gentle cough, or what seems to be nothing more than a polite clearing of the throat, interrupts the lively discourse of a woman whose spirit is stronger than her delicate frame suggests.

“It was a different time,” Becky goes on to 42

Inside Northside

by Amanda M. Westbrooks

explain. “The treatments and drugs now are so different. Somebody diagnosed today or even 10 years ago has access to so much more information. Parents can go online and look up whatever they need.

“For the first 12 to 14 years, I had relatively no outward symptoms. I could fly below the radar,” Becky says. “I had a mild condition and was very active. I made a point of doing everything that was within my abilities. I never wanted to say, ‘I can’t do that, because I’ll get winded.’ I never wanted people to know I was sick.”

She’s not hiding her condition anymore. Recently, Becky was asked whether she’d had a lung transplant, a common procedure for adults with CF. She says, “It was one of those moments when you realize: I’m 40, haven’t had a transplant of any sort and can kinda pass as

photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

CFF Visionary

healthy—I have been skating by. At this age, it really has become more of a big deal.”

Vibrant and animated, Becky’s enthusiastic approach to life and how she lives it is in direct defiance of the disease that claims so many long before they reach their 30s. Fewer than 5 percent of patients registered with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation survive beyond age 40, a milestone Becky celebrated just this year with her husband, Mickey Gallagher, and a trip to Bora Bora.

“I’ve lost a lot of friends,” says Becky, as she chokes through tears. One friend in particular, Joe LeBlanc, was an especially crushing loss for her. “I looked forward to talking to him for a very long time. I still consult him in my head! I’ll ask myself, ‘What would Joe do?’ It sounds juvenile, but that’s how important his friendship is to me still.

“I feel like I’m serving him and all my friends best by doing whatever I can to move forward myself and move the cause forward. Sometimes, I think, ‘Why aren’t they here? What was so different with me?’ It’s not survivor’s guilt or anything, but I am here. I love my friends, and they’re gone, so what do I do? How do I move forward for them?

I can move forward in any way I want, but how do I do it for them?

“It sounds simple, but if I can do anything, it’s raise money and awareness.

Dynamic as I may think I am, what will happen when I’m not here anymore?

That’s where the medical advancements have to come in. Where my emotion stops is where the technology and medicine can take over. There’s only so much one person can do.”

Becky’s involvement with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation over the years has led to the nomination of many of the Northshore’s Finest past honorees.

July-August 2013 43

CYSTIC FIBROSIS IS A GENETIC CONDITION that affects 30,000 children and adults in the United States. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, founded in 1955, is the world’s leader in the search for a cure for this life-threatening disease.

When the Foundation was created, most CF patients did not live to kindergarten age. Today, the Foundation’s financial support for life-saving research and access to quality care and effective therapies

In 2010, Inside Northside Magazine and Hornbeck Offshore Services, Inc. launched the Northshore’s Finest event with the dual goal of supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and celebrating young northshore professionals who have given their time and talent to their communities.

The 14 young professionals highlighted in the following pages were selected as honorees for 2013.

During the three-month campaign, every honoree

Northshore’s Inside Northside and Hornbeck Offshore proudly present

Finest

Young professionals giving back.

photography by has increased the predicted median age of survival Eric Suhre for those with CF to be the late-30s. In the effort to

make CF stand for cure found, nearly 90 cents of every dollar raised supports vital CF research and educational programs.

An important milestone in CF research was the FDA’s approval of Kalydeco™ for people with the G551D mutation of CF, ages 6 and older. The Foundation financially supported this drug’s early development, and it is the first one to address the underlying cause of CF. In December 2012, Kalydeco™ was named the most important drug of 2012 by Forbes magazine.

44

Inside Northside

was paired with a CF Ambassador, a child living with CF. The Ambassador families, all living on the northshore, helped the honorees understand what it is like to live with the disease, who will benefit from the money they raise and the urgency to find treatments—and ultimately a cure. As a group, the honorees have a goal of raising $65,000 for the cause.

Join the honorees at the CF Leadership Luncheon on July 26 at Tchefuncta Country Club, presented by Inside Northside and Hornbeck Offshore. Call Ashley Mills at (504) 455-5194 for more information or visit louisiana.cff.org.

Becky Gustafson As a financial representative with Northwestern Mutual, Becky Gustafson does long-term financial security planning. She is also a recruiting financial director for the northshore, giving people the opportunity to have a career as a financial representative.

Becky is an ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce and on the Committee of Projects for Northshore Rising Professionals. She says that Northwestern Mutual has inspired her by encouraging employees to give back. From her first interview with them, “It just seemed that this was what professionals did: give back.”

Becky is sponsored by Northwestern Mutual.

2013

Honorees Todd Charles Taranto As an attorney with Janke & Associates, A.P.L.C., Todd Charles Taranto focuses on oil and gas transactional law, mineral title examination, probate law and estate planning.

Todd is especially excited to work with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. He gives time to numerous other groups, including the local bar association and Young Friends of St. Andrew’s Village.

He says, “I learned the importance of community involvement from my late mom, Charlene; my dad, Joseph; and my sister, Nicole.”

Todd is sponsored by Janke & Associates, A.P.L.C.

July-August 2013 45

Adam Martin Adam Martin is the head of the Faith Division at Ken Design Build, Inc., in Mandeville. As a certified church consultant, Adam assists pastors and congregations in designing, planning and creating spaces for effective ministry.

Adam enjoys giving back to the community. He says, “My job allows me to work with churches who in turn can better serve our community.” Adam is also construction coordinator for World Changers, an organization that revitalizes substandard housing. In 2013, the group’s second year in Covington, an estimated 20 homes will be improved.

Adam is sponsored by Ken Design Build, Inc.

Hosie Bourgeois Hosie Bourgeois is the executive chef at Beau Chêne Country Club in Mandeville. He says he loves the northshore because of its unique blend of small-town ambience with a big-city cultural scene.

Living in New Orleans and Thibodaux contributed to Hosie’s love of cooking and the unique Cajun food and culture. “My grandmothers were amazing cooks; I was inspired from a young age.

I used to write full menus when I was 7 years old,” he says. “When I found out you could make money doing it—no brainer.”

Hosie is sponsored by Beau Chêne Country Club.

Julie Diefenthal Philippus Julie Diefenthal Philippus, is the director of marketing and co-owner of Diefenthal Holdings LLC. She also handles the marketing and public relations for Northshore Millwork LLC. Julie advises up-and-coming professionals to get involved.

She is a member of the Professional Women of St. Tammany, Northshore Rising Professionals, West St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce and the St. Tammany Home Builders Association. She recently co-wrote and published a cookbook, Cedarwood Gumbo, as part of a fundraiser for Cedarwood School and the Covington Food Bank.

Julie is sponsored by Diefenthal Holdings LLC and Northshore Millwork LLC.

46

Inside Northside

Ron Guzman Ron Guzman hails from northern California but calls Covington home.

The owner of Main Grain Home Brew Supplies in Abita Springs, Ron is on the committee for Grapes & Grain, which raises money for cystic fibrosis.

A self-proclaimed beer “geek,” Ron is a member of the northshore’s only home brew club. He is glad that the northshore is beginning to appreciate craft beer and that out-of-state breweries are becoming aware of the northshore.

Ron says, “The best is yet to come!”

Ron is sponsored by Main Grain Home Brew Supplies.

Allyson McMahon Covington resident Allyson McMahon is a partner in Three Rivers Services LLC, an air conditioner maintenance and installation company, where she is responsible for marketing and team-building.

Allyson appreciates life on the northshore, saying, “We have many conveniences at our finger tips but still have the peacefulness of a small town.” She belongs to Professional Women of St. Tammany and has been on the committee for the Woman of the Year Event for three years. She is also involved with Northshore Rising Professionals.

Allyson is sponsored by Three Rivers Services LLC.

“CFF has helped fund research to create medicines that improve the quality of life of CF patients. Our efforts today will continue to aid this great cause. With the help of others in the future, we may one day see a cure for CF.” – Ryan Stansbury Ryan Stansbury Ryan Stansbury is the franchise development director for Ballard Brands, where he oversees the development of all retail locations.

He says one huge bonus of living and working on the northshore is that his commute time is less than five miles and takes no longer than 10 minutes with traffic.

To his peers, Ryan says, “I will always encourage others to identify what they are truly passionate about and get after it. I think there is a significant correlation between passion and success in just about anything you do.”

Ryan is sponsored by Ballard Brands.

July-August 2013 47

George Cox A detective lieutenant with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, George Cox is in charge of the Major Crimes and Person Crimes units. George is proud to help make the parish better and safer.

George offers this advice to his peers: “Have a moral compass and always follow it. I believe that if you work hard, are honest and always try to do what is right, as a whole you will have positive results.

Always save some of your time, money and effort to give to those who need it.”

George is sponsored by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.

“When I look at charities, it’s great to see CFF’s stats and mission statement, but what really touched me was reading stories of how CFF’s work and research has enabled kids who once expected to live to 15 are now able to pursue a lifetime of dreams.”

– Paxton Fellers Paxton Fellers Paxton Fellers is the business development manager at the Bank of New Orleans in Covington, building relationships with businesses and individual clients. A corporate ambassador in the community, he is involved in numerous organizations and non-profit associations and supports initiatives on behalf of the bank.

Paxton enjoys volunteering, especially with projects concerning children.

“If you’re looking for the community to be good to you, you’ve got to be good to your community. You can’t sit on the sidelines and watch life go by. You need to be directly involved.”

Paxton is sponsored by Bank of New Orleans.

Amy Loar Amy Loar has come full circle. Born at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, she now works there as a human resources representative, primarily in employee relations.

Amy has always called Covington home. “In the last 30 years, I have seen a great deal of economic development and community quality-of-life initiatives come to fruition.

Geographically, we are close to our beloved New Orleans but are able to live in our own jewel of a parish!” An eternal optimist, Amy says, “I truly believe the best is yet to come!”

Amy is sponsored by St. Tammany Parish Hospital.

48

Inside Northside

Matt Green As the founder of Heritage Oak Wealth Management and a member of LPL Financial in Covington, Matt Green provides investment advice and retirement planning services.

After growing up in Mandeville, Matt lived and worked in Chicago for about 10 years. In 2011, he and his wife, Tara, decided to move back home to Madisonville to be close to family and friends. He says, “Louisiana has always been home, and I can’t think of a better place to live and raise my children.”

Matt is sponsored by Heritage Oak Wealth Management.

Trish Daigle Trish Daigle is the corporate travel supervisor at Hornbeck Offshore Operators LLC. She is responsible for the company’s vendor relationships with travel management companies and monitoring the company’s travel spending. Trish chose a career in hospitality because of her love of people and the unique northshore culture that she enjoys sharing with visitors.

Trish’s philanthropic inspiration comes from the communities of Cypress and Houston in Texas and those of the northshore, which, after Katrina, showed her what it truly means to make a difference in the lives of others.

Trish is sponsored by Hornbeck Offshore Operators LLC.

“Being a father of two young children, I have the utmost respect for families that are faced with this disease. I am most encouraged by how far the research has come, and just how close the cure is!”

– Madison Burris Madison Burris

In the marketing department of NOLA Lending Group, Madison Burris helps coordinate and execute the marketing efforts of NOLA’s 22 offices and 50-plus loan officers.

A part of Madison’s advice to his peers is to be open to change. He says, “If you always do what has always been done, how can you expect to ever have anything different? Change is tough and almost always seems to be met with resistance and the ‘it won’t work/we’ve tried it before attitude.’ Be the person that motivates and inspires.”

Madison is sponsored by NOLA Lending Group.

July-August 2013 51

John Snell Behind the camera

by Webb Williams photography by John Snell

Tchefuncte River Lighthouse.

52

Inside Northside

photo: BLAINE STRAWN

WHEN YOU PUT JOHN SNELL in front of a TV camera, the result is awardwinning journalism that often focuses passionately on issues concerning the environment of Southeast Louisiana.

When he is behind the camera, John takes breathtaking photographs that convey the essence of his stories about what he calls “one of the most scenic, yet in some ways underappreciated, areas in America.”

The WVUE-TV anchor/reporter first picked up a camera about 10 years ago. “I’ve always worked in a visual medium, and for 30 years now I’ve worked assignments with highly talented photojournalists, asking them how they do what they do.

“I would bring my camera on assignments and take pictures, feeling a little guilty about not working on my story. But now with the whole social media world on the Internet, my bosses actually encourage me to shoot and post photos. I’m multi-tasking while I’m in the field. I love it. >> July-August 2013 53

“My job takes me to places that people don’t normally see, like the barrier islands. I’ll be there in the context of a TV reporter, but I always bring my camera. You learn your lesson—on the rare occasion that you go out without your camera, that’s when the most glorious sunset happens, or some other event that needed to be captured.”

John says, “Photography is an art form, but there’s also a science to the camera. You have to learn what all the 54

Inside Northside

settings are. It can be intimidating, and some folks give up and just set it to automatic so it’ll magically focus and expose on its own.” He notes, “I’ve been very fortunate to have worked with many fine photographers, and probably the best advice I ever got was, ‘Take a month, put the camera in the manual mode and learn the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, film speed, depth of field—learn how the camera works.’ Boy, I ruined a lot of pictures!”

John has a couple of Canon DSLR cameras that he usually uses, plus a little Olympus for a casual shoot. He now shoots almost exclusively in manual, which gives him more control. “Photography to me

is not a job—it’s a hobby. I already have a job. In journalism, the edits you can make are cropping and exposure—that’s pretty much what you’re limited to. They can’t change the reality of it. If there’s a stop sign, they leave it in. As a hobby or commercial photography, one can strive for the perfect image.

“I read that photography is the world’s number one hobby,” John says. “The mother taking a picture of her child with her smart phone and posting it on Facebook has a photography hobby, whether she realizes it or not. It’s fun.” His advice to budding photographers? “Don’t be afraid to go beyond the automatic settings of the camera—just >>

Magic Hour Masts.

July-August 2013 55

Top: Pelican Takeoff.

Above: Gator Lurking.

56

Inside Northside

don’t do it at, say, your daughter’s first birthday celebration. Just have fun with the camera. It’s supposed to be fun. There are lots of good books, like Scott Kelby’s wonderful beginner’s how-to books on photography.” John studied a lot of books and magazines, and garnered hands-on technique tips from photojournalists from the Times-Picayune and other media that were most helpful.

John lives just outside Mandeville near Lacombe and loves the area. “People are drawn here because it’s clean, it’s safe and a great place to raise a family.

It’s perfect for people like me who are into nature— the Northlake Nature Center with all its walking trails and swamp walk is right down Hwy. 190, where I often shoot marsh scenes. The Big Branch Marsh Natural Wildlife Refuge has some great scenic spots. I’ve taken maybe too many photographs of the Madisonville Lighthouse. I just get drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It not just a lighthouse—it’s a

>>

fabulous lighthouse, perhaps one of the great lighthouses in America.

“I think the northshore is a beautiful place. It’s photogenic. The whole New Orleans area is unique. The food, the music—we sometimes take it for granted how good we have it here. I believe that if you’re gonna really live this life, you may as well live in an interesting place.”

John’s nature scenes and wildlife photos can be seen on his website, johnsnellnola. com. He also posts day-to-day photos on Facebook.

A passionate advocate John Snell has worked in the TV news business in New Orleans for 29 years. He has specialized in political and environmental reporting, especially the vanishing Louisiana coastline.

“I’m very concerned about coastal erosion and have done many, many stories about our land loss. But I’m not an environmentalist—I’m a reporter who does stories about whether or not we can live here,” John says.

“In communities like Delacroix in St. Bernard Parish, you’ll see camps—but they’re fishing camps. There are only 11 families still living in Delacroix since Katrina. Then there’s the east bank of Plaquemines Parish where some of these communities have still not come back.

Venice has come back just a little bit since the BP oil spill. That’s why the stories we do resonate so much with people in Plaquemines, Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes, the coastal places where this erosion issue isn’t merely theory. Those people are living it—every day.”

John’s news documentary Disappearing Defenses, a series on the fight to save Louisiana’s coastline, explores potential solutions and the obstacles to turning back the tide. The reports range from general stories focused on 58

Inside Northside

the complex engineering and funding issues to a series of stories documenting the loss on two small islands, which nearly vanished during the course of the year.

John says, “I’m very fortunate to work with an extremely talented cameraman, Paul Rodgers, who shares a passion for these stories and for Louisiana’s coast.”

The documentary was recently awarded the Sigma Delta Chi Award for Best Documentary by the Society of Professional Journalists and has also been honored by the Radio Television Digital News Association with a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award. John previously won an Emmy for a series of stories comparing and contrasting the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska to the 2010 BP spill in the Gulf.

He says, “While the nature of the disasters was quite different (a ship accident versus a rig explosion), there was a lot to learn about the legal questions and impacts on people.”

As a reporter, John has personally followed the changes that have occurred along the coast over recent

years. He says that while he used to have to find an old-timer to tell him about what the coast was like previously, now it’s only the very young charter boat captains who can’t give him that history. “I go out myself to see land features from two or three years ago and say, ‘Wow! That’s not there anymore.’”

John notes that the effects of Hurricane Isaac recently called attention to the vulnerability of the northshore of Lake Pontchartrain when the storm lingered so long and the wind direction was the worse it could have been. “There’s a reason Laplace flooded last year, and it doesn’t have to do with who’s got levees and who doesn’t. It’s a matter of the natural protection—that’s gone.” He adds, “Slidell, Mandeville, Madisonville, Manchac, Laplace, Jefferson, Orleans—the entire basin of the lake—could be protected by a barrier from the Rigolets to Chef Pass.

“When I talk to engineers, the consensus is that it’s a challenge to design something that will have a significant effect by keeping water from entering Lake Pontchartrain but will not adversely affect Mississippi.

Right now, there’s no Corps of Engineers Rigolets to Chef Pass project in the works. It’s being spearheaded by the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority East, with a lot of citizen involvement from the Slidell area. There’s nothing like water in your home to help motivate you.”

For the latest in news about Louisiana’s coastline, stay tuned.

Above: Roseate Spoonbills Wading.

Left: Madisonville Sunset.

July-August 2013 59

Book Report

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

Hot Summer Reads

You have the rest of your summer all planned out. Weekends with family are filled in between trips and festivals.

You have a few household chores planned, some exploring around town and plenty of dates with a cold one in the back yard.

So what are you going to read during the lazy day? Here are some great suggestions.

Burt Bacharach has a new memoir, as do the original MTV VJs, VJ: The Unplugged Adventures of MTV’s First Wave, and farmer Mardi Jo Link. You’ll find Deeply Odd by Dean Koontz, other novels by Neil Gaiman, Kimberla Lawson Roby, Walter Mosley, Wanda E. Brunstetter, Mary Kay Andrews, Carl Hiaasen, Dorothea Benton Frank, Jeannette Walls,

Barbara Delinsky and Marsha Clark— and Second Honeymoon from James Patterson (with Howard Roughan).

Some recent cookbooks will whip you into shorts-and-swimsuit season, including Hungry Girl 200 Under 200 by Lisa Lillien, No Bake Makery by Cristina Suarez Krumsick, and Fresh Happy Tasty: an Adventure in 100 Recipes by Jane Coxwell, as well as new foodie books

by Guy Fieri, the Batali Brothers and Art Smith.

There’s a new bio on Willie, Waylon and Kris Kristofferson and a new book about President Obama. Jen Lancaster has another great book, The Tao of Martha: My Year of LIVING; Or, Why I’m Never Getting All That Glitter Off of the Dog. Historians will love works on the 1936 Berlin Olympics,

the wives of early astronauts and the Revolutionary War. Later in the summer, we’ll see First Sight by Danielle Steele and other new fiction by Laurell K. Hamilton, Jude Devereaux, Karin Slaughter, Catherine Coulter, Chuck Klosterman, Iris Johansen, Chris Bohjalian, Carole Radizwell and Zane.

New self-improvement releases include one on dating, one on mating— and a humorous book on epic fails in life and love.

As summer winds down, the new books will keep on coming, including Justice for Sara by the northshore’s own Erica Spindler. Then, enjoy new novels by Faye Kellerman, Anne Rivers Siddons, W.E.B Griffin and William E. Butterworth, Karen Robards, Debbie Macomber, Thomas Keneally, Diane Mott Davidson, Edwidge Danticat, Emma McLaughlin and James Patterson (with David Ellis), plus Bones of the Lost

by Kathy Reichs.

Non-fiction releases include a book about Orson Welles, a book for new teachers, a book about the Outlaws motorcycle gang, and some fun new crossword puzzle books. Plus an autobiography by Ricky Skaggs, a book of letters from John F. Kennedy and a pile of new cookbooks to take you into fall. There’s more—a financial book by Clark Howard, a history book on the Middle East and a cool new business book about the shipping industry; And now for the disclaimer: some books can be cancelled or rescheduled.

This isn’t a definitive list. And if you didn’t see your favorite author or subject on this list, ask your bookseller or librarian for more excellent suggestions. Guess what? They love to tell you about the books they love!

Happy Summer and Happy Reading!

July-August 2013 61

Mrs.Cocktail

by Stephen Faure

62

Inside Northside

TAKE SUMMER IN NEW ORLEANS—please! It’s the doldrums for the New Orleans tourist industry.

The hospitality capital of the world sits dead in the superheated water that passes for atmosphere on Royal Street in the middle of July. If you wait long enough, you might see a vacationing family or two perambulating in slow-motion through Jackson Square.

In comes Mrs. Cocktail, Ann Tuennerman. To the delight of the hospitality industry, she turns those least hospitable of days into the time for the world to come to the city for Tales of the Cocktail—an event she started in 2002 that attracted 28,000 participants last July on its 10th anniversary. Now, in between the dizzying array of seminars, presentations, product tastings and parties that make up Tales of the Cocktail, you might see a gang of tattooed Brooklyn

to develop a walking tour of New Orleans bars and restaurants, hiring guides to conduct the tours.

Southern Comfort, a product born in New Orleans in the 1870s, sponsored the tour. The brand, she says, didn’t control the tour, but guides worked its story in while presenting the city’s history.

“Being in promotion, I realized that if you start a tour, it doesn’t mean you’ll have people there. You can never recoup the revenue lost every day that no one comes. To celebrate the one-year anniversary of the tour, I came up with the idea of Tales of the Cocktail. My husband [Mr. Cocktail, Paul Tuennerman] likes to say we had two events that year—opening and closing.”

The first Tales of the Cocktail had a small group of cocktail lovers sipping and talking about all things spirits. Southern Comfort sponsored

photo: RUSH JAGOE

stylist: KELLY MCCARTNEY

hair/makeup: BERYL MAHL

Tales of the Cocktail’s Ann Tuennerman hipster bartenders, representatives of a 400-year-old Irish distillery or a brand ambassador from Johannesburg or Tokyo defying the heat by taking a guided tour of the French Quarter’s historic cocktail bars.

Ann’s a local girl, raised in New Orleans East. “I’m actually publicschool educated—I went to Livingston and Abramson. I am very proud of that these days. Then, I graduated in marketing from UNO.” She adds, “I believe it doesn’t matter where you are—you can get an education if you really want to.”

Her interest in advertising and marketing (“I never met a math class I liked.”) led to jobs at advertising agencies and eventually to doing promotions for radio and television stations. Her last stop before Tales was at WVUE Fox 8, where she met people in the hospitality industry when distillers like Seagram’s and Jack Daniels began placing television ads in the 1990s.

Tales of the Cocktail was spun off an entrepreneurial activity Ann started on the side.

While not a licensed tour guide, she was inspired by author and photographer Kerri McCaffety’s book, Obituary Cocktail: The Great Saloons of New Orleans,

Tales the first few years. Its leaving, followed by Hurricane Katrina and the aftermath, made for some tough times, with Ann going into debt selffinancing Tales. However, more and more manufacturers caught on as the event continued, and it grew about 10 percent each year. It is now the world’s premier cocktail festival, serving as the annual meeting place for the international cocktail community.

Tales of the Cocktail on Tour debuted in 2011, with a Canadian taste of Tales in Vancouver, B.C. In 2013, a stop in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was added.

“We really are a global brand, and we wanted to take it on the road to reinforce that. It works. We always had a contingent of Canadians at Tales, but after the Vancouver event, we could really see it increase.”

Preserving a Valued Culture Tales of the Cocktail is like Jazz Fest for the alcoholic-beverage world in more ways than one.

Lost in all of the celebrities and music and food and crowds of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is the fact that it simply started as, and remains, the major fundraiser for the Jazz and Heritage Foundation. What shouldn’t be lost in all the parties, July-August 2013 63

presentations and dinners of Tales of the Cocktail is that, while it didn’t begin with that purpose, Tales is the primary fundraising event for The New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society, which funds a minimum of $25,000 a year in scholarships and grants. Founded by Ann and Paul in 2006, the non-profit NOCCPS seeks to preserve the rich history of cuisine and cocktails in New Orleans and around the world by supporting those in the hospitality and cocktail industries.

The cultural preservation efforts are apparent in the society’s Sazerac Seal of Approval program, which strives to preserve the quality of New Orleans’ most legendary cocktail by recognizing establishments around the world that adhere to the highest standards for their Sazeracs. Another program, which involved selling bar towels at Tales events, benefitted the employees of P&J Oyster Co., a French Quarter institution whose existence was put in jeopardy by the 2010 BP oil spill.

Ann says, “At our core, we are a non-profit event benefiting a trade. We raise money and give

out various scholarships during the year, mostly for educational programs for bartenders. They apply for something they want to learn more about, and we fund it. We also have our Cocktail Apprentice program.” Through the apprentice program, a team of 50 young bar professionals are chosen to spend the Tales week preparing thousands of batched cocktails for seminars and tastings. The program helps raise the standards of the industry as a whole by pairing the next generation of hospitality managers with top names in the field as they prepare those presenters’ offerings; the apprentices’ hotel stay and meals are provided by NOCCPS. Through internships and volunteer programs, Ann and the NOCCPS are also helping to introduce many young students and recent grads into the business world. “I have a great core team, the Cocktail Angels [Michelle Dunnick, Melissa Young, and Christina Sudderth], and this will be their sixth Tales. We have a lot of other great staff people, too.

Every year, there are about 12-14 interns and 60-70 continued on page 65

64

Inside Northside

2012 Tales Fun Facts Tales of the Cocktail celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2012 with its biggest, most successful event ever.

• 86 Tasting Rooms

• 6,000 Saveur snack Items

• 30 Spirited Dinners

• 200,000 recyclable Tales tasting cups

• First-ever Street Food & Go Cups Event • $14.3 million total economic impact; $1.6 million more than 2011 • 17,703 hotel nights booked; 1,955 more than 2011 • 95% listed Tales as the primary purpose of

Top 5 countries represented (besides United States): Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Sweden, Argentina Top 5 states represented (besides Louisiana): California, New York, Texas, Florida New Jersey*, Illinois* (*Tied for 5th)

their visit to New Orleans • 91% would highly recommend to others • 25,680 pounds of Kold-Draft ice • 12,410 fresh lemons; 10,156 fresh limes • 1,210 pieces of fresh banana, dehydrated • 642 pounds of white sugar photo: STEPHEN FAURE

• 7,793 bottles of booze • 2,940 glasses used in one seminar • 300 linear feet of tubing to pour a drink for the Hendricks 3-story bar

July-August 2013 65

SUMMER BOMBSHELL

French 75 Cocktail Arnaud’s French 75 Bar

One of Ann’s favorite summer drinks is a French

1.5 oz. Cognac (Courvoisier VS)

75 from the Arnaud’s

1 tsp lemon juice,

French 75 bar in New

freshly squeezed

Orleans. The cocktail

¼ tsp simple syrup

was said to have such a

Lemon twist

kick that it felt like

2.75 oz. Champagne

being shelled with

(Moet et Chandon)

the powerful French 75mm field gun.

Place the Cognac, lemon juice and simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice and shake only long enough to chill. Pour into a frosted tulip champagne glass, top with Champagne and add a lemon twist.

Continued from page 62

seasonal staff who work the week before and the week of the event. Believe it or not, we hire many teachers and bartenders from all over the country for those two weeks. We try to have 70-80 percent returning staff, because they know what to do right off the bat. We also hire people who have volunteered.”

Developing young talent is important to Ann. She says, “The industry people have relationships with the other team members in addition to me, and that’s something I always want to promote. We consistently take interns to meetings and always introduce them; team members lead conference calls and get exposure so that the people we work with will have confidence in every member of the team.”

For Ann, loving what you do means it never stops. “I’m always thinking about Tales. I go home and send out emails and thoughts and do a lot of social media, because I enjoy the people I get to work with—not only here, but with the bartenders, presenters, moderators and sponsors all over the world. They’re all really nice people.”

Developing more local participation is something Ann and the team are trying to accomplish, and she’d like to get the word out. “One of my goals this year for New Orleans is to try to get even more people involved. Whether you’re a host at a restaurant, a sous chef or a banquet manager, you can get something out of Tales of the Cocktail.”

On July 17-21, Tales offers seminars and tasting rooms where spirits experts from around the world share what’s now and what’s next for cocktails. Then, the night comes alive in true New Orleans fashion with dinner pairings, parties, competitions and more. For event information, visit TalesoftheCocktail.com.

July-August 2013 67

IN Good Company

by Mindy Cordell

Kathy LeBlanc, Cedarwood School A STROLL THROUGH CEDARWOOD SCHOOL offers the joyful sights and sounds of childhood, of hope and limitless possibility. On any given school day, you might find fourth graders broadcasting morning announcements; kindergarteners creating a story in Spanish using an interactive whiteboard; third graders acting out literature lessons in Reader’s Theater; hallways filled with student-created artistic scenery of countries around the world; children arriving early to participate in a voluntary exercise program—or even the buzz of excitement from a science class learning about ocean tides by tracking the route of a message in a bottle that was returned to them from a place far away. And why not? Shouldn’t 68

Inside Northside

any place where children go to grow, learn and thrive be filled with wonder and joy? It should. And Cedarwood has a knack for creating nurturing and dynamic settings where it can, beyond all expectation.

This August, Cedarwood School celebrates 30 years of educational success. In 1983, Max and Kathryn LeBlanc cut the ribbon on a little Acadianstyle cottage with four classrooms and a gravel drive.

The couple had navigated bankers, appraisers and friends who said their plans were crazy. Sure, both had plenty of teaching experience, and Kathy’s master’s degree and educational consulting work had given her a unique, multi-dimensional perspective on educational environments that ranged, as she puts it, “from the best of the best to the worst of the worst.”

But they had proposed to build a preschool with accredited curricula and measurable outcomes in a community that was still largely undeveloped and accustomed to mom-and-pop daycare centers. Their lenders had such strong reservations that they wanted the building’s plans to include a bathtub in each bathroom so that, in the event the business failed, they could convert it to a residence. “Absolutely not!”

Kathy said. “It would be a hazard for small children.”

She threatened to go elsewhere. “I’m not going to build my business with the plan that it’s going to fail. This business is NOT going to fail!” The bankers backed off. The development moved ahead—and the business did NOT fail.

Today, Kathy’s daughters are the age that she was when Cedarwood first opened, and that little preschool has grown into a well-known accredited preschool and elementary school with a reputation

photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Giving Children a Foundation for Life for 30 Years

for providing superior education to children from age 2 through seventh grade. Cedarwood’s seven-acre campus now comprises four buildings, a 10,000-square-foot open-air gymnasium, a junior-Olympic-sized heated pool, a regulation-sized baseball/soccer field, a courtyard surrounded by manicured lawns with a life-sized chess board at its center and expansive playgrounds with abundant creative play equipment.

Its buildings hold many spacious classrooms, a state-of-the-art computer lab, a music studio and an art studio.

Today, Cedarwood is recognized throughout St. Tammany and, because of a number of international families who have taken their Cedarwood education back to their home countries, around the world. “This place is much bigger than me now,” Kathy says proudly.

Staying the Course Cedarwood was built around a singular focus—the children it serves.

Kathy’s training in special education taught her the importance of weaving a highly individualized approach through the curriculum and into the systems she set up for learning. “Every child is an individual,” Kathy says, explaining the core beliefs the school was founded on.

“Every child has gifts. And every child has needs. So, focusing on what each child needs has always been our goal, our mission.”

One thing Kathy and her team have found to be consistently in the best interest of the children they serve is the practice of carefully balancing the size and composition of each class and then teaching to the highest ability and supporting every student in rising up to meet high expectations. “If we have children of different abilities, which we do, we teach to the highest end of the class,” Kathy explains. “The children who are at >> July-August 2013 69

the weaker end are encouraged to rise up and are given support.”

This model is made possible by Cedarwood’s small class sizes. “Our classes are conducted in small groups.

The teachers divide children into groups, but the groups are fluid. A child is not stuck in a group. It’s more about collaborative learning than it is about addressing levels.” The result?

The majority of Cedarwood students are performing well above the level their “school ability” test scores predict. Kathy offers three reasons for this: “One, they are expected to. Two, if a student is only supposed to be average, they don’t know it. Three, we provide an environment that helps students to have a high level of confidence and positive self-esteem.”

Elizabeth Kinsley, a Cedarwood parent who has tried other St. Tammany schools, both public and private, says that the Cedarwood model works. “The small classroom size allows the kids to work together and motivate each other much more than in other settings,” she explains.

“The teachers are able to give more attention to each student, and for [my son], it has motivated him not only to complete, but to excel at his academic work.”

An International Flair Cedarwood has acquired a reputation for embracing the uniqueness of each individual. This atmosphere of acceptance, in combination with the school’s academic merit, has attracted a student population that is truly multi-cultural. “Just like we honor our differences in learning styles, we celebrate differences in people and their cultures,” Kathy says.

Expatriate families from countries around the world have found that Cedarwood’s personalized approach provides much-needed support during the difficult acclimation period. Florencia

and Alejo Holub, for example, brought their family here from Argentina in 2011. As is often the case with international transfers, their children spoke no English. Florencia describes the important role the school played during her family’s transition. “Cedarwood has been like family to us and to so many other expats. They are always willing to help, with a big smile and a huge expertise in what they do best: teaching kids that learning is fun and their key to future success.” The Holub children were speaking fluent English by the end of their first nine weeks, performing in the school’s drama productions and musical shows by the end of their first semester and acting as mentors for other students by the end of their first year.

The diversity of international families currently enrolled at Cedarwood offers the school’s American-born children a culturally rich educational experience. The annual International Festival dedicates an entire week to celebrating diverse cultures. During the festival, each class shares information about their chosen country with the entire student body as well as with family and friends. Art, music, dance, sports, games, traditions and cuisine are among the elements recreated by the students.

Balancing Tradition with Innovation Some things are worth holding on to—a vision, a certainty about the purpose behind a passion. Others are important to let go of—a set way of doing things, traditions that hinder growth. For 30 years, Cedarwood has kept its focus on the children it serves while simultaneously embracing the innovations proven to nurture their growth. Kathy LeBlanc and the team of talent she has assembled are dedicated to preparing children for a life of limitless possibility.

by Kaley Boudreaux

or a bully. It is a lot of fun, and I love it,” Addison says. She loves it so much that she and her mother, Jeanine, traveled from their hometown of Covington to Los Angeles in August 2012 to see if Addison could make it big in Hollywood.

“We planned to be there for just one month to give Addison an opportunity to try out acting,” Jeanine says. “She kept booking things and we kept extending our stay. It kind of snowballed. One month eventually turned into four.”

Before Addison landed her gig on The Thundermans, her schedule in California was unpredictable and quite a shock to her dad, Jared, when he first traveled to Los Angeles for a visit. Jared says, “They will get calls literally one hour before an audition. They may be driving to one audition, and the phone rings, and it is her agent sending them across town to another one.”

WITHIN WEEKS OF MOVING to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career, 9-year-old Addison Riecke landed a supporting role in The Thundermans, a Nickelodeon television series premiering this fall.

When Addison was 7 and beginning formal acting classes, she never dreamed she would have a role in a national television show two years later.

Catching onto acting quickly, she found a natural ability to transform into character. Addison fell in love with the trade.

“My favorite thing about acting is that you get to be somebody that you’re not—you can be a nerd 72

Inside Northside

By the end of their stay, Addison had booked a guest-starring role on ABC’s How to Live with Your Parents, a recurring character part on The Thundermans and several national commercials, including ones for Sony Playstation and Lunchables.

“I thought, ‘Wow, I can’t believe this,’” Jeanine says. “You always want to support your child. When you see the positive feedback they get and see the excitement surrounding how well they do, it makes everything worth it.”

After returning to Louisiana for an extended stay, Addison and Jeanine moved to Los Angeles in April to

photo: EVANS VESTAL WARD/NICKELODEON

Small Girl, Big Dreams

begin filming the first 13 episodes of The Thundermans.

“Los Angeles is really cool!” Addison says. “You get to do something new every day when you are an actress. I go on a lot of auditions and my days are never the same. The weather is always good, and it rarely rains. You can go to the beach, go swimming or have a picnic outside at the park.”

As for Jeanine, moving to California has required some adjusting.

“The honking is unbelievable! People lay on their horns there,” she says. “In Louisiana, people are more laid back and give a tiny honk. Not there!”

Addison interjects, “It was so loud in our apartment that we even had to get ear plugs!”

The opportunities are more than worth the noise to the duo, and both are ecstatic about what has arisen from their stay in Los Angeles. The outcome has far outweighed their expectations.

Just like anything in life, acting has its setbacks; however, Addison doesn’t let rejection stop her enthusiasm. She says, “I try not to let the disappointments get me down. In acting, you end up with a lot of ups and downs, but you can’t ever give up. You just have to be patient, because you never know what is going to happen.”

Although Addison and Jeanine have temporarily moved to Los Angeles, Addison is still enrolled in school in Covington at Kehoe France. Lindsey Jenkins, Addison’s teacher, works in conjunction with an on-set instructor at the studio. E-mailing tests and lesson plans back and forth, the two coordinate Addison’s education.

“That is why we keep her enrolled at Kehoe France,” Jeanine says. “When we come in town on breaks between seasons of the show, Addison can go right back into school. We want her >> July-August 2013 73

to still have the sense of home here in Louisiana. We are trying to keep the interaction between her and other children at her school, especially with her being an only child. This process is all so new to us.”

What does Addison miss most about being home in Louisiana? “My cats!” she says. “I am such a cat person.

When I get old, I am going to be a cat lady with 15,000 cats.”

Whether acting will remain her permanent career or not, Addison is certain about one aspect of her future. “I want to go to college. I look up to Anne Hathaway because she is so successful, and she put acting aside to go to college.

I think that is really important. My dad always says education comes first.”

Mature beyond her 9 years, Addison’s outlook on life is admirable.

“I look at all of my auditions like I am waiting at a bus stop. If I miss a bus, there is always another bus around the corner,” she says. “I know in the long run that there is a plan for my life, and that is what gives me peace. I believe I was meant to act, and I would never want that talent to go to waste.”

74

Inside Northside

photo: EVANS VESTAL WARD/NICKELODEON

The cast of The Thundermans.

photo: KRISTEN SIMPSON

“IN MANY WAYS, he was a typical 14-year-old; in other ways, he was very wise for his age. He loved being a kid, but he could have deep conversations with adults,” says Kristen Simpson when describing her beloved nephew, Burke Cobb.

“He was big and tall—6 feet 4 inches and 215 lbs.—but he had a gentle spirit about him. We called him the ‘gentle giant.’ As an elective in school, he chose to hang out and play games with special-needs kids. He was very caring and loving, and he always gave of himself,” she says.

A resident of Prairieville who loved sports, especially lacrosse and football, Burke eagerly anticipated playing football as a freshman at Dutchtown High School last year. But in July 2012, during a basketball game with friends, he collapsed and died after going into sudden cardiac arrest.

“The most common symptom of sudden cardiac arrest, unfortunately, is death. It does not discriminate in terms of age, race or gender,” says Kristen. “With Burke, there was no way to know anything was wrong with him. I was with him constantly, and he never complained and never had symptoms.”

After his tragic passing, Burke’s family learned he had a serious heart condition, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a thickening of the heart muscle. One out of every 500 people is said to have HCM, which is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes.

Inspired by the positive way in which he lived his life, Burke’s family established The Living 4 Burke Foundation in his honor to help ensure that no other family suffers a similar loss. The foundation has a two-fold mission of promoting awareness of the issues and dangers associated with sudden cardiac arrest in young people and providing prevention through lowcost community heart screenings.

The foundation has already seen the good that can come out of tragedy. “We screened 158 kids at Dutchtown and discovered 10 abnormalities,” says Kristen, who is a director of the organization. “A friend of Burke’s, who had fainted during exercise twice, found out she had a life-threatening heart condition that needed surgery. She said she felt like Burke was looking out for her.”

Without testing, there is no way of knowing whether a child has a heart defect. Because of insurance regulations, such testing is often cost-

Burke Cobb.

The Living 4 Burke Foundation

by Sasha Steinberg

Saving young lives, one heart at a time

prohibitive and therefore inaccessible to many families.

In October 2012, Kristen approached St. Tammany Parish Hospital about offering such tests on the northshore. “Partnering with STPH is a way that we can offer these potentially life-saving tests as a service,” she says. “Knowing that we’re helping kids would mean so much to Burke. We have grieved, and we will still grieve, but even in death, he can save lives—and that’s what he would want.”

Available for children ages 12 to 18, the Living 4 Burke screening costs $150 and includes an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and blood pressure check. Local cardiologists Hamid Salam and Bekir Melek interpret the screenings. To schedule an appointment, call 871-5665 and ask for the Living 4 Burke screening.

July-August 2013 75

Bonerama Mark Mullins, Craig Klein and Greg Hicks of Bonerama.

76

IN A CITY OF NON-STOP FESTIVALS celebrating the area’s music, food and culture, one band has played almost all of them at one time or another— Bonerama, with its heavy, trombone-laden, funk rock sound.

Bonerama has filled music halls and festival stages with its big brass and rock fusion sound for 15 years, becoming something of an institution.

During that time, a dozen or so of the area’s finest musicians have played on stage and in the studio with Bonerama, but band members Mark Mullins and Craig Klein have always been the group’s heart and soul.

Mullins grew up in Metairie, but he and his family have called Mandeville home for a decade now. In between gigs, he makes time to spend with his boys, Michael and Eli, enjoying everything the area has to offer, like fishing on the lakefront.

Mullins recalls living in the Lakeview neighborhood

Inside Northside

of New Orleans before moving to Mandeville and observes with a bit of a smile: “Being a musician who travels and tours in a funk rock brass band, I don’t necessarily have a lot in common with my neighbors in Mandeville—but I never did in Lakeview, either.

As a musician or an artist, you understand that you’re going to stick out a little bit. I always feel fortunate; it’s an honor to do what we do.”

The road to being a successful artist is usually fraught with danger and a high chance of not being able to make a living. Luck helps, but without very, very hard work, it won’t happen. Mullins has had his share of luck, but a common thread throughout his story is that he’s been in the right place at the right time—because he was always working at being a successful musician. His dedication started many years ago, with his education, both in the classroom and after hours, at Loyola University.

Mullins began at Loyola in 1985, majoring in

photo: MICHAEL WEINTROB

by Stephen Faure

education. He’d already started learning music earlier. “My two older brothers played trumpet and clarinet in the school band. They said I should play something else; my orthodontist said I should play something else, too—the saxophone was going to mess up my teeth. They said I should play trombone, that there would never be any competition for it, that there’s always a need for trombonists in the school band, and I’d be first chair right away. I thought that sounded pretty good—I’d play the trombone. That was almost 40 years ago, and here I am, still playing the trombone.”

After a couple of weeks at Loyola, he and a musician friend, Matt Lemmler, who was also an education major, got to talking. “We kind of looked at each other and said, ‘Are we doing the right thing? Is this what we should be doing? Will we make good teachers or should we be performing?’ We sort of changed each other’s mind right there on the steps of the new music building at Loyola. I went home and told my parents I was switching majors from education to performance. It was a bit of a shock, but I didn’t know what else to do.” It paid off for both of them, as Lemmler is an in-demand jazz musician, composer, arranger and teacher.

Looking back fondly on his days as a student, Mullins notes, “It was a good balance for a young musician. The daytime was education in theory, music history, composition and private lessons, and then there was the real-world experience of being immersed in New Orleans music and going to clubs to see the Neville Brothers or the Radiators at Tipitina’s.”

Being on top of things technically and being out-and-about on the New Orleans scene led to some pretty heady opportunities. “I remember being asked,>> July-August 2013 77

‘We need someone to write charts for George Porter, Jr.; are you available?’

‘Yeah, I’m available.’ I’m 18 and thinking, ‘I don’t know what I’m going to do, but, yeah, I’m available.’”

Looking toward life after graduation, Mullins planned on taking a bite out of the Big Apple and grad school at the Manhattan School of Music. The music gods had something bigger in store. He’d have to wait several years before he’d have the time, and by then, he had the equivalent of a doctorate in performance—three solid years touring the world over as lead trombonist with Harry Connick Jr.’s Big Band.

“It was Craig Klein, Lucien Barbarin and me. We were talking in the days leading up to this call, because the word was out that Harry was putting a band together. We had just seen him on the Today Show; he had done the When Harry Met Sally soundtrack. It literally happened just as I graduated from Loyola—an incredible opportunity that you couldn’t plan or predict or calculate.

It was just ‘how fortunate can you be?’ and it fell into our laps.”

Connick was leading a jazz revival, bringing New Orleans music to a new generation. Over the years, he had 10 number-one jazz albums and went on to have a great acting career as well. Mullins was there at the beginning, backing up the rising star and learning. A lot.

“It was a learning experience, watching Harry under the pressure of being anointed this new jazz crooner of the music world at a time when no one else was really doing that. How he handled it; how he handled the pressure; how he delivered every night.

How he motivated and challenged us to deliver. It was an incredible lesson that I didn’t realize we were learning at the time. As I get older and look back 78

Inside Northside

on it, that was graduate school, right there.”

Mullins and Klein toured and recorded with Connick almost not-stop, seeing the world from firstclass accommodations. “We went right from college to a rock ’n roll-style tour bus, with catering. We were staying at the Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton; it was just an unbelievable experience. We went overseas multiple times to Australia, Europe and Japan, and it was terrific. I’m a trombone player who’s playing my trombone in front of 30,000 people every night—getting paid for it. It was wonderful, and for most of us, it was pretty humbling.”

That whirlwind tour lasted from 1990 to 1994, when, Mullins says, Connick changed direction musically, from the big-band sound to a more funkinspired style. Connick also began his acting career in earnest in the late 1990s. While tour dates decreased, Mullins and Klein continued to play off and on with the crooner until 2006.

photo: MARC MILLMAN

Bonerama is Born When not on the road with Connick, Mullins and Klein played various gigs in New Orleans with a variety of acts, including their own bands, Mullins’ Mulebone and Klein’s The Nightcrawlers.

Mullins also had a continuing open gig on Wednesdays at Tipitina’s French Quarter venue.

“It was called ‘Mark Mullins Presents.’ I could do anything I wanted, but the trick was that I had to do something different every week. I don’t know why they had me; they had Allen Toussaint doing one and Cyril Neville doing another night,” Mullins says, noting the heavyweight company he was keeping.

A conversation with Klein led to a legendary gig that would spawn Bonerama. “Craig was in New York and caught a Latin band with multiple trombones.

Being so ‘Mr. New Orleans’ and brass-band oriented, he immediately thought it would be great to have a band from New Orleans that did something like that,” says Mullins. So one night in the summer of 1998 at Tipitina’s, he and Klein pulled the idea together. They called on some talented New Orleans trombonists from different circles: jazz men Freddie Lonzo and Lucien Barbarin; Steve Suter, who was with the LPO at the time; and Rick Trolsen, as well as a rhythm section.

Mullins was worried about pulling it off, with only one or two rehearsals and a divergence of styles and backgrounds among the musicians. “Some of the guys really didn’t read music. We had charts for some things

Craig Klein, Mark Mullins, Greg Hicks, Alvin Ford Jr. and Bert Cotton.

July-August 2013 79

that needed arrangements, and there were some other things that didn’t need arrangements, so we kept it kind of loose.”

His worries were for naught. “In the first three or four notes we played that night, there was something unique. It correlated from the stage to the audience and then back to us. You could almost feel everyone take a few steps forward, because the sound is so different when you put multiple instruments together, trombones specifically. There’s a special warmth and sonority. When the instruments are blended together, it’s almost like any other combination of instruments; it’s a unique sound.”

“I think by the end of the night, not just the seven trombone players we called up but almost every trombone player in town was at the gig, either just seeing what this thing was or to say ‘Why didn’t you call me?’ At the end, everybody was on stage just throwing down. There must have been 20 or so trombones—there was no place to 80

Inside Northside

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Craig Klein.

stand—just those slides and spit flying everywhere!”

After the performance at Tipitina’s, the gang, so to speak, got together during breaks from touring. It evolved into a regular thing, and they called themselves The Bonerama Trombone Group. Deciding it sounded like a college group, Mullins says they shortened it to Bonerama. “But there’s no trombone-word associated with it, and some people are still like, ‘Whaaaat????’ The double-entendre part is certainly clear, but a lot of people don’t get the double part, they just see the dirty part. They don’t understand that the trombone is often referred to as the ‘bone.’”

Regular gigs at the Old Point Bar in Algiers cemented the group together, and they released their first album, Live at Old Point, in 2001. While the group’s lineup of trombonists, drummers and bass players (for many years there was no bassist, as Matt Perrine’s sousaphone provided the low end) has been somewhat fluid, Mullins and Klein remain at the core, with guitarist Bert Cotton also a long-time stalwart.

After Katrina, the band contributed to many efforts in helping the city to rebuild. One gave them a great amount of exposure nationally. Activist organizations reached out to Bonerama when they wanted to raise money for and awareness of displaced musicians by holding a series of musicians’ retreats at Tipitina’s. They asked Bonerama to be the house band, backing up the invited artists. “They had Mike Mills from R.E.M., Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine, Steve Earle, The Indigo Girls and Damian Kulash from O.K. Go—and that’s just scratching the surface,” Mullins says.

“It was great, meeting all those people. Later, when R.E.M was

recording their last album, they came here and asked us to play.” Working in New Orleans with OK Go led to an appearance on Late Night with David Letterman. Bonerama performs all over the country now. When they’re in the city, they play several gigs a week and at just about every festival you can name.

Bonerama is now known for covering, with a New Orleans brassband twist, classic rock songs like Led Zeppelin’s The Ocean. Crowd favorite, the Edgar Winter Group’s Frankenstein, saw its trombone-drenched debut that first night at Tipitina’s. “I’m kind of a rocker at heart, even though I don’t play guitar. Maybe that’s why we’re doing so much of that stuff in Bonerama,” Mullins says.

Bonerama’s latest release is Shake it Baby. Mullins says of the record, which was five years in the making, “Everyone thinks their last record is the best record they ever made. But we really do think that about this record. It’s not just because of the people we have on it. I think there’s more strength in everything we’re doing as a craft, and it’s finally starting to show in the music.”

One thing is a fact about Bonerama shows: they’re fun—for the audience and obviously for the musicians. It’s something that’s part of their success, and they haven’t stopped thinking big.

“We’re a mid-level band from New Orleans. We want to be the Rolling Stones, but we all play the trombone, and our songs aren’t as good. At day one, we only dreamed of surviving; to be here 15 years later is too amazing.”

Check for Bonerama tour dates at boneramamusic.com or facebook.com/BoneramaMusic. Shake it Baby is available through the band’s site and at most online retailers such as iTunes, Google Play and Spotify.

July-August 2013 81

SCHOOL’S OUT! It’s a perfect time to get outdoors, explore and learn outside the classroom. Here are suggestions to make summer days fun learning days for children from pre-school through high school.

Reve Pounds, Christ Episcopal School • “Children learn best by doing and by exploring.

In the summer, I tell parents not to be so worried about flash cards. Not that those are not important, but the summer is a great time for kids to explore. We live in such a wonderful area for that. Nature is the best classroom. I tell parents to make nature educational.”

• Do nature scavenger hunts. Begin with a certain letter, or look for certain colors or shapes. Kids love to use cameras. Let them take photos and create a photo journal.

• Start a collection, like a leaf or rock collection.

Make it educational by having kids identify what

type of flower or stone it is. Teach them the parts of a flower and what is needed for a flower to grow. Have them chart a plant’s growth, like a lima bean or red bean. Plant a garden.

• For little ones, collect flowers or leaves and do crayon rubbings in a journal. Have a special basket for kids to put their “findings” from nature in. Get them a magnifying glass and other tools for exploration.

• “You just need to get out there and start exploring!” says Reve.

Ann Habisreitinger Barré, Huntington Learning Center • “Kids need a wide range of knowledge, and you want kids to build their own ‘bank’ of knowledge.

Parent encouragement is huge for kids. Read out loud with them, no matter what their ages are. Kids learn from example, so read books in front of them and encourage them to read independently also. Have a variety of books on hand, always! Encourage them to watch TV, but make it educational. Better yet, watch with them!”

• Take day trips to museums and incorporate books

Summer Learning

Fun

by Lauren Smith

82

Inside Northside

into that by getting books that relate.

For example, take a trip to the WWII museum in New Orleans and check out a copy of I Survived: The Bombing of Pearl Harbor from the I Survived series by Scholastic Books.

• Journal! No matter what your kid’s age; young kids can just draw in it.

Have them journal twice a week.

More often is ideal. They’ll write about their summer camp or a sports game they played in, etc.

• Older students can prepare for college by volunteering. “Colleges are recruiting students who volunteer on their own time. Summer is a great time for this,” says Ann. It is also a good time to prep for ACT/SAT exams.

• For juniors and seniors, summer is a time to focus on college. Juniors, start looking at what the admissions qualifications are for the colleges you are interested in. Seniors, visit colleges. Now is the time!

July-August 2013 83

• Encourage your kids to do independent learning projects in science or whatever interests them.

Figurethis.org is a great website for ideas. “It’s so simple.

All you have to do is buy the material!” says Ann.

Beverly McQuaid, Planet Kids Academy

• Establish a daily time for reading. “My mom used to plan that hour during the hottest part of the day to keep us inside and cool,” says Ann. • At home, in addition to reading, do crossword puzzles, Sudoku and word searches. It keeps kids engaged and also builds their critical thinking skills.

84

Inside Northside

• During the summer, plan outside play time between 9-11 a.m. and 3-6 p.m. The hottest time of the day can be put aside for inside reading, puzzling and board games. A good daily shield of sunscreen is truly important! Keep your little gals and guys hydrated, as the heat is tough in our climate,” says Beverly McQuaid of Planet Kids Academy in Madisonville.

• Take advantage of outside play time with your children. Give them the opportunity to create an imaginary situation by offering non-structured props and modeling how to use them. For example, take old bed sheets outside and help hang them around low tree limbs or outside furniture to create a child’s camp site. Be a catalyst for your child in play. Give them ideas, and then

take their lead. Engage with them, but don’t take over their make-believe situation.

Kathy LeBlanc, Cedarwood School • “Summer can be a time for creating fun by experimenting with food. These activities can even be done outside on the back patio on a picnic table or in the garage. Most of what you’ll need is already i n the pantry!”

• Salt Clay What you need: 1 1/2 cups of salt, 4 cups flour, 1 1/2 cups water What to do: Mix all ingredients together until the dough forms a ball around the spoon. Knead the dough well, adding water if it is too crumbly.

After forming the dough into your desired shape, set the oven to 150 degrees and bake until hard.

Keep an eye on it in the oven. This can be painted and decorated. Allow to cool first.

• Happy Face Sandwiches What you need: Bread, peanut butter, raisins, alfalfa or bean sprouts or shredded coconut, squeezable cheese, other small food items

What to do: Spread peanut butter on one side of bread—open faced. Have child make eyes, nose, mouth and hair from other items provided. Encourage kids to be creative and eat what they create.

• Milk Explosions What you need: Milk, small container, food coloring

July-August 2013 85

What to do: Pour a small amount of milk into a shallow container and drop food coloring around the edges. Drop one drop of dish soap in the middle and see what happens! Extension: Pour a thin layer of white glue on a small paper plate and repeat the experiment for each child. Let it dry and you have a wonderful sun catcher.

86

Inside Northside

• Cheese Robots At snack time, cut cheese into different sized chunks. Provide kids with pretzel sticks and let them put the chunks together to create “cheese robots.” For added fun, provide red and green grapes for “muscle arms.”

Sherri Hansen, Culinary Kids • “With a family of four young boys, we love to get messy outdoors during the summer!” Homemade bubble solution is fun and cost-effective, and it goes a long way! Fill a recycled gallon jug with water; add 2/3 cup of liquid dish detergent and 3 tablespoons of glycerin (found in the first aid section of the pharmacy). “My boys love making their own bubble wands with pipe cleaners… creativity and science all summer long!”

Jay Bennett, Bennett Water Ski and Wakeboard School • “Keeping kids actively engaged is very important during the summer. Learning new physical activities not only keeps the muscles engaged but also keeps the brain working. Ski school provides a safe environment for kids to learn a new sport and make new friends from all over the world.” Bennett’s offers a wide variety of activities for kids of all ages and ability—from beginner to advanced water skiing, wakeboarding, knee boarding and tubing, stand-up paddle boarding, swimming, ping pong and pool tables.

July-August 2013 87

1

2

1. Barbecue essentials. Rubs and basting oil, starting at $8.95. Oil & Vinegar, Covington, 809-1693.

3

2. Bring the coast home. Square oyster mirror, $265. Hazelnut, Mandeville, 626-8900. 3. Bold landscapes. Art poles, $89-$179.

Available in 3’, 4’ or 6’. Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 8934

8008. 4. Made with wine. Harvest Crush Syrah organic soap by the Grapeseed Company, $8. Available in different varieties. Wax’d, Mandeville, 778-2005. 5. Creature comforts. Long rectangular pillow with antique ecclesiastic stump work with raised gold metallic embroidery, $2,800. St. Romain Interiors, Madisonville, 845-7411.

5

88

Inside Northside

July-August 2013 89

90

Inside Northside

2

1

3

1. Center of attention. Mercury glass vase with fleur-de-lis, $70. Florist of Covington, Covington, 892-7701. 2. Hanging around. Decorative metal orb, $25-$35. MĂŠlange by kp, Mandeville, 807-7652. 3. Sea life. Metal fish sculpture, $80. Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 624-4045. 4. Perfect spout. Stainless steel fusti for storing and dispensing gourmet olive oil, starting at $86.95. InfusĂŠ, Mandeville, 778-0903. 5. Louisiana spirit.

Fleur-de-lis tray, $25. The Grapevine, Covington, 893-2766.

4

5

July-August 2013 91

1 2

1. Add a finishing touch. Elaine Smith decorative sun-, rain- and stain-resistant pillows, starting at $44. Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor, Mandeville, 727-9787.

2. Artsy barware. Hand-painted martini glass, $15 each. Available in other designs and glass styles. Artisan Home Décor, Mandeville, 778-2113. 3. Sea treasure.

Faux nautilus shell on stand, $177. Berger Home, Mandeville, 624-3433. 4. Elegant bedding. Embroidered Lila Alessandra “Louie” linen throw, $668. Hestia Luxury in Linens, Covington, 893-0490. 5. Thicker

3

locks. Volume fusion spray by Euphora, $18.

Studio 311 Salon, Covington, 327-7775.

4

92

Inside Northside

5

July-August 2013 93

94

Inside Northside

2 1

4

3

5

1. Artful décor. Hand-painted rectangle tray from the Gulf Coast series by Dana Wittmann, $89.95. DeLuca’s Expressions in Gold, Covington, 892-2317.

2. Stony décor. Stylish marbleized sculptured base with nickel glass bowl compote, $175. EMB Interiors, Mandeville, 626-1522. 3. Skin rehydration.

Rejuvenate Shower Cleanser, $17.95; Prevent Body Lotion, $27.95; Relax Shower Cleanser, $17.95. Earthsavers, Mandeville, 674-1133. 4. Keep cool.

Insulated wine tote, $18. deCoeur Gifts and Home Accessories, Covington, 809-3244. 5. Boost the flavor. Medium-sized oak distilling barrel, $65. Available in other sizes. Main Grain, Abita Springs, 875-1253.

July-August 2013 95

96

Inside Northside

photo: STEVE RANDON PHOTOGRAPHY

M A R R I A G E A N D L O V E I N

Holland-Holcombe Mary Frances Holland and Kennon Edwards Holcombe exchanged vows at St. Joseph Abbey in Covington. Rev. William O’Donnell officiated. The bride wore an ivory lace dress with a satin sweetheart neckline and a cathedral-length veil. She carried a bouquet of blush peonies. Her bridesmaids wore shades of pink, fuchsia and coral.

Decorations for the reception at Vintage Court in Covington included pink and fuchsia flowers. The music of Harvey Jesus and Fire had guests on their feet. The four-tiered wedding cake had a cascade of sugar flowers in various shades of pink.

The couple returned to Greenville, S.C., after honeymooning in Cancun.

photo: JESSICA JAMES

White-McLain Beth White and Andy McLain were married in Old Mandeville in a ceremony officiated by Pastor Alfred Young of Covington. The bride wore an ivory lace gown from Olivier Couture embellished with a diamond broach and carried a bouquet of roses wrapped with lace from her mother’s wedding gown. The couple exchanged rings from Lowe’s Jewelers.

At the reception, guests enjoyed a threetiered wedding cake and danced the night away under lighting provided by Mandeville Party Co. The rehearsal dinner at N’Tini’s was hosted by the groom’s parents, Sherman and Becky McLain.

Beth and Andy met eight years ago and attended Southeastern Louisiana University together. They are enjoying their new home in Covington after their honeymoon in Cancun.

July-August 2013 97

98

Inside Northside

4

5

2

1

3

6

AMERICANA

1. Faceted blue quartz over hematite and sterling silver ring by Tacori, $760. Boudreaux’s Fine Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-1666. 2. Sydney Evan diamond anchor drop, $1,012.50. The Mix, Mandeville, 727-7649. 3. Embossed washable silk tunic by URU, $190. Available in several colors. California Drawstrings, Covington, 327-7300. 4. Slate blue stretch lace dress by Nicole Miller, $420; Virgins Saints & Angels necklace, $235. Fleurt, Covington, 809-8844. 5. Multi-strap cross-back maxi dress by Joy Joy, $112. Paisley, Mandeville, 727-7880. 6. 100% cotton navy and red checkered traveler sport shirt, $87.50. JoS A. Bank, Mandeville, 624-4067.

July-August 2013 99

2

1

AMERICANA 1. Geneva metal “boyfriend” bracelet watch with traditional analog faces and three subdials, $59 each. Available in multiple colors. Laurier, Covington, 875-0823.

2. Krista Lee red, white and blue embroidered tunic and iT Brand red denim skinny jeans.

Tunic, $88; jeans, $94. Three Sisters Boutique, Ponchatoula, 386-8680. 3. TOMS shoes, starting at $44. Various styles.

Columbia Street Mercantile, Covington, 809-1789 and 8091690. 4. Red, white or blue wire-wrapped caged bracelets

by Susannah Elle Designs, $32 each. Available at Three Divas and a Sugardaddy, Slidell, 288-5550. 5. 100% combed

3

cotton four-button West Coast prep polo from johnnie-O, $65.

Bastille’s Clothing Company, Mandeville, 626-4220.

4

5

100

Inside Northside

July-August 2013 101

102

Inside Northside

2 1

AMERICANA 4 3

1. Lady’s geometric fashion ring in 18kt white gold with 1.8cttw round rubies and .09cttw round brilliant diamonds, $2,750. Champagne Jewelers, Slidell, 6432599. 2. Three-inch volatile platform wedge thongs, $49.

Shoefflé, Covington, 898-6465. 3. Navy blue v-neck top with cap sleeves top and Farron Elizabeth Palazzo pants with blue starfish. Hot summer prices: top, $31.80; pants, $40.80. Izabella’s Villa, Slidell, 649-5060. 4. Navy and white striped anchor earrings, $9.99. Private Beach, Mandeville, 674-2326. 5. Laundry navy

5

blue layered dress with gold glittery necklace attached, $275. The Villa, Mandeville, 626-9797. 6. Navy bow-sleeve top by esley paired with Jessica Simpson Forever 3 1/2” roll cuff shorts in white and a red tiered jewel-tone necklace. Top, $40; shorts, $40; necklace, $20. JuJu’s Boutique, Mandeville, 624-3600.

6

July-August 2013 103

3 1

AMERICANA

2

1. Navy and white striped knit dress

by Eight Sixty, $92. POSH Boutique, Covington, 898-2639. 2. Navy and cream sleeveless dress from the Artelier collection by Nicole Miller, $385. Eros, Mandeville, 727-0034. 3. Navy and white chevron print sundress, $42. The Lifestyle Store at Franco’s, Mandeville, 792-0200. 4. Hand-hammered brass, Labradorite stone and beaded cuff bracelet, $345. the french mix, Covington, 809-3152. 5. Navy patentleather wedge with matching clutch

by L. K. Bennett. Shoes, $295; clutch, $295. Emma’s Shoes and Accessories, Mandeville, 778-2200. 6. Polo-style shirt with striped shorts by Mayoral Kids. Shirt and shorts, $52. Anne’s Boutique, Mandeville, 635-1496.

6 4

5

104

Inside Northside

July-August 2013 105

AMERICANA 1

2

3

1. Brighton Trendoro messenger bag with textured leather and gold-tone hardware from the Trendoro Collection, $200. Accents and Things, Slidell, 6494273. 2. Oversized faceted gems with wire wrapping, $84. Hot summer price, $50.40. Izabella’s Villa, Slidell, 649-5060.

3. Dang Proud Americana women’s fitted short-sleeve burnout crew t-shirt by Dang Chicks, $42. Brown Eyed Girl, Mandeville, 626-0100.

106

Inside Northside

IN the Spotlight

Hospice Foundation of the South Crawfish Cook-off

Sixty teams boiled 47,000 pounds of crawfish at the Hospice Foundation of the South’s Crawfish Cook-off at Fritchie Park in Slidell.

Cook-off goers dined on all-you-can-eat crawfish, hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, snowballs and funnel cakes. The Molly Ringwalds, Top Cats and Harvey Jesus and First entertained the crowd.

The team called 1st Place won the title of “Best Tasting Crawfish in St. Tammany Parish.”

Second place went to Cleco and third place to Slidell Memorial Hospital. Celebrity judges included Carl Arrendondo, Curt Sprang, Bruce Katz and Slidell Councilman Lionel Hicks.

Among this year’s sponsors were Slidell Memorial Hospital, Ochsner–North Shore, Budweiser by Champagne Beverage and Walmart.

July-August 2013 109

IN the Spotlight

Guests at the 2013 Northshore Heroes event at Tchefuncta Country Club enjoyed lunch and were entertained by special guest singer Margarita Lucia Warren before the honorees accepted their awards.

The evening was hosted by meteorologist Jay Galle from WDSUTV, who has presided over the event for the past three years.

Since 2004, the YMCA has honored outstanding individuals throughout the community who live the Y’s mission and are advocates for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

110

Inside Northside

photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

YMCA’s Northshore Heroes

INside Peek 1

2

3

Franco’s Athletic Club marked their 25th anniversary with a gala celebration featuring the Liberty Belles trio. 1. Mandeville Mayor Don Villere proclaims Franco’s Athletic Day with

4

Ron and Sandy Franco and Kaky Hughes. 2. Jeremiah and Ashley Fry. 3. Beth and Mike Wiedemann 4. Mindy Cordell and Tiffany Beasley.

5. Katherine and Brandon Marcantel. 6. Karl and Shelly Hollingsworth 7. Fred and Gail Miller.

5

7

6

July-August 2013 111

INside Peek

1

2

1. Ann, Virginia, Sarah, Elaine and Gordon Stewart at a garden party celebrating the upcoming marriage of Elliot

3

Goorley and Mallory Morse. 2. Priscilla Morse and Kathy Doughty. 3. Elliot Goorley and Mallory Morse. 4. Willie Haddad with Jack Francioni, Linda

4

K. Larkin and Danny Haddad at Jazz on the Bayou in Slidell. 5. Heather Burkett, Bryan Batt, Carole Boos and Tom Cianfichi with pups Peggy and Pip at a book signing at Hazelnut in Mandeville. 6. Scarlett Hilton, Kit Roth, Alia Casborne and Dr. Bea Desper at Hazelnut. 7. Dr. Katie Carpenter, Dr. Paul Gordon, Dr. Jeff Miller and Dr. Jeff Franco of Integrated Spine and Disc at the Integrated Spine and Disc crawfish boil at Scotts’ Coffee Bar in Mandeville. 8. Jennifer Seghers, Jackie Evans, Sherrie Short, Mechelle Hartmann, Tina Catchot and Sharon Thompson of the NORTH Institute’s

5

Color Me Rad team before the race.

8

6

7

July-August 2013 113

INside Peek 2

3

1. Seniors at the Fontainebleau High School Project Graduation. 2. Five generations celebrate Mother’s Day. Candice Chopin Laizer with daughters Laila and Alaina Laizer; Lori Lindhorst Chopin; Lorraine Ciaccio 1

Losberg; Lorraine Losberg Davis; and Christie Chopin LeBouef with her son, Tristan. 3. Amanda Hover, Colleen Courtenay, Lisa Emery and Linda K. Larkin at the Slidell Junior Auxiliary installation at Michael’s Restaurant in Slidell. 4. Carlos, Jennifer and Daisy Valencia at Carreta’s Grill in Covington. 5. Kirk Triplett, Jeff Montalbano and Ben McAdam at the La Carreta’s Cinco de Mayo party in Mandeville.6. Ana Gonzales, Jasmine and Egla Guevara, Cheryl Espinal and Joyce Nicholas at the George’s Cinco de Mayo celebration in Mandeville. 7. Stephanie Addington, Mitch Brocato, Dayna Fitzgerald and Ferd Richard at the Cinco de Mayo celebration at Carreta’s Grill in Slidell.

5

4

6

7

Send your submissions to peek@insidenorthside.com.

INside Peek

1

2

3

4

1. Danny and Kerry Milton and Rock Kendrick 5

at the STHF’s Annual Leadership Recognition Celebration at Tchefuncta Country Club. 2. Daniel Seiden, Kelly Simon, Kathy Seiden and Debra and Stuart Ethridge. 3. Tiffany Springman, Niki Martin and Lori Murphy. 4. Ken and Susan Latham and Nancy and John Baldwin. 5. Jessica Gilmore, Janet Hines, Wendy Mignot, Stephanie Pagliarolo and Mallory Morse at the La Vie Est Belle trunk show at Emma’s Shoes and Accessories in Mandeville. 6. Dawn Brackett, Tammy Abney and Linda Larkin enjoying the Slidell Memorial Hospital’s Annual Rooftop Rendezvous fundraiser.

6

7. Michelle White, Alishia Saldana and Andrea Watson of Infusé at the Wax’d – Mandeville oneyear anniversary celebration.

7

Send your submissions to peek@insidenorthside.com.

116

Inside Northside

ACTIVITIES Horseback Riding Swimming Ropes Course Tennis Canoeing Golf Basketball Gymnastics Dance Archery Arts & Crafts Outdoor Living Campfire Fun Rope Swing Volleyball Soccer Riflery Aerobics Chorus & Drama Trip Day Counselors-In-Training Climbing Tower River Water Blob Cheerleading Flag Twirling Sports LONG-TERM SESSSIONS 3rd Session: July 7-July 19 4th Session: July 21-August 2

Riverview Camp for Girls is a community where your daughters grow in confidence and maturity - all while having a great time in a safe, carefree and wholesome environment.

Susan and Larry Hooks, Owners and Directors • For more information, call (800) 882-0722. Riverview Camp for Girls, P.O. Box 299, Mentone, AL 35984 www.riverviewcamp.com

SHORT-TERM SESSIONS E Session: July 21- July 26 F Session: July 28-August 2

IN the Spotlight Inside Northside Meet the Artist Party The St. Tammany Home Builders Association “Raising the Roof for Charity” raffle house in Maison du Lac was the setting of the Inside Northside Meet the Artist Party for the May-June issue. An array of paintings by IN cover artist Jax Frey highlighted the event.

New STHBA president Susan Meyer of Conbeth Development LLC recognized contributors to the raffle house project, including former president and raffle house builder Bobby Hurley of Hurley Homes LLC and designer Sharon Ripoll of Designs by Sharon. She also acknowledged representatives from local charities that benefit from the raffle, such as The Good Samaritan Ministry, Habitat for Humanity, St. Tammany Hospital Foundation and The Tammany Trace.

Sandwiches, pasta dishes, fresh fruit and desserts from Gary Bonnano’s Catering were complemented by beverages from a temporary bar in the outdoor kitchen, courtesy of Champagne Beverage. Anytime Booths provided props for attendees to take candid photos, and Oasis Day Spa was on-hand to give chair massages.

Inside Northside is proud to be one of STHBA’s community partners. Read more about the raffle house and the winner on page 133.

July-August 2013 119

INside Peek 1

2

3

4

120

Inside Northside

6

7

5

8

1. Christian and Vikki Shofstahl with co-owners Holly Martin and Laurie Pennison at the Artisan Home Décor artist reception. 2. Karena Anderson, marketing director; Randy Becnel, director of wellness; and Ann Loomis, coordinator of community life at the Christwood “Taste and Tour.” 3. Roland Dickey, Alex and Lindsay Hill and Covington Mayor Mike Cooper at the grand opening of Dickey’s Barbecue in Covington. 4. The SSA Class of 1988 celebrates its reunion at The Lakehouse in Mandeville. 5. Janet Clark and artist Gretchen Armbruster at her recent art showing at New Orleans Athletic Club. 6. Ken Armbruster with Stacy and Kent Robertson. 7. Collette Biedenkopf and Tricia Hale. 8. Jackie and Joey Battaglia with Charles and Mimi Arnoult.

Send your submissions to peek@insidenorthside.com.

INside Peek 1

2

A Southern Sunset welcomed family and friends to the first debutante party of the season 3

on the lawn at Southern Yacht Club with music by

4

Four Unplugged. 1. Honorees Lauren Murphy, Katherine Honeywell and Elizabeth

5

Dunlap. 2. Sarah Beth Williamson and Mark LeCoq. 6

3. Marie Hammons with Willie Paretti and Don Petitbon.

4. Davis and Lynn Gardner.

5. Jennifer Rice, Lori Murphy and Jennifer St. Paul. 6. Chris Dill and Alexis Gennusa with

7

Tammy and Pat O’Shea.

7. Chuck Walsten and Yvette Monjue. 8. Larry and Linda Abbott were celebrating their 40th anniversary in the midst

8

of the merrymaking! 9. Suzy 9

11

and Rick Kessenich.

10. Louise and Kelsey Bairnsfather enjoying thier spiked Plum Street snowball!

11. Anne and Katherine Honeywell. 12. Lauren and Rick Murphy.

10

12

122

Inside Northside

Peter Kusiw N’tini’s Chef

Originally from New Jersey, N’Tini’s Head Chef Peter Kusiw followed a friend to Louisiana 30 years ago, settled on the northshore, and is more than content to stay.

Starting out at Mandeville’s Bechac’s, the Johnson & Wales graduate also owned and operated Juniper and Java Grotto before being offered the position of head chef at N’Tini’s.

According to Chef Pete, the kitchen runs like a well-oiled machine. “We’ve got four former restaurant owners back there, so we all know how to cook and how a kitchen should run.”

Pete’s bringing a little of his Old Mandeville background to the menu. “There was no Creole influence at all, so I’m trying to add a little more of that, and some more spice. Just peppering the menu with it here and there to zip it up,” he explains. A good example is the N’Tini’s Seafood Eggplant, stuffed with fresh shrimp, lump crabmeat and crawfish simmered in a light garlic cream sauce.

“I get a lot of leeway with the specials on the weekends,” says Pete. “We get to showcase a lot of higher-end, seasonal products there.

“The menu here really bridges a gap between fine dining and the casual,” says Pete. “You can drop in for a casual breakfast or lunch, and find a nice gourmet dinner.”

2891 Highway 190, Mandeville • 985.626.5566 www.ntinis.com • lagniappe@ntinis.com

THE CONTENTS OF RESTAURANT MENUS can be compared to the pages of fashion magazines – there are always changes based on the season, hot new trends, classics that are always welcome and creative twists on those same tried-and-true standards.

The following ten restaurants offer a variety of prices and concepts. We’ve picked some of the newest, most interesting and delicious dishes from each to share with you.

K. Gee’s Restaurant

photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Beignets are enjoying all kinds of savory applications lately. These Tasso Beignets (below) have smoked tasso ham mixed in the fluffy dough, and they’re served with Cousins Creole Tomato dipping sauce.

Italian Cream Cake, the decadent three-layer dessert with cream-cheese frosting made by owner Kathy Williams herself, highlights the sweet, nutty flavor of Louisiana pecans to perfection.

2534 Florida St. Mandeville; 626-0530 Mon - Thurs: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Fri - Sat: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Closed Sunday 124

Inside Northside

N’tini’s With a delicious meaty flavor and rich buttery texture, Seared Ahi Tuna (above) will make even the most hardcore steak lover smile. The sashimi tuna is seared on the outside, left rare in the middle, served chilled and topped with nori salad and cucumber, with pickled ginger, ponzu sauce and a wasabi aioli.

The 16 oz. Veal Chop Zydeco is delicate, tender and perfectly grilled before it’s topped with a mix of roasted peppers and aged smoked Gouda and served over gnocchi in a mushroom brandy cream sauce.

A modern take on a Creole classic, the Shrimp & Grits features jumbo shrimp simmered in a traditional tomato-based sauce, but instead of a bowl of grits it is served with a wedge of jalapeño cheese grit cake and finished with breaded and fried eggplant croutons.

2891 Hwy. 190 Mandeville; 626-5566 Mon - Thurs: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Fri - Sat: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Sun: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

photo: KAELA RODEHORST PHOTOGRAPHY

Hot Dishes of Summer 2013

by Amanda M. Westbrooks

The Lakehouse

photo: CHRISTINA BEARE

Chef Stefani’s Sweet Potato and Andouille Soup (right) gets its smooth, rich texture and vibrant color from fresh, puréed Louisiana yams, and takes a little savory heat from the Andouille sausage.

It’s topped with chives and a drizzle of crème fraîche.

East meets West in the Duck Confit Egg Roll, where a mix of spicy, succulent duck, crisp julienne carrots, fresh ginger and garlic is rolled in a wonton wrapper, fried crispy and served with a spicy Korean dipping sauce.

2025 Lakeshore Drive Mandeville; 626-3006 Tues - Thurs: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Fri: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Sun: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Carreta’s Grill Mexican Restaurant

photo: MINDY RATHE

The Shrimp Tacos combine crispy hand-battered shrimp and chopped cabbage with zesty chipotle pepper dressing in soft corn tortillas.

There’s no mistaking the familiar sound of a Sizzling Plate of fajitas coming out of the kitchen. Available in Portobello mushroom, steak, chicken, shrimp, or a combination, and prepared with grilled onion and bell pepper, every platter comes with flour tortillas and a side of rice and beans.

Mahi mahi is a flavorful, firm white fish that can be found in fillets or steaks. Also low in carbs and fat, it’s a perfect protein for the light Mayan Salad, with chopped romaine lettuce tossed in lemon vinaigrette.

70380 Hwy. 21, Covington; 871-6674 137 Taos St., Slidell; 871-6674 Mon - Thurs: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Fri - Sat: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Sun: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

July-August 2013 125

George’s Mexican Restaurant

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Whether its hot or cold outside, Supa de Lima is a light and refreshing soup with chile and lime flavors that pair perfectly with a small Grilled Chicken Fiesta Taco Salad.

The Who Dat Margarita is already having a good time; you just have to join in. Two 7 oz. Corona beers are upturned in a top-shelf frozen margarita. As you sip, the beer mingles with the cocktail, cutting the sweetness and doubling the fun.

1461 North Causeway Blvd.

Mandeville; 626-4342 Tues - Thurs: 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Fri-Sat: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Sun-Mon: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Restaurant R’evolution is dedicated to preserving the culinary history of New Orleans. Their Chicken Grandee on the lunch menu was originally served at Elmwood Plantation, the oldest plantation in the Mississippi valley (1782), which was known for its fine Creole-Italian dishes.

Leruth’s Crabmeat St. Frances is a popular appetizer from the much-revered Chef Warren Leruth; it was served in the Gretna restaurant that shared his name from 1966-1991.

77 Bienville St. New Orleans; 504-553-2277 Mon - Thurs: 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.; 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Fri: 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.; 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Sat: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Sun: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.; 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

126

Inside Northside

photo: COLLEEN McCOURTNEY

Restaurant R’evolution

New to the menu, the summer-friendly Caprese (right) layers slices of fresh mozzarella and tomato with young basil leaves and is simply topped with a vinaigrette and balsamic reduction.

If you’re seeking a little Italian-style comfort food, the Chicken Parmigiana will fill you up with a lightly breaded and pan-fried chicken filet finished with a house-made classic red tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese and oven baked. Served with your choice of pasta.

1841 N. Causeway Blvd.

Mandeville; 624-9704 Mon - Thurs: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Fri - Sat: 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Fazzio’s Restaurant & Bar

The Scotts’ Coffee & Tapas Bar Chef Robert’s tapas menu changes so frequently, you won’t eat the same dish twice. The Oyster Rockefeller Cake contains all the same great ingredients and flavors of the original dish—oysters, spinach, Herbsaint, Parmesean and cream cheeses—which are pressed into a cake, breaded, fried, and topped with additional pankocrusted fried oysters.

The diversity of the Deviled Egg and its ingredients leads to its popularity, and there’s always a version on the tapas menu. Using the egg white and yolk as a base, they can feature any number of global flavor combinations, such as chipotle and crab or ginger, soy and wasabi.

201 Carroll St. Mandeville; 231-7632 Mon - Wed: 6 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Thurs: 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Fri: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Sat: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Sun: 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.

July-August 2013 127

Dickey’s Barbecue

This light and refreshing Jumbo Lump Crabmeat Salad (above), with a mix of spring and romaine lettuce, takes a little extra crunch and acidity from added tomatoes, red onions and red bell pepper. It’s dressed with a housemade lemon vinaigrette that enhances the crab and brings all the flavors together.

An old New Orleans traditional dish, the Seafood Stuffed Eggplant is made into a mini casserole of roasted eggplant with lots of Louisiana shrimp, crabmeat, onions, garlic and celery. The dish is lightly seasoned, topped with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese and served with a side of vegetables, potatoes and a small salad.

3051 E. Causeway Approach Mandeville; 624-9007 Tues - Fri: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Sat: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Sun: 11a.m. - 8 p.m.

Closed Mondays

These dry rubbed Fall-Off-The-Bone Pork Ribs are an example of truth in advertising. Seasoned and slow-smoked on site, they’re served dry with your choice of Original, Sweet or Spicy barbecue sauce; any two of the 12 side dishes available; pickles; onions; and a soft bread roll.

69292 Hwy. 21 Covington; 871-2225 Mon - Sun: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sunday kids eat free.

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Café Lynn

128

Inside Northside

INside Dining MCC: Major credit cards accepted ME: Menu Express delivery RR: Reservations recommended

ABITA SPRINGS Abita Barbecue, 69399 Hwy. 59, 8920205. Ribs, brisket, chicken, pulled pork and boudin. MCC. Abita Brew Pub, 72011 Holly St., 8925837. On the Trace. Good food, great beer.

Lunch, dinner. abitabrewpub.com. MCC. Abita Springs Café, 22132 Level St., 867-9950. Southern cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tues-Sun. MCC. Breakaway Cafe, 71667 Leveson St., 809-8998. Tues-Sat, 10am-5pm.

Camellia Café, 69455 Hwy. 59, 8096313. Traditional seafood and New Orleans cuisine. thecamelliacafe.com. MCC. Mama D’s Pizza & More, 22054 Hwy. 59, 809-0308. Great pizza, sandwiches, pasta, fresh homemade bread. Lunch, dinner. mamadspizza.com.

COVINGTON Acme Oyster House, 1202 Hwy. 190, 246-6155. Established 1910 in New Orleans, 1995 on northshore. Seafood, sandwiches, local favorites. Lunch, dinner. mamdspizza.com. MCC. Albasha, 1958 Hwy. 190, 867-8292.

Mediterranean cuisine. albashabr.com. MCC. Annadele’s Plantation, 71518 Chestnut St., 809-7669. Yellow fin tuna, domestic lamb & much more. annadeles.com. MCC, checks.

Bear’s Restaurant, 128 W. 21st St., 892-2373. Best po-boys in the world.

Buster’s Place, 519 E. Boston St., 809-3880. Seafood, po-boys, steaks.

Lunch, dinner. MCC. Carreta’s Grill, 70380 Hwy. 21, 8716674. Great Mexican cuisine and margaritas served in a family-friendly atmosphere for lunch and dinner. Kids eat free every Wednesday! Private events and catering also provided. carretasgrill.com. MCC. The Cheesesteak Bistro, 528 N. Columbia St., Covington, 875-9793.

Original cheesesteak sandwiches, soups, salads, gumbo and super spuds. Breakfast, lunch. All under $10.

MCC, checks.

The Chimes, 19130 W. Front St., 892-5396.

Lunch and dinner. thechimes.com. MCC. Coffee Rani, 234-A Lee Ln., 8936158. Soup and salad specialists. coffeerani.com.

Columbia St. Seafood, 1123 N. Columbia St., 893-4312.

Seafood platters and po-boys. columbiastreetseafood.com.

Columbia St. Tap Room & Grill,

434 N. Columbia St., 898-0899. Daily specials, appetizers, sandwiches, salads, soups and burgers. Live music Thurs-Sat nights. Lunch, dinner. covingtontaproom.com. MCC, ME. Copeland’s, 680 N. Hwy. 190, 809-9659.

Authentic New Orleans cuisine. Lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Online takeout orders at copelandsofneworleans.com.

MCC, ME, RR. Dakota Restaurant, 629 N. Hwy. 190, 892-3712. Contemporary Louisiana cuisine using local and seasonal ingredients. thedakotarestaurant.com.

MCC, RR. Del Porto Restaurant, 501 E. Boston St., 875-1006. Northern Italian cuisine. delportoristorante.com. MCC, RR. Di Martino’s, 700 S. Tyler St., 2766460. Great food and reasonable prices.

Lunch, dinner. dimartinos.com. MCC. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, 69292 Hwy. 21, 871-2225. Locally-owned and -operated franchise. Kids eat free on Sundays. MCC. DiCristina’s Restaurant, 810 N. Columbia St., Ste. C, 875-0160.

Conveniently located next to the new Covington Courthouse. Italian and seafood. dicristinas.com. MCC. Don’s Seafood Hut, 126 Lake Dr., 327-7111. Lunch and dinner. donsseafoodonline.com. MCC. Downtown Deli, 400 N. Thread St., 234-9086. Chicken salad, burgers and poboys. Mon-Fri, 10:30am-2:30pm.

MCC. El Portal, 1200 Business 190, 867-5367.

The English Tea Room, 734 Rutland St., 898-3988. Authentic English cream teas. Special event teas, English scones, crumpets and cakes. Serving breakfast and lunch. Mon-Sat, 7:30am-6pm. englishtearoom.com. MCC, RR. Four Seasons Chinese Buffet, 600 N. Hwy. 190, 893-3866. MCC. Gallagher’s Grill, 509 S. Tyler St., 892-9992. Lunch and dinner, Tues-Sat. gallaghersgrill.com. MCC, RR.

specials, local produce, Louisiana seafood, everything housemade. lolacovington.com.

Mattina Bella, 421 E. Gibson St., 8920708. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. MCC, checks.

McAlister’s Deli, 206 Lake Dr., Ste. 15, 898-2800. Great sandwiches, salads, overstuffed potatoes. mcalistersdeli. com. MCC, checks.

Megumi of Covington, 1211 Village Walk, 893-0406. megumirestaurant.net.

Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers, 1645 Hwy. 190, 327-5407.

Salads, pizzas, calzones. MCC. mellowmushroom.com.

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, 104 Lake Dr. #1, 898-6362. menchies.com.

New Orleans Food and Spirits, 208 Lee Ln., 875-0432. Grilled fish, smothered rabbit and voodoo crawfish rolls. Family owned and operated. neworleansfoodspirits.com. MCC.

after school, six days a week.

Sala Thai, 315 N. Vermont St., 2496990. Special salads, spring rolls, soups, noodle and curry dishes. Sun-Thurs, 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-10pm.

Lunch buffet weekdays, 11am-3pm. salathaibysu.com. MCC. Schwing’s Restaurant, 1204 W. 21st Ave., 893-1899. Fresh seafood and home cooking. schwingsrestaurant.com. MCC. Sicily’s Pizza, 301 N. Hwy. 190, 8930005. Pizza, lasagna, salad bar, dessert pizzas. MCC, ME. Sweet Daddy’s, 420 S. Tyler St., 8982166. Pulled pork, brisket and ribs. sweetdaddysbarbq.com. MCC, ME. Thai Chili, 1102 N. Hwy. 190, 809-0180.

Thai Spice, 1581 N. Hwy. 190, 8096483.

Thai Taste, 1005 N. Collins Blvd., 809-7886.

Thai Thai, 1536 N. Hwy. 190, 809-8905.

Nonna Randazzo’s Italian Bakery and Caffè, 2033 N. Hwy. 190, Ste. 5, 893-1488. Full service, year-round bakery. Luncheon salads, panini, catering, donuts, kingcakes, cupcakes and wedding cakes. Tues-Sun, open at 7am. nonnaskingcakes.com. MCC.

Tony Bosco’s at TerraBella, 141 TerraBella Blvd., 612-7250. Authentic Italian cuisine. Lunch, dinner, private meeting room, catering. tonyboscos.com.

North Island Chinese, 842 N. Collins Blvd., 867-8289.

Vasquez Seafood & Po-Boys, 515 E. Boston St., 893-9336. Cuban sandwiches and more. vazquezpoboy. com. MCC, checks, ME.

Northshore Empress, 31 Louis Prima Dr., 871-6975. northshoreempress. com.

WOW Café & Wingery, 501 N. Hwy. 190, 892-9691. Wings, burgers, wraps and more. MCC.

Osaka 21 Japanese Restaurant, 70340 Hwy. 21, 809-2640.

Yujin Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar, 323 N. New Hampshire St., 809-3840. Japanese cuisine and sushi in a casual atmosphere. MCC.

Osaka West Japanese Restaurant, 804 N. Hwy. 190, 871-8199. osakawest.com Pardos, 69305 Hwy. 21, 893-3603.

An American bistro with a blend of multi-cultural cuisine with local flair.

Frutta del mar pasta, rosemary-grilled shrimp, roasted chicken. Lunch, TuesFri; Dinner, Tues-Sun; Happy hour, Tues-Fri, 4-7pm. Private parties and catering. pardosbistro.com. MCC.

Zea Rotisserie & Grill, 110 Lake Dr., 327-0520. Inspired American food. zearestaurants.com. MCC. HAMMOND Adobe Cantina & Salsa, 1905 W. Thomas St., 419-0027. Fine Mexican cuisine, good spirits, great friends and fun. Ceviche (marinated fish) and Mexican pasta. Live band. adoberestaurant.com. MCC.

Garcia’s Famous Mexican Food, 200 River Highlands Blvd., 327-7420.

Pat’s Seafood Market and Cajun Deli, 1248 N. Collins Blvd., 892-7287.

Jambalaya, gumbo, stuffed artichokes.

MCC, checks, ME.

Brady’s, 110 SW Railroad Ave., 5426333. bradysdowntown.com.

Isabella’s Pizzeria, 70452 Hwy. 21, Ste. 500, 875-7620; 1331 Hwy. 190, 809-1900. Salads, gourmet pizza, sandwiches, paninis, calzones and pasta. isabellaspizzeria.net.

Peck’s Seafood & Grill, 70457 Hwy. 21, Ste. 108, 892-2121. Po-boys, seafood, burgers and lunch specials. MCC.

Cocoa Bean Bakery and Cafe, 910 E. Main St., 345-2002.

Specialty cakes, pastries. Serving breakfast and light lunch. Specials. thecocoabeanbakery.com. MCC.

Italian Pie, 70488 Hwy. 21, 871-5252.

Pizza, salads, pasta, sandwiches. Dine in or carry out. italianpie.com. MCC, checks.

Jerk’s Island Grill & Daiquiri Bar, 70437 Hwy. 21, 893-1380. jerksIslandgrill.com.

Lola, 517 N. New Hampshire St., 892-4992. Lunch, Mon-Fri; Dinner, Fri-Sat. Closed Sundays. Daily lunch

PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 70456 Hwy. 21, 875-7894. Catch your morning buzz at this convenient drive-thru! Catering.

MCC. Pizza Man of Covington, 1248 N. Collins Blvd., 892-9874. Checks, ME. Renaissance Antiques & Gifts with the Original Soda Fountain & Café Cabaret, 322 N. Florida St., 892-7220.

Nostalgic soda fountain for lunch and

Don’s Seafood & Steak House, 1915 S. Morrison Blvd., 345-8550. donsseafoodonline.com. MCC. Jacmel Inn, 903 E. Morris St., 542-0043.

Casual fine dining including Creole, Italian, Caribbean and Southern cuisines. Handtrimmed steaks, seafood and specialties.

Dinner, Tues-Sun; Lunch, Wed-Fri; Sunday Brunch; Closed Mondays. jacmelinn.com. >> MCC, checks.

July-August 2013 129

Kirin Sushi, 221 E. Cate St., 5428888. First Japanese sushi restaurant in Hammond! Dragon roll, Kirin roll, sake. kirinjapanesecuisine.com. MCC. La Carreta Authentic Mexican Cuisine, 108 N.W Railroad Ave., 419-9990. Festive Mexican atmosphere, fresh food from traditional recipes, outstanding service and value. Live music. Lunch and dinner seven days a week. carretarestaurant.com. MCC. Old MacDonald’s Smokehouse, 1601 N. Morrison Blvd., 542-7529.

BBQ brisket, ribs, chicken and sausage. oldmacdonaldsmokehouse. com. MCC, checks.

Tommy’s on Thomas, 216 W. Thomas St., 350-6100. Pizza, pastas. Lunch, dinner. tommysonthomas.com. MCC, checks.

Tope là, 104 N. Cate St., 542-7600.

Contemporary delights. topela.com. MCC. Trey Yuen Cuisine of China, 2100 N. Morrison Blvd., 345-6789. Innovative quality Chinese food served in Imperial surroundings. treyyuen.com. MCC, checks.

VooDoo BBQ & Grill, 2108 W. Thomas St., 345-1131. “Taste our Magic.” voodoobbq.com. MCC. Yellow Bird Café, 222 E. Charles St., 345-1112. A great place to start your day. Breakfast, lunch. MCC, checks.

LACOMBE Janie Brown’s Restaurant, 27207 Hwy. 190, 882-7201. Casual dining with a great atmosphere. MCC, checks.

La Provence Restaurant, 25020 Hwy. 190, 626-7662. Owner John Besh combines hospitality with French cuisine and welcoming hearths. Dinner, Sunday brunch. laprovencerestaurant.com.

MCC, checks. RR. Sal & Judy’s, 27491 Hwy. 190, 882-9443. Great food and line of retail products. Family-owned for 27 years. Veal is the house specialty. salandjudys.com. MCC, RR. MADISONVILLE Cafe Madisonville, 410 Covington Hwy., 792-4506. Soups, salads, sandwiches and lunch specials.

Frog’s Pizzeria, 302 Hwy. 22, 8459500. frogspizza.com.

Hook’d Up Riverside Bar and Grill, 100 Marina Del Ray Dr., 845-8119.

Burgers, wings, hot dogs and specials.

Keith Young’s Steakhouse, 165 Hwy. 21, 845-9940. Steak, crab cakes. Lunch, dinner, Tues-Fri. keithyoungs.net. MCC. Morton’s Boiled Seafood & Bar, 702 Water St., 845-4970. Relaxed atmosphere, seafood, daily specials.

Lunch, dinner. MCC, checks.

Water St. Bistro, 804 Water St., 845-3855. Casual ambiance on the Tchefuncte. Lunch and dinner, WedSun. mortonsseafood.com. MCC. MANDEVILLE The Barley Oak, 2101 Lakeshore Dr., 727-7420. Serving 130 styles of beer, call and premium liquors. Lunch and dinner. thebarleyoak.com. MCC. Bear’s Grill & Spirits, 4700 Hwy. 22, 674-9090. Bear’s po-boys and more. bearsgrillandspirits.com. MCC. Benedict’s Plantation, 1144 Lovers Ln., 626-4557. Traditional New Orleans cuisine. Dinner, Sunday brunch. benedictsplantation.net. MCC. Bosco’s Italian Café, 2040 Hwy. 59, 624-5066. boscositalian.com.

Broken Egg Café, 200 Gerard St., 624-3388. Excellent choice for brunch!

Pasta, specialty salads, sandwiches. anotherbrokenegg.com. MCC. Café Lynn Restaurant and Catering, 3051 E. Causeway App., 624-9007.

Casual fine dining for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch by Chef Joey Najolia.

Catfish remoulade, pasta du jour. TuesFri, lunch: 11am-3pm. Dinner, 5pm.

Catering provided. cafelynn.com. MCC. Causeway Café, 527 N. Causeway Blvd., 626-9997. MCC. Chili’s Bar & Grill, 3420 Hwy. 190, 727-2771. Fajitas and the Awesome Blossom. Lunch, dinner. chilis.com.

MCC, ME. Coffee Rani, 3517 Hwy. 190, 6740560. Soup and salad specialists.

Coscino’s Pizza, 1817 N. Causeway Blvd., 727-4984. New York handtossed pizza and Italian foods cooked on stone using the finest ingredients.

MCC. Country Kitchen, 2109 Florida St., 6265375. countrykitchenrestaurants.com.

Fat Spoon Café, 68480 Hwy. 59., 809-2929. Breakfast, lunch, TuesSun. 7am-2pm. Breakfast served until 10:30am on weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday. Reserve Fat Spoon Cafe for your next party. fatspooncafe.com. MCC. Fazzio’s Seafood & Steakhouse, 1841 N. Causeway Blvd., 624-9704.

Fresh fish daily, aged beef, traditional Italian. Lunch, dinner. fazziosrestaurant. com. MCC, ME, RR. Franco’s Grill,100 Bon Temps Roule, 792-0200. Fresh organic foods for breakfast, lunch and takeout. myfrancos.com/dining. MCC. George’s Mexican Restaurant, 1461 N. Causeway Blvd., 626-4342. Family owned. Fajitas, George’s nachos, Carne al la Parrilla. Best top-shelf margaritas in town. georgesmexicanrestaurant.com. MCC, ME. Gio’s Villa Vancheri, 2890 E.

130

Inside Northside

i Causeway App., 624-2597. Sicilian specialties by 5-star chef Gio Vancheri. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat. giosvillavancheri.com. MCC. RR. Hong Kong Restaurant, 2890 E. Causeway App., 626-8222. MCC. Isabella’s Pizzeria, 2660 Florida St. (in the Florida Street Market), 674-5700. Salads, gourmet pizza, sandwiches, paninis, calzones and pasta. isabellapizzeria.net.

Italian Pie, 4350 Hwy. 22, 626-5252.

Pizza, salads, pasta, sandwiches. Dine in or carry out. italianpie.com. MCC, checks.

K. Gee’s, 2534 Florida St., 626-0530.

Featuring Louisiana seafood with raw oysters 1/2 price on Tuesdays. Express lunch and daily lunch specials under $10. Mon-Thurs, 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-10pm. kgeesrestaurant.com. MCC. La Carreta Authentic Mexican Cuisine, 1200 W. Causeway App., 624-2990. Festive Mexican atmosphere, fresh food from traditional recipes, outstanding service and value. Live music. Lunch and dinner seven days a week. carretasrestaurant.com. MCC. La Madeleine French Cafe, 3434 Hwy. 190, 626-7004. lamadeleine.com.

The Lakehouse, 2025 Lakeshore Dr., 626-3006, events 807-5014.

Special events venue open 7 days for private events. Call for reservations. lakehousecuisine.com. MCC. Little Tokyo, 590 Asbury Dr., 727-1532. littletokyosushi.com.

Louie & The Redhead Lady, 1851 Florida St., 626-8101. louieandtheredheadlady.com.

Macaroni Grill, 3410 Hwy. 190, 7271998. Penne rustica, pasta Milano, other Italian favorites. Lunch, dinner. macaronigrill.com. MCC, ME. Mande’s, 340 N. Causeway App., 6269047. Serving breakfast and lunch, daily specials.

Mandina’s, 4240 Hwy. 22 in Azalea Square Shopping Center, 674-9883. Seafood, Creole and Italian. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat. mandinasrestaurant.com.

Maw Maw’s, 1461 N. Causeway Blvd., Ste. 11, 727-7727. Soups, salads, stuffed potatoes, sandwiches, po-boys.

Megumi Japanese Cuisine, 4700 Hwy. 22, Suites 11 and 12, 845-1644.

Yakimono and sushi bar. Lunch, dinner. megumirestaurant.com.

MiMamacita’s New Mexican Cuisine, 2345 Florida St., 674-1400. Great food and margaritas. Lunch, dinner, catering.

MCC. Monster Po-Boys, 1814 N. Causeway App., 626-9183. Lunch, dinner.

n

s

i

d

e

d

i

n

i

n

g

N’Tini’s, 2891 N. Hwy. 190, 626-5566.

Steaks, martinis. Lunch specials. Mon.Sat. ntinis.com. MCC. Nuvolari’s, 246 Girod St., 626-5619. In Old Mandeville. Gnocchi, escargot, filet mignon, linguini fruta di mare. Dinner.

Open seven nights a week. MCC. nuvolaris.com.

Old Mandeville Café (formerly Kickstand Café and Bike Rental), 690 Lafitte St., 626-9300. kickstand.bz.

Pal’s Ice Cream and Yogurt Shop, 2201 Eleventh St., 626-0293. “Only 8” all-natural no-fat yogurt, banana splits, smoothies. Soups, sandwiches. MCC. Petunia’s Place, 2020 Hwy. 59, 6743436. petuniasplace.com.

Pinkberry, 3460 Hwy. 190, 612-7306.

Sun-Thurs, 11am-10pm. Fri-Sat, 11am-11pm. Pinkberry is the original tart frozen yogurt that is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy paired with high quality, fresh cut fruit and premium dry toppings. pinkberry.com.

PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 2963 Hwy. 190, 674-1565. Catch your morning buzz at the convenient drive-thru!

Catering. pjscoffee.com. MCC. Rip’s on the Lake, 1917 Lakeshore Dr., 727-2829.

Ristorante Carmelo & Pizzaria, 1901 Hwy. 190, 624-4844. Family-oriented Italian cuisine. Lunch and dinner. MCC. Rusty Pelican, 500 Girod St., 778-0364. Lunch, dinner. rustypelicanbythelake.com. MCC. Sake Gardens Japanese Restaurant, 1705 Hwy. 190, 624-8955.

Sesame Inn, 408 N. Causeway Blvd., 951-8888. Finest Chinese cuisine.

The Scotts’ Coffee Bar, 201 Carroll St., 231-7632. Open seven days.

Gourmet coffee & tea. Breakfast and lunch items available. Evening tapas menu - Fri and Sat, 6-10. thescottscoffeebar.com.

Shuck & Jive, 643 Lotus Dr., 6261534. shucknjivemandeville.com. MCC Smoothie King, 1830 W. Causeway App., 626-9159. Smoothies. smoothieking.com. MCC, checks.

Subway, 1665 Hwy. 190, 674-0733.

Sandwiches, salads. Low-fat available. subway.com. MCC. Taqueria Noria, 1931 Hwy. 59, 7277917. Lunch, dinner.

Times Bar & Grill, 1896 N. Causeway Blvd., 626-1161. Famous hamburgers, starters, steaks and more. Lunch, dinner. timesgrill.com. ME, MCC. Trey Yuen Cuisine of China, 600 N. Causeway Blvd., 626-4476. Quality China cuisine with Louisiana flair. Lunch, >> dinner. treyyuen.com. MCC, checks.

July-August 2013 131

i

n

s

i

d

e

d

i

n

i

n

g Vianne’s Tea House, 544 Girod St., 624-5683. A full café menu with over 120 loose leaf and speciality teas.

Breakfast, lunch. viannes.com. MCC. VooDoo BBQ & Grill, 2999 Hwy. 190 E., 629-2021. “Taste our Magic.” voodoobbq.com. MCC. PONCHATOULA Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant, 30160 Hwy. 51, 386-6666. middendorfsrestaurant.com.

Rox, 147 N.W. Railroad Ave., 370-0930. Crafted cuisine and martini bar Open 7 days a week. roxrestaurant.com. MCC. Sister’s Coffeehouse & Cafe, 18440 Hwy. 22 E., 370-9424. Warm, friendly atmosphere, unique food, gourmet coffees, teas. MCC, checks.

Taste of Bavaria Restaurant & Bakery, 14476 Hwy. 22, 3863634. Charming Bavarian bungalow, European-style breakfast, German-style lunch. tasteofbavariastaurant.com.

MCC, checks.

SLIDELL A Touch of Italy Café, 134 Pennsylvania Ave., 639-0600. Seafood, veal, steaks, daily specials. Lunch, dinner. kathrynandcompany.com. MCC, checks.

Assunta’s, 2631 Hwy. 190 W., 6499768. Italian food, extensive wine selection. Dinner. assuntas.com. MCC, checks.

Bear’s Grill & Spirits, 550 Gause Blvd., 201-8905. Po-boys and more. bearsgrillandspirits.com. MCC. Bistro de la Reine, 2306 Front St., 288-4166. Sunday brunch, live entertainment, fine wines and spirits. Open seven days a week. bistrodelareine.com. MCC. Bonnie C’s, 1768 Front St., 2885061. Home-style Italian, seafood, and barbecue.

Camellia Cafe, 525 Hwy. 190, 649-6211.

Traditional seafood and New Orleans cuisine. thecamelliacafe.com. MCC. Carreta’s Grill, 137 Taos St., 847-0020.

Great Mexican cuisine and margaritas served in a family-friendly atmosphere for lunch and dinner. carretasgrill.com. MCC. Eddie D’s, 39510 Hwy. 190 E., 847-1000.

KY’s Olde Towne Bicycle Shop, 2267 Carey St., 641-1911. Casual dining in former bicycle shop. Kids’ menu. Lunch, dinner. kysoldetowne. com. MCC, checks.

La. Pines, 1061 Robert St., 641-6196.

Meet under the water tower for Ahhhfullwaffles, Sugar Watcher specials.

Breakfast, lunch. lapinescafe.com.

MCC, checks.

Michael’s, 4820 Pontchartrain Dr., 649-8055. Steaks, seafood, veal, duck,

132

Inside Northside

eggplant au gratin. Extensive wine selection. Dinner.

Nathan’s Restaurant, 36440 Old Bayou Liberty Rd., 643-0443.

Waterfront dining featuring seafood, steaks and pasta. MCC. Nola Southern Grill, 1375 Gause Blvd., 201-8200. Burgers, ribs, steaks, pasta, sandwiches and seafood. MCC. Palmettos on the Bayou, 1901 Bayou Ln., 643-0050. palmettosrestaurantslidell.com.

Peck’s Seafood Restaurant, 2315 Gause Blvd. E., 781-7272. Po-boys, seafood, burgers and lunch specials. MCC. Phil’s Marina Café, 1194 Harbor Dr., 641-0464. philsmarinacafe.net.

Shenanigans Irish Pub & Restaurant, 2165 W. Gause Blvd., 288-5286.

Authentic Irish food, drink and entertainment in a traditional pub atmosphere.

Smoothie King, 150 Northshore Blvd., 781-3456. Low-fat health drinks. smoothieking.com. MCC, checks.

Steak Out, 1325 Gause Blvd., 6458646. Eat in or delivered to you. steakout.com. MCC. Tacos and Beer, 2142 Front St., 6414969. Lunch, dinner and late-night.

Times Bar & Grill, Front St., 641-4969.

Famous hamburgers, starters, steaks and more. Lunch, dinner. timesgrill.com.

ME, MCC. The Wine Market, 2051 E. Gause Blvd., 781-1177. Deli restaurant, lunch, 11am-3pm. Sandwiches, soups, salads, wraps. MCC and checks.

WOW Café & Wingery, 2170 Gause Blvd. W., 661-9692. Wings, burgers, wraps and more. MCC. Young’s Restaurant, 850 Robert Blvd., 643-9331. Steaks, seafood, nice wine selection. Dinner. youngssteakhouse.com. MCC, checks.

NEW ORLEANS/SOUTHSHORE Café Giovanni, 117 Rue Decatur, (504)-529-2154. Chef Duke’s New World Italian Cuisine. Dinner, SunThurs, 5:30-10pm. Fri-Sat, 5:30-11pm.

Live Entertainment Wed, Thurs, and Friday Evenings. Perfect Catering for next social or business event.

Cafegiovanni.com. RR. Criollo Resturant and Lounge at Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St., (504)-523-3340. hotelmonteleone. com/criollo/. MCC, RR Restaurant R’evolution, 777 Bienville St., (504)-553-2277. Located at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Offering modern, imaginative reinterpretations of classic Cajun and Creole Cuisine. Triptych of Quail and Oysterman’s spaghettini.

Revolutionnola.com. RR.

IN Development

by Lauren Smith

Bobby Hurley

photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

The Man Behind the House

EACH YEAR, the St. Tammany Home Builders Association’s “Raising the Roof for Charity” event raffles off a house built by the association’s outgoing president. This year, the 2012-2013 president, Bobby Hurley of Hurley Homes LLC, was responsible for building the raffle house, located in Covington’s Maison du Lac subdivision.

“I started my residential home building company in 2003,” Bobby says. “Before that, I worked for commercial contractors. I like both sides of the business, commercial and residential.

My dad was a residential builder, but in college, I studied the commercial side. Eventually, I migrated back to building homes after getting a feel for both types. What I like about residential building is

that I can be involved in the day-to-day process, whereas in commercial, I was in an office, doing more administrative work. My business is a smaller operation, so I get to do a little bit of everything.”

Bobby joined STHBA in 2003 and has since served the organization in several leadership positions. He says building a house strictly through donations is no easy task. “First, you work with a designer to determine what to build, and then it’s time to start soliciting donors. That’s the hardest part—getting enough donations of products and services to create a beautiful home and have money left over to give to the chosen charity groups,” Bobby says. It may be hard, but STHBA has certainly found ways to do it, gifting more than $4 >> July-August 2013 133

n

o

r

t

h

s

h

o

r

e

l

i

v

i

n

g

St. Tammany housing market and construction permits up In 2012, there was a marked increase in the total number of home sales in West St. Tammany, but the average sales price decreased. Now, the parish is again seeing an increase in the number of home sales, and the average home sales price is rebounding, also. West St. Tammany has a very healthy single-family market. Stats show a similar pattern in East St. Tammany, where home sales prices, like in West St. Tammany, have bottomed out and are on the rise again. All figures indicate that the housing market in St. Tammany is moving in the right direction.

In April 2013, new construction permits were up 80 percent from the previous year. In fact, the April numbers were the highest for any April since 2007, and the highest for any month since March 2008. Additionally, commercial construction permits are at a three-year high, with a 160 percent increase from April 2012. The numbers for approved commercial and residential plan review are at a five-year high and have seen a 78 percent increase from last year.

St. Tammany Parish President Pat Brister says, “We have been working to increase economic growth in the parish, and

photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

these numbers indicate we are on the right path.�

134

Inside Northside

million to various organizations in the past 17 years through the raffle house program!

For the Maison du Lac home, Bobby worked with designer Sharon Ripoll of Designs by Sharon. Details included custom gas light fixtures from Bevolo, custom cabinetry from Milltown Cabinets and an overall palette of ivory and grey that is sophisticated and soothing. The lucky winner of the custom home was Tara Hunter, a Coast Guard Lieutenant from Slidell.

This year, STHBA and its partner charities worked together to sell more than 6,200 raffle tickets at $100 apiece.

This revenue covers any hard costs associated with the home, plus the >>

n

o

r

t

h

s

h

o

r

e

l

i

v

i

n

g

July-August 2013 135

m

a

r

k

e

t

p

l

a

c

e

Bobby Hurley with the lucky winner of the custom home, Tara Hunter, a Coast Guard Lieutenant from Slidell.

136

Inside Northside

charitable gifts. “We have some great contractors working with us. For some, it is just too expensive to do the work entirely for free, so they do what they can to help,” says Bobby. At the celebration for the opening of the house, several contributors said that of course they had donated, adding, “Who can say ‘no’ to Bobby Hurley?” It is a fitting commentary about a man who has given so much of his time and talent to his industry.

The raffle house event is only one of many STHBA activities. Bobby says, “I believe the primary goal of STHBA is to advocate for our industry. We fight for things that matter to us and try to protect our interests. Nothing that we do as a group is more important than that. We are constantly monitoring issues at the local, state and national level, and we maintain good working relationships with our elected officials.”

Bobby grew up on the southshore and graduated from Louisiana State University in 1996 with a degree in construction management. He and his wife, Ranie, live in Mandeville with their two boys, Colin and Carter.

Directory of Advertisers ADVERTISER...........................CONTACT INFO PAGE 10/12 Properties.................... 985-626-8200 37

ADVERTISER...........................CONTACT INFO PAGE french mix, the....................... 985-809-3152 13

ADVERTISER...........................CONTACT INFO PAGE Northshore Academy of Dance... 985-893-1143 28

Accents & Things.................... 985-649-4273 93

George’s Mexican Restaurant..... 985-626-4342 131

Northshore Harbor Center...... 985-781-3650 22

Agena, Dr. Gary M. - OBGYN.... 985-845-7121 38

GNL Contractors.................... 985-288-5112 29

N’Tini’s................................... 985-626-5566 123

Al’s Plumbing Co.................... 985-845-9390 77

GNO Property Management... 504-528-7028 135

Oasis Day Spa, The................. 985-624-6772 90

American Factory Direct.......... 985-871-0300 121

Grapevine, The.... grapevinegiftsandgallery.com 89

Oil & Vinegar.......................... 985-809-1693 93

Anne’s Boutique..................... 985-626-3099 105

Grieshaber Dermatology......... 985-893-1035 73

Outdoor Living Center............ 985-893-8008 30

Arabella Fine Gifts.................. 985-727-9787 93

H2O Salon............................. 985-951-8166 29

Paisley................................... 985-727-7880 106

Armbruster Artworks Studio.... 985-630-6295 74

Hazelnut................................ 985-626-8900 24

Palatial Stone and Tile............ 985-249-6868 14

Artisan Home Décor............... 985-778-2113 94

Hestia Luxury in Linens........... 985-893-0490 89

Pan American Power............... 985-893-1271 107

Artistry of Light...................... 225-247-8963 8

Home Bank....................... home24bank.com 64

Paretti Jaguar......................... 504-455-2101 37

Asset One.............................. 985-727-2834 21

Honda of Covington............... 985-892-0001 IFC

Planet Kids Academy.............. 985-845-0377 74

Bastille’s Clothing Company... 985-626-4220 105

Hope House, The........ menwhocookevent.org 33

POSH Boutique...................... 985-898-2639 105

Bedico Creek Preserve............ 985-845-4200 120

Huntington Learning Center... 985-727-0000 54

Private Beach......................... 985-674-2326 123

Bella Cucina........................... 985-626-7886 90

Hurley Homes LLC.................. 985-966-5280 25

Real Results Weight Loss Clinic......................

Berger Home.......................... 985-624-3433 7

Infusé Oils & Vinegars............ 985-778-0903 21

............................................. 985-590-4061 73

Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights... 985-249-6040 23

Integrated Spine & Disc.......... 985-626-0999 28

Rehab Dynamics .................... 985-871-7878 41

Boudreaux’s Fine Jewelers...... 985-626-1666 11

Integrity Builders, Inc.............. 985-626-3479 78

Resource Bank...............bankonresource.com 77

brown eyed girl...................... 985-626-0100 98

Istre Hearing Care.................. 985-845-3509 38

Restaurant R’evolution - Royal Sonesta..........

Brown Family Orthodontics..... 985-626-8297 43

Izabella’s Villa........................ 985-649-5060 4

.......................................revolutionnola.com 81

Café Lynn............................... 985-624-9007 131

Jim Stone Co.......................... 985-882-5907 123

Rick’s Professional Painting Service................

California Drawstrings............ 985-327-7300 98

Jos. A. Bank............................ 985-624-4067 83

............................................. 985-845-0533 136

Carreta’s Grill........ 985-871-6674, 847-0020 50

Joy Productions LLC............thejoytheater.com 112

Riverview Camp for Girls........ 800-882-0722 118

Cedarwood School................. 985-845-7111 33

Ju Ju’s Boutique..................... 985-624-3600 102

Ruffino Custom Closets.......... 985-809-7623 43

Center for Women’s Health..... 985-249-7022 80

K. Gee’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar......985-626-0530 130

Rug Chic................................ 985-674-1070 114

Champagne Beverage Co..............................

KentJacob Color Salon............ 985-845-8011 83

St. Joseph Abbey......... saintjosephabbey.com 61

............................. champagnebeverage.com 19

Koko Fit Club......................... 985-746-4161 117

St. Romain Interiors................ 985-845-7411 94

Champagne Jewelers............. 985-643-2599 61

Lake After Hours..................... 985-375-9979 69

St. Tammany Parish Hospital... 985-898-4000 108

Christwood Retirement Community...............

Lakehouse, The....................... 985-626-3006 130

Schneider MD, Ellen............... 985-781-7531 66

......................................... christwoodrc.com 12

Lakeview Regional Medical Center.................

Scott Sandage Homes............. 985-542-2724 13

Church of the King................. 985-727-7017 30

............................................. 985-867-3800 IBC

Scotts’ Coffee Bar, The............ 985-231-7632 132

CJ’s Florist.............................. 985-893-9790 67

Latter & Blum - Stevie Mack... 985-630-1934 135

Shoefflé.....................................shoeffle.com 102

Columbia Street Mercantile.... 985-809-1789 102

L’auberge Casino & Hotel.... lbatonrouge.com 57

Southern Bridal...................... 985-727-2993 96

Computer Troubleshooters...... 985-624-2302 136

Laurier................................... 985-875-0823 106

Southern Pain Center............. 985-727-7275 94

Culinary Kids.......................... 985-727-5553 136

LCI Workers Comp.................. 985-612-1230 84

State Farm Insurance, C J Ladner.... 985-892-5030 94

deCoeur...................................... decoeur.net 90

Louisiana Custom Closets....... 985-871-0810 86

Stepping Stones Academy....... 985-778-2050 41

DeLuca’s Expressions in Gold.. 985-892-2317 96

Louisiana Heart Hospital... louisianaheart.com 3, 15, 17

Stone Source.......................... 985-892-0695 135

Designs in Windows............... 985-209-1689 89

Lynn Stirling Antiques............. 985-898-2911 70

Studio 311............................. 985-327-7775 96

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit.............. 985-871-2225 136

Main Grain..............................985-875-1ALE 90

Studio MV.............................. 985-867-5601 97

Earthsavers............................ 985-674-1133 96

Mandeville Center for Dental Excellence........

Surgical Specialists................whyweight.com 18

Emma’s Shoes and Accessories... 985-778-2200 98

............................................. 985-626-4401 5

Susannah Elle Design......... susannahelle.com 101

Eros Home & Clothing............ 985-727-0034 105

Martin Wine Cellar................martinwine.com 87

Tchefuncta Club Estates.........tchefuncta.com 49

Etan Enterprises..................... 985-966-7042 58

Mary Bird Perkins...............marybird.org/stph 65

Three Rivers Gallery................ 985-892-2811 93

Eye Care Surgery Center......... 985-892-4858 6

mélange by KP....................... 985-807-7652 89

Three Sisters Boutique............ 985-386-8680 101

Fairway Medical Surgical Hospital..................

Mix, The................................. 985-727-7649 101

Town & Country Travel, Inc...... 504-838-8702 97

......................................fairwaymedical.com 54

Moody Law Firm.................... 985-542-1351 78

Tran, Dr. David........................ 985-893-1070 10

Fazzio’s Restaurant................. 985-624-9704 132

MoreSmiles-Dr. Jim Moreau ... 985-809-7645 115

Vantage Point........................ 985-259-7774 60

Fielding Photography.............. 985-626-7549 85

Niche Modern Home.............. 985-624-4045 111

Villa, The................................ 985-626-9797 102

Fitness Expo........................... 504-887-0880 69

North American Insurance Agency..................

Village Executive Office Suites,The... 985-727-6700 135

Fleurt..................................... 985-809-8844 101

............................................. 985-871-5480 41

Wax’d.................................... 985-778-2005 98

Florist of Covington................ 985-892-7701 58

NORTH Institute, The.............. 985-871-4114 27

Windsor Senior Living Community, The...........

Franco’s Athletic Club............. 985-792-0200 BC

North Oaks Health System........northoaks.org 67

............................................. 985-624-8040 18

North Shore Square Mall........ 985-646-0661 71 July-August 2013 137

George and Francesca Saliba of Fazzio’s Restaurant & Bar

FAZZIO’S RESTAURANT & BAR is a long-standing Mandeville institution, started by the Fazzio brothers in 1987. The restaurant itself may have changed hands a number of times over the years, but the staff and regular patrons haven’t budged.

“When Fazzio’s came on the market, it was like the Cheers of Mandeville was up for sale,” says Francesca Saliba. “We liked it because it had that history, that foundation, already.”

Francesca and her husband George took ownership of Fazzio’s last summer, and they’ve given the restaurant a much-needed renovation, with a new ceiling and wood floors, fresh paint and comfortable chairs. The atmosphere is chummy; everyone seems to know each other and the owners are visibly involved in the day-to-day operations.

Now, they’re addicted. “This place … I can’t explain it to you,” laughs George. “It’s like a magnet. If you’re not here, you feel like you’re missing something.”

Clearly, the kitchen staff feels the same way.

“They all know each other from way back,” says Francesca. “Jim Bob started here when he was 14.” Chef James Williams Jr. (aka Chef Jim Bob) and Chef Robert Schwartz have both been with the restaurant for 25 years.

The menu is approachable and affordable, and the portion sizes won’t leave you wanting for anything more than a carryout container. All the sauces, soups and salad dressings are made fresh in-house. Even the olive salad for muffalettas is prepared by hand in the kitchen. The Salibas have also expanded the menu.

You’ll find more salads, bruschetta and Caprese among the appetizers, and formerly “secret” dishes—like the Penne al a Vodka and Shrimp Linguine—in the entrées.

“I make tiramisu from scratch,” says Francesca. “I use real mascarpone cheese, soak my ladyfingers in a coffee, amaretto and coffee liqueur mixture and top it with fresh whipped cream and cocoa.” Per customer recommendation, Francesca also added a Dulce du 138

Inside Northside

by Amanda M. Westbrooks

Leche to her dessert repertoire. The cannolis, on the other hand, are entirely George’s creation. “He put a lot of work into them,” says Francesca. “He spent months researching the perfect shells and the perfect filling.”

“We’re actually having a bit of a competition,” says George, “as to which dessert is more popular.”

If you’d rather drink your dessert, there are flavored martinis to choose from, including chocolate.

Wednesday night is martini night, with $2 martinis, and Happy Hour is from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

While you won’t leave hungry, you’ll certainly be back for more.

photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Last Bite